《Mark of the Fool》


 Chapter 1: Fools and Inheritance

    Chapter 1: Fools and Inheritance


    The worst days tended to start with good mornings.


    Youre fired! Fired! Get all of your things and get out of my shop! If I <em>ever</em> catch you here again, I swear on Uldars beard youll <em>wish</em> I called the guards for you! Master McHarris roared, his face turning beet red.


    As mornings went, this one was shaping up to be <em>great.</em>


    Alex Roth froze in the middle of a disaster: copsed shelving, shattered eggs and flour dust falling like snow in the middle of the bakery. The young man gave an awkward cough and wiped the white powder from his chestnut brown hair. Does this mean you wont be giving me this weeks pay?


    McHarris reddened further.


    I mean not for today, obviously, but there was yesterday and Firstday so thats two silver pieces


    The baker made a choking noise before stomping across the disaster zone, jabbing his key into his strong box, ripping it open and whipping two dull coins into Alexs chest.


    <em>There!</em> And you only get that so folk know that McHarris is no cheat! Now <em>get</em> out The baker snatched up a rolling pin. or youll need to put those silvers where your teeth used to be!


    Alex had seen enough of McHarris rages to know that he meant it. The young man tore off his apron and scrambled to grab his pay. He sniffed the air near the eggs as he bent: a nasty stench confirmed his suspicions from early this morning. Keeping his face neutral, he jumped up and scuttled for the exit to the front room of the shop.


    Boy he heard McHarris say. What happened to you? You were quickest witted out of any assistant Ive ever had, but today you act like a bull with half its brains mmed out of its skull. That sister of yours wont grow up proper if her older brother pulls things like this.


    Alex paused just as he was about to pull open the kitchen door. That was all news to him. McHarris paid well enough, but he terrorized all his assistants. Welts still marked the young mans arms from when hed been too slow whipping the custard a couple of days ago.


    I dunno, sir, he gave a shrug and hid the grin threatening to spring up on his face. Maybe its a special day?


    He was gone before McHarris could say anything else.


    The Town of Alric was shrugging off sleep when Alex emerged from the bakery for thest time. The sunlight filtered through a haze of clouds and townsfolk trudged past the squares fountain with their days tools and lunches in hand. A carriagepulled by a set of proud horsesapproached from down the road, their hooves ttering on the cobblestone. On the side of the carriage door was emzoned the symbol of antern: the Sigil of the Traveller, the towns patron saint.


    As it passed, Alex spied what he was looking for: two guardsmen sitting on the side of the fountain. They were bleary-eyed from the night watch, and squinted at Alex as he strolled up as light-footed as a pleased cat.


    Morning Peter, Morning Paul, Alex made sure to use their names. Remembering details about people made them more friendly to your cause; it was just one of the tricks hed picked up in thest four years of hustling together every coin he could. I got something to report.


    Peter groaned, scratching at his stubble-marked chin and craning his neck to look up at Alex. The young man was lean and gangly, and quite a bit taller than most.


    You caught in a snowstorm, boy? Its mid-summer.


    Naw, thats flour, idiot; you dont recognize one of McHarris assistants? By The Heroes good graces, Ive been on night watch with a blind man. Paul shook his head and peered closer at the flour-encased youth. Alexanderright? The Roths boy? Whats it you have to report?


    A dull ache touched Alexs heart at the mention of his parents, but he kept his face neutral. Even thergest wounds grew dimmer with time. He jerked a thumb backward toward the bakery. McHarris is putting rotten eggs into his cakes and covering it with sugar. He could poison somebody.


    Peter raised an eyebrow. That sounds like a guild vition, not a crime.


    I dont think the merchants or nobles that shop there would see it that way, and I dont have time to run to the guild before he cleans up the evidence.


    Alex held up two flour-dusted silver coins. This is <em>not</em> a bribe, but Im just saying that if you go over and take a quick look around, you might do the public some good <em>while</em> pocketing a silver coin each. He gave a winning smile and rolled the coins across his knuckles. I know, youre tired and want to go home, but thats a third of a days wages for you, all for walking fifty steps and having a sniff around his kitchen. If you find nothing, you keep the coin. Sound fair?


    Peter and Paul looked at each other.


    Boy. Peter shook his head. Youre <em>bad</em> at bribing people.


    His winning smile shrank. N-no, its not a bribe, Im


    Youre trying to pay us to get a service done for you. Its a bribe. One where you might not get what you want, so its a <em>stupid</em> bribe.


    The worst attempt Ive ever seen, Paul groaned as he lifted himself from the fountain. But, if hes willing to try something that stupid, then maybe we should take a look. Last thing we need is for some bigwig to turn all green in the face and keel over. Come on, Peter.


    Alex could hardly contain his excitement as the guards made their way toward McHarris shop, though he made sure to hide his smile when Paul turned around.


    Oh, and dont try that again. Stupid or not, bribery of a guardll get you tenshes. Understand?


    Alex nodded vigorously and gave him a thumbs up. Ill be a good boy from now on, sir!


    Paul shook his head. The hells wrong with you? He pointed up at one of the fountains statues rising over their heads. Act the fool long enough and youll get the fools mark. That little sister of yours needs a brother she can rely on.


    I have a n for that, Paul, dont you worry, Alex said. But thanks for asking. Youre good people.


    Guardsmen have to make sure the youth are on the right path, dont we? Paul rose to his full height, puffing out his chest unconsciously. Anyway, off you go now, if youre right, thisll probably get ugly. Oh, and happy birthday, Alexander. Eighteens a big number. Keep those coins and try and treat yourself.


    Alex blinked. Well, he had been right; remembering details about people <em>did </em>make them more friendly. He certainly felt a bit more friendly toward Paul. Hed have to do something nice for himter.


    He grinned.


    Once he became a full-fledged wizard.


    Sliding back behind the fountain, he watched the guards enter the shop and chuckled as McHarris cries of dismay echoed through the windows. When the crashing began, he outright cackled. Of all the food hed ever had from McHarris, <em>revenge</em> definitely tasted the best.


    Serves you right, you old bully. Thats for browbeating every helper whos ever worked for you. He smirked, tossing hisst pay into the fountain. As of sunrise this morning, he no longer needed McHarris coin. He turned to say silent prayers of thanks to Heroes Fountainone of the many that had been raised in the kingdom of Thamnd.


    To the hulking figure of The Champion, Alex thanked him for bravery. To the bespectacled, stern Sage, he thanked her for the wits he had shown. To the kind figure of The Saint, he thanked her for the generosity hed received. Andstly, to the handsome form of The Chosen, he gave him appreciation for luck and blessings.


    Beside the four grand figureswho watched the square with benevolent granite eyescrouched a caricature. It was an ugly sculpting of a man with a chin too curved, eyes too bulging, and a nose that looked like a pumpkins stem. A jaunty jesters hat sat on his head and his statue was the only one that had been stained by bird droppings.


    The Fool.


    Thest of the Heroes, and the least of them. None who had borne the Fools mark had left much of an impression in legend. Many had died. Others disappeared. Some had even betrayed the very party they had been chosen for.


    The Fording to all Alexs teachershad nothing to offer anyone, save for a nominal but necessary service to the Heroes. Uldars Prophecies called those that bore the mantle necessary, but history had suggested otherwise.


    And so, to The Fool, Alex simply offered his empathy. He knew well how it was to struggle. Thankfully, those days were at an end.


    Whistling a jaunty tune as the guards grappled with McHarris somewhere in the bakeshop, he strolled down the street with spirits higher than theyd been since before he and his sister were orphaned.


    He didnt catch the slight itching on his right shoulder, nor the way the bulging eyes of The Fool seemed to watch him walk away.


    Nine pounds measured out by the magistrate down to the ounce.


    Exactly four hundred and fifty gold coins: the entire wealth of the Roth family after the fire had reduced their alehouse to rubble. The parents estate had been liquidated, ced into the town trust, and held until their first born child reached adulthood and could im it undermonw.


    Now, Alex was eighteen, and it all belonged to him and his sister; a fortune that would have taken him more than twelve years to earn working for McHarris. And that was if hed never missed a day. With how he had to split his time between the bakery and helping out at the Lu family inn, it probably would have been at least thirty. Decades worth of hisbourand his mother and fathers entire legacywas all stuffed into a heavy bup sack slung over one of his gangly shoulders. It was hard to believe that his parents had been gone for four years.


    With each step toward the inn, the weight of losing his parents and the heaviness of the sack he carried weighed him down; a mix of guilt, excitement, regret and relief came. He wished to Uldar that he had his family rather than a cold sack of gold, but that coin would bring a much better life for him and his sister.


    He rounded the corner onto the street he lived on and his eyes narrowed. The sun was setting: he had spent the day at the magistrates office, wading through more paper than hed ever seen at the churchs school. Then hed gone to spend time at his parents graveside. Now, he was on his way home, nning to break the news of his future ns to the Lu family.


    Their inn sat at the end of the streeta busy ce near the centre of townand it had been home for Alex and his sister ever since they had been orphaned. Master and Mrs. Lu were kind folks, and he had spent most of his childhood as friends with their daughter, Theresa.


    Life normally quieted pretty early in Alric with the arrival of sunset: after darkness fell, burning wood and candles for light was too expensive, so it was avoided. So, the evenings were gloomy around town. But, it seemed that things were even quieter in town than they had been when he was in the graveyard.


    This street was usually one of thest to go dark. The Bears Bowl tavern would usually be spitting out drunken, brawling farmhands by now. As Alex passed by, the entire building was already dark and silent. The Lu Family inn would have firelight andughter booming as thest diners finished up for the night, yet now there was only a small light burning through the shuttered windows. No guests could be heard.


    Swallowing, Alex quickened his pace, making for the entrance at a half-run. His feet echoed on the cobblestones. The coins jingled in the sack. Moonlight poured over him and the night suddenly seemed colder. He reached the door, pulling firmly on the iron ring.


    The door wouldnt open; it had already been barred.


    Hello? he called out, feeling the hairs on the back of his neck rise. The street behind him seemed longer, unfamiliar and unfriendly. He switched his grip on the family inheritance so that it was clutched to his chest.


    <em>Bang! Bang Bang!</em>


    He pounded on the door.


    Master Lu? Theresa? Selina?


    Rapid footfalls approached from inside. The bar slid away. A thin hand tugged the door open.


    Alex! Mrs. Lu cried. The middle aged woman looking as though she was about to break into tears of relief, grabbed him tightly against her lean form in a hug. Get inside, quickly!


    What? Whats going on?


    Instead of answering, she pulled him in with surprising strength and mmed the door behind them. She quickly reced the bar and dragged him into the hall.


    Alex looked around in confusion as she led him toward themon room where he could hear banging and frantic movement.

 Chapter 2: Uldars Legacy

    Chapter 2: Uldar''s Legacy


    What th-? he gasped.


    Themon room was chaos. Dozens of sacks and chests were piled against the wall; many were half-filled with clothes, tools, ornaments and anything that was portable. Most of the Lu family rushed back and forth, stuffing the bags with more supplies. Only Master Lu and Theresa were missing from the scene.


    It was clear they were going on a trip.


    A long one.


    As he stepped into the room, the family froze in mid-step, looking at him with fear and worry. They looked as though he would turn into smoke and blow away at any moment.


    Alex, Mrs. Lu began examining him. Did you-


    Alex! a tiny voice cried.


    A rapidly sprinting bundle of long chestnut hair and chubby cheeks mmed into his waist, nearly driving the breath from him. Selina? Whats wrong? he asked.


    His ten year old sister looked up withrge green eyes shining. Master Lu heard that Th-the Chosen got found. S-so did The Saint.


    His heart nearly stopped.


    <em>What? </em>he dropped the sack of gold on the floor; itnded with an ugly clink. When!?


    Today, came the deep voice of Master Lu. The family patriarch was taking the stairs two at a time as though he were a man half his age. In his hands, he clutched the old Lu family ancestry book and the swords once wielded by his own grandfather.


    Alex grew even more nervous. Those never left the master bedroom. Not ever.


    He looked over to the mural on the inns wall. It was an amateur piece of art: painted through many hours ofbour and love by himself, Mrs. Lu and Theresa. On the left was the ancient form of Uldar, the prophet-god that guided the people of Thamnd. He was the first to face their eternal enemy.


    On the right floated a blot of darkness being cut through by the Chosens sword.


    The Ravener.


    It was their eternal enemy who always aroseseeking to consume the Kingdom of Thamnd as it had for generationsstarting slowly, taking its time and crafting armies of monsters from its inner core. Then it would bud, sending out scores of smaller pieces of itself to burrow deep into thend to then sprout, creating nests and dungeons that spawned monsters.


    After Uldar had defeated it in his age, he had ascended to the heavens. Yet, he had not destroyed it. He knew that The Ravener would reform in time, for darkness always returns, as sure as the days grow long. So, he cast a part of his own power down onto the people, and foretold that five Heroes would rise in his ce and defeat The Ravener once more.


    A century after Uldars ascension, five young folk gained a shining mark on their bodies: The Chosen. The Champion. The Sage. The Saint. The Fool. Together, they defeated The Ravener again. A century after that, it had returned.


    Five more arose to triumph over it.


    And so it was again.


    And again.


    A cycle of victory and horror: the pride of the Kingdom of Thamnd.


    and Alex cared absolutely nothing for any of that bullshit.


    In the painting set between Uldar and The Ravener, stood the five heroes from three generations ago: the Saint of that party hade from this very town of Alric. Well, sort of. The young woman had imed to havee from somewhere incredibly far away, but was settledfortably in Alric when shed been marked on her eighteenth birthday.


    She had died in the next generation, though, when sheancient and long retiredhad set off to defend Alric from a dungeon that had sprung up in the caves just north of town. She had defeated the core andin deathleft her magic infusing the entire undergroundplex.


    The Caves of the Traveller.


    People who entered them came out in all sorts of ces; it was a portal that shot people out at random: the next town, the capital, somewhere in the wilderness to the north, or even in some cave on the continent.


    Now, it might hold something far more sinister.


    Once The Ravener used a ce as a dungeon, chances were high it would use it again. No wonder the town had been so quiet. How many others were frantically packing up their worldly possessions into as many bags as they could?


    Were going to stay with my brother in the Rhineian Empire, Master Lu ced the swords in a chest then closed and locked it. Until the Heroes can clear out thend. He paused, giving Alex an odd look. Youyou havent felt anything strange today have you?


    Alex knew why hed asked: the Heroes all had their marks appear on the same day, when they hit adulthood. And hed turned eighteen today.


    Nothing, Master Lu. He shook his head.


    Good, the older man sighed in relief. I didnt want you dragged into this, even if there was only the slightest chance. Especially not with the future you have ahead.


    He gave a thin smile and tossed something across the room to Alex. The young man caught it: a scroll case, with a broken wax seal that had the symbol of four towers nking a taller, fifth in the centre.


    I found that when I was packing your things. Thats the seal of the Genesari University, isnt it? His grin widened. Ive seen it on some of the embassies in the capital. Biggest, fanciest wizard school in the world, right?


    Yeah, Alex chuckled as some of the tension left the air.


    An eptance letter: you little rascal, when were you going to tell us?


    Alexs chuckle became a fullugh. Tonight. I had this whole thing nned. I was gonna brag and you would cheer, and Id show you the spell Id shown the examiner who came through the magistrates officest year. Then wed have a big party and Id ask for Theresas hand in marriage, then dodge you and Mrs. Lu as you tried to choke the life out of me.


    Thankfully, that got a chuckle out of them.


    He sighed at the bad timing. But then the world had to go and end on me. At least, this part of the world. He grew more serious. So, whats the n?


    Master and Mrs. Lu looked at each other, then at him.


    Youre going to school, Alex, Mrs. Lu said firmly, like a lord giving an order to one of their retainers. Your mother...she had a hard time bringing you into the world, and Im not going to see her baby caught up in all this, or waste his opportunities.


    Alex had to choke back emotion. He nced down to Selina, falling to one knee in front of his sister. You still ready to go, little goblin? Things have changed now, but...I still want you toe with me. Wed have a ce together, just the two of us. That sound good?


    Excitement shone in Selinas eyes, but with it was a mix of worry and guilt. She slowly looked to Master and Mrs. Lu. Are-are you going to be okay?


    Alex grimaced. She had been young when the fire had taken their own mother and father, but old enough. He sometimes still woke up drenched in cold sweat with her scream from that night echoing in his head. Ever since, she had been <em>strongly</em> protective of Alex and the entire Lu family.


    Master Lu put an arm around his wifes shoulders and smiled gently at her. Well be alright, Selina. Go with your brother, and welle visit you.


    The little girl watched them for a bit, trying to see if they were telling her a lie to spare her feelings. I want to go with you, Alex, she finally said.


    Good! he stood, patting her on the head. He looked at the Lu family. Wheres Theresa?


    One of her older brothers pointed toward the back of the inn. Getting the mules ready. Shes cleaning out the stables, getting the wagons ready, and feeding Brutus.


    Alex winced. Brutus had never liked him much. Hed need to make sure to stay on whatever wagon he <em>wasnt</em> in.


    Illcatch her when shes done, he coughed awkwardly and took Selina by the hand. Come on, little goblin, lets get you packed and in bed. Weve a long way to go tomorrow.


    As he led her up the stairs, he idly scratched his shoulder.


    A glowing red ball of force floated above Alexs finger, and on top of that hed bnced a small y cup of honeyed milk. Four years working for a baker either gave one a sweet tooth, or made it so that one would never, ever want to eat sweets again.


    In Alexs case, it was the former.


    He grabbed the cup and took a sip, enjoying the vour while he let his mana dissipate from the spell.


    wothree he counted. Fo-


    The room went dark as the spell winked out.


    Nearly four heartbeats, he noted. New record.


    Concentrating again, he spoke the words of power under his breath while constructing the spell array in his core. He felt a sudden shift of energy as the words and array connected, forming a magical circuit into which his mana poured. The circuit sprung to life.


    Energy coursed through it at rising speed.


    One...tw-


    Before two heartbeats passed, it formed the shape he desired. Red light flooded the room as another force ball formed. Smiling, he rushed to the open notebook on his tiny desk.


    Across the pages were tables that recorded his daily practice: numbers indicating how long it took for the spell to form, how long it took for his mana to dissipate when he stopped feeding the circuit, and how many times he could construct the ball before his inner mana ran dangerously low and the circuit reached for his life force to power itself.


    Hed scribbled enough entries to fill half of therge book: a mark of how hed never missed a day of practice, even if it was for only a few minutes at the end of the night after a long shift at the bakery. Itd been worth it. He flipped back to the front page and shook his head at the numbers.


    <em>Spell Formation: Thirty-four heartbeats.</em>


    <em>Dissipation: Half a heartbeat</em>


    <em>Amount of times creating Orb of Force: One.</em>


    He flipped back to tonights entry.


    <em>Spell Formation: Oneish heartbeats.</em>


    <em>Dissipation: Three and a half heartbeats.</em>


    <em>Amount of times creating Orb of Force:</em>


    Four and counting. He smiled and twirled the orb around his finger.


    He might have been self-taught, and hed only ever found one spell to practice, but he was sure as hell going to have it <em>mastered</em> by the time he got to Generasi. All in all, not all that bad a day considering it started with intentionally getting himself fired and ended with the return of thends ancient evil.


    He was scratching his shoulder againstarting to wonder if a biting fly had crawled into his sleeve sometime during the daywhen he noticed the balls red light shudder. He nced at it.


    His hand was shaking.


    The little ball tethered to his finger shook with it.


    As much as he acted like all was well, the news about The Ravener <em>had</em> scared him. He, his sister and the Lu familyand judging by the dead silence outside his window, half the townwould be packed up and heading for port by morning. But there would be a lot of people that wouldnt be able to make a ship before things turned grim.


    With the Cave of the Traveller so close, there was even a chance he and those he cared about wouldnt get out in time; not if it became a dungeon again. A small chance, but still a chance; he wouldve been crazy if he wasnt a little scared. So, he took a breath and steadied himself. If hed given into all his heavy emotions over thest four years, he wouldve been a wreck.


    Let it pass, he told himself. Its going to be what its going to be. Youre one person: all that matters is what you can do for you and your own. If its clear to the coast, then good. If its not, then you <em>think.</em><em>Adapt.</em> Survive, like you always have. Worrying about it nows not gonna help anybody.


    Repeating that mantra had gotten him through thest four years alive and sane; hed keep it up until it no longer helped him. Outside, the bell at the church of Uldar rang, dragging him from his thoughts. Eleven chimes. His birthday was nearly done.


    Time to finish practice then finish packing and try and find Theresa.


    He killed the mana flow to the spell.


    One


    He counted.


    Two


    He counted.


    Then came the agony.


    He doubled over, his scream choking as his body locked up with white-hot pain. His teeth clenchedgrinding togetherand his vision wavered. Alex Roth hit the ground with a heavy thump, and he could not even writhe as his muscles tensed all at once.


    His shoulder burned worst of all, paining as if ants chewed their way through his flesh. Ants that were on fire. His forceball winked out, but light didnt fade from the room. It changed.


    Through the shoulder of his white shirt came a golden glow that filled the air. Through the radiance, he felt <em>something </em>pour into him. Something that slipped into his body, his mind, his mana and somewhere deeper. His entire being wrenched as if a giant hand was puppeting it.


    shes of memory burst into his mind.

 Chapter 3: The Marks Mocking Grin

    Chapter 3: The Mark''s Mocking Grin


    The memories whirled in his head.


    Half formed images: Forests hed never seen. Towering old men standing on altars. Landscapes sted by war and teeming with monsters. A floating mass of dark.


    Scents came next: scorched meat. The rusty, sour stench of blood. Others he could not decipher. Then soundspletely alien to his ears: cries from beings that were neither mortal nor animal.


    Time held no meaning.


    His mind spun faster and faster, teetering on the edge.


    And then, it was over.


    The pain disappeared, leaving him gasping for breath as the golden glow dimmed, wavering like a candle in the dark. As soon as he could think again, his mind began to race. Confusion and fear threatened to overtake him, but he pushed it down.


    <em>Think,</em> he gasped. <em>Adapt.</em>


    He had a sinking feeling.


    <em>Your mother...she had a hard time bringing you into the world. </em>


    Thats what Mrs. Lu had said; maybe that meant his mother had taken a <em>long</em> time inbour birthing him. If so, then byw, he might have been eighteen by sunrise, but he wouldnt have lived a full eighteen years until sometimete in the day.


    Or,te at night.


    And if he <em>had</em> really just passed into manhood, then logic would mean only one thing could have happened to him. Dread filled him. He didnt want to look, but he had to. With a trembling hand, he reached up on his desk and fumbled for his knife.


    It ttered to the floor.


    Shaking, he picked it up and slowly hacked at the shoulder of his shirt.


    Please be nothing, but if it has to be something, please be The Sage, please be The Sage, he muttered.


    With one eye closed and one eye squinting open, he held up the knife to catch the reflection of his shoulder in the steel.


    <em>No,</em> he gasped. Both eyes flew wide open.


    Reflected back was a glowing mark. A Heros Mark, but not the staff of The Sage, nor the horned helmet of The Champion. What stared back at him was a mocking grin from the twisted face of a jester with bulging eyes and a belled cap on its head.


    The de fell from his fingers.


    The Fool.


    Hed worked so hard. Hed pushed himself to get into the greatest school of wizardry in the entire world. Hed lost his parents. Hed taken care of his sister. Hed endured a bully of a boss for more than a quarter of his life.


    And for what?


    Uldar had reached down from his oh-so-mighty ce above and <em>branded</em> him as The Fool?


    Oh go to hell, Alex growled.


    The rage hit him with full force. He stopped thinking.


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    His mantra brought him back, but he had no idea how long hedin on the ground, throwing out every curse word at Uldar hed ever heard. But, it was pointless: it wasn t like the god was around to hear him. Only he heard his own protests.


    And maybe that was a damn good thing.


    Okay. He clutched the desk and dragged himself back to his feet. Okay. Lets think about this. Lets think about what we know.


    His heart was thudding as he threw himself down in his chair. He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead.


    Okay. So. You got the Mark of the Fool. Worst mark you could get.


    He talked to himself; it helped him focus.


    That means some church officials are gonna drag me to the capital and make me fight monsters with a bunch of strangers. Each of them are gonna be hand-picked by Uldar and have damn crazy powers. So, where does that leave me?


    He needed to write this down. The glow of the Mark had faded until it was only a dull outline on his skin. He needed some light. Concentrating, he began constructing another spell array in his core to conjure another force ball.


    Then his brain exploded.


    Memories <em>flooded</em> him, cramming their way into his mind like wild dogs on a piece of meat. Every mistake he ever made while practicing magic came back along with every single setback and moment of frustration. They destroyed his concentration and the array began to twist.


    Ah <em>shit!</em> he grabbed his head. The spell array warped. Panic surged through him: if the array formed with its shape so twisted, then the mana feedback might st him unconscious. Even worse, the circuit might form <em>wrong</em> and make some wild magic erupt out of him. The image of blowing up the Lus inn and watching a second home burn down, nearly made him pass out in panic. He abruptly shattered the array before it could do any damage.


    As soon as he let go of his mana, it all stopped.


    He puzzled at the sudden silence.


    What the hell? He slowly brought his hands down. What was that?


    Frowning, he tried to speak words of power.


    The flood returned.


    Every mis-pronunciation. Every wrong word. Every stupid mistake hed ever made shoved their way into his mind until his words were a stream of useless gibberish.


    Grimacing, he stopped speaking. The flood stopped, leaving his mind calm. It took him a few moments to organize his thoughts. Then a terrifying possibility hit him. Oh no...no, no, no.


    Quickly, he dug out one of his candles and lit it; when the tiny me caught on the wick, he dragged a book from his bag and mmed it down on the desk.


    <em>A History of Our Heroes and their Opposition of the Ravener, by Finnius Galloway.</em>


    Alex flipped to the second appendix: each generation of heroes was listed with their originating towns, where theyd died, and their most important deeds. At the back of that was a definitive statement on what each mark <em>did</em>,piled from the descriptions of multiple heroes of previous generations.


    Alex flipped to the Mark of the Fools entry and began to read out loud:


    <em>The Mark of the Fool is a useful, but pitiful mark. While The Champion is granted incredible strength, speed and the martial skill of all his predecessors, The Sages mana pool expands many times, and The Saint gains a divine connection to Uldar himself, the Fool gains no great gifts. In some ways, it is the opposite of the greatest mark: The Chosen. The mighty Chosen gains lesser versions of the three preceding marks and the ability to synergize them all, but The Fool gains nothing. In fact, the Mark of the Fool actively interferes with any action rted to Combat, Divinity-</em>


    No, no, no. Alexs blood turned to ice.


    <em>or Spellcraft-</em>


    His words trailed off. <em>Interferes with spellcraft!? </em>He was going to Uldar-damned <em>wizard university</em>! He red at the <em>thing</em> on his shoulder. The thin, glowing jesters face seemed to cackle at him while it <em>utterly destroyed his life.</em>


    Trembling, he forced himself to finish reading. If he didnt, he mightve lost his mind right there and then:


    <em>-but in return, The Fool gains vastly elerated learning of any skill unrted to these areas. Thus, The Fool can be the Heroes guide through the wilderness, learn to operate watercraft, scout enemies, repair equipment (though they cannot craft great weapons), and take care of horses. Such things are needed on every adventure. Previous Fools have also be fine painters, jugglers, musicians and mastered other such skills. And yet many parties have defeated The Ravener even after their Fool has been killed, betrayed them, or is otherwise absent. Uldar, however, is infinite in his wisdom: Fools serve as the heart of the Heroes Party, which is perhaps why such marks find their way to young folk of good nature and good humour. Perhaps that is also why the deaths of previous Fools have motivated Heroes Parties like the deaths of no other members have. Thusly, even absent, a Fool can bring a Heroes Party to greater heights. If a Fool is reading this now, I encourage you not to despair, for though you might not be greatly rewarded by history, fulfilling ones duty is a reward on its own.</em>


    Yeah, thats easy for you to say. I wonder how many of The Fools thought that Uldars wisdom was infinite, Mr. Galloway. Alex mmed the book shut and shoved it away in disgust.


    So that was it? Alex Roth: big brother, revenge enthusiast and future wizard forced into the role of nanny, clown and sacrificialmb? No matter what he wanted to be before he got some Mark he didnt ask for?


    Oh sure, he muttered bitterly. Ill just give up my whole life so that writers can pity me, I might die and in the end theyll just build a statue of me that makes me look like the guy parents think about when they tell their children not to talk to strangers.


    And while Im off risking my life, Im abandoning Selina and giving up all hope of attending Uldar-damn <em>wizard university! </em> Wait, speaking of risk... let me check something.


    He dragged the book back toward him, flipping through the records of previous Fools and counting the amount of entries that read disappeared or tragically killed while-.


    He shuddered when hed gotten to the end.


    Half of them didnt make it out of the final fight with The Ravener, and the survivors didnt do much better. Some were maimed, some made a fortune in the arts, or became good merchants, but their reputations chased them for the rest of their lives. It was like that for all the Heroes, but having the reputation of Epic Champion was a lot better than being the guy named The Fool and being known for being useless. Most of them had left for othernds, it looked like.


    This just got better and better.


    For one crazy moment, he considered trying to cut the mark off with his knife. He shook off the thought for what it was: irrational. And thest thing he needed was <em>more</em> irrational right now.


    Right. So: <em>elerated learning of any skill unrted to these areas.</em>


    No Divinity, Magic or Combat. What did that <em>mean</em>? He snatched up his pen and flipped to a new page in his record book: the handwriting on all the charts was messy. He might have been a quick study with a pen, but his letters didnt <em>look</em> pretty, no matter how much his teachers had tried to correct that.


    He wrote a sentence: I, Alex Roth, am the unluckiest person in the entire Kingdom of Thamnd, and it came out like a chicken scratching across a page after sticking its feet in ink. Narrowing his eyes, he started writing again below the chicken scratch. This time, he focused on trying to do better.


    If he was right-


    The flood of memories came back, but in an entirely different way: every single lesson he had been taught on writing. Every moment when he had written something in a slightly neater way. Every triumph came back in great detail,ying out how hed achieved each previous sess at bettering his writing. While the memories of his magic failures had been chaotic and ruined his concentration, <em>these</em> memories neatly organized themselves in his mind, as though <em>guiding</em> his hand as he wrote.


    By the time his pen had dotted the period, he was staring at the best looking writing he had ever produced. It looked like someone else had grabbed his book and wrote the second sentence for him. Carefully, he tried it again. The memories came back. This time they were joined by images of him writing the sentence he just had; everything hed done <em>right</em> just now floated up in his mind, guiding him to do even better.


    The third sentence was slightly neater than the second.


    He repeated the experiment a few more times, each time improving his handwriting in slight increments. The neater letters also grew easier for him to reproduce without thinking so hard.


    So, <em>thats</em> how you work, he noted and started neatly writing down his findings:<ol><li><em>The Mark uses memory.</em></li><li><em>The Mark will bombard and distract you whenever you do anything rted to what the other heroes are supposed to do: fighting, magic and working holy acts. It does this by using every </em><strong><em>failure</em></strong><em> or mistake youve ever made and flooding you with it until you cant concentrate.</em></li><li><em>The Mark </em><strong><em>helps</em></strong><em> you when youre trying to learn something outside of those: it gives you everything that youve ever done or heard of thats right and presents it in a neat, little package. This lets you build easily on every sess youve had and avoid things that made you fail in the past.</em></li></ol>


    He tapped his pen on the page, thinking back on what had just happened. He wrote down something else:


    <em>Question: Does it make it </em><strong><em>impossible</em></strong><em> to use magic?</em>


    Alex sat up in his chair and closed the book. The wood creaked beneath him. He blew out the candle, dropping the room into darkness. Last thing he needed was more distractions.


    He took a deep breath and steadied himself.


    Concentrating, he began to construct the array again. Slowly, this time. The flood came back, attacking him with every single failure hed ever had. It pushed its way into his mind, but instead of pushing back, he let ite while holding the partiallyplete array inside himself.


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    He repeated his mantra while letting the distracting memories roll off, just like he had done with all the grief of the past four years. Patience guided him as he monitored the stream: as each memory forced its way into his head, he let them pass and built the array a little more in the brief instants between. Slowly, it nearedpletion.


    Then he started to speak the words.


    The flood flowed faster, interfering with his speech.


    He shut everything out. Every noise. Every distraction both in and outside of his head, just as he had when he was first learning the spell. The flood was just like McHarris bakery or the inn on a busy night: it was <em>loud</em> but if you went slowly and carefully


    you could get past it.


    Then he had a thought that was so significant that it burst through the flood:


    What if it wasnt <em>just </em>about getting <em>past</em> the noise?


    As he finished the array, he started to pay careful attention to every failure the mark was spitting at him. He examined each memory, trying to analyze them through the chaos. Some came too quickly to pick up on. They were just noise, but others let him see his failures clearly.


    Let him see <em>how</em> he failed.


    For the few failures he figured out, he did the <em>opposite </em>of what he had in those memories.


    The array came out slightly different from his earlier ones, and when he grounded it andpleted the circuit, he felt an <em>immense</em> rush of mana.


    <em>Voom</em>.


    He opened his eyes to find a bright red glow illuminating the room. Another ball of force floated at the tip of his finger, and he nearly screamed in triumph.


    It was <em>bigger</em> than any hed made in the past: about one and half times the size with a much brighter and more steady glow emanating from it. Creating it was slower. It had been more difficult. But it had been <em>better.</em>


    He shook with excitement; one could learn from <em>failure</em> too.


    Alex opened the book and wrote an answer beneath his question:


    <strong><em>Not </em></strong><em>impossible.</em>


    It could be done, and that just meant it was hard. He could work with hard. Working for McHarris was hard, but hed done it. Learning the beginning magic from rotted books in the church library was hard, but hed done it. Helping his sister and the Lu family was hard while studying and acing every evaluation at the church school was hard, but hed done it.


    And what was themon thread with all those? Hed done it all for <em>him</em> and those <em>he loved</em>. He threw a dirty look at the history book. It wasnt for some god that tried to tell him what to do, Heroes that didnt need him, or a popce that would think of him as a joke. His sister needed him. He needed himself.


    He could still use magic; it was just slow and difficult right now, but it wouldve been impossible without the powers of concentration hed developed by learning how to deal with his grief. Hed need <em>time</em> to truly learn how the mark worked. Explore it. Develop it and himself, and <em>use</em> it to learn something <em>helpful.</em>


    He wouldnt get that time if he was off ying servant to a bunch of Heroes.


    Which left one option: Looks like youll need to write disappeared under the entry for another Fool, Galloway. He stood and clenched his fist. Because Im getting the hell outta here.


    There was something important that Galloway mentioned about seeking out Uldars priests. If <em>he</em> had to seek them out, then that meant they didnt just know where he was.


    But theyd likely start searching soon.


    He needed to get out of Thamnd as quickly as possible. Hed need to cover up his mark, wake Selina and get-


    A...lex?


    He froze.


    His head turned slowly as though his neck were attached to a rusty lever. A young woman stood in the doorway, her long, ck hair tied back. She gripped a key ring in calloused fingers.


    Theresa Lu.


    His oldest friend was gaping at him, with eyes darting between the red ball above his finger, and the jesters face on his shoulder.


    I she said. I wasing to talk to you, but I heard you saying all these weird words through the door, then I saw a red light. I asked if you were okay, but you wouldnt answer me-


    Oh shit, hed tuned out <em>everything</em>.


    -and I got the spare keys and let myself in...and


    She trailed off.


    He took a deep breath. Alright. Time for <em>n A.</em>


    Lying.


    Okay, so. He straightened himself up. This is <em>not</em> what it looks like-


    It looks like you got The Mark of the Fool.


    -okay, so its <em>exactly</em> what it looks like.


    Well, <em>n A</em> was dead. Oh well, n A sucked. It was thought of by a guy named The Fool; of <em>course</em> it sucked. Time for <em>n B,</em> then.<em></em>


    ...too bad n B didnt exist.


    So, uh, his mouth went renegade while his mind raced. Thing is, uh...you know-This...this is the worst birthday Ive ever had.


    If youre leaving. She stepped into the room. The door creaked as she shut it behind her. Then I want toe with you.


    Alex blinked. ...what?

 Chapter 4: Departure and Dogs

    Chapter 4: Departure and Dogs


    Theresa Lu was a force to be reckoned with.


    One of six siblings, she had learned to take initiative if she wanted to stand out. When the Lu family needed meat for the kitchen, it somehow ended up being her who had grabbed a bow and learned how to hunt with her father.


    Shed taken to it like a fish to water.


    Theresa had be one of the best hunters in Alric andthrough huntingshed learned patience, silence and determination. All traits needed to stalk prey. As shed once told Alex, many people thought that hunting was about taking a perfect shot: piercing ones target through the eye or heart and dragging the carcass back to the dinner table. At times it was like that, but for most hunts, it was about puncturing a blood vessel and watching the prey as it took off into the woods.


    Then the hunter would follow: theyd track by prints, by drops of blood or by scent if they had a dog. If they kept the trail, theyd eventually run their prey down. Humans were endurance killers, and Theresa embodied this.


    Now her sharp eyes watched him with the same predatory look she got when she was on a hunt. Shed asked him to let here with him: that was her arrow striking him. Any excuses hed make? That was the trail of blood. All she had to do now was follow him: him talking with that quiet patience until he finally grew too tired to argue and she atst caught him.


    I want toe with you. She said again, locking the door and advancing on him. Her steps made no sound across the floorboards. I know what youre going to say-


    <em>Yes</em>, he said quickly. Pleasee with me. I sure as hell could use the help.


    He decided to skip all the build up and just jump into the trap himself.


    He was rewarded by her pausing mid-step and blinking in surprise. He always found her cute when she didnt have her deathstalker face on.


    <em>And</em> when she did, as a matter of fact.


    He did <em>not </em>have issues, he assured himself.


    Her face quickly went deathstalker again when she regainedposure. Good. I was already mad at you for not telling me about <em>that</em>. She pointed to the bright forceball floating above his finger. So Im d you didnt make me chase you.


    He shrugged. We both know how it wouldve ended; when Im not worrying that a bunch of priests are going to burst down the door at any second, Ill ask you why-


    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>


    A heavy knock mmed against his bedroom door.


    Alex and Theresa froze, slowly looking at the doorway like it was some portal to hell. His stomach sank. They <em>couldnt</em> have found him already, could they?


    Theresa! A familiar voice boomed through the door. Are you in there?


    Alex sighed in relief. He was safe. It was just Theresas father.


    The door rattled in the frame.


    <em>Why is the door locked?</em> his voice cracked like a whip. <em>Whatre you two doing in there?</em>


    Nevermind, this was <em>much</em> worse.


    Theresa went as white as a sheet. Father!? Were you listening at the door?


    I followed you! heughed in triumph: a harsh, barkingugh that promised death. I was young once too! I know how it is: the young man youve grown up with is going to be leaving on a loooong journey! You might not see him again!


    <em>Father!</em>


    And who knows <em>who</em> he might meet in that big city, yes!? So you go and speak to each other, talk about your feelings, one thing leads to the other and then <em>Im a grandfather before any of my children are married!</em>


    Theresa turned bright red and buried her face in her hands.


    Wait, Mr. Lu! Alex cried. Its not what it sounds like-


    <em>Click.</em>


    A key turned in the lock.


    Theresa and Alex gasped in unison.


    If theres nothing wrong, then I guess theres no reason why I cant juste in, is there? Mr. Lu announced darkly from the hall.


    No father! Theresa cried, starting for the door. Donte in-


    Ahaaaaa! the middle aged man burst into the room. Ive got you-you.you.


    Mr. Lu stared at the glowing mark on Alexs shoulder, his mouth hanging open.


    Alexs tongue went renegade again. This isnt what it looks...you know what? Nevermind. It is what it looks like.


    The older mans face went grim. Downstairs. Both of you, now.


    So, it might not be all bad, Alex finished exining, tapping the jesters face.


    Theresa, Master and Mrs. Lu huddled in the kitchen, listening as he went through what hed learned about the mark. It helps you learn, and it doesnt seem <em>too</em> specific on what it lets you pick up. <em>And</em> I can <em>still</em> work magic; that means theres holes in the way it interferes with you. If I can figure them out, it might even <em>help</em> me...but I need time to do that, and Im not going to have it by going around and being the servant to four Heroes.


    He looked up at them seriously. And thats that. Im going to the Generasi and Im taking Selina.


    Good. Mrs. Lu clutched his hand. Well help you. She turned to her husband. Right, darling?


    Master Lu was gripping the counter so hard that his knuckles were white. Life stole your parents lives, and it wants <em>your</em> future, too? Well, it cant <em>have</em> it. He ced a hand on Alexs shoulder. But its dangerous to go alone: youll take the Lu familys most deadly weapons.


    Theresa looked at her father sharply. Great-grandfathers swords?


    No, you and Brutus. Ouch!


    Shed pped her father lightly on the shoulder. Father! Im <em>not</em> a weapon!


    But Alex was already nodding. Yes. Thank you, Mr. Lu, with this human annihtor at my side-Ouch!


    <em>Alex!</em> She pouted. Im leaving my family behind to try and save you; whyre you making fun of me?!


    One, because its fun-


    Her parents nodded in agreement.


    -and two, because if I dont keep making jokes right now, I might have to admit how <em>absolutely terrified</em> I am. Heughed nervously. So, what now?


    Mrs. Lu gave her daughter a meaningful look. Go and pack whatever you need, Alex, then get some sleep.


    Sleep? He blinked. Im not going to be able to sleep, Mrs. Lu.


    Youll need your strength, the middle aged woman insisted. Ill brew you a tonic if I have to.


    He bit back a reply, realizing she was right; leaving half-cocked would only make it more likely that hed be caught. Even if he somehow woke Selina and got her moving, hed have to try and slip out of the kingdom with a sleepy ten-year old. It wouldnt work.


    Ill wake you all just before first light, Mrs. Lu promised. Now, go.


    Alright, he agreed, looking at Theresa. Well leave at first light.


    Alex Roth encountered a monster just outside the inn after he woke the next morning.


    The enormous head of a beast emerged from the dark, snarling and baring gleaming fangs. Its eyes zed with violence, and its canine snout was long and brimmed with sharp teeth. An identical head emerged on the left, and a third on the right; the faces of three savage hounds growled at the young man, as though warning they were readying to tear him apart.


    Apprehensive and still shaking off thest of his nights sleep, he gingerly offered the three monsters a leftover piece of roasted pork fromst evenings supper.


    Peace, Brutus, he said. Come on, Ive got some food here. Thats a good boy.


    Sniffing the air, the canine heads calmed, their eyes fixed on the meat. All three licked their chops and came out of a massive doghouse; the trio of heads were attached to one body that was the size of a small horse.


    A cerberus.


    Not every monster in the kingdom of Thamnd was spawned by The Ravener; many were creatures naturally urring in the wilderness. Cerberi were some of the most dangerous among them, but also the most trainable if one got them young and knew how to handle them.


    When Theresa had first brought home the orphaned pup after finding it in the woods three years ago, her parents had lost their minds. But the young huntress was patient and stubborn, and slowly won them over, exining how helpful having such a ferocious guard dog might be. What helped too was that Brutusshe had already named him before bringing him homewas as gentle as amb in her hands.


    Truthfully, he was gentle with almost everyoneexcept for Alex.


    <em>Snap! </em>


    Oh shit! Alex jerked back as Brutus lunged, his teeth nearly snatching the young mans hand off along with the pork. As he stumbled away, the cerberus dived into breakfast with two of his heads. The third stared at him with a self-satisfied look. Alex shook his head. Failed again. Maybe most people would have hated the mutt, butit was a freaking cerberus: how could he hate something so cool?


    Ill win you over one day, just you wait, he plotted quietly. He nced to his shoulder, where a heavy, dark tunic and thick woolen cloak covered the mark. Maybe hed use it to learn about dog training


    Were ready, someone called.


    He shook off fantasies of training Brutus to fetch, beg and rollover.


    He did <em>not</em> have issues, he assured himself.


    Theresa wasing from the house hand in hand with Selina. The little girl was wiping her eyes and yawning, but she was all smiles. How far away is the wizard city, big brother? Will we get there soon?


    Alex returned her smile. He hadnt told her anything about what had happenedst night. When it was safe, <em>then</em> he could tell her. Its reeeeeeaaally far. He spread his hands wide. So itll take us a long time to get there.


    She yawned again. Okay.


    Theresa smiled down at her before looking to the horizon over the surrounding rooftops.


    Weve got a bit before light. She tapped theposite bow shed slung over her shoulder. ck feathered arrows rose from her quiver, and a massive hunting knife shone from a belt-loop on her hip. Her calf-high boots made no sound as she walked. We should get moving before the rest of the town starts to wake up.


    Her parents emerged from the inn as Alex took his sisters hand and Theresa untied Brutus from his shelter. Master and Mrs. Lu looked over the group and thetter made a disappointed noise.


    You both really <em>are</em> all grown up, arent you? Too fast. Too fast, she sighed, gripping her husbands arm. You be <em>careful</em> out there, both of you. She looked pointedly at her daughter and then to the small, yawning Selina. Stay on the roads.


    And write to us as <em>soon</em> as you get the chance; when youre out of the kingdom, Master Lu added, his brow furrowed in worry. Now,e here.


    Theresas parents caught their daughter, Alex and Selina in a tight embrace, dropping low so that the small girl could be included. As their warmth spread through Alex, he felt a tightness in his throat. Tears formed in his eyes. It mightve been thest time he ever felt that warmth. He tightened his hug.


    When they broke apart, Mrs. Lu and Master Lus eyes were shining as well.


    Go, Mrs. Lus voice trembled. Before your brothers wake up, Theresa, or youll never leave.


    Selina sniffled loudly and Theresa kept her eyes low. Goodbye mother and father, she said quietly. Come on, Brutus.


    <em>Crack</em>.


    The cerberus snapped the bone in two with one set of jaws while another picked up the pieces. His third head licked out the marrow as he bounded after his master.


    Goodbye, Master Lu, goodbye Mrs. Lu. Thank you for everything. You be safe on your journey too, Alex said quietly. His hand tightened around Selinas. I promiseIll get there. Well all get there.


    With that, he turned and followed after Theresa, hoisting his heavy rucksack over his shoulder. He hoped what hed said to her parents would end up being true.

 Chapter 5: The Coins and the Priests

    Chapter 5: The Coins and the Priests


    The town of Alric stirred with tension.


    It seemed like half of the townspeople were out on the streets as Alex, Theresa, Selina and Brutus passed them by. Wagons filled the sides of the roads as people rushed back and forth between townhomes and businesses, stacking their possessions into the wagons and tying them down. Torches flickered on poles or in tightly gripping hands, and weapons that hadnt seen the outdoors in years hung from the hips of many of the townsfolk.


    Alex could <em>feel</em> the panic building.


    Make sure the silvers close at hand, a heavy-set woman told her husband as she finished hitching the horses to a cart. With this many going to the continent, the shipmastersll charge whatever they feel to take folks across the channel.


    Its already in the front, just dont let it out of your sight, an older man grunted as he ced a heavy chest into the cart. He nced around, scanning the other wagons and carts. His hand remained close to his club. Alex recognized the man; they had always nodded politely to each other and exchanged smiles in the mornings. Now when he spotted Alex, his lips rose in the same wide smile, but his eyes were anxious and agitated.


    We should hurry. Theresa nodded to Alex. Something uglys brewing. She eyed their neighbours; her body tensed as though she was in the woods hunting on a moonless night. Desperate people do desperate things. Lets get to the gate quickly.


    Selina looked up to them. Is there something wrong?


    Alex gave her another weak smile. Everythings alright, Selina, he lied quickly. Everythings fine.


    The southwestern gate was <em>not</em> fine.


    Despite there still being some time before sunrise, arge crowd had already gathered, forming a line that stretched from the wall and down several blocks. Manyit seemedhad the same idea as Alex:e early in order to beat the crowd. Now, they were all made to wait as the guards stopped each solitary traveller and family, recording the names of every person leaving. Likely, they were keeping an ounting of who would be staying in town and needing protection during these dark times.


    Thats it! Thats it! Order now! he heard the guard, Paul, shout from ahead. Keep order and well have you on the road before sunrise!


    Normally, none of the gates opened until daylight, but Alex took one look at therge crowd and recognized how ugly things might turn if they were not allowed to pass through now. People were fidgeting in agitation; some watched the skies or the top of the walls as though monsters mighte flying over at any heartbeat.


    Most clutched their possessions, and a great many were counting the coins in their purses; having enough for the ships passage seemed to be on the minds of most. Alex stealthily patted the inheritance buried at the bottom of his rucksack, as well as the small pouch of coins on his belt, and he gave quiet thanks for his parents hard work. The four of them wouldnt have to worry about passage.


    As they stepped into the back of the line, folk took one look at the massive form of Brutus and quickly gave them space. The cerberus seemed proud of himself as he flopped down onto his haunches and tossed the broken pieces of bone onto the side of the road. His three tongues lolled from his mouths and he panted in the mild air of the summer morning.


    Good boy. Theresa smiled and scratched behind one of his ears. He whined for more attention and pressed his other two heads into her waiting hands.


    Yeah, very good boy. Selina copied the young woman by rubbing his haunches.


    Yeah, super good boy. Alex reached out to pat his back.


    Brutus gave a low growl.


    Alex stopped reaching out to pat his back.


    Instead, he chose to let his eyes wander over the buildings spread before the gate. He noted the stables and stalls usually staffed to serve travellers entering town. He noted the guardhouse, and the highchairs where ambitious town boys would shine shoes of any who could pay.


    Im going to miss this ce, he sighed fondly.


    Already? Theresa gave him a look. Were not even gone yet. Sure you dont want to stay?


    He shrugged helplessly. What would be the point? I wouldnt get to stay <em>here</em> anyway.


    Well. She took a long look around. Lets hope that its still here when we get back.


    Alex reached out and gently rubbed her shoulder. Im sure it will be.


    Next! Paul shouted from ahead.


    The line began moving.


    I hope so, Alex, Theresa said in a small voice.


    They moved toward the gate at a steady pace, and Alex took the time to consider their n. It was about ten days on foot to the closest town on the sea, and it would be longer with Selina with them; shed need to be carried part of the way, perhaps by Brutus if Theresa could convince him. They would have to be careful on the road too: the priests would be searching for the Heroes, and The Ravenersing would mean monsters would start to roam thend soon. Then there would be the bandits: all these folks on the road would make tempting targets. Anyone fleeing would have to move quickly and preferably in numbers.


    Theresa, youve got better eyesight than I do. Maybe look around and see if theres anyone close by that we know well; someone we could join up with for at least <em>part</em> of the journey. For safety.


    She nced at him. I was just about to suggest that.


    With predatory focus, she slowly scanned the crowd, letting her eyes drink in every detail. She was turning to look over those that had joined the line behind them when she suddenly froze.


    Alex


    What is it?


    I want you to turn around slowly and casually, okay? Dont panic.


    He nodded, feeling a knot tightening in his belly. He slowly turned to follow her gazeand froze. At the end of the street, three white robed figures passed through the crowds, pausing to help andfort those who were readying to leave. Though they were still distant, they were clearly headed for the line.


    Oh <em>no,</em> Alex said under his breath.


    Priests.


    The priests of Uldar wereing right toward them.


    They were making their way down the road, their snow white robes standing out in contrast to the colourful garb of the townsfolk. None of them were looking in his direction, but he had a sinking feeling it would only be a matter of time.


    He was fairly sure that some of the Heroes from past generationsespecially the Foolwould have tried to run off, but there wasnt any record of the kingdom failing to find one, only that some had disappeared part way through the journey. His eyes narrowed.


    They had <em>some</em> way of detecting the marks, he was sure of it, and he had no idea <em>how</em> or at <em>what </em>range. That put him at a disadvantage. His mind continued to work. The fact that they werent rushing right for him meant he had not been found out yet, but-


    Alex! Theresa hissed. Youre <em>staring.</em>


    Shi- he paused, remembering his little sister was right there. I mean, <em>crap</em>. He casually faced the gate.


    The line before them had shrunk considerably: only fifteen people stood between them and freedom, and the guardsmen were moving folks through quickly. His back tingled, and he imagined the priests eyes suddenly focusing on it and calling out to him. Maybe if the guards worked quickly enough and the priests lingered, they might be alright.


    Whatre the priests doing? he whispered to Theresa.


    She threw another nce over her shoulder nonchntly. Theyre getting close. Her lips barely moved.


    He grimaced. It would take too long to get through the line.


    What could he do? If they cut in line, that would bring focus onto them and create amotion they would end up getting caught up in. It would also bring attention they didnt want. He frowned; he had heard of some powerful wizards being able to disappear and appear wherever they wanted. He wished he had <em>that</em> spell.


    His eyes narrowed in thought.


    Wishing wouldnt get him anywhere. He could only use what he had.


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    His eyes caught something curious happening up ahead. Six ces ahead in the line, a skinny man in a rich doublet was turned on his horse and facing a couple behind him.


    Oi, watch yourself, he said loudly to the woman. His face was tense with agitation. Dont get too close.


    He patted something on his belt: a bulging coin purse.


    Dont get too close, yourself, the woman snapped back. I dont like the way youre looking at me.


    Doesnt much matter what you like or dont like. Stay back and keep your hands to yourself.


    The womans husbanda big bruiser of a manstepped forward. Are you calling my wife a thief?


    Im calling her <em>nothing</em>, but I want my proper space and youre both too close.


    Your horse is taking up half the line and folk are pushing from the back, what do you expect us to do?


    I expect you to <em>keep </em>back: I am assistant to the mayor himself!


    Then why are you running?


    The mayors assistant sputtered like an angry teapot. Say something like that again and Ill see to it that you and your wife spend the next <em>week</em> in the town dungeon. He drew a breath as though he were about to shout for the guards.


    The bruiser turned red, but said nothing else, and the folk behind him gracefully stepped back so he and his wife could give the pompous ass his space.


    An idea formed in Alexs mind.


    Theresa, I need you to stand behind me, he whispered. Block the view of me from the back and tell me if anyones watching.


    She shot a look toward the priests. If youre going to do something, do it fast.


    Theresa casually slid between him and the back of the line, making it look as though she were merely shifting in ce. Alex stealthily reached into his pouch, drawing out a handful of gold coins. His eyes focused on the back of the bruiser. Everyone was desperate for enough coin to get on the ships: if he slipped up to him, pressed a couple into his hand and asked him to throw a punch at the jackass on the horse then-


    ...no, that would make him stand out: anyone would remember someone who paid them to start a fight. His eyes shifted to the rich mans back. n B, then. Alex slipped the coins to his other hand and wedged one between his thumb and index finger. He focused his mind on how hed made coin tosses in the past, on the best ones hed ever made.


    Memories flooded in: images of him flipping coins into the fountain yesterday, the feeling of rolling them back and forth across his fingers, other coin tosses hed made; flipping and catching coins in the air when he was younger.


    Each memory organized itself into a guide that pointed out what he had done <em>right</em> each time: which movements of the body had generated distance, how hed held his hand to determine direction, how much force hed applied during his best shots.


    All coalesced into a careful instruction that guided his hand.


    He watched the people in line between him and his target.


    When he was sure none were paying attention to him


    <em>Ting.</em>


    He flipped the gold coin forward.

 Chapter 6: Coin Tricks and Fire Light

    Chapter 6: Coin Tricks and Fire Light


    The coin shot over the heads of the people in front of Alex, drawing a graceful arc through the air.


    He winced as it missed his target: the back of the mayors assistants neck, but it <em>did</em> collide with his skinny back. The lean man flinched at the impact as the coin fell to the stones with a clink. The couple behind him did not miss it fall, and the wife was darting for it just as he turned around.


    What the-?! He grabbed his purse protectively, his face turning purple. Thief! <em>Robber! Cutpurse!</em>


    Hey, you dropped this! she snapped. I was going to give it back to you!


    Alex didnt know if she was telling the truth, but it didnt matter: the rich man didnt believe it.


    Guards! Guards! he cried, drawing a sap from his belt.


    <em>Hey!</em> the bruiser stepped forward. You touch my wife with that and youll have my fist where your teeth used to be!


    All eyes turned to themotion, including the guards.


    Alex discretely started flipping more coins toward the front of the line; The Mark improved his aim with each toss, using each previous one as a reference. The gold coins came rolling to a halt at peoples feet. Eyes dipped, briefly ncing up to see if it was raining coins, anddesperate as they were to secure a ship''s passagemany darted for them without questioning where they wereing from. Some quickly muttered about Uldars blessings.


    Hey! Get your hands off that one! Thats mine! a man cried.


    I saw it first! a woman shouted back.


    Thieves! Those are mine! Youre all thieves! the mayors assistant shouted and swept out with his sap, striking at someone who darted for a coin near his horse.


    That turned out to be a mistake, for the person who was stuck by the sap had cried out in pain.


    And that person was the bruisers wife.


    That does it! the huge man roared, cocking back a giant fist.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The mayors assistant flew off his horse in a limp heap.


    The brawl was on quickly after that. Curses and punches filled the air as the front of the line disintegrated.


    Alex! Selina cried out and as he scooped her up in his arms.


    Itll be okay, he said quickly, resisting the urge to look back. Theresa, wherere the priests?


    Theyre looking <em>this</em> way, she hissed.


    Crap. Come on, stay behind me and act like everythings okay. He stepped out of line trying to look as casual as he could.


    The Mark helpfully flooded him with images of himself walking naturally and calmly. He allowed it to guide his steps, letting guards pass as they sought to break up the brawl, and then stepped up to those who were left at the gate. Peter and Paul stood on either side of the town entrance, shaking their heads at the scrum.


    Its too bad about people. Alex sighed as he reached them. Neighbours all their lives, and at the first sign of trouble, they eat each other.


    Eat each other? Bah, this is no worse than a festival night at the Bears Bowl: theyll have a few bumps, lose a few teeth and be fine afterward. Peter nodded as though he were dolling out ancient wisdom.


    If <em>any </em>of us are fine, Paul muttered. Evil times ahead.


    There was a pause.


    So, do you mind if we cut in line? Alex asked, trusting in the mark as it reminded him what his face looked like when it was calm. His fear that the priests would notice him was mounting.


    There <em>is</em> no more line now. Peter brought up his list. Or at least, whatever line is left, youre at the front of it: you had the good sense not to start any of this. Come on then, well get you on your way.


    If Alex didnt have his arms full of little sister, he might have hugged Peter right then and there.


    Right, you three Peter continued. Names?


    By the time the brawl had been cleared, Alex and hispanions were long past the gate and onto the road. A nervous energy filled him, and he hurried along, passing the folk streaming from the town of Alric.


    Are they following us? he asked Theresa for the thirtieth time.


    No. She threw a quick look over her shoulder. Stop asking.


    What are you looking at? Selina tried to follow Theresas gaze.


    Just making sure that fights behind us, Alex said quickly, throwing silent gratitude toward his parents and the two guards. When he made full wizard, he really <em>was</em> going to give those two beautiful guardsmen the biggest reward theyd ever seen. He didnt care if they saw it as a bribe; hed happily force it into their hands if he had to.


    Well, thats step one, he said to Theresa when they were out of earshot of the gate. With a grunt, he set Selina back on her feet.


    Are those people going to be okay, Alex? Selina looked back worriedly.


    Didnt you hear those kind, honourable, brave guardsmen? he chuckled. Theyll be fine.


    Theresa looked at him with suspicion. How did you do that? Some kind of magic?


    He couldnt resist shrugging his marked shoulder meaningfully.


    Yeah, lets call it a kind of magic.


    He had a feeling he was going to <em>like</em> this mark.


    Yeeeessss! Alex cheered.


    He had struck the flint, sparking the tinder to crackle with a small me. Carefully, he leaned down, blowing on the little fire as the mark guided him, providing memories of others starting campfires, showing him how to feed it with air to give it more life. Just like pouring mana into a spell array, the me grew and caught the dried branches he and Theresa had gathered earlier.


    Atst, the wood popped and crackled as he tossed another branch onto the pile. Pleased with his aplishment, he sighed happily, sat back and slowly began massaging his aching feet. It had been a long day of walking, but theyd made good time. The gloom from surrounding trees receded as their fire grew, matching the host of campfires stoked by other travellers dotting the fields beyond the southern reaches of Coille Forest.


    Are you okay, little goblin? he turned to Selina, who was sitting on her sleeping roll a good distance from the me.


    M-mhm, she murmured. Good job, Alex.


    Selina would not look toward him, as that would mean looking at the fire; she did <em>not</em> like fire for good reason. Alex had needed two years of self-talk before he was able to work with it without hyperventting; she was young, she could take as long as she needed.


    Forcing himself to stand, he walked overhis feetining with every stepand flopped down beside her at an angle where she wouldnt have to look at the me.


    Her gaze rose slowly. Youyou didnt have to do that. If you want to, you could stay by the fire. Taking a deep breath, she nced toward the me andto his surprisemanaged to look at it for a few heartbeats before quickly turning away. I want to be like you one dayand be able to look at it. A steely note entered her voice. I dont want to be afraid of fire anymore.


    With a smile, he reached out and patted her head. Were you practicing?


    She closed her eyes, taking another deep breath, and silently nodded.


    Well, Im proud of you, but you dont need to rush yourself. Take as much time as you want, and its okay if it gets too scary.


    He leaned back and undid his cloak, taking in the air of the warm summer night. During the day, it had grown <em>very</em> hot, but fear of The Mark glowing like when it first appeared made him want as manyyers over his shoulder as possible. He had drawn some odd looks, but since he was naturally taller than most folkand his group did include a cerberushed draw <em>some</em> attention no matter what. He figured he could live with the looks.


    Shaking off his contemtion, he looked to the project Selina was working on.


    In her small hands was a strange figure of dried twigs in the shape of a person, held together by carefully tied lengths of long grass. Even as she watched her brother, her clever little fingers busied themselves attaching another twig to a wooden arm to represent a tiny sword.


    Alex smiled warmly. Whats your new friends name?


    Forrest, she said as though it were the most logical thing in the world. Hell be finished soon, then Ill put him with his friends.


    Alex nced over his shoulder; a line of three dolls stood beside Selinas sleeping roll with their feet stuck into the earth, posed in a rough diorama. She had more materials set aside to make another one.


    Throughout the day, she''d been making them surprisingly quickly during the walk. He supposed he shouldn''t have been all that surprised at the speed: her room at the inn was filled with constructed little fortresses, houses, and castles of wooden bricks carved for her by Mr. Lu. Tiny people made of y filled the constructions with a reflection of daily life as seen through her eyes.


    And who are his friends? he grinned at her.


    She grinned back at him. Theyre the Heroes!


    Alexughed ruefully. Of course she would make the Heroes. And which ones have you made so far?


    She pointed excitedly to therge one that had twigs extending from his head like horns on a helmet. Thats the Champion, she said proudly. Thats the Sage- '''' She pointed to one with a long twig like a staff. Thats the Saint-'''' She pointed to another holding a construction of grass twisted together in the shape of a raised hand: the symbol of Uldar.


    And this, she held up the figure in her hands. Is the Chosen!


    Well, that exins the sword and The Mark. He eyed her handiwork. She had used a stick to scrape a rough, tiny Mark of the Chosen into the dolls chest: a set of scales representing the bnce ofbat, divinity and spellcraft, as well as the bnce in Thamnd that they were meant to restore.


    He idly wondered what would have happened had a glowing golden set of scales appeared on his shoulder instead of the grinning face of a jester. Hed likely be running nowhere, and instead would be on his way to the capital to lead the march against The Ravener. He probably wouldnt be happy about being The Chosen, but wouldnt have a choice but to do his duty if he wanted a home to return to. After all, the Heroes could lose a Fool. A Chosen? Not so much.


    Are you going to carve The Fool next?


    Mhm. She nodded as she finished tying the sword to her little Chosens hand. Im going to make him funny and have him stand on one leg or something. Maybe Ill give him a frying pan or something for a weapon.


    Well, hed definitely bring <em>pan</em>daemonium to his enemies that way.


    Uuuuuggh, she nced up at him and made a face. Your jokes are gross.


    Not as gross as your face, little goblin.


    Frowning, she stuck her tongue out at him. He responded by pulling up the tip of his nose and snorting like a pig. This is youuuu. He pointed to his own face.


    That is <em>not</em> a good look for you, Theresas voice said from behind him.


    Holy sh- He jumped, catching himself at thest moment.


    The young huntress was silently stepping into the firelight with her bow tucked over her shoulder and the massive Brutus padding loyally at her side. She had an amused smile as she hoisted up two pairs of rabbits.


    Suppers here, she said proudly. And you have Brutus to thank. You really should be nicer to him, Alex.


    What!? he protested. He wants to <em>eat</em><em>my face</em>, and Im <em>trying</em> to be nice to him.


    No, youre trying to win him over, and he knows that. He can smell the bad intentionsing off of you. She crouched by the fire and drew her knife.


    I <em>have</em> no bad intentions! Ive never had a bad intention in my life!


    Arent you going to try and domesticate him? Make him y fetch and beg?


    He froze. N-no, Id never.


    Riiiight. Come help me skin these.


    Coming, grandmother.


    She paused, looking over her shoulder. What was that, Mr. I-Dont-Want-To-Have-Meat-Tonight?


    I said Iming, oh beautiful and mighty huntress.


    She stared at him for a moment before turning away. Damn right.


    Between Theresa, himself and The Mark of the Fool guiding him, the skinning and cleaning of the rabbits went quickly. When it was time to cook them, he shooed Theresa away from the fire. After four years helping McHarris and Mrs. Lu in their respective kitchens, food had be <em>his</em> domain.


    Calling upon The Mark of the Fool to guide him through his greatest sesses over stove and oven, he spitted the rabbits and zed them with an apple-honey sauce hed recreated from one of McHarris recipes. Next he crushed a light sprinkling of salt, rosemary, and thyme, and rubbed them into the meat. Normally, he would have let it sit and marinate for a time, but he could already hear Selinas belly rumbling. And his wasnt exactly silent either.


    <em>Hsssss.</em>


    Fat dripped into the fire, popping and steaming as he carefully turned the rabbits, filling the air with the inviting aroma of roasting meat. He smiled as The Mark methodically brought up memories of his best meals, highlighting all the times he had roasted meats to perfection. And judging by the way Theresa and Selina tore into the finished product, and how a drooling Brutus stared with envy, it seemed that he had outdone himself.


    Alex, this is <em>so</em> good! Selina said, as juices dripped down her chin.


    Its even better than usual, Theresa agreed while wiping Selinas face.


    Brutus licked his chops.


    Alex grinned as he bit into his own. It <em>was</em> delicious.


    By now, Brutus was whining pitifully, and before Theresa could move to feed him, Alex snatched up the fourth rabbit and tossed it in front of the cerberus faces. Good eating, he said to him cheerfully.


    Three pairs of eyes looked at him suspiciously, but the heads they belonged to soon dipped and tucked into his meal.


    Alex smiled behind his food. Just as nned, he thought.


    A red forceball winked into life above his hand after his third try at the spell. Shuddering from the effort, the bombardment of his previous failures finally receded into the back of his mind, and he set the glowing orb to float a few feet above his head.


    He sat at the edge of their clearing, facing the southern fields, watching the other fires slowly wink out as the night deepened. Behind him, he could hear Selinas quiet snoring and Brutus grumble as he rolled over in his sleep.


    Here, Theresa whispered, handing him a cup of steaming pine needle tea. The woodsy scent filled Alexs nose as he took the small tin cup and drew a long sip.


    Thanks, he said looking at her as she slipped down to sit close to him. You can get some sleep now if you want; Ive got first watch.


    Sipping from her own cup, she leaned against the trunk of an oak. I wont be able to sleep yet. She sighed in contentment.


    For a time, the two friends sat together at the edge of the forest, watching the lights in the field below and the stars in the night sky above. The wind was low and warm, and the trees rustled peacefully. From somewhere in the field, someone had produced a set of pipes and was ying them by their campfire. Crickets chirped through the night.


    Alex took a deep breath, drinking in the peace of the moment. He idly wondered if such sights existed within thend of Generasi. But, knowing that in two months or slightly more he would be finding out for himself, the thrill of anticipation bloomed within him.


    If it weren''t for the nagging reminder lurking in the back of his mind that ancient evil was descending on thend, he could have easily thought that the folks in the field peaceably bedding down were simply camping in wait for a festival, instead of fleeing the near end of all things.


    It was strange how people could find the calmestfort in the most trying times.


    Did it ever cross your mind to stay? All jokes aside? Theresas voice asked quietly in the dark. The red light of Alexs spell strangely brought out the sculpted beauty of her face in new ways. He had to catch himself, otherwise hed be staring at her for half the night.


    He wasnt so stupid to not realize that hed developed a strong crush on his oldest friend, but he had never had time to examine it. Maybe he would on this journey.


    Honestly, I thought about it earlier: if Id gotten a different mark, he admitted, settling further back against the tree. He felt the gentle course of mana through the forceballs magic circuit. Id have no choice then, but I dont know if that would have been good or bad. But I meant what I said back at the gate, Im going to miss Alric and Im going to miss Thamnd. He sighed. A lot.


    He nced over to Theresa and his breath caught to find her sharp brown eyes staring right at him.


    What about you? he managed to ask. You asked me if you coulde with me, but you didnt have to. What made you decide toe?


    A part of him dearly hoped she would say for you.

 Chapter 7: Good Dreams and Bad Luck

    Chapter 7: Good Dreams and Bad Luck


    Theresa continued to watch him for a moment, before sighing and turning away.


    I have dreams too, you know? Something passed through her expression, too quick for Alex to catch.


    He paused. Yeah, I mean, thats what makes people wake up in the morning, right? Well, that and work. You never told me about your dreams before, though. What are they?


    The young huntress gaze drifted fondly over the fields, before rising up to the southern horizon. WellAlrics my home, and I love it, but its not where a smart person would have big dreams, is it?


    What do you mean?


    Well, itfortable. She frowned as she searched for the right word. Its safe, most people have enough to eat and neighbours treat each other well. You can grow up there, work there, have a family and be happy there.


    ...I feel a buting. Alex said.


    <em>But</em> theres not much to it, is there? She looked at him sharply. Ive explored most of the Coille Woodsat least as deep as I want to goraised Brutus and walked about as far south, east and west as I could while still making it back home before dark. And then...thats it. She shrugged. Theres nothing new anymore. Nothing exciting or dangerous-


    Dangerous? Alex raised an eyebrow. Its pretty dangerous <em>right now</em>.


    Thats <em>too</em> dangerous. You remember when grandfather used to tell stories about my great-grandfather?


    Oh yeah, Twin-de Lu: most feared man to sail under the Tarim-Lung Navy, he chuckled, fondly remembering how hed crowded into the Lus inn with his own father and motherwho was pregnant with Selina at the timeand watched the old Lu patriarch weave stories in front of the hearth. It was back when fire held a different meaning to him.


    He sailed with the ambassadors own crew, he recalled. And fought off a hundred pirate ships before he retired. Fell in love with Thamnd on a journey here, and ended up bringing his family.


    Theressa smiled. I <em>loved</em> those stories.


    I know, you-


    No, I mean I <em>wanted to be in them</em>. She spread her hands. Adventure, seeing differentnds, battles, fearI wanted all that. Why do you think I dodged knitting lessons and kept going into the woods? I was <em>so</em> d that my brothers were shit with a bow.


    I...I dont think those adventures were so happy for him at the time, he said carefully. Exciting maybe.


    I <em>know</em>, she growled in frustration. When others werent around, grandfather would tell us about some of the bad parts that his father told him: thats what made me think twice about running off. Great-grandfather buried too many of his friends at sea. Sometimes Id still think about leaving thoughand I still might havebut thenyour parents.


    She sighed.


    Im sorry, Alex.


    He grimaced. Thanks. It put things in perspective, didnt it? There was Selina to think about. The future He trailed off.


    She gave him another long look. Right. The future. Thats what I thought about too: what would mother, father, my brothersyouwhat would any of you think if something happened to me? So I thought Id better just <em>grow up.</em> Theres a lot in Alric to be thankful for: my family, my friends


    She paused.


    But then, he said. You heard that The Ravener wasing, and you thought, why not?


    Yeah. She ran her hand through her midnight-ck hair. But mostly I found out that you were preparing to run off to <em>wizardnd</em> for Uldar knows how long, and didnt tell <em>anybody.</em>


    Yeah He awkwardly scratched the back of his head. Sorry, I thought it wasnt <em>that</em> likely Id get in, and I wouldve gotten everyones hopes up for nothing. He shrugged. I only got the eptance letter the day before yesterday, and I was going to tell you allst night. Like a little birthday announcement.


    <em>I</em> wouldnt have been disappointed, she muttered. And maybe knowing would have made me think about my own path earlier. Here <em>I</em> was staying to be the responsible one, while you were looking to take Selina and go off to a wonder of the world. So, when I heard everyone was leaving Thamnd, I thoughtwhy not? I can see this wizard city for myself. And


    She shifted in ce. ...wed be together. You, me and Selina. Her eyes watched him closely.


    His heartbeat started to quicken. There was a hint there. It might have been hope making him see it, but he was <em>sure</em> it was there. I-


    Shhh! she raised her hand suddenly.


    He startled, his head turning every which way. What is it?


    Shhh! Theresa was on her feet in an instant, her sharp eyes scanning the dark. <em>Listen.</em>


    Alex shut his mouth and held his breath.


    And he heardnothing.


    The wind had stopped.


    Crickets had fallen silent, and he could only hear the pipes ying in the south. Alone, they went from cheery to eerie.


    I...cant hear anything, he whispered.


    Exactly. The forest is <em>never</em> this quiet. Theresa slipped back into the circle of firelight with Alex following close behind.


    She crept to her sleeping roll and rummaged through it. When she rose, she had tied her quiver to her belt and had her bow in hand. On her opposite hip gleamed two des: her massive hunting knife andto his surpriseone of her great-grandfathers swords. As she silently went to wake Brutus, Alex moved near his sleeping sister and turned to peer into the trees opposite Theresa. This way, theyd be covering most directions. Or so he hoped.


    He willed his forceball to drift a few feet ahead of him; it illuminated the foliage beyond the reach of the fire with its red light. He injected slightly more mana into the circuit and the glow brightened. A low, ominous hum groaned from the orb.


    There was a scrambling as Brutus woke and rose to his feet, growling from all three heads. Selina groaned in her sleep.


    Do you see anything? Theresa asked.


    No, he said, willing the forceball to rise higher. The humming spell drifted until it was just below the branches of the forest canopy. Its light bathed the undergrowth ahead and branches above, but he could see no movement or shape up ahead.


    He swallowed saliva and fear.


    You?


    Brutus growled, and Alex heard rustling as the cerberus turned in ce.


    ...no. Theresa admitted. But <em>somethings</em> wrong.


    Alex believed her; it felt like ice was crawling over his spine, but no matter how long he looked, he couldnt see <em>anything</em> in the trees. He decided to risk a nce backward.


    Theresa, what do you-


    He stopped dead.


    She couldnt see it from her position. Brutus couldnt smell it either.


    But <em>he</em> could see it.


    The red glow of his orb outlined shadows in the trees above. Theresliding along the bark of an oak near Theresas sidewas the shadow of a de, long and wickedly curved. Slowly, his gaze drifted higher until he was looking into the tree directly above him.


    <em>Something</em> was nestled among the branches, illuminated by the fire and the red light of the forceball.


    It looked like a cross between a spider and a giant crayfish. Its long, armoured tail wrapped around the tree-trunk and each of its eight legs ended in long, scythe-like des, which bit into the bark. Its front ws were pointed shears, long enough to cut Alex in half with one snip.


    Its jaws were wolf-like and had no lips to hide massive fangs. Despite its densely armoured exoskeleton, it crept down the side of the tree in an eerie silence. It paused, meeting his horrified eyes with eight dead, ck orbs.


    Alex screamed.


    It tensed.


    He grabbed his shocked little sister just before it lunged.


    <em>Thmp.</em>


    He hit the ground hard, rolling away just as it crashed into the earth with all eight sword-like legs. They dug deep where he and Selina had been. The thing hadnded inplete silence. Only the crunch of Selinas Hero dolls shattering could be heard.


    Aleeex! the little girl screamed.


    The monster reared up on its back legs, its jaws parting as if screeching, but no sound came out.


    Here! Over here! Theresea cried.


    <em>Crack</em>.


    An arrow nced uselessly off the spiders armour as it rushed for the prone forms of Alex and his sister. The des on its back legs silently churned the earth. Its ws cked together in rapid session: the only sound as it rushed forward. Gritting his teeth, Alex mentally grasped the forceball and drove it toward the monsters head.


    The Mark flooded him as soon as he aimed at the monster.


    Every failure of throwing coins, rocks, sticks or anything else sted into his mind, shaking his concentration. Through the mental noise, there was one thought: protect Selina. Through brute force of will, he sted the spell at the creatures head, but his aim was shaky.


    <em>Crack</em>.


    The red forceball missed the head, but drove into the creaturesrge body with terrible force, sending it stumbling sideways.


    <em>Bang</em>.


    Then three sets of fangs were on it.


    With the creature off bnce, Brutus had barreled into it with all heads snarling, knocking it onto its side. He jumped on its underbelly as it rolled onto its back. He was too close for it to bend its ded legs and strike him.


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    Powerful jaws bit down, crushing chitin and pulping the meat beneath.


    It writhed beneath the cerberus, trying to buck him off.


    Theresa loosed two more arrows, cursing as they bounced off its iling legs. She spotted arge rock and hefted it over her head, jumping onto the spiders tail. Forcing her full weight down on it, she pressed the creature in ce, then crashed the stone into the joints of the chitin.


    Holding tightly to his screaming sister, Alex mentally grasped the forceball as it flickered, poured more mana into it to re-energize the spell, then tried to direct it into the beast''s soft underbelly. Again The Mark flooded him with a stream of failures, snapping his concentration. The orb crashed to the earth.


    Cursing, he poured more mana to reactivate it, conscious that his reserves were running low. Brutus suddenly yelped as a de scraped his side; his tough hide narrowly saved him from being split open.


    Shit! Alex cursed again.


    He had to do something different: Brutus couldnt fend off those des forever, Theresa was only <em>starting</em> to crack the shell, and The Mark wasnt letting him direct his spell properly. And, if he shot at it like he did the first time, he might hit one of hispanions.


    <em>Think.</em><em>Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    A thought urred to him: The Mark flooded him with failures, but <em>not</em> those rted to spellcraft.


    <em>These</em> had to do withbat.


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    His eyes narrowed, fixing on the beasts open maw.


    What if he didnt <em>try</em> to hurt it?


    He slowly called the orb from where it rested on the earth, willing it to gently drift around the creature. No flood came. Concentrating, he gradually pushed it closer to the beasts snapping jaws. On reflex, it bit the orb, but its teeth slid off. Alex focused, gently pushing the ball further into the beasts open mouth.


    The clearing darkened as the forceball''s red glow slipped into the spider''s throat and down its windpipe. No flood came. It began to panic and thrash, silently choking. Alex continued to will the orb deeper until the spell would go no further. Something had stopped the forceball.


    Gritting his teeth, he grasped the spell.


    The Mark flooded him again, but now, it made no difference.


    The orb was inside the monster.


    Distractions or not, he couldnt miss.


    He drove the forceball into the side of the monsters core, forcing it to ricochet as hard as he could around its insides. He felt the spell m into organs.


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    The orb crashed into something that burst.


    <em>Screeeeeeeee!</em> the spider shrieked.


    Suddenly, its muffled screams could be heard. Its ws snipped uselessly in the air. Alex smashed his spell through its insides until whitish-grey blood poured from its jaws. <em>Crnch.</em> Theresa had cracked the shell on its tail. She dropped the rock and stabbed her hunting knife into the gap, twisting the de. Insectile blood sprayed her face and hands.


    Its leg movements weakened and Brutus lunged.


    Two of his heads seized the beast''s armoured shoulders. His middle jaws bit deep into its neck, cutting off its air.


    Then he twisted and pulled.


    <em>Rrrrrp!</em>


    Its throat tore out.


    The monster choked and shuddered.


    It fell limp beneath the cerberus.


    The sound of panting filled the clearing and Alexs heartbeat quieted in his ears. Shouts and cries arose from the fields.


    A mans voice yelled from the forest. Hello! Are you okay? Stay there, Iming for you!


    Theres monsters in the woods! someone cried. Break camp, break camp!


    Groaning, Alex pulled the flickering forceball from the dead creature as Brutus rolled off of it.


    What was that!? <em>What was that?!</em> Selina sobbed into his shirt.


    I dont know, he wheezed out. Are you hurt?


    Whimpering, she shook her head into his clothes.


    Were you scared?


    She nodded into his clothes.


    So was I. He stroked her back, looking worriedly toward Theresa. Are you and Brutus okay?


    She was rushing toward them, pale with worry. Im fine! She knelt beside them. Are you both alright?


    Yeah he panted.


    Nodding, she quickly ran over to Brutus and gasped. It hurt you!


    Theresa cursed and dug into her bag.


    As she did, a group crashed into the clearing from behind Alex: men and women armed with torches and assorted weapons.


    We heard a devil-like racket, a bearded man said cautiously. Is everyone oka-Uldars beard! He gasped, along with several others. What in all heavens is <em>that</em> thing?!


    Alex opened his mouth to answer.


    Its a silence-spider, a strong voice named it from the other side of the clearing.


    All turned to follow the sound.


    The brush crashed.


    A young man stepped through the undergrowth, into the light of fire and the forceballs red glow.


    Alexs breath stopped.


    The neer was about his age and nearly as tall as he was, but corded with the powerful muscles of a warrior. Red hair fell to his shoulders and he gripped a strange spear of shining white metal. Alexs eyes widened. The strangers other hand held the head of a silence-spider. It looked like it hade from one at least twice the size of the creature that had nearly killed them.


    He was shirtless, and his chest and arms were covered in blue woad tattoos of knots and spirals.


    What drew Alexs horrified eyes, though,<em></em>was the tattoo on the young mans chest.


    It glowed gold: a shining set of scales just above his heart.


    The Mark of the Chosen.


    The Heroes leader had walked right into their camp.


    He looked directly at Alex and smiled as though he had run into a long-lost brother.


    You got a great gift, friend, he said. d I found you.

 Chapter 8: The Chosen

    Chapter 8: The Chosen


    Alexs mind raced, trying to think of a thousand lies while feeling his hopes crumble. Why? How had The Chosen found him?! Hed been on the road for <em>one</em> day! What were the odds?!


    Theresa had frozen by her pack, and everything seemed to move at a crawl.


    The Chosen stepped toward him, ncing to the red orb floating near Alex.


    Spellcrafts a mighty gift, friend; something Iveid eyes on only once or twice in all my years. d you was here to help these folk out: silence spidersre no bloody joke. You some sort of magician?


    Its The Chosen! Were safe! someone in the gathering crowd cried before he could respond.


    The rest began to murmur.


    The stranger smiled again andnow that he was closer to the lightAlex could see that one of his teeth was made of gold.


    Aye, Is The Chosen, thats so, he dropped the spider head with a heavy thump and jerked his head toward Alex. But its this friend right here whove you got to thank for all your lives.


    He offered him a big, calloused hand. Little help up, eh?


    Alex hesitated; it seemed he wasnt suspected, but who could know what would happen if they touched. There was no way out of it. Holding his breath and praying for luck, he grasped the other Heros hand and was hoisted to his feet by a strength that shouldve belonged to a bull.


    A big one.


    Thankfully, The Chosen gave no sign he recognized his fellow Hero.


    There ya go, there ya go. He dusted off Alexs dark shirt. Thats the way: man o the hour has no business being all mussed up with dirt. He nced at Selina. You alright there, wee one?


    The tiny girl was looking up at the red-haired Hero with eyes the size of tes.


    Aaaah, youre fine. He turned and took a step toward Brutus. But this beastie heres hurt, isnt he?


    Whatre you doing? Theresa shot to her feet.


    Just taking care o this brave boy. He held up his hands.


    The crowd gasped as his shining spear shimmered like quicksilver; it warped, copsing on itself, and poured over the young mans arm until the limb was sheathed in a metallic sleeve.


    The uncovered hand began to shed a blueish-white light. Thaaaats it brave boy, I aint going to hurt you.


    He crouched before the growling Brutus and began to pray: <em>Oh, Mighty Uldar, I ask you hear the call of your servant and share your divinity with the stout-hearted soul before me.</em>


    The light around his hand swelled to a bright incandescence andwhen it touched Brutus woundthe cerberus flesh quickly began to shine in the same way. It healed over in mere heartbeats.


    Thaaats it, as good as when you were a pup. The Chosen stood with his hands on his hips as the light faded. Brutus gave him a long look, followed by a dismissive snort before he padded back to Theresas side.


    Alex felt just a <em>little</em> smug about that.


    Thank you. Theresa nodded as she checked the cerberus side.


    Oh bah, no thanks needed: Id be a pretty shit Chosen if I didn''t do this much of my duty. Nows all he needs is a good nights rest and itll be like the fight never happened. And speaking of rest


    The tattooed man turned and spread his hands to the crowd. Right, thats enough of the gawking. He kicked the dead silence-spider. I just wiped out a swarm o the beastiesing south from the caves up there: the dungeons active again.


    The crowd gasped.


    Yeah, thats right, but I cut up the first wave all nice n neat, and itll take awhile for it to make more of the crawlies. So Im thinkin you leave these poor folk be and get some sleep: youll want to be off quick: if the priests talk of how dungeon cores work holds up, you should have a couple days before it gets enough juice to make more. Id use em to get far from here.


    Silence fell on the clearing.


    Well, whatre you waiting for? He frowned. Winter festival? Go, go, off you go!


    Startling, the travellers quickly thanked the young man and shuffled out of the clearing, throwing nervous nces at the trees. After thest of them left, he looked to Alexs group, raising an eyebrow. And you lot?


    You said that you wiped out the spiders? Theresa stepped over to the corpse of the creature, peering at it clinically.


    Aye, though this bugger got away. Theyve got He scratched his hair. ...ach, the priests Im with called em something.


    Alexs ears perked up at the word priests.


    Ah, theyve got a kinda organ in themdont remember the exact name they said, but it makes it so they dont give off either sound or smell: when they get up in the trees, it makes them devilishly hard to track. That said, this one heres thest. Why dyou ask?


    Then we should stay in the trees, Theresa said. I know Coille forest, and if you cleansed it, then we <em>know</em> theres no monsters here anymore. We <em>dont</em> know that about the fields: here is safer than whatever might be lurking out there.


    Hah! The Chosen threw his head back andughed. Well, theres a smart and brave one. Stoo bad they already found The Champion and Sage. He peered hard at Alex and Theresa. You twore about the right age and I <em>know</em> youve got good heads and hearts.


    Theresa and Alex exchanged a quick nce.


    Alexs mind raced: every instinct was screaming at him to try and get away from this man, but another part of his mind mped down on his emotions. If he could keep a straight face, this would be a <em>rare</em> opportunity to gain information.


    Likewise. Alex rose, hoisting up Selina with him. He focused on keeping his face straight, and avoiding using The Mark. He had no idea if <em>using</em> it around another Hero would call their attention.


    Say where-


    Ach, before we go on, I mustve left my manners behind in my vige: my names Cedric of n Duncan. What about you, my friends?


    Alex paused. Should he lie? ...No. If it were just he and Theresa maybe, but Selina would get confused. If she asked him why he was lying, itd all go to hell.


    Nothing for it. He didnt want to give his name, but he had no choice. To get evasive now would just make him look suspicious.


    Alex Roth, he said, projecting every single bit of cheer he did not feel. And this is my sister Selina.


    Theresa Lu, the huntress introduced herself cautiously.


    Aye. Cedric grinned. Fine to meet you all. Now, you was saying, Alex?


    Where <em>are</em> the priests? Alex asked, fighting the urge to check the trees and hoping they werent about toe crashing into the clearing.


    Cedric paused, then coughed awkwardly. I, ah, sorta ditched em for a time. Fine men and women, all of em, but they wanted to drag me to the capital straightaway, even though the Cave of the Traveller is so close to the folk in Alric. It was near our route anyway, so I thought Id slip away for a bit, hunt anything that already jumped outta the cave, and be back with em by sunrise.


    Alex frowned. I thought the whole point of the Heroes <em>was</em> to fight monsters, why didnt they want to let you go?


    Cause of weak spines, most like. Cedric rolled his eyes. Said something about a Ravener dungeon being too dangerous for <em>one</em> Hero, but we got a duty, dont we? Least I could do is take a night to clear the forest, then we coulde back and finish the dungeon off. Besides, theyre taking forever with all that searching under every rock in every town.


    Searching? For the Heroes? Alex asked carefully.


    Ah, yeah, but dont you worry. Cedric threw himself down on the corpse and picked his teeth. They got most of us now: only one left to finds The Fool.


    Alex fought to keep his expression neutral. Theresas face stiffenedmight not have noticed it if they didnt know her wellbut luckily Cedric wasnt facing her.


    Well, at least its <em>just</em> The Fool. Alex shrugged. I mean, the legends say The Heroes dont really even <em>need</em> one, right?


    The Chosens eyes narrowed. Oi, no matter the Mark, a Heros a Hero. Whether its Champion or Fool, each has got a role, duty and purpose. I say we find em all. He frowned. I know The Fools Mark hasnt got the best history, but Id protect em. Hope to Uldar theyre not hiding.


    Im sure the priests would find them easily enough. Alex probed a little. Wouldnt they?


    Cedric snorted. I wish. I was nearly on top of them myself before their holy symbols started singing.


    Alex blinked. ...singing?


    Oh yeah! The Chosensugh rumbled through the clearing. His voice was like warm thunder. <em>Actual</em> singing if youd believe it. The damn things sounded like half a choir shoved down their bloody shirts! But they don''t work so well unless youre <em>close</em>; The Saints different, they can pick us out from a lot farther off than the priests can, so they said. Anyway, well be nipping over to the capital to do all the ceremonies and such, and thenif we dont have all of us by thenwell need to find wherever The Fool got scared off to and bring em with us. All the priesthoods out in force, searching. Same with <em>my</em> priests: half-escorts, half-hunters.


    Alexs heart pounded so loudly he was sure it was echoing through the clearing, yet he still kept his face and voice neutral.


    Thats too bad, he said carefully. Youd be better off getting The Saint into the hunt as fast as you can. If it were me, Id just bring whatever Heroes together that Id found and send them hunting with The Saint for any that were missing. Alex pushed a little further. Meantime, Id leave the priests at all the ports; since were an ind, if you cover most of the docks, youd probably get The Fool easy enough.


    Thats what I said! Cedric mmed his armoured hand onto the silence spiders corpse. Ah friend, good to meet someone with sense. But, at least they thought of thatst part: theyve got priests at outposts all over the coasts. Theyll form a ring of Divinity to link aaaaall their holy symbols to make a kinda circle: He formed a circle with hisrge hands. It keeps the Raveners beasts from flying over the waters <em>and</em> picks up if any of The Heroes cross the circle.


    Alexs blood ran cold, but he kept the smile fixed on his face. Well, at least youll find them eventually: they cant sneak away from that.


    <em>He </em>definitely couldnt, he added bitterly in his head.


    Well, theres that, yeah. But better to have all of us together earlier thanter, I say. Cedric finally rose to his feet. You want me to put a word in with my escort? Could see if theyd spare one or two to help your party to a ship. Might get em to pay for your passage too: killing a monster with your wee sister at your sides a deed that deserves reward, I say.


    No, no. Alex held up a hand. I cant ask that: dutyes first, right? He used Cedrics own words. People tended to listen more when one used their own words. You need all your priests if you have <em>any</em> hope of finding The Fool.


    Cedric looked a little wounded at the refusal.


    Ach, youre right. Still feels a little poor to leave you off with nothing, though. But you probably want to be on your way: your wee sisters been through a lot.


    With a grunt, Cedric rose to his feet and grabbed the severed head of the massive silence-spider. Right, friends! Id better go find those priests before they think of burning down the forest to search me out. You all sure youll be fine here?


    Theres no need to worry yourself, Theresa said.


    Right Cedric gave them a long look. Night then, and safe journey.


    With a long,nguid stretch, The Chosen swept from the clearing and disappeared into the trees. Soon, even the shine of his strange, morphic weapon faded into the night.


    They moved camp to another part of the forest immediately. It took a long time and a <em>lot</em> offort to get Selina to go back to sleep. Alex, meanwhile, was exhausted: the fight had drained him, the forceball had sapped most of his mana, and the encounter with The Chosen had frayed his nerves.


    He and Theresa crouched in front of each other in the dark of the new clearing. Brutus was on his haunches, watching the trees with six eyes, while Selina snored only a few paces away.


    Were in trouble, Alex, Theresa whispered. A lot of trouble.


    I know. Alex nced around the forest. After the nights work and the mana drain, he could barely keep his eyes open.


    What do you think we should do.


    Well, I know what I want <em>you</em> to do: take Selina and go to the ships.


    What? Why? she asked. Theyll catch us.


    No, theyd catch <em>me.</em> He tapped his shoulder. <em>This</em> is what their circle searched for, not anyone else: you and Selina would just be two more people from Alric getting on a ship.


    Wait, so youre going to stay? Theresa stiffened. Alex, if it werent for Brutus holding that thing down, it would have <em>killed</em> us. Did you hear what Cedric said? He fought a <em>swarm</em> of those things, and thats what <em>youll </em>be expected to do with the rest of them. Her lips trembled. Youll <em>die.</em>


    Whoa, whoa, whoa. He held up a hand. Nobodys staying here to go fight swarms of de-monsters with Cedric or<em> anyone else</em>. At least, <em>Im</em> not.


    She paused. Then you n on hiding all alone in some wilderness?


    Not a chance. He looked at her seriously. I need a way to get to the continent that doesnt cross their circle, right?


    Right.


    And Cedric said he cleared the forest of that swarm and that itd take awhile for the dungeon to spit out new monsters?


    Ri- Her eyes went wide. Alex, <em>no.</em>


    Alex, yes, he said. Ive thought about it, Theresa: the only way Im getting out of Thamnd is if I head north-


    He clenched his fist.


    -and find a way through The Cave of the Traveller.

 Chapter 9: Telling the Truth

    Chapter 9: Telling the Truth


    <em>No, </em>thats <em>suicide.</em> Theresa grabbed his hand.


    Not if our Chosen friend cleared the forest as well as he said he did, Alex insisted. Think about it: <em>you</em> take Selina the safe way, while I slip in there before the core can make more monsters. I dont need to fight <em>anything</em>, I just need to sneak through until Ie out somewhere. The Mark can help me sneak, at least it can do that.


    <em>Somewhere</em>? Theresa shook her head. Her grip tightened. Thats your n: <em>somewhere</em>? Alex, that could be on the continent, or somewhere in the northern seas, or in a cave to the west, or another dungeon, or the capital, or <em>right</em> in front of <em>The Ravener </em>for all you know<em>.</em> Besides, <em>one </em>of those spiders would <em>kill</em> you if youre alone.<em> </em>


    Ive got no choice and Im <em>not</em> taking Selina in there. So thats why you need to take her, Theresa. <em>Please</em>.


    Alex. She shook her head. Youre not thinking this through. What do you think shes going to say when you wake up tomorrow morning and <em>run into the cave with all the horrible monsters?</em>


    Ill leave tonight.


    You can barely stand. Her grip on his hand was so tight that it hurt. "Your eyes are closing as Im talking to you. <em>I</em> couldnt find my way through the forest in the dark even when Im fresh. You wouldnt stand a chance. And besides, Selinall wake up and find her brother missing: what am I supposed to tell her?


    His jaw hardened. That youll meet me in Generasi City.


    Youre the only family she has left. Shell try and follow you. Shell kick and scream. Shell try to sneak away. I know <em>I </em>would if I was her.


    The young man frowned as Theresas merciless reasoning piled on.


    <em>And</em>, she pushed. Suppose I get to port without you and run into <em>someone</em> from Alric, maybe even my family. People know you and theyre going to wonder what happened to you. Theyll talk and then itll spread around that someone who turned eighteen the day The Heroes were revealed just <em>disappeared</em>. Youll put them on your scent.


    He grimaced. She was right, leaving his sister behind didnt mean keeping her safe. That monster had taken Theresa, Brutus strength <em>and</em> his magic to defeat it; if another one came along, he needed to be sure that Selina had every bit of protection, including from himself.


    So what do you suggest? he asked.


    She nced down to the sleeping girl. We make for the cave together. <em>All</em> of us. Ill search for some herbs in the morning; I might be ablee up with something for those spiders.


    His lips tightened. Bringing Selina thereif something were to happen to her-


    Her other hand sped around his. I <em>wont</em> let it happen, Alex, I swear. Shes the closest Ive ever had to a sister, and together, we <em>wont</em> let anything happen to her.


    He paused, staring into her eyes. alright. Well all go to the cave together and check it out. If it seems dangerous, then well think of something else. He drew a deep breath. Now lets try and get <em>some</em> sleep. Im dead, and itll be a long day tomorrow.


    Coille woods gave no sign that there was anything amiss.


    Sunlight fell between lush tree branches and onto a healthy undergrowth of ferns and wild herbs. Birds trilled above, and a cicada let off a loud, grinding call in the distance. The air was fresh and cleanthough Alex thought he detected the scent of blood beneath the forest smells. He wasnt sure if he was imagining it or not.


    Brutus padded ahead of him, swivelling his three heads and sniffing the air; he seemed determined to make up for his failure to detect the enemy the night before. Selina was quiet. Her tiny hand gripped his tightly.


    Are you sure its safe this way? she asked for the tenth time.


    Of course, he told her. The Chosen made all the monsters go away, so it should be safer this way.


    Butwouldnt going by the road be faster? Her head swivelled almost as constantly as Brutus. She drifted closer to her brothers side.


    Maybe, but we dont know if therere more monstersing out on the road. So well just go through the forest and thene out further down. Okay?


    She gave him a long look, and nodded silently. In truth, she probably suspected <em>something</em> was wrong, but hed deal with thatter. For now, he just needed to keep her safe. In the distance, Theresa scouted ahead with an arrow nocked on her bowstring. Sometimes shed stoop and quickly cut some sort of herb from the undergrowth. Her movements were so practiced that even these pauses took only moments.


    As the day wore on, the undergrowth thinned and she took no more nts. Rocks began to dot the forest floor, and Alex could feel the ground start to slope upward. Through the trees, he spied a massive hill rising from the earth and reasoned that they might be getting close.


    Theresa raised a hand, calling them to a halt. She crouched in the undergrowth and crawled forward, peering up the hill. Eventually, she waved them toward her.


    Were here, she said as they drew up beside her.


    Alex peered through the trees.


    Here, as it turned out, was the bottom of a lonely hill in the middle of the woods. It was ancientlike most hills wereand covered in sparse patches of undergrowth like a balding mansst few hairs. From its centre, a massive cave-mouth yawned wide.


    Both Roth siblings gasped.


    This had been a ce of recent violence.


    Animal bones were scattered across the sandy rise just below the cave. The bones had been picked clean. Even from their distance, he could see the impressions of massive tooth marks etched into many.


    The owners of those teeth were shattered all over the sand.


    Cedric had obviously passed through here on his rampage. Silence-spidersy everywhere; some had carapaces crushed by massive blows, others had heads pierced through by stabbing weapons. Others had been ckened by massive fire-sts, and the earth had been scorched with them.


    Look at the <em>size</em> of that one. He pointed to a massive beast. The headless corpse dwarfed the others, and he doubted that his own head would even have reached its shoulder. Its ws looked able to snip a small tree trunk in half.


    At least theyre all dead. Theresa squinted at the cavern.


    It was difficult to believe that this ce had be a spawning ground for the Ravener; without the bodies, it looked to be no more than amon forest cave.


    Theres lots of tracks all over the ce, she continued. Butit doesnt look like theres fresh ones. Look at the blood and ash; theres no prints in them. Nothings walked there that I can see. Brutus?


    The cerberus sniffed the air, pointing his three snouts in different directions. He gave no sign that he smelled anything out of ce. Then again, what had dwelled here were creatures that gave no sound or scent while they lived, so one couldnt be sure. Notpletely.


    W-why are we here? Selina had pressed herself so tightly to her brothers side that it was like she was trying to hide beneath his cloak. I dont like this ce. Where are we?


    Her wide green eyes searched his for answers. He paused, considering what he should do. On the one hand, he wasnt sure how she would react if he told her now: not only did he have the <em>worst</em> of The Heroes Marks, but he was also <em>fleeing</em> the kingdom. Some would charitably call it deserting his duty. Would she think that? Would she grab his hand so that he could join the other Heroes, excited that her big brother was one of the people she made figures of?


    Or would she be disappointed that he had ended up with The Fool? Would she sulk?


    He steeled himself. It was time to tell her, no way around it. Before, when it looked like they could slip quietly onto a ship, it would have been fine to wait until they were out of Thamnd altogether. Even though she might still have reacted badly, at least they would have already been in the clear.


    Now, on the doorstep of an active dungeon, it would be too dangerous and unfair to keep her in the dark. Growing suspicions had a habit of making people act in unpredictable ways, and she needed to be close and safe.


    Selina, he began, dropping down to one knee and facing her at eye level.


    Y-yes, Alex? Her grip tightened on his cloak.


    Again, he paused. This time he tried to focus The Mark on telling little girls bad news. Unfortunately, nothing came back; even if that was a skill, he had no sessful memories to draw from. Typical.


    You know my birthday was yesterday, right?


    Yeah


    Well. He took a deep breath. You know how we left early, before the rest of Theresas family?


    Yeah.


    Its because. He searched for the right words. Well, its because your big brother discovered something on the night beforest thats dangerous.


    Dangerous? Her lips quivered. Youre not going away are you?


    No, but some people might want me to go away from you. And Id be going somewhere dangerous His words trailed off.


    Selinas head had lowered more and more and her entire body trembled. Though her mop of brown hair had fallen to hide her chubby face, he knew she was fighting back tears.


    Y-You, she stammered. Did you get The Fools Mark?


    He bit the inside of his cheek. Yeah, thats right.


    They fell silent, though he could hear Theresas breathing and Brutus panting behind him.


    I thought something was funny, Selina said slowly. You were acting weird when we were walking on the road. Andwhen you were talking to Cedric your hands started shaking.


    Alex blinked in surprise. He hadnt even noticed.


    And then you and Theresa were whisperingst night.


    His eyebrows rose. You were awake?


    She nodded silently. Buthow can you be The Fool? Her face shot up; her chubby cheeks had washed red while tears and snot ran from her eyes and nose. You can use magic! I saw it! You <em>cant </em>be The Fool! She started to sob. M-my teacher said The Fool cant use magic! S-she said that The Fool dies most of the time!


    Hey, hey, Theresa scooted up beside Alex. Remember what Mr. Cedric said? Did <em>he</em> think The Fool was useless?


    N-no, Selina sniffed. But he said he has to protect The Fool or hell get hurt! Alex, dont go! She jumped into his chest suddenly, clinging to his shirt. Dont go, dont go away, please. ItI dont want it to be like mum and dad.


    Alex grimaced. <em>That</em> stung.


    Im not leaving you, Selina. He wrapped her in a tight hug. Were going to the big wizard city together, and Im going to buy us somece to live, and youre going to go to the <em>best</em> school, and see all the sights there, and <em>nobody</em> is dying. Okay?


    She sniffed. Promise?


    I promise.


    Selina sobbed quietly against his chest.


    Good. Now, if were going to go together you have to be very brave, okay? He pointed to the cave. Do you remember The Cave of the Traveller from school?


    She nodded. P-people go in and thene out in different ces.


    Thats right. He patted her back. Were going to use that to get out of the kingdom, and were only going because Mr. Cedric got rid of all the monsters that were in the forest. But, well only go in if you want to. If you cant, or if you dont want to, then well turn right around and find another way. Hows that?


    Selina swallowed, pulling away from Alex and giving the cave a long, fearful look. She gave a silent nod. L-lets go.


    Theresa smiled at her and her entire face softened. Thats a brave, brave, brave girl. She reached past Alexs shoulder to pat Selina on the head. Dont worry, Ill protect us. And Brutus will too.


    The cerberus looked over with one of his heads. Theresa smiled and scratched him behind an ear. Alex chuckled: she was taming both beasts and children at once.


    And I can pull my own weight. He flexed his skinny muscles and posed in front of Selina. Im a mighty magic-user, after all!


    Despite herself, a small smile started to form on the little girls lips.


    Alright, heres the n. Theresa opened her sack of herbs and drew out a strange nt with leaves that were silvery underneath. Wormwood.


    Bug repent? Alex raised an eyebrow. You think itll work on those monsters?


    She shrugged. They <em>looked</em> like bugsI think its worth a try, and theyre going to smell us anyway. So, we might as well use what we can.


    Wait...isnt that also called stinkweed?


    Yeah.


    Isnt it called stinkweed for a reason? Yknow...because it stinks?


    Theresa gave him a look. How much do you think the inside of those spiders bellies stink?


    He winced. ...yeah, okay, bring on the stinkweed.


    She drew out a mortar and pestle. Ill crush the leaves and add water to make a juice that we can rub over our skin and clothes. She drew an empty water-skin from her pack. Well put the rest in here: and well need to reapply it every hour or so. Her eyes flicked back toward the cave mouth.


    The opening was quiet and unassuming, but the darkness ran <em>deep.</em>


    Hopefully, we wont be in there very long.


    Alex gave the cave a long look. With the travellers magic in it? Who knows? I just hope that its <em>empty.</em>


    They stood in silence for a few breaths.


    Right, lets get started. Ill help grind the herbs; well need all the juice we can get. He stood up. After that, lets hope our luck holds out.


    Wormwood stank, Alex confirmed. A <em>lot.</em> Stinkweed was a perfect name for it.


    As he wrinkled his nose, he wondered if that was the reason insects stayed away from it. Brutus had sneezed from all three snouts too many times to count as Theresa had coated him in it, while Selinas face had scrunched up like a tiny, miserable dried cranberry.


    Even his forceball seemed to be shying away from him, though he was sure <em>that </em>impression was all in his imagination.


    Probably.


    Done. Theresa said as she finished rubbing the smelly stuff over herself. She put the rest of the juice into a small spouted pot and poured it into the empty water-skin. Alex had used the forceball and memories from The Marks guidance to help crush the nts into a juicy paste before theydbined it with water.


    Theresa checked herself over, making sure that her arrows were straight and that her great-grandfathers sword was loose in its sheath.


    Your parents arent going to like that you took that. Alex noted.


    If it keeps me alive, and I tell them thats what great-grandfather would have wanted, Im sure theyll let me live. You ready?


    He adjusted his pack and checked over the magic circuit one final time. It was strong and stable; it had only taken him a couple of tries to form the circuit this time. Good. He was starting to get used to The Marks interference. <em>Starting </em>to. Hopefully, he would get even better with time.


    Ready. He nodded, then nced down to Selina. And you, little goblin?


    Selina raised her scrunched up little face and eyed the cave ahead as though it were a live beast ready to gobble her up. I-Im ready.


    Wow. He doubted hed been half as brave at that age.


    He carefully took her hand in his own. Then, no sense giving the core more timelets see what well see.


    Together, with Brutus taking the lead, they stepped toward the darkness awaiting inside the Cave of the Traveller.

 Chapter 10: Red Eyes in the Dark

    Chapter 10: Red Eyes in the Dark


    The hair on the back of Alexs neck rose, and his heartbeat pounded like a cksmiths hammer in his chest.


    Darkness filled the tunnel ahead. Only the red glow of his forceball lit the way. Brutus padded in front, sniffing and scanning the dark with all six eyes. One of his heads turned back, making sure hispanions were close and safe. His canine eyes shed, and Alex was reminded of the old folk stories of cerberi being born from theherworld long ago. He was d Brutus was on their side.


    He and Selina marched in the middle of their little formation, while Theresa took up the rear with a smallntern burning at her belt. It cast less light than his forceball, but if anything popped the magical sphere, then at least they wouldnt be left blind and without a back up. Alex swept his spell through the cave. Its crimson light shone over the walls, ceiling and sloping, rocky floor. After their encounter with that silent monster, he wanted there to be no risk of them walking below one while it clung to the stone above their heads.


    Each of the group crept as quietly as they could, with The Mark feeding him a constant stream of memories. To his dismay, it kept focusing on two memories from when he was little: one where hed covertly searched for his fathers paring knife and another where hed tried to find a batch of cookies that his mother had hidden from her greedy son.


    The Mark had made both memories crystal clear: it had been a long time since hed seen his parents so clearly. Forcing himself away from those thoughts, his legs matched the same stealthy movements hed made then. Theresa and Brutus stalked with the grace of predators while Selina tried her best; she was so small that the only sounding from was her frightened breath. His sisters hand gripped his, and he made sure to keep her close. If they were attacked, then hed do everything to protect her.


    He just hoped it wouldnte down to a fight.


    If silence-spiders were anything like antsand they seemed to move in a group like ants, judging by the small army outsidethen workers should have already cleaned up their dead swarm-mates fromst night. Hopefully, that meant that Cedric had guessed right, and the dungeons core would need time to replenish its fighters.


    If it were <em>him</em>, though, he would have held some fighters in reserve, waiting quietly for the attack to pass while also guarding the core. Thenwhen the threat seemed to have passedhed release them into the tunnel. He shuddered at the thought. Hopefully, theyd find whatever magic transported people out of the cave quickly, and never have to find out.


    Wait, he whispered to Theresa, pointing up.


    She followed his gaze and frowned.


    His forceball was illuminating a tunnel in the ceiling about ten or twelve feet above their heads. It was nearly hidden in the natural bends and formations of the rock, but the bright light from his spell had revealed it.


    Theresa stepped up beside him, drew back her bowstring, and pointed an arrow at the tunnel overhead. Alex floated the forceball up higher, illuminating the darkness. Crimson light receded into the passage, shining on sword and fang marks where the spiders had cut through the stone. None of the creaturesy in wait, but he noticed that the ceiling tunnel turned in a different direction.


    They watched for a few momentsin case one suddenly appeared and attacked the forceball from the sidebut nothing emerged. Theresa and Alex exchanged a look, and sighed with relief.


    Lets hope it stays this way, she whispered, rxing her bowstring. Maybe we can-wait, Brutus. What do you have there? <em>Drop it.</em>


    The cerberus had dipped one of his heads and chomped on <em>something </em>from the cave floor, but obeyed and dropped it.


    <em>tter.</em>


    It made a noise like a bundle of cracking sticks. While Alex watched both ends of the passage, Theresa bent down to pick it up.


    Uldars <em>beard,</em> she swore, drawing back as if a snake had bitten her.


    What? What is it? Is it- Selina whimpered.


    Shhhh, its okay, its okay, stay over there Selina. Theresa moved beside the small girl. Close your eyes for a little bit, okay?


    ...okay. Selina shut her eyes tight.


    Theresa looked to Alex. Go take a look.


    Steeling himself, he bent over what she had been looking at, and gasped.


    It was a hand.


    Brutus had found a human hand on the cave floor. Most of the flesh had been stripped away, leaving mainly bone behind. Enwrapping the tattered remains of the index finger was a in iron ring with a symbol of two crossed pick-axes.


    Delvers Guild. Ugh, poor bugger. Alex shook his head. Right below that ceiling-tunnel. He brought his forceball lower to shine across the rough floor. It illuminated arge, dark stain. I think it got him from above.


    <em>What</em> got what? Selina whispered.


    Brutus found something, but its nothing for you to worry about, little goblin, he reassured her, shining the light closer to the finger bones. He noted tiny chips gouged from their surface. Theresa, look at this. What do you think of these marks?


    The huntress covered Selinas ears then peered over Alex''s shoulder. Teeth. Small ones. They were probably fairly sharp and stronghmmm, then again, none of the bones are brokenso, maybe the jaws might not be <em>too</em> strong.


    They looked at each other. Alex knew the same thought was passing between them: whatever had stripped the flesh from this hand was too small to have been one of the silence-spiders.


    There must have been some other creatures lurking in the dungeon.


    He thought back on ants, remembering seeing two different sizes of them when hed watched an ant hill as a child. Workers and soldiers, his teacher had called them. Maybe the big spiders that swarmed outside were soldiers, while the workers stayed behind in the cave somewhere.


    Either way: here, there be monsters, and thats not good, he thought, then shared his theory with Theresa.


    We go a little bit farther, he proposed. If we see <em>anything</em>, we leave.


    She nced down to Selina, removing her hands from the little girl''s ears, and nodded. You can open your eyes now.


    Moving along, the group ranged further into the dark.


    The minutes passed as they trekked deeper beneath the earth, andthough they found more tunnels in the ceiling and wallsthey saw no more body parts nor signs of any workers.


    One thing they noticed was that the temperature began to swing wildly.


    Near some of the side tunnels, it would be as hot as a peak summers day at noon. From another tunnel, a wind blew as cold as mid-winter. Sometimes the air smelled stale. Other times, clean and fresh, or thered be a tang of salt to it.


    Sounds echoed through the walls. High wind. Bird song. The deep rumble of water moving in a tide. He and Theresa exchanged a nce. Selina grasped his hand tighter.


    And then Brutus stopped.


    The cerberus bent two heads toward the ground, sniffing, while the third eyed the tunnel ahead.


    What th- Alex brought his forceball down toward the floor.


    Just ahead of Brutus feet, the rough cave floor abruptly ended. Instead, chipped and worn marble tile reached as far as his light extended and beyond.


    Alex, theres another light up there, Theresa said.


    He nced up. In the distance, he could see some of the stone more clearly: it was dim, but there was definitely a light source ahead. He tried to quiet his pounding heart.


    Right, he said, sounding calmer than he actually felt. Ill send the forceball up. If it pops, then we get the hell out of here, alright?


    Sounds good to me. Theresa agreed, scanning the tunnel behind them with herntern.


    Willing his spell forward, Alex watched the crimson light glide down the tunnel until it reached the brighter area. He saw it bump into a corner then head toward a slight bend to the left in the passage. It glided along for a count of ten, with its magic circuit still firing within him.


    Nothings happened to it. He started calling it back.


    Forward march. Theresa swept herntern up toward the ceiling, just in case. In the flickering light, she still wore her deathstalker face, but Alex could see the fear buried in her eyes. At least he wasnt the only one; he remembered Cedric and wondered how The Chosen had seemed so calm knowing hed be doing things like this <em>every day.</em>


    He looked down to Selina who was trembling next to him. Well, if <em>little girls</em> were brave enough to keep going, then he supposed he could manage too. Even <em>if</em> there might be a big, horrible spider waiting for them with some sort of tricky magic light.


    Of all the things hed expected, a <em>temple</em> wasnt one of them.


    The passage walls had turned smooth as they rounded the bend, and the floor had changed from rough and chipped smaller tiles, to farrger, unmarred ones. Some twenty paces around the corner, the tunnel opened into a massive chamber.


    They stopped at the entrance and stared inside, awestruck.


    Large tiles spread across the entire floor of the temple like a colossal chessboard, with each broad enough for Brutus to stand onfortably. They extended to the opposite end of the chamber where two statues rose, maybe twenty feet high. Each was carved in the likeness of some sort of snarling goddess, their mouths bristling with pointed teeth. Or maybe they were demons; they looked an awful lot like demons.


    The statues eyes were red rubies that glowed with an inner light, sending a chill down Alexs spine. He could swear before Uldar himself that they were watching him. Strange writing marked the statues bases, but Alex had no clue as to what it might say.


    A pair of massive doors stood between the goddesses on the far wall, stretching up to a soaring ceiling. An equally massive lock sealed them shut.


    His eyes were drawn to the light source they had seen from the tunnel: about twenty feet in the air, a doorway floated in the middle of the room. Through it, the sun shone brightly, surrounded by blue and nothing else.


    The sky. It was a portal to the sky, and the first true sign of The Travellers magic that they had found.


    Awesome, he couldnt help but murmur. So that exins why we kept hearing wind, and why it kept getting hot and cold. You see that, Selina, Theresa? He scanned the temple one more time. Maybe thats how this whole temple got here: maybe it came from somewhere far away and melded into the dungeon. I doubt the <em>spiders</em> built it.


    Wooow, his little sister muttered, her eyes growing in wonder at the portal. Its so pretty.


    It is Theresa agreed, but the little smile touching her lips quickly faded as her eyes flicked to the side. Look at that. She pointed to the walls.


    Puncturing and chipping marred the stone, as though des had bitten into it. It mustve been from the spiders ded legs,ing out from multiple tunnels lining the ceiling and walls. Alex grimaced: there were so many passages that it felt like an insectile town square. He shuddered at how many monsters must have regrly passed through this ce. Just the thought of a mass of silence-spiders crawling over each other across the ceiling and walls, made his skin creep.


    His eyes narrowed.


    Wait a minute. He looked at the tracks above, then nced to the floor tiles.


    Whats wrong? Theresa asked, while Selina stiffened with a quiet whimper.


    He brought his forceball out to the tunnel, and noted that the spiders tracks extended behind them into the passage. When he brought it down to the floor, he saw that more of the ded prints marked <em>those</em> floor tiles. They were chipped. Yet, when he looked back into the temple chamber


    Look at the floor in there, he pointed. It doesnt look like the spiders walk across it. Theres tracks all through the walls and ceiling, but I dont see any sign of them touching the floor tiles. Theres no chipping.


    Theresas eyes narrowed. But why wouldnt they walk on that floor?


    He studied the temple tiles: the ones justfortablyrge enough for two or so people to stand on. He nced back up to the goddess ruby eyes. That spine-tingling feeling swept through him again.


    A thought began to form in his mind, and he closely scrutinized each tile. Each one was nearly perfectly square and symmetrical, and some looked faded from the passage of time. They were a whitish-grey, varying in shade.


    Others, though


    He leaned forward, <em>very</em> careful not to step into the room, and peered at one with a faded ck mark staining it, lightened enough to almost blend with the stones color. His teeth ground. He knew the sight well from the wreckage of his parents alehouse:


    The stone had been burned.


    Alex called his forceball forward. Selina, Theresa, Brutus. Cmon, theres something I need to try.

 Chapter 11: The Goddesses Wrath

    Chapter 11: The Goddesses'' Wrath


    Alex, Selina, and Theresa crouched in the tunnel some ten paces back from the entrance to the temple. Brutus sat on his haunches beside them; two of his heads pointed toward either end of the passage.


    I think its some sort of trap. Alex said. I dont know if it came from the dungeon or from wherever the temple was-


    Wherever the temple was? Selina asked.


    Yeah, her brother pointed to the statues. They dont look like theyre from Thamnd to menot with that writing on the basesand weve heard of people walking into the Cave of the Traveller anding out other ces right? Well, what if that worked both ways? What if it pulled things <em>in</em> as well? This temple <em>could</em> be something made by the dungeon core, or something that got pulled in and integrated. I dont know. Either way, I think <em>something </em>happens if you walk on those tiles.


    Something like what? Theresa peered ahead, thumbing the pommel of her great-grandfathers sword.


    Im not sure, but were about to find out. Alex willed the forceball to float through the air and hover above the burn-stained tile in the temple. Get ready to run ifwell, if were about to get sted into teeny, tiny pieces.


    <em>Alex,</em> Theresa whispered harshly, pping his shoulder. Thats not <em>funny.</em>


    I <em>know</em>. He pped her shoulder back. Thats why well be <em>running.</em>


    Its still not funny, youre scaring your sister. She pped his shoulder again.


    Its a <em>little</em><em>hrious, </em>and <em>youre</em> scaring <em>me.</em> He pped her shoulder again.


    If you keep doing that, those big spiders wille. Selina stared at them.


    Alex and Theresa immediately shut up.


    Concentrating, the young mage nced from the burnt tile and up to the statues eyes. He had a bad feeling he knew what might being. Alright, get ready.


    Both Theresa and Selina tensed.


    His will grasped the forceball and drove it into the tile below.


    <em>Bang.</em>


    They yelped, expecting the world to explode. The sound echoed through the tunnel.


    Nothing happened.


    Let me try again. Concentrating, he raised the forceball into the air until it was halfway to the temples ceiling, and held it there for a breath. Then, he elerated it toward the floor, crashing it onto the tile like a stomping footfall.


    <em>BANG!</em>


    The tile echoed from impact.


    <em>WhoooooooOOOOOOOM.</em>


    The goddess eyes red bright red.


    Oh shit! Ru-


    Before he could finish, they fired.


    Red beams sted from the rubies and struck the floor near the base of each statue.


    Where each ray touched the temple tile, a massive column of me crackled into the air. The beams traced across the floorleaving massive lines of fire as they wentand sted into the forceball above the tile.


    It snuffed out.


    Selina screamed, pushing her face into Alexs side. He felt like there was a brick of ice in his chest as he watched the me. When the beams died, fire crackled before winking out and lines of sorcerous smoke rose in their wake.


    Silence filled the passage.


    Ifwe had stepped out there Alex murmured.


    Teeny, tiny pieces, Theresa gulped, her face very pale.


    I-is it gone? Selina peeked from behind her brothers cloak.


    Yeahits gone. He stroked her back, looking at the goddess'' eyes while his mind worked. Crossing the floor would mean instant deathor would it? Noting that some of the stones had less dark marks than others, he started to re-cast his forceball.


    Theresa began to creep forward. That made a <em>lot </em>of noise: Ill go check and see if anythinges out of those wall tunnels to investigate.


    He paused nervously. Maybe going over there alone isn''t a good idea.


    Its only ten paces, Alex. She gave him a quick, reassuring look. If I see anything, Ill be back before they know I was ever there.


    He winced. In every story hed ever heard travelling bards tell, anyone who said something like that was soon torn to shreds and in some monsters stomach.


    He shook the thought away as Theresa told Brutus to stay, and moved to the opening of the temple. She crouched down, scanning the walls.


    All he could do was finish his experiment quickly. His mind had already started conjuring sounds of spider legs creeping up behind them. Of course, the terrifying part was thatif they camethey wouldnt make a single noise. He shuddered and looked back to Theresa, at the mouth of the passage by herself.


    He needed to get on with it.


    Unfortunately, The Mark seemed to have other ideas.


    It ruined his first casting by bringing up a memory of misaligning a magic circuit a few years earlier, nearly causing the mana to reverse. The backward flow could have made him explode, had he not cut the circuit. His second try fell apart at an image of practicing in the woods, when hed put too much mana into the circuit. The forceball <em>had</em> explodednearly ripping his face offwhile the magic circuit had overloaded and sent mana rampaging through his body. Itd left him on the ground covered in his own tears and bruises; hed had to exin to Mrs. Lu by telling her hed taken a bad fall while running through the woods.


    He grimaced, fighting panic as mana surged up in the same way now, and he cut the flow in time. He was panting as it dissipated, while Selina watched him with eyes as wide as saucers.


    Alex? A-are you okay?


    Yeah he tried to catch his breath and ignore the cold sweat covering his skin. Yeah, Im okay. Justgive me a second.


    His mind began to work.


    He was scaredhe could feel it in his chestand that made <em>anything</em> harder, let alone spellcasting. Understandable, since he <em>was</em> in a monster den, trying to work magic. But when nervesbined with The Marks interferencewell, shit, it was lucky he hadnt blown his own head off.


    Closing his eyes, he slowed his thoughts.


    Taking a deep breath, he acknowledged his nerves but disengaged from them, letting go of any images of danger.


    <em>Slow and steady. Slow and steady. Slow and Steady.</em>


    The best he could do for Theresa was do this properly, and he and Selina had Brutus for protection. Fear finally released his mind and he began to recast the spell. As expected, The Mark shoved the memory of the forceball exploding into his mind again, and this time, he noted the exact details of that particr failure and avoided them.


    A new forceball winked into life.


    Yay, you did it, Selina whispered.


    I did. He smiled, wiping the sweat from his brow. He maybe had two more forceballs in him for the day before his mana would drain and his lifeforce would start to weaken.


    Hed best make this one count.


    Sending the crimson orb forward, he gently tapped Theresa on the back with it to get her attention.


    Are you ready? she whispered across the passage, taking care not to shift her eyes from the wall-tunnels.


    Yeah,e back.


    She quickly rose and backed her way to the safe spot through the tunnel. As she crouched close again, relief washed over him. Alex aimed his forceball at one of the first temple-tiles at the mouth of the templeit didnt bear any burn marks.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    <em>Bang!</em>


    <em>BANG!</em>


    The sphere wouldnt trigger the stone goddess wrath no matter how hard he drove it into the floor. He shifted the spell deeper into the room, holding it above the tile in front of the first hed just tested. It didnt have that slightly burnt, discoloured look from what he could see.


    <em>BANG!</em>


    No death-beams.


    He shifted the spell again until it hovered above the tile hed struck earlier. The one that triggered the trap.


    Whatre you doing? Theresa asked.


    Im going to test if the beams aim at the tiles, or at whatever triggered them. If were going to cross that floor, wed better know <em>every</em>thing we can. Were only going to get one try at this.


    ...alright. Theresa continued to thumb the pommel of her great-grandfathers sword. Do what you need to, but do it fast. I didnt see anythinge out of those tunnels in the temple, so either everything in heres dead, busy or She nced nervously back along the passage. ...nking us like wolves.


    Alex imagined hundreds of little spiders silently creeping up behind them on tiny, dagger-legs. He tried to remain calm. Okay, Ill hurry.


    He raised the forceball above the trap-tile, this time measuring the distance between it and the portal hovering in the centre of the room. He mmed the spell into the floor-


    <em>BANG!</em>


    <em>WhoooooooOOOOOOOM.</em>


    -and immediately shot the ball behind the portal.


    Fire-beamsnced from the goddesses ruby eyes, directly toward the forceball. Their rays dove into the portal and disappeared, leaving the hidden sphere unharmed. For a count of ten they poured through the portal in the spells direction until they finally flickered and faded to a silent glow.


    Alex hoped there werent any birds flying on the other side of the portal.


    Okay, heres the n. He turned; Theresa and Selina tore their eyes away from the statues. Ill use the forceball to feel out a safe path across the tiles. Once we have one, we can cross-


    <em>ck.</em>


    Tile struck stone just behind them.


    Everyone whirled.


    A fox-sized silence-spider had partially emerged from a tunnel hidden <em>beneath</em> one of the passage tiles. It was just behind Alex, and out of Brutus line of sight.


    Its dagger-like ws were poised to hamstring him, but the monster recoiled as it got close; maybe the stink of wormwood had repelled it. The tile it crawled from had fallen over, ttering to the floor as it jerked back.


    Alex scrambled away. The spider recovered and struck out, drawing a gash through the side of his calf.


    Argh! He cried. Hot painnced through his leg.


    Theresa sprang at the monster, mming the pommel of her great-grandfathers sword into its back. <em>Crack. </em>Its shell crunched like a boiled crayfish, spilling insect innards over the floor. A raw stench escaped its body. She shifted her attention, focusing on its head and repeatedly smashed the swords pommel into its skull. The spider copsed, twitching.


    It spasmed, screeching on the floor.


    <em>ckckckckckckckckck.</em>


    Dozens of small spiders surfacedscrambling from beneath tiles around themlike they were heeding a call.


    Shit! Theresa swore. Run! Back down the tunnel!


    Alex looked as a horde of spiders emerged from the tiles down the passage, blocking their escape.


    No! Into the temple! He scrambled up, ignoring the pain in his calf and the wetness against his pant leg. Maybe they wont chance the floor there!


    With a thunderous bark, Brutus charged ahead. The worker-spiders legs iled silently as he shoved them aside, but their ncing cuts couldnt pierce the cerberuss tough hide. Theresa swept with her sword, knocking them away, and Alex scooped up the screaming Selina.


    They rushed through the spider swarm, running to the temple as more emerged from the tiles.


    Brutus! Go to the second tile the red ball hit and stay! <em>Stay there!</em> Theresa shouted, pointing. <strong></strong>


    The cerberus barked and bounded onto the first tile, then over to the second, waiting for them and growling as they leapt after him. Alexnded, struggling to regain his footing as he clung to Selina. Theresa followed and both of them tried to bnce on the first tile.


    Theyll follow us! Theresa shouted, whirling toward the passage Theyll see this one is safe!


    Alexs blood ran cold.


    She was right. He nced into the rest of the temple, but there would be no way to figure out what tiles were safe before they were overrun. Then there was the locked door at the back of the temple


    He forced down his panic. He couldnt afford it now.


    <em>Think. Adapt. Think. Adapt.</em>


    He nced to the forceball


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    He looked at the goddess glowing eyes.


    Theresa, Brutus! he shouted, moving his spell over the trap-tile. Get down!


    Whatre you-


    He pulled her down and held Selina close.


    He drove the forceball downward.


    <em>BANG!</em>


    The spiders scuttled toward the end of the passage, prepared to leap on the intruders.


    <em>WhoooooooOOOOOOOM.</em>


    The goddess eyes red.

 Chapter 12: The Travellers Magic

    Chapter 12: The Traveller''s Magic


    Alex shot his forceball backwilling it to stop just before the spider swarmthenmanded it to rapidly circle the end of the passage just above the walls, ceiling and floor. He didnt hit any of the spiders, but he wasnt <em>aiming</em> for them. The Mark didnt interfere, not registering what he was doing asbat.


    The spiders also ignored the spell, and tensed to leap on their prey.


    The goddesses fired.


    Four beams shot across the templespitting heatand mmed into the walls of the passage. All four chased after the ball as it rapidly circled,ncing into the stone of the tunnel.


    <em>Boom.</em>


    The passage filled with columns of me.


    Alex, Theresa and Selina screamed as they ttened themselves into the tile while a wall of heat whipped around the passage.


    Then came the pops.


    The worker spiders screeched as their insides fried, exploding inside the tunnel like boiling eggs bursting in a pot. Heat built as the beams chased the forceball, racing along the sides of the tunnel. Alexs eyes stung from it.


    His mind shed back to watching his home burn; heat stinging his eyes as he fought to slip Mr. Lus grasp and try to reach his parents. He shoved it from his mind, forcing his concentration into the spell until, atst, the goddess eyes fell silent.


    After that, their own quiet breaths filled the temple, and the only heat was the warmth of his trembling sister between him and Theresa. His arms were around them both, while Theresa clutched him and Selina so tightly, they could barely breathe.


    The passage had burned ck and many of the tiles crumbled into the hidden spider tunnels from the sts of me-magic. The stone of the walls had cracked. Sizzling ashall that remained of the swarmcoated the floor and pieces of ded legs folded over themselves in death. The stench of seared arachnids filled the air.


    Aside from the twitch of burnt w and the whine of steam escaping from burst shells, no sign of movement came from the passage. Alex drew his forceball back over the trap-tile, ready to st again if anything moved. Heartbeats passed with no sign of any creatures emerging. Either they were all dead, or the st had scared them off. He hoped for the former, but hed take anything that wasnt swarming them en masse to open their insides.


    I think he slowly raised himself up. I think theyre gone.


    Despite him rising to his knees, Selina was still pressed against him like a baby bird to its mother. Theresa rose with him too, their arms clutching each other harder than before. All three trembled.


    A low whine made him turn: Brutus was shaking and had pressed himself to the tile, burying all three of his heads beneath his paws. Not for the first time, Alex was d that the big dog was so smart.


    I guess it helps to have three heads and three brains, he thought. Three really smart dog brains.


    Its okay, boy, Theresa said quietly, turning her face from being buried in Alexs side. Youre okay. Were okay.


    She almost seemed to be telling <em>herself</em> that as she finally disentangled from Alex and Selina, reaching out to the cerberus. Brutus crawled to their tile on his belly and stuck his leftmost head beneath his mistress hand. She sighed as she slowly pet him, and Alex felt Selina shift, peeking at Brutus. She slowly crawled to the edge of the tile and reached her little hand out to pet his rightmost head.


    Good boy, Brutus. She stroked him.


    Alex, without thinking, put his palm on Brutus middle head, then froze as he thought the dog would snap at him. The cerberus remained quiet and even pressed his head into Alexs palm. Eager to act before Brutus remembered he didnt like him, he pet him while focusing on getting as much as he could.


    The Mark flooded his mind with all the times hed pet his neighbours animals, reminding him of which movements made them happiest and which spots made their eyes close in delight.


    Guided by The Mark, he found scritches on a particr spot behind the ears the best, and he gave the cerberus the best damn scritches he could, smiling as his head pushed and rubbed against his hand.


    He supposed that was <em>another</em> advantage to three heads: three sets of head-pats at the same time. Cerberi really had it all figured out, hadnt they?


    Good boy, Brutus, Alex echoed his sister and best friend. Goood boy. Best boy, even. Better than all the other boys.


    Theresa burst into lowughter that turned into a snort. Youre such a dork, Alex.


    Says the one who just snorted.


    No I didnt.


    Yes you did.


    Youre both dorks, Selina said without pausing petting Brutus.


    Yeahyeah, youre probably right. Agh! Alex grunted.


    Theresa looked to him sharply. Whats wrong?


    The adrenaline draining from his body made the searing pain rise up in his leg. One of them got me, he grimaced.


    The colour drained from her face.


    Alex?! Selina started to spin around but Theresa caught her arm. The huntress pointed to the trap tiles around them.


    Stay still, Selina, we dont want to set off the statues, she said, patting the girls shoulder. Where is it?


    My right leg.


    She turned slowlycareful not to touch the surrounding tilesand peered at the cut in his leg. He winced as she gently examined his wound.


    She let out a sigh of relief. Its shallow. No worse than that shaving cut you gave yourselfst Sigmus Eve. Im gonna have to ruin your pants.


    Better ruined pants than a ruined leg. He hoisted himself to his feet, flinching as he did, and called the forceball back.


    Carefully heading back into the tunnel, the group paused while Theresa cut off the lower part of his pant-leg and tied a dressing to the wound. He grimaced when she used a small bottle of spirits to clean it, but knew things could have been worse.


    He nced at the arachnid corpses scattered around.


    A <em>lot</em> worse.


    He and Theresa carefully checked each floor-tunnel to make sure they were empty. For now, at least, they found no silence-spiders lurking anywhere.


    Ummm, Selina said. I can see light through these cracks.


    The small girl was peering into a crack in the ckened wall.


    They paused.


    Light? Are you sure? Alex and Theresa nced at each other. The huntress crouched beside the young girl.


    Shes right. She scraped away some of the ash, peering through the crevice. Theres some sort of light, like a-oh!


    <em>Crumble.</em>


    They jumped back as the wall crumbled into thin fragments, revealing a wide tunnel. It appeared to be some sort of natural crossroads with branching passages connecting to it. In the depths of each passage, dim lights shone, shifting in colour and shade.


    Look. Theresa pointed to the floor with the tip of her sword, indicating a few chips and holes in the rough ground. There''re some tracks in the floor that look like those spiders tracks, but there''s a lot less than back in the temple.


    Alex nced between the floor of this new passage and the walls and ceiling of the temple. Youre right. Maybe they donte in here often.


    Do you think its safer in there? Selina asked hopefully.


    Alex shone his forceball down into the tunnel, looking for any threats.


    Maybe, and if this ce was hiddenespecially if the spiders donte in here oftenwe should find out why.


    The little group stepped through the rubble and into the hidden passage. Alex drew on The Mark to guide his steps stealthily: the memories of him sneaking into the cave entrance rose up. He adjusted his movements, picking the best ones from how hed moved then, and proceeded cautiously.


    It was getting a little easier, he noticed.


    Brutus sniffed the air, looking at the side-tunnels. Alex moved his spells light all around. No spiders were hidden. The passage was wide, butpletely empty.


    As they walked deeper, he could feel something <em>different</em> in the air. An abundance of mana, he realized. There was so much of it, that even hea self-taught magefelt its edges.


    A <em>powerful</em> magic surrounded them, and it felt distant and cold.


    Theres a lot of mana around, he said, thinking back to the tales of the cave. It might be The Travellers.


    He nced at the changing lights shining from the surrounding tunnels. Maybe her portals are close.


    He stepped toward the nearest.


    Wait. Theresa put a hand on his chest. Look up there.


    Another tunnel had been carved into the ceiling, with the spiders de-marks apparent in the rock.


    Brutus and Theresa took up nking positions on either sideready to strike anything that dropped downwhile he shone his forceball toward the dark.


    The spell illuminated what was within.


    A dead end appeared after a mere ten feet.


    He frowned. Why would they start digging a tunnel here, just to give up after ten feet?


    Theresas eyes narrowed. I wonder She nced back to the remnants of the thin wall with the opening they had stepped through. The thin stone back there looks simr to the dead end up top.


    Whatre you thinking? Alex asked.


    I dont know yet. Her eyes turned to one of the closest tunnels where the multi-coloured lights shone from. Lets check there.


    Creeping forward, they slipped into that tunnel, looking around in case <em>anything</em> was another death trap. Coming closer to the light source, they started to feel the same shifts in temperature theyd felt when they first entered The Cave of the Traveller. Brutus sniffed, and all three heads growled. Scents shifted constantly and sounds crashed over each other.


    They came to a bend in the passage. The light was close.


    Selina, stay back with Brutus. Alex put a hand on her shoulder. Just in case, okay?


    Selina nodded and held onto the cerberus, while he and Theresa nced silently to each other then peered around the corner.


    Alex gasped.


    A portal floated in the middle of the tunnel, knee height from the ground.


    It shook and shimmered in the air, and the images that appeared through it melted over each other in chaos. One moment it was filled with huge swaths of the ocean. In another it was deserts of white sand. Another showed a darkness so deep that Alex had no idea of what he was looking at.


    In that instant, the air turned very cold before the portal shifted again.


    It paused. For several breaths, it held the image of another cave opening up to a meadow dotted with fireflies at night. Alex frowned. It had been morning when theyd entered and they hadnt been in here for that long.


    Did it just stabilize? he asked. Maybe we shou-


    <em>Voom</em>!


    The portal mmed shut.


    Alex and Theresa recoiled.


    What happened? Selina gasped.


    He blinked. I dont kno-


    <em>BOOM.</em>


    They all screamed and Brutus yelped.


    With a boom like thunder, the portal reopened farther down the tunnel, and the image within was of a rocky shore overlooking ake.


    <em>Voom.</em>


    It disappeared again.


    <em>BOOM.</em>


    It reopened far closer to them.


    The images swirled too quickly to track.


    Get back! Theresa cried.


    Alex ran, grabbing Selinas hand and rushing toward the main tunnel. He kept looking back, imagining the unstable portal reappearing close by or worse, on top of them.


    Reaching the crossroads and skidding to a stop; they stood panting in a mixture of relief and fear. Alex looked back to the tunnel, where he could still hear the booms of the portal appearing and reappearing. It stayed around the bend, never appearing where theyd stopped.


    I wonder if thats what happened to people who entered the cave, he thought. One minute theyre walking along minding their own business. Next, they find one of the portals that suddenly vanishes, then opens up right on top of them. Next theyre through the opening, plunging into the middle of the ocean, or falling from the sky, or appearing in some other deadly ce. He shuddered at the thought. Or maybe if they were lucky, in a nice meadow with fireflies.


    What<em> was</em> that? Selina gasped.


    I thinkthats The Travellers magic.


    There was no way they were going through that.


    Theresa was looking down the other tunnels. We should check those other lights. She nced to the ceiling tunnel again before leading the way down the next passage.


    Each passage held much the same as the first: portals chaotically popping in and out of existence, leading mostly to certain death. Some had items strewn beneath them. Pine cones. Fallen leaves. Stones. Shells of strange animals.


    Alex wondered if theyd been pulled in from other ces.


    Thest tunnel they explored revealed a far more gruesome sight.


    Soldier spidersy beneath a portal, and they looked even more devastated than those Cedric had destroyed. One was cleanly split in half. Another looked like it had been turned inside out. The others were in various states of ripped apart with extreme prejudice.


    Hah, I guess the magic of Alrics patron saint doesnt y well with The Raveners monsters, he said with some satisfaction. The Travellers fighting the fight even in death.


    Good for her, Theresa said. And if Im rightlets look at the tunnel that had no light.


    The final tunnel held no portal, abruptly stopping at a nk wall of stone.


    Dead end, Alex grunted. Thats strange.


    Maybe not. Theresa stepped up to the wall, pressed her ear against it and knocked.


    <em>Thmp. Thmp.</em>


    Her eyebrows rose. Come listen to this.


    After Alex had pressed an ear to the wall, she knocked on it again.


    <em>Thmp. Thmp.</em>


    The tap seemed to echo, as though-


    Its hollow! He stepped back. Another secret chamber, you think?


    No, I dont think so. She tapped her chin in thought. When we first reached The Travellers Cave, we went straight into the hill. Then turned left at the temple, left again at the secret passage here, then left <em>again </em>to reach this dead end. If Im guessing the distance right, I think this leads back to the tunnel we came through on our way in.


    So this portal-crossroads has two ways in, he added it up. Each blocked by thin stone and a ceiling tunnel, also blocked by stone. Its like


    She nodded. Its like the spiders got in here, found out what the portals could do to them, then closed it off with those thin walls. Alexdo you think something in here can build walls?

 Chapter 13: Walls and Keys

    Chapter 13: Walls and Keys


    II dont know if theres anything that can build walls, Alex said. But dungeon cores are supposed to make nests for their monsters, right? Maybe its the dungeon core here making and moving walls for its spiders.


    He thought back on all the stories hed heard about the cave.


    I dont remember anything about The Cave of the Traveller having a temple in it, he said. Or <em>anything </em>about horrible, fiery death-beams.


    Yes, I think thats something the whole <em>town </em>would have remembered. Theresa shuddered. You know, I once thought about exploring this ce when I was younger. by myself!


    He grimaced. At least there werent any silence-spiders then.


    Just statues that burn you to ash!


    Hrm. He looked to the hollow wall. Im not sure you would have found the temple back then.


    What do you mean?


    Do you think you can find where this wall is in the front passage?


    She nced at it. I think so. Come on.


    They looped out of the portal-crossroads and back into the entrance tunnel, watching closely for more silence-spiders. None came.


    <em>Thmp. Thmp. </em>


    <em>Thmp. Thmp.</em>


    <em>Thmp. Thmp.</em>


    After a time, Theresa started pausing and rapping on the stone on the side of the passage every few steps until-


    <em>Thmp. Thmp.</em>


    Found it. She tapped the wall again. Its hollow, and its about the right distance.


    Okay. He peered at the tunnels walls. So lets look around the stone here and see if we find anything strange.


    The three of them examined the wallswhile Brutus stood guardand Alex activated the Mark, focusing on thoughts of <em>finding</em>. Memories of the stone arose as he studied it: detailing its contours, bumps and grooves. As he inspected the passage, more memories were added with even more details emphasized: he was <em>learning</em> the exact shape and structure of this one passage with every pass of his eyes until


    He noticed it.


    Somethings messed with the tunnel. Look. He pointed to the wall just near the hollow section. It looks natural, but the stones a <em>bit</em> smoother from here- He traced his finger from the hollow section along to where the tiles began in the passage. -all the way to <em>here:</em> I think the pathway to the temple used to be hidden. The stone seems to have been moved out of the way by whatever raised the walls. Or maybe the worker spiders chiselled this tunnel and then the wallmoverthing smoothed the stone back.


    Theresa followed his gaze. The portals weve seen so far look a lot more like what the tales say about the cave leading to all kinds of random ces. Maybe they sealed off what the cave led to before.


    Yeah, but then they opened the temple instead,<em> and</em> gave themselves a straight path in and out of the dungeonand a path right to Cedric. Too bad for them. He looked back down the passage. The legends didnt say anything about any temple, so I thought it probably got pulled in from a portal, but now Im wondering if I was just in wrong there.


    But you said the scary statues didnt look like they were from here. Selina looked up, trying to follow along.


    They still might not be: The Traveller was supposed to havee from somewhere really far away right? Before she settled in Alric? What if those statues and that writing are from wherever she came from? Maybe the<em></em>temple was the hidden part of the cave<em>her</em> hidden partuntil the spiders opened it up.


    Um, is that why the portal back in the temple didnt look like the ones that were all weird and moving? Selina asked.


    Alex and Theresa froze.


    He slowly turned toward his little sister like a door on rusty hinges. Selina, youre a genius.


    She blinked. I am?


    Yeah! Come on! He waved them back toward the temple.


    When they got back to the entrance, he took a long look at the portal in the middle of the room. It was stable. It didnt flicker. It didnt change or pop in and out of existence.


    It was silent, peaceful, and simply fixed open onto that endless blue sky.


    The Travellers magic was different here.


    Hey Theresa looked over the room again. This is a death-trap.


    I know. He considered the sky-portal. No way were going in there, even if we <em>could</em> reach-


    No, I mean this room.


    He blinked, confused. I uh, know that too


    No, <em>listen</em>, I mean it''s a death-trap created by the spiders. She pointed to the floor-tunnels. Think about it: someone is walking along, when the little onese up behind them from under the floor like they did with us. Then they herd their prey into the temple. If the prey runs onto the trap-tiles, they burn to ash. If the prey knows the right tiles to step on, then the spiders can just follow: their victims are trapped. She pointed at therge wall-tunnels. And those big spiders can juste out of the walls and ceiling and surround anyone that survives.


    Alex imagined it: running from the passage while being chased by silence-spiders. One step onto the floor while panicking and then being obliterated. Orif theyd forced them onto the safe tiles where theyd be trappedlittle silence-spiders filling the tunnel and big ones on the ceilings and walls.


    He shuddered. Thats a nasty way to go.


    Youd die terrified. Theresa gave the tunnels a disgusted look. Its lucky Cedric killed the swarm of big ones when he did.


    And that we managed to get rid of the little ones. Alex added. None hade for them since that ambush. He wondered if the dungeon core was nearly out of forces now.


    He looked to the keyhole in the massive doors.


    Lets have a look at whats on the other side of those doors: if the Travellers magic <em>here</em> is stable, then whats behind them might hold the answer to what were looking for. I think we need to get across that floor.


    Backing into the tunnel, Alex began testing the tiles again with the forceball, using any burn marks on the stone as a guide. He made a few mistakes: the statues eyes drew lines of fire along the floor on the way to the targeted tiles, leaving many of them scorched.<strong></strong>It became a practice of trial and error: trying one with the forceball, then shooting it back behind the sky-portal to protect it in case the fire-beams activated.


    He discovered that some of the tiles in the back of the room were trapped, and that the goddesses <em>pivoted </em>on their pedestals to st at his fleeing forceball.


    He found there were several paths across the temple floor that werent trapped, but most led to deadends against the walls. He kept experimenting, and was finally able to pick out a safe path across the temple floor. It led directly to the doorway. He wasnt about to take any chances, so he kept checking the floor tiles until hed tested everyst one in the temple.


    There, thats all of them, he said when he finished thest.


    We still have a problem. Theresa pointed to the lock on the massive door in the temples far wall. I dont see any ce to find a key around here, and it doesnt look like the spiders use the doors.


    Give me a second. He scanned the room. Stay here, I think I might be able to find it.


    The Mark of the Fool focused on memory and its details, and he had just used it to learn the cave wall. It had focused on the sesses in his searching to reveal differences in its structure. The same principle might apply here.


    Concentrating on his Mark, he cautiously stepped onto the safe paths and slowly let his eyes take in every detail of the room, focusing on thoughts of searching and memorization.


    The Mark responded as it had in the front passage: raising memories of every detail his eyes caught andparing them as he searched for anything that stood out. He carefully paced the paths, repeatedly looking over the same tiles and stone, and letting the memories pile up, with sharper details being added with each repetition.


    Then he stopped.


    The Mark had focused on an image of a section of one of the temple walls. Every time hed looked at it, The Mark had sharpened the details in the image. Hed learned every contour just as he had in the cave.


    He also learned the average shade of the stone in this chamber.


    In the daylight shining through the sky-portal, he saw that the section of stone was lighter in the image. He carefully crossed the room along one of the safe paths. Kneeling beside the slightly discoloured area, he looked through the sea of de marks carved by silence-spider tracks.


    There. A slight indentation, nearly hidden by w marks.


    Warily, he pressed his finger into it.


    <em>Click.</em>


    The indentation sunk furtherand a hidden panel in the stone swung open with the creak of ancient hinges. Withiny a single, wooden box.


    His smile of triumph quickly faded.


    Oh no. He slid the box out of thepartment, grunting at its weight.


    Its entire surface was gouged and shredded by the silence-spiders des.


    He gingerly pushed aside the remnants of the lid and cursed.


    What was left of a massive keyy withirge enough for the temple doors. It had been destroyed. Silence-spiders ws had clipped and bent the metal until it was nothing but useless junk.


    They wrecked the key. He pushed the ruined box back in disgust.


    He was really starting to <em>hate</em> these knife-legged bastards.


    Theresas lips pressed together.


    Selina looked between them. What do we do now?


    Let me try something. He went to the temple doors across one of the safe pathways and concentrated on the lock, activating The Mark.


    He focused on lockpicking.


    No images arose.


    It made sense. The only experience he had with locks was turning a key and opening them. No memories for The Mark to draw on, not even rted ones.


    It means, he sighed, turning to give them the bad news. As he turned, his eyes caught the statues in front of him.


    He stopped.


    He looked at the wall destroyed by the me-magic in the passage, and then toward the temple doors. And then at the statues again.


    A wicked grin spread across his face.


    It means, my dear little sister, he gave an evil chuckle. That we have <em>four</em> spares.


    He rose and strode toward hispanions, already moving his forceball above one of the trap-tiles.


    Alex? What do you-


    Selina, Brutus, back into the tunnel! Theresa quickly pulled them back as she saw what he was about to do. She held Selina, telling her to close her eyes.


    Once Alex reached a safe distance from the temple chamber, he drove the forceball into the trap-tile.


    <em>BANG!</em>


    As soon as the trap triggered, he shot the forceball in front of the locked doors so that it hovered before the lock.


    <em>WhoooooooOOOOOOOM.</em>


    The goddesses slowly turned on their pedestals.


    They fired.


    He shot the forceball all around the doors, forcing the me-magic to chase the glowing orb. The beams sted the lock apart as they tried to hit the spell.


    <em>Crck.</em>


    Cracks spiraled through the ckening doors.


    <em>Boom.</em>


    Both doors blew apart. Popping and screeching suddenly rose from behind them.


    A mass of worker silence-spiders had been huddled behind the doors. Alex hadnt expected them, but <em>they</em> hadnt expected fire-beams.


    Well, so much for <em>that</em> trap. He smiled in satisfaction as he watched them ze in the inferno.


    As the fire cleared, a massive passage loomed through the doorway, with a stairway leading further into the dark. Grand columns framed the passage running into the distance until the stairs curved out of view.


    By Uldar, Theresa murmured. That was <em>clever</em>. Alex saw that some of her fear was starting to give way to excitement. Shall we go, Mr. Wizard?


    Hey, <em>you</em> were the one that figured out the walls moving. Alex said lightly. And were nooot going yet. Alex brought his forceball above a trap-tile again. We just went through hell in that room. We should get <em>something</em> for our trouble.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    As soon as the forceball sprang the trap, he moved it between the statues, hovering it at face-level between their heads.


    <em>WhoooooooOOOOOOOM.</em>


    The statues pivoted, facing each other. Their eyes red, firing just as he drove the spell downward. Fire-beams sted the faces and necks of the sculptures, quickly heating the stone, and cracks spiralled through their surfaces. The two fractured statues tremored on their pedestals until-


    <em>Crash.</em>


    -they shattered into hundreds of tiny shards. Shining among the rubble, four magical rubies had tteredunharmedto the floor.


    Hahah, <em>victory!</em> He pumped his fists.


    Gaping, Theresa, Brutus and<em></em>Selina followed as Alex ran across the now useless trap floor, and began digging through the rubble to scoop up the fist sized fire-gems, whileughing madly to himself. He could <em>feel</em> the mana coursing through the jewels magic circuits. They were quiteplex: four individual circuits joined together. From the magic theory hed learned, that made the gems me-magic the equivalent of a fourth-tier spell.


    A full three tiers higher than his humble forceball.


    Do you have <em>any</em> idea how much these are worth? he grinned.


    Do you? Theresa asked.


    Nope. He shrugged. But it sure as hell wont be <em>nothing. </em>The gems alone are bigger than any Ive seen nobles wearing, and theres <em>powerful</em> magic in all of them.


    Cancan you make them shoot the nasty spiders? Selina asked hopefully.


    His little sister stood beside a very excited Brutus. She was smiling andin that momentseemed not to be afraid.


    He looked at the gems, feeling their pleasant warmth in his fingers.


    It shouldnt be impossible, he thought.


    He knew from what hed learned in his books that there were three major kinds of magical items. Some were just enchanted or naturally magical: anyone who picked them up could use them. The second kind were a bit moreplex: each held their own mana which could connect directly with the mana of its wielder. Thenjust like how he controlled his forceball through pure mana and will after it had been castthe wielder could utilize it without any spellcraft. Items like those tended to be rare and needed a <em>lot</em> of skill, time and practice to use.


    The third kind were what these gems seemed to be: items built from spell arrays.


    A wizards staff or wand contained its own mana and magic circuitry that its master could connect to. By pushing their own mana in, a wizard could use the items as though they were their <em>own</em> magic in a form of spellcraft. Judging by the magic circuitry, it seemed these gems functioned simrly, and likely followedmands set into them when they were built into the statues.


    But such items were for experienced wizards with magic items they knew well.


    Alexself-taught and inexperienceddidnt trust himself to <em>not</em> do something catastrophic by trying to interfere with strange,plex gems that spat fire and death. Especially when The Mark would, no doubt, interfere with the spellcraft required.


    If his humble forceball exploding had nearly ripped his own face off


    If I did it wrong, I might blow us up, he said, stowing the gems in his pack. Come on, wed better get moving. Who knows if theres more spiders around.


    Having Selina stay back with Brutus, Alex and Theresa crept to the ruined temple doors and peered through to the other side. Only burnt spiders greeted them. He took Selina back by his side and the little party crept deeper into the dungeon, with Brutus taking the lead again.


    As their footsteps echoed lightly on the stairs, Alex began to feel the same cold and distant mana as he had in the portal-crossroads. It seemed like they were getting closer to another ce thick with The Travellers mana.


    And it was growing stronger with each step.

 Chapter 14: The Sanctum of Doors

    Chapter 14: The Sanctum of Doors


    I think were getting close to something, Alex whispered, shining the forceball across the ceiling and walls. Murals had been etched into the stone, but many were now ruined by the silence-spiders ws.


    It was a shame: even through the cuts, it was clear that someone had poured a lot of skill and effort into this ce.


    Look. Selina pointed to one they were passing on their left. Dont they look like those scary statues?


    Barely visible through the de-marks were the snarling faces of the goddesses from the temple above, though all else in the mural had been obliterated. Luckily, these images had no fire-gems for eyes.


    I cant believe this was so close to our little town. Theresa gazed at the architecture in awe. Its like something out of a fairy taleor it <em>was</em>. Those spiders are awful.


    Brutus growled as he padded down the stairs, as though agreeing with his master.


    At least there dont seem to be any more of them. For now.


    There had been holes in the ceiling and walls here and there, but not a single sign of any worker or soldier silence-spider. With so much destruction to its swarm so soon after it awoke, it seemed the dungeon core might have run out of things to throw at them.


    Alex held onto a cautious optimism. Two days to regenerate its forces, Cedric had said. Hopefully, that meant a straight, safe run to whatever was under the temple. With the way the stairs had turned, it looked like where they were going would be directly below it.


    Wait, listen. Theresa held up a gloved hand for them to stop. Do you hear that?


    Alex strained his ears and everyone held their breaths.


    From somewhere ahead came a low roar, like a rainstorm or river. It echoed from somewhere in the deep.


    An underground river, you think? Alex asked.


    They continued forward, and lights came next: a glow in multiple colours radiating from down the passage. They were like the lights theyd seen in the portal-crossroads, but these didnt move and change nearly as much.


    There also seemed to be more of them.


    Maybe more portals, Alexmented.


    The Travellers magic had increased in the air; now even stronger than it had been in the portal crossroads. Moving quietly, they crept closer to the lights and came to the end of the stairs. A stone doorway framed the exit.


    The light was stronger now, nearly as bright as full daylight. Etched into the stone abovespoiled by the spiders wswas the symbol of antern.


    The Sigil of The Traveller, Alrics Patron Saint.


    They looked up, amazed that they were standing in a ce that she had passed through long ago.


    Are we ready? Theresa quietly asked.


    Alex looked to his little sister.


    Yeah She clutched onto his cloak.


    Brutus nuzzled his master with one head while the other two pointed forward, ready for whaty ahead. He constantly sniffed the air.


    Im ready, Alex saidst, calling his forceball close. If we see anything bad, we run, okay?


    As one, they nodded to each other and stepped out of the stairway, blinking as their eyes adjusted to the unexpected brightness of the light.


    Oh Uldars beard, Alex swore.


    A hive.


    An empty hive.


    It was like stepping into the heart of a giant wasp nest.


    The stairs opened onto a massive, circr chasmclosed up at the top by sthat reached down into the depths of the earth. A rock pathway spiraled down the sides of the open shaft, passing cells upon cells cut into the wall like the honeb pattern in a wasps nest. Broken egg sacs were stuck to the stone beside cocoons with deer-antlers, hooves and other parts of snared animals sticking out.


    The cocoons looked like they held captives for future meals.


    A thick liquid dripped onto the stones below. Some of the eggs had been recently torn open, and a mass of spidersdead and half-formey in front of the dripping sacs. Maybe the dungeon core had tried to replenish its forces from these egg sacs, but they werent ready to hatch and died. Either that, or there was something else down there that had torn them open. Whatever the case, Alex hoped they didnt run into anything to find out.


    He kept an eye on the half-formed spiders in case any were still alive, but his attention was more focused on the portals.


    Dozens of them floated through the chasmsome moving and some flickering in and out of different cesspreading a mix of sun and moonlight. Each was like the portal in the temple. They were stable, and whaty inside them was far more than just empty sky.


    The fourpanions gaped, awestruck at the sight: the true remnants of The Travellers magic was here, bringing scenes from all over the world into this one cave outside of their hometown.


    One portal roared as water poured from a river it had opened into and fell through another portal that opened far below. The second showed a scene of snowy ins from hundreds of feet above with water pouring down and building an ever-spreading hill of ice. Another spread open to a scene of hot fire-mountains burnt by their own eruptions, with a river ofva flowing just beneath the doorway on the other side. Alex noticed the air shimmering around it; he was amazed at how much heat must have beening from the thing.


    Another portal opened to a forest very different from Coille: the trees wererger and covered with vines, while the forest floor was a steaming marsh where something massive and slithery swam along the surface.


    Theyd be avoiding going near <em>that</em> ce.


    Some ces the portals opened to werepletely strange: one opened to a desert of blue sand under a blue sun. Another opened over a range of crimson mountains and above, a flock of bat-winged creatures flew.


    While many of the portals hovered in the middle of the chasm, some were close to the pathway. Around them there wasnt a single sign of spider eggs or spiders. It seemed the portals here didnt y well with them either.


    Broken itemsy all along the path: shattered statues, columns and other sculptures that looked like they would have suited the temple and staircase. The damaged objects all bore the spider-w marks. Yet, despite the scarring and empty nests, this ce was amazing, and the best part was that there wasnt a single spider crawling around.


    They werent safe yet, but Alex could almost <em>taste</em> freedom.


    Its so beautiful Selina gasped at the portals. Its like a big wonderful tower underground with doors that go wherever you want.


    All over the world Theresa added in a dreamy voice.


    Even Brutus seemed excited, with his heads swivelling in every direction.


    Alex admired the majesty around them. Thats the legacy of our Saint. he said. Remember her sigil on the way in? Maybe this was her sanctum all along, before it became a dungeon. She mustnt have been too pleased that monsters got in here. He looked around at the portals and sighed in growing relief. It looks like we have our way out.


    We did it! Selinaughed. I wish we could take all these pretty doors with us.


    Yeah, me too, Selina, me too, her brother agreed.


    Maybemaybe if I get some y I can build a littler copy of this ce  Her eyes narrowed in thought. After we find where were supposed to go.


    Yeah, were going to have a hard time figuring out which portal to choose.


    Maybe not the one with all the volcanoes? Theresa suggested.


    Ohe on, wheres your sense of adventure? he chuckled.


    Marveling at the portals, the little party crept down the ramp while looking for their door out of Thamnd and toward Generasi. They fell quiet as they went deeper into the cave, eyeing the walls for any signs of threat.


    As they went lower, The Saints magic filled the air so thickly that Alex wouldnt have been surprised if it suddenly became visible.


    Theresa gasped. Look. Someones lying on the ramp down there...<em>By Uldars beard...is it her?</em>


    Alex and Selina turned to the spot where she was looking and gasped in shock.


    A few floors below them on the opposite side of the chasm, a bodyy. It was small and thin, and dressed in a in brown robe. Its hands were cupped upon its midriff. A blue light covered it, shimmering and brightening the surrounding stone like the sunrise. Across the chest, a symbol of antern glowed a deeper blue, and wherever the blue light touched, the spiders presence was absent, like they never existed.


    I think youre right. Its wearing thentern symbol. Alex said in awe, a small part of him hoping The Saint wouldnt be too angry at him for using her power to escape. Hopefully nothe was only a Fool after all.


    Thank you Ms. Traveller, Selina said quietly, bowing her head toward the body. Thank you for fighting the monsters, and thank you for helping me, my brother, Theresa and Brutus go to the big wizard city.


    Alex smiled warmly. I hope she hears you.


    Theresa bowed her head. Thank you, Traveller, for your magic that stopped the monsters from leaving this ce.


    Alex looked between them. He might as well pay his respects too.


    He bowed his head and closed his eyes. Thank you for your sacrifice, our Patron Saint. May you rest well. Andfor what its worth, I hope the spiders we killed in your home made you a little happier.


    When he opened his eyes, he was gazing directly toward the chasms bottom.


    The hair rose on the back of his neck.


    The portals ended at a point below, and their light failed to pierce the dark at the bottom.


    Shuddering, he stepped away from the edge. Lets get going and take a look at the portals.


    The problem was that there were a <em>lot</em> of portals, and many seemed to lead to certain death.


    Im pretty sure thats somethings stomach. Theresa winced at one opening into a fleshy cavern. It was filled with green liquid and dissolving meat.


    Gross. Selina gagged, looking away.


    Brutus snorted and turned all three of his heads.


    Theresa looked at more of the portals that were in reach of the stone pathway. We could step through one that looks safe, look around and step back if it isnt somece we want to go?


    Alex thought about that, ncing at some of the doorways. Problem is, we dont know if theyll close on us on the other side, since we dont know how they work.


    Um, maybemaybe we could look and see if there''s any with mountains or rivers you know from one of your books? Selina asked. Since you read so much. Then we can go there if its safe?


    Both Alex and Theresa paused, slowly looking down at the little girl.


    Like I said before, <em>youre a genius</em>, little goblin. Alex grinned.


    I am? Selina blinked.


    Yes you are! Theresa mussed the young girls hair. You think you can do that, Alex?


    He rotated his marked shoulder. Watch me.


    Hed already used it to search out details in the caves above. So, why notndmarks?


    Looking at the portals, he concentrated on the idea of <em>navigation</em>: in his book, Galloway had said that previous Fools had guided theirpanions through the wilderness, hadnt he?


    The Mark responded.


    Images of books burst into his mind: old geography books, poems and histories that mentionedndmarks. Some hed only flipped through in passing, but they rose up now as clear as a sunny day. What surprised him, though, were the conversations that appeared: every relevant half-snippet of geographical knowledge hed ever heardeven if he hadnt been focusing on it at the timeneatly organized itself in solid detail.


    His eyes flicked from portal to portal and The Markpared the sights to thendmarks hed heard of. Many he didnt recognize, but soon, a grin spread across his face.


    The views were from far, far above, but he was finding distinctndmarks.


    There was Mount Tai, looming from the eastern peaks in the Tarmlung Empire, just as Theresas grandfather had described it. An ornate gate sat above the stone staircase that led up its forested slope. Alex could see the mountain as clear as crystal.


    The Tree of Knowledge of New Alfheim rose from a green valley in the middle of a snowy wilderness. Hed heard of it in passing from a travelling skald visiting Alric: the only elf he had ever seen.


    From far above, there was the Lighthouse of Indlu-Yesibani, far south of Generasi, home to one of the greatest libraries in the world. It had been told of by a griota southern storytellerwho had described it in tales while he was in Alric on the way to the capital.


    And there


    <em>Yes!</em> Alex cried.


    A secluded bend in a river, and beyond that in the distance, four mountains: one that burned, one lined by hundreds of waterfalls, and one that towered above the others, formed of earth, solid rock and sparkling with gemstones the size of viges. The fourth mountain didnt touch the ground at all: it floated in the air, high above the others, held up by a constant wind.


    Hed found The Peaks of the Elements: the holiest ce in all the Rhinean Empire, and one of its most southernndmarks. A short journey would take them from the mountains to Port Mausarr on the River Austrus. From there, it would be a couple days voyage to Generasis outer inds.


    Alex pointed down to the Rhinean portal, which hung near the ramp several floors below where they stood. Thats where we need to go: right to the southern part of the Rhinean Empire. He couldnt help but smile at the irony. Were going to get there before your parents.


    He nced down. We should be able-


    He froze. Something <em>moved </em>in the dark below.


    Oh <em>shit! Get back!</em>


    They sprang away from the edge.


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    A line of webbing shot from the darkness, hitting the ceiling and whipping dust from the cave walls. The sound of rock crumbling announced something rising from the depths. The web above flexed like a sail, but made no sound.


    From the size of the web, and the loud crunching of stone, Alexs blood chilled.


    If they were in a hive


    then, the hive would have a <em>queen.</em>

 Chapter 15: The Hive-Queen

    Chapter 15: The Hive-Queen


    Somethingsing! We have to get to the portal! <em>Now</em>! Alex screamed.


    Theresa tensed. We wont make it down there in time! She scanned closer doorways, but all lead to inhospitablends or death traps. The huntress pointed toward the archway to the stairs. Lets go back! We can-


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    Her words died.


    A massive, scythe-like de had bitten into the stone wall below. It wasrge enough to cut any two of their group in half with one snip, including Brutus. Before they could decide where to run to, the creature partially rose into view.


    All three screamed, and Brutus barked frantically.


    Alex expected to see a spider.


    But the emerging monstersthe hive-queensupper half had little resemnce to her soldiers and workers.


    A chitinous, human-like torso rose into view: covered in carapace like knights armour. Five sets of dead, ck orbs filled its armoured forehead above a long jaw filled with needle-like fangs. Four ted arms had humanlike hands, the fingers of each ending in ws that curved like daggers. In one, it gripped the end of the web-line. In another, it held an orb the size of Alexs head.


    He, Theresa and Selina were terrified.


    The orb was grey, but its tone flickered and changed, sporadically plunging intoplete darkness. It looked like the ck sphere painted in the mural across the Lusmon room wall.


    Alex began to tremble. Was this the same thing?


    It came closer and he felt a new mana in the air, one that shed with the Travellers mana.


    Hers was peaceful and cool, but this was <em>alive.</em> It pulsated, seeming to stick to his senses and leaving a feeling of pure dread behind. The orb <em>had</em> to be from the Raveners spawn, the maker of the monsters in this dungeon.


    The dungeon core.


    The queens maw opened wide, and her cry was silent. Something in the dark orb shifted. Alex could <em>feel</em> the pulsating mana twist with the mana of The Traveller, and the two struggled in the air.


    The Hive-queen emerged, revealing her full form.


    Her human-mimicry ended at the waist.


    Instead of two legs, her lower body was that of an enormous centipedewith each of her hundred legs ending in a de. Protruding from chitinous tes below her torso were two colossal arms with massive des. She slowly ascended like a snake, her sinewy body weaving between the portals to avoid The Travellers power.


    Alexs eyes focused on the portals.


    Alex! Aleeex! Selina wailed, grabbing onto him and crying in terror.


    As she sobbed, the darkness in the dungeon core began to deepen.


    Theresa was scrambling to draw her bow while trying to shove the Roth siblings toward the stairs. Her face was stark white. We-w-we-we-


    His own terror threatened to overwhelm him, but he mped down on it. If they ran to the staircase, she would chase them, and he doubted they could outrun her with all those legs. With thoughts racing, he shot a look down the path toward the portal to the Rhinean Empire.


    Portals hung throughout the air in the chasm; some were near the path or even hovered over the path itself.


    Then he remembered that the portals hurt the monsters.


    That was the key.


    She cant touch the portals! Alex shouted, taking hold of Selinas hand and Theresas arm. He pulled them down the path. Run! We can use the portals as cover!


    Theresa shook away her fright. Take my hand! She grabbed the little girls other hand.


    The three of them tore down the pathavoiding the rubble and debriswhile Brutus followed, barking and snarling at the queen, trying to make her back off.


    The monster kepting. <em>Hu...mansssss. </em>She broke her silence, hissing words in themon tongue. <em>Humanssssmustfeaaaaaaar </em>


    Alexs mind worked to smother his terror as he ran.


    His heart mmed in his chest, speeding up with their footsteps on the stone. The hive-queen silently chased them.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    She shot another webline into the ceiling and pulled herself toward her prey, weaving between the portals with grace. Her body slipped by a portal that led to the middle of the ocean. No seawater poured through it. She ducked through the stream of water pouring from the river portal above and weaved below a portal leading to a secluded mountain crevice.


    <em>Whoosh. Crack!</em>


    Another webline drove into the ceiling above.


    Selina sobbed as Theresa and Alex pulled her as fast as she could manage. A portaly in the middle of the path ahead, leading to ake that boiled and smelled of sulphur.


    The hive-queen silently opened her jaw and lowered her arm toward them. Alex saw her aiming through a small gap in the chasms floating doorways.


    Stop! Back here. Alex cried. They abruptly ducked behind the portal.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    The webline struck where they would have been, mming into the stone and spreading a line across the path.


    Stay here! he shouted. She wont be able to hold it tight if she chases us!


    Alex peered from behind the portal with Selina hiding behind him. Theresa peered out too while Brutus snarled.


    The hive-queen didnt chase them. She waited, watching the grey orb in her hand. It was flickering more now. Growing darker. He didnt like the look of that.


    We have to move, the cores doing something!


    Theresas eyes hardened. She started running.


    Back <em>up </em>the path.


    Theresa! Whatre you doi-


    The hive-queens head quickly swivelled after her. The monster only had one free arm: two held weblines tensed while thest held the dungeon core. The fourth aimed at Theresa.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    She fired.


    As she did, Theresa dove down to the stone.


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    The webline struck the wall above her, and she instantly jumped to her feet and ran back down the path.


    Go! Below her line! Theresa shouted. Shes out of hands!


    Selina, cmon! Alex pushed his sister beneath the webline that blocked the pathway down. He rolled under it, and Brutus leapt over. Theresa sprinted to them and ducked under, joining them on the other side.


    The hive-queen silently screeched and tore the webs away as she began to weave between the portals in pursuit.


    The distance between them and her was growing.


    Hope rose in Alexs chest. They were close to the Rhinean gateway, and shortly beyond thaty The Travellers body, shining with its blue light. They were close. So close.


    Yet not close enough.


    The hive-queen let out an audible screech that shook the cavern and nearly sent Selina into fits of screaming. The little girl struggled to keep her legs moving as fast as she could, while Alex and Theresa pulled her along.


    As Selina screamed, the darkness in the dungeon core deepened.


    The hive-queen raised it high.


    Something shifted in the darkness, and the orbs mana pulsed.


    <em>Krooom!</em>


    A rock wall erupted in the path in front of them, stopping them dead. <strong></strong>


    No! Alex cried.


    The hive-queens jaw clicked.


    Back up the path! Theresa shouted. If we can-


    Something shifted in the orb again.


    His Mark shuddered, and he could <em>feel </em>that pulsating mana flow from the core and toward the path leading back up.


    <em>Krooom!</em>


    Another wall of stone arose, blocking the only other avenue of escape.


    The darkness in the orb faded to a lighter grey as it used its power.


    The hive-queens clicking jaw quickened. It almost sounded likeughter. Leisurely, she weaved between the portals toward them.


    Selina sobbed.


    Theresa screamed and loosed an arrow at the monster, but it bounced uselessly off her armoured body. In response, the hive-queen bared her fangs and looked like she was hissing, but her voice had creepily returned to silence.


    She continued to close on them, her sinewy body snaking between the portals. The spot they were trapped in only had a few of The Travellers doorways nearby, with more than enough room for the monster to maneuver if she got close.


    They were going to die. When she reached them, they were going to die.


    Alexs mind raced and he shot his forceball at one of her hands.


    Right at the dungeon core.


    The Mark blockedbat when attacking creatures, but it hadnt interfered when hed struck objects with his spell. If he could knock the dungeon core from her grip, then maybe-


    Memories poured into his head.


    Fire. Fear. Spiders. Death.


    His aim spoiled, and his forceball ineffectively mmed into the queens armoured body. A swipe from one of her ws shattered it.


    His only weapon was gone.


    <em>No!</em> His mind screamed. <em>Dont give up! We are not going to die down here! Think! Adapt!</em>


    The hive-queen snaked above a portal where stones floated in a grey sky. She was getting closer. She raised the dungeon core. <em>HumanssssssfeaaaaarRavener. </em>


    Once more, the dark faded toward grey.


    The closest of the walls shed made shimmered.


    Egg sacs formed on its surface, swelling rapidly until they burst apart one by one, unleashing worker silence-spiders onto the path. They started to skitter forward, and Brutus snarled and lunged at them with his fangs ready.


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    His jaws shattered their chitin, ripping into the little beasts. Their knife-like legs scratched at his snouts and he yelped, but he didnt stop.


    Die! Die! Theresa fired arrow after arrow toward the queen, aiming for joints, eyes and anything else vulnerable. They bounced off the chitin as she closed. Selina screams heightened in pitch andfor a momentthe fear was just as raw as it had been four years ago.


    When the Roths lives burned.


    The queen let out a satisfied clicking sound. The dungeon cores mana began to grow thicker in the air. The orbs darkness deepened, and Alex noticed the change: each time the core used its power, the dark lessened.


    Each time their fear surged or his sister screamed, the darkness grew deeper.


    A memory from when they were in the temple returned to him.


    <em>Youd die terrified,</em> Theresa had said about the death-trap the spiders had created.


    The temple chamber had been right over the dungeon coresir. Its victims would be terrorized to the height of fear just as the hive-queen was doing to <em>them now</em>.


    And as their terror grew, so did the dungeon cores mana.


    Fear.


    The core must have been <em>feeding</em> on it.


    And now the queen could take her time, slowly and carefully weaving between the portals, letting the core recharge as she came close enough to pluck her harvest.


    <em>Think! Adapt!</em> His mind pushed. <em>Think! Adapt! Think! Adapt!</em>


    Theresas arrows hadnt worked. With no effort, the monster had ended his forceball. He wouldnt be able to channel another one in timenot with The Mark interferingand even if he could, it would do <em>nothing</em> against the queens armour.


    The hive-queen was close now. She drove a final webline into the stone and swung around another portal. Now only two morey between them: one near the pathway that led to an endless night sky, and one farther into the chasm that led to the fire mountains and the river ofva beneath.


    <em>Twang.</em>


    Another of Theresas arrows flew straight, shooting right for one of the hive-queens insectile eyes.


    <em>ck.</em>


    The monster raised her hand and the arrow bounced uselessly off her armour.


    They couldnt hurt her. And she knew it. Slowly andzily, she ducked beneath the portal to the fire mountainsgiving it lots of roomand began drifting her torso toward them.


    Only the night sky-portaly between them and her ws.


    Alex! Theresa was shoving a waterskin at him. It was partially slit.


    The stench of wormwood drifted out.


    Theresa nocked a broad-headed arrow onto her bowstring.


    Throw the bag at her when I tell you! she screamed.


    Alex drew himself out of his thoughts.


    With a final crunch of Brutus jaws, he killed thest of the workers. This was it. There would be no more hesitation from the queen now.


    Wait, Theresa said.


    The monster drew closer.


    He focused on the bag using The Mark. Hed only get one chance at this.


    Memories of tossing coins flowed into him. Images of tossing empty flour sacks away at McHarris bakery. Memories of tossing dough to make tbread.


    Mundane timesing to help him in crisis.


    Then a final memory:


    Him knocking down the old, shaky shelf that the baker had been too cheap to have repaired. Watching the flour bags burst open, covering everything in a powdery mess. The stale eggs rolling off and bursting, exposing his employers rotten secret.


    Strange. Thatst memory hadnt been called up by The Mark. Hed remembered it on his own.


    Still, it made sense that it woulde back now. That moment had changed his life.


    This would too.


    Trusting his own experience, Alex Roth hoisted the bag of wormwood, letting The Mark of the Fool guide his aim: not <em>at </em>the monster. Just in front of her.


    The hive-queen weaved her body around the left of the night sky-portal.


    Her centipede half drifted back, as her sword-legs poised, ready to strike them.


    The portal was almost behind her.


    Now! Theresa roared.


    He threw the waterskin.


    It whirled toward the queen, trailing stinkweed.


    The monster casually raised an arm to bat it aside.


    <em>Twang.</em>


    Theresas broad arrow shot forward.


    <em>Riiiip.</em>


    It struck the skin mid-flight, piercing it and mming it into the hive-queens arm.


    <em>Ssh!</em>


    The bag tore open, sshing the thick juice over her forearm and monstrous, surprised face. She let out a silent chitter and recoiled.


    Part of her body brushed against the portal.


    <em>BOOM!</em>


    In a sh of blue light, a section of her bodyall that touched The Travellers powersimply vanished. The creature screeched out loud as insectile blood poured from her wound and she wed at the mess in her eyes.


    Shell bleed now! Theresa snarled in triumph. We can esca


    She gasped.


    Even as the monster scraped wormwood from her face with one hand, another w raised the dungeon core. Its darkness shifted. Mana poured into her, and her wound began to close rapidly. The bleeding slowed. The orb was quickly losing its darkness but the wound had almostpletely healed.


    No! No! Theresa fired again, aiming for her open mouth.


    The arrow nced off an armoured hand.


    A grim look entered the young womans eyes.


    She took Alexs hand and started to pull him toward the wall between them and the Rhinean Empires portal. Get to the wall up there! Resolve burned in her voice. Ill boost you and Selina over, then go! Brutus and I will hold her off!


    No! Selina screamed. Theresa no! You cant!


    Alex was nearly sick with horror.


    Was this it? Was he supposed to leave his best friend and poor Brutus to die in the dark?


    No! he snapped at her. <em>No one</em> is dying!


    The mes of the Roth alehouse roared in his mind.


    <em>Think! Adapt!</em>


    What did he have? His spells were useless. Their weapons were useless.


    <em>Think! Adapt!</em>


    The queen continued to swipe away the insect repent. The wound continued to heal, even as the core faded to grey.


    He nced past her and the portal to the fire-mountains behind her, and saw the staircase leading up to the temple.


    The fire-gems.


    No, they wouldnt work. The beams were <em>powerful</em> magic, but he didnt know how to use them. If he messed upif The Mark interferedhe might break them or cause a mana reversal, which wouldwhich would


    <em>Think! </em><strong><em>Adapt!</em></strong>


    He hardened his resolve. It was either this or die.


    Ripping open his pack, he dumped the contents on the floor and grabbed the first gem that rolled out.


    Its magic circuitry touched his mana.


    The Mark flooded him with failures in spellcraft, but he had counted on this.


    He only needed to see <em>two memories </em>in detail<em>. </em>The image of him nearly blowing off his own face in the woods, and the time hed nearly caused a mana reversal in himself. He followed every foolish error, reversing the mana and pouring in too much to overload the circuit.


    He felt something crack in the gem.


    Its warmth built to such a searing heat that he needed to clench his teeth to continue to hold it.


    The image of the forceball in the woods seemed to ovep the gem in his mind.


    How it had <em>shaken</em>.


    How it had <em>exploded.</em>

 Chapter 16: The Core

    Chapter 16: The Core


    Theresa! Alex raised the gem.


    Crimson light swelled within.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    Cracks split its surface as the mana reversal tore apart its magic circuitry. me-magic began to run rampant.


    Theresas eyes went wide.


    Whats happening!? Selina jumped away from the gem.


    Throw it at<em> that piece of shit!</em> He pointed at the hive-queen.<em> Its going to explode!</em>


    His best friend looked at the fire-gem. Then at the bleeding queen.


    Confusion and fear flowed out of her expression.


    It was with her deathstalker face that Theresa took the stone in her gloved hand. Get <em>down!</em> she shouted.


    She drew her arm back.


    Selina dived behind the night-sky portal and Alex threw himself over her like a shield.


    Theresas eyes briefly locked on the hive-queens face, then quickly shifted.


    In a blur of motion, she whipped the jewel through the air.


    The fire-gem burned like a miniature sun. Alex could feel its heat swell as it flew past the hive-queenand through the portal hovering behind her.


    No! Alex cried.


    Stay down! Theresa dove by his side.


    Her hand grasped his, squeezing it as Brutus threw himself down, pressing into his masters side.


    Alex looked up as the queen reared in rage, letting her voice fill the cavern with a sharp screech. How had Theresa missed?


    She couldnt have, not from this distanc-


    The answer suddenly hit him as he realized what was happening behind the monster. The gems light burned from the portal to the fire mountains. The me-magic struck the river ofva just inside the doorway.


    It shed once.


    The hive-queen paused as red light poured into the cavern. She half-turned and froze.


    <em>CRACK!</em>


    The gem shattered.


    Holy shi- Alex murmured.


    <em>BOOM!</em>


    A st of me-magic rocked the other side of the portal, filling the doorway with leaping fire. The explosion ripped over theva field, sting into the bubbling pool.


    It erupted in a geyser, and boiling rock poured through the portal in a wave.


    Onto the hive-queens face and body.


    Screeching echoed through the chasm as a whirling mix of inferno andva mmed into her, sting her forward.


    <em>Oh shi</em>-


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Her long body writhed in the air, then dropped, narrowly missing the sky-portal and mming into the pathway, cracking it. Her screeches went silent as she convulsed; tremors shook the cave. me-magic and molten rock burned the humanoid torso and twisting, centipede lower body. Her armoured chitin fractured.


    The creature tried to raise the greying dungeon core. Mana trickled into her as the wounds tried to close, but the orbs power was too low to heal her. The queens weakening hand slipped from the dungeon core.


    Its darkness faded to sickly grey; Alex could hardly feel its mana.


    The healing had snuffed some of the me, but she remained a smouldering, writhing wreck.


    He shivered, realizing hed underestimated the sheer amount of mana in one of those gems. Even hiding behind the portal, they wouldve been blown to bits if the gem had exploded in the cave instead of inside the fire-mountain portal. Most of the force was directed to wherever the portal came out.


    If Theresa had listened to him and thrown it at the queen-


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The hive-queen continued to spasm. She was weakening, but still wouldnt die. Theva was beginning to cool on her.


    Suddenly Theresa was on her feet, drawing her great-grandfathers sword and charging at the smouldering monster.


    Theresa! <em>No!</em> he shouted.


    But she didnt stop.


    She reached the hive-queen as the creature raised one of her twitching forews. She dove, sliding under the upraised pincer just before the queen mmed the w down, impaling it deep in the stone.


    Theresa! Theresaaaa! Selina screamed, trying to get up, but Alex gripped her tightly, just as Mr. Lu had gripped him in front of his parents burning alehouse. The little girl could not turn her eyes away.


    The hive-queens movements slowed.


    Flinching against the heat, Theresa shot up to the monsters head and drove the sword down.


    <em>ck!</em>


    The de bounced off the chitin.


    <em></em>Damn!<em></em> She dropped her sword and bent to grab something unseen. She hefted it.


    The huntress deathstalker face met the queens half-melted gaze.


    Humans fear? She raised the dungeon core above her head.


    Fear <em>this.</em>


    <em>Bang! Crunch!</em>


    Theresa drove it into the queensva damaged skull, bursting it with a single strike.


    The creature stiffened, her hundred sword-legs twitching and shing the air. Then, the massive body slumped, copsing to the stone. Her bulky form began to slide from the ramp.


    <em>Rrrriiip.</em>


    The giant forew ripped from her ravaged torso as she slid. The web-line burnt, and what was left of the hive-queen slipped from the pathway and plunged toward one of The Travellers portals.


    BOOM!


    Another sh of light. The insectile monster was pulled into the portal, its chitin crunching as it was contorted and forced to fit through the door. Light shed. The hive- queens remains sted back through the door, returning in dozens of pieces. They tumbled down, falling toward the bottom of the deep, dark chasm.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    And hit rock far below.


    Theresa rose up, ripping off her steaming glove and panting in the multi-hued light from the portals. Her lean, strong form heaved with each breath, and sweat poured over her brow as she basked in their survival.


    She stood triumphant like a warrior from a lost age, and Alex couldnt tear his eyes off of her.


    In the back of his mind, a small voice assured him: he did <em>not</em> have issues.


    Theresaaaaa! Selina escaped Alex and rushed at their friend, throwing her arms around her waist. Youre alright! Youre <em>alright!</em>


    With three loud barks, Brutus tackled them both to the ground.


    Ah Brutus! Brutus, no! Theresaughed as he licked her face with all three tongues. His tail wagged so fast that it looked like it was about to shoot off. Alex stumbled over and flopped down cross-legged on the stone close by.


    You know, he said. That was the most amazing thi-Agh!


    Her ungloved hand grabbed him, dragging him down beside her, Selina and Brutus.


    Alex! We did it! We <em>did </em>it! Theresas eyes were filled with tears of joy; she pulled him close, weeping softly into his shoulder.


    Yeah he sniffled, relief washing through him. Yeah, were alive. Cant believe it, but were <em>alive</em>.


    For a time, the little group justy on the stones and held each other in a mixture of ugly-crying,ughter and relief.


    Thatthat was smart, Alex. That thing you did with the stone. Theresa turned to him.


    Yeahbut what <em>you</em> did was <em>genius</em>, throwing it in theva portal like that. You saved us. He smiled at her.


    Yeahyou did too. The grin she returned was brilliant. For a second there, you looked a bit like a Hero of Thamnd.


    Alex felt his face grow hot, and could imagine the blush spreading across his cheeks.


    A tiny hand grabbed his shirt; Selina was looking up at him. A...are you okay, Alex?


    Heughed and patted her shoulder. Of course Im okay, Im your big brother, arent I? Are <em>you</em> okay? The fire-


    Im okay, she said quickly and looked away. ...Im okay.


    The beginning of a frown touched Alexs forehead. They would need to talk about thister. He nced toward the portal to the Rhinean Empire, past the wall the hive-queen had raised.


    Were going to have to get over the wall, Alex groaned. But maybe after we lie here for, yknowa few days? Maybe weeks? Maybe forget Generasi altogether, he joked wearily. Well just hide here fore-


    His eyes fell on the grey orb.


    The dungeon corey on the stones just past them, still covered in hive-queen brains. Even though it was weak, its pulsating mana was active.


    Hey, where are you going? Theresa asked as he climbed to his feet. She watched him approach the sphere. Ugh, dont touch that. Its covered in bug juice.


    Theresayou just used it to cave a giant monsters head in. What do you mean dont touch it?


    Yeah, but it didnt have bug on it then.


    And whose fault is that?


    She looked at him side-long. ...never mind. Is<em></em>that what I think it is?


    Im pretty sure its the dungeon core.


    She sat bolt upright.


    Selina gasped, scrambling back. Is...is that the thing that makes a dungeon spit out monsters?


    The darkness deepened as they shrank back.


    Dont be afraid of it, he said quickly. I know, that''s hard to do because its<em></em>terrifying<em>, </em>but I think it gets stronger when youre afraid.


    Theresas jaw hardened and she red at the sphere, taking Selinas hand. The little girl took a deep breath, and tried to match the young womans re. The dungeon cores darkness lessened. He wasnt sure if it was the just survived certain death speaking to him, but he was reminded of just how much he loved the two of them.


    His attention went back to the core.


    And this thing had nearly killed all of them.


    Alex Roth protected his own, repaid debts and tried to treat others how they treated him. He had no interest in nearly dying in battle alongside The Heroes, but he wasnt about to just walk off and let this thing regenerate to make more monsters.


    He was also a revenge enthusiastas McHarris had found out.


    Im gonna break the hell out of this thing! His hands balled into fists.


    Theresa climbed to her feet. It deserves it, but how? The Traveller did it with her magic, didnt she?


    Its too bad shes not around to tell us what she did.


    Maybe...maybe your Mark will tell you? Selina offered.


    Hmmm, it <em>is</em> still a Heros Mark. He rolled the core on the ground to try to clean it off, then grunted as he slowly took it up in both hands. He concentrated on The Mark.


    He waited.


    No helpful images arose. No rush of power or divine revtion.


    He sighed.


    Fine, hard way it was then.


    What did he have avable? He looked to the portals. The Travellers magic had destroyed the spiders: it might do the same with the dungeon core itself. Should he toss it through a portal? He dismissed that idea pretty quickly. If itnded somewhere and could start spawning monsters...


    Maybe it was time to go to the expert.


    He looked toward The Travellers body and the blue light shining around her. If the magic in her <em>portals</em> worked on the monsters, then what about the magic still in her body?


    Theresa, could I get that boost over the wall now? I think its time we introduced this thing to Alrics Patron Saint. Properly.


    The group gathered up their supplies, with Alex collecting the three remaining fire gems; it was a shame hed had to destroy one, but their lives were <em>definitely </em>more valuable. To them, at least.


    They took some of the rubble created by the hive queens convulsions and built a mound against the wall. Brutus used it as a boost to bound over the top, and avoiding the wreckage of the eggs, the rest followed, with Theresa lifting Selina up to Alex, then scaling the wallst.


    On the other side, the portal to freedom and The Travellers bodyy.


    With quiet reverence they approached the body of their patron Saint.


    Her form was mummified, and her features were preserved. In death, The Traveller looked timeworn, like an ancient vige elder ready to tell stories at the harvest festival.


    Her handsy against her belly with palms raised. In one hand was a faded golden glow in the shape of Uldars hand: The Mark of the Saint. Beside hery a thick book, bound with iron.


    Her mana was so strong that it felt like it was physically touching Alex. The remaining darkness in the core shuddered, and drew away from her light.


    Alex bowed his head to her. Thank you. If it werent for your power, wed all be dead. I know you probably wouldnt like what Im trying to dorunning away from the fight an allbutI hope youd at least approve of this.


    Crouching beside her, he ced the dungeon core in her hands.


    The sphere shuddered, and the darkness shot to the top of the orb, away from The Travellers hands.


    Oh, you really want to slither around, dont you? He red at the thing.


    He remembered when the hive-queen had used the core: its mana shifted in the air at the same time as the darkness shifted within.


    Hopefully, it worked by way of mana and will. If it did, since it was so weak now, even he might be able to force the dungeon cores mana to touch The Travellers. His mind went to his Mark. This would be a task that wouldnt involve spellcraft, unless hed really misread what the hive-queen had done. It wasntbat, and he hoped it wouldnt count as divinity.


    If he focused on the task of breaking the dungeon core, then memories <em>should</em> build up that would eventually let him get there. Taking a deep breath, he focused his mana and ced his palms on the sphere, pushing into the core. It was a bit simr to how he used will and mana to control his forceball after it had been cast.


    His mana bounced off as though pped away. Alright, one failure.


    Now for the moment of truth.


    He concentrated on The Mark.


    A single image rose in his head: it was of himself pushing his mana toward the core, trying to break it. It pointed out what he had done right. He grinned. Now it would be a matter of repeating the task.


    This could take awhile, he warned hispanions. You might want to have a seat.


    Again and again he threw his mana at the core, at first to no effect. With each try, though, he attempted something different with his mana. Minor sesses built up andguided by The Markhe began to make some headway.


    The dungeon core fought for its existence, trying to push him away. Sweat poured from his brow. If it still had even a little more of its strength, he doubted he could have made any headway with it. He didnt know how long they battledit could have been minutes or hoursbut he was able to get a little deeper into the core each time.


    His mana weaved through the maze of its defences.


    The weakened darkness began to slide lower in the sphere, approaching contact with The Traveller.


    Soon.


    He threw his mana harder at it to push deep this time and keep building on his sesses.


    His mana chased the core, ready for the next failure or sess to guide him.


    But the attempt did something he didnt expect.


    <em>Click.</em>


    Something slid into ce, like a key sliding into a lock within the soul.


    The pulsating mana shuddered.


    In an instant, his senses stopped being lucid. He was everywhere in the cave at once. The pulsating mana ovepped with his mind, fighting him viciously. Images poured into his thoughts. Dark spheres. stedndscapes. Monsters in the dark.


    He screamed and thought only about escape.


    Just before he was pushed out by the core, his mana moved with the thought of escaping.


    The dark in the sphere moved with it.


    The key slid out of the lock.


    <em>Kroom.</em>


    A small wall rose in front of the portal to the Rhinean Empire, high enough to serve as a stepping stone to the door.


    High enough to help them <em>escape</em>.


    Then he was back in his body, and thest of the dungeon cores power faded.


    Left defenceless, The Travellers magic poured in eagerly. It flooded the sphere with blue light and rushed in so strongly, that it shed through Alex as well.


    For an instant, her mana touched his.


    Then it was gone.


    With a scream like scraping ss, the dungeon core crumbled into shining sand.


    Selina clutched her brothers clothes. Are you okay? You were screaming!


    Alex? Theresa grabbed his shoulder. Alex, did the core do something? That wall appeared!


    He stared at them, uprehending.


    The magnitude of what hed just done melted every thought from his head, except for one.


    It was only for a moment, and only because it was so weak:


    But he had controlled one of The Raveners copies and built a wall. It was impossible. It had to be. Dungeon cores were for The Raveners monsters, humans couldnt manipte them. Could they?


    Then something urred to him.


    He concentrated on The Mark again, focusing on the idea of control.


    What happened turned his blood cold.


    The Mark of the Fool brought up the proper memories, neatly organized, pointing out everything he had done right. Like if it was just another skill to be learned. A skill that let one <em>control</em> one of the enemys most precious resources.


    No legend mentioned this, nor had it been written in Galloways book.


    But yet, hed<em></em>done it. The core had been weak, but hed controlled it.


    He thought back on all the cases where Fools had disappeared or betrayed The Heroes. If it was something to never be done, there should have been a warning to future Fools or to anyone<em>. </em>Why wasnt something about this written anywhere. Was it a secret? Andand if a Fool could learn to control the enemys greatest weapons, then <em>how</em> was that useless? And, if <em>humansor</em> maybe other racescould take control of the enemys coreswhat did that mean about The Ravener itself?


    He shook his head. Either he was the first to figure this out, and the most clever Fool to ever bear The Markwhich he sincerely doubtedor


    Theresa, Selina. He finally said. Our legendswhats recordedtheres somethings wrong with them. Something. Is. <em>Wrong.</em>

 Chapter 17: Out into the Light

    Chapter 17: Out into the Light


    What Theresa stared at Alex. What do you mean? Whats wrong?


    Listen. He pointed to the wall in front of the gate. Im- He paused, trying to figure out how to exin without sounding like hed lost his mind. II controlled the core.


    Silence.


    In the silence, Alex noticed that the scratches on Brutus noses had a salve on them.


    Whatre you talking about? His best friend looked at him like he <em>had </em>lost his mind. You were holding that thing for a long time. Do you need to lie down?


    Alex? A worried Selina shuffled from foot to foot. Her little hands clutched his clothes.


    I was trying to break the coretrying to bring its mana together with The Travellers He slowly tried to get his bearings back. and next thing I know, I was sharing its senses.


    Theresa was looking at him with growing confusion. Brutus had cocked all three of his heads.


    Butare you okay? Selina asked.


    Yeah, yeah Im fine. Butlisten. The Mark was just showing me how to do it again.


    A stunned silence followed.


    <em>What?</em> Theresa asked incredulously.


    He shrugged helplessly. Itsa skill, and its not spellcraft, divinity orbat.


    No. She shook her head. Thatif thats true thisthis changes the war.


    His hands gripped his head. Our history should mention this! I meanlook at all the Fools from the past! All the ones that were supposed to have disappeared?


    D-did that thing tell you to do bad things? Selina stared at the remains of the orb in fright.


    No, Alex said. It fought me, but ran out of energy. The Traveller did the rest.


    Should we tell somebody? the young girl asked. If its so important, I mean.


    I think what your brother just did is something like highest sphemy, Theresa said gently.


    So what do we do? the girl asked.


    Theresa drew a long breath. AlexI know you might say, that you-


    Need to figure this out?


    -dont want anything to do with this, but, wait what? she blinked. I thought you just wanted to get your own life back?


    That was <em>before</em> I found out that big parts of our history might be <em>secrets and lies</em>. He chewed his lip. Theresa, <em>humans</em> can use The Raveners dungeon cores. What does that mean? Can other races? Why is this a secret? Why is this hidden? Whos hiding it? <em>How</em> are they hiding it? Theres something rotten in the kingdom of Thamnd. He looked to hispanions seriously. And the thing with rot is that it <em>spreads</em>. When we get to Generasi, well have ess to one of the greatest libraries in the world and some of the greatest minds to have ever lived: we can look into this discreetly. Then we can figure out who we can trust and maybe give them whatever we find.


    He paused.


    The image of a smiling young man with a golden tooth came to mind.


    ...maybe Cedric. Maybe. I dont know if we can trust him, but- He gestured to the broken core. -either way, <em>someone</em> has to look into this. And right now, it seems were the only people who know. And besides-


    He gave a tired smile.


    Were still going to go to a city of wizards. Were going to <em>have</em> lives, but well just be doing a little service to our country too. On the side.


    I, I think thats a good thing to do, Selina said slowly. If its something dangerous, then we should do something.


    I agree, but- Theresa gave a grim look and gestured to the chasm. -that thing nearly killed us. If Cedric hadnt destroyed all of her soldiers, if you didnt think of using the temple eye gems, and if we didnt have The Travellers portals here, then wed all be dead. Three times over.


    She looked down at her great-grandfathers sword. If what you say is right, then something has gone through a <em>lot</em> of trouble to keep this a secret: I dont imagine the lives of three people and a dog would be spared. This is going to be dangerous, we <em>cant</em> meet such a challenge as we are now, and just hoping that nothing bad happens would be fatally stupid.


    There you go, talking sense again. He smiled weakly. I agree. We dont need to be Cedric, but we <em>do</em> need to at least be able to protect ourselves. Generasi is called The City at the Center of Creation for a reason: it has knowledge from all over the world. We can learn what we can, get some more money together and buy what we need. I can use The Mark to learn <em>every</em> skill I can, and try to exploit it and learn to be a proper wizard.


    Theresa frowned. I dont know anything about magic: I wont have much of a way to grow in a city of wizardsunless, she paused, looking up to the portal with Mount Tai. When you say all over the worlddoes that mean knowledge from the Tarim-Lung Empire?


    Where your great-grandfather was from? Im sure, why?


    Her eyes glinted. Ill exinter, buttheres a reason why Twin-de Lu was so feared. And it wasnt <em>just</em> for his swords.


    Brutus barked with all three heads and brushed against his master, who smiled at him. And you too, Brutus. Well grow together.


    She was giving off that warrior from a lost time vibe again, and Alex fought to tear his gaze away. His eyesnded on Selina, who was balling her little hands into fists.


    I-Ill grow too, she said with determination.


    He smiled warmly and patted her head. The only growing kids have to do is growing up.


    Your brothers right, let him and me handle this, Theresa said gently. You just need to focus on going to school.


    Selina looked between her brother and friend. Her chubby little face fell. Okay. She briefly looked toward the portal with the fire mountains. Okay.


    Somethingy in her eyes, but it faded quickly.


    Right, then thats the n. Alex rose to his feet. Now, who''s tired of this horrible death hive? He nced at The Travellers body. Uh, no offence.


    I am, Selina raised her hand.


    Absolutely, Theresa agreed.


    Brutus barked once.


    Alright. Alex took a deep breath, looking at their portal to freedom. Then lets get out of here.


    He approached The Traveller one more time.


    Listen, he said quietly, crouching beside the body and touching one of her hands. Her mana brushed against his skin. It felt calming, almost like a grandmothers hug. Though it was cool, it had its own kind of warmth. I wish I could repay you for everything youve done for us, even in death. I owe you everything, but all I can say is that Ill honour you, in my own way. Oh, and uh, sorry about breaking your statues.


    He paused. I ask that you continue to watch over us. And the Lu family. And Peter and Paul, theyre guards in Alric. maybe not McHarris. Oh, and if you feel like expanding from Alric, Cedric of n Duncan...I think hell need it.


    He named others he wished her to protect, then scraped up a good portion of the dungeon cores remains and tied it into a pouch. Hopefully, he could learn something by examining it at the university.


    Just as he was about to get up, he stopped. Didnt Cedric say something about priests holy symbols singing when a Hero was close? Wasnt the Saints supposed to from even further away? Judging by the glow of her Mark, it still held some power.


    He noticed a chain around her neck hanging to the side. Gingerly, he brought it up into the light.


    He burst outughing.


    No hand of Uldar hung from it: her holy symbol was that of two faces. Red-eyed goddesses with snarling mouths and sharp teeth.


    I guess you had your secrets too. Heid her symbol back down. Well, I wont tell if you wont.


    He looked closer at the bookying beside her. Across the spine was writing in the samenguage that had been etched into the statues bases. Opening it revealed more writing in thatnguage. He closed his eyes for a moment, then took the book and carefullyid it in his pack.


    Maybe more of her story was within. Maybe it would be something else. Either way, he wanted to know more about her; he could borrow it and put it back someday.


    When he stood, Theresa and Selina came forward and said final thank yous to The Traveller. Brutus whimpered softly. One by one they stepped up onto the little wall in front of the portal to the Rhinean Empire.


    Alex eyed the magical doorway and took a deep breath, holding out his hands.


    Selina nodded nervously and took his left.


    Theresa drew a deep breath and took his right. Her hand shook in his. He was fairly sure his hand was shaking too. Brutus simply barked, nuzzling up to his master to calm her.


    She gave him a weak smile and put a hand on his leftmost head. Im okay, boy. Im okay.


    Togetherlinked tightly to each otherthey stepped through the portal.


    As they disappeared, the only motion left in the chasm was the shimmering of The Travellers light


    In that radiance, she almost seemed to be smiling.


    Vertigo hit Alex as a whirlwind of scenery shed before his eyes. A castle that looked to be underwater. A city of silver and steel and ss. A silver chariot that roared past stars.


    Then he was stumbling into tall, warm, grass, and falling to his knees with his head spinning. Selina tumbled past on his left, groaning and sying t on her back. Brutusnded in a heap of legs and heads.


    Only Theresa managed to keep her feet.


    She gracefully stepped into the grass and held her hands out to keep her bnce.


    She steadied and proudly rose to her full height.


    Then her face turned green.


    <em>Bleeeergh!</em> she threw up in the grass.


    Slowly rising to his feet, Alex stretched and took a long look around.


    The grass was different, and so was the light.


    It waste afternoon in the Rhinean Empire, judging by the position of the sun, which might have exined the pale shades of the grasses. Or they just might be different kinds of grasses. Alex had no idea, and this delighted him: so many new things to learn! The air was warmer and a soft breeze carried the hint of fresh water. The trees were shorter and less ominous than the tall trunks of Coille.


    To the north were The Peaks of the Elements: one burning, one stony and studded in gem deposits, one covered in waterfalls, and thest floating above the earth. What a sight!


    A weight had lifted from his shoulders: one he had carried since being branded two nights before. Joy swelled in his chest so quickly, that he had to choke back tears. Tough times would likely being, but he couldnt ignore lifes joys purely to focus on its worries. As someone whod met grief at a young age, he knew that path wasnt the best one to stay on.


    With a huge smile, he crouched beside his sister and his best friend; who had finally finished throwing up. He made sure to ce himself between Selina and the fire mountain to the north.


    Are you okay, little goblin? He patted her tummy.


    She groaned. I dont ever want to do that again.


    His joy had made him absolutely giddy, and he giggled. I dont think well be doing that too much. Here. He helped Selina stand.


    He nced back to the portal, and noticed that it had faded to just a barely noticeable shimmer in the air. He brushed his hand through it. Nothing happened. It looked like this one was one-way only.


    Brutus dragged himself up and shookhis jowls pping on his faces. The cerberus perked up his ears excitedlywith all three of his noses sniffing all the new scents of this strangendas his huge body bounded through the tall grass.


    Alex chuckled to himself as he rubbed Theresas back. Hes having fun.


    Im not, she groaned, holding her head. It feels like my head was spun around...put on backward...<em>and</em> upside down.


    Well. He sped her shoulder. I just wanted to say; youve started your dream. Look: strangends, like your great-grandfather saw.


    She slowly looked up, giving a little gasp of amazement. Her eyes looked around in wonder, taking in the new sights, from The Peaks of the Elements, to her own Brutus frolicking through the grass, barking and chasing bird-sized dragonflies.


    Oh, <em>Alex,</em> she sighed. If I didnt stink of puke, Id hug you right now.


    Ill ask for itter, he chuckled, ncing up to the suns position. Well, lets get out of sight of all that fire- he jerked his head to the mountain. -and see if we can find a town. If not, we can camp. you have rtives in the Rhinean Empire, do you have any idea if this ce is safe?


    She shrugged. I dont know much about it. My uncle lives on the northern coast, and my parents say he doesnt really travel more than a days walk from his smithy, except for when hees to visit us. And when he visits, he talks about the town where he lives, and thats about it.


    Well, I guess well find out together. Besides, Id say were safe: we just killed a giant monster! What can threaten us now?


    She gave him a withering look. What did we <em>just</em> talk about, Alex?


    He sighed, and gave the withering look right back. I <em>know,</em> Theresa, I was <em>trying</em> to bask in victory: whyre you ruining the mood by being sensible?


    While they werent fortunate enough to find a town by sunset, the walk was pleasant. Following the River Austrus, it wasnt long until they found the closest bridge and the highway it belonged to. The road itself was broad and well-travelled, and they passed several farmerssome humans and some beastfolkcarrying livestock to market by cart.


    It was such a strange, peaceful contrast to the tension theyd seen and felt during the mass exodus from Alric. None of the farmers travelled with any weapons, and they waved with broad smiles and greetings in the Rhinean tongue. Theresa responded haltingly with the same words, drawing on parts of thenguage shed picked up from her Uncles visits.


    Alex noted to himself to use The Mark to practice thenguage when they stopped for the evening. It was time to start finding useful skills wherever he could.


    Just before dark, they found a small copse of trees close to the roadside, and with Brutus sniffing for, and not finding any beasts-of-prey or other threats, they made camp.


    Brutus <em>had</em> found some wild hares though, so he and Theresa went rabbit hunting for their supper. To Alexs delightafter hed cooked up another minor feastthe cerberus actually came to <em>him,</em> looking for his food for the evening. Progress!


    His mind sparked at all the new trained-cerberus rted possibilities, and he picked up a stick.


    Dont even <em>think</em> about it. Theresa said from across the fire. She had her full deathstalker face on. You <em>just</em> started to earn his respect, dont ruin it now.


    He held up his hands in mock innocence. Its not what it looks li-


    Youre going to try to make him y fetch.


    Okay, so its <em>exactly </em>what it looks like.


    He looked to Brutus, and saw that one of his heads stared directly at him. The big dog did not look impressed.


    Alex slowlyid the stick down.


    She smiled, letting deathstalker face slip. Remember, its all about patience, whether its hunting or befriending an animal. Dont act too quickly just because you <em>think</em> you have the advantage.


    Something passed through her eyes. When you <em>know</em> the time is right, <em>then </em>you strike.


    He paused. Right, I think I follow.


    Good, she said, before taking Selinas dinner scraps to dispose of.


    ncing at Brutus, he smiled wickedly to himself.


    First, trust and respect.


    Then, when the time was right


    <em>fetch time</em>.


    The night passed far less eventfully than their previous night, and Alex had time to use The Mark to go over his few memories of the Rhinean tongue while on watch. As soon as it was Theresas turn, he slept the sleep of the dead; all the previous days excitement hadpletely exhausted him.


    When he woke up in the morning, his muscles felt like McHarris had beaten them for hours.


    He forced himself to move through the pain while promising to start strength training soon: hed need to be <em>physically</em> ready for trouble in the future.


    But trouble didnte that morning, and they made good time during the rest of the day, especially once Theresa convinced Brutus to carry Selina on his back. By noon, the road had filled with other travellers and soon, they began to hear a roar in the distance.


    They looked at one another and took off, racing up a hill toward the distant roar. Surprised travellers watched them go. When they reached the summit, they could only stare.


    Before them rose the walls of a citythergest they had ever seenand beyond, spread the beautiful blue waters of the Prinean Sea. Port Mausarr: they hade to thest leg of their journey. Now, finding a ship was all that stood between them, and Generasi.


    As they stared in contentment, Alexs eyes drifted to Theresas beautiful, excited face. Her dream wasing. His dream wasing. He looked to Selina, ready to begin a new life. He looked at Brutus, happily frolicking through the grass.


    He could almost taste the new life ahead of them.


    But, <em>whatever </em>was wrong in Thamnd could ruin that.


    There on the hill in the morning sun, he made a promise.


    Hed learn to use The Mark of the Fools potential as best he could. Hed gather skills that could help him understand what was happening in Thamnd, skills that he could exploit to help his magic, and any other skills that he wanted.


    Hed think. Hed adapt.


    Thenwith any hopehed be ready for whatever wasing.

 Chapter 18: Using What You Have (Interlude)

    Chapter 18: Using What You Have (Interlude)


    Well this heres a mighty fine mess we gots, Cedric of n Duncan stepped through the fire-ckened tunnel, over the bodies of burnt spiders. Damn little buggersre all over the ce, and here I was thinkin Id killed the whole lot. Well, it dont matter now: ces emptier than an ale barrel after a n chiefs weddin.


    He looked through the hole broken in the tunnel wall.


    Oi, Hart, you see any more of them beasties over there?


    Just dead ones, a deep voice rumbled back.


    Oh, an dont get too close to them portals: remember what them guards back in Alric told us about the whole business of portals poppin folks around the continent or into the bloody sky, and such.


    Only ce they threw the spiders is in the grave, the voice came back. Almost done.


    Chosen, I really should insist that we continue on to the capital, murmured one of the two priests that had apanied them into the cave. The other simply bowed his head before his hands, praying constantly into his holy symbol of Uldar.


    Oh bah, put your spine back in, friend! Cedric pped the first priest on the back with a grin. We gots three Heroes here, an Alrics right on this bloody ces doorstep. This dungeon needs puttin down, and there aint no way around it. I think we can handle one that I already mostly cleared out. Then we can pop off to the capital to do bloody ceremonies and all that sort o thing, dont ya think? Am I not right, Drestra?


    He nced back to The Sage.


    A lean woman stayed at the back of the group with her hands buried within her earth-toned cloak. On the side of her neck glowed a symbol that looked like a staff: The Mark of the Sage. A veil hid her face from the nose down, and her eyes


    They were golden in color, and their pupils were slitted like a snakes.


    We are enough. Drestra of Crymlyn Swamp said, and her voice was low and crackled like fire. Golden eyes slid over to one of the priests, who shuddered under her inhuman gaze. Even these ones are enough. I sense none of The Raveners mana: only that colder mana that we sensed in Coille. It is strong in this room. Stronger below.


    Aye, I sense that too. Cedric looked back to the temple chamber ahead, noting the sheer destruction that had urred. But the core might still be as weak as freshly hatched hens: with its mana so low, so we might not be pickin it up from far off. Oi, Hart, you alright in there?


    A giant of a man stooped through the tunnel, the top of his helmet nearly scraping the stone. From beneath the steel, Hart Redfletcher looked back at Cedric withrge, dark eyes. He bristled with weapons over his breastte and chain armour, and a massive bow was strapped to his back.


    A quiver of arrows with red fletching bobbed at his waist and he gripped an inhumanlyrge warhammer in both hands.


    The symbol of The Championy on his bicep beneath his armour, as he told Cedric when theyd met on the road the night before.


    I only saw strange portals, which I stayed away from. Like a smart person. His voice was deep and would have suited a far older man. The portals looked like they killed those spiders you talked about. No sign of a fight there.


    So then just here, eh? Cedric put his hands on his hips, looking between the shattered statues and the burnt spider horde. An what do you suppose happened in here? Maybe somethin with them statues? Almost feel bad when rocks doin my damn duty for me.


    My father used to say that the best battles are ones won before they are fought. Drestra said.


    Used to say? Hart nced at her with interest. Cedric had noticed the big mans gaze lingering on the witchs eyes. With curiosity, not distaste. Where is he now?


    He died in battle.


    Ah, pity. Happens to the best.


    Drestra raised an eyebrow. I understood that it is victory that belongs to the best in battle.


    Hart shrugged, and the wooden mercenary-badge of the Ash Crows bounced on his tabard. Sometimes it does. If theyre lucky.


    And speakin of victory, ifn theres nothin to worry about, then I says we finish clearin out the ce. Cedric jerked his head toward the fragments of doors on the opposite end of the temple that had been sted apart. Cmon, brave Heroes lets go.


    Well if that aint the most amazin sight youve ever seen in your life. Cedric gawked at the floating portals as The Heroes and priests trudged down the path into the chasm. His eyes lingered on a portal that led to the sky where sinewy, reptilian forms flew on bat-like wings. Figures rode on their backs, though none seemed to notice the portal.


    Real bloody story by the bonfire stuff. Did any o yous priests know anythin about this?


    IIno, Chosen, we have no details of this ce. The first priest gaped. The Cave of The Traveller shouldthis is an incredible discovery!


    It is. Drestra stared at the portals. A unique magic. The Witches of Crymlyn would give much to study this ce.


    Hart scanned the portals and darkness below for any sign of threats, with his giant bow readied. Do you feel any of the dungeon cores mana? he asked the two spellcasters.


    Not a bit, Cedric shrugged as Drestra shook her head. Either the bloody thing went an hid on us, or its dead.


    Perhaps The Traveller intervened, Drestra offered.


    Cedric nced to the body far below, in its shimmering blue light. Lets check that theory, shall we?


    They passed through the dead hive, stepping over egg sacs and fallen weblines connected to the wall. They took care to avoid stepping into any portals closeby.


    When they approached two walls raised in their path to The Travellers body, Hart drew his hammer with one meaty hand. He limbered up his shoulders and cracked his neck.


    Stand back. He swung at the wall.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    A single blow shattered a giant hole in it.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Another smashed it entirely.


    As he crossed the rubble, he looked down. All clear here. But, the stones ckened. Some sort of fire happened here.


    Drestra looked at a nearby portal. Fire Mountains are through there. Perhaps an eruption?


    Hart looked from Drestra to the fire mountains. His eyes narrowed, not trusting the stability of the volcanoes.


    Well, thats bloody terrific, even faraway mountainsre killin our enemies for us. Cedric threw up his hands in pretend frustration. Guess we might be out of a job, eh friends? Maybe well all go after the next core an find a big old trees taken it out, or some titan of a moles dug it up and moved in with her kin.


    Hart knocked a gauntleted fist against a giant w half-buried in the earth. Hm, good strong material. Can we use materials from monsters? Or do they get all corrupt?


    He nced at the priests.


    Er, previous Heroes have. The first cleared his throat, while the second continued to pray. Though it is not proper. Our enemies materials should be destroyed, but there is now stopping others from using what they find.


    Ill be not proper then. Looting is half a mercenarys pay. Maybe more. Hart tapped it one more time. ws bit right into the rock without bending: one would make for a hell of a de.


    With a grunt, The Champion took hold of the monsters w and tore it from the stone with ease, sending up a shower of rock. The priests jumped back from the flying dust and pebbles.


    Hart tested the edge that had been buried in the stone. Cut rock and not even dulled. He set the ws on the ground. Ill be taking those.


    His hammer swung at the opposite wall.


    <em>Crash! Crash!</em>


    If its all this easy, well have The Ravener dead by Sigmus. He stepped back over the rubble. Fire mountains or not, somethings done our work for us.


    Ahhh, or maybe <em>someone</em>. Cedric bounded past The Champion and peered at the body of The Traveller, giving her a short bow of respect. Ahhh, would ya look at that? He gestured to the shining sand in her hands with his spear. If I were a bettin manwhich I am, well get the cards outterId say our old predecessor here did our work for us. Oi, holy ones, would yous say that this stuff heres whats left o the dungeon core? Or did some beastie happen to drop a bunch o ss into The Travellers hands?


    One of the priests drew a small, leatherbound book from his robes and flipped through the pages quickly, peering at little descriptions, illustrations and diagrams within.


    ording to <em>The Bestiary of The Ravener and Its Foul Spawn</em>, a dungeon core shall crumble into fine ss-like dust after destruction.


    Does this here look like that stuff?


    As the priest approached The Traveller, his holy symbol began to sing like a heavenly choir had been tied to his neck. He looked between an illustration in the book and the sand. It matches.


    It would appear her magic destroyed the core, Drestra said. But after some sort of battle, perhaps?


    Maybe something came out of one of those portals. Hart shrugged. Could be anything. More magic in here than Ive ever seen, and thats not nothing: the Ash Crows have killed a fair share of wizards.


    Charming. Drestra gave him a look.


    What? We were paid for it. Nothing personal.


    It was no doubt personal to the wizards.


    Yeah, and that boar you put away three steaks fromst night? Hart grinned. It was pretty personal to him when I shot him, but I didnt hear youining about that while you were stuffing your cheeks like a baby squirrel.


    There was a light yfulness to his tone, but the only reaction he got back from Drestra was a silent stare. Her eyes were unreadable.


    Now, now, lets let aside matters of wizards and piggies. Cedric chuckled, raising his hands. Hed been measuring both of his newpanions and so far, hed been pleased. Both clearly knew their jobs well, though he did wonder how theyd get along.


    A hermit witch from the western swamps, and a hardened warrior whod grown up among mercenaries, didnt exactly speak of fellowship, teamwork and sociable nature. Well, maybe theyd warm up in time.


    Praise be to Uldar and to his Saint, The Traveller, for she is the first to defeat a core during this cycle, the second priest said into his symbol. Praise be to you, oh past Saint.


    Cedric nodded quietly, while looking down at the particles of the core with regret.


    In truth, he was a bit disappointed in not having a nice little scrap ready and waiting in the dungeon. The fight against the spiders outside had made the old blood of n Duncan sing in him, even if the battle had been a little easy.


    But he kept his disappointment to himself.


    Probably wouldnt do for The Chosen toin that the fight against thends ancient evil wasnt hard enough.


    Can material from the core itself be used? Drestras reptilian eyes were fixed on the shining sand.


    Er, yes, the Priest said. It is a strong mana conduit. If the proper apparti are used, there is a history of crafting powerful potions or pressing them into weapons.


    We take that too, then. Hart rubbed his hands together. Loot and no fighting. Best job Ive ever had.


    Aye, agreed. No sense in leavin resources lyin about to gather dust. Cedric bowed his head to The Traveller. Thank you kindly, Saint o times past, you did the people about thend near a fine service.


    A thought urred to him, and he turned to the portals appraisingly.


    Sayspeakin o using things. Ya think we could get some wizards down here to take a look at this ce? Cedric willed his spear to melt down and pour over his arm. No need for it, most likely. Im thinkin, if we can put sense to how this ce and all its fancy doors work, then we gots ourselves a way to get all the folks that need out of Thamnd away real fast. Lot less death and a lot less not affordin a bloody boat.


    He smiled in anticipation.


    Aaaand, if we see any portals that lead to ces here on the ind, then we gots ourselves a way to pop around quick and stomp out a bunch o dungeons before they get too fighty.


    Well, hopefully theyd be a <em>little</em> fighty. His Da didnt raise a warrior that knocked around opponents who couldnt fight back.


    As you say, Chosen. The first priest bowed. We will send for wizards and inform the priesthood and nobility about this find. Once your support team is ready and you have been joined by The Saint in the capital, you may use this ce as you wish when its safety is confirmed. I will have the local garrison fortify this location in the meanwhile.


    Good, good stuff. Fine, then, lets get to the capital and get things truly started. Hopefully, well have The Fool by then. He looked to The Traveller. We cant have the dead doin<em> all</em> the work.


    Meh, The Fools not with us and weve already got a dead dungeon, Hart said. Let them hide if theyre hiding. Either way, well have this all fixed by Sigmus.


    Aye. Cedric nced one more time to the dungeon cores remains. Lets hope thats so.


    A titanic orb of darkness floated somewhere deep beneath the earth.


    The cavern surrounding it wasrge enough to fit an entire castle, and it <em>teemed</em> with monsters. Hive-Queens of Silence. Hulking scaled behemoths that breathed brimstone and poison. Humanoid giants that had no skin.


    Other monsters crawled and flew through the cavernthe Raveners direct spawn. The dark teemed with their cries and their eyes were filled with death.


    The Ravener floated silently above them all, over a pool of ck, stagnant water. Shadows stirred in its depths. Something had destroyed one of its cores. No, more than that.


    Something else had happened. Something that had not urred in many cycles of its reincarnation. Something that could not be tolerated.


    An ancientmandment was renewed within.


    The darkness of its surface swam, and its monsters went silent, quickly bowing towards it. Its darkness swirled faster until it finally spit out five creatures into the ck pool below.


    They were human-like in shape, though covered in skin that was like thousands of scabs joined together. Their eyes had no pupils and their humanoid skulls had no nose or lips, revealing teeth like scorpions stingers. ws the size of short swords dripped poison and the webbing between their fingers and toes let them bob in the dark waters with ease.


    They listened closely as The Ravener instructed them:


    Seek.


    One of the creatures swam to shore and stepped ontond. The other monsters, its older siblings, parted to let it pass as it stepped into a passageway that would lead it to the surface. Thamnd would be its area of search.


    The other four creatures dived into the dark water.


    Swimming deep into the earth, they followed underwater tunnels deep beneath Thamnd. Eventually, the water changed from fresh to salt, and they emerged into the ocean far below where light touched, and far beneath where the priests had erected their barrier.


    Only they, of all The Raveners children, could survive the horrible pressures of this deep. Only they, its assassins, could seek what it had told them to find.


    They broke apart, each swimming in different directions. They let out long range pulses of mana, which echoed back to them like a bat guiding itself in the dark. Each would pass into the world quietly, until one of their pings found a marked one.


    One who had usurped a core.


    One who needed to die.

 Chapter 19: The Red Siren

    Chapter 19: The Red Siren


    Port Mausarr was overwhelming.


    The sights. The smells. The energy.


    Alex had read that the city was thergest port in the south of the Rhinean Empire. And it showed. Seagulls trumpeted at each other above marketces bursting with activity.


    Farmers, fishermen and vendors called to travellers throughout the cobblestone streets, all working for an early sale. Tempting scents rising from the many food stalls made Alexs belly rumble, even though theyd recently had breakfast. Half a dozennguages swarmed around them and he listened to all of them.


    Then there were the people.


    Alex had seen an elf in Alric once, as well as one of the beastfolka pinkish merchant with the head of a pigbut now, they were surrounded by a multitude of peoples, including the oceanic folkor Schar as they called themselvesand several races of beastfolk.


    Most of the beastfolk around the markets shared the traits of human and pig, but there were also some that were dog-people, cat-people and even hulking minotaurs. Brutus tilted his heads as he sniffed and eyed the dog-people. Theresa had to keep him from chasing after the cat-people.


    The Schar were simr to humans, except for the silver-grey cast to their skin, their eyes which were solid-ck, and the gill-slits framing their necks. When oneughed nearby, Alex noticed that their mouths were full of sharp, jagged teeth. Selina quietly asked him if they also lived in the water, but he had no idea. That was something for them to learn about in Generasis library.


    Or, by talking with people, he guessed.


    So this is what great-grandfather saw most of his life, Theresa murmured, trying to hold her gaze straight so that they wouldnt look like gaping bumpkins. Her voice had a dreamy quality to it. So many thingsso many people. So many ports.


    Its all sooo cool, Selina held her brothers hand, with her eyes shining at the stone architecture. Of particr interest to her was a cathedral they passed in midtown, one dedicated to the four elements. The symbols of fire, water, stone and air chased each other in the stained ss of itsrgest window. It felt a little strange to him, seeing a temple without Uldars hand raised over its front.


    Luckily, it didnt look like Uldar had any presence here.


    That meant none of his priests.


    Yeah, Alex agreed. Its pretty cool, isnt it? And you notice the stares <em>were</em> getting? I guess cerberi are as rare in the Rhinean Empire as they are back home.


    When theyd first arrived at the city-gates and before the guards would even consider letting them through, theyd been questioned about Brutus temperament. They kept makingments about his size, the fact that he had threerge heads, and that he <em>looked </em>dangerous. But for his part, Brutus ignored them, staying by Theresas side as two of his heads swivelled every which way, while one would dip to investigate new scents.


    I hear its even wilder in Generasi, Alex continued. Tamed monsters, wizards everywhere, people that can flyits going to be great. And itll have a lot of ways to grow.


    I cant wait to see it. Theresa drew a long breath, her imagination taking over. A thoughtful look crossed her face. Its funny. Great-grandfather used to see all of this for most of his life. Then one day he thought, thats enough and left to settle down in quiet Alric. She chuckled at herself. And here I am, one of his descendants, who just kept wishing I could get away from there.


    People are just different, I guess. Alex shrugged, giving her a long look ...maybe we always want what we dont have.


    He thought back on Cedric, and how <empletely ready</em> the young Hero had seemed to go do his duty. It wasnt just that he was brave or tough, it was that he was ready to jump into his destiny with a smile on his face. His Mark had<em>chosen-</em>


    Alex snickered at his own pun.


    -well. He liked Cedric well enough from the short time theyd met, but they were different in a lot of ways.<strong></strong>He definitely wouldnt have been happy about receiving The Mark of the Chosen, but he wondered what would have happened if he had gotten The Mark of the Sage.


    It expanded a persons mana a hundredfold, if the legends were right about it.


    That would have been incredible: having a poolrge enough to construct a slew of spell arrays at the same time, and keep a number of magic circuits running without draining reserves. As Alex practiced magic, his mana pool would expand naturally, which would both increase his reservesallowing him to cast spells more often<em>and</em> increase the amount of magic circuits he could fit inside his pool at once. Eventually hed have enough room to link magic circuits and cast spells of higher tiers.


    But what could he have done with a mana pool a hundred times the size that it was now, with room to grow even more?


    He imagined standing on some battlefield, raining down hundreds of glowing forceballs onto a horde of silence-spiders like a meteor shower. Or sting apart the hive-queen. Despite himself, the fantasy brought a smile to his face. Maybe <em>that scenario</em> wouldnt have been so bad: helping Cedric and the other Heroes by<strong></strong>using the tools <em>he</em> knew how to use; putting down The Ravener for another hundred years, and then going off to Generasi with experience, a colossal mana pool and the most amazing practice.


    Then again, maybe none of that glory would have happened. Maybe he would have died in some dungeon.


    He sighed, looking over the peaceful folk surrounding them in Mausarr,pletely separated from the plightor as the legends called itpride of Thamnd. How many people here yearned for more adventure? How many from home would have sold their left arm for this peace?


    He brought himself back to reality. There was no use pining for things that hadnt happened. He had gotten The Mark of the Fool, and learned of what was likely a deadly secret. His eyes hardened. Besides, if something<em> was</em> wrong with the legends, then hed rather have The Mark of the Fool. Better to be a Fool who could figure out what was wrong and be ready for it, than a Sage who waspletely blind.


    He studied the people of Mausarr closer, noting once more how peaceful they were: oblivious to the threat of The Ravener.


    A thought urred to him.


    He only remembered ever hearing of Thamnds Heroes battling their ancient enemy. Had it never gone to othernds? Some tales spoke of Heroes whose origins <em>were </em>from far off ces, but they were all Thameish when marked. The people fled to othernds while the enemy was being fought at homebut had the monsters never once escaped the priests encirclement that Cedric had spoken of?


    What of other realms? Were there other things like The Ravener that <em>they</em> had to face?


    His list of things to investigate once they reached Generasi was growing.


    Brother, look! Selina pointed ahead.


    He pulled himself from his thoughts, realizing that they hade to another hill. Past the bustling citysplit by the River Austruswere docks and shipyards, where dozens of high masted vessels drifted in and out of port on the Prineans gentle waters.


    Once they reached one of those ships and departed, theyd soon be at the city of wizards.


    Passengers! Passengers to Generasi! a huge Schar man called, revealing sharp teeth every time he shouted. A massive scar ran from his forehead, over the bump on his short nose, and ended just above the lip.


    His words were followed in a stream of ented Rhineantoo quickly for Alex to begin to understand, even using The Mark. He was only able to pick out the words full, morning and drinks. The giant of a man looked around and made a strange clicking noise with the side of his jaw. He eyed the crowd, but received no takers.


    What about that one? Alex nodded toward the giant. Whats he saying?


    The group had bought an early lunch of skewered fish balls seasoned with sea salt and shallots. It took some negotiating to get the seller to take Thameish coins, but Theresa had finally reached a sort of agreement while Alex watched closely, listening to thenguage.


    The food had been worth it: the fish balls were delicious, and Selina tore through about six of them and showed no signs of stopping. Brutus was slobbering all over them too, which definitely meant he liked them, andthough the meal was saltier than Alrics cuisineAlex and Theresa couldnt get enough.


    Now the huntress peered at the sailorprobably the captain judging by his fine, but patched clotheswhile tranting some of the Rhinean words. Cargos fund something about passengers. Theyre leaving tomorrow morning. Mealscant understand the rest.


    Finally, one thats leaving soon. Alex rxed. For much of the morning theydbed the docks, but most of the ships that were taking on passengers either werent bound for Generasi, or werent leaving for at least a week.


    The sailor grinned widely as he saw the group approach, and said something in Rhinean. Theresa started to reply. Passagewe wantummm.


    While she paused to think, the sharp-toothed mans grin widened.


    Are you all Thameish? he asked in themon tongue.


    Theresa startled. Uh, yes.


    I <em>thought</em> that was the ent, he said proudly. Looking for passage? Well were still taking passengers, but cargos full, if you have cargo. Departing in the morning: meals are on me, but drinksif you take to drinkare on you!


    No drinks, just passage. Theresa said. How much?


    The mans jet-ck eyes ran over them appraisingly. Ten Thameish silvers each. Five for the child. Twenty-five to board your big three-headed friend. Those eyes lingered on Brutus. Is he house trained?


    All three of Brutus faces managed to look offended.


    Since he was a pup, Theresa said quickly. There was a note of defensiveness in her voice, and she reached out and patted him.


    Good, better that way. I do half upfront and half when we get safely to port. Fair deal?


    He held out a massive hand, and Alex noticed that his fingers were webbed. Both he and Theresa shook the offered hand, and he passed the captain two gold coins and five silvers. The man studied them with an experts gaze, testing the gold against his teeth.


    Real enough. He quickly slipped them into one of the pouches on his belt, which didnt appear very full. Wee to <em>The Red Siren</em>, my passengers! Im Captain Fan-Dor, and Ill have you in Generasis harbour in two days. Ive got three rules. One: You listen to what I say. Two: Treat my ship like you would your mothers marriage-pearl. No damaging it. No fooling around. Three: Treat me and my crew with respect. Got it?


    Im pretty sure the only people that wouldnt agree with those rules are massive idiots, Alex said lightly.


    Hah! the captain gave a barkingugh. I like that, boy, but youd be surprised just how many idiots we get.


    Um, Selina was looking at the ships rigging and sails with utter fascination. Um, Captain Fan-Dor isis it okay to ask questions about the ship?


    The captains smile turned warmer when he looked down at the small girl, though his sharp teeth still gave him a vicious look. You like ships, little one?


    ItsIve never seen anything so big float. Her eyes traced the sails. And move with the wind. Its amazing that you can make it go where you want!


    ... The captain stared at her for a moment, before digging into his pouch and handing five silvers back to Alex.


    The little one rides for free. He said seriously.


    As they boarded the ship, Alex was nearly <em>vibrating</em> with excitement. Thest potential obstacle between them and Generasi was falling away, but more than that: he had never <em>actually</em> been on a ship before. The stories Theresas grandfather told drifted back to his mindNo Mark of the Fool needed to call thembringing images of high adventure and danger by sea.


    The high adventure part awakened boyish dreams in him, though any adventures could do without the danger by sea part. Then he remembered his earlier fantasy about being The Sage and blowing up silence-spiders.


    Well, <em>maybe</em> a little bit of danger. Hed likely have to deal with that anyway soon enough.


    The crew inspected the ship around them, a little over a dozen sailors in all. Powerfully muscled humans from manynds worked alongside beastfolk that looked simr to frogsspeaking to each other in low, croaking voicesand ck-eyed, grey-skinned Schar. Here were folk that had seen more of the world in a single week than Alex had in all his life.


    He had nothing but respect for that.


    Passengers? A familiar voice said close by.


    Alex turned toward it and stopped in surprise.


    Rising up from inspecting a long crack in the deck wasFan-Dor?


    Well, not quite, he realized. The new mans face and build were identical, but hecked the immense scar that marked the captains face.


    Gel-Dor, First Mate, therge man introduced himself. Twin hatchling to Captain Fan-Dor. If youre staying until we depart, passenger cabins are down the stairs- He jerked a thumb toward the stern. -and straight forward. Two of the cabins are upied, but the third on the rights-


    He paused, giving them an appraising look.


    You know what? Take the third on the right and the one across the hall.


    Two rooms? What about more passengers? Theresa gave a nce back to Captain Fan-Dor, who had returned to his calling to potential takers.


    People avoided his gaze.


    A strange look passed over Gel-Dors face. Yeahothers, he grunted. Anyway, take the two rooms. Youll need the space.


    Theresa and Alex exchanged a look.


    Now that he looked around more carefully, he noticed a fair amount of patches in the first mates clothes, and the other crew members trousers and shirts were threadbare. Alex has just assumed that one just wouldnt be able to keep clothes in good repair at seabut now


    He thought back on how light the captains coin pouches looked, and started to wonder if they might still be able to get their coins back. Then again, he <em>had</em> let Selina ride for free, and that was decent. Maybe being decent was the reason why they didnt have much coin. But then why werent people boarding with them?


    Oh, and this evening. Gel-Dor pointed to a space cleared on the deck toward the bow. Well be holding the Ceremony of the Spear-and-Oar Dance to honour Ek-u-Dari, The Ocean Goddess, for safe travel.


    Spear-and-Oar Dance? Theresa asked with sudden interest.


    He nodded. One of our peoples sacred dances onnd: a cousin of our fighting style. Youre wee to attend and watch, if youve got interest.


    Theresa and Alex exchanged another look, this time in shared excitement.


    Possibilities whirled in his mind.


    The Mark of the Fool hinderedbat, but would it do the same to a <em>dance</em> simr tobat?


    He intended to find out.

 Chapter 20: Cookies and Dances

    Chapter 20: Cookies and Dances


    The cabins were tight and cozy with low ceilings, which meant Alex had to stoop to enter. Each had a single bed with a grey nket that looked like it had seen better days. At the foot of the bed, an old chest sat with an iron key in the lock, ready to be turned.


    The air smelled of straw that had gotten wet too many times, the leftovers of too many fish dinners, and dried salt.


    Well, home sweet home for a couple of days. He said, ducking through the door frame.


    It smells funny, Selina whispered, following after him as he ced his rucksack on the bed. She padded over and pushed the bag aside to flop down on the bed. The straw pallet rustled as she wiggled on it.


    Itsits softer than the ground? she offered hopefully.


    Stinkier too, he added.


    She snorted.


    Across the way, he heard Brutus whining and Theresas lowered voice trying to soothe him. Alex winced in empathy: if Selina and <em>he</em> could notice the scent, then what about poor Brutus with <em>three </em>sensitive noses?


    Well, well have to share the bed. He pointed out. So were going to have to deal with the smell.


    What? Noooo, she groaned, and her long, chestnut hair puffed a little as she rolled back her head. You turn and kick too much when you sleep.


    I do not-


    You <em>do</em>.<em></em>She frowned at him. Ive seen you and I dont want you to kick me on the floor. <em>And</em> youre too tall for both of us to fit.


    He waved a hand dismissively. Oh cmon, little goblin, youre the size of a squirrel.


    Yeah, but youre not!


    Well make it work.


    But-


    Im your big brother, and I say were going to make it work.


    She sighed like a prisoner whod just found out theyd been sentenced to spend the rest of their life in a dungeon. A castle dungeon, not a monster making dungeon.


    Alex frowned.


    Why <em>did </em>those things share the same name anyway? They werepletely differe-


    Alexcan I ask you a question?


    Her voice had taken a very serious note, and he pulled himself from his idle thoughts.


    Anything, little goblin, you know that. He dropped onto the pallet beside her. Whats on your mind? Is it what happened in the cave?


    Yeah, in the cave Selina pushed on when he paused. Her eyes met his; the Roth siblings eyes were an identical shade of green. why did you and Theresa keep making jokes?


    Huh? We did?


    You were pping each others arms, and you joked when you were about to break the core andI dont think it was very funny. It was really, <em>really</em> scary.


    Its true, it was scary.


    Then why were you making jokes?


    He gave her a long look. Itsnotits not really making <em>jokes</em>.


    Itty bitty pieces?


    Okay, to <em>be fair</em>, that actually could have happened, but I know what you mean. He spread his hands. I mean, its weird, right? Were in a cave full of monsters and its scary and we dont know where were going and me and Theresa are pping each other.


    Mhm! She nodded. Thats right, why? It doesnt make sense.


    He sighed. Wellsometimes he scratched the back of his head, trying to find the right words. Sometimes it helps to have a little bit of normal. Sometimes it helps tough when youre scared or sad.


    He looked away, his eyes falling on the old chest and he let out a bitter chuckle. The one that had sat at the foot of his parents bed had looked simr.


    After Mum and Dad were gonedo you remember how I was?


    She went silent and shook her head. No, she said in a small voice.


    Alex gave a short, self-mockingugh. Im kind of d you dont. Do you remember when Thomas Gwent lost his cardsst summer? Do you remember how sad he was?


    Yeah. She nodded. He kept crying and crying and crying all the time, and he kept hiding by himself under Mrs. Walders apple tree.


    That was like me, except it went on for a lot longer, and <em>I</em> used to hide in that old house by the wall all alone. Then one day, Theresa and Brutus tracked me and found me there.


    He thought back. Itd rained a lot that day. More than he remembered happening in Alric before or since.


    She brought cookies. He nced at his sister, who watched him with full attention. She and Mrs. Lu had made them from a recipe they had from mum. They thought theyd make me feel better. So, Theresa walked all the way in the rain over to the old house with these cookies, but I didnt want to talk to her or anybody. But, she wouldnt leave. She just pushed her way in and sat down beside me dripping wet and took out the soggiest cookie youve ever seen.


    Gross. Selina made a face.


    Heughed. It was super gross: I didnt want to eat it but she wouldnt move until I tasted it. I mean, it tasted alright, but sitting in a wet bag with rain soaking throughll ruin any cookie. Anyway, I spat it out and told her to leave and she just started yelling at me. So, I get mad and yell back, and we keep screaming at each other so loudly that the watchman came running to see if someone was getting murdered.


    He shook his head, continuing tough. And boy, did he <em>ever </em>scold us. And when he finally let us go, it was just so awkward. We didnt say a word to each other. Then part way back home I start thinking: Gee, Im hungry andnot even thinkingI asked her for another cookie.


    Did she smack you?


    No, but she gave me this look like: you made me go through all that just to ask for a cookie now. And I saw that look and just startedughing and couldnt stop, and then she did too. And you know what?


    He looked back to the chest. That day, it hurt a little less. I spent the rest of that summer baking her family cookies every week. I put some aside just for her out of every batch, and I wouldnt let anyone touch them but her.


    I remember that! Selina perked up. They wereokay.


    Hah, I was still learning. He hadntbined his mothers cooking with all of McHarris secrets back then. But the important thing is that it didnt make all the bad go away. It didnt make things better everydaysome were still hardbut it did make things a little easier.


    She frowned. Sowhen it gets scary or sad, youugh?


    If you can, sometimes, as long as people areughing <em>with </em>you. He tapped the side of his head. When you think about a scary thing and think about how scary it is, sometimes that <em>makes</em> it scarier. If you think different, then maybe its a little less scary.


    He shrugged. It works for Theresa and me. Maybe not for everybody. But sometimes when youre scared, doing something you normally do makes things seem a little more normal and a little less scary.


    Hrm, she grunted. I still dont get it.


    Thats okay. Maybe when youre older, or maybe our way isnt for you. But, I think youll figure out what works for you as you get bigger.


    Okay, she paused.


    Do you have another question?


    Mhm. She gestured at his shoulder Can Ican I see it?


    Alex nodded. Of course you can.


    He nced to the doorway. He didnt hear anyone close by, but quickly went to the door and bolted it.


    When he carefully pulled the shirt off of his left shoulder, the grinning jesters face was revealed, seeming to watch Selina. The little girl gasped, her chubby hands going to her cheeks. Does- she whispered, looking around as though someone might be listening. She leaned forward. Does it hurt?


    It did, but not anymore, he whispered back, dropping down to one knee so The Mark was eye level with her. It doesnt even feel different. You can touch it, if you want.


    She slowly reached out and poked it with one finger, watching the dim glow disappear beneath her finger. Itskind of cool, Alex.


    Hah, you have funny taste, little goblin. Frowning, he eyed his skinny arm and when she finished poking The Fool, he pulled the shirt back up and looked at the floor. Time to do something about these skinny arms, he thought, andid down with his palms pressed to the floor.


    Uh, what are you doing? Selina asked.


    Push-ups. He squared his shoulders in the way Theresas oldest brother had taught him long ago. We dont have a lot to do, and I think your big brother could use a little more iron in his arms.


    Okay. She gave him a weird look before slipping from the bed and making for the door. Im going to see what Theresas doing.


    Alright, have fun. Go straight to her room and nowhere else, okay?


    Selina paused at the door. Hey, Alex?


    Yeah?


    I love you, okay?


    yeah, me too. Selina. I love you too.


    Before he could say anything else, she slipped from the room and shut the door behind her.


    Alex Roth watched the door for a long time after shed left, and when he finally started his push-upsconcentrating on The Mark to guide him to the correct formtears were in his eyes.<strong></strong>


    Ek-u-Dari, we dedicate this sh to you! Fan-Dor roared.


    <em>Thm. Thm. Thm.</em>


    He drummed the deck with the butt of his spear.


    Ek-u-Dari, we ask for protection from you! Gel-Dor roared.


    <em>Thm. Thm. Thm.</em>


    He drummed the deck with the butt of his oar.


    Just as the rain dances to feed the sea, we dance a dance of arms and oar.


    <em>Thm! Thm!</em>


    They drummed the deck once more then raised their spear and oar in perfect unison. The identical twins faced each other across the deck.


    They touched the ts of spear and oar, then turned backing each other and faced those watching. The crew and few passengers were seated around them in a circle, eating ate supper of sausages and cabbage: a final hot meal ofnd-food before the short voyage began.


    With a bow, the twins stepped into the dance.


    They moved in aplex disy of foot work, punctuated by rhythmic stomps and sweeping hand movements, keeping their bodies perfectly bnced. Their feet danced across the ship, in perfect time with a drumbeat kept by three sailors. The spear and oar spun and shed in their hands, with the hafts spinning in their fingers. They made no strikes butas the brothers feet stomped the decktheir objects of devotion rose in shy, defensive guards.


    The spinning steel caught the moonlight like ocean waves on a windy sea, and the two men leapt like acrobats, jumping and spinning like whirlwinds in harmony. Then they changed: no longer mimicking each others movements, instead, theyplimented<em></em>them. The spear would spin high while the oar would spin low, then they would switch. One would guard left and the other right.


    As the dance continued, they seemed to transform from two warriors mirroring each other, to a single warrior inhabiting two bodies.


    Alex couldnt look away, while Selina gaped beside him. Theresa was half-raised from her seat, her eyes sparking in the moonlight. All the sailors watched with a deep respect, while the Schar had dipped their heads in prayer.


    Two of the other passengersa couple that looked only a little older than Theresas parentssmiled and pped along with the drumbeat. Thest passengera man even skinnier than Alexonly paid attention to his meal, eating as though hed never seen food before. Already, three empty tes were piled beside him.


    With a final flourish, the captain and first mate softlynded on the deck in unison with the spear and oar pointed toward the sky. And so we have <em>be</em> the storm in ce of any storms Ek-u-Dari might send to us! Goddess, we hope we have pleased you and ask for your kindness!


    The ship fell silent.


    Theresa was suddenly on her feet, pping as hard as she could. Alex joined her right after and a startled Selina followed.


    And thanks to all of you for attending our ceremony. Captain Fan-dor held his spear up. And by all of you I mean our guests. My crew had better be here if they want their pay.


    The crew gave theugh of folk who had heard the same joke a thousand times.


    Storms are always witnessed, and the more eyes to witness the sacred dance, the more Ek-u-Dari will show us her kindness. He approached the passengers. You enjoy yourselves?


    He nced at the skinny man, who scraped thest scraps of food from his fourth te. Well look at you, been stuffing yourself like youve got hollow legs.


    The passenger looked up and asked something in Rhinean, to which the captain responded. With a weak smile, the man said something to the captain.


    Fan-Dor chuckled. Just a hollow belly, he says.


    Captain, that was one of the most beautiful things Ive ever seen. Theresa had a dreamy look on her face.


    Then you should see someone whos actually good at it. Gel-Dor said dryly. Youve been gettingx on your practice, brother.


    Only so you can keep pace with me. Fan-Dor shot back.


    Does it take a lot of practice to learn? Alex asked.


    The captain frowned. Any dance does, boy, and the Spear-and-Oar Dance is moreplex than most. Why?


    Well, I was just thinking Id, well I wouldnt mind learning something like that.


    Theresa shot him a surprised look.


    Fan-Dors frown deepened. Listen, if youre asking so you can get free passage like your sister-


    No, no! Alex raised his hands. I was just thinking that itd be justjust


    A way to learn how to dodge horrible death-beasts in a way that wouldnt make an ancient magical Fool brand have a tantrum? How the hell was he supposed to put this?


    Then Gel-Dor elbowed his brother, and threw a meaningful look between Alex and Theresa.


    The captain froze. A massive grin spread over his face. Huh. What was your name?


    Uh, Alex.


    Right, then. Alex. Come here and Ill tell you all about it.


    The captain dragged Alex to the side then put an arm around his skinny shoulders. I see whats happening here.


    Huh? Alex cocked his head, trying not to pull away. Fan-Dors breath stank. It smelled like a mix of smoked sardines and rotten eggs, and it was mming right into his face.


    Youre trying to swim up the river, arent you? The Captains grin widened.


    What?


    Yknow? Swim up the river? Burrow in the seabed? Slither under the corral?


    ...pardon?


    Youre trying to spawn, arent you? With your friend there? he nced over his shoulder. Nice choice by the way. A little short, but you humans tend to be, and shes broad-shouldered for a human female. Youd spawn strong hatchlings togetheror at least shed make up for uh


    He looked over Alexs skinny frame. Well at least you got height.


    All the colour drained from Alexs face as he nced back to Theresa, noticing Gel-Dor had taken her aside and was whispering something to her as well. Even worse, the older couple were giggling to each other while the skinny mans eyes were darting between Theresa and Alex.


    For a wild moment, he strongly considered breaking out of the captains grip and throwing himself into the sea.


    Well, dont you worry. Fan-Dorughed. I had a good captain to teach me the basics and strut myself properly in front of my wife at the Tide Festival, and Im not one to not pay it forward.


    He looked him up and down.


    You ever dance, boy?


    N-no.


    Can you?


    With The Marks help, the answer to that was a very strong <em>maybe</em>.


    Probably. Alex half-lied.


    ...Right, well well know what that probably means soon enough. The captain looked to the cathedrals tower in the city. Meet me up here when thest bell chimes. Least I can do is teach you the first three steps. We wont have time for more than that, but it should give you a head start. youll need to think about your own marriage-pearl, though.


    While Alex Roth was d hed gotten this opportunity, a part of him just wished the Hive-Queen had killed him.

 Chapter 21: The Spear-and-Oar Dance

    Chapter 21: The Spear-and-Oar Dance


    The Spear-and-Oar Dance always begins with one thing: the spear. Captain Fan-Dor lifted his spear, showing Alex its shine beneath the moonlight. But that is not how <em>well </em>be beginning.


    He tossed Alex a long object, which the young man barely caught.


    An old mop.


    Why dont we start with the oar? Alex asked.


    Because thats a lot harder. Safer, but harder. Fan-Dor lifted his spear, holding the haft up by the middle and bncing it on one finger. Weapons are bnced for quick movement. Oars arent. That makes it harder.


    That makes sense.


    Normally, thats why were taught the Way of Weapons before the Dance.


    The captains footsteps thumped over the deck as he took up position in the cleared area across from Alex. Only a few of the crew still stirred, leaving them mostly alone. Oil lights zed on Mausarrs docks as sailors worked through the evening to get cargo loaded onto their ships.


    But, from the way you walk, Im thinking youve never held a weapon before. Fan-Dor thumped the butt of his spear into the deck and leaned over the hilt.


    Once. Alex remembered when hed begged Mister Lu to hold one of Twin-de Lus swords when he was a child. Hed gripped the hilt while Mr. Lu had held the scabbard. It was a fond memory, but itd never made him want to get his own sword, or run off to be a knight like in so many stories hed heard with young, heroic children in them. He wondered how The Mark would react to him doing that now. Probably, not well.


    So then we dont want you fumbling around and stabbing yourself. Or worse, stabbing me. So, a mop it is. Tonight, Im going to start teaching you the first stance, the first step, the second stance and the first guard of the dance.


    Out of how many?


    Of the basics? Five stances, five positions of the feet, and five guards. Theres also basic jumps and flourishes, but you wont have to worry about those until about two years of practice, and trust me, youll only need a little to look impressive for yourpurposes.


    He grinned at Alex who felt a hot blush creep over his cheeks.


    So! First position!


    <em>Thm.</em>


    He drummed his spear on the deck.


    Alex watched him closely, making sure to note as many details for repetition with The Mar-


    Well whatre you waiting for? First position!


    The young mage startled and scrambled into first position, holding his mop by the top and pressing the bottom to the deck.


    Come on, you can do better than that. Fan-Dor shook his head as though Alex were a fish trying to hop around onnd on its tail. Think of your eggs! Let that motivate you!


    Alexs cheeks burned. Listen, uh, humans dont actuallyy eggs. We, uh-


    Oh, I know. Fan-Dor grinned. But you should see the look on your face right now.


    Alex stopped, then burst outughing as his blush faded. Hed get him back for that.


    Shaking off fantasies of amusing, petty revenge, he straightened his back and tried to copy Fan-Dors exact stance. He focused on The Mark, and it offered him the best points of his first attempt. He matched it..


    Fan-Dor looked him over. Passable, for a second attempt. Not good. But passable. Right, so next youll want the front-step-


    Uh, captain, is there a back step? Alex quickly asked. Can we learn that instead?


    First thing hed need to learn was how to open distance from an opponent, not approach one.


    Fan-Dor raised an eyebrow. Of course theres a back step, its a dance based on spearmanship. What sort of fighting style doesnt allow for retreat? The Get-Dead-Quickly-Spear Technique? But why would you want to learn to retreat first? The approach step is more impressive.


    Because uh Alex thought quickly. Oh because, when a noble bows to their partner in my country, they step back.


    To demonstrate, he copied the bow hed seen some of the richer townsfolk use to bow to each other, stepping backward with one foot and clumsily bringing his hand across his chest as he bowed. I thought if I couldbine that with your backward step in the dance, then itd uhlook more impressive.


    I like it! Creative thinking there, boy, and using what youve already got. Fine, then, back step it is. So, from first position, take your left foot and step back.


    The captain demonstrated, and Alex followed his movement.


    Not like that, you have no bnce that way. Point your back foot out a bit to your side.


    Alex shifted his foot.


    More.


    Alex shifted his foot.


    Little more-There!


    Alex stopped, knowing that The Mark would be noting this position forter.


    Is this good? he asked.


    Not yet, now bend your knees. Thats it. Lowerlowerthere it is!


    Alex held his position, keeping his knees slightly bent. It was an odd feeling, but he felt like he had more control over his bnce. Notplete controlhe fought to keep his back straight,


    Better and better. Now use your hips, and make sure youre lining your spine upright: like its the mast of the ship. Hows it feel?


    Strange, Alex told the truth. Using his hips to keep himself in position felt odd and used muscles he didnt know he had. His chest and arms were already sore from the push-ups hed put his body through. Embarrassingly, hed only been able to do nine before flopping down on the floor like a gasping fish. Hadnt Theresas brothers done about fifty? Had he remembered that right? He hoped he hadnt.


    He didnt want to even imagine how many Cedric could pull off.


    Right. Not bad, boy. Youre now in second stance. Thats a fighting stance by the way: onnd, it keeps your weight on both feet.


    Rightand thats important because you dont want to lose bnce?


    Losing bnce is bad. It makes for all kinds of possibilities for falling over and being murdered.


    Alex thought back to the silence-spider that Brutuswho had been sleeping in Theresas room sincete afternoonhad thrown over. Once it was off its feet, even theyas inexperienced as they werewere able to kill it.


    Bnce. Keeping bnce then. Dodging around only tond on your ass would be a disaster.


    And, for a dance, losing bnce means looking stupid and defenceless. And speaking of defences: first guard.


    Alex gulped. Things were sliding closer and closer tobat.


    So first guards simple. Fan-Dor brought up his spear in both hands on a diagonal. You just do this.


    Alex looked at his mop.


    He was just holding up a mop. He was just holding up a mop. Hear that, Fool? He was just holding up a mop as a part of a dance. Nothing else.


    Slowly, he copied Fan-Dors motion.


    And breathed a sigh of relief when The Mark didnt react.


    A little clumsy looking, but not the worst. Fan-Dor wiggled his spear a little bit. Bring up the butt of the mop just a liiittle more. ...thats the way. The Captain grinned.


    Alex grinned back. Alright, so it doesnt seem to mind me holding up a mop, even if its simr to a guard with a weapon.


    There were lots of actions with different objects that might appear simr tobat, such as swinging an axe to chop wood, or cutting meat with a knife. Or lifting up a mop in front of yourself. If The Fool blocked every action that was simr to fighting, then hed <em>never </em>be able to live life.


    Maybe that was the reason why he could use his forceball to m into objects and walls, but it interfered when he aimed at living creatures or the things they held. Would it only interfere if the situation he was in was directbat? He frowned:ter he would need to try and test its limits.


    Why frowning so hard, boy? The Captain cocked his head. No need to push yourself, youre doing well for a first attempt. Right, lets go again.


    Time after time, the captain guided him from the first position, through to the first step, the second position and then the first guard. Using The Fool, Alex kept part of his attention on the captain, while noting the detailed memories of what hed done right in each attempt and letting them guide him.


    It was as though he had two teachers with him the entire way. With each repetition he improved slightly. Only slightly: Alex Roth was known for many things, but his dance prowess was not one of them. He had little previous experience to draw from and his height made it more difficult for him to keep proper bnce.


    Still, Fan-Dor grew more impressed as the early night wore on. Well, now I think thats enough for both of us. And I have to say, youre a quick study. I wouldnt say youre a natural, but youre a lot better than you were when we started.


    I guess its thanks to all your great teaching, Captain.


    Oh save it for yourdy friend, youre not going to get free passage from me no matter what you say.


    Alex shrugged lightly. Ah, well there goes my clever n. Is it toote to warn you that Im out of money?


    Better now than tomorrow night. Now I can drop you back on the dock. Tomorrow, Id be tossing you overboard halfway to Generasi.


    Alex paused. You wouldnt really do that, would you?


    Hey, half the pay means half the trip. The captain grinned wickedly. Am I joking? Am I not? Count yourself lucky you dont have to find out. Now,e on. We both need to catch our rest. Oh, and keep the mop with you. I wont be able to teach you again, but feel free toe out here and practice tomorrow night.


    As Captain Fan-Dor and Alex trudged back toward the stairs below deck, Alex paused, looking over the ship one more time.


    An odd feeling crawled over his skin andfor a momenthe was sure he was being watched. He shook away the feeling. Port was close by and any number of folk could have been looking at the ship. Hed be spending the next part of his foreseeable future investigating possible ancient conspiracies and studying remains of a dungeon core.


    Plenty of real monsters to worry about.


    No need to conjure imagined ones.


    It was with this thought that he made his way below deck, ready to sleep and trying to push that creepy feeling from his mind.


    Alex was awakenedter in the dead of night by Selina pounding on him with her little fists,ining that hed pushed her off the bed in his sleep.


    He wasnt sure if the Spear-and-Oar Dance had pleased Ek-u-Dari, but the sea goddess seemed to have smiled upon them the next day. The sun was high, the air pleasant and a gentle wind filled the sails to push them south toward Generasi.


    The Prinean sea was calm and seemed to glow a beautiful greenish-blue in the sunlight. The air was warmer than most summer days in Alric, and the scent of sea salt gave the air an inviting odour.


    The only thundercloud on the horizon was Selina herself, who woke up cranky and refused to talk to him. Fortunately, depositing her beside Captain Fan-Dor seemed to clear up her mood quickly, and soon the hulking Schar was eagerly answering the little girls endless questions as he stood at the wheel, guiding <em>The Red Siren</em>.


    Brutuszily dozed on the deck, letting the sun warm his body.


    Alex leaned against the rail at the bow, watching the waters ahead while keeping his ears open to the manynguages spoken by the crew. He was also trying desperately to ignore the muscles screaming all over his body. Maybe forcing himself through another set of push-ups that morning hadnt been the smartest thing to do.


    Theresa leaned over the rail beside him, sighing contentedly as the sea breeze rustled her ponytail.


    Enjoying yourself? he asked.


    Like you wouldnt believe. She idly traced a finger on the rail while peering into the horizon. Its like finding something you never knew you <em>needed</em>. Its wonderful. Just all this water and the wide world around you.


    Yeah, its pretty great, isnt it?


    They fell into a contented silence, though he did notice Theresa give him a strange, sidelong look. She had been for much of the morning.


    Then, that odd feeling from the night before crawled over his skin.


    It felt like they were being watched.


    Turning, he saw the skinny Rhinean man seated on a barrel behind them, stuffing himself with salt pork and biscuits. It was his second meal and it wasnt even noon yet. The lean man watched the two young people with intensity, but quickly looked away as Alex met his gaze.


    Was he looking at Theresa?


    An odd rush of jealousy sprang up in Alex. He shook it away.


    Turning back to the sea, he hoped the man would stop staring at them. He wouldnt want that to continue for the rest of their trip.

 Chapter 22: Tests by Moonlight

    Chapter 22: Tests by Moonlight


    Footsteps creaked across the deck.


    Good morn- A pause. Afternoon, I suppose.


    A middle-aged womanhalf of the couple that attended the ceremony the night beforedrew up beside Alex and Theresa, and leaned against the rail, yawning. Late evenings get harder as you get older, just to warn you two. Of course, I never seem to learn. Sheughed. Are you vacationing in Generasi?


    Uh, studying, actually, Alex said, throwing another nce over his shoulder. The skinny mans eyes burned into Theresa then flicked to Alex and the neer. Sliding off the barrel, he gave a quick nod and made for the stairs leading below deck.


    Another small wave of jealousy stirred in Alex, but now it was joined by a feeling of creepiness.


    Ooooh, you got into the University? the woman brightened, with all traces of tiredness disappearing. Youre both very, very fortunate. Both my husband and I were born in Generasi, but weve only ever toured the University.


    Oh, are you both wizards? Alex asked.


    Oh my, no, she chuckled. Could never wrap my head around all that spell array and circuitry stuff, and my husband has enough mana to maybe fill a shot ss. We work as administrators for the ruling wizard council. Were not very high in the office, but high enough to be worked to the bone!


    Sounds impressive, Theresa said.


    Alex tried to force the image of Alrics mayors assistant being punched in the face from his mind.


    Its mostly pens, ink and candlelit nightsnot the fun sort either. Oh, and not enough vacation time of course. Still, its nice seeing all those young wizards in the city, walking toward bright futures. Together.


    She gave them a meaningful look, and Alex couldnt help but blush. He made sure his face was turned from Theresa.


    Whats it like? The city? she asked, giving no hint of embarrassment.


    Oh if youve never been, I shant say, the older woman giggled. Telling now would be like telling you the ending of a book before you get there yourself. Its something my husband and I are used to now, so I shouldnt rob travellers of the magic of seeing it for the first time. Trust me, though, youll love it. Just take my advice: book a sky-gond when you arrive. Will you be staying on the campus?


    Alex looked over his shoulder to his sister beside the captain. The wind carried her voice over, and he could hear her asking exactly how sails worked. He smiled. Maybe for a bit. After that, well be buying a ce for my sister, myself andTheresa.


    Dont forget Brutus. She tapped him on the arm.


    Oh, I could never forget Brutus. I dont think anyone could. Could you? he asked the older woman lightly.


    She didntugh. An odd looky on her face. Buyingproperty, you say? Young man, you wouldnt happen to be a noble, would you?


    No, why?


    Its justhmmmm, do you have coin?


    Alex blinked, his cheeks flushing. He felt a little insulted.


    Not to assume anything, the woman said quickly. But its just thatyoure so young.


    Oh, we have coin. His voice had a little more heat than hed intended. His parents had ensured theyd be well off, and it hurt a little to have that questioned.


    Ah. The older womans hand flew to her mouth. I apologize, that must have sounded positively dreadful. Its justmy husband and I are near retirement now, and weve been blessed with fine careers. Its allowed us to vacation from Generasi many times. See our children. See many sights.


    She paused. Weve seen many, many young folk climb aboard a ship for Generasi looking to begin a life, but its a difficult thing to achieve there. Youre a student at the University so that would exempt you from some of the bureaucratic process, but property is very expensive in the city. Ive seen just as many disappointed faces on the return journey, orworsecramming themselves into tenaments and just scraping by. Im sorry, but Im only trying to spare you from disappointment.


    Alex bit down on his anger. Likely, she meant well, but her assumption that his forthe material sum of his parents liveswouldnt be enough made his teeth grind nearly as hard as they had in front of the dungeon core. He pulled himself away from the emotion, acknowledging it and trying to let it pass.


    Feeling his anger couldnt be helped, but acting on it and making an enemy before hed even set foot in the city could be avoided.


    Well have enough, he said through a forced smile, calling upon his Mark to guide him and make it look genuine.


    She searched his face again, and he could tell by her blush that she was a little embarrassed. Well, you know your business. Again, I apologize. I should go and drag my husband out of bed before he sleeps the whole day away. Enjoy the morning air, both of you. Ill see you at lunch andif notthen hopefully during dinner this evening.


    The woman quickly made her way to the back of the ship.


    Theresa watched her go. Awkward, she muttered beneath her breath.


    Yeah, he agreed, turning back to the sea. Actually, she reminded me of something that I wanted to ask you about this evening. Can you meet me on deck tonight? And bring your great-grandfathers sword? And your knife?


    Her eyes searched him for a moment. I can, but why?


    I want to try some things with He let the statement hang in the air.


    She nodded, seemingly knowing hed referred to The Mark. Well meet after the others have gone to bed. We can leave Selina with Brutus.


    Twin-de Lus sword gleamed in the moonlight as Theresa drew it from its sheath. Now that he had time to look at it closely for the first time in years, Alex couldnt help but be amazed at how beautiful its steel was.


    Like polished silver.


    Actually Theresa paused, then slid the de back into its sheath. Its probably safer if we do it this way.


    Yeah, good point. Alex imagined The Mark spoiling his concentration while he held a sharp de. He shook away images of severed fingers flying overboard.


    Before I give you this. She looked at him seriously. I want you to understand something: this isnt a stick. This isnt a knife. This isnt a toy.


    Yeah, its your great-grandfathers sword. He said respectfully. Ill treat it with respect, Theresa.


    Thats not the only reason to treat it with respect. Her eyes were as grim as grave stones. This is a weapon. Pure and simple. A bow is for hunting, targets, fishing and war. A spear is a hunters weapon, and a knife is used in most parts of our lives. But Ill tell you something my grandfather told me: a sword is different.


    She raised up the de until it was level with his eyes. A sword has one purpose, Alex: killing. Its a tool of battle. Its not the <em>first</em> tool of battle: thats usually a bow or a spear because even though a sword has bite, it doesnt have reach. People use them as a decoration, but that isnt its purpose. Its true purpose is for killing monsters and people: treat it with the same respect you would one of your spells.


    Alex nodded quietly.


    Theresa watched him, then handed him the sheathed sword.


    Gingerly, he wrapped his fingers around the hilt.


    Nothing happened. No interference from The Mark. So that meant he could handle weapons. Or swords at least. What were its limits, then? Would it only react if he attacked someone with it?


    Theresa, how do you strike with a sword?


    Thatsthats like asking how do you use a knife: therere lots of different strikes.


    Whats an easy one?


    Hmmm, Ill teach you a push cut. First, make sure both feet are nted on the


    He dropped into second position from the Spear-and-Oar Dance, only wavering a little bit on his bent knees. Does this work?


    Something passed through her eyes. Yes Her voice warbled a little in what sounded like a suppressedugh. That works. Now bring your sword up- She drew her knife and held it in position before her. -into this guard. This lets you strike and defend against strikesing from above.


    He watched her form then carefully raised the sword into guard.


    The Mark did not like that one bit.


    It flooded him with memories of the absolute clumsiest moments in his life. Tripping over his own feet during the harvest festivals dances. Nearly falling down the stairs when hed been running out the door as a young boy. Leaning too far over the railing of a bridge while he was fishing and plunging into the stream below.


    The images mmed into his mind so hard, that he didnt have any idea where he was or what he was doing. He tried to get past them like he had when casting his forceball, but he couldnt. Hed had lots of experience and practice casting the forceball, and that had helped him improve or avoid failures, but hed had zero experience with swordy, so there was nothing for him to draw from. All he had was The Marks flood of wrong things to do.


    He stumbled backwardhis hands iling as the sword went flyingand tripped on a heavy rope on the deck, flipped over a nearby barrel, andnded t on his face on the other side.


    Groaning, he curled up and nursed his aching nose and aching pride.


    Alex? Theresas feet quickly approached him. Her boots were in front of his face. His teacher crouched down in front of him, holding the sword. Are She was desperately holding backughter. Are you oka


    A low chuckle burst from her mouth.


    He groaned feebly in response.


    From across the deck, he could hear soft snickeringing from the few night crew sailors nearby, concealing theirughter. Trying, at least.


    I guess thats a failure? she asked when shed finally gained control of herself and held out a hand to him.


    Well he grunted as he got to his feet. I guess the swords not a good idea. But were not done yet.


    A pure weapon was out of the question. But what about something with a more general use? He looked at her hunting knife. How about we try your knife?


    They took up position on the cleared area of the deck again, this time with Alex gripping Theresas sheathed knife. She stayed very close to him this time, with her hands spread out to catch him if he toppled.


    Alright, now bring it up like I showed you. She watched him closely.


    Grimacing, Alex brought the knife into guard position.


    Nothing happened.


    Okay, were getting somewhere. He sighed with relief. Slowly turning toward Theresa, he kept the position of his body and hands as close to how shed showed him as he could. Were getting somewhere.


    Again, it urred to him that he should hold the knife in simr positions to how he would if he was using it for everyday tasks. A person couldnt very well cut a rope or skin a carcass hanging from a rack without holding a knife in front of themselves, could they?


    Hrm. Theresa watched him closely before stepping back and raising her sword into guard position. Strike at my de.


    Carefully, he tapped her sheathed sword with the knife.


    Alright, now do it faster.


    Another tap. Noint from The Mark.


    Hmmm, unsheathe the knife. Theresa said, drawing her sword.


    He startled. Uh, are you sure about that? Again images of severed fingers drifted through his mind.


    If anything goes wrong Ill knock it out of your hand, okay?


    He looked at her for a long moment. He didnt like the idea of waving any sort of weapon toward Theresa, but better to know The Marks limits now, rather thanter during some nasty situation.


    Okayjust, be careful. Steadying himself, he slid the knife from the sheathe.


    Her eyes hardened. Now strike my de hard.


    Taking a deep breath, he stabbed toward her sword.


    The Mark flooded him.


    Images of failures rose, the strongest was him tripping over the barrel minutes before. His concentration and bnce were ruined, and he wavered on his feet. But the memories werent as aggressive as when hed used the sword. He felt the position of his body, his feet stumbling around over the deck and suddenly, Theresa was there, catching him.


    The images cleared shortly, leaving Alex in her grip. Her knifey on the deck.


    That he panted. Hold on.


    She let go and he bent down, taking up his notebook that hedid on the deck nearby, and flipped it open. He wrote a new entry:


    <em>Strong interference with directbat. The more focused the action on directbat, the more strong the interference. Full weapons cause the strongest reactions. More general use items grant more freedom.</em>


    <em>Sword: full weapon</em>


    <em>Knife: weapon, tool, kitchen implement.</em>


    He thought about what this might mean for other areas.


    <em>Forceball is a utility spell. Can use for multiple actions once spell is cast. Only problem is when used on directbat against another.</em>


    <em>Directbat spells out of the question? Maybe. Maybe not. </em><em><strong>Testter.</strong></em>


    <em>Ifbat spells not an option, focus on utility spells used for indirectbat? Defensive spells? More research needed.</em>


    He closed the book.


    When they got to Generasi, hed need to experiment with different sorts of spells and skills. For now, the dance seemed like a good option. The Mark didnt seem to mind when he was using the mop. Hopefully, the dance would give him a way to be evasive inbat, but using a weapon with it would probably be a bad idea.


    Well, maybe the mop is your weapon of choice. It seems like youre best with it. Theresa offered with barely concealedughter.


    Yeah, it wasnt all that ba- He paused. Wait, mop?


    He hadnt told her a word about the dance practice the night before.


    She froze as he slowly turned to look at her.


    Didwere you spyingst night?


    He thought back to that feeling of being watched.


    N-No, she lied badly.


    Liar. Wherewhere were you? he choked. Images of himself dancing around with a mop came to mind.


    Her eyes flicked guiltily to the staircase. Gel-Dor told me about the dance and uhsuggested I watch the deck when the others went to bed.


    Alex stared at her in horror. Youyouyou


    I wanted to tell you earlier, but there were so many people around and I didnt want others to hear of your she shuddered. Gloriousmop slinging.


    She broke down in helplessughter.


    Im going to kill you! he promised.


    Not unless youre using that mop!


    In a fake rage, Alex chased Theresa around the deck until they were scolded by the nightwatch.


    It was a familiar feeling to both of them.

 Chapter 23: The Nightwatch

    Chapter 23: The Nightwatch


    Looks like rainsing in after all. Gel-Dor eyed the clouds to the western horizon.


    Damn. Fan-Dor cursed beneath his breath. Well, at least it doesnt look like a bad storm. Clouds are too light and the winds too low. Ek-u-Dari must have liked our dance well enough.


    The crew and passengers had gathered on the starboard side of <em>The</em><em>Red Siren</em> to see what was happening when theyd heard that a storm might be brewing.


    Hes right, Theresa said, petting Brutus as two of his heads chewed a bone while the thirdpped from a water dish. She squinted at the sky. Butif the clouds over the sea look like they do abovendthen it shouldnt be a heavy rain: they arent that big or dark.


    Thats good. Alex yawned into his hand, sitting on a barrel behind the crowd. He watched Selina looking at the clouds, with her hands gripping the rail.


    Her energy amazed him: between everything theyd faced getting out of Thamnd, his nightly exercise routine, learning the dance and testing The Marks limits, he was exhausted.


    He rubbed his aching arms and chest. Two days of push-ups hadnt increased how many he could do yet, but his technique was getting better. It was getting easier to hold himself in a position that let him feel controlled and strong.


    Hopefully, hed start to see some results soon.


    He yawned again.


    But for now, he felt like he could just sleep for a year.


    Winddirection one of the frog-folk said nearby in his croakingnguage, along with some other words Alex couldn''t make out. Using The Fool to help him understandnguages he heard in passing was starting to show results. He was beginning to pick out the odd words in othernguages if he heard them often enough.


    The skinny Rhinean man suddenly approached captain Fan-Dor and said something very quickly. Too quickly for Alex to get any of what was said. The man had a piece of salt pork clutched in his fist and was chewing it even as he talked. It was his second snack since lunch.


    The Captain said something back to him, then paused and raised his voice. Before I get this question a hundred times, no: the rain wont dy us. Itll probably hit us around midnight, but well still reach port in Generasi by the morning. No need to panic. No need to worry.


    He gave the skinny man a look.


    The Rhinean stepped back, ncing over to Theresa againhis eyes lingeringthen to Alex. He shuffled to the stairs, no doubt to find more food.


    Alex worked hard to keep his face neutral. With how much of the ships food he was going through, it really seemed he should be charged extra.


    Hey. Alex elbowed Theresa and nodded toward the man disappearing down the steps. What do you think of that guy?


    That he eats more than Brutus? Theresa whispered.


    Yeah, he said. But more than that. What do you think of him?


    She shrugged. He eats a lot, I guess? Thats it.


    Thats all? You dont find him creepy?


    Not really. Well, maybe a little. After the- She made a wriggly, crawly motion with her hand, copying the silent-spiders movements. -my standards for whats creepy have gone up.


    Yeah, good point. But you never noticed him watching us? Watching you?


    A bit? she said. Why?


    I dont know. I suppose its nothing. Alex really didnt want to say that it was because he felt the man was staring at her, and it was making him jealous. Shed never let him hear the end of it.


    Another yawn hit him. He winced as his chest muscles ached.


    He really needed a nap.


    Are you gonna make it? Theresa asked.


    Maybe. Too manyte nights, and Ive been doing these push-ups.


    She nodded in approval. Good. A strong body helps. So is today your rest day?


    He paused. Rest day?


    You rest between days you do hard exercise.


    I thought your brothers did them everyday?


    Yes, but theyve been training for years. Have you ever done pushups before?


    Not really.


    Then I think you need a break. Usually when youre starting, you do it every other day. Even every two days.


    Well, thats a relief, he said, yawning again. Gives me an excuse for a nap.


    He dragged himself to his feet. Ill grab a quick one thene up for supper.


    She smiled. Well watch for the rain while you do.


    He chuckled. Make sure it doesnt sneak up on us.


    As soon as he opened his eyes, Alex realized that his nap had turned into a sleep for half the day.


    The cabin was dark and the ship quiet, except for the creaking of wood and the ssh of waves against the hull. Beside him, he could hear Selina snoring lightly.


    He slowly got upcareful not to disturb herand slipped on his boots. For a moment, he considered doing his push-up routine but remembered Theresas advice: rest.


    Well, sleep wouldnt being to him for a while.


    He crept from the roomquiet enough not to wake Selinaand slipped into the hall. From Theresas room, he could hear Brutus snoring, and no sounds came from the other passengers cabins.


    Most of the crew, including the captain and first mate, were asleep in the shipsmon area. Their ranks and status allowed them to avoid all night duty.


    Slipping up the stairs, he used The Mark to continue improving his stealth as he stepped onto deck. It was dark, though he could see the low glow of the moon through the clouds. Rain hadnte yet, but the pressure was changing in the air.


    The nightwatchonly a few of the crewbusied themselves toward the stern of the ship with a game of dice. They exchanged nods with him, and he briefly considered joining them. It might have been good practice for hisnguages at least. But maybe not so good for his purse. Gambling with people he barely understood was probably a really bad idea. Instead, he walked to the bow and leaned against the railing, watching the dark ocean. In the far distance, he could have sworn he saw a glowing blue light above the water. Maybe it was a trick of the moon.


    He listened to the gentle waves against the ship as he took in the salty air, and the sound of the wind. He could barely make out the surface of the sea under the dark clouds.


    It was time for a little light. He concentrated, slowly muttering the incantation for his forceball. It was still slower than before he got marked, but he was starting to get better at shutting out the mental interference from The Fool.


    The forceballs red light winked into life.


    He smiled at the familiar spell. It had gotten them through a lottely.


    He willed the spell to float above his head and illuminate the sea and deck nearby. He thought about the spell and how his practice with it had helped him use it since hed been marked. It might be worthwhile to experiment with spells simr in structure to the forceball. Learning new spells was going to be hard, so itd be smart to start with ones that were at least somewhat familiar.


    He listened to the wind rustle the sails.


    He yawned again.


    Suddenly, sleepiness came over him in a wave, but he shook it away. His mind was racing with ideas of what spells might be good ones for him to experiment with first, and he wanted to consider that some more before going back to bed.


    Again, sleepiness hit him with an abruptness and an insistence.


    What was happening?


    The sudden tiredness didnt feel natural. It felt draining. It was different, almost like it wasing from outside of himself. Because of the way The Mark workedentering his mind from the outside to influence himhe recognized that this sudden overwhelming wave of exhaustion wasing at him from outside.


    He fought it away.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    Something quietly stepped on a board behind him.


    He couldnt hear any sounds from the nightwatch anymore.


    Again, he had the feeling that something was watching him, and he doubted it was Theresa. He didnt move. Didnt give any sign that he suspected something was wrong.


    No. He could do even better.


    Faking another yawn, he let his head hang a little, as though he were about to fall asleep.


    He heard whispering behind him in Rhinean. A familiar voice.


    The skinny man. What did he want? Had he been looking at him <em>and</em> Theresa? Or had he only been interested in <em>him</em>? What was his n? To rob him?


    He activated The Mark, listening to the mans whispering.


    The Rhinean words wereing quickly, but Alex was able to pick out one he kept repeating: Hollow. Hollow.


    Alex held the forceball tightly in his will and mana, keeping it ready above him. Directbat wouldnt work, but his experiments had shown that he could move items into positions like into guard, as he had with Theresas knife. What if


    Yawning again, he let his head drop.


    Feet rushed up behind him.


    He willed the forceball to move behind him and down, like he was trying to light that area of the deck. It shot down and stopped right in front of the sound of running feet until-


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The man ran headfirst into the forceball, smashing his face and copsing.Alex grinned. No reaction from The Mark: he quickly added studying traps to the list of research he needed to do. The skinny man was t on the deck, groaning at his feet and holding his face.


    Alex drifted the forceball down to shine on the attacker and hovered it over his head in a threat. Of course, trying to hit him wouldnt do much good, but his attacker didnt need to know that.


    Dont move, Alex said in Common. He didnt know if the man would understand him, but he let his threat be clear in his tone.


    The man froze.


    Crew, Fan-Dor! Alex shouted, edging around the fallen figure to make sure he wasnt between him and the stairs. Even if the man was down, he didnt want to be trapped. He listened carefully for any sounds of his attacker muttering incantations: from the overwhelming sleepiness earlier, it seemed he was some kind of spellcaster. Alex had the advantage now, but hed feel a lot better with reinforcements.


    He watched him carefully, ready for any sudden-


    The Rhineans hands shot up.


    Not toward Alex.


    Toward his forceball.


    They grabbed the spell.


    An awful sensation mmed into the young mage.


    <em>Schlrp.</em>


    The mans hands warped. Fingernails disappeared. Fingers lengthened and sprouted suckers like a squids tentacles. They wrapped around the spell and Alex felt something flowing out of him.


    His mana.


    The manor whatever he waswas sucking his mana through his spell.


    Alex abruptly killed the flow to the magic circuit, and the spell winked out. He backed away as the thing jumped to its feet, with its flesh shifting before his shocked eyes.


    Its skin merged into blue-grey flesh and its facial features sank into the meat like a rock disappearing into water. Its eyelids tore away and its eyes swelled until they bulged from a deformed head. It spit its teeth out, and they melted and steamed as they touched the deck. Its mouth twisted sideways.


    A long grey tonguecovered in suckersemerged, and the creature let out a sucking noise like quicksand swallowing an unsuspecting traveller. Its frame shrank even further until it was as thin as a rotting corpse.


    Oh shit! Alex shouted. He nced at the nightwatch. They were fast asleep against the deck.


    Whirling back to the creature, he spotted it as it tensed and sprang at him.

 Chapter 24: Other Dangers

    Chapter 24: Other Dangers


    The creature leapt with unnatural speed as Alex moved; stumbling away as it crashed into the rail hed just been in front of. It shook its head, seeming to clear its senses.


    Dazed, Alex though. Still dazed from when it ran into the forceball.


    His mind worked. He turned, sprinting toward the stairs leading below deck. He hated the idea of bringing it close to where his sister slept, but if he could wake the crew, and Theresa and Brutus, then itd be the best hope for stopping it.


    If it killed him there on the deck, then it could roam free on the ship. Shed be in danger anyway.


    Monster! Fire! he yelled. If it had the power to put the whole ship to sleepeveryone would be in troublebut since hed managed to resist it, that might mean it wasnt likely. He hoped.


    His feet pounded over the deck, purposely stomping hard into the wood. Hopefully, the racket would wake the crew and hopefully, it would make the thing back off and rethink-


    Feet pounded over the deck, racing after him. Alex swerved as though he was running for the stairs, then rushed forward instead, trying to fake the thing out. The sound of feet chasing him abruptly ended.


    <em>Crash.</em>


    The creaturended in front of the stairs where he would have been.


    Alex turned, backing to the cleared area of the deck. It rose, tearing the cloak from its body. Its breaths came in gasps as though it had been running for miles. Its eyes moved frantically, like it was desperate. It grasped for him.


    Seeking his mana.


    And it wouldnt stop until it got it.


    Alex nced at the nightwatch. They were still fast asleep and showed no sign of waking.


    Shit, he cursed, turning back to the monster.


    The nightwatch couldnt help him, and he heard no shouts or stirring from below deck. If help wasing, he needed to survive until it came. But he couldnt be sure that help was going toe soon enough. He had to try to find a way to take the creature down himselfbut he couldnt use a weapon thanks to The Fool, even if he did have one. His forceball couldnt help him, it would just drain his mana through it. What did that leave?


    He cautiously stepped around the deck, putting the mast between him and the monster. He looked around for anything to use close by.


    He spotted a familiar object.


    The mop.


    Better than nothing.


    Quickly taking it up, he called on The Mark to drop into second position of the Spear-and-Oar Dance, keeping his bnce on both feet. He raised the mop into guard, pointing the head toward the monster. He tried to mp down on the terror running through him.


    It paused, unsure of what he was doing.


    He used that moment to scream at the top of his lungs.


    The monster rushed him.


    His scream turned into a shout of surprise and he used the dances back step to retreat, increasing the distance between him and the creature. He put the mast between him and the creatures mana draining hands. It made another gulping sound at him and jumped to the right, while he wheeled to the left, still keeping the mast between them.


    The creature panted and gurgled in frustration. Its movements seemed weak. Alex remembered all the food it had been shoveling while in human form. Starving, maybe? Whatever it was, he could see that it was struggling.


    While its attempts to catch him grew more desperate, The Mark continued to add sesses in the dance to his mind. Bit by bit, he was improving. But he knew he couldnt keep it up forever. One slip, and hed be done.


    His eyes flicked around. Looking for anything to use. Ropes? No. Barrels? No.


    Then he saw the mop bucket, filled with water.


    He slowly edged to the bucket, creeping out from behind the mast. If it was desperate, it would-


    It rushed him at full speed.


    He kicked over the bucket.


    <em>Ssh.</em>


    Salt water poured over the deck. The creaturein its rushslipped and crashed into a set of barrels.


    <em>Thm. Thm.</em>


    Alex stomped the deck and mmed the end of the mop against the boards. Monster! Fire! he shouted again. Mon-


    The creature began to climb out from beneath the barrels.


    Alex turned and ran.


    He sprinted for the stairs as he heard it jump out from under the barrels.


    Its footsteps echoed behind him.


    Terror screamed in him, making him faster, but the creature was gaining. He wouldnt make the steps in time. Spinning, he got into second position just in time with The Marks guidance. He swept back and forth with the mop head.


    He remembered: tapping Theresas sword with a knife didnt trigger The Marks interference, so swishing the mop around at the creature should also not cause it to react.


    The mop head whipped around its face like Alex was wiping the deck, slowing it down. The strings annoyed it, but didnt harm it. No interference came from The Mark, allowing him to back closer and closer to the stairs, screaming hard. His heart hammered in his chest, but The Mark guided his backward steps until-


    -he stepped onto nothing.


    With a cry, Alex fell, rolling down the stairs as the mop flew from his hands. He grunted, trying to grab at the railings to slow his fall. It seemed like he was falling forever as the breath was knocked out of him and he finally came to rest. He was t on his back, groaning and trying to blink away stars swimming in front of his eyes.


    Then the creature leapt from the top of the stairs.


    Time seemed to slow as it dropped toward him with its grasping sucker-hands extended. Alex could hear the liquid noise its mouth made, as well as sounds of movement nearby.


    <em>Think! Adapt!</em> His mind screamed.


    The forceball. It had run into the forceball on its own. The Mark hadnt interfered.


    Grimacing, he rolled and grabbed the mop, cing its head on the floor and holding it in ce, with the handle pointed high, facing the creature. It was not a weapon, and the monster was falling with full momentum.


    In mid-air, it couldnt stop itself.


    <em>Scrltch.</em>


    The Mark didnt react when the creature had mmed itself, gut firstwith all the force of its fallinto the mop stick. Alex let go and the stick snapped, with the splintered ends driving into the creatures stomach.


    Itnded on top of him with the broken mop half-buried in its stomach. A watery liquid sshed over his shirt as he pushed the iling creature off and crawled to his feet.


    A woman screamed behind him.


    The bureaucrat from Generasi.


    Get back, its a monster! Captain! Captain Fan-Dor! Alex scrambled into the darkenedmon area as the creature got to its feet, lunging after him with a final, desperate surge of strength.


    Then a spear shot out of the dark, passing Alex.


    <em>Sk.</em>


    It stabbed into the monsters chest, impaling it. The creature screeched.


    Gel-Dors rage-filled face emerged from the darkness, his snarling teeth shining in the low moonlight.


    Not this time, you chum-sucking piece of scum. The first-mate growled.


    <em>Schnk</em>.


    Another spear shot from the dark and pierced the monster through the head.


    The creature flew backward shuddering. It sighed as the final blow ended its life. Its form crumpled in its clothes.


    <em>Hsssss.</em>


    White smoke began to pour from it, as its body ran like hot wax.


    It was like a snowman melting at winters end, with water that boiled and steamed as soon as it touched the ships floor. From within the steam, Alex felt the tang of manait was weak and originated from many different sources. With a final, shuddering sigh, the creature copsed into a steaming puddle.


    Slowly, the steam drifted up the stairs and out into the ocean air. Alexsboured breathing mixed with the tter of weapons and running feet as the crew rushed about.


    Where? Where were you? Alex panted to the first mate.


    Getting our weapons as soon as we heard you shouting, Gel-Dor said. We were just heading to the stairs when you came flying down them.


    Really? To Alex it felt like theyd taken hours toe. Then againas his mind slowedhe began to recognize how little time had actually passed.


    Running across the deck must have taken only a few seconds or maybe a little longer. Hed backed away from the creature as it advanced on him. Then ducked around the mast a few times, kicked over the bucket of water, and ran for the stairs.


    All while shouting at the top of his lungs.


    It really must have been only a short time.


    Itd only <em>felt</em> like hed been fighting the thing for hours.


    He leaned against the wall as Fan-Dor cursed and Gel-Dor looked grimly on the empty pile of clothes.


    What about the nightwatch? Gel-Dor asked.


    Asleep. I think the monster put them to sleep.


    The first-mate ground his teeth. Im going to give them a good thumping for this. Nearly letting a passenger die and


    His teeth ground.


    Whats happening? he heard Theresas voiceing from her cabin as Brutus barked frantically.


    What? Alex tried to calm his racing heart. What was that thing? he asked.


    A mana vampire, a voice said from the cabins. The husband of the Generasian bureaucrat emerged into the hall, adjusting his spectacles.


    He looked at Alex. You, my young friend, are either very skilled. Or very, very lucky.


    Both, Alex thought. Definitely both.


    It must have been starving for mana. The older man said as they watched the creatures clothes burn in a brazier. The me reflected on his sses. They always avoid drawing attention to themselves and make it a point to blend in; thats one of the reasons theyre so hard to detect. This one was different, though, and caught everyones attention by eating so much. That makes me wonder if it had grown careless because it was desperate: it seemed to be trying anything to hold off starvation until it could get to Generasi and feed off all the mana in the wizard city. He looked at Alex. Perhaps desperation is why it tried to attack you a mere evening before reaching Generasi. In a way, you were lucky: when theyre well fed, theyre quick and incredibly strong. And their natural magics can put entire households to sleep.


    Across the fire, both Gel-Dor and Fan-Dor wereying into the nightwatch. The poor buggers were on their knees before theirmanders with heads bowed. The entire mood of the crew had dipped hard, and many nced at Alex with something like fear.


    Hed been offered rum rations at least half a dozen times in three differentnguages, but hed politely refused them.


    He stood beside Theresa as they watched the fire consume the clothes. She gripped his arm like he was about to disappear. Selina was back asleep in the cabin. It had taken a lot of hugs and reassurance to calm her after shed heard her big brother screaming for help, but she was better now and safe with Brutus.


    Filthy murdering wretches, the older woman looked like she wanted to spit into the fire. That was quick thinking, not using spells against it: they can absorb any magic their vile hands or tongue touch. Many young mages have met their end by just throwing spells at them.


    Are those thingsmon? Theresa demanded.


    Notmon, no, but not rare enough, the older man said grimly. Once in a while, one will try and slip aboard a ship and sneak into Generasi to feed. Since theyre so hard to detect, sometimes theyre sessful and no one knows theyve entered the city until the attacks start. Thats when the authorities have to send out trackers to hunt them down, but finding one isnt an easy task unless the tracker is fortunate enough to find it soon after a recent feeding. You see, while theyre digesting new mana, it tends to leak for a period of time, butif theyre hidingtheyre nearly impossible to detect. He sighed. Which I think is littlepensation to Captain Fan-Dor. Ugh, perhaps his goddess hasnt smiled upon him after all.


    What do you mean? Alex asked.


    Generasi does not put me onto ships or captains that transport mana vampires unintentionally: remember, theyre nearly impossible to detect for wizards, let alone those with no skill in magic. But, sometimes the families of victims do. Some time ago a mana vampire killed the son of a sessful merchant of magical items. Captain Fan-Dor took responsibility and paid a <em>hefty</em>pensation out of honour. That took a lot out of the ships coffers, as well leaving him with the reputation of transporting one of the creatures. The unfortunate incident left many leery of boarding <em>The Red Siren.</em> Foolish, of course, since mana vampires have no interest in those without mana.


    What happens to their victims? Theresa looked on the fire as thest of the creatures clothes burned to ash.


    First, their mana is drained, then their lifeforce is sucked out until a shrivelled husk is all thats left of them.


    Alexs blood chilled. Theresas grip tightened on his arm.


    For the first time, Alex was very, very thankful for The Mark. If it werent for its interference, he would likely have tried to use his forceball on the thing again.


    But since hed learned the Dance to see if he could get around the Fool, using its movements had given him the time he needed to save his life. There was also his experience escaping Thamnd. What if he hadnt been forced to find creative solutions and try different things to fight for their lives?


    He shuddered to think what the oue would have been.


    No wonder The Heroes had to protect The Fool, anyone who got his Mark was like the sitting duck among The Heroes.


    <em>Hsssssss</em>.


    The fire steamed as rain began to fall.


    Well talk in the morning, the older man winced, wiping his sses against the rain. Try to get some sleep if you can. Therell be things to discuss when were fresh: mana vampires have a standing bounty in Generasi both for their discovery and destruction.


    Well see that you get it, his wife finished. But try to get some sleep. Itll be a long day tomorrow.


    Alex and Theresa stood as the older couple left, and Alex began to tremble. There were more dangers in the wide world than The Ravener, it seemed, and he was d that hed started preparing for them. Next time, hed be even more ready.


    He shivered.


    Theresa?


    Yes? She looked up at him.


    Remember that hug you offered me? Right after you puked?


    Her face softened. Yes.


    II think Id like it now.


    Their arms wrapped around each other as the rain began to pour.

 Chapter 25: The City at the Center of Creation

    Chapter 25: The City at the Center of Creation


    When Alex Roth imagined his arrival at the city of wizards, hed always imagined the sun being high and his mood being high too. That morning as <em>The Red Siren</em> passed among the outer inds, the sky was grey and the rain poured.


    Hed hardly slept, and he was still thinking about the fight fromst night. His entire body ached from his fall down the stairshed been lucky it hadnt been worseand his hands shook against the rail. At least they were shaking less than the night before. He hadnt had any nightmares, which had been a pleasant surprise. Maybe he was getting a little more used to danger, and maybe that was something to takefort in.


    Even consideringst night and the rain now pouring around him as they stood on the ships deck looking out, this moment was incredible.


    I cant believe it, Theresa gasped beside him, as Brutus stared at the city ahead.


    Selina gaped under her hood as the rain dripped off her cloak.


    In the distance the city of Generasi rose high upon a massive hill, stretching as far as the eye could see.<strong></strong>Itseemed to rise from the mist and rain like a titan. The citys walls were of white stone and at least fifty feet high. Massive gates to a broad roady open, with carved statues standing guard beside each: on the left was the towering figure of a djinni and on the right, a horned demoness stood.


    Deep behind the city walls, a tower that seemed to touch the clouds rose, high above all the other tall towers. It seemed impossible that it could stand against the wind.


    Above even that, floated wonders.


    Objects flew through the rain.


    Most were too far away to make out from the deck of <em>The Red Siren.</em> But, a couple were enormous: entire flying ships cutting their way through the downpour above the peaks of the towers. In some spots the clouds swirled, revealing holes leading to clear, blue, sky-like tunnels.


    Before the city wallscloser to the shorewas a port station the size of a small town, and its docks were bursting with ships. A lighthouse rose from the centre of the station, lighting the way with a shining blue magic. Alex realized that mustve been what hed seen the night before the mana vampire attack.


    Mana zed from the city, almost as strong as it had been in the Cave of the Traveller.


    Truly, this was the city of wizards. The City at the Center of Creation.


    They had finally reached it.


    Sure, it was a ce where mana vampires might lurk, and where Alex would need to research a doom conspiracy, but he didnt let those things ruin the moment.


    <em>Clnk.</em>


    The sound of metal sliding on metal came from his side.


    Captain Fan-Dor had approached him with his brother, holding out the coins paid for the passage to Generasi. The schar men had grim looks. Here. The first half of the fee. I dont intend to charge the second.


    What, why?


    What do you mean why? You nearly got killed by a chum-sucking mana vampire while under my watch on my ship. Id be a real barracudas son if after something like that I just went: Oh yeah, thats full services rendered, pay up.


    Alex looked from The Captains face to the coins.


    Fan-Dor <em>did</em> have a point: he <em>had</em> almost died while on <em>The Red Siren</em>. But he didnt really see how that was the fault of the captain or crew. <em>Everyone</em> had believed that the mana vampire was just some greedy man with odd habits untilst night.


    If anything,<em> he </em>might have seemed more suspicious and strange ying around with swords and all. And when hed called for help, Gel-Dor and Fan-Dor came as quickly as they could. Theyd finished the monster off, and the only reason the nightwatch hadnt helped was because theyd been affected by the creatures magic.


    The more he thought about it, the more he came to the conclusion that there wasnt really much anyone could have done, and Fan-Dor teaching him the first few steps of the Spear-and-Oar Dance had helped save his life.


    If anything, the situation might actually help him in the long run: if anyone ever came looking for an eighteen year-old from Thamnd that could be an escaped Fool, they probably wouldnt consider a young magic wielder who nearly killed a mana vampire with a broken mop as their first candidate.


    Still, Fan-Dor was a fair and emotional man who was trying to make amends: refusing the gesture would probably insult him.


    Then Alex had an idea.


    Tell you what, if thats what you feel you need to do, then fine. I ept, he took the coins from Fan-Dor. Buthold on for a second. He turned toward where the tired-eyed Generasian administrators were leaning against the rail.


    Excuse me, he said to them. Whats the reward for finding and destroying a mana vampire?


    The older woman looked between Alex and Fan-Dor. Why, twenty-five golden marks for discovery, and another seventy-five for ying: all in all, an even hundred.


    Well, isnt that a nice number. He turned back to the captain and first mate. Twenty-five for me because I discovered the thing, then another twenty-five for each of us since we each stuck the monster once. That splits seventy-five three ways.


    Gel-Dor paused, his ck eyes searching Alex. Areare you sure? You fought the monster longest, you brought it right onto our spears and that wound you gave it would have seen it bleed out <em>eventually</em>.


    Oh, Im sure. Alex pped the big men on the arm like hed imagine Cedric would have done.


    A gesture like this would both reward the captain for the lesson that had helped save his life, and likely win the two mens gratitude and respect. Nothing wrong in building a rtionship with an honest ship that regrly came and went from Generasi.


    And, if he were honest, he liked Fan-Dor.


    I nearly died, so you gave me my coin back for passage, Alex exined lightly. You also helped save me from the monster, so you get rewarded for that. Perfect sense.


    A smile slowly broke over the captains face and Alex could see the relief in it. Being boarded by a mana vampire a second time, especially when the ships coffers were already low, would see business suffer even more. No matter what Fan-Dor said, the reward would probably go a long way to helping <em>The Red Siren</em> survive.


    I dont know what to say. Fan-Dor said.


    Then how about this: next time we meet, you teach me more steps of the dance. Sound fair?


    The schar twins nced at each other then broke out into identical grins. Boy, well teach you the <em>entire</em>dance next time we meet. Whenever you get settled in the city,e over to the docks and leave where youre staying with the mail office. Welle see you when we can.


    I look forward to it.


    Oh and, um, Selina moved up beside Alex. Thank you for teaching me about ships, and thank you, thank you, thank you for helping my brother.


    Brutus, who had slept for most of the trip, gave a contented yawn.


    Youve been wonderful hosts, Theresa bowed her head to the twins. Im not sure if this is the right thing to say, but may Ek-u-Dari keep the storms away from you.


    Hah, thats close enough. Gel-Dor said in appreciation. And may whatever deities and spirits that watch over you always provide their protection.


    Oddly enough, when Gel-Dor said that, it wasnt Uldar that came to Alexs mind, despite worshipping the prophet-god for years.


    It was The Traveller.


    Then a wicked thought urred to him.


    Actually, we worship a spider god. He thought back to the soldier silence-spider they had fought on the outskirts of Coille. He hangs above us all in the night while we worship him, waiting to spring down and eat our souls so we can fill his spirit-y stomach.


    The twins smiles dropped.


    Fan-Dor coughed awkwardly. Well thatsI dont suppose to judge, I mean if-


    He paused, looking at Selina as she frowned at her brother in confusion.


    Wait, the captain said. Is that true?


    Not a word, Alex chuckled. But you should see the look on your face right now.


    Fan-Dors eyes widened as his own words were thrown back at him.


    The captain burst outughing.


    Hisughter echoed out over the waters until <em>The Red Siren</em> finally docked at Generasi.


    Ugh, guard reports are so tedious, the older Generasian woman groaned as she, her husband and Alexs group emerged from the guardhouse by the wharf. I work with paperwork for most of my day and even I find it taxing.


    Her husband looked tired too, and both Captain Fan-Dor and Gel-Dor had departed as soon as their part was finished. Selina and Brutus had quickly gotten bored, while even the patient Theresa had to stop herself from fidgeting in the chair as theyd been buried in questions.


    Only Alex hadnt minded all that much: his supply of gold had gotten fifty coins heavier. He wasnt going toin.


    What now? he asked the middle-aged couple. Going to walk to the city with us?


    Im afraid not, the husband yawned. Unfortunately, our luggage is still on <em>The Red Siren</em>. Well be parting ways here.


    But dont be strangers please! The woman dug out a small sheet of paper from her carry bag and scrawled something down before handing it to Alex. Since its never toote for introductions, my name is Anna Escofier and this is my husband, Vincenzo.


    Alex, Theresa and Selina introduced themselves and Brutus as the young man took the piece of paper. He found the couples names had been written on it.


    If you should ever like to know anything about the city, do not hesitate to go to the Wizards Forum. That is where the ruling council and all the administrators work. Leave a message for us, along with where you are staying, and we shall get in contact.


    We might take you up on that, Theresa said. Thanks for taking the time to help us with all


    She gestured to the guard building.


    Think nothing of it, Anna said. Until we meet again.


    With final goodbyes, the groups parted.


    As they approached the city, Alex and hispanions fell into a shocked silence. Mausarr was big, but Generasi made it seem like a lonely hut in the woods. More people pressed around them on the road to the city than theyd seen in Mausarrs main squares.


    Humans from all over the world walked alongside beastfolk, the asional elf and schar, and other races of humanoids that Alex had never seen or heard of. Some were shorter than Selina, despite looking like adults. Others towered far above Alex and would have been taller than Fan-Dor and his brother, or even the minotaurs theyd seen in Mausarr.


    People walked with, or rode on the backs of many kinds of beastsgiant birds taller than horses, massive red scaled lizards, or even beetles almost asrge as Brutus. The smells were wildfoods and spices from all over the world drifting through Generasis open gates.


    And, above all, mana.


    The mana hit him in waves. Hed only felt it stronger in The Travellers sanctum. .


    Surprisingly, no guards stood at the gates, though Alex did notice glowing lines of magical writing surrounding the entranceway to the city. Was it to find mana vampires that had recently fed? Or something else, maybe? After being attacked on the ship, he was pretty sure thered be more dangers lurking inside this magical metropolis.


    A strange feeling came over him as he realized just how distant this city was from the problems of Thamnd. He wondered if most here had even heard of their home country.


    Thamnd! A voice shouted over the crowd as the group entered the gates. Alms for Thamnd! Donations to Uldars faith so that his people might be supported while his Heroes destroy the evil menace of The Ravener!


    The group froze, slowly turning their heads to the central square in front of the gates entrance.


    On a tall podium stood a figure dressed in the familiar robes of a priest of Uldar with other priests on their knees praying beside her. In front of them hung bucketscollecting coins for the cause.


    Alex sighed, thankful that the crowd between them was thick.


    Of course.


    City at the Center of Creation, where <em>all</em> the worlds cultures came together. Including Thamnd. Of course Uldars priests would be here.


    Theyd have to watch out for them.


    This way, he whispered to Theresa and the group pushed through the crowd and down the street.


    The priests calls faded behind them.

 Chapter 26: Wonders in the Sky

    Chapter 26: Wonders in the Sky


    So, the good news is Uldars priests arentmon here. Theresa rejoined Alex and Selina in the crowd. Brutus padded behind her, his heads moving every which way following all of the new sights and smells.


    The amount of people on the streetseven in the rainwas overwhelming. Despite Alex wanting to move quicker, there was no way he could without forcing through the press of hooded figures around them. He held tightly to Selinas hand.


    His eyes kept darting around, looking for the robes of Uldars priests.


    I asked a few people, Theresa continued. And they said that Uldar has a church in one of the districts where most of the other temples in Generasi are. I got good directions to both the church and the University: it''s almost on the opposite end of the city from the school.


    Well thats good news, at least. Alex cocked his head at Theresa. Whats wrong?


    She was frowning. I dont know what I said but when I asked if there were any churches close to the school, I just got the strangest looks.


    Did they say anything?


    No, it was just the looks. But they did say Uldars priests have been out in the streets trying to collect for the war effort. Theresa watched the passing crowd closely. Difort passed over her face.


    And we wouldnt see theming in this crowd, Alex finished for her.


    Its too thick. She shook her head. I think Ive seen more people in thest hour than I have in my whole life.


    Alex understood. While hed spent more time in town and less in the forest than Theresa had, Alric wasntrge. They mightve been able to fit fifty Alrics here. All the sounds, all the sights, the sheer amount of magic-


    Look at that! Look at that! Selina pointed up.


    A group of people were having tea where she pointed.


    They were all sitting on a carpet.


    The carpet was flying.


    It passed overheadthe rain hitting and bouncing off of some sort of invisible shield above its passengersand vanished around the nearest street corner.


    Alex and Theresa gawked at it like country bumpkins.


    All of this would take time to get used to. If they ever did.


    You know, its weird, Theresa continued. Everyone I talked to knew about <em>something</em> happening in Thamnd, but the way they talked about it was like how wed talk about a neighbours cow getting sick. It was so


    Matter-of-fact?


    Yeah, she said. But looking at all this, I can kind of see why our troubles would look so. Her eyes hardened. Quaint.


    I was thinking the same thing in Mausarr Alexs eyes followed a woman in fine purple robes walking on the opposite end of the street. Walking behind her like a trained hound was a figure that must have been eight feet tall. It looked like it was made from y andaside from its thick fingersit didnt have much in the way of features. Only a pair of ss eyes and a closed mouth were set into its face. It carried a crate above its head that mustve weighed at least a thousand pounds. Its heavy footsteps seemed to shake the cobblestones.


    Alex? Theresa poked him.


    Oh yeah, um. He pulled his attention back. People in Mausarr were just going on with their lives. Like the worlds this enormous, unconnected ce.


    Even here, where the priesthood had been spreading word about The Ravener, it didnt seem that somewhere else in the world, a century-cycled apocalypse was happening. In a way, it kind of stung: seeing his peoples pride and their greatest enemy reduced to some minor, distant issue that people could ignore while sipping tea on a flying carpet.


    Then again, hed lived his whole life in peace in Alric while people here were trying to find ways to keep out mana vampires. The world was a big ce.


    I wanna see the school. Selina said. Are we going soon?


    He looked down at her, a bit envious of howfortable she seemed with all the new sights and sounds.


    Well, that <em>is</em> what were here for, so I guuueeeeess we can.


    Theresa nodded toward a few streets ahead. One of the people I talked to said we should take a sky-gond, like Mrs. Escofier suggested. Theres supposed to be a dock for them a few streets ahead.


    A dock? Alex cocked his head.


    It turned out that there <em>was</em> a dock a few streets ahead.


    One that led to the sky.


    It was built vertically, like a tree or a tower with multiple short piers extending off of its trunk like branches. At the end of most of those piers, a long, lean boat floated in mid-air. People crowded around, lining up to book passage to other parts of the city on waiting boats.


    Uldars beard. Theresa gaped.


    I wanna ride on one! Selina eyed the stairs excitedly.


    Brutus stared up at the boats with a look of distrust.


    Alex was already rushing into the line for one.


    Wee to Generasi Sky-Gonds, Im Lucia, your gondolier. A woman said from the back of the boat as Alexs group slowly and carefully approached along the pier. The boards beneath them seemed stable enough, but it was still a good thirty foot drop. Alex kept a good grip on Selinas hand and the railing.


    Please show me your booking tokens and ce them in the box at the end of the sky-pier.


    She indicated a box with a single slot in its front.


    Alex showed her the four wooden tokens theyd received when they paid the first part of the fee to a dock-head below. She nodded and Alex ced them in the box.


    Enter the gond one at a time, please remain seated and dont push on the wind-and-rain shield. She seemed to be fighting a yawn. Wherere you headed?


    To the big school! Selina said, jumping into the boat before Alex could stop her.


    The sky-gond bobbed slightly, but didnt copse. Slowly and carefully, the rest of them stepped onboardwith Theresa having to coax Brutus before the cerberus finally followed them.


    The boat was long, but things got crowded once Brutusid down at their feet. As soon as they got in, they stopped feeling the rain as it winked off an invisible shield above their heads.


    With a single tap of Lucias pole against the hull, the sky-gond shook and then lifted from the pier, rising into the sky.


    Alexs stomach flip-flopped and Theresa grabbed the seat while Brutus buried his heads into the bottom of the boat.


    Selina nearly vibrated in excitement, bouncing up and down in her seat.


    Ek-u-Dari, we ask for protection from you. Alex muttered beneath his breath.


    What was that? Theresa asked, though her face was turned to their surroundings as they gently soared over the rooftops.


    Nevermind.


    Generasi shrank below them as they drifted between its tallest towers. Throughout the city stood massive castles, buildings of different architectural styles, and titanic statues of people and monsters. Once they were high enough, Alex could see beyond the walls of the city.


    Ind was a pleasant countryside of grass and small forests, dotted by estates and vineyards. Beyond them was another wall, and what was beyond that made Alex blink in surprise. A wastnd. Nothing but sted rockalmost like what he saw through The Travellers portal to the fire-mountainswith strange chasms running throughout and glowing with different coloured lights.


    How does the boat work? Selina asked the gondolier.


    For a moment, Lucia cringed before she put on a forced smile. Wizards made it to rise on Generasis natural mana-currents. Its simple enough so that anyone can use it: I just turn the pole to make it go where I direct it.


    Are these everywhere in the world? the little girl was examining everything about the boat. I didnt see any in the big port on the way here, and the boat we were on had to float on water. Captain Fan-Dor said that the water lifts up the wood in the boat.


    Lucias eyes seemed to grow a little more dead, in contrast to the captains enthusiasm in exining the ship. Alex wondered how many times shed gotten the same questions.


    You wont see these outside of this city. Theyre a cheap design which means that a lot of them can be made. But they cant fly outside Generasi because they have to use the mana thats in the air here.


    So they <em>cant </em>make one that goes outside?


    Some wizards have, but they take a lot more magic and expensive materials to make, and youd need your own mana to drive it. If they made one that could fly outside of Generasi, <em>and</em> that anyone could use, youre looking at treasure of a lost empire kind of coin. She sighed. So please dont go to Generasi Sky-Gonds to negotiate an order for your city, or town, or merchant organization, or vige elder.


    Thatst sentence sounded like shed repeated it so many times, she could have said it in her sleep.


    Alex wondered just how many of the other magic items in the city would only work here. Would the carpet still have carried its tea-drinking passengers over Coille forest? He nced at the sky-ship floating above their heads, imagining some clever thievesmandeering it and cheering as they got past the citys limits


    only to scream as the entire ship plunged hundreds of feet to the water or ground. He looked at the wastnd beyond the wall in the distance. Or maybe theyd fall into one of those glowing chasms.


    What is that ce? Theresa pointed to the wastnd.


    The Barrens of Kravernus. Lucia steered them past a neighbourhood of massive estates surrounded by gated walls. A couple had curved roofs, like the gate on top of Mount Tai. The game preserve of the University and where students go to be trained inbat magic.


    She gave a bitter chuckle.


    The mighty chancellors monster park.


    Silence followed.


    What is- Selina asked.


    Were almost there, Lucia cut her off, pointing ahead.


    Alex turned and saw the massive campus ahead, sitting on a hill above even the rest of Generasi. Greenspace surrounded what was a small city onto itself. Its own rivers flowed along uninterrupted, and its own roads ran through the campus. The central building was an imposing castle of white stone with golden rooftops: it must have been incredible in the sunlight.


    Five towers rose from the castle, and the central one was by far the tallest in the entire city. In its courtyard stood two huge statues: one of an elderly human woman with its running down past her shoulders, and another of a tall and stately elven man. There was a third massive tform lying close to them, but it was empty.


    As they passed over the outer walls of the campus, several figuresmounted on circr stone discs that floated in the airwatched them pass. Staffs were in their hands, and swords were belted at their waists.


    Their faces were hard.


    Whore they? Theresa asked.


    The Watchers of Roal: campus guardians, the gondolier said dryly. Keeping the university safe from the city, and the city safe from the university.


    Alex frowned at the strange response as they drew closer to the courtyard.


    You seem to know a lot about this ce. Alex looked at their gondolier closely.


    I should. I was a student here for six months.


    He blinked. What? What happened?


    I dropped out, she said with no hint of embarrassment.


    He stiffened. Why? This is the greatest school of wizardry in the world!


    Anger rose in him. Hed nearly died twice to get here, and this person had attended for half a year before dropping out to drive a boat?


    An odd look entered her eyes.


    It is, isnt it? Life entered her voice for the first time. She pointed to a building to the south. It was squat and had windows with metal shutters, most of which were closed. Some of the white stone was ckened. You see that ce? Thats-


    <em>BOOM!</em>


    Oh shit! Alex swore, recoiling from the sound.


    Selina screamed, Brutus yelped and Theresa started jumping to her feet before her head mmed into the wind-and-rain shield. Alex caught her as she fell back into the seat.


    From the building, a massive blue fireball exploded, ripping two of the metal windows out. Shouts echoed from the distance as several of the Watchers shot toward the building on their floating tforms.


    Perfect timing. Lucia grimaced as she set the sky-gond down in front of the main castle. It helps make my point: the University of Generasi is the greatest school of wizardry in the world, but-


    She leaned forward. The neckline of her shirt shifted.


    A tremendous burn-scar reached up to the top of her chest.


    -wizardry is dangerous. Ask one day how many students'' eptances are cancelled due to incapacitation. Or dont. Maybe you wont have to worry about it. Anyway-


    She held out her hand.


    -Ill be taking the rest of my fee now.

 Chapter 27: Negotiations in the Hall of Magic

    Chapter 27: Negotiations in the Hall of Magic


    Was that a potion detonation? a tiny, white haired woman was sprinting through the courtyard with a staff in her hand. Please tell me that was a potion detonation. If it was another bad summoning circle-


    Theres no demonology scheduled in The Cells today, said a sharply dressed man in spectacles. So if that <em>is</em>a summoning circle, that student better <em>hope</em> all they get is expelled!


    Um, excuse me? Alex got their attention. Which way do we go to register?


    The man hurriedly jerked a thumb over his shoulder toward a set of open doors at the top of a flight of stairs. They were at the opposite end of the courtyard.


    That way! Wee to Generasi! he barked as he and the other wizard rushed out of the courtyard. As they exited, Alex saw them wave their hands. From out of view, two of the same stone tforms used by The Watchers of Roal appeared, and the two wizards jumped aboard and shot away in the direction of the explosion.


    Alexs group was speechless, eyeing each other nervously while approaching the doors.


    They kept ncing around, only rxing a little when they made it to the doors without hearing anymore sts.


    Just inside, there was anotherrge, marble staircase with railings carved into dragon heads. They climbed the steps in awe, with Brutus nails clicking on the rough stone and breaking the silence. At the top, they emerged into an antechamber sorge, that the entire church of Alricbell tower and allcould have fit inside.


    Two statuesone of a dragon and one of a krakenframed a desk set into one of the walls where a blue-skinned man with horns silently read a book. A massive monocle sat on his face, reminding Alex of a one-eyed owl.


    I think this is the right ce, Alex whispered.


    Well Theresas eyes traced a mural on the ceiling where wizards battled strange, demonic creatures. Well uh go have a seat while you do that. She indicated a bench beside a wall.


    The bench had wed feet.


    As they sat down, Alex could have sworn it moved its stone toes.


    He approached the desk. I, uh. He nced back in the direction of the explosion.


    The man looked up at him. Yes? Here for a tour?


    No, uh, to register, actually.


    He could hardly stop himself from vibrating with excitement.


    <em>Wizard Time. Wizard Time. Wizard Time. </em>One part of his mind screamed.


    <em>Youre going to explode. Some horrible demon is going to eat you. You could have stayed in Thamn-</em>


    The first part of his mind stamped down the second part with prejudice.


    Now was a time of joy.


    I was epted for the uing year, to begin my studies.


    The blue-skinned man blinked and closed the book hed been reading. Well, well. Arent <em>you</em> keen: sses for first year dont start for at least another month and a half.


    It was uha long trip from where Im from, Alex said, not mentioning the part about using an ancient saints power to cross over a months journey in a matter of days. Thought I should get here early in case anything went wrong. Is that a problem?


    The opposite, really. If we had moree in early like you, then orientation week wouldnt be such an animal house. Well, my name is Hobb and Im the registrar here at Generasi, allow me to wee


    He stopped and the leather on his chair squeaked as he peered around Alex. On the opposite end of the hall, Selina sat on the bench looking at the halls lightsblue forceballs floating on top of columnswhile Theresa was examining a hole in her sleeve. Brutus was panting and sniffing everything.


    Would that be your wife and he looked at Alex, squinting. Chiiiiild?


    Alexs face flushed. No, just a friend.


    So your friend and your chiiiiild?


    No, no! Thats my sister, Alex said quickly.


    Hobb looked at him for a long time, blinking through his monocle. I see, was all he said. Well, if theyre friend and family, will you be registering them as well?


    Oh, theyre uh, not spellcasters.


    Hobb blinked. Not even for the auditing program?


    The what program?


    Hobb blinked again. Hmmm, might I see your eptance letter? Mr


    Alex Roth, and one second.


    He reached into his rucksack, feeling around for the paper.


    Panic started. He couldnt find it. Did he leave it in his room back in the Lu familys inn. No, no, he remembered taking it. Maybe he left it in the Cave of the Traveller after dumping everything to get the ruby.


    A horrifying nightmare of a long side journey back to the cave started taking over his mind...until his fingers touched paper.


    Here it is. He rxed, and handed the letter to Hobb, who examined it with his monocled eye.


    Aaaaah, recruited from Thamnd, you were right, that <em>is </em>far. He nced up at Alex. Sorry to hear about all that Ravager business.


    Oh, uh, its called The Ravener actually.


    Hobb paled to a lighter blue. Oh sorry! How ignorant of me, I meant that I hope that you and your family are safe.


    Alex thought of Mr. and Mrs. Lu, and Theresas brothers. He hoped theyd gotten onto a ship safely. They should be alright.


    Good. Good. Dreadful business that, though I suppose all the world has its own troubles. Anyway, back to the business at hand. I see you were epted based on aptitude. With one spell, even. You must have practiced to the bone. <em>Very</em> well done, young man! Hobb said enthusiastically. Thats the sort of ethic thatll have you flying through the spell-tiers in no time. He paused. Hmm, I can see the issue, though: that far out, you likely didnt get much of an exnation as to <em>why</em> were considered the greatest institution of magic in all the world. After all, there really are nopetitors in your realm as far I know.


    Er, I thought you were called the greatest because you have so much of the worlds knowledge.


    Oh, we do. We do. But we also take <em>care</em> of our wizards.


    Suddenly Alex heard a scream behind him.


    He whirled to see Selina and Theresa jumping off the bench as it began to scuttle sideways like an angry crab. Brutus was barking at it.


    <em>Dont like dogs, </em>the bench ground out in a voice that was rock on rock.


    Stop that! Stop that at once! Hobb half-rose from his chair. You sted, rebellious piece of furniture! I swear one of these days I <em>will</em>send a request to have you carved into a chamberpot! Back to your post!


    Grumbling the bench scuttled back to its original ce.


    You can sit back down now! Hobb said pleasantly.


    Selina and Theresa edged away from the bench.


    Ah, pity. It always does that. Hobb made a face. So, as I said, we take care of our wizards.


    He reached beneath his desk and produced a massive, leatherbound book. Proper wizards always have an entourage. These could be summoned demons. They could be golems. They could be trained magical beasts like your handsome furry friend. They could be a party of delvers. And in some cases, theyre hirelings, apprentices, or even family. And on that note, Generasi takes people from all corners of the earth. Many like you,e with friends, parents, children and


    He squinted at Selina. <em>Liiiiiitle</em> sisters?


    Yes.


    Good, good. Children most certainly need to be educated, and entourage members or apprentices, often need to be trained so that they might support a wizard. As such, Generasi has a program where up to four members of your immediate group may audit certain coursesno direct spellcasting or for credit courses, of courseso that they might better aid you when you go off to set up your own tower and <em>bend the forces of the cosmos to your unbreakable will.</em>


    His eyes shed with intensity and for a moment, Alex thought he was going to leap out of his chair and start calling unearthly hordes.


    Instead, he just smiled. We also have a junior school where children may be educated in general subjects andshould they show aptitudethe preparatory courses for their own practice in wizardry. Of course, the auditing program and the junior school add additional nominal fees to your tuitionthough there would be a significant discount for you as I see you are a partial schrship student. Considering where you are from, and the aptitude you demonstrated with limited resources, Generasi would not see a bright young mind crushed by ack of coin.


    Hobb smiled knowingly. Now, avoiding being crushed by a miscast meteor spell is unfortunately, entirely your own responsibility!


    Heughed as though it were the most natural thing in the world to say.


    Alex did not join him.


    Ah, excuse me, excuse me, just some wizard humour. Youll get it in time. Now, since youll be staying withfriend and sister. Andrge cerberus. I take it youll wish for apartment amodation?


    For now, Alex said. It would give him time to search for a ce of their own.


    Very well. Hobb picked up and flipped through another book, sliding his finger along a series of tables and names on a page. Ah, this one is free. Are you and your entourage used to living in one room?


    Alex thought back to the ship and how Selina had hammered on him for kicking her off the bed. He imagined what wouldve happened if theyd been living in the same space for months


    Separate, he said quickly.


    Hmmmm. Hobb flipped through the book until his eyes lit up. Ah, the southern ins would be perfect. Two rooms off of a central living areaplete with a writing desk, balcony overlooking the buildings central courtyard, firecethough I dont suspect you shall use that often, Generasis weather is <em>much</em> milder than in your homndand immediate ess to themon cooking facility and baths located at the bottom of the building. Would this suit your needs?


    Uh, hold on, Alex said, calling Theresa and Selina over and introducing them to Hobb.


    He exined what sort of room would be avable.


    Theresa frowned. How much would all that be? A suite like that would cost a lot of gold in a good inn.


    Aaaaaah, pleasure to meet you Ms. Lu, and I can assure you our rates for our students ensure that they are able to stay infort for the duration of their stay in Generasi: after all, we arent exactly hurting for money. Twenty gold pieces per month.


    Alex balked inwardly. This was a good rate? The reward for the mana vampire would pay for two and a half months. His inheritance would be enough to pay for two years. He began to think about what Mrs. Escofier said about Generasi being expensive


    What do you think? he asked Theresa, whod paled considerably at the sum mentioned. Selina was simply still eyeing the architecture. A part of him yearned to be the age where he didnt know the value of coin. Two of us would have to share a room so-


    Selina startled. Theresa, can I share your room? Please, please, please, please. She grabbed the young womans cloak.


    Uh, sure? Theresa said. I dont mind bunking with you, Selina.


    Yay! the little girl sighed in relief.


    Alex couldnt help but feel a little insulted. Are you sure youd be okay sharing for a bit?


    Selinas small, Theresa smiled at the girl. And itd be fun. Like a sleepover until we get a ce of our own.


    Alright, well take it, Alex said.


    Delightful. Hobb wrote into the chart. AlexRothTheresaLuSelinaRothperfect. He dotted the final period. And Ms. Lu, would you be interested in auditing courses as part of Mr. Roths entourage?


    Theresa frowned. Auditing?


    It means you get to take a few courses. No credit or anything, but youd get to learn the subject.


    Oh, I uh, Im no wizard, Theresa said.


    That is of no matter, we have a number of diverse courses here in addition to wizardry. He nced at the sword at her hip. We are by no means an academy of martial arts, but the Watchers of Roal do host sses on weaponry and hand to handbat to train more for their number. Many who have taken their courses have sessfully entered their number, or have gone onto other paths. Even some of the Rhinean Empires elemental knights have taken the courses.


    She paused, with growing interest.


    Hobb smiled in the same way that cattle salespeople did. We also have a number of courses on tactics, generalbat, general knowledge in mathematics, lore on beasts, several forms of arts such as sculpting or paintingthough those are not our specialtiesI assure you, your education would not becking here.


    Theresa paused, struck by a sudden thought. Mr. Hobb-


    Oh, just Hobb, please.


    Hobb, on the way here we saw some buildings that looked a lot like how my grandfather used to describe the ones in Tarim-Lung.


    Here in Generasi, we are influenced by most of the worlds cultures and have had many make their home here. Those of Tarim-Lung are no exception.


    Then, does the university have any courses onqigong?


    Hobbs eyes shed as though he had just clinched a sale. Ahhhh the art of life-energy cultivation. By no means is it aprehensive subject of study here, but Blood Magicwhich <em>is</em> aprehensive subject heredraws from lifeforce instead of mana. Techniques that fortify ones lifeforce are useful in such a branch of magic, and so we have adapted a short set of courses to teach the basics of the subject. It is the only course categorized under Divinity offered at Generasi. If you look at the course guideavable in the library you will find a course called LIFE-1075: Lifeforce Enforcement I. I do believe that if you are interested in exploring the subject, then it should be a suitable beginning. I do warn you however, there is a test of affinity before one can gain entry into the course, as it is a dangerous subject.


    Theresa blinked. A wide smile bloomed on her face.


    Alex watched her smile. How much is it for auditing and junior school?


    Hobbs eyes were triumphant. Ten gold coins per month.


    Well take them both.

 Chapter 28: Welcome Home

    Chapter 28: Wee Home


    <em>Thmp. Thmp. Thmp.</em>


    Three bagsnded on the floor.


    <em>Creeeeeak</em>.


    The door to the apartment closed and locked.


    Were finally here! Alex pumped his fists. We did it!


    The apartment was a fine ce, just as Hobb had described it. The central area was narrow but long, leaving enough room for a circr dining table, desk, small bookshelf, and small pantry. The hardwood floors had been freshly polished and the doors to two bedroomsy open. Through the curtains on the balcony doors, Alex could see that the rain had finally stopped.


    Groaning, Theresa slumped toward one of the chairs at the dining table and suddenly paused. She cautiously bent down, examining it from every angleincluding poking at the chairs legs with suspicionbefore copsing into it and letting her head loll back. Her eyes stared at the ceiling. Yeah, were here. She pulled off her boots and massaged her feet. And I guess were <em>all</em> students now?


    Yep, all in a big fancy school at the centre of the world. Alex smiled contentedly, watching Brutus sprawl on the floor near the balcony. Selina sprinted to the pantry and tore it open.


    Empty. She made a face before going to explore more of their new home.


    It wont be for long, Alex promised.


    So Theresa continued to stare at the ceiling. The <em>benches</em> move.


    Yeah, what <em>was</em> that? he said.


    I dont know. The bench just shook when Brutusid down beside it, then started crawling away...and then it talkedand She shook her head like she was in a daze. And boats fly and carpets fly and stones fly and She trailed off again. I dont know. In thest two days weve seen monsters and- She looked around before mouthing the word dungeon core to him. -but I dunno, right now, my head is <em>pounding.</em> Did you know the benches move? Does everything move?


    Alex shrugged. Probably not? Lucia said that magic items can be expensive, right? Thats why the gonds have to be made cheap.


    Yeah, those flying boats. She pinched the bridge of her nose.


    Alex took her waterskin from beside her bag, dug through the cupboards and poured water into a copper cup. He slid it over to her across the table.


    Thanks. She gave him a pained smile and drained the cup, before ncing at Selina who had stepped onto the balcony with a tired Brutus. Theresa leaned closer.


    Areare we going to be okay? she whispered, making a motion like she was rubbing two coins between her fingers.


    He sat down beside her. For awhile, he whispered. About two years maybe. The program is four, though. At minimum, but we should have our own ce long before that.


    A part of him felt sick at the idea that the entire material wealth of his parents lives would barely amount to two years at the university, and even then, they had the two years only on ount of his partial schrship. If he had to pay the full amount, theyd be out in the street in about a year. He put that thought from his mind.


    Therger issue was if the university was this expensive, then what would <em>buying</em> a ce in the city be like?


    Theyd need more coin. What options did that leave? Selling the fire-gems?


    No. Not unless they got desperate: each one was so powerful, that giving them up would be a big mistake, one they should try to avoid if they could. He wouldnt want to run into something as deadly as the hive-queen without them.


    There might be opportunities here, he suggested. We just need to keep our eyes open and look around.


    Alex! Theresa! Come out here! Selina called.


    They looked at each other andgroaning like they were five times their agestepped through the curtains onto the balcony.


    The southern instheplex of student apartmentswas somewhat empty. A few pieces of clothing hanging over balcony rails revealed that some students were in residence, while other balconies had one or two students seated on the same chairs as their dining chairs, bent over books.


    Except for one. One was studying while seated cross-legged.


    In mid-air.


    Theresa groaned beside him. Selinaughed.


    The courtyard below had multiple benches, stone tables and chairs for dining and socializing. A few more students were gathered beloweating from a variety of colourful and interesting looking dishes. A pair of older students with books piled high on a table, had young children ying with blocks beside them. A warm breeze floated into the windows and balcony door. Alex sighed in contentment, though a hint of nervousness remained as he remembered The Marks presence and the secret of The Ravener. He wondered how differently hed be feeling if hed never been branded and had simply arrived with Selina and nothing hanging over him.


    A beat of wings startled him from his thoughts.


    From the sky swooped a huge bird with a ck feathered body and white speckled wings. Its wingspan must have been at least ten feet across and it carried a dead rabbit in its ws. Fluttering, itnded on a balcony on the opposite side of the courtyard, on the top floorsame level as their roomand let out a fierce, triumphant cry.


    Look at <em>that</em>! Selina pointed. What a big, pretty bird!


    Pretty? More like terrifying.


    Brutus was watching it with all three heads and his ears perked up.


    The curtain on the balcony parted and a muscr young manwho was almost as tall as Alexstepped through. He was very dark-skinnedsimr inplexion to the griot that had passed through Alricand his long hair was ited and fell to mid back. A sculpted, imposing beard covered his chin, and he was built more like a metalsmith than a wizard.


    The giant eagle cooed as its master approached, then stepped onto the young mans outstretched leather gauntlet. He took the rabbit from the bird, petting the raptor with his free hand and stroking its head toward the beak. He said something loudly in anguage Alex had never heard, then looked up, seeing them across the way.


    He watched them for a moment before giving a polite nod.


    Selina waved as Alex and Theresa returned his nod, and the young man stepped back through the curtain.


    Alex briefly wondered if the young man was a first-year student who had arrived for school even earlier than him, or an upper-year summer student.


    Okay. I think its time to get some stuff done. He said, thinking out what he wanted to get done and stepping back into the room. The others followed him.


    Theresa slipped back into the chair.


    Anyone want toe to the library? he asked.


    She groaned.


    Brutus grunted.


    He could see that Selina had already jumped into one of the beds.


    In the bigger room, he noticed. That little goblin.


    Alright, Ill be back in time for lunch.


    Theresa groaned again as he headed to the door.


    See youter, and look out for angry benches, Theresa said.


    He heard Selinaughing from the bedroom.


    Walking to the library was pleasant. The southern ins was very close to the library building, and the path leading there passed through sculpted parnds and past great, old buildings of white and grey stone. Gargoyles and other winged figures holding staves and books stood in silent vigil at the top of the buildings. Students walked byspeaking in multiplenguagesand Alex paid attention to their words.


    Using The Mark, Rhinean had started to be more familiar to him; he was picking out at least one word every few sentences now. Not bad for a couple of days practice. By the time he was ready to graduate, he nned on being able to speak as manynguages as possible.


    Maybe one of them would help him trante The Travellers book, and he was hoping the library would have something on that too. He was getting more and more excited as he made his way there.


    Several of the conversations were in the Common tongue, though, and most were about the explosion earlier.


    I heard it was some sort of transmutation gone wrong, a squat young man in spectacles was saying, walking along with two others. Someone tried to transform into a fire elemental, misaligned the spell array, and just turned into a fireball.


    Thats not what I heard. I heard it was a magic item that someone caused a mana reversal with, one of hispanions said: anky, redheaded girl clutching a long ss sk in her hand. Inside the sk was a glowing ball of light, which flitted about like an insect. The whole thing blew up in their face, literally.


    That doesnt seem right to me. Its gremlins, said their third, his frizzy brown hair bouncing as he walked. He had at least five books in his hands. Gremlins sabotaging a potion.


    Well, whatever it was, whoever did it ispletely done for, the first young man said. Definitely expelled.


    Alex nced at them as they passed.


    Raised voices burst from a garden on his right. He jumped as two studentsmaybe only a little older than himemerged from the hedges.


    Isolde, will you stop! a man chased after a woman, in a mix of anger and desperation. His long red hair was disheveled and his face flushed. Youre not listening to me!


    An unusually tall womanmaybe only a few inches shorter than Alexwalked away from the man as though he wasnt even there. Her long ck hair billowed behind her. I dont listen to trash rolling along the ground.


    Thats not fair! he snapped, running in front of her. It was a one time thing!


    No it was not, she stepped around him without even giving him a second nce. Were done. Keep it civil. I walk my path and you walk yours. Separately.


    But youre not giving me another chance! he shouted.


    Heads whirled from all around the greenspace and path.


    Derek Isoldes blue eyes hardened. You need to quiet down, now.


    And <em>you</em> need to listen to m-


    <em>No. </em>Her voice suddenly boomed. You want to do this, then fine. Were done, Derek. Finished.


    But why-


    Because youre a cheater, and I dont mean just on mewhich you have, as Ive found outseveral times. Youre a cheater in everything. She began listing things off with her fingers. You cheated on me. You cheat in dice and cards-


    Thats not a-


    -you cheat on your exams.


    The colour drained from his face.


    What? She red at him. You didnt think Id find out? Professor Jules posted the announcement in the potions department this morning that someone cheated, which you would have known if you didnt skip ss. Again.


    Wha-wha- Derek stuttered, backing away from her.


    Of course, I knew earlier than that, when she called me into her office because <em>our potion analysis write-ups were word-for-word the same</em>. I had to spend an hour showing her my rough notes and analysis logs to show <em>I</em>wasnt the one who had copied. You would have been at the meeting if you didnt skip ss. Again.


    Whybut


    I wanted this quiet, but <em>you</em> wanted to make a scene. There. Scene made. Now, youd better stop wasting time with me and go exin to her why you should remain a student here.


    With a low cry, Derek sprinted away toward the main castle.


    Isolde watched him go, then drew a long, steadying breath. Her teeth were grinding as she turned. Everyone quickly looked away, including Alex.


    In a dignified but angry silence, she walked away.


    Alex let out a sigh when shed passed. The problems of young loveapparently maniacal levels of cheatingwas downright pleasantpared to nests of silent death bugs.


    He continued toward the library.


    His eyes rose to find the squat, windowless structure just ahead. Hobb had said that the building had no windows so the temperature would be more even, and the books would be protected from sunlight. He hoped that wouldnt mean itd be dark like a cave. Hed had enough of caves tost him a lifetime. In front of the library stood a fountain with a hooded figure holding two books and stone scrolls hanging from its robes. Water poured from the space in its hood where its head should have been.


    Curious, he nced over to see if any coins had been tossed into it.


    A few.


    He might add a few moreter.


    The doors to the librarys wee area were open, but on the other side, the room was sealed shut. Alex could see green, glowing writing surrounding the doorway.


    He took a deep breath.


    Ahead of himy the umted knowledge of the greatest institution of wizardry in the world.


    It was almost intimidating.

 Chapter 29: Selecting Ones Path

    Chapter 29: Selecting One''s Path


    Can I help you, young man? A woman, whoseplexion seemed to shift from orange to brown, looked at him from behind another desk set into the wall. Her ears were long and pointy like the witches in Alrics fairy tales. But unlike Alrics witches, hers were covered in feathers.


    Um, yes, its my first day, and Im looking to use the library.


    I see, well, wee to Generasi. Might I see your students te?


    With pride, Alex dug out the round wooden card that Hobb had given him after his registration waspleted. It had a blue stamp on it, followed by the number 1 under his name.


    Hmmmm, first year, and capable of first-tier magic. That will give you ess to the first three floors of the library.


    The woman spoke an incantation and traced a spell array over the card. A green, glowing symbol appeared beside the 1.


    Please do not approach anything beneath floor three, as the wards will stop you from entering.


    Alexs cheer dimmed. I cant go to the other floors?


    Its for your own safety, you understand, she said pointedly. In times past, the University would have its knowledge freely avable to all students, but some decided to sprint before they could crawl and took out spell-guides to magics far too advanced for their experience. You do not want to see what happens when a neophyte dabbles in demonology or advanced explosion magic.


    Alex remembered the blue fireball that had burst from The Cellswhatever they wereearlier.


    Wizardry is dangerous, Lucias words echoed in his head.


    Right, that makes sense, he said.


    Whatnguages can you read?


    Just the Common tongue, he said, somewhat embarrassed. For now, he mentally added.


    Very well, many of the books are not written in that tongue, but you can make a trantion request from the service desk on the first floor. The books are organized by a filing system that you can read about from the master tome on each floor. Have you chosen courses yet?


    Alex winced. Was he supposed to do that? Hobb hadnt mentioned anything about that. N-no. Hobb said I could use the guides here.


    Not a problem, then. Normally, we send out a letter with a list of courses for students to select from before arrival. However, letters be lost, ships sink, caravans get diverted. To the farther realms, even eptance letters can and have arrivedte, leaving no time for course selection before the journey to Generasi must begin. Its why we hold a second round of selections on campus beginning approximately three weeks before sses begin.


    She smiled warmly. No need to worry, the course guides are set on the first floor on your right. When youve chosen your courses, you simply submit the form to the registrars office.


    Um, do you have any books on The Ravener? Ones I can ess?


    She blinked, her eyes flicking as though they were quickly turning pages he couldnt see. Third floor, fourth shelf on your left on the upper balcony. Third book from the rightmost end. There<em> are </em>others, but they are within the deeper levels.


    Alex groaned internally. He wouldnt be able to do any in depth research on the dungeon core until he became more advanced in his studies. He really hoped the first book would be helpful.


    Thanks, youve been very helpful, he said and stepped toward the door.


    The green writing around the steps brightened as he approached, shing in time with the symbol on his card.


    There was a click as the doors silently parted in front of him.


    Best of luck with your studies, the librarian said.


    The doors silently shut behind him.


    Each floor of the library had two levels and the book-cases rose to the top of each. About ten feet tall. The second floor had a balcony circling the main room, while the middle of the chamber was filled with long tables and desks that werergely empty, except for a couple of robed figures who nced up before returning to their studies. Glowing forceballsin greenilluminated the library, and Alex could see a sign close by that had a drawing of a lit candle with a giant X through it.


    He shook his head, wondering if anyone in their right mind would actually bring open me near so many precious, and<em>mmable </em>books. Especially when there were spells that provided plenty of light.


    He nced to one of the closest shelves, grabbed a course guide then made for the stairs. As it turned out, the second and third floors didnt lead up, but down into the earth. He was ufortably reminded of the dark descent into the hive.


    Finding where he was going was easy enough, luckilythe librarian obviously had an unnaturally good memoryand as he mounted the stairs toward the bookcase, he took a deep breath. Here it was. The moment he would begin his research on The Ravener.


    His eyes skimmed the titles, looking for the one she had indicated.


    His heartbeat quickened.


    Soon hed have a book in his hands that could give him some answers. A book hed been waiting to search since leaving Thamnd.


    Then his eyes stopped. So did his heart.


    Itit cant be. He stumbled back. Disbelief raced through him. His mind couldnt believe what he was seeing. It was impossible.


    <em>Impossible.</em>


    Therein the middle of two books that were written innguages he couldnt understandwas the name of a single title and its author printed on the spine of a volume:


    <em>A History of Our Heroes and their Opposition of The Ravener, by Finnius Galloway.</em>


    Alex Roth barely resisted screaming and finding himself being thrown out of the library on his first day.


    Sighing, Alex sat at a table surrounded by books and paper.


    On one side was his course guide, and in front of him were multiple 1st-tier spell-guides, and a few books on general magical lore and Thamnds history. Some of the books were somewhat helpful: going into more details on The Travellers life and how she had used her unique abilities to aid the other Heroes of her time.


    There was talk of how her portals hade from another power outside of The Mark of the Saint, and how she had directed that power against The Ravener and its spawn.


    Hed spoken to the librarian, and apparently, a book called <em>The Bestiary of the Ravener and its Foul Spawn</em> was avable in the first floor area dedicated to students who could cast second tier spells, along with most books on monsters physiology and lore, and the beginnings of demonology.


    That sounded like it would be a good start.


    But for that, he would need to advance his spellcasting and prove that he was able to handle the knowledge on the next floors. That brought him to the courses hed need to take, which is what hed been looking over.


    First thing he needed was to not be discovered; hed need to find out why people found it so strange for priests to be near the campus.


    He also needed to make sure thatoddly enoughhe stood out.


    The Fool was known to be a failure at spellcasting, which meant that if he <em>excelled</em> in magic, he would actually draw less suspicion than if he failed or was average.


    Second and rtedly, was that he would need to advance quickly enough to start rising in the spell-tiers. Not only would that enhance his power to defend himself-


    A deep cough sounded near him.


    Alex looked up at one of the only other upants on this floor of the library. He was a massive figurea beastfolk that looked like a bipedal goatwith iron grey fur and a beard that hung down and was decorated with a number of golden sps. His eyes were the strange eyes of a goat, and they leisurely scanned a book in front of him, until they looked up to Alex.


    The goatman winced. Apologies.


    No problem, Alex waved to him and went back to sketching out his n.


    Where was he? Yes, defending himself. Advancing in spell-tiers would make him better able to investigate The Ravener, help him seed at Generasi, <em>and</em> let him defend himself from mana vampires, horrible silence bugs, and anything else the world throws at him.


    The issue was The Mark.


    It wasnt going to make that easy.


    Hed started his course selection with that idea in the front of his mind.


    MAGT-1020: Magic Lore I was hispulsory. Hed already studied a fair amount of it beforeing to Generasi, and The Mark hadnt interfered with him recalling facts about how spellcraft worked. If he could figure things out, it might even help him excel at the course.


    That left four others.


    A huge number of courses were listed in the course guide, ranging from magical lore, to different traditions of magic from all over the world, to other traditions such as minor courses on history, arts, and philosophy.


    Briefly, he considered trying LIFE-1075: Lifeforce Enforcement I. Considering that he would be physically training anyway, empowering his life-force might be useful. Then again, that course could be a problem. Hobb had said it was dangerous, that one needed an affinity for it, <em>and</em> that it was a divinity. Thest thing he needed was for The Mark to interfere while he was trying to learn some dangerous new subject that was a divinity, and that he had zero experience in.


    Hed leave that to Theresa.


    That left a bunch of others that hed skimmed:


    BLOO-1000: An Introduction to Blood Magic. <em>Achieve new avenues of spellcraft such as healing, the creation of homunculi and sympathetic magic with this ancient discipline.</em>


    ELEC-1400: Lightning Magic I. <em>Learn the elemental art of lightning to power aparati, stun foes and st enemies with a thunderbolt. Starts with a study of electricity, air elementals and basic shock spells.</em>


    SUMM-1020: Summoning I. <em>Call upon spirits of the ether to enact your will in the world. Begins with the binding of least elementals.</em>


    Most of those looked interesting, and he put them in theter pile. For now, he needed to focus on things that he had experience with, or that he was sure The Mark wouldnt affect.


    Going over the list again, something interesting caught his eye.


    POTI-1000: The Alchemy of Potions I. <em>Learn to brew draughts from the ancient recipes of the masters. Requires direct mana maniption.</em>


    That really looked promising. If potion-craft was mostly mana maniption andbining ingredients, then there might not be much in the way of actual spellcraft. Mana maniption was hard, but using the forceball had trained him in it to some extent. Besides, hed been a bakers assistant for years: he could learn recipes in his sleep.


    He thought about the dungeon core.


    The Mark had helped him use mana maniption against the core: it would probably help him with this subject. And learning mana maniption through potions might even help him fight a core again, if it came to that.


    A thought urred to him and he flipped through the guide.


    He smiled when he found what he was looking for.


    MANA-1900: The Beginnings of Mana Maniption. <em>Learn this challenging, ancient artplimentary to spellcraft. Learn valuable mana regeneration techniques and how to operate certain spells and ancient magic items.</em>


    Perfect.


    He checked off another box.


    His second tost course choice was easy:


    FORC-1550: Spells of Force I.<em> This is a speciality course in the arts of force magic. From spells such as the humble forceball or magic missile, to shields, force bubbles and walls of force. Spells from this family are versatile and powerful.</em>


    This main course in spellcraft would allow him to specialize in magic simr to the spell he was most familiar with. A good way to counter interference by The Mark.


    That left one more.


    Flipping back to the beginning, he started to turn the page when he noticed an entry that hed missed earlier.


    COMB-1000: The Art of the Wizard in Combat. <em>There is more to using magic in battle than simply learning battle spells and sending them flying to explode at your enemies. A Proper Wizard knows how to conduct themselves in battle and use every resource avable. Combat spells. Vast knowledge. Physicality. Allies. These are all tools, and battle will make students grow like no other. WARNING: COMB-1000 is a danger-oriented course that does not pull its punches. Livebat against creatures of the Barrens of Kravernus is the preferred teaching method. Beware.</em>


    Alex stared at the course for a long time.


    A few days ago, he wouldnt have even given it a second look. Now?


    Every resource avable.


    Something about that spoke to him on a fundamental level. There was a course for battle magic, but it focused on spells that blew things up or enhanced the physical form. This, though? This sounded like it could teach him the true nature ofbat, resources, survival and adaptation.


    This could teach him how to survive mana vampires and silence spiders and whatever else was waiting for him.


    He paused over it for a long time.


    Another deep cough, from close by.


    Alex startled. The goat-fellow had risen from his table and was quietly making his way to the door, his cloven hooves emerging from beneath his robes and making a dull noise on the floorboards. Still, they were oddly quiet.


    Alex hadnt even heard him approach.


    Apologies, the man said again as he stepped by.


    His eyes fell on the course guide. He stopped.


    Slowly, he turned and Alex was struck by just how <em>big</em> he was. Maybe a good foot taller than he was. Maybe more.


    Hmmm, forgive me for being nosey, but are you considering COMB-1000? he asked. His beard sps clinked.


    I, uh, Im thinking about it, Alex said, wondering if he was a professor.


    Good. Its good to see even the consideration of it. The mans goat-like eyes twinkled. If I might advise you, I would suggest taking the course, though I am a little biased. After all-


    He leaned forward slightly, and his bulk seemed to fill the room.


    -I teach it.

 Chapter 30: The Means of Survival

    Chapter 30: The Means of Survival


    Oh! Alex stood up quickly in respect. Hello professor


    The goatman waved him back into his seat. His fingers were almost as big as Selinas wrists. Dont bother with all that, Im not one for formality. And the name is Baelin.


    Alex Roth, First Year, and whatever you say, professor, youre literally the boss here. Alex sat down casually. So, you think I should take it, Professor Baelin?


    If I had my way, it would bepulsory, Baelin said, and his voice was like quiet thunder. Proper Wizards deal with forces that canand haveannihted entire civilizations: its madness to not teach one to defend themselves.


    Um, forgive me if I sound like I just crawled in from the countryside because I didbut I thought thats what the battle-magic course was for, professor. Same with the course on weapons taught by The Watchers.


    Both fine courses that I highly rmend. Baelin pulled out the chair opposite the young spellcaster and sat down again. He ced his book on the table, but Alex couldnt read the writing on its spine. His heavy robes rustled as he settled himself. But what is a wizard to do when their mana runs dry? What is a wizard to do when their staff breaks? When a sword is dull or cannot pierce the enemy?


    Alex thought back to the recent fights hed experienced.


    Against the Silence Spider in Coille, hed used his forceball to destroy its insides, but Brutus and Theresa had done much of the work in pinning it down. It had been the cerberus who had torn its throat out. His magic was useless against the hive-queen; only the fire-gems explosion and The Travellers portals had saved their lives. Then there was the mana vampire: a mop and two spears had brought it down, not a spell.


    Then you need to adapt, Alex found himself saying. You have to think of what you have avable and use that to defeat your enemy or survive.


    Baelin paused in surprise. Well said, not many studentse with that attitude. Most trust in optimal magics too much. I suppose I cant me them, though: much of the world seems a little less dangerous when you can conjure storms with a few careful words of power. Of course, that belief is how the world kills so many who think themselves invincible.


    There was a casualness in the way Baelin talked about death, like if he were discussing the market price of fish. Hmmmmyoure from Thamnd, judging by your ent?


    Yes. Alex nodded. Youve heard of The Ravener?


    Oh yes, I know of The Ravener, Baelin said. It is one of many great threats in the world, and threats must be fortified against. Thats why I implore you to take my course: wizardry is dangerous.


    Isnt the course dangerous, professor?


    It is, and that is the point. The hulking beastman spread his hands. What is better? One can learnbat in a safe ssroom or a gymnasium, flinging spells at targets or having nonlethal duels against fellow ssmateswith all the rules and fairness of a chess tournamentonly to be destroyed when true danger raises its ugly head. Bandits and mercenaries y by no rules. Monsters do not attack you in a ssroom, and if they do, you would not expect it: things that seek your life attack you from surprise, from the dark and in rough terrain. They do not seek fairness, they seek your life. I cannot count how many of those trained in fair conditions have died to decidedly unfair circumstances they had not prepared for.


    He pointed to the course entry. So, one trains and fights in more dangerous scenarios under my careful supervision, against opponents who seek to maim or kill. You learn of yourself and your resources while under supervision. You face your fears. You strangle your hesitation. When you emerge, you know how to fight as only a Proper Wizard can fight: with everything you have.


    Alex looked to the course entry again. He had misgivings about it: Lucias injury was fresh in his mind. Then again, wouldnt gaining experience in defending himself be exactly what hed need to avoid her fate? A lot of what the professor had said made sense to him. The mana vampire had tried to ambush him, and the hive-queen had terrorized them, trying to corral them into a death trap.


    He looked to the hulking beastman whose eyes seemed to burrow through him, almost as if he was peering through his shirt and flesh. Unconsciously, Alex shifted his right shoulder away from his gaze.


    Professor, Im honoured, but why me? Alex asked. Im just a normal first year, and the only spell I know is forceball. Arent there other more skilled students youd want to recruit?


    Baelin snorted. The course does not attract much interestfor reasons you can guesswhich keeps the ss size small, if one puts it charitably. To put it uncharitably, the course has very little enrollees. I cringe to see students walking from the doors of the universityinto a great, dangerous universe that has opened up to them thanks to our teachingswithout the proper defences in ce. So, if there is a studenteven if that student wants to go off and brew toe-rot cures for vigeswho shows any interest, then am I to let the opportunity pass? Am I to let them pass unprepared?


    Alex paused for a moment, looking at the course again. There would be risk to this. A strong risk. Of course, judging by the explosion that just took ce, this entire school presented risks. Magic always did. He thought back to his early experiments learning the forceball. Nearly blowing his face off in the forest. Nearly causing a mana reversal.


    Better to be prepared now and aliveter, than safe now and dead forever.


    Decisively, Alex wrote in COMB-1000 as his final course choice.


    Baelin gave a low rumble of approval as he rose from his chair. Wee To the Art of the Wizard in Combat, Mr. Roth. Along the way, youll curse yourself and me for bringing you into the course. Later, I guarantee youll think of it as one of the best decisions youve ever made.


    He extended a hand toward Alex.


    Without hesitation, Alex shook it.


    Maybe hed found his first ally at Generasi. Time would tell.


    For now, he had a month and a half to prepare.


    <em>Training Day 1</em>


    <em>Three Sets of Push-Ups: BEGAN. 9,8,7. DONE. TOTAL=24</em>


    <em>Spell-Testing: BEGAN.</em>


    Alex finished scrawling the note into his bookshining his forceball onto the pageand quietly closed it. It was still dark. He could hear Brutus snoring by the balcony while Theresa and Selina hadnt moved from their room yet.


    Filled with anticipation and energy, hed woken up just before sunrise, earlier than both of them, and decided to get things started. With only a limited amount of time before courses began, he needed to make as much progress as possible.


    He stretched after the push-ups as Theresa had instructed him to do, then slid the borrowed spell-guides from the bookshelf and slipped them into his bag. He got dressed, cut the mana to the forceball, and quietly left the room, concentrating on The Mark to focus on his stealth.


    Hed been doing a lot of sneakingtely, and memories for The Mark to draw on were a lot more numerous than when hed started. He noticed his steps were making less noise than they had in the Cave of the Traveller, and the movementcing his weight carefully and quietly with each stepwas bing more natural.


    Good. Progress.


    He silently entered the third floorv for a quick wash, then headed out.


    Across the grounds were shes of light and sound: other students diligently practicing utility spells for their summer courses. ording to the course guide, the school had a stadium forbat practice, duels, and other games. It was only therewhere they wouldnt st or burn up parts of the campus greenerythat students were allowed to practicebat spells.


    Exploring it could wait untilter.


    This morning would be for preliminary baseline tests.


    Heid out the five 1st-tier spell-guides hed borrowed from the library, ordering them from left to right. Leftmost spells were those he thought would be easiest for him to work with. Rightmost were those he guessed would be more difficult.


    On the left was Forcedisk: a spell very simr to his forceball, which created a floating te. Next, was Wizards Hand, a spell that created a floating hand of force that was weaker than his forceball, but had the advantage of dexterous fingers. It had a moreplex spell array.


    The middle spell was outside of the school of force: Orb of Air, which created a sphere ofpressed air that could be used underwater to surround ones head with a bubble of air, or to create a small, harmless st of wind if one burst it.


    The second tost was Lesser Heat, which simply heated an object, such as warming up a cold cup of tea, or ones hands on a winter day. It was a simple elemental spell, and it would be his first entry into Fire-Magic. If he learned more about the subject, then one day he might be able to use the stone goddess fire-gems properly. He smiled at the thought.


    Finally, there was Summon Stone, one of the simplest summoning spells one could practice: it conjured a small rock from the elemental nes. It had little practical useunless one was at ake and had no rocks to skipbut it was good practice for asprising summoners, ording to the spell guide. It waspletely unrted to anything hed studied.


    He cracked his knuckles, and opened Forcedisk.


    Alex studied the spell, noting the simrities in its spell array, and the spell array of his forceball.


    This would be a good starting point.


    Hed need to warm up first, though, and take a careful ount of how his forceball functioned. Concentrating, he began to cast a forceball, going through the familiar motions while The Mark bombarded him with failures. He carefully and slowly constructed the spell array, guiding his thoughts through the invasive images. He felt his heartbeats and counted them.


    The forceball winked to life. He grimaced as he finished counting, then cut the flow to the magic circuit and waited, counting the beats until the forceball winked out.


    His eyebrows rose as he recorded the results:


    <em>Spell Formation: Ten heartbeats</em>


    <em>Dissipation: Six heartbeats</em>


    He flipped back to hisst entry before hed been branded with The Mark of the Fool.


    <em>Spell Formation: Oneish heartbeats.</em>


    <em>Dissipation: Three and a half heartbeats.</em>


    Spell formation speed was a tenth of what it used to be: he could have conjured forceballs in his sleep before hed received The Mark. Still, dissipation had nearly doubled, which meant that the spell was packed far more efficiently with mana. The modification hed done to the spell array when hed been branded had continued to show results.


    He looked at the spell-guide for the forcedisk, rethinking his n.


    If he was going to start learning spells simr to the one he already knew, wouldnt it make sense to truly explore what he already knew first? One didnt build the second floor of a house if the first floor didnt have all of its supporting walls. If The Fool was going to use his memories of failed spellcasting to hinder him, then better he observe those failures with a spell that he knew well.


    Ill analyze the problems first, he noted, scrawling another note into his book.


    <em>Explore failures, use every failure possible that is presented. Analyze them. Use that to generate improved forceball. Could impress professor for FORC-1550.</em>


    <em>Use experience with tweaking spell array to serve as a basis for learning new magics.</em>


    <em>Conclusion?</em>


    <em>Explore forceball first.</em>


    What had the librarian said? Something about students getting into trouble because they tried to run before they could crawl? He wouldnt make the same mistake.


    He closed the book on forcedisk after copying the incantation, spell array and diagram for the magic circuit into his book. He wouldpare the two spells and analyze their simrities.


    Falling into himself, Alex began casting the forceball again, noting any failures that The Fool showed him. His mind drank in their details like a mana vampire would drain a wizard, then he ended the spell before the magic circuit wouldplete.


    He wrote down the details of those failures: the exact misalignment of mana circuitry, the exact orientation of the spell-array and anything else that stood out. He recorded the results of those failures as well.


    Over and over, he cast his forceball, observing the failures The Fool presented and filled pages with them. Each time he took a note, he used The Mark to continue improving his handwriting, focusing on increasing both its neatness and speed.


    Through repetition, his writing transformed, growing smaller and neater, allowing him to fill more notes into each page.


    By the time the sun had fully risen, hed filled three pages with tiny observations of his failures. It wasnt even aprehensive list yet. The Mark seemed dead set on calling up every single mistake hed made in spellcraft since hed first <em>heard</em> the term forceball.


    Well, that was alright by him.


    Failure could be just as excellent a teacher as sess, if not even better.

 Chapter 31: The Chancellor

    Chapter 31: The Chancellor


    <em>Training Day 3</em>


    <em>Three Sets of Push-Ups: BEGAN. 10,9,8. DONE. TOTAL=27</em>


    <em>Spell-Testing: BEGAN.</em>


    Alex closed the book and slipped out of the room again, stretching after his morning exercises. His footsteps were very quiet now, at least to him. He was nowhere near Theresas natural silence, but hed reached the level of someone who had been putting effort into the skill for awhile.


    The ins was still quiet this early in the morning, though he heard some students speaking incantations in low voices as he left thev and headed down the hallway past their apartments.


    As he stepped into the courtyard, he paused, stepping back inside to nce into the kitchen. It was fully equipped with arge stove and oven<strong>, </strong>a deep sink,<strong></strong>countertops and a firece. He saw logs nearby, but he also saw that the stove, oven, and firece were etched with spell-arrays that were simr to what was written in the spell-guide for Heat.


    Fire-Magic.


    Clever. Wood for students who hadnt gained experience with the spell-arrays of fire-magic, and arrays for those who had. He hoped that in time hed be able to use the spell-arrays himself. For now, it would be good to get some ingredients and do some cooking or baking down here. The food at Generasi was incredible, but he was starting to miss some of Alrics home cooking.


    Walking through the courtyard, he spied the massive eagle asleep with its head tucked beneath a wing on its masters balcony. No sign of its master, though. Leaving the ins, he reached the quiet spot hed been using to practice in for thest couple of daysa group of trees about five minutes walk from most of the schools buildings.


    He set himself up and opened his notebook, wincing at what was inside.


    Ten pages of failures and counting.


    All of them with detailed notes on what The Fool had shown him, examining the precise details of his failures. Put nicely, it was an entire page that listed all the ways he could improve his spellcraft. Put another way, it was a detailed record of every stupid or embarrassing action hed done, including some where hed nearly gotten injured, or some that could have ended his career as a mage before it had really even begun.


    The rming thing was that there seemed to be no end to them.


    At first, hed thought there might have been a finite amount of failures to record: after all, he hadnt been practicing magic for an infinite amount of time, and so there had to be a limit to the failures it would throw at him.


    Hed been right, but only to a certain extent.


    Even on his sessful castings of the forceball, it wasnt as though he cast the spell perfectly each time. It was like any other task: one could never repeat the same movements perfectly every time they made them, even with something asmon as walking. Little tiny inefficiencies, wasted motion, slip-ups when one wasnt fully paying attention, or mistakes caused by outside circumstances were constant in every task in life.


    Most didnt notice these tiny little deviationsthey were just part of lifebut The Mark of the Fool did, and it would amplify them and then scream them into his mind to ruin anything it didnt want him to do.


    Just by living life, he would generate an endless line of tiny failures for it to grind into his face.


    He shuddered. This Mark could definitely give someone aplex.


    Looking back to the book, he tapped his pen against the pages. Hed ounted for most of hisrgest mistakes at least. Getting those down was worth it, then woulde the time to experiment.


    <em>Training Day 5</em>


    <em>Three Sets of Push-Ups: BEGAN. 12,10,8. DONE. TOTAL=30</em>


    <em>Forceball Failure Documentation: COMPLETE (enough).</em>


    <em>Today: Begin experimentation</em>


    He started to slip his books into his rucksack.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    Alex?


    Uldars beard! he jumped, whirling around.


    Brutus flew up, his paws scrabbling on the hardwood floor as he looked around with all three heads.


    Theresa was standing in the middle of the doorway to therger bedroom, rubbing her eyes. She had a clear case of bed-head. Her hair hung down, wild and messy from the nights sleep, and her long nightdress was crooked. Behind her, he could see Selina was still asleep.


    You scared me, he let out a sigh of relief. Whatre you doing up so early?


    I think Ive had enough sleeping in. She padded up to the pantry and took out a hunk of bread baked the day before and offered him a piece, which he took. Their pantry was starting to get filled with breads, cheeses, butter, fresh vegetables and more.


    The top section of the pantry was ringed with a spell array that kept things cold whilein the middle and bottomfood that could stay at room temperature like bags of flour and apples were arranged.


    He wanted to treat Theresa and Selina to a pie soon.


    You should stay for a bit longer. Theresa leaned against the pantry. Selina misses you at breakfast.


    Its just temporary, he said. Besides, shes been missing you at supper.


    Theresa threw a guilty look at her sword, leaning against the wall in its scabbard. Like you said, its temporary.


    Then we both have the same excuse. He smiled. Hows it been, watching the Watchers?


    After they had explored the campus over the first few days, Theresa had taken to watching the evening practices held by the Watchers of Roal.


    Informative. She made a face. I didnt know how little I knew about the sword until I watched them. You shoulde with me one evening. Its something else.


    I might just do that, it actually sounds kind of fun.


    Good. Just do me one favour...dont bring a mop.


    <em>Hey!</em>


    She grinned at him. I think Im going to audit their weapons course, even if I only watch, Im learning a lot. If I put that together with Lifeforce Enforcement, thatll get me on a simr path to the one great-grandfather walked.


    Her eyes twinkled and Alex couldnt help but smile as he watched her, bed- head and all.


    Thats really cool, he said. Im sure hed be proud. You thinking of taking anything else?


    Geography of the Worlds Realms.


    Really? He raised an eyebrow. I thought you more wanted to see the world, and less wanted to hear about it from dusty old books.


    If Im going to see the world, then I should know something about it. Why waste time and knowledge? Besides, since Im just auditing the course. Theres no credit, so I dont have to worry about studying or writing exams. I just have to listen and read what I want to read about. So, why not?


    Alex chuckled. If only his situation were the same. Judging by the continuous practicing hed seen summer students doing, the exams hed have to face wouldnt be a joke.


    Youll have to tell me what you learn, he said. Itll be a nice break from grinding magical knowledge into my head. Maybe-


    <em>Creeaaak.</em>


    The floorboards made a sound as a sleepy eyed Selinaalso with bed-head padded into themon room. Mmm, youre still here, Alex? Are you going to stay for breakfast?


    He sighed, amused at himself. I guess I am.


    The announcement came the next morning.


    Attention students! a voice boomed in the inss courtyard, startling Alex from sleep. He scrambled to his bedroom window and pulled aside the curtain to see a Watcher of Roal floating just above the inss rooftop. A few other students tore open their bedroom curtains, and the young man who owned the eagle stumbled onto his balcony, blinking in surprise with his whole body tensed.


    Please assemble at the stadium in one hour, the Watcher of Roal barked. The investigation into the explosion at The Cells has beenpleted, and Chancellor Baelin wishes to make an announcement regarding the findings.


    Alex blinked.


    Wait.


    <em>Chancellor</em> Baelin?


    Lucias words returned.


    The Barrens of Kravernus, the gondolier had said. The mighty chancellors monster park.


    Well, shit. Alex muttered beneath his breath as The Watcher flew off. Across the courtyard, he met the eyes of the eagle-wrangler.


    Both of them exchanged shrugs.


    The stadium wasrge enough to fit thousands of people, but only a few hundred students filed tiredly into the seats. Some came with their entourages. Some older students arrived with partners and children, while some of the younger oneswho were extremely well-dressedwere followed by attendants and bodyguards. Alex wondered just how many nobles were here from all the countries in the world.


    Alexs entouragehis friend, his sister and a three-headed doghad dragged themselves onto the stone benches beside him. Selina red down at the stadium with a grumpy look. Why are they soooo earlyyyyy? sheined.


    She clutched a little reed-doll she had been constructing for the past day.


    Alex noticed that it had a thick torso and a little stick that looked like an oar. She also held a little book of general studiesone of the books shed be learning from when the junior school started.


    Alex was staring down at the field below in rapt attention, looking at the line of administrators sitting by a podium. He noticed the white haired woman and sharp dressed man theyd seen on the day they arrived at Generasi, sitting close to the podium, while a number of Watchers of Roal floated above, grim-faced as usual.


    Hobb was there as well, without the inquisitive cheer hed had when theyd met.


    Then the air began to shimmer.


    The crowd fell silent.


    Like fish emerging from a pond, profes-no, <em>Chancellor</em> Baelin stepped out of thin air, towering over the other administrators. Unlike when Alex had seen him, the wizard was grim in both facial expression and the stiffness of his body.


    <em>I will now begin.</em> He pronounced.


    Mana shuddered in the air as his voice reached out across the entire stadium. It seemed as though he were speaking no louder than a regr conversation, but it was amplified, cutting through the surrounding noise as clearly as if hed been shouting at the top of his lungs.


    Five days ago, he addressed the students. An explosion took ce in The Cells. The explosion was stronger than a third-tier fireball going off in a confined room. One experimental cell was destroyed, andwere it not for the reinforcements in the buildingthe damage would have been even more catastrophic than it was. As it is, one student lost an arm and suffered other devastating injuries, and a member of his entourage tragically lost their life in the st.


    There was a collective gasp from Alex, Theresa, Selina and some of the other younger attendees.


    He noticed that others simply looked on as though the news was expected.


    This was tragic, but it was also avoidable. Iron anger crept into the beastmans voice. We have used equipment from the potions department to examine the residue, and have also conducted interviews. And so, we have determined the cause. The explosion was the result of a first year-summer student attempting to create a potion of Wizards Daylight: a potion <em>not</em> rmended for those who have not mastered appropriate mana maniption techniques suited for <em>third</em>-tier magic. We determined that the recipe was followed correctly, but the student could not manage the build up of power caused by the reaction of sun-spore with the catalyst, which then caused a runaway mana build up and consequently, a potion detonation.


    He leaned onto the podium. This student should not have had ess to the potion manual that contained such a recipe. All students are repeatedly cautioned on the dangers. We have concluded that an upper year student borrowed the recipe book from the library and unwisely shared it with the younger student in return for mary gain.


    Beard sps clinked in the wind. Both students have been expelled and the upper year student will be charged by the Wizards Forum for negligence that resulted in bodily harm and destruction of property.


    Alexs blood ran cold and he exchanged a look with Theresa and Selina.


    He thought about the librarians warning about how students were not allowed books from the lower levels. It made sense to him then, but he <em>really</em> understood why now. Anything down there would have to be treated with respect.


    I cant describe how much this disappoints me, Baelin said. Magic is not a toy. It is not a pet to take running for fun and it is not a stallion you need to gallop. He snorted in disgust. It is not most divinity, where gods hand out power like handing a child a favourite treat. If you have been epted into Generasi it <em>should</em> mean you have shown a recruiter knowledge, will, intelligence, drive and <emmon sense</em>. Learn from your fellow students examples. Our instructors are here to walk you through a dangerous path. Let them guide you. Do not sprint before you can crawl. That is part of the path to being a Proper Wizard.


    He sighed.


    That is all; you may go on about your day. I wish summer students luck in their uing examinations.


    With that, the Chancellor turned and walked back into empty space, disappearing into shimmering air once again. Whispers broke out among the students.


    That big explosion came from a potion? Theresa leaned toward. Like, drink from a bottle potion, like the ss youre about to take potion?


    Alex chewed his lip. Yeeeeeaaah, thats the one.


    He wondered if there were any summer sses in potions still being held.


    If there was, hed find out where one was and go see firsthand what the subject was about. If potions could explode like that


    He paused, remembering the dungeon cores remains.


    They used some sort of equipment in the potions department to analyze residue, Chancellor Baelin had said. Maybe the same equipment could be used to examine the cores powder.


    It was time to visit the department and see exactly what hed gotten himself involved in.

 Chapter 32: Responsibility and Paths Forward

    Chapter 32: Responsibility and Paths Forward


    This is a dark day for the potions department, I want you <em>all</em> to know that. A voice cracked like a whip as Alex opened the door to the lecture hall.


    The door emerged onto the back of the ss, which was set up like a half-bowl with built-in long tables for students to sit at on each level, like how the stadium was built. At the bottom of the incline, a woman stood on a stage in front of a massive b of obsidian, which was covered in half-erased diagrams and forme.


    Alex recognized her as the white haired woman who had first ran to investigate the explosion with the sharp-dressed man.


    He also recognized two students, to his surprise.


    One was Isolde, sitting at the front of the ss, with her eyes forward and back straight. She gave off a powerful auraa towering confidence simr to the oneing off of Cedric.


    This was in contrast to a person sitting in the upper rows of the back of the ss.


    Her ex-partner Derek had his face clutched in his hands, and his entire body shook. His skin was pale and sweaty. He looked like he hadnt slept in days. Alex quietly eased the door shut and slipped into the closest empty seat. A couple of the students and the professor nced at him, but they didnt really seem to register him much.


    Whatever was going on had drawn all of the attention in the room.


    Brewing potions is not the same as making wine in the countryside. The professor shook her head and her face looked like someone had told her that a family member had just suddenly dropped dead. I said this repeatedly. And what do I see?


    Iron-grey eyes leveled at the ss. Irresponsibility. Childishness. <em>Fool</em>ishness.


    Alex nearly startled at thatst word.


    The university trusts that you are all adultsones ready to wield forces that few others in this world can fathom. Instead, days ago, one of our number decided to cast away that responsibility. They are now maimed and someone is dead. This would be bad enough, but on top of this: Mr. Warren!


    Derek jumped up from his seat. Professor Jules!


    She gestured at him. As we have discussed, you have something to tell the ss, dont you?


    The redheaded man swallowed. I uhIm sorry, he muttered. Ion the project for the potion of flight, I copied another students assignment. In, uh, in doing this I have tarnished my record as a wizard of Generasi, I have harmed the department, the student I copied from, all of you and myself. I um He shook. ...I showed that I am not ready to advance to POTI-2000. Ill be withdrawing from the course and repeating in the fall semester. And I apologize to you all.


    Isolde turned toward him, watching him for a moment, before giving a short nod and returning her attention to the front of the room. Most of the other students turned away from him, while Alexs eyes lingered for a little longer.


    You may sit now, Mr. Warren, Professor Jules said.


    Derek copsed into his chair, deting as he did.


    Cheating is a high penalty offence at Generasi. Cheating in the mundane schrly arts will lead to you not bearing the knowledge you should. Cheating in the Arts of Wizardry is putting your own life and the lives of others at risk. Her eyes swept the room. As you heard from our Chancellor. Were it not for Mr. Warrens public apology, then he would be expelled even as we speak. I ask that all of <em>you </em>learn from these mistakes and conduct yourselves properly.


    She sighed. I was a student once too. I know how it can be. The graduate programs require very high marks to enter, and some even examine your first year performance. The pressure is strong, and I have felt it too. But remember, wizardry is a dangerous subject: cutting corners will only increase this danger. High marks in an exam mean nothing if youck some fundamentals that will <em>kill</em> you a year from now. That is all. Ill be ending ss early today. Read chapter 45 from <em>Dexters General Alchemy of Potions. </em>Two more weeks until the final and then your break. Stay the course. We are almost there.


    As students rose and began to file out of the roomDerek tore through the doors at half a runAlex immediately took out a piece of paper and wrote down the name of the textbook. His course selection was still being processed, and he hadnt received his list of texts yet. Better to get a head start on study.


    He nced up as the towering Isolde glided up the stairs. She frowned and her eyes were down even though her head and back were straight. Another couple of students were walking and talking with her, but the young woman hardly said a word as she pushed through the door.


    When the room was empty, Alex got up from his seat and slowly made his way to the stairs and down toward the stage at the front of the ss. Professor Jules was quietly packing her own bag, though she looked up as he approached.


    Hello, is there something I can do Her eyes narrowed. Are you in my ss?


    Not yet, he said. Im a new student here and Ill be starting in the fall.


    I see.


    We, uh, met once before.


    We have? She squinted at him. Were you in someones entourage?


    No, uh in the courtyard when you were on the way to the explosion in The Cells?


    Hrmwait, were you the young man with the cerberus?


    Uh, hes not my cerberus but I <em>technically </em>was with him. Im surprised you remember, professor, you were a little bit busy that day. Im Alex, by the way.


    Professor Jules, though you already seem to know that. A little bit he says, she muttered. I noticed the dog more than you, I have to admit. Either way, wee to Generasi. Apologies that todays ss was not more of a good impression.


    We all have our bad days. Even magic departments, I guess. Professor, I wanted to ask you a question.


    I have to supervise a practicum in The Cells shortly, so it will have to be quick. Follow me?


    Sure.


    They stepped out of the ssroom together as the short woman hurried through the halls of the main castle. His longer strides easily kept up. Professor, I was wonderingand I know maybe this isnt the thing to get out of the Chancellors speech this morning but, he said something about the potions department having something they analyzed the explosive residue with?


    Yes, why do you ask?


    Ah, I was just wondering how that worked?


    She chuckled. How it works is about an entire month of the curriculum for POTI-1000. Much of the course involves the careful analysis of ingredients.


    I see


    He paused.


    How did he ask her: Hey can I use it to analyze the remains of one of the horrible doom cores that have gued my country for centuries? Oh and it might be able to be controlled by humans? Okay if I just toss that into your magical analysis thingy?


    Can he thought his way through the question. Can we use the equipment to study things on our own? Likeherbs and monster parts and stuff like that?


    Unfortunately not.


    O-oh. Because its too dangerous?


    They had stepped into the courtyard of the main castle and she waved a hand at the air. One of those floating disks emerged from behind a rooftop and shot toward them.


    Exactly. This isnt a cooking ss. She turned to him. You cant just dump a bunch of ingredients into a pot and hope it turns out for the best. If one makes a bad stew, that might cause indigestion. Here? The wrong sort of material used in the wrong apparatus could ruin the magic circuits, and our equipment is very expensive. At worst, you could cause an unseen reaction that would lead to catastrophic results.


    He thought about the explosion. Yeah, that makes sense professorbut what about projects we run ourselves? Is that something we can eventually do?


    Of course, though that is not usually for first years.


    The disk floated down beside her. I can see you are very keen. Her eyes both held sympathy and warning. I was the same. My suggestion to you is that you focus on the curriculum. Depending on how quickly you advance, you are afforded more freedom. Fill the basics first, and maybe we can have a chat about personal projects in your second year. Now, if youll excuse me, I dont want to bete.


    She boarded the disk and shot off through the air toward The Cells.


    Alex watched her go, thinking about what she had just said.


    Though that is not usually for first years.


    So, <em>not </em>impossible then.


    <em>Training Day 8</em>


    <em>Push-ups: Rest Day</em>


    <em>Experimentation Day 3: BEGIN</em>


    <em>Skills: Writing (Other), Reading, Running</em>


    You should stay here and study, Selina said as she finished chewing herst hunk of cheese. Why do you need to go outside?


    He quickly took her te, piling it into the bucket to take down to the scullery by the baths. Because youd just be bored, he said.


    No I wouldnt, she protested.


    Im just going over books for my sses. He waved <em>Dexters General Alchemy of Potions </em>at her before slipping it into his bag. Youre going to be bored and then youre going to want toe back home.


    I wont! I wont!


    He sighed, turning to Theresa. You exercising Brutus this morning? Maybe shed like toe with you?


    I want toe with you, Selina insisted.


    Theresa sipped from a cup of weak tea and made a face. Food from all over the world here, and no pine needles to boil for a drink. Im just taking him to the beastarium.


    Alex blinked. The what now?


    Its a ce on the north side of the campus where students can let their beasts run, and explore this wilderness area. Some of the Watchers of Roal were telling me about itst night.


    Oh? Making friends already?


    She shrugged. Theyre strangetheyre like two different people at once.


    What do you mean?


    Like She struggled for her words. When theyre training, they never smile. Neverugh. When one of them falls or gets hit, theyrepletely restrained, and dont make a sound. They hardly talk.


    They sound like walking statues.


    Yeah, but when their training ends, its like they bepletely different people. Its so weird. Suddenly theyre smiling and joking andughinghammering each other on the shoulderlike theyd juste out of our inn after a few pints.


    She shook her head, wearing her deathstalker face.


    Brutus whined and shoved one of his heads into herp. Her face immediately softened, and she smiled as she pet him. Its okay boy, were going soon. Anyway, its strange, right? Watching someone change so fast?


    When she looked back up at him, she had her deathstalker face back on.


    Oh yeah, who would be like that? His mouth immediately began to go renegade. Theres <em>no one</em> we know who would just go from terrifying killer to ordinary wom- He coughed. Person in about a second.


    Silence followed.


    Theresas eyes bore into him. What do you mean by that, Alex?


    Well...uhm...not...uh...you. You see...the thing about that is...this-Selina, why dont we <em>all</em> go to this beastarium? I could study and you could see the animals and stuff at the same time!


    Can we? Yay! Selina immediately slid from the table to get her bag.


    Now, I know what youre thinking, he turned back to Theresa. But if you murder me, I want you to know that youre going to make Selina hate you for life.


    Silence.


    J-just a thought, he said.


    Her chair scraped the floor as she stood. Remember, its all about patience when ites to hunting, Alex. Its all about patience.


    Ominously, she went to get ready with Brutus following after her.


    Was it just him, or did Brutus give him a dirty look?


    No, he probably just imagined it.


    Maybe.


    He went into his room andchecking to see that no one was watching himhe made a new entry in his notebook on a page hed carefully folded in the back.


    <em>Project Fetch Progress.</em>


    <em>Setback?</em>

 Chapter 33: The Beastarium

    Chapter 33: The Beastarium


    The beastarium had been a good idea.


    It was a soaring, roundplex of forest and fieldthat most of Alric could fit withinsurrounded by circr stone walls capped by a massive dome of magically enhanced supporting crossed brass bars.


    To one side, there was a sitting area with tables and benches throughout for folk to sit, study or contemte. They could also pic in the field or treed area. The sheer number of unique animals and trained monsters were mind boggling.


    Dog breeds of all sizes chased balls, sticks and each other across the grass, while ravens, owlsawake in the day, surprisinglyfalcons and brightly coloured birds flew above, filling the air with both their songs and their cries.


    Some didnt make typical bird sounds. Instead, they weremunicating using what sounded like words strung together. At times, they roared withughter like they were sharing a joke. Alex watched all of this dumbstruck, wondering if it was just his imagination running away with him. But then he remembered talking, moving benchesamong other thingswere normal here, so why notughing, chatting birds?


    Orthrrge, two-headed houndsbounded around with other breeds with long ck fur and puffs of smoke spouting from their nostrils. Massive wolves ran with them and Brutusfrisky as a puphad joined in with the pack as they raced each other around the field and forest.


    Here and there, long lizards or giant toads sunned themselves beside their masters.


    Alexs group had finished an early pic lunch. Selina had scooted off and was building a small model of the main castlewith all five towersout of sticks dropped from above by well-tended trees.


    Her brother looked at her while taking a short break from his forceball experiments. Hed have to see if he could get her some more bricks like Mr. Lu had carved for her, and some y for her to sculpt people with.


    Well, that would be ater task.


    Theresas eyes were scanning the reptiles, as she shook her head. You know, in all of this, I really thought <em>someone</em> would have a dragon.


    Yeah, youd think. Alex said with his noteback on hisp.


    Hah! Forty before the end of the month! someone shouted from nearby.


    A bald man with tattoos covering his scalp pulled out a small scroll, unrolled it and drew a line across it with his index finger. Bloody knew it.


    Whats that? Theresa called at him.


    The man chuckled, golden buttons on his uniform shaking with hisughter. The other warden and I have a running bet. How many times in a month will someone ask: Why isnt there a dragon?. Well, youre the fortieth and he owes me all the pitchers of stout I can drink!


    As the warden, stillughing, stepped away to continue his rounds, Alex and Theresa looked at each other.


    There really should be a dragon, he said.


    Yeah, she agreed.


    Sighing, he returned to recording thetest results of his forceball experiments.


    <em>Spell Formation: Nineish heartbeats</em>


    <em>Dissipation: Six heartbeats</em>


    <em>Result of acting in opposition of flicker failure: No improvements.</em>


    This morning hed been focusing on a Mark-dredged up memory of when he made a spell array incorrectly a year ago that resulted in magic circuitry that was tooforck of a better way to put itnarrow. It was like having a pump well with too small a pipe: the mana had only trickled through, starving the forceball, and it flickered and wobbled like a candle me in the wind.


    Hed <em>thought</em> that if he did the opposite of what hed done during the mistake, hed be able to make the magic circuitry more robust and better able to channel mana quicker, strengthening the spell. The theory seemed sound, but he couldnt be sure since the experiment didnt really work; he didnt have enough mana to make a difference. Hepared it to a bucket of water being able to overflow a cup, but a cup of water wouldnt fill a bucket.


    Still, continuing to practice the spellsometimes topletion and sometimes only part way before killing the magic circuitwas helping him get more used to steering his mind through The Marks interference to focus on specific memories. He wasnt able to tune out the interference, but he was beginning to get faster.


    He nced over at the forcedisk spell guide, tempted to try it instead.


    No. Not ready, he thought, leaving the book alone as he remembered the explosion that had ripped through The Cells.


    He wondered what to do next: he could dive into the spell again, but hed already done it dozens of times that morning. His mind was starting to feel fried: maybe it was time to switch to something else. He made a quick note before moving on to skills training.


    <em>Training Day 8</em>


    <em>Push-ups: Rest Day</em>


    <em>Experimentation Day 3: BEGIN. FINISHED. Result: Increasing speed. No improvement of forceball</em>


    <em>Skills: Writing (Other), Reading, Running</em>


    Maybe it was time to switch to reading.


    He pulled out <em>Dexters General Alchemy of Potions, </em>flipping to the introduction, which hed already read twice. His eyes focused on the familiar words while he concentrated on The Mark and focused on the skill of <em>reading.</em>


    Memories of all the books hed read appeared, showing him which words to focus on to understand a sentences meaning fast. It pointed out which words could be skipped as noise: words such as the howevers, the therefores and definitely the insomuchs. His speed had already begun improving andwith The Mark aiding him in picking up key details on the pagehe was quickly gathering the most important content from each page.


    This way of reading used the same skills as those hed used when The Mark learned the surface of the walls in The Cave of The Traveller: so each time he read a page, he was gaining more and more subtle detail about the content. It meant that the information he was able to recall improved each time he went over it.


    But he wasnt only reading the same passage over and over. With each read, hed go a little further in the book, adding more pages each time. After several passes, he started doing the little quizzes at the end of each section, testing how much of the new material hed absorbed. The results were exciting: as The Mark improved his reading skills, he was beginning to pick out more detailseven from new materialquickly and moreprehensively after just a single read-through.


    He was also finding that he was learning some really interesting things: it said that potion-brewing and other forms of alchemy were based onbining unique magical and mundane substances in recipes. A wizard could then use a special apparatussuch as a magic cauldron or skto inject their own mana into the mixture to transform it and guide the reaction. This meant that a wizard could create substances that had strong, specific magical effects without having to use spell-arrays.


    A problem, from what it said in Dexter, was that since mana-maniption was difficult and the substances needed for the process were often rare or expensive, potion-brewing and alchemy werent nearly as wide-spread of a practice as simple spellcraft.


    Reading that caught Alexs interest and led him to wonder if past Fools had followed the path of potions before: since The Mark didnt seem to interfere with basic mana maniption, it seemed like a perfect way for a Fool to prove useful by essing magic. It wouldnt have been a simple thing to do, though: mana maniption wasnt an easy skill to train. Also, if someone didnt already have experience with it before getting marked, it wouldve taken a while to get the basics down. They definitely would have needed some level of experience, since The Fool worked faster with more<strong></strong>sessful memories to take from. Even then, trying to practice wouldve been really hard to do while constantly on the road with the other Heroes, dodging monsters and dungeon cores.


    He frowned, thinking about his situation and considering what the odds were that in all the centuries of Thamnd facing the Ravener, he would be the only mage ever to have gotten The Mark of the Fool. Not for the first time, he wished he could have talked to some of his predecessors.


    If some of them had escaped Thamnd


    He shook off the thought. Later problems forter. Now problems for now.


    Losing himself back in the book, he became so absorbed in it that Selina had time to switch to several different games, get bored, repeatedly ask, what are you reading about?he teased her, reminding her that hed predicted shed be boredand then for her to stomp off back to the trees in annoyed silence.


    Theresa watched Brutus run for a while, then got up and began running with him when he separated from the other canines. Shed p and rush around with him, theyd chase each other, and shed rub his belly when he rolled onto his back. No fetch, though. She really was wasting an opportunity.


    Eventually, Alex finished and shut the book, preparing to note his progress as Theresa returned, leaving Brutus with his new canine friends.


    Najyah! another voice shouted. Najyah!


    After which came more words in anothernguage Alex hadnt heard before, spoken rapidly in annoyed tones. Crossing the field was their neighbour, the young man from the southern ins who had the eagle.


    The emphasis was on <em>had.</em>


    His eyes were scanning the skies above, and he looked worried. Najyah!


    The man looked toward the trees and spied Alexs group. He paused for a moment, then started making his way over to them, waving slightly.


    Alex and Theresa waved back, while Selina only nced up, before double-taking and focusing on the neer.


    Eh, hello, the stranger saidhismon tongue thick with an ent. Sorry to interrupt you.


    Its alright, neighbour. Alex shrugged, closing the book. You need something?


    Khalik, their neighbour introduced himself with a dignified dip of his head.


    Im Alex, this is Theresa, and thats my sister, Selina.


    Hello, the little girl said in a small voice and Khalik responded with another nod.


    Good meeting you, he said. Erm, yes, you have seen my eagle, Najyah, yes?


    I think you could see it from ten miles off, was what Alex wanted to say, but responded instead with: Not recently. What about you, Theresa and Selina?


    They both shook their heads and Theresa said. Not since we got here. Did you lose it?


    Khalik sighed. She is my familiar, but em, sometimes she can he searched for the word. ...go away? Mischievous thing. I feel that she is somewhere close, but she is not letting me search her out. I had hoped someone had seen her.


    He sighed, cing hisrge hands on his hips. No help, I must search the woods. Er, thank you for your time.


    Hold on a second. Alex climbed to his feet. Last time I checked, four eyes were better than twojust ask those two headed dogs or Brutus over there, though hes got sixif you want some help? Its the neighbourly thing to do.


    Besides, this would be a nice break before he did his notes.


    The other man paused for a moment. Very well, I ept your help. He waved Alex over. Walk with me.


    Ill be right back, keep the spot warm while Im gone? Alex asked Theresa.


    Already on it, she saidzily, stretching out on their nket.


    The two young men entered the well-kept forest side by side. Alex nced at Khalik, noting the mans broad shoulders and barrel-like chest. He wondered how many push-ups hed need to do to look like <em>that.</em> And how did Cedric look like Cedric? Was that all Mark of the Chosen, or was he always like that?


    Najyah! Khalik cupped his hands over his mouth. Najyah! I hope she is alright. There are many beasts here, and I do not know if all are friendly. Do you know this ce well? Are the creatures safe?


    Alex shrugged, scanning the trees for any sign of giant eagles. We got to the university about a week ago. I think you might know more about this ce than we do.


    I only arrived a week earlier. Khalik stepped beneath some branches and looked up, but only a pair of hawks and some of the colourful birds perched there,ughing. I have not explored much.


    Then we both know nothing, Alex said lightly. I see youre in the apartments, did you bring an entourage too? Will they be auditing courses?


    Khalik paused for a moment. Thejourney from my kingdom was difficult. There were dangers. Only Najyah and I made it.


    Alex froze. OhIm sorry.


    Hm, for what?


    Well, uh, your friends and family. Well, they died.


    Oh wow, good job, Alex, he chided himself.


    Hm? Oh no! Excuse me, I did not use the words of the Common tongue correctly. Mypanions did not die. Some were injured and needed to rest. Others said that we should turn back and return home. His eyes hardened. But that was not a choice for me, so I continued alone with Najyah.


    Oh Alex winced, thinking of having left the Lu family behind to escape Thamnd. He thought about what would have happened if Selina or Theresa had been hurt on the way to Generasi. What would he have done? Even with people to take care of them, could he have gone on by himself?


    Would he have wanted to, even if The Heroes werent after him?


    He was thankful he hadnt had to answer those questions, like this young man had to.


    Its hard to go on alone, cant imagine what it must have been like, he said.


    Khalik nced at him. It took will, was all he said.


    No wonder youre so worried about her. Your Najyah. Alex turned in ce, ncing up through the canopy. Shes the one that stuck with you.


    Hah, you sound-Wait.


    Khalik squinted through the bushes only to suddenly cry out and start crashing through them. Alex followed and winced at what they found.


    The magnificent eagle was copsed on the ground, with its wings syed in the dirt and its neck at an unnatural angle. She didnt look like she was breathing.


    Alex ran up beside Khalik as the man shouted something in his mother tongue. Tension rose in Alex. Had something killed her? Was there something dangerous loose in the beastarium? Was it another mana vampire? Did familiars have mana?


    For a moment, he was sure some monster sent by the Ravener had-


    A sudden screech split the air.


    As the two young men reached the eagle and bent over her, she suddenly shot into the air and screeched at the top of her lungs, spreading her beak and wings wide. Khalik and Alex screamed, stumbling back and tripping over tree roots tond on the forest floor.


    The pair groaned and looked up to find Najyahvery much alive and looking very proud of herselfstanding in front of them. A twinkley in her sharp eyes as she spread her wings and shot up through the trees, leaving a series of short cries behind.


    They almost sounded likeughter.


    Khalik shook his fist at her, yelling something in his mother tongue, before grumbling and jumping to his feet. He held out a hand to Alex and dragged him up. I am so sorry, Alex, as I said, she has a mischievous spirit, though <em>this</em> is too far even for her!


    Well, I guess better mischievous than unbelievably evil and vicious. Alex groaned, rubbing his back. Stillow.


    The other young man shook his head. I shall need to scold herter. He nced at Alex then helped brush dirt off of the young mans clothes.


    Together, they started out of the forest.


    Khalik said something under his breath. And I must buy you a meal. For you and yours. I wasted your time.


    No, no, youre fine. Alex waved him off. Now, your <em>bird</em> might have taken ten years off my life but hey, whats life without a little terror, right?


    The beginning of a smile began to form on Khaliks face through his beard. Agreed, danger is to life as salt is to food. Too much ruins all. Too little makes meals nd and unpleasant. But just enough? Makes a feast.


    Well, I guess I like my food nd, usually, Alex said as the two young men made their way toward the edge of the forest. I say that, but then I go and enroll in COMB-1000 like a genius.


    Khalik raised an eyebrow in interest. You too? How fortuitous! I had thought I wouldnt meet anyone taking that course until it started, I think-


    Another scream tore through the air ahead.


    Alexs heart stopped.


    He knew that scream well.


    Selina? Selina! he started sprinting through the trees.

 Chapter 34: A Clash of Beasts

    Chapter 34: A sh of Beasts


    They ran out of the forest to see a reptilian monster rushing toward Selina from across the field.


    It was hugethe size of a half-grown brown bearand was covered in white scales. All four ws churned the earth. Horns rose from its head and steam burst from between its jaws and nostrils. A massive tail whipped back and forth as it sped through the field.


    At its back Alex could see someone running after the beastfrantically calling and waving a handbut the only thing he could hear was his sister screaming. She was near the pic area, running as the monster rushed toward her. Theresa ran up beside her, drawing her hunting knife and facing the monster. Alex ran as hard as he could, his mind working to find a way to stop whatever was about to happen.


    And then Brutus was there.


    He jumped between Selina, his master and the beast, lowering his heads and growling at the monster. It skidded to an abrupt halt. The reptile shifted its gaze from Selina to Brutus, staring at him and arching its back like an enraged cat. It snarled and hissed, trying to intimidate him.


    Two of the cerberus heads growled back while his hackles rose. His third head barked at the monster, warning it to back away.


    Neither budged.


    Then they lunged at each other.


    Get away from him! Theresa screamed as Alex pulled up beside Selina and her, wrapping his arms around the two of them.


    No! his little sister cried. Leave Brutus alone!


    The two beasts snapped and fought each other, sending most of the smaller beasts into a panic. Therger ones simply watched, while students stared in shock. The massive red-eyed reptile had the weight advantage, and kept snapping and trying to tackle Brutus. As it snapped, more white smoke poured from its mouth and nostrils; the air began to grow cold.


    Frost started to cake the grass beneath it and touch the cerberus fur.


    But Brutus wasnt backing down.


    The big cerberus was faster than the reptile.


    He darted at it, snapping with all three heads to make it retreat before jumping out of the way when it tried to bite back. His charges were driving the beast further into a frenzy, and the differences in their experience became clear. The beast was strong and obviously magical, but it fought with only instinct. Brutus was a trained hunting dog who had not only instinct, but also experience in taking downrge animals andrecentlysilence-spiders.


    The monster roared, then jerked its head forward, but Brutus darted past its long neck. It swiped at him with its ws but he dodged back, then leapt forward as its leg came down.


    All three of his jaws closed on the reptiles hind leg as its master shouted in panic.


    Though his teeth didnt pierce its scales, Brutus tugged while the monster struggled and lost bnce, tipping onto its side. The cerberus jumped on it then, seizing its neck in his jaws. The reptile froze.


    Brutus looked up at Theresa, waiting for hermand.


    She said not a word, ring at the creatures owner. If looks could kill, the student would have been dead <em>and</em>buried.


    Get away! Get away from cius, you brute! the beasts master rushed toward Brutus and his pet, reaching into one of his pouches and pulling out a dagger with a blue glowing de.


    Have you lost your Uldar-damned mind? Alex roared. Your piece of shit lizard was charging my little sister! It would have <em>crushed</em>her if it wasnt for Brutus! Step. Back!


    If you <em>touch</em> a hair on my dog, Theresa snarled. I am going to break your jaw so badly that youll be eating broth for a year.


    Your monster is <em>killing</em> my cius!


    Hes <em>not</em> you, idiot! The huntress took a step forward, pointing her knife at the reptile. Brutus is <em>trained, </em>unlike your wild beast. Hes not going to make a kill now that <em>your</em> pets not trying to rip him open, unless I tell him to! Train your beast, or keep him away from people!


    Khalik stood off to the side, folding his arms over his chest and watching the argument silently. A fierce cry signalled that Najyah was circling overhead.


    The reptiles owner was turning red in the face, but he took one look at the knife in Theresas hand and didnt move any further. Its <em>your</em> monster that overreacted! My cius wouldnt hurt a fly!


    Then <em>why</em> was he charging my sister? Alex ground his teeth.


    His hands balled into fists and he shook with anger.


    I the other young man stammered. I dont know! Hes never done this before! He probably wanted to check her out, and then your savage monster-


    And <em>that</em> is enough of <em>that! </em>a new voice shouted.


    There was a crack in the air.


    Iron chains sprung up from the grass and shot over both Brutus and cius, wrapping around them both. The chains clinked as they flexed, pulling them away from each other and dragging them to the ground. The lizard screeched and Brutus growled.


    Who did that? the reptiles owner screamed. Unhand cius!


    Get that off of him! Theresa pulled away from Alex, starting toward Brutus.


    The warden of the beastarium stalked toward them, his face like a thundercloud. Stay where you are. Ill not have <em>violence</em> in my sanctuary. You put those weapons away <em>right now</em>, both of you, or Im calling the Watchers.


    The reptiles owners mouth opened and closed like a gasping fish, but he reluctantly sheathed the glowing dagger. With a re, Theresa put her knife away.


    Thats better. Civil-like, even. The warden glowered at everyone involved. Now, better someone exin to me <em>what happened</em><em>here.</em>


    Their beast attacked my cius! the reptiles owner said quickly, stepping toward the warden. Hes a peaceful frostdrake, well-behaved and used to children! Their monster tried to kill him!


    Our monster? <em>Your </em>monster charged my little sister! It would have killed her! Alex took an aggressive step toward him, even though The Mark would have made such a threat pointless. He silently cursed it.


    Your filthy lizard tried to hurt Selina, Theresa growled, holding onto Selina tightly. It attacked Brutus-


    cius was defending himself!


    -<em>after</em> he tried to attack a ten-year old girl? Theresa snapped. Are you <em>listening</em> to yourself?


    Brutus growled, struggling against his chains while cius remained still.


    Alright, thats enough! Enough! The warden held up his hands. Everyones saying their own story, and everyone thats talking is involved.


    Then what of my story? Khaliks deep voice cut in. He stepped forward, eyeing both beasts. His arms remained crossed. I saw the frostdrake''s approach. I do not know if it was aggressive or not, but I can say it looked like the charge of a lion. The reptile might look docile now, but to meand I think anyone with eyesit looked like it was about to attack the child.


    He looked around to the gathered students. Did anyone else see? What did its intentions look like?


    Silence followed, and then someone raised a hand. Um, it looked like it was about to attack the little girl.


    A few other murmurs spread through the crowd.


    The warden watched them all carefully, then looked down to Brutus struggles and cius quiet eptance of its restraint. He looked to Alexs group. Someone tell that cerberus to calm himself. Im going to check for injuries and I dont want him taking my arms off.


    Theresa looked at the warden for a long time before sighing. Brutus, lie down. Stay.


    One of his heads cocked at her, but the fight immediately went out of him. Heid down on the grass by his own will, no longer fighting against the chains.


    That man is going to look at you, okay? Theresas voice was gentle and soothing. Hes a friend. Friend. She repeated.


    The warden watched as Brutus whined, then looked at him with caution but no threat in his eyes.


    Well trained, the wardenmented as he bent by Brutus side.


    The other young man looked like he wanted to say something, but seemed to decide against it.


    The warden clucked his tongue while examining the cerberus, then shifted over to the frostdrake. A little bit of frost on the cerberus fur and a few scratches on the frostdrakes scales. No harm done.


    Finally calming enough to think straight, Alex looked down to Selina. Are you okay?


    She nodded quietly. Yeah. She looked at the frostdrake with more curiosity than fear now, though her breath still shook.


    cius was watching her very closely.


    Studying her with his burning red eyes.


    The lizard sniffed the air in her direction, then turned its long neck back toward its master.


    Right, this could have been a lot worse. The warden stood. Cerberus teeth can tear through frostdrake scale if they get a good grip, and this frostdrake didnt use its ice breath at all. It seems that neither was going for the kill in this little scrap.


    He paused. Im going to let em up now. Call your pets when I release them.


    The chains melted into a rusty powder that disappeared. The beasts masters quickly called theirpanions back to their sides. Brutus gave the frostdrake a final look before padding over to Theresa, while the reptile looked not at the cerberus, but at Selina, before rejoining his master.


    Both creatures sat beside their owners, as calm as though the fight had never happened. They seemed to havepletely lost interest in each other. The warden watched them carefully.


    Alright. They both look quiet now. He nced at Selina. Are you alright, child?


    Selina nodded silently.


    Okay, then. The way I see it: the frostdrake went to the child out of curiosity, but came off a little aggressive. Frostdrakes arent known for looking gentle and friendly. Cerberi are pack beasts: of course when a big predator is charging one of their own, theyre going to protect. He made a threat, and the frostdrake responded: fight got out of hand, but both beasts are trained enough to not have made it as bad as it couldve been. No ice breath and no scales torn away to deal real damage. So, since no damage was done, and the child wasnt hurt, Ill be lenient. Im going to ban both of your pets from the beastarium for a week. Any argument makes it two weeks. When theyre back, I expect proper behaviour from both of em. Understood?


    cius master paused, then eventually sighed. As you say warden, sorry for the trouble. He gave Alexs group a confused look. Ias I said, cius never acts like this.


    Tapping the reptile on its side, he led the frostdrake toward the gate to the beastarium.


    Alex nced from the monster to Selina, who was nearly calm now. He looked around the beastarium; it was full of beasts and people, but the monster had not bothered with any of them.


    Why Selina? Was it because she was a child? He didnt see any other children around so he couldnte to any conclusions.


    Well. Khalik sauntered over to them. That could have been a lot worse and Im d you are unharmed, little Selina. And that your beast is as well, Theresa. You have trained him well and he might have prevented a catastrophe.


    Thanks, he means a lot to me. She smiled, rubbing Brutus and making sure the warden hadnt missed any injuries.


    Khalik smiled. Maybe you can work your magic with my Najyah: she can be a little willful sometimes. But for now, whos hungry? I still owe you a meal. Walk with me. Ill show you somewhere a little better than the regr eatery; it even has a separate ce for familiars and pets to have a meal too.


    The food at Generasi was good andmore importantlyits cost was included with tuition; raw ingredients and fine foods could be fetched from the central student market with a simple sh of Alexs student card. For those with a little extra coin, though, there were other options.


    One was the Titans Lens.


    It was a restaurant located at the top of a tower deep within campushigh enough so that there was a view of the sea from it, over Generasis walls. Its walls were mostly ss and its roof was left open to the sky, but the interior was protected by a massive wind-and-rain shield. The room slowly revolved atop the tower, allowing diners to have a panoramic view of campus, city, ocean and ind vineyards.


    The food itself was incredible: the menu had maybe twenty times more items than McHarris could ever dream of making.


    Alex, Theresa and Selina had stared at it in choice paralysis, until Khalik made some suggestions. Alex ended up with a spicy chicken dish on skewers, with pickles, turnips and a heavy helping of creamy garlic sauce. It was delicious, even if he wasnt sure he could handle such rich food everyday.


    Khalik watched them all tear into their food with an amused look as he bit into a spiced beef rib dish. Theresa had a venison steak in wild mushroom sauce with baby sweet potatoes, while Selina had a smokey bacon steak with zed apples that was rapidly disappearing from her te.


    I need to steal some recipes, Alex said in approval.


    Good luck with that. Khalik finished swallowing a chunk of meat. I was told the chefs guard their recipes more carefully than the books are guarded in the library. I am d it is to your liking, though.


    How couldnt it be? Theresa cut another piece of steak. Do kings eat like this? This is how I imagine kings eat.


    Khalik merely smiled.


    But, she continued. Is this okay? I saw those prices. Theyre not cheap.


    Please, do not worry for that. The young man shrugged as though it were of no concern. When we finish eating, we shall simply get up and run for the door. They cannot catch all of us.


    The table went dead.


    I joke! I joke! Khalikughed. I shall be paying, of course. It is a matter of rpense, fellowship and hospitality.


    Suddenly, Najyahs sense of humour started to make sense.


    Alex couldnt help but feel a little jealous, considering their own financial situation. He and Theresa had been thinking of ways to start generating an ie, but nothing hade up yet.


    Alright, Khalik, this is worth way more than me walking a few minutes to help you find your bird. Alex spread more garlic sauce on his chicken. I assisted a baker for years: sometime soon, Im going to bake a couple of pies in the inss kitchen. You shoulde over for a slice or two.


    Or more. Theresa added. Alex always bakes them too big.


    Thats not what your brothers say.


    My brothers are at least <em>half</em> pig. But what was this about your bird?


    Alex and Khalik recounted the story about Najyah, and Theresa burst outughing when they got to the part about them falling over in fear.


    When youe over, you should bring her, she sounds incredible, she said.


    I want to see her too, shes so pretty. Selina swallowed herst bite of bacon steak.


    Khalik raised his hands as though in surrender. Alright, it seems you have left me no choice. I shall attend your residencewith Najyah, though I will make sure she is on her best behaviour. No frights. No ying dead.


    Right, I thought of something. Alex put his fork down. A clever thought had urred to him earlier: one he hadnt needed The Mark toe up with. He was fairly proud of it too. That act she put on? I know it scared us, but it''s a great way for meeting people. Especially women. Imagine it: someonees with you looking for her, she ys dead. You get scared, then Najyah scares you both! You fall into each others arms,ugh about it, exchange names anduhand


    Khalik was listening with a look of curiosity.


    Theresa was also listening. With her full deathstalker face on.


    How very <em>clever,</em> she said, with a politeness so sharp it could have cut steel. Do you regrly think of things like that?


    Well, he stammered. Well uh-


    I am sure Alex was only giving advice to me, since he knows I am alone and have neither friends or sisters to keep mepany, Khalik cut in, as brave as one of Thamnds Heroes. He gave Alex a pointed look. A simple suggestion to meet people, and not one for himself. I am surprised he even <em>had</em> time to think of it earlier, with how quickly he jumped to protect you and young Selina.


    Theresa paused, and Khalik continued. Truly, I have seen few people move so quickly. In my homnd, our warriors wrestle crocodilesafter years of trainingbut your friend jumped to protect you both from that great reptile with the same ferocity. A finepanion you have: he gives friendly advice on meeting peoplesince he knows that I came to Generasi alone<em>and </em>he rushes to protect his friends and loved ones.


    Deathstalker face shifted a little. Yeahhes a good friend. She gave both of them a sidelong look.


    As she looked away and Selina watched her, Khalik threw Alex a quick wink.


    Alex blinked. Of all the people hed met in Generasiincluding the chancellor that walked out of thin airKhalik might have been the most deserving of the title of wizard.


    He had a feeling theyd get along.


    An idea urred to him. Say, Khalik, since were both in that spicy COMB-1000 course. What do you say we do some training together before it starts?

 Chapter 35: The Beginning Fruits of Failure

    Chapter 35: The Beginning Fruits of Failure


    Alexs breath came in gasps as he ran along the path.


    With each dull thud of his feet hitting the ground, images flooded him from The Mark: previous times hed run or exerted himself. Beside him floated his forceball. Hed hung a basket over it using a cross tie of ropes, filling the basket with just enough items to not exceed the spells limit of weight that it could support.


    At twelve days into his training, The Mark had corrected his push-up form greatly, and now it was fixing how he ran. Spending most of his time in either McHarris bakery or hitting the books hadnt exactly left him a lot of time to be a cross-country runner; most of the images had been from y during childhood. Buttely, between running from monsters, toward monsters or toward help, The Mark had gained plenty of material to choose from when it came to that skill.


    Which meant that even the running hed started doing recently had also been fuelling it with new memories.


    One thing he hadnt anticipated learning in his experimentation with The Mark was just how <em>many</em> things were considered skills. Simple everyday actions, like running, walking, readingthe list seemed endlesscould be skills to The Mark. For years, hed just assumed that how fast someone ran was a simple matter of how fit they were. The Mark had shown him there was more to it than that.


    By drawing from previous examples of him running well, it pointed out when and how to ce his feet to lessen impact on his legs and tire himself less quickly. It guided his muscles in how to propel him forward without wasting motion. It guided his postureshowing memories of him running upright and leaning slightly forwardand set him in that position. Even his arms were brought into the movement by The Mark, which showed him images of when hed pumped them at his sides, guiding him toward more and more controlled movements.


    There was far more to it than move your legs as fast as you can.


    Even his breathing had been corrected by The Mark, which showed him memories that gradually guided his breath into a steady rhythm as he ran.


    Unfortunately, it couldnt do anything about how fit his body was.


    Alex finally slowed down and came to a halt on the path, with his hands on his knees and his breath nearly wheezing from his chest. His feet hurt, his thighs burned and he was light-headed from the strain. It was better than it had been when he startedespecially once his technique really began to improvebut in the end, hed still been a bookworm for most of the eighteen years of his life.


    Itd take more than several days of running and push ups to change that.


    At least hed made it to his goal again today.


    Panting, he looked up to The Cells.


    The ominous building had beenpletely repaired since the potion-detonation incident, with only a slight new ckening of the stone to indicate the catastrophe had happened. Hed picked this spot as the end of his running trail mostly to watch the speed at which it was being restored.


    After the repairs were done, the spot was familiar and convenient, but also reminded him of one of his goals.


    From what hed learned, the equipment for analyzing substances for potion-crafty within The Cells, along with other rooms reserved for Generasis most dangerous arts.


    Hed heard that the summoning circles for demonology were only ced here, along with experimental cells for potion-craft and magic item forging, as well as rooms for summoning other dangerous spirits. It would likely be here that he would start to get answers about the dungeon cores remains.


    At least, if he advanced in potion-craft enough.


    A day ago, hed thought of using the mana-connection between himself and his forceball as a way to train his general mana maniption using The Mark. Unfortunately, that hadnt yielded much in the way of results, not because The Mark had interfered, but because it really couldnt teach him much.


    Years of using the same spell repeatedly had made it almost as familiar to him as his own heartbeat. He really <em>couldnt</em> get much better atmanding this particr spell. Mana maniption training would have to wait until he learned some other technique to practice.


    Luckily, that should being soon: students whod arrived early would be getting their hands on their textbook lists soon.


    Sitting down on a bench by the path near The Cells, he pulled <em>Dexters General Alchemy of Potions </em>from the basket beneath his forceball. He also took a small bun from the basket and took a bite out of it while cracking open the book. He started at the introduction once more, letting his eyes run through the familiar page and using The Mark as he did.


    Hed essentially memorized the beginning by now, and rapidly flew through the next hundred pages. These were familiar to him as well, having gone over most several times. Even with the repetition, he quickly reached the chapter on how mana interacted with the four ssical elements and different categories of magic, which he hadnt read before:


    <em>As spells can be categorized into schools, mana can have different inclinations. Though in most people mana is so generalized that it does not overly favour any element or school of magic, this is not true for the alchemical substances used in potion making. Firedrakes galldder, for instance, contains a strong affinity for magical applications involving me. Sun-spore is of strong light attribute and Giants Tongue Treebark bears strong earth affinity. Note, though, that different cultures have different naming schemes for mana-rich substances and not all might be obvious to you.</em>


    <em>Take Burn-Moss. While the unstudied potion brewer might think to use such a substance to craft a draught of fire-breath, Burn-Moss actually has an affinity for cold. In the region where it is found, there are thirty words for different sorts of snow and frost. Burn-mossso named due to a trantion from the original tonguereferences a type of ice so cold that it burns the hand in a form of frostbite. Let this be a lesson to you: any substance needs to be analyzed if it is notprehensively described in an ingredient encyclopedia or potion manual avable to you (note again that the ingredient encyclopedia at the end of this book is notprehensive). Even though a substances name or appearance might make its function seem obvious, such assumptions can prove deadly.</em>


    <em>Further, affinity can change depending on if a substance is from a living specimen or harvested from a corpse. Take Kraken Eyes-</em>


    Alex absorbed the conversational tones of Dexter far quicker than before and slowed only a little when the book began to range into the technical forme of different affinities and how they interacted. His reading speed andprehension were rising, all while he was absorbing the contents of the book.


    Dexters book was 1168 pages long and hed already gone through ten percent of it in detail. At this rate, hed be finished before sses even started. His progress would have been even faster if he hadnt bothered with repetitions, but there was no sense in speeding through if he didnt get the details right.


    His n was to walk into POTI-1000 with most of the books knowledge well in hand. It would decrease his study timeter, and hopefully start his task of impressing Professor Jules enough to let him use the apparati for his own private project. He could say he was doing something fairly safe, then smuggle the cores remains into The Cells and hopefully be able to analyze them.


    He frowned, wondering if there were any records of previous analysis of the substance done at Generasi. If he were a wizard that bore The Mark of the Sage, hed be showing up to the school with a bucketful of core dust as soon as he could. That was something else to look for in the library, when he was able to ess lower levels; something else to aim for when he reached the next tier of spellcraft.


    His forceballs glow seemed cheery beside him, almost like a happy dogone that liked him a lot more than Brutus did. Hed almost started to think of it more as apanion than a simple magic spell.


    He did not have issues, he assured himself.


    His previous four days in experimentation on the forceball had begun to yield results. By going through the catalogued failures, he had begun to make adjustments to the spell array that improved the forceballs mana efficiency.


    He nced at his notebook:


    <em>Amount of times casting forceball: Eight</em>


    He nced back to an earlier entry from three days ago:


    <em>Amount of times casting forceball: Six</em>


    Even with his rtively small mana pool, the amount of times he could cast the spell was rising quite nicely. It had been a good thing he was so familiar with it before hed gotten The Mark. His experimentation was also leading him to a better and better handle on the spells basic structure: he was starting to see <em>how</em> adjusting different parts of the array affected the magic circuit, much like learning the different parts of a machine and <em>why</em> they worked together.


    After he finished reading through his daily chapter of Dexters book, he took the basket off, killed his mana to the forceball and waited for it to wink out.


    <em>Spell Formation: Nine heartbeats</em>


    <em>Dissipation: Sixish to Six and a Half heartbeats</em>


    <em>Result of Acting in opposition to Combination of Flicker Failure and Forceball Explosion Failure: Unknown.</em>


    Today he was going to try something a little dangerous.


    Hopefully, being near The Cellswhere explosions regrly happened it seemedwould mean he was close to people who dealt with disasters of spell and mana.


    The time he had nearly caused the forceball to explode had been the result of pouring too much mana into the magic circuit. Meanwhile, doing the opposite of what caused the flicker failure had made the magic circuit strengthen and allowed more mana to flow safely within it. Unfortunately, he didnt have enough mana running through the circuit to really make many changes.


    Then he thought ofbining the two. Increasing the strength of his magic circuit <em>while</em> pouring in too much mana: abination of one failure with the learning hed gained from another.


    In theoryif he got it rightthen the effect would be flooding the strengthened circuit with enough mana to actually make it work.


    As to how that would affect the spell, itd likely draw more of his mana so hed be able to cast it less times in a day, but the extra mana would likelystrengthen it, he hoped.


    Falling into the spell, he made both adjustments to the spell arrayone that had resulted in failure and one generated from failureand fell deeper into the spell. Repetition had made the process grow easier, even in the face of The Marks onught.


    He made the necessary adjustments andpleted the spell array, feeling the magic circuit form. The circuit shook and for a moment he was sure hed need to cancel the spell.


    Then, itpleted, humming to life.


    <em>Voom.</em>


    This time the forceball appeared with an audible noise.


    Oh shit! he recoiled in surprise.


    Instead of exploding, the new magic circuit had taken in the overflow of mana and swelled the forceball.


    The crimson orb floating in front of him was one and a half times its usual size: it took a lot more mana too, he almost felt like the mana vampire had jumped him again when his mana had flowed into the circuit. But it didnt drain him.


    His eyes sparked.


    This he could experiment with: he might be able use those two parts of the spell array to adjust the size and mana requirements for the spell as he needed. As his mana increased, he might be able to make the forceball pretty damn big.


    He was one step closer to knowing the spellpletely. This would make the learning of forcedisk easier.


    With a shout of triumph, he jumped up from the bench and pumped his fists in the air. Experimentation was starting to bear fruit. Hed use the remaining failures he had and try differentbinations in the future.


    After he got his textbook for FORC-1550: Spells of Force I, he might be able to make even more progress. Things were looking up.


    He recorded his training results, then stretched, preparing to head to the registrars office.


    Time to get in line and get his text lists and timetable, then practice with the time he had left before the start of sses. Just under forty days.


    Plenty of time.


    Two weeks early? Alex murmured, staring down at his timetable.


    There, in bold ck pen: <em><strong>Initial session for this course begins two weeks before the start of the semester. Please prepare ordingly. When you arrive, you will know why we start early - Baelin.</strong></em>


    The note was written below COMB-1000: The Art of the Wizard in Combat.


    The just under forty days was suddenly mid-20.


    Less than a month until what might be his most difficult course began. One taught by the chancellor himself. Alex took a deep breath.


    If there was anyone he should be impressing at the university, it should be <em>him.</em>

 Schedule going forward (Todays Chapter right after this)

    Schedule going forward (Today''s Chapter right after this)


    Hello folks, for the first time I''m doing an annoement chapter just to make sure that the word gets out:


    I''ll be shifting my schedule going forward to <strong>five</strong> days per week. This means that I will be releasing chapters on royal road and any other websites on <strong>Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.</strong>


    I''ll be taking <strong>Sundays and Mondays as my weekend and I will not be posting on those two days</strong>.


    This will begin <strong>this weekend</strong> so I won''t be updating this <strong>Sunday, May 9th (EST) and Monday, May 10th (EST).</strong>


    Writathon was a tough challenge and an interesting one. d I did it and also d to see it done, haha.


    I have something special to show you next chapter as well. A little something to celebrate me and Fool making it to the end of the Writathon. Now we can continue forward.


    See you in the next chapter!

 Chapter 36: Dummies and Forceballs

    Chapter 36: Dummies and Forceballs


    <em>Training Day 21</em>


    <em>Push-ups: 16, 15, 12 TOTAL= 43</em>


    <em>Experimentation Day 3: BEGIN. FINISHED. Result: Increasing speed. No improvement of forceball</em>


    <em>Skills: Running - COMPLETE, Reading - COMPLETE, Writing - COMPLETE, Spear-And-Oar Dance (8th day of practice -</em>


    Alex let out a breath as he shifted from first position and back stepped into the first step of the Spear-And-Oar Dance. He raised an old broomstick into first guard then proceeded to dance his way between the second stancewhich kept him bncedand the first step. He used The Mark, letting it correct his form, while he willed the forceball to float around his body in a slow, steady figure eight.


    Hed arrived a little early at the regr spot, to go through this routine before Khalik arrived.


    His main goal was to be used to controlling his spell with precision while doing a physical activity needing concentration and focus. If he could master both at once, then hed get to a point where he could control the forceball in dangerous or distracted situations.


    And <em>now</em> was a perfect time for training against distraction.


    In the past few days, campus had be <em>full</em>.


    Students from all over the world were arriving in masses, streaming through the front gates of the University by the day. He was d hed picked up his textbook list when he had: the line had been long then, buttely, he couldnt even <em>see</em> the registrars office because of the crowds of students.


    Even now, his favourite training ground in the copse of trees was surrounded by new students wandering around campus, looking for different buildings, going to the library and for manygoing into course selection. At the same time, exams for upper year students had ended a week earlier and theyd turned to celebrating with a vengeance. They were having as much fun as they could before results came back to either make dreams, or shatter them.


    Recently, hed had to clean up at least two or three empty wine bottles and beakers from his training spot each morning before he could start training. The southern ins had gotten loud at night and was growing even louder as new students piled in daily.


    Complicating things for him was information that some of the new students were from Thamnd.


    He, Theresa, Selina and Brutus had gone wandering around campus for a good half a day, quietly searching out students from their homnd to get news of what was happening back home. Theyd found a few who gave them some interesting and surprising information:


    The Cave of the Traveller had been found by The Heroes and was being used to evacuate the people who were still in Thamnd. Apparently, before the Cave could be used to evacuate anyone, wizards hade from the capital to investigate the area. After the wizards were done, then priests were called to do their own investigation, followed by a benediction. After all that, <em>then</em> it had been about securing and fortifying the area: the humble Alric had suddenly be a major stopover for people using the Cave to escape the Ravener.


    Alex had wondered how Peter and Paul were dealing with everything that was going on now.


    Doors to friendly countries had been chosen, then emissaries from Thamnd had been sent through the portals to negotiate the migration. Once the ink had dried on agreements, the people had flooded through the portals to safety.


    Unfortunately, the students hadnt talked about much more than that: from their clothescovered in filigree, gold lining and silver buttonsthey were from the wealthy ss and had been among the first through the portals, and knew basically nothing of themon folks situation. They did say that The Heroes were together and taking the fight hard to the dungeon cores. But, they didnt mention anything about the missing Fool and Alex didnt ask any questions, not wanting to draw attention to himself by showing interest in the subject. After talking with the Thameish students for a while, the four of them had and gone off to have a little celebration, proud of their role in making it possible for The Cave of the Traveller to be used to get the people to safety.


    As Alex shifted from second position to first stepa movement that was now starting to feel naturnd weaved the forceball between the gap in his legs, he wondered if any of those Thameish students would be in his sses.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    He jumped at something smashing through the canopy above, but quickly recovered and fell back into second position, not losing his bnce. He looked up, raising his broom into guard andsaw Najyah perched there, with an amused twinkle in her eyes.


    Hello, Alex, you are early! a familiar voice boomed from outside the grove. Khalik stepped between the trunks, raising his hand in greeting. I see that you are in fine form.


    I was. He shot the bird a look, making ns for revenge. But well see when the course begins.


    That we will. Khalik agreed, stretching. I wish more were said of what would happen. It would make it easier to prepare. But, we will still try to prepare for whateveres.


    Alex tied the broom handle vertically to the bottom of the basket. I suppose the point is that were supposed to adapt to situations, right? So, I dont think Bae-The Chancellors going to give us a nice big warning as to what were in for.


    Khalik shrugged. One can wish. Are you ready?


    Alex stretched beside his forceball. Yep, lets go.


    The two young men stepped out of the trees and back onto the path, then broke into a swift jog, leaving the path that was now crowded with students.


    Najyah followed above.


    Khalik was in far better condition, but Alex kept pace with him. He was doing a lot better than when hed started.


    In addition to the near constant burn that had taken up residence in his muscles, he''d begun to notice positive results from his new routine. His skinny form was starting to harden, and his arms and shoulders had grown slightly thicker. He was starting to see hints of muscle definition all over his body, and he was less winded after his exercise routine.


    The run to the stadium was less tiring than it had been in earlier days, and when the two young men finally reached the doors and slowed, Alexs breath was heavy, but he wasnt gasping for breath as they entered the arena like he used to.


    <em>Boom.</em>


    shes of light and power spread through the air as students practiced battle magic against fortified targets. On their left, a line of students fired icicles, stones, arrows of acid, and glowing blue bolts of magical energy at a line of imprable targets.


    At the far end of the stadium, a few students wereunching explosive fireballs, beams of exploding light, and crackling lightning atrge stone pirs. The explosions were loud even across the stadiums immense field. Though there wasnt an official practice or event going on, new students filled many of the seats above, looking down on the field at all the shy battle magic hitting targets.


    Some were studiously taking notes, while others were watching from more of an open-mouthed-gaping-like-it-was-the-end-of-the-world perspective. Some werent watching much of what was happening on the field at all, though. One group of boys passed around a wineskin filled with something that made their faces red and happy as they watched a group of young women a few seats below them with interest.


    If only they had a giant eagle that liked to y dead as a conversation starter.


    Alex and Khalik dropped their gear in front of a couple of training dummies theyd booked for the morning, and stretched again. Alex used The Mark to guide his stretching routine, letting it focus him on past positions that gave his muscles a good long, loosening.


    Khalik looked at him curiously. Have you been exercising for awhile? Forgive me, but at first, I thought you were new to the physical arts, yet you seem to have a certain grasp of the fundamentals.


    Thanks. Alex leaned into a long stretch of his back and legs. Im just a quick study.


    Good, if you keep to proper eating habits then you will make gains quite quickly.


    proper what now?


    Khalik paused, his expression freezing through his beard. Youthe way one eats to build arger, more powerful body?


    I know how someone eats to build arger, more powerful belly. Alex offered, but Khalik did not smile.


    This is no good, Alex, how one eats is just as important as how one moves when ites to the body of an athlete or warrior. One must eat enough to fuel ones growth, but not too much at once. Meat, fish, fowl are important to fuel the muscles, and fresh fruit and vegetables are needed to bnce the diet along with dense breads and grains. Did you not know this?


    I never really considered the specifics. Alex admitted. In Alric, hed seen strong-armed farmhands and smiths swallow ale, bread and meat by the teful, but hed never considered the specifics of it. Hard work made you hungrier, and that was that as far as most in Alric were concerned.


    He concentrated on The Mark, focusing on the idea of eating for strength.


    Images came back to him of plenty of previous meals, especially those rich with wild game from one of Theresas hunts, or fish from the nearby river. He noticed only a small number of desert memories.


    Eatings a skill too? he wondered. What next? Is <em>breathing</em> a skill?


    On a hunch, he thought of improving his breathing.


    Images came up of times hed exerted himself, pointing out details on how his chest <em>and</em> belly rose with his deepest breaths.


    Well, Ill be damned, he muttered.


    What was that? Khalik asked.


    Nothing. Alex waved his hand. Just thinking about what you said about food.


    Haha, think about food <em>after</em> training, my friend.


    The two young men first faced off against their dummies, and then readied their spells. Alex called the forceball hed already created, while Khalik summoned Najyah tond on his leather gauntleted arm.


    Alex willed the forceball forward, driving it into the dummy.


    <em>Crack</em>!


    The crimson orb mmed into the object with such impact that several students looked over in surprise. Alex couldnt help but smile a little. Hed seen a few other students cast forceball, but none of their spells moved as quickly and smoothly as his, none glowed with the same intensity, and none were asrge. He smiled again when The Mark didnt protest. Hed calcted that it wouldnt interfere and wouldnt find a difference between him mming the forceba utility spellinto the dummy, and him mming it into any other object. It was like when hed mmed it into the tiles in The Cave of the Traveller; it hadnt registered that action asbat.


    Willing the forceball back, he mmed it into the dummy again and again, enjoying the sound of the heavy impact. His utility spell had reallye a long way through years of practice, and hade even further in thest month of his experimenting.


    It was hitting the dummy hard enough to shake it a littlelike someone had thrown a ten pound stone with good speedand would have done a fair amount of damage if the dummy hadnt been reinforced by mana. Too bad targeting objects and enemies during actualbat would make The Mark attack him, otherwise, the forceball would make a great weapon.


    Instead, he concentrated on whipping the forceball around the dummy inplex patterns. Circles. Figure eights. Zig-Zags. Anything that might surprise or confuse an enemy. Then he focused on stopping the forceball abruptly in midair. An enemy who ran into it at full speed like the mana vampire did, could do some serious damage to themselves.


    As he continued to alternate between smashing the dummy with the spell and dancing the orb around it, he nced over to Khaliks practice.


    First he would send Najyah flying toward the dummy, and her fierce talonsenhanced by his mana through their linkshed at it before pulling up above it. He would then speak an incantationsomething simr to the Summon Stone spell Alex had looked atwhich conjured a swarm of rocks in front of him.


    The stones flew forward as fast as arrows and struck the dummy. Again, Khalik cast the same spell, but this time the summoned rocks<strong></strong>were as sharp as stctites and struck the dummy with a cracking sound. For a third time he cast the spell, but the rocks didnt appear in front of him, this time they appeared above, beside Najyah, and as she banked past the dummy, the stones fired into the target from her like a rain of arrows from a horse-archer.


    Finally, Khalik spoke another incantation then snapped his fingers.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    A loud st of sound detonated by the dummy as though a fireball had just ruptured. It wasnt loud enough to do damage to the dummy, but Alex imagined a living opponent would be pretty disoriented by the soundburst.


    Khalik had obviously been practicing magic for a long time too, and likely had ess to more resources and teachings than Alex ever had in Alric. But, even so, the other young man soon ended his strenuous spellcasting as his mana ran low, while Alex continued to practice with his steadily running forceball.


    Hoo, I need more building up. Khalik let out a breath. You must have practiced with that for a <em>long</em> time.


    Years, Alex said. He bounced the forceball along the ground before ricocheting it into the dummy again. I think I know it better than my own hand. You know I-


    Attention new students! a voice called from the middle of the training field.


    A group of three young menpale and with harsh entswere standing in the middle of the training ground. Each wore finely tailored, emerald green shirts, with the silver symbol of a beast: a two-headed monster with the howling head of a wolf and the snarling head of a bear.


    Beside the trio stood a line of young male students looking uncertain.


    The speakerwearing a glowing full finger ringjerked his thumb toward the line. Today, were taking anyers who think they have what it takes to enter the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood of Generasi: one of the oldest fraternities of battle-mages in the history of our fine school. We dont have room for the gutless, so if youre tough enough to take our little test,e and see us.


    The leader grinned widely and his eyes searched through the faces of the bewilderedand some annoyedstudents.


    Then they fell on Alex and Khalik.


    What about you two? You look fresh. Think you have what it takes to be one of us? Or are you two gonna coward it up?


    The two young men blinked.


    They looked at each other.


    Then they burst outughing.

 Chapter 37: The Spell-Joust and the Second Spell

    Chapter 37: The Spell-Joust and the Second Spell


    The fraternity leaders smile faded as Alex and Khalik roared withughter.


    Why-why are youughing? Alex wheezed.


    Khalik was nearly coughing as he tried to catch his breath. He does not know what he says! Inin my country calling someone a coward is insult enough to trigger an honour duel! But look at him! He is no warrior! It is like a young child trying to give insult! Rarely, have I seen anything so ridiculous! Why do youugh?


    <em>Alex</em> wasughing because of how ridiculously stupid trying to join a fraternity of battle-mages would have been for him. The Art of the Wizard in Combat was one thingBaelin had said it was about using all of ones resources to conduct oneself in battlebut a fraternity <em>for</em> battle-magic?


    The Mark would be screaming at him just for <em>thinking</em> of going down that path.


    I just wouldnt fit in! was all he said. Sorry man, all respect to your brotherhood, but I dont think its for us.


    Youve got a funny way of showing respect, one of the other boys said. Last I checked,ughing at someones brotherhood was an insult.


    Its fine, the leader said. Its clear these two arent warriors. Let them have their littleugh party.


    <em>We</em> are not warriors? Khalik raised an eyebrow. Look at the way you walk: I am no master of weapons, but you do not move with <em>any</em> grace of one used to the battlefield.


    Alex looked at the three young men closely. With a thought, he focused on standing in the way a warrior would. The Mark showed him enough details in his own movements and that in others to recognize what Khalik was talking about. Cedric had moved with an easy grace that hinted at explosive, deadly movement at any time. Captain Fan-Dor and his brother Gel-Dor had perfect bnce on the rolling ship and were quick, despite their bulk.


    Theresa moved with the graceful silence of a predator on the hunt.


    These three had slouches in their backs and ack of bnce in their posture. If it werent for The Marks memories and details on his own posture, he likely wouldnt have noticed.


    The three boys looked at each other, and then they burst outughing.


    You hear that, Gregori? He says we dont move like warriors, the leader turned to one of his brothers.


    Gregori stepped forward, his long blonde hair blowing in the low wind. In <em>my</em> country thats a deadly insult.


    Alex looked between the two long-haired men, feeling the tension rise.


    Well, I guess everyones even? he shrugged, trying to keep his voice light.


    Maybe. Gregoris eyes narrowed, then scanned the stadium. Many students had lost interest in the exchange, but others were still watching. Something changed in the young mans eyes. Say, are you two the betting type?


    Nooope, Alex said. Thest thing he needed was to gamble away part of their savings on whatever <em>this</em> was going to be.


    Gregori continued. Well, a bet would have made it more interesting, but fact is, we both insulted each other. We could let bad feelings stand-


    I literally have no bad feelings, Alex said a little loudly.


    -or we could have a little game to settle things. Like wizards.


    Khalik cocked his head to the side. What sort of game is this?


    Spell jousting, Gregori said. We each pick spells were good with. Same ones, if each of us know them, and we crash them together. Fire bolt against fire bolt. Frost spray against frost spray. Losers the one whose spell gives out or gets crushed by the other. What tier of magic can you both cast?


    Interesting, Khalik crossed his arms. I have just reached the second tierst month.


    Alex blinked at him and then he crossed his arms too. Im almost at the second tier myself.


    That was probably true. Probably.


    Well then, Im at the first, and my two friends are at the second. Lets settle this by way ofpetition. Come on, or was our cowardment from earlier less insult and more fact?


    Khaliks smile had faded. I know <em>Ill </em>ept your challenge.


    Alex looked at Gregori carefully. The young man had definitely been exercising, judging from his build, but that wouldnt matter in a contest of spells. As for if he could beat him


    Alex wasnt sure if that mattered either.


    There was nothing on the line for him, except pride and showing that he knew his way around spellcraft. Then again, this might be a way to test the limits of The Mark. How <em>would </em>it react if he targeted others spells? Also, itd be a chance to practice against someone else before he took whatever test the chancellor had waiting for them.


    Hey. He pointed at Gregori. Can you cast forceball?


    I can-


    Alright, Im in. Lets do this.


    The brotherhood had booked arge section of the stadiums training grounds for their weing tests: a section that was clear stone with no targets.


    So, let me get this right. Alex called his forceball over. We smash our forceballs together like two deer in mating season, and the first that goes pop loses.


    Y-yeah Gregori was eyeing Alexs forceball. Say uh, <em>thats</em> your forceball?


    Uh-huh.


    The <em>first tier</em> spell forceball?


    Uh-huh.


    The spell thats supposed to be able to carry things, be a childs toy and shed light?


    Uh-huh.


    Its bigger than your head.


    Uh-huh. Are you going to start casting now, or what?


    Gregoris eyes narrowed. How long have you been practicing with that spell?


    Years?


    A pause. Im a battle-mage, Gregori said quickly. We should be using battle-magic to battle with. This utility spell is not worthy of jousting. You should cast-


    This is the only spell I know.


    Gregori grimaced. I see. He sighed. Well, then-


    He spoke an incantation and after three seconds his own forceball winked into being. It was maybe half the size of Alexs and its blue glow was much less bright. His own version of the spell had once looked like thatabout a year ago.


    Gregoris ball slowly floated up beside him while Alexs zipped to float above his shoulder.


    Alex tried to make that same easy grin as Cedric and Captain Fan-Dor. Ready when you are.


    Gregori sighed. This is beneath me. Like fighting with a mop.


    Hey dont knock it til you try it.


    What was that?


    Nothing.


    The battle-mage shot his spell forward.


    Alexs eyes narrowed and he willed his forceball at Gregoris at full speed, tensing in case of-


    The Mark began to flood his mind with failur-


    Oh shut up, he thought.


    It was time for operation mana vampire smashes face.


    Anticipating The Marks interference, he stopped the forceball dead in its tracks, letting its protests fade. Gregoris forceball mmed into his with a hollow thud.


    His didnt budge.


    Gregoris eyes narrowed.


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>


    Again and again Gregori smashed his forceball into Alexs spell and it vibrated from the force of it. Alex simply waited at first, watching. Then he began to try different movements. While Gregoris forceball simply drifted through the air, Alexs shot around like an arrow,pletely under his control.


    He circled Gregoris, made figure-eights, whirled around it, and then always stopped right in its path. The other mage was starting to grow redder in the face. Why wont you attack?


    I am. Very, very gently.


    Youre not funny.


    I strongly disagree.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    After an agonizingly long time, Gregoris forceball took one too many impacts and popped out of existence. Alexs hadnt even flickered.


    He shrugged. Well, I guess that means I-


    Gregori spat out another incantation, then raised his finger toward the forceball. A beam of blue light shot from his palm and sted deep into the crimson orb. For a few seconds, Alexs spell held firmly before he pulled it away; any longer and it would have been extinguished.


    You were right, Gregori dusted himself off. You are no battle-mage. If Id known you would not be taking the challenge seriously, I never would have spoken about youing to the brotherhood.


    Okay, look, I dont care about your brotherhood. Alex gave him a look. I dont know what your problem is, but me and my only friend on campus were having a good timepracticing hardwhen you all waltz up like youre some chosen heroes-


    Like me, he added dryly in his head.


    -acting like if anyone joins you its some great honour. I was thinking that I was soooo unsuited, and had a gooood oldugh about that. But <em>you</em> all made assumptions and took myughing as some personal insult, then you insulted <em>my</em>friend and then it was all spell-jousting makes hard feelings go awayand, well, <em>that </em>was a lie because Im pretty sure youve <em>only</em> got hard feelings, and Im getting them myselfand then youin about the spell choice, and I dick around because Im not a battle-mage and <em>I never said that I was,</em>and now<em> youre</em> acting like your wounded pride is somehow <em>my </em>fault?


    You were to take the spell-joust seriously! Not act like you were my superior just because you practiced one utility spell for a deranged amount of time!


    Look, if practicing a utility spell for a deranged amount of time is good enough to get into the greatest university for wizards in the world, then I think its good enough for anyone.


    Gregori made an irritated noise. Why are you even in thebat stadium? If you have no interest in battle-magic then why are you here?


    Because Im enrolled in COMB-1000. Are you?


    Gregoris next retort died in his mouth.


    Well, Alex pushed. Are you?


    Silence followed.


    ...hm, was all Gregori said before turning and leaving the field.


    Alex stepped over to where Khalik was waiting for his turn.


    Good job, Khalikughed. Do me a favour though, please dont act as such a fool when the <em>actual </em>ss starts?


    Stillughing, he stepped forward to begin his own battle.


    Alex sighed as he watched him go.


    He would have if he could have. Maybe through their ss, hed learn more about <em>how </em>to do that.


    <em>Training Day 31</em>


    <em>Push-ups: 20, 19, 16 TOTAL= 55</em>


    <em>Sit-ups: 25</em>


    <em>Spell Formation: Seven Heartbeats</em>


    <em>Dissipation: Seven Heartbeats</em>


    <em>Amount of times casting forceball: Ten</em>


    <em>Amount of times casting super forceball (extrarge with a side of potatoes): Five</em>


    <em>Skills: Reading - COMPLETE, Writing - COMPLETE, Spear-And-Oar Dance (18th day of practice ) - COMPLETE, Breathing (still cant believe this) - COMPLETE, Running -</em>


    Alex, Khalik and Theresa tore through the beastarium, running around the field while Brutus bounded along with them. Selina watched them from one of the benches with her general studies book in front of her. Shed reached a chapter on Generasi which had lots of pictures of its oldest buildings. The girl had been lost in the book ever since.


    Alexs form had improved tremendously in thest month, and his stamina was starting to rise sharply since hed altered his diet following Khaliks advice and The Marks suggestions. Now, he could almost keep up with both his oldest friend and his newest, through their daily running practices. His breath had be much steadier since hed started to use The Mark to practice controlled breathing, which increased his endurance even more.


    His forceball was nearing as close to perfection as hed likely get it beforebat ss started. Hed figured out how to make it smaller in addition to super-sizing it, though he hadnt found any practical applications for the smaller version yet. Hed gone through just about every string of failures The Mark had generated, and mixed and matched them. Some proved to be dead ends, some proved they might be promising when he had more mana.


    The spells efficiency going up had been a nice surprise, and it felt like his mana was increasing too. Very productive month. He was d that hed actually had the downtime to <em>practice</em>. Heughed to himself as a thought urred of trying to build up while racing from fight to fight and dungeon to dungeon.


    That led him to think about Thamnd and wonder what was going on there.


    They hadnt heard anything on campus recently, and he was still too afraid to go into the city and ask around: not with all the priests out there. Still, Alex knew he had to do it sooner orter. Theresa had sent a message to the Lus to let them know theyd arrived safely, and left a note at the docks for Captain Fan-Dor so he could find them.


    But, there was still the matter of looking into more permanent housing, and some sort of ie to settle.


    Maybe I could see if the sky-gondpany is hiring, he thought glumly as they finished their finalp and slowed to a stop.


    Youre getting better. Theresa stretched, taking a deep breath as she grabbed the waterskin from their table and drank deeply.


    You are, it is impressive, Khalik watched him with curiosity. Your technique especially.


    Thankyou Alex panted. Think Im almost ready for the horrible death course?


    Time will tell. Khalik shrugged, then looked to Theresa. What of you? How goes your preparation?


    Yeah, Alex jumped in. You steal any secret techniques from the Watchers of Roal?


    The huntress held out a ttened hand and teetered it up and down. Ive been practicing what I see, but sword-arts arent like what you do: I cant exactly just read a book a bunch and pick it up. She sighed. And I dont even know <em>how</em> to prepare for Lifeforce. Its likeaffinity test day 1 and if it doesnt work, thats it. Im almost d it starts early like your course does. I think Id go crazy if I had to wait anymore.


    Youll be fine, Alex assured her. I mean, I believe in you. Seriously. You got what it takes.


    How can you be so sure?


    If its something that you''re interested in, youve got what it takes, Alex said firmly.


    Thanks. She smiled at him. IllIll try to remember that.


    Alex had to ignore Khalik giving him a thumbs up from behind her.


    <em>Training Day 34</em>


    <em>Forcedisk Experimentation Day.</em>


    Alex took a deep breath as heid his book in front of him. Across two pages were multiple diagrams: most of them were various alterations of his forceballs spell array with littlevery boldednotes on which parts were the same as those of forcedisk.


    On the right was the spell array diagram for forcedisk.


    Beside it was a long list of instructions: parts of the spell that were identical to forceballs casting. These he could concentrate on and trust his practice to see him through. Then there were the new parts.


    Hed written up safety procedures: when to end the spell, how far to push it, and what dangers he might need to be careful of. He sighed, ncing down at his shoulder and then up to The Cells. Hed picked a secluded area near the back of the building for this.


    Taking a deep breath, he started spellcasting.


    The Mark came at him hard.


    The trouble with doing so much experimentationtely was that it gave him even <em>more</em> failures for it to throw at him, and now he didnt even have theplete familiarity with the spell to guide him along. The parts that he knew well were easy enough, but the new parts were dangerously hard.


    Again and again he had to stop the spell as The Mark broke his concentration and threatened him with disaster. Each failure was written down, as well as what had caused it. Things to avoid for next time.


    Then hed go at it again.


    Hours passed. Then even more.


    <em>Training Day 35</em>


    <em>Forcedisk Experimentation Day II.</em>


    Hed failed more than fifty times now.


    But hed also made progress.


    Aspects of the spell array were starting to go more right than wrong. Its structure was bing more familiar. Each failure had generated a potential oue for sess and he recorded it and what to do differently.


    He just needed to keep trying.


    <em>Training Day 36</em>


    <em>Forcedisk Experimentation Day III.</em>


    Mental fatigue was setting in, but progress kept him pushing forward.


    Thest two nights hed <em>dreamt</em> continuously about forcedisks and spell arrays and failures. There were a lot of them now. But he was getting closer. The magic circuit was starting to form.


    He was getting closer.


    <em>Training Day 37</em>


    <em>Forcedisk Experimentation Day IV.</em>


    Thest words of the incantation left Alexs lips.


    The spell arraypleted in the midst of The Fools flood of failures.


    The magic circuit formed.


    Mana flowed.


    A crimson glow winked into being, but not from Alexs forceball.


    A new spell hovered in front of him. It was flickering. It was unsteady. But his disbelieving eyes couldnt mistake it:


    It was a t glowing crimson disk, about as wide as a dinner te.


    Alex was so ted he could have cried.


    Despite The Mark of the Fool and all of the barriers it had put in front of him, he atst had learned a second spell.


    He was on his way to bing a proper wizard.


    Whether or not his new knowledge would help him in Baelins ss?


    Hed know that in just a few short days.

 Chapter 38: An Endless Forest (Interlude)

    Chapter 38: An Endless Forest (Interlude)


    Something chimed from the top of the hill, carried to Theresas ears by thete summer wind. The air was fresh and warm but inside, she felt cold.


    Theresa Lugreat-granddaughter of Twinde Luwas almost as scared as when that giant insect monster hade rising from the dark beneath The Travellers sanctum. Taking a deep breath, she nced at her little map of Generasis campuslooking at the spot on the green that LIFE-1075: Lifeforce Enforcement I was supposed to be held, if the day turned out to be sunnybefore looking back up the hill.


    A single immense tree rose from the hilltop and she could see a number of students already gathered there, with even more climbing the slope. Steadying herself, she wished shed brought her great-grandfathers sword along. Its solid hilt would have given her something to anchor herself.


    Shed even left Brutus with Alexwho was back home watching both her dog and his sister before <em>his</em> sster in the morningand hoped they were getting along. Brutus would have been a source of support, but today, she needed to do this alone. She started up the slope.


    Other students were gathered all over the hill. Some were standing and looking around like they didnt know what to do. Others had already sat down on nkets or cushions theyd brought to ss with them, looking expectantly at the instructor.


    Professor Kabbot-Xin was seated cross legged beneath the tree, and one look at her actually made Theresa gasp. She was old; something about her just seemed ancient. It wasnt just her appearanceeven though her face was crisscrossed by wrinkles and her hair was as white as a winter day after a snowstormit was something more. The way her breath seemed to be absent. The peace across her face.


    Between her and the healthy tree above, Theresa would have guessed that the woman was older. It didnt seem possible, but thest month had opened her eyes to all sorts of new possibilities.


    She thought back to when she was a young girl, during those first few times shed ventured beyond Alrics walls and the roads into the trees of Coille. It had been like the world exploded: her whole life in town just seemed tinypared to the endless sea of trees and green fields surrounding it. As a child, she had imagined that those trees and meadows had spread forever, and that she would never see another town again if she kept walking.


    Of course, she knew even then that wasnt true. Her mother and father had told her about other towns, cities, roads and even the sea to the southacross which her uncle lived. Over time, the world had shrunk as her family took her farther from Alric and she had explored Coille.


    She quickly learned that that endless forest world had been really just a small patch of wilnd in a country that had mostly been tamed. Stories of her great-grandfathers adventures had promised arger world.


    A world she was now seeing with her own eyes.


    Burning mountains.


    Portals to other realms she couldnt imagine.


    The sea.


    Magic and monsters and even moving benches.


    The world was a vast ce, and she was learning not to assume too much about it too quickly. Here, where birds talked and benches walked? It was easy to believe that a woman could be older than a giant tree.


    Finding a patch of grass on the edge of the hill, she sat down cross-legged like some of the others, wishing she had brought a nket. A young woman seated in front of her turned around when she did. She paled for a moment.


    Ah.


    Theresas face was doing that thing again that tended to creep people out.


    She tried to soften it and gave the woman a nod of acknowledgement. She had simr features to hers and her familys, and she wondered if she too had Tarim-Lung ancestry.


    She gave Theresa a little bow and thento her horrorstarted speaking in Tarimite, thenguage of her great-grandfathers country folk. <em>Hello.</em>


    She froze, trying desperately to remember what she knew of thenguage. Only her grandfather had spoken it regrly in the house. <em>Yes, uhhello, </em>she stammered back.


    <em>Ah, are you from Tarim-Lung?</em>


    Uh, no, Im uh from Thamnd, she said in Common, then tried to add in Tarimite: <em>Idont speakTarimitegood</em>


    The young woman smiled expectantly and then began talking very, <em>very </em>fast while Theresa tried to follow. She only caught the words: day, good, Tarim-Lung and expect. Inside, she was screaming.


    <em>Daygood </em>she tried to say.


    The young woman continued to smile expectantly.


    <em>Dontspeak</em> she muttered, then added in Common: Oh, Uldar, help me.


    <em>Uldar? Who is Uldar?</em> the young woman asked.


    <em>GodThamnd</em> She strongly considered burrowing into the earth like a mole.


    Then a chime sounded, and the young woman smiled and turned toward the tree.


    She thanked Uldar, The Traveller, Ek-u-Dari and any other deity that might have been listening.


    Professor Kabbot-Xin slowly opened her eyes and took a breath that seemed tost a lifetime. Good morning ss, and wee to the first seminar of LIFE-1075: Life Enforcement I. Her eyes scanned the students. All forty of you have arrived. Good to see so much interest this year, it always warms the spirit when I see the younge for the teachings of my mothers homnd.


    Her eyes nced to the school. In a few minutes, my teachers assistants will bring the testing bowls and the medical supplies, and we can begin testing your affinity. Before we begin though, can someone tell me what their understanding of lifeforce enforcement is?


    A short young man with long brown hair quickly raised his hand.


    Yes, Mr


    f! the young man said brightly. Life Enforcement is based off of qigongthe art of cultivating ones life-energy, which originated in Tarim-Lungwhich practitioners use to advance themselves and grow closer to bing immortals and gods. Thats why its a form of Divinity.


    The professor waited for a few long heartbeats, making sure he was finished before she answered. I can see you have some familiarity, Mr. f. Unfortunately, you are only partially correct.


    She turned her attention back to the entire ss. Mr. f said that Lifeforce Enforcement is based on life-energy cultivation, which is true. It is also true that the art was created in Tarim-Lung as a form of health promotion. Unfortunately, life-energy cultivation is no path to immortality. If you havee here with thoughts of transcendence, godhood, immortality and splitting the heavens with a tempered fist, then I am afraid you will be sorely disappointed.


    Theresa blinked in surprise. Was <em>that</em> what people thought cultivation was supposed to do? Was that what they believed?


    Life-energy cultivation is the practice of empowering ones lifeforce through a careful regime of breathing, energy cirction, meditation andmost importantlybuilding a connection to the natural world and taking in its energy to build your own. The result is a greatly invigorated body: in addition to granting greater lifeforce to draw on for spellcasting, one will enjoy a healthy body, greatly enhanced strength, reflexes and speed, an energy pool that can be used to reinforcepatible physical objects and, indeed, an extended lifespan. But this does not mean living forever or splitting mountains in half or anything else that the imaginative writers and poets from Tarim-Lung, or elsewheree up with. If you have dreams that indulge those fantasies, then I would suggest using the next three hours to go and select another course.


    Theresa thought about what the professor had suggested. It all sounded incredible to her. She had no real mana and little interest in all of the spell-guides, and forms, andplex this and that, that fascinated her best friend. But this course seemed to promise its own wonders.


    That was why she was confused when a full five students stood up seemingly disappointedincluding fand started back down the hill.


    Arent you being a bit too greedy? Theresea wondered. Then again, most of the folk here were wizards; maybe the things offered were too mundane for them.


    Alright, to everyone still with us, The professor didnt give the retreating students a second nce. We will now begin a ten minute guided meditation. I will ask you to remain silent the entire time. Focus on the sound of my voice and let other thoughts pass. They are distractions. Now, please, close your eyes.


    Theresa did as she was asked, opening her ears to the sound of the wind, the rustle of the tree branches and their professors calm, ancient voice. The old woman guided them through their own thoughts and away from distractions, bringing their focus onto their own breathing. The huntress found the exercise soothing, pleasant and easy; she was used to walking through the woods, listening only to the sound of nature and not saying a word for hours at a time.


    The ten minutes passed quickly, and she was surprised to find several students fidgeting as the professor told them to open their eyes.


    To those of you that found this ufortable, might I suggest bowing out of this course for the semester: there will be some sses where we will be engaged in breathing meditation and lifeforce cirction for an hour at a time and more. You will need to concentrate for all of it, so if you found these ten minutes difficult, then I would suggest joining a meditation club, practicing the skill and returning to this ss next semester. Of course, the choice is up to you, but this is a dangerous art.


    Her eyes shed. You will need to decide carefully.


    A few more students got up and filed down the hill. As they did, several higher year students climbed the slope, carryingrge bowls of liquid bnced on wide glowing disks that hovered at shoulder-level.


    Ah, the testing bowls have arrived. The professor stood, almost like she was gliding to her feet. Please form a line in front of me. We are going to begin testing your affinity. The bowls are half-filled with distilled water for pure conduction. You will ce your hands in the water, and I will use my energy to examine your energy. Each of us has pathways in our body in which our lifeforce flows: think of it like a magic circuit but it powers <em>you</em>instead of a spell. I will be using my energy to stimte those pathways. You must be absolutely calm and clear during the process. If you have an affinity, your channels will begin to open which will make you ready for the art of Lifeforce Enforcement. If notthen unfortunately, you will not be able to partake in the course. Also, please keep calm during the process.


    For the first time, she frowned. Agitating your energy during the test could have <em>dire</em> consequences.


    The young woman from Tarim-Lung looked at Theresa and gave her an encouraging smile before getting up. The students formed a line that extended down the hill, while the teachers assistants set up the testing bowls.


    Professor Kabbot-Xin satfacing the front of the linewith the first bowl in front of her. Step forward, she said.


    She would ask each students name and why they wished to learn the art. Then, she would give them reassurance and ask them to ce their hands in the bowl, then raise her hands over the water.


    She would let out a breath, close her eyes and press her palms to the waters surface.


    Sometimes the water would remain still. To these students she would lean in and say something quiet. They would rise, gather their things and start back down the hill, with a dejected slump to their shoulders.


    At other times, the water would churn and ssh onto the grass. She also whispered something to these students who also gathered their things and took the long walk down the hill.


    With some, the water would remain still and the Professor would hold her hands on the waters surface for a long time. Then there would be a cracking sound. The professor would move her hands away and just say: Into the bowl.


    The students would vomit ck liquid into their bowl that smelled so awful, that even from where she was, it made Theresas eyes water. At first, she thought that something had gone wrong, but the professor only smiled at those students.


    Congrattions, she said gently. Youve just expelled some of the impurities in your body as my energy opened your channels. Some of my energy will stay in you now, to encourage your lifeforce enforcement. Rest by the tree for now, and I will teach you how to circte it.


    One by one the line decreased, and Theresas nerves doubled with each student that finished the test. Only about a quarter of the remaining students vomited ck and took their ce beneath the tree.


    For one student, things went badly.


    The young man screamed and fell back from the bowl, with every muscle tensed and every vein in his body standing out against his skin. His eyes had gonepletely bloodshot and foam ran from his mouth. Bruises appeared rapidly as blotches formed on his skin.


    Hold him down! the instructor shot up from beside the bowl and bent over the student. She ced her hands on his chest and pressed down once. His body flexed and then rxed.


    She pressed two fingers against his wrist and sighed in relief. Lifeforce reversal, but not bad. Hell recover quickly. She nced to her teachers assistants. Take him to the infirmary.


    Two of them nked the young man and cast a spell and he rose in the air between them. Carefully and quickly they ran down the hill toward the main castle in unison.


    And this is why I say to remain calm, the professor sighed. If you do not have the affinity, the process will feel strange. If you do have it, there might be some difort. In either case, please remain calm. Too much turbulence in your mind and body can cause your energies to grow unbnced. This is one of the results.


    As she said this, two more of the students suddenly stood, holding their mouths, and running down the hill. Atst, it was Theresas turn. Trying to calm herself, she sat cross-legged in front of her bowl. It was only still water, but still water could hide dangers.


    And what is your name? the professor asked her gently.


    Theresa forced her gaze up to the instructors eyes. Theresa Lu.


    A pleasure to meet you, Theresa. Tell me, why do you want to learn Lifeforce Enforcement.


    The huntress took a deep breath. She had considered how to answer this question. There were many reasons. The mystery of the dungeon core promised dangers and she wanted to prepare for those. The hive-queen in The Travellers sanctum had left her feeling unprepared and she wanted to correct that.


    Yet, there were only two reasons that she wished to say here:


    I want to protect my loved ones, and I want to follow my great-grandfathers path, to gain his strength and step into the world prepared for its dangers.


    Kabbot-Xin paused. Your great-grandfather was a cultivator? What was he called?


    Twinde Lu.


    The professors eyes widened. You are the Twindes descendant?


    Yes.


    Then I think you should be fine, child. If you inherited even a grain of his talent, then you will have the affinity. Now, ce your hands in the water.


    Inhaling, Theresa did as she was told and closed her eyes. The water was cold against her hands. She thought of calming memories: painting the mural on the side of theirmon room wall. Picking in the woods as she watched Brutusstill a puppy thenjumping around and snapping at the fall leaves. ying with Selina just before her bedtime.


    The summer that Alex had baked her cookies.


    Her heartbeat slowed.


    The water shifted as the professors hands touched it, and her energy coursed through the water. The lifeforce conducted through the liquid and spread over Theresas hands. She felt energy pour into her through her fingertips. Her breathing remained steady, as she focused on letting the energy pass naturally. Pathways sprung to life in her body that she never felt before.


    For an instant, her lifeforce touched her instructors.


    Something shifted.


    There was a burning, wrenching feeling as she felt those channels stretch with the new energy. The energy coursed through her until it pooled in the pit of her abdomen. Something sprang to life. Her body shuddered. More wrenching as liquid shifted within.


    Then her stomach was full.


    Nauseated she leaned forward and spewed a line of ck filth into the bowl.


    Well done, the professor said. Take your ce by the tree and rest.


    Stumbling like she was sleepwalking, Theresa Lu copsed beside the tree, panting hard. The professors energy coursed through her, continuing to open her channels. She felt as weak as a half-drowned kittenbut beneath that, she felt good.


    Everything was a little sharper. Sound was fuller in her ears. Light was brighter. The taste of filth in her mouthunfortunately, was a little stronger. As her head lolled to the side, her eyes fell on the young woman who had sat in front of her. She also panted against the tree, covered in a cold sweat.


    The young woman looked at her weakly and slowly gave her a thumbs up. Goodjob.


    Theresas eyebrows rose. Youspeak the Common tongue?


    The young woman teetered her hand. Dont speak Common well. I am Zhao Shishi. And you?


    Theresa. Theresa Lu.


    Theresa. Congrattions.


    Yeah, Theresa sighed. Congrattions.


    A memory came back to her: of the first time she had stood before Coille. She remembered very clearly the first step she had taken into the woods.


    Today felt the same.


    A first step into a wide forest, ready for exploration.


    In a way, she wished this forest would be like those she imagined as a little girl:


    Endless.

 Chapter 39: The Beginning of Baelins Test

    Chapter 39: The Beginning of Baelin''s Test


    Do you think we are ready? Khalik asked as the two young men walked toward the training grounds.


    Maybe? Alex shrugged. Theres no way were going to know that until we actually get where were going and find out what sort of evils been nned for us.


    True enough, Khalik forced his eyes forward as the stadium loomed in front of them. I wish we knew more.


    Yeah, so do I, man, so do I.


    Alex had woken up before dawn that morning feeling like hed swallowed a bucket of snow and ice. His nerves raced, getting the better of him, and he''d asked himself a half dozen times what madness had made him take such a dangerous sounding course. Each time hed answered in the same way: learn to deal with the dangers now, before they faced more serious onester.


    It had been a quiet morning, helping his sister do some preparatory homework for her sses beginning in two weeks. The morning passed slowly and he had kept looking at the door, waiting for Theresa to arrive and signal his time go.


    When she finally diddead-tired, stinking of something terrible but about as happy as hed ever seen herhed fixed her something to eat, gathered his supplies and stepped out the door. Khalik had been waiting for him just outside the now very busy ins, and the two men had started their long walk toward COMB-1000s meeting ce.


    There was no running today.


    They both had a feeling theyd need their strength.


    Do you think we are ready? Khalik asked again as they stepped into the stadium.


    Alex sighed. I hope so, Khalik, I hope so.


    The stadium was empty except for a small gathering of students in the centre. Most of them tough-looking individuals, reminding Alex more of hard-bitten soldiers than wizard students. One was a hulking male minotaur and another was a schar woman. Two others were beastmen that looked like dobermans. All of them looked like they were used to battle. There were some exceptions though. Some of the younger looking ones had a naive excitement in their eyes. Some of the more well-dressed looked confident, but soft.


    He could see one student was wearing a green shirt with the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhoods symbol on it. What he didnt expect were familiar faces. Alex blinked when he saw the tall, raven-haired Isolde standing on the opposite side of the crowd, with her arms folded, and her brow furrowed in concentration. Her mouth moved constantly, muttering something beneath her breath.


    On the other side stoodsurprisinglythe familiar form of Derek. The young man looked nervous, but he was among the only students who hade equipped for battle. He wore a chainmail shirt that hung down to his knees and a longsword belted to his waist. He paced back and forth, ncing from time to time at Isolde across the crowd as some of the other students ignored him.


    Khalik and Alex took up positions on the outer edge of the crowd. With a low cry, Najyah descended from the sky,nding beside her master and examining the students with her sharp eyes. There was no amusementing from the familiar this morning: only fierce caution.


    Alex looked at Khalik. Think this is all of us? he counted maybe twenty students out of the more than a thousand that had arrived on campus a week before.


    Maybe, Khalik said. A brave group, nheless.


    Yeah, brave, Alex nced over at Derek again. What was he doing here? What was Isolde doing here? Werent they second years? And from what little hed seen and heard of the red-haired young man, he didnt seem the type to be taking the most dangerous course on campus.


    Alexs eyes narrowed.


    A known cheater suddenly taking a course run by the chancellor himself.


    Hed have to watch him.


    Then the air began to shimmer. The entire ss went silent.


    Chancellor Baelin stepped out of thin air as he had when he had made the announcement about the potion detonation. The towering, grey-furred goatman scanned the gathered students, his eyes lingering on each one. Again, Alex couldnt help but feel that gaze was piercing right through him. He shifted his right shoulder away from the chancellor.


    Baelins beard sps jingled. That looks to be all of you. Wee to COMB-1000: The Art of the Wizard in Combat. First, Im going to tell you that I am proud of you. You have made a choice to start down an ancient path of wizardry. The <em>first</em> path of wizardry.


    He rose to his full height and his eyes seemed to look not at them, but at something distant. Something long passed. Before there was Generasi. Before there were <em>any</em> schools of wizardry, there was only the spellcaster, the power they wielded, and the world trying to wrench that away from them. Magic was a tradition written not in ink, but in blood. Spells were transferred not in books, but on stone tablets, on the skins of monsters, or by the sacred word of master to student. These were barbaric timesand the lie we tell ourselves is that <em>they</em> ever ended.


    He gestured to the empty sky. Dragons in the frozen wastes. The Ravener in Thamnd. Leviathans in the western sea and zaratans in the east. The Metal gods to the south, and the demon rulers of the realms beyond the sky and earth. These threats are ancient. And they have <em>not</em> disappeared into history, like so many young and foolish wizards have.


    Alex gulped. There was a gravity to the old wizards words that set the hairs on the back of his neck rising. The old man didnt speak of things like hed read about them, he spoke of them like hed <em>seen</em> them.


    The wizard ys with powers. Great powers. The higher the wizard climbs in the spell-tiers, the more danger the wizard opens themselves up to. Assassins. Demons. Greedy rivals and more. One must defend oneself against all these threats, using <em>all</em>resources. Today, you are starting down that ancient path that made the first wizards survive long enough to build the school you attend today. Now, some might ask why we are beginning two weeks early. The answer is simple: today is a test.


    He waved a hand through the air, and an illusion shimmered into being above him. Alex recognized the wastedndscape of the Barrens of Kravernus which Lucia had pointed out when theyd arrived in Generasi.


    Today we will be going into the Barrens, the chancellor said. And we will measure how much you bring into this ss. One must already have survival instinct and talent if one even hopes to take the first steps down this path. Today, Ill be randomly splitting you into groups of he mentally counted off the students. Four.


    He waved a hand at the illusion which shifted until it pointed to a natural tower of stone rising from the stedndscape. You will use all of your magical skill, your ingenuity and yourbat skill to reach the escarpment by the time ss ends in three hours. If a group member, or if the group as a whole fails to reach it, then that individual or group, will be required to visit the registrars office and select another course.


    Another wave of his hand created a series of shimmering symbols in the air. I am marking you all with this spell. The symbols shed, streaking forward like birds in flight,nding on the back of the students hands and pressing themselves in like tattoos.


    I will monitor you through those. The area that we go to today is one of the safest in all the Barrens. The monsters there are some of the weakest, and those that are somewhat stronger, can be avoided or even defeated with the correct application of power or wit. If you find yourself in danger or no longer wish to finish the test, call my name and say release me. My spell will then summon you to my side. I will then transport you back to the university, where you will need to select another course. If you are gravely injured during the test, the spell will automatically summon you to my side, and I shall transport you to the infirmary. If this urs, you will need to choose another course, if you recover.


    A grim silence had fallen among the students.


    Baelin looked at them solemnly. Do be aware that this course involves <em>real</em> dangers. I am with you as a safety, but idents have urred. People have died during this course, though I have prevented many, many more from dying either during the courses run, or after theyplete it. Nheless, if the only reason you are taking this course is to impress the chancellor, then I warn you, you should leave now. That is not the only way.


    Though the chancellor did not look at any one student, Alex caught Derek startling at his words. Some of the other students shifted ufortably as well, but none left.


    Baelin nodded. Very well. You are all adults. I trust you can make this decision with eyes open. Now, are there any questions?


    Isoldes hand immediately shot up. Chancellor-


    Call me Baelin. Im not one for formality.


    The tall woman seemed to wince. I-can you tell us what kind of monsters well encounter during the test?


    Likely muupkarassome troops of them make their homes in the area.


    What are those? Alex whispered to Khalik.


    I have no idea, the young man whispered back.


    Shh! a student near them hissed.


    And, though they are notmon in the area, bonedrinkers have been known to hunt these grounds.


    Someone gasped.


    Alex did <em>not</em> like the sound of that.


    Are there any wild mana vents in the area? Isolde asked.


    No, you will be safe from that threat. My expectation for you today is not to destroy every threat you meet, Baelin said. It is to test your judgement and basic ability to adapt. Evaluate your obstacles. Cross difficult ground at speed using magic and wit. Defeat what you should. Avoid what you can. The challenge today is not easy, but not impossible. If you cannot ovee this, then there are other courses at the university that I might rmend before trying your hand at COMB-1000 again. This course is rigorous. Its learning curve is steep. Finding that you are not ready today is better than discovering it three months from now when the challenges are far more perilous. Any other questions?


    Someone raised their hand. Um, sir, couldnt you teach us some things before we go into the test?


    Baelin nodded. I could. I could teach you the geography of the area. I could teach you the exact hunting grounds of the bloodthirsty creatures there and <em>how</em> to defeat them in the easiest way. I could teach you spells. I could teach you weapon craft. I could teach you the anatomy of your enemies. And at the end of it all, you would easily be able to destroy these enemies and reach the tower like you were just having a quick walk across campus. We could do this all semester, and you would be able to survive the Barrens of Kravernus quite well. And then, you would graduate and encounter a situation you had <em>no</em> preparation for, and you would likely die. At best.


    He gave them all a grave look. Today tests your ability to adapt with what you have. It is the basic requirement to take this course safely. After, we can grow your knowledge and give you more resources to use. Remember, if you are not ready, there is no shame in admitting that and using my spell to escape harm: knowing your limits is also the mark of a Proper Wizard.


    The chancellors goat-like eyes scanned the students, but no one raised their hand. I shall see you all on the other side. Be safe.


    With that, he waved his hand forward and the air shimmered between his fingers. That shimmering spread out in front of him like he was throwing a over the ss.


    Alex and Khalik nodded to each other.


    See you on the other side, if we are lucky, Khalik gave a nervous smile.


    You too, Alex said.


    Baelins teleportation magic washed over them.


    Then the stadium was empty.

 Chapter 40: The Plain of Dust

    Chapter 40: The in of Dust


    Baelins spell was different from The Travellers magic.


    When he had passed through The Saint of Alrics portal, Alex had seen scenes of many cesit had seemed like he was speeding through different realms and worlds with every blinkbut with this spell, he only saw swirls of light.


    A rushing feeling filled his gut, and the magic felt somehow familiar.


    With a pop, suddenly he stood alone in the Barrens of Kravernus.


    sted rock crunched beneath his feet as his weight settled on the ground, and a strong, hot wind whirled dust into his face. He began to cough, shielding his eyes as he looked toward the sun through the churning dust. It was hot here. A lot hotter than it had been at the university. The mana in the air was so thick that it felt like he was wading through a magical pea soup; the ambient mana seemed to vibrate with its own energy.


    Near to him was arge rise of rock, and beyond that, a slope that led down to a canyon. In the distance, rose the escarpment that served as the goal of their test.


    Alex? Khaliks voice asked behind him.


    Khalik! he turned around, thankful to see his friend.


    Two other figures appeared.


    Khalik was closest, with Najyah perched on the leather gauntlet on his arm. She had tucked her head beneath her wing, shielding herself from the dust. Behind them were thest two members of their group.


    The first was the massive minotaur that he had noticed standing with the ssa foot or more taller than Alexnow shielded his eyes with a thick arm holding an iron mace. Standing near him was the coughing form of a tall young woman.


    Isolde.


    We have to get out of the dust, Khalik coughed. Quick, behind that rock!


    The powerful young man, covering his eyes, leaned into the dust storm and strode toward the rise with the others following him with their eyes half-shut. Coughing and sputtering, the four students reached the stone and pressed against it.


    Holy shit, this is a hell of a test. Alex coughed, wiping dust from his hair and face.


    Well, we were warned. Khalik grimaced as Najyah shook herself, ruffling her feathers. It was not a windy day at the school so I hope this is just a short gust. But for now, dampen whatever cloth you have and tie it around your nose and mouth: the wind is howling like a desert sandstorm. Try not to talk for now: it will just bring more dust into your chest.


    The other three students quickly took their cloaks from their packs to tie around their faces. Alex was d hed packed his as he moistened a corner with his waterskin and wrapped it around his face and head. The wind couldnt have blown for more than a few minutes, but it felt like hours while they waitedpressed against the rise of rock as the dust hissed against it.


    Eventually, the wind lessened, beginning to grow quiet and the dust began to settle.


    Soon, the four students were able to remove the cloaks from their facesor snout in the case of the minotaur, as the dusty air settled.


    Well, that was terrible, Alex said, wiping his hair. Anyone having regrets yet? Maybe they still have openings in Summoning Fairies and Unicorns I.


    That wasnt a real ss, but it would have been amazing if it were.


    Khaliks lips crooked up a bit, but the other two didntugh.


    If were going to be working together as a team, then we should learn about each other and our capabilities before we start our journey, Isolde said, rising to her full height and shaking off her cloak. I am Isolde Von Anmut, and I am in my second year. A pleasure to meet you all. She nodded to them, but did not smile. Her eyes were already flicking toward their destination, as though she were trying to measure time and distance between them and the escarpment.


    Khalik, I am in my first year, and this is Najyah. Khalik wiped the dust out of his familiars feathers.


    Alex, first year, first ss, first time in a horrible dust storm. Lots of firsts. Alex conjured his forceball by the side of his head, and peered around the rock-rise. The dry earth was t as far as he could see, with the asional stone-rise breaking up from the ground, and canyon cutting through the stone. The stone-rises almost look like crooked, branchless trees made of sun-baked rock.


    Thundar, first year, the minotaurs voice rumbled. His ears flicked off the excess dust.


    Isolde paused. All first years? a note of disappointmenty in her voice. Youre all brave. Most students who try this course wait until at least their second year.


    Perhaps we are brave. Or perhaps we are just fools. Khalik said, then paused, looking at Alex, who was trying to control hisughter. What is so funny?


    Its a bit mad, isnt it? That were actually here in a horrible wastnd? Ah well, were already here, so we may as well see what were made of. So, have any of you had experience in a fight before? He raised his own hand quickly. I have.


    As soon as hed heard that disappointed note in Isoldes voice, he knew hed likely be considered nothing more than deadweight once she and Thundar heard the only spells he knew were forceball and forcedisk. Better to control how and what information came out before they started asking a bunch of questions and making a bunch of assumptions.


    I have been inbat as well, Khalik confirmed.


    Ive brawled among my generation and undergone rites of passage in my n. Thundar pped his mace in his hand. Alex eyed the brutal looking thing: its head was bigger than his forceball, and its nges ended in vicious looking points. Thundars arms were as big as Khaliks thighs; one swing from that weapon looked like it could cave in half of Alexs body.


    And Thundar was going to be a <em>wizard</em>? He looked like he shouldve been pulling silence-spiders in half with his bare hands. Still, best not to judge, Alex thought. <em>He</em> himself was trying to be a wizard after all, and he had a magic Mark that actively tried to make sure he could never cast a spell. So, who was he to question anyone else being there.


    I have not seen real battle, though, the minotaur finished, looking to Isolde. What about you?


    I have partaken in a number of wizard duelsbut have never engaged in a fight with monsters. Isolde grimaced. I took the first year of battle-magic and learned lightning spells from ELEC-1400. Now, I can cast up to third tier spells.


    Her tone was quick and serious.


    I know a body strengthening spell and an Illusory Duplicate spell, Thundar said. Both are first-tier.


    I can cast second-tier spells, Khalik quickly said. And Najyah, my familiar can scout, attack and serve as an origin point for my spells.


    Ive killed monsters before, Alex said, partly to let them know of hispetence, and partly to reassure himself. I think weve got a good group here. Brains, magic, brawn, experience. Were bringing different things to the table. As long as we bring cooperation too, well have just about everything the chancellor wants. We can do this.


    He emphasized the word cooperation, and saw the others nod in agreement. Good. Thest thing they needed was an argument over who would be leader.


    So, whats our n? Alex continued, pointing to the canyon. That big canyon is between us and where we need to gocan any of you fly? Like those floating disks at the school?


    Najyah can.


    Thanks, Alex said dryly.


    Isolde shook her head. Flight is a third-tier spell, but I havent learned it.


    Khalik eyed the canyon. I am serious, Alex. I will send up Najyah to survey whats around us. That could help us find a path. I cannot imagine the chancellor would ce us somewhere where we cannot even <em>try</em> to pass the test.


    He thrust his gauntleted arm into the air and sent Najyah pping into the cloudless sky. She will circle for a time, then tell me if there is any path ahead, and if there are any threats nearby.


    They waited, watching Najyah soar as her massive wings caught a hot air current which sent her high into the blue sky. As they watched, Alex noticed more specks in the distance: tiny wisps of cloud shooting up into the sky. Further in the distance, he noticed a bat-winged shape fly up as well.


    Are those going to be problems? he pointed to them.


    Isolde peered toward where his finger indicated. Nothose are summoned air elementals and thest looks like a summoned greater imp. Other parties must also be scouting by way ofhuh. Look at that.


    A pair of figureshumanoid shapedhad risen into the air and floated toward the escarpment. They crossed the sky at speed for about thirty seconds, then paused and flew back to where they had taken off from.


    Flight magic, Isolde said. But it looks like theyre not able to go all the way before their will mana runs out. Not good.


    What is it? Thundar asked.


    Unless they were scouting, they yed their hand too early. They probably thought they could cross the distance to the escarpment before their mana ran out, then realized just <em>how</em> far it was. Now, they are weakened and have to go back to whatever teammates they left behind. And thats a bad position to be in.


    Thatll cost them trust, Khalik said. An unwise strategy.


    Isoldes eyes narrowed. Trust doesnt matter to many at Generasi. Sometimes, its all about who can get ahead the quickestno matter what method they use.


    Alex had a feeling he knew who she was referring to.


    A cry signalled Najyahs return, and shended on top of the stone-rise. She met Khaliks eyes and something silently passed between her and her master.


    Good news and bad news. Khalik turned to the rest of them and pointed along the canyon. Theres a path down to the canyon floor ahead and another that leads up and to the other side farther down. We can crossbut the bad news is that she saw tracks at the bottom of the canyon. Something moves through there a lot. She thinks it is small though.


    Muupkaras, Isolde said. Little monsters covered in fur who walk upright like us. About three feet tall. They are smart enough to use rocks as weapons but they havent learned the use of fire.


    Dangerous? Thundars grip tightened on his mace.


    Yes, Isolde said. Monsters in the Barrens are aggressive, especially if theres a lot of them. Muupkaras are no exceptionbut four wizards of Generasi should be able to deal with them, and escapetheyve got short legs, theyre not that fast, but they have excellent endurance. Well likely only have a problem if theyre in a <em>very</em>rge troop.


    Howrge can those groups be?


    Most of the time? Between forty to fifty, but hunting groups are smaller, only about three to ten or so, ording to <em>Mazlows Hierarchy of Monsters Volume I.</em>


    Ten would be trouble, but three to five we can handle. Khalik said. He looked to Rajyah, who flew off the rock-rise. She will scout ahead of us, and tell me if the canyon is safe.


    We should get going. The dust has settled and we dont have all the time in the world, Thundar said.


    Alex eyed the canyon, looking at the rough walls. Just a second.


    He willed the forceball up and mmed it full force into the stone-rise they were standing beside.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Stone cracked from the impact, and a few more blows dislodgedrge chunks of rock whichnded heavily on the other side. Good, it looked like the stones in The Barrens werent unbreakable, and his powered up forceball could shatter them if they were hit enough or just right.


    What are you doing? Isolde frowned.


    Testing how stable the rock is. He centered his pack on his back. Shall we?


    The group moved from the rock-rise and began making their way toward the edge of the canyon. Najyah fluttered ahead of them, diving toward the canyon and swooping along its length. Alex peered over the side of the canyon wall. He was d he wasnt afraid of heights. It was a long drop. At least a hundred feet. Maybe more.


    He eyed the canyons sides. The stone looked like limestone, the same as the rock-risyered and king, while the floor of the canyon was covered in dust: two resources for him to use. More rock-rises seemed to grow out of the canyon floor like miniature trees, and many of them didnt look stable.


    Isolde was muttering beneath her breath nearby, and now he heard what she was repeating: facts about the Barrens as well as spell forme. Her back was straight and her arms stiff. Her eyes darted around constantly.


    You okay? he asked.


    Yes. Yes I am, she said stiffly. I should be asking you that, being your senior.


    He shrugged. Today were all on the same ship. The same rapidly sinking ship.


    Again, not augh. Ah well, at least <em>he</em> thought he was funny, and humour was helping to keep him calm.


    Id prefer if the ship were sound, Khalik said.


    Id like not to be on a ship at all, Thundar added.


    Isolde paused. ...Id at least take a sky-gond. That would make this entire test elementary.


    Alex snorted. We shouldve brought one, if itd work outside the city.


    He nced up ahead and saw a pathway leading down into the canyon.


    There. That was step one done. Easy enough so far.


    Thundar stopped, his nostrils ring. Wait he sniffed the air. I smell blood. Blood and rot. Coming from close by.

 Chapter 41: Predators

    Chapter 41: Predators


    Thundar slowly crept forward, and they followed cautiously as he led them away from the canyon.


    The minotaur sniffed the air while pointing his snout down toward the earth. Alex kept his forceball close and had unslung a staffit was just a broomstick with its head off; he was taking no chances with The Marks interferencefrom the top of his pack. He held it in first guard and was ready to drop into second at any moment.


    Both movements were feeling quite natural to him now.


    Khalik had drawn a short sword from a sheath at his side and had called Najyah to circle low overhead, ready to swoop down on any attackers that might suddenly appear. He had one hand raised, prepared to direct a spell.


    Isolde was silent. One of her hands was raised to cast spells while the other held a needle-pointed stiletto knife. From thefortable way she gripped it, it looked like shed been trained in its use.


    Soon, a foul smell hit them. Alex couldnt recognize the smell of blood like Thundar could, but there was a familiarness to the bad odor. It reminded him of when McHarris had left out ground meat for his pies for too long.


    Thundar stopped, tilting his head so that one eye looked at a dust pile in front of him. It was so low that Alex hadnt noticed it in the distance. Smellsing from this pile.


    They scraped the dust away and drew back from what they uncovered.


    The corpse of some kind of animal was covered in dust, half-buried in a hole in the dry, sted earth. Its flesh had been mostly stripped away, leaving sun-bleached bones connected to rotting tissue. It might have been some kind of big, two-legged lizard. Its face looked simr to the frostdrake from the beasterium, but the head was thinner, hornless and had less teeth.


    It was also a lot smaller than the frostdrakemaybe the size of an average dog. Definitely a lot smaller than Brutus, but then, most dogs were.


    Ugh, this has been here awhile. Khalik held his nostrils shut. It''s hard to know how it died, but it doesnt look like it died well.


    Alex followed Khaliks eyes and noticed that several of the bones had been broken open. Rocks the size of fists were lying nearby covered in the dark stain of dried blood. The bulk of the flesh around its head and long neck had been stripped off. Cleanly. Though there appeared to be tooth marks on the bones, it looked like the meat had been peeled.


    It reminded Alex of how Theresa had shown him how to clean a rabbit by peeling the flesh and skin from the bones, like pulling off a pair of pants.


    This kill looked a lot messier and more gruesome.


    It looks like a vent-drinker, Isolde said.


    A what? Alex and Thundar asked at the same time.


    A vent-drinker. Its one of the few creatures that can process ambient mana in the air well enough to survive absorbing it from wild mana vents directly: they dont need anything more than mana and some water to survive. Theyre peaceful creatures: its too bad they cant live outside of the Barrens. Even the city doesnt have enough mana in the air for them to survive for long.


    It seems this one had trouble surviving even <em>in </em>the Barrens Thundar knelt down beside the corpse and eyed the broken bones. More meat left. Either whatever got this is on a diet, or they left it behind toe back toter.


    Muupkaras I think. Isolde held her nose. Mazlow said their hunting parties will bury a kill if they n to return to a regionter. She pursed her lips. Hmmm, I wanted to save mana, but I think we might need some protection. If you gather around me, I can cast Lesser Force Armour on all of us. It will blunt attacks and protect us from blows to the head. I have enough mana for it tost roughly five hours which will be more than enough time for us toplete the test.


    From Alric and its peaceful nature, to having two spells cast on him in the space of what felt like minutes. Alexs life kept changing more and more.


    Isolde spread her handsreminding him of a sorceress that might lock a princess in a tower in one of his favourite childhood booksand spoke an incantation with her palms raised. Alex felt mana pour through a magic circuit that surrounded him, which weaved atticework of white force magic over his head, chest, trunk and groin.


    As the magic solidified, the glowing force disappeared, leaving only a slight distortion in the light to hint that it was there. In curiosity, he reached down and prodded at the distortion. It was solid: harder than his forceball.


    He blinked. Its invisible?


    Yes, Isolde tested the point of her stiletto against the invisible armour over her.<strong></strong> Some spells from the school of force are just an invisible magical force. Not all of them glow.


    He nced at his forceball. An <em>invisible</em> version might be useful. Through his experiments, hed figured out what part of the spell array was responsible for how much light the spell shed. If he could tweak that, it might cause the spell to basically disappear. His eyes narrowed in thought.


    The hive queen couldnt have struck his forceball down if she couldnt see it.


    Something to work onter.


    Thank you, Isolde, Khalik said. It will be much safer with these on us.


    Isolde nodded. It takes a fair portion of mana, though, so my casting endurance will suffer down the line.


    Well, thats why were here, Alex said, tapping his forceball with his staff. Well pull our weight as you get tired.


    He looked back down to the dead animals corpse.


    He wished Theresa was with them for a lot of reasons; for one, from her experience, she might have had a better idea of what a buried kill meant in terms of where the burying predators might have gone. He had a vague<em></em>memory of her talking about bears burying their kills. He focused on The Mark, concentrating on predators habits and avoiding predators.


    An array of memories arose of little snippets of conversation with Theresa or other hunters on what to do if you found bear droppings, or a kill left behind. Unfortunately, nothing specific and helpful came up: all of the advice just amounted to leave their terrority quickly.


    He nodded: leaving this ce was definitely on the urgent to-do list.


    He thought of using his forceball to smash the bones and stter the meat. That would kick up the smell in the air and maybe send these muupkaras looking to see what happened to their food, instead of directly following the tracks the four of them were leaving in the dust. ncing back, he took the forceball and tried wiping away their path, but that left long, curved edged trenches behind.


    He considered pressing the forceball close to the ground and spinning it to spray dust over the path behind them, but that wouldnt mask their smell.


    He looked at the corpse. It really didnt make sense to try anything that might make things worse. Thest thing they needed was for him to draw the monsters closer because of the smell, and then have them ignore their kill ande after their trail.


    We should keep moving. Khalik squinted up at the sun. Three hours toplete our task means we will likely not be able to stop for rest. In this heat, that will be difficult enough. So, now that we have seen where the smell ising from and have protected ourselves, we should move.


    Ill take up the front, Thundar offered. I can smell most thingsing from up ahead and I have no magic that strikes from range.


    I shall hold the rear, Khalik said.


    You and I in the center, then. Isolde nodded to Alex.


    Like the filling in a juicy pie for hungry monsters, he said.


    A pause.


    Why are you like this? Khalik asked.


    Ive been asking myself the same question for years.


    The group fell back into silence as they made their way back to the canyon. Sunlight shone hard onto the Barrens, making the air shimmer in the distance, and by the time they reached it, Alex was starting to sweat. He took a long drink from his waterskin and shook it. Still nearly full.


    The path down into the canyon was narrow and covered in dust. The group slowed, carefully watching their footing, and Thundar stretched out his arms for bnce.


    Loose rocks crumbled away from the path beneath the minotaurs hoovescausing them to freezethankfully, nothing gave way. Cautiously they kept moving and finally reached the bottom, sighing with relief.


    Thunders nostrils red. Theres a musk in the air from a beast Ive never smelled before. Its old.


    Hopefully that means its long gone. Alex used The Mark to scan the ground in case there were any hidden tracks. Unfortunately, a few passes of his eyes didnt yield any informationthe dust storm had likely covered any trails. Khalik, how far ahead did Najyah see those tracks?


    Some distance ahead. His gaze followed his familiars flight-path over the canyon. There. Do you see where she stops and flutters? That is where the tracks are. The path up to the other side of the canyon is further ahead.


    Then wed better keep moving.


    They continued through the heat with boots, shoes and hooves scraping through the dust. Their footsteps echoed from the canyon walls, and their eyes scanned the path ahead and the stone to the sides. They circled the rocky formations rising from the canyon floor, making sure nothing was hiding around them.


    As the silence grewbroken only by the odd, low gust of wind and their own footfallstension began to rise in Alex.


    He nced down at the symbol on his hand for reassurance.


    If things became too rough, he could always leave. That was what the safety was for, but leaving now wouldnt help him get experience for further dangers when it came to delving into magic or the mystery of The Ravener. And one day, there would be no safety.


    Smells getting stronger, Thundar sniffed the air. Newer too, but whatever it was, wasnt just here.


    Najyah has not seen anything. But the tracks are close.


    Passing another stone-rise, they saw footprints ahead. They were smallmaybe the size of young childrensbut were human-shaped except for the toes, which were long like fingers. From the points in front of the tracks, they ended in ws like a bears or wild cats.


    More blood and rot. Thundar said, his nostrils ring. Another buried kill is close.


    Then this is part of their hunting grounds toolook there. Isolde pointed at a dark stain sttered on the canyon wall to their left. Beneath it, broken bonesy, half-buried by the dust. I read that muupkaras will chase preylike vent-drinkersacross the Barrens. They surround them with numbers and herd them toward the edge of a canyon wall. Then, the prey falls to the ground and the muupkaras go down and feast.


    Well I guess were safer being at the bottom of the canyon, Alex said. ...unless they start throwing rocks from up above. At least since were already down here, they cant herd us to fall to the bottom. A light wind blew toward them, not strong enough to kick up much dust.


    Thundar went into a sneezing fit.


    You okay? Alex asked.


    Yeah, fine, I just he trailed off, sniffing the wind. New smell. The beast smell from before. But a lot newer. Close too.


    The group froze, looking toward the ramp that led up the other canyon wall. It was maybe one to two hundred yards ahead.


    How new is new? Alex asked.


    Very new.


    Isolde stiffened. Could creatures be hiding somewhere ahead?


    Its better if we find out now, than when they are close. Khalik said.


    Alexs mind began to work. Where could they be? There was one of those little natural stone-rises in front of them, but there were no more ahead, only the dust-covered, t canyon floor.


    No cover to hide behind.


    Then Alex remembered the silence-spiders.


    The workers had hidden beneath the hallway floor. These muupkara things buried their prey. They were diggers.


    His eyes narrowed.


    I think Ill use my forceball to see if anythings hiding over there.


    Good idea. I can check in my own way too. Khalik raised a hand and pressed his fingers together. Ready.


    Ill guard the front, Thundar said, squaring his shoulders.


    Isolde watched them, then moved to the side toward the closest stone tower for cover. As soon as they were tucked behind the stones, Alex willed his forceball over the dust ahead. Khalik watched carefully, with fingers ready to snap.


    Then Alex willed the ball to spin.


    Then he willed it down.


    <em>Bang</em>.


    It struck the earth.


    Khalik snapped his fingers.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Sound burst ahead like an explosion going off.


    Screeching filled the air.


    Monsters burst up from beneath the dust. More than a dozen.


    Each was about three feet tall with short, stubby limbs. Grey fur covered their bodies and round faces, but their hands and feet were bare. Their fingers and toes ended in long, vicious looking ws. They had enormous, coal ck eyes protruding from their heads, and their noses were small and ck like a canines. Massive, bat-like ears rose from their heads, and their little paws clutched them from the pain of Khaliks sound-p.


    They were


    They were


    Cute?


    They almost looked like little upright fluffy shepherd dogs from Alric. Look at their big, brown eyes! Alex thought. How could


    Then they opened their mouths.


    And he screamed.


    Their jaws <em>unfolded</em>, spreading wide apartfar wider than it seemed physically possible. Hed seen garden snakes unhinge their jaws to swallow a fat mouse. These creatures'' jaws reminded him of that, but much, much worse.


    Teeth unfolded from all sides of their mouths: hundreds of hooked, sharp fangs that jutted from the insides of their cheeks, the roofs of their mouths, their gumsjust teeth everywhere. They had no tongues and the back of their unnaturally wide mouthsbig enough to swallow someone up to the shoulderspulsated, making hideous sucking sounds.


    Alex was suddenly reminded of Mr. Lu sucking meat off chicken bones.


    Oh shit! he screamed.


    Hemanded the spinning forceball to shoot forward.

 Chapter 42: Ambushing the Ambushers

    Chapter 42: Ambushing the Ambushers


    The spinning forceball shot over the ground, ploughing through the dust and kicking clouds of grit into the air. Alex guided the spell to shoot in front of each little monster, spraying the dust into their open mouths, eyes andrge ears as he whirled it along the ground in between them.


    The Mark didnt react to the indirect effect, much like how it didnt react to the statues eye-beams chasing his forceball and striking the spiders in the Cave of the Traveller. The creatures began coughing and sputtering at the spray in their faces.


    The young wizards didnt waste a moment.


    Isolde spat an incantation.


    <em>Crackle.</em>


    Blue bolts of lightning danced between two of her raised fingers. She shot her hand forward, pointing toward the little monsters as they coughed and hacked on dust.


    There was another crackle like snapping branches.


    Then lightning shot forward.


    Two thin rays of crackling electricity magic fired from her fingertips, hitting two of the little creatures in their chests. They stiffened, shuddering as her power surged through them, conducting into the ground. With raspy, gurgling sounds, they dropped in limp heaps, with their monstrous jaws twitching.


    The others screeched as theirpanions fell, and stumbled forward, picking uprge rocks that theyd hidden. Alex shot his forceball in front of them, keeping it skidding and spinning along the ground, whipping more dust into their faces.


    Khalik spat another incantation.


    Sharp rocks were conjured in front of his hand, and fired like crossbow bolts deep into the chests and frightful mouths of the monsters. As they dropped, a sharp cry signalled Najyah entering the battle.


    She shot down on alons extendedand with weight and speed, drove it off its feet. Her razor-sharp beak finished it.


    Almost half of the creatures went down in seconds. Those still alive screeched louder, throwing their rocks at the wizards but then dropping to all fours and sprinting toward the canyon wall. They moved surprisingly fast considering how stubby their legs were, and reached the wall as the wizards burst from cover.


    They were waiting in ambush! Khalik shouted.


    We shouldnt let them get away! Isolde raised fingers. They might go for help, if their troop hasnt already heard them!


    Alexs eyes narrowed. The creatures <em>were</em> running away, but that didnt mean they were really giving up the fight.<strong></strong>He thought back to the silence-spiders, how they hid, scurried and ambushed their prey. These muupkaras had just tried to ambush them: letting them escape now to try againter would be foolish, and probably a good way to get killed.


    Dont waste your spells, Ive got this. Thundar rushed toward the monsters with his giant mace ready. The minotaurs long strides saw him easily catch them, and with a single swing, one dropped to the ground.


    The others had made it to the bottom of the canyon wall and had started climbing the rock face. Their sharp ws bit into the stone.


    Ive got em, Alex yelled, eyeing the cliff face above.


    He called his forceful up and began smashing it into the cliff face high above the fleeing creature''s heads. Searching the stones for cracked areas and protrusions on the rock-rise above, he aimed at them, cleaving the forceball into each at different angles.


    With a few precise blows, the rocks cracked, sending pebbles andrger stones raining down on the climbers. The muupkaras screeched as several of them were hammered by falling rock. One lost its grip and dropped to the canyon floor, where Thundar was waiting. Then another fell. Then another.


    Thest few clung to the cliff, but Najyah dove at them, striking them from behind with her talons extended. Each time her ws connected, they screamed, letting go of the wall and plunging toward the canyon floor. Thundars mace swung, finishing each one as they dropped howling and snarling to the ground. When thest one was dispatched, he rose to his full height and wiped his mace. When he turned, he was spattered in red.


    Done, was all he said.


    II thought you never saw battle before? Alex stared at him.


    Thundar shrugged. Not true battle, but our brawls among the n arevigorous.


    Alex looked down at the smashed monsters, noting to himself to never, ever piss him off.


    I am d we did not walk into that unawares. Khalik stepped to one of the little creatures bodies and knelt down beside it. The fangs in its mouth still twitched slightly. If they had surprised us with a sessful stone attack, we would have been unbnced, and had they then jumped us with their numbers, things could have been grim.


    We <em>could </em>have survived with our skills and Isoldes armour spell in ce. Most of us, at least. Thundars hooves scuffed over the dust as he approached. But, there would have been wounded, which would slow us, or maybe the wounded would have had to drop out calling on the Chancellors spell.


    It is good we found them before they could attack us, Isolde agreed. And I am well pleased with what each of us brings. That battle was solved with two spells, a bird and a mace. We are still left with plenty of mana resources. She looked to Alex. Your forceball is <em>incredibly </em>versatile; Ive never seen one that can crack stone and move so quickly.


    I had a lot of time to practice with it. Alex shrugged. If I had a choice, Id kinda like to <em>shoot freaking lightning from my fingers</em>.


    Isoldes face softened a little. ELEC-1400 is not an easy course, but its fun if you can get through the initial unit on the history of electrical magic and the unit on conduction. Did you pick it?


    No, Alex said. Maybeter.


    Khalik nced to the sun. Lets hope their troop was not close enough to hear their cries. Either way, we should be moving.


    The four wizards took a final look at the fallen monsters then began climbing the ramp up to the other side. The suns heat grew stronger as they reached the top of the canyon.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    They abruptly stopped, gaping at the horizon.


    Light shed in the distance followed by a roar, and a massive fireball soared into the air followed by clouds of smoke and dust. Momentster, a crack like stone tearing, and more dust shot up from the ground elsewhere in the distance.


    Looks like the other groups ran into their own troubles. Khalik sent Najyah into the sky, letting her lead and scout again. Lets go. We have a long way yet.


    The group pushed on through the wastnds, wrapping their cloaks around their heads for protection from the sun. There was no wind to blow dust into their faces at the moment, but an unexpected gust could stir it up and sweep away visibility. The cloaks would protect them against both the zing sun, and dust. As they continued toward the escarpment, the sun rose further into the sky, closing in on noon.


    The heat continued to climb.


    Alex and Isolde were sweating profusely, and Thundar was starting to pant. Khalik was more used to the heat, but even his broad shoulders had started to sag. Alex took long sips from his waterskin as they trekked through the in. On the horizon, another sh of light would suddenly appear from time to time, marking signs of more battle.


    They watched their surroundings carefully, tensed for another ambush, but none came. For a long time, they were alone in the wastes, left only to the searing heat that had cracked the dry earth, and the thick mana in the air.


    Najyah circled above, watching for threats.


    Soon she wasnt alone in the sky. Massive birds with ck feathers began soaring above the ins. Many circled the canyon to their backs, just above the spot where they had killed the muupkaras. Others flew over areas ahead of where the battle had taken ce. Their wing-span appeared to be about as wide as Najyahs, but they were thinner, at least from what Alex could see.


    Big crows, he said.


    Vultures, Khalik corrected him. They are birds that feed on the dead.


    Well, I guess we left them a lot of food back there, Alex said.


    Hrm. Thundar watched the vultures behind them. If the muupkaras troop is around and looking for their hunting party, they might go check why vultures are flying over where their hunting party was. If theyre smart enough.


    The students quickened their pace.


    As they continued through the wastes, they saw other signs of life.


    Large insects burrowed from the earth to bask in the heat as the sun approached midday. Fist-sized beetles shook the dust from their shells then unfolded green, leaf-like wings.


    Some flew from the earthmaking a loud droning noise and swooped to the top of rocky rises dotting the in. There, they would look around and sy their wings wide to take in the sunlight. Despite the heat, Alex shuddered, remembering insectile eyes watching them in the Travellers Cave. He pushed the memory of silence-spiders from his mind.


    Theyre just bugs, he told himself. Theyre just bugsarent they?


    He pointed to therge insects. Know anything about those, Isolde?


    She nodded. Green Wings: they take their energy from the sun. Theyre harmlessunless you eat them.


    What happens if you eat them? Thundar asked.


    Its a strong poison. Especially to those with a lot of mana in their bodiesthat trait helps keep them safe from predation in the Barrens.


    Oh. Alex was d eating bugs, or anything else they found out here, wasnt part of the test.


    He took another long sip of water, mentally cursing the sun. Even the hottest summer days in Alric felt like a cool fall breezepared to the merciless beating the sun was giving them here.


    The heat was sapping his strengthall of their strengths. His feet were hot, and felt like weights were tied to them. Isoldes straight-backed stride was starting to droop forward and Khaliks shoulders continued to sag. Thundars panting filled the air. Alex was d hed trained for endurance over the past month. If he hadnt, he doubted he could have made it this far.


    He looked up to the escarpment. It was getting closer, at least.


    Hold on. Khalik stopped them. He squinted up as Najyah flew down tond on his gauntlet. Najyah has seen something.


    He and his familiar locked eyes for a moment, and information passed between them. Khalik quickly looked back over his shoulder.


    Oh damn everything, he swore. The muupkara troop pursues us.


    The group whirled around, squinting at the horizon. In the distance through shimmering waves of heat, <em>something</em> moved. It was far enough away that they couldnt make it out clearly.


    How many? Alex asked.


    Najyah says many more than we killed. <em>Many</em> more.


    And were on open ground, Thundar said. Theyve got short legs, we should keep moving. Keep ahead of them. No need for a fight if we can avoid it. Especially against a lot of them, and in this heat.


    Alex looked up to the escarpment. It seemed deceptively, tauntingly close. They pushed on through the sun, with each of them looking back over their shoulders to look for signs of movement.


    Thundar sniffed. New scents aheadmore of them. And something else. Something strange.


    Cautiously, they removed the capes from their faces and moved forward, with hands raised for spellcasting. They were tensed, ready for an ambush.


    But, they didnt encounter living muupkaras.


    They encountered corpses.


    On a patch of earth that had been torn up, half a dozeny scattered on the ins ahead. Each of them was half-copsed, like waterskins that had been punctured. Their flesh sagged, giving them a strange, soft, deformed look. Because they were so fuzzy, it took Alex a bit to figure out what was wrong.


    Their ws were missing.


    Their bones were gone.


    Gone from each one of them.


    Their faces looked like someone had half-ttened y dolls and left them in the rain to melt. Their features were sunken in and their limbs were crooked and disced. They looked like shriveled sacks of flesh that were drying in the sun.


    Large puncture wounds pierced each of them: some to the chest, some to their arms, and some to the backs of their heads.


    Uldars beard, Alex swore. What the hell happened to them? He remembered one of the monsters that Baelin had warned them about. Oh shit, did one of those bonedrinker things the chancellor mentioned do this?


    Paling, Isolde looked down at the bodies, then quickly scanned the horizon. Still empty. Yes: they have sharp tails that they use to bore into their prey, then they release a substance that liquifies the skeleton. The skin and flesh is left behind, but the bones and marrow be like a thick soup for them to drink their fill of. She looked up to the horizon apprehensively. From the way these muupkaras bodies are punctured and how they look deted, I think we can say that there was a bonedrinker here.


    Khalik grimaced, looking at the ground. Dammit, the dust storm must have blown away any tracks. Can you smell where it might have gone, friend Thundar?


    The minotaur sniffed. That way. He pointed south, away from the escarpment. The scent is old though. It might be anywhere.


    Khalik frowned, lifting up the hand that had been spell-marked by Baelin. Remember all, there is no shame if we need to retreat.


    Alex looked at him sharply.


    From the way Khalik had said that, he wondered if he meant that for himself too, or if he just meant it for them. After all, he was the one who had persevered in his journey to Generasi with only Najyah after the rest of his entourage couldnt continue.


    Youre right, Alex said, his mind working. But, were getting close, though. We should be able to get there before anything gets us. I hope.


    Yeah, if we keep moving, Thundar said.


    They pushed onward again, scanning every direction. They nced back toward their pursuers far in the distance, they scanned the horizon for any sign of bone drinking monsters. The wind blew toward their backs, giving them an extra push forward, luckily. Only a light spray of dust kicked up, not enough to hinder their progress.


    The wind made their journey easier.


    But it also turned out to be a curse.


    With it blowing at their backs, Thundar couldnt smell what was ahead. They continued scanning the horizon for threats, but the dust obscured a lot of the terrain.


    They never saw the second ambush until theyd walked right into it.

 Chapter 43: The Escarpment

    Chapter 43: The Escarpment


    Dust exploded from the ground.


    Muupkaras emerged from the earth around them, screeching, with rocks raised above their heads. There were only eight this time, but now <em>they</em> had the element of surprise. They threw the stones with full force and surprising skill.


    Oof! Alex groaned as one struck him in the chest and another cracked off his forehead. The lesser force armour absorbed much of the impact, but the weight of the blows were enough to send him stumbling backward and drive a hot burst of pain through his body. The little creatures were surprisingly strong for their size.


    Stones struck the others, ncing off their force armour or clipping Khaliks leather gauntlet. Thundar grunted as one struck him in his powerful thigh, but his tough hide and muscle made the impact little more than annoying.


    Then the beasts rushed at them, swarming and dodging past Khalik and Thundar to head for Isolde and Alex: the weakest looking members of the group. Isolde stumbled back in surprise, but Thundar recovered quickly, spitting out a short incantation.


    His form shimmered, and he suddenly split into a twin of himself. He and his image quickly went to Isolde, and he swung out with his mace, warding off some of the attackers. The muupakaras skidded to a halt in front of both massive weapons, trying to dart between them. Some stayed focused on Isolde and Thundar.


    The others went for Alex, their jaws opening and splitting, ready to grab him and tear at his flesh. He quickly dropped into second stance and shot his forceball down in front of the closest one.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The creature ran into it, falling backward in a heap.


    The others swarmed forward as Alex backed away, sweeping the air in front of him with his broomstick. His heart pounded as wet sounds bubbled from their throats, while scores of pointy teeth twitched and throbbed as they advanced.


    He called his forceball, dropping it in front of their faces and weaving it rapidly in circles and figure eights around them. The air whooshed around like a swarm of bees. He danced the forceball between them, guiding it close enough to make it look like he was aiming for their faces. They skidded to a halt, dodging out of the way of the spell.


    I have them! Khalik shouted.


    Najyah shrieked out a battlecry.


    She swooped over the line of monsters, with her masters spell shimmering beneath her. Sharp rocks rained down in a line behind her, bombing and striking the creatures through their fur. They howled and stumbled back. Now Alex swept his forceball forward in front of them, spinning grit into theirrge eyes and mouths. Wounded and now half-blind, they screeched and scampered back.


    Alexs eyes looked for anything he could use against them, anything indirect. But there were no mop buckets of water, no fire-gems in the eyes of goddesses, or rocks to rain down on them. All he had was dust and t-earth.


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    Gritting his teeth he swept the forceball back and forth in front of themslowly moving it closerdriving them backward on their heels. Suddenly, their screeching intensified. Khaliks sharpened stones were vanishing from their wounds, and blood began to pour over their fur as the deep cuts opened. Panicked from their injuries and fear of the forceball, they were forced into full retreat, leaving behind long trails of red on the dust.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Isolde raised her hands. Sparks danced across her palms and burst into me-sts that reached out in a cone, sweeping the air fifteen feet in front of her. The scent of burning filled the air as some of the monsters fur caught fire.


    One of her attackers leaped around the mes and tried to duck toward her, but a swing from the closest Thundars mace stopped it in its tracks. It froze in surprise as the minotaurs mace passed into the ground where it had just stood, disappearing like a rock dropping into water.


    <em>That</em> Thundar had been the illusion.


    The real one swung while it was distracted.


    <em>St.</em>


    Thest of the attacking muupkaras was a crushed mess beneath his mace.


    Alex watched the others running away. They were bleeding badly. Theresa had told him about animals shed huntedbleeding from her broad-headed arrowsthese creatures would not get far with that amount of blood loss.


    The second Thundar shimmered out of existence and the four wizards panted in the heat. Despite catching them by surprise, their attackersy dead, dying, or would be dead soon enough.


    Anyone hurt? Khalik asked.


    Fine, Thundar grunted.


    Just my pride. Alex wiped the sweat from his brow.


    Filthy creatures. Isolde red at the corpses. Filthy, filthy creatures. She nced to Thundar. Thank you, if you were not so quick to act, that would have been much worse.


    Just doing my part for the herd, Thundar said.


    Khalik, you and Najyah saved me there, too, thanks. Alex pped him on the arm.


    Your distraction helped us, Khalik said. If you had just started to attack one of them, then the rest would have swarmed you. Keeping them away was good thinking.


    Y-yeah, Alex said. Im just d we all got out of that in one piece.


    Mhm, though my mana reserves are dented, Khalik said.


    Mine too, said Isolde.


    Alex looked happily at his forceball. Practicing a sustained spell for so many years to up its mana efficiency was paying off quite well. I still have more juice. He nced over his shoulder. We should get moving. These things had brown fur instead of grey. Maybe theyre from a different troop. If we dont get going, we might have two groups after us. Oh, and, Isolde, your force armour saved my ass. Thanks.


    She shrugged. Were a good group so far. Thats all there is to it.


    They pushed on through the dust, squinting their eyes against the sun. Noon was approaching. They still had time, but the tests end was getting closer.


    It seemed like theyd been walking for days. The sun was high now and the air seemed to burn. Earlier, Alex would have sworn the Barrens couldnt get any hotter, but the heat had seemed to double with each passing moment.


    Najyah had taken breaks from soaring above by flying down and perching on Alexs forceball. He was d hed gotten it to the point where it could carry heavier weights. The groups steps had slowed as the sun continued to sap their strength, and the movement on the horizon behind had grown more distinct as time went on.


    The muupkaras were gaining on them.


    Persistent little demons. Alex nced back over his shoulder. He was sure he was imagining it, but he thought he could already hear their angry screeches carrying on the wind.


    They have a lot of endurance. Isolde poured sweat, and her raven hair was stered to her shirt. Theyrun prey down for miles.


    We cant slow down. Thundar panted. The minotaur wizards breathing sounded as loud as the wind from earlier. His mace hung loosely in a loop on his belt. If anything, weve got to speed up.


    Khalik poured water over his its and face. It dripped from his beard. We are close, but Najyah says there is some kind of change in the terrain ahead. With hope, it will not slow us down.


    Wish one of us knew ice or water spells, Alex groaned. At least were not one of those people that showed up wearing some kind of armour.


    He thought of Derek, and noticed Isoldes jaw harden.


    If <em>someone</em> did, then they had better have taken it off, she said. That metal will be as hot as the smithy it was made in by now.


    Dont I know it, Thundar groaned, looking painfully down to the metal mace by his side.


    Even with all that shaggy fur covering him, the weapon must have been hot and burning his leg. Alex couldnt help but feel for him.


    Were almost there, he said, trying to keep his voice cheery. Just a little more of a walk and well be there. Weve got plenty of water left, or at least I do, and Im willing to share. I swear I dont have pox or anything.


    Heughed at his own bad joke, and was surprised to hear all three of hispanions chuckle weakly too. The heat <em>must</em> have been getting to them. Just a little longer. As long as we dont run into anything else.


    They pushed harder, trying to open distance between them and their pursuers all while keeping their eyes on the goal ahead. The heat had seeped into Alex to the very bone, butif anythingthat just spurred him harder. Hed done well so far in this test, and hed already learned more about how to use his forceball in new ways just by wielding it in truebat. The ss was already proving to have value.


    Besides, aftering so far and training so hard for it, he couldnt help but have a little pride at the thought that hed seed. Alex Roth, The Fool of the Heroes of Thamnd was close to passing a test of ability given by Generasis own chancellor. Proving himself here would strengthen his own confidence, open new opportunities, and help convince anyone who might suspect him of being The Fool that he likely wasnt.


    The challenge was tough, but less dangerous than hed feared.


    He nced ahead, peering into the horizon through the shimmering air, and took another long sip from his waterskin.


    All he had to do was keep putting one foot in front of the other.


    The ground ahead had broken.


    At a point close to the base of the escarpment, the terrain shifted from t, dust-covered wastnd, to cracked and broken rock that was criss-crossed by narrow canyons and crevices.


    Oh shit, he groaned, and the others groaned with him.


    Some of the rocks were angled and would need to be maneuvered past slowly and carefully. Others had wide gaps between them that needed to be jumped. To make things worse, anything could be hiding in those crevices, waiting to attack as they jumped over them.


    And a lot of their partys strength had already been drained.


    Alex nced back over his shoulder. He was starting to be able to make out their pursuers as they were getting closertheir forms were bing more apparent.


    This is going to be tough, Isolde said, eyeing a section of the ground that was angled up like a dagger sticking out of the earth.


    Yeah, and were going to lose time and those little demonsll get closer. Alex jerked his thumb over his shoulder.


    Khalik examined the crevices, then looked to Thundar. How much strength do you have left, my friend?


    Thundar grunted. More than Id hoped, less than Id like.


    Okay. Khalik stood in front of the first crevice, watching Najyah circle above the in. We are almost there. If you and I can help Alex and Isolde in making some of the jumps, then we should be able to cross quicker and with no issue.


    Khalik, if you try to bridal carry me over the canyons Alex looked at him.


    I would never. Khalik grinned. Now, Thundar might.


    The minotaur grunted at Isolde and Alex. Youre both getting thrown.


    Najyahnded on a stone ahead as they began crossing the crevices. When the gaps were narrow, the entire group easily stepped over or made the short jumps needed to get from one massive stone to the next. As the gaps widened, the athletic Khalik would make the running jump to the other side, and then wait. Isolde would go next, starting a jog with Thundar behind herwith his arms braced under her armpitsand then shed jump with the minotaurs massive arms helping to propel her forward across the gap.


    Khalik would catch her on the other side.


    Alex felt a littlepathetic, needing to be half-tossed across the gaps like a sack of potatoes, but he consoled himself with the fact that hed only really been training for a month now. None of the training had involved jumpingsomething he would correct soon...that is if he survived this ce. For now, hed swallow his pride since missing one of the jumps and plunging fifty feet down one of those crevices was something hed rather avoid.


    Najyah circled around them, eyeing each crevice for any sign of muupkaras or anything else hiding here.


    As they closed on the escarpment, their spirits began to rise, but so did their tension. Now they could hear their determined pursuers'' cries and shrieks in the distance, and they were growing louder. The muupkaras could climb well, while they needed to pause at the crevices to cross safely.


    Oof, Alex groaned as he half-jumped halfnded-after-being-thrown into Khalik. Isolde, what tier is a flight spell again?


    She grunted. Third.


    First thing Im learning when I hit third tier is a flight spell, I swear to The Traveller- he paused. Oh hell, look at them!


    He pointed up to the south. Two figures were flying over thendscapethe students that had tried it before. They were at speedthough only about half as fast as Najyahand kept looking back over their shoulders.


    They must have waited until they were close enough to make the whole journey with their mana, Thundar grunted in disapproval. Left the rest of the group behind.


    Khaliks eyes narrowed. From their bodynguage they lookscared dont they? Najyah!


    The eagle swooped to the south, passing the flying wizards. She halted, fluttering in the air, then quickly swooped down and gave a loud cry.


    Her master swore in his mother tongue. We have to move! Theres only one of their group left, and they are being chased.


    Isolde looked at him sharply. More muupkaras?


    Khaliks face turned grim. She said it was muchrger. Thatit was white and had many spikes.


    The young woman paled. Its the bonedrinker! Hurry, we have to reach the escarpment!

 Chapter 44: The Bonedrinker

    Chapter 44: The Bonedrinker


    The group pushed as hard as they could, trying to scramble over broken rocks and ground. Dust scattered. Stones and pebbles shifted. The heat zed mercilessly and their goal seemed to not get any closer.


    The Barrens were starting toe alive with sound.


    The flying students who had abandoned theirpanions had reached the top of the escarpment and disappeared out of view.


    Now that they were getting closer, Alex could see a narrow circr flight of steps cut into the side of the escarpment leading up to the top. He swore. Hed hoped that reaching the foot of the escarpment would mean the test was over, but since there was no sign of the chancellor, he realised their ordeal wasnt over. It <em>did</em> make more sense for Baelin to be on top of the escarpment using his magic to observe them during the test.


    Najyah has checked the escarpment! She says that the horned one is at the top! Khalik called as he scrambled to the next crevice over a massive stone. The chancellor waits up there!


    Hope had entered his voice.


    The noises around them continued to build.


    Explosions sounded from the other side of the escarpment. More battle. Shouts wereing from the south, mixed with some sort of hideous clicking.


    Like rheumatic bones rolling against each other.


    Meanwhile, behind them, the muupkaras continued to gain. Alex nced over his shoulder. He could see them clearly now, and there were a <em>lot</em> of them. Fifty, perhaps more. They loped along on all fours like a pack of feral dogs, crying and shrieking to each other. Alex remembered how easily their ws had sunk into the rock, allowing them to scale the canyon wall. If they reached the broken area, they would quickly overtake them.


    Thundar grunted. Dammit, I was saving this for a big fight!


    An incantation flew from his lips.


    Silver-grey mana materialized around him, emerging from his mana pool and seeping into his physical form. For an instant, he was outlined in his mana before itpletely vanished. His muscles tensed and swelled, and his fur bristled.


    Hang on to me! He reached out and grabbed Alex and Isolde, tucking each beneath an arm feet first. The smell wasnt pleasant, but Alex had no time to dwell on that.


    Thundars hooves mmed against the stone as he jumped effortlessly from the edge and over the nearby crevice, despite carrying two fully grown humans.


    This wontst forever, he grunted to Khalik. Keep up.


    Yes! Khalik cheered.


    Alex hung on to Thundar and kept his eyes on the troop approaching the crevices.


    As Thundar and Khalik jumped from stone to stone, Alex and Isolde bounced against the minotaurs sides. Alex kept his mouth shut to avoid biting his own tongue. More screeching and battle noises echoed from all around, sounding like the other groups had dragged a horde of enraged muupkaras with them.


    Soon, only a handful of crevicesy between them and their goal.


    Then, a human sounding scream rang out from the south.


    It seemed tost forever before abruptly disappearing and reappearing at the top of the escarpment. An instantter, it disappeared again. The bonedrinkers prey must have been teleported to Baelin, and then to Generasi.


    I can see other students now! And a lot of muupkaras, Thundar shouted.


    Alex craned his neck, but couldnt see much around the minotaurs bulk. He exchanged a look with Isolde, who appeared more tense than a cat around Brutus. She was muttering beneath her breath again.


    He nced up, noticing their little pursuers reaching the edge of the broken rock area. They streamed over the stones, climbing through the crevices like ants swarming a fallen piece of meat.


    Shit guys, theyre getting close!


    So are we, Thundar grunted.


    Theynded hard after onest jump, and he set Alex and Isolde down. Theyd finally reached the bottom of the escarpment, now only the stairsy between them and their goal.


    Snorting, the minotaur nced to the south. Wed better keep moving.


    Alex followed his gaze and gasped.


    Approaching them at frightening speed, the bonedrinker crawled over the crevices. It was hugeat least as big as a carriageand twisted. Its body was massive and ill-shapen, like a giant shelled creature that was deformed. Spikes and calcified protrusions rose from its back and limbs. Its head was crowned in misshapen horns. A long tail that looked like vertebrae swung behind it, capped by a needle the size of a longsword. The creature was humanoid in shape, but it crawled, moving with the same sinuous movements as a lizard.


    From what Alex could see of its head, its massive crowned skull was also humanoid, with endless rows of fangs and bony protrusions sticking from its cheeks. Its mouth gaped open, glistening with slimy, white, pulsating flesh. Its eyes sat on a pair of long tentacles like the eye-stalks of a snail. Bone shifted and shimmered along its form as it moved, and more protrusions appeared on its back.


    Oh <em>hell no!</em> Alex shouted. Run! Holy shit! Run!


    They didnt need to be told twice and everyone sprinted for the narrow staircase on the side of the escarpment. They climbed, running as fast as they could over the rough, rocky stairs. The steps were ancient, but stable. As they rounded the side, they looked down and saw other studentsa group of threerunning from a troop of muupkaras toward the stairs.


    The schar woman and the two doberman-like beastmen scrambled over the stones, firing behind them with bolts of blue and green light that tore rock apart or sted muupkaras in their chests. The schar student shimmered as though she were coated in armour made of liquid and shadow, and when she cast spells at their pursuers, sts of water emerged which froze on impact. Ice coated some of the muupkaras and the ground beneath their feet, sending them slipping and falling into the crevices.


    Another exhausted looking group of students appeared, tearing across thendscape. Nothing pursued the foursome. Behind, they had left a trail of ckened craters and the twitching bodies of burnt monsters.


    Get back! one of the group of four shouted. Roaring an incantation, fire danced around his hands and then a glowing orange orb shot toward the back of the muupkaras chasing the other three students.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Half the pursuing troop was swallowed by fire, reducing them to burning corpses in instants. The rest of the group shrieked and scattered.


    Im out of mana! the fireball slinger shouted, exchanging nods with the other group of students as they came together and all seven raced up the stairs. The troop of muupkaras that had followed Alexs group started to swarm toward the escarpment, then froze, pulling back as they saw the bonedrinker. They didnt flee, but stayed back, watching from a distance.


    The students were a quarter way up the escarpment when the massive bonedrinker reached the bottom of the rise. It was toorge for the steps, so it paused and let out a gurgle from deep within its chest like it was choking on liquid, then flexed its wed hands.


    It mmed the ws into the stonebiting deep into the rockand started climbing up the escarpment walls after the fleeing students.


    Run! Alex shouted. Itsing!


    It climbed at a frightening rate, much faster than the running wizards scaling the ridge.


    Back beast! another of the group of four shouted.


    He screamed another incantation andunched a glowing orange ball down. The bonedrinker gurgled again, withdrawing its slimy tentacles into its eye sockets and mming its bony face into the stone for protection.


    Only its bone carapace was exposed when the fireball went off.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The spell tore along the side of the rocky elevation, bathing the creature in me magic. There was a hiss and whine as its flesh heated in its bony covering, and it let out a scream that was like the hiss of steam escaping a pot lid.


    The monster raised its head and gurgled at them. Some of its bones were ckened, but it started to climb again, undeterred. The fireball wizards raced up the stairs, but the bonedrinker pulled itself up even faster.


    One student was falling behind, winded by the sprint. The bonedrinkers tentacles iled wildly and it surged toward him.


    Its tail whipped back thenshed out.


    <em>Crnch!</em>


    Aaaaaargh!


    Alex knew hed never forget those sounds until the day he died.


    The student wailed, falling backward, impaled through the arm as the bone drinkers tail held steady. The young mans arm began to copse as his bone liquified. His scream intensified.


    Then he shimmered, and was gone.


    The creature paused, then bolted up the wall after the other students. Its carapace shifted and another protrusion formed on its back. It had absorbed the bone of the injured wizard.


    Alexs stomach churned.


    Dammit! Khalik swore. We wont be able to outrun it!


    Isolde red down at the creature, she trembled but her eyes were set and dangerous. Get back from me!


    She raised her hands and began to chant an incantation. Lightning shot between her fingers, then creeped down her hands and arms. Thunder rumbled as she shot her hands down.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    With a crack, a lightning bolt flew from between her arms.


    The electricity magic crackled as it struck the bonedrinkeras it again pressed its head into the wand blue and white light shed over the stone. The creature groanedstiffeningthen fell.


    It hit the stone with a colossal impact, snapping many of the protrusions on its back. Ity still, and for a moment, Alexs heart jumped. The other students caught up with his group and he grinned, happy to see them.


    You see that? heughed. One boiled bonedrinker courtesy of our resident thunderstorm, Isolde Von Anmut! Weareoh shit!


    With a gurgle, the bonedrinker rolled off its back and climbed back to its hands and feet, shaking itself like a wet dog.


    Do you uh He nced at Isolde. You got another one of those in you?


    Not without drawing on my lifeforce; not a spell that grand. I can cast one of the lesser electricity bolts, but then Ill be done. She gritted her teeth. Infernal creature.


    Alex grimaced, watching the monster shake itself. It definitely wasnt unharmed. It wasnt dead or badly wounded, but it definitely wasnt unharmed.


    Hey. He nced at the other students on the steps. That fall did <em>not</em> do that thing any favours, but its gonna keeping. If we can get higher and drive it off the wall again, it might not get back up.


    Good idea! n as we run! Khalik shouted, and the other students tore up the stairs after him.


    Alex kept ncing down to the bonedrinker as its tentacles emerged from its eye sockets. He watched them turn and twist in the air, then focus on the fleeing students above.


    So that was how it saw


    He called his forceball close to him.


    They climbed as fast as they could, making it halfway up the escarpment before Thundar nced down. Its getting closer! he warned.


    Alex whirled. Ill distract it! When its distracted, everyone do whatever you can to get it off the wall!


    Can you really divert its attention without getting killed? the schar woman asked from her armour of sea-water.


    He can; you shouldve seen him do his tricks with the muupkaras! Thundar said.


    Ill open up the road, Alex said. All of you just have to run it!


    As the creature closed on them, he shot his forceball down.


    The glowing crimson orb shot between the bonedrinkers eye-tentacles. They twitched. The monster hesitated. He shot the forceball back at it, skimming around its tentacles to the right. Then he swung it back around, swinging to the left.


    The monster paused, unsure about this new threat. Thats when Alex started to getplex. As hed done in training, he shot the forceball all around the creatures eyes, making it swirl in figure-eights, zig-zags and other confusing patterns. The bonedrinker gurgled as its tentacles tried to follow the object that kept threatening to smash into them.


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    It tore a w away from the wall and swung at the forceball with surprising speed. If his spell had been at the same level as when he and Theresa had fought the hive-queen, then the bonedrinker could have easily crushed it. Now, though, he danced the orb rapidly around the creature.


    Then the others acted.


    With a screech, Najyah dived at the bonedrinkers left eye-tentacle. Distracted, it wasnt able to react in time.


    <em>Riiiiip!</em>


    Her talons tore away the bulbous eye at the end of the tentacle. As she swooped past the second, Khaliks magic shimmered around her,unching sharp rocks that drove into the creatures other eye tentacle, wounding it.


    It gurgled in agony, mming its head into the wall to protect the soft eyeball.


    Bolts of magic mmed into its bony hide, but it was too tough to crack.


    It will not drop! Khalik snapped.


    With a roar, Thundar pulled back his mace and threw it down toward the creatures head. It wasnt the most masterful throw in the history of battle, but the monster wasrge and not moving. It made for the perfect target.


    <em>Crack</em>.


    The maces nges smashed into the skull, cracking it.


    The bonedrinker wrenched its face away from the rockface gurglinghalf blindand rushed along the wall toward them.


    They screamed.


    The schar wizard shot a bolt of water into the creatures open mouth as it clung to the rock. The bolt froze solid. Isolde aimed her twinned rays of electricity into the ice. It conducted through the frozen water and into the creatures soft flesh. It stiffened and shuddered, its teeth clenching so hard, they cracked.


    Then Alex moved his spell.


    Slowly.


    Slow enough not to trigger The Mark.


    As the electricity passed, the monster opened its mouth.


    Remembering the first silence-spider theyd fought outside Coille forest, he guided his spell gently into the creatures mouth. Then he sent it rampaging. The Mark threw every failure inbat at him, but he let theme, confident that he couldnt miss with his forceball solidly in the creatures maw.


    He mmed it into the soft, wounded flesh, battering it further. The monster swiped at its mouth, and lost bnce.


    Its ws ripped away from the rock.


    Gurgling, it plummeted toward the escarpment.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    It mmed into the stones. Bone exploded and flesh burst. The creature screeched and writhed, convulsing in the dirt. Then, the muupkaras attacked. They charged the now helpless predator and spread their monstrous jaws. Leaping <em>into</em> its cracked shell, they began sucking the soft flesh into their toothy mouths.


    The bonedrinker writhed as more swarmed over it like ants on a fallen fly. They wed at the soft nourishing body parts, until the massive monster finally shuddered, and went still.


    Spellbound, the students looked down in silence at...


    Victory.


    They all drew a breath.


    Yeeeeeeeeeah! Khalik shouted, raising his fists like the victor in an arena challenge. He roared something in his mother tongue.


    Yeeeeeeeah! Thundar raised his head and roared, punching the air.


    Isolde smiled.


    The canine beastmen howled.


    Ek-u-Dari be praised! the schar wizard cried.


    Pride filled Alexs chest, and he mouthed off at the defeated bonedrinker. Thats what you get! <em>Thats what you get!</em>


    On the ancient stairs overlooking the Barrens of Kravernus, the students of the University of Generasi roared out their victory like diators from a lost age.


    Are you finished with your celebration? Baelin asked, his tone amused aspantingthey climbed up the rest of the way to meet him.


    The chancellor was seated on arge boulder, and the two students who had flown to the top of the escarpment were sitting nearby. They didnt meet their ssmates eyes.


    Baelin rose from his seat, his beard sps swaying in the hot breeze. Congrattions, you have passed the first test of The Art of the Wizard in Combat. Where twenty of you started, now there are twelve. An admirable performance.


    He took a deep breath.


    I must say, I am pleasedbut there are things for you to learn.

 Chapter 45: Lessons and Gods

    Chapter 45: Lessons and Gods


    Have a seat; well debrief on the test and talk about what you can learn from your experiences today. Baelin waved a hand over the t top of the escarpment.


    Stone benches with curved backs shimmered into being atop the stone. The students looked at each other and silently poured their tired bodies into the seats, some stretching over the backs of the benches. Now that theyd made it through the test and could finally savor a moment of calm, Alex realized that Derek wasnt there. He wondered what had happened to him.


    He eyed the bench skeptically before dropping down between Khalik and Isolde. Despite her fatigue, the raven haired young woman was sitting upright, posture perfect. To their immediate right, Thundar reclined on a bench which he had all to himself.


    The four of them gave each other tired, victorious smiles.


    Alex swore that he wouldnt just bake a pie for Khalik, Theresa and Selina: he decided that he was going to feed his entire team so well that they wouldnt be able to move for days.


    The chancellor began.


    First of all, you are all here because you defeated the dangers that were before you. Well done. Baelin nodded. But the nature by which you achieved this varied. I believe that just as on a written test, it is important not only to see that you passed, but also to examine <em>what you did well</em> and <em>what you did poorly</em>. It is only through these examinations that we improve. It is only through improvement that we survive greater threats.


    Alex found himself nodding at the words.


    First, let us get the painful parts out of the way. I find it better to deal with lifes difficulties early in the day, and then consider its positives after. He looked to the two students who flew to the top of the escarpment. Minervus and Rayne.


    Y-yes chancellor! one of them jumped in their seat.


    Baelins lip twitched. You were the first to reach the escarpment. And that is to bemended. You showed quick thinking in using your flight spells to arrive at the end goal without danger to yourselves. what do you think of your performance?


    Uh, we got here safely and used our resources to do so. One said nervously. We did well.


    You performed <em>adequately</em>, Baelin corrected him. Your first attempt to fly to the goal did not take into ount your immature mana pools: you are only second year students, and flight is a taxing spell. It was obvious you would not be able to make the journey from the beginning. Yet, out of instinct and without proper consideration for your current abilities, you made a decision to try, only to discover partway into your first attempt that you could not seed, and then, you were forced to return to your group. Not surprisingly, this destroyed any trust you might have built with them.


    Silence followed.


    I observed all of you throughout the test using the spell Iid upon you. Minervus. Rayne. Your group was then forced to make its way through the Barrens with the added burden of keeping an eye on one another as potential internal threats, while also watching the surroundings for external threats. With your attention split, your group could not defend against the first muupkara ambush you encountered and lost one of your number. Then, when you came upon the bonedrinker, you did not have the resources to face it. You two took to flight, leaving yourst remaining member to deal with it alone. This allowed you to escape, and I am not one to argue about the morality of leavingpanions behind. Some find it deplorable. Some find it a tool of survival. It is up to you which of these beliefs you choose to followbut from a practical standpoint, a proper wizard must ensure that any resources abandoned can no longer be useful to you. Otherwise, you will be wasting resources in the long run: so, in return for guaranteeing your own safety, you have now very likely made enemies. And thest thing a wizard needs is more enemies. Further, you will now have to go through the rest of the semester with a ss that knows you abandoned yourpanions. Think on how this might affect your future performance or group work.


    Rayne and Minervus fell into an ufortable silence as their ssmates'' gazes lingered on them, and Baelin turned to the group of fireball wielders.


    Rhea, Malcolm, Shiani, Baelin said. Your entire group consists of second years who have all passed the first year of battle-magic. You are trained forbat, many of you also have skills in the weapon arts, and you used these skills to ovee the threats you encountered through a direct approach. If we were grading you on confirmed kills, you would definitely score the highest. How would you say you did?


    The three battle mages looked to each other then leaned together, whispering for a moment. Finally, they nodded and one spoke up. We relied too much on our mana, our experience and magic. We faced every threat head on, using the magic we were trained in. In the end, we were all almost out of mana when we got to the escarpment. Thats why one of our members failed


    Baelin gave a gruff sound of approval. That is my assessment as well. You made excellent use of your magic, but once your mana ran low, you became as helpless as any other ordinary mortal. Had you made use of less powerful spells earlier in the trial, had you made use of the weapon arts or even simply avoided threats, then you would have had plenty of mana in reserve for the final leg of the journey. Remember, wizards must use all resources, for mana is limited. We will go over more of this in time.


    He turned to the next group. Caramiyus, Angr, Nua-Oge. He addressed the canine beastfolk and the schar wizard. Two first years and two second years with various skills. You performed well in using abination of stealth, superior senses of smell, hearing, and tactical movement to avoid most threats. This left with you plenty of energy for the final rigors of your journey. You lost one of your number in an ambush, though you tried to protect each other. How did you perform?


    One of the canine folk growled. We tried to protect thest member of our group. But, he panicked during the second ambush and we couldnt save him.


    A fine assessment, Baelin nodded. You were able to save as many as you could, but thest was unable to master their own fear. Despite him being the most powerfulin terms of magicof your group, he was the first to fall. In future, focus on expanding your range of magic. At times, only power can solve a situation. The skill is to determine when. Still, you performed very well. I expect great things from you.


    He paused. You will have already noticed that one group did not make the escarpment. I shall not reveal the mistakes of those not present, which leads me to the final group.


    He looked to Alexs group, and all of them rose slightly on the seats.


    P- Baelin paused. Khalik, Isolde, Alex and Thundar. One second year and three first years. You showed cooperation from the very beginning, and used a multi-pronged strategy: spellcraft, falconry, meleebat and distraction. Oh-Wait, before I forget-


    He made a clutching gesture.


    The air shimmered in front of Thundar, and his mace materialized before him. Its nges were bent from the fall, but another twist of Baelins hand straightened them in mid-air. The overwhelmed minotaur gingerly took hold of the weapon. Th-thanks, Baelin.


    The chancellor smiled. Think nothing of it. Now where was I? Ah, yes. You used a varied strategy to ovee the threats you faced and minimized them as much as possible. Khalik, your use of your familiar for scouting helped the party avoid most trouble. Isolde, your knowledge as a second year gave the team the knowledge they needed to react properly. Thundar, your physical prowess and bravery in addition to your spellcraft helped protect more vulnerable members of your team. Alex-


    Alex tensed.


    -your use of a first-tier utility spellpracticed and modifiedas a tool of distraction was able to help the rest of your team react to situations and put your enemies down. To the team, what do you think of your performance?


    The team looked at each other.


    Isolde spoke up first. We performed well. We defeated less enemies than other teams, but we were the second group to arrive at the tower. We took no injuries and defeated or drove off any enemy we came across.


    Well said, Baelin nodded. I must particrlymend Alex. Though he did not defeat any enemy himself, he used a simple spe resource most wizards in the height of their power would disregardto turn the tide of each fight you came into. That is the Art of the Wizard in Combat: to turn all resources into ways to achieve victory. My only critique for this team is that the second ambush you faced might have been avoided with more thorough attention to your surroundings. But, then again, perhaps not, considering the level of experience of most of you. Well done.


    He rose from the boulder. You all will be weed into ss as the term begins. Remember, from next week onif any of your entourage would be interested in auditing this courseplease invite them, as a wizard must learn to make use of all members of a group regardless of their varied tactical strengths. Next time, we will continue to break down how today went for each of you, and then we shall continue with a lecture on general tactics. The week after will be another practical ss. Go home and rest, you deserve it.


    Thank you, the ss responded and Nua-Oge said, Blessings to you, sir.


    Baelin paused. I would say that I hope each of your deities bless you, butsuch a thing would not be appropriate for me to say. Come, let us return. If any of you have any questions, I shall wait for a time after ss.


    The world shimmered back into focus around them, and they reappeared in the stadium. The ss of COMB-1000 was exhausted but their spirits were high.


    Baelin stood at their centre, watching the groups slowlye together for a time and then go their separate ways.


    Before his group could say a word, Alex turned to them while the other groups were reorienting themselves from the teleportation spell.


    So! Who likes pie? Alex grinned. Ill be baking up a storm for my sister and friends this weekend. And, if none of you are busy, itd be great if you all came by. We have a ce at the southern ins. Ill be making meat pie, chicken pie and apple custard pie for dessert. Seriously, we were awesome today, you shoulde over


    Free pie? Thundar cocked his head. Sounds like a great deal to me. Its good to celebrate with the group after a victory.


    Thats great! And you Isolde? Come on, youve got toe.


    The second year shifted. WellI suppose it would be rude to refuse such an invitation, and I do enjoy apple cake. Her eyes bore into him for a moment. Very well, I shall attend.


    Awesome! he grinned. Thisll be great. Youre all gonna love it, I swear.


    Hed been cooking since they had gotten to Generasioff and onand hed been using The Mark each time. This would be the first time hed have a chance to really push himself in the kitchen since hed left Thamnd.


    You promise much, Alex, Khalik said as Najyah fluttered to his arm. I cannot wait to try your cooking. Today is a day to be celebrated.


    Alex agreed and said goodbye to Khalik, Thundar and Isolde before turning to leave the stadium. Then he paused, looking at the chancellor. Others had asked him the questions theyd needed to, and the old wizard looked to be readying to depart.


    One of his finalments had stayed with Alex. The one about the gods.


    Baelin seemed like a potentially valuable resource forter when he began looking into the mysteries of Thamndbut for now, he felt it would be premature to ask those sorts of questions. Anything that might be rted to him, The Ravener, Thamnd or The Fool could wait until trust was builtif it was built at all.


    But there was one question he could ask nowone that he had been curious about for weeks.


    He approached the chancellor. Um, Ch-er, Baelin.


    The chancellor looked down at him with those ancient, soul-piercing eyes. Yes, Alex? Good job today, by the way.


    Um, thank you, sir. Uhabout what you said at the end. About deitieswhy is there no divinity on campus? Why are the priests not allowed near Generasi?


    Baelin looked at Alex for a long moment, almost seeming to be a statue; like an ancient gargoyle perched on one of the schools buildings. Do you follow Uldar, Alex?


    Er, yes, Alex said, though The Traveller once again came to his mind. Shed done a lot more for him even passively than Uldar hadtely.


    Are you devout in your worship?


    Alex paused. Notnot as much as others.


    Then I will speak candidly, since you asked. Baelin looked at the sky, and for a moment, a dark rage crossed his face with such intensity, that Alex took a step back. I have lived a long time, he continued, and his voice sounded as old as the earth. And have seen many things. Over time, I havee to certain conclusions. One


    He paused.


    ...is that deities are <em>parasites.</em>


    Alex gasped, less at the words and more at the sheer amount of venom in them.


    They are no more than overgrown mana vampires that suck faith and spirit, as Baelin spoke, each word seemed to echo from an impossible age. Most sit on their thrones watching the world, its triumphs and troubles, from a distance. Some sleep and do nothing, and others just take, only visiting cruelty upon their followers. They are mighty, but how does that make them different from a sufficiently practiced user of magic or a ruler of spirits or demons? Or even a mortal tyrant? Yet, they im rulership over the soul. It sits poorly with me. It was my decision to set the policy that bans priests from campus. Wizards are to master the strands of the cosmic tapestry even as a warrior masters a de, or a painter their brush. There is no need to muddy up lifes journey with beings that take, and then only give back irresponsibly.


    His lips tightened. They hand lumps of power to their priests like a father handing a child a sharpened sword. Some are good, but they still im lordship over a universe that could continue spinning long after they have all died.


    He nced at Alex. Cultivation is an example where mortals can ess the power known as divinity without the need of deities. They are simply gatekeepers to a power that can be open to all.


    Alex swallowed. I-I see.


    The chancellor smiled. Ah, hear me prattle on. Pay no heed to my words, and go have yourself a rest. Youve got enough to worry about in the uing semester.


    With that, the old wizard gave him a final nod, shimmered and stepped back into the air, vanishing from the stadium.


    He left behind a young man who had gained an answer.


    And many more questions.

 Chapter 46: A Pie Party

    Chapter 46: A Pie Party


    Atst he had all theponents needed for his greatest masterpiece yet. Grinning like an evil warlord in an old legend, Alex Roth gloated over the fruits of hisbour.


    From outside this ce of incredible heat, he heard groans of misery. Students had dragged themselves from their beds at midday, most worse for wear from partying the night before. Wine bottles filled the tables, benches and ground of the courtyard, where a muttering groundskeeper was cleaning up.


    The hungover students wandered toward the eatery or other ces butmost importantlythey avoided the inss kitchen.


    Good.


    Alex would need it for his ultimate project.


    His ingredientsy before him.


    Finely ground flour. Fresh custard and apples. Arge cut of mutton. Two whole chickens. Salt. Pepper. Vegetables. Condiments and spices both familiar and new. He was ready.


    It was pie time.


    The first thing hed started was the gravy.


    Hed ced meaty mutton bones in onerge cauldron and chicken bones in another, filled them with fresh water, and set them to simmer yesterday afternoon, until the two pots of broth were done. Now, that the meat was falling off the bones, hed restarted the pot and began adding herbs, spices and vegetables: garlic, onions, and other root vegetables.


    In the meantime, hed stacked wood under a grill in preparation to start a fire. He spooned flour into arge cast-iron pan and set it on the grill, then gathering flint and tinder, set the wood on fire. Soon, a roaring me zed beneath the grill and he began stirring the dry flour. He stirred slowly and carefully to avoid whipping the fine dust into the air: flour was mmable and if enough kicked up in an enclosed space, it would explode. Blowing up the insr kitchen probably wouldnt be very well received.


    McHarris had driven the need for extra-care into his head; he always remembered the bakers warnings whenever he was cooking. As he stirred the browning flour, he wondered if other students knew how important it was to be extra-careful in the kitchen: thest thing that needed to be mixed was airborne flour and the me-magic in the ovens. An image of drunk students having a flour fight came into his head. Maybe he could ask the residential assistant about caution signs for the kitchen.


    Using The Mark, he watched both dishes cooking as it fed him images of previous triumphs in the kitchen. It had <em>years</em> of memories to pick from and Alex was revelling in his food preparation and seeing all of the sesserge and smallhed ever had cooking or baking, paraded in front of him.


    This time around, The Marks intrusions were only beneficial and would help him feed his guests with the best food he could create for them.


    Watching the flour, he stirred it until it had toasted to a nice brown, dry roux, then he set it aside forter.


    Next came the pie crust.


    Do you need me yet?


    Aaaargh! he screamed, shattering his absorption in his cooking.


    He looked behind to see Theresa giving him an amused, crooked smile. He hadnt heard a hint of her entering the kitchen.


    Was it his imagination or had she somehow gotten quieter?


    He looked her over critically. Youre sure youre up to this?


    From the way Theresa blinked bleary-eyed, and the slight scent of soap from her hair, it looked like she had just woken up and bathed. It was bing a pattern.


    Ever since she had gone to Life Enforcement I, she had acted like a woman possessed. Shed taken her textbook and had been devouring the thing like a wolf over a fallen doe. All day she would hunch over it at the dining table and then wordlessly get up and go onto the balcony.


    She would sit, cross legged, with her eyes shut and stay that way with a bucket close by.


    Her breathing would grow quietdespite her breaths being slow and deepand she would stay that way for an hour at a time. Then, she would suddenly stand, looking exhausted even though shed only been sitting, and then start pouring over the book again.


    Some days shed keep it at until she suddenly made a horrible sound, reached for the bucket then coughed up stuff that smelled absolutely nasty. It was only a little bit each time, but shed always be exhausted afterward.


    Yet, no matter how many times he asked if she was okay, she always said-


    Im fine. Better than fine, what do you need me to do? she asked.


    Sighing, he looked over to the kitchen supplies. Well, if she said she was fine, hed just have to trust her. She had said that the coughing and exhaustion was all part of the beginning processesording to her bookso all he could do was believe her.


    If you could cube this mutton and rub some flour on it, thatd be great. Oh, and debone the chicken. Oh, and cut the apples too if you get a chance.


    You got it. Theresa rolled up her sleeves.


    The two of them stood beside each other in front of the counter top. Theresa cut meat and peeled and chopped fruit, while Alex started to make two sets of dough for the pie crustsbuttery for the apple and custard, and a potato-wheat, and herb crust for the mutton.


    They stood in contented silence, listening to the sound of crackling fire and boiling broth.


    Is your friend from your ss stilling tonight? Alex asked.


    Theresa nodded, her ponytail bouncing as she did. She wont talk muchwere still figuring out thenguage thing, but she was excited. Are all yours?


    I think Isoldethat second yearmight be the only one that might be a no-show. Thundar was really looking forward to it, and wellif Khalik doesnt show, I can just go bang on his door.


    She chuckled. Itll be a full house. Just like back home.


    Yeah. He smiled.


    Silence followed.


    Have your parents written back yet?


    Not yet. She finished cubing a chop ofmb. But the post station said my letter might take time to get there. Then it might be longer to get a replyI wish it were faster.


    Worried?


    A little, she admitted. AndI miss them.


    Yeah, me too.


    Whatd you think theyll say about me? she looked at him. You know, following great-grandfathers path?


    I have no idea. You think theyll be happy?


    She shrugged. They were never really interested in that kind of stuff, even when grandfather was alive and would tell the stories about <em>his</em> father. I have no idea <em>what</em> theyll say.


    How aboutOh Theresa, please dont split the heavens?


    She stifled augh. I <em>told</em> you, Professor Kabbot-Xin said that <em>wasnt</em> true.


    Ugh, so what good is it then?


    Oh you have no idea, she said, a wistful looking across her face. Its like this thiswarmth. Likeyou know how good you feel when you <em>just</em> get over being sick? You spend a week not being able to breathe through your nose and then you can?


    Yeah?


    Its like that but better. Her eyes grew distant. Each time I get a little farther, its like getting over a sickness you never knew you had. The book says Im expelling years of built up impurities, and starting to rece it with the lifeforce of the world itself. Can you imagine that?


    He chuckled. Youre really enjoying it, arent you? Listen to you, quoting the book. Miss: a lot of books are more boring than the trees theyre made from.


    She winced, recalling an incident at the church school a few years ago. I still cant believe I said that to the teacher.


    I can. I just cant believe she let you live, heughed. Think about it, if youd put this much effort into learning back in the church school, I think she would have liked you a lot more.


    Yes, but, she paused. Ugh, I wish I could have taken it all a bit more seriously buta lot of books just made me want to sleep. It was fine when we were learning about other realms or more practical stuff, but the philosophy of Uldars sects? I just couldnt.


    Hey, you dont like cabbage, right? Well, to me it was like eating the cabbage so you could have dessert.


    Maybe I just needed to find the right kind of cabbage then, she said. Like this course. It hasnt even really started yet and I already wish it would never end.


    He smiled, watching her from the side. Im d youre happy.


    I <em>am</em> happy. She smiled. Very happy. And you?


    Yeah, he said. Yeah I really am.


    Another period of peaceful silence passed.


    Hey, could you pass me that cleaver? Theresa asked. Gotta split this bone before I can cut it out.


    On it.


    Concentrating, he slowly built the spell array for forcedisk. Focusing on the parts of the array that were growing more familiar with practice, hepleted the mana circuit in about twenty seconds.


    The forcedisk came to life: a lot more solid than it had been when hed conjured it for the first time.


    Willing the crimson glowing disk into the air, it floated across the kitchen, slid beneath a cleaver hanging from a hook high on the wall, and bnced the de on top of itself. It floated over to Theresa, who took the cleaver and thenseemingly unsuregave the disk a gentle pat like it was a small cat. Er, thanks, she said. Hey, youre getting better with that. Its a lot faster than it was earlier in the week.


    <em>Chnk!</em>


    She split the bone.


    You noticed? Awesome. He felt a little flutter of pride. Ive been practicing a lot with it. Its pretty simr to my forceball spell. Thats the thing with studying spells from the same school, different parts of the spell arrays are the same, so if you-


    She nodded, listening intently despite the fact hed excitedly told her that part a half a dozen times already. A little smile touched her lips.


    -once I got the initial parts down, its been pretty easy to figure out the rest. He kneaded the dough into a nice consistency, following and building on all the most sessful little movements of his hands that The Mark showed him. Even withdistractions.


    She nodded, understanding what he meant by distractions.


    Has he changed topics. Has Selina said anything to you that I should know?


    No. She shook her head. Shes still into her book, still talking about how excited she is for school.


    She didnt say anything about the beastarium?


    Theresa shook her head. She seemsfine.


    Yeah, thats all she said when I talked to her about it too.


    Shes okay, Alex. Shes tough.


    Yeah, I know, but I worry. He set aside one disk of dough to be kneadedter, and started on the next. At least she seems happy.


    Hopefully, things would stay that way. At least, for a while.


    A very stiff knock sounded from the door, and Alex rushed to pull it open.


    Isolde! I didnt think youd make it!


    The tall young woman shifted awkwardly. As I said, it would have been rude to refuse. Here, I have brought this for your table. She held out a jar to him. Strawberry marmde, sent from the countryside near my home in the Rhinean Empire. Do enjoy it.


    Oooo, I think I will. He smiled excitedly at the stuff. Now,e in! Come in! Everyone else is here!


    The fairly small apartment was bursting with life.


    To make room for everyone, Alex and Khalik had hit upon the idea of bringing Khaliks chairs and dining table from his apartment and putting it together with Alexs to get more space. The muscr young man was seated across the table from Thundar, and both were talking aboutbat festivals from their homnds.


    Shishi had arrived first, and was sitting between Selina and Theresa. The two young women were having a conversation in a mix of slow Common and Tarimite. Each of them had to concentrate and repeat themselves to make sure they were understood, but they looked rxed in each otherspany.


    Selinas heart had beenpletely captured by Najyah, who rested on a tall perch that Khalik had brought over. The gigantic bird of prey preened herself and leaned into the young girls caresses as she pet her feathers.


    Brutus sat beside Theresa, letting one of his heads be pet, while the others looked at Selina and Najyah with something like jealousy.


    Everyone! Alex got their attention. This is Isolde Von Anmut, the mighty storm wielder who struck down a bonedrinker with a single spell! Alex cheerily introduced her to his best friend, Selina and Shishi.


    I She stiffened. I did not strike the creature down.


    You hit it with your lightning, right? Struck it, even?


    Er, yes.


    And it fell down, didnt it?


    I, technically yes, but-


    Then you struck it down, congrattions! It getting up after that is no big deal. He waved off her objections. Now have a seat, have a seeeeaaat.


    He dragged out a chair beside Thundar and across from Theresa.


    Isolde cleared her throat. Erm, greetings, everyone. I am Isolde Von Anmut. A pleasure to meet you all. She stiffly sat in the chair and exchanged a nod with Thundar.


    Theresa eyed Isoldes stiletto hanging from her belt. That is a beautiful knife.


    Isolde blinked in surprise. Oh my, you mean this old thing?


    The tall woman drew the thin-ded knife from her belt. It is quite in, my father wanted me to have one that is more ornamental. Jewels in the hilt and all. I decided for something more practical.


    Practical is beautiful, Theresa nodded. And I can see its sturdy construction from here.


    How marvelous! Isolde smiled. I am no practitioner of the weapon arts, but a de <em>is </em>a beautiful thing. Do you admire such things?


    Theresa got up from the table and fetched both her hunting knife and her great-grandfathers sword. This one my father had made for me when I turned fifteen. She held up the massive hunting knife, which drew Isoldes widening eyes.


    How remarkable, Isolde said. Very solid construction in that. Its almost a sword. On its ownand the <em>sword.</em> She looked at it like a chef might look at the finest cut of meat.


    Yes, that is a beautiful de, Theresa, Khalik agreed, and Thundar leaned forward, interested as well.


    Shishi was staring at the sword, and then started saying something to Theresa that Alex couldnt understandfor now. Anothernguage hed work on with The Mark.


    But that was ater issue.


    Right! No more des at the table, he said. Unless theyre table knives. The pies are ready. Today we have chicken pie and mutton pie, followed by baked apple and custard pie for desert. You shall all eat like royalty today!


    Hoho! I cannot wait! Khalik grinned.


    Thundar licked his lips, his nostrils red at the scenting from the balcony which theyd been enjoying for awhile now.


    Alex grinned, fetching the cooling pies from the balcony, and got prepared to serve everyone.


    His guests gasped at the dishes, while Theresa gave a knowing sigh.


    The pies were monsters: as deep as he could make them and so wide, they could barely be simply called pies anymore. Maybe mammoths might be a better name.


    Alex had confirmed that there was no limit on how much he could take from the students market, thenpletely threw away all notions of restraint. He overstocked on ingredients, and the results were six massive piestwo of each kindready and waiting for devouring. The aromas from each had his guests mouths watering, much to his delight.


    He gave an evilugh. Theyre going to have to take you all home in wheelbarrows by the time youre done. Well, lets get you all sorted.


    Masterfully cutting a thick slice of their preferred savoury pie for everyone, he served them a still steaming piece. Once they had their first portions, he sat down at the end of the table and held up his cup.


    To all of us, he said cheerily. We all went through hard times to get here. Study, practice, hard journeys. All of it tough. Theresa and Shishi passed the test for Life Enforcement and we passed the test for COMB-1000. Selina survived me kicking her off the bed on our journey here, Brutus survived me in general, Najyah survived Khalik not roasting her for scaring him, and I just want to toast all of that. Heres to a good year!


    To a good year, the rest echoed.


    After a few first bites of pie, everyone began oohing and aahing and tore into the meal with a vengeance. Even Theresa and Selinawho were ustomed to his cooking through years of experiencing ipletely lost themselves in the meal.


    Sounds of conversation mixed with scraping forks across tes filled the room.


    Even Alex lost himself in the delectable vours of the pies. It was true what cooks said: good ingredients made good food. The Mark had improved his cooking quite a bit since they had all arrived in Generasi, but using high quality ingredients really made for a lot of the extra vour in the meal.


    They all found themselves going for seconds and Theresa and Khalik each had a third, with Thundar eating five slices on his own.


    Even Brutus and Rajyah were taken care of: Alex had roasted somemb for the cerberus and eagle to feast on while the others had supper and dessert.


    Over the course of the evening, the conversation shifted to all sorts of topics.


    -and then! Khalik said. Thundar cast a body strengthening spell and just picked up Alex and Isolde like they were two babies!


    Alex and the guestsughed while Isolde turned red despite a small smile ying on her lips.


    I am d not many were around to see that, Isolde said. It was most unseemlythough better to be unseemly than to be dead. Or worse, a failure.


    Speaking of failures. So. Thundar ced his cup on the table. I asked around, and found out what happened to thest group who got eliminated.

 Chapter 47: The Path of Potions

    Chapter 47: The Path of Potions


    Alex nearly choked on his apple pie as Khalik worked to swallow his.


    Isolde looked at Thundar as she stopped eating.


    What happened to them? Khalik asked. For them to fail altogetherdid they run into another bonedrinker?


    NoI talked to one of the group. Shes going to be in first year battle magic ss with me. It seems it went bad right from the beginning. One of their members came in wearing a full shirt of chainmail.


    Isolde twitched.


    He kept it on for a while, trying to tough out the heat, and finally took it off when the thing was about to cook him, Thundar grunted. He didnt have the best reputation, so people were already annoyed with him. They were splitting their attention between him and potential enemies. Got ambushed. He went down first, broke their formation and the muupkaras swarmed them. End of course for all.


    Oo, Khalik made a face. I am d none of us were in <em>that</em> group. Hm? Isolde, you alright?


    Oh, yes, fine. She immediately went back to her pie.


    Alex frowned. So <em>thats </em>what happened to Derek. Hed have to keep that information in mind. If this Derek was going to be retaking POTI-1000, then they could end up in the same ss, and hed probably be looking for easy ways to pass. If he was inclined to cheat again, Alex would prefer to stay as far away from him as possible.


    Alex stared up in shock, wondering if he had been truly cursed by Uldar.


    Thest week had passed quicklyalmost in a blinkand hed made advances with both his forceball and forcedisk spells. Learning the forceball so thoroughly was making mastering the forcedisk much easier, and he was starting to consider moving to Wizards Hand in the next week or so.


    With repetitions, his readingprehension and speed had increased sharply in the past few weeks, and hedpletely finished <em>Dexters General Alchemy of Potions.</em> Some parts toward the beginning of the book were in his memory so solidly, that he mightve been able to quote the first fifty pages onmand.


    Selina would be starting her first day of school the next day, Theresa was attending her geography ss, and there hadnt been any news from Thamnd.


    Hede to POTI-1000 with a spring in his stepfirst to arriveand had found a seat in the second row from the front, on the far end. He was ready for the semesterand to begin his quest to advance enough to research the dungeon cores in earnest.


    And then <em>hed</em> walked in.


    By some infernal luck, the neer kept walking past the other students filing into the ss, passing row after row while Alex willed him to stop. Hed paused in front of the second row as an increasingly panicked Alex had switched from willing him to stop, to willing him to keep going to the first row.


    And he had kept going.


    Right into the second row.


    All the way down.


    The neers eyes had lit up with recognition, to Alexs horror.


    And then hed dropped his bag on the long desk at the seat next to Alex.


    Hello stranger, Derek Warren said with a thin smile. I remember you from COMB-1000.


    The second year sank down into the seat beside him, while Alex wondered if Uldar was sending divine punishment after him, after all.


    Its nice to meet a familiar face. Derek smoothed his long, red hair and caught it up into a ponytail. Thought Id know no one in the first year ss.


    Still dont, Alex nearly said, before catching himself.


    Thest thing he needed was to get involved with this known cheater. He nced up to the front of the ss. Professor Jules was still setting up, drawing familiar forme from Dexters textbook. In front of her were a line of sks with coloured liquids in them halfway to the top.


    She had thrown a few curious nces at Alex as hed filed into the room, and her expression had be a mask of neutrality when Derek had entered. Hed seen that expression before on teachers when facing a student that it was <em>obvious</em> they did not like.


    Yeah, it would be bad news getting even remotely involved with this guy.


    Uh, you were in my ss? Alex asked. Remembering peoples names often made them friendlier toward you andby the same tokenforgetting people often put them off.


    Dereks cheer faded slightly. Yes, I was, though I didnt make the cut. I heard you did though. I heard the chancellor praised you, a first year, specifically.


    That caught Alex off guard. People are talking about me?


    ssmates talk to ssmates, and those ssmates talk to friends. Then those friends talk to <em>their</em> friends, and some of <em>their</em> friends happen to be <em>my</em> friends, Derek said. Word gets around. Its like that in all institutions. When I was a page for the Duke my father served, there were many other pages serving at the same time, and no one could <em>sneeze</em> without all the others knowing. Especially if you learned how to listen.


    Uh, I wouldnt know anything about that, Alex said.


    Ah, my manners are deserting me. The second-year extended a hand toward Alex. Derek Warren, second son to Count Theodoric Warren of the Rhinean Empire. And you?


    Alexs mind worked. The urge to tell him My name is Piss Off, dont drag me into whatever <em>this</em> is was strong, but he suppressed the urge. If Derek had heard what hed done in COMB-1000, then what were the chances that he didnt already know what his name was?


    No, he didnt really need to find out what Alexs name was: he was opening the road to further connection. And that further connection would lead to something unpleasant, Alex could just <em>feel</em> it. Introductions were sometimes made to start bonds and then those bonds would lead to potential favourster. He knew the pattern because that was exactly what <em>he</em> hoped to do with his professors.


    But what was he to do?


    Standing out at the school would be helpful to him as long as it was because of talent. Making friends was great and would help him look normal; if <em>he</em> suspected that The Fool were hiding somewhere among the students, the first person hed look for would be a standoffish loner that didnt let anyone get too close.


    Telling a random friendly student to leave him alone would be a good way to stand out in the wrong way. And even <em>if</em> he would be in the clear suspicion wise becausewho <em>would</em> want to have anything to do with a known cheaterwhat he <em>didnt</em> need was to start making enemies, especially noble enemies who were known cheaters. He needed to shake the attention off of himself, in as smooth and quiet a way as possible. He nced down to a student ahead of him in the front row: a goblin with a massive green head andrge ears.


    The little goblin was petting a familiara brownish green scaly creature with webbed toes andrge teeth. It chirped like a bird.


    Oh, Im-Oh hello, whats that little guys name? he turned and asked, in the same tone Selina would at seeing a pretty bird. He used The Mark to help him craft his facial expression into one of distractible curiosity.


    Eh? Who-wha-Oh, this is Harmlesss, said the goblin, his head turning around almost 180 degrees like an owl.


    Alex kept his expression curious, like he had actually gotten distracted in mid-conversation by a reptile. Oh, he looks very cuteum


    Kybas, the goblin said. And he is <em>now</em>, but when he grows up he will be a powerful water hunter. Twenty feet long and able to kill water drakes!


    Alex paused. I thought his name was Harmless?


    It is! Kybas scritched his familiar under the chin. Funny joke! I am going to feed him lots of body enhancement potions so he grows up <em>very</em> big and strong! And <em>killy</em>. Then when bad guys are running and screaming, I can say: No worry! Hes Harmless!


    The goblin gave an evil little chuckle.


    Alex shuddered, then paused.


    Wait, body enhancement potions? He remembered Thundars body strengthening spell. Are those permanent?


    He hadnt seen anything about that in Dexters book. The recipe in there said that such a potion would onlyst minutes; maybe some of the ones from more advanced books were permanent?


    No no, theyre not permanent, said the goblin. But if you feed very many to creatures when they are still growing up, then they grow up very <em>big</em> and strong. It is expensive thing to do, but only best for my Harmless!


    Body enhancement potions helped with growth if fed to young ones, did it? For a mad moment, he imagined brewing such potions and giving them to Selina. He could brew himself up a giant sister, a sister the size of Thundar. A giant sister who would find out what hed done and would have all the potion-boosted size and strength to snap him in half like a twi-Yeah, that was a stupid idea.


    He told himself that maybe he <em>did </em>have issues.


    Um, excuse me, Derek said.


    Oh right, him. Alex <em>had</em> actually gotten distracted.


    Oh, uh, sorry, whatd you say again? he asked. Sometimes I get distracted, you know. He nced to the front of the ss.


    Dereks smile had faded a lot. Um, I was introducing-


    Wait, wait, look, Alex pointed. The professor is about to start.


    He then quickly facedpletely forward, suddenly utterly focused.


    Ah, well talk after ss, I guess, Derek muttered.


    Not if I can help it, Alex thought.


    We are about to begin! Professor Jules called out, drawing the ss toplete silence. She nced around, with a pleased look on her face. Wee, all of you to POTI-1000: The Alchemy of Potions I. I am Professor Jules, your instructor for this course and head of the potions department. I am so pleased to see so many of you here. Potions is a subject that I favour, of course, but it is not one with the best reputation among the wizardly arts. I me part of that on too many bards tales. For some reason, so many tend to paint potion masters as dour viins who act against young, plucky wizard boys. Of course, I am sure you have never read a book or attended a y featuring such drivel. As, she coughed ufortably. I certainly have not.


    It was clear from her tone that she was lying, inciting a few chuckles from the students.


    But, of course, there are practical reasons as to why potions are not the most popr subject of study among wizards. The art is difficult. It is exacting. It is expensive. It is also apletely different discipline from spellcraft: studying potions will train your mana maniption, but it is not a discipline that is involved much in the way with spell casting.


    Which makes it perfect for me, Alex thought.


    Spellcraft, of course, involves using mana to make magic circuits: no expensiveponents are required, and since many potions are simr in effect to certain spells, many view potions as not cost effective. Thus, potion-craft is often one of the orphaned children of the magical sciences. However, the art opens doors to its own great paths of power.


    She leaned forward with a dangerously sly smile. How would you like to live forever, for instance?


    A murmur went through the ss.


    She turned to the obsidian stone behind her and drew a rough image of a sk. Within it, she drew several symbols from what looked to be differentnguages. The one Alex recognized was one from the church school that appeared in books that talked about Uldar:


    The Symbol for Infinity.


    The Elixir of Life is one of the great crown jewels of potion craft and alchemy, and is one of the safest ways to ensure evesting youth. It is also so difficult to brew and requires ingredients so rare, that only a handful of confirmed examples have been crafted through history, butI assure youif immortality is your goal for practicing wizardry, then you are far better off researching The Elixir than trying to make bargains with demon lords or engaging in the often dangerousbination of Blood Magic and Life Enforcement. Those paths generate far more deaths than they do sess. With this one? Failures can result in spoiled pocket books, but less spoiled lives.


    Derek snorted beside Alex.


    Kybas hand shot up.


    Ah yes, Professor Jules said. Mr. Kybas, what is your question?


    Dont explosions happen if there is failure in potions?


    Of course they do, Professor Jules said. Wizardry is dangerous, no matter what discipline: you can also cause a mana reversal that destroys your body with spellcraft, be eaten by an otherworldly entity with demonology, or burn out your lifeforce utterly with blood magic. But I shall teach you to practice <em>safely</em> and <em>intelligently.</em> If you do not try to grasp that which is <em>beyond</em> you, the worst catastrophe you will face is a few spoiled ingredients. And in return? You shall open the door to many other disciplines.


    She turned and drew a strange apparatus on the obsidian wall.


    Alchemical Magic Item Creation-


    She drew a hulking humanoid. Alex blinked. It looked awfully simr to therge man-like figure made of y that hed seen when hed first entered the city with Theresa, Selina and Brutus.


    -and golemcraft are just two of the advanced disciplines of alchemy that the art of potion brewing shall help you be trained for.


    She drew a tree and a beast. The study of monsters and of magical nts is also rted to alchemy and potions, and you will learn much of that sort of lore through this course. It is truly a grand, multi-disciplinary approach to magic that will give you a future skillset <em>beyond</em> spell arrays. POTI-1000 has a reputation of being difficult, and rightly so, but, I encourage you to try your best. AhI see we have another question. Ms


    London. Carey London, a young woman said from the middle of the ss.


    Alexs ears perked up. Her ent was Thameish.


    Ah yes, Ms. London, what is your question? the Professor asked.


    You say that one can learn monster lore through potions and alchemyhas there ever been anyone at the university thats studied The Ravener and its monsters? The Ravener keeps reappearing in my homnd and I was thinking that if its studied, maybe there could be a way to vanquish it forever. If thats not a stupid question.


    Alex nearly jumped from his chair.


    Ah. Yes, this is a year that The Ravener has arisen in Thamnd, isnt it? Professor Jules nodded. Of course its not a stupid question. There is no such thing as stupid questions. The answer to that


    She looked at the student gravely. Is yes. There have been attempts at Generasi before.

 Chapter 48: The Art of Asking Questions

    Chapter 48: The Art of Asking Questions


    Almost every year that The Ravener has risen, a student studying at Generasi has sought to investigate the phenomenon to find an answer to your kingdoms plight. Professor Jules said gravely. Remains of its monsters have been transported here before. As have remains of its she paused. They are called dungeon cores, are they not?


    Yes, Carey London said.


    Alex leaned forward further. So they <em>had</em> been studied here.


    Even some remains of the Ravener itself have been studied, once your champions achieved victoryI shall not tell you the specific results until you have advanced a little more in your studies, but I can say that no solution to ending The Raveners threat permanently has ever been found through study here at Generasi, as valiant as the attempts have been.


    Could you tell us what they found out about it? Ms. London asked.


    She paused. While avoiding specifics, I <em>can </em>tell you that uses have been found for some of the remains, though I am sure that not having a moreplete answer must be frustrating for you. But there is a reason we do not reveal the magical properties or essences of dangerous monsters or their parts before a student is skilled enough to defend themselves against such creatures. Knowledge affords temptation.


    She turned to the board and drew an image of a tooth. If one thought that the key to eternal youthy in the bellies of great white sharks, for exampleand research had confirmed thishow many students do you think would purchase a boat or cast an Orb of Air spell over themselves, dive into the sea and try to wrest such a thing from a sharks belly? Oh, and I assure you, what I just said about great white sharks is aplete lie. Dont try it. But, in Generasis early days, we misguidedly had monster lore freely avable to all students so that they might gain some familiarity with it.


    She paused. ...what the instructors at the time found, was that they suddenly had an entire new generation of eager and unprepared monster hunters immediately going in search of precious organs from creatures that had too many teeth. As a consequence, we were left with many, many dead young wizards. A dangerous stretch of wilderness may be left well alone, until you tell someone that gold can be found in the bottom of its rivers.


    She smiled gently. Dont worry, Ms. London, and to all other Thameish students: as your skills advance, you will be granted more freedom. Eventually, you may attempt such projects yourself, if your kingdom and church provide you materials from your Ravener and its monsters. Just because something has been analyzed before, does not mean its not worth analysis from a new perspective and new eyes. Perhaps, one of <em>you</em> will be the one to end your kingdoms threat forever. The road of discovery has many treasures to find. but I think it is safe enough to tell you one revtion, however, as this knowledge does not lend itself to dangerous action. Quite the opposite, actually.


    She paused. If I recall the records correctly, <em>all </em>attempts to remove a so-called living dungeon core from your homnd have failed. As soon as they reached a certain distance from the shores of your ind nation, they crumbled into dust.


    Ms. London leaned forward. Eh? Why is that?


    Im afraid no answer has been found. Perhaps getting too far from this Ravener is no good for them. Perhaps you shall find the answer yourself during your academic career.


    Alex looked at Ms. London, watching the young woman slouch in disappointment. It was too bad. She was obviously interested in researching The Ravener and probably would have been interested in analyzing the dungeon core with him, or at least finding any research that had already been done in the lower levels of the library.


    Unfortunately, that would bring up all sorts of awkward questions, such as: where did you get the remains of a dungeon core from? And judging from the prominent symbol of Uldar hanging from her neck, he doubted she would be too understanding of him running away from his holy duties, if she found out who he actually was.


    Even <em>if </em>he told her that humans could control dungeon cores and that this threw a lot of their history into question, that might only make things worse. If <em>he</em> hadnt received The Mark of the Fool and had just simplye to study at the university and some random student hade up to him saying, listen, I controlled a dungeon core, want to do illicit research with me? then he would have immediately put a good safe distance between himself and them.


    Besides, who knew who could be trusted, and with what?


    Best to quietly keep an eye on her.


    Well, if those are all the ques-Ah, Mr. Roth.


    Alex had raised his hand. One trick hed learned for getting professors to like him was the art of asking questions. There was a technique to it, though. Honest, earnest questions about the subject often drew the best responses. A mistake some gifted students tended to make was to ask questions that were designed to show how smart they were to impress the ss and teacher.


    In the end, that only served to annoy ssmates and the professor who would always know more than the student, no matter how smart they thought they were. Then there were the questions that just showed that the student hadnt been paying attention, which tended to also aggravate instructors.


    The best questions were ones from true curiosity, that showed an interest in the subject without looking like he was <em>just</em> trying to get into the professors good books.


    Luckily, he had just a question. Two of them, actually.


    Ive got two questions, Professor Jules.


    Ah, Ill answer them both, she said neutrally. Then we will need to move on.


    Thanks, professor, I heard from someone that feeding body enhancement potions to growing creatures can make them bigger and stronger, how does that work?


    Ah, yes, an excellent question, the professor said.


    Kybas gave Alex a quick nce, and Alex gave him a friendly nod in return.


    Body enhancement potions work by pouring mana directly into the body, in order to <em>temporarily </em>energize its processes.


    She turned to the obsidian stone, drawing a diagram of a person ingesting a potion.


    This can result in increased strength, speed or vitality, or all of the above if higher grade versions of the potions are used. However, even the focused versions do enhance the <em>entire</em> body: one simply uses particr ingredients and mana maniption to focus that enhancement on a single physical aspect, such as increasing strength, for example. The same principle goes for potions of enhanced sight or senses, those that increase virility or fertilityever popr with wealthy couples or bachelors


    Several people in the ss chuckled, including Alex.


    or those that increase the efficacy of specific <em>actions</em>, such as potions of jumping. In reality, the mana of these potions enhances <em>all</em>bodily processes to a certain degree. It is simply that the effect has been tailored to focus <em>mostly</em> on increasing the aspect of the body that potion is meant for. In young creatures, one of the most life-defining bodily processes they undergo is that of growth into adulthood. As such, body enhancement potionsespecially high grade ones that enhance <em>all</em> bodily processes at once<em>will</em> enhance growth while they are in a young creatures system. The effects of a few are not noticeable, but repeated dosesa <em>very</em>expensive propositioncan boost an animal or nt to unprecedented levels of size, strength, speed and vitality. The Tauzhian Empire used to make a practice of raising a caste of children into a sort of enhanced warrior through a careful regime of training, diet and a constant supply of rtively low-grade body enhancement potions.


    She drew the image of a thin leafed nt on the obsidian b. When those cheaper ingredients for that recipe or potion went extinct, the practice went with it. The ethics of such a practice are a topic for a different course, but such a thing is possible, even though with most recipes it is prohibitively expensive. There <em>are</em> also potions that can <em>permanently </em>alter and enhance the body after simply drinking one, but those require ingredients both incredibly rare and <em>highly </em>dangerous: absolutely fatally toxic if mishandled. Now, what is your second question?


    Um, whats golem-craft? he asked. And what does that have to do with potions?


    Ah, you do like getting ahead of yourself, dont you, Mr. Roth? She smiled. A golem is an alchemical construct: an automaton crafted through high level mana maniption, specific ingredients and a <em>lot</em> of mana. The result is something like an elemental made from y, wood, bone, flesh, stone, steel or even rarer substances depending on ones budget, mana reserves and level of skill. They are then controlled by verbalmand orif one is very skilled in the artdirect mana maniption. A golem can be a powerful servant or soldier to its master, and though the construction process is rigorous, its foundations lie in alchemy. If you have an interest in golem-craft then I would suggest you pay careful attention in ss, Mr. Roth, and develop the skills necessary to produce such marvels.


    Alexs imagination went wild at the possibilities.


    He thought back to therge, y humanoid from the city, and how it had carried a burden that must have weighed at least a thousand pounds. What would such a thing be able to do in abat situation?


    His mind shed back to the Cave of the Traveller.


    Back then, he had told Theresa to throw the fire-gem at the queen, basically telling another person to engage in an act ofbat. The Mark had not bothered him about that. Would it be so neutral with a golem? If so, <em>that</em>could be a loophole to exploit, as long as he had the supplies to build such a construct.


    Alright, we will now proceed with the lecture and you may ask any more questions as we go along. First of all, we will cover a general overview of potion making, followed by introducing you to the Table of Prime Essencesthe main reference for categorizing all ingredients that may be provided to you or found in the field. After, we will overview the main apparati of potion craft. So, first of all, let us talk about how potions are categorized. Much like spells, they use a tier system starting from first to ninth. Spell-craft categorizes spells into tiers based on the level ofplexity of their spell array, how much space the magic circuit takes up within ones mana pool, the power of the resulting spell, and the amount of mana the spell requires. Potion craft is simrly categorized based on the amount of mana required to craft a potion, and the power the resulting effect haspared to simr spells. Dexter said-


    As Professor Jules moved on with the lesson, Alex drew a little doodle on one of the top corners of the page: a caricature of himself standing beside a giant figure like the one drawn by the professor.


    The lesson went on from there, and much of itto Alexs delightwas review, thanks to his diligent reading of Dexters textbook. He still took careful notes on the lecture, though, since the instructor added anecdotes from her own abundant knowledge. His handwriting had greatly improved in neatness, size, and speed in thest month.


    As the lecture went on, he quickly filled an entire page with organized notes, including sub-sections indicating new material that differed or expanded on the textbooks. From the corner of his eye, he noticed Derek watching what he was doing closely, but also looking around at other students in the row in front of him or close by.


    Good. It seemed like he was expanding his, meaning that he wasnt the cheaters only mark.


    The most fun part of the lecture, though, came during the demonstration. Professor Jules indicated the sks in front of her.


    What you see here only looks like coloured water, but they are actually suspensions of certain ingredients that have been processed into <em>almost </emplete potions, she said. I will now demonstrate the application of mana maniption to finish the final catalyzing of the mixture into aplete potion.


    She drew a long two-pronged fork from a drawer at the front of the ss. This is a mana conductor, and it is the key to potion-craft. It is the equivalent to a mana pill furnace, a cauldron of witchcraft, or a sangoma healing bowl, but miniaturized, and not as powerful as any of those tools. It is useful for preparing potions up to the third tier.


    She ced the mana conductor into one of the sks and gave the fluid a stir. The conductor lit up with mana, which poured through the tines and into the potion, causing the liquid to shine with an inner glow.


    And thispletes the potion, Professor Jules said, taking it up and drinking it in one gulp. The ss gasped as her skin, hair and even her eyes turned a bright shade of blue. A potion of pigment. She smiled, revealing bright blue teeth. As are the rest.


    She went down the line, cing the mana conductor into each skone after the nextand finishing the potions. There would be a sh of light, and the potions would glow before returning to their original colour and consistency.


    Each time she drank apleted potion, she would turn a different colour: orange, green, grey, purple and red. Then, the final potion washed away the magical effect, returning her to her normal skin tone. She smoothed her white hair.


    Notice how I held the mana fork for a differing amount of time in each? Even simr potions require different amounts of mana and specific techniques in terms of mana maniption. She ced the mana conductor down. Other important apparati-


    She brought up a brass tube with a sharp point. Include the mana vacuum and the waste mana container. She brought up arge ss and metal jar, covered in arcane symbols. The mana vacuum is always ced as a safety measure in potions that you are crafting. If the reaction goes wild, you activate it and it will drain all mana from the reaction and vent it into the mana waste container. Thetter will hold the excess mana from the reaction temporarily, and so it can be used for further reactions by attaching a portable mana conductor to it. Andthis question is asked every yearno, the mana vacuum cannot drain your mana if you cut yourself on it.


    She tapped the sharp end lightly with her finger. To face such a danger, you would need to stab yourself in the core of your body, and activate the vacuum for it to even be a threat. And even then, your mana is so safely tucked into you, that such a device wouldnt work at all unless you recently had a conduit opened to transfer mana directly in or out of your body. So, unless you were attacked by a mana vampire in the previous hour, donated to one, or <em>somehow</em> convinced one to donate its mana to you, then you would be safe. In such an event, though, I think you would have greater problems.


    She was looking at the ss intently. Now, as were nearing the end, your assignment is to read chapters one and two of Dexters, and fill out the nk Table of Prime Essences that I will hand out at the end of ss. You will be expected to memorize this table for the first quiz, so study it thoroughly. Next week, I will ask you to attend ss in The Cells. We will be having our introduction to potionb safety then.


    ss ended shortly after, with Alex jumping up from his chair to line up with other students to ask Professor Jules a torrent of questions. They were legitimate, but he kept his eye on the seats to make sure that Derek had long gone on without him.


    Slipping out of ss, he nced around, making sure that Isoldes former partner wasnt hanging around, then stepped out the door, quite pleased with himself.


    Excuse me! a voice cried.


    He froze.


    He slowly turned to see Carey London, the other Thameish student, hurrying up to him. The symbol of Uldar bounced on the long chain hanging from her neck.

 Chapter 49: The First Classes

    Chapter 49: The First sses


    Hey, I recognised your ent in ss! Carey said cheerily. Good to meet someone from home here, especially in these dark timeswhen Uldars voice seems so far away. Have you been to a worship service at his church in the city yet? Her eyes bore into him as she continued. Ive gotten a group together and we go weekly.


    Alex resisted the urge to scream.


    His mind worked quickly, trying to think.


    Oh uh, I um, am fairly private in my worship, he said quickly. My rtionship with Uldar is aa bit personal.


    The truth of it was that he wasnt even lying.


    Oh, thats too bad. She said with a shrug. Well, if you ever change your mind, the invitation stands. Our little group rents a sky-gond to go to church once a week, even though we wish we could attend every day. Youd be more than wee toe along with us, if you like. I just wish they would let the priestse onto campus, though. They receive news from home much faster than we do, and even by sky-gond, its still really far to get there. Have you taken a sky-gond yet? Its delightful! An experience youll never forget.


    As she continued talking, he thought back to meeting the gondolier, Lucia, and the explosion in The Cells as they were approaching the school. He definitely wouldnt forget those two events any time soon.


    Yeah, I didnt think flying boats even existed before I came here, he said with false cheer. And speaking of amazing things, Id love to keep talking but, Ive got to get to my next ss. I wouldnt want to show upte on my very first full day of sses


    What ss do you have next? Maybe were in the same one. Carey said.


    Alex considered lying, but decided against it just in case they <em>were </em>in the same ss.


    I have FORC-1550.


    Oh? Wheres that?


    Room 103 in the second western tower.


    Oh! My ss is on your way, it''s in the <em>first</em> western tower, she said expectantly.


    Alexs smile was forced. Oh


    Well, there was nothing for it now.


    We could walk together? he said, uncertainty tingeing his voice.


    Oh that would be marvelous! She smiled, as if overjoyed. My friends all have sses across campus, so itll be nice to have someone to walk with. Come along then, we can talk about home along the way. There are so few of us here!


    The two students from Thamnd began their trek to ss, with Carey filling the air with her words. Between her bright, cheery tone, and rapid-fire way of speaking, she reminded Alex of an overly animated baby bird.


    And about three times as curious.


    So which part of Thamnd are you from, Alex? Im from Wrexiff, in the west. Near Crymlyn swamp. Did you know The Sage was selected from the witches of the swamp? Its a shame I actually never got to meet herbut yes, where are you from?


    Uh, Alric.


    Alric! Oh my goodness, thats near the Cave of the Traveller! Were you one of the lucky ones who left through the cave right after our priests consecrated it?


    We got out earlier than that, he said with a friendly tone while being nonspecific. It wasnt a lie, and the less specifics he gave, the less holes that could be poked in anything he told her.


    Ah thats too bad! Carey said. The symbol of Uldarconsisting of the familiar rendition of the gods raised handbounced around her neck with every movement. The Cave of the Traveller was dangerous, and there was a dungeon core there! Did you know that? She continued not waiting for him to answer. But The Travellers power vanquished it. That made it safe for everyone to use. My family was one of the first throughone of my ancestors was an assistant to the magistrate of Alric generations ago, but we still have some connectionsso we were able to secure one of the first ces through a portal. I am so d we did, because it was incredible! When the wars overyou should see it.


    She finally took a breath, then sighed. I <em>hope</em> its over soon.


    His ears perked up. You mean it might not be?


    I dont know. She frowned. The priests say that The Ravener has be <em>very</em> aggressivepared to historical records: building dungeons faster and spreading them wider. Its monsters have been moving to attack any and everything, not just the people left in Thamnd, but even wildlife! They say that when its like that, the cycle tends to be much harder than usual. and also one of The Heroes is still missing.


    Oh? Which one?


    The Fond dont give me that so what look. Uldar says The Fool has a role to y, so at least we should find them. Theyve been known to disappear before, but that could mean that they could be dead, or worse! The Fool has a role to y, after all, as we all do.


    Alex wondered what could be worse than being dead, but only said, And you want your role to be researching The Ravener?


    Well, of course! Its my duty to give back to Uldar in whatever way I can.


    He paused. Wouldnt the priestsnot like that?


    Well, all of their records on what the Ravener has done has toe from <em>somewhere</em>, doesnt it? And you heard what Professor Jules said, they <em>have </em>allowed the University to research remains before, after all.


    He frowned, wondering exactly how far that research had been allowed to proceed. He decided to push a little more. Do you know anything about any of that research?


    She shook her head. If the church has records, then they do not share it with the people, likely to keep us safe, just as Generasis policies are <em>supposed</em> to do. But <em>we</em> are not the general popce: we can ze our own paths, I say.


    She nced at him. Are you sure you dont want to join us in our weekly outing to the church: Uldars hand <em>does</em> reach far, but it must be lonely not having a worship to attend.


    Its alright, I feel hes always with me in his own way.


    I see, I see. Its too bad, though. In these times, the church could use all the donations it cane by, and students here tend to be well off. A Campus for Uldar could do a lot of work here.


    A what now? he looked at her.


    An organization: like one of the many clubs or the student union on campus, but one devoted to spreading Uldars glory and finding donations and faith for him. Since the priesthood has no advocates on campus, it falls to us to take their ce. We could create donation drives for the church, worship together and do great works in his name. I was even thinking


    She leaned closer to him like she was whispering a grand conspiracy. If we had enough members, we might be able to petition the schools leadership to allow the priests onto campus. This policy of banning our priests is most harmful to us.


    Alex literally could not think of a worse thing that could happen to him, aside from maybe The Ravener lifting up a bunch of monsters and throwing them all the way to Generasi. Or a mana vampire sucking the life out of him. Or blowing himself up while practicing spells. Or something happening to-


    Okay, maybe priests on campus wasnt the highest thing on the list of Worst Things that Could Happen to Alex Roth, but it would certainly be <em>on</em> the list.


    Its early days, but weve already had a few meetings, Carey said. Just getting things set up, you know, and organized forter. You sure you arent interested?


    Alex barely resisted the urge to scream: No! Thank! You! And please, never, ever,<em> ever</em> ask me that again!


    I wish you luck, he said firmly but politely, letting her know his refusal was final.


    She sighed. Fine, fine. I wont pester you about it-


    He could almost hear the for now in her voice.


    -but dont be a stranger in potions ss. Ah, this is me.


    They paused in a hallway that opened up onto the first western tower.


    Carey turned and gave him a polite nod. If you hear anything about home from you and yours, do share. If I hear anything, Ill be sure to as well. Dont be a stranger, Alex! Ta-ta!


    She waved lightly and quickly scurried up the stairs.


    Alex sighed behind her.


    Derek Warren, known cheater who seemed to be trying to make connections.


    Carey London, an Uldar-devotee who wanted the school to let the priests onto campus.


    There would be dangers in potions ss, as Professor Jules had warned, butfor Alexit looked like exploding potions might be the least of his worries.


    He turned, making his way to FORC-1550. He took his textbook and notebook from his bag. The notebook was already filled with notations and observations from his pre-course studying.


    As his mind turned from Derek and Carey, it went to something much more pleasant and exciting:


    Golems.


    Luckily, the rest of Alexs sses were a reprieve from cheaters and Uldar-enthusiasts.


    Room 103 was a lecture hall filled with students. Judging from how many there were seated at desks hovering about a foot off the floor, FORC-1550 seemed to be more popr than potions. He didnt even blink at the sight of the hovering desks.


    The first ss was about introducing the students to the study of force magic in general: they were given information about their firstb which was going to involve the hovering desks, and they had also gone over the required spells for the semester. Alex felt pretty confident, since hed mostly mastered one spell forceband was working on the next: forcedisk. Wizards Hand would be next, but he would have time to finish mastering forcedisk before having to pick up the moreplicated spell. What he was <em>really</em> looking forward to was the spell after Wizards Hand.


    Force Shield.


    It was a spell that conjured a stronger version of the forcedisk. It was meant to serve as a floating shield that spanned about three feet wide, and could be controlled at will. It always floated to protect its caster. With how strong hed gotten his forceball, he could imagine how powerful a defensive spell like that could be when he mastered it.


    After Force Shield woulde Force Missile, abat spell that sted an object with a bolt of force. He didnt expect that one to be easy to learn, but Lesser Force Armour would be the spell that was taught next.


    Mastering Force Shield, Lesser Force Armour and then the upgraded versions, which were Force Armour and Greater Force Armour, would increase his durability tremendously. Thinking on it, his likely order of learning would be to finish mastering forcedisk, then learn to cast Wizards Hand, and then immediately jump ahead to start focusing on Force Shield. After that, he could return to mastering Wizards Hand.


    The ultimate scenario he imagined inbat would be using the footwork of the Spear-and-Oar Dance, while protected by multiple force spells, and using his forceball and Wizards Hand for distraction, while Forcedisk carried his items.


    Or even carried <em>him,</em> if he got good enough with it.


    His next ss was Magical Theory, and it had absolutely fascinated him, though the reaction of the rest of therge ss was mixed. Mandatory sses tended to be like that, hed heard: even if the subject matter was incredible to him and some others, some just didnt enjoy them and didnt want to be there.


    The first Magical Theory ss had gone over the general theory of mana: if Divinity was the essence of the gods and nature, and lifeforce was the essence of...well, living things, then mana was theorized to be the essence of the universe. Wizards often said that mana was the first of the essences to be created and thatbefore gods shaped things to their willthe cosmos was likely nothing more than an endless sea of formless mana.


    The professor <em>had</em> noted the bias of the theory: wizards were the ones who researched and proposed this after all, while priests often said that the divine was first before all things. To Alex, that was some of the fun of it: no firm orplete answer meant more questions. He liked questions.


    His next ss was Mana Maniption and it seemed like another ss where the Professor was half-trying to scare the students away. Professor ValRok had talked about how it was a very difficult subject, and how the dropout rate for the course was over 30%.


    Look to your left and then to your right, he had said. He was a tall beastfolk that resembled a massive, sharp-toothed lizard. One of you will not be here by the end of the term.


    Then hed paused. No, thats just a bunch of dragonshit. The truth is that all of you who <em>want</em> to be here will be here.


    Then he had given them the reasons why they <em>should</em> stay.


    Mana maniption was the foundation to many sustained spells. The more one was able to manipte mana, the higher precise control one had over these spells. They would also have an easier time modifying how much mana the spell was fed, and be able to control certain magical items, craft potions, and create constructs, like golems.


    He had let out a high pitchedugh as he watched the students be excited and starry-eyed at all the possibilities. Butwhen hed gotten into the specifics of how mana maniption workedmost of them had fallen into confused silence. Hed exined that the art was a mixture of precise mathematical control, spiritual awareness of ones own mana, and exacting control of its flow.


    It required a <em>lot</em> of practice and many were never able to master it. Risks of delving too deeply and causing mana reversals were also present. Alex, who had already practiced it for years through his forceball spell, only saw it as a field of infinite possibilities.


    He had been really excited at their first homework assignment: read chapter one from the textbook and then use what was listed at the end to operate a magical practice device that the professor had handed out. It was a small metal box covered in magical glyphs: when powered through mana maniption, the glyphs would begin to glow. The better one <em>was </em>at the art, the more glyphs would light up.


    The first assignment only required that they light <em>one</em> of the glyphs in a month.


    Alex had vowed toplete the assignment much faster than that.


    Yet, even though there was so much hed enjoyed about his first full day, after the first sspotionsone thought had stayed in his mind: Golems.


    Throughout the day, hed be more and more fascinated with them like how most young boys in Thamnd became fascinated with the idea of knights. At the end of hisst ss, hed asked around campus and had gotten some news that made him very eager.


    In addition to being made at the University by some of the higher year students, there was a small workshop in the city that specialized in creating the constructs.


    Alex knew where hed be spending his weekend.


    It was time for a visit to the city.

 Chapter 50: Familiar Encounters

    Chapter 50: Familiar Encounters


    Sometimes, life was generous with its coincidences.


    Alex had thought that before: there were times where hed go through months of everything proceeding as normal and uneventful.


    Then, for a period of time, there would be instance upon instance of coincidences.


    He remembered a particr week in his life when he was sixteen and it had seemed like everything had be interconnected. He had been wondering about a historical event one morning, only to find that it was the subject being talked about at school. The Lu family had mentioned missing their rtives in the Rhinean Empire and then received a letter from them the very next morning. Individuals who he hadnt thought about or seen for a long time would appear at the bakery. He remembered wondering what the new Thamnd gold coins would look like then finding one on the ground on his way through town. And there were lots of other incidents.


    Those urrences had been so unusual, that hed spent a lot of time half-convinced that Uldar was trying to tell him something through his mysterious ways. Of course, Uldar <em>would</em> eventually reach for himin a much less desirable waywhile the earlier coincidences were just that:


    Coincidences.


    Which was why he was surprised, but notpletely freaked out when the sky-gondolier he and Theresa had gotten had turned out to be none other than Lucia.


    Wee to Generasi Sky-Gonds, Im Lucia, your gondolier, she said as they froze in surprise to see her. Please show me your booking tokens and ce them in the box at the end of the sky-pier.


    He showed her three wooden tokensfor him, Theresa and Brutusand slipped them into the wooden box.


    Enter the gond one at a time, please remain seated and dont push on the wind-and-rain shield. She gave them a nce as she rested against the sky-gonds pole. Wherere you headed?


    To Shales Golem Workshop, Alex said, double checking the city map.


    We, um, we meet again. Theresa said as she climbed into the floating boat and coaxed Brutus in.


    We do? Lucia seemed to be fighting a yawn. Ive got a lot of customers. Wait, cerberus. I remember you now. Wee back to Generasi Sky-Gonds. Her voice had a deadened quality to it as though she had repeated the greeting more times than Alex could count.


    Likely, she probably had.


    She tapped her pole against the side of the gond and set them off through the city. Silence descended on the gond as it left the campus. Lucia did not look back once.


    Hey, Alex cleared his throat. I, uh, am kind of d that we got you for our sky-gondolier again.


    Please note that it is against Generasi Sky-Gond policy to engage in fraternization with or attempt to start personal rtionships with sky-gondoliers while you are using our service, she rattled off the policy as easily as if she were telling someone her own name.


    What? No! No! Alex waved his hand. No, I just wanted to apologize!


    Theres no need. Generasi Sky-Gonds puts the clientsfort first in all situations that do not involve destruction of Generasi Sky-Gonds property, or direct verbal of physical assault of its workers.


    No, I meanlook, I dont know if you remember, but you told us that you used to be a student at the university and uh He scratched the back of his head. I was kind of rude about that and your decision He struggled for words.


    To drop out? she raised an eyebrow. I remember this now.


    No, uh, I was going to say ummm, decided to leave?


    Why? I dropped out. Thats what I did and thats what people call it: ying with words wont change that.


    Uh, right he coughed, looking at Theresa for help.


    For some reason, the brave young huntress seemed to have be <em>absolutely </em>fascinated with the few clouds drifting through the blue, sunny sky. She wasnt even paying attention to the pair of flying ships that were above them.


    He was on his own.


    Well, my words were pretty harsh, from the way I look at it. You made a decision that affected your life based on your own experiences: it wasnt right to judge that and throw words at you while youre just trying to do your job. It wasnt my business. So I just wanted to apologize for that.


    The sky-gondolier looked past him. Were almost there. Look.


    He turned and saw a squat building spreading half a block in width. It looked like a fortress, with heavy stone walls and a roof made of te. It bristled with chimneys like a hedgehog, which belched lines of smoke into the air. He could smell hot iron, fire upon stone and what smelled like burning soil.


    They were all acrid scents that hit all the way to the back of the throat.


    Brutus whined and sneezed at the odors, and Theresa pet one of his heads while Alex idly reached to pet one of his other ones. The head turned to look at him for a long moment, but didnt pull away or growl when his hand stroked its fur.


    Even if things had been rocky at some points, Brutus and he had gotten a lot closer since their trials in the Cave of the Traveller.


    Now, Alex kept patience in mind, just as Theresa had suggested.


    The sky-gond pulled into a nearby sky-pier down the street from the golem workshop. Luckily, the district was near enough to the university that there was a very low chance of priests lurking around the surrounding area.


    Despite what Carey London would have preferred.


    Ill take my fee now. Lucia held out her hand. And about your apology. If saying that makes you feel better, then good for you. I hope your experience there is better than mine. For what its worth, thanks, I guess.


    Alex, Theresa and Brutus watched the sky-gond rise above the roofs, bearing a new load of passengers.


    That was so awkward that I just wanted to jump out of the boat, Theresa muttered as she watched it go. But, I think it was the right thing that you did. What made you do it?


    I dunno, he admitted. After Baelins test, what happened at The Cells and what you said happened at Life Enforcement, it kinda hit me thatthis isnt for everyone, as excited as<em> I</em> am for it. Plus like, Im thest person that should be trying to tell someone else how to live their lives.


    Well, good for you, Theresa smiled. Though I think shes the kind of person thatd probably prefer good tips to good words.


    He sighed. Thatll be after one of us finds some work. Or both.


    Yeah. She frowned in frustration. I keep looking around buttheres not a lot of need on campus for hunters that kind of know how running an inn works. Especially in this ce: the benches move, the ships flyI wouldnt be surprised if the inns <em>wander</em>.


    Hah, he chuckled. Thatd be a neat job: inn driver.


    Im pretty sure that would be Selinas dream life she paused in thought. And, heck, even <em>I</em> might be more interested in taking over the family business if our inn could move.


    I think your brothers would have something to say about that. Pretty sure youre far down the list for inheriting the inn.


    She shrugged. Maybe I could duel them for it.


    I dont think thatd work under Thamnds legal system.


    Probably a good thing too, now that I think about it. She nced toward the sign hanging in front of the golem workshop: a symbol of a hammer above some sort of glowing pyramid-shaped object. The paint used for the object actually shed a low degree of light, and surrounding both it and the hammer, were four figures: one grey like stone, one grey and shiny like metal, one brown like y, and one covered in stitch designs. So agolem is like that big y man-figure we saw when we first came to the city? And theyre built here?


    Yeah, from what Ive read, they make custom golems for people with a lot of coinand I do mean a <em>lot</em> of coinand they also rent out space and supplies for wizards to make their own. Apparently, they dont only do tours for small groups like ours, they also do them for school groups, tourists, pretty much anybody whos interested in learning about them.


    its too bad Selinas ss had that outing today. Theresa said. Shed love it.


    Hey, they went to tour the countryside on one of those flying ships, soif anything<em>Im jealous of her</em>. Besides, its not like this is The Wandering Workshop. Itll be here for her another time.


    Theresaughed.


    The interior of the workshop was <em>hot</em>.


    The front desk and waiting area were situated on the corner of the building and farthest away from the working areas, but it was <em>still</em>filled with an insane amount of heat. Unlike the rest of the building, this space had a lot of windows on an outer wall, and the breeze they provided was wee relief.


    It didnt seem quite as hot as the Barrens had been.


    What can I do you fo- a young, shaven-headed man looked up from the front counter, where he was using a strange pen-like device to etch symbols into a y tablet. Hey, is that beast house-trained?


    Brutus gave him a hard look with all six eyes.


    He is, Theresa said almost in the same dead tone as Lucia.


    She should start charging for every time someone asked her that, Alex thought. She might end up with a tidy sum of coin.


    It was a good thing that familiars and tamed beasts were somon in the city, or poor Brutus might have been less than wee in many ces hed been allowed into.


    Good, then wee to Shales, what can I do ya for?


    I heard there were tours? Alex asked. Held around lunch?


    You heard right. The dog will have to stay in the waiting room here. Its five copper coins for each adult. No food or drinks allowed, and youll both need to wear a mask.


    Mask? Theresa asked.


    Fumes from stone, steel, flesh-warping and y just to name some of the materials, he said. Not good for the lungs. Trust me, youll be better off with a mask, even if it does get hot.


    The masks were ck, full-face coverings with a long beaked nose and two raised eye holes made of metal and ss. They had a strap that wrapped around the back of the head to keep them in ce, and they made the wearer look like a strange, leather-beaked raven. Within each mask, a spell had been cast that continually provided freshly cleaned air.


    After Alex and Theresa slipped the odd-looking masks on and burst outughing when they looked at each other, Theresa coaxed Brutus to lie down and stay in a designated area of the waiting room. Alex began making cawing sounds behind her as they made their way to the opposite end of the waiting area and through a set of iron-shod doors. He only stopped when they met up with another group of tourists.


    Their guide was a short, grey-skinned man whose mask had been painted to look like a long-snouted dragons face.


    Wee to Shales Guided Tour, he said with a surprisingly deep voice for one so slight. Im Sim Shale, son of Toraka Shalemy motherwho owns the shop. Some of you might being here to peek out of curiosity, and some of you might be looking forward to starting a business rtionship with the shop. Doesnt matter who you are, everyones wee, and at any time you can ask any question youd like: theres no such thing as a stupid question in Shales, unless its: do you work for free?.


    Some of the crowd chuckled.


    Alright, touring folks, if youll please follow me up the stairs in the hall, well take the catwalk above the main work area.


    They followed Sim into a catwalk above an area full of marvels. At this point, even the Barrens heat seemed calm byparison andto Alexit felt like hed just walked into a cksmiths shop during preparations for a rush order.


    The area below the catwalk was filled with ovens, vats and kilns all of enormous size. Materials of varying types were fed in like each of them was a hungry, fire-belching giant.


    Shimmering ck buckets full of molten metal,va or other materials were being removed from the oven by way of immense, high-powered forcedisk spells, and then transported to smaller, closed workshops that were built along one of the walls. While much of the work floor was dominated by this fiery process, there was a section where y was being transported by the barrel-load to other workshops.


    Here on the floor, you can see all the raw matter being made for golem bodies, Sim boomed over the loud ruckus from work and workers below. Theyll be taken into the back workshops, where theyll be shaped through a mix of spellcraft, good hard elbow grease, and old-fashioned skill.


    How many are you currently working on? an older man near the front asked.


    All this? Sim gestured below Thats just ten of them, and each one will be shipped throughout the world. Weve got some for distant wizards, princesses, overlords and even a king. Especially the ones that use higher end materials: theyre worth more than most folksll see in a lifetime.


    And what of the cores? Are the cores made here in the workshop? a woman asked.


    Oh no no no, theyre not suited for heat like hell, y dust, and iron fumes, Sim said. That works a lot more delicate, and its where well be going next.


    The sweating tour swept through the catwalk and made their way to an upper floor of theplex. Within a hallthat was sweltering, though marginally less than the main floorwere three reinforced doors. Sim nced at each before knocking on the middle one.


    A slot at eye level cracked open and a quick conversation passed between the guide and the rooms upant. Then Sim turned back to the group, his dragon mask bobbing.


    So we aintpletely lucky: one of the cores is close topletion and I thought we <em>miiight</em> be in time for the final stage, but at least youll be able to see the shaping process. Only two of you at a time now, the rooms not the biggest.


    He stood aside.


    Two by two the tour group entered the workshop andas Alex and Theresas turn drew closer, his excitement grew like a childs on Sigmus Eve. Atst, it was time for them to enter.


    The workshop wasrge, and filled with multiple devicesmany of which Alex did not recognize. Some he did, though: what was clearly a waste mana container stood at the side of a work table, connected to arge symbol encrusted cauldron by a mana vacuum.


    The artisan over the cauldron stirred the mixture using a mana conductor, and the raw liquid glowed with a soothing teal light.


    It was beautiful. Alex couldnt tear his eyes away from the glowing liquid that would soon be a golem core. He watched its light, he feltits


    mana.


    He froze.


    Still in its raw state, the liquid leaked much of its mana into the air, and he could feel it permeating the space around him. It feltfamiliar. It didn''t emit a squirming feeling.


    It didnt feel antagonistic, and it felt alive in a way that hed encountered already.


    Hed felt such a mana before.


    Just once.


    When his mana hade in contact with the dungeon core.

 Chapter 51: Help Wanted

    Chapter 51: Help Wanted


    Alright, I think its time for the next folk to have a turn, Sim cleared his throat behind them.


    Alex? Theresa poked him, her worried eyes watching him through the bulging lenses of her beak mask.


    What? Yeah, sorry, its just really cool. I lost myself for a moment, he said quickly. That wasnt aplete lie.


    Ah yeah, happens to the best of us, golem-work is one of the most awesome disciplines in alchemy, Sim said emphatically as he guided Alex and Theresa through the door of the workshop.


    Alex was quiet as the rest of the group went through the golem cores workshop in pairs, and he remained quiet for the rest of the tour as his mind worked on what he had just sensed.


    The golem cores mana gave off a simr feeling as the dungeon cores, but not identical. It was like seeing two simr breeds of dog side by side: they were the same species, with a lot of simrities, but there were still major differences in them. Also, he didnt know whether or not the dungeon core and the golem were actually rted: the simrities couldve been only superficial.


    Hed learned in school thatlong agowhales were considered a kind of fish because they swam and had fins. It wasnt until an explorer found out that whales could actually drown that the difference was noted. Still, this was one of the first leads hed gained sinceing to Generasi andsince he was going through a golems are awesome phaseit would make sense to explore that question.


    The rest of the tour was fairly straightforward, with Sim showing the group some of the individual rooms where they forged the golems bodies. Each room was dedicated to the crafting of one particr kind of golem. Thebusiest workshop was for the sculpting of y into y golems, which Alex had learned were the mostmon type.


    Next, they visited a pair of rooms devoted to the sculpting of stone, and finally, a room devoted to the forging of iron or steel into massive bodies.


    ys the easiest to get a golem core to attach to, Sim said as he closed the door to an iron workshop. Its malleable and has lots of earth in it: its easy to get a cores mana to flow through and animate it. Stones a little hardermostly because its harder.


    He paused, waiting forughter, and a few people chuckled.


    Theresa leaned close to Alex. You think he makes that joke every tour?


    Now Alex chuckled.


    But stones still a more natural substance than iron, which is processed and tempered from the earth. Steel, of course, is damn hard to get a core to take to, and it needs a lot of mana and careful maniption.


    Sim pointed to a room at the end of the warehouse that was sealed with a massive lock. The final rooms for special orders and materials. Iron, stone and yre the mostmon materials for golem bodies, but theyre not the only ones. We crafted one <em>entirely</em>out of gold for an emperor: heaviest youd ever see in your life, I swear to all the gods. Some golems can even change on their own if they encounter the right mana, magical effects, or spells. Golem Evolution we call that, but that takes a core made with materials that can generate a lot of mana and that are able to produce a variety of effects naturally: Chaos Essence is a good example, with its ability to mutate monsters. Its all expensive stuff thats tricky to process.


    He shrugged. In the end, Golem Evolution is a neat process, butif you just want a good golemits cheaper to just build one out of stone or iron in the first ce, than it is to get all the rare material you need to make a y golem that evolves into stone and then into iron and then wherever else it might go. And for a golem to evolve, youve <em>got</em> to start with good, solid y: cant start with a stone or iron golem.


    He nced around, noting the engagement of his audience. Right, time for thest spot on our tour.


    Sim took them to arge, well-ventted office with older sturdy-looking chairs and a table covered in sheets of paper near the top of the building. Several sweating, copper pitchers lined a side table, surrounded by cups. The liquid within smelled strongly of mint.


    At the end of the room was a massive desk backing arge open window. It was covered in papers weighted down by paperweights.


    So. Sim closed the door behind them. This is the part of the tour where I try to convince you to join a cult and donate your life savings to it. He paused, thenughed. Just joking folks, just jokingwhat Ill be proposing next doesnt involve any brainwashing: to any of you who might be interested in having a golem built now or anytime else, now is when I sell you on using Shales workshop for all your golem rted needs.


    He thenunched into a pitch that would have put any travelling peddler rolling through Alric to shame. Alex and Theresa settled into a couple offortable chairs in the back, and Alexs thoughts drifted: he had neither the wealth, the resources or the skillyetto rent out the workshop to make a golem of his own, or order one made by the masters here. Sims pitch wasnt exactly relevant to him. For now.


    He leaned toward Theresa. Want something to drink?


    Id love it, she said. We should also think about lunch before we go back to campus. My stomachs starting to rebel.


    Yeah, I think I saw some ces across the street. He pulled himself from the chair and went to the side table with the copper pitchers.


    Pouring two cups of minty water, he stepped up to the desk and peered through the window behind it. Across the street were a line of eateriessome were food stalls and some full on restaurants. There were signs advertising grilled meats or vegetables while others disyed pictures of steaming bowls of stew.


    Itd been a while since theyd had a good stew, and his belly rumbled as he took in a giant sign featuring steam rising from heaps of vegetables surrounding a browned leg of meat jutting above the rim of a pot. He could also see a few bakeries that looked like theyd satisfy his sweet tooth after the stew.


    His eyes lingered on one that caught his interest, but for all the wrong reasons.


    McHarris might have been a bully and tried to hide rotten eggs in his baked goods, but the man had always made sure that his buildings facade always <em>looked </em>to be in good repair. Presentation was key for any business involvingwell, anything, but especially food. Thest ce someone would want to buy bread from was a ce that looked like a cockroach pcey inside its walls.


    Or at least, that would be the case as long as there were other alternatives to buy bread from.


    The bakery that had caught his eye looked like it might have seen better times a long, long time ago. The sign, with its king paint, had the image of a faded loaf of white bread being drenched in melted butter on it. Chipped paint was peeling from the wood on the front facade, and the stoop looked like pigeons spent a lot of time there. Some of the shutters looked cracked or were missing ts, and the general appearance of the ce seemed to be screaming: eat here if you want to live in the privy for the next three days.


    Huh, he thought. Well that ce probably wont stay open much longer.


    The second and third floors seemed to be housing; if the clothes on clothes lines hanging from one side of the alley to the next were any indication.


    His eyes narrowed in thought as he wondered if the bakery might be going under.


    As he turned away from the window, his gaze fell on the desk and spotted some papers strewn across it.


    He paused as his eyes caught the words written on a half-finished document lying at the corner of the desk. It was dated for early in the next month, and thergest words on it were:


    Help Wanted. Evenings.


    Its <em>perfect</em>. Alex nearly vibrated with excitement. Think about it, I cou-Agh!


    The stew burned his tongue.


    Slow down, slow down. Theresa raised her hand. Its as hot as a forest fire in mid-summer at noon. I get it, youre excited, but you wont be able to tell me anything if your tongues burned and swells to the size of a cows. And if youre worried about Brutus, dont be, the meat tter from the stall will keep him happy til were done.


    Yeah, yeah. He blew on his spoon before scooping the creamy mushroom and beef stew into his mouth. The restaurant was bursting with people having their noonday meal. A mixture of strong-armed folk and schrly ones from the golem workshop poured down cups and bowls of stew, followed up with cups of weak wine.


    Listen, it doesnt get any better than this. I can learn all about golems <em>while</em> getting paid for it.


    Uh, maybe I dont know how skilled jobs work here, but shouldnt you have some kind of knowledge of the thing youre getting a job in? Theresa asked.


    He waved a hand. All I have to do is get ready for it beforehand. The job said it needs folk who are good with mana maniption and have experience with crafting using magic: Im in potions ss and mana maniption, whichll teach me what I need to know. Theres a month before it even opens up for application. All I need to do is get good enough to qualify for Crafting Assistant. Its an <em>assistant</em>, not an expert.


    She frowned in worry. Is a month enough time?


    With he paused and she nodded, indicating she understood that he meant The Mark. I could pick up what I need before its time to apply. Its <em>just</em> an assistant, after all, but it pays <em>two</em><em>gold coins</em> a day. Fifteen days and thatpletely pays for our lodgings, Selinas junior school and your auditing. At the same time


    He nced around and then whispered what hed felt from the golem cores mana in the workshop. She gasped. Really? she mouthed to him.


    Alex nodded. We could learn something if I get experience with those cores. Even just being <em>around</em> the mana could give us lots to look into. Its worth at least a try. Like, a <em>lot</em> of problems at once are solved by this, and if it doesnt work out, we dont really lose anything.


    Theresa nodded. And I guess, its less dangerous than Life Enforcement or Art of the Wizard in Combat she paused, frowning. She had audited part of Baelins ss earlier in the week, but they hadnt had time to talk about it much yet.


    Her eyes drifted up to Alex and they held an emotion that was rare for them to disy: unease. A strong unease.


    Is she paused, slowly stirring her spoon in her soup. Is he always like<em>that?</em>


    Who do you mean?


    The Chancellor, she said. His eyesthey feel likelike they look right through you.


    Oh by Uldar, I thought I was imagining that, Alex said, slipping his spoon back in the bowl. Itfeels like hes peeling you away doesnt it? Like theres <em>something else</em> in there. But like, when he talks, hes just a nice older guy most of the time.


    He remembered Baelins small speech on how gods were parasites, and his unique philosophy on The Art of the Wizard in Combat in general. Almost every other professor he had met talked about avoiding dangers. Professor Jules kept emphasizing the need to learn procedure and study only what one was ready to handle.


    But Baelin? Baelin had just thrown everyone into The Barrens as a test and told them to make it through with what they had. In the end, Alex had learned a lot from that test, and students who the course might have been especially dangerous for were weeded out. It made sense from a certain stand pointa harsh one.


    It feels likehes from a different time, Alex said. Like all that stuff he says about harsh, barbaric times for wizardsthat doesnt sound like stuff hes only read or heard about.


    Yeah, it feels like history itself is talking to you, Theresa said. But, all that stuff about being prepared for anything <em>does</em> make a lot of sense. Even judging from what <em>weve</em> been through, you never know what dangers might be lurking out there.


    She was interrupted by a harsh, mockingugh from the next table. A rough looking, bearded man had thrown his head back and was clutching the table for support. Alex nced over and noticed a falchion in a scabbard at his side.


    One hundred gold? the man said, his ent harsh and chopping through the words of the Common tongue. His eyes were like steel. You shouldve said so in the first ce. I wouldnt have wasted so much time making you convince me.


    Good coin here thats a kings ransom elsewhere, an older woman said, leaning over the table. Her leather apron from the golem workshop creaked as she did. Thats why I wrote to you, cousin. A mana vampire would be no problem for you: you fight by sword and crossbow, not spell. The bounty is always open, and recently theres been some strange happenings outside the city. Even if its nothing, there are other bounties. Other monsters. You and the boys would make a killing. Literally.


    Fair enough. The man smiled. How much is your finders fee?


    Ten percent. Im not greedy, and its just telling you what I hear.


    Deal. I guess I <em>will</em> be moving the band to the Wizard City for a bit. Easier than whatever nonsense is going on in Thamnd.


    Alex frowned.


    A mana vampire in the countryside. Or maybe more than one.


    Yeah, he said to Theresa, his tone serious. We really dont know whats out there. But hey, Id feel a lot safer with a big golem at our side, wouldnt you?

 Chapter 52: Manipulating Mana and Mind

    Chapter 52: Manipting Mana and Mind


    The box that professor ValRok had assigned in Mana Maniption didnt prove to be a very worthy adversary.


    Alex concentrated on it, guiding his mana through the specific pathways built into its inner structure. It was a puzzle in a way: a magical object that ran on manabined with a childs toy maze.


    The glyphs on the side required one to guide ones mana through the specific pathwaysin the correct orderand touch the underside of each glyph with mana in different ways. Some would require a sort of twist with mana in order to activate, others needed a sort of slight impact or bop, while others had little energy sps to wrap ones mana around and pull it in order to activate the glyph.


    While the first glyph that his ss was expected to empower had its activator right at the edge of the mana pathway leading into the box, the rest were behind increasinglyplex pathways within the maze. To make things worse, if one touched the side of a pathway with their mana, or engaged with an activator incorrectly, the box was designed to eject the students mana. <em>Then,</em> it would scramble the pathways within the box so that the inner maze would change slightly after each failure.


    In the end, students would have to weave their manacontorting it like an acrobatin increasinglyplex patterns to reach subsequent glyphs activators, all of which would require different motions with ones mana to activate sessfully.


    It started off easy, but became incredibly difficult as the task continued.


    To Alex, the entire device proved to be a fun diversion which also happened to train his mana maniption. He liked puzzles.


    His years of experience controlling his forceball with his mana had left him very capable of making it flow in different ways ording to his wishes. Then, his experience pitting himself against the dungeon core in The Cave of The Traveller, had taught him how to manipte his mana against a weakened, but active opponent trying to stop him from performing a task.


    The professor had only required the ss to activate one glyph.


    Hed managed twoalmost threeon his first try.


    Then The Mark began to work with him.


    Images of all the correct choices hed made during previous runs flooded his mind, with it focusing less on solving the puzzle in particr, and more on <em>how </em>he had contorted his mana to reach further into the maze. It meant thateach timethe act of manipting grew a little easier. His mana grew more controlled and shook less the further he pushed and contorted it through the maze. Each time he ran into a dead end, it grew easier to simply pull his mana back along the path without losing focus or the feel of his energy, and avoid touching one of the sides.


    It also helped him be more proficient with the particr motions required to activate each glyph. Again and again he reached into the box, guiding his mana through its different pathways and touching the different activators. As sesses piled up, he was soon able to activate the third glyph, then a fourth and then a fifth in the space of an afternoon.


    As it became easier, he decided to add in extra challenges when he realized he would likely solve the entire box in a day or so. The first challenge he threw in was trying to maintain the forcedisk spell at the same time.


    Forcedisk had also shown massive improvements in recent days.


    He had used the same process as he had to perfect the forceball spell while The Mark, naturally, had tried to ruin his concentration with failures. Hed been able to quickly identify his mistakes, repeat the process with modifications, and build the spell array.


    It was getting easier, and the forcedisk was growing rapidly in speed and power as both his skill with the spell increased, and his mana maniption started to spike.


    Today, he would try tobine both forcedisk and glyph box mana maniption exercises.


    First, he conjured the forcedisk, then he ced the box on the disk while manipting his mana through the maze and the spell at the same time. When he found that to be easy, he began slowly drifting the forcedisk back and forth in front of him, which meant he had to push his mana in <em>two</em> directions at once: toward the spell and toward the magic box simultaneously.


    <em>That </em>proved to be mind-bendingly difficult at first. It was like trying to write two different things with each handone needed to split their concentration into two directions <em>and</em> keep two different sets of movements coordinated while trying to reach two different goals.


    The Mark was very helpful here and it aided him in a way that took him off guard.


    It began by showing him images of itself helping him in unrted circumstances, and it took him a few tries to figure out what it was trying to show him. He began to see that each time The Mark had presented him with images of sesses or failures, it had actually been helping him learn how to split his concentration to take in different information, examine it, and build on it while focusing on whatever task he was performing at the time.


    It brought up the times when he had directed his forceball while performing the Spear-and-Oar Dance; he had been sending his concentration in two different directions then.


    It all came together in his mind and something clicked.


    He lit up five glyphs in the training box while making his forcedisk circle his body like a vulture circling a corpse in The Barrens.


    Ugh, he said at the thought.


    His concentration abruptly slipped, and all the glyphs winked out.


    Ah, shit, he swore. Oh, sorry! Didnt mean to disturb you, Theresa.


    He paused, hearing no response.


    Theresa? he nced over his shoulder at the balcony.


    While hed been practicing at the dining room table, Theresa was engaged in her Life Enforcement exercises on the balcony. Sitting cross-legged, her eyes were closed and her hands pressed to her knees while her chest and stomach rose in deep belly-breaths.


    The rest of her body was so still thatif it werent for her breathingAlex could have mistaken her for a life-like statue. Though her expression had naturally fallen into deathstalker face, there was a serenitying from her entire body that made Alexs breath catch.


    Her buckety close by, but she hadnt needed it that afternoon. She was coughing up that foul smelling stuff a lot lesstely, and getting rid of it seemed to be having a pronounced effect on her.


    An inner glow shone from her these dayseven after fatiguing trainingand her movements had be more graceful and fluid than before. On their long morning runs, she, Alex, Khalikand now Thundarused to start off running hard neck and neck until they tired and then, one by one, slow to a jog, then a walk. Alex would normally be the first to slow his pace.


    In the weeks since Theresa had started her training, her stamina had grown by leaps and bounds. Where before she would keep up with Khalik, now she was regrly outpacing him, leaving the athletic man behind to catch his breath. Even Thundarthe most physically powerful of the group by a wide marginstarted to have to push himself to keep up with her.


    Alex quietly continued working on the puzzle box distractedly: he also watched his oldest friend while she continued her meditation until atst, she slowly opened her eyes. She stretched like a she-wolf rising from her den.


    Was it that interesting to watch? she asked without looking at him.


    He jumped suddenly. Huh, wha-? I, uh, wasnt watching.


    A sly smile crept across her lips and her eyes had a dreamy look to them. Your eyes were boring into me like a mole trying to find its home. Was it that interesting? She cocked her head, her face a mask of innocence while her eyes were downright predatory.


    Alex blinked, his heartbeat quickening. Something about that look did things to him.


    He did not have issues, he assured himself.


    or maybe he did, but he <em>liked</em> those issues.


    Alright, guilty as charged, but how did you know? he said. It looked like you were deep in your own pleasant little world. I was making noise and stuff and you didnt budge. I could see that Brutus waspletely in another world, I mean


    He nced over to Brutus.


    The cerberus had inhaled a massive meal earlier and had immediately gone into a fooda. Even noying on his sidehis legs scrambled at the air while his three snouts snarled and snapped at nothing in the room. It looked like he was running and dreaming. Well, that or horribly mauling something to death in his dreams.


    Alex chose to think that it was the former.


    ...yeah, I think Isolde could drop a lightning bolt beside him and he wouldnt wake up, but you? I thought you could hear me and wouldve asked me to be quieter by now.


    Ah, that is She paused.


    Her eyes grew very, very wide. Uldars beard! I must be the <em>dumbest</em> person whos ever lived!


    She shot to her feet so quickly and smoothly, that the movement looked unnatural then she rushed inside, closing the door silently behind her.


    Theresa? Whats wrong? Alex asked.


    Nothings wrong, but something might be <em>really</em> right. She sat down beside him at the table, looking so excited that she was nearly jumping out of her skin. She nced around before leaning in close.


    What do you know about meditation? she asked.


    Uh, he said. Its part of your Life Enforcement course.


    Its <em>more</em> than that, Alex. Its a calming exercise and its one that can help you focus. Remember you told me how<em>The Mark,</em> she whispered. Basically just smashes your mind with all kinds of stuff? Well, heres the thing


    She pressed her fingers to the side of her head. Professor Kabbot-Xin taught us meditation to help us focus our life energy. We dont tune out the world, we learn how to notice outside things without getting pulled into them. We learn how to manage our thoughts. We let them and outside influences pass as we focus on a single thing. Sometimes its the voice of whoever is guiding us. Sometimes its our own breath. Sometimes its life cirction. But its purpose is to help us focus without getting distracted and falling into outside thoughts.


    Alexs eyes grew wider and wider with each passing word.


    The skill she talked about sounded a lot like what he did to get through The Marks brutal onught of failures. It was something hed figured out on his own as a way to help himself deal with his grief and sorrow when his parents died. It had helped him learn how to get through it.


    But if <em>this </em>was a formalized skill for it


    Theresado you know what youre telling me? he murmured, vibrating in excitement. If it isnt considered a Divinity and it helps with letting different thoughts passI might be able to use The Mark to learn how to <em>defeat</em>The Mark.


    She held up her hands. Now it isnt a magic arrow, she said quickly. It might not work at all, and even if it does, meditation isnt perfect. Apparently one of the reasons some cultivation practitioners make temples in remote ces is to e<em>liminate</em> as many distractions as possible. If meditation could work against all distractions all the time, they probably wouldnt have to do that. ButI think it could help.


    LikeIm sure it will, its already simr to what Ive been doing to get through stuff. Andeven if its got limitsfinding ways to build my concentration will definitely help with mana maniption. He paused. Only thing, thoughis it a Divinity or not?


    She frowned. I dont think so. I think only the parts of qigong that directly affect the lifeforce are the Divinity part. Like, when a bunch of students couldnt do the ten minute meditation, our professor said that a meditation club might help them, and she didnt talk about it like it was a dangerous thing. Id <em>love</em> to teach it to you, if you think itd help.


    Alex thought about the idea. As long as it wasnt a Divinity, trying it was a no-brainer: it would likely help him in mana maniption, spellcraft,bat, general concentration<em>if</em> it wasnt a Divinity.


    If it was


    Then it was still worth a try. As long as it didnt interfere with his lifeforce, then the worst that could happen would be having The Mark scream at him. And he was getting pretty used to that.


    I want to try it, he said enthusiastically. I <em>absolutely </em>do.


    Theresa smiled, and made a motion like she was adjusting imaginary spectacles. Then, my student, I expect you to follow everything I say.


    Yes, Professor Lu.


    She giggled, and then her smile faded. Alright, lets hope this works. Ill be with you every step of the way.

 Chapter 53: The World Opening to the Senses

    Chapter 53: The World Opening to the Senses


    The key to meditation, ording to my professor, Theresa said, sitting cross-legged across from him on a nket on the balcony floor. Is that failure is your friend: the point of meditation is to keep concentration on a particr thing, but you will get distracted and your mind will wander. Things outside of your thoughts will pull at your attention. Thats all perfectly natural.


    Right, Alex said, watching her closelysomething he was happy to do for multiple reasonsand making sure that he matched her position as best he could: cross-legged with back straight, shoulders setfortably and his hands set on his knees. So, you then push yourself past those distractionsright?


    Not quite, Theresa took a deep breath and blew it out. What youre supposed to do is <em>notice</em> those distractions, and acknowledge them.


    Acknowledge them? Arent you supposed to just let them pass, like you said?


    Its harder when you just try to do that, she said. By letting them pass without acknowledging them, even briefly, means that theyre more likely to pop back up. Your mind is going to <em>want</em> to look at them. I meanokay, remember that year you peeked at your Sigmus presents?


    Yeah! He grinned with absolutely no remorse. It was a good memory and his parents had never found out. A dull pain stung his heart, but it was mixed with happy memories of that Sigmus and previous ones. Took me two years to find dads hiding ce, but I did it.


    I remember that, she said. You were <em>obsessed </em>with finding that hiding ce.


    Yeah, I really was.


    And then when you found it, what happened?


    Well, I didnt really need to look for it anymore, I had already seen what was there-Oh, he paused. RightI got obsessed with the hiding ce until I looked at it-


    -and then you didnt need to look for it anymore, she finished. Its the same thing with thoughts or distractions: if you just try to ignore them or let them pass without acknowledging them, then your mind will drift toward them. Its likehey, listen to me: whatever you do, do not imagine Brutus with bright pink fur and wearing knights armour.


    Immediately an image of Brutus with bright pink fur and wearing a knights full te came to mind. He choked back augh.


    Tell me, what did you imagine? Theresa asked.


    Brutus with bright pink fur and wearing knights armour Alex admitted.


    Exactly, and if you dont acknowledge Sir Brutus, hes just going to keep staying in your head. ording to the professor and the textbook, you have to acknowledge thoughts <em>in order</em> to let them pass.


    Okay, okay, he mulled it over. I got it. So thats how we seed in getting better at concentration?


    No, we have to fail first.


    Okay, were back to that. What do you mean?


    So, while were being mindful of our thoughts and acknowledging them, our minds are going to wander, she said. Its inevitable. Things catch our attention. At least its that way with me. But <em>every</em> time you notice a new thought or distraction, acknowledge it, and bring your attention back to what youre concentrating on, then your mind gets a little better at doing it each time. Each failure and break in concentrationif followed by acknowledgement of the distracting thought and <em>gently</em> bringing your attention back, then you-Ah!


    What? he startled. What is it?


    Theresa held up a finger. I forgot maybe the most important part of this entire kind of meditation, sorry.


    He sighed in relief. Hey, its okay, youre trying to teach me something you just started learning yourself. Take your time. Ill be a patient studentunlike how you were back in the church school.


    Ugh, you were doing so well, but you had throw that in, didnt you?


    He shrugged. Sometimes my mouth rebels.


    Oh dont I know it, she chuckled. Alright, stop distracting me.


    No no. He grinned victoriously. <em>Acknowledge</em> the distractionin this case, my clever wordsand <em>then </em>let it pass.


    Her eyebrow twitched. They will never find your body, Alex, I swear to Uldar they never will.


    Despite her words, he saw that she was fighting a smile.


    Okay, Ill stop. So whats the important thing?


    Its about focusing on the <em>present</em> moment, she said. The professor talked about howduring Life Enforcementyour mind will be left focusing on the same motion of circting your life force through your body. That means that as you get better at it, your mind is free to wander to whatever it wants, and thats dangerous. It makes you lose concentration. She said that the key is to not get stuck on ruminating over the past <em>or</em> thinking about the future. Its to keep the mind focused on the present moment.


    She tapped the side of her head. So lets say you were focusing on spreading butter on a piece of bread, but you kept thinking about eating itter. Your mind wouldnt be on the task at hand, and if it were something moreplex than say, patting butter, youd be more inclined to make mistakes and get distracted.


    Holy crap, Alex muttered.


    It was like she had just described the moment-to-moment of how The Mark destroyed concentration and any attempts to practice its forbidden areas. The memories of the failures would m into the mind so hard, that sometimes it became hard to distinguish what was happening in the moment, and what was a failure from the past.


    With his forceball, it had been like spreading butter on toast: hed been so familiar with the motions thateven with The Mark screaming at himhe was still able to cast the spell and have enough mental fortitude to alter it. As forcedisk had be more familiar, he was able to continue with that pattern.


    But it was still a struggle.


    When it came to actions ofbat, which he had no experience with, the act of learning the motion <em>while </em>dealing with The Mark had proven to be too much. He couldnt manage to let the memories pass over him, and he didnt have enough expertise to simplyplete the task in spite of The Marks interference.


    Yet, this meditation skill sounded like its very <em>purpose</em> was to train the mind in acknowledging memories and thoughts, and then pulling you back into the present.


    It could be the perfect weapon against The Mark.


    He wasnt sure how <em>far</em> it could help him in fighting its influence, but it was still worth diving into.


    I think its going to be great, it sounds <em>perfect</em>, he said enthusiastically. I think it could help with a whole lot of things.


    And the best part is that, each time you fail and get distracted, as long as you bring your mind back to the present moment after acknowledging what distracted you, you get better at it. Failure brings sess.


    Just like how hed managed to get The Mark to work for him despite its intended purpose.


    Okay. He straightened himself. Lets get started.


    Alright, first of all, you need to take a deep breath, Theresa paused. So like, Im learning this myself and everything I just told you is pretty much from my professor and the textbook. Im still learning too, so you might want to find a more knowledgeable teacher after today.


    Hey. He looked her in the eye. You know me. You know our situation. You know this. Theres no one Id take as a teacher over you, Theresa.


    The smile that came across her face could have lit up a moonless night. Alright, my student, follow my lead. Im going to try to remember step by step. First, listen to the sound of my voice


    Theresa led him into the meditation as she had described it.


    She told him to listen to the sound of her voice and to take deep belly breaths.


    Luckily, since hed already been practicing breathing with The Mark, that part had felt natural and rxing. Then she guided him through shifting his awareness, focusing on different points on his body, and paying attention to how each section of it felt in that moment.


    He was surprised at what he found.


    There was a slight tightness in his head and neck he hadnt noticed before.


    A lingering soreness in his shoulders, arms and chest from his push-up routine. Yet, he also noticed a feeling of...<em>strength</em> in his torso that he hadnt been aware of before. His muscles felt stronger. He noticed the breath entering his chestespecially as he swelled his belly with the movementand noticed the feeling as he exhaled. Rxation swept through his body.


    He noticed the slight tightness and burning in his thighs from their daily run, and also a dull ache in his feet. All these things that were a part of his bodya part of Alex Roththat he hadnt paid attention to before.


    His mind began to go down that line of thought.


    How much of his life had passed him by without him noticing? It was pronounced with The Mark, but things about his <em>own body</em> were bing so obvious just by concentrating on them, how many other things had he miss-


    Oh wait, he noticed he had be distracted. He acknowledged the thoughts, and gently pulled his mind back to the present moment, concentrating on thest part of his body.


    The meditation continued with Theresa directing his attention to each of his five senseshe noticed the faded aroma of the bread hed baked that morning, the sound of students talking in the adjacent apartments, and the feel of his own bodyweight on the nket beneath him. Sensation fed into sensation, and his awareness expanded around him. He wasnt sure if his senses were improving, or if he was just paying more attention to what they were already trying to tell him, but he felt like he knew more about the world around him in those moments, than he had in a long, long time.


    The clutter in his mind calmed, and soon, there was only himself and what he was focusing on. He noticed strong feelings of excitement and tion rising in his chest, and he acknowledged them and then brought himself back to focus.


    He could bask in themter.


    As the meditation came to a close, Theresa brought his attention back to his own body and to his breath, and thenright at the endtold him that he could allow his mind to go wherever it wanted.


    His thoughts exploded.


    Dozens of ns and pathways opened up to him, and his expectations of the future seemed to shine brightly like the sun rising at the end of a long night. In a mere ten minutes, he had quieted his mind and brought himself in touch with his senses. What would he be able to do once he had put a lot of practice into this?


    Alright, and were back, Theresa said, smiling at him. Well look at that expression on your face. Did you enjoy yourself?


    Theresathis is huge. He blinked. LikeI cant even


    Sounds like it had to be really good or really <em>bad</em> if it left you, of all people, speechless.


    Are you saying I talk too much? Alex asked with mock anger.


    No, you talk a lot, which is fine by me. I wouldnt have kept hanging around you if I didnt enjoy listening to you, she said with a sort of dreamy, satisfied smile. He wasnt sure if that meant she was thinking positively about the meditation or about him. As they had grown even closer since their journey startedwhich he hadnt thought was even possiblehe was starting to be more confident that it was thetter.


    In a moment of rity, he started to realize that there were less and less reasons for him not to take a risk and tell her how he felt about her. He was bing increasingly convinced that he was getting signals in return, which was supported by Khaliks not so subtle encouragement. Alex Roth had always been the kind of person to only take risks when he was sure that things would go the way he wanted them to: there was a reason why he had endured McHarris abuse for years <em>until</em> he was one hundred percent sure the baker couldnt hurt him in any way.


    But when were matters of love ever guaranteed?


    Rtionships were between people, and trying topletely control the oue of someone elses feelings wouldnt lead to anywhere good. He could pretty much guarantee his own feelings and that was it. Besides, he was diving into the dangers of magic,bat and investigating the remains of a dungeon core.


    This risk was nothingpared to that.


    He decided then. Hed need the right moment: Theresa had talked about hunts and waiting for the right moment and if that was how she thought about things, hed just need to notice it when it came.


    And, this skill was all about helping him notice things in the present moment.


    His eyes narrowed in thought. Hold on for a second, I want to try a couple of things.


    Concentrating on The Mark, he focused on the idea of growing his skill in meditation. Images of the meditation session rose before him, with The Mark pointing out the times he had performed what was instructed perfectly. It showed <em>how</em> acknowledging the distracting thoughts helped bring him back to focus, and also showed him the times when he brought his mind back to the present <em>gently</em>.


    Good. It <em>would</em> help him improve the skill.


    Now for test number two.


    He started to construct a spell array for forcedisk.


    The Mark threw his failures at him with all its power andthough he might have imagined itit seemed to be trying even harder than usual. Maybe he was just noticing its actions more now that he was so aware of everything. Instead of merely trying to guide his way through the memories or noticing and trying to study the failures, he engaged in the meditation process: acknowledge each one and then gently bring his mind back to the spellcraft.


    He noticed a difference immediately.


    Memories he acknowledged and then gently pulled his attention away from were less likely to try and force their way back into his mindor maybe they had more trouble trying to pull his attention back to them. Either way, he found it easier to get past those memories with this new skill. Of course, it wasnt perfect. There was a major difference between meditating and simply focusing on senses, and trying to do the same thing while actively engaged in spellcraft while having a magical symbol actively trying to destroy his thought processes.


    It was the difference between studying in a quiet meadow, and studying with an angry, drunken bard who had spent their whole life mastering thergest, loudest drum ever made, while he gave a full on drum recital five feet away.


    But, the forcedisk formed faster and smoother than it ever had.


    Progress. And a path to fight the mark.


    Theresa, thank you. Seriously. I dontknow how to exin what youve done for me. He smiled broadly, fighting back tears of happiness.


    Theresa looked at him for a long moment, as though she were about to say something. In the end, she only sighed and smiled. Its the least I can doyou helped me find this path for my life. Im d I got to do some of the same for you.


    Her smile warmed her entire face and her eyes seemed to shine. They drifted up to the suns position in the sky. Oop, we should go pick up Selina, shell be out of school soon.


    She was on her feet in a breath and half-jogging inside.


    Alex watched her go with tender eyes before getting up.


    A whistle from across the ins drew his attention.


    He nced over to see Khalik sprawled in a chair with one of his textbooks in hand. With a wide, knowing grin, he gave Alex a thumbs up.


    Smiling, Alex gave him a thumbs up right back.

 Chapter 54: Safety in The Cells

    Chapter 54: Safety in The Cells


    The Cells loomed before him across the grass.


    Though it had been long fixed, the stone was still ckened in parts from previous idents. There seemed to be a dangerous energy surrounding the building, one he noticed more strongly than before. He wasnt sure if he was bing more sensitive after a week of solid meditation practice or if it was just his own nerves colouring his perspective.


    After all, todayin his second week of POTI-1000would be the first day hed be actually entering the building. Taking a long, steadying breath, he started striding toward the structure. It was his firstb in potioncraft, his first step into a new art, and the true beginning of his journey to make a golem.


    Also, it would be his first chance to impress Professor Jules.


    Earlier in the week, during the lecture portion of POTI-1000 she had told them that the day would start with an exnation onb safety, followed by the simplest of tasks: learning how to use a mana conductor in order to transfer mana to a special potion that would change colour as soon as mana touched it.


    Hopefully, it would be easy, but nerves ate at him anyway.


    He took a deep breath, acknowledging his emotions and then gently pulling his mind away from them. To calm himself, he focused on the mana maniption box, shifting his hand into his bag to grip it.


    He exhaled and let his mana run through.


    It rushed into the maze like a trained racing stallion, but with the agility of a show jumper. The Mark gave him his previous sesses as a guide, and once again, he broke his personal best for going through the mana maze.


    In a minute, every single glyph lit up on the box, and he grinned. Each time doing it made it a bit easier: after spending so much time on the exercise, his mana felt like it was flowing like water, and between all the practice he was putting into casting spells and this exercise, his mana pool had expanded.


    Soon, it would be time to try maintaining two first tier spells at once.


    If he did that, he would know he was ready to start studying a second-tier spell.


    But those were ns forter.


    For now, he put the box away and marched up to the building, taking out the round wooden card that served as his student identification. On it was inscribed a new symbol drawn on in ss by Professor Jules. It allowed him ess to the building during certain predetermined time periods: when POTI-1000sbs were held.


    The glowing glyphs on the doorway brightened as he approached, shing in time with the symbol on his card. There was a click and the iron doors parted, revealing a stone hallway that would have been pitch ck if it werent for the glowing forceballs suspended at equal distances.


    In some ways, it reminded him of entering The Cave of the Traveller all over again. He stepped inside, wincing as the door quickly closed behind him with a firm click. His footsteps echoed through the hall and the stones held a sinister look cast by the deep, green forceball light. Strange odours reached his nose.


    Acids. Brimstone. Burning meat. Fire and wood, and smells like thoseing from the golem workshop. He passed a series of iron doors in the hall and from one, he smelled something sickly sweet and alluring. Something about the scent pulled slightly at his mind, not enough to rm him, but enough to let him know that something was unnatural about it.


    His footsteps quickened.


    Atst, he reached Cell-207 and pulled open the door.


    He had never seen a dungeon before.


    Wellhed seen a <em>Ravener</em> dungeon but not a <em>castles</em> dungeon. He had heard about castle dungeons in bard stories about impossibly attractive, good-hearted thieves who broke out of them to save swooning lovers from grim fates.


    Whenever hed imagined one, <em>this</em> room was pretty much what came to mind. It was dark, with more green forceballs to give it a sinister look. Again, he was one of the first students to arrivethough not <em>the </em>first. His n had been to make sure he could wedge himself between two other students to avoid Derek and Carey. The few others present looked unnervingly like demons in the shadows and green light.


    Mana apparati hung from the ceiling or were perched on desks like evil, mechanical spiders. The room stank with faded smells of old potions.


    Professor Jules was already at the front of the room, writing the agenda for the day on an obsidian b. She gave him a quick nce and a nod before returning to her work.


    Alex! Alex! Over here! I have a free spot over here! a familiar, inquisitive, bouncy voice called from across the room.


    Speaking of demons, he thought as he recognised the voice.


    His head slowly turned in the direction of the enthusiastic Carey London as she waved at him from across the room. I have a free spot beside me!


    She patted the seat next to her, one at the end of the long experimentation tables where they would be practicing.


    He sighed. On the one hand, talking to her drained him more than running sprints, but on the other, with her beside him on one end and no seats on the other, there was no chance for any known cheaters to slither into a seat nearby.


    There were stools open on the other side of the table, but the mana waste containers hanging from the ceiling would be more than enough to block any views and conversation.


    He dropped his bag beside his fellow Thameish student. Hey, Carey, you all ready to horribly blow ourselves up?


    Her smile froze. I uh, not really.


    Oh no, that was a joke.


    Oh uh, I see, she said. Well, Uldar will hopefully keep us safe through todaysb and through all the others during the semester.


    Uhyeah.


    He mentally noted not to make morbid jokes around her anymore. Unlessif he kept doing it, she might stop subtly hinting for him to join her Uldar-centric society.


    He ced the idea in the back of his mind as an emergency weapon.


    It didnt take long for the rest of the seats to fill up, and he noted that there were metal shutters on the <em>inside</em> of the windows as well as on the outside of them.


    Alright, lets begin, Professor Jules said. Wee to the first Lab of POTI-1000, where you will do much of your learning for the semester. Like any art of wizardry, there is only so much that reading a book or listening to lectures can tell you. True learninges from practical application: here is where you will engage in that practice. But in order to do so, and survive the rigors of alchemy. Safety. Comes. First.


    She waved a hand toward the tables. Beneath your work stations you will find aprons, coats, gloves, and maskstheyll make you sweat like you were on the Barrens of Kravernus, but you will be kept quite safe by wearing them. Please put them on. Choose your correct size as they will be yours after today, and you are expected to keep themundered and in good repair. Should they be damaged, please report to the desk in the basement of The Cells for recements.


    Alex and Carey nced at each other then reached beneath their tables and chose the right size of equipment. It consisted of a heavy leather coatreinforced and treated to avoid chemical burnswith an apron for increased protection. The mask was simr to the ones used in the golem workshop, though the beak was shorter. The gloves were heavy as well, and by the time Alex finished slipping on the whole outfit, he felt like a knight who had just strapped on their armour.


    He and Carey looked at each other.


    Well, now I know how a bird feels, he said, pointing to the beak of his mask. Now if we could only get the flying part down.


    Oh, I think Ive heard that theres a potion of flight well eventually have to brew, she said seriously.


    He paused.


    He made a mental note not to make <em>any</em> jokes with Carey London.


    The first part of ss went by fairly quickly, as Professor Jules exined the mostmon procedures in The Cell. Much of it wasmon sense: dont taste anything without having her examine the potion first, dont rub anything on the skin and always wear the safety equipment. She absolutely stressed the importance of <em>always</em>having the mana vacuum lowered into the mixing sk during the entire process of potion brewing, and making sure that both the vacuum and the waste container were fully operational.


    Not doing so would be grounds for immediate ejection from theb.


    Some things were less obvious, though. She taught them to only smell any potion or ingredient by holding it away from the face and wafting the scent toward the nose with their hand: a process when one was trying to identify ingredients in the field. Another was a specific method to remove gloves that did not involve touching the outside of the glove with ones bare hand.


    She also showed them a station that magically produced clear, neutralizing water to flush their eyes in case anything got through their masks and the location of the emergency kit. After that, she taught them the importance of washing their hands and equipment at that station before every singleb and after it wasplete.


    From there, she then cast an illusion that floated at the front of the ss: which showed a series of scenes that looked to have been simted using actors, stage effects and simple magic. It was a bizarre disy. Each scene went through examples of students not participating in proper safety procedures, and then receiving increasingly horrific and gruesome injuries simted through makeup and <em>a lot </em>of bad overacting.


    The entire thing was so over the top that he almost burst outughing several times during the scenes. Luckily, he had the sense to not appear like a maniac and to keep hisughter stifled.


    From across the ss he heard Kybas voice breaking down in strangled chuckles as the illusion went on, and Alex was sure he could make out someone sliding their stool away from the little goblin. It seemed that he and Kybas shared a simr sense of humour.


    When the illusion finished, Professor Jules nced around at the entire ss. Did you pay attention to the information? I hope you did


    With a smile like a scheming devil, she drew arge sheath of papers from beneath her table. Because well be having a quiz on it immediately.


    Groans echoed through the ss.


    Alex blinked. Well, that was a surprise, but he had been paying attention to the safety procedures anyway.


    Just in case, though


    He focused on The Mark, thinking of getting better atb safety. Instantly images of himself putting on gloves properly and paying attention to the illusionary scenes rose up, focusing on the most important aspects of the presentation.


    A smile crept across his face.


    he wondered what University policy was on using a heroic blessing to enhance ones learning during a test. Would it be considered cheating? Probably not a case that came up very often. Besides, The Mark was using his own memories: he was <em>basically</em> just consulting <em>himself</em>.


    Perfectly legitimate.


    At least, from <em>his </em>perspective, which waspletely unbiased, of course.


    Between his own diligence and The Marks support, he tore through the short, multiple choice quiz like Cedric through a horde of unsuspecting silence- spiders. The questions ranged from simple at the beginning, to twisted in ways to make sure that students were <em>truly</em> paying attention to the specifics of the safety procedures.


    With The Mark having illuminated details, neither proved to be much of a challenge, and he was the first to proceed to Professor Jules and present her with his finished test paper.


    She raised an eyebrow at him as she nced down toward the sheet.


    Her eyebrow raised a little higher as she scanned over the answers, then produced a pen and checked off each question.


    He smiled as she wrote and underlined 100 at the top.


    For someone so eager to go ahead of themselves, you surprise me with your diligence toward safety, she said quietly, handing him another sheet of paper. Look over this sheet and once I say the quiz has ended, you may set up your workstation.


    Thanks, Prof, he said, already looking over the piece of paper as he made his way back.


    Thanks to his newly trained reading speed andprehension, he had the entire procedure read over in detail by the time he sat back down in his seat. His eyes paused at a line buried in the rtively simple procedure, and he barely resisted a chuckle as he doodled a small, bulging-eyed fish at the top of the sheet, thenid the paper in front of him.


    As the other students finished, Professor Jules graded each test with shocking efficiency, and either congratted sessful students, or told them that they would have to reviewb safety procedures found in the textbook. There would be another quiz for them.


    Alright, well done. None of you did so poorly that Id have to stop you from proceeding with the next part of theb. You all now have your procedure sheets. Please set up your workstations and raise your hand when you are done.


    Alex quickly followed the procedure written on the sheetsimr to one described in the textbook, just without that second-tost lineand ced his potion sk in the centre of his workstation, cleaned it, lowered the mana vacuum into the the empty sk, flicked the switch on it into the ready position, and then inspected the mana waste container.


    He was the first to raise his hand.


    Professor Jules looked over his workstation, giving a nod of approval, and then nced down at the top of his sheet. She quietly gave him a thumbs up and a nod before examining the rest of the ss, correcting a few of their appartis positions.


    When she was done, she addressed the entire ss: So. How many of you saw the second tost instruction: please draw a bulging-eyed fish at the top of your procedure sheet?


    The ss went silent. Many of them looked fairlyfortable, and a nce to his side revealed that Carey London had been one of those whod caught the instruction. Alex quietly gave her a nod of congrattions.


    Other students, however, immediately snatched up their sheets; their faces became stunned as they found the hidden line. Professor Jules watched them, looking a mixture of stern and amused.


    All alchemy is about <em>detail,</em> she said. The procedure you have in front of you today is a single page, because you are simply using a mana conductor to activate a prepared solution. First tier potion recipes can range anywhere from two to ten pages. The most demanding potion procedures can literally fill several books: every step written in one of those books will be important for your sess and safety. Read <em>all</em> material carefully, and do not assume you have the answer just because you <em>think</em> youve skimmed all of it. Detail. Detail. Detail. Now, once you are all done drawing your fishyes, I <em>am</em> going to make you do itwe can begin.


    She quickly went through the rows of students, pouring the solution into their sks using carefully measured ss tubes, and inspected their stations one more time.


    As she poured the solution into Alexs test sk, she nodded to him. You may begin. Raise your hand when youre done.


    Eagerly, Alex took up the mana conductor and lowered it into the potion.


    Professor Jules had made it one step away from him when he raised his hand. Done. He said.


    She paused, and slowly turned around. Her eyebrows rose and she owlishly blinked several times. That she paused again, then looked at him carefully. Her eyes seemed to be searching him for a long moment. Mr. Roth, do you have a few minutes after theb?


    He couldnt contain his smile. Absolutely.


    Good, please stay behind for a moment.


    She quickly moved on to other students. As he watched her go, he caught several people looking at him in surprise. Carey was staring down at his potion while holding her mana conductor steady in her sk. Uh she murmured. Well done.


    Thanks- he began to say.


    Then he paused.


    He caught Derek Warren <em>staring</em> at him from one of the other seats, but the red-haired young man quickly shifted away from Alexs gaze.


    Alex frowned, watching as Derek took a surprisingly long time to change the colour of his solution. His speedpared to the rest of the ss wasnt bad, but considering that he had taken most of the course already?


    It seemed that Mr. Warren had surprisingly little idea as to what he was doing.


    And in a field of study like this? That could be <em>very</em> dangerous.

 Chapter 55: Reflecting on Different Paths

    Chapter 55: Reflecting on Different Paths


    Mr. Roth, have you studied alchemy before you came to Generasi? Professor Jules asked.


    They were alone in Cell-207, and she was looking at him pointedly. Not a hostile look, but simply an appraising one.


    Um, no, Professor, he admitted. The only magic I knew beforeing here was forceball.


    Her eyebrows rose. You got into Generasi knowing one spell? And youve had no other magical training?


    A little bit of magical theory from some books, but thats it.


    No training in alchemy, then Her eyes narrowed. Are you taking first year mana maniption?


    Alex cocked his head a little. Yeah, actually, how did you know? It didnt look like that course was very popr.


    It is moremon for students who are going to venture deep into potioncraft or alchemy. Youre a <em>very</em>eager student in this ss, so I thought that might be a course youd be interested in taking. Have you received your box, yet?


    Uh, yeah I have. He dug the box out of his bag, showing it to her. I take it you know all about this?


    I do. She smiled at it. Professor ValRok and I- she referred to the professor of mana maniption. Helped design each others courses, since there is so much synthesis in the skill sets involved, and The Box has been the bane of many a first year since <em>I</em> was a student here. would you kindly show me how far youve proceeded with it.


    Alex could barely keep a triumphant grin from his face. I definitely can.


    He poured his mana into the box, watching Professor Jules closely as her eyes grew. She outright gasped as the fifth glyph lit up and whistled in surprise as finally every symbol on the box glowed with the power of mana.


    My goodness! she said. Im not sure if you have any idea how impressive that is: many students of mana maniption have trouble lighting up the entire box even partway through their second-year, and most who seed with it early have a strong history in mana maniption.


    She frowned. You must have practiced a lot with forceball.


    Oh yeah, for years.


    Interesting. Tell me, how much of the potions textbook have you read?


    He paused, nearly telling her hed gone through all of it already. Thinking back to what shed said earlier in ss, he decided not to say he had finished the entire text yet. To anyone who heard that hed already studied the whole book before the first month of first semester was over, it would just look like hed skimmed it. Or that he was lying.


    Hed lowball it a bit.


    Ive skimmed most of it, he said. But I know about a third of it in detail. I went through the earlier parts a lot before school even started.


    She frowned. And did you <em>try</em> any of the recipes in it?


    No, Professor. I just read about them and took careful notes. Didnt try <em>anything</em> yet, he insisted.


    Hmmmm, she mused. If I were to ask you what on the Table of Prime Essences would have a mana weight of 142, what would your answer be?


    Essence of Grounding, he said quickly.


    She quizzed him on a few more things from the table and then on certain parts from the front of the book. He answered each as though he were reading the passages directly from the book. Professor Jules paused.


    Tell me, what are the three uses for adult dragons bile when ites to crafting potions of body strengthening.


    He froze. Uh


    He called upon The Mark, focusing on learning that potion, but no memories came back to him. Had he missed that part somehow?


    I uh He scratched the back of his head. I have no idea, professor.


    Good, she said. Thats a subject you will not be learning about until POTI-3000. I was afraid you might have been receiving extra information from a more advanced student.


    Yeah, no, not me, he said. The only second year I know is Isolde von Anmut.


    I see she continued to peer at him as though he were a particrly fascinating potion ingredient. Mr. Roth, I would like towith your permissioncast a spell on you.


    Alex winced. What uhwhat kind of spell?


    For some reason, a wild image came to mind: her using some sort of magic to shrink him down to the size of a bug so that she could put him in a jar to examer. He shook off the feeling. No way would a professor do that to a student, would they?


    It is a greater dispel. It will rend apart any spells currently upon youdo you currently have any spells on you? she said slowly


    He froze. How would such a spell react with The Mark? From what he could tell, it didnt use manabut it was definitely supernatural. Was it a Divinity? Probably? Either way, would such a spell erase The Mark from him? It seemed too easy.


    But if it did


    That would be a good thing, wouldnt it? Wouldnt it?


    Not so long ago, he would have been fine with anything that removed The Mark. Now? It had benefited him in surprising ways. He wouldnt be so advanced with mana maniption if it werent for its help, and even its hindrances were driving him to grow in new directions he would have never thought of before.


    What did that mean? Did he <em>want</em> The Mark now? Had he just learned to cope with it? Before he could sort any of that out, Professor Julespleted her spell. He felt a strange wave wash over himlike the pins and needles feeling of having a leg fall asleepbut this came from the air around him. Mana drained from his surroundings like oil being forced away by a mixture of soap.


    Then it was back. Curiously, he focused on breathing with The Mark.


    Images came to him immediately, showing that it was still on him.


    His thoughts paused. Waswas that <em>relief</em> he felt? Along with slight disappointment? What did that even mean?


    I see you have no spells upon you, Professor Jules noted. Forgive me, but an old trick some students used to attempt is to craft an illusion that only <em>they</em> could see, which disyed their textbooks and notes before them. It isnt amon method of cheating anymore, but we still catch some. Butno, it seems that you simply have quite a talent Mr. Roth.


    She tapped the desk a few times in thought. Do you still have interest in personal projects?


    Absolutely, he said. Lots of interest.


    Hm, she frowned. I look forward to seeing your results from the next fewbs and the first quizzes. If you perform as well as you did today, then we might have a little discussion, after all.


    She smiled. It warms my heart to see a student take such an interest in alchemy and potions. I look forward to watching you this semester, Mr. Roth.


    Uh, thank you professor, he said.


    And just like that, he was one step closer to examining the dungeon cores remains <em>and</em> constructing a golem.


    I swear on all my ancestors, Thundar groaned, with his hands covering the sides of his face. If a lightning bolt jumped out of the sky and struck my Battle Magic Professor, I think Idugh about it for three days straight.


    He leaned over the table while Khalik and Alex returned with a pitcher of lemon water and some cups.


    Is he that bad? Khalik asked, sliding back down into his seat and moving his textbook so itd be out of range of any drink spige.


    Worse, the minotaur grunted as Alex dropped down at the table, quickly pouring him arge cup. Some of the war-leaders in my n were hard-bitten bastards, but <em>he</em> makes them look like kindly children. He barks like a dog and every time you have to ask him a questionwhich you <em>have</em> to cause he talks faster than a chattering birdhe acts like youre the one with the problem.


    Oof, thats rough, Alex winced, thankful he hadnt taken battle magic.


    Of course, he <em>couldnt</em>but he wondered if he might have, if his situation had been different.


    It had been a few days since his first potionsb, and hed been thinking on his reaction to potentially losing The Mark. When hed first received it, it had been nothing more than a curse that was attempting to ruin his life. At the timewith it hindering his spellcraft and causing him to have to go die in a battle he wasnt equipped to fightthere was no other way to think about it.


    Now, though?


    He was safely at Generasi and among friends. He had made certain choices in both his education and his life that he doubted he would have made without The Marks influence.


    A lot of those choices were doing him quite a bit of good.


    His armsformerly gangly and thinhad started to grow muscr, thanks to his daily exercises. As the push-up routine had gotten easier, he had gone to Khalik for suggestions on other training methods he could use. It was then that the powerful young man had shown Alex a hidden treasure at the school: a weight-training gymnasium often used by the Watchers of Roal.


    Although Alex had only used it once, the way the new exercises had hit his body had left him with an tedthough exhaustedfeeling simr to what he felt after a good, long run these days. The Mark had helped him with the form of the exercises.


    Then there was the meditation.


    He had quicklye to understand why Theresa was so taken with the practice. The more he did it, the more he wanted to do it: it calmed him, helped him rx, helped him concentrate, organized his thoughts and it continued to slowly help him develop defences against The Marks hindrances.


    <em>Then</em> there were his course selections. Would he have gone so deeply into mana maniption or potions if he could learn <em>any</em> spell? Would he have decided to specialize in force spells or go broader?


    He knew without a doubt that he wouldnt have ever bothered with The Art of the Wizard in Combat.


    He also doubted hed be looking to try and build a golem so single-mindedly either. Likely, hed just be trying to excel in his studies, looking out for his sister and trying to avoid Carey Londons little group.


    His life would have beenpletely different andover thest few dayshed be unsure if it would have been necessarily better.


    Hrm? What troubles you, my friend? Khalik asked. You look like you are contemting the nature of the universe.


    Maybe I am, Alex said. Maybe Im about to unlock the secrets of creation, inspired by what a jerk Thundars professor is.


    The minotaur snorted. You wouldnt be joking about it if you had to be in there with me.


    Is he as hard as Baelin? Alex asked.


    Thundar let out a deep, rollingugh. If only he was like Baelin. He closed a massive hand into a fist. Deep, deep down, Baelin is <em>harder</em>, I think, but Professor Hartman <em>wears</em> it like its a badge. Hes louder. Meaner. Good at what he does, but less helpful.


    Ugh, my condolences. Alex put his hands together like he was praying over Thundars funeral. What about you, Khalik, I havent heard you talk about your professors at all.


    Khalik shrugged lightly. There is not much to say, I celebrate those that are good and endure those that are not.


    Oh no, youre not getting away with that. Thundar leaned forward. Tell us what youve got to deal with.


    It is no problem. Khalik waved them off. Comining about them to my friends will not change them, only make them be with us when we are trying to study and rx.


    He took a sip of water. Its better toe together over <em>shared</em> experiences, I say. Though that is just me and my choice. He nced up to Thundar. Your professor sounds like bird droppings, and I will listen to you vent about him all day, if you wish.


    Heh, thanks, Thundar said. Alright, enough pitying myself and winging. So, back into The Barrens next week, eh?


    Indeed. Khalik nced at the textbook on tactics for COMB-1000. Deeper, this time, too. I look forward to it. There is a spell we are learning in EART-1400 that I want to try there, if I can.


    Whats that one again? the minotaur asked.


    Earth and Mineral Magic. It has some neat applications. A wizard advanced enough in it can empower crop yield for a season, at least for a certain amount of farms. There are other uses too.


    Sounds fun, Alex said. Wait His eyes narrowed. So it conjures earth, right?


    That it does.


    Saywould you be able to get some y for me. High quality stuff?


    Khalik raised an eyebrow. I do not know such a spell, but I am sure a ssmate or even the professor could provide some. Why?


    He thought of both the golem projecting up, the job opening soon, and a little sister who had nothing to build or sculpt with.


    Alex tapped the side of his nose slyly. Lets just say that Ill be killing more than one bird with one ball of y.


    Khalik groaned openly and shook his head.


    Thundar chuckled.

 Chapter 56: Naming and Sculpting Futures

    Chapter 56: Naming and Sculpting Futures


    Whatre you trying to make? Selina peered at Alexs crooked, strange looking creation. It looks like a bug that got run over by a wagon.


    Hey! Alex grabbed the mostly finished y doll hed been shaping and held it protectively away from his sister. Its my second time making one, take it easy on me! Besides yoursisnotthat


    He couldnt finish the sentence. The truth was that hers was <em>much</em> better than his.


    She had shaped a three headed dog that looked like Brutus out of her portion of y, andwhile it was a bit roughthe proportions were actually pretty urate. Only the thickness of its legs were a bit disproportionate to its body, but shed probably done that so that they could support the weight of the massive body and three heads.


    Shed even shaped the heads with tough-looking snouts, and carved little lines to represent floppy ears hanging down.


    Okay, yeah, uh, thats really good, he admitted. When had his sister gotten that talented? Then again, it had been awhile since hed gone into her room and <em>really</em> examined her little construction and shaping projects.


    Thanks. She grinned. Its easy when you have the right stuff. But yours isnt very good. You should start again. You squeezed the arms and legs too much, so theyre all lopsided.


    Oh, and youre the expert now?


    Im better than you, she said.


    His eyes narrowed. She was right. Now the only question was if Alex Roth was so petty that hed use a deity-provided power to rapidly exceed a ten year old girl in skill and then rub it in her face.


    And the answer to that was <em>yes.</em>


    Gimme a few daysthen youll see whos the expert He muttered, using The Mark while he continued to shape the little figure into something that was at least slightly not-hideous.


    Whatd you say? she looked up from y Brutus.


    Real Brutus was at the beastarium with Theresa and Shishi.


    Oh, nothing, nothing, he said with a sinister note in his voice.


    She looked at him appraisingly. Youre weird.


    No <em>youre</em> weird.


    Your y doll is weird!


    Hey, dont insult Mr. y the Second like that!


    She stared at him. ... Mr. y the Second?


    Yeah? What of it? he looked at her with mock defensiveness. You name your little dolls all the time.


    Yeah, with good names.


    Oh <em>really</em>. He gestured to a doll that shed set on the windowsill yesterday: an earlier creation of Selinas. It looked like an oversized turtle with massive spikesing off of its shell. Lord Emperor Spikeon? Really?


    She looked at him defiantly. <em>Good. Names.</em>


    Ill have you know-


    <em>Thmp. Thmp. Thmp.</em>


    A loud knock came from the door.


    One second! Alex shouted, jumping up. He stumbled, and then caught himself. Lately, he was trying to copy Theresas thing where she just seemed to glide to her feet from any sitting position, but with varied sess.


    He ignored Selinas giggling as he opened the door.


    Uheverything alright? Khalik said, his eyebrow raised. I heard raised voices halfway down the hall.


    Over one shoulder he carried a pile of books while he held arge pic basket over the other. A spicy scent drifted from the basket that made Alexs mouth water.


    Oh everythings fine, Alex said. Come in,e in, and you can see how cruel my sister is, and how bad she is at naming things.


    Alex! She red at him Mr. y the Second is a dumb name and you know it! Stop trying to pretend it isnt!


    Emperor Lord Spikeon-


    Lord Emperor Spikeon! Selina corrected him.


    Its not a good name! he insisted, trying to hide his growing amusement at the whole thing. You cant be judging anyone elses names. You know what? Khalik!


    Khalik ced the basket and bag down on a chair at the dining room table and held up his hands. I do not know what this isbut I do know I dont want any part of-


    Too bad! Alex gestured to both Lord Emperor Spikeon and Mr. y the Second. Which name is better?


    Erwhat name is yours called?


    Mr. y the Second!


    Khaliks uncertainty vanished in an instant. Alex, why do you bother me with this? he said in a deadpan voice, though his eyes were amused. Your name is obviously much worse. Apologize to your sister at once for wasting her time.


    Ifine, you win this one, little goblin. He said grudgingly.


    Hmph. She raised her chin with pride.


    Khalik burst outughing. Alright, I brought lunch, let us leave the y be and eat before it gets cold.


    Reaching into the bag, he produced well seasoned dishes of hot tbread smothered in cheese, garlic, onions and spiced pieces of cubed meat. One for each of us.


    Oh that looks amazing, did you make it? Alex asked, pulling out Selinas chair for her as she sprang up and rushed to the table.


    Oho, I did not, Khalik admitted, sitting down at the table. Half-burning meat over an open fire is the best I can do: I wouldnt inflict my cooking on you and Selina.


    You dont cook very much at home? Selina asked, tying a napkin around her neck. Does your father cook? Or your mother?


    Khalik suddenly burst outughing so heartily that it filled the room to bursting; Alex was sure that some of the conversations in the courtyard below fell silent.


    When the young man could finally stopughing, tears were running from the corners of his eyes. He muttered something in his mother tongue, and Alex picked out the words know, say and not.


    I apologize, Selina, Khalik said. I do notugh at you, but the thought of mother and father cooking He had to fight back anotherughing fit. In any case, eat! The both of you, enjoy. This food is best when it is hot, not when it has been left to sit out while we go on like a bunch of old parrots.


    Selina and Alex looked at each other, before reaching for their tbreads.


    Sowho does your cooking at home? Alex asked.


    For the first time, Khalik looked ufortable. We have someone to do it, was all he said. Hmmm, young Selina, how are you enjoying the junior school?


    Mmph! Selina mumbled around arge bite. I-


    Dont talk with your mouth full, Alex warned her.


    Mmm. She chewed quickly and swallowed. I like it a lot! Its like school at home, but theres a lot more to learn. The library has sooo many books!


    Oho, and whats your favourite ss? Khalik asked, smiling through his beard.


    I have two! She grinned. Math and art!


    Ooooh, we have a little architect growing among us. Khalik said. And what of magic? Do they teach you so soon?


    Selina paused, ncing sidelong at Alex. Um, no.


    She had an odd look on her face.


    Selina? he peered at her. Is there something wrong?


    N-no, she was obviously lying as she turned away from him.


    He frowned. Selina? Whats going on?


    She wiggled in her chair. Its nothing.


    Oh no, its definitely not nothing. You have the same look as you did when you brought that toad home in your pocket.


    No, its not like that!


    Alex frowned. Was she starting to keep secrets from him? Was she already old enough to be doing that?


    Come on, Selina, tell meI just want to make sure that youre okay.


    She paused, squirming a little more, and then seemed to dete. It was supposed to be a surprise.


    What surprise? Alex cocked his head a little. Khalik leaned in closer in interest.


    Welltheyre not teaching us magic she said finally. Yet! but uhtheyre going to test us soon. To see how much mana we have and see if we can learn magic.


    Alexs heart nearly stopped.


    I uhhuh, he murmured.


    She looked down. It was supposed to be a surpriseI wanted to tell you if I passed the test and surprise you.


    An awkward silence fell on the room.


    Er, Khalik gave a small cough. Sorry for helping to expose you, Selina, but if its any constion, they notify a childs closest guardian for permission before they do the test, so your brother wouldve known anyway.


    Aw, she groaned. Thats too bad!


    Alex, meanwhile, was speechless.


    All things considered, he should have thought about the possibility. After all, it was a junior school that was attached to the greatest university of wizardry in the world. It made sense that they would test the junior students to see if they had the knack for magic.


    The question was what would they do after?


    Khalik, how do you know about the test? Alex asked. And what do they do if a child has the mana for wizardry?


    My eldest brother came to Generasi, and learned of the practice, he said, his eyes growing distant. And as for what they do, my understanding is those that can learn the art of wizardry are given some beginning lessons on magical theory: simple things that can prepare them for casting spells if that is the path they desire, and if their guardians give permission for them to take the lessons. By the end, it is the hope they will be ready to learn some simple spells when they are older.


    Oh Alex muttered, looking at Selina. Doyou want to learn to be a wizard? If you could?


    Something passed through her eyes. You make it look like a lot of fun she said, though there was something odd about her tone. I want to try it. Is that okay?


    Alex had no idea how to answer her.


    Selina learning to be a wizard? What was the likelihood of that? Probably high, if he really thought about it.


    Would she have the smarts for it? That was an obvious yes. Selina was very quick-witted, and she liked to learn: especially about things that caught her interests.


    And what about the discipline? That was no question either: she already spent hours focused on building little models out of blocks or y. Focus was not going to be an issue.


    As for if she had enough mana to do it? That really was the key question. A persons base mana was an odd thing to predict. Sometimes someone with the mana for wizardry woulde out of a family that had farmed for ten generations. Sometimes there were entire dynasties that had produced wizards for centuries.


    Other times people would seem to have no mana when they were young, and then an ident, strange phenomenon or years of concerted effort at mana maniption could generate a mana poolrge enough to begin studying the wizardly arts.


    In the end, in many cases, a persons mana seemed pretty much left to random chance.


    So that left one final questionhow would he feel if Selina had the potential?


    On the one hand, the idea excited him. If she had the talent for wizardry, she would be set for life. Magic was a powerful advantage that could pave the way toward riches, fortune, adventure, safety andfort.


    On the other handmagic was a deadly force. How many times had they been told it was dangerous? In his short time at the university hed already seen some of its dangers. The importance of caution and finding ways to keep safe were constantly being reinforced.


    Letting Selina go down the path of magic training would be to let her go down a path of infinite dangerbut then again, would it be worse to stop her from even trying? <em>Hed </em>gone down his path with nothing but an old book, after all. So wouldnt it be kind of hypocritical of him not to let her try magic here at Generasi where shed be much safer than he had been doing it on his own in Alric?


    There was also the possibility that she might try it on her own in secret.


    The whole idea made him nervous, but letting her learn safely, if thats what she wanted, would probably be a lot better and safer. She would be taught by people who knew what they were doing.


    Alright, we can talk about it more if you pass, he said.


    Yay! she cheered. Im going to get a big pointy hat with a huuuge brim!


    Hah, Khalik chuckled. We can call you Big Hat Selina.


    Thats a terrible name, Alex said. Your name judging privileges are revoked.


    Hey, I might be bad, but you are definitely worse, Khalikughed. He nced at the door. Maybe Theresa would be better at it. Will she be back soon?


    She should be, Alex said.


    Good, I was hoping we could all talk about the next COMB-1000 ss together. It will be her first time in The Barrens.


    Alex snorted. And well be better off for it, trust me.


    Oh, I know, but I think it would be better to have some discussion beforehand. Its too bad Thundar and Isolde are busy, but it still will be good to share our capabilities with Theresa so we can move better as a team.


    Dont worry about that, Selina said. Theresa can beat up Alex, so if he can do it, she can do it.


    Thats not the way it works, Alex said dryly.


    Well, her help will be necessary, since we are going to the wild mana vents this time, Khalik said.


    What are those? Selina asked.


    Khaliks eyes looked distant. One of the most dangerous parts of all the Barrens of Kravernusand the very lifeblood of Generasi.

 Chapter 57: Terrain and Entourages

    Chapter 57: Terrain and Entourages


    A wizard will spend much of their life in hazardous surroundings, Baelin said to the ss. Which you will train for today, with your chosen entourages.


    It was another hot dayhotter than mid-summer in Thamndand the students of the Art of the Wizard in Combat were gathered in the stadium. Despite the loss of some ssmates during Baelins test, the number sitting before the chancellor had grown in the following weeks. Those who had entourages had brought them, increasing their number by a few new faces.


    The student named Malcolm had been joined by Eyvinder: a tall, bald man with pointed ears and a greenish cast to his skin. He looked like some of the elves that Alex had met at Generasi, but his features were harder and sharper, like hed been carved from flesh instead of being born.


    Nua-Oge, the schar wizard, had been joined by a horrifying looking beastfolk that drew everyones eye. He was by far the most gigantic beastman Alex had ever seen: the towering Thundara foot taller than Alexand Baelin would have only reached the monsters chest. He was so powerfully built that he looked more than capable of tearing through a castle wall. His skin was a steel grey over most of his body, but stark white over his chest, neck and throat. From the slight hunch in his back emerged a dorsal fin that rose into the air like a knife. His head and neck were so thick that they covered most of the area between his shoulders.


    The beast that he most resembled was a shark, and his eyes were ck and lifeless like those of a doll.


    Minervus and Rahe pair whod abandoned theirpanions during the testfilled out their ranks with five warriors who hade to the university with Minervus. Shortbows were slung on their backs. They were an enigmatic looking bunch with features that looked simr to Minervus himself, implying some kind of familial rtionship. They moved in a way that made them seem like they were the same person.


    In Alexs group, only two of them had brought entourage members to join the ss. Theresa sat between Alex and Khalik, with both her sword and massive hunting knife belted at her waist. She held her bow over her knees and watched Baelin very closely, her eyes only shifting to look at the neers that Isolde had brought with her.


    They had met them that morning: Svenia and Hogarth. Hogarth was a short man who was built like a boulder. Scars marked a face well hidden by a thick, ck beard: long and wild, unlike Khaliks well-sculpted one. Svenia, meanwhile, was as tall as Alex and looked like someone had put her together from iron wire and bear meat. Both were armed with heavy crossbows, broad-ded swords, and spiked halberds.


    They looked hard as nails, butif Alex was honesteveryones vicious looking guards and attendants seemed like cheerful babes next to the giant shark man. Even the bonedrinker would have looked tame next to that burly monster.


    Alex looked over the group, counting the new additions to their ss. Taking into ount the entirety of the new entourage, they actually had <em>more</em> people than theyd started out with.


    Before Baelins test, the ss saw a mere twenty students enrolled, and The Barrens had whittled them down to twelve. Now, ten new entourage membersa full half of theming from Minervus groupswelled their number to twenty-two.


    An odd thought struck Alex.


    Many entourage members hadnt started auditing the ss right after the test. A few of them, like Theresa, had attended the lectures, but for most, todays practical battle ss would be their first ss. The surprising thing was that they were all allowed to enter without being tested.


    Alex raised his hand.


    Yes, Alex, what is it? Baelin paused his lecture.


    Ummm, is there a test for entourage members, before they can go into The Barrens?


    No: <em>you</em> have all passed the test, Baelin said. And so all of you are trusted now, and that extends to those who you are responsible for. You made decisions and adapted to the circumstances of The Barrens, and so I trust your judgement. Besides, you are walking down a dangerous path, and one that you are ready for.


    He gestured to the ss. Were I to deny your entourage the privilege of auditing COMB-1000, I would be denying you resources for the ss, the opportunity to experience perils with those close to you, training for those who will apany you outside of the university, and preparations so that all of you might work together as a group. That is why I hope you have brought <em>every</em> member of your entourage.


    Alex chuckled. I brought half of them. The other half is my ten year old sister. SoI dont think that would be a good fit.


    He continued tough and a few others, including Theresa and Khalik, joined in. They only stopped when they realized that the chancellor wasntughing.


    He wasnt even smiling.


    At all.


    I fail to see the humour, I fear, Baelins eyes seemed to bore right into Alex, making the young man squirm in his seat. Did she refuse to attend? Of course, that is her choice.


    Uh Alex said, his eyes shifting back and forth ufortably. Well, I never offered.


    I see. Baelins words rang with a t disappointment. I am surprised, I have to say. You show a lot of sense.


    An air of difort descended over the ss. Students and their entourages exchanged nervous nces. Baelin himself did not change at all. Yet, he suddenly seemed <em>bigger.</em>


    He hadnt shifted his position, risen up to his full height or done anything intimidating, but it felt like the ancient wizard became muchrger. Like there was an auraing from him that had spread to fill the stadium.


    Alex swallowed. Iwellshes a child, chancellor.


    I see. A child, Baelin nodded, his body visibly rxing. Of course, of course, a child. Alex, would you mind answering a question of <em>mine</em>?


    Alex had a bad feeling that he wouldnt want to. Uhsure?


    Can children die?


    Silence swept the stadium again. Not even the wind broke it. In that stillness every student held their breath and Baelins eyes seemed to dig into Alexs core.


    Ipardon me? he asked, unsure if hed heard right.


    Can children die? Baelin asked with the same easy tone as though he wanted to know what the markets daily special was. Can they be killed? Hurt? Harmed? Massacred?


    A horrible image shed into Alexs mind at that moment: what might have happened if he hadnt seen the silence-spider in Coille forest when it was hidden in that tree, ready to drop down on his sister.


    He forced the thought away, unconsciously sliding into the deep belly breaths of meditation breathing. Um, they can.


    They can, Alex. They most certainly can. Baelin let out a long breath. It sounded tired in a way that Alex couldnt even begin toprehend. And it is not only children, he nced over the ss. Mothers. Fathers. Brothers. Servants. Attendants. Teachers. The more you grow in power, the more people in your lives will be endangered. Power. Attracts. Attention. And wizards must not only safeguard their loved ones, but ensure they have ways to safeguard themselves.


    The beastman paused for a moment. Let me tell you a story, one that is relevant for both our task in The Barrens, and to the topic that young Alex has brought up. A long time ago, there was a wizard by the name of Hathar-Motkin. He was a powerful sorcerer and demonologist of his day, and helike all of ussought power. And he achieved that by way of sacrifice. Demons can have vile ways of feeding themselves, and he provided them with what they wished to eat most. I wont detail what that was, because Im not going to make some of you <em>sick</em> before ss even starts.


    He began to pace back and forth in front of them, his hooves thudding into the stone. Suffice it to say that many other wizards lost family to Hathar-Motkins inclinations. And he made a <em>lot</em> of enemies. Many wizards think they are safe in their towers, Baelin continued. Or their sanctumsor schools. Almost every other wizard worth remembering at the time wanted his head, and if you had put them all together, they would have filled every single seat in this stadium. And <em>one</em> of his enemies was me.


    Murmuring spread through the ss.


    To avoid his enemies, he thought to build himself an imprable fortress. He gestured behind himself as though that fortress was standing right in the stadium. He forged a wizard tower out of star metal, then warded it with spells that repelled all magic but his own. Spell after spell after spell was linked together like chain mail, and then he ced a massive force sphere over his entire domain. Wizards tried to break through. So did demons and armies, and even one particrly angry dragon.


    He shrugged. And none could get to him; until one very clever sorceress conceived of a notion, and sought out myself and a number of his most powerful enemies to enact it. And what do you think we did? Hmmm, any guesses how we adapted?


    The student named Rhea raised her hand: she was part of the battle mage group of second years. Theres a saying among my people, she moved her hair to the side, revealing a pointed elven ear. That no tree can stand against a strong enough wind. Youbined your strength and sted his defences to nothing.


    Hm, a good thought. Baelin nodded. But one that failed us. Our enemy had prepared his defences well, and made the field his own. He could repair his defences faster than we could rip them down. And we <em>really</em> wanted to rip them down. Who elseah, Isolde.


    The terrain was to his advantageso you used magic to change it so that it was to <em>your</em>advantage? she guessed, leaning forward slightly to see if she had answered correctly.


    Very good! Baelin boomed, making many of them jump. We did just that: those of us with the power carved an even <emrger</em> circle of magic around his domainoutside his wards and spells. He had guarded arge area, butworking togetherwe could affect an evenrger area. Which is precisely what we did; we were able to teleport his <em>entire</em> domain into the ocean: the most northern ocean, where the water is so cold that it would be ice if it werent for the saltiness of the sea. And we waited for him, and we bombarded him with our most powerful spells, again and again.


    Heughed then: a hardugh like stone grinding on stone.


    Not only did Hathar have tobat <em>our</em> attacks, but he also had to cast magic to make the temperature in his domainwhich was dropping so very, very quicklylivable, deal with the pressure from the waters mass crushing his force sphere, and adapt to his own bewilderment and fear. He couldnt, so he panicked: teleported away. And we tracked him. <em>Then</em> it was all of us, against <em>one</em> of him, and none of his stolen power could help him.


    Silence followed.


    Um, Caramiyusone of the doberman-like beatfolkraised a hand. What happened to him?


    Baelin gave another hardugh. Again, I would not want to make you sick before our ss. In any case. He looked back to Alex. Im not insane, Alex. Im not going to demand that you drag a ten year old child with no experience into a battlefield, even if I am present to safeguard you all. But attending some of the lectures and discussions might do her some good. She might learn ways to protect herself, ways that might have indeed saved some of Hathars victims.<strong></strong>Give her things to think about, Mr. Roth. Do think on offering her a choice.


    Um, she has ss at this time. Shes in the junior school.


    Ah! Of course, that makes sense! Well, her general education takes precedence. Minds are sponges at that age: no sense in denying her the chance to fill it. I would suggest, though, discussing some of the topics from this ss with her yourself: such as the other point of my story, the importance of terrain.


    He turned to the entire ss again. Today your task will be to capture ten vent-drinkers. They aremon in the western wild mana vents where you will be going. These rifts in the earth concentrate and pour the worlds ambient mana up from deep within in its core and into the air. They are the source of Generasis high ambient mana, and they are also very dangerous.


    Baelin waved a hand behind him.


    The air rippled and pulled apart like a curtain, revealing a strange chasm glowing with different coloured lights. It was like looking through one of The Travellers doorways.


    Such pure, wild undiluted mana cannot be utilized unless processed in some way. Further, standing too close to the vents can cause you physical burns or disrupt your mana. The wild mana in the air can warp your spells unless you have a profound control over them, and for wizards and others sensitive to mana, walking near the vents will feel like youre attempting to swim through something akin to hot mud. And your opponents, the vent-drinkerswhile harmless to <em>most</em> thingsare far better adapted to the terrain than you are. Find ways to take away that advantage without wounding them mortally. Utilize your strategies from the test and tactics we have discussed. And work together. Now, without further ado, let us begin.

 Chapter 58: Planning Around the Mana Vents

    Chapter 58: nning Around the Mana Vents


    Baelin had not been exaggerating about the impact the mana vents would have.


    The moment Alex stepped through the portal, it felt like hed walked into a wall of thorns that pricked at his mana instead of his skin. It didnt feel as deadly as the mana vampire sapping his mana through his forceball, but there was a pain and invasiveness to it.


    He squinted against the st of light that suddenly hit his eyes.


    Baelin had teleported himself and the group a short distance from the mana vent, and being so close was blinding. The lighting off of it burned intensely, and squinting gave little relief from a re that zed like the noonday sun.


    The other students groaned, holding up their handstrying to block the blinding radiancewhile Najyah shrieked, burying her head under a wing.


    Ugh, thats bright! Theresa grunted. I-Alex, are you okay?


    The stinging feeling in his mana was driving him crazy. It was like having an itch deep beneath the skin, somewherepletely impossible to scratch. Khalik, Thundar and Isolde were groaningcringing against the wild manawhile Svenia and Hogarth rushed to theirdys side to support her.


    Do you feel that? Baelins deep voice said from somewhere above. That is the worlds blood and the blood of Generasi, flowing up in all its glory. Its like a tiger raging through the wild: untamable, unharnessed and deadly.


    Through the stinging irritation, Alex couldnt help but wonder what the hell a tiger was.


    We will move back a bit now, Baelin said.


    Alex felt the rush of his transportation magic as it pulled them away from the mana vent. He wasnt sure if it was his mana maniption training or the fact that this was the fourth time Baelin had cast the magic on him, but it felt morefortable, like he was growing used to it. The ground where they set down was uneven, but Alex shifted his body very naturally, assuming proper footing and bnce. The stinging had faded to a slight itch.


    He opened his eyes slowly, noting the light had receded and that the chasm was now at least a hundred feet away. From this distance, the light no longer assaulted his eyes, instead, it was quite beautiful in its own way.


    He noticed figures walking around the edges of the glowing vent.


    They were about asrge as medium size dogs, but walked upright on two legs, and resembled a cross between a massive lizard and a bird. Back in Alric hed seen chickens walking with the same gait as these creatures: with strange head bobbing motions followed by sudden, quick bursts of speed. Their necks were long snake-like things, and their tails waved behind them like whips.


    From where he stood, he couldnt be sure if they were covered in tiny scales or leathery flesh. Either way, their skin shimmered with colours that shifted to all the hues of the rainbow. There were several groups herded together, moving in numbers of roughly twenty to thirty. The heads of those closest suddenly rose and turned toward the young wizards. Their eyes shed with an inner light that matched their shimmering hides.


    And then they ran.


    Their wed feet tore across The Barrens, kicking up dust and receding around the vent. Farther away, other groups simply looked up, then dipped their heads into the vents like beasts at a watering hole. Their shifting colours brightened as they drank in the ambient mana.


    Baelin stood at the front of the group, looking at the mana vents with his hands sped behind his back. His beard sps clinked.


    Take note of your opponents there. He gestured to the vent-drinkers. While we can only endure this environment, or perhaps even be forced to retreat from it, they are no worse for wear. They are thriving.


    He waved a hand over the dust in front of them, which instantly began to shudder and rise into the air. The tiny particles came together, solidifying into long, lean threads that vibrated in the air before coiling around each other in long, fibrous braids.


    Once the transformation had ended, twenty coils of rope dropped to the ground before them.


    You will have to discover how to make your captures while your surroundings are hostile to you, yet beneficial to your opponent, he instructed them. Use what you can, test your limits, beware of dangers, and keep in mind the resourcefulness you exhibited during the test. Potential threats this close to the vents include muupkaras, bonedrinkers and the asional xyrthak, but I will ensure that nothing beyond what I see as your limits osts you. And with that, I wish you all good luck.


    With a nod, he stepped back into the shimmering air and vanished, reappearing high above them as a distant figure floating in the sky. As Alex looked up, he found himself being very thankful that the chancellor wore <em>pants</em> beneath his impressive robes. He shook his head at the thought.


    Only someone who had issues would be having thoughts like that at a time like this, he told himself.


    We need a perimeter and a n, Khalik said as soon as they were left alone. Baelin said he would keep things away that would be beyond our limits, but that does not mean he will drive away every threat.


    If anything, itll most likely be the opposite, Alex added.


    Ill watch our east nk, Theresa volunteered.


    She stepped out of the group and moved to the east of them, nocking an arrow onto her bowstring and eyeing the empty wastnd. Massive rock formations rose far to the east, blocking their lines of sight past a certain point. Alex wasnt sure if he was imagining it, but one part of the formation looked like the open jaws of a beast.


    Small, ck winged silhouettes soared over the rocks and fluttered down on the other side. Vultures. <em>Something</em> was dead over there. He hoped that if something had killed whatever it was, that it would stay with its meal.


    Khalik looked at Minervus, who was still shaking off some of the effects of the mana vent. Minervus, would you mind having your entourage form a perimeter to the north and west of us? There are many with you and they could cover much of our nks.


    Minervus paused, looking from his entourage to Khalik before nodding at the five hed brought along. They too paused for a moment, blinking as though theyd just woken up, then proceeded to go nk the north and west.


    Eyvinder and the massive shark man volunteered to help form the protective circle to the south, leaving only Hogarth and Svenia standing beside Isolde as if they were glued to her sides.


    Its alright , she said, rising to her full height. Help to protect all here.


    The two halberdiers looked at each other. As youmand.


    They joined the others in forming a protective wall of flesh and metal.


    Alex nced at their surroundings and snorted, slightly amused when he looked north. Therefar awaywas the escarpment that had served as their goal during Baelins test. From this distance, it might have taken them <em>twice</em> as long if they had to reach it from here, so it was good that they werent heading back there. Hopefully, there wouldnt be any sign of muupkaras or bonedrinkers this time, though the former could be hidden under the dust.


    So, uh, Angrone of the two doberman beast folkgrunted from his canine snout. He sniffed the air toward the chasm. I dont smell any threats, does anyone have any ideas on how to do this?


    Alex blinked in surprise when heas well as most of the rest of the sslooked toward his group as if expecting them to speak first. Then again, it made sense: they had been the only group to pass the test unscathed, despite being made up of more first years than seconds.


    He also noted several students throwing cutting looks at Minervus and Rayne. Some even edged away from Minervus entourage positioned in the encirclement, even though <em>they</em> were supposed to be part of their protection.


    His brow furrowed. <em>That</em> shouldnt really be a big surprise all considered. Even if todays task wasnt a testand the stakes were lowerno one wanted to chance their safety to the two whod abandoned their group members. The memory of them flying off to the goal by themselves was still very fresh.


    If there was already distrust, what would happen when it came time for cooperation? Or when trouble actually showed up?


    Before we generate ideas, we should go over what we know and make sure that all understand the threats around us, and the capabilities of our prey, Isolde stepped forward, appearing every inch like some sort of military general. To review, we have seen muupkaras and a bonedrinker, but does anyone know much about vent-drinkers or what a xyrthak is?


    Alex looked over the other students, watching for certain tell-tale signs. When a teacher would ask, did everyone understand that? theyd usually get a range of responses.


    There would be the nk stares or distracted looks from students who knew, and didnt want to respond. nk looks would alsoe from students that didnt understand and didnt really care to; they tended to be the ones whoined the loudest about a teacher not exining things properly when they did poorly on a test.


    Thered also be those whod nod openly, <em>wanting</em> the teacher to know that they understood. Then there''d be those who wouldnt know what the teacher was talking about, and would quickly look away. <em>They </em>were usually the ones who hadnt grasped something and were too embarrassed to admit it; Rayne and Caramiyusthe other doberman beastfolkquickly looked away at Isoldes question.


    Isolde, you might want to exin, Alex suggested, stepping beside her like he was some vizier to a ruler. He rose up to his full height and ced his hands behind his back. For some reason he felt like <em>looking</em> impressive.


    We should make sure that were all working with the same knowledge here. He smiled, using The Mark of the Fool to help mould the smile into something amander would give. Past smiles from him heading ss projects in Alric came back, along with memories of Fan-Dors, Cedrics and even Khaliks grins. And, if theres anything anyone wants to add after Isolde, then they can feel free to share it.


    The raven-haired woman paused, looking at him sidelong for a moment, and something seemed to pass across her face. Before he could begin to consider what it might have been, sheunched into an exnation:


    Xyrthaks are higher predators in The Barrens: something bonedrinkers and muupkaras avoid, she recited. They are flying creatures with long beaks that are filled with teeth like those of a giant reptile: they are veryrge, as well. A full grown xyrthak can carry off an adult man with ease. Their wings are roughly thirty feet wide and they can race the fastest falcon. Their most dangerous aspect, however, are their cries and theirnces.


    She made a grasping gesture. A xyrthaks cryes from a mana-rich organ deep within its chest between its lungs. This organces its voice with magical energy. Their cry can hit a frequency that resonates with the mana inside all creatures within approximately a fifty-foot radius. Depending on what the xyrthak wishes to do, or how vigorous its victims are, the cry can stun, knocking a creature unconscious, or even cause full mana reversals which can be lethal.


    Murmurs swept through the ss and a number of nervous faces looked to the sky.


    Vent-drinkers on the other hand are thankfully, rtively harmless, Isolde said. They might deliver a nasty bite if cornered, but they rely on their speed and ability to tolerate the wild energies of a mana vent longer than almost anything else in The Barrens to keep themselves safe.


    Do they have to move away eventually? Thundar asked.


    Technically yes, but a vent-drinker is still able to stay near a vent for days at a time: far longer than we can afford to.


    She wiped her forehead, ring up at the merciless sun. Other than that, they simply rely on their senses and high speed to flee from enemies. Their endurance, however, is not the best: packs of muupkaras can chase down a herd if they pursue them long enough.


    So, heres a thought then, Nua-Oge spoke up, turning to the massive shark man. Grimloch, did you feel anything near the mana vents?


    No, the shark mans voice was deep. It sounded like he <em>gnashed</em> his words.


    So cool, Alex thought.


    I didnt feel anything either, Theresa offered.


    I did. Like a low, burning pain, Eyvinder, the green elf-like man said. But I have mana.


    Ek-u-Dari be praised, I think I have an idea, Nua-Oge said. When killer whales hunt narwhals, they herd the creatures toward shallow water where they cant swim away. What if everyone with low mana drive the vent-drinkers toward the wizards, while the spellcasters spread out like a. The vent-drinkers will either run at us or scatter, and then we can capture them using our spells.


    Thats a good n, Theresa immediately jumped in. Thats how wolf packs work to separate prey from the rest of a deer herd, or how hunters flush out a fox.


    That wont work, Minervus cut them off.


    The ss went silent.


    At least, <em>Im</em> not sending my entourage over there while Im here all by myself, he said tly.


    The silence continued.


    Oh boy, Alex muttered. Heeeere we go.

 Quick Announcement: Patreon Chapters Increased for Higher Tiers

    Quick Announcement: Patreon Chapters Increased for Higher Tiers


    Hello everyone,


    Today''s chapter is right after this.


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 Chapter 59: Group Dynamics

    Chapter 59: Group Dynamics


    Except for the death of his parents, Alexs life had been a fairly safe one, generally speaking.


    Until their escape from Thamnd and his encounter with the mana vampire, hed never been in any situation where hed had to struggle for his life. Baelins test was thetest time where his life had truly been in danger, and in general those events were all new to him.


    Butin each of those instanceshed been fortunate enough to be surrounded by people he could trust, or at least ones that made good decisions and werent shifty.


    But hed also been part of plenty of groups at the church school that had gone down like a flock of dead birds at a wedding ceremony.


    He remembered projects where hed had to do all the work because of procrastinating group members, and ones where the group made a bunch of excuses for not doing their part. Thered also been projects where someone stopped showing up and their part of the work would end up having to be re-distributed. Some projects had even devolved into arguments when certain members decided <em>they had</em> to be the leader.


    Then there were the worst ones.


    The worst ones were what he called: discussion soup. Things would start off innocent enough: the group would look good and it seemed that everyone was engaged with the project and wanted it to seed. Then the first issue would arise: there wouldnt really be an argument, but someone would want to alter the n after the work was well on its way, or wanted their part changed.


    Even then, things still often ended well enough if that person was either convinced to cooperate, or got their way. If not? <em>Then</em> the discussion would start. There would be discussions about alternate ns. Then that would turn into a discussion of the group process. Then into a discussion about the discussion, which would rapidly turn snarky, bing loaded with thinly disguised personal attacks.


    And the entire time all that was going on?


    Only one or two people would be doing their part, and Uldar help them since their work required that the others tasks bepleted by a deadline.


    But thankfully, in those situations, they had only been dealing with trying to get good marks at the church school, not possible life, maiming or death...like now, in The Barrens.


    Alex had a bad feeling that the discussion soup had just started boiling.


    Funny for you to say that <em>you </em>dont trust us. Malcolm stared at Minervus. Funny, all things considered.


    What youre saying doesnt make any sense, Rhea added. Theres nopetition here, just us working together to capture some vent-drinkers. Why would anyone do anything to you?


    It doesnt matter if you <em>do </em>anything to me or not, you heard what the professor said: youll be less likely to trust me and Rayne after that test. And worst, youll be looking forward to seeing me and Rayne fail. And since I dont know who you all know, you could be friends with<em> our </em>previous group members and maybe youre looking to get revenge for them.


    Thats illogical. Isolde frowned at him. Even if that were true, then why would we do anything to you while we all need to work together to aplish one task?


    People are illogical, Minervus pushed. I dont know how youre going to act, and thats only the worst case scenario. The best case scenario is simr to what happened with my first team: you all dont trust me and we fall apart as a group. I say we just separate now into the same groups we were in for the test.


    And this was what Alex had feared: an argument right out of the gate. One that wasnt even about the important stuff like how to work together to get the vent-drinkers. Instead, it was about breaking into groups.


    Nua-Oge frowned. Itll be much harder to herd those creatures anywhere with only fiveor even four, if Eyvinder has too much mana to stand being near the vent for too long. Youll also only have six bodies to herd the vent-drinkers.


    My entourage moves as one, Minervus pushed. Well be fine as long as you all do your part. Welle together at the end.


    Oh yeah, thats a real good way to earn your ssmates trust, Malcolm scoffed.


    Were you going to trust me anyway? Minervus fired back.


    Hey, hey, we dont have to fight like this, the battle-mage student named Shiani cut in. She wore an borate ne of pearls and seashells. We couldbine strategies as apromise. We separate and thene at a herd from different directions: we are technically acting on our own, but by nking the vent-drinkers, we <em>make</em> them have to run where we want them to run. Everyone wins!


    Alex frowned, looking carefully at Minvervus fivepanions. None of them had said anything during the discussion. Theyd moved very little, and only watched the perimeter.


    They nced over whenever Minervus voice grew stressed, but other than that, they didnt seem to be reacting to anyone else. It was as though no one else mattered, or were even there.


    Odd people. Probably.


    That wont work. Minervus shook his head. I dont want my people anywhere near the vent.


    Isoldes frown deepened. You dont want to work with the group because you feel you cant trust usevaporating <em>any</em> good will you might have built with us, I might addand now, what? You sit back while the rest of us fulfil Baelins task?


    Ill do things my own way, with Rayne. Minervuss face hardened.


    Rayne nced at him nervously. II dont know, maybe we should stick with the group.


    Like theyre going to trust you either, Minervus said. Theyll be waiting to jump us like a troll under a bridge.


    Were wasting time, Thundar grunted. You want to take yours and go do whatever? Fine. This isnt even being marked.


    The other students looked at each other.


    Come on, Rayne, Minervus said. Lets go grab some vent-drinkers. Well pull our own weight.


    Hold on. Isolde stepped forward. If youre not nning on getting close to the vent, then <em>how</em> do you propose to catch your share of vent-drinkers? And please dont do anything that would interfere with <em>our</em>handling of the task.


    Weve got bows. Minervus pointed to the bows on the backs of his fivepanions. Well use those to flush them.


    Were to capture them <em>alive,</em> and youre going to <em>shoot</em> them? she asked incredulously.


    No, were going to drive them with arrows, he said. Not that its any of your business.


    Fine, then, she said. Know that your selfish decisions hurt all of us.


    Well, I wouldnt be talking if I were you. Youre the one who helped that filthy cheater in our year, Minervus snapped, looking at Isolde with anger. <em>Youre </em>the top of three sses? He snorted dismissively. Who knows what <em>youve</em> been doing to help your grades stay high.


    Isolde turned bright red.


    Suddenly Hogarth was beside her, his hand on his halberd. Boy, youve got three heartbeats to apologize to thedy before I leave you lying unconscious here in the dust.


    Oh, really? Minervus cocked his head. His entourage all turned as one, their hands reaching for their weapons. Youre a little outnumbered.


    Alright, I think thats enough of <em>that</em>! Alex shouted, stepping between them.


    All eyes turned to him, but he kept his gaze levelled on Minervus.


    You want to go and act all solo? Sure. Go do that. Take some ropes, and go shoot arrows or fly at the vent-drinkers or yell at them, but <em>go</em> and do that. Over there. Alex pointed outside of the group. I dont want to stand around all day, debating who goes where or throwing around personal insults or any other garbage. Well be as separate as you want, as long as<em> you</em> do whatever it is you want to do far away from us.


    He looked at the rest of the group. Lets go that way. He pointed to the east. And we can act separately. And lets do it fast. Baelins watching us argue like little kids demanding the same toy.


    No one disputed that.


    Minervus red at Alex, but didnt say another word. The rest of the students took fifteen of Baelins ropes and moved away from Minervus and his entourage. Within moments, Rayne looked back and forth between Alex''s group as they walked away and Minervus standing alone. He joined Alexs group.


    Briefly, Minervus watched them before picking up the five remaining ropes and walking in the other direction.


    And there goes a quarter of us, Angr said. And over half of the folk that can tolerate the mana vent.


    Alex nced back at Minervus. You remember what Baelin said? How we shouldnt abandon resources unless we <em>know</em> theyre not going to help us? Hes not going to help us. He hindered his first group and hes making bad decisions again. Better that were down someone, than have someone that makes what <em>were </em>trying to do harder.


    Maybe that was one reason The Fool was so dismissed back home, he thought.


    <em>He</em> was trying his best in life, and even if he wasnt helping The Heroes directly, he hoped that any research he did on the dungeon core would help against The Ravener in the long run. But what about previous Fools? As much as he sympathized with his predecessors, what if some of them had beenwell, kind of shitty?


    He knew that if hed been one of the other Heroes and saw that The Fool of the party was someone like Minervus, hed be hard pressed to have any sympathy for them.


    He nced at Isolde who stood muttering to herself with her arms crossed over her chest. You okay?


    She scoffed. I am angry, but fine. It takes more than insults from someone like him to cause me dismay.


    Good, Khalik said. Its good, channel that anger into our task. But do not hold on to his words: you have nothing to prove. Not to me, at least. He turned toward the vent-drinkers. Now, we have toe up with a n using less than we thought we had.


    Theresa frowned. This would be much simpler if we were culling part of the herd. Its a lot more difficult to trap animals alive and unharmed. Ugh, now I almost wish Id brought Brutus


    Shed left the cerberus behind so she could see what The Barrens were like before risking bringing him there.


    Shiani gave a startled look toward the huntress. Easier to kill them? Thats a little cold, isnt it?


    I dont mean ughtering animals for no reason, Theresa said. Sometimes, the deer poption in a forest bes too big, and if theres not enough predators around to hunt them and reduce their numbers, theyll eat all the food in an area. When theres not enough food, many of them get weak or sickly and starve to death. The ones that survive move away looking for more food. Then it bes like a chain reaction and other animals that feed on the deer starve, and the hunters have nothing to hunt. Thats why you need to control herd size to keep a forest healthy. I dont want to kill any vent-drinkers right now but the fact is, catching animals <em>is</em>harder than killing them, especially when they dont want to be caught.


    ...I guess that makes sense. Shiani frowned. Never thought about it that way.


    We will manage, and make do with our task as it is, Khalik said, gazing at the vent-drinkers. And we will need to do it fairly quickly: it would not do for predators to arrive and scare off the herd, and the longer we wait, the stronger that possibility.


    Right, Thundar said. I still like the herding n, but well need more bodies to make them go where we want.


    A low growl sounded from Grimlochs throat, one that seemed to shake the earth. <em>Ill </em>be enough.


    Alex believed him. Yeah, big guy, I think youd be enough to scare a dragon, but I-Oh <em>Uldar.</em>


    The shark man had smiled at his words, but the effect was terrifying: his jaw seemed to shift in ce, revealing row upon row of jagged teeth. Thanks.


    Uh Alex tried to regain his train of thought. Yeah, youre enough but He looked at Theresa. What would happen if liketwo wolves tried to chase a herd of deer?


    She thought about it. Probably the biggest buck of the herd would gore them until they got the hint or bled out.


    Alex winced. Lets say the deer just ran.


    Well, the deer would run and scatter, then theyd scent each other toe back together again.


    Right. He turned back to Grimloch. So if its just you, big guy, then the herd will scatter in all directions, which wouldnt be so bad if we only had to capture one. But ten? Thats tough.


    Hmm, Khalik mused. Perhaps we are thinking of this backwards. We are looking for many hunters to drive the prey in one direction, but we dont have many to drive the vent-drinkers anymore. He gestured around. But we <em>do</em> have twelve wizards. That allows us to cover a <emrge</em> area to drive them toward. Even if they scatter, well scoop them up like fish in a.


    Thats a solid idea, Alex agreed. Maybe we spread out in groups of two, make a wide, and then drive them <em>back</em> together when they scatter.


    What do you mean? Caramiyus asked.


    Okay, so. He pointed toward the vent. We split the people with low mana uplets call them chasersinto two groups and give each of them ropes. They spread out ande at a herd along the vent. So- He pointed at the closest herd. -one paires from the left along the chasm and the other pair from the right. That means the vent-drinkers have to run away from the edge and into The Barrens, where well be waiting. Then, they either scatter and try to get through us and we catch them, or they turn around and run away from <em>us </em>and <em>back</em> toward our chasers. Then we circle themjust like in our tactics bookand trap them.


    He nced around at the wizards. We should probably stay close to the people we worked with on the test: well do better if each of us knows each others capabilities.


    Ah yeah, thats good. Lets try that, Caramiyus said. And if we dont get all ten from one herd, we can try with another one.


    Good, good, Khalik lifted his gauntlet on which Najyah was perched. And Ill send Najyah up to scout for us. She is my familiarshe has too much mana to be near the vents for longbut if they are driven away from the vents, she can stun any that try to scatter.


    Heeeey, look at us, all nning and strategizing and removing the advantage of terrain from the enemy! Alex cheered. Almost as if were wizards practicing the art ofbat or something.


    Heughed, and a few other students joined in.


    Right, Khalik said, sending Najyah up into the sky. She will watch for threats from around us as well.


    And uh, Rayne raised a hand. I can uh, fly up and do that too.


    Aaaah, two scouts, perfect. Khalik smiled before anyone could say anything to him. Excellent. Lets begin then, the sooner we have these creatures tied up, the faster we can be back on campus with a cool drink of something fun.


    Both Najyah and Rayne took to the air simultaneously, and as they made their ascent, Alex watched the skies for any sign of broad-winged, predatory reptiles.


    The faster they got this done, the safer theyd be.

 Chapter 60: Wrangling the Herd

    Chapter 60: Wrangling the Herd


    Watch yourself. Seriously, Alex said to Theresa. Theres all kinds of nasty things that live out here, and we dont know what might be hiding where. The moment you see <em>anything</em> funny, you-


    Kill it? Theresea asked, raising her great-grandfathers sword.


    I was going to say run away, but if you can kill it, then sure: do it, Alex shrugged. But be safe, seriously.


    Ill be fine, Alex, Theresa said, patting him on the shoulder. And Im not going to be alone.


    She nced toward where Isolde was instructing Hogarth and Svenia in exactly how they were to proceed. Nua-Oge only wished Grimloch good luck: the massive monster looked very confident in what he had to do. The giant shark man stretched and limbered up; Alex wasnt sure if he was imagining it, but he looked like he was salivating as he readied for the chase.


    Yeah, I guess, Alex admitted. I think that guy could take on a bonedrinker all by himself. I hope one doesnt appear, though.


    Actually, I hope one does.


    Alex looked at her sharply. Are you serious? You remember what I told you about that thing, right? You dont want that <em>anywhere near you,</em> trust me.


    She shrugged, pointing up to where Baelin was floating high above Rayne and Najyahs circling passes around the group. This is about getting experience against opponents while were being watched over by a probably-immortal wizard, right? Hoping <em>nothing</em> goes wrong is like hoping for an apprenticeship with a cksmith that never gets a tough job: sure youll get through helping out your master easily enough, but whats going to happen when that tough jobes when youre all by yourself?


    He winced. Yeah, okay, well, youre right, but I guarantee that if a bonedrinker shows up, youre going to hate it and wish you never saw it.


    She gave an ironic smile. Youre probably right. Anyway, looks like the others are ready. Wish me luck.


    Good luck.


    The chasers split into two groups: one made up of Theresa and Grimloch, and the other of Svenia and Hogarth. As they began to walk toward the mana vent away from the vent-drinkers, the group of wizards turned to each other.


    Right, lets make our, Khalik said. Before the vent-drinkers run away and catch us off-guard.


    The students split up, spreading out and forming a wide line across The Barrens. Alexs group was in the middle, nked by the battle mages and the schar and beastfolk. They had taken five of the fifteen ropes, leaving four to the chasers and three each to the outside groups.


    They watched quietly as the chasers made it to vent.


    A herd of around thirty vent-drinkerpping mana on the near side of the chasmraised their heads to look at the strange creatures taking up positions by the vent. The chasers were far enough away that the vent-drinkers werent spooked yet, but they looked alert and<em></em>ready<em></em>to run.


    Alex nced toward their rear, making sure no predators were stalking them from behind. His eyes swept the terrain, scanning both the rocky rise in the distance and the sky for danger from above.


    He was bing more efficient at visually sweeping his surroundings for threats. Recent experiences had helped him be very aware of where his blind spots were, and where attackers tended to approach from.


    Najyah hasnt seen anything yet, Alex, Khalik assured him from his right. Beyond Khalik, Thundar stood with his arms crossed, and on Alexs left, Isolde was watching her entourage while muttering beneath her breath.


    I know, but it doesnt hurt to be too careful, yknow, Alex said, conjuring up his forcedisk. Eyeing the field ahead, he slipped the disk down onto the ground between himself and Khalik, and then scooped dust onto it, covering the spell. Then, he took a deep breath and tried something hed only been able to start doing a few days before.


    Falling into himself, he spoke the incantation for forcedisk again, using his growing meditative skills to observe and let the memories go that The Mark bombarded him with. He carefully formed the spell array and constructed a second 1st-tier magic circuit within his mana pool.


    The magic circuit formedfitting neatly in his pool alongside the firstand a second forcedisk formed beside him. He smiled.


    His mana pool had expanded enough to fit <em>two</em> magic circuits within it.


    As he buried the second forcedisk, Isolde made an impressed sound. Well, well, you can cast and maintain two 1st-tier spells at once now. Well done, youll likely be able to cast a 2nd-tier spell once you practice one.


    Yeah, he chuckled. Of course, that could wait until hedid a better foundation of practice with 1st-tier spells. With The Mark interfering, he wanted to make sure he was as ready as possible.


    He buried the second forcedisk in the space between him and her. He dusted off his hands, then paused, looking closely at the fine, sun-baked dust.


    Laying traps? Isolde asked.


    Yep, Alex grinned. It wont hurt them much, but it should stop a vent-drinker if one tries to get between us.


    Khalik shook his head. Who would have thought about using a forcedisk to make a trap. What a devious thing. Youre <em>really</em> going to be a terror when you start learning actualbat spells.


    Alex shrugged. Or I might be a terror with any spell I got. I mean, thats kinda the goal of the ss, am I right?


    Isolde shook her head. You have a strange way of doing things, Alex. Not a bad way, but a strange one.


    I get that a lot. He nced back down at the dust. Heythis stuff thats all over The Barrens. It must get baked by mana all the time, right?


    Indeed. Isolde looked down. Being bathed both by wild mana and the suns rays so constantly is what dries out the earth and makes The Barrens so dusty.


    Huh. So it takes in a lot of mana. His eyes narrowed. Thinking back to his textbook for potions; substances that usually encountered a lot of mana often had multiple uses in alchemy. Do you know if it can be used for anything in alchemy?


    Multiple things, she said. Though I dont know all of them off-hand.


    What about golems? he pushed.


    She nced at him. Thats an advanced subject that were only going to touch on part way through the second year of potion-craft.


    But youve already read the textbook for that, right?


    Isolde paused. ...yes.


    Yeah, I thought you would. I do the same thing. Did it say if it can be used in golem craft?


    Er, yes: it can often be mixed into the y for a golem body: it makes it so that the body absorbs mana produced in the core more easily, but in turn, it requires more mana <em>from</em> the core in order to power the construct.


    Iiinteresting.


    Look, Thundar pointed. Minervus is making his move.


    Alex followed the minotaurs gaze, spotting the lone student ordering his entourage forward. The five individuals advanced and raised their bows, firing near a herd on the opposite side of the chasm. The arrows went wide at first, but the archers kept drawing and firing with practiced, fluid motions, until eventually, the herd bounded away.


    Unfortunately for Minervus, the vent-drinkers ran <em>alongside</em> the chasm, staying close to it. Oddly, instead of rushing the creatures, the five archers continued trying to fire arrows in front of them from a distance, piercing some at the front of the herd. The animals screeched, sending every vent-drinker around the chasm into high-alert.


    The herd that Minervus was hunting started scattering from the wild mana vent, and his entourage spread out and began to chase them. Minervus flew above the fray, pointing and sting the ground near the herd with spells to drive them in the directions he wanted them to go.


    Damn him, hes spooked every animal at the chasm and unnecessarily harmed some! Khalik swore.


    The vent-drinkers rushed every which way, with groups breaking off and running into The Barrens. The chasers sprang into action.


    Yelling and whooping, they brandished their weapons above their heads, frightening the herd and making them pause in indecision: running along the chasm would make them go <em>toward</em> one of the groups of two, while running away would bring them to the line of young wizards awaiting them.


    Then Grimloch snapped his jaws: a sound so loud it sounded like the crack of a whip.


    <em>That</em> got them moving.


    The vent-drinkers rushed from the chasm and toward the waiting line of students.


    Here theye! Khalik shouted, spitting out an incantation.


    The dust shifted, flowing up his body and forming a hardened shell of earth around his torso and limbs. He took a deep breath and waited.


    Thundar cast his body strengthening spell on himself and crouched low, like a runner preparing to sprint in a race at a county festival. Isolde simply watched the oing vent-drinkers, while muttering under her breath.


    The creatures scattered, some trying to rush around their encirclement, while others sprinted toward the wide spaces the students had left between them.


    As they closed in, Thundar chanted another spell and his illusionary duplicate shimmered into being. With a roar, it rushed the vent-drinkers and sent them scrabbling to the side, one bounded toward the real minotaur.


    He sprang at it. Enhanced by his spend with it off bncehe rushed it, grabbing it up in his massive arms like a farmer catching a chicken.


    Khalik whistled and spread his hands, stalking toward the vent-drinkers as they tried to dodge around him.


    Then Najyah shot down.


    Coiling her talons like fists, she mmed into ones side, knocking it to the ground and stunning it for a moment. By the time it started to regain its senses, Khalik pounced on it. He pressed his weightnow made much heavier by the coating of earth armouronto the creature so it was pinned, then started to coil the rope around its legs.


    Isolde spoke an incantation and a tiny ball of electricity appeared, crackling in the palm of her hand. She threw it forward like a rock, where it homed in on one of the vent-drinkers, shocking it. It froze as the electricity coursed through it, and then slumped to the ground, alive but stunned.


    She chanted another spell while throwing her rope in the air, and the coils sprang to life like a flying snake. It shot forward and wrapped itself around the vent-drinkers legs.


    Another tried to duck between Khalik and Alex.


    Alex waited, watching the creature get closerand closerand closer.


    Until it was nearly on top of his disk.


    Then he willed the forcedisk to rise and spin.


    The spell shot into the airwhirling and kicking up a massive cloud of dustblinding the creature temporarily. Alex was already sprinting for it when he shot his forcedisk down in front of it.


    At its leg level.


    <em>Pop!</em>


    It crashed into the utility spell, popping it, but also entangling its legs. The vent-drinker shrieked and fell to the ground; it was trying to get back on its feet when Alex tackled it. The creature squirmed and wiggled, trying to escape, but it was only the size of a medium-sized dog. Meanwhile, Alex had the advantage of size and strength.


    The vent-drinker continued to struggle, while he fought to wrap the rope around its legs while trying to keep away from its snapping jaws.


    Ah shit, he cursed. Could I get some help? From anyone?!


    The sound of heavy hooves signaled Thundar approaching, and soon the minotaur was helping him hold down and bind the struggling creature.


    That was easier than I thought it would be, Thundar chuckled as the two dust covered young wizards stood to look over their handiwork.


    Each of Alexs group had managed to capture a vent-drinker, bringing their total to four. Others had done well too, even though their positions on the edges of the line werent ideal and allowed the skittish creatures an easier time getting past them.


    The group on the left had captured two, using Nua-Oges ice spells and Angrs and Caramiyus magic bolts.


    The battle mages had spread a smoke screen around their prey and used shes of light to stun them. Then, theyd encased their legs in short columns of ice, quite literally freezing them in ce.


    Unfortunately, as the smoke cleared, it looked like two had actually died as the ice had reached too far up their bodies and frozen their cores. Nua-Oge had sprinted to them and was bent over the two dead vent-drinkers bodies, dissipating the ice from them. Shiani looked on with remorse on her face.


    Eyvinder charged another vent-drinker as it tried to duck past him. As the creature rushed away, there was a powerful shift of mana that Alex could feel even from his distance.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    A wall of stone rose up in front of the fleeing creature. It collided with the wall, stunning itself, and then the pointed eared man was upon it, binding its limbs. In total, the line of wizards had managed to capture eight of the creatures alive.


    And they werent done yet.


    Several members of the herd skidded to a halt, trying to run back toward the chasm and away from the line of wizards. The chasers were looking for just such an opportunity. Hogarth and Svenia had spread out, shouting and swinging their halberds in wide arcs to drive the beasts toward the center where Theresa and Grimloch waited.


    Theresa had her rope tied into a shortsso and was swinging it above her head in wide circles. As a vent-drinker passed close, she tossed thesso with precision, wrapping the creatures neck and chest, and then she pulled hard. The line went taught and the reptile was pulled from its feet. She leapt on it, coiling the rope around its limbs while tightening it.


    That only left one more to catch.


    Grimloch lowered himself and rushed at one close to him, his massive strides propelled him with frightening speed. The vent-drinker shrieked as he closed in and grabbed it by the neck with one massive hand.


    In his grip, the little creature had no hope of escape and soon it had be their tenth.


    We did it! Alex shouted, but paused before letting himself get too excited. He nced around at their surroundings, making sure there were no signs of predators around.


    He checked the rock rise again and then turned his eyes to the sky. He paused. The vultures were gone. There were none anywhere to be seen.


    Instead, he spotted arge form flying high in the distance, one with broad wings and a long neck. It looked to be flying toward them.


    So youve noticed it.


    Alex nearly jumped out of his skin as Baelins voice came from right beside him. The chancellor had either teleported or silently flown down while he and the others were busy wrangling the vent-drinkers.


    Baelin gazed over their work. Well done, well done. His tone was obviously pleased. I must admit, you all have performed far better than I anticipated. well, <em>almost</em> all of you.


    He looked over to the opposite side of the chasm, toward where Minervus entourage was still chasing vent-drinkers.


    A stern look crossed his face. Come, lets be away from here before the xyrthak arrives, and we shall discuss what happened today.


    He waved a hand over the captured vent-drinkers, causing their ropes to turn back into dust. As the little creatures sprang up and started to speed off in all directions, Baelin waved his hand over the ss and Alex felt the teleportation magic take him once more.

 Chapter 61: Trust

    Chapter 61: Trust


    They appeared on top of the escarpment theyd gathered on after Baelins test. This time the benches were already there, awaiting their arrival.


    Sit down, sit down. the chancellor gestured to their seats. Ill be back in one moment. Ah wait, I almost forgot.


    He waved a hand and more benches appeared in a semi-circle around the boulder hed sat onst time. There are, in fact, more of you this time. At leastfor the time being.


    The air shimmered around him and he vanished into it.


    His students looked at one another as a familiar, ufortable silence filled the air. Alex had experienced the same feeling many times before: at the church school, the atmosphere in a ss had be exactly the same when one of their number was about to be in a <em>lot</em> of trouble.


    The ss waited, shuffling awkwardly in their seats.


    Until Baelin abruptly reappeared with Minervus and his entourage beside him.


    Have a seat, and well get started, he said to a beet-red, sweating Minervus who appeared to be on edge. Maybe he was angry. Maybe embarrassed. Maybe both. When Alex hadst seen him and his entourage, they were still trying to herd the vent-drinkers. From the expression he now wore, it looked like things hadnt gone very well.


    Alright, so lets talk about the practicum today, Baelin began. You faced a challenge where your enemies, such as they were, had a terrain advantage that you did not. What did you learn? he asked.


    Alex paused. He had gone into the discussion expecting Baelin to ask how did you do?, likest time. Not what did you learn?


    Ah yes, Thundar, Baelin said.


    Alex had been so deep in thought, that he hadnt realized the minotaur had raised his hand.


    Teamwork makes the dream work, Thundar smiled and said.


    Alex started tough, along with some of the other ss members.


    Baelin smiled too. What a delightful expression. Teamwork makes the dream work, hah! Ive never heard that before. This is why I so enjoy teaching: you all help keep me young. well, young in my own mind, at least. Ill have to introduce that at the next Administrative Meeting. So yes, teamwork makes the dream work. What else?


    Alex raised his hand next, speaking when Baelin called on him. Youve got to take into ount the resources you have, and change a n when those resources change.


    Very good, Baelin said. Battleor indeed anything in life, is constantly moving and changing like a river. Advantages turn to disadvantages. Allies fail and helpes from unforeseen directions. A Proper Wizard adjusts to these changes, quickly and decisively. What else?


    Malcolm raised his hand. Youve got to make sure you prepare for different situations. Knowing a lot of different kinds of spells is better than being hyper-focused.


    Alex winced: at the moment, by necessity, he himself was hyper-focused on force spells.


    What makes you say that, Malcolm? Baelin prompted him.


    Well. Malcolm scratched the back of his head. I mostly know ice spells that, well, <em>kill.</em> I identally killed two vent-drinkers when I was only trying to capture them. If I had something less lethal, then Id have gotten all three, probably.


    A fine point, Baelin agreed, spreading his hands. These days, specialization is very much in vogue in academic wizardry. It is seen as efficient. Specialists in lightning magic could rend the skies in half, while a generalist wizard might have arger tool box, but far less mastery over any specific kind of magic. That said, one of the greatest strengths of wizardry is versatility. By learning a wide array of spells, you might be better prepared for any situation. There is one point I might add to your observation, Malcolm: even if you are a specialist, then you can shore up your blind spots with resources <em>other</em> than magic.


    He gestured to the rest of the ss.


    Nua-Oge knew ice spells less lethal than yours, Malcolm, but she also brought a powerful ally with her, one who was unaffected by the rigours of the mana vents. Isolde, Alex and Minervus also brought allies. He gestured to Khalik, Thundar and Alex. Your three colleagues used a hunting familiar and physical force to subdue their quarry. You brought an ally as well, Malcolm, which shows your head was in the right ce. It was just a simple misfortune that in this situation, Master Eyvinders high levels of natural mana were not a boon, and so he was unable to be in close proximity to the wild mana vent. But, he was still of great aid to you. Even if you dont have the correct spell, you can substitute your magic with an ally, or a carefully chosen weapon or tool.


    Yeah, that makes sense, Malcolm said, ncing over to Eyvinder. You can expand in ways outside of magic.


    Well said. Baelin nodded. What else have we learned?


    A hand rose from the end of the ss.


    Baelin turned to its owner without missing a beat. Ah, Minervus. What is your question?


    With all due respect, what was the point of this? Minervus asked.


    Everything went dead silent. One might have heard a fly cough.


    Baelin cocked his goat-like head at Minervus, seeming nothing more than a kindly old man listening to the voice of a grandson. His eyes, however, were utterly focused on the young man like a snake eyeing a mouse.


    Do go on, Baelin gestured to him in invitation.


    Dont keep talking, Alex thought.


    Minervus kept talking.


    I dont really understand the exercise, Baelin, he said. Were supposed to be learning how to engage inbat, right? Adapting and using our resources? Whyre we grabbing lizards like chicken wranglers? I get that it was about getting them away from the mana vent, but if they dont fight back, then how is that training us to protect ourselves?


    Hm, an interesting observation, Baelin said. How does what we did today y into the wizard inbat? Hmmm, let me ask you this: should you kill everything you fight?


    Well, a dead enemy is one that cante after youter. Killing it or running away from it makes sense. Capturing it just lets them strike you in the backter.


    I see. And let us say for a moment, that you were trying to track down a creature who could provide an excellent source of mana for your alchemy or even bolstering your spellcraft...but the creature is only useful to you alive?


    Well, uh. Then Id capture it.


    Precisely <em>how</em>, Minervus? Baelin pressed him. You have cornered a beast and it is fighting to escape you because it is a <em>beast</em> and it believes that you have captured it to make it your meal. Thus, it fights for its life with every fatal measure it possesses, while <em>you</em>cannot respond in kind lest you lose the resource the living creature can provide. What then?


    Um Minervus muttered.


    Hmmm, you seem to be having some difficulty with that one. Baelin stroked one of the sped braids of his beard. Let us try this: you are returning to your sanctum after purchasing some ingredients that you need for a ritual. En route, you are attacked by armed rogues. They move quite well, and it is obvious they seek your head. Using your method, you run away, only for them to pursue you. They are determined, of course. And so, you kill them. What have you learned about who sent them or why?


    Well, vent-drinkers cant fight back, right? So why them?


    Hmmm, if I may be so bold. Baelin leaned forward. Could it be that you do not see the benefit of the task because you were only able to capture <em>one</em> of the creatures alive? At times, one can be tempted to disparage areas where they do not excel. One mesck of oversight, administrative structure, or random chance when things do not go so well. Is this it?


    Minervus winced. Mymypanions werent able to work well near the mana vent. So it wasnt fair.


    Alex blinked. That was the first hed heard of this.


    Yourpanions? Many of them were able to reach the vents just fine, Baelin waved his hand over Hogarth, Svenia, Theresa and Grimloch.


    No, I mean my


    Yes? Baelin pushed.


    Er, <em>my</em>panions, my flesh golemsbeing so close to the mana vent disrupted my mana connection to them, and they dont function that well with just verbal orders.


    Flesh golems?


    Alex whirled toward Minervuspanions. A lot of their strange behaviours suddenly started to make sense: how they had moved nearly in time with each other, why they only seemed to react to Minervus, why they all seemed to look like one another, and why they hadn''t said a word for the entire ss.


    Even now, as everyones attentiony fully on them, they didnt react or move. Even their breathing seemedunnecessary, and intermittent, like it was merely a performance and not an actual bodily process.


    Well Ill be damned, Alex said. They looked utterly life-like aside from those few tells. He supposed that flesh was one of the more special materials used to make certain golems that Sim Shale had hinted at on their tour of the workshop.


    Alex didnt even <em>want</em> to know <em>how</em> these constructs were made. A shudder ran through him.


    Indeed. Your golems were at a disadvantage. A major disadvantage, at that. But, you had ways to adapt. You had your ssmates.


    But, you said Id ruined their trust with what happened during the test, Minervus tried to exin himself. I determined that resource was spent and decided to act on my own.


    Rayne concluded otherwise, Baelin pointed out. And so, he was part of a group that sessfully captured ten vent-drinkers. Instead, you went out on your own and managed to capture <em>one</em>, despite bringing the mostpanions, who were also the most obedient and coordinated. Trust in you has lessened further, and he gestured to the sky. A full-grown xyrthak was approaching us. Had your ssmates taken longer to capture the vent-drinkers because you did not provide them aid, then everyone would have had to deal with a flying opponent that is far beyond <em>any</em> of you. It would have been necessary for me to step-in and the learning opportunity would have been lost.


    This Minervus fell into an angry silence. This


    Baelin looked at him for a long time, before sighing. Alright. I can see that you are not ready. I will put in an immediate transfer request so that you might enter another course of your choice. It is still early in the semester, and you can still catch up.


    Wait, what? Minervus flew to his feet. Whattransfer? But it wasnt a test!


    A Proper Wizard is <em>always </em>tested, Minervus, the chancellor said. His voice sounded firm as iron. They are tested by their magic, by their foes and by their own limits. You have found yours, and until you can learn more wisdom in your decisions, your continued presence in the ss would endanger your life, the lives of your colleagues, and hinder all learning opportunities. This is a favour, and should you wish to do so, you may continue to audit the lecture portion of the course if you do not fill this time slot.


    Minervus stewed, and then grudgingly bowed his head. Asas you say.


    Good, Baelin nodded. I encourage you to take this course again, when you are ready.


    After they had teleported back to the stadium, the ss fell into an ufortable silence. Minervus organized his things then stomped through the doorways with his entourage of golems behind; as soon as they left, excited chatter began to spread through the ss.


    Several of the students surrounded Theresa, Grimloch, Hogarth and Svenia and bombarded them with questions, congrattions andpliments. Theresa looked to be growing flustered from the attention. Meanwhile, Alex went to stand in line with those who had after-ss questions for the chancellor.


    Isolde wasst in line in front of him, and she gave him a curt nod and warm smile as she stepped out of line.


    Ah, Alex, here again, Baelin beamed at him. I swear, every single ss youre staying behind to ask <em>something</em>.


    Hey, Im at magic university, I think itd weird if I <em>werent</em> filled with questions literally every waking moment, Alex said lightly, ncing toward the doors to the stadium. Minervus had exited that way minutes earlier.


    Chancellor, he said. ...those wild mana vents, thats an incredible source of power.


    That they are, Baelin chuckled. And a very tempting one, though if youre thinking of harnessing one, Id advise against that until youve been studying for a few <em>decades</em>.


    Decades? Alex blinked. Is it that hard to harness?


    Indeed, while the air and natural processes of the world gradually calms the mana naturally, doing so artificially and on demand is a very difficult process.


    Ah, he said, slightly disappointed. Thats too bad.


    Too bad? Baelin stroked his beard. Alex, each vent pours out enough power per day to energize a sky skip for months. Thats more power than most archmages need, let alone a first year. Why are you thinking about this?


    Well, he said, ncing back at the gates Minervus had gone through. Ive been thinking about golems, for the future, you see


    He didnt mention how <em>near</em> he intended that future to be.


    ...but Ive learned they need a <em>lot</em> of mana, among other things. Probably more mana than Ill be able to provide for a very long time, so I was thinking of substitutes.


    Aaaah, and so you thought to use a gaping hole that pours out the most dangerous mana you can find? And I thought you had <em>good</em>instincts, Alex, Baelin chuckled. It takes a creature or apparatus that can process an incredibly disparate selection of mana and convert it into a single source: creatures or devices that can do that are either rare, dangerous, expensive or all of the above. There are other, safer things that can donate the mana to power a golem.


    Oh? Alex pressed. Like what would you suggest?


    The sacrifice of sentient beings, Baelin said seriously.


    Alex froze.


    Baelin burst outughing. I jest! That practice hasnt beenmon in alchemy for some five hundred years! in <em>most</em> ces, anyway. But magical items could be good donators, if you dont mind them being drained. Better they be embedded, though. For an instant Alex wondered if Baelin and Hobb were friends.


    He paused. Embedded?


    Indeed. A golem that produces a great deal of mana to power itself can also power and interface with magical items embedded in its body, if one simply attaches them during creation.


    Alexs heart nearly stopped beating. Andthen what happens?


    Well, the golem can utilize the items. Some golem-crafters graft magic swords onto their arms, or magical orbs into their chests to create a variety of spell effects. When you learn more about golems, youll learn about this.


    Yeahyeahokay Alex said, only half-listening. Thanks.


    Any time. Dont do anything that would get you expelled, now. Dont look at Minervus as an example: his golems are bound to him, but not crafted by him, otherwise the connection between their mana would be deeper.


    Rightmakes sense. Thanks again.


    Alex walked away, considering more possibilities.


    Mounted magic items?


    An image came to him: a colossal figure of y.


    One that fired deadly red beams as it battled his enemies.


    If he did this right, he might have just found the perfect use for the fire-gems from The Cave of the Traveller.

 Chapter 62: Glyphs and Quicksilver

    Chapter 62: Glyphs and Quicksilver


    So. Professor ValRok looked over the entire ss of MANA-1900.


    Dun dun dun! he said for effect. Its time to show off your progress with your glyph boxes. This assignment likely wont be your favourite this semester, and rest assured, you wont be unique in feeling that way. You see, glyph box practice enjoys a long tradition of being hated here at Generasi but, sadly- he grinned, looking pleased with himself. -it still has to be done. The good news is that todays little go over isnt for marks, were just doing a brief check-in to see how things areing along.


    He pped his scaly hands together and rubbed them excitedly. His tongue flicked out and licked one of his eyes. Several studentsincluding Alexrecoiled slightly.


    So, lets have a show of hands. Who here was unable to light up any glyphs on their boxes? His tongue flicked out again.


    There was a reticent silence.


    Oh dont be shy, theres no shame here, and were all going to be taking turns revealing our results anyway.


    The silence continued.


    Ohe on, youre not being marked on this. Here, Ill show you someone who wasnt able to light a single glyph in their first two weeks with that damned box. ValRok raised his scaly hand. Took me three weeks to light <em>half</em> of one, so dont be shy. Lets go. Show of hands.


    Reluctantly, slightly more than half the ss raised their hands. A few students were looking at their boxes with such hatred that Alex was sure if they had hammers, their boxes would be t disks.


    There, thats the way. No need to worry, ValRok said. Now, of the students who couldnt activate the glyph, who among you was able to send your mana in and feel the first applicator in the box?


    Every student kept their hand raised, though some looked shifty as they did. Alex raised his eyebrows in surprise. He wondered if that look was an: I didnt actually try the homework but am pretending that I had trouble with it look. He remembered it well from the church school.


    <em>That</em> surprised him. It was one thing to sit there and not do any work when school was local, free andeven a bookworm like him had to admitthe lessons varied with how practical they were. But Generasi cost a fortune, and the dangers of magicLucia, her massive scar, and leaving Generasi came to mindmeant that there was a lot more risk for not doing the assigned work. The danger was real.


    Then again, looking around the ss, he began to wonder how many students actually <em>wanted</em> to be here. Derek was a noble, and so was Isolde and quite a few others. Wizardry was prestigious and provided a path to reputation, riches and power, but that didnt mean it was a path for everyone. He remembered students from the church school whod gone into apprenticeships or professions because thats what their families expected of them.


    Some hated it, but diligently stuck through the training anyway.


    Others also hated it and simply coasted through, doing the minimum. Still others got thrown out for doing unbelievably stupid things; a potters apprentice whod nearly burned his hand off came to mind. He had tried to show off for a girl by trying to impress her with how long he could tolerate the heat inside a kiln. The skin on his hand ended up looking like old leather.


    The girl wasnt impressed.


    All types went into all sorts of studies for various reasons. He supposed Generasi was no different.


    Either way, if Professor ValRok noticed the shifty looks, the cheerful lizard wizard gave no sign. See, thats the ticket, right there. By finding the applicator, youve learned both how to <em>move</em> your mana without the aid of a magic circuit, and how to sense and touch things with it. Youve taken the first steps, and now all you need to do is put in the practice.


    He licked his eye again in something that looked like a hideous parody of a wink. Now for all those that did manage to light a glyph, show us what youve done. Who wants to go first?


    Alex did not raise his hand.


    He wanted to watch the others first and see just how far they had gotten. If he went first, he could proudly show the ss his aplishment, but maybe others had done even better: maybe someone had lit up <em>two</em>boxes. Also, if he did go first and was the only one to light up every glyph, that might discourage others who hadnt done as well as him.


    He wanted to stand out, not embarrass others for no reason.


    Unless they deserved it, of course. He smiled as McHarris came to mind.


    Besides, people who wentst tended to stand out more: there was a reason why Robbing Cloakthe legendary archeralways wentst at tournaments in all the popr stories about him.


    Alex watched, impressed with some of the students: three of them had managed to light up three glyphs at the same time, though they told Professor ValRok that they had previous experience with mana maniption by having assisted in shops that dealt in magic items in Generasi.


    That was encouraging: if students who had less skill in mana maniption than he did were helping out in magic item shops, then that gave him hope for getting the assistants job in the golem workshop.


    Finally, the Professors eyes fell on him. Looks like youre thest one, Alex. Come on, no need to be shy.


    Looks like I am, Alex said, lifting the box. He concentrated, letting his mana flow through the maze as hed practiced so many times. With The Marks assistance, it was so easy now that he could have done it while half-asleep.


    A collective gasp went through the room as every glyph lit up at once.


    A stunned silence followed.


    Well! Well, well, well, well! ValRok chatterred. My goodness, would you look at that! The lizardfolk floated toward Alex on one of the schools flying stone disks. Wellwell, well done! Most dont light up the whole box until at least halfway through the second year course.


    He said excitedly. Do you work at a magic item forge?


    No, but Im hoping to, Alex said quickly.


    Interestingvery interesting. Would you mind staying a few minutes after ss?


    Um, sure, Alex smiled.


    Murmurs were spreading through the ss.


    Good. People were beginning to talk.


    So, what kind of job are you looking for? ValRok asked.


    Im looking to get a job at Shales Workshop, Alex said, concentrating on casting his forceball and then hanging his basket of textbooks beneath it. If ValRok noticed that it took him longer to cast it than most other students, then he didnt say anything.


    Ah, a good choice, but a hard one, I know Toraka Shale and shes a particr taskmaster. And golem work is no easy task among the magical disciplines, ValRok looked at him with one of his reptilian eyes. Hmmm, she also doesnt have any openings at the moment that Im aware of. But, she always posts her openings at Generasi since we have such a good pool of potential candidates to choose from.


    Well, I want to be ready if one doese up, Alex said quickly.


    Rightright.


    The Professor looked at one of the boxes sitting on his own desk. But you certainly have an excellent talent for iteither that or a lot of practiceso I wouldnt exactly say that you dont have a chance. Have you built magic items before?


    No, Alex said. But Ive been doing well in POTI-1000 so far, and Ive been a bakersassistant.


    ValRok paused. A baker?


    Well. He shrugged. I know how to follow a recipe.


    The lizardfolk burst into his high pitchedugh. I guess there is a corrtion there! Well, then. He tapped the box on his desk then slid it toward Alex before digging into the desk and pulling out another two. Here, I want you to try what you did using these three boxes.


    Right. Alex took them up, one after the other.


    The first one he struggled with a little: the maze and applicators werepletely different from his own practice box. Soon, however, he was able to light up every single glyph on each side.


    By using The Mark to point out his previous sessful movements, he grew faster and faster with solving each one. Then, feeling more confident, he picked up two at the same time. Falling into a meditative mindset, he took deep, paced breaths while he split his concentration into two boxes at once.


    <em>That</em> proved a little over ambitious.


    Controlling his spell while solving one box was one thing, but engaging in something asplex as activating all the glyphs on two boxes at once proved to be beyond him. Still, he was proud to be able to activate <em>two</em>glyphs on each one at the same time.


    Well, by my scales! ValRok cried. Would you look at that!


    Ugh, thats a little embarrassing. Alex smiled ruefully.


    Please, thats something <em>very</em> advanced you just tried and you did better than most. Tell you what, write your report on how the training exercise with the box went, and then Ill give you the next assignment right away: the first of the mana regeneration techniques. Review it and write the report on the theory of it, so that youre ready for when I teach it in ss. If you do as well with that technique, then Id suggest Challenging the Exam for Credit.


    Whats that mean? Alex asked.


    Its a practice that makes it so Generasi doesnt waste young wizards time and potential, ValRok said. Peoplee from all sorts of backgrounds andfor somethe first year courses can teach them nothing new. With a professors permission, a student may challenge the course through a special exam, be given the credit, and then move onto the next course if its early enough in the semester. If its toote, theres a supervised self-study program that will allow the student more self-directed learning with the subject. Think of it as a minor thesis.


    Oh thats awesome! Alex said.


    Yeah it is pretty awesome, isnt it? ValRok snickered, tapping a wed finger to the bottom of his jaw. Andyou said you were in POTI-1000 too.


    Yep, Professor Jules was the first person I showed that I could actually light up the whole box, aside from my friends, that is.


    And <em>she </em>didnt tell me? ValRok looked mildly offended. Ah well, and how is it so far?


    Were going to have our first quiz soon, Alex said. And Im really learning some interesting stuff in thebs.


    Hmmm good, Ill tell you what, if you sessfully challenge this course for credit, I will personally write a letter of reference for you to Shales: without some kind of letter of rmendation, youll struggle.


    What? Really!


    Yep. ValRok bobbed his head in a nod. You seem to have a true talent for mana maniption. An exceptional talent: and that should be supported. Do well, and Ill certainly do well by you.


    Thanks, Alex grinned. Thanks a lot.


    Well, dont thank me yet, all I potentially have to do is write a letter. You, on the other hand, have to be the one to prove yourself to me.


    Alex looked at the glyph boxes. Oh, Im working on it. Im working on it.


    This ones done, Alex said lightly as his potion gave off a strong glow, and then settled into a deep, murky grey colour.


    The controlled me beneath the sk snuffed out as he capped it, took out the mana conductor, shut down the mana vacuum, and used his tongs to ce the hot sk onto a waiting ceramic te.


    What, already? Carey blinked, staring at the potion from the work station beside him. We just started.


    Well, its kind of simple once you have the procedure memorized, he said, moving the ss titration apparatus to the front of his station and starting to disassemble it. He used The Mark; it pointed out the proper movements for taking apart the delicate device and cing it down properly. He ced it with the rest of the apparati he had finished usingthey would need to be washed after theb. And Im pretty good at mana maniption, so that helps speed things up.


    Pretty good was a bit of an understatement at this point.


    Alex had borrowed two mana maniption boxes from Professor ValRok to practice with at the same time after his meditations. Operating two at once was much harder than one, but in a short space of time hed already managed to raise the number of glyphs he could light on both from two to three. At this point, controlling forceball and even forcedisk through mana maniption was as easy as breathing.


    Hed already started to work hard on learning wizards handdocumenting his failures as usund couldnt wait to see how well he could control it once hed figured out how to cast it.


    The letter of reference was a potential prize waiting for him and had lit a fire under his feet. Hed definitely be trying to Challenge the Exam for Credit for mana maniption if things worked out.


    Now all that was needed was to make sure he actually <em>had</em> the skills to perform the job. Also, if he managed to get the job, then that might help convince Professor Jules to let him do more in POTI-1000. He nced to the far side of the room where various analytical apparatuses were stored.


    Once the potion had cooled enough, he lifted it with the tongs and carried it over for analysis. First, he dropped a bit of it into a mana spectrometer, which broke up a substancesposition by its mana essences. He remembered the textbooks instructions as to what dyeing agents he should add to the sample, and dropped those on it.


    Then he ran the spectrometer for exactly twenty-one seconds, which was the rmended length of time for first tier potions. What came out was a sheet of absorbent paper with bands of colour running along its length. Alex identified what each colour meant in terms of its magical constitution and wrote them down in hisb-book. The pattern present matched what the pattern should have been for this potion, as listed in Dexters textbook.


    He then took out another testing device. It was a potion-sensitive bed of blue moss that had been nted on a surface the size of arge coin. Carefully, he filled a dropper with another sample and dropped it onto the moss, watching for any sign of colour changes.


    His eyes narrowed behind his mask.


    Nothing.


    Smiling, he raised his hand and called Professor Jules over, his voice was muffled. All done!


    Heads swivelled toward him from all over the cell as other students paused in disbelief. Derek eyed Alex evenly through his mask. A student cursed as the distraction interfered with the mana running down his conductor.


    He scrambled and quickly activated the mana vacuum which poured the mana away from the reaction, and up into the mana waste container. A couple of students snickered, and then one leaned toward the other and mimed the motion of drinking. The otherughed and gave hisb partner a light push.


    Careful there, Professor Jules warned them as she eyed Alexs potion. Hmmmm. Alright, what can you tell me about it?


    Its mana hasbined to produce the correct potion, ording to the spectrometer. He pointed to the moss. Kamookaks Moss didnt change colour or wilt, so that means all the toxin from the quicksilvers gone.


    Hmmm, she squinted at the notes in hisb book. I see. And what did the manohmeter say about its magical conductivity?


    He paused for a moment, and then chuckled behind his mask. Are you trying to trick me, prof? Since the mana spectrometer showed that it has the correctposition, and since we only used ingredients listed in the procedure, its not necessary to run it through the manohmeter. Wed only run it, if the spectrometers readout showed that itsposition had deviated from standard. Plus, uh, we werent supposed to do that for todays procedure, and were always supposed to follow procedure.


    She snorted. Well, dont <em>we</em> think were cleverbut, youre right. Well done, it appears that this is a fine example of a Potion of Running Enhancement. You may keep it.


    Thanks, he said. Got anything else for me to do?


    Hmmm, Professor Jules said. No. Just focus on cleaning up and then finishing your notes. Keeping fresh notes makes writing theb reports easi-


    Oh my gods! someone cried across the room.


    <em>Crash.</em>


    ss shattered.


    Someone sounded like they were choking.


    One of the studentsthe one that had mimed drinking the potionfell back against his work station, wing at his throat. His mask was partially raised.


    Dammit! Professor Jules swore. Alex! Quick! Safety kit!"


    She rushed toward the fallen student.


    Alex ran for the kit.

 Chapter 63: Unsafety in the Cells

    Chapter 63: Unsafety in the Cells


    Quicksilver poisoning was a nasty thing.


    There was a fairly extensive section on it in Dexters textbook.


    One of the nastier things it did was <em>kill</em> you, but if you didnt die, it could leave you with a whole host of unpleasant symptoms. Depending on how much one ingested, it could cause victims to lose feeling in their limbs and skin, cause itching or a sensation like insects crawling through ones flesh, or worse: permanently damage the mind.


    Those effects were increased and worsened when mana was present within a quicksilver solution: tissue would swell, the body would overheat until it actually began to burn itself, and coordination and bnce would be forever impaired.


    Quicksilver was just one of many substances that Dexters textbook had cautioned about, especially when infusing it with mana, unless one had the proper stabilization agents already present to negate the toxicity.


    It was obvious that this poor bastard had negated nothing.


    The kit! Professor Jules barked, crouching beside the choking student.


    Alex rushed up beside herpassing by a sign stating: no running in theb. Here it is!


    He opened it, looking at the contents. What do you need?


    The emergency mana reducing agent and the aerolizer! she said quickly. Then the Potion of Neutralizing Toxins! Quickly, ah wait, her-


    She paused, seeing that Alex had already thrust the aerolizer and small bottle of mana reducing agent into her hand, and was drawing up the potion of neutralizing agents, seeming to follow the specific instructions in the textbook for preparing it. She had no way of knowing that The Mark was enhancing his memory of what hed read in the text.


    Professor Jules wasted no time in attaching the bottle of mana reducing agent to the aerolizer, then tore off the young mans face mask. Oh no. I feared as much.


    A silver liquid stained his lips.


    Frowning, she quickly pressed the leather cup-shaped applicator of the aerolizer over his nose and lips and then flicked a glyph-marked switch. The aerolizer hissed, drawing the liquid reducing agent into itself then vapourizing it and passing it through the applicator.


    The vapour rushed through the young mans open mouth and nostrils.


    He shuddered, and Alex felt the mana shift around the poisoning victim.


    It was like the dispelling spell that Professor Jules had cast over him, but far more focused in its effect. As the mana infusing the quicksilver was wiped away, the aggravated effects of the poisoning lessened. The young man began to cough, and Professor Jules turned him onto his side so he could cough up anything that had started to form in his lungs.


    Alex handed the potion of neutralizing toxins to the professor and held out his hand for the empty bottle of mana reducing agent. They exchanged bottles and he turned to the closest student. Here, can you put this in the ss bin?


    The student blinked, looking back and forth for a moment before taking the bottle and scurrying off.


    As the toxin neutralizing agent was vapourized into the young mans lungs, hisboured breathing lessened, and his profuse sweating and skin flushing started to reduce. He heaved another heavy cough.


    Professor Jules sighed, looking somewhat relieved, and adjusted his arms and legs into what she exined was the recovery position: which would let him rest without danger of rolling or choking on his own spit or vomit.


    Reaching into a pouch on her belt, she drew out an odd-looking stone disk with a series of glyphs drawn on it, then she concentrated on it. Alex looked on as he sensed aplex web of mana shoot from the stone in a line that travelled through the floor and reached outside of the room.


    From the whispers he heard around him, some of the other students had felt it too.


    Emergency office? This is Professor Jules! she barked into the stone. The mana web vibrated with each of her words. We have someone who ingested quicksilver from an improperly bnced Potion of Running Enhancement.


    There was a sound of tinkling ss and the invisible mana web vibrated again. A voice croaked out of the stone.


    What treatment has he received?


    A mana reducer and a toxin neutralizer, she said quickly.


    Alright. Which Cell?


    207.


    Understood, sending a team up.


    The invisible mana web broke apart from the stone, and Professor Jules looked back to the ss. Her eyes were like stone.


    Alright, I want all of you to turn off your mes, siphon the mana from your iplete potions and go to the other side of the ssroom. Now.


    Her voice didnt leave any room for questions or hesitation.


    Most of the students hadnt even finished cleaning up their stations when the emergency team arrived. They were serious looking folk with satchels with a symbol of two snakes curling around a tower on them.


    They bent over the young man and began a quick efficient examination, then one of them cast a modified version of forcedisk to lift the student into the air.


    H-How does it look? Professor Jules asked.


    One of them turned to her and spoke in a clipped manner. He received what he needed early and fast enough. Hopefully, it was enough to neutralize the toxin and there wont be permanent damage. But, we wont know until we do some tests. Well have to do a chtion treatment as a precaution. When can youe down to file the incident reports?


    I will be down shortly.


    She watched them take the student from the room, and then whirled on the ss, her eyes narrowing on the other young man who was friends with the victim. What. Happened?


    I The young mans eyes darted behind his mask. I dont


    Before you continue with your answer, she said. Know that they are going to examine your friend. I already saw the potion coating his lips, and they <em>will </em>find its traces in him. If you lie about what happened, then know that it will be worse for him,<em> but </em>also bad for <em>you</em> when ites to disciplinary action.


    He uh the young man swallowed loudly. He uh, thought itd be funny to sip it. Like a dare! H-heI tried to tell him not to-


    Alex didnt know the young man, but even he could tell that he was lying.


    -but he thought itd be fine. I didnt think hed do it! He even thought it might make him work faster because it was a potion that made you faster.


    Alex nced at Carey who nced back at him. The story didnt make much sense: it wouldnt be much of a dare if someone dared <em>themselves.</em>


    Professor Jules didnt look like she bought it either. You should go see your friend: the infirmary will need to know <em>what</em> happened and how. You...witnessed it.


    Well, I-


    Go.


    The young man winced, and quickly removed his safety gear and scurried out of theb. As he did, Alex noticed Derek watching him. His eyes shifted, noticing Alex, then quickly looked away.


    Professor Jules looked at all of them. Let this be a lesson to you all. Potions are not wine. They are not ale or spirits or whatever people brew in dorm rooms these days.


    She eyed them all steadily. Iplete potions can and <em>have</em> killed before. That young man will, at the least, be banned from theb for the rest of the semester, which means he will <em>fail</em> the practical portion of POTI-1000. And <em>that</em> is a lucky oue. He might have liver damagewhich means no more wine for himor even other organ damage. Or his mana pool might have been affected, ruining any aspirations he has for wizardry. Today, you will go back and you will finish yourbs. If I see even a <em>hint</em> of foolishness, I will not hesitate to have you <em>removed</em> for a period of time at my discretion. Now, get back to work.


    She nced at Alex. Stay behind after ss.


    Alex froze, slowly looking at Carey.


    Carey simply shrugged.


    Are you alright? Professor Jules pulled off her mask, revealing a wizened face drenched with sweat. Her white hair was limp against her scalp. That was a fairly rough situation.


    Me? Alex asked.


    He took a deep breathlike he did when practicing meditationand mentally checked his body. He hadnt noticed at the time, but his heart was pumping pretty hard. The event had shaken him a little. It made sense: he had just witnessed someone nearly die in The Cells.


    I uhthanks for asking, I guess, he said. Uh, are you okay?


    Hm, me? Professor Jules blinked. Er, yes. Yes I am. This has happened before.


    What, really?


    Oh my yes, at least once every couple of years. Come, walk with me. I have to be at the Emergency Office. And youll likely have to fill out some paperwork as well, since you were involved in the initial first aid.


    Alrighty, Alex focused, conjuring his forceball and hanging his books from it.


    He paused when he noticed her looking at it. Uh He pointed to the basket. You want some forceball? Its got room in the basket if you want to put some of your things in, professor.


    Hah, I can carry my own things, she said, shouldering her bag and stepping out through the door.


    They walked through The Cells togetherquietly at firstand Alex thought he heard the scuffling of feet down the hall. When he looked, however, he saw no one there. He noted to himself to listen carefully, but The Cells werent really conducive to picking up a single quiet noise out of so many others.


    Today in particr seemed to be abusy time.


    From Cell-210, smoke billowed that sparkled as though it wereced with shining gems too small for the eye to see. Cell-213 exuded a foul stench, and he could swear he heard enormous hooves scraping against the stone floor within.


    <em>Bang</em>.


    There was a heavy impact somewhere behind the iron door of Cell-219like something gigantic was throwing its full weight against an object somewhere behind the doorbut Professor Jules paid it no mind.


    He supposed she would be well-used to that sort of thing by now. With a bit of a surprise, he realized he was starting to get used to it himself. At roughly two months into his time at Generasi, he found himself still amazed by certain things, but others had started to bemonce.


    One could only see so many benches in a day that crawled and spoke before they just started to blend into the background. It was too bad, in a way. He remembered when he was very young and absolutely everything was new and utterly fascinating. To his young imagination, every darkened shadow beneath a bridge held a troll, fairies would be dwelling behind every tree in a forest, every rustle in the dead of night was the beat of a dragons wings.


    As he grew, though, the fantastic mystery of everyday things faded away. Maybe that had been why hed been so attracted to books: in the everyday routine of Alric, they had been some of the few things that offered continued mysteries, learning and wonder.


    He hoped magic would never get to a point where itd <em>all</em> be no more fantastical to him than putting on his own shoes, or the health of his neighbours cow. What <em>had</em> still fascinated him, though, were devices like hed just seen in theb. The aerolyzer was able to fill the lungs of the young student without needing to pour a potion down his throat. The stone that Professor Jules used tomunicate with the emergency office was even more fascinating: it removed the need for letters, runners and messengers.


    Theresa was <em>still</em> waiting for a letter back from her parents; how much easier would it have been if she couldve simply picked up a fancy rock and used it to speak to them? He nced at the Professor as they neared the stairs.


    Professor, what was that stone? The one you used to speak to the office downstairs? he asked.


    Oh, that. That is a far-speaker, she said, pulling the stone back out for him to see. A clever little invention: it transfers ones voice to a sister-stone located elsewhere.


    Does it do it by using that web of mana thates out of it? It vibrated whenever you or the person you were speaking to said something.


    She looked at him in surprise. You sensed that?


    Yeah. Why?


    Well, its not an easy thing for most first years to pick up, unless theyre rather advanced in mana maniption. She paused. which, I suppose you are. I spoke with Professor ValRok...he told me some of what you''ve been up to in his ss.


    Alex paused. Oh, what did he say?


    He <em>said</em> that you managed to light up <em>two </em>glyphs on two boxes at once?


    Alex coughed awkwardly.


    At the rate he was going, hed have four glyphs lit on both boxes soon.


    Y-yeah, he said. But I only lit two.


    Only ended up lighting two at the same time? Do you know how big of an aplishment that is? Good lord, that box gave me <em>actual</em> nightmares when I was a student! You have a rather rare gift- she started.


    Alex blinked. Cedrics words to him when theyd met had been almost identical.


    -for mana maniption, and you have skill and diligence when ites to the careful work required for crafting potions. Considering what youve done with the box? Id like to make you an offer.

 Chapter 64: Benefits of the Talented

    Chapter 64: Benefits of the Talented


    Oh, uh, thank you, Alex said. The box was pretty fun to work on, actually. Like a puzzle. Whats the offe-


    Fun, he says! Professor Jules burst outughing, which quickly disintegrated into a coughing fit. She paused on the stairs, nearly bending double as she coughed into her sleeve.


    Alex stood in front of her in case she toppled down. You okay, professor?


    Ach, Im fine, Im fine, thank you, though. She waved him off. Years of looking for ingredients and breathing in odd fumes takes their toll.


    Oh? The mask didnt help?


    The mask didnt always exist for as long as Ive been practicing. She straightened up. Much of our devicesthe far-speaker for exampledraw on Generasis abnormally high ambient mana to function, and even then, Generasis mana was not always <em>this</em> high.


    What do you mean? he asked.


    Come, lets talk and walk again. She led him down the stairs. The ambient mana in the city rises over time, thanks to the wild mana vents: they keep pumping mana into the world, which circtes and gets stronger over time. Fifty years ago, something like the far-speaker just wouldnt have worked, or it would have been so expensive to make that it would have been entirely impractical. Now that the ambient mana in Generasi has risen enough to power it, it is spreading through the university. As more kinks get worked out, it will make its way into the city.


    Alex blinked. Thats amazing. I know the sky-gonds only work in Generasi, so it makes sense that other devices would toohmmm, over time do you think the mana will spread to the rest of the world?


    Very astute, she said. Though Generasi is on arge pocket of vents, more mana <em>is</em> entering the world over time. She chuckled. Its funny. My grandchildren will grow up in a world far more convenient than the one I learned wizardry in, and its enough to make one a little jealous. Ive had many talks with the chancellor andording to himthere was a time when wizards <em>had</em> to draw their power from demons, elementals and otherworldly things: there just wasnt enough free mana in the world at the time to power spells and devices, as well as to start urring in mortals.


    Alex winced. That must have been a grim world. No wonder the people need the gods so much, if you think about it. If you look at The Ravener in my homnd, how were regr folk supposed to fight it and its monsters without magic or The Heroes? The people couldnt fight it themselves, so no wonder Uldar had to do it for them.


    Ah, that is true. Many say that the gods became so relied upon by mortals because there simply was little alternative for protection and power at one time. Now? Who knows. Generasi has already cast them off, and perhaps more of the world will follow. She sighed. Very few of us will live long enough to see what untold generations will experience, so we can only imagine.


    Well, Im just happy to be here, he said honestly. You know, when I got into university, I was thinking only about spells, but theres <em>so</em> much more to wizardry. Its incredible.


    Ah yes, and that brings us back to the mana maniption. The boxis not fun for most people, Alex. They reached the bottom of the stairwell and stepped into the basement of The Cells. This, oddly enough, was one of the brighter ces in The Cells. Officesy on either side of the hallway and they were well-lit.


    The box is one of the most notorious tasks of mana maniption. Thats why ValRok decided to put it at the beginning of the course: it helps determine who has the aptitude for itand you, apparently do.


    Is that what you were talking about?


    That and him telling me about how you might Challenge the Exam for Creditjust to let you know, I have <em>never</em>allowed that in POTI-1000. As you can see, from todays events, its <em>important or even crucial </em>for students to go through the entire course. The risks are too great otherwise in a subject like this.


    Yeah, I meant to ask you about that, he scratched his head. Toward the end of the hall, was an illuminated door with a sign that read: emergency office. Does what happened today really happen so often?


    Oh <em>yes</em>, she said emphatically. No matter how much caution I take or how much I emphasize it, there are <em>always</em> students thate into the course not taking it seriously or respecting the potential for serious harm. Someone thinks itd be interesting to drink a potion too early, or someone thinks theyre <em>more</em> brilliant than decades of research and decides to stealthily substitute an ingredient, or someone is too zealous with pouring their mana into a potion because they think: more must mean better. Some students think because they drink enormous amounts of spirits that theyll tolerate untested potions the same way. She shook her head and sighed. Even moremon are the students who take the ss because they wish to impress someone or because alchemy work is very lucrative, meanwhile, they feel they can get through with the absolute minimum of effort. Theres always <em>something.</em>


    She sighed again, then nced over to him. Ill be blunt: when you came to me before the semester started, asking to start your own projects, I thought youd be one of the first people the emergency team would be taking out on a forcediskbut youve shown surprising restraint, and you knew your way around the emergency kit well.


    Hey, Im not going to <em>not</em> learn about what might save my life, and heck, the lives of my ssmates while were learning something so dangerous. It was one of the first things I studied, he said emphatically.


    I seeyou really enjoy alchemy work, dont you? ValRok told me of your ambition to apply to Shales Workshop, when theres an opening. Thats a difficult thing, especially for a first year. Toraka Shale is a very particr taskmaster.


    Alex winced. ValRok had said something almost identical. It made sense, though. Unless he really underestimated how much most jobs paid in the city, hed be surprised if many others didnt also apply for the position. Of course, it seemed that mana maniption and alchemy were lessmon skills for most wizards to develop, but there were plenty of students here at Generasi who would likely qualify if they chose to apply. Probably more qualified than him.


    Well, he said. I still want to try, professor. Just because somethings hard doesnt mean its not worth trying, if the goal is right.


    She gave him a long look. I see. Well, I might be able to help you. About that offer: I have been taking on a personal project with some of my graduate students. We could use some extra hands. At least, temporarily.


    Alexs heart jumped. Really?


    Mind you, youll basically be an assistants assistant. Youll be helping <em>my</em> assistants, observing their work, making sure we have the tools we need at the correct times and learning what you can. It wont be glorious, but it can help give you experience. If you do well, then I might consider writing you a letter of reference.


    Yes! He grinned. Ill make sure you dont regret it.


    She chuckled. I warn you, itll add extra burden onto your current course load.


    Its alright, Id be a fool not to step up for that kind of opportunity.


    Somehow, he was able to keep a straight face at what hed said.


    Then an odd thought urred to him. A slight rise of bitterness in his belly, mixed with his gratitude. Since hed gotten to Generasi, hed made friends, and <em>two</em> professors were offering to help him get the job he was seeking. Baelin had singled out his performance twice as well.


    He frowned. Back in Alric, hed had the love of the Lu family and hed had friendsbut never the sheer amount of support he was receiving now. McHarris had been a bully and hed just had to deal with it. Hed looked around for other work, but no one paid as well as McHarris for his limited skills, <em>while</em> importantly, not needing him enough so that he could still attend school.


    When hed <em>needed</em> helpa lot more than he needed it now, if he was honesthelp had onlye from close by. The Lu family, mostly. Now, professionals seemed to be lining up to help grow his already growing skill.


    Hm? Something wrong with the offer? Professor Jules suddenly asked.


    Oh? What no, no! He shook himself out of his thoughts. Thats not it all, by Uldar, Id have to be crazy to not like the offer. Its justmaybe this is not the right thing to say, professor, but its a little overwhelming. I had to work <em>really</em> hard teaching myself magic back in my hometown. He chuckled darkly. I nearly got myself killed a few times. Yet, when Ie here, I do well in some of my sses and Ive just been getting so much help.


    Ah. She nodded knowingly. When you were struggling, no one came along to sweep you away to a better life, yet when you have gotten here on your own and now that youre <em>excelling</em>- she chuckled. -we professors just seem to be lining up to give you help and opportunities, is that it?


    Alex startled. Are you reading my mind or something, professor?


    Sheughed again, and her voice sounded many years younger. No, thats <em>quite</em> illegal in Generasi, thankfully. Well, except for special circumstances. Not the point, though. Its just that youre touching on something I used to think about myself at your age. It was hard work, working with potions, and I was good at it, but I needed to put in <em>dozens</em> of extra hours of study and practice. I think I aged out of my twenties before Id even turned neen. I had tutoring for extra help and took advantage of my professors office hours, but I had to initiate all of it on my own.


    She looked wistful, and he wondered what scene from long ago she might have been thinking of. Then one day it all just <em>clicked </em>for me. I was excellent at it. I shone above my peers, if I do say so myself. Suddenly, my professors were paying attention to me. Extra help. Extra care. Extra opportunities. I wouldnt be where I am today, if it werent for what they did for me then.


    She paused. its the nature of life where people support those that already have talent or the potential for sess. The beggar suffering from leprosy on the street is shunned, while the mighty, conquering hero is lifted up on the shoulders of the cheering popce. A struggling student has to work themselves to the bone just to avoid failing, while the student who stands out gets suggested for research opportunities or new grants. That is why we have <em>programs</em> for students who struggle at Generasi, to make sure all get the help they need. In the end, people like to see others shine, and people only have so much time and resources. There are only so many opportunities, and I only have so many hours in a day to dedicate to student well-being.


    She nced up to the ceiling. What if the student I spent hour upon hour helping, one day decides to drink quicksilver for a stupid dare and ends up being expelled or killed? What if the student I invite into <em>my</em>b ends up being irresponsible and gets themselves kicked out for cheating on an exam a monthter? Theres a reason people gravitate toward those that have talent and reliability, Mr. Roth. Id just be thankful that others can see your innate abilities and the time youve put in.


    Yeah, thanks, professor.


    That made him feel a little better.


    Alex thought about Lucia. He wondered how much help <em>shed</em> gotten in herst days at Generasi, and even after. In the end, he supposed he should just be thankful he was getting extra help now: working to stand out was paying off.


    Maybe, when he was a second year, he could take up tutoring and give some help to new first year students who were struggling. As long as they werent like Derek or Minervus, of course.


    -it is important to remember that force is not indestructible. While it does not have <em>obvious</em> counters like the elemental forces, force spells can be countered and blocked by other force magic. It can be torn apart, and since it is so pure, it is more easily dispelled than many other forms of magic. Force is mighty and versatile, but I encourage you to learn other forms of magic as well.


    Professor Ram closed the textbook with a decidedly hard snap. The hand that held the book was not made of flesh. Something had taken his right arm at some point, and it had been reced by a limb of magical force that connected to his shoulder.


    Magical force spells tended to glow different colours depending on their caster, the Professors was a deep, dead ckdarker even than his well-sculpted beard.


    Any questions?


    He looked through the ss, but everyoneeven Alexdidnt have one to ask. Professor Ram never discouraged questions, but there was something intimidating about the mans every movement.


    Excellent, he said, raising his hand. Today were going to do something a little different. Youll have about one free hour for practice. But, before you start


    His eyes seemed to spark. I want you to hang onto your desks.


    The students nced at each other and then quickly gripped the sides of their desks.


    The professor clenched the hand of his force-constructed arm into a fist.


    Alex gasped as his weight suddenly pressed into his seat. His stomach flipped, as his desk and chair unexpectedly soared into the air through the auditorium. Throughout the room the sounds of gasping, yelping and giggling filled the air.


    The desks moved apart from each other, giving each student at least ten feet of open space around them.


    Professor Ram smiled, snapping the fingers of both hands.


    The desks and tables immediately froze, perfectly stable in mid-air.


    Pretty fantastic isnt it? he asked. Force is not only about the creation of magical constructs: it is also the bending of the very physical forces of nature, such as gravity, or the repulsion and attraction between objects. Youll find that youre not able to pry yourselves from your seats, even if you use a pry bar. No danger of falling. Not while I have control.


    He watched them carefully. And I always do. By the end of the year and the end of Part II of this course, youll be able toor perhaps I should say, be <em>expected</em> to do the same yourselves. Youll learn to unravel the spell on your desks and chairs, be able to cancel and recast it. For now, make good use of your hour. Remember, your forceball report is due next week, but if you feel that you are ahead, you may practice whichever spell you have received my approval to practice. He started to turn toward his desk, then stopped. Oh and by the way, dont hesitate to speak up if anyone needs to use the facilities and Ill bring you right down. We dont want you up there squirming around like earthworms. Heughed at that.


    Alex and the rest of the ss looked at each other and began wiggling their bodies to see if they could get out of their seats. They quickly found that they couldnt and settled down to work.


    His desk and attached chair had floated near a window, offering him an awesome view of the campus from high above. He smiled, watching the students below and idly wondering if any of his friends were down there. Khalik should have been getting out of ss shortly, if he remembered his schedule right.


    He took a deep breath to focus up, and then turned his attention to force magic. Once ss was over, then he could think about meeting up for some food.


    Alex stretched his fingers, then took a deep, meditative breath to bring his mind into focus. First, it would be time for warm ups.

 Chapter 65: Armwrestling Wizards Hand

    Chapter 65: Armwrestling Wizard''s Hand


    Alex opened his notebook to a new page, thenusing meditation techniques to navigate The Marks interferencehe cast forceball, counting his heartbeats to time thepletion of the spell. It winked into existence like an old friend and he immediately cut the flow of mana to its magic circuit. Next, it was time to record how long it took before the forceball faded:


    <em>Forceball Spell Formation: Five Heartbeats</em>


    <em>Dissipation: Ten Heartbeats</em>


    Better.


    Hed gotten even faster at casting the spell thanks to Theresas meditation techniques. Yet, as pleased as he was with his progress, he was also getting a little frustrated.


    He still hadnt gotten anywhere close to his speed before hed received The Mark, andlooking around at his ssmateshe noticed that most of them were casting it faster than he could. Some of them had only started learning the spell on the first day of ss, and seeing their forceballs appear after only two or three heartbeats was a little annoying.


    He took a deep breath, acknowledged his feelings, and then let them go. Frustration was narrowing his focus, causing him to only see part of what was really going on. That wasnt helpful, so he decided to mentally step back and examine their forceballspared to his own.


    Looking around, he noticed that none of their spells were asrge or as strong as his. Some werent very stable and flickered, and even some cast by students whod started the ss already knowing the spell, were slower and tended to fluctuate at times.


    Their forceballs might have been cast quicker, but his won in power and precision; and it was thanks to his constant practice and analysing The Marks interference. The Mark did have its downsides, but it also had its benefits.


    He turned his focus back to his work, and this time, he cast forcedisk.


    The spell took longer than his forceball before it appeared before him. But, while he wasnt as fast at casting it as he wouldve liked, it <em>was </em>still appearing faster, and showing major improvements in power, precision and stability.


    Itd better be getting better, he mused, flipping through his notebook. There were a huge number of failures that hed jotted down and analyzed. It almost hurt to look at the pages.


    Unfortunately, he was still hitting a wall with how much he could improve the spell at the moment; he wondered if he would have another breakthrough when he learned more force spells and more about force magic in general. Also, when his mana pool increased, hed have more room for bigger magic circuits: he could try expanding the circuits for forcedisk and forceball and constructing them in new ways. He wondered what improvements he could make then.


    He dismissed those thoughts along with forcedisk.


    Those were ns forter. For now, warm ups wereplete.


    Now, it was time for the <em>really</em> painful part.


    He opened up the spell-guide for Wizards Hand andtaking a deep breath and readying himself for The Markbegan to cast the spell. Previous failures bombarded his mind like a hailstorm.


    He considered one in particr using his meditation techniques: an image from yesterday where The Marks distraction had caused another unique mis-alignment in the magic circuit.


    He winced as he cut off the flow of mana and ended the spell.


    Flipping open the notebook for Wizards Hand to his previously recorded failures, he recorded the specifics of the misalignment, frowning as his eyes scanned the pages. Despite being a brand new notebook, it was already half-filled with failures. Hed already generated far more mistakes for <em>this </em>spell than he had for forceball <em>or</em> forcedisk.


    Alex sighed. Even though it was also a first-tier spell, it was moreplex than the other two. Wizards Hand wasnt a simple shape like a sphere or t circle: it was a force construction that mimicked theplex shapes and movements of a human hand. In the same way, its spell array was far more intricate than the others. Its magic circuit had lots of smaller moving parts and details and lots of ces for The Mark to interfere and make things go wrong.


    Still, repeatedly practicing it had generated some progress: hed gotten a little farther into constructing the magic circuit each time.


    He nced around at the other students.


    In truth, he was still ahead of many of them in some ways, yet in other ways, some were quickly exceeding him.


    Some were already casting fairly solid looking Wizards Hand spells. One had even progressed to the point of starting to work on casting Force Shield, and Alex noticed Professor Rams deep-set eyes watching <em>that</em>student very carefully. There was an interest there that hed seen in both ValRok and Jules when they interacted with <em>him</em>.


    He stifled a chuckle and a little twinge of jealousy. Professor Ram had been very impressed with Alexs forceball in the early weeks, butwhile the instructor was still supportive and helpful to all his studentshe showed a keener interest in those that were continually excelling in the ss.


    And right now, that wasnt Alex. He was only doing <em>well enough.</em>


    Oh well, he thought. Shouldnt be greedy. Youre already getting opportunities.


    He promised himself that even if he had to try until he went cross-eyed, hed excel in force magic eventuallyand not for favoritism, but for his own benefit. All he needed was effort and time. He looked down at his notebook. Well, time, effort and the willpower to not go mad from having all his failures thrown in his face. With resolve, he began to re-cast Wizards Hand.


    By the time Professor Ram called their floating desks down, Alex had gone from frustrated, to pleased with his work for the period. Hed still only made a snails progress moving forward with the spell, but there was still time left to work on it before its corresponding assignment was due, and he recognized that not everything in life went smoothly.


    He understood that better than many.


    Conjuring his forceball, he gathered his ss materials, ced them in the hanging basket and stepped out of the ssroom only to run into a waiting Theresa.


    Alex! She was waving at him excitedly from the wall shed been leaning on. In each hand she clutched a letter. My parents wrote back!


    So from what the mail office said, there was a big problem with delivery in the Rhinean Empire, which is why it took so long to get here, Theresa said as they sat down for lunch at a pic table on campus. Some kind of monster was prowling one of the highways: ck scaled, but humanoid with big ws. Some travellers first saw it, and then it was seen near a town. Apparently, a group of elemental knights were sent to the area to patrol and they stopped all travel around there while they looked for this thing. Anyway, they never found it, so they finally opened things back up. Thats why the mail was held up.


    She ced a second letter on the table andughed. And <em>this</em> ones from Captain Fan-Dor. Would you believe he addressed it to all of us, including Brutus? Hes <em>so</em> funny. Anyway, it seems youre in luck, he says hell have time to teach you more Mop-and-Oar-


    <em>Spear</em>-and-Oar Dance, Alex insisted as he broke off a piece of olive bread and handed it to her. And thats great! But first, tell me how your parents are. How<em> is</em> everyone?


    Well, theyre fine, though father was pretty upset when he found one of his grandfathers swords was missing, she said. Mother wrote the letter, and she said he calmed down after a bit. <em>She</em> also said I should have asked permission.


    Maybe you should have? Alex offered. I dont think your parents would have been mad if you wanted to take it for protection. I mean, its not like you were running off to go sell it for loose change at the market or something.


    Yeah, maybe youre right. Either way: Ill get a chance to apologize soon. They want toe and visit.


    Oh man, when? Alex asked. For Sigmus?


    No, they didnt say anything specific yet. They asked where they could stay, though.


    Hrm. He tapped his chin. Theres no room at our ce in the insand we dont know how much the inns in the city charge.


    Yeah, Theresa said. Im going to look into that this weekend.


    Good idea, Alex said. Maybe I can talk to Hobb. He might know of some ce on campusbut, with the prices the university charges, maybe the cityll be better. Anyway, well find something for them. Now, whatd they say about you following your great-grandfather in qigong?


    Uh, well. She frowned. Mother didnt really say much about that. Just a he would be happy, I think. I kind of thought theyd react a little more.


    Huh, how do you feel about that?


    A little disappointed, I guess. She shrugged. Though it could have been worse. They could have disowned me for stealing great-grandfathers sword.


    Hey, maybe theyre saving that for when they get here: just a full magistrate-supervised disownment.


    Oh, Uldar, dont even joke about that.


    Well, Im only half-joking. They <em>could</em> be waiting to have a discussion with you face to face, instead of trying to send what theyre thinking in a letter, you know?


    She thought about it. Thats probably true. Ugh, now Im going to be excited <em>and</em> nervous waiting for their visit.


    Im sure itll be fine, in the end.


    I hope soso about Fan-Dor. He wants you to name a time to meet him at the docks. Apparently, theyll be in port for a few weeks. So, do you want to do it this weekend? We could make a day of it with Selina.


    Ugh, Id love to, but this weekend Ill be helping out Professor Jules for the first time. I cant miss that.


    Ah, thats too bad. She sighed, then looked at him worriedly. Are youare you doing okay, Alex?


    Hm, what do you mean?


    I mean are you okay. Youve been pushing really, really hardtely. Exercise. Practice. sses. Studying. You just dont stop. Then youve been cooking tooand if its this busy now, whats going to happen during exam time?


    Hey, one of the reasons Im pushing so hard <em>now</em> is so that I <em>dont</em> have to push so hard when its exam time. He smiled. Pay it now, instead of paying itter. Besides, I think your meditations been helping me rx, rest and cope with the schedule. The exercise helps too: I sleep even better than I did back home and Ive got more energy these days. Im doing okay.


    Hm, and what about this job at Shales? she asked. If you get it, it''s going to take up even more time in the evenings.


    He shrugged. Ill figure something out. For now, Im okay.


    She frowned. You promise youll tell me if youre not?


    Yeah, I promise, I promise, he said. What about you? You work on Life Enforcement stuff all the time, and then its exercise, and then its learning things from the Watchers of Roal. And youre taking care of Brutus and watching out for Selina as much as I am. Youre busy too.


    I guess, ...it''s all just so much fun, though, she giggled. It doesnt feel like being busyand besides, I think I might be able to get a job if I keep at it.


    Oh? Alex cocked his head.


    So. She leaned in. Theres this Watcher that Im starting to get to know, and <em>shes</em> friends with the wardens at the Beastarium. When she heard how much experience I have with animals, she said shed ask if they needed any help. I know its not anything reallysolid yet, but its something.


    Well I think its great. Alex smiled. You get to earn some coin doing what you like and what youre good at: thats about as good as it gets, isnt it?


    Yeah, I just hope it works out, she said. Itd be kind of nice to have a job by the time my parents get here.


    Yeah, I know what you mean. But, hey, hopefully this work with Professor Jules is going to help me with Shales.


    At least youre in school, she gave an uncharacteristically cute pout. Im the one thats just auditing courses, meditating and training. I kind of feel like Im gettingzy.


    I dont know, from what Ive seen, all that cultivation stuff is hard, he said.


    Yeah, but its fun, so it doesnt <em>feel</em> hard. Ach, its like Im just hanging around.


    Hey, what do you call people that dont work for their coin and just hang around?


    She paused, cocking her head. What?


    Nobility, Lady Theresa of Thamnd.


    She burst outughing.


    The mana within The Cell hit Alex like a club.


    He paused, taken aback. Mana-powered apparatuses filled the room ahead, surrounding a cauldron that was bigger than a nobles carriage. A giant mana vacuum hung over it, connected to a mana waste container the size of a farmers cart which sat in a corner of the massive room.


    Hundreds ofplex ingredients had been set out on multiple tables beside tools of alchemy, some he easily recognized, but most were new to him.


    A staircase built beside the cauldron led to a catwalk surrounding the cauldrons broad, glyph-etched lip.


    Professor Julepletely suited up except for her maskwas talking with two others. She paused when she saw him enter.


    Ah, Mr. Roth, youre early! Good, good. She pointed to a series of hooks on the side of the room. Hang your things, wash up, and gear up. Well be doing some good work today, and theres a lot for you to learn.


    Oh? What <em>are</em> we doing, professor?


    Her smile was a little unsettling. Chaos Essence to craft mutagens and the potions that can animate the inanimate. Today, youll see how the building blocks of matter can be a harness. And today, we are harnessing the harness.

 Chapter 66: The Summoning

    Chapter 66: The Summoning


    Stage Two of the brewing process is not delicate, but well have to be quick today, Professor Jules addressed her squad of graduate students like she was a general. She looked at Alex. With chaos essence, its best to make sure the reaction isnt drawn out: its too hard to predict, otherwise.


    He quickly wrote down what she said in his notebook word-for-word.


    Ah yes, wheres my mind these days, she shook her head. Team, this is Mr. Roth, a first year student. Today hell be assisting you with any ingredients you might need during any moment in the brewing process, and providing you with any tools you might want at any time. Think of him as one of your assistants and use him as such. In return, if he has any questions, please answer them if time permits, and allow him to observe you as you work.


    She nced at Alex.


    Do as we say, keep out of trouble, and learn well, Mr. Roth. If you dont know something, then dont pretend that you do. If someone asks for a tool or an ingredient that you dont understand how to handle, then please say so. Dont bluff.


    Absolutely. He nodded emphatically, the beak on his mask bouncing as he did.


    Right, now lets get started with nning. Alex, have you gone over our safety procedures?


    He nodded, drawing out a booklet listing the safety procedures, ethical guidelines, required materials and tools for the experiment, which shed handed him before theydst parted.


    Oddly enough, what followed next wasnt simr to being in potions ss. It was like being back in McHarris bakery: without his yelling and incessant bullying. Professor Jules team immediately leapt into action, and while they were preparing for todays set up, Alex was given the task of reviewing the ingredients and tools, and remembering where they were located in theb.


    Some werebelled, but many others were not.


    When one of the graduate students needed a tool, he would be expected to provide it quickly, but safely, and then return it to its proper ce afterward. He was also expected to wash certain tools and provide ingredients when necessary.


    For that, he needed to learn the system of organization quickly andluckilytheb booklet had given him a head-start on figuring out what was what. He walked past every table, flipping open his notebook and quickly drawing a diagram of thebsyout as it would look to someone standing above. Essentially, he created a floor n, marking in every table as well as denoting the central cauldron and scaffold. On each tablein quick, meticulous scripthe wrote the names for every ingredient and piece of equipment present, flipping back to theb booklet several times to ensure hed remembered the names of the tools properly.


    He made sure to study the system of organization very, very carefully.


    One thing that hed learned well from his time at McHarris bakery was that there were few things more valuable than an organizing system that was efficient, and one that every worker knew well. That was one of the things he had to give the old bully: the baker had developed quite the system for organizing ingredients over the years, and was absolutely <em>militant</em> about it never being altered.


    When hed first started working at the bakery, McHarris had drilled that system into his head so thoroughly, that he dreamt about the different locations for flour, custards and salted meats for weeks. At the time, hed resented how strict it was. Then, one day, about a yearter, another assistant was hired.


    He had been a young man with more experience than any of the othershaving apprenticed to a baker for many years when he was younger. He had a lot of confidence in himself and got it into his head that the system used in his old bakery was better than McHarris. One evening, he decided to surprise McHarris and <em>change</em> the system instead of just doing what he was supposed to be doing, which was cleaning up.


    Maybe the apprentice had fantasized abouting into a new environment, seeing that everything was a mess and knowing <em>exactly</em>what to do to transform it into a model of order and efficiency.


    Alex had even considered what it would be like to walk into Professor Julesb today and use The Mark to improve the system they already had in ce. In that fantasy, they would fall all over themselves, thanking him for fixing their way of doing things and then offer him permanent positions and greater opportunities. But, he knew better than to act on his fantasies.


    McHarris hadnt thanked the young man or offered him great opportunities.


    Hedshed him, berated him and summarily fired him. And before he would let him leave, he made him return everything to exactly the way hed found it. Alex couldnt recall ever seeing McHarris so angry ever, before or since, and <em>that</em> was saying something.


    With that memory in mind, Alex let fantasies go and simply focused on learning Professor Jules system very, very quickly, and then finding ways to make <em>himself</em> as efficient as possible within it.


    Luckily, with the skills hed gained using The Mark there were some easy solutions for that.


    Once hed catalogued every piece of equipment and ingredient he was expected to know, he conjured his forceball and hung his basket beneath it. Concentrating, he paused for a moment, considering trying to cast Wizards Hand. The spell would have made much of what he was about to do easier, but hed only made a little more progress with it. In another week he might have it down, but for now, he could only adapt and use what he had.


    Casting forcedisk as well, he set them side by side.


    One of the students looked down at him from the scaffold around the cauldron. She was busy tracing the glyphs lining the massive cauldrons lippassing her mana into each glyph as she didand Alex noticed that each one lit up with a sapphire light as the mana flowed in.


    Two other grad students were tracing the glyphs etched into the cauldron as well; ones glyphs glowed a sapphire hue while the others were a forest-green.


    I wouldnt use those if I were you, the student who was looking at him said. Those spells tend to be slow. Its easier just to step down and pick things up, trust me.


    Normally, youd be right, Professor Jules said from across the room. She was cutting up something that looked like fish-meat, but it was a strange blue colour. But Mr. Roth has shown himself very adept at forceball. I trust you show simr control when ites to forcedisk, Alex?


    Without looking at the spell, he used mana maniption and the glowing spell to begin performing little tricks in the air. It twisted vertically and spun like a top before turning and flipping horizontally. It spun really fast, then slowly, then shot back and forth across the back of the room like an excited dog ying in the Beastarium.


    Several of the graduate students paused their tasks to watch his disy of forceball acrobatics. One even pped softly when he finished.


    Alright, a simple yes would have sufficed, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said, but her voice revealed her amusement. She looked at the graduate student that questioned him. Does that satisfy you?


    Yeah, she said. You must have practiced with those spells for a ridiculously long time.


    He shrugged. Im like a swordsmaster slowly bing one with their weaponexcept, yknow, its a couple of utility spells. He paused. You know, that sounded a lot more impressive in my head. Anyway, let me make sure Ive got your system down.


    The grad student looked at him for a few seconds as Professor Jules shook her head and went back to work.


    Alex went over his diagrams a few more times before finally nodding to himself. He wandered over to the students, watching them trace the glyphs into the lip of the cauldron. The booklet had said that the glyphs must be traced using mana maniption, but hadnt really gone into the why or how.


    He climbed the stairs and stood at the back of the catwalk, watching the closest glyphs light up under a students attention. He nced back at Alex; the beak of the young mans mask bounced lightly. Hello, there, curious about something?


    Uh...about everything actually, Alex said honestly. But what are those symbols for? Some kind of mana conductor?


    Noooot quite. The student traced another glyph, getting closer to one of his colleagues activating glyphs on another side of the cauldron. This is a built-in protection circle.


    Oh, to stop explosions and leaks?


    No, to stop what were summoning in the cauldron from getting <em>out</em> of the cauldron.


    Alex paused. Uh, summoning?


    Oh yes, its the only reliable way to get your hands on chaos essence. The stuffs almost unheard of in the material world, but its asmon as water in certain creatures that ur on other nes. The cauldrons built in part to serve as a summoning circle for otherworldly beings. And theeeeen-


    He pointed down to another circle of glyphs inside the bottom of the cauldron. You see that other circle there? Thats simr to a mana vacuum but instead, it separates certain essences from any creature within the cauldron.


    Alex winced. Sounds painful.


    It can be, the older student said. But for the kinds of things we summon, they kind of deserve it, trust me. And in the end, they do live through it and then we banish them back to their home ne. Its no worse than having a doctor bleed you a bit, I would say.


    Alex looked down at the glyphs inside the cauldron. There was somethingsinister about them. There was an aura present that felt like they were tinged with pure malice. Or rage. A shiver ran through him.


    Uhwhats being summoned? he asked, pulling his eyes away from the cauldrons bottom.


    A lesser shoggoth. You ever heard of them? Probably not, eh? the graduate student asked.


    No, I havent Alex shook his head.


    Well, the easiest way I can describe them is that theyre priests, in a way: the least powerful servitors in a divine hierarchy. Think local priest in a vige church.


    Uh? Priests? What do they worship?


    The student gave a darkugh. You dont want to know.


    Um. Alex nced at the glowing symbols on the side of the cauldron, and began wondering if he needed an exit n. Uh, maybe I do.


    The student paused. Okay, I wont go into too much detail, but there are all sorts of<em>things</em> out there. What lesser shoggoths worship are kind of like gods or demon lords, but theyre <em>older</em>. A <em>lot</em> older; old enough that they already existed when the gods of this world first woke up.


    Oh. Alex swallowed. From what you said earlier, I take it theyre not friendly?


    The lesser shoggoths? Absolutely not friendly. The things they worship? Theyre most indifferent, actually. The grad student finished up one side of the cauldron and stepped back, turning to Alex. And thats lucky for us: well be able to do what we have to do without the <em>big</em> bosses getting mad. Well, probably. Records of theming into contact with mortals welllets just say they tend to be found in ruins of dead civilizations.


    Ohand uh, were going to summon one of these priests and drain essence from it? That uhwell, uh


    Sounds like the worst idea ever conceived in the history of the world? The graduate studentughed behind his mask. Youd think so, wouldnt you? Well, think about it this way. If a priest of one of our gods gets disrespected or robbed in the street by some viin, does their god immediately descend from the heavens to seek revenge? Do they descend whenever someone says anything sphemous against them?


    UhI guess not, Alex said. If they did, then they probably would have gathered at Generasi demanding their priests be let in a long time ago.


    He imagined it for a moment: a series of towering, glowing divine beings all lined up in front of the schools gates like disgruntled vigers waiting to register theirints with the local magistrate.


    Exactly. The grad student pointed up to the ceiling. If they acted every time a mortal angered them, then they probably would have blown up half the world by now. And theseolder things? Well, theyre even <em>more</em>indifferent.


    But uhwhat happens if one of theselesser shoggoths happens to be a favourite or something? And us summoning and harvesting from it angers whatever it worships?


    Then, I suppose, a vengeful entity from beyond time will materialize in The Cell, the student nodded thoughtfully. In disying itself, well be shown an existence so far beyond ourprehension that our minds will turn inside out, quickly followed by our bodies. Naturalw will fail, and anything we understand about magic will go with it. Our souls will melt away in an instant, only to be reformed <em>wrong</em>, and well try to scream, but have no mouth with which to-


    Professor Jules cleared her throat. She had brought out a series of sealed metal containers from a storage room in the back of The Cell, each of them suspended on floating stone circles. If you have time to be idly scaring first years, then you have time to help me prepare the pre-made solution for Stage 2.


    Right, right, sorry prof, the studentughed. I wouldnt sweat itAlex, was it? Theres always risks with magic, and were taking every precaution to make an unsafe process as safe as possible. And hey, if we wanted something without risk, wed go work in a vineyard, am I right?


    The graduate student winked from behind his mask and then made for the stairs off the catwalk.


    Alex slowly watched him go.


    A part of him wondered if the local vineyards were taking applications.

 Chapter 67: Beyond the Material World

    Chapter 67: Beyond the Material World


    As thest of the glyphs were traced and filled with mana, there was a subtle shift in the mana in the air around the cauldons rim. It was so faint, that Alex doubted he would have detected it before hed started training in mana maniption at the school.


    With a sh, a purple light washed through the glyphs, wiping away the colours left by the students and making every glyph on the edge of the cauldron all glow in the same hue. At the same time the mana shifted; all the subtle differences between each students mana was brought together, and became unified within the cauldron.


    At that, Professor Jules began to organize her students like a general moving an army, and Alex went to work.


    Standing by the tables, he would watch the students while keeping a distance, and then in quiet moments, ask questions about specific ingredients, procedures and tools they were using. He also asked which processes were simr to golem-craft, and the answers were not only interesting, but helpful for future golem ns.


    As it turned out, many of the materials used for the animation of matter were identical to ones used in golem-craft. By asking questions, handing out what the students needed and watching them work, he learned a good deal about how each material was handled, and how that might differ when building a golempared to the experiment they were conducting.


    Many of the mana tools were also used in golem-craft, and Alex quickly examined them as the students or professor described them and their specific uses. His pen <em>flew</em> across the pages of his notebook when he could spare the hands to write things down, and he was left wishing hed managed to master Wizards Hand already: an extra hand or two would be pretty helpful to keep up with all the informationing at him.


    When things got busy, the time for questions ended and he was put to work, andwith a seamlessness that unnerved himhe instantly fell back into the mindset of an assistant baker with a very particr master. His mind stayed focused on making sure he was quick to get whatever was needed for each step of the brewing process. The pages of the procedure scrolled through his mind, helping him anticipate what they would need for the next part of the experiment.


    Thats where his spells came in handy.


    Using forcedisk and the forceballs basket, he was able to use them to create a system where he took a request from one of the students or the professor, and instead of constantly running back and forth between the table and cauldron, he was able to simply ferry what was needed back and forth between them.


    When someone was done with a tool, he would send over the forcedisk for them to ce it on and then hed bring it over to the sink for washing and drying. As his system continued, he noticed several of the grad students throwing him curious looks.


    He decided to ask another question.


    Uh, Professor. He cleared his throat. Um, is there a reason you all dont use spells like Wizards Hand? I know forcedisk and forceball wouldnt usually work well, but Wizards Hand has the dexterity to handle delicate stuff, right?


    Right you are, but there are two issues there. One, Wizards Hand still proceeds very slowlypared to simply walking over and fetching something yourself. She nced at his crimson spells, zipping about theb. Well, at least it does if someone doesnt put a ridiculous amount of practice into it. But, the mana maniption and spellcraft required for our work still necessitates full attention. Controlling a Wizards Hand spell <em>while</em> engaging in the mana maniption required for this alchemy, would be a good recipe for both failure <em>and</em> disaster.


    She nced at the glowing glyphs around the rim. And when youre dealing with conjuring otherworldly entities, you <em>want</em> to have as much of your wits about you as possible.


    Professor Jules had led hisbs and set up this experiment with the calm collection of a veteran. Now, though? Her voice was strained.


    Okay, then Ill just make sure you have everything you need and keep out of the way, he said.


    Yes, youd better. She frowned, her eyes flicked to him. What youre about to see, Mr. Roth, is perhaps the earliest form of wizardry. Before the forme, the ingredients, the safety procedures, the spellcraft and the harvesting of manathere was this. The old ways.


    She paused. All the ingredients are ready to proceedexcept for one. If I were you, I would stand near the door.


    Alex nodded, and quickly took up position near the door to The Cell.


    He watched Professor Jules and her graduate students ascend the catwalk around the cauldron. Before this moment, the room had been filled with orders, discussion and nning. Now there was only a grim silence.


    The air seemed to prickle with intent.


    Alex watched as they all nodded to each other, and then Professor Jules looked to one of her students. Ready the bait.


    A gloved young woman raised the strange blue meat the professor had been cutting up. It now glistened from a coating of an odd, reddish salve that emitted an unnerving mana. Alex wondered what the thing would have smelled like if he didnt have a mask on.


    The student spoke an incantation, conjuring a Wizards Hand which lifted the blue meat and slowly lowered it below the rim of the cauldron, down into its depths.


    As soon as the bait had been deposited, the student cancelled the Wizards Hand.


    Professor Jules drew in a deep breath. Are we ready?


    In reply, a series of nods met her. To his surprise, she also nced at Alex standing by the door. His heart began to thud in his chest.


    But, he also nodded.


    Let us begin then, Professor Jules said.


    She spoke an incantation.


    <em>Womph.</em>


    An unnatural fire sprang up beneath the cauldron, hugging its metal sides but not touching the scaffolding or catwalk around it. As it red and crackled, the shadows of the wizards on the catwalk rose high over the rooms walls and wavered with each pop of the me.


    Professor Jules slowly raised her hands above her head.


    And then, she began to cast a spell.


    Words of power poured from her mouth with her exacting efficiency. Not a single word could Alex understand. They were sharp. Guttural. Awful to listen to.


    And there was a terrible note of longing in them.


    A calling that disturbed him to his very bones.


    Something shifted in the air.


    As her incantation continued, her students joined in, each adding their own words until the room was <em>filled</em>with the strange, disconcerting speech.


    Spell arrays formed.


    Magic circuitry came alive.


    The glyphs on the cauldron reacted, glowing brighter.


    The hair on Alexs neck began to rise. Never before had he seen anything like it. In his time at Generasi, all the magic he had witnessed was a mix of wonder and exacting, mathematical precision.


    This was different.


    In the shifting light, crackling sound, and awful words slipping through the air, the wizards around the cauldron didnt look like a professor and her graduate students. Their beaked face coverings seemed to change before him, turning into the ancient death masks of some forgotten demon. Their coats and aprons seemed to glisten like the skins of in beasts.


    His imagination began to run.


    The room filled with apparatuses and safety equipment shifted, turning into an ancient cave, filled with primal power. The friendly academics became ritualists from a time when the world was younger. Darker.


    A time before Generasi and before Uldar and all the things he took for granted.


    Something disturbed the air.


    He gasped.


    <em>Something</em> had entered the room.


    He couldnt see it. Couldnt smell it. Couldnt hear it.


    But, a long forgotten part of his brainthe part that knew well why mortals feared the darksensed it. On the scaffold, the volume of the incantation rose, and the fire began to writhe as though wind battered it.


    He shivered, and suddenly his mask felt stifling.


    Alex Roth edged slightly closer to the door.


    Then the air began to shimmer. He <em>felt</em> something touch it. His mana vibrated in his body, reacting to it with familiarity: he knew it like he knew the touch of The Travellers mana.


    What was happening above the cauldron was simr, though far more twisted. And ugly.


    Something poured out of the air and down into the cauldron. A massive presence filled the room: a mind so vast and old, that his life seemed tiny, like a mere flickering candle me before it.


    It felt like when hed reached deep into the dungeon core and <em>felt</em> what was behind it. But this felt even more alien. Even colder.


    He shuddered.


    The entity continued pouring from whatevery beyond the air, to ssh deep into the cauldron.


    It gave a final shudder, and then, it was fully in the room.


    The cauldron shifted as something heavy moved within, suddenly filling it. Alex could hear something slithering against the inner surfaceslike a mass of snakes writhing against the metal of the cauldronand then there was a slurping sound, like someone sucking the pulp from soft fruit.


    Whatwhat the hell he whispered.


    The volume of the incantation rose higher, until every wizard was screaming it. It echoed off the walls, and the wordsbined together until all became a gibbering mass of noise.


    <em>Now!</em> Jules cried.


    She mmed her gloved palms onto the rim of the cauldron. Her students immediately followed. The glyphs red so brightly that they stung Alexs eyes.


    For a second, the thing inside the pot went silent.


    And then it screamed.


    Alex pressed himself to the door. When the sound hit him, itit hit <em>all</em> of his senses. He didnt just <em>hear</em> its scream: he <em>felt</em> and <em>smelled</em> it. He even tasted it, and the taste made him gag under his mask.


    Tentacles suddenly shot up into the air, each of them shifting with all the colours hed seen on the cauldron, and some he couldnt even put names to. They made his eyes burn, and he squinted like hed been staring at the sun. Tears ran down his cheeks, but he didnt dare look away.


    The tentaclesshed out, mming into translucent walls that rose above the rim of the cauldron. Glyphs red as the thing pushed against the magic.


    This ones strong! Jules shouted. Feed the cauldron! 20% more mana. Now!


    Her students gripped the rim and Alex felt the mana once again shift in the air.


    The creature screamed at a painful pitch, then tried pushing against the barrier again. This time, the glyphs didnt re and it scratched against its ssy cage in vain. Its tentacles shuddered, smashing against the binding magic, while they shifted and sprang pointed thorns like a rose.


    Still, the wall did not give.


    Its flesh shifted again, transforming into hooked ws that scraped against the barrier. Still, its cage did not fail. With another scream, its tentacles shifted once more, forming bony nges like a mace.


    <em>Crack. Crack.</em>


    It snapped the tentacles against the barrier, but that too was futile. The barrier held.


    The ends of the tentacles shimmered, splitting open to reveal long mouths filled with fangs, they bit at the barrier, but to no effect. The lesser shoggoth howled in frustration.


    Alex felt a shift ofsomething in the air. It wasnt mana. He didnt even know <em>how</em> to describe it.


    <em>Bang.</em>


    Something impacted the barrier. Glyphs red.


    40% more mana! Jules barked.


    The students grunted, feeding their mana into the cauldron at whatever unseen attack was mming into the barrier over and over again.


    until abruptly, it stopped. There was a pause, like a breath being held, then, there was silence. Alex felt a strange probing begin to fill the air.


    Thats right, Professor Jules said. You are trapped, Servitor. You cannot strike our bodies. You cannot strike our minds. And you cannot touch the vessel you are caged within. By these three facts, I dere you bound.


    Another pause.


    Then the lesser shoggoth <em>spoke</em>.


    What came from it werent words as Alex understood them, and their sound crossed his senses again, feeling like the legs of crawling insects against his skin and deep within his ears.


    That is right, Jules said. We do wish to bargain. You have feasted on the flesh of Pterophyllia. She raised another piece of the coated blue meat. A delicacy to you.


    Again that horrible voice answered.


    As I thought. In return for this second portion, I ask that you donate a portion of your chaos essence to our cause. We do not require much, and your life will not be harmed by this donation. Jules paused. Once we have harvested what we need, you will have your freedom again, as well as this portion. If youply, the process will not cause you suffering, or whatever passes for it amongst your kind, and you will be freed to return back to your ne without dy. The professor seemed to tighten her grip on the lip of the cauldron before she continued. do we have an ord?


    There was another silence.


    Then a short grunt.


    Good. I will show that you may trust me in future. She nced at her students. Now. Activate it.

 Chapter 68: The Devil that You Know...

    Chapter 68: The Devil that You Know...


    The grad students poured their mana into the cauldron, this time reaching deep into the metal vessel. Alex could sense the mana travelling lower toward the bottom of the pot. Then the glyphs red again.


    Professor Jules called to Alex, still standing by the door. Its likely safe for you to join us now, Mr. Roth, and Id rmend that you do if you wish to see the extraction process. I believe youll find this to be a very valuable experience, and not one thates around everyday.


    Oh by Uldar no, Alex muttered, staring up at the catwalk.


    He took a deep breath, putting one foot in front of the other and making for the stairs. His skin prickled the closer he got to the lesser shoggoth, and the sensation of an unnaturalness, or even a <em>wrongness</em> crossed over his senses. He knew he was approaching something that <em>should </em>not exist in this world.


    Yet, he pushed himself to keep going.


    Its stuck in the pot. Its stuck in the pot. Youre surrounded by wizards with experience, <em>and</em> its stuck in the pot, Alex repeated in his mind. Youre probably in more danger in The Barrens, and this is stuff youll need to get used to. Just pretend youre Cedric for liketwo minutes.


    Alex stepped onto the catwalk, met Professor Jules eyes from across the cauldron, and then looked down.


    His heart felt like it would stop.


    The thing in the cauldron defied his senses as they struggled to make sense of it. Its form shifted constantly: a writhing ooze of tentacles, eyes, mouths and organs. The surface of the main part of its body shimmered with images that were familiar, yet maddeningly corrupted: entire forests of giant tongues instead of trees, oceans filled not with water, but with infinite swarms of insects, and other vistas that made his skin crawl. From below its body, the runes at the bottom of the cauldron glowed as Jules assistants poured their mana into them.


    Then the creature shuddered.


    A strange substance began to flow from its sides like a mist, until it touched the metal of the cauldron. Then the substance congealed into a liquidlike vapouring into contact with cold air. The droplets shimmered and twitched like they were alive before pouring down and pooling beneath the writhing lesser shoggoth.


    Alex watched the liquid continue to pool until there was enough to coat the bottom of the vessel.


    Aaaand, stop, Professor Jules said.


    Her students pulled their hands away from the cauldron, and each took deep breaths as though theyd just finished sprinting. The lesser shoggoth watched all of them with a dozen eyes, before its pupils slowly shifted to the meat being held in professor Jules hand.


    Its yours. A deal is a deal, she said.


    She tossed the meat down.


    A mouth filled with serrated teeth split open vertically across nk flesh, and snapped up the morsel in a blink.


    And now, you are dismissed. The instructor raised her hands once more and spoke a word of power that rang through the air.


    Her spell struck the lesser shoggoth, and the creatures form began to shudder. Its convulsions increased until it seemed ready to break apartand then it did. It liquified and whirled in a circle like flood water around a storm drain. Then it flowed out of their reality.


    Its physical form faded from Alexs view. In a few heartbeats, he could no longer see it, though he could still feel <em>something</em> present. And then, like dissipating mist, thest of it whirled into that singr point in space.


    And it was gone.


    In its wake, it left a bubbling, shimmering liquid at the bottom of the cauldron. With a wave of her hand, Professor Jules ended the magical me licking the sides of the metal, but the liquid within still continued to shimmer, shift and bubble. Within its surface, Alex saw colours that changed from hue to hue, lights that glowed in one heartbeat to then dissipate in the next, and shapes that would begin to congeal before abruptly disintegrating.


    Is that he murmured. Chaos essence?


    It is indeed, Professor Jules nodded. One of the most transformative substances in all of alchemy. With the right application of mana and other ingredients, it can be nearly anything or change nearly anything. the trouble is getting it to change in a way you <em>want </em>it to. Getting it to <em>stay</em> in the way you want it to is even harder.


    She nced at him. It must never be touched with your bare flesh or any living material. or any dead material, for that matter. She paused. You know what, for your purposes, dont touch it with anything thats not an especially prepared container.


    Uhwhat happens if I do?


    Well, prepare for anything that touched it to start sprouting tentacles and eyes.


    He swallowed. Can force magic touch it?


    Yes, which is one of the ways to transport it. She cast a spell into the pot, and a massive forceball appear-No.


    Alex frowned.


    It looked like a forceballdespite its muchrger sizebut it split open on one end, revealing itself to be hollow. With another spell, Jules caused the chaos essence to flow into the bubble, which then closed around it.


    Back away. She raised the force bubble and slowly moved it to float above a metal container covered in different glyphs. Those glyphs on the metal are protective, she exined. Alex saw that some of the symbols were the same as those on the cauldron. Once the bubble floated over the container, she willed it to float into the metal one, then carefully split again, allowing the chaos essence to flow into ce.


    Perfect, she said, willing away her force construct. Well done, team.


    Her graduate students exhaled in relief and began pping one another on the back and shoulders.


    But- she interrupted their little celebration. We still have plenty of work to do in stage 2. Let us get to work.


    The rest of the experiment seemed to be far less likely to shorten Alexs lifespan.


    The feeling that hed stumbled across an ancient cave of cultists faded as the professor and her students returned to the familiar processes ofbining ingredients, adding mana through specialized mana conductors, and testing solutions.


    He got to watch them test the chaos essence with half a dozen different specialized devices, each of which generated urate readouts of itsposition. Once it was confirmed that it was exactly what they needed, they poured a solution into the cauldron that theyd made during an earlier part of the experiment, and re-lit it.


    They continuedbining ingredients, adding in mixtures theyd created before the summoning. As the solutions came to a boil, they steadied the end of the mana vacuum and then poured their mana into the cauldrons bottom.


    Several of the glyphs began to glow around the lip of the pot, and the solution started to slowly stir itself.


    Actually, this part is fairly simr to the construction of a golem core, Professor Jules pointed out.


    She exined which parts of the animation potion would be used when crafting one. She also talked about which parts of the process would differ when crafting a core, such as an extra step that would involve solidifying the solution as though it were ice.


    Now, the chaos essence. She pointed to the special container. Can be used in golem cores too: anything that can cause changing properties, like mutagens or chaos essence can be used to make a golem that can evolve. For chaos essence, though it needs to be diluted: one part chaos essence for every nine parts stabilizing agent. Note that down. Its key if anyone asks you, since youre interested in working at Shales in the future.


    Alex jotted down every single tip or instruction she gave, though it was hard to tear his mind free from the sight and feeling of the lesser shoggoth. His imagination kept conjuring tentacles in every shadow in theb and he had to use his meditation techniques to keep his concentration on the task at hand.


    When professor Jules finally called an end to the day, he actually felt a wave of relief knowing hed soon be leaving that room.


    You did quite well today, she said to him at the end of theb. Well be continuing the process next week. Will you be avable?


    Yes professor, I definitely will be, he said quickly, trying to keep control of his fidgeting. He needed to get out of there.


    Frowning, she pulled off her masktheb had long been cleaned upand peered at him closely. Do you drink, Mr. Roth?


    Uh, not really? he said. Like, during festivals, but never had much time for it.


    I see. Perhaps you should go have a drink with a friend, she said. You handled yourself well today, butsometimes magic challenges our minds, conceptions and emotions. Dont be alone. Have a meal or a drink with someone you care about.


    Yeah, maybeIthanks professor.


    He departed very soon after that.


    Making his way out of The Cells was nerve-racking. Every shadow, every sound and every strange smell became some otherworldly threat, watching him from somece beyond his sight. He thought he heard something shift above him when he wasing down the stairs. He doubled his pace.


    Even when he finally stepped outside and was under the sun again, he found himself jumping at every sound.


    His world had gotten bigger again.


    It seemed that each time it grew, some disturbing discovery was involved.


    First,<em> he</em> was branded as a Hero. Then they were fallen upon by silence-spiders and a hive-queen. Then there was the discovery of the dungeon core and the revtion about it. Then the attack by a mana vampire and the revtion that there were monsters out in the world beyond what The Ravener spewed into Thamnd.


    Now, hed just learned first hand that not only were there nes beyond the world he knew, but that there were monsters <em>beyond</em><em>the world</em>.


    Things that defied even his basic senses.


    If the silence-spiders could block all sound, then could other thingsthings beyond the rules of the worldavoid other senses? Some force magics were invisible, why not creatures whose sounds could be <em>tasted</em> and <em>felt.</em>


    He paused on the way back to the ins, then looked to the castle.


    He needed to do somethingsomething normal.


    Alex started toward the registrars office.


    He entered the hall to find it mostly empty. Some students sat on the benches going over documents, and there was only a short line of three between him and the registrars desk.


    The horned, blue-skinned form of Hobb sat at the desk, speaking to the student before him. From Alexs angle, he could see that the registrar was writing something down on two different documents simultaneously. Both hands whipped across the pages at a speed that was almost a blur andthough Alex couldnt see precisely what he was writing from his distanceit looked to be different things being written.


    Yet, Hobb was still able to keep up the conversation with the student without looking down or pausing once. When he ran out of room on the pages, two blue-glowing Wizards Hands materialized, removed the documents, and brought fresh paper for him to continue on.


    He never stopped even as he served the three students in front of Alex.


    Next! Hobb called when the young woman in front of Alex departed after making ate tuition payment. Hobb peered at the young man from Thamnd, his eye narrowing behind his massive monocle. And what can I do for you today, young man?


    Hello Hobb, Alex cleared his throat. Do you remember me?


    Hobb raised an eyebrow. I meet a lot of students. Many, many, many students every day.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    Alex whirled to find a student had simply shifted his weight on one of the benches, and the benchin turnhad shifted its weight upon its legs.


    He exhaled in relief and turned around again. He found Hobb looking at him with his head cocked to the side. An intensityy in his eyes. Something the matter?


    The registrars lips spread apart in a wide grin. Slightly <em>too</em> wide.


    Were Hobbs teeth always that sharp? Alex wondered.


    No, itseverythings okay, he said quickly.


    Goood, goooood, Hobb said, drawing out the words. It wouldnt do to have your nerve fail whilst winding the foundations of the universe around your fingers. Now, what can I do for you my young, young friend?


    I Alex muttered.


    He must have been imagining it.


    Something about Hobb seemed to remind him of the lesser shoggoth. He shook the thought away, telling himself that his mind was ying tricks on him. Generasi was attended by so many races of mortals that Alex would have trouble naming them all. Hobb was just one of them.


    A perfectly normal mortal.


    Well, maybe not normal.


    Im just wondering if theres any amodations, yknow, on campus? For visiting family, and such. Theres uhno room in the ins for visitorsI waswondering.


    Hobb stared at him for a full five heartbeats.


    Then he burst outughing.


    His cackle reminded Alex of an ancient witch from a fairy tale or a demon hunting an unsuspecting priest in an old fable. It filled the hallway with a sinister mirth, and he carried on with it for a terribly long time.


    Alex nced at the other students.


    Some were looking at Hobb in shock, while others simply continued on with their paperwork, as though this were amon urrence.


    Why of couuuuurse, of cooooouuurse we have amodations, Hobb chuckled, finally regaining control of himself. What are we, <em>barbarians?</em>


    He snapped his fingers, and a new sheet of paper appeared in his hand, which he slid to Alex with a proud smile. We have on-campus amodations as well as a list of inns and hostels associated with the school that your visitors can stay in for a<em>handsome</em> discount.


    Oh, uh, good. Alex nced briefly at the sheet. He winced at some of the prices, but others werent as bad as hed feared theyd be. Thanks, um. Do you know anything about what the inns are like?


    I do, somewhat, and I can make rmendations if you


    He paused, his eyes narrowing.


    Hmmm, are you normally this pale? Its so hard to tell if thats <em>natural</em>. You all vary so much in skin tone, and that tone changes so much depending on all the little <em>whims</em> of your emotions.


    Uh, no Iwelluh Alex had broken out in a cold sweat.


    Hmmmm. Hobb tented his fingers.


    <em>Sniff.</em>


    His nostrils red.


    Aaaaaaah, you were part of a summoning, werent you? Hobb leaned across the table and sniffed Alex closely. Yes, I can smell <em>some</em> kind of otherworldly essence on you. I should have known. Most students whove engaged in a proper summoning for the first time have the exact same look as you.


    Well, yeah, Alex said, a little startled that Hobb had been so sharp. Good guess.


    Hobbughed again. Well, its easy to deduce, frankly. Most folk dont react well to learning that youre actually trying to climb your way from the bottom of a very, very <em>long</em>dder in the universal hierarchy.


    Alex blinked.


    Youre? he wondered at Hobbs use of that word.


    Well, fret not! the registrar adjusted his monocle. Not all things that go bump in the outer nes are evil or hungry. Sure, some elder things wish this world to be wiped out, but others simply dont care about it. Some demons want to eat every mortals children, while others simply want to cause some minor mischief and make crop circles.


    His eyes seemed to sh.


    And some <em>devils.</em> His mouth drew out that final word. Want to trick mortals out of their immortal souls. Others, though, truly find mortals oooooh so fascinating. Some devils <em>like</em> mortals.


    He leaned a little closer.


    Like me. I find you ooooh so <em>interesting.</em>


    Alexs nostrils caught the scent of sulfur.

 Chapter 69: Expanding Perspectives

    Chapter 69: Expanding Perspectives


    Wait Alex started to take a step back. Youre a what? His words dropped to a whisper.


    A <em>devil</em>, boy! Hobbs voice boomed. And no need to whisper, its not a secret. Not one worth keeping, at any rate. You know? Bargains for horrifying power for the price of your immortal soul? Be a king in return for the death of a loved one? Curse a farmers wife in return for one year of the lifespan of your firstborn? Come now, dont tell me youve never heard of a devil.


    Y-yeah, Alex muttered.


    Today had been a <em>day</em> and it wasnt even close to over yet.


    Well, d to see that the old ways are still being taught, or at least ways to <em>avoid</em> the old ways, the registrar said. But dont dwell on it. You people live under a monarch your whole life, dont you? Theyre much more powerful than youthey could have you killed on a whim and stolen all your cows and sheep and coins and other mortal thingsand yet I assume you do not live in constant abject terror that the king will ride down to your town and strip you of all your worldly possessions and loved ones, do you?


    Alex had actually never thought of the King of Thamnd being able to annihte Alric on a whim, and that revtion did <em>not</em> make him feel better about cosmic entities.


    You have to live, despite the dangers hanging above your head do you not? Hobb said seriously. After all, your lives are so, so, so <em>dreadfully</em> short in terms of your natural lifespan. And thats not taking into ount disease, or natural disaster, or food poisoning or such. Haha, and <em>thats</em> just those who live quietly on their littlevegetable growing patches-Farms, I mean! Thats the term.


    Hobb ced his chin in his hand and looked despondent for a moment. Its a shame, really; time was that I could offer you a contract to extend your lifespan ten times over or moreat a bargain, I tell you, a true bargain! But s, my current contract with the first chancellor prevents me from further deals with mortals until my time of serving here is done. So, youll have to find some <em>other</em> way of seeking immortality, my young friend. Dont go making any deals with devils, though.


    He grinned. Most of my crowd dont find you mortals nearly so<em>cute</em> as I do.


    Alex simply stared at Hobb, with his mouth agape.


    Now, now, I have paperwork to do and you have your list of amodations to go through. Its time for you to take your leave. Off you go. He said pleasantly.


    Um, Alex muttered. Uh, right.


    He turned away from the desk.


    Oh! Hobb said. And do say hello to that littlesiiiister, your otherpanion and cerberus for me, would you?


    Alex startled, looking back over his shoulder. I, I thought you didnt remember me?


    Did I say that? Hobb grinned like he was sharing a very, very old joke. I do remember that I said: I meet a lot of students. Many, many, many students every day. At no point did I say I didnt remember you.


    He paused, and chuckled.


    You should try to pay more attention, Mr. Alex Roth. You <em>are</em> a student, after all.


    Khalik blinked as he lowered the ss from his lips. A <em>devil</em>, you say?


    Yeah. Alex shook his head in amazement. Not sitting in some summoning circle or on a throne of skulls or anything like that. Just right there. Behind a desk He paused. Convincing students to go for extra perks from the school. Huh.


    A<em> devil </em>as the registrar, Khalik mouthed the words again, as though he couldnt believe them. I cant fathom that my brother never told me about this.


    Well, <em>everyone else seemed to know</em>. Alex threw up his hands and mmed them back down on the table. Ah, sorry, sorry! He said quickly, when others at surrounding tables turned toward him at the noise.


    Hed picked up Khalik from the ins right after his interaction with Hobb, and the two of them had made their way to The Brass Grapes: the closest wine bar to the southern ins. Considering that the City of Generasi was right in the middle of some of the finest wine country in the world, it was unsurprising that it was not the <em>only</em> wine bar on campus.


    With it still being afternoon, the bar was not overly filled with students, but somealong with some staffwere passing the afternoon over sses of wine, books, and light meals of fresh bread served with butter, cured meats and olive paste. Desserts of fresh fruit stood on many of the tables.


    A light breeze blew through the open windows to the terrace and a bard sat on a stage on the far end of the wine bar from Alex and Khalik. She strummed her lute, singing an ancient song from a fallen empire where those with mana enough to practice were enved to a long fallen tyrant.


    She sang of spellcasters uniting in bonds of blood. Of melting chains with me magic, and freezing the hearts of their masters still. The songs tone was triumphant and mncholic, but it didnt raise Alexs spirits in the least.


    Jeez, will you listen to that? He took a long sip of his drink. It was smooth and delicious. How the hell does someone enve wizards?


    Mmm. Khalik cocked his ear toward the song. I believe it was a time when those with enough mana to <em>be</em>wizards were rare in the extreme. So they were outnumbered. That meant less teachers and less opportunity to learn, and so they could be taken advantage of. Also, there are other powers, right? Divinity, for instance: that could be used to threaten wizards.


    Alex shuddered, thinking back on Hobb and the lesser shoggoth. There were always other powers. Greater powers.


    Cant believe it. People who could build all <em>this.</em> He gestured to their surroundings, meaning the entirety of the university. Could be made so small. Domesticated like chickens.


    He remembered how Hobb had described mortals: cute. Like if Hobb was a giant looking down on a baby rabbit. Just like with that shoggoth thing, he had felt small. Tiny, even.


    Hrmph, for youwho barely blinked at a bonedrinkerto be like this? This shoggoth must have been a frightening thing to shake someone as brave as you.


    Alex blinked. What? Brave? <em>Me</em>? He nced down at Khaliks ss. They put funny mushrooms in there?


    Not in <em>this</em> drink. Khalik grinned. And yes. Brave.


    Pfffft, Im not brave, Alex snorted.


    The idea was ridiculous.


    People who knew about his situationhis <em>true</em> situation, would probably outright call him a coward: chosen as a Hero by his god to help save thend, but then choosing to run away instead? That yed right into the narrative that Galloway had created of previous Fools: Useless. Untrustworthy. Cowardly.


    Of course, he didnt really care about that: he had gotten a bad hand and folded. In gambling, that would be called: reasonable. But not brave.


    Khalik raised an eyebrow. You are not foolhardy, and I would not say you have the heart of a lion or such, but you are braver than most.


    Alex cocked his head. How?


    Now youre just fishing forpliments, Khalik chuckled. But for one, youre here? And youre focused. Wizardry is not the safest path in the world, and yet you are here. As I said, you barely blinked at the bonedrinker and Muupkaras-


    I was <em>screaming</em> when the muupkaras opened their jaws, Alex said.


    Oh? Khalik looked puzzled. Those were not your battlecries?


    There was silence for a moment then both young men burst outughing.


    No, not my battlecries, Alex said, taking another sip of his drink.


    Well, seriously, you screamed, but then you <em>attacked.</em> Khalik made a punching gesture. And even signing up for COMB-1000 speaks of bravery. Oh, and when that frostdrake charged your sister and your love-


    <em>Khalik</em>.


    -your friend. For now. Khalik smiled. You jumped in their path, despite the fact that Theresa probably could have gutted the thing, if she can use that knife half as well as I think she can. You are braver than most, is my point.


    Alex felt his face grow warm. Uh, thanks. He scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed. For what its worth, youre brave too.


    I know, Khalik said simply, taking another sip of his drink.


    But likedoesnt this stuff freak you out at all? Devils and otherworldly monsters? How are you so calm about it? Alex looked to Khalik.


    The young man shrugged and adjusted his long its. I have heard of devils before in my homnd. Our stories of them are not always ones of terror, blood, death and evil. And Hobb has not harmed anyone He paused. that I know of. And as for this shoggoth? What Hobb says is true: there are horrifying powers out in the universe.


    No, no you wouldnt be saying that so flippantly if youd been near it, Khalik, Alex insisted. It just felt<em>wrong</em>. When it made noise, you could <em>feel</em> its cries. Smell them. Taste them. And Jules and a bunch of her graduate students needed this super-cauldron and themselves all working together to keep it contained. And <em>that</em> thing was called <em>lesser!</em> Id hate to ever be anywhere near a greater one!


    Ah, I see. Khalik nodded. It got into your head.


    Alex gave him a look. No, no, dont go on with that kind of I let it get into my head bullshit, Khalik-


    I didnt say you <em>let</em> it get into your head. He looked at him pointedly. Im saying it <em>got</em> into your head. Khaliks eyes turned distant, and he tapped the table with a thick finger. Have you ever seen a dragon before, Alex? I have. When I was a boy.


    Alex blinked. No, uhwhat, a <em>dragon?</em> Youve seen an <em>actual</em> dragon?


    That I have, that I have. Khalik seemed rather proud. It was from a distance, but I did see it in the Udan Desert, which lies between the Kingdom of Ibesti and my country of Tekezash to the southeast.


    He spread his hands.


    It was like a serpent as long as a city wall, with wings that could have shaded an entire forest. As it flew overhead, it swooped low and breathed fire against the sand. Turned it all to ss; a mile distant and I could still feel the heat. But thats not <em>all</em> I felt.


    He chuckled, as though mocking himself.


    It flew overheadover our caravannot more than a hundred feet above us, and Alex. He shook his head. The <em>fear</em>, man. As soon as it got close to us, the fear prated my heart like a dagger, and I fell off the back of my horse. I hadnt fallen off my horse for <em>years</em> and I tumbled to the sand like I had never mounted before.


    What did-


    Khalik held up a hand. Let me finish. I was not the only one. The warriorswho I <em>would</em> say have the hearts of lionsfell off their horses. My elder brother, who studied here and who I <em>know</em> has summoned demons to consult with for their knowledge of certain spells; <em>he</em> fell off his horse too. My uncle as well. Just everyone, on the sand whimpering like we were frightened babies. I was so humiliated that I did not want to show my face at home againand then I found out what <em>dragonfear</em> is.


    He ced his ss on the table and drew arge, imaginary circle around it. Dragons have an aura around them of supernatural fear, and the older they get, the <em>stronger</em> it grows. The fear prates the mind and infests the heart. Not fear from within- He pointed to his own chest. -but fear from outside. He gestured around. It is magical, and it digs into the mind like a pickaxe. I bet you that when you learn more of these shoggoths, you will find that this is true of them as well. I will bet you a <em>good</em> sum of coins on that.


    Oh, Alex said. If thats truethat makes sense, I guess.


    Warping of the senses? Reality not working the way it should? Sounded like something that would affect the mind. And didnt one of the grad students say thatif whatever the lesser shoggoths worshippedshowed up, that its presence would turn the mind inside out? Maybe lesser shoggoths had that kind of effect on the mind. Maybe he wasnt exaggerating just to scare him.


    He shouldve asked.


    If he thought about it too, it was simr to how The Mark affected his mind, or how the mana vampires magic had put others into an unnatural sleep. They were effects that came from outside power. If his senses werent being so twisted, then he might have noticed that about the lesser shoggoth as well.


    I guess it did, he said.


    And think of this, Khalik continued. Hobb is bound by a contract, and so cannot do us harm. And this lesser shoggoth was bound and brought to heel by your professor and her students, even if they had to use a magic cauldron to do so. Terrifying things are out there, but we are arming ourselves against them. Think of it this way: who is better off? The person wandering through the forest in bliss, while having no idea that it is filled with bandits and killers? Or is it the one walking through the forest with fear in their heart, but they are cautious because they <em>know</em> of the danger, and they have elected to bring a spear and sword to protect themselves?


    Yeah, yeah when you put it that wayknowing about it and being prepared is better, Alex said.


    In the end, it was simr to what he experienced in the Cave of the Traveller. The revtion that humans could control a dungeon core had freaked him out, but once he knew about it, it became a problem he could research and n for. It should be the same with the revtion that horrifying cosmic entities existed.


    Better he know about them and be able to arm himself with knowledge and magic, instead of beingpletely vulnerable and ignorant. Besidesjust like with the dungeon core and The Ravenerit wasnt something he needed to dwell on all the time.


    Has anyone ever told youre like, super wise? Alex said emphatically to Khalik.


    Haha, I try, he said with a smile


    But, hey, it doesnt change that part about kings and queens, though. Alex took another drink. He gave a crooked grin, trying to lighten the mood, About them being able toe down to the people whenever they want and do whatever they want. He rose in his seat and put on a haughty expression like he was a queen. What is that? I<em>the queen</em>am not the fairest of thend? Then off with the heads of everyone more beautiful than me! Poison their apples! Make them sleep foreverwith the fishes!


    Heughed at his own joke, until he realized he wasughing alone.


    Khaliks smile had faded.


    His eyes had turned hard.

 Chapter 70: Different Paths in Life

    Chapter 70: Different Paths in Life


    I would <em>imagine</em>. Khaliks tone was sharp. That they have concerns as well. There are more people than there are kings and queens. More nobles to appease. Generals. Armies. Merchants. Common folk. They all have mouths to feed, children to raise and coffers to fill. And when a droughtes, or floods wash away homes, or locusts eat all the crops? Who do they me? Who is the one who should be fearing, then?


    I uh, Alex muttered. Ah, that was just a joke. Like, theres this old story about a queen asking a mirror if there was anyone more beautiful than her and then chopping off the head of her niece who was more beautiful than she waswell its an old fairy tale. A childrens story, where the queen was supposed to be wicked.


    Khalik shook his head. A fools story. A queen chopping the head off her niece? Cmon! Then what of the girls parents? Her father and mother? The noble or military house the girl was from? What if the niece is from a dynasty of wizards?


    Well, uh Alex stammered. Its just an old story, man.


    A ridiculous one. Khaliks frown deepened. The girls family would be <em>enraged</em> by the act. Brothers and sisters would swear vengeance. House guards and soldiers would be rallied. Civil wars have started over far <em>less,</em>Alex.


    Anger had entered Khaliks voice. It is the same in so many ces: evil kings and evil queens sneering and ughtering in these foolish stories. Any king who rode around murdering their own subjects at his whim and taking their possessions like amon bandit, would likely have a dagger where his heart used to be, and a head separated from his neck.


    Alex chuckled nervously. Ah,e on, Khalik, look at that Derek guy. Hes a noble:pletely irresponsible, and he gets away with it. Some of them do.


    Khalik raised an eyebrow. And how long will thatst, Alex? His cheating already has him in trouble. And Isolde is nobility too, and <em>she</em> is responsible.


    Uh, yeah, I guess, but- He gestured casually to the bard, who had switched to another song. -think about all the wizards ground under the heels of those rulers of that ancient empire. <em>They</em> got away with it.


    Until they <em>didnt</em>. Khaliks expression darkened further. The song does not even mention the <em>name</em> of the empire anymore: that is how <em>dead</em> it is. And when those with mana got the strength to snap their chains, what do you think happened to their former masters? Youve seen what even <em>we</em> can do with magic, and we are at the <em>beginning</em> of our training.


    Alex paused, his mind filling with images of massive fireballs, crackling lightning, ice and summoned demons and elementals tearing apart jeweled cities. Yeah, I guess. Things wouldnt have gone well for those rulers.


    Exactly. Khalik folded his arms. Tyrants abound in many realms, but they have the support of their warriors, wizards and priests. Some of their people love them and only <em>some</em> hate them. Most might not even notice they are living beneath a tyrant, as long as the taxes are not back-breaking and the harvest plentiful. A ruler has powerbut that power can be lost like <em>this.</em>


    Khalik snapped his fingers.


    Never really thought of it that way, Alex admitted. Never really thought of it much, to be honest. Like, Thamnd has a king butwell, aside from paying our taxes to our local ruler who then pays <em>their</em> taxes to him, the business of rulers really never mattered much in my life. I think this wholeshoggoth and devil thing just got me a little crazy for a bit.


    And that is the way of it, in real life, Khalik said. A great ruler is sung of by the people, and a terrible one is cursed. A good ruler is hardly mentioned, until the earthquake or droughtes.


    Alex paused, looking at his friend. As the conversation went on, a suspicionwhich hed had for a whilehad grown. Khalik, can I ask you something?


    You can. Khalik nodded like he was giving a general permission to speak. Whether or not Ill answer is a different matter.


    Alex looked at him seriously. Who <em>are</em> you, really?


    The young, bearded man paused. What do you mean?


    I mean, like. Alex scratched his head, ncing around the wine bar and then leaning across the table. He dropped his voice low. Are you some kind of noble? I mean, you have a whole room to yourself in the ins, and you said you <em>were</em>ing to Generasi with other people. You obviously have a <em>lot</em> of coin, and thats great, and then you said to Selina that you have people that cook for you at home: you <emughed</em> when you thought about your parents cooking, and then you changed the subject. Like, I thought maybe you were just rich, but with how offended you got at that stuff about kings and queensit makes me wonder.


    Khalik frowned. Ermwell arent <em>you</em> observant.


    Like, you dont have to answer if you dont want to, but I have to admit, Im getting pretty curious. And dont worry: Im not going to ask you for money or anything like that, if thats what youre thinking. I got <em>some</em> pride.


    I didnt think you would, Alex, and I believe you have a lot more than just <em>some </em>pride. Khalik paused, watching Alex very closely. He sighed. Promise you wont beweird about this?


    Im not going to be any weirder than I already am.


    Oh well, <em>thats</em>forting, Khalik chuckled. His humour faded and he rose up in his chair. ...alright. Swear to me that you will not tell <em>anyone</em> what Im about to tell you unless I give you permission.


    The air around Khalik changed in an instant: he had gone from a friendly, outgoing young man, to a man who was <em>used</em> to givingmands.


    Im not going to tell anybody, Alex said. Trust me, I <em>know</em> how to keep a secret.


    Khalik stared at him for a long moment. Alright. He took a deep breath. I am the seventh son of the Crimson Mantis: the king of assassins and the greatest contract killer in all the realms south of the Udan desert.


    Alex gasped, freezing. Whatwhat theholy shi-


    He paused, his eyes narrowing. Khaliks face was twitching, as though he were trying to fightughter.


    Oh you are <em>so </em>full of shit, Khalik.


    Khalik burst outughing, pping and doubling over the table. Oh by Ash-Badars shining rays, I am! But you should have seen the <em>look</em> on your face! He outright cackled so hard that others across the wine bar turned and stared at them. If only I had a painter here so I could have immortalized it! Or even a sculptor!


    I should sculpt your damn beard off your face! Alex snapped. You almost gave me a heart attack, you bastard. Lesser shoggoths, registrars a devil and then my first friend here turns out to be some super dangerous assassins son? I might have just gone right back to my room, packed my shit up and left for some mountain somewhere.


    No, no, Im joking of course. Khalik waved his hand while trying to get hisughter under control. Okay, okay. No more foolishness. Ill tell you now.


    Once thest of hisughter had faded, he waited until those in the room had turned away, then leaned toward his tablemate and spoke in tones so low, that Alex could barely hear him. The bards song and ambient noise of the wine bar covered his words.


    My full name is Prince Khalik Behr-Medr, The Raptor of Tekezash, Lord of the Sapphire Sea and second son of King Aksuma Behr-Medr and Queen Ishtar Behr-Medr.


    Alex froze. Oh, Uldars Beard. Youre a <em>prince</em>? he whispered.


    An ident of birth, I assure you. A happy one, though, Khalik said. Please dont spread that He frowned. Other idents ensured that I came here in rtive anonymityand uh, I have found that I like that anonymity. I wish to enjoy it, for at least a little longer.


    Jeez, yeah, you got it. Ill keep your secret: I dont want you to order that my head get cut off or anything like that.


    Khalik looked wounded. <em>Alex</em>, what did we just talk about-


    Oh, I <em>know.</em> Alex leaned back, crossing his arms. But thats that revenge for I am son of the Crimson Mantis, the super ultimate killer of alll murder-dom.


    ...fair enough, I suppose I deserve that, Khalik chuckled, continuing to speak quietly. Theyre actually real, though, you know. The Crimson Mantis? They have killed a few generals and some lords of the realms near my own: and <em>thats</em> the sort of person you must fear when circumstance surrounds your name with titles and dictates that your blood is royal.


    Yeah, I guess, Alex said. Huh. No wonder you got mad when I was going on about kings. Uh, sorry about that, man.


    Thank you, Khalik said. It is past. Think nothing of it anymore.


    And uh, thanks for trusting me enough to tell me, Alex said. I mean, this is a big deal and you told <em>me</em>.


    Khalik shrugged. It felt like the right time, and I believed your words when you said you would not share it with others.


    Alex paused.


    It felt like the right time.


    He looked at Khalik closely. For a moment, he was <em>dearly</em> struck by the urge to share exactly why hed left Thamnd, and that he bore The Mark of the Fool. When friends were sharing secrets, it felt right to share one of his own. Then again, how would Khalik react?


    This was a man who had continued north to Generasi when those who were supposed to travel with him had to turn back. Hed talked with pride about being brave. Would he dismiss Alex as a coward? And even if he didnt, could Alex trust him to keep the secret?


    Maybe. He probably could, if he was honest. Khalik was from a ce so far from Thamnd that The Ravener would have beenpletely beneath concern,pared to dragons that could melt sand into ss by breathing on it, or assassins that could murder loved ones at anytime for the right amount of coin. He doubted Khalik would have a reason to go running to the priests of Uldar to inform them of his desertion.


    Not yet, Alex finally decided. Cant be too carefulbutter? Maybe. Maybe.


    The revtion of Khaliks background had not changed much for Alex.


    To everyone else in their inner circle, the secret prince still acted the same: joking andughing with Alex and Thundar, helping each other out during their group study sessions. He was still friendly to Isolde whenever they saw her, and he still treated Theresa and Selina with the same open friendliness.


    As for Alex, being sworn to secrecy had made it so that he could speak about it with no one, though he was <em>dying</em> to tell Theresa.


    As such, the fact became only a background fact in his mindnever forgottenbut never staying in the forefront of his thoughts for long. What <em>did</em> stay in his mind, though, was Khaliks talk about the dangers of the cosmos and simply living with that knowledge and the knowledge that he would be better armed against most dangers than most.


    The thought had made him redouble his efforts with his practice and training.


    Still, when it came to Wizards Hand, his efforts were still frustratingly slow. When hepared the speed of his progress with perfecting forceball and learning forcedisk, it was like hed gone from a sprint during forceball, to a fast run during forcedisk, and finally, to a stumbling walk with rocks tied to his feet with Wizards Hand.


    Every bit of progress he made with the spell was a constant fight against The Mark, and again he considered just how much farther behind he would have been if he hadnt learned the meditation techniques from Theresa. His one constion was thatonce he mastered Wizards Handhe would have mastered one of the mostplex spell arrays for first-tier spells in the school of force.


    He had hopes that Force Shield would be easier, though he <em>dreaded</em> the time when hed have to try and learn Force Missile. He knew without a shadow of a doubt that learningbat spells was going to make The Mark go into an absolute frenzy, and he was not looking forward to that.


    Luckily, in other areas, his progress growing his skills was <em>elerating</em>.


    As he continued to gain experience and The Mark had more triumphs to pull from, it grew better and better at guiding him toward greater sesses. In a way, it was simr to how students received attention from professors: the better he became, the more The Mark aided him.


    And he was growing a lot better in certain areas.


    In terms of the few steps he knew of the Spear-and-Oar Dance, The Mark was running out of ways to improve them further. Now, while performing the steps, his movements were feeling as natural as his own breathing, and during the routine, he didnt have to pause any longer and think about how to change position or bnce.


    To advance further, though, he would need Captain Fan-Dor to teach him the other steps, but he wasnt quite ready to focus on that yet.


    Aside from Wizards Hand, his preparations for applying to the golem workshop consumed the majority of his training time. When he wasnt reviewing notes on ingredients and steps that would apply to golemcraft, he was training his mana maniption.


    Though it had been harder to work on two glyph boxes at once, consistently practicing with them had seen him be able to light up every glyph on each box at once: an aplishment that had him jumping up and down with excitement.


    In potions, he was always first to finish eachb, and that was without making mistakes very often. Professor Jules had taken to examining hispleted concoctions with incredible carelooking for any wbut in the end, shed be satisfied with his work and sign off on each one. The potions themselves were both interesting and practical: potions that sharpened each of the senses, potions that increased physical strength or endurance, a potion that made one more resistant to the suns rays and heatwhich Alex promised hed brew more of for himself for The Barrens the <em>moment</em> he had ess to ab and ingredientsand more.


    It had quickly be one of his favourite sses: he was good at it, it was fun in the same way baking was, and he liked his instructor. He could have done without Carey London, but he and Kybas had started chatting a little more during ss. The half-mad goblin was a little nerve-racking at times, but he was growing on him.


    The days he found the most interesting though, were the days he helped with Professor Jules mutagen project: he learned more about the deeper parts of alchemy, golemcraft and summoning in ten minutes, than he did during a half hour of POTI-1000. Hed wanted to hint to Professor Jules that he might benefit from Challenging the Exam for Credit in her course, but he doubtedwith her emphasis on caution and procedurethat she would allow it.


    Not yet, at least.


    His sculpting was improving as well, and The Mark was helping him catch up to his sisters greater experience and natural skill. He grudgingly had to admire her talent: despite him being a grown man and having a divine-granted edge, it was still taking time to match her. Still, he was closing the gap.


    To his dismay though, she seemed to realize this and appeared to be applying herself to getting even better. Seeing her skill grow, made him push himself even harder.


    Theresa had asked him whether it was healthy for him topete so single-mindedly with a ten year old, but words like health and pettiness didnt matter anymore.


    All was fair in love, war and trying to one-up ones sibling.


    Yet, for all his progress in the dance, potions, mana maniption, and picking up the skill to craft the golems body, the most surprising change that hed made recently was not in any of these areas.


    It wasnt even in magic.


    It was physical.

 Chapter 71: Gains in Mass and Mana

    Chapter 71: Gains in Mass and Mana


    Alex Roth stood in front of the small mirror in his roomwith the windows firmly shuttered and doortchedstaring at himself half in disbelief. His belly grumbled in hungeras it always seemed to these days, no matter how much he fed itbut the shape of that belly had changed.


    The shape of his whole body had changed.


    Hooooly shit, he said, turning in the mirror and flexing his right arm. A surprising amount of muscle swelled on his bicep and deltoid under the grinning jesters face that was The Mark of the Fool. If he didnt know what it actually was, it could <em>almost</em> look like a badass sailors tattoo.


    Almost.


    When hed first arrived in Generasi, he was a tall, thin, gangly eighteen year old. His limbs had been skinny, his stomach had been soft, and his shoulders narrow.


    Then hed gotten to work on changing all that with nearly two months of solid physical training with The Mark correcting his form. Hed also learned how eating habits affected his body and hed used The Mark to eat strategically, while getting stronger, building up his stamina, and improving his overall health. Now, he could actually run somewhere without feeling like his chest was going to explode after only a few minutes.


    He was making regr use of the strengthening equipment in the gym and using meditation during his routine to rest, as well as help himself sleep better and deeper at night. Hed made a n, and hed stuck to it.


    The result?


    Mr. Lu had said that amon phrase his brother used was that: young people are like steel: if they forge themselves right, then theyll harden up in no time.


    He evidently had been right.


    Alex hadnt exactly be a walking marble statue like Khalik, or a hulking bruiser like Thundar, but most of the traces of his gangliness were almost gone. His limbs had some serious muscle on them, and his belly had ttenedeven if he had thrown in a few sweets to satisfy his sweet tooth now and then. With more muscle on his shoulders, theyd broadened. His energy levels had soared so much that now he could run countlessps around the Beastarium without copsing into an exhausted mess like he used to.


    When he first started? He had trouble doing five push ups in a row.


    Now?


    He flipped open his notebook and looked at what he had done just this morning.


    <em>Push-ups: 50, 47, 45 TOTAL= 142</em>


    His chest and arms burned, but he recognised the soreness as progress.


    He nced at the glowing Mark on his shoulder.


    Overtime, his feelings toward it had been growing more and more mixed.


    On one hand, if it werent for The Mark hindering him from learning Wizards Hand, he possibly might havee to love it by nowstupid destiny and history or not. On the other hand, if it hadnt hindered his magic, would he have even bothered to learn so many other skills as well or develop himself physically?


    He doubted that he would have: he hadnt been interested in exercise his entire life. He doubted that would have changed just because hede to the greatest school of wizardry in the world without something <em>forcing</em> him to try other paths and ways to grow himself.


    <em>Thmp. Thmp. Thmp.</em>


    Alex, are you ready yet? Theresa asked through the door.


    Just about, he said, turning and appraising his other side before putting on a shirt and getting ready to head down to the baths.


    He grabbed the glyph boxes from his dresser, his notebook and pen before picking up his mana maniption textbook. Taking a deep breath, he stepped toward his door.


    Today was a big day.


    Today he would learn a mana regeneration technique in MANA-1900. It was one of thest things hed need to know before he could Challenge the Exam for Credit.


    Mana Regeneration is one of the most important things that Im <em>ever</em> going to teach you, ValRok said from the front of the ss. Youll learn a lessplex version of this technique in magic theory since mana regeneration is a key skill for any wizard, but here is where well get into the advanced stuff.


    He grinned. Look at it this way. If the mana regeneration technique is an average beer, then this is a fine wine. As we go throughter parts of the course, youll find even <em>more</em> advanced techniques. He made a strange hissing sound. <em>Those</em> are like century-aged dwarven moonshine.


    Several members of the ssughed and Alex rose up in his seat, leaning forward slightly to pay close attention.


    Hed been waiting for this.


    To many more advanced wizards, a basic mana regeneration technique is enough: with enough practice, the average wizard can regenerate fifty percent of their mana pool in a day. But it bes less important the more powerful you be.


    The lizard man paced back and forth in the front of the ss. He paused, eyeing a spider that had crawled its way from some quiet hiding ce and was perched on the wall close to him. His eyes grew intense for a moment, then he shook away the distraction.


    Beginning wizards are only going to be able to cast a few spells in a day before they exhaust their mana pool and begin to draw on their life force, so mana regeneration is absolutely <em>key</em>. But, the more you advance your skill in spellcraft, the more your mana pool grows naturally: that means more orrger magic circuits can fit within it and it means more mana to draw from for spells. In other words, more spells per day.


    He paused. It will get to the point where most wizards will have difficulty exhausting their mana pool unless theyre drawing on their most powerful spells, so most wizards will learn a simple mana regeneration technique and then focus on growing their pool as much as possible. Theres a good reason for this, of course.


    ValRok turned to the obsidian board and began to draw a diagram of a humanoid that was partially coloured in. Your mana pool will naturally regenerate in twenty four hours, even if you run it all the way down to dry. Thats fairly quick, already. When your mana pool is only big enough to cast one first-tier spell once in a day, that will seem like forever, but lets look at a more experienced wizard.


    He turned back to the ss. When you graduate from Generasi, at <em>minimum,</em> you will be able to cast fifth-tier spells. That is the <em>bare</em>minimum for receiving a degree from Generasi. Lets talk about what that means: this <em>might</em> be a review from magic theory, but thats alright. This is important.


    He drew a rising line graph on the chalkboard. At <em>minimum, </em>a wizard who can cast fifth-tier spells will have a mana poolrge enough to cast them about <em>seven</em> times before their mana runs dry. Now, that might not seem like much to you, but you have to understand: a fifth-tier spell packs a <em>lot</em> of punch.


    ValRok drew a symbol for a spell on the board. Teleporta fifth-tier spellwill let you transport yourself and three others roughly <em>nine</em><em>hundred miles</em> when you first learn it. <em>Nine hundred miles</em>. Thats a <em>four</em> day journey by fast ship, sailing constantly with the wind. Done in an instant. And thats without taking <em>any</em> time to explore or master the spell at all. And you can do that seven<em></em>times in a day.


    He drew a symbol for another spell. Crush Mind will let youwell, crush a mind and leave a full grown person with the intelligence of an average earthworm<em>.</em> And you can do <em>that</em> seven times at minimum.


    And guess what? Fourth-tier spells take up half as much room in a mana pool and roughly <em>half</em> as much mana. Thats fourteen times at minimum.


    Alex blinked. The fire-gems were the equivalent to a fourth-tier spell, that means the worst graduates of Generasi would be able to st those out fourteen times in a day before they ran out of mana. If they used a simple mana regeneration technique, they could do it an additional seven times.


    Third-tier spells take up <em>half</em> as much as that, ValRok said. Thats <em>twenty-eight</em>! Third-tier spells include the beloved fireball, by the way. You could blow up a small group of adversaries twenty-eight times a day. You could then use a basic mana regeneration technique to do it all over again fourteen times. Then, if you throw in potions that can refill ones mana


    He chuckled. Arent we <em>disgustingly </em>unbnced in the natural order? And that is <em>literally</em> the <em>worst</em> graduates of our university. We pack a punch, and thats why advanced mana techniques usually arent practiced by all but the most dedicated wizards untilte in their careers. Most prefer to spend their time learning and perfecting more spells or brewing potions oryou know, using their skills to make good, good, good coin.


    ValRok nced at that spider on the wall with a hungry gleam before pulling himself back. But, the most advanced mana techniques let you pretty much <em>never</em> run out of mana unless youre constantly pushing yourself to the limit. Youll be regenerating mana while you walk. While you breathe. While you eat. While youre actively casting spells.


    He tapped his desk. The great wizard duelist Ianus Ruby-Eye beat his opponents not by being the fastest spellcaster or the most powerful spellcaster, but by being the most enduring. In the end, once most wizards mana is used up, theyre just a great big hunk of meat ready to be butchered.


    He grinned. Now lets make sure <em>youre</em> not the one thats butchered.


    With that, ValRok began to exin how mana regeneration techniques worked.


    The basic fundamental skill involved stimting ones internal pool with their own mana.


    If you make a cowfortable and milk her oftenfrom what I understandshell produce more milk. Its the same with your mana pathways: using up your mana stresses your pool, and weakens the barrier between it and your lifeforce. By massaging the edges of your mana pool internally, youll get them to rx and begin generating mana again before they have rested for the twenty four hour period.


    He pped at the air as though there was some unruly youngster that needed disciplining before him. The basic mana technique created for general consumption by wizards is the same as a massage technique thats like pping a tight muscle until it loosens up: itll do the job, but it wont befortable, or efficient and you wont be able to do it all the time.


    Next, he made a clutching gesture where he mimed precisely grasping and massaging the air with his fingers. More advanced techniques require more control over your manathats why weve been training your level of control using the boxesbut they can rx and stimte your mana pool much more efficiently and safely.


    He drew a diagram of the average wizards mana pool, breaking it up into specific areas that worked together to contain and regenerate mana. Alex had seen such a diagram in his textbook, but hadnt tried the technique on his own yet: the text had mentioned something about applying too much pressure to the edge of ones mana pool could puncture it like paper so hed decided to wait for supervised instruction.


    Once ValRok had gone over each of the different areas and their purposes, he began to describe how each was stimted in order to produce mana. Alex nearly burst outughing as he realized what the professor was instructing: they were the same bopping, twisting and pulling motions that theyd practiced through the glyph boxes.


    Well start off with simply getting the feel of moving ones mana internally. He tapped a stack of reports that were on top of his desk. Since all of you have been able to light at least <em>one</em> glyph on the box, this shouldnt be too hard for you now.


    He then described turning ones senses inward to feel the contours and shape of ones own mana, and then directed the ss to shift it back and forth across their mana pools.


    Alex turned his senses inward and felt his own mana pool. Using meditation, he tuned out all outside noise and slipped deep into himself. He quickly felt the warmth of his own mana pool full of power and nestled deep in his spirit.


    He easily took hold of it, passing his mana from side to side in his pool.


    Professor ValRok watched the ss engage in the exercise, moving over to aid anyone who raised their hand to ask a question or request help. Some students didnt raise their hands at all, but continued struggling judging from the looks of frustration on their faces.


    Others were clearly distracted, or doing thingspletely unrted to ss. To these, ValRok didnt even spare a second nce.


    Alex winced. At the church school, such distraction would have been met with a stern lecture or even harsher punishment.


    Here? They were left to their own devices, whether they swam or sank.


    Come exam time Alex was sure theyd be regretting it or offering up a host of excuses for being unprepared.


    Focusing back on himself, he followed the professors instruction as he guided them through manipting their own mana to touch the relevant parts of their mana pool. Alex activated The Mark while doing so, but found it was almost unnecessary: after so much practice with mana maniption and the glyph boxes, he found that it was remarkably easy to sense the targeted areas of his mana pool and make contact with them.


    He began to grow more excited.


    Finally, ValRok held up a hand. Stop, stop for a moment. I want you all to cast a spell now. Any spell you want. He paused. But <em>nothing that would blow up the ssroom.</em>


    Soon the room filled with forceballs, res of light, illusions of animals dancing through the air, puffs of mist, and bursts of song. One student even summoned a tiny air elemental and sent it shooting around the room.


    While everyone watched and pped, Alex noticed Professor ValRoks eyes darting back and forth. He edged nonchntly toward the wall with the spider on it.


    <em>Thwp.</em>


    His tongue shot out in a blur, scooping the eight-legged snack and bringing it back into his mouth before most caught on.


    Excellent, he said with all the dignity that wasnt there a moment before. Now that youve put a dent in your mana, I want you to reach into- He tapped the obsidian board with one wed hand pointing to the top area of the mana pool diagram. -here, then bop that area. Youll feel the edge protrude inward in response, then you take that protrusion and <em>lightly</em> twist it. Just as you did with the box.


    Alex followed the direction, gently contacting the top of his mana pool, then seizing the raised area that followed. He made a twisting gesture with his mana and felt a shudder go through his spirit. A sigh escaped his lips as a spiritual tension left that he hadnt even noticed before. He heard the sameing from his other ssmates, and some of them looked at each other and giggled.


    Rxing, isnt it? ValRok said. Ill give you free time to practice now. Wee to a path I guarantee you will never regret. Of coursetherxation that one feels when properly massaging ones mana, can be a little, well, <em>addictive</em>,<strong></strong>Id say, and there are some ounts that say that doing it <em>too </em>much leaves one mentally unbnced.


    ValRok gave a high-pitched, hystericalugh. Complete dragonshit, I tell you! None of that is true.


    He licked his lips, and Alex could have sworn he was licking away an errant spider leg. At this distance, he told himself that he was imagining it.

 Chapter 72: For and Against Pride

    Chapter 72: For and Against Pride


    Alex paced back and forth in front of the golem workshop.


    It was early morning. Crack of dawn, really, and much of the City of Generasi was still waking up from their nights sleep. A light rain hissed against the cobblestones and rooftops nearby, and he pulled his hood higher and his cloak tighter to shield himself.


    Shops were opening all around and the scent of baking bread and stewing meat emerged from stalls, eateries and wine houses lining the street. Coming from within the workshop, Alex could hear the sounds of equipment being set up, forges firing and workers calling to each other. He hoped thatat any momentShales would open and-


    <em>Click.</em>


    He paused, his eyes shooting toward the door as he heard a key turn in the lock. He headed toward the door. A young woman opened it and gasped as she saw Alex rapidly advancing.


    Hello, I-wait wait wait, don''t close the door! he cried.


    She paused. If youre nning to rob us, then let me tell you, robbing a golem shop is a <em>bad </em>idea.


    No no no. He shook his head and waved his hands. No, I just wanted to get in first.


    She raised an eyebrow, looking around the front of the shop.


    No one else was waiting to get in.


    Uh, a little keen, arent ya? she said. Need a golem that badly?


    No, I was wondering, he cleared his throat. If I could see if you had any new job postings today.


    Look like a professional golem maker, Alex, not an <em>excited puppy</em>, he chastised himself.


    Aaaaah, I see, the employee nodded knowingly. Someone mustve told a friend who told a friend. Well,e on in and take a look at the board. If youre here this early you probably already know what youre looking for.


    She weed him into the workshop and he stepped forward, spying the board where jobs and other announcements were posted. He fought the urge to frantically run up to it, instead, he sauntered over as though he were <em>all</em> professionalism and confidence.


    He peered at the posting, finding it had not changed much in thest month seen hed seen it on their tour, save for one important detail added to the bottom:


    <em>Help Wanted: Crafters Assistant.</em>


    <em>Basic Skills/Requirements:</em><ul><li><em>Preference given to those with previous experience in magic item craftsmanship.</em></li><li><em>Preference given to those who have been apprenticed to a smith, potter or stonemason.</em></li><li><em>Able to cast at least 1st-tier magic.</em></li><li><em>Skill in Mana Maniption Required (Will be Tested).</em></li><li><em>Must have knowledge in the construction of y golems or in rted alchemical processes.</em></li><li><em>Able to work three evenings per week from 16th to 21st chime.</em></li><li><em>Positions Open: Three.</em></li><li><em>Duties: The Crafters Assistant will assist golem crafters in the construction of golem bodies, golem cores and in the binding of golem cores to bodies. They will also catalogue inventory of supplies at the end of each shift, and ce orders for more materials with the workshop manager on shift.</em></li><li><em>Compensation: Two gold coins per shift (opportunity for raises dependent upon performance).</em></li><li><em>Opportunities for advancement depending on performance, as avable.</em></li><li><em>Applicants will deliver a one page summary with self-description, qualifications and previous experience to the front desk along with any proof of apprenticeship, letters of character and so on. Posting will remain open for one month after which no further applications will be epted.</em></li><li><em>We thank all applicants for their interest; however only those considered for an interview will be contacted.</em></li></ul>


    Alexs eyes narrowed.


    He had thought that the application period would onlyst a few days. In Alric, most job openings didntst long: word of mouth spread about a job and it would be filled within days. He supposed things worked differently in such arge city.


    Here, in a city of thousandsmany of whom were wizardsthered probably be dozens of applicants or more.


    On the one hand, the posting being up for a month was a good thing. It would give him more time to practice mana regeneration and learn more from Professor Jules. Hed been starting to get nervous about having to make his application too soon: that would have meant having to rush getting his letters of reference, and not having enough time to build the skills hed need for the job.


    On the other hand, a longer application window meant more time for a lot more applicants to hear about the job and apply. He had no way of knowing howpetitive this position would be, butlike with any jobthe more applicants, the harder his chances.


    Well, he muttered beneath his breath. At least Im the only one who knows-


    <em>Creak.</em>


    The door to the workshop opened and he watched as three young people strode in, each gripping sheaths of paper. None of them even nced at the postings board as they moved through the waiting area and right up to the front desk as though they knew the ce well. It seemed that indeed, Someone mustve told a friend who told a friend.


    The young woman in the lead ced her sheath onto the desk, stated her name, and then said. Im applying for the Crafters Assistant position.


    Alex watched in horror as the other two also handed in applications for the same position.


    Well, shit, he muttered softly. Shit, shit, shit.


    This <em>was </em>going to bepetitive.


    He took a deep, meditative breath and steadied himself. That was okay. It was not like Generasi had been easy to get into. Hed broken his back studying and practicing magic to earn a position and a partial schrship. This would be the same. Hed just have to prepare.


    Straightening his cloak, he gave a nod to the staff nearby and stepped out through the entrance.


    As he emerged onto the street, he put his hood up and nced around at a growing crowd.


    Then he froze.


    A familiar set of faces were approaching the workshop from down the street.


    Oh, no way, he muttered.


    The three figures also froze when they spied Alex standing in front of the doorway. The one in the lead narrowed their eyes, and almost in sync, the other two did the same.


    Minervus pale, narrow face stared at him from beneath his hood. It flushed red, though whether that was from anger or embarrassment, Alex didnt know. You Minervus muttered, then he seemed to catch himself. The trio approached the workshop with purpose.


    He stopped just in front of Alex, looking up at himhe was a few inches shorter. Excuse me, would you <em>mind</em>moving from in front of the door?


    His words were polite, but there was a sharpness to them.


    Wordlessly, Alex stepped aside as Minervus entered the workshop with two of his flesh golems. He turned to watch as the second year student drew a sheath of papers from beneath his cloak and ced them on the desk, dering his interest in the Crafters Assistant position.


    Oooh <em>shit</em>, Alex swore. Not <em>him </em>too.


    Of <em>all </em>people to apply, it had to be him. It made sense in a way: he <em>did </em>have <em>five</em> golems built of special materials, of <em>course</em> hed be interested in golems. Baelin had said that Minervus hadnt made them himself, and so Alex hoped he didnt have that much skill and experience in golem-craft.


    Then again, if Minervus had <em>any</em> experience with magic itemseven just by being in the second year potions ssitd make him look better than Alex. Hell, just being a second year <em>period</em> was an edge he had on Alex.


    Cursing inwardly, Alex started to make his way down the street.


    Hey! he heard a voice call from behind him.


    He paused, and kept walking.


    Hey, Im talking to you!


    Alex stopped, rising to his full height and squaring his now-slightly broader shoulders. He turned, looking at the approaching form of Minervus and his two golems. Can I help you, man?


    Did you apply for the assistant position? the former member of COMB-1000 asked, not waiting for a reply. You shouldnt. A first year couldnt perform the duties. Trust me: my family has a long history of crafting magic items. I have the qualifications and you dont. Youll just be wasting your time...and Shales


    Alex raised an eyebrow and crossed his arms. Ooooh I see what this is.


    Hm?


    You start throwing around your experience and whatever, hoping thatll stop me from applying. And for your little bit of effort, in your best case scenario, you get rid of some of thepetition. Am I right?


    Minervus went silent for a moment, but his eyes were calm. Ive no idea what youre talking about: Im offering advice to a first year. If you dont want to ept it, thats not my problem.


    He stepped away from Alex and started down the street again.


    Alex shook his head and went in the other direction.


    Before he wanted the job because it would provide him with an ie, give him experience with golem cores that might help when he analyzed the dungeon core, and help him gain skills to build his own golem.


    Now?


    He <em>needed</em> that job.


    If he didnt get it and <em>Minervus</em> did? He knew there was no way that would <em>ever</em> sit well with him.


    And considering his maniptive stunt just now and his self-serving crap in The Barrens, losing out to him was not an option.


    Alex grinned at the y figure hed just finished shaping. Before, his creations had looked like monstrosities with misshapen limbs and bulging heads, now, they were looking more and more like humans. They were still blocky and simplistic, but hed gotten to the point where he was able to get the proportions right.


    Hey, take a look at this, Selina. He grinned. Mr. y the Seventeenth is born! Are you despairing, my dear sister? he gloated like a dark lord from legends.


    He looked at Selina, her back was turned to him; she was bent over her own y creation and had been silently working on it with single-minded focus. Before, when theyd sculpted beside each other, shed obviously been ying, but recently, things had changed.


    Now it was clear she was <em>trying.</em>


    Whats despair mean? she asked with her back still turned.


    Hahaha! A clever retort, pretending not to know what despair means, but now you <em>will</em> know it!


    Alex, youre being weird. What does despair mean?


    O-oh, youre being serious. It means uh, being sad and having no hope.


    Okay, she said, continuing to work on the figure. Ill look at your doll in a second. Juuuuust, there!


    She sprang up and spun around, presenting her figure to him. Her grin was wide, revealing a gap between her teeth: thest of her baby teeth had fallen out a few days earlier.


    Are you despairing, dear brother? she asked.


    His jaw fell open as he made choking noises. Isis <em>that</em> a bloody dragon!?


    Language, Alex! she checked him.


    He stared at the little creation in her hands, gaping at the horror and unfairness that filled the universe. It was unmistakably a dragon: crude in some ways, but with distinct bat-like wings, a long neck and curving horns on its head.


    Now that she was trying so hard, she was growing in skill <em>shockingly </em>fast. Or maybe she always had the ability, but simply had no reason to try her absolute hardest before.


    You, bu- he stammered. How did you-


    She ced the figure down in front of her.


    Des-pair! Des-pair! Des-pair! she chanted, jumping up and down in glee.


    You! he pointed at her. Do <em>not</em> make me regret teaching you that word!


    Re-gret! Re-gret! Re-gret! she continued to chant, pumping her fists.


    Alexs eyebrow twitched.


    He red at his shoulder. Hey! Hey you! he shouted inwardly. Yes you, the one with the jesters face thats living on my shoulder rent-free! Yes you, Mr. God-provided Heros Mark, Im talking to you! Do you feel no shame? Im trying to keep up with a <em>ten</em><em>year old child</em> here and you cant make it so that I can wipe the floor with her? Youre supposed to at least <em>pretend</em> to be something that helps a person fight The Ravener, right? Come on, get it together!


    Of course, The Markhidden beneath his shirt as it wasdidnt respond. Though, he would have been a little unnerved if it actually had.


    Watching Selina bounce around the room, Alex chewed on his pride for a moment as his eyes drifted down to the dragon. He tapped his chin in concentration. He couldnt deny it, it actually looked <em>pretty</em> good.


    She paused her victory dance. Hmmmm, she squinted at his y sculpture. Its pretty good, though. Youre getting better, Alex. Maybe you shouldve done this before cause we couldve had fun making things together.


    He noticed the note of longing in her voice, and recognized a peace offering when he saw one.


    There were times in ones life when one had to swallow their pride.


    Times when, for the greater good, one had to make peace with the greatest of enemies. Or, for example, be forced to admit that ones ten year old sister was straight up much more naturally talented at something and thatif he was serious about improving his skillmaaaaaybe trying to outdo her wasnt the smartest idea in the world.


    Alright, Selina, he said. Why dont we try the next one together?


    She paused and he could tell she was excited, but trying not to let it show. Her eyes flicked to him. Do you really want to?


    Yeah, why not. Maybe I could learn something from you.


    Youre just trying to learn from me so you can beat me! she used him.


    No. He raised his hands and lied...partially. No, Im not: I just think itd be fun, and we could learn from each other.


    Hmmm, okay. She stood up straight and went to get more y. But if I can do magic, then we have to do <em>that</em>together too! she said seriously. Promise.


    Alex paused, ncing back to his room. On his dressing tabley the permission letter from the Junior School asking to allow Selinas mana level and affinity to be tested. Hed signed it, but hadnt delivered it yet. Hed have to do it soon, though. The test was supposed to be in two weeks.


    Alright, he said. Its a deal. If you can do magic, well do that together. As long as its safe.


    She frowned. Why only if its safe?


    Huh? Because I want you to be safe, he said. Ive always wanted you to be safe.


    Hm. Something shed through her eyes. Okay.


    Humming to herself, she went to fetch a new ball of y for them to work on together. Alex watched her go for a moment, wondering what thatst bit had meant.


    He promised he would keep a closer eye on her.

 Chapter 73: A Handy Breakthrough

    Chapter 73: A ''Handy'' Breakthrough


    As it turned out, swallowing ones pride had some serious benefits.


    Going from sculpting alone or in the same area as his little sister, to working <em>together</em> with her had vastly improved his sculpting ability. By working as a duo, he not only got a close look at how she worked, but he also got to try some of her techniques with her guidance. This gave him more sesses and in turn, gave The Mark more to use and feed on.


    What he hadnt anticipated was how in sync their learning had be. The Marks power to correct helped him, while Selinas natural skill, experience, and her own quick mind saw her expand her own ability as well as adopt techniques hede up with using The Mark. As he refined his methods, she watched him and refined hers, and vice versa.


    They were growing togetherand Alex began to consider that perhapswhen the time camethey could sculpt some of the golems body together. Being able to shape a piece of y that big would probably thrill her to bits. For right now, though, there was something that <em>definitely</em><em>did</em> have her thrilled and excited; her uing mana testing.


    He <em>still</em> wasnt sure how he felt about the whole thing, but hed gone ahead and submitted the permission form anyway.


    In time, theyd find out if it would amount to nothing, or if it would amount to a lot.


    For now, though, hed been putting a lot of focus into mana regeneration. The assignment from professor ValRoks ss would probably be difficult for students new to mana maniption since it was soplex. Whereas the technique from hispulsory magical theory ss was basic and simplefar better suited to beginners. As professor ValRok had said, the basic mana regeneration technique was easily avable to be used by wizards at all levels of their training and practice.


    Topare the two, he <em>had </em>tried the more simple technique described in the magic theory textbook: simply pping the edges of his mana pool to get it to begin producing mana more quickly. It was easy to do, rtively safe and yielded results.


    By spreading out his own mana and contacting the edge of his mana pool as a light p, the force of the contact was dispersed. So, he could apply a fair amount of force to the edge of his pool while being in no danger of doing any harm to it.


    ValRoks method showed results far more quicklyalso producing that wonderful spiritual rxationbut was more difficult and risky. In using the more intricate movements, the force was concentrated to the edge of ones mana pool. So greater riskone couldnt be clumsy at moving their manabut also greater reward.


    A sharp twist to the mana pools edge might have torn it like an overstuffed sausage.


    Since he already had a high degree of affinity for the skillwith The Marks helphed been able to make progress even faster. He took to adding mana regeneration practice to his meditation routine. He would sit in his room or on the balcony in his favourite position, then split his concentration, focusing both on his breath <em>and</em> on shifting his mana around his pool.


    The first day hed tried it, the results hed gotten hadnt exactly been what hed been looking for. The physical rxation from meditation hadbined with the spiritual rxation from his mana regeneration practice until


    Alex. Alex, wake up. Theresas voice had whispered softly from above him.


    Huh, wha? He had blinked awake in surprise. The sky had turned from the fiery orange ofte evening, to the dead ckness of midnight. What happened?


    You fell asleep, its the middle of the night.


    O-oh, hed said embarrassedly.


    After that, hed made sure to keep his thoughts active and <em>awake</em> whilebining meditation and regeneration practice. The results were considerable.


    In a matter of days, hed mastered the technique as well as he had the glyph boxes. ValRoks assignment had been for the ss to stimte <em>one</em> of the sections of their mana pool to regenerate mana, but Alex was quickly able to stimte <em>all</em> of his at once, guaranteeing a nice mark on the assignment.


    Being able to progress so quickly had other benefits.


    A growing mana pool allowed him to cast more spells in a day, and his improving skill in mana regeneration increased the amount of magic he could perform in a day by nearly twice the amount.


    And that meant he could practice more.


    Which was a good thing.


    Because he needed it when it came to Wizards Hand.


    Ohe <em>on</em>! Alex growled as the spell array fell apart and he cancelled it. Muttering, he scrawled another failure in his notebook, then flipped to the final nk pages in disgust.


    There were about three pages left before he needed a new notebook.


    The rest of the pages werepletely <em>filled</em> with detailed notes of his failures at casting Wizards Hand. He hadnt gotten <em>this</em> frustrated with magic since his early days trying to learn forceball with nothing but an old spell-guide to learn from.


    He nced around his surroundings and took deep breaths to calm himself.


    For a change of pace Alex had decided to spend the afternoon studying on one of the castles many high balconies. The balcony he was onmore of a floating terrace, reallywas broad enough to fit at least half a dozen stone tables where students could study, practice magic or have a meal in peace. When folks finished using them, the tables and seats would skitter out of the way to wait beside the railings. Floating orbs of air would emerge from openings carved into the castle wallthe mouth of each sculpted to resemble an eagles head with its beak openand suck up any trash or mess left on the tables. Once they were filled, they would float back through the opened beaks to discard their messy bounty into the trash holders.


    Alex paused for a moment and let his imagination run free, imagining Minervus stuck in a sopping wet trash container with some sort of monster with long eye stalks slithering after him. Reluctantly, he shook away both the image and the smile growing from it. Break time was over.


    When anyone entered the balcony, the tables and seats would skitter back to the centre of the space, and wait to be used.


    For now, Alex was alone, though Khalik, Thundar, Theresabringing SelinaIsolde and Shishi were supposed to meet himter that afternoon.


    In the meantime, he had to keep trying to push through.


    He pulled his attention back to his notebook and wrote down a number, something hed only recently started doing.


    <em>87%</em>.


    It was the exact percentage of the spell array that hed been able to consistently cast, even with The Marks interference. Before, he hadnt bothered writing down the exact percentage of his progress with a spell, but Wizards Hand had be so utterly frustrating, that hed needed <em>some</em> solid number to show himself where he actually was. It was helping to keep him motivated.


    He frowned.


    The issue with recording specific numbers was that it made him painfully aware that hed been stuck at 87% for about three days.


    There was a final part of the spell array that was <em>really</em>plex: it was a hand problem. When hed learned about art from Mrs. Luback when they were painting the mural on the inn wallhed learned of a colloquial term used by artists for any problem that wasmon, finicky and made other parts of their task more difficult: A hand problem.


    The term came from the <em>nightmarish</em> difficulty many artists had when it came to drawing humanoid hands. Mrs. Lu was <em>very</em> good at painting realistic faces, and proportions of the human bodyshed painted most of the figures in The Heroes and Ravener mural.


    But, one of the rare times hed <em>ever </em>heard her curse in front of her children was when it came time to sketch or paint hands.


    The fingers would end up out of proportion to the rest of the hand, or their shape would be slightly off. The position of the hand would be oddly curved or too straight. Sometimes theyd look more like paws than hands. Sometimes, she just simply couldnt pinpoint exactly what the problem was.


    At the time Alex had thought it was just her, until hed tried outlining a hand himself.


    One of the few times hed <em>ever </em>heard cursed in front of his sister was when hed had to outline that hand. Even feet were like that for some artists: Mrs. Lu had told him of a painter named Robert Liefell who refused to paint feet; hed always have his subjects standing behind <em>something</em>.


    For Alex, the part of the spell array he was working on was a hand problem: it was finicky,plicated and definitely not easy to build when one had a magical Mark screaming in their head. Theresas meditative techniques were <em>helping</em>he would have made less progress if it werent for thosebut they werent helping enough to ovee this final hill.


    He was growing more frustrated. He <em>really</em> wanted to learn force shield as soon as possible, and all the extra time spent throwing himself against Wizards Hand took time away from practicing other things.


    He sighed, letting those thoughts and worries pass.


    If anything, all the extra pressure was only getting in the way.


    Taking a deep breath, he rxed his mind.


    It wasnt helpful just sitting there frustrated and doing nothing. That wouldn''t help him move forward.


    Mana regeneration had helped him practice more spells in a day. Meditation helped stave off mental fatigue. Now, it was time to use both and keep grinding away.


    Drawing deep into himself, he started to cast Wizards Hand again.


    <em>98%</em>


    He wrote that number down as his hand trembled in excitement.


    Days had passed. Hed been practicing Wizards Hand every moment he wasnt practicing something else.


    Now,te at night in his roomwith crickets chirping outside and candlelight flickeringhed gotten close. So. Close.


    Again, he cast Wizards Hand.


    Again it failed in the same ce.


    He took a deep breath. Observed his frustration. Observed and acknowledged his worry. Then let it go.


    He fell back into his spell again, guiding his mind through all the failures.


    He acknowledged the noise and dismissed it. He did the same for the new notebook of failures hed had to start. He acknowledged that frustrating final 2% of the spell array that he justcouldnt


    Something clicked.


    Hed done something right. He could tell. The Mark was getting especially active, which it was very fond of doing when he did something right in spellcraft.


    Ive got you now, he whispered.


    He wrote down: <em>99%.</em>


    Diving into the spell another time, he pushed against the block. Through his shutters, the light changed as the moon rose higher in the sky. The candle burned down. He felt sleepiness tugging at the edges of his mind, begging him to take a break.


    But he couldnt stop. Not now. Not while he was so close.


    He closed his eyes.


    Again he tried the spell.


    And again.


    And then


    <em>Woom.</em>


    The magic circuitpleted.


    A crimson light came alive in his room.


    He felt an unfamiliar connection with his mana.


    Floating in front of him was a handa little bigger than one of his ownmade entirely of the glowing force magic that made up his other spells. His breath caught. There was a reason why the spell array was soplex: Wizards Hand gave him <em>much</em> more control through mana maniption than forceball <em>or </em>forcedisk.


    It was designed so a wizard could do precise movements with it without being an expert at mana maniption. It was very, very well designed. It was like giving two walking sticks to someone with weak legs to aid them with the movements of walking.


    Alex suppressed giddiness as he made the hand walk through the air on two fingers, wave at him, give a thumbs up and make a certain rude gesture. He even high fived it. He flipped back to the spell array diagram and made some final notes on the different sections:


    <em>Complex sections of spell array likely to help control spell. Maybe only for those unskilled in mana maniption. Should attempt to simplify those sections, since I need less support for manipting spells through mana.</em>


    This was a very, very interesting revtion.


    The sections of the spell array that were responsible for helping the caster control the spell after it had been cast, werent necessary for him because of his advanced skill with mana maniption. It was like carrying walking sticks when one was perfectly capable of walking.


    Once he isted those sections of the spell, he could simplify it, which would make the spell easier and faster to cast. He might be able to apply the same logic to other troublesome spells in the future.


    That would be his first attempt at starting to master the spell.


    Next, though


    He grinned, pulling out the spell-guides for force shield and orb of air.


    These two spells would be big ones: the first would be his first truly defensive spell, while orb of air would be his first attempt at trying a spell outside of the school of force. Hed try them both while he worked to master Wizards Hand.


    An urge to try them tugged at himbut he resisted.


    It waste, and he was tired.


    Besides


    He took a deep breath, looking at a date circled on his scheduler:


    Selinas mana test.


    The date circled was tomorrow.

 Chapter 74: Ghosts of the Past I (Interlude)

    Chapter 74: Ghosts of the Past I (Interlude)


    Zachariah Khan! one of the teachers called.


    Selina Roth jumped a little in her chair as the name echoed through the auditorium.


    Zachone of her friendswas the first to be brought onto the stage. She and the rest of her ss from the junior school were seated in rows in the centre of the auditorium, waiting for the teachers to call themone at a timeto the stage to test their mana.


    She nced nervously past the other students and toward a line of chairs set up on the side of the audience hall. A long row of parents, older siblings and others watched the junior students. As her eyes found her towering brother, he gave her a crooked grin and a thumbs up. Theresaright beside himgave her a smile of encouragement, while Brutusy at their feet quietly panting and watching her.


    All hade out this morning to support her. Even their friendly neighbour Khalik was there, and he grinned through his ck beard.


    She smiled back at them and turned away, fidgeting in her chair.


    Hey, hey, look, one of her close friends in the ssAbwhispered from beside her. I think theyre starting.


    Selina looked up at the stage again.


    While theyd been getting seated, Selina noticed the teachers had gathered on the stage, waving their hands and muttering strange words like her brother and Khalik did when they were casting spells. Alex had said that the teachers would be casting spells too, but Selina hadnt seen any glowing lights, moving tables or anything else magical going on.


    Spells that didnt do anything cool looking must have been boring spells, shed thought. Or maybe she didnt understand them yet.


    Maybe shed find out what the teachers were doing soon.


    Mr. Powellher homeroom teacherheld up his hands to quiet the ss, then turned to Zach. Alright, Zach, please stand in the middle of the stage. And we can begin. He smiled like a kindly uncle. Are you nervous?


    N-no, Zach muttered, as his eyes darted back and forth nervously.


    Its alright to be nervous, Mr. Powell said. But, no worries. What well be doing today will be safe, painless and fun. So, you go on and stand in the middle of the stage and youll see.


    Selina wondered how they were going to do the testing as Zach nervously edged toward the middle of the stage. Were they going to use a little box like Alexs glyph boxes? Were they going to use bowls with water in them? Theresa had said that they did something like that in one of her sses.


    Maybe theyd put a big hat on them, and itd sort them into those that could use mana and those that couldnt. Or maybe theyd give the students wands and ask if they could use them. If they could, then theyd have mana. She hoped it wasnt thatst one. Even if she did have mana, she didnt know how to use wands, cast spells or use other magic stuff.


    She might fail anyway.


    And she didnt <em>want</em> to fail.


    She remembered the horrible bug monsters that Theresa, Brutus and Alex had fought in the cave. Shed been terrified but couldn''t do anything to help. She remembered Alex and Theresa talking about something bad happening with that dungeon core and that people mighte and take Alex away. Maybe they mighte after all of them.


    And all shed be able to do is sit there and let Alex and Theresa protect her. She frowned, turning her head slightly away from her brother so that he wouldnt see her face.


    She wanted to help.


    She wanted to be brave and be able to help.


    If she found out she could use magic


    We will now begin, Mr. Powell said.


    She was drawn from her own thoughts and began paying attention to the stage. Her teacher looked toward the others and nodded. Several of them raised their hands and began chanting quickly, and the air around them started to shimmer.


    Selina gasped.


    Tiny little creatures materialized.


    Each was no bigger than a sparrow, but looked like a tiny glowing person with insect wings on their backs. There were dozens of them fluttering around the stage, and they all froze momentarily as they twinkled into being. Most were stark white, but some were light and dark blues, some solid greens, some were yellows, and some sparkling orange.


    Mr. Powell looked at the creatures and said something to them in a funny-soundingnguage. The tiny things looked at each other, then broke out into giggles that sounded like tinkling bells.


    They began to fly all around the stage, leaving little coloured sparkles behind them as they went, watching and pointing at the people seated.<strong></strong>Some flew to the edge, appearing to be prepared to fly out among the crowd, but abruptly stopped as if there was an unseen wall separating them from the rest of the room.


    Selina remembered the chanting the teachers had been doing.


    Maybe the magics keeping them on stage, she wondered quietly.


    She noticed some of the little creatures flying around Mr. Powell.


    These are sprites, her teacher said. Small faeries from this world and other nes, such as the elemental nes. They are highly attracted to ces and people with strong mana. Today, youll sit in the middle of the stage and through them, well learn which of you have a strong mana. Since weve summoned these sprites to help us with this, and theyve graciouslye to us, theyve agreed to cooperate and follow mymands.


    He looked toward Zach. Im going to ask the sprites to inspect each of you. If you have strong mana, then one...or more, willnd on you and use some of your mana along with their own to create a magical effect. If many are attracted to you, then that means your mana is very strong.


    He gestured to some of the sprites that glowed different colours. Those that dont glow white are from one of the elemental nes. If your mana has an affinity for an element, then <em>those</em> sprites willnd on you while those from another element will not. But, thats very, very rare in people: we might only see one or two during todays test. Alright, Zach, are you ready?


    Zach nodded, his earlier nervousness giving way to wonder as he watched the sprites flit all around himshedding their mystic light over his face.


    Mr. Powell spoke another word in theirnguage.


    All at once, the fairies stopped, whirling toward Zach and swarming toward him like bees.


    He cried out, half-rising in his chair as if preparing to run away, but the sprites werenting to attack: instead, they giggled like naughty children whod pulled a practical joke. They fluttered around Zach, examining the nervous boy closely. Now and then one would flit close to him, but then flit away.


    Soon they began to lose interest in him, flitting off to gather around the teachers and chatter to each other.


    Mr. Powell gave him a nod. You can step down now, Zach. It doesnt appear you have a lot of mana.


    Zach nodded, his face showing a mixture of disappointment and relief. Then he stepped off the stage.


    Selina and Ab looked at each other.


    One by one, Mr. Powell called more students to the stage. The sprites would examine each one with curiosity, but then lose interest and flit away. Some students looked relieved. Some looked disappointed. Others began to cry and ran to their family instead of returning to their seats.


    With others, though


    Selina watched as a boy from another ss was surrounded by the sprites. As they drew closer, they seemed to grow excited and soon many of them begannding on him as he giggled at their touch. Their bodies glowed brighter as they made contact with him, then they spread their hands out and shot tiny sparkles of white light into the air.


    Well, the boys homeroom teacher said. Looks like you have the mana necessary for wizardry, Chelios. Congrattions!


    Chelios let out a cheer, which startled the sprites and sent them fluttering around him while chattering andining in thenguage of fairies. He ran down the stairs to the cheers of his ssmates, and the pping of the line of spectators.


    A staff member led him and his family to the side of the auditorium where they left through a narrow doorway. Selina wondered where theyd gone off to. She also wondered why the door was so narrow. Lots of little details about buildings fascinated her, and they always had.


    One of the very first questions shed asked her teacher when she was very little was how roofs stayed up when walls only held up their edges.


    As she continued to think about buildings, more gasps and cheers brought her attention back to the stage. The sprites hade tond on another student, spraying sparkles through the air. That was two now.


    She felt a little hope growing inside her, and she began to kick her legs in excitement.


    Traveller? Uldar? she prayed in her mind. Its Selina. Please, please, please, please let me have mana. Please, please, please! I promise Ill be good if I do and that I wont do anything bad with it. Ever! Please, please, please let me have it.


    She kept hoping and praying as more and more students came and went. More students with mana. More without mana. Her heart beat faster as thest names got closer and closer to hers.


    Then something wonderful happened on stage.


    One of the studentsa girl from anotherss watched the fairies all around her as they examined her closely. The sprites that glowed white began to drift away, but the fairies that glowed different colours stayed close by. The green and yellow ones floated up to her, examining her closely, while she watched them in confusion. Then the green ones abruptly fluttered away and the yellow onesnded on the girl.


    The tiny sprites cheered and raised their hands.


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    Tiny whirlwinds shot from their hands, crackling with little bolts of electricity. Selina gasped. Alexs friend, Isolde, had shown her electricity magic one day when he hadnt been looking. It took a lot of begging to get her to do it, but eventually, shed agreed. It was amazing.


    Seeing the fairies do it now was just as cool.


    Well, well, what a rare urrence, Mr. Powell said. It looks like you have an affinity for wind magic.


    The young girl onstage was blinking in amazement. While Selina and most of the room had gasped at the lightning, the girl looked absolutely enraptured with it. Whatwhat does this mean?


    It means that lightning magic wille easily to you. Your spells with lightning will be stronger, and you will learn them more quickly than most. it does mean that you will have great difficulty with earth-based spells, though. That is if you can use them at all.


    The young girl seemed to be listening to Mr. Powell, but soon her eyes were drawn back to the little bolts of lightning. Selina stared at them too, blinking. She suddenly had a new hope.


    She imagined herself with a big wizards hat and robes, wielding magic that spread water and ice over everything she could see. She could wash away bad monsters or freeze them. She could wet fields and make things grow.


    She gasped.


    She could make ice sculptures!


    Another image floated through her mind: Alex had said that they didnt get much snow this far south, but a Sigmus holiday with snow on the ground to y in was the most fun. She imagined herself conjuring snow so she and all her friends from school could have snowball fights, make snow forts, and snow people like she had with her friends and family in Alric.


    She even imagined


    Fire erupted in her mind.


    It was a vague memory, but she sawas she had hundreds of times in her dreamsher mother and fathers alehouse burn while everyone screamed. She remembered watching itand watching itand watching the fire.


    This time, in her mind, she imagined herself spreading water and ice over it to cool down the building. She imagined the fire going away as her water magic hit it, vanishing in a cloud of steam.


    She remembered other fires, like the time a windmill had burned down in the next town. Her water magic would put that out too. There would be other fires she could wash away. Others she could freeze.


    With a single-minded excitement, she knew she <em>needed</em> water affinity. She couldnt think of anything she ever wanted more, like she sometimes got when it came time to ask for Sigmus presents.


    Selina nced at Alex and mouthed the word water to him.


    He mouthed what? back to her.


    She frowned and mouthed it again.


    Selina Roth!


    Selina yelped as her name was called.


    Mr. Powell was looking at her from the stage, with his hand extended.


    She swallowed and slid from her chair.


    Good luck, Ab whispered.


    T-thanks.


    She started toward the stage, trying to ignore the many eyes that watched her as she climbed the stairs. The sprites fluttered about as she entered the center area and watched her curiously without approaching; they had not been asked to yet.


    Sitting down, her eyes drifted all around.


    The sprites giggled and danced through the air, and Mr. Powell smiled at her. Are you ready?


    She nodded.


    He spoke the words to the sprites.


    She watched them swarm toward her suddenly, but she didnt stiffen or gasp; shed seen their pranks, andafter seeing those horrible bug monstersshe was scared by a lot less things these days.


    The glowing little creatures pouted when their prank failed and then fell quiet, examining her closely. She held her breath.


    This was it.


    As they got closer, she felt something strange. Like something inside of her chest was being tickled. Was that mana? Did it mean she had mana?


    She nearly groaned in disappointment when the sprites that glowed white fluttered away from her, but her disappointment fell away when the ones that were glowing different colours stayed close by.


    Mr. Powell looked at her with increased interest.


    Excitement bloomed in Selinas chest.


    Was this it? Did she have an affinity?


    An old memory came back to her all of a sudden.


    That frost drake that charged and scared her at the beastarium. It was an ice monster, wasnt it? Did it sense something? She didnt know if that meant anything, but did it mean that she had ice or water affinity?


    Please, please, please, Uldar, she prayed inwardly.


    The blue glowing fairies drifted toward her. Her heart jumped. Were they water sprites? Was that what was going on-


    The sprites faces twisted and they turned away quickly, fluttering to the side of the stage. Her eyes widened as she watched all the others fly away.


    All save for one colour.


    Every single orange-glowing fairy on the stage surrounded her like she was their queen. They made cooing noises in awe. Selina could only watch as theynded on her.


    Mana! she thought. I have mana!


    But what did orange mean?


    Then her mind began to work. An orange light came back to her mind. Her heart wanted to stop.


    She could only watch as the fairies raised their hands.


    Then tiny streams of me shot into the air.


    Her thoughts stopped. Her eyes widened and she couldnt pull them away. The tiny mes danced in front of her, mixing with the ones shed seen in her mind.


    She began to tremble.


    A single thought rose up in her. One that she had been trying to stomp down ever since her parents alehouse had burned, and one that urred to her every time she had seen me:


    Pretty, she mouthed silently. Its so pretty.


    The warmth of it. The light. The dance. All of it was so pret-


    Then her mind finally caught up with her. The sadness. The fear. the <em>guilt</em>that she felt every time shed been fascinated by the thing that had killed her parents.


    Now that thing was a part of her.


    No putting out fires. No making snow people.


    Just fire, burning and death.


    Congrattions! Mr. Powell said enthusiastically. Selina Roth, you have attracted all the summoned fire sprites, you have a <em>very</em> strong fire affinit-


    Her teachers words died when Selina started to scream.

 Chapter 75: Ghosts of the Past II (Interlude)

    Chapter 75: Ghosts of the Past II (Interlude)


    The Raveners hunter had been seeking its quarry for a long time now.


    At first, it hunted with its siblings, each staying in closemunication as they moved beyond the territory of their master. Butas they dispersedthey grew too distant from each other to maintainmunication.


    And now, the hunter was alone.


    First, it had explored the sea, seeking its quarry on one of the great boats its masters enemies had left their homnd in. The hunter had been given careful instructions etched into its instincts at the moment of its creation. Attack none, except the quarry.


    Do not be seen and move with all stealth.


    Do not kill unless for sustenance or to defend its life.


    The quarry was its only purpose, and if anything stood in the way of destroying the one who had usurped one of its masters cores, then it should strive to evade it to avoid attention, and only destroy it as ast resort.


    So, it silently swam the wavesonly killing fish to eatand sending out pings of magic to seek the tell-tale sign that one whod made contact with the dungeon core was in range. After a long while exploring the sea, it moved toward thend to the east and south, while others had spread out to the west and north, and to thends of the northeast.


    It reachednd in the dead of night and began its journey ind.


    As it travelled, it began to learn.


    The voice boxes within the throats of the hunters were unlike any thaty in other creatures its master had ever birthed: they were malleablealmost as soft as mudand could form any shape. While the hunter could not disguise its form, it <em>could</em> mimic any sound that it heard.


    As it crept deeper into the wilderness, it began to copy the sounds of the beasts of thend and birds of the air, attracting prey within reach of its hiding ces to catch its meals with piercing ws and venomous teeth.


    The farther it travelled, the more it learned of its surroundings.


    People made different sounds than the beastmunicating in a range of varied words and tones and pitches. While it could notprehend their speech, it had the ability to mimic them.


    As it stalked its quarry it would repeat words over and over again that it had heard, imitating a range of voices and perfecting its ability to sound like anyone. It thought that would be a good way to deceive and lure its prey when they were finally cornered. The hunt was slowly stretching into weeks without any sign of the one it was seeking, and each passing day became more and more mundane. While it remained single minded in purpose, it began to seek ways to alleviate the tedium.


    And so the hunter developed something that could be called a hobby of sorts, pausing to observe people from hiding ces in the wilderness, and copying them as they spoke to each other. It grew increasingly absorbed with this hobby, at times straying too close to those it was observing.


    Thenone early morninga ping returned <em>something.</em>


    A faint sign.


    Its quarry, at some point, had passed this way.


    Atst it had something to investigate, but its distractedness nearly proved to be its undoing.


    The creature had travelled unseen across four mountainsone that burned, one that floated, one that wept and one studded in jewelsyet it was here in this quiet, rustic countryside that it was spotted.


    A human on horseback had seen it and began shouting, wheeling his horse away.


    Snarling, the hunter had pursuedfalling to all fours to match the speed of the mountand leapt upon the mans back. It had wrestled the struggling prey to the ground.


    It wasrger than most humans and far stronger than its size would suggest; it had no problem pinning the man to the ground and biting deep into his shoulder to send its deadly venom in to do its work. For good measure, it used its ws to rip him wide open.


    Unfortunately for the hunter, the struggle and screams attracted more people walking along the road andwhile some fledothers hurled whatever was close at hand while shouting at it. Some were armed and armoured, and as its instructions returned to its mind, it ran instead of engaging further.


    It lost days hiding within forests while cautiously trying to follow the trail of the one it sought.


    That trail eventually led to the sea.


    Excitement built as increasing pings showed that it was nearing its prey.


    Soon, it would be able to fulfil its purpose and eliminate the one who had defiled the core, and no thought thrilled it more than this. The Raveners hunter did not know which of its masters enemies had usurped his coremany of them were dangerousbut it had been created to battle many foes. It would use stealth and cunning as its weapons andif those did not prove sufficientit would seek tools and even monsters to subjugate for its cause.


    What it did <em>not</em> expect was <em>where</em> its quarry would be found.


    No such ce existed in the instincts and knowledge granted by its master: the pings led to a ce of power.


    It was a citythat much it knew from its travelsbut the sheer amount of magic zing from it threatened to overwhelm the hunters senses. Worse, the pings revealed that the usurper was deep within a part of the cityone that was protected by wards and powerful mortal magic users. ring at the city from the choppy sea, it dove deep beneath the water and howled its frustration.


    After its long journey, its quarryy so closebut infiltrating this ce would be a formidable task with many pitfalls. The chance of being discovered was high, which could lead to its end. Its purpose would be unfulfilled. Floating beneath the waves from daylight to darkness and back again repeatedly, it carefully observed its prey through the pings, learning some of its habits.


    Most of its quarrys time was spent inside the highly defended sanctum within the city. Sometimes it would emerge and travel to the city, though rarely far from the defended ce. And within the city itself, The Raveners hunter could sense a host of powerful magic-users.


    Too much risk to strike at the usurper on one of their journeys.


    At other times, they would disappear beyond the range of the pings. It considered this: its prey had left The Raveners territory without leaving a trail, just as they now seemed able to appear and disappear at will. Could they transport themselves freely across distances?


    If so, that would increase the likelihood of their escape.


    The hunter needed to observe for a longer period of time.


    It would also need to discover the defences around its prey andimportantlylearn when they would be most vulnerable.


    For now, it would be patient.


    It would wait and observe.


    Under cover of darkness, it swam from its hiding ce at the bottom of the bay, emerging onto shoreaway from the cityand journeyed deep into the countryside. It would find a ce far away from people and magic users. It would make air. It would find resources and beasts that it might be able to dominate through fear.


    And it would wait.


    I aint never seen tracks like these before, a gruff voice said. Think its the mana vampire?


    The hunters eyes cracked open.


    Voices were drifting through the trees from somewhere far from its hideout. Since carelessness had let it be seen in the othernd of humans, it was now far more cautious. It constantly listened and constantly watched.


    Now, it had been nearly asleep when it heard the low tramping of booted feet and the quiet voices of people on the hunt. Stealthily, it abandoned itsir in a bog and climbed high into the trees, crossing from branch to branch.


    Atst, it peered down on those entering its domain.


    A group of peopleperhaps ten or moreand all well-armed and armoured. Each moved with confidence, and the one in the lead had eyes that were hard like stone. Hisrge, curved sword was gripped tightly in one hand, and his beard and hair were tied.


    It might or might not be the mana vampire, the man in the lead said quietly. I dont know these tracks at all. Either way, if its a monster, theres probably some bounty for it: theres plenty of them for us to make some coin from.


    The hunter watched them inplete stillness.


    Though it heard and could mimic the words they spoke, it still could not understand them. Instincts and their weapons told it that these were dangerous people. It knew well that it could likely kill them: it was an assassin birthed to y The Raveners enemies after all, but a fight against multiple foes might cause it injury, making it less likely to seed in its purpose.


    There was also the possibility that chance would favour them and it would be in. Or, even if it destroyed everyst one of them, they might be missed by others who woulde seeking them.


    Weighing the options, it decided against open conflict and began to move away through the trees.


    <em>Whish!</em>


    Something cracked against its leg, striking at it like a jellyfish.


    An arrow had bounced off its armoured hide.


    There! I think I see it! one of the people below cried.


    The creature snarled, and kept trying to escape through the trees.


    After it! Paydays here! Take it down! one of them shouted.


    The hunter moved swiftly, wanting to put distance between itself and its pursuers. But they were moving quickly across the forest floorlike experienced hunters.


    Still, the more they chased, the more it grew the distance between them.


    Behind it, arrows snapped against branches, but they too were left behind.


    When the voices finally faded, the creature dropped from among the tree tops and sprinted along the forest floor. It ran, crashing through rivers and streams to hide its tracks, and concealed itself in woond and thicket, keeping well away from open ground.


    Once it could no longer hear the threat, it slowed and began to seek out a newir.


    It paused, then moved toward a walled ce of heat and dust.


    Its escape had taken it south, close to where the green fields ended and the dusty ne began. Strange mana flowed from that direction, and there were few settlements close by. It was a far distance from the waterways it preferred.


    Abruptly, a ping sounded from close bing from the dusty ne.


    Atst.


    It dropped to all fours and hurried toward the ping.


    The Ravenersmand would finally be fulfilled. The ping repeated once, twice, three times: each time closer and louder than thest. It stretched its ws out, longing to pierce the usurper with them.<em></em>Suddenly, there was an overwhelming surge of mana, stopping the creature as if it had been struck by a mighty blow. A being who overflowed with mana had appeared adjacent to the pings, and the hunters survival instincts screamed for caution. Its quarry was so close, yet still far from reach while one with such dangerous levels of mana was present.


    So it backed away, waiting for its prey to leave the dusty ne. Its pings continued steadily, then suddenly disappeared, abruptly reappearing inside the city.


    It had been so close to catching its prey.


    But, close would not fulfill its purpose. Weeks of creeping near the city walls had not revealed an easy way to enter: it had not found a way to bypass the powerful magics near the walls, nor avoid detection through the city. That did not mean a way did not exist, it just meant that it had not found one yet.


    And while its quarry might be more vulnerable in the ce of dust, the magic wielder it had travelled there with would likely be a <em>very</em> fatal opponent.


    This called for different measures.


    It wavered, unsure if stealth should be continued or if calling attention to itself would work better. If it terrorized the countryside, that might flush its prey like a beast fleeing fire. Or it might make them hide deeper within the protected walls. Killing mortals might also bring more of them to pursue it, interfering with its purpose.


    No. Stealth was the better choice, but it needed resources.


    First, it would leave this area for a time. It was clear that its quarry had set down roots here and would remain. So, it was time to go north and seek its siblings.


    Then it could return, but with greater numbers.


    Once that was done


    It peered at the wall that separated the greennds from the ce of mana and dust. It could feel other sources of manaing from within. Beasts, not mortals or others that would oppose its master.


    With greater numbers, they could dominate and subjugate some of the beasts. They could be used as a distraction while the usurper was in through stealth.


    Yes. That would ensure sess.


    Snarling, it sprang away, eager to return to the open sea.


    It would be back.


    And then its purpose could be fulfilled.

 Chapter 76: The Path Alone

    Chapter 76: The Path Alone


    Selina had barely spoken a word for days.


    Now, at the breakfast table, she, Theresa and Alex ate with a heavy silence over them. Even Brutuseating nearbyseemed to be in a poor mood; his ears and heads drooped low.


    The little girl ate her porridge slowly, as though she were in a haze. Her eyespuffy and redbarely looked up from her spoon. Selina hadnt been sleeping well, waking often and crying softly in her bed, though she tried to remain quiet. It was happening almost every night now.


    Theresa often heard her distress and would try to calm her by talking gently andforting her enough to fall back to sleep.


    Alex nced at the little y constructions they had set on the windowsill.


    Thest one Selina had madea y version of a snowman she had shaped after theyde home from her mana testsat at the end of the row. She had done it quietly and quickly, and hadnt touched y since, even when Alex had tried to coax her into working together.


    He was going a little crazy with worry.


    Fire. Of all damned things, whyd it have to be <em>fire</em>, he cursed their luck.


    There was a sick sort of shared experience between them now. Against all odds, hed received a Hero''s Mark: a rare thing that hed never wanted. And now, it turned out that <em>she</em> had an affinity for fire magic: a rare thing that <em>shed</em>never wanted.


    Siblings with gifts neither of them had ever asked for.


    ording to Mr. Powell, her fire affinity was very strong too; he had said as much to Alex when theyd discussed what it all meant for Selina after her mana test.


    He shook his head: that was a question that still had to be answered.


    So, whatre you learning in school today, Selina? he asked, forcing as much cheer into his voice as he could.


    Her eyes didnt budge from the table.


    Selina? he pushed.


    Multiplying, she said. Her mouth barely moved and her voice was a low whisper. Her tone made it clear she didnt want to talk.


    He and Theresa exchanged a nce.


    That sounds fun, he continued.


    She didnt respond.


    Would you like-


    Im done now, she said, sliding her bowl away.


    Alex looked down at the porridge bowl. A good part of it still contained food.


    You should, uh, finish, Selina, he said.


    Im done.


    No goods going toe of starving yourself, finish your porridge, he insisted.


    I said Im <em>done.</em> A sullen stubbornness had entered her voice.


    Selina, youre not leaving this table until you finish, he said. He remembered his mother and father saying that to them when they didnt want to eat their vegetables. Well just sit here and wait for you, and youre going to bete for school and so will Theresa and me, and you wont be very happy about that, will you?


    Her face turned red, then she angrily lifted the spoon and started to shove the rest of the porridge into her little mouth.


    Theresa gasped. Selina, slow down! Youll burn yoursel- She caught herself, her eyes went wide.


    Selina didnt break pace until it was all gone.


    <em>tter.</em>


    <em>Done,</em> she said sharply, then pushed her chair away from the table. She paused, and red at the bowl and then at Theresa. Maybe it <em>should</em> burn me.


    She stomped into their shared room while the young man and woman could only stare after her.


    Dismayed, he realized he had no idea what to do.


    He was her brother.


    He wasnt her parent. He had no experience to draw from to help her.


    And their parents nor Theresas were around to help sooth her.


    He feltvulnerable in a way he hadnt since theyd arrived in Generasi. If only he had an older person to talk to. In Alric, one could go to the priests if they needed help with problems of the mind, spirit, or heart.


    But even <em>that</em> wasnt an option anymore thanks to his Mark.


    Todays ss will be a new challenge for all of you, Baelin said. Today you will each be entering The Barrens <em>alone.</em>


    Alexs breath caught. Theresa, Khalik and Isolde all froze.


    Thundar only nodded his readiness, thumbing his mace.


    Svenia and Hogarth sputtered in their seats and the ss murmured to each other. Eyvinder looked like he might actively protest.


    Baelin held up a hand.


    This might make some of you nervous: particrly if you are auditing this course to aid and protect those youve apanied, but this is a vital step. With our first test, we determined which ss members have the basic skills to apply the strategies and tactics taught in this course. We also tested your ability to work as a team. The second outing was to allow you practice with <em>capturing </em>foes, as opposed to killing them, to deal with foes with a terrain advantage, <em>and</em> to learn how to operate in a team with non wizards. However, you will not always be in abat situation with the luxury ofpanions. Sometimes, they or you will be attacked when alone, surprised, and in enemy terrain. Today, you will have an opportunity to adapt to such circumstances.


    Alex nced at Theresa, his nerves rising. After what was happening with Selina, thest thing he wanted was to be alone, travelling on foot through The Barrens.


    Then there was The Mark to consider. Until now, hed been using tactics, evasion, terrain and trickery to disrupt his opponents, and then setting up others to deliver the final blow. The only times that hed ever finished off opponents himself were when hed burned the worker spider swarm, and when hed smashed the inside of the bonedrinkers skull.


    For a fleeting moment, he thought about asking to be excused.


    He shook away the thought.


    That would only serve to deny him an opportunity to practice with Baelin there as a safety. Sooner orter a time woulde when hed have to finish an opponent by himself, and if he was frozen in indecision with The Mark all too ready to intrude, then what would he do?


    He tried to shake away his thoughts and distractions. Acknowledge them and let them go. Unfortunately, they were <em>very</em> insistent on sticking around today.


    Today, the part of The Barrens well be going to will be the crevices toward the southern reach. This is one of the hottest parts of The Barrens. Keep that in mind as you manage your resources.


    Baelin snapped his fingers, materializing small wooden orbsone for each student and theirpanions auditing the coursein mid-air. These will be your goal for todays lesson. You will each receive a map. That map will have a number on it: each of you must find the orb that has the number which corresponds to your map.


    He waved a hand; a number of maps shimmered into the air above the group and gently floated down intops or waiting hands.


    Alex blinked at his: the number 11 was scrawled at the top in neat script. The map itself disyed a massivework of crevices covering a vast area: a veritable maze with more than enough room for everyone present to hunt for their targets without crossing paths. Two sections of the crevices were circled.


    Because of the heat, there are not many monsters in this region. Even the rather abundant muupkaras avoid this ce. The mostmon threats you will experience are bright-spitterstheir prey, and the asional small earth elemental. You should be able to handle or avoid most of these. If you encounter somethingunexpected that you cannot handlebright-spitters <em>can</em> grow veryrgecall for me through the spells I cast upon you. I will watch from above, but I will not interfere unless it is clear that you <em>cannot </em>turn the situation to your advantage.


    Alex looked down at the symbol of Baelins magic: the same one that hed cast on them during the test.


    Do note that this experience will be taking things to the next level. Do not rely simply on the magics automatic ability to bring you to my side if you are in danger. It will call you to me if you are greatly injured, but an instantly fatal blow, is well he let the statement hang, unfinished. Oh, and-


    He held up one finger.


    -until you each find your orbs, you are not permitted to aid one another: even should you encounter each other during your search. After each of you has found your goal, and should you then encounter a ssmate, you will be permitted to band together to help each other reach an extraction point.


    Nua-Oge raised her hand. Since well be on our own, may I cast a spell on Grimloch before we go? Just to protect him from the excessive heat: his people and mine cannot tolerate it well.


    Hrm, Baelin paused. Normally, I prefer that no spells be cast until you are at the assigned task. But you are right, both of your peoples would have far more difficulty with this than others in the ss. Very well, you may armour him in the Shield of Darkwater, but you may engage in no other preparations. Steel yourselves and get ready.


    After the now very familiar feel of Baelins teleportation, Alex materialized at the bottom of a crevice, all alone. The crevice rose high over him, with the walls ending perhaps thirty feet above. The path he stood on at the bottom was fairly narrow, perhaps only fifteen feet wide, with rocks and shattered stones scattered among the dust.


    The heat hit him like a cksmiths forge fire.


    Hed only been standing in The Barrens for a heartbeat and sweat had already sprung up on his skin. He reached into his bag, quickly drawing out some of the potions hed made in Professor Jules ss.


    There was a Potion of Sense Enhancement, two Potions of Body Enhancementone for strength and one for stamina, and The Potion of Running Enhancement hed made during theb where the student had poisoned himself. Alex hadnt seen the young man since, and wondered what had happened to him.


    He then removed the final potion from his bag and turned it, the sunlight catching on the ss and rust-coloured substance within. It was his Potion of Heat and Fire Tolerance. It was a less potent version, and would onlyst a couple of hours, but that should be more than enough time to finish what he had to do.


    Alone.


    <em>Crumble.</em>


    Alex whirled around, his eyes searching the walls of the crevice. The stone was sun-baked and craggy, and would provide plenty of hiding ces for smaller monsters.


    The hair on the back of his neck began to rise.


    He felt nakeda mere bakers assistant about to head into danger, with only a few potions and some utility spells to help him. And it was during a time when his sister was going through something awful and he didnt know how to help her. Now, he was supposed to keep himself safe as well.


    He steeled his nerves like Baelin had advised, acknowledging that dangers could lie ahead of him on the path of wizardry, no matter where that road took him. This was necessary.


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    But what if some monsteres out too fast for Baelin to help you? his treacherous mind asked. What if-


    Quiet, he told himself. Not going to help right now.


    He popped the cork on the Potion of Heat Resistance and chugged it back, making a face. It tasted likewell, like a bunch of strange herbs and alchemical substances, but the magic that coursed through him felt good. Immediately, his body underwent a cooling sensation as if the sun had slipped behind a cloud.


    The heat was still there and he felt it, but it didnt bother him.


    He conjured his forceball and hung his bag over it to conserve his energy then looked at the map. Frowning, he realized hed already encountered his first hurdle. While the map indicated his extraction point and where he would find the orb, it didnt indicate exactly where hed been teleported to for his starting point, and the crevice he was in didnt provide anyndmarks to use to figure it out.


    He looked to the wall and rotated his shoulder.


    Alright, lets go.


    Concentrating, he conjured forcedisk and approached the craggy wall, slowly beginning to scale it. Aside from doing pullups on a horizontal steel hangingdder setup at the universitys gymnasium, Alex was definitely a novice when it came to climbing. Luckily, he was much stronger now, so he took it slowlyallowing The Mark to correct his form as he ascendedand kept both forceball and forcedisk close at hand.


    Neither were strong enough to bear his full weight yet, but with his improvements to them, they were now strong enough to support some of his weight as he scaled the crevice wall. He could feel his muscles tense as he pulled his way closer to his objective.


    When he reached the top, he grabbed the edge and hauled himself up, exhaling in relief. A little more than two months ago, he wouldnt have been able to even begin <em>trying </em>to scale the crevice wall. Now, hed aplished it with his own body strength and two spells. Normally, hed be jumping for joy, but today, he really wasnt in the mood to celebrate, his mind was more on his little sister.


    Looking around, he spotted the distant crevices, noting two shapes flying through the sky: likely Rayne and Najyah. He also saw other outlines standing near the crevices, but he couldnt tell who they were from his distance. He nced up toward the cloudsthere floated the horned silhouette of Baelin, gazing down on all of them like some sort of god.


    Gods


    Alexs teeth clenched.


    Had it been Uldar whod granted Selina her manathe very thing that had killed their family? Was that it? Or was it some sort of sick, random chance? Was it the same chance that had seen him get The Mark? Or had that been Uldars doing?


    Shit, he muttered to himself.


    At least <em>he</em> could make the best of The Mark; it wasnt the very thing that had traumatized them four years ago. but for Selina, not only did she get this awful gift, but she was only <em>ten </em>years old<em>.</em> How was she supposed to cope with this?


    Damn you, he cursed at no one in particr.


    He shook his head again, trying to use his meditation techniques to acknowledge how angry he was and let it pass, but it was challenging.


    Focusing his attention on the map, and noting theyout of the crevices, he found his location.


    Good. He tapped the map.


    Where he needed to go wasnt that far, and he could get there even faster if he went ovend instead of going along the bottom of the crevice.


    Shouts suddenly reached him from a distance.


    He looked up to see Najyah and Raynes silhouettes flying down into the crevices. Other forms were scrambling down into them as well.


    What was going on?


    He nced up at the sky again and his eyes went wide.


    Scores of long, sinewy forms wereunching into the air from a far distant crevicethey looked like snakes with birds wings. Bright shes of fire and light gushed in front of them.


    They must be the bright-spitters the chancellor had mentioned.


    Some of them surged into the sky toward Baelin, while the others swept over the crevices at frightening speed.


    Oh, hell, Alex said, running back to his crevice.

 Chapter 77: Fire and Coils

    Chapter 77: Fire and Coils


    Jagged rock bit into Alexs hands as he scrambled back down.


    Pebbles rattled down the wall as rubble and dust were disturbed in his rush to reach the crevice floor. He imagined the flying serpents catching him ,and had to fight a desperate urge to just jump the rest of the way.


    But a broken neck would likely be the only thing hed reach if he did that.


    Using his two spells, he was able to bnce himself enough to make it to the crevice floor, but from above, he could hear the crackle and rush of meing closer.


    Fire, he growled. It just had to be fire.


    For a brief, irrational moment, he imagined himself climbing back up, using his forceball, some rocks, or even his two fists to smash those fire-breathing bastards to pulp. For the first time in a long while, he actively cursed the day that jesters face had been branded on his shoulder.


    He needed to act. So, he channeled his anger into action: quickly drawing the Potion of Running Enhancement from his bag and chugging it back.


    He felt power surge through his body, spreading, and centering heavily on his legs. Balling his hands into fists, he dug the balls of his feet into the dusty ground and started to sprint.


    His body shot forward like an arrow


    Oh shi-! he cried, regaining his bnce.


    If he hadnt trained his running technique so well, he would have lost footing and tripped, smashing headlong into the rock. It felt like The Potion had doubled his speed; he would need to quickly adjust to keep his footing. He paced his breathing.


    The rocky walls whipped by as he listened for the sound of ring fire breath. He leapt over rocks, and steered his body along the curving pathway. His two spells followed in tandem.


    <em>Thoom.</em>


    <em>Crackle.</em>


    In the far distance, the sound of exploding fireballs and crackling lightning sounded. He wondered what had be of the bright-spitters that went after Baelin andmore importantlyhe wondered how Khalik, Isolde, Thundar, Theresa and the rest were doing.


    Losing anyone else to fire was too unbearable to even think about.


    Pumping his arms, he sprinted around another bend in the path.


    He cocked his head, listening toward the sky and heard the sound of fire breath fading into the distance behind him.


    But, he also heard fire growing louder, approaching from up ahead.


    He skidded to a halt, noting a part of the path where one side was covered by a rocky overhang. Alex ducked down and rolled beneath it, pressing himself t to the dusty floor.


    The sound of a swarm of beating wings appeared overhead, apanied by roaring fire and the hiss of flying serpents. There was also an ominous rattling sound.


    He stayed hidden until the sounds of the bright-spitters had receded in the distance, then rolled out from under the outcropping. Alex looked cautiously about the crevice, saw nothing around, and began running again.


    He raced along the path until The Potion of Running Enhancement faded a short whileter. Hed made good progress despite stopping and now all he needed to do was pace himself.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    A rock the size of his orb crashed into the wall, hitting where his skull had been a moment before.


    What the hell? Alex startled and looked up at the crevice wall.


    A creature was half-emerged from the stone, like a torso rising from a stream. It was malformed with an uneven, misshapen trunk and arms and a jagged head shaped like a cksmiths anvilthe thing was formed entirely of craggy rock. It was a sand coloured earth elemental. Alex stared in shock as it dug a three fingered hand into the surface of the wall like it was water, and ripped out another stone the size of his head.


    It began to spin in ce, gathering speed and whipped the rock at him.


    Oh shit! Alex dived forward.


    <em>Crash.</em>


    It hit the wall, shattering, as he covered his head from rock fragments. Sharp pebbles flew, striking him and he yelled in pain. Gritting his teeth he quickly checked to see where the monster was, then on a whim, shot his forcedisk toward it.


    Since it was made of stone, then maybe The Mark wouldnt-


    Images of failed spells and misthrown objects mmed into his mind.


    Oh, by Uldar! he cursed, inwardly ring at his shoulder as he scrambled to his feet and began to run. Seriously! Go. To. <em>Hell!</em>


    He pushed away the images The Mark was still showing him and took off down the path as fast as he could move, dodging left and right as the creature lobbed rocks like falling rain. He skidded around another corner as a stone smashed against the wall behind him. He kept moving for a while before ncing back to make sure it wasnt following him.


    Luckily, it didnt seem to be.


    Annoyance began to grow as he headed along the pathway thinking about things.


    He thought about how long it had taken to learn Wizards Hand. If hed learned it a bit faster, he might have a force shield ready to cast now. What he wouldnt give for some extra protection while he was alone.


    His anger grew as he ran.


    No, he didnt just want extra protection


    He wanted a way to fight back.


    His rational mind told him that was why he was working so hard to prepare himself to be able to build a golem, but what his emotions wanted was to have an ice spell like Malcolms so he could freeze those damned flying fire snakes and shatter them like icicles.


    Or some bolts of magic to st that earth elemental into rock dust.


    Just <em>something</em> to fight back with.


    Not with a mop. Not with distraction. Not with dancing or utility spells. A <em>regr</em> way to fight back without The Mark screaming at him. The fire from the night his parents died returned to his mind, along with the sparks of me the sprites whodnded on his little sister made, and the fire sted by those bright-spitters.


    But of course, he <em>didnt </em>have a regr way to fight.


    Uldar had seen to it that he never could.


    In that moment, if the bearded, smiling face of Uldar had appeared before him, he might have tried driving his fist into it, Mark or no Mark.


    He thought about pausing to check the map, but decided to call on The Mark instead, focusing on the idea of navigating his way to the orb. A mental image of the map, along with other images flowed into his mind, with focus on the path along the crevice floor as well as the section that represented his crevice.


    He noted the shape of the path around him and focused on where it was on the maps image. His mind examined the circled section the orb was supposed to be in.


    There.


    He was almost at the circle.


    Alex entered a part of the crevice that stretched out twice as wide and stopped, taking some deep meditative breaths. Alright. He was angry. He acknowledged that. He stood still, catching his breath and breathing slowly, acknowledging his anger, then letting it go. Even though the anger was still there, the emotion wasnt as sharp, and at least for now, he felt like punching Udar a little less.


    He could rageter. For now, hed made it to the area where he was supposed to find the orb. That was already half of his challenge over with.


    Youre not going to be much help to yourself or anyone else, if you get your face knocked off trying to punch a god or a rock man , he told himself, reaching into the basket suspended on his forceball and pulling out his Potion of Sense Enhancement.


    Swallowing it down, Alex cringed as the magic raced through him, spreading to his skin, ears, eyes, nose and mouth. For a disorienting moment, none of his senses seemed to be his own.


    The scent of his own sweatmixed with the scented soap hed used to wash clothesmmed into his nostrils. His breathing sounded like a bullhorn in his ears, and beyond the crevice, he could hear the distant sounds of battle far more clearly.


    For a moment, the sun suddenly seemed overwhelmingly bright before his eyes adjusted to the light. A myriad of tiny details on the surrounding rock jumped out at him, like when hed used The Mark on the wall in The Cave of the Traveller.


    He began looking around for signs of disturbed stone or hidden caches. He also activated The Mark, to learn the stone. His eyes scrutinized the surfaces, looking for variations.


    They paused on a dusty protrusion, one with a barely visible hole in itjustrge enough to slip something into.


    It was around ten feet above the crevice floor, necessitating a climb...unless. Concentrating, he dismissed his forcedisk and concentrated on casting Wizards Hand. Hed worked out how to simplify the parts of the spell array he didnt need, making casting it much faster and more reliable.


    <em>Woom.</em>


    The glowing Hand appeared before him, and he gave it an experimental finger wiggle before sending it toward the hole. He ttened it and watched it float inside. The spell gave him tactile feedback he could feel by way of his mana, but of course, he couldnt see where the Hand was going. He slowly edged it forward, feeling through the dark, his eyes fixed on the hole above.


    Inside, it felt like a fairly deep, but narrow tunnel: hopefully, that meant it was where Baelin had ced the or-


    <em>Rttttttt.</em>


    An aggressive rattling noise sounded from inside the hole.


    Alex dragged his spell back.


    <em>Fwoosh!</em>


    Wizards Hand flew out of the hole as a gush of fire filled it and red outward. The bright light shed, stinging his now extra sensitive eyes. He cried out, stumbling back while trying to blink away dancing sparks of light, then nced up in time to see a creature emerge.


    The bright-spitter looked something like the ck adders found around waterways close to Alric, but it had a much longer snout and feathered wings spreading at its sides. Its scales were striped, varying between orange and cklike fire and ashand its eyes glowed like coals.


    It hissed, rattling its tail menacingly, then surged toward Alex with jaws spreading wide. A blinding gush of me sted near him as he leapt to the side, mming his eyes shut. The scorching heat was dampened by the potion coursing through him, but if it ever hit him full on, hed be baked.


    He fell into his dance, dodging away from the serpent while his mind worked through what he could do to stop it. No allies. No offensive spells. He had the fire-gems in his pack, but he didnt want to waste one on a snake. Especially since the me-magic might not even hurt a creature of fire.


    No solutions wereing to him.


    The bright-spitter paused its fire breath and stilled in mid-air, watching him with burning eyes. Its beating wings held it suspended. Suddenly, it shot forward like an arrow. Alex slipped out of the way using his enhanced senses, but the creature was fast, agile and airborneand maneuvered in ways his past opponents couldnt.


    While he was limited to using the three parts of the dance hed learned, its superior maneuvering allowed it to quickly close the distance.


    Its jaws snapped open.


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    Aaargh! Alex shouted in pain as its teeth sank into his arm. It began to coil around his trunk. Panic gripped him. Its elongated form was well over nine feet long and fairly lightweight, but strong for its size. It held him motionless, his arms pinned to his sides, and he could feel it squeezing, coiling tighter, seeking to crush the air from his lungs. He flexed his torso, trying to break free, but the coils tensed, constraining him further.


    A part of his mind was suddenly aware that The Mark wasnt reacting to him trying to get free, but the thought was quickly shoved aside as the snake spread its jaws readying to spout mes.


    Instinctively, Alex shot his forceball between himself and the bright-spitters face, trying to block it. It reared back, biting at the orb. Hed bought himself moments. Wizards Hand dove into the basket, grabbing the Potion of Strength Enhancement, flicked the cork off with its thumb, and poured it down Alex''s throat.


    Power surged into his muscles as the magic spread through him andwith a roarhe began forcing his arms away from his body, pushing at the coils. Again, The Mark did not protest.


    His mind shed to when hed jumped on the vent-drinker and tackled it to hold it in ce, The Mark hadnt reacted. When hed swept his forceball in front of the mana vampire, it hadnt reacted either.


    He hadnt been attempting to <em>injure</em> either, hadnt used a weapon, or any technique designed forbat.


    What if


    He sent Wizards Hand to the serpents head and grabbed its neck not to injure itbut to pull it away. Like a mother cat moving her kitten. He focused his mind on just moving it.


    The Mark did not react.


    Wizards Hand began turning the snakes headpulling its fire breathing jaws awayand the leverage gave him the chance to weaken its hold and push free of its constricting grip. As its sinewy body whipped around under Wizard Hands grasp, he reached for it, grabbing its upper body and rattling tail, and simply held it in ce, making use of his enhanced strength.


    The Mark did not react andthough the bright-spitter pped and struggledhe was able to stop it from burning or coiling around him again.


    He considered the creature he was holding and was stunned by what hed just been able to do.


    It seemed a new loophole had presented itself.

 Chapter 78: Many Hands Make Light Work

    Chapter 78: Many Hands Make Light Work


    It was lucky hed calmed down.


    If hed tried to kill the bright-spitter like hed imagined doing earlier, he wouldnt havee to his realization.


    But, standing there holding a live fire breathing snake presented a problem: what in the world was he supposed to do with it now?


    The thing writhed and rattledbeating its wings against himas it started spitting me again. Alex squinted against the brightness of the fire. He needed to take care of first things first <em>and</em> fast; he didnt want to find himself still holding it if his Potion of Strength Enhancement suddenly faded.


    Alex shifted his grip, grabbing the top of its neck and immobilizing its head. He definitely didnt want it squirming toward him with its fire breath. Then he sent Wizards Hand back into the tunnel to search for the hidden orb. It felt around, examining the ceiling, walls and floor, until it touched something smooth, small and perfectly round: the hidden orb. Wizards Hand picked it up, turned upside down and opened up so that the orb nestled in its palm, then backed out of the tunnel.


    Alex brought the spell to his basket and dropped the orb in.


    Next he had to consider what to do with the snake. Something about trying to strangle it didnt quite sit right with him now and besides, <em>when </em>The Mark interferedand there was no doubt it would interferehe might lose his grip on it.


    Then, it would fry him.


    He looked around, ncing up at the hole and then back at Wizards Hand. An idea was forming. Since hed modified Wizards Hand to take in more mana and get strongerlike hed done with forceball and forceshieldit should be able to lift the bright-spitter. But, the snakes beating wings could let it resist being moved.


    Maybe if he pressed the forceball against one of its wings, that would throw it off bnce and keep it from spreading them. It was worth a try. Wizards Hand grabbed the back of its neck as he quickly removed his own hand. Holding it by the tail, he began to spin it to dizzy it, picking up momentum with every swing.


    It stopped struggling.


    Alex spun, flinging the bright-spitter toward the hole.


    It whipped through the air like a limp rope as Wizards Hand guided it to the opening and pulled it deep inside. Forceball hovered near the entrance andwhen Alex brought Wizards Hand outit immediately moved to block the tunnel. He scanned the crevice floor, searching for a good sized-rock to rece his forceball as a barrier.


    Noticing a pile of stones the size of his forceball on the ground below the hole, he sent Wizards Hand to pick one up, carry it to the opening and jam it in ce. By the time that bright-spitter burned its way out, Alex nned to be long gone.


    Sprinting away from the creaturesir, he ran through the crevice, listening as the sounds of battle grew louder. He was getting close to the others.


    He suddenly felt a burning pain radiating from his upper arm and stopped. Looking down, Alex noticed blood covering his shirt sleeve, right where the bright-spitter had bitten him. Shit! I forgot that thing bit me. He cursed.


    The pain was getting worse.


    It was probably hurting so much because of The Sense Enhancement Potion: which was a down side, he supposed. The wound was oval shaped like the snakes opened mouth and was bleeding through a coating of ash. <em>Thats</em>definitely gonna leave a scar. He muttered, examining the wound. At least, he didnt think hed been poisoned since the bright-spitter hadnt had any fangs and he wasnt on the ground, twitching and dying. For now, the best he could do was clean it off until someone at the infirmary could take a look.


    Alex poured water from his basket onto the wound and wiped it with his shirt tail. He took a long drink, put the waterskin away, and began running again, reflecting on what had just happened with the bright-spitter.


    It seemed he was beginning to get the specifics of The Marks reactions towardbat.


    They were strongest in two situations: first, when he was involved with weapons or techniques that were <em>made</em> forbat. Secondly, when he engaged in an action that would actively harm another creature orlike during the spell-joustdestroy one of their spells.


    The Mark hadnt interfered when hed wrangled the vent-drinker, moved the snake, or distracted the mana vampire. Hed also blown dust in creatures faces and destroyed objects with no objections from it.


    He frowned.


    The one thing that wasnt fitting was when hed tried to knock the dungeon core away from the hive-queen. His forceball didnt have enough power to destroy itso then, why did it react?


    Was it because disarming her would have negatively affected her and the core in a battle situation? The dungeon core had been healing her-


    The possibility came at him hard, and he nearly stumbled.


    Oh, I am the dumbest thing <em>ever</em> born, he muttered.


    The dungeon core was <em>alive!</em>


    Or at the very least, it was sentient and had mana. <em>That</em> was probably why The Mark had interfered with him striking it directly! It had registered it asbat!


    He thought back on Gregoris spell during their spell-joust. It was forceball, an ongoing spell, so it was directly connected with Gregoris mana. Alex remembered how the mana vampire had harmed him by draining his mana through his forceball.


    Maybe that was why it had given him trouble during the spell-joust as well.


    His mind returned to the dungeon core, remembering when hed tried to destroy it. The Mark hadnt interfered with him thenit had guided him on how to actively <em>connect</em> to it, not how to <em>kill</em> it. His connection to it had then allowed him to bring it in contact with The Travellers mana, but that was an indirect effect, like guiding the fire-beams toward the spider horde.


    He stopped for a moment, pulling his notebook and pen from the basket and wrote while he walked. The Sense Enhancement Potion wore off and his senses returned to normal. The pain from the bite lessened too.


    <em>Active harm triggers? Indirect harm does not? Active harmless actionsincluding moving things even if they struggledoes not trigger?</em>


    Moving things was not necessarily abat action, now that he thought about it. Hed identally kicked Selina off the bed when he was asleep and he hadnt even known hed done it. If he was a farmer, hed have to move cows to milk them, or struggling chickens just to get their eggs. Neither werebat actions. If someone had to engage in true battle against hens every time they wanted eggs, people would need to beware of chicke-


    A massive shape lurched out at him from around the path.


    He shouted, throwing up his hands defensively.


    The monster was enormous: taller than Alex, who came up to the top of the beasts belly, and it was maybe five times his weight. It was surrounded by an armour of shadow and liquid. Its eyes were ck and lifeless like a dolls and its serrated tee-


    Wait a minute.


    Grimloch? Alex lowered his hands.


    Those dolls eyes narrowed. You, I know your face, the shark man gnashed out. Alex saw blood stains surrounding the giants mouth. In one massive hand he sped a wooden orb.


    And I <em>definitely</em> know yours, Alex said, nodding at Grimlochs orb. I-


    <em>Crack!</em>


    A blue bolt of lightning crackled into the sky in the distance. It must have been Isolde; Alex hoped she was alright.


    The shark man grunted, looking in the direction of the lightning bolt. Name again?


    Uh, Alex.


    Right. Grimloch held up his orb. You get yours?


    Yeah, I just did. Alex showed it to the shark man. Good, that means we can team up. did you, uh, meet anyone else before you got here?


    The shark man grunted. Just Angr, but that was before wed found our orbs. You?


    No, youre the first, Alex said, cocking his ear to the air.


    The sounds of spell and me had faded.


    No point in standing around talking, the shark man growled, bringing up his map. His extraction point was the same as Alexs. Lets walk.


    The young human and the hulking beastman looked up, noting that they were in a cross-way of four crevices. A nce at the map and Alexs navigation skill told them they would need the one winding to the east to reach their goal.


    They began picking their way along the crevice.


    Whered you find your orb? Alex asked.


    Under a boulder, the shark man said. Second ce I checked, good thing it was easy to lift.


    Alex had trouble imagining a boulder that wouldnt be easy for Grimloch to lift.


    Well, youre luckier than I was, Alex said. Mine was in a hole in a wall that was ten feet up, and one of those fire-spitters was hiding in it.


    Grimloch was silent for a moment. Too bad.


    Well. Alex shrugged. I figured it out.


    Wish I had yours: caught a couple of snakes. Taste good, wouldnt mind a third.


    Alexs eyes fell to the red on the shark mans mouth.


    He quickly looked away. Well, uh, if we run into anymore, you can have them.


    Really? the shark man looked down at him. Your loss. My gain, then. Will return the favour.


    They fell into another silence as they trekked through the crevice. Alexs mind slowly returned to The Mark. He wished it hade with a book of instructions. If he was right about<em> when</em> it interfered and <em>what</em> it consideredbat, then a Fool could still defend themself in battle.


    Sidestepping through dance was one thinghe could see how that would be seen as useless or silly when engaged in a life and death battle with The Ravenerbut being able to move and hold enemies, opened up his options.


    or did it?


    Now that he thought about it, <em>Brutus</em> had a hard time holding down a silence-spider: even a fairly strong man couldnt have held one down without magic to boost his strength. And even if a Fool could grab and hold a single silence-spider, The Chosen had annihted an entire horde by himself.


    Next to that sheer amount of power, even a Fool who could tackle, hold or move an attacker wouldnt be much more useful in a fight than one who could juggle or dance or whatever else. If anything, theyd put themselves at more risk then have to be rescued by the other Heroes.


    His revtion was still a useful one though.


    Laterhed experiment and see how his hypothesis held outthe information might open up new avenues and possibilities for defence and attack. Spells that moved or trapped enemies would be good ones to go to once his research was done, and when he finished learning the Spear-and-Oar Dance, he could look for another dance or system of movement that focused on redirecting force, rather than applying it.


    A darker thought urred to him.


    He shed back to the student who had choked on quicksilver.


    Poison.


    He doubted The Mark would allow him to directly use it on an attackerthough he could try and experiment with thatbut maybe an indirect method of applying it could work. Maybe if there was a way to infuse quicksilver with mana and then vapourize it into a cloud of gas: that could be something lethal that could be used in an indirect way.


    Hed just need toe up with a way to make the potion vial explode.


    The Mark would likely interfere with his aim if he threw it, but if the st and gas cloud wererge enough, then precisely aiming it wouldnt matter. The danger would be if it interfered with his aim and he dropped it at his own feet.


    That would be awell, <em>foolish</em> way to die.


    But, if he used Wizards Hand to <em>carry</em> a poison-filled container and drop it, that would be safer for him. There were also potions that were gaseous and didnt necessarily harm, like sleeping potions. Dropping one of those on bright-spitters would be a pretty good way to subdue them, andsince it wasnt made to injure themThe Mark might not interfere.


    There were spells that affected an entire area instead of a single target: those were called area of effect spells. He would need to find out if The Mark would prevent him from using attack spells that spread over an area instead of attacking an enemy directly.


    Alex considered the fireballs that Rhea and Shiani used and the lightning Isolde preferred. Would The Mark stop him from attacking with spells like those? Firing a spell that consumed someone in a st of me would cause direct harm so The Mark would definitely interfere if he cast and fired one of them like that.


    Area of effect spells that didnt hurt an opponent might be better, and spells that created barriers might work too. Would The Mark interfere with a spell that bound an opponent to a single location, like the shoggoth?


    Every answer brought more questions, but, the more he learned over time, the more questions would be answered


    The more he could make The Mark <em>his.</em>


    His mind returned to Selina.


    Maybe thinking like that would help her too.


    If she could see her affinity as her ownby making fire <em>hers,</em> she could turn something unwanted into something that helped, like he had. If she chose to, at least. Hed be perfectly fine with it if she wanted to walk away from magic altogether or learn magic that <em>wasnt</em> about fire. It was her life, after all.


    He just didnt want her to hate herself.


    How would he exin all that to her, though?


    Maybe someone who knew more about fire magic could help. His mind drifted to the second year, Shiani. She used fire spells in COMB-1000, but shed been gentle when they were wrangling the vent-drinkers. Maybe he could ask her for some insights into fire to help him have a conversation with Selina.


    Maybe even-


    <em>Crumble.</em>


    He paused, holding up his hand. I heard something ahead.


    Grimloch snarled. Me too.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    The shark mans knuckles popped as his massive hands curled into fists. He nodded to the curve ahead in the path with his pointed snout and bared his teeth. Alex scooped up a handful of dust with Wizards Hand.


    They exchanged nods and started forward.


    Wait! A familiar voice called from around the bend. Alex, is that you I smell?


    Thundar? Alex paused. Please tell me that it''s you and not me going crazy from the heat.


    The familiar horned head of Thundar poked around the corner. Real enough for you?


    Alex sighed in relief. Grimloch grunted, and he definitely sounded disappointed.


    As the minotaur rounded the corner, the doberman-like form of Angr emerged behind him, panting from the heat with his tongue lolling out.


    Thundar nodded to Alex and Grimloch. Got your orbs?


    Alex drew his orb up, bouncing it up and down a couple of times on the palm of his hand. One bounce made it go sideways and he had to scramble to catch it. He chuckled embarrassedly.


    I should learn to juggle, he thought. All this time Ive been using The Mark for serious business like school, and defending myself and stuff. Maybe I should learn something fun with it.


    Grimloch simply raised his orb between two fingertips.


    We have ours too! Angr said excitedly. Thank the elements, now we can work together He peered behind them, sniffing the air. Did you find a way to the extraction point beside this one?


    Alex frowned. No, the map shows that <em>this</em> is the only way.


    A silence fell.


    Nothing else? Thundar asked slowly. Not even something small and secret? A path that wouldnt be on the map?


    Nothing, Grimloch gnashed the word, his teeth snapping thest syble out.


    No, we didnt see anything, Alex said. The only path isis where you came fromwhy are you heading <em>this </em>way?


    Angr and Thundar looked at each other.


    Youre sure, sure, sure? Angr asked again.


    Yeah, why? Alex said, feeling nerves rising in his stomach.


    Thundar sighed. Then were up to our necks in pig shit. Follow us. Well show you.

 Announcement: Final Patreon Tier and Top Web Fiction

    Announcement: Final Patreon Tier and Top Web Fiction


    Hiiii everybody!


    I just wanted to tell you that I managed to barely get my advanced chapters up to <strong>20</strong> as a thank you for my supporters on the fourth tier of my Patreon.


    I am seriously so grateful for all the positive support everyone has shown during this novel.


    Also, I understand, that sometimes financially you can''t support porjects you want to, so I would like to also announce that I have put Fool on top web fiction. You don''t have to, of course, but it''d help me get Fool to more people if you clicked on the link and boosted the story on there! Find the link here


    Now onto the next chapter!

 Chapter 79: An Elemental Battle

    Chapter 79: An Elemental Battle


    <em>Boom. Scrrrrrp. Boom. Scrrrrp.</em>


    Stone ground across stone.


    <em>Hsssss.</em>


    Hissing emerged from serpentine mouths.


    Oooooh <em>shit</em>, Alex swore.


    The group was peering out from behind a boulder, looking at what Thundar and Angr had wanted them to see.


    Beside him crouched Angr, and Thundar peered over their heads. Above and behind all three, Grimloch poked his shark-like snout from behind the corner of the crevice wall.


    But even <em>he</em> was dwarfed by what they were looking at.


    It was an earth elementalmisshapen, barely humanoid and sand-coloured like the one Alex had seen earlierbut this monster must have been thirteen feet tall. The ground shook every time its massive, rocky legs took a step, and poking out of several holes in its craggy flesh were the heads of bright-spitters, hissing and puffing out tiny lines of me. The crevice it was in was wideperhaps forty feet acrossbut the elemental was patrolling back and forth across its width.


    From the way it moved, Alex thought it looked agitated, though he wasnt sure if a giant moving pile of rock <em>could</em> be agitated.


    He <em>was</em> sure it could be highly lethal, though.


    So, a giant figure made of stonecapable of squashing him into a red paste with a single swing of its armsserved as the home for at least half a dozen creatures that spit searing, blinding fire was pacing the crevice between them and safety.


    Were so screwed, he muttered.


    Thats what we were saying, Angr said bitterly, continuing to pant with drops of spittle falling to the stones below.


    Lets back up, Thundar suggested. No sense in letting that thing spot us if it hasnt already.


    The group pulled back from the giant elemental, retreating around the corner until there was at least a good hundred feet between them and the monster.


    Do we call the chancellor? Angr suggested, indicating the spell-mark on his hand. He said to call him if any of those bright-spitters showed up that was too much for us to handle. And I think <em>that things</em> too big for us to handle: I think hed want us to call him.


    Alex frowned, stepping away from the group, and peered up at the sky. The tiny silhouette of the chancellor was still outlined against the blue above. He noted where the wizard was floating.


    Im not so sure about that, Alex said. He pointed to the figure. Hes floating pretty close by, that crevice is wide as hell and that elementals bigger than a lot of <em>trees</em>. I think hes already seen it.


    Thundar snorted. That means he thinks we can handle it. Probably.


    Were just first and second year students, though Angr said, his eyes darting to the bend in the path. I dont think we could take something like that.


    We killed the bonedrinker, Thundar grunted. But there were a <em>lot</em> more of us then and we had a cliff to drop it off of. He drew his mace and frowned at it. Itd dent the hell out of my mace before I even cracked it.


    Maybe hes not waiting for us to defeat or break it. Alex nced up at Baelin. If we dont have the power to break it, maybe we just need to get past it. He <em>has</em> said that sometimes its about avoiding conflict, right?


    YeahyeahI think I follow. Thundars eyes squinted in thought. If we ran into a big fire breathing snake that could fly, wed need to run, die or get real lucky. But that elemental looks slow, and theres a lot of ground around it. We could get past it if we moved quick enough.


    What about those fire snakes? Angr said. What if they fly at us while were trying to get around them? Im not saying we cant do it, but well all be screwed if they start burning and blinding us, giving that thing a chance to grab us.


    We eat them, Grimloch said.


    They paused, all slowly looking at him.


    Right, not Alexs: he said I get his share. The shark man nodded to him appreciatively.


    They continued to stare at him.


    Youcan have my share too, Thundar said.


    Mine too, Angr added.


    Grimloch stared at them for a moment with his dull, ck eyes. More for me. No wonder youre all so short: you dont eat your meat.


    Im actually pretty tallpared to- Alex paused. Ah, nevermind. But Grimlochs half-right: if we can st them away, kill them if they get too aggressive, or distract them, we should be able to get around the elemental fast enough.


    Thundar thought it over. Your force spells, my Illusory Duplicate, Angrs magic bolts and Grimlochs He paused, craning his neck to look up at the colossal beastman. ...<em>existence</em>should distract them. By the time it follows us, we should be at the extraction point


    What about going ovend instead of through the crevices? Alex asked, Did you try that?


    We climbed up and peeked over the edge. Angr nced to the top of the wall. The bright-spitters are still swarming. If we went up there, theyd be on us.


    Right, nowhere but through, then, Alex looked at both Grimloch and Thundar. How agile are you feeling?


    Agile enough to live, Thundar snorted.


    Im quick when I have to be, Grimloch growled.


    Okay, then heres what we do. Alex crouched and began to draw in the dust. That''s the elemental in the middle. We watch until its in the middle of the crevice, then we rush it and spread out on either side. Ill go on the right with Thundar. Grimloch, you can go on the left with Angr. Thundar, Grimloch, youll be closer in the middle of the formation, because I think you could duck the thing and outrun ityou both have longer legs. Meanwhile, Angr and Ion the outsidewill st and distract the snakes and make it easier for all of us. Hows that?


    Good n to me, Thundar said. As long as we all move fast.


    Hrm. Grimloch looked at the diagram. We could take it. Throw it off its feet. Butcher it like a beached whale.


    Lets uhmaybe thats the back up n, Angr said. Lets try and get around it first.


    The fourpanions slipped back to the corner of the crevice, peering around again. Alex removed his bag from his forceball and slung it over his shoulder. Carrying it would make him a bit slower, but hed rather have the forceball avable for distraction and whatever else came up.


    They watched the rocky monster patrol back and forth, counting its steps and how long it took for it to make a full circle. Then, when it had stepped in the middle


    Now! Alex shouted.


    They tore around the corner, sprinting hard toward the elemental.


    The giant rock figure paused, stone grinding against stone as it turned toward them. The fire-spitters hissed and rattled in warning.


    But they didnt stop.


    Thundar spat out a quick incantation, and his image split into two as his Duplicate manifested. Grimloch simply ran forward, his long strides letting him quickly outpace the others. As the elemental turned toward him, the bright-spitters hissed and took to the air.


    Thats when Angr fired.


    Blue bolts of mana shot at the flying serpents, scattering them while Alexs Wizards Hand flew among them, pulling at wings and tails or patting their snouts to confuse and throw them off bnce.


    They sprayed fire in all directions, and the fourpanions turned away from the blinding mes. The elemental made a terrible grinding sound and began stomping toward Thundar.


    One of the two minotaurs rushed toward the creature, seeming to prepare to dive between its legs, but the elemental ignored that one and swung its arm down at the second image of Thundar.


    With a cry of surprise, the second minotaur dove to the side.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The elementals fist smashed deep into the rock, kicking a cloud of stone and dust up from the crevice floor. Thundar stumbled through the cloud, coughing while his illusory duplicate disappeared. Alex balked: it looked like the creature could detect which was the real Thundar.


    Which meant it had more capabilities than they thought, making it even more dangerous.


    It was a good thing Thundar was quick on his hooves, otherwiseBaelins spell or notthere probably wouldnt have been much left of him.


    Angr yipped and redoubled his pace, continuing to fire bolts at the swarm of snakes. One of the snakes broke free from the swarm, and swooped toward the canine beastman, firing its blinding breath.


    The beastman yelped, shielding his eyes but continuing to run forward, all the while firing his spells. Alexs Wizards Hand shot after the bright-spitter, grabbing its wing and shaking it off bnce until it spun out of its flight path and spiralled toward the ground.


    His forceball shot at the rest, looping around and through them to agitate and distract them. The snakes hissed and tried to bite it, but it was far too agile for their teeth to reach.


    Good.


    They were over halfway through the wide part of the crevice. The extraction point would be close, just a little farther and-


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    Rock tore from rock.


    Alex nced over his shoulder and gasped.


    Like the small elemental that had attacked him earlier, this monster tore a massive stone from the earth like it was drawing it out of a pool of water.


    The elementals arm swung back and it turned its body toward the half-blind doberman beastman.


    Angr! Thundar shouted. Duck!


    Angrs ears perked up.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    The boulder shot through the air just as Angr ducked down.


    <em>Smash!</em>


    It missed him by a hair, crashing into the wall and exploding into a shower of shards.


    A yelping scream tore through the air


    Stones the size of fists had sprayed the young wizard along his side, and arge one had struck his knee. A smaller one had hit the back of his head.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    Angr tumbled from his feet, dazed, and crashed to the ground groaning and holding his leg.


    Oh, <em>shit!</em> Alex shouted, skidding to a halt along with Thundar and Grimloch.


    This was a tricky scenario.<strong></strong>The flying stone had injured Angr enough to stun him and knock him down, but not enough to automatically activate Baelins spell.


    The elemental stomped toward the fallen young wizard.


    Use the spell-mark! Thundar roared. Get out of there, Angr!


    The beastman shook his head as though he was being swarmed by insects, showing no sign of knowing what was going on.


    Alexs mind began to race.


    <em>Think. Adapt!</em>


    He looked at his two force spells, then at Thundar and Grimloch.


    Ill distract it! he shouted, looking at the shark man. Throw it off bnce like you said you could!


    Yessss! Grimloch roared, bearing his teeth and rushing up behind the elemental.


    Cursing, Thundar followed, spitting an incantation and pping a hand on the back of the shark man. Silver-grey mana materialized around him, flowing into Grimloch and swelling his enormous muscles further. Thundar then cast the spell again as he ran, strengthening his own body.


    Alex shot Wizards Hand forward and around the elemental just as it was closing in on Angr, pressing it to the things face. For a moment, it didnt even seem to notice. Then it stopped, made a grinding noise and reached up to swipe it away. Alex made the force Hand spring onto its fingers like a spider and begin harassing the elementals rocky body.


    It swiped at its own form, then paused for a moment.


    Grimloch and Thundar were almost on it.


    Then Alex remembered how it had seemed to know to ignore the illusionary copy of Thundar.


    The minotaur realized the danger at thest second.


    Back! Back! he shouted. It knows wereing!


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    The elemental turned, swinging for the two beastmen, but while Thundar jumped back, Grimloch kept going, raising both hands with a growl as the armour of water and shadow swirled around him.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Alexs jaw fell open.


    The shark man had <em>caught </em>the blow.


    The watery armour had cushioned his form from the impact and Thundars warning let him brace for it. With his colossal strength further enhanced by the minotaurs magic, he could stop a blow that would have shattered a boulder.


    Mistake, he snarled at the creature.


    Thenstill holding its armhe pulled backward. Hard.


    The elemental was dragged forward, stumbling as its feet tore away from the ground. Thundar didnt hesitate. With it off bnce, the minotaur raced into its guard and wrapped both arms around one of its massive legs.


    With a roar of effort that made Alex wince, Thundar lifted the creatures leg, throwing off its centre of bnce.


    <em>Whoosh</em>


    <em>Bang!</em>


    It crashed to the earth.


    Thundar! Alex shouted. Get Angr!


    The minotaur raced toward the fallen beastman.


    Grimloch suddenly growled in surprise. The earth elemental had begun to sink into the stoneand was taking the shark man with it. Rock shimmered around its entire body as though it were water, which shimmered around Grimlochs legs as well. The shark man was already halfway up to his calves in stone.


    Mana was surging, and Alex detected a rush of magic flowing from the elementals body and down to the earth at Grimlochs feet. Almost like a mana conductor


    Grimloch! Alex shouted. Let go of his arm! Thats how hes pulling you down!


    The shark man grunted and let go, his legs remained stuck in the path. He strained against it. Alex shot his forceball toward the ground at Grimlochs feet.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    A crack appeared in the newly warped stone.


    He drove it down again.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    A deeper crack formed. With a grunt, Grimloch tore his right leg free, but the elemental was rising uprightnow halfway out of the stoneand Alex drove Wizards Hand at it, harassing it to buy a few more heartbeats.


    With another couple of impacts from the forceball, Grimloch pulled his left leg out. But having to move both force spells had left the bright-spitters unchecked, rattling and hissing, they swarmed at the shark man as he tried to sprint away from the earth elemental.


    Alex shot both spells at them, but a pair surged forward, spraying their fire breaths over Grimlochs back.


    <em>Hssssss!</em>


    Some of the watery armour boiled away beneath the me, scalding his flesh, but rather than scream, the shark man whirled with horrifying speed.


    His jaws spread open.


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    The two snakes went limp, protruding halfway from his reddening teeth.


    Lets go! Alex shouted as Grimloch and Thundarcarrying Angr caught up and they bolted around the corner and out of the pass.


    Behind them, they heard rattling, hissing and the pping of bright-spitter wings, and the crushing footfalls of the elemental.


    They were after them.

 Chapter 80: Pack Tactics

    Chapter 80: Pack Tactics


    The elementals footfalls thundered through the crevice and the serpents pping wings filled the air behind them.


    They were still outpacing the massive rock monster, but the bright-spitters were gaining.


    They needed a diversion.


    Alex called his forceball, spinning it along the ground, kicking up a dust cloud in their wake. He nced back as the dust rose and obscured the passage. Good. Any cover was good cover.


    The path wound around several corners and bends, eventually bing another straightaway about a hundred and fifty paces long.


    They were almost at their extraction point.


    Alex pushed harder, ncing back now and then when, suddenly, a slew of serpents billowed over the side of the crevice, rattling in rage. They flew straight for the fleeing ssmates. Alex focused, sending his spells swirling into their wings and throwing them off bnce. Some careened into each other and smashed into the walls.


    More heartbeats bought.


    Every second the me breathing snakes were dyed was a second they had to make it to the extraction point. As long as there werent anymore snakes or elementa-


    His thought paused.


    Wait, he concentrated on his hearing.


    Guys, where the hells the elemental? He shouted.


    He couldnt hear its grinding, pounding footfalls anymore...at all.


    Where could it hav-


    <em>Boom!</em>


    It suddenly burst through the cliff like something emerging from a waterfall.


    The elemental had shadowed them, gliding <em>through</em> the stone instead of following the path. In each hand, it clutched a massive boulder ready tounch. A roar sounded, like the earth raging and breaking in half.


    Oh, <em>hell! </em>Iing boulders! Alex screamed.


    Zigzag! Thundar shouted. Dont give it a clear line to fire in!


    Grimloch, Thundar and Alex zigzagged across the crevice floor in tandem.


    <em>Whooosh!</em>


    Down!


    They ducked, stumbling forward as the boulders sailed past them, crashing into the earth and stirring up more dust clouds. Alexs legs burned as he nced behind.


    His forceball was skidding back and forth along the parched ground and he caught glimpses through the dust cloud. The elemental was tearing up boulders to hurl while bright-spitters were set to swoop at them. With only Wizards Hand to slow them, it pulled one off-bnce by the wing, but more wereing fast.


    Bright-spitters! Right behind us! he yelled.


    Their mistake! Grimloch snarled, skidding to a halt beside one of the boulders and driving a leg into the ground. He reached down to grab the rock. His enhanced muscles bulged as he heaved it from the earth, spun on his back leg, and hurled the boulder at their pursuers.


    The rock flew, crashing through the flying snakes, scattering them and soaring through the air until it collided with the top of the elementals chest. It went reeling against the cliff face in an explosion of stone shards and dust.


    Grimloch rushed the scattered snakes. Some tried to right themselves, but Wizards Handgrabbed their wings, plucking them from the air. The shark mans massive hands closed around two of them and his jaws caught another two.


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    Four bright-spitters met their end.


    Grimlochs chest heaved as he dumped the pair into his thoroughly bloody jaws. His red gills seemed to pulse with every breath as he looked at Alex while loudly chewing and pointing at the elemental.


    Theyre sunk, lets finish it! he snapped.


    Alex blinked, surprised at again being thrust into the position of leader. He nced at Angr, whothough still recovering his senses in Thundars gripbared his teeth and snarled at the elemental.


    Angr, you up for this? Alex asked.


    The beastman growled. That thing nearly killed me. I want some payback.


    The minotaurs nostrils were ring, blowing dust from his fur and snout.


    How much longers your body strengthening going tost? Alex asked.


    More than enough time, Thundar said, his gaze levelled at the elemental.


    Alex took a deep, steadying breath. His mind worked quickly. On the one hand, the extraction point was close. On the other they might have the advantage now and knowing Baelin, hed expect them to press any advantage they had.


    Plus, others might have to use the extraction point they were heading to.


    Forward, then. He cracked his neck. Lets break this thing. If it starts to look like its overwhelming us, we retreat. Angr, you st it from back here where youll be safer. Thundar, you and Grimloch are on rock smashing duty. Ill give you as much cover as I can. Fair?


    Lets do it. Thundar set Angr down and snorted, drawing his mace.


    Feeeeeeding freeeeenzy! Grimloch roared without a moments hesitation. He grabbed another boulder and heaved it at the elemental before charging with Alex and Thundar close behind.


    <em>Whooosh! Bang!</em>


    Therge stone smashed the elemental further against the cliff, and a crack split along its torso. Angr shouted his incantation and shot a flurry of small mana bolts at the rock monster, hammering the crack.


    Alex drove his forceball forward, and sent Wizards Hand toward the wall above the creature. Together, the spells smashed the wall in a flurry of blows, cracking the stone and dislodging rock and debris to pour down on it, obstructing its vision.


    It swiped at the stone shower with rocky arms, and those few moments bought Grimloch the time to close the distance. He dropped his shoulder and drove it into the elementals core, smashing it harder against the wall. Then, he scooped up a massive b of rock, andusing it like a clubbegan hammering its chest.


    Then Thundar was there, driving his mace repeatedly into its torso.


    It roared in its grinding voice and raised its arms to batter them, but Grimloch smashed the limbs away while Thundar kept pounding at it.


    The nges of his mace dented with each shot as cracks began spreading throughout the monsters trunk. It shuddered at every blow, then suddenly roared, and abruptly sank into the stone. Thepanions froze.


    <em>Shoom!</em>


    A stone fist burst from the wall, driving into Grimlochs face and sending the shark man stumbling back, spitting blood and teeth. The elementals other fist ruptured the wall, catching the minotaur on the chest and throwing him off his hooves. The two scrambled away, but the elementals limbs had retreated, disappearing back into the stone.


    All four paused, searching for any sign of it.


    Silence was all that met them.


    <em>Shoom!</em>


    A rocky fist burst up through the ground, smashing into Grimlochs leg and sending the shark man sprawling. He roared, snapping at the air. <em>Sneaky little seal!</em>


    Do you see it? Thundar looked at Angr and Alex, who both shook their heads. Alexs mind was working.


    He nced at the ground.


    Mana had coursed through Grimloch and the elemental when it was trying to drag him into the ground. Alex couldnt feel any magic when it was going through the earth by itself, but that could mean that he hadnt been listening well enough.


    He took a deep, meditative breath and closed his eyes, sensing. The Mark honed his meditation techniques and decreased his other senses to focus on his ability to feel active mana. He felt the spells coursing through Thundar and both of the beastmenbut there was another mana below them, swimming through the earth like a fish.


    It took him a few heartbeats to sense its precise location.


    And then


    Thundar! Strike down to your right! he shouted.


    Wha-? he heard Thundar say.


    <em>Now!</em>


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    The sound of the iron mace striking stone echoed. The elemental rumbled.


    Grimloch! Alex shouted as he felt it move. To your right! Now!


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    He heard rock shatter, and this time, the elemental roared.


    Now the mana was rising up fast.


    Itsing up below you, Thundar! Look out!


    Alex opened his eyes to see the minotaur leap aside as the elemental surged up from beneath the earth like a fish jumping from ake. Its arms grabbed for Thundar, but he was already gone.


    And Grimloch was already charging it.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The shark man tackled it to the ground and pushed his fingers into therge jagged crack in its body. His arms flexed as he began wrenching it wider and wideruntil it was broader than a mans head. Angrs mana bolts mmed into the crack, breaking it apart.


    The elemental tried sinking back into the earth.


    Oh no you dont! Alex shouted, focusing on his forceball.


    He gently slid the spell into the widening gap. Hit it! he shouted. Use it as a wedge!


    Thundar raised his mace and Grimloch his b of rock and mmed them onto the forceball. The force burst the spell, but not before shoving it deep into the rock, splitting it.


    The earth elemental roared as the crack fanned out, spreading wider and wider until its trunk ruptured.


    With a shudder, the massive stone creature copsed, trickling into mounds of dust.


    The four young men looked down at the remains of their enemy, then up at each other.


    As one, four roars of victory rose into the air.


    They materialized onto Baelins escarpment to find they werent the first ones there. More than half the ss had already arrived, looking much worse for the wear.


    Thundar! Alex! Isolde called, approaching them with quick steps. One of her shirt sleeves had been burned away, revealing a reddened raw area on her arm and shoulder. Youre safe, thank goodness!


    Angr! Caramiyus rushed toward them. A bandage had been wrapped around one of his forearms and Alex could smell some sort of ointment. The canine beastmen beganmunicating rapidly in anguage that sounded like a series of yips, barks and whines.


    Caramiyus raised Angrs arm over his shoulders and supported him in limping to one of the benches. Angr paused for a moment and looked over his shoulder at Thundar.


    You saved my life, he said, then turned his gaze to the rest of the group. All of you did. Thank you. One day, Ill return the favour, if I can.


    With a final nod to each other, he and Caramiyus limped away.


    Svenia came to stand beside Isolde, wincing as she moved.


    The rest of the ss looked like theyd been put through a gauntlet: most had bruises, cuts, burns or bite marks. Out of all of them, only Malcolm and hispanion, Eyvinder, looked to be unscathed. Alex remembered that the green-skinned man could control the earth using mana. This task would have been well-suited to his skills and powers.


    He nced at Grimloch, then grimaced at the gaps between some of his teeth. Hey, buddy, I noticed you lost some teeth there. Sorry, thats rough.


    Why? The shark man looked at him. Theyll grow back in a few days.


    ...what?


    Theyllgrow back? Why you looking at me like I got jellyfish on my face?


    Your teeth grow back?


    Yeah, dont yours?


    Alex blinked. N-no.


    Grimloch looked stunned. Schar teeth and those of my people grow back. how do you people even live?


    You know, Im starting to wonder that myself, Alex grumbled.


    Sharkfolk were cheating at life. Utterly cheating.


    Nua-Oges not here, Grimloch growled, his ck eyes going back to scanning the crowd.


    No, Isolde said. And neither are Hogarth, Khalik and Theresa. There is no sign of the chancellor yet, either.


    Alexs stomach dropped.


    I hope they found each other. He murmured.


    If they hadnt returned yet, it was likely they were having even more trouble than he and his group had. He thought back to the elemental, considering what his chances of getting past it alive wouldve been without Grimlochs physical power, Thundars might and strengthening magic, and Angrs ranged support. They wouldve been slim to none.


    <em>Hed</em> barely been able to handle a single bright-spitter. Granted, Khalik, Theresa, and Hogarth didnt have a magical mark that stopped them from attacking directly, but one of those elementals would still be devastating to face all alone.


    Maybe-


    He paused, his mana senses sparking.


    A familiar magic wasing.


    The air shimmered in the middle of the group and they stopped their conversations and watched. Soon, the water and darkness encased form of Nua-Oge stumbled out of thin air, and immediately fell panting to her hands and knees. Thankthank Ek-u-Dari.


    Nua-Oge! Grimloch rushed to her side, helping her to her feet.


    Good for them, d theyre both safe, Thundar said.


    Mhm, Alex said, trying to hide the stab of disappointment he felt at not seeing Theresa or Khalik. He turned toward the south, peering at the horizon, but the crevices were too far for him to see anything from his distance.


    The air shifted again and he felt the familiar magic once more. It held far greater force this time.


    Four spots shimmered in the air, eventually revealing the forms of Baelin and the three missing students. Theresa and Khalik were supporting Hogarth, who had burns along his torso. Thankfully, they were alive.


    Isolde, Alex, Thundar and Svenia gave cries of relief and rushed to them.


    Svenia took the burden of Hogarth from the huntress and the prince, while Alex nearly tackle-hugged Theresa and Khalik. Theresa hugged him back while Khalik simply gave an exhaustedugh. Thundarsrge hands pped them on their shoulders.


    Off to the side, Baelin wiped some ash from his robes. In one hand, he gripped the still form of a bright-spitter. Its body was frozen in a pose of attack, and its jaws were parted as though it were poised to bite or breathe fire.


    Alex blinked at it for a moment.


    It had been turned to solid stone.


    Baelin cheerfully waved the now-rock bright-spitter at the ss. A souvenir. He looked at the group on the escarpment. But I will not be the only one bearing a souvenir today. Well <em>done!</em> he said enthusiastically. In most years of teaching this course, this challenge usually sees one or two students injured gravely enough to activate the spell to bring them to safety. Though we have had some injuries <em>this</em> year, there have not been any that a few alchemical poultices and a trip to the infirmary shouldnt easily resolve. Now, then


    He snapped his fingers.


    Alex startled as his bag began to shudder, and the orb with the number 11 floated out. His ssmates orbs emerged from bags and pouches to float in front of each of them as well.


    They began to shine.


    <em>Crk.</em>


    The gleaming orbs cracked in the centre and opened like blossoms. Small pendants floated from within each one: shaped like half-moons carved from a hard white material. A symbol was etched into each pendant, but it looked iplete, as if split in two.


    The orbs vanished while the half-pendants drifted in front of each student, hanging in the air until they grasped them.


    Baelin looked at his ss with a look of immense pride. These are charm-pendants of apprenticeship: an ancient practice where master wizards would craft pendants for their apprentices to indicate they had passed their trials and tests, and were associated with their teachers. A fun fact for the historians among you: they were among one of the precursors to your student cards. His goat-like eyes twinkled as he drew a bone ne from deep within his robes.


    Several charms and pendants hung from the chain: some were carved jewels, some were tiny metal figures, some were etched bone, and others simple stones. He fingered through them like keys on a chain, and drew up a circr bone pendant simr to their own.


    The symbol upon it looked like a drawing of a figure with bat-like wings. This is the charm-pendant given to me by my own master when I was even younger than youwhich was, quite frankly, an embarrassingly long time ago. Nheless, it is a practice I do not like to see die out. What you currently hold is half of a charm associated with me: I provide them to all who progress this far in my ss. Should you reach the end of COMB-1000, I shall present each of you with the other half.


    He chuckled. A Proper Wizard walks a dangerous road, and often takes paths that prove unpleasant at the time: much like the crevices. But rewards can await those who undergo trials. At least, as long as you keep your wits about you, and have the tenacity, endurance and tactics to survive, even when alone. It is my hope that you will foster an association with each other, much as graduates of my sses have in the past. It is difficult to be alone on the path of wizardry, and a Proper Wizard can live a <em>very</em> long time. Make and cleave to your connections now, though at times you may have to walk alone, for even the strongest tower is nothing without the ground beneath to support it.


    Alex listened to Baelins words.


    Support.


    Not being alone.


    He nced at Shiani who was holding her pendant while chatting excitedly with Rhea.


    Hopefully, he could show Selina that she wasnt alone, despite what life or the gods had granted her.

 Chapter 81: Fire and Midterms

    Chapter 81: Fire and Midterms


    Baelins magic returned the ss to the stadium and Alex spotted Shiani, Malcolm, and Rhea. He took a deep breath and was heading toward them when a hand touched his shoulder.


    You have an injury, I see, Isolde said, her sharp blue eyes focused on him.


    Alex nced at the bright-spitter bite.


    Tis but a scratch. He shrugged.


    Well, done, then. She paused. How do you do it, exactly, Alex? I an edge entered her voice. struggled today. And yet somehow you did not. How do you do it?


    Uh, what do you mean? he asked distractedly.


    The ss had begun to gather their supplies and get ready to leave the stadium, and he didnt want Shiani to go without asking her for advice. She might say no, but he had to try.


    Youre a first year student. Isolde watched him closely. You know nobat spells and yet youre performing incredibly well here. I am taking second year mana maniption and potions courses, yet word has been spreading about your performance even in them. And it is not often that one does so well that professors talk about them to upper year sses.


    Alex snorted, still watching Shiani. Tell that to my force magic prof. He barely talks <em>to</em> me, let alone about me.


    Still, Isolde said. I pride myself on performance as I did in the first year levels for those subjects but-


    Shiani started to move.


    Isolde, could you hold that thought, Alex said quickly.


    She paused and a shadow passed across her face. ...sure.


    Ill be right back. He nced at his other friends. Ill be back. I have to talk to Shiani for a minute.


    He jogged across the stadium. Excuse me! Excuse me! He waved at the three second years.


    They slowly turned as he approached. Shiani, right? he asked, his eyes locking on the young, dark-haired woman. Her seashell ne rattled against Baelins charm-ne as she moved. Can I ask you something?


    She froze up for a moment. Um, yes?


    Malcolm grinned beside her and gave a knowingugh, elbowing her in the side. Rhea chuckled, and Shiani shot both of them a quick re.


    Listen, can I ask you about fire? he asked.


    Malcolm and Rhea froze; their amusement quickly faded into disappointment, while Shiani looked relieved. Pardon? Fire?


    Yeah, look I know we hardly know each other, and this is kind of a strange thing to ask but he paused, trying to find his words. Ive seen you use fire spells in ss a lotas much as Rheabut like Again, he stopped trying to find the right words. youve been gentle in ss andokay, look. Its my sister.


    Heunched into an exnationonly quickly touching on the darker parts of the situationand then moved onto exining how his sister had received a fire affinity. Shianis eyes grew wider as his story continued.


    ...so yeah, he said. I know its a long shot, but I thought Id ask. Like, I dont think fire <em>has</em> to be a bad thing, but I dont know how to really talk about that with herbut like, youre <em>kind</em> and you use it. Maybe if I could tell her about you, or you could give me some ideas on what to say, or <em>something</em>. I know, this is very, very random.


    Shiani paused when his torrent of words finally stopped. IIm not sure what to say. She frowned. That poor girl. My people actually worship fire, like they do in the Rhinean Empireas they also do with the other elements. but, we actually do have some that fear it. Our priests usually talk to them: would a priest of your god be able to speak with her, I meanI could tell you what I think, but Im not sure if it will help


    He fought to keep his face neutral when she mentioned talking to his own priests. Uh, our god Uldar really doesnt have much to do with fireand the priests arent wizards. So, they could give like general help, but I was thinkinglook if this is too much pressure, I understand: I kind of did just ambush you with this. I gotta admit, Im a bit desperate.


    Hmmmm, she thought carefully. Ifif you bring her to ss one day, I could talk to her a little bit about she paused. How would you call it in thisnguage The Fire that Nurtures. Its what we call the divine we find in me. Or I could tell you about it, and <em>then</em> tell her.


    He let out a sigh of relief. <em>Anything</em> can help. Id like to hear about it from you, and if I can get her toe one day, maybe you could talk to her? I wont take too much of your time.


    She paused. Alright, but I cant promise anything.


    Anything works. He smiled brightly. And seriously. Thank you for this. If theres anything I can do for you, just ask.


    Shiani gave him a nod and quick smile, and then they parted ways.


    He turned and jogged back to where his friends were waiting for him.


    Well, most of them.


    Wheres Isolde? Alex asked.


    Baelin was teleporting the injured to the infirmary, Khalik said. She went with him.


    Ah, okay, Alex said, wondering what shed wanted to say to him.


    He had another thought.


    Baelin.


    Maybe he could talk to the chancellor about Selina. He must have seen so much in his long life that hed likely seen something like this happen before. He might also be able to offer some advice, if he wasnt too busy.


    That was another avenue to consider. In the meantime, hed just have to do what he could to support his little sister. At the same time, hed need to do some experimentation with The Mark.


    Life would continue ticking on. As it always did.


    Life <em>had</em> continued ticking on surprisingly quickly. The next few days passed by in a blink and the deadline to apply to Shales Workshop was approaching.


    Selinas mood was improving over time, andsince he hadnt talked to Shiani or Baelin yet, both had been very busyhed simply resolved to spend as much time with her as he could.


    He didnt push or insistin some misguided attempt to help herthat she talk about it. He still had no idea what wisdom he could use to help her through what she was going through.


    He did, however, know what had helped <em>both</em> of them after their parents died: time with people they cared about, showing them that they were loved. And he did just that. She was still clearly very sad, but she cried less as the days went on and she made lessments about disliking herself.


    Whether that meant her opinion about herself was changing, or if she was simply not voicing it to make sure he wasnt upset, he didnt know.


    He <em>did</em> know that hed be there for her when she needed him.


    In the meantime, hed progressed in other areas.


    His mastery of Wizards Hand had started to grow at a pleasing rate, considering how much trouble it had given him before. He was starting to get fairly adept at modifying spell arrays, especially as he gained more experience with them, even in spite of The Mark interfering.


    Studying Wizards Hand was even giving him greater insight into forcedisk and forceball, and hed been modifying them to make them even stronger. Using the two spells to support <em>part</em> of his weight while hed climbed the crevice wall had inspired him to try and take that a step further.


    Hed seen forcedisksor spells <em>simr</em> to forcediskthat were able to carry someones full weight, and so he made having them be able to do <em>that</em> one of his next goals.


    Another goal had been starting on the next spell in FORC-1550s curriculum: force shield.


    <em>That</em> had proved to be


    not all that challenging. The structure of its spell array was much lessplex than Wizards Hands andafter struggling with Wizards Hand for so longhed found it fairly easy byparison.


    Hed managed to conjure a crimson force shielda concave force construct that floated around him and swung automatically to block iing threatsin the dark of his room.


    He had actually woken up his apartment mates with his loud triumphant cheering in the dead of the night.


    It was his first truly defensive spell, and one that would keep him far safer in The Barrens, or when he had to deal with threats in the future.


    Hisb work for Professor Jules was progressing well too. The grad students foundto their surprisethat he often had the proper tools ready to hand them for the next step of the brewing process before they even asked.


    Professor Jules was involving him more and more in the direct processes as well, and had finally handed him his letter of reference for Shales workshop.


    And that left mana maniption.


    Hed <em>devoured</em> the textbook back to front and front to back several times, and had learned how to activate all the glyphs on <em>three</em> boxes at once while maintaining Force Shield, Wizards Hand, <em>and</em>performing the mana regeneration technique on himself.


    He knew he was getting ahead of himselfhe was still a first year student with only a handful of spells under his belt after allbut he was <em>feeling </em>more powerful. Especially physically.


    At the gymnasium hed begun to add exercises to train himself in climbing and sharpen his agility on his feet. There was an obstacle courseusually used by The Watchers of Roalthat hed been using to teach himself how to move past obstacles and rough terrain at speed. To train strength and bnceand, he had to admit ego boost a littlehed begun doing handstand pushups using a wall for support.


    He and Khalik wouldpete, and while the prince could perform more repetitions, he lost bnce more often than Alex, who continued to use The Mark to correct his form. Thundar was content to simply watch thempeting.


    Listen, my people are like bulls, not squirrels, he snorted. Flip around and do all that fancy stuff without me.


    Of course, he never admitted that his reluctance might have had something to do with the fact that hed tried it once, lost bnce and nearly broke a horn by tumbling onto his head.


    Alex wasnt stupid enough to suggest to him that this might have been the <em>real</em> reason.


    After them teaming up in The Barrens, Alex had extended an invite to Grimloch to join their group workouts, and though the shark man didnt alwayse along, he pretty much obliterated themand everyone elseeach time he did.


    Theres no ounting for natural talent, Alex had thought. Or being a shark man thats nearly ten feet tall.


    Still, despite the sesses hed been enjoying, a spectre of terror loomed over all of them. One that threatened to steal the courage from even the mightiest heart.


    Midterms.


    You know, Thundar grumbled. I think maybe choking the life out of my professor would be easier than studying from his lectures.


    <em>Snap.</em>


    He closed his notebook for battle magic with a loud ck.


    Alex and Khalik startled.


    Shhhhh! a student hissed from nearby, pointing to the Be Quiet sign close by.


    Sorry, Thundar muttered, looking around to see every students bloodshot eyes in the room ring at him.


    They hade to the first level of the school library and had been lucky enough to grab a table before the entire floor had be packed to the brim. First years filled every seatmost of them looking like theyd hardly slept in daysand their clothes absolutely reeked of tea, coffee and stress.


    Ach, I shouldve taken potions instead, Thundar whispered.


    Khalik nced at him. Do you even have any interest in potions? Ive heard its quite difficult.


    Yeah, but at least Id have big-brain over here to teach me. He nodded to Alex.


    Alex extended his hand toward the minotaur and tapped his empty palm. You want the material conveyed? Then I got to be paid.


    We went through life and death together. Thundar held up his charm-ne. That makes us bonded.


    We <em>are</em> bonded. Alex smiled. But bonds can be strengthened for the low, low price of-


    Youre a terrible friend.


    But Id be a <em>rich</em> friend.


    He snorted. Hey, maybe that Shiani or her friends could teach me. They''re in second year, so theyd know more. Come on, Alex put in a word for me.


    Alex tapped his palm again. Want a message to be conveyed? Then I got to be-


    Im gonna kill you.


    Oooo, did you hear that, Khalik? Alex drew away as though horrified. He threatened my life. Hes an <em>evil</em>wizard: you must help me, oh mighty hero, or he might turn me into a newt.


    I swear I would have gotten more studying done <em>outside</em> of the library, Khalik grumbled.


    But then youd be abandoning your good, good friends. Alex smirked. Hey, speaking of the library.


    Alex jerked his head toward the sign near the front entrancethe one warning students not to bring open me into the library. Whats with that sign anyway? Whod be dumb enough to bring fire into a ce full of books, especially when theres magic to light the ce?


    Khalik nced at the sign. From the way my brother told it, when <em>he </em>was here, some nasty senior duped a naive first year into bringing a candle into the library as part of a cruel joke.


    Alex blinked in surprise. That seemed to be sojuvenile for a school of wizardry. Then, again, hed witnessed a student nearly kill himself by drinking quicksilver on a dare. All kinds, including bullies, were in all ces he supposed.


    After all, bullies werent only named McHarris.


    Oooo. Thundar winced. What happened? Senior get in trouble?


    Well, Khalik said, cing his book down. The senior was nobility in his kingdomthe same kingdom that the junior was fromso he assumed no one would reprimand him. But Generasithough it respects those of rulership, does <em>not</em> bow to foreign kings. Threats were made, of course, but in the end, <em>both</em> students were ced on academic probation and fined by the registrar.


    Alex gulped. Thest person he would ever want to owe money to was a literal devil.


    Then again, in his unique situation, a devil would be more healthy for him to be around than priests or gods.


    Alex! He heard someone whisper loudly from the front of the library.


    Alex froze. He knew that voice.


    Like a rusty gate creaking, he turned toward the voice and saw the short, bouncy form of Carey London waving a hand at him enthusiastically while the other clutched a sheaf of papers.


    And beside heralso carrying sheafs of paperswith a friendly, open smile was


    His eyes widened.


    Derek?


    He could only stare as the unlikely duo approached his table.


    I was hoping Id find a friendly face here, its so good to see you, she whispered, though some students outright red at her. Here.


    She handed him a sheet of paper. Try and make it out, we could really use the support.


    Support? he asked, his eyes darting back and forth between her and Derek. Support for-


    His eyes fell on the paper. ...Oh.


    There, at the top of the sheet, in big bold letters:


    <strong>Campus for Uldar Rally: Ending the Ban on Priests from Campus!</strong>

 Chapter 82: Challenge

    Chapter 82: Challenge


    Uuuuuh, Alex said unintelligently, as he continued to stareck-jaweddown at the paper, noting the details. It looked like the rally was being organized by Careys group, but there were other groups listed as contributors to the event: representative societies and organizations serving other deities. He hadnt heard of many of them.


    The date was set for three weeks from the current day. It was also set to take ce at the schools front gates.


    Isis this sanctioned by the school? Alex asked as Khalik and Thundar leaned over to see what he was reading.


    Of course not, Carey whispered. Which is why its sooo delightfully <em>rebellious</em>.


    I-I see, Alex murmured. Huh.


    Ohe now, show a little more enthusiasm. Carey chided. If this works, we can end the separation between wizards and the divine. Think of it: how much could our people benefit if we had a union between our clergy and the brilliant minds and mighty powers here? And we need it. We <em>need</em> it.


    There was an insistence in Careys voice that gave Alex pause. Whydid something happen?


    She nodded. Ive been talking to the priests, andtheyre <em>grim</em>. The Heroes fight against The Ravener everyday, but its growing more and more aggressive. For every dungeon core they break, it seems it makes two more to take that ones ce. Every lord has mustered their bannermen, the king has called the court wizards to take part, and the church is calling back every priest for support. Many who tend the temple of Uldar in the city are already packing to go home. She shook her head in distress. Which leaves only a few to tend to the needs of an entire city and fundraise here. Its terrible.


    Alex gulped. Andwhat about casualties?


    Not many yet, thank Uldar, she said. We have to thank Alrics Patron Saint for that: if it werent for her sanctum evacuating the people so quicklybut things will grow worse. The Raveners spawn are destroying the fields and viges: the harvest will be poor this year, and there will be many hungry mouths to feed during the fighting. And what if this gets drawn out? Our people are taking refuge in allied realms, but what if this goes on, and on, and on? Will they be still wee in two years? Five? Ten?


    She bit her lip. This could be <em>awful</em>, Alex. She paused. And theres <em>still</em> no trace of The Fool. Many think they might have already been killed.


    A stab of irrational guilt went through Alex, which he suppressed with prejudice. Everything Carey said soundedawful, and it had the potential to get worse. But what was he going to do about it?


    Hed only just figured out he could <em>move</em> things without The Mark suppressing him. Even if he wanted to go back, he would literally be less useful than a regr wizard right now. He thought about the dungeon cores remains. He was making great progress with Professor Jules and he was suresooner rather thanterhed get more freedom with his own projects.


    Then he could contribute in his own way like he nned to. Besides, his sister came first and she needed him more than ever now. Even if he was <em>slightly</em> tempted to leave Generasi in some half-baked notion to join The Heroes right now, that would involve abandoning her at one of the most vulnerable times of her young life.


    He couldnt even imagine doing that.


    For now, the information that thered be less priests in the city was good news. Very good news. And if some did think that The Fool might have been killed was also very good news. But the idea of students pushing for priests to be allowed on campus waswell, it wasnt <em>likely</em> to go anywhere. But, it would bring their attention to campus. Maybe make them bolder.


    Hed need to watch for that.


    Well, hopefully The Fools alright, he said with a straight face, then looked up at Derek. Um-


    Why am I doing this? Derek finished for him with a wide smile. Why supporting a friend, of course. We of the Rhinean Empire have been long allied with Thamnd, and we know tribtion too. When the elemental mountain of water erupted three centuries ago, our elemental knights had to fight water elementals within a cloud of mist that enveloped half the country. Your kingdoms Chosen and Champion of that time came to our aid with a contingent of knights. We may not worship the same god, but I am a member of the aristocracy. Its my duty to do what I can.


    It was incredible.


    Despite keeping his voice at a whisper, Dereks words were so sincere and his tone so unwavering that Alex could almost believe he was telling the truth. Almost.


    Derek and I have been talking after potions, and he said he wanted to help. She looked up at the young nobleman seriously, as though she were a priestess looking upon her flock.


    Derek nodded. Ive made some mistakes in the past, but Im taking what lessons I can, whether it be through divine intervention or through wisdom of others. Like Carey, or maybe you, friend. Anyone that I-


    He paused, his eyes rising and looking over Alexs head.


    Alex turned.


    Isolde had emerged from the doorway to the lower floors. Her eyes had dark circles under them and her hair was dishevelled, barely kept in line by a tight ponytail. She carried a book bag that was filled to bursting and she had a forceballone that glowed an electric bluesuspending a small basket beneath, big enough to carry one book.


    Her eyes had focused on Derek, then fell to Alex, Thundar and Khalik and then moved back to the young Rhinean nobleman. Then her eyes went wide and her face washed red.


    Alex nced back to Derek just in time to see his facial expression growing neutral. If he had mouthed something or had given her a particr look, Alex had no idea.


    Whatever the young man had done though, itd obviously pissed Isolde right off.


    Her shoes thudded across the library floordrawing eyes from the surrounding studentsas she pushed through the library. Her forceball slowly lost ground beside her until she had to stop and wait for it to catch up. The entire time, she refused to look in Dereks direction, then abruptly left the library


    Carey let out a sigh. Hoooo, awkward. Well that soured the mood a tad, didnt it? Here. She drew out sheets of paper and handed them to both Khalik and Thundar. Do stop by, wed love to have all three of you. Well, Ill catch up with youter, Alex. Ta-ta.


    With Derek in tow, she puttered off to harass the other students.


    Alex watched them go, looking between the exit, Derek and Carey.


    The star pupil, the devout student and the avid cheater: a strange trio to be caught up inwhatever that might have been. Alex didnt want to be involved, but had the feeling he already was in some way: all three of those parties had <em>some</em> interest in him. He frowned.


    Hed need to have a good long talk with Isolde after all the craziness with midtermsshed basically turned into a ghost outside of ss timeand his application to Shales workshop was over.


    Well, Khalik said, picking up his textbook. That was a waste of a study break. Back to it, I suppose.


    Thundar groaned and followed suit.


    Alex did as well, opening up his notebook to the notes on mana maniption. While he was also studying for midterms, he had something much more important to prepare for.


    ValRok had finally given him permission.


    Tomorrow, he would Challenge the Exam for Credit for Mana Maniption.


    Wee, wee! ValRok greeted Alex from the doorway of a small ssroom. Just leave your bag by the door ande in.


    They were in one of the highest towers in all of Generasi, and daylight poured through the ss of the massive windows, though it wasnt a cheery light.


    The day was a rainy one, just like it had been when theyd firste to Generasi, and he could see students moving quickly through the courtyard and across campus with umbres of waxed fabric, or beneath spells that shielded them from the elements, or at a run with books clutched against themselves.


    Alex had grown his forceshield asrge as he could and then simply set it to hover above his head. It had kept the rain away very nicely.


    Thank you professor, he said, shifting his bag off his shoulder nervously.


    Though the ssroom was smalllikely a seminar room for upper year or graduate studentsit seemed enormous to Alex at that moment. Part of his mind told him not to worry: he knew the textbook for mana maniption almost as well as he did <em>Dexters General Alchemy of Potions </em>and he knew <em>Dexters</em> almost as well as his own notebook by now.


    Yet, another part knew that ValRoks letter of rmendation was riding on this, and <em>that</em> was making him jittery. Without that letter, he figured itd be a lot harder to convince <em>anyone</em> to hire someone with his limited experience. There was also a sort of momentous nature to the exam.


    Hed been writing tests for years in the church school in Alric, but this was his <em>very</em> first exam in university, his first exam that involved a magical subject, and one designed for students so advanced, they could skip an entire first year course.


    He would feel pretty stupid ifafter all this build uphe just ouright failed.


    Alex? ValRok suddenly leaned in very close to him, widening one veryrge reptilian eye to stare at him from inches away.


    Alex gasped, stepping backward.


    You alright? the lizardman asked andfor a momentAlex was sure he was about to start advancing menacingly on him. You look as pale as a sheet. Dont be nervous. He smiled, revealing his sharp teeth. I wouldnt have rmended you for this if I thought you couldnt do it. To quote some of my students: you got this.


    Uh, thanks, professor. Alex gave a weak smile. It was a little silly, he realized. He was able to keep his head enough to think and adapt strategies when dealing with monsters and imminent death, but the thought of an exam made part of him want to throw himself through the window?


    Youre ridiculous, Alex, he mentally mocked himself.


    So allow me to introduce you to your invigtor, Sinbrok, ValRok gestured to an incredibly short man with a golden, braided beard and shaved head, sitting at the front of the room. The little man waved back, and Alex gasped.


    There he was this morning admiring his own physical gains, but this fellowdespite maybe onlying up to his chesthad muscr arms that were thicker around than Alexs <em>thighs.</em>


    Alex felt his pride deting by the heartbeat.


    Sinbrok is my teaching assistant for MANA-1900, and hell be watching over you todayboth for the written and practical portionif you have any questions, you ask him unless the question is: whats the answer to this question?. ValRok threw his head back in his high-pitched, giddyugh. Alright, lets get you set up.


    First, the professor cast the same spell of dispelling magic on Alex that professor Jules had, in case hed brought in any magical effects that would allow him to cheat. Then he pointed Alex to a desk in the middle of the empty ssroom, directly across from Sinbrok. With a final few words of encouragement, he left Alex to it.


    The dwarf student padded over to Alexs desk and examined his supplies: one simple pen. Right, youll have an hour and a half for the written test, and then an hour and a half for the practical. The invigtor ced the exam booklet and a work-booklet beside it. The first part is the multiple choice portion and the second part is essay questions. When youre finished, just raise your hand and well move onto the practical. If you need to use the privy or get a ss of water or anything, let me know and Ill escort you. Theres no need for any spellcasting during the written portion of the exam, so if I sense any mana or hear any incantations, thatll be an immediate fail. Understand?


    Yep. Alex nodded.


    Right, then. Sinbrok tromped up to the desk at the front of the ss. He drew arge hourss filled with blue powder from a bag that looked much too small to hold it, then pressed his hand over top. Alex felt a shift of mana, and the powder within shuddered then decreased in quantity as though some of it had been sucked away by a mana vacuum. Hour and a half, the dwarf said, flipping the hourss. Begin.


    Alex took a few deep, meditative breaths, acknowledging his own nerves and the raving in his mind, then detached from them.


    He then flipped the exam sheet open.

 Chapter 83: A Mana Monster

    Chapter 83: A Mana Monster


    First thing Alex did was carefully read over the entire written exam just in case there were any instructions hidden like in Julesb-books. He sighed when he found that there werent any, and began.


    The exam wasnt going to be easy: if hed tried taking it before studying as thoroughly as he had using The Mark, he mightve been only able to answer <em>one</em> or maybe <em>two</em> questions with confidence.


    Even having the textbook mostly memorized, he still found that there were questions that he wasnt sure how to answer. As he felt now, though


    <em>Crack.</em>


    He cracked his knuckles.


    He was ready for most of it.


    Alex tore into the exam with a vengeance, his pen almost flying across the pages. He didnt really need to consult The Mark for most of it, either: whether for questions on the history of mana maniptions development, the exact process of different forms of maniptions, or a list of whichmon spells made use of the art, he was able to answer with the speed that he wrote his own name.


    He skipped some of the harder questions in favour of answering the ones he knew the answers to first: it made sense to get as many easy marks as he could quickly, and then go back and struggle with the more difficult onester.


    Thest three questions were more obscure, and werent covered in material directly from the textbook. To answer those, he had to use reasoning and the knowledge he had to make educated guesses. He tried The Mark, using it by writing down his answer repeatedly while thinking about the skill that the question was testing. The images it brought up helped him narrow his answer, and focus on the parts that it had focused on as sesses.


    Unfortunately, since it used his own memories, it couldnt add any information that he didnt already have or that he hadnt already experienced.


    In the end, he finished, then read over the exam one final time before nodding at it and raising his hand.


    Sinbrok looked up from some other work he was marking, blinking in surprise. Already? He nced at the hourss, which had only shifted half of its blue particles to the bottom bulb. Youve still got forty-five minutes.


    Im done. If I keep at it, Im just going to be crossing out and rewriting the same answers.


    The dwarf shrugged. Alright. Sinbrok snapped his fingers and spoke a short incantation.


    The exam booklet shuddered and mmed shut, sealing itself around the edges with a thin metal that flowed out of mid-air.


    Well, thats<em> one</em> way to stop people from sneaking into an office and trying to change their answers, Alex remarked.


    Yep. Sinbrok grinned widely, revealing that some of his teeth had been reced with prosthetics forged of a silvery metal; it looked simr to the metal now sealing the exam booklet. If anyone tries to pry the seal open, the metal carries a spell thats set to literally scream bloody murder like a frost giant running from a barbarian. Heughed. And if they run off thinking they got away, well no such luck for the little cheat because the metal copies their name and prints it across the exam book, revealing their crime and shame for all to see. So, anyone who tries changing their answers really doesnt have a very good day. Sinbrok finished, rather matter of factly.


    He spoke another incantation.


    And something strange happened.


    Alex felt a <em>very</em> familiar surge of mana, and immediately knew that a teleportation spell was being cast. His mana sense seemed to sharpen, and his eyes widened. Even from his distance from Sinbrok, he felt the mana of the spell <em>so</em> precisely, that he could almost feel the shape of its magic circuit.


    Unlike Baelins teleportation spellwhich was so overwhelmingly powerful that all he could feel was its mightthis spell was simple enough that the magic circuit was far more clear. It was like the difference between staring into the sun and looking at a cheery firece.


    He blinked in amazement, until Sinbrok waved his hand in front of him. Hello? You okay, there? Do you need a break?


    No. Alex blinked. No, Im fine.


    The magic circuit was gone from his senses so quickly, that he mightve thought he imagined it if he didnt look for his exam booklet to find it gone.


    Dont you worry, Sinbrok said. I just teleported your exam to another teachers assistant for marking. Depending on how fast you go with the next part, it should be done by the end of the test, and I can give you your result in a jiffy.


    Wait, really? Alex asked.


    In the church school, he remembered his teachers sometimes taking several days, or even weeks to mark tests.


    Aye, we use a little magic to help speed up the process, and its only one exam after all. Now then.


    Sinbrok drew a clipboard and box from beside his desk. Alright, for this one, youll be showing me your mana maniption ability by way of a spell, by way of an internal maniption, and by way of devices.


    The invigtor ced the box on the desk and took out a series of five rings, a pair of gloves that were covered in glyphs, and a strange object that looked like a series of small cubes put together in a jagged shape.


    The dwarf wizard picked up one of the rings first. Which sustained spells do you know?


    Forceball, forcedisk, Wizards Hand and force shield, Alex said.


    Ah, I see <em>someones</em> taking Professor Rams course. Which one are you mostfortable with?


    Forceball.


    Right.


    Alex felt mana surge as Sinbrok channeled his magic into the rings one by one. He watched as each grew until they wererge enough for Alex to fit both his head and shoulders through the openings.


    The wizard then threw them into the air in different directions, and they abruptly stopped, floating above in different parts of the room. Alright, those rings are built to disrupt the mana connecting you to your spell: your task is to fly your forceball through each of the rings while being disrupted. Youll be timed on how many times you canplete the circuit within the time limit.


    I see, Alex said. Alright, Ill give it a go.


    Concentrating, he conjured his forceball.


    It winked into being in front of them, shining brightly. Tell me when.


    Sinbrok stared at the forceball for a moment. Thats uhthats awfullyrge, and youve got a lot of mana in there.


    Alex shrugged. I made a few modifications, he said proudly. Theres a reason why Im mostfortable with this one.


    Y-yeah, Sinbrok said, pulling out a strange circr device.


    He clicked a button on the side of it, and it opened up: a series of twelve tiny metal orbs floated in a column over it and began orbiting a central octahedron. Alright, bring your ball into the centre of the room, and send it toward each ring that begins to glow. You will have three attempts.


    Alex ordered his forceball up to the middle of the room and waited, holding his breath.


    The orbiting spheres paused, frozen around the central shape for a moment.


    Go! Sinbrok clicked another button.


    The spheres began to spin. One of the rings began to glow with emerald green light.


    Alex shot his forceball forward; he tensed as it passed through the ringand then he burst outughing.


    As his spell entered the ring, he felt a disruptive interference buffeting both his mana and his mind. It threatened to shatter his concentration and connection to the spelljust like The Mark did. Only, if The Marks interference was the equivalent to an entire war-party blowing their horns beside his ear in unison, then this interference was like someone peacefully ying a flute in the next room.


    He barely even <em>felt</em> it.


    At that point, it became a game to him as he guided his forceball through the rings, weaving through each of them as they glowed. In no time at all, he had finished the course.


    Again? he asked.


    Sinbrok only gaped up at him and then clicked off the device. Er, sure.


    Alex guided his spell through the course two more times, each time improving his time and generating an increasingly shocked reaction from Sinbrok.


    Ahalright, then. Thats enough. Sinbrok finally muttered after the third time. He squinted at his time-keeping device, noting the positions of the floating orbs. Well burn my beard, I think you mightve just gotten some kind of record.


    He busily scrawled down the results on the sheet on his clipboard, then slipped on the gloves. Right, give your hands. He wiggled his gloved fingers at Alex. Thesell let me feel the flow of your mana pool as you use professor ValRoks mana regeneration technique.


    Alex took the dwarfs gloved hands. Oh my, holding my hand already? And you havent even bought me lunch!


    Silence filled the room.


    Sinbrok turned away and coughed.


    Justuh Alex muttered. Do me a favour and pretend I never said that.


    Never said what? the dwarf said. Now lets get this done.


    Alex watched the teachers assistants face as he adeptly moved his mana pool to massage all the pathways suggested by the technique simultaneously. By now, the movement was as easy as breathing for Alex.


    Sinbrok whistled, letting go of Alexs hands. Alright, then, no second try necessary. He took up his clipboard again and made a few more marks.


    Now, this is your final challenge. He ced the strange shape in front of Alex. Your job is to feel the pathways of mana within this device and return it to its natural configuration.


    At this point, Alex was almost giddy with excitement, and nearly twitching with eagerness to get at the device. Sinbrok sighed and handed it to him.


    The device was clearly designed: mana maniption would get it to change shape, but there was a specific subtle pattern to its internal mana configuration that hed need to figure out to have <em>any</em>hope of getting it into the correct shape. Thankfully, with how sensitive his mana senses now were, the patterns were about as subtle to him as an oak tree draped in a red dress, dancing along a hillside on its roots while singing Sigmus carols.


    His mana shot into the device and began to trace out the correct configuration through all the cubes. Once he had that down, he realized that what he was supposed to do was activate one or two cubes at a time, sliding each around one by one until they locked into their correct ces.


    He would do one better than that.


    Spreading his mana through every cube at once, he activated them all simultaneously.


    <em>Clkclkclklclkclkclk.</em>


    The device whirred and snapped as every cube rotated around each other simultaneously. Its shape seemed to melt as the cubes swarmed around each other and finally snapped into their proper ces all at once. The result was the device returned to its proper shape: arge cubeposed of smaller ones.


    By my fathers and mothers Sinbrok murmured, scrawling down the results on his sheet. I cant believe it. Are your parents wizards?


    Alex shook his head.


    Do they run a mana device shop?


    Alex shook his head, and a smile sprang across his lips.


    did a wizard take you as an apprentice when you were young?


    Alex shook his head, and this time his smile turned just a bit proud. Self-taught.


    Sinbrok blew out a breath. Then Im going to hate to see you by the time you graduate. He wrote down the final results. Alright, have a seat. When the exam book gets back, Ill tell you whats what.


    The two of them only had to wait for a little bit before Alex felt a familiar surge of mana. Magic circuitry formed in the air above the desk then the book rematerialized in the middle of the circuit.


    A new seal had been applied to it, which Sinbrok broke with a single word. He flipped it open and whistled, then handed it to Alex, who took it with a mix of excitement and trepidation.


    Sending up a brief prayer to The Traveller, he nced down at the top of the first page.


    <em>97%.</em>


    He had to fight the urge to scream in triumph.


    Well. Bloody. Done. Sinbrok wrote down thest of his notes on the practical sheet. So. You got full marks on the practical. Obviously: youre a bloody mana monster. 100% percent on practical part of the Exam for Credit, cant bloody believe it. Ive seen <em>third</em> years struggle with The Arrarubix Box more.


    He handed him the sheet. I put some notes on there for Professor ValRok to read. I cant put in bonus marks, but if anyone deserves them, you do. Wee to the honours list, friend.


    Honours list? Alex asked.


    Its a list we post in each department after midterms: its the top ten achievers in each level of our courses. It lets usand the studentsknow whos in line for an achievement.


    Oh, cool! Alex said. Then he paused. Is there an Isolde von Anmut on one of the lists?


    Sinbrok threw his head back andughed. Better question is <em>which list is that name not on</em>? Shame about potions, though.


    Shame?


    Aye. A littletechnicality cost her a ce on that list.


    Alex winced, and wondered if that technicality was named Derek Warren.


    Anyway, enough gossip. Take your booklet and sheet to the professors office, down the hall and around the bend, past the double doors. Hell get you your certificate ofpletion. Best of luck, and I hope we see you working with the department. Good mana maniptors are rare among wizards, and wizards in general are rare enough as it is: we always could use talent.


    Alexs footsteps echoed through the halls as he half marched half-strutted toward ValRoks office. Even his forceballcarrying his bagwas bouncing in the air beside him, he was so happy.


    This was it.


    First exam done.


    One courseplete.


    And his second letter of reference wasing.


    If he didnt have a terrible singing voice, he might have burst into song. His mind froze. Well, he didnt <em>have</em>to have a terrible singing voice if he didnt want to, did he? Not anymore, at least.


    He hummed to himself, using The Mark to correct his vocal tones as he continued on. Alex came to the curve in the hall, where the double doors Sinbrok had told him about were.


    Except the doors were open.


    Inside was a spacious office: within that office was a writing desk with a familiar figure sitting at it.


    Alex paused for a moment.


    You were getting better, Baelin said, his deep voice booming into the hall and startling Alex. Why did you stop?


    A flush of embarrassment washed over Alexs face. Uh, hello Cha-uh, Baelin. He paused, considering the chance. Can I talk to you for a moment?


    Why certainly, these are my office hours after all. Come, keep a lonely old goatpany. The chancellor waved him into the room. He paused, and his eyes squinted at Alex for a moment as the young man stepped inside.


    A flick of the Baelins eyes toward the doorway caused both doors to shut with a creak. Luckily, Alex didnt hear the sound of a bolt sliding.


    Hm, the chancellor stared at him for a moment. Interesting. Alex, could I ask you a question? He tented his fingers in front of him.


    Sure, Alex said.


    have you ever been subject to amagical event before? A catastrophe? A mana explosion?


    Alex froze.


    He wasnt sure if he was imagining it, but it felt like the chancellor was staring right at his shoulder.

 Chapter 84: Growing Bonds

    Chapter 84: Growing Bonds


    Alex fought to keep his face straight as Baelin stared at him from across his desk. In that moment, Alex was reminded of just how intimidating the chancellor was: towering, ancient and with a gaze that just seemed to cut through flesh, magic, stone and deception.


    Could he detect The Mark? Was it because he had touched The Travellers mana? Was it some residue of the dungeon cores remains?


    No, not that Im aware ofwhy? Alex asked, fighting to keep his face still. He didnt dare use The Mark to help him with that.


    The chancellors eyes narrowed. Now and then there is He continued to stare at Alex. You know, nevermind, that was a foolish question to ask. And a frightening one.


    Oh thats, uh, thats no problemwhy did you ask? Alex pushed.


    Sometimes Baelin paused. When I cast my teleportation magic on youwell, how do I say this. There are certain levels of difficulty when one teleports objects. Small things are easier to teleport thanrge ones, the inanimate is easier to teleport than the living, and the willing are <em>much</em> easier to teleport than those who resist the spell.


    His eyes lingered on Alex. But youyoure <em>very</em> easy to teleport, Alex. Quite frankly, I feel like Im transporting something a quarter of your size. It made me curious as to whether or not youve ever been subjected tounusual circumstances.


    Unusual circumstances? Take your pick, Alex thought.


    For a long moment, he considered telling the chancellor everything right there. Considering Baelins dislike for gods and the priesthoodas well as Khaliks story of how that foreign noble was punished by the school anyway, for his prank no matter whose son he washe doubted that the chancellor would feel obligated by some sort of divine duty to ce him in the custody of the priests.


    Then again, that very opposition to the gods could be the very thing that might make him boot Alex off campus. After all, he bore a <em>divine</em> brand and was <em>directly</em> chosen by a deity. Perhaps Baelin would consider him too connected to the gods to have a ce in Generasi.


    He hadnt told Khalik, who he trusted, and he hardly knew much about the chancellor, aside from the fact that he was ancient and <em>terrifying</em>.


    Better to be cautious.


    If anything, having a conversation with him about Selina might help decide how much the ancient wizard could be trusted.


    Alex shrugged. Wizards go through unusual circumstances all the time, dont they?


    Hrm, that they do at that, Baelin nodded. So. He rose from his desk. What can I do for you? He stepped toward one of the windows on the opposite end of the office.


    Now that he had a moment where his mind wasnt threatening to race out of control, Alex decided to take in the chancellors office. It was enormourger than Alexs entire apartment in the insand filled with furniture and ornaments he imagined would be right at home in a kings private chambers.


    Khalik would know better than him.


    The desk was carved with a multitude of glyphs, runes, hieroglyphs and scenes of wizards practicing magic or in battle with terrible creatures: demons, shoggoths and things Alex didnt recognize. The ceiling of the circr office must have been thirty feet high, and the room was separated into three floors by a winding staircase and balconies along the walls, all brimming with shelves that mostly contained books. Just below the ceiling floated the shimmering image of a globe, except far more lifelike; Alex thought he could see waves moving through the oceans in the image. Orbiting the globe was the pock-marked face of the moon, which actually shed a low pale light as it passed the small gargoyles mounted on the sides of a balcony.


    Some shelves held strange objects, and whether they were magical materials, trophies or both, Alex had no idea.


    On one shelf he saw the stone bright-spitter that Baelin had petrified in The Barrens. Beside it was a tiny model of a castle and below-


    Alex gasped.


    The shelf was filled entirely with skulls.


    Some were those of small and medium sized beasts, but several definitely looked to be or from a simr race. They had been cleaned, bleached and inscribed with writing in an ancientnguage. Alex was bing fairly adept in a number ofnguages: Rhinean and thenguage of the Schar being the ones he was progressing fastest with. But hed never seen any writing like that etched into those skulls.


    Ah, I see you have found my foes, Baelin said with some satisfaction, following Alexs gaze. What you see there are the remains of the enemies that came closest to taking my life: assassins, monsters, enemy wizardspriests.


    He chuckled. Try to guess which one belonged to a king.


    Wh-what? Alex startled, his eyes darting between the chancellor and the skulls.


    You cant, can you? Baelins chuckle grew heartier, yet darker at the same time. Thats the funny thing about kings, queens, emperors and empresses: once the crowns off their head, their skull could belong to a peasant, couldnt it? Now,e now, join me by the window.


    Alex nced at the skulls again, wondering if he should make an excuse and run from the office. Instead, he forced himself forward until he was beside Baelin at the window.


    So, what can I do for youhm. Baelins eyes narrowed. Perhapswould this be about your sister?


    He blinked, wondering if Baelin had somehow read his mind.


    No, no, Professor Jules said that was illegal herewhich Im sure matters a lot to the ancient wizard who <em>keeps a collection of his enemies skulls in his office</em>, Alexs mind screamed. If you can hear this Baelin, then know that Im currently imagining an oak in a red dress dancing on a hill on its roots!


    The chancellors expression didnt change. Okay. So probably not mind reading.


    Y-yeah how did you know? Alex asked.


    Mr. Powell informed me, Baelin said. I receive reports on all those tested for mana within the junior school. Its good policy for me to know what the next generation of wizards might look like, and any sort of elemental affinity stands out. The ancient wizard cocked his head slightly. I was toldthough not the detailsthat your sister had anegative reaction to the revtion of her magic.


    He frowned. I find myselfing back to the same question: were you ever subject to a major magical event? A trauma, perhaps? it is not umon.


    What do you mean? Alex asked.


    Baelin sighed. All those tales of wicked witches, sacrificing warlocks and maniacal lich lordse from <em>somewhere,</em> Alex. Magic is power, and power can be a horror. Here at Generasi, we are dedicated to the advancement of wizardry andto a lesser extentmagic in all its forms. Our students take an oath of responsibility that they do not damage the cause of <em>magic</em> upon their graduation, butthat is a very <em>broad </em>generalization. I have known of several students who decided that the best way to apply their gifts was to use their power to be petty tyrantsand in <em>one</em> particr case, a not so petty tyrant.


    His eyes turned to the window, watching as rain ran down the ss. A winged beasteasily the size of a horseflew past the tower below, but it was too quick and the rain too heavy on the ss for Alex to make out its full shape.


    And that is not ounting for the many wizards that dot the world, all engaged in their own studies, experiments and conquests. Baelin looked back to Alex. So yes. It is not umon to find those that have been scarred by magic, which is how traumas and superstitions are birthed. Is that way with your sister?


    Alex shook his head. No, its He grimaced.


    It had been many years since he had told the full story of his parents deaths to anyone; hed recently had to share with Shiani. It was starting to make him relive things he had gotten over.


    Whether Baelin sensed this or not, he didnt know, but he did raise a hand.


    Hold now, perhaps He nced at the skulls on his shelf. ...we should speak of this in more pleasant surroundings.


    cing a hand on Alexs shoulder, he focused for a moment.


    Then they werent in the office anymore.


    Alex blinked, his eyes darting around.


    Their surroundings had changed to the top of a tower. It was open to the air and surrounded by a parapet, but a wind-and-rain shield kept the wet weather off of them both. A round, stone table stood in the middle of the towerno, stood was not the right word.


    Neither the table nor chairs had any legsthey floated in stillness above the stones as though supported by invisible thread.


    On the table were several copper tters that were absolutely bursting with food.


    A giant cornucopia erupted with fresh fruit: grapes, apples, strawberries and many other fruits Alex couldnt name spilled onto the tter beneath it. A fouryer cake stand was crowded with mini cakes and pies of half a hundred varieties, and several copper pots stood side by side, with steaming rising from their spouts. They were surrounded by smallwell, they were suited to Baelins size, so not so smallcups.


    And now you see where I take my lunches when Im working. Ive entertained many a student and professor here, just as the previous chancellor entertained me. His voice took on a wistful note. Now, tea? Coffee? Hot cider? Something else? Nothing too strong, Im afraid, its still working hours for me.


    Uh, Ill take hot cider, thanks.


    Baelin waved a hand over the table, and one of the steaming pots floated into the air then poured a golden, rich-smelling drink into one of the cups. Two chairs floated away from the table, and he and Baelin took a seat.


    Here, have a mango. Baelin handed Alex a deep orange piece of fruit on a te andwith a peeling and slicing motion of his handsplit it into spear-like pieces. Have a bite, have a sip and then tell me what happened with your sisterand you I suppose.


    Alex nodded, and took a sip, letting the sweetness and warmth of the cider fill him before taking a bite of the juicy mango. The sweet, fresh tangy vour of the soft, fruit filled his mouth, and he found four more bites disappeared down his throat before he could begin the story.


    Somy-no, uh <em>our</em> parents, he said. Thenwith a deep breathheunched into the story for a second time. Strangely enough, it was harder than it had been with Shiani.


    Maybe that was because he had less on his mind now. When talking to Shiani, hed been surrounded by other students and trying to think of how to ask her to help him. Now, though, it was just him, Baelin, a cup of hot cider and the rain.


    He fought to not choke up, and managed to finish the story with only a slight tremble in his voice. As for Baelin, he listened quietly, only nodding along at certain points to show that he was taking in every word. The ancient wizard winced at certain sections of the story and then gave a final sigh at the end.


    I see, Baelin said. I can see why a fire affinity would beundesired. He shook his head. Magic can be fickle. Magic can be fickle.


    Have you ever had anything like thise up before? Alex asked.


    Oh my, yes, the chancellor said. It is not affinity, but I do recall one student who was deathly afraid of heights, who had one of the greatest natural talents for flight magic I have ever seen. It was incredible, truly: most mages float around like kites, but this fellow could zoom about like a shooting star. Just incrediblethis is a bit different, however. If true love existed, it would be like learning that ones greatest enemy is destined to be their lover. Star-crossed indeed.


    What do I do? Ive been spending time with her, making her feelfortable Alex shook his head. Iah, jeez, Im bothering the chancellor of the greatest university of wizardry in the world with this.


    Baelin cocked his head. You mean, that youmy studenthavee to me during my office hourswhich I have set aside to help my students withwith a problem that involves both academia, another student, and wizardry?


    He gave a deep chuckle that sounded like it echoed from a mountain cave. Were I toin about this, then it might be time for me to find another profession. Or perhaps take my not-inconsiderable gifts, knowledge and power and go live in luxury somewhere. It is no trouble. There is no problem- He paused. Alexhmmmbut I think that might be your issue, here. Amon one among wizards.


    Alex startled. What do you mean?


    You are looking at this as a problem to solve: a spell to cast, a puzzle to crack. But, this is no puzzle: your little sister is a young human being with her own hopes, desires, willpowerand yesdisappointments. You <em>cannot</em> make her not despise herself <em>or</em> ept this gift. You <em>cannot</em> make herfortable with it, anymore than you could bring your parents back to life.


    A pause.


    Is that even possi- Alex began to ask.


    <em>Dont.</em> Baelin said, all hisforting kindness evaporating in an instant.


    IIm sorry?


    You were about to go down a very dangerous line of thought. Let that go.


    W-what line of thought?


    Resurrection, Baelin said pointedly. <em>Every</em> wizard, <em>every</em> priest and <em>every</em> alchemist has thought of it, or dreamed of it or imagined it. There are ways to make ourselves immortal, and there are even more ways to make ourselves long-lived. So why not bring back the dead? And make no mistake, I dont mean the potions, spells or miracles that can resuscitate someone if their heart has stopped beating for a time, and I dont mean the necromantic raising of corpses or binding of spirits. I mean truly <em>defeating</em> death: and that is not currently possible. Even godsthankfullycan die, and they have not found ways of reversing that.


    Whatwhat happens if someone tries?


    Let us just say that if the gods are greedy for our worship and souls, then Death makes them look like the most generous of spirits. Once Death gets a good, tight grip on our souls, it gets them ready for its great work. And it does not take being cheated well. Again. Save yourself the trouble: look for ways to defeat death in this world. A Proper Wizard <em>remains</em> in this world, they do not try to crawl backtheir soul scarred, damaged and half-mad from Deaths chastisementto flop around in an attempt to unbreak what has already been broken. Perhaps, someday, we might uncover the magic to defeat death andavoid the tragedies that have gued you, your sister, myself and others. But for now, a Proper Wizard must know what they can and cannot do, and adapt within those limits.


    He gave Alex a look. It is the same with your sister: if you want her toe to a healthy rtionship with magic, you are already doing the right things: you said you are spending time with her, which means you are supporting her. You are a wizard yourself, which means you are normalizing magic to her. Andhmmm.


    His eyes nced at the steam rising from the pot. Normally, I might suggest one of our professors of fire magic who could speak to her, butno, someone young and friendly, like your ssmate Shiani, is probably far less intimidating for a young child. Though, if you would like someone with experience to speak to her, I could have a chat with her after one of the lectures for COMB-1000. See if there is anything I could say.


    Oh that sounds good, professor! Alex said. Ill see if I can get her toe with me one day.


    Baelin grinned. Ill try to make the lecture fun, at least. Well, I hope that your sisteres to terms with what has been granted to her. Remember, you can only control what support you give her, not how she thinks and feels about magic and herself.


    Ill try and keep that in mind, Baelin, Alex said, standing. Listenwe students. Not sure if its my ce to say, butIm d youre chancellor of the school. I think were in good hands.


    Baelin chuckled. Trying to make me blush are you, Alex? Well, it wont work: tter me after <em>youve</em> fed <em>me</em>instead of <em>me </em>feeding you.


    A twinkle entered Alexs eye. I just might do that. He waved his papers in front of him. Anyway, thanks for the talk. Im going to deliver this to Professor ValRok.


    Oh? An admirers letter?


    Alex burst outughing. No, I actually just finished passing the exam for credit for first year mana maniption. I just have to bring my answer sheet for him to stamp.


    Baelin paused for a long moment, his eyes boring into Alex.


    A new interest had entered them.


    <em>Really</em>, he said. Why dont you tell me a little more about that.

 Chapter 85: Chancellors, Ships and Priests

    Chapter 85: Chancellors, Ships and Priests


    Astounding, Baelin said as he looked over Alexs sheet. Truly astounding. I am not as involved with the curric for mana maniption as Professor ValRok is, of course, but I know well its not an easy subject.


    He shifted the papers, looking next at Sinbroks notes for the practical exam. My, my look at this. These are some fairly devilish challenges, especially for a wizard with ack of experience.


    His eyes rose, focusing on Alex again. What did you say you worked in before you came to Generasi? In your story, you didnt mention the sort of magical work or apprenticeships you did.


    Uh, Alex scratched the back of his head. I was a bakers apprentice.


    I see. Baelin nodded in thought. And which spells did you know before your application or being recruited.


    Just forceball, Alex said.


    I see, I see. The chancellor stroked his beard-braids. His bronze sps tinkled as they came together. That would exin <em>some </em>of it: if one could only practice a single spell controlled by mana maniption, then that would definitely give one more experience with the skill than the average entrant. But, <em>this</em> is something else. We have a fair many who Challenge Exams for Credit at Generasi and a good deal seed, but this is not a routine example of such a circumstance.


    He handed Alex back the papers. Those who pass such exams are usually experts, with plenty of experience or training in a certain subject before arriving at Generasi. For you to pass itand quite nearly master itwith your level of previous training and experience is notmon


    His eyes focused directly on Alex, and once again, the young man felt as though they were piercing right through him. notmon at all. It seems you have a natural talent for the subject, Alex.


    Well, that and a divinely granted boon that helps me learn it really damn fast, Alex added mentally. Despite himself, he watched Baelin closely for any sudden changes. No changes. Good. Still no mind reading. Probably.


    And your sister is granted a strong fire affinity. Interesting, truly interesting. Baelin almost seemed to be performing mental calctions. And you say your parentsmay they rest well in Deaths embracewere not wizards themselves?


    Like I said, they ran an alehouse, Alex said with a little force in his voice, almost defensive about that fact. They might not have been incredible spellcastersready to bend the forces of the cosmos to their will like Hobb saidbut he didnt want anyone looking down on them.


    If Baelin <em>did</em> look down on them, though, he hid it well.


    Interesting. What about a grandfather or grandmother? Or anyone in your town: a hedge wizard or country witch to show you a thing or two?


    No. Alex shook his head. I learned everything from a spell-guide in my church schools library. Maybe that means there was a wizard in Alric at <em>some</em> point, but if there was, then not even our elders remember that time. Trust me, I asked.


    I see. Entirely self-taught then, and mastered the entire material of one of the most challenging first-year courses that is taught here. Fascinating. Baelins eyes shimmered for a moment, fading and turning milky until it looked like he had gone blind.


    Alex gasped and was about to say something, but by the time he had opened his mouth, the chancellors eyes had returned to normal. Hm? Something the matter? the ancient wizard asked.


    N-no. It justnevermind.


    Well, then, I will be <em>quite</em> interested in watching your journey through your first year. Especially considering your performance in COMB-1000.


    Oh, Im uh, doing well?


    Hah, Im uh, doing well? he asks. Let me put it this way: taking into ount the adaptability and results youve shown during the practical portion of the ss, if you even do <em>moderately</em> well on the written midtermwell lets just say you shoulde by my office and see a certain list posted to my door. I think you will be pleased by what you see.


    Alex thought on those lists Sinbrok had mentioned, and felt a growing excitement.


    Please, make sure you keep in contact, Baelin continued. You know my office hours, I would appreciate it if you would join me for a hot drink again.


    Alexs stomach flip-flopped. Yes, Id love that. A-as a matter of fact, I worked as a bakers assistant in my home town, Ill definitely bring you some goodies next time.


    Baelin gave a heartyugh. Goodies, you say? Well, <em>you</em> know how to charm the elderly.


    Well, you know how to charm your students. Alex waved his hand over the empty mango te and cider cup.


    Ah, careful with that phrasing, the ancient wizards eyes twinkled. You could get me sanctioned.


    As theyughed, Alex wondered if this was how merchants felt when one of the great lords of the realm strongly hinted that they would be interested in doing business. One of his goals whening to Generasi had been to be noticed for his talents so that he wouldnt ever be suspected of being The Fool, and it seemed he was seeding quite nicely.


    Here they were, having a good time like a young man whod gone to see one of their vige elders and had stayed for a cup of brew.


    You know, I dont think theyd dare sanction you, Alex joked. Im pretty sure you could blow up half the school if you really wanted to. I mean, whos going to stop you? You could just teleport the castle into the depths of the ocean, couldnt you? Like you did with that Hathar-Motkin guy?


    Baelin paused for a moment, and suddenly hisughter went from a hearty chuckle to a roar of mirth that seemed to reach the sky.


    Alexsugh caught a little.


    Though the chancellor wasughing along with him, that mirth did not reach his goat-like eyes. They were still firmly on Alex.


    Measuring. Calcting. <em>Seeing.</em>


    Alex remembered the line of skulls on Baelins shelf in the room below.


    This is not a vige elder, his mind reminded him emphatically.


    He shook the thought from his head. While he wasnt sure if he could <em>trust</em> the chancellorpletely, the beastman had been nothing but helpful and guiding, if maybe a little terrifying.


    Theres a thought. A strange light entered Baelins eyes. The professors here are incredibly talented, and some of the greatest wizards in the world hold associated offices here. Then theres some truly <em>frightening</em>individuals in the Watchers of Roal and the city itself. Point being, there is a considerable amount of might gathered hereif I did choose to say, try to teleport the <em>entire</em>castle to the depths of the oceanwhich Im not quite sure I could by myself, and even if I could that would take quite a bit of time to set upI just wonder how far I could get before someone managed to stop me. Hmmm, youve given me an interesting little mental problem to ponder. Thank you, this will upy my evening I think.


    Alex gave him a polite, tight, frightened smile. Y-youre wee.


    Staying around the chancellor might fray his nerves and make him twitchy. Hed need to do something to rx himself.


    Well, hed passed the exam. Hed be writing his midterms this week and finally going to see Captain Fan-Dor; since it was thest weekend theyd be in port. He could bring Selina with him, Theresa, and Brutus since shed enjoy being on<em> The Red Siren </em>and seeing the captain again.


    That would get him started with learning the rest of the dance and be a fine way to rx his nerves.


    With ValRoks lettering shortly and Jules letter in hand, he could get his application into Shales as well.


    Stop, thief! a voice cried bloody murder from street. Help! Heeeeeeeelp!


    Alex stood frozen in the doorway of Shales workshop, watching a hooded and cloaked figure speeding down the cobblestones with a bundle under his arm. Despite the hot sun and clear sky, they wore a cloak hood pulled down over their face.


    Behind the thief, an older man wrung his hands and looked for help from the crowd. Several heads turned as the robber pushed people out of the way.


    Guard! Guard! someone began to cry, while others levelled their hands toward the running figure.


    One person in the crowda stocky grey-skinned womanspat a single incantation. The figure stiffened in the middle of the street and crumpled to the ground. Above the murmurs of passersby, Alex heard a loud snoring sound.


    He watched for a time as the woman spoke with the man whod been robbed and watched as the broad-shouldered guardstheir breasttes shining and each marked with a glowing glyphstormed in and dragged the thief to their feet.


    Alex shook his head.


    The thrill of the big city, he muttered, making his way back to where their sky-gond was waiting.


    It floated above the crowd across the street, and he could see Selina, Theresa and Brutus, poking all five of their collective heads over the side of the gond to get a better look at themotion.


    A blue bird was painted on the boats hull, which floated down to the crowd when Alex approached. Their gondoliera young man named Kirk, with a smile seemingly permanently pasted to his face and utterly dead eyesgave him a friendly nod when he arrived.


    Hello, customer and wee back to Bluebird sky-gonds, I hope that my service today continues to please you! His words had the same practiced cadence as Lucias, but his voice was filled with the same sort of false cheer that McHarris had affected when talking to his customers.


    Yeah, Im sure, Alex said, climbing aboard. He nced at his sister. Well, that was exciting wasnt it?


    Yeah, she said, watching as the guards spoke to everyone involved in the incident. Her words were still short, but her voice had lost a lot of its tness and her eyes wereing to life with interest again.


    She still hadnt built anything in thest while, which worried him, though. That was okay, though, as Baelin said. She was her own person and would heal in her own way. He just needed to be there to support and guide her. Him and Theresa.


    As the boat lifted off again, they settled in with their grinning gondolier as the city passed below.


    So, Theresa said to Selina. Are you excited to see Captain Fan-Dor again?


    Now some of the young girls normal excitement returned and she nodded quickly. Mhm! Mhm! And Gel-Dor too. Its just She paused and her face dipped a little. Ships


    What is it, Selina? Alex asked.


    She paused and leaned closer to Theresa and Alex. Captain Fan-Dor said that fire is really, really bad on shipsso maybe he wouldnt want me on there


    You dont have to tell him anything you dont want to tell him, Theresa whispered. Like how Alex doesnt have to tell everyone he meets hes a wizard or how I dont have to tell everyone I meet that I like to go hunting. You can keep that to yourself, thats okay.


    Butthats different. Maybe Imdangerous, Selina whispered.


    Support, Alex remembered.


    He ced his hand on her small back. Remember, I have to try really, really hard to cast magic. And youve seen how hard Khalik has to work at it too. As far as I know, you cant really do magic by ident. Ive never seen my friends from me and Theresas ss use fire magic by ident. They always do it on purpose and when they have to. Its safe. If you ever talk to them-


    He nted the seed, subtly.


    -youll see that theyre safe.


    She looked between Alex and Theresa carefully before nodding once more. Okay, that makes sense.


    Before leaning back, Alex gave his little sister a tight hug and then pulled away. Theresa gave her a hug too, and she looked much cheerier after. Brutus whined and licked her face.


    Hey! She giggled.


    Her mood improved immensely after that, and she was far more interested in watching andmenting on the city passing below as they drifted over the wall and toward the docks.


    There it is! Selina said excitedly, pointing to a ship at the dock. Thats <em>The Red Siren!</em>


    Alex smiled as he saw the familiar form of Fan-Dors vessel.


    You know. Theresa scanned the entire port town as they neared it. I dont see any sky-pier around here.


    Their gondoliers tight, increasingly creepy smile shifted a little. Well thats a bit of a story, you see-


    Alex gasped.


    What is it? What is it? the gondolier asked. Is there a problem?


    No, no, go on, finish telling your story, Alex said. I thought I saw a shark fin.


    That was a lie, but what he did see was more cause for rm.


    Down below, standing by several docks were the familiar white robes of Uldars priests, milling around in front of a ship.


    It looked like they were seeing their fellows off.

 Chapter 86: Pirate Tales and Dances

    Chapter 86: Pirate Tales and Dances


    The white robed forms were still far away, and were a fair distance from Fan-Dors ship, but still a little too close forfort. Then an rming thought hit him. Would Fan-Dors be one of the ships ferrying the priests away from Generasi?


    Alex nced around the dock.


    He only noticed priests by the one ship.


    Good. Unless some were hiding out on Fan-Dors ship, then it looked like they were all congregated in front of one vessel.


    Theresa had followed Alexs gaze and had gone stiff and silent. Selina was starting to look in that direction.


    Hey Selina, Alex said quickly. Look at the lighthouse. He pointed to the massive lighthouse rising far above the rest of the port, its top glowing with permanent magical light. How old do you think it is?


    Oh wow, it looks super old, she said, immediately hyper-focused on the interesting piece of architecture.


    Alex continued with the gondoliers conversation. So yeah, what about that sky-pier, Kirk?


    Oh, well its a prettyplicated issue, the gondolier said as he poled them closer to the docks. The port is very oldone of the first ces built in all of Generasiand there isnt much room for a lot of new construction down here, especially for something that needs the amount of clearance a sky-pier does. Bluebird Sky-Gonds has tried to get a permit to buy a part of thend, tear down a couple of the older buildings, and build a sky-pier, but weve been blocked by zoning paperwork.


    Thats very interesting, Alex said, pointing to an open area before the buildings. You can put us down there. So, whos blocking you?


    Right you are. Kirk poled them down toward the clear area between the gates of Generasi and the port. Generasi Sky-Gonds. They have a lot of sway and so we end up struggling with them instead of just being able to build the sky-pier.


    What about all this space between the town gates and the port?


    The mans dead eyes seemed to grow a bit dimmer even as his smile remained the same. Thats where the Committee for the Beautification of Generasies in. They insist this area stays clear, and so it stays clear.


    They started tond when an idea suddenly urred to Alex.


    Hed been thinking they might need to slink around to avoid the priests, but there might be a simpler way. Could yound us <em>on</em> a ship?


    Why yes, as long as you have the captains permission.


    Oh, Alex said. I think hell be fine with it.


    Pirates! Get your swords, were being boarded! Fan-Dor roared as the sky-gond floated down toward the deck of <em>The Red Siren</em>. I want their heads mounted on the prow!


    Their sky-gondoliers smile dropped and he screamed while Alex and Theresa scrambled to the side of the gond. Selina started to panic while Brutus saw all the excitement and began howling.


    No waitwaitwait! Alex shouted.


    Its us, Captain! Theresa cried. Theresa, Alex, Selina and Brutus! We were the ones with the cerberus in the summer! Its us! Its u-


    She paused, noticing that Captain Fan-Dor was roaring withughter so hard that he was bent over the railing, pounding it with one of his meaty fists. For a brief momentas his hearts racing calmedAlex imagined using his forceball to sink <em>The Red Siren.</em>


    Theynded with no other incident, though their gondolier was obviously relieved when Alex told him not to wait for them.


    Good, now youve scared them half to death, Gel-Dor said sarcastically as he stepped toward them from across the deck.


    It was a good joke! Fan-Dor protested.


    Brutus gave him a low growl from all three heads, seeming to sense Theresas earlier distress. The captain took a big step away from the cerberus.


    Jokes are only good when the people that are supposed to enjoy them arent dead from fright, brother.


    Oh bah, youre about as fun as a shark bite. Fan-Dor waved him off dismissively, before turning to Alex. How <em>are</em>you all-Whoa! Well look at you He nced between Alex and Selina. Well, well, well look how you two have grown.


    He stepped up to the small girl, and held up a hand just in front of her forehead. When you first boarded<em> The Siren</em>, you were <em>this</em> high. He wiggled his hand back and forth. And now look at you.


    I grew a whole inch! Selina said proudly, standing her tallest.


    A whole inch! Well, well, well, well have a giant on our hands before we know it! Fan-Dorughed.


    For a brief instant, Alexs mind returned to his n of feeding Selina body enhancement potions until she had grown into a giant. He shook the mad thought away as the captain approached him, looking him up and down. Well, well, lookit you. When Ist saw you, you were as skinny as a broomstick, now what do I see? You got the beginnings of a sailors build, young Alex.


    Alex grinned, rolled up the sleeve of his left armnot the side bearing The Markand flexed, drawing an eye roll from Selina and a whistle from Fan-Dor. Hed put on even more muscle in the past couple of weeks and it was burning through what little fat he used to carry.


    His eyes flicked over to Theresa, to find her quickly turning her head away.


    A blush was creeping up her cheeks.


    Alex felt a little flutter of pride.


    I thought you were going to a <em>wizard</em> school, Gel-Dor said, cocking his head.


    Hey a guys gotta have hobbies, Alex shrugged.


    Right. Fan-Dor nced at Theresa. And how have <em>you</em> been?


    Fantastic, she said. I kind of love this city, Im not going to lie. How have you all been?


    Aaah, I cantin, cantin, Fan-Dor said. Your little reward helped us out quite a bit, Alex.


    Oh? Alex asked.


    Yeah, business got a bit bad there for a while when it got out that we had <em>another</em> mana vampire stow aboard, but the gold from the reward kept us afloatliterally. We took on cargo for a time and went to some other ports. Less reputation at first, but I know how to build one quick. Got some good contracts for a bitthen came the pirates.


    What? Pirates? Selina blinked.


    Oh yeah. Seems like a bunch of ships had started making their way to your homnd when news of that big monster of yours got out: captains looking to make a killing ferrying desperate people, and <em>pirate</em> captains looking to make a killing out of gutting those ferries. He waved his hand. There was some kind of business with some kind ofportal cave? I think? That sound familiar to you?


    Oh yes, Theresa said, and Alex fought to keep a straight face.


    Anyway, so there was some business with that which meant no desperate passengers for ferries real fast, and only the ships that got there first got to make <em>anything</em>. So, the captains were left without much to do, and they were all in the same ce. A hungry crew can make a captain make some hard decisions.


    He frowned. So the pirates started attacking them at the same time as they turned on each other, looking for <em>some</em> kind of profit.


    Oh, jeez, Alex muttered.


    And then the pirates started spreading out, hitting other ships in other waters. Thats when the Rhinean Empire and the Kingdom of Guadiana put up bounties. We took advantage of that and hunted a couple of pirate ships.


    Were-were any of you hurt? Selina asked, wide-eyed.


    You cant go into a scrap without expecting a bruise, Gel-Dor said darkly.


    Alex nced around. Some of the crew members were unfamiliar to him, and some of the ones from when theyd ferried on <em>The Red Siren</em> were missing.


    Well, we made a tidy profit on the bounties and on selling the ships, Fan-Dorughed, and Alex noticed that he and the crew were dressed far better than they had been thest time theyd met. And now were back. Already have a contract or two. The folks around herell warm to us again, just like the sea warms when Ek-u-Dari shines the sun over it. So, thats what weve been up to. Now,e join us for some lunch, and then I think I owe you another dance lesson.


    Looking forward to it, Alex said, ncing at the priests down the pier. Do you uh, have any other passengers, captain? Will they be having lunch with us?


    Got a couple to be ferried, but none are boarding until tonight.


    I see, Alex said neutrally. He nced again at the priests. It looked like their ship was raising anchor and would be leaving soon. Good. That meant they wouldnt being close enough to sense him.


    He would keep an eye out just in case, though.


    What? Fan-Dor blinked a few times. <em>All</em> the steps?


    And every position and stance, Alex said, giving the oar Captain Fan-Dor had handed him a twirl as he brought it up into first guard. We can go into detail with whatever next parts of the dance you want to teach me, but I want to <em>try</em>them all.


    The schar scratched his chin. Not sure if thats the most useful idea in the world, Alex. A lot of this stuffs really advancedonly taught after <em>years</em> of practice and some of the steps even <em>Im</em>not great at.


    I still want to try them, Alex said enthusiastically. Think of it like a preview forter, plus if I know where Im heading to eventually, itll help me with what I have to learn now.


    Fan-Dor frowned. Well, that doesnt make too much sense to me, but no harm in <em>showing</em> you everything I know, I guess. Youll mess up a lot, just to warn you, but no harm in it. But really, were going to go through them all quick and then focus on the next steps in the dance: well need time and practice with those if youll have any hope of getting them right on your own. Then we can save the next steps for another time.


    Hey, that makes sense: repetition is the mother of learning, after all, Alex said. Just think of it as showing me everything and satisfying my curiosity before we get to the real learning.


    In truth, Alex was far more interested in Fan-Dor teaching him the beginnings of every movement in the dance than he was in the detailed lesson the captain nned for. The Mark couldnt conjure knowledge from nothing, nor could it simply transfer skills into his head directly, but it could point out the sessful parts of anything he tried.


    That meant that as long as he tried every step in the dance at least once, then The Mark would have something to build on when it came time to repeat it. The sesses would build upon each other, and he would learn the skilleven without a teacher right there to help him. Of course, also having a teacher to guide him would be extra helpful and help him progress faster, but he couldnt rely on Fan-Dor always being in port to help him with every step of the dance.


    By trying each move once, he could have The Mark guide him through the <em>entirety</em> of the dance. Then, whenever Fan-Dor returned, hed be a lot farther along.


    Alright, you been practicing? Show me how youre doing with what Ive already taught you, Fan-Dor said, raising his oar into the air.


    Alex lifted his oar too: his increased strength and practice had made Fan-Dor agree to graduating him from a simple mop. He fell into the first stance then passed through the first step, the second stance and the first guard of the dance with practiced grace.


    Fan-Dor gaped. What thdo that again!


    Again Alex demonstrated the parts of the dance hed been taught, moving like water through each movement.


    Well, well! Fan-Dorughed. Well, snap my mast, youre a damned natural! By Ek-u-Dari, just how much did you practice? You look like youve been doing those steps for years.


    Enough. I practiced a lot. Alex said.


    <em>Now</em> I see why you wanted demonstrations of the whole thing! Youre going to be incredible at this when youre ready to make your move on you know who! Heughed and winked, as Alex turned red.


    With that, Fan-Dor jumped into demonstrating the other three stances, four positions of the feet, and four guards, letting him try each one. Alex couldnt help but smile as they went through each movement: the more advanced ones were more difficult for him, but he was doing a lot better with them than he had when hed first started learning the Spear-and-Oar Dance months earlier.


    The basic foundation hed built would help him quickly learn the rest.


    After that, Fan-Dor had excitedly called his brother over. You gotta see this! he said.


    Themotion brought over the rest of the crew, as well as Selina, Theresa and Brutus. All watched as Alex demonstrated the parts of the dance hed just learned, with growing skill.


    You <em>just</em> taught him that? Gel-Dor whistled in surprise. Well lets get to the flourishes and basic jumps then! This young mans hungry, lets feed him up!


    Alexughed as they enthusiastically started to teach him the more advanced movements. They almost seemed to bepeting with one another as to who could teach the steps the best and quickest.


    He absorbed all of it like a sponge, though the flourishes and jumps were a fair bit harder. Thankfullydue to his practice on the obstacle course in the gymnasiumeven these werent too difficult.


    Hede a long way from the stumbling, skinny young man whod first tried to learn the dance.


    A surprise came when Theresa suddenly grabbed an oar. Think you can teach two at the same time? she asked.


    The schar twins only grinned and waved her over.

 Chapter 87: A Fine Evening and Anxious Morning

    Chapter 87: A Fine Evening and Anxious Morning


    Its too bad they cant stay longer, Selina said wistfully, waving at the ship as their little group stood on the quay.


    Theyre off to do what they have to dolike hunting pirates. Theresas eyes sparked as she said the words and waved at the ship with one hand, while patting one of Brutus heads with the other.


    The massive cerberus panted contentedly: he had spent the afternoon basking on the ships deck and gorging himself on fish-treats some of the crewmembers had tossed him. Hed even taken treats from Alex, and none of his heads had eyed the young man suspiciously.


    Operation Fetch was progressing quite nicely.


    It had been one of the most fun afternoons Alex had had in awhile: it was thrilling learning the other parts of the dance, and learning it with Theresa had been an extra bonus. An extra <em>extra</em>reward was that staying so long on <em>The Red Siren</em> had given the priests ship plenty of time to set off on its voyage, and the few remaining priests of Uldar had departed back to the city a long time ago.


    As for Theresas learning the dance, his childhood friend hadnt practiced any of it before, so he was more than a little smug that hed exceeded her in doing something physical. For all of his own growth in strength and endurance, her growth in speed had been even quicker than his: she seemed to run endlessly these days and at speeds that were pretty stunning.


    Still, her natural gracewhich had bloomed since shed started life enforcementhad allowed her to do quite well with only one afternoon of practice.


    Seeing her agility and hearing about her skill in armedbat, Fan-Dor had taught her more stances, guard and steps than hed taught Alex on his first lesson, and hed even shown her how to perform the first jump and first flourish. Theresa was athletic, but watching her go through the jump had been something to see: a single twitch of her legs had sent her high into the air, and she seemed to float when she came back down,nding inplete silence.


    Fan-Dor and Gel-Dor had been impressed, and the leering twins had pulled Alex aside like naughty children sharing a secret.


    When you master what we taught you today, boy, Captain Fan-Dor had elbowed him in the side with a knowing grin. You should teach her what you know.


    Itll bring you closer, Gel-Dor said more seriously, but a sparkle yed in his jet-ck eyes. Think of it like a secret weapon.


    Alex had given them a strong thumbs up at the time, and now smiled at the memory as he waved back at the waving figures of the crew.


    Alright, why dont we grab some supper in the city and then head home? he said as they turned away.


    Heading back into Generasiwhich Alex realized hed started thinking of as going homethey caught another sky-gond and returned to the part of the city closest to the school. He watched the passing streets below and smiled at what he saw.


    The abundant forms of priests standing in squares and crossroads, asking for donations to Thamnds efforts against The Ravener had vanished. He could see priests of other deities on the citys roads, but even they faded, bing less and lessmon the closer they got to the district next to the school. Soon, there were none to be seen at all.


    They had the sky-gond driver stop at a restaurant hed seen near the golem workshop and they had an excellent meal. What they chose were dishes of wheat noodles in various shapes, smothered in thick sauces made with tomatoes, meat, cream or abination of all three. On the side were baskets of bread dipped in garlic and butter, which was absolutely delicious, <em>but</em> also made their breaths an absolute nightmare.


    Only Selinas manners kept her from breathing on him while they were at the restaurant, but she immediately began to as soon as theyd left.


    All in all, it was a great afternoon followed by an even better evening, and as they travelled back to the university, Alexs eyes traced the smoke lines rising from the citys workshops, painting the sunset-orange skyline. His gaze fell on the squat structure of Shales workshop, noticing something curious about the front of the building.


    The door to the workshopand the front doors of some of the other buildingshad been decorated with wreaths made up of dried grape vines and straw surrounding wooden boards that had been painted to look like monsters snarling.


    He wondered what they were all about, and hoped that hed be finding out soon. With luck, he might being to this section of the city a lot in the not too distant future, if his reference letters opened the door to Shales for him.


    Hey Selina, he said. Would you like to do some y sculpting when we get home? If you dont want to, that''s okay too.


    Humming and in high spirits, she nodded vigorously. I want to see if we can build The Red Siren.


    Theresa smiled at her. Im sure you can, Selina. Especially with Alex helping you.


    Alex smiled as well. It was progress. It was progress.


    The waiting room was filled with candidates.


    Alexearliest to arrivechewed his lip and shuffled sheets of paper between his hands. He tried not to look at anyone, and just concentrated on taking in all of his surroundings at once by focusing on his senses. He focused on the smells of hot materialsing from within the golem workshop, not the smell of cold sweating from some of the other candidates.


    He focused on the floor instead of the door that led to the room where the interviews were being heldwaiting for it to swing open and for his name to be called.


    He focused on the sounds of the shop and street outside, and not the fact that one of the candidates whod recently stepped out of the interview room was quietly weeping into their hands while waiting for a friend to finish their turn.


    He focused on the weight of his body against the chair instead of the feeling of cold nerves rampaging through his belly.


    He tried to keep calm, but already his leg was twitching.


    The day for his interview had arrived.


    An entire week had passed since hed dropped off his summary of skills and the two reference letters, and the time had gone by fairly peacefully. Midterms had flown by in a blink anpared to Challenging the Exam for Credit for Mana Maniptionthey all had been quite easy.


    Well, except for FORC-1550.


    He was sure he had done <em>really</em> well on the written portionat this point, he could almost recite the content of his textbooks in his sleepbut the practical portion had been more of a struggle. Hed been able to cast the required spells: forceball, forcedisk, and Wizards Hand with extreme control and efficiency. The modifications hed made to those spells had impressed the graduate student who was invigting the test.


    Unfortunately, hed lost points in the speed department.


    Even though hed gotten much faster at acknowledging and letting go of The Marks interference, it still made him have to be very careful during spellcraft. Compared to the most proficient students in the ss, he was still slow.


    <em>That</em> had been frustrating: hed done so well on the written part of the exam as well as on his other exams, but that one single problem had aggravated him. He wasnt giving up and was getting over it, though. Hed been talking with ValRok about a special project that would prepare him for the second year mana maniption ss hed be taking next semester.


    Alex shook his head, hardly believing that half the semester was nearly over. Sometimeswhen he woke up in his room in the inshed be disoriented for a bit and wonder why he wasnt in his room in the Lus inn. It was hard to believe thata few short months agohe had still been working for McHarris. Things were changing all the time, and time was marching on.


    He had brought Selina to Baelins ss during the week, and as promised, the chancellor had taught a fun ss about funny looking monstersplete with pictures, diagrams, and a cute taxidermied muupkara...with its mouth closed, thankfully. Baelin had spoken to her after ss, though Alex didnt know what theyd talked about, but Selina seemed a little more sure of herself after their conversation. Shed even taken to calling him, nice Mr. chancellor Baelin.


    Soon, he nned on hosting another dinner party for his friends, and this time, hed invite Shianitheyd already discussed and agreed on that. If the young fire wizard was introduced to Selina as one of his friends during a party at their home with food andughter and fun, then Shianis words might be moreforting and better reach her in familiar surroundings in a festive atmosphere.


    That was the n, anyway.


    He sighed.


    If only someone was around right now to make <em>him</em> feel morefortable.


    He resisted the urge to look at the door again and instead, shuffled his papers. The entire setup was alien to him: one really didnt interview for jobs in Alric. One usually just talked to a merchant, farmer, or business owner informally, shook hands or not, and the deed would be done.


    This was far from informal, and Alex hoped hed be ready for whatever this interview involved.


    <em>Creak.</em>


    Wood groaned as the door opened again and Alexs eyes flew up.


    A young manlooking like a Generasi studentwas shuffling out of the room with a stack of papers in his hands and looking so pale, that it seemed like he was about to be sick.


    Alex gulped.


    Was that nervousness? He hoped that they hadnt bullied him in there: thest thing he wanted was toe all the way to Generasi to work for another McHarris.


    Mr. Alex Roth! Sim Shale called, looking around the room of candidates.


    Alex let out a deep breath, rose from his chair, smoothed his clotheshed worn his best doublet and trousers for thisand stepped into the room. If Sim recognized him from the tour, he gave no sign.


    Have a seat right there. Sim shut the door behind him andtched it, then gestured to a single chair in the middle of the room.


    Across from it rose a high deskthe kind some high-powered magistrate would sit behindand at it were two people plus an empty chair. The person on the right was arge, bald man with green-grey skin and two short tusks jutting out from a heavy jaw.


    The woman sitting in the central seat was grey skinned and-


    Alexs eyes widened.


    -familiar.


    She had been the woman whod used the sleep spell to catch the thief in the street outside the workshop. Now that he could see her closely, he noted that there was quite the resemnce between her and Sim Shale.


    That must be his mother, Alex thought. Toraka Shale. Oh boy.


    He made his way to his seat, while the two interviewers scrawled notes down on sheets of paper in front of them.


    Alex Roth? Toraka said as her son made his way to the third seat.


    Yes, he said, shifting in his seat.


    She looked up at him and gave him an appraising look, then lifted two sheets of paper in front of her. Through the morning light beaming through the window, he saw the familiar seals of ValRok and Jules. Those were his reference letters.


    Wee to my workshop, Mr. Roth. She smiled at him, though the rocky angles of her face made the expression somewhat harsh. ValRok Rathakan and Vernia Jules are my two close friends, so I take what they say quite seriously. But, I have to admit, your summary letters a little light.


    Alex winced. This was starting off well.


    Probably wouldnt have even called you for an interview if it werent for their rmendations.their <em>glowing</em> rmendations. Toraka shook her head as though in disbelief. Thats a rare thing for both of them: <em>especially</em> ValRok.


    He blinked in surprise. The quirky lizardman seemed easy going enough in ssbut then again, Alex <em>had</em>seen a lot of sour faces when the marks for Glyph Box hade back.


    Well, uh. He cleared his throat. Im d that I impressed them.


    Not an easy thing to do, but, Toraka said, adjusting her papers. You still need to impress me. So, lets start with the formalities. Im Toraka Shale and I own this workshop, beside me is my sonSimand to my left-


    She gestured to the green manan orc; they were not a race hed seen until hed arrived in Generasi.


    Im Lagor, his deep voice croaked out. Ill be the crafter youll be assisting if we hire you. He reached beneath the desk and took out an object, then rounded the desk and crossed the room. Tell me everything you can about this.


    Alex quickly put his papers on hisp and took the object that was handed to him.


    His eyes widened.


    This is a golem core, he said.

 Chapter 88: The Interview

    Chapter 88: The Interview


    Alex had only ever seen a golem core once, and that was during the tour of Shales Workshop with Theresa. He couldnt imagine how bad it would have looked if they handed him one and his immediate response was: Duuuuh, whats <em>that?</em>


    Right, what else can you tell me about it? Lagor asked, the orc crafter watching him closely.


    Well. Alex said carefully. I could tell you more if I had certain equipment.


    Interesting, the crafter said. What equipment would you use?


    A mana spectrometer would let me tell you about most of its magical constitution, and a manohmeter would let me give you a number for its magical conductivity, Alex said, turning the object over in his hands.


    The golem core was pyramid-shaped and surprisingly heavy. Now that he was able to actually examine one up close, he took the opportunity to inspect it as thoroughly as he could,paring it to the dungeon core from The Cave of the Traveller.


    Both were heavy, and though the golem core was not asrge as the dungeon core, hed put them both at simr densitythough he couldnt be sure without doing a proper analysis of them side by side. Both were smooth to the touch as well, and both had a simr sort offeel.


    He couldnt quite ce it but there was an odd simrity between this object and the dungeon core that he couldnt voice. His mind returned to the day in The Travellers Sanctum, remembering well how the dungeon core felt when he was interacting with it, and when hed forced its mana to touch The Travellers-Ah.


    That was it.


    Its dead, isnt it? Alex said, looking up at Lagor just in time to see a surprised look cross his face. In a blink, the orcs expression returned to neutral.


    What makes you say that? the crafter asked.


    It just <em>feels</em> that way, Alex said. And Im feeling no mana at alling from it. Of course, Id need to actually fully examine it with my mana senses to be sure, but right now, Id say it feels dead.


    Thats right, Lagor said. But why use the word dead?


    Pardon?


    Why not use the word non-functioning or broken?


    Hmmm, Alex paused, thinking carefully on the question. The reason he used the word dead was because the golem core felt so simr to the dungeon core, and hed <em>felt</em> that thetter had been alive.


    He couldnt really say that, so he thought carefully on how to answer: bncing out what was close to his true feelings, with what likely would please his interviewers.


    Well, theyre something close to alive, right? Alex said. I mean, they dont have a heart and lungs and a brain, but neither do earth elementals and <em>theyre</em> alive.


    Boy, are they ever alive, Alex thoughtremembering how the massive elemental had nearly torn apart his group in The Barrens.


    So the word dead feels right, thoughlike I saidits not quite the same.


    I see, Lagor said neutrally. So, lets say its dead. What else can you tell me?


    Ill need to examine it through mana maniption to be able to tell you more.


    Fine, Lagor said. Do you need a mana conductor?


    No, Alex said. He had never touched a golem core before, but he <em>had</em> been able to use his mana to infiltrate, examine and control a dungeon core, and if they were as simr as he thought they were


    He sent his mana into the golem core and the sensation was incredibly familiar. Not <em>quite</em> the same, but still familiar enough. Activating The Mark, it showed him his most sessful moments of sending his mana into the dungeon core and guided him on how hed done each.


    Thabined with his improved mana maniption skillmade the task simpler, even though he hadnt had this specific experience before. In a few heartbeats, hed passed his mana through the entirety of the core,pletely feeling out its internal structure.


    Interesting, Alex said. There were


    He passed his mana back and forth through the core.


    three spells built into the core: the cores structure isplex, but there were also at least three different magic circuits for spells built into it tooseparate, but still powered by the cores mana. I cant say what spells they were, though.


    He continued to feel around the core.


    Cause of deathor I guess the malfunction that broke it was a mana overload, I think. Some of the magic circuits have crumbled in ces.


    Hed felt a simr degradation of magic circuits when hed overloaded the fire-gem before Theresa used it to kill the hive-queen.


    I cant really say <em>why</em> it happened, not without doing closer analysisalthough.


    He pushed his mana through the inner pathways of the golem core more slowly, examining the internal parts andparing them to his own mana pool, as well as to the pathways within the different magical tools hed used with mana maniption before.


    Huh, he said.


    What is it? Lagor asked from close.


    Alex startled a little, and looked up to see the orc leaning closer to him. He nced over and saw that Sim was leaning over the desk while Toraka was writing something down.


    So, this is going to be a guess here he said. Becauseagainwithout proper analysis and consultation I cant say things for sure, but


    He closed his eyes, and took a deep, meditative breath, shutting out all his senses except for his mana sense. He noticed little punctures in the walls of the cores mana pathwaysalmost like areas where a souffl had burst. Examining the pathways from both sides, hepared them to the internal structures of his own body, and the devices hed used in his Mana Maniption ss. He also noticed that some of the pathways were thinner than others.


    It was in the thinner areas of the paths that the punctures had urred.


    The walls of these pathways are a little thinhere, here, and here, he said, pointing to different sections of the pyramidal core. Thats where the perforations are in the core. Again, Id need more tools to be sure, but it looks like thats where the internal structure burst.


    Huh, I see. Lagor wrote something down. Right, anything else you want to tell me?


    Alex thought back on the knowledge hed gained from Professor Jules graduate students. So, I can say that this is not an evolving golem, probably. At the very least, theres no chaos essence in here as far as I can tellparts of it would be wavering slightly if there were: chaos essence doesnt like to stay in one form. Judging by the amount of pathways and the mana that should be channeling through them, this is probably the core to a y golem.


    I see. Lagor continued to write. And if you were toguess what materials were used, what would you say?


    Hmmmm. Alex frowned at the core. Well, thats a bit of a tricky question: theres a few different materials that one can use to make golem cores that are fairly interchangeable. You can use molten copper as a conductor, but you can also use silver, gold, zinc and brass. Silvers one of the best metals for use, though if you <em>really</em> want very high mana conductivity, orichalcums good, but pretty expensive.


    He turned it over. But, if I were to guess, I think this probably uses mana-aged quartz: its fairly cheap, easy to work with andwith enough time infused with manais a fairly good conductor. Other materials-


    Alex fired off a list of possible materials, narrowing down what would likely be used by Shales Workshop if he were to consider the area, price and essibility. As Lagor nodded with his responses, he promised himself hed bake the grad students an absolutely massive cake when this was all over.


    Right, right, right, Lagor said.


    Do you think you could be more specific? Toraka asked.


    Actually, no. Alex shook his head. Guessing would not be best practice in alchemy, since its all about precision: and most golem workshops keep their exact recipes secret.


    Hm. Toraka wrote something else down.


    Right, Ill take the core back now, Lagor said.


    Alex let out a sigh and rubbed his hands together, picking up his papers and holding them almost as if they were a protective shield. His mind was racing, trying to analyze his own answers and every minute aspect of his interviewers reactions to try to predict how hed done.


    He shook away those thoughts.


    <em>Dont think. Adapt, but dont overthink.</em>


    Right. Sim looked at Alex closely. Your summary letter said you worked in a bakery before?


    For roughly four years, Alex confirmed. I worked in a team, assisting the master baker.


    Quite the jump in careers, Sim said. So why do you want to work in my <em>mothers</em> workshop, specifically?


    Because you pay well and youll help me when ites to analyzing the nasty spawn from the monster that keeps putting my kingdom in peril, he stopped himself from saying.


    Alex leaned forward, ncing at the notes hed made about his experience in the bakery. At my old job, we had good days and we had bad days: and bad days were usually all about breakdowns in the team. He spread his hands. We were kind of like parts of a machine, like the pathways in a golem core. His hand gestured to the dead core sitting in front of Lagor. Some of the pathways burst in that core, which killed it, and that killed the whole golem, Id imagine.


    His eyes flicked to Lagor, and he noted the ever so slight nod.


    Same with a team: when the team breaks down, the entire machine breaks down and then the job doesnt get done. When I toured the workshop with you, Sim- He gambled on using the young mans first name: Torakas son had introduced himself by his first name, and using it would create familiarity.


    Again, he noted the slight shift forward in Sims body weight.


    -I saw that everyone was working well as a team. Everyone was pulling their weight, nobody was rushing or scrambling aroundwhich meant that the entire team was organized and everything was the way it was supposed to beand no one looked dejected.


    That hed <em>seen</em>, at least.


    And if thats what the team looks like on the average workday, then that means the shops well-organized and well-run. I also heard from Professors ValRok and Jules that the golems produced here are some of the strongest, most efficient, most astute at carrying out orders, and easiest to maintain in the entire city. Thats why you price them the way you do: you craft quality, and I want to be a part of that.


    Torakas pen was writing very quickly, as was Sims.


    Okay, Sim said. And if youve got a conflict on the team, what would you do?


    Alex thought back on Minervus, hoping that the young man didnt also get a job here. I would try and work it out with whoever I was having a problem with andif that didnt workId bring it to my supervisor so we could all work it out.


    The sound of three scratching pens filled the room.


    Right, Sim said. And do you have any questions for us?


    Yes, actually. Alex raised his sheets of paper. What do you need a crafters assistant to show you that lets you know theyre seeding at the job and actually being helpful in the workshop?


    Toraka looked between Sim and Lagor. An assistant would have to follow orders, show initiative and work well within a team. They wouldnt need to know everything: thats the crafters job, but after the training period, theyd need to be a quick study and actually be able to assist the crafter. This isnt school, this is golem-craft, and we need all hands to know what theyre doing. At the same time, we need people that dont make this ce hard to work in: I dont employ machines, but a good attitude helps the whole process. What do you think, Lagor?


    What you said, Lagor agreed. And I dont want anyone thinking that theyre going to try and impress me by doing a bunch of stuff thats outside of procedure: innovations not like it is in the books and ys. It takes time and sometimes years of small steps.


    Got it. Alex wrote down their answer word-for-word. Another question: is there opportunity for advancement?


    Yes, Toraka said. There technically is: if youve got talent, pick up enough experience and show that we can trust you, well get you where you need to be in the workshop.


    Right, right, and you said there was a training period?


    Two weeks, Lagor said.


    Alex circled that answer. I see. Thats all I got then.


    Perfect, Toraka rose, picking up a sheaf of papers. Then thest thing is a short written test, and thatll be it. Mark it with your name and leave it with the front desk when youre finished, and well go from there. Thank you foring in.


    Alrighty then. Alex rose from his seat, fighting down his rising nerves. Thanks for the opportunity.


    <em>Tap. Tap. Tap.</em>


    Alex startled, nearly ruining the notes he was making on Orb of Air in the evening light bleeding through the ts of his window shutters. Selina? he called.


    <em>Tap. Tap. Tap.</em>


    The tap came again.


    He could still hear Selina grumbling over a problem she was having while doing her homework in the kitchen, and he hadnt heard Theresa return from practicing with the Watchers of Roal yet.


    Brutus? he asked.


    <em>Tap. Tap. Tap.</em>


    He realized it wasing from the window. N-Najyah?


    Alex tiptoed to the window and slowly opened it.


    He gasped as a massive, golden dragonfly flew into the room, its wings making a metallic buzzing noise. Itnded on his desk and slowly rotated toward him. Attached to its tail was a letter bearing the seal of Shales Workshop.


    With a low cry, Alex charged across the room and tore the letter open, scanning its contents quickly. His eyes froze on the final lines:


    <em>-start as soon as possible. Please write a return note stating whether you ept or reject the position and attach it to the messenger golems tail. Looking forward to working with you. - Lagor</em>


    Yeeeessss! Alex cried, pumping his fists.


    A huge weight lifted off his shoulders.


    He now had an ie, he was a step closer to being able to properly analyze the dungeon cores remains, <em>and</em> build his very own golem. And luckily, there had been a lot of candidates whod applied.


    The likelihood that Minervus would have gotten hired would be slim to non-


    Oh cooome ooooon! Alex screamed mentally, freezing as he was stepping into the workshop on his first day.


    Oh, Alex, youre here, Lagor said, nodding in approval. The first of our new assistants just arrived. Alex, meet Minervus. Minervus, this is Alex.


    Minervus stared at Alex for a long moment, and then his pale and narrow face slowly grew a painfully forced polite smile. H-hello, he said in a strained voice.

 Chapter 89: Honours

    Chapter 89: Honours


    Alex Roth had long built up a tolerance foras he called itpeoples bullshit.


    Back in Alric he never wouldve survived close to four years in McHarris bakery without building that sort of tolerance: hed have mouthed off, quit, or done something worse back when he still needed the job. That tolerance had let him get through his entire time at the bakery, waiting until the opportunity for sweet, sweet revenge was right.


    With others, that tolerance had just let him get through the day to day annoyances of life: nosey neighbours, annoying students at church school, arrogant teachers and others one just had to tolerate if they didnt want to make too much trouble in their social life. Recently, that had extended to well-meaning, but overly zealous potionsb ssmates and cheaters he didnt trust as far as Selina could throw them.


    Unfortunately, he had a feeling hed be calling on that tolerance a lot at the workshop. Like, <em>a lot</em>.


    He nced at Minervus, who was following Lagor around as though he were a content puppy, while the orc crafter gave the tour to his three new assistants.


    The pale, thin-faced young man had undergone a shocking transformation: in Baelins first ss, hed been utterly self-focused and quite forward about it. In the second sswhen it was clear that he had no allieshed tried to rip apart the others teamwork to get Rayne to join him.


    There was no trace of that young man to be seen today.


    That wasnt to say that Minervus had suddenly be some happy, open, friendly fellow, but when he spoke, his tone toward Lagor was respectfulunlike when hedshed out at Baelinand seemed every inch a team yer. He asked the right questions about different areas of the workshop.


    And here. Lagor opened a storage room. This is where we keep the tools used for sculpting the attachment point between a golems core and its body.


    He gestured within the darkened space, and ran his hand over a glyph on the wall. The chamber was suddenly lit by several forceballs glowing in different colours. Mana tools and devices hung from every inch of wall, organized by their kind and function. Where professor Jules tools were finer and more delicate for use in herb, these were far more robust: each looked sturdy, like they could take the day-to-day rigours of constant use in the workshop without getting damaged.


    Thanks to his work with Jules and her grad students, Alex knew the function of many of them. Lagor pointed at several battered, truly massive bricks of booksid out on tables in front where the tools were stored.


    Those printed manuals identify the safety procedures and use for every tool in this room. Youll use this shift and the next two to familiarize yourself with every one of them. You wont need to know how to use all of them, but youll need to know what tools Ill need and be able to use the simpler ones yourselves. Got it?


    Yes, said the third assistantCarmena woman that was perhaps ten years older than Minervus or Alex. Um. Lagor, Ive used all of these tools at the workshop where I worked previously. Do I need to go through the manual?


    Oh absolutely, Lagor said. Everybody does. Some ten years ago, I got an assistant from Illiavitch Royal Golem Crafters, from Rostovom far to the Northeast.


    Alex had heard of that countrya ce where the winters were long, brutal and hungry.


    He knew his way around a shop: you could see his experience, sobecause <em>I</em> had <em>less</em>experience, I let him do his thing. Turns out the wizards of Rostovom use a different measuring system for almosteverything. So he put too much saltpeter in the first binding stage and well, lets just say that if a healer hadnt gotten to me fast, I wouldnt be here talking to you now.


    He gestured back to the books. So, the official policy is, everyone reads the procedures and manuals, and then everyone is tested on the safety procedures. Youll be supervised by <em>other</em>assistants during your first couple of weeks here. We dont take chances like that anymore.


    Oh jeez, Alex said. What happened to the assistant from Rostovom?


    Death and the gods watch over him now.


    Oh. Alex winced.


    Ill make sure to review the procedures very carefully, Minervus jumped in, wiping some condensation that had begun to form in the lenses of his mask. Might we also study the procedures on our own time? If there are books avable.


    Lagor nced at him. Yeah, thats fine as long as you check it out with me at the end of your shift and bring it back during the next.


    Of course, Minervus said.


    Showing initiative, Alex thought. Appealing to your bosses. Smart.


    What was troubling Alex about Minervus was howpletely differently he was acting here in Shales than he had outside in the street, and during COMB-1000. And Alex had a feeling that the more cooperative side he was showing nowand that hed probably shown in the interviewwas a mask used to increase his favour now that things were nopetitive andfortable.


    Alex had <em>seen </em>what happened when he thought he had nothing to lose, could literally fly ahead of others or wanted to eliminatepetition. As he watched him, Minevus nced Alexs way.


    His eyes narrowed slightly through the lenses of his mask.


    They didnt have outright malice in them at the moment, but they were guarded and watching.


    Alex thought about that possibility for advancement. If there was only one opportunity and three assistants, then what would Minervus do? The area between Alexs shoulder des seemed to tense: like it was wary of a dagger poised to strike.


    Unfortunatelyas they tour went onAlex realized there was a reason why Minervus had gotten the job.


    Alex paid as much attention to Lagor, Carmen and Minervus through the tour as he did to Lagors lecture on their responsibilities, tools, areas of work and frequency of pay. He learned several things.


    For one, Minervus was surprisinglypetent in the area of golems. When he asked questions, they would be of an advanced nature: often focusing on processes involved with the construction of more specialized or advanced golems. He seemed to have a handle of the basics of golem-craft as well, though he did mention that he had never constructed a golem himself.


    His insights into the rendering of flesh, moulding of skin and rposition of fat on bone to craft flesh golemsmade Alex a little sick, but Lagor definitely leaned in with interest as Minervus brought up these topics over their evening break.


    Carmen was definitely the most experienced of all of them, and she did not so much ask questions as she did talk shop with Lagor as though shed been working at Shales for years. From her friendly, professional demeanour, it was clear that she would be a good member of the team at least.


    That left Alex: he was definitely the most inexperienced, but he was already drinking in everyst detail of Lagors exnations and the tools theyd be expected to use. Hed use The Mark to its full capacity to leap ahead in skill as much as he could.


    Eventually, Lagor left his new assistants to their own devices while he went to work with the crafters assistants that currently aided himone was being promoted, while two were students at Generasi who were finishing their studies to return to their homnds. That left Minervus, Carmen and Alex to start going through the procedures manuals. With his reading ability having been so honed by The Mark, Alex whipped through the manuals at noteworthy speed, all the while taking notes in a notebook hed brought along.


    He noticed Minervus ncing at him from time to time, but the narrow-faced young mans expression had be unreadable. He was the first to depart as their first shift ended, though, and disappeared into the night with one of the procedures manuals in hand.


    When Alex left shortly after him, he marched into the silent streetShales was one of the only businesses on the street that worked into the nightand took a long look around in case any flesh golems were hiding in the shadows, ready to jump out and break his legs or something.


    He shook the fantasy out of his head: he knew it was irrational, but something about Minervus gave off a high creepiness factor.


    As he made his way down the street, he noticed several other shops and restaurants that were opente into the nightlit by light from forceballs and other spells. By now, Alric would have been as quiet as a tomb.


    Guess thats what can happen at night when you can get light for free, Alex saidhis voice loud at first, then dropping to a quiet whisper as it echoed through the quiet night.


    Luckily, he was able to hail a sky-gond without incident and make his way back to campus. The journey home to the ins was peaceful, and he spent as much time looking up at the stars and the lights still burning in some windows of the main castle, as he did watching the path ahead. Some areas on the grass were illuminated by students travelling by way of magical light.


    One carried a longntern on a staff over their shoulder, and Alex was sure he saw a sprite sleeping inside thentern while giving off a magical glow. In the distance, he heard the sounds of pipes, drums, lutes and other instruments as well as the noise of rowdy voices. With midterms done, half the campus was out celebrating in force.


    He could understand why.


    Tomorrow was when the honours lists were set toe out.


    For many students, it would mean whether or not they were in-line for achievement, or getting trampled by others when it came time to seek future opportunities.


    He took a deep breath, thinking about what Baelin and Sinbrok had said.


    With any hope, hed likely see his name on a few lists.


    In the morning, hed get up first thing and go to the registrars deskwhere the school would post all the Honours lists on a massive central board.


    That meant braving Hobb.


    And it meant he might see Isolde as well.


    Hopefully, shed be in a better mood now that exams were done.


    Gods <em>damn it all!</em> a student roared in front of the board, ripping off his tall, conical hat and stomping on it. I had it! I know I <em>had</em> it! Theres got to be a mistake!


    He was just one among a massive sea of students that crowded up to the board as soon as it had been revealed to them. The area in front of the registrars office was filled to burstingespecially with first-yearsthough some students arrived, took one look at the massive lineup, and decided to either returnter, or check one of the individual lists in the specific department.


    Theres a mistake! I know I aced that midterm! the student roaredbreaking down into angry tearsand the hall was falling into an uneasy silence.


    Alex shared ufortable looks with Khalik and Thundar, and then with Theresa waiting close by with Shishi. Shishi was there to see if her own efforts hadnded her on the honours list. Khalik was there to see how hed done as well, while Thundar said there was only one ss that he stood a chance in.


    It might take awhile until they got a chance to see their results, though. The irate students rage only continued to build until he looked like he was about ready to tear down the lists.


    Ahem! a familiar voice cut through the students outburst. Young fellow, might I ask that you take your temper tantrum elsewhere?


    Who, who said tha- The student looked up from stomping on his hat, red-faced and ready for a fight, then froze.


    Standing beside the boardin a space Alex was <em>sure</em> had been empty thest time he blinkedwas Hobb, who was casually polishing his massive monocle with a handkerchief. The cloth was patterned with embroidered gold coins. Alex couldnt be sure from this distance, but he could have sworn that the faces sewn into each coin were winking.


    Tut, tut. Hobb clicked his tongue as he ced the monocle back onto his face. Wizards havee here to learn how to <em>bend the forces of the cosmos to their unbreakable will</em>, and instead of bringing demons or learning to call meteors from the sky, youre here having a temper tantrum like a child. Hobb nced down critically. And ruining a perfectly good hat while youre at it.


    The student grew bolder, rising up to his full height. Physically, he was taller than the blue-skinned devil, but to Alex he seemed much, much smaller. Was there a misprint? This cant be right.


    Aaaaah, if only I had a coin for every time I heard that whenever an honours list is published. Hobb shook his head sadly. If you need to dispute this oversightif this is what it isthen I suggest you speak to your professorpolitely, I might add. Im afraid that standing here, stopping others from seeing their ces on the lists only humiliates you, wastes others time <em>and</em> increases the chances that I will have to call the Watchers of Roal to have you removed.


    Hobbs face turned truly mournful. And that would be such a sad, sad thing for me to have to do.


    Turning redder by the second, the student grabbed his ruined hat and stomped from the hall, most of the other students sighing in relief as he went. As Alex watched them go, he noticed a familiar raven-haired figure standing in line by the lists for second year sses. She was with a pair of other young women, and looked far healthier than she did during midterms.


    He noticed her stealing nces toward the first-year lists.


    Likely, looking to see her ce in COMB-1000 as well.


    Alex frowned.


    He wondered who woulde out on top out of the two of them.


    Seeming to sense his look, she turned and paused when she caught sight of his group. He, Thundar, Khalik and Theresa waved at her.


    She paused, giving a little wave and polite smile to each of them.


    When her face fell on Alex though, her eyes burned and her chin lifted.


    Not in anger, it seemed.


    But in challenge.

 Chapter 90: Isoldes Pressure

    Chapter 90: Isolde''s Pressure


    Yes! Khalik grinned, tapping his name where it appeared on two lists: one for Magic Lore I and one for Earth Magic I. Aaaaah, my brother would have never let me hear the end of it, were I not to gain top-five in at least two sses. He raised an eyebrow as he tapped the top name for Magic Lore I. Oho, I see that we have a familiar name at the top spot for Magic Lore. Well done, Alex.


    Alex grinned as he saw his name emzoned at the top of the sheet.


    Most of the names on the Honours Lists were written in ck ink, but the top three names were embossed with gold ink for the top spot, silver for second ce and bronze for third. The ink seemed to glitter with its own inner life, and Alex felt a flutter of pride and amazement to see his own name in raised gold letters.


    Magic Lore Is midterm had been the easiest of all the tests hed taken. For one, it was an entirely written test: no spell-casting, practical exam, or anything of the sort. So, the only thing it really tested was how well he memorized, regurgitated and processed magical theories and history.


    No spellcraft involved.


    Magic Lore would normally be something he was already good at, but with The Mark helping to boost his memorization and application, he knew hed aced the exam before even reaching thest question.


    Holy hell, Thundar blinked. Thats not the only ss either, look at this. Top Rank for POTI-1000: Alex Roth. Guh, I really <em>should</em> have taken that ss so you could teach me. Lets see, though...hah! He tapped his own name, which was fifth ce in Body Enhancement and seventh ce in Illusions. I got two, so far! Better than I thought!


    Nice job! Alex said.


    A cheer went up from Shishi, and Alex noticed her pointing at a namewritten in Tarm-Lungite symbolsin fourth ce in Lifeforce Enforcement I. She and Theresa were all smiles and exchanged double high-fives.


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    He was surrounded by some very, very talented people it seemed.


    His chest puffed out a little. I guess talent attracts talent. He grinned, noting his name at the top of POTI-1000s list. No Derek Warren was anywhere on the list, though he did notice Carey London in tenth cst spot on the Honours List.


    Still damn impressive, though, Alex muttered, then frowned, noticing Kybasthe goblin student he talked to during sswasnt on the list for POTI-1000. A quick scan revealed Kybas name in second ce for The Study of Magical Beasts, though.


    Alex thought back to how much the little goblin loved his young crocodile.


    No surprises there.


    He swallowed, scanning the lists until he found FORC-1550 and sighed.


    No Alex Roth appeared among the names of the top ten for that ss. No surprises there either. Hed done very, very well on the written test, but those lost points in speed for casting his spells had knocked his average down on the practical part to the low eighties.


    That was one of the reasons hed focused on learning spells that could be sustained: spellcasting while dealing with The Mark still slowed him down, and while that didnt much affect day-to-day life, in situations of high-tensionsuch asbata few heartbeats could be costly.


    Still, hed done well enough on the written part that hed hoped they would have bnced each other out and let him get a top ten spot. Apparently, it wasnt enoughhe supposed that was what happened whenpeting with some of the most talented students of wizardry in all the world.


    Okay, what does this even <em>mean</em>? Thundar pointed at the top of the sheet for Mana Maniption I. Above even the top ten, Alexs name was embossed inrger print with a silvery ink that sparkled as though it were liquid diamond. Beside it was ValRoks seal and the printed words: Challenge Exceeded.


    Khaliks eyes widened and he swore in his mother tongue. You challenged the exam for credit and <em>defeated it?</em> the young prince gaped. What kind of monster are you?


    In all the Honours Lists for first year ssesof which there were manyonly a handful of names were embossed in the diamond ink.


    A friendly monster. Alex grinned proudly.


    All around, he could hear whispering among the other students. Others had begun to notice his name had appeared in gold multiple times and were wondering aloud who Alex Roth was.


    Not going to rate high on any lists of suspects for The Fool, now am I? Alex chuckled internally, even as he, Khalik and Thundar looked at each other and exchanged nods.


    They searched for the sheet for COMB-1000.


    Three cheers erupted at once.


    In gold lettering: <em>Alex Roth.</em>


    In silver lettering: <em>Khalik Behr-Medr.</em>


    In bronze lettering: <em>Thundar, Son of Gulbiff.</em>


    In fourth ce: <em>Isolde Von Anmut.</em>


    Six more names were ranked after that. It was a small ss, and so the only name that did not appear on the Honours List was Raynes.


    Isolde! Khalik called. Come,e you must see this! First group is best group! Heughed uproariously.


    Alex looked over to see Isolde, who was staring up at several Honours Lists, nodding in satisfaction at each. Her friends were chatting to each other and seemed to have lost interest in the lists.


    Isolde! Khalik called again.


    Hm? What? What? What? she blinked, shaking off her concentration. Ah, hello friends. What is it?


    Come! See your name immortalized with ours! Khalikughed.


    Isolde raised an eyebrow, and her blue eyes lit up in anticipation. They flicked to Alex again and that note of challenge entered them. Alexs eyes darted back and forth as she approached, with her head held high.


    Did we do well? she asked as she arrived. Ah I s-


    She paused.


    The colour drained from her face and her eyes went wide. Her jaw fell open. <em>Fourth?</em> she gasped as though shed just learned her father died.


    Yeah! Thundar said, pping her on the back. We did damn well! A big, bad four!


    Isolde stumbled forward slightly, but caught herself. Her eyes continued to stare at Alexs name embossed in gold. Then they shot to other lists. She began to tremble when she saw the list for POTI-1000 and outright gasped again when she saw what hed achieved in mana maniption.


    Isolde stepped back, shaking her head. And at this point, shed caught Theresas attention.


    Is...olde? Are you alright? Theresa asked.


    Isolde, however, turned to Alex. She shook, muttering something under her breath.


    Khalik and Thundar had stoppedughing.


    Uh Thundar started.


    Isolde swore loudly in Rhinean and immediately began to rush through the crowd toward the exit.


    Isolde? Isolde! shouted one of her friends.


    Ah shit, Alex said. Isolde! Isolde!


    His friends called after her too, but she kept going, her speed increasing as she neared the doorway.


    Running in the hall is unsafe, Hobb chided from beside the board.


    Thinking quickly, Alex decided to try something hed been practicing for awhile.


    <em>Isolde! Im sorry, I hope I didnt do anything to you! Whats wrong,e back to us!</em> he called to her.


    She froze in front of the entrance, and slowly turned back with an incredulous expression.


    He hadnt spoken to her in themon tongue, but in her own mother tongue of Rhineanone of thenguages hed been slowly practicing for months using The Mark.


    II she said in disbelief, as Alex, Thundar, Theresa and Khalik rushed through the crowd. Isoldes friends also pushed through.


    As the six of them arrived in front of a gawking Isolde, her face twitched, and suddenly, she broke down into tear-filledughter.


    Thank the elements, she gasped before the stunned group. Your ent is <em>terrible</em>. You <em>are</em> human, after all!


    I do not like to lose, particrly at things at which I excel, Isolde exined.


    The group had long left the hall and gone to a more secluded spot on campus. Each of them had grabbed drinks from a nearby stand and were sitting among the trees. Shishi and Isoldes two friends had departed for sses, which left Alex, Thundar, Theresa, Khalik and Isolde seated within a copse of trees, away from prying eyes.


    And, thankfully, that is not an experience that I am subjected to very often. Isolde sipped her steaming hot cider. I work diligently and maximize my natural gifts in order to learn quickly, efficiently and well.


    Yeah, so I heard. One of ValRoks graduate students told me that you topped all the first year Honours Listsst year, Alex sipped his drink, leaning against the same tree as Theresa.


    Khalik whistled. <em>Every</em> list? he said with true respect in his voice. For every ss you took? That is incredible: even the most gifted general cannot win every battle.


    Thundar watched everyone quietly, remaining silent and taking a long sip.


    Isolde gave a bitterugh. Incredible? It is <em>expected</em>. She shook her head. My grandfather is the head court wizard for The Emperor of Rhinea.


    Thundar spit his drink onto the ground, while Theresa began coughing into hers. Alex nearly inhaled his, and started making choking sounds. Only Khalik took the information in stride. Likely his own secret made him a little less shocked at her revtion of status.


    I see, he said. That would mean a great deal of pressure: a pedigree like thates with expectations.


    Truthfully spoken, Isolde said. It was drilled into me at an early age to excel in the study of wizardry by my grandfather, in hopes that I would gain a position at court upon my graduation. It is not an easy task: the court wizards are highly skilled, and the choice is also half-political.


    Her gaze darkened. And there are those that do not wish for me to enter, as that would grant my grandfather another ally. As such, my performance here must be exemry: unassable by any standard.


    That sounds like a lot of pressure, Theresa said.


    Of course it is, Isolde agreed. But I do <em>relish</em> it: the thrill of aplishment is one that I am used to and one that I very, very much enjoy. She paused. But, Theresa, in truth, it can be so very tiring at times. So very, very tiring.


    Jeez, that must have made it really rough, when uhthat stuff happened in potions. Alex winced.


    What stuff? Thundar asked.


    Isoldes jaw tightened. Alex heard the grind of teeth against teeth. I met a handsome, young, easy-going counts son from the countryside of my homnd. He was delightfully charming, helped me rx and brought a romance to my lifeand I thoughtwell, perhaps we


    The grinding intensified. it turns out that when he said he was fascinated by my mind that his meaning was far less romantic than I thought: I sought to help him with his studies, and unknown to me, he copied my assignments. To professor Jules, it looked like I might have helped him cheat. It was resolved in my favour, and I received no academic demerits, but I was disqualified from the Honours List for POTI-1000 while the scandal was being investigated. Once it was proven that I had no knowledge of his misconduct, the list was already finalized.


    She swore in Rhinean. A foolish, foolish mistake. And what do I see today? She looked at Alex. A first year who joined Generasi while knowing only <em>one</em>spell exceeded my performance in first year mana maniption after only half of first semester and will now proceed to second year, <em>and </em>secured the top honours for many, many coursesincluding defeating mealong with two other first yearsin the chancellors personal course. It is a shock.


    Alex grimaced, imagining how things must have been in the previous year for her. Hed been working himself to the bone since hed reached Generasi: how would he have felt if one of his achievements went up in smoke because he was manipted by someone he trusted.


    Well, uh, Alex said. The grad student I talked to said you were doing very well. Like, your feelings are your own, but you impress the hell out of me.


    The others nodded in agreement, but Isolde let out a shortugh. I have begun to hear professors and graduate students alike speaking about you. In POTI-2000, one of the teaching assistants spoke about how you were offered a position to help with professor Jules personal research. That is an honour that is <em>unheard</em>of for a first year. It is astounding!


    Alex thought he noticed an edge in her voice as she said it, but didnt voice that.


    So here I am, she said. Struggling to throw off the shame of myck of judgementwhile you fly like an eagle. I must say, mypliments. Mypliments.


    Silence filled the copse of trees. Then Thundar raised his hand. Hey, why dont we all pool our resources? Come together as a herd?


    Hm? Isolde looked up at the minotaur. What do you mean?


    Yes, whats this, Thundar? Khalik asked.


    Well, I feel ya: you have to perform as best you can, and youve been doing it all by yourself, Isolde, Thundar said. But a lone bull gets killed without a herd.


    I-I have friends, Isolde said a little defensively.


    I know, the minotaur said. But when we saw you in the library, you were all by yourself. You work on your own, dont you?


    ....yes. As I was taught.


    Thundar lifted the charm-ne hed received from the chancellor. Baelin said his students sometimes formsting bonds, right? Why dont we do something like that? Together, the four of us <em>crushed</em> his first test. We work well together. I know Khalik and Alex study together a bunch, and I sometimes join in, but what if we worked together a lot more closely. Were the big, bad four.


    Whatre you saying? Alex asked.


    I think I might know Khalik said, intrigued. Remember that brotherhood we saw recruiting in the stadium? Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood of Generasi?


    Yeahthat really old battle mage thing?


    Well. Khalik shrugged. It is really old, true, but it had to be started by someone, sometime, right?


    Alexs brain began to follow. Like how Carey London started Campus for Uldar.


    What do you mean? Isolde asked.


    I mean, Thundar said, leaning forward and grinning. The four of use together. Start our own official little private society of wizards. Something that canst for our time here and maybe beyond graduation. Something that can grow. A big bad four that helps each other like we did in The Barrens, now, andter.


    Alexs mind began to race at the possibilities.


    Isolde looked at Thundar closely. She was frowning, but her eyes were intrigued.

 Chapter 91: The Rally

    Chapter 91: The Rally


    Ooooh this is a <em>great</em> bloody idea! Alex said excitedly. Thundar, youre a <em>genius</em>.


    Hey. The minotaur tapped his thick skull. This head isnt <em>only</em> for ramming things.


    I dont understand, Theresa said, frowning. How is this different froming together and just studying?


    Well, it goes like this, Alex said, recalling lessons of wizard history from his magic lore ss and something Baelin had said. Sometimes wizards form cabals, councils and other organizations to basically share power and for safety. Theres a few in Thamnd, like the Witches of Crymlyn Swamp. Imagine it like a guild or a hunting lodge, except for wizards.


    There are many on campus, Khalik added. Brotherhoods, sisterhoodssiblinghoods, societies and others. Some are like the General Student Association: they represent students and their interests to the school and in Generasi. My brother was a member. They organize events, support each other academically, and in other ways as well.


    Cabals of wizards also share discoveries in their research into magic, and so each member progresses more quickly with their own discoveries, Isolde added. Some of the great old unions of the past, gained political favour as well, rising to be court wizards to kings and even emperors.


    Oh, so its like a hunting party when you need to hunt, a study group when you need to study, and a council when you need to make decisions? Theresa asked.


    Damn right, Thundar said. And were the baddest bastards in all of COMB-1000if you dont count a probably invincible shark man.


    Yeah, we did kick some ass, didnt we? Alex agreed. He thought on The Heroes of Thamnda group chosen and provided with the power to defeat the greatest of enemies. Thiswouldnt be like that. Instead, they would be their own group dedicated to backing each other up in times of trouble and supporting each other in times of peace. I dont think we shouldmit to this for life, though.


    The minotaur snorted. Yeah, Im not some little kid, proposing marriage just because I picked someone a flower. Im thinking we support each other until the end of the year, and if we hate each other then, we shake handsor punch facesand away we go. But. Thundar looked at Isolde. Youre a second year. You probably have a lot less to gain from this than we do?


    On the contrary. Isolde shook her head. You all are a year beneath me, that is true, but most of you are taking courses that are outside my chosen expertise. And, even if you are taking simr courses as I


    She paused, and spoke a quick incantation, instantly casting forceball.


    Alexs eyes widened. She was about as quick as he used to be before The Mark: even if she was in a more advanced year, being able to cast the spell the way she had took talent, practice and skill. Hed only gotten to be as fast as he was after years of practice with one, single spell.


    I have cast a perfect example of the spell, right out of the spell-guide, she said. As such, it is a useful utility spell that sheds light and can support some weight. Yours, though, Alexis monstrousI had thought to duplicate your version, but your modifications must be <em>extensive</em>.


    Alex shrugged. I made it work for me.


    And so, we should make this. She gestured to the group. Work for all of us. You can teach me how you modified your forceball Alex, and I think that will be well worth uniting our efforts.


    Yeah, and hey, Alex said. Next semester, if Im in your ss for mana maniption. Then we can help each other.


    Something shed through her eyes. A spark of determination.


    Well, then. She smiled. We shall aid each other. We all shall, and then grow together because of it. Butwhat do we call our little siblinghood?


    The Herd of Thunder. Thundar grinned.


    Silence spread through the clearing.


    Alex coughed awkwardly.


    Um, perhaps we dont need to name ourselves quite yet, Khalik said quickly. We could take the time to think of a suitable name that we all will be pleased with.


    Fine, but no matter how long you think, youlle back to my idea. Its great, Thundar said.


    Then we are adjoined, Isolde said. Until the end of the semester, we wizards shall work in union to ovee challenges both within our studies, and from without.


    The four wizards shook hands while Theresa witnessed it with a smile.


    When Isolde took Alexs hand, her grip tightened.


    We are adjoined, but to let you know, I shall be making all efforts to <em>crush you</em>when you enter second year mana maniption, she said with a challenge in her voice.


    Alex grinned. Sorry, its gonna be hard to crush me when youre pinned firmly beneath the bottom of my boot.


    Isoldes eyes shed and her grip tightened further. Challenge epted.


    Alexs smile faded slightly.


    There was an edge to Isoldes voice.


    Alex, Theresa said as the two of them made their way back to the ins. I think Isoldes jealous of you.


    The group had finished their drinks, chatted, nned and set a date and time for their first meeting to share knowledge and help each other study as one group.


    Isolde had then gone to find her friends, while Thundar and Khalik went on their way, discussing one of the courses they shared.


    Alex had been feeling good after the meeting, but kept thinking back to the edge in Isoldes voice.


    You noticed something too? Alex asked. I was thinking that maybe that was what was going onbut why would she be jealous of me?


    Well, she said it herself, she strives to be the best and hates to lose. Then youe along and have aplishments at least as good as hers, and better. Remember, you said that the graduate student who watched over your test knew of her and her aplishmentsand now she said theyre talking about you. For someone thats striving to be the very best, thatd be kind of tough to takeespecially if youre trying to make up for an ex-partner ruining one of your aplishments in the previous year.


    Yeah, when you put it like that Alex muttered.


    Alreadyin only a few monthsAlexs skill with mana maniption had be a major point of pride for him. It was something hed worked hard at even before The Markjust from practicing forceball so many timesand The Mark had only made him better at it. When he got frustrated at his slow progress with spellcraft or his limits in other areas, hed return to mana maniption as something he could be <em>truly</em> proud of.


    How would he have felt if next year someone showed up and was clearly as good as he was, if not better? Well, he might feel jealous, but then again, one cant excel at everything. FORC1550 was a perfect example.


    Do you thinkyou dont think that its going to be a problem, do you? Alex asked. He imagined Isolde going crazy with jealousy one day and then sting him with lightning or something. She did seem pretty intense at times.


    I dont <em>think</em> so. Theresa thought out loud. Isolde seems pretty reasonable. Andlets seefolk called me the best hunter in Alric, but if someone moved into town who was obviously a lot better than I was, then Id feel a little jealous, sure, but Id also be happy if we could help each other out. Maybe itll be the same now that youre all pooling your resources.


    Yeah, probably.


    Then again, Theresa said. We still dont know her very well.


    Yeah, true, but I guess well find out now that were going to be officially helping each other out and all.


    Mhm. Theresa nodded.


    Their footsteps crunched on the path, and Alex looked down to see dried grape leaves littering the stones. He nced up and noticed the side of a nearby building decorated with wreaths made up of dried grape vines. They were simr to the ones hed seen in town, and the wreathes surrounded paintings of snarling monsters.


    He nodded in the direction of the wreathes. What do you think thats all about? he asked. Some kind of festival?


    Theresa shook her head. I have no idea, but if it is, I think its going to be a spooky one.


    Yeah, definitely. Maybe we can ask Khalik when he gets back to the ins. He seems to know a lot about what goes on here thanks to his brother.


    Alex frowned as the image of the smiling prince crossed his mind.


    They were entering into an official partnershipthe four of themand wizard unions shared knowledge. And sometimes secrets. Khalik had continued toe by the apartment to study, and had invited them over several times for meals. He hade to Selinas affinity test and had jumped in to help her when she started screaming, just as he had.


    Khalik also had his own secret, which hed trusted Alex with.


    The young mans frown deepened and his shoulder seemed to itch.


    Isolde had shared her feelings with the group and the result was a strengthening of rtions between the four of them. What would have happened if she hadnt voiced her thoughts? What would have happened had they just festered in silence for months? Maybe a year or more?


    Again, that mad image of lightning being hurled by Isolde entered his mind.


    Secrets could turn rotten if left to fester too long, and at this point, he wasfortable in saying that he and the prince were bing good friends. And now they were going to work together both for advancement and protection.


    He sighed.


    Perhaps it was time to tell The Prince of Tekezash about The Mark.


    Not necessarily Isolde and Thundarnot yetbut he thought his neighbour could be trusted, especially when Alex held one of his secrets too. Anxious thoughts returned: of Khalik calling him a coward or telling someone else.


    The hair on the back of his neck raised as he thought back to Derekhow the slimy young man had earned Isoldes trust only to ruin something that was really important to her.


    He shook the thought away.


    Khalik really had nothing to gain from doing anything like that to him, and his gut told him he could be trusted. He liked Khalik, and that was that. Besides, he was strongly beginning to consider telling Baelin as well: what the chancellor had done to help Selina had really helped solidify Alexs trust in the ancient wizard.


    So, he would tell Khalik first, and soon.


    Then a littleter, once he was a little closer to Baelin, he might tell him as well. Hed tell Theresa what he was thinking, just to get a second opinion, and then hed think on the when and how to tell Khalik.


    Even as he decided that, it felt like a weight had lifted off his body, and he rotated his shoulders. Secrets were heavy things, as were lies.


    His mind turned toward something else.


    Derek.


    Lies and dishonesty didnt seem to bother <em>him</em> very much.


    His frown deepened. In less than a week, Carey Londons rally to get priests onto campus was urring.


    Alex nned to observe it from a safe distance.


    If something was happening with the priests and campus, he wanted to be the first to know.


    We need the presence of the divine on campus! a student shouted from inside the Gates of Generasi, his voice amplified by a spell. It boomed over the grass, drawing the attention of passersby.


    Campus for Uldar and others who hade out for the rally had gathered just within the school gates. The crowd wasnt asrge as Alex had feared it would be, but definitelyrger than hed hoped. More than fifty students milled about in the crowd, many of them holding signs that bore symbols of their deities.


    Alex had climbed a tree a good hundred yards awaypractice and increased strength had made it easyand lifted a spyss to his eye. It was a tool hed borrowed from the Campus Astronomy Societyand spied the familiar form of Carey London holding a sign that bore the white hand of Uldar. In the crowd, he could see Derek going around, shaking hands and holding a sign with the four elements of the Rhinean Empire on it.


    The rally was a spirited one: many students with musical talents had brought instruments and were sitting on the grass nearby, singing songs to their deities and chanting along with the rallys slogans.


    What Alex saw outside the campus gates made him very, very d he hadnt allowed himself to be bullied into attending. No amount of bullying would have made that happen.


    Priests had gathered on the other side.


    He recognized a white robed servant of Uldar along with clerics of other religionssome he recognized and some he didntall standing beside each other. There werent many of them: less than ten in total, and they looked as nervous as mice at a cat convention.


    Above them, floated the silent, terrifying Watchers of Roal. Three of them patrolled the rally on their stone disks, with weapons close at hand. The aura of disapproval rising off them was palpable, but they hadnt said a word.


    We do not agree with the chancellors policy! Carey shouted next, her magically enhanced voice booming as loud as a bears roar. We are wizards! We are part of the world, as are the gods, and we cannot afford to let people suffer while we do not ally!


    Cheers went up from the rally.


    My homnd, Thamnd, suffers beneath the yoke of a monster! She cried. The good that my people could receive from Generasi forming a union with the gods, would be incredible! We study magic, and are the deities not the most magical entities in all of creation?


    Alex had to admit, Carey was good at projecting her voice: her tone was clear and she sounded like someone who wielded authority. Her passion came through her words andthough most students were clearly uninterested, or only stopped for a few seconds out of curiositysome had paused and were showing a clear interest in the proceedings.


    Meanwhile, Alexs interest was waning.


    The rally was looking like it wasnt going to result in anything too problematic for him. The priests looked terrified just being so near the school, and the protesting studentswhile they had voiced their objectionswerent taking any actions beyond simple calls to action.


    Meanwhile, he had cooking to do: the next day Thundar, Isolde and Khalik wereing to his apartment for their first meeting, and then afterward, Shiani, Angr and Grimloch were going to join them for a pic. There was no way the entire group would fit in his apartment, especially with Thundar <em>and</em> Grimloch present. He hadnt invited Nua-Ogethe schar wizard whose entourage Grimloch was a part ofbecause he didnt actually know <em>her</em>, but he hoped that wasnt some sort of rude oversight in terms of wizarding social rules.


    Afterward, he and Shiani would talk to Selina. It was going to be a big evening.


    He was about to slide down from the tree when something made him pause.


    His mana senses were tingling.


    His heart began to beat fast.


    A strong wind began blowing through the treetops, and the air grew colder. There seemed to be a sinister whispering hidden in the gust. From somewhere close, he felt a simr magic to Baelin and Sinbroks spell being cast. It was <em>almost</em> teleportation magic, but slightly different.


    Then a familiar, creeping feeling crossed his skin.


    His eyes went wide.


    It was simr to what hed felt around the lesser shoggoth in Julesb.


    Oh shit, Alex whispered. Somethingsing.


    And thats when the screams began.

 Chapter 92: The Demons

    Chapter 92: The Demons


    Screams echoed from the west, and Alex could see a patch of ground near the campus gates swelling like an overfilled waterskin.


    <em>Crckle.</em>


    The grass singed as students scrambled away.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    The swelling ruptured suddenly, bleeding a glowing orange light.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    A mass of dirt and rock erupted, sending a column of me roaring into the airat least thirty feet highwith horrifying silhouettes dancing within. Shadowy skeletons. Bat-winged things.


    Open mouths filled with teeth. Horned figures that reminded Alex of Hobb.


    Thatst thought made him freeze.


    Ohno he murmured.


    <em>Thm.</em>


    A massive, wed hand reached out of the eartpletely unbothered by the raging fireand mmed into the ground.


    <em>Thm.</em>


    Another hand emerged. wed fingers scraped trenches into the soil. Alex gasped when two more hands reached up andtogethermmed into the ground. Four powerful armsthicker around than Alexs bodyflexed beneath blue-ck flesh, hoisting the creature from the pit of the earth.


    Its body was a mountain of demonic muscle, and its head looked like a cross between that of a boar and a hell-spawned crocodile. It must have stood thirty feet tall with massive bat-like wings that red out more than twice that in width.


    Its mouth was filled with broad, jagged teeth andas Alex watchedits stomach tore open sideways to reveal a vertically slit mouthrge enough to swallow Thundar whole.


    Inside, the mouth was a void of utter darkness. The only other time Alex remembered seeing a darkness so deep was when hed walked through the doorway of The Travellerand was met by a scene of imprable darkness lurking between stars.


    Although hed never encountered a demon, tales from Magical Lore and his screaming instincts warned him that was what this creature was. Even from his distance, every sense could feel its aura of fear and malice. It wormed its way into his mind, trying to grasp his emotions and overwhelm him in terror.


    Alex braced against the intrusion, calling up memories of experiences where his thoughts had been assaulted by<strong></strong>The Mark, or the mana vampire, or proximity to the shoggoth, and fought away the onught.


    <em>He </em>was able to, but he could see the other students werent.


    All began screaming.


    The rally disintegrated in an instant, with students scattering as the monsters unnatural aura swept over them in a wave. They fled in droves, trampling each other to get away. Many of the priests ran, scrambling away from the gates and rushing toward the city. Some, including the priest of Uldar, remained.


    Then the creature roared.


    An icy wind sted out in a cone from both mouths, dousing the column of me from which it had emerged and freezing the grass. One of the escaping students was caught in its path and shrieked as her arm froze, struck by its breath.


    The young wizard copsed to the ground, wailing in terror and pain.


    The Watchers of Roal sprang into action, waving staffs above their heads and drawing their swords. Spears of magic fired from the staves,ncing into the demon and piercing its hide. The creature bellowed in rage. One of The Watchers hung back, chanting an incantation and Alex felt mana build, simr to what hed felt before the demon appeared.


    The lone priest of Uldar ran to the fence and gripped the bars, turning his palm toward the demon, and shouted a prayer to his god. His hand glowed, beams of light shot out encircling the demon like serpents forming three floating rings of light. It roared, spraying icy breath from its mouths, but could no longer advance when it hit the rings.


    With ck narrowing eyes, it pushed against the bonds of light. One shattered, leaving two more, and The Watchers of Roal flew around the monster like swarming wasps. One fired spears of mana from his staff. While another cast longer, more involved spells. His staff began to glow as it built up power.


    But the demon didnt remain idle.


    While the circles of light bound its body, they hadnt wrapped around its wings. It snapped them open to their full wingspan.


    Then, they began to shimmer.


    A swarm of monsters that looked like imps emerged, bursting from the wings as though they were freed through open gates.


    The impsthe size ofrge ratsshot into the air, swarming The Watchers and priests outside the gates. While the priests screamed, ducking from shing ws and gnashing teeth, the imps bounced off invisible shields surrounding The Watchers.


    The first Watcher of Roal kept firing mana spears into the massive demon, while the second switched his attention, uttering a short incantation.


    <em>Crackle</em>.


    What sted from his staff was a spell like Isoldes more powerful lightning spells, but far more intense. Bolts of lightning as thick around as Alexs arm tore through the imps, sending them from shuddering, to bursting into mes.


    Some showed no fear and still swarmed The Watchers or flew after the fleeing students.


    Then more demons emerged.


    Large hound-like creatures sprang from the demons giant wings tond on the ground outside the rings. They didnt have Brutus bulk, but they rivaled a wolf in size. Their bodies were covered in massive spikes of ice instead of the fur of a hound, and their breaths misted into the air.


    With howls that crackled like the coldest winter day, the monsters sprang, bounding toward their prey. Cursing loudly, the third Watcher aborted her spell and whirled, firing a st of me at the ice hounds. Screams filled the air as icy bodies evaporated in fire, but some dodged and charged the young wizards.


    Alexmeanwhilehadnt been idle.


    While watching the attack, hed cast two spells: the first was forceshield, which conjured a glowing circr, crimson shield. The second was Wizards Hand. He was ready. Alex jumped from the tree, rolling as he hit the ground.


    As he came up from the ground, he leaned out from beside the tree and took in the situation. Some of the students being attacked by the frozen hounds had begun to fight back with their own spells, but were far less experienced than The Watchers, or even the students in COMB-1000.


    Many of them panicked under pressure, spoiling incantations or choosing the wrong spells for the situationmagic that either took too long to cast, or that wasnt effective on the canine demons frozen hide.


    The priests robe had turned bloody, but hed chanted a prayer to Uldar that erected a glowing aura around him, and then began to fight using his glowing fists. Where his blows struck, the imps broke like shattered ss against the gods power he was channeling.


    One of The Watchers had broken from the battle with the great demon and cast a spell, erecting a wall of fire between some of the students and the charging ice demons.


    Alex looked at a pair of hounds running in his direction, directly toward some students. He stepped out from behind the tree and snapped out Wizards Hand. It grabbed and twisted one of the ice hounds legs as it leapt at a student.


    His spell tugged the leg to the side and pulled, causing the demon to lose bnce and fall near its partner. Alex cracked his neck as the creatures looked at him. A nce toward the sky revealed more of The Watchers on their way. Just like with the mana vampire, he didnt have to try to defeat these things, only hold them up until they could be finished off.


    Unlike with the mana vampire, though, he was much better prepared now.


    He fell into the first stance of the Spear-and-Oar Dance.


    Hey, you frosty shits! he shouted at the demons. Come bite something that can bite back!


    Of course, he couldnt bite anything back, but the demons didnt need to know that.


    With crackling howls, they charged, their breaths hissing as he stepped confidently into the dance. The demon-hounds snapped and snarled, but hed already incorporated the new steps and motions hed learned from Fan-Dor into the dance, vastly increasing his mobility.


    Like during his battles in The Barrens, his heartbeat quickened, but those experiences had taught him the need to remain steady and use deep, meditative breaths to help counter his fear. He remained focused.


    The beasts breath was like the wind on the coldest winter day, but he dodged around their snouts.


    The bright-spitters had been faster and maneuvered better. That gave him an edge.


    Wizards Hand shot out, quickly grabbing at their legs and tugging their spikes, sending them careening off bnce. Force shield spontaneously moved between him and the demons, keeping them at bay.


    The heat of battle blended with their icy breath until it almost felt refreshing, but Alex kept a close watch on the demons <em>and</em> his confidence. He needed to hold <em>both </em>in check since he had no idea what these things were capable of, and if he underestimated them-


    Suddenly, they paused their attack and stopped, opening their mouths in unison. The coldness of their breaths abruptly deepened.


    Oh shit! Alex swore, remembering the giant demons icy breath from earlier.


    He dodged to one side.


    Cones of icicles like ss shards sted out, striking where hed just been andthough hed danced awayseveral hit his force shield, shattering against the glowing, crimson magic.


    Alexs eyes narrowed as an idea came to him. Try that again and youll regret it!


    One of the beasts charged, while the others mouth opened.


    The cold deepened further.


    Alex dodged, avoiding the one that leapt, while he shot Wizards Hand at the other whose jaws were spreading. The crimson Hand reached out and held the creatures snout and jaw, mping them shut. Shudders passed through it as it squirmed, trying to break free, but-


    <em>Shnk!</em>


    Icicles abruptly burst through its jaws, tearing its mouth apart as Wizards Hand shot away.


    Spraying freezing, ck blood, the canine demon shuddered and fell to the ground. The other paused, ncing back at the fallen one, then charged Alex, howling in rage. Its attacks became careless, and Alex danced and dodged away. When hed fought the starving mana vampire, even his most desperate moves and use of cover had barely managed to keep it away.


    Now, as he used more of the dance in different ways, the frost hound wasnt evening close to catching him.


    Suddenly, his crimson shield spun to a position behind, and he heard a heavy impact on it. Surprised, he leapt to the side, and using the dances first spin, whirled to see both the frost hound and whatever it was that forceshield had blocked.


    He swore.


    Three flying imps had dived at him while he was dealing with the hounds. The first one had aimed for his head, but met his shield instead.


    That impact would have popped any of his other force spells; there was a big difference in the strength of his modified forceball and forcediskpared to the spell designed specifically for defence.


    Now the imps were swooping around, trying to surround him, while the demonic frost hound paced in a circle, stalking him. Alexs eyes scanned his opponents, sizing them up. His first priority had to be the frost hound, the most dangerous of the four.


    His forceshield could block the impsthough he wouldnt want them piling on at onceand that freed Wizards Hand to mess up their movements.


    Starting now.


    Wizards Hand shot at one of them, grabbing a wing and dragging it into the path of the frost hound just as it leapt.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The two demons collided, sending the imp flopping to the ground with a shriek, and the frost hound stumbling sideways. Wings snapped back as the other two imps swooped at him.


    Alex danced around one while Wizards Hand grabbed the others head, yanking it backward. The imp went into a screaming, iling spiral until-


    <em>Wham!</em>


    -it mmed into a tree and slid down the bark, stopping in a twitching heap.


    He took a deep breath, and fell into another stance.


    His attackers were gathering themselves for another charge when he felt a massive surge of mana.


    The air cracked like it was tearing apart.


    Alex and the demons froze, and slowly looked up until they found the source of the sound.


    There, floating high above where those at the gates of Generasi were fallen uponshining in a nimbus of mana and powertowered the enraged figure of Baelin, the Chancellor of Generasi. Even from his distance, Alex could feel his dangerous gaze.


    Demon, Baelins voice cracked through the air. What do you think you are doing to <em>my</em> students?

 Chapter 93: The Chancellors Power

    Chapter 93: The Chancellor''s Power


    The chancellors wrath was terrible; his retribution was swift.


    He spoke a single wordnot an incantationbut one syble that held so much power, that Alexs mana senses shuddered. A grey mist exploded from around Baelinshooting through the air like a shoggoths tentaclesand separating into wisps of grey clouds that struck the hounds and imps, coating them like theyd been sprayed with stone-coloured flour.


    <em>Crrrrk.</em>


    The demons began to writhe and scream. Where the grey mist clung to them, their flesh began to harden and turn the colour of old te. All around, dozens of demons were bing stone statuettes. With a final <em>crack</em>, the frost houndswhich were now statuesfroze in mid pose while the petrified imps plummeted to the earth.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    They hit the ground, crumbling into pebbles and stone dust.


    The giant demon froze.


    Baelin spoke another word of power: an orb of utter darkness swelled in his hand. With a shudder, it broke into hundreds of marble-sized orbs which shot through the air like shrapnel from an explosion.


    They seemed to have a sentience and sought out any demons that hadnt already been turned to stone. Howling with fear, the remaining monsters tried to escape the seeking orbs, but the magic followed their every movement. The demons whod been attacking Alex tried to scramble away: the imps scattered and the frost hounds paws scrabbled on the frozen grass, trying to escape.


    But the dots of darkness followed, honing in on them and striking.


    Alex gasped when a sucking sound appeared and the demons began to copse into the orbs like crumpling paper.


    <em>Crk. Sqlch.</em>


    Bone crumbled and flesh crushed inward as they imploded into the small orbs of darkness, then disappeared with a hideous sucking noise.


    Holy shit. Alex gaped.


    They were gone. Not a drop of blood, scrap of flesh or bone remained of the hounds and imps when all was done.


    The giant demon roared, shook itself and began to struggle against the rings with its full might. Where its flesh met the rings, its skin began to hiss as though acid from Julesb had been sprayed on it. The thing seemed unconcerned because it kept smashing away at the rings, throwing its steaming body against them again and again until finally, they shattered.


    Now freed, Alex prepared to run, expecting it tounch into the air at Baelin, but instead, it whirled on its wed feet and vaulted toward the fiery pit it had emerged from. It looked like it was preparing to escape.


    Baelin red down with undisguised disdain and spoke a word of power.


    <em>Voom.</em>


    A titanic, glowing hand of force zed into life above the demonat least forty feet wide and shining with a silvery lightand swept down.


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    <em>Bang!</em>


    It mmed the creature into the earth like it was swatting a fly. The monstrosity growled, straining to force itself upright against the spell, then turned like a cornered animal.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    This time it pressed harder against the titanic force of the Hand, bracing against it with its wings and all four arms. It tensed with all its strength and inhaled. The cone of icy breath sted from both mouths, spraying upward toward the flying chancellor.


    Baelin raised his hand and made a grasping gesture.


    With another massive surge of mana, the cone of frost abruptly stopped in front of the ancient wizard, and then began to swirl like water flowing down a drain pipe.


    The entire cone was sucked into a single point of space floating before his handwhich shone like pure winter ice then red with blinding light.


    Baelin made a flicking gesture.


    The glowing point of ice broke into eight smaller ones and sted toward the demon. It struck the otherworldly creature in its four arms, both legs and wings.


    <em>Crckle!</em>


    Its scream ripped through the air.


    Ice rapidly burst from the points Baelins magic had impacted, spreading over its limbs until they resembled ice sculptures, not flesh.


    <em>Crnch!</em>


    Against the pressure of the chancellors giant force hand, the demons frozen arms and wings shattered, followed by its brittle legs.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Baelins spell smashed the demon into the earth then rose up.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    It smashed it into the earth again, pressing down so hard that it left an imprint in the grass in the shape of its body. The creature twitched from the assault as the hand opened, reaching down and scooping it up like it was one of Selina and Alexs small y dolls.


    Alex retrieved the spyss.


    The glowing hand hoisted the feebly struggling giant into the air and floated it up until its face was eye-level with the ancient wizard.


    I do not care for your circumstance, pitiful creature, Baelins voice rang across the campus, so loud that even from so far a distance, Alex felt his ears ring. I do not care if you came by your own willthrough some pactor if you were dragged here by some spells power. In either case, you shall suffer. He paused, turning so that one of his goat-like eyes was squarely fixed on the demons face.


    Despite the creatures features beingpletely inhuman, Alex could see terror growing in its widening eyes.


    If you tell me with all haste who brought you to <em>this</em> ce to harm <em>my</em>students, then you shall be sent back to your realm to lick your wounds. Perhaps, in fifty of our years, you may find yourself whole again. If you do not know who brought you here, or refuse to answer, thenwhatever demon lord you call master help youI will <em>break</em> you so utterly, that it will be a <em>millennium</em>before you can piece enough of your essence back together to even <em>think</em>.


    With another word and wave of his hand, both the whimpering demon and the hand of force that held it, vanished into the air.


    As soon as it disappeared, students either stayed moaning on the ground, or gaping in shock at the awesome disy of magic theyd just witnessed.


    Alex was squarely in thetter group, staring up at the chancellor with his jaw hanging open.


    Baelin merely turned toward the few priests that stood, panting, at the front gates. You aided us in our time of need, he said, and though his words were thankful, his tone was almost cold. For that, I shall see that some reward is sent to your temples. For now, I am sure that you will wish to return to your holy ces where you can receive healing of both a physical andspiritual nature.


    W-wait! the priest of Uldar cried. We can aid the wounded!


    We are more than capable. Baelin waved his hand.


    There was a familiar rush of mana in the form of teleportation magic and the air began to shimmer around the priests. One by one, they vanished. Only the priest of Uldar remained for a heartbeat longerobviously straining to resist the spell.


    Then, he too disappeared.


    Baelin turned back to the wounded. He sighed deeply. Lets get you all patched up.


    Things moved quickly and efficiently after that.


    The Watchers of Roal arrived in droves shortly after the demons defeat, and set up a perimeter to begin tending to the wounded.


    Baelin, through the use of a spell, informed the university infirmary to expect a mass of casualties, and then personally began teleporting the most gravely wounded there. Others arrived on floating stone disks shortly after bringing aid: healers that tended the wounded with healing potions, spells from the study of blood magic, and direct transfers of life-force through life enforcement.


    A number of students who were close by volunteered to help however they could, and Alex was one of the volunteers. He used his experience with the emergency kit in Jules ss to help apply bandages, transfer healing potions, and bring water to those that needed it.


    Soon, others from across campus arrived to offer a helping hand, but only some were permitted past the perimeter The Watchers had set up.


    While some of The Watchers of Roal were providing aid, others had already begun to investigate the cause of the incident. They gathered around the hole the demon had emerged from, casting spells over it that detected mana, or using devices that analyzed the magical residue of a summoning. Some were dispatched to patrol and search the surrounding areaboth on campusand the closest city buildings just beyond the gates.


    The Watchers also began seeking out and questioning witnesses, Alex included.


    So, you werent part of the rally, Mr. Roth? one of The Watchers askeda squat, tough looking woman with a long scar that ran from her cheek to chin. Her hands were pped behind her back and a roll of paper floated beside her, with a pen that was scratching down notes independently.


    No maam, Alex said, sitting on the grass beside the temporary recovery station set up for victims who hadnt been moved from the area yet. I was over there- He pointed to the general area of the tree hed been sitting in. -when it all happened.


    Mhm, she said. The pen scratched a little faster. And what did you see from there?


    Um, he said. I felt a surge of manait felt like teleportation magic, but kind of different. I uh, work, with Professor Jules on special projects and I saw a summoning once. The magic I felt today felt pretty simr to how it felt then.


    Right, right, so you sensed the mana and it felt simr to some summoning magic you saw? she asked. What else happened then?


    Yeahuh, the ground swelled up and then-boom! he spread his hands. And that horrible thing came out, and it roared-


    And what happened when it roared? she asked.


    Well, it felt like- He paused, trying to figure out how to describe it. It felt like magic trying to get into me and make me afraid.


    It was, The Watcher said. Many demons have abilities that get into the mind and cause fear and other unnatural emotions. What did you do then?


    Uh, I shook it off-


    Wait, you shook it off?


    He paused. Uh yeah, it was a struggle, but I did. I once had a mana vampire try and put me to sleep, but I managed to resist it, he said. I just did the same thing here.


    Strong will, she said. The pen scratched faster. And then?


    He described the battle and Baelins fight with the creature as best he could, though he didnt go into too much detail about how hed held off the demons that hade after him and the other students hed been near to.


    All that was summed up with: I used what I learned in chancellor Baelinsbat ss to survive.


    She nodded, and the pen scratched down his answer. And did you see anything else? A summoning circle? Anyone that looked suspicious, maybe? Someone hiding that quickly ran away, or someone who teleported away, or maybe went invisible?


    Alex strained his mind, searching for any memories that surrounded the event, but couldnt remember anyone suspicious around the time of the rally.


    If he was truly honest then hethe guy hiding in a tree watching the event through a spysswas probably the most suspicious person around. He was d hed been tucked away safely deep within the leaf-covered branches when it happened.


    Hopefully, there was no sharp-eyed, suspicious person around who saw him and could use him of anything nefarious.


    Right, The Watcher said. Then thats all for now. Keep in mind that we might call you if we have further questionsand they might call you too.


    She nced over to the front gate where a number of Watchers were in a deep, intense conversation with some city guards and a stranger in official looking purple robes.


    The Generasi investigators work with The Watchers with events that happen on campus, but they might have their own questions for any witnesses. Alright, youre free to go, then. She looked at him sympathetically. Good work today with helping the wounded: go home and rest up, Im sure youll need it.


    Alright, thanks. Alex got up, grabbed his bags and started to make his way toward the perimeter.


    As he reached it, he heard a familiar voice calling him.


    Alex! Alex, wait! He turned to see Carey London rushing toward him from the recovery tent. Are you alright? she asked, stopping in front of him. That was so dreadfully frightening!


    Yeah, yeah, Im okay, he said, looking her over carefully. Are you?


    Just dandy, aside from the nerves, she said. So many were hurt, thoughbut I suppose it could have been much worse.


    Yeah, Alex agreed. If it werent for The Watchers, Baelin and the priests, I think we would all be dead. Or at least, really badly hurt. Or maybe worse-


    His mouth started to go renegade.


    -I mean, who knows what that thing was capable of? It could have drunk our souls, or torn us into itty bitty pieces and kept us alive with magic, or frozen us and kept us as ornaments for the rest of time-Oh.


    He noticed Carey turning paler and paler with each passing word.


    Well, uh, he finally said. It would have been really bad, lets just say.


    I know, she said, her voice falling into a whisper. She leaned closer. And I cant help but feel it was targeting the rally.


    Alex paused. Maybeyeah that would make a lot of sense.


    Except for that explosion in The Cells and the asional smaller incident like when his ssmate drank quicksilver, there hadnt any major incidents, or violence, or disasters on campus.


    Thenon the day of a well publicized rally to bring priests onto campussomeone summoned a monstrous demon right in front of the rally. It made a lot of sense, and he doubted that the chancellor was the only one that didnt want the priests on campus.


    Be careful, she said conspiratorially. As a follower of Uldar, you dont know if youll be targeted or who might have wanted our rally not to happen. Hopefully, The Watchers will catch the culprit soon.


    Yeah, Alex said, looking toward the smouldering hole in the ground, while hoping she wasnt including him in her our. I hope so too."

 Chapter 94: The Weight of Secrets

    Chapter 94: The Weight of Secrets


    Have you heard anything more about the demon? Khalik asked Alex. He asked the question slowly, almost like a child asking a parent about something they shouldnt know.


    No, have you? Alex grunted, adjusting the weight of Khaliks table as they carried it down the hall of the ins.


    Not a word. Nothing beside rumours and fears, Khalik frowned.


    Other students pressed themselves against the halls walls, letting them pass. Alex had cast two Wizards Hand spells to support the table, and Khalik had cast a spell that conjured a small floating disc of stone to lift and steady it. Once theyd gotten down the hall, the two young men eased it into Alexs apartment.


    It was empty, except for Brutus sleeping and dreaming on the balcony floor.


    Theresa and Selina were downstairs keeping an eye on the souffls, hot bread and roasted meat that Alex had prepared for their evening supper after the first meeting of the little cabal.


    Alex and Khalik pressed two tables against each other. The n was to pic after their meeting, butin case anyone wanted toe back and rx, Khalik had proposed they bring his table to Alexs ce.


    The young man leaned against the table for a moment.


    Sohas anything like this happened before? Alex asked. Anything your brother told you about?


    Khalik sighed. I remember once he told a story of someone from the city who raided Generasis graveyards and raised the dead. They used magic to pierce the citys wards that protect the graveyards from necromancy and then cloaked them in illusions powerful enough to foil The Watchers of Roal.


    He spread his hands. And then they unleashed them on the campus.


    Oh shit, Alex said. Why?


    Khalik frowned. If I remember correctly, some wizard wanted some other wizards daughter dead, and they decided to use a mass attack on the school to hide the evidence of their target. It all came out in the end, but a few people died.


    Alex winced. Cant believe anyone would do that. You shouldve seen what Baelin did to that demon. LikeI would never, ever, ever want to piss him off.


    I think they picked a time when he was away.


    Wow, thats rough. Alex shook his head. I guess theres more dangers around here than idents, carelessness and mana vampires.


    That there is, Khalik said darkly. And did you hear about the mana vampire attacks?


    What? No.


    Alex remembered overhearing talk of a mana vampire in the countryside, but that had been a couple of months ago. I heard there was one in the countryside awhile back. Didnt they get it yet?


    No, Khalik said. Thereve been attacks in the countryside, and some monster hunters reported they sighted it in a swamp close to the sea, but no ones been able to catch it. Most of the attacks have been in the countryside, butst night, there was an attack within the city itself.


    Alexs blood chilled. Hed had a few shifts in Shales Workshop while Lagor was training him and the other assistantshe imagined what might have happened if one of those creaturespowerful and healthy, not starving like the one hed foughtleapt out of the dark while he was on his way home.


    What he would give to know one of Baelins powerful teleportation spells.


    Howd you hear about it? Alex asked.


    A couple of students were talking about it in earth magic this morning. Most people didnt notice itwhat with everyones mind solely focused on the demon.


    Yeah, Alex said. He made note to keep more alert going to and from work. Well, maybe we can talk about defending ourselves in the meeting today. Like it could be one of the first things we need to talk about.


    A fine suggestion, Khalik smiled. Since well be together, we should talk about what we can do to defend ourselves and each other if were together, or apart. He gave Alex a piercing look. Have you learned an attack spell yet? In your force ss?


    Alex paused. Started working on it, but havent gotten it down yet.


    Khalik scoffed, arranging Alexs chairs around both tables before the two of them began making their way back to his apartment to get his chairs. Cant believe Mr. Golden Lettered Name hasntpleted the whole course yet.


    Yeaaaah, not yet, Alex said.


    But that hadnt been forck of trying.


    The first thing hed done after the demon summoning incident was switch from slowly learning Orb of Air, to going right to trying his hand at force missile.


    As he had feared, it had <em>not</em> gone well.


    The Mark had pulled double duty in going againstbat spells. The flood of failures, distractions and disruption in his mind was twice as hard and twice as vivid. Not only did his every failure in spell casting m into his mind, but they were coupled with every single failedbat maneuver, clumsy movement, or badly dodged blow hed ever experienced in his life.


    He nearly caused a mana reversal whenabout 5% through force missiles spell arrayhe suddenly felt like he was falling down the stairs all over again like during his fight with the mana vampire.


    Progress had been slow, and every step hed taken was honestly terrifying. He was incredibly thankful that he hadnt attempted anybat spells before he learned the meditation techniques from Theresa.


    His work with Orb of Air had brought a lot more sess. It was a harder task than learning force shieldsince the spell arrays for air magic werergely unfamiliar to himbut hed gained enough experience with other first tier spells that he was getting a good grasp of it fairly quickly.


    That had been a relief: if he could apply his analysis of spell arrays to help learn magic from other schools besides the school of force, then that would be a good indicator that hed be able to really expand his magical stock of spells despite The Marks interference.


    There were still two things that he had to worry about:


    The first was how he would pass the FORC-1550 assignment for force missile. Right now, the ss was still working on force shield, but he wouldnt have forever to perfect force missile. The assignment woulde due, and if he couldnt even cast it, that would be a pretty bad blow to his average in the course.


    Another strange thing hed noticed was that Professor Ram had been paying a lot more attention to himtely. Whenever Alex practiced his force magic in ss, hed look up now and catch the instructor watching him closely.


    Rams face was almost always grim beneath his thick ck beard, but it seemed even grimmertely whenever he looked at Alex.


    He wondered if it had something to do with his performance in ss: Ram of course didnt know that he had a divinely branded Mark that hindered his magic, so to him, Alexs slow speed at casting spells could only look likeck of skill,ck of practice orziness.


    Alexs eyes followed Khaliks back as the broad-shouldered young man led the way back to his apartment.


    And that was the second thing he was worrying about.


    The more time went on, especially after the demon attack and with their little cabal forming, the more Alex wanted to tell Khalik about The Mark.


    A thought had urred to him after the attack: what if the demon had been summoned to attack <em>him. </em>The history books hadnt told of any times The Ravener had summoned demons to attack Thamnd, but the history books also hadnt talked about humans being able to control a dungeon core.


    Anything was possible, so, there was a possibility that someone or something had sent the demon to attack him. The more he thought about it though, the less likely it seemed: if something had been sent to attack him directly, then why wouldnt it have targeted him specifically?


    But even if it was unlikely, that didnt mean that someday <em>something</em> wouldnte for him. Hed been preparing as best as he could, but now he had close friends that would work with him. What would happen if a demon, other monster or some sort of church official leapt out from behind a bush and screamed: <em>Ahaaaa! I finally foooouuund yoooouuuu!</em>


    The demon attackwhatever the reason behind ithad resulted in a lot of students getting some terrible wounds, and if a monster or something else came after him, he couldnt guarantee they wouldnt get caught up in the conflict.


    His mind conjured a scenario where he, Khalik, Thundar and Isolde were casually walking through campus one day and silence spiders jumped out and ambushed them from a tree or top of a building.


    What would he do if theyunpreparedhad an insectile de pierce through their hearts. If he survived, would he ever be able to live down the fact that hed never even tried to warn them?


    At the very least, Khalik had trusted him with <em>his </em>secret, Alex could share his too. Out of all the people hed met on campus, he and Khalik were the closest. At least he could start with just him.


    Now, if only he could find the best way to say it.


    Maybe-


    Alex? Alex!


    Huh, wha-? Alex blinked, shaking his head. Whats up?


    Khalik was shaking his head with a rueful smile. You were daydreaming like some kind of sun-blinded fool. He chuckled.


    His floating stone carried one of the chairs.


    Najyahsitting on her perchmade a quiet chirping noise as she watched the two young men closely.


    A lot on your mind? Khalik asked. Something from the attack?


    Khalik, Alex said suddenly. Cancan I tell you something, after the meeting?


    Hm? Khalik cocked his head, his face turning grave. What is the matter? You can tell me now.


    Nobetter we get that done first and thenyeah its going to take awhile to talk about.


    Hmmm, Khalik frowned in worry. It sounds serious


    Quietly, the prince crossed the room and carefully shut the door. He turned back to Alex; his face full of concern. You are not sick, are you?


    No, no. Alex waved away the concern as his two Wizards Hands picked up the chairs. Baelins disy withwhatever that hand spell was had encouraged Alex to <em>really</em> focus his spell customization on that spell.


    Wizards Hand had a lot more versatility than forceball or force disk, so if he could just get his power and control over it up to the same level as the other two-


    Alex. Khalik squinted at him. Come back.


    Alex shook his head again. He mentally checked himself, noticing an icy feeling in his belly. Nerves. Strong nerves. Arge part of him was screaming to not tell Khalik.


    To not tell <em>anybody.</em>


    So, his mind was distracting him. Trying to stall him until it could convince him to not go through with it.


    It is seriousbut Im healthy. But I only want to tell <em>you</em>. He leaned closer to Khalik. You trusted me with your secret, and as were going into this whole cabal thing together, I think its only fair that I trust you with mine, just He winced, imagining the brave princes reaction to his desertion of the battle in Thamnd. justjust hear me out, okay? Its nothing thatll affect you badly or negatively or anything like that, its just


    Khalik raised an eyebrow. The muscr young man leaned against his dresser. Between Alex, Selena and Theresa things sometimes got a little messy, but Khaliks apartment was cleaned immactely.


    That part of his mindthe part that was entirely averse to riskcontinued to focus on other details and try to distract him. It brought up all the disasters that might ur:


    Khalik might judge you and cut all contact with you! it cried. He might tell everyone in the cabal, or he might decide to get you out of it. Who wants to be in a cabal with someone called The Fool anyway? The Mark hinders magic! How will he ever see you as an equal again if you tell him? You already kept the secret for so long, he might feel betrayed that you didnt tell him before?


    Even as that part of his mind put words to his insecurities, it also brought up solutions. Telling <em>anyone</em> would be stupid and risky. Youve got a good thing going with just Theresa and Selina knowing. All you need to do is keep it to yourself until you graduate. No one else will know, and thats the only way to guarantee your safety and security while youre here at Generasi. You can go through all four years in anonymity, with no risk at all. Its the only logical thing-


    He shook those thoughts away. There was <em>some</em> logic to them, but they only worked as long as everything went well. His mind returned to the demon.


    If any monster or hunter or even one of The Heroes came for him, then keeping quiet would be infinitely worse for the people that had gotten close to him than it would be if he told them before anything happened. They would be unprepared if he didnt tell them, and be at higher risk, and what would happen if they asked questions <em>after</em> there were any sort of bad consequences?


    Alex thought of an old story that hed heard as a child.


    It was one his mother had told him.


    One that warned of the consequences of dangerous secrets.

 Chapter 95: The First Meeting of the Cabal

    Chapter 95: The First Meeting of the Cabal


    The story his mother had told him was about a shepherd boy who had snuck into the woods one evening to meet his friends past his parents curfew. Bing lost, the boy came across a wolf in the middle of the forestone who growled and bit him on the shoulder. A tribe that lived peacefully in the woodsa group of wolf beastmenfound the shepherd boy and guided him out of the trees, and he was able to sneak back to his home before his parents ever discovered what he had done.


    The bite was not a bad one, thankfully, because the boy knew that if he showed it to his parents, then they would know that he had disobeyed them. So, he hid the bite and did not tell a soul.


    It healed well and quickly, and soon; the boy stopped thinking about itonly regretting that he could not tell his friends.


    Then the night of the full moon came, and the boy changed, turning into a monsterpart wolf and part humanthat looked simr to a wolf beastman, but he was of far greater size, strength and viciousness. While transformed, the boy ate the neighbours sheep andfrightened and ashamedcontinued to keep the secret to himself.


    He kept the secret for full moon after full moon until some vigers spotted him one night attacking their cattle. Thinking he was one of the wolf beastmen, the vigers organized themselves and went into the woods and killed the entire tribe of wolf beastmen, deciding that they were a cult of thieves and killers.


    The boy mourned the lives of those that had helped him, buttoo frightened for his own safetyhe continued to keep the secret.


    One hunter, though, remained suspicious.


    During the next full moon, the hunter waited in the woods and when the transformed boy appeared, he ambushed him. Man and beast fought a terrible battle, until the hunter finally yed the boy with a blow from his silver pommel, before sumbing to his own wounds.


    The boy and the hunter were found the next morning, and the vige witch found the mark of the beast on the boy. The witch grieved, for she had a poultice that would have cured the boy of the curse oflycanthropyif only she had known about it before the full moon rose.


    And so ended the fable of The Boy Who Refused to Cry Wolf. It was a warning against secrets, and how a secretleft long enoughcould not only harm oneself, but also, many, many others.


    Alex didnt want to be known as The Fool Who Refused to Cry Ravener to anyone. He could imagine a younger sibling of Khaliks telling a story to his friends in the library about how his older brother died because a young man kept a secret to himself.


    He pulled out of his wandering thoughts again, and this time, Khalik hadnt interrupted him. The young prince had only watched him closely.


    Jeez. Alex shook his head. Here I am, zoning out again.


    ...its not easy for you to tell, is it? Khalik said, watching Alex closely. You feel like your secret might change things, but you fear what would happen if you continue to keep it.


    Alex blinked. H-how did you know?


    It was what crossed my mind when I was thinking of telling you <em>my</em> secret, Khalik said. Itit was something that I debated for a time, butI know this is a strange question, but have you ever been to a noble court? Or a royal one?


    Alex burst outughing. Khalik, I was a bakers assistant to a baker in a small town. I lived in an inn: the most important person Id ever talked to before I came here was the local magistrateand I think that was all of twice.


    Once, when his parents had died and he was told his inheritance was held in trust, and the second time when hed gone to im that inheritance. Like, Ie here and suddenly Im hanging out with a prince and a noble whos a court wizards granddaughter, and Im talking to a super wizard who calls out the gods, and who Im half-convinced might be able to <em>take</em> one. But like, I used to get excited when I ran into a merchant that came from two towns over. Im a yokel, Khalik. A true bloody yokel.


    Fine, fine I get it! Khalik held up his hands, looking amused. I knew it was the wrong question when you took that big breath you always take before you startunching into one of your big speeches.


    Wait, hold up, Alex said defensively. I do <em>not</em> take a deep breath whenever Iunch into a big speech.


    You do. Ive known you for a handful of months and I noticed.


    Alexs eyes narrowed. Im gonna ask Theresa if I do that.


    And she will tell you that you do. Khalik shrugged. But enough of that. The point is that when one is in court, one wades through a <em>swamp</em> of secrets. No one says their true intentionsat least, not in my realmand hides their intention behind poetry and metaphor. Intention can be interpreted three different ways for every sentence, so if one offends another, one has ways of denying that anything was intended.


    He shook his head. All keep their true intent behind a mask, and you never know what secrets are being hidden from you. Secrets are power, and to grant a secret to someone, is to give them power over you.


    Jeez, that sounds hard, Alex said. He couldnt imagine having to live his entire life trying to phrase things so that no one could figure out his intentions unless he wanted them to. The Mark would allow him to build the skill, but hed go crazy living like that. Besides, his mouth had a tendency to go renegade anyway and then hed bepletely done.


    It <em>is </em>hard, which is why it is refreshing toe to Generasi in anonymity, Khalik said. An anonymity that I might have lost had you decided to share with anyone. This is why I was able to guess your thinking. I gave you power over me when I shared my secret. And yourealizing that you would be granting me power over youwould also be nervous to share. It makes sense.


    The prince pped Alex on the shoulder. Fear not. If you do not wish to share at this moment, I will take no offence. You can tell me when youre ready.


    Holy shit, Alex said. Do you likeuse that line when youre trying to court someone?


    Yes, Khalik said with a straight face.


    Alexughed.


    But, the prince continued. I only say it as the truth.


    youre a good friend, man, Alex said slowly.


    Hah, and no one can ask for higher praise. Now,e! You say you shall tell meter and so lets get things ready for our first meeting, and for our food. We can discuss this afterward.


    Yeah, man. Thanksno, really. Thanks.


    Alex took a deep breath.


    He felt a lot more confident about sharing the secret now.


    also, he really needed to ask Theresa if he took a deep breath before heunched into big speeches.


    You do, Theresa said seriously.


    What? No I dont!


    You do, she insisted. If youre about to really get into something. She stood up straighter. You always take a deep breath, square your shoulders a little then pause for a heartbeat. Then youunch into it.


    H-how long have I done that? Alex demanded.


    Theresas brow furrowed. For as long as Ive known you?


    Shed known him for literally his entire life.


    Which meant


    Alex shook his head at himself.


    The meeting had gone very well.


    Thundar and Isolde arrived shortly after Khalik and Alex had set up the tables and chairs, and the four students had gotten right to it.


    They began by talking about what each was working on, and what they might have wanted help with.


    Alex brought up his struggles with force missile, which Isolde had studied before. Khalik noted that he was gaining an interest in body enhancement magic, in which Thundar was very skilled and Thundar, of course, brought up his struggles with battle magic. Khalik offered to help with some of that, as hed learned the basics of the subject from his studies before arriving in Generasi.


    Isolde had pretty much <em>insisted</em> on Alexs help with spell customization, starting specifically with forceball.


    From there, they broke into pairs and discussed each others subjects of interest. Isolde was not an expert in force magic, but even her general knowledge of magical theory as a second year was helpful, and that helped Alex with parts that were more difficult.


    Some of my friends said they found trouble with the top left circle of the array, which is responsible for forming the shape of the missile. She leaned over him, tapping the section of the array she was referring to. They said this was a fairly straight-forward method for simplifying it.


    Isolde was thankfully a good teacheror at least <em>he</em> found so. In truth, she spoke quickly and often didnt break down conceptspletely, seemingly expecting he would know what she was talking about.


    Thankfully, in most cases, he did.


    In turn, he used The Mark when teaching her, which aided him by pointing out when hed exined concepts to others in the past. It broke down how hed phrased his exnations ofplex issues and pointed out which tactics conveyed understanding best.


    By the time he was finished teaching her, he felt like hed learned almost as much as she had. As a bonus, he conducted part of the conversation in Rhinean, which allowed him to practice thenguage.


    They finished off the meeting by talking about sessful strategies theyd used in COMB-1000 when they were in separate teams, and how they might apply those if they were all together.


    The only sticking point was when it came to a leader of their little cabal.


    As the founder- Thundar began.


    <em>One</em> of the founders, Alex said.


    I came up with the idea first.


    Yes, and then we <em>founded</em> the group <em>together</em>, Isolde quickly jumped in.


    I dunno, there wouldve been no founding the group together if I didnte up with the idea. Thundar rose up, his chest puffing with pride.


    Hold now, what would a leader do? Khalik asked. There are only four of us and we all decide things in agreement.


    Well, uhI dunno.


    Then why do you want to be leader?


    Well, having you all call me Master Thundar or something would be pretty cool.


    The minotaur was universally booed by the other three wizards.


    Alex even threw a spoon at him.


    As the meeting wound down, things became more rxed, and they were soonughing and joking together. Even Isolde was smiling along.


    Soon, it was time for the evening pic. Time for Shiani to speak to Selina.


    Then after? He would tell Khalik about The Mark.


    Alex could only shake his head at himself.


    Really piled it all into one day, didnt you? he thought.


    You need to cook for me all the time, Grimloch said as he stuffed another roasted chicken into his mouth.


    Not a piece of chicken, a whole one, bones and all.


    Alex shook his head, gaping at the shark man. I think thered need to be three of me to cook for you. He shook his head. For anyone else that doesnt eat like a dragon, everyone good?


    A series of muffled affirmations and chewing was all that followed.


    Alex grinned in satisfaction. His cooking had really exceeded even his own high standards. The pic was a fine affair, only marred by the sense of caution that hung over the group. There definitely was a nce at the ground around them from some of his guests every once in a while, in case it started swelling and vomiting horrible demons right where they were picking.


    No demons showed up, though, and the meal went nicely.


    The group had picked a spot on the grass near the ins by a copse of trees that shielded them from the wind. Fall was well underway: the leaves had turned from green to bright reds and deep purples, but the temperatures had stayedfortable.


    Alex, Grimloch, Thundar, Khalik, Theresa, Shishi, Isolde, Shiani, Selina and Angr sat together on the grass. Food disappeared from the spread Alex had prepared as though ants were swarming it.


    He was d hed made a <em>lot,</em> and had gotten a lot faster in the kitchen.


    After supper came time for Selina, he and Shiani to talk.


    He had seated Selina between Theresa and Shianiand directly across from Khalikso that the young girl could getfortable with the fire wielder. He was nervous about how it would go, but Shianis gentle nature worked well with Selinas personality, and the two of them hit it off like theyd known each other for a long while.


    After supper was all finished, the three of them left the others and talked.


    At first, they spoke about things that Selina liked, then eased into a general conversation about magic, and finally shifted the conversation to the subject of fire.


    The young girl went quiet during thatst topic.


    Shiani seemed a little nervous as she talked about howin her homndfire was worshipped, and it healed as often as it harmed. She spoke of how much fire gave to people, letting them cook their food, andbat monsters of the forest and sea. Helping to keep people warm in cold weather, and lighting up the dark nights. She talked about how fire sometimes healed thend.


    Alex listened with interestboth for himself and for Selinas benefitand the entire time, nobody brought up her affinity. Over time, she started to ask questions.


    Probing questions in a soft voice.


    Whether she was actually curious or if she was being polite, Alex didnt know, but she asked them anyway. The questions were mostly about how fire could be good if it destroyed so much.


    Fire can heal, Shiani insisted. And fire can protect. Its like a sword, or like Brutus or even a hand: they can hurt and they can help. Fire is like a child with no mind: it hurts when it runs free. It cannot help itself, but if it is <em>directed,</em> fire can heal and protect like no other thing in this world. Thats why its beautiful.


    Selinas frown went so deep for a moment that Alex thought she might start to cry, but instead she asked: You think fire is beautiful?


    I do, Shiani said. My people do.


    The conversation ended shortly after that, and Selina was quiet for the rest of the night. He could tell she was thinking and that her spirits were down.


    Do you think it helped? Shiani asked Alex worriedly. Ooooh I hope I didnt make things worse.


    Alex watched Selina carefully. Shes a strong kid. And Ill help her with all the support I can. I dont think it fixed everything forever, but I hope it gave her stuff to think about. He watched her quietly petting Najyah. Well see. Well see.


    His eyes turned to Khalik.


    The time wasing.

 Chapter 96: Taking a Chance

    Chapter 96: Taking a Chance


    The others had departed a couple of hours ago, and Alex had spent time with Selina afterward, just talking and rxing and ying with y until her eyes started to close.


    As she got sleepier, he helped her get ready for bed and tucked her in. Hed stayed for a little while longer, making sure she wasnt having nightmares.


    I think shell be fine, Theresa said from the doorway. She was running a brush through her deep, ck hairwhich had grown quite a bit longer during their months in Generasiand leaning against the frame. She looked pretty happy with you after supper.


    She was quiet, Alex said worriedly.


    Its okay, Ill watch her during the night, she said, then jerked her head toward the apartment door. You going to wash up first?


    No, I Alex paused. II think I want to tell Khalik.


    Theresas brush paused. About?


    He sighed. The Mark.


    A startled silence filled the apartment.


    That she whistled. Thats a big one.


    Yeah, but likehold on, dont want to wake Selina up.


    They quietly stepped out of Selina and Theresas room and shut the door.


    Alex and Theresa faced each other over the dining room table. The normally brave huntress was fidgeting in the moonlight. It poured through the curtains framing the balcony, and through it, glowed a flickering light set in one of Khaliks windows.


    Despite Alex spending time to make sure Selina was alright, the prince was waiting.


    Are Theresa paused. Are you sure?


    Yeah, I thought about it, Alex said. And


    He took a deep breath, squared his shoulders slightly, then went into the exnation for why he wanted to tell Khalikincluding all of his thought processes, fears, and what made himfortable with the idea.


    Theresa listened carefullyher expression resting in her normal death stalker faceand her eyes were watching Alex very, very closely.


    And thats why, Alex finally finished. what do you think?


    I think she paused. Honestly, I dont know if its a good idea.


    Really? Why?


    She sighed. ItsI like Khalikand I trust him, I guess. He reallyes through for all of us during yourbat ss: he has honour, but Theresa shook her head. I just get a bit scared when I think about you telling <em>anyone</em>.


    You think I shouldnt do it?


    No, no, she shook her head. Honestlyyoure the one thats got The Mark, and you know Khalik better than I do. If you want to tell someone, you canand if I had to pick anyone for you to tell, it would be him.


    She shook her head. Im justscared, Alex, is all. This isthis is a big step.


    Alex touched her shoulder gently. I know, Theresa, I know.


    Butyoure right. Boy Who Refused to Cry Wolf, she said. If this is anything like any of the other old stories, then youll keep it a secret until it somehowes out at the worst possible momentif you trust him, tell him. And with this cabal thing you all haveits not fair if youre all going to protect each other while youre sitting on something like this.


    Yeah.


    She looked at him and her eyes seemed to shine in the moonlight. Her gleaming ck hair blew around her shoulders from a gentle breeze through the balcony. Justcall for me if anything happens, okay?


    Nothings going to happen, Alex said.


    I knowbut if it doescall for me.


    Come in, Khalik said, as he opened the door for Alex. The bearded young man hid a yawn behind his hand. Then he gestured to a seat at his table, which theyd moved back to his apartment earlier. A pitcher and two sses sat on the table.


    Thanks, Alex said, slowly dropping into his seat.


    He heard a rustle and his eyes darted toward the window. Najyah was there, the great bird of prey had tucked her head forward against her body. Her breaths were quiet, and if Alex didnt know better, he would have thought that she was merely a life-like ornament.


    Nerves gnawed at his belly, and he tried to stop that voice that was screaming at him to just make an excuse and leave.


    Here, Khalik said, dropping into the chair opposite him and then pouring a couple of drinks into the sses. He slid one toward Alex, who nced inside. Wine?


    Indeed, Khalik said. It is what we drank when I shared my secret with you, so it shall be what we drink when you share yours with me.


    He paused. Are you sure about this?


    Yeah. Alex took a deep breath and squared his shoulders slightly. He paused: now that the movement had been pointed out to him, hed never be able to un-notice it. Im sure.


    He took another deep breath and a long sip of wine.


    This was it.


    Khalik raised an eyebrow. With how tense you look, I almost feel like you are about to tell me that you did something horrible.


    Alex looked at him gravely. I did.


    Khalik froze. Whatwhat are you about to tell me?


    Im a monster. A shapeshifter that-


    He paused; Khalik was holding up his hand with an unamused expression.


    No, the prince said.


    What? Alex said. I was telling you the tru-


    You were not. Khalik shook his head. You were about to try the same trick on me that I yed on you, which I was <em>waiting</em> for.


    Alex cursed internally.


    That was one chance for revenge spoiled.


    It was alright, though: he was patient and there would be other opportunities.


    Alright, seriously this time. Alex drew himself up, his voice quieting. Have you ever heard of The Heroes of Thamnd?


    Khalik frowned. Only in passing. I think I heard you speak of them to your friend from potions ss, Carey. And I have heard it mentioned in passing by some professors and a few students, but that is all.


    Okay Alex took a deep breath and dropped his voice to a whisper. WellIm one of them.


    A long silence followed, then Khalik burst outughing. You are persistent! You got me this time!


    Shhhh! Alex nced at the door and balcony. Not so loud!


    The princesughter continued to roll through the apartment until he noticed Alexs face. Both his mirth and his smile vanished. By my godsyou are serious, arent you?


    Yeahso there are these Heroes, right? Five of them, all marked. He spread his hands. Theres The Chosen: their leader. The Champion: their warrior. The Sage: their spell caster. And The Saint: their healer and miracle worker.


    He sighed. Andstly, theres The Fool: theirservant. And thats me.


    Khalik blinked at him for a moment, then took a long sip from his cup. IfI think, I remember Carey saying something about this Fool- He paused, ncing at Alex. -being missing. And thats becausehe, or <em>you</em> are here.


    Thats right.


    And<em>how</em> are you here? Khalik asked.


    Alex sighed. That, my friendis kind of a long story.


    As it turned out, it <em>was</em> a long story.


    Having never told it before, he didnt realize quite <em>how</em> long. He started with a background on The Ravener and The Heroes. He continued into the history of The Heroes and mentioned the patron saint of Alric: The Traveller.


    He then talked about the day hed gotten The Markthe ns hed had, the journey hed wanted to make, and the life hed wanted for himselfand how The Mark had changed all that.


    Wait. Khalik held up a hand at that point in the story. So it hindersbat, divinity <em>and</em> magic?


    Spellcraft, Alex corrected. While making you learn just about anything else a lot faster.


    And you have been taking Baelinsbat course and other courses revolving around <em>spellcraft</em> while dealing with <em>this</em>?


    It uhyeah, it hasnt been easy.


    And what was that part about priests being able to <em>sense</em> you?


    Apparently its from really close, I wouldnt have gotten out of Alric otherwise.


    But how did you escape your realm?


    Wellremember The Traveller?


    Yes?


    Thats where her cavees in.


    Alex continued through their trials in The Cave of the Traveller, about their struggle against the hive-queen. He was brief with his discussion of the dungeon core and humans being able to use it. Khalik didnt have the background context for why that was such a big deal, so he simply nodded with that part of the story, though his eyebrows did rise.


    Finally, Alex finished with how hed been struggling and finding loopholes in The Marks interference, which hed been using to sessfully get through his sses.


    And thats basically it, Alex finally said. He nced at the balcony, noticing that the moon had shifted its position a fair bit. Thats my big secret. Im just hoping to look into this stuff with the dungeon core and pass my courses. Maybe I can get the information to someone that I can trust. Someone with power. And yeah He thought it over for a moment. Thats it.


    Alex closely watched Khaliks face.


    The southern prince was silent for a long time, Alex knew it must have been only for a dozen seconds or so, but to him, it felt like hours. Prince Khalik stared into his wine for a long time, his brow furrowed and his fine features highlighted by the moonlight.


    In that moment, he looked olderlike a wise king pondering some great question instead of simply his peer and friend.


    That Khalik paused. First, I should say that I thank you for telling me this. I <em>deeply</em> thank you. I can see now why it was so difficult for you to share. wow.


    Alex swallowed. Whatwhat do you think?


    What do I <em>think</em>? Khalik blinked. What is there for me to say?


    I mean, the whole thing, Alex said.


    Well, I have to say that the title suits you: you <em>are</em> a fool. A mad, brave fool, Khalik said in disbelief. A bakers assistant sneaking through a cave of silent scorpions-


    Silence-spiders.


    -yes, silence-spiders. Sneaking through their cave, blowing up a swarm and the magic statues that guarded your patron saints sanctum, blowing a giant monster to kingdome, and then jumping into an unknown portal that delivered you hundreds of leagues away. It is madness. Sheer and utter <em>madness</em>.


    Khalik shook his head. And I thought <em>my</em> journey had peril, and it did, but I was surrounded by my finest guards, I had Najyah and I have had training inbat with spell and de. You? You had a magical mark that made you more vulnerable than most and you still tried it. And then-


    He gestured to the south. Youe to the chancellors ss to learn more aboutbat. More danger.


    Hey, wouldnt have figured out as many loopholes as I have without that ss, Alex said. Plus, I got to meet you, and Baelin and Thundar and Isoldeand Shiani and GrimlochAngra lot of people.


    Even this whole thing. All of this. The prince gestured to their surroundings. Coming to a university for wizardry while hindered against spellcraft as you are, but trying anyway. I think most would run, or try to, but perhaps merely hide in a vige. Or they would go to a town somewhere on the continent and use their skills to enrich themselves.


    I <em>think</em> thats what some of my predecessors did. Historys spotty, though.


    And I am surprised you did not do so yourself. To be branded a servant, and hindered from defending oneself against danger. But you chose a hard path instead of going off to enrich yourself.


    I just really want to be a wizard, Alex said.


    I can <em>see</em> that, Khalik said. WellI have a question.


    What is it?


    can I see this Mark?


    Alex paused. Yeah.


    The two young men closed the curtains, and Alex took off his shirt, showing the prince the golden glowing jesters face. The prince squinted at it. It has an evil lookthough I suppose it could be uglier.


    You Alex blinked.


    Whats wrong? Khalik looked up.


    I dunno, justI didnt expect you to react like this, he said.


    Khalik shrugged. I have met powerful folk. I have met men and women that my kingdoms generals call hero. I have met those that imed to hear our gods. And here I have seen wizards and monsters. I am a prince of Tekezash: I will take my friends secret and cherish it, but I will not gawk at you, worship you and judge you.


    The prince rose to his full height, andfor a brief instanthe almost seemed taller than Alex. You are branded by your god and you chose another fate. You still seek to help your people, and you protect your family. You put your trust in me, as I have in you: you remain Alex Roth, my first friend at Generasi and my closest here. We are in a cabal together, and we shall protect each other and aid each other.


    He paused; his voice filled with royal dignity. You may call upon me while we are in the cabaljust as, someday, I may call upon you. And that is all there is to that. That is what I think, Alex.


    For a moment, Alex thought he might cry from relief. All of the bad scenarios disappeared from his mind. He had shared his secret and, in the end, he had kept his friend.


    No, if anything, he felt closer to this young man than before.


    T-thanks man, Alex said.


    Think nothing of it, Khalik said, gripping Alexs unmarked shoulder. Now, who else knows?


    Just my sister, Theresa and her parents. Literally no one else.


    Gooddo you think you will tell Thundar and Isolde?


    Yeah, Alex nodded. When I get to know them a little better. If I can trust them, I will.


    And anyone else? A professor?


    Alex paused. Baelin, I think.


    Mmmm. Khalik thought it over for a while, and then paused to yawn. It was very, veryte. That is a good choice. The chancellor is powerful and has no love for gods, if he is on your side, then you will be safe.


    Yeah, Alex said. Yeah


    Khalik yawned again. And besides, if you tell one of the professors, then <em>someone</em> can understand you if you struggleah, so that is why you struggle with force missile?


    Yeah, Alex said, putting his shirt back on. The Marks got its benefits, but its frustrating. Let me tell you.


    I can imagine, Khalik said. I might have tried to cut if off by now.


    Alex shrugged. It crossed my mind in those first few days, but someone else probably thought of that too in previous generations. All I have to do now is just keep going. Things are going well, and Im making the best of it. I think Jules might give me more freedom soon, maybe next semester. Its been alright so far.


    WellI hope it stays that way, Khalik said. And againthanks for trusting me.


    The two young men bid each other good night after gripping each others hands in farewell. As Alex started down the hall, his step was light and the world felt a little more friendly.


    He was d he had done it.


    His mind returned to what Khalik said about professors not knowing that The Mark might make him struggle. That was a good point.


    Hopefully, that wouldnte to bite him any time soon.


    Why are you not trying in my ss, Mr. Roth? Professor Ram demanded.


    Alex gulped as his imposing professor of force magic watched him pointedly, his face hardened by anger.

 Chapter 97: Rams Forceful Guidance

    Chapter 97: Ram''s Forceful Guidance


    Wh-what do you mean, professor? Alex stammered in front of professor Ram.


    It had been weeks since his conversation with Khalik, and while hed remembered what the prince had said about maybe telling a professor so someone could understand if he was struggling, he hadnt done so. His own worry about force missile had remained, but it had retreated into the back of his mind.


    For the first time in months, his life had fallen into a calm routine, and when things became calm and regr, people often forgot worries that werent immediate.


    The campus itself was more tense, though.


    Baelin had held another assemblythis one attended by members of Generasis ruling council of wizardswhere they spoke of a joint investigation into this act of malicious magic.


    In time, only the increased presence of The Watchers of Roal on campus served as the asional reminder of the incident. Life continued on, and Alex was at peace.


    Selina continued to improve as well, though she was a little more thoughtful than before. Quieter, with more frowns when she thought no one was looking. At other times, she was all cheer. He wasnt sure what to make of it.


    Theresas contact hade through, and shed atst gained a job at the Beastarium as an assistant warden. The work wasnt as morous as assisting in the construction of golemsat least, not to Alexbut she said that she enjoyed it immensely, and she got to take Brutus with her when she went to work.


    The cabal had met several times since their first meeting and continued to help each other. Every member was showing improvements with reaching their goalsthe close coboration was already bearing fruit. Khalik and Alex had grown closer as friends as well, and were hanging out even more than before.


    One of the few things he had toin about in thest little while was that between his training, school and his new jobnow that hed finished the training periodsleep was getting to be a little hard toe by at times. One other thing was his progress with force missile: even with Isoldes help, he was struggling to make significant progress with the spell. The time to hand in his report on it was drawing close, and hed basically resolved to focus on the theoretical aspects of the spell and just take the massive loss in marks for the practical portion.


    One couldnt have everything, and hed made good progress with his continued modifications to Wizards Hand and learning Orb of Air.


    In short, life was good.


    And then the professor for FORC-1550 had asked him to stay behind after ss. Now, Alex sat in his floating desk while Professor Ram floated in front of him.


    What do I mean? the professor said. I mean exactly that: why are you not trying in my ss?


    Uh. Alexs mind raced,pletely caught off guard. His eyes flicked down to the ck force construct that served as Professor Rams prosthetic arm. I meanI am, professor.


    No, youre not, Professor Ram countered, his eyebrows knitting close together in a frown. His voice was calm, but there was an edge to his words that was as sharp as a knife. I dont think youre even close to trying, Mr. Roth.


    II dont understand.


    One of Rams dark eyebrows rose on his dark brown face. Ive heard of your performance in other sses, Mr. Roth: Ive seen where you ced on the Honours Lists for every other course except this one.


    Alex felt his face flush. I mean-I mean I study really hard professor-


    I have no doubt, Professor Ram said. You know the theory well. Very well. Your forceball, forcedisk, and Wizards Hand all have excellent modifications and your force shield is adequate.


    Alex winced at the word adequate.


    But your speed is abysmal, Professor Ram said. Completely impractical when ites to making use of spells in an actualbat situation whichconsidering force magics many battlefield applications and your presence in The Art of the Wizard in Combatis where it seems you want to go.


    His frown deepened further. So, why are you not working on your speed? And whats this with force missile? I havent seen any meaningful progress from you Mr. Roth, and the report is due next week.


    Iare you reprimanding me? Alex asjed slowly. The heat of anger rose up in him. He was an adult, not a five-year old child to be badgered by their teacher.


    No. Im trying to encourage you and save your life, Ram said simply.


    Alex rose up a little in his chair. Im pretty sure theres students doing a lot worse than me, Professor Ram.


    There are, the force Professor said bluntly. Much worse. Especially in the theory: you obviously know what youre doing, Mr. Roth: you couldnt have done as well as you did on the written midterm if you didnt. You also wouldnt have been able to modify your spells if you didnt.


    ThenI dont understand the problem, professor, Alex said tly.


    The problem is that you can do <em>better</em>. Are you taking five courses, Mr. Roth? A full course load?


    Yeah, yeah I am.


    That means you topped the Honours List for <em>every single one of your courses except for this one</em>, Ram looked at him pointedly. The reason I am talking to you, Mr. Roth is not because you are doing poorly, but because you are <em>obviously</em> capable of a far better performance. <em>Far</em> better.


    Anger continued to rise in Alex: frustration at the professor and his own situation. He was trying his hardest. He really, really was. It wasnt his fault that The Mark made it so thatif he didnt use caution, his meditation techniques and his full concentration when casting spellsthen he probably would have blown his own head off by screwing up a spell array.


    Of course, professor Ram didnt know thatcouldnt know that, which in a waymade the situation even more frustrating: he couldnt even exin himself.


    II am struggling with my speed, professor, but Im trying as hard as I can to improve it.


    Thats not true.


    Alex paused. Pardon?


    If anything, your efforts <em>dipped</em> when ites to force missile. He watched Alex for a moment. Speed is one of the most important aspects in spell casting. Do you know how fast a crossbow bolt travels?


    No, Alex admitted.


    Between three hundred to four hundred feet per second, Ram said. That means thatif you notice an attacker with a crossbow trained on youyoull have one second to cast force shield before it strikes you. And thats if theyre three hundred to four hundred feet away. If theyre closer? Youll have that much less time.


    I Alex fought the urge to grind his teeth. MaybeI just want to do peaceful things, I mean, professorwith all due respectyou said in ss multiple times that force magic has almost infinite applications besides being used as battle magic.


    And that is true, Ram agreed. How fast is the human body moving once it has been in free fall for one second?


    Just over thirty-two feet per second, depending on air resistance, Alex said almost automatically. There were simr questions on the written portion of the midterm.


    Correct. Ram raised his force construct hand. Both he and Alex shot upwards until they were nearly at ceiling height. The young mans stomach flip-flopped.


    The professor pointed at his desk. Suppose for a moment, Mr. Roth, the magic causing your chair and desk to float failed suddenly. Suppose it was dispelled or some phenomena in the air robbed it of mana, or I dropped dead suddenly and the magic circuit lost power or something of that sort. We are roughly thirty-two feet in the air. You would have approximately 1.41 seconds before you crashed into the desks below.


    Ram leaned forward. Say you knew just the right spell that would catch and save you. At your speed, would you be able to cast it in time?


    Alex frowned and stayed silent for a moment. Beneath his desk, one of his hands clenched into a fist. no.


    Exactly, Professor Ram said. All that brain of yours that youre not applying to my ss would be pouring out of your skull, all over the floor until an Orb of Air came along to suck it up for disposal.


    I actually <em>am</em> trying, Alex insisted.


    Are you now? Ram said. Whats the pass rate for most courses at Generasi?


    I dont know, Alex said, trying to keep the sullenness out of his voice.


    Alright, then whats the minimum average you need to achieve to pass a first year course here?


    70%.


    Correct. Ram said. And by the way, more than <em>half</em> of first year students <em>fail</em>first year mana maniption. It is an extremely difficult subject. And yet, you were able to challenge the exam and skip the rest of the first year course entirely.


    IIm just better at it, professor, Alex insisted. He took a deep, meditative breath to control the frustration that was building more and more. Im doing my best here.


    You keep saying that. Ram folded his arms behind his back and turned to the window. His lips pursed in thought behind his ck beard. And I would believe it too, were it not for the modifications you have made to your spell arrays for several of the spells taught in this ssfairly <em>advanced</em> modifications, which require a lot of detailed work. You are <em>capable</em> Mr. Roth.


    No Im not! The Marks slowing me down! Alex wanted to scream.


    Well, I just have to keep trying, he said instead.


    Like you are with force missile? Ram raised an eyebrow. "Ive seen it year after year, Mr. Roth. Studentse in, make a certain amount of effort in the first half of the semester, thenif they do well in the midtermthey ck. Then the final utterly destroys them. Orif they manage to get through thatthen they find out to their immense disappointment that the second year course is <em>far</em> more difficult than the first year course.


    He sighed and his face softened. Mr. Roth, I <em>know</em> you are capable of more, and quite frankly, your behaviour is baffling. I thinkif you truly applied yourselfyou could easily make near the top of the Honours List after the final exam. To see you reach the midterm and put in <em>less</em> effort isdisappointing. I believe you can excel. Do so.


    Alexs mind was racing and his heart was mming in his chest. Rageat Uldar, Ram, The Mark and himselfflooded him utterly.


    Are we done now? Alex said, looking down at his desk. He didnt trust himself to look up at the professor. I have things to do.


    He heard a sigh, which caused him even more frustration.


    It appears that we are, Ram said.


    Alex stalked through the campus, with his hands balled into fists. He really, really wanted to hit something and it must have showed, because students he passed took one look at his face and very quickly moved out of his way.


    A big part of him wanted to go back and shout at Ram for minimizing the insane amount of effort he was putting into school. The Mark made things extraordinarily difficult, and he was coping with that as best he could.


    Another part of him wanted to tear his sleeve away, show the professor The Mark and tell him <em>exactly</em> what hed been dealing with. A calmer part of his mind mped down on the idea.


    For one, he couldnt trust Ram. That wasnt to say that Ram had done anything untrustworthy, but this conversation was literally the longest hed ever had with the man. Also, a part of him realized that telling Ram might not have even helped him at all.


    If someone wasnt familiar with The Fool or if they werent close to him, there wasnt really a way to <em>convey</em>exactly how hindering The Mark was. Khaliks reaction had beenmuted. Respectful, understanding, but muted: without being Thameish or knowing the history of The Heroes, he just couldntprehend the full significance that being branded with The Fool truly carried.


    What would Rams reaction have been like? Probably not one full of understanding.


    Alex shook his head. That was something else to consider before he told Baelin. Or anyone else.


    He cursed viciously beneath his breath.


    Nothing would have pleased him more than to be able to cast force magic as quickly as hed been able to before hed received The Mark. He would have <em>loved</em> to learn force missile without trouble and then graduate to other morebative force spells.


    Or even otherbat spells.


    Hed be lying if he said that Isoldes lightning spells werent cool.


    But all he could do was do his best, and sometimes that wasnt enough. His mood dropped lower and lower, the more he thought about it. He stopped, taking a deep, meditative breath. Slowly, he focused inward to calm himself-


    Hey! Alex! a deep, familiar voice called from behind him.


    He turned to see the horned form of Thundar walking toward him across the grass, his hooves leaving imprints in the muddy parts. How are y-whoa.


    Hi Thundar. What is it? Alex asked, continuing to take deep breaths.


    You look like you want to strangle somebody. What happened? Something happen with your sister? Theresa? ss?


    Alex shook his head. Nothing big.


    Ah,e on, you can tell me, Thundar said, shifting his bag on his massive, furred shoulder.


    Uh, well Alex told Thundar an abridged version of the conversation with Ram, leaving out his frustrations with The Mark.


    Thundar snorted. Well that aint right, Ive seen you trying hard with force missile. The minotaur looked at him carefully. As the leader of the cabal-


    Thundar, not right now, man, Alex said. Not in the mood.


    Fine then, then as your friendI say you could use something rxing.


    Yeah, Im working on that.


    Mmm, the minotaur wizard looked at him carefully. You got ss now?


    No, not untilter this afternoon, Alex said.


    Good. Come with me, Thundar jerked his horned head toward the south end of campus.


    Why? Whats up? Grabbing some wine? Alex asked.


    Thundar snorted. Its the middle of the day, who do I look like, Khalik? No, its a club that me and some of the students from body enhancement are into.


    Hm? Whats it about?


    Thundar then struck a pose that caught Alex off guard: he set his hooves wide apart and began to move his arms slowly, as though passing them through water. Its a kind of body movement and meditation exercise from Tarim-Lung. It helps loosen the body up, rx it and redirect force.


    Huh, Alex mused. I like meditation, another kind of medi-


    He paused.


    Wait he said slowly. Did you say redirect force?


    Yeah. Thundar continued to slowly move his arms. Redirect the force from within and outside force too. Itll help calm you down and feel better.


    Outside force?


    Well, yeah, its an exercise, but its based on a fighting style that lets you redirect opponents: dont get too excited, though, this versions movements are a lot slower and broader. Its just to loosen the body up: helps a lot after youve used a lot of body enhancement spells.


    Alex could already feel his anger fading, rapidly being reced by excitement. Just an exercise that loosens you up and redirects force? That sounds like <em>exactly</em> what I need right now.

 Chapter 98: The Cleansing Movements

    Chapter 98: The Cleansing Movements


    The ce where Thundars club met was in a part of campus that Alex had never been before, even though it was fairly close to the Beastarium.


    Much of wizardry involved horticulture.


    There were a number of reasons for this, the primary one being that people needed to grow nts for food, have nt material to weave clothing from, or for various medicines. In his magic lore ss, theyd learned that from oral histories, early writings and the ounts of long-lived races, mortals first applied wizardry to the task of creating reliable strong crops and easing the work of farming.


    Another reason was that many disciplines in alchemy required magical nts and fungi of various kinds to make potions, tools, wands, staffs and other magical items.


    So, it wasnt surprising that the University of Generasi would boast one of the most impressive botanical gardens in the entire world. Though it was called a garden, it was more of a small forest,pletely contained within magically hardened ss and constantly monitored with spells that controlled temperature, humidity and sunlight.


    Long brass pipes extended over the ss walls and ceiling around the garden,plete with nozzles to spray water magically pumped in from an underground source. The ss enclosures ceiling rose a hundred feet into the air, leaving plenty of room for even tall, alchemically valuable trees to be grown with little trouble. The scents of fresh earth, spicy fruits and vegetables, earthy mushrooms and fragrant flowers filled the gardens fertile patches, which were crisscrossed with stone pathways for students to walk on.


    It proved to be a popr ce: in addition to the staff and alchemical students checking on what they were growing, many other students bustled through the paths. Some were seated on the many benches throughout the garden studying or enjoying an afternoon meal. Others were walking slowly through the pathways hand-in-hand, lost in each others faces more than in the gardens around them.


    At certain areas in the garden, there were wide, circr patches of stone where pavilionsmade of naturally growing bushes that had been magically twisted together and shaped into buildingsstood avable for students or staff. On many of them hung the familiar wreaths of dried grape vines surrounding wooden boards painted with monsters.


    It was within one of these that they found Thundars club.


    Students of various agesthough Alex noticed that quite a few were olderwere stretching upon the stones. They all worefortable clothes, and several of them waved to Thundar as he arrived.


    This is Alex, the minotaur gestured to his friend. Hes going to be joining us today if all of you dont mind.


    No one protested, and Alex was greeted with a few weing smiles and verbal salutations in half a dozennguages, which Alex returned in thosenguages.


    By now, his practice with different tongues had progressed to the point where he could manage simple conversations in about four differentnguages, if he counted themon tongue.


    He was still working on the ents, though.


    Do we need mats or something? Alex asked, eyeing the stone.


    No, this whole thing is aaaall on the feet, Thundar said. Well be standing, but it <em>can</em> be done sitting if someone needs to. Ah, theres the leader.


    Alex looked up and saw a young woman approaching the group. Though she looked human, Alex could see a pair ofrge fox tails emerging from her trousers, just around the base of her spine. She was moving quickly and adjusted a pair of spectacles that were sliding down her nose.


    Sorry Imte! she said. I was marking, and lost track of time. She dropped her bag beside her and quickly went through some stretches. Did you stret-Yes, yes I see that you have been. Never mind. Stupid question.


    Alex and Thundar looked at each other, as they went into their own stretches.


    Once the entire club had finished up, the young woman looked around. Ah, new faces, new faces, I see.


    Alex followed her gaze, realizing that he mustnt be the only one attending the club for the first time.


    Well, wee to our little gathering. And wee to everyone whos returning. The leader bowed to the group, and the group bowed to her in turn, with Alex scrambling to do the same.


    For all those who are new, dont worry about never having done this before: its easy to learn. I wont talk very much through the ss, but the movements are slow, rxed and easy to pick up, even if they are harder to master. Would anyone like to exin a little about what we do in our club?


    An older man toward the front of the group cleared his throat. This is whats called The Cleansing Movements, he said. While meditation is about focusing on the breath to rx the mind, The Cleansing Movements focus on the body to rx it, exercise it, and redirect bad energy from it.


    Thats right. The leader pushed her spectacles back up the bridge of her nose. And today well be doing the same as always: two sets of one hundred and eight different movements of the body. After the first set, we will have a fifteen minute break. Try not to fill the break with too much talking, instead, reflect on your experience and feel your body. If any of you practice meditation, the break would be a good time to do that. Sound good? Alright, then lets get started. Please follow my movements. I will say the name of the move as we go through it together. And remember, learn by observation and do not judge yourself. Open your thoughts and let your body flow into the movements.


    Her tails wiggled. After the lesson, Ill have a little talk with the neers and correct any major issues I observed.


    Alex blinked.


    For something that was supposed to be rxing this had a real sink or swim quality to it.


    Oh wait, wait, wait! she paused. I almost forgot. To all neers, would you please take off any shoes, boots or sandals. Its important to <em>feel</em> the ground with your feet as youre practicing this, and to have your toes freed up.


    Alex nced up at Thundar, who grinned down at him and tapped the stones with his hoof. Your puny foot coverings are overrated anyway.


    Alex rolled his eyes as he slid his boots off.


    He watched as the leader ced her feet together and the rest of the ss followed. Scrambling, he copied their position, using The Mark to begin the process of correcting his movements and enhancing his learning.


    As he suspected and hopeddespite the exercise being simr to abat systemit didnt cause The Mark to react, just as the Spear-and-Oar Dance didnt.


    In the first movement, the leader spread her feet so that they were a little beyond shoulder width aparta stance simr to one of the positions from Fan-Dors danceand bent her knees slightly. The ss followed her, all of them breathing in deeply, and breathing out slowly.


    As Alex followed her position, he wiggled his toes on the ground. The Mark showed him an image of his toes when theyd just contracted, and he noticed that the instructors feet were gripping the stones. He adjusted his toes to do the same, and was flooded with more images of his own recent actions, showing that hed done the right thing.


    For a moment he frowned, wishing that The Mark helped him in the same way when he was practicing spellcraft or evenbat. He acknowledged that thought and feeling on the inhtion, and let it pass on the exhtion.


    It was what it was.


    Sometimes things would be easy.


    Sometimes things would be frustrating.


    He just needed to adapt along the way.


    Following The Marks instruction, he kept his shoulders down and his neck straight so that the top of his head pointed directly toward the ss ceiling of the gardens.


    He began following the leaders arm movements: she extended them forward, keeping a slight bend in the elbows and some ckness in her hands so that her palms and fingers were facing down toward the stones. She then began to make a circle in the air with her armsvertically, so that her arms rose up toward the ceiling, then sideways, then back down toward the stones.


    After a few repetitionsduring which Alex used The Mark to correct his own formshe switched to the other direction and then changed to a different movement, one that almost looked like a guard position.


    Pivoting her hips, her right hand pushed up past her shoulder while her left hand dropped down past her hip. Both of her hands looked as though they were pushing aside blows or iing attackers. Or at least, thats how Alex imagined it would look for his purpose.


    He watched closely, his excitement building as the club continued to go through the one hundred and eight movements. Each move was slow, rxed, and timed to coincide with their breathing, and they all involved soft movements that gently extended or contracted the limbs.


    Many of the movements were simply rxing and helped stretch the body. Whenbined with Theresas meditation techniques, Alex felt the remaining dregs of anger drain away, allowing his mind to atst rx, and his emotions to calm.


    He realized that the issues still remained: deep down, he was still frustrated and somewhat embarrassed that he was having such difficulty with force missile as abat spell. He still hoped that some miracle would allow him to have a breakthrough that would let him grasp the spell in time to hand in his report. Then he would show professor Ram the true results of hisbour.


    As his thoughts continued to calm, he remembered something that Baelin had said: A Proper Wizard knows their limits.


    That applied to him now more than ever: he had done his best with The Mark, and hed run into a wall. He was working on oveing that wall, butrealisticallyhe wouldnt be able to do so by the time the assignment was due.


    And that was okay.


    Ram might think that he wasntpletely applying himself, because it could look that way from the outside. In the end, though, it didnt really matter what Ram thought. He was trying his best and he knew that. He was seeding at his own pace, and had enjoyed major sesses in many areas that he wouldnt have thought possible when he first received The Mark.


    That was something to be thankful for, and focusing on one troublesome spot would only cause him more grief than necessary.


    Right now, he was at his limit when it came tobat-oriented spells. That was okay. He would focus on other spells while working to ovee that limit. Slowly and safely.


    By the time the club had finished the first one hundred and eight movements, he felt much lighter in spirit and fell into his regr meditation routine with ease. One of the feelings he noticed within himself was gratitude: toward Professor Ram and Thundar.


    Ram had meant welleven if he was harsh about itand his provocation had caused Alex to join Thundar in his club. The Cleansing Movements were fantastic: he could see a number of them working <em>very</em> well if he had to deflect physical blows.


    It would take time of course. He would need to learn the movements and then adapt the right ones for movement and defence in such a way that they didnt trigger The Mark, but, thankfully, hed found the start of another path.


    Besides, when he imaginedbining The Cleansing Movement with the Spear-and-Oar Dance, it looked really, really cool in his mind.


    He felt gratitude toward Thundar for showing him this: it helped bring him back to calm <em>and</em> generate a new way to defend himself.


    Maybe they <em>should</em> make him leader of the cabal


    An image came to his mind, one of the minotaur barking orders and demanding tribute from the others.


    or maybe hed just make him a hearty meal instead.


    A meal? I wont say no to that, Thundar said as the club finished the practice session. Butaint it a little soon?


    Never too soon to have good food with better friends, Alex said as he slipped his boots back on.


    And Im not going to say no to your cooking, Thundarughed, stretching. Alex noticed the minotaurs eyes following the club leaders tails around. But its a little premature, isnt it?


    What do you mean?


    Thundar finally looked back at him, then jerked a thumb toward the grape-leaf wreaths on the gazebo. You want to make another big meal for Festival of Ghosts, right?


    Alex froze. The what now?

 Chapter 99: Family Time

    Chapter 99: Family Time


    You seriously dont have the Festival of Ghosts up in your homnd? Thundar asked as they made their way along one of the paths through the botanical gardens. They passed a series of beehives set away from the path that were being tended by wizards wrapped in visible force protection. Seriously, you never heard of it?


    Thundar, for thest time <em>no</em>, I havent heard of it! Alex said. We have Sigmus, the Harvest Festival, Uldars Rise, The Heroes Festival, the Spring Festival andwell some other festivals, but we dont have a Festival of Ghosts and Ill never know what it is if you keep <em>asking</em> howe we dont have one in Thamnd without bloody well <em>telling</em> me what it is.


    Fine, Thundar grunted. We have it in my homnd, and they have it here in Generasibut we make our wreaths out of pumpkin leaves instead of grape leaves. So basically, it goes like this.


    He brought his hands up and wiggled his fingers in a spooky gesture. Every year, The Festival of Ghosts is a two-day celebration of the dead. We give thanks to our ancestors who have passed, and all the people that came before us.


    Huh, that sounds pretty religious, Alex said. Im surprised its allowed on campus.


    Aint no gods involved, Thundar said. Theres just living mortals honouring mortals whove passed on. Its about respect, thats all.


    Okay, so I see why its called ghosts. Whats with the wreathes, then?


    Protection, Thundar said. The old legends say that when a bunch of people all call to the dead at the same timeeven just honouring themit calls to all spirits, including bitter ones, selfish ones or ones that want revenge. So, we make wreaths out of the harvest as a symbol of life to ward away the ones that mean us harm.


    Oh, thats cool, Alex said. But why do the wreaths surround monsters?


    Thundar smiled darkly. To scare em. Theres an old story about a farmer who honoured his dead father during a Festival of Ghosts, but his words not only reached his father, but his uncle too, who was wandering the world as a ghost. The uncles ghost came to the farmersnd and terrorized his family, drained the life from his cows, and scattered his sheep.


    The minotaur tapped the side of his thick skull. So, the farmer got tired of it and remembered how his uncle had died: killed by a troll while stealing his fathers pumpkins one night. So, the farmer made a troll costume out of old leather, he used bones for the teeth, and rotten tomatoes for the eyes. When the ghost came along, the farmer leaped out and it scared his dead uncle so badly that he died all over again.


    Thundar bared his teeth in a vicious grin. So, ever since, whenever people celebrate the Festival of Ghosts, they make masks and costumes of frightening monsters to scare away bad ghosts. Make sense?


    No, but it sounds pretty fun, Alex said. I can kinda see why its not in Thamnd: monsters swarming from The Ravener is kind of a horrible kingdom ending thing, for the most part.


    He could imagine someone in Thamnd wanting to dress up like a dragon or a cerberus, but a silence-spider? Not so much.


    So, you talked about a meal, is there a feast? Alex said. Like you knowa <em>feas</em>tival?


    Thundar groaned. Youre out of the cabal.


    You''re not the leader, you cant kick me out.


    Make me the leader so I can kick you out.


    Oh okay-no, why would I do that?


    Damn. Thundar swore. Anyway, bad jokes aside. Theres lots of food, drinks and desserts. We eat in life for those in death, leaving an open seat at the table for our loved ones.


    Alex thought about it, imagining dressing up for the festivalor maybe letting Selina dress up for it and inviting his friends over for food and to honour the dead. Including his parents.


    It actually sounded pretty nice.


    Ooooh, Im going to cook up the feast to end all feasts, Alex said, rubbing his hands together.


    And Ill be there to eat the feast to end all feasts.


    The young wizard stared up at the minotaur. can you cook?


    Thundar snorted. Of course I can cook, what do I look like, a helpless calf? He paused, his eyes going wide even as an evil grin widened on Alexs face. Uh, I mean no-


    <em>p!</em>


    Alexs hand rose to p the minotaur on the shoulder. "Oooooh its much toote. Wee to the Roth Kitchen helpers! I pay in food.


    Thundar groaned, then paused. His bovine ears twitched on the side of his head. Waitdid you hear something?


    Alex paused, listening to the sounds of the botanical garden. He could hear the rustle of people working in the greenery, as well as the sound of students walking the paths of the gardens and speaking in low voices. He might have heard the sound of small animals-


    <em>Rustle.</em>


    Alex paused, cocking his ear toward the sound.


    <em>Rustle.</em>


    There it was again.


    You hear that? Thundar asked.


    Yeahsounds like some kind of small animal, Alex said.


    Yeahor an imp, Thundar said darkly.


    Alex double-took at him. What, you think so? he cocked his head toward the trees. The young wizard closed his eyes, concentrating his senses on his hearing.


    He didnt hear the beat of leathery wings: a sound the imps made when hed fought them.


    I dont hear their wings, Alex said. Do you smell anything weird?


    no, Thundar said. It sounded creepy, but maybe youre right. Maybe it was just an animal.


    For a moment, Alex imagined all kinds of possibilities: demons, monsters from The Ravener, or even the mana vampire that was stalking the city. He eyed the gardens suspiciously, but nothing strange happened.


    Looking at each other and exchanging shrugs, the two student wizards made their way toward the gardens exit.


    As it turned out, the festival was in a week and Alex was extremely d that hed found out about it when he had. It seemed like a number of businesses would be closed on the festival days, but his shifts at Shales Workshop hadnt fallen on those days.


    His work with golems was incredibly interesting. For the most part, his job was to prepare ingredients and organize them for the construction of golem cores, as well as to assist Lagor in the body sculpting process.


    Both his hours sculpting with Selina, and his work in Jules ss had really paid off for his new job: he found he was able to slide into both roles feeling well prepared. His sculpting skills had grown since hed started at the workshop. Before working with Selina, the only thing he could make was we mess, but now, he was able to carefully craft some fairly decent looking sculptures of beasts, buildings and people.


    Selina had also grown as well by practising and using her own natural talent. Hed never noticed how naturally dextrous she was until hed worked with her so closely, which made him wonder if his little sister might take an interest in alchemy when she got older.


    For the time being, though, what she <em>was</em> interested in was The Festival of Ghosts.


    I get to dress up like a cool monster? she nearly screamed in excitement as Alex exined it to her and Theresa over breakfast during the weekend. <em>And</em>we get to do something nice for mother and father?


    Yeah, its pretty cool, isnt it? Alex said.


    Hmmmm. Theresa yfully tapped her chin as she watched the excited little girl. What kind of monster would you dress up as, if you could choose any monster?


    Id like to be Brutus! Selina shouted happily.


    With a grunt, Brutus startled awake at his name being called from the opposite end of the room: all three heads swivelled, looking around with sleepy eyes.


    That might be kind of hard, what with all those heads, Alex said. We might be able to make you a mask that makes you look like a troll or something.


    Cool, being a troll sounds cool too! Selina said.


    Alex burst outughing. Great, his sister wanted to be a troll. Maybe she wouldnt have minded Operation Giant Selina after all.


    He shook his head.


    <em>Why</em> do I keep thinking about that? he thought. I really needed to work out some of my issues.


    So, Alex said. I dont think we actually have all the right materials to make you a really cool looking troll mask, not in a week, but Thundar said therere stores in town thatll be selling masks. We could buy you one to wear? Would you like that?


    Yeah! she said.


    Good, nowthis festival is celebrating the dead: which means that we eat for our lost loved ones. Im going to make food that our parents would like, which means mothers cookies. What about you, Selina, what do you think they would like?


    Selina frowned for a long moment, and for an instant, Alex thought hed pushed too hard by bringing up their parents and the food they would like so soon after her ordeal with fire.


    Ummmm. She frowned. Dad used to make that stew, for Sigmus. It had She paused, looking up to Alex. What did it have in it?


    The moment she brought it up, the old vour instantly came back to him. He could almost taste it. A lot of things, but let me see. I think he put in lots of potatoes, some nuts, different herbs, venison and, beef, some bottles of ale and lots and lots of cheese. WowI remember that now. That stew used to be sooo good. Im d you thought of it little goblin.


    The thing was that Alex didnt have the exact recipe for his fathers Sigmus stewnot the exact proportions for all the ingredientsbut hed helped him in the kitchen when he made it, so he could use The Mark to experiment and guide him to get them right.


    It was good that Selina brought that up: he and his father used to take <em>three</em>days making that stew. Hed need to start it early, especially since this would be the first time hed be making it by himself.


    Alright, I can start that soon, Alex said.


    Can Selina said suddenly. Can I help you make it?


    Alex paused. Shed never shown any interest in the kitchen before. It was to the point where hed wondered if shed grow up to be one of those folks who just boiled gruel for supper every night because it was quick and easy.


    Areyou sure thats okay? Alex said gently. Theres fire in the kitchen, you know.


    Selina nodded. II know. Maybe I can do something else?


    Well, theres plenty of other things. You can wash vegetables, get things from the pantry, get spoons and potsif thats okay?


    Yeah. She brightened. II want mother and father to eat something that I helped make.


    Alex froze, and he felt a lump swell in his throat.


    Alright, dont start crying in front of your sister. Come on, he thought. Hold it together, hold it together. Dont look at her, look at Theresa, shes hardened, shell-


    Alex nced over to the brave huntress, to find the young woman turned away with tears clearly shining in her eyes.


    Oh.


    He swallowed. Well, little goblin, Im sure theyll love that. Anything you want made, Theresa?


    She nodded. Grandfather loved fried fish.


    Alex straightened. Then Ill be frying up all the fish we could ever eat, and that <em>he</em> could ever eat.


    Thank you, Alex. Her face softened. And Ill help make it too.


    Then itll be a family affair. He nced at their three-headed friend. Except for Brutus, I guess.


    One of the cerberus heads snorted in annoyance: the big dog had almost been back to sleep when hed heard his name again.


    Thundar agreed to help too, Alex said, leaving out the part where hed basically press ganged him into it. So, well have lots of hands.


    He frowned. Only thing is that the kitchen is going to be <em>busy</em>. But well work it out. Its our first festival in Generasi, after all.


    Arge smile took Alex Roths face.


    Lets make it one to remember!

 Special Announcement: Discord Server!

    Special Announcement: Discord Server!


    This is that small surprise I was telling you about. Here atst, Fool has a discord server! I joined up with several other authors in order to have a server that was nice, full and where people could try multiple stories out:


    Here''s the link: https://discord.gg/A4M3CzfWBn (EDIT: FIXED)


    Make sure you read the rules and follow them (I''m sure you will, you''re all great) and also make sure you go to the <strong>#get-roles </strong>channel and click on the <strong>reader</strong> role''s reaction, which is a <strong>red book. </strong>This will open up the rest of the server for you. Finally, if you wish to get updates whenever Fool updates on royal road, click the <strong>clown face</strong> reaction.


    In the Mark of the Fool channels, there''s a general lounge, spoiler room, and meme channel as well as a patron lounge (called the Fooluminati) and spoiler channels for each tier. If you want to be a part of that, you can find my patreon through this link: /jmrke


    Alright, onto the chapter!

 Chapter 100: The Masks that are Worn

    Chapter 100: The Masks that are Worn


    The mood in Generasi City was a strange one: excited, sombre and tense all at once.


    The excitement came from the uing Festival of Ghosts. Now that it was only a few days away, the entire city seemed to have transformed in preparation for it. In addition to the wreaths, the buildings were now brimming with various decorations.


    Ones that were kind of spooky, in Alexs opinion.


    Fake cobwebscrafted from simple spellsdraped between houses and shops like macabre clotheslines. Hanging from them were illusions of giant, ck spiders with images of white skulls designed on their chests. Skeletons carved from woodsome of which looked decidedly realwere perched on porches of houses and businesses, and some buildings even had summoned-imps flitting about the tops of the buildings and making spooky noises at passersby.


    The bakery across the street from Shales didnt have any decorations on it, but was getting so rundown that it looked like a haunted house anyway.


    It seemed that there was a mask merchant on nearly every street corner withrge packs on carts filled with frightening life-like masks. The vendors even wore masks themselves which were enchanted to move as their expressions changed or as they spoke.


    But while there was a festive atmospheresimr to that in Alric during Sigmus timethere was also a sombre undercurrent. Some people didnt take part in hanging spooky decorations or enjoying the cheer, instead, they were solemn, wearing clothing of all ck or all white and moving like attendees of a funeral.


    Beneath even that was an air of tension.


    The mana vampire attacks had not stopped in the city andbetween that and the demonic attack on campusthe city guard was on high alert. While every street corner had a mask merchant hawking their wares, every block had a patrol of hard-eyed guards with weapons close at hand. Despite the persistent attacks, there were no leads on the mana vampire and with its shapeshifting ability; everyone was a suspect.


    While people still conducted business and went on with daily life, there was a suspiciousness in their eyes; people tended to stay together in groups in open spaces, and hurried home when the sun began to get low.


    Excuse me! Alex called as he walked up to one of the mask merchants. The crowd in the street was thinning, and the merchant looked just about ready to pack things up for the day. Got time for one more customer? Or are you closing?


    The woman paused, and her masklooking like a grinning demons faceshifted to one of open wee. Not at all, not at all, young man! Please,e look at my wares!


    Alex paused in front of the wagon: hooks had been hammered into all of its sides, and from each hung a different mask. It made the wagon seem like a beast with a hundred faces, but Alex was looking for a particr face.


    What sizes do you have? Alex asked.


    I can adjust the size on the spot for children, adults, or even a giant if youre making a gift to one of therge folk, the mask seller said, while ncing at the position of the sun and continuing to pack her cart. So you can choose any youd like and Ill be sure it fits. Will you be buying for yourself, sir?


    Yea, and for two others, he said, running his finger along the grotesque masks of leather and smooth, spell-treated wood. He was also getting one for himself and one for Theresathough to be fair, Theresa didnt <em>know</em> he was getting her one. One for a child and a couple of adult ones.


    His finger paused on one particr mask and he stifled a gasp. It was a leather jesters head,plete with grinning face and bulging eyes, reminding him ufortably of the statue of The Fool in Alric.


    Nooooope, Alex thought. Toooo close forfort.


    He quickly moved on, his finger pausing on a mask of a long-snouted dragon. Alex smiled and tapped it. It had to be this one: who didnt dream of being a dragon at least once?


    Now, for Theresa


    He paused on a few different masks, but eventually settled on the image of a snarling wolf: she and Brutus would match, which he could point out to her and have his fun at the same time. A row down he found a leather troll mask: green-scaled and with a grinning mouth filled with fangs behind two massive tusks.


    Ill take these three. He pointed to the dragon, the wolf and the troll. His finger tapped thest one. Can I get this re-sized for a young child?


    Right away, sir, said the mask merchant. May these masks keep dark spirits away as you honour your ancestors.


    After carefully putting the masks in his bag so that they wouldnt get ruined, he left the merchant to go put on a different mask: the protective mask at Shales to start his evening shift.


    Wee, Alex, Lagor said as Alex stepped into the golem core workshop room. The orc crafter was bent over a table, looking at an ingredients list and construction ns. His mask had been temporarily painted to look like a snarling, long-beaked monster in honour of the festival. Hope youre ready to work: Carmens sick, so I had to send her home. So itll just be you and Minervus.


    Oh good, Alex thought sarcastically.


    Oh, good, Alex said with false sincerity. At least we arent down to one. He stepped up beside the crafter. Sowere finally starting one.


    Yep, Lagor said. Last minute order. Wants the core built <em>before</em> the festival too: paying double for the rush job.


    Lagor shook his head. Dunno where people get that kind of money: sometimes I wonder if I went into the wrong field.


    Alex blinked behind his lenses. Hed heard Professor Jules talk about what a golem crafters wages usually were, and to Alex, they were <em>more</em> than enough for almost any purpose.


    A senior crafter like Lagor mightve been able to pay for Alexs entire tuition, room and board for Generasi without breaking a sweat.


    For what its worth, I think you made the right choice, Alex said seriously. So what kind of golem core will we be making?


    Alex had to suppress his excitement.


    This would be the first time hed be helping Lagor <em>start</em> the process to make a golem core: he had assisted with different steps along the way, but now, he could watch and help with the entire process from the beginning.


    That experience would be worth its weight in gold when it came time to build his own.


    Its a y golem today, in and simple. Bodys a big one though: sixteen-footer, so well need to make sure it''s got extra mana capacity to handle a burden that big.


    Alex whistled.


    Okay, so what can I do?


    Start prepping the materials while I warm up the cauldron. Make sure you take freshly treated quartz: since this is going to be a rush job, were going to need the reaction to take fast.


    Got it, Alex said, already heading for the storeroom.


    When he came backhaving gotten the materials ready and bringing them using his two hands and his Wizard Hand spellsMinervus had arrived and was helping Lagor prep his tools and heat up the cauldron.


    Ah, you got the one with the red grip, good, Lagor said to the pale-faced young manwhose mask was painted to look like a grinning gargoyle.


    Alex and Minervus nodded at each other, without exchanging a word. Minervus hadnt really done anything problematic in thest few weeks at work. Alex was still ready for him to do something though, like cause some kind of ident and try to me it on one of the other assistants, or take credit for something that he didnt do, or pull some other nefarious scheme.


    But Minervus, the entire time, had been a quiet and cooperative coworker. He knew his stuff. He did his job. He kept quiet, unless it came time to talk to Lagor about something.


    Alex kept waiting for the proverbial knife in the back, but so far, it hadnte. Still, whenever Minervus looked at him, he would be civil, but there would be a chilly unfriendliness in his eyes.


    If Lagor noticed, though, he didnt say.


    Or he didnt care as long as the work was done well.


    Together, the three of them started on the beginning of the golem cores construction: several of the ingredients were heated in the cauldron and bathed with mana to liquify them. Once that mixture was good and hot, Lagor had Alex add a binding agent to prep it for the rest of the ingredients and then Minervus added the quartz as a mana conductor.


    Together, all three stirred the solution, carefully adding mana at different points in the process to facilitate the correct reaction.


    While they were doing so, Lagor asked: So, either of you doing anything special for the Festival?


    Minervus shrugged. Same thing I do every year. First Ill go to the sea and honour my grandmother, and then my friends and I will head to the city centre for the parade.


    Alex blinked.


    He wasnt sure what surprised him most: the fact that Minervus sounded sincere, the fact that there was a note of sadness in his voice when he spoke of honouring his grandmother, or the fact that he somehow had friends.


    Alex shook his head. Then again, there were all kinds of people in the world: he found Carey London <em>absolutely exhausting</em> but it was rare to see her apart from her entourage of friends and club membersand probably a few admirers now that he thought about it.


    It took all kinds, really.


    And what about you? Lagor asked Alex.


    Well, as soon as Im done this shift, Im going home to start cooking.


    He exined a little about honouring his parents and the care he needed to take with his fathers stew.


    Hah, that sounds like my grandpappys fermented shark.


    What now? Alex asked.


    A dish he found out about back when he was travelling, Lagor said. You gut a certain kind of shark, prep it, then bury it in the sand with rocks on top. Leave it for six to twelve weeks and you got yourself a unique dish.


    Oh wow, Alex said, trying not to gag at the thought. How does it taste?


    When I first had it? Terrible. It smells like ammonia.


    Alex made a face: they used ammonia to clean and treat certain golem core ingredients before setting them in the storeroom: the smell wasnt what he would call appetizing.


    But, its an acquired taste, Lagor said. Now, Id kill to have some of it again. Too bad the old man took the recipe to his grave.


    Hmmmm. Minervus frowned. It sounds like kstur hkarl from the northwestern ind of Olfusand. They prepare that sort of dish there.


    Lagor froze. Its simr, but the recipes not <em>quite </em>the same. I think he modified it a littlebut howd you know that?


    Yeah. Alex jumped in, his dislike for Minervus ovee by his interest in food. Where did you find that out from?


    My parents are what you could call culinary buffs, Minervus said. Fine food is the vice of my family, and we make it our business to know where interesting dishese from. Im terrible in the kitchen myself, but I do enjoy different foods when I find them.


    Huh, Alex said, not really knowing much of what else to say. Hed learned a little more about the other young man. In a way, he was like the rest of the city during the Festival of Ghosts: someone who wore many masks.


    Alex still didnt like or trust him, but he felt like he knew him a bit better. Though he wasnt sure if he wanted to.


    The rest of the night passed uneventfully, except for all the learning Alex managed to squeeze in during that shift. It was one thing to hear how a golem core was put together from grad students, or work on partiallypleted cores, or sculpt the bodies. It was an entirely different thing to be involved from the very beginning of the process.


    Alex kept his ears open and constantly used The Mark throughout the night, slowly adjusting how he used his mana conductor to guide the alchemical processes in the core. At the start, he was already pretty good at the process due to all of his Mark-enhanced practice at alchemy, but by the end, hed be quite proficient at it.


    Lagor even nced at him and asked. You sure you havent done this before?


    At the end of his shift, Alex rushed to a new notebookwhich had a drawing of arge, smashy-looking figure on the frontthat was titled golem ns.


    He flipped through to the first few pages, and found what he was looking for: the beginning schematics for his own golem. He wrote in a few new notes and drew lines to the diagram of the golem core beside the golem itself.


    Alex swallowed, looking at his ns.


    If he wanted to construct a golem from scratch right now, he could probably do it. It wouldnt be very goodhe still needed to work through more of the processbut he could do it.


    But, if he was going to go through the effort of building his creation, he would build the best version he could manage.


    He nced at a side note that hed circled multiple times: it was a design feature that he wasnt quite sure hed build into his golem. On the one hand, it might be impractical. On the other, he couldnt ess the materials necessary to build one of the more powerful stone or iron golems.


    But the one ingredient necessary for what he was considering, he might be able to get from Julesb.


    Nodding to himself, he circled the word again.


    The word was Evolution.

 Chapter 101: Nostalgic Recipes and Warnings

    Chapter 101: Nostalgic Recipes and Warnings


    One eveningter, Alex was in front of a cauldron again, but this time he was making food instead of magical golem cores. He was slicing beef and venison into a mixing bowl, then pouring a mixture of wine, salt, pepper and dried thyme over them. These would marinate over the next few days, softening and sucking in all that vour.


    On the morning of the meal, he would sear the meat in an iron skillet to seal in both the juices and the marinade, then stew the whole thing for hours on a low simmer, adding more vegetables and herbs at the proper time.


    If he added the vegetables too early, theyd disintegrate into mush, but if he dropped them in toote, their consistency wouldnt be as soft as the dish called for.


    In another part of the kitchen, he heard Thundar grumbling under his breathsomething about ve-drivers and being trickedas he cut and finely grated apples for a sauce.


    Behind him, he heard Theresa squeal and giggle as Selina sshed her with the water she was using to wash some of the harder vegetables.


    Stop it! Theresa said. Youll get it on the fish!


    Yeah, and then our lord and master would get mad at us, Thundar grunted.


    Thats exactly what <em>you </em>were looking to be when you demanded to be head of the cabal, Alex said.


    Yes, but I want to be the one <em>giving</em> the orders, not <em>carrying them out</em>.


    Alex shook his head, thinking back to the fish.


    He would be marinating a wide variety of fillets and fish steaks: tuna, swordfish, eel, and flounder. When hed stopped by the campus fish market, hed been stunned: Generasis location on the sea made its fish market a trove of rich and fresh seafood, most of which hed never even heard of back in Thamnd.


    That also meant that he didnt have any experience with cooking some, so, hed taken out a recipe book from the library to figure out how to best fry them all. From the fancy tone of the cookbook, though, he had a feeling that the author-chef would probably try to strangle him for breading and frying some of the cuts. That was okay. Hed fought demons, The Raveners spawn, elementals and more.


    An angry chef would be the least of his worries.


    He blinked, remembering McHarris: more than four months ago, <em>he</em> had been Alexs biggest worry in life.


    It was remarkable how quickly things could change.


    Now, he was in a wizard city that was preparing for a Festival of Ghosts, on alert for monsters and filled with wizards. And here he was making his fathers unique stew for that festival after just finishing up decorating his apartment.


    He shook his head.


    It really was insane how life could change so utterly.


    His brow furrowed a little.


    And soon, campus would change again.


    In what seemed to be the blink of an eye, the semester was alreadying to a close. Once the festival was finished, it would be time for final exams. Hed handed in his report for force missile andin the endhadnt quite gotten the spell down before the assignment was due.


    All in all, he didnt consider it too big of a loss.


    Though Ram would disapprove, the issue remained that he wouldnt be able to use force missile inbat: if The Mark gave him so much trouble for trying to <em>learn</em> it, he shuddered to think what it would do if he tried to aim and fire it.


    He would still continue to work on it, with Isoldes guidanceno sense in throwing aside effort already put inbut Rams ss had moved on to the final spell of the semester: Lesser Force Armour.


    <em>That</em> would improve his defences immensely.


    He thought back to the imps and how they might have gotten around his shield if theyd alle at him at once: Lesser Force Armour would provide that extrayer of protection against powerful opponents, or those that came at him in a swarm.


    His work with Orb of Air was going well too, and he was sure hed have it by the beginning of the next week.


    Alex! Theresa whined yfully. Come get this little goblin away from me, I cant work like this.


    Im not a little goblin, Im a great, big troll! Raaaawr! Selina growled at Theresa, sending the young woman into endless giggling.


    As a big troll, you should eat your brother, Thundar said. And free us from his tyranny.


    Silence, servant! Alex grinned. Concentrate on those apples, and make sure tobine it with the exact portion of honey I wrote down or you shall regret it.


    I swear Im going to shove you in that pot and serve <em>you</em> for the festival.


    Thundar, dont you like cooking with us? Selina asked the minotaur, with her green eyes wide and filled with innocence. Does it bother you that much?


    Alex nced over his shoulder to see Thundar freeze in front of his cutting board. If it werent for the fur, he was sure he would have seen all the colour draining from the minotaur''s face.


    Uhuhwell, the thing is he stuttered.


    Hah! Let us see you get out of this one! Khalik called from near the kitchen door.


    I am going to strangle you with your own beard! Thundar yelled at him.


    From outsidesunning himself in the inss courtyardBrutus raised his heads. One looked at Thundar grating apples, the other at Khalik and thest at Najyah, who was perched on a table nearby.


    Something seemed to pass between the two animals.


    If Alex didnt know better, he could have sworn he saw the giant eagle shrug her shoulders and the cerberus shake his heads before heid back down.


    Two days of preparation had paid off, and the kitchen was filled with the scent of his stew. Unfortunately, it was also filled with the scents of a half-dozen other dishes.


    While he had started the preparations for the festival feast very early, most of the other students at the ins hadnt had the same idea. Now, on the first day of the festival, a number of them had piled into the kitchen, some having pre-booked it like Alex, while others were trying to sneak in with a short: Ill only be a few minutes, I just need to do this one thing!


    Alex shook his head: only be a few minutes was an expression not used in the kitchen unless the steps to the dish one was making could be summed up as 1. cut bread. 2. put butter on bread. 3. get out of kitchen.


    He noticed a number of students looking over at him with envy and hunger clearly written across their faces as the scent of his fathers stew found its way to them, as well as the scent of the multiple pumpkin pies Alex had going in the oven.


    The pumpkin pie puree had been prepped a day earlier by cutting sugar pumpkins in half, scooping out the seeds, dropping butter into each half, baking them then scooping out the baked flesh and mashing it with sugar, spices, cream, eggs and brandy, to make an aromatic puree. Setting that aside in the cold storage in his apartment, hed then baked the crust the day before as well.


    Now, the pies were baking away,bining with the scent of his stew to lend the kitchen a festive, straight-out-of-Alric sort of air. On a baking sheet near the pies were rows of his mothers prized cookies, ready to be put into the oven.


    Hed already mentally set aside Theresas portion, and there was one more special portion hed be setting aside too.


    The other scents in the kitchen were also mouth-watering, but he could proudly say that his dishes drew some very hungry looks and yfulments asking for invitations to his meal.


    There was a real frenzied camaraderie among the cooks in the kitchen. Some dishes were cooked to perfection, while others were scorched, undercooked, or did not look anything like what they were supposed to be.


    Alex smiled evilly, wondering how jealous his fellow cooks would be when hebined fresh cream with crystallized honey and an aromatic magic potion hed discovered, along with spices, that had improved his desserts: pure vani extract. His n was to use Wizards Hand to rapidly whip the cream for the pie topping instead of doing it by hand.


    The power and precision hed gained with the spell, would let it do an even better job than he could ever do himself.


    And that wasnt even taking into ount the marinated fish hed be frying up fresh, right before his guests came over. It was going to be glorious. As the scents filled the airespecially the familiar scent of his stewit brought back memories of home.


    His home before the fire.


    The scent of his fathers stew would fill the house while the wind passed through the shutters outside. Alex would y in the snow making snowmen while his parents cooked inside, andwhen he finally got too coldhe woulde in to help his father after warming by the fire.


    He sighed wistfully.


    Tonight would be fun, but there would be a nostalgic edge to it. He nced over at the oven. Soon, hed be able to put the cookies in and then he could take a share to someone hed promised a taste of his cooking to.


    <em>Thm. Thm.</em>


    Alex knocked on one of the open doors to the great office.


    Come in, Baelin said from within, looking up from his desk. Oh my, and what is this I see? A dragon before me! Have youe to steal my treasures for your hoard, dragon?


    The chancellor was dressed all in ck robes and wore a strange cross between a mask and a helmet that looked to be some sort of beasts skull that had been turned into a mask. On a hunch, from inside his dragon mask, Alex threw a nce toward Baelins shelf of trophies.


    Sure enough, one of the skulls was missing.


    Holy shit, Alex thought. Thats hardcore.


    I didnt think Id find you here, chancellor, Alex said, looking down at the other offices in the hallway. Every single doorway was closed and the hall was silent. I thought maybe Id take a chance, or leave these- He waved a small sack back and forth. -in your mailbox. Whatre you doing still hard at work during the festival?


    To be blunt? Working, Baelin chuckled, setting aside his pen. Ive been attempting to finish a fewst affairs before I go celebrate. But what of you? Should you not be celebrating with the living and honouring those who have passed?


    Yeah, Im going to do that, but I promised you some baked goods. He handed the chancellor the sack of his mothers cookies. And I just finished a batch of goodies: myte mothers recipe. Thought I might see if youd enjoy them.


    Well, thats very kind of you. Baelin looked at the cookies with undisguised anticipation. At that moment, he did not look so ancient. His eyes turned to one of the side tables, where a small mountain of gifted sweets, dried fruits, pickled vegetables and cured meats rose. Some of the staff, a few students and much of the junior school also made sure that I wouldnt go hungry during the festival.


    His goat-like eyes twinkled. How fortunate for me, though I might need to be rolled around by the time the two days are finished.


    Ah, well, there are worse fates, Alex said. "Are you going to teleport to your family?


    I will only be honouring my family: I was born so long ago that anyone that could im blood rtion with me might as well be a stranger, Baelin said, though he nced at a massive painting upon the wall. It was truly immensetaller and wider than Grimloch wasand depicted a massive round table crafted of obsidian, surrounded by chairs. All was encircled by a series of ck monoliths that mustve risen at least twenty feet high, if Alex was getting the scale right. Above it all was a ck sky dotted by stars.


    A strange look took Baelins features. I will be celebrating the festival with some friends, they dont celebrate themselves, which makes it so that they will not be spending time with family. And so, they can spare an evening for this old goat. He chuckled.


    Oh? Where are they from? Alex asked, eyeing the painting with interest. We dont celebrate it in Thamnd, and thats pretty far, so, are they farther away than that?


    Baelinughed hard at this. Even if I were to tell you the names of their realms, they wouldnt have any meaning to you.


    Alex thought back to the sights hed witnessed in The Cave of the Traveller. Even with ess to the schools library, and The Mark to enhance his navigation and learning ability, he <em>still</em> had no idea where most of the doors opened to.


    The cosmos was truly a massive ce, it seemed.


    Well. Alex tore his eyes away from the painting to find Baelin watching him in amusement. Alex adjusted his dragon mask. Id better leave you to your work, since its important enough to keep you from your friends.


    Thank you, and Ill be sure to enjoy these cookies in the name of my ancestors, family and yourte parents. Baelin gestured with the cookies before cing them down on the desk. Alex noticed the bag begin to untie itself. And dont let this business with the demon and the mana vampire bother you too much. The reason I am still working is to ensure that you all remain safe.


    Oh? Alex paused. I thought the mana vampire was a problem in the city. did someone on campus get attacked?


    No, but a students family member was gravely injured, and so I thought I would have a look and see if I might be able to help that student in seeking justice. He made a disgusted noise. Foul creatures: they think they are our natural predators, and admittedly, their constitution does make them difficult opponents to find. Very few creatures in the cosmos are so <em>utterly</em> immune to magical attempts at location as they are. He snorted. They even melt when you destroy them, so one cannot even collect a trophy.


    He paused, then slowly looked at Alex. But <em>you</em> would know that, wouldnt you Mr. Roth?


    Im sorry? Alex asked, having a suspicion where this was going.


    Imagine my surprise when I looked at the city records to find that a bounty had been collected on a mana vampire by one young Alex Roth. Baelin folded his hands in front of him. You said you knew one spell at the time toohow very interesting.


    Alex swallowed. Yeah, well, it was starving and weaker and I got lucky.


    Indeed, Baelin said slowly. Fair warning. As the attacks go on, the bounty on this creature is rising, tempting others to go and hunt it. Please do not be so foolhardy as to go after it yourself: from the way this one has evaded detection and the pattern of its attack, it is likely old, powerful and cunning. Know your limits, and let professionals handle it.


    Alex nodded vigorously. Oh dont you worry about that, Im going to stay as far away from this thing as I possibly can.


    He would really need a <em>damned</em> good reason to try something that reckless. It would be a shame if the next Festival of Ghosts were toe around next year, where <em>he</em> would be one of the dead being honoured by his friends and family.

 Chapter 102: The Festival of Ghosts

    Chapter 102: The Festival of Ghosts


    Now this is a spread, Thundarughed, eyeing the mountain of steaming food thaty in front of the group.


    Everything had beenid out on wide tters and set on tables Alex had borrowed from the university for the asion. Despite their lengthsuitable for a banquet hallthey were filled to bursting with fine looking food.


    At the centre of one of the tables was a massive copper cauldron where Alexs stew steamed. The thickened, slowly simmered dish was filled with chunks of tender beef, venison, and vegetables all topped with a deepyer of melted cheese. Wondering if there might be some sensitivity for his friend if he served the dish, hed asked Thundar if beef would be a problem.


    Aint gonna lie, it creeps some minotaurs out, Thundar had said. And some even have a whole special diet that avoids the stuff, but I dont really mind it. Thatd be like a fish beastman not eating other fish: what else are they gonna eat from the ocean, only seaweed?


    Surrounding the cauldron were Theresas fried fish fillets ced near bowls of various sauces. Near to these, Thundar had ced a whole smoked ham zed in sweetened apple puree, and decorated with slices of a candied fruit Alex had never seen before: pineapple.


    Yet, these werent the only dishes that had been brought to the table: his other guests had their own departed to honour and so each had brought foods to add to the feast.


    Orders had been ced at the school restaurants: Isolde had picked up a small mountain of potato pancakes with sour cream, a batch of pretzels served with sweet mustard, and slices of a hearty, smoked sausage. Prince Khalik had brought a type of spongy tbread from his homnd along with ground meat sauted in an aromatic spice blend, as well as several pots of different types of brewed coffees.


    Shishi had made a dish of stuffed mushrooms, braised with vegetables and chicken, served on a mound of scented rice. Svenia and Hogarth had been given leave by Isolde to have a celebration with other friends they had met on campus, and Shiani and Angr were spending the Festival of Ghosts with their own friends or loved ones. One guest who Alex had not expected to answer his invitation was Grimloch, but he was there.


    Nua-Oges with her friends, the giant shark man had said upon arrival, carrying a massive tter of fire-roasted eel. Theyre not my friends, and you make better food, so, here I am.


    And so he had joined them at one end of the tablesitting on the grass instead of a chair because of his towering height.


    Another table filled with desserts was set up nearby: Alexs pumpkin pies and cookies were on disy, and Thundar had added apple cake to them. Of course, Theresas portion of cookies had been set aside and hadnt made it to supper. Others had contributed their own desserts to the spread, filling the table with delightful smelling treats. The only thing on the table that wasnt baked were pitchers of a refreshing drink called ginger beer, which the university provided to everyone for the festival.


    The masks people were wearing were interesting too.


    Selina hummed to herself in her troll mask, while Theresa self-consciously fidgeted in her wolf mask. Thundar was wearing a leather mask of a demonwith holes at the top for his horns to fit through. Khalik wore a wooden mask of a snarling beast that Alex couldnt put a name to, while Isolde also wore a wooden mask, but hers was painted to look like the snarling face of an air elemental. Shishis mask was stark white with a wide grinning mouth and strange, protruding, tusk-like fangs.


    Grimloch hadnt gotten the concept of masks and hadnt bothered with one.


    Im scary enough for any ghost, hed said proudly.


    Alex didnt disagree with that statement. At all.


    Brutus just came as himselfsome would think that was scary enoughwhile Khalik had ced Najyahs leather hood on her.


    Alright, Thundar. Alex looked at the minotaur now that everyone was seated. Sohow does this all work exactly? Were here in our masks and everything and, sorry to everyone who knows whats going on. He turned the snout of his dragon mask to everyone at the table. But I have no idea.


    We honour the dead now, Thundar said. With our masks on to frighten away ghosts of evil folk that might be called by our words. We keep those were honouring in our minds, and dedicate the food we eat to them. But, we have to start two hours before sunset, which is about nowish. Then well need to be finished eating and have our masks back on by the time sunsetes. Then, before we can each go home, we need to go somewhere as a group so that the dead dont follow any of us cos were alone. From there, thatll mark the end of the first day of the festival.


    Hmmm, you know a lot about this, Theresa noted, scratching beneath her wolf mask. Why dont you lead us then, Thundar? If thats alright with everyone.


    There was a murmur of agreement from all around the table, and Thundar seemed to swell a little bit with pride.


    Alright, bow your heads, the minotaur said. Close your eyes and think about who youre honouring with this meal.


    Alex did as his friend said, bowing his head and closing his eyes beneath his dragon mask. He felt a small hand slip into his from beside him: Selinas. His hand gave hers a quick squeeze.


    Oh, honoured ancestors, he heard Thundars deep voice begin. Lost friends and family, fallen members of the herd: we think about you through the year, but during this feast, we bring you into the centre of our thoughts and we dedicate this food to you. We eat for you so thatthrough usyou can taste mortal sustenance again. Please watch over us throughout the year and please keep those that might harm us from deaths ne away from us.


    He paused. Please bring forward whoever youre dedicating this feast to in your thoughts.


    Images of Alexs mother and father came to his mind. They were more vivid than they had been in a long time. He wasnt sure if it was because hed been thinking about them so muchtely, or if it was the atmosphere of the festival, or nostalgia from the scent of their dishes. Or maybe it was The Marks habit of drawing sharp memories from his mind that had enhanced his memories, but he could hear their voices more clearly in his mind and notice details about them that hed forgotten over the years.


    Now, say out loud who you want to honour, Thundar said.


    Mother and father, Alex said quietly.


    He heard the murmur of the others around the table, but couldnt hear what they said specifically over his own words.


    Let the dead join with the living in feast from beyond, Thundar pronounced. And let our memories of them grow happier and stronger. Alright, lets begin. All of you can open your eyes and take off your masks. And-Oh holy shit!


    Alexs eyes snapped open to find everyone else staring at Thundarwho was looking up with his mouth hanging openexcept for Khalik, whose mouth wasnt gaping, but he was also staring up at the sky.


    Alex slowly looked up. Oh, by Uldar! he cried, holding Selinas hand tighter.


    The evening sky was filled with glowing beings drifting through the air, like silvery cloth pulled from a clothesline. There must have been hundreds of them, and they flitted through the air silently. Most were humanoid, but many bore the shapes of animals and other beasts. Some had a peaceful look about them while others were covered in signs of violence.


    Ghosts, Khalik said. My brother spoke of this, but to see it is incredible.


    You knew thisd happen? Thundar said incredulously.


    Should we run? Isolde was halfway out of her chair, her face pale.


    Wonder if ghosts taste like chicken, Grimloch rumbled.


    It is fine, it is fine. Khalik waved them back down. Generasi is so full of magic that lost spirits can more easily manifest themselves here, especially on this night sacred to them with our calls going out to the dead. They cannot harm us.


    Are you sure about that? Theresa said stiffly, her hand immediately grabbing for a silver table knife. She was staring at one particr ghost of some kind of monster: a serpent-like creature with nine heads that had snapping jaws. They sure look like they can harm us.


    They cannot, Khalik assured her. At least, ording to my brother. They simply are weak, normally invisible spirits that are made visible on this night. Besides, the rituals we do for the festival will protect us, and there are wards on Generasi that help stop most ghostly mischief. If anything, we do them a favour: giving any spirits that were trapped in this world the strength to move on to the next.


    Isare our families up there? Selina asked hopefully.


    Khalik paused, and shook his head sadly. Only those that were too weak to pass over, those that have lingered near this ce, or those that have died very recently are in the tide above. I am sorry, little one.


    Thats too bad, Selina said a little sadly.


    Khalik reached over and patted her shoulder.


    Well, then, he said, rubbing his hands together. We have until sunset to put all of this away!


    Despite their uneasy focus on the ghosts floating above, the guests nced around to see that many of the other students picking on the campus green had begun enjoying their meal without a second look at the ghosts.


    Alex nced at Theresa, who was staring at the sky with her death stalker face. She looked at him, they exchanged shrugs and started eating. Selina stared at the sky a little longerher expression a puzzle of different emotionsand then she also jumped into the feast.


    Soon, the air was filled with sounds of appreciation and high spirits. Alex noted with a degree of self-satisfaction thatafter tasting it once or twicehis guests immediately dove for his fathers stew before it could run out. Even the fine dishes made by Generasis expert chefs were attacked only after his friends had filled their bowls with seconds of the stew.


    Once the stew and fish hed helped Theresa fry disappearedwhich didnt take longthey tore into everything else heartily.


    Shishis mushroom dish didntst long, and neither did Khaliks and Isoldes offerings. After everyone took a serving of Grimlochs fire-roasted eel, he made short work of the rest, sucking it back like a mana vacuum.


    Alex had to admit, Thundar was a pretty good cook. His hams smoky vour blended well with the tart sweetness of his apple puree ze, and the yellow candied pineapple added pops of sweetness to the cured meat.


    Thundar, you gotta share this recipe with me, he said appreciatively, shoving a chunk into his mouth. Id eat this everyday.


    Then youd weigh more than him, Thundar jerked his head toward Grimloch.


    The shark man grunted. He could use the weight.


    Alex balked, grabbing at his own growing muscles defensively. Im getting there! Not all of us can be ten feet tall, you know!


    Maybe you could use some magic to fix that, Theresa said, then nced over to Thundar and Grimloch. As for you two, have you thought about trying life enforcement? Id love to see what itd do for people already as vigorous as you.


    Didnt work for me. Thundar shook his head. I already tried it: A ssmate showed me. Thought I was gonna explode.


    Ah, thats too bad, Theresa said. Im surprised you didnt try it in a ss, though. You might have enjoyed it with an experienced instructor.


    Found out about the sster, after Id already chosen my sses, he said. Also, didnt really have anything motivating me to do it, at least at first. But, Im kinda interested now."


    Theresa raised an eyebrow. What finally got you into it, then?


    Well, theres this club Im in and He paused. Well, lets just say I thought it might be interesting after that. Someone I know from there is into it.


    The minotaur went back to sipping his ginger beer.


    Alexs eyes narrowed, then he looked to the side. Hey, is that person over there wearing a fox mask?


    Thundar immediately doubled-over coughing, sputtering, and spitting out his drink.


    Isolde yelped and quickly moved her chair a distance from him.


    When the minotaur looked up, he saw Alexs evilly grinning face. Soooo, the young man said. Thaaaats how it is.


    The minotaur instantly went back to eating his food.


    Alex filed the information away forter.


    Dessert was as enjoyable as dinner, with Alexs slices of pumpkin pie, his mothers cookies, and the other desserts disappearing into everyones mouths.


    Selina said that the cookies reminded her of their mother and she was going to eat an extra one for her. He had two extra for her.


    Hed asked Thundar for his apple cake recipe, which the minotaur refused to give him at first, saying something about foxments being off limits. Alex had looked at him withplete innocence on his face, while Thundar had looked back at him sidelong. In the end, he promised to give Alex the recipe while muttering something about recing the sugar with salt and the apples with gravel.


    Groaning and rubbing their bellies, they finally got up from the table and made their way away from their pic sight, taking Brutus and Najyah along with them. There was a heavy Watcher of Roal presence all throughout the university grounds, which helped everyone feel more rxed.


    The group strolled the campus, their faces hidden behind their masks as they checked out an assortment of after-supper activities that had been set up for the festival. There were games for children and adults alike, dancing on the school grounds, and spectacles crafted by illusion and other spells.


    Then there were the scares.


    People had set up activities that took full advantage of the spookiness of the festivalhaunted houses converted from some of the smaller school buildingsas well as tests of courage and other scary activities.


    The first stop the group made was at a haunted house filled with illusions and wizards whod transformed. There were massive spiders, and demons that spit illusionary acid, monstrous wolves, and other creepy beasts that sprang at them. Screams filled the air from throughout the house, including from Alexs group, though he noticed that Grimloch wasnt one of the screamers.


    At one point, a wizard whod transformed into a demonic looking bear leapt at them from behind a corner and ran right into the giant shark mans grinning fangs, then abruptly fledshriekingback around the corner.


    At the end of their visit, they had to pause when an enthusiastic student approached Grimlochthinking that he was wearing a costumeand asked him if he could be part of the haunted house the following year. He said hed consider it.


    Wizards dressed like fairy tale witches in long blood-red robes conjured up bound demons to swoop over cauldrons spitting smoke and horrifying moans. Alex even saw aughing fairy tale witcplete with a green warty maskshoot by them on a skeleton horse while spreading smoke behind her that formed the shapes of shimmering bats and gargoyles.


    From her voice, Alex was about 70% sure it was Professor Jules. Despite the recent trouble, spirits were high and everyones sombre mood had faded to the background.


    I think Selina giggled as she watched an illusion of two grey-skinned beasts dancing in the air. Mother and father would have liked this.


    Oh I know they would have, Alex said. I know they would have.


    I think so too. Theresa suddenly raised an eyebrow in surprise, recognizing a young man with a certain frost drake, which was lying on its back and allowing children to pet its cool scales. And its too bad my parents couldnt be here for this.


    Tell them toe next year, Alex said. Theyve gotta see this.


    He took in all the sights, trying to imagine such a spooky, but fun festival taking ce in their homnd. Probably not, he thought: monsters would bring up too many bad memories of The Raveners aggressions toward the people.


    Just another reason for him to see what information he could get from examining the dungeon cores remains. He nced at the flying witch who he was sure was his potions professor.


    Hopefully, he could do that soon.


    For thest time, Alex, no, Professor Jules said as they finished their weekend work in herb. It had been a few days since the Festival of Ghosts. You will have to take the second semester potions course. No Challenging the Exam for Credit here.


    Alex noticed a catch in her voice when she refused him this time and nearly twitched in excitement.


    He had a feeling he was wearing her down.


    If he was persistent, this might be the day he could take a huge leap toward gaining ess to ab to analyze the dungeon core.

 Chapter 103: Opportunities and Exams

    Chapter 103: Opportunities and Exams


    Oh,e on, professor, Alex pressed.


    It had been a few days since the Festival of Ghosts and hed been trying to convince his professor to let him take the special exam. Unfortunately, hed gotten the same answer as always.


    Professor ValRok let me do it, he said, trying not to sound sullen, but probably failing.


    And when Professor ValRok is your teacher for potions, maybe you can ask <em>him</em> to let you take the exam for credit. Potions and alchemy are about safety procedures, and leaping ahead is an excellent way to get killed, she insisted. Then she sighed and looked around theb as her grad students were removing their safety gear.


    Normally, they would have had a significant clean up period after a session in Julesb, but Alex had been taking care of that more and more quickly as hed gotten used to procedure, and as his proficiency with Wizards Hand had grown.


    It was to the point now thatby the time the experiment was finishedhed already cleaned up and put away most of the equipment. The grad students literally had nothing to do after their work was done.


    I must say, youve been demonstrating some very advanced skills as well as a genuine ability to anticipate whats needed, though, she sighed. All of your potions have been perfect, your marks on the midterm were perfect and quite frankly, Im starting to wonder if you might be some old master of alchemy whos shapeshifted into a student just to y some sort of joke on me. At this point, Id quite frankly be surprised if you didnt also receive perfect marks on the final exam.


    Thats the n, he said with no hint of smugness. It was just simply a statement of fact: that <em>was</em>the n.


    She gave him a look and sighed. Imust admit, it is urring to me that perhaps I vastly overestimated how much hand holding you needed when I first met you. At first, I thought you were overconfident and would soon find yourself in over your head. Then, I thought you might be monstrously talented, butcking in caution.


    She shook her head. But you follow procedure to the letter, and Ive not seen one single attempt of you trying to be cocky in a way that would cause you or others any harm.


    Jules looked at him very seriously, and he could almost see the mental calctions going on in the experienced wizards mind. He kept very still and didnt say anything in case he twitched in a way that made her distrust him.


    I have she finally said. when you first met me, you asked me if you could work on projects on your own.


    Yeah, I remember, Alex said.


    Honestly, I still dont believe you were ready thenbut I do think that you honestly are ready now.


    Alex barely resisted the urge to jump into the air as high as he could and scream.


    I think your learning could benefit from taking on a few individual experiments on your own, Professor Jules continued, looking at him almost suspiciously. But that doesnt mean youll have free reign to blow yourself up in myb.


    I definitely do not want to blow myself up in yourb, he said with a straight face. Ornow that I think about itanywhere else.


    Mhmmmmm. Her look deepened in cautiousness. Quite honestly, there are a number of potions assignments this uing semester that just will not challenge you, and so you wont get any useful learning from them. My point in seeing that you take the second semester potions course is to make sure that you get the fundamentals you might not get otherwise, <em>not </em>to have you waste your time on work that wont challenge you.


    She nced at her grad students. Thereforeyoull be supervised by a grad studentand youll start with certain projects that I will have approved of. In between, youll also be afforded time andb space to brew your own potions, as long as they are restricted to potions that you have already sessfully brewed in ss.


    Right, Alex said, keeping a straight face.


    It wasnt <em>exactly</em> what he wanted, but it was enough. As long as he had free-run of theb, and as long as the grad student wasnt hovering over him all the time, he should be able to slip in a sample of the dungeon cores remains and perform his analysis on it.


    The apparatuses werent built in such a way to start screaming: <em>Alert! Unauthorized substance detected!</em> or anything like that. The only issue would be if the analysis itself caused some sort of sudden, visible reaction: it was apletely unknown substance from a highly dangerous creature, after all. Then again, Professor Jules did say that it had been analyzed before and hadnt mentioned anything about: <em>And it resulted in half of the research teams gruesome deaths</em> or anything like that.


    Finally, if anything <em>did</em> go wrong, itd be better to have an experienced wizard in theb with him. Blowing up an apparatus and having someone there to treat him would definitely result in him having a lot of very awkward questions to answer, but better that than to be lying in a smouldering, untreated, dead wreck on theb floor.


    And this will be next semester, right? he said, trying to control his eagerness. Besides analyzing the dungeon core, having more freedom in an alchemyb sounded like a <em>lot</em> of fun, and it was hard to keep himself from turning into an obviously over-excited child over it. He realized Selina probably felt simrly when she really got into building something.


    Yes, right from week one, Professor Jules informed him. Assuming, of course, that you dont somehow lose your head and let the final exampletely annihte you, Mr. Roth.


    Understood, professor, Alex said. Ill do my best.


    Okay, heres the n. Thundar looked up from his massive pile of study notes at the end of the table in Alexs apartment. Ill sneak into Rams house and throttle him with a chain while you sneak into Hartmans house- He referred to his battle magic professor while making a gripping motion in the air. -and smother him with a pillow.


    Thats a genius idea, Alex said in mock seriousness, half-rising from the pile of force magic notes in front of him. Well catch them off guard, Khalik can weigh their dead bodies down with magic rocks, and then we can toss them into the ocean for the fish.


    Or we can just feed the bodies to Grimloch! Thundar grinned.


    Even better.


    First of all, dont involve me in your murder schemes, Khalik said. Secondly, dont you think youll be the first suspects?


    I dunno, Thundar grunted. Id be shocked if Hartman didnt have a <em>lot </em>of enemies.


    Youre <em>both</em> going to have one great enemy if you keep going on like this and dont let me concentrate! Isolde finally snapped, ncing up from her mana maniption notes. I swear you two go on more than two old millers meeting over drinks at a summer fair!


    Isoldepale and dishevelled again now that exams were onlooked at them with murderous eyes. One of her eyebrows twitched.


    <em>rp.</em>


    Selina, whod been quietly reading one of her textbooks across the room, got up from her chair without a word andher face still buried in the bookcasually padded across the apartment to Alexs room and set her book down on his desk. When she was about to sit down, she paused, padded back over to his door and shut it.


    Silence fell over the cabal.


    Perhaps Khalik suggested, his voice lowered. We could all use a quick break. He reached over to a jug and poured several cups of lemonade for the group. Isolde watched him carefully, just in case he spilled any liquid on their precious notes.


    When they all had drinks in hand, they slid their chairs slightly from the table. Alex leaned back in his, enjoying the sweet and tart vour of the cool drink.


    So, howre we all feeling about exams? Progress report, Alex said.


    Isolde frowned. Mana maniption is difficult as ever, but I am making great strides in it. I must admit, the cabal has made my studying far more efficient, since we can help each other answer questions.


    Indeed, Khalik said. I think I am near done with my revision. Alex, your grasp of magic lore is a real help. I think I might rise a few spots on the list.


    Aaaah, Iin but Im gonna do better than I did on midterms, I think, Thundar grunted. Even in Hartmans ss: ugh, what a guy. Battle magic should be fun!


    Maybe youll get another professor for second semester, Alex suggested.


    Naw, still Hartman, the minotaur said mournfully. For second year I hear its professor Konradwhos supposed to be as crazy as a demon with a belly full of special mushroomsbut a much better prof.


    Well, thats something to look forward to, Alex said. Well, none of my professors are switching for second semesterexcept for maybe mana maniption. I really dont know?


    Still ValRok, Isolde said. Who still marks just as hardat least ording to other members of the ss. Ive had little trouble with him.


    Right, then all the same for me, Alex said. And honestly, Im pretty happy with that.


    Even Ram wasnt actually a <em>bad</em> instructor, he just wasnt Alexs favourite person.


    d we get to keep Baelin, he finished.


    Ive been thinking about him, Khalik jumped in. I keep thinking about what you said he was doing on the Festival of Ghosts.


    Doing what now? Thundar squinted.


    Did Alex not tell you? He apparently spent the festival with others from far away, Khalik said. Howd he put it, Alex?


    Something like so far the names of where theyre from wouldnt have any meaning to you, Alex recalled.


    Well thats real ominous sounding, Thundar said.


    But fun to think about. Khalik ran his fingers through his sculpted beard in thought. Where perhaps do you think they might be from? And <em>what</em> are they? Somehow, I can see the chancellor at the supper table with all sorts of strange beingsdemons or demon lords, celestials and other spirits, elemental monarchsdevils, maybe.


    He threw a look at Alex, who recalled Hobb.


    Heh, thatd be kind of cool, Thundar said. Maybe one of thosewazzat thing you said was in your potion professorsb, Alex?


    A lesser shoggoth, he shuddered. He imagined Baelin sitting at a massive table with one of those squirmy, tentacley, horrible, shifting things. I dont imagine theyd be great dinnerpanions.


    Perhaps he simply meant other powerful wizards, or other wizards in addition to the beings you described. Isolde sipped her lemonade, her head tilted back and her eyebrows knitted in thought. Have you all ever heard of the Many-Spheres Theory?


    Yeah, there was a brief reference to it in the Magic Lore textbook, Alex said. But I dont know any details.


    Well. She drew herself up in her chair. It proposes that the stars above may nurture worlds much as our owplete with life, nts, civilization and their own magics. Even their own gods, entirely different from our own.


    Hohoholy shi- Thundar began.


    Language. Alex nced at the closed door to his room.


    Oh right, sorry. Just was gonna say, I can think of at least three different bunches of priests whod start foaming at the mouth in a rage at you even suggesting that.


    It is merely a theory, Isolde said. But many wizards and astronomers believe it. It is a fact that powerful archmages do not tend to abide in the world forever, despite many being near-immortal. Some are said to go to different nes, but perhaps there truly are different material worlds out there as well.


    Hah, what a romantic notion that would be. Khalik smiled wistfully. Just you, your magic, and your cabal. He gestured to the ceiling. Off up in the heavens exploring the stars.


    Two memories came back to Alex in that moment. One was of the painting in Baelins officethe round obsidian table beneath that sea of stars above. The other was of the flying silver objects burning through the ckness between stars that hed seen while going through The Travellers Portal.


    Perhaps there was something to those theories after all.


    Maybe if he got to know Baelin better, he could ask him. Or maybe information was in some deep level of the library where the ninth-tier spell guides would be kept. If the library even went that deep.


    Wouldnt it be thrilling to find out? Alex thought.


    Alright, breaks over, Khalik said. Before we think on stars and wonders, lets try and pass these exams as best we can.


    The exam period went by so quickly that it felt like Alex had barely blinked by the time it was all over. In the end, it felt like a blur of study sessions with the cabal, endless library readings, and memories flying through his head provided by The Mark.


    Written exams were again fairly easythough professor Jules had thrown in a few brain-sting calction questions that Alex was sure she''d put in just to spite himand most of the practical examinations had also gone well.


    Even FORC-1550 wasnt too, too awful.


    It was fairly embarrassing when he could only demonstrate going through half the spell array for Force Missile to the teachers assistant invigting his practical test, but it felt <em>very</em> good to see the look on their face when he activated Lesser Force Armour, Force Shield and two Wizards Hands spells all at once.


    When the marks came out, he still hadnt made the Honours List for that course, but hed certainly done well enough for himself, if he considered his goals and limits.


    Campus exploded in celebration of the end of exams again, andfor a timeall thoughts of the demon summoning seemed to be forgotten.


    Atstwith Sigmus approachingit was time for a break, and Generasi provided the students with a three-week break from course work. Some of the students, who lived close enough to the university to make the journey, or had ess to teleportation magictravelled home for the break.


    For others, though, the n was to stay and enjoy the sights of campus and the city without the grind and pressure of sses.


    Alex had two major things nned: the first was for he, Theresa, Selina, Brutus, Thundar, Khalik, Najyah and Isolde to spend a day exploring some of Generasis countryside. Hed seen the wine country so often from various sky-gonds that he was eager to get a good look at it up close. He also nned on picking up some extra shifts at Shales Workshop and, most exciting


    he and Selina would begin the first step of a long process hed been impatiently looking forward to.


    Together, they would begin sculpting the body of his golem.

 Chapter 104: Golem Sculpting and the Sky-Ship

    Chapter 104: Golem Sculpting and the Sky-Ship


    Why are you boiling dirt? Selina asked, staring at her brother as he leaned over the side of a massive cauldron that rose as high as his waist.


    They were in a project room, so they were callerge chambers in the university that could be booked for personal magical projects. Any student or staff member could book one as long as what they would be working on didnt involve magic that was too risky. The project had to be approved before the space could be booked.


    Projects like illusion practice, painting with magical pigments, other art projects, or even low-risk activities like magic item construction could be practiced in these rooms. Staffs, for example, were a magic item that required the carving of the staff from a piece of wood before it was infused with the magic circuitry for the spells that would be built into it. The process was a reasonably safe and low risk one that Alex had learned was often done in these project rooms.


    The rooms were reinforced against mishaps, but not as heavily as The Cells, and they actually had windows in them to let the sunlight in.


    Alex had also borrowed a special cauldron from one of The Cells supply rooms and gotten Thundar to help him bring it to the project room. The pot was controlled through mana maniption, allowing it to heat substances without the need for me.


    Its because we need a special kind of material for what were making today, Alex said, stirring the earthy-smelling substance carefully.


    Oh, okay, Selina said. I hope its finished soon. Is it really <em>that</em> special?


    Oh yeah. He nced at his open notebook on a nearby table. If I got the recipe right, it should be some of the finest y youve ever worked.


    On their final trip to The Barrens for the semesterargely uneventful onepared to other tripsAlex had brought a shovel and a heap of bup bags to collect a massive amount of mana-bathed dust, with Baelins permission, of course. Hed also arranged with Khalik to conjure soil and y from the elemental ne of earth using a spell hed learned in his earth elemental ss.


    The prince had obliged, summoning the substance by the bucketloadthough it had taken several days to gather. All in allwith the ns hed put together from helping Lagor build golem bodies, and with information hed gathered from several manuals at the workshophed need two thousand pounds of good, even y to construct the golem he wanted to craft.


    Hed debated for a long time trying to decide on what size of golem he wanted to build. For a time, the young excitable boy in him just started to scream: bigger! <em>bigger! biggeeeeer!</em>


    The image of himself leading some thirty-foot tall y titan back to Thamnd to smash every silence-spider terrorizing his homnd was incredibly tempting. Unfortunately, practicality killed that dream before it could even get underway. For one thing, sculpting such arge body would take forever, and secondly, storing it would be impossible.


    The school had storage areas students could rentwhere hed stored the sacks of materials for the golembut none could amodate thirty-foot titans. The next size he considered was something the size of Grimloch: a ten-foot tall monster that would still be able to crush anything in its path. Then he debated going even smaller: something human sized, or maybe minotaur sized. Eight-feet tall was a standard golem size that was not only practical, but could also serve him well.


    In the end, though, hed settled on a Grimloch-sized one after considering what he wanted it for.


    And that was for <em>power.</em>


    Grimloch could fit through doors as long as he crouched, and that was what Alex wanted: something as big, strong and unstoppable as possible that was still practical enough to fit through doors. He could craft smaller golemster, if he really wanted to.


    Another good reason to have the body be a bitrger was so that it could store and handle more mana. As he researched the process for imnting the fire-gems into the golems body, hed realized that it would need to be strong enough to hold together from the mana passing between its corewhich he nned to build to be as powerful as he could manage with his budget and skind the three powerful magical stones.


    Using y from the elemental ne of earth was a good start, and mixing in the mana-sted dust from The Barrens was the next good step, but in the end, size would increase the volume of mana that the body could handle.


    So, he and Selina would have to sculpt a minor giant.


    Alright, stand back, he said, waiting until his sister had stepped back before gripping the cauldron. He reversed the mana flow through the cauldron, switching its heating magic to cooling, then he waited a few minutes while the cauldron sucked most of the excess heat out of the mixture. Next, he began to tip the cauldron.


    He nearly over-bnced, overestimating how much effort it would take, but caught himself before anything could spill. Sometimes he forgot how much his strength had increased since arriving at Generasi. Hed worked hard to get stronger, and it had been worth all the effort because now, he could do things like lift and move things like the cauldron, that he never could have before.


    He poured the mixed, liquid y into the pot and then stirred it. Smiling contentedly, he cast his newest spell: Orb of Air.


    After carefully going through the spell array, a floating, near-invisible sphere of fresh air manifested in front of him. Slowly, he sank the orb into the container and spun it through the still warm y, giving one final pass to cool it and make sure it was beaten to the right consistency.


    He eyed it carefully: hed created a few test mixtures with smaller amounts beforehand, using The Mark. Hed wanted to make sure hed perfected the substances consistency before he went all in on making therge batch for the golem.


    It was at the perfect consistency for golem body sculpting.


    Alright, you ready to get your hands dirty? Alex nced at his sister.


    Yes! she said excitedly, bounding over.


    Okay, then lets do it.


    On their first day, they would start with the torso. The n was to craft the golem in pieces, then fuse them togetherter, using magic and the proper tools. For now, the torso would be the best ce to start using their hands and sculpting tools hed bought from Shales.


    They spent the next few days slowly crafting the torso. The outside wasntplicated to sculptthough they would add more detail over time, for the fun and aesthetics of itbut the inside work of crafting pathways for the mana to flow through the golem and power it, wasplex. The only area he left nk on the inside was the setting for the golem corehe wasnt sure exactly how <emrge</em> his golem core would end up being.


    After a few days of sculpting, the Roth siblings took a break.


    The countryside of Generasi awaited.


    Holy crap I should have booked passage on one of these months ago, this is amazing! Alex shouted over the wind as he leaned over the railing.


    Its <em>incredible,</em> Theresa agreed, holding the rail with one hand and moving her wind-blown bangs from her eyes.


    Selina giggled, filled with delightat their reactions while hopping up and down beside them. Khalikughed exuberantly alongside them as Najyah soared by, Isolde smiled and Thundar was all grins. Behind them Brutus pressed himself tightly to the floor and as close against Theresas legs as he could.


    Around them, throngs of holidaying students and other passengers looked at them in amusement, but didnt say anything.


    The reaction of pure delight Alexs group was having wasmon for first timers on a sky-ship. The trip they were on was a popr, crowded excursion arranged for folks to tour Generasis wine country. While Selina had been on a sky-ship with her ss once before, none of the others had ever ridden on one.


    Everyone tensed as the galleon pulled away from the massive skyport terminal where theyd boarded, and climbed up above the soaring towers of Generasi city. Despite the fairly steep incline the ship took, the passengers didnt lose bnce or plummet overboard since it was charged with magic that kept themfortable and safely on board. Brutus, however, was obviously nervous about the entire affair and eyed the ss bottomed deck like he expected it to crack and spill them into the sky. By the way hed stered himself to Theresa, it seemed he was even more distrustful of sky-ships than sky-gonds. Maybe it was the transparent, fragile looking floor that was making him ufortable, especially with Selina jumping up and down on it. Theresa kept reassuring him that hed be back onnd soon, but he was still wide-eyed and whining as he watched Selina.


    Passengers crowded the deck, sipping from cups of chilled coffee, lemonade, iced teas and chilled wines from the ships drink menu while the captains voice boomed over the wind.


    Beside the ship flew a flock of the students familiars, soaring and circling around the vessel. The mood was high, marred only by what looked like a small battalion of city guards joined by members of The Watchers of Roal.


    The mana vampire hadnt attacked recently, and the city authorities still hadnt managed to track, and put an end to it.


    Its bounty continued to climb.


    As the flying ship soared over the city wall, a small encampment of mercenaries, monster hunters and rangers came into view in the open fields between the countryside proper and the city walls. Some hunted within the city, looking for the creature and the golden prize it would bring, while others ventured deep into the countryside in case the monster still stalked there.


    Alex wondered just how high the bounty had climbed to bring so many warriors of fortune to the City of Wizards. He nced back to the ships protectors, patrolling along the sides of the deck.


    For now, all the city officials could do was set up experienced fighters as deterrents and continue the hunt. It made Alex feel a lot better. From how The Watchers of Roal resisted the demons aura of fear, Alex figured they were well equipped to stand against a mana vampires ability to put others to sleep.


    With how theyd handled themselves in the demon attack, he figured a mana vampire would have an <em>awful</em>time fighting The Watchers while trapped on a flying ship, unless it was a lot stronger than he knew. He felt safeenough.


    He nced at the other travellers.


    Mostly.


    The Watchers presence didnt stop him from checking his surroundings every now and then, though. The ship flew over the green fields and bright vineyards of the countryside, and everyone gawked at the manor houses that resembled something from a fairy tail dotting the countryside.


    Between them rose lone wizards towersthat looked like something straight out of one of the storybooks in the church schoolsurrounded by gardens and low walls that were marked with protective glyphs on top.


    Wow, its like wizard paradise, Alex said.


    It is, Isolde said. Look there. She pointed to a vi that rose from a hill, with bright yellow sto walls and a red terraced roof. One of my distant cousins lives there, but I have never visited.


    Youve never visited? Theresa looked at her sharply. A, I wanted to hear what a ce like that looked like on the inside.


    Isolde shrugged. I might still visit. The rtionship is distant, so we do not share much in the way of correspondence.


    Youll have to tell me all about it then, especially that! Theresa pointed to a well-kept forest that was a riot of colour zing with bright red, orange, purple, and yellow leaves. Through some of the clearings, Alex could see toadstools the size of carriages. What a forest! Does it belong to your cousins family?


    Not quite. Isolde drew a line through the forest near the vi with her finger. Many acres are imed by my kin, but most of the forest is under the dominion of the dryad vige that is there.


    Did you say dryads? Alex, Khalik and Thundar said at the same time. Theyughed, ncing at each other.


    Alex had read about dryads: beautiful forest-nymphs bound to trees by a life-link. They were said to be masters in their own branch of magic that deals with nature, animals and nts.


    What are they, why are they so excited about them? Theresa asked.


    Isolde gave the minotaur, the prince and The Fool a long look, before exining the concept to Theresa.


    The huntress eyes lit up. Theyd know so much about forest-craft, Id love to meet them.


    Yeah, thats why I was so excited, Alex said, ignoring the pointed stare of Isolde and the rapid agreements of Thundar and Khalik.


    Perhaps, I could arrange something, Isolde said. My cousin hosts a spring masquerade ballthough the masks are far less grotesque than those we wore for the Festival of Ghostsif I could secure invitations, perhaps I could convince my cousin to broker a meeting between you and one of the tree-women.


    I would love that. Theresa said.


    The Fool, prince and minotaur didnt say a word.


    The ship stopped at several estates where passengers were free to disembark and sample the many wines, foods and fruity beverages on offer. Selina, Najyah and Brutus yed in, and explored some of the nearby grounds.


    Thundar and Alex ate way too much, and were in a halfa by the time the evening rolled around. Stilleven while barely awakeAlex could hear a merry Khalikposing poetry about imaginary dryads half in hisnguage, and half in themon tongue.


    For some reason, Theresa seemed to find this endlessly hrious, andughed so hard, she was in tears.


    Isolde was decidedly less amused, while Thundar, nearly passed out from overstuffing himself, sat on the deck with his eyes closed and pet Brutus with one massive hand. Selinay t on her stomach beside them, contentedly looking through the ss deck at the evening scenery below.


    It was a fine day, all in all, and one they were eager to repeat a few more times during the break.


    Luckily, Isolde was there to provide.


    So, she said one day, when the cabal had met for lunch. I contacted that distant cousin I spoke of, and fortunately, he has invited meand any guests I should see fit to bringto his estate for the afternoon. She paused. We need to be cautious in light of the mana vampire lurking, of course and


    She paused again. My cousin informs me that a time ago, monster hunters spotted another creature lurking in hisnds. One that leapt from tree to tree, covered in scales andjudging by the marks it left in the barkabsolutely wicked ws.


    Alexhis face full of briochepaused. Another monster?


    He wondered what else might be lurking in Generasis countryside.

 Chapter 105: Dryads

    Chapter 105: Dryads


    You know, if this is winter here, then Im not sure I ever want to go back home, Alex said as the extra-long sky-gond pulled up over the fairy tale vi belonging to Isoldes cousin.


    The rain was streaming down in sheets over the wind and rain shield, making it a nasty day to go exploring the countryside, but Alex could see blue skies to the east as the clouds passed. Soon, the day would turn sunny.


    It was like that a lot in Generasi, and so fareven as it was getting deeper into winter, the coldest it had been was during days of cool rain that only made things pleasant and fresh.


    But what about snow, Alex? Selina said. I miss snow.


    I tell you what, when I get better at magic, Ill make you some snow, okay? .


    He paused, noticing a strange look had passed over her face. Are you okay? he asked her.


    Fine, she said quickly and returned to her captivated examination of the vi.


    Before he could say anything else, Isolde spoke from the back of the gond. You may bring us down there, she pointed out anding pad on the grass that was centered within a U shaped road in front of the vi.


    Right away, maam, their sky-gondolier said.


    Excellent, so if I may have everyones attention, she called to Alex, Theresa, Khalik, Selina and Thundar. My cousin is what is known as Patrizia or patrician in themon tongue: one of thended noble families whose bloodline extends back to before Generasi was built. As none of us are his subjectsand since we are residents of the city while students at the universitywe are expected to show him courtesy as a host, or in my case as kin, but there is no need for bowing.


    Really? Theresa asked. I thought nobles got particr about that sort of thing.


    Khalik hid a cough.


    Isolde raised an eyebrow and a wry smile took her features. And do you find that <em>I</em> am particr about that sort of thing, Theresa? When we went to the weaponsmiths shop to see her wares, did I ask that you walk behind me, bow and address me as mydy or anything of the sort? Have you ever seen me demand that Hogarth and Svenia bow down as they served me? Do you see me as <em>that</em> particr?


    The huntress paled. No, no! You didnt! I mean, I dont think of you that way! Uh, Im sorry.


    Isolde let out a rareugh. No apologies needed, I am teasing, and to be truthful, in most cases, I am <em>quite </em>particr that aristocratic protocol be followed, but wizards are outside of the system of feudalism in thesends. We respect the ancestral guardians of the country, but we do not bow to them.


    Alex cocked his head in interest. That was a very interesting tidbit of information. Hed dreamed of bing a wizard because it was the ticket to a safe andfortable life, or so hed thought at the time. In Thamnd though, wizards were subjects of their lordsjust like anyone else. It didnt mean that some noble was going to enter a wizards tower and demand service, but it did mean paying taxes and having to follow orders if called into service. It also meant proper respect, such as bowing and the finer points of etiquette that had never really affected Alex Roth.


    He imagined that for folk of thesends, itd be even more attractive to be a wizard. For them, it would mean not only freedom in terms of practical skills, but also the ability to officially break out of the feudal hierarchy.


    As the sky-gondnded on the pad and its passengersincluding a cerberus that never seemed to quite get used to the flying craftsquickly scrambled out, they saw a tall man approaching them from the vi.


    Lady Isolde Von Anmuts party? he asked.


    Yes, that is us, Isolde said.


    The man bowed. Wee, Lady Isolde, to the vi of Patrizia dePaolo. I am Vincenzo, personal aid to the Patrizia. If you will please follow me.


    With a wave of a cane, something happened and Alex felt mana flow from the device. Suddenly, invisible shields appeared over them, providing protection from the rain.


    They followed Vincenzo and as soon as they reached the vis overhang, towering entry doors cracked open. Several servants emerged nking a tall manmaybe somewhere in his early thirtieswith greying hair and the same sharp blue eyes as Isoldes. A fine sword hung on his hip, which drew the attention of both Isolde and Theresa.


    He smiled at the tall, young woman, kissing her lightly on each cheek. Cousin, wee, I see that you are right on time, despite the rain.


    We set out early so that we would not be dyed, Isolde said, shooting a look at Thundar, who nced away guiltily.


    Khalik had to go roust the slumbering minotaur at his dormitory room, then theyd had to sprint to the sky-pier to make it on time. Isolde had driven them all as if The Ravener itself was chasing them. She must have repeated: <em>we cannot bete!</em> twenty times before they reached their sky-gond.


    Khalik Behr-Medr, Alex Roth, Theresa Lu, Selina Roth and Thundar, Son of Gulbiff; this is my cousin: Patrizia Giuseppi Marco DePaolo.


    Pleased to meet you, and thank you for the invitation. They all said.


    Khalik had told Isolde his surname earlier that morning and unsurprisinglydue to the distance between their realmsit seemed that she did not recognize it, just as he hadnt recognized hers when shed first revealed it in The Barrens. None of them recognized her cousins name or title either, or at least, no one said that they did.


    If he took offence to this, he hid it well: his smile was a genuine one that reached his eyes, which only grew wider when Selina curtsied to him.


    Wee to my home: any friend of my family is a wee guest. He gestured to his foyer. Ive had a table set up in the srium so that we might have a light lunch there. In her note, Isolde mentioned that you might have an interest in seeing the grounds. So, perhaps once my guard captain returns from inspecting the house guards, we can have a little walk and I can show you around after lunch.


    He straightened slightly in pride as he spoke of showing off his home. Now,e,e! No sense in standing out here in the damp. He nced at Brutus. Well isnt <em>this</em> a handsome devil. Even in Generasi, cerebri are rare beasts, and fewer still are as well-trained as this one. Who might I ask is his mast-


    He paused, ncing over all of them before his eyes focused on Theresa. Oh, why ask for the answers to obvious questions: you are this beasts master, are you not, youngdy? He shows a close attachment to you.


    Theresa paused, blinking in surprise. Mhm, she said proudly. This is Brutus; I raised him from a pup.


    At the Patrizias acknowledgement and mention of his name, one of Brutus heads turned to Theresa in curiosity while another rose up as though filled with pride.


    Alex felt a touch of jealousy: it had taken him years and risking his life for this mutt to finally <em>mostly</em> warm to him, now he was happily soaking up attention from this man hed just met-


    He paused.


    Really, man? he thought to himself. You dont really get jealous when someone shows Theresa a bunch of attentionexcept for maybe that mana vampire on Fan-Dors ship when you thought he was a man who was staring at herbut you turn into a green-eyed monster when the three-headed dog warms up to someone?


    He shook his head. Each time he examined himself, he found that his issues ran deeper.


    I see you did an admirable job. The Patrizia said, admiring Brutus and patting one of his heads. We have a fine breed of hound in Generasi: Striga Cane Corso, or the Coursing Hounds of Striga. It is a breed of hunting dogthough not asrge or as strong as a cerberusthat can scent mana. They were quite valuable when my ancestors and the wizards of Generasi were not always on thebest of terms.


    His face darkened. If only they could scent mana vampires, the elusive devils that they are. In any case, might my groundskeeper escort your pup to the yard with my other hounds?


    Theresa paused. Are they safe?


    The Patriziaughed heartily. They are safe, clever, and trained to only attack when ordered to, or when defending themselves. I am sure your Brutus will get along with them just fine.


    Theresa paused, looking down at Brutus. Do you like the sound of that? Do you want to go y?


    Brutus let out three barks all at once and wagged his tail.


    After watching Brutus follow the groundskeeper to the vis outbuildingstoward a walled kennelplex that was near a towering windmill that turned slowly in the rain and windthey followed the Patrizia into his vi.


    Having spent so much time at the university of Generasi, Alex was fairly sure that few buildings could surprise him anymore. He was wrong. While Patrizia DePaolos vi wasnt filled with moving benches, Orbs of Air that cleaned up debris, and other wonders, it made up for those things in sheer opulence.


    From masterfully done oil paintings covering the walls, to soaring muraled ceilings, marble floors and staircases, and windows of fine ss surrounded by hand carved frames, it all spoke of an owner that probably had more gold coins than theyd likely ever be able to spend in several mortal lifetimes.


    Selina was absolutely taken with all the details immediately: her eyes shot around at all the embellishments, flourishes and architectural wonders that made up the Patrizias home. Thundar gaped at the wealth on disyas did Alexwhile Prince Khalik walked through as naturally as if he were walking through a farmers market.


    Alex supposed everything was rtive.


    His belly growled as they were led to the Srium: a delightful scent drifted through the air, and he was really looking forward to whatever the source of lunch was. He wasnt disappointed by a long table that upied the centre of the ss room which overlooked nearby gardens. It was bursting with tters of pastries, hot breads, fresh fruits and vegetables, and an inviting disy of cured meats with cubed cheeses in the centre.


    Oh, and a <em>lot</em> of fresh grapes, wines and juices.


    It was almost a shame that the conversation was so pleasant, as Alex would have loved nothing more than to upy his mouth entirely with the feast that had been prepared for them.


    Luckily, Isolde did most of the talking to her cousinwith the others only jumping in when he directly addressed them. Khalik seemed to pull the older mans attention the most: they spoke of the politics and trade of the realms surrounding the Prinean sea. A lot of it went over the heads of Alex, Theresa, Thundar and Selina, but Isolde followed along with interest.


    The conversation did eventually take a turn that caught Alexs interest.


    The mana vampire is not only a horrid creature, but also bad for trade, Giuseppeined. As fear heightens, people want to travel less, and as they want to travel less, they want to buy less. Of course, then theres that other monster to worry about.


    Yes, Khalik said. Isolde did mention that to us, I know there are some monsters in the countryside here. Are this creatures activities so beyond those of the ones in this area?


    The countryside <em>does </em>have its monsters, my friend, but we who live out here as well as the city officials make sure that their poptions are kept low and that the roads are safe. These days, you mostly find the asional muupkara troop thats adapted to life outside of The Barrens, and a few other beasts. This creature, though, avoided a team of seasoned, experienced monster hunters. The mere sighting of it was enough to heighten fear even further.


    He sighed, patting the sword on his hip. A decade ago and I would have gone out with my hounds and house guards to hunt the thing myself, but now I have a family to think of and responsibilities. Those tend to take a lot of the fun out of adventuring: the mind focuses on risks and the body hesitates.


    I am sure you have many thrilling stories you could tell, Khalik said, sipping the wine from his goblet. He made an appreciative sound. An excellent vintage. It is one of yours?


    My fathers, casked ten years ago, Giuseppe smiled wistfully. Back when my head was filled with song and wonder, and my hand was filled with the hilt of my sword.


    Sounds thrilling, Theresa added, with a note of longing in her voice.


    Oh, it wasI was quite the duelist at your agebut the life of a lord and vinter has its own thrills he paused, shooting the group a coy look. And adventure still remains fairly close at hand. Isolde told me that you might have an interest in the dryads?


    Yes, Khalik, Thundar, Theresa and Selina said at once, echoing each otherwith identical enthusiasm, but for very different reasons.


    Indeeeed, Isolde said drawing out the word with a slight frown of disapproval at her male cabalmates.


    Alex, meanwhile, was using The Mark to keep his face as neutral and natural as he could.


    Well, they are not at my beck and call. The Patrizia squinted through the sriums ss ceiling. But I do note that the sun ising out and I think we could use a little post-lunch exercise. So, why don''t we enter the woods and I can show you their trails and some of their magnificent works. Perhaps, if we are fortunate, one of them might greet us.


    Oooo, that sounds great, Theresa said, looking at Alex excitedly.


    He exchanged a smile with her, and a knowing look with Khalik and Thundar.


    He pointedly ignored Isoldes judging eyes.


    Oh my gosh, look at this! Selina ran up ahead on the forest path, staring at a strange construction: a sculpture of what looked to be a giant humanoid, woven together by living treesas if theyd purposefully grown in that shape.


    Thats incredible! Theresa quickly followed her while the rest of the group strolled along the path.


    The forestscented with an earthiness awakened by the fresh rainloomed over them, filled with trees bearing brightly coloured leaves that shed rain droplets when the wind blew. The ground was soaking wet, but Guiseppe had led them onto a dryad pathwhich was coated in a water-absorbent moss that was soft on the foot, hoof, or shoe while soaking up water quickly before it could turn the earth into a mud-sink.


    Careful not to stray from the path, Giuseppenked by his house guards and guard captaincalled to them. My family has been given permission to use the dryads paths to travel, but not to step too far into theirnds.


    Well be careful! Selina promised.


    Just dont go too far from Theresa! Alex added. And stay where I can see you!


    He nced at the trees, thinking about the mana vampire and other monster their host had mentioned. They were surrounded by armed guards and the Patrizia had assured them that the forest had been checked and was safe. Still, he wondered if he should have cast force shield on Selina just in case.


    At least Theresa was with her, and so far, nothing had happened.


    What is that? Selina asked excitedly, still looking up at the sculpture of woven trees.


    Its a marker, Giuseppe said. It separates mynds from those of the dryads. The road broke into a fork. I, my household and guests can travel on the left path, but not the right without their permission.


    Ach, thats too bad, Thundar said. Looks like no dryads today. Ah well, at least the kids hap-


    The minotaurs words suddenly cut off.


    All went still and Theresa suddenly froze, eyeing the trees around them. Her hand fell to her knife.


    Theresa, whats hap-


    Do not move, mara-vitar, or your face will have a very, very red new decoration, a voice said from right beside Alex.


    He froze and slowly turned to his left.


    Protruding halfway out of the closest tree was a woman.


    And that woman had a sword pointed only inches away from his face.

 Chapter 106: The Stand-Off

    Chapter 106: The Stand-Off


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think Adapt.</em>


    Alexs mind began to race. His eyes darted, quickly taking in his surroundings and analyzing the situation.


    Theyd been surrounded; their opponents hade out of the woodssome of them emerging directly from tree trunksto nk their entire party at the same time. His sister had gone silent, and Theresa was hugging her tightly to her side. The huntress had her massive hunting knife drawn and on guard, but she was nked by two femaleseach holding swords close to herwhile two more crouched in the trees, with bows pointed down, ready to draw and fire arrows in a heartbeat.


    Thundar was still frozen in mid-sentence with two swords pointed at his chest, while Khalik and Isolde each had a swordswoman threatening them. The Patrizia, his captain and a few guards had managed to draw their weapons, but it was clear who held the advantage.


    Despite some of the women moving from branch to branch for a better angle to aim their bows at their targets, they did not make a single sound in the trees. It was an ufortable reminder of the silence-spiders.


    Alexs brow furrowed.


    From the fact that they were all still alive, it seemed that these assants didnt n on ending their lives immediately, which made him wonder what they wanted exactly.


    Hold now, hold! Peace! Giuseppe shouted. What is the meaning of this? Are the dryads viting their pact with my family after so many years? Are you no more thanmon bandits now who dare threaten my kin and party?


    Quiet, mara-vitar, one of the assailers said. I think you misread the situation. <em>You</em> are the rabbit, and <em>we</em>are the snare."


    Wait! I recognize this one! Another voice came from a towering oak close to Isoldes cousin. Another woman slid down silentlyone with a scar on her cheek. Yesyou are the mara-vitarer, human. You are the human lord that lives outside of our forest?


    I am the human lord that <em>rules</em> part of this forest, Guiseppe said with heat. Has one of my subjects vited the peace? We have not left the path, so why do you threaten us?


    The scarred woman watched him for a long moment. I apologize, human lord, but these are strange times. She looked at the other women. Bring your swords away from him.


    Take your weapons away from my sister <em>and</em> friends, Alex growled, speaking from a mix of anger, defensiveness and fear.


    The sword drifted a little closer to his face.


    Quiet, you, the woman said.


    I must agree with my guest, Giuseppi echoed, keeping his sword up even as his aggressors put theirs down. You are paying us incredible insult. Do not hold swords on us like we aremon criminals.


    It is not that we fear you and yours are criminals, the lead woman said. There is a creature in thesends, one that steals magic by contact with life.


    You mean the mana vampire? the Patrizia asked.


    That is your name for it, yes, she said. It is a shapeshifter, and can choose many guises. Withwhat has happened, theing of strangers is a danger to usone of you might be this creature who seeks to bleed the magic from us and our woods.


    All of these guards have been with me for as long as memory serves me. There have been no mana vampire attacks on this estate: they are what they seem, and this woman is my kin. Giuseppe ced a hand on Isoldes shoulder. I vouch for her on my honour and life. She is no mana-stealing shapeshifter.


    And these are my friends, Isolde jumped in, with head held high and hand closed on the hilt of her stiletto knife. I have known them for half a year. They are not shapeshifting monsters, I assure you. We are in a cabal together; if you threaten them, then you also threaten me, and I shall defend us as such!


    There was a long pause while the tension thickened in the air. Alex could see Theresas eyes moving quickly, as though she were creating a n: how to fight and how to escape.


    She drew Selina closer to her side. The little girl was staring up at the swords.


    You do threaten a child, Khalik said. Not a shapeshifting monster. A child. Clearly something has happened to you to make you socautious, but understand: you <em>do </em>threaten a child.


    The women seemed to finally process Selinas presence, and Alex saw a good deal of tension leaving and their demeanour rxing. Those with weapons pointed at Theresa and Selina gave ufortable looks toward their leader, who sighed.


    We are in the wrong here, the scarred woman said. Lower your weapons.


    She gave the Patrizias group a deep bow. My apologies, mara-vitar, we acted in haste. We ask forgiveness.


    Alex let out a sigh of relief as the women moved their weapons away. He wasnt the only one who exhaled. His heart had been hammering in his ears the entire time.


    Though no one was hurt, I will want an exnation, Patrizia DePaolo said, then nced at his guards. You may sheathe your weapons.


    The group of travellers looked at each other before taking their hands away from their arms. Theresa was thest to sheathe her knife, ring at the women for several heartbeats before finally sheathing the de and speaking gently to Selina. Alex immediately went to two of them, catching them both in a tight hug.


    Are you okay? Are you hurt? he said quickly to Selina, bending down, taking her chin and turning her face this way and that to make sure she hadnt been injured. He couldnt find any wounds.


    Im okay, Im okay, she said quickly, hugging him. He noticed that her eyes were steady and she showed no signs of crying. He thought back to when theyd first walked into The Cave of the Traveller: his little sister really did seem to be especially brave for a child her age. He knew <em>he</em> wasnt that brave at ten years old.


    He nced up at Theresa. Are you okay?


    Justtled, she said, continuing to re at the women. She didnt say anything else, likely becausefrom the look on her faceanything she really wanted to say would probably have reopened hostilities.


    Alex looked back at the Patrizia, who was speaking quietly with the leader, whonow that the threat of imminent violence was no longer an issuehe finally had a chance to examine.


    It was strange how the mind could focus on certain details and miss others when danger was threatening. The women were <em>obviously</em> not human, but all their non-human traits had bepletely irrelevant while his mind was upied with the sword that had been right in his face and the safety of his sister andpanions.


    First, his eyes took in their weapons. While they carried either swords, bows and arrows or spears, all werepletely constructed of what looked to be wood. From the sharpness of their points and edges, and the way the dryads wielded them, though, Alex had no doubt about their deadliness. His eyes rose to examine the weapon wielders themselves.


    From Guiseppe referring to them as such, and their unique appearance, he realized that they were in the presence of dryads. They were humanoid in form. Their skin-tones ranged from the frosty white of a cloud, to the tan of a fawn, to the reddish-brown of a fox, or browns of a chestnut or acorn, to the deep ck of a midnight skyand the multi-hues of tree bark. Some even had a greenish cast to their skin, like the colour of summer leaves. Their hair was unlike that of a humans or animal''s: soft branches like a willow tree grew from their heads, some rising up and some falling over their shoulders like green saplings that were weighted down. These branches were filled with an abundance of crimson coloured leaves, like the reds of fall. Their eyes were every colour one could find in nature, and they wore sleeveless tunics woven of the same red leaves that fell just above their knees. Their feet were bare.


    They were also as beautiful as was told in tales and texts, but not <em>just</em> in a physical way. There was an unearthly grace to each one, as if they were representations of natures own beauty.


    It took Alex a moment to tear his eyes away from them and notice that the otherseven Selina, Theresa and Isoldewere fascinated too. Not surprisingly, Khalik, Thundar and some members of the house guard were having simr reactions as one another and doing a lot of happy grinning.


    Alex tuned into the conversation between the dryad leader and the Patrizia.


    -have trouble with the mana vampire too, Harmonia? Giuseppe was asking the leader.


    It has tried to prate our forest to find our vige several times, Harmonia said. It even changed shape to mimic one of our own and try to blend into a patrol, but its behaviour was off and none recognized this new dryad. It fled. Had it reached our sacred grove, it would have drained the mana and life force from our tree-sisters. So, we have increased our patrols and interrogated outsiders since. Her eyes narrowed. And then we encountered the second beast.


    Second beast? Do you mean the creature with scales and terrible ws? The Patrizia asked.


    Yes. It walked on two legs, but it was a monster, the dryad leader said darkly. Dark scales as strong as steel, ws that cut deeper than fine des, and a bite that was as venomous as an adders fangs. It was quick enough to run down a stag, agile enough to move through the branches at speed, and strong enough to break bone in its grip. A patrol of five found the thing and by the time the battle was finished, two of our sistersy dead and their sister-trees withered.


    Her eyes shed dangerously. Now we do not take chances.


    Alex frowned. That wed beast had been mentioned a few times now by people around him. He scanned the trees as others did the same. He suddenly wished that Baelin was close by like he always was when they faced monsters in The Barrens.


    A wild suspicion began to grow in his mind: one that must have been simple paranoia as his rational mind was telling him. After all, there were tons of monsters in The Barrens and other kinds in the countryside around them. They varied in shape, size, power and probably, not all of them had been discovered. It was likely this unfamiliar creature was just some unknown monster from somewhere nearby.


    But despite trying to reassure himself, his imagination couldnt help but conjure the image of a monstrous agent of The Ravenering to seek his life after all this time.


    Is the beast still about? Khalik asked.


    It fled after it fought our patrol, and passed beyond ournds and beyond our knowledge, Harmonia said. We have watched for it but have seen no sign: we asked the birds to keep watch for it, but they have not seen it for months now. Perhaps it has moved on. Still, we must be cautious. I again, apologize for the misunderstanding. When my sister-tree bears fruit, Ill have several baskets sent to you in apology, mara-vitar.


    Again, she bowed her head. Her leafy hair rustled as she moved. In better times we would wee you to our vige to extend proper hospitalitybut that will have to wait. Once the mana vampire, as you called it, is eliminated, perhaps we can offer hospitality again to our neighbour. For now, we will leave you to your business. Stay on the path.


    With that, Harmonia and the other dryads melted back into the trees.


    In a few heartbeats, they were alone.


    Birds chirped in the branches overhead, and Alex looked up, wondering if theyd been left behind as watchers.


    Well, Thundar finally said. That was a lot less fun than I was hoping. They were damned pretty though.


    After the conversation with the dryads, the mood had dampened and so they returned to the vi and spent the rest of the afternoon in the Patrizias gardens. Hed shown them his prized hounds and falcons since hunting was a favoured pastime of his household. Khalik had called Najyahwho was always close byand Giuseppi had admired the raptor, even offering Khalik a handsome sum for her. The prince had refused of course, exining that she was more to him than simply a hunting bird. Hed demonstrated some of her abilities as his familiar to the Patrizia, which left him wanting to buy her even more. Najyah didnt seem to be too impressed and maybe a little offended by the man. The group were invited to stay for an early supper, and at the end of the visit, Isoldes cousin had extended an invitation to them: an open invite to his spring masquerade ball. He said that the dryads were often on his guest list as well, though most rarely attended.


    Everyone was really excited about the invitation and talked about the different fancy masks they could wear on their way back to campus on the sky-gond. Alex noted that hed have to add some more dance moves to his repertoire.


    The rest of the break passed well, though Alex spent much of it working at Shales, tearing into his textbooks for the uing semester, and continuing to sculpt the golem body with Selina.


    Alexs fussinessjust like when it came to cookingcame into y in-part because of The Marks continuous refining of his skills. By the end of each sculpting day, hed be a little more skilled than when the day had started. Selina also wanted the body to be as perfect as they could make it and sowhen they inevitably noticed a part of the golem that could have been sculpted betterthey would go over their work from the previous day, which made things take longer.


    But, at the end of each work day, that resulted in a golem torso that was looking more and more like a sculpture of a well-proportioned, muscr warrior. All too quickly school break came to an end and Alex promised Selina that theyd continue sculpting around their schedules during the new semester.


    As the time for his new sses came on, there was a task ahead that was filling him with both excitement and anxiety.


    Alright, Alex, you can do this, he said, staring at his reflection in the mirror while moving his hairnow a good three inches longer than when hed first arrived at Generasi to the side. On his desk were his potions notes and a new textbook, as well as specific project instructions Jules had handed him for his first self-study project.


    Today would be the day hed be heading to thebwith some independencefor the very first time.


    Also sitting on the desk was a small sack.


    Within, was a sample of the dungeon cores remains.


    Alex looked at the bag with a smile of anticipation. This was the day hed been waiting for. This was the day that, in secret, he would begin analysing the Raveners dungeon core.

 Chapter 107: Haste and Lateness

    Chapter 107: Haste and Lateness


    Are you sure theres no way I can help? Theresa asked.


    Theyd already taken Selina to school and now were back at their apartment. She had a shift at the Beastarium soonBrutus was already excitedly eyeing the door. This is important, if Ive got to say Im sick for a shift toe and help you, I will. You know I will.


    I thought about that, Alex said, pacing back and forth. But theres nothing you could do. Or Selina or Khalik. In the end, Ive got to do this aloneand do it while acting as naturally as possibleso people dont think Im doing something sneaky. I go to ss and to work with professors Jules and her grad students in The Cells alone. If I suddenly start bringing people, thatll invite attention.


    Theresa bit her lip. I really, really wish there was <em>something</em> I could do.


    Alex sighed and touched her shoulder. Best thing, I think, is to just act normal. Thatll make things easier for me, and then we can talk about whatever I find outif I find out anything useful. He chewed his lip. Its probably going to take me several sessions analysing it to learn as much as I can, anyway.


    Several means more chances for you to get caught. Theresa shook her head. I wish we could just tell the professors about it, but thatll raise<strong></strong>so many questions.


    Yeah, like how did you get that, and who are you that you have that, he said. Even if Jules knew, since shes so by-procedure, I dont think shed even let me analyze the stuff, especially alone. Then wed also run the risk of others finding out about me and The Fool. And I think thatd be pretty risky right now, especially with what the dungeon core actually is, and what it means.


    Yeah, Theresa said. Considering whats happened, now <em>would</em> be a bad time to tell people that you have dungeon core remains."


    His memory went back to the demon.


    It had attacked the priest of Uldarwho hedpletely avoided since hed gotten here. Not in a hostile way, but hed never joined with Carey London or gone to their temple. He was present during the demon attack, and his skills in every ss except for force magic were rising abnormally fast.


    If he went and told a professor and those things were toe out, what would they say?


    He could well imagine what would happen next.


    Oh by the way, he could hear himself saying. Ive had this dust thats the remains of whats basically a monster-birthing orb the entire time. A monster-birthing orb that only urs in thends of Uldars people and is the enemy of Uldars churchand why yes, I do believe that a conjured demon did in fact attack a rally created by an organization dedicated to him. Why no, that doesnt make me Prime Suspect Number 1. Wait stop, why are you putting me in chains?


    Not to mention the fact thatif the demon summoner, whoever it was, was in fact targeting Uldar or priests in generalsince <em>he</em> was actually a divinely chosen Hero, that could lead them to target him if that information about him got out.


    The only other being that he might consider telling was Baelin, but could he really expect the chancellor not to look at him with even a little bit of suspicion in light of what happened during that rally? He had to consider all of this carefully, because if he said something at the wrong time and things went badly, he couldnt take it back.


    Better he should try and analyze the substance safely on his own before looking for outside help. Besides, a small part of him wanted to see how the stuff worked <em>before</em> he considered telling anyone else about it anyway: perhaps it had properties that could help him in alchemy. It certainly was rare.


    In the end, hed likely have a far stronger case if he went to Baelin with the analysis of the coreplete: he could then show him that he was working against The Ravener, which would at least ce him on the same side as the priests, and not looking like some agent of evil. If it turned out his analysis showed that any part of the dungeon cores substance was simr to anything used for summoning demonslike elements hed learned about in Jules work with her grad studentsthen at least hed be the only one to know.


    When the time was right, he figured he''d befortable with approaching someone like Bealin who was neutral to the plight of Thamnd and Raveners, Fools and Dungeon Cores, to share his story and results of his analysis with. After that, he could start working on getting the information to someone he could trust back in Thamnd, or even better, get it to them anonymously.


    We just have to be careful like we have been up until now, Alex said. And well be okay.


    She frowned. Ugh, I wish this was a problem my sword could solve. Since it cant


    Theresa gave him a worried look, stepped forward and gave him a tight hug. Her warm forehead rested against his chest. Just be careful, okay.


    Alex quickly wrapped the huntress in his arms. I will be, he said, keeping his voice steady. Ill be fine.


    Im not fine! his mind screamed, goingpletely renegade as he approached The Cells. Im going to get caught! Im going to get caauuught! Theyre gonna grab me and throw me in wizard jail. Oh, by The Traveller, what the hell is wizard jail even like? Are there rats? Magic rats? Demonic magic rats?!


    He took a deep, meditative breath, attempting to calm himself, and came to a halt on the path. It had been a long time since hed been nervous about ab.


    He stood in front of The Cells, using The Mark to help himself look as inconspicuous as possible. He still couldnt help but nce around a little too often, though, noting the two Watchers of Roal now nking the entrance to The Cells. Theyd been assigned to that doorway since the demons attackjust in case someone used demonology in The Cells to conjure another attackerand Alex had usually found their presenceforting.


    Today, though, he felt that their hard gazes were firmly on himjudging him, seeing his secrets and preparing to haul him off. He told himself it was his imagination running wild, and that was how they normally looked, but he still adjusted the small sack of dungeon core remains on his belt before he reached the door.


    Student identification, one of them said.


    Here it is, Alex offered quickly, afraid that his voice was going to crack.


    The Watcher stared at the circr wooden card for what seemed like forever, but eventually nodded grimly and passed the card back without a word.


    They exchanged silent nods and Alex entered The Cells.


    Inside, were more Watchers, ced at equidistant points in the hallway. Alex quickly, but casually made his way upstairs, trying to nonchntly meet their gazes: look away too fast, and hed look suspicious, but <em>stare</em> too much, and hed also look suspicious.


    The remains of the dungeon core felt like a massive weight pulling on his belt, and he kept imagining some magical ward sensing it and immediately alerting The Watchers to his secret stash. No rm went up though, and rationally, he knew he was being irrational. Recently hed started to understand many of the glyphs that warded The Cells, thanks to his Magic Lore sssuch as those surrounding the front doors that prevented them from opening unless one had valid identification.


    No glyphs that hed encountered so far seemed to be for the purpose of analyzing contraband materials and sending up rms. Then again, if that sort of magical know-how existed and was so easy to craft, then material analysis in alchemy would be a lot quicker and easier.


    He thought about what Professor Jules had told him about how magical devices advanced as the ambient mana in Generasi rose. In a way, he wished it were a hundred years into the future: perhaps by that timewhen The Ravener was rebornitd be easier to analyze then. Then again, if he was wishing to be born in a different time, he might as well wish to be born in between The Raveners returns.


    Or born during a time when theyd permanently beaten the damn thing into dust.


    As he approached the door to Cell-301his assigned Cell for the semester during the same two hours every other weekhe paused, shaking his thoughts away. When he was worried, his mind had a tendency to focus on wellhis worries and other unrted thoughts.


    And he would need all of his focus for what was next.


    Taking a deep breath, he wrapped his hand around the door handle and pulled.


    Hng! he grunted.


    It didnt budge.


    He tried it again. It didnt budge.


    Oh youve got to be kidding me, Alex groaned.


    The room was locked and there wasnt a single sounding from it. Unless hed passed out in there, it likely meant the grad student who was supposed to open the room and supervise him hadn''t arrived yet.


    Which meant, he was stuck out here.


    He nced to the side.


    One of the Watchers of Roalseated down the hallwas looking at him. The grizzled man gave him a nod, then went back to systematically scanning the hall and ceiling.


    Alex sighed.


    Of course. Of course his supervisor <em>would</em> bete and leave him to stand out in the hall all by himself while he was as nervous as a flea on a scratching dog and wanting nothing more than to get his scheme over with.


    Alex turned around and leaned against the wall, cursing internally and exhaling loudly. He nced at The Watcher. Maybe he could use this. If he could get into theb before his supervisor arrived, hed have a lot more freedom to perform some tests.


    Hey, he said quietly to The Watcher. Excuse me.


    Hrm? The Watcher looked up at him again. Something the matter?


    Yeah, a bit. Alex jerked his thumb toward the door behind him. I got this project and Im supposed to get started, but the grad student thats supposed to supervise me isnt here yet. Think you could let me in?


    The Watcher shook his head. Sorry, never seen you before. Cant do that. Besides, if theyre supervising you then they should be here first.


    Ah, okay, Alex said. Thanks anyway.


    No problem.


    Long ufortable minutes passed as Alex waited in the hall, eventually starting to pace back and forth in front of the door. Finally, he heard footsteps rapidly ascending the stairs.


    Sorry, sorry! a voice shouted and a man wearing a tall, ck, cone cap burst into the hall. At the noise, Alex noticed The Watcher giving the other young man a look of disapproval.


    Are you Alex Roth? the man stopped, scratching the stubble on his face.


    Yeah. Alex extended his hand to shake the other mans. Are you my supervisor?


    I am. The man nodded, trying to catch his breath. Amir Abu Saleh at your service. And you? He paused. Agh, no wait, I just asked that. Sorry, sorry.


    Thats alright. Alex looked at the grad students sweat-drenched features. The young man looked like hed sprinted a mile. Are <em>you</em> alright?


    Yes, yes. He continued to pant, trying to catch his breath. Last tutorial went long. Ran here not to wastetoo much of your time. Here, lets get you started.


    Amir fumbled with a few keys on a ring and slipped one into the lock.


    <em>Clk.</em>


    The door to The Cell opened.


    Alex stepped inside and whistled in wonder.


    His very ownboratoryor at least, hisboratory for the next two hours. Well, what was left of the next two hours. The Cell was very well equippednot quite the size of Cell-207 where his ss had done the practicum in the first semesterbut the stations were muchrger than those in 207.


    Each station was made up of a wide, freestanding desk, with plenty of room for cauldrons, sks, titration devices and mana vacuums. Suspended above each was a mana waste container that was muchrger and more robust than those in the general ssroom.


    He smiled when he saw the big, beautiful mana waste container.


    Even beyond being able to analyze the dungeon core, having ess to such a space would allow for far more in depth experiments and for more powerful potions to be crafted. There was room here for much more intricate equipment and therger mana vacuum meant he could create greater magical reactions without fear of, well, blowing off his own face.


    There was only one small immediate issue.


    None of the equipment he needed was ready andfor the potion Jules assigned him to crafthe needed a fair amount of intricate apparatuses. Was he supposed to get them himself?


    Um, should I get everything set up?


    No, no, again, my apologies. Amir set his bag down on one end of The Cell. He scratched the closely cropped hair on his scalp. There are a few things you can set up, but therere some apparatuses that well have to bring from the supply closet. The good news is once we set them up, we can leave most of them at your station for the semester since theyre the sort of devices youll be using for multiple reactions. So, what do you say we go fetch them now?


    He gave a weak smile and started heading for the door.


    Alex fought the urge to shake his head...and his supervisor.


    He was given ess to thisb every other week. That was roughly six times during the semester, unless he could get an extra booking in andwith how busy The Cells werethat wasnt likely. He had a limited amount of time to do his analysis.


    And now, the first of his sessions was being eaten away because his supervisor waste and hadnt set up.


    He took a deep breath as he followed Amir to get the equipment, keeping the sample of dungeon core remains close. Today, he would need to craft the potion that Jules had set for him safely, but as quickly as possible andsomewhere during the processtry and analyze an aspect of the dungeon cores remains.


    He couldnt rush the potion and it was one that would be very useful for him.


    A Potion of Haste, which doubled running speed, reaction time, reflexes and speed of thought. It would be his first third-tier potion.


    Alex hoped hed have enough time for everything he needed to do.

 Chapter 108: Secret Analysis

    Chapter 108: Secret Analysis


    Alex carefully shifted the sack that held the dungeon cores remains from his belt and slipped it into one of the leather pockets of hisb apron.


    He nced at Amir whod taken a seat at the far end of the Cell and was pouring over notesid out in front of him. The grad student kept looking up at Alex, dividing his attention between his notes and the younger student.


    Alex nodded at him, but made a sour face behind his mask. When hed seen how scattered Amir was, hed hoped that the supervisor wouldnt pay much attention to him during theb. Unfortunately, Amir was multitasking while regrly checking on Alex.


    Well, Alex would have to examine the dungeon core the hard way, then.


    Hed concocted a n while they were getting the equipment from the supply room: first, Alex would subtly prepare the sample of core remains. Then, hed run some analysis on it while he was analyzing ingredients for the potion by slipping some into the testing apparatuses in-between the ingredients he was actually <em>supposed</em> to be analyzing for thisb.


    To Amiracross the roomit would just look like Alex was doing the work he was supposed to do. He wouldnt be the wiser unless Alex screwed up, or something unexpected happened, or the grad student randomly sprinted over to check on the experiment and demanded to know: <em>What the hell is that?!,</em>when he saw the dungeon cores remains.


    The downside was that hed only be able to use the apparatuses that were required for the assigned experiment: a mana spectrometer and Kamookaks Moss. They would test a substancesposition and toxicity respectively; hed used them a number of times, including during theb where his ssmate drank quicksilver. Other equipmentthat could test different aspects of the remainswerent taken out for him this time since they werent necessary for this experiment. Hed have to n on using those when he got ess to them for future experiments.


    He also wouldnt be able to get many tries at the analysis today.


    Mana spectrometers were run at different times depending on a substancesposition. The moreplex the substance, the longer a spectrometer would have to run in order to break it down and indicate what elements it wasposed of. The issue was that running it for <em>too</em> long would often break a substance down too much and not generate any usable data. It would be like taking apart arge piece of wooden furniture to transport it: if the furniture wasnt broken down enough, then it would never fit through doorways. If it was broken down too much, it would just be splinters: no one would have any idea how those splinters fit together to make up the piece of furniture.


    It would be the same with a mana spectrometer: instead of coloured bands to indicate a substancesposition, the read-out would just be a chaotic array of tiny dots.


    With unknown substrates, it was best practice to use a variety of set times when using a mana spectrometer for analysis, making an educated guess as to what time would be a good starting point. For example, if one had a simple substance to analyze, they might start off with running the spectrometer for twenty-one secondsthe rmended time for first-tier potionsand if that didnt break down the substance into all of itsponent elements, then the next step would be running it at the rmended time for second-tier potions, which was thirty-one seconds. Or the time for third-tier potions, which was thirty-eight seconds and so on.


    The trouble was that figuring out how long to analyze the dungeon cores remains would be a practice of trial and error, and if he kept running the mana spectrometer half a dozen times without a proper exnation, that would very likely raise some ufortable questions and an eyebrow from Amir. There was also the danger that the substance might be tooplex to practically run it through this model of mana spectrometer: moreplex substances took increasingly longer times for mana spectrometers to break down. A ninth-tier potion would take nearly six hours to analyze with this model, which was why more high-powered models were used with moreplex substances.


    He could only hope that the dungeon cores remains would be simple enough to analyze and that it wouldnt take suspiciously long, but only trial and error would determine that.


    First things first, though. He would use Kamookaks Moss to determine its toxicity, and for that, he would need to either melt the dust, or use a magical solvent to make it into a liquid.


    He set his station up so that his mana vacuum was in the potion sk. Now came the first tricky part. Applying heat to the dust might have unforeseen effects, and he also had no idea if the mana solvent would react unexpectedly with it. The solvent was safety rated to <em>not</em> react dangerously with most substances, but there was always a risk when mixing any unknown substance with anything else.


    Well, that was what the mana vacuum, mask, goggles, apron and gloves were for.


    Carefully, he undid the bag of dungeon core remains in his pocket and took a pinch of the powder with his gloved fingers. He thought back to when hed scooped up the substance with his bare hands back in The Cave of the Traveller: that had broken so many safety protocols that professor Jules would likely have had an aneurism if she knew.


    He carefully dropped the dust into the sk, ncing over his shoulder and nearly jumping when he saw Amir looking right at him. Everything alright over there? the grad student asked.


    Yep, Alex said quickly.


    Good, good, Amir said contentedly, and went back to his work.


    You literally were created by the gods to give me a heart attack, werent you? Alex thought grumpily as he weighed the substance, mentally subtracting the weight of the sk from the number the scales brass arrow pointed to.


    Shifting the sk to the heat source, he activated it, bringing the me up to lick around the hardened ss.


    He watched the dark powder for a couple of minutes, but the heat wouldnt melt it.


    Alright, n B.


    He took up the bottle of solvent and poured some of it into a test tube; he would use a volume of solvent equal to the weight of the dust. He turned off the burner, waited for the ss to cool, and then added the liquid.


    <em>Hssssss!</em>


    For a brief second, Alex thought he had killed himself.


    The substance began hissing and steaming as it met the solvent; he imagined himself consumed by a horrible magical fireball. He kept his hand on the mana vacuum, watching as the reaction slowly died down.


    What was that? Amir said suddenly.


    Oh, just dropped a bit of water into the me. Stupid mistake, sorry, Alex said quickly.


    Oh, well, be carefulbut it happens.


    He heard the rustle of Amir going back to his own activities.


    He let out a sigh of relief as the dungeon cores remains and the solventbined into a liquid that was as ck as night. Alex shuddered as he remembered the inky ckness of the dungeon core, and how it thrummed as it absorbed its victims fear. He set the liquified sample aside and started on the assigned procedure for crafting a Potion of Haste.


    ncing at the time, he began nning how toplete each step of the procedure efficiently to get things done as quickly as possible. He was very conscious that he could run out of time, and that The Cell was booked for right after him. So, hed have to finish everything <em>and</em> have it all cleaned up before time ran out.


    Luckily, even though the Potion of Haste was more powerful than anything hed made before, it had many core simrities to the Potion of Running Enhancement. He went through those steps quickly, applying the solvent to the solid ingredients for the potionwhich didnt hiss loudly, he noted bitterlyand then used his mana conductor to guide the reaction in the proper direction.


    As he continued stirring the substance, he conjured a pair of Wizards Hands in front of him and willed them to begin the clean up. The magical constructs carefully carried some of the dirty tools that he no longer needed to the sink across the room.


    He heard Amir give a grunt of approval. Very good, we might finish on time if you clean up while youre guiding the reaction.


    Thats the n! Alex said with exaggerated cheer.


    Once his magical hands had returned, he started using them for their <em>real</em>purpose.


    Carefully, he scraped away a portion of Kamookaks Moss from the steel jar it was stored in and applied it to a small, coin-sized sample te. He casually shifted his body so that it was well ced between Amir and his spell, then he willed Wizards Hand to take up a dropper and draw a sample of the liquified dungeon core remains. Carefully, he dropped a few drops onto the moss and waited for any colour change.


    His jaw clenched when the moss changed from its normal blue shade to a yellow-green. That indicated that there was a slight toxicity to the substance, but not to dangerous levels. Sterilizing alcohol also made Kamookaks Moss turn that colour: it meant that the substance could be handled, even have skin contact with, but ingesting it would likely be a terrible idea.


    Alex was very d hed had his mask on when the stuff started hissing. Next, would be running it through the mana spectrometer, but that would have to wait until he was testing the potionsposition.


    He used Wizards Hand to carry the moss sample to the disposal bin, then returned his attention to the brewing Potion of Haste, ncing again at the glowing timekeeper on the wall. Ironically, a potion that doubled his speed in all things would have been <em>very </em>handy at the moment.


    <em>Hsssss!</em>


    He gasped, ncing down; his potion was hissing ominously in the sk. Something it definitely shouldnt have been doing.


    Oh shit!


    His eyes grew wide as the liquid began to climb the sides of the sk and glow with a silvery light. Without hesitation, he hit the switch on the mana vacuum, watching as the energy was sucked out of the reaction and into the mana waste container. The energy still glowed in the container.


    The substancenow without mana to fuel the magical reactionimmediately stopped climbing the sk. It merely boiled as me continued to heat it; Alex cut the heat immediately.


    Damn it, he swore.


    What happened? Alex heard a chair scrape and footsteps begin to move behind him. Almost in a panic, he grabbed the sk with the dungeon cores liquified sample and moved it behind the mana spectrometer, sliding it between the device and the protective shield that rose from the back of the work table.


    He turned to Amir, making sure to get his attention. Agh, reaction got away from me. Had to vacuum it.


    Ah, that happens to the best of us. Amir squinted at the sk of iplete potion. What step were you on?


    Moving his body slightly so that it was between Amir and the mana spectrometer, he described the part of the reaction hed been guiding when things began to get out of hand. Listening to Alexs exnation intently, Amirs eyes lit up behind his mask.


    Thats it, Amir said. Swiftlings Tears break down a lot faster than quicksilver, so if you dont control specifically how they take in mana, theyll get away from you.


    Oooh, Alex groaned.


    Its a finicky ingredient. Amir shrugged. And this is your first time brewing a third-tier potion, right? Thats the point of doing this in ab: you can make mistakes, learn from them and get better. If wed gotten alchemy right the first time we tried something, we wouldnt need a school for it. Start again, and use the mana from the first reaction to fuel the second.


    Yeah, got it, Alex said, ncing at the timekeeper as Amir walked back to his desk.


    It was going to be close.


    Quickly, he went through the earlier steps of the potion recipe again, using The Mark to guide him through all of his most sessful moments. This time, he made sure to focus <em>all</em> his attention on the reaction: trying to speed through the steps with his focus split had been a bad idea.


    Rookie mistake.


    He took a deep, meditative breath and guided the reaction through its steps, acknowledging each distracting thought that came to him and then letting them go.


    This time, the potion went as per procedure andsoon enoughhe had aplete Potion of Haste on his hands. Now came the sneaky part.


    He decided to run the dungeon core sample through the mana spectrometer first, running the spectrometer for the same amount of time as he would for a third-tier potion. It would be the least conspicuous way to start, since a Potion of Haste was third-tier and so hed be running it for that length of time too.


    Adding the ck substance to the mana spectrometer, he waited thirty-eight seconds, nervously tapping the desk. That half a minute felt more like half a day, and he nearly pounced on the mana spectrometer when the process finished.


    Taking out the sample and the paper read out for the dungeon core sample, next he ced some of thepleted Potion of Haste into the mana spectrometer. Letting out a sigh of relief at getting the process for the dungeon core finished, he nced down at the results, making a quiet sound of discontent.


    A lot of the read-out was a slurry of multiple shades; only some of it hade out as the coloured bars that indicated a substancesposition. Hed need to run the spectrometer longer to fully break down what the dungeon core was made of.


    He sighed, nearly about to put the paper down when he paused. Focusing more closely on the coloured bars, he realized something about the pattern.


    His eyes went wide.


    Hed seen thisposition before.

 Chapter 109: Essence of Dungeon

    Chapter 109: Essence of Dungeon


    It wasnt something that a first year or even a typical second year student would recognize, and the only reason Alex knew anything about it was because of helping professor Jules with her experiment.


    The dungeon coreor at least the part of it that the mana spectrometer had broken downread almost <em>identically</em> to-


    Alex recalled a smokey cauldron and a being whose presence twisted his senses.


    -chaos essence.


    That didnt mean for sure that the dungeon core was <em>made</em> of chaos essence or that it <em>had</em> chaos essence in it, just that part of itsposition was unmistakably simr. What that meant was that it likely shared properties with chaos essence.


    Alex frowned, thinking back on the dungeon cores abilities, and what it had shown during the fight in The Cave. For one, it had created a variety of monsters from its own mana. That implied a certainmalleability to its mana: it could be used to create different monsters like the smaller silence-spiders or the massive soldiers. It could use what it created to infest a space and then alter the walls and structure of the area.


    He thought about other dungeon cores from past legends: it was said that they had created a truly wide variety of creatures, and he had personally encountered arachnids with massive sword-de-w-things.


    Its simrity to chaos essence made some sense in that case, but the odd thing was how stable it was: at no time did the dungeon core ever show any signs of shifting or changing shape when he touched it. Its remains were constant, starting as dust and remaining as dust. If it <em>were</em> like chaos essence, then it should have continued shifting its shape.


    His frown deepened.


    That implied some sort of stabilizing agent in its structure. He wasnt sure if that was correct, but it gave him clues for what to look for as he continued his analysis. He was pleased with the results so far, though: even iplete analysis using one tool had generated the beginnings of answers.


    He slipped the read-out into his pocket, and took the Potion of Haste back out of the mana spectrometer. As he did, he took a long, admiring look at the device and thought back on what professor Jules had said about the advancement of alchemy and magical devices.


    The mana spectrometer was a marvel of wizardry, one thatording to his textbookhad been invented roughly seventy years before. It was an instrument that didnt function outside of Generasi itself. In his textbook, thered been a chapter on the history of alchemy that professor Jules had expanded on in her lectures.


    Alex shuddered.


    That part of the course had been gruesome. The section was all about how many horrors early wizards had inflicted on themselves in their quest to uncover the secrets of alchemy and magical substances. Apparently, the very first golem had been a monstrosity: the link between its consciousness and its creators mind had been too strong, and it had received a constant stream of the wizards thoughts, joys, lusts, insecurities, fears, hatreds, rages and other emotions it had no way of knowing how to process.


    The weight of these mental weaknesses had piled onto the construct overwhelming it until it had begun to rampage and eventually, had to be destroyed. Five hundred yearster, with advancements in spellcraft, alchemical tools, a greater understanding of magical lore and an awareness of the interconnectivity of things, wizards came to understand that the golems creator had crafted its core in such a way to connect <em>too</em> deeply with its creators thoughts.


    From then on, the creation of golems became a far safer process: growing more and more advanced until something like Shales Workshop could exist in modern times.


    Imprecision and guesswork, professor Jules had said. Thats what cursed and gued the early alchemists.


    He nced at the ck substance within the sample sk.


    I wonder just what kind of tools the wizards were working with thest time you got analyzed, he thought. Maybe with these more advanced tools, Iand maybe otherswill be able to find out more about what makes you work.


    Are you almost done over there? Amir asked. Its almost time to vacate theb.


    Yep, you wanna take a look? Im just going to finish cleaning up in the meantime and make a note in my notebook. Something to remember forter.


    He slid the sk with the dungeon cores liquified sample into another of his apron pockets. While Amir was examining his Potion of Haste on the other side of the room, Alex carefully took an empty potion bottle out of his bag under pretense of retrieving his notebook.


    His movements, now more precise and silent with The Mark, he had no problem quietly transferring the sample from the sk into his potion bottle and stoppering it. As long as it didnt degrade, then it would already be in liquid form for future tests, which would save him time. He also definitely didnt feelfortable disposing of it anywhere until he knew more.


    The Potion of Haste looks good, Amir said. Excellent work. Bring the report by my office in Cell-B07 next week, and I think youll do very well. For now, the potion is all yours. Its safe for you to ingest, but use it wisely.


    Gotcha, Alex said, half-listening.


    A question began brewing in his mind, one he would ask professor Jules during next ss.


    He packed up quickly. Hey, he said to Amir as he was stuffing his possessions into his bag. You know what equipment well need for next experiment?


    Lets see. Amir flipped through his notes and handed Alex his next assignment. It looks like a manohmeter, a vietric device and a poscope.


    Gotcha, he said, thinking about what he knew about those devices.


    The manohmeter tested for mana conductivity, and hed used one before. The vietric device measured a liquid ingredients viscosity and how well itbined with certain other magicalpounds. They were supposed to be learning about it in ss this week, which was when he would ask his question.


    The poscope was one of the instruments hed heard of and read about in his textbook for second semester: it was a device that used illusion magic and a form of divination magic to project the image of miniscule things onto a ss lens that one would look through. With it, he could see the tiny substructure of the shattered core and be able topare it with other substances to look for simrities.


    Do you think maybe we could start a little early next time? Alex asked. Just to get the equipment set up, if you dont get a chance to.


    Amir blew out a breath. I am very busy. Very, very busy. But you never know.


    Alex looked at him and sighed, stifling his irritation.


    Soits made of the same stuff that came from that monster your professor summoned? Theresa asked quietly.


    The two of them were hidden in a bower within the Beastarium, speaking in low voices, during Theresas lunch break. By now the young huntress knew the Beastarium like the palm of her hand so it was easy for them to find a private ce to talk.


    Brutus stood lookout, using sharp senses from three noses, six eyes and six ears to be on guard for anyoneing close. Including any animals.


    One never knew which bird or beast could be a wizards familiar.


    Maybe, Alex said. At least its structurally simr.


    What do you mean? Theresa asked.


    Its like Alex paused, looking for an uplicated way to exin it. Its like how oak trees and apple trees are both different, but theyre both still trees. One makes apples, which oak trees dont, but both have bark, both grow tall, have leaves and put roots down in the earth.


    Right. Theresa frowned, puzzling through it. So, it might be simr to the stuff from that horrible monster from your professorsb, or it might even be the same. Either way, it sounds like its going to have some of the same properties.


    Thats what it looks like, Alex said.


    Her brows furrowed. What does that meando you think The Raveneres from the same ce as that monster thing did?


    Honestly, I have no idea, Alex said, thinking back on it. Maybe originally, though.


    What do you mean? Theresa asked.


    Well, ording to the legend, The Ravener first appears in Thamnd a long, long time ago and caused a disaster, right? Well, these shoggoths and their masters are also very, very old and very powerful, ording to professor Jules. Before The Heroes, it took a god to beat The Ravener.


    Right. Theresa nodded. And you said that theseshoggoth things dont really work like creatures from our world do. Maybe thats why The Ravener keepsing back after The Heroes kill itbut wait. Her frown deepened. If its like one of these monsters that arent from our world, then why would humans be able to control its dungeon cores? <em>And </em>you said it was simr to that thing that goes inside of golems-


    Golem cores.


    -yeah, right those. You said its like that, right? So why would it be simr to a golem core if it was one of those horrible, shifty, shoggoth chaos monsters.


    Those are damned good questions, Alex said. But, soon Im going to have ess to different tools thatll let me uncover more aspects of the dungeon core remains. Thenonce I get some more results, maybe Baelin will be able to give me some answers.


    Right, right She nodded. Lots of questionslots of questions. Still makes you wonder why The Fool is so looked down upon if The Mark is so useful. Or even why Uldar would make The Fool not able to fight, do magic or use divinity in the first ce.


    Yeahyeahall really good questions. Well see what happens and what answers Ie up with when I get the remains under the poscope.


    That what now?


    It He exined the device to her, and she shook her head.


    Wow, that makes my head spin even thinking about it. So, now what?


    Now I talk to Jules, theres a certain question I want to ask her. About this stuffdepending on her answer, the dungeon core might be able to help us.


    She raised an eyebrow. How would it be able to help us?


    Well, Ill tell you a little more when I figure out more, Alex said, tapping the side of his nose.


    Over thest few hours, a mad, stupid, horrifying, insane idea had been brewing in his mind. One that the rational part of his brain was screaming for him not to even consider.


    However, now that it had nestled its way in, he couldnt quite shake it. First, hed need to finish his analysis of the dungeon cores remains. He especially needed a full idea as to its mana conductivity. Getting the full spectrum of itsposition would be necessary too.


    In the meantime, he would ask professor Jules his question. Depending on how she answered: if he got what he was looking for, then potentially, the dungeon cores remains could be-


    You know, being all mysterious is really overrated. Theresa crossed her arms.


    Not if youre the one being mysterious. Alex smirked mischievously. Then its pretty damn awesome.


    Ugh, next thing you know youll be putting on a mask and costume and going around like bloody Robbing Hood.


    Hmmmmm, he said, rubbing his chin in thought. What do you think of the name Robbing Fool?


    I think its terrible.


    Your taste is terrible.


    Theresa stared at him for a long moment, then burst outughing. Sheughed so hard that Brutus actually turned around and stared at her.


    What? Alex blinked. Whats so funny?


    Oh, Ill talk a little more about thatter. She grinned.


    Alex sucked in a breath like hed been mortally wounded. You dare, Theresa Lu, you dare use my own words against me?


    Hey, its fun when youre the one being mysterious, right? She got up, humming to herself and sauntered off from among the trees.


    Brutus looked at Alex for a long moment, walked over, gave his face a lick and then bounded after his master.


    Alex shook his head. Now the dog is giving me pity licks, he said.

 Chapter 110: Preparing to do Horrifying Things

    Chapter 110: Preparing to do Horrifying Things


    Wee to a new semester, Professor Jules said from the front of the ss as she drew a diagram of the vietric device on the obsidian board. Turning around she gave them all a solemn look. Wee to you all, whether youve transferred from other schools, or are from here at Generasi. I am so d to see so many of you whove made it to the second semester of my ss.


    Alex stiffened.


    So <em>many</em> of you? he muttered, turning around to look at the ss.


    POTI-1200the second semester follow-up to POTI-1000used the same ssroom as in semester one, which allowed Alex to see exactly how many faces he recognized and by default, how many had gotten the minimum 70% passing grade.


    The number of faces he didnt recognize surprised him.


    Last semester, nearly every seat was filled: some students had looked bright-eyed and enthusiastic, some nervous, and some like they didnt want to be there. Early in the semester several had dropped the course and switched to another one, which had decreased their number, but overall, the ss had still been fairly full, including on the day theyd written the final exam.


    Now, at least a quarter of the seats were empty, and a good number of the filled ones held new facesstudents that had transferred into the second semester course from other institutions of wizardry from around the world. That meant that even more than a quarter of the ss had failed. Among those missing were the young man who drank quicksilver and his friend.


    So <em>many</em> of us passed? Alex shook his head. If Professor Jules meant that a high number had passed first semester this yearpared to other years, then how many had failed in previous years?


    Luckilyand unluckilythere were still familiar faces here and there.


    Kybas the goblin, with his little crocodile familiarHarmlesswas sitting beside Alex humming to himself and kicking his little green legs against his chair. He seemed to be checking over a potion recipe in his notebook, but turned hisrge head and grinned toothily when he saw Alex looking at him.


    Alex grinned back, then nced over his shoulder.


    Carey and Derek were sitting beside each other in the middle of the ss. It seemed that Derek had been able to pass this time andif hed outright cheatedhed gotten a lot more clever with it. Or maybe a mix of taking the ss before and studying with the talented Carey London had gotten him through the worst the exam had to offer. Or maybe hed just started trying and doing the work. Alex didnt know him very well, but he didnt <em>seem</em> thick-witted, just tricky and maybezy.


    Maybe he had what it took after all. Either way, Alex was d that he seemed attached to his new victi-er, study partner and not him.


    So, many of you made it, Professor Jules said. That is the good news. The bad news is that POTI-1200 is significantly more challenging than first semester.


    A wave of murmurs and groans swept through the ss.


    I know, I know. Professor Jules smiled bitterly. But thats not because I am aiming to make it more difficult, it is that youre now approaching the tail end of what could be called the basics. This semester you will graduate from crafting first-tier to second-tier potions, and that will be significantly more challenging. More importantly, though.


    She tapped the diagram of the machine on the board. You will start to learn your tools far more intimately.


    Alexs interest piqued: that was something that the textbook hadnt talked much about. Dexter had been written to go into great detail about the arts of potion craft, but hadnt really been in-depth on the tools used in potion craft. Their use was discussed, as well as correct procedure and protocol, plus some of their history, but aside from that, the potions textbook was about, well, potions, as opposed to the tools that were used in the art.


    He nced back at Derek: since he was taking both semesters of first year potions all over again since he''d been caught cheating in his first year, he should


    Alex paused.


    Derek looked puzzled.


    Oh, maybe this is new for this year, Alex thought.


    Alchemical tools are advancing incredibly quickly, Professor Jules said. When I was your age, there was no such thing as a mana spectrometer: to understand theposition of a substance, we had to engage in a process known as Saundersons Distition.


    She drew what looked to be a curtain on the board.


    One would use a solvent to break down a part of a substance and then one would boil it in a cauldron or other such device where the steam would rise onto a special curtain woven of Willowhorn. After the cloth had absorbed the mana-infused steama process that often took upwards of twenty minutes of constant boilingwe would then hang it up to dry for two hours and then measure how much distance eachponent of thepound had travelled up the curtain and consult several


    She shuddered.


    <em>very</em> lengthy tables to guess which element was which. It was a hot, lengthy, though fairly urate, process. The mana spectrometer is far quicker and more precise. My teachers learned Laces Summoning: a dangerous art where one conjures a demonic sage and bargains with the creature to have it call upon its otherworldly knowledge and reveal what a substance did, or have it check apleted potion for impurities.


    She looked at each student, probably making note of who was paying attention and who wasnt. Her eyes fell on Harmless. Before that, wizards often resorted to gruesome experiments where they simply fed some of their alchemical substances to a victim and watched for a reaction. Some would even use their own familiars...as you can imagine, this was a practice filled with its own drawbacks.


    Kybas clutched his crocodile to his chest protectively. The little reptile chirped in his grasp.


    Now, back to modern tools: these make alchemy far more humane, safe and reliable, but theye with a price. She began drawing ten strange lookingponents onto the board. Can anyone tell me what these are?


    She nced around the room.


    Alex squinted at the board, then looked to Kybas.


    Both of them shrugged: neither had an answer.


    One student raised his hand. Are those parts of a mana spectrometer?


    Indeed! Very good! Professor Jules said with an excited twinkle in her eye. And where did you learn that?


    Uh, he said, turning slightly red. I saw one in a shopand uh, my friend, identally knocked it off the disy and broke it and some pieces fell out, so I recognized a few of them.


    Several members of the ss burst outughing and even professor Jules giggled.


    Oh dear, that sounds like a costly ident! How much did your friend have to pay the merchant for breaking the device? she asked.


    Er, he gulped. Ten thousand gold coins.


    Alex gasped, thinking he would have died on the spot if it had been him.


    Horrified, he remembered himself and Amir bringing the heavy apparatuses to The Cell for his experiment.


    One slip of either of their forcedisks and-


    Ah yes, that sounds about right. Professor Jules pointed back to the board. Oh, by the way, these ten parts? They are ten of <em>forty-two</em>ponents within a mana spectrometer. Now what happens when thisplex bit of machinery breaks down or when it falls apart, and before you say Ill just use mending magic!, well yes, you can. But what if it isnt <em>broken</em>, what if some of the parts are simply misaligned. Or a new discovery requires one of the parts to be reced to increase efficiency? Or, perhaps more simply: moreplex objects need higher tier mending spells in order to be fixed, and what if you dont know one? And, let me calm you as I see some of you starting to think of what I might be getting at and are looking like youre considering running in horror out the door-


    She looked at some of the students, who shifted in their chairs.


    -but while this is <em>not</em> an alchemical tool crafting course, it is still valuable to know the inner workings of your equipment in case you need to make a quick and simple repair, part recement, or upgrade. There arent many wizards who can craft these yet, and you might be in trouble if you discover one has stopped workingmending magic seems to not be fixing it at and you find the crafter that made the model is so busy, that they need to book you six months out. Which brings us back to the vietric device.


    She pointed to the diagram. It is fairly simplepared to many other apparatuses, and so we will be starting with it. These will be valuable lessons for your future. Remember, just as a wizard is limited by the spells they know and a potion is limited by the ingredients avable, the alchemically inclined wizard is limited by the quality and working order of their tools and methods. Therefore, keeping your tools in good working order is key.


    Alex nodded at that, focusing while Wizards Hand was quickly jotting down everything the professor had said. He was pretty damn excited to learn more about how these devices were put together. Since he wasnt sure where hed end up after graduationif he went back to Thamnd or somewhere else far awayhe wouldnt be able to rely on simply strolling down to the nearest alchemy supply and repair shop for his tools.


    Hed need to be self-sufficient and maybe even learn how to craft spare parts for his devices.


    That said, it was also good to take advantage of knowledge and resources when one had them.


    He watched Professor Jules closely.


    And even if he didnt tell her about the dungeon core, shed still be able to help him out with one question that had been bothering him.


    Well thats a strange question, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules mused after ss. Do substances thate from incredibly evil creatures <em>remain</em> evil after the creature has been in and dissected. What brought this on?


    Well, I was thinking about that demon, he said, which wasnt aplete lie. The big one: other demons flowed out of its wings, and its breath was cold like ice. I was thinking that materials from such a creature would be really useful for things like teleportation effects or cooling effects. Butyknow, its a demon.


    Well, first of all, not all demons are evnd even then, that would depend on your standard of evil, she said.


    Oh? What do you mean? Alex asked.


    Demons are creatures of <em>chaos</em> in a way that few things are, except for perhaps the shoggoths and their kin. They are beings of ultimate freedom: unbound byw, morality, emotional bonds or hesitancy. When a demon has a desire, it acts upon it most of the time. The thing is, boundless chaos and freedom <em>is</em> often evil by our standards, she exined. A demon murders often not out of a desire to make the world evil but because it was acting on a momentary urge and saw no reason to contain itself. Devils are the opposite: creatures ofw where ones word, pact or contract trumps everything else. This includes morality, emotional bonds or hesitance.


    She shrugged. Both kinds of creatures <em>can</em> exhibit altruism, its just that those extremes often negate such behaviour. Each creature has their own preferences, after all.


    Alex recalled Hobbs contention that mortals were cute and that he was bound not to attack or steal souls from students. He shuddered.


    Okay, okay, Alex said. So a demon is a being of ultimate chaosdoes that mean that <em>every</em> material harvested from one contains that chaos?


    Professor Jules took a deep breath. Yes and no: a demons soul will contain overwhelming chaos and evil, if harvested, but its ws are just sharp bits of bone. One can harvest the ws in such a way so that they are infested with their former owners chaos and evil, but one can easily <em>not</em> do so as well.


    Right. He nodded. What about a mana vampires ability to drain mana? Would its body parts retain that abilityyou know, if it didnt melt when you killed it?


    Professor Jules shook her head. No, actually: the gas that a mana vampire dissolves into has been harvested before, and it does show a major ability to absorb and store mana, but it on its own has no ability to drain mana. An item crafted with the express purpose of draining mana would benefit from the remains of a mana vampire, but the remains have other applications as well.


    Alright, alright. Alex spread his hands. Okay, so. Say I killed a demon.


    Please dont try it.


    Im <em>not</em> gonna try it, but say I did. Lets say I then decided I wanted to make a flesh golem.


    Right.


    And I took the demons flesh, rendered it down, and made a flesh golem out of the remains. What would happen? Would it be super chaotic and have its magical abilities from when it was alive?


    No. Professor shook her head. It would not express any of the magical abilities it showed when alive, unless one specifically built mana circuitry within to specifically reactivate and mimic those abilities. No, it would not suddenly remember its old life, and no, it would not be a full demon again just by using the material. Such happenings are the subject of bad stage ys and ghost stories that wizards tell other wizards. Demon scale, flesh and bone are valuable ingredients for a number of potions: even their inner chaos is absent unless one uses a catalyst that mimics the chaos of a demon soul. Such as chaos essence.


    Okay, then, that takes care of my curiosity. Thanks professor. Alex smiled.


    Its quite alright she paused, looking at him suspiciously.


    what is it? Alex asked, looking as innocent as The Mark made possible.


    Oh nothing, she chuckled. Its just that I have a feeling you will end up one of those wizards that wont be satisfied until you craft something truly horrifying one day.


    What? Me?


    Yes. You, naturally. Somehow I can imagine you in a smokey dungeon somewhere shouting its alive!, its alive! after building some sort of sphemous homunculus, she said.


    maybe in the future, he chuckled.


    Well, alchemists are supposed to craft horrifying things, so there is no judgement from me. As long as you do it correctly and as safely as possible, Mr. Roth, what you do with your gifts is your choice. That is the point of training wizards.


    Well, Ill try and make you proud, Prof, Alex said, remembering her masked figure riding around on her skeletal horse. And make something truly horrifying.


    Probably sooner than you might think, he mentally added.


    What she said about materials not sharing their old allegiances and magically destructive nature supported the mad scheme that he had in mind.


    If he finished his analysis on the dungeon core, and its properties proved to be proper, thenwith its simrity to chaos essencehe should be able to use some of it in fashioning his golem core.


    The idea of bashing The Raveners monsters with its own material thrilled him.


    Still, though.


    He frowned.


    There was one problem concerning the golem he hadnt quite solved yet: powering it. The initial activation of the golem coreif he really wanted this golem to be of high qualitywould need far more mana to start it than he was capable of providing himself, and if it didnt have enough from an outside source, then the golem core might suck the fire-gems dry in an effort to activate itself.


    It was a problem hed have to continue working on.


    For now, though, hed need to n out his next analysis session. Oh, and prepare for his other sses this semester.


    In the next little while, it would be time for his first second-year ss; MANA-2900: The Intermediary Teachings of Mana Maniption.

 Chapter 111: Direction and Redirection

    Chapter 111: Direction and Redirection


    Well met, Alex! Isolde smiled at him politely as he poked his head into the new ssroom.


    He gasped.


    If he thought Professor Jules ss had gotten smaller between first and second semester, then ValRoks had been <em>devastated</em> between first and second year.


    The size of the ss was maybe a third of the size of his first year ss. Alex had thought the lizard folk wizard had been joking when hed saidduring their very first ssthat only one out of every three students would be there by the end.


    Hed said something like those that want to be here will be here. Well, that was one way to look at it, Alex supposed.


    Sliding into the room he came up to Isolde as she pointed to the seat in front of her.


    Alex, have a seat here, she said. I would invite you to sit beside me, but I am saving those seats for two of my friends, unfortunately.


    Ah, no problem, he said. I like to be closer to the front anyway. He pointed to his eyes. If I sit too far back, Ill have to squint so much that Ill need spectacles as thick as Hobbs monocle by graduation time in a few years.


    Isolde raised an eyebrow as he took his seat. A few years, you say? Are you not going to apply to continue at the graduate level?


    Honestly, I havent really thought about it, Alex said, sitting so that he straddled the chair and was facing backwards. He folded his arms in front of him across the chair back.


    Truly? I would think that would be first on your priority. She leaned forward on her desk. Because the small auditorium was built on multiple levels, she was looking down at him. Have you truly not thought about it at all, or is this one of your jokes? With your performance, I thought you were purposefully striving for such a position as I am.


    He shrugged. Ive seen some of the grad students working for Jules and one working for ValRok, and it looks fun I gotta say.


    She scoffed. Looks fun, he says. My goodness, Alex, its not a position that one enters for fun. Graduate studies are fundamentally different from the undergraduate years.


    Oh? How so? Alex asked. Do you learn all the spell-tiers up to ninth? Thatd be some serious power.


    No, its not about that. She shook her head. Think of it this way. For the first four years of our education here, we are sponges: we absorb the knowledge taught to us like water flowing from a tap. At the graduate level, we be the tap: we create the water. Our experiments craft the knowledge that aid others. We contribute to the creation of new spells, alchemical forme and techniques. That skill will add to ones wizardry as we go on, and also can help guarantee appointment to courts and faculty around the world.


    Huh, well Ill think about it He looked around. If I get there. Did you have a big ss for mana maniption in first year?


    About three times this size. Why do you ask?


    He whistled. Well, if the second year ss is already whittled down <em>this</em> much, then maybe I shouldnt be betting too hard on guaranteed graduate studies.


    Oh, bah! she waved a hand dismissively. I think you neednt worry about that. If you are skilled enough to enter <em>this</em> difficult ss in your first year, then surely you are already on a path that should take you into graduate studies with no issues.


    Maybe, he said. Its superpetitive isnt it? Not sure if my force marks are going to help too much.


    In truth, Alexs final Mark for FORC-1550 was fairly highnot as high as Alexs regr standards and probably not high for someone like Isoldebut, he had done very well, all things considered. Unfortunately, fairly high likely wouldnt cut it.


    Graduate studies are hyperpetitive, arent they? Alex asked. With how important they are and all that. Youd have to be the best of the best of the best to get in.


    True, but high marks are only part of the process, she said. Since youe from so far a distance you are likely unaware of this, but connections can matter for an admissions process. There are a number of students enrolled within Generasi who would not have been able to gain entry based on the merit of pure academics.


    Alex thought of Derek, wondering if that was how the nobleman had gotten in. Though to be fair, he didnt know how Derek performed in his sses aside from potionsand that test in The Barrens for Baelins ss just before first semester began.


    Some enter Generasi based on connection to one of the faculty members. Some enter based mostly on the fact that members of their family are alumni, or that they were within the entourage of a former student. There is also the way of gaining entry by way of donation.


    Donation? Alex raised an eyebrow, looking over the fine ssroom with its magically maintained cleanliness and lecture hall furnishings. Why would Generasi be hurting for gold?


    Wizardry, as we know, is expensive: with the experiments run here, more material is always needed. And besides, often these donations are made not by way of coin, but by way of magical items, special materials, or even services performed, Isolde said. Even my grandfather has undertaken exploration for the university as a trade of favours. She sighed. It was his safety strategy for if I turned out to beless academically dedicated.


    Oh, Alex said. Well, I guess he didnt need to worry about that.


    No, such a worry was- She paused, shaking her head. We get off-topic. The point I was trying to make is that connections are even more valuable at the graduate level: a professor chooses graduates based on their academics, to be sure, but a graduate student is a colleague and an assistant to a professors work. Factors such as temperament, previous rtionship and knowledge of their work habits are key in such choices, as my grandfather informed me.


    Wait. He paused. So all that assisting Ive been doing with professor Jules-


    Is invaluable, Isolde said, finishing his sentence. I myself will be assisting one of Professor Ororos graduate students with their research into spells of storm calling, which will help me build connections with the department. Understand, Alex, the opportunity that you have, many students would cut offwell, at least theyd cut someone elses finger off for it. You should consider it.


    He shrugged. Well, ording to you, Im already on the right path for it, arent I? I just have to keep doing what Im doing then, and I can decideter.


    How cheeky andckadaisical, she huffed. I suppose it is your future though.


    Yeah, yeah it is, Alex said.


    Honestly, he hadnt thought much into the far future recently.


    It wasnt that he didnt want to go on to graduate studies or wanted to dismiss them or didnt take them seriously. It was just that there were so many other more immediate, pressing things on his mind. He still needed to work out that golem power source, he still needed to continue with his analysis of the dungeon cores remains, he still needed to figure out what was going on with Thamnds previous Fools and also try to contribute to getting rid of The Ravener. He also needed to continue helping his little sister, get through Rams second semester, perfect his defences, explore the Cleansing Movements more


    all in all, he had a lot to do. Graduate studies that were more than three years away seemed like such a distant thing at the moment. He hadnt even decided what he wanted to do as a full-fledged wizard. He supposed itd have to be something alchemy rted unless he found a way to permanently get rid of The Mark at some point.


    All in all: what came after graduation was far, far away and other things were of a more immediate concern.


    ValRoks first ss for the semester had a bit of a sinister tone at first. The cheery lizard man wizard made ament about losing more people who didnt want to be in the course anymore and the way he spoke about them was like theyd somehow met an unknown fate on the way to the school cafeteria.


    His revtions on what the ss was going to learn for the semester were anything but sinister, however. What sounded really exciting to Alex was a new, more advanced mana regeneration technique, and mana maniption with more advanced magical items.


    The ss after Val Roks was professor Rams.


    Alex was sure thatas hed walked inthe professor had given him a slightly distant disappointed look, all the while nodding, smiling and even catching up with his favourites.


    This semester will be a little different from thest, Ram said as the ss was finally seated. Last semester I taught you what are often termed the basic force spells. Spells for attack, utility and defence: the beginning for any aspiring force mage. We also spoke of what force truly is. However, this semester we will be going deeper into that. Any wizard can throw around force missiles, but the force specialist learns how to <em>direct</em>, <em>redirect</em> and <em>amplify</em>.


    He raised his force constructed arm and concentrated. The ss gasped as the arm transformed, growing and extending until it was a long, thin de of ck force. Several students gaped openly.


    Alex couldnt help but stare with envy.


    That was one of the coolest damned things hed ever seen, and he was about 120% sure that The Mark would <em>never, ever</em> let him make a force-constructed weapon.


    We will start out with spells that make force-constructed weapons, Ram said.


    Oh, you piece of shit, Alex thought, having nasty shbacks to his failure with force missile.


    But, Ram continued. They will not be for striking your enemies. At your level, making solid mana constructed weapons that canst through sh after sh with an enemy is not a good idea. You will start to get into that when we move to second-tier spells at the end of the semester. The spell we will be talking about is called: Protective Force Weapon.


    With a twitch of his brow, Ram conjured several ck swords to rotate around his body. Another twitch of an eyebrow created a ck force missile which manifested in front of him and shot out over the ss.


    The force missile arced through the air, turned around, and immediately shot back at Ram. The professor, his posture erect, stood with one arm behind his back as one of the force swords spun in midair and parried the force missile away, sending it shooting up and out of the open window where it dissipated.


    Alex found himself leaning over his desk in rapt attention during the entire disy.


    Force shield takes blows directly, while Protective Force Weapon deflects them. Note thatwhile thetter might seem superiorit requires far more mana, and force weapon constructs are broken far more easily than a force shield. Like so-


    With a single cut from his force arm construct, he shattered one of the weapons.


    The key to maximizing this and all other force spells is to <em>direct</em>, <em>redirect </em>and <em>amplify </em>in order to direct your force to the ce where it can have the greatest effect. So, take redirecting enemy force for example: te armour is sloped to deflect blows, but warriors are still taught to avoid the full brunt of weapon strikes by dodging and rolling with blows. That redirects force so that a warrior isnt just taking the full force of an enemys strike.


    He tapped his chest. That training is given to knights even though a good set of castle forged te armour can make one pretty much immune to most sword blows. One still needs to roll and defend. With <em>amplify</em>: the goal is to learn ways to create efficiency in your spell arrays, requiring less mana from you while empowering your spells with greater force. When we have refined what you have learned, then you will be ready to graduate to second level spells while sloughing off your bad habits.


    Alex twitched as he absorbed Rams words.


    Redirection of force and energy? That sounded familiar.


    The Cleansing Movements were built on that concept.


    His eyes narrowed. What if hebined those defensive movements with the extra protection of his force armour: he could redirect a lot more when he was in less danger of losing an arm to an iing blow in the process.


    There was also the deflection of spells like Ram had just demonstrated. He thought back to force shield. He was sure The Mark would be highly agitated at him for trying to conjure weapons made of forcewhether to defend himself or notbut if he could get his force shield to pivot and parry onmand, like the Protective Force Weapon spell, then his defences would be that much more efficient.


    Experimenting with that level of control over force shield might even give him an edge when it came to learning future force spells. Perhaps, there were things to love about Rams ss after all. Alex thought of the possibilities with cautious excitement.


    His thoughts turned to what hed be doing after ss.


    Sincest semester, hed been meeting up with Thundar sometimes after force ss to join his group in practicing the Cleansing Movements. Today, when they met up, he could startbining his force shield with the movements and see how things went.


    If things worked out, that would be a great way to up his protection.


    The next time for Baelin to lead them into The Barrens wasing soon. Andording to what the Chancellor had hinted at at the end ofst semester they were in for a big challenge.


    Maybe hed have some new force skills ready for it.

 Chapter 112: Beneath the Barrens

    Chapter 112: Beneath the Barrens


    Alex concentrated on moving his force shield in time with slow, force-directing motions of the Cleansing Movements.


    As he did, he kept some of his concentration on the movements and meditative practice, but split the rest of his mind to focus on his surroundings and where imaginary opponents might strike from. The force shield spell was a powerful defence in that it swivelled automatically toward iing attacks, but it was limited in that it blocked those attacks head on.


    If he could learn to angle it so thatinstead of simply protecting himit also moved in time with him, it could reinforce the motions he was practicing to block and redirect.


    The tricky part would be modifying the spell array so that the shield didnt automatically interpose itself directly between him and opponents, but could also pivot in midair and slope itself ording to his will.


    That couldeter, though: for now, he could simply focus on bringing the shield inline with his movements. The rest of the group had given him curious looks at first, but they quickly returned their focus to their own practice.


    One of the philosophies of the group was non-judgement while in session, and so, Alex could continue to try different things as long as he didnt disturb the others. That was the reason he had picked a spot at the back, to not be a distraction to the others. He could almost <em>feel</em> Thundar vibrating as the minotaur fought the urge to say something, though.


    As the ss ended, Thundar lost the battle.


    What in hell are you doing, Alex? the minotaur asked. I thought you were gonna clobber me with your spell.


    Just trying to get better at the motions, Alex said, dismissing his force shield and conjuring a forceball to carry his bags. Ram said something about redirecting force magic, so Im justbining the Cleansing Movements with spellcasting. Im hoping that itll help.


    Well, its helping me nearly get a concussion, Thundar said, pausing as the group leader left the clearing in a hurry. His eyes followed her tails for a moment before returning to Alex, who was now grinning.


    Not a word, the minotaur warned in a tone that made it very clear what would happen to Alex if he even snickered.


    For once, Alex kept his mouth shut. You think Khaliks out of ss by now? he asked. I could use some food.


    Probably, lets go find him, Thundar said. It might be one of ourst meals.


    The two of them went through the botanical gardens together, passing a patrol of Watchers. The demon summoning culprit was still atrge, and if there were any signs ofing closer to catching them, then the administration wasnt saying a word.


    In some ways, campus had calmed again. The first day back from break had been fairly tense, as many anticipated another attacking at any time. As the days went on, though, the wizards on Generasis campus slowly grew morefortable as the incident continued to grow more distant.


    After all, it wasnt the first time that a renegade demon had attacked the campus.


    It likely wouldnt be thest, either, even after the conjuring culprit was caught.


    You that worried about Baelins ss? Alex asked his friend.


    A little, Thundar said. Thatst trip into The Barrens was realeasy. Makes me nervous now, like if the other hoof is about to drop on us.


    Baelins there to keep us safe, and we have his protective spells, Alex said, though he was starting to feel nervous about the next ss too. Baelin had promised a challenge, and Alexs powerful imagination was already conjuring up all kinds of horrors that they might face.


    Yeah, I know, Thundar said. Just cant help feeling that things are gonna be tough. I just hope we get to group up with who we want. Would love it if we had the cabal together,plete with entourage members. And if we could get Grimloch in there, thatd be great.


    Ideal scenario, Alex agreed. Unfortunately, ideal scenarios dont often happen in li-


    <em>Crnch.</em>


    Both he and the minotaur paused. Something had moved in the nearby brush, and the two young wizards nced at each other before swinging around so they were back to back. They eyed the thick, wild-looking area of the garden they were in.


    Plenty of cover around.


    Alex remembered their encounter with the dryads and what they had said about the mana vampire and that other creature that had killed two of them. He bit the inside of this cheek, just in case a sudden wave of drowsiness came over him.


    You smell anything? Alex whispered, ncing over his shoulder.


    Lot of things: flowers, herbs, funguses. It feels like Im in a perfume shop in here. Cant smell anything else, Thundar grunted.


    The two wizards waited for maybe thirty heartbeats before finally beginning to rx.


    Ugh, were getting jumpier than an old cat in an alley full of dogs, Thundar grunted.


    Hey, Alex said. Remember that first time we did the Cleansing Movements together? Didnt we hear a strange sound around this part of the path then too?


    Thundar squinted. You know, I think youre right. We did, didnt we? He eyed the bushes with suspicion. Probably just an animal. Some little beast or something. Maybe somethings made its little den around here.


    Yeah, maybe, Alex said. Lets just get the hell out of here. I feel like one of those guys that always dies first in the bards horror stories-


    He mimed putting on a dumb expression.


    Duuuh, what was that noise? We should go investigate.


    Thundar snorted inughter. Yeah, but the guys in those stories are usually rich nobles at their summer cottages with a belly full of wine, and their heads full of lust. Were wizards trained inbat. Wed probablyst longer.


    Unless its a mana vampire, Alex pointed out.


    Yeah, then maybe the drunk nobled have a better time than us, Thundar said. You know what? Youre right, this ce is creeping me out, lets keep moving.


    Alex followed the minotaurs long strides as his hooves cked across the cobblestones. They didnt speak until they were out of the botanical gardens.


    They mightve been imagining it, but it felt like theyd avoided the heart of danger.


    Sometimes, one cannot avoid the heart of danger, Baelin said from in front of the ss.


    Thundar and Alex gave each other long looks at his statement.


    By that I mean not only is it impossible at certain times to flee from danger, but I also mean that sometimes terrain prevents us from making full use of our mobility, our allies, and even sometimes resources such asrger, more powerfulpanions.


    His eyes fell to Grimloch, who paused mid-bite. The shark man had arrived with Nua-Oge, finishing his lunch that looked to be an entire roasted deer haunch.


    When one enters the dark ces of the world, this will involve entering tunnels, caves and other spaces where ones ability to move is constrained. It cuts down on options of attack and escape.


    I am told that we have a member of the Delvers Guild in attendance, Baelin said, ncing about. Might they identify themselves.


    Alex looked surprised when one of Isoldes entourage raised his meaty hand.


    Hogarth of Stokham, he said. I was a member of the Delvers Guild before I joined the service of the von Anmut family.


    I see, then we are privileged to have a veteran within our ranks, Baelin gestured to the squat, powerfully built man. Would you be kind enough to do the ss a favour and enlighten us as to what the Delvers Guild does?


    Professional Danger Spelunkers is what we call ourselves, Hogarth said. Theres a lot of dark ces beneath the dearth: old ruins, abandoned monster dens, pathways into the deep, leftovers from lost wizards and civilizations. People want these explored, cleared out and made safe. At the same time, other people want to raid these ces for lost treasure, information, monster parts and a lot of other things.


    Alex listened closely, ncing at Theresa, who nced back.


    Hed remembered the tattered remains of the human hand Brutus had found in the cave mouth of The Traveller. The index finger had been wrapped by a in iron ring with a symbol of two crossed pick-axes.


    Hed heard of the Delvers Guild but hadnt known much about them before.


    We also delve into wastnds, bordends and dangerous wildernesses, Hogarth continued. We work with the Cartographers Guilds as well for protection and joint mapmaking. Sometimes, we help as escorts for wizards looking for ingredients and so on. Sometimes, we also just explore for the sake of it.


    Right, and do you often work with wizards? Baelin asked, though from his tone it was clear he knew the answer.


    We recruit wizards into the guild, but Ive never heard of one from the guild who was educated at a big ce like this. Most of our wizard guild members are self-taught and the like, Hogarth said. But like I said, we do get hired to escort wizards into ces like ruins and caverns.


    Exactly, Baelin said. Thats the answer I was looking for. He turned to the rest of the ss. Ofteneven if you are in a peaceful time in your wizardry careeryou may need to seek out an ingredient, explore a ruin for a piece of forgotten lore, or simply be hired by some city official looking for someone knowledgeable and capable to delve into a local cavern for purposes of their own.


    He looked upon all of them. And the deep ces of the world can be unforgiving ces. Rayne, one of your favourite spells is the spell of flight, I do believe.


    Uh, yes, Rayne said nervously. But its not much help in a cave, right?


    No it is not, Baelin said. Being able to float above a floor that might be trapped or maneuver within a three-dimensional space can help to a certain degree, but ones options are definitely limited underground. Spells that use great amounts of fire are also dangerous, as they can burn away the air in an enclosed space, potentially suffocating you.


    Alex winced, remembering the Goddess Statues in the temple of The Traveller. They would have been much deadlier if that portal hadnt been open in the room, providing the space with more air from wherever that blue sky was.


    Maybe thats why that stable portal had been left there in the first ce: to continue to pump air into theplex even if the fire-gems burned away all the air sting intruders. It wouldnt do, he thought, for the fire-gems to destroy intruders just to leave the cave empty of air for its owner to breathe when she returned to it.


    He noticed Rhea and Shiani look at each other: the two often used fire spells.


    My point being, that a delve into an undergroundplex is something you will likely engage in at least once in your lives-


    Alex fought to keep a straight face.


    -and tactical experience in such ces will be invaluable. That is why ourst lesson focused on the dwarven war manuals on tunnel fighting. In The Barrens, there are a few ancientplexes,byrinths and ruins spread throughout the stedndscapes: leftovers from fallen empires or ancient wizards, now left to gather dust. Today, we will be visiting a ce colloquially known around Generasi as: The Bone Tunnels. It was a massive underground sanctum owned by a wizard when The Barrens were still fertile. So, within, the opponents you will expect to find are undead: skeletons of creatures that die near theplex are reanimated by its residual protective magics and be guardians of the ce. You can also expect haunts: ectosmic echoes of fallen spirits. Not quite ghosts, they are simply clots of memory left behind by those that fell while in danger.


    He raised his hand above him. The average ceiling in thisplex is merely eight feet high. And can go as low as six feet in some parts. Thundar and Grimloch, you might have trouble in these areas. The pair looked at each other and nodded.


    These are my instructions for this challenge. You will be split into four groups and sent through thebyrinth from four separate entrances. Your task will be to navigate your way to four different teleportation circles I have left within thebyrinth. I expect you to navigate your way through theplex, avoiding its mechanical traps and either defeat, or escape from any undead creatures that you might encounter within.


    Alex gulped and exchanged a look with Theresa, who nodded at him and ced a hand on one of Brutus heads. Their previous time spelunking was terrifying and had introduced them to horrors theyd never known before.


    Then again, they were a lot tougher now. Theresa had been engaging in life enforcement and learning from the Watchers of Roal.


    Alex was stronger, faster, more knowledgeable and had far more magical power. They could do this.


    They could handle a few skeletons.


    Hopefully, theyd end up together.


    The whole cabal acting as one would be perfect.


    When you materialize at the entrances, Baelin said. Look at the spell-marks left by my spell. I have modified them to react, gradually turning red the farther you go away from my teleportation circles, and turning green the closer you get to them. This will help you to avoid bing too lost. And with that?


    He waved his hand.


    Happy delving.


    Alex felt the teleportation magice over him.


    The world shimmered around him as he appeared in The Barrens before his unknown group members.


    He waited for a bit, looking around his surroundings before three figures shimmered in the air and appeared in front of him.


    First was the skinny figure of Rayne, blinking rapidly in the heat and dust of The Barrens. Next was the towering form of Thundar, who grinned when he saw Alex.


    Alex looked at thest shimmering figure, hoping for Theresa, Khalik or Isolde.


    The shimmering crystallized and thest figure appeared: a massive, three headed dog sniffing the air and looking around for his master.


    Alex looked in surprise at Brutus.


    H-huh, was all he could say.

 Chapter 113: The Skeletal Ruins

    Chapter 113: The Skeletal Ruins


    Brutus whined, turning around in ce as he looked for his master.


    Im sorry, boy, Alex said, approaching the big canine and gingerly reaching out to pat one of his heads. The head nced at Alex for a moment, but didnt move away as he touched it. Brutus kept whining, still looking for Theresa with the other two heads while allowing Alex to pet him: something he would not have tolerated at the start of their journey.


    It was a good thing that their rtionship had improved, especially now that Theresa wasnt with them. Alex knew that as anxious as Brutus was about Theresa, she must have been equally as worried and anxious about him and which group hed ended up in. Alex kept his hand on Brutus head, thinking that hed do his best to make sure that the two of them were back together soon.


    Atta boy pup, well get you back to your mommy soon, Thundar grunted, then looked to Rayne. Hello, Rayne.


    E-er hello, Rayne responded nervously, eyeing the massive minotaur and the strongly built young wizard. Pleasure to work with you.


    Yeah, you too, Alex said, ncing down at his spell-mark.


    It was bright redindicating that they were very far from the teleportation circle they were supposed to reach. Considering that they werent even in the undergroundplex yet, that made sense.


    Alrighty, Alex said. No use wasting time.


    He turned, still petting the anxious, whining cerberus. Ive been in caves once or twice before, but I dont have a lot of experience with them. Do either of you?


    My cousins and I once had to clear out a nest of Lurchers near our home, and they were in a cave, Thundar said. But that was a big tunnelmaybe twelve feet highand it was just a straight shot from the mouth of the cave to their den. What about you, Rayne? Any experience?


    Ah, Rayne cleared his throat. My father was hired by the Delvers Guild on a couple of asions to clear caverns of monsters, but Ive never been deep in a cave, just in small grottos to collect mushrooms. And uh He paused. my father never talked about those jobs.


    Silence hung over the group for a moment.


    Right, so none of us have that much experience, the minotaur said. Guess its tactics straight out of ss then. What should our marching order be?


    Alex eyed the group carefully. Do you know a lot of attack spells, Rayne? Anything that isnt fire so we dont burn up our air and die in the dirt, all blue in the face and clutching our throats?


    Both of hispanions stared at him for a moment, before Thundar shook his head. Just ignore him, Rayne, hes always like this.


    I know some attack spells, Rayne said after another nervous silence. Mana bolts, force missiles and acid arrows.


    Oof, acid arrow, now theres a nasty spell, Thundar grunted.


    Sounds like it, Alex agreed. And Thundar, you know some ranged spells from your battle magic ss, right?


    Yep, he said, then drew his mace. Plus I got old reliable here. He nced at the skinny Rayne. Howfortable are you with getting in a melee?


    Er, Ive never held anything deadlier than an axe that I chopped wood with, the young man quickly said.


    Right, right, Alex said, considering their options. Okay, heres what I think. Brutus can go in front, and Ill be right behind him. Hes got the best senses of any of us: I trust your nose, Thundar, but hes got three of them. Rayne can go behind me and st stuff thatsing at or behind us. Thundar, you can take up the rear. Who can cast lesser force armour and force shield?


    Both wizards raised their hands.


    Perfect, Alex said. I can cast both on myself and Brutus. That way, the whole partyll be protected. Sound good?


    Sounds good to me. Thundar said. Anyone know anything about the undead?


    My father kept a journal about all kinds of monsters he fought when he used to travel for some of hismissions. He cant really do that kind of work anymore, so he gave it to me before I left for school. Rayne said, pulling a notebook from his bag. I might be able to identify some of what wee across.


    Hopefully, we wont being across too much, Thundar grunted. What about light? I can see in the dark, but-


    Theres my forceball, Alex said. I can use it to scout ahead too.


    And I can cast a light spell onto an object, Rayne added. It will make it glow.


    Right, then, Thundar grunted. Lets get this moving skeleton-feast started.


    Rayne gasped.


    The minotaur looked at him. Its just an expression.


    Really? And you talk about me? Alex said. Where do they say this expression?


    Here. In The Barrens. A hot trend started by Thundar, son of Gulbiff.


    Alex rolled his eyes. Just ignore him, Rayne, hes always like this.


    Hey! Thundar grunted. Dont use my own words against me!


    Vengeance is mine, so says me, Alex said before turning back to Brutus. Alright Brutus, lets try to get back to Theresa fast. He smiled, petting the big cerberus. Well find her together, okay? Let me just cast some spells on you before we start.


    Rayne cocked his head. Does he understand you?


    Thundar snorted. That big dog knows a lot more than he lets on.


    Brutus looked at Thundar almost as if he were saying, Yeah, youre right.


    He gave a short bark, but did nothing else as Alex began to cast his magic. The cerberus watched in curiosity as a red glowing shield manifested in front of him. He tried nipping at it a couple of times before he grew used to it. He also nipped at the lesser force armour that formed around him until it turned invisible. Alex then cast his protective spells over himself and manifested his forceball and Wizards Hand. Thundar and Rayne also cast their own protective shields.


    The group looked at each other, exchanged silent nods and turned toward the entrance.


    The entrance to the undergroundplex loomed out of the dusty in ahead of them. It looked like a squat, square building made of sun-baked stone; its entrance was a ck doorway that was at least twelve feet tall. nking the passage were two statues carved of orange, dust-sted rock.


    The statues looked like humanoid skeletons, and each clutched stone scythes that were upside down so that the des curved by their feet. The sculptures were so life-likeor death-like, he supposedthat Alex almost expected, that just like the statues within The Cave of the Traveller: they woulde alive to attack them at any moment.


    The little party approached the entrance cautiously, but neither statue moved as they crept through the gateway. Alex swore that their dark, empty eye holes watched them, though.


    They descended an ancient staircase into the dark. The light from The Barrens zing sun slowly faded behind them, and soon the only light that they had wasing from the crimson glow of their force spells, and a white light that Rayne had cast onto an ordinary wand carved of willow wood that he kept in his bag for the purpose.


    As they reached the bottom of the stairs, they saw a massive entrance hall looming ahead. It was almost like a church in itsyout, with soaring ceilings and broken stone benches all facing a raised dais on the far end of the chamber. Rising above the raised tformand built into the back wallwas another massive statue of a skeleton, maybe twice as tall as Grimloch. This statue was carved to look like it was wearing robes made out of stone, with skeletal wings spreading behind it that filled the back wall.


    Well thats a grim god, Thundar said.


    Or deity, Rayne said. Since its a skeleton, we cant really say if its supposed to be a male, female, or something else.


    Well, whatever it is, I dont want to meet its worshippers.


    Alexs mana senses began to tingle as they approached the opposite end of the room. Another passage opened on their left, revealing another stairway going further down into the deep.


    A dark magic emanated from the tunnel.


    It wasnt as thick as The Travellers mana had been in her sanctum, but it still felt like a great power wasing from somewhere deep in the earth.


    He told hispanions what he felt.


    Yeah, Im starting to feel something too, Thundar said.


    Rayne shrugged, but Brutus heads were pointing toward the deep passage, as rumbling growls came from all three throats.


    Well, looks like theres only one way down anyway, Thundar grunted, thumbing the haft of his mace. Might as well keep going.


    The ceiling of this passage rose only about eight feet above their heads, causing Thundar to bend his neck to keep the points of his horns from scraping the stone.


    They soon found that the tunnel led into a maze. At the bottom of the staircasey a crossroads of several passages, all leading further into the darkness. At the corners<strong></strong>of the crossroads, there were carvings of more stone skeletons that appeared to be watching the wizards.


    Alex was starting to see a pattern in the architecture of the ce. He wondered what Selina would have thought of it. Rayne swallowed, watching as Alex scouted down each passage using the red light of his forceball. The second year student nced at Thundar. Hey, um, arent minotaurs good in mazes? You all dont ever get lost, right?


    Thundar snorted, rolling his eyes. Thats fairy tales: it came from that old bards story about the first minotaur being some monster created to guard abyrinth. Which ispletely made up.


    Oh, Im sorry, Rayne quickly apologized.


    Dont worry about it, Thundar said. More focused on trying to find the right way to go right now. Any guesses, Alex?


    Alex swore under his breath. Only thing I can tell is that there arent any deadends within like thirty feet of us. He nced down at his spell-mark. I guess the only way to figure out which way to go is to pick a path and watch our spell-marks.


    Couldnt give us a map this time, could you, Chancellor? Thundar grunted.


    Rayne winced. He likely can hear us through the spells-marks.


    I know.


    It quickly became clear that the marks would be invaluable to their sess: they picked the wrong tunnel twice at that first crossroad, and had to double back, finally picking the right one by watching the changing colours of their spell-marks.


    As they went deeper, Alex watched Brutus carefully. The cerberus kept sniffing the air, padding forward cautiously and now and then, looking back to check that the three wizards were still behind him. Each time, he paused and whined a little.


    It was like he was reminded that Theresa wasnt around every time he looked back, as he continually sniffed the air.


    Dont worry, boy, Alex said. Were going to find her soon, he promised.


    It was shortly afterforting Brutus that the first attack came.


    It came without warning.


    The group was walking along a tunnel lined with empty stone torch holders carved into the wall. The tunnel had curved, reducing how far ahead and how far behind they could see.


    Thundar didnt hear them until it was toote, Brutus didnt smell them, and before the light of Alexs forceball had reached them, they came charging around the corner from up ahead.


    Rayne cried in rm, but months of COMB-1000 had hardened the young wizards; they sprang into action as soon as they saw the horrors approaching.


    A horde of bone-creatures came rushing around the bend.


    They were muupkarasat least eight of themor they <em>had </em>been muupkaras at one time. Their flesh had long rotted away, leaving only sun-bleached skeletons. The creatures rushed them with eerie cks of bone on stone as their skeletal feet skittered across the tunnel floor. They moved with horrifying speed; perhaps two or three times as fast as living Muupkaras.


    The little creatures bottom jaws unhinged, extending and widening until they spread far enough to chomp off a body part. The sucking part in their mouths had rotted away in death, leaving only the hard bones of their skeletons. But, even though it looked like they could no longer suck flesh from the bones of their prey, Alex had no doubt that their bites would be as deadly as their suckers had been.


    st em! Thundar roared and he and Rayne started firing glowing mana bolts into the mass of skeletons.


    <em>Crack! Crack!</em>


    Their bones were thick and hardened like petrified wood, but the young wizards spells were powerful enough to knock the attackers from their feet and crack bones if they hit at the right angle.


    Animated Skeletons! Rayne shouted, remembering his fathers notes. Theyre fast, but theyre only bones: they''re light and wont weigh more than a fourteenth of what they weighed when they were alive!


    Good to know! Alex said, eyeing their assants.


    Muupkaras were already small: if these skeletons weighed so much less than they did in life, then that meant


    He shot Wizards Hand forward and started pulling the creatures off bnce. They fell like dried twigs. Alex could use this. He willed Wizards Hand to grab one at the front of the troop by its arm and rise into the air. The skeleton struggled in his magical grasp, but it was so light that his enhanced spell could lift it off the ground unhindered.


    As the creature tried to grasp and w at the spell, he dropped it, letting the struggling monstrosity fall into the path of the undead troop, sending them colliding with the falling skeleton. Several fell, but two of the more agile creatures jumped over the pile and leapt for the young wizards.


    Brutus met them with bared teeth.


    The skeletons were quick, but Brutus was quick too and he had three sets of bone crushing jaws to catch them with.


    They snapped shut over two of the monsters.


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    Bones snapped in his mouths as he grabbed animated skeletal limbs. As each bone shattered, a dark, ominous mana rose from where the marrow would have been deep within living bones. The skeletons movements grew weaker as the mana dissipated.


    Their animating force is in their bones! Rayne shouted, taking cover behind Thundar to quickly consult his notebook.


    Then we break em up! Thundar shouted.


    And break them down! Alex finished.


    Skeletons threw themselves at Brutus, but their bony jaws bounced off either the force shield or invisible lesser force armour.


    <em>Crunch! Crunch!</em>


    Brutus grabbed and savaged another one, his jaws crushing its hardened bones while Alexs Wizards Hand lifted skeletons from the back of the troop and dropped them into the cerberus waiting jaws.


    The battle was going in their favour.


    Until Thundar cried out.


    Oh shit! Look out! He spun around. Theyre moreing from the back! The tunnel behind is full of em!


    Alex nced backward to see more skeletons rushing down the hall behind them and toward Thundar.


    Rayne paled. They nked us! Were trapped!

 Chapter 114: Names Left Behind

    Chapter 114: Names Left Behind


    Shit! Rayne, help Thundar! Alex cried. st them! Thundar, hold the line, Ill help Brutus!


    Ive got this! the minotaur roared, raising his mace.


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    The sound of metal crushing bone filled the tunnel behind them as Thundar mmed his mace into one of the creatures. Alex cursed. Thundar was big enough to fill most of the narrow tunnel, and Alex couldnt really see how many were behind them; not without pausing to try and crane his neck around the minotaurs bulk. And the skeletons in front were not about to give him time for that.


    As Rayne wheeled around and started sting magical bolts<strong></strong>behind them, Alex turned back to the troop of undead in front.


    He cursed again.


    More skeletons came surging from ahead to reinforce their fallen troop mates. He eyed the narrow tunnel. There was an opportunity there.


    Gritting his teeth, he drove both his forceball and Wizards Hand among skeletons. He willed Wizards Hand to curl into a massive fist of force magic. Desperate times called for desperate measures, and with so many assants filling the tunneleven if The Mark interfered with his aimitd be impossible for him to <em>miss</em>them in such close quarters.


    Growling as The Mark began to flood his mind with failures, he grit his teeth and blindly swung the ball and fist hard into the skeletal horde.


    <em>tter! tter! Crunch!</em>


    He was rewarded with sounds of scattering and crunching bone as his force spells swept through them. His will guided both spells to stay well in front of Brutus and he used every meditation technique hed ever practiced to fight to keep his mind focused through The Marks screaming. And it was screaming loud and clear.


    Alex dropped to his knees, mentally pushing against The Mark while pushing his will into his spells. He squeezed his eyes shut and his mind was pounded with failure after failure, but his breath came slow and loud.


    Soon, the sounds of ttering bone eased from the front and he raised both spells into the air. He took deep breaths as his vision cleared of The Marks onught.


    Between his desperate efforts and Brutus savagery, the undead attackers from the front were decimated. Only two muupkara skeletons remained in motion, one was between the teeth of one of Brutus mouths. The other wastched onto the cerberus body, trying to bite into his flesh with its massive, unhinged jaws, but it was failing against both the force armour and his tough hide.


    Growling, Alex shot Wizards Hand over and dragged the creature off, holding it down while Brutus lunged on it and snapped its jaws with two sets of <em>his </em>jaws.


    As the cerberus worked to finish it off, Alex immediately whirled around to see what was going on behind them. His breath caught.


    The skeletons were all over Thundar, swarming him like ants.


    While Brutus, like the minotaur, had a lot of mass, he was on all fours and had three sets of jaws to fight with. Thundaron the other handwas tall, had very little room to maneuver, and only had his mace to smash their adversaries with. The number of broken bones in front of his hooves showed that hed hit them hard, but he was now struggling to throw them off as they climbed up his legs and pounced on him.


    He was bleeding, but the force armour and force shield were keeping the oing horde frompletely overwhelming him.


    Rayne curved his magic bolts around the minotaur, striking the onrushing skeletons and sting them apart.


    Alex joined him. He willed Wizards Hand to start pulling skeletons off of Thundar while he shot his forceball into the space between the minotaurs legs. He hovered it between the skeletons and his friend, trying to block them as much as he could.


    Here you go! he shouted, pulling the skeletons down to the minotaurs feet.


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    Thundars hooves smashed down, crushing skeletons and sending the ominous mana from their shattered bones spraying through the air. As more were eliminated, the minotaur had more room to maneuver and soon his mace was smashing one after the other. Alex and Rayne kept up their attacks, blocking, sting, or shoving them aside, and Thundar was finally able to reallyy into them. The air filled with the snapping of dry bones, crackle of magic bolts, rattle of skeletons tossed by Wizards Hand, and the crunching of muupkara bones between Brutus jaws.


    By the time it was all done, the minotaur was panting with effort, Rayne was gaspingtrying to calm himselfand Alex was leaning against a wall, trying to fight off a Mark-induced splitting headache.


    At least the skeletonsy dead, though.


    Welldead again.


    Or double dead.


    Destroyed, Alex finally settled on.


    That, Thundar panted. That was close. Damned close. I thought Baelins spell was going to activate at any second, or that one of them would bite my head off before the spell got the chance.


    Alex froze, imagining something happening that just killed them instantly before the spell could activate.


    He shuddered, suddenly very thankful for all the practice hed put in to adapt tobat situations, and for the fact that he was surrounded by goodpanions. He hoped Theresa, Khalik and Isolde were okay.


    Then he thought about Grimloch.


    Thundar was having trouble maneuvering properly and he was <em>half</em> Grimlochs bulk. How <em>would</em> the seemingly invincible shark man do against a swarm of the little monsters without room to position, dodge, strike or grab and shove them into his mouth?


    He had to put the thought out of his mind, for now.


    Hopefully, one of them ended up with Eyvinder: the green elf-like beings natural earth magic would be very useful in a ce like this.


    Youre bleeding. How bad are you hurt? Alex asked Thundar.


    Scratches mostly, Thundar grunted, touching some of his matted fur. The shield took a bunch of the attacks, and the force armour took a lot of the rest.


    He grunted and snorted in disgust. If wede here at the beginning of school theres no way Id have made it: not without the spells Ive learned and what Ive learned from Baelin and all of you.


    Were safe for now, at least, Rayne dug into his bag and offered Thundar a small earthenware bottle, it was stoppered with a cork. Here: its not a healing potion, but its a herbal tonic that will stop bleeding, dull pain and help wounds heal faster. The recipes my fathers.


    Thank you kindly. Thundar took the bottle and threw it back. Ugh, tastes kinda foul, like rotten oranges!


    Rayne smiled weakly. He never <em>could</em> do anything about the taste.


    If it does what you said it will, then I can live with the taste.


    While they recovered, Alex examined Brutus and found that the cerberus didnt have a single wound. Alex was thankful for that tough hide and force spells, but he still petted and rubbed the spot where the skeleton had bitten him. Using The Mark, he stroked his fur gently, again using memories of all the times hed pet Brutus and other animals.


    The cerberus whined and nuzzled into Alexs hand.


    Goood boy. Best boy, even. Better than all the other boys, he said. Alright, lets move on before more show up and corner us again.


    The group started down the tunnel once more, heading deeper into theplex.


    As they went further, they began to get an idea of what the area might have been used for before it became their of the undead. In between the tunnels and crossroads, wererger chambers with stone weapon-racks built into the walls.


    Guard-posts, you think? Thundar guessed as he eyed one of the racks. No weapons remained within. Maybe the whole top part of this ce is built like a maze to make things tough for invaders. Armies would have a hell of a time trying to move around in here.


    Yeah, you might be right, Alex said.


    He imagined an invading armying through the entrance above, then having to split their forces among the maze of confusing tunnels. If they had superior numberspared to the defenders, the tight quarters would make that meaningless and theyd end up being funnelled right into waiting guard posts. It was typical fortress and tunnel-fighting tactics right out of the dwarven fighting manuals.


    Dwarves were from the far north, though, as far as he knew. He wasnt sure who or what this ce had belonged to when it was still popted. Hopefully, Baelin would say.


    Itd be lonely work, Rayne said, as they peered into a side-room off of one of the chambers that looked like it might have been a small barracks for housing troops or guards. Brutus sniffed at the stone beds and dried, straw mattresses and began sneezing. Clouds of dust rose in the air. The ce was almost as dry as aboveground, but thankfully, cooler.


    Imagine it, Rayne continued. Keeping watch and staying underground all day and night in the dark, waiting for something to invade.


    Oh nooooo thank you. None of that for me, Alex said as he imagined it. He nced at the spell-mark on his hand. It was turning greener and greener as they advanced. It looked like they were getting closer to the teleportation circle, and he couldnt have been happier. The darkness, low ceilings, ominous silence and constant threat of skeletons, had him on edge. And whatever it was they were guarding, the only thing left down here now is bones-


    He paused.


    Well, would you look at that.


    He brought his forceball toward one of the beds.


    Carved into its side were different sets of graffiti, all in different hands and all running down the line of the stone. He couldnt recognize the glyphs on the far left, nor the next few sets of letters written closer to the middle, but those on the right were carved in themon tongue.


    Each was a name carved in a different hand, with COMB-1000 and the year written beneath each name, leading all the way up tost year.


    Well would ya look at that is right! Thundar said. Looks like weve got ourselves a tradition.


    Rayne swallowed. You dont think that carving our names there would anger whatever rules this ce even more, do you?


    Well, theyre <em>already</em> trying to kill us, so what else could they throw at us? Alex said. And besides, whore we to go against tradition? he said, pulling out a sharp knife.


    Rayne outright refused, but Alex and Thundar carved their names, the year, and COMB-1000 into the side of the stone bed before departing the chamber. Brutus paused, giving the barracks one final sniff and a long look before padding in front of them back into the guard post and the tunnel beyond.


    Two hallwayster, they were attacked by more skeletons.


    Theyre after us for despoiling their tomb! Rayne cried as they were swarmed from both front and back.


    Oh, thats bullshit! Thundar shouted. Theyre just attacking us like before!


    Theyre leaving me alone! Rayne insisted as though he were submitting irrefutable evidence. Theyre just focusing on you!


    Thats because youre in the middle! Alex shouted, as he threw around skeletons with Wizards Hand to make things easier on Brutus. They cant reach you!


    He told himself that it was only his imagination that the muupkaras seemed to be trying to crawl past Brutus to get to him.


    Only his imagination, he assured himself.


    Everyone okay? he asked as he checked over Brutus once the skeletons had been smashed.


    Yeah, Thundar growled, picking bone-bits out of his fur. Now that I was expecting theyde from behind, it was easier. Hey, Rayne, thanks for the support.


    Its nothing, Rayne said, squinting at the bones. He flipped through his book and closed it back. Strange. Usually animated skeletons are created by necromancers. Sometimes they rise on their own, but more often theyre created as tools and arent naturally urring.


    Alex scratched his head as he looked at the shattered muupkara skeletons. He imagined it would be simr to finding a golem in the wild. He supposed it would be possible to find a golem that had escaped its master, developed its own will or was fulfilling some long-ranging instruction, but it would still be a rare thing.


    Yeah, it is kind of strange, he murmured.


    You dont think Baelin made them, do you? Maybe he put them together just to challenge us, Thundar suggested.


    I dont know if thats his sty- Alex paused, thinking about how Baelin had kept the skulls of his enemies sitting on a shelf in his office. Okay, so maybe it would be exactly his style. It might beitd be kind of a relief, actually: if they were his, theyd probably stop attacking us if one of us got really hurt.


    He squinted down the passage, feeling the ominous mana that filled the ce. The further they went into this undergroundplex, the thicker the air was with it. He wasnt exactly sensitive enough to tell individual wizards mana apartyetbut he could say that, like The Travellers mana, this mana was very distinctive.


    Baelins mana didnt feel like this.


    All that mana in the air? Its the same as the stuff thatsing out of the bones when we break them. Why would the chancellor fill this ce with creepy-ass mana if he was just making some skeletons for us to fight? Somethings off. Besides, I dont think things he made himself would be challenging enough for him. Look at all the other practicalbat tests in our ss: theyre all against real monsters looking to hurt us.


    Y-yeah, thats true, Rayne said nervously. Whats even stranger is why would so many muupkara skeletons be down here anyway? What reason would they have foring down here to explore this dusty, empty tomb. Theres no food or anything.


    Maybe theres some kind of calling effect. Thundar crouched down, examining the bones even as Brutus chewed some apart, spitting them out when he found no marrow within them to eat. We learned in first year illusions that not all illusions are some kind of image or sound to trick you. Some illusions are smells, some are abination of senses and some are kind of just a feelingits an illusion that <em>something</em> is calling to you or telling you to go away. Maybe its something that lures monsters from The Barrens to keep turning them into skeletons.


    Hm? It? Rayne asked. What do you think it is?


    Thundar shrugged. Theplex or whatever controls it? Who knows.


    Alex nced down to his spell-mark. Well, lets keep going and hope we dont have to find out. Our spell-marks are getting pretty green. Maybe well be out of here soon.


    Yeah, without running into any of those mechanical traps Baelin talked about back in ss. The minotaur stood up.


    Alex gave him a long look. I swear to Uldar, if you jinx us and we fall into some trap, then Im going to hate you.


    They continued down the path, feeling tenser. Their spell-marks were glowing greener but they proceeded cautiously. No more skeletons appeared.


    Brutus was padding up ahead.


    And then


    <em>Click.</em>


    The cerberus stepped on a hidden pressure te.


    The ground opened beneath them.


    The stones in the entire section of hall they were in suddenly tilted down, exposing a steep slide that shot into the downward. Brutus yelped, his paws scrabbling on the stone as he disappeared down the slide.


    Rayne spat out a quick incantation, which activated his spell of flight, saving him from the fall.


    Alex screamed, barely managing to grab his nearby Wizards Hand and a bit of stone protruding from the left hand wall.


    His fingers strained and his legs dangled; leaving him hanging from the edge of the underground cliff.


    Brutus! he cried after the disappeared cerberus.


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    His mind raced, trying to think of a safe way to go after Brutu-


    <em>Scrrrrr</em>.


    The sound of hooves, screaming, and a heavy body sliding on stone came from above him. He looked up to see a panicked minotaur sliding down the stones, right toward his face.


    Thundar! Alex shouted. I bloody hate you-<em>oooof!</em>


    Thundar crashed into him, sending both young wizards tumbling over each other and sliding downhill in a tangle of limbs.

 Chapter 115: Traps

    Chapter 115: Traps


    The world was a whirlwind of rocks, fur, pain and vertigo.


    Alex and Thundar slid into the deep for what felt like hours, but must have only been a few heartbeats. The one thought on Alexs mind was that he didnt get impaled on Thundars horns as they tumbled down.


    Finally, the two screaming wizards burst out of the slide and freefell through the air before mming to the ground in a tangle of limbs.


    Thundarnded on Alex, sting the breath from his lungs. Rocklike protrusions jabbed into his back.


    He groaned weakly.


    Oh shit, Alex! Thundar cried, grabbing at his head. Are my horns broken? <em>Are my horns broken!?</em>


    Alex haltingly shifted position until he could see the minotaurs skull. No, he groaned.


    Thank my ancestorsoh shit! Are <em>you</em> broken?


    Alex shifted his head until he was looking down at himself. Yes, he groaned weakly.


    The minotaur mbered up to his hooves while Alexy on the ground, willing his way past the pain that felt like a hundred thousand fractures throughout his body.


    From his supine position, suddenly all he could see were three canine faces and three tongues licking at his face.


    Oh, hey boy he groaned, trying to raise his arms to pet the enthusiastic cerberus. d to see you too.


    As he slowly found his way back to his feet with Thundars help, Rayne came floating down the tunnel-slide, his panicked face paler and tight. Thundar! Alex!


    Were alive, Alex groaned as he willed his forceball and Wizards Hand down the slide. No thanks to this big bastard here.


    Alex waited for Thundars retort, but found him dead-silent.


    Thundar? he said, turning.


    His friend was transfixed, staring at something thaty against the wall opposite the slide. Alex squinted at it, then cursed. Leaning against the wall were dozens of sharpened spikes projecting upward at least as tall as the minotaurs height.


    Each of them had a clean break near the bottom.


    Alex looked down at the floor.


    Stone stumpsremnants of the spikesrose from the floor slightly. This room at one time must have been the final part of a deadly trap: the slide would open under unsuspecting travellers, sending them plunging into the room where theyd drop onto the spikes and be impaled.


    Baelin, Thundar said. Maybe Baelin sheared away the spikes.


    Geez, Alex murmured. If he hadnt then wed all be dead, except for Rayne that is.


    He nced at Brutus. He was sniffing and licking the tops of some of the spikes.


    Alex took a better look at them. Many had tips that were coated in a dry darkened substance. It looked like old blood. He shuddered, looking around the rest of the trap room.


    On one of the walls was a smooth structure about six feet wide. It looked like a doorway with a massive b of stone recessed within a frame. On either side, as if standing guard, stood a scythe-wielding skeleton like theyd seen earlier. Their empty eye sockets seemed to re at the four intruders. If it was a doorway, then the b of rock would have been a way in or out of the roomunless it was another trapbut he couldnt see a door handle ortch to open it with. Not on this side anyway.


    He looked for any sign of a switch or a secret panel along the walls, like hed done in the temple in The Cave of the Traveller, but he couldnt find any.


    Next, he looked up at the ceiling, which rose at least fifteen feet high.


    Alex froze.


    Oh <em>shit</em>, nobody move! he cried.


    Both Rayne and Thundar froze in ce, but Brutus turned at the sound of the distress in his voice.


    Stay, boy! I know Im not Theresa, but Im begging you, please stay. Just for a second.


    Brutus paused where he was, cocking all three heads.


    Whatwhats wrong? Rayne asked, floating a little above the ground.


    Look up, Alex said. Make sure not to shift your weight, Thundar.


    Gotcha, the minotaur said slowly. Whats wro-what in all hells are those?


    Carved into the huge stone panel above, were dozens of holes, each going so deeply into the ceiling panel, that they disappeared within the darkness. Alex willed his forceball up to the holes and shone the light into them.


    They reached deep: he could barely see where the holes ended. He looked for any clue as to their purpose. Gas, maybe? Would a hidden switch or trigger make gas or something else flood the room. Would the holes spray fire? Would sand pour down and bury them? Would the room be flooded with some sort of acid? All kinds of horrible possibilities passed through his mind, but he couldnt confirm a purpose for the ominous ceiling holes.


    Hey, Thundar said, staying in ce and ncing down at the floor. Am I imagining it or are those holes in-line with where the spikes were on the floor?


    Alex looked down and back up at the ceiling. I think youre right.


    He looked around the room and considered the situation. Im thinkingthe spikes impale anything that falls into the room, but if anyone survives, then something <em>else</em> triggers the ceiling causing it to lower. I think the holes are so the spikes can fit into the ceiling once ites all the way down to the floor. Then, st, youre a pancake!


    Shit, thats what I was thinking too, Thundar grunted. So.whats the trigger?


    Alex squinted. Thats what weve gotta figure out. Do either of you sense any strange magic in the air?


    Both wizards shook their heads.


    Neither do I... Alex said.


    I could float around and inspect things, Rayne said. I wont touch any of the floors or walls.


    Good idea, Alex agreed.


    He was d that Rayne seemed to have learned some lessons since that first ss where hed joined Minervus and abandoned his group. Or maybe Minervus was a bad influence and Rayne had been a follower. Alex had no idea.


    He nced up at the opening in the floor above them where the slide began. It would have been very easy for Rayne to just float back up and go on alone, leaving them to fend for themselves, but he didnt seem to be even considering that. He was pulling his weight now, and thats what mattered.


    The skinny wizard floated around the room, his build in some ways reminding Alex of himself when hed first arrived at Generasi. A lot had changed since then.


    While Rayne floated around and examined the room, Alex began to scan the stone using The Marklearning the characteristics of the surfaces by running his eyes back and forth.


    Wait, theres something weird here, Rayne said, floating down in front of the skeletal statue on the right side of the stone doorway. The upper part of the stone is a slightly different colour than the lower parts, and a couple of areas on the lower part look different, like theyre discoloured or something.


    Alex scanned the area Rayne was pointing to, using The Mark. Even at his distance, it soon pinpointed the differences in colour between where Rayne was pointing, and the rest of the stonework.


    Huh, Alex said. I think you might be right.


    His eyes narrowed, looking back at the slide. The stones there were very smooth. Chances of him and Thundar being able to climb back up were slim, while Brutus would have no chance at all.


    He looked back at the skeleton statue.


    Does either part look more worn to you? Alex asked.


    Um, Rayne squinted. The lower one. Why?


    Im thinking that one part might be the one to press. Someones gotta clean this room of, uhmstuff. So, maybe the area is worn because its used or touched a lot.


    Thats a big maybe, Thundar grunted.


    It is, Alex said. but I cant think of anything else, can you?


    I could go back up the slide and check to see if theres a passage that leads down? Rayne said.


    Thundar paused. Naw, forget it, the minotaur finally said. You could get lost or jumped by skeletons up there by yourself. You might as well go ahead and push it.


    Yeah, well get ready to jump for the slide if the ceiling starts dropping, Alex said. And if worsees to worst, Ill grab Brutus and we activate Baelins spell-marks to get us out. Deal?


    Deal, Thundar and Rayne agreed.


    Alright, here I go, Rayne said. He reached out and gingerly pushed one of the worn spots on the statue.


    <em>Schnk.</em>


    The stumps from the stone spikes slid into the floor, startling the already nervous group.


    Okay, Rayne said. That wasnt it. If the spikes disappear into the floor, though then-Yeah, youre probably right. This ce would need to be cleaned.


    He pressed the other spot.


    <em>Grrrrrrnd.</em>


    An ancient mechanism started grinding, shaking the room as stone dust drifted into the air around the massive stone door. The b of rock filling the doorway slowly heaved up, sliding into the wall above, and revealing another room beyond the scythe-wielding guards.


    Vo! Rayne grinned as Alex and Thundar exhaled in relief.


    Lets get out of here, Alex said. We dont want to push our luck.


    Dont gotta tell me twice, Thundar said, approaching the doorway as Rayne floated through.


    Alex looked at Brutus. Cmon, boy, we can go now.


    He began following Thundar.


    <em>Clk.</em>


    One pace in front of the doorway, the minotaurs hoof stepped on a pressure te. Alex blinked in shock. It looked like Thundars foot was sinking into the floor, instead of the floor sliding down.


    An illusion! The pressure te had been hidden in an illusion!


    <em>Grrrrrrnd!</em>


    Grinding filled the room.


    Brutus cringed low, barking in a panic.


    The floor shook. The stone door began sliding down. The ceiling began its descent. And it descended steadilythough it struggled as its ancient mechanisms ground against each other. Theyd already be ttened if the mechanics had been maintained.


    Thundar uttered a deep cry and ducked under the falling door-stone. He braced his shoulder against it, spitting out his body enhancement incantation to halt it from falling as his muscles swelled with mana. Go! he grunted at Alex and Brutus even as the ceiling and door b continued their descent.


    Alex rushed forward,<strong></strong>stopping in the space beneath the b and pushing against the stone like Thundar. His built up muscles tightened with effort as he strained against the rock with all his might. It paused, just for moments.


    Come Brutus! Come! his voice was forced.


    The cerberus charged toward the doorway, mming his massive body into both wizards, knocking them through the door and sprawling into the other room as the ceiling hit the floor. The stone of the doorway dropped, mming shut.


    Alex heaved a heavy sigh of relief from the floor. Hooooly shit was that ever close. Fast thinking, Thundar.


    Thanks, the minotaur panted, reaching a hand out to Alex and another to pat Brutus who was shaking himself free of dirt. Good thing you started working out.


    Yeah, Alex chuckled weakly. Hell yeah.


    Rayne was simply staring at the doorway in stunned silence.


    Then a high pitched whine from three throats stopped their words.


    Brutus suddenly started whining, growing more agitated by the moment. He sniffed the air excitedly, wagging his tail and jumping in ce.


    Brutus? Alex looked at the cerberus. Whats going on? What do you-Wait! Brutus!


    The cerberus suddenly bounded from the room, running into a hall and around a corner at full speed.


    Wait! Brutus! Alex cried, terrified at the thought of him running into another trap. He dug his heels into the stone and sprinted after the dog.<em></em>Something was strange. Brutus was cautious and well-trained. Sure, hed harassed Alex back when he didnt like him, but he was always well-trained, well-behaved and not the type of dog to just take off on his own. Especially when danger was around.


    Alex wait, whats happening? Thundar demanded from behind. The sound of hooves mming along the tunnel floor pursued Alex down the passageway.


    He could also hear Rayne shouting from the back.


    He kept his ears open, listening for Brutus scrabbling paws ahead, following the sound through weaving halls and passages.


    Then he heard them stop and squinted as he ran after him.


    Light.


    Some sort of light wasing from the passage ahead.


    It was dim, but it was steady and coloured like sunlight.


    Alex burst out of the tunnel and into a massive chamber and stopped with a sharp intake of breath. The walls must have been twenty feet high and lined with row upon row of skeletal statues.


    Donte any closer! a familiar voice shouted.


    Brutus had stopped ahead, staring at the disheveled figure on the other side of the room.


    Alexs eyes widened.


    Theresa? he cried.


    Shed obviously been in a fight, judging from how pale she was and the red staining her<strong></strong>clothes. Clearly something with ws hade after her. She was leaning against an enormous set of double doors on the opposite side of the massive chamber while holding a reddened area on her right side and panting for breath.


    Stay back! she ordered Brutus, who looked at her with his heads cocked while remaining perfectly still.


    Theresa? Alex called as Rayne flew into the room followed by Thundar, who gave a strangled gasp.


    Alex, theres something wrong, she said with fear in her voice. Somethings in here with us. Its hunting us. It got Rhea and Shiani.


    Alexs blood ran cold.


    I think, I think it let me run in here, she said. Its making a trap. You should go! Get out of here!


    Theresa, you know Id never go without you-


    Just listen to me! she said quickly. Go!


    He took a step forward. Theresa, you-


    Alex paused.


    He looked at his best friend closely.


    Very closely.

 Chapter 116: Creeping Doom

    Chapter 116: Creeping Doom


    Alex thought back to the illusion that hid the pressure te in the spike room. He also remembered what Baelin had said about haunts.


    He nced around. There were no other entrances to the room, so why would a wounded Theresa drag herself in here and stand beside some ominous giant doors.


    What are you? he asked suddenly.


    Wait, what? Alex, that <em>smells</em> like Theresa, Thundar said. Then he paused. Sniffing. And no one else He lifted his mace.


    Theresas expression shifted slightly. I got separated early. I-


    Would still have some of the others smell on you, Thundar snarled as Rayne looked on in surprise. Since youre always with Brutus, you should at least have his scent. But, the only thing <em>you</em> smell like is you, blood, and <em>nothing.</em>


    Thats not true. Alex, you need to get out of here-


    Ask her something only you and she would know, something from deep in your past, Rayne suddenly said to Alex.


    What? Alex asked.


    Its a haunt, I think, Rayne said, clutching his book. They mine information from surface thoughts to try and trick you, but theyre not able to reach deeper thoughts or memories that someone keeps to themself.


    Alex paused, looking back at Theresa. Tell me what I set aside for you during the Festival of Ghosts.


    She paused, her eyes narrowing. I-


    If you even have to think about it, then youre not Theresa, he said. Its not a bad impression youre doing, haunt: I dunno if youre trying to make us leave or approach you. You mightve been thinking youd look too obvious if you just made use over to you.


    He watched her expression change.


    So you try to get us to leave, which would probably get you what you want. But, if we didnt listen and just ran up to you to help our injured friend, we wouldnt be paying much attention to our surroundings. Alex paused.


    Theres a trap in the floor somewhere up there, isnt there?


    Her lips tightened.


    Right, so we leave, and were screwed. We approach you too quickly, and were screwed. Now, why are you standing by the only door in the room? Guarding it for some reason?


    He nced at his spell-mark. Its colour was greener than it had been in the trap roomand that room had a slide that led from the floor above. Hmmmm, Im guessing whatevers behind those doors leads up, doesnt it? And youre trying to keep us from going up there by sending us deeper into this ce, or by getting us smashed by whatever traps in this room. That about right?


    She paused, then finally sighed. Clever little human-things, she looked at them with malice in her eyes. But what if I just wished to keep you here, hmmm? Maybe Id also get what I wanted if you stood there like the clever little human thing you are?


    <em>Clnk.</em>


    Something moved in the hallway behind them, and the young wizards whirled around and gasped. <em>Something </em>wasing for them. What it was, Alex couldnt say. It was humanoid in appearance, but crawled on all fours as if it couldnt quite decide if it was humanoid, serpent, or beast. Its movements reminded him of the Bone Drinker.


    It wore thick, bronze armour polished to a shine that hugged its skeletal form. Its body was thinner than any humanoid Alex had ever seen.


    The young wizards and cerberus backed away as it crawled into the room. Upon entering, it paused, rising to its full height of at least as tall as the twenty-foot skeletons behind them. The creature didnt stand erect, instead, it hunched over like a vulture, with arms that were far too long for the rest of its body. Its chain mailed hands sped the air, and Alex didnt want to know what would happen if they caught him or one of hispanions in a grip.


    Raaaayne? Alex asked. What in the absolute hell is that?!


    I have no idea! Rayne said.


    Alex nced at the floor.


    Theres no way were outrunning it. If its anything like those muupkara skeletons, its going to be <em>fast</em> and we probably have traps in here to worry about.


    Intruders! the thing-that-was-not Theresaughed. Despair! You face this strongholds most powerful guardian! Fling yourselves at its feet and grovel and your lives might be spared!


    In time with her words, the creature reached out and grasped one of the stone scythes held by the nearest statue. The scythe released from the statues grip and shifted, morphing into metal. With the weapons length, one swing of it could sweep a quarter of the room.


    Oh my gods! Rayne cried. My spell-mark! Its gone!


    He was looking down at his hand in shock.


    Both Alex and Thundar looked for theirs and they were gone.


    Where their spell-marks had been, there was now only unmarked skin.


    Ive dispelled your leaders protections, the creature sneered. And now, Ive dispelled yours!


    With a wave of her hand, Alex felt mana surge through the air and his magic circuits unravel. The force shields surrounding him and hispanions disappeared, and Wizards Hand and forceball winked out.


    Fear gripped him now.


    Yield, and perhaps I will see that you are spared, the haunt rose into the air, shimmering until it was no longer Theresa, but the ghostly apparition of an ancient looking man in some sort of priestly garment. A symbol of a skull hung from his neck.


    <em>Clnk.</em>


    The giant skeleton approached slowly and terribly, driving them back toward the floor trap.


    Brutus was barking madly as he backed away, Thundar was loosing a stream of curses as he cast another body enhancement spell on himself, while Rayne let out a cry and flew across the room, keeping far from the skeleton.


    He spat out an incantation and fired a long, white beam at the skeletal giant, but the beam bounced off of its bronze armour.


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    Alexs mind raced as he tried to find a way out of the trouble they were in. He considered his options, and found each one he came up with more useless than thest.


    The way it stalked toward them so slowlydrawing out their fearreminded him of the hive-queen in the Cave of the Traveller. She also stalked them slowly when she knew they were at her mercy. She drew out their fear, fueling the dungeon core from it.


    They needed to escape! They needed to <em>escape!</em>


    His thoughts were frantic and bent on two things; getting them out of there, and The Cave of the Traveller. Suddenly, he was hit by a wave of vertigo. The giant chamber seemed to spin around and aroundand for an instantAlex felt he was reliving glimpses of the strange sights hed seen when they passed through The Travellers gateway.


    What was happening? Why was he seeing deep memories that the haunt shouldnt be able to find? Maybe it was his fear-addled mind ying tricks on him.


    He shook the thoughts away and focused.


    Just like the hive-queen, the skeleton seemed to be taking its time with them so that-


    His mind paused.


    So that what?


    Why wasnt it attacking? Its armour had deflected Raynes spell, yet, it hadnt attacked them.


    Surrender now! the old priest cried. I will spare you, if you surrender!


    No, no, no this wasnt right.


    It had them at its mercy. Their protective magics were gone and so was Baelins magicor was it? Why would Baelins magic be gone? Hed seen the chancellor handle a powerful demon with no effort. Why would some random haunt in a random tomb that Baelin had led them into be capable of dispelling his monstrously powerful magic? That didnt make any sense.


    And the chancellor might have beenwell, the chancellorbut would he lead them into a threat that could destroy even his magic?


    And <em>why</em> wasnt it killing them?


    Even now, the group continued backing away from the approaching skeleton, staying well out of reach of its scythe, while approaching the centre of the room-


    Alexs eyes went wide.


    Thundar stop! he shouted. Brutus stay! Nobody move!


    What, are you out of your mind? Thundar demanded.


    No! Im actually finally back in it! Alex snarled at the skeleton giant. Its trying to drive us into the trap or get us to give in to it!


    The spectre behind them went silent and Alex realized he might have the truth of the situation.


    Think about it, why would it be taking its time to kill us if it could just do it? Alex said. Its another illusion meant to drive us into the trap! The things all bark and no bite!


    Alex took a deep breath, engaging in his meditation techniques, acknowledging his fears and letting them pass. He reached deep into himself, then focused his mind.


    Its like The Mark in some ways, he told himself. Its showing you things that arent really there. Its trying to trick you. Acknowledge the images and let them go. See whats behind them.


    After two meditative breaths, he felt the familiar energetic sensation of his own magic circuits. Theyd never been dispelled. Then the entire illusion fell apart.


    Baelins spell-mark returned on his hand, and his force shield winked back into being. The spells around Thundar, Rayne and Brutus also rematerialized before his eyes. The skeletal giant was still there, but now it looked like the priest: somewhat hazy and indistinct. It became slightly transparent, and Alex could see where Raynes beam had punched into the stone wall behind it.


    He yelled in triumph. Our spells never went anywhere! Focus like during the Cleansing Movements, Thundar, and youll see them!


    The minotaur nced at him, then took a deep breath. He suddenly shouted in surprise. Well, Ill be damned! Rayne, its true! The whole things as fake as the monster''s face on a mask at the Festival of Ghosts!


    Rayne blinked for a moment, shook his head and then let out a huge sigh of relief. I see it too. He examined his hand with the spell-mark like it was a long lost friend.


    Alex turned to the priestly apparition. Its all illusion: just trickery.


    The priests teeth ground in his mouth. Filthy interlopers! he cursed, raising his hands.


    Skeletal warriors materialized around himeach with bony wingsand surged across the chamber.


    Theyre not real! Thundar shouted, now as sure as Alex, and boldly stuck out his chest.


    The skeletons scythes passed through him, leaving no wound or mark while the haunt howled in frustration.


    Alright, lets not push our luck, Alex said. Moving his forceball forward, he began the same strategy hed used in the trap room of The Cave of the Travellerhe sent the forceball ahead, mming it into sections of the floor while the haunt shouted curses at them in a long-deadnguage.


    <em>Clk.</em>


    As he pressed his forceball down on one spot, the floor in the center of the room opened, revealing another ramp that slid further down into the dark. Rayne flew over to take a look in the hole and said that it was also lined with spike stumps. Alex continued testing the floor from a safe position, finding more pressure tes section by section.


    Another trap brought tiny darts shooting from the ceiling with enough force to prick their flesh. <em>These</em> hadnt been removed or blunted, and he wondered if that was becauseunlike the spiked pitthey wouldnt have been fatal. That was...unless they were poisoned. Alex doubted that they were poisonous though, and he also had a pretty strong feeling that it was Baelin whod cut the spikes off.


    The final trap saw two skeleton statues raise their scythes in both hands and swing the des into the path of anyone who would have been on that side of the room.


    Oof, Thundar grunted. That one would have been a pretty nasty slice of life...so to speak.


    With each trap revealed, the haunt howled in its malice, and Alex began taking regr nces at the tunnel at their backs. Those screams would likely bring more skeletons, and who knows if there actually <em>was</em> a giant, armoured skeleton around somewhere.


    Alright, Brutus, follow me boy, Alex said as Rayne floated ahead and he and Thundar picked their way across the roomskirting the trap areasand passed through the illusions of winged skeletons.


    They passed the haunt, who continued to curse at them, especially when they reached their goal and stood looking up at the massive double doors.


    Well, Thundar said, eyeing them. Not sure how to get them open. Dont really see a handle or a mechanis-wait a minute, he reached toward the door, then made a face and nced back at the haunt. Oh you lifeless bastard.


    His hand passed through the doors, revealing them to be just another illusion. The surrounding wall shimmered and disappeared, disying a staircase.


    Alright, lets get going before he actually thinks of a way to kill us, the minotaur said.


    Yeah, agreed, Alex said as Rayne floated down beside them.


    Leaving the howling haunt sobbing in rage, they made their way up the stairs and out of the unnatural light of the haunted chamber. As they did, the spell-marks on their hands glowed greener. They were getting close.


    Thest part of the journey wasnt long, and thankfully, no more skeletons attacked, and no more haunts materialized to trick them with illusions. Their movements were cautious in case of traps, but those too seemed to be absent in this part of theplex.


    Atst, they came to a crossroads of passages that had a glowing green circle filling the floor. Alex could now feel the teleportation magic emanating from close by, and he could almost feel the powerful magic circuit pulsing in the circle.


    Exhaling in relief, the young wizards stepped into the circle as Alex coaxed Brutus onto it. The magic circuit fired up once the cerberus entered the circle and soon, Alex felt that familiar feeling of Baelins magic.


    As they were teleported out of the undergroundplex, thest sound Alex thought he heard was the haunts enraged howling fading in the distance.


    Alex was the first of his group to appear, but he saw that the group: made up of Eyvinder, Grimloch, Svenia and Rhea were already on the escarpment where their after ss discussions were held.


    As Alexspanions materialized around himwith Brutus quickly looking for Theresahe saw Baelin standing nearby, floating slightly above the stone.


    A look of concentration was on his brow, and there was a stiffness in his demeanour. He seemed troubled. He turned slightly toward them.


    Hello, my young friends, he said. Tell mebefore you rest, did you see anythingstrange in the underground?


    The students paused. There was a gravity in his voice that was rare for him.


    No, Alex said. Well, yeah, we saw skeletonstraps and a haunt.


    Right, did you see anything appear or disappear? Baelin asked.


    Alex, Thundar and Rayne looked at each other, and shook their heads.


    Baelin again turned toward the horizon and Alex saw that he was staring in the direction of the undergroundplex. It was almost as if he was trying to see across the miles and peer directly into the tunnels beneath the earth.


    Whats wrong? Alex asked, looking at the other group.


    It isstrange, Baelin nced back at them. For an instanta mere instant, there was a sh of transportation magic: the beginnings of a teleportation or perhaps a summoning spell in thebyrinth.


    His eyes narrowed at the horizon.


    And it wasnt my magic.

 Chapter 117: Gateways and Redesigns

    Chapter 117: Gateways and Redesigns


    What do you mean? Alex asked, suddenly feeling very afraid for Theresa, Isolde, Khalik and the others. Dodo you think the demon summoner is down there?


    Baelin continued to watch the horizon. I dont know. Again, the magic existed for a mere heartbeat or less. Then it was gone. If the demon summoner was in there, then they either aborted their casting or they are <em>extremely</em> good at masking their magic.


    W-we should go back! Alex said quickly, trying to fight down rising panic as he imagined demons stalking the passages.


    No, you should not. I have summoned The Watchers and teleported them into the maze. They are investigating the incident even as the rest of the ss finishes their practical session.


    The ss is still going on? Thundar asked.


    It is, Baelin said. You might think it foolish, but understand, I am old. Very old, and I only felt the magic for an instant. It could be that one of you students cast the teleportation spell, or it could be that I simply imagined it. I have been searching for the culprit who summoned the demon for some time, after all: the mind can conjure all sorts of wants, tricks and desires if it really wishes.


    Alex remembered that brief moment when he desperately wanted to escape the haunt in theplex and how his thoughts went to The Cave of the Traveller. His thoughts went to when he was younger, shortly after his mother and father had died. Sometimes hed wake up at night andfor one confused momentthink he could hear his father in the kitchen or his mother humming at the bar.


    The mind could conjure all kinds of phantoms when it was over-taxed. Still, fear gripped him, and he took to pacing back and forth along the escarpment.


    Do not worry, Baelin said. Even as The Watchers patrol theplex, I myself am examining it through divination magic. I have felt nothing unusual since that instantbut if I do, and if it is our culprit


    He made a crushing gesture with one of his massive hands.


    The group fell into silence behind him, and Alex continued pacing. Thundar eventually walked over to Grimloch.


    Those tunnels were bullshit, werent they, eh, big guy? Thundar pped the shark man on the shoulder.


    Alex had been the receiver of many of the minotaurs robust back and shoulder ps, which were strong enough to send him stumbling, if he wasnt braced for them.


    Grimloch didnt even budge.


    Got lucky. We got him, the shark man chewed out his words and jabbed a thumb toward Eyvinder. Didnt even bother with tunnels. This guy looked at the rock and it just opened up for him. We just walked straight to the teleportation circle.


    you lucky bastard, Thundar grunted. I nearly got torn open by skeletons becau-


    More shimmering in the air.


    Brutus began barking excitedly.


    Caramiyus, Nua-Oge, Angr, Theresa and Hogarth appeared next. Theresa was in no way bloodied, though they all looked like theyd been in a fight.


    Oof! Theresa cried as Brutus tackled her to the ground and began to bury her face in a torrent of licks.


    Ach, boy, you know youre not supposed to jump on people! She raised herself into a sitting position.


    Youre not suppo-Oof! Theresa cried as Alex tackled her to the ground. Luckily, he didnt bury her face in a torrent of licks.


    Alex, I shouldnt <em>have</em> to tell you not to jump on people! She pushed herself up into a sitting position again while Alex crouched beside her.


    Even if you did, I wouldnt have to listen. Thats the beauty of being not-a-dog. He grinned. Im just really d youre alright.


    She frowned. Yeah, we arewas it that bad for you, with the skeletons, I mean?


    He helped her back to her feet. Yes and no, but listen, some stuff is going on


    As he filled her in on what Baelin was watching for, the rest of the ss teleported back onto the escarpment. The chancellor turned his attention to them, exining the situation.


    Did any of you use a teleportation spell in theplex? Even a minor one?


    Malcolm raised his hand. I cast Call Through Ice, to teleport a key that was on an altar so we could disarm a spinning des trap.


    Call through what now? Alex muttered, quietly thankful that <em>his</em> group didnt run into any spinning des trap. It sounded horrible.


    Isoldewhod appeared with one of the final groupsleaned close to him. It freezes two points in space and conjures a teleportation doorway through the para-elemental ne of cold. It is difficult to cast for anyone not specialized in ice magic, but it is one of the lowest tier teleportation spells that exists.


    Thanks Madam Librarian, Alex said, grinning at her.


    Isolde rolled her eyes.


    Baelin was considering Malcolms exnation, stroking his braided beard. Hmm, perhaps that was what I felt. I was unaware that you or anyone in the ss could use teleportation magic.


    Its something I learned over break, Malcolm said, looking a little subdued. Been trying to learn some more spells that areless all or nothing after the vent-drinker ss.


    Right, Baelin nodded. And the rest of you saw no other teleportation effects or felt anything of that nature?


    The rest of the ss shook their heads.


    I see. Baelin focused on the direction of the tunnels again.


    The ss talked among themselves until The Watchers of Roal arrived at the escarpment, then looked on as Baelin questioned them.


    We found nothing, chancellor-one started to say.


    Baelin, the chancellor corrected.


    Ah, right, the watcher said awkwardly. Well, we didnt find anything. No traces of summoning, no teleportation, no sign of anything down there except for the undead and your students.


    Baelin frowned. Hm, perhaps I simply felt your magic after all, Malcolm. Theelusiveness of this demon caller has weighed on me.


    He gazed off in the direction of the tomb. Still. Curious. Very curious, indeed.


    Alex looked at Malcolm. A slight suspicion began to grow.


    Malcolmbeing a second yearwas one of the most powerful students in The Art of the Wizard in Combat II. He also specialized in cold magic, and had just revealed that he could cast teleportation magic, which was simr to summoning.


    Alex remembered that the demon had appeared in fire, but there was also an element that it had been notably adept at using, judging from its attacks.


    Ice.


    He watched Shiani and Rhea talking to Malcolm. They were close. The demon appeared in fire and then used ice. Malcolm, Shiani and Rhea were ice and fire wizards.


    Fire and Ice.


    Alex tried to shake the thoughts away. He didnt know much about Malcolm and Rhea, but he liked Shiani. His sister did too: she still asked about the fire wizard sometimes.


    Besides, none of them seemed powerful enough to cast the kind of magic someone would need to bring forth a demon, never mind the kind of demon that could give The Watchers of Roal trouble.


    They just couldnt.


    could they?


    Perhaps they were keeping secrets, concealing their true power.


    He ought to know about that.


    As the ss ended, Alex shook away the thoughts as ridiculous, but a lingering doubt continued to follow him long after.


    He couldnt help but wonder if that doubt and discord was what the demon summoner had wanted to sew all along.


    Alex! Selina cried.


    Huh, wha-? Alex shook his head. What was that?


    You were staring again, she said, then looked at him suspiciously. Youre not going to change the design <em>again</em>, are you?


    What, no, no, I wouldnt! he insisted.


    In truth, hed been thinking about his ssmates in hisbat ss and how they might be keeping secrets of their own. He hadnt been able topletely shake the thought since the escarpment.


    Still, there actually was a very good reason why Selina might have thought he was thinking of changing the golems design.


    He nced over at their work which had progressed quite a bit since the break. He couldnt deny it though, it wouldve been farther along if it werent for the fact that he seemed to change the design of his creation every three days. While the general size and emphasis on power hadnt changed, a lot of the aesthetic design and other elements had been altered.


    The first golems almost always looked like mortals, Lagor had said while they were working one evening. He had been carefully forging the delicate brass fingers for a specialty golem. Giant, bulky humans, elves, beast folk: mirrors of whatever was creating them. Thing is, a golems physical form doesnt really matter for how well it functions. Not on the outside, at least. Youll want your mana structures proper, but the humanoid form isnt anything special.


    Lagor had looked up at the specialty golem. While it was forged in the shape of an androgynous humanoid, the brass construct had six long, thin arms each with a hand that had seven fingers. Unlike most golems, the mouth of this one actually led to an airway that led to two mechanical chambers that mimicked lungs.


    Apparently, a prominent duke had wanted it to y several musical instruments at once: essentially making it into a one-golem orchestra. That said, it would apparently be powerful enough to bend steel with its bare hands so it could also serve as defence.


    Thats the thing with golems, the orc crafter continued. You can make them look like dragons or krakens or anything: whats essential to make sure of is that your golem core is sophisticated enough to coordinate all those limbs and produces enough mana to power them all.


    That revtion had set Alexs mind afire. Hed thought about the silence-spiders with their multiple limbs, and how his force shield was able to block more attacks which allowed his arms to remain free.


    And thanks to helping build that golem, hed learned how to design a golem core sophisticated enough to run at least eight limbs. However, hed still need enough room on his creations torso for so many limbs, which would call for an even bigger golem body than was practical for him to build.


    So, hed decided to go with two extra arms so that he would have four, thick, sturdy, powerful ones containing nice, big mana pathways through them.


    At first, Selina had been thrilled with the change.


    Four arms is super cool! shed cried.


    Her displeasure had started with the next change.


    Hed hit upon the idea of applying some of the aspects of force redirection he was learning in Professor Rams ss. Hed realized that making his golem look like a giant muscr manwhile unbelievably coolwould actually have made the golem less efficient at blocking enemies blows. Bare areas with pronounced pectorals, abdominals and the contours of muscturewhile theyd look coolcould be a weakness for des or ws to go for.


    Instead, hed decided to use a design that he knew worked when it came to protection against enemy strikes: armour. Hed joined Isolde and Theresa on one of their trips to a weaponsmith to look at the armour they carried. Using The Mark to examine the te armour carefully, he''d then returned to their work room and practiced making small sculptures and trying various armour sculpting designs for hours.


    Hed finally settled on a rounded, sloped shape for the golems surface that perfectly mimicked the te armour.


    When hed shown Selina the design change, the colour had actually drained from her ten-year old face.


    Its super ugly now! shed bluntly informed him.


    Well, its practical, hed said. And thats what matters the most.


    And so, theyd re-sculpted the surface of the golem to his specificationsonly for him to realize that shed been right. There was no denying it. It was super ugly and it honestly looked kind of stupid. Alex was practical, butin the endhe wanted his golem to look at least <em>somewhat</em> cool.


    So hed gone back to his design, continuing with the armoured inspiration, but altering it to get the best of both worlds: a design which perfectly matched a hulking, armour d warrior. The n still retained the sloped, rounded angles of te amourto deflect blows and force away from its centre massbut now, hed added extra details that actually made it look like finely crafted full te, with images of filigree and designs of warriors and monsters throughout.


    None of the designs were raised enough to catch blows or hook ws, while also looking cool. If the golem evolved from a y golem, to stone, and then to an iron one, the armoured design would look even cooler in those materials.


    Selina had been far more enthusiastic, but still expressed dread that hed make another big change and throw all their work away again to just end up making it look stupid.


    Despite reassuring her, he couldnt really bepletely sure that he wouldnt discover something else that would lead to another abrupt improvement to the golem n.


    Its fine, its fine, he said, somewhat to himself. I think were going to stick with this design this time.


    She looked at him suspiciously. Are you sure?


    Yeah, Im sure, he promised, though still not quite sure.


    I hope so. She nced at the head they were working on presently: which appeared to be the head of a giant with a steel helmet on top of it. The giant had a ferocious expression and sharp teethsimr to the faces of the goddessesin The Cave of the Traveller.


    Why are we making an extra hole in his forehead? she asked, looking at the deep impressions they were sculpting into the centre of the helmet. Are there going to be three eyes? Why three?


    Youll see, was all he said.


    He hadnt told her yet what the extra eye hole was for, nor the reason for the holes hed nned for them to sculpt into two of the golems palms.


    Those holes would be the new homes for the fire-gems.


    He just needed to make sure hed have the power necessary for them. He was still working that out, but he was sure hed eventually learn something beneficial, whether that was through his job, or his analysis of the dungeon core.


    Alex paced back and forth in front of Cell-301, mentally counting off theb time that was slipping away. The Watcher of Roal standing in the hall nearby gave him a sympathetic look. He nced at his bagsuspended from his forceballwhich contained both his solid and liquified sample of the dungeon cores remains.


    This was his second independentb time <em>and</em> the second time that Amir waste.


    Alex was starting to see an unfortunate pattern.

 Chapter 118: Unreliable Lateness

    Chapter 118: Unreliable Lateness


    Sorry, sorry, Im so sorry! the grad student called as he rushed down the hall, already fumbling with his keys. The tutorial went too long again, and there were just so many questions to answer andmy apologies!


    Alex sighed, using his meditative techniques to keep himself calm as Amir opened the Cell and let them both in. He felt another surge of irritation when he saw the glowing timekeeper on the wall.


    They were eventer than thest time, and to make matters worse, Alex was supposed to brew a potion that he was not only very excited about, but was moreplex than the Potion of Haste.


    A Potion of Flight.


    The process was going to take longer, possibly cutting down his dungeon core analysis time even more.


    Well, I suppose we should get the extra equipment youll need for this one, Amir said.


    Alex only gave a short response, already trying to n out how to get what he wanted done in the time that was left.


    By the time theyd carried the delicate equipment back to theb, the only thing that Alex was brewing was a rising rage. Theyd gotten all the way to the supply station only to learn that thest manometer hadnt been returned yet.


    The two of them had to wait theremaking awkward small talk while Alex fought off frustrationuntil atst a harried upper year student brought the crucial piece of equipment back.


    It was like Uldar himself was conspiring against him and his ns.


    He shook the thought away.


    Anger had its ce, but the only thing it would do right now would be to slow him down further and make him make mistakes. He quickly got to workconjuring two Wizards Handsas soon as the equipment was set up and Amir had sat down.


    The key to a Potion of Flight was that it changed the sort of magical buoyancy that someone had, allowing the ambient mana in the air, the mana within the potion, and the mana within the person tobine and lift them off the ground. The mana within the potion would then provide propulsion when anyone who consumed it wanted to take flight andas the potions effects began to fadethe mana buoyancy would remain long enough to bring them floating back to the earth as though they were as light as a feather. It was a built-in safeguard just in case the flyer overestimated their flight time.


    In order to control the flyers direction, a temporary mana organ would form in their spirit, allowing them to steer to where they wanted to go like the wheel and rudder of a ship would.


    The change in buoyancy was caused by one of the potions ingredients: dandelion seeds. One would need to take the seeds from dandelionswhich shed their petals to allow their seeds to fly through the airliquify them using a mana solvent and then gradually change the viscosity of the result until it was slightly thinner than water. Only then would itbine with other ingredients and produce the magical buoyancy altering effect.


    Another ingredientpuffball sporeswould need to be examined through the poscope to make sure that the brewing process hadpletely bound their tiny particles to the other ingredients. If it didnt, then the mana organ that governed flight control, would degrade long before the rest of the potion left ones system. The result would be that flight would be maintained, but one would lose all control of direction, speed or elevation.


    In particrly gruesome cases where the mana organ was defective or had failed, potion-drinkers suffered catastrophic injuries, or died when theyd lost control of their flight direction and parts of their bodies were pulled in more than one direction at once.


    If someone was trying to direct their body to fly straight, but directed their arms in two directions at once


    Alex shuddered.


    The dangerous nature of a badly formed mana organ also provided an interesting possibility for offensive use, though. If he could find a wayand he had several possible pathsto make the potion turn into a gas upon contact with air, say when its container burst upon impact after being thrown, it could make for an interesting gaseous weapon.


    Maybe by constructing a gas state Potion of Flight where the puffball essence <em>didnt</em> bind to the other ingredients properly, that could give whoever breathed it in mana buoyancy for a short period where theyd have no control over flight. The possibilities against an attacker were intriguing. He could see them getting caught by surprise and suddenlyunching into the air, and taking themselves out of a fight, or levitating and crashing into a wall or something.


    The nice part would be that giving an enemy the power of flight, wouldnt be doing them direct harm, which should get by The Marksints. The ingredients for a Potion of Flight were also cheap and plentiful: the reason the potion wasnt somonly used was because it was an extremely finicky one to construct, and spells of flight were far easier since they called for simply building the right spell array.


    After a Potion of Flight wasplete, one would need to test its mana conductivity to make sure that it was at a certain level. Too little mana conductivity, and the potion wouldnt generate enough power to allow one to move through the air, even if they were mana buoyant.


    Too <em>much</em> mana conductivity, and it would burn through the energies too quickly: the potion-drinker could achieve incredible flight speeds for a few secondsburn through the remaining mana that kept them buoyantand then promptly plummet to the ground.


    If he could make it into a gas, he should be able to also weaponize the speed aspect of the potion: a flight of extreme speedbined with zero control would be highly useful in a number of ways. It could send a creature speeding into things or shooting hundreds of feet into the air, only to plunge those hundreds of feet heartbeatster.


    But, before any of that could happen, he would need to actually prepare the Potion of Flight properly.


    He quickly organized the ingredients and began by liquifying the dandelion seeds. The potion made a satisfying hiss over the heat sourcegiving off an aroma like dandelion teaas he liquified it, using his mana conductor to stir it and guide the reaction.


    Visually inspecting itand from time to time raising the sk up to roll the potion back and forth across its bottomhe eventually determined that it was close to the correct viscosity. The liquid shot back and forth across the ss even faster than distilled water would. Good. Time for a viscosity test, and he wouldnt only be testing his potion.


    He removed the sk from the heat source and cut the me.


    Slipping the small bottle of liquified dungeon core remains into his palm, he took a quick nce back at his supervisor. He paused. Amirdid not look good.


    As he had done during Alexs previousb, he was bent over some paperworkwhether he was marking or doing something else, Alex couldnt tellbut he seemed distracted. He nced at the timekeeper almost as much as Alex did. Perhaps even more.


    While he divided his attention between Alex and his work, he also fidgeted in his chair and stared off as if in a deep contemtion.


    Eventually, he noticed Alex looking at him. Hm? Something I can help you with?


    No, no, Alex said quickly. Just noticed it was quiet back there. Wondered if youd left.


    Amir gave a quick smile. Oh I wouldnt just abandon you like that, he nced at the door. How is the potion going?


    Um, just fine, Alex said. Just about to test its viscosity. Im between steps right now.


    Really? Amir half-rose from his seat, quickly walking over to the experiment. He nodded. Good progress. He nced at the timekeeper. Listenwould you mind holding off on testing the viscosity for a moment?


    He gave an embarrassed look. Had to get here in a hurry and I just need to use thev for a moment. I know youve had enough time taken from you, but I promise I shouldnt be more than a few minutes.


    Oh, couldnt I just test the viscosity while youre gone? Alex asked.


    Have you ever used a vietric device before? Amir asked.


    No, Alex admitted.


    Then no, I should be around for any parts of the experiment where youre using new equipment and a reaction might go awry or where equipment might fail. Ill be back shortly. If you need to run anything through the mana spectrometer, though, you can do that. Same if you need to test anything with Kamookaks Moss: those are hard to blow yourself up with, and Ive seen you use those before. They should be alright. He winced. Again, sorry to take even more of your time.


    Alexs eyes flicked toward the timekeeper. Its alright, he said quickly. Take all the time you need, when you gotta go you gotta go.


    An odd look passed over Amirs face.


    He looked away for a moment as something like a sh of guilt passed through his eyes.


    Right, Ill be right back, he said quickly, moving to the door.


    Alex watched him go as he prepared both the mana spectrometer and Kamookaks Moss, looking like he was busying himself.


    <em>Click.</em>


    The door shut behind him.


    A rush of nerves and excitement shot through him all at once as he looked at the timekeeper while his Wizards Hands prepped the mana spectrometer and the manohmeter.


    This was a golden opportunity: he might be able toplete two steps of the dungeon core analysis in the time that Amir was gone if he moved quickly and precisely. Not wasting time constantly looking over his shoulder to see if his supervisor was seeing him analyzing the core remains, would definitely speed things up.


    He dropped the liquified dungeon core substance into the mana spectrometer and set it to run for the time needed to analyze a fourth-tier potion or equivalent substance, which was fifty-two seconds. Hopefully, that would be enough.


    He turned on the device and let it run, then prepared a sample of his iplete flight potion.


    He turned to the manohmeter. It would test a substances level of mana conductivity by running several currents of mana through it to precisely measure both the speed through which mana travelled through a substance, as well as how much mana was lost during the transfer of the mana running through the substance.


    Although Amir didnt specifically give him permission to use that particr device, Alex had used a manohmeter a handful of times during first semester. While he didnt trust himself to run a test with the vietric devicesince hed only read about themwhile Amir was away, he feltfortable enough to run the manohmeter.


    Besides, if Amir came back and caught him using the device and questioned him about it, itd be easier to smooth things over since hed had previous experience with it.


    The manohmeter automatically suspended the substance. For this test he decided to use the dungeon cores substance in its solid form: for many magical substances, the liquefaction process actually lessened their mana conductivity, so performing the test on it in its natural state, would give the most urate reading.


    Listening carefully for the sound of Amirs footstepsing from the hallthough that was argely futile gesture as Cells were fairly, but notpletely, soundproofhe dumped a bit of the powder into the collection cup of the manohmeter and set the two magic-diodes on either side of the cup to run the mana current through.


    The manohmeter made a cheery, pleasant hum as he turned it on and let it do its thing. He turned back to the door.


    No Amir yet.


    The mana spectrometer finished his analysis and he took the read-out.


    He swore. More of the dungeon cores make-up was present in those delineated bands of colour, but there was still a portion of the read-out that was still a scrambled mess. It needed more time.


    Running it for the time needed for a fifth-tier potion would take a minute and twenty-two seconds: not much time in general, but arge amount of time when one was trying to analyze a mysterious substance before their supervisor got back from thev.


    No sense in wasting time. Hed turn it on, then go wait by the door. If he heard Amirs steps, hed use Wizards Hand to abort the process and try again another time.


    The manohmeter was still running, anyway.


    He set the mana spectrometer then quickly crossed the room, listening at the door with an ear pressed to it.


    Alright, so, he said to himself. Amir seems alright. Attentive, helpfuljust chronicallyte. Late all the time to thebs. He said he was going toe back from thev as quickly as he could but hey, its Amir. Amir is alwayste. Whatre the odds that hes going toe back out of nowhere, uncharacteristically earl


    He paused.


    He told himself he was imagining things.


    Pressing his ear closer to the door, he gave a sharp intake of breath.


    Through the door he heard approaching footsteps at a familiar, quick pace.


    Oh, by The Traveller, Alex muttered, ncing at the timekeeper. The one time youreing back when you said you would be.


    He nced at the timekeeper.


    Five seconds left on the mana spectrometer and the manohmeter was done.


    Hed have to move fast.

 Chapter 119: The Cores Properties

    Chapter 119: The Core''s Properties


    Fivefourthreetwoone, Alex counted down as he watched the timekeeper.


    The footsteps were closing in. He thanked whoever designed the building for making it sorge: the hallway was long enough to give him some extra time.


    The mana spectrometer finished and he quietly shot across the room. He and his Wizards Hands went to work swiftly removing both samples from the machines and pocketing the readouts. The first Wizards hand quickly dumped the solid sample back into its pouch, while the second put the liquid sample back into the bottle.


    Meanwhile Alex ced the sample of the iplete Potion of Flight into the mana spectrometer and had it turned on just as he heard the door open and Amir enter the room.


    Sorry about that, Amir said, wiping sweat from his forehead. I hope you werent getting too impatient while I was gone?


    Its alright, Alex said, putting on his best rxed face as relief washed through him. You were right on time.


    The one time I didnt want you to be, he told himself, but didnt say it outloud. In the end, hed gotten another aspect of the analysis done, which would save him timeter.


    Best not to look a gift horse in the mouth.


    The rest of hisb time was less stressful.


    Amir got up from his seat several times to check on Alexs progress, but didnt linger for long and soon returned to the paperwork on his desk. He still seemed pretty distractedwhich suited Alexs purpose just fhough less than he had been before his trip to thev.


    While analyzing the viscosity of the dandelion essence, Alex told Amir that hed made a mistake and needed to re-do the analysis of the essences viscosity. Hed actually done it correctly, but this time he pretended he was re-doing the analysis, but ran the machine with the sample of liquified dungeon core essence instead, then pocketed the read-out.


    He resumed brewing the Potion of Flight and luckilyhe needed to legitimately use the poscope several times during the experiment to see if the puffball spore essence had bound itself to each of the other ingredients.


    That made it easy to slip his solid sample of dungeon core remains into the device in between.


    He gulped, then slowly put his eye up to the lens.


    Something about this step made him nervous.


    The read-outs gave him more data about the remains, but this felt more personal. Rather than just seeing bands or numbers on a piece of paper, he would be directly looking at the dungeon cores minute structure.


    Remembering the way The Mark had guided him through itswork of mana pathways, Alex wondered if he would see the remains of those pathways, or what else he would be able to see.


    He brought his eye down to the lens.


    Hed been anxiously waiting to make use of the poscope to see what the smallest particles that the apparatus could reveal would look like, but when he looked down at the cores remains he sawhe saw


    A blur.


    Alex frowned and adjusted a dial on the side of the poscope bringing the particles into focus. There. His eyes widened.


    The particles of the dungeon core wereplex and jagged. Poscopes could see the tiniest things, even things invisible to the naked eye, even minute things like the tiny unseen slime-like blobs that swam around in pond water. Dexter predicted in the textbook thatwhen more powerful poscopes were developedwizards would be able to clearly see even smaller things that only appeared as tiny moving dots on present day poscopes.


    One thing that current poscopes showed was that living things tended to have a more rounded shape. This jagged pattern indicated that the building blocks of the dungeon core were more elemental, mineral or


    He paused. Squinting harder.


    There were fusion points along the particles of the dungeon core. It was simr to how the puffball essences looked when bound to the other ingredients of the potion: there would be fusion lines and fusion points where mana had made the substances particles bind to each other.


    Artificial, he whispered.


    If this was correct,


    That would mean that the dungeon cores werent living things. They were artificial, like magic items or


    He swore beneath his breath.


    like golems.


    What if they werent just <em>like</em> golems in structure or in how their mana felt. What if they <em>were</em>golems?


    He thought about what Lagor had said about the first golems: they had connections to their masters, where they shared their consciousness and took on their masters thoughts and emotions. He also thought about when hed talked about the shapes of golems: the humanoid form was not necessary for them to function.


    If one wanted to make a golem into an orb of darkness, one could make a golem into an orb of darkness.


    His eyes narrowed.


    When he was trying to push the dungeon cores mana into The Travellers, hed felt the dungeon cores aggression and desperation. After going deep enough into the dungeon cores essence, he was able to feel the connection between it, The Ravener and the other dungeon cores.


    What if the dungeon cores were golems that had connections with The Ravener? Connections that were far stronger than what golems would have to their creators: connections strong enough to also connect with other dungeon cores at the same time?


    Or...


    Were the dungeon cores the golems, or were the dungeon cores the golem cores, and the <em>dungeons</em>themselves the bodies? The dungeon core in The Cave of the Traveller had used its mana to animate the surrounding caverns, and shift them as it wanted, simr to how a golem core animated a massive body of y, stone, iron or other material.


    Perhaps a dungeon core turning a cavern or cave into a dungeon, was simr to how imnting a golem core into a sculpture would animate it, and turn it into a golem.


    He shifted the sample te around in the poscope, examining different particles.


    There. Tiny little nodes that looked like they had burst apart.


    They werepletely destroyed to the point where they would never function again, but they definitely looked like the cracked remains of the pathways that would connect a golem to their masters mana and thoughts so that it could receive instructions.


    This golem theory was gaining more and more traction in his mind.


    Alex frowned.


    Golems, however, were a mortal creation: an attempt to mimic the creation of life by way of wizardry, and perhaps to improve upon it in certain ways.


    If each dungeon core made flesh and blood monstersmonsters that breathed, ate, and livedthen why would it need to create artificial constructs in order to make those monsters?


    A disturbing possibility urred to him.


    Golems were a mortal creation.


    What if mortals had created the dungeon cores too?


    It would help exin why mortals could interact and control one. When a golems master died unexpectedly, several things would happen to the golem: they would go berserk in some cases, or simply shut down in others. In other cases, if they werergely autonomous to begin with, they could continue to exist: mimicking the tasks that their owner had set for them when living. If a golem was broken, a wizard or crafter could sometimes fix the golems core and connect to it themselves, essentially bing the golems new master.


    The mana of the dungeon core was nearly dried out when Alex had connected to it. Was that why hed briefly gained control of it?


    He thought about The Ravener.


    Where had ite from?


    None of the legends or history texts really ever said, only that it was in Thamnd and that Uldar fought it.


    Had it been working with mortals?


    Were mortals helping it by creating its dungeon cores?


    Alex chewed his lip.


    Or was hepletely wrong? Hed had golems on the brain for months, maybe he was reading too much into the connections?


    Either way, he had a new lead, and hed also found out that the pathways that made the dungeon core function were definitely annihted.


    That was good: it helped confirm that the dust wouldnt suddenly be controlled by The Ravener out of nowhere. It also meant that there would be only so much he could learn from analyzing this sample.


    As he took the dungeon cores powder out of the poscope, he frowned heavily.


    One day someonewhether that was him or a professor he trusted, or even some wizard from Generasiwould need to perform deep analysis on a better specimen: a livingor about as living dungeon core as they could get.


    For now, though, he had other read-outs to look at once he was done with theb.


    He cleaned up and said goodbye to Amir, hoping that the next time he saw the supervisor, hed be on time.


    Alex had used thest of hisb time toplete his Potion of Flight, something that he wasquite franklynearly giddy with excitement over. Wizards could do a lot of really cool stuff, but flight was one of those things that everyone wished they were able to do at least once.


    Now, that power was in his hands.


    What was also good was that hed alreadye up with some ways to alter the potions recipe slightly to be useful against opponents. An idea hade to him on a possible way to make the potion burst into a gaseous state. By using slightly more dandelion essencepacking the essence with extra manahe might be able to make the buoyancy of the potion itself change, meaning that it would expand and st outward when it left a sealed space.


    All of that he could work onter though: in the next couple ofbs he was going to have the freedom to concoct some potions of his own choiceincluding potions hed previously made. The purpose of thosebs would be to train him in brewingrge batches of potions, and the reward would be that hed be able to keep whatever he brewed.


    It would be the gateway to autonomy when it came to alchemy. Eventually, at least.


    He had sat down within a secluded copse of trees, and now carefully took out the readouts hed hidden in his pockets earlier.


    The first was the mana spectrometer readout.


    Awesome, he said.


    It showed the entire structure of the dungeon core separated into the neat coloured bands. Now hed be able to study it and see how much of it was substances he knew about.


    The vietric device results were promising. When liquified, the substance was what was often called prime mana viscosity. Essentially, it was thin enough tobine with many substances, while thick enough to create strong bonds whenever it was bonded to any substance.


    Itd be fairly easy to make magic items with this stuff, he noted. Or to construct more dungeon cores from raw materials whenever one was destroyed. Hmmm, and now for mana conductivity. Let''s see wha-


    He froze, looking at the read-out from the manohmeter.


    The dungeon cores mana conductivity was <em>astounding.</em>


    The reading showed that the mana lost almost no speed when it was being transferred through the substance, and there was no waste of mana. With most substances that werent the pure mana circuitry of spellcraft, there was at least some mana that would be wasted. A bit of energy would be lost during mana conduction through a material.


    Or at least, through most materials.


    One of the reasons that quartz was used to construct golem cores was that it was rtively cheap, and its high mana conductivity meant that a golem core would far more efficiently generate mana overall, and conduct that mana into the golems body at a faster speed.


    One of the problems with constructing veryrge golems was that they required materials with higher mana conductivity to construct their golem cores. If a material with lower conductivity was used, it would mean that the mana generated within the golem core would take longer to flow through the body of the golem.


    This would mean that the golem would be slower, weaker and clumsier overall.


    Wasted mana would also mean thateven if a golem core produced an immense amount of powermuch of it would be lost trying to pass through the golem core, which would mean less power overall.


    For certain materials in golem core construction, conductivity was king.


    And this substance?


    This substance might have been the <em>emperor</em> of those materials.


    ImIm reading this right, arent I? he blinked at the number for the power output: how much energy the mana had <em>after</em> it had passed through the dungeon cores remains.


    It was <em>higher</em> than the amount of power the mana had <em>before</em> it was fed into the substance. It likely meant that something about the dungeon core <em>energized</em> mana: it made any mana that passed through it stronger, faster and more efficient. Like some sort of catalyst.


    Materials that were capable of that were <em>very</em> rare.


    He took the sack of dungeon core remains out of his bag.


    The substance would be excellent in magic item construction, butif utilized correctlyit would be nearly perfect in golemcraft. Rather than just power a golem, it would make it so that the golem could use less power and still function just fine.


    Or it could mean that if the golem had a core designed for a <em>lot</em> of power output, this stuff would make sure that all that mana was super-energized.


    If the brass golem that theyd worked ondesigned to y multiple musical instrumentscould bend steel then


    What would a battle-golem with this stuff in its core be capable of? He was nearly vibrating with excitement. And this same stuff has simr properties to chaos essence, meaning the resulting golem would have the capability of evolution.


    He quickly dug out two notebooks and began writing rapidly in both.


    The first notes would be the report hed make concerning his findings on the dungeon core. He nned to bring it with him when he eventually spoke to Baelin about The Fool.


    The other notebook contained his design for his dungeon core. Using The Mark, he went over it again, jotting down some potential numbers.


    If I rece the quartz and copper with this stuff, then


    His eyes widened at the results of his calctions.


    And if I just made the core a little bigger to dedicate more sections of it for the purpose of power generation...and with the dungeon core remains infusing my golem core...


    He began tough to himself like madness had taken him.


    Professor Jules was right.


    He <em>was </em>going to do some horrifying things.

 Chapter 120: Design Improvements

    Chapter 120: Design Improvements


    What do you mean we need to make the hole bigger?! Selina demanded. Her face tensed as though she wanted nothing more than to climb up on a stool to reach her brothers throat so she could strangle him. That means wed have to re-draw all the armour-looking stuff around that part!


    Listen, listen, Alex said. Trust me, its going to be better this way. Here, look at these numbers!


    He showed her two lines of mana output calctions, one using his original materials and one using his dungeon core remains. Do you see how much bigger they are?!


    Selina blinked at the lines of calctions. AlexI dont know what any of that stuff means.


    It means <em>boom</em>! He made a smashing motion in the air. Wham! Wham! Smash! My golem-


    Our golem, she corrected.


    Its my golem: itll only listen to mebut if youre a good little sister, Ill let you ride on one of its shoulders and build stuff for you.


    I am good, youre the bad one that keeps changing it all the time! Selina gestured at thepleted torso. It looks really good, Alex! She leaned in, pointing at some of the elegant filigree theyd sculpted. Were going to ruin all of that for a bigger hole!


    But with the bigger hole, that means a more powerful golem core, which means more smash!


    She looked at him. Alexmaybe its already got enough smash.


    Alex gasped and recoiled as though shed literally thrown ice water on him. <em>Too much smash?</em> he said incredulously, looking at her as though she were foaming at the mouth rabid. Have you lost your mind? Theres no such thing as too much smash. Thats like the first thing you learn in alchemy.


    Actually, the first thing he learned in alchemy was how to do things safely and by procedure, but Selina didnt need to know that. For now. This sounded better.


    Alex, that sounds like one of the stupid things only <em>you</em> would say, like when youre naming stuff Her eyes narrowed. Youre going to let me name it, arent you?


    Pffft, I can name my golem.


    No you cant! The name will be stupid!


    Y-<em>your</em> name is stupid! he said maturely.


    The little girl rolled her green eyes so hard they looked like theyd roll out of her head. No <em>your</em>name is stupid!


    No. He drew himself up to his full height. <em>Your</em> name is stupi-


    By the sapphire sea, really? Khaliks deep voice came from the entrance to the room. This is how you two argue when no one is around? And here I thought you were crafting wonders.


    Alex froze, slowly turning as though he were a gate on rusty hinges. Selina moved so quickly that she almost seemed to teleport and suddenly be deeply engrossed with sculpting the golems fourth arm.


    Her cheeks were ming red.


    Khalik was leaning against the doorway with a bag in his hand, one thatjudging from the wonderful smelling from withinwas lunch.


    His head was cocked to one side and his eyebrow was raised.


    H-hey, Khalik, Alex said, feeling embarrassment wash over him. H-how long have you been there?


    Around the moment you lied to your little sister. And told her that the first thing one learned in alchemy was that theres never too much smash. Khalik shut the door behind him and sauntered into the room.


    Selina froze then slowly turned to look at her brother like he was the most offensive thing that had ever lived. <em>Alex,</em> she said dangerously, her eyes narrowing.


    Okay, okay, okay, to be fair. In my defence. To be my own advocate here, he said with his hands held up as though in surrender. The first thing they teach you in alchemy is a bunch of safety stuff that youd find suuuuper boring so <em>really,</em> I just did you a favour by saying what I said.


    She red at him.


    Ohe on, Im <em>entertaining</em> you!


    She continued to re at him in disgust, though he could see she was fighting a smile.


    Ah yes, that mix of disgust and amusement, he said. That <em>fuels</em> me, Selina.


    His sister groaned and turned back to the golem.


    Khalik shook his head. I know what it is like to have such an immature sibling.


    Yeah, thats right- Alex began.


    So my condolences for having such an immature sibling, Selina, Khalik said.


    <em>Hey!</em> Alex protested.


    Selina immediately beamed and began puffing out her chest. Thank you, Khalik.


    You are most wee.


    Youre both bullies! Alex cried. Youre both bullies and Im the victim here!


    Khalik chuckled as he set the food down on a nearby table. So this is what all my y summoning is amounting to, he said, passing his fingers through his beard. Quite incredible progress: I swear the both of you were far worse at sculpting when you began some months ago. Youre prodigies.


    Well, <em>shes</em> the prodigy, <em>Im</em> using...different ways.


    Alex said, as he gestured meaningfully toward his shoulder.


    Ah, so that is why you improved so quickly, Khalik nodded. Well done.


    <em>Really?</em> Selina turned to look at him in shock. Youve been-


    Shhhh! Alex said, ncing at the door.


    She quickly sped her hands over her own mouth. Sorry, she whispered.


    Its okay, he said gently.


    Still, thats cheating. Youre cheating.


    Im helping <em>both</em> of us get better, so Im doing both of us a favour. Its not cheating, its teaching.


    And speaking of teaching, Khalik said. How goes your progress, my young <em>temari?</em> he said, using his mother tongues word for student.


    Alex smiled, falling into himself and casting a spell.


    It was thetest one hed learned, so he made sure to go slowly and carefully as he constructed the spell-array. Oddly enough, he found thatdespite this spell having very little to do with any other spell hed learnedit was one of the easiest for him to cast so far.


    The magic circuit formed, and he felt the magic reach to somewhere very far off. He could feel the magic circuits every contour and the rush of something approaching quickly.


    A weight dropped into his hand: a fist-sized stone from the elemental ne of earth. He grinned and held it up toward Khalik. Summon Stone had been the veryst spell hed nned to learn on his own when he got to Generasi.


    Lesser Heat was the one he thought hed learn first, but it had actually been <em>harder</em> to cast than Summon Stone.


    Khalik nodded, drawing himself up and speaking like Baelin. Very good Mr. Roth. You are bing very proficient and much faster, and the stone isrger too. You are indeed progressing like a proper young wizard. He nced at Alexs shoulder. And how goes yourother project?


    Well, very well, Alex said.


    He nced at the notebookying beside his bag. His findings on the dungeon core remains were recorded in it, organized into a fairly extensive report.


    After hisstb, hed gone over his reference books and examined the results of the dungeon coresposition,paring it with the list of known substances hed worked with in first year potions and the far more extensive list hed worked with while aiding Professor Jules.


    The results were revtory. Arge amount of itsposition was remarkably simr to chaos essence, and several otherpounds matched many magic-rich minerals that assisted in alchemy that created life. There were also substances that acted as mana catalysts and even a few that were used in the branch of alchemy that aided Life Enforcement: elixirs and pills that advanced ones progress in cultivation.


    There was nothing in the material itself that he could detect to exin the dungeon cores ability to convert fear to mana or any other emotional connection to magic. Likely the aspect of the dungeon core that was responsible for converting mortal fear to mana, was tied to its life-force or consciousness, much like how a demons chaotic nature was tied into its soul.


    From there he was able to create some hypotheses to how dungeon cores worked.


    The spirit or life-force of the thing would convert fear into mana. That mana would then be run through the dungeon core and catalyzed so that it was far more energized and could do much more powerful work. From there, it would then be able to create life using the material within itself that was responsible for life creation, and make those living things more powerful through the part of itself responsible for life enforcement. Then it could craft those creatures into any shape it wished using the mutagenic part of itself simr to chaos essence.


    He shook his head.


    If he was rightand he could very well be wrongthen the Raveners dungeon cores were unbelievably advanced pieces of magic. There were spells and alchemyvery high-tier spells and alchemical processesthat created what were called homunculi.


    These homunculi were forms of life forged entirely by magic, but they were very crude, and the processes to create them very long and costly. The poor creatures were also soulless, as no wizardry or alchemy could craft a soul.


    Perhaps far in the future, somebody would make <em>that</em> sphemous discovery.


    Yet, the dungeon cores not only created varied, advanced forms of life, but did so automatically while also warping terrain around them. Powerful stuff.


    What he would give to be able to examine a living one.


    And if it came to thattrying to take control of one againthen he was far better equipped to do so. Not only was he far better at mana maniption, but examining the dungeon cores remains had given him insight into how they worked and how to guide his mana through its pathways.


    He doubted hed be able to take control of one at full strength, but he was at the stage where hed be able to try, and if it became too much for him, he knew how to disengage.


    The only thing left now was to repeat some of the analysis. Good data collection involved repetition to ensure that the data was reliable and valid. Data that was only gathered from one experiment or one session of analysis could have problems: there could have been any number of confounding variables that messed with read-outs or reactions.


    He would need to be sure of his research to the best of his ability before he went to Baelin. Part of him though, just wanted to tell the chancellor everything now and get it over with. Over time Alex hade to trust him quite a bit, not as much as his cabal members, but enough so that he could feel fairly confident that he wouldnt react negatively to his situation.


    But another part of him wanted to make sure hed done as much work on his own as he could before going to Baelin. Nothing about the substance indicated itd be useful for demon summoningwhich might have put him under suspicionand he wanted to present as much of his own evidence as possible.


    In the end, hed be attached to his secret project and rather than go to the chancellor like a child seeking help, he wanted to go to him as a Proper Wizard, one whod used his own wits and adaptation to solve as much of a problem as he could before going to an authority figure for help.


    It would be like Comb-1000: Baelin would be his safety, but only <em>after</em> hed tried his best with the problem beforehand.


    He took a deep breath.


    It wouldnt be much longer, though.


    At the very least, hed tell Baelin before he brought the dungeon core remains anywhere <em>near</em> any golem he was going to make. He hoped that wouldnt result in Baelin confiscating the substance, butwhile he hadnt found anything to indicate it would be dangerous when used in a golemhe definitely would like an older and wiser pair of eyes to check over his work first.


    Well, then, it looks like things are going well, Khalik said, ncing at the golem. And when do you think you will finish your monstrosity?


    Whenever Alex stops changing things every time he blinks, Selina said sourly.


    Im better now, Alex insisted. I dont think Im going toe across much more thatll make me change the design again. Im pretty sure Lord Smasho the First ising into his final shape.


    No! Selina shouted. No, not that name!


    Alex, I swear on my mother and fathers honour, Khalik warned him. If you name your war golem Lord Smasho the First, I will pick you up and toss you into the sea myself, then blindfold Grimloch and tell him theres a wounded seal for him to eat in the waters.


    Alright, alright! Jeez! I was joking! Alex said,ughing. Come on, guys, it''s just a joke! Even I wouldnt name a golem something stupid like Lord Smasho the First!


    Selina and Khalik exchanged nces.


    Later that evening, Alex Roth opened his golem-building notebook, flipped to the page that had his list of potential names and crossed out Lord Smasho the First.


    What the hell? Alex paused on the darkening street.


    Instead of the usual crowd of workers heading to workshops for evening shifts or leaving work to pour into restaurants or hurry home, the street looked like a minor encampment of mercenaries and monster hunters.


    Alex nced around, watching as they entered weapon shops, restaurants, and other venues that provided arms and equipment.


    Well, it looks like hunt mania is spreading, a familiar voice said behind him.


    Alex turned around to find Minervus; three of his golems were by the young mans side, watching the crowd with their strangely doll-like eyes.


    Hunt-mania? Alex blinked.


    I see you werent in town this morning, Minervus said. The bounty on the mana vampire has risen again: the monster attacked a country nobles son near the docks. The family has added their own reward for the monsters destruction to the citys bounty.


    Minervus shook his head. Fools. Still, I suppose it<em> is</em> tempting. Think <em>youll</em> go for it? his voice had a detached tone to it, a cold neutrality.


    Pffft, no, Alex said. I value my life. How much even is it?


    With all the contributing funds? Minervus paused. One thousand and five hundred gold coins.


    One thousand <em>what</em> now?

 Chapter 121: Hunt-mania

    Chapter 121: Hunt-mania


    One thousand and five hundred gold coins.


    The number made Alex weak in the knees, and he stood in the street pondering it as Minervus made his way through the crowds to get to work, though there was still quite a bit of time before their shift started.


    Alex watched the flesh golems push their way through the crowd. Some of the adventurersa few with shining badges of the Delvers Guild on their chestsshot res at the three constructs, but none moved to create arger fuss.


    There was equipment to buy and hunting to be done.


    Hunting for something worth fifteen hundred gold coins.


    It wasnt as if he hadnt heard aboutrger sums or things costingrger sums. Golems regrly sold for many, many thousands of gold coins. He was sure the sum wouldnt be that much to someone like Isolde and definitely not to someone like Khalik.


    But there was something about it being a reward for a mana vampires destruction that made it seem closer to home for him. It wasnt like the price for a powerful magical construct that he couldn''t dream of buying for the foreseeable future, or the cost of an advanced piece ofb equipment owned by the university. Those were notions that were distant and more abstract to his current life.


    This was a bounty for a type of monster that hed actually fought before: it was a reality to him, almost reachable.


    A thousand and five hundred gold pieces.


    Alex shook his head and let out a stunned whistle.


    If he were still working for McHarris making one silver coin per shiftand if he worked every day without missing a single oneit would take him a staggering 41 years to earn that much gold.


    Even now it would be an incredible sum. Each of his shifts at Shalested him two gold coins and each of Theresas at the Beastarium paid her one. Together, they would have to work more than three years to earn 1500 gold coins.


    Between the two of themeach working three days per weekthey were covering their basic expenses, which was thirty gold coins for the apartment, the junior school and Theresas course auditing. They had a handful of expenses above that, but all in all, they were breaking even and even starting to save a little each month.


    The reward for the mana vampire whod boarded <em>The Red Siren </em>had been a big help, and Alex had hardly needed to touch his and Selinas inheritance.


    But that still hadnt let them make much headway toward some of their bigger goals. He really wanted to buy a ce of their own in Generasi City, but the prices were still far beyond his reach. He was sure thatwith a good jobhed be able to afford something eventually, but he had no idea how long that would take.


    Selina loved it in Generasi. It was clear that she did, and hed hate to have to drag her away from this city that was giving them all a new start when he finished his studies in four years.


    But this reward of fifteen hundred gold pieces?


    He sighed, deep in thought.


    It would be a nice start toward buying some property here. It could also mean other opportunities. He loved alchemy, but it was such an expensive branch of wizardry. Practicing it safely and correctly called for high-priced tools, a safe and clean workspace, and apetent assistant or two to lend a hand when one worked withplex alchemical devices.


    That amount of coin could begin funding some alchemy supplies for him


    All that gold...just for killing the type of monster hed killed before.


    He shook his head as reason beganing back to him.


    Dont be stupid, Alex, he thought. You barely survived a starving one. Theres no way you would stand a chance against one at full powerwould you?


    He looked down, flexing one of his arms. The now powerful muscle swelled in his shirt. Temptation came back.


    Alex Roth wasnt the same young wizard whod been ambushed by a mana vampire on <em>The Red Siren. </em>Heas strong as hed becould have broken the him from when hed first arrived in Generasi in half


    He also knew more spells.


    He now knew how to regenerate his mana.


    In speed, agility and reflexes, his present physical abilities were as different as night and daypared to then. Hed also been part of groups that had beaten a bonedrinker and an earth elemental and more. Hed gone up against undead skeletons and a menacing haunt in a dangerous undergroundplex. He had a lot going for him now.


    Of course, he also had a magical Mark that could still mess around and make him vulnerable, especially if he was alone in abat situation.


    Just because youve thought of ways around it and improved yourself, doesnt mean youre some super powerful barbarian warrior, or an arch-wizard, or a super deadly martial artist. Dont let greed cloud your better judgment now. Besides-


    He looked at the crowd.


    -youll definitely have a helluva lot ofpetition.


    Looking more closely, he realized that many in the crowd didnt have the same lethal look that the well-armed, hard-bitten monster hunters that made camp near the city walls had.


    As a matter of fact, he recognized many of them: workers from some of the surrounding shops. Folk that came to work here day after day and bought their meals here, socialised with their co-workers, and at the end of the day, went back to their homes and peaceful lives. Now, they walked around with shiny new weapons and equipment, looking less like monster hunters, and more like children ying at being soldiers and warriors.


    Baelins words about the mana vampire from a conversation a time ago drifted back to him: Please do not be so foolhardy as to go after it yourself; from the way this one has evaded detection and the pattern of its attacks, it is likely old, powerful and cunning. Know your limits, and let professionals handle it.


    He should probably do just that.


    Anyway, he wouldnt even know how to find the thing in the first ce.


    His eyes clicked to Shales.


    Still though, he did wonder whether or not golems would be useful for hunting a mana vampire. Maybe he could subtly ask during his shift.


    Are golems useful for hunting mana vampires? Lagor repeated Alexs question. Oh, boy, dont tell me all that hunting-manias gone to your head too. Dont do anything stupid, I need all my assistants here. And alive. And not so broken theyll never work mana again.


    Oh, uh, sorry, Alex said quickly.


    He, Minervus and Carmen were helping Lagor install a golem core into thepleted body of a y golem. It had been a busy night with them working intensely to get the workpleted on this final rush job for the week. Unfortunately, the golem core had beente to arrive: while Lagor and his assistants built the body, another crafters team had forged the core. The core was a bit of a specialty: it was designed to power some magical items of lightning magic that would be imnted into the golems arms.


    Since theyd received it sote, theyd really had to push to get it fitted into the setting in time. Now, they were taking a breather and having theirst break before activating the construct for the very first time.


    Youre not thinking of going after it, are you? Lagor pressed him.


    No, no! Alex said quickly. I was just curious. Ive been seeing so many people suiting up to go after it and it got me wondering if maybe some of them would try and make a golem to take it down.


    Good, Lagor said, a grim look taking his features. Were down enough assistants as-is.


    Alex knew what he meant. When hed arrived for his shift, he was shocked to learn that at least three or four staff members were missing: assistants to some of the other crafters. Fewer assistants had been one of the reasons Lagors team had received the golem core sote. Apparently, all of the missing had sent word that they were sick, or that a family emergency hade up.


    The orc crafter seemed to have doubts about their excuses.


    Fifteen hundred gold coins is a tempting amount of wealth, Lagor grunted. But your lifes worth a hell of a lot more. Ugh, I hate hunt-mania.


    Wait, thats a thing? Alex asked, having missed it the first time Lagor used it.


    Hed thought it was just a term that Minervus had made up.


    Of course, it is, I specifically told you about it, didnt I? Minervus said with acid in his voice.


    Alex resisted the urge to respond.


    Oh yeah, theres such a thing, for sure, Lagor grimaced. Last time it happened was about ten years ago. A wily young wyvern flew in from the north on a hot wind and nested in the southern countryside. First it started stealing milk from cows: sneaking into barns in the dark and suckling while the cows were asleep. Then it graduated to eating a couple of the young calves, then goats, then a full grown cow or two.


    Lagor started listing the wyverns deeds on his fingers. It was just considered a nuisance at first, and we <em>do </em>have the odd monster menacing the countryside or the port at times, but then it ate a miller on his way home one evening. Thats when the city took notice. Well, then it started breaking into the nobles wine cers and drinking up their vintages. That got them really mad. But the bloody thing was smart.


    He spread his arms as though he were the wyvern about to take flight. It only flew at night and it flew high. It only picked fights with monster hunters that had no wizards with them, or wizards it could catch off guard. The reward kept climbing. When it hit a thousand gold coins, suddenly a bunch of the city folks got big ideas. Hunt-mania, it was called: everyone got it into their heads that they could set themselves on the path of riches by hunting the thing down, iming the reward, and selling the parts that have value to alchemists. Students and honest, simple workers dropped everything to be monster hunters. And a lot of people died.


    Alex grimaced.


    And what happened to the wyvern? Did a professional monster hunter get it?


    No, Lagor snorted, and amusement entered his eyes. It wasnt even a wizard either. It was a stableboy.


    What? Minervus raised an eyebrow. Was the stableboy perhaps some sort of mighty beastfolk?


    Nope, he was human. He just hit on an idea. You see, wyverns are immune to most poisons, but the stableboy realized that it mustve liked alcohol a lot if it kept breaking into wine cers. So, he bought a bunch of cheap booze from the market with his familys savings and added a big batch of his grandpas moonshine recipe. Apparently, grandpa was an herbalist, so it was strong stuff. The boy set it out on a hill in some barrels one night and waited.


    The wyvern flew down and drank its fill, Lagor continued. The damn thing got so drunk that it threw its guts up and passed out right there on the hill. The stableboy walked up, put a pitchfork through the beasts eye and made himself rich.


    Thats a great story, Alex said. Like a fairy tale from old times: the clever youngster ovees the big beastie.


    No, it isnt a great story, Lagor grunted. Cuz now, everyone thinks about him and goes, Hey, if a stableboy can kill a wyvern, then I can kill a mana vampire, or a griffin, or whatever the city wants dead. But all they end up doing is wasting their time or their life.


    Oh, Alex said.


    He was reminded of Professor Jules story about how young students got themselves killed by looking for monster organs that were worth a lot in wizardry, before the academy gated much of that knowledge away from them.


    I suppose most folks would go for dangerous opportunities if the reward was right, he thought. Including me, maybe. Didnt I brave silence-spiders and a cave of portals just for the chance to be a wizard?


    He shook his head at himself.


    Maybe he <em>wouldve</em> gone after the mana vampire if he were more powerful and didnt have The Mark to deal with. Or maybe if he were desperate enough.


    Lagor nced back up at the golem. And to answer your question: itsplicated. Mana vampires can drain golems pretty damn easy because theyre constructs made with mana. Apparently, their manas not as nourishing to them as mana and spells from living beings, but they still go for golems if pressed. Sorta like a snack, I guess. That said, better a golem gets drained than you. And while a mana vampire is draining a golem, youand preferably some friends that arent wizardscane in and smash its skull open. Plus, if youve got a really strong golem, then it could rip a mana vampire in two before the creature could drain it. So, it all depends on the golem and how you use it. But enough of that for now. We got work to do, so, lets stop hanging around and get this thing started. The faster we turn it on and run the tests, the faster we can get it ready and be helping the other teams.


    Alex sprang up from his seat as Minervus and Carmen got up and put their masks back on.


    This would be an important moment.


    While hed been around for the first activation of other golems, this would be the first time Lagor would be allowing his assistants to directly guide the mana into the core to start one up.


    It would be a crucial experience for when he activated his own.


    Hopefully, it would all go as to routine.


    He nced up at the golem core prepared by the other team.


    It seemed to glow in readiness.

 Chapter 122: Rampage

    Chapter 122: Rampage


    So, youll be following my lead, Lagor said as he and his three assistants drew their mana conductors. Ill go in first and use my mana to jump start the mana process. Carmen, I want you to power up the section that controls its movements and Minervus, youll empower the section thatll connect with its master to receive instructions. Alex, youll work on the section<strong></strong>responsible for connecting to the embedded magic items, in this case, the lightning rods. Once you have your taskspleted, thene join me in activating the golems power generation. Got it?


    Carmen, Alex, and Minervus acknowledged the crafter before climbing the small scaffold in back of therge golem.


    Lagor reached over to a metal cup-like device connected to a long tube in the wall and spoke into it. First floor! Workshop room three! Test golem activation beginning! Look alive!


    His voice boomed throughout the workshop.


    They all took positions at equidistant spaces behind the golems<strong></strong>back, and raised their mana conductors like they were drawing swords to fight a duel. As one, they slowly pressed their conductors to the hole in the golems upper back.


    Alex closed his eyes and waited for Lagor to make the first move.


    <em>Vooom.</em>


    He stiffened, awe-struck.


    In his interactions with the crafter, it was sometimes easy to think of Lagor as a broad-shouldered tradesman, or a quick-witted engineer, and not as what he really was: a wizard.


    At this moment, the truth of who he actually was undeniable.


    Lagors mana pool was <em>enormous</em>.


    If Alexs pool had grown from the equivalent of a shallow well to a deep forest pond, then Lagors was a massiveke. Alexs own mana shuddered as the crafters surged close by, filling the golem core.


    Even with the more advanced mana regeneration techniques he was learning from ValRok, it wouldve taken him days to build up enough mana to equal how much Lagor was putting out.


    He was drawn out of his thoughts when he felt Minervus and Carmens mana follow Lagors into the golem core, and his followed shortly after.


    Alexs mana surged through the tiny pathways built into the golem core with an incredible familiarity. He activated The Mark and images appeared. First, he saw himself working with the cubes from ValRok''s ss; next, his work in potionsbs, and finally, the time he pushed his mana into the dungeon core.


    It was the images from the dungeon core that The Mark seemed most focused on showing him. It helped guide him through the pathways within the golem<strong></strong>core until he reached the section responsible for connecting the core to the lightning rods built into the forearms.


    He proceeded, slowly and steadily, letting The Mark show him what he was doing right, and gradually increasing his efficiency in his task. He felt the precise pathways to the lightning rods and explored them lightly at first, making sure hed felt out each and every corner of the mana pathways.


    Then Alex began to draw from his mana pool and poured his mana deep within his section of the golem core. He gritted his teeth as he felt the pathways begin to spark with energy.


    He applied his mana regeneration technique at the same time, producing more energy while he continued to pour mana through the pathways. Even as he did so, he realized that he had a long way to go before hed be able to generate enough energy to power a golem core like Lagor could. Still, what he was creating was enough for the task hed been given, and the more his mana poured through the paths, the stronger the connection between the golem core and the magic circuits within the lighting rods was. Alex felt mana begin to flow back and forth between the core and the rods, strengthening the connection until finally-


    <em>Voom</em>.


    The pathways began to direct the mana back and forth on their own. He quickly pulled away from his section and joined Lagor to also direct his mana into activating the golem cores internal mana generation as theyd been instructed to do.


    He was the first assistant there, and he gritted his teeth in focus. Lagors manamasterfully directedwas enveloping all the inner mana-activators within the power generator, pouring power into them to jump start each reaction. Alex joined him, targeting some of the activators that the crafter wasnt currently working on and took a deep breath as he felt his mana rapidly draining out of him.


    It almost felt like a mana vampire was drawing mana from him: each activator required a <em>lot</em> of power to jump start, and he was barely able to provide enough. It wasnt that he was having trouble with the technique, it was more a question of trying to fill ake with a bucket of water.


    Soon, Carmen and Minervus joined him and Lagor, adding their mana as well. Still, it was clear that neither of them made a huge difference in how quickly the process was proceeding: most of the power needed wasing from Lagor, who seemed inexhaustible.


    If Lagor had that much mana, Alex shuddered to think how much his professors like Ram and Jules had. And ValRokwho specialized in mana maniptionwould likely have an even bigger reservoir of it.


    He didnt even want to <em>think</em> about what sort of bottomless sea of magic dwelled within Baelin.


    Or The Ravener, considering all the dungeon cores it could produce. If it even used mana.


    He brought his mind back to task. He was starting to feel sparks of power lighting up in the golem core. The core fed on theirbined mana like a hungry infant, and Alex was feeling the beginnings of a new mana developing and surrounding his own: it was the golem cores.


    It was starting to gain enough mana for its internal reactors to hit that critical stage where they became self-sustaining. At first, the mana it was producing was a trickle. Then a stream.


    Lagor concentrated, continuing to feed it.


    Ugh, he grunted. Gotta talk to Farro about his designs: this thing eats mana like a pig.


    He gave a strong push of his mana.


    <em>Voom.</em>


    Alex felt a shock as suddenly all four of them were nearly pushedpletely out. It was like the sun hade into being with the core: a sun made of mana. An enormous surge of power poured through the core, connecting with all the other activated sections and glowing through the golem.


    There was a surge in the air itself as the construct came alive.


    Alex watched with wide eyes as the golem core shone with a burning power.


    Alright, everyone back! Lagor barked, reaching over to a hook to retrieve a thick mana vacuumand connecting it to the core. A massive waste container sat in the corner of the room. They mbered off the scaffold and stood facing the golem.


    Lagor and his three assistants stepped back and watched their creation. Alex gaped in awe.


    Hed been working at Shales long enough to be present for the first activation of other golems in the workshop, but this time was different. By connecting with this one so deeply, he could actually feel the powering off of it, bringing it to life.


    Remarkable, Alex muttered.


    You get used to it, Carmen nced over at him. First time, though, everyone reacts like that.


    Minervus was watching it intently, but remained silent.


    Hm, Lagor noted. It''s giving off a little more waste mana than it should. Might need to give the core a little reconfiguration before we send it off. Right then, Ill connect to it by myself for now.


    Alex felt a wrenching sensation as Lagorwhose connection with the golem was strongestshunted out his assistants. As soon as there was only one wizard connected to the construct, it shuddered as the connection solidified and Lagors mental presence contacted it.


    Alex called his Wizards Hands, carrying a clipboard and paper pad that had a checklist on it.


    Right, step test first, Lagor said. Golem, take three paces forward.


    There was a grinding sound at first.


    An earthshaking one as the golem core prepared to move the body for the first time. Soon, the golems movements quieted as it took its first giant step forward.


    <em>Thm.</em>


    The ground seemed to shake from its weight.


    Alex noted down the length of its step as measured by a series of notches on the floor beneath it. Minervus recorded how long it took to make that step, and Carmen recorded general observations about its bnce. As the examination continued, Lagors verbalmands became less and less detailed so that he could observe how capable the golem was at responding to subtleties inmands. This was to test how well it responded to intent, since he was no longer breaking down every single step of what he wanted it to do.


    Finally, he fell silent for a while, giving itmands through sheer will alone, transmitted through mana maniption.


    Lagor continued through the process: having the golem raise its arms, rotate them, swing them from side to side and bnce on one foot. He then told it to proceed to the side of the workroom and begin lifting a series of weights that had been ced against the wall, each of increasing mass.


    All the while, the assistants continued recording various observations about its movements while Lagor noted the feel of the mana coursing through it, and how well it responded tomands.


    Atst, it was time for the final test.


    Right, then, time for a little light show, the orc-crafter said. Golem. I want you to use the lightning in your arms to st that target in the back.


    He pointed to a copper target that was grounded into a stone in the floor, and the towering construct turned toward it and raised its arms.


    <em>Crackle</em>.


    Two sts of lightning shot from its hands and struck the target. The magic briefly crackled in the air before it finally disappeared.


    Hohoho! Lagorughed beneath his mask. Now I see why Farro made it draw so much mana: thats a lot of power! This thingll make one heck of a-


    He paused, his humour fading.


    Alex watched him for a moment then froze as well.


    Something was off.


    Although the lightning had finished striking the target, Alex could still feel a charge in the air.


    Minervus had gone very still.


    Carmens body went stiff-


    Wait, forget her body, is her hair standing on end?! Alex thought, his fear rising.


    Swearing, Lagor threw a switch.


    The mana vacuum hummed to life and mana began to pour from the core and into the waste container.


    The charge started to recede from the air.


    Alex breathed a sigh of relief, then noticed that Lagor still looked highly alert.


    <em>Grrrrrrrrrrrm,</em> a grinding, earthy growl echoed from somewhere deep within the golems body.


    Its form shed as bright as a thunderbolt.


    Get down! Lagor shouted, diving to the ground. <em>Now!</em>


    Alex leapt to the stones, with Minervus and Carmen ducking down as one.


    <em>Craaaaaack! Booooom!</em>


    Lightning sted out in all directions from the golem, nearly blinding Alex.


    Electricity coursed through some of the metal in the room and blew the mana vacuum off the golem core. No longer restrained, the golem began to turn, and Alex felt its mana surge as a deep, terrible growl echoed from within it.


    Lagor was on his feet in an instant, running to grab the cup and hose hed spoken into earlier. Code white! <em>Code white! </em>Berserk golem in workshop room three!<em></em>


    He looked at his apprentices. Everybody out! Now!


    Before they could move, the golem acted. Electricity crackled along its body as it surged toward Lagor with sparking fists clenched. Lagor ducked a sweeping blow as it plowed past him.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Its fist crashed through a piece of equipment and cracked a stone in the wall. Lightning crackled around the split. The golem turned quickly, stomping toward the assistants; theyy between it and the door.


    Alex yelped and rolled out of its path as a massive y foot came down, shaking the ground beneath him. It surged for the doorway.


    Minervus looked up at it, his face a mask of concentration.


    <em>Boom</em>.


    The door burst inward.


    His flesh golemsheeding his callrushed into the room and took one look at the rampaging monstrosity. It was more than two feet taller than they were and must have outweighed them by half a ton or more, but they charged it without hesitation, mming into the giant construct with full impact. The force of their charge sent the gigantic golem stumbling back, but lightning sted through Minervus golems and their bodies instantly went into spasms where they stood. Electricity coursed through the pair, their mana-animated muscles contracting from the shock. They fell away from therger construct.


    Lagor shouted an incantation;rge glowing metal chains shot out of the earth and wrapped around the creature, quickly tightening. The golem struggled against its bonds while Lagor shouted the same spell over and over, enwrapping it in a web of chains.


    Another growl emerged and another wave of lightning sted from it, but it was channeled into the metal chains and grounded into the stone floor at its feet. One of the chains links popped as the golem threw all of its strength against its restraints.


    Get those security golems in here! Lagor shouted toward the shattered doorway.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    Pieces of y cracked off as the massive construct tore one of its arms free of its chains. It scooped a bulky piece of equipment off the floor and lifted it up to toss at Lagor.


    No! Alex ordered one of his Wizards Hands to distract its attention while the other grabbed the mana vacuum.


    Carmen jumped to her feet and shouted an incantation.


    She began to transform. Her body narrowed, lengthened and flowed until her human form was gone: reced by the giant, sinewy form of a serpent at least thirty feet long.


    Her scales looked to be made of stone.


    She shot forward with shocking speed, coiling around the golem and trying to pull one of its arms back toward its body. It still held onto the piece of equipment.


    The serpent shuddered as lightning coursed over her scales. Canthold itforever! she hissed, and Alex barely recognized Carmens voice through the creatures hissing tones.


    Dammit! He swore, diving behind the golem while a Wizards Hand brought the mana vacuum around its back with him. He was aiming to plug the vacuum back into the core, but the creature was thrashing so wildly that it was making his n impossible.


    Lightning sted through the air again as it thrashed harder.


    <em>Pop. Pop.</em>


    More chain links burst apart. Carmen hissed while fighting to hold its arm.


    Dammit all, theres no helping it! Destroy the body! Lagor roared as he fired thin green rays of magic that turned sections of the construct to dust.


    The golem fought to free itself as Alex considered the best way to get it plugged in: maybe between his own effort and using both Wizards Hands he could manage to get the vacuum reconnected to the core.


    Then Minervus was beside him. My golems will hold it! he shouted. Well work together so you can re-attach the mana vacuum!


    The narrow faced young man looked at his smoking golems: they shook off the electricity coursing through them and jumped back on the berserk golem, joining Lagors chains and the transformed Carmen to try and hold it still.


    There was a sickening scent as their flesh began to sear.


    The y golems thrashing finally slowed from their interference.


    Its core became possible to reach.


    Alex shot a Wizards Hand forward.


    <em>Click!</em>


    It reattached the mana vacuum to the core.


    The golems roar grew louder as its mana began to drain.


    It strained against Carmens serpentine coils, and shifted its aim, still holding therge piece of equipment.


    Alex gasped.


    It had struggled to turn toward the mana waste container. He didn''t know if it had enough awareness toe up with a strategy to throw the equipment, or if feeling its mana being drained was making it respond to the threat, but either way, that container rupturing could cause an explosion whichconsidering how much mana was already flooding itcould easily kill them all.


    <em>Boom. Boom.</em>


    The ground shook harder.


    The sound of metal on stone echoed from the doorway, and Alex whirled toward the noise.


    Two more golems entered the door: made of solid iron. The personal security golems of Toraka Shale.


    The earth-shaking constructs closed in on the y golem with ponderous footsteps. The first one grabbed it by the shoulders, holding the towering y construct still as though it were a child. Then the second reached out and tore the golem core from its setting.


    Instantly, there was a whoosh of mana from the air as the energy left the y body. For a few heartbeats the lightning rods continued to spark in the golems forearms, until finally, they flickered and sparked out.


    Carmens serpentine form slipped off of the golem, flopped to the floor, and transformed back into her humanoid shape. Shey panting against the stone while Alex fought to get his pounding heart under control.


    Minervus shook his head while Lagor swore under his breath.


    More pounding footsteps entered the room.


    No! A man was the first to enter the room, and Alex recognized the skinny form of Farro, the crafter whod made the core. What happened? Look at all of this damage!


    Your bloody core was defective! Lagor shouted. Thats what happened, and it nearly took all of our lives!


    He stomped toward the other crafter, as though ready toy him out with a single punch.


    Then Minervus whirled on Alex. You! he cried, his eyes alight. You were responsible for activating the part of the core that connected with the lightning rods, and it was after it used the lightning rods that it went berserk! <em>What did you do?</em>


    Alex froze as everyone in the workshop turned toward him.


    His eyes narrowed.


    Carmen might have turned into a serpent, but youre the <em>real</em> snake, Minervus, he thought. And you finally made your move.

 Chapter 123: The Opportunist

    Chapter 123: The Opportunist


    In Alexs experience, people tended to treat opportunists'' like lepers. And he couldnt really disagree with that treatment most of the time.


    An opportunist tended to be bad to be around: theyd wait for any chance to advance themselvesoften at someone else''s expensewhile pretending to be a harmless colleague, friend or ally as they waited for their opportunity to strike.


    Alex was something of an opportunist himself: he adapted to situations and strategized, looking for the right circumstances to sessfully execute a n.


    His revenge on McHarris was a perfect example: hed longed for it for years, but waited to make sure he only sought it when hed have the opportunity to enjoy it the most, while making sure that McHarris couldnt retaliate.


    But, he didnt look for opportunities to benefit himself even if it hurt othersunless they hurt him or were really huge jerksbut he realized that this wasnt the case with Minervus. His track record showed that.


    The second year student had decided that abandoning his COMB-1000 ssmates when he thought it would benefit him was the right way to go, then hed tried to get those same ssmates on his side during the vent-drinker wrangling ss. Hed tried to convince Alex not to apply for the job at Shales so that hed have a better opportunity to get it, but then had acted like a quiet, helpful coworker ever since. Hed even teamed up with Alex just now to battle the golem.


    But now an opportunity to eliminate a rival had arrived, and the old Minervus was back out.


    There were no problems with the golem cores pathways when it came to connecting the core to the lightning rods, Alex said, slowly and calmly. If he panicked now, showed too much anger or got defensive, itd just lend credibility to Minervus. He needed to be cool, calm, collected and have confidence in his own skill. Everything went to procedure and your mana was running through the core with mine, Carmen and Lagors when we activated it. Did you feel anything abnormal?


    He turned things back on Minervus, but the young opportunist came back quickly.


    I didnt, but I wasnt in your section, the pale, narrow-faced student said, looking at the dully glowing core in the iron golems hands. Im not saying you werent following procedure, Im just pointing out that with youck of experience-


    Alex noticed his eyes flick toward Farrothe crafter that had made the coreas he said it.


    -that it might have been easy to miss something. You are a first year student, after all.


    A first year? At Generasi? Farros face washed red behind his moustache and goatee. He was a fine-featured man, and looked more like a rakish duelist from a stage y than he did a golem crafter. Lagor, you let a first year connect the golem core to the lightning rods? Are you out of your mind?! Its any wonder that the core didnt explode and electrocute you all!


    Alex grit his teeth.


    What he wanted to do was bring up that Minervus was responsible for the part of the golem core that engaged with the creators mentalmands. That could allow him to counter-use himbut that wouldnt solve the problem. It would be his word against Minervus, until they figured out what actually happened. Minervus had more experience with golems and was in a higher year.


    He could dig his heels in, and the emotional Farro would still likely focus on Alex for now. He didnt want to do anything that would escte the situation.


    Alex has proven himself a valuable member of my team, Lagor growled, shooting a hard look at Minervus. As has Minervus, as has Carmen. They worked well as a team, and reacted fast and together in the crisis. No panic, no show-boating. If it werent for them, <em>your</em> core would have let that golem do a lot more damage than it did.


    Lagor red at the bent piece of equipment the golem had been preparing to throw. A lot more. Lives mightve been lost. Your core was drawing too much energy anyway. There was an imperfection in it, Farro: you gave us a rush job and then left us to clean up the pieces!


    Me? Farro glowered. The core used more energy to start up because it had to power <em>two</em> third-tier lightning rods! I cant exactly have it be as efficient as a messenger golem made of bloody balsa wood! He nced at Alex. Alex Roth, am I right?


    Thats my name, Alex said cautiously. He kept his voice neutral. He didnt want to start licking the crafters boots and begging, but thest thing he needed was to give the man more reason to focus his anger on him. He needed time to think.


    Whats your previous experience been in golem crafting? Farro demanded. Have you ever participated in the first time activation of a golem before?


    This was my first, Alex said. So I followed Lagors directions to the letter.


    No ones questioning your ability to <em>follow</em><em>directions</em>, Farro said. What Im questioning is your qualifications for such a procedure!


    Alex nced at Minervus.


    He caught the tailend of a smile disappear.


    He cursed inwardly.


    This is exactly what that sneaky bastard had wanted. No matter how you looked at it, this had been a disaster and me was going to be assigned for it. Farro would likely be the first candidate to have me cast on him, and so what would the man do if he were suddenly presented with an easy target?


    Well, exactly this. me someone else.


    Well done, you bastard, Alex thought, bitterly. But now what do I do?


    Turning things back on Farro would be a problem: a crafters assistant using a senior crafter? No way that would end well.


    Ive worked with Alex since I was hired here. Carmen was climbing to her feet and wiping sweat from her brow. Both he and Minervus are students in first and second year, but they both perform their duties like theyve been working in the field for years. They know what theyre doing, and Im willing to vouch for that.


    She looked tired, but was uninjured even as Shales medical aides sped through the throng of gawking staff, and went to her and the others whod fought the golem.


    Yes, thank you Carmen! Alex thought, using the precious moments shed bought him to think of a way out of Minervus'' trap. His mind worked as the medical staff carefully examined the lot of them.


    Ill vouch for him too, Lagor said. I interviewed every member of my team and judged that they were ready for this step. What about you, Farro? I understand that two of your assistants are missing tonight. Means you and your lone assistant must have rushed to finish up by tonight. With just the two of you... Liable to be mistakes made.


    Youre using me, Farro said tly. After weve worked so well together.


    We all make mistakes, Lagor grunted. Why pretend we dont, when you know it happens? Then sometimes we make em again, especially when were hurrying. Except they might kill us next time around.


    I agree wholeheartedly,  Farro said. But Im telling you, I didnt make a mistake. The golem core was functioning as intended. Someone must have made a mistake in the activation process. I know youve got strong control over constructs, so I doubt it was an error in your control, Lagor.


    Alexs brow furrowed, thinking of all the factors.


    Lagors anger had focused on Farro and on a potential w in the core. It made sense: the golem had nearly killed him. Minervus had focused them on Alex as a scapegoat, using him of making a mistake.


    He didnt <em>think</em> hed made a mistake. He called up The Mark: it showed him an unbroken line of images of himself powering up his section of the core. There was nothing in The Mark''s detailed memories that indicated any mistake on his part.


    So what was going on?


    If the core wasnt the problem and he hadnt made a mistake, what could have happened? The golem body? No, Lagor, he, Carmen and Minervus had built that carefully. Theyd made many golems together and none of them had ever gone berserk before, either during testing in the workshop, or after theyd been delivered to the customer.


    So then


    Alex paused, ncing at the body again.


    Wait! Alex said. Could there be something wrong with the lightning rods? he asked quickly. It was the one factor they werent talking about. It <em>did</em> go crazy once it tried to use them, right?


    Lagor paused, then grunted and walked over to the golem. Farro fell silent, and followed the orc-crafter. Lagor stepped up to the y golem, and cast a spell. His hands began to glow with a green light. They melted the y wherever they touched the body, causing it to run like hot candle wax.


    His hands sunk into the arms of the inert golem and drew out the lightning rods. The crafters face took on a look of deep concentration, and Alex watched intently as he examined the rods with mana maniption. He swore under his breath, tossing them to Farro. He examined them as well, then gasped.


    Yeah, thats what I thought, Lagor said, ncing at Alex. Good suggestion. Saved us time.


    What, what happened? Alex asked.


    Carmen was watching with interest, and Minervus had gone very quiet.


    These lightning rods have been tampered with, Farro said, his face washing red with rage. This would look bad for Shales!


    Tampered with? Alex blinked.


    Yeah, Lagor grunted darkly. The spell arrays are altered slightly, just enough to misalign the mana circuit. They were fine when I first received them: I examined them visually and tested them, and they were perfect.


    The spell array seems to have been changed to increase the misalignment over time, Farro said. It was done in such a way that it wouldnt be noticeable at first, then at some point, the rods would malfunction and st out in all directions, electrocuting the wielder. Likely to death. It looks like what happened was that the rods sted through the golems body, wrecking a number of pathways and shaking your control, Lagor. Then the golem reacted to what seemed to be an attack.


    Isis someone targeting the shop to cause problems for Toraka Shale? Carmen asked.


    Maybe Lagor looked at the inert golem. But, the rods came directly from the client with instructions to embed them in the golem. I have no idea where they got them from: maybe whoever sabotaged those rods is targeting them. Either way, were done here. We stop all production for the night and catalogue <em>all</em> of our materials, then investigate this. Everyones doing overtime, and youll get your proper pay. I want to make sure nothing else in this shop has been tampered with. After that, its time to report this to the city.


    The inspectionsted until well after sunrise. Every single piece of equipment, material and tool was catalogued, and an in depth examination was done for possible sabotage, but no other items in the workshop showed any sign of being interfered with.


    As the morning wore on, the city investigators arrived and questioned everyone involved with the incident, including Minervus.


    The narrow-faced young man had dropped all usations after the revtion that the rods had been sabotaged. That said, he hadnt escaped a very harsh lecture from Lagor about using a teammate before the investigation had even started. Alex smiled at that, but his smile faded quickly


    He had to admit it, what Minervus had done was cunning: hed been able toe up with his usation on the spot and take advantage of a situation that just happened to present itself.


    What was key though, was that he hadnt overyed his hand. There was no falling apart by trying to convince Farro and Lagor repeatedly of his point, which would have removed his own credibility in the process.


    No, when it was clear his moment had passed, Minervus had once again be the helpful crafters assistant that was doing his best to aid everyone else in the shop. Hed yed his hand, didnt get what he wanted, but in the end, lost nothing. He had gotten a lecture from Lagor and a warning, but no greater punishment than that.


    Of course, his usation would make any marginal trust gained from them working together grow worse, but Alex doubted hed care anything about that.


    The problem now was, when would he do this again?


    That was the one of the problems with opportunists: just because an opportunity to get what they wanted had passed, didnt mean they wouldnt try again when the next chance to benefit themselves came along.


    As Alex finished his shiftand was told how much his overtime pay would be, a small constion for the nighthis eyes followed Minervus as he packed up, checked his golems, and then made his way out through the back.


    Frowning, Alex quickly gathered his supplies and followed.


    He saw the four of them heading through the alley toward the street, and trailed them, using all the stealth craft hed trained through The Mark.


    When Minervus was close enough to the street, he called out to the young man and jogged up behind him. The three golems and their master all turned at the same time, and with the same speed. Alex caught a brief frown on the other students face, which quickly washed away.


    Can I help you? he asked in a neutral tone.


    His golems leaned forward slightly, almost like a prelude to aggression.


    I just wanted to ask you something. But, keep in mind, were pretty close to the end of the alley, so youll have to keep your voice down if you don''t want anyone to hear whats being said.<strong></strong>Alex said as he reached Minervus.


    Minervus nced back over his shoulder at the morning crowd<strong></strong>and his eyes narrowed.


    Thats right, Alex thought. I dunno if youd go so far as to attack me when were alone, but understand that people would hear themotion.


    What do you want to ask me? Minervus finally asked, clearly impatient. He looked tired. They were all tired, though.


    Why did you pull that crap in there? Alex pushed. Granted, he knew <em>exactly</em> why Minervus pulled that crap, but perhaps he could get a clue about what he would try in the future if he at least asked the question.


    I dont know what youre talking about, Minervus said.


    Ohe off it, man, I know you dont want me there. You dont like me and want me out. Why?


    For a moment, Minervus looked genuinely confused. Dont like you? I dont really have an opinion on you. If anything, you work well and we work well as a team. Thats all thats required of a coworker.


    We <em>did</em> work well as a team, Alex pushed harder. We helped get control of the golem together and we did good work. So why are you trying to throw me under the wagon? If you think I work well, then why all that stuff with your bullshit usation? Why do you want me gone?


    Minervus sighed. I dont know why youre making such a big deal out of this. You want to be promoted, right?


    Alex blinked. I dont know-


    Oh, now <em>you</em>e off it. Minervus frowned. Ive heard about your aplishments in first year: that level of work isnt done by someone with no ambition. So, you want to rise in the workshop and it would suit me very well if I were to rise in the workshop first: ergo, even if you arent gone, it would be good if the higher ups were to remember your inexperience when ites time for promotion.


    Alexs jaw clenched.


    It was about what hed suspected. That made the snake standing in front of him very dangerous. Any mistake he could pin on him he would. Hed have to think of a way to get around this guy, as well as ways for more than a little revenge.


    And what if I tell Lagor about this little conversation? Alex asked.


    About the conversation that no one else is hearing? Minervus asked. Well, I havent said much. I brought up your inexperience in good faith. Thats it. We then talked about wanting to be promoted. So, with that in mind-


    Minervus nced to the end of the alley. -Im going to go home and sleep. Then Im going to use my days off to rx in the countryside and visit one of the wonderful food festivals: winter sausages you see. <em>You, </em>on the other hand, can think about whatever<strong></strong>you think this was all you want. Good day. Or maybe I should say good morning to you. Ill be looking forward to our next shift.


    With a nod, Minervus turned and stepped out of the alley, nked by his golems.


    Alexs jaw clenched.


    Work had just be a lot more dangerous.


    Mana vampire in the city and countryside, Minervus at workdanger of different kinds everywhere.


    Well, at least school had been fairly safetely.


    I do believe you are all ready to take on the xyrthak, one of the most dangerous denizens of The Barrens, Baelin said from the front of the ss.


    Whyyyyyyyyyyy!? Alex screamed internally.

 Chapter 124: Lances, Cries and Shock

    Chapter 124: Lances, Cries and Shock


    The entire ss went quiet at the mention of the word xyrthak. Alex, Thundar, Khalik and Isolde nced at each other from where they were sitting side by side.


    Murmuring could be heard throughout the ss.


    Since this ss rarely had a lot of applicants, the ssroom Baelin used for the theory portion of Art of the Wizard in Combat II was definitely on the smaller sidepared to Alexs other sses.


    The general look of the room was a cross between a hunting lodge, an anatomyboratory, and a war room. Maps of distantnds with strategic points highlighted covered the walls: all listed the names of kingdoms and empires that had long fallen. Scores of books sat on bookshelves, each a treatise on battle wizardry orbat in general. From the ceiling hung the skeletal remains of a wyvern with its boney wings extended, and on the walls, skeletons of various monsters were mounted beside precisely drawn illustrations of the anatomy of monsters from The Barrens. Some of the diagrams were of creatures theyd fought, while some Alex had never seen before.


    They were seated along long tables and benches like in a hunting lodge, but the seats werent made of the hard, roughly hewn woods like in a typical lodge, instead, they were soft and cushioned in something that looked and felt like a cool moss.


    There was a far different atmosphere in this ssroompared to the small, in one theyd upied during the first semester. This one was a lot simr to the mixture offort and entricities found within Baelins office. Alex wondered if the switch to this room was something of an initiation, simr to the charm-pendants that Baelin had granted them. When considered together with this ssroom, it almost made Alex feel like hed be part of a secret, exclusive hunt club.


    Or maybe Baelin had decided to teach them in a regr room first, just so that they wouldnt be frightened off. Almost like he wasying a trap


    Alex shook his head, pulling himself out of his drifting thoughts.


    The xyrthak: he remembered the long, reptilian flying monster that Isolde had described when theyd wrangled the vent-drinkers. Somehow, that seemed like a lifetime ago.


    From the way shed talked about them, it had sounded like facing one would be way beyond their skill set for a long time.


    Isolde raised her hand. Um, chancell- She caught herself. Baelin, isnt this a littlepremature? Not that I am questioning your judgement, of course.


    And why shouldnt you question my judgement? Baelin cocked his horned head. I am your teacher, not your parent, and most of you are grown adults. If you do so respectfully, then of course I should expect to be questioned or even challenged. As for this being premature? The answer would be yesin some other years.


    He waved his hand over the ss. I shall be blunt, as well as pay you apliment: in all my years of teaching, your ss is one of the most advanced and impressive sses of the Art of the Wizard in Combat I have had the good fortune of teaching.


    He gestured to a map of The Barrens. Usually by this point in the year, we would have lost several members of the group to the various monsters and hazards you would have faced. Not killedmost of the timebut injured or otherwise unwilling to continue. In one year, I had the misfortune of only having one student remaining by this time, so we were forced to cancel the rest of the course for her safety.


    Really? Malcolm asked, ncing at Rhea and Shiani.


    Absolutely, Baelin said proudly. In previous years, that one task alone of finding your orbs within the crevices, often led to injuries or students dropping out. The mental damage that a haunt can inflict unnerves many, not to mention the physical injuries both major and minor of an encounter with the undead skeletons, or the traps.


    He paused, looking directly at them, while seeming to look through them. I remember one student who joined the course in his fourth year: a gifted young man with battle magic whod heavily specialized in fireballs, explosions and the like. But all of his training had taken a very narrow focus, tailored to fight on an open battlefield as a war mage: when attacked in a corridor, he found his main spells to be utterly useless. Of course, he possessed plenty of other useful magic, but since hed specialized in none of it, he wasnt used to that sort of fighting and was pulled down, and sadly, gravely injured.


    He shook his head. A lot of the fight went out of him then, which was a true shame: a very, very bright young man. In either case, his issue wasnt power, but rigidity: one can have the sharpest sword in the world, but if it is brittle, it will snap in half the first time it strikes a shield. While you all might not be the most powerful ss I have ever taught, you have shown great flexibility. So what am I to do? The next practical lesson in the sybus would have pitted you against gorgers: eight-foot humanoids that bear the intelligence of muupkaras, but arewell, eight feet tall. But they would not have provided you with much of a challenge.


    That sounds like itd be a bloody challenge to me, Alex muttered beneath his breath.


    No, it would not, Khalik scoffed.


    I dunno, you havent been around when something too-many-feet tall goes on a wild rampage. He shuddered, remembering the golem.


    A golem is a lot more of a threat than the same sort of creature made out of flesh or bone, Alex. Think about it, Thundar is over seven feet tall, is strong and uses spells. Eight foot creatures that are little smarter than beasts...we would chew through them like Brutus through his breakfast.


    Grimloch would probably eat half of them all by himself, Thundar whispered, leaning into the conversation.


    Actually, youre right, Alex said. Damn, now I kinda wanna see that.


    Shhh! Isolde shushed them.


    Sorry! all three of them whispered as one.


    -my point being that gorgers would be no challenge at all to you, Baelin continued. It would be a waste of your time, as well as one of the opportunities you have to engage in good, challenging practice while in my ss. And so-


    He gestured to the xyrthaks skeleton. Instead, you shall battle one of the more dangerous monsters of The Barrens. You will be working together as a single group for this one: xyrthaks are far too dangerous for even well-experienced wizards, and so would be far too dangerous to have you divided into small groups.<strong></strong>Your task will not be an easy one, however.


    He made a grasping gesture with his hand, conjuring the image of what looked like a blue egg roughly the size of a human head. The challenge will be to defeat a nesting xyrthak and obtain an egg from its nest. It does not matter if you kill the xyrthak, drive it away, or incapacitate it, but you must face it and defeat it. While obtaining one of its eggs.


    Hisrge hand spread open and the illusion of the egg hatched in his hand, and out of the image floated a life-like map of an area of The Barrens.


    Oh by the elements, Isolde muttered. Thats a mana vent.


    Shhh, Alex shushed her in revenge for earlier, and Khalik and Thundar snickered.


    Isolde stiffened and slowly turned toward them.


    All three of them were looking away by the time her death re reached them.


    Isoldes concern was valid, though, his own petty vengeance aside. The mana vent would make things especially difficult for them when it came to approaching the nest: it looked like the nesty at the top of a crooked tower of natural stone, rising just south of the mana vent.


    Approaching from the north would be impossible.


    Even approaching from another direction would still make things difficult once they got close to the vent. Granted, they were tougher than they used to be: more experienced. Likely, they could tolerate the vents effects better, but it still would be dangerous to get too close.


    Unlike in previous sses, Baelin continued. I will teach you many of the xyrthaks capabilities before you face the creature. I said that you were a gifted ss, but even experienced wizards can be devastated by an angered xyrthak if they do not know how to guard themselves. As such, you will go in prepared: heavily armed with knowledge, and whatever preparations you choose to make.


    He turned to the board and paused before turning back to the ss. Above all else, remember this: a xyrthak is an incredibly dangerous beast, and is especially adept at killing creatures that are gifted with strong mana. That includes all of you, and some of your entourages. With that in mind, make sure you go into this with an open mind and caution: just because you have exceeded expectations so many times during this course, does not mean that this will be easy. Be prepared. Be vignt. And make sure you have your affairs in order. You do not want to be distracted during this ss.


    Alex thought about Minervus, about the research hed done on the dungeon core and the construction of his own golem. There was a <em>lot</em> on his mind.


    Hed have to focus and clear it.


    Xyrthaks are reptilian creatures that are <em>very</em> distantly rted to dragons, pteranodons and sea serpents. While they are not as ferocious as a dragon of their size, and most definitely not as strong or intelligent, they have abilities that make them more feared by wizards than many dragons are.


    Alex remembered Isolde talking about a xyrthaks mana-disrupting cries and something about ance.


    Baelin floated up from his ce at the front of the ss and drew a staff from the air. He tapped the xyrthaks jagged, teeth-filled beak. A xyrthaks bite is deadly: strong enough to tear through leather and flesh, and to crush bone. It can easily break most protective spells that any of you are capable of casting. Unless, of course, some of you arent telling me something: like Malcolms study of teleportation. In any case, I digress.


    <em>ck. ck.</em>


    He next tapped the horn of the skeleton. A xyrthaksnce is a terrible thing. It is constantly surrounded by a field of force magic which vibrates at an extraordinarily high and disruptive frequency. This not only protects thence when it strikes something with it, but gives it <em>devastating</em> destructive capabilities. A xyrthaksnce can tear apart steel with ease, and its force coating allows it to break apart protective force spells like they were water.


    Alex felt his blood run cold, and he looked at Khalik and Thundar. The minotaur was starting to look worried, but the prince was focused: no hint of feary in his eyes. He only nodded as Baelin continued to describe how the xyrthak could kill them in all kinds of nasty ways.


    Further, a xyrthak can fire a ray of force from itsnce that has a range of roughly fifty to sixty feet. Baelin conjured another illusion, showing a lifelike xyrthak firing a shimmering line of force that tore apart the illusion of a cliff face as though it were soggy bread.


    Alex nced at Khalik. I reeeeally think this thing might eat us. Like we could give it a good fight, but thatncell turn us into bloody slush.


    Khalik shook his head. Come now, think of the vent-drinkers. They scatter when they are attacked and cornered, do they not? Perhaps they developed such a response to avoid this very force ray. I knowrge birdsor a creature with that wingspanwont be able to turn quickly, most likely. If we spread out, we can cause it to struggle and hesitate in picking a target.


    Yeah, and then itllwait, Alex paused. If I throw in my forceball, or hell, all of us conjure as many magical sustained spells as possible to distract it, then that <em>should </em>make it struggle for targets.


    He raised his hand. Baelin?


    Yes, Alex? the chancellor paused.


    How smart are these things? Are we talking sentient-smart, animal-smart?


    They are sentient, Baelin said. More so than a muupkara, but they are dull-witted and slow of thought. They are also used to being <em>very</em> rarely challenged. There are stronger predators in The Barrens, but the xyrthaks quick flightthey can outrace trained falconsand mana-disrupting abilities make them rarely challenged by other creatures. Speaking of which-


    He tapped the rib-cage. The xyrthak has an organ between its lungs that cance its cry with a mana-disrupting ability. This can be very dangerous: to an unprepared or weak wizard, it can cause a mana reversal. It <em>can</em> be resisted by measure of will, mana maniption or by simply having a pool of mana toorge for it to disrupt. But, it is best and safest to avoid the attack altogether: it has a radius of approximately fifty feet.


    Hmmm, Alex muttered. A lot of its powers dont have the greatest range. That means itd have to swoop low to get us.


    We could use that, Isolde whispered. Thats within-spell range and perhaps other tricks.


    As for its defensive abilities. Baelin gestured to its bones, and Alex noticed cracks around the wings and rib cage. A xyrthaks scaly hide is tougher than te armour, but its boneswhile thickare hollow. A strong enough blunt force will greatly harm a xyrthak. Finally, a xyrthak is incredibly far-sighted: it can see for miles when soaring about The Barrens, but within a certain distance- He tapped the skulls eye holes. -objects turn hazy.


    <em>p!</em>


    Rubbing his hands together, his staff was suddenly gone. Now, let us break into a discussion of possible strategiesthough many of you are already doing so. His goat-like eyes twinkled.


    Alex, Khalik, Thundar and Isolde startled, and he noticed several other members of the ss startle as well; clearly they were also having discussions. He gave a guilty look to his cabal members and then settled in for the discussion.


    An uneasy feeling began to grow in him.


    This xyrthakwas dangerous. Very dangerous.


    It might be the most dangerous opponent Alex had ever faced: even the hive queen didnt have a cry that could cause mana-reversal by being too close.


    He thought about his experiments with the dungeon core, his secrets and his worries. He thought about the golems rampage again.


    He had wanted to show Baelin he was aspetent as possiblebut what if he never got the chance? For that matter, there was Isolde and Thundar to think of too. Khalik knew his secret and knew his capabilitiesbut what if the other members of his cabal wanted him to do something The Mark wouldnt let him to do?


    His jaw twitched ufortably. Hed talk about this with Theresa soonbut it would have to be after his shift tonight. Theresa would be spending the evening with The Watchers of Roal and shed been getting awfully excited about something concerning thattely, though shed been evasive about it.


    He shook his head. He could think about it after his shift. After he dealt with whatever Minervus might throw at him.


    Alex knew something was off as soon as he saw the workshop from down the street. For one thing, most of the staff were outside instead of in the building.


    Lagor was talking with more of the citys investigators.


    He grimaced.


    Had there been more sabotage?


    His pace quickened as he headed toward the group and slipped through the crowd.


    When some of the staff saw him, they elbowed each other. Some grimaced.


    Carmen caught his eyehe noticed her face was very paleand slipped away from where she stood near Lagor, meeting him before he reached the group.


    Hey, Carmen, whats happening? he asked worriedly, eyeing the shop. Is there something wrong? More news about the investigation?


    No she said slowly. AlexI, the investigators are probably going to ask you questions.


    Questions? Alex asked quickly, both worry and anger surging. Did Minervus try something else? Did he manage to find some way to implicate him in the sabotage? What sort of questions?


    Its about Minervus, she said.


    At first, his anger surged and he immediately anticipated that he was about to find out exactly what Minervus had done. Butsomething in her tone gave him pause. A strange possibility began to ur to him.


    The next words out of Carmens mouth shocked his body like ice:


    AlexMinervus was found dead this morning, she finished.

 Chapter 125: The Impetus of Death

    Chapter 125: The Impetus of Death


    Dead? Alex blinked, his brain slowing down until it felt like he was trying to think through tar. Are you serious?


    I wouldnt joke about something like that, Carmen said. The investigators arrived about half an hour ago and have been asking all of us questions.


    Did it have something to do with the sabotage? He nced around, wondering if would-be attackers would suddenly jump out of the shadows.


    No. It was the mana vampire.


    <em>What?</em> he gasped.


    It seems hed gone out to the countryside, she continued, her eyes dropping. He was with his golems andall that mana must have attracted it. The investigators said that the golems must have wounded the creature because two of them had blood on their clothes, but it still got past them andyou know. She inhaled deeply. Apparently they found him because his flesh golems were rampaging through the area after he...died.  She shook her head. By the gods, can you believe it? We were <em>just</em> working together. We fought the rampaging golem together. And now hes just gone.


    And now hes just gone.


    Something about those words struck a terror in Alex that went right into his bones. Just gone. One moment hed been walking to the workshopeverything normnd the next, he finds out that Minervus was just gone.


    No climactic finish that he saw, no hints, no nothing. Just dead out there in the countryside, because a mana vampire got hungry.


    That could have been any of them.


    Diddid they catch it? Alex asked.


    No, she said. Lagor asked and they told him that theyd hoped to use the golems to find it, but it was toote.


    Huh? How would they do that? Alex asked.


    The golems wouldve had a slight connection to Minervus mana while the mana vampire was she shuddered. digesting it since the filthy creatures leak mana for a bit after they feed. But by the time they could be subdued, it was toote. The connection was gone.


    Alex remembered first learning that when hed fought the starving mana vampire on <em>The Red Siren. </em>His mind then shifted to the times Minervus had participated in COMB-1000 with his ss.


    Jeez, that seems like a lifetime ago, he muttered.


    What was that? Carmen asked.


    Nothing, justremembering stuff about Minervus, he said.


    Were you two close? I know you were both students.


    No. I mean not, its just He paused. He had actively <em>disliked</em> Minervus: seeing him get fired or booted from the university would have put a nice, big smile on Alexs face. But dead? Drained by an overgrown magic-hungry parasite? He winced at the thought.


    There was also another feeling there, a feeling of relief.


    Hed never have to worry about Minervus trying to ruin things for him at Shales ever again. With a deep breath, he acknowledged that thought and then pushed past it. The situation wasplex. He couldnt say hed mourn Minervus at all, and his position was safer now that the young manwouldnt be around anymore. But that didnt mean he celebrated his death, only that he was thankful that he was safer at work.


    Aplex situation.


    Minervus had gone out to the countryside for some special food, from what hed told him. Hadnt he said something about his family being into gourmet foods? Well, his family had lost a son. Alex didnt know what his mother or father were like, or if he had siblings or anything, but the family had just lost a son. One whod managed to make it to his second year in the greatest University of Wizardry in the world.


    And now his spirit was in deaths grip and his body was just


    Alex shook his head. Yet, none of that really changed how he personally felt about Minervus in life, and he didnt really know <em>how</em> to contextualize all of that.


    I understand, Carmen said suddenly. You dont want to talk about it. Its hard when someoneeven an acquaintancedies.


    Yeah.yeah, he said, realizing hed just trailed off and never answered her question. Alright, uh, so what now? he asked.


    Right now, Lagors gruff voice came from close by.


    Alex started in surprise: the orc-crafter and the investigators had approached them from the side, getting close without him realizing it.


    Theyd hadnt been trying to be stealthy, or anything. Hed just missed them.


    He was clearly rattled and had been deep in thought.


    Lagor seemed to read it on his face in a heartbeat. Right, heres the deal, his voice sounded tinged with strain and a bit more gruff than usual. These investigators want to ask you a few questions, then, youre both taking the week off. Im taking the night myself, and dont worry about the orders: Toraka and Sim themselves areing to take care of our share. And youll receive your pay for the week. Use the time to do what you need to do: this work is finicky enough without the weight and shock of a colleagues death so heavy on your shoulders.


    Alex could only nod nkly as the investigators came to talk to him.


    An anxious feeling was growing in his belly.


    It was only when he was walking back down the street to catch a sky-gond that he realized what he was feeling. His emotions about the death were also mixed with a great, big helping of fear. Hed known the mana vampire was stalking the city and countryside for a while now, but it hadnt hit so close to home until now.


    Alex Roth wasnt the type to just fold up in terror at the thought of death. He wasnt going to let Minervus death suddenly make him quit his job and seal himself up in his apartment until the mana vampire was caught. He was cautious by nature, but if he were the kind of person that utterly halted their life<strong></strong>when death brushed past them, he would havepletely given up when the fire took his parents.


    If he were that kind of person, thenat the first sign of a silence-spiderhe would have turned around and ran back to try and find safety in Thamnd until The Ravener was destroyed.


    But this death


    <em>Clnk.</em>


    Alex nearly jumped three feet in the air, and when his feet touched the cobblestones, his body tensed, ready to spring into action. He spun toward the source of the noise, but only saw a group of monster hunters emerging from an alleyway withnterns in hand. Theyoddly enoughwere following a cat with glowing blue eyes that padded along the stones, searching around like a bloodhound. It paused, looking at Alex for a moment, then started off down the increasingly emptying street. The party of monster hunters continued following behind it.


    He calmed his thundering heart, then paused. In the quietness, a familiar voice drifted to him from above.


    Alex nced up and saw a sky-gond floating just above the rooftops. It was at such an angle, he could see who was inside from where he stood in the street, and the familiar form of Lucia the sky-gondolier met his eyes.


    She still had the same half-dead tone of voice, and he caught snippets of the routine speech that she seemed to give each time she got a client. Just an endless cycle


    He thought back to the scar shed shown them.


    Did she have a warning when shed been injured? Was there anything she or anyone could have done to prevent it? Or was it one of lifes sad idents that people then had to spend their years cleaning up after.


    Caution was good, but sometimeseven if you had five flesh golems protecting you, and made clever, opportunistic decisions to advance yourself in lifenone of that would matter when you ran into a mana vampire by chance on your way to get some food.


    He felt himself drifting closer and closer to a certain decision, one that his more cautious nature railed against.


    He felt the same as when hed told Khalik he was The Foolonly <em>this</em> time, his decision could carry far greater consequences.


    He sighed. I need to talk to someone about this before I do anything.


    Quickening his pace, he made for the sky-pier.


    He needed to get back to campus.


    When he arrived at the ins, he found the apartment door locked. Tiptoeing inside revealed Brutus asleep on the floor, and a nce into Theresa and Selinas room revealed the small form of his little sister sound asleep.


    But no Theresa yet.


    He nced over across the ins and saw that things were dark in Khaliks apartment as well. Nothing for it but to wait, then.


    Silently locking the apartment door, he crept back down stairs and took a seat at a stone table in the courtyard. Only a few others were there: a young couple who looked like they were finishing a veryte supper lit by candles and the starlight above, and a studious young man muttering to himself as he squinted at a textbook.


    His table was lit by a far less romantic light source: a forceball.


    Alex watched them for a few heartbeats, just going about their normal lives. Could they be the next Minervus? He shook away the dark thoughts.


    He sat alonefar from either tableand waited for his best friend to return from The Watchers. Eventually, impatience built and his foot started tapping the ground, then his fingers the tabletop, and so he pulled out his notes on both his golem and the dungeon core.


    Conjuring his forceball for light, he flipped through the notebooks, taking in all the work hed already done on both projects and contemting all the work that was left to do.


    Dammit, he muttered, imagining what would happen if he were suddenly killed. What would happen to all this work and where would it go? What would happen to Selina?


    With a sour feeling, he was reminded of the night hed received The Mark and was faced with that sense of being doomed. He realized that part of that feeling was a falsehood: just because someone he knew had died at the hands of the mana vampire, didnt mean he was going to be its next victim, or that he was even in any more danger than he had been before hed learned about the death.


    But, it had put things into perspective, just like the demons attack had.


    Alex? he heard Theresas voice from just outside the courtyard.


    Hey. He waved at her, quickly putting his notebooks away and crossing the stones to meet her. She was flushed and had a look of tion in her eyes mixed with confusion when she saw the look on his face.


    Her training and life enforcement was paying off, she was definitely more muscr than when shed arrived in Generasi: the transformation wasnt as drastic as his, but then again, shed already been in greatcondition when they arrived.


    He shook his head. He was distracting himself again.


    Did something go wrong? she asked.


    Theresa, can we go somewhere for a bit? he asked. I need to talk to you about something.


    She paused, watching his face. Okay, we can talk, sure. Is this uha private conversation?


    Yeah, he said. But I dont wanna wake Selina up.


    Okay,e on, then, we can go to this spot I know.


    Theresa led him from the ins and toward the universitys main castle. Soon, he saw a hill ahead, with a single immense tree rising from the hilltop. It looked ancient, and beautiful in its own way.


    He and Theresa sat down beneath it, and he nced around: seeing no sign of students or teachers close by at thete hour... In the far distance, he saw a patrol of Watchers of Roal floating along on their stone disks.


    We wont be overheard here, she said, looking up fondly at the tree. This is where most of our life enforcement sses are heldand theres always something soothing about this ce. At least, to me.


    She looked at Alex. Whats happening? Anything with the priests?


    No, not thatbut, remember how Minervus tried to get me fired?


    Her expression soured. Yeah. Whatd he do this time? Wait, dont tell me thats why your here-


    No, he said quickly. I still have my job, its just that Lagor gave me and Carmen the week offcuz, wellMinervus is dead...the mana vampire killed him.


    She froze, her eyes going wide. By the Traveller. I cant believe that, when?


    This morning, he said. Gone, just like thatso that got me thinking about something I wanted to talk over with youjust to make sure my head is straight.


    What is it?


    He took a deep breath.


    Im thinking about telling Baelin. As in, no more waiting. No more preparing. As in, as soon as his office opens in the morning, I want to march up there with my notebooks.


    His jaw clenched. You never know whats going to happen, Theresa. So Im thinking about telling him about me being The Fool, about the Dungeon Cores remainsIm thinking about telling him everything.

 Chapter 126: Consultation and a Leap of Trust

    Chapter 126: Consultation and a Leap of Trust


    Theresas jaw dropped. HolyAlex, this is big. This is a big, big, big decision youre talking about here.


    I <em>know</em>, he said emphatically. I know, I know, I know. But you know what keeps going through my head?


    What? she whispered.


    What happens if-


    Wait, lower your voice, she said quickly, ncing around.


    He paused, realizing that his volume had risen and he hadnt even noticed. Thanks. This situations got me rattled.


    Yeah, I can see why, she said. So, what were you saying?


    Right, right, he grunted, getting back on track. All I keep thinking about is what happens if thats <em>me</em> next time? What if that golem had gotten me when it went berserk? Or what if Ie across the mana vampire-


    Alex, she said quickly. Im worried about it too, but just because it killed Minervus, doesnt mean its going to get you. If it got him in the countryside, that means theres probably no connection between it and you. She grimaced. The poor bastard just got unlucky.


    -true, true and I thought that too, he said. But justsay for a moment that it does happen.


    Her jaw tightened. Id make it wish it never crawled into this world.


    And, Im sure Id appreciate that, he said with a weak smile. Id be cheering you on from the afterlife, chanting bloody vengeance! the entire time. Hell, I might even be a ghost just so I could have a front row seat, but thats beside the point. He paused searching through his rushing thoughts. Anything could happen, and then what? What if my secretes out? After hiding it from everyone I know, what if ites out I was The Fool anyway?


    Okay. She nodded. So youre worried something might happen to youUldar forbid itand then you never would have told Baelin, whos someone you wanted to eventually tell. All that would be left unfinished once you she grimaced. died. So, what would be the consequences if you didnt tell him?


    What do you mean? he asked.


    Well. She nced up at the tree again. My professor says that sometimes our minds can sort ofbuild realities for us. If we think the world is shit, then it <em>will</em> be shit to us. That kind of thing: we have to clear our minds and try to see the world <em>as it is</em> when were engaging in life enforcement or we could slow down, orpletely mess up our cultivation. So, what were supposed to do is see the world for what it is and what it might be, ording to her.


    He blinked. The Theresa from six months ago would have had some advice for him in any important situation, but here she was quoting her professor like a philosophy student. As much as hed changed, shed changed in all kinds of ways too.


    Right, he said slowly. So youre saying because Im kind of panicked I could be seeing things like itll be the end of the world unless I do something drastic?


    Right, she said. And Im not saying youre <em>wrong, </em>I just think we should think through what happens if you dont tell him and then one of those scenarios does happen to you.


    Well, for one thing, Thamnds history books sure wont look too fondly on a dead Fool who ran from his holy duties with dungeon core remains in his possession. Thats going to look <em>real</em> bad, and it might evene back on you and Selina and ruin your lives.


    He shook his head. But Im also scared that if I tell Baelin, then that could happen anyway. Listen, Professor Jules once told me that the reason I was getting so much attention and help from her was because I was excelling in her ss. I know that Baelin and I <em>do</em> get along, but how far is that going to extend? What would be in it for him if he went against Thamnd if they sent a bunch of soldiers here toe and take me? Being a Hero of Thamnd means Im already a target of monsters. Now that things are so bad back home, Im pretty sure some people <em>basically</em> consider me to be a deserter.


    Yeah, she grunted. I guess being branded by our god kind of counts as being conscripted into the fight.


    Exactly, which basically makes me a <em>criminal</em>. Would Baelin stop a criminal from being arrested? Alex thought about the chancellors idiosyncrasies, and his focus on advancing students and wizardry. I dunno, maybe he might? Maybe not if I was a murderer though, but, I dunnoBaelins from a different time. Anyway, my point is he <em>might</em> keep me safe here if he still thinks Ive got potential. But, my spellcraft could give him doubts since my Mark makes it so that Im slower with some parts of it since The Fool tries to interfere so much.


    Really? What about all that spellmodificationstuff you talk about? she said.


    Isolde can do that too, but I <em>should </em>be faster...but, Im not, thanks to you know what. he said. Look, Baelin might continue to see value in me or he might not. I just dont know. At this pointwell, I dont think hes going to tell the church, but maybe a lot of the help Im getting goes up in smoke. Or he might even use me of putting other students in danger, you know, since Im a target of the church, The Ravener and whoever else is involved with this whole thing.


    Right, she nodded. And you saw what he did to that demon that put students in danger.


    He winced. Well, he probably wouldnt freeze my limbs and shatter them. Alex paused, remembering the skulls on Baelins shelves. probably.


    Probably, she said, frowning as she thought about all of it. Probablyprobablyprobably. Probablys and Mights.


    What do you mean?


    Well, everything youre thinking about is based on what <em>might</em> happen. What happens if Baelin thinks youre a danger? What happens if the mana vampire gets you? You didnt want to tell Baelin before because you didnt want him to think that maybe you were the one who summoned the demon because you had reasons for not wanting priests on campus. Thats a maybe. Maybe, maybe, maybe. Theres a lot of possibilities to consider. She paused. Do you trust me?


    With my life, the words left his mouth without a moment of hesitation.


    Do you trust Selina?


    Absolutely. Shes smart and brave andhell, shes going to be an incredible woman when she grows up. Shes not one to go around telling tales if you ask her not to.


    Do you trust my parents?


    Again, with my life.


    And you trust Khalik?


    Yes, he said. Khaliks got honour and hes brave and


    And I know his secret too, he added silently. He hoped one day that the prince would trust Theresa enough to tell her, or at least the other cabal members. He <em>really</em> wanted someone to talk about how crazy it was that he was actually hanging out with a prince.


    But whats your point? Alex asked.


    My point is that sometimes you live in your head. She reached over and gently cupped the side of his head with her hand. He could feel the callouses from her swordy. You try to think of every factor and every angleand thats good. Its what makes you, you. But what do <em>we</em> all have inmon? I just named everyone that knows youre the Fool. Put aside every thought and n and think about why you told me.


    He froze. Because I trust all of you.


    Yes, she said. Thats what ites down to: I hunt alone with Brutus not because hes a cerberus or is deadly or anything like that. Thats all true, but whats important is that I trust him. He trusts me too. He likes you more now, because he <em>trusts </em>you. I follow Professor Kabbot-Xins instructions because I trust her. Its trust, Alex. So, what I have to ask you is this.


    She looked at him closely.


    Do you trust Baelin?


    Alex paused, thinking about it deeply. Do <em>you</em> trust him?


    No, no dont ask me, it has to be you that trusts him.


    And I value your opinion, Theresa. I want to know what you think too, he said.


    She paused, deep in thought. I dont know what hell do with this information, I mean neither of us can know. But, honestly? she paused. Look at Rayne from ss. You said that he was basically useless during your test, right? Him and She winced. Minervus. And Baelin is still giving him a chance in ss. He keeps us safe during tests, and always watches over us. Like I said, I dont know what that means in terms of him supporting you or not, but Id trust him with a lot of things, and we already trust him with our lives every time we go into The Barrens.


    right, Alex said, recalling some of his and the chancellors interactions.


    He thought about when Baelin had supported him when hed told the ancient wizard about his parents. He could be terrifyingbut almost grandfatherly at times. He had no love for the gods and-


    Alex paused, shaking his head.


    He was doing it again: thinking, supposing, trying to logic his way through the situation. He took a deep breath and cleared his thoughts, looking not into his mind alone, but into his heart. Do I trust Baelin?


    Alex thought on that question for a time, and thenhe remembered Baelins reaction to Selina and her fire affinity.


    Yeah, I think I do trust him, He said while acknowledging that he was still afraid. But then, hed been afraid when he was about to tell Khalik too. For better or for worse, I do trust him.


    Then we agree. Alright. Theresa stood up.


    Wait, now? Alex balked, looking up at the moon. You mean, go and tell him <em>right now?</em>


    No, because hes probably asleep, she said, preparing to make her way down the hill. if he <em>does</em> sleep, that is. But, first thing in the morning, since youre serious about telling him as soon as you can. Which means that youre going to need your sleep. Itll be a big day, and we might have to make a lot of decisions, after you tell him.


    Yeah, right, Alex said, getting up after her. Hey, um, Theresa?


    Yeah? She turned and looked back at him, and in that moment he was struck by how the moonlight fell on her dark hair.


    Umthanks for getting me...and thanks for having my back. Seriously. He looked at her, realizing that if Minervus suddenly dying had led him to decide to stop dying talking to Baelin, then telling Theresa how much she meant to him was also something he wouldnt dy much longer. But, tonight was about Minervus death, his own fears and Baelin. It had to be about <em>him</em> and <em>her</em>when he told her. And hed tell her soon. He reached out and took her hand. Seriously, this meanslike, a lot.


    Hey, were here for each other, right? Her smile lit up her face. Now,e on, lets get back before we fall asleep under this tree.


    Holding her hand, Alex didnt think he would have minded that at all.


    Sleep hade surprisingly fast when he went to bed. Hed thought thatsince his body was used to being awake and at work at that time of night hed have trouble falling asleep, but hed been so emotionally exhausted that hed passed right out as soon as he hit his bed.


    It was early when Alex woke up, determined to get his day started. As he washed up and got ready, he mentally checked himself.


    His heart was beating fast. He could hear it pounding in his ears.


    He was sweating.


    He felt cold.


    Either he was getting a freak cold out of nowherewhich would be just the way: getting sick, bedridden and not able to tell Baelinor he was anxious. He swallowed and began moving faster.


    Alex was already so nervous that he knew hed better get to the chancellors office before he talked himself out of going.


    He finished getting ready, and gathered all the notes from his analysis. He also gathered the rest of the dungeon cores remains and the book The Traveller was holding in her cave. In his time in Generasi, he still hadnt found a single reference to hernguage. Alex packed everything up then took onest look around his apartment. Brutus, Selina and Theresa were still deep in sleep.


    He gave them all a silent wave before stepping out the door.


    Whatmeetings all day? Alex asked in shock, staring at a sign on Baelins door.


    Yes, Im afraid so, said a voice.


    Alex startled and turned to find a grad student he hadnt met before carrying papers. The elvish womans hands were full and more stacks of papers were supported on a force disk behind her.


    Dodo you know when hell be back? He asked nervously. Or is he teaching sses today?


    Alex thought he might be able to try and catch him at the end of a ss.


    I dont know the chancellors exact schedule, she said. But he doesnt teach many sses. Andif he doese back, it wont likely be to see students. He has a lot to do today.


    She winced. A lot.


    Alex froze.


    That was right. Minervus.


    The school, no doubt, had received news that one of their students had been killed. Of course, thered be a lot for the chancellor to do today.


    But you say he <em>might</em> be back? he asked.


    She shrugged. When he gets this busy, sometimes he returns to his office to do some extra work. You could try againter, if you want?


    Right, he said, sitting down against the wall by the office doors. Thanks a lot for that.


    She raised an eyebrow. Youre really going to wait there?


    This is important, he said. Ill wait as long as I can.


    She gave him an odd look. Good luck, I guess.


    He watched her walk down the hall, and settled in for the wait.


    The day passed at a crawl, which to Alex, felt like weeks. Professors and graduate students passed him, sometimes ignoring him, sometimes asking how he was.


    Several of them told him toe back tomorrow, but he refused, thanking them for their concern and determinedly continuing his wait. His stomach growled loudly in the empty hallway and he soon began to regret not packing a lunch, snacks or maybe even supper.


    Maybe he could just run down to one of the eateries and grab a quarter of a quail or some bread real quick? He stood up and stretched, thinking about going to thev too. But, how would he know if Baelin showed up and then left if he was gone?


    No, Ill have to tough it out. I cant take that chance. I dont want to walk away from here, he thought. And next thing you know a bunch of stupid bullshites up, and then I dont get the chance to tell him, or I lose the nerve, or something really bad happens.


    And so, he sat back down and continued to wait, watching the sun slowly drift across the sky through some of the nearby windows until it was the orange of evening. Professors were starting to pack up for the day and head to the stairs to make for home.


    Yet, Alex still continued waiting.


    Ah shit, he thought. I never got the chance to tell Selina what I was doing. I guess Theresall tell her where I am and that Im okay. Maybe-


    Alex felt a surge of mana.


    <em>Click. Creeeeaaak.</em>


    He nearly flew up as the door beside him suddenly swung open. He looked up to see the towering, horned form of Baelin looking down at him with his piercing, goat-like eyes from the doorway.


    Alex? Baelin nced up at the evening sky. How long have you been here?


    Uh, all day. He quickly scrambled to his feet.


    Relief and disappointment went through him at the same time. Relief at finally seeing the chancellor, but disappointment atwell, finally seeing the chancellor. A part of him had been wavering between hoping that Baelin wouldnt show up today, and wanting him to.


    Truly? Baelin said. Truly. Well, I cant say Im too surprisedyou worked with young Minervus, did you not? Here,e in,e in.


    Again, the door seemed to click with finality when it closed behind Alex.


    Uh yeah, actually, he said. But uh He nced around nervously. He was starting to sweat again. But uhuhthats not exactly what I wanted to talk about. I know itste, and Im sorry to take up more of your time, but I really, really needed to tell you something as soon as possible.


    Baelin paused in silence for a few moments, then looked at the massive stacks of paperwork covering his desk. He waved his hand over them, spoke a single word and Alex felt the magic circuits for the teleportation magic form, sweeping the papers away.


    The chancellor then leaned back against the now free desk. Normally, I would say it would be best for both of us if it waited until morning but, I can see a desperation in you. It appears that something urgent is bothering you. So, tell me, what is it that has you so troubled tonight?


    Alex froze, as panic surged through his body.


    This was it. No going back now.


    Gulping, he pulled his notebooks from his bag with shaking hands.


    Baelin Iin Thamndwe have, he paused, taking a deep breath. If I dont just spit it out now I never will, even if I have to exin it allter: I...I received something calledThe Mark of the Fool, he forced the words from his lips even as his gaze dropped to his feet.


    Im one of Uldars five marked Heroes, meant to defend Thamnd against The Ravener. And I uhcame to Generasi instead.


    Alex waited, taking a deep shaky breath, then slowly looked up to see the chancellors reaction.

 Chapter 127: The Chancellors Reaction

    Chapter 127: The Chancellor''s Reaction


    Baelin was as still as a statue, seeming like a flesh-coloured gargoyle that someone had draped rich robes over. He wasnt breathing andin a moment of wild imaginationAlex thought he might have somehow died right before his confession.


    Then he saw the chancellors eyes: they were moving, as though rapidly reading something in the air that Alex couldnt see.


    I see, Baelin finally said, his tone unreadable. I see. Perhaps you would like a seat.


    Yeahyeah that would be great, Alex said, quickly going to sit down at the desk. The suspense was killing him, but try as he might, he couldnt read what the chancellor was feeling or thinking.


    Baelin rounded his desk and sat, with onerge hand stroking his beard. He stayed in silent thought for another long moment before looking directly at Alex.


    First of all, I want to thank you for telling me. This is a great deal of trust you are putting in me. It was not easy, was it? Did you debate it for some time? Consider who you could trust first, then atst settle on meaaaah, Minervus.


    The ancient wizard nodded to himself. I see. Death has caressed a life near you once again, and shifted your perspectiveis this not why you are sharing now?


    Alex froze, feeling as thoughonce againthe chancellor had seen right through him. Yeahuh, youre right. ItI wanted not to do it, and I wanted to do some other stuff He waved his notebooks, which Baelin watched with curiosity. And IbutMinervus.


    He realized he was still trembling.


    Here, Baelin said.


    <em>Thmp.</em>


    Arge goblet of hot cider was suddenly in front of Alex, and he hadnt even felt iting. Th-thanks. He reached up and took it with a shaking hand.


    The warmth and tart sweetness of the drink helped. S-so what happens to me now?


    Now? Baelin said. We chat about it for a bit now, then I shall get back to work. You will go get a meal, go home and get some sleep because you look exhausted, and then we shall chat more in the uing days.


    R-Really? Alex stammered.


    Baelin cocked his head. Of course, we will need to speak of this at length. And I doubt that a quick discussion at the end of a veeeeery long work day would be sufficient. But, I can see this is urgent, so we will speak some now and that will let me formte what we shall need to discussand doter.


    A stab of guilt went through Alex. It <em>was </em>the end of a very long workday for Baelin: on top of his regr duties he was likely dealing with the aftermath of Minervus death, mana vampire problems, and the ongoing hunt for whoever summoned the demon.


    Alex knew that if <em>he</em> had to deal with all that, he would have about as much ability to think at the end of the day, as a te of fried eggs.


    He appreciated the chancellor taking some of his time to talk to him tonight, in spite of everything he had to do, and he was really hoping the conversation wouldnt end with him being told that The Watchers of Roal were on their way to remove him from campus.


    IllIll answer all of your questions, Alex said.


    Mm, Baelin nodded. Am I to understand that your Thameish brethren would be searching for you?


    Alex paused. Already they were going into one of the topics he feared most. Um, yesyes. Thats right. Our prieststhats to say the priests of Uldarcan apparently sense any of The Heroes when they get close: their holy symbols begin to sing, like a choir. Apparently.


    Baelin raised an eyebrow. Hmph, singing holy symbols howvery deific. And have any priests discovered you here in Generasi?


    No, Alex said.


    I see. One of the books on the lower floors of our library describes a certain divine ward ced upon your realm to stop both monsters of your Ravener and Heroes from leaving. How did you get past this ward?


    Alex gulped, reached into his bag and pulled out the book that The Traveller had clutched in her hands. Thiswell, have you heard of The Cave of the Traveller in Thamnd?


    Yes, one of the professors in the Department of Conjuration brought it up at a conference earlier this year as a point of potential study. He thumbed his beard. So, you crossed into the cave and materialized in Generasi.


    No. Alex shook his head. In the Rhinean Empire. Then I took a ship to get here.


    I see


    Theres more. There was a dungeon andwell, its a lot to exin but Ill try and make it quick, Alex said.


    He jumped into an abridged recounting of how he, Theresa, Selina and Brutus journeyed from Alric, met The Chosen and fought the silence-spiders in The Cave of The Traveller. He told him about the dungeon core and how hed broken it.


    Hold now. Baelin raised a hand. You said that you were able to control this dungeon core? You caused it to change terrain? He paused, his eyes turning distant and seeming to look at something that Alex couldnt see. Nothing in the original research mentioned this, at least that I can currently recall.


    Theres nothing about it in our history either, Alex said. From the legends, it should be impossible. Completely impossible. But a lot of things dont make sense about The Ravener and The Fool, at least as far as I know.


    Yes, indeed, which brings me to a further question. The chancellor was examining him closely now. He snapped his fingers and a massive book appeared, floating in the air. A quill hovering above it, dipped into an ink well on Baelins desk then began rapidly scratching a note into the book.


    I have read about the Marks, including The Mark of the Fool, and my predecessor has met one of your Sages, but you have lived experience so please, correct me if my understanding is incorrect. In searching my memories of Thamnds lore of The Heroes and The Mark of the Fool, I recalled that this Mark hinders your spellcraft, ability to fight, and any chance to pursue divinities, is that not correct?


    Yes, Alex said.


    I see. And this<em>limitation-</em>


    A sour note entered Baelins voice, and Alexs heartbeat quickened. Was that sour note sympathetic? Was it against Uldar or was it against him?


    -ced on you by your god shouldording to what I know of The Marpletely preclude you from studying here at Generasi. So, how is it that you are here, and well...studying?


    Well, it seems theresI dont know how to describe it. Theres some loopholes in The Marks hindrance, and even some ways to push through it.


    He then exined his experiments with The Mark and what hed done toe as far as he had in wizardry.


    I seeee, I seeee, Baelin continued to seemingly look right <em>through </em>him.


    <em>Scrtch. Scrtch.</em>


    The pen kept scratching away in the book.


    Alex gulped, noticing something about Baelin. As the evening went on, the darkness deepened in the room and now and then, Baelins eyes caught the receding light and seemed to sh like a catsor Brutusin the dark.


    They shed red.


    Ah, it is getting dark in here, is it not? the chancellor said, andfar from being increasingly exhaustedhe seemed to be growing more fascinated and energetic as Alex continued his story. Here, let me fix that.


    With a snap of his fingers, Baelin conjured a roaring me in a massive firece that Alex was half-convinced hed never seen before. Yet, there it sat in the corner of the office as though it had always been there.


    Alex told himself he must have missed it, but then again, the university had moving benches: a firece that just appeared onmand in the chancellors office would be easy to believe.


    That brings me to another question: why Art of the Wizard in Combat? he asked. It would seem that with theselimitations, it would have likely been the worst course in all of Generasi for you to partake in.


    Oh no way, Alex said. Im pretty sure that course would be Battle Magic: spells that directly attack kind of double The Marks interference, since its bothbat and spellcraft.


    <em>Scrtch. Scrtch. Scrtch.</em>


    The quill wrote faster.


    I see, but still The Art of the Wizard in Combat puts you in great danger, and forces you to face foes. Why take it at all? Baelin frowned. Was it due to it being the chancellors course?


    Uh, okay this is a bit awkward. Alex scratched his head, his mind suddenly pointing out that he hadnt cut his hair in six months. So, I actually had no idea that you were the chancellor until the assembly where you announced investigating that potion explosion.


    Alex wasnt sure, but he thought that the chancellor looked pleasantly surprised. I see. Then why?


    Well, it seemed like the perfect course for me: it would teach me how to fight using all my resources, mind, and ability to adapt to win<strong></strong>a fight<strong></strong>and defend myself without having to hit anyone. Likeafter getting attacked by those monsters in the cave that the dungeon core spawned, and that mana vampire on the ship I took toe here: I figured I could use a course like that since The Mark doesnt let me just punch or kick my way out of bad situations...Especially if likeI dunno, theres some kind of interest in keeping it quiet that dungeon cores can be controlled by people.


    The quill continued to write.


    Well, I can certainly say that such a discovery did not exist in Generasis past research on dungeon core remainslikely if that information were known, our Potions Department and other alchemical divisions would have been mouring to get to Thamnd and source more samples hundreds of years ago. And is this all you found out about it?


    Alex winced. NoI uh, kinda sorta have been doing some of my own research on the dungeon core remains.


    Baelins eyebrows went up. Truly? On your own?


    Uhkind of Alex said nervously. He presented Baelin with the notes on his dungeon core analysis. Ive had some extra projects for Professor Jules ss, during some of those, Idid some analysis on the remains.


    A pause.


    She would not be amused by that, Baelin said tly.


    I know, I know, Alex said. ButI justI really thought if I could analyse it, then I might be able toe up with something that could help my friends, family and kingdom. But likewith all the stuff I already found outoh, by Uldar, how do I put this?


    He paused, thinking about how to phrase it.


    I dont mean to offend you or anyone at Generasi, but I didnt know who I could trust. Imaybe you have to be Thameish to understand, but The Ravener is our <em>great enemy.</em> The biggest. Weve had different wars with different realms in our history, some rebellions, and a really bad civil war, but those are all liketiny potatoes. Finding out what I did was huge. It would be like finding out that demons were originally supposed to be pets for mortals or something. It all seemed impossible to me. Like all of our history is just <em>wrong </em>on The Ravener and stuff.


    He paused for a moment, gathering his thoughts again.


    And then, like, I came here. And I didnt know if people would say that The Mark would mean I was a danger to the university, or that I was just too hindered by it to seed at Generasi, and that I should go back to Thamnd. I didnt know who might want the priests to knowbut I wanted to get the research done and then find a way to present it.


    Alex rose up in his chair and rotated his wrists, continuing to try and get his thoughts out.


    I thought that maybe if I came to you with as much of the analysis that I could do, then maybe you would see more value in itand I gotta admit, <em>me. </em>Theres also useful properties in it andyeah.


    And so you examined an unknown substance right under the nose of your alchemy professor, Baelin said, and his words made Alex wince. The chancellor was squinting at the analysis Alex had written in his notebooks.


    The floating quill was writing very, very fast now.


    And if Im not mistaken, then the authorities and priesthood of Thamnd should <em>still</em> be searching for you?


    Yes, Alex said, his mind imagining Baelin suddenly throwing him out of his office for putting the school in danger. A ssmate from Thamnd said that they were looking for The Foolits why Ive been avoiding the priests, and Im veryuh <em>very</em> d that you keep them off the campus.


    Truly, that is quite the boon to you. Baelin nodded, ncing at Alexs golem notes and The Book of the Traveller with an almost hungry gleam in his eye. Might I assume those are for me to examine as well?


    Go right ahead, Alex said.


    The chancellor took both the notes on his golem crafting process and The Travellers book, going over them in detail. For a time, it was like he had forgotten Alex was even in the room. He silently read both booksat the same timefirst giving most of his attention to Alexs notes on his golem crafting process, and then turning his attention to The Travellers book.


    Well, this is interesting, Baelin said.


    W-whats it say? Alex leaned in, also afire with curiosity.


    That is the interesting part: I havent the foggiest clue, the chancellor gently closed the book.


    Oh, Alex said, trying to hide his disappointment.


    Baelin gave him a pointed look. I know manynguages, Alex. Many, manynguages. But thisthis I have no experience with. I must say, I have not seen anything simr to it before, he said, looking at the book almost like a child that had found a new toy. A member of my cabal might have, but


    The goatman paused, then turned back to Alex, cing his hands on the desk andcing his fingers together. Hed let go of both books, and theyd neatly closed and stacked themselves near Alex. Apologies, back to the point. Let me sum up.


    He began to list things on his fingers.


    You are a chosen Hero by your god, meant tobat a menace to your kingdom. Your power gained for this duty is not useful for directbat with enemies. You uncovered aspects of your history that seemed false, made a discovery about dungeon cores that shook your understanding of your kingdoms conflict, continued your studies here becauseit seems you <em>truly</em> wanted to be here


    Absolutely! Alex nodded vigorously.


    and you anticipate troubleing for you due to your role, and so you decided to secretly research and expand on your discoveries. Do I have all of that correct?


    Yes, that uh, that sums it up, Alex said. It was a more abridged version of the story hed told Khalik, but Baelin had neatly summarized the points.


    I see, I see, Baelin nodded. Well, I suppose this entire conversation must be making you <em>very</em>nervous. And I congratte you on your courage ining to me with this, even if it was caused by recent tragedies. Its clear you had a lot on your young mind.


    He tapped his fingers on his desk. Unfortunately, I cannot wave a magic wand and fix all of your problems, if thats what you''re hoping for.


    Its not, Alex said. Sowhat are you going to do?

 Chapter 128: A Proposition

    Chapter 128: A Proposition


    Before I speak on that, Baelin leaned forward in his chair, watching Alex closely. Who else knows of this?


    Um, just Khalik, Theresaher parentsand my sister, Selina, he said. No one else has found out, and the only other person Ive told is you."


    Good, very good, the chancellor said. Sharing secrets with those you knowand those that you have invested your trust inis good, but each time you share a secret, you greatly increase the risk that it will be shared again. Do you wish to tell anyone else?


    Um, Isolde and Thundar are in a cabal with me.


    Yes, they would deserve to know. I would advise you not to share it beyond that.


    I Alex paused. Okay but, am I going to be kicked out?


    Oh my, <em>no</em>, Baelin said. Absolutely not. You are not going to be kicked out, I am not going to return you to Thamnd against your will, and I am not going to sanction you.


    Butwhat about danger because of my Mark? Alex asked.


    I will be blunt, if I had discovered this after some dire consequence had urredsuch as an attack on the schoolwe would be partaking in a <em>very</em> different conversation, Alex. But, you came to me with this by your own will. It is, in a sense, unfortunate that you did not feel that you could trust me or other members of the staff with this knowledge earlier, but it is also understandable. You are also not the first to study at Generasi with secrets chasing them.


    Oh? Alex asked.


    Absolutely not, Baelin said with a wistful note in his voice. I have had students who havee here after fleeing bad marriages. I have had students that were considered criminals in their homnd for unnatural acts in their pursuit of magic. There obviously will always be those attending who have secrets that they will never divulge; everyones life is not an open book. I have also had students that were refugees from different nes of existence. He broke into a nostalgic chuckle. Three hundred years ago, there was <em>one</em> student who was actually a young dragon that decided to take the form of a human in order to learn about their own natural magic.


    Oooh man, I wish I had gone to school with them, Alex said.


    Those were interesting times, but most times are, depending on where you look. The point is, you are far from the first to study at Generasi with dire secrets following in your wake. Besides, wizardry is dangerous: if I sought to make the universitypletely safe, I would need to board it up, or perhaps dedicate it to the study of gardening.but then again, one can even injure oneself when hauling dirt. He shrugged. Now, what <em>might</em> be grounds for punishment would be your smuggling this dungeon core substance into a schoolb and experimenting on it without permission.


    Baelin pointed to Alexs notebook. As a matter of fact, the only reason <em>why</em> I am not writing a note to myself to call Vernia-


    It took Alex a moment to remember that was Professor Jules first name.


    -first thing in the morning is because I see from your notes that you were methodical, used safety equipment and did not engage in any analysis that would likely trigger dangerous reactions. You did break procedures, but you did sooddly enoughin a safe manner. But let me be clear, Alex.


    A note of iron entered his voice.


    You did, in fact, betray your Professors trust: you earned her trust through your responsible actions, and then you betrayed it by going behind her back.


    Alex winced. Y-yeah.


    Guilt tore at him. He liked Professor Jules. A lot. He still didnt trust her on the same level as he trusted Baelinthough she was in second ce out of all of the professors hed hadbut he hadnt quite contextualized what hed done in herb as going against her trust until now. Hed just been utterly focused on trying to uncover the dungeon cores secrets in a way that didnt risk exposing himself or his loved ones.


    Ugh, now I feel a bit gross, he said, looking down.


    Baelin continued to look at him pointedly. I can understand the desperation thaty in those actions, and I also understand thatwhile you are a grown adultyou are a <em>young </em>adult. You also have had quite the responsibility ced upon you by yourdeity, and have tried to do what you could. I think thatin that lightI can understand why you did what you did.


    He sighed. And I will admit, a lot of advances in wizardry are the result of a researcher unting safety and assuming risk. Especially in the past. And let us just say that when one produces <em>results,</em> others are less likely to find fault with them as long as the data they have generated can be trusted. In many ces in the world, wizards <em>still</em> raid each others towers with small armies of summoned minions, constructs, and mercenaries to kill a rival and take their research or discoveries.


    He shook his head. If the conqueror then <em>expands</em> on those discoveries and shares them with other wizards, there usually are not many crying for them to face justice. Theyre actually often looked upon as heroes.


    A note of steel entered his voice. We wizards can be terrible sometimes, but...let us return to you. Let me be <em>quite</em> clear: all of your sneaking aroundboratories ends. Immediately. You will swear to me here and now that you will <em>never</em> again use school equipment andb-space to engage in such activities without permission. Free research is for when you have demonstrated skill and sense, or for when you possess your ownboratory to potentially blow yourself up in. Preferably away from others. If I so much as <em>catch</em> a <em>whiff</em>that you are acting on your own in my school, then the punishment will be <em>dire</em>. Am I understood?


    The chancellor hadnt raised his voice or made a single aggressive movement, but Alex squirmed in his chair. Yeah, I wont. And umIm sorry, I was justwell I was trying to do my best.


    You were. And now you have been shown your mistakes. And now you will do better.


    Yeah, got it, Alex said, though part of him was a little disappointed he couldntplete his analysis. Does that mean you want the notes and the dungeon core remains?


    What? Baelin blinked. Oh my, <em>no, </em>I am no thiefanymore. Heughed. Ah, Ie from very different times. The dungeon core remains and this research areas far as I can tellyour private property. I could ask for reimbursement for the tiny amount of solvent and the moss you used in your analysis, but those few gold pieces the school would receive would just be petty for me to demand them. Keep what you have. If anything


    He took up Alexs notebook again, flipping through it. ...make sure you do not lose it. Are you <em>sure</em>these are the correct results from your analysis? He squinted. I see all the calctions are correct, but is this truly what you discovered about the dungeon core? No lies? No attempting to inte results?


    No, Alex said. I might have done it secretly, but I did do it properly.


    Then you might be on the cusp of a very, <em>very</em> important discovery, one <em>definitely</em> not seen in previous research, Baelin said. Most of the devices you used for your analysis simply did not exist thest time dungeon cores were examined here in Generasi. Are you curious as to what those studies found?


    Absolutely, Alexs eyes lit up as he leaned forward.


    The research indicated that the dungeon core wasposed of several different manapounds and had high mana conductivitythough not anywhere near as precisely indicated here. The researchers of the time suffered due to the equipment avable in their day. There is a book deep in the libraryone of the floors that contain sixth-tier spellson the topic of how magical items can be crafted from dungeon core remains...but the aspect of the dungeon core that is simr to chaos essence was undiscovered, nor was the sheer level of mana conductivity it is capable of.


    He shook his head. Vernia would be salivating over this: it could catapult golemcraft forward by two hundred years or more. Not to mention the other items that could be made from this substance, he said, stroking his beard. Rather than simply infusing the substance to create items that hold magic, if it was used for moreplex devices, my goodness. It seems to me that alchemy in general could advance greatly with this material, and other disciplines of wizardry would most certainly follow.


    A note of excitement had entered his voice, one that Alex found contagious.


    And the fact that few know of this substance isfortuitous. Your Heroes have been battling The Ravener for some time: it would not be far-fetched to say that dungeon core remains could have made their way to Generasi by any number of means


    He tapped his fingers on the notebook. Thisthis will require further investigation, perhaps even


    His eyes shot to Alex.


    I will admit, if you hade to me with this six months ago, I likely would have taken this far less seriously. But you know what youre doing, and your Mark of the Foolhow poorly named, my goodness, Uldarseemed to have helped you gain the skill toplete this analysis. We get half-cocked students iming that they have discovered the next leap forward in magic too often to count, but this is backed by good, hard work.


    Um, thank you. Alex said with sincerity.


    Youre wee. Now. Baelin leaned forward. Do you want to continue down this road of discovery? You <em>could</em> leave the remains with me, and bepensated for them. What you have generated is interesting enough for me to pursue myself, or even if I chose to step away, I could think of at least three professors who would be interested in pursuing the potentials in this discovery. You could be free of this, and continue studying in anonymity. but I shall argue that it would be in your best interest to go with another option.


    He tapped the book. I propose that I take point on the research and you and I work together. Depending on what is discovered in the futureif you choose to disregard anonymitythen you could ce your name on any resulting paper that is published. This could lead to schrships, research grants and more. If this yields the sort of fruit I anticipate it will, then you will have a guaranteed future at Generasi, provided that you continue performing as you doand no longer go renegade with school materials.


    Alex froze, considering his options for a moment.


    In a way, the first option was tempting. He could atst get what hed first wanted when hed received The Mark:plete anonymity and the ability to study as just another student of wizardry at Generasi.


    Yet, he realized he was finding the very idea of that distasteful. He wanted to continue along the path he had started downespecially if Baelin would be apanying him on that path and greatly increasing his own safety. Ignoring the dungeon cores mysteries now would not solve his other problems.


    There was still the question of previous Fools to considerwhy there had been no record of them being usefnd if he walked away from research into the dungeon cores, The Ravener, and the past, then hed be forgoing potential information that could help him figure out what was going on with his Mark.


    Besides, he was still one of Thamnds Heroes: even if he hid away from all research into his kingdoms great enemy, that didnt mean he would be out of danger. It just meant that he might have less information to see iting.


    Id like to walk with you on this, Baelin, Alex said. I want to finish this...its justI just want to make sure my sister and my friend are safe. He paused. And my cabal too.


    Baelinughed darkly. I cannot guarantee safety, Alex. No one can. If I could, then there would never be any unwanted incidents at Generasi ever again. But, I do believe you will be safer working <em>with</em> me.


    Then, Im all in, Alex said enthusiastically. If this is going to help my kingdom, me, my family and Generasi, then I want to walk the walk.


    Eeeexcellent! Baelin grinned widely. Ah, here I was thinking that this conversation would be one more issue to deal with, and instead, I find youe with a new path of wizardry to explore. How good it is that I came back to my office!


    He waved a hand in the air, conjuring a key made of shining silver metal. I keep a fewboratories, including some on campus for students under mypersonal guidance. I propose we use one to continue this work together andwhen I am needed elsewherefor you to continue to work on the project. I shall give you a key of your ownter: on the <em>express</em> condition that you report to me everything that you will be using thatboratory for, and make detailed reportsas detailed as in these He indicated Alexs two notebooks. about your activities. I have magical aids in the Cell that can provide both you and myself with safety and aid if needed.


    What? Really? Alex asked.


    Indeed, Baelin said. We will walk this road together, but again: I am no supervising grad student that you can slip past: if you go beyond what I have given permission for? I <em>will</em> know.


    Y-yeah, Alex said. Im sure you wind uh, for what its worth, things are a bit different now. Like, a lot less desperate. I dont think Ill go behind your back and behind Professor Jules back againI know those words might not mean much considering what I did, butI wont. Not again.


    Baelin stared at him for a time, seeming again to look right through himAlex might get used to that gaze eventually, but this would not be the day. Hm, I believe you are sincere. I will tell Professor Jules that we shall be working together on a project in alchemy. It might help you in her ss as well.


    A stab of guilt went through Alex. Will you tell her that I was analyzing the dungeon core?


    Baelin shook his head. Nothing ill came of it, so I will leave that decision to you. It is your act, and you are an adult. If you choose to share one day you canbut know that she will likely be very displeased with you.


    Alex gulped. I understand.


    He filed the secret away, storing it deep in his mind like the memory of the time hed gotten away with stealing cookies from his mothers kitchen when shed thought that his father had simply taken a few.


    Still, he might tell professor Julester. A lotter.


    Like maybe when he was forty or fifty years old.


    For now, hed just have to focus on making it up to her by being really, really dedicated to procedure for the rest of the time he was with her. Maybe do something for her and the grad students by the end of the year as well.


    He shook those thoughts from his mind.


    Something else was urring to him. The golem. Hed been looking for a way to power it and now the most powerful wizard in Generasi was going to work with him.


    Baelin, um, that golem design, Alex said. Would it be possible if you mightyknow, kinda help me power it up for the first time. I figure the mana it would take would be something likefive minutes of mana production for someone like you.


    Hm, Baelin flipped open Alexs notes on the golem once more. Hm, hm, hm. I am afraid I shall not help you in that regard.


    Alex gulped. Would he stop him from building the golem? Was he going to say it would be too dangerous? Too beyond his ability? Would he make him take the substance out of his calctions? He wouldnt need to use <em>all</em> of it for the golem coreso now what?


    Baelin held up a hand as though to calm Alexs thoughts. Fear not, I do not refuse in order to stop you. I refuse in order to aid your learning.

 Chapter 129: Allies

    Chapter 129: Allies


    My learning? Alex asked.


    To be blunt: I think if I were to help you power it now, then that would rob you of some very, very valuable learning. Baelin flipped the pages of the golem-crafting notebook to Alexs diagrams. See this? This is advanced work. I am sure that this Mark helped guide you on the path to create this construction-nfrom how you described itbut there is some real creativity here. You made certain rather creative choices for the construction of this construct, and were able toe up with a n to bring that vision into reality. That implies interest, passion and talent. I would like you to see this through to the end.


    Oh, uhI havent found a way to power it yet, Alex said.


    I can think of several ways, though they are unconventional, so I do believe you will. Whatever means you find and utilize, you will be able to carry that learning with you for all your years. Continue walking the path you are on, and I have no doubt you will find sess.


    Alex sighed, a little disappointed, yet also a little proud of the progress hed already made. Alright, Ill do my best.


    It is all that anyone can ask. Now, might I see the dungeon core remains? the chancellor asked.


    Yes, absolutely! Alex handed them over, watching as the goatman opened the sack carefully and examined the contents. Before you use any of this for anything, we will re-conduct these analyses and see where they lead us. If we confirm your results, then I think that if you construct a golem with the substance, it will provide another excellent opportunity for more data.


    Awesome, thats awesome, Alex said.


    Hmmm, there is also the matter of your Markyou do realize that <em>some</em> individuals would say that its use would constitute cheating, do you not?


    Alex felt his blood run cold.


    Fortunately for you, I am not one of them, Baelin chuckled. The Mark was ced on you, and you had no choice in the matter. You had already proven you had quite the necessary proficiency for study at Generasi before you received this Mark, andstly, there are many different peoples with many different talents and natural abilities that attend here. This Mark gives you certain advantages, but then again your sisterif she chooses to walk the path of wizardrywill have incredible advantages over other students in Fire Magic courses due to her inborn affinity. Should that be considered cheating? I think not. But in spite of that, I think you should keep this information between you, I and those you trust dearly.


    Alex nodded. Im going to tell my cabal-mates too.


    Very good. Very much like a Proper Wizard would. Baelin nodded. Alright, so with that in mind, I do believe it is time for both of us to retire for the evening.


    Suddenly, he paused and chuckled.


    Whats funny? Alex asked, smiling nervously.


    Your revtions are somewhat of a surprise, Baelin said, his tone unreadable. I had thought there was <em>something</em> going on with you, Alex, but I must admit, <em>this </em>was the least likely of my guesses, and one that I had quite nearly ruled out.


    Wh-what did you guess? Alex asked.


    My first theory was that you had received some sort of spell from an ancient rtion from a bygone era: some intergenerational magic that imparts their knowledge into one of their descendants. It is not unheard of. I had also considered that you might have encountered some magical phenomenon you did not understand that had left its imprint on you, or that you had an affinity that perhaps we did not understand as yet. I <em>had </em>briefly considered The Mark of the Fool since they had gone missing, but I had dismissed the very notion because of your skill with spell casting.


    His chuckle burst into a full deepugh. Perhaps <em>I</em> am the one that should be called The Fool!


    Uh, Alex said. Im pretty sure that everyone would be too scared to say that to you. I know I am. Also, anyone that was <em>stupid</em> enough to say that to you would probably be very, very, very, super, unbelievably-extra dead with a side of potatoes.


    Baelin snorted. Perhaps five hundred years ago, yes. Now, I am far more mellow in my dotage.


    Alex swallowed, shuddering at even <em>thinking</em> about being that old. That was nearly thirty times his age, and it didnt even sound like Baelin was referring to five hundred years ago as a time when hed been young. Uhhow old <em>are</em> you, Baelin?


    Thats not a very polite question to ask the elderly, Alex. It makes us feel old, Baelin said. Also, I am afraid I cannot give you an answer. When I was born, writing was not really much of a thing, and things like the exact march of days, months and years were not so important. The only thing that mattered was whether the snows would drive south into our hunting grounds or not. As such, I do not know.


    IIm not even sure if I know what that means, Alex said.


    I do not expect you to. Suffice it to say, I am <em>unnaturally</em> old. That is all that matters, in the end.


    Right, oh just one final thingdid you want to see The Mark? Alex asked.


    Would it require that you remove your shirt?


    Alex paused. Uh, kindayeah.


    Then not now. I would, however, like to examine it at ater time and see exactly what I can make ofyour gods gift to you.


    Okay, then! Alex rose, feeling relief wash through him.


    Hed done it. After all this time, he''d actually done it.


    So? How was that? As you imagined? the chancellor asked as he stood up from behind his desk.


    Uh, no, I kept imagining all kinds of bad stuff happening. I thought itd be a lot worse, he said honestly.


    Well, then theres some weight off of you. I will call you to my office again soon, Baelin said. Then well get this more organized. In the meanwhile, Ill search the library and see what I can find on The Marks and anything about The Ravener, Uldar, and Thamnd that might be recorded there. I do fear that with the death of Minervus, though, it will be some time before I can do this. You understand.


    Im just thankful we can do this at all, Baelin, Alex said.


    Of course, of course, now he paused, looking at the firelight for a moment. The light of the me flickered across his eyes and shining, golden beard-sps. In light of The Markare you stillfortable participating in the xyrthakbat ss?


    Absolutely, Alex said. I want to take a crack at it: if I run away from it now, thats just going to leave me less prepared if I have to face something like that in the future.


    Spoken like a Proper Wizard. Baelin opened the door to the hall. Very well. I shall see you in ss, then. I look forward to seeing what this research will generate. The door will shut itself after you exit.


    Thanks a lot, Baelin, Alex said.


    As the door was slowly closing, he found that the chancellor had already conjured an illusion of a map that he was examining.


    It took Alex a few moments to realize that it was a map of Thamnd.


    He was still wondering about that as the door closed.


    As his footsteps echoed through the hall, he thought about what had just happened and also whaty ahead.


    In a single conversation, his life had changed again. Nowmore than just emotional supportand friendship, he actually had an ally against The Ravener. A powerful one too.


    Then again, he supposed it wasnt really an ally against The Ravener, per se.


    Baelin had never talked about wanting to help Thamnd or defeat The Ravener: hed only talked about the potential advancement to magic that coulde from their research into dungeon cores. Hed offered to help Alex <em>specifically,</em> but hed also said that if Alex hade to him without the results, that his reaction might have been different.


    In a sense, they were allies because of the potential for a new road to open for wizardry, as opposed to any great moral cause. To Alex, that was good enough: it would have been a bit too much to hope that Baelin would suddenly get up and lead a one-wizard campaign of destruction against The Ravener. <em>If </em>he could even fight it one-on-one.


    I wonder who would win in a fight between Baelin and the Heroes? Alex wondered. Hes really powerful, but so are The Heroes. Cedric singlehandedly demolished all those silence-spiders with no problem, and hes probably even stronger now that hes had more experience fighting The Raveners monsters. Plus, theres four of them


    He paused.


    Allies.


    He pushed aside all daydreams of immortal wizards locked in a death battle against divinely-marked Heroes.


    Now, it was time to tell his allies his secrets.


    Alex swallowed. He hoped it would go well: he really liked his cabal-mates and it would be awful if they thought less of him.


    In any case, he was sure that Thundar and Isolde would at least find it a big deal.


    Whats the big deal? Thundar asked, sipping some milk out of a green coconut with the top cut off. That sucks, I guess?


    Alex blinked.


    He and the minotaur were sitting in a copse of trees away from prying eyes and ears. Alex had just unloaded all of his secrets and was prepared for the minotaurs judgement.


    I-it <em>is </em>a big deal! He squared his shoulders, took a deep breath and prepared tounch into an exnation: The history of The Heroes is a huge-


    Alex re-exined the role of The Heroes in Thamnd, and everything he had discovered.


    Thundar nodded along.


    Lookso its like a tattoo? The minotaur scratched his fur. Its a tattoo that makes you good at some stuff and bad at others?


    No its- Alex started.


    He paused.


    No, you see, the thing about that is- He tried to continue.


    He stopped again, sighing.


    Okay so maybe thats <em>exactly</em> what it is! Alex cried, a bit frustrated. But likewith danger and priests and monsters andstuff! Its a big deal!


    Thundar shrugged. Look, I get it. It sounds real tough and Im d you told me, but if monsterse, then we kill em. If priestse, well beat em up. Thats what a cabal is, right? Its simple. Only thing this tells me is that Ill be going to you for <em>all </em>tutoring from now on.


    Ibu-


    Look, I got this uncle, right? Thundar held up a hand and made a swiping motion across his wrist. Deadliest guy with a bow in the entire tribe. Horrifying. Then one day, a forest drake bites his hand off. So he gored it to death with his horns, then had the crafters make him a hook out of its bones. Wasnt as good with a longbow anymorebut he could still hit a bullseye well enough from closeso he got it into his head to train with the war-axe, and strap a shield to the hook-hand instead. Now, hes the deadliest guy with an <em>axe</em> in the entire tribe. You kick ass inbat ss, and thats the most important part to me


    Thundar leaned in. Nowabout that tutoring.


    Alex gaped at the minotaur.


    Okay, okay sothats different, I guess he doesnt care but uhhe doesnt understand the full context! Thats all! Alex nodded to himself while Thundar looked at him like he was crazy. Isoldenow shes going to find it a big deal. Shes so proper that Ill need to be careful with her. She wont see it the same way Thundar does.


    I see, Isolde said, nodding in a proper manner.


    They were seated on a bench on a hill overlooking the sea. As with Thundar, they were all alone: from the gazebo they were seated under, they saw not a soul.


    Silence grew between them as he watched her.


    There was no hint of shock or disappointment. Just a thoughtful arch to one sculpted eyebrow.


    Thats <em>all!?</em> Alex demanded.


    She frowned. Are youangry?


    N-no, Alex said. Its justI had built up this whoooole thing in my head and it was a big dealreally? <em>I see.</em> Thats it?


    No, she said. I have a few questions.


    Oh thank The Traveller, whats up?


    What are the limitations to your spellcraft <em>exactly</em>, what can and can you not do? Will you be defenceless in a time ofbat? she asked.


    No, he said. Ive learned ways to hinder opponents and even do some damage to them if Im clever about it. Ive learned ways to defend myself just fine. Ive also got ways to support a group when troublees.


    I see, that is perfect, then, she sighed, seeming to rx somewhat. I should say that itirritates me a little that this Mark has aided you so much in your studiesit almost makes me wish I had such a boon: at least the part that helps, not the part that hinders. Look how it will allow you to work closely with Baelin. Her jaw clenched for a moment. You said this Mark uses your own memories to enhance your learning, not impart knowledge to you?


    Yeah, it points out what I did right so I can focus on that, but I have to actually practice and study for that to help me.


    I see, so you still need to put in work. That, in a sense, is also a relief: now I know that your performance is due to your efforts and intelligence, but also has been aided by this Mark. Just as I have been aided by my grandfathers teaching and my upbringing. It means you didnt just trounce me on pure talent, and that is a relief.


    Thaaaaats what youre focused on? Alex thought.


    But what about the death and horrible monstersandstuff? he demanded.


    If I feared such things I would make for a poor court wizard in the empire. When we agreed to form a cabal we agreed to join together for mutual protection. I do not recall our oaths ending at: if one of us actually encounters trouble. I am no coward, Alex. I would not be in Baelins ss if I were.


    She gave him a pointed look. And besides, we have agreed to extend our cabal to the end of the school year, and so I shall watch and see how things are. Also, I expect that when I encounter danger, that you shall aid me as well, then?


    Yeah, of course, Alex said.


    She gave a rare smile. Then there is no issue. Thank you for trusting me with this secret, and for not waiting until some horrible circumstance revealed it and utterly destroyed any trust between all of us.


    Well it was a horrible circumstance for Minervus, his mind dryly noted.


    I do wish you told me of this information earlier, as there could be potential dangers, but your homnd is far, as are those dangers. Again, I see little reason to panic like a frightened child. Admittedly, had you told me earlier in the year, I might have judged you more harshly, as I would not have had the opportunity to see your capability first hand. But, I suppose things worked out for the best.


    Alex was twitching.


    On a logical level, he realized that just because things had worked out with telling Baelin and the rest of the cabal now, didnt mean they would have worked out if hed told them earlier. They themselves had said that the reason theyd epted things so readily was because theyde to know him: if he had opened up with telling them all about The Mark, it seemed it might have gone very differently.


    On an emotional level, though, he felt like screaming.


    All the secrecy and agonizing, and trouble, just for things to turn out okay? How dare his friends be so supportive?! Where was the disaster hed been imagining in his mind for the past six months?


    Why wasnt he in chains, being dragged back to Thamnd?!


    Er, Alex, are you okay? Isolde raised an eyebrow. You have beentwitching, strangely for a while now. She paused as though in realization, and then leaned in. Is it because of The Mark? Is it working right now?


    Alex barely resisted the urge to jump up from the bench and throw himself into the sea.


    Alex cracked his knuckles as he and Selina stood side by side in their workshop.


    In front of themy the golem parts that theydpleted: the head, the torso, the right leg and pelvis, and its four arms.


    Only the left leg wasnt finished, and that was nearlyplete as well. Later, Khalik woulde by to help fuse the limbs to the torso.


    Well, little goblin, Alex said. This is it. This is when we finally finish putting together the golems body.


    Im so excited, Selina said, nearly vibrating with anticipation.


    Alex smiled. Soon, theyd be finished with the body, and the next step would be working with Baelin to finish analyzing the dungeon cores remains. Thenif all turned out wellhe would create the golem core. Things were changing.


    It was alling together, but those werent the only big eventsing up.


    The semester was flying by, and soon it would be time for his ss to confront the xyrthak in itsir within The Barrens.

 Chapter 130: Forging a Body and Plan

    Chapter 130: Forging a Body and n


    Ooooh, careful with that part," Alex said to Selina as they worked on sculpting the massive foot on the golems left leg. If we sculpt too much filigree in this area, then the foot could get caught on stuff when it''s walking.


    Hm, that makes sense, Selina said, reshaping some of what shed shaped.


    Alex smiled at the progress shed made. With all the work hed put in with The Mark, hed be a talented sculptor in these past few months, and teaching Selina what hed learnedalong with her natural talenthad let her skill grow right along with his. He was very proud of his little sister.


    They continued carving the leg and a silence fell over them, one tinged by a bit of sadness. In a way, he didnt want the sculpting process to end: it had been the longest project he and Selina had ever worked on together with such focus andas much fun as he had teasing herhe dearly loved spending time with the little goblin.


    Hed miss not having the project for just the two of them to share, even though he was still really excited at the idea of the golems body beingpleted.


    A nce at Selina showed that she was also looking a little sad as they sculpted towards each other, until atst, they finished putting the finishing touches on the leg. Together, brother and sister stepped back to look down on their handiwork.


    Were done, Selina said in amazement.


    Hold on, let me check. Alex retrieved a measuring snake construct from the worktable and it began to circle the leg, taking measurements andparing them with the golems other leg, and the two sections of the pelvis where the legs attached.


    Hed been using The Mark continually, checking to see if the arms and legs were symmetrd though it had guided him with mathematical precisionhe still did a check whenever they finished each stage.


    Alright, weve got it, he said after the measurements were confirmed. He raised his hand.


    <em>p!</em>


    Selina rushed over and had put everything she had into their high-five.


    I cant wait to see it standing up, Alex said.


    Then why keep waiting? Thundars voice came from behind them.


    Alex turned and saw Khalik, Thundar, Isolde and Theresa piling into the room, with Brutus close behind, and the massive Najyah perched on the princes arm.


    Alex noticed that Najyah was blind-folded. What happened there?


    Khalik made a face. This overgrown chicken thought to hide and y dead again, but my ability to trace her mana and our connection is much stronger than it has ever been. She is being punished for her tricks


    Najyah made a loud, mournful cry.


    and she sulks now, he said.


    Hah! Alexughed. And what about the rest of you?


    You told us of this monstrosity, and Khalik said that he was to help you finish fusing its parts into a whole, Isolde assessed it. How could we not see for ourselves? Hm, a ferocious design. And quiterge too.


    Yeah! Itll smash everything! Selina cried giddily.


    Ah, Isolde nodded, smiling warmly. The excitement of childre-


    Yeah! It <em>will </em>smash everything! Alex cried giddily.


    The words died on Isoldes lips and she just shook her head. She gave Theresa a pointed, questioning look and the other young woman just shrugged her shoulders.


    I couldnt keep any of these guys away even if you wanted me to, Alex, Theresa said, smiling as Brutus bounded over to sniff the golem curiously, and Thundar walked over tosniff the golem curiously.


    Hoo boy, wish we had this basher when we were fighting the earth elemental, Thundar said. Or that it was finished in time for the xyrthak. Id like to see that big, overgrown flying bird-lizard try and mess with us with one of those fists in its beak. Or a boulder thrown by one of them.


    Alex had designed the arms to be thick and the fists absolutely massive; he was sure that even a xyrthak would be feeling a punch from this thing for days. Well, unfortunately, the golem wont be ready, but Im sure well be okay if we work out a good n with the rest of the ss.


    I have no doubt, Khalik said confidently. Nowe, let us get this finished.


    Using his Lesser Heat spell, Alex heated the golems left leg to dry it faster, then he and Khalik lifted the limb and moved it into ce beside the golems pelvis. With Thundar helping, they positioned the golem parts on a giant floating dolly cart: it could tilt upright bymand andsupport<strong></strong>enormous objects like Alexs golem.


    Once theyd finished that step, Khalik applied the Shape Earth spell hed learned in his earth elemental magic ss, andunder Alexs guidance and Selinas encouragementhe fused the legs<strong></strong>to the body.


    Excitement tinged the air.


    Isolde, Theresa and Thundar leaned in with anticipation.


    The right arms were attached next.


    Then the left arms.


    Finally, they fused the head and neck to the shoulders.


    With a spokenmand from an excited SelinaAlex had given her the honour of instructing the enchanted dolly to bring the golem to the standing position for the first timethe magical, giant dolly slowly rose to a vertical position until the golem was upright before them.


    It was, in one word, impressive: ten feet of y ready to be powered by mana. Its body looked like a massive, armoured warrior with four arms of colossal proportions, and hands that could easily palm Thundars head. Its face was almost a mirror of the ferocious, fanged goddesses from the Travellers sanctum.


    The only difference was that its sculpted teeth were the image of Grimlochs shark teeth instead of the needle-like fangs of the goddesses, and its head was covered with a farrger, more intimidating helm.


    It looked every inch an unstoppable juggernaut.


    Yeeeessss, Thundar said excitedly. Now order it to crush Khalik!


    Hey! The prince red at him.


    Fine, finecrushing Isolde would be easier anyway! the minotaur sneered.


    A fair point, Isolde said. But certainly crushing thergest of us would be a better test of the golems capabilities, therefore Thundar would be far more suitable-


    Ooooh you traitor! Thundar snorted.


    Isolde sputtered. How is that treachery? You were trying to crush me and Khalik!


    And as the <em>rightful leader</em> of the cabal-


    Oh by the elements. She buried her face in her hands.


    -it is my right to say that my subordinates should be the test subjects of the war golem thats going to add to our deadliness!


    <em>Thmp.</em>


    Thundar paused, looking down to see that Khalik was stepping on his hoof. Heh, try again you jer-Argh!


    He yelled as the prince delivered a swift kick to his shin.


    You shi-


    Alex cleared his throat, nodding toward Selina, who was innocently gazing up at Thundar in amusement. The minotaur fell into a stewing silence.


    So, while that was hrious, Alex said. The golem cant crush anybody until its golem core ispleted and its all powered up. Cant wait for that, though.


    Well, I dont know anything about golem core stuff, Theresa said. But I do know that both you and Selina did an amazing job. I dont think Id ever want to fight this thing.


    Thanks! Selina grinned. Itll protect all of usbut I cant think of a name for it. Her face soured like a small, frustrated raisin.


    Well, less small than it used to be, Alex thought.


    Selina was starting to enter a growth spurt, and he, Theresa and Selina had recently had to pay a visit to the school seamstress enchanted emporium for new clothes for her. Some of the baby fat had disappeared from her facethough her brothers baking still kept plenty onand she seemed to be standing a little taller everyday.


    Early in the summer, just after second semester ended, she would turn eleven. He frowned. She still hadnt said much about herself and wizardry, or if she wanted anything to do with it.


    A decision would have to be made soon, though: she would need to be enrolled in the program for next year that began magical training for youngsters at the junior school who were interested. Of course, she could wait longer if she wanted to, butif she did want to be a wizardthen an early start on education in the magical arts would be advantageous.


    It had really benefited Isolde and Khalik, from what they had said.


    When will you construct the golem core? Isolde asked, going behind the golem and squinting at the hole for the core in its back. Ihave some awareness of how this is supposed to go.


    Oh, Im hoping to do it soon, but it depends on how quickly Baelin and I go over the analysis of the <em>other </em>core again, Alex said, lowering his voice. Well have to confirm everything, then Ill be ready to go.


    Right, Thundar said. Still cant believe that thing makes monsters and you said it was the size of your head? He shook his head. Thats crazy. Theres all kinds of things in the world.


    And speaking of monsters, Khalik said. Any more thoughts on the xyrthak? The time ising soon.


    I had a couple, Isolde said. I was speaking with Shiani and Rheadelightful peopleand we thought that since the creatures vision is poor from close range, we could do well by creating a screen of smoke. Both know spells that create more smoke than me, and that will trouble the beast. As for myselflightning can seize the muscture, which can interfere with flight. I think that would be a boon against the creature.


    Mhm, Khalik nodded. Thundar?


    Agh, I talked with Grimloch, Malcolm and Eyvinder, he said. Malcolm said he might be able to ice its wings, but thats a lot of area to freeze and hed need time to do it. Eyvinder can move earth, but wed need to lure the beast closer to the ground for him to really do his work. And Grimloch.


    The minotaur pulled his lips back from his teeth, and deepened his voice to mimic the giant sharkman. <em>Gimme a boulder to smash it down, and then gimme a te to eat it off of.</em>


    Oh wow, thats cool, Theresa said admiringly. I wonder ifno, never mind.


    Everyone turned toward her.


    What is it? Alex asked.


    Well, Theresa began. I guess he didnt swear me to secrecy or anything.


    Hmm? Khalik asked.


    Well, the other day Grimloch came around and uhwell he asked me if I could tell him anything about life enforcement. Maybe show him how to start it.


    Everyone froze.


    Oh that is <em>cheating!</em> Alex cried enthusiastically. That is so cheating! Can you do it?


    Well, Theresa frowned. I dont know I wanted to ask my professor about it before I said yes since Im just learningbut I dunno, Ive never really taught it to anyone before.


    Hey, you guided me through that thing the other day, Alex said. And you taught me about meditation.


    Wait, you know meditation stuff? Thundar asked. Im into something simrish, and listen, theres this instructor and if I got a lot better at it then-Ah, maybe we can talkter? He gave Alex a shifty look when his friends face broke into a sly grin.


    I got faith you could do it, Alex added to Theresa. Do you want to teach him?


    Theresa blushed a little. Kind ofyeah. I think itd be cool, plus likeIm so much stronger and justeverything since I started life enforcement. Could you imagine what <em>he </em>would be like?


    That is a lot of life to enforce, Khalik said. And if he could start down that path before the xyrthak-


    If he can, Theresa said. Weve had more students drop out and a lot failed when they tried their path of life enforcement at the beginning of semester two. And I have no idea if Im the right person to help him.


    -yes, if he can. That would be a great help, Khalik said. What about you, Alex?


    Well, I had a chat with Caramiyus and Angr, he said. Rayne tooeven though hes a little freaked out by what happened to Minervus. I cant believe they still havent caught the damn thing.


    It is why the city fears such creatures so much, Khalik sighed. But they have been caught before, and <em>someone</em> will eventually destroy it and collect the bounty.


    Yeah, two thousand gold now, when you add in what Minervus family put up. Anyway, Rayne doesnt want to be the only one flying when the xyrthakes for us, but I could make a few Potions of Flight: Ive got a freeb in Jules extrab sessions that I can use to make anything Ive made so far. Im thinking of churning out as many Potions of Running Enhancement, Flight and Haste as I can. Theres a few ways I can turn a Potion of Flight into an aggressive solution too, plus, if Ive got my forceballs up there moving around, thatll mix things up and make more targets to confuse the xyrthak.


    Right, Khalik said. And some of my earth spells could impede<strong></strong>its wings, especially whenbined with Malcolms ice magic. Alright, well it looks like we have a n forming. We can coordinate all our resources with the others and see what we can do. He shook his head. No solution for its cry, though. That is troubling. We will need it close enough to have an effect on it, but not so close that its cry can ruin our mana.


    Thats where I might help, Theresa said. My bows draw strength is way too low for me nowI could handle one a lot strongerbut its still a good Thameish hunting bow: Ive killed bears with it. But Baelin said the xyrthaks scales are like te armour, and after talking to an armourer in the city, I know theres no way my bows getting through te.


    Her look turned hard. So, I think Ill head into town to get a stronger one before we hunt it. If I can get a few shots into itinto the softer parts around its long neck or its wingswith some good <em>heavy</em> steel broad-heads, I might be able to wound it at a range, or at least close enoughyet still far enough away from all you wizardsthat it wont be able to use its cry on you.


    Hey, heres an idea: something <em>useful</em> from battle magic. I know a spell nowBlows of Leadthat enhances the weight and sharpness of weapons on impact. I can only make itst for about three-ish minutes or so, but it should help your arrows punch through.


    That sounds great, Theresa said.


    Right then, Alex nodded. Then we spend the next while prepping. He looked up at the golem. And I need to give you a core.

 Chapter 131: Stealing the Enemys Weapon

    Chapter 131: Stealing the Enemy''s Weapon


    Ah, you are early, Baelins voice said from behind him.


    Argh! Oh holy shi- Alex startled and whirled around to see the towering chancellor in the hallway. Alexs force disksfilled with papers, notebooks and more of the dungeon cores sampleseemed to shudder with him. Gods, I didnt hear you behind me at all, Baelin.


    Hm, a Proper Wizard should be prepared and aware of their surroundings, the chancellor said, ncing at the window.


    The two of them were in one of the tallest towers in the main castleone free from offices and containing only a few rooms secured by tall doors of a deep, ck metal. The amount of magic emanating from each door nearly made Alexs head spin.


    Well, here it is. Baelin gestured to one of the doors. This is theb where well confirm your findingsor disprove themand where you shall finish your golem if things prove positive.


    Baelin looked at the gigantic monstrosity floating on the giant magical dolly. Went for pure power, I see. I approve. I <em>heartily </em>approve! Now, then.


    He snapped his fingers and two keys appeared in his hand, and he offered one to the young man.


    Shall we begin?


    Alex understood that this was aboratory used for Baelins students, but it still felt like he wasing into a chamber that had been built for a monarch.


    It was enormous; judging from the dimensions of the room, it seemed too big to actually fit into the rest of the tower.


    Unlike The Cells, thisboratory had massive windows overlooking the campus, though Alex had a feeling that they were made from something a lot sturdier than ss.


    The equipment in the room shone as though it was brand new, and looked far more robust andplex than the versions Alex was used to using. Even the mana spectrometer wasrger and probably more powerful.


    Most of this equipment is beyond you for now, Baelin said. But I shall train you on each piece which will grant you experience with more advanced mechanisms of alchemy, and also allow me to monitor how quickly your Mark helps you learn. You shall gain skills, as well as provide valuable data for us both.


    That-that sounds great, Alex stammered, gawking at the numerous advanced devices.


    Look at all the stuff I get to y with! he thought excitedly, before remembering Baelins stern warning. Er, I mean use in a responsible manner. But Im gonna have fun <em>anyway</em> while Im doing it.


    First things first, Baelin said, looking at Alex with an amused twinkle in his goat-like eyes. We will go to each piece of equipment that you previously used in your analysis of the dungeon core: the devices here are more advanced versions, naturally. Then I would like you to repeat <em>exactly</em> what you did in your previous analysis while I observe. We will see if you produce simr results. This equipment is more sensitive, and should readily reveal if there are any anomalies.


    Alex nodded, getting his safety equipment ready and going to wash his hands. Sounds good. Lets hope things turn out the same way they did before.


    Baelin showed Alex everything in theboratory, but the pieces of equipment that really caught his attention were the mana vacuum and its waste container. The container was enormousdwarfing even the one they used in Shales workshopAlex could only imagine that the sheer level of power tossed around by reactions generated from experiments in ab like this would be unbelievable.


    A mana vacuum that size would be a necessity.


    You must really like alchemy, Alex said. This is like the emperors carriage ofboratories.


    Baelin shrugged. It is not my favourite subject of magic, actually. When I first learned wizardry, there was no such <em>thing</em> as alchemy. Spellcraft was thought to be thenguage of the spirits. Potions were brewed by way of open fire and little else. I study it, as I study all things in wizardry. In truth, some of my own cabal are <em>far</em>superior in the art.


    Jeez, Alex scratched his head. I cant even imagine that.


    Imagine, what?


    That anybody could be better than you at any kind of wizardry.


    Baelin suddenly burst outughing. Oh, you tter me, but you know not what you say. I am mighty, yes. Very mighty. But <em>many</em> things in the cosmos are mighty, and many things have knowledge of magic that I have yet to begin toprehend.


    Oh, Alex said. That actually sounds exciting.


    Baelin raised an eyebrow. Why?


    I dont know, Alex shrugged. Like, if you knew <em>everything</em> about magic and there was nothing left to learn and discover it, itd be kind of sad, wouldnt it? The journey would be over and you couldnt find anything new. At least youve still got more to investigate and learn.


    Baelin gave him a warm smile. My thoughts exactly. A Proper Wizard never stops learning: if they do, theyre no longer a Proper Wizard. Still, things that surprise us be increasingly rare...and thats what makes your dungeon core so exciting. Come, let us see what is what.


    With that, Alex jumped into his analysis again.


    Now that hedpleted it onceand with The Mark guiding himhe was able to go through the processes a lot faster. Having ess to better equipment and not having to hide what he was doing also made things go quicker and smoother.


    In short order hed run a solid and liquified sample through all the previous devices hed used, and was amazed at how these machines disyed results.


    Not only were there paper read-outs, but results were also disyed on floating illusions right above each device in full three-dimensional detail.


    Alex blinked in wonder at the illusions, but Baelin looked on in indifference as though such a thing was asmonce as rocks by the side of the road. What <em>did</em> clearly excite him, though, were the results themselves.


    Each test continued to confirm what had been determined in the previous analyses, and Alex took abundant notes with increasing excitement.


    Baelin then took over, showing Alex a few new devices which measured the substance''s nar alignment, its vivacityits ability to produce life or healing effectsand its age.


    Interesting, Baelin said. See this diagram, Alex? He pointed to a circleposed of smaller, multicoloured orbs. This shows a breakdown of the nes of existence as we know theman extremely simplified breakdown.


    He pointed to a circle in the middle. That is where we are, the material ne. And the four surrounding circles are the elemental nes, with the para-elemental nes between. The outer circles are the many outer ces, though this is simplifying the structure.


    What does it actually look like?


    Like a four-dimensional mess of constetions, geometry and swirling masses of power. Even the deities of our worldor any othercant fully codify all of the nes.


    Huh, and whats that green dot mean? Alex pointed to a dot that appeared in the central circle.


    That indicates from which ne the substance originates. And this indicates the material ne. Baelin frowned. Remarkable, chaos essence and chaos essence-like substances are rare in the material world, and yet your Ravener seems to produce cores made out of the substancethe age test indicates this dungeon core and its substances are only months old. Fascinating.


    Alex nodded. So it makes the material from scratch?


    Yes, think of it like carving a piece of furniture, only that you conjured the wood <em>as</em> you built the furniture. This is an incredible fabrication.


    Again that book and quill appeared, hovering around Baelins shoulder and jotting down notes rapidly.


    Sodo you think I can use it in my golem core? Alex asked.


    Absolutely. It would please me greatly to watch and see how it would work. He gestured to the wall and there was a shimmering in the air.


    With a hiss, six humanoid forms manifested that looked to be made of solidified aironly the strange refraction of the light passing through them made their presence known.


    These are my Unseen Aids. They will aid anyone in thisb that has my permission to use itor harm anyone who is not apanied by anyone who holds one of the rooms keys, if I so desire. They have no intelligence, but will follow verbalmands and have the ability to perform actions required in alchemy. They can also understand the names of any tool or device in this room.


    Right, uh Alex paused. Um, second-from-the-left. He pointed to the unseen aid that was, well, second from the left. Raise your left foot.


    The half-visible construct raised its left foot into the air.


    That is Secundus, actually, Baelin said. Now, if youre quite done ying


    Ah yeah, got it, got it, Alex said. Alright, heres what I need, he addressed the constructs.


    He gave his orders quickly, in the same decisive manner used by Lagor in the golem works. The constructs paused for a moment, then Baelin nodded and they sprang into action.


    They quickly set up the main devices Alex would need for the process: a symbol-cauldron, the mana vacuum, and a long handled mana conductor. The cauldron could heat itself with amand word, and Alex did just that while the constructs prepared his ingredients alongside his Wizards Hands.


    The main ingredient for the golem core would be the dungeon core remains: roughly half of what he had taken from The Cave of The Traveller. It would form the mana generation centre of the cores structure and shape the connections that would conduct mana to the rest of the core. Its simrity to chaos essence would also grant the golem its ability to evolve, and he would need to work around that.


    He had slowly obtained the other ingredients over the past few weeks: pyrite or fools gold, which helped a golem mimic life as pyrite mimicked gold; tungsten, which was verypatible with the me magic for the fire-gems, the flowers of chromium crystal dendrites: an excellent material for helping a golem process instructions and prevent the core from corroding from its own mana, as well as other materials to simply form the bulk of the structure.


    One advantage with working at Shales was that he was allowedas an employeeto purchase materials for a golem at a significant discount. The dungeon cores remains also reced many of the most expensive ingredients needed for the golem core.


    Now woulde the real test:bining those ingredients.


    He had the constructs grind the dendrite flowers into a fine powder while he poured the pyrite and some of the other ingredients into the cauldron.


    First he would need to create the base for the rest of the ingredients. Hemanded the cauldron to increase to very high temperatures and braced for the st of heat that he often experienced when building golem cores at work.


    It never came, but to his surprise, the fools gold slowly began melting into a puddle of shining yellowish metal at the bottom of the cauldron.


    He waved his hand over the mouth of the pot in surprise, then looked up at Baelin.


    It conducts all heat directly into the material without sting it elsewhere, Baelin said, seated in afortable chair several feet away. The chair hadnt been in the room moments before, and Baelin casually watched Alex through his mask while that floating quill continued to record all the steps of Alexs process.<strong></strong>A cunning construction by one of my cabal-mates. A very expensive one, as you can imagine.


    Alex nodded, ncing around the room again. He was fairly sure that most of the devices in here were <em>extremely</em> expensive.


    Maybe one day, he thought, imagining himself owning a room full of such fine devices, before returning to his work.


    He quickly began to stir the pyrite into the other ingredients to form the base, taking care to put much of his mana into some of the other ingredients that were more vulnerable to heat. He stabilized them long enough tobine them with the melted pyrite as he stirred, and then began to bond them together with his mana.


    It was a tricky process that could see a novice very well waste a ton of mana trying to get the ingredients to bind. The Mark, and ValRoks sses were invaluable for doing this step since they had taught him much about efficiency when it came to mana maniption.


    He used The Mark as he worked, letting it guide him through the process as it had so many times at Shales. Even now it pointed out things he had done correctly and that he should repeat, and he guided the reaction slowly to make sure that he was being precise.


    Soon, the ingredients began to glow with a golden light, indicating that the process was well underway. He nodded in satisfaction. It was ready for other ingredients.


    He looked at the ck powder of the dungeon core remains and smiled.


    It was finally time to turn one of The Raveners weapons into his own, andwith Baelin close by to watch for any troublehe was more than ready.

 Chapter 132: The Forging

    Chapter 132: The Forging


    Bring that over, Tertium, Alex said to a construct holding the ck dungeon core remains.


    He heard the scrape of chair legs behind him followed by the click of Baelins cloven hooves moving across the tiles. And so it hase to this point, the chancellor leaned over. Exciting moments to witness: both the learning of a young mind, and the first application of a potentially magnificent substance. Your golem will prove an excellent proof-of-concept.


    Yeah, Alex said, pausing. Im just sorry my friends and Professor Jules cant see this.


    Indeed, Baelin said.


    Hmmm, Alex paused. Saywhen we get this research further along...in timewould you be okay if we invited professor Jules to be part of the team?


    To Alexs surprise, the chancellor winced. I do, ah, believe that is an inevitability.


    Oh? Alex asked. What happened when you told her about us working on a project together?


    Baelin sighed, and for a moment he did not seem like such an ancient, mighty wizard. Well, first there was her usation that I poached her student: which, to be fair, I did not. Even if we overlook the fact that you came to me, students can be apprenticed to more than one professor at Generasi.


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    Diddid Baelin sound a little defensive?


    Then of course, she wanted to know everything about the project, the chancellor continued. I told her nothing that would reveal your secrets, but I did say that we had a potential lead on a new substance, and what that new substance might be able to do. The gleam in her eye, AlexI suspect wild dragons wouldnt be able to keep her away.


    Alex chose not to mention the gleam hed seen in <em>Baelins</em> eyes when<em> hed </em> seen the results of the dungeon cores analysis.


    That''d be kind of cool, though, if she could be involved.


    Oh yes, she would be an excellent asset to any research team, Baelin agreed. When shees with her request to joinafter she thoroughly interrogates you, no doubtI will grant it.


    Thats greathey, you know who else might be able to help us? Alex thought for a moment. Isolde. Shes great at mana maniption, and shes good with spellcraftbetter than me, for now, and shes also good in alchemy. And since she knows everything about this, shed be a great addition.


    Aaaaah, looking out for your cabal-mates already are we?


    Yeah, Im not going to lie, if Khalik and Thundar were interested in alchemy, Id be asking if they coulde in on it too.


    Ah, well I am sure their knowledge as well as the trust you have in each other will still prove its worth in this endeavour. There will be a timeI thinkwhen it will call for far more than alchemy. But, I digress: I do believe Isolde would be quite valuable if she would be interested. This will all be moot, however, if you ce the sample within the mixture and it blows theb to particles.


    Alex froze.


    Well, no risk, no reward, as they say. So, let us continue our party of discovery like Proper Wizards! Baelin encouraged him.


    An image appeared in Alexs imagination: one of himself in itty bitty pieces, sttered all over theb wall. He shook it away quickly and began.


    Like hed done many times in Lagors workshop, he stabilized the reaction of the melted ingredients in the cauldron in preparation for the mana-conductive material. He took the dungeon core remains from Tertium and frowned.


    In Shales, when his team had worked with chaos essence, they had needed to use stabilizing agents and then their mana to keep the material stable while it bound to the other ingredients. The powdered dungeon core remains were already stable, so that part wouldnt be necessary. This meant that the procedure for adding it to the mixture would be slightly different, but Alex figured he should still be able to work with it as though it were chaos essence. It was a reasonable assumption, he felt.


    With a deep, steadying breath, he added the ck dust to the hot mixture.


    The reaction was immediate.


    The yellow glow red and a darkness began to mix with it, changing the light into a reddish-gold luminescence. It was so bright that he had to squint to see through his masks clear lenses. For a moment, he wondered if there were masks with lenses that could magically transition from clear to dark to filter extremely bright light. That was something hed definitely be asking about.


    The reaction elerated rapidly: since the dungeon cores remains were simr to chaos essence, having it double as a conductor anda ridiculously good one at thatmeant that it reacted even faster and stronger. Alex concentrated, using The Mark and his experience with invading the dungeon core with his mana to help guide the reaction.


    As he passed his mana through, it began to grow more and more vigorous, over-stimting the other ingredients beyond his expectations or experience. He called on The Mark even more, using every ounce of skill that he had in mana maniption to try to keep the reaction contained.


    The mana kept threatening to run out of control, bubbling like it would surge up the sides and out of the cauldron, but Alexs focus held. It was a struggle since the process took far longer than it did to make a typical golem core with Lagor''s teambut with The Marks guidance, he was finally able to manage the reaction.


    Eventually, the reddish-golden glow dimmed to a level where it was no longer blinding, and he stabilized the reaction. Alex smiled, satisfied at havingpleted the hardest part. Now for the rest.


    Next, he called on Primusthe first of the six constructsto dump the powdered dendrite flowers into the mixture. As theb aid added the powder, Alex spread it around, but soon realized he needed to quickly increase the temperature of the mixture to melt the chromium crystals<strong></strong>into it.


    As soon as the powder melted, it began to act as a stabilizer. Once he hadpletely guided the reactions to fully bind the ingredients, he killed the cauldrons heat. Now, his golem core would remain liquid at room temperature until he<strong></strong>engaged the final reaction to solidify and crystallize it.


    Now it was time to slowly and carefully add the second tost ingredient: tungsten.


    Tungsten was a tricky ingredient to work with: it was incredibly difficult to melt without magical fire or heat, and the temperature at which it finally melted was so high, that other ingredients it was being mixed with just boiled away by the time it became liquid. It was a very useful ingredient for his purposes though, and the chromium and mana in the mixture would help keep the whole thing stable. He instructed the cauldron to restart to heat the materials to their highest temperatures yet.


    The intense temperature within the cauldron began to alter the tungsten and it started to melt, blending into the glowing reddish-gold light inside. Most golem cores had a teal glow, but different ingredients sometimes created different colours. Golem cores with chaos essence would shift in colour as though someone had trapped a rainbow in them, which is what he thought might happen when he decided to use the dungeon core remains for his golems core.


    Instead, the colour remained the same reddish-gold, except it shimmered like light being shone through shifting water. He made a note of this and underlined it in his notebook while Baelin did the same.


    Finally, the reaction stabilized. It would be ready for thest step; the crystallization process, once it had time to settle. Alex instructed the cauldron to kill the heat, and then he waited for the glowing substance to cool. Now, it would need a few days to rest.


    And now we y the waiting game, he said.


    Indeed, and with good timing, Baelin nced through the window, noting the position of the sun. There is a meeting I must attend shortly. We shall meet back here in, shall we say, three evenings and see this finished? You have the time?


    Ach, Ive got a shift at Shales that evening.


    I see. Four it is, then. I could use that extra evening to check-in with some of my other students I supervise.


    Alright, until then. You can leave clean-up to me, if you want, Baelin.


    That is alright, this being your first day in myb, Ill stay to make sure youre familiar with where things go, and to ensure that the aid constructs will be fully cooperative with you now, and in future. Then you can be off to have a nice peaceful evening.


    In the future, I shall trust you to know how things go yourself.


    Ah, Mr. Roth, just the young man I was looking for!


    Alex froze in mid-step.


    He had just stepped out of the main castleand was noting the g flying at half-mast in remembrance of Minervuswhen professor Jules words echoed from above.


    Slowly and reluctantlyalmost like he was about to face the xyrthakhe looked up and saw her floating down toward him on her stone disk. She had a pleasant smile on her faceand a dangerous glint in her eye.


    Ah, h-hello professor, he said nervously as hended in front of him. What, uh, what can I do for you?


    I was speaking with the chancellor the other day, as you likely know- she began.


    Oh no, Alex thought.


    -and he mentioned that you and he were working on a <em>unique</em> project, she said. And I was wondering if you had any insights that you might care to share on this substance he spoke of. She looked at him evenly. It makes sense that Baelin would call upon you to work on it since you are Thameish and have shown excellent proclivity in the alchemical arts, after all. How long have you been working together?


    Not long, Alex said neutrally. It wasnt an actual lie, and at the same time, it also didnt reveal his earlier crimes. In a way, he wished Baelin hadnt pointed out how hed broken Professor Jules trust by analyzing the substance by himself; the guilt was going to drive him nuts, especially every time he saw her.


    I see, well this is an exciting opportunity for you, she said. I will still expect you to participate in helping with my projects, that is, if you so desire.


    Absolutely, Alex said. And about this stuff were working onits really something. I mean, if Baelins told you all about what it can do, then you know we might be really onto something here. Getting more of it might be an issuebut theres a lot to be excited about.


    Indeed. Well, I wanted to congratte you, Mr. Roth, andbe careful, she said. The chancellor is a mighty wizard, but while he does ensure the safety of his students, he takes more risks than I amfortable with, and does not respect procedure quite so much as I. Guard yourselfyou are young, after and do not get dragged into something you are not ready for.


    I got it. Thanks professor. He said emphatically. He really needed to do something for her. And uhif you want to participate and Baelins okay with it, I hope you can get in on our project too. Having you there would be reassuring because you know so much, and then all of us could be on the paper.


    Hm. She looked at him intently as she began to fly away on the stone disk. Well, we shall see what we shall see, I am very busy after all.


    Four dayster, Alex unlocked the door to theb to find both Baelin and Professor Jules already there, and deep in discussion.


    He blinked and couldnt hide the smile blooming on his face.


    The two older wizards looked up from Baelins note filled book near the table where Alex had ced the still-liquified golem core. The two of them had been excitedly discussing an aspect of it.


    Hello, Professor Jules, Alex said, unable to resist some cheek. I see you managed to clear a bit of your busy schedule. Im happy youre here.


    Jules eyes narrowed, and she looked at Baelin. Might we have him expelled?


    I could start the paperwork immediately, the chancellor said.


    No wait-Mercy! Mercy! Alex pleaded.


    Good, hope that frightened the cheek out of you, Jules said, and he could see from her bodynguage that she was almost giddy with excitement. These numbers on this substance, by every spirit and devil, I cant believe your kingdom was sitting on something this grand!


    She grit her teeth in frustration. And the mana conductivity! Good lord, ValRok and Toraka would likelymit bloody murder for some of this. She shook her head. Aaaah, if only these studies were beingpleted a little further in our future when our equipment was more advanced! But, I imagine things have to be even worse in Thamnd, though. While Im sure their court wizards are excellent, they can only do so much with whatever analytical equipment they do have since they dont have ess to Genarasis strong ambient mana as a power source.


    Not to mention thedivine element, Baelin frowned. The Pride of the Kingdom of Thamnd. Well, the Djinn is free of themp now. Now,e, show your professors how you finish a golem core.


    Your own golem. Professor Jules shook her head, looking at the monstrous body Alex and Selina had carved. My goodness, you did not go for subtlety, now did you?


    Maximum smash, Alex said intelligently.


    She gave him a withering look.


    No, but actually, he continued quickly. I figured that the dungeon cores remains would lend itself to a lot of power generation, so I designed it to focus on power.


    Hm, sound. She nodded. I approveor I would, if you were in your third year. Of course you are free to pursue your own projects as you wish, but to think the chancellor is aiding in this.


    I am observing, Vernia, Baelin said quickly. Now, enough talk, let us see this finished shall we?


    Alex wasted no time in doing exactly that.


    cing his mana conductor back in the cauldron, he pressed it into the mixture along with a device called a Nillertoq Ray: a piece of equipment for freezing things at short ranges. It used a lot of power, but it was very precise at lowering the temperature of materials.


    Alex positioned it above the mixture and began to st it as he used his mana to guide the reaction through the mana conductor. His soon-to-be golem core absorbed the Cold-Magic rapidly as a result of its powerful mana conductivity, and the process was much faster than with regr golem cores. At this point, Alex could guide the process much better since he was now prettyfortable working with the remains.


    The liquid shook and rose, crystallizing before his eyes. He used mana maniption, guiding the substance and shaping it into the desired diamond-like form and then, he cut power to the Nillertoq Ray. The room went quiet.


    Atst, his golem core wasplete: a beautiful, diamond-shaped core thatwhile it no longer glowedhad kept the reddish-golden hue. It was immensepared to other cores hed seen, and he was nearly salivating thinking about the power it would produceyet, also a little worried at how much mana would be needed to start it up. Alex looked at his creation, bursting with both wonder and anticipation.


    It is rather beautiful, Professor Jules said. Well done, Alex. Well done.


    I am eager to see it tested, Baelin mused. Have you solved the powering problem yet?"


    Ive been working on it, Alex said, calming down. But honestly, I think Im going to really push to work that out after the xyrthak.


    Xyrthak?! Professor Jules said in rm, looking at the chancellor. Already!? Surely theyre not ready!


    Oh they are, Baelin said. I have a very good group in Alexs ss. A fine generation of wizards who I am sure will move on to do great things.


    Yeah, we just have to survive the super-lizard, Alex said.


    There were only a few more days before the ss where theyd be going to The Barrens to face the creature. He was nearly done with his preparations, as were others in his cabal.


    Theresa had been preparing for it too.


    He wasnt sure if theyd be <empletely</em> ready for everything it could throw at them, but they sure as hell would give it their all.

 Chapter 133: The Hunters (Interlude)

    Chapter 133: The Hunters (Interlude)


    Theresa ducked, avoiding The Watchers strike as his sword passed finger-widths above her hair.


    Her great-grandfathers sword whipped up like a snakes strike, and her opponent barely got his staff up in time to parry. He yelped in surprise when her hunting knife suddenly shot forwarddriving him backand she followed like a wolf pursuing a wounded buck.


    All around the fighting pit, the other Watchers cheered and jeered, thumping their staffs against their seats in approval. The Watchers of Roal were the great protectors of the University of Generasi and knew their spells well, but they did not call themselves <em>wizards</em>. They were warriors first, and to them, magic was simply another weapon like the spear or the bow.


    And they wielded all their weapons well. Theresas opponent was no exception.


    He wasnt a small man: half a head taller than she was, and built like a cksmiths son. He was only a few years older, but fought with the skill of a veteran.


    Damn, woman. What the hell happened to you-Argh?! He ducked a thrust that would have skewered him through the neck had the Spell of Ritual Combat not dulled both of their des.


    When he righted himself, his eyes were alight with excitement, and sweat poured down his brow. Youre three times as fast as when we started, what in all the gods happened to you?


    Same as you, Theresa said, spinning both des in her hands withplete ease. Practice.


    Heughed, parrying another one of her blows while chanting a body enhancement spell. Mana made his muscles swell and his agility soared.


    But Theresa hadnt been pushing herself as far as she could yet. She leaned out of the way of another one of his draw cuts, then drew a deep breath, letting her enhanced<strong></strong>lifeforce course through her body.


    Awesome strength filled her limbs and her heart thundered. Everything slowed around her as her senses sharpened, and the worldthe endless forest, as she saw itbecame richer with detail. As she concentratedletting go of everything that wasn''t her opponent, the terrain, and herselfshe could trace every droplet of sweat on his brow, see the reflection of the arena in his sword, and hear the rustle of his clothes and chainmail.


    Now even his enhanced agility wasnt enough.


    He swore as her des shot at him in a flurry of strikes, and he grunted as several blows struck his armoured arms and torso. Her leg shot straight up like a lever, driving into his sr plexus and sting the air from his lungs.


    The Watcher flew backward, flipped to regain his bnce and open distance between them. Her eyes went wide as she watched his lips finish an incantation.


    A burst of icy wind sted at her. Theresa leapt aside, but the tail of it still caught her leg, slowing her as her limb went numb. The Watcher chanted another incantation.


    What was he going to do? She wondered.


    She braced herself, trying to steady her affected leg.


    His speed suddenly doubled.


    Haste.


    She remembered Alex talking about those spells.


    She swore.


    With her leg numbed, The Watcher broke through her defences. He used his staff now, keeping out of her reach and thrusting it like a spear. Impacts rocked her body, but she dove at him, driving close, trying to ignore the numbness in her leg.


    She parried the staff with her sword then caught his de with her knife. Theresa drew her head back.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Her head mmed into his nose, and only his force armour saved it from being shattered. But he was an experienced warriormore so than sheand even as he reeled, his leg shot out and kicked her numbed ankle, tripping her.


    With a yelp, she hit the stones.


    He leapt at her, his staff pointed down, ready to st her with magic from close range.


    Dammit, Im done, she said, acknowledging that if this were the battlefield, shed definitely be dead. She felt frustration rise, acknowledged it and let it go. Now that she was still, she could concentrate her life force into her leg, and she quickly felt the cold magic bleeding out of it.


    Theresa frowned.


    I cant wait until Im able to do stuff like this <em>while</em> fighting, she thought. With a powerful kip, she jumped back onto her feet. I know great-grandfather would have been able to.


    She had been growing her martial skill<strong></strong>and power over the months, both in preparation for threats from Thamnd, and for her goal of following in her great-grandfathers footsteps. Her ultimate n was still to explore the world one day, but before she could get there, she needed to explore and learn about herself. Then when she felt ready, she could go out and capture some of the power that let him build his life of glory.


    So far, though, she had the impression that if her great-grandfather was an ancient tree, then she was still just a sapling. She told herself to be patient, but watching Khalik, Thundar and Isolde learning new spells and growing more capable as part of their cabal, and watching Alex build his golem, made her want to grow faster.


    What she was able to do wasnt obvious to see, like a giant walking y man, or magics with powerful effects. It was much less shy; even the de-spinning shed learned wasnt proper swordy, that was just for the fun of it. In the end, she wasnt a Proper Wizard, she was a warrior and a hunter, and she needed results to show how shed grown in her own way.


    Getting knocked to the ground and surrendering wasnt exactly a good demonstration of growth.


    Her opponent let out a long breath. By every war god thats ever drawn blood, I thought you had me again.


    I thought I did too, Rnd, she said, a little disappointed as they walked out of the fighting pit. From the side, Brutus got upstill chewing on arge boars boneand padded beside her as she greeted him by patting one of his heads.


    All around the arena, The Watchers of Roal pped and cheered as two more of their number stepped into the fighting pit. These nonlethal bouts served as exercise, practice, and entertainment for The Watchers. At the top of the arena, a statue of Roalthe ancient warrior-wizard who had started their orderwatched them all, her granite eyes stern and determined.


    Theresa squinted at it.


    Several of The Watchers had pointed out that she and the statue wore a simr expression, but Theresa didnt see it herself: the statue red ferociously at the world like it was some kind ofstalker of death or something.


    Your skills impressive, you know, Rnd said. I mean it. The Watchers dont take people who are scrubs with a weapon. Im new, but I had to prove myself, and youve already beaten me once and gave me a good run for my coin this time. Six months ago you could barely touch any of us.


    Thanks, Theresa said. But a good run for your coin wouldnt matter if youd been really trying to end my life. Ive gotta get better.


    Well, nothing wrong with getting better, he agreed. Still is a damn shame you dont have the mana for wizardry: get a few years of spellcraft under your belt and another few more years of swordy, and The Watchers would draw blood for someone like you.


    Im just good at Life Enforcement. She shrugged. I dont-


    Theresa! Theresa Lu! she heard a voice boom from outside the arena. Theres someone here to see you!


    Right, catch up with youter, Rnd, she said, giving the young Watcher a nod and heading for the exit.


    She grimaced, hoping to Uldar that it wasnt Alex.


    Shed been deliberately avoiding talking about her progress to him and other friends, including Khalik, Selina and Shishi. She just wanted to surprise them with how much shed grown. It had taken her weeks of observing The Watchers, practicing near them, and joining in on some of their physical exercises before theyd finally invited her to spar. Sparring with them was by invitation only. It wasnt because they were particrly secretive, it was just that they were <em>good. </em>Shed learned that they used to allow anyone who was interested to challenge them in the fighting pits, but the practice ended because of incidents with certain students and members of the cityall from old and powerful familieswhere theyd embarrassed themselves and had their pride bruised.


    Now, they did what they were named for: they <em>watched </em>spectators for a time before they invited any interested folk to join them.


    Still, being weed had only led to months of getting thrown around by the warriors, and it was only in recent weeks that her skill, exercise and life enforcement had finally started to close the gap between their least experienced members and herself.


    She didnt want her friends to see her practice <em>until</em> she could reliably beat at least <em>some</em> of The Watchers.


    But, it turned out her worry wasnt necessary.


    To her confusion and reliefit wasnt Alex who was waiting outside of the fighting pit.


    Towering far above The Watcher that had called for hera massive bearmanstood the hulking Grimloch. The sunlight glinted off of his teeth.


    You. Been looking for you, the shark man rumbled.


    Um, hey to you too, she said as The Watcher left. How did you find me?


    Ran into Alex. He said you came to practice here this evening. Grimloch said. His snout twitched. I smell blood. Yes. Whose is it?


    Theresa blinked. Thered been a bout earlier where someones shield had slipped and theyd gotten hit hard enough to burst their lip. Theyd poured red all over the ce. Uh, not important. Whats going on?


    Teach me, Grimloch said. Teach me this life thing you were talking about.


    Theresa paused.


    And people said <em>she</em> was direct.


    I dunno, Im not sure if I can, she said. My professor would be a better teacher.


    Dont know her, the shark man grunted. Know you. Can go to her after you show me the beginning, if youre willing; youre smelling different week by week. Smelling less like prey.


    A shudder went down Theresas spine. The extra creepy thing about his statement was that she knew he wasnt trying to be intimidating, bragging or frightening. She understood what he meant.


    Grimloch was an apex predatorand he knew it.


    That was one of the things that hunters feared most in the wild: a predator that knew it had nothing to fear from you. An angry and frightened bear was dangerous. A cunning, confident and aggressive bear was how legends began.


    Its dangerous, she said. Going down that path could cripple you. All that incredible strength you already have would be gone.


    Ill try it. I heal good anyway.


    She frowned, then sighed. Ill tell Professor Kabbot-Xin about you. And Ill see what she says. Come to my ss tomorrow.


    Tell me where and when and Ill be there.


    You made the right decision, the professor said sitting beneath the tree. For one as new to the path as you, leading a test on your own would be dangerous.


    Rain pounded outside the wind and rain shield they had set up, barely hiding Grimlochs growl of disappointment. The rest of the ss was staring up at the shark man though they were trying to do it discreetly, but failing in most cases.


    Shishi was the only one who wasnt actively staring, but the first time shed met the sharkman, she <em>had</em>openly stared at him with her jaw hanging open.


    However, if he trusts you, the professor continued. Then having you aid in his testing would calm his energies, and provide youand all herewith a learning opportunity. It could be done before ss begins. If that is alright with you, of course. Do you want to do this, Theresa? Remember, youre only auditing<strong></strong>the course, and if youre notfortable with this, you certainly dont have to do it.


    Theresa paused. Cancan I do this?


    Having others aid with testing or other aspects of life enforcement is verymon. If you wish to do it, I can take the lead in the test, and you can follow my energy. You have a natural affinity for the work we do here, perhaps because you are a descendant of Twinde Lu, and you are growing to be quite skilled.


    I trust you, Grimloch suddenly said. Seen you fight. Know youre reliable.


    The huntress gave it deep, careful thought.


    If she managed to do this, that would not only allow another to experience the path of cultivation, but a powerful ally would grow stronger. Grimloch didnt have The Mark to interfere with his concentration and risk disastrous or even deadly results, so that terrifying possibility wasnt an issue to consider. If she failed at it and things went badly, then shed have responsibility for Grimloch getting injured.


    She thought about her loss to Rnd.


    Would Grimloch trust and consider her reliable if hed seen that? And just because she grown quite skilled, that wouldnt mean much if she messed up at an important moment; again she thought about how The Watcher could have killed her if it had been a real battle.


    She was leaning toward refusing Grimloch, and just letting her professor decide what to do when a deadly, multi-limbed monster came to mind: the hive-queen. The Theresa of thenfar weaker and less trained than nowhad charged the burning creature without hesitation. Why was she hesitating now?


    Would she do the same when they face the xyrthak?


    Her jaw tightened. Alrightif you want to try, she said. Then Im willing to try.


    Grimlochs mouth did an unnerving snarling thing which was probably supposed to be a smile.


    The professor turned to one of her graduate students. Would you get us a testing bowl, please? In the meanwhile, Grimloch, I want you to join us in a ten minute meditation. We shall see if you have the ability to concentrate long enough for this.


    The guided meditation passed quickly, with Grimloch goingpletely silent as he joined in with the ss. His ck eyes rolled back, exposing a dead, white surface and he stopped moving. He hardly even breathed.


    By the time the meditation was over, the student had returned with the testing bowl. The professor turned to Theresa. Are you ready?


    Yes, she said. I am.


    She turned toward the towering Grimloch, then froze, looking at his giant hands.


    Grimloch grunted. Youre gonna need a bigger bowl.


    Another bowl was quickly fetched.


    Once the testing bowl was set up, Professor Kabbot-Xin turned to Theresa. Why dont you proceed with the question, Theresa?


    The huntress nodded, remembering when shed been tested: Tell me, why do you want to learn Lifeforce Enforcement?


    Because Ive seen what it can do, the sharkman rumbled. And I wanna see what <em>I</em> can do.


    She nodded. Now ce your hands into the bowl, Grimloch.


    And you, Theresa, ce your hands over mine, her professor said.


    All three closed their eyes, and Theresa let her mind call into the flow of life-force within herself, a flow that had grown much stronger. Yet now, when she touched her professor''s, a shock rippled through her.


    Kabbot-Xins life force was an oceandeep, powerful and honed. Theresa was in awe as she followed her professors power. Then she felt Grimlochs: his life flowed powerfully through him, but it was untrained and had not been reinforced with the power of nature. Theresalooking at her own energy and feeling her professorsunderstood how much more hers could be.


    For a time, their life forces circled around his while a strangeshift urred in the shark man. The life force calmed and itopened up to them. And with that opening, the professor reached in,<strong></strong>and Theresa followed.


    Their life forces touched and Kabbot-Xin reached deep into Grimloch and shiftedsomething in his core<strong>.</strong>Immediately his body reacted. His life force began to boil, ejecting impurities from itself.


    They drew out of him a momentter.


    The shark man shuddered then heaved, vomiting a stream of awful smelling ck gunk into the bowl. Theresa was suddenly very d theyd gotten a bigger bowl.


    She smiled up at him.


    Wee to the path of cultivation, Grimloch.


    What away to start, he shuddered, wiping the ckened stuff from his lips.


    It hurts right now, but youll see, your life force will get rid of all that stuff and youll feel much lighter in time.


    Just like she had.


    Theresa set aside her frustrations, her confidence boosted somewhat by helping with the test.


    She let go of her loss against Rnd. Shed get another chance, and besides, as much as she kept thinking of it as a what if it had been a fight to the death, she knew that was only her insecurities talking.


    See the world as it is, she thought. That wasnt a life or death battle, that was a sparring match. Leave it aside. Itll distract you from whatsing.


    She thought back to her reasons for starting life enforcement. <em>I want to protect my loved ones, and I want to follow my great-grandfathers path to gain his strength and step into the world prepared for its dangers.</em>


    That was what she should be focusing on.


    She needed to go to the city. She had a bow to buy.


    Then she paused, looking at Grimloch and thinking about the many weapon shops in the capital. Hey, she said. Have you ever used a crossbow before?


    An idea had begun to stir in her mind.


    Shed been approaching the fights like a warrior, but she was also a hunter.


    And teams of hunters killed at range.

 Chapter 134: The Nest

    Chapter 134: The Nest


    My, my, well arent <em>you</em> all prepared. Baelin said admiringly.


    And he was not exaggerating.


    His ss hade looking like they were ready to go to war.


    The entourages of every student were bristling with weapons.


    Hogarth, Svenia and Eyvinder all had longbows and javelins with heavy, barbed-tipped arrows. They gripped long spears and kept their usual side-armaments at the ready. They wore no armour: chainmail or other metal armour would have done little good against the forcences of the xyrthak, and would not only have slowed them down, but also made them overheat.


    Theresa carried a spear as well as a thick,posite bow that Alexeven after all of his strength trainingstruggled to pull to its full draw. She had left Brutus with Selina for this challenge: there would be little the cerberus could do against a powerful airborne opponent. She also had her sword and hunting knife readied.


    Grimlochstill new to the path of life enforcementlooked as powerful and vicious as ever, and hed added to his natural deadliness with a crossbow the size of a ballista, an enormous spear, and several javelins. He looked more than ready for the hunt.


    The battle magic students all had extra weapons: crossbows weremon. Rayne had two crossbows slung over his back, both cocked and ready.


    We are here to fight for our lives, Khalik answered Baelin. On his arm, Najyah ruffled her feathers with a fierce gleam in her eyes. Or to treat this as such. I am sure this xyrthak will not go easy on us, so why should we not do what we can to make its day difficult.


    Spoken like a Proper Wizard, Baelin congratted him. And the rest of youif this were the early days of this ss, I thinkand do correct me if I am wrongbut most of you would be going into this trial with only your magic readied and tactics focusing solely on spellcraft. Now, look.


    He gestured at them. Non-wizardpanions. Mundane weapons. Formations. Potions. He nodded to Alex, whose bags were filled with various potions. Well done, you are already being transformed by the rigours ofbat and adapting. Nowbefore we begin, I will show you <em>exactly</em>where you will be teleported to. Then I shall answer any questions you might have. After, you will have ten minutes to n out your initial tactics, and then, you will be sent into battle.


    He turned and conjured an illusion of a map showing an area of The Barrens near the xyrthaks stone tower. Alex grimly noted the wild mana vent close by.


    You will be dropped here. Baelin pointed to an area south of the xyrthaks nest and away from the mana vent. It is far enough from its home that you should have time before the creature attacks. Or, if ites immediately, at least some time before it reaches you. Now, did any of your preparations these past weeks yield any questions?


    Isoldes hand shot up immediately. One of my peers recently informed me that a xyrthak mates for life. Since there is a nest, does that mean we shall face <em>two</em> of them?


    <em>That</em> had been a startling revtion theyd only heard about a few days before. Alex looked up at Baelin nervously, waiting for the answer.


    Baelin nodded. This one was indeed part of a mated pair, but the female killed the male early in their nesting: he seemed to have be weakened by a wasting sickness peculiar to the species, and xyrthaks do not tolerate weakness in mates, or offspring. For <em>our</em> purposes, this nest was the best choice for this exercise. Keep in mind, however, having to safeguard her eggs alone, might make her more dangerous. What next?


    Many in the group seemed to be caught between feelings of relief at not having to fight two of them, and uneasiness at having to fight a more dangerous egg protecting mother-to-be xyrthak.


    Malcolm put up his hand next. How long until the eggs hatchcan you give us a rough idea?


    I would estimate not for a good month or so, Baelin said. So you will only have to contend with getting an egg and defeating the mother, and not with live, hungry xyrthak chicks. Whos next?


    Thundar raised his hand. Is that big lizard gonna be in its nest, or is it off hunting?


    A twinkle entered Baelins eye. Now that is intelligence I think you should secure for yourself, young Thundar.


    Mm, the minotaur grunted.


    Is there anything else? Baelin asked, looking around the ss.


    Alex raised his hand. What if we suddenly realize that were actually super crazy for doing this and want to go back home?


    Several snickers passed through the ss, though some of his peers only threw him nervous looks. Anxiety hung heavily over the students and their entourages.


    I see you are calm enough to joke, Alex, Baelin said.


    No, no, Im actually terrified, thats why Im joking.


    Ah, then I shall say this. Anyone who wishes not to participate can certainly step aside, but know that it will affect your ssmates chances at sess, your own grade, as well as any future chances you might have against a threat such as this when I am <em>not</em> close by to protect you in case of emergencies. Think on it. Dangerbined with safety now, or the cold hand of chanceter. I trust you all to make the wisest decision.


    Right, Alex said as the ss huddled together. Im thinking wed better hit the ground as soon as we teleport in. Stay quiet and low first. If its in the nest, its probably not going to take long to see us. As long as we stay low and its not looking in our direction when we appear, well have some time to decide and n what we do.


    We could even lie down <em>before</em> were teleported, so that were low to the ground when we appear, Shiani suggested.


    Thats a good idea, Theresa agreed. Less noise and movement that way. Then how do we get our information?


    Leave that to me, Khalik said. I shall send Najyah up and high. The vent is close to the nest, which might mean vent-drinkers close by. If it feeds on them, then a single eagle will likely be beneath its notice, unless it is <em>very</em> hungry. He paused, his eyes narrowing in thought. I could cast a sound burst spell from Najyah as she flies over the vent, targeting it at the rim. If there are vent-drinkers present, it will spot them instead.


    Creating a distraction, Angr nodded. I approve.


    Somethings bugging me, though, Rayne said. One second. Baelin?


    Yes, Rayne? the chancellor answered.


    Can xyrthaks tolerate wild mana vents like vent drinkers can?


    No. Baelin shook his head. They do have <em>some</em> resistance, but they will eventually be hindered by them like any other creature with mana. Keep in mind that even you young wizards are now stronger and experienced enough to tolerate being in close proximity to them for a short period of time.


    Yeah, I dont really wanna put that to the test, Alex whispered.


    Okay. Rayne frowned. How high is the stone tower that it makes its nest on?


    Roughly five-hundred feet, Baelin said.


    Ah, that exins something, Malcolm said. That nest is probably a good hundred feet from the vent. And with how high up it is and the beasties resistance to the vent, it should be safe when it''s nesting.


    Theresa frowned. If we could somehow make it fly over the vent and shoot it down


    That would be the end of that, Alex said.


    One thing I wanted to add, Eyvinder jumped in. I can move up through the stone tower. I might be able to ambush it from below its nest and get this whole thing finished.


    Or at least wound it, Malcolm added.


    Right, then how about this? Alex said. Wee in low and see where it is. Najyah goes up and scouts out what she can see while Eyvinderes at it through the ground. Meanwhile, we spread out.


    Alex reached into a bag. These are Potions of Flight. He held them in his hand. We wont be able to fly as fast as the xyrthak, but well have better maneuvering ability than it does. Maybe a few of us could be flying, while the rest spread out on the ground. That should divide its attention and stop it from justnce-sting us to death if were in a single group.


    Good idea, Khalik said. I shall take one of those potions.


    Me too, Grimloch said.


    Rhea, Isolde and Caramiyus also took one.


    Alex kept thest one for himself and set the ones hed turned into bombs aside.


    Time is up, Baelin said. I hope you are all ready. And do not be nervous. After all, you are Proper Wizards with very capablepanions, are you not? I am sure that victory will be yours.


    The group nodded at each other, signalling their readiness andid t on the ground.


    With that, Baelin waved his hand and the teleportation magic carried them off and into The Barrens.


    Alex, as usual, appeared first.


    Lying on the ground as he was, he couldnt help but feel extremely vulnerable prostrated in the dust all by himself. He squinted at the nest, and saw that it was a jagged construction offuzzy stuff, and what looked to be shattered bones.


    Slowly, he drew a potion from his bag that enhanced his senses and drank it down. His vision sharpened and he now saw that the entire nest was constructed of what looked to be the broken remains of bone drinkers, muupkara fur, and the remnants of other creatures he wasnt familiar with.


    He paused, recognizing a skull that had a tell-talence protruding from it.


    The xyrthaks mate: its bones had been used to reinforce the nest.


    Ugh, gruesome, Alex muttered as the others teleported all around him in prone positions. But, waste not want not, I guess.


    He turned and quietly shared what hed seen with them, getting grim and nervous nods in return. Nua-Oge, who had been fairly quiet, nced over at Grimloch and exchanged a nod.


    Did you see it? Khalik asked. Did you see the xyrthak herself?


    Alex squinted, looking for any signs of scales or leathery wings. Well if its home, its lying down or taking a nap.


    Good for us if it is, Rayne said.


    No sense in wasting time, then, Eyvinder said. When Im almost at the top of the tower, Ill stick out an arm and wave my de so that it catches the sun. Thatll let you know Im almost there. Ill sh once if I can hear it above and twice if I cant. If its not in its nest, Illy a trap for it.


    A trap? Khalik asked. How will you know if it arrives if you are buried in the earth?


    I will feel the vibrations as itnds; then Ill spike it.


    Hey, Malcolm caught Eyvinder by the shoulder. Be careful.


    Always am, the green, pointed-eared man said. I only get one life.


    Taking a breath like a diver before leaping into ake, Eyvinder sank into the stone, disappearing just as an earth elemental would.


    Then we should not wait too long either, Khalik said, then whispered to Najyah. You be careful too.


    The bird of prey looked down at her master with intelligent eyes, nuzzled him once with her beak and then took off, beating massive wings before catching an air current and circling high into the air.


    And now we wait, the prince said.


    Thats always the longest part of hunting, Theresa added. The waiting.


    Well I dont mind it, Alex said. More waiting equals less horrible flying lizard that uses force magic to st faces off.


    They hardly breathed as theyy in the dust, watching Najyah fade into a small dot above, and then soar toward the mana vent and stone tower.


    After what seemed like hours, Alex saw two shes of metaling from near the top of the stone tower.


    Nothing there, Malcolm said. Maybe its out hunting.


    More waiting, Grimloch growled.


    But its a <em>good </em>thing, Theresa said. Now well have the advantage.


    What should we do now, then? Alex asked. Start spreading out?


    I think <em>some</em> of us should spread out, Rhea jumped in. Some of us should move to get a view from a different angle and set up another line of attack.


    Murmurs of agreement came from the group. We just wont go so far that we cannot support you. One hundred feet perhapswell within bow and spell rangeand no more. She finished.


    A fine idea, Isolde agreed. Hogarth, Svenia, go with them, make sure they have your crossbows and spears to give them extra support.


    Hogarth balked. Butdy-


    Buts are not for public conversation, she said, startling Alex, Thundar and Khalik. I shall be quite fine with the rest here.


    Rhea, Shiani and Malcolmwith Isoldes entourageslowly got up and began to move to the left.


    The rest of us should spread some dust on ourselves, Alex said. Try to make ourselves as hard to see as we can.


    He conjured two Wizards Hands as he and the others began covering themselves in the fine dust.


    What is it? Isolde said, looking at Khalik who was eyeing her with a puzzled look.


    I, uh, did not pick you for one to make butt references, Isolde, Khalik said.


    Perhaps we can all be a little out of our nature when waiting for death toe from above. Where <em>is </em>this thing? she snapped under her breath. I doubt we would be so fortunate to avoid itpletelyit has eggs, so it cannot leave them for longso let us just begin this death march.


    Careful what you wish for, Theresa said, and there was a note in her voice that made everyone freeze. Khalik, she whispered. Wheres Najyah?


    The prince concentrated for a moment. Over the vent. Why?


    Because I think were about to get into a fight. Look up at the sky to the east.


    As one, the remaining group members turned toward where Theresa was cautiously pointing.


    Alexs enhanced eyes caught it: a long, sinewy shape with massive wings like the sails of a small ship.


    The xyrthak wasing.

 Chapter 135: The Xyrthak

    Chapter 135: The Xyrthak


    Shit, Alex swore. Do the others see it?


    He squinted, searching for the other group until he finally spotted them. He didnt know if theyd seen the xyrthak and gone to ground, or if they''d already been lying t, but they were pressed to the dusty earth, moving slowly.


    Good.


    They were looking up, but hadnt-


    No, now Rhea was pointing in the xyrthaks direction and the others were no longer moving.


    Do you think itll see us? Thundar grunted. With eyes as good from a distance as Baelin says they have, no way it didnt see some of us, especially with those guys moving.


    Khalik swore. I cannot tell. It could either be soaring, gliding back to its nest, or hunting. He frowned. Let us give it something else to think about.


    The princes face tightened in concentration as he looked in the direction of the stone tower and the mana vent beyond. Alex heard the whispered incantation of a spell being cast and then-


    <em>Cr-cr-BOOM!</em>


    A stuttering, cracking boom echoed from the mana vent, and just afterward, the panicked cries of vent-drinkers. Khaliks spell of sound was doing its work.


    Alex turned his attention back to the xyrthak, noticing that its flight path had shifted toward the mana vents. Good, good, he said. I think its going over to investigate.


    The sinewy shape grew in Alexs vision as the xyrthak slowly descended toward thend below. He saw its head shifting. Turning. Searching. Scanning the ne with those razor sharp eyes.


    As it got closer, he noticed something gripped in its giant talons: something humanoid, bulky and limp.


    Its got something in its ws, Alex said, describing the shape as best as he could.


    A gorger, from the sound of it. Isolde squinted, trying to get a better look, but eventually shaking her head. I cannot see clearly, but either way, does it look like it has spotted us?


    No, he said. I think Khaliks distraction worked for now.


    Then we are fortunate, the prince said. Perhaps with food in hand it has less interest in its surroundings.


    What do you mean? Rayne asked.


    It is in the nature of apex predators, he said. Whether that be the eagle, the lion, the griffon, or even we of the mortal races. When we think we have nothing to fear, and when we have what we desire, attention can slip. That is why small birds do not fear being near eagles when they arended, or already have a kill. The eagle has nothing to fear from them and there is nothing it wants at that moment, and so they feel safe. He chuckled bitterly. That is why we of the mortal races are so dangerous: we <em>always</em> want something.


    Very philosophical, Thundar said. But do you think now is really the right ti-


    Shh! Alex hissed. Itsing back this way.


    The group went as quiet as corpses, watching the xyrthak soaring back from over the vent. For a tense moment, Alex wondered if Khalik had been wrong and it wasing to st them.


    But it began circling its nest, slowly descending.


    Jeez, thats a damn big beast, Thundar grunted as it grew clearer in everyones vision.


    Alex wasnt sure if it was because Baelins xyrthak skeleton was only bones, but this one seemed a fair bit bigger. Maybe it<em> was</em> a bigger creature, in which case, not so lucky for them. Scarsboth old and newtraced its scales, and its beak looked absolutely deadly even from their distance.


    He hoped that whatever Eyvinder had nned would be enough to kill it.


    The entire group held their breaths.


    Come on, Alex whispered. Land, damn you,nd.


    Leathery wings beat a handful of times as the xyrthak prepared tond.


    Oh <em>hell</em>, Khalik suddenly swore. Get ready for battle!


    The prince tensed, readying himself to spring to his feet.


    What? Isolde asked. Why? The trap hasnt sprung.


    The gorger. Before the xyrthaknds, the corpse it holds will touch the earth first. When Eyvinder feels that-


    Hell trigger the trap too early, Theresa finished. Dammit! She scrambled to sling her bow.


    Alex began to conjure his Wizards Hands. He hadnt even bothered with Shield or Lesser Force Armour. The xyrthaks st or force-magic wrappednce, would tear through those like they were parchment. They wouldve just been a waste of mana.


    The creature finished its descent. The gorgers corpse touched the top of the stone tower.


    <em>Kroom!</em>


    There was the sound of ripping earth, as half a dozen stone spikes burst up from the rock, striking the nest. A spike exploded an egg, raining pieces down to the ground. The rest tore through the body of the gorger, impaling it and almost impaling the xyrthak. But she was just a bit too fast, and reacted.


    A single beat of its wingsunched it into the air again, but Alex could see blood staining its legs. Whether that was from the gorger, or from Eyvinders trap wounding it, he couldnt be sure.


    <em>Raaaaaaargh! </em>She screamed, and the air around her shimmered. Abruptly, the spikeswhich had kept sting toward hershuddered, then crumbled.


    Shit, Caramiyus swore, taking out his Potion of Flight. Its cry must have hit Eyvinder through the stone!


    The xyrthak continued to shriek in rage, its attention focused on the threat below. It hesitated though, likely worried about its nest and eggs.


    Thats when the students sprang into action. All of them threw back their potions and quickly cast spells or began to move. Rhea and Shianis chanting joined, sweeping into the air, and two beads of orange power floated up andbined into a twitching ball of me. The fireball shot forth, arcing like aet, and exploding just before the xyrthaks tower.


    It transformed into a roaring tornado of fire that swirled toward the beast.


    Malcolm shouted his own spell, conjuring three bolts of ice magic. Nua-Oge also conjured solid balls of ice and they shot forth.


    The xyrthak screeched again, and its cry disrupted the mana in the spells flying toward it, slowing the ming tornado.


    Alex heard a humming sound as power was gathered in the air, and thence on the xyrthaks brow began to shimmer with force magic.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The air tore apart as the forcence sted through the tornado, scattering its me. A beat of her wings carried her out of the way of Malcolms spells, though one of Nua-Oges struck true, icing part of her scales.


    The creature shrieked in fury looking toward both groups of wizards.


    Make your shots count! Thundar roared, casting Blows of Lead on Grimloch and Theresas quivers and spears.


    Drink your flight potions! Khalik cried. We need as many individual targets as we can get!


    He drank back his potion, his face took on an expression of deep concentration, then he shot into the air as the magic of flight activated. Alex, Isolde, Grimloch, and Caramiyus followed, then Rayne cast his flight spell.


    Be careful, Grimloch! Nua-Oge shouted, then cast Shield of Darkwater upon him and herself to keep them from drying out.


    Tell that to my supper! Grimloch roared, hefting his crossbow onto his shoulder.


    The other flyers shot into the air after the prince.


    Thundar stayed on the ground with Nua-Oge, Theresa and Angr, and began hurling bolts of magic at the xyrthak together with Caramiyus and Angr.


    The deadly reptile red<strong></strong>down at all of them before shooting high into the air with a single beat of its wings. It climbed <em>fast, </em>shrinking in the sky.


    It is preparing for a dive! Khalik shouted, readying to cast a spell. All of you, be ready to move!


    Secondster, the xyrthak tucked its wings at its sides and dropped.


    Alex gasped.


    Its speed was <em>terrifying.</em>


    The force-enhancednce split the air in front of itcutting down air resistance as Ram had described itto let it elerate at a horrifying rate.


    The airborne group scattered, but it turned, using itsnce and long neck to guide it directly toward Grimloch, thergest and most dangerous looking target.


    Prepare to attack it! Khalik roared, then shouted an incantation.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    An explosion sounded just above the xyrthak and the creature startled and veered sideways, spreading its wings.


    Stay out of range of its cry, and st it! Alex shouted.


    A volley of bolts of magic, fire and ice together with arrows from Theresas bow, erupted from the flyers and thebatants on the ground, but the xyrthaks speed let it shoot past most of the projectiles.


    Only two arrows, one fired by Hogarth and one by Theresa, struck it, and both bounced off of its heavy chest scales.


    Filthy flying crocodile! Khalik shouted. We <em>have</em> to slow it. I thought it might have paused, but-Look out!


    Alex had nced at Khalik, and was about to reply when he whirled back toward the beast.


    With its natural flying skills, the xyrthak had pulled a wingoverlooping up into the air until it had reversed coursethen flipping so that it was right side up again.


    It shot directly at them.


    <em>Hmmmmmm.</em>


    The hum of force magic began to rise.


    Shit! Scatter! Scatter! Alex cried.


    <em>Booom!</em>


    The forcence tore through the air, nearly striking Isolde and Caramiyus as they swept out of the way. Without the Potion of Flight giving them such maneuverability, Alex shuddered to think what could have happened.


    It sailed through their ranks again, but they fired spell after spell at it. This time, they were better prepared for its speed, and more of their magic and arrows struck it as it passed.


    Its tough scales deflected the projectiles with only one of the arrows getting through to deliver a shallow wound. However, as it glided through their positions, a bolt of cold magic shot out and clipped its wing. The xyrthak shrieked as frost spread through part of the leathery membrane, impairing it. Still, it started to turn, aiming for Shianis group.


    Hit it now! Alex shouted. It has to slow when it turns!


    Right, give it a volley! Khalik roared. All of us!


    A cloud of spells, bolts and arrows hurtled toward the xyrthak from many directions as it turned. The beast parried some with her force-enhancednce, but others struck her. She was farther away by now, so many of the arrows failed to prate her armour.


    One of Khaliks spells produced a glob of y that sshed across its back, quickly hardening. Alex wished a few globs had hit its wings to send it plummeting to the ground.


    But, instead, it kepting, swooping at Shianis group. Both she and Rhea shot fireballs at it, but it sted one apart with its force beam, then soared past the other, leaving it to explode in its wake. Crossbow bolts from Svenia and Hogarth nced off of its chest.


    Malcolm sprayed a line of icy magic at it, but it only clipped the creature.


    Scrambling, Rhea and Shiani barked out quick spells and both unleashed massive, rising smoke clouds between it and their group.


    The creature suddenly folded its wings and shot down at an even steeper angle, catching the young wizards by surprise.


    It plummeted straight toward Malcolm as the ice mage tried to scramble away through the smoke.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Her bulk hit the ground, shaking it from the impact and she abruptly unleashed her cry. The air shimmered around her, as Malcolm, Shiani and Rhea screamed. Two of the wizards fell, with only the tall fiery-haired elf remaining on her feet. It was clear that doing so was taking everything Rhea had.


    Which did not leave her much room to defend herself.


    The xyrthaks fanged beak shot forward like a serpent, and its jaws snapped so quickly that it sounded like the cracking of a whip.


    Rhea gave a strangled cry then vanished just as the fangs bit down on her.


    As she disappeared, the xyrthak paused for a moment, surprised. Just for a moment, though.


    But that was enough


    <em>Twang!</em>


    <em>Ka-chunk!</em>


    One of Theresas arrows and a massive crossbow bolt from Grimloch shot forward and mmed into the creatures side.


    Its shriek sted through their ears, slowing the multitude of spells shooting at it from Alexs group in the air, and Nua-Oges on the ground.


    Hogarth and Svenia charged in with their spears, jabbing its scaly underbelly and punching shallow holes in its hide.


    Then a single beat of its wings carried it skyward.


    The bolt and arrow had struck deep and it was bleeding, but the monster still had a lot of vigour left.


    Damn it all! Khalik swore. It will not be so careless again!


    Alexs eyes narrowed, looking at one of his Wizards Hands.


    He had ced one of his boobytrapped potionsan altered Potion of Flightin one of his Wizards Hands, but quickly realized that it wouldnt work. The creatures cry slowed spells, and with its natural speed, there was no way hed be able to maneuver the potion bottle in front of it fast enough to break the ss and gas it before it could speed away.


    They needed to slow it down or stop it.


    His eyes narrowed.


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    What resources did they have? He watched the xyrthak turn in the air, and his eyes flicked around him. He saw Najyah approaching from above. He also saw the green form of Eyvinder slowly emerge from the stone of the tower, shaking his head, appearing to be still woozy from the creatures cry.


    Waitthat might be it.


    He looked at Malcolm, who was being violently ill.


    He needed to get to the ice wizard.


    Khalik! Isolde! Thundar! Theresa! Everyone! he shouted. I need to get to Malcolm. If I can, I think I might be able to screw up this things flight!


    Lets do it! Khalik barked. Go!


    ncing at the turning xyrthak, Alex shot toward the fallen ice wizard.

 Chapter 136: A Cold Delivery

    Chapter 136: A Cold Delivery


    The air rushed past Alexs ears as he fired himself toward Malcolms fallen body. He kept the modified Potion of Flight in his Wizards Hand, which was poised to squeeze at his will.


    Spells fired at the xyrthak from behind him, drawing its attention, but the creature now seemed intent on singling out targets that were alone.


    And Alex had broken away from the group.


    He stifled a scream as it shot toward him, and he activated The Mark, focusing it on the act of flight. It improved his skill by the moment, teaching him every correct movement to maximize maneuverability. The others fired at it again and again, but it was still too quick and its armour too thick.


    Alex! Theresa screamed, and she fired repeatedly, taking care not to hit him. One arrow bit home, but the xyrthak still fired its force beam.


    Alex dived, shooting toward the earth, making the beam pass above his back. At the same time, he shot the Wizards Hand into its flight path, preparing it to clench and crush the potion bottle when it got close enough.


    There was another hum.


    The xyrthak fired at his spell.


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    The potion bottle exploded into the gaseous trap-potion, but the xyrthak screeched and pulled out of its dive before it could fly through the cloud.


    Damn! Alex cursed.


    It was being cautious. Too cautious.


    He pulled out of his own dive, shooting forward and flying only a few feet above the earth. His other Wizards Hand removed another gas potion from his bag just as he reached Shianis group.


    Hogarth and Svenia were helping the two young wizards to their feet and supporting them to stand. Each looked pale, sick and drenched in sweat.


    Malcolm! Alex cried. Malcolm, are you okay? I need you here with me!


    Malcolm was dazed, but didnt look like he was suffering anything serious like a mana reversal. He and Shiani didnt look like theyd be participating in the fight much more, though.


    Someonebeat that bloody knight, Malcolm muttered, half-delirious. Break his knee. Take that war mace of his hand and shove it down his-


    Malcolm! Listen, Im sure whatever youre seeing has to be better than all <em>this</em>, but if it werent for Baelins spell, Rhea wouldve being <em>bitten in half</em> and I need you with me, man! Come on! Alex used his voice not to scream at Malcolm, but to be loud and authoritative enough to get his attention.


    The ice wizard shook his head.


    Alex? I-


    A scream erupted and Alex whirled around.


    He saw the xyrthak shooting past the flyers. Two more arrows protruded from it and it looked like one of Rayne''s crossbow bolts had punctured a wing. The wizard was preparing another bolt for firing.


    Caramiyus, however, was plummeting in a twitching, helpless wreck: it looked like hed gotten caught in the scream. Thundar raced over and dove, catching the doberman-beastman before he hit the hard ground of The Barrens.


    Arrows were flying from the tower. It looked like Eyvinder had recoveredspeaking to his fortitudebut he was having no luck hitting the xyrthak from his range. He was gliding through the stone down the side, half-sticking out, with his eyes fixed firmly on Malcolm.


    Alex turned back to the ice wizard.


    Listen, I think we can ground this thing, but I <em>need</em> you to cast a spell, do you think you can do that? he asked.


    Malcolm groaned.


    Alex grabbed him by the shoulder.


    Focus, man! Adapt! <em>Can</em> you do it?


    Malcolm shook his head, and anger began to seep into his eyes. I feel like my heads about to explodebut I think Ive got one or two more in me. Youd better have a good n, though: Im <em>done</em> if it catches me like that again.


    If my n works, it wont be catching shit-all, Alex said, ring at the creature. I just need <em>one </em>spell.


    Malcolm groaned. Which one?


    That teleportation spell you got, Call Through Ice, he said. Teleport this potion bottle- He jerked his thumb at the potion. -right in from of its stupid, piece of shit face.


    Malcolm looked at it. And thatll bring it down?


    Absolutely, Alex said. Very likely, absolutely. Its probablypletely certain. Theres a really good chance that itll probably work like I want it to. Most likely.


    Malcolm stared at him. That doesnt inspire confidence.


    Well, trust me, it cant hurt. You in?


    I got nothing better to do.


    Alex looked back at the other group and shouted. I need you to slow it down! Just for a split second! Anything you can do!


    We are trying-Khalik started saying.


    Leave it to me! Rayne suddenly shouted, drawing gazes. Ill do it!


    Isolde looked rmed; the potion of sensory enhancement let Alex see her expression even from this distance. Are you sure? she asked. I dont think-


    Let me do this! Rayne shouted again. Theres no time, itsing for us!


    He unslung one of his crossbows and started to shoot higher into the air even as the xyrthak banked to the left and came in for another dive.


    Over here! Rayne shot upward, breaking away from the group, presenting himself as a target. The xyrthak took the bait and dove for him with all of its speed.


    Rayne fired his crossbow at it, and the others shot more spells, but it swerved left and right, avoiding most of their attacks.


    Rayne shouldered his second crossbow and fired again.


    The xyrthak responded by pointing itsnce at him. The humming rose in volume.


    Alex swore under his breath. Malcolm, get ready! he said.


    Malcolm clenched his teeth and began to cast the spell.


    Then Rayne turned and dove away from the xyrthak.<strong></strong>It was clear that he had a lot more flying experience than the rest of them: he shot down toward the ground, barrel rolling as he went, keeping its attention.


    It chased him, changing its angle. Rather than diving at thest instant like Alex, Rayne had given it plenty of time to correct its course and chase him. The flying wizard descended far quicker and more steeply than Alex had.


    The ground swept up to meet him and thenat thest instanthe turned so that he was flying parallel with the ground. He was so close that he was kicking up dust as he flew.


    The xyrthak followed him and tried to correct its dive, but Rayne had gone<strong></strong>too low. If it did not slow, it would crash.


    <em>Snap!</em>


    Its wings snapped out, slowing it for an instant. And it unleashed its cry.


    Rayne screamedgetting caught in itand crashed into the dust.


    And for a few instants<strong></strong>the xyrthak just hovered as it prepared to climb.


    Now, Malcolm! Alex barked.


    Malcolm finished his spell.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    There was a sh of icy wind as what looked to be a tiny door of ice opened beside the potion bottle. It and the Wizards Hand spell were sucked through.


    Alex felt the magic circuit disintegrate as his spell and potion disappeared from this ne and an instantter, popped out of the frozen portal right above the xyrthak.


    Alex bit his lip, hoping that the brief time of going through the para-elemental ne of cold hadnt ruined it.


    Out of reflex, the xyrthak swept at the potion bottle with hernce.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    There was a crunch of ss.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The bottle exploded, sending a cloud of aerosolized flight potion directly into the xyrthaks face. The beast froze for an instant as the gas enveloped its head, then a sound like a gasp, then a violent sneeze erupted.


    <em>Ka-thunk</em>!


    Another of Grimlochs crossbow bolts mmed into its side, along with two of Theresas arrows.


    Nua-Oges icy water spell sshed onto a wing, freezing parts of the membrane.


    Then Najyah was swooping by and a glob of Khaliks y spell sshed onto the xyrthaks wing, hardening in an instant. Several sts hammered into its scales, but not enough to stop it, and it quickly began climbing again.


    Alex watched, his heart sinking.


    The potion hadnt-


    Wait, he thought. Is it wobbling?


    The flying reptile sneezed, shaking its head, its flight a bit unsteady. Then it suddenly shot into the air.


    The beast screeched as its flight wentpletely crazy: bouncing around in the air as if unseen hands were tugging it in different directions.


    It zig-zagged, looped and rolled randomly: the potions corrupted flight magic sending it off course as the group stared on in shock. Screeches echoed through the air, and its wings iled wildly as it desperately tried to right itself.


    And then it shot toward the ground with all four limbs scrabbling at the air.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    It hit the earth, kicking up a massive dust cloud. She screeched, wed and scratched at the dirt as she tried to pull herself up.


    And up she went, shooting back into the air.


    The xyrthak iled like a puppet as it went.


    Uh, Hogarth said. We should probably regroup.


    Yeah, Alex said dully. He couldnt believe how well the potion had worked.


    He heard a tired snickere from just behind him.


    Yeah, you il, you dirty, scaled vulture, Malcolmughed weakly.


    They dragged their way to the other group as the flyersnded. Angr was hovering protectively over Caramiyus, while Thundar gently picked up the fallen form of Rayne and returned to the group.


    Rayne? Rayne? Thundar called to him, tapping at his face.


    How are they? Khalik asked Angr and Thundar.


    Raynes not dead. No mana reversal or anything, but hes out like a burnt out candle, Thundar grunted, and there was a note of respect in his voice. Brave bastard. Cant believe this is the same guy that flew away in the beginning.


    Caramiyus is tough, too. Angr said. Hell be back on his feet, but I dont know about any spell casting anytime soon.


    Caramiyus groaned in his grip.


    Khalik nced over toward Eyvinder who was still making his way back to the group. Then he looked up toward the scrambling xyrthak.


    Alex, you madman. Khalik grinned ferociously. Look at it! It is like a puppet whose master is being stung by scorpions! His grin faded. This is good. This will tire it immensely, but it will not finish it-HOH!


    All of them winced as the xyrhtak began firing random force beams in all directions in a panic as it tried to regain control of its flight and senses. Another twitch and it crashed back to the earth.


    <em>Vooom!</em>


    Its forcence tore a trench through the earth, kicking up a massive cloud of dust as its body draggedmbering and screamingalong the ground. When it shot back into the air, Alex could see clumps of scales had been scraped off.


    By the elements, that is utterly horrifying, Isolde gaped.


    If we were in an enclosed space, I think it would be smashed to pulp<strong></strong>by now, Theresa said.


    Indeed, but for our sakes, it is not unfortunately: how much longer will it be in this state, Alex? Khalik asked.


    Alex frowned. Well, I brewed the potion to burn through its mana a lot faster than a regr Potion of Flight, and it''s already been smashing around for about a few minutes. Id say maybe another couple of minutes or so before the magic wears off.


    Good, then we shall need to hurry and finish it off, Khalik said as Najyah swooped down andnded on his arm.


    Alex looked at him, as did the rest. You got something in mind?


    I do, he said. When your magic fades, it will be wounded, confused and dazed. This will likely bring it to the earth even if the potion wears off while it is airborne. And tired and wounded as it is, I doubt it will be able to fly well quickly.


    True, Theresa said. But itll be a wounded animal: itll fight with everything its got left.


    Mhm, Khalik said. Which is why I think we should close in, surround it, and bury it in our magic. Shiani, do you think you have a fireball in you?


    The young woman shook her head queasily. Its taking everything I have just to stand.


    Hmmm, then it will be the hard way. We surround it from all sides and bury it with magic and arrows until it stops moving.


    Theresa grunted. I dont think thatll work. Against a bear? Sure. But that thing is a hunter with a ranged weapon more powerful than any of ours: it can st you wizards or use its cry to put all of you down, especially since its desperate and wounded.


    Hmmm, a fair point, what would you suggest, then? Khalik asked.


    Theresa squinted, then nced toward Grimloch. How strong are you feeling?


    <em>Strong,</em> Grimloch said. <em>And</em> hungry.


    Good, she said, her death-stalker face on full disy. I say you and me get in there, nk the thing and hit it with our spears. Give it something to focus on instead of letting it just st everyone with thatnce. Hogarth and Svenia can harry it with longbows too. Our task is to keep it pinned so it cant get time to use its cry on the wizards.


    Nua-Oge paused, looking up at Grimloch. Well, thats a n I know <em>youd</em> like. She looked at Khalik. What about if you and I go next? st it with y and ice to keep slowing it so it cant get away?


    I shall be there as well, Isolde said. My strongest lightning spells will require that I be closer than some of you others. You and I, Khalik, can resume flight and strike it from above with impunity.


    Right, right, this is a good n, Khalik said. Then Thundar, Alex, Angr, Hogarth, Svenia and the wounded can be on the back-line.


    Ill run interference from above too, Alex volunteered.


    Malcolm snarled. If Eyvinders recovered enough, hell spike it when he gets back.


    Good, we got a n, Thundar said. And right on time!


    They looked up as the xyrthaks wild movements in the air suddenly ended, and it plummeted like a falling catapult stone.


    It tried to fly, but still dazed, it couldnt right itself before-


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The ground shook as it crashed.


    Thundar quickly cast body enhancement spells on both Grimloch and Theresa. The shark man handed Thundar his massive crossbow and bolts.


    Nows our chance! Alex roared, shooting into the air. Lets finish this thing!

 Chapter 137: Cuts, Teeth and Mana

    Chapter 137: Cuts, Teeth and Mana


    Grimloch and Theresa shot toward the xyrthak.


    The huntress was the faster of the two; she hefted her spear and closed on the monster, and Grimloch followed close behind. Hed always been able to cover a lot of ground with his enormous strides, but Life Enforcement had begun to increase his speed.


    Isolde, Khalik and Alex flew up and over the xyrthak, preparing their spells. Alex cast a forceball and Thundar cast a body enhancement spell on himself.


    The minotaur got Grimlochs crossbow ready, tensing his muscles then using both hands to pull the string back. Unlike the shark man, he needed to use much of his body and a lot of grunting to pull it back, but he set it just as Theresa reached the xyrthak.


    The creature was utterly battered.


    The arrows and bolts that had struck her had snapped off, leaving the tips in wounds that gaped open. She panted from exhaustion and her wings revealed several small rips. Blood dripped down her scales.


    Still, the fight hadnt left her eyes, and a screech echoed across The Barrens as Theresa closed in on her.


    The xyrthaks neck whipped forward.


    <em>Snap!</em>


    Its jaws came down on empty air: Theresa slid beneath its beak and pointed her spear up toward its chest like when she dove beneath the dying hive-queen. Now she was faster.


    She thrust the spear forward with all of her enhanced strength and precision, driving it through a gap in the steel-like scales. The point sank a foot deep before a twist of the monsters body snapped off its haft. Theresa was back on her feet, with her ancestral sword and hunting knife in either hand.


    The huntress danced within its reach, her weapons flickering like shes of light under the sun. She went for shallow, twisting cuts that would strip skin from most creatures, but slipped beneath the xyrthaks hardened scales, delivering light cuts between the gaps.


    More blood dripped, seeping into the dirt as the beast tried swiping at her with wings and talons, and even trying to crush her with its immense bulk. But the huntress speed, and the creatures poor vision up close made it impossible for the xyrthak to pin her down.


    It could not even use itsnce against her because Grimloch was now closing in.


    With a dreadful hum, it fired its force beam at him, but the shark man dodged sideways. Grimloch grunted in pain: it had clipped his shoulder, but he kept charging forward despite the wound.


    He thrust his massive spear at its body, but a sweep of its neck split the weapon with its forcence. Grimloch snarled, stalking toward it more cautiously, waiting for a moment when Theresas harrying caused its attention to shift.


    Yet the monster was cautious as well, swiping and smashing at Theresa while taking care not to point itsnce away from the shark man for too long.


    Nua-Oges freezing water magic sprayed from just outside the range of the xyrthaks cry, freezing over its wings and scales. Angr followed up with a stream of bolts of magic, while Thundar fired Grimlochs crossbow: the bolt struck the beasts side, but angled off of its scales, bouncing away.


    Hogarth and Svenia loosed arrow after arrow at the creature. Many bounced off, but some bit into the membranes of its wings or struck the wounds it had already taken between its scales.


    The creature grew more frantic as its blood dripped onto the ground, and its movements whipped up great clouds of dust. It fired its forcence again and again, keeping Grimloch at bay, but Theresa still danced through its defences, opening more cuts as it tired.


    We have it now, Khalik said. Come, let us finish it!


    He and Najyah soared above the xyrthak in circles, sting it with sharp conjured stones and y magic. Alex floated above and called his forceball to his side, his eyes narrowed at the beast.


    The young wizard noted the rising cloud of dust and remembered that the creature had poor eyesight up close.


    Tell me when youre gonna st it! he shouted to Isolde.


    Momentarily, she said. With my strongest lightning spell, I will strike it after it fires itsnce.


    With that, she began her spell.


    The air shifted as pressure changed, like before theing of a storm. Blue lines of electricity traced their way across her fingers and between her arms as she extended them skyward.


    Mini booms of thunder sounded around her.


    Then two orbs sprang to life above her hands.


    Alexs eyes widened.


    They looked to be simr to force balls or perhaps orbs of air, except that lightning arced between them with an ear-splitting crackle and near-blinding light. Isoldes ck hair began to rise around her as though caught in the wind.


    The xyrthak heard, or maybe felt, the building lightning magic and let out its scream. Unfortunately for her, she was too far below for the sound to reach them. In a desperate move, it leapt backusing the powerful muscles in its wings to push off the groundand raised an even thicker cloud of dust between itself, Grimloch and Theresa.


    In the same motion, it began to lift its neck toward the sky.


    Alex heard the hum of force magic building in itsnce.


    Hey, try this instead, Alex said calmly, then ordered his Wizards Hand and forceball down.


    The two crimson spells shot toward the xyrthak at tremendous speed, and he stopped them just in front of its eyes, blocking its sight. Caught off-guard, wounded and with its poor<strong></strong>eyesightespecially through the dustit went into panic, sweeping its horn left and right, sting apart his Wizards Hand but missing the forceball; he shot the orb back and forth around its eyes, confusing it further.


    Then Isolde finished her incantation.


    Get back! she shouted to Theresa and Grimloch.


    The pair ran from proximity to the xyrthak.


    Isolde swept her hands down.


    The arcing balls of lightning burst toward the earth.


    They were slower than Alexs force spells, but still quick, and seemed to be going wide, set to strike on either side of the xyrthak instead of directly into its body.


    Isolde, you missed! he cried.


    Do you have another one in you? Khalik asked her.


    A wicked smile swept across her lips. Did I miss? Did I?


    Both young men looked back down.


    The balls of lightning stopped in mid-air on either side of the xyrthak.


    They shed brightly.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Thunder roared through The Barrens.


    The beast screamed.


    Lightning sted back and forth between each orbstriking the reptile with stroke after stroke, again and againpassing electricity through its body in a vicious current. It spasmed as the power wreaked havoc through its form, its muscles spasming with each bolt. Crackling lines of lightning raked the ground around it as it foamed at the mouth.


    Alex and Khalik gaped, and even Grimloch and Thundar looked stunned. The ice and y steamed on its body and cracked, and blood shot from its wounds.


    It appeared ready to sumb.


    Fall, Isolde said. Fall, curse you, fall!


    Yet the xyrthak neither fell, nor sumbed.


    With a shudder, it let out another mana-disrupting scream, which shook the spells around it, slowing the lighting and weakening it just long enough for it to roll out of the path of the two orbs.


    It shook like a wet dog, coughing dust and fighting to recover.


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    Blood sprayed through the air.


    The xyrthak screamed.


    Grimloch had charged it, jumping onto its back as it was fighting to recover, and sank his razor-sharp teeth into its scales. They popped and cracked under the force of his bite, and he violently shook his massive head back and forth, ripping and tearing apart the flesh underneath.


    The creature opened its mouth to cry out, but he reached out with his armswrapping them around its neck to secure his positionand forced its beak closed with both hands.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Several spikes burst from the earth, driving into the xyrthaks torso and securing its body in ce. Alex saw Eyvinder emerging from the earth near Malcolm.


    Yet it still would not die.


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    Wrenching free of the spikes, its strength waning, it gave a desperate beat of its wings that carried it into the air out of Theresas range as she skidded up to where it had been.


    Grimloch! Nua-Oge cried. Let go!


    But the shark man was determined, and continued biting down and holding on.


    The xyrthak took flight, desperately gathering speed and flying north towards its nest.


    Dammit! Khalik swore, beginning to give chase.


    Alex followed and Isolde soared after them.


    Do you think its defeated? Isolde shouted.


    I am making <em>sure,</em> Khalik said. I do not want this creature to simply start diving at us again. It is most likely going to die, but as Theresa said, a wounded beast is a dangerous one.


    Well, its not gonna get far, Alex said.


    Grimloch continued to bite into it, blood trailed from the creature as it desperately pped away, but it was much slower than before.


    Where do you think its goi-Oh shit, Alex swore.


    It was soaring past its nest and flying over the wild mana vent.


    It''s going to try and shake him off over the vent! Alex shouted. Grimloch! Let go!


    But the creature had soon carried the shark man over the vent and was sweeping back and forth, trying to shake him off.


    I have had enough of of this, Khalik said. Najyah! Go, and stay high above!


    The students were flying over the vent now, and Alex was beginning to feel that strange resistance in the air from the wild mana. It felt a <em>lot</em> better than it used to, but he watched Najyah carefully as she flew behind the xyrthak and caught up.


    She soared over the beast.


    Now! Take its sight! Khalik shouted.


    With a screech, Najyah plunged down with talons shing as she shot past its head. The eagle tore out one of its eyes.


    The xyrthak recoiled, going stiff in mid-air in its agony, and rearing back its neck.


    Grimloch released the flesh on its back and pulled himself upright while bending its neck back.


    <em>cchrrrrrrp!</em>


    There was a horrifying sound like something wet being ripped apart as the shark man bit into its throat. He tore it out with a vicious twist of its head.


    It was dead within heartbeats. The shark man jumped off, hovering in the air as it plunged toward the vent glowing with its multitude of colours.


    Yeeees! Alex cried. Good job, Najyah, and you too Grimloch, you terrifying death-beast!


    Well done, Najyah! Khalik shouted.


    Make sure to feed her the fattest rabbit you can find! Isolde called. And I will buy you a whole swordfish, Grimloch!


    The shark man turned and gave them a toothy and very bloody grin.


    Alex looked up at the position of the sun. Theyd been flying for a good while. Maybe they shouldnt be hanging around above the mana vent for too long in case the Potion of Flight began to wear off.


    Everyone! he shouted. Get to the side of the vent before the potion wears off! I dont know how much more time we have. Itll let us down slowly, but if we go down here, well plunge right into that glowing giant mana sponge down there!


    Even Grimloch looked frightened at that; the wizards and shark man used whatever mana was left in their Potions of Flight to begin flying toward the side of the vent.


    Alex nced down at the xyrthaks corpse.


    The reptiles body began breaking apart the more it fell into the vent. The wild mana ripped through its form, breaking it down into smaller and smallerponents as it dropped. It seemed its natural tolerance for the mana vent held the core of its body together as it fell, but its neck, head and limbs soon disintegratedpletely.


    Alex shuddered, beginning to feel strange.


    Was it just him or was his perspective starting to change? The ground seemed closer than before.


    The potions wearing off! He shouted.


    Alex fought through panic. He did <em>not</em> want to know what would happen to something with very little or no tolerance to the wild mana.


    They soared toward the side of the vent, but it seemed to never get closer. As their altitude decreased, the wild mana became thicker in the air, and it began to feel like he was flying through quicksand.


    Wheres Baelin? Isolde screamed. We defeated the monster, and Eyvinder got its eggs! Should he not be saving us?


    Alex began thinking quickly. What was happening?


    If the chancellor hadnte for them yet, that must mean there was a way for them to get out of this situation. But what could it be? Whatever it was, they needed to find it fast because the fading potion was making them feather-light for a time, before itpletely wore off. When it did, they would float down...right into the mana vent.


    His mind froze before it could even begin its mantra of thinking and adapting. Light as a feather? He nced at his forceball.


    I can get us out of this! he shouted. Were light enough that my forceball can carry us!


    And Najyah can help as well! Khalik said. Najyah! Go to Grimloch! Isolde! Try to make it to Grimloch and grab onto him! Grimloch, hold onto Najyah! Shell tow you and Isolde!


    At once! Isolde cried, using what propulsion she had left to drift toward Grimloch.


    Khalik, grab the forceball! Alex drifted it toward the prince.


    You firs-


    No time to be noble, just grab it! Alex said, shoving his spell in front of his friend. He noticed the forceball begin to shake as theyd gotten lower and closer to the vent, and he used every ounce of mana maniption he could to keep it together.


    Khalik grabbed it, then Alex brought it back so he could grab on too.


    Najyah and the forceball towed them at increasing speed toward the side of the mana vent. The thickness of the wild mana in the air stabilized somewhat: they were sinking toward the vent, but getting nearer the edge faster than they fell.


    The edge came closer and closer, untilfinallyNajyah and the forceball began struggling to bear their weight.


    Get ready for a roughnding! Alex cried as they dropped toward the ground.


    Grimloch tucked in his arms and dropped like a stone, with Isolde holding tight to him.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The shark mannded hard, but bent his powerful legs to absorb the impact.


    Isolde jumped free, running to stay upright.


    Alex and Khalik came down rolling to absorb the impact. The prince grunted with exertion, but Alexs Mark-enhanced practice paid off, and he rolled to his feet, then helped Khalik to stand.


    They were just past the edge of the mana vent. If they had fallen even slightly faster, they would have plunged into it. The vents power roared through the air, butthough he had to grit his teethAlex found he could tolerate being close far better than before: something that filled him with a ferocious pride.


    With excited nods between them, Khalik, Alex, Isolde, and Grimloch, began moving away from the mana vent. Najyahnded on Khaliks arm.


    When they had gotten perhaps fifty steps away and were finding it easier to walk, Alex felt teleportation magic.


    Then Baelin appeared before them, a radiant smile on his face.


    Congrattions, my young Proper Wizards. He beamed. You have defeated the xyrthak. Now, let us go back for some well deserved debrief and celebration.


    With a wave of his hand, they were away, and thest thing Alex saw were the victorious smiles on hispanions faces.

 Chapter 138: The Path of Proper Wizards

    Chapter 138: The Path of Proper Wizards


    Alex appeared in the stadium just before Baelin and the rest of the group shimmered back into being. An exhausted, but triumphant cry rose from all around.


    Theresa raced up and caught him in a tight hug, actually lifting him off his feet and spinning with him. Khalik surged in next, turning it into the start of a group hug. Isolde merely smiled warmly beside them.


    until Thundar came roaring in and tackled her into the hug.


    Ah! Release us you big brute! she cried, though it was clear she didnt mind so much. Agh! You stink! Your fur stinks! You are going to kill us!


    Thundar roared withughter as he pounded his friends on their shoulders. Ive got the better nose, Isolde and trust me, you stink too, but I dont care!


    Alex heard her gasp above their sharedughter from somewhere in the pile. I surely do not!


    All around pure joy and self-satisfaction fueled other celebrations.


    Hogarth and Svenia were hand in hand, facing each other and doing a jig in circles. Eyvinder was helping Malcolm to his feet and exchanging grins and a nod with the young man. Rayne and Shiani were helping each other up, while Shiani was saying something to him with a tired smile. Caramiyus and Angr were supporting each other while uttering a series of excited, canine yips.


    Grimloch was actually tossing aughing Nua-Oge up and down in the air like she was a small child.


    Beyond them all, Baelin was watching with the pride of a well-pleased grandfather. Well done, <em>well</em><em>done</em>. You deserve to celebrate. Xyrthaks are considered one of the mid-level threats in The Barrens, and have taken the lives of many wizards over the years. And yet, here you arefirst and second year studentswho have killed one inbat. And of course, you also recovered the prize you were tasked with.


    Eyvinder opened his bag, revealing severalrge xyrthak eggs, all unbroken and unspoiled. It was the first thing we did.


    <em>More</em> than one! Well done, well done. In truth, the reason I said that you needed to obtain an egg was so that you did not simply stand at the farthest range you could and st the entire nest from afar. Heughed as he recalled a memory. I once had a ss of students who did just that: they came upon a xyrthak while it was asleep and simply used their spells to blow it apartnest and all. Without question, that was<em>a</em>learning opportunity, and one not to be discounted simply because they chose minimal effort and a safer experience, I might add. But, it was not as rich an experience as I would have liked for them. Yours was far richer. Might I have the eggs now?


    As the chancellor took them from Eyvinder, Malcolm groaned. I wouldnt have minded a sleeping xyrthak. Laughter passed through the group.


    And how is Rhea? Shiani asked.


    Good, Baelin said. She received a wound but my magics took her away before it could prove vicious. She currently recovers in the infirmaryif anything, her pride and temper is far more wounded than her body. But, speaking of wounds, some of you have had your mana disrupted.


    He gestured to the side and Alex noticed several folks dressed in the uniforms of infirmary staff standing there, bearing satchels with the symbol of two snakes curling around a tower. They quickly went to those that had been affected by the xyrthak and gave mana-soothing potions to them.


    The potions helped to re-bnce the disrupted mana, and their sickly pallor began to fade.


    I shall speak with Rhea after we have debriefed on how the group did today, Baelin said. But first, my formal congrattions to you all. It was quite the challenge. Now, let us begin with the positives and speak on how you have grown over the course of the months we have spent together.


    He gestured to Rayne.


    Rayne, when we first began this course, I will not lie: you were a liability to yourself, and others. Easily led-


    Several members of the ss winced as they remembered who had led Rayne: Minervus.


    -and not very tactical in your efforts to preserve your safety. You could not contribute to yourself, or others inbat. Over time, though, that has utterly changed. Look at you today. You engaged in a strategy that was self-initiated and helped your peers, but put yourself at risk for the sake of the rest of the group. Were it not for the distraction you created, I believe this battle would have gone far differently.


    He pped his hands. Well done, Rayne, well done.


    Rayne flushed with embarrassment as several ss members murmured positively and joined in with Baelins apuse. Alex gave him a sincere thumbs-up.


    Malcolm, you were able to use a utility spell to great effect to help carry the day. Were it not for your teleportation magic, likely the xyrthaks speed wouldve ced you all at a permanent disadvantage. Well done, to you as well!


    Malcolm smiled weakly as the healer administered to him.


    Baelin went on topliment the others, mentioning growthboth great and subtlethat Alex had not noticed. Judging by the looks on the faces of those praised, many of them hadnt seen those aspects of their own progress either.


    It spoke to the chancellors powers of observation, and his dedication to teaching.


    Alex, he said. Yourunorthodox modification of a potion that could be used in an indirect manner. A twinkle entered Baelins eye. Speaks to your ingenuity and skill in alchemy. It robbed the xyrthak of much of its power of flight and energy, and made it wound itself significantly. Yourpanions were then able to work together to finish the second task, terminating it. Your distractions, along with the asions where you took initiative and leadership, provided your team with advantage over the beast. And now to the point of leadership-


    Baelin looked at Khalik. My young friend, you grow more and morefortable taking point andmand when needed. You are often able to see the bigger picture, which you demonstrated today by quickly recognizing that the xyrthak would not be first to touch the nest. You have also shown significant growth in your connection and coordination with your familiar. Congrattions. It is clear that you are building a strong foundation not only in wizardry, but also in leadership...if that is where your path takes you. His eyes twinkled as he smiled at the prince, and Khalik bowed his head and returned the smile.


    Well done, Thundar.Baelin nodded to the minotaur. When you began this course your focus was mostly on your great physical prowess, and enhancing it with your spells: now, you have grown immensely in your versatility and how you contribute to battle, and how you also empower your team members.


    Well done. Isolde- He looked at the young woman. -you have the makings of a truly <em>vicious</em>storm mage. Your modifications to the Arc of Lightning spell proved to be absolutely brutal, and I doubt the day would have been won without it. If you choose to be a mage in the Rhinean Empires army, I am sure that your eastern neighbours will tremble: they will have far more than the elemental knights and the rune-marked to keep them on their toes.


    Alexs ears perked up at the term rune-marked.


    Finally, I wish to give special mention to the entourages. Svenia and Hogarth, you proved your experience as veterans today, and I have no doubt that Isolde is well pleased having you both as part of her guard. Your ability to work well among wizards will be invaluable to whomever you work with.


    Eyvinder, your natural talents proved not only incredible, but how you used them to single-handedlyplete the first part of the task, was an invaluable contribution to the overall sess of the mission. And finally, Grimloch and Theresa: you two have the makings of terrifying warriors.


    He gave a chuckle. There is a bias among wizards and those that wield divinity. When one is used to calling upon the powers of the gods or twisting thews of the universe to their unbreakable will-


    Alex blinked. Didnt Hobb use an almost identical expression?


    -it is often tempting to dismiss warriorseven those that enhance their life-forceas nothing more than brainless brutes that wield sharpened metal clubs. Sometimes that is true, but oftentimes such arrogance has led to a smug wizard choking on their own blood as a barbarian or knights weapon cleaves through their force armour and rib cage. Or perhaps, theyve awoken in shock to find an assassin who had just nted a dagger in their throat crouched above their bed. You two have the makings of those warriors that any wizard or monster would be wise to fear.


    He gave a knowing look to Nua-Oge and Alex. And even wiser to have on their side. But enough from me. Let us bring it to you. What did you do wrong?


    The ss came together as one, whispering to each other and discussing what happened.


    Finally, Malcolm raised his hand. We didnt ount for the xyrthaks cry affecting Eyvinder when he was under the ground below it. We also didnt think of finding a way to make sure that Eyvinder could confirm the target before using his magic.


    Very, very true, Baelin said. Had Eyvinder, perhaps, left a small hole in the rock to see if what wasnding was his quarry, and not just relied on his ability to sense tremors in the earth, then likely the fight might have ended with his first attack. Who else?


    Shiani raised her hand. Rhea and I should have baited the xyrthak then sted it at a point when it couldnt swerve out of the way of our spells. We needed to let it get closernot too closebefore we used our big magics. Also, now that I think about it, I wonder if <em>this </em>choice <em>might</em> have been a mistake. Rhea and I decided that she would wait to drink her flight potion so the two of us could hit the xyrthak with a united volley of fire first. She was going to drink the potion after wed wounded it and then chase it. She didnt get the chance before she fell, though.


    Very good analysis, Baelin said. And agreed. It is often tempting, and sometimes necessary for a wizard to strike from as far a distance as possible, especially against something like a mana vampire, dragon or xyrthak. However, sometimes such ranges only lead to wasted mana if an opponent is quick enough: a Proper Wizard can rain destruction<strong></strong>from close or far, and is able to adjust as needed. And indeed, if Rhea had drunk her potion, then she could have taken another position. A united volley is good, but not when resources might be wasted. What else?


    Alex raised a hand. I think I should have worked out a way to feed it my booby-trapped potion early on, and kept that n in mind. If Id thought of Malcolms teleportation spell earlier, then I could have fed it the potion earlier and we couldve been able to bring it down while we still had more of us left to fight it.


    Indeed, Baelin said. When your and yourpanions spells, knowledge, and resources expand, it can sometimes be easy to forget the exact capabilities of every single option that you have. Especially when ites to applying them creatively. And we do not often have pauses in the heat of battle where we can consult each other, or go over our own spell books to find just the right spell for the right moment. It can often be helpful to consult withpanions and know as many capabilities as you can when entering battle. And also, experience helps.


    He took a few more answers, which he either agreed with or found ws in, depending on what was said.


    I shall also put forth that while stealth and traps are incredibly useful, an alpha strike can often be the most important one. Let us say for a moment that you had been a <em>little</em> bolder in your approach. You readied spells and as soon as the xyrthak was set tond, you struck it with everything you had at the <em>same</em> time that Eyvinder triggered his trap. Instead of it being able to simply dodge the earth spikes andmence attack, it would have been forced to try and dodge a wall of spells and arrows from two sides. I can guarantee that it would have taken some serious damage by being caught off-guard.<strong></strong>Be bolder, I would say. Caution is the friend of every Proper Wizard, but battle often favours whoever strikes the first telling blow. If you can help it, do not grant initiative to the enemy.


    The ss murmured in acknowledgement of his final points. He gave them a final nod in turn, and then grinned and spread his arms. His beard sps tinkled. But with that aside, I want to say that I am proud of your growth. I am proud of everyst one of you. As such, when the xyrthak eggs are sold to alchemists who are in the market for them, I will donate the funds to a very important fund: all of your coffers. Including, of course, to those that are part of the entourage. It will be a fine sum, even split among every member of the group.


    Excited whispers spread through the ss.


    And I would also like to suggest something. He grew serious. Normally this is announced at the end of the second semester, but you have in a xyrthak early. And so I will suggest this to you now: do consider the act of monster hunting to be something not sodaunting to you anymore. You are not the green-as-grass first year students that were troubled by muupkaras. If you are clever, and show the aggression, caution, power and ingenuity that you have shown today, then the act of harvesting monsters for profit in terms of bounties, materials or even for practice and sport, should not send you shivering under your beds in fright.


    He conjured a map of The Barrens and pointed to a wide area that included the former territory of the xyrthak, and the tower which they had originally fought to reach during their initial test. He traced a line around it, and Alex noticed that those areas were <em>rtively</em> close to the wall separating the countryside and The Barrens.


    You may hunt creatures in the countryside or even proceed as deep into The Barrens as the former xyrthaks territory and expect to be able to handle most of what you could encounter in those areas. As long as you are ready and show the same sort of expertise you have so far, then you should be able to defeat what those areas can throw at you. This is the privilege of those who have stepped firmly onto the path of being a Proper Wizard. In time, even demons and dragons will tremble at youring.


    A twinkle entered Baelins eye. So I think you shouldnt fear a few muupkaras.


    The ss chuckled.


    Malcolmughed hard. Ah, you sound like some of the jarls from back home. Next thing youll be saying is that we should go hunt down that mana vampire.


    The rest of the ss burst outughing, but Baelin did not join them. Instead, the goatman was deep in thought.


    I would not suggest hunting for it solo and unprepared he said. But, under the right circumstances and with enough preparation and reinforcements He stroked his beard. Some of you <em>might</em> be able to bring one down in openbat. I am not suggesting that you should risk hunting it down, but you are growing: and mana vampires are as vulnerable to steel and might, as any other creature.


    He nced at Svenia, Hogarth, Theresa and Grimloch, then to the rest of the ss.


    I dare say that if it finds many of you together in one ce and hopes for an easy mealthen it would be in for a rude awakening.


    He paused. I should add that any choice to hunt monsters is by your own will. You are adults, and assume any dangers therein. The University of Generasi does not own The Barrens of Kravernus just as it does not coddle you. I might also suggest telling others if you are going to mount a monster hunt, but such things are your own choices.


    Alex nodded along with the rest of the group. Honestly, he half-believed Baelins words. He had managed to briefly resist the mana vents destruction, his will was stronger, and he was gaining weapons to fight with. If he had to face<strong></strong>that starving mana vampire hed fought on <em>The Red Siren</em>now, he doubtedeven with The Markthat it would be able to defeat him.


    A booby-trapped Potion of Flight, or even a quick grab and tosspreferably overboard before The Mark could interfere, sounded like they could work. Still, against one of the creatures who had their hunger regrly satisfiedand who was as experienced as the one in Generasihe still didnt like his chances.


    One thing he <em>did</em> want to start trying though


    The time would soon being when first years would receive a special permission: limited ess to a few chosen second-tier spells so that they might try advancing to the next tier of wizardry. By the end of the semester, they were <em>all </em>expected to have learned some second-tier spells. Since they were advancing in Magic Lore and other sses, they would be given the opportunity to start practicing early in preparation for advancement.


    He nced over at Malcolm.


    He knew exactly which second-tier spell he wanted to try first.

 Chapter 139: Frozen Doors and Crooked Rectangles

    Chapter 139: Frozen Doors and Crooked Rectangles


    Alex was having a pretty damn good day.


    He wasying on his back beneath the almost always sunny Generasi sky with a bed of soft grass cushioning him. Above him, an experiment with spellcraft was bearing fruit.


    He watched as his crimson glowing force shield turned and pivoted by will and mana maniption. One thought sent it spinning in circles like the xyrthak had after inhaling his potion. Another flipped it like a coin until it turned to face him.


    He examined his modified spell array and magic circuit. Another thought would lock the shield into any position that he desired. It was a great sess.


    With a kip up to his feet, Alex stretched before falling into the flow of the Cleansing Movements. He brought the mana shield in, twisting and turning it around him, filling gaps in his defences and warding off imaginary opponents.


    He concentratedusing his meditative techniques to get through The Marks interferenceand conjured first one Wizards Hand, then another. He brought the Hands into his movements, letting each match the position of his own hands, then swooping them around to cover more gaps in his defences.


    Alex imagined himself sweeping and deflecting opponents blows with a careful twist of a shield, push of a hand, or sweep of an arm. He added to his practice,bining some of the motions from the Cleansing Movements with stances and positions from the Spear-and-Oar Dance.


    This fusion was something hed recently started to experiment with for an uing event.


    Shortly after he and his ssmates had defeated the xyrthak, letters had arrived from Patrizia DePaolo, inviting his cousin, Isolde, Alex, Theresa, Selina, Thundar and Khalik to his spring ball. There was even a cute little side note in Theresas letter inviting Brutus as a wee ymate for his hounds.


    As soon as the invitation had arrived, Alex had decided he should expand his range of dances by getting Khalik, Isolde and Thundar to teach him some of the dances they knew. As he used The Mark to help him learn their moves, he noticed thatincreasinglyhe received images of movements from the Spear and Oar dance to augment the new steps and turns.


    That clued him into something.


    There was room for crossover.


    Hed then tried modifying the Spear-and-Oar dance by bringing some of the Cleansing Movements into its positions, and foundto his satisfactionthat The Mark quickly helped him with creating the modifications.


    It was the start to not only mastering multiple dances, but also creating something that was uniquely his own. It was almost as much fun as experimenting with cooking recipes, potions, and modifications to his spell arrays.


    Alex turned quickly then coiled his muscles and flipped in the air,nding on one hand and bncing.


    The Mark helped correct the positioning of his body to keep it supported upside down on a single palm, and then he began to walk aroundstill upside downon both hands. Passersby looked on, chuckling at his circus-like antics, but theirughter then turned into ps of appreciation as he flipped and cartwheeled back onto his feet.


    He gave them a crooked smile and aically exaggerated bow, using his Wizards Hands to copy where his own hands would be positioned while bowing.


    He then took a deep breath, flexing his muscles.


    Alexs strength had continued to grow, astonishing himself, at least. Following Khaliks advice about bncing his meals had benefited him with plenty of energy, as well as muscle gains over most of his body. He felt energetic and powerful most of the time; he would even start to get edgy if he had to sit still for too long.


    His body seemed to prefer moving and using the energy coursing through it, so hed started advancing the way he trained in the gymnasium. Their aerial moves while they fought the xyrthak had given him a feel for maneuvering in the air, but since he couldnt constantly brew Potions of Flight to use to practice in the airnot yet, at leasthe could up his training on an obstacle course on the ground.


    Acrobatics were the next step.


    Hed begun tobine running, climbing and swinging from ropes with increasing agility, and leaping from rope, to wall anchor, and back. Khalik had chuckled, and asked him if hed decided to join the circus, to which Alex had replied: Hey, if I get kicked out of Generasi, Ive got to have some kind of back up n, dont I?


    Still, hed also kept himself disciplined when it came to school.


    And that was bearing more fruit too.


    Concentrating, he dismissed his Wizards Hands and began casting a spell that hed had a lot of trouble with in Rams ss: Protective Force Weapon.


    Hed been adjusting and trying different things with it, but the fact that The Mark had two things toin about since both spellcraft and pure weapons were involved, it hadnt made things easy for him. Hed tried modifying a part of the spell array to create force objects that could deflect attacks but werent necessarily weapons, but whoever the wizard was that had first created the spell, must have been a major de-addict.


    Trying to modify it to produce other force constructs had been maddeningly difficult.


    At first hed tried daggers, but The Mark still aggressively resisted the spellpared to more utility based magic, or magic that didnt involve weapons. It was better, but not great.


    Next, hed tried customizing it to create an object that was embarrassingly familiar: mops. The idea of having spinning mops defending him was a bitsad and ridiculous, but also tickled Alexs sense of humour to no end.


    The thought of some warrior or monster having their attacks turned aside by a bunch of crimson glowing force mops was hrious to him, and would be infuriating to an enemy.


    But, unfortunately, the spell array always fell apart when hed tried to use mops.


    Hed even gone to Baelin to talk about the problem he was having, but the goatman had only nodded in a sagely manner and said: You are oveplicating it. Try a more simple approach.


    He had, trying to simplify the array to make it so that there would be less ces for him to make mistakes. It had workedsomewhat. Protective Force Weapon was aplex spell: it crafted multiple force constructs, set them to spin around the conjurer, then infused them with the ability to react, change position, and deflect iing attacks.


    That was a lot for a first-tier spell to do, and so any simplification hed made, ruined something: the constructs would fall apart, or remain stationary, or wouldnt react to iing attacks.


    A few painful welts from Khaliks tossed rocks had definitely taught him the limitations of the spell being modified in that way.


    Hed finally hit upon an idea and a possible solution, though. Alex had remembered Isoldes modified Arc of Lightning spell. Shed used some of the modifications hed made to his forceball to gain more control over the Arc of Lightnings two points of connectionthe orbs that the electricity fired betweento channel more mana into them.


    They were simple modifications that didnt really change the shape of the spells two anchor points.


    He had started to realize that was what Baelin had meant: hed been trying to change the shape into something else. What if he merely simplified the shapes?


    While the spell fell apart when hed tried topletely change the sword shape, he found that simply taking out parts that controlled the exact shape of the protective constructs would still allow simr constructs to be createdthey justwell, they just looked odd.


    But, odd was okay, because for his purposes, they couldnt be considered weapons anymore.


    Go-go, Protective Force Crooked Long Rectangle! he said cheerily as several glowing crimson rectanglesjust barely of the same dimensions as swordsformed around him. They honestly looked like theyd been drawn by someone whod never seen a real sword before, but they got the job done.


    They deflected attacks but didnt register as weapons to The Mark. Since they were defensive, as soon as they stopped being weapons, hed had a far easier time casting the spell.


    Now he was working on mastering it at the same time as hed started the journey to learn his first second-tier spell.


    Alex pulled out a spell guide from a bag that contained both his books and his lunchseparated by beeswax covered paperand traced his hand over the design on the front: two ice-covered doors connected by the symbol of the para-elemental ne of cold.


    Call Through Ice.


    It was a field that was a bit of a gamble when it came to learning a new tier of spells: it was both a cold spell and a teleportation spell, neither of which he had any experience with, and the closest he did have was with the spell that conjured a stone. However, Alex had begun to notice a growing sensitivity to teleportation magic and a feeling of being strongly drawn to the very useful art, so hed excitedly chosen Call Through Ice as his first second-tier spell.


    The gamble turned out to beone of his better ideas.


    To be sure there were parts of the spell that were difficult: second-tier magic was an entire order of magnitude moreplex than the first-tier spells that Alex was used to. But, there was one part of the spell that he was finding surprisingly easy, it felt almost second nature to him, even with The Mark interfering since it involved spell casting.


    The section of the spell array that was responsible for forging a connection between the para-elemental ne of cold, and the material world was so easy to learn and cast, that it was almost like that part of the spell was trying to let him learn it. Even with the interference, the connection between the material world and the para-elemental ne of cold formed as though thetter was reaching out to form a connection with him.


    And that section was one of the hardest parts of the spell.


    He frowned.


    If the rest of the spell proved as easy to master as it looked like it might, then he would need to look more seriously into teleportation spells and maybe spells of summoning.


    Early in the semester hed decided to stay away from thetter, because summoning could be dangerous if one didnt know what they were doing. His experience being with Jules and her grad students when theyd summoned the shoggoth had helped him to reach that conclusion. There was also the demon at Carrie Londons rally, and lots of old stories Baelin had told him of summoners who had conjured an elemental or spirit they couldn''t control and had met their end by either being drowned by the water elemental, or smashed to pulp by the earth elemental theyd conjured.


    But, if he was having such an easy time with this low level teleportation effect, then it might be a sign of him having the ability to summon monsters. First and second-tier ones, like sprites, wouldnt be all that powerfulespeciallypared to his golem when it was powered upbut they could be something that wouldnt be considered directbat, and would expand both his utility, and means of defending himself. He shook his head. Maybe he shouldnt be getting ahead of himself with summoning, though. There was the possibility of it being something that could help him, but it was also something he should only give serious consideration to if he was in a ss, or under the supervision of someone experienced, like professor Jules, or Baelin.


    He frowned.


    Having such an easy time with part of the teleportation spell was really making him want to know what was in The Travellers book even more. The more he felt like he had some sort of a connection with teleportation magic, the more his suspicions grew. When hed destroyed the Dungeon Core, his mana and The Travellers magic had touched.


    Had something happened then?


    He was itching to know, but Baelinin the time he could spare going through books in the libraryhad still not uncovered anything having to do with The Travellersnguage. The chancellor had even suggested that perhaps it was merely some sort of code created by The Traveller herself: a made-upnguage that only she could decode with no trantion avable.


    Alex grumbled, wishing things on that front had been easier.


    Then again,tely he was noticing that the harder the task, the sweeter the reward.


    During the weekend, as an example that made his mouth water in anticipation, many of the group from the xyrthak hunt were going to get together and go out to a restaurant in the cityone close to campus and Alexs workceto celebrate their magnificent victory.


    Alex had suggested that he wanted to cook up a celebration feast for everyone, but his wealthier ssmates: Isolde, Khalik and Nua-Oge, had said that if he had to cook, it wouldnt be a real celebration for him, so theyd offered to take the entire group to a fine restaurant as a treat. Alex had asked Isolde and Khalik if paying for so many people wouldnt be a problem, but theyd simply shrugged and basically said what good was their wealth if they couldnt take pleasure in using it?


    Note to self: try to be born rich, Alex muttered.


    He shook away the distraction and returned to practicing Call Through Ice. The weekend would be time enough to think of all the food he was going to eat on his friends coin.


    In the meantime, he would also continue working on the problem of powering up his golemand having a conversation hed been sort of avoiding.


    It was time to have a candid, but gentle talk with Selina about her future. He didnt want things to be difficult for her, but the time for making a decision about whether she wanted to start learning wizardry next semester was getting closer, and she still wasnt saying anything about it.


    Hed kept dying it because the one time hed tried Call Through Ice in front of her, shed burst into tears.


    There was something going on with herand like how his friends and Baelin were supportive of himhe wanted to support her.

 Chapter 140: The Talk

    Chapter 140: The Talk


    This was it, the day Alex and his fellow xyrthak hunters would be meeting up at the restaurant to celebrate. It was cloudy, but the air was its regr Generasi warm and he and Selina were having a brother and sister only pic beforehand.


    He watched his little sister for a long moment while trying to pick the best time for their talk. In a way, he was still dreading the conversation. Shed been pretty calm and rxedtely, except for a few rare mornings and evenings when shed gradually turned sombre. But those times had been growing less and less, so he was afraid of opening a wound that might be on its way to closing.


    He was still working on different ways of normalizing her power and affinity to fire. The work theyd done together on the golem had kept her within the world of wizardrys wondersnormalizing themwithout rubbing her face in her own affinity.


    After the xyrthak fight, Alex had told her about his sses adventures in The Barrensincluding the fiery escapades of Rhea and Shianito maybe present me magic to her in a neutral way. She had listened to the stories with rapt attention and little difort when the two fire wizards were mentioned.


    But, shed gotten really quiet when the story turned to Malcolm and his spells. Alex was beginning to see a connection between that and when hed cast Call Through Ice in front of her. He knew how much Selina loved snow, andwith her dislike of fireperhaps what she wanted was to practice ice magic: something that would nearly be impossible because of her affinity.


    A gentle talk should work, but it would be a difficult bnce. As the adult and head of their little familystill a strange thought to consider now that they were out of Mr. and Mrs. Lus houseit was up to him to make sure that his little sister was well taken care of and guided in responsible directions.


    Young childrencked information and naturally couldnt decide their futures as yet: half of the boys hed gone to the church school with when he was Selinas age had wanted to be knights-errant, not knowing that knighthood required either noble blood, or a peerage from the king. Knowledge most wouldnt have until they got older.<strong></strong>Still, he didnt want to force Selina into something so important if she didnt want it, especially considering their own trauma from fire.


    It was a hard-line to walk, but all he could do was hope that the support hed been providing her would help make it easier on both of them.


    He turned to face her: she was in the middle of stuffing her face with cookies that hed baked the day before, and making little sounds of appreciation as she wolfed them down. She had actually finished a big lunch beforehand, and was full and hopefully, happy.


    She certainly looked happy.


    She startled when she saw him looking at her, then gave a mischievous grin and opened her mouth to reveal a mess of chewed up globs of cookie.


    Ugh, gross, little goblin, gross! he made a face and recoiled.


    She swallowed. Youre gross.


    No, you.


    No, you!


    He shook his head. Selinacan we talk about something? Alex paused. I mean, I think we need to talk about something.


    She stopped mid-bite. I didnt do anything wrong.


    No, no, you didnt do anything wrong, we just need to talk about certain things that are bing important as you grow up.


    She frowned suspiciously. Is this about making babies?


    If Alex could have willed himself to die right then and there, he would have been in the afterworld, cracking his knuckles and looking to give Minervus ghost a punch. Unless The Mark was still on his<strong></strong>shoulder<strong></strong>after he died. Well, that was a dreadful thought...for another time.


    No, its <em>not</em> about making- He paused, looking all around, then lowered his voice. -no its not about making babies.


    Oh okay, because I already know about that, she said matter-of-factly.


    What!? Did some kid at school-


    No, Mrs. Lu told me awhile ago. She chewed her cookie. So, I already know all about that.


    Alright, okay, thank you Mrs. Lu, holy crap, he said with feeling. Anyway, no, I wanted to talk to you about you, and maybe starting to learn wizardry this uing year.


    She paused, and her shoulders began to sag a little. Oh. Okay. I was wondering if you were going to bring that up. She looked at him sadly. My friends are all talking about it. Everyone who has mana is going to start learning next semesterpeople keep asking me if Im going to.


    Have you thought about it? Alex asked.


    A little, she said. Butfire.


    Oh, you dont have to learn fire magic if you dont want to, Alex said quickly. You can learn any other magic you want. You can learn to summon things. You can make potions, you can make golems and build magic itemstheres all kinds of stuff you can do. You never, ever have to touch a fire spell if you dont want to.


    Yeah, Selina said. But I cant use ice magic or water magic, can I?


    Alex winced. Didwere you thinking about that?


    Yeah.


    Howwhat do you feel?


    She paused. Sad.


    Yeah, he said. Its tough. You want to do ice magic but cantyou can do fire magic instead, and you dont really want to do fire magic, do you?


    Selina shook her head rapidly. I thought I could make a snowman with everyone if I had magiceven here. So, it makes me sad.


    Alex winced. Suddenly, he felt really sad too. He was d that hed picked todaywhen they were going to have dinner with all their friendsto have this conversation. At least after it was done, Selina would have something good to look forward to at the end of the day.


    Yeah, thats tough, he said. I dont know he paused, searching for words. Its just not fair, is it?


    She nodded. No. I dont want fireI want iceI want waterI want mom and dad.


    Alex paused for a moment.


    Yeah, I want them too, he said, looking at her closely. He noticed something. A strange look crossed her face briefly. Is there something else youre thinking about?


    Um. She frowned. A little bit.


    You can tell me if you wantor you dont have to if you dont want to.


    She looked at him for a long time, herrge green eyes searching his face forsomething. Promise you wont be mad?


    I promise, he said quickly, even if he didnt know if that would be true.


    Um, she said. I think about what Shiani said when we were eating together. She took a deep breath and her face became very serious. Almost grave. Fire can heal and fire can protect. Its like a sword, or like Brutus or even a hand: they can hurt and they can help. Fire is like a child with no mind: it hurts when it runs free. It cannot help itself, but if it is directed, fire can heal and protect like no other thing in this world. Thats why its beautiful.


    Alex blinked. Youyou remember all of that?


    She nodded. I said it to myself again and again so I would remember, like learning my multiplying tables, or Uldars prayer.


    Oh wow, he said. So you think about that a lot?


    Mhm, she said. Its hardits hard to protect people isnt it?


    I have no idea.


    Yeah you do, she said. You did all that work to build the golem and you did it in She paused, then finished in a whisper: in the Travellers cave.


    Uh, Alex thought back hard. YeahI guess its hard work. Maybe not for someone like Baelin because hes so powerfulbut yeah.


    Mm, she said. You have to do things you dont like, right?


    Well. Alex scratched his head. The silence-spiders werent very fun, were they? Sometimes making the golems body was hard too, but, you dont have to worry about protecting anybody, Selina. Youre ten years old: its adults jobs to protect you.


    Butyou could get hurt too, she said. Just like mom and dad.


    Ithats not going to happen, he said, though he knew he couldnt really promise her that.


    And that personthat guy at your workhe died, right?


    Alex blinked. Where was this going? That was a tragedy, it was justsomething happened. You know how dangerous things can be out there.


    Mhm. She nodded. And in the Cave of the Traveller she paused. You and Theresa protected us with She paused again, and had to force the next word out: fire.


    Selina, that has nothing to do with you, he said. You take your time with getting used to anything having to do with fire. If you dont want to ever touch fire magic, you dont have to. If you dont want to touch magic at all, you dont have to. I know you dont like it-


    Something passed over her face for an instant.


    -and I know you think its scary-


    I <em>hate</em> fire, she said suddenly. I hate it! I <em>hate</em> it! <em>I hate it!</em>


    There was a desperate firmness in her voice, almost like she was trying to convince him of her words though he already knew they were true.


    I know, I know, Alex said. I didnt like fire either. Its okay, Selina. You dont have to do anything you dont want to, but if you decide to be a wizardwell, itd be good for you to learn, and I could help you-


    Okay.


    Hm?


    I want to learn how to be a wizard like you and Khalik, she said. JustIm sorry that Ive got fire in me, Alex. Im sorry.


    Hey! Hey! Dont be sorry! Alex said. Thats like saying youre sorry that you have hands just because some people use their hands to hurt other people. Its okay, Selina. Youve done nothing, and Ill always, always, always love you, okay?


    She was silent.


    Okay? he asked again.


    Okay, she finally said. is being a wizard as fun as it looks?


    Yeah, Alex said, smiling warmly. Sometimes even more fun.


    He spread his arms. Now,e here and give me a hug, little goblin.


    She made a face, looking around. Thats embarrassing.


    Hey, in like two years you wont want to hug me at all,e on have mercy on your big brother, he said.


    No.


    Alright, if you dont then Ill start wailing about how my sister hates her big brother right here and-


    Okay, okay! She quickly scooted over and gave him a hug.


    He hugged her back. Ill always love you Selina, no matter what you do.


    She nodded, though he couldnt see her face. I love you too, she said in a tiny voice.


    He smiled back. Alrighty, I release you from the hug.


    She held onto him for a little longer before finally letting go.


    So, are you ready for dinner tonight? he said. You can talk to Shiani for a bit if you want. Theresas going to take you there with Brutus: Khalik and I are helping Thundar with one of his assignments for Magic Lore, then well be along right after, okay?


    Okay, she said.


    And dont eat all the food before I get there.


    I wont!


    You know, Thundar, Alex grumbled as the sky-gond finally pulled into the city.  Im almost done the assignment doesn''t usually mean, I still need help writing half the damn paper.


    Oh by the gods, will you drop it!? Thundar said. I <em>was</em> almost done! And then <em>this </em>guy-


    He pointed a finger usingly at Khalik. This is the guy that went theres a better way to do this, and said I needed to re-do half of what I did before you got there!


    Both Alex and Thundar looked at Khalik, who shrugged. Does a man apologize for telling the truth?


    I would have been fine! Thundar whined. It would have been a solid paper! At least a mid-eighty!


    And now it is a mid-ny, why are youining? Khalik looked at him. You say you are leader of this cabal, and yet now you go on about how your efforts are good enough. Since when do we ept good enough?


    When its good enough!


    Khalik shook his head. You will thank me when you get your assignment back.


    I might be <em>dead</em> by the time I get my assignment back, Im starving! Thundar growled.


    Najyah, perched on the side of the sky-gond, shook her head in a surprisingly human gesture.


    Oh, now the birds sassing me. Keep it up, and Ill make you into emergency food! Thundar snapped.


    The magnificent eagle squawked in false fright as she took off and flew into the city.


    Khalik smiled. Shes off to the restaurant first, I think she will eat before we do. On purpose.


    Thundar snorted. Your familiars evil. Crazy useful, like some kind of super minion, but evil.


    She suits me fine when she is not in her evil moods. She has a sweet side too, Khalik said.


    Too bad she never shows it, Alex chuckled, drawing a re from Khalik. He looked over the side of the sky-gond and saw their restaurant a few streets ahead. The crowds werent too thick, luckily, and there wasnt much in the way of sky-gond traffic.


    His eyes widened when he saw a familiar sky-gondolier lifting off from a nearby street, no doubt giving her dead-voiced speech to her customers. Well, theres Lucia.


    Who? Khalik asked.


    Alex blinked in surprise. Oh, I never told you guys about Lucia?


    Thundar shook his head. Doesnt sound familiar to me.


    Right, well when we first got to Generasi we-


    Khalik gasped, his eyes going wide. His hand grasped his chest as though he was having trouble breathing. Nono! He looked at the sky-gondolier. Set us down! Now! <em>Now!</em>


    Their gondolier blinked. Were still a street away from-


    The sky-gondolier gasped as Khalik barked out a spell and earth armour formed around himself.


    Did you not hear me? He reached into his purse and threw a gold coin. Set us down or I will bring us down myself!


    Thundar and Alex sat up in rm as the gondolier abruptlynded them beside a shop.


    Whats wrong? Thundar demanded.


    Khalik vaulted out of the sky-gond and was already running as he shouted back. Its Najyah! he cried. I can feel her mana being drained!


    Alexs body went cold.

 Chapter 141: Rumble in the Alley

    Chapter 141: Rumble in the Alley


    Khalik ran ahead, weaving through the crowd.


    Move aside! Move, I tell you! he roared, drawing his short sword. As he shoutedin his paniche switched back and forth between Tekish, his mother tongue, and themon tongue.


    Thundar and Alex were right behind him, with the minotaur casting a body enhancement spell on himself and drawing his mace. Mana vampire! Thundar roared. The mana vampires close! Help!


    No wait- Alex started.


    But it was toote.


    It was just like when his parents house started to burn.


    At that time, people had run around, screaming fire! fire! which mostly caused panic instead of helping.


    It was even worse here. The crowds fear of the mana vampire had been simmering beneath the surface: it erupted all at once. People looked around, suspicious of everyone else and began screaming and pushing others away. They fled in all directions.


    Thats right, Alex thought. Its a bloody shapeshifter. Without knowing <em>where </em>it is, people are going to get panicked and paranoid that it could be anyone.


    Yet Khalik was charging ahead as though he knew <em>exactly</em> where the creature was, no doubt following his connection to Najyah.


    The prince weaved through the panicking crowd, even shoving them aside using the weight of his earth-armour. Alex looked around for the city-guards and saw some approaching, but they were far down the block trying to get the crowd controlled.


    Shit! Alex cursed as Khalik turned and rushed into an alleyway.


    His mind whirled, trying toe up with strategies. His hand dipped into his bagcarried by a forceband grasped the sk of one of hisst booby-trapped flight potions. In a tight alleyway, it might be enough to seriously damage the mana vampiresince it would smash itself against the wallsunless it absorbed the mana of the potion instead.


    He cursed inwardly.


    Too many unknowns.


    Too many risks.


    Not enough time to ount for them, and nothing they could do except go on.


    He and Thundar tore into the alleyway as the minotaur pped Alex with a body enhancement spell. Their speed quickened and they rapidly began catching up to the prince as he turned into another narrow alley.


    No! Khalik cried.


    Alex and Thundar skidded to a halt right behind him. They gasped.


    Ahead was the tall figure of a thin, pale man. His clothes were of rich fabrics and perfectly tailored. Had he been casually walking along the street, Alex would have taken him for no more than a wealthy merchant or Patrizia out for the evening.


    The corpses at his feet shattered that illusion.


    A pair of huntersy on the ground, their skin washed out and as dry as sun-baked paper. Their flesh had withered so that the dried-out skin looked to be covering thin strips of jerky, and their eyeballs had copsed in their sockets.


    Beside them was one of those tracking cats with glowing eyes; its body had been crushed as well and drained dry


    Maybe an ambush gone wrong. Very wrong.


    Najyah was in the creatures grip, wing and biting at him with all the strength and savagery she had. Deep wounds were opening on his face, but were healing as he drained her.


    She was clearly weakening by the instant as the mana vampires fingerslengthened and full of suckers like a squids tentaclesclosed their grip around her.


    Let her go! Khalik snarled and charged, his sword swinging out.


    It was bad terrain. Lots of things to trip on, and the space was so narrow that they could only face it two at a time.


    Help! Mana vampire! Alex cried, hoping the guard woulde as he pulled off his cloak and wrapped it around one arm. He charged after Thundar and the Prince. They needed to nk it just as the skeletons had nked them beneath The Barrens.


    One of Khaliks spells began to form around Najyah as the prince transferred his mana to her, but the magic withered and died as the creature abruptly drained it. He cursed and conjured a swarm of sharpened stones, sting them at the mana vampire.


    The creature looked up, snarled, and leapt to the side.


    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>


    The conjured stones shot through the air, going wide and shattering on cobblestones or the alleys walls.


    It hissed, still refusing to let go of the princes familiar; then its eyes began widening, swelling until they bulged from its head.


    Mana shifted in the air.


    The urge to sleep mmed into Alex like an enraged bonedrinker, forcing him to use every ounce of his will, his meditation techniques, and his experiences resisting The Mark, to withstand this creatures power of sleep. This induced<strong></strong>exhaustion hit a <em>lot</em> harder than on <em>The Red Siren</em>.


    Khalik growled and stumbled, dropping to his knees as he struggled against its power, and Thundars mace ttered to the ground. The minotaur toppled over like a speared pig, snoring as he hit the cobblestones.


    Alex frowned. If he used his booby-trapped Flight Potion, there was a good chance it would kill Najyah. He needed to get her free of the creature first. If he shot his forceball at it, it would just drain the spell, plus that would separate him from his potions.


    Time for the hard way.


    He charged at the mana vampire, catching it by surprise since it could see that he was able to resist its sleep magic. The creatures mouth twisted, turning sideways. Its teeth fell away, exploding into mist as they touched the ground; a sucker-covered tongue shot from its mouth.


    The young wizard kept running toward the wall opposite the mana vampire and jumped. His feet touched the wall for three quick stepsrunning across itthen he pushed off, turning and spinning his body to face the mana vampire.


    As it turned toward him in surprise, Alex darted forward, shoving his covered arm into the space between its arms where it held Najyah.


    His arm twisted in a rapid<strong></strong>Cleansing Movement move, and he applied all his body enhanced strength to break the monsters grip.


    The monsters hold broke, and Najyah was freed, wasting no time in flying to her master, screeching.


    Khalik shook his head as his familiar nuzzled him. Go, he groaned. Wake upThundar then gogo get help.


    The eagle moved away from Khalik and hopped over to the fallen minotaur.


    The mana vampire hissed at Alex and began a transformation. Its eyes bulged from their sockets even further, its mouth turned sideways, and all exposed skin grew spongy and porous.


    This creature was nothing like the one hed fought on Fan-Dors ship, this one was healthy: it was well proportioned, and it was powerful, and moved with the grace of a predator.


    It stood motionless for a heartbeat, like it was measuring him, then suddenly rushed straight at Alexfar faster than the creature on Fan-Dors shipand out of reflex, the young wizard fell into a stance from the Spear-and-Oar Dance. His hands rose into practiced positions of the Cleansing Movements, with his cloaked-arm pointed toward it.


    Alex stepped aside from its lunge: his reflexes far sharper than before. It reached for him, and he brushed its arm away like he was brushing a fly away, but winced from the impact.<em></em>The creature was <em>very</em> strong. He would need to focus on something Ram had been teaching this semester: redirection.


    Help! Mana vampire! he yelled as the creature lunged at him again, and again.


    The monster was quick, but it seemed to attack by instinct rather than practiced skill. Alex weaved around the attacksalmost with easelightly guiding its limbs around himself to dodge the deadly suckers on its hands and tongue.


    He leaned back as the tongue shot out, striking the air just where his face had been.


    You there! Someone cried from the end of the alley.


    The mana vampire froze for an instant. Another wave of exhaustion mmed into Alexbut he resisted itthen he heard the sound of a grunt as someone dropped to the stones at the end of the alleyway. He cursed.


    Run! Get away! he roared at the beast, desperately trying to get it to leave. The guards areing!


    It cocked its head.


    <em>You have seen me, as I have seen you,</em> it gurgled. <em>You have vexed me. Now you will feed me.</em>


    There was a note of pure malice in its voice, one that Alex had heard in the voices of irritated hunters after a missed shot. He was its food, but now he was also a challenge.


    Its shoes scraped across the stone, and it leapt.


    Alex moved to guide its arm aside.


    The arm turned to mist.


    He froze in shock as the mist passed through his defences and solidified past his guard. He remembered something a little toote: healthy mana vampires have expanded powers.


    Those terrible fingers wrapped around his throat.


    A debilitating sensation washed through him and he felt his mana pool begin to drain in the creatures hungry grip. Its other hand seized his arm when he tried to pull it away, then its tongue wrapped around his skull.


    First, Thundars body enhancement spell faded, then his mana began to flow out while he choked in the monsters grip. Alex struggled with all that he had, reaching deep, using the most advanced mana regeneration techniques he knew.


    As he struggled, he caught movement behind the mana vampire and his eyes grew wide. The creature seemed to grow smug and emitted a gurgling cackle.


    Thats it his thoughts raced desperately. Thats it, focus on me, pay attention to me, you piece of shit!


    <em>hnk!</em>


    The monster screamed.


    Khalik had recovered enough to surprise the feeding creature with a thrust of his short sword into its back. Strange, blue glowing blood poured from its body as Khaliks face twisted in anger.


    It hissed, tossing Alex aside tond heavily on the stones. Whirling on the prince, its stab-wounddeep enough to kill anything naturalwas already healing.


    The prince drove his short sword into the monsters belly this time, and his earth covered fist into its face.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    It was a blow hard enough to shatter teeth, if it had any.


    Its head snapped to the side, but its tongue instantly shot out and wrapped around Khaliks arm. Mana drained from his earth armour, making it crumble away; the prince cried out as his mana also began to drain.


    He pulled the short sword from its gut as Alex reached into his bag and gripped a potion sk.


    <em>Schnk!</em>


    The prince stabbed at its tongue. It shrieked, releasing him and reeling back.


    Khalik! Alex cried. Get back!


    He raised the booby-trapped Potion of Flight and cocked an arm back. Khalik stumbled back, holding his arm and panting.


    The mana vampire let out a terrifying screech and leveled an open hand at Khalik. Alex felt an enormous amount of mana pour into the air.


    Khalik, watch ou-


    <em>Boom!</em>


    A wave of unseen mana sted from the creatures hand like a telekic battering ram, mming into the prince. Earth armour shattered,pletely overwhelmed by the force, and Khalik was hurled away in a groaning heap.


    Damn you, you bastard! Alex tossed the Potion of Flight at the monsters feet.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    ss crunched.


    The gas shot up into the air, enveloping the mana vampire. Alex felt mana shift as the creatures sucker-covered hands and tongue rapidly absorbed the potion.


    <em>Fool!</em> it hissed. <em>You are only feedi-Aaaaaargh!</em>


    Its hideous words copsed into a scream as it was suddenly catapulted to the left by the booby-trapped Potion of Flight.


    <em>Bang! Crunch!</em>


    It screamed as what sounded like bone shattered from the impact.


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>


    Again and again it shot left, right, up and down in the alleyway, mming into walls and cobblestones.


    Alex snarled in victory. Yeah, suck on that you sucker-tongued-


    His words died when it suddenly fell to the ground in a heap, the magic of the potion havingsted only seconds.


    It must have absorbed the mana: ended the effect early, he thought as he searched his bag for another potion. He swore internally.


    That <em>had</em> been hisst one.


    The mana vampire looked brutalized. One of its arms was bent at an unnatural angle and it was covered in bruising. A bulging eyeball had burst. That strange glowing blood poured from its wounds, although it was clear that they were already healing.


    Behind it, Alex saw Thundar stand and pick up his mace. He looked absolutely enraged.


    Alex shouted. Finish it! Finish it while its wounde-


    It moved too fast.


    The mana vampire leapt at Alex partway through his sentence, screeching in rage. The young wizard jumped to the side, but the monster was bing used to his movements, and he was slower without the body enhancement spell.


    One of those sucker-covered hands wrapped his wrist.


    Again Alex felt the mana drain as the creatures wounds began to heal.


    Its other hand curled back


    <em>Bang!</em>


    It drove its fist into Alexs stomach, knocking the breath from him. It drew its fist back again.


    Then Thundar was there, his mace swinging.


    The monster released Alex, letting him copse into a heap and whirled on Thundar, dodging to the side. Thundar pivoted, altering his swing: the creature was still wounded, and the minotaur was faster than he looked.


    <em>Crnch.</em>


    All of his spell-enhanced strength drove the mace into the creatures side,unching it straight into one of the alley walls.


    <em>Oooooof!</em>


    The breath was knocked from it.


    Thundar rushed at it, the mace cocked back to finish what hed started.


    The creature raised both hands.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The full force of a telekic st ripped into Thundar as the mana vampire used its stolen mana, fighting to stay alive.


    The mighty Thundar was sted from his feet and mmed with full force into the wall behind him. Alexs heart froze as he heard a crack.


    The minotaur slumped down in a heap.


    No, Alex moaned.


    The monster staggered to its feet and dropped onto Thundars barely moving body, wrapping one of its hands and its tongue around his throat.


    No! Alex cried, as he watched the mana vampire begin to drain his defenceless friend.

 Chapter 142: A Hunger for Vengeance and Mana

    Chapter 142: A Hunger for Vengeance and Mana


    Alex was using every ounce of will to try and get himself to his feet; his breath wasboured and his body felt like it weighed a thousand tons. The mana drain was still hitting him.


    His head swam, but he couldnt take his eyes off of Thundar and the creature draining his precious mana.


    Panic surged through his thoughts.


    Khalik was showing no sign of movement: his mana had been drained twice, first through Najyah, then as he defended them. When the creature had grabbed the prince, hed been awake and able to resist it, but<strong></strong>Thundar had been unconscious when it began draining him.


    Alex watched the magic of the body-enhancement spell vanish from the minotaur and knew he had to do something before his friend was out of time.


    Growling, he surged to his feet and stumbled toward the mana-leeching monster. Get off of him! Get off of him, or IllIll kill you, I swear to all the gods!


    He could hearmotion growing near the alley. Voices were getting closer, but if the mana vampire put everyone to sleep


    Alex cursed The Mark. If only he could do something; if only he could just <em>kill</em> the thing that was <em>killing</em> his friend. His mind shed back with bitter irony to what Selina had said about him protecting them.


    Protect who? The Mark didnt even let him protect <em>himself</em>.


    He had no more altered Potions of Flight to


    An idea hit him.


    Akex snarleddrawing a Potion of Sensory Enhancement from his bag and focused on The Mark, letting it guide his face from a snarl, to a look of seething rage, hatred, and intimidation.


    Prepare to go on another little trip, you piece of garbage! He roared, drawing back his arm.


    Alex knew well that the potion was harmless.


    But the monster didnt.


    It whirled, spotting the container in his hand and recoiled, jumping away from Thundar.


    Hissing and holding its broken arm, it red at him uneasily. Its wounds were still healing, but much slower: all of the magic it had used on each of them must have drained some of its stolen mana.


    Alex advanced, stepping between it and Thundar.


    Back! he roared. Get back!


    As his voice boomed through the air, he heard the sound of armoured forms enter the alley behind him; more burst in on the opposite end.


    The mana vampire nced all around, then down at the fallen minotaur. It looked back at Alex, and if looks could drain mana, he would be dead. The creature scrambled aside and began climbing up the side of a wall. It favoured its broken arm, while the suckers on its other limbs and tongue gripped the rough stone, making sucking sounds as it crept up a building wall.


    It was transforming as it fled: quickly shapeshifting into someone new, then it disappeared over a rooftop.


    Hey you there! Stop! One of the guardsmen shouted in vain. Pointing to two of hispanions, he gave them an order. Go and circle the building: cut it off before it gets away again!


    With a groan, Khalik was slowly getting to his feet as several guards surrounded him to help him up.


    Alex went to his other friend.


    Thundar! he cried, crouching beside the minotaur.


    The beastmans breathing wasboured and his body waspletely limp. Alex winced, touching Thundars brow; his body was cool.


    Oh, by Uldar! Help! He cried, turning to the guards. My friends been drained! He needs help!


    Alex looked at Khalik, whose lips were trembling through his beard.


    The guards scrambled to Thundar, drawing mana soothing potions from satchels. We need to get him to the infirmary! One of them shouted.


    A womanwith a shining badge that had the symbol of a bookbegan to cast a type of force diskrge enough to carry Thundars body.


    Well need you to move away, a guard said to Alex.


    Hes my frie- Alex began, then stopped, realizing that getting in the way would only hurt Thundars chances. There was nothing he could do for him now.


    So, he rose and backed away from the injured minotaur, fighting to keep from hyperventting.


    Alexs body was cold, yet sweat dripped from him.


    His mind was whirling at what had just happened.


    It was like with Minervus: random, cruel, out of nowhere andin their case<em>almost</em> deadly.


    One moment they were on their way to a celebration with friends at a restaurant. The next, they were fighting for their lives and poor Thundarnowy in an alleyway drained of enough mana to cripple him for life, or even kill him.


    What was going to happen to him? Would he be able to use magic anymore? Would his mana pool be crippled to the point hed have to leave Generasi?


    Alex remembered Lucia.


    Would that be Thundar? Doing some job that obviously made him miserable because some piece of shit monster had decided to steal his future?


    His mind filled with a sickening image of the mana vampire full of <em>their</em> stolen mana: scampering away, changing into someone else to get close to more unsuspecting victims to do to them, what it had done to Thundar, Minervus, him, Khalik, Najyah, and Uldar knows who else.


    His teeth ground between his jaws, hard.


    Mf Khalik muttered, then continued in Tekish, his mother tongue. His eyes almost looked nk as he stared at Thundar as their friend was ced on the forcedisk. Mymy fault.


    What? Alex asked.


    It is my fault, Khalik said softly. If I hadnt given him hell about his assignment, we would not have beente. If I had kept more of a watch on Najyah, she would not have been grabbed by that abomination. He looked at Alex with eyes filled with horror. Alex, I nearly killed our friend over an <em>assignment</em>.


    Dont.


    Dont what?


    Dont do that, Alex said. Its not your fault. It had nothing to do with you.


    It did. The ripples of our actions always have consequences, Khaliks voice dropped. Especially for those born to rulership.


    No, you listen to me. Alex pointed at Thundar through the knot of workers around him. Just looking at his weakened body made Alex want to punch a wall. This happened because a piece of shit mana vampire attacked Najyah and <em>us</em>. We did nothing wrong. <em>You</em> did nothing wrong.


    He red at the wall that the mana vampire had climbed. I hope to all thats holy they catch that thing and kill it before it stops leaking mana, he said, remembering that the creatures were trackable only for a short time after they fed.


    Yes. There is truth in what you say, Khaliks expression darkened. I was not myselfbetween the mana and the blow, I am not myself. I almost feel like he paused. Najyah is getting close, but-


    Several guards interrupted them, offering them mana soothing potions to drink. A feeling of rxation washed through Alexs mana pool as he drank his, spreading through the rest of his body. It would take time for the potions to stabilize their mana.


    So, what happened here- one of the guards asked.


    By the elements! Alex heard Isoldes voice.


    He looked toward the end of the alley.


    The guards were keeping people from entering, and beyond, Alex could see Isolde, Theresa, the hulking form of Grimloch, Nua-Oge and others. Najyah was screeching overhead.


    Alex! he heard Selina scream. Alex!


    Im okay, Selina! Stay with Theresa, Ill be there soon!


    What followed was an absolute whirlwind that left Alexs mind reeling. He and Khalik answered what felt like a thousand questions, then had to reassure the guards and medic that they had recovered enough before they could go.


    All during their questioning Khalik had been tense and deep in thought, muttering in Tekish. Recounting the story of the attack had made Alex angrier and angrier as he remembered what that thing had done to them.


    Finally, when all the guards questions were answered to their satisfaction, they were allowed to leave the alley.


    Hugs and tears flowed as Selina flew on him, and Theresas face was pale. Her eyes hardened when he and Khalik described what had happened.


    Everyone kept asking questions until Thundars body was taken from the alleyway. The group followed silently, stopping in the streetthe guards wouldnt let anyone approach Thundar since none of them were familyand waited. Something was said about a special sky-gonding to transport their friend for care.


    In between the guards ranks, Alex could see Thundar: the minotaur looked no better than he had earlier, but his breathing at least, appeared more even.


    Theresas eyes grew even harder; Brutus nuzzled her side with two of his snouts and whimpered. Selina clung tightly to Alexs hand, and Khalik stood quietly with Najyah perched on his arm, nuzzling his face.


    Isolde glowered at thin air. If that wretch were in front of me. She thumbed the hilt of her stiletto knife. I would stab its eyes out.


    Nua-Oge was sombre, as were Rhea, Malcolm and their other ssmates. Grimloch was looking over at Thundars body, his expression like a stormcloud.


    All around, guards bustled through the area, moving past onlookers and searching everywhere. It seemed the mana vampire had escaped.


    As they waited, Alexs mana calmed, but he knew he was far from alright emotionally.


    Pure, unadulterated rage was coursing through him, shing with maddening worry over his friend. A feeling of helplessnessy beneath all of his emotions: he couldnt do anything to help make Thundar better, and he had no idea where the mana vampire had gone.


    His jaw tightened.


    It was the story of his life: helpless against the fire that imed his parents, helpless against Uldars will, and now helpless against a hungry mana leech.


    I want to hunt it, Theresa said quietly. The rest of the group suddenly looked at her.


    Areare you sure thats a good idea? Nua-Oge said, even as Grimloch was already nodding beside her.


    Yes. I do. Im not a wizard: Im a hunter. I have no mana to drain and I want it dead for what its done. Baelin even said we could take it under the right circumstances, and he looked at me, Svenia, Hogarth and Grimloch when he said it.


    Brutus whined at his masters anger.


    Yeah, I want it dead too, Alex agreed. Baelin said we could take it if we had the right group. I want nothing more than to break its ugly, filthy face.


    No. Selina shook her head. No, itll hurt you!


    Alex looked down at her. It saw my fa-


    He paused. The truth was, the mana vampire had red at him with absolute hatred before it took off, and he had the feeling it wasnt done with him. It could shapeshift and look like anyone. Once it processed the mana it had stolen, it would be impossible to track, and if it wasnt stopped now, it could hunt him whenever it wanted. It could find Selina. It would always be a threat to many of them unless...it was dead.


    Life had been working out for him. Baelin was supporting him, and his cabal knew his secretthest thing he wanted now was to be constantly looking over his shoulder for a vengeful, shapeshifting monster.


    But he couldnt tell Selina that; she was already scared for him, and she was a very brave little girl. But in the end, she was still only ten years old.


    Trust me, Selina, I have to go. Otherwise Theresall have to go by herself.


    No! Selina screamed desperately. I dont want either of you to go! I dont!


    He took a deep breath.


    The mana-soothing potion was doing its work and he almost felt normal. Hed be able to act soon. His mana pool was still drained, but it was calm enough that he didnt feel like copsing at any moment.


    I think we should go after it, Khalik suddenly said. Honour, blood, our cabal<em>and</em> our survival demands that we do-


    No! Selina cried. I dont want you to go either! I-


    She looked up as a sky-gondpainted white, with the symbol of two snakes curling around a tower on the sidnded beside Thundar. Several healers mbered out and checked the minotaur before loading him into the gond. It took off at speed, shooting off into the sky.


    Alex prayed silently for his friends recovery, and the rest of the group fell into an angry and sad silence.


    We must go, Selina. At least, I must, Khalik said. It tried to hurt Najyah. It tried to hurt me, and your brother...and look what it did to Thundar. No more. I will see it broke-


    He paused suddenly, looking at Najyah in surprise. Then he looked at Alex. Alexdo you...?


    The prince paused again, turning in the middle of the street before his eyes went wide. Oh by my ancestors


    What is it? Nua-Oge asked.


    I thought I was imagining it because of the mana drainbut now that the potion has done its work, he paused. I think I know where the creature is.


    The entire group looked at him.


    What? How? Alex asked.


    I thinkits still leaking manaincluding my own, and Najyahs, he said.


    It got my mana too, Alex said. But I dont feel anything.


    My connection with Najyah and her mana is heightenedI focused on being able to sense it so she could not pull her tricks on me anymore and I feel it now, still leaking from that bastard. I am used to sensing my own mana within Najyah from great distances, perhaps that is why I can feel it.


    Where is it? Theresa demanded.


    He closed his eyes. It will not be with pinpoint uracy the way my connection directly to Najyah would be, and it grows weaker...but I think I could find the general location if I move quickly. He gripped his sword. We should go and finish it.


    Yes, Theresa said, also gripping her des. It <em>needs </em>to be finished off.


    We should tell the guards, Nua-Oge said.


    We should do both, Alex said.


    His mind was working now.


    Thinking. Adapting.


    The mana vampire was wounded and if they could track it, then it wouldnt have the element of surprise on its side. <em>They</em> would. Then, they could kill it. Khalik could tell the guards its whereabouts, and then <em>they</em> could go after it themselves.


    You know what? Theresa said, looking at Grimloch first. You want to go on a hunt?


    Always, the shark man said.


    Good. She went to Khalik. Tell me where it is: maybe even guide us there. Grimloch, Brutus and I can move fast. Very fast. If we make a team with as few wizards as possible on it, itll have less mana to drain. Thatll be a bad match-up for it, and a good one for us.


    No way Im noting with you! Alex said. Im not letting you go after it by yourselves.


    Alex, no! Selina cried. Not you either, Theresa!


    Selina, I- he started.


    Selinas right, Alex, Theresa said quietly. Thats not a good idea. Less wizards means less people to stuff it full of mana-


    His mind caught on herst words.


    -and feed it. And think about Selina.


    But I-


    He paused, thinking about Selina. She was right. If the two of them went after this thing togetherand things went horriblythey could both die. Then what would happen to Selina? Mr. and Mrs. Lu woulde for her, but that could mean months where she would be all alone. Months where shed be alone <em>and</em> sent off to Uldar knows where while grieving more deaths of the people closest to her. It would devastate her.


    His emotions had been driving him and he wasnt in his best frame of mind right now, considering everything that had happened. Hed already been in one fight with the thing he was considering going after, and it had already drained his mana. He shook his head and took a deep breath to clear his thoughts. What he needed to be doing was thinking clearly and getting his sister to safety. A n for the mana vampire was beginning to form in his mind, but he could think more about thatter.


    Youre both right, I should get you home, Selina.


    Yeah, Alex! Selina said. I dont want you to go! Dont go either, Theresa! You dont even have the go-


    She paused, catching herself before she said golem.


    The golem. Mana. His mind began to work faster.


    A fox hunt goes best when you have as many hunters as possible to corner your quarry. Like how we chased xyrthak near the mana vent, Theresa was saying. Were not helpless and well be careful, Selina. I saw its blood in the alley. If it bleeds, we can take it.


    Mana-vent. Wild mana. Powerful. Intense. Deadly if unprocessed, and every few things could properly.


    His mind continued to work.


    Then we had better move quickly, Khalik said. Come, let us get to a sky-gond and see this little one to safety. Afterwards, Theresa, Grimloch, Brutus and I will need to get after it before it finishes processing our manapletely.


    Alexs mind froze.


    Processingmana.


    An idea unfolded.


    A deliciously cruel idea.


    One that would ensure that this thing suffered for what it had done, while also taking care of something hed been working on for too long.


    Theres no time to waste, then, Alex said, looking down at Selina. Lets get you back home.


    He looked at Theresa, walked up to her and gave her a hug. Be careful ande back safe and sound.


    I will, she said, her voice like iron.


    Then I shall join the hunt too, Isolde said.


    Actually, Isolde, sky-gonds can fly in The Barrens, right? Theres enough ambient mana there to let them fly, right?


    Why yes, why not? Isolde said. But the gondolier would have to be desperate to bring one there.


    Even if it was only going close to the wall and not directly into The Barrens? Close to a wall where we <em>knew</em> the most dangerous thing living there had been cleared out? Alex asked, smiling.


    Isoldes eyes widened. Alex, why-


    Ill exin everything in a bit. But first, lets get to the closest sky-pier: I need to look for a gondolier named Lucia. If she agrees to my proposal, Ill hire her for a sack of gold coins if she meets us at the sky-pier near Shales workshop with the biggest sky-gond she can get her hands on.


    Whatwhat are you thinking, Alex? Khalik asked.


    If we do this right and we get to the mana vampire first, not only will this thing feel <em>exactly</em> what it did to Thundar, Najyah, us, Minervus, and all of its other victims, Alex growled. But, Ill have a fully powered golem by the end of the night. His face took on a wicked grin.


    Khaliks eyes widened. I want to know more about this, but tell me as we walk. He nced at the thinning crowds around them. My connection to the creature weakens: the longer we take, the less chance to hunt it. And the more chance it has to hide again...and hunt <em>us.</em>

 Chapter 143: Escape and Hunting

    Chapter 143: Escape and Hunting


    The group quickly moved through the streets toward the sky-pier, the atmosphere growing more tense<strong></strong>with every step.


    The jingle of guards armour as they searched the city was punctuated by the sound of doors mming all throughout the surrounding streets. Folks<strong></strong>kept moving, looking around nervously at shadows.


    Huntersboth amateur and professionalfrom all across the city were starting to appear, boiling out of alleyways with weapons drawn. The bounty and word of the attack had brought out the greedy and the brave, while the cautious moved out of their way.


    Night was deepening andas lights were snuffed out in store windows and townhousesthe darkness grew thicker. Only streetmps and the magterns of night-running sky-gonds were left to light the way. These, and the few light spells, firelights, or force balls the group of students had conjured.


    Alex nced above. There were plenty of sky-gonds zooming by with panicked passengers and nervous drivers inside. He wondered if the sky-pier would be crowded, or if the majority of people had already gotten away.


    Holding tightly to a terrified Selina as they moved closer to the sky-pier, he kept a sharp eye on their surroundings.


    Khalik, he said. Do you still feel it?


    The prince was frowning. I do, but it is growing fainter. Harder to pinpoint.


    Is it getting further away or closer?


    Khalik frowned. Closer, perhaps.


    Selina gasped and Alex tried to calm her.


    Then he turned to Isolde. From what you know, mana vampires shouldnt be able to tolerate the mana-vents, right?


    No, Isolde said. Wild-mana is hard to process for almost anything. Mana vampires have some of the best ability to process mana of any creature: they can process wild mana, but not quickly enough to stop it from burning out their mana-processing organ and killing them in time.


    Right. Alex nodded. But it can process some of it. Good. Good.


    Hmmm, Theresa frowned. Alex, you said that it changed to look like someone else before it got away?


    Yeah, but I didnt see its face when it finished shapeshifting. Why?


    She frowned. When an animal bolts, it tries to take the quickest path to safety, right? What would be one of the best and quickest ways to get out of this part of the city?


    crap, a sky-gond, Alex swore. Yeah, that makes sense.


    Then that is where we shall have to be most vignt, Khalik said. We are two streets away from the closest sky-pier, I think. And the creaturethough it is getting harder to feel now, I think it is closer.


    We watch anyone thats there, Theresa said. We dont get too close to anybody unless we have to. She nced at the group. If there''s a line-upI say Selina gets on first with Alex, then the wizards who arent staying in the city with us. We dont want to give this thing a buffet.


    The others murmured in agreement.


    Theresa frowned. The square around the sky-pier is pretty open. If we find it around there, thatll be a good ce to fight it cos therere less buildings for it to climb, and less cover for it to use. Brutus, Grimloch and I can surround it and bring it down. Khalik and Isolde can keep at a safe distance until we subdue it...if we dont kill it, that is. She nced at Alex. Your nIm not sure if well be able to do it, though.


    Only if you think you can, Alex said. If it gets too dangerous, you guys just kill it. Nothings worth letting it get away.


    She nodded, scanning their surroundings like she had in Coille<strong></strong>Forest.


    The entire situation felt familiar to Alex: heading toward a potentially dangerous route of escape, trying to keep Selina safe, and watching for a dangerous monster that might kill them if they got caught unawares.


    There were some major differences, though.


    He was tired, but stronger. They had more friends. Theresa was far deadlier. This time around, it wasnt a case of three vulnerable people and one cerberus watching for a predator: this time, they were a party of experienced young warriors and wizards who could deal as much damage as they could take.


    Khalik swore suddenly in his mother tongue. Im sorry, he groaned. Its gone. I cannot feel it anymore.


    I suspected it would fade soon enough, Isolde said. Were it so easy to track for a long period of time, the creature would have been caught months ago.


    Yes, I know, Khalik said. But I thought with my connection to my mana that I built through Najyah, I thought that it might He swore again in Tekish. I am sorry, he said.


    Dont be, Alex said, using thenguage of Khaliks homnd of Tekezash.<strong></strong>His words were still a bit halting, but over the months, The Mark had helped him gain some proficiency with the words. He switched back to themon tongue: We probably wouldve had to have started tracking it sooner, which we couldnt. It was still worth a shot, though. When did youst feel it?


    Farther away from us, Khalik said. To the south. I dont know why, but it changed direction near the end of my connection with it.


    Theresa frowned. Was it moving in a straight line orwas it erratic? Like it was zig-zagging and going all over the ce?


    He looked at her. Thetter, why?


    When youre trying to throw off someone whos following you, the best thing to do is to not go in a straight line: take the fastest route to safety, but try and not make your path easy to follow. You double back, then go forward, zig-zag, go through water if you can: anything that can confuse a tracker and throw them off your trail.


    So it <em>might</em> still being this way, Alex noted. Now what?


    you said it was wounded? Theresa asked.


    Yeah. My potion broke its arm and messed it up pretty good. I guess it might be able to hide its injuriesmaybe fix them. But healing itself seems to take up mana, so it might still have the big injury: the broken arm.


    Right she frowned. But if it doesnt, we need something else then...and I think I have an idea. Okay, it touched you, Khalik and Najyah, right? Did any of you bleed?


    Alex shook his head. No. It punched me in the stomach but thats it. Khalik, are you bleeding?


    No, he shook his head. I did stab it, though, so I have some of its blood on my short sword.


    That shall not do any good, Isolde said. A mana vampires shapeshifting is some of the most thorough of any creature in this world. Only a few otherssuch as doppelgngerscan match it. It changes everything about itself, including its smell.


    Thats alright, Theresa said. It should have Najyahs scent on it and probably Khalik''s too from where it touched them. You two were fighting it, so it would have gotten some of your sweat on its hands.


    Faint scent, Grimloch said.


    It would be, Theresa agreed. It would be useless for trackingbut up close? To something with <em>three</em>sensitive noises? Something that knows Najyahs scent, Khaliks and <em>especially </em>Alexs? She pat Brutus on one of his heads. Itll be obvious. So heres what Im thinking.


    She pointed ahead. They were getting closer to the square where the sky-pier was.


    When we get there, Ill take Brutus and go and just walk around. Get close to people without getting too close: if the mana vampire shows, the fact that some random woman is there with a cerberus shouldnt make it suspicious cos its never seen me before. Ill have Brutus sniff around.


    She looked at the massive cerberus. Bark if you smell Alex, Khalik or Najyah on anyone, okay?


    Brutus nuzzled her in acknowledgement.


    Good idea, Alex said, digging a Potion of Sensory Enhancement from his bag. Give this to Brutus, itll sharpen his nose even more. If the mana vampire doesnt show up in the squareand I hope it doesntthen thisll help Brutus track our scents on it, and give you a better chance of hunting it downter.


    Thanks, she said, taking the potion.


    If things were less tense, it would''ve been almostical watching Theresa pull out a small, tin water bowl, filling it with potion and then coaxing Brutus to drink as they walked.


    He shook the humorous thought from his head as they entered the square.


    That is not good, Nua-Oge murmured.


    The sky-pier was crowded.


    A huge clot of people surrounded it on all sides, but they were keeping distant from each other, and ncing around with distrustful eyes. At the sky-pier itself, several of the city guards were checking people over as they boarded sky-gonds.


    Alex looked up and saw an endless line of the sky-gonds embarking and disembarking from the pier. In some ways he was surprised to see so many sky-gondoliers: they were running the risk of possibly taking a mana vampire aboard their boat and transporting it to safety, if it didnt kill anyone else on board who had mana first.


    Then again, there was a golden opportunity to make a lot of coin from people fleeing from the area, heading in all directions.


    As they entered the square, they joined the masses.


    Right, Grimloch said. Im going to circle all these people. See if I see or smell anything strange.


    WelI separate too, then, Theresa said.


    Be careful, Selina whimpered.


    Yeah, be careful, Alex echoed his sister.


    She gave them a grim nod and stepped away.


    That left Alex with Khalik, Isolde, Nua-Oge and some of the other wizards from Baelins ss. Shiani looked around cautiously, as did Caramiyus and Angr. Malcolm, Eyvinder, Rhea and Rayne had been busy with other ns.


    Ach, Isolde said. I should have let Hogarth and Svenia apany us: but I thought with such a number of us, I wouldnt need them. Who would have known we would need their steady hands and heads tonight?


    Well, we work with what we got, Alex said, watching everyone around them. We have to think, adapt and use anything we can to achieve our goal.


    They fell into an ufortable silence only broken by Selinas quiet whimpers.


    Alex nced at the cross section of streets, trying to think of a likely ce that it coulde from. They hade from the street to the south, whichy in the same direction as the attack. The first ce hed considered it woulde from was there, but if it was trying to lose its pursuers and confuse trackers, then itd likelye from somewhere else.


    North? he wondered. The exact opposite direction. Nomaybe that would be too obvious.


    He shook his head. He didnt have enough information to work with. None at all, as a matter of fact. Itd be impossible for him to predict where it wasing from without knowing more about how it thought and how it moved.


    His eyes turned to the east. Down the streetjust out of sightwas Shales workshop. Would it have gone there? There were plenty of golems and wizards there: it would be a good ce to draw mana and replenish its stores. Then again, Shales was well defended by security golems, and many of the crafters knew their way around a fi-


    Youre doing it again, Alex thought to himself. Clear your mind. You cant guess where itsing from. The only thing you can do is keep a lookout for it.


    He looked around the crowd. It was starting to thin toward the centre as the guards allowed more and more people to pass. There were few peopleing from the streets around the area: most had already fled, it seemed.


    Look for someone that seems to recognize me, he thought to himself. The mana vampire might be surprised to see me here. Look for that momentary reaction.


    He scanned the crowd carefully, looking for-


    Get back! he heard Angr bark.


    The entire group spun around to see the doberman beastman snarling at a portly man who had stepped too close to them.


    Right, right! Sorry! the terrified man said, holding his hands up and stepping away.


    Others in the crowd watched him and tried to step farther apart without losing their ce in the loose line-up.


    Steady, steady, Caramiyus ced his hand on Angrs shoulder.


    Alex felt Selina squeeze his hand.


    Alex she murmured. Are we going to be okay?


    Yeah, he said. Were going to be just fine, he said quickly.


    Are you sure?


    Yes, absolutely. Well make that mean mana vampire go away if we see it.


    Do not worry, Selina, Shiani added in her gentle way. The spirit of fire will gird us and see us through this. It will guard us against our enemies.


    Selina flinched, but then she nodded.


    Suddenly, what sounded like a pack of dogs barking shattered the quiet.


    The entire group whirled.


    Get your beast away from me! a woman screamed.


    Alex looked toward her voice. Brutus was growling and advancing on a portly woman with grey hair, who was stumbling back from him. Her hands were raised as if to shield herself. Neither of her arms looked to be obviously broken, but one arm was raised much higher than the other. That hand moved more freely as well. Stay away! she cried, seemingly in distress.


    Theresa was ring at the woman; her hand went to her sword.


    Hey! one of the guards cried. Control that beast! Thest thing we need is a panic!


    The clothes were different. The form was different. The mana vampire had been a man dressed in fine tailored trousers and a jacket: this was a woman in a rough peasants dress with a shawl around her shoulders. The creature had been escaping capture for so long because of one key traitits cunning.


    Alex took a deep breath. Hey! Hey you! he shouted.


    The woman startled and whirled, her eyes catching Khalik and Alexs faces. It was only for an instant, but a look of surprise flicked across her face.


    Its her! Alex shouted. Shes the one, Theresa!


    Theresas sword came out of its sheath in an instant.


    What? the woman cried. No!


    Hey, break that up! the guards shouted, pushing through the crowd toward themotion. Civilians tried to move out of their way.


    Dont move! the guard cried again.


    But Theresa was already leaping forward, her de swinging.


    The old woman held onto that look of terror for an instant longer before her face went ck.


    <em>Sqlch.</em>


    People screamed.


    The womans hands changed, sprouting those tentacled suckers.

 Chapter 144: The Beating

    Chapter 144: The Beating


    Khalik gasped. Theresa! Brutus! Get away-


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Mana sted toward the huntress and cerberus in a telekic wave.


    Brutus yelped as it mmed into him, pushing the massive cerberus back along the cobblestones; his nails scraped the uneven surface. His entire body shook as he tried to clear his heads.


    Brutus! Theresa cried, spinning out of the worst of the wave and darting forward, thrusting her great-grandfathers curved de.


    The mana vampire tried to leap back, but steel found its side, slicing the flesh in a push-cut and drawing blood. It shrieked.


    Disturbingly red blood oozed, but did not remain red for long.


    The monster warped back into its true, hideous form, sending<strong></strong>screams erupting through the crowd. When the city guards realized they were finally seeing the thing they had searched for for months, they were stunned into inaction. They stood gaping at the mana vampire before finally trying to push through the press of panicked civilians, while frantically blowing their whistles. Many of the sky-gondoliers took to the sky and fled, but others remained hovering at a safe altitude high above, watching the battle unfolding below.


    Dammit! Khalik swore. We have to get out of the-


    It was toote. The crowd rushed toward the group of young wizards, the press of bodies separating them.


    Alex! Selina screamed as her hand was nearly pulled from his grip, but he bent and quickly scooped her up, holding her close.


    Ive got you! he shouted. Hold onto me! Hold on tight!


    Alex felt little hands grasp his clothes as her arms wrapped around him as tightly as they could. He grimaced as she screamed near his ear. The rest of the group was forced apart, caught up in the stampeding crowd.


    Grimloch went charging around the mob, looking to nk the mana vampire.


    The shapeshifting monster shrugged off its clothes and scrambled back from Theresa, but the huntress was leaping into its guard.


    It looked panicked.


    While Alexenhanced by Thundars spend it had been evenly matched in speed, Theresa was faster than either of them. Her sword flickered at itshing in the eerie light of the sky-gondoliersnternsand the creature only barely escaped losing a limb, or being disemboweled.


    More and more cuts appeared on its flesh, and they were healing far slower than when it had fought Khalik, Alex and Thundar in the alleyway. Repeatedly, it tried raising its hands to st Theresa with mana, but each time the huntress de swung out to punish it for taking the risk.


    And from one of her strikes-


    <em>Schnk.</em>


    -the creature shrieked as a tentacled finger was sliced off its outstretched hand. The digit flew through the air, spurting blood.


    Growling, Brutus recovered from the telekic st, and the enraged cerberus charged around to nk it.


    With a shriek of panic, its entire body turned to mist, and both cerberus jaws and steel des passed through it. It swirled, quickly shimmering back into solid form, then rushing toward the fleeing crowd.


    Alex felt mana shift in the air, and suddenly, the glow from its blood dimmed.


    Theresa! Alex shouted. Its using its sleep magic!


    The mana vampires magic washed out of it in a wave.


    Brutus suddenly copsed and Theresa stumbled, shaking her head to clear the exhaustion. Even Grimlocing closer to the battlefell to the ground.


    Others in close proximity to the creature crumpled in sleep. Those with themlucky enough to be untouched by the magicreacted with horror and fear, shouting incantations in retaliation.


    No, dont! Alex shouted, but his words couldnt prate blind panic.


    Magic bolts shot at the mana vampire, while the creatures lightning-fast limbs snatched them from the air. The spells disappeared: sucked into its hands.


    Its blood glowed brighter.


    Stronger now, its wounds began closing as it leapt upon its victims, quickly draining their mana. They shriveled like ancient corpses. The guards were still fighting their way through the panicking masses, and the crowd was too thick to chance firing crossbow bolts at the feeding monster.


    Najyah! Alex heard Khalik. He saw the ited head of the prince rising above the crowd. Go, wake Grimloch and Brutus! He shouted in Tekish.


    The massive eagle shot toward the shark man and cerberus. Alex began conjuring a forceball; it might be able to help wake people as well. As he guided his thoughts through The Mark to better his aim, he could only watch as the mana vampire continued to drink its fill until finally, the guards burst through the crowd.


    Theresa recovered and charged it, but the creature had regained much of its strength. With seemingly little effort, it hoisted a sleeping victim up, continuing to drain him as it used the poor fellow as a living shield.


    The guards halted, and the mana vampire heaved its victim at them thenshed out with another invisible wave of sleep. Most of the guards instantly copsed and Theresa stumbled.


    It whirled on her, and its tongue lolled out of its mouth. Alex looked at its broken arm, realizing that it had healed, along with most of the other injuries. Its hands warped in shape.


    <em>Schnk.</em>


    Alexs heart stopped. Theresa! Watch out!


    ws burst from its finger-tipseach at least a foot longand it lunged at the recovering huntress. Theresa parried its rush of ws, but now she was on the defensive. Alex watched as mana poured out of its skin and out-lined its flesh, just like a body enhancement spell.


    The creatures reactions quickened.


    Theresa concentrated, her speed growing as well.


    The young huntress and the monster fought evenly for a timewith de shing against mana-hardened wsbut time was on the young womans side.


    The crowd was finally dispersing from the square, giving Alex, Khalik, Isolde, Nua-Oge, Shiani, Angr and Caramiyus room to maneuver.


    Najyah hadnded beside Grimloch and was pecking at the shark man to wake him, while Alex had finished casting his forceball. He shot it straight to the sleeping cerberus, nudging Brutus gently to wake him.


    The mana vampire hissed when it saw more attackers. Another wave of sleep mmed out. Najyah slumped onto Grimloch, and both he and the cerberus stopped moving.


    Alex cursed as Theresa fought against its conjured<strong></strong>exhaustion. She warily<strong></strong>parried a flurry of ws with her sword and hunting knife, while shaking off the sleep spell. The creature drove her back with another quick telekic st then rushed toward more sleeping victims.


    Get back, monster! Khalik shouted, shooting a swarm of sharp rocks toward the thing. Leaping out of the way of the stones, it red at Khalik then scanned its surroundings.


    Alexs eyes narrowed.


    You can drain the magic from spells, he thought. But youre not immune from physical objects if they actually hit you even if theyve been conjured by magic, are you?


    Theresa moved between it and the closest escape route.


    Alex conjured a rock from the elemental ne of earth and gripped it tightly.


    If youve got anything solid to conjure and throw at it, use those kinds of spells! he shouted to hispanions.


    The creature red at him and began to charge.


    Alex gasped, backing away, holding tightly to Selina.


    Theresa went pale and charged after it.


    Selina screamed.


    Then theirpanions stepped in.


    The creature stumbled to the side as Shiani abruptly shot a spear of hardened obsidian at it, then it ducked low as Isoldeunched a pair of conjured iron spikes.


    They missed and it straightened up.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The monster yelped, stumbling backward as Nua-Ogre smashed it in the chest with a chunk of frozen sea-water the size of one of Thundars fists.


    Ek-u-Dari curses you, monster! Nua-Oge roared. She curses you into the depths of a maelstrom!


    The creature healed itself, hissing at her.


    <em>Schnk.</em>


    The hiss turned to a screech.


    As its healing wasplete and it prepared to charge again, Theresa caught it, her de shed across its back.


    The mana vampire dropped to all fours and scrambled away; its limbs moving unnaturally, like some sort of humanoid crab. The wound on its back was healing quickly, but Alex could see that now its blood was losing the glow as it retreated from Theresa; the stolen mana was waning.


    It had to spring away from a swarm of sharpened rocks Khalik shot at it. But, one found its target, piercing deep into its side. It shrieked and stiffened, grabbing its side. The huntress darted in close, her des raised to take advantage.


    Suddenly, its hands shot up, sting another wave of telekic force.


    <em>Bam!</em>


    Alex and Selina screamed. Khalik, Isolde, and the other wizards cried out in rm.


    Theresa was catapulted through the air and crashed onto the cobblestones. Her sword flew from her hand. The mana vampire ran straight for her, and pounced-


    <em>Schnk.</em>


    <em>-</em>right onto the point of Theresas hunting knife.


    With boths hands gripping the hilt of therge de, she let the creatures weight do the work, sliding onto the steel as it came down. Its eyes flew wide as its mouth let out a wail of agony. Wasting no time, Theresa shoved it aside, then followed up with a heavy kick to the knee that sounded like the crack of a firework.


    The mana vampire gurgled and choked, rising up quickly and easing the de from its belly; it dragged its shuddering form away. The stomach wound began to close, but the glow of its blood dimmed further.


    Thats it! Alex cheered. Get him, Theresa! Beat him down!


    Hearing the changing sounds of the battle and Alexs cheer, Selina turned her head around.


    And she watched.


    The mana vampire was panting now; two fights in one night and being hunted was eating away at its mana.


    It looked around in desperation as Theresa got upwith death in her eyesand stalked toward it, looking at her fallen sword.


    Even though it still had its deadly<strong></strong>ws to attack with, it continued to limp away from her, focusing on healing itself. Another invisible wave of sleep drifted from it, but this time, Theresa merely dismissed it with a shake of her head and kept advancing.


    Its focus was narrowed on her, ignoring its surroundings. Alex looked at the stirring forms of Brutus and Grimloch, awakened by his forceball a safe distance from the range of the sleep magic.


    Oblivious to everything but the approaching Theresa, the mana vampire ced all of its attention on its pursuer, swiping at her, trying to keep her at bay, and then-


    <em>Schnk.</em>


    <em>-</em>it screamed.


    One of Isoldes iron spikes pierced its back, and the impact spun it around. Shianis obsidian spear then shed it across the side. Its blood dimmed further as it desperately concentrated its stolen mana on healing.


    Its focus left Theresa for an instant.


    A mistake.


    She darted within its guard, her fist driving out.


    <em>Bang.</em>


    To bury itself in the monsters gut. It doubled over in pain.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Her knee shot up, smashing squarely into its chin.


    The mana vampires skull whipped back, flinging it backwards. Now she went to retrieve her sword and knife, leaving it for a moment. The creature rose to its feet, taking the moment to try for escape.


    It turned and hobbledright into Brutus waiting jaws.


    <em>Crnch!</em>


    Two of the cerberus mouths snapped down on an arm, and the sound of shattering bone as well as its scream ripped through the square. Brutus shook the thing like a dirty rag, snapping the jaws of his third head at its other arm to keep its iling ws away.


    Shrieking and dripping dimming blood, the mana vampire fought to get away from Brutus.


    <em>hrrrrp!</em>


    Its arm tore off.


    Blood sprayed through the air, dimming until there was barely a glow left. The wound feebly worked to heal, trying to keep it from bleeding out in the town square.


    It moved away from the cerberus and a re-armed Theresa, turning to get to the nearest street, but Grimlochtwitching with ragewas rushing toward it, cutting off its escape.


    It changed direction, running awkwardly from all of them, yelping in fear; it was <em>still</em> naturally fast and thest of the mana enhancing it had yet to fade. But, it was barely managing to keep ahead of them.


    Alex gasped: the path it was on was bringing it right toward the line of young wizards from Baelins ss.


    Move! Khalik cried and they scattered, but Alexcarrying his sistermoved a half-step slower.


    The creatures eyes glinted with malice and recognition when it saw him. It charged directly for him...and Selina.


    Selina screamed.


    Panic surged through Alex. The thing was smart. It knew how to press any advantage it could find. Seeing him with his mana and a child-


    His blood froze.


    A child who <em>also</em> had mana.


    It would drain them both.


    Its pursuers wouldnt get to it in time. Khalik was yelling something.


    Theresa was screaming. Selina was screaming.


    His ssmates were shouting.


    His mind moved quickly.


    What did he have?


    The rock. He still had the rock gripped in one hand.


    Concentrating on the idea of throwing, he activated The Mark, which called up memories of throwing objects all the way back to when hed tossed coins to distract the crowd at the gates of Alric.


    Focusing on the motion and maximizing its precision, he lightly tossed the rock forward. It missed the mana vampire, rolling on the ground before it.


    But he wasnt aiming for it.


    In its headlong rush toward food and salvation, it stepped directly on the rolling rock. The monster lost footing, falling forward and crashing onto the cobblestones.


    It tried scrambling to its feet as Alex stepped back, holding his little sister and looking at the creature closely. Try looking up, he advised it.


    A massive shadow fell over the monster.


    It froze, turned and almost reluctantly, looked up.


    Grimloch loomed above it; his massive fist was cocked back. His shark lips parted in a toothy grin. Smile, you son of a-


    <em>Bang!</em>


    His gigantic fist crashed into its head like a falling star.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Its skull mmed into the cobblestones so hard that it actually bounced. Then Grimlochs other fist fell.


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>


    The shark man smashed its chest and shoulders into the cobblestones again and again, driving the breath from it, bruising flesh and snapping bone. Then Theresa was on it, stomping on its legs until they cracked and turned at crooked angles. Brutus swept in and savaged its remaining arm, tearing it apart from the elbow down.


    The wizards watched grimlyeven Selinaas they beat the creature within an inch of its life. With a quickmand to Brutus, Theresa and the cerberus backed off of it, and Grimloch followed a momentter.


    Atst, the creature that had terrorized Generasi for months was brought down and captured.


    It hadnt fallen to some brave heros shing longsword, or a hunters spear or a clever archwizards ingenious trap. In the end, the mana vampire was brought down by a bunch of angry young wizards, and a good and well-deserved beating for their friend it had tried to kill.


    Alex nodded grimly at the creature. Sleep well, you scum-sucking leech. Youre in for a bad night. And its only just beginning.

 Chapter 145: Preparing the Specimen

    Chapter 145: Preparing the Specimen


    To say that the mana vampire had seen better days would be an understatement. It would likely be dead already if its battered body werent using itsst dregs of stolen mana to cling to life.


    One of its arms had been torn away, leaving nothing more than a stump from partway down its bicep. Its other armwhile still attachedwas broken in three ces and had been shredded by cerberus fangs. Mana had been able to only close the wounds slightly, leaving a discoloured mess of thin-looking skin over ragged, gaping wounds.


    The creature was so bruised, that very little of its original skin colour remained: it was mostly a blue-purplish shade from head to toe. Its legs had been snapped by the ferocious stomping Theresa had given it with her enhanced strength, and were bent at horrifying angles.


    Alex squinted.


    He could swear he saw Grimloch-sized fist imprints throughout its torso. It twitched asionally and was breathing, but was definitely unconsciousbut, if it should wake uphe doubted it would be going anywhere anytime soon.


    How gruesome, Isolde said. I would almost feel sorry for the creature had it not done what it did to Thundar.


    Angr growled. I almost want to finish. He looked at Alex. You say your ns going to make it suffer?


    Oh yeah, Alex said. Like you wouldnt believe.


    Good, Carmiyus said.


    Khalik walked over to the creature and spit on it. For Thundar and Najyah. He looked at Alex. Now let us be done with this.


    Yeah. Alex agreed, then looked at Selina. Do you want to get down now?


    She nodded quietly and slowly slid down to stand on the cobblestones. The little girl was staring at the fallen creature, her jaw hardened. Serves it right for hurting Thundar, and you, and Khalik and Najyah, and Theresa and Brutus and everyone else like that.


    Alex nced at his sister.


    Well, that was a bit of a bloodthirsty statement. Where had thate from?


    He frowned, thinking about what shed been exposed to in the past half year. Being hunted by monsters and seeing them killed in The Cave of the Traveller. The mana vampire being killed by Fan-Dor and Gel-for. Alexs stories about the monsters Baelins ss had fought and killed in The Barrens of Kravernus.


    Recently, shed also heard about Minervus murder. And now, this attack.


    Selina had been exposed to an awful lot of violence in the past little while; he would need to have a talk with her about it.


    The guards began to wake up, groaning and blinking as they did. They first checked in with one other, finding out which of them hadnt been knocked out and knew what had happened in the townsquare while the rest of them had been out cold. Then, some went to offer aid to people the mana vampire had drained, providing sks of mana-soothing potions to help their recovery. Some folks were beyond help so the guards called for transport for those bodies, and also got help for anyone needing to go to the infirmary.


    Others moved toward Alexs group who were standing around the mana vampire, their eyes warily on it.


    Im guard captain Giorno,<strong></strong>is this thing dead? one of them asked.


    No, Alex said. But, its definitely subdued. Broken legs. Ripped up arms, and its low on mana to heal itself from the look of it. Well tie it up as soon as we get some rope, but we''re watching it closely.


    Alex prepared himself for resistance, wondering if the guards would kill it on the spot.


    Right, it does look properly subdued. The guard captain went over and kicked it to make sure it wasnt conscious. Ya, Id say it''s properly subdued alright. Are you wizard students from the university, because a couple of my men said your group was casting spells at it?


    Some of us are, some arent. Why? Alex answered.


    Well, because since youre wizards, will you be taking it away, are you iming it under The Right to Specimens, and assuming all responsibilities therein? the guardsman asked.


    Uh, the what now? Alex asked.


    The guard gave him a look, then pulled out a booklet from one of his satchels. Right, first time capturing a dangerous monster in Generasi, eh? Well, The Right to Specimens is under Section 3.1.7 of the Code of Punitive Measures Against Monsters: any resident of Generasi may im a monster that is under bounty by the cityliving or deadfor the purposes of dissection, vivisection, alchemical extraction, research or sacrifice.


    He paused, turning the page. The monster will be recorded as being under your custody and if it harms anyone during that time, you will be held in full responsibility for its actions. You have one day and one night to appear before a public officer with proof of the monsters destruction, or to apply for an extension to the period of custody. Note that failure to do either of these actions will result in a fine no less than five hundred gold pieces plus the current bounty levied for the monster. Will it be you thats taking custody?


    Alex nced around as all of his friends took arge step away from him. yes.


    Perfect, then we shall need your name and a few signatures once the investigation team arrives.


    Alex blinked.


    Right, he thought. City of Wizards. Of course theyd have a use for researching captured monsters. What else would a wizard want to do with one?


    He nced down at the mana vampire, remembering how the one on Fan-Dors ship had turned to mist after theyd killed it. He was d it had simply evaporated because had it lived, iming it and bringing it to Generasi with him would have been a little awkward.


    And on that note, its time to get things rolling.


    The paperwork took some time, butby the endAlex was technically the custodian or owner of one mana vampire. The investigators took statements from everyone present and loaded the victims into more sky-gonds that were painted white.


    Eventually, Alexs group was finally given leave to go about their business.


    The next issue was Selina.


    I dont want to go, I want to stay with you! she yelled, stomping her foot.


    Theres no way, he told her. Youre going back to campus. Shiani was very nice and said that she would take you there, okay?


    No, please let me stay, please! she begged. Please!


    No way, little goblin, he said. Were going to that dangerous ce that we go to with Baelin. Its safe there for us, but too dangerous for you. If everything goes well, we wont be gone long and be back in about an hour or two. Then you cane with us for some of the next part since well be doing that on campus, okay? Itll be much safer if youre with Shiani for now. Andif you go back to campuswell be safer too because we won''t have to watch out for as many people.


    Her lips trembled and she looked like she was on the verge of an outburst of tempersomething she hadnt done for half a decade or morebut she finally sniffed a couple of times, swallowed, then slowly nodded. Youd better be back soon.


    I will, he said, bending and kissing her on the forehead. I will.


    He let her join Shiani, Angr, and Caramiyus on their way back to campus. Alex and the remainder of the group<strong></strong>stood waving as they watched them depart on a sky-gond.


    Then Isolde turned to them.


    I she grimaced. I want to join you in The Barrens, but I worry for Thundar. I think I shall go to the infirmary and see if the fact that we are in a cabal together will at least let them tell me how he is, even if I cant see him.


    She red at the mana vampire. Please ensure that itsst moments are miserable.


    You bet I will, and now, the streets will be safer too. Alex said, gripping her shoulder. Welle and see Thundar as soon as we can, if they let us in. And by the way, good job tonight.


    She nodded and then left to board another sky-gond.


    That left Theresa, Khalik, Najyah, Grimloch, Brutus and Nua-Oge with Alex.


    So, were going to finish this together, then? he asked.


    Wouldnt miss it, Theresa said, ring at the brutalized monster.


    Right, then watch this thing for a few minutes. Ill be right back.


    He moved quickly, running down the street.


    Shales Workshopclosed to the public, but almost always staffedwas still working well into the night on theirtest projects. Alex had the night off, and Lagor and Carmen werent working, but the others knew him.


    It took a bit of convincing, but he managed to get someone who was on break to open the supply centre for him. When he was in there, he put a long length of rope and a mana conductor on his employees credit, nning to bring payment for the items tomorrow.


    The mana conductoreven with his employee discountcost a whopping one hundred gold coins: a sum he wouldnt even have begun to consider spending if it werent for the fact that hed be receiving a good chunk of coin for the mana vampire soon, as well as something from Baelin for the xyrthak eggs.


    Itd be well worth the price, too.


    By the time he got back, he saw Theresa, Khalik and a familiar sky-gondolier talking near the sky-pier.


    Lucia seemed a bit different: far more animated than usual. The sky-gond hanging above her was far longer and wider than the few hed seen her flying around the city. It was probably one that was used to transportrger groups, or for moving a quantity of supplies somewhere.


    The mana vampire stilly broken and motionless on the ground, guarded by Grimloch, Brutus and Nua-Oge.


    No, Lucia was saying and her voice actually sounded alive. And very agitated. You want to fly to The Barrens after nightfall, with a half-dead mana vampire in <em>my</em> gond? Are you crazy? If that thing wakes up, well all be its dinner!


    I do not think you quite understand what you are refusing, Khalik said. I-Alex!


    Lucia turned as Alex approached them, and her eyes widened. You?


    Hello, Alex said. Im going to keep this simple. Listen, we want you to take us into The Barrens. It wont be far from the wall separating the countryside from the wastes, and it wont be dangerous. That area used to be xyrthak territory-


    Her eyes went wide.


    -now let me finish, he said quickly. But we killed it a few days ago. It is dead, and I doubt theres going to be anything else deadly around there, yet. And if theres say, some muupkaras or a bone drinker around, then youll be with a bunch of people that killed a xyrthak, and beat the ever-loving shit out of a mana vampire. And, in return for you doing this


    He paused, thinking over sums and what he could expect from the reward. The guards had informed them that the bounty had risen to three thousand gold coins.


    Evenly divided among everyone whod been a part of itswell, its beating, hed still have plenty left to spend, even taking into ount buying the mana conductor.


    So, he decided he could afford to be generous.


    Okay, he said. Ill pay you thirty gold coins to take us there. Ill give you what I have right now, which is five gold, and bring you twenty-five more tomorrow. All you have to do is take us there, then take us back to campus. You dont even have to get out of the gond.


    Lucia actually gasped at the sum.


    Khalik cleared his throat. I am prepared to match that amount. Think of it: a little risk, to be sure, but you will make sixty gold coins for an hour or two of your time. Is that not worth it? Know that if you say no, we will find someone else who will take the coin.


    Lucias eyes narrowed.


    Alex could see the war going on in her head. On the one hand, he could see her cautioncaused by whatever happened to her at the universitytelling her to just forget them and move on. On the other hand, there was something that Alex knew all too well.


    Hed been trapped in a dead-end job too, having to deal with unpleasant customers, a problematic boss, and the day-in-day-out of long hours and low pay. It could be crushing after a while, and Lucia both looked and sounded like shed been crushed by it.


    Shed once been on the path to bing a full-fledged wizard and a graduate of Generasi, then tragedy or some ident had taken that from her. Now, was an opportunity toif not break that cycleat least start toy a path out of it.


    Even in Generasi, sixty gold pieces was a <em>lot </em>of coin.


    It was a sum that would be worth several months of <em>his</em> work at Shale''s Workshop, which paid better than a lot of other jobs in the city.


    Sixty gold coins for an hoursbour and a bit of risk.


    Enough gold to maybey the foundation for something new.


    When he''d been given an opportunity like that, hed fled his homnd to take it.


    Byparison, this risk was far less.


    Lucia exhaled, atst something had won out in her.


    Alright, she said. Thirty-five gold upfront. Ill be working the evening shift tomorrow, so the other twenty-five tomorrow before supper. The moment I <em>see</em> anything bigger than a muupkara up there, Im gone. I keep the thirty-five, and you find your own way back. Got it?


    Alex looked at Khalik and the prince nodded.


    Sensible to me, he said. Come, then. The Barrens await.

 Chapter 146: The Worlds Worst Teabag

    Chapter 146: The World''s Worst Teabag


    The wind whipped through their hair as Lucia drove the sky-gond at its maximum safe speed. Alex hadnt known that the boats <em>could</em> fly that fast, but was d that they could since time was a factor tonight.


    He looked at the mana vampire in the front end of the sky-gond. Theresa had hog-tied the thingwrenching its damaged limbs as she didthen wrapped the rope around its knees for extra security. The creature could only moan in its unconscious state, and did not wake up.


    Grimloch sat behind it, watching it intently. Theresa sat on the other side of itnearer to the frontwith her sword close to its neck.


    Brutus was lying in the bottom of the boat, whimpering at the speed of the magical, flying vessel. The cerberus, shark man, and huntress formed a fine barrier of non-wizards between the mana vampire and potential food for it to drain.


    Behind Brutus sat the rest of their group, then Lucia in the back, whod pointedly made sure that they put as much distance between her and the monster as possible.


    Is it moving? she asked for what seemed like the tenth time.


    No, Grimloch rumbled.


    Still, she urged a little more speed from the sky-boat.


    Khalik red at the creature as they soared over the countryside with Najyah high above them until eventually, the green grass became sparser and sparser the closer they got to the wall and The Barrens themselves.


    Taking into ount the speed of the sky-gond and from the map that Baelin had shown them, it wouldnt be long before they reached the xyrthaks former territory, and the mana vent awaiting there.


    The rest of the group hardly said a word as they looked out over the moon-lit dusty wastes.


    Alex shivered. Cold, he muttered in surprise.


    Mmm, Khalik said. That is the way of any desert of sand or dust or rock. They are hotter than a devils spit during the day, but at night, they are as cold as a mountain top.


    Charming ce, Alex said, his attention being drawn to a light up ahead with ever shifting colours. Were getting close.


    Mm, Khalik said in anticipation.


    Alex turned and looked back at Nua-Oge. Thanks for being here, Nua-Oge, but you didnt have toe to The Barrens with us, you know? I mean, I appreciate the extra back-up, but you didnt have to be here for this part. Youve done a lot already.


    Well, Grimloch wanted to see his prey finished off, the schar said, her sharp teeth glinting in the moonlight. And I want it gone too. Besides, I wouldnt let my little brothere out here alone.


    Alex froze. What?


    Khalik blinked. Littlebrother?


    Adopted, Grimloch grunted. Obviously.


    Obviously, Alex said, dying to know what Grimlochs birth parents looked like.


    Well, you live and learn, Khalik murmured, then looked at Alex . Do you think it is going to work? Dumping the mana vampire into the mana vent?


    In theory, it should, Alex said. Mana vampires feed off of and process mana from a bunch of different people then convert it into their own to use, right? They even convert the mana from spells into raw power for themselves.


    He nced at the creature. So this thing has the ability to convert mana within itself to be usable, but theres a limit to it, like Isolde confirmed. If it could absorb a mana vents wild manawith all the power that a vent could providethen mana vampires wouldnt have to attack people and bring attention to themselves. Theyd just skip the city and go right to The Barrens and absorb whatever they needed to live. Or they could just absorb the stuff out of the air. Thats what Im thinking, at least.


    His eyes hardened. But with those suckers, the mana from the mana vent <em>will</em> get sucked into it and wreakplete havoc inside of it, just like with us.


    Khalik raised an eyebrow. And then what happens? From the sound of it, that would likely kill it.


    In time, yes. Thats what <em>this</em> is for. Alex raised the mana conductor. I learned how to guide mana reactions from working with some pretty wild stuff at work and in ss. So, Im gonna jab the mana vampire with this conductor and keep it stable until we get back to campus. If it starts to get out of control, Ill try to adjust the mana, but Im hoping it doesnt.


    Heh, how fitting, the prince said. All this trouble it has been giving to drain others of mana, and now it will get its fill and morewhich will prove to be its undoing.


    Lucia set the boat down far from the mana vent. Khalik, Brutus and Nua-Oge stayed with her while Alex, Theresa and Grimloch dragged the beast toward the vent.


    We should do this fast, Theresa said. You won''t be able to tolerate that vent for long.


    My thoughts exactly, Alex said. Well do it quick, like dumping a teabag.


    Like hanging a fish up to dry, Grimloch echoed.


    Like draping a skin on a drying rack, Theresa added.


    The mana vampire stirred, groaning slightly.


    The mana in the air was getting thicker and rougher, but Alex clenched his teeth and kept going. He squinted as a group of vent-drinkerssleeping near the ventwoke up and ran screeching into The Barrens, kicking up dust as they went.


    Beforending, everyone in the sky-gond had checked the area from above, then again when theydnded. There was no sign of monsters nearby. No doubt some bold creature would eventually realize there was no longer a xyrthak around to protect its territory and would move in, but for now, things were clear.


    Suddenly, the mana vampire started screeching and jerking as though in pain.


    It awoke abruptlyjolted into consciousness by the intensity of the wild manashrieking and struggling against the ropes. Pain filled its cries, but Alex felt no sympathy for it. He wondered how many people it had heard scream when it was draining them.


    The group reached the side of the mana vent and Alex grimaced. Its power mmed against him, making him feel like he was walking through y. y that scratched and burned. He paused for a moment, watching the creature and letting his eyes adjust to the zing light of the vent.


    With its open suckers, the wild mana was hitting it much harder than it was him. It showed no sign of powering back up or absorbing the mana though, and seemed more like it was squirming to get away.


    Good.


    Dunk it, Alex said to Grimloch and Theresa.


    Haha, drink up, asshole, the shark man grinned as he and the huntress tossed the screaming creature over the side.


    The screech that erupted from the mana vent was horrifying. Again, he found no sympathy for it.


    He watched its silhouette writhing in the ventdangling on its ropeas wild mana sted it, blistering patches of its bruised skin like a sunburn.


    Then the creature started to swell.


    More and more, its lean frame filled out, looking increasingly like a bloating, sunburnt corpse. Alex gritted his teeth as difort built from being so close to the mana vent, but he stayed, watching the creature continue to swell and writhe in pain.


    Atst, he felt energy surging from the mana vampire.


    Hoist it up quick and lets move back,  he said, through clenched teeth.


    Theresa and Grimloch brought it up, moved back, and threw it on the ground.


    <em>Thump.</em>


    The swollen monster writhed like a slug in a bed of salt, trembling at the wild mana coursing through it. Its body seemed to be fighting to process it, but failing. A patch of reddened skin would knit together, then immediately split and blister. From the sheer number of burns coursing across its body, it was clearly not having much luck.


    To confirm its mana status, Alex took the new mana conductor and pressed it to the core of the monster.


    The mana was wreaking havoc through the creature: he could feel it. It sted through its flesh and all the mana pathways running within its body. Alex could feel the monster trying to process the mana andwhile there was a small amount being processedthe wild mana was overwhelming it and was too powerful. Its mana pool was already straining and leaking through the rest of its body.


    The wild mana had already caused some of its internal structures to rupture: only the small amount it could process was what was barely managing to keep it alive.


    The wild mana was burning it out far faster than it could repair itself.


    Okay. He nodded, grimacing as the oppressive weight of the wild mana increased. Hed been near the vent long enough. Lets get out of here. Itll hold up for a little while longer without stabilization, but weve gotta move.


    Lets go, Grimloch said, grabbing the mana vampires bonds and jogging away from the vent. Theresa kept pace and Alex followed, and they didnt stop until they were near the sky-gond.


    Khalik, Nua-Oge and Lucia looked tense as they watched them approaching.


    By the sapphire sea, the prince said. Look at it. It looks like its dying.


    It <em>is</em> dying, Alex said. Give me a second.


    He crouched down beside the mana vampire and pressed the mana conductor to it again. Searching around, he found a pulsating distended organ in its core that processed the mana the creature absorbed. He noticed something going on around that organ: there were multiple mana pathways throughout the creatures body, with valves that would open and close automatically. Its body had shut all of the pathways to the organ to stop it from beingpletely overwhelmed.


    In spite of this, the wild mana was so intense that some still seeped through the tiny valves and was reaching the processing organ anyway. It was processing some of what leaked through, but was burning out as it did.


    Alex concentrated, using mana maniption and The Mark to guide the reactions going on in the mana vampires body. He grimaced, as it was hard to manage it. Wild mana was well, wild, and he knew he couldnt settle it. The only thing he could do was guide it around the mana vampires body, shifting it from ce to ce in order to stop the mana from destroying too much of any section of its body.


    The wild mana <em>wanted</em> to move, so letting it circte in a controlled manner was a lot easier than trying to get it to settle or calm down. It was like redirecting force: often that was far easier than stopping it.


    Still, this could only be a temporary measure, because all he was doing by circting the mana through the creature was prolonging its inevitable end. He needed to get it to theb quickly to transform the wild mana into usable mana for other things.


    Like golems.


    Lets move with all that speed you said this boat has, Lucia, Alex said. I can keep this thing stable, but Id like to get it to campus as soon as we can.


    Selina and Shiani were waiting for them on the grounds when they arrived and rushed to meet them.


    Alex! Selina cried.


    I couldnt pull her away, Shiani told him. She would not move until she saw you were back safely.


    Alex smiled, tousling his sisters hair. Theresa patted her on the back and Brutus licked her face.


    Ill be taking my downpayment now, Lucia said quickly. And Ill be seeing you for the rest tomorrow.


    Alex and Khalik paid her and watched her lift-offafter counting the coins.


    She was actually smiling, <em>almost </emughing.


    With a final nod of acknowledgement, she raced away through the sky; Alex hoped that the coin would give her the start to a better life for herself.


    He reached into his pocket and took out the key that Baelin had given him to theb. Alex wished Baelin and Jules were there, but it was the middle of the night and not only did he not know where Jules lived, but showing up at the chancellors mansion, or her home uninvited would probably not be a very weed idea.


    Any sign of Isolde? he asked.


    No, Shiani said.


    He bit his lip. The faster he got this done, the safer<strong></strong>it would be and the quicker he could go and see how Thundar was.


    Khalik let Najyah go free to hunt rabbits since she hadnt had anything to eat because of the mana vampire attacking her. As a matter of fact, neither had Alex or Khalik.


    Tell Najyah to bring us back some rabbit stew, Alex joked. We didnt even get anything to eat because of this mana sucking piece of garbage, and Im starving.


    Theresa jumped in, Yeah, Im hungry too.


    So, am I, said Selina, Nua-Oge, Khalik and Shiani at the same time.


    I wonder how mana vampire tastes? Grimloch wondered aloud.


    Everyone wentpletely silent for what felt like minutes before Theresa finally said, Hey, Selina, why dont we go and get something from the campus cafe? Theyre opente. And we can bring stuff back for everyone else?


    As she said it, she caught Alexs eye, then nced briefly at Selina, then back at Alex. He nodded once, understanding what she meant, then said to Selina, Thats a good idea Selina, that way you can choose exactly what you want and help Theresa bring food back for the rest of us. Whatd you think?


    Selina hesitated, But, I wanted to watch what youre going to do.


    Oh thats ok. The most important partll be getting the mana into the golem core, and we wont be doing that until tomorrow. So its fine if you go and get something to eat, and you can bring me back something too. Alex said.


    Are you sure you wont start the golem when were gone? She asked.


    Even if I could, Id never power it up without you being there. You and I worked on him together, so well power him up together, okay?


    Okay, as long as you dont start him without me then Ill go with Theresa. I <em>am</em> pretty hungry. Her stomach grumbled as if to confirm that.


    Alex mouthed Thanks to Theresa.


    Good choice, Selina, Theresa said to the little girl.


    Here, take my student disk so you can get into the building when youre ready, Alex said, handing Theresa the disk. We can use Khaliks to open the door.


    Pocketing the disk she said, How do sandwiches, pastries and cider sound to you guys? She asked the rest of the group. No one had anyints, so she, Selina and Brutus headed off on the food run.


    Khalik and Grimloch then wrapped the gurgling monster in a cloak while Alex kept the mana circting, then the shark man carried the bound, bloated form to the castle doors. Khalik used his student disk to open them and they headed through the towers to theb where Alex then used the key from Baelin to unlock it.


    He was the first to enter and as he stepped in; glowing force balls that shed a silvery light sprang to life, illuminating the space.


    Put it over there, he said to Grimloch, pointing to the massive mana vacuum in the corner. The shark man was carrying the monster by the ropes, while Khalik held his de on it.


    Everyone froze and stepped back as the Unseen Aids materialized.


    Its okay! Alex assured them. Youre with me, and I have a key. Otherwise, Im pretty sure theyd be attacking all of us right now.


    Comforting, Khalik said sarcastically.


    Nua-Oge and Shiani were gawking at the massive golem standing silently at one end of the room. Grimloch nodded at it with approval. Good style, he said as he dropped the mana vampire beside the vacuum.


    Alex got busy then, getting protective gear for everyone except Grimloch since everything was too small for the shark mans massive head and body. Nua-Oge came to the rescue, and cast a watershield over him to protect him from any mishaps. With that problem solved, Alex then moved around theb, preparing the necessary tools. He removed the cloak from the creature, pressed his mana conductor to the middle of its torso, and took up a stylus. He drew an X on the bound mana vampire, just above where its mana processing organ was located.


    He nced to the mana vuum; Jules words came back to him: <em>...you would need to stab yourself in the core of your body, and activate the vacuum for it to even be a threat. And even then, your mana is so safely tucked into you, that such a device wouldnt work at all unless you recently had a conduit opened to transfer mana directly in or out of your body. So, unless you were attacked by a mana vampire in the previous hour, donated to one, or somehow convinced one to donate its mana to you, then you would be safe. In such an event, though, I think you would have greater problems.</em>


    Well, the mana vampire was about to have greater problems.


    Alex pressed the conductor onto the gurgling, convulsing mana vampire. Alright, Khalik, I need you to do something for me. Youll be sending this creature to the afterlife, if there<em> is </em>an afterlife for mana vampires.


    The princes eyes lit up in excitement. What do you need?


    I need you to make an incision with this scalpel on that X, he said. Keep cutting until I say stop. Then put the mana vacuums wand into the hole you made. Then, you turn on the mana vacuum, and we drain this pile of garbage for everything its worth.


    Shianiwhose magic burnt monsters to deathmade a face. Gruesome, but poetic in a way.


    Ironic. Khalik took the instrument and looked down at the monster. You fed yourself by draining the mana of others. Now you shall serve others by having the mana drained from you.


    Do it, Khalik.


    The prince stabbed down.


    The creatures choking grew more frantic.


    Blood that glowed only slightly poured out.


    Okay, thats deep enough, Alex said. Now the vacuum.


    There was a sickening squelch as Khalik pushed the wand into the creatures body until it touched the mana processing organ.


    Alex looked down at the monster.


    Pull the switch, he said.


    The creatures gurgle became a sharp intake of breath<strong></strong>as Alexs mana maniption guided the wild mana to the closed valves until they were forced open by the pressure.


    Alex watched as the wild mana was drivenby his maniption, its own intensity, and the mana vacuums suctionright through the processing organ. The organ went into high activity, processing the mana rapidly; what came out still had strong intensity, but was actually usable.


    Molten power flowed up through the vacuum and into the mana waste container.


    As Alex guided some of the processed mana back into the organletting the mana vampires healing processes keep the organ from burning out too earlyhe thought back to something else Jules had told.


    She had been right: he <em>was</em> doing horrifying things.


    He hoped Baelin would appreciate the report.

 Chapter 147: The Siphoning

    Chapter 147: The Siphoning


    Horrory in the mana vampires eyes.


    It looked semi-conscious and partially delirious, but seemed toprehendat least in partwhat was happening to it.


    The creature tried to divert some of the processed mana to self-heal, but the mana vacuum was draining it directly from the organ that processed the mana. It had nothing to use.


    The wild mana in the rest of its body was still burning it out, now even faster than before since it couldnt direct any of the bits of mana it could process to heal any of the damage.


    Its swollen body began copsing inward as its bruised and wounded skin and flesh rapidly dehydrated. Blisters and burns<strong></strong>worsened. Its tongue and arm stumps iled, while its shattered legs spasmed, desperate to reach any of the nearby wizards.


    It even tried sucking the mana being drained back into itself, but had grown too weak to fight thebined skill of Alexs mana maniption, and the powerful suction of Baelins mana vacuum.


    Soon, its body had returned to its original size, but the withering didnt stop there. In moments, it had changed from a bloated monstrosity, to resembling the starving mana vampire on <em>The Red Siren.</em>


    Then it dried out further, reminding Alex of its shrivelled victims in the alley and townsquare.


    Its skin crackled like dry leaves and it began to wheeze.


    At that point, Alex stopped directing the processed mana back into the organ, which was the only thing that had been allowing it to heal. Now, thest of the wild mana was drawn throughburning the organ as it wentuntil finally it was choked off when there was no more wild mana left.


    All that remained was a dribble of natural mana in its body, trying to preserve its failing life processes.


    But, the mana vacuum didnt discriminate between wild mana and its own.


    The creature went limp as even the scant mana keeping it alive was drawn through the tube, and up into the mana waste container. Its body broke down, first bing a milky liquid, then drifting steam. Alex quickly siphoned some of the fluid into a potion sk, sealing it tightly.


    In the morning, when he went to report what hed done with the creature to the authorities, that could serve as proof that it was dead and gone.


    The vapor that remained swirled into a fine mist as thest dregs of its mana was drained away.


    Atst, the creature drifted into nothingness.


    Khalik looked down at the ropes that had been its bonds. Now that death has you, he said. And if there was a spirit in that form you held, then you can tell your victims souls that you know what you did to them. <em>If</em>you should meet them.


    Silencey throughout the room, and Alex turned to look at his friends.


    Nua-Oge and Shiani were<strong></strong>looking at the ropes with grim disgust.


    Grimloch was staring at the liquid sealed in the sk with a snarl, revealing menacing teeth.


    I smell food, he said abruptly. I think those guys are back. Will those things- he nodded toward the Unseen Aids, -start looking for a fight if I let em in? Primus and Secondus seemed to scowl at Grimloch as he red right back.


    Uhmmaybe Id better let them in to be on the safe side. Alex said, moving to theb door and opening it. Theres a room across the hall: a break room where we can eat.


    Alex took Theresa, and Selinacarrying bags of foodto the break room, followed by Brutus with some sort of bone in one of his mouths. The others followed, taking off their masks as they did.


    Lets eat! Grimloch shouted and was met with no resistance. Nua-Oge had to quickly dispel her protective spell on him before he started trying to eat <em>through</em> it.


    Theresa and Selinay the food out on an empty table and everyone dug in like locusts on a field of grain. After theyd finished eating, they wandered back to theb to finish cleaning up.


    Selina peeked her head in andnow that it was safewalked over to where the ropes stilly beside the mana vacuum.


    Is it gone now? Forever? She asked her brother.


    Oh yeah, Alex said. You cant get more dead than that.


    Good, she nodded. Good. And now what happens?


    Now. He looked at the golem. I use all the power we just took from that mana-leeching fiend, and we activate it. Well, I do. but we do that in the morning, after Baelins awake.


    He thought about the golem going crazy in Shales Workshop. Considering the many unknowns about the dungeon core substance, he didnt want to try activating it without an invincible goat wizard nearby within berserk golem-sting range.


    He checked the mana waste container.


    A lot of mana waste containers were only able to preserve mana within them for fairly short periods of time. The lower priced ones could do it for about an hour or two, while the more expensive ones were able to do it for a matter of hours.


    But, Baelins custom model could preserve mana inside of it for days.


    It would keep until morning.


    He felt out the mana inside. It was beautiful. The wild mana had been converted into usablethough still very intensepower. And there was a <em>lot</em> of it.


    With the sheer intensity and amount of mana, he could probably power five or six normal golems with the stuff.


    He chuckled. This was it. The problem of power had been solved. Now all that was needed was to direct it through the golem core in the morning. Hed have to spend part of the night writing a detailed report on what had happened as hed promised Baelin he would, though. It had been a long day, and had turned into an even longer night.


    A fine kill and congrattions, Nua-Oge was looking up at the golem. Have you named it yet? Its a ygon, yes?


    Alex blinked. A what now?


    Ah, sorry, I mispronounced it in themon tongue, she exined. y golem, I meant.


    ygon Selina said. Alex, that names awesome! It sounds really cool!


    Alex paused, thinking about it. The golem had the ability to evolve, so having y in its name wouldnt be urate once it began to change.


    then again.


    Wouldnt that be fun?


    Attackers punched by a stone or iron golem named <em>ygon</em> would be pretty hrious. It was one thing to be stomped by a golem or warrior with a really cool, badass namebut being stomped to death by something that was named by a slip of the tongue and a little girls enthusiasm?


    Wouldnt that be just in <em>embarrassing?</em>


    Alex grinned.


    I like it, He said. I like it a lot! ygon it is!


    Selina cheered and jumped for joy as the golem was named, while the others had mixed expressions on their faces.


    I feel very sorry for any children you have, Alex. Khalik shook his head. They shall have <em>terrible </em>names.


    Hows he doing? Alex asked as he stepped up beside a seated exhausted looking dark-haired young woman.


    Isolde blinked blearily, squinting up at Alex, Khalik and Theresa. Nua-Oge, Shiani and Grimloch had gone home, but asked them to let them know how Thundar was tomorrow. Selina had fallen asleep on the way over and Alex was carrying her.


    Isoldes smile was faint. Youre here. Good.


    The infirmary waiting area wasrgely deserted at this time of night. Only a few people were waiting in the rows of chairs facing a front desk and doorway leading further into the squat, one-story building.


    It was much busier earlier, Isolde said. The other victims were brought in and there was much activity then, but now things have quieted down. As for Thundar She shook her head. The drain was very badbut thankfully, not as bad as it could have been. His mana pool has been damaged, but it is not to the point where it is crippled. They said he would recover with treatment, time and rest.


    Sighs of relief went through the group.


    you dont seem to be happy, Theresa pointed out.


    Well, it is not all good, Isolde said. He cannot use magic for at least three weeks while his pool recovers. It will greatly put him behind in his studies.


    Alex nearly burst outughing.


    Leave it to Isolde to be thinking about Thundars academic well-being right now.


    Will they let us see him? He asked her.


    She shook her head. He is sleeping now. They say that when he awakens he will be able to take visitors, but it will take time for his body to recover. He is not likely to wake for a couple of days yet.


    Nothing for it, then, Alex said. Well have to let him rest up.


    Is the monster dead? she asked.


    Oh yes, Khalik said. And it was not a peaceful death.


    Good, Isolde said. Thundar will no doubt be happy with that news.


    In his office, chancellor Baelin doubled over in a <em>third</em> fit ofughter. The goatmans beard sps rattled as he pounded the desktop in absolute glee.


    Oh, this is <em>too</em> rich! he roared. Stuffing a mana vampire like a roasted pig and then draining it dry! What an absolutely <em>barbaric </em>and <em>mad</em> scheme!


    Hisughter filled the air for a good minute as he continued flipping through Alexs report.


    The tired, yet excited young wizard sat before Baelins desk, watching him in shared amusement.


    Knowing Baelins propensity forwell, killing things and taking their skulls, hed had the feeling that the ancient wizard would approve of how hed made use of the mana vampire.


    He hadnt expected <em>this</em> enthusiastic of a reaction, though.


    There were times when he couldnt help but wonder if Baelin waspletely mad. Then againconsidering how old he was and how much things had changed around him, maybe the world seemed mad to him.


    Finally, the chancellor closed the notebook and wiped tears from his eyes. I swear. He shook his head. You flee your country to avoid battling monsters under your gods yoke, and yet here you are, having yourpanions beat a mana vampire almost to death and then using it as a mana sponge! Youve got a vicious streak in you, to be sure.


    Well, I saw an opportunity and took it, just like you encourage us to do. Alex shrugged matter of factly. Is the report okay, is it detailed enough?


    Oh, yes, Baelin said. It absolutelyys out everything you did in detail. He looked at a new timepiece on the wall. Right. Since I have a meeting shortly, will you be avableter for the grand activation of one He squinted at the paper. ygon? Really?


    Well, yeah, Alex said. My sister and Nua-Oge named it.


    Baelin cocked his head. And you went along with this?


    Alex exined his reasoning on how an enemy might feel being defeated by something named ygon.


    Ah, I see, Baelin said. Im not sure if I will ever understand your perverse sense of humour, Alex, but I cannot argue with the results. But to think you would pump a mana vampire full of wild mana and drain it. Of all the ways to power a golem


    Y-yeah, Alex muttered, thinking of how Baelin had used him of having a perverse sense of humour. The same had just enjoyed a longugh reading about them beating a monster within an inch of its life, filling it with wild-mana that could easily have killed it, and then harvesting the mana like they were taking grapes to make wine.


    He decided not to point that out.


    Probably wisely.


    Honestly, Baelin said. I <em>thought</em> that to solve your power problem you might consider growing and then crushing any of the mana-rich, carnivorous nt species found in the greenhouse to extract their power for your needs. Or perhaps harvest monsters from The Barrens. Or even repeatedly brew the right potion and simply extract the mana each time. I had even considered the possibility that you might ask a supervisor at your workce for a hand. But thiswell, this was nowhere in the realm of possibilities I could have imagined. It was inspired! I cannot wait until Professor Jules finds out. He burst intoughter again.


    You are utterly mad, Professor Jules said with no trace of amusement on her face. Utterly,pletely and totally out of your mind, Mr. Roth. There are tomes and ys written to horrify audiences about mad wizards that engage in unnatural experiments. I am half-convinced that one day, one will be written about <em>you.</em>


    Uh Alex blinked. Thanks?


    That wasnt apli- She stopped, making the sort of noise that a choking mule would make when dying under a hot sun.


    I find it fairly amusing, Vernia, Baelin smiled. <em>Very</em> amusing, actually.


    Well, I suppose you <em>can </em>be amused, Jules said. I am doing my best to direct a good student, while you enjoy crafting maniacs.


    Arent you the one that let him assist in a ritual to summon a shoggoth, Vernia? Baelin said. You put him on the path of evil warlock from legend before I ever did.


    She paused. Bah, I suppose we shouldnt split hairs, she said quickly. There is a golem to activate after and an audience to satisfy. She slowly looked toward the opposite end of theb in mild disapproval.


    It was a bit more crowded than usual.


    Theresa, a sleepy Selina, Khalik and Isolde were sitting on the other side of the chamber. Thundar of course, hadnt awoken yet, and everyone else whod fought the mana vampire the night before were getting some much deserved sleep.


    More importantly though, there was no way they could be aware of the true gravity of this situation: they thought that Alex had simply made a golem. They had no clue about dungeon core remains, or how monumental using them in a golem core was.


    Brutus wasnt there because as Baelin had said: Bringing arge beast into ab just to spectate might be taking things too far and could be enough to give Vernia a heart attack.


    Already, it was pretty obvious she didnt approve of so many spectators, especially the non-wizard ones, and the only reason she didnt object more forcefully was because Baelin had erected a magic ward in a circle around them to protect them from potential mishaps or catastrophe. Hed also made sure everyone was fit with protective equipment: even using a spell to shrink down an apron and mask to Selinas size.


    The sleepy girl kept rubbing at it, and Theresa kept moving her hands away.


    Shall we begin, then? Baelin said.


    Yes, Alex looked up at the golem. Lets bring ygon to life.


    Jules snorted. My goodness, Mr. Roth, as gifted as you are in alchemy, is as <em>ungifted</em> as you are in naming things.

 Chapter 148: Roth; or, The Magical Prometheus

    Chapter 148: Roth; or, The Magical Prometheus


    Alex washed his hands then turned to ygon.


    Professors, would you mind uhhelping me with the activation process? Alex asked. I know Im supposed to do this alone, but Ive never activated a golem outside of a team of four: a crafter and three assistants. Im not sure if I can do it by myself, especially with the special nature of the core and the mana that Im using.


    Of course, Baelin said. You have solved the major hurdle and have learned from italthough not the lesson I anticipated that you would learn. Expecting you to handle this by yourself would just be irresponsible.


    Jules shook her head. Because wild mana forcibly processed through a mana vampire organ is not irresponsible, apparently. But, yes. Agreed. We will all learn much from this. We <em>should </em>work together.


    Perfect, Alex said.


    Together they divided the tasks: Baelin would jump-start the mana process, Alex would power up the section that controls the golems movements as well as the section that connects with its master to receive instructions. Jules would work on the section<strong></strong>responsible for connecting to the embedded fire-gems.


    Then, they would all join together to activate the golems power generation.


    Alex called out the floating tform that the golem stood on and then used adderalso floating, because of course Baelin would have a floatingdder in hisboratoryto climb up the side of the creation. He slowly and carefully imnted the fire-gems.


    He embedded the first one into the palm of ygons<strong></strong>upper-right arm, and then the second into the palm of its upper-left arm. Thest he embedded in the hole in its forehead that he and Selina had sculpted in the center of its helmet. A third eye.


    For a time hed considered using all three of the fire-gems as eyes like how theyd been set in the goddess statues. But hed reconsidered that when he came up with the idea of cing two of them in two of the golems four hands and one in its forehead. That way, it could direct fire beams in two different directions at once while firing in a third direction from its third-eye.


    Perfect for mass destruction.


    Once the gems were embedded, Alex paused, thinking about the first time hed seen them gleaming in the goddess eyes. Hed needed to think fast to stop them from sting the four of them to ashes in The Cave of the Traveller, but some long-term thinking had let him turn them into his permanent weapons.


    He shook his head. Life was incredibly strange at times.


    Something the matter? Baelin asked.


    No, sorry, just thinking about things, Alex said quickly as he climbed back down.


    He ordered the floating tform holding ygon to hover in front of the mana vacuum and waste container, then nced at Professor Jules. You know, if it werent for you, I couldnt have managed this. Seriously, thank you for introducing me to alchemy, professor. I owe you a lot.


    The older woman paused for a moment, a strange look passing through her eyes. R-right. Thank you, Mr. Roth.


    Baelin chuckled quietly, but said nothing.


    Alrighty, Alex took a deep breath, acknowledging and calming a final surge of nerves. This is it. No point in dying.


    Alex stepped onto the floatingdder, while Baelin and Professor Jules cast flight spells upon themselves and floated up behind the golem.


    They looked at therge, uniquely coloured golem core and Alex connected the mana vacuum to it. He and Jules drew their mana conductors.


    Baelin nced at it. No no, he floated to one of the shelves and came back with far more delicate looking mana conductors. Those are good tools, but if the best is avable, then you might as well use it.


    Alex and Jules exchanged mirrored slightly offended looks before taking Baelins offered conductors. As soon as Alex ran his mana through it, he sighed.


    Baelin was right: this one was much better.


    Together, they ced their conductors against the golem.


    Alex touched the wand of the mana vacuum. You both ready?


    He received two nods, and then threw the switch.


    Mana began to gush into the golem core, and even though he knew it would be powerful, the sheer amount of power still surprised him. Hed been shocked by Lagors mana when hed first felt it, but the amount flowing out of this made the orc crafters seem positively tiny.


    The intensity of it was stunning too. The mana had been processed by the mana vampires organ, but it was still freshly tamed wild mana: like a trained wolf, there was still a lot of wild in it.


    Then Baelin and Jules were there, starting to handle their areas of the core. Takingfort in their presence, Alex dove right in. Using The Mark, he let it help guide him through his tasks, and it called up memories of his first contact<strong></strong>with the dungeon core, his activation of golem cores at Shales, and even his guidance of the mana through the mana vampire.


    Using everything that hed done right at those times, he was able to quickly get a handle on the mana and begin activating the section that was responsible for the golems movements. He joined his own mana with the processed wild mana as it continued to flow, passing it through all the inner pathways of his part of the golem core.


    Thebined mana flowed, and began to flood the tiny nodes that were responsible for moving its body. At first he hesitated, but then kept pouring his own and the intense processed wild mana into the nodes; they simply drank up the energy without lighting up.


    For a moment he started to worry that he might have underestimated how much the core would need.


    Then things shifted and Alex smiled: the nodes began to respond.


    The nodes responsible for its upper arms began to spark.


    The nodes responsible for the lower pair began to spark.


    Then the node for its legs. Then the one responsible for the intake of sensory information as well as its perception of its own position and movement. Then finally, the node responsible for its head.


    They all began to hum into life.


    Elsewhere he felt the beginnings of the powerful coreing to life. As Baelin finished his task, the centre of the core began to pass the wild mana through itself andas it didthe dungeon core remains infused within, further increased the intensity of the mana.


    The core was already thrumming with power, and most of it hadnt even been activated yet.


    Alex felt the surge of fire magic join with the processed wild mana; it seemed to crackle and<strong></strong>race within the golems limbs. The fire gems began to glow as their own powerful magics were connected to an even greater source.


    Quickly, he moved to the area of the core meant to receive and process hismands. As he activated those nodes, he found them increasingly easier to spark now that more of the core wasing to life<strong>.</strong>


    Something was touching his mind.


    Hed learned about this phenomenon from Lagor: the golem core was reaching and learning his thought patterns. For an instant, it was overwhelming: all of his thoughts, feelings, emotions and insecurities flooded the core in a wave and it drank them all down greedily.


    As more nodes came to life though, the tide slowed to a trickle, bing far less invasive. There was almost a curiosity to it as it organized his mental energy and forged thin connections of mana between his mind and itself so that it could receive instructions from him.


    The connections continued solidifying until finally, everyst node was activated.


    ygon would soon be ready to receive his instructions by way of his thoughts, or the thoughts of anyone else he would transfer ownership to.


    Now all that was left to take care of was the power generation.


    He joined Baelin and Jules in the centre of the core, and they poured their mana in together while guiding the processed wild mana into the golems internal reactor.


    The core drank both their mana and the wild mana like a suckling pig, taking more and more of it into itself in a wave. The suction was so strong that Alex almost felt like the mana vampire was draining him again,except <em>he</em> controlled the speed of its flow.


    Increasing amounts of processed<strong></strong>wild mana flooded the reactor, but there were still only sparks being created inside of it and the rest of the core. The mana flowing through built up in volume and raced around with intensity, but still the sparks werent catching enough to build into a roaring fire.


    Alex felt Professor Jules and Baelin continuing to push their mana into the centre of the core and he flooded in his own mana as well. Neither of the two older wizards looked worried, but Alex couldn''t help but feel an icy knot of nerves in his belly.


    He spared a quick nce at the mana waste container.


    Half of the wild mana had been poured into the core already.


    Come on, he thought. Come on.


    <em>Voom!</em>


    It all seemed to happen at once.


    Alex felt the beginnings of the mana generation process begin to activate andan instantterthe power spiked. A new mana woke up: that of the core itself.


    It was far more vigorous than the mana hed felt from any golem he ever worked on, and there was also something familiar in the way it felt: simr to the way the dungeon cores mana had felt when he was driving it into The Travellers.


    Yet, it wasnt quite the same as the dungeon cores mana either, there was a difference to it: in the end, ygons mana was unique and Alex was d for that.


    That unique mana started roaring through like a river. Then like a rushing tide in the sea. Still, the three wizards continued to feed it with<strong></strong>the wild mana as well as their own.


    Finally, the flow from the mana vacuum trickled to a stop: there was nothing left in the waste container.


    But now the mana generation was self-sustaining. Unstoppable.


    <em>Voooom!</em>


    Alex gasped as his mana was pushed out of the core, followed by that of Jules and then Baelins. The three wizards floated away from the golemAlex still clinging to hisddertaking it in from a distance. The room was filled with a reddish-gold light that shimmered like sunlight filtering through shifting water.


    If the activation of a regr golem core was like the suning out, then Alex didnt know what to even <em>call</em>this.


    The sun and stars? Ten suns?


    Its power was overwhelming.


    By all the gods, Jules murmured, as the multi-coloured light built in the golem core. its so beautiful.


    Indeed, an intense lighty in Baelins eyes. It''s dawn, Vernia. We are witnessing the dawn of a new era in wizardry.


    The air twitched and surged asatstthe construct came alive. The fire-gems red, shedding a fiery light.


    Alex felt the circuits between himself and ygon vibrate.


    The connection solidified.


    A giddy sense of triumph surged through Alex, and he raised his hands in glee.


    It lives! he cried. It liiiiives!


    And it might try to kill us in the next five heartbeats, Mr. Roth, focus! Jules barked. Test the connection!


    Right, right! he said quickly, catching himself.


    He heard a p from across the room and saw Khalik had pressed his gloved palm to his masked face.


    Alex cleared his mind and turned toward the golem.


    This would be another major point of tension.


    Would the golem listen to him? Would the use of the dungeon core have an unexpected side effect? Was The Ravener suddenly connecting with the golem core?


    He took a deep breath.


    ygon, he said. Take one step down from the tform.


    <em>Grrrrrnd.</em>


    There was a terrifying rumble as the golem shifted forward. Its colossal, armoured foot rose off the floating tform. Even though he had not specified the exact movements necessary to maneuver down from the tform, the golem stepped down with ease.


    <em>Boom.</em>


    The floor seemed to shake.


    Alex felt excitement coursing through him. Next he willed the golem to take three steps forward, as though he weremanding one of his spells.


    <em>Boom. Boom. Boom.</em>


    ygon took three steps forward.


    Turn, he thought.


    The golem slowly turned and Alex took in his creation in its entirety.


    As an inanimate statue it had been impressive.


    As a moving figure, it was terrifying.


    It was slightly taller than Grimlochs almost ten foot height, and broader than the shark man at the shoulders; the thing looked like a living castle wall. The filigree and designs that he and Selina had sculpted into its armour made it look like some legendary warrior who had arms that were thick and powerful enough to snap a xyrthaks neck or a hive-queens back like a chicken.


    Its vicious, shark-toothed face and four arms looked like some monster that had crawled out of a demonic abyss, and the red, ominous glow of the fire-gems, made it seem even more like some knight of devil-kind.


    The sheer power radiating from the golemfelt deeply<strong></strong>through its connections to himwas daunting.


    He had created a monster; one with the capability of evolving to greater heights.


    Well done, Baelin said. A remarkable creation. It seems that the first test of the application of dungeon core essence is a sess.


    The power Professor Jules blinked behind her mask. I absolutely must see this in a field test.


    Hes too cool! Selina shouted from the opposite end of the room. Hes toooo cool!


    I wish Thundar could see this, Khalik said. He would enjoy such a spectacle.


    I want to see its speed, Theresa added. It could make hunting orbat against most creatures as easy as digging earthworms.


    Um, Isolde said. I know this is all grandbut where will you keep it, Alex?


    Oh, its small enough to actually fit through regr doors if it stoops, Alex said. Juuuust small enough.


    Indeed, Isolde said. but er, will you keep it crouched in your apartment? It will take up a frightful amount of room.


    oh, he said. Well, details, details, to be dealt withter. Weve gotten over the hard part. ygons active and so far theres no issues withmands. I feel sorry for anything that tries to hurt us now.


    Alex smiled behind his mask.


    Indeed, Baelin said. And nowto work on the report and test it in the field. He frowned. It will take some time toe up with and organize a properbat test. In the meantime, it is your private property, Alex. Its all yours. But once the field test ispleteit is time to make ns.


    His eyes shone with intensity.


    Grand ns.

 Chapter 149: Hunters Gathering (Interlude)

    Chapter 149: Hunters'' Gathering (Interlude)


    The Raveners hunter emerged from the sea, shaking the salt water from its iron-hard hide. Two sshes followed right behind; its two siblings quickly surfaced on the isted beach. In its travels far and widepinging for its kinit had only managed to join with these two. Another was found, but it had been mortally wounded by a powerful wild monster far to the north.


    The others were either too far or too spread out to locate. Or, they could even be long dead.


    The three hunters had searched out the others for a time, but eventually abandoned their quest. They knew where their quarry was and needed to act in case it escaped. Each assassin was equal to a hive-queen or other dungeon guardian in battle.


    Three would be enough.


    Before setting out, they paused to check one anothers skin with their curved ws, grooming away sea-weed and ocean creatures that had tagged along on their hides. Their skin was rough in texture like thousands of scabs joined together, offering hiding spots for tiny vermin and parasites to nestle in and make their home. The hunters had learned that these minute creatures were torturous to them when they became an infestation, biting and feeding off their life blood. Removing them was well worth any time they spared now. So, once their grooming was donea surprisingly gentle ritualthey stalked across the moonlit beach and slipped into the forest.


    The lead hunterthe one who had found their prey and then gathered the other twosolidified a n: they would herd the followers they needed from within the groups of local monsters and build a force to use to y their quarry.


    Pings had revealed that their target was still within the city of mortals where magic was strong. This no longer mattered even if it meant invading the city itself. When they finally increased their number, all that would be needed was for one of them to slip through the defences and rip apart the Raveners enemy, while the citys defenders were kept upied.


    If all three of them were to die after that crucial task wasplete, that did not matter either.


    In the end, what was important was fulfilling the task given them by The Ravener. The only regret, should they die, would be that they could not return to their master to report the fulfilment of their existence.


    But, so long as their quarryy in, that would be enough.


    The creatures moved quickly from the beach through the countryside, and the first hunter found that it was far easier moving through the fields this time. The armed mortals that had stalked the countryside were all but gone. No longer were scores of humans about or others wielding magic and steel, searching every forest, cave, and bog as though seeking the leaders head.


    Itmunicated this difference to its siblings as they approached the great wall separating lush, warmnds, from the dusty ce that was even stronger with mana.


    They hid near the wall, watching carefully as guards patrolled it. These patrols were well-armed and vignt, but they kept their gaze mostly toward the hot, barren ce.


    They did not seem to be watching for any threats seeking to <em>enter</em> the dusty ce from the countryside. That proved a boon for the trio: they silently bided their time, waiting until a guard stopped in one of the towers built into the fortification, then moved silently to<strong></strong>the wall.


    With curved ws, power and agility, they scaled the stones in silence then dropped down on the other side. Their dark hides blended with the night shadows and they loped into the wastes with none the wiser.


    The dry air<em><strong></strong></em>hit them like a strike from one of the Raveners greatest enemies, and they grimaced against it: these were creatures that could move through any environment, but were mostfortable in ces cool and wet. They had learned to deal with a wide variety of climates, though, and continued to move forward.


    And that was not the only thing they had learned.


    It had been months since The Ravener had sent them on their mission, and they had used that time to study and mimic creatures they had encountered.


    The lead hunter, who had roamed thisnd before, had continued its hobby of observing mortals, mimicking theirnguage. Over time and with observation, it had begun to actually <em>understand</em> the sounds that were being made as it copied them.


    It could now lure and call mortals with their ownnguage as well as understand many of their words, making it even more dangerous than it had been before. The leader would teach its siblings as they travelled, granting them another tool, but the two of them hadnt gained that high a level of proficiency with the tongues of humanity and other sapient creatures, yet.


    What they did excel at was mimicking and even understanding the calls of beasts. The three hunters intended to share all of the learning they had acquired and then make use of it here.


    They had a horde to build.


    First they needed to find shelter.


    Searching through the dustyndsshocked at how quickly the heat rose with the sun in this cethey found arge cave buried in a cliff face.


    They did not find it unupied.


    A monster howled and rushed out to defend its burrowa strange, massive creature that was all misshapen bonesand struck at them with its tail. The hunters were far quicker and their ws horrifyingly sharp.


    They swarmed through the bone creatures defences, carving away pieces of its skeleton with great tearing strikes. Their terrible strength split its shell and their teeth bit down, injecting deadly venom into the wounds.


    Their attacker was dead within seconds.


    And so, the hunters had their shelter.


    And food to go with it.


    From their newir, the trio explored the dustynds slowly and carefully. They saw no humans or other mortals around, but that did not mean those enemies were not watching since they still patrolled outside the wall.


    They remained cautious.


    As they ranged out further, continuing to feast on the bone creatures bodypickled and preserved by their toxinthey soon found other monsters.


    Other bone creatures stalked the dust, far from where they had killed the first. These creatures, it appeared, were solitary, staying clear of each others territory. The trio watched them constantly, learning their habits. They witnessed how they hunted, how they warned each other away from their terrain.


    Finally, they witnessed their behaviour of dominance one day when one had made a kill: arge bony creature that swam beneath the dust like the huge, krill eating creatures that swam within the sea. Suddenly, anotherrger bone creature appeared, howling, hissing and screeching at the smaller one.


    The smaller one hissed back for a time, but soon cowered away from its meal.


    Observing this disy showed them how these beasts could be controlled.


    And so they began to mimic.


    Thergest of the three hunterscovered in scars from a fight against a giant it had encountered when it was alonewas the first to understand the bone creatures cries.


    It was tasked with finding then subduing thergest of this type of creature for their horde. Its two siblings watched their scarred kin venture into the wastes, seeking their needed quarry.


    Now, the pair of hunters sought out other creatures to rule. They had found one powerful type of beast so far; now they needed numbers.


    The next creatures they found were massive monsters that were humanoid in shape, butcked their intelligence. They ate massive amounts of flesh, and used strength and numbers to hunt and kill. Though the monsters showed fear of the bone creatures and avoided them most of the time, the hunters witnessed them gather in a great pack, then stalk and kill one of the bone creatures to consume it back in theirir.


    They would be suitable for serving them, the two hunters decided.


    They continued to watch the humanoid monsters as they gorged themselves on meat. Over time, they began to learn their hierarchy: they were social creatures, and most often thergest, strongest and most dominating of their number,manded the rest.


    At times, they did find smaller ones that led the others, but it was through superior aggression, savagery and fighting ability.


    Over time, their observations<strong></strong>revealed<strong></strong>more of therge creatures vocalmunications until atst, one of the hunters found it could mimic and understand them.


    This hunter was the leanest of the three, but was quick and vicious. Its task was to pick a pack, kill its leader, and take control of the rest by mimicking their cries.


    It went on its way, leaving one remaining hunter to secure a force: the one who had brought its two siblings to this ce.


    The hunter considered what other types of creatures they might need. Its sole purpose was to be an assassin of its masters foes, but all of The Raveners higher monsters were also armed with instinctual tactical knowledge from their moment of birth, giving them the ability tomand dungeons, and guide the forces the dungeon cores created.


    From this knowledge, it understood thatfor its purposestheir forces were stillcking. To kill their quarry, they would need cover: enough to turn the mortals eyes to their forces while the assassins engaged their targetrgely unopposed.


    Its scarred sibling would bring one or tworge, powerful monsters for their force; they would be their champions. Its lean sibling would gather a pack of the hulking humanoids; they would be their elites.


    A champion could be broken by an enemy champion. Elites could be cornered by enemy forces, though.


    What they needed now was fodder: numbers to work and spread an enemys force thin for the ultimate in distraction.


    Its task would be to search for that fodder.


    It soon found the perfect subjects to give them those numbers.


    Groups of short,rge eared creatures stalked the wastes away from where theyd found their other choices. They were numerous, vicious and worked well together.


    The hunter watched as the little beasts cornered some long-necked creatures as they travelled from glowing hole in the earth, to glowing hole in the earth. They hid beneath the dusts of the wastes, then sprang up when their prey was among them and attacked, injuring them with thrown rocks or clubs of scavenged bone.


    Then they jumped on the wounded creatures from all sides, spreading their mouths impossibly wide and sucking flesh from bone. The shock killed the creatures quickly.


    The hunter was impressed by the little creatures savagery: it could almost believe they were a creation of its master or one of the dungeon cores. It studied these curious creatures almost lovingly, learning and listening to each call, cry and chirp that they made to each other.


    The hunter stalked them silently through all hours of the day and night: unheard, unscented and unseen. It had learned from its early days, and was far better at remaining undetected.


    So, it watched and it stalked.


    It listened to their growls of anger.


    It mimicked their coos of contentment.


    It learned their howls of excitement.


    And thenafter a timeit understood.


    Its voice box moulded and changed by its will and it went amongst them. The hunter showed itself to them and called to them in their own familiar vocalizations. It almost relished the creatures shock asfor the first time in existencethey found a creature not of their kind that spoke to, and understood them.


    Some were suspiciousand hungryand attacked the hunter anyway.


    Its ws quickly tore apart their flesh.


    The rest fled, but it followed them back to theirir.


    Then it called out, mimicking the cries that younger creatures made when they challenged a leader for dominance of their group. At first, they responded with hurled rocks, but the hunter persisted. It killed any who ventured out to fight, and continued its cries of challenge.


    Atst, the little creatures leader had no choice but to ept the challenge, or risk starvation in theirir.


    It cried out its return challenge and fought with all it had.


    But the hunter was one of The Raveners higher monstersand the little leaders flesh proved to be delicious.


    Through fear, the others unwillingly followed the hunter after that, and so, it led them to otherirs where more of the little creatures were found, dominating group after group.


    All during the time it was gathering its horde, it hoped that its quarry might again appear in this wastnd. But it only felt their presence oncebut the one with monstrously powerful mana, was also present.


    Frustrated, yet patient, it kept itself well away from the area where such a powerful mortal was until they finally vanished.


    Atst, after many days and nights, the hunter had its horde of little creatures built: enough to terrorize a number of mortal settlements if they were led well enough.


    And so, it returned to its siblings at their sharedir and found they had found sess as well.


    The scarred hunter had brought two of thergest bone creatures they had seen. The lean one led more than a score of big, strong humanoids. And the first had gathered the horde of small, flesh-sucking monsters.


    They examined each others offerings and found them to be good and suitable enough to match a horde produced by a well-fed dungeon core after it had time to build its numbers.


    Then came their next task.


    The digging.


    They picked an area that already had a naturalplex of caves where they could hide their force from discovery. They hunted for meat for them, keeping them well fed, and usedmands and vicious power to keep them in line. The first hunter set its horde of little creatures to begin digging far enough from the wall to avoid detection by the mortals, but close enough to tunnel beneath it.


    It would not be what the mortals would expect. The hunters had found no monsters in the waste that could organize, build or direct themselves to a single purpose. The little creatures were excellent diggers, but had no interest in whaty beyond the wall and its dangerous defenders.


    But now, they worked to the hunters purpose, and that single purpose would drive them like a w drove into a wound.


    They tunnelled deeply, but quietly, keeping most of their activities to the coolness of night.


    The work seemed slowand many times the hunters wished that their masters dungeon cores could live beyond their homnd as they would be useful to quickly bend the terrain to their willbut, with their hordes numbers, steady progress was eventually made through the dry earth.


    Finally, the three hunters cheered in human sounding voices, celebrating as their force atst broke through thest length of dirt. They had scouted out a small forest quite far from the wall: a woodrge enough to hide their gathering force and far from the notice of the walls defenders. The tunnel was then widened for the bone creatures to get through, and then they would wait.


    Their n was to set up a smallir in that area, and then push into the mortals city.


    At least that <em>was</em> their n.


    Opportunity came in strange ways at times, however.


    Unexpectedly, the hunters pings returned something intriguing.


    It seemed their prey was on the move.

 Chapter 150: Isoldes Dread

    Chapter 150: Isolde''s Dread


    The time for the Patrizias ball hadpletely snuck up on Alex. He couldnt really me himself for almost forgetting about the uing party: life had been busy.


    <em>Very</em> busy.


    But in good ways.


    2,950, 2,960, the citys ountant counted out the small mountain of gold coins on his desk. 2,970, 2,980, 2,990 aaaand 3,000 in all. Divided amongst all of you


    He looked up, peering over his lenses at the small crowd filling the hall in front of his desk.


    Alex was there, of course, along with Theresa, Khalik, Grimloch, Nua-Oge, Shiani, and Isolde.


    seven ways? he asked.


    Eight, Khalik said.


    Caramiyus and Angrdespite being present for the fighthad decided against taking a share of the bounty, feeling that they hadn''t really done much during the fighting.


    If we took some of the bounty, then everyone who was standing in that square should get some, Caramiyus had grunted when the subject was brought up. Thundar did far more than we did.


    Yeah, Angr had added. Maybe give him one of our shares: he did a lot more than us that evening.


    And so, theyd decided to split the bounty eight ways; with the eighth going to Thundar.


    Right, right, the ountant said.


    <em>ck. ck. ck.</em>


    He slid beads across his abacus.


    Easy mathematics, then. Split eight ways, that makes for a total of three hundred and seventy five gold pieces each.


    Alexs jaw nearly dropped open and Theresa began loudly coughing and hacking beside him, choking on some water shed been drinking.


    Three hundred and seventy-five gold pieces was a lot of coin. Sure, it was just a small fraction of the totnd still less than the fifteen hundred gold that was first offeredof the mana vampires bounty, but it was still almost equal to his and Selinas entire inheritance of four hundred and fifty gold coins.


    It was a staggering amount of coin to him, and even more so for Theresa. He knew it would be an absolute fortune for the huntress since it was thergest amount of coin shed ever received in all the years theyd known each other. He couldnt help smiling thinking about what this would mean for her. Maybe shed treat herself.


    Shed really developed into a serious warrior in thesest months, and a big part of the reason why theyd been able to take down the mana vampire was because of her all around badass skills. If any of them deserved to treat themselves to anything they wanted, it was her, and Thundar and Grimloch.


    Still, for his part, Alex was extremely d for the coin: it had helped him be able to afford to pay Lucia, pay for his mana conductor and the rope for the mana vampire, and still have enough for a massive increase to his nest egg. His funds were growing to the point where he could soon start thinking about regrly spending on ingredients for his own alchemical experiments. That was a thrilling thought.


    After signing off on the receipt for the bounty, the group of mana vampire yers emerged from the government office, chatting excitedly amongst themselves on their way to the infirmary.


    Alex was still thinking about his finances and how it did really seem that sometimes when something good happened, more good stuff seemed to follow soon after. The mana vampire bounty wasnt the first financial boon hed gained recently, or might be gaining in the future.


    First, hed received the coin that Baelin had promised them from the sale of the xyrthaks eggs: which hadted Alex fifty gold.


    The sum had shocked him: everyone in the ss had received an equal share, which made him wonder exactly how valuable xyrthak parts were. Maybe that was one of the reasons Baelin had suggested they start hunting monsters on their own.


    Alex had to admit, the idea was bing more and more interesting to him since the fifty gold from Baelin. Word had spread around the city as to who had in the mana vampire, and everyone involved in the fight was receiving a lot of attention. Other students were bombarding Alex andpany with questions, offering to buy them drinks if they regaled them with stories about that night.


    Even Carey London had excitedly ambushed him, begging him to attend her group with her, calling him an Unmarked Hero, and saying that he wouldve made a perfect member for the Heroes. Shed even suggested that he would have made a wonderful Champion, or Chosen.


    It was lucky for Alex that hed been using The Mark to help him keep a straight face, otherwise, he would have burst out into hystericalughter.


    Derrick had alsoe crawling out of the woodwork, with offers of wine and an invitation to join his little gentlemans club.


    Alex had politely refused both of themthe phrase a fate worse than death kept running through his headyet Derrick had seemed a little too indifferent about the refusal though hed been the one whod approached Alex, insisting that he join him.


    Whatever was going on with Derrick, in Alexs opinion, wasrgely his own business, and he hoped that it would stay that way.


    What was actually important to Alex was that there was talk of him being considered for a financial award from the university. Baelin and Jules had been busytely, and theyd also been meeting in secret a lot. It was to the point where they hadnt even had time to meet with him to field test ygonsbat abilities. Alex chose not to do the test himself, though he <em>could </em>technically do whatever he wished since it was his own golem, after all.


    Even so, hed decided that it would be wiserplus he wanted to share the experience with themto have them there for the very first test to see what the golem was capable of in battle. So, hed waited.


    That had <em>not</em> stopped him, however, from taking ygon with him wherever he went, whenever he could. He was <em>extremely </em>proud of his golem and wanted to show him off to everyone. His progress with Call Through Ice was going really well, and he felt close to being able to cast his first second-tier spell. The first thing he would like to have doneif the spell could handle ygons sizewould have been to <em>teleport </em>him wherever he was going.


    Alex had started taking the golem to ss, letting him wait outside while he was in his sses. He had him follow him around on campus too, and even carry his gear, which reminded him of the very first time hed ever seen a golem on the day theyd arrived in Generasi. It felt like a lifetime ago now. Of course, hed also taken him to Shales, drawing lots of admiration from many of his fellow employees.


    Lagor had actually whistled when hed felt it out using mana maniption. I dont know who you know, what you found or what you did, but I can feel the power in that thing from halfway across the bloody workshop, the half orc had exaggerated. The craftsmanship is excellent too, I have to say, well done, Alex. Well done.


    Alex was relieved that Lagor hadnt asked to examine it too closely: hed have a lot of awkward questions to answer if the crafter got too close of a look at the core. Then again, Lagor hadnt asked to look in Minervus golems either, probably simply assuming that there was nothing unique to see inside of them or in his.


    Even now, on their way to the infirmary, ygon followed the group through the streets taking huge strides, drawing eyes from everyone around. Alex supposed that even in this unique city, they must have made for a remarkable sight: an immense golem with four arms that looked like a warrior in fantastic te armour, a massive shark man, and a cerberus.


    Isolde nced at the golem. Alexplease tell me youre not considering bringing that thing to my cousins ball?


    No, not <em>to</em> the ball, Alex said. That would just be crude. Ill have him wait outside.


    Alex, please, she groaned. Why not leave it on campus?


    Two reasons, he said. First, Im showing him off to literally everyone. I spent months of work and had to kill a mana vampire to get this thing done. If I could show him to the entire world all at once, I would. Secondly, the countrysides still got monsters in it, right? Itd be pretty silly if I built a golem for protection, and then left it on campus whereyknow, it cant protect us.


    She winced. But it''s sogarish.


    Khalik cleared his throat. I cannot know your cousin as well as you, but he was a warrior once upon a time was he not? I do not think he would be so sensitive to dislike Alexs construct just because it is obviously built for battle. It is fashionable in most noble courts in the world for one to wear a sword on their hip if they are so inclined toward weaponry. Bringing the golem would be simr to that.


    First of all, the golem is the size of a carriage, perhapsrger, Isolde said. Secondly, the issue is that I think my cousin <em>will</em> love it. But to the other noblesit is not so much like wearing a sword on your hip as it is showing up to an elegant party with a catapult or ballista dragging along behind you.


    Do you mean to say thatin thisnd of wizardsno one attends parties with any constructs with them? Khalik raised an eyebrow. In all the merchant or nobility parties I have ever attended or heard tales of, what most people try to do is show off their wealth and importance. Ones own golem would be quite the statement of wealth.


    Isolde started to exin. That is not to say that some in Generasi never bring golems to parties-


    Hear that, ygon? Alex jumped in. Its party time.


    Oh by the elements, let me finish, she said quickly. But the golems brought to higher society are usually small: as in human sized or smaller, and usually carved to look more likeely servants rather than a walking siege engine. Bringing this would be like attending a wedding with five halberds strapped to your back.


    In our gatherings, it ismon for our people toe with ivory spears in hand, Nua-Oge said.


    Yeah. Grimloch ground out. People would look at you funny if you didnt.


    Listen, Isolde, Alex said. I dont want to embarrass you, but Ive been attacked by a mana vampire twice since I left Thamnd toe to Generasi. If cooler heads didnt prevail thest time we visited your cousin, I would have had at least fifty dryad arrows in me. So, the moment Im like doo doo doo, I dont need the golem, some horrible monster is going to jump out of the bushes and try and eat all of us. Ill leave him outside, but Im bringing ygon. Besidesif anyones going to embarrass you, its not going to be my golem: its going to be me. Or Thundar. Or both of us.


    sadly true. Sadly true, Isolde shook her head. Perhaps Thundar willshow some restraint, at the least.


    I am going to drink like its myst day on earth, Thundar grunted as he moved around in bed. I dont care if its wine, ale, cider, harder stuff, I don''t give a damn. If your cousin is offering, I will drain everything. Im not gonna be happy unless all of you have to carry me back home.


    Isolde made a simr sound to a dog regurgitating a clump of grass.


    Now, see, Isolde? Alex said, handing the minotaur a bag of get well cookies hed baked. ygons going to be useful! Hell be able to carry Thundar back using only two of his arms!


    Isoldes sick-dog sound upgraded to dying dog.


    Alex could barely stifleughter and Khalik was grinning.


    Theresa gave Isolde a constory pat on the shoulder. Thundar, its not going to be good if you get better just to drink yourself back into the infirmary.


    Who says thats whatll happen? the minotaur snorted, tearing into the bag of cookies with a vengeance. Im made of stern stuff. Hell, I survived a mana vampire, didnt I? And theres no way Im going to drink myself down so hard that Im going to miss out on dryad dancing. Besides-


    He nced over at an empty tray on his bedside table and made a face.


    -what they feed you in here should be a war crime. Its been nothin but gruel, gruel, some vegetables and more gruel.


    Porridge and vegetables heal the body and fill your belly, Theresa said.


    He red at her. I dont want to hear about the benefits of gruel and veggies from a woman who literally earned her keep by hunting meat for her town. Not a word.


    She shrugged. The quicker you get healthy, the quicker youll be able to eat whatever you want again.


    I know, I know! the minotaurined. Thats what makes it so terrible. I know youre right, and I dont like it.


    Hey, man, Alex said. The quicker you get better the happier I am. Not gonna lie, I was pretty freaked out there for a bit.


    Oh, there you go getting all mushy on me, Thundar grunted. Im fine, and Im just happy to hear that you horribly killed that thing. And I wish theyd let you bring your golem inside for me to see.


    Alex made an offended snort. He would have fit, you know. I dont know what their problem was: just a little bit of crouching and he would have gotten in. He fit through my apartment door no problem.


    Alex, if you cannot understand why an infirmary might not want someone bringing a war golem to see one of their patients, then you might have a problem, Isolde said.


    Oh I <em>do</em> understand it, Alex grunted. Still gonna be mad about it.


    Thats quite immature.


    And thats also my choice.


    Well said, Thundar nodded in agreement.


    Isolde groaned. Perhaps I can convince Giuseppe to cancel your invitationsanyway, here are the readings and whats due in your sses, Thundar.


    The minotaur groaned. I am both d you brought those and curse the day I met you.


    Alexughed. Hey, its thanks to her that you get to go to the party with all the booze and dryads, right?


    Thundar snorted. Yeah, you know what? Youre alright, Isolde.


    Khalik burst outughing while Isolde gave Thundar a withering look.


    Alex couldnt wait for the ball to arrive with all of its fun and feasting.


    They could use a peaceful, entertaining evening.


    He nced over at Theresa.


    And that evening could provide certain opportunities that hed been waiting for.


    The right moment, at longst.

 Chapter 151: Preparing for a Long-Awaited Party

    Chapter 151: Preparing for a Long-Awaited Party


    As the days passed, the group of friends kept visiting Thundar as his health steadily got better. Meanwhile, Alex continued to improve his dancing skills. Hed actually gotten to the point where he was pretty good at a number of popr dance moves, and he and Theresa would practice together.


    He was getting more excited as the evening of the party drew near, even though that excitement had soured a bit when he had to fork out more coin than hed nned on for a suitable doublet and hose for the asion. Apparently, the fashionable rich enjoyed bright colours: brighter dyes were more expensive and showed off the wealth of the wearer, so naturally, all the dressy party clothes Alex had found were made from brighter fabrics.


    Hed chosen an outfit that was both richly coloured, yet somewhat muted: forest green for the doublet and a deep wine for the pants. Hed even bought himself a domino mask, painted gold with silver lines that looked like vines scrolling throughout: Alex figured Isolde would never approve of him wearing his scary dragon mask from the festival of ghosts to her cousins party. Even though the idea was more than a little tempting.


    Still, all things considered, he wasnt going toin too much.


    Midterms were about to start<strong></strong>and he was up to his eyeballs in studying, so the uing celebration was nice to think about and gave him a mental break. As the date for the party drew closer, Thundar was well enough to be discharged from the infirmary, but under orders to continue a regime of light exercise, a clean, softer diet, and lots of rest.


    Before his discharge, hed even received a surprise visit from a certain fox-tailed Cleansing Movement instructor whod heard about him being attacked by the mana vampire. Alex and Khalik had been visiting him when shed arrived and watched as their friend went from his usually boisterous self, to a silent, wide-eyedmb. Khalik didnt know what was going on, but Alex had a grin on his face that stretched from one ear to the next as he watched the minotaur trying not to look like a flustered mess. Before she left, she showed Thundar some Cleansing Movements he could practice daily to help strengthen himself, and then she left, telling him she hoped to see him back in the ss soon. After shed been gone for a few minutes, he got out of bed, snuck to the door and peeked out to make sure she was gone: then he let out an ted shout that brought staff running to see what was going on.


    He was definitely feeling better.


    Thenin what felt like a blinkthe day arrived.


    Alex looked over his fine clothes and mask, then took a deep breath and nced out of his bedroom window.


    Hed made a decision in the past week.


    When Minervus had died, he said he would wait until the time was right to tell Theresa his feelings.


    Wefter all theyd been throughhe could think of no better time than an evening in wine country where there would be feasting, dancing and all around good feelings.


    And so, hed made a decision: no matter what happened, he would confess his feelings to his childhood friend that very night.


    In some ways, hed been less nervous about fighting the mana vampire or the xyrthak. He kept telling himself it wasnt the end of the world: he wouldnt drop dead if things werent exactly perfect, and he wouldnt die if she didnt return his feelings.


    But, it would still hurt if she didnt.


    Alex remembered one of Theresas brothers confessing his feelings to the daughter of a local miller, only for her to exin that she had a fancy for someone else. The young man had been inconsblefor about a week.


    Then he started talking about his undying love for the coopers daughtersall three of themshortly after. Her brother could be a little ky at times.


    Alex shook his head. All the thinking and ruminating about it in the world wouldn''t change anything. In the end, he would pick his moment, tell her the truth and wait for her reaction. There was nothing for it other than that.


    The least he could do was look his best.


    He checked the mirror, eyeing himself in his fancy clothing. The clothes looked good, and they''d been tailored to fit his now statuesque build. His shoulders were broad, his arms thick and his waist and hips slender.


    All of the weightlifting had actually given his legs and even erhis behind, a surprising amount of muscr bulk. The hose almost seemed too tight in ces now. He fixed his hair: now quite a bit longer than it had been when hed first gotten to the city.


    He had to admit, he sort of liked the way it looked. Hed been used to keeping his hair well barbered to look proper for his job at the bakery. McHarris'' mantra was that all his assistants must look like: good, decent men and women: not brigands. Toraka Shale, on the other hand, didnt much care what sort of beard or hair styles her workers wore, as long as their hair was tied back and they kept themselves covered for safety so the work carried on without avoidable problems.


    Now that his hair was growing out though, it gave him a bit of a roguish look, especially with his fancy masquerade ball mask.


    Well, this is as good as its gonna get, Alex said, turning in the mirror a final time. Its showtime.


    He picked up his bag.


    In it were a series of freshly brewed potions that hed made in hisb time with Amir. He had two Potions of Haste in there, along with Potions of Sensory Enhancement, Flight and his booby-trapped versions of flight spells. He also had a new potion in the bag, thest one hed brewed during hisb time: a mana-soothing potion.


    In the textbook, there was a recipe for a version of a potion that one could brew that disrupted mana, but he figured that The Mark would see that as an attack weapon. So hed been working on a more extreme version of the mana- soothing potion instead.


    He gotten the idea from a time when hed been meditating and had be so rxed, that hed fallen sound asleep: if he could brew a version of the mana-soothing potion that could rx ones mana pool so much that theyd have trouble getting their mana to actually <em>move </em>for a while, then hed have an excellent weapon against mana-rich creatures like xyrthaks.


    The form wasnt finished quite yet, but if it worked, it could be a promising non-obvious weapon when it was done.


    He put the thoughts of potions out of his mind when he emerged from his room and found no one there, which wasnt surprising. Theresa had taken Brutus, and she and Selina<strong></strong>had gone over to Isoldes so that the three of them could get ready together. They were all going to meet up by the sky-pier on campus, so he decided to go around the ins to fetch Khalikonly to find the prince already making his way to his ce.


    Khalik! Alex spread his arms out when he saw his friend. You look great!


    The Prince of Tekezash was still hiding his royal heritage, but that had not stopped him from using his royal wealth. He wore a long fine robe of crimson silk, trimmed with gold lettering. Filigree in magnificent designs covered the robe, which stretched around his broad shoulders. As much as Alex had undergone a heroic physical transformation, the prince too had grown more defined and muscr from their training. He wore a pair of rings on each hand, and sashed at his waist, was a long, curved sword.


    Haha! Khalik grinned through his freshly trimmed beard and golden-painted mask, which resembled the upper part of a wolf''s headplete with the top half of its snout. Funny you should say that, I was going to say the same to you!


    They pped each other on the shoulder and excitedly talked as they made their way out of the ins and through the grounds. Waiting outside of theplex<strong></strong>was ygon, standing with all four arms folded across his chest like a permanent guard at the entrance to the ins.


    A single mentalmand called the golem to Alex and he followed closely behind the two young men. A cry from above signalled Najyah had left her perch in the ins and was flying after them.


    The two young wizards'' grins widened as they drew appraising looks from the other students on campus. Khalik chuckled like an excited child. This is the first time I have ever gone to a formal event without at least twenty warriors to guard me. It is so funnya little dangerous feeling, wouldnt you say?


    Not really, Alex said, smiling warmly at ygon. Not with ygon the Unstoppable behind us.


    Was it his imagination or was he getting a feeling that the golem was also proud of itself?


    Indeed. It must not seem strange to you, Khalik said. But to go to any social event without an honour guard isit is unheard of for most He nced around and dropped his voice to a whisper. royalty in all ces in the world. We usually must be under guard or have servants. But here. He grinned. I am merely Khalik: a young man about to have fun with friends.


    Yeah, your life is so different from mine, man, Alex chuckled. Did your parents decide not to send you more guards?


    The prince took on a naughty grin. I wrote to my brother and he interceded for me: telling them that he would take care of sending my recement entourage.


    Alex blinked. Did he lie?


    No, no, Khalik said. But he might have shifted the truth on how long it would take to send this entourage: his aim <em>and</em> mine is to buy me as much freedom as possible, and even when he eventually sends guards, they will not only be men and women who can hold secrets, but far fewer than the entourage they sent with <em>him</em> when he came here to study.


    He sounds like a good understanding man to have for a brother.


    I would say so, but I am biased, of course. But enough about me. You have never attended such a gathering before, correct?


    Alexughed. The most formal events I ever went to were festivals and weddings, and there wasnt much pomp to them: put on your nicest clothes and go with your family. Oh, and make sure to drag back your older rtives when they had too much cider.


    I see, I see, Khalik chuckled. Then we are both having new experiences tonightand speaking of new things, I am definitely going to dance with one of the dryads: a prince of Tekezash might arrive alone to a party, but to spend the night alone would be shameful. And what about you and our friend, Theresa?


    Alex swallowed. Well, Im gonna tell her how I feel.


    Well, good for you, good for you! the prince pped him on the shoulder. I am sure things will go well. If you need any aid, then I stand ready to assist. He bowed yfully.


    Right, right, and if you need help talking to any of those dryads, Ill do what I can.


    Khaliks eyes sparkled. I knew there was a reason I liked you. Between the two of us and Thunda-Ah, speak of the devil!


    Alex startled. Hobbs around?!


    No, no! Look! the prince nodded ahead.


    Heeeeey! Thundar was waving at them from up ahead.


    He was dressed in a fine tunic that fell to the knee, it was bleached white and stood out in the evening light. A massive leather belt was wrapped around his waist,plete with an enormous silvery buckle with a bulls head designed on it. His wooden mask was painted green and was cleverly designed to cover his<strong></strong>horns, making them appear like the antlers on a stag.


    Well, well boys, arent you lookin sharp, Thundar grinned. He had distinctive bronze bracers around his wrists. Looks like I wont get <em>all</em> the attention, after all.


    Alex snorted. The only attention youre going to get is from all the healers when they have to drag your drunk ass out of the hall.


    Hah!


    Seriously, though man, how are you? You feeling alright? You sure youre up to this?


    Alex, Alex, youre acting like my grandmother. Im more than fine, man, Im ready to go!


    Ah, you do look healthy, Khalik said. And your magic?


    The minotaur snorted. The healer said its a few more days until I can use it properly, so to hold off for now or Ill damage my mana pool. But, the only magic Ill be working is on the dance floor, anyway!


    Alex burst outughing. Try not to step on anyones feet with those massive hooves of yours.


    I am <em>all </em>grace.


    Youre the size of a small bear.


    A small, <em>graceful</em> bear.


    Laughing and ribbing each other, the trio made their way to the sky-pier and waited for Isolde, Theresa and Selina. ygon stood beside them, two arms crossed and two by his sides.


    They did not have to wait long.


    Alex actually gasped when he saw them making their way toward the sky-pier with Brutus.


    Isolde was all decorum and elegance in a regal ck gown that emphasized her height and grace. Her ck hair was piled atop her head and inter-woven with pearls. A ck domino mask traced with white lines obscured her face and she held a short walking stick in her hand that had a silver pommel stylized like the head of a wizards staff.


    If Alex knew Isolde, then that stick probably served as a sheath for a thin sword or long knife.


    Selina looked adorable, like she was a princess out of a fairy tale. Her calf length dress was a soft blue and puffy in ways that made her look like a little doll. Covering the top of her faceming red from embarrassmentwas a blue mask whose sides were like butterfly wings. Her hair was twisted together in a thick braid hanging down her back.


    But it was Theresa that made Alexs breath catch.


    She was wearing a forest green velvet gown woven in with emerald green silk in designs that looked like ivy crawling over the dress. Her ck hair was swept to the side, a mass of soft curls were piled high like Isoldes, and held in ce by what looked to be aurel of leaves. The lower part of the long gown was a half skirt, open in the front from the waist to the ankles to show deep green leggings and soft knee high boots. Sheathed at her waist was her ancestral sword, and the simple mask that covered her eyes was of the same green velvet as her dress.


    Wow, Alex murmured. You alllook great. His eyes took in Theresa. You <em>really</em> look great.


    A blush went through her cheeks. Thanksyou too. You really do.


    How do I look? How do I look? Selina asked the three young men excitedly.


    Like a fairy, Thundar said.


    Like a princess. Khalik smiled.


    Like a goblin princess-Aargh! Alex cried out as Selina punched him in the arm. You little rat! Who taught you to do that!


    She stuck her tongue out at him.


    He stuck his out right back.


    Oh by the elements, this was a mistake, Isolde groaned. This was a mistake. We are going to get there, you are going to humiliate all of us, and then I am going to have to beg for my cousins forgiveness. By the elements.


    Yeah, Selina, dont ruin Isoldes night, Alex said.


    I was referring to you.


    What did I do?


    Instigated everything. As usual.


    Oooh bah, Alex said. Ill behave, grandmother.


    Before Isolde could fire back, Thundar pointed up to the sky. Look, theres our ride. He whistled. Would you look at that.


    For the evening, Isolde had taken care of their transportation, renting out a sky-yacht for the round trip. It was beautiful, with every inch of its hull carved with scenes of spirits and cherubs frolicking and dancing together. The figurehead was that of a swans head, and the vessel was long enough to match a small sailing ship, but narrower.


    Our chariot awaits, Isolde said. Let us make this evening one to rememberandI am d we all get to be together. Perhaps this shall make up for our mana vampire-ruined dinner.


    The first hunter yipped to the little furry creatures, urging them to flood out of the hole faster. Small monsters poured from the tunnel, then scattered in all directions to make room for therger humanoids.


    Atst, one of the bone creatures crawled from the burrow. It rattled its jaw at the other monsters, but the scarred hunter kept it in line with a threatening rattle.


    The lean hunter looked to the others.


    It too had sensed movement from their quarry. Their prey had begun moving away from the city,ing closer.but seemed to somehow be moving high above the ground. It suggested that it should quickly and quietly investigate on its own.


    The other two agreed, watching as their sibling melted into the trees and loped away through the countryside by the evening light. It would gather information<strong></strong>and then return to them with knowledge of their preys whereabouts. Then, it would lead them and their horde to the ce where their quarry was<strong>.</strong>


    Then, they would make their kill.

 Chapter 152: Reflections Under Moonlight

    Chapter 152: Reflections Under Moonlight


    The sky-yacht cut through the air, soaring above the countryside at speed. It banked as it approached the Patrizias grounds, slowing as it did. There were a great number of sky-yachts and gonds pulling up to the airspace above the manor, and the road below was filled with fine carriages conveying their wealthy passengers.


    Theresa sighed as she looked over at the evening sun slowly making its way toward sunset. Alex couldnt help but stare at her graceful neck and shoulders, left bare by her dress.


    His eyes drifted up to the smile curling her lips.


    Behind him, he could hear Khalik talking with a very excited Selina, allowing him and Theresa to have a private moment. Isolde was instructing Thundar in etiquetteshe had been drilling it into all of themexcept for Khalik whose manner showed her he obviously didnt need the lessonsfor weeks.


    Najyah was perched on ygons shoulder. The massive golem sat still and silent in the middle of the deck toward the back, looking like a ferocious statue that was a part of the ship. The crew members gave him a wide berth, despite the fact that they must have transported clients with golems before. It was probably as Isolde had said, the other golems hadnt looked like siege engines.


    He returned his attention to his childhood friend.


    Whatre you thinking about? Alex asked, gripping the rail in front of him.


    Their hands were close.


    Everything, she said dreamily. Our lives.


    What about our lives? he asked.


    Look how much theyve changed Alex, she shook her head in disbelief. Eight months agono a little more now, we were back in Alric.


    She looked at him seriously, then nced over at the crew. Her voice lowered. Do you remember when we sat under the tree at the edge of Coille forest? When we were leaving.


    Alex thought back to that time. They had slipped out of Alric, barely avoiding the priests and had been let through the gate by Peter and Paul.


    He wondered how the two guards were, and hoped that theyd remained safely out of the reach of The Raveners monsters.


    After a day of walking, the four of them had made it to the outskirts of Coille forest and made camp beneath a tree there. Selina had just gone to sleep and then


    I remember, Alex said. You and I were sitting together under a tree. We talked about me leaving and you wanting to leave when you were younger. You said that you wanted to go and be like your great-grandfather, exploring the worldbut decided that itd be too dangerous and that you would stay home instead.


    Good memory, she said.


    Well, I gotta be good for <em>something, </em>right? he chuckled, and then flexed, his thick arm muscles bulging in his shirt. I mean besides being eye candy and modelling for marble statues.


    She snorted, but he noticed how her eyes lingered on his arm for a bit. Actually, as much as I want to call youme, thats part of what I was thinking about. There we were under that tree, and I was talking about how I had decided to stay home to keep out of danger.


    Yeah, Alex said. You said that dangerous stuff sounded pretty fun to hear about but, that it was, well, dangerous, and so you thought about growing up and keeping safe.


    Thats right, because I didnt want my family to be devastated if something happened to me, she said. Butweve been in so much danger since we left. Maybe nothing like what we would have had to face during one of The Raveners attacks, but stillmana vampires, xyrthaks, The Barrensyou and that demon. Magic.


    Yeah, he said. Its been a lot, hasnt it? Even the dryads. He nced over at their nearby forest as the sky-yacht approached the ground. And yet, here we are, back again, haha. And Im pretty sure, Khalik and Thundar wont rest until they dance with one.


    And thats just the thing. She shook her head. Im having the time of my life, Alex. Andmy life, and I think your life is better. I mean, I have more money than Ive ever had in my life. Ever. I could go home right now, save a little more and then buy my own inn if I wanted. You met Isolde in Baelins dangerous ss and thanks to her


    She gestured down at her dress almost in disbelief.


    Im wearing <em>this </em>and- Her hand pointed to the Patrizias manor. -get toe <em>here</em> andlifes better. I liked Alric and our lives there, but things are so <em>exciting</em> now. Everyday is something new. Im growing stronger and learning so much. You and Iwere proving ourselves just like great-grandfather did, and weve met so many amazing friends.


    Theresa paused, and Alex caught a guilty look pass over her face.


    What is it? he asked.


    No, forget it, she said.


    No, no, dont do that, Alex said. Im a big boy, you just tell me whats on your mind. Any time. Any ce. Anywhere. Understand?


    She paused. Areyou sure?


    Alex put a hand on hers. Any time. Any ce. Anywhere.


    Theresa looked up into his eyes for a long moment before sighing. I justsometimes I think what would have happened if I didnte into your room that night in Alric. If I didnt see you and if youd just gone off on your own. My life would be so different: Id probably be with my parents and brothers and while that would be nice...I wouldnt have started life enforcement like great-grandfather, I wouldnt know this amazing ce. None of it. I wouldnt have grown at all: Id just be that same old Theresa like in Alric.


    I liked that old Theresa, he said emphatically. Just like I like new Theresa.


    Right, and I like old and new Alex. But look at you. Youre so strong now in so many ways. Youre having the time of your life and


    And what? he asked.


    sometimes I think that you getting The Mark might have beenmaybe it was a bad thing. Butmaybe a lot of good came from it too. Im almost <em>d </em>you got it now.


    Alex froze as Theresa turned away.


    Sorry, she apologized quickly.


    Her hand slipped out of his.


    We are ready for passengers to disembark! the captain announced.


    Alright, Isolde said. Let us go. I already see Vincenzo waiting below.


    Alex turned to Theresa. Were going to talk about this, okay? Soon. Like literally after we get into the ballroom.


    She nodded, her cheeks ming red.


    Alexander Roth, The Fool, and runaway Hero of Thamnd, considered carefully what Theresa had talked to him about. The thought had crossed his mind before: once, in Julesb whenin his ignorancehed wondered if other people could detect The Mark or could remove it.


    At the time, hed considered if he wanted it gone and how it had changed his life.


    Now, he wondered about other things as well.


    He considered certain things he had before, and how his life would have been different without The Mark. For one thing, he knew his life in Generasi would have been a far safer one. It was something that had urred to him before, but now in considering thingssince ying both a mana vampire and a xyrthakhe truly began to question if it would have been a life he would have preferred.


    The Mark had taken much from him: only now was he starting to get very close to being able to cast force missile, though he doubted it would ever be useful to him inbat. Certain paths of magic were closed to him, and in some ways, there were some struggles when hed first gotten to the University.


    But, hed also gained a lot from it.


    If all had gone as originally intended: no Mark, no Ravener or anything like that, then he would havee to Generasi and likely focused on himself, his studies and his sister. He possibly might have made friends with Khalik, but hed only gotten to know Thundar, Isolde, Baelin and the others because of COMB-1000.


    He wouldnt have built anywhere near as much strength of mind if it werent for The Marks interference, and the Alex whod been focused on only being a bakers assistant and then a wizard, had never shown any interest in physically building himself up.


    Not until The Raveners threat had forced him to want to prepare himself.


    He wouldnt have had a golem if it werent for The Mark increasing his learning speed and skills in alchemy,, or for the dungeon cores remains


    Theresa <em>might</em> havee with him, or she might not have. He didnt know.


    It made him wonder ifat the end of it allhe was actually better off having The Mark than not having it. That wasnt to say that The Mark didnt frustrate and cause him problems, but perhaps more good hade from it than not.


    He was contemting this as Vincenzothe Partizias butlercalled them forward.


    Lady von Anmut, he nodded to Isolde. The Patrizia will be so d to see that you have arrived. Come in,e in, I shall announce you and your other guests in the main hall.


    He nced toward Brutus and then at Theresa. Shall I direct your handsome pet to the groundskeeper so that he might be reacquainted with the Patrizias hounds?


    Yes, that would be great, she stepped up beside Brutus. Be a good boy now, and have fun, okay?


    The massive cerberus whimpered and gave her a lick, before giving Selina a lick and thento Alexs surprisegiving him one too.


    He watched in amazement as Brutus trotted off with the groundskeeper when the older man quickly appeared.


    That was another change too. Would he and Brutus have such a good rtionship if they hadnt gone through so much danger together? He didnt know. But, he did know that all of the threats theyd faced had given him a much greater appreciation for the cerberus.


    He looked at Theresa and smiled, offering her a hand. Shall we?


    His smile widened as she took it.


    Er, Master Roth, I understand that he is yours? Vicenzo said, looking up at ygon somewhat dubiously. Will you beer


    No, Im not bringing in the golem, Alex said. I might be able to show him to the Patrizia during the evening.


    Of course, of course, he would likely enjoy that. You may have your golem stand by the carriage house if you wish.


    Right, he looked at his golem. Go and be good now, ygon, he said while adding what he wished for him to do in mentalmands.


    The golem turned and strode toward the carriage house, drawing gasps and eyes from the nobility and servants present.


    Er, the golems name is ygon, sir? Vincenzo raised an eyebrow, and his tone was very polite. Alex caught a flicker of disdain in his eyes though.


    To one side, Isolde made choking noises.


    Now announcing Lady Isolde von Anmut! Vincenzo announced. As well as her party: Master Thundar, son of Gulbiff, Master Khalik Behr-Medr, Mistress Theresa Lu, Master Alexander Roth and Young Mistress Selina Roth!


    They entered a ballroom right out of a fairy tale.


    Much of the room was made of ss like a greenhouse, and it wasrger than the entirety of the Lus inn. Tables were set up on the sides of the room, heaped with trays of fruits, pastries and candied breads. Casks of wine stood at the ready on one side of the room with servants ready to pour the contents into fine silver goblets. The aroma of all of that beautiful, delectable smelling food made his mouth water.


    Massive ss doors opened out onto the gardens where long tables were set-up with dozens of chairs beside them, and servants bustling between them with trays of wine and finger foods. All was lit by the light from zing fires in braziers, glowing force balls, and fish-shaped illusions made of light that swam in the open sky above the guests.


    A fountain rose above all, carved to look like a toga-d woman pouring water into a pool at her feet. Alex watched as Najyahnded on her head, nestling in and watching the festivities.


    Several men and women sat around tables outside, ying games of cards and


    Alex paused and nearly burst outughing.


    There were honest-to-Uldar jesters capering about, entertaining guestsboth young and oldby dancing wildly, juggling balls, and short painted clubs. Selina giggled with excitement, clearly wanting to go see them.


    In the centre of the inner ballroom was a massive dance floor, and a full orchestratucked to one sideyed a slow, stately waltz for the guests.


    As they were announced, guests turned aroundall maskedwatching as the neers entered.


    Hey, check it out, Thundar nodded toward some guests outside.


    They were clearly dryads, d in leaf-tunics and masks made of wood, ivy and bramble.


    Well, youll know where Ill be, the minotaur said. getting some food, but then youll know where Ill be right after that.


    No no, Isolde said. First we greet my cousin and then you can go to the forest women and embarrass yourself-er, have a chat.


    I heard that. Thundar grunted.


    Selina, I think the first thing you want is to see the jesters from up close, am I right? Khalik asked her, smiling.


    Yes! Can I, Alex? Can I? she asked.


    Sure you can, he said. But first, lets go greet our host. He looked at Theresa and lowered his voice. And then we can talk. Preferably while dancing.


    High upon a lone tree on the grounds of the human dwelling, the lean hunter peered down, having tracked the strong pinging to the gathering of mortals. Its eyes were fixed on one tall figure in the light of the transparent room.


    The Raveners quarry.


    It had found it at longst.

 Chapter 153: A Dance of Minotaurs

    Chapter 153: A Dance of Minotaurs


    The hunter crouched low in the tree, studying its quarry while keeping its senses sharp.


    Mortals moved around wearing face coverings and strange garments that seemed heavy. Good. They would be less mobile; this was to the hunters advantage. The quarry spoke with another human, one with a sword belted at the waist.


    Another mortal<strong></strong>also stood nearby with a sword.


    The hunters eyes continued to scan therge crowd below.


    Many were armed with swords, but some with different types of weapons. Each looked ready for battle. Warriors stood on the perimeter of therge green space and the maze of uniformly shaped bushes near the human building. All were safely tucked behind high walls of stone; the walls themselves were not wide enough for guards to patrol atop.


    Those patrolling the grounds inside the walls were d in metal, and bore weapons other than swords: spears, axes on the ends of poles, and spiked metal clubs.


    The lean hunter frowned, seeing so many weapons.


    There was something else to concern it too.


    A few of the mortals within the walls emitted waves of strong mana: strong enough to suggest that they had a connection to spell craft. Spell users were dangerous: their presence meant capabilities that were unknown or hard to predict.


    For a moment, it measured the odds of simply sweeping in unnoticed, or slipping into the ranks of the humans and carrying out the assassination alone. It was tempting. After endless days of hunting, its prey was finally close to its ws. With the right moment, it could eviscerate the creature, escape, and be away to report sess to its siblings.


    but much could also go wrong.


    If it were caught or killed, its siblings would be without its strength and information it had collected when it failed to return.


    The prey was also surrounded by those who were well armed, and those with magic, all together not an insignificant shield. If it attacked now, it might reach and kill The Raveners enemy quickly, but if not, then the mortals would be alerted.


    If it escaped, then the three of them would still have toplete the assassination by bringing their horde among mortals that were armed, possibly capable of magic, and definitely alert. Staging such an attack with the element of surprise eliminated, would be foolish.


    Another possibility would be that the quarry could escape and flee to the city to alert the powerful magic wielders there. Giving them forewarning was something that must be avoided.


    No, as tempting as it was to act now, the risk was too great.


    The attack would need to be carried out soon, but only when all of their advantages were in y.


    So, it slipped from the tree, keeping to the shadows cast by the nearby brush, and hugged the wall, eyeing the surroundings for additional threats.


    Nearby, it found barking creatures that mortals often kept close to them, so it took care to keep its distance, avoiding them catching its scent. Taking stock of the area revealed numerous buildings, including one that smelled of flesh and another of grain. More steel-d humans kept watch, protecting the inside of the wall, while others guarded the front gate.


    It prepared to disappear into the countryside, when it felt a strong mana.


    A puzzling statue stood by a building within the grounds. The object didnt move, but the mana pouring from it was enormous.


    The lean hunter squinted at the thing, trying to see if it was alive or not. There was a vague familiarity to the mana, but the hunter couldnt ce it.


    The assassin growled.


    Its siblings would be warned of this potential threat.


    Silently, The Raveners hunter quickly bounded away with its information.


    This opportunity would notst forever.


    Well, he was happy to see us, Alex said to Theresa.


    He kept apologizing forst time too, Theresa said. It feels so strangeat home we never talked to knights. Ive never even seen the local lord. Have you?


    <em>That</em> is something I wouldve told you for sure. If something like that had happened back in Alric, it wouldve been in the top five most interesting things that ever happened to me, he said.


    He turned to his childhood friend.


    The orchestra had switched from a waltz to a slower, calmer song. One perfect for intimate conversations in whispered tones. He noticed that many of the guests were doing just that.


    Shall we? he asked, holding out his hand.


    Yes, she said. Any time.


    He smiled as he took Theresas hand and the two of them made their way to the dance floor. He activated The Mark temporarily, letting it refresh him on his dance moves, both slow and fast.


    He held Theresa by the waist and she ced one hand on his shoulder, their other handsced together as they joined the other couples on the dance floor.


    For a time, Alex just let himself enjoy the music, and the moment. It was perfect. The orchestra was soothing, and the music blended with the clink of wine sses and the sound ofughter outside.


    Then Theresa spoke, drawing him out of his dreamy mood.


    Iwant to apologize, she whispered as they slow-danced toward the edge of the dance floor, out of earshot of other couples.


    What? For what?


    Forwhat I said earlier, she said. It was kind of selfish, I realized: this Mark gave you a lot of trouble and-


    Theresa, I-


    -no no, let me finish. Just because what happened to you made it so that I could live my life in the way I wantedeven better than I imagined it if Im really honest, doesnt mean I get to rejoice about my joy that came from your pain. It was a terrible thing for me to say.


    There was a pause.


    Are you done? he asked. Because I thought about itand I kind of agree with you.


    Her dark eyes widened behind her mask.


    Really? she said. Butyou were so angry about it.


    I was, he said. Sometimes, I still am. But likeI was thinking about it earlier. A lot of good <em>has</eme out of it. A lot. I dunno, I told you I liked the old you <em>and</em> the new youbut I think I might like the new me better. No question that theres bad stuff too, danger and questions and things to be scared about in the future.


    He thought about it. But even that can be good. Look at all the things weve gained from facing monsters. And I dont just mean money: friendsmentorsall of it. If it werent for the mana vampires, Baelins sswe wouldnt have the opportunities we have now. Even the- He leaned forward, whispering in her ear. Was it his imagination or did she startle a little bit. -dungeon core is kind of a good thing in a way. And I knowits not all going to be sunshine and rainbows, and balls and golems, but weve been able to turn them into good things so far.


    You really think so? Theresa asked. We ran away from Thamnd so you wouldnt be in danger.


    Yeah, but that danger was different. Here Ive got a chance to learn and grow and take things at my own speed: not be stuck in a battlefield as soon as this thing gets pressed into my shoulder. Honestly, Theresaone day I want to get rid of it or change it if I can, but for now Im happy. Im happy here. I thinkmaybe life wouldnt have been as good if I didnt get it after all.


    The song changed then, growing to a faster beat.


    Alex and Theresa startled and thenughed when Thundar came roaring across the room, mug of wine in hand and started to dance. He danced over to a table, drained the mug and mmed it onto the table. His hooves cked on the tiles as he jumped a tauric jig: often used to celebrate the changing of seasons by his people.


    He turned and whirled, and pped in time with the beat of the drum,ughing all the while. Some guests scoffed at his antics while othersespecially younger men whod had a few drinkughed. A few even joined in.


    Alex! Theresa! Thundar roared. Join me!


    Youre on! Alex called, looking at Theresa. Shall we?


    Oh, I dont know that one. Theresa shook her head.


    Yeah, but neither do the guests: they wont know the difference. Come on, just follow my lead and dance like you were at the harvest festival.


    Alex pulled hisughing friend toward the minotaur. They joined Thundar in his wild dance and soon, wereughing along with him and the others.


    The orchestra yers, encouraged by their enthusiasm, yed even more vigorously and a group of tipsy young men and women formed a circle around them, pping and cheering.


    That was when the dryads arrived.


    The women of the forest excitedly pushed their way into the circle and Alex was surprised who came with them. One of thema beautiful dryad with skin the colour of midnightwas dragging the secret prince of Tekezash onto the dance floor. He had a massive grin behind his beard, and his wolf mask suddenly seemed fitting. Several young men and women were brought onto the floor by other dryads, and they all joined in with their own version of a wild dance.


    The dryads leapt and turned like deer springing through the woods, while Khalik pirouetted with them. Through the crowd, Alex saw Selinapaying no attention to them. She was with a group of other children pping wildly, while her eyes were fixed on a jester who was juggling opened bottles of wine without spilling any.


    Isolde, meanwhile, was near her cousin.


    Her masked face was buried in her hands in shame.


    Isoldes never going to forgive you for this! Theresa cried.


    So its myst night alive, right? Thundarughed. So, then Ill dance like it!


    He called to Alex and Khalik, and the two young men joined him. They switched to a jig from Alexs homnd, and danced in perfect step in a line, much to the surprise and delight of the others. All of that practicing together had paid off and they actually looked like they knew what they were doing.


    Then they went into a dance from Tekezash, of which Khalik was the master. Alex followed theplex steps and jumps wellthanks to The Markbut Thundar stumbled through a couple,ughing it off.


    Finally, the orchestra slowed again and many of the young folks stumbled off the floor,ughing, sweating, and looking for more drinks.


    Thundar was being pulled along by a dryad whod been dancing near him.


    Another waltz yed and Alex and Theresa stepped into it along with Khalik and his newdy friend.


    They look like theyre getting along well already, Theresa said.


    Oh, of course, they are, he said. Its Khalik. Youd have to be a pretty half- dead fun hater not to get along with Khalik? I mean, look at him!


    Theresaughed. Point takenhey, do it subtly, but take a look at that.


    Alex discreetly nced to where she was looking to see that a young man had worked up the courage to ask the statuesque Isolde to dance. He was quite a bit shorter than she was too.


    Well good for her, he said. d to see shes having fun too.


    Yes, its not fair for us to hog all the fun, Theresa giggled. Im not sure if I ever want this night to end.


    You and me both. He looked at her, slowly being drawn to her eyes. If The Mark had helped him get to this point in his life, then he had to admit, there was a lot to be grateful for.


    His hand closed around hers a little tighter.


    It was time.


    Come on, lets head out to the garden, Alex said. I want to talk to you for a moment.


    Oooh, I want to keep danci- She paused, looking at his face very closely. Alex saw excitement go through her eyes. -no, nevermind.


    Uh, if you want to keep danci-


    Alex, take me off of this dance floor right now and tell me what you have to say, I want to hear it, she said.


    Excitement rose in his chest.


    Was she so insistent for the reason he hoped she was?


    The two of them smiled at each other like two delighted children and began moving quickly across the dance floor. They made their way into the gardens and Alex spotted a quiet bench.


    Holding hands, they started toward it.


    Then they heard the sound.


    Hello, Alex, hello Theresa! Giuseppe DePaolos voice boomed over the festivities. Alex slowly turned and saw him approaching them with an, I cant wait to have a long chat smile on his face.


    If he didnt know better, he could have sworn he heard Theresa swear under her breath right before they greeted their host.


    The first hunter listened to the report from its sibling very closely. The news was good. Very good.


    Their quarry was close: no longer in the protection of the city. Now only a few mortals that might wield magic were nearby, and there were other mortals bearing weapons and armour that patrolled where their prey was.


    These things would have been an obstacle had theye alone.


    The first hunter looked back, appraising their small horde.


    Now, they would not be so challenging.


    Forward, itmanded the little furry creatures. We are ready to hunt.


    The little creatures hesitated at first, but mming its wed fist into the closest one quickly brought all of them in line. Bone creatures andrge humanoids also stepped forward swiftly. They were starving, and the threat of punishment mixed with the promise of food nearby was enough to get them moving.


    Night had fallen and moonlight illuminated their force as they streamed across the countryside. They avoided isted houses thaty between them and their goal: they could not afford to be distracted.


    Faster and faster the creatures advanced, and soon, therge building where the mortals awaited loomed in the distance. Beside it was the forest where the first hunter had fought creatures whose heads were capped with leaves.


    They would avoid that approach.


    Barking out orders in unison, they drove their bestial force of monsters toward the human settlement. The small furry ones surged forward fastest, keeping low to the ground. They would start the attack with stealth, following their instincts as ambush predators.


    A rush of satisfaction went through the first hunter.


    This was the way. This was their purpose.


    To terrorize mortals while fulfilling The Raveners purpose. To send them fleeing and dying.


    Andwhen they were frightened and disorganized, the hunters would strike. They would do it in that precious moment when their prey was most surprised.


    The three siblings slowly followed their horde, ready to take advantage of the confusion.


    And chaos.

 Chapter 154: Shadows in the Garden

    Chapter 154: Shadows in the Garden


    Are you all enjoying your evening? Giuseppe strolled up to Theresa and Alex, smiling behind a mask that looked like the face of a regal hound. I was very intrigued by your dancing earlier and have topliment your uhmvigour. Heughed. I was telling Isolde during youruhm disy, that she certainly has some ratherexciting friends. It isnt often that one group draws so much attention at one of my little parties.


    Oh, weve been having a fantastic time. Theresa smiled warmly. I dont think Ive had this much fun at a party for a long time.


    Oh yeah, Alex said. You know how to throw a feast, Your Excellency. He made sure to use the proper term of address for Isoldes cousin out of respect.


    I should hope so with all of the practice Ive had over the years, Giuseppeughed. But, I hear that congrattions are in order since Isolde tells me that you were partly responsible for ying the mana vampire. We had no idea who had finally caught and killed it, so you can imagine my surprise when Isolde informed me that it was she and your group of very capable friends who had. He shook his head as if in amazement. There was a very loud sigh of relief from society when the threat ended and we owe each of you our deepest gratitude.


    Well, Im not sure if it was as loud as <em>my</em> sigh of relief, Alex chuckled. Im just d that the thing is deadactually I wanted to ask, did- He paused.


    He caught movement out of the corner of his eye and turned quickly.


    Khalik and his new friend were approaching.


    Aaaah, Master Behr-Medr, a pleasure to see you again, Giuseppe said.


    The pleasure is all mine on this enchanting nighty-Patrizia dePaolo, Khalik said, stumbling over the honorific for a moment. Though from different countries, the patrizia was of a lower aristocratic rank than the prince and it seemed to take Khalik a moment to think of the correct way to address him. Your illusionary lights are incredible, and the entertainment provided for the young ones was inspired.


    Alex nced toward a peal ofughter.


    The children were surrounding a group of jesters in a half circle,ughing and pping as one of the performers hopped onto the shoulders of two others, forming aical, swaying pyramid.


    It is always important to have something for them to do, of course. Bored children are <em>terrors.</em> Giuseppe winced. I once had a winter party with only an ice sculpture and no entertainment for childrenit did not go well and I learned from that disaster. The sculpture was toppled and quickly reduced to ice projectiles. He shuddered.


    Alex fought back augh.


    Khalik raised an eyebrow. I must admit, I am surprised to see young ones wee. In noble society, it is customary for young ones not to join events such as these until their debuts at early teenage years, is it not?


    Ah, that practice remainsmon in other high societies, but it became an issue in Generasi.


    Oh? How so? Khalik asked.


    Well, keeping children at home during functions works well for many in high society because of the number of servants avable to them, Giuseppe said. It makes for-


    He paused.


    Something wrong? Theresa asked.


    No, I just thought I saw something, he said, squinting at a tree beyond the estates walls.


    Theresa looked in that direction.


    Perhaps a bit too much wine, Giuseppe continued. But yes, even a small country manor needs dozens of servants to function each day. Hauling water, cooking, tending fires, cleaningtheres no end to tasks, and consequently, no end to the help you need. With wizards, however, they take care of much of their mundane household affairs using magic. It means that a single, wealthy wizard might have a manor asrge as this and only have their family living there. No one else is needed for the day to day maintenance and function of the ce. So when they receive guests, their children must either be included and have entertainment provided, sent away, or hired help must be brought in to care for the children during the function. Thetter two choices often ended in chaotic situations since wizards young children can posechallenges for non-wizards. So, since Generasi is primarily a wizard city, some nobility have adapted to their way of doing things. Like me.


    Your celebration is most pleasing, the dryad said. I am happy you invited my sisters and me.


    Oh, Theresa and Alex, this is Sinope, Khalik said, his eyes sparkling. We met earlier by-


    He paused.


    Hm, patrizia, might I steal you from Alex and Theresa for a moment? Khalik asked Guiseppe. There is a lovely painting in your main hall, and I was curious to know who the artist was.


    Oh, which one? Giuseppe asked.


    If you have a moment in your busy role as host, I can show you, Khalik smiled.


    Ah, then I shall leave you for now, my young friends, the patrizia said before leaving with the prince and Sinope.


    Khalik turned and winked at Alex and Theresa as he walked away.


    if I ever be very wealthy, the huntress said. Im going to have a statue made of him. Its going to be one hundred feet tall and made of solid gold. No, tinum.


    Alexughed. See, this is why I l-<strong></strong>


    He paused, looking at the bench.


    Yes? Theresa asked.


    I mean,e, lets go have that conversation, he said.


    Good, I <em>really</em> want to hea- She stopped, squinting at the wall. Wait.


    Alex froze as he saw the look on her face and followed her gaze. His eyes were nowhere near as keen as hers, and that was even before she had started life enforcement, but he still squinted to see if he could see anything.


    Something wrong? he asked.


    His mind suddenly flitted back to those old tales: of noble knights who were just preparing to confess their undying love to the one who had stolen their heart, only to be killed in some battle or tragedy before they could speak up.


    No way, Alex said. No way wed be that unlucky.


    Alex reached out to ygon, feelingfort in the magical threads connecting his mind with the information processor in the golem.


    Hold on for a moment, Theresa said. I want to see something.


    This time Alexs mind went to all those other stories where the person who said, lets go see what that spooky noise is! was immediately killed.


    Iming with you, but what is it? he asked, following her as she walked deeper into the garden.


    I might be crazybut I <em>think</em> I saw something odd.


    What? Alex blinked. Something odd?


    Yes She looked at Alex. Something came over the wall there. I think. I caught sight of ears, big pointed ones. It moved fast enough that I couldnt really say for sure what it was.


    Alex froze. Was it child sized?


    He nced back, noting the guards standing around the party. None of them seemed to be showing any concern.


    Yes, she said, looking at him. Why, does that sound familiar? Like a monster from the countryside?


    Alex frowned. Noit sounded like a muupkara from what you described, but theyre not really supposed to be outside The Barrens. Not normally, anyway.


    Right. She frowned, and approached one of the guards.


    As far as Alex remembered, muupkaras rarely left The Barrens, if they even could get past the wall. Hed heard there were odd times where a lone creaturemaybe from sicknessor a small pack slipped into the countryside and caused trouble, but between the wall and being adapted to the dry heat, they rarely ventured outside of their dusty home.


    Excuse me, Theresa said to the guard. Did youdid you see or hear anything earlier? Near the hedge maze?


    Not so much as a peep, mydy, the guard said in a highly respectful tone. Not to worry, the hedge maze is patrolled. You are safe within the patrizias walls.


    Right, Theresa said. Can I trouble one of you toe with us into the garden? I want to see something, and you guards would know your way through the maze better than we would.


    Of course, mydy, I think we can spare someone. Marco, go and guide His Excellencys guests through the maze.


    A baby-faced guard scratched the peach fuzz on his cheeks. Right, right.


    Alex was paying attention to everything around them.


    The garden loomed ahead, empty and dark. Hedges reached high into the night, forming a maze capable of hiding a host of threats. Something twisted in his belly.


    Maybe we shouldnt go out there, Alex said slowly.


    If there was going to be an attack, then leaving the crowd and the firelight to step into the darkness of the garden would be an excellent way to get themselves killed if there actually was something going on.


    You know what? Maybe youre right, Theresa said.


    Alex caught a brief look of annoyance crossing Marcos face. Thatll be all then?


    What Marco <em>meant</em> to ask is if he can be of <em>any further service</em>, isnt that right? the first guard red at the younger man.


    Theresa didnt reply.


    Instead, she cocked one ear toward their surroundings. Her eyes were fixed on the maze.


    Thats strange she said.


    Mydy? the guard asked.


    Yes? Alex asked.


    Suddenly therere no more sounds out here, she said. No crickets. No animals. NothingI dont like this.


    Alex felt the hairs rise on the back of his neck.


    He remembered the silence-spiders attack back in Coille forest.


    The wildlife had fallen silent then too.


    Did you see that? she said suddenly, pointing at the hedge maze. This time Alex did see something. A small, shadowy form darting by the entrance of the hedge maze.


    We should tell somebody, Alex said. Now.


    Agreed.


    Its nothing to worry about, the older guard said, but he was suddenly looking at the hedges nervously. Marco, would you go and tell the patrizia that there might be an animal in the gardens? He squinted at the hedge. Im sure the patrol would have caught something slipping over the wall. Do you see them out there, Luigi?


    One of the other guardstall and sporting a thick moustacheshook his head. No, sir. Not for a time.


    Alexs eyes looked for his sister. She was still near the jesters. He began to walk toward her; Theresa followed, as did Marco the guard.


    Alex frowned, thinking about muupkaras in The Barrens and how they had hidden beneath the dust, waiting for him and his group to walk into their ambush.


    Were being baited, I think, Alex said. If its muupkaras, I think theyre trying to lure us out there.


    Muupkaras? Marco looked at him. This isnt The Barrens, my lord.


    Justbear with me here-Selina! he called.


    Act natural, he told himself. Let as many people know as you can, but just act natural.


    Selina turned around, smiling at her brother.


    Alex, you have to see what the jesters are doing! she said excitedly.


    He walked up beside her and took her hand, looking at the other children. They needed to get inside. Now.


    Alex looked for Najyah, still perched on the fountain. Her eyes were far better than anyones there, but she


    By The Traveller, shes asleep! Alex thought.


    The giant eagle had her head tucked beneath her wing.


    Najyah! he cried. Najyah!


    She shook herself, startled and squawked at him indignantly.


    Najyah, I know Im not Khalik, but I think you can understand me, right? he said quickly, still ncing at the bushes. Do you see anything out there in the gardens?


    She continued squawking at him, but followed his gaze into the gardens.


    Then she fell silent.


    A screech rose from her, shattering the night and drawing all eyes.


    Somewhere within the manor, he heard Khaliks voice roar out.


    Theresa swore under her breath. There!


    Her sword swept from its scabbard. Several guests gasped at the sight of the bared de.


    Alex looked at where she was pointing.


    Movement. A lot of movement. The hedges rustled as ifing to life.


    A pair of eyes shone in the dark. Tiny, malicious eyes.


    Then another pair. Then many, many more.


    Were under attack! he heard Luigi shout. Monsters!


    His roar seemed to signal the violence to begin.


    A pack of monsters boiled out of the hedges, with eyes shining and ws dark with blood. They snarled and screeched, charging at the surprised guests, as their jaws opened wide, unhinging a vast spread of mouth and sharp teeth.


    Guards began shoutingmands, and levelling their pole-arms.


    Guests ran screaming, while some drew their swords.


    The guards levelled their pole-arms with trained discipline and stepped forward. Najyah took off from her perch just as Thundar came tearing out of the ballroom.


    By my ancestors! he cried.


    Alex froze for an instant.


    This could not be happening.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Guards mmed into the muupkaras with pole-arms lowered, shing and cutting into the little creatures. In the distance, a roar cut through the night and a hulking form mbered over the wall with a swarm of muupkaras close behind.


    A lean humanoid figure slipped over with them.


    The battle swelled as more monsters flooded the garden.


    It was happening; nothing for it but to adapt. Alex reached out with his thoughts: no time for a field test now. This would be a real test.


    ygon! he called out mentally. Were under attack by monsters! Come to me, protect us and stop them!


    His golems mana responded through their mental link.


    Alex! Selina cried.


    Behind me! Theresa stood between the Roth siblings and the threat. The guards were holding them off for now, as more guards rushed in to join them. They looked well organized and prepared.


    Alex, wha- Thundar stumbled over to them.


    Thundar, can you get Selina inside? Alex said as parents rushed over to grab their children. Get to somece inside where guards are; where you can keep her safe!


    I can figh-'' The minotaur caught himself. My mana! Dammit! I cant cast yet. Id be almost dead weight!


    Swearing, he reached down and scooped up Selina, who was reaching for Alex, calling to him under her mask.


    Hey, Alex said. Ill be okay. Youll be safe with Thundar and Ill be back for you, I promise.


    The young girl called to him. Keep your promise!


    Stomp those monsters, you two! Thundar barked, carrying Selina back into the manor as parents pulled their children inside with them. There was one youngster who was alone and crying, and the minotaur paused to pick him up too.


    Im going to go help, Theresa said, looking back at Alex. I-


    Listen, he said quickly. I love you, Theresa. I have for a long time. Dont. Die.


    She froze. Her eyes shone in her mask and her jaw trembled. Really? <em>Now?</em> She swallowed. Fine, if this is how it is. I love you too, Alex. And if you die right after you said that, I swear Ill find a way to bring you back to life and kill you again.


    Theresa stepped up to him, kissed him on the lips, then quickly rushed toward the attack with a war-cry as Najyah swooped away. Mages had joined in and were sting magic bolts into the monsters.


    Alex concentrated as he used the precious moments he had to cast spells and head toward the manor. Hed need the bag with his potions.


    The incantations tumbled from his mouth and he used his meditative techniques to guide his way through The Marks interference. He had no time for old failures to parade through his head now.


    Lesser Force Armour shed into being around him and then went invisible. Next, Forceshield materialized in front of him.


    Dryads rushed past toward the fight, pulling wooden des from their leafy tunics as they went.


    He felt ygon getting closer,ing at full speed toward the building and he told him to go around and not through obstructions in his path, just in case he didnt slow down.


    Spells continued materializing around Alex as he headed for the sunroom.


    Protective Force Crooked Long Rectanglehis version of<strong></strong>Protective Force Weaponmaterialized. Then Wizards Hand.


    Finally, his trusty forceball.


    Alex paused, swearing as he looked through the ss walls of the ballroom. More monsters were flooding the estate grounds from other parts of the wall.


    He knew he didnt have time to run around inside getting his bag from wherever it had been ced.


    Nothing for it then.


    Alex concentrated hard on thest spell he nned to cast.


    One hed recently been finally able to learn.


    His mind constructed theplex spell array, and he guided it around The Marks bombardment; the magic circuit eagerly forged itself, almost as though it <em>wanted</em> to be created.


    Then, it wasplete.


    He felt somewhere distant and cold reach out to him


    A gateway of ice formed in the air then cracked apart.


    His bag dropped into his hand asfor the second time everAlex had cast the second tier spell hed worked on for so long. The first time had been the day before while hed been practicing it:


    Call Through Ice.


    Alexander Roth turned toward the battle, d in his full array of defensive spells.


    He reached into his bag and grabbed one of his booby-trapped flight potions and stepped toward the battlefield. Moving quickly, he swallowed a Potion of Sensory Enhancement.


    Alright, you filthy monsters, He said, Prepare to have a <em>bad</em> night.

 Chapter 155: A Battle of Masks and Claws

    Chapter 155: A Battle of Masks and ws


    The lean hunter moved through the winding paths within the hedges, stopping at the edge of the maze and peering onto the battlefield.


    It was almost time.


    The first hunter and the scarred one were moving into position as well, slipping up beside their sibling with practiced silence. They had plenty of cover: their monster horde flooded over the walls, striking at the mortals with unrestrained ferocity. The three watched their n unfold.


    Sword, spear and halberd struck flesh and parried w. One of the guards fought against a surging pack of small monsters, only to have her arm caught in one of their mouths. The creature proceeded to suck the flesh from her forearm as she shrieked in terror, trying to drag the arm free of its jaws. Another guard ran up and stabbed straight through the monsters temple with a spear. The muupkara copsed to the groundstill mped on the guards armpulling her down with it.


    Large humanoid monsters surged forward, fighting to push through the guards spears. Soon the bone creatures would arrive.


    Masked mortals joined the battle, some using swords, and some casting spells. Arge bird of prey swooped around therge humanoids, tearing flesh and eyes.


    Screams and roaring filled the air throughout the garden.


    Chaos.


    Just as they had desired: soon, the perfect moment to execute their task woulde. They would be ready.


    They had arrived within the walls a short time before, once it was clear that the mortals were engaged with the beasts they had dominated. There had almost been opportunity to strike earlier: the attack had begun and the humans were surprised, their prey had been alone, but deep within the defenders ranks: there had been no clear path to reach it unseen.


    The risk of attempting to fight their way through so many defenders had been too great, and their chance could have been spoiled.


    So, they had dismissed taking such a gamble.


    While they considered how to reach their quarrys position, it had quickly retreated closer to the building and they had no way of knowing if additional defenders waited within the clear walls of the structure.


    Every unknown multiplied the chance of failure.


    And they could not fail.


    But soon, more of the defenders would be engaged when the next part of their n was revealed. When one of the bone creatures came onto the battlefield, the mortals attention would be drawn straight to it. Some of them would freeze with fear. Some would panic at the sight. The spell casters would fire their spells at it. All attention would be drawn its way. That would be their moment to use the cover of distraction to slip through the defences and corner The Raveners enemy.


    The bone creatures would provide their path to sess.


    There was a group of masked defenders among the armoured guards. They did not look as imposing. Once all of the defenders were distractedincluding the guardsthe hunters would spring among the masked ones and cut them down with ease. Then they would quickly proceed.


    The armoured guards would still be engaged with the little creatures andrge humanoids, and would not be able to aid their prey.


    They would overwhelm the quarry.


    Their ws would make short work of it.


    Still studying the battle below, they recognized potentialplications to their n: some defenders seemed far more able in battle than they would have liked: a group of females in greenthat the first hunter recognized as foes hed fought in the nearby forestand a very quick and skillful darked haired female wielding a sword with intensity.


    She was cutting down their small monsters with ease.


    The hunters watched as one of therge humanoids leapt at her, its arms raised up to crush her. Her movements were nearly as quick as their own; she dodged around its advance and shed a gaping wound through its armpit. Red sprayed like a fountain and it shrieked in agony. Another sh severed one of its hands and another opened its belly.


    Its scream died; with an impact that shook the ground, it fell in a limp heap.


    That one is strong, the scarred hunter growled. She could hinder us: if she joins our fight, I will deal with her. You both finish our task. If the other forest-females join, then I will deal with them too: even if I die trying. Kill the prey.


    Its siblings nodded their agreement.


    They tensed, watching as the quarry turned around, stepping away from the building and moving back toward the garden.


    Good! the first huntermunicated. Ites back!


    Easier for us, the lean hunter rumbled.


    Alex took in the battlefield at a nce:


    Theresa, the dryads and the patrizias guards were making a fighting retreat back toward the manor, cutting down monsters as they went. Magic wielding party guests were sting the creatures with beams of mana.


    Monsters fell all around them.


    Najyah swooped down, shing at therge humanoidswhich Alex recognized as gorgersfaces and eyes with her talons. The monsters roared in pain and fury as their cheeks were torn open or one or both eyes were wed out.


    Some of Giuseppe DePaolos guests had suffered grave injuries and were being dragged into the manor, bleeding from savage bites and torn flesh mauled by the muupkaras.


    There was no sign of the patrizia emerging from the manor nor did he see Isolde or Khalik anywhere. But he could still feel ygon making his way around the massive building.


    He would do what he could to reinforce their weakest points in the meanwhile.


    He sent out his forceball and Wizards Hands, shooting them out among the ranks of the charging monsters. With a practiced ease won from battling monsters in The Barrens, he began to obstruct, tripping them up: grabbing arms, legs or feet and pulling them down or up, and throwing them off bnce.


    His forceball swooped through one of the long tablespiled with food, punch bowls and wineand ploughed through the feast atop it. Muupkaras and gorgers were showered with a hail of food, dishes, utensils, casks, and burning candles that assaulted them, causing their charge to falter. Alex rolled the forceball at their feet, bowling the creatures over and sending many falling over each other.


    In moments, the ferocity of their charge had broken and the nobles could go on the offensive against the stumbling, confused attackers.


    Calling back his Wizards Hands, he reached into his bag and threw two of his booby-trapped potions into the air. The Wizards Hands caught them in mid-flight and shot over the gardens at speed, swooping in front of a group of gorgers and muupkaras that had just scrambled over the wall.


    <em>Krnch. Boom.</em>


    Wizards Hands crushed the potion bottles, sting a cloud of gaseous potion over the gorgers and muupkaras, enveloping them.


    They froze for a moment.


    Then chaos.


    Screams of terror burst through the monsters ranks aslike a swarm of drunken beesthey flew up into the air in all directions, smashing chaotically into whatever was around them. Some shot high in the air and disappeared into the night sky. Others catapulted backwards, bouncing off of trees behind the patrizias estate and were knocked unconscious. A gorger shot forward along the groundpicking up speedcrushing muupkaras as it went and scraping its hide raw before ploughing into a tree.


    They were the lucky ones.


    Others fared far worse. They were torn apart as their limbs were ripped away because of the potionflying in different directionsor were pulled in half as their torso tried to fly one way and their legs another.


    Gore stained the ground and wall they had just scaled.


    The gas had worked well, keeping the monsters from getting close to the defenders.


    Calling back his spells, Alex quickly tossed a Potion of Haste into the grip of one of his Wizards Hands and shot it at Theresa whod just finished clearing through monsters around her.


    Theresa! he called. Catch! Itll increase your speed! It doesntst forever so only drink it when you need it!


    Thanks! She shouted as her hand shot up and grabbed the potion without turning around.


    Alexs counterattack and the resistance theyd met from the defenders in the garden had caused some of the monsters to abruptly halt their advance, while others had begun to flee. It looked like the horde might break even before more of the patrizias reinforcements arrived.


    Only a short while had passed since the monsters attack had begun and things were already looking up.


    But something was bothering Alex.


    Why the hell are gorgers and muupkaras cooperating? he thought as he shot his Wizards Hands and forceball into their ranks again and again. What-


    A horrifying roar cut through the air: one Alex recognized.


    The defenders froze.


    Alexs blood ran cold.


    Someone screamed, pointing at a spot along the wall.


    No, no, no, Alex thought, turning toward the roar. It cant be.


    A giant, skeleton-like hand gripped the top of the outer wall. Then a second.


    The massive face of a bonedrinker rose above the stones, with its slimy pseudo-tentacles iling out of its eye-sockets.


    Alex could<em> feel </em>the collective horror that ran through the defenders. If that thing got to them, it would <em>wreck</em>them.


    He called back one of his Wizards Hands and his forceball.


    His mind raced as he began to reach for another potion.


    <em>Think. Ada-</em>


    His potion-enhanced eyes caught a flicker of movement in the shadows.


    Three figures shot out of the darkness, loping forward with terrifying speed. They leapt on the defenders, shing through their ranks like they were felling dried grass.


    Theresa, monster- He started to cry, but the three new beasts had shed through the weak part of the line before he could finish his warning.


    They were heading right for him. Alex jumped back, trying to open up as much distance as possible between him and them, and fell into the first position of the Spear-And-Oar Dance. His hands rose into positions from the Cleansing Movements.


    He didnt even have time to grab any of his other potions, they wereing too fast.


    Alex quickly willed one of his Wizards Hands into a fist with the index finger pointed forward. He shot it down in front of the face of one of the approaching creatures at thest secondlike he had with the mana vampire on Fan-Dors shipbut now, his skill in directing spells had vastly improved. The spell moved with precision, then abruptly stopped in front of the lean creatures eye: too close for the thing to halt its forward momentum.


    The monster bellowed as it ran full speed into the spell, poking out an eye in its rush. Blood spurted from the eye socket. To Alexs horror it did not stop, though obviously in agony, half-blind, and with a spell protruding from its face. Its determination was unnerving. He immediately shot the forceball down in front of its feet andthankfullythe still charging monster tripped, breaking the charge.


    But the other two reached him an instantter.


    Up close, he<strong></strong>realized that they looked like the creature the dryads had described as having killed some of their warriors.


    Then his world became a whirlwind of ws and teeth.


    Alex yelled as he danced and dodged around a flurry of shes and bites. He angled his shield to deflect a w. One of his rectangles parried another, but shattered in the process. He weaved around the snapping jaws, and deflected ws using his force armoured arms and the flowing motions of the Cleansing Movements.


    But the ws didnt stop. Each of the assants was faster than the mana vampire. A lot faster. Despite Alexs enhanced senses, his training, and all his defensive spells, it was<strong></strong>all he could do to keep from being disemboweled by one or both of them. The fact that there were two of them attacking him made the situation even worse.


    He called back his forceball and continued to dance out of reach of their attacks, but their blows wereing closer and closer.


    Another one of his rectangles popped.


    His forceshield deflected another.


    ws scraped across his force armour, cracking it. The strength of the blow sent Alex stumbling back. A kick from one of the monsters snapped at him, threatening to knock him off his feet. He danced around it, but it clipped his bag.


    <em>Crk.</em>


    One of his potion bottles shattered and he cursed inwardly, wondering which one it was. He wished hed had time to drink Flight or Haste.


    <em>crrrk.</em>


    A searing pain ripped across his chest.


    Alex screamed.


    His shirt grew wet and hot, but he had no time to check the wound. The pain grew, but the ws didnt stop.


    The force armour on his arm cracked.


    A gash opened on his forearm.


    Then another.


    Alex cried out, gritting his teeth; the forceball and Wizards Hand shot between him and his attackers. His spell-conjured Hand tried to pull and drag the monsters, but they were so strong that the Hands grip didnt slow them. The forceballsted long enough to be popped by one swift w.


    Just a little more Alex thought.


    He had to buy more time. Just a few more seconds.


    One of the monstersa creature with scarred skinturned just before striking at Alex again.


    Theresa hade roaring in from the side, her sword shing in front of her. In an instant, the creature and she were shing butto Alexs rising panicthe monster was pushing back the huntress with its speed and savagery. Despite her skill, speed, and enhanced life-force, she was pressed back as the monster shed her arm.


    Theresa! Alex cried, starting to will both Wizards Hands toward her, but the lean creature whose eye hed gouged out leapt at him; he needed everything he had to avoid having his face ripped off.


    Suddenly, he was fighting two again. And things had also turned grim on the battlefield.


    Back in the garden, the bonedrinker was being slowed by a series of magic beams, but it was pushing through them, advancing on the defenders like the spectre of death. Then another bonedrinker crawled into the garden, drawing horrified screams from the defenders. Some of the brave folk now looked ready to run.


    Theresa fought for her life. Another cut opened on her, but the scarred monster yelped as she managed to open one, and then two cuts on one of its arms. She leaned back from its bite, but it slid away before her sword could reach it, then it leapt at her again.


    <em>Crunch</em>


    One of Alexs attackers cut through more of his rectangles.


    Justa little more Alex thought desperately.


    <em>Schp.</em>


    A w ripped his shirt and drew more blood.


    He reached out with his mind. Just a little more! The bone monster! Get the bone monster!


    The first bonedrinker surged toward the defenders, its tail whipping up to strike them.


    <em>Voooooooom!</em>


    And then me.


    A beam of fire magic sted from the side of the manor,ncing through the air and sting the lead bonedrinker. There was a roar of me, and a hiss of steam.


    Bone cracked.


    Flesh boiled.


    <em>Splort!</em>


    The bonedrinker blew apart in a massive st of me.


    Both monsters fighting Alex paused and he red at them.


    Youre in trouble noooow, he snarled.


    <em>Boom. Boom. Boom.</em>


    Thundering footsteps and me heralded theing.


    ygon had entered the battle.

 Chapter 156: Claygon

    Chapter 156: ygon


    The bonedrinkers remains ckened and sizzled: a monster that had taken Baelins ss everything they had to kill had been destroyed with a single st from ygons fire-gems. Their power seemed to have grown since Alex imnted them in the golem.


    And ygon wasnt finished.


    Following thest order from Alex as it came rushing to protect him, the golem raised its left palm toward the garden: red light and heat built up in the fire-gem embedded in its palm.


    <em>Vooooom!</em>


    Another beam ripped out.


    The second bonedrinkerfarther back in the gardentried skittering out of range, but the beam caught it in its side. Steam poured from its mouth and eye holes as its snail-like flesh cooked in a sh. Its bone ckened, then burst apart like crushed ss.


    me ripped out over the gardens, setting both monsters and nts on fire. Screaming muupkaras and gorgers frantically rolled on the ground, desperate to extinguish their burning flesh. Some scrambled away from the heat and fled, scaling the walls to escape into the night.


    As the hordes savage rush turned into a mixture of reluctant attack, retreat, fear and confusion, some of the magic wielding defenders cast their spells to channel water from the fountain through the air then into the hungry fire, drowning it.


    <em>Boom. Boom. Boom.</em>


    The golem continued its unstoppable rush toward Alex and their enemies.


    There was a snap as four massive hands coiled into enormous fists.


    In the few moments that his two attackers paused to process what this new threat was, Alex danced away from the pair, drew his Potion of Haste, and drank it down.


    Its power hit him in a wave. A surge of energy washed over him, sending a pleasant tingling coursing from his stomach to his fingers, toes and even his head. As the potions effect reached his mind, the world suddenly slowed down.


    All seemed to move at half the speed of earlierandbined with the sensory enhancement potionAlex took in his surroundings in an instant.


    The monsters hadnt actually slowed, but their movements no longer seemed to be a blurring of ws, teeth and impending death.


    Now he had time.


    Now he could think


    Now he could adapt.


    He threw a nce in the direction where Theresa was fighting the scarred monster. It had also paused when ygon appeared, and the huntress had used its distraction to punish it by opening a long gash across its arm. That brought its focus entirely back to her. She had managed to sh it a few times during the fight and things were starting to grow more even, butrminglyits wounds looked shallow: the creatures hide seemed hard to prate.


    That one needed to die.


    Alex shot one of his Wizards Hands toward the scarred beast.


    The other two monsters finally recovered from their shockthough without the effect of Haste-time they probably had only paused for a few heartbeatsand rushed for Alex again.


    <em>Boom. Boom. Scrrrrp.</em>


    ygon reached Alexs side and skidded to a halt beside him. Four giant fistsshed out at once.


    Alex <em>felt</em> the air shift as those colossal blows shot past him; the monsters dodged. Their speed was still frightening, but ygon was faster than he looked.


    And Alex Roth didnt y fair with monsters who were trying to kill him.


    As the pair leapt out of the way, he noted which one moved slower: the leaner one.


    Alex rushed at it with his hands rising up.


    Slipping past its ws, he reached up and caught its arm in an iron grip, his powerful muscles flexing as he pulled in the opposite direction to where it was heading. Not to harm, but to slow it. Despite all of his strength training, he couldnt match its strength, but he could still slow it for a heartbeat.


    A deadly heartbeat.


    One of ygons fists came at it like a battering ram.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    The strike clipped the monsters arm.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    A shriek of pain ripped through the air.


    The lean ones limb snapped like a dried twig and it went spinning, rolling on its side as though flung from a catapult. With its agility, it was back on its feet in an instant, but now one arm dangled uselessly at its side.


    ygon focused on the other monster, while Alex turned his attention to Theresa and the scarred one. He could see that the monster had cut her several times, though none of the wounds seemed to be too deep. Her speed and agility was keeping the creature from overwhelming her, but Alex could see the strain showing on her face. She was tiring.


    He shot his Wizards Hands down.


    Swooping them behind the scarred hunter, he tried to bring them in from its blind spot, but it reacted with almost supernatural reflex, popping one of the spells with a single sweep of a w.


    But, the other spell had gotten through: the magical Hand mped over the creatures eyes, blinding it.


    It tried to rip the Hand away, giving Theresa precious moments to down the Potion of Haste. Her expression went full death stalker as the magic rushed through her; she surged toward her opponent in a wave of steel and power.


    The creature finally freed its eyes from Wizards Hand, crushing the spell in its grip.


    But, its eyes went wide.


    Then it was scrambling away, fighting to defend itself.


    In breaths, cut after cutced its arms as it fought Theresa, but her sword slipped through gaps in its defences.


    It was bleeding badly.


    A screech brought Alexs attention back to the two monsters menacing him. The uninjured one mbered away, dodging ygons fists. Its leanpanion was leaping back into the fighttrailing its broken armand trying to get through the golems barrage to reach Alex.


    The young wizard rushed at it again. While a Potion of Haste was powerful, it wasnt longsting: he needed to hinder these two as much as he could before the magic faded.


    Stinger-like teeth snapped inches away from his hand, but he moved too quickly, reaching around to seize his attacker by the shoulder and spin the creature like a dancer at some bizarre monsters ball.


    It spun to the side, losing bnce andwith one arm broken and one eye missingit teetered, struggling to regain its footing.


    Alex reached out to ygon.


    <em>Whoosh</em>.


    One of the golems arms snapped out in a powerful backhand.


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    The monster tried to raise its good arm to defend itself, but it was pulverized against ygons power.


    The lean monsters face twisted in pain and shock.


    That expression was immediately reced by a big y fist.


    Alexs attackers head was caved in as its chest copsed. The crushed body flipped through the air, soaring over the line of defenders and monsters to m into the garden wall and stter like a swatted fly.


    A chilling scream erupted from the direction of Theresas fight. The scarred monster was cradling a deep wound in its side; its movements clearly weakening.


    Alexs other attacker scrambled back from ygons fists, looking between its scarred sibling and Alex. Its eyes narrowed.


    Then it did something Alex did not expect.


    I will huntyou, it spoke, in perfectmon tongue. I will hide, and watch, and I will hunt you. You and those around you.


    Alexs blood ran cold.


    The voiceing from it wasnt its own: it was one that Alex knew intimately. It was <em>his</em>own voice. After uttering the unnerving words, it turned and began to flee, giving an inhuman call toward its scarredpanion.


    Alexs mind whirled. He didnt know why the three creatures had piled onto him: whether it was because he was a threat to their forces, or for another reason, butmuch like the mana vampireit had threatened to keeping for him.


    But this time, Alex wouldnt let a threat escape.


    He sent ygon a mentalmand to pursue, but the scarred monster jumped away from Theresa and moved to position itself between ygon and its escapingpanion.


    Alex ordered his golem to advance.


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    ygon rushed forward and trampled the obstruction into the stones, crushing the creature beneath his massive feet. Driven, the monster fought to get up, but Theresa stopped it where it was, shing its throat open.


    Theresa! We have to get the other one! It cant get away! Alex ran after ygon, charging after the fleeing monster, keeping his eyes focused on it. For a moment, he was afraid the creature would climb over the garden wall and escape.


    Instead, it turned, rushing around the side of the manor. Alex, fueled with his Potion of Haste, continued to chase it with ygon close behindbeing careful not to get too far from his golem. It urred to him that the monster fleeing might be some sort of trap.


    But it didnt matter. A trapid right now would be less of a danger than oneid months from now, when hed have no idea when or if ws would find him on any dark night.


    Theresa had started to run after Alex but quickly slowed, panting. Much of her dress had washed red; he didnt know how much of the blood was hers.


    Theresa! He cried, breaking off his chase to go to her.


    No! Dont worry about me! She waved him off. Im okay! Go after it, go after it!


    But-


    No! she insisted. Get that bastard!


    Alex grimaced, caught between his worry for her and his trust of her. In the end, trust won out: she was a warrior, and if she wanted him to bring down their attackerwhich he also wantedthen thats what he would do.


    Someone! Help her! he shouted to the defenders. She needs help!


    Go! she shouted, sinking to one knee. Dont die!


    You dont die either! He ran on, catching up with ygon as the golem continued chasing the monster.


    The first hunter could not understand how things had gone so wrong. They had executed each part of their n sessfully, one step after the next. The monster horde had distracted the mortals as they were charged to do, and it and its siblings had nked the defenders. Their quarry had stepped out and caused more damage to their forces than they had thought it would, but in doing so, it had left itself exposed.


    Their group attack had been perfectly coordinated. Its lean sibling losing an eye had been unfortunate, but it could still fight. They had set upon the quarry, and overwhelmed him with the weapons and fierceness granted by their master.


    Their prey had resisted more than expected, but they would have brought it down. The female warrior had interfered, but its scarred sibling had distracted her and the kill had been only moments away.


    Then that statuespewing mana that had an odd familiarityhad ruined everything.


    Now two of its siblingsy dead.


    But, this was only a setback. A huntertasked by The Ravenerdid not give up, no matter how many times sess eluded it. Victory could be snatched from the jaws of disaster. The hunter nced behind its shoulder.


    Good. Its quarry still followed, foolishly thinking that <em>it</em> had be the hunter. The Raveners assassin increased its pace, rushing past the side of the humansrge stone building. More of their monster horde were still attacking from the front of the building, and two magic users fought them alongside human warriors. One shot crackling lightning at its army while the other sprayed y and spiked stones.


    The hunter kept moving, ncing around.


    Several buildingsy open before it.


    Its eyes narrowed at the building that exuded the scent of grain.


    Rushing through the open doorway, it passed among bags of powder and shed them open with its ws. The more bags it sliced open, the more the powder flew into the air, filling everything with an obscuring dust screen.


    It held its breath so that it would not cough from the rising dust clouds: it could do so for far, far longer than any mortal could.


    The hunter continued to quickly tear bags open, working its way deeper into the shadows of the building. It would hide hereamong the dustand take its prey when it followed.


    It would not fail its master.

 Chapter 157: A Duel in Dust

    Chapter 157: A Duel in Dust


    Alex and ygon chased the monster as it loped ahead, suddenly disappearing into a building with its doors wide open.


    The young wizard recast lesser force armour as he guided his way through The Marks interference. The spell briefly glowed with a crimson light then reformed as his mana raced through the magic circuits.


    Casting the spell and getting around The Mark <em>while</em> chasing the fleeing monster took extra effort, but better to have the protection in ce <em>before </em>they caught up to it. The more he and ygon ran, the more convinced he became that they were being lured into a trap. The creature had ignored a number of chances to scramble over the wall and escape, choosing to run <em>into </em>a building instead.


    Why would it corner itself like that, it made no sense...unless it was trying to corner <em>him</em>.


    Alex guided himself through The Marks interference again, conjuring another forceball. He nced at the battle raging on in front of the manor.


    Khalik and Isolde were working with the patrizias forces: sting the creatures with stone spikes and lightning. Alex saw gorgers syed over the groundpierced by the princes spikeswhile muupkara corpses smoldered from lightning strikes.


    The patrizia led a group of guards in a charge away from the manor. Every swing of his sword cut down a monster and he barked orders as he fought. Alex was grateful that the fighting was being kept away from the main building where his sister and Thundar were.


    From the nk of the invaders, a grey-bearded man led a pack of snarling hounds into the midst of the creatures. Brutus was among them, tearing apart muupkaras with three sets of bloody fangs while fighting his way toward Khalik and Isolde. One of his heads would sniff the air and dart around periodically, clearly looking for his master.


    The air had the tang of blood.


    Even though these monsters seemed to be a lot more aggressive than the ones whod encountered ygon, they were showing signs of losing their nerve as well. Some were turning and running to the wall and slipping back over. It wasnt natural to find so many different monsters all cooperating together in the first ce. In Baelins sses hed never heard of a single monster in The Barrens that could control other monsters: nothing with the intelligence and the will to unite the predators of Kravernus into a single force. It made Alex wonder how this could be happening.


    Since the creature he was chasing could talk, he <em>almost</em> wanted to capture it alive: it could speak, so it might be able to be interrogated. On the other hand, its actions also meant that it was too dangerous to take any chances with.


    Just as Alexs Potion of Haste faded, he and ygon reached the building the monster had run into. They were standing at the doors to the patrizias granary. Alex grimaced, wishing he had another Haste Potion: the boost of speed hadnt only helped him avoid most of the trios ws, but was the reason he hadnt lost sight of thest one when it ran into the granary.


    ncing up at ygon, he shook away some of his nervousness: it wasnt like he waspletely defenceless.


    He wasnt a simple bakers assistant from Alric anymore.


    His eyes squinted into the shadowy granary. From rows of windows high in the walls, shafts of moonlight filtered through thick clouds of dust filling the air. On the floory torn open flour sacks. From years of working with heaps of flour at McHarris bakery, Alex understood that one tiny spark could send this whole granary up in an inferno.


    He nced at the nearby buildings: if that happened, the entire estate would burn. The wrong choice could turn the situation deadly for everyone nearby. That ruled out the terrifyingly effective tactic of blow the monster up horribly with fire-gems if it gets too dangerous. He couldnt lie to himself though, he was a little disappointed about that.


    The hard way it was, then.


    He had ygon. He had his defences. He had his wits.


    And he had The Mark.


    He guided his way through a final spell: Orb of Air, which he cast over his head. The little globe of air materialized around him: the scent of blood disappeared, and fresh air filled his lungs. The spell would stop the flour dust from entering his nose, mouth, eyes and ears.


    Alex took a final ounting of himself.


    His force shield hovered in front of him, as strong as ever. His armour had been fixed. Forceball could serve as an extra defence, and he had a few of his parrying rectangles still circling his body.


    His defences were still fairly strong.


    The wounds on his torso were thankfully shallow; they werent bleeding excessively, but <em>when</em> he came through thishe had to be positivethey would need to be tended. His mind recoiled, remembering the pain from the shing ws. It was the first time hed ever received so many wounds from somethi trying to kill him.


    And they <em>were </em>trying to kill him. Whether it was because hed been a defender that was in the way of their goals, had attacked their horde, orin his worst fearsit had something to do with Thamnd, it didnt matter.


    In the end, the monster in the granary and itspanions had tried to take his life, and theyde the closest to seeding of any opponent hed ever faced.


    Somewhere inside a small voice was screaming at him to run away.


    But, Alex took a deep breath, acknowledged that <em>incredibly valid</em> fear, and then let it go. Running away now would always leave his back exposed to the threat from this monster.


    Nowthat he had the advantage of knowing where it was, and he had ygon closewas the time to end it. With another deep breath, he sent his forceball ahead into the granary. As the crimson light illuminated the cloud of dust, he stepped in after it. He would need to get this done before the monster escaped and before the sensory enhancement potion wore off.


    Sharp senses would be key.


    Straw rustled<strong></strong>beneath his shoes as he quietly stalked through the granary. His movements were almost silent: his Mark-enhanced training in moving quietly was bearing fruit from months of practice. Sending his will to ygon, the golem followed right behind him. It extended its lower arms on either side of its master, ready to block attacks that came from the side or front.


    Alex had it raise its upper arms, ready to strike the instant either of them saw or heard the creature.


    Hopefully,<strong></strong>ygon would be quick enough.


    With his potion-enhanced vision, Alex slowly scanned the white flour cloud, watching for any movement. The forceballs crimson light swept around him, illuminating the silhouettes of posts, tools, supplies and shelving nearby. His ears listened for the sound of the creature either choking on dust, or trying to move stealthily through the granary. Everything was strangely silent. Alex wondered why it wouldnt be gasping for breath with so much flour filling the air.


    His own breaths were slow as he tried to eliminate as much of his own noise as possible, but he could do nothing about ygons heavy footsteps. By thought, he told the golem to walk slowly and quietly, but there was only so much silence that a massive construct of y, magic and death could manage.


    His eyes darted to the side.


    Was that?


    No, just a pole.


    He didnt hear a single whisper from the creature, and wished that Brutus was here to sniff it out. Then again, perhaps the creature had used the dust screen as cover to escape and was long go-


    Something shifted to his left.


    A w scraped against the floor.


    Alex whirled, bringing up his force shield and ordering ygon to strike. ws streaked out of the dust, but the golems arm came up, blocking the monsters attack.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    ygons fist shot forward.


    It met air.


    He heard the monsters feet disappearing back into the granary.


    His forceball shot after it, and he managed to catch the briefest sh of its silhouette before it ducked behind a shelf, seeming to vanish. Alex swore: the area it had disappeared into was narrow. His mobility would be limited, and free movement was one of the key things that had kept him alive against the creatures. ygon wouldnt be able to get into such a confined spot...unless he ripped everything apart, that is. But, if that was what needed to happen, then that was what would happen.


    He stepped back toward the middle of the granary, his eyes scanning through the dust.


    Alex stiffened.


    A ws silhouette loomed out of the shadows, raised up to-


    Oh for Uldars sake! he muttered, shaking himself.


    It was a pitchfork. Not an upraised w, just a pitchfork hanging tines-up from a hook on a post. Alex shook his head.


    Focus, he told himself. Dont let yourself get spoo-


    Another scrape of w.


    He whirled just as the monster appeared behind them. This time, it darted below ygons powerful arm and wed at Alexs leg. His rectangle parried the blowbursting in the processas ygons return strike shot forward.


    There was the dull thud of y hitting flesh as a ncing punch clipped the creatures back. The force sent the monster flying back into the white dust.


    <em>Crash.</em>


    It smashed into something, then Alex heard it scrambling into the gloom. No sound had escaped its mouth.


    He frowned. It had baited him using his own voice.


    So, if it understoodnguage well enough to manipte its opponents, two could y that game.


    You say youre going to hunt me down? Alex called after it. He used The Mark to channel every moment hed ever said something that had infuriated someone: it brought up memories of McHarris and even the battle-mage that Alex spell-jousted against months ago. Cant even scratch me, can you? Some hunter you are. You know-


    His mind worked quickly.


    -Im pretty sure it hurt like hell when my golem here pulped your friend like a rotten tomato. I can see why youre mad, even though you <em>did</em> attack me first.


    He listened. No response.


    Well, Im not going to let it go. Thats the thing about me, Im kind of a revenge enthusiast. So, Im going to say the same thing to you that you said to me: I am going to hunt you down and I am going to have my golem break you in hal-


    ygons fist swept out.


    Another impact on flesh resounded in the air and Alex heard the monster hit the ground then scamper into the gloom.


    Good. Clipped it again. He hadnt even ordered ygon to do that, the golem had simply struck the creature as soon as hed detected its rush.


    Alex scanned the air.


    This was a fight he could win. He was wearing this thing down.


    This was not working.


    The first hunter rubbed its flesh where the statue had struck it. Both blows had been ncing, but they had cracked bone and burst flesh. It had fought the instinct to cry out in pain. The full force of one of that statues strikes would likely smash through a hive-queens armour like it was the brittle shell of an egg.


    The hunter was regretting that this opponent had not appearedter in its masters active time, when The Ravener had reaped a mass of fear and gathered the energy to create its most powerful monsters.


    No matter.


    He heard the opponents taunting words echo through the air, and though it could not understand all that the quarry spoke, it well understood the mockery in its tone. It could not allow itself to be goaded by this.


    Then a thought dawned on it: a n that could bring the quarry down.<strong></strong>The hunter slowly crept through the building until it was behind the prey. A wooden column rose up in the center of a wide shelf near the quarrys left side, and the hunter stepped to the quarrys right, cing the prey between itself and the column.


    It tensed for a spring, then shifted its malleable voice box.


    Its mouth opened and it used some of the precious breath it was holding to let out a pained whimper.


    It spoke in the voice of the female warrior that had rushed to the quarrys aid.


    Theresa? the quarry whirled, all the mockery gone from his voice. His expression twisted, realizing his mistake an instant toote.


    The hunter catapulted forward, its ws spreading out. It ducked under the statues arm and swung both ws at its surprised enemy. The prey blocked one of its attacks with a magic shield and the other w was deflected by shapes floating around it.


    The spell burst.


    The hunter shot past, rushing to the other side of the quarry and the statue. It felt the air splitting behind it: that terrible fist wasing.


    The hunter ducked low.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    Wood shattered as the statues blow split the post.


    <em>Crrrk.</em>


    Part of the structure began to fall as the beam shifted. The quarry cried out. Bags of powdered grain fell on him, knocking him from his feet. The statue moved forward with its upper arms readied, raised to hold the part of the shelf that the beam had held up,<strong></strong>stopping the rest of it from falling on its master.


    The hunter sprang forward again, biting at its quarry. Its teeth were stopped by the defensive magic around the enemys limb.


    But it grabbed onto its prey.


    The monster quickly leapt away, dragging the quarry out of the statues reach before it could react. The prey struggled, but it was futile: it might have been strong, but the hunter was far stronger.


    tion rose up in the creature. Sess would be The Raveners. Mere heartbeats separated it from thepletion of its mission.


    And it looked like it might even survive to report to its master.


    Panic surged through Alex as he was dragged along the flour covered ground.


    One of ygons lower hands reached futilely toward him, but a moment toote. If the golem moved, the structure would copse, crushing him. No help there.


    He knew he only had heartbeats. Liquid dripped from the stinger-like teeth that were threatening to crush his force armour. He didnt want to know what would happen to him if it injected him with the stuff in its mouth.


    His mind whirled.


    He was on his back, being pulled along. He could try to kip up to his feet, but the monsters grip on him was like iron. The flour-dust and fear of explosion ruled out using ygons fire magic.


    He moved his forceball back to shake the creatures grip, but it simply ignored the spell. It finally stopped dragging him away from the golem. Alex was well away from ygon. The monster raised its arms.


    ws shed out in a frenzy.


    Alex willed his shield and the remaining rectangle between himself and the raking ws, deflecting the blows. The creature hissed and scratched at the force constructs.


    The armour was starting to crack.


    Alex sucked in a deep breath through Orb of Air-


    Wait.


    The spell blocked out all contaminants in the air.


    All of them.


    As the monster wed at the armour, Alexs hand dug into his bag, gripping a familiar bottle. Pulling out his booby-trapped flight potion, he looked the monster right in the eye.


    Then he smashed the bottle against the floor.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    The gaseous potion sted through the air, enveloping both of them.

 Chapter 158: A Successful Operation

    Chapter 158: A Sessful Operation


    The flight potion released in a cloud, mixing with the dust and spraying over Alex and his captor. The monster continued assaulting him, desperate to get around his shield with its ws.


    Alexs mind raced in confusion


    Why wasnt-


    Breath! he thought. It hadnt cried out when ygon had hit it! It''s not coughing from the dust! The bloody thing is holding its breath!


    He shot the forceball behind his head and began spinning it around, whipping the dust and potion-cloud directly at its eyes. The monster snorted, shaking its head as the gaseous mixture flew into its face.


    <em>Choo.</em>


    A powerful sneeze erupted from the creature, immediately followed by a gasp as it sucked in a deep breath of air. A breath of air filled with potion.


    Its eyes went wide with realization. It knew what the gas could do.


    <em>Whoosh</em>!


    Alex was rolled to the side as the monster suddenly shot away, striking a wall with a howl of pain.


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>


    The creature mmed into the granary floor, walls, ceiling and beams with horrifying force. Alex climbed to his feetprotected from the gas by his Orb of Airand watched the beast crash through shelves loaded with flour sacks.


    <em>Crnch.</em>


    Wood splintered as the white powder was scattered all around him.


    <em>Scrrrp.</em>


    The monster''s screams rose to ear-piercing shrieks with each impact.


    A bloody arm flew end over end past Alexs head, torn from the monster by the flight magic pulling the limb one way, while the body was dragged another.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Something cracked as the monster mmed into ygons massive body and bounced off.


    Alex swore, ducking quickly as it flew over his head.


    He kept his eye on it as it rebounded around the granary, then he connected with ygon.


    Keep holding that shelf up, but if that thinges near you again, hit it hard, Alex said.


    ygons lower arms rose, ready to strike as the monster was flung around the building.


    He didnt have to wait long: it bounced off a wooden support beam andunched toward the golem.


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    His massive limb snapped out.


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    Something shattered from the impact; Alex heard hard objects rattle across the floor as the monster was sted toward the front of the building. He looked down just in time to see a stinger-like tooth roll to a gentle stop by his foot.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    The creatures body nced off the doorway and sailed into the night.


    Alex ran after it, instructing ygon to stay where he was.


    He got outside just as the creature was raising its hand to protect itself from a tree that it mmed into torso-first, only to drop to the ground before being dragged along the grass, then shooting into the air like a bird. It spun, whirled and looped repeatedlytrailing blood through the nightbefore it finally crashed to the ground as the potions magic faded.


    It had travelled far from the granary,nding in a twitching heap.


    Shockingly, it began to rise. The resilience the thing had was terrifying.


    It began to drag itself farther away, trying to put distance between itself and Alex. It could barely crawl and was leaving a trail of blood staining the grass from its many wounds and ragged stump. Alex listened for breathing with his potion-enhanced senses. He could hear shallow breaths slowly wheezing from its chest.


    It was almost done.


    He took a step toward the monster as his mind turned to loved ones. He was worried and wanted to get back to them.


    The monster suddenly shuddered and fell over.


    Its breathing stopped.


    Good, now he could get back to his sister and Theresa. Alex turned and began to head back toward the manor when something urred to him. He remembered the xrythak eggs and how valuable monster parts were. This was an opportunity. Hed have to get the creatures body, but dragging the heavy monster corpse all the way back to the manor himselfsince ygon had his hands fullwould be a problem. He didnt want to leave the body unattended but he needed to get back.


    Maybe he could kill two birds with one stone.


    Alex looked through the battlefield until he saw what he was looking for.


    The Raveners hunter desperately crawled away from its quarry.


    It shuddered; bones were shattered throughout its body and its muscles were torn. Its breath rasped and was bing shallow. Its vision swam. Its thoughts were cloudy.


    If the hunter hadnt been granted supernatural fortitude by The Ravener, it would have died several blows ago. If the statues strike to its jaw hadnded solidly, its skull would be pulp.


    As it was, it knew it would not escape the battlefield alive.


    There would be no return to its master.


    There would not even be another chance to attack the quarry. It had failed.


    No! it thought. I cannot fail. I <em>cannot.</em>


    A loud, wheezing breath escaped it, the hunter copsed on the ground. Its chest rose and fell once. Twice. Then its breathing stopped.


    On purpose.


    Even as its body grew colder, it held on to ast bit of life-force and will. Its teeth were shattered, ruining its venomous bite. One of its ws was gone. But it had one w left.


    If it could feign death just long enough to lure the quarry close, then it would manage one final attack: a w that would swipe across a precious blood vessel in the leg. It was its only chance. Listening carefully to the sound of the quarry, it waited, preparing for it to get within striking range.


    Then the quarry spoke:


    Hey, Brutus! Brutus! it called out in a surprisingly gentle voice, though the hunter had no idea what it meant.


    There was a pause, then the prey spoke a single word:


    Fetch.


    Fetch?


    The hunter was unfamiliar with the word.


    What did it mean? Was it a magic word that the mortal was usi-


    It paused.


    What was that noise?


    Like massive paws churning the earth.


    The assassin continued to y dead, yet felt panic rising as the sound bounded closer. Somethingunfamiliar rose up. Fear. Not fear of failing its purpose butfor the first time in its young lifefear for its continued existence. It recognized the fear as what it saw in the creatures it had killed.


    Now the proud hunterone of the most elite of the Raveners monsterswas the same as them: prey.


    Helpless, prey.


    The hunter had be the hunted.


    Fear drove it to turn at thest moment to try and fend off whatever wasing. The sweep of its wonce swift, decisive and deadlynow seemed weak and feeble. It struck too early, well before the three-headed beast that rushed it was in range.


    And now thest of its strength was expended.


    The final thing it saw in the mortal world were three sets of canine jaws surging toward its neck.


    It still had no clue what fetch meant.


    Alex panicked when the monsterwhich hed thought was deadstruck out in an attack toward Brutus. But he neednt have worried. After the feeble swing of its arm, Brutus jumped onto the creature and mauled it thoroughly.


    It stopped moving. Permanently, this time.


    Already on his way back to find his loved ones, Alex had paused briefly when the monster had acted, but he was making his way to the back gardens again. Brutus followed, bringing the monsters carcass like it hardly weighed anything.


    The battle was over.


    At the front of the manor, the few monsters still alive were scattering in all directions, licking their wounds and crying out in fear. The patrizia had left some of his guards behind, while he took a contingentincluding Isolde and Khalikand rushed toward the back of the manor.


    Alex could no longer hear sounds of fightinging from the back, but quickened his pace.


    When he arrived,<strong></strong>the monsters were either gone or dead. Guardsmen and servants rushed here and there, bringing bandages, poultices and potions.


    Bodies with sheets covering them from head to toey motionless on the ground. Peopleguards and guests aliky groaning on nkets with their wounds being tended to.


    One of the dryads was moving among the wounded. She chanted to the spirits of her forest; her hands glowed with a green light that also shone along the branches of her willow-like hair. Where she pressed her hands to the injured, wounds closed and healthy colour returned to their skin.


    Theresa! Alex cried, looking around among those being cared for. Theresa!


    Hed trusted her to be safe while he was chasing the monster, but what if she''d only pretended to be okay? Maybe her wounds had been worse than theyd looked. Maybe her bleeding had gotten worse while he was fighting the monster and-


    Alex let out a yelp of pain as something collided with him from the side. Warm, strong arms wrapped around him.


    Agh! he grunted. My monster wounds! My monster wounds! Youre squeezing my monster wounds!


    He looked down to see Theresamost of her wounds looked like theyd been healed by dryad-magic or bandagedhugging him with her head pressed into his side.


    Oh, thank The Traveller, thank The Traveller youre alright! Theresa said, loosening her grip on him. But only a little.


    Hey, thats my line. He hugged her back tightly, grunting as she was pressed against his wounds. I kept imagining all kinds of horrible stuff, like Id get back and youd be dead or something would have kidnapped you or like you got hit on the head and lost your memory or-


    Alex, just hold me, she said. No doom and gloom. Monsters attacked. We won. Youre okay. Im okay. Were okay. Lets not get caught up on the what-ifs.


    His mind immediately conjured three or four more what-ifs, but he just acknowledged them and let them go. Instead, he tightened his grip on his best friendand now his love.


    He wasnt nning on letting go any time soon.


    Though he needed to check on Selina.


    And maybe he should get his wounds looked at too.


    And tell the patrizia about how ygon was holding up a part of his granary.


    A short woof drew his attention.


    Brutus was looming beside Theresa and him, with the limp form of the monster in two mouths.


    Good boy, he mouthed at the cerberus, who wagged his tail. Later, Alex would also need to look into what the hell kind of monster it was that had tried to kill them.


    Another thought urred to him, making him smile.


    Operation fetch was a major sess.


    Alex! Selina cried as she rushed into her brothers open arms.


    Now that thest of the monsters had been wiped out and the patrizias guards, hounds and dryad allies had chased off or killed any stragglers, Giuseppe had dered the estate safe.


    Everyone whod been rushed into the manor were allowed toe out; his little sister had sprinted out of the crowd, looking for him. Alex was d his hug was big enough for the two most important people in his life at the same time.


    Thundar followed, shaking his head. Much of the earlier drunkenness had faded from his eyes. Alex supposed that a pitched battle tended to sober one up. That little imp actually punched me in the arm trying to get back out here. It hurt too: we mightve won faster if youd just turned <em>her </em>loose.


    Alex didnt even reply, shifting so that his bandages werent pressed against Selina.


    We won, Khalik said. There was a note of victory in his voice, but his eyes were sad. But at a cost. Some lost their lives tonight and a sweet memory is now sour.


    Thundar looked on grimly. It couldve been worse. A lot worse.


    Evil beasts! Alex heard a familiar voice.


    Isolde was near her cousin, staring at the monsters as they were dragged from the garden. Evil, evil beasts!


    Her hands balled into fists.


    If looks could kill, those monsters would have beenpletely disintegrated by her re. She seemed to be more upset than Giuseppe was. The patrizia was still rightfully in full-blown leadership mode and was busy directing servants and guards to serve his battered guests as much as possible.


    Hed alreadymanded several of his sky-boats to the back garden, and they waited to ferry the tired and newly healed back to their homes when they were ready to leave. Servants went among those whod recovered, offering hot wine and food to soothe the belly and nerves.


    Yet, Alex could see the tension in Guiseppes every move.


    It reminded him of how Mr. and Mrs. Lu had been on the night the Roth Alehouse had burned.


    Collected and decisive on the outside.


    Distressed on the inside.


    Alex was distressed about not knowing the origin of the attack.


    Hed have to tell Baelin about what had happened tonight: the chancellor would have ess to Thameish bestiaries for research purposes. They might be able to tell them if the three monsters were from Thamnd; if they were, that would confirm Alexs worst fears. He was really hoping, though, that the reason the beasts had attacked him had nothing to do with Thamnd: maybe the damage his potions had done to their forces could be the reason theyd targeted him.


    As the night wore on, most on the estate learned from the dryads that a creature like the one Brutus had fetched had attacked them in their forest: most concluded that it was some local creature of sharp intellect. Or something from the city: there had been times in the past when a wizards experiment had escaped to wreak havoc in the wider world. Or something that had emerged from deep in The Barrens, where the horrors grew more numerous and deadly.


    Still, Alex could help but wonder.


    His attention was drawn by the sound of Isolde approaching. The young woman looked troubled, but she smiled weakly as she came to her friends. How do you all fare? she asked gently.


    Good, all things considered, Khalik shrugged. It is a shame, though. He looked up at the glowing illusionary fish still swimming above the garden. This was no night for blood.


    It was not, Isolde said, with a deep mournful note in her voice. She red at the monster dangling in Brutus mouth. Vile, awful creature.


    Yeah, about that. Thundar bent down, looking at the wreckage that was the monsters corpse. What is it?


    I have no idea, Alex said. But I n on taking it to Baelin and Im nning on finding out. Im sure a lot of people will be very interested in knowing where it came from.

 Chapter 159: Bouncing Back

    Chapter 159: Bouncing Back


    If there was anything that would never cease to surprise Alex about people, it was how quickly many bounced back from just about anything.


    In the days following the attack on the patrizias estate, Giuseppe had seen to the few wounded whod stayed on at the manor, put them back on their feet, then escorted them to their homes. Then hed begun a single-minded hunt for any Barrens-monsters that had attacked his home and guests but had escaped. He and a group eager to avenge themselves and restore their aristocratic honourscoured the countryside for gorgers, muupkaras, bonedrinkers, and any of the spike-toothed monsters Alex Roth, his golem, and the cerberus had in.


    The dryads also engaged in a punishing campaign to root out and destroy any monsters that had fled into their forest. From what Alex had heard, theydpleted that task very well.


    The patrizias force had tracked the hordes footprints back to the wall, and discovered a tunnel extending deep beneath it and into The Barrens. Quite the stir had arisen from that. In the past, on the rare asion, the odd monster had slipped over the wall from The Barrens. But, it was very rare for a pack to do so, and even rarer for them to create mass havoc. But it waspletely unheard of for different types of monsters to join together in a horde, escape The Barrens of Kravernus, andunch a coordinated attack on an estate.


    Discovering the tunnel and understanding that the monsters had dug it was a shock to Giuseppe and his neighbours. He informed the citys officials, whounched an investigation into the attack then brought in earth wizards to fill the tunnel. Investigators and researchers from the universitybed the countryside, searching for the unidentified creatures that had united the monstrous horde. Yet, no matter how far they searched into The Barrens, and no matter how much of their bestiaries, monsternomicons, and natural field guides theybed, they could find no trace of anything that could identify the creatures.


    So, the officials focused on the information that they had.


    The city noted the creatures innate intelligence and cunning, andmissioned an expansion of the walls guard. Groups of rangers were to patrol the areas beyond the wall. Wizards specializing in earth magic were recruited to regrly sense out the ground beneath the walls in case the monsters began tunnelling beneath them in secret again.


    Once all was said and done, peopleeven those that had attended the patrizias ill-fated partyput the events of that evening behind them. To Alexs amazement, the patrizia had already begun to n another celebration to be held at summers end.


    Most have returned to life as normal, Isolde had said over lunch one day. It is not the first time that Generasis people have endured violence at the hands and ws of monster-kind. How many times has a creature escaped the confines of a wizardsboratory? How many monsters have escaped The Barrens over time, or how many times have monsters in the countryside attacked folk there? If these events broke the people of Generasi, then they would have left long ago.


    Thatmakes a lot of sense, I guess, Alex had said.


    He had moved on too, in some ways.


    Life always continued on. If people didnt move with it, theyd simply be left behind.


    In the weeks following the monster attack, Alex and his friends had finished midterms and continued with sses as normal. The paper that Khalik had helped Thundar with had earned the minotaur a mark hed jumped for joy over. Alex had done well on his exams, and had even managed to raise his grade in force magic a bit. Isolde continued crushing every ss.


    Time had flown by at the speed of lightning.


    Even Selina had recovered quickly after the attack.


    I dont like bad monsters, she had said. They alwayse and ruin everything. I just want them to go away.


    She was looking forward to starting her lessons in wizardry in the next school year. His sister had definitely gotten tougher, he realized, in the same way that a lot of people in Generasi seemed to be resilient. He supposed the folks of Generasi and Thamnd had that inmon: bothnds had monsters, and their peoples were not about to let their lives be constantly ruled by fear.


    Still, hed continued to wonder about the creatures.


    His own investigation had turned up some new information, but few answers.


    I would remain at ease, Baelin said. A Proper Wizard must be prepared to be made the target of monsters and enemies. On the battlefield, warriors wield steel for armour and weapons, and power themselves with their own strength and experience. But a wizard wields the elements as their weapons. They armour themselves in the cosmos, and power themselves with mana, which many consider the lifeblood of creation.


    He chuckled. Do not take it so personally, Alex: any intelligentbatant knows that a wizard on the battlefield must be removed almost before any other. It is just strategy.


    Yeah, maybe, Alex said. But it said it wanted to hunt me down after. <em>Me.</em>


    Baelin raised an eyebrow. And had you not just finished killing itspanions?


    yeah, okay, Alex said. Though he still couldnt shake the feeling that there was something morepersonal in the way the monsters had targeted him. Had he really only imagined that?


    I have checked every single bestiary from Thamnd that lies in our library, Baelin continued. There is no mention of such a creature. Now, some of our volumes are quite old and your kingdom is somewhat insr with lore about this Ravener and its armiesbut I do believe that most of what your ancient enemy is capable of has been catalogued throughout its many cycles.


    Yeah, maybe, Alex agreed, turning his attention back to the mana spectrometer.


    They were in Baelinsb for the afternoon, as the chancellor had graciously set aside time for dissection and analysis of the monsters remains. In the sunnyboratory, the sound of another analytic device came from close by.


    Isolde stood tall and proud in her safety equipment, rapidly jotting down notes as she analyzed another part of the monsters remains. She, atst, had also be one of Baelins advisees and was excitedly taking part in their research. The young woman was eager to learn more about the monsters that had wreaked havoc on her family members home.


    She watched as Alex ran some of the creatures tough hide through a mana spectrometer. Elsewhere in theb, an entire shelf was filled with sealed jars containing parts of the creatures.


    Isolde was performing analysis on the monsters poison. She shook her head. I still cannot believe the speed and ease at which this equipment performs.


    I only seek the best. Baelin stood a little taller.. Which is whypermit the tteryI have taken you on as an advisee, Isolde.


    Er, thank you Baelin, she said.


    The chancellor chuckled quietly.


    Alex grunted as the mana spectrometer finished, then he wrote down the results. The read-out revealednot much.


    It looks like theres a fewpounds that might be useful in transformation magic. His pen quickly scrawled across the page. Potions that could harden flesh and toughen skin: things like that.


    He sighed, ncing at the shelf with the monsters remains. It was everything theyd analyzed so far: the monster was alchemically useful, but not revolutionary. The remains exhibited simr properties to substances already well known and widely used in the study of alchemy. Of all the parts theyd analyzed, the most interesting bits were the monsters malleable voice boxes, and a bell-shaped organ that they werent <em>quite </em>sure about. It seemed like it sent out some sort of sound in all directions that sensed mana and perhaps other things, but they couldnt be sure without a live specimen. Unfortunately, or fortunatelydepending on how Alex was feeling on a given daythey didnt have one.


    Even those unique parts of the monster had equivalents already well known in alchemical guides. Alex nced over at ygon. There werent any revolutionary dawn of new wizardry discoveries hidden within them.


    I was hoping thered be something more to these things, he sighed. Its kind of a letdown after the dungeon cores remains. He looked at Isolde. Anything neat on your end?


    Its the same answer as thest ten times you asked, Alex: not particrly, she said. The poison is deadly, sure, and contains properties that might make it a good base for an antitoxin, an anticoagnt and we poison, but there is not much else to it.


    Ah. He nced over at the jar of poison with some annoyance. When hed tried even touching the stuff, The Mark had gone absolutely berserk as hed feared it would. It looked like poison was pretty much always considered to be harmful.


    Still, that revealed new information about The Mark: wine, liquor and other spirits could cause harm when someone drank them to excess, but he was able to drink, and handle them just fine. One of the keys definitely seemed to be that he couldnt use things intended as weapons, or intended to harm others.


    Even high-proof alcoholwhich could easily poison someonedidnt set The Mark off as long as he was using it for cleaning purposes. Perhaps he could see where that line of thought would take him for brewing potions in the future.


    It was a tricky line between The Mark being set off by any attempt at direct harm, and simply being quiet when indirect or idental harm was done by the bearer of The Fool. Alex glumly wondered if the other Heroes had to deal with such issues. Or any issues.


    Something the matter? Baelin asked. You look as though you have been dining on nothing but lemons for a week.


    That bad? Alex said. He sighed. I had thoughtyou knowwed find out <em>something</em> useful from these monsters remains.


    Baelin raised an eyebrow. Have we not? Plenty of its remains are alchemically useful. They can be sold or provide you with a bank of ingredients. I would call that something useful.


    Yeah but- Alex gestured to ygon. -look at the dungeon core and what it could do.


    Why yes, it was most impressive. Your stories of how it performed in livebat were fascinating and its performance during the field test was incredibly promising.


    But Alex roughly indicated the jars of the monsters remains. This stuff doesnt evene close.


    Baelin looked at him curiously for a moment and then realization came over his face. Ah. I see. I should have anticipated this. Alex, do you know the results of most experiments that ur in alchemy? Isolde, would you know?


    Failure, Isolde said as she dropped the poison onto a portion of Kamookaks Moss. Most experiments on unknown substances reveal no alchemical value or value to wizardry in general. Of every discovery of a new monster, beast or nt, approximately one in every twenty generates a new body of knowledge, or new material that advances alchemy. Most either have no use or have uses that are redundant with substances already discovered.


    Really? Alex said, surprised.


    Oh yes, Baelin nodded toward Isolde. Very good, Isolde, I can see that you have experience with others that have researched the arts of wizardry.


    Likeone in twenty? Alex blinked. Thats all?


    Actually, that is a generous estimation. I would get used to that disappointment if I were you Alex, Baelin warned with a somewhat amused note in his voice. Wizardrylike meis a very old art. Much about the world has been discovered. In its early days, one discovered something new about magic or alchemy just about every time the sun rose. But now, much has been catalogued and much has been understood. Usually, one only gains a wave of new discoveries when alchemy has advanced enough to produce more sensitive analytical equipment. Even then, re-examining old substances <em>may</em> generate new knowledge, or it may simply confirm what we already know. A Proper Wizard understands that the path to truewell, understanding, is not a sprint or a brisk walk in the countryside. It is a marathon that is forever run: what is not revealed today might be revealed tomorrow. Or it might be revealed in a thousand years.


    His eyes twinkled. Pace yourself: you were extremely fortunate with your dungeon core discovery. Do not mistake that for routine or you shall never be happy again.


    Right, got it. Be realistic, Alex said.


    He had enough to be thankful for anyway.


    While things had returned to normal after the attack, there was <em>one</em> thing that was markedly different.


    Hm? Did you discover something about the substance after all? Baelin asked.


    Pardon?


    You suddenly seemed to be absolutely <em>radiating</em> satisfaction.


    Oh, er, no it was just-Uh, nothing, I got distracted for a moment, he said quickly, d that he was wearing his safety mask which hid both his blush, and the stupid grin that had been on his face.


    Alex had seen new couples that seemed to be perpetually in a world of flowers and butterflies: all smiles all the time and a dreamy look in their eyes.


    He was almost ashamed to say that he and Theresa were no exception. The very thought that they were, well, <em>together</em> was enough to send a surge of joy shooting through his core, which would inevitably send his face into a dreamy smile. He wasnt the only one: hed caught Theresa with the exact same smile on her face a bunch of times.


    Again, he marvelled at how people bounced back from things.


    The two of them had gotten together when it looked like they might be about to die. It hadnt been the deep, romantic confession that hed hoped to make, or even the clumsily stuttered confession he feared hed end up making, but theyd opened up their feelings to each other, then immediately started fighting for their lives against a horde of monsters. But instead of that worsening the memoryor at least his memory of how theyd gotten togetherif anything, it had made the memory even more special.


    You know what? Alex thought. I dunno why Im so surprised. Ive been bouncing back from shit my whole life.


    His parents deaths.


    Receiving The Mark.


    Being attacked by monsters.


    Every time something terrible happened, he just tried to move on or squeeze some good out of it. A lot of people did just that.


    He looked over at the monsters remains, trying to quiet the feeling the creatures had specificallye for him.


    It was the only thing he was worried abouttely.


    Baelin followed his gaze. Not to worry, Alex. The librarians are still searching through bestiaries and books containing monster sightings from around the world, at the citys request. If there is even an obscure mention of such a creature that I either do not recall or have not read about, then it shalle up soon enough.


    He nced at the time keeping device on the wall. Ah, speaking of books, we should finish up. Final exams are only a few weeks away and I do not wish to cut into your study time.


    Alex froze for a moment.


    Alright, maybe he had a few things to worry about.


    He shook his head.


    The end of his first year at Generasi was looming ahead.

 Chapter 160: Reaffirmation

    Chapter 160: Reaffirmation


    You know what? Thundar grunted. This is getting easier.


    He flipped through his notebooksfilled with notes and reminders in his own handwriting and that of his entire cabnd grinned.


    A lot of this stuff gets a lot quicker to get into the ol skull when Ive got you super geniuses helping me out. He chuckled.


    Isolde sighed, giving him a look from across Khaliks table. A veritable ocean of paper, notebooks and pens filled her side of the table. Thundar, of course its easy for you to understand once you apply yourself. You act the role of the brute, but you sessfully gained admittance to the greatest institution of wizardry in the world. You have a magnificent mind.


    O-oh thanks, Thundar coughed, clearly surprised. I uhyeah, thanks Isolde.


    A magnificent mind that spends the majority of its energy thinking about lechery, imbibing and smashing things. She shook her head.


    Hey! he said, half-rising from his chair. Youre right. I may not like it...but you''re right. Actually forget the dont like it part. Im having fun before I get old and gotta lock myself in a tower to think about how stars are made or some shit. I aint gonna apologize for that.


    When one ys hard, one works better, Khalik agreed while concentrating on a spell. Hovering between his palms was a stone that changed itsposition in waves. One moment its form would ripple to the right and be dull grey. Then, it would ripple to the left and turn a bright white. Then it would turn red.


    He was concentrating on controlling the speed and direction of the transformation.


    Ugh, well I havent gotten<strong></strong>time to y in a while, Thundar continued. Not since those critters ruined your cousins party. But- He gave Alex a sly look. I guess <em>youve</em> been ying a lottely, havent you?


    Hm? Alex was deep in thought, concentrating on the force construct he was shifting with mana maniption. One of the final aspects of force magic that Ram had taught his ss was one of the ultimate realizations of direction and redirection.


    Generalized Force Construct was a weak spell, so Alex was surprised that Ram would have chosen it to be the very first second-tier spell he taught them at the end of their first year. He would have expected something moreplex. It was slower than forceball. Weaker than Wizards Hand. Less practical than force shield.


    But, it made up for those weaknesses with versatility.


    Its spell array was constructed in such a way that a wizard could shift the shape of the<strong></strong>force construct conjured by the spell, even after theyd finished casting it. This was done by using their knowledge of how force magic was directed,bined with their skill in mana maniptionthough the former was more important than thetterto shift its shape.


    Generalized force construct was small, and had the strength of<strong></strong>a water bubble, but Alex had found an endless fascination with concentrating and shifting it from form to form. Shifting the direction of the way the force magic flowed, turned it into a sphere. Another shift changed it to something that looked like a five-pointed star. Then a tiny pyramid. Then a cylinder.


    It was fascinating.


    Were you talking to me, Thundar? he asked.


    Yeah, I was saying youre having funtely. You and Miss Theresa-the-monster-yer, he grinned, his eyes brimming with malice. Eh? Eh? A lot of fun. No doubt.


    Alex gave him a serene look, as though he were some wise sage. It is true, we are having fun, for what is life but an endless series of discoveries and adventur-


    Your Baelin impression sucks.


    And youre gonna have to try harder if youre going to embarrass me. He jerked a finger toward his shoulder. I <em>literally</em> have a glowing jesters face stamped on my shoulder, and Im dating a woman who is basically a war goddess. Im not a blushing twelve year old, this is an absolute win, and I wanna shout to everyone from every rooftop how awesome my life is.


    Pfeh, Thundar grunted. Worth a shot. You brainy types tend to get flustered about that kind of thing.


    You mean, like you?


    I- The minotaur froze, and Alex wondered if he was remembering how he had acted when a certain foxydy had visited him in the infirmary. One day, Im gonna toss you off a cliff.


    Understandable.


    Thundar shook his head, then nced at Khalik. Right, speaking of falling off cliffs. Whereve you been on the weekendstely, man? Youve been a ghost thest couple.


    A great smile grew behind Khaliks beard. Ive been visiting the dryad forest recently, actually.


    The room fell silent.


    Thundar mmed his book.


    Alex threw away his force spell.


    Even Isolde was looking up with interest. And what, do tell, takes you to the dryads wood?


    Well. Khaliks grin was absolutely <em>kingly.</em> A certain dryad requested that the patrizia send a message to me requesting that I drop by should I be in the area. I somehow found myself in the area.


    Alexs eyes widened. Sinope? The dryad you danced with?


    The very same. Khalik''s smile grew wider. Lifegrows interesting for many of us.


    Isolde snorted. Truly. Alexes to university and begins a rtionship with his oldest friend. Khalik begins to see a mystical dryad from the forest. Who do I meet? Bloody Derek. She shook her head. Ah well, at least I have my cabal to see me through my remaining time here: the best anyone could ask for.


    The room went quiet again.


    Wait Alex paused. What about waiting until the end of the year and deciding if it was a good fit?


    Isolde blinked. Ah yeswe<em> had</em> agreed to something like that, hadnt we? I had forgotten. Well, Ill say what I think now: I would have had to have repeatedly hit my head to want to do anything other than continue our association. Opportunities have opened thanks to this partnership, we have aided each other schstically and saved each other in battle. I think we have proven beyond doubt that we would do well to continue our association.


    Yeeeesss! Thundar leapt up. And with me as your fearless leader-


    We will be immediately ruined, Isolde said.


    Yes, Khalik agreed.


    Alex nodded vigorously.


    And this is how you treat someone recovering from mana vampire wounds, Thundar said mournfully.


    You recovered weeks ago, Isolde pointed out.


    Details, details, Thundar chuckled, then grew more serious. Alright, enough joking around. Imreal happy that were sticking with each other. Were gonna be great together, I just know it. Youre my cabal. And my friends. Andmyst two battles by your sides havent exactly been my best moments. One day, though, Ill prove that I belong with all of you.


    You already have, Khalik said, pping Thundar on his arm. Many, many times, my friend.


    Well, Ill do it again. Thundar, Son of Gulbiff doesnt get sideswiped twice and then lies down, thinking yeah, this is alright. Next time, Im gonna stand out hard, mark my words.


    Alex smiled warmly. You already do, man. And the rest of us too. In like a few months, youre just about as close to me as friends from back home that Ive known for years. Im thankful as hell that I met all of you.


    A wave went through the room: a quiet warmth. Isolde blushed and Khalik cleared his throat. I as well have found finepanions in all of you He paused, looked at Alex, then sat up straighter. which is why I should tell you something, Isolde and Thundar.


    Alex sat back as Khalik confessed his royal lineage to his cabal members. Atst, the final secretthat Alex knew of, at leastwasid bare between them.


    Isolde took the news with shock, and quickly asked what proper terms of address were required in Khaliks homnd of Tekezash, despite the prince waving off all attempts at formality.


    Thundar jokingly asked to borrow five hundred gold coins, but his humour vanished when Khalik simply smiled and said: Is that all? I had thought you were bolder.


    With the reaffirmation of their cabal and thest secret revealed, Alex felt somethingclose. Almost like a key, sliding into a lock.


    Their bond wasplete.


    Life was good.


    Alex took on finals with the same fervour he always did around test time.


    well, almost.


    There was a nervousness that had followed him through most exam periods in the past, despite the fact that he would work hard to try to ace them. There had always seemed to be a lot at stake on every exam hed ever taken.


    When he was younger, he used to be nervous because of how much emphasis his parents had put on him getting good marks. When he began to realize that he wanted to attend the University of Generasi, he worked hard to make sure that all of his teachers would be good references for him with the wandering recruiters from Generasi.


    When hed gotten to Generasi, and started first year, there was the need to do as well as he could to gain the respect and trust of both Professor ValRok and Professor Jules. Without their help he wouldve never gotten the job at Shales, or ess to theb where hed performed the analysis on the dungeon cores remains.


    In thest few months, hed built a golem, helped make an exciting discovery that could change wizardry, and had nearly been killed twice. Suddenly, examsrather than being a future-defining test of his skillsseemed <em>almost</em> like a rxing return to a low-stakes routine.


    In the end, that was the way hed walked into them: with enthusiasm and preparation, but also almost with a feeling of relief.


    Luckily, there were no surprise horrors in any of his exams.


    Magic Lore IIs exam was made up of a series of essay questions that were almost pure memorization. There were some questions that required the application of magical history and general magical theory, but Alex had enough background to get through those questions easily enough.


    He didnt even need to use The Mark for questions that involved pure memorization.


    ValRoks was a little trickier.


    He and Isolde had a bit of an ongoing rivalry going into the Mana Maniption final, though it was a strange, contradictory one. Rather than cutting each other off and hoarding their knowledge, theyd pushed each other throughout the entire time they were studying to bring out the highest potential in one another.


    Isolde likened it to a knight tossing a proper weapon to their enemy. To Alex, he was pretty sure that if he were a knight and some enemy was trying to kill him, then hed make sure they were as unarmed as possible. And tied up. And maybe asleep.


    But in the case of their exams, bringing out the absolute best in each other when facing down the test questions, was like defeating the enemy together.


    ValRoks written and practical tests were definitely diabolical, but to a pair as hard-working and talented as he and Isolde, they werent diabolical enough to beat them.


    Jules actually had Alex write two exams.


    The first was the regr ss exam for The Alchemy of Potions II, which he could have aced with his eyes closed. From the expression on the faces of other students leaving the room though, it didnt seem like it was<strong></strong>easy for most. The second exam was made up specifically for him to test the knowledge hed gained during thebs supervised by Amir.


    If hed been inclined toward paranoia, he mightve believed Jules had been trying to get revenge on him for not bringing her the dungeon core substance first. The exam had been brutal, fair, but brutal, so he couldnt say one way or another if shed made it that tough on purpose. He told himself that he was imagining a revenge plot.


    He must have been.


    Even Rams exam wasnt a disaster. Interestingly enough, the higher concepts about the redirection of force and the application of itas opposed to simply trying to learn<strong></strong>as many spells as possiblefar more suited Alex and The Mark than the easier first semester. He still lost marks in the speed department, but more than made up for that by demonstrating how he applied what hed learned during the Cleansing Movements to force magic.


    Hed actually felt a lot better walking out of that exam than he had any of the others hed ever done for force magic.


    That only left Baelins exam, which was the only one that was making him more than a little nervous.


    The written exam would be something he was more than ready for, butknowing Baelinthe practical final would be far more


    well far more likely to see Baelin throw them at the biggest, nastiest monster that he thought they could handle and tell them to have at it.


    Yet, as Alex entered the ssroom for the final practical lesson of the year, he was caught off guard by what the chancellor announced:


    We will not be holding our practical final exam until slightly after the semester is over, he said from the front of his ss. I have located what I wish for you tobat, but the practical final will only be held two weeks after the end of all other exams. He looked over the ss with pride. This fight will test all of your mettle. Your resources. Your nning. And your organization. It will be a dangerous opponent, and one that you would do well to prepare for after you no longer have to focus on other exams. But, if you ovee it, then you will be ready for an entirely different ss of opponent. You will be broken up into groups of four students and their entourages and each group will face-


    He waved his hand, conjuring an illusion.


    A writhing creature appeared in the air.


    -a Dune Worm.

 Chapter 161: A Journey From Tree to Tree

    Chapter 161: A Journey From Tree to Tree


    A dune worm is a very dangerous opponent for the unprepared oranyone, Baelin said. Partly because of its size. It grows to the size of a whale. Not the greatest of whale-kind, but certainlyrge enough.


    He waved his hand, and an illusion of a map appeared.


    Their territory lies deeper in The Barrens, andthankfullythey cannot survive close to the edges. These creatures require a great deal of ambient mana to sustain them, or put another way, to prevent their entire system of organs from copsing onto each other, which means they must dwell deep within The Barrens where mana is thickest. This also meansthat while they are viciously gifted burrowers and can spew magma-


    Did he just bloody say spew magma? Alex whispered.


    Yeeeep, Thundar grunted.


    Uhuh, Theresa murmured, staring up at the writhing illusion with a look of dull shock.


    -they cannot use those abilities to travel to the edge of The Barrens and dive beneath the wall. Still, they are very territorial and dangerous to any who enter their domain on footor even those that can fly, if they are low enough in altitude. You faced something that came at you from above in the xyrthak, now you shall face something that wille at you from below. As an opponent, the dune worm is a formidable one that will use magic against you as adeptly as you shall use magic against it.


    Rhea raised her hand. Baelin, are you saying that big worms a wizard?


    Oh my, no. Baelin shook his head. They may have the sapience and cruelty for wizardry, but they are not gifted with vast intellect. They also have no need for spells: they can wield earth magic with the ease that you or I might move one of our own hands.


    His look turned stern. Which is why it will be the perfect next step in an opponent for all of you. Do you know what the mostmon enemy a wizard faces in their lifetime is?


    Assassins? Nua-Oge guessed.


    Mana vampires, Thundar grunted.


    Dragons? Rhea added.


    Peasants with torches and pitchforks, Malcolm said with a note of cynicism in his voice.


    Baelin chuckled. At one timeduring some inquisitorial periods in the history of certain realmsyou would have been one hundred percent correct, Malcolm. But no, the answer to that question is the same as it has always been: other wizards. And so, it will be good for you to cut your teeth on a magic-wielding adversary. The dune worm will be a good introduction: powerful physically and magically, but unable to match your versatility.


    Did he imply that this doom worm will be a starting ce for us? Khalik whispered.


    Dune worm, Isolde corrected him idly. She was pale.


    I know what I said.


    fair enough.


    Shiani raised her hand. Baelin, do you really think we can handle such a creature in only small groups of four?


    Quite frankly? Yes and no, Baelin said. In both physical strength and magical capability, it is your better. You will not be able to trump it in a show of brute force. Collectively? Absolutely: you could crush it like you did the xyrthak. But you will not always have the benefit of a small army of wizards at your side as you face the dangers of the world.


    He looked up toward the ceiling.


    Alex felt a surge of teleportation magic.


    Above Baelin, the air rippled until the illusion of a starry sky filled the upper part of the room.


    No wait, he thought. I felt the teleportation magiches actually opened a point between here and wherever that sky is.


    He gulped, trying to swallow his nervousness, but a part of him was excited at the idea of such a vast gulf of distance being crossed with hardly a thought. Now that hed learned Call Through Ice, it had already given him a taste of teleportation magic, and he was definitely nning to register for a course on the subject next year.


    A Proper Wizard is indeed a mighty, terrifying being when at the height of their power, Baelin said, his voice taking on an ancient and terrible quality. But only a fool looks up at a stone ceiling and thinks that there is nothing above them. No matter how powerful you grow, there will be many times when you will face an enemy far greater than yourself. So, I am introducing you to what that might look like now so that you have a better footing when the timees for you to grapple demon lords.


    Baelin paused, looking at them as grim silence filled the room. Or indeed be ready forother opportunities that might soon arise. For now, I advise you to focus on your other finals. Then try to rx between the end of those exams and our practical in The Barrens. After all, you are finishing your first year at the University of Generasi. That is cause to celebrate.


    Alex and Theresa nced at each other, exchanging quick smiles.


    That was indeed cause to celebrate.


    It was days after Baelins in ss announcement, and a few days after Alexs other exams, including the written one for The Art of the Wizard in Combat II. Baelins exam had covered all that theyd learned from the beginning of the year.


    There were questions about everything from tactics, to monsters, to the allocation of resources, to terrain and essay questions on possiblebat scenarios. It was asprehensive as one might expect an exam from Baelin would be, and Alex had loved it. Writing the exam with his cabal members meant that afterward, they could all go to The Brass Grapes to celebrate, unwind andpare their answers on the exam.


    For the most part, their responses matched one anothers, so Alex figured thered be high marks all around. For now, they decided to take Baelins advice and forget about his uing practical exam, marks, and everything else, and simply celebrate the soon-to-be close of their first year. For a little bit, at least. They toasted anything they could think of, ordered trays of finger foods andughed the time away. It turned out to be a great evening.


    The next day Alex had something else to look forward to.


    On the green, well-maintained grounds of Generasi, five figures made their way toward a hill on campus. It was a high one with a gazebo that wrapped around an over-sized apple tree and overlooked the sea.


    Brutus was running ahead of the group, barking excitedly under thete spring sun. Selina followed, trying to race the cerberus up the hill.


    Behind them came Alex and Theresa. Each held a pic basket in one hand and each others hand in the other. Alex had that same stupid smile on his face that he got whenever Theresas warm, sword-calloused hand was in his. He nced over and saw that her face bore a very simr expression.


    Bringing up the rear was the mighty ygon, his footsteps pressing into the earth. More and more Alex was starting to think of his golem as a he. ygons head swivelled this way and that, tracking distant figures with the fire-gem set in his forehead.


    Together, the couple crested the hill then rolled out a huge nket to spread out on. Alex took out tes, cutlery and cups from one of the pic baskets andid out his spread of fine coney pies. The pies were still steaming from when theyde out of the oven earlier, and hed used his Lesser Heat spell to keep them warm. Being a wizard definitely had its benefits.


    ygon stood beside the tree: a titanic guardian that continued to keep watch while they enjoyed the afternoon.


    This is so good, Selina said as she greedily gulped down a meat pie.


    Of course it is, Alex said, puffing out his chest. I made it, after all.


    She nodded. I like eating your food.


    Me too, Theresa said. I could eat it for years, and years and years toe.


    She looked at him meaningfully and he had to look away from Selina in case she caught that foolish smile of his. She would never let him hear the end of it. The little goblin had already started making fun of him and Theresa for being gross and mushy.


    To that all hed said was: Youll get it when youre older.


    Shed replied: Grownups always say that. But, you guys are still gross and mushy!


    When they finished lunch, theyd yed with Brutus for a long while, rubbing his belly, ying fetch, and just romping around together.


    Finally, when the cerberus was tired outand Selina was toothey returned to the nket and shade of the apple tree. The big canine was soon napping and the young girlthough she fought sleep like a championwas soon snoring against the dog.


    Theresa sighed wistfully.


    She and Alex were in a sleepy embrace, with Alex sitting against the trunk and the huntress sitting in hisp. She had taken her boots off and was lightly kicking her legs up and down through the grass in front of her.


    Why such a big sigh? Alex asked her gently.


    Did I ever tell you I was a little jealous of you? she asked.


    He snorted. Nooo, whats this? Was it my good looks? My charm and debonair-ness? My big muscles?


    Oh by Uldar, dont make me regret going<strong></strong>out with you, she chuckled. And I do appreciate those thingseven if the charm is kind of imaginary and Im not even sure what debonair means. I really appreciate the muscles though.


    She gave hisrge bicep an appreciative squeeze. Like really appreciate them. No, Im jealous because youve got a cute little sister while I have older brothers. I always wanted a cute little sister.


    Theresa, in the Lu family <em>youre</em> the cute little sister. You just grew up and became a death-machine.


    Hmph, and you dont like me being a death machine?


    Im pretty sure thats one of the best parts. One of the many, many best parts.


    Jeez. Theresa snuggled against him. Shishi was making fun of me for losing my edge. Ooooh what happened to the scary-face, Theresa? You look like a puppy all the time. d to hear shes wrong.


    Well, maybe youre just a very dangerous puppy. Like Brutus. And before you say thatplimenting a girl by calling her a cerberus isnt great, I know <em>youd</em> like it.


    She sighed. Well, maybe I just have issues like-What? <em>What?</em>


    Alex had burst outughing halfway through her sentence.


    As soon as shed said that she might have issues, his mind had immediately gone back to all the times hed thought that about himself, and he couldnt hold back hisughter.


    He only stopped when Theresa lightly punched him in the arm a few times. She red at him, then a mischievous light entered her eyes. Hey, Alex, do you remember the time you said that I had terrible taste?


    She grinned at him.


    Eh? When was this? he asked.


    When you were being all mysterious and analyzing the dungeon core, you talked about calling yourself robbing fool. I said it was a terrible name and you said I have terrible taste.


    Oh yeah, right. Well I was right back then, that name was great and you <em>do</em> have terrible taste.


    Her eyes twinkled and her grin widened. Do I really have terrible taste? Do I really? she giggled. Do I <em>really </em>have terrible taste, <em>Alex?</em>


    She nudged him in the belly, fighting back an absolute tidal wave of giggles.


    He blinked. Yeah, you do have terrible- His eyes widened as he finally got it. Oh, by the Traveller!


    Theresa mped her hand over her mouth to stop fromughing so loud that shed wake up Brutus and Selina.


    Alex, meanwhile, sat with his jaw hanging open.


    Howhow did I walk into that? Oh my god, Uldar was right. I <em>am</em> a fool.


    Alex started tough as Theresa shook fromughter against him.


    Ahhh, Im so d I came with you to this ce. She turned her head, identally batting his face with her ponytail, and kissed him. Smartest decision Ive ever made.


    Give it a few months, he said, giving her a kiss back. Youll curse the day you followed me from Alric and be asking yourself why in the name of Uldar didnt I just go with my parents?


    Her smile faded slightly as herughter did too.


    His died as well. Whats wrong?


    She sighed, scrambling out of hisp, much to his disappointment. Theresa dug into one of her bags and took out a letter. This came yesterday evening.


    Alex blinked. is it from your parents?


    Yes, she said. Theyreing to visit next month.


    He started to grin. Thats greatwhy are you looking like you dont think its such great news?


    She shook her head. Im excited, but how doby The Traveller, how do I even begin to exin any of this? They dont know anything about magic and monsters and danger andus being together. So much has happened. I think when they were sending us off they probably thought it was just some big school where, I dunno, people rode brooms, I guess. We left Thamnd to escape danger and monsters, and here we are up to our necks in danger and monsters.


    Well. He shrugged. It <em>is </em>a lot to exin, isnt it? But Ill be there to exin it with you. Ill be right there."


    Theresas smile lit up her face and she scooted back into hisp, wrapping his arms around her waist. And thats why I love you, Alex.


    I love you too. He kissed her cheek and then leaned back against the tree. Beginning to doze, and in his sleepiness, he almost thought that the tree was the same one theyd made camp under when they were fleeing Alric.


    So much had changed since then.


    Some pleasant.


    Some dangerous.


    Ah, well. He nced over at ygon. Youll protect us if dangeres, wont you, you ten-foot golem made of solid badass.


    Slipping deeper into drowsiness, he could have sworn ygon stood just a little bit taller at the mental praise. He must have been imagining it. Wasnt he?


    That was a worry for another day.


    ...for another day.


    Alex knew something big was happening when he stepped into Baelins office. A floating block of obsidian hovered in the centre of the room, and<strong></strong>pieces of paper and parchment were attached to it. Much of what was written was numbers, figures, calctions and logistics. In the centre was a map which looked like it oveid another mapof the north eastern region of the continent.


    He wondered what it was for.


    Ah good, youre here a little early. The chancellor nced at the doors to his office. I have two things to tell you about.


    He held up a book, written in anguage Alex didnt understand. I think I might have found a lead on your mysterious attackers.


    Really? Alex quickly walked over, staring at the book. Is it Thameish?


    No. Baelin shook his head. If this is the same monster, then the creature did note from Thamnd at all. Not at all.

 Chapter 162: The Expedition and the Doodle (End of Book 1)

    Chapter 162: The Expedition and the Doodle (End of Book 1)


    Alexs eyes flicked to the map. Where did the book say the creature was from?


    Oh, the author had no idea, Baelin said. But there was a sighting, which one of my librarians found. The book hovered in front of Baelin, flipping its pages to a spot in the middle of it. The chancellor made a face. Ugh, charming.


    What is it?


    Some of the library books are cared for with little care by students who use them, and considering where this book is from, its no surprise that some feel the need to add their own littlecreative vandalisms in the form of doodles in the margins. Three pages before, someone had drawn a rather creative depiction of an emperor and an octopus in a loving embrace shall we say.


    Alex shuddered. Gross.


    Indeed, very gross, as you young folk would say. But I digress. Baelin took hold of the book and spoke something in a strangenguage: its tones were smoothalmost regalbut its consonants harsh and guttural at times. That is the High Imperial Tongue of the Irtyshenan Empire. In themon tongue, it trantes to: <em>We tracked the rune-marked, and within the Western Borders of Kymnd, with all of its foul and treacherous barbarians and savage monsters, we lost sight of the light of Mount Titarsios and we slipped from the gaze of The Virtuous Gods within the vile trees. For days we wandered, battling the hordes of barbaric elves, savage forest humanity and even the foreign firbolgs. We were tired and our guards were down. Our guideone of the Bloodwalkerscaught the movement before the rest of us.</em>


    The chancellor turned the page. <em>The beast was unknown to us: humanoidas though its form were mocking usstinger-toothed, and with great ws on its fingers. Its hide was like thousands of scabs and turned away good imperial steel. We lost Agreus, Zevchen and Bolg in the first few seconds. Our Bloodwalker went after it, and thanks to her enhancements, she managed to finish the beast off. She did take a mortal wound, and we had to retreat with her before the trolls came: they always arrive at the scent of blood.</em>


    He looked up at Alex. And that is the ount. The only mention of anything that really seems to match these monsters in all of our books in the library.


    Thats all? Alex asked. Anything else in the book?


    I have yet tob through it myself, Baelin grimaced. But our librarians found no other mention. There has been much to do, much to nand that sted demon summoner still has not been caught.


    Really? Alex blinked. In all that had happened recently, the demon attack had pretty much left his mind; hed even grown used to the increased patrols of the Watchers of Roal. Theyd just merged into the new normal. Maybe theyre gone?


    Oh no, they are not. Baelin made a face. Things have been found, but nothing that would bring us any closer to the viin.


    what kind of things?


    The ancient wizard looked at him for a moment. I have two questions for you: do you know much about demonology? What is often required in such summonings?


    Yeah, demons usually want some kind of sacrifice. Meat, power, bloodthat sort of stuff, before theyll willingly work with you. Usually.


    Mhm, and tell me, have you eaten lunch recently?


    Yeah, wh-Oh. Oh I see.


    Indeed. Even if I could reveal the results of the investigation, it would be better for your belly if I did not.


    Alex shuddered. Riiight. So, what about this Irtyshenan Empire? Do you think the creature is from there? I learned about most of the countries that have contact with Thamnd when I was younger, butI dont know much about the ce. Other than its enormous.


    It is not surprising, Baelin turned to look at the map. Irtyshenans are somewhat insr. They have their own ways, their own universitiesboth the mundane and wizardousand their own practices. They are beset by enemiessince their penchant for conquering tends to create enemiesthe rune-marked being foremost of those. As for whether this creature came from thosends? I am unsure. But it is our first leadthough I doubt the empire would wee investigators from a foreign power.


    Alex sighed. Is that it, then? When was the ount from?


    Roughly three hundred years ago.


    Three hundred years ago


    Three hundred years ago


    Was there anything special about three hundred years ago that he knew from learning about world history or about Thamnd itself? He thought back through past lessons about long-dead kings and foreign wars before an obvious event urred to him. Three hundred years would have meant three generations of The Raveners cycle.


    Three generations of Heroes.


    And three generations ago


    The Traveller was one of the Heroes in Thamnd three hundred years ago, Alex said out loud. And if thats the only time this monster has been sighted


    Baelins eyes narrowed. That is a thin connection, interesting to be sure, but a thin connection, if any at all.


    Yeah, youre right, I guess. Alex looked back at the map, eyeing the border between Kymnd and the Irtyshenan Empire. Maybe in the futurewhen he learned powerful teleportation magiched go there and look into the sighting of the creature. His mind went back to the term rune-marked. What did that mean exactly?


    Whats a rune-marked? he asked.


    Thatis a bit of an exnation, but suffice it to say they are <em>somewhat</em> simr to your Heroes. Chosen warriors of a god. Red runes appear on their skin, which recount their deeds in battle. Each grants them power.


    <em>Really?</em> Alex blinked. Thatthats huge. Maybe theres a connection between The Heroes and these rune-marked?


    Not likely, Im afraid. Magical markings, divine stigmata, alchemical tattoos and scarification are not umon in the world. And the rune-marked arewell, as I said, another time. I did not call you here to speak of the creature alone.


    Alright, Alex said, eyeing the book. May I take a look at the book?


    Feel free, it is not a book restricted for one at your stage of study. Baelin handed him the book. Now, for the important part.


    The ancient wizard snapped his fingers and the map of the continent rolled itself up and vanished in a disy of teleportation magic. Alex paused when he saw the map behind it.


    It was a map of Thamnd, with several points marked: he recognized the capital, as well as a notation for The Cave of the Traveller. Far to the southin an area where he saw no settlements for mileswas a symbol indicating a tent.


    I have had meetings with the alchemy department, the school administration, and our treasurer, Baelin said. And the ink has finally dried upon the paperwork.


    The chancellor was nearly glowing with excitement as he eyed the tent symbol.


    Paperwork for what? Alex asked, though his mind was rapidly drawing a conclusion.


    What Baelin said next confirmed his suspicions: Why, an expedition to your homnd, of course. The alchemy department is <em>very</em> excited by the results shown by your ygon, as well as the analysis of the dungeon cores remains.


    He tapped the map. The citys ruling wizard council and I have been in negotiations. They have spoken with witnesses from the patrizias party: witnesses that spoke of the power of your golem. I informed them of a discovery that was made using a certain substance from Thamnd. They were very eager to learn more about everything I told them. We will work together: they are currently arranging an audience between myself, a delegate from the city, and your king.


    Alexs eyes widened. Oh.


    Indeed. If all goes well, Generasi will aid Thamnd in return for allowing the university to purchase or lease a parcel ofnd to the south. From there, we will be setting up a research camp,plete with a teleportation circle created and maintained by myself, which will connect directly to aboratory on campus. We willwith your kings permissionharvest and research dungeon cores. Most of our experiments will be conducted at theb here at the university, but preliminary analysis will be done at the research camp. as well as experiments with any <em>live</em> dungeon cores we might capture since they seem not to be able to leave Thamnd.


    Baelin looked away from the map. I would like youand some of my other students to be part of this expedition.


    Alex blinked. Seriously?


    Indeed. The chancellor looked at Alex carefully. Your Mark, growing skill, and personal experience with dungeon cores would be a great asset to our work. You could simply aid with the part of the research that takes ce on campus, if you wish, though I will be working to ensure priests are barred from approaching our encampment. If we are going to do our work unbothered, I will not have the servants of any goding in to possibly muck up our ns. I would understand if you did not wish to take part, but I hope you will consider it.


    Alex swallowed, thinking about it.


    He knew hed be returning to Thamnd one day, at the very least, once The Ravener was gone. A part of him had even imagined sneaking back if he could to do more research on the dungeon cores. That had been even before hed gotten the support of Baelin, Jules and his cabal-mates.


    This wouldnt be how<strong></strong>he imagined his return might be, but was he ever excited just thinking about it!


    As long as he could avoid detection by Thamnds priests, he could continue his studies, advance his academic career, and unlock more of the mystery of The Ravener all at the same time.


    There would be danger involved, but he was no stranger at oveing danger at this point. Besides, a part of him wondered how he and his friends would manage against a dungeon now that he was better trained, experienced and more powerful.


    Yeah, If the priests wont be around, wild horses couldnt keep me away, Baelin. I want to see where this goes.


    Baelin grinned. Excellent! You are the second to ept, right after Professor Jules. I will be approaching others soon, but Im particrly pleased that youre on board, mboy.


    His goat-like eyes twinkled, then he snapped his fingers. Now, theres some paperwork I need to go through quickly, then Ill need to get some signatures from you. If I do not, then I am fairly sure Hobb will kill me.


    Alex snorted. Like Hobb could kill you.


    Baelin paused. Let us just say that it is a good thing for the city that we have no reason to fight.


    A chill went down Alexs spine as he imagined an apocalyptic battle between the ancient wizard and devil. To erase the thought from his mind, he flipped open the book from the Irtyshenan Empire as Baelin leafed through the paperwork, marking certain ces.


    Excitement surged through Alex at the thought of the expedition and all the things that might be discovered through it. If it was sessful, it would help both wizardry and Thamnd. By being part of it, his future prospects would soar.


    Thinking of a bright future, he idly flipped through the book. Thenguage was one Alex could not understand, so he focused on the doodles and messages instead. Three hundred years of students insulting the empire, making notations, writing things in othernguages he didnt know, and even writing notes to each other.


    He continued to flip through the pages, amused.


    Then he froze.


    Alex Roth blinked and then squinted at writing nestled in the corner of a page.


    It was a short message, one hed nearly missed. Sweet saint of Alric! He cursed out loud. B-Baelin. He murmured, quickly going to the chancellor with the book held out in front of him. Baelin, look at this!


    Hm? the chancellor looked up. Whats the matter, you look like youve seen- He nced at the book.


    His words died. oh.


    There, nestled within the pages of the book was a short message that neither could understand. It was in handwriting theyd never seen before.


    But they both knew the symbols used to write it.


    It was the samenguage thaty within the pages of The Book of The Traveller.


    END OF BOOK 1 OF MARK OF THE FOOL


    (BOOK 2 STARTS TOMORROW)

 Chapter 163: The Heroes Struggle (Book 2 Begins)

    Chapter 163: The Heroes'' Struggle (Book 2 Begins)


    This isnt working! Drestras cry swept through the night.


    The Sage of Uldar floated high above a circle of standing stones that rose from a misty hilltop. She chanted spells in a voice that crackled like fire; her golden, reptilian eyes seemed to glow above the veil covering her face. Her form was ringed<strong></strong>by a golden globe of force, while spells poured from her outstretched hands like an endless river.


    Fireballs shot down the hilltop like a meteor shower, exploding into roaring columns of me that boiled the marsh below the hill.


    Between two of the megalithic stones, The Champion of Uldar chopped through monsters with his massive sword. The decrafted from a hive-queens pincersliced through mud coating his foes. Hart Redfletchers half-madughter boomed above the sh of battle and the gurgles of dying monsters and humans.


    Surging toward him were clots of muck, soil and y barely held together in the form of dripping humanoids. The muck-warpers misshapen heads rippled as they climbed the hill; partly formed mouths yawned open below dark holes where eyes should have been. The muck was thick enough to suck most weapons in, but Harts sword cleaved through it with ease, splitting apart the monsters beneath.


    They fell in twitching heaps. In death, the mud flowed away, revealing ashen-skinned, humanoid creatures with bodies as thin as bird-bones. They looked like a childs stick figures, and appeared feeble, but the magically, animated mud coating them gave them an unnatural strength.


    And there were a<em> lot </em>of them.


    A scream rang out.


    Two sides of the hilltop were defended by formations of experienced knights supported by the miracles of a group of priests of Uldar. Theyd formed tight lines between the standing stones, using them as cover, trying to keep their foes at a distance. Often a weapon thrust at the monsters would be stuck in the magically-viscous mud protecting the muck-warpers.


    A knight stabbed through the mucktrying to pierce the muck-warper insidebut the de sank in with a wet sucking noise, holding it there. As the warrior fought to free his de, the creatures fist mmed into his helm like a mace, dropping him in a twitching heap. A priestess rushed to the knight from within the standing stones, desperately chanting a prayer to Uldar.


    Behind hery a host of injured knights; priests worked to mend them, but for some it was toote, and they breathed theirst breath.


    We cannot hold them forever! Drestra chanted a new spell. Two balls of me rose from her palms and shot toward a mass of monsters menacing the knights. The orbs spun together and exploded in a tornado of me. It roared like a hungry beast rolling downhill, sucking monsters and air inside.


    For an instant, the night turned as bright as daylight.


    Hartsughter boomed even louder.


    Thats it Drestra, get the great dirty bastards flounderin! Cedric of n Duncan shouted.


    The Chosen of Uldar could feel the heat from Drestras tornado of me and watched as fire blew muck-warpers to ash by the dozen. But past the clouds of steam in the boiling marsh, he saw something grim.


    In all directionsunder the light of moon and firemuck-warpers filled the marsh, lurching toward the hill. Hundreds of them, by his reckoning.


    An endless tide.


    A worthy challenge.


    Cedric of n Duncan roared, his red hair blowing in the backdraft of Drestras me. Keep up the pressure,ds andsses! Well get em dead as the dirt they shovel over themselves!


    He was defending the side of the hill opposite Hart and threw his might at the horde of monsters surging toward him.


    His Haste spell doubled his speed and Uldars holy power ran along his weapon, letting it shift form like living quicksilver. One moment he was piercing the tiny, withered heart of a muck-warper with a spear. The next, he was cleaving two apart with an axe. Then he was blocking a blow with a shield, which then shot a profusion of spikes straight into the monsters face.


    Cedric spat out an incantation: magic infused his voice and his battlecry struck the air like a hammer. A st of pure, booming energy crashed through the muck dwellers, sting the creatures apart and giving him room to catch his breath, however briefly.


    The Chosen of Uldar stepped back between two of the gigantic standing stones and nced over his shoulder.


    Hart was killing as many as Cedric with pure, Mark-enhanced speed, might, and skill. The Champions gigantic sword moved in his hands with the swiftness of a dagger, and muck-dwellers fell by the dozen. He showed no sign of slowing.


    Drestra, though, had poured out enough magic to exhaust Cedrics ten times over. My magic is waning, and theyll overrun us! Damn your eyes, Merzhin! Arent you done that prayer yet!?


    Below her floated a slight figure.


    Merzhin, The Saint of Uldar, sat cross-legged in mid-air. His hands were sped in front of him. The voice that left his lipsquoting the scripture of Uldarwas so high and delicate that it seemed a breeze could break it.


    Yet, the ethereal voice did not pause. It did not stutter. It was strangely serene, as though its owner was sitting in the quiet surroundings of a church, not a battlefield.


    Them muck dwellers cant be fightin us forever! Cedric called to Drestra as he turned back to their foes. We bloody have em! Just a bit more! Merzhins near done! He levelled his hand at the enemy. <em>Oh, Mighty Uldar, I ask you to bring forth your hand and make your enemies kneel!</em>


    Divine power sted through himusing his soul as a conduitand wasunched from his palm. It mmed into the horde, outlining many in white light. The Raveners monsters froze, then shuddered as they were slowly brought to their knees in supplication to the divine force that held them in its grip.


    Some burned as the power rejected their very existence, but others swarmed past. Transforming his weapon into a long halberd, Cedric cut down the few whod gotten by.


    And then Merzhinpleted his prayer:


    <em>And lo, did Uldar will the lush realm of Thamnd to His people upon His ascension. Atst, His people no longer suffered from hunger. They wanted for naught and they did have plenty even in the icy abyss of winter. And so did the seasons pass, and His people bore proper pride for their god.</em>


    Merzhins eyes opened and a white light poured from them. <em>While His enemies knew only to fear Him. Season. After passing season. For Thamnd is His domain. And He rejects all those who encroach therein.</em>


    Something shifted.


    Cedrics soul shook. A massive presence filled the air.


    Divine might poured into Merzhin like a river.


    These grounds are hallowed by my blessing, he pronounced, looking down onto the monstrous horde. His face was childlike, but the wrath filling it wasancient.


    The Raveners monsters paused their advance, watching as a terrible radiance built up around the mightiest of Uldars holy.


    Then the air began to shimmer.


    The Saints hands shifted until both matched the image of Uldars hand in his holy symbol. These grounds are hallowed, he repeated, and his voice seemed to echo from every tree and stone. And they reject you.


    Then the world changed.


    Heat suddenly spiked around the hill, like in the height of summer. Leaves and grass grew before Cedrics eyes. A heartbeatter, autumns wet chilly in the air. Grass withered and trees shed shriveled leaves. Then the wind howled from the north bringing with it winters embrace. The marsh froze, growing barren and choked by frost.


    A heartbeatter, greenery sprang up again and the air smelled of fresh rain. Then the heat. Then the withering. Then the ice.


    The seasons Drestra murmured. They are changing before our eyes.


    The army of muck-warpers writhed as the mud cloaking them froze and thawed a host of times in just as many heartbeats. Some of the mud hardened and ked away, turning to dried soil. The stick-like bodies were exposed.


    As the seasons changed with ever increasing speed, Cedric saw the ravages of time fall upon the creatures. It bent their backs, withered their flesh, and stole the strength from them.


    Soon, they lost all ability to stand.


    Atst, they fell.


    The passing seasons slowed.


    The temperateness of spring returned. nts were green again, strong and healthy. The Raveners monsters ally dead where they once stood. An endless tide of living creatures had been reduced to dried out corpses.


    Bloody hell, Cedric murmured.


    Language, Merzhin chastised him as he descended.


    His bare feet touched the earth, then he abruptly dropped onto his rump. The Saint panted from his efforts and was drenched in sweat. Pray to Uldar that this will be thest ambush we endure; I doubt I can call on his power again for at least a day.


    Hah, you did your share and then some. Hart whirled his de to flick off muck-warper blood, then rested it on his shoulders. Too bad they dont have anything to plunder: youd have earned the greatest share of all of us.


    His te armourcrafted of both fine steel and monster shellnked as he re-entered the circle of stones.


    As the glow faded from his coal-ck eyes, Merzhin pressed his slender fingers and palms together. We thank you Uldar for delivering us from this plight. We ask that you find us pleasing and bless us. Let those that dwell here speed swiftly to your side. Let us continue to worship you not just through words, but through works.


    Cedric looked up at Drestra. Oi, you feel anymore of the Raveners mana about or are we clear?


    I sense nothing, a low growl issued from her throat as shended beside Merzhin, looking down at him. Nothing but death. Five moonlit nights. Five times we were ambushed here. Five times we nearly die.


    I wouldnt call this nearly dying. Most of us are alive. Hart shrugged, marching over to the knights. Well fought. Well honour the fallen.


    There would be less fallen, if you had acted differently, Merzhin, Drestra said quietly. If you had taken much longer, I wouldve run out of mana. As it is, we will be in trouble if theres another attack soon.


    Nothing to worry about. Hart shrugged. I won''t run out of sword. Ill protect us.


    Hart, this is serious. Merzhin, if you took any longer-


    I was channeling our gods divine power, Merzhin said in that high, clear, unbothered voice. While he was the same ageeighteenas the other Heroes, he looked at least three or four years younger. His eyes held none of that youth, though: they looked hollow, like a dead mans. Uldar must have the proper love and praise delivered before I might channel his will, Holy Sage.


    And you have to go through an entire church sermon to do that? Drestra gestured to the priests. They finish quickly, same as Cedric.


    Well now, quality takes time dont it? Cedric came forward with an easy smile on his face. I do my little miracles, aye, but I dont turn entire armies of monsters to dust.


    <em>We</em> wouldve been dust if he''d taken any longer! Drestra snapped. The war grows more difficult. Ambushes. Dungeon cores multiplying every time we destroy one. Lands regained only to be lost to us again.


    Well, we lived, aye? Cedric pped Drestra on the arm. The witch pulled away, still ring at The Saint. The Chosen fought to keep his easy smile.


    Hed witnessed this exact situation with young warriors within his n. When a hunt, raid or battle was costly, tempers red. He thought hard on how the elders diffused brewing fights like this.


    Holy Sage, I feel your fear, Merzhin said, dragging himself to his feet. He was much shorter than Drestra. Know that Uldars will has never once failed The Heroes of Thamnd. We have always seeded: cycle after cycle.


    But this cycle is worse, Drestra pushed. Why are you arguing with me? My spells fly like arrows, and I have seen you channel Uldars power quickly: why choose such a time-consuming miracle?


    To scour the monsterspletely, Holy Sage. The Saint stepped from the centre of the circle and looked onto the battlefield. In one mighty disy of our gods power, we have wiped away the wicked creatures and sent them to return to the soil. A less potent miracle may have let some escape. Baron Lorricks force is a day behind us: they would have been free to harass his camp.


    Enemies that are scattered are easy prey, Drestra said. In the Crymlyn swamp, we have scattered armies with hit-and-run tactics and spells that cause panic. Then we were able to hunt them at our leisure.


    And some might have escaped, Merzhins dead eyes held Drestras reptilian ones. There can be nopromise. No room for anything butplete extermination. Down to thest creature, Holy Sage.


    I have a <em>name</em>, Drestra snapped.


    Would it please you more if I used it? Merzhin asked, his voice still keeping that serene calm. I feel as though you are not too fond of me. If this is about the churchs censure of the witches, then that is history long passed-


    You keep bringing that up, and I tell you it is not! Drestra snapped.


    Hart suddenlyughed.


    Drestra shot him a look. You find this amusing?


    No, no, I was just thinking- He snorted. -that Merzhin might call our fifthif they arent deadHoly Fool all the time. Enough to drive anyone mad. And honestly, youre both being fools right now. We lived. We should be drinking, not arguing.


    Drestra stared at Hart.


    Merzhin was unreadable.


    Nothin for it, nothin for it, Cedric said. Let it go. Grudges like thisll fester surely as any poison. Youve been in battles before, aye? Hart- He nodded to the badge on Harts armour, indicating his membership in the Ash Crows. -you know how it goes. Sometimes positions get messed up, or allies take longer to get somethin done than they should.


    If we die, we die, Hart said, drawing a hiss from one of the priests. We fight until one day something outfights us, and thats the end of that.


    Merzhins head slowly turned toward the mercenary, his neck barely moved. You do not take our struggle seriously, Holy Champion?


    I want to live, but sometimes what you do just aint enough on the battlefield. He looked at Drestra. Best make peace with that. You can greet death or you can fight death: fighting it just means youre more tired when it takes you.


    She made a noise of disgust. Well, I want to live through this. She looked at Merzhin. If you wish to risk your own life, then that is your choice. But I have years to live and a home to return to: be swifter with your choice of prayer. What do you think, Cedric?


    Well, it turned out alright, didnt it? he said. We blew em apart and now we got a cleared way to finding their dungeon. Alls well.


    I see. Alls well, then. Drestra looked down at the in knights covered with shrouds. Tell that to the fallen. Perhaps next time it will be one of us lying dead on the ground.


    She floated up into the air again. I am going to settle on a stone and keep watch. Good night.


    She flew away.


    Hrm, Hart frowned, looking at Merzhin. Maybe try to pick it up a half step next time. Drestra can just fly away if she doesnt like where things are going. Wed be cut into dog meat without her magic. Eventually.


    I shall endeavour to hurry our mighty god along, Merzhin said with a wry humour. His thin smile faded and his voice rose so that Drestra could hear him. But in the end, we cannotpromise with the enemy. All must be put to the sword, the spell, and the holy word. We fight not only for ourselves but for our people. For our descendants. Heroes have been killed inbat with The Raveners forces before: but Thamnd endures. Uldars will endures. If one of us falls, then the others will have a greater strugglebut Uldars will always triumphs.


    There was a long silence, and Cedric looked at the knights and priests. Some of the priests were nodding vigorously. Some were quiet. A few of the knights eyes burned with passion, but the majority seemed weary at the speech.


    Cedric could see the hope of home and hearth in their eyes.


    And the fear of death.


    Again, there was that shrug from Hart. The sword falls how it falls.


    He turned and walked among the knights, who were looking at Drestra and Merzhin with uncertainty.


    Cedric nodded to them. Good work tonight, all o yous. Lets all get us a wee bit o rest while can, cause itll be tough as leather tryin to find the dungeon in the morn. He looked at Merzhin. You did good. Maybe next time you can push it a touch quicker, though. Battlesve been gettin harder, and well be needin to finish our enemies quickly.


    I see, Holy Chosen. Merzhin frowned. If only the Holy Fool were with us, then perhaps such little petty spats would be diffused. He sighed. They are likely long dead, though the search must continue.


    Aye, Cedric said. But maybe wherever their soul is, it''s a tad nicer than here. He looked over at the withered monsters and dead knights. You said that the ground is hallowedbut it looks more hellish to me."

 Chapter 164: The Corrupt Fool in Paradise

    Chapter 164: The Corrupt Fool in Paradise


    This is paradise, said The Fool of Thamnd as he stretched out on the grass.


    A glowing crimson hand floating beside him picked up a dried, candied pineapple ring from a basket and gently ced it in his mouth. The basket was also floating in midair, hanging from a glowing red orb: the first spell hed ever learned, forceball.


    It was a cool spring day and a sun-shower wasing down lightly, but another spellwind and rain shieldblocked the droplets from wetting him or the patch of dry grass he was lying on. The sky was a mix of silver, rain clouds drifting away from the sun.


    The air had a fresh, warm tang to it: it was never very cold in Generasi. Even winters bite had few teethpared to winters in his hometown of Alric in the Kingdom of Thamnd. Warm and cozy, being fed by his spells while he hardly lifted a finger, made Alex Roth feel pretty kingly. And not like some nd king, but more like one of those horrifying hedonistic kings hed read about in old tales.


    The ones that always seemed to be lounging on their side with their head resting in their palm while servants fanned them and put grapes in their mouths.


    Yeeeeah, one of those, Alex smiled as his Wizards Hand drifted over with a grape. Mmmm, this is the life, right, ygon?


    He looked up at his golem: a ten-foot tall juggernaut made of magically animated y, sculpted to look like an impossibly powerful knight with four arms crossed, its surface was carved to resemble intricate te armour decorated in filigree. ygons facemade to look ferocious with a mouth filled with shark-like teethwatched the surroundings with absolute discipline; the fire-gem in his forehead gleamed in the sunlight, ready to st any wed monsters, demons, mana vampires or anything else that might decide to disturb his master.


    ygon was on-guard, and above him Alex had cast a wind and rain shield. Not because the weather would necessarily hurt the golem, but because Alex hade to feel that if ygon could watch over him, then he could do the same for the golem that he and his little sister had crafted together. The golem who had saved his life.


    He sighed.


    That was another thing he had inmon with those pleasure seeking, corrupt kings from the old stories: things just kept trying to kill him. A remarkable amount of things, really.


    There was the hive-queen and silence-spiders back in Thamnd. Then not one but two mana vampires, the demons on campus, and the three wed creatures that had led a horde of monsters in an attack on Patrizia Giuseppe dePaolos estate: the cousin of one of his closest friends and cabal-mates.


    Thered been enough monster attacks to make anyone take notice, and if there was anything that was gnawing at the peace of his little paradise at the moment, it was the unanswered questions from recent events. For all the searching he, Chancellor Baelin, and others in the city of Generasi had done, the only lead on the trio of wed creatures had been found in an obscure book from an empire far, far, <em>far</em> away to the northwest.


    The Irtyshenan Empire, and that was not only inessible to him, but one that shouldnt have had any connection to The Heroes of Thamnd or their struggle against The Ravenertheir deitys eternal enemyor their realm.


    Yet in those pages, hed found a note scrawled in the strange, uniquenguage that was also found in a book that had belonged to The Traveller, the patron saint of Alric who was also The Saint of Uldar from three generations before.


    Alex paused, frowning for a moment.


    Shouldnt that have been matron saint, since The Traveller was a woman? Now that he really thought about it, he seemed to remember her being called a matron saint by his teachers at the church school where he attended as a boy. Yet, everyone else in town always called her a patron saint.


    Funny how that worked.


    It reminded him of how many of the alchemical substances listed in his alchemy books often had long, academic names that were really useful for categorizing them, but werent used in everyday conversation: even by the alchemists that worked with them.


    Sometimes, what wasmonly known as the truth, often ended up bing reality for people, erasing the actual truth.


    He shook his head. His mind had wandered off on a tangent again, as it often did.


    Baelin was reaching out to contacts he had within the Irtyshenan Empire to see if he could get more information about thenguage. Meanwhile, the chancellor had also instructed the library staff tob through their records for the names of all who had borrowed the book in the past.


    Things were developing there, but soon, he would have more immediate things to worry about.


    First, his final practical exam in Baelins ss where he and his cabal-mates would have to face down a dune worm, wasing soon. Theyd begun researching and nning out how to handle the creatureand it was looking like it would be a tough fight. That was in spite of the growth theyd all made since the beginning of the school year.


    Still, Alex was looking forward to facing this new opponent. It would be the first time he, his closest friends, and his golem would be facing an opponent all together. If they could ovee it, that would mean theyd be even more ready for whatever his homnd had to throw at them when it was time for the expedition to Thamnd.


    The expedition was the second thing that Alex would have to face soon: going to Thamnd to collect major dungeon core material for the schools research. If the monsters that had attacked him at the masquerade ball turned out to be from Thamndwhether they were creatures from The Ravener or something elsethen hed be going to a potentially hostile environment by joining the expedition.


    It would put all of the skills hed gained, his knowledge, and training to the test. Hed been nning on expanding that knowledge and would soon be able to do so thanks to his unexpected financial boon from ying monsters recently, and his pay as a crafters assistant at Shales Golem Workshop.


    Having more than enough gold coin meant hed be able to afford to take a few extra courses during the shortened semester in the summertime.


    He would need to choose them soon, but he already had a few idea-


    <em>There </em>is thezy lout! Have you no shame, my friend? a familiar voice said from a distance.


    Alex turnedzily, looking at the three figures approaching him: his cabal-mates.


    Khalik Behr-Medra prince of the southern realm of Tekezash who was keeping his royal status concealed while he was at Generasiwas waving at him, grinning through his well tended beard. Najyah was perched on his powerfully muscled arm, the massive eagle looked at Alex with eyes that had unnatural intelligence. The princes familiar was grooming herself, though her feathers were dry thanks to her masters wind and rain shield.


    nking him were a hulking wizardThundar the minotaur, son of Gulbiffand another wizard, the stately Isolde von Anmut from the Rhinean Empire, her clear blue eyes were focused on Alex.


    Areare you having your Wizards Hands feed you? she asked incredulously.


    Thats the most genius thing Ive ever seen anyone do in my entire life, Thundar said appreciatively.


    Hey, wee to my humble kingdom! Alex kipped up to his feet with a single twitch of his powerful core and leg muscles. He stretched. I only rule one subject. He nodded to ygon. But Ive got all the benefits of being waited on hand and


    He looked at his Wizards Hand spell. and uh, hand.


    Khalik chuckled. I see, and perhaps King Alex would deign to meet with his fellow kings and queen to n for the horrible worm that is going to seek to destroy us. We wouldnt want to disturb you though, considering how rxed you look.


    Bah, what need is there to meet? Alex joked. My mighty warrior will easily y this worm.


    Ah, so then we can leave you to it. You can battle the horrible death worm yourself while we sip wine and eat dried dates. Come, Thundar and Isolde lets go and-


    Waitwaitwaitwait, lets not be hasty! Alex said quickly. Im joking fellow kings and queen! Merely joking! Dont make me fight the creepy death worm by myself!


    He and his cabal mates changed locations to a round table in a gazebo. The table and chairs were made of stone, but seemed to noticeably soften and shift on their legs as Alex andpany sank into them. He still hadnt reached the point where hed be unaffected by some of the universitys wonders andforts, and hoped he never would.


    It really was an extraordinary ce.


    So, Khalik started their little meeting. From what my research shows, a dune worms earth magic is extremely powerful, but as Baelin said, it is not that versatile. It relies on its natural abilities to shift the earth, much like the xyrthaks cry disrupted mana. It cannot use its magic to engage in moreplex effects.


    Right, right, Thundar grunted. So whatre we talking here? Ive seen the stuff you can do summoning spikes, and your earth armour and all. And Eyvinders natural earth magic packs a lot of punch. So, can it do stuff like that?


    Hmmm, Khalik mused. The summoning and creation of earth will likely be beyond it, as would changing theposition of the earth and stone around it. It can soften earth, harden earth, and change its shape at will. Such feats require much mana, but it has a lot of mana to use.


    Crap, Alex muttered, taking notes. So Ill need to brew us all some flight potions. Whats the range of its earth magic?


    Somewhere between one hundred to two hundred feet above the ground, Isolde said. I discovered a book in the library that spoke of a battle between a group of explorers and a dune worm: there was an ount of one of the creatures shooting up massive clouds of sand to choke its enemies as well as firing streams of rock upward quickly enough to smash through full te.


    And if that wasnt enough, Thundar said. Its hides kind of like a carapace, but like a foot thick and hard as rock. But the good news is, it''s also brittle like rock. If you hit it with enough force, it wont bend, itll shatter.


    That is something, Khalik noted. If ygon can get close, then he might be able to break through that armour with a punch or two. The issue is that the creature might be able to trap or damage him by warping the ground beneath his feet: unfortunately, your flight potion would not be of help to him since a golem cannot not ingest substances.


    Leave that to me, Isolde said. I believe I have thest few parts of the spell array for flight magic figured out atst. I think that by the time the exames, I should have it worked out.


    Isolde, youre awesome, Alex said. So if you can put that magic on ygon, Ill take care of the rest of us, which will save you mana. He tapped his pen on the page. Right, thats one problem solved: we can stay flying above the ground and just st it a bunch. One thing Ive been thinking about is how to stop it from just retreating back into the earth. Theres my booby-trapped flight potion, but I dont know how well itll work if the worms underground. If we get it to breathe the gas in, then the potion might not be able to move it if itspletely encased in rockbut I think Ive got just the thing for that.


    Alex grinned a grin that would have suited a mad wizard in a y as he pulled out an unfamiliar potion bottle.


    He ced it on the table.


    I perfected this baby in Jules alchemy ss. I think weve got a brand new weapon to use.

 Chapter 165: The Final Hunt of First Year

    Chapter 165: The Final Hunt of First Year


    You kind of gave me the idea, Thundar, Alex said. Remember when that mana vampire got you?


    The minotaur red at him. No, Alex. Ipletely forgot that a monster nearly sucked all the mana out of me like a giant leech.


    yeah, okay, stupid question, I admit it, Alex said sheepishly. So, when that happenedand when we fought the xyrthakwe were given a mana soothing potion, right?


    I remember how well it calmed my mana pool<strong></strong>and how that made it easier for the pool to regenerate and heal, Khalik said.


    But in return, Isolde jumped in. While under the effects, ones mana flows slower. It is almost like a She paused, searching her thoughts. a sleeping draught, but directed entirely toward ones mana. It makes a disrupted pool heal more swiftly, but while the mana pool is resting and healing, it moves sluggishly.


    They looked at Thundar.


    Uh, yeah, that sounds about right from what I felt. Dont know that much about alchemy, though.


    You should learn! Alex said enthusiastically. Its so interesting. He caught himself. I better stop myself before I start geeking out about it. Anyway, what I wanted to say was about what Isolde was talking about: the soothing. At first, I was thinking I could make a potion that did the opposite. A potion that would disrupt mana by overstimting it if someone were to drink it. But, I decided against that since I know itd be considered as doing direct harm, no matter how you look at it. So, then I thought about maybe going in the opposite direction.


    Oh? Khalik raised an eyebrow. To increase the soothing effect?


    You got it. I thought: what if someones mana became so soothed, that it became as lethargic and sluggish as a snail after an all night bender. Alex tapped the side of the bottle. It wouldnt hurt anybody, but it would make their mana slow right down and be hard to use.


    Hmmm. Isolde frowned. Effective, but proper mana maniption techniques would be able to ovee such a limitation. One could simply massage their mana pool into producing more mana, or manipte it to increase the flow, despite the potion.


    You bet, but using mana maniption during a fight would take up some of an enemy''s concentration, which would be kinda rough for them in a conflict situation. But, imagine giving it to something that <em>doesnt </em>have techniques to use? This stuff could be devastating: they wouldnt be able to budge their mana at all.


    Alex thought of his own experiences of wrestling with getting past The Marks interference to use wizardry. When The Mark was first put on him, even casting forceball: a simple spell that hed had years of practice with, had be so difficult that hed wanted to rip out his own hair. Over time, though, hed learned how to deal with the interference and even gotten used to it enough to learn and cast new spells.


    What had really helped him make a lot of progress in spite of The Mark, were the meditation techniques that Theresa had taught him: theyd made it possible for him to get past The Mark and cast spells despite the persistent distraction of it bringing every one of his previous failures in spellcasting into his consciousness.


    In the same way, an enemy could ovee the soothing potion with the right techniquesbut without them, theyd be as hindered as hed been when hed first gotten The Mark. Maybe even more so.


    And against a worm, a simple beast who would have no awareness of mana maniption? It would likelye close to crippling the creatures earth magic.


    Or at least that was the hope.


    Only issue I see, Alex said. Is dosage. I dont know if simply sting some gas in front of something the size of a whale will be enough to affect it.


    True, very true, Isolde nodded. It would likely require arger dose, and one delivered deep within the creature.


    Hrm. Thundar squinted at the potion bottle. I got an idea. You think you could find a way to attach small bottles of this stuff to the tip of an arrow? You could attach em to Theresas arrows and just have her shoot the stuff down the monsters throat. Then poof!


    He made an exploding gesture with both hands.


    They blow up inside the worm and its bye-bye mana.


    Alex paused.


    Thundar, youre a genius! That would totally work. He picked up the potion bottle and activated The Mark, focusing on the task of attaching a bottle to the tip of an arrow while still having it remain sufficiently aerodynamic.


    The Mark immediately fed images of previous experiences of him putting things together: most of the memories came from building and assembling supplies and tools in Shales Workshop.


    He smiled. Yeah, I should be able to put something together by the time battle dayes. Then while Im distracting it with some of my spells, Theresa can fire this stuff right down its throat. I can also use Call Through Ice to transport my trapped mana soothing potions too. The more chances we have to wreck that thing, the better.


    Great. Thundar cracked his knuckles. And while youre doing that, Ill see if I cant use a few of my spells to crack some of that thick shell.


    Excellent. Most excellent, Khalik said. Then it sounds like our n should be: we will fly above the ground, at near the top of its range for its earth magics. Isolde and I will run interference, I will try to counter its earth magic with my own and disrupt its aim. Thundar can crack some of that thick shell, and increase its vulnerability. Isolde can rake its injuries with lightning. Alex can distract and aggravate it, and Theresa will deliver this weaponized soothing potion. Will you be bringing your entourage, Isolde?


    I shall, she said. If they can be given flight as well, they are adept with spears. They can harpoon the creature, which will wound it and reduce its mobility."


    Ill enhance their weapons. Thundar rubbed his hands together as a grin spread across his face.


    Fantastic, Khalik said. Then it looks like we are near-ready. Lets do ourselves a favour though, and not get utterly destroyed by an oversized worm at the final chapter of our first year.


    Ugh, Alex grimaced. You say that, and now its gonna utterly destroy us. Oh, right. You didnt mention ygon in the grand n.


    The prince looked up at the golem. I had simply assumed he shall do what he has proven to be so excellent at: smash and burn.


    Alexughed darkly. Damn right.


    You know. Theresa Lu turned over the arrow, thumbing the ss tube attached to its head. A small, amused smile marked her lips, somewhat softening the vicious, predatory look her face normally fell into: death-stalker face, as Alex called it. I never thought the first gift Id get from you after we got together would be special<strong></strong>arrows.


    You dont like it? Alex asked lightly. I could make some new one-


    <em>Boom!</em>


    He grimaced as a studentunched a fireball at a training dummy on the opposite end of the stadium. Thebat practice area wasrgely free of students that day. Final exams had just finished, and rather than slinging spells at targets for practice, most students were elsewhere slinging heaps of wine and food into their bellies in celebration before final marks came out.


    Still, there were a few keen ones there continuing to hone their skills. Unfortunately, they seemed intent on practicing their loudest, most distracting spells.


    Alexs eyes narrowed, noticing that they were all wearing finely tailored, emerald green shirts, with the silver symbol of a beast: a two-headed monster with the howling head of a wolf, and the snarling head of a bear.


    The Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood, he muttered.


    Hm? Theresa nced up at him, following his gaze to the group of spellcasters. Oh, are those the ones you and Khalik duelled once?


    Yeah, a long time ago, Alex said. Well, at least theyre keeping to themselves this time. So, where was I? Oh yeah, if you dont like that, I couuuuld get you something else.


    Not on your life, I like arrows. Why wouldnt I like arrows? Again, her fingers examined the arrow. Its well made too. Surprisingly well-bal-


    She frowned, bncing the arrow on one finger and seeing where its weight naturally fell. Its a liiitttle front heavy. If the shaft was a bit longer, then itd be a little more bnced. That way it wouldnt drop as quickly when its fired. Then again


    The young huntress picked up her bowa thick,posite beast of a weapon made from old oak and monster hornand nocked the arrow against the string. She pointed it down. It shouldnt be much of a problem if Im firing from above. and our target isnt exactly small.


    Her eyes twinkled. Ive never hunted such arge beast before.


    Well, dont get too excited, it might be hunting us. Alex chuckled, taking the arrow back and writing down Theresas feedback in one of his many notebooks. Excited to try your skill against such a big monster?


    Mhm. She lifted her bow with one hand and a brace of three arrows in the other. One after the other, she fired at a training dummy a number of paces away, sinking the arrows into the bullseye. Grandfather once told us a story about great-grandfather going up against a sea monster. This reminds me of that a bitthough his story was all about steel and skill, while our situation will have a lot more wizard in it. Its still exciting stuff.


    Her smile faded, and the full death stalker face returned. And a worm is simr to a centipedeor a giant bug queen that has way too many des for her own good.


    Thnk.


    Another arrow sank deep into the target. And if I ever meet another one of those, I n on bringing it down. Easier thanst time.


    Alex smiled, rubbing the small of her back. Im sure any big bugll be cursing the day it ever met the great-granddaughter of Twinde Lu.


    Mhm, she mused. And who knows? She knocked another arrow. Maybe by then, Ill have my own nickname. A Twinde Lu just for me.


    Deathstalker Lu, Alex supplied enthusiastically.


    thats actually not half-bad. Youre getting better at naming things.


    Ive always been good at naming things, he said quickly.


    Uuuuhuh. She nced over at ygon, who was watching the other practicing students intently. Youre okay at naming things.


    Pfffft, now Im gonna make sure people start calling you Deathstalker Lu.


    You do that and Ill make sure I think of a nickname for you.


    He leaned in. Toote, I already got one, he said, referring to his Hero name of The Fool.


    No no, she whispered. Thats the same thing as Twinde Lu, its special, but its not you.


    I dunno, Im pretty fine with just being Alex. Though Lord Alex might be pretty cool. Archmage Alex. No, no King Alex. No wait, Evil King Alex-


    Nevermind, youre <em>not</em> getting better at naming things.


    Wee, my young friends, to our final venture into The Barrensat least for this course, Chancellor Baelin said as the students settled in their seats.


    Several days had passed andafter a few final preparationsthe ss of The Art of the Wizard in Combat II was ready to face their final test for the school year.


    The towering goat beastman looked at all of them with a twinkle of pride in his eyes. His beard sps tinkled around the braids in his beard. I cannot describe how proud I am of all of you. The Art of the Wizard in Combatin the endis about transformation. The transformation of excited young student into Proper Wizard. Perhaps, I should say that it is the <em>beginning </em>of that transformation. Today I shall call this test what it is: it is the end of our course, but the true beginning of your path aspetent wizards through the duration of your academic career, and beyond.


    He gestured to the sky. The world is a wild and dangerous ce, most of all for those that make it their business to bend the fabric of their reality using spell, knowledge and will. To the unprepared? That is a path of folly, it is like venturing into a dark nest of beast-goblins without proper preparations and sources of light: utterly self-destructive. However, you stepped onto the path of learning, figuring out how to apply your vast resources to defend yourself, your loved ones, and your possessions;<strong></strong>as well as learning how to enact your will onto the world. Such a thing is to bemended. In shortand forgive an old goatman for ramblingI am proud. He paused and seemed to literally beam with pride for a moment before continuing. Did you bring your charm-pendants today, as I requested?


    The ss fished them out, showing them to Baelin.


    Excellent. I am d you remembered them. He looked at the members of the wizards entourages. And to those that are here supporting your wizard family members, friends and loved ones: Imend you all as well. This is not an easy course, even for those auditing it, and it is my hope that each of you will walk away with a mind more tactical and more ready for the challenges that you and yourpanions will face in due time. Should you ovee this challenge today, I will have a little surprise for all of you.


    He smiled. Good hunting, my young students. Good hunting. I shall see you soon.


    With a single gesture, Baelin activated his teleportation magic, and Alex felt that familiar pull as he was plucked from his seat by the spell and transported to The Barrens.


    The dry heat hit him in a wave and he squinted as the dust blew over the wastnd. A few momentster, the others appeared, though Alex was surprised that ygon arrived slightly before the others.


    He looked at his friends. Ten gold says his surprise is another, more horrible monster for us to fight, he whispered.


    Even I would not bet against that, Khalik whispered.


    I say itll be two monsters, Thundar jumped in.


    Or ten, Isolde added.


    Well. Theresa lifted her bow, nocking one of Alexs special arrows on the string. Well have to worry about this one first. And fast. Look.


    The others followed her gaze, squinting through the blowing dust. Theresas eyes were by far the sharpest of any of them, but Alex could see movement in the distance.


    The ground swelled as something swam just beneath the surface.

 Chapter 166: Rumbling Earth

    Chapter 166: Rumbling Earth


    It will sense us soon, Khalik said, nodding to Najyah and sending her into the skyabove the range of the worms sensory abilitiesto act as another pair of eyes. It likely already felt the earths vibration when we were teleported in: our collective weight would have suddenly disced this area we are standing on.


    Then let''s get off the ground as fast as we can, Alex said quickly, pulling out his potions of flight and passing them to Isolde, Theresa, Thundar, and Khalik.


    He also handed some to Isoldes entourage: Svenia and Hogarth took the two potions while gripping their harpoons. Lengths of heavy braided rope were attached to rings on the butt ends of the weapons. The two warriors threw uncertain looks toward the direction of the dune worm, watching it swim beneath the earth.


    Right, cheers, Hogarth said, cking his potion bottle to Svenias and then draining it. He made a face. Not exactly a good vintage. His eyes turned toward the swell of the earth again. cant believe Im about to harpoon a big, dirty whale-worm.


    Stranger and stranger things we fight, Svenia echoed his sentiment.


    Cant argue with that, Alex said, then passed out a second batch of potions to everyone. The magic in the potions will keep you airborne for a while, but if you feel yourself begin to drift down like a feather, that means the magic is fading. Drink the second dose right away: thest thing we need is to start floating to the ground while that worm is trying to smash us with rocks or impale us with stone spikes.


    Everyone nodded and the rest of the group swallowed their potions, waiting for the magic to wash through them.


    Alex watched Isolde cast her flight spell on ygon; the golem reacted to it a littlehe could feel the slight reaction through their connectionas its core adjusted to the new mana passing through it.


    Its alright, Alex found himself telling the construct through their bond. The magic will keep you in the air, you just need to direct yourself like if you were moving in your regr way. Walking and stuff, except you dont need to take steps. Just aim yourself where you need to go.


    He paused. Was he trying to reassure his golem? Apparently he was.


    Let us begin then, Khalik said, interrupting Alexs thoughts and shooting into the air.


    The group followed, with ygon bringing up the rear. They flew toward the moving swell in the earth, but had to squint and cover their noses against the dust caught on the light wind.


    Alex noted that. Hold on, we dont want to be going in blinded or in a coughing fit mid-fight.


    Alex began working through The Marks interference to cast Orb of Air for each of them, which surrounded their heads in a globe of fresh air that filtered out all contaminants. He then followed up by casting other defensive spells on himself, while the other wizards also began casting protective spells. The group took a long, spiralling route around the worm, which let them observe the creature while slowly closing the distance, and giving them time to get their spells up.


    Alexs spellcasting was still slowpared to his friends, though hed made a lot of progress in speed: four forceballs appeared in a fraction of the time that they used to.<em></em>He cast force shield and lesser force armour next, and finally protective crooked rectangle.


    The others had gotten faster too. Khalik in particr stood out: incantations poured from his mouth, and he had both his earth armour and a forceshield up in the time it took the rest of them to have one spell readied.


    Once Alexs defensive array wasplete, he looked at Theresa, cast a lesser force armour spell on her andafter a moments thoughton ygon as well. The golems own magically enhanced body was sturdier than the spell, but extra protection never hurt.


    Alex cocked his head slightly at ygons style of flying.


    They were all flying parallel to the ground, almost like they were swimming through the air. But, the golem remained in an upright position the entire time, with his feet set as though he was standing on thin air.


    Huh. I never did tell you to shift position, did I? he thought. Maybe a good thing I didntthat looks pretty badass.


    He willed ygon to cross his four arms: his upper pair folded in front of him, and the lower pair behind his back.


    Now it looked <em>really</em> badass.


    Maybe <em>I</em> should try flying like that, he thought.


    Are you ying with ygon? Theresa asked.


    N-no he said quickly. yes.


    You rea-


    <em>Rmmmmble.</em>


    Her words froze and she looked down startled.


    The earth rumbled so powerfully that even the air around them seemed to vibrate. That swell in the ground surged upward.


    <em>Booom!</em>


    The dune worm breached like a whale jumping out of the sea.


    Alex gasped.


    Its armour tes glistened like quartz in the sun, and its body drew a graceful arc before diving back into the earth.


    Wow, Alex murmured. Thatthats kinda beautiful.


    Indeed, Isolde agreed.


    Its-wow is right, Theresa said. I almost feel bad hunting i-


    Her eyes went wide.


    Watch out! she roared.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    A massive tower of earth burst from the groundits tip spiked like a barbed spearheadand sted straight toward the middle of the group.


    With a cry, they scattered in all directions.


    <em>Shoom!</em>


    The immense stone tower struck whered theyd been a second earlier. If it werent for Theresas warning, some of them would have been ripped apart by the barbs protruding from the spiked head.


    For another of the many times during one of Baelins practical sses, Alex nced down at the spell-mark on his hand, hoping that their professors spell would activate and teleport them to safety fast enough if they got struck.


    He remembered Baelin speaking of students suffering great injuries in past sses


    <em>Crash!</em>


    The worm rose halfway out of the ground and roared at them.


    Alexs blood chilled.


    Its mouth had dozens of teeth lining the inside, some were hook-shaped, some pointed and others t, looking like they were meant to grind up any prey it hooked. Mangled body parts, some beast partssome looking suspiciously humanoidwere rotting, stuck between its teeth.


    Nevermind! Theresa shouted. Lets hunt this thing!


    She steadied her bow as they all spread out, circling around the worm. The creature continued to swim beneath the earth, the ground swelled above it, marking its position. The four wizards separated, shooting toward opposite directions, trying to corral the creature.


    The ground began to ripple.


    Alex could feel mana shift below like a tidal wave.


    Earth magic! Khalik roared. Concentrating beneath us! Dodge!


    More spikes shot from the earth, kicking up massive clouds of dust as they snaked through the air with pinpoint uracy, bending, seeking to impale the flying wizards.


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    They dove around the spikes. Khalik shouted an incantation, working to counter the earth magic heading for him, but the monster proved to be too powerful; the prince had to dive out of the way, cursing as he flew through the dust.


    It has excellent aim even from beneath the earth! Isolde cried.


    Yeah, just like that damn earth elemental we fought, Thundar shouted. He nced up. Its senses are sharp: it wont give us a chance to fight back! We gotta climb above its sensory range! Thatll force it to surface!


    It will be out of spell range for most of our spells! Isolde responded.


    Thundar looked at Theresa. Will it be out of range of your arrows?


    Not when Im shooting from right above it! The huntress was already ascending.


    Everyone shot after her, climbing into the sky so quickly, that the wind swelled to a dull roar in their ears. Towers of spiked earth continued to rise below them, chasing them through the sky like giant serpents trying to catch birds.


    Alex trembled under the sheer weight of the <em>power</em> being thrown around. The mana he was sensing was enough to make his head ache. It wasnt that it was the most mana hed ever felt, after all hed been around mana ventsand Baelin. But this stuff was so rawso angry, that he was caught off guard by the force.


    It was all he could do to keep himself <em>and</em> ygon from being pierced. He used his agility to sweep through and past forests of spikes, while simultaneously guiding his golems movements.


    Eventually, the rising spears of earth began to slow, and then stop. The group looked down to see the earthen towers straining to chase them like dogs struggling against chains.


    They were getting out of range of both its senses, and its earth magic.


    Alex let out a sigh of relief. Looks like-


    Mana surged.


    Look out! he and Khalik cried at the same time.


    The barbs at the end of the towers shuddered.


    <em>Shooom!</em>


    They fired in all directions like a hail storm of spears.


    Alex yelled as he weavedin a midair dancearound the spikes. Theresas enhanced agility let her dodge around them, while Thundar shot in front of Isolde, spitting an incantation. The minotaur gripped his mace tightly with all the strength improved by his body enhancement spell, while a <em>second</em> mace made entirely of magically conjured mana appeared beside him.


    With a roar of effort, Thundar swung his weapon into a stone spear while the conjured mace struck it at the same time, shattering the rockpletely.


    As hed bought Isolde a few precious moments, the young woman then barked an incantation that summoned a golem-sized whirlwind in front of her and Thundar. It only appeared for a few moments, but it turned aside every stone spear that was shooting toward them.


    However, with Alexs attention being split-


    <em>Scrrrrp.</em>


    -a spike hit ygon, scraping along his side, sending the golem spinning through the air from the buoyancy of the flight spell.


    No! Alex shouted.


    When the wave of spikes finally stopped, Alex flew to his golems side.


    He examined him closely.


    The lesser force armour hadpletely shattered, but there wasnt even a scratch on ygons body. Ooooh, good good, nothing bad happened to you.


    He pat ygons side Lets get out of here.


    Alex, his golem, and the rest of the group continued to ascend out of range of the spears; once they were far enough away and saw that nothing pursued them, they stopped.


    The groupas onelooked down toward their opponent. The stone towers hadnt moved toward them. He could see the creature swimming beneath the earth again, circling the area where theyd been.


    It appears that we are out of range of its senses, Khalik said. If it wishes to find us, it will have to surface.


    Especially if we bait it, Alex said, moving his four force balls beside him. This thing senses vibrations on the ground and in the air above, within its range: it should react to my force balls suddenly diving toward it.


    His mind was working quickly now.


    Thinking.


    Adapting.


    If I dart them in and out of its range, thatll confuse it. It might surface eventually.


    It does not have eyes, though, Isolde pointed out. It should not need to surface.


    True, but when it breaches, it jumps higher into the air, which means thatfor a brief momentits senses and the range of its attacks will extend up by the same distance it jumped. If we can bait it into doing thatand itll need to do something eventually if we keep wasting its manaTheresa can fire an arrow with a soothing potion right down its throat while its in the air.


    Sounds like a n, Khalik said. My burst of sound can also create vibrations to trigger its senses.


    Teamwork makes the dream work, Thundar said. Ill send my mana weapon down there too. Really give it something to chase. Lets get to it!


    Theresa readied her bow as Alex and Thundar shot their spells downward. After theyd descended to a point, the warping ground suddenly switched directions, and the earth began to shake.


    <em>Scrrrrp!</em>


    More stone towers shot into the air, but the young wizards darted their spells away just before the spikes impaled them.


    Khalik quickly followed up with his burst of sound, causing the stone towers to swerve in that direction, but then pause as Thundars and Alexs spells shot down from another angle. For several minutes they kept up their dip-and-run tactics, luring the worm to breach.


    This might be it, Alex said, watching a wide area of earth swell up.


    He drew a pair of potionshis second flight potion and his trapped mana-soothing potionand readied to cast Call through Ice. When it breached he would-


    <em>Crack!</em>


    It didnt breach.


    The earth suddenly rose up.


    Thergest of its stone towersat least thirty feet acrossshot toward them like an immense fist rising into the sky.

 Chapter 167: Earth Magic and New Beginnings

    Chapter 167: Earth Magic and New Beginnings


    <em>Crack!</em>


    The pir sped toward them at a frightening rate; the sheer amount of mana raging from it was incredible.


    But something was off.


    That surge of manawas it-?


    The worms manas getting closer! Alex shouted as the group flew higher into the sky. He popped the lid of his second flight potion and chugged it, the others did the same.


    Why would-Oh, that sneaky bastard, Thundar said. Alex! Can ygon smash that tower?


    What, why? Alex asked. I mean, probably?


    I bet you that the worms <em>inside</em> the tower: its riding up here, but its keeping itself protected! Everyone spread out! Its gonna start shooting at us!


    Alex blinked, thinking about where the mana surge wasing from. There was so much of it that it was difficult for him to pinpointbut it did seem to being from inside the tower. ygon! Smash that! He pointed.


    Without a sound, the golem shot toward the tower with all four fists extended, like a stone shot from a trebuchet. Alex looked down, watching as the sides and top of the tower shimmered.


    <em>Shoom!</em>


    Spikes burst out in every direction. He dodged away, concentrating on avoiding the spears while trying to guide ygon through them.


    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>


    Spikes cracked off of the y body.


    The golem kept going.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    He mmed into the side of the tower; his fists drove into the side, crushing the rock, and the rest of his massive frame sted through the crumbling stone.


    There was a cry from inside the tower as the top shattered.


    Alex hadnt been able to precisely sense the worms exact location: it had been slightly lower in the tower than hed thought, but now, it was partially exposed. One of ygons upper hands shot down and seized it by an armoured te. He began to pull the struggling worm from the rock.


    Alexs jaw dropped.


    The lifting tests that he, Professor Jules and Baelin had performed on the golem had shown that ygon could lift far more than a normal golem of even his size, but it was something else entirely to watch him <em>pull something the size of a whale from pure stone</em>.


    As the worm resisted, giant ws materialized from the rock and struck at ygon, but his powerful arms swept out, shattering them as they reached for him.


    Alex saw something sh through the air: a series of arrows from Theresa flew straight into the worms mouth, and right down its massive throat.


    The monster roared and Alex felt the manaing from the creature grow a bit more sluggish. He started to cast Call Through Ice.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Then the lightning came. Isolde fired a bolt down its throat an instant after Theresas arrows had struck home. The creature shuddered and roared as the electricity coursed through its immense body.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Khalik barked an incantation and snapped his fingers. An enormous explosion of sound boomed from within the worm, and Alex thought he heard something rupture inside. It screeched and jerked away from ygon.


    <em>Rrrrrp.</em>


    Part of its armour te ripped off as it dove back into the tower. Alex could see that it was moving slower than before, which meant that the mana it used to glide through rock was slowing.


    He finished casting the spell.


    The icy door opened directly in front of his mana soothing potion, then, the potion abruptly vanished. Teleportation magic opened the doorway right in front of the dune worms gaping mouth.


    A heartbeatter, its mana slowed again, and it struggled to melt back into the stone, but it''s escape had been hindered long enough for ygon to snatch it.


    Thats it, ygon! Pull it out! Alex shouted.


    Again ygon dragged the worm free from the rock, by its tail this time. He caught it with his two upper hands, stabilizing it in his grip, which left his lower arms free toy into it.


    <em>Crack</em>! <em>Crack!</em>


    Thick carapace crunched and split with every blow from the golems fists, exposing, then bursting flesh.


    The dune worm screeched as rotting pieces of corpses dislodged from its mouth. Alex was d hed cast Orb of Air for everyone because the odor must have been putrid.


    <em>WhooooOOOm.</em>


    The fire gems in ygons upper hands and forehead began to glow as they gathered energy.


    <em>Voooosh!</em>


    All three sted into the worm at once. The me roared, butto Alexs amazementit didnt react to the me at all. This was a creature that could spewva and dive deep beneath the earth where temperatures were hot enough to melt rock, so the fire gems had no effect.


    It pulled its upper body free of the stone tower and turned toward ygon. Alex saw light building in its throat.


    He willed ygon to move fast.


    An instantter, a massive torrent ofva spewed from the creatures gaping mouth, spraying through the air. Smoke billowed as the dead bodies in its mouth burst into me.


    It lurched sluggishly back into the stone; the spikes stopped firing as it focused its disrupted power on getting to safety.


    That was when Svenia and Hogarth shot forward, hoisting back their harpoons and aiming them straight at the areas of flesh exposed by ygons battering.


    The harpoons struck, driving deep. Then the two warriors tossed the heavy ropes to ygon who grabbed each one by Alexsmand. The ropes went taught as the worm thrashed, and the golem pulled.


    Thats when Thundar flew in.


    Hended on the carapace with the spell-crafted mace floating beside him<strong></strong>and began hitting the outer covering, pulping the flesh beneath it with purposeful blows. He kept it up long enough to inflict deep wounds, then drew his crossbow and fired directly into the monsters exposed flesh. The minotaur shot away as spikes emerged andunched from the tower, but their force and speed were far less than before.


    The monsters bulk heaved against the harpoons, snapping the ropes and the weapons shafts as it finally escaped back into the tower, desperate to reach the ground.


    But Alex was ready, and ygon was moving lower down the tower to head it off.


    He drove his fists into the column.


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Crack!</em>


    His massive fists smashed the stone until the entire pir began to give beneath the blows. Then, it started to topple like a colossal tree felled by a giant lumberjack.


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    The stone plummeted toward the ground.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    It hit the dusty terrain of The Barrens with an earth-shaking impact and the worm screeched as it abruptly met the ground. The force was partly cushioned by the magic infusing the rock it had been hiding in, but the fall still sent a terrific jolt through its entire body.


    Alex could see that it was hurt andfrom its frantic movements and the glowing fromva bubbling in its throatangrier than ever.


    After it! Khalik roared. Before it can orient itself or dive underground!


    The group shot down as the worm reared and roared at them. It had sunk its body partially into the ground, but seemed to be hindered from using its earth magic properly.


    Instead of trying to dive in again, it called upyer uponyer of earth and stone to coat itself, forming a covering simr to what Khalik conjured with his armour spells. Mounds of spikes sprang from all sides of the worms protective covering.


    For most opponents in The Barrens, the spikes would have been the perfect thing to frighten them away, but they were a poor choice against the versatile wizards it was facing.


    The group of flyers swooped around the worm, harassing it with low mana costing spells. It spewedva at them, but they stayed just far enough from its reach to make themselves difficult targets.


    Its movements became more agitated, but Alex could tell that the beast was tiring. Itsva flowed more weakly, and it turned with a listlessness when it tried to track them. Alex danced his force balls around its mouth, distracting it, while Theresa fired thest of her potion-arrows down its throat.


    Its mana slowed to a trickle.


    Now it was time to finish it.


    ygon, grab it! Alex shouted, and his golem flew at the monster. He shot to the side of the worm, flying directly into the stone spikes, but paying them no attention as they broke on his body. ygon seized the creature again and jerked it upward with all four arms. This time the worm was too exhausted and its mana too slow to fight the golem as he hoisted it over his head.


    His arms constricted, cracking its earth armour while it squirmed. The other wizards flew toward its mouth. Alex sent his force balls zooming around it, panicking it and making it spew a weak stream ofva too prematurely to hit any of the flyers.


    When theva cleared, the cabal flew directly in front of its mouth and fired their most powerful spells.


    Khalik conjured a massive stone spike, angling it so that it pierced the side of the worms mouth, wedging it open. Theresa, Hogarth and Svenia fired arrows into the soft tissue, wearing it down further.


    Thundar shot his floating mace into the creatures mouth and began beating the inside like a drum.


    Finally, Isolde finished casting one of her most effective lightning spellsthe one she had used with great effect against the xyrthakand sted sparking orbs of electricity down the dune worms throat.


    Alex could see the glow ofva begin to slowly build in its throat, but when the orbs of lightning arced bolts of electricity between each other then loosed the bolts inside the worm, theva glow abruptly fizzled. Lightning crackled as the monster jerked in ygons grip until finally, it went limp. A wave of steam drifted from its mouth.


    Remembering that the monster from the masquerade ball had yed dead to lure him, Alex had ygon squeeze the creature once, crushing it where he gripped it. It did not make a single move.


    Its done! Khalik said, pumping his fists. Well done, everyone! We did it! We passed the final!


    Thundar let out a roar of triumph along with the prince, which swept up the rest of the group until they were all cheering like drunken warriors after a bar fight.


    Indeed, well done, a familiar voice said from behind them.


    Everyone whirled to see Baelin floating just above, and behind the group. A sardonic smile was on his lips, but his eyes gleamed with ferocious pride.


    Look at you, he said, with a simr tone that Alex had heard Theresas grandfather use toward his granddaughter. Well, look. At. You. Who is this I see? It certainly cannot be the same group I saw ambushed by muupkaras and forced to flee a bonedrinker, can it? He gave a low chuckle. My, my, how they do grow up so quickly.


    We did it, Baelin. Alex grinned.


    Indeed you did. Now, why dont we return for our final debriefalthough, it might be some time before we can start. You, my young friends, are the first group to finish this time. So, just let me take a moment to collect your spoils, and then off we go.


    As Baelin set about whisking the worm back to the university, Alex took one final look around The Barrens: thest he would take as a first year student in Baelins ss, he realized.


    In a sense, The Barrens of Kravernus looked much the same as when hed firstid eyes on them as theyd flown above them in Lucias sky-gond when he, Selina, Theresa, and Brutus had arrived in Generasi.


    It was still that same, mana-sted wastnd of dried earth and dust. But it was also suddenly different. From far above, it had looked like this mysterious ce of hidden dangers and unsolved mysteries. That had only proven to be even truer when he and four other students he barely knew had been transported there for their initial test: the first time his futurel cabal had worked together.


    They had been on foot, trying to coordinate with each other through much discussion and anxiety about their surroundings and what was toe.


    But, today?


    Theyd coordinated with hardly a word. Hell, theyd actually stopped partway through the fight for a little chat. When had they grown sofortable? He remembered his first few shifts at Shales Golem Workshop: the team had been quiet during them,municating mostly to coordinate around the job. After a few months of working together, though, theyd befortable enough to chat with one another while doing their work.


    Now, the rtionship between him and his cabal was sofortable, that they knew they could depend on each other in battle, or otherwise. They were now a team. They trusted each other, and had grown the skills, experience, and strength to handle a host of threats against each, or all of them.


    Thinking about it more, Alex realized that The Barrens didnt seemquite so vast and threatening anymore. It wasnt exactly a quiet meadow outside of Alric, but no longer threatening to where he thought that anything there could demolish them with a single blow.


    He blinked.


    And maybe that was the point of The Art of the Wizard in Combat. Sure, it taught them how to protect themselves, butas theirpetence grewit would make more of the world more essible to them. The world itself wouldnt be safer, but the young wizards would be more dangerous.


    More ready to handle the trials that their art would throw at them.


    His eyes narrowed.


    Likely, the meadows around Alric would be far more dangerous than they were thest time hed walked through them. But heand his friendswere a far greater threat than before.


    The world was now open to them more.


    He exchanged a grin with the others just before Baelin waved his hand over them to teleport them to the teau.


    Atst, his first year at the university wasing to an end.


    and opening up entirely new beginnings.

 Chapter 168: The Final Debrief and Youth

    Chapter 168: The Final Debrief and Youth


    Congrattions, to each and every one of you. Baelin pped hisrge hands together. You have all passed the final exam and thus passed The Art of the Wizard in Combat II. And so thus ends your first year in my course. But, this is not truly an ending. <em>This. </em>He pointed to the sky. This is a beginning. The Proper Wizardgirded against the dangers of the cosmoshas as little to fear from the dark between the stars or the hordes of the abyss, as they do from worms in their own garden.


    The students of The Art of the Wizard in Combat IIwho would only be students of that ss for a little longerlooked at each other with a mix of tiredness, excitement and pride.


    The trio consisting of Shiani, Rhea, and Malcolm had elected to work together along with Malcolmspanion, Eyvinder. From the pleased looks they were wearing, it appeared that they had fared very well against the worm.


    Caramiyus, Angr, Rayne and Nua-Oges grouplete with the giant shark beastman, Grimlochlooked like theyd also done well; there was relief in their demeanour at Baelins announcement, as well as tion from their victory.


    So, for thest timefor this course, at least, Baelin said. Let us debrief: what went right? What went wrong? Andmost importantlywhat do you think has changed between when you first started this course, and now?


    The groups of students and their entourages huddled together, whispering to each other.


    After a moment, Rayne raised his hand, to Alexs surprise.


    The gangly young man sat far taller in his seat than he used to. A lot went right, Baelin, he said. I cast flight magic on everyone; I have enough mana now to make sure we could all keep flying, but we had to adjust our altitude because of the monsters range. At first we had some trouble, but Nua-Oge knew this one spell: Death Charge.


    Depth Charge, she corrected him. Its made for water, but it can phase into most surfaces and send a shockwave through whatever it goes into, but its range decreases when its used on a harder surface.


    Well, it worked, Caramiyus said. She dropped a few into the earth and that made the worm surface. Then Angr and I were there waiting with beams to st it in the mouth as it came up. And then Grimloch he shuddered.


    I cracked its shell like a crab. The sharkman grinned, with worm-blood still coating his lips. Then got into the gooey insides.


    Baelin gave a boomingugh at this. Ah, taking your meal <em>as</em> you''re fighting. You have style, my young friend. And then?


    Part of our n was to make it bleed while we kept sting it, Nua-Oge said. The wound Grimloch gave it was ragged and deep: so all we had to do was to keep it from burrowing again, tire it out, and make it bleed out. We didnt stop until it was done.


    Honestly, Baelin. Rayne shook his head. It couldnt have been more different than how it was in the beginning. When me and Miner- He paused, wincing as he spoke of the dead student. -we lost a lot of people during that first ss. Especially my group.


    Indeed, Rayne, you have shown some of the farthest growth of any student in this ss. Baelin gave him a grandfatherly smile. And I am most proud to have taught you thus far. Nua-Oge, Caramiyus, Angr, from my observations you are far more coordinated than you once were. And all of you paced yourselves when it came to your mana, allowing your versatility and experience to win you the day. Well done.


    Next, Rhea raised her hand. We decided the best way to beat it would be to make it ufortable. Shiani and I specialize in fire spells, but we knew we would struggle against its resistance to fire. So, we decided tobine our spells of sharpened obsidian to pierce the creatures outer covering. The two of us conjured a big spike and then Eyvinder and Malcolm brought the worm out of the ground.


    Since the creature is so used to fire <em>and</em> lives in The Barrens, Malcolm jumped in. We thought it probably wouldnt like the cold: and our research showed us that they burrow below the earth to keep warm when night falls. So I cast Permafrost: it spread cold energy through the ground, which made where it was hiding really cold, and that drove it out of the ground. Eyvinder used his own earth magic to counter the worms, so it had toe out undefended.


    Then we speared it like a fish, Shiani said. From there, once it was above ground, Malcolm kept using ice spells, Eyvinder countered its earth magic, while Rhea and I conjured more spears. Those eventually finished it off. Our entire n worked out the way we wanted it to.


    Excellent work, Baelin said. When your group first started this course, you were by far the most well-equipped: you were all in your second year<strong></strong>and all geared toward battle magic. You struggled with versatility, however, and exhausted your mana too quickly by relying onrge, powerful spells. And now look. You used a versatile series of magicsincluding Eyvinders innate earth magic outside of the art of wizardryand were able to oust an opponent with a greater reserve of mana than yourselves. Well done. If you choose to go into military wizardry, then I am sure any number of imperial recruiters will be fighting for you.


    Atst Alex raised his hand, and Baelin nodded to him.


    So uh, when we first started, we either didnt know each other very well, or didnt know each other at all, the young wizard said. We worked well together because these guys are awesome, but we were only getting to know each other. Now, we function like a well-oiled wagon: as one. We have more power. More versatility and a lot of our strengths came from things we did outside of ss. I dont think we wouldve had as easy a time if Theresa wasnt so good at life enforcement, or if Svenia and Hogarth hadnt kept up their training. ygon was a big power factor too, and all of us have gotten stronger and more knowledgeable. My potions helped a lot, Thundars spells are more powerful and versatile, Isoldes basically be a storm goddess, and Khalik has really gotten fast with spell casting. And all of that came together to bring us to where we are now.


    Baelin nodded. Indeed. Your coordination is notable: one can see how bonds have forged outside of merely being ssmates and how that can aid significantly when applied to the battlefield. You also avoided a particr trap that can fall upon those who take to the battlefield with romantic partners. Sometimes, tactics fall away in favour of affection: the need to protect loved ones or cherished friends. Such things can be


    The chancellor paused. useful on the battlefield: one needs only see a mother bear defend her cubs once to know how effective fighting to protect a bond can be. But, at times, it can blunt tactics in favour of coddling ones loved ones. He rose to his full height and looked over the ss. Love can bloom on the battlefield, yes, and it can be maintained during times of dangerbut a battle is not a romantic sky-gond ride: if a loved one cannot defend themselves, they should not be on the battlefield.


    And what is to be done if they end up caught in a battle because of an ambush? Khalik asked.


    Then your priority is to ensure that they are <em>quickly</em> positioned away from enemies...I stress the importance of speed in this, because the enemy is not going to conveniently wait for this to be done...and once that is established, to focus on eliminating threats. Having your focus drift entirely to a nobatant will give your enemies the openings they need to strike you down. Then your loved one shall follow soon after...or be captured.


    Well, Alex doesnt need me to protect him. Not anymore, Theresa said lightly, causing a few chuckles among the ss.


    Yeah, thats ygons job now, Alex added.


    Now Baelin burst outughing. Indeed, in any case, Im sure thest thing you wanted to hear was an old man prattle on about the tactical ws and benefits of friendship and lovealthough, before I move away from the topic, do note that such bonds have been utilized in military capacities in the past. There was a city-state that use to create units entirelyposed of pairs of lovers. Such a thingwhen proper discipline was appliedcontributed heavily to the morale of a unit and brought out courage. Do not discount the bonds of friendship or romance, tempered with skill.


    He looked over all of them. If you are ambushed by enemies that are bound together merely by the promise of payment, then a few loud and very messybat spells will likely shatter their nerve and send them seeking easier jobs. If you are beset by foes that are grouped together by bonds of friendship or romance, though, you had best ensure that they are all eliminated. For the survivors? They shall not rest until you or they are dead. and on that cheery note: congrattions you have all finished The Art of the Wizard in Combat II. And tomemorate this asion


    Baelin snapped his fingers and several amulet halves appeared in the air before him. I present to you the second half of your charm-pendants, each bearing my symbol. Although their meaning is not quite what it once wasfor you are not my apprenticesknow that they will denote that we have an association. I am proud of you all, and I implore you to take The Intermediate Art of the Wizard in Combat in your next year. In it, we will continue your training directly and expand the scope of opponents you shall face.


    The ss fell quiet as the charm-pendants floated up from their around necks, and the other halves drifted over.


    <em>Schnk.</em>


    With a small sh of light, each pendant joined with the other half, and became a whole. Everyone, as if by instinct, reached for their pendant and sped it tightly in their hand.


    Alex felt a chill go through him.


    It felt like the charm-pendant symbolized a next step in his life. He looked up at Baelin and found the chancellors eyes already on him.


    They exchanged a silent nod.


    I will be speaking with your king at the end of the month, Alex, Baelin said to him. ss had ended, but the chancellor had asked Alex to stay behind for a few minutes to discuss a matter.


    Already? Alex blinked.


    Already, he says, the chancellor scoffed. Truthfully, it ister than I would have liked. An expedition of this sort will take months of nning, then setting up, surveying, staffing and supplying before it can be executed. I would have liked to have met with him <em>weeks</em> ago. But, that was not possible.


    Really? Months? Alex asked.


    Oh yes. And we cannot do the majority of the preparations until we have confirmation that this isin factgoing to ur. You should get yourself involved in those preparations: you will learn much along the way. He paused. Likely the very earliest we can even begin the expedition will be in the mid-autumn.


    Oh, I will get involved, Alex said enthusiastically. So what should I do in the meantime?


    Baelin blinked at him in surprise. Youre a student at Generasi, are you not? Be a student and do student things for a bit. Hopefully, without too many mana vampire attacks.


    Oh yeeeeah, Alex said as though hed forgotten he was a student. I guess Ill juststart selecting my summer courses, then, <em>and</em> my fall ones?


    That would be the way.


    Alex sighed. ThatsI was kinda hoping wed get to go and do this earlier. Between finding that note in The Travellersnguage and the expedition, Im <em>dying</em> to get going on this stuff.


    Hm, indeed. It can be tempting to sprint when one sees knowledge and discovery just ahead. But remember what I said: this is not a sprint. It is a marathon. Things are not ready at this momentunless you wish to climb on a ship and race to Thamnd on your ownso focus on what you can do for yourself and your family at this moment.


    Baelin sighed, looking over The Barrens. Whether they be good or bad, understand this, Alex: these years of your life onlye once.


    What do you mean? Alex asked.


    Your university years.


    Oh, really? He thought about the older students hed seen on campus. I thought you could attend Generasi at any age, do graduate studies, or evene back and take courses?


    All true, all true. But these years where you havee to this ce of learning while young, full of curiosity, unjaded, and unsullied by the rigours of time? <em>That</em> is an experience thates but once. And I <em>do</em> mean that, Alex. You are only ever young once. Just. Once. Even if you find your own way to reverse the physical aging process or obtain eternal youth, you will be a grown man, an elder or an ancient wearing the body of your youth. You might have the strength and energy of youthand that is not to be discountedbut you will be in a far different ce in your life. And you cannot ever be young and inexperienced again. That is not to say that being young is the greatest thing in the world. You might enjoy it. You might hate it and wish that maturity and years woulde faster. But in either case, you will only ever experience this time in your life once.


    He looked at Alex seriously. So take it from someone so far beyond their youth that it might as well have never happened. Live it out. Experience it. What willeter, willeter, regardless of your patience orck thereof.


    Alex swallowed.


    Hed heard such speeches before from elders in his vige and from his teachers. Some had even told him that his years in the church school would be: the best years of your life.


    At the time, he could think of nothing worse or more false.


    Much of his adolescence could really be summed up as grieving the loss of his parents, making sure his sister was okay, working with the abusive baker, McHarris, and studying <em>all</em> the time. When times had gotten hard, one thing that had kept him going was the idea that a brighter future couldy ahead in Generasi. If those harder years had been the <em>best</em> years of his life, thenwell, life would be pretty grim.


    But the words from Baelin hit him a bit differently.


    The ancient wizard hadnt referred to the years of his youth as some magical positive time, he had merely said that they were unique.


    And that was true.


    He might as well experience what he could before it came time to return to the dangers of Thamnd again, or experience whatever horrors that might be awaiting when he looked into thenguage of The Traveller in the Irtyshenan Empire.


    Selina needed guidance and to have things set up so she could begin her first lessons in wizardry in the next school year.


    Besides, he could enjoy some of his life while still preparing for those future challenges if he picked some proper courses for the summer and fall.


    And he had a good idea what courses would help him.

 Chapter 169: The Migration

    Chapter 169: The Migration


    Well, look at that, none of us flunked out. Alex grinned as he looked up at the board. That was an understatement.


    For Magic Lore II, Art of the Wizard in Combat II, and The Alchemy of Potions II, Alexs name was emzoned in glittering gold letters at the top of the lists of the top ten best performing students in each ss.


    Across the board, dozens of lists were posted and scores of students had gathered around, murmuring and pointing. Throughout the crowd, cries of frustration mixed with cheers of joy as proof of their achievement, or disappointment at the absence of their name, was revealed.


    The names of Alex and his cabal-members appeared on a lot of top ten lists. On one list in particrThe Art of the Wizard in Combat IIthe top four ces were filled by four very familiar names.


    In gold lettering, indicating first ce: <em>Alex Roth.</em>


    In silver lettering, indicating second ce: <em>Isolde von Anmut.</em>


    In bronze lettering, indicating third ce: <em>Khalik Behr-Medr.</em>


    In fourth ce: <em>Thundar, Son of Gulbiff.</em>


    Prince Khalik quietly looked up at the leaderboard, then nced over at Isolde, before extending his hand. Well done, it seems that you have bested me.


    Isolde attempted to be nonchnt, but Alex could clearly see the excitement sparking in her blue eyes as she shook Khaliks hand. It was a near thing, I am sure.


    But a win is a win. The bearded young man shook her hand. Yourbat spells and use of them truly showed their quality when we fought the xyrthak. Aaaah, my family would be ashamed of me. My earlier performances left mcent. He grinned viciously. It shall <em>not</em> happen again, Isolde.


    A smile of challenge grew on her face. We shall see, Khalik. We shall see.


    Im just happy I got fourth again. Thundar pped and rubbed his hands together. No shame in not getting past you monsters. And I got fourth in Body Enhancement, thats one betterIllusions is still seventh though.


    Alex nced over at Thundar. I havent seen you pull out the illusions much in Baelins ss.


    Because most of them arent practical yet, Thundar said. First year illusions is all about making small illusions: tiny images, ghostly sounds and stuff like that. We didnt get that much into learning bigger spells: we just honed the basics, for the most part. Second years when we get into some of the fun stuff, and I cant wait. You know what the first spell they teach you is in second year? <em>Invisibility</em>. Im gonna abuse that to no end. Monsters wont have any idea what hit em. Itll be great to finally get more use out of that course than only illusionary duplicate.


    I can hardly wait.


    Alex looked back at the board. His smile widened. Khalik, I avenged you!


    He pointed to his name in gold lettering at the top of ValRoks second year, second semester Mana Maniption ss. Isoldes name was in silver directly below his.


    Well done! the prince pped him on the shoulder. I knew there was a reason I became friends with you. Already weaponizing those bonds Baelin was speaking of!


    Hmph, Isolde sniffed. Congrattions, Roth-


    Why are you calling me by myst name in a super cold voice?


    -just keep that ce warm for me while you can. I am gaining your measure, and you will taste defeat soon enough.


    Alex smiled. Oh coooome on, Isolde, you got the top spot in basically every other ss you touched. Cant you just give me this one?


    Not even for a moment.


    Aaaah, mercy, Lady von Anmut! he cried. You truly have no mercy, you evil wizard!


    Before you call me an evil wizard, I should like to point out that you stuffed a mana vampire like a duck meant to be pate, then drained it dry like a tick all to power your monstrosity. She nced at ygon on the other side of the hall.


    <em>I</em> may be biased, but Im pretty sure it deserved that cuzyknow, <em>it nearly killed me,</em> Thundar said through clenched teeth.


    Truly, it did, Isolde said. but is what Alex did not exactly what an evil wizard would do in an old story?


    yeah okay, good point, Alex said, looking through the crowd of students at Theresa and her good friendZhao Shishiwho were celebrating Shishis sess in Life Enforcement. It looked like the young woman had ced third.


    While he looked at them, he also noticed lots of students already filing out of the hall with shoulders slumped.


    They look depressed, Thundar noted.


    Indeed, Isolde said. And I suspect such an atmosphere will be omnipresent across campus soon enough.


    Thats quite the procession, Alex said, watching the mass exodus of students streaming out of one of the inse close to where he and Isolde had been walking and chatting on the way to the library.


    Ah yes, The Migration has begun, she said with a slightly muted note in her voice.


    The Migration? he asked. Also, uh, a lot of them dont look very happy.


    It was true, a lot of the students were filing out of the insloading possessions onto mules, horses, more exotic beasts of burden or sky-gondslooking as though theyd just watched their lover run off with someone else. Their eyes hardly left the ground and there was a slump to their shoulders that Alex had only really seen in folk whod suffered a pretty big loss.


    There is a good reason why many do not look pleased, Isolde sniffed. A number of them are leaving the university, not to return: the exam marks are back, as are the final marks for the semester. Students that were on academic probation are being given the great, dirty boot.


    Academic probation? Alex asked. Whats that?


    Ah, I suppose you wouldnt really have a reason to be aware of that condition, she said. When one performs poorly at Generasi, they are given a letter of warning and a single semester to correct their efforts. If they do not manage this by an psed period of time, then they are expelled from the university.


    Alex winced, then his eyes widened, taking in the sheer amount of dejected students. You meanall of them are being kicked out?


    Indeed, Isolde said, her voice somewhat detached. You saw how much smaller the second year ss for Mana Maniption was. I am told that it only shrinks from there.


    Yeah, I mean I heard that sses have a pretty high uhnot-pass rate, but its something to really <em>see</em> that in action. He whistled. I wonder whats going to happen to all those wizards.


    In truth? Some of them will live good lives, Isolde said. If they have the drive, at least. Even having mastered first-tier spells gives one advantages in life. One might not be able to be an alchemist without the practice and the higher level courses, but any sort of craftsperson would benefit greatly from knowing a few spells. Take even your Wizards Hands. How much would a carpenter aplish with two floating hands assisting them?


    Huh, thats a good point, Alex said. And I guess they could self-teach themselves, or go to another university.


    Indeed. Isolde nodded. Wizardry is not an easy art by nature, and Generasi is not an easy school by nature: what you see is inevitable. In any case, we should stop gawking and go choose our own courses.


    Yeah right, right, thanks foring to the library with me, anyway. Not that youd turn down any invitation to the library.


    what was that?


    N-nothing, Alex said quickly.


    He nced at ygon behind them and sighed. All this time gaining control over himself, his emotions and his thoughts with The Mark. All this time mastering the beginnings of magic.


    and he still couldnt stop his mouth from going renegade at times.


    Well, its been awhile, hasnt it? Alex whispered in the library. In front of him was the course guide for second year and his registration list, ready to be filled out and returned to Hobb, the registrar.


    He nced around, smiling at his new surroundings.


    With proof that he had mastered a second-tier spell, hed been granted full ess to the floors of the library reserved for second-tier spells and their equivalents in alchemy.


    It was a bit of a thrill to be down there.


    While structurally the areas were nearly identical to the first few floors of the library, the books were already very different. The spell-guides were more advanced, the form books for alchemy moreplexandrgerand the books on general magic lore more difficult to understand unless one had sufficient training.


    In a way, being on <em>this</em> floor made him feel far more like a real wizard. The students here walked about with bags and books following them around using force constructs like his own Wizards Hands or telekic spells, which were more advanced. Some even used minor teleportation spells to call books and other things to them as they selected their courses.


    Another difference was how<em> few </em>people there were on this floor. He grimaced. The Migration was likely already at work. Imagining the lower floors, he figured that the deeper floors would be lonelier and lonelier as less students advanced in skill to be able to gain ess to the knowledge held down there.


    Still, it felt like those here were all wizards with some level of skill or experience, rather than novices whod barely scratched the surface of wizardry, like he had been.


    And now, he could dive even deeper into the art.


    With that thought in mind, he turned his attention back to the course guide and began choosing his courses. Since hed paid for the summer semester, he couldbut was not requiredto pick his courses for the fall. Instead, he could wait until near the end of summer to do so: which would allow him to see how some of his experiments with different summer courses went.


    Well, experiment, to be precise.


    Looking over his first year courses, hed picked ones that hed thought would be useful. That had included Force Magic which hed felt should build on the foundation of what hede to Generasi with. The ss had actually been pretty helpfulbut if he waspletely honest, he was hitting a wall in it.


    Some of the spells in Force Magicespecially the attack-oriented onesreally set The Mark off. Learning those spells was extremely slow and difficult andin the endwouldnt be of much practical use to him inbat or in anything else.


    It was time to change his approach.


    Now that hed learned the basics, he could continue to teach himself specific force spells that could be useful. The more advanced force armour spells would be high priority, as well as some of therger versions of Wizards Hand.


    High-tier spells like Wall of Force, would also be really useful.


    For his summer courses though, hed decided to take three: two would help him progress faster in his biggest strength in wizardry: alchemy. Taking only three courses instead of a full course load of five, would leave him with time for himself, for any work with Jules and Baelin, or to take extra shifts at Shales Workshop if any came up. It would also leave him with time to spend with Theresas parents when they arrived in a couple of weeks, and more time to spend with Selina.


    Since theyd finished sculpting the golem, hed been so busy again, that he wasnt spending enough time with his sister. He needed to change that.


    And as for his experiment course


    He flipped open the course guide to a first year course:


    SUMM-1020: Summoning I. <em>Call upon spirits of the ether to enact your will in the world. Begins with the binding of lesser elementals.</em>


    Without hesitation, he wrote it down in the course register then flexed his fingers, thinking back on The Travellers message.


    There was something about him and teleportation magic. He wasnt sure if he would call it an affinity, but something about that type of magic worked <em>really </em>well with him, even when it was cast <em>on</em> him. In magic, summoning was simr to teleportation, and the one summoning spell that he knewSummon Stonehade really easy to him despite him having no experience with such magic.


    Summoning could be a very dangerous arthe never would have considered taking it before hed realized he seemed to have astrange talent for itbut it would help prepare him for the courses on teleportation magic that were avable for second years and above.


    Summoning would also give him an edge inbat situations if he learned how to call monsters.


    He thought back to the fight with the wed monsters at the estate. ygon had been a massive force in that battle, but his golem could only be in one ce at a time. Summoned monsters would make it so that he could increase the numbers on his side at any time he needed to.


    Smiling to himself, he wrote a new title at the top of one of the pages in his many notebooks: Operation Roth Army.


    He was about to close the book, when he happened to nce at a page partway through the course catalogue. His eyes narrowed at the course description.


    MBO-1550: Magical Botany I. <em>Explore the world of magical nts for beautification of ones stronghold, the growing of ones own alchemicalponents, to grow food for the specialty diets of ones familiars and magical creatures, or for ones own pleasure. Held in the Botanical Gardens.</em>


    Alex blinked at the entry.


    Well, well, now <em>thats</em> intriguing, he thought.


    It sounded kind of perfect as something to try during the summer semester. It would help him begin acquiring his own supply of magical fungi and nts, it sounded rxing, and a course like magical gardening sounded like the exact type of course he could exploit without triggering The Mark.


    And besides, if he took the course, hed be able to pass some of what he learned on to Khalik. It might help the prince not only with some applications in earth magic, but also with whatever was brewing between him and Sinope, the beautiful dryad theyd met at the patrizias ball.


    Youve got my back, man, well you bet your ass I got yours, Alex thought.


    He wrote down one more course for the summer semester.

 Chapter 170: Birthdays and Spell-Guides

    Chapter 170: Birthdays and Spell-Guides


    Its an army, Alex! Selina proudly showed her newest y sculptures to him. An army of cool wizards and fighters and good monsters to get rid of evil monsters!


    Well, well, and what an army it is, he said appreciatively. Wow, you keep getting better and better at this whole sculpting thing.


    Yep! Selina vibrated with excitement. My teacher said I can be really good one day. Maybe Ill make my own golem when I grow up, like ygon. Except shell be better and cooler looking.


    ygons as cool as it gets!


    Hes cool, but mine will be cooler!


    Thats-Ugh, you know what, forget it, he paused looking over her little sculptures and then back at her. Hey, is this one of Brutusand does he have one of those wed monsters in his mouth?


    Uh Huh! she nodded, looking at the real cerberus.


    Theresas huntingpanionand family petlounged on the balcony. ck furred, three-headed and the size of a pony, the cerberus would look frightening to most people. Howeverwith two of his heads having a doze after lunch, and one drowsily looking down from the balcony, waiting for Theresa to returnhe just looked like a big, old softy.


    As if sensing Alexs thought, Brutus yawned, revealing row upon row of razor-sharp teeth inside jaws that could crush bones like dried twigs.


    Okay, maybe <em>not</em> quite a big, old softy.


    Im d he and I get along better now, Alex thought.


    Thinking about how his rtionship with the three headed hound had changed made him look back at his growing sister. She was continuing her growth spurt and was now quite a bit taller and had less baby fat than just a few months ago. It was a reminder of a major event that wasing to their little household: her eleventh birthday.


    Hey, what do you want for your birthday, little goblin? he asked.


    for you to stop calling me little goblin.


    You should ask for something more realistic, like a unicorn or a dragon or all the gold in the world or something.


    She red at him, though he could see she didnt really mean it. He did wonder exactly how long hed be able to get away with calling her little goblin, though. Selina was getting older, just on the cusp of adolescence andbeing both a teenager and having lived with a bunch of themhe knew very well howthings changed when children entered their adolescent years.


    He winced: he remembered some of the awful arguments<strong></strong>hed had with Mr. and Mrs. Lu when he was in his early teens. Thinking about Selina going through a simr phase was making him feel more than a little dread: especially if she was learning to wield magic.


    Alex shook the thought away.


    Live in the now, like Baelin said. Worry about Angry Teenage Wizard Selinater, he thought.


    But seriously, what do you want? Alex asked. Its your first birthday in Generasi, and twelve is a big age! You gotta want <em>something</em>, right?


    She frowned. I dont know. I kinda wanted my building blocks when I came herebut I dont think I want those anymore.


    Oh by The Traveller, shes growing up! a panicked Alex thought, screaming internally though he kept a straight face. This is it!


    He shook himself.


    Do you want something else then? A new dress? Some new books? Im not getting you a pet.


    Aw. She frowned. Maybe a dagger.


    A <em>dagger</em>? he asked sharply. Why a dagger?


    Because she said slowly. Monsters keep attacking us andI want to help if bad monsterse after us again.


    No no, nononono, he said quickly. Youre way, way, way too young to be thinking about daggers.


    No Im not, she said. My friend Zach says she was learning how to use a dagger when she was really young.


    He remembered Zach was the name of one of her friends from school. Well, I dont know if thats a good idea, Selina. Knives are dangerous andwell youre too little to fight monsters.


    Theresa could teach me how to use it. So could Isolde, and Khalik.


    He thought back to when he was younger. His mother and father had him helping in the kitchenusing kniveswhen he was even younger than she was. Theresas family had given her her first hunting knife when she was around twelve or thirteen too.


    But something justmade Alex a little ufortable.


    Then he thought back to Baelins final speech after their practical exam. Defenceless loved ones had no business on the battlefield, but sometimes they ended up there. He also remembered an earlier lesson from the chancellor about children. A harsh lesson.


    Children could die in this dangerous world, and things would try to kill them whether or not they could defend themselves. And wasnt his sister about to start learning magic, much of which was <em>much</em> more dangerous than a knife?


    He shook his head.


    Maybe a weapon wasnt the worst idea ever.


    If you want a <em>knife</em>a small one, and not a daggerI can get you a good knife, he said slowly.


    Really? She blinked in surprise. Alex, youre awesome!


    Now before you startrightfullysinging my praises, theres going to be a bunch of rules, he said. First of all, its a regr knife. You can use it to whittle, carve things, cut foodbut its not for hurting people. Also, until I <em>know</em> you can be safe with it, youre not using it at all unless Theresa or I are around.


    Got it. Tha-


    Im not done. Were going to ask Theresa if she can teach you how to use it. If she says she can, then you can have it. If not, then theres no way. Lastly, and you have to <em>promise</em> me this, okay?


    Her cheer had faded as she saw how serious he was. Okay, she said in a tiny voice.


    If a bad monsteres along, you stay with me or Theresa or Khalik or one of our friends. Or Brutus or ygon. If you cant, or if its too dangerous around us, you run away, okay?


    No, I dont want to run! she said suddenly.


    No, promise, no knife. His voice was t and left no room for argument. You only use the knife to defend yourself if you <em>absolutely</em> have to. Okay? Youre smand youre very braveso if you run up to a monster with it, then you and some of us could get hurt trying to protect you.


    That drew her up short. never mind, I dont want a knife.


    Are you sure?


    Yeah, she said quickly, ncing out the window, in the direction where ygon was posted in the courtyard. Its okay. Itd be bad if we got hurt.


    Hmmm, he mused. Okaybut when you learn magic, youll be able to defend yourse-


    He paused, his mind finally seeming to turn on. OkayIm going to get you something on your birthday too, but how about this for a bted birthday present? When you get a little farther in school with your magic training, Ill sit down with you and teach you all kinds of cool spells that you can use to protect yourself.


    She looked up suddenly, <em>much</em> more excited now. Really? Thatd be sooo cool!


    Yeah, it would be! he said, thinking about it. Theyd be spending time together while he was helping her learn more about wizardry, he could use The Mark to enhance teaching her, and he might even gain more insights into his own studies at the same time.<strong></strong>Teaching a subject to someone often brought a new understanding of it to the teacher.


    It was a definite win-win.


    But you also have to tell me- He paused for a moment.


    What is it? she asked suspiciously.


    Nothing. He could barely resist grinning. I thought of your present.


    What is it?


    Its a surprise.


    No,e on, tell me!


    Youd have to pry the information from my cold, dead lips, he said.


    She argued with him for a time, before finally giving up and simply ring at him suspiciously.


    He stuck his tongue out at her. Dont be immature, Selina, he said, actively ignoring the irony of an eighteen year old calling someone immature while sticking their tongue out at them.


    Alex chuckled as she shook her head and returned to her y sculptures, while he turned to his books. He had to stifle another chuckle as a massive wave of deja vu spread over him.


    Before him were five spell-guides: in addition to the courses hed be taking over the shortened summer semester, hed also borrowed five spell-guides from the library that he wanted to teach himself from. In many ways, it felt like a return to when hed first arrived in Generasi. He even had a new notebook ready to go to record his progress with the new spells.


    The only major differencesaside from the fact that the spells were more powerful and he was more skilledwere the reasons that hed chosen the spells.


    Before sses officially began for first year, hed been mostly focused on getting a head start on learning new magicsThe Mark had been even more of a hindrance back thento practice, and to learn what his limits might be.


    So hed started with a spell that was very simr to the only one hed known back thenforceband gradually built up to spells that were new to him. Now, since he had a fairly good idea of what he could ovee through The Marks interference, hed mostly made his choices based on what would be useful to him that he wouldnt be learning in his summer courses, what would prepare him for future courses, and what would be just in fun.


    He nced at the first spell guide: force armour.


    Lesser force armour protected the head, chest, trunk and groin, and had lighter protection on the arms.


    Force armour, however, was far moreprehensive: the grid of force created was stronger and better able to withstand more punishment, and it covered the legs as well as the upper body. The protection on the arms was as strong as across the rest of the body as well.


    It was an excellent way to generate additional protection.


    Next was a first-tier spell: body strengthening.


    This was actually one of the spells that Thundar knew when hed first started at Generasi, and Alex nned on getting help from his friend as well as learning what he could on his own from the spell guide. There was one thing that hed learned from <em>all</em> of his fights: the physical body couldnt be neglected.


    Early on, when he would think about being a wizard, he used to picture them as lean and powerfnd mostly oldfolk who just turned everyone into whatever they wanted to turn them into. But experiencing actualbat had made him see how much his physical training mattered. His stamina had kept him going in fights that would have exhausted him when he was skinny and out of condition, his strength had allowed him to handle opponents when his spells wouldnt, and his agility had let him maneuver on the battlefield.


    His Sensory Enhancement Potion and Haste Potion had been vital in every fight that hed used them in, but he didnt have an infinite supply of potions.


    Going down the path of physical transmutationwas something he never would have risked when hed first gotten to Generasi. The Marks interference had made casting even the simplest spells incredibly difficult: so trying spells that risked a mana reversal by <em>actively </em>messing with his body, was definitely not anything he would have tried in first year.


    Now, though, hed gotten a far better handle on his limits and how to go through The Mark. He wasfortable with trying this simple spell now, and then if that went well, hed sign up for a course in the subject for fall semester.


    The next was another second-tier spell: Call Through Air.


    It was structurally quite simr to Call Through Ice, so it should be easy to learn. It was also a good idea to get more experience with teleportation spells that used different nes because that could help him in his summoning ss.


    By gaining experience with spells that called from other elements, hed be able to build a foundation for himself: summoning often called for creatures from different nes and Alex wanted versatility.


    The second tost spell-guide was Lesser Phantom Disy, a tiny illusion that was often used to entertain children. What Thundar had said about his Illusions ss had made Alex want to explore that particr kind of magic. Tricking enemies with false images, making himself or his friends invisible, and using it in other ways would be useful for misdirection.


    And for the final spell


    Alex turned to thest spell-guide with some apprehension. It was a first-tier spell.


    Written across the front was the title: Life to Mana.


    The guide would be his introduction to the discipline of Blood Magic, which unfortunately wasnt being offered as a summer course. Since the description sounded like it could be really useful because it would open up his options, it meant that hed have to begin learning it on his own. In a way, he was torn: blood magic was a kind of magic that both intrigued himand made him very nervous.

 Chapter 171: Blood Magic and Incoming Visitors

    Chapter 171: Blood Magic and Iing Visitors


    Blood magic had aplicated history.


    ording to his Magic Lore ss, it wasrgely considered to be one of the most dangerous sorts of wizardry in existence. The spell arrays of blood magic were somewhat simr to body enhancement: magic that directly enhancedor hinderedthe physical body would create magic circuits that directly connected to ones body.


    Blood magic created magic circuits that connected directly to the heart.


    Alex flipped open his textbook on Magic Lore, though hed memorized most of it by now. Still, when it came to certain kinds of magic, he wanted to make sure he verified everything he could.


    The Magic Lore textbook was one of those stitched-together books that had approximately five editors, and three times that many authors. Each chapter had the perspective of some different well known name in the field, lending their expertise to young minds. It made for a very eclectic read: for all of the editors efforts, some chapters were engaging, others overdramatic, and others written in that dry way of many academic papers where it seemed the authors were both trying to prove how many specific terms they knew, <em>and</em> confuse the reader to death at the same time.


    The entry on Blood Magic by one Professor d Drac leaned toward the overdramatic.


    Alex looked down at the page:


    <em>In all the misty ages that wizardry has walked with us, there are few forms of magic as ancient or enduring as blood magic. Before there were spell arrays and alchemical forme and the schrizing of magic, ancient practitioners knew that blood contained power. This is the old way.</em>


    Alex shuddered. He remembered Professor Jules saying something very simr when shed summoned the shoggoth to get chaos essence from it. The old ways always seemed to be pretty scary. He continued reading the passage.


    <em>Cave paintings that depict practitioners of magic harvesting blood and life to power their crude, ancient spells have been found in several ancient settlements. Fascinatingly, this was often achieved through the sacrifice of another beneath a sharp stone knife.</em>


    Alex shuddered again.


    <em>This is the first principle of blood magic: sacrifice. All magic requires some sort of sacrificeeven if that is merely in the form of mana and timebut blood magics requirements are specific. Blood magic always requires blood and life for its spells to be cast. Ones lifeforce flows through blood in the body much as magic circuits carry mana to power a spell.</em>


    <em>The simrities between mana and blood grow more obvious when one studies how blood is utilized in the supernatural world. Think of vampires: many varieties drain blood from living creatures to empower their own existencewhether living or undeadand develop varied mystical powers. Mana vampires drain mana to aplish much the same, and many wizards theorize that they are a simr species that came to be through convergent development.</em>


    <em>But blood can do a lot more in the hands of a practiced blood mage.</em>


    <em>Lifeforce is powerintrinsically connected to usand can be converted to mana to create all sorts of wondrous effects. In the civilization of Panucoco, the ancient wizard-priest Itzcoatl discovered that the power of life could be harvested from the body without killing the donor. This elerated blood magics development greatly, for wizards could now study it in greater detail: any subject used to power blood magic would still be alive afterward, allowing blood magicians to examine the aftereffects of the art on those that donated blood and life to it.</em>


    <em>This allowed for major improvements in the art.</em>


    <em>And a few centuriester, the art of sympathetic magic arose in several societies within a few years of each other. Our blood belongs to us and can be grouped first by type and then by further individual peculiarities. It remains the liquid that our life resided in, even when separated from us. It will still bear our scent. A practitioner of blood magic can use an enemys blood to establish a strong connection through a sample of their blood.</em>


    <em>One can then use anothers blood to cast spells on them from afar, and lower their resistance to magic. One can heal or harm. One cany curses. One can cast sympathetic magic: they create an effigy of a friend or enemy and douse it with a sample of that persons blood. With the correct spells, one can create a sympathetic resonance between the effigy, and the owner of the blood.</em>


    <em>And that is where the fun begins, as my teacher used to say. If one then damages the effigy, then the bloods owner will suffer a lessened but simr effect. If one repairs the effigy, then the owner will benefit from simr healing as a boon. If one puppets the effigy, one can gain some control of an enemy.</em>


    <em>And so on.</em>


    <em>One can even use blood magic on the self. By attaching magic circuits to the heart, the blood mage can ess their own blood and the lifeforce therein directly. You, the student, can then convert your lifeforce to mana or control your blood by directly infusing it with mana: this can enhance or heal the body.</em>


    <em>Do note though, that blood magices with risks.</em>


    <em>The connection that one establishes to another using their blood is a two-way connection: it is greatly in the blood practitioners favour, but life and magic can flow both ways.</em>


    <em>Blood calls to blood, no matter the direction of that call. And you, the blood mage, are connected to your victims blood through the magic circuits of your spells. This can have catastrophic results if one is not careful.</em>


    <em>The blood mage Radagar famously thought to y his former wizardry master, ius, by stealing his blood and attempting to use sympathetic magic upon him. iusthoughrgely unschooled in blood magicwas nevertheless much older, more powerful and more aware than his former apprentice. The old wizard was able to feel the connection and send his own mana through it, freezing Radagar to death with ice magic while the young wizard was in mid-ritual.</em>


    <em>Another thing to remember is that lifeforce is not infinite. Blood magic might heal the body, but in doing so one is directing ones inner vitality to quickly heal wounds or other damage. Draw upon the vitality too quickly and you can take years off a persons lifespan or even kill them, thus leaving a freshly healed, beautiful corpse. Convert too much lifeforce into mana, and your corpse would be able to cast as many spells as it wanted</em>. <em>Imagine an error in spellcasting that not only caused a mana reversal, but also directly disrupted the lifeforce.</em>


    <em>The practiced blood mage takes care to build their lifeforce through regr exercise, herbs, proper diet and rest. There is even an art in the east known as Life Enforcement that might aid in growing your lifeforce, though I know little of this at the time of writing. It might be too good to be true; be careful to avoid fads and false disciplines.</em>


    Alex chuckled. Dracs entry showed its age there.


    <em>Know your limits and know thew as well.</em>


    <em>In Generasi, it is illegal to cast blood magic on another unless they can confirm to a questioning authority that they verbally consented to this, you can produce a written document acknowledging their consent to blood magic, or you have used it only in providing medical assistance and the party was unable to consent at the time.</em>


    <em>Sentences for unsanctioned sympathetic magic are as vicious as the art itself.</em>


    Alex leaned back, pushing the book away and frowning. Blood magic was one of those arts that you tended to think of when the phrase dark wizardry was mentioned. d Dracs chapter went on with many positive applications of blood magic practiced throughout the worldparticrly in a medical contextbut he also told several horror stories of blood mages enving others through sympathetic magic, or using blood magic and alchemy inbination to induce horrifying mutations in themselves, and others.


    It was a creepy art that was risky, but if used properly, the benefits would be great. The lure of being able to heal himself was a strong one andnow that he had a far greater handle on The Markhe was ready to try to carefully take up the art.


    At the very least, he also needed to be able to defend against it. His frown deepened as he imagined a blood mage targeting him. What if they got some of his blood? Or Khaliks? ...or Theresas?


    He shuddered.


    Or even the blood of...


    Why do you look so funny? Selina asked.


    Hm? What? Alex looked up. Oh, itswell, magic sometimes isnt very nice.


    He closed the book.


    Blood magic was something to worry about another day.


    For now, it was time to work on other spells.


    He picked up the guide for force armour, then opened up a nk notebook:


    <em>Training Day 1-Take II</em>


    Mother and Father were dyed: torrential rains in the londs turned the roads into muck, so they wont reach Port Mausarr for another week or more, Theresa said. Her parentstest letter was sticking out of her bag. Still, I cant believe this is finally happening.


    <em>Thnk!</em>


    Her arrow mmed into the target halfway down the length of the stadium, and she quickly drew another one. Brutus, sitting beside Selina who was deep into reading a book, watched her. Alextaking a break from a punishing calisthenics routinewas going over the spell-guide for force armour, and making notes on aspects of the spell array that were simr to lesser force armour, as well as anticipating which parts might cause him trouble.


    Khalik and Thundar were doingps around the fieldwhile under body enhancement spellswhile Isolde fired lightning spell after lightning spell into a training dummy with some of her friends from second year.


    Nearby, Zhao Shishi was meditating after finishing exercising with Theresa. Life enforcement was doing her good: Shishi looked much stronger and healthier than thest time Alex had seen her.


    And speaking of life enforcement, his eyes turned to another part of the stadium, where he heard a loud grunt. Nua-Oge and Grimloch were there: Nua-Oge was practicing firing spells at a line of training dummies, while weaving between them on a wave of water she had conjured. Nearby, her younger brother was performing the Spear-and-Oar Dance as he held a massive steel pole that looked more like a tree trunk made of metal, than a staff.


    The already hulking sharkman had grown even more muscr now that he was further along the path of life enforcement. Alex noticed that his gaze would frequently find ygon


    was there a rivalry brewing there?


    Itll be so good when your mom and dad finally get here, Alex said with a mix of excitement and apprehension. Gah, theres so much I want to show them. And so little time. Like theres the beastarium, the gardens, theres Shales. Theres all kinds of things. Where do you want to take them?


    More ces than just the university, she said. When I go into the city with Shishi or Isolde, we always see so many new ces and things. So much more than weve seen together.


    Ive no doubt, Alex said, wincing a little.


    Honestly, hed wanted nothing more than to explore Generasi, but Uldars priests prowling around the city had made it dangerous for him to do so. Hed been only going into the city for worknear the universityand then back for most of his trips into the city.


    Eventually, almost every priest of Uldar had been called home to support the war-effort, but by then, hed been so busy that he didnt have enough free time to go exploring. He also didnt really want to risk running into one of the few that remained, no matter how few there were now.


    So, he was just a biiiit jealous of his friends.


    We could get a sky-gond, Theresa said, looking at him meaningfully. Take a tour from above, and thennd in a few ces that theyd want to go toand that might be okay for you to go to. Like the museum, the Rainbow Tower and some other ces.


    Whats the Rainbow Tower? Selina asked, looking up from her book.


    One of the tallest towers in the city, Alex said. Former home of Noarc, The Rainbow Wizard. He was this gifted weather wizard who <em>seriously</em> advanced weather magic.


    Weather magic? the little girl asked.


    Yeah, wizardry that controls the weather.


    Selina and Theresa froze and looked at him slowly.


    You can do that? Theresa asked.


    Well <em>I </em>cant, he said. But some wizards can. Before Noarc, the spell-craft needed was nuts. He recalled a passage from his Magic Lore textbook. You needed a ritual and like a hundred wizards and at least two of them had to be able to cast ninth-tier spells. So changes in the weather were basically the business of the gods and the weather. But Noarc came from and where the gods were fickle, apparently. They fiddled with the weather a lot. Theyd make it rain for weeks in a fit of rage, then out of grief, send an endless winter, and then a long stretch of drought. So Noarc came to study at Generasi and was obsessed with making spells where a single wizard could control the weather. And he finally did it when he was ny-nine years old. He made this seventh-tier spell that lets one wizard control the weather for about a day. It takes a ridiculous amount of mana and the spell-craft is soplex that very few wizards can cast it, but he did it.


    He nced up at the sky. ording to the book, there was a drought in Generasi that year, and he marched out of his tower after being holed up in there for like a decade and just made it rain. Then he marched back into his tower, wrote down all of his notes, donated his research to the university and then went back to his homnd and lived another thirty years, solving weather problems. So the city made his homethe Rainbow Towerinto a sort of public monument.


    Thats sooooo cool! Selina said excitedly. I want to do that!


    Maybe youll be able to. He smiled. And if youre all going to the Rainbow Tower, Id love toe with you, if I can, he said. Ive got to prepare a wee gift for your parents too, Theresa.


    There was a lot he had to thank the Lus for: he owed them so much for all theyd done for him and Selina over the years andthough it was in a different way to his own parents, he loved them. There was no way they were leaving Generasi without something from him to remember the trip by.


    Say, how long are they staying? Alex asked. Does it say in the letter?


    A month, she said. The trip across the Rhinean Empire isnt a short one, so they want to make it worth it. My brothers are working with my unclethat poor, poor man.


    Oh, theyre not that bad, Alexughed.


    Theyve probably wrecked half the smithy, she said in a voice that was half-humour, half-sincere worry. She froze. Oh by The Travellerif theyretetheyll be here for the Games of Roal!


    The what now?


    Oh, they didnt teach you that in Magic Lore? They-


    She paused, looking over Alexs shoulder.


    -whats that all about? she asked.


    Alex craned his neck over his shoulder.


    A crowdno, two crowdsof students had entered the stadium. And they did not look very happy to see each other.


    Alexs eyes narrowed.


    One group was very familiar.

 Chapter 172: The Hydra and the Beast

    Chapter 172: The Hydra and the Beast


    The Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood was immediately recognizable by their green shirts adorned with the silver symbol of a two-headed beast. The young men walked with the swagger of one trying to actively appear as big and impressive as possible.


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    Hed seen that walk from time to time back in Alricthough not so much heredisyed by the young sons of trades folk in town. After a night of drinking or some other event that got folk riled up, sometimes a few of the strong, young men would go swaggering about town, trying to show everyone how tough they were.


    When different groups trying to look impressive and intimidating came across each other, things regrly wound with a scuffle or fists flying.


    He was a little surprised to see that swagger here: the university students were older than the swaggering fifteen year olds in Alric, and <em>usually</em> more disciplined.


    Finding that cocksure attitude<strong></stronging from two groups of students at a wizard university kind of took him off guard. Though, if <em>anyone</em> was going to act like that, the young battlemages of the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood would be likely candidates.


    He recognized three individuals from that group: the trio whod been loudly trying to recruit new students into their brotherhood a year ago. Gregorithe battlemage hed beaten in a spell jouststood tall and arrogant with his arms crossed in front of him, ring at the other students.


    The other wizards were a group of young men and women who wore sapphire- blue shirts, and had a hard-bitten look. Beastmen were among them: far more than in the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood.


    Alex noticed bronze thread stitched into a symbol on their chests: a hydra with five heads extending from a snake-like body. The groups stood across from each otherring coldlywith no one saying a word at first.


    The rest of the stadium fell quiet and watched. Then a dwarfish woman stepped out of the crowd of sapphire-blue shirts.


    Insults been given to the Hydras Companionhood, she said, ring up at three Ursa-Lupine members. And we demand satisfaction.


    The Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood answers, a tall young man stepped forward and red down at her. What insult do you say wasmitted by our brothers?


    The dwarfish woman nced back at a young beastman who resembled an elk. He cleared his throat. One fortnight ago, four of your brothers broke into the House of the Companions and stole thepanion house mascot.


    A few snickers went through the brotherhood, but the leader kept a straight face.


    He was missing for two days, the elk beastman continued. And when we found him, someone had painted his scales bright green!


    Then its an improvement! One of the green shirtsughed. Several others started giggling until their leader threw a look over his shoulder that made them slowly fall silent.


    Alex heard a sudden gasp from nearby and nced over to see Isolde rapidly turning away from the conflict, even though her friends were still closely watching.


    He looked back, trying to figure out what shed reacted to.


    His eyes widened when he caught sight of a shock of red hair.


    Oh shi- He caught himself, remembering that Selina was close. I mean, when did that happen?


    What? Theresa looked at him as he stood up.


    Look over there. See that redhead?


    Yeah?


    Thats Derek.


    Oh, thats <em>him?</em> she looked back with interest.


    Sure enough, Isoldes ex-partner was standing with the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood,plete with an emerald green shirt that looked brand new. His normal overconfidence was a bit subduedas people tended to be in a new groupbut he still looked quitefortable there.


    Something must have changed.


    Thest Alex knew of Derek and anything having to do with battle was when hed failed Baelins first test, and had hindered his entire group in the process. He also had to repeat both semesters of first year alchemy because hed been caught cheating.


    Alex nced at Isolde.


    The bastard had nearly destroyed her academic career since his cheating involved copying her assignments without her knowledge and submitting them as his own. Hed done it while she and he had been dating, which made things even worse.


    But, there he was, an obvious member of Ursa-Lupine looking like some confident, swaggering, first-string battle-mage.


    When Alex was in the same alchemy ss as him, hed seen Derekstill attached to Carey Londonin the ss the entire time. There hadnt been any big announcement bringing the ss to a halt, revealing that hed been caught cheating again. So either hed stopped cheating, or hed gotten a lot better at covering his tracks. Either way, maybe Alex simply hadnt heard that something had happenedor, the young man had gotten his act together.


    And from what Alex knew of that brotherhood, they didnt recruit students into their ranks who were useless inbat, or weak academically. Blowhards, yes, but nobatants, no.


    Either way, it wasnt his business, unless Derek made it his business.


    Im going to go talk to Isolde, Theresa said, quickly heading toward their friend.


    Yeah, hope shes okay, he said, thinking about the bad blood between the two of them. Derek nearly ruining her future at Generasi and then her exposing him for cheating, wasnt exactly a good recipe for an amicable break up.


    He watched as the two groups organized some sort of contest: a way to satisfy the insult that had urred between them.


    Alex! Khalik waved as he joined him. Well, would you look at that? Our old friends seem ready for a brawl.


    Looks like it, Alex said.


    Three students from each group had broken off from the rest and stood in two opposing lines across the width of the stadium, while their group members watched from a reasonably closebut safedistance.


    Another spell-joust, you think? Khalik asked.


    Maybe something different, oh yeah, and I wanted to talk to you now that we got a moment, Alex said.


    The students in the two lines spoke to each other briefly, then shook hands and stepped back to their lines. Then, the spell casting began.


    A student from each group who stood furthest away began firing beams of magic at one another.


    <em>Boom! Boom!</em>


    The beams cracked like thunder as they mmed into each other.


    About what? the prince asked, still watching.


    Its about sses."


    Two more students watched each other, their lips quietly saying incantations, and Alex could see a rippling in the air between them. Some sort of telekinesis spell?


    What about them? You mean summer sses?


    Thest pair of opponents threw their hands up and shouted their incantations.


    Yeah, theres a course Im starti-Waaait a minute.


    Alex could feel a shift of mana in the air. As hed gained more experience with Call Through Ice, he was starting to recognize the difference between teleportation magic, and something close to it, like summoning.


    This was definitely summoning magic.


    The air shimmered between the two students then the ground began to bubble.


    <em>Hssss.</em>


    Two circles formed in the earth, shaking like the water on a storm-wracked sea. A green mist rose, and in that mist, Alex saw two silhouettes materialize. A pair of creatures emerged from the green fog. Two ugly little humanoid beastswith purplish skin like a body entirely covered in bruisingwith extremely short legs and incredibly long arms. The arms also seemedflexible; they looked more like tentacles with hands attached to them than arms.


    y my enemy! the Ursa-Lupine brother shouted, pointing at his rival''s summoned monster.


    Wring that little bastards neck! the Hydra Companion cried, gesturing to the monster conjured by her opponent.


    The two creatures faced each other, then shuddered as each released a horrifying screech that cut through the air. They leapt at each other.


    Their armssplit.


    Each arm quivered then split into four tentacles thatshed out like whips. The tentacles waved through the air, wrapping around each other and grappling their adversary as the monsters hopped about, trying to outmaneuver each other.


    Khalik scoffed. I have seen great apes fight in a simr waythough with less tentacles. I must admit, I might have found such a disy grotesque at one time, but this seems tamepared to the mana vampire.


    Ugh, you should try being in the same room as a shoggoth, Alex said, then he looked around to make sure the coast was clear. Or near Hobb.


    The prince burst outughing. I tell you, he is fine. Here you are dissecting mana vampires and sting worms and xyrthaks, while friendly old Hobb gives you a shiver.


    Yeah, because Im <em>smart,</em> you see. Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, are you taking any courses in the summer?


    Khalik shrugged. I had considered one or two. Why? How many are you taking?


    Four.


    <em>Four</em>? By the sapphire sea, man, you do not enjoy the idea of breaks do y-no wait, you are the one that feeds himself pineapple using his spells.


    Well, lets just say that I want to be prepared for everything I can. I mean, I can enjoy a break by taking one less course.


    Thats not a break.


    Compared to what I had to do to get into this university? Its basically an endless Sigmus. But anyway, Im taking Magical Botany, and I wanted to know if you want my notes or something. Could be a conversation topic for you and Sinope, eh?


    The prince paused, his hand running through his sculpted beard. Interesting


    It might help your earth magic too? Offer a new perspective?


    Khaliks eyes narrowed in thought. When is the course being held?


    Its a morning one. Not quite crack of dawn but close enough.


    Ugh, I should have known: farmers and their early rising, and all. Hmmm, I think I shall skip the notes and take the course myself.


    Alex blinked. That actually sounds awesome! Itd be nice to be in a ss with you where things arent trying to kill us all the time.


    Well, Khalik chuckled. Let us not speak too soon. It is wizardry after all, Im sure someones made a nt that can spit acid, or fire, or mind-controlling liquids-Oh, looks like theyre done.


    Alex looked back over to the group of spell-jousters.


    It looked like the Ursa-Lupine brother had beaten the Hydra Companion in the beam sh, but the pair that had been struggling with telekic forces had seen it go the other way. The Hydra Companion shattered their opponents shimmer at the same time that their summoned monster defeated its opponent.


    Done! the Hydra Companionhood leader shouted. Youre defeated, and satisfaction is our prize!


    The leader of the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood grimaced. Whats the penalty?


    The three who stole our mascot will stand before your brotherhood house for three days. Five hours each day. She gave a nasty grin. Wearing nothing but loincloths with our hydra painted on their chests.


    The students from the Hydra Companionhood burst outughing.


    Well thats charming, Alex muttered. Could you imagine if wed joined that?


    No, because were part of a group that happily charges monsters instead, Khalik said with a wry look. Hmmm, at some pointspeaking of fun, we should speak of the Games of Roal.


    Khalik, I dont have any idea what that is.


    Oh, its- Khalik nced up. Ah, looks like the others have finished. Well chat about itter.


    Alex gave him a look. You know, whenever someone says lets chat about itter theyre usually the first to die in all those horror stories the bards tell.


    You know who else tends to die first?


    Who?


    The sillyic relief character.


    Khalik?


    Yes?


    I hate you.


    The prince burst outughing.


    Alex and Khalik stumbledbleary-eyedinto the botanical gardens shortly after the sun had risen. The summer heabined with the moisture of the massive greenhousestruck them in a wave.


    This was the first morning of their first ss in Magical Botany.


    I hope the first thing we learn is about magical coffee, Khalik grunted. Najyah went crazy because I was up so early. Alex, this is the worst idea youve ever had.


    I dunno, Ive had some pretty bad ideas, Alex grumbled. But yeahthis is up there.


    Two young men dragged themselves toward their first ss of the summer.


    Right, while I remember, Alex said. What are these Games of Roal?


    Ah, yes, the games. They are an event held by The Watchers for the Summer Equinox, celebrating Roals contributions to the city, and her defeat of The Demigod Oreca.


    Right, son of some kind of minor fish deity.


    It had been an exam question on the midterm in Magic Lore. He remembered her stabbing her sword into the demigods belly then channeling a spell of dehydration that withered the demi-deity, ying it.


    Indeed. So every year they hold minor games that take ce over sea, forest and field. He paused in thought. Have you ever been to a tournament for knights? A joust and the like?


    No, but I take it this is the same thing, but for wizards? Alex asked, growing more alert.


    Yes, and for the nobility of Generasi or any others who care to participate. Manye just to attend or try their luck: the prize money is fairly attractive to most.


    Alex paused. Did you say prize money?


    All earlier sleepiness was now long gone.

 Chapter 173: A Little Magical Botany Class of Horrors

    Chapter 173: A Little Magical Botany ss of Horrors


    Oh yes, Khalik said emphatically. The games are run by The Watchers, but they are sponsored by the city. A number of the events have different prizes: usually fine items for one to disurels of tinum, dragon-bone flutes, sps of goldwhile some of thepetitions provide the winners with actual magical items, which are donated by the finest shops and crafters in Generasi. At least, thats how it was in my brothers day.


    Donated? Alex asked. That doesn''t sound like a good way toyou know, make coin.


    Aaaah, you underestimate the games. These merchants and crafters do not donate out of any desire to be charitable. No, their minds work to expand their purses. The prince tapped the side of his head. You worked at a bakery in your hometown, did the baker not bring some of his confectionery to your festivals?


    Alex burst outughing. First of all, bold of you to think we were fancy enough for confectionery. Second, Im pretty sure the only thing that McHarris would ever donate to anyone was his handin someones coin purse.


    Truly? Perhaps it is different in Thamnd, then. Khalik looked around at the lush gardens around them. They were passing through a small grove of trees that were heavy with ripe fruit. The fact that the fruit looked like giant eyeballs made them pretty unnerving. "In Tekezash, whenever there is an event; a party, a wedding or tournament that my family attends: tailors, chefs, and other trades folk behave like they would gut each other for a chance to supply the event with their wares. Even if they must provide their goods without charge. Think of it this way, suppose I sample a ss of wine at a party. I enjoy it, and openlypliment it. What do you think happens?


    Well, uh, Im not surebut if people are trying to get in the good graces of the prince, then theyre going to pay attention to whatever you do?


    Exactly. Khalik winced. It is one of the reasons why it is so good to be anonymous here. Back home, if I try a sweet at a festival one day, I wake up the next to find the vendor of that sweet up to their necks in orders from courtiers, and pounds of the sweet delivered to me with theirpliments. For months everyone around me would be eating it in hopes that it would start a conversation.


    Ugh, that sounds kinda creepy. Well, maybe its different for you, but thatd get really creepy for me really fast.


    It amused my brother, but it made me ufortable.


    Yeah, I get that, Alex said, ncing behind him.


    ygon was walking just behind them, taking up basically the entire path. The golems helmeted head nearly scraped the lower branches of the canopy. Najyah was perched on ygons shoulder, and had nodded off sometime during the trip.


    Youd better not poop on my golem, Alex thought. Or its eagle stew.


    His mind stopped on the thought: his golem.


    If the expedition to Thamnd was sessful, thered likely be a lot of wizards making their own ygons: their own golems made from dungeon core remains. On the one hand that excited him, but on the other, itd bestrange seeing his once unique golem all over the ce.


    In a way, it was kind of like what Khalik had said: waking up one day to see that everyone was doing the same as you.


    He paused.


    Oooh, he said. So if a champion or winner of a game winsI dunno, a super awesome magical sword lets say, then people will pay attention to the sword <em>and</em> who crafted it.


    Now you get it. Other prizes are donated by the city too: like coin purses. Apparently, one year the prize for the flying joust was a purse of a thousand gold, and a suit of armour worth fifteen hundred gold pieces.


    W-<em>what!?</em> Alex gaped. Thats-holy shit!


    The games are <em>very </em>well-funded, Khalik chuckled. You know why kings, lords and realms throw these tournaments? To show off. High prizes just scream about how wealthy you are. I can afford to offer a prized warhorse as the top prize for a race! It took years of breeding, time and training to raise him, but I can afford to just <em>give him away!</em> You see?


    Thats crazy. Alex shook his head. Butothers showing off might be to our gain. Ill ask Theresa: shes close enough to The Watchers. Maybe shell know what events theyll be having.


    Indeed, ah look, we have arrived!


    The prince, The Fool and the golem stepped into a clearing with a stone area about the size of arge ssroom. There werent any walls, and a number of chairs and tables had been set upor likely walked there by themselvesand students were already getting themselves set up. Some of them wore straw hats or had cast a spell of tinted shade over themselves. Alex looked through the trees at the ss ceiling high above.


    The sun would likely be brutal as the day went on: he shouldve brought his hat.


    They chose seats at the front of the ss, but Alex had ygon stand at the back out of the way. In front of them rose one of the bs of obsidian that served as a writing board for the professors, and directly in front of it were several nts: some green, some blue


    Isthat Alex squinted. Is that nt on fire?


    Its nothing to worry about, said a husky student from the next desk. "Its fireweed: it ignites the air within close proximity to it with its mana, but other than that, its harmless.


    Alex blinked.


    That was the sort of definition of harmless that someone would apply to a crocodile being raised by a seemingly half-mad goblin wizard in order to sic it on his opponents.


    So not exactly harmlessat all.


    Alex wondered how Kybas was doing. He hadnt seen the little goblin-wizard since the practical exam for alchemy.


    And is that one also harmless? Khalik pointed to a nt at the end of the line. It was a massive greenish-ck monstrosity with several stalks with each one ending in long, snouted sets of green and yellow striped jaws. There were no lips, so its endless fangs were visible and unnerving.


    Near it was a suspiciously empty cage with its door open.


    Ya, if you stay away from it, the student said dryly.


    Mhmmmm. Khalik looked around. And is that the reason our professor is missing? I see his bag, but I do not see him.


    Im alright! a voice called.


    Alex and Khalik startled and turned.


    Surrounding the open ssroom were several patches of vegetation rising from raised garden beds framed in stone. One was a particrly thick patch of rye, through which Alex could see a slight form moving about.


    Vampire pumpkin got out of its cage and into the rye! Just need to catch i-aha! Got you, you orange little pig!


    A rustling came from the rye, and a dark haired man sprang up, triumphantly holding a big orange pumpkin that struggled in his grip. On his hands were heavily-padded, elbow length gloves.


    Thought you could hide from me? Feh, Id make you into a pie, but youd taste like six day old buns that vagabonds had pawed over. He emerged from the rye, marched across the stones and shoved the pumpkin into the cage, then locked the door. He double checked the lock before turning away.


    Even in Generasi, it made for a strange sight.


    The slightly built man moved a nearby nt that had thin stalks with four leaves like some sort of clover. And this is why you never leave Earth Keyor zemaljski klju- He shook the nt slightly to indicate it. -as its called in its homnd in Savdrava, which is within the Irtyshenan Empire, for those who dont knownear locks of any kind. Even its juice can open most locks when rubbed on them, and the fumes it gives off can sometimes pop a lock.


    He moved the nt away from the cage, cing it about fifteen feet away, toward the end of the row. The professor took his gloves off and rubbed his hands together with a sort of contagious nervous energy. Wee to MBO-1550: Magical Botany I, Im Professor Salinger, but were all adults here: so, you can call me Holden.


    He gave a slight smile, and his lip trembled a bit. First of all. To any of you who are taking this for an easy credit, I invite you to- He pointed at the path out of the ss. -take the easy route out now. Theres a lot of memorizing in this course-


    He paused, double taking as a huge grin swept across Alexs face. The Mark was <em>built</em> for this sort of thing.


    -ooookay, I guess someone likes reading. Well good, because theres two textbooks for this ss and apressed semester is not a long time to get through them both.


    He looked around, noted nobody leaving, and nodded. Good, the ss is small enough: Id call it cozy, but any smaller and wed just be lonely. So.


    Professor Salinger turned to the nts behind him. Magical Botany is the study of nts that contain mana of some kind, which gives them powers, uses, and abilities beyond regr flora. You arent going to find guides to gardening or raising dandelions here.


    He pointed to the jawed nt Khalik had pointed out earlier. Aubreys Eclipse. If fed enough blood, it can grow to the size of an oak tree. Sentient blood makes it smarter. But, if you harvest its pods during an eclipse and simmer them for precisely forty-eight hours in sea water? Itll clean out your blood of just about any contaminant known to wizardry. Poison? Gone. Hangover? Gone. Parasites? Gone. He turned to the pumpkin, which seemed to be sulking in its cage. The vampire pumpkina rtive to the killer tomatowas considered nothing more than a pest: an old pumpkin left outside on a full moon in an area contaminated by recently spilled blood, that came to life to cause mischief on a farm. Now, we know that the seeds, if dried and ground, will act as a repellent against mosquitoes, ck flies, and most other blood-drinkers. And this is without refining them through the discipline of alchemy. So, what am I getting at with all this?


    He looked around, and Khalik raised his hand.


    Yes, your name?


    Khalik, he said. I think, Holden, that you are hinting that magical nts have valuebut they are not easy. They are often dangerous. And I suppose each must be handled with care?


    Exactly, Professor Salinger pointed to Aubreys Eclipse. If you were to go close to that specimen half-asleep, hungover or what-have-you, like you were simply picking flowers, then it will take your whole damn arm off in under a second, if it hasnt been recently fed.


    He turned toward the board and wrote one single word.


    <em>Respect.</em>


    This is going to be the most important thing Im ever going to teach you: Magical Botany requires three kinds of respect from you. He pointed to the nts. Respect for the nts- He pointed to the textbook. -respect for the material-'''' He pointed to the students. -and respect for yourself. That is the only way youre going to do well here. Because remember what I said about memorization? Youll need more than that. Slick alchemical procedures and calctions are only going to get you so far here. Magical nts are living beings, and some actually respond to the emotions they feeling from you. For example, if you dislike a certain nt and think, I hate this big dumb nt around a mandrake, its scream turns about three times nastier in your ears.


    He drew a diagram of three nts: a small one with what looked like a cotton ball at the top, then an arrow leading to one that was literally a tall stalk with an actual sheep growing from the top, and then another arrow leading to arge, ram-like creature with bushes growing from its back and thorns sprouting from curling horns.


    The vegetablemb is a nt that will undergo metamorphosis if you show it proper affection and <em>only </em>if you do that. But if you do, itll produce twice as much wool as a regr sheep as long as the nt grows, which is quite a long time if you keep foliage around it for the sheep-top to graze on. When the nt dies, it makes one more change and themb transforms into its final form: a ram-like creature with bush-like, golden fleece and thorny horns and it then goes off into the wide world. Without affection, themb withers when the nt dies. I had only one student this past year who managed to get his to change. Fellow showed it as much love as he did his crocodile familiar andtrust methats a lot of love.


    Alex blinked.


    Could that have been Kybas? Hed have to ask the little fellow next time he saw him. Maybe get some tips.


    It was too bad that affection wasn''t a way to make golems evolve.


    He nced over his shoulder at ygon.


    An element of chaos was what made them change, so it was hard to predict what would make each one undergo a transformation.


    Still, if affection wont make you evolve, Im going to show it to you anyway, Alex sent the cheery thought to ygon.


    Then he froze.


    Something had definitely touched his mind.


    or did it?


    It was brief and quicklike the brush of a feather in the darkbut something was definitely there. Was it The Mark? Or.


    He looked at ygon closely.


    Alex started to wonder if those little moments ofygon responding to him were so imaginary. His golems core was made from dungeon core remains, a newly analyzed substance.


    Who knew what the unique core would be capable of.


    It was something to keep an eye on.


    He stared at the golem, but ygon remained still, as though the mental contact had never happened.

 Chapter 174: Respect and Questions

    Chapter 174: Respect and Questions


    Alex watched ygon for a while longer, but he gave no other signs ofing to life, or showing intelligence, or turning evil and going on a killing rampage. He pulled out one of the notebooks from the basket attached to his forceball and wrote down the observation.


    There was no doubt that Baelin and Jules would want to hear about what he felt he might be experiencing, even if nothing was actually going on. It wouldnt be the first time a wizard had imagined that one of their golems or items hade alive. The problem with being around so much magic all the time was that wellmagic often made just about anything possible, or even seem possible.


    He looked at the vampire pumpkin while Holden drew the outline of an apple on the obsidian board. One tap of a finger made the apple diagram turn gold. For most folk, strange activities and sounds from a pumpkin probably meantwell, a rotten pumpkin or a vige prankster.


    When magic was involved, one actually <em>did </em>have to worry about blood-sucking squashes. And when strange things happened around you all the time, it made it hard to tell if you were imagining things or not. Sure, wizardry often had rulesparticrly when it came to something as precise as spell arrays or alchemybut magic in general tended more towardguidelines.


    Much like most other disciplines in life, facts about magic were only true until someone discovered that they werent. And that made it tricky to say that something was definitely impossible.


    -en apples are one of the oldest methods to reach immortality, of a sort, Holden said.


    Alexs attention immediately returned to the professor. Talk of immortality tended to grab ones attention.


    Now, that might bemonly known among those that have even aymans knowledge of alchemy. Holden tapped the chalk on his palm then held up four fingers. But did you know that there are <em>four</em> varieties of golden apple that grow on this continent alone?


    He drew four simr looking trees on the board, then drew four very differently shaped leaves. The <em>Malus Atnta </em>trees<em></em>apples<em></em>dont bestow immortality when eaten: theyre tasty and their sheen magically draws the eye, supernaturally distracting and fascinating living creatures. Thats how the tree feeds on its favourite source of food: wild horses.


    Alex and Khalik shared startled looks.


    <em>Malus Eriss </em>apples have a supernatural aura of discord, which causeswell, discord in all who behold the fruit within a day of it being picked. They have literally triggered wars when introduced into even peaceful environments. <em>Malus Hesperides</em> is different in that its apples are actually made of pure, yellow gold, which it uses to attract dragons: certain species of which are driven to hoard wealth, especially gold. The dragon will enter into a symbiotic rtionship with the Malus tree, which permits it to harvest its bountiful crop of golden apples once every twenty years. In return, the dragon protects the tree from predators. Only <em>Malus Idhunns </em>golden applesof any on the continenthave youth restoring and maintenance qualities: but the tree can only thrive in the presence of strong divinity, while prolonged exposure to manawithout divinity presentwill cause it to wither and die. Still, theyre precious enough that the Nor-Pric Pantheon guards them, and the Lord of the End covets them as much as he covets Irytshenan bloodwhich is a lot, by the way.


    Alex perked up at the mention of the Irytshenans, but Holden was already moving on.


    And the kicker? After harvest, the apples of all these trees look exactly the same, except for a couple of variations in shape and weight.


    He held up the textbook. Thats why you have to memorize as many properties as possible if you want to identify magical nts. Now, you might be asking: why Magical Botany? If this is all about identifying and growing nts, couldnt this be an alchemy ss? <em>Not so!</em>


    Thest two words cracked out like a whip, causing the ss to wince. Magical Botany is <em>more</em> than learning how tobine magical nts to make potions or staves. Its about the nts themselves. Its about their ecosystems: whats their ce in the world? What role do they serve? What happens if theyre gone? What happens if theyre too many of the species? Can they be crossbred? Can you turn a wild, man-eating tree into something as domesticated andmon as wheat? These are the questions that you can answer with a strong enough education in Magical Botany. The study of nts created agriculture, and farming built everything you see around you. Well, that and magic.


    He gestured to the man-eating nt. No big surprise, but magical nts are a liiiittle bit moreplex to study and change than a patch of cherry tomatoes. With all that in mind, well work together, get you started andin no time at allwell have your hands dirty. Literally, I mean don''t wear nice clothes here: its nt ss. Were going to y with dirt. A lot.


    Khalik raised his hand.


    Ah, an eager one. You have a question?


    Two, actually. First, I study earth magic; will that be helpful for Magical Botany?


    Holden threw back his head andughed. Does the sun rise? Of course thats gonna be helpful. One of the first things youre going to do is learn how to identify the six kinds of soil: sand, y, silt, peat, chalk and loam. Youll need to know what your babies are growing in, and an earth mage is already going to know how to identify different kinds of earth and stone, and modify it to suit their purposes. Earth magic and botany go well together. Whats your second question?


    Do uh he paused. No, never mind.


    You sure? No such thing as a stupid question. Only stupid people who never ask questions. Usually dead people, in this business.


    It is fine, you already answered it, Khalik said quickly.


    Alright, then. Lets start with the history of mortals, nts and how that extends to the history of wizards, other mortals, and nts of a magical nature.


    What were you going to ask him earlier? Alex asked Khalik as they made their way through the botanical gardens and away from the ss.


    The prince coughed ufortably. I thought perhaps to ask him directly if he knew anything about dryads and their treesbut he was so serious, as was the subject. I thought: how would I look if one of my first questions in ss was about beautiful tree-women?


    Alex started to chuckle. Oh, by The Traveller, that would actually be kind of embarrassing. Yes Holden, Im really serious about your ss: I hear everything you say about respect! Oh by the way, can you help me talk up some dryads?


    Now you have me wondering if anyone else has tried taking that ss for that reason, Khalik said. To be fair, that is <em>part of the reason </em>I joined the ssbut no one else needs to know that. Oh, and speaking of that, why were you looking at the back of the ss when he was telling us of affection and about golden apples? I am not sure if the professor noted it, but I did.


    Ohwell, Alex nced back at ygon. For a moment he considered talking to Khalik away from the golembut they were connected. ygon wouldnt be able to detect all of his thoughts, but Alex had been watching him openly and mentally probing the connection.


    If there was something approaching thought inside of him, then hed already know Alex suspected something. Besides, if Alex talked about it openly, maybe it would give ygon a reason to respond.


    He shook his head.


    Unless he was imagining itor going insane.


    He told Khalik of the slight reactions he thought he was feeling from ygon, which caused the prince to watch the golem carefully as he followed them.


    I have not seen anything strange from ygon, unless you count being unstoppable to be strange. He stroked his beard. Are you going to tell your professor Jules and Baelin of your concern?


    Oh you bet your ass, I am, Alex said. The worst thing they can say if I do tell them is, youre being crazy, Alex and maybeugh at me a little. But, the worst thing that can happen if I don''t tell them iswell uh, imagine smashed buildings, and fire, and screams.


    Mmm, true. The prince patted Alex on the shoulder. Well, if you are crazy then this is still likely to end in smashed buildings, and fire, and screams. But I shall be there to put you down!


    Wait what?


    Khalik grinned. Think about it! The young, promising wizard turns to dark arts-


    I dont like where this is going.


    -while his good friend, the handsome brave prince mustregrettablyy him-


    I <em>really </em>dont like where this is going.


    -and as youy dying-


    Youve put a lot of thought into this.


    Youment: Oh, if only The Dark Wizard Alexander Roth had seen the light before! My only regret is that I only see a better way now as Iy dying! If only I had more time! And then, of course, you die while Iment your loss and wish there was more time-


    There <em>could</em> be, just call a healer! Patch me up if Ive seen the light, you bastard!


    Ah, but that would ruin the moment and the drama!


    The moment and drama are pretty ruined for me, cuz Im <em>dead!</em>


    But think of all the young wizards that will avoid your dark path whenever they walk by the statue that I have built to honour your memory. Khalik faked a sniffle. A memory of better times.


    Alex red at him. You knowI tend to enjoy the stories where the plucky, underestimated hero beats the shit out of the arrogant prince and leaves him unconscious in some botanical gardens. or, you know, has arge, smashy friend do the same.


    That would be cheating.


    Im supposed to be a dark wizard, right? I dont care about cheating!


    I thought you were a plucky, underestimated hero?


    Im <em>both!</em> Life is full of greys!


    Hmmm, Professor Jules mused as she peered into her poscope. Nearby, one of her cauldrons bubbled, boiling down a substance while she examined a sample for one of her experiments. Have you noticed anymon patterns with these anomalies?


    Nothing, Alex admitted. One time I was really rxed, one time I was in ss. ygon hadnt encountered anything specific, the areas were different. Just nothing inmon at all.


    Ah, of course, she snorted. Life rarely conforms itself into proper experimental parameters. Observations are full of confounding variables: was I imagining something I saw? Was there some factor that day out in the world that made something behave in a certain way? Especially when ites to magic, such things make it difficult to narrow infinite possibilities down into hypotheses and then finally, theoretical causal rtionships.


    Right, Alex said. Cant even establish corrtion because therere so many differences with these little reactions from ygon. Theres no pattern.


    He sighed. So what do you think, am I just being paranoid here?


    Well, as we just said Mr. Roth, we do not have much data to go on.


    I mean likean educated guess.


    She looked up from the poscope. An educated guess he says. Do you know what the difference between a guess and an educated guess is? Thetter is made by someone whos read more books. There might be value in that if the guess is about something that is known and studied, but the substance powering your golem is for the most part unknown. In short, I havent the foggiest idea of whats possible, and saying otherwise, would be irresponsible.


    AhI see, he sighed. But what about from the history of golemcraft? I remember the earliest golem went berserk because of too strong a connection with a wizards mind.


    And do you feel that your connection to ygon is constant or in any way overwhelming?


    No.


    Then, if it hasnt gone berserk as of yet<em>if</em> it were a normal golemthen it is likely that it will not. Again, if it were a normal golem. We arent talking about the elementally-bound monstrosities here.


    The what now? Alex asked. Elementally-bound monstrosities? As golems? What do you mean?


    Ah, so you havent encountered <em>that</em> particr little historical detail, then? Professor Jules stepped away from the poscope. I suppose I shouldnt be too surprised: you are in between your first and second year, after all, though I sometimes forget. And this wouldnt be knowledge youd find in first year courses. To sum it up, after-


    <em>Ding.</em>


    A sound like a little bell rang out from a wall mounted time-keeper.


    Ah, the process is done, she said. Mr. Roth, would you mind handing me the mana spectrometer?


    Oh yeah, sure. He nced over and had one of his Wizards Hands pick up the tool and ferry it over to her. He watched as she stirred the reducing liquid and guided the reaction with the tool.


    Then she did something that caught him off guard.


    From her apron she pulled out a strange, oblong stone with a series of glyphs etched into its surface. Alex frowned. He recognized some of the glyphs from a device hed seen Jules use a few times before: a far-speaker.


    Aplex web of mana emerged from the stone and travelled through the floor, but the flow of the mana through the web was far faster now. His sense for mana was much more precise than it used to be, so he could trace everyplex line of the structure. The design of themunication web had utterly changed.


    Where it hade out of the stone as a line before, now it spread out in all directions.


    In an instant, Alex heard a familiar voicee through the stone.


    Professor? Is your reaction ready? Amir Abu SalehAlexs formerb supervisorsaid through the far-speaker. His voice sounded much clearer than others had sounded when Alex had seen the far-speaker being used before.


    It is, she said into the magical device. Mark timereadygo.


    Professor Jules and Amir conducted a reaction simultaneously while in differentbs, keeping in constantmunication and providing each other withmentary.


    By the end, Professor Jules was very excited. It seems there is a connection between the samples of the substance, despite them being physically separated<strong></strong>by stone and yards of distance. Well done, Amir. Mark time and then you can start cleaning up.


    Thank you, professor, Amirs voice replied.


    The web withdrew back into the far-speaker.


    Wow, Alex murmured as he stepped forward to help her clean up. That little device got an upgrade.


    Hm? Professor Jules nced at the far-speaker. Ah yes. A new version just exited the prototype phase a month ago. Several of us are now testing its efficiency and so far, the advancements are impressive.


    Ill say, Alex said, imagining how useful the device could be. He thought of Theresas parentmunicating slowly and sporadically through lettersand how much easier things would have been if they could simply reach each other instantly on a far-speaker. Whates next with it?


    After three months of field testing, this model will be patented and then enter production. I suspect, if things go well, you will see them in many ces around Generasi within the next two years.


    Jeezand beyond?


    Not yet, Im afraid. The design requires our strong ambient mana. But in timeperhaps. Ah, speaking of advancements. I was going to tell you about elemental-binding in golemcraft.


    Im surprised I havent heard about it at Shales.


    Im not. It is not truly an alchemical process, and the only ce in the world that it is still usedwith any degree of regrityis within the Irtyshenan Empire. And it is not a kind process, evenpared to the rest of wizardry.

 Chapter 175: Binding Circles

    Chapter 175: Binding Circles


    Alex had been paying attention to Professor Jules, but hearing her mention the empire where the hunter was spotted so many years beforeand her grim tonegave him a twinge of shock.


    It must be pretty bad. Alex said. Binding isnt usually too friendly a word, especially when its used in wizardry, so Im already imagining the worst.


    Imagining the worst is correct, she said. When the first golem proved to be a disaster, summoners from among the wizards stepped up to provide a solution that alchemy could not, at the time. have you ever taken a summoning course, Alex?


    Im taking one this summer.


    Good. She carefully drew the substance she was working with and ced it in a reinforced sk, which she then moved away from her work area to cool. It is a useful art, and one better to learn in detail from Professor Mangal. She is far more studied in the art than I. For our purposes, it is important to note that summoning and alchemy often cross paths: you remember when I conjured the shoggoth, of course.


    Alex shuddered. Ill never forget it.


    In any case, not for the first time or thest, summoners stepped up to seek a solution. They had the thought that since a golems body is made of simr materials to some elementals, that the spirit of an elemental might be well suited to power and control such a body without the need for a golem core.


    She activated the cooling glyph on her cauldron and let the metal decrease to room temperature. Alex took the pot and carried it over to the sink to wash. When you have your first ss with Professor Mangal, Jules continued. She will teach you about binding circles. To simplify things, they prevent creatures that are summoned from getting out and starting a ruckus.


    Right, I remember the circle that was on the lid of the cauldron you summoned the shoggoth into.


    Correct. Summoners had the idea of creating a binding circle <em>within</em> a golems body. They then conjured an elemental within that body, and permanently bound it inside such a shell. And they did in fact find sess: earth elementals were very proficient at controlling y or stone bodies, iron bodies could be controlled by earth or fire elementals, and water elementals could control bodies made of ice. Now, there was an oddside-effect to the process, which was both a boon and a problem.


    She ced her tools back into a nearby drawer.


    Pausing, professor Jules shifted one of the tools slightly so that it was perfectly straight and parallel with the others. She gave it a little nod of satisfaction and closed the drawer.


    What was the side-effect? Alex filled the cauldron with a solution of water and soap, then had his Wizards Hands begin to scrub it<strong></strong>while he began washing some sks.


    They became <em>highly</em> resistant to magic.


    Alex paused. Pardon?


    You see, a binding circles purpose is to form a barrier so that a creature caught within cannot exit nor use its magic outside, she said. When it was inside a golems body, it was not so much a circle as it was a binding knot. The elemental thenpletely filled that knot, raging within its prison.


    She paused, adding water to a nearby beaker until it was filled to the brim. Take this cup, for example. It is filled with water, isnt it?


    Thats rightthough there could be contaminants in there besides water, since that isnt distilled water, he said. Plus with the ambient mana around, theres going to be mana in there too. We cant know for sure whats in there unless we test it, but for the sake of your question, I think we can say that it is.


    Alex could see a smile reach Jules eyes through her mask. Good, Mr. Roth, I am pleased to see you were paying attention during my ss. And indeed, for our argument, it ispletely filled with water. So, to add anything else to the beaker, you would need to disce some of the water. Well, an elemental filling one of these golems was like the water in this ss: shoving away any magic that tried to touch the circle.


    Right, because unlike the water, the elemental was trapped in there and couldnt be shoved out. Andexcuse mynguageit was probably massively pissed off and its energy struck out at any other magic that touched it.


    Thats fairly close to urate. When youbine all of these aspects together, the binding knots function of keeping magic in, turned two ways; in and out: it edged out any magic that touched it. So, bound-elemental powered golems could not be controlled by mentalmandonly verbalbut in return, they were viciously effective bodyguards and weapons against other wizards.


    I can just imagine. Alex nced back at ygon as he set the cauldron and ssware to dry. He imagined his golem attacking him while being nearly immune to magic. What a terrifying scenario for a wizard. Even a regr golem was far physically superior to most mortal wizards, and if magic just sshed off of them like water, thered be little they could do exceptwell, get smashed.


    But then again


    I think I see the downside. If it edges out all magic, then it means you wont be able to cast any spells on it yourself. I took ygon into battle recently, and if Isolde wasnt able to cast a flight spell on him, we wouldve all been screwed.


    That is correct, Professor Jules said. A major limitation, but still, the design was seen as being very usefulfor a time.


    Let me guess, and not even an educated one, Alex said. Angry, enved elementals wouldnt exactly be super cooperative and eventually, the golems went berserk?


    En masse, she said grimly. When one broke its shackles and went berserk, it usually caused others nearby to do the same.


    And then everything went to hell.


    Absolutely. By then, alchemists had made incredible advancements with golem cores, so they were able to make them far safer. She finally took her mask off and blinked at Alex owlishly. And that is why we use golem cores these days.


    What about the Irtyshenan Empire? Alex asked. You said they still bind elementals to use in golems?


    She sighed. In a sensetheir wizards devised a means to effectively destroy an elementals mind upon its binding, like if one had simply injected acid through the skull and into the brain. With the mind destroyed, the elemental spirit is still there to power the golem, but it has no mind to resist, or actually move the body and process instructions. So, through some very clever design, those alchemists constructed a control system within the golem itself. An individual must sit inside the golems body to move and control it, which still provides a powerful, magically resistant body.


    Alex blinked, considering what professor Jules had just said. That sounds awfulbut great for whoevers controlling thisgolem, or I guess mechanized suit of armour. Theyd be dangerous, while being safe inside a magically hardened bodyempowered by an elementalthat''s resistant to magic. And, the golems body would be <em>directly</em> controlled by a sapient intellect. Thatthatd be pretty terrifying on the battlefield.


    It is, Jules said. Which is why the empire continues to make themout of the best materials, using their best crafterseven if the process is very long, expensive, involved, and cruel. I understand that knightly houses there are built upon being able to field these elemental war suits, just as the houses of knights in other realms are built around being able to afford armour and warhorses. It is why they enjoy the privilege ofnd, title and serfs.


    Alex frowned. Thisthis empire doesnt sound like a very nice ce.


    His professor gave him a look. There are few ces that are, Mr. Roth. Especially if you look long enough.


    One thing that Alex could say was that he didnt have to look very long at the location for his summoning ss to decide that it probably wasnt a nice ce.


    Instead of being within the main castle of Generasi, the Summoners Tower was built on campus a good distance from other buildings. It had a dark, sinister look to it: its stones werepletely covered in glyphs and runes from a dozen differentnguages and wizarding traditions. Most of the glyphs had a sharp, evil look to them, and some outright glowed in the mix of star and moonlight.


    Alex recognized them as protective sigils that kept otherworldly creatures sealed within the towers walls, and hed heard that those sigils were also ced in many of the chambers devoted to summoning within The Cells.


    Not really helping the image of the ce, were the sorts of studentsing in and out of it. They themselves werent the issuethey looked like normal Generasi students for the most partbut it was what was <em>following</em> them that gave one pause.


    Most had some sort of animal familiarlike Khalikbut they also had some kind of monstrouspanion tagging along with them. A tall, intimidating looking man had two devilish imps on his shoulders that were bickering in their infernal imp tongue. A tiny young womanwith a monkeys tailsat cross-legged on the back of a golden cloud-like air elemental, which hummed ominously as it floated.


    A fire elemental crackled through the air behind a burly orcish fellow, and something that looked like some sort of metal creature made entirely of floating des and chains drifted along in front of a young beast woman who resembled a spotted cat.


    The strange, metal creature made unnerving grinding and nking noises as it passed Alex. Other students had less ominous things following them, like sprites, butterflies and tiny spirits from other nes, but all in all, it made for a rather disquieting image.


    Alex pulled his cloak tighter around himself. Was he imagining it or had a chill suddenly swept through the air?


    He grew more ufortable as he remembered the demon and its horde of lesser demons that somebody conjured at Carey Londons rally, and he had a twinge that he might not fit in the summoning world. He was less of a followed around by an otherworldly monster guy and more of aa


    ygon, what kind of a guy am I? he asked his golem.


    Then he paused.


    Oh right, a followed around by an invincible doom golem kind of guy, he said tly.


    One thats made of parts of a horrible apocalyptic dungeon core, he mentally added. Maybe I will fit in with all these demon summoners, after all.


    Shaking his head, he kept walking toward the tower.


    The moment Alex stepped through the front doors, he got the feeling that much of the creepy atmosphere might have been intentional. The ground level of the tower had a strange haze in the air that smelled of smoke, forest, bog and ocean all at once. He couldnt help but be reminded of The Cave of the Traveller with its smells from all the ces its permanently open portals led to.


    Veiled in the haze were statues: the surface of the walls were carved with statues of dozens of different otherworldly beings that were made to look like they were emerging from the walls.


    Portals, Alex thought. The statues look like summoned creatures and the walls are supposed to be portals.


    Because of his sensitivity to mana in general, he realised that real portals <em>filled</em> the tower, and hisaffinity or whatever he had for teleportation magic, made him extra sensitive to magic that teleported, transported or conjured things.


    Thebination of those things had Alex feeling every summoning spell and portal throughout the tower, almost overwhelming him as he climbed the winding staircase. Of courseas was the case in every creepy story about a creepy wizards towerhis destination was at the very top. Naturally, there were a lot of stairs to climb, but atst, he reached his objective.


    Alex gasped.


    The ceilingmuch like that of the botanical gardenswaspletely transparent, and he could see the stars shining in the night sky above. One wall of the seminar room was stered with star charts and diagrams of the different nes. In the centre of the room was a summoning circle surrounded by the familiar glyphs as well asrge cushions arranged in a circle around it.


    It looked like he was the first person to arrive, which was no surprise since hede fairly early, as he usually did for his sses. He looked at the glyphs intently. Theyd been etched deep into the floor: no chance of a gust of wind or an idental spill ruining a chalk diagram here.


    Alex paused. The stone within the circle rippled like water.

 Chapter 176: The Power of Names

    Chapter 176: The Power of Names


    Alex stepped closer to ygon.


    A creeping feeling slithered along his skin; the kind of feeling he got when something was watching him. Though he couldnt <em>see</em> anything in the circle, a <em>presence</em> filled it, making the hair on the back of his neck creep up and cold sweat bead on his brow.


    He didnt see another soul around but he thought he heard screams from somewhere in the distance. Screaming, and the nking of chains. His eyes bore into the circle like a frightened childs trying desperately to see through the darkness of their room at night. Stone continued to ripple within the circle of glyphs. Slowly. Rhythmically.


    Then something shifted-


    Oh hello there.


    The cry that Alex let out was decidedly unmanly. He spun around and saw a woman standing in the corner of the room. She looked like she was unpacking supplies. A small cloud of thumb-sized creatureshumanoid but with hummingbird wingswere buzzing around her and working in groups to remove things from her bags.


    Uh, hey, he said, walking toward her. Professor Mangal?


    I am, I am, wee? she said.


    Alex, he said. And this is ygon, my golem.


    He made sure to introduce his golem very nicely and like he was a person. Alex had already begun to think of ygon as a person for the most part, butif there was even a chance that the golem was developing awarenessthen he wanted him to remember how <em>nice</em> Alex was to him, and not even the tiniest hint of mistreatment that could lead to rampaging and fiery vengeance.


    Ah, well wee to Summoning I, Alex. Her voice had a musical quality to it and her eyes were sharp. They looked at him for a moment as though memorizing his features, then nced up at ygon, then finally at the summoning circle. Did you notice our friend?


    Her eyes twinkled as she gazed at the circle. Hell be my show-and-tell for ss today. Come,e, have a seat, though your friend uhmygon might have to stand outside, depending on how full we get.


    Oh, Alex said, ncing at the circle again. If there was some giant ice-spewing demon in there, he wanted his golem to be as close as possible and not outside having to stoop through a door to save him. Well, can he fold up in a corner? He takes up a lot less space when hes crouching.


    That would be fine, but are you nervous? the tiny woman asked; she was even shorter than Professor Jules.


    No, not really nervous, just cautious. Its justIve seen something simr to what I think is in there. I was at that rally a while back.


    Something shed across her face. Was that a look of distaste? Ah. Well, I hope you do not think that all summoning results in those. We do not condone that sort of thing anymore than an alchemy professor would condone one of their students throwing vials of poisonous substances about.


    No, no, I didnt think that. He held up his hands and waved them. I know, I know: theres no department thats going to condone mad wizardry that causes random destruction. ...while youre a student here.


    From the way Baelin told it, it sounded like students did whatever they wanted to once they graduated.


    Good, if you know that, then we will likely get along well. Please, choose a seat and we shall await the arrival of the others.


    Alex mentally directed ygon to a corner of the room, then nced down at the summoning circle.


    Excitement and nerves filled him.


    He was dying to know what was lurking in there.


    Hello everyone and wee to the condensed summer offering of SUMM-1020: Summoning I, Professor Mangal said from her ce seated on a cushion.


    Alex looked around at the curious set up.


    Rather than the ss sitting at desks and facing a board, they were seated on cushions around the summoning circle. It was a small ssnot as small as Magical Botanybut it was clear that there were less students here in the summer. Alex wondered at the set upwhich was unlike any for his other coursesthough hed heard from Amir that many grad school seminars were set up in a circle rather than with students facing the board and professor.


    Before we begin, let us go over some ground rules for the ss. First of all, some of you might be confused about the seating arrangement. Well, one of the reasons for it is because I prefer a less formal set-up. I also do not find that the one typically used sends the right message to all of you: you are not small children for me to stand in authority over, and I am not much older than many of you. I think some of you might even be my elder.


    It was true, Alex had seen students that looked older than Professor Mangal.


    And so, in this rtionship we are entering into, I do not wish to convey that you are passive little children. You are my colleagues, and we are only separated by my experience with the art of summoning. With respect to this, I will generate certain rules, and then we shall generate others together in the seminar.


    She nced beside her and several of her little summoned friends flew up into the aireach holding opposite sides of arge piece of parchmentthen fluttered down beside her. One of the little creatures waved a hand, and a written rule appeared in golden ink:<ol><li><em>We will say what we prefer to be called, and you are to respect everyones wishes when ites to their preferred form of address.</em></li></ol>


    This is our first rule, professor Mangal said. It is a simple one, but it is to teach you something very important: the power of the name.


    Alex immediately whipped open his notebook and started jotting her words down.


    In summoning, you see, the name contains a certain measure of power. To name a thing is to ce abel upon it: to diminish it enough so that you can sum it up with a single word. Imagine if we did not have names?


    A smile broke out on her face, and she gestured to the ss. Do me a favour, someone sum me up without using my name.


    She looked around the ss hopefully.


    Eventually an elven student raised his hand. You are the professor for SUMM-1020.


    Am I now? Professor Mangal said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. The summoned creatures beside her broke out into little giggles. Is this the sum total of who I am? Just the professor of SUMM-1020? If so, then what happens when I am no longer teaching this ss? Do I cease to be?


    Er, the elven student continued, awkwardly moving his long, dark hair over his shoulder. No. Um, youre a woman.


    Oho, now we are getting somewhere. But, am I <em>only </em>a woman, like you are <em>only</em> a man? And what if you are incorrect on that ount? You look at me and see a woman, but we wizards can learn the art of shapeshifting. If I spend each day in a different body, then thebel of human, man, woman bes meaningless to the average passerby who sees me on a particr day. I have dark hair like you and darker skin and eyes, but again, these can change.


    Um, the student mused. Youre a wizard.


    That I am indeed, so we are narrowing it down. I am the wizard who is professor of SUMM-1020. But many people match this description. How can we narrow it further, without the name?


    Um, Im sorry professor, the student said. I dont think I can without knowing more about you.


    <em>Exactly,</em> she said. And might I have your name?


    Ragnar.


    Is that how you prefer to be called?


    Yes.


    Excellent, and so I shall call you Ragnar, delight danced in her eyes as she looked at the ss. And do you see the wonderful magic spell we just performed? Instead of having to sit here and tell you all a host of physical descriptions, and histories, and rtionships, I can instead call to Ragnar with a <em>single</em> word. With one word, I can now identify Ragnar to all of you in a way that he will acknowledge. And if Ragnar were to say Professor Mangal or Garima or even Garima Mangal, then I would answer to all of these names and acknowledge them. And that is a keystone to summoning.


    She gestured to the summoning circle. If I made this fancy circle and then just saide forth anything, I would not go very far when ites to conjuring an otherworldly spirit. But if I <em>name</em> the type of creature I wish to bring forth, then magic will know what kind of creature I wish to call. If I <em>name</em> a single creature and have the image of who I am naming in my mind and heart, then the right spell will pluck that exact spirit to my side. Hence, why names are important. And to be respected.


    She gestured to the parchment. And that means <em>any</em> name, as long as it is acknowledged by the bearer of that name. Common misinformation persists that a thing such as a true name exists. One singr name by which the universe knows us. That is impossible. Through life we are called many different thingsnick-names, first names,st names, changed namesand if we acknowledge them, they are valid. Evenbels and insults. If you are walking along and someone calls you an asshole, is that who you are? Who here has been called this at some point in their lives?


    Alex was the first to raise his hand, and most of the other students raised theirs. Awkwardughter spread through the circle.


    Professor Mangal chuckled. A peculiar insult: I see norge, naked behinds in this room and yet some people <em>insist</em> that is the bestbel for us. But, let me say this. Perhaps you are called an asshole in response to you doing something that you felt embarrassed about. And then you have this moment of: maybe I <em>am</em> an asshole. And for that moment, you feel like you are, despite this being aplete physiological impossibility. Why? Because you acknowledged it and entertained that word as being able to sum you up.


    Alex blinked, as he took in Professor Mangals words.


    A disturbing thought struck him.


    He had gone through hard times in his life, particrly where his parents death was concerned: hed grown used to not dwelling on difficult situations, negative feelings, and terrible events in order to stay sane. It was the best way for him to keep a bnced state of mind.


    When Theresa had introduced him to meditation, hed expanded on not dwelling on things by expending less energy and focus on The Mark parading his own failures at him. Hed learned to acknowledge them, but then let them go.


    What if he hadnt had those coping abilities? He thought of what he was like before the fire that had ended his parents'' lives: just a regr kid with regr insecurities and emotions whod never really thought about mastering them.


    The Fool wouldve been mming his every failure into his head over and over whenever he tried to do something it didnt want him to. The Alex that he was now could move on from thoughts like that as just memories.


    But younger Alex? One less sure of himself who had less experience dealing and coping with harsh emotions so that they wouldnt consume him?


    He probably wouldve ended up seeing himself through a lens of failure. He might even see himself as nothing more than that: an endless stream of failures. His jaw tightened. How exactly did <em>that </em>fit with Uldars great n?


    And so, in summoning, we respect the names that we acknowledge: said correctly and pronounced correctly. but, here I am, going off onto a tangent, ah, yes, you have a question?


    Leni, said a petite woman. I was thinkingcan you not force something to acknowledge a name or title? If a ruler elevates you to noble status, then you have a title you are called by. If you are found to be a criminal, then you bear thatbel of criminal.


    Ah yes, that is very true, Professor Mangal sighed. In life, we encounter many words that we are forced to acknowledge. Widow and orphan being some of them. But in summoning, the magic simply does not work that way. Think of it like this, if I call someone widow! on the street, then most peopleeven widowsare not likely to turn around and assume that I am speaking to them in particr. It is the same in summoning: a name orbel is useless if it is called and no one answers. But, we shall go into this in further detailter. Let us finish our rules, and then I have something to show you, and after we havepleted our rules, then they will be our <em>contract</em> in the ss. Contracts in summoning are nearly as important as names.


    Alex suddenly thought of Hobb and how hed mentioned that he had a contract with Generasi; and how the shoggoth professor Jules had summoned had entered into a deal with her.


    He was getting excited about learning more about that aspecthe thought back to names. Professor Mangal said that pronunciation was important.


    It looked like he had even more reasons to focus on learning othernguages using The Mark now.

 Chapter 177: The War-Spirit

    Chapter 177: The War-Spirit


    One by one, members of the summoning ss raised their hands to suggest rules for the seminar. It took a bit of encouragement for Professor Mangal to get someone to speak up at first, but once that first person did, others soon followed.


    By the end, the long sheet of parchment was covered in glowing ink thatid out the so-called rules of engagement for the ss. Most were fairly simple: respect during discussions, avoiding disruptions, and that sort of thing.


    They were simrfor the most partto the rules from other sses, but the effect on the ss because theyd been involved in crafting them, was interesting. The students who had spoken up looked more engaged than before, with a more rxed air about them.


    Alex observed their reactions and the arrangement of the circle.


    Its an illusion, he thought.


    Except for a few individual preferences, the rules were much the same as in any other ss. Despite professor Mangals statement that they were colleagues, <em>she </em>was actually the one with the power in the course: they couldnt exactly pass or fail her, but <em>she</em> would be evaluating their performances and impacting their futures in many ways with either a pass or a fail.


    Still, maybe there was value in that illusion. Alex thought about his own cabal. They had no leader, and that had worked pretty well for them. Would things have gone as well if Thundar was the leader and just dictated what they should and shouldnt do? Shales workshop had a definite hierarchy, but the workers had the ability to choose how to go about their jobs. It was quite a different feeling to how McHarris managed the bakery and its staff in his heavy-handed and authoritarian way.


    Alex wondered if he wouldve reacted differently ifinstead of The Mark being thrust on him then him being left to fend for himself with only duty as a guidehed been weed by Uldars priests and given a choice.


    He thought of how Baelin treated everyone in his ss, and how much they loved him. Meanwhile, professor Ramwhod taught him force magicwas technically correct in the points hed made about casting speed, but the way hed dictated them, made it so that Alex didnt like the man to this day.


    He nced at ygon, crouched in a corner of the room.


    If there was a mind brewing in thereand it wasnt horrifyingly evilthen Alex would want to see it grow by nurturing it, not smothering it. Sure, he and ygon were connected, but he could only see positives in having fathered an intelligent golem who followed him willingly.


    He filed those thoughts away forter.


    If it turned out that ygon wasnt sapient, then there likely wouldnt be much opportunity for him to be leading things in the near future anyway.


    Our sheet of paper is now transformed, Professor Mangal said, then spoke quietly to her little friends, who fluttered to the side of the room and ced the list in a ce of prominence. It was once a piece of parchment, nowby our agreement and wishesit is a contract: a contract between us that we have made together. Now, I want you to watch me carefully and brace yourselves. This will sting a little.


    She raised her hands and fixed her eyes on the circle.


    Her face seemed to be filled with steel.


    And then she spoke a single word.


    Alex winced and several of the other students yelped. Although the professors lips moved and he was sure shed said <em>something</em>, he had no idea <em>what </em>shed said. Whatever it was, it came out as only <em>pain </em>and metal grinding on metal in his ears.


    A heartbeatter, the stone in the circle began to ripple violently. He felt more of the summoning magic reach out, then the presence within the circle solidified.


    <em>Crack</em>.


    Thunder snapped through the room and something rose from the stone. At first, it looked like the tile was warping and rising; something was pushing it up from beneath, like a hand pushing up against a nket. Then it became clear that whatever it was, it was part of the stone itselfor had camouged itself to look like the stone. Like the shapeshifting the professor had talked about earlier.


    The form rose until it would have towered well above Baelin or Thundar, but not to the height of ygon or Grimloch. Stone warped, bing more defined in shape; the rock took on a metallic sheen and began to change.


    From somewhere far off, Alex thought he heard the sound of iron pounding on iron.


    First, humanoid arms moulded out of the shape.


    Then a pair of legs.


    Long objects snapped out from the creaturefilling the space within the circleforming a pair of wings with feathers that glistened like steel. As the details of its shape formedmetallic muscture, flesh and haira ring of metal shimmered into being.


    The halo of steel encircled its human-like head.


    <em>Schnk.</em>


    Spikes, like thorns on a vine, emerged on the steel surface.


    The metallic, winged humanoid gazed at the surprised students with an unreadable look. Then it fixed its eyes on their professor.


    Something about itdidnt seem right.


    Alex knew that it was physically present, but there was an aspect of it that just didnt make sense to his mind. His brain couldnt sort it out. It was like looking at his own room and realizing that something important was out of ce, but having no idea what it could be.


    With every sound it made, he seemed to hear the sh of metal on metal and screams like during the monster attack at the patrizia''s ball. The scent of blood drifted into his nostrils. The creatures every movement seemed to offer a threat of violence.


    Despite this, its face looked rxed.


    In some ways, that made it worse.


    The otherworldly spirit nodded to Professor Mangal with a look of respect and said something in a metallic, grindingnguage. She responded with the same words, and Alex found it hard to hear such soundsing from a human throat.


    A bow of respect passed between them, then the spirit rose to attention like a soldier. It paused, taking note of ygon. Alexs heartbeat quickened. The creature tensed for a moment.


    Processing.


    Assessing.


    Then its face returned to its rxed state.


    Alex had to tear his eyes away when the professor spoke to them.


    Everyone, this is Then-Arus, a War-Spirit of Steel sworn to the Engeli of The ne of Akero. At least that is his name in our Common tongue: in the pronunciation of hisnguage, we hear it only as metal and pain, she introduced the otherworldly entity as though she were introducing a friend at a tea party. And I have summoned him many times for many reasons. Is he not magnificent? He has been fighting on battlefields across nes since before there was a single sapient mortal in Generasi, but you know what he does not like? Being summoned.


    She said something to the war-spirit in that grinding tongue. There was a twitch of one of its steel lips. Was that amusement? Or was it preparing to snarl and sink its teeth into her.


    Alex raised his hand. Uh, he looks pretty calm for someone who doesnt like being summoned.


    An important observation, Alex, Profess Mangal said. If most others would have summoned him, he would not be like this. He would be raging against their circle and looking for a way to kill them. But together, he and I have developed a working rtionship, and so he is willing to donate some of his infinite time when I call him. This alliance came to be because we too established rules when I first summoned him. By following those, we developed respect for one another and can now work together quite nicely. To me, this is the pinnacle of the summoners art but, in fact, there are three major categories of summoning.


    She listed them off on her fingers. Subjugation, the Binding Contract, and the Rtional Contract. Subjugation is the simplest and what I shall teach you first. Oh, and I suggest writing this down.


    The students dragged their eyes away from Then-Arus and began taking notes.


    Subjugation lies in the simplest of summoning spells: in short, the spells mana circuit enwraps the summoned creature in a sort of temporary cage as it drags the creature from whichever ne you choose. You simply say its name, or name the type of creature, then cast your spell, and it will be whisked to your side. Wizards who <em>dabble</em> in summoning, will only use this method. It is simple. It can make you feel strong, but if you remain tethered to this method, then you will never grow as a summoner.


    She nced fondly at the fluttering little spirits around her, smiled and called them to her side. They quickly flew over with glee, and nuzzled against her. Do you see this? Impossible with subjugation type summoning spells. Those work in a pinch, but they are temporary and limited. They also require a lot of mana, and so the wizard casting them can only summon creatures that are far less powerful than their technical capability will allow. You can summon many creatures in this way, but that method willg in powerpared to the rest of your magic. This can be circumvented through the use of certain rituals that ce firm control on such creatures. But these rituals are long, require much preparation, and can only keep a creature on the ne and under your control for so long. Subjugation has its uses: sometimes you need to conjure something you have no desire to speak tofoul creaturesand so simply forcing them to do your will is effective.


    She gave them the sternest look Alex had seen on her face since ss began. But, if you attempt to subjugate something too powerful, it will either ignore your callor worse to you and break free from your control. Which, obviously will have the most dire of consequences. For more powerful creatures and for those you wish to speak to: there is a better way. The Fae WizardMorganfamously studied faerie and devil magic and adapted it to the art of summoning. Both creatures value pacts and someones unbreakable word, and she managed to craft spells that infused this sort of magic into summoning. When one casts a spell from the Binding Contract type of summoning, one is enacting her work. This sort of magic does not subjugate a creature, but keeps it sealed within a circle of power until it agrees to a bargain. You must offer something, and it must receive something: once it epts, then it is under the power of the contract until such time that its service isplete.


    She spread her hands. I cannot stress how superior of a method this is. It requires more time, so it cannot be used in the heat of battle, but a contract that a spirit has agreed tounder that magicis far stronger than spells that simply subjugate."


    Alex thought back to when professor Jules summoned the shoggoth. It was trapped in the cauldron until it agreed to her terms. Perhaps that was the sort of magic she used to summon it.


    Ragnar raised his hand. How old is this magic?


    <em>Old,</em> Professor Mangal said. Morgan was <em>ancient</em>. Summoning is believed to be one of the first forms of wizardry: perhaps the very first going back to when a wizard noticed shamans conjuring servants of gods they worshipped, and somehow managed to do something simr by drawing on other powers.


    Alex imagined that, then thought about The Traveller. Did she conjure servants of Uldar? She already had that unique magic, so maybe she had.


    Of course, the downside of this form of magicagainis that it requires much ritual, chanting, concentration and the spells are rtively crude and mana-hungry by todays standards. Also, a clever creature might attempt to circumvent the contract through wit or twist its terms to your ruin. After all, it is under duresseven if you do offer it properpensation. If you do not? Then remember that the creatures we summon are far older than we are, with far more time to gather allies. Even if it cannot find its way back to you on its own, perhaps it will ask the next wizard that summons it to kill <em>you</em> as its price.


    Note to self, Alex wrote. Do not try to rip-off any horrifying creatures from beyond the material world.


    This is why the final method isin my opinionthe best, though it is the most time consuming and often least reliable. She held out her hand and let one of her tiny friends perch on her palm. So, what if you did not merely summon temporary ves or those whove bargained with you under duress. What if you summoned <em>allies? </em>Remember our contract from the beginning of ss? No one forced you to sign it. No one forced you to make up rules. We sat down, as adults, and we agreed to terms, and so there is some of all of us in our contract. Therefore, we do not harbour bad feelings about it, and we want to follow it because it is ours.


    Alex blinked.


    So thats what that had been about.


    Then he had a thought: he always tried to remember and use peoples names because it made them more likely to be friendly. It showed that you paid attention and cared


    He raised his hand.


    Ah, yes Alex?


    So the name thingis that just for the spellor is it also about respect? Its on my mind because my prof was talking about that in magical botany. You need to respect your summoned ally, since he paused, searching for the right words. because not even knowing its name or mispronouncing it is a bad way to start a rtionship.


    Perfectly said! she pped. And that is another reason why names are so important. To give your name is to allow yourself to be called, and to say a name properly is to show respect. This is of course why sometimes <em>refusing</em> to give a name is protective, and in some ways, even hostile.


    Alex blinked.


    His mind went back to The Traveller.


    <em>The Traveller.</em>


    That was the only name she was ever called in any reference hed ever seen. The only name she was known by: one that was little more than a generic title.


    For the first time, he found himself considering that and wondering what her name actually was. And if perhaps its absence from history meant anything.


    Refusing to give a name is protective, Mangal had said. And in some ways hostile.


    That was true in many ways. Refusing to give your name could be seen as rude. Using a fake name was often done to protect yourself from some sort of consequence, or from being identified.


    Maybe he was reading too much into it, but The Traveller was a woman that had carved a temple in the eartha beloved Saint of the realm and a Heroand yet, there was no readily avable record of her name as far as he knew. She; a Saint of Uldar, had also built a hidden temple containing statues of goddesses that Alex had never seen, or heard of before.


    She definitely had secrets.


    And if she hadnt left her name behind.


    What was she being protective of?


    Who was she being hostile to?

 Chapter 178: Relations Across the Planes

    Chapter 178: Rtions Across the nes


    Alex jotted down his thoughts.


    Maybe The Travellers name was written somewhere, maybe it wasnt. He doubtedthat if it wasit would be in the universitys library. Baelin had looked there for histories about The Traveller and had only found information that wasmonly avable; like general history books from Thamnd.


    For the first time since he''d gotten The Mark, he began to wish he could go near a priest: they might know the story behind why her name was absent frommon records. Alex tapped his pen on his notebook. Maybe he could ask Theresa to talk to the few priests of Uldar who were still in Generasi. It shouldnte across as strange or suspicious for a young woman from Alric to be talking to them about her hometowns patron saint.


    When casting a spell using rtional contract summoning, Professor Mangal said. You send out a call that spreads across the nes. If you speak the name of a specific creature, then that creature will hear it. If you speak the name of that specific type of creature, then many will hear it. Butunlike with subjugational and binding summoningit cannotpel a creature to answer you. Instead, potential summoned creatures are given avague indication of who is conjuring them andif you are presenting an offering to the creaturean idea of what your offering is.<strong></strong>It is then up to them to decide whether or not they answer your call.


    She pointed to the circle. Much like in binding contract summoning, the spirit appears in a protective circle; I cannot emphasize enough the importance of the circle. It must be <em>perfect</em>, becauseif a summoned spirit bes hostilethe circle is your main protection against their anger.<em></em>In rtional summoninglike in binding summoningthose summoned cannot exit the circle, but they <em>can</em><strong></strong>retreat back to where they came from whenever they wish. In this way, this sort of summoning is safer since the spirit can retreat, which means that they can return to their home ne rather than attack you.


    She stroked the head of one of her littlepanions. But this ability to retreat is why you must ensure that whatever you offer interests what youve summoned. From there, if the creature is interested in the offer and stays, you begin to negotiate. This could involve appealing to it or offering more payment.<strong></strong>Once an agreement is reached, the magic in the circle activates to ensure the terms agreed to are binding, but the magic is even stronger because all parties are not under duress.


    A short student raised her hand. Professor, what do these spirits want that they cant already get? Why would they bother with you once<em><strong></strong></em>they have your offering? Wouldnt they just leave?


    You would be surprised at what you can get for surprisingly little, and with the promise of potentially more, Professor Mangal said. Keep in mind that these are creatures from other nes: what ismon here, might be rare in the extreme there. The other aspect to consider is that these creatures are immortal: they have infinite time. One of my teachers once contracted an Elysian nymph for forty years of service as a protector of her estate and to model for her sculpture. In return? All it asked for was for one statue: my teacher simply had to give the nymph the first sculpture that she made of it. Such a thing seemspletely imusible, but to the nymph, forty years out of infinite time is payment from an infinite resource: in other words, essentially negligible. Does that answer your question?


    The student nodded, quickly taking a note.


    So yes, once the initial contract is fulfilled, the summoner might then call the creature again since their initial contact was mutually beneficial. In time, these contacts develop into an actual reciprocal rtionship: the spirit and summoner be allies, and so a permanent bond is formed. Then-Arus and I are not friends, but we are allies: I know that I can rely on him and he can ask favours of me. With this in ce, I can now summon him without the use of protective circles or bargains or anything else, much like how you can simply call on one who is close to you. He only remains in the circle now to illustrate a point.


    She nodded to him.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    The students all jumped at the same time. Some stood, prepared to run for the door.


    The war-spirits forearm had warped into a de and suddenly shot forward. Alexs jaw dropped; he hadnt even seen it move. Yet, the point of the de was pressed against the boundary of the circle. Just as with the shoggoth that Jules had summoned, the war-spirit couldnt pierce the circle.


    Everyone let out a sigh of relief.


    Then-Arus did something that made them scream and scramble away from the circle.


    The war-spirit <em>jumped.</em> He soared into the air in a straight line, and thenafter reaching a certain heightsoared <em>out</em> of the circle andnded beside Professor Mangal.


    He was free. His de glinted in the light.


    But as the students scrambled to escape and Alex was about to call ygon, Professor Mangal raised her hands.


    It is alright! she said, smiling. This is part of the demonstration. Please remember: a summoning circle is not a circle in the strict sense of the word. It is a cylinder: you must build in the correct glyphs to project a second circle above so that aplete cylinder--with a top that is closed--is formed, otherwise if they desire to do so, the spirit can simply jump or fly over the top if they are capable.


    Finally.


    She pointed to a corner of the room where Alex noticed a bunch of ck, heavy robes hanging from hooks. He was sure they hadn''t been there when hed entered the room.


    There is an image that many have, that like cultists, summoners wear dark, heavy robes with hoods for some nefarious purpose. The robes, in fact, do have a practical purpose. It iswhen you summon a creature that you do not know, you may guard your identityshould the creature escape or desire revenge against you. You may reveal your name and face when you determine it is safe to do so.


    She smiled. And that, ss, introduces you to the very basics of the three types of summoning. This semester we will concentrate on each one, starting with the simplest: subjugation. Summon Elemental Beetle will be the first spell we learn, but before we do thatwe will learn how to draw circles. The circle is the basis for higher summoning, and so drawing one correctly is crucial. That might seem tedious but


    She paused. it is the first step in being able to call the cosmos to your purpose. I promise, it will get very interesting very fast.


    Alex looked up at the war-spirit and took a deep breath to calm his pounding heart.


    If this ss was going to get anymore interesting, then he just might have a heart attack before the summer was done.


    <em>Training Day 6 Take-II</em>


    <em>Spells Known:</em>


    <em>Force Spells:</em>


    <em>Forceball, Forcedisk, Generalized Force Construct</em>


    <em>Wizards Hand, Lesser Force Armour</em>


    <em>Force Shield, Protective Force Rectangle, Force Missile (Impractical; Do Not Use this One),</em>


    <em>Protective Force Weapon (Protective Force Crooked Long Rectangle)</em>


    <em>Elemental Spells:</em>


    <em>Orb of Air, Lesser Heat, Summon Stone, Call Through Ice</em>


    <em>Teleportation Spells:


    </em>


    <em>Call Through Ice</em>


    <em>Summoning Spells:</em>


    <em>Summon Stone (again)</em>


    <em>Spells to Be Learned by Summers End:</em>


    <em>Force Armour (In Progress - 20%)</em>


    <em>Body Strengthening</em>


    <em>Call Through Air</em>


    <em>Lesser Phantom Disy</em>


    <em>Life to Mana</em>


    Alex looked over his progress with a satisfied grin. It was good to look back on how far hede from time to time. On days he felt tired or stressed, it helped to keep him moving forward, and it also helped him to have a written record of what spells he could build on.


    Since the early weeks of first year, hed been making lists like that because they helped him when it was time to choose spells or take new courses. They really gave him a good idea of where to direct his progression.


    It was time for physical training. Alex dropped to the ground and began three sets of push-ups. He counted each one out loud while the wind rustled through the copse of trees he was training under. Reaching the location beside the sea called for a nice, warm-up run, and the warm summer breeze made being there extremely pleasant.


    Recently, being there reminded him of home. Which was strange since Alric was nowhere near the sea. Maybe it was because of nostalgia that hit him when he looked at the Prinean Sea and remembered that Theresas parents would soon be arriving by ship. There were times when he caught the scent of the sea breeze that he half expected the ship carrying them to crest the horizon and for them to be on the deck waving at him.


    With a deep breath, he finished hisst set of push-ups, stretched, then wrote down the final count.


    <em>Three Sets Push-Ups: BEGAN. 150, 150, 150 DONE. TOTAL = 450</em>


    He chuckled as he remembered the very first entry hed ever made recording the number of pushups he could do:


    <em>Three Sets of Push-Ups: BEGAN. 9,8,7. DONE. TOTAL=25</em>


    Eighteen times as many pushups as when hed first started doing them. Now, 25 was only a warm up. And these days, his form and technique were perfect: no more shaking and shuddering for him. That was progress.


    Next, he turned to ygon and had him stick his arm out. With a powerful jump, Alex grabbed his golems extended arm and used it as a pull up bar to do pull ups to failure. Then, after a longer stretch, he sat down and began to work on force armour.


    His progress was going very well.


    The spell array was moreplicated than for Lesser Force Armour. Hepared the difference to how suits of armour were moreplex to design and forge depending on how much of the body they covered, and the kind of armour being made. Force armour spells grew moreplex with their levels.


    It covered more of the body, so it needed a magic circuit to guide mana to more areas around the body. It was also stronger than Lesser Force Armour so it required more mana, which added another level ofplexity to it as well. Thankfully, his experience with force magic was helping him progress through the spell faster than hed expected.


    This was good. The extra protection would be nice.


    He could hardly wait to progress to the point where he could learn the strongest of the force spells: Greater Force Armour. The second-tier version: Force Armour, covered different parts of the body in protective tes of force, but Greater Force Armourpletely shielded it in a force mesh that was flexible to the caster, but as hard as steel against attackers. That would be a great spell to tinker with when he finally got there.


    But, it wasnt time to think about that yet.


    Alex continued practicing the spell for about an hour, guiding himself through The Marks interference and making slow but steady progress in mastering the spell array. At the end of the hour, he paused and made a note in his notebook.


    <em>Force Armour Progress 20%>30%.</em>


    Good. Very good.


    Putting the notebook away for the time being, he decided to switch to something else. Doing something else for a while let his mind refocus, refreshing his concentration, and allowing him to process what hed learned.


    He tapped his chin, deciding what task would be next.


    His eyes slowly drifted to the pic basket hanging from his forceball, and the urge to lie down in the copse of trees and eat grapes until he nodded off was temptingbut that would be forter.


    He could read and memorize his textbooks, especially since he had two to read for Magical Botany, but he was making good progress with them and really felt like doing something different.


    Maybe he could work on designs for a while.


    He slowly took out a notebookthest one hed used when building ygonand flipped to the back, stopping on a page with the title:


    <em>Selinas Super Special Awesome Gift</em>


    Beneath it were the beginnings of a diagram for a magical device. It was one hed encountered before, and one he was excited to start building. It was simple enough for him to try enchanting on his ownespecially since hed built ygonplus he could get the supplies from Shales workshop at a discount.


    If things went well, not only would it be a great gift, but it would open the door to more advanced forms of alchemy.


    Images of vaults of enchanted items danced through Alexs head.

 Chapter 179: Messenger Constructs and Limits

    Chapter 179: Messenger Constructs and Limits


    Messenger constructs were rtively simplepared to golems; they didnt require a constant connection to a master or an ability to process mentalmands.


    Instead, they only needed simple enchantments that allowed them to recognize a destination, and then the ability to navigate to it. From there, they would use whatever form of propulsion that the creator had built into it and seek out the destination. The receiver would take the message and the messenger would then return home, bearing a reply or not, depending on its instructions.


    Moreplex versions could travel farther, operate in areas without Generasis high ambient mana, and navigate directly to a recipient, no matter the weather. Some could even defend themselves against attacks or fight off anyone trying to intercept the message they were carrying using magic or force.


    Alex had decided that for his purposes, hed keep things high quality, yet simple: the messenger construct he was nning to make would be able to fly and navigate through things like fog, but he would leave out weaponry for now.


    After all, it was going to be a present for a soon-to-be eleven year old.


    Hed gotten the idea from Selina talking about wanting her own golem. When hed been hired at Shales, theyd informed him that hed gotten the job by sending a messenger construct with a letter. The construct had looked like a giant dragonfly. Remembering that, Alex had realized that a construct like that would make for a hell of a gift for his sister.


    He was sure shed like it since it was a construct just like a golem, and itd be a cool way for her tomunicate with him or her friends on campus. Itd also be a good teaching tool since they could talk about the internal construction of her magical messenger, which he knew shed be really interested in.


    Also, building one would give him practice in designing and crafting a new kind of magical item yet, it would be simr enough to a golem that hed befortable trying to make one on his own.


    He looked down at his design.


    The messenger from Shales had been a dragonfly, but the construct didnt <em>have </em>to take that shape since the shape of a flying construct didnt really matter.


    If hed wanted to really bore her, he could design it to be a floating sphere like his forceball with a hook attached for mail.


    He chuckled to himself; she definitely would hate that. For a brief moment, he entertained himself by imagining himself handing her a beautifully wrapped present only for her to unwrap it and find a big, red painted sphere inside.


    See Selina? Now, youll be just like yourme big brother! hedugh maniacally while she red at him. Or maybe punched him...


    He shook the image away.


    The key to making a messenger construct fly was a flight enchantment. There were ways to make one glide with just the wind, or with the wind and its wings, but true flight needed some kind of magical propulsion. And the thing with magical flight was that it made specific shapes unnecessary. Any shape would work. Even a hulking bull whod drunk a flight potion would fly just as quickly as a lean creature whod drunk the same potion, but giving the construct an aerodynamic shape, would definitely make it fly faster.


    A well-designed caravel cuts through the sea much faster than a big, clumsy barge, he thought.


    At least since the wings didnt have to be functional, he could focus purely on aesthetics. Hed even heard of some custom messenger constructs that had like sixteen wings on them, though he had no idea what the aesthetic appeal of something looking like that was.


    For Selina, though, he figured hed go with something that shed like. His sister loved Najyah, the princes familiar, and while he didnt want to make a messenger construct that big, he thought shed like something with a simr shape.


    Alex flipped open a book on falconry from the library, turning to a bookmarked page on the anatomical structures of gyrfalcons, which showed them perching or in flight. Gyrfalcons were handsome, graceful birds of prey that were often bought and trained by royalty around the world, ording to the book. Alex had thought they looked pretty cool, and Khalik had told him about one that was bought by a prince for twenty thousand gold pieces at an auction in Ar-Bishah, in the deserts south east of the Prinean Sea.


    Alex shook his head: one of the worst mistakes hed ever made was not being born rich.


    His diagram for the construct copied many aspects of the falcons body structure; hed made sure to get the proportions as close as possible to the real bird. Taking up his pen, he continued sketching out the wing using The Mark to enhance his skill at drawing, but recently hed run into a bottleneck.


    When hed first started learning certain skills using The Mark, hed grow by leaps and bounds almost every day. As his sesses built on each other, The Mark had more memories to draw from, which increased the rate he was growing at even more. Lately, though, he''d noticed that with certain skills, his level of proficiency wasnt really growing as much anymore.


    His sketches were pretty much life-like now, and he could create them very quickly. The Mark had helped him learn how simple shapes came together to make moreplex shapes. How a series of long ovals could turn into the feathers of a wing once he erased certain lines. With these principles down, he continued getting faster with his sketches, but he wasnt growing much further as an artist.


    The Mark in no way inspired him to paint wondrous things from his own imagination. Hed once had the idea of trying to improve his imagination, so hed thought about when hed imagined creative stuff in the past.


    The Mark had shown him images of when hed thought up wild ideas, but it hadnt provided anything new.


    That had led him toe to a hypothesis: that maybe The Mark might eventually hit a limit when growing someones skill since it couldnt generate creativity on its own. And innovation often came from creativity. So Alex could grow his technical skill in art all he wanted: he figured he could <em>copy</em> paintings hed seen hanging in the schools main castle, but to think them up? He didnt have that in him.


    And so, the bottleneck.


    Yet, in something that he was passionate aboutlike alchemy or bakinghe found he could continue growing as he gained new experiences and tried new ideas.


    Another potential limit had urred to him when he was researching dances for the ball: the limits of his body. Different races created dances for their unique bodies: like the Hoof Parade Dance of the Centaurs. Alex didnt have hooves or four legs, so there wasnt really any way for him to learn it.


    It all made him wonder if any of the other Marks had limits too.


    It sounded like they might have some, just from what hed heard about them.


    The Mark of the Champion granted an individual massive strength and speed, and the skill and experience of all previous Champions. In some ways, it was like a reverse of the Mark of the Fool. The Champion would get all of their skill and experience front-loaded, and then be granted physical abilities that allowed them to use that skill, instead of having to learn all of it on their own at an elerated speed.


    It was convenient, but there was a bit of a trap in that.


    If The Champion wasnt already a skilled fighter and just decided not to grow after receiving The Mark, then they would stagnate. The possibilities gave him something to think about while he was drawing, and hed be skilled enough that his mind could wander without him making a mista-


    He paused, looking down at the diagram.


    Hed made a mistake. Of course.


    Sighing, he erased it.


    Once hed finished sketching out another part of the diagram, he looked over at his ingredients list. Like with ygon, hed be making a sort of core thatd be able to interpret the simple instructions the construct would be given while it was delivering a message. The core would also power its enchantments.


    A flight enchantment would be built into the core, as well as an alchemical replication of Orb of Air, which would cut down on wind resistance by surrounding the construct in a wind-shield when it flew. Finally, he would design the constructs core to give it enough power to lift small packages and power it outside of Generasis ambient mana. He figured the construct would make for a pretty poor gift if it was just a dead hunk of metal whenever Selina left Generasi with it.


    The design would make the ingredients more expensive. Expensive enough for him to want some extra coin.


    He nced up at ygon.


    I hope youre ready forbat, buddy, because youre going to be getting plenty of it soon.


    Oh? Are we being invaded?


    Oh Sweet Saint of Alric! Alex swore, spinning around.


    Theresa had approached him from behind, as silent as dead air. She gave him a crooked smile. Hows it going?


    Well, it was going well and then I think you cut ten years off my lifespan. Come ere.


    He spread his arms.


    She cocked her head, and her ck ponytail bounced behind her. Why?


    I wanna hug.


    Get ygon to hug you, she said, and a slight smile fought its way across her lips.


    Alex shrugged, looking at ygon. Guess youre my girlfriend now. Or boyfriend, I guess. Rock-friend?


    Oh by Uldar, Alex. The huntress rolled her eyes and hugged him. Why are you such a dork?


    I know you are, but what am I?


    She groaned and buried her forehead into his chest.


    He chuckled. Whats up?


    Nothing much, she said into his shirt. Selinas with Khalik, Brutus and Najyah. I finished my geography book, so I thought Id see what you were up to.


    Not much, to be honest, just working on Selinas present, he said.


    Oh yeah, the little bird messenger? She slid out of his arms and looked down at the diagram. Well, I dont know what all the little symbols mean, but it looks like a bird. But whats this I hear aboutbat?


    Oh, well I was thinking. Alex nced up at ygon again. Remember when we beat the xyrthak and Baelin said that the ss might be able to do some monster hunting on our own?


    Mhm.


    And how our payout from the dune worm looks like its going to be pretty big?


    Oooooh. Her eyes lit up. So youre thinking about doing a little bit of hunting for some extra coin?


    He shrugged. Why not? With one less ss, Ive got some free time, and if we go an entire summer without a fight, Im gonna get rusty. Andzy. And bby.


    She chuckled. You, Alex Roth, want to go hunting monsters? On his own initiative? I never thought Id see the day.


    Hey, I signed up for Baelins ss! And defeated two mana vampiresand those w monsters!


    Which is all really awesome, but likeI dunno. This is different from taking a ss or getting attacked. Its differentmonster hunting on your own, thats like fireside story kind of stuff.


    Its for coin. He shrugged. And besides, Ive got a killing machine with meand also ygon.


    She burst into giggles. Now you sound like my parents. Id love toe with you, if youre hunting monsters in the countryside or Barrens.


    He smiled, reminded of that night nearly a year ago when Theresa had walked into his room and asked toe with him on his journey to Generasi. The more things changed, he supposed, the more they stayed the same.


    Id love to have youe with me. We could make a date out of it! he joked.


    She froze, looking at him closely. Alexare you asking me to go monster-hunting with you? As a date?


    He paused, his mind whirling quickly. Did he really just say that? Had they even been on a proper date before? Oh by Uldar, they hadnt! Hed just told his girlfriend that he wanted to take her to go hunt monsters for their first da-


    Thats awesome! A huge smile broke on her face. Id love that!


    His breath was nearly knocked from his body as she hugged him again, with her enhanced strength.


    Ive always wanted you toe hunting with me!


    Y-yeah, he said, using The Mark to keep a straight face as he slowly hugged her back. J-Just as nned.


    He nced at ygon. If youve got a mind brewing in there, do not ever let a word of this slip out to anyone!


    Alex pulled his cloak around himself and nced around the crowd, and then at Theresa, Selina, Khalikwho had Najyah on his shoulderand ygon.


    Brutus was guarding the apartmentby probably sleeping. Theresa had promised to bring him back some food.


    He scanned the crowd again, just in case there were any priests of Uldar around. It wasnt likely, and theyd checked the square from the sky-gond, but it still made him nervous.


    Alex looked up ahead. Well, lets get to it.


    Above them rose Generasis City Hall. It was the furthest Alex had ever gone into the city.

 Chapter 180: New Prey

    Chapter 180: New Prey


    The City Hall of Generasiseat of the ruling council of wizards and their vast bureaucracywas enormous. It was an absolute monument to the power and advanced level of the City at the Center of Creation.


    Rising hundreds of feet in the air, its main domecarved from a single b of marble that must have been magically conjured and carvedspread wide enough to contain an entire city block. Perched on square columns rising beside four corners of the dome, were gigantic, painted statues of dragons.


    Each was different.


    To the north was a ck-scaled dragon with four legs, horns and bat-wings. To the east, a golden, serpentine one with short legs, long whiskers and horns like a crown. Alex remembered seeing simr dragons on some of the old objects that the Lus stored in their attic.


    On the southern column was an even longer legless serpent that coiled around the column. Feathered wings spread from its back.


    Khalik nudged him. That looks a lot like the dragon I once saw, he said quietly. though the statue is smaller.


    Alex whistled.


    The western dragon looked a lot like a giant hunting cat with golden scales, elk-like antlers, and a long, snaking tail.


    Below the dome, the building spread out for blocks. Messenger constructs flew to and from small windows in a swarm of shimmering metal, while flying wizardson sky-gonds, sky-boats, flying carpets, brooms or just flying alongentered the building through a great stone docking bay, protected from the elements by an overhang with a host of gargoyles clinging to its sides.


    Alex blinked.


    Diddid one of those gargoyles move?


    Its huge! Selina said, absolutely delighted at the architecture. You could fit our whole town in there!


    You couldnt fit <em>all</em> of Alric in there, Theresa said. Justa lot of it. By every god in the world, do they really need <em>all </em>this space to run the city?


    In Tekezash, much of the royal and courtly work is handled within the pce,<strong></strong> Khalik said quietly. And it is immense, though not quite so big; I can imagine an entire city of wizards would have many more, and many different concerns than a regr government for a mortal realm would. Look at how busy the sky above is. The officials here would have a responsibility to decide pathways for air traffic safety, something a mortal realm would not.


    He nced at his shoulder and noticed Najyah staring at a nearby wizards familiar: a very fat duck. The giant eagle looked ready to pounce.


    Khalik gave her a disapproving look. or even what is to be done when one wizards familiar eats another! Come, you naughty bird! Before you get us all thrown into the local prison!


    Alex nced at Khalik.


    He wondered where Wizard Prison actually was, <em>if</em> there was such a thing, and how they would keep a wizard locked up if one didnt want to be. It sounded like a ce to be curious aboutfrom a safe distance.


    What he <em>was</em> d to see from up close was the interior of City Hall. Hed learned at the church school that Uldars main cathedral was a wondrous ce dedicated in the highest honour to Thamnds god, though hed never seen it himself. His teachers had talked about studying there among statues of past Saints and Heroes positioned along walls covered in holy murals that spread onto the ceiling.


    Clearly, the architects here had a simr idea when they were creating Generasis City Hall, except theyd used a <em>lot</em> more magic, and a <em>lot</em> less restraint. Murals covered the walls and ceiling, and some of them were actually <em>moving.</em>


    There was a ceiling mural of wizards forming a circle and all of their heads faced toward the centre whichlooked like the sun with the alchemical symbol for mana in the middle.


    The buildings towering walls had scenes of triumphs from Generasis history, including one of Noarc triumphantly conjuring rain to defeat the drought. Dozens of differentnguages filled the air, and Alex found that he was able to understand more of some of them than he used to. His progress had been slower for somenguages than he wouldve liked because his time had been limited, but gradually, he''d be prettyfortable in a few of them, especially Rhinean. More wouldeter.


    This ce is so pretty! Selina said, her eyes as wide as saucers. I wanna know how they built it!


    Maybe theyll teach you that in ss, or maybe they have information avable for the public here. Khalik chuckled, looking around. And I thought our school was a maze.


    He approached a guard who gave them directions to The Office of Bounties and Hunts, as well as a small booklet with the history of City Hall for Selina.


    A few long hallster they entered a soaring chamber with a series of brass signs rotating in mid-air in the centre of the room, while arge group of armed folk read the signs intently. In the back was a massive stone topped desk that filled the entire width of the room, supported by what looked like the bones of giant monsters. The desk was staffed by workers focused on paperwork. One was in the middle of a discussion with a lean, vicious looking warrior. Floating in a transparent sphere beside him was the head of some kind of monster with green scales like a fish, and the mouth of amprey.


    After a little more conversation, the staff member handed the bounty hunter arge sack that he held close to his ear and shook. It jingled even above the conversation filling the room as the pair shook hands and a grin spread across the hunters face.


    Alexs nostrils had red when his group had stepped through the door. There were a lot of people standing in line beside floating monster partsheads, ws or other proof they would need to collect their bountythat were disyed in spheres. With all the monster parts in the room, Alex wouldve expected a stench to fill the air, but there were no bad odours, none at all. He supposed that any office in a bureau of wizards that dealt with dead things all day, would have some magical means of keeping the air fresh, for everyones sake.


    Some of the monster hunters turned, looking at the neers and parting as they and the enormous ygon stepped through the crowd.


    From what Alex had learned, bounties and requests for hunts were filed with the bureau here. The government provided a reward, depending on what sort of monster that was reported as being a danger to themunity, and sometimes, individuals would add to the bounty. Alex wasnt really hoping for a fortune here.


    Higher bounties were rare and were usually offered for stronger monsters, which he had no interest in going after, since he wasnt interested in being killed. He just wanted to go hunting with his girlfriend, not die immediately.


    He looked at the rotating signs, then at the desk again.


    Strange that we didnte here for the mana vampire bounty, Alex noted.


    Oh, that was you? a voice said.


    Alex looked over and sawnothing.


    Down here, friend.


    Alex slowly lowered his head and was a little startled.


    He used to think that Kybas was tiny, but thismonster hunter was even shorter, perhaps only two and a half feet tall at most. His face had a bit of an elven shapewith the sharp features,rge eyes and cheekbonesbut they were much sharper, almost like theyd been carved. His ears were far longer too, maybe adding another quarter foot to his tiny stature.


    He also moved strangelyalmost too smoothly, like he was more of an animated construct of water than a person. Alex blinked, remembering an entry in his magic lore textbook: about a near-mortal fey race called swiftlings. Very short, but quicker than the wind.


    Uh, hello, Alex said. Uh yeah, that was meand my friends.


    Well thats swell, and damned lucky, the little fellow ran his fingers through his blonde hair. Youre younger than I wouldve imagined. But maybe that big golem helped? The names Ripp.


    Alex. He bent down and shook the swiftlings tiny hand.


    But yeah, theres different desks in City Hall for paying out bounties. For bigger ones, you usually go somece different since that means counting out more coin, and so things slow down.


    Yeah, I guess that makes sense, Alex said. So, Ripp, are you looking for a bounty?


    Yes indeeder, he said, looking up at the rotating signs. Just brought in a pretty big one and got paid, so I want to take another bounty before I go.


    Theres more than I thought there would be, Alex said.


    What bounties, or people?


    Uh, both.


    Not surprising, either way. Lots of magic in the air means theres always something to be captured, exterminated or driven off. Especially in early summer: most things have just finished breeding and are off feeding and growing, or looking for territory. And theres more of us around than usual, on ount of the mana vampire. But since you andpany took it off the market, hunters are doing a few jobs to build up some coin before they sail off elsewhere. Mostly to Thamnd, even though I hear things might be brewing west and south.


    Right Alex said. It would make sense that mercenaries and monster hunters would go to Thamnd, he realized. Funny, that never seemed to be mentioned in the history books either.


    So whatre you thinking? Ripp asked Alex. Gonna go for some big prey? Theres no bounty as big as the mana vampire, but some ships say they heard beautiful singinging from some of the inds to the west. The shipping authority wants it investigated. They think it might be sirens, so theyre offering a bounty of ten gold per head if it is.


    Whatre sirens? Alex asked.


    Theyre monsters that look like birds with big, scaly feet and the faces of some of the most beautiful women youd ever see. Their singing bewitches sailors and lures them close to the rocks to crash their ships, then they go out and eat the poor devils while theyre drowning.


    Oh Alex shuddered. I can see why the shipping authority would want them gone.


    Yes indeeder, so if theres a flock of six or so, you make a little more than half of what youd get for a mana vampire. But, maybe thats not such a thrill for you.


    Alex frowned. Ten gold per headI guess that means theyre not super dangerous if the bountys so much less than for a mana vampire.


    Ripps eyes went wide. Oh no, my friend. Dont ever think that. Bountys not only decided by danger, its also decided by <em>demand</em>. You could get a bounty of a hundred gold coins on an ordinary muupkara if it happened to kill a noble''s prized horse. Lots of hunters have gotten hurt or dead from looking at a sign and going, low bounty means easy.


    Alex winced. That made sense. Baelin wouldve been so disappointed in him right now. Yeah, so then how do you pick contracts, and would you mind giving me some pointers on how to do it?


    Oh yeah, Im not sore aboutpetition cos theres plenty of work to go-around since theres always some wizard looking for this part or that. What Id say is, think about your talents and strengths and go after what you figure youd be good against.


    Ah yeah, Alex nodded. Of course.


    That sounded like advice Baelin would give. He wondered how many people who hunted and killed monsters for a living ended up doling out the same advice. If he kept on hunting things, would he end up being the one handing out simr advice one day?


    Thanks for the help, Alex said. Let me buy you a drink some time.


    Oh, why thanks, Ripp said, a little surprised.


    Hey, you gave me advice that might save my life one day, the least I can do is buy you a cup of wineor beer or something.


    The swiftling smiled. Well, looks like weve got manners. If we meet again here, Ill take you up on that. Right-o, and keep this in mind. Before you ept a contract from anyone offering you one, ask if theyre also offering a reward. Some folks offer coin on top of the bounty from the city. Negotiate hard if they do, and make sure they pay you. If they find one soft monster hunter, then theyll think we all work cheap.


    For a moment, Alex remembered Professor Mangals talk about fey magic and promises. He hadnt been nning on skipping out on his offer, but he made a promise not to forget about his word to buy Ripp a drink.


    ncing up at the signs, Alex went through each of the contracts, trying to find a sweet spot between something that would pay well, and something thatd be a good fit for his and Theresas skills.


    He disregarded anything that involved the sea since he didnt own a boat, and even if he had, it certainly wouldnt have been a big enough one to hold ygon.


    He kept scanning the postings and...


    Then he came across it.


    Holding up his hand and reaching for the sign, he watched it float down.


    <em>Wanted: A fiendish creature is killing pigs and cracking the hives of the beekeepers of the Nobildonna Moggi. Strong presence of wasps. Vespara suspected.</em>


    <em>Bounty: 30 gold coins for the head or wings of the creature, or some other body part if the creature proves to be something else.</em>


    <em>Inquire at the Nobildonnas estate for more information. Note that monster hunters should have a record of sess, or a reference from a wizard of repute, or a member of the nobility.</em>


    Hed have to work for ten shifts to match the bounty on this monsters head, and he had both a record of kills, <em>and</em> a potential reference if he needed one.


    The bounty sounded quite good.


    Whats this? Theresa sidled up beside him. A Vespara?


    Kind of a wasp-humanoid thing, Alex said, recalling a page from magic lore. Hijacks control of wasps nests and makes them do its bidding. It can make the wasps grow a lot bigger than normal, and the things elusive and hard to track.


    Yech, you dont want that one, Ripp said. Swarms are a pain.


    You want it? Alex looked at Theresa.


    Theresa gave a vicious smile. Sounds like a challenge.


    Alex nced at ygon, noting the fire-gems.


    I dont think swarms are going to be a problem, he said to Ripp, preparing to take the sign to register it at the desk so they could contact the client.


    And so, that was part one of the date arranged. This weekend, they would head to the estate and go on a little hunt. The evening before, though, Alex had a different n.


    He nced at the bag hanging from his forceball.


    In there was a notebook.


    In that notebook was a page with a new title:


    <em>Super Awesome Date n That Cannot Possibly Fail and that The Ravener itself Could Not Ruin.</em>


    Alex would make Theresa an incredible dessert in the morning, then theyd go to one of the fanciest restaurants on campus for supper. Afterwards, theyd have a pic by the sea and enjoy the dessert together. Hed spent a few hours thinking about and nning everything out, trying to ount for potential problems.


    I got this, he thought.


    I in no way got this! he screamed mentally as he looked in dismay at the catastrophe that was the inss kitchen.


    Batter was everywhere.

 Chapter 181: Kitchen Nightmares

    Chapter 181: Kitchen Nightmares


    Things had started off well.


    The dessert hed nned to make was called a spit cake, which sounded disgusting, but wasnt <em>actually</em>made of spit. People only got the disgusting kind of spit cake if they really made their baker mad.


    No, the kind of spit cake hed be making was one of the more challenging recipes hed learned about sinceing to Generasi; verybour intensive, but supposedly very tasty.


    Theresa was the kind of person that liked roasted meat cooked on a spit. Sometimes, shed just pull up a chair and watch Mr. Lu rotate a big hunk of venison over an open fire, especially if the meat was from one of her kills.


    So when Alex had found out he could make a cake in the same way, hed gotten super excited.


    He recalled the recipe:


    <em>When making a spit cake, the first thing the adventurous needs is a mould, this will be what your batter adheres to when you are turning the cake over the spit!</em>


    Hed already made the mould a couple of days earlier. It was made of wood shaped like a hollow cone with one narrow end and one wide end to insert the spit through. Hed wrapped it in parchment paper, and when it was time to cook the cake, he would heat the mould by fitting it onto a spit that was set up in front of an open fire.


    The next thing hed needed to do was to make the batter, which called for a lot of eggs, butter, sugar or honey, flour, rum and an anise-voured liqueur. The batter was so delicious that hed kept sampling it way more than he should have while he was making it. He could do so because Generasi didnt have McHarris badly disguised rotten eggs problem.


    Alex had left the batter to settle in the top of their pantrywhich was ringed in a spell-array to keep things cooluntil he was ready to actually cook it this morning.


    After the mould was hot, hed then have to scoop up the batter in adle and slowly drizzle it over the hot mould while turning the spit; most of the batter was supposed to stick to the mould and bake onto ityer byyer.


    Hed remembered the recipe:


    <em>The batter will be runny at first and drip while it cooks, solidifying until the finalyer of the cake has a coral-like appearance. Make sure you ce a tray beneath your spit to catch the drips, waste not want not! This tasty cake will be dry and crisp, especially if iced with caramelized sugar. Serve it with sweet wine for aplete experience!</em>


    Alexs belly had rumbled just thinking about it, and hed hoped that Theresa would enjoy it. There were just two problems with the recipe, though. One was that it called for at least two people: one to keep the spit turning evenly, and one to pour the batter. Luckily, many Wizards Hands made light work.


    The other problem was the amount of time the cake was supposed to take to make.


    Five hours, if he included the time to heat up the mould, and the clean up.


    So, hed gotten up at the crack of dawnwashed, ate a quick breakfastand quietly left the apartment, carrying the big bowl of batter on a forcedisk. Hardly anyone else was stirring in the ins, and he didnt have to worry about waking anybody at home.


    Theresa had already left for an informal morning meditation with her Life Enforcement teacher, Professor Kabbot-Xin. Selina was staying with the family of one of her school friends for a weekend sleepover. Even Brutus was out: Khalik was taking care of him for the day and hed also told Alex he could use his apartment to get ready for his date. In return, Alex had promised to take care of Najyah when the prince wanted to spend time in the dryad wood with Sinope, or if she came to spend time with him at his apartment, which the mischievous Najyah would probably enjoy sabotaging.


    So, that had given Alex the time he needed in the ins kitchen, which hed booked beforehand.


    Or at least, he could have sworn hed booked it.


    Which is why it had been so strange to see light already streaming from it when he arrived.


    Uh, hello? hed called uncertainly.


    Oh, were you the one that booked the kitchen? A light voice had called from inside. "Sorry, I didnt see anyone down here so I thought maybe you werenting!


    A woman with a short, blonde haircut had poked her head out of the messy kitchen. Sorry, I <em>really </em>needed the kitchen: its my darling little Brocks sixth birthday, and he really wants a chocte cake!


    Oh, Alex had paused, looking over the absolute mess shed made in the kitchen. Uh, I need the-


    Oh, isnt he just the cutest?


    To his horror, shed pulled out arge locket and flipped it open, revealing a charcoal image of the young Brock tucked inside. She had then tried to shove it in his face with the same energy as one of the wed monsters trying to gut him.


    Look, Im sure your sons excited, Alex had said, fearlessly calling on his training to dodge the small drawing. But I booked the kitchen and I really need it. Im making this-


    Ooooh, Ill be in and out quickly. Its just a simple chocte cake, Ill be out of your hair in no time.


    what recipe is it?


    Hmm?


    Which cookbook are you usin-


    Hed frozen.


    There, on the counter was a cookbook named <em>Zhous Favourites: Labours of Love and Time.</em>


    Horror had filled him. Hed learned about that cookbook aftering to Generasi: a horrifying, forbidden tome crafted by a baker who was half-genius and half-madman. Some of the schools bakers hed chatted with had talked about it in hushed tones, as if speaking too loudly would summon its author. The cookbook was filled with all kinds of heavenly sounding recipes, but the problem was that the time part in that title was not to be underestimated. The baker seemed to look at time as some neverending, abstract concept.


    If he remembered correctly, the recipe for Zhous chocte cake took one hundred and fifty hours to make if it was done right. Alex took in her supplies at a nce. Judging from what was there, she was about to start making the mousse. That meant she was <em>hours</em> away from finishing it.


    Um, I hate to do this, hed said. But I think itll take awhile for you to finish, and I booked this time slot in advance. I really need to get started. Look, I need the counter but then Im going to be using the spit and firece, so when I get to that step if you really want you-


    Her frown had deepened with every word. I dont think I really like your tone, young man.


    Pardon?


    My little Brock really needs his cake, are you really going to take a childs cake away from him?


    Im not going to, like I said if you really need the kitchen-


    Wait, Ive got it. Her eyes had lit up. If<em> you</em> really need the kitchen- Condescensiony in her voice when she repeated his words. "Then you can help me with my cake, Ill be done faster, then you can have it aaaaall to yourself. We both win!


    Alex had blinked, stunned into utter shock. Wait, are you telling me you want me to help you make your cake <em>before</em> I make mine? In the kitchen that <em>I</em> booked?


    Well, youre off for the summer, arent you? Do you really have that much to do? When youre older, you have more responsibilities, you know. You should help me. My husband and I are very busy with our studies-


    Where is he?


    Asleep, not that its any of your business, shed continued. But <em>I</em> have responsibilities, so you should help me make a young boy happy-


    Lady, hed interrupted her. Youre not supposed to be here. Im not helping you make a one hundred and fifty hour cake, and let me tell you, I <em>have</em> responsibilities. Now, we can work something ou-


    Are you talking back to me? Her voice raised three octaves. Didnt your mother teach you any manners! I was here first, and my child really needs a cake and-


    Shut the hell up.


    <em>Excuse me?</em>


    Youre done, he said, briefly considering calling ygon over to give her a couple of blows. Dont <em>ever</em> say a word about my mother again. His voice had gone t, all courtesy was gone.


    And no, I dont think I <em>will </em>excuse you. Talking about peoples mothers? Youre a grown woman, whats <em>wrong</em> with you? You know what? The hell with this.


    Where are you going? shed snapped.


    To wake up the superintendent, so she can toss you out of the kitchen <em>I booked.</em>


    You do that! Im good friends with her and shell take my side!


    The superintendent had in no way taken the indignant womans side.


    It had taken a long timeand a lot of yelling and threatsbut she had finally managed to toss the arrogant woman out of the kitchen and promised to send a report about her behaviour to the Housing Department.


    Atst, Alex had the kitchen, but the ordeal had taken more than two hours of arguing, plus hed had to clean up the mess the angry mother had left behind. Still, since he was familiar with her chocte cake recipe, he knew she would <em>still</em> have been there if he hadnt said anything.


    Once hed gotten set up, hed scrambled to try and catch up to get the cake done in time. Hed quickly gotten everything underway, and had been pouring the batter over the mould while his Wizards Hands had turned the spit. Delicious smells filled the kitchen, but he was getting nervous. Time was passing, and he couldnt afford to lose the time he needed to get ready.


    In his distractedness, hed ordered his Wizards Hands to turn the spit too fast; the cakeyer hadnt set as firmly on the spit as hed thought.


    Batter had flown off, sttering everywhere.


    His mind finally returned to the present, after chronicling the disasters that had brought him to the present moment. Now, here he was standing covered in batter, with most of the cake on surfaces other than the mould, and with only a small amount of batter left to use.


    Cursing in all kinds ofnguages, he quickly scrambled to grab rags and clean up the mess. Considering his options, he decided to use what little batter there was left to finish the cake since he didnt have time to start anything else. With less batter to cook, he managed to finish the cake only a little behind schedule, butin the endit turned outsmall and kind of pathetic.


    He sighed. Itd have to do.


    Casting Lesser Heat to keep it warm, he boxed it up, set it in the basket beneath his forceball and jogged back to the washing area to de-cake himself.


    The sun had long risen and he needed to get ready.


    Do I look good? Alex asked, turning and examining himself in front of the mirror again. His fancy clothes from the patrizias ball had been destroyed so hedbought an identical forest-green doublet and wine-coloured hose from the same tailor hed gotten the first set from.


    He wasnt exactly setting out to set the fashion world on fire, so hed picked what he knew would work.


    For the thousandth time, yes! Khalik roared at him. If you dont get out of my apartment, I swear I will pick you up and throw you from the balcony! Now go to your girlfriend!


    Yes, my prince.


    Damn right.


    Alex had finally calmed down when hed reached the outside of the ins. ygon was standing guard out there, gazing off into the distance with his shark-toothed face.


    Sorry, buddy, youll have to wait here, Alex apologized. This is one time where I think bringing you with me would be kind ofwell, not too romantic. And were just going to be on campus.


    If ygon was offended, he gave no sign.


    Hey, were you waiting long?


    Alex turned and gasped.


    Theresa had cleaned up well again.


    The huntress rushed toward him, her ck dress billowing around her. A white cor of fur covered her shoulders and beneath it, a light cape fell to the middle of her back. The skirt had long splits up the sides, revealing stark white leggings and long boots extending above the knee.


    NoI uhjust got here he said.


    Thats a...''new'' outfit. Well, it''s not, but you look really good, she said, idly reaching up and fixing an errant strand of his hair.


    Yeah, you took the words right out of my mouth.


    She chuckled. Complimenting yourself, Alex?


    He shook off his mind-fog. No, Im not even joking. You look absolutely fantastic.


    She blushed. you too. shall we?


    Yeah, lets go.


    He offered her his hand, and she slipped hers into his.


    The young couple strolled along the path from the ins in thete afternoon sun. Below his forceball, the small spit cake was hidden awayalong with two more surprises.


    Its okay, were okay. Things started off badly this morning and the cakes a little small, but were on our first date now. Things are going to get better.


    Then he noticed them: dark clouds on the horizon.


    No way, he thought. It was clear earlier. <em>Clear. </em>No way its going to rain. No way Im<em> that </em>unlucky.


    Then he remembered The Mark of the Fool stamped mockingly on his shoulder.


    Okay, maybe <em>Im</em> that unlucky, but Theresa cant be, can she?


    Then he also remembered the night that hed wanted to tell her how he felt about her and how a horde of monsters had tried to kill everyone. For an instant, he nced back at the ins shrinking in the distance. Maybe hed call ygon after-


    No. They were on campus. Safest ce in the city. Well, except for the potion explosions. And the demon summoning.


    He shook his head. No, no. Theyd be fine.


    He used his meditation techniques to calm his mind butas if mocking him like the jesters face on his shoulderthe sky continued to darken.

 Chapter 182: The Rain

    Chapter 182: The Rain


    Alex and Theresa strolled through the quiet beauty of the university campus. They werent in any particr hurry: it was too early for their reservation, and the grounds were beautiful. It had been a long time since theyd just walked through campus to simply enjoy the sights without having to worry about hurrying from ss to ss, or work, or some other appointment.


    Now, though


    Its so quiet, Theresa said as they walked through parnds and past buildings of white and grey stone.


    She looked up fondly at the towering buildings with sculptures and gargoyles crouched on the edges of their roofs. It reminds me of when we first came here.


    Yeahit really does, he agreed, holding her hand a little tighter. I remember you, Selina, and even Brutus were so tired that first day, that you just copsed at the first ce you found in the apartment. Left me to explore campus all by my lonesome.


    Did I do that? she asked. Nooo-Oh yeah. I remember now. It was a lot. All this magic and flying and justeverything: you knew more about magic, but for me, it waslike I said, <em>a lot. </em>Strange how Ive almost gotten used to it now.


    Yeah He looked at the fountain in front of the squat, windowless library: water poured from the hood of a stone figure with scrolls hanging from its robes, and two books hugged to its chest.


    Alex fell silent, fighting nerves that had been growing. He and Theresa had known each other forever, but being on a date with each otheran actual datemade his gut feel like it was turning to ice, and his legs like they were made of jelly. Strangely enough, them knowing each other so well made him feel even more nervous. They were well beyond making get to know each other conversation, so what was he supposed to talk about?!


    If he just carried on making his usual jokes, it would be just like any regr day!


    Alex,e on! He scolded himself. You fought a bunch of w monsters and a mana vampire, whyre you freaking out? Get it together! Say something.


    He opened his mouth and nced at Theresas face. She was wearing a look of calmness. Of pure, quiet contentment and peace. He closed his mouth.


    They walked infortable silence, just enjoying the afternoon sun and the pleasure of being in each otherspany, though the dark clouds continued to build in the distance.


    Alex remained quiet while he tried to <em>will</em> them away.


    Taking their time, they travelled to different parts of campus, some well-known and some little-known. They passed the sky-track, which was a stadium that floated about a hundred feet off the ground and was surrounded by bleachers painted in bright colours.


    A number of people were training, either racing each other, or just enjoying the art of flying. In the distance, he and Theresa could see a short, squat wizard drifting through the air, gripping some type of magical sky-kite.


    Theresa sighed wistfully. Doesnt that look amazing? Just flying for the sake of it? Nothing but the warm air and wind around you?


    Yeah, he said, his eyes flicking to his bag. It does look amazing.


    In another part of campus they passed a tall, wide tower with a domed marble roof. A gigantic brass telescope rose from it, pointing at the darkening sky. They passed the Deep Ins, set in a magically refreshedke, where students of aquatic races could livefortably.


    They saw other folk walking around campus, including a horned figure far along the path-wait, was that Thundar? The figure paused, cupped their hands above their eyes as though squinting to see, and then immediately turned and headed the other way.


    Theresa chuckled. It seems Thundars being considerate.


    The early evening sun washed through the window onto Alex and Theresa as they sat in the revolving restaurant where Khalik had taken them long ago when they first met.


    Alex had reserved a seat by the window so they could enjoy the views of campus. Each time their window faced the oing clouds, though, his uneasiness grew.


    It <em>really</em> looked like it was going to rain.


    He thought about the gazebo by the beach where hed nned they would have dessert and kept hoping it wouldnt rain until dessert was a delicious memory...maybe sometime next week.


    Alex.


    Mhm? He turned his attention back to his girlfriend.


    Theresa was cutting into her fried swordfish and looking up at him. You ever thinkthat its too bad that we dont get to enjoy stuff like this more often?


    Hm? What do you mean? he asked, prying open one of his steamed ms. You mean dates?


    No, I meanjust being able to enjoy this ce. She looked out the window. Itswhen we were walking today, I was noticing thingsnew things about ces we pass everyday. Did you know that one of the gargoyles on the lecture hall in front of the library is chipped? The one on the west corner.


    Alex chuckled. Your senses are better than mine."


    Yeah, but my senses have been a lot sharper for monthsI feel things more precisely. I see clearer and farther, I hear better. And that building was the lecture hall for my geography ss this spring. And I <em>never</em>noticed it. Its likeits like we go numb. The first day I was here I had to sit down from it all, now I barely notice all the magic.


    Yeah, me too Alex said. Like, you see flying carpets and walking chairs for the first time, and you cant pick your jaw up off the floor. But now, its likeit just fades into the background a lot.


    Mhm, and weve got so much that were so busy with. Now, summers here, maybe we can just<em>be</em> again. Professor Kabbot-Xin talked about that this morning: just being. Were always doing, always thinking, and nning. Never justbeing.


    Right, he said. And then we stop noticing whats going on around us, right?


    Yeah. LikeIm sitting here, she gave a bitterugh. And I can <em>barely</em> taste this super expensive, super delicious swordfish because I keep telling myself not to say something stupid and embarrass us in this restaurant.


    We both know Im more likely to do that, Alex said, trying to lighten her mood.


    Yeah maybe, she chuckled. Butits not right. Its not right to just get so used to something so wondrous, that it just doesnt mean anything, or you stop paying attention to it. Maybe thats why great-grandfather travelled so much. Just to keep seeing new things.


    Yeah, but he settled in Alric. Fell in love with Thamnd.


    She paused. He did. Maybe he just got used to <em>being</em>.


    I remember you said that you stopped feeling excited in Coille, Alex said. I mean, it makes sense, youve been in and out of that forest so many timesdid you ever stop noticing new things about it?


    She sighed. I kind of did. I mean, I still love it there, butI know most of the trees like old friends. Its not like I walk in there thinking, oh what am I going to discover this time. Its not exciting to explore anymore.


    Theresa shook her head, then suddenly burst outughing.


    Alex startled. What?


    I just remembered something: do you remember A?


    He blinked.


    It was strange, hed barely even thought about most of the people he knew from the church-school. Hed never been super close to most of them. Sure, hed had friends he used to talk to a bit, but his focus on working at McHarris, teaching himself about wizardry, studying all the time, trying to help out at the inn and with Selina, didnt leave him a lot of time to get close to the other students.


    I remember talking to her a few times, he said. "Didnt seem like she was too interested in talking to meand I guess that road went two ways. She moved to Elmvale didnt she, right after we finished at the church school I think? Was she someone you used to talk to?


    Not much. Theresa shook her head. But do you remember how she had a few boyfriends?


    Not really, he admitted. He vaguely remembered seeing her hanging around with different guys, but hadnt paid much attention.


    Well, Im not sure if I ever told you this. Theresa took a sip from her drink. But, this one time A and I ran into each other at the millers. On the way back, we got to talking. It was really close to us finishing school for good and she just started talking. You know that thing that people do where they think theyre not going to see you again so they open up?


    Oh yeah. He nodded vigorously. He couldnt count how many travellers passing through Alric had stopped by McHarris bakery and cornered some staff member with a tale of half their life story. Is that what she did with you?


    Mhm, shed just broken up with Harold, whatever hisst name was, andshe said the strangest thing to me. Theresa put on a voice. I dunno, whenever things are going too smoothly I get bored. When youre with someone long enough theres nothing new anymore. At least fighting makes things interesting.


    He snorted. Sounds like shed get along with Baelin, pretty sure hed like, fighting makes things interesting.


    Maybe. She chuckled. But likethats pretty terrible, isnt it? Youre with your partner long enough, and then its like, oh sorry, youre not new anymore Im bored now, lets fight cos thatll make things interesting, or maybe break up! We dont do that with friends, right? Oh, this friends boring now, lets stop hanging around with them. That just sounds crazy.


    Yeah, Alex said. And I guess its the same thing with ces. Weve been in wizard-world so long that we just dont notice how cool it is a lot of the time.


    Yeah, and I dont want that to happen, Theresa said. I still want to travel, but whats the point if you can never <em>be </em>and simply enjoy where you are and whoever youre with? Youre just going from ce to ce just chasing something you cant find. A hunt that never ends has no point to it. I just want to bebe, and enjoy what I havelike being with you.


    Me too, Theresa. He smiled. I just love that were together. And I love you.


    She smiled. Love you too.


    The dark clouds continued to build outside.


    When they left the restaurant, thete-evening sun had turned the world a fiery orangebut it was almost hidden behind a wave of angry clouds to the east.


    It looks like rain, Theresa finally said, staring up at the sky.


    Yeah Alex muttered, trying to figure out when the rain mighte. He hoped it would hold off for a little longer. Do you want to go homeor do you want to keep things going? I have something else in mind.


    Lets keep going, she said eagerly. Im having a lot of fun.


    His heart jumped at that.


    Right, then. He took two Potions of Flight from his bag. Two of his few remaining ones. Like you said before, weve never really had a chance to justfly, have we? Just to enjoy it.


    He handed her a potion. Come fly with me.


    She looked up at him as her eyes widened with delight, and she kissed him. They held each other under the fleeting sunlight and then...


    Holding the potion bottles up, they clinked them together in a toast then quickly downed them and took off, soaring up into the evening sky. As they climbed, the campus shrank away and Theresa was soon giggling with delight, which spread to Alex.


    Look how small everything looks! sheughed.


    Below, the ss structures of the beastarium and the botanical gardens glittered like diamonds in the evening light, and the main castle looked like something from a fairy tale.


    They flew through the warm air, andfor the first timejust enjoyed it.


    Alex! Theresa cried. Were flying! Were <em>actually </em>flying! How did I never just <em>enjoy</em> this!?


    Right? He spread his arms<strong></strong>like the wings of a bird and flipped upside down as he soared, kicking through the air like he was swimming. Its a little different when youre not up here fighting, isnt it? By The Traveller-Oh look out!


    The young couple squealed and dived as a flock of geese flew past them, their honking mixing with Alex and Theresasughter.


    They sailed through the fading light as the beach grew closer and closer.


    It was wonderful.


    <em>Drp.</em>


    A cold drop hit his hand.


    Followed immediately by a moment of horror.


    No no no! he cried.


    <em>Hsssss!</em>


    Both squealed as the cool rain hit them, sending them into fits ofughter. Alex considered casting wind-and-rain shield, but it was only falling lightly for now, and besides, trying to outrun the rain might be kinda fun since Theresa was having fun.


    They reached for each others hand and shot forward as the rain began falling harder the closer they got to the gazebo beside the sea.


    Just as a rumble of thunder sounded in the distance and the heavens opened up, they touched down, running up the steps before they werepletely soaked. They were stillughing as they stood under the shelter shaking like a wet Brutus, and squeezing rainwater from their fancy clothes. Do you see a pattern here? Alex said. Everytime we get dressed up, something always happens to mess up our clothes!


    At least its only rain and not monster guts this time. Sheughed.


    The rain hissed against the roof and churning ocean as waves broke upon the beach. The white sand darkened with every drop.


    Alex had cast two forceballs, a crimson glow illuminated the gazebo.


    Well, damn. He put his hands on his hips.<em> </em>We nearly made it. Ah well, I guess well just have to eat our dessert and hope the rain lets up.


    Yeah she said, giving the rain an appraising look. Then she quickly looked back at him. Wait, did you say dessert?


    Uhuh, such as it is. He opened the box that was shielded by his forceball. Inside, was the sad looking little spit cake hed managed to finish making. Theres just enough for two of usnone for seconds, but uhhappy first date?


    Alex, its not my birth-Oh by Uldar, never mind! Her chuckle turned into giggling.


    They sat at a pic table and he handed her a fork while nervously eyeing the dessert.


    Together, they dug into the cake that looked like a little evergreen tree.


    <em>Wow!</em> Theresa said.


    It wasactually really good.


    Different from what he usually made, and probably not as good as it couldve been if hed had more time, but still, really good. He would definitely make this again.


    Making little sounds of appreciation, but no intelligible words, they finished it off.


    Oh by Uldar, I want you to bake for me everyday, Theresa said as she put her fork down.


    Only if you hunt for me, he chuckled, ncing out at the rain. He sighed. Alright, looks like its here to stay. So, do you want to sit here for a bit? Or walk on the beach. The wet sandll be kind of gross, but I can cast a wind-and rai-what are you doing?


    Theresa had pulled off one of her long boots.


    Then the other.


    His eyes went wide when she shrugged off her cape.


    She wiggled her toes then jumped to her feet, looking at the beach. Forget the spell.


    So you want to just-Oh hey!


    Laughing, Theresa ran down the stairs of the gazebo and onto the rainy beach. She twirled; her ck hair and dress whirling around her in the fading light.


    The smile she gave him was absolutely radiant when she turned toward him. Whats wrong? Afraid of a little rain, mighty wizard?


    She spread her arms. Come on, Alex,e to me. Just <em>be</em>! Be with me!


    There was only one way he could possibly respond.


    Quickly dragging off his shoes, he sprinted onto the beach after her.


    Ahhhh! she screamed as she ran. Now Im the one being hunted, someone save me!


    Muahahaha! No one around to hear you! heughed as he chased her along the sand.


    She was faster than he was, but he noticed her slowing, probably on purpose, until he reached her and caught her up in his arms. Theresa squealed as he lifted her from her feet and held her by the waist high above his head.


    Her body straightened above him and she spread her arms. Look! Im flying again!


    Laughing, he gently lowered her down and kissed her. They kissed until sheughed and squirmed out of his grip. She started to dance, one of the same dances theyd shared on the night of the patrizias party.


    Alex joined her.


    And they danced.


    And they danced.


    Andjust <em>were.</em>


    Brutus whined as he buried Khaliksp with one of his heads. Two of the other heads watched the balcony.


    Alright, Brutus, dont bay your heart away, boy Khalik said,ying down his book and goblet of wine, then handing the cerberus a treat. He pet him as he wolfed it down. Theres a good boy.


    As soon as he started petting Brutus, he felt a surge of indignation from outside himself; then Najyah wasnding beside him, opening her mouth like a newborn chick.


    The prince gave her a withering look. You are not a baby bird begging for worms, Najyah.


    She moved her open beak closer.


    He sighed, handing her a treat too, and felt a surge of satisfaction from her as the food disappeared. Shaking his head, he continued to pet Brutus.


    Aaaah, your mother will return soon, my friend, he said. Not <em>too</em> soon, with any hope. But soon enough. Besides, you get to spend the day with both her and Alex tomorrow.


    He handed him another treat, which drew another squawk and opened beak from Najyah.


    Najyahone of these days, I will be seeing Sinope and Alex and Theresa will be watching you. Will you give them as much trouble as you give me?


    The giant eagle immediately shook her head.


    treacherous bird.

 Chapter 183: Honey & Wine

    Chapter 183: Honey & Wine


    Hmmm, I expected someone a littleolder, the steward of the nobildonna said somewhat sceptically. His eyes swept between them. You are truly Alexander Roth and Theresa Lu, yers of the mana vampire and allies of Patrizia DePaolo on that unfortunate evening?


    Well, I feel old on the inside sometimes, Alex said, then jerked his thumb at ygon. Would the four-armed golem be enough proof?


    Maybe the cerberus too, Theresa said, petting one of Brutus heads.


    The steward looked at the giant golem and the giant three headed hound. Ah, forgive me, I did not mean to be rude. I was merely surprised.


    He scratched his greying-blonde hair and stepped out of the front door of the main house. Youll have to excuse the nobildonna: she is resting at the moment, but I trust that I can direct you in her stead. If you will follow me.


    Theresa and Alex followed the older man away from the house.


    The nobildonnas estate was nowhere near as grand as that of Isoldes cousin. Smaller out buildings surrounded a smaller main house, and there were far less workers and other folk around. They watched the young couple and their hulkingpanions.


    A young boy scratched his head at Alexs forceballs, which carried supplies, but one clearly had arge pic basket hanging beneath it.


    In all of his wildest imaginingsand he did have some wild imaginingsAlex doubted he wouldve ever imagined going on a hunt for his first date with Theresa: maybe some sort of home cooked candlelit supper, or azy summer boat ride, and yet, here they were following a steward through a nobildonnas small vineyard toward beehives that were kept on the outskirts of her estate.


    He nced over at Theresa, a little nervous about whether or not she was having fun, but saw that she was in full death stalker face. and her eyes were shining with excitement.


    Well, he wasnt going to question that.


    Here you can see the damage, the steward said, gesturing to the hives where keepers in white bee-keeping suits tended their yellow and ck-banded little charges.


    Brutus sniffed the air at the scent of honey, and Theresa did the same.


    Wow, they really went after this ce, Alex noted.


    Several of the beehives had beenpletely torn open like a bear had raided them. While bees flitted about the other hives in the morning sun, those hives werepletely silent, Alex saw mounds of dead bees carpeting the ground.


    That they have, the steward said, shaking his head. Pigs have also been stung to death and torn apart during the night on surrounding farms. The nobildonna wants this handled quickly and quietly.


    Quietly? Theresa raised an eyebrow. Theres a bounty with the city.


    Indeed, but she would very much prefer that any monster hunters who take the contract act professionally and courteously as you explore hernds. She does not wish that she herself or the peasants who work and live here be disturbed. Some monster hunters have a tendency to be quite disruptive when on a hunt.


    Well, we dont want to disturb too much, unless we have to, Alex said.


    But sometimes bloody work gets messy, Theresa added.


    And she will understand that, the steward nodded. Depending on how quickly this is resolved, she is more than willing to offer an additional reward.


    What kind? Alex asked.


    Five gold coins.


    Alex frowned, mulling over the sum and thinking back to Ripps advice about negotiating hard.


    Well, he said. Youll have to understand, if were going to handle this with as little disruption as we can, then we might need a little more. Some of our more powerful assets arewell, they make things go boom.


    He nced at ygon. If you want quiet, that means more time, more care, and more danger for us. For example, if we use fire magic, well have to lure the swarm into a field. Extra danger.


    Mhm, very trueI could see offering a little more. The old stewards eyes grew sharp, but the rest of his face remained neutral. How much were you thinking?


    Alex nced atTheresa, but she only gave him a guarded look. He thought back to some of the coin hed gotten from Baelins sales of their kills from The Barrens.


    He thought about the original price, and how much vespara venom and chitin went for on the market.


    Then he opened his mouth.


    Twelve gold, he said, more than doubling the amount and increasing it to more than a third of the citys bounty. He pitched a high number so he could hagg-


    Done, the steward said quickly, offering his hand.


    Alex inwardly winced. He might have underestimated how much theyd be willing to pay. In the end, he had no context for how much coin the nobility had, or wanted to part with. Especially those of different ranks.


    Not the harshest lesson, but one hed remember.


    He shook the stewards hand.


    Do you have any questions? he asked.


    Yes, Theresa was already stepping toward the smashed hives as Brutus sniffed the ground. When did this start?


    Roughly two weeks ago, the steward said. One of the bee-keepers noticed more wasps than usual around a hive. Especially for <em>this</em> time of year. The next day when he went to tend the bees, he found the hive smashed open and dead bees on the ground.


    He nced at the forest. At first, we thought it was a bear, but then one of our hunters saw a wasp in the woods the size of a terrier. We didnt believe it at first, but for the sake of caution, we sent our hunt-master out to see if he could find a nest. When he returned, he was screaming for his life; the poor man had been nearly stung half to death. Hed even taken the precaution of wearing a beekeepers suit, but with their size and number, the wasps were able to pierce it. We lost a number of our hounds as well. Soon, swarms started appearing in broad daylight, the big ones would open the hives, and the smaller ones would kill the bees one by one. Its been quite terrible. Last week they started attacking the pigs. The nobildonna has forbidden all on hernds from entering the trees; I fear what this wille to if this menace isnt halted.


    Mhm. Theresa picked up one of the dead bees. And you said theye from the woods?


    Indeed, but we have not found their. Between the swarms and the vespara being damned elusive, theres just been no locating it.


    Is there anywhere else nearby where people talked about these wasps attacking farms?


    Not that I have heard.


    Theresa shook her head. And when was thest attack?


    Earlier this morning, the steward said.


    Good.


    I beg your pardon?


    Fresh trail, which beehive did they get?


    He pointed at one of the hives and she and Brutus quickly went to it.


    The steward turned back toward Alex. Do you have any more questions? If not, I''ll leave you to it.


    I dont! Theresa called back.


    I dont either, Alex said. Roth and Lu Hunting Company will have this cleaned up in no time.


    Right, the steward said, as he headed back to his duties. Good hunting, then.


    Theresa looked at Alex. Roth and Lu Hunting Company?


    He shrugged. I think it makes us sound more official.


    She thought about it for a moment. I suppose it could be worse.


    <em>Snff. Snff.</em>


    Brutus sniffed the ground nearby with all three heads, then lifted a snout to the hive.


    Alex,e here, Theresa called him over and pointed at some of the edges of a hole in the side of the hive. See that?


    Around the hole were small piles of what looked like sawdust. They didnt break the hives open, they chewed their way in.


    I think the big ones could do that. He knelt down beside her, examining the hole. Sawdusty everywhere, spilling onto the earth among the dead bees. Nothing else really caught his attention.


    Well, they dont leave tracks, he said, then narrowed his eyes. Some of the honebs gone.


    Yeah, I was thinking about that. Here, here Brutus! Take the scent boy, she said to the cerberus.


    Brutus padded over and stuck his left nostrils into the hive, sniffing deeply. His other two heads sniffed the air, then he moved away and started sniffing the ground. After a dozen or so steps, he let out a bark and pointed at a spot while the other two heads rose to keep watch.


    Theresa hurried over and sniffed the ground where the cerberus had been sniffing, to Alexs surprise. She looked up at him, and blushed for a moment. Uh, my nose is sharper than it used to be. Anyway, its sticky right here and smells like honey: It looks like theb they took was dripping.


    She smiled viciously. We have a trail.


    Awesome, then lets see where it goes.


    Alex, Theresa and ygon followed Brutus as he sniffed his way toward the tree line. The sound of chimes echoed from above, and Alex looked up to see wooden markers tied high up in the tree branches with windchimes attached to them.


    He wasnt sure what their purpose was. Maybe to alert if someone was stalking through the canopy? Maybe simple decoration? He wasnt sure.


    It goes into the forest. She drew her sword and cut away some of the brush. I think theres a game trail ahead. Up for a nature walk?


    One filled with wasps and dangerous monsters? he asked. Oh yeah, totally. Sounds super peaceful and in no way constantly anxiety-inducing.


    Hey, dont get all scared now, this was your idea, remember? She winked.


    That wink did things to him.


    Yeahof course it was my idea. Of course. Just uhone sec.


    He cast Lesser Force Armour on himself and Theresa, then conjured two Wizards Hands which he had carry two long sticks with rushes on the end. Essentially,rge fans or bug swatters.


    One thing hed learned early about The Mark was thatthankfullyit didnt stop him from killing insects. Its principles of do no harm seemed to specifically apply tobat situations against creatures that hed have to fight. Killing insects was pretty necessary for a lot of nonbat tasks: a Fool that couldnt kill mosquitoes or other blood sucking insects would be a pretty miserable and useless Fool in the outdoors pretty fast.


    So, hed made sturdy fans that they could use to drive away, or swat bugs. Hed packed some of his booby-trapped flight potions, booby-trapped mana inhibiting potions, and a new one: a booby-trapped sensory enhancement potion.


    It wouldnt directly harm enemies, but it would crank their senses up to levels much higher than the regr version of the potion. High enough to cause even normal levels of light to overwhelm the eye, normal sound to overwhelm the ear, and so on.


    The spell should be good to slow down a swarm and throw off their coordination. Especially if they were in an area where ygon couldnt use his fire beams without burning down the woods.


    Alex gripped the new potion tightly. You ready?


    Oh, yeah, Theresa said, her eyes shining with excitement. Lets have some fun.


    The four of them walked into the trees, with Brutus at the front to keep following the trail, and ygon right behind him, breaking through branches and crushing underbrush with his big, y feet. He cleared the path for Alex and Theresa, but he was making as much noise as a pack of angry bears standing on each others shoulders stomping around.


    So much for the stealthy approach.


    The young couple followed the golem, keeping their eyes on the forest around them. They werent walking on a cleared path since they were following the trail of honey, so the trees quickly grew thick. Sunlight dimmed and the air cooled. It wasnt exactly as thick as Coille forest, but it was thick.


    Not much conversation passed between him and Theresa, except when she excitedly stopped to point out animal tracks on the forest floor. Alex watched her quietly as she came alive among the trees, and a warm smile crept across his face.


    This might not be the most romantic second-half-of-a-date by most peoples standards, but Theresa was clearly having a st. At least at first.


    Over time, a frown crept across her face.


    Alexall of these tracks are old. Theyre faded fromst nights rain, and from the passing of time, she said, bending to examine the earth again. Most of these are at least a week old.


    She looked up at the trees, searching the canopy. Theres no birdsI havent even heard an insect since we came in here.


    The wasps are probably eating everything and I imagine the other animals avoid this ce. Alex said.


    Youre probably righttheyre feeding like they would before winteresbut theres not much of a winter here.


    Yeah, theyre probably feeding the vespara, he said.


    Her frown deepened as she stood up, and they started following the trail again. Where do you think the nest might be? Wasps usually only travel about a thousand paces from their home.


    Yeah, normally, but ording to the monsternomicon: when a vesparas controlling them, they go much farther.


    Hmmm, right. And whatd you say vesparas weaknesses were? Firelike most other living thingsarge amount of insect killer, insect repent, and cold temperatures.


    Thats right, Alex said. And the wasps that it controlseven the ones that it uses its powers to make super-sizeddont share its intelligence or senses. Outside of its instructions, theyre just regr bugs.


    Right. Still, to think theyre scaring off everything else in the forest is really something: at least no people have died.


    Yeah, he said. A little bit strange, but lucky, I gues-


    Wait. Theresa held up her hand, dropping her voice.


    Brutus stopped. ygon stopped a heartbeatter with a mentalmand from Alex.


    What is it? he asked, falling into one of the positions of the sword-and-oar dance.


    She pointed through the branches in front of them. Up ahead there, through the trees.


    Alex squinted in the direction she was pointing, but couldnt see a damned thing through the thick, summer growth. I dont see anything. What do your life-enforced eyes see? Heughed softly.


    Wasps. Theyre being quiet and covering that tree trunk over there. I heard them before I saw them.


    Jeez, you heard them over ygon?


    Between his footsteps, she said. Hmmm. Maybe their scouts? Or maybe sentries: they mustve heard ygon by now, but theyre not moving.


    Maybe theyre guarding their territory, he agreed, still trying to see them. We must be getting close. Whatd you think we should do? Youve got more experience with hunting things than I do.


    Theresa nced up. Theres no wind, and theyre noting toward us. We should circle around and see if therere more of them.


    They slipped around the circle as quietly as ygon would allow, stopping often, with Theresa pointing out more clusters of wasps hugging the tree trunks. Alex pulled out a piece of paper and began sketching a rough map of what seemed<strong></strong>to be the boundary of the vesparas territory.


    Seems like they go farther to hunt in the morning, but most of the time-


    Suddenly, Brutus growled and sniffed the earth, with one of his heads looking at Theresa.


    Whats wrong boy? she asked quietly. What did you fin-


    She frowned, blinking at the ground. Alexdidnt that steward say the nobildonna forbade everyone from entering the woods?


    Yeah he said slowly. Why?


    Theres tracks here. Human ones She wiped the ground with her gloved finger and sniffed it.


    and theyre fresh.

 Chapter 184: Wasp and Strange Circumstance

    Chapter 184: Wasp and Strange Circumstance


    Are you serious? Alex asked quietly, Whatre people doing in here? Dont they know theres a wasp-death-monster around, and didnt the steward say it was forbidden toe in here? Who in their right mind woulde in here on their own


    He frowned, looking down at the indentation in the soil she was pointing at. It was clearer and more defined than the other tracks theyd seen earlier.


    Its so distinctyou think it was made afterst nights rain? Alex asked.


    It looks like it. She drew her heavy bow and nocked an arrow on the string. Were not the only ones in here. Her voice dropped further.


    Alex looked around at the trees, searching for any sign of anyoneor anythingstalking through the underbrush. His mind conjured hidden enemies watching them as he tried to focus on figuring out what the footprint could mean.


    It looks like a heavy, well-made boot, Theresa said. Whoevers wearing it is a bigger person, judging by how deep it sank. She looked toward the wasps territory. The tracks are heading <em>toward</em> the vesparas territory.


    Oh by The Traveller, Alex swore, his mind moving quickly.


    Think, he told himself.


    You see any more prints? he asked.


    No Lets keep circling and see what we find.


    Yeah, we need more data before wee to any conclusions, he said, realizing he was sounding more and more like Jules. Lets keep scouting.


    They looped around, with Theresa listening carefully as the golem crashed through the brush. Surprisingly, there was no sign of anyoneing for them, and the wasp-clusters didnt move.


    Eventually, theyd looped all the way around what seemed to be the vesparas territory. Theresa and Brutus had found two more fresh trails leading into it by the time theyd finished circling.


    None of the tracks lead out, she said, when they stopped again. Either whoever went in theres dead, or capturedor theyve already killed the monster. No, thatst one doesnt make any sense. Why would the wasps be still on the trees if the monster was dead?


    Yeah, theyd probably be swarming or scattering, Alex muttered, thinking it through out loud. the nobildonnas honey was taken. Pigs killed. Her hunt master was run off when he went into the vesparas territory. What if someones controlling the monster?


    Can vesparas be tamed?


    If you get them when theyre young, yeah, he said.


    So, Id say that confirms therere people in there toowhich makes sense. The trailse from three different directions and go right into the territory. If it was only one group, why wouldnt they be travelling together?...unless they were trying not to attract attention.


    yeah.


    A chill crept down Alexs spine.


    People.


    Hed fought and killed sentient monsters since hed been marked, but never another person. His mouth went dry. People would mean different abilities, and alsothey were people.


    Hed thought about what hed do ifor when, the path of wizardry led him into conflict with other people. Even other wizards. From the way Baelin had spoken, it seemed to be inevitable.


    The idea of killing someonesomeone that walked and talked and couldve been in one of his ssesmade him feel a bit ill. Though he <em>did</em> recognize a level of hypocrisy in his thinking. After all, hed put the mana vampire through its own hell before it finally died, and he still didnt feel a thing about it. One side of that was that it was sapient, yet, it was a monster whod been trying to kill him and people he cared about.


    And there were lots of philosophy books in the library that debated where the line between person and monster should be drawn.


    In the end, hede to the conclusion that when the time came for him to fight another person, what hed <em>like</em> to do was try not to kill them: especially ifas Baelin had suggestedcapturing them alive could let him get valuable information from them. But that would only be the case if they were either not trying to kill <em>him,</em>orif they <em>were</em>he was powerful enough to capture them with little risk.


    His jaw tightened.


    If they <em>were</em> trying to kill him and were so dangerous he wouldnt be able to easily stop them, or were looking to harm anyone cared about: then theyd be just another monster, and hed act ordingly.


    At least, thats how hed thought about it. Hed only know for sure how hed react when he was neck-deep in a fight against other people.


    Which he just might be real soon.


    Theresa cursed.


    Whats wrong? he asked.


    I want to follow one of these trails into the vesparas territory, but getting past a bunch of stinging bugs is going to be tricky.


    She looked up at the canopy. Since therell be a full moon tonight and itll be a bright nightand wasps are a lot less active at night, maybe we should wait.


    Alex scratched his head. True, and the book did say that vesparas sleep at night too. I guess we could camp here and have something to eat, then try and slip into its territory at nightfall.


    Sounds like a n to me. She nced ahead toward the clusters of wasps he couldnt see. Itll let us watch for anyoneing out. but maybe lets move back, I dont want to pull out food near a swarm of killer wasps. Regr ones are bad enough at a pic, these would be a nightmare.


    Yeah, good point.


    They moved away from the vesparas territory, and set up a mini-camp several hundred yards back. Alex had packed more than just lunch in case the hunt took longer than they guessed it would, so they werent hungry while they waited, and watched, and listened. Hed also thought to bring food for Brutus.


    Thest thing anyone needed was a cranky, hungry cerberus.


    The day passed slowly, with morning turning to noon, then afternoon, and finally evening while Alex and Theresa watched, and talked quietly. It wasnt romantic, but it was exciting.


    You know, this is the first time were actually putting what Baelin taught us to use, on purpose, I mean, he whispered as they sat in their little clearing among the trees listening for sounds. I cant imagine even thinking about doing something like this without his training.


    Mhm, she said, watching the forest carefully. And we probably wouldve walked right into those wasps without my life enforcement. so what do you think? You find it exciting?


    Yeah, Im kinda starting to see why you like it so much.


    Well, this is a little different from what I used to do: killer wasp-monsters thatmand swarms of stinging thingsand whoevers controlling themare a little more dangerous than your average bear.


    Yeah, true.


    But in a way, that makes it better.


    He chuckled. Youre scary.


    So are you.


    he thought back to the mana vampire. Yeah, okay, you win.


    Their quietughter died when a crack came from the woods ahead. They went silent, straining their ears, but heard nothing else. Conversation was sparse after that.


    Eventually, evening light faded to dusk and the forest fell into a growing gloom. The darkness deepened as Alex found himself bing more nervous as the shadows lengthened around them. He used his breathing exercises to keep focused, and fight away images of giant wasps and other creatures creeping through the dark.


    He looked up at the tree branches above, remembering when the silence-spider dropped from the trees outside Coille forest. A shiver went through him.


    Remember, Theresa said quietly. Brutusll see and smell most things in the dark, and you and Ill be able to see a bit in the moonlight. Hold onto my hand and Ill hold Brutus: hell take us to where we need to go.


    Alright, Alex agreed. I guess wed better avoid going anywhere near those wasps, and find one of the trails that whoever is in there made, then follow it. He looked up at ygon. Youd better stay back here for now buddy, cos we gotta be real quite. Just be ready toe sprinting as soon as I call you.


    At full speed, Alex doubted most of the trees could stop the golems charge through the woods. If he, Theresa, and Brutus fought smart, they should be able to handle the vespara for a while when they found it. That left the people to deal with who might still be in there, and he had no idea what they were capable of.


    But being in Generasi, he had a bad feeling that they wouldnt exactly be harmless babes.


    Reconnaissance was key.


    Once the moon was high and it had been dark for a while, Theresa spread home-made insect repellent on them, made from stinkweed like in Coille, and citrone and a few other ingredients shed gotten fairly cheaply on campus.


    Alex recast Lesser Force Armour on both of them, and cast Orb of Air around their heads. That way, even if they dropped booby-trapped potions at their own feet, theyd be safe from the fumes. He didnt cast the spell over Brutus heads since he needed his noses free to sniff out the trail, but Alex would be ready with it as soon as it was needed.


    He and Theresa each drank a Potion of Sensory Enhancement, then she put some in a small bowl of beef broth for Brutus top up.


    Finally, they set off through the woods in silence. With nearly a full year of using The Mark to train his skills at being stealthy, he was almost as quiet as the huntress and cerberus as they moved through the dark forest.


    He kept a tight grip on his booby-trapped sensory enhancement potion while he listened to the forest around them. There was barely a breeze, and the silence was eerie. No crickets. No night birds. Not a single sound except for the odd rustle from the foliage in the distance.


    Oh, and the buzzing.


    There was a low buzzing from some of the trees.


    Alex held his breath, listening carefully to the persistent sound of wasp wings. He wouldve missed it without the potion sharpening his hearing since only a few were making sounds.


    Were past their first sentries, Theresa whispered and the potion made her words seem unnaturally loud in the stillness. Lets work our way around and find one of those trails again.


    Brutus soon found what they were searching for, and they slipped deeper into the brush. The foliage was thinner in the spot where the unknown person had gone into the vesparas territory: either the path had been partially cleared, or theyd known which paths were easier to navigate.


    Either way, it meant whoever it was, they were used to being in these woods. Suddenly, Brutus stopped and pointed straight ahead into the gloom.


    Theresa touched Alexs shoulder then followed Brutus gaze. Wait, theres someone in that tree up ahead.


    He froze, looking up.


    It was harder for him to see than it was for hispanions, but he did notice something that looked like a lumpor a crouched figureon one of the branches.


    Do you think they know were here? Alex asked.


    Theresa watched the figure for a bit. no. Theyre looking around a lotbut I think theyre focusing on those trails that lead in here. Hmmmthey look human though, so theyre probably using the moonlight to see: if we go around and keep to the dark, we should be able to get past without being seen.


    Their progress slowed way down since they couldnt go straight because of the sentry, so they had to arc around the tree. It slowed even more each time Theresa caught the sound of buzzing.


    After what seemed like hours, they found a path that took them past the watcher.


    Voices, Theresa whispered. Theyre talking real quietly.


    Alex steeled himself.


    Up ahead, he could see more moonlight leaking through the treesmoonlight and something else: a yellow light that didnt bob and crackle like a campfire. He could also hear voices as they edged closer. They couldnt circle the light up ahead, because at one point, there were too many clusters of wasps for them to sneak by. So, they had to double back and sneak toward it another way.


    Oh no, he whispered.


    What is it? Theresa asked.


    I might be wrong, he said. Well know in a few seconds.


    Pausing to cast Orb of Air over Brutus headswhich felt extra slow considering their situationthey crept forward until they reached a break in the trees.


    Below them yawned a massive hole in the earth, one with very little nt-life covering it. It looked like an old mining pit.<strong></strong>In one of the sides of the cratery the open mouth of a cave with two men sitting in front of it. One was arge, boar-like beastman with tusks capped with silver. The other was a pale pudgy man wearing fine looking clothing and holding a piece of cooked fowl in his hand.


    Floating beside the man was a bright yellow forceball.


    Shit, Alex swore under his breath. That ones a wizard.

 Chapter 185: Raging Wasp

    Chapter 185: Raging Wasp


    Baelin often said that a wizards greatest enemy was another wizard.


    They came with a number of abilities that one would prefer an enemy not have.


    Not only would they attack other wizardswell, way more than they should, but inbat, much of what gave a wizard the advantage didnt matter as much when their opponent was another wizard.


    If they had lots of spells to call on, they were harder to predict, so fighting one meant fighting an unpredictable enemy who had as many, or even more options as you that they could use against you. Wizards were also sapientoften well-educated, and might be trained in battle tactics, unlike beasts or typical monsters.


    And in Alexs particr situation, facing another wizard presented other problems: The Mark made him slower at spell casting, so even if this wizard was at a simr skill level, hed be able cast much faster than Alex could. He looked over at the bag with his potions tucked safely inside with some relief. Thankfully, they could help even things out.


    Theresa was swearing quietly as she looked at the wizard. Thats a problem. A big problemand theres more. Do you hear that?


    No, Alex looked at her sharply. What is it?


    In the cave, theres a lot of buzzinging from it: they dont sound agitated, but theres a <em>lot </em>of wide awake wasps in there.


    Then I bet thats where the vespara is, Alex said.


    Whatd we do? She turned back toward him, her face a mixture of concern and determination. Her hand rested on Brutus'' back to keep him quiet. With years of training well-ingrained in him, he didnt make a sound. Im out of my element now. Wizards are your thing.


    Alex frowned.


    Hold on, lets listen to them for a bit and see what we can figure out. Itll give us an idea of whats going on, he said. Even though I doubt thingsll be so convenient that theyll loudly exin their own n to each other for us to hear.


    They tucked themselves low to the ground and listened carefully to the two men in the crater.


    -hours- the pudgy man said, gesturing with his piece of fowl. -to get registered. I tell you, for all the taxes we pay, they could organize themselves better.


    Yeah, the boarman grunted. You shoulda seen how much I gave the taxmanst year. Felt like I was cutting off an arm.


    Tell me about it, the human agreed, ripping thest piece of meat from the bone and tossing it behind him.


    The boarman gave him a look. I dont want the camp stinking cause youre toozy to clean up after yourself.


    The waspsll get it in the morning. The other man waved a hand dismissively. If anything, Im feeding them, so, Im doing them a favour.


    The boarman snorted, letting his point drop. If you say so. He nced at the moon. You want to turn in? We have a long walk waiting for us in the morning.


    Not yet, the human said.


    Alex felt a slight surge of mana and the mans forceball moved closer to a bag beside him which he searched, then pulled a waterskin from.


    Shit, definitely a wizard, Alex thought.


    The question now was just how powerful was he?


    Alex obviously couldnt tell just by looking at the manbut there were some clues. For one, a more powerful wizard wouldve had more than one spell going since they were in an area where he and hispanions needed to be cautious.


    He shouldve had things like magical wards to protect their camp, summoned guardians to keep watch, and so on. This wizard seemed to only have his forceball activated, which meant he was either being <em>very</em> stingy with his mana, or he wasnt very powerful.


    Less powerful wizardslike Alex currently wastended to be more conservative with spells to conserve mana and not waste it powering spells that were always active, especially if they didnt have good mana control to make use of proper mana regeneration techniques.


    More powerful wizards also tended to be well-off, and could afford more magical items, especially here in Generasi. This fellow didn''t seem to have any items with glyphs on them for the binding of enchantments. Hed also walked here, judging from the footprints theyd found in the woods.


    Those things seemed to say that he wasnt a very powerful wizard.


    So what did that mean for them?


    Alex thought back to Baelins ss. This year they hadnt gone into much detail about how to directly battle another wizardthat would be covered next yearbut he should be able toe up with some strategies to use by considering what hed do in a conflict with someone with his, or his friends abilities.


    One big advantage that he and Theresa had was the element of surprise. A wizard without active protective spells who was caught off-guard, was just as vulnerable as anyone else.


    If they moved fast, they could take him down before he could do much.


    Then, that left the vespara.


    The clearing andck of foliage meant fire-magic was back on the menu, as long as they kept the fight here around the crater. But theyd need ygon to get here fast.


    <em>Think.</em>


    <em>Adapt.</em>


    A n formed in his mind.


    I think if we move fast, we might be able to take him, he whispered to Theresa. What Im thinking is this. We wait until they go to sleep. Then we grab them and take them down. Ill call ygon, then toss a booby-trapped potion into the cave. The wasps in there''ll have to fly through the gas to get out.


    She thought about it. Sounds like a good n. But what about the sentry? Well need to get him-if it is a he-too or he''ll just start shouting when we breach the camp.


    Rightdidnt think about that one.


    Its okay, I can go, she said. It didnt look like there were any wasps on his tree, so I should be able to just grab him and bring him down. You and Brutus can take care of the wizard and his friend.


    Sounds perfect, Alex said.


    Oh by Uldar, will you two just go the hells to sleep! Alex seethed, while the wizard and boarman continued talking about random crap through the night. Even Brutus looked irritated.


    Paaaaatiiience, Theresa whispered. Thats the first thing every hunter has to learn, Alex. Patience. Patience. Patience. Your kills nevere to you on schedule, you have to just wait until the right moment.


    A smile curled across her lips. Theeeere we are. Look. Good thingse to hunters who wait.


    Finally, the pair in the crater got ready to break off their conversation when the boarman said, I guess Id better go relieve Will before he starts thinking we forgot him up in that tree. Grunting he stood up, stretched his arms above his head then marched off into the woods while the wizard pulled out a bedroll and prepared to turn in for what was left of the night.


    A short whileter, a thin vicious-looking man came from the tree line, spitting on the ground.


    Did you see anything? the wizard asked.


    Not a thing except trees and darkness, he said. Beautiful night. The kind you could write poetry about.


    Alex did a double take.


    The man looked more like a bandit than a poet.


    An old expression came to mind, something about books and covers and judging things.


    No sign of whatever was crashing around the brush earlier? the wizard asked.


    No sign, the poet said, reaching for his bedroll. Dont you worry. Its not the first time some monster or beast came sniffing around, saw the wasps, and decided to find an easier lunch in some other forest.


    Good, nothing to sweat about then. I was telling Jacques that we might want to leave a day earlier than we nned.


    Really? I dont want to slip out on our obligations and upset the client if the jobs not done right.


    Client? Alex wondered.


    His note said he was happy so far, and from what I heard yesterday, the jobs almost going <em>too</em> well. The honey harvestll be good and ruined in another day or two, but if we stay here any longer, someone tougher than that nobildonnas old hunt masters going toe poking around. Weve got our champion all registered now too, so theres not much reason to take more risks. Besides, theres that bonus to think about: Id like to be free to enjoy it.


    Fair enough, the sentry yawned,ying out his bedroll. Ill trust your judgement, and Ill bid you a good night, then.


    As time passed, the two men finally tucked themselves into their bedrolls and were asleep within minutes.


    Alright, Im going to get Jacques, Theresa said, referring to the boarman. Sheid her pack down and drew a long length of rope from it.


    Howll I know when you get him? Alex asked her.


    She drew her knife, and it glinted in the moonlight. Ill shine this at you from the trees. Youll know when to move as soon as you see the sh. Love you. Be careful.


    Love you too.


    Brutus, dont make a sound and listen to what Alex says. Alex, if you get Brutus hurt, Ill kill you.


    Im, uh, kinda getting mixed signals here.


    She didnt respond as she slipped silently into the dark.


    He nced over at Brutus. Your moms mean.


    The cerberus just looked at himin a way Alex was sure was judging himand then licked his face.


    Thanks, he said dryly.


    The two of them waited in silence. Alex gritted his teeth, waiting for sounds of a struggle or cries of pain. His worry built as heartbeats turned to minutes without a single sound. He was starting to consider going after her when the sh of her knife gleamed briefly through the trees canopy.


    Not even a sound, Alex thought. Note to self, never piss the silent and deadly Theresa off.


    Slowly and quietly, he removed his cloak and held it up, then whispered the incantation for his forceball. With this version of the spell, hed changed the array so he could alter its brightness with mana maniption.


    It would be dim at first, but he could make it glow a lot brighter.


    The forceball materialized under the cloak, and none of its low light leaked from beneath the fabric. Then he slipped silently from the trees, with Brutus at his side.


    Nerves hit.


    In the crater below were two sleeping men who could wake at any moment if he made one wrong move. But, neither stirred as he and Brutus crept closer.


    Easy, Alex told himself, cautiously sneaking forward. Eaaaasy.


    They were halfway to the sleeping pair when it happened.


    Hey! a voice cried through the night. Whos there?


    Alex froze.


    It was a womans voice,ing from the <em>opposite</em> direction of where the sentry had been. Tension surged through him. Theyd seen three sets of tracks heading into the vesparas territory and <em>assumed</em> there were only three people around.


    But if the wizard could fly, then he <em>wouldnt have left any tracks.</em>


    Just how powerful was he then?!


    Both men stirred up ahead.


    He had to act. Now.


    Brutus, sic im! He pointed at the skinny man while drawing back his booby-trapped sensory enhancement potion.


    ygon! Come to me! Fast! he roared in his mind as he threw the potion.


    The cerberus growled, leaping forward as the two shouting, cursing men struggled to free themselves from their sleeping rolls.


    The bottle flipped through the air end over end as Alex was reaching for another one while rushing toward the pair.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    <em>Whooosh.</em>


    The ss smashed and gas spread in a cloud, enveloping both men. There was a shrill cry as Brutus grabbed one of them. Alex quickly pulled the cloak from his forceball and shielding his eyes, drove his mana into the orb while willing it forward.


    It shot it into the mist as the cerberus grappled with the thin man. Close your eyes, Brutus!


    The cascading light red, then a scream rose from the wizard.


    Good. Alex thought. The brightness that exploded in front of the man as the booby-trapped Potion of Sensory Enhancement overloaded his senses, was enough to blind, and panic anyone.


    <em>Craaaaash!</em>


    The mor arising as ygon crashed through the trees toward the battle, echoed through the forest.


    <em>Bzzzzz!</em>


    But, an unnerving, angry buzzing droned from the cave.


    Aex cocked back the arm holding the second potion.


    Theresa rushed from the trees, her bow in hand.


    <em>Whiiiish.</em>


    An arrow cut through the air.


    But it wasnt Theresas.


    Oof!


    It had flown from the forest where the female sentry had appeared and mmed into Alexs force armour, skidding across the spell, throwing his aim off.


    The potionnded just short of the cave, exploding into gas, but was far enough from the cave mouth that some of the wasps could fly around it.


    He crouched, hiding in the mist, as Theresa drew her bowstring back and returned a shot in the direction the womans arrow hade from. She continued running forward, ducking an arrow, then diving into the woods.


    Suddenly, Alex heard muted muttering nearby.


    His heart stopped.


    The wizard was struggling to stand and he was casting.


    Alex threw himself on the portly wizard, wrapping his arms around him, while pping his hand over the mans mouth. Teeth sank into the meat of his hand. Alex yelped, but held on, shifting his grip and flexing his arms, holding the mans jaw shut as he struggled to escape.


    He wrapped his legs around the disoriented wizards back and locked his grip tighter. It wasnt a fancy hold, but he was <em>much</em> stronger than the older man. He wouldnt be getting free anytime soon.


    Then he heard the swarm and nced up through the potion-mist.


    A cloud of deadly wasps poured from the cave mouth, most flying <em>through </em>the mist, not realizing what awaited them. Their buzzing suddenly changed, sounding erratic as the insects flew every which way. They zig-zagged up through the air, spiralled toward the ground, or flew in confused circles as their senses went nuts.


    Alex shot his forceball toward them, giving them <em>something</em> to track. Withpletely overwhelmed senses, some chased the light, futilely stinging the only thing they could see.


    Then, the big ones emerged.


    Alex gasped. There were only about ten or so of them, but they were at least as big as house cats, and from his distancewith his eyesight enhancedhe could see needle sharp stingers the length of a pinky finger.


    <em>Scraaaaaaaaaaaeeeeaaaaaa!</em> a hideous shriek erupted from the cave.


    The vesparas call echoed through the night.


    Alex! he heard Theresas voice. The swarms in the forest! I can hear them, theyreing!


    Shit! he cried. Get back here! Take cover in the potion mist!


    The sound of ygon crashing through the trees was drawing closer.


    Good. Hed be here soon, and the vespara couldnt leave the cave without going through the potion mist.


    He heard a loud deep buzzing growing closer to the cave mouth. Then, it suddenly stopped.


    A heartbeat passed, then the buzzing abruptly receded.


    It sounded like it was moving <em>fast.</em>


    A strange scratching noise began. Somewhere deep in the cave something was digging. The digging got louder, seemingly travelling upward.


    Alex''s eyes went wide.


    Theresa! I think its tunnelling another way out of the cave! You-


    Another screech ripped through the night as a dark shape shot into the air. The vesparaunched itself into the moonlight.

 Chapter 186: The Night of Long Stingers

    Chapter 186: The Night of Long Stingers


    There was something both beautiful and hideous about the creature.


    Its wings shed in the night, shimmering like diamonds as they buzzed through the air. And thats where all beauty ended. The monster attached to those wings was almost humanoid, with four arms and two<strong></strong>legs that were disproportionately thin and long. Its body was lean and maybe eight or nine feet, thanks to strikingly long legs.


    Angry-looking ck and yellow bands covered a body topped by a head that was a cross between a wasps and a persons, with eyes that faced forward like a wolfs.


    Or a humans.


    A predators eyes.


    It hovered, taking in the scene below.


    Alex pulled his hand away from the wizards face. Call off your pet! If you try spellcasting, Ill choke you out and make sure you have a nasty little mana reversal to deal with when you wake up! He snarled at the man, knowing his words were an idle threat thanks to The Mark. But this wizard didnt know that.


    Too bad the only answer Alex got involved screaming.


    The wizards hearing had been cranked up and Alex realized that his voice must have felt like a hammer mming into the mans ear drums.


    Swearing, he pped his hand back over the wizards mouth. Then his eyes went wide. Theresa was emerging from the trees, holding the second sentry under her arm like she weighed nothing. The woman kicked, screamed and cursed.


    Theresa, look ou-


    The vespara shot toward her, howling with rage. It had chosen its target and its stinger protruded like a shortsword. The huntress leapt back, drawing her great-grandfathers sword in one smooth motion, and turning to position the screaming sentry between her and the monster. Her sword shed out, striking the creatures thorax, cutting its chitin.


    It screeched, recoiling as Theresa coiled like a spring then leapt into the cloud of potion-mist. Her struggling prisoner gasped when<strong></strong>they hit the vapour and her senses were overwhelmed.


    Alex saw the woman drop as Theresa whirled on the vespara. It veered away from the cloudcautiouslythen circled. Its buzzing was loud enough to hurt Alexs ears, and while he only grimaced, the wizardspany tried to block their ears, screaming.


    Agitated, the monster jabbed at Theresa with the long, dagger-like stinger, but she shed its thorax again, spilling foul green-white blood. Alexs breath caught as it aimed for Brutus hulking form in the mist, but Theresa was too quick, and another sh stopped it.


    Her quick de and the cover of the mist kept it from reaching its targets, saving them from a sting that would release a flood of venom. The poisons effects on its victims was gruesome. Alex could still see the images from the monsternomicon.


    The vespara shuddered with rage, then began an awful screeching.


    An infernal buzzing roared from all directions like a raging windgrowing louderbut the violent crashing from ygon grew closer too. As gas lessened around them; the vespara became more aggressive.


    Alex cursed. They needed to stop it.


    Theresa! He released the writhing man and pulled out thest booby-trapped sensory enhancement potion. Catch! Throw it when I say!


    Got it! she shouted as he tossed it to her.


    The vespara buzzed around them, looking for openings.


    He was seeing a pattern in its movements. It was slowly getting closer. Growing bolder.


    He nced at his forceball.


    Thats right, he thought. Come at me, niiice and quick.


    <em>Bzzz!</em>


    He drove the forceball out from the swarm of wasps.


    It shot toward him.


    And right into the path of the vesparas face.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Its head mmed into the orb at full speed, whipping back.


    Now! he roared.


    Theresa tossed the potion bottle into the creatures face with vicious uracy.


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    It exploded against its stinger and the contents escaped into the air.


    The intense light from the forceball red in its face. A shriek rang through the woods as it reared back, its eyes burning.


    <em>Whish! Whish! Whish!</em>


    <em>Thnk!</em>


    Theresa threw her knife straight into its face. The vespara froze, the thick<strong></strong>de quivered in an eye socket as a strange, gurgling buzz escaped its throat. It dropped to the ground with a cking noise.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    ygon burst from the trees, surrounded and pursued by clouds of wasps.


    They poured into the crater from all directions, answering the vesparas death cries.


    st em, ygon! Not the woods, but burn the wasps! Alex shouted.


    Theresa hit the ground, and their prisoners screamed.


    <em>Vooooom!</em>


    Light built in all three fire gems as the golem raised his hands.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Three red beams of fire-magic sted through the air, crackling and pulsing into the clouds of angry wasps, decimating the swarms. The night seemed to change from darkness to broad daylight and the pleasant warmth of the summer night turned to sweltering heat.


    The buzzing of wings died in crackling me as ygon walked forward ominously, sweeping through the clouds of wasps with his forehead and hand beams. Bigger wasp bodies hissed then blew apart, sounding like chestnuts cracking from an open fire. Alex wondered what the air around them smelled like.


    Some of the swarm that escaped the beams just dropped from heat radiating off the fiery explosions. Others zipped around confused, flying into the mes. ygon sted the swarm in front of the cave, cooking the remaining over-sized wasps, then picked up the writhing vespara with a lower arm.


    He whipped the creature''s body back for a throw.


    We need the head! Alex shouted.


    The golem paused, then gently plucked off the dying monsters head between two fingers like he was picking dandelion petals for a round of, loves me, loves me not.


    Instantly, the monsters gurgling cries stopped; the wasps abruptly lost cohesion. They shuddered as the vesparas magic left them, and began flying aimlessly in all directions, suddenly without direction.


    ygons beams swept the air around the crater until the only wasps left were a few tiny, twitching forms on the ground.


    He could hear buzzinging from the cave, but the angry growl of the swarm outside had ceased.


    Alex breathed a sigh of relief then turned his attention to the wizard.


    Looking down at the curled up man, he spoke to him in a low voice. So, youll be getting your senses back in a little bit, okay? But before you do, Im going to bind and gag you, since I figure any spellcaster whos hiding out in the woods with a vespera shouldn''t be trusted. Then, were all going to have a nice friendly chat, and just so you know,<em> Im</em> a wizard too. He paused, letting the weight of the mans situation sink in before continuing. You saw what my golem can do, right? Keep that in mind, in case you get any stupid ideas.


    The wizard gave a loud painful groan as Alexs lowered voice still mmed into his hyper-sensitive ears.


    oh right, he said. Uh.just keep doing that, I guess.


    The fourvespara-tamers were tied up in the center of the crater as ygon finished clearing out the cavern. A bunch of giant wasp hives were tucked into the vesparasir, so ygon went about the task of removing and burning them and their queens. That was another reason Alex was d he had his golem. He, Theresa, and Brutus could safely watch the process from beside their captives without having to risk being stung to death clearing out the cave. There were ten nests inside, each the size of a calf, plus a bunch of wasps still left to defend them, but ygon easily moved them out to be burned on the craters rocky bottom.


    A few swishes of Alexs massive wasp-swatters, and a few sts of meter, and the wasps were just a bad memory.


    Alexs heart was hammering in his chest and his body felt like it was drenched in cold sweat, but he held his face in a confident mask that The Mark was helping him with. It worked well with Theresas natural death-stalker face.


    Their four captives wereing around, but they still had to squint in the moonlight. At least the potions effects were beginning to wear off enough so they could soon answer some questions.


    Alright, I dont hear any more buzzinging from the cave. Theresa squinted toward the cave mouth, looking for any straggler wasps. Lets check it out. Brutus, bite their heads off if they move.


    The wizard gave a muffled whimper behind his gag.


    The others just groaned.


    ygon, you burn the bodies, Alex said.


    All four whimpered.


    Alex and Theresa quickly went by them and entered the cave. As hed done in The Cave of the Traveller, he swept his forceball along the walls and floor, looking for any hidden dangers, or anything valuable.


    The cavern was a mess of partially-organized supplies, soil, and a massive nest made from leaves, bones, wood, and pieces of what looked like honeb.


    Midway down the chambery a rough writing desk with a dried stump for a seat. Papers were scattered across the top. Alex was looking around when a stone disk leaning against the wall caught his attention. It looked simr to the flying disks folks used to get around campus.


    He squinted.


    Actually, it was <em>identical</em> to those disks. How did those foure by it? Did they steal it?


    Look, Theresa said, pointing at the papers on the desk. She picked one atop the pile. It was a letter. Hmmm


    Whats it say? Alex walked over to look over her shoulder.


    Looks like its from their client.


    He called his forceball close and quickly scanned the page.


    <em>The nobildonnas activities go poorly and I have not heard of any talk aside from these attacks being the work of a wild monster. As promised, you have performed good and discrete work.</em>


    <em>I am very satisfied with the service you have provided so far. Keep up the good work, and I am sure she will fall on hard times, at least for a time.</em>


    <em>Friend Stewart, I have told you of the vile spurning she gave me, but mere words cannot give voice to the cruelty of her words. A partnership between our domains-</em>


    Oh by The Traveller, Theresa said. Is this person really exining why theyre mad?


    Sometimes people just want someone to talk to, Alex shrugged. Even if its someone theyve hired. Maybe whoever this is just wanted to be heard.


    Too bad for him, this looks pretty incriminating, she said.


    -<em>would provide excellent benefits for both our vineyards. Her wo put it bluntlyis absolute pigs swill! Pigs swill! Im half-convinced that herck of invitation to Patrizia dePaolosst ball was due to her having the winemaking ability of an angry pig soaked in vinegar. Though, her honey-mead is, I must grudgingly admit, delicious. Her gamble on the bees and her experimentations with the recipe have most definitely yielded fruit. Or I should say yielded </em><em><strong>honey </strong></em><em>hahahaha!</em>


    they sound like you, Theresa said.


    "They do <em>not!</em> Alexined.


    Uhuh.


    <em>In either case, sufficient ruination should have her reconsidering my offer. My capital and her recipe shall bring about a new age in the night life of Generasi. Should you continue to perform your task as well as you have thus far, I shall consider offering you a bonus if a contract between her and I is secured. Andif your beastis still under yourmand, I will certainly seek your services again for anything so delicate!</em>


    - <em>Yours Truly, The Midnight Sparrow</em>


    Well at least he knew enough not to sign his name or press his seal into it, Alex said. Or she, or they, I guess. I dunno.


    He looked down at the desk noting a sheath of papers that <em>did </em>have a seal.


    Four dragons like the four statues above City Hallsurrounding the symbol for mana.


    There was another seal on some of the other papers: one of a tall figure holding a staff and a curved sword.


    Thats Roals symbol, Theresa said, picking up the sheath of papers to examine them.


    <em>Congrattions on your registration in the Duel of Proxies event within The Games of Roal. Please present this registration certificate at the beginning of The Games so the gamesters might properly establish the groupings</em><em><strong></strong></em><em>for the tournament.</em>


    <em>Best of luck and may your tamed beast perform well!</em>


    Huh, Alex said. I guess it wont be performing wellcuz, you knowits headless.


    Youre gross.


    And<em> you</em> hunt and skin things for fun and profit. Youre gross.


    Theresa grunted.


    They went through the rest of the papers, finding more letters from this Midnight Sparrow that asked for updates on the n.


    Well, it looks like <em>someone</em> hired our friends out there to ruin the nobildonnas crop, Alex said. I guess they were getting the coin from this job and hoping for whatever prize they might get from the Duel by Proxy event at The Games. ...which reminds me...I still need to find out what the events are for that. Anyway, I wonder who this sparrow person is. even though its not our problem anymore. We got the monster and didnt burn down the forest: now we can turn the folks out there over to the city guard and be done with this.


    Theresa yawned. Right, they should be able to<strong></strong>figure out who hired these guys. Whew, long dayso?


    So what? Alex asked.


    Howd you like your first hunt outside of ss?


    Well, it was freaky sometimes and exciting other timesnot gonna lie, there being a wizard here made me kinda nervous.


    She smiled. My hearts still pounding, but I think Baelins ss helped us handle this. Soon the worlds going to have to fear <em>us!</em>


    I like the sound of thathey, Theresa?


    She paused as she was about to start collecting the papers theyd found. Whats up?


    It worked out this time, I mean we caught everybody and neither of us got hurtbut would you have he paused, unsure of how to ask.


    Would I have what?


    Would you have beenokay with killing them? he finally got the words out. I dunno, I know its a weird question butIm just wondering.


    Theresa paused, thinking over his words for a long moment. do you really want me to answer?


    Only if you want to.


    yeah, I think I would have, she said. That woman would have put an arrow in your chest if you didnt have your magic up to protect us. I was moving fast and it was darkbut I wasnt aiming to just wing her, Alex.


    oh. Okay. Well, I was wondering because wellif we stay on this path of me learning to be a wizard and you learning to be a badass, this is probably going to happen again.


    She nodded. Thats too badbut its a bloody world, I guess. And if something is trying to hurt us


    There was a pause.


    Can we talk about something else?


    Oh yeah, sure thing, he said. I just-Yeah. Lets just get this stuff out of here.


    She smiled at him, then kissed him on the lips. This was fun. Im d we did it.


    Yeah he paused, giving thought to all that had happened. Im d we did too.


    His eyes drifted back to that diskying against the wall. For the first time, theyd fought people. For the first time, theyd fought another wizard.


    he kind of wanted to talk to Baelin about that.


    <em>Thmp. Thmp. Thmp.</em>


    Alex knocked quietly on the office doorframe, watching from the hall as the chancellor wrote on a piece of parchment. His massive desk was filled with paperwork stacked in neat piles and on the floorybags?


    <em></em>Wee, Alex, why dont youe in? Baelin didnt bother looking up from his paperwork.


    Uh, is this a bad time? Alex asked.


    Yes and no, I would say. The chancellor finished writing a sentence. On the one hand, it seems my enemies are trying to kill meby crushing me with paperwork. On the other, I have some news for you.


    He finally looked up at his young student.


    I will be seeing your king tomorrow morning.

 Chapter 187: Reflections on Death

    Chapter 187: Reflections on Death


    Alexs jaw dropped as he stepped into the room.


    <em>Really?</em>


    The doors quietly closed behind him.


    Indeed! Baelin gestured to the mountains of paperwork. The gods of parchment and fruitless bureaucracy are appeased, diplomatic envoys have shaken each others hands enough times, and the city haspleted their part of the arrangements. Tomorrow morning, Iand one of the citys councillorswill be chatting with your head of state. Any messages you would like me to ferry? Comints about taxes, for instance?


    Alex froze. No, I-


    I joke, of course, Heughed as he gestured to one of the chairs in front of his desk. Come now, it is summer and it is a beautiful day: let some of that lightness into your heart.


    I am, I just dont think itd be beating for long if I was executed for offending the kingthrough you.


    Oh, bah. Baelin waved a hand. If you remain on the path of Proper Wizardry, you will one day gather power, and kings, queens, emperors and empresses will seek you out. Orat the very leastlordlings or others of lesser powers. You <em>will</em> offend one of them inevitably since their demands can sometimes cross into the realm of the unreasonable.


    Well, that sounds like ater kind of thing, Alex said. So, uh, I wont take up much of your time...I just wanted to talk for a minute. Theresa and I were in a fight recently, and I was wondering if I could get your insight on something?


    Oh? Baelin cocked his head. Did you perhaps take my advice on monster-hunting? He watched Alexs face closely. Aaaah, so there it is. And how did it go? What did you hunt?


    A vespara, actually, Alex said. But things got kindaplicated.


    They tend to, Baelin said.


    Alexunched into the details, summarizing the contract, telling Baelin about how he and Theresa had prepared for the vespara and how theyd located its territory and scouted it out. He told him about the footprints, the people controlling the monster, the wizard that was there, the sentry theyd missed, and how the fight had gone.


    After that He continued. The nobildonnas steward paid us and we handed over the troublemakers to her house guards with the letters we took from the cave. Then we went to City Hall and collected our bounty for the vespara and reported the four thatd been controlling it. They told us theyd begin an investigation once the nobildonnas people brought in the letters and the wizard andpany.


    I see, Baelin mused. And how do you think you did?


    Uuuuh, Alex scratched his head. I think it went okay. Like, you talked about how wed find ourselves in a fight one day where we wouldnt have the advantage right? So, we tried to minimize their advantages and maximize ours. I only wish wed checked the terrain better and found that second sentry.


    True, that was apseit is hard for me to say since I was not there, but perhaps it would have been suitable to continue seeking a way through the forest around the insects to allow yourselves to circle the entire camp. The chancellor tapped his desk, as he thought things through. You were not under a major time limit, and could have afforded the extra time it would have taken to find a route around the sentries, even if it was necessary topletely retreat and circle aroundbut then again.


    He paused. Such scouting might have increased your chances of being discovered by the enemy. In any case, you lived. You subdued the wizard and his partners without allowing him the opportunity to cast a single spell; that is the best result one can ask for when facing another wizard inbat, I would say.


    He looked at Alex appraisingly, does something else trouble you, though?


    Hm?


    You have atroubled air about you.


    maybe, Alex paused. Can I ask you a strange question?


    Only if you are prepared for a strange answer.


    Wasuhwas there ever a time you were...uhm...hesitant about killing? When you were young? He looked at the skulls sitting on Baelins shelves. I mean, not killing monsters or beasts or things like that, but likepeople. Mortal people. I was thinking when we were sneaking up on those people that Theresa and I might well


    Might have to kill someone, Baelin finished for him.


    Well, yeah. And Im still not really sure how I feel about that. I mean, with monsters its one thingbut I dunno. So, I wanted to ask what it was like for youif thats not too personal.


    He paused. Look, Im sorry that questions way out of line. Like, I dunno, my heads kinda turned around about it.


    No, no, not to worry, Alex, I am not in the least offended and have no reticence in discussing the subject, the chancellor said. But I would caution you...do not ask such a question of most. There are those who have lived the mercenary life, or have experienced the horror of fighting in war, or have even in another in their own defence.<strong></strong>Forhow should I put this He thought for a moment. For manyin a strange ironykilling another wounds ones own heart, mind and spirit. In those cases, it is not polite to poke at anothers wounds.


    Yeah, Alex shook his head. Yeah I got it, sorry.


    As I said, think nothing of it, Baelin sighed, then looked at his shelf of trophies. I am old Alex. Unnaturally so for my race, and I have seen more death in my lifetime than most. Itto me, it is just another part of the universe now. Things die, and so do people. I no longer trouble myself with it overmuch unless it marks the death of a friend.


    The ancient wizard paused, gathering his thoughts.


    Alex swallowed. Something about thatand the way Baelin had said it made him deeply ufortable. He thought about The Mark and how it didnt register swatting insects asbat. The way Baelin talked, it was almostsimr. Like the death of most was beneath his notice.


    Except, he wasnt talking about insects, he was talking about people. It seemed a pretty alien way of looking at things


    Then again, how else <em>could </em>he look at it? Alex considered. If you live long enough to see entire kingdoms rise and fall, what <em>is</em> a mortals life to you?


    He quickly put those thoughts from his mind as Baelin started to speak again.


    The ancient wizard mused. You are not the first to ask me this question, you know. Many students who havee before you have sought me out with such burdens on their minds: striking down another person is not a simple<strong></strong>undertaking. Did you know that armies spend much of their initial training in curbing most peoples natural inclination to not kill another person?


    Really? Alex shifted in his chair. I thought it was all justthrusting spears and marching and stuff.


    Oh, my, no. Baelin shook his head. In many societiessuch as n societies that earn their fortune through raiding other nsbattle and killing bes natural, for it is part of their culture from the time they are born. It is easier for people to engage themselves in armed-struggle when they know they have their deities edict and a nice reward awaiting them in the afterworld. Some deities even reward <em>only</em> those who die in battle for this very reason.


    they sound like cruel deities.


    Many are. Many are. In other realms, thoughmore agricultural ones where theirnds are safethe only thing a peasant-levy or new-recruit may have ughtered are chickens, pigs or cows. For some born with a silver spoonlike those from mercantile housesthey would have perhaps only engaged in no more than the asional hunt for sport. And generally, most people do not seek to kill others under normal circumstances.


    He gestured in the air, creating an illusion of a miniature soldier in blue armournorger than a pinky nailhovering over one end of his desk and gripping a tiny crossbow. Another soldier wearing red armour appeared on the other side of the desk, with a spear in his hand.


    The first soldier winced then reacted by levelling his crossbow at his opponent as he appeared. At thest instant, he jerked his weapon up and fired: the bolt soared through the air andnded harmlessly in a pile of papers.


    See this? Baelin pointed at the little soldier. This is a rathermon urrence on battlefields filled with new recruits. In the chaos ofbatamong hundreds of your fellowsit is easy to purposefully miss an opponent standing one hundred yards away. Who is to know? If both sides did this, war would be a fairly bloodless affair, would it not? But, ah, observe.


    He pointed back down at his desk.


    Alex watched as the soldier in red dropped his spear, hoisted a crossbow to his shoulder and fired a bolt. The shot streaked across the desk and mmed straight into the blue soldier, who copsed in a heap. The red soldiers expression didnt change at all.


    And this is what happens if one side of a battle consists of soldiers who are not prepared to y their foesbut the other ispletely ready to, the chancellor said. Hence whyin realms with advanced military sciencepeople are made to numb their aversion to killing. Usually, officers spend a great deal of time painting the realms enemies as something less than people. There is a reason the Irtyshenans expound the view that only they possess <em>true</em> civilization while all others outside of their reach are considered barbarians or monsters. It aids in their lust for conquering.


    He sighed. In the first iterations of The Art of the Wizard in Combat I actually held sses that specifically pitted students against other people: criminals who were awaiting execution, to be precise.


    That chilled Alexs blood.


    Baelin sighed. But, s, the universitys ethicsmittee deemed it too mentally damaging for the students. In some ways I agree, there were a few students wholost their zeal for wizardry afterward. But, the sad truth is that when you walk this path long enough, eventually someone <em>will</em> try to kill you. Perhaps if you live a hermits lifergely in istion and die from natural causes, you might avoid it, but if you are active in your wizardry and out in the world, and if you find ways to live long enough, I guarantee that someone will want you dead.


    Alex paused at that. yeah, I guess.


    And to answer your original question: I drew blood <em>very</em> early in my life. Things were very different and vastly harder back then. Territory was valuable, and if herds of deer that your tribe relied on for meat wandered into another tribes territory, then deadly conflict would result. He raised his hands. I am afraid these hands knew the feel of blood before they knew the caress of magic. So it was different for me. I cannot quite remember what my mind did to me the first time I killed someone. Perhapsthat memory is lost to me on purpose. In any case, if the notion of killing another person diforts you, then avoid it while you can. But be prepared.


    He rose up in his chair. Use the clever mind that we wizards possess to predict and avoid such conflicts, or find ways to be powerful enough that most cannot easily harm you: mercy is the privilege of the strong, after all. And there can be much merit in not killing everyone that seeks conflict with you. Tends to provide you with more friends and allies. Butif and when therees a time when another seeks to do you irreparable harmthen do not hesitate. Not even for an instant. Because if you do, and they do not


    He nced down at the soldier in red armour, still floating over his desk. Well, I think you can gather my point.


    Alex gulped. Yeah, I get itthanks, Baelin. For what its worth, I think the world needs perspectives like yours. Helps us to not forget things.


    The chancellorughed. What you just said is one of the kindest things you can say to an elderly person. Too many think our perspectives are unworthy once we rise past a certain measure of years. Even for one such as I. You-


    <em>Thmp. Thmp. Thmp.</em>


    Baelin? a young voice asked. Are you there?


    Ah, Baelin said. -but I am lucky enough that the young still seek me out. That will be one of my other students. Now off you go, and put those thoughts of blood and darkness out of your head for now: you gained victory over a foe. You have debriefed what could have gone awry, you are unharmed and so, it is now time to celebrate and not ruminate.


    RightIll keep that in mind, Alex said. Thank you.


    Alex was walking through the hallwith ygons footsteps thumping behind himwhen his mind drifted back to what Baelin had said about old perspectives. He wondered what it might have been like for The Traveller, or other Heroes whod survived long enough to live through a second cycle of the Ravener.


    From what the church school had taught, it was a rare urrence: most of the folk in Thamnd were human or from races with simr lifespans, and so Heroes surviving a full hundred years to be around for a second cycle had only urred a handful of times in recorded history. In most of those cases, they had aided the new generation of Heroes in their quest. Some had died in the effortlike The Travellerand some survived the second conflict.


    He thought about his own futurehis far future.


    Theresa was fully engaged in life enforcement, and that practice naturally extended a persons life. If things went well and hewell, he and she got married, hed pretty much <em>have</em> to find ways to extend his own life so that he wouldnt die decades before her.


    That would mean, though, that he could quite possibly live long enough to see another Raveners cycle, if they didnt find a way to permanently break it this time, that is. What would be happening then? Would his homnd know about him and The Mark?


    Would the people of Thamnd want anything to do with him, even if he did want to give help to a new generation of Heroes? Would he want anything to do with them?


    He put those thoughts away.


    There were more immediate things to worry about.


    It was time to get Selinas gift built and ready, he had to get more information about these Games of Roal, and he needed to keep pushing through the spells he was learning over the summer. Then there were his official courses to think about.


    And finally, Theresas parents would be arriving in a few mornings. Plenty to actually do, and not a lot of time for hypotheticals.


    But, it was gonna be hard not to think about Baelins meeting with the king of Thamnd.


    That meeting would decide the fate of the expedition.

 Chapter 188: The Patterns and Scripts of Time (Interlude)

    Chapter 188: The Patterns and Scripts of Time (Interlude)


    At times, life could be frustrating.


    Especially when lifested long enough.


    In ages past, it would have been normal to simply <em>take </em>a resource when it was discovered. The stone-flint de, the bronze speartip, and the iron axe-head would im what words or inheritance could not.


    But things grew moreplicated with each passing age.


    Now, one could hardly turn around without needing to consider a dozen factors, reactions and ripple effects.


    In some ways, that was its own challenge, but in other ways, Baelin missed the direct method. He ran his hand over his bronze beard spseach older than the city itselfas he waited for hispanion.


    Calm yourself, you old goat, he thought. You chose this way, and youve seen its benefits. Do not let youthful impatience creep back into you now.


    Yet, it was difficult to tamp it down.


    When was thest time that such a paradigm changing discovery dangled so close? And yet, it could all be denied to him and his colleagues if one little rulerwhod received his authority only by springing from the right loinsdecided not to engage with them.


    Hed had foul dealings with such folks in the past: too much crown and not enough brain beneath it. And with Thamnds penchant for religious fanaticism


    Well, best not to purchase trouble beforehand.


    After all, unlike most things in life, trouble costed nothing. It tended to find one all by itself.


    The door opened in the waiting room and he looked up to see a wizard entering at the head of a long procession. Apanying her were several of her most elite battlemages, while Baelins seat was nked by two of the universitys most experienced Watchers of Roal.


    Kartika. He stood, greeting the short woman with an offered hand. You are right on time as usual. I trust all is ready on your part?


    It is. She sped his hand in a tight grip in two of six chestnut-coloured hands. The other four arms remained folded behind her back, covered in part by her long, ck hair. It is good to see you again, Baelin, you do not visit the council enough.


    Ah, you know how it is, he said. As we get older, the work only piles up higher around us. If only we were dragons, so that we might hoard gold and power, instead of paperwork and burdens.


    Indeed, she said. But at least we are the first to see exciting times. She nced at the timekeeper on the wall. Thamnds court wizards should be sending the guide any moment now.


    They waited for only a short time before Baelin felt the stir of mana far in the distance, a tiny ripple of someone reaching out from well beyond the ambient mana and magical auras within Generasi.


    A heartbeatter, there was a shimmering in the air and a middle-aged man appeared in the centre of the room, ncing around him.


    He blinked for a moment, adjusting to his surroundings and then bowed deeply to Kartika. Council-wizard Kartika, a pleasure to serve you again.


    Marcellus, good to see you again. I trust that the waiting area in Thamnd is readied? She asked.


    It is. He turned to Baelin. Hail, chancellor.


    Baelin nodded in return. Hail, my fellow wayfarer.


    Lets not waste any time then, Marcellus spread his hands. He spoke the incantation for the teleportation spell with precision, and Baelin felt the magic circuit form and power the spell around them.


    An instantter, they were all flying through a tunnel of whirling images until he felt his hooves touch ground again. Millenia of honed habits kicked in, and he scanned the immediate surroundings with his senses, ready to strike out at any traps with terrible vengeance.


    They were surrounded by arge gathering of soldiers, clergy, and knights in what appeared to be arge city square.


    Beyond, he sawa surprisingly dreary looking ce.


    The capital of Thamnd rose around himbuildings of stone and wood spreading all aroundwith a few towers and great structures rising above the other rooftops.


    He noted the towering cathedral thaty to the east, and the parapets of the stone castle that rose to the north. At one time, it might have appeared to be a pleasant and fairly advanced city.


    But the scars could not escape his eyes.


    Many of the buildings had been recently patched, and ckeningfrom fire, magic or bothtouched many of them. The streets were empty save for armoured and cautious warriors marching along dirty cobblestones.


    He noted that many of the helmeted heads were ncing up.


    They were checking the skies.


    Then there was the mana


    Very little ambient mana hung in the air, which was fairly normal for most ces in the world away from a mana vent or some other great source of mana.


    but there <em>was</em> a certain magic that touched the air.


    A very subtle magic.


    We have arrived in Ussex, the capital of Thamnd, Marcellus announced. Are you able to take care of your further transportation needs, Council-Wizard, Chancellor?


    Of course, Baelin said, having filed the images of the surrounding area into his memory. He would now be able to teleport here himself without issue or any chance of mishap.


    Indeed, Kartika said. You may return to City Hall for the other half of your payment.


    Marcellus bowed to her. Then I take my leave.


    With another quick incantation, he was gone.


    Wee to Thamnd, Council-Wizard Kartika, Chancellor Baelin. An elderly man stepped out of the gathering, his long braided moustache blowing in the cool wind. I am Court-Wizard Errolsecond-advisor-in-magic to the royal family of Thamndand am pleased to make your acquaintance after all these months.


    He nced at the city.


    Your presence is most desired, and I pray to Uldar that the negotiations go well.


    Kartika nodded. We shall work toward that.


    Indeed, Baelin said, though his attention was divided.


    That strange magic continued to interest him. As his senses examined it, he realized there was a slight familiarity to it. It was almost likea family resemnceto Alex Roths golem, ygon.


    But what was it doing?


    Excuse me, Errol, is there a dungeon core nearby?


    Thank Uldar no, you are perfectly safe, Errol said. The Heroes were able to clear all the area surrounding the capital from The Raveners influence.


    I see, Baelin said, though his own safety was the veryst thing he was worried about here. Very few things could make him feel unsafe these days. Thereis a strange mana that touches the air.


    Errols eyebrows rose in surprise. You must have honed your senses well for you to pick it up so quickly. That mana belongs to-


    The eternal enemy.


    Another voicedeep and cuttinginterrupted Errol.


    Robes rustled as another man stepped from the circle, tall and bearing a powerful presence. There was a narrowness to his featureslike a daggerand his eyes seemed unnaturally small. His white robes were pristinealmost divinely soand the symbol of Uldar hung from a tinum chain around his neck.


    I am High Priest Tobias Jay, and what you feel is the presence of The Ravener, Chancellor Baelin, he said. Its darkness falls upon the entirend.


    The chancellor paused, considering those words. Do you mean to say that this manahowever thin it might becovers this kingdom from coast to coast?


    It is indeed so, the high priest looked toward the cathedral. Even as great Uldars light shines down upon us all, so does his greatest enemys presence infest every hill, forest and glen. Until it is cast into the icy void once more.


    Indeed, Baelin mused.


    His mind filed away that information forter evaluation.


    My, my, he thought. What antics have been brewing just beyond my notice?


    The thrill of a new mystery struck him andfor a brief momenthe felt young again.


    King Athelstan Merciex of Thamnd was a surprisingly young man, though almost any mortal was by Baelins standards. The monarch had perhaps only just reached histe thirties, but the weight of his duties slumped his shoulders, giving him an older mans slouch.


    Baelin had seen much the same in many kings and queens: half a decade of rulership seemed to age them a dozen years at a time. Yet, despite an obvious spreading grey in his red hair, the kings eyes held a steely pride and vigour.


    Good. Monarchs were not suited to being mice; mice were for theb, not the negotiation table.


    And it was obvious the king hade prepared to negotiate well.


    The room he had chosen for the meeting was a demonstrationor perhaps a monumentto Thameish history, tribtion and triumph. A disy of security and power. Its walls were covered with paintings of Heroes and kings from past ages, showing scenes of them battling The Ravener, its monsters or other foes.


    A spread of food and ale filled the table they were seated at, and Baelin was sure he could hear it groaning beneath the weight of the feast. Servants stood at the ready to pour or serve as needed, and guards nked every door, their te armour showing thetest advancements in armourcraft was polished to an obscene shine. They were also quite tall for humans; a further disy of strength.


    The king sat at the head of the table, nked by Court Wizard Errol and High Priest Tobias. An empty seaty at his right hand and there were several more empty chairs between them and the representatives from Generasi.


    Wee to my kingdom; were it that these were easier times in which we were greeting the delegates of Generasi, King Athelstan said. I shall ask your forgiveness for my wifes absence: the queen has taken ill in the past month. She recovers, but the sickness is stubborn.


    Think nothing of it, Council-wizard Kartika said. I could arrange a healer of fine credentials from Generasi to offer assistance if needed.


    Baelin watched the king react to her words, wondering if they would be seen for what they were: an offer of help, a show of good faithbut a possible favour to be owed.


    I thank you for your generous offer, the monarch said. My court physician, the priests of holy Uldar and my own first-advisor-in-magic care for her. She is in the best of care, and I am afraid that the invitation of an outsider might indicatedistrust in their fine work.


    A smooth refusal that caused no offence while establishing the strength andpetence of the kings own resources. Subtle hints that outside help might insult those already working on problems within Thamnd.


    Kartikas eyes lit up as she too caught the signals.


    And so negotiations had begun.


    Come, feast and drink, the king gestured to the fine food. Even Baelin had to admit that the venison soaked dark-wine gravy, leeks and peas smelled and looked delicious. The bread was steaming hot and appeared hearty and soft. It is tradition in Thamnd to never begin talks of governance and trade on an empty belly.


    Ah, what is that Thameish expression? Kartika asked, though Baelin knew well that of all the councillors in the city, she was the one whod know the most about this distant realm. There had been purpose in her selection as delegate. Never trust someone who negotiates on an empty belly?, I believe?


    Why, yes. The kings eyebrows rose in surprise. When you have good food filling you, it sends the blood to your middle and away from- He tapped the side of his skull. -and tends to make people more honest. If someones offering you food before negotiating and not partaking themselves, well theyre probably just seeking advantage.


    In a practiced motion, he picked up a sharp knife, quickly carving away a piece of the venison roast and cing it on his te.


    He speared it with his fork and ate<strong></strong>the meat with a few quick bites. So, shall we begin our feasting then? Get that blood into our middles?


    A disy of good faith.


    I should think myself half-mad if I bandied words while hunger stilly within me, Baelin chuckled. The scent would addle my brains.


    Agreed! Kartika said, reaching for her own knives.


    The food was indeed rich and as delicious as it smelled. Baelin was d hed brought his appetite with him. He took a moment to reflect on the meal and enjoy it to its fullest. There had been many, many times in his life when hunger had squeezed his stomach into nothing more than a knot of acid and pain.


    He was more powerful now, but one never knew what struggles would drift to him across the infinite seas of time. It was best to enjoy food, wine and other pleasures while one could; sometimes only those memories would keep one sane in leaner times.


    Athelstan and Kartika spent the time in what passed for small talk among rulers: polite sharing of experiences in rulership, facts about their realms, and little anecdotes about their stations and duties.


    It was amonnguage, save for one difference. Athelstan often worked in little stories about his children, painting their merits. That was amon topic when those of hereditary rulership met: a trained script that showed off their heirs, and advertised for potential advantageous marriages.


    Kartika, meanwhile, spoke of deeds that she and her team had aplished during her time in officesubtly, but with humilitybut still painting an image of her ownpetence. She also spoke of her own resources, and her fondness for her connections in Generasi. <em>That</em> was amon script between elected officials: underscoring their ownpetence and merits, while also indicating that they would likely hold office for some time. It put others at ease knowing that this familiar,petent person would be in their position of authority for a while.


    Warlords tended to speak of their own armies and their best and brightest militarymanders: shows of strength meant to impress rulers that could challenge them, and intimidate those that could not. Demon Lords spoke of their own deeds and the great wonders and horrors they had worked over millennia; disys of power to ensure that their equals would think twice before moving to strike them down.


    Deities tended to prattle on about worshippers, or the might of their own domains: sea gods detailing how many fish swam their seas, or goddesses of the heavens speaking of how many lightning bolts theyd cast across their skies.


    There was a pattern and a script to all of it.


    If one grew old enoughand powerful enoughone tended to hear them over and over. Baelin counted himself lucky that he could meet such patterns with amusement instead of boredom.


    He engaged himself by talking to Errol and Tobias, curious about these two older men of power: one in wizardry and one in divinity. The ancient wizard was careful to bury hisdistaste for Tobias patron: such a reaction would only muck up matters.


    And that distaste would be brought out soon enough.


    No need to sour things just yet.


    They were halfway through the mealwith Baelin packing away much of it, being by far thergest person at the tablewhen the king finally gave indication that the script hade to an end.


    His eyes shed with sudden alertness.


    So, then, before we begin in earnest, might I ask you a question, Chancellor Baelin? he asked.


    I am a teacher, a chancellor and a sage, Baelin chuckled. It would be poor form to deny you a question, your majesty.


    Even as he said this, his mind raced through hundreds of possibilities as to what the king could ask. Hed made a mental list of what questions and topics could arise weeks ago.


    Of course, of course. The king shared a pleasant smilebut that sharpness never left his eyes. I do wonder if you could enlighten me on one fact. In ourmunication, you indicated that your university had obtained a sample of the remains of a dungeon core. I ask, <em>how</em> did your institutione by such a thing?


    Ah, so it was question forty-one, then.

 Chapter 189: Like a Marriage (Interlude)

    Chapter 189: Like a Marriage (Interlude)


    I suppose it was left somewhat vague as to how we came upon such a sample, Baelin said. Letters being letters, and ourmunication before now being soimpersonal.


    He watched the king, and the elderly advisors carefully; his senses took in the guards around him, making note of every move and every twitch. It was a skill hed learned long before hede to even the crudest of his magic.


    The skill of a hunter tracking prey through a snow-encrusted forest with nothing but a stone spear in hand: having to learn to quickly sense what around him might be food, resource, or foe.


    King Athelstans lip twitched ever so slightly, and Baelin made note to watch that part of the mans face to see if future questions caused the same reaction. It might reveal a tell.


    The chancellor put down his fork and knife and spread his hands before him.


    Some months ago, an interested party came to the university with the sample, wishing to have it examined using our renowned techniques and analytical apparatuses, he said. His words were a form of cultivated truth: adding specificity beyond the letter, without revealing enough to give a clue as to where the sample had trulye from. But, there was no lie in his words: a masked truthif discoveredwould be expected in these sorts of negotiations, at least if one was trained in the art of diplomacy.


    An outright lie, thoughif discoveredwould be as poisonous as a rotting corpse in a well. Best avoided, unless absolutely necessary.


    We performed research upon the sample, and then used it for certain applications. The resultsinterested us, and so things went from there, he said.


    He spoke of the value of the dungeon cores, but did not sing their praises: to do so could have made him look desperate for them. At the same time, he hinted at a useful application. That would arouse curiosity, and curiosity was a valuable tool when getting another party to stay interested at the negotiation table.


    Indeed, and who is this interested party? Athelstan asked.


    Ah, I fear that they wish to remain anonymous, the chancellor said. But suffice it to say, if you fear a threat or further leak of your information or resources: you have my word that the sample that was obtained was the only sample avable. Hence, of course, why we are here.


    And <em>I </em>fear, chancellor, that we must know their identity, the high-priest spoke up, looking at Baelin with his tiny pupils. The Ravener is our ancient enemy, and if there is information or resources leaking from the realm, then we <em>must</em> know where this sample hase from. Your source will not be harmed, but we must know how such a thing left our shores.


    I understand your concern. Butjust as the king shows good faith in those caring for his queenI ask that you show good faith in me. I gave my word that this is the only sample avable to us. I ask that you trust this word.


    A block.


    If they pushed any further, they would be questioning his word and thus, his honour orpetence. A grave insult. Now, that was something they might try anyway for different reasons.


    Two were worth the most consideration: first, if they thought they could bully or force the information out of him without having to worry about the consequences of that insult.


    But, the chancellor of the greatest university of wizardry in the world was not one to be bullied, and they would most likely know this.


    So, that left another possibility to consider.


    That they were prepared to quickly end the negotiations, or were not interested in what Generasi had to offer. Baelins sharp eyes took in the room. Noting the disys of wealth, security, and power in spite of the signs of turmoil in the capital.


    One would not bother with so much effort to disy strength to a negotiating party one had no interest in.


    Which meant


    Fine then, I shall trust your word, chancellor Baelin, the king said.


    Again, that twitch of the lip.


    Baelin added another data point to his mental calctions.


    I thank you for your good faith, your majesty, he said. It is my hope that by the end of our discussion we will begin a fine rtionship between sages and realms that will have us allughing merrily as we feast beneath the moon and sun.


    And on that note, Kartika smoothly picked up from where he left off. Here is what we offer. She waved a hand to one of her attendants, who brought her arge sheath of papers. The University of Generasi will purchase a plot ofnd to the south of your kingdom, near the coast, and away from much of the fighting. We ask that you consider thend property of the Realm of Generasi, and thatwithin thesendsall within are subject to both thews of Generasi and University regtions.


    I see. The king nodded. Much like a foreign embassy. Continue.


    On thesends, Baelin jumped in, paying close attention to the two advisors. Kartika would need to win over the king, but he would need to win over the advisors. The less dissent, the easier this would be. We will build a fortification and research camp in which we will study dungeon core samples gained both throughwful purchase from Thameish sources, as well as expeditions to different dungeons where we may harvest research material ourselves.


    He nced at Tobias. In this way, we will be pouring coin into Thamnds coffers, while at the same time, destroying dungeon cores that are rampaging across yournds. This will aid your Heroes-


    Our Heroes have triumphed time and time again against The Ravener, Tobias said. They are the light that shatters the dark, and they smite the wicked beasts that gue us.


    Of course. Baelin nodded, noting the pride that filled Tobias voice. For the high-priest, this was not merely a question of stopping The Ravener, but also one of faith and serving the divine. In this, we will not be supnting your Heroes, but providing them aid just as any good set of skirmishers or mercenaries would in aiding a grand army. Generasi will im no credit for the ultimate victory over The Ravener. That hour shall belong to you, while your Heroes enjoy our support.


    We will not supnt you deitys glory, Kartika added, cating Tobias faith. I take it your presence at the table means that Uldar has given you no sign or indication that he would not want this?


    There was an instanta fraction of a heartbeatwhere the high priest stiffened. Something about that question had made him ufortable.


    But what?


    It is true, Uldar has not spoken to myself, The Saint, or any other priest telling us that this would be against His will, he said.


    That momentary whatever it waswas gone as though it had never been. Baelin stored that knowledge away for further examination.


    Excellent, Kartika said.


    But I cannot have brigands raiding mynd for dungeon cores, or raiding houses and looting the homes of those who await victory, the king said.


    We propose a licensing system, Kartika quickly countered. Generasi and its students will enjoy a group license, but any other parties that Generasi employs to obtain samples: whether they be mercenaries, the Delvers Guild or other independent parties, will have to be licensed by our staff members. Those licenses will then be approved by yourself.


    And what of any discoveries that result? Errol leaned forward. They will be shared with our court wizards?


    Baelin sped his hands. Any discoveries that result will be fully studied and then published in academic papers in Generasi.


    Why not before?


    Baelin raised an eyebrow. That would be academic irresponsibility. Unless full studies are conducted on discoveries, with papers being submitted for peer-review and then published: any discoveries would be nothing more than glorified hypotheses, not proper theories. However, I would see to it that you are not left out of the process. I would ensure that you, or any court-wizards you choose, are peer-reviewers for the pre-submitted versions of the papers: in that way, you can receive something of value, instead of just raw data that has not gone under rigorous research. Yet, you also shall receive the paper before it is made public.


    There. An offer of exclusivity while allowing Thamnds authorities to see any information before it became public. Baelin watched Tobias carefully at this. There were strange inconsistencies when it came to Thameish lore, as Alex had reported.


    but so far, there seemed to be no topic that these folk before him shied away from. No secret they needed to protect. Baelin continued gathering information.


    Generasi city itself will also provide aid in the form of gold, food and supplies for your armies and your Heroes. Kartika said, passing over her sheath of papers to the king. I trust those sums would be eptable.


    The king flipped open the first page on the sheath.


    Another twitch.


    Likely a tell, then.


    He continued looking through the pages.


    Any moment now he would hit


    He paused.


    There it was.


    Whats this? King Athelstan asked. His eyes left the page. Another twitch of his lip. No priests shall approach within ten miles of the territory of the University of Generasi?


    Tobias nced at the sheaf and then looked directly at Baelin and Kartika. What is the meaning of this?


    I am afraid it is one of the rules of the University, Baelin said. He felt Kartikas eyes flick to him for a brief instant. This had been something of a sticking point between them: she had wanted this detail to be something that could be negotiated out.


    The chancellor, meanwhile, was insistent that it would remain.


    He did not get on well with priests or deities. There had been innumerable instances of priesthoods and deities being obstacles to his ns and goals in the past. Beings that exalted themselves so high above all others tended to be prone to follies of far greater magnitude than those of mortals.


    Their servants were little better: the work his university could do, did not need constant inspections, prayers, and objections being raised by fussy folk of faith. He anticipated that when their experiments advanced beyond simply using dungeon core remains for material and into the stage of actually manipting the mana of living dungeon cores, that the priests would take issue.


    and, there was also Alex to think of as well.


    The young man would be a useful addition to the expedition: he knew his work, and he was native to Thamnd. That Mark ced on him by Thamnds Uldar, would allow him to quickly learn, and he was also the only one among them with any experience engaging with living dungeon cores.


    Having a crowd of priests underfootready to detect that mark on his shoulderwould certainly make his presence impossible. The solution for that could have been to merely have him engage in the research within Generasi itself, but his presence would be more useful here. And the less constraints they had to contend with, the better.


    In my experience, it is important that any research done by the University of Generasi, be separated from the interests of deities, Baelin said.


    Tobias frown deepened. I beg your forgiveness for my tone, chancellor, but do not think of the clergy of Uldar as a gaggle of backwards idiots. We are folk of faith, but also of science. We see to the education of Uldars people both in His ways, and in the ways of history, mathematics and some natural philosophy. Thamnd is a literate realm: even serfs are required to send their children to our church schools to learn their letters. We do not know your ways of research, but do not think that we shall wring our hands and get underfoot.


    Indeed, Baelin said evenly. And this is an admirable quality, but it is the same as employing two professors in the same ss who have very different ways of teaching: it will create conflict, and the work will suffer. Historically, Generasi was allowed to examine dungeon core remains without supervision. We ask for the same consideration now.


    You ask that matters of state secrecy and faith proceed without supervision? The high-priest rose slightly in his chair.


    Baelin looked at him pointedly.


    We ask for autonomy. In the same way that we ask that no lords of your realme to our territory and seek to exact taxes, tribute or demand. We work best in our systems. In our way.


    Without your powerful and unpredictable divine entity interfering upon a momentary whim like a child, he added mentally.


    In return for this consideration, Kartika said. You may look to page fourteen, section three: Donations to Church of Uldar for their Continued Acts of Faith and Duty.


    The king looked down at the page. Again that lip twitch, he turned the page back to the high-priest. A slight pause of breath.


    Good.


    We might discuss this in private, King Athelstan said. And thisexclusivity use?


    Thamnd will ensure that Generasi has first rights to im dungeon cores for research and development purposes, Kartika said. This is for the protection of both parties should other universities, institutions, or other powers arrive seeking to present you withpeting offers. It would be simplest if the rtionship between Thamnd and Generasi isexclusive in this matter.


    Like a marriage, Errol muttered.


    Not nearly so unreliable. Kartika smiled.


    And what of this other use? the king frowned. ess to dungeons for Art of the Wizard in Combat?


    My personal course, Baelin said. I teach students of wizardry the rigours of battle from a wizard-centric point of view to prepare them for what the path of magic holds. These dungeons wouldprovide a varied and target rich environment.


    Errol gasped. You would pit students of magic against full-on dungeons?


    Indeed. Baelin smiled. The learning shall be as rich as fresh honey.


    Thats the court wizard paused.


    Mad? the chancellor offered.


    Errol looked up quickly, and it was clear this was exactly what the man had meant from the look on his face. I would never imply such a thing!


    Well, if you did. I would not mind, Baelin said. But the<em> world </em>is mad, my friend. Madder than anyone I have ever met, even a caged demon. Some have called me madbut I have outlived them all. That tends to take the sting out of those words after a time.


    It took several more days of discussing, back and forth, and deliberationan offer here, a counter offer there.


    But atst, ink was drying on the agreement.


    The priests would not be allowed within five miles of the purchased territory, but in return, Generasi could not im anynd that was upied by any citizen of the realm of Thamnd.


    Prices for dungeon cores were negotiated.


    The amount of aid increased.


    By the end, though, the University owned over a thousand acres ofnd in the south of Thamnd.


    The expedition was officially on.


    Baelin smiled to himself, thinking of the possibilities.


    He couldnt wait to tell his cabal at their next meeting.

 Chapter 190: A Brewing Rivalry

    Chapter 190: A Brewing Rivalry


    Tucked in his room in the early morning, Alex guided his way through the spell array one final time, checking thest notation in his notebook.


    <em>Force Armour: 98%</em>


    The spell was pretty challenging, so he was applying a lot of what hed learned in force magic to help him get past The Marks usual interference, and since Generalized Force Constructs spell array was so simr to a lot of the other advanced force spells, he was using it as a blueprint to follow for this one.


    His consciousness slid slowly through the contours of the spell array, while the interference roared through his mind. Thoughts of his failures hammered his mind, trying to force themselves in, seeking to overwhelm his concentration and push out what he was trying to do.


    For each failure, he acknowledged it and let it go, then continued through the spell array step by step. Finally, he reached thest part of the spell which was his biggest challenge: it was a smallplex section that was responsible for force armours increased strength whenpared to Lesser Force Armours.


    He decreased the casting speed incrementally down to the absolute minimum he could make it: any slower and the magic circuit would simply fall apart. Almost as if on cue, The Mark seemed to begin increasing its campaign of obstruction as if it knew hed hit a tricky part in the spell. Alex re-focused his thoughts and fought past the obstacles it was throwing at him. After close to a year of living with it interfering, hede to the conclusion that he was probably imagining that its interference got worse when he was having a hard time trying to do something that it didnt want him doing in the first ce. Hed concluded that the obstacles it threw at him just became more noticeable, since he wasnt only working on a spell, but had to spend more time doing it, which in The Marks book, was a definite no-no.


    Almost there he thought.


    The spell array kept forming as he chanted the incantation.


    Almost


    It formed.


    Atst, hed worked through the difficult section and could move on to the next part. His excitement was building the closer he came topleting the spell, but he mped it down to keep himself focused. If he got too excited now, he could be distracted enough to ruin his efforts.


    The final part of the spell array was nice and simple and quickly slotted into ce, and soon, two interlinked magic circuits formed in his mana pool, and hummed to life.


    Alexs grin spread from ear to ear, as a sh of crimson illuminated his upper body and the force armour formed around him. It was soundless, but he could imagine the clink of metal on metal as each force te materialized, sheathing his arms, torso and head in their protective magic.


    When the armour waspletely formed, it suddenly vanished, turning as invisible as its lesser cousin.


    Awesome, he said with satisfaction. Just awesome.''


    He made note of the date and time hedpleted the spell, remembering how it had glowed as it began to shield him.


    Then he paused as a thought came to him.


    That bright glow


    The bright glow from his forceball was a big help when he, Theresa and Brutus had gone vespara hunting. The glow was so bright that it had blinded their opponents, and a blinded opponent was a much easier one to fight. ...the force armour also glowed with a really bright light before it turned invisible.


    If he modified the spell to keep the armour visible and glowingthen tweaked the brightness so that looking at it would be like staring into the sun, wouldnt that make him even harder to hit? He frowned in thought. It wasnt a bad idea, but there were a few ws with it.


    First, the main reason force armour turned invisible was so it wouldnt block its casters line of sight. It would be hard to fightor do anything else with a shield of glowing forcepletely covering the head and eyes.


    He tapped his pen against the sheet of paper, thinking about illusions. What if he only made it invisible from the <em>inside</em>? So from the outside, itd be a brightly glowing force magic shield, but from the inside, it would bepletely transparent.


    Almost like two-wayforce armour.


    He wrote that down as a possibility he could try.


    The other issue to consider was that making the force armour visible and super bright, would also be blinding to anyone hed be fighting beside. And <em>that</em> might be a much bigger problem. Having The Mark of The Fool meant that he was at his best when he was fighting in a group, so using any spell that hinderedpanions or allies would be pretty stupid, even if the spell also hindered an enemy.


    It could work well if he were caught alone and didnt need to be stealthy.


    Hmmm, it might also work well inbination with summoning, he muttered out loud as he jotted down his thoughts. If I summon my monsters in front of me, they wont be blinded by the light since theyll be facing away from me and the brightness. Then theres ygon.


    The golem could see, but he didnt have eyes. Sure, he had eyes, but he was a golem: his senses were purely magical, generated from his core. Even if someone cut his head offwhich Alex would rather not think abouthed still be able to function just fine and would still have his magical sight<strong>.</strong>


    Which meant that he could freely use the blinding tactic around ygon.


    Alex yawned and stretched.


    Those were things to considerter when he had time to really delve into the spell and tweak it. He was thinking about looking at one of his other spells for the summermaybe Call Through Airnext, but he was also really itching to try his first summoning spell.


    He opened the summoning textbook: <em>The Beginners Manual of the nes, </em>and flipped past his many bookmarks to the first summoning spell they would be learning for the summer semester.


    Summon Elemental Beetle wasnt the most morous of spells: it was a simple spell that would conjure an elemental spirit who strongly resembled a beetle from one of the elemental nes, though the creature technically wasnt even an insect.


    It was too small forbat, unless one was interested in having it duel mice or particrly feeble rats, and too unintelligent for any advancedmands.


    Whenbined with particr spells that could allow<strong></strong>a wizard<strong></strong>to see using anothers senses, an elemental beetle could be used for spying. For the most part, though, it was mostly used in summoning practice: it was perfect for that purpose since it was a small monster with a weak will that could be easily subjugated, and couldnt hurt the summoner if it got loose.


    Technically, his ss wouldnt be starting to learn the spell for several weeks: Professor Mangal had the ss start off with learning theory, practicing in drawing a perfect circle, and doing an assignment that involved learning the pronunciation of severalmon spirit names.


    But Alex was getting through those assignments really quickly thanks to The Mark


    The hell with it, he said.


    He wrote down <em>Summon Lesser Beetle - Progress 0% </em>in his notebook.


    Hope you dont get jealous, ygon, he said as he started to copy the spell array into his notebook. Because Im summoning up more friends.


    Once he finished making the note, his n was to break down the array into itsponents and make note of parts that would likely be easy for himespecially parts that were simr to spells he already knewand then note the parts that seemed like theyd be difficult for him to get through.


    Hed then spend the early morning going through the spell array a few times. Then at noon


    His eyes turned to his timetable.


    <em>Noon </em>- <em>Games of Roal Information Session (With Free Lunch!)</em>


    <em>One-Thirty - Work on First assignment for Magical Botany</em>


    <em>Three-Thirty - Help Professor Jules in Her Lab</em>


    <em>Five OClock - Snacks</em>


    <em>Six-Thirty</em><em>- Work on Selinas Birthday Present</em>


    <em>Sometime Late Evening - Mr. and Mrs. Lu Arrive - Supper with them.</em>


    He sighed.


    Busy day today. Exciting day, but busy.


    The Games of Roal are not for every student at Generasi. Theyre a test of might, glory, ingenuity and ones talent in the art of sport. And just as every merchant is not invited to participate in a knightly joust, not every student is invited to participate in The Games.


    Alex, his cabal, Theresa, Selina, Brutus and ygon were seated on the grass near the arena of The Watchers of Roal.


    A statue of Roal herself, as well as statues of previous Watchers whod performed impressive deeds of valour and might, stared down at the over fifty people gathered for the students information session.


    A long buffet table had been set up at the side of the gathering with tters of cured meats, breads, and fresh fruit and vegetables atop that had long been attacked by those in attendance.


    In front of the attendees, several watchers floated on their stone diskseach standing iron-rod straight with feet nted shoulder-width. A woman floated before them, with her rank dered by a number of different badges.


    Her one eye looked down at the students, while an eye-patch obscured a massive scar around her other eye. The scar ran all the way up her forehead and touched her dark, bare scalp.


    That said, The Games are an event for everyone in the city to attend, she continued. There will be She paused, and the words seemed to struggle to escape her iron hard jaw. fun games and festivities for all to partake in. These are <em>not</em> hosted by The Watchers of Roal, but they have legitimacy as well. For those of you who wish to participate in The Games,<strong></strong>you may do so if you fall under at least one of the following categories.


    Another Watcher unrolled a scroll, floated forward and read. Any who have sessfullypleted first year Battle Magic, or the first year of The Art of the Wizard in Combat, this also includes members of their entourages-


    Thats us, Thundar grinned excitedly, as he mmed a hunk of smoked meat between two small loaves of rye and shoved it between his jaws.


    Indeed, Khalik mused. Glorious.


    I- Theresa cocked her ear to the air, then turned around. She smiled and waved. Look who it is!


    Alex turned and saw a familiar dorsal fin cutting<strong></strong>through the air above a hulking figure.


    Grimloch was jogging toward the group, wearing a bit of a flustered expression. There was no sign of his older sister, Nua-Oge, though. He wasnt the only one arriving to the information sessionte; stragglers had been trickling in throughout the early part of the meeting.


    When he noticed them, he gave everyone a curt nod, but kept jogging to the buffet table, grabbed an entire tter of smoked fowl, then plopped down beside his friends.


    Overslept, he grunted. d to see you all here.


    Good to see you too, Thundar pped him on the arm. He paused. Hey, you got bigger.


    Yeah, you did, Alex agreed.


    The shark mans massive muscture had grown and be even more defined over the past few months. His silvery skin had a brighter sheen to it tooand Alex was pretty sure that his jagged, knife-like teeth lookedrger when he grinned at Thundar.


    Alex looked to the side and saw morete arrivals walking in.


    Thanks, he growled. Life enforcement agrees with me.


    Alex heard someone softly scoff behind them. Muscle Heads.


    -anyone who has certificates from the city might participate, and finally, anyone with a direct invitation from The Watchers of Roal can enter as well.


    He lowered his eyes to another part of the scroll. Each participant may enter as many events as they wish, and that time permits. Each event offers its own prizes, and cing highly is worth points which go toward the grand prizes for the tournament itself. Events will be posted on a board after this information session, and eligible students may sign up for any event they desire. If you are undecided presently, that is alright: open registration will remain avable for a week, so you will have time to make your decisions.


    Alex caught movement out of the corner of his eye, then turned to see a small, familiar figure approaching the information session.


    His eyes brightened and he waved at a little green goblin. Kybas! Kybas! he called quietly.


    The goblinwho Alex hadnt seen since first year potions endedgave him a wide grin that showed lots of sharp teeth. Beside him crawled his young crocodile familiar, Harmless. Throughout the year, the little familiar had been growing well under his care. When Alex had first seen the croc, hed been small enough for Kybas to carry. Now, he must have been at least four feet long.


    Hello, hello! Kybas said, plopping down beside the group. Are you here for the fun too, Alex?


    I am, Alex said, then introduced his friends to the little fellow. Are you nning on entering the games?


    Dont know yet, I thought Id see if I qualify, Kybas shrugged. But I wille and watch at least! They sound fun, especially the monster fights. Harmless can beat some already, I think. At least small monsters.


    Selina was staring at Kybas with a sharp look, then slowly looked up at Alex.


    His little goblin name for her suddenly came to mind.


    Then he froze.


    Wait a minutewas that kinda racist?


    He began praying that Selina wouldnt say anything about it. His blood froze when she opened her mouth.


    What are all the events? She whispered to her panicking brother, to his great relief. Is there going to be a joust withnces and knights and pretty horses?


    I think theres a regr joust, Alex said. Theres also a sky-joust which is the same thing, but with warriors or warrior-wizards on flying monsters. I dont know all the events, but theres also spell-joustingwhere wizards try to crush each others spellsthen theres a Duelling Tournament, Spell Duelling Tournament, Duel by Proxy, and a grand melee.


    Theres also an archerypetition, Theresa whispered.


    Ooo, Selina wiggled with excitement. Are you going to be in that Theresa?


    Oh yes, she said. I wouldnt miss it.


    Isolde sniffed. Well I shall not be participating.


    The others looked at her in surprise.


    Over her shoulder Alex saw even more stragglers arriving.


    Truly? Khalik asked. I would have thought that the spirit ofpetition would stir that noble blood in your veins.


    Thispetition has little use for me, I fear, she whispered. I do not need prize money, and it would take valuable time that could be devoted to my academic pursuits over the summer.


    Her words had a prim detachment to them, and an amused smile crept across her lips. "I shall attend and watch, though. The idea of my participation is rather droll, I must admit. I do not thi-


    She paused, staring over Alexs shoulder. Her blue eyes suddenly hardened.


    Alex looked behind with a sharp intake of breath.


    Another group of stragglers had entered the area: they were from The Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood. Among them was the familiar, fiery-haired Derek Warren.


    Isoldes eyes narrowed like an angry serpents. Forget what I just said. Let us all enrol together. There is a bug I need to crush.

 Chapter 191: Old Acquaintances and Reunions

    Chapter 191: Old Acquaintances and Reunions


    By the end of the information session and the sign-up that followed, Alexs group had registered for several events, some individually, and some as a team.


    Fortunately, Kybas could participate too since hed taken and passed first year battle magic. Hed entered Harmless in the Duel by Proxy Event: Lightweight ss.


    Grimloch, Theresa, and Thundar had entered the Grand Melee as a team of three. As shed told Selina she would, Theresa had signed up for the archerypetition, while Grimloch had signed up for a foot-race, and an event called the Great Water Hunt.


    Khalik had entered the Spell-Joust, and had signed himself and Najyah up for Duel by Proxy, in the lightweight division.


    Alex and Theresa had decided to register for the Grand Land Hunt together. It was an event where The Watchers released a small, fast moving creature that theyd summoned into a wild area of the countryside. Teams would then have to pursue and try to capture it, and the first one to catch it would be the winner of the hunt.


    Finally, Alex had signed up with ygon for the Duel by Proxy in the super-heavyweight ss. He couldnt wait to see ygon going up against other wizards summoned monsters, constructs and tamed beasts.


    When the group had finished choosing the events they wanted, Isolde stayed back with them, using ygon, Grimloch and Thundar to hide behind while she kept her eye on Derek, and thenonce the Ursa-Lupines had finished their sign-ups and go on their wayshe rushed over to check the sign up list.


    She examined each list, looking for certain names under the different events, then hurried back to her friends with a sparkle in her eyes.


    I thought as much, she announced, with a sly smile. The Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood signed up for the Grand Battle: Second Division.


    The Watchers had exined that event earlier during their announcements.


    It was a team event simr to The Grand Melee: a simtion of a typical battle. But while The Grand Melee was like a battle between warriors and knights, The Grand Battle was a lotwell, grander and less constrained.


    In the Grand Melee, which took ce on arge open field, the participants were provided with blunted weaponsthough they had to bring their own armourand then set loose on each other with abandon. Participants were allowed to take part as individuals or in teams, with the express goal being to capture or defeat as many opponents as possible. Each participant was scribed with a spell-marksimr to Baelinsthat would teleport them out of the field if they were about to suffer a major injury. It was a mock version of a real battle among knights, where capturing enemy knights for ransom was a valuable practice.


    Apparently, the Grand Battlealso called the Battle Royalewas an even wilder version. Instead of a field, the participants were taken to an ind west of Generasi where the forests grew thicker, and there were few inhabitants.


    Like in the Grand Melee, each individual or team would also be scribed with a spell-mark that would whisk them away to a safe ce on the ind if they were about to suffer a major injury. One of the goals for the participants to reach was to get to a central mountain, while fulfilling and oveing challenges along the way.


    If they reached the mountain top, that would be worth a certain number of points, and if they held it for a certain amount of time, thatd be worth even more. Eliminating enemy teams along the way was worth points as well. Each individual or team would be granted a g-bearer, a floating construct that would hold a small g for each team.


    Capturing another teams g was worth additional points.


    Hmmm, I see why the Brotherhood would have signed up for this, Khalik said. The Sky-Joust and Grand Battle are worth the most when ites to earning points for the grand prize, and theyre also seen as giving the most glory among The Games.


    Hmmm...it doesnt surprise me that a glory hound would enter the Grand Battle...I want to participate in that event, Isolde said, with no hint of irony. If we put a team together, I am sure we can make a fine showing. A showing that might, sayhumiliate certain back-stabbing insects.


    Hmmm, Alex muttered. Second Division, thats limited to anyone who can cast up to fourth level spellsthats a lot of firepower. More than weve got.


    It is only apetition, Isolde said, with a look of desperate hunger in her eyes. We have faced greater dangers in The Barrens during Baelins sses.


    Yeah, but. Alex scratched his head. Look, I think wed be smarter to go for stuff where we could actually win. Thats just my opinion, though.


    Oh ye of little courage. Khalik threw his arm around Alexs shoulders. Think of it this way. Perhaps we mightck in raw power, but we make up for it in ingenuity, fellowship and coordination. Not to mention


    The prince turned to Grimloch. Say, my friend, what would you say to participating in a Grand Battle, pitting yourself against other warriors and wizards?


    The sharkman grinned, showing his many white, triangr teeth. He cracked his knuckles, and it sounded like rocks splitting. Im game.


    See? Khalik said. Between Grimloch and ygon, I would dare say that any warrior on another team will be hard pressed to face us. Besides, wizards have a habit of underestimating the power of non-wizards. We can catch them and crush them in their own miscalction of our teams ability. We might not win, but I have no doubt we can ce. Remember too that wizards who can cast up to fourth tier spells do not exactly grow on trees, my friend. Those of our level shall be much moremon.


    Alex thought it over.


    There was something about Khaliks words that were a little intoxicating. The fact that thepetition was worth the most points was also appealing. It might let them get one of those cash prizes that were on offer. Also, it might be good practice for the expedition to Thamnd. Like it or not, he was bing more and more convinced about signing up.


    He looked at Theresa and Selina. One look at his girlfriends death-stalker face convinced him that shed love it. Selina also looked excited about the idea.


    okay, but weve gotta have a n-


    Yes! Isolde cheered. Good job, Khalik! With ygons might by our sides were sure to crush all those we seek to bury.


    Indeed. Khalik grinned. ygon will be an excellent addition to our force.


    and what about me? Alex asked.


    The prince waved a hand as though his question was of no consequence. You will be a nice bonus, I suppose.


    I hate all of you, Alex grunted.


    Even me? Theresa asked, putting on a mask of innocence. Her lower lip trembled like she was about to cry, but Alex had known Theresa long enough to know what that whole lip trembling thing actually was.


    He gave her a withering look. Look, dont try that when youre barely holding back evilughter.


    She immediately burst into evilughter.


    Shaking his head, he pulled out of the princes grip and walked away from them, feigning disgust and nning petty revenge. As he did, he noticed Kybas standing a little away from the group, watching them with a strange look. Beside him, Harmless was swallowing some dried fish.


    Heya buddy, Alex said. We didnt really get a chance to catch up yet. Hows your summer been so far? Taking any summer courses?


    Kybas shook his head as though hed been in a trance. Oh, hmm hmmm? Its been nice. Nice here. Its warmer here than it is at home. Quieter too. Uh, summer courses: Im taking only one, just one: the Habits and Anatomy of Monsters II.


    Oooooh, that sounds fun, Alex said. Sayyou ever thought about taking the chancellors Art of the Wizard in Combat? Its super badass.


    Hrm, hrm, I havent heard of that one.


    Alex quickly exined the whole course, going into a little too much detail in his excitement. Kybas eyes widened.


    He gave a vicious grin. That sounds funbut maybe next year. Ill be strong enough for that ss next year, if I have time for it.


    Awesome, its too bad we couldnt have been in Baelins ss together in first year, Alex said. And I take it, Harmless is alright?


    Oh yes! Kybas beamed with the same enthusiasm as a horse rancher showing off his prize stallion. Hes growing very well! Very quickly! Soon things will be running and screaming when hes out with me. Hehe, hell be big enough to eat a water dragon one day.


    Alex nced down at the still smallish croc as he finished his snack. Well, at the rate the little critter was growing, that day might being soon.


    Have you been feeding him potions? Alex asked. I remember you wanted to do that to help him grow faster.


    The goblin paused and gave an almost apologetic smile toward his familiar. As much as I canmost potions and potion ingredients are pretty expensive.


    Yeah, that they are, Alex said, and he noticed something about Kybas clothes. They looked a littlewell, a lot more worn than thest time hed seen him. He knew better than to ask awkward questions, though, but was just d that meals were included in the cost of tuition at the university.


    Well, just get through these three more years and youll be able to make gold every time you blink, Alex thought.


    I can only brew potions when Ive got the open sses with Professor Jules, he said, thinking about his own struggles with making more potions. Honestly, I wish I had my own ingredients-garden andb. Ive thought about growing the ingredients myself, but figured I should take Magical Botany first. SoyknowIll know what Im doing.


    Ooo! Ooo! Kybas jumped excitedly. With Professor Salinger? I loved that course!


    Yeah! Alex said. Its pretty good so far! Were you the guy that got his nt-sheep to metamorphize?


    Yep! Yep! he said. Professor Salinger said I had a green thumb for monster nts! Im taking the second year course next year too.


    Sweet, Alex said. Maybe well be in ss together again- He nced behind, noticing his friends gathering their gear and getting ready to leave. Oops, I gotta go. Maybe Ill see youter this summer, Kybas. Im gonna be hosting a few dinners and would love it if you showed up.


    Kybas blinked. Oh uhyeah sure, that sounds good. Will there be food for Harmless?


    Oh yeah, well make him big and strong, don''t you worry. Here, tell me how I can contact you.


    Alex and Kybas exchanged contact information and then he watched the little goblin and his familiar for a few moments as they left.


    He sighed.


    This summer was going well, a lot better than the previous summer of stressing over if he got epted and ving away for McHarris, and fleeing from Uldars ns for his life.


    Hopefully, Baelin would be back in a few days with good news. Theyd also be meeting the Lus tonight


    Things were looking bright.


    The sun was starting to set when the ship finally got close enough for them to make out Mr. and Mrs. Lu standing on the deck.


    Moooother! Faaaaaather! Theresa shouted over the sound of the waves, waving her arms and jumping up and down.


    Mr. and Mrs. Lu! Selina cried beside her, copying her movements and waving both of her arms above her head.


    Heeeeey! Alex called out. ygon, wave!


    The golem slowly raised his two right arms and waved them at the approaching vessel, while Brutus ran around the dock, barking with excitement.


    -looooooooooo! Mr. Lus voice boomed back across the waves.


    Theresaaaaa! Aleeeeex! Selinaaaa! Hiiiii! Mrs. Lus voice called as their still distant forms grew closer.


    It seemed to take forever for the approaching ship to dock, and Alex was a little disappointed when it wasnt the <em>Red Siren</em>. He wondered how Fan-Dor, Gel-Dor and the rest of the crew were doing.


    After what seemed like hours, the gangnk was lowered and the Lus almost sprinted down to wrap their daughter and the Roth siblings in a tight hug.


    Mother, father, its so good to see you! Theresa cried. How is everyone else?


    Theyre fine, theyre just fine, oooh its good to see you again, her mother said. Oof, youve gotten so strong!


    Mr. Lu hugged Alex and Selina at the same time.


    Alex fought back tears as he felt the warm embrace of the man who was essentially his second father. Selina was outright crying.


    By Uldar, boy, what happened to you!? Mr. Lu pulled back, gripping Alex by the shoulders and examining him. I hardly recognized you from the boat! I thought you were someone else at first.


    Well, Ive been working out, Alex chuckled.


    Ill say: youd make the cksmiths son look bad. I thought they were supposed to teach you <em>magic</em> here, not strongman training! He nced over at Theresa. And look at you, by The Traveller, you look so strong girl!


    And so beautiful, Mrs. Lu leaned back, looking up at her daughter and reaching for her face.


    Mother Theresa grunted as her face was turned this way and that. Stooop, Im not a doll.


    Of course not, but your skinit looks incredible, what have you been doing? Oh, and your hair! Mrs. Lu blinked in amazement. Some herbs and sun?


    Life enforcement, Theresa said, standing up to her full height proudly. Just like great-grandfather.


    A pause.


    Right Mrs. Lu said, ncing at her husband. Well thats good. Very good. Anduhis this the goll-lum you talked about in your letter?


    Goal-lem, Theresa said quickly. And yes, this is ygon. Weve got so much to show you!


    Im sure Mr. Lu muttered, staring at the djinn and demon statues that nked the massive gates to the city. Cantstill cant quite believe that what Im seeing is real. Are those <em>boats</em> up in the sky?


    I told you about those, father!


    Its one thing to read about them in a letter, but quite another to actually see them in person! Mr. Lu said, shaking his head in disbelief.


    Alex grinned. Weve got sooo much to show you. Generasi isoneof


    He paused.


    The hairs on the back of his neck began to rise.


    Something wasing.


    Something from far off.


    Teleportationno, summoning magic.


    No, he turned his head in the direction of the city. No no no


    A sh of light and a crack of thunder sted through the air in the distance.


    Coming from the direction of City Hall.

 Chapter 192: Rumours

    Chapter 192: Rumours


    What was that? Mr. Lu asked, with a twinkle in his eyes. Some wizard thing?


    All around the dock, a wave of tension swept through the crowd. People clotted together in muttering groups, some pointing in the direction of where the sound of the st and sh of light hade from. Some looked simply curious, others, worried.


    What was that? an orcish sailor standing nearby asked a centaur dockworker.


    No clue, the centaur held up his hand to shield his eyes from the setting sun. Dont look normal. Dont look normal.


    Mrs. Lu turned to her daughter, her earlier cheer fading. Theresa? What happened?


    I dontknow, mother, the huntress squinted at the skyline, but the sh of light had already faded.


    Suddenly, another sh.


    Theresas hand dropped to her sword.


    Then another. And another.


    Alexs mind whirled.


    Something had been summoned earlier: hed bet half his tuition on it. And if hed felt the conjuring all the way at the docks, then the spell had tove been a <em>very</em> powerful one.


    No, Alex said. No, I don''t think this is normal, Mrs. Lu. He looked at Theresa. I think something was summoned.


    Her eyes hardened. You mean- She nced from Selina to her parents with concern touching her face. -another summoning?


    Whats going on? Mr. Lu asked, the amusement in his voice now faded.


    Itd be better if we exined back at campus, Alex said. We should go. Now. ygon, lead the way.


    Whats wrong, Alex? Selina looked up with worry.


    Mrs. Lu looked back toward the skyline. Is itis it The Ravener?


    No, but its not good, Theresa said. Lets just follow ygon for now, mother. Ill exin, I promise.


    The group quickly moved toward the city, passing through the gates among a growing crowd who were also hurrying back to the city.


    Stay close to ygon and Brutus! Alex said. The crowd was beginning to press together, but were giving the golem and cerberus a wide berth.


    Inside the gates the streets were filled with people rushing in all directions. Wizards rode on the backs of monsters, horses, camels, or constructs as they tried to quickly make their way through the crowded roads. Folks were piled into shops, or staring out from balconies or upper windows. The sky was filled with wizards zipping this way and that way, though some stopped and hovered in ce, looking in the direction of the disturbance.


    Mr. and Mrs. Lu gaped at the scene, clearly overwhelmed by the sight of magic everywhere, and the tense feeling in the air.


    Smoke, Theresa muttered.


    A ck cloud was rising in the darkening evening sky from the area of City Hall.


    Lets keep going, Alex said, holding Selinas hand tightly.


    The little girl was ring at the rising ck cloud. Okay.


    ygon and Brutus strode through the crowd, and it parted before them. Alex and the rest of the group followed behind, staying close together to avoid being separated by the thickening crowd.


    Both Mr. and Mrs. Lu kept asking questions, but Alex and Theresa just tried to keep the focus on getting everyone back to the safety of campus.


    Theres a sky-pier close by, Alex said. Once we get there, well be okay.


    Pardon? Whats a sky-pier? Mr. Lu asked, looking at the smoke. Are we under attack or something? Shouldnt we be getting back on the ship?


    Trust me, Alex said. Itll be a lotsaferthere.


    Oh shit.


    Alexs blood went cold.


    There hadnt been any demon summonings in months, so why now


    Baelin was away.


    That couldnt be just a coincidence. His heart began to beat faster.


    Still, at least on campus The Watchers of Roal were there, and it was far from City Hall. Theyd be safe therewouldnt they?


    As it turned out, getting to campus was a lot harder than hed thought it would be.


    Were all booked! the sky-pier attendant waved her hands. We wont have openings for awhile!


    Shit, Alex muttered, forgetting not to swear in front of his sister.


    Dammit! a man nearby cried. Ive got to get over there! My wife works at City Hall! I need to get there! Cant you make room?


    Sorry, but youll need to find another way, then! the attendant shouted back over a bunch of jeers and angry voices.


    Do you know what happened? Alex asked the man.


    What? he whirled on him, blinking almost in confusion.


    Do you know what happened at City Hall?


    It was an attack! another man shouted. A bunch of demons were summoned outside the main entrance. I saw some flying over the buildings down there, you dont want to go there, friend!


    Demons? Mrs. Lu gasped.


    Mother, its okay, Theresa said. Therere people in the city who know how to deal with these kinds of things. Well be okay.


    This happens often? Mr. Lu gasped.


    No, I meansometimes.


    Silence followed. Alex gulped, looking at Theresa. She met his gaze, looked at her parents, and then shook her head.


    He slowly realized that she probably hadnt told them about the dangerous things that had happened in Generasi. Or if she had, he doubted it was in much detail.


    Not that he could me her.


    Her parents were hiding from the horrors ravaging Thamnd, and theyd sent their daughter, him, Selina and Brutus off to what theyd thought would be a much safer ce for them to be.


    How much would they have worried if theyd gotten letter after letter filled with horrifying stories of mana vampire attacks, monsters in The Barrens, demon summoners that were still atrge, and a near-massacre at a masquerade ball theyd gone to for fun and rxation.


    If it were him, he would have waited for the right moment: like telling them in person, when theyd had a chance to see the wonders of the city first.


    Of course, then someone had to go and summon demons before Theresa even had a chance to tell them about such things in between big doses of the great things that happened in Generasi.


    The timing couldn''t have been worse.


    We have another way, Alex muttered. Lets just keep going.


    You have to tell us whats going on, Mrs. Lu looked at Alex and Theresa. At least for your sisters sake.


    Bad monsters are here, Selina said, her voice as hard as flint. Ruining things again. Theyll go away. They always do.


    Another silence.


    Lets just follow ygon, Alex said. Its a long walk.


    As they made their way through the city, Alex reluctantly exined what had happened with the first demon summoning on campus. He also exined the horrors of their fellow-countrywoman Carey London, and her devilish n to bring the priests onto campus.


    Thisthis ce is dangerous, Mr. Lu said, setting his jaw. Well, the Lu family isnt from a line of cowards. He paused for a moment. Maybe its a good thing the priests didnt starting onto your campus. He looked at Alex meaningfully. Id say it was a blessingbutyou know.


    Even as he said this, his eyes scanned the surrounding buildings nervously. Shadows lengthened as night drifted closer, while ygon and Brutus continued to lead them through the crowd.


    Alexs heart was beating faster and faster.


    He felt exposed. Vulnerable.


    He reached out and touched ygon.


    News began to drift to them as they made their way back to campus. Now and then someone screamed when they heard terrible news from City Hall; details of the attack were being revealed through the murmurings going on around them.


    Though they couldnt be sure what was true and what was rumour.


    It was some kind of demonic dragon! someone said. Brought to City Hall in a hoard of flying lizards.


    The City guard went to-


    The dragon had three heads!


    No, it had ten heads!


    It wasnt a demonic dragon at all! It was some kind of horned rat at the head of a horde of demon rat-men!


    The sea gods were attacking, I heard-


    This is just like when we were leaving Thamnd, Mr. Lu muttered darkly. When we were waiting for the ship, all kinds of stories started drifting into town: different monsters in the countryside, some sort of spiders in Coille, towns that had been ttened by a hundred-eyed gianthere we are, so far from home and finding the exact same thing.


    Armed folk pushed through the crowdsbearing swords, staves, maces and moreheading toward thecentre<strong></strong>of the city.


    Its not normally like thi- Theresa started to say.


    <em>Attention citizens! </em> A disembodied voice boomed through the air.


    Everyone in the area startled.


    <em>At seven thirty five this evening, a cowardly attack was carried out on the City Hall of Generasi, the city at the centre of creation. A fiendwyrm was summoned in the square and set to rampage on citizens and visitors going about theirwful business. City Halls wards activated and agents of the Ruling Council engaged with practiced efficiency. Thankfully, casualties were kept low by their actions.</em>


    Dont worry, its some kind of spell thats amplifying someones voice, Alex said quickly, noticing the Lus raised eyebrows and wide eyes.


    So they were casualties, he added mentally.


    The voice continued to boom. <em>The Central District is hereby under curfew until further notice. All inside of the perimeter are instructed to return to their homes immediately. If you must leave the central district to do so, you will be obligated to stop at the checkpoints set up on each street. Failure to do so will result in immediate arrest.</em>


    <em></em>So they didnt catch who was responsible yet, Alex thought.


    <em>Also, effective immediately, all air traffic above the City of Generasi is hereby grounded. The skies are to be kept clear for both emergency and military personnel. If you are aboard a sky-ship or otherrge vessel that cannot easilynd, please arrest all motion and wait for military personnel to guide you to ground. The City of Generasi is dedicated to your safety. We will endeavour to have all resolved in a timely and efficient manner. May you have a safe and calm night. Further instructions and information will be delivered through this method as the situation changes.</em>


    Alex looked at hispanions. Lets keep moving, its going to get even more crowded when the streets start filling up with people whovended from every sky-gond in the city.


    I thought we were supposed to stop Mrs. Lu blinked, looking around at the roofs. That voicewhere did ite from? I see no one speaking.


    It was magic, Theresa said, taking her mothers hand and hurrying her along. I think whoever was talking was probably far away.


    Were far from the central district, Alex said. We just have to keep heading to campus.


    The walk to the university seemed to take forever.


    The city of Generasi was absolutely enormous, something that he didnt usually give much thought to since he normally took sky-gonds to get around most of the time. By the time they finally saw the gates of the university looming ahead, Mrs. Lu was obviously wincing from the long walk.


    Crowds milled around inside and outside of the gates. Some folk were looking out into the city, and some were trying to get onto campus, so it took Alexs group a long time to finally gain admission. It was only when they were well past the gates that he started to feel morefortable and let out a sigh of relief.


    What happened out there? a hulking student asked as they went by. He was as tall as Thundar and had a single eye in the centre of his forehead: a lesser cyclops. Have they caught the bastard?


    We dont know anymore than you do, Alex said. We were on the docks when it happened.


    The cyclops cursed under his breath and stomped away.


    Thisthis is quite the ce, Mr. Lu finally managed to say as his eyes travelled between the lesser cyclops and the high towers of the university. Ive been to Ussex once and seen the kings castle, but by Uldar, this ce is bigger.


    YeahI just wish you got to see it under less scary circumstances, Alex said.


    Selina pointed toward The Cells. When we first got here, that ce blew up.


    <em>What</em>? Mrs. Lu gasped.


    They repair things quickly here, Alex said before anyone could say anything else. Somehow, he was starting to feel a little defensive about Generasi. He absolutely loved it here, and didnt want this terrible first impression to be what Theresas parents kept in their minds and believed about it. Theyre really organized, like theres so many wonders- He paused, realizing he was beginning to ramble. -letslets just see if the registrar is still open. We want you to get settled as soon as possible. Its uhits been an evening so far."


    As it turned out, Hobb was still at his desk when they arrived at the registrars office.


    Why would I not be staffing the desk? the blue-skinned devil rubbed his monocle on a handkerchief when asked what he was still doing there. The emergency lies in the city, not on campus, and affairs still need to be kept in order. If I were to run cowering like a mouse anytime somethingunexpected urred, then I daresay the university would never get anything done. NowLu Zimo and Lu Yutong?


    He paused, looking at Theresas parents while his quillwhich had been writing notes in a registration book all by itselfpaused.


    Theresas parents were staring at Hobb, their eyes flicking from the animated pen to the blue horned devil and back.


    Yes, those are their names, Theresa said quickly, her cheeks turning red.


    Uh, Mrs. Lu said idly. We put out surnamesst. Surnames first is a Tarim-Lung practice, and my husband and I were born in Thamnd.


    I see, so then Yutong Lu for you- he nodded to Mrs. Lu. -and Zimo Lu for your husband. His quill retraced the words, erasing them as it did, and then re-wrote the corrected names. Wee to Generasi. I hope you two dear people do not see todays events as indicative of the regr state of our beautiful city, because rest assured, they are not! Hobb said, returning to his paperwork. Compared to many other ces in the worldconsumed by war, gue, monster attacks and the whims of nature and godswe are quite safe andfortable. I assure you, you will be most safe here.


    He presented them with a key. Normally, we would either ce you in the guest residences or within a hostel or inn in the city, butduring the summer semestermany of the student inse have plenty of room avable for your stay, including the southern ins. This would ce you close to your daughter, which is what she and your daughtersfriend have arranged. I trust this will be suitable?


    Yes, it wou-By Uldar, did that bench just move?! Mr. Lu cried.


    No, no, no! Hobb half-rose from his chair. Rebellious seat! Back to your post or it is off to the carpenter for you! I will see to it that you are cobbled into a fine pair of wooden shoes!


    The benchwhich had been halfway out of the hallscuttled back to its ce.


    Apologies. The devil grinned. The furniture needs discipline sometimes. Is there anything else you might need?


    Whiskey, Mr. Lu said, not sounding like he was remotely joking.


    Mrs. Lu quickly nodded in agreement.


    Well, we have many bars on campus. I could arrange a guide-


    Im sure well be fine, Alex said quickly.


    Very well. Hobb nodded, looking at Mr. and Mrs. Lu with his red eyes. Enjoy your stay, my young friends. Take in the sights. Sample the air. Grab these unique experiences while you can.


    He shrugged, looking at the doors. After allone never knows.


    Mrs. Lu looked at Theresa with a mix of undisguised emotions inly shifting her expression. Tomorrowwe are going to have a very long conversation.


    The huntress winced. yes, mother.


    The rooms atmosphere was so tense, Alex wasnt sure if even a de of force could cut through it. A good number of peoplestudents and professorswere seated in therge meeting room, and most shifted ufortably at the long table.


    Towering at the head of the table was Chancellor Baelin, having returned from his trip to Thamnd the night before.


    His hands were sped on the table before him, and his piercing eyes were staring at an empty space in front of his face.


    Alex had never seen him so angry.


    And even though he wasnt the target of that wrath, he couldnt help but feel a terror gripping his spine.

 Chapter 193: The First Briefing...and a Big Mouth

    Chapter 193: The First Briefing...and a Big Mouth


    Alex recalled how Prince Khalik had described dragonfear as a power hed experienced<strong></strong>when hede upon a dragon near his kingdom once.


    <em>Dragons have an aura around them of supernatural fear, and the older they get, the stronger it grows. The fear prates the mind and infests the heart. Not fear from within- </em>Hed said. <em>-but fear from outside. </em>Hed gestured all around.<em> It is magical, and it digs into the mind like a pickaxe. I bet you that when you learn more of these shoggoths, you will find that this is true of them as well. I will bet you a good sum of coins on that.</em>


    Alex wondered if Baelin had some simr power running through his very being. The chancellor hadnt suddenly grown any biggerand he wasnt making any threatening motionsbut his presence seemed to overshadow the entire room. Something about him lookednot mortal. Like he was an ancient, mystical force barely constrained by a mortal shell.


    Then again, Alex supposed that was very likely what he was.


    He nced around the room, taking in everyone present.


    Originally, hed imagined that the meeting would be a happy, enthusiastic one. It was the orientation and first briefing of those whod eventually be the expeditions core team members.


    Of the twenty or so people in the room, there were many that Alex didnt recognize, but there were also a few familiar faces.


    Seated closest to Baelin was Professor Jules, and the normally confident little woman shifted in her chair, her face a mix of anger and nerves. Beside her were a few of her graduate students, including Amir Abu Saleh.


    Amir was sweating like a pot cover beneath his tall hat, and was also looking like he hadnt slept in days as he did his best to not meet Baelins gaze. He wasnt the only one in that position. Isolde, right beside Alex, sat with her eyes cast down toward the table, and he could hear her teeth grinding in her jaw.


    Everyone else in the room wore expressions that ran the gamut from angry, to frightened, to very ufortable.


    Alex too was feeling a mix of fear, agitation and resentment.


    This. Will. Not. Be. Tolerated, Baelin finally spoke, his deep voice making everyone in the room jump. While we are not gathered here today to discuss yesterdays attack, I will not ignore the elephant in the room. <strong></strong>His goat-like eyes shed. Thiscoward waited until I was absent to strike <em>myour</em> city like some diseased, desperate viperit will not be tolerated.


    Chancellor, another professor cleared his throat. Are we able to continue with this endeavour? The expedition will require your absence from Generasi at times: if it is true that this summoner waited until you were away to strike, then would it not be prudent to wait until they are caught before we proceed?


    No, our ns cannot be held hostage by whatever motivations are at y here. Baelin said. This expedition is too important. The most dangerous aspect of a catastrophe is often not the catastrophe itself, but the actions of people in the wake of such a disaster. An earthquake might kill a thousand, but people abandoning their crops and leaving their harvest to rot might kill <em>twenty</em> thousand. We are on the cusp of one of the most important discoveries for wizardry in hundreds of years. We will proceedbut with caution while I myself and the ruling council continue our work to uncover the snakes pit. The air in the room chilled for a moment.


    Has there Jules spoke up. Been any sort of progress on that front?


    I cannot speak on that, Baelin said. But rest assured. We all share one goal; their apprehension...however that is aplished. He let the weight of his words hang in the air, then he looked at everyone assembled and said, Now. Let us speak of our expedition. The purpose of why we are here.


    He waved his hands through the air, creating an illusion of andscape that was both familiar and unfamiliar to Alex. He gasped. It was Thamnd; he recognized the trees and the colour of the grass as from his homnd.


    The area that Baelin was showing them was definitely a wilder part of Thamnd: it appeared to be a moond covered in wild grasses, rocky outcroppings that rose into the air like stone fingers, and what looked to be ancient, half-buried ruins.


    This is Greymoor within the Barony of Devon, and it is now firmly part of Generasi territory throughwful purchase. It is where our base of operations will be, Baelin said. The terrain is tough. The wind is strong due to the elevation, and the soil is quite acidicunsuitable for productive farmingbut there is plenty of granite to be mined, and t areas for construction. It was the location of a dungeon that produced newt-like monstrous humanoids, butunfortunatelythe dungeon was cleared out by Thamnds Heroes several months ago.


    He shifted<strong></strong>the illusion above several forests of ancient trees, bogs, tors and rivers. Aside from the dungeon, Greymoor is rtively safe. Finding wild monsters there is umon, apparently. ording to the Church of Uldar, the mostmon naturally urring monsters are asrai faeries, phantom wild cats, the asional blue annis hag as well as redcaps, bugbears and beast goblins. Animals there are small and mostly harmless, and there are plenty of game birds and edible fish such as salmon and trout in the waters. There seems to be very little of concern there. Are there any questions so far?


    Are there any magical nts of alchemical value? Jules asked while studying the illusion, and jotting down notes in a notebook.


    It seems the most valuable magical flora known in the area are the asional aeld tree, and various herbs found in the forests. Which leaves room for you to make your own discoveries. The Thameish crown has agreed to provide us with suitable bestiaries for a full catalogue of resources and dangers. Which reminds me


    He shifted the illusion, dividing it in half. The half on the left travelled south through the wilderness until it came upon a port town surrounding a castle. The illusion on the right traveled west until it reached a vige.


    This is Devonport to the south, it is the seat of the barony and thergest settlement that is close by. We will likely not have much dealings with Devonport, but keep its location in mind should we have the need to make contact. The other closest settlement is the Vige of Luthering to the west.


    Alex squinted.


    He noticed that several of the viges buildings looked like theyd suffered some damage.


    Luthering will likely be of little interest to us, and us to them, but if you find yourself in trouble, they have agreed to provide aid to anyone lost our in need from our expedition. Any more questions?


    No one spoke up.


    Alright then. This is how things will unfold. We will conduct the expedition in several stages. He conjured a list. "Stage 1 will be clearance and surveying. I will be tasking select team members with the duty of clearing the terrain of any threats such as wild monsters or stragglers that were spawned from the dungeon. These members will also be tasked with exploring and mapping the region. It would not do to begin mining and construction operations only to be raided by monsters we did not anticipate. Stage 2 will be construction: our site is the equivalent of an active war zone due to the situation currently being experienced in Thamnd. Other expeditions might have to make-do with a simple research camp, but we are wizards of Generasi. I want a full fortification constructed in Greymoor before the winter snowse, strong enough to withstand a siege from any of these dungeons. Once we have done our survey and understand they of thend, we will choose the most advantageous spot on which to construct our fortified home away from home, as it were. We will also create suitable building ns to meet our needs.


    Alex raised a hand.


    Yes, Alex? Baelin asked.


    Will you be transporting the teams personally? He asked.


    Indeed, but not each day, the chancellor said. While it would be tempting to simply teleport a team in the morning and bring them back in the evening, such a practice would cause us to miss valuable data. Sometimes what is not apparent during the day, bes very apparent at night.


    Okay, Alex said, writing that down.


    Next, then. Baelin shifted the illusion so that several castles of various designs floated before him.


    Once the fortification isplete, we will enter Stage 3: Set-up. I will craft a teleportation circle that will link the university and the research castle we will construct. As a measure of security, only those who possess an assigned key may use the portal, and I will need to recharge the circle<strong></strong>once every twenty-four hours or it will cease to function. We will use this means to transport equipment into the fortification to create the necessaryboratories.


    Jules nodded in approval.


    Finally, in thest step, we will begin our operations. We will start with obtaining one sample of dungeon core remains and using that for initial experiments. If that proves fruitful, we will expand. Keep in mind that Thamnds ambient mana is <em>far</em> lower than that of Generasi. This will necessitate the construction of <em>very</em>expensive analytical devices that can hold enough power to function in the fortification. Keep this in mind, and handle them with care.


    Baelin then proceeded to divide the research team up ording to task. Many tasks were administrative, but others involved more active roles.


    Finally, the chancellor looked at Alex.


    Alex and Isolde, I would like you to do two things: in Stage 1. First of all, I would like you to aid in some of the construction of the magical analysis equipment for the expedition. It will be excellent learning and you both have shown thepetence in alchemical construction to be of benefit.


    Ill count that as part of your credits for your alchemy courses this summer, Professor Jules added.


    We ept with honour, Isolde said.


    Oh yeah, honour and excitement and all that. Alex nodded along.


    Secondly, I would like you two to form a teamselect your chosen team members then get their paperwork to me for approvnd then use that team to participate in surveying and clearing out our newnd.


    Alex blinked in surprise.


    Really? Us? he asked. Im not even a second year student yet. I mean, like, thank you for the vote of confidence, but Im sure theres a ton of other students whod be more qualified.


    Baelin raised an eyebrow. Is that so? Alex, you have morebat experience than most people in this room.


    Wait, really?


    Im no fighter, Amirughed nervously; several of the other students and professors nodded with him.


    The Art of the Wizard in Combat has granted us a lot of experience, Alex, Isolde said. And let us not forget the situations we have been involved in on top of that.


    Indeed, Baelin agreed. I did not construct the Art of the Wizard in Combat to prepare students for a life of farming. If you have passed my course, you are qualified for battle. Andas Isolde saidyou have experience beyond that. Further, you might not be native to this particr part of Thamnd, but you areas of nowthe only member of the research team that is Thameish. That is a valuable asset and let us not forget ygonfor multiple reasons.


    Alex nodded. Hed been wondering what would happen when ygon went to Thamnd with his dungeon core-built golem core. Maybe that was one of the things Baelin meant by multiple reasons.


    And remember, Baelin added, cutting through his thoughts and addressing the whole team.<strong></strong>Be cautious in your dealings with strangers. The city is making every effort to catch the demon summoner, but the inescapable fact is that this person<strong></strong>waited until I was away before acting. That shows that they seek vulnerability: so be careful, and use yourmon sense.


    Alex swallowed.


    What a time for Theresas parents toe for a visit. He wasnt sure how they would react to the idea of him going back to Thamnd to hunt monsters and help set up a wizardly research expedition.


    Especially if Theresa wanted to go along too.


    How would they react to her wanting to go?


    They had been happy to let here with him when he was escaping Thamnd, but that was because they thought theyd be running <em>from</em> certain danger, not toward it.


    Now here they were in Generasi while this demon summoner still stalked the city


    Is it always sowell-guarded? Mrs. Lu asked, watching as a patrol of Watchers passed by the window, floating on their stone disks. It feels more like an army fortress than a school.


    Not usually quite like <em>this</em>, Alex said, as he carried supper on a cloud of forcedisks while Mr. Lu and Selina set the table together. The hearty meat stew and freshly baked bread steamed in theter summer evening air. Hed also made his signature cookies in celebration of the Lus visit.


    Its because of what happened at City Hall, Theresa said, her frown deepening as the Watchers soared past. Theyre working to keep us safe so we can enjoy ourselves.


    Mhm Mrs. Lu mused, and she idly reached out and hugged her daughter.


    Mother, Im okay, Theresa said.


    I know, I know, Mrs. Lu said.


    Mr. Lu eyed the food as Wizards Hands removed it from the disks and set it on the table. He gave a long, almost nostalgic look at the bread and cookies, then looked up at Alex and shook his head.


    Its almost a relief, he said.


    What is? Alex asked, puzzled.


    Seeing the bread and cookies lets me know youre still you, he said. I hardly recognize you. Theres all this. Mr. Lu flexed, gesturing at his biceps, then at Alexs. Then theres all the magic you can do nowyoure not just a baker anymore, or at least you dont look like one. So, its nice to see you doing something familiar.


    Alex paused, for a moment. II guess youre right.


    Mr. Lu gave him a small smile and turned to Selina. Come,e lets get washed up now.


    I know that already, Mr. Lu, Selina said, padding to the wash-basin. Im growing up.


    The older man paused. Isuppose you are.


    Alex thought back to what Baelin and Isolde had said.


    It was true. When hed received The Mark, he was simply a bakers assistant. The mightiest thing hed ever in was an oversized pie that hed taken on during an eating contest when he was fifteen.


    Now?


    Hed fought and killed monsters.


    Strong ones that could have killed him.


    Hed built a golem.


    His best friend was now his girlfriend, and she was even stronger and more fearless than she was before they came to Generasi.


    He was part of a cabal of good friends who were growing in their training and bing more deadly with time.


    Hed pushed his body to change and grow, and he wasnt finished yet. His Markbelled him as The Fool, but the chancellor of the greatest university of wizardry in the world now considered him abat asset.


    Mr. Lu was right: he wasnt just a bakers assistant anymore.


    As a matter of fact, even his baking skills had grown to where he felt they could rival McHarris.


    Maybe it was time he stopped acting like he was merely a bakers assistant and acknowledged what he was capable of, and how much hed grown.


    The demon summoner was out there somewhere, still a threat. If he ever encountered one of their summoned demons again, maybe it was time for him to do more than just duck and dodge.


    Nowwith ygon, and his friendshe could do more.


    He could ovee threats. Hed been doing it for a while now.


    The time for runningand not seeing himself as he actually washade to an end.


    So, Mrs. Lu said as she scooped up a pat of butter, with a teasing note in her eyes. How long have you two been together?


    Alex froze mid-bite.


    <em>Scrrrrp.</em>


    Theresas fork scraped across her te.


    Wait Mrs. Lu paused, looking at the two of them carefully. I was just making a joke


    Silence.


    Gross, Selina said. They''ve been icky together ever since we got attacked by those monsters at Isolde''s cousins party.


    Mr. Lu choked on his stew. Monsters?!


    And then they were together the whole time I was staying at Abs house, they even took Brutus and left him with Khalik, the treacherous, evil little sister of Alex Roth continued to talk, unaware of the doom she was creating. Khalik said they got back homete and then went hunting monsters the next morning.


    Alex slowly looked at Theresa for help. His cool, calm girlfriend would surely know what to-


    The brave huntress had checked out.


    She had gone as white as a sheet and was staring at nothing.


    Oh by the Traveller, she hadnt told them!


    Alex had been wrong. The time for running had <em>not</em>e to an end.

 Chapter 194: Digging a Hole

    Chapter 194: Digging a Hole


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think. Ada-</em>


    It was no use.


    Alex had stopped thinking.


    Selina. Mr. Lu smiled sweetly at the little girl. Why dont you tell us aaaaaall about it.


    The young girl looked up, then saw the expressions on Theresas parents faces. Her eyes went wide, and she leaned forward past her frozen, ice statue-like brother to look at Theresa.


    Ohwasnt I supposed to say that? she asked in a sweet voice filled with child-like innocence.


    You did this on purpose! the irrational part of Alexs mind screamed. His eyes flicked to the door.


    Khalik had said hed drop by and bring some treats to wee Theresas parents out of respect. When he finally got there, Alex would be having a long talk with him about telling little sisters about anyte nights her brother was having.


    He heard a grumble from nearby as Brutus pushed a head into both his and Theresasps, begging them for table scraps.


    Mr. Lu eyed the two of them. Sothis is how you repay us, Alex? We send you off to safety, and then you seduce our daughter? Not a trace of humour touched his voice.


    No! Alex cried, waving his hands defensively. No, no its not like that!


    Theresas cheeks started to go from sheet white to bright red.


    Oh, stop it, Zimo. Mrs. Lu looked at him. Dont tease them about thatthats something well be talking about soon enough. But, whats this about monsters?


    She looked at Theresa. You didnt say anything about monsters in your letters? You told us all about taking up your great-grandfathers practices and learning geography and all these nice, peaceful sounding things. You never said a word about monsters. Whats this about monsters, Theresa?


    Silence filled the room.


    Iwell, Theresa stuttered. Well, theres some things that happened while we were heresomethings that I maybedidnt want to worry you about.


    Mr. Lu stared at his daughter and Alex. You know, we sent you away from Thamnd to keep Alex and Selina out of danger, and because you wanted to go with them, Theresa. We let you be a hunterwe let you do a lot of things that most families would not. We trust you, the least you could have done was to be honest with us.


    I didnt want you to hear about those things<strong></strong>through letters, Theresa said quickly. Theres so many nice things here. So many wonderful, wonderful things, but if Id told you about monsters, that wouldve been the only thing youd think about.


    Mrs. Lu shook her head. Of course we would have worried about the both of you, but you could have at least been open with us.


    But what purpose would that have served? Theresa met their gazes. You have enough to worry about. We had to leave our home. Monsters are roaming our homnd. You have to take care of my brothers, and uncle, and everyone elseI thought itd be better if you got letters that were about all the good things that were happening, not about more things for you to worry about. I just dont want you to worry. I mean, I didnt want you to worry, I mean I dont want you to worry.


    But thats our choice and our right, Mrs. Lu said. Id rather worry about you than not know if anything happened to you. Theresaif there are dangers here, what would have happened if somethingwell- The older woman winced. -happened to you. Wed know nothing, we would have been thinking that you, Alex and Selina were safely away at school, and then your letters would have just stopped.


    That would have happened anywayif anything at all went wrong, Theresa said. Which it wouldnt. Mother, father Im <em>so</em> strong now, you wouldnt believe it. Im <em>so, so</em> strong, and Im not going to let anything happen to me or Alex or Brutus or Selina.


    And Im pretty str- Alex started.


    Stay out of it for now, Alex, Mr. Lu warned.


    Right, staying out of it, he quickly said.


    Then why didnt you tell us? Mrs. Lus jaw hardened. Weve given you so much freedom and so much trustwhy do you feel the need to hide such things from us?


    Mother, youre not <em>listening </em>to me. Theresas jaw hardened in a simr way. Because I didnt want you to worry! I was going to tell you in person, after youd seen some of the wonderful things here. After youd seen what Alex and I could do. Youd understand so much more, instead of just sending you a stupid letter that could only-


    <em>Knock. Knock.</em>


    The door handle turned and a smiling Khalik stepped into Alexs apartment, bearing a bottle of honey wine and a basket of mandazi doughnuts.


    He hadnt said a word before he froze, his smile fading quickly and his eyes widening as though he were witnessing a wildfire spreading through the entire apartment.


    The courageous prince of Tekezash bravely took a step backward, ready to run back into the hall.


    Hello! You must be Theresa and Alexs friend, Khalik! Mrs. Lu rose from her seat, suddenly all smiles. Every sign of her earlier irritation waspletely gone.


    Her eyes shed toward Theresa and Alex, seeming to say with one single nce, Well discuss thister.


    Theresas told us so much about <em>you,</em> Mr. Lu said, rising as well and weing the young man as though he were his own son. Alex could almost hear the so much about <em>you</em>, followed by an implied, <em>and nothing else</em><strong></strong>in his voice.


    Khalik, my friend, you have no idea how d I am to see you, my good, good, good friend! Alex said, with a mixture of relief and irritation.


    Theresa nodded vigorously in agreement, Brutus bounded over to greet the prince and get at the doughnuts he was holding, while Selina was cheerfully waving at him.


    Their friends eyes darted back and forth across the room.


    O-okay then, he said, knowing better than to ask any questions.


    And <em>thats</em> what happened, Alex said as he ced his specimen on the sanitized sheet of paper.


    He and his ssmates in Magical Botany were learning how to collect and preserve specimens in the field forter study. After the first part of the lesson, Professor Salinger had the students remove their things from off of their desks, thenwith a quick, barked orderhe sent the writing desks scurrying off to the side.


    Long tablestall enough for one to work at while standinglumbered into the clearing, ready for everyone to take their ces before them. The professor then introduced the samples he wanted them to work on: simple four-leaf clover nts: small, easy to harvest, and good to practice on. He had each student meticulously go over the same safety procedures that Alex had learned during Professor Julesb before hed let anyone even consider putting on their aprons, masks and gloves. It was clear that Salinger was as militant aboutb safety as Jules was. In the next part of the lesson, theyd learned how to use small spades to carefully dig up the tiny nts theyd be using to practice the preservation process on.


    Oof, Khalik groaned, brushing his sheet with distilled water. The morning sun glinted on the wet paper. Poor TheresaI feel for her, let us just say that I do not tell my parents everything that goes on here either. It wouldpresent a poor image, I think.


    YeahI guess it would, Alex said. Ifmom and dad were alive, I dont know <em>how</em> much Id tell them.


    Khalik nodded. It is difficultI see now, why you kept me sotest night... though it was clear that things were a little ufortable when I first arrived. No wonder you and Theresa kept insisting that I stay longer.


    Yeah, we needed a buffer, Alex said, folding another sheet of paper over his specimen. We have to figure out how to talk to them-


    Clover isrgely a fodder nt, Professor Salinger said as he paced between the rows of tables set up for the practical portion of the ss. But four- leafed clovers are a symbol of luck in many ces, and also provide a good base for a number of different potions, or charm-wreaths. Its truly a fine nt for any hedge wizard. Please, make sure your sheets are properly moistened before you ce them on the drying rack: a magical drying rack will dry a specimen to dust if the sheets arent moist enough. Oh, and remember to mind the roots! The leaves of the nt are the part we see, but the roots are going to be what youll need to study the most.


    The professor suddenly spun around on the spotblinking behind his protective maskas though he was trying to catch someone doing anything they shouldnt. And if anyone lifts their mask, youre outta here. Thats a bad, bad, bad, habit to get into. A fatal one.


    Alex looked at his clover, imagining it as some sort of horrible fire spewing nt. He wouldnt be touching his mask any time soon.


    So, did you figure out how to talk to them? Khalik whispered.


    Not yet, Alex shook his head. Poor Selina felt pretty bad about saying stuff in front of them, and Theresa and I talked for a bit this morning until she left to walk Brutus and clear her head. Were going to meet up after ss and strategize, then go see them.


    Another thing, the professor said. When you-


    Shadows suddenly passed over the ss. Students gasped, looking up in fear. The professor winced, while Alex and Khalik instinctively dropped intobat-ready stances.


    Alex reached down to grab his potions, and swore, realizing they were in his bag at the front of the ss; he looked up, expecting to see demons ready to drop down on them from above.


    Sounds of relief were sweeping through the ss.


    A group of Watchers floated above the ss dome of the botanical gardens, carefully eyeing the students. Their swords were belted at their waists, but their staffs were gripped in-hand, ready to unleash spells if they needed to.


    Alexs eyes were drawn to the staffs. A thought began to percte in his brain.


    Most staffs and other magical items used magic circuitry and pre-built spell-arrays to power their effects. That was how ygons magic gems worked. But some magic itemsthough they were harder to make and more expensivecould be operated by pure mana maniption, which meant a one-time ouy of coin. Potions, on the other hand, had to be brewed whenever they were needed, which meant the cost of always having to buy expensive materials would add up over time, but something like a mana-maniption operated staff, could just be used forever.


    From what hed been told, staff-making was something that students only attempted in their fourth and final year. And even then, they had to be the most advanced alchemy students.


    Then again, Alex had already made a golem...so, maybe he could talk to Professor Jules about getting into higher forms of alchemy a little faster.


    Khalik meanwhile shook his head and spoke, bringing Alex out of his thoughts. Look at this. Back to the fear. Just as before. If only I could get my hands on this demon summoner. I tire of all of this difort.


    Yeah, Alexs jaw hardened. Im getting pretty tired of it too. And hey, we might not be able to face whatever they summon, but I think if we found a way to catch them by surprise


    It was something to think about, if they ever got the chance.


    Chance came sooner than he ever imagined it might.


    He and Khalik were walking through the botanical gardens on their way back to the ins after ss, when they heard the sound of something scrambling in the foliage nearby.


    Alex paused. Shhshh he hissed.


    What was that? Khalik whispered.


    I dont knowThundar and I heard something around here when we were leaving his Cleansing Movements group.


    They wheeled on the spot, putting their backs to ygon while the golem stood stone-still in the middle of the path, scanning the surrounding foliage for any sign of movement.


    I think whatever it was went right, Khalik said. Some sort of small animal perhaps?


    Maybe Alex frowned. Or maybe some nasty summoner thats been hiding here for months.


    They looked at each other.


    Alexs heart quickened.


    When he and Thundar had heard the strange noises, hed been pretty nervous. Now, though?


    Well, he was still nervousbut he felt more steady. And a lot more curious.


    I wanna find out what that is, Alex said, pulling a Potion of Sensory Enhancement from his bag along with booby-trapped versions of Sensory Enhancement, and Mana Soothing.


    What if its this summoner? Khalik asked.


    If it is, then theyll be unprepared, the young wizard stepped to the side of the path. I dont feel any summoning magic.


    fine, then I aming with you.


    No no, Im stealthier than you, Alex said. Stay here with ygon. Follow him if he starts moving, or if you hear trouble...or if you hear me screaming.


    Fair enough. Khaliks hand fell to the hilt of his short sword. Move with care.


    Will do, Alex said, keeping his voice low as he stepped into the foliage.


    He moved as quietly as he could, hardly breathing as he slipped by the trees, herbs and brush. Technically, he was breaking the rules by stepping off the path, but he figured that whatever was in here, was likely breaking the rules too. His enhanced sensesbed through the foliage, looking for signs of tracks or anything that had disturbed the brush. He used The Mark to learn the terrainpicking up more and more detail with each visual sweepprocessing<strong></strong>it and searching for anything thatstoodout.


    His eyes paused on a section of brush that seemed higher off the ground than the rest of the nts surrounding it. Crouching, he silently lifted a bush.


    Oh hell. Alex muttered.


    A tunnely beneath it.


    One that looked like it had been recently used.

 Chapter 195: Beneath the Garden

    Chapter 195: Beneath the Garden


    Okay, so theres a spooky hole in the ground in there, Alex said. Like the kind youd expect a ghost or gob- he paused. Er, beast-goblin to crawl out of. I took a look around and I think I saw tracksbut Im no Theresa. Shes the expert on tracks.


    That does indeed sound ominous, Khalik muttered, squinting through the foliage as if trying to see the hole for himself. Bah, I cannot see anything from here. Maybe its time we informed The Watchers, then.


    I dont know about that, man, Alex said, ncing back into the trees. Suppose its nothing. Thest thing the school needs right now is a panic over nothing.


    Alex remembered the trick hed used to escape Alric a year ago: tossing coins into the crowd of desperate people who were hoping they could afford the high price of passage on one of the ships leaving Thamnd. Those few coins had created havoc, and hed used the chaos to escape with Selina, Theresa, and Brutus.


    Now, people here were wound tight because of demons.


    What would happen if they saw a bunch of Watchers suddenly descend on the botanical gardens? How much fear would <em>that</em> cause...and what if it turned out to be a false rm?


    I have seen panic too, during war and other disastersit feeds on itself. Perhaps you are right, perhaps we should avoid making a report without having more information. What do you want to do, then? Khalik asked.


    I think I should go down there and check it out, Alex said. If its the summoner, maybe I can catch them off guard. If it isnt, then theres no panic for no reason. Likewhat if its just some guy growing special mushrooms, or someone who just wants a secret ce to get away to for a while or something? I wouldnt want to be the guy who brings The Watchers down on them for no reason.


    Hmmmm, and you say you feel no magic? The prince nced down the path. They were still alone. I <em>will </em>say that I have not felt anything since weve been here, but you are much more sensitive to such things than I am.


    No, I havent felt a thing. Not even a hint of summoning or teleportation magic. I think Ill be okay.


    Fine, but let us not take unnecessary risks. Khalik said. How about thishow about if you use your teleportation spell to throw one of your attack potions down the hole and fill it with gas. That way, you can remain at a safe distance, whoever is in there gets flushed out, and then ygon, you and I can apprehend them.


    Hmmmm, Alex murmured. Thats not a bad ideabut I kind of need to see where Im casting the spell, otherwise, I could end up teleporting the potion into the dirt or something, which would make the spell fail. Besides, if it<em> is </em>the summoner...theyll probably feel any spell I casteven before I finish casting it. Weve got the element of surprise going for us right now, so nows the perfect time for me to check things out.


    Fair enoughjust be careful. If something were to happen to you, Selina, Theresa and her parents would kill mewhich I am fairly sure would start a war between Tekezash and Thamnd.


    Ill be careful.


    Alex slipped back into the foliage as silent as a cat, and crouched beside the trail hed found, focusing on The Mark. It brought up an image of Theresa showing him some tracks shed found when they were hunting the vespara. It focused on what shed said about them, and the traits shed pointed out about their shape and depth. Unfortunately, The Mark didnt have a lot of memories to draw from, but they were enough for Alex to figure out a couple of things about the trail.


    Whoever wasing through here was small. The tracks werent veryrge or deep, and were also in the shape of a smaller sized shoe.


    He circled the entire area around the hole, not wanting a repeat of when he and Theresa hadnt checked the terrain around the vesparas cave thoroughly enough.


    He paused at the opposite side<strong></strong>of the tunnels opening.


    More strange strange tracks in the dirt. Broad feet with something dragging between them through the nts and soil. Was it some creature that had pulled a victim down into the hole? Or maybe a monster with a tail that dragged along the earth: like some of the wizards familiars hed seen on campus, or like one of the summoned monsters conjured by students in the summoning tower.


    He gripped his two potions and checked the trees above. On the ground, there were broken branches and nts where the two sets of tracks had passed, but nothing was disturbed above. No sign of anyone having flown into the area through the branches, which would have been pretty hard to do without getting noticed in the botanical gardens.


    Okay, then, Alex thought. He had all the information he could find. Stepping away from the hole, he paused to cast force armour on himself. He also cast Orb of Air around his head: if he was throwing potions in an enclosed space, he didnt want the gas to get him too.


    He sighed.


    That was another reason to start looking into staff-making; he wouldnt have to worry about a booby-trapped potion catching him or his allies in its fumes.


    He slipped both potion bottles through his force armours protectionsince it was his own spend attached them to his belt. Silently raising the bush and noticing its root ball was wrapped in bup, Alex slipped into the tunnel, then reced the nt behind him. He swore inwardly. The tunnel was absolutely pitch-ck, but he couldn''t conjure any light without alerting whatever was in there.


    He stayed perfectly still, waiting for his potion-enhanced vision to adjust to the dark, and his other senses to adjust too. With his ability to see decreased, he needed to focus more on his sense of smell and hearing. Alex sniffed the air and caught the scent of nothing but fresh air since Orb of Air was around his head.


    Focus, Alex. He shook his head, cocking one ear toward the darkness ahead. He could hear the sound of something moving through the tunnel.


    Something that was trying to stay quiet, on tiny little feet.


    Eventually, his eyes adjusted enough to pick up the faintest glow of light up ahead.


    He began using The Mark to crawl through thepact tunnel with care, keeping his movements from dislodging soil or rocks, and using his hands to feel for obstructions along the path.


    Suddenly, he came across a trap as the bluish-green light was bing strong enough for him to actually see the tunnel walls.


    His sense of touch felt <em>something</em> that made the hair on back of his arm bristle <em>just</em> before his wrist grazed a thin line strung across the width of the passageway. Alex squinted at the concealed rope: it was like a trip wire leading to


    Bells.


    A set of old, rusty cowbells were hanging in an indent in the tunnel walls, ced there to alert anyone inside of unwee visitors.


    Like a hunting cat, Alex, rose up onto his hands and feet and used The Mark to focus on stealth and control. He climbed over the line silently, then continued along the tunnel. Drawing closer to the light, he could see where soil had been packed down and reinforced with sticks tied together to form a frame, like in a mineshaft. It looked like the frame was made of what appeared to be kindling wood.


    Whoever had dug this ce, theyd been there for a while: it didnt look like a tunnel that someone had hollowed out in a couple of days. It had probably taken months without magic, or more likely weeks with magic since they wouldve needed to be sneaky. If it <em>was</em> the demon summoner: theyd probably been using this ce to hide in for a while.


    Maybe theyd been down there the whole time, right under everyones noses.


    Alex felt the pouch hed stuck his potions in.


    The moment he saw anyone that looked even <em>slightly</em> unfriendly, hed hit them with his Sensory Enhancement Potion and overwhelm their senses: a sudden burst of light down there would definitely hurt their eyes. Then hed hit them with the booby-trapped Mana Soothing Potion.


    If they had no defences up, he could grab them like hed grabbed that wizard in the woods and hold them while he called ygon, who Khalik would follow. If they did have defences up, or if there was more than one, then the Mana Soothing Potion would slow them down while the booby trapped Sensory Enhancement Potion made their senses go crazy. That would also give him enough time to call ygon while he retreated to wait for him and Khalik to get there.


    With his n made, Alex slipped further into the tunnel as the light grew brighter. Eventually, he came into what looked like some sort of rough living quarters. A simple bed of leaves was serving as a carpet, and dirty dishesy across the ground, holding scraps of meat and mushrooms. Demon food, maybe?


    Alex paused, then looked up, preparing to stand until he realized he could only crouch since the ceiling height was low; maybe no more than four and a half feet high.


    Peering ahead, he could clearly hear the sounds of someone shuffling along the ground now, digging and moving about.


    His eyes narrowed as he stooped low and crept forward, taking care to not make a sound. He could see the light grow brighter from around the next corner.


    This was it.


    Alex took a deep breath and slipped around the dirt wall, easing his potions out, readying to throw them.


    And was met by teeth.


    He gave a choked cry as something shot around the corner and snapped powerful jaws around his calf. He tried to pull his leg away as a terrible pressure crushed down on the force-armour on his leg. He raised his arm to hurl the potions.


    Then his eyes made out the shadowy wriggling form that was attached to his leg.


    Harmless! Alex gave a low cry. Harmless let go! You know me! Im not going to hurt you! Agh! Kybas! Kyyyybas get him off of me!


    Hm? Alex!? The little goblin spun around, his eyes going wide as he grasped the sight of his familiar bravely trying to fight off the intruder that had surprised them both. Harmless! Harmless! Stop! Hes a friend! A friend!


    Almost reluctantly, the four-foot crocodile paused mid-bite, eyeing Alex with a mix ofsomething. He couldnt really tell from those alien, reptilian eyes.


    Still, Harmless slowly released his leg and went waddling backward toward his master.


    By The Traveller, you scared the shit out of me, Kybas! Alex swore. I thought you were the demon summoner!


    Eh? Me? Kybas blinked his massive eyes. His ears rose up. Demon summoner? He shook his head back and forth, his ears flopping as he did. No, not me! Im not summoning no demons! Waitwere you eavesdropping?


    I wasnt dropping no eaves! Alex cried back. You were down here and there was all this sinister light and I heardsomethinginthe bushes


    Alex finally took a good look around the chamber.


    It was huge, at least thirty feet by thirty feet and filled with raised garden beds that had a horde of mushrooms growing in them. Some of the fungi were absolutely tiny, and some were bigger than his head.


    In the corner was a cleared spot where a long piece of stoney with a small cauldron on it, sitting beside a few empty potion sks.


    Several mushrooms--as big asrge apples--upied the corners of the chamber, shedding a teal light that filled the space. Alex recognized a few species from his potion and Magical Botany textbooks.


    Most of them were ingredients for


    body enhancement potions, Alex murmured. What is all this?


    Kybas gave him a sheepish grin. Wee to Kybas Secret Garden.

 Chapter 196: Magic Mushrooms

    Chapter 196: Magic Mushrooms


    Doesanyone know about this? Alex asked, dispelling Force Armour and Orb of Air as he checked out Kybas underground garden.


    Just you now, Kybas said with a little cough. Well you and Harmless! but Harmless only talks to me so thats okay. you wont tell anyone about this will you?


    Iit doesnt look like youre growing monstrous world-ending nts down here or anything, and youre not summoning demons to attack City Hall or campus. Alex looked around. So, I dont see why I shouldwait. Why <em>are</em> you down here in a cave growing mushrooms?


    Because potion ingredients cost many coins. Kybas frowned. And I dont have many coins, but Harmless needs many body enhancement potions if hes going to grow and be his biggest and strongest.


    Yeah, so this is the solution you found.


    Kybas reached down to pet Harmless. Its not a bad solution. There are garden beds that students can rent to grow their own ingredients, but I dont have the coin to rent one. So I did what me and my family did back home: found a ce where no animals or big people came too much, and dug a nice big den. It took a long time and a lot of casting of Move Dirt, but I did it.


    Yeah, you did alright. Alex couldn''t help but admire the little fellows ingenuity. The secret garden was well crafted and very well stocked, and from how healthy the mushrooms looked, it was obvious that Kybas had spent a lot of time and effort caring for them. What do you do for water?


    I use Conjure Water mostly. Kybas padded over to a stone bucket hed set beside one of the mushroom beds. And sometimes I bring more water through one of the tunnels-Oop!


    Alex paused in the middle of examining tworge mushrooms: one that was green with white dots, and a red one with white dots. Two ck marks on their stalks made them look like they had little faces. Wait, you have more tunnels?


    Kybas squinted at him. Youre sure you wont tell anyone? Cause if you do...I might have to kill you. Kybas started to giggle.


    Alex stared at him.


    Im only joking, Alex! The goblin-wizards giggling became fullughter.


    I figured as much, but seriously, man, I know what its like to keep a secret Alex said. Unless you want me to tell somebody, Im not going to say a word. Butmaybe we should talk about thatter.


    Hrm. Kybas snorted in suspicion. I have two tunnels that go to other exits. In case someone sneaks inyoure quiet, though. Im surprised I didnt hear you.


    Ive had practice Alex said. Where did you get the spores for the mushrooms?


    Kybas shrugged. Cut little bits off mushrooms in Magical Botany and brought them down here. Theyre easy to grow if you know what to do, especially with goodpost and stuff to grow them in. He wrinkled his nose. If the conditions were better at home we would have had fuller bellies, I think.


    That stung.


    Alex thought back to the time shortly after his parents died, when he was feeling awful every day and wondering why something so terrible had happened to his family. Those times were darkbut hed never gone hungry.


    Mr. and Mrs. Lu had seen to that.


    The<strong></strong>urge to share some of his multi-course meals with Kybas quickly grew.


    These arent the best ingredients for body enhancement, Kybas said. But theyre better than nothing, and they dont cost anything. They arent missed if you just take a piece of mushroom here and piece there to grow your own.


    He crouched down beside Harmless, rubbing the crocodiles snout. The reptiles eyes closed and he leaned into Kybas touch. Itll all be worth it when Harmless is thirty or forty feet long and can eat sharks!


    Grimloch probably wouldnt appreciate that idea, Alex thought.


    Well, it looks like youre doing a lot for the little guyand jeez, this is some pretty great work, Alex said, scratching his head. You know, this would probably impress my sister a lot: she likes building things, and I can tell this ce isreally well builtits just that, Kybas, this is really dangerous.


    No danger for me, maybe danger to the moles thate in here sometimes. He grinned wickedly, patting the scales on Harmless side. "Or for anyone thates down here without me saying they can!


    No I mean like Alex winced. I think this probably breaks a <em>bunch</em> of rules. And like Thundar and I heard youI think it was youa couple of times when we were walking along the path. And Khalik and I just heard you.


    Mhm! The goblin-wizard nodded. Sometimes I hear people go by and sometimes they stop, but lots of nts in here rustle and move and try to eat you if you let your guard down, so theres lots of noise. Most keep walking most of the time. Youre the first toe down, and Im d it was a friend that found my garden, and double d that you had a spell around you so Harmless didnt eat your leg!


    Not half as d as I am about thatst part Alex said. But uhlisten, maybe thismaybe this isnt such a good idea now, Kybas. I mean. Look, The Watchers of Roal are really on the lookout for that demon summoner, theyre flying around and Im pretty sure the only reason they havent started cutting down nts and rooting around in here is because these nts have value to a lot of people. And also because the demon summoner only attacked the school once and Baelin took care of it really easily.


    He gestured at the ceiling. Look, youre a grown-ass ma-er, goblin. Goblin man. You can make your own decisions, but I bet you theyre going to get desperate enough to send teams searching through the brush around here. Youre going to be in so much trouble if you get caught, and with how jumpy everyone is on ount of the demon summoner, I dontif the Watcherse down here and Harmless attacks them...


    Its okay, Kybas said, confidently bringing up his little chin. Thats what the extra tunnels are for. The elders in my vige taught us young ones how to escape from monsters and fight evil beast-goblins. I just need to do this for a little while longer.


    Alex swallowed, thinking back to when hed been secretly analyzing the dungeon core remains, and how that could havepletely blown up in his face.


    Secrets.


    They were like monsters wing at peoples backs.


    Kybas. Alex pushed one more time. Theres gotta be another way. Likeeven if you cant afford to rent one of the nt beds, I meanyoure training to be a wizard, right? When you get out of the university youll have people trying to throw heaps of gold at you to get you to work for them. You could y it safe now and then give Harmless all the potions he wantster. Or you could get a jobmaybe theres a schrship or something-


    I have two jobs, the goblin-wizard grunted, his expression darkening.


    Oh shit, uh sorry- Alex said.


    I make enough to pay for my room, Kybas said. Not much more than that. Tried for schrships, but theyre <em>soooo </empetitive. Didnt get any. Maybe I can get a research position with Professor Salinger if I keep doing well. Butthese are precious years of growth for Harmless. Crocodiles do most of their growing before theyre ten years old and a lot of that is in the first two years. If I dont give him everything he needs now, itll be toote. So Ive got to try.


    Alex paused.


    He knew what it felt like to take risks when he was trying to do something for someone he cared about. It might not have been a little crocodile, but he knew what it felt like all the same.


    In the end, this was Kybas decision. They didnt even really know each other that well, though Alex was bing pretty intent on changing that. He liked the little wizard, and hed served as an anti-Derek barrier for an entire semester. That alone was worth a lot.


    Justbe careful, okay? Alex said. Like, Im not going to tell anyone. ButI heard you, so others might. Listen, next week, Im going to have a dinner. You shoulde.


    Kybas nodded.


    Alex looked around the secret garden one more time. And uhbe careful you dont inhale weird fumes.


    Tooote, the goblin grinned. Some of the mushrooms here have very fun side-effects.


    Alex decided not to ask too many more questions.


    So that is who was down there, Khalik mused as they left the botanical gardens.


    Dont tell anyone, Alex said nervously, looking back over his shoulder. ygon followed dutifully. Im kinda breaking trust by even telling you. But itd be pretty weird if I came back and said, nothing happened.


    I appreciate that, and I am no gossiping rooster ready to crow out everything I heare the dawn, the prince said. Still, I am d that it did not turn out to be the demon summoner. In a sense.


    Yeah, if wed caught them off guard


    Ah, no matter, Khalik said. This demon summoner is already at a height of power, while we are growing further into our own strength. Time is on our side.


    Yeah, youre right Alex murmured. It would give Theresas parents some peace if the summoner was gone, though. Speaking of that, Im going to try and find her. We should probably talk.


    It took Alex some time to find Theresa. She wasnt at home, she wasnt at the beastarium, or at her parents ce. On a hunch, he decided to go to The Watchers of Roal to see if she was practicing there. Luckily, hed called it right.


    The Watcher hed talked to seemed really tense, and the entire organization seemed to be on high alert. Patrols mounted on their flying disks were constantlying and going from their headquarters.


    After promising to stay out of the way and getting permission, he was allowed to enter their stadium. It was smaller than the arena the students used, and the air was filled with the sounds of battle. Members of The Watchersalong with what looked like new recruitswere practicing below. Theresa was down there, pressing a young woman hard with a series of fierce sword and knife strikes.


    Shed gotten faster.


    Stronger too.


    While the Watcher trainee put up a good fight using body enhancement spells, quick illusions and force sts to keep Theresa at bay, the young huntress physical ability, experience and skill with her de proved to be too much and she soon overwhelmed the woman.


    <em>Thmp.</em>


    She gave her opponent a final sweep of the leg that dropped her to the sand. The young woman raised her hands in surrender just as Theresa levelled her curved sword at her neck.


    After she helped her opponent up, they bowed to each other, touched swords, and then she startled when she noticed Alex waving at her from the stands.


    She jogged over to where Alex stood waiting.


    Im d you came looking for me,<strong></strong>she said. Lets find somece quiet to talk.


    Yeah, you werent at home so I thought you might be here, he said, giving her a hug. You okay? Talk with your folks yet?


    Her lips tightened. Yeah. Earlier this morning. After I finished walking Brutus.


    Alex winced. Im guessing it didnt go well?


    It couldve gone better. She frowned. Theyre still mad that I didnt tell them about the monsters and stuff in my letters. They didnt get into it as much as I think they wanted to because Selina was there, but they were still mad.


    do you think they were mad about us? Alex asked, concern filled his voice.


    No, no, I asked. They said no. Her frown deepened. They just kept going on about how I shouldve told them everything before they got here. She made a disgusted noise. What do you think? Do you think theyre right?


    Naw, I dont think so, he said. I dont think I would have told my family I was fighting monsters in a bunch of letters. Id rather them find out more about my life in person. You cant really exin all this stuff in a letter. Youd need like a book.


    He paused. A <em>really</em> long book.


    Thats what I was thinking, she sighed. I think Generasis scaring them. I remember how overwhelming it was for <em>me, </em>and that was after- She paused, making sure no one was close. All that stuff in The Cave of the Traveller.


    Maybemaybe we could try and show them another side? he said. LookSelinas birthday partysing up. You know how I wanted to take us all to the Rainbow Tower for it, right?


    Yeah.


    Maybe thatll show them another side of the city.


    Maybeif you can get them to go back into it.


    Dont underestimate your parents. He smiled. Theyre brave. Hells, your dad has the blood of Twinde Lu flowing through his veins just like youand he listens to your mom, so that says something about how strong she is. Well turn things around. Theyve seen some of the horror of magic. Lets show them how wonderful it can be.

 Chapter 197: The Birthday and the Rainbow Tower

    Chapter 197: The Birthday and the Rainbow Tower


    Alex wiped away the sweat from his brow and slipped the messenger construct into its big, wooden box. Completing it had gone down to the wire which meant hed finished upte the night before, but it had been worth it. Since hed finished sote, hed only had time for a short practice with Summon Elemental Beetle, a bit of time to just start his assignment for Magical Botany, and then hed flopped into bed for a few hours.


    This morning, hed been up at the crack of dawn test flying Selinas present and luckily, there hadnt been any problemsnone with the construct, at least.


    Hed been doing the test flight on a deserted beach when a group of Watchers suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Theyd appeared so abruptly, that itd made Alex wonder if theyd been using invisibility spells to hide and watch him. Then theyd called him over and begun questioning him for what felt like hours before finally flying off and disappearing as abruptly as theyd appeared. It was pretty unnerving.


    Hopefully, it wasnt a bad sign of things toe.


    After he was satisfied that the construct was working the way he wanted it to, hed carefully packed the gift back into the box, then begun the walk back to the ins.


    Today should be a good day, he thought. The Lus need to see that theres more to this city than monsters, secrets and demonsand Selina deserves a nice birthday. Not one thats scary or dangerous.


    He hoped that fate, chance, the deities or whatever controlled things would give them a break.


    Weeee to the home of He Who Broke the Drought! their enthusiastic tour guide cried as he greeted them outside the tower. Wee, my friends, to the Rainbow Tower of Noarc! My name is Busby and Ill be your guide to the life, and<em> towering-</em>  Busby gave a broad self-satisfied grin. -achievements of a very important figure in the history of Generasi.


    The tall blonde man waved his hands and points of light shot from his fingers. Pops and shes cracked through the air like smokeless miniature fireworks.


    Selinaamong a group of giggling, excited childrenpped happily at the disy. Some of the older kids remained stoic, trying to appear cool and unimpressed.


    Alex and Mr. Lu were pping as loudly and enthusiastically as the children, of course, drawing the eyes of everyone on the tour. Other adults had smiles stered on their faces, but they seemed tense. Their eyes were darting around, looking for signs of trouble.


    The city guard and elite battle mages were everywhere; theyd surrounded the tower in a perimeter that didnt allow people through<strong></strong>without catching one of their sharp gazes. There were also folks casually sitting on benches nearby, or flying by on various means of flight while watching their surroundings with the same trained caution hed seen in Theresa and The Watchers of Roal.


    Hidden sentries in inclothes maybe?


    Alex tried to put them out of his mind: they were there to look for the summonerbut there was something about the entire secret military presence that put him on edge.


    At least the Lus didnt seem to be paying any attention to it. Then again, they werent exactly strangers to the presence of soldiers with what theyd all been through in theirst days in Thamnd. Maybe theyd gotten used to it. In any case, he was d they looked like they were having funeven if Theresa looked like a nervous cat in a room full of angry dogs.


    Rx. He leaned in beside her, whispering in her ear.


    Its hard when it feels like half the military of a wizard citys here, she whispered back.


    If her parents heard the exchange, they didnt say anything.


    I have to say Mrs. Lu gaped up at the tower. I cant believe this was built by <em>people.</em> It looks like something out of a fairy story.


    The Rainbow Tower rose high into the skyabout a hundred and fifty feet ording to the information que outsideand was constructed entirely of copper and ss. ss blocks coiled around the copper walls, and the entire tower shone in the morning sun. It seemed to glitter like a warm, brown diamond.


    The copper of the tower acts as a conductor for lightning, their guide said.


    Some on the tour gasped, looking up at the sky nervously.


    Busbyughed. You will have nothing to fear from Noarcs tower folks, the copper has been magically treated so that no one will be shocked while touching it. In one of his original ns to create a more essible weather controlling magic, he thought to channel natural lightning through this copper tower and power a magical item that would then control the weather. Unfortunatelyafter many testshe found that the conversion process was too inefficient to properly power the mighty magics. But, it did leave us with this beautiful monument to his power and genius. Bute, lets go inside.


    The tour guide led them through two massive copper doors straight into the confines of the tower. The doorslike the rest of the structuregleamed as though the copper was brand new.


    Gasps of awe swept through the crowd, and for a moment, it seemed the visitors had forgotten the tension filling Generasi. The air within Noarcs tower had a muted rainbow tinge to it. Faint colours shimmered all through the interior as light passed through the prismatic ss bricks that dotted the wonder of architecture, and shattered it into itsponent parts.


    Alex remembered a lecture in Magic Lore where the professor had taught them about an ancient theory that said mana could be split into several colours like the rainbow, but that had been disproven roughly one thousand years ago. Since then, the more modern understanding of affinities for certain kinds of magic had been discovered, leaving the idea of magic being controlled ording to colour, behind.


    The room itself was what looked to be awell, Alex <em>thought</em> it would be a wee room, but it had actually been one of Noarcs massive workshops. Intricate machinery crafted of copper, gold and other magically and electrically conductive metals rose around them like giant shining spiders. Towering bookshelves filled with ancient tomes wrapped most walls, and the ceiling was decorated with a map that looked odd: there were no definednd masses or waterways on it, just a sea of blue with different equations recorded all over.


    Alex recognized symbols for wind direction, pressure and speed.


    Above, youll see Noarcs sky-map, their tour guide pointed upward. It gives a picture of the average weather patterns of the entire world during Noarcs time, averaged from a full years worth of reports. Through detailed and in depth information gathering, Noarc wrote the book on the ripple effects of changing weather patterns, which is why weather controlling magic is so heavily regted by the government of Generasi today.


    Theresa pointed up at the map and whispered to Alex Whats it say the weather for Thamnd was like?


    Alex looked up until he found where Thamnd would be on the world map. He snickered. What else? Mostly cold, wet, and rainy.


    Mrs. Lu chuckled. No surprise there.


    Busby gestured around the room. As you can see, Noarc wasnt really one for guests and most of the tower is devoted to various workshops and workrooms. The top of the tower contains his living quarters, which we will see at the end of the tour.


    Excuse me? Selina put up her hand.


    Why yes, my little friend? he said, bending slightly to bring himself closer to her height.


    Im not little, Im eleven today, she said with all the pride of a child turning one year older.


    Mr. Lu snorted. Look at her excitement, he whispered. Therell be a point in life when getting olders just a signal that more back painsing your way.


    Now, now dont scare them, Zimo, Mrs. Lu whispered back.


    Oh wow, eleven years old today. Busby grinned. Well happy birthday to you, littledy. And what is the birthday girls question?


    We learned in ss that copper turns green when it''s exposed to air long enough, she said. Why is this copper still so shiny?


    Ah, thats a very good question. You see, the magic of the tower runs a light current of mana through its structure, which reinforces it and prevents the air from making it turn green with verdigris. Its the same magic that stops lightning from coursing through anyone standing inside the tower during a lightning storm.


    Wow, she said. Id love to build something like this one day.


    The guide chuckled with good humour, but Alex knew his sister meant what shed said. He wondered how the man would react if he knew shed helped build the massive, four-armed golem that was standing behind them.


    The tour through the tower was wonderful: the perfect escape from the pile-up of work that Alex had gotten himself stuck in, and also a wonder-filled impression for the Lus. Theresas parents were soon gawking at everything the same way their daughter had at all the citys magic.


    They were even more amazed as Busby talked about Noarcs journey through discovering various aspects of weather, and the magic needed to alter it. Selina and her friends were walking around with that barely controlled look that children got as they fought the urge to run around in excitement. She peppered Busby with so many questions, they were like raindrops in a thunderstorm, but he handled each one with cool and friendly grace.


    During the final part of the tour, they reached the upper floors where Noarcs private quarters were. They had been built to mimic the peacefulness of a starry sky. Retractable screens blocked the expanse of ss and copper to lower the light, while warm magicmps gave the space the feeling of a tranquil evening. The domed ceiling had a raven coloured background, magically enhanced to resemble a cloudless sky filled with twinkling, shooting stars. On a western wall, a mana powered waterfall stretched from floor to ceiling with waters that glowed a sea blue, then disappeared when they reached the basin, and reappeared at the top, rising and falling in an endless cycle.


    The cool, low tones of music rose from another magical device, mixing with the sound of water, adding to the peaceful feeling. Finally, a white bed floated in the center of the room, shaped like a thick,yered cloud. It faced the curving southern wall which was free of screens, granting a clear view from the soaring tower of the magical city and the ocean beyond.


    I cant believe magic can build things like this, Mrs. Lu murmured. Ive heard stories about wizards turning everyone in a kingdom into newts, butthey only seemed like fairy stories.


    It surprises you what people can do with magic, Theresa agreed. But you get used to it after a while.


    Mr. Lu nced back at the towering form of ygon. Forgive me, but I dont believe you.


    Behold, today you saw the Rainbow Tower of Noarc, but now I show you the Rainbow Tower of Selina Roth! Alex roared as his Wizards Hands lifted the cover off the cake hed baked for Selinas special day.


    The children sitting around the massive stone pic table Alex had rented for the outdoor celebration, actually squealed with excitement. Selinas green eyes sparkled like emeralds.


    Alex had created a fancy three tiered apple cake using the recipe hed gotten from Thundar, it was covered with a butter frosting that was colouredusing various fruit extractslike the many colours of the rainbow.


    Even the Lus, Theresa, Khalik, Thundar and Isoldethe cabal had been invited, but decided toe by once the festivities had returned to campuslooked on in amazement at the cake. Alex wondered if cake was the main reason his three friends had shown upof course, hed wouldnt ask them that to their faces...yet.


    As everyone dove into the birthday cake, for the day, youngughter filled the air. They turned the beautiful rainbow tower into a ruin of sliced cake, crumbs, and frosting on children''s faces, but that was the best way for a cake to end up. Even Thundar grudgingly admitted that Alexs cake was almostbut not quite asas tasty as the apple cake hed baked for their Festival of Ghosts banquet.


    With the tower annihted, the children were soon running around chasing each other, or ying games on the grass, while the adults watched in that half-suffering, half-contented state that came from being involved with too much cake.


    If youve been eating like this all this time, Mr. Lu groaned in a pleasant half-stupor. Howe you dont weigh as much as milk cows?


    We dont eat like this <em>all</em> the time, Alex groaned.


    And we exercise together, Theresa groaned proudly. A lot.


    Silence hung in the air.


    Oh dear, Isolde murmured.


    Theresa turned white as a sheet. No no, not like that! <em>Not</em><em>like that</em>! Isolde, Id expect that kind of thing from Thundar, but from you!?


    Hey! the minotaur and noblewoman yelled in unison.


    Resent that; just what kind of ssless guy do you think I am? Thundar grunted. Actuallydont answer that.


    And I shall have you know that I merely did you the favour of pointing out that your wording was suggestive! Isolde announced. I in no way meant to imply-


    Mr. and Mrs. Lu burst outughing halfway through Isoldes words,ughing to the point of turning red in the face.


    Alex smiled. This. This was the impression of Generasi and their life here he wanted them to have. Not of monsters and demon summoners, but of fun, magic, wonder and family.


    Toward the end of the party, it was time for presents.


    Which was always Selinas favourite part of all of her birthdays.


    The first gift came from Mr. and Mrs. Luand caught Alexpletely off guard.


    Every young Thameish man or woman needs themselves a good, dependable knife, Mrs. Lu said as Alex stared, ck-jawed at the curved de. Youre growing up, and its better to be armed, than empty handed in this world. Plus, itll be useful for tasks and chores.


    Really? Selina beamed, and Alex realized that she probably never <em>stopped</em> wanting a knife. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Lu!


    The young girl threw her arms around Mrs. Lus neck, hugging her tightly.


    First rule of using a knife, the older woman grunted. Dont tackle anyone holding a knife!


    Selina pulled away, apologizing. Her eyes met her brothers, but quickly looked away. He wasnt sure what hed say to her. He might not have wanted to give her a knifethough hed been prepared topromisebut he wasnt jerkish enough to take a present away from her. Theresa could teach her how to use it and maybe he could approach it like the rules forb work, strict safety first.


    Prince Khalik gave Selina something hed gotten from one of the local toymakers in Generasi: a scale model of City Hall that she would have to build,plete with the dragons and the great dome.


    Thundar gave her another gift from the same toy shop: this one was a tiny model of a maze. Once the toy was put together, you could tilt the whole model and try to run a ball through it without hitting any obstructions.


    We minotaurs might not have anything to do with mazes, he chuckled. But I figured youd like one.


    Thank you, Thundar! Thank you, Khalik, she cried, hugging them both. Khalikughed while Thundar awkwardly patted her on the back.


    Theresas gift was a dress that looked like a simpler version of the one Selina had worn to the patrizias ball.


    Isolde gave her coinand a book.


    This book on the beginners craft of wizardry might suffice to give a window into what your studies will consist ofand the coin is to buy yourself a gift that youbeing on the cusp of womanhoodmight enjoy, she said with a prim tilt to her chin.


    She had no idea what to get her, Theresa whispered to Alex.


    Finally, Alex gave her the messenger construct.


    He could barely hide his own excitement as she unwrapped the box then opened the lid. Selina gasped and her eyes bugged out of her head so much, it looked like they were going to go rolling onto the grass.


    Most of the guests were smiling.


    Is.is this a statue? she murmured, examining the construct closely and looking at the realistic feathers hed crafted. Its a falcon!


    Its more than that, Selina, he chuckled, pulling out a piece of paper. Why dont you give her this?


    He stepped away, walking at least forty feet away.


    Looking at her brother with confusion and anticipation, she held the paper up to her new gift.


    <em>Clink.</em>


    Selina began squealing and jumping up and down when it suddenly came alive and took the paper from her with a talon. The young girl gasped when the falcon-like construct took to the air and soared away, delivering the paper to Alex, then hovering in front of him while he folded it and gave it back.


    Its a messenger construct, Alex shouted. Complete with internal power source, and self-guiding magic. I know how much you like Najyah, and now you can send messages to anyone you want.


    Thank you! Alex! Thank you! she cried, running over and hugging him.


    He had to admit, that made him feel pretty good.


    Of course, an instantter she ran off to y with the construct,pletely forgetting about the person whod made it.


    Chuckling to himself, he started to walk back to join the party when he noticed Mr. Lu heading toward him and giving him a subtle wave.


    Can I talk to you for a moment, Alex? the older man asked. Alone?

 Chapter 198: The Talk

    Chapter 198: The Talk


    Mr. Lu and Alex leaned against a nearby tree, both men watching their loved ones, friends, and friends of friends enjoying each otherspany as they watched Selina running around, ying with the messenger construct.


    Alex could have sworn that Najyahperched in a nearby treewas ring at the falcon with a look ofsomething.


    Do you mind? Mr. Lu asked.


    The younger man looked over as Theresas father held up a familiar box of dried herbs and his walnut pipe.


    Oh yeah, go right ahead, Alex said.


    Thank you. Mr. Lu used a small wooden scoop to measure a portion of the herbs, then he dumped the mixture into the pipes bowl and tamped it down. I had to change my recipe. They dont have as much skullcap in the Rhinean Empire, so I have to use more mullein. Not as rxing, ah well, at least the mints cheaper there.


    He took out a small burning ss and held it up to the sunlight, focusing the light on the dried herbs until they began to smoke. He drew on the pipe until the smoke became orange embers, then, he took a puff.


    Ugh, not as rxing without the skullcap. He shook his head as the smoke drifted in the air. Can you believe that Theresas mother still doesnt let me smoke around the house?


    Alex swallowed. I reaaaally dont think I want toment on what Mrs. Lu decides.


    Mr. Lu chuckled. Smart boyah well, smart man, really. His eyes turned distant. Damned shame. We never even got a chance to celebrate youing to manhood before He looked around to make sure no one was in ear shot, then dropped his voice low. you got that damn Mark. Your father would never forgive me.


    I think hed just be happy for all youve done for Selina and me, Mr. Lu, Alex said. Mom would be too.


    Ah, every young person needs to mark theiring to adulthood properly, otherwise it doesnt end up meaning all that much, Mr. Lu said. You remember the party we had for Theresa.


    Oh yeah, Alex chuckled.


    And now here we are again Mr. Lu puffed on his pipe and a stream of white smoke drifted from his mouth. Tell me, do you intend to stay here?


    Alex blinked. Pardon? You mean in Generasi?


    Yeah, Mr. Lu said. Its a beautiful ce. The airs warm. It doesnt stink like most cities, the foods grandbut its also a ce where theres demons and monsters and Uldar knows what. All this time, I thought you threeand Brutus would be running to safety, not to more danger.


    LookI know this might not soundlook, your first day here isnt what Generasis really like, Alex said. Most days are like today, where you get to go to a shining tower and see rainbows dancing through the air inside. Todays more what Generasis like.


    but its also got demons and monsters.


    Alex paused. Wizardry was dangerous, and wizards tended to surround themselves with dangerous things. He couldnt really see himself lying about that to Mr. Lu.


    Maybe to someone he didnt know, but not to Mr. Lu.


    Its dangerous. Alex nodded. But weve got tools to defend ourselves with. Theres magic andby The Traveller, you should see Theresa fight now. Its crazy.


    She did invite us to some sort ofwatcher of rollo thing, Mr. Lu said. what are your intentions for Theresa, Alex?


    Alex felt his heart jump into his throat.


    Im sorry? he asked.


    Mr. Lu turned toward him, puffing on his pipe. His expression was as serious as a priest presiding over a funeral. I have to ask. I have to see if youve given it any thought.


    Uh Alex swallowed. IwellI love her, Mr. Lu. I have for a long, long time. I uh- He touched his hair awkwardly. It had grown well past his ears. -I dont see that changing any time soon. I want to stay with her. M-marry her, if shell have me.


    Mhm, Mr. Lu puffed. And children? Whatll you do when you have little ones, and youre dealing with magic and monsters and demons and such. He nced over at Selina who had picked up her messenger construct and was examining it carefully while surrounded by her friendsand Isolde. And what about Selina?


    She loves it here, Alex said.


    I can see that, Mr. Lu gave a sad smile. You know what she told me the other day?


    No, what?


    She said: Im going to learn to be a wizard next year and Im going to use my magic to make all the bad monsters go away.


    Alex froze.


    Did his sister want to be a battle mage?


    She sounds like she wants to be a fighter, Mr. Lu continued. I used to say things like that around her age, but it was going to be with my grandfathers swords, not with magic. You know, I told him that one day.


    His face grimaced. He told me to never even think about that ever again, and Im going to tell you Alexthe look on his facewell I wont say that the thought didnt cross my mind from time to time after that, but it was a lot less fun to think about. My point is that Alric was a safe ce for you all to grow up in. I dont know if this is a safe ce for Selina to grow up inand if you intend to build a life with Theresa


    Alexs mind whirled.


    It felt like his perspective had to unlock from his brain for a bit and then slide back into ce at a different angle. For months hed been surrounded by wizardssome of them pretty bloodthirstyand all the wonder of Generasi. He was currently learning a spell that pulled a small insect-like creature from a ne beyond the material world and made it bend to his will.


    But Mr. Lu ran a tavern with his wife. Their life wasntplicated.


    And it sounded likehe once had Theresas spirit for wanting to travel and take the path of Twinde Lubut, hed let it go long ago.


    To him, all of this danger and wonder must have been frightening.


    Alex sighed.


    You know, theres this professor, I have. His names Baelin. Youd love hiiiiii- Alex remembered the skulls in Baelins office. -iiis caring for his students. One of the things he talks about all the time is how dangerous the world is. And it is trueGenerasi is dangerous, but sos Thamnd. The Rhinean Empire apparently had elementals rise up from their mountains and attack the people there.<strong></strong>Wizardry might be dangerous, but I think itll arm me and Selina against a lot of the worlds dangers. I mean, you and Mrs. Lu gave her a knife, right?


    Mr. Lu nodded. We did.


    Another thing that Baelin teaches us is how to defend ourselves from dangers thate after you because youre a wizard, or maybe they just want to hurt you even if youre not a wizard. He talks about how to keep loved ones safe, Mr. Lu. He turned toward the older man. I want you to knowthat no matter what happens with me and TheresaI dont n to put her in any more danger than that shed choose for herself. I respect her too much to be like oh Theresa, you have to stay home where its safe.


    Mr. Lu snorted. True, shell always find another forest to hunt in.


    Yeah, so well be a team. Thats the way I see it. Well do things right andsometimes there might be risks, sometimes not. I dunno if thats what you want to hear, but-


    Its not, Mr. Lu said. He shook his head. Honestly, Alex, what Id love for you and Theresa to say is that youlle back with us to the Rhinean Empire. Id love it if you found a safer school to go to. but as I said, you two are adults now. I couldnt stop you from choosing your own path even if I wanted to.


    He nced over at Theresa and sighed. Justbe careful. Both of you. Shes our only daughterand in every way, you and Selina are like two of my own children. Man to man, Alex, just remember that sometimes home and hearth are worth a lot. They were enough to make Twinde Lu put down his swords.


    Illkeep that in mind, Mr. Lu, Alex said.


    But, I get it. Youre young and you need to carve your own way. but we had to bury your mother and father. And with that Mark, you cant even protect yourself properly. Dont make us have to bury youor He looked at Theresa. Oh, listen to me now. This is a birthday party. Cmon, lets go back to the celebration. He put his arm around Alexs shoulder.


    Right Alex said.


    Hed have a lot to think about.


    You cant even protect yourself properly.


    Maybebut maybe if Mr. and Mrs. Lu saw how he and their daughter conducted themselves in battlesaw their strengththen maybe even if he still worried, maybe that worry would be a little less.


    Luckily, there was a way to show theming up soon.


    The Grand Battle is going to be the event that we will have to prepare for the most, Khalik said, standing over the table and looking at everyone gathered there.


    A bunch of dangerous looking people were seated around it.


    Thundar, Grimoch, Theresa, Isolde, Svenia and Hovarth all saton the floor in Grimlochs casewith serious expressions on their faces, while ygon loomed ominously over them all. Brutusy at Theresas feet, while Najyah perchedon lookoutat a distance.


    In all of their sses in The Barrensor in their battles outside of Baelins ssthis was quite the formidable fighting force.


    And they werent going unnoticed.


    It was the third day theyd met on this particr part of the campus green, far away from others and away from the cover of trees or bushes or anything else for someone to hide in. ygon was constantly surveying their surroundings for anyone approaching.


    In the distance, they noticed students going by would often crane their necks to check them out, while certain Watchers of Roal patrolling the area waved at Theresa when they spotted her.


    Wait, Khalik, Theresa held up her hand. Theres someone hanging around over there.


    A student had been walking along and suddenly stopped as though looking for something.


    Whoever that is, theyre watching us, Theresa said. And look at the blue shirt. I bet you its one of the Hydra Companions.


    Then we simply have to let him know that we are also watching, Khalik waved at the distant student with a wide grin, and refused to keep speaking.


    Eventually, their watcher got moving again.


    Well well, we are the belles of the ball, as they say, Isolde said. How many does that make who were loitering about our meetings?


    Seven, Thundar grunted.


    And they certainly will not be thest, Khalik said. I have been told by friends that people have been asking questions about me and all of you. Things like what happened at Patrizia DePaolos ball, or what urred with the mana vampire.


    Shouldve expected it, really, Alex said. Weve been beating the shit out of monsters in Baelins ss and outside. People would be taking us seriously, Im guessing.


    Hrm, then well take them seriously too, Grimloch grunted. What are you saying, Khalik?


    We have to prepare for it, Khalik said. Weare a unique team. We have a good number of members, but far from the limit of fifteen. We have magical power in the form of ygon and Isolde with her third-tier spells, but no fourth-tier casters.


    Do we wanna see if anyone would be willing to join up with us? Alex asked. Some third year who might want some prize money? Kind of like a mercenary thing.


    Khalik shook his head. That is amon practice, but we have coordination on our side. We know each other, and have fought beside each other. We have trust, and we know our strengths and weaknesses. New blood at this stage could cost us in mistakes...unless there were a lot of people or they were overwhelmingly powerfu;. And we do not have forever to achieve bnce with a new team.


    It was true. The Games of Roal were due to start in only a couple of weeks. It would take time to get to know, and learn the abilities of a new team member.


    So, I propose that we anticipate what challenges we might face and prepare ordingly. He gestured to Isolde. You have done some research, if you would be so kind.


    <em>Whump.</em>


    The young woman mmed an armful of books down on the table along with loose sheets of paper shed made notes on.


    I have made a list of troublesome spells and potential rivals that we will face in The Grand Battle, she said. Her blue eyes shed.


    Our enemies will be preparing for us. Let us prepare for them ordingly.

 Chapter 199: Prepping for the Grand Battle

    Chapter 199: Prepping for the Grand Battle


    The first fourth-tier spell we will have to worry about is, nar Doorway. Isolde pulled out her notes. I was not able to get the spell-guide, but I do know that it is a teleportation spell which activates quickly, and can transport the caster up to a thousand feet at a time. It allows them to also transport an equivalent weight of matter, meaning the weight of their equipmenbined with that of any person they touchwhich together must not exceed their own weight.


    Alex twitched at the thought of that spell. <em>There</em> was a spell hed love to learnimmediatelytoo bad it was fourth-tier.


    Wait, can they do that to people whouh, dont want to be transported? he asked. That seems like a great way to drop people off cliffs, or separate team members and stuff.


    Technically yes, but practically, no. At the fourth-tier, an act of will can resist the magic and stop one from being teleported against ones will. Spells higher than fourth<strong>-</strong>tier teleportation spells can more easily translocate unwilling entities. The higher the spell is beyond fourth-tier, the greater the chance of teleporting anyone who is resistant.


    So, we dont have to worry about anyone teleporting us into the sky and dropping us like eggs, Thundar grunted. But, it also means that they can surprise us and just pop into our formations outta nowhere.


    Indeed, which is why we must watch for it, Isolde said. Helpfulmon tactics will be ones that ensure our blind-spots are minimized, and our surroundings are well-scouted. Anchor of the nes is a spell that counters all teleportation effects on an entity. That is the main counter against wizards who can cast fourth-tier teleportation spells.


    Hmmmm Alex said. II might be able to help with that. I dont know if its an affinity for teleportation or what, but I can sense summoning magic and stuff like that pretty strongly.


    True, Khalik said. And I could have Najyah remain above us to keep an eye on our surroundings.


    Good, good, Isolde said, writing down the strategies. Another thing we shall have to worry about is Fireball Formation.


    Whats Fireball Formation? Theresa asked.


    Its a Delvers Guild expression. Khalik drew an imaginary circle on the table. It refers to when a groupwho might be facing wizards, dragons or creatures that have the ability to create explosions or other massively damaging effects over an areagroups together tightly. If they remain close to each other, then poof- He made a sting gesture with both hands. -a single fireball spell can destroy the entire group.


    Hrm, Grimloch snarled. Like a whole school of fish caught in a or stunned by a depth charge spell.


    Right, Khalik said. Formations that group togetherlike the ancient phnxes, turtle formations, or shield wallsare excellent for fighting infantry or even hordes of monsters. But, against powerful wizards, it is simply a good way of making a lot of burnt corpses very quickly.


    Whats the counter? Thundar asked.


    A third-tier spell called Protection from Energy is the mostmon counter for such devastating elemental spells as Fireball and Lightning Bolt. She frowned. But casting it over our entire group will take a lot of mana, especially if I must repeatedly reapply it. Also, it can only be cast to provide protection against one type of energy at a time: either fire<strong></strong>or electricity, for example, never both at the same timeunless one were to cast it multiple times, each time selecting a different energy type to protect against. But that would take an immense amount of mana.


    And you are our only wizard capable of casting third-tier spells, Khalik mused.


    We could spread out, Theresa offered. Brutus and I could be further at the front, scouting. The rest of us could be spaced apartwhats She struggled for the words while making a circle gesture with her hands. How big of an explosion are we talking about with these kinds of spells?


    Fireball mostly strikes a twenty foot radius from a central targeting point, Isolde said.


    Right. Alex frowned. We could have ygon in the middle. Hes an obvious target, and I think itd take a lot more than your average third-tier spell to hurt him. The rest of us could do like a fifty or sixty foot spread. Most of us have ranged spells or arrows, so we dont have to be right on top of each other.


    We can group closer together if were in somece like a forest, Theresa suggested. Where theres lots of cover.


    Mhm. Khalik mused, deep in thought.


    Isolde covered a few more spells that theyd be likely to encounter, such as the fourth-tier spell Stoneflesh, which hardened the body into living granite for a period of time, and Solid Fog, which created a rolling bank of fog that was as harmless as natural mist, but as hard to move through as thick porridge.


    And as for opponents we should be most concerned about: both the Hydra Companions and the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood are old, strong battlemage houses. In any number of years, they have taken home the grand prize for the entire Games, and either house regrly wins the Grand Battle, she said.


    Who won the Grand Battlest year? Alex asked.


    It was won by a group of fifteen from outside Generasi. They called themselves the... Isolde flipped through her notes,ing to a local announcement about the winners of the previous years games. ...Outcasts of the Divine Wind. A rather impressive name, in my opinion. She offered.


    They were a team of Rhinean elemental knights, former students of Generasi who had made names for themselves in mercenary work, three centaur archers from the Nephelean ins, and a few hired mercenaries. They were obviously very skilled, experienced, and had fought together in the past. It was a sweep.


    Oh jeezare theying back? Alex asked.


    Isolde shrugged. It is hard to know, since they were all foreign to Generasi. But if they dowell, we shall prepare ourselves. There are three individuals from the university that we must be aware of as well.


    She flipped to another page in her notes. Tyris Goldtoothin third yearis an excellent swordswoman and a very fine battlemage whose specialty are spells of earth and fire, as well as summoning spells from those same elemental nes. Shebines her magic to createva.


    Isolde turned to another page.


    Indrajit Hanumanalso in third yearhas be a master at both life enforcement and blood magic, and is a vicious hand-to-handbatant.


    Finally, she reached thest page.


    And, then there is Wolud Ranier, a very skilled illusionist who is in his third year. He is one who has passed two years of Baelins sses. We must be very aware of his abilities and not be fooled by his tricks.


    Ugh, Thundar grimaced. <em>That</em> guys going to fight smart and dirty. Not gonna liewinning this seemsimpossible.


    Where is your spirit, my friend? Khalik asked, raising an eyebrow. Victory does note to those that defeat themselveseven if the odds are vastly against them.


    Yeah, and it doesnt reallye to weak peasant boys who try to fist fight dragons either. Were overpowered here. <em>And</em> probably outnumbered too.


    Hey, Ive heard more than one story about peasant boys defeating dragons, Alex protested.


    Thundar snorted. Yeah, well, even if those stories are true, folks make sure to write about the rare winners. You know, because its rare enough that it makes a good story. How about all the times the peasant boys get smashed or fried? Im sure thats happened way more times, they just dont write stories about them.


    yeah, good point. I still think we can maybe do well if we fight smart and get some luck. Maybe even win, Alex said.


    He thought back to theva spewing dune worm. <em>It</em> had seemed a lot more dangerous than even the most capable third year student. Sure, the odds would be against them, but theyd beat hard odds before.


    And it wasnt like theyd diepeting in the Grand Battle.


    Hmm, perhaps, Alex, Khalik mused. Since there is a fine gallery of rogues and dangerous magics for us to face. it seems to me that our strategy should be one of aggression.


    I was just thinking that, Alex said.


    Several of the others nodded and Grimloch grinned. Favourite kind of strategy.


    Indeed, Khalik said. Weck numbers and<em> some</em> raw power, but we havebat experience and we do not hesitate. Our melee fighters are Brutus, Thundar, Theresa, Grimloch, ygon, Svenia, and Hogarth. I would venture to say that our opponents will be hard pressed to field a team of warriors as deadly as ours. With less people on our team, we are also more agile. I suggest ssic skirmishers tactics: we hit them as quickly as we can, and as hard as we can. Press advantage during confusion, and do not give them a chance to prepare or counter.


    I was about to suggest the same, Isolde said. And I will admit, I have some interest in cing high, but my motivations are selfish: as long as we ce higher than the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood, I shall be satisfied.


    Shock and awe tactics it is. Alex cracked his knuckles. Well also need to be careful now: if people are hanging around trying to figure out what were going to do, that means theyre probably researching us too. Well have to think of ways that others might counter us.


    He thought about how he used Orb of Air to stop himself from breathing in fumes from the booby-trapped potions. If others knew about him using the altered potions, then theyd definitely wear Orb of Air to block the gas.


    Say, Isolde, do you know if any of our friends from Baelins ss are in the Grand Battle? he asked.


    I do not, she shook her head.


    I do, Grimloch spoke up. Nua-Oges not in the Grand Battle, but she said that Shianis been doing things in secrettely. Saw her with Rayne and Rhea yesterday.


    Silence followed.


    Then we shall assume they are forming a team as well, Khalik said. Which will mean that a very experienced team will be in y that knows many of our tactics. If we had a few more membersbut again, I still worry about changing theposition of our team unless anyone we add is exceptionally powerful. In any case, we must prepare well, and hope we are not surprised.


    The first surprise happened only a few hours after their team meeting and training session had ended.


    Alex was heading to The Cells to practice his Summon Elemental Beetle spell when a voice called out to him.


    Hello, my friend!


    He turned, wondering who was calling him their friend, and saw a tall blonde fellow approaching. There was a cold cast to his features and he wore the familiar blue shirt of the Hydra Companions.


    Havehave we met? Alex asked.


    We have, we have, but Im not surprised you dont remember me, the young man said. Last summer, myself and a pair of my brothersat the timewere looking to recruit new students into our club. You faced Gregori?


    Oh yeah, I think I remember you know, Alex said. Wait, you were part of the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood, right? He became cautious.


    So, whats up?


    Hopefully, my teams chances of winning The Grand Battle, the young man gave a cool smile. I am Roderich, pleased to be acquainted. And as for my new coloursI found that the Companions more agreed with me than the Brotherhood did, in the end.


    He offered his hand.


    Uh, Alex, Alex introduced himself, slowly reaching to shake Roderichs hand.


    A pleasure. Gregori is still a bit sore over your spell-joustst year. He thinks you acted the part of the fool to mock him.


    Alex fought the urge to wince.


    Vitaly is also annoyed at your friend, Khalik.


    You still talk to them?


    We are still friends, even if I chose to wear different colours. Some in the Brotherhood are sore at me for leaving and bear me a grudge, but other friendships transcend such boundaries. He moved on. The Hydra Companions have heard about the deeds your group aplished this past year.


    You know about us? Alex said, growing more cautious by the moment.


    What was this?


    He thought of<strong></strong>the Ursa-Lupines and the air of entitlement that always seemed to ooze from them. In a way, they reminded him of certain characters in old tales that the bards told. They were always overbearing and made it their mission to try and intimidate the town hero into keeping out of their way.


    He began picturing a bunch of sneering Brotherhood members folding out from behind buildings, threatening to pound him to keep him away from The Games of Roal.


    Get a grip, Alex, this isnt some one copper troubadours story, he thought, shaking his head. Theyre not about to try and break your legs. Besides-


    He nced up at ygon


    -they would have a very bad time if they did.


    We do, we do, Roderich confirmed. We make it a point to keep an eye on anyone whos passed the chancellors Art of the Wizard in Combat ss. They usually make fine battlemages. but you have no interest in bing a battlemage, do you?


    His voice had a rough quality, as if a growling wolf had learned to speak like a man.


    So like, spying, you mean? And no, I have no interest in being a battlemage. I just think its better if I know how to protect myself, because a wizard never knows what demons and such theyll run into.


    Not spying, not spying, Roderich said, trying to sound reassuring. <em>Recruiting</em>. The Companions ask that youand anyone else among your friends who might be interestedjoin us.


    Alex blinked. But Im no battlemage.


    No, Im aware that youre not, the young man nodded, with a smile that was slightlyoff. Were not asking that you join the Companionhoodwe are hoping that you will join our team for the Grand Battlepetition.


    Im not going to betray my friends, Alex said, finding this Roderich to be more and more offensive the longer he talked.


    Then bring them all. The Hydra Companion smiled. Im not the only one thats seeking out your group members with an offer. The more the merrier. Our goal is to defeat the Brotherhood and Ms. Von Anmut has an enemy among them, doesnt she? We can break them together. We might even see that you all earn some coin out of it.

 Chapter 200: Strange Offers and Strange Summonings

    Chapter 200: Strange Offers and Strange Summonings


    Earn some what now? Alex blinked. Let me get this straight, you want to pay us to join your team?


    Is that so strange? Roderich asked. Theres a long tradition of hiring mercenaries to participate in The Games. In your case, the benefit is doubled: your team would join ours, and you would also cease to be a threat to our chances. Its only rational. You would gain more numbersjoin a team used to fighting the Brotherhoodand we might even be able to field a second team if all of you join.


    I Alex blinked, his mind trying to catch up with what was being offered. He actually wouldve expected the Brotherhood to be the ones trying to recruit them.


    He could picture them swaggering up and saying something like, you all dont have a chance against us, so were going to take pity on you and let you join our team.


    Then theyd probably smirk, and Derek would say something nasty to Isolde before being told to go to every hell that ever existed through all the nes.


    But this was different.


    This was more the enemy of my enemy is my friend, and that made the offer harder to dismiss outright.


    I see youre considering it, Roderich mused. We would be willing to pay a hundred gold pieces to each of youour coffers are flush now thanks to generous donations from our alumniand were also offering an equal share of any prizes we win. But, you dont have to ept right away: some of mypanions will be talking to your friends, like I said. So, you can confer with each other then let us know.


    He nodded. Hopefully, well be hearing from you soon. He gave that slightly off smile of his. Until then, he said cheerfully.


    With that, Roderich turned and walked away before Alex could say anything. As the Hydra Companion pitchman left, Alex began thinking about the offer hed just received while he continued heading to his practice.<strong></strong>In some ways, the offer was interesting. Not only would getting a nice sum of coin be guaranteedeven if they lostbut they might have an even better chance of cing higher in the rankings for the Grand Battle.


    It might also put them in a better position to beat the Brotherhood. Still, the truth of what Khalik had said hadnt changed, they would lose coordination if they joined a bunch of people who none of them had ever worked with. In ss, Baelin hadplimented them time after time on their battle coordination: altering that would mean theyd be thrown off bnce.


    But, would making a drastic change like that be offset by having an additional six experienced battlemages on their team? Hed seen them face off against the Brotherhood and theyd done well against them.


    It was something for him to think about.


    He cut his way through a quiet copse of trees and finally reached The Cells. Alex still came there regrly for alchemy work with Professor Jules, and hed also been booking one of the summoning rooms to practice Summon Elemental Beetle in.


    He wasing closer to actually casting the spell and hed made a ton of notes covering a lot of the spell array. Summoning rooms were a good ce to work in since they were warded to keep otherworldly entities from breaking out and creating mayhem all over Generasi. Each room had glyphs of dismissal carved into perfect summoning circles etched into both the floor, and ceiling at the centre of each room. Safety first, as the university rules stressed.


    Technically, he didnt have to use a summoning room yet: an Elemental Beetle breaking free of a circle wouldnt be dangerous to anything but small mice, andrge bugs thatd be an easy meal for it. But, Professor Mangal had strongly encouraged them to use the special rooms as soon as they got closer to sessfully casting their first summoning spell.


    It is a poor habit for a summoner to adopt, practicing without proper safety, shed said. You can summon what you wish anywhere you choose when you have mastered a particr summoning spell. But if you get used to summoning creatures you have not mastered without a protective circle now, then you might forget certain stepster. And that could cost you your life.


    Alex thought hard on that as he went down to the basement to fetch the key for the room.


    You wont have to stop here to sign in for room keys much longer, the clerk said as he slid Alex the key. He indicated a sign with a diagram of the students circr cards in front of a door surrounded by glyphs. Beside the sign, a Watcher of Roal stood with the stillness of a statue.


    Glyphs will be installed around each Cell so that your student card can be used to unlock the door to the room youve booked, he informed Alex. They wouldve been installed by now if it werent for He paused, looking at two other Watchers<strong></strong>posted on either side of the office window. recent security concerns.


    Yeah, Alex said. I get that.


    Summoning. Dangers. Security concerns.


    He wondered about The Games of Roal as he headed up to the room. So far, he hadnt heard of any talk about them being cancelledbut knowing The Watchers, he doubted theyd ever be intimidated into shutting things down because of some demon summoner.


    Unlocking the door, he entered the summoning room.


    Stay over there by that wall, ygon, he pointed to the south wall then began circling the chamber.


    A circle check was always wise in any dedicated summoning room. One should always make sure that the circles and glyphs werent damaged or altered, and that nothingy across the permanent circle to break it. Once he finished confirming that everything was intact, Alex plopped down cross-legged in front of the circle, and set his open book down.


    He paid attention to his breathing, and cleared his thoughts after acknowledging them: hed been looking forward to this day. That strangeperhaps Traveller-connectedphenomenon that helped him learn and cast Call Through Ice, and the Summon Stone spell, would likely manifest during the spell, and he was real anxious to see if and how it would.


    Taking a deep breath, he rxed his body and began speaking the incantation.


    Without fail, The Marks interference came, but after almost a full year, dealing with it had almost be second nature. He wasnt really tensing up when it came for him anymore, which meant he could better concentrate on whatever he was trying to do. It was like how fights had be easier now that hed gained experience and was growing used to the fear and risk that came with each battle.


    The failures The Fool was showing him were mostly from his practice with Call Through Ice, and his Summon Stone spells. It was focusing on the parts of the spell arrays that were responsible for construction of the magic circuit in general, while only bringing up a few failures from the parts of the spell arrays responsible for connecting to the elemental nes of ice and earth.


    Those parts hadnt given him much troublein some ways, the parts of the magic circuits responsible for connecting to other nes almost seemed to form themselveswhich meant thered been a lot less for The Mark to use against him.


    Or at least thats what he theorized.


    He was still trying to understand what was going on with him and teleportation and summoning spells, and hed been paying close attention to how The Mark reacted to them so that he coulde up with some exnations.


    For now, this was data gathering time.


    Alex abruptly stopped the incantation. The distractions had sped up, creating a wild array of images that were so chaotic and overwhelming, that he had to abandon the spell. Keeping calm, he took a few breaths and tried again. These days, failing wasnt as frustrating as it used to be. After all, no matter how many times The Mark messed him up, he usually found a way to make things work. Perseverance to keep trying the spell, or adjusting it to make it work, were key. And, even if the interference was too much for a spell to be practical for him to learn and castlike force missilehed learned that he could always find another path.


    Failure walked with him everyday now, but it hadnt killed him. So what did he have to fear from it?


    unless the failure was so catastrophic that it <em>did </em>kill him, but he acknowledged that possibility and rapidly let it go.


    It took nine tries before Alex finally got through the first fifty percent of the spell without making any mistakes. The magic circuit was slowly forming inside his mana pool. He was excited. Now, on to the next part which was what created the cylinder or barrier within the summoning circle. Professor Mangal had said that this part was optional: a wizard could leave it out if they were quickly summoning something that couldnt harm them, or if they hadplete control over it. But, Alex wanted to do everything by the book since this was all new to him, so there was no way he was leaving that step out.


    Next, was the step<strong></strong>that was responsible for the actual subjugation process. He needed to take extra care here, because the consequences of screwing it up were huge. If he messed this part upwhich was responsible for building the magic circuit itselfa mana reversal could ur. If he messed up the optional part that created the barrier, then the summoned monster would be freewhich wouldnt be much of a problem if it was weak and Alex had control over it.


    Even if he messed up the part of the array that was responsible for summoning a creature, then usually the worst that happened was that pulling it across nes failed. Of course, there were rare cases where wizards messed up that part in such a way that they unintentionally summoned something they didnt mean to, but hed do his best not to let that happen.


    If he screwed up the part responsible for subjugation while summoning a dangerous creature, then it would be free of his contrnd probably very angry that hed tried to subjugate it. ording to Professor Mangal, it was mistakes in the subjugation part of summoning spells that killed more summoners than any other error in spellcraft. Something hed do his best to avoid.


    So, with that in mind, he became overcautious which caused the spell to falter since he cast it so slowly that he screwed it up, making the whole magic circuit fall apart. On his second try, he let earlier practice guide him, giving him more confidence. It worked.


    Now came the part of the spell array responsible for the actual summoning.


    Something shifted in the magic.


    In a way, it was as if a much steadier hand appeared beside his own to guide him through. He felt the magic circuit begin to build on itself,ing together and he focused his attention on where it was joining, pushing through The Marks interference.


    It honestly felt like the ne he had chosen to summon the beetle fromthe elemental ne of waterwas reaching out to him through the barrier between the material world, and the elemental nes. He wasnt sure if it was his vivid imagination, but he could almost hear the distant sound of water trickling then crashing like waves.


    The magic circuit began to thrum with power, building like it waspleting itself. Even as The Mark interfered, the spell array progressed fluidly, unhampered.


    Until he made one mistake.


    It was a small, but consequential one. A particr failure mmed into his mind with full force and he mispronounced the name of the creature he wanted to summon. Professor Mangal had hammered the importance of names into his ss.


    And hed just made that very mistake.


    But, instead of the spell array falling apart, the power that was helping to finish the magic circuit continued its task.


    Alex gasped.


    The spell grew,pleting with the incorrect name.


    He felt a rush as the magic circuit reached out. Far out into the elemental ne of water.


    And snared something.


    Something that struggled like a hooked fish.


    The air inside the magic circle was shimmering. It was arge area.


    Something wasing.


    And whatever it was, it was a hell of a lot bigger than any elemental beetle.

 Chapter 201: Travelling from the Deep

    Chapter 201: Travelling from the Deep


    Inside the circle, the shimmering intensified.


    Hairs on the back of Alexs neck rose.


    The incantation tumbled from his mouth, seeming toplete itself as the final words echoed throughout the summoning room. Suddenly, the temperature dropped, washing the room with a cool wave of air; his breath felt moister, like inhaling and exhaling on a damp and misty day.


    His mind whirled,<strong></strong>considering possibilities.


    Summon Elemental Beetle was a first-tier spell with a single magic circuit. It didnt have enough power to summon anything apocalyptic. But, it did have the ability to bring nasty things, especially if the summoner was caught off guardwhich he was when he spoke the wrong name.


    And whatever wasing, it looked to be the size of a colt.


    Alex mmed his hands on the glyphs on the floor to dismiss the summoned spirit entering the circle. The glyphs could be activated in two ways: either by reading the incantation on them and activating the built-in spell array, or by running ones mana through them<strong></strong>and activating their<strong></strong>magic<strong></strong>through mana maniption.


    For obvious reasons, he chose the second way.


    His mana washed through the glyphs, activating the tiny magical nodes that were tucked alongside their built-in spell array, and sent the dismissal magic roaring to life.


    <em>Schoom.</em>


    The<strong></strong>ripple grew; as a shape was rapidly forming in the circle, surprising him with its speed. Whatever was being summoned wasing fast, much faster than it should have. With the way Summon Elemental Beetle worked, he shouldve had at least three or four more heartbeats before it-


    Wait.


    Whenever Baelin teleported him, he would always be the first to appear before anyone else. What if whatever was responsible for that, also made anything he summoned appear faster too?


    Oh shit, Alex swore.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    The air split and water began gushing from a crack in empty space. It mmed into the invisible walls of the cylinder and began rapidly filling it.


    Alex swore again. Oh shit, shit, shit, shit! This is <em>not</em> good!


    The protective circle created by Summon Elemental Beetle was strong enough to seal Elemental Beetle, but it wasnt made to contain the pressures from a massive amount of water too.


    Dammit! ygon, I need you! Hit whatever shows up if it gets out of the circle!


    The dismissal glyphs were activating.


    Water gushed in, continuing to fill the cylinder.


    Then, something appeared with the water.


    It looked simr to a scharwith silver-grey skin, solid ck eyes and sharp teethbut that was where the simrities ended. Instead of hair, massive, jagged fins rose from its head, and its hands ended in long, hooked ws. A strange tentacled growth hung from the centre of its forehead bearing a tip that shone with an odd bewitching<strong></strong>light.


    It wasnt kicking the water to stay afloat in the rapidly filling cylinder; everything below its waist resembled the armoured tail of a crayfish with several twitching, spidery legs. Massive wseachrge enough to mp around Alexs waist and crush himextended from its bottom half. They snapped at the water as the creature hissed and writhed in the confines of its cylindrical prison.


    The subjugation<strong></strong>part of the spell partly caged its essence, but<strong></strong>it<strong></strong>wasnt meant for a creature like this; the magics hold was limited, and the creatures rage was loosening it.


    The glow of the forehead tentacle increased, pulsating outward like a beacon.


    Alex felt something else push against the cylinder.


    Magic. The glow was magical, and it was reaching for him. For now, it was being blocked, but the circle was weakening.


    Everything was happening so fast: what seemed to take minutes, was actually happening in only a brief space of seconds.


    Finally, the glyphs red.


    Dismissal magic filled the air-


    <em>Crack.</em>


    -as the protective cylinder shattered from the force of the creatures thrashing, the weight of the water, and the monsters magic.


    It leapt at Alex-


    <em>Whooosh.</em>


    -and ygons fist shot out to meet it.


    <em>Bang.</em>


    The water elemental folded against the blow.


    Saltwater washed over Alex and ygon, drenching them soundly.


    Suddenly, both water and summoned monster vanished with the roar of an endless ocean.


    Alex stood panting and sputtering, spitting salt water while his skin erupted in gooseflesh from the dousing of cold water that abruptly faded with the summoned monster.


    H-holy shit, he murmured, as waterpletely evaporated from his clothing, ygon, and the summoning room.


    ygon slowly looked down at him, his expression still frozen in that shark-toothed snarl that he and Selina had carved below his y helmet.


    You did good buddy! Alex patted his golems leg. You did real good!


    He grabbed his notebook in excitement and flipped it open to a nk page, then made a note in bold letters.<ol><li><em><strong>Summoned creatures will appear faster than expected, just like when Im teleported. Always. Have. The. Dismissal Ready. Dont get caught off guard again.</strong></em></li><li><em><strong>The part of the summoning spell array that actually calls a monster from another in seems to partially cast itselfor something like that. If you screw up the name of whatever youre calling, the spell wont necessarily fail, it can end up calling something else.</strong></em></li></ol>


    He paused, then quickly added:


    <em><strong>Probably something really nasty, knowing my luck.</strong></em>


    Shaking his head, he contemted what just happened.


    It looked like summoning was something he needed to both be careful with, and really, <em>really</em> focus on. The Marks interference was somewhat countered<strong></strong>by whatever mystic stuff was going on with him and spells that involved transporting things across distances and nes.


    If he put a lot of effort into it,<strong></strong>he could probably cut the casting time down, letting his summoned creatures appear faster. With ygon around, and Generasis safety precautions in cenow that hed seen how fast whatever he summoned would appear, and how to activate the dismissal magic immediatelyhe could afford to make some mistakes with it. Mistakes were part of learning, he just had to be aware, and be prepared.


    Summoning could really turn into a viable<strong></strong>weapon for him to use, a way to expand resources andwhen he was powerful enough to summon things that were old and wisea way to get information.


    Speaking of summoning things for battle and getting information He pulled out another notebook; it was for both hypotheses and information that he and Baelin had gathered on The Traveller.


    It was depressingly empty.


    But, he wrote down a new hypothesis.


    If he was right, and whatever was going on with him and teleportation was due tosomething having to do with The Traveller, then that could mean


    <em>When The Traveller was fighting the Ravener during her time as The Saint, summoning spirits and monsters through divine miracles might have been an effectivebat tactic for her. If it was, and if someone could discover which spirits she favoured summoning, then in other nes, thered be ancient creatures that shed summoned to</em><em><strong></strong></em><em>ask questions of.</em>


    This might be something to tell Baelin about.


    What <em>could </em>work, might be to find out what spirits the priests of Uldar tended to summon back then, then he and Baelin could summon them and start investigating: seeing if any of them knew of others whod had dealings with The Traveller.


    Then again


    He thought about the two goddess statues in her sanctum, and the holy symbol of them she wore around her neck. If she worshipped them, not Uldar, then maybeeven if she did summon spiritsthey were different from whatever the priests of Uldar summoned.


    He shook his head.


    Ugh, Im just chasing suppositions with more suppositions. I dont even have any real data to build a proper hypothesis on. Just hunches.


    A hunch could still be valuableProfessor Jules had reluctantly admitted thatbut it could also simply be a manifestation of a researcher or investigators bias, or purely a desire to be right. It could bepletely unrted to facts.


    Hunches were what once convinced an entire society that not washing the body was more sanitary than bathing in rivers and streams, the white haired alchemist had told him one day. Of course the gue that rolled through their realm fixed that notion veeeery quickly.


    Alex moved on from the memory.


    In either caseTraveller connection or notsummoning was something he wanted to bet on, almost as much as alchemy. The two could work together nicely. Professor Jules had summoned the shoggoth to get special materials for potions from it. He could do the same, collecting special materials from different monsters he summoned.


    Alright, back to it, then, he said.


    The first thing he did when he got back to work was practice saying the name of the species he was summoning, making sure to properly enunciate the word. He also made use of The Mark, working on pronunciation: it showed him sesses from when hed said the name before, and also from when hed practiced othernguages. If hemitted a name to memory, then itd lessen the chance of him mispronouncing it when The Mark started throwing obstacles around in his head. Something urred to him that put a big smile on his face. Ironically, by using The Mark to help him work on properly pronouncing the names of creatures he wanted to summon, it was actually going to end up helping him cast summoning spells, no matter how much interference it threw. Alexs smile grew the more he thought about pulling one over on it while it unwittingly helped him with spell casting.


    Using The Mark to learn names would definitely be helpful from a safety standpoint since powerful creatures from different nes often had alien, very hard to pronounce names. Which would mean a summoning would be a lot more dangerous if he mispronounced those.


    Which reminded him, he really needed to find out what it was hed just summoned.


    Time to refocus.


    The next three times he cast Summon Elemental Beetle, hepletely failed. Nerves from the earlier close call, and the fact that he was new to the spell,bined with what seemed like The Marks glee-filled interference and made things overwhelming.


    On the fourth try, he got the casting right, but cancelled the spell partway, thinking that itd be a good idea to practice control and cut the spell off in case anything went wrong again.


    After a couple of sessful castings where he cut it just before activation, he cast it topletion, but activated the dismissal glyphs as soon as he felt the summoning magic grasp something on the elemental ne.


    Alex perfected the timing and the dismissal spell, sessfully preventing anything from appearing in the circle.


    Finally, he cast the spell again, this time allowing the magic circuit to form without interruption. He felt that shift and his magic reached out across the nes.


    It grasped something much smaller than whatever that fish monster was, and the air began shimmering within the circle.


    Just a tiny spot, only a little bit bigger than a squirrel.


    The air rippled, and the point in space parted and a-


    <em>Bzzzzz.</em>


    -a loud buzzing filled the air.


    Arge beetle-like creatureits shell the colour of dark ocean wavesfinally appeared in the circle, hovering in the air.


    Alex felt a tether between it and himselfthe subjugation part of the spell that controlled the monsterreached through the cylinder. Its legs kicked in the air, shining like sapphires, and its mandibles clicked softly and rhythmically.


    A smile lit up Alexs face as he flipped open his notebook.


    <em>Summon Elemental Beetle: 100%.</em>


    <em>Fantastic!</em>


    Eagerly, he dismissed the protective circle and extended his hand.


    Fly to my hand, Alex said.


    The beetle immediately flew over and settled on his hand.


    Do as Imand, and do not harm me, hemanded, making sure that his intent was the focus in his thoughts. Without his intent, then the summoned creature was only bound by his words alone. And if it only had to follow the words of amand, and not the intent of one, then a more intelligent monster or spirit could use loopholes in wording or logic to defy a summonersmand.


    It seemed that the beetle had no intention of harming him though. The docile bug-like creature climbed up his sleeve, with its tiny legs tickling his arm through his shirt and sending him into giggling fits.


    Hey, what do you think, ygon? heughed, holding up the beetle for his golems examination. Pretty cool, huh? Like I said, dont get jealous, because soon, Ill bemanding lots of these.


    The golems head slowly turned to look down at the beetle. Whether ygon was actually examining it or was just following Alexthrough their linkhe had no way of knowing.


    After a few minutes, the magic circuit began to lose power and Alex had to infuse more mana to keep the beetle from disappearing. With more practice and time, the spell wouldst longer.


    To get a bit more practice, he decided to cast Summon Elemental Beetle two more times, summoning a beetle from each of the elemental nes of earth and ice.


    Alex let the three little creatures crawl over him, giggling at the tickling sensation. Selina was going to get a kick out of these. He looked up at the time keeper on the wall, and noticing that his time was almost up, packed up his things and opened the door to leave, taking onest look around to make sure that everything was as hed found it.


    He nned on practicing keeping the spells powered by using ValRoks mana regeneration techniques to see how long he could maintain them. Itd be good preparation for the future if he wanted to keep more powerful summoning spells activated longer.


    Summon Elemental Beetle Swarm was a second-tier version of this spell, and it called an entire swarm of the squirrel-sized insect creatures. From his experience with the vespara, he knew how much of a problem swarms could be without the right protections. So, Beetle Swarm would be a good addition to his arsenal, and The Mark shouldnt have anything to object to.


    He was locking the room and considering if itd be worthwhile to try and learn the spell before The Games started when he heard the sound of feet hurrying down the hall.


    Oh, sorry, sorry! He recognized a familiar voice.


    Alex looked over to see Amir rushing past two Watchers of Roalwho were at their post in the hallway changing shiftshis arms were full of books.


    Sorry, he apologized again, as he stumbled around them.


    Hey, Amir, howre you doing? Alex asked. He paused.


    He wasnt sure how Amir was doing, but he definitely didnt <em>look</em> good.


    He did not look good at all.

 Chapter 202: Debts

    Chapter 202: Debts


    To say that Amir Abu Saleh looked bad was an understatement. It wasnt like he was a guy that always looked good since he always looked stressed, rushed and desperate to get himself organized. So if he looked especially bad, he looked <em>bad</em>.


    Hed been a helpfulbut usuallytesupervisor for Alexs independent alchemical studiesst year, but he always seemed to be ying catch up with his own stuff, the students he was tutoring, and his work with Professor Jules.


    Sleep deprivation was kind of the norm for Amir, and whenever Alex saw him around campus, he always had a massive tin jar filled with coffee or tea in his hand.


    But, ever since the first meeting for the expedition, hed gone from merely looking bad, to looking absolutely terrible. He was usually sweating, his tall hat was almost always crooked, and his robes were bing so wrinkled, that they looked like he slept in them.


    There were roon-like circles under his eyes, and the bottom of his face was more stubble than skin...today was no different.


    Hey, man, you okay? Alex asked, before immediately regretting the question. Why did people always ask that of someone who obviously did not look okay?


    Next thing you know you, hed be asking someone whos leg had been mauled by demon ws and fangs: Hey, you, are you okay? Your legs looking a little like ground meat, <em>but</em><em>are you okay?</em>


    Oh yeah, Amir paused, slowing down and smiling weakly at Alex before throwing a nervous nce at the towering ygon. Im okay.


    No really, Im not asking you to be polite, Im asking if you. Are. Okay? Alex asked again.


    That was the other thing about the are you okay? question. No matter how badly someone was doing, they were always kind of expected to answer with a, yes.


    Even that imaginary man with the demon-mauled leg in Alexs mind would probably have said: Oh yeah, Im fine when asked the same inane question.


    Well. Amir grimaced, shrugging. You know how it is, theres a lot to do. A <em>lot</em> to do these days. It can stretch me thin. One responsibility drags into the next, which makes the next thingte, and then you need more time to make up for itresponsibilitiesit never ends.


    Alex paused, not knowing quite what to say to that.


    Maybe that was why people only wanted others to respond with fine and good to how are you doing?


    Plus He paused. therere also others that need help too, during these busy times. Amir gave a delirious chuckle that sounded almost as high-pitched and mildly hysterical as one of Professor ValRoksughs. You know, these arent even my books. A friend borrowed them from the library and left them in theb, but now he has a ss to teach: so here I am, running the books back to the library before some lower year student gets their hands on them and summons something they


    Amirs words trailed off, looking at the beetles crawling over Alexs clothes. Ah.


    Shouldnt have? Alex finished for him. On that subject...Can I ask you a question?


    Ah. Amir smiled weakly. Ill answer, but could you do me a favour and walk with me? He lifted the books and shook them a little to emphasize their weight. I''d really like to get these delivered.


    Oh yeah, uh sure, sorry. Here, Ill carry some, Alex said.


    No need to apologize, I was your supervisor, Im sort of expected to answer your questions, after all. And thanks for the offer, but if anyone even thought that I put these in your hands, thered be hell to pay!


    Alex nodded, looking at the books with curiosity. Yeah, I get that.


    The two young men emerged from The Cells as Alex described what had happened with his summoning.


    Before I summoned these cute little guys, I identally summoned something else when I mispronounced a word. It looked like a schar, but likealso kinda like a crayfish? Do you happen to know what it was?


    Hmmmm. the graduate student frowned. It sounds like a Deep Sea Devil, or at least thats what we call them. I believe the schar have their own name for them in theirnguages. Some of their organs are very handy in the creation of magical items having to do with creating water, making water breathable, and shaping it.


    Right. Alex nodded as the beetles crawled over him and ygon followed behind. He nced back at ygon, remembering how his fist had stopped the creature. They cant be very powerful, can they?


    From what you described, it seems you summoned a young one, Amir said, shifting the books in his grip and sweating under the sunlight. They grow for much of their immortal lives. The older ones are able to be bargained with fairly easily: the part of the elemental ne of water where theye from is <em>full</em> of higher tier predators if I remember correctly. So, if you can help them inbat against one of their enemies, youll likely get their service for a long time. Theyre not actually true devils, but they still keep their word like devils do, even without the innate magic in summoning spells. Theyre a good choice.


    A good choice.


    Alliances inbat.


    That brought Alexs mind back to the deal offered by Roderich. Services exchanged against amon enemy. Then he thought of Fan-Dor and Gel-Dor. Theyd saved his life from the mana vampire thatd attacked him on <em>The Red Siren</em>, andto this dayhe was grateful to them.


    When he became a better skilled wizardand with any hope, a hell of a lot richerhed like to do something for them beyond just sharing the mana vampire bounty. After all, theyd given him a lot by teaching him the Sword-and-Oar Dance, which had saved his life more than a few times over.


    His mind went to thoughts of life and debts.


    He paused, turning to Amir.


    Hey, maybe this is a weird questionI probably should be asking Professor Mangal, but what if a summoned creature owes you their life?


    Amir winced. their life?


    Yeah like, Alex gathered his thoughts. If you summoned an otherworldly monster or spirit that had to be defending their lives all the timeif you helped them, would they have gratitude for that? I mean, I know it sounds like an odd question, but I was thinking that some of them<strong></strong>live a really long timeand some are immortal, but they can still die in battle and such, right? I know they kinda think about things differently from us mortals. So, I was wondering what would happen if someone saved their life, would it be important to them, or would that be like saying, youre weak to them?


    Amir was quiet for a long moment.


    It depends, he finally said. To some spiritsjust as it is with some humansa life-debt is the most powerful debt you can carryfor others it doesnt matter as much. With humans it depends on their culture, and individual<strong></strong>values, but with spirits, it depends on their kind and their individual nature. what about you? How would you deal with a life-debt?


    Me? Alex said, even though he was the only one Amir was talking to. Thats a tricky one.


    In some ways, one could say that Alex might owe his life to McHarris. Not in the literal sense, but the bakers pay had kept him and his sister fed and clothed, especially when the Lus were going through lean times. Theresas family was well off now, and their business had be sessful, but that wasnt always the case, and they had a lot of mouths to feed.


    But if McHarris ever came to him and said something like: You know, boy, you owe me your life?, he would immediately have ygon punch the abusive asshole in his face.


    Professor Mangal talked about needing to develop a healthy reciprocal rtionship with creatures when youre using Rtional Contract Summoning.


    I guess it would depend on who it was that saved my life, I suppose. Like, if someone saved my life, then just used that to guilt me into doing whatever they wanted, then I have to say, no life-debts worth that in my opinion.


    Hrm, thats a cynical way to look at it, Amir sighed as they neared the library. Thats the thing with life-debts and rtionships in general: sometimes for the rtionship or honour, you do things that are just for the other person. Especially if they need you. Butthats it, life-debts mean different things. If I were you, I wouldnt try to get too in love with the idea. Someone owing you their lifeor vice versa, is a very powerful thing. Somethimes theres a lot of grey in situations like that.


    Yeah, I guess thats true, Alex said. In any case, youre right: I guess its not something that Id want to intentionally do. Anyway, thanks for the advice, man. And try to take care of yourself.


    Amir gave a weak smile. I will.


    After he and Amir reached the library and went their separate ways, Alex met Isolde shortly afterward as he was looking for books about elementals from the ne of water. He saw hering upstairs and waved to her.


    There was a troubled look on her face.


    Let me guess, he said as she came up to him in the rows of books. Hydra Companionhood?


    She nodded. They have approached Khalik and Theresa as well, and the one who spoke with me said they would be approaching all of us.


    Yeah, Alex said. I got told the same thing. Sowhat do you think?


    No, you first.


    He shrugged. Likeits not the worst idea in the world. I mean, wed get support from themits not like wed have a life-debt to them or anything, and wed be getting support we could use to not only crush the Brotherhood<em>and</em> Derrickbut we could ce closer to the top. Plus, wed get some coin out of it. So, what about you?


    Isolde shook her head. I am against it. There would be no honour in it, and the pride of striving and crushing our enemies by our own merits alone would be gone.


    Alex shrugged. I was a bakers assistant untilst year, the only honour I know about is the honours roll at school. Im thinking that itd be better just to win and get the prize overallbut I get it. I<em> would </em>actually feel better if we did it ourselves.


    Mhm, Isolde nodded. And another thing urs to me as well. She nced around then leaned in close to Alex. I was thinkingif our team performs well in The Games, then perhaps we could recruit our team members for our expeditionary group to your homnd. Of course, we would naturally include our cabal, but Grimloch for example, would also be a fair addition to our forces. If we have outside help, then we wouldnt quite see how our team would perform together outside of Generasi.


    Yeah, I see your point. He shrugged. I also see good things about going either way, but we can bring it up with the group.


    Mhm, and speaking of groups, youll probably get a message soon: Baelin wants another meeting of the expeditionary team tomorrow. She sighed. So much to juggle: the expedition, The Games of Roal, schoolthis demon summoner debacle.


    Well get through it. Just dont run yourself ragged again, okay? he said.


    She gave him a weak smile. I shall attempt not to, but there are a few spells that I am hoping to master by the time The Games begin. I think everyone is trying to learn a new trick or two.


    Yeah, Theresas trying to get her parents to watch one of our training sessions. Maybe thatll help make them morefortable with everything.


    Isolde raised an eyebrow. Theresas parentsck forfort? Much of the inss facilities are designed to suit nobility.


    Oh no, not that kind of difort. Didnt we tell you? Alex asked.


    She shook her head.


    Oh. Well, when they arrived at the port, thats just when the demon summoner struck, and of course, Baelin was away at the time.


    ah. A poor first impression, I could see being diforted with that fiend roaming free. I think they can takefort knowing that The Chancellor has his mind bent toward crushing him, though.


    Yeah, Alex said. You shouldve seen him tear apart the first demon at the rally for the priestsst year. Im sure this summonerll think twice about attacking with him around.


    Noway Alex murmured, staring down at the note that had just arrived.


    It was the next morning and a messenger constructone that was actually invisible until it flew into his room and perched on his pillow, scaring approximately three decades off his lifespandelivered a message to him.


    He looked at the message written in Baelins handwriting.


    <em>Apologies for thest minute notice.</em>


    <em>My own cabal called for my aid, and I am afraid that I cannot attend todays meeting. I booked the day off and our meeting was not urgent so no need to make a fuss, I should be back in Generasi by tomorrow.</em>


    <em>- Chancellor Baelin</em>


    And on the day that Mr. and Mrs. Lu were supposed to watch them training with their team for the Games of Roal.

 Chapter 203: Revelations (Interlude)

    Chapter 203: Revtions (Interlude)


    Mother, its going to be fine, Theresa insisted. Just fine. Just like going out for a summer hunt. Actually, its even safer than that.


    Her mother paused at the window.


    Theresa was alone with her mother for the first time since her parents hade to Generasi. Her father had gone to the market for some fresh bread and fruit for breakfast. Shed told her parents about the top shelf of the pantry being able to keep things coolso they wouldnt have to go shopping everydaybut they didnt trust the idea of keeping perishable food on a pantry shelf.


    Even if magic could give them a thousand different conveniences that they never could have even dreamed of back in Alric, they still werentfortable with it.


    She couldnt really me them, either.


    After a year in Generasi, in some ways she was still trying to get used to all the magic that was a part of her daily life.


    Theresa, her mother said slowly. Im sure you believe it will be fine, but Im not sure how smart it is to be ying in games when the guards are still trying to find someone so dangerous. And I think fighting powerful wizards is a little more dangerous than a summer hunt.


    Theresa sighed. Mothertheyve got this magic. If anything bad happens to someone during thepetition, it just teleports them away to safety. Itll be fine.


    I dont know anything about how magic works. Mrs. Lu turned around, her eyes filled with concern. But we try to make everyone safe in our kitchen too. We train everyone, we put the knives away, we watch the firebut none of that would help us if a bear suddenly charged into the kitchen.


    so youre saying this demon summoner is the bear.


    Mrs. Lu winced. I cant believe you can say that so casually: demon summoner, like if youre just talking about a wolf in the woods. Just what kind of life have you, Selina and Alex been living here?


    Motherits different here. But its kinda like the same back home. She stepped up beside her mother and stood by the window. When the news came about The Ravenering back, we didn''t panic, right? We knew what to do and we kept on doing what we had to.


    Thats different, Theresa, her mother argued. When The Ravener came back we <em>left</em> and got out of danger.


    But we alwayse back, Theresa countered. I mean all of Thamnd: we leave while The Heroes are fighting The Ravener, but we alwayse back. Wee back because it''s worth it, right?


    Wee back because theres nowhere else for us to go, Mrs. Lu sighed. The Rhineans have been very weing butits not the mostfortable way of living, being in a strangend. Some folks want the Thameish there. Some folks dont.


    But there were other ces for us to go before, Theresa said. In school, we learned that there was a time when the Rhineans only owned a quarter of thend north of the Prinean Sea. We could have stayed there then, but we left to go back to Thamnd. Its the same thing here. Its worth being here. Theres dangers, but theres also wonders. You saw the tower. I mean look at that!


    She pointed out the window. In the distance, there was a flying shiplete with sky-blue sailsdrifting through the sky like something from a faerie story.


    Im learning so much, and youre going to see that today. We can take care of ourselves now.


    A look crossed her mothers face. You sound like Evan. Your brotherand some of the other boys from Alric, and some other young men from other parts of Thamnd. Theyve started to talk.


    Theresa frowned. Whats he talking about?


    Going back, her mother said. Going back and helping The Heroes and soldiers take Thamnd back.


    Theresas eyebrows rose. <em>What?</em> The most dangerous weapon Evans ever held is a kitchen knife. He didnt even want to hunt.


    Some of the retired soldiers that left with the rest of us, Mrs. Lu said. Theyve been training some of the Thameish young folk, talking about how we all need to do our part. Lately, hes been saying things like we can take care of ourselves.


    H-he didnt do anything stupid, did he? Theresa asked.


    Mrs. Lu shook her head. The soldiers arent letting us go back, for now. And your uncle still needs help. Hes getting lots of orders for steel nowadays.


    why didnt you tell me- Theresa paused, the irony in her question hitting her before she could finish. nevermind.


    Because its talk for now, Mrs. Lu said sternly. If he had left, I would have told you.


    Silence followed.


    Motherlook, she sighed. Im sorry I didnt tell you, but it just feltwrong to tell you about that stuff in a letter.


    I would have preferred to know, Theresa, her mother said, cupping her daughters cheek. If something happens to you, Id rather know why, instead of having to guess. If youre in danger, Im allowed to worry: its what parents do.


    The huntress went silent for a bit, gathering her thoughts.


    Letters can only say so much, I know, Mrs. Lu said. But even if its only so much, its better than nothing at all.


    Theresa stayed silent.


    Her eyes looked at the door. Outside, footsteps softly crept by, moving past the door. They were near-silent: she probably wouldnt have caught them without her enhanced senses from life enforcement.


    Well, after today, youll know a lot more, she said to her mother.


    <em>Hes not here?</em> Theresa whispered to Alex as the rest of the group was setting up in the stadium. <em>And when were you going to tell me that?</em>


    You were gone by the time I got the message, Alex whispered back. And then I had to panic for a bit, and then I went to find you to tell you and I heard you talking with your mother and it sounded super serious and I didnt want to interrupt, but then when we were walking here your parents were in earshot- He nced back at the seats in the stadium where her parents were sitting with Selina, who was showing them all kinds of different parts of her messenger construct. -so now was the earliest timebetter than not at all, right?


    Ugh, you sound like mother.


    Alex blinked. T-thanks? Wait, thats apliment, right? I mean it cant be an insult, I like your moth-


    Alex.


    Right, right, talking less now.


    Theresas eyes scanned the rim of the stadium as though she expected to see demons flying overhead at any second. Of course, shed never actually seen a demon, but from what Alex had said, many of them could fly.


    She slowly looked over the other upants of the stadium. Other student teams stood together, practicingbat maneuvers. Like her group, they probably would have preferred to practice away from the watching eyes of theirpetitors, but the school had very strict policies about castingbat spells in non-designated areas of campus without a very good reason.


    Alex, what do you think the chances are that they''d attack here? In the stadium.


    He ran his fingers through his increasingly long hair, whichshe had to admitshe liked on him. She resisted the urge to fix part of his chestnut bangs as they fell crookedly over his forehead.


    His eyebrows knitted together in thought, and he did that thing where he puzzled things out in silence for a few seconds.


    From what I knowand keep in mind, Im no crazy demon-summoning renegade wizardprobably not. The first attack was right on campus, but there was a rally for the priests going on. The second one was at City Hall itself. Both of those targets are more significant than this stadium. but we should keep an eye out just in case...that is, if were going to stay. Want to call it off?


    No, Theresa said. All the best fighters among our friends are here. Were probably safer now than we would be back at the apartment. She reached up and kissed him. But thanks for thinking about that. Cmon, lets get to practicing.


    She and Alex joined the rest of their teammates as Khalik and Isolde broke down what they wanted to do with the days session. Not surprisingly, the two of them seemed to fall naturally into the roles of leader for their Grand Battle team.


    Correct me if I am wrong, Isolde said. But I think it would be good to warm up with some sparring first, especially among you warriors.


    A low, pleased growl came from Grimloch.


    Svenia and Hogarth looked at each other, then slowly turned to look at the shining teeth of the ten-foot sharkman.


    But Grimloch was too busy looking at ygon to pay attention to them.


    Theresa cracked her knuckles. Facing the giant sharkman would bewell, she would be lying if she said that the thought hadnt crossed her mind at least once. He looked more powerful than ever as his experience with life enforcement grew.


    At the level of conditioning she was at now, she could see herself maybe being able to take him before hed started his own training. Now, though?


    It would be a good challenge.


    She nced at the seats.


    And a good chance to show her parents what she was capable of.


    All the front line fighters organized themselves into a group and drew straws to decide who would face who, thoughby the end of the warm upeach of them would have faced each other at least once.


    Khalik, will you be joining us? Theresa teased the prince, looking at his short sword. I know you dont use that thing much, mighty wizard, but youll get rusty if you dont at least wave it around now and then.


    And theres only five of us sparring without you. Thundar grinned, taking a couple of practice swings with his mace. Lets get that skull of yours good and cracked-I mean get you back in practice.


    Well, now I <em>must</em> join in, the muscr young man chuckled, drawing his sword. Stepping to the side of the stadium, he ran the de over a glyph built into a small column there. A teal light ran over the sword, sheathing it in a magic meant to dull the edge and prevent injury. Shall we draw straws, then?


    Theresa would be facing Hogarth first.


    Right you are, then, youngdy, the squat soldier saluted her with a muscr arm. He buckled his helmet under his chin. Lets get started, then. justIve seen you fight. Keep in mind that I aint a giant monster, or a sharkman, or a wizard or one of your life enforker things.


    Mhm. Theresa said, dropping into her stance. And you keep in mind that you probably have a decade of experience on me.


    Right, call a man old just before the fight even starts, Hogarth snorted. Cut his spirit before you even cut his body.


    Theresaughed, Hey, its not my fault you were born ages before me.


    Hogarth snorted again.


    Khalik called the spar to begin and Theresa charged Hogarth like a coiled snake, her curved de shing into guard.


    The soldier stepped back, thrusting at her with his spear; he tried to use the length of the weapon to keep her at bay. Theresa watched the spear carefully, then grabbed the haft as he thrust it.


    He cursed as she pulled on it; he had to release the weapon to keep from being dragged toward her. His de rang out of its scabbard just as she came in with a blurring cut.


    Hogarth used his experience, surprising her with a parry that smoothly turned into a twist designed to run the dulled de along her fingers. But she followed his twist with her greater speed, and slid her de up and past his guard.


    They froze.


    Balls, he swore. Youre quick as a bloody buck running from rabid wolves. Well done.


    They shook hands.


    She nced at the seats.


    Her parents were openly gaping, while Selina was pping in delight.


    Theresa smiled, giving them a salute with her sword before moving to wait for her next opponent. After the first round of sparring ended, it was Thundar who clopped up to her.


    He grinned. Well, well, he said. Dont think Im going down so easy. I could<strong></strong>be the leader of this cabal after all.


    Wouldnt dream of it, Theresa said as he cast two body enhancement spells on himself: one for strength and one for speed.


    Then he rushed her. Fast.


    His speed surprised her and she barely ducked his teal-sheathed mace as it swung for her head. She heard her mother yelp, but kept her focus on her opponent.


    Stepping back, she ducked and parried the minotaurs avnche of an assault. Even without his magic, he was damned strong and surprisingly quick. He was also clearly a trained warrior, even if he was attending wizard school: his training and magic made for a deadlybination, and his aggressive style pressed her a lot more than Hogarths more cautious one.


    But shed been training and proving herself against the younger members of The Watchers of Roal for months now. She was used to facing superior strength and speed.


    As she dodged around Thundars mace, she gave less and less ground, letting it pass closer to her: using less movement left her more bnced. More able to counter.


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    She let his swing go wide then caught his arm when it was fully extended with her free hand, then twisted to lock it. Her de shed up, resting just below the minotaur wizards chin.


    Whoa, whoa, I surrender! he said, holding up a hand. Jeez, thats what I get for not hanging around with you. Youre faster than you used to be. You know more tricks too: that was a good bind.


    Youre better too, she said, shaking his hand. If it werent for me sparring against the Watchers, Id be on the ground right now.


    Yeah, well, maybe itll go that way next time.


    Maybe. She smiled.


    As Thundar went to face Khalik, arge, ominous shadow fell over Theresa.


    She looked up into the grinning teeth of Grimloch. Been wanting to fight you.


    His knuckles cracked as he lifted a massive club that looked less like a weapon and more like an uprooted tree.


    Yeah she said. Me too.


    They looked at each other for a moment, but said nothing else. Her dark eyes stared into his jet-ck orbs as others fell quiet.


    Begin! Khalik barked.


    <em>Whoosh</em>.


    Grimloch lunged at her.


    Theresa swore and jumped away from the massive swing of his club. Even with the teal magic sheathing it, a blow from that thing would be painful. Very painful.


    The sharkman stalked after her, using his greater reach to keep her at a distance. His teeth gnashed in a horrifying grin and his footsteps seemed to shake the stone. He was also damned quick, it was clear that he was no untrained brawler.


    His fighting style was one that threw his weight around, but his blows were smooth, his steps calcted. Theresa took a deep breath, calling on every physical reserve she had. A giddy feeling rose in her chest. Shed helped make this monstrous warrior by introducing him to life enforcement.


    And now she would try to bring him down.


    Despite his shocking speed and reach, she was still faster and more agile: shed also been practicing life enforcement longer. She didnt even bother trying to parry, she just danced around his swings, waiting for a moment to strike.


    <em>Bang</em>.


    His club mmed into the ground.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    It exploded; the old wood splintering under the power of Grimlochs swing.


    The sharkman grunted in surprisehis newfound strength catching even himself offguardand Theresa darted forward below his arms. But he was ready for her.


    His hand shot up and grabbed her free arm in a grip that she couldnt imagine ever breaking; his jaws shot forward, ready to snap over her torso.


    She felt the teeth close in on her, but then he froze.


    The tip of her sword hovered just above his eye.


    For a few moments, they stood frozen: Theresa in his grip with his jaws ready to bite her in half, while her sword was poised to stab through his eye.


    Draw? Theresa offered, trying to quiet her pounding heart.


    Another moment of silence.


    I agreethough me biting you in half trumps you taking my eye, Grimloch gave a grindingugh and stepped back. But I dont eat friends. Usually. The grindingugh continued as he went to find his next opponent.


    Theresa fought to keep her face neutral despite how terrifying it was to think about nearly having half her body eaten by a sharkman, even if it was just a joke and a spar.


    Theresa grimaced and slowly looked up at her parents.


    Did it go right?


    She couldnt tell from their faces.


    <em>Attention! May I have your attention!</em>


    Everyone froze as a magically augmented voice swept over campus.


    <em>There have been attacks on several temples within the city. As yet, there have been no casualties reported, but it is advised that you remain on campus until further notice.</em>


    Theresa swore under her breath. That probably meant the end of practice.


    She was getting tired of this summoner.


    They were a coward too, attacking again when Baelin was gone. She frowned. Maybe they were watching his movements, she hadnt known hed be gone until Alex told her, so him being away wasntmon knowledge.


    It was onlyter in the eveningwhen she found Alex in his room, his face white as a sheetthat she realized just how dire that train of thought was.


    I just got a note from Baelineveryone on the research team did, he said, his voice shaking. TheresaBaelin didnt tell anyone that he was leaving. Except for us. Were the only ones who knew hed be gone.


    Her blood went cold.

 Chapter 204: Chasing Vermin

    Chapter 204: Chasing Vermin


    I am not fond of treachery, Baelins wrathful voice filled the room.


    Everyone, even Professor Jules, shrank in their seats. Isoldes eyes looked down at the table, while Alex grit his teeth. He heard Amirs loud shaky breaths nearby.


    A line of senior Watchers of Rolong with a handful of stern looking investigators from the Generasi Bureau of Investigationsstood behind the ancient wizard.


    I had thought it strange that the second attack only urred once the expedition team had been formed. The chancellors piercing, goat-like eyes scanned everyone in the room.


    Alexs stomach sank as those eyes paused on him, then shifted to other members of the team. Would Baelin suspect him? The chancellor knew that hed kept some pretty big secrets in the past, but he also knew about The Mark. That would effectively eliminate him from any suspicions Baelin might have, since it stifled spellcasting. Alex might have ovee some of its influence, but that was different from being able to summon powerful demons. He let out a quiet sigh of relief, then his breath caught as his eyes drifted to Amir.


    Or at leastit <em>would</em> have disqualified him if he hadnt told someone on the research team that he was taking Professor Mangals summoning ss.


    Baelin finished his slow, deliberate scan of the team during which time and all sound in the room had seemed to stop.


    He finally spoke again. In a different time, I dwelled within a bustling metropolis. The city shone with a luster so dazzling that travellers woulde from the worlds ends just to gaze upon its beauty. Butbeneath the surfacevermin lived in its sewers and underbelly, growing more abundant with time. As long as they remained hidden from most, this fine city ignored their presenceto their own peril. With time, these rats did what rats do; they left their hidden ces and soon flourished throughout the city, spreading ugliness, disease and death. The infestation became so vast thatying bait and traps was like adding a drop of clean water to a fouled riverpointless. Needless to say, most of the poption became hostage to fear and disease, and either died or fled. He paused and seemed to bristle with anger. Whoever is behind these attacks is like the hidden vermin, sewing fear and chaos in Generasi. They must be baited and rooted out, trapped, exposedor destroyed. So, I thought toy that bait, he paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before he continued. To my other colleagues, I said I would be taking a day off, but did <em>not</em> tell them I would be leaving Generasi. I made sure that I was seen outside my residence and then I waited. For all appearances, to most, I was here. But, to the research team and the research team alone, the message was that <em>I would be away</em>.


    Alexs heart pounded harder as the meaning of what Baelin had just said washed over him. He nced around the room at the other members of the expedition: everyone was looking at each other with a mix of anxiety and suspicion.


    When this recent attack began, I teleported to the temple district under a cloak of invisibility to ensure that no lives would be lost, Baelin said. but of course, the coward was not present. And myinterrogations of the summoned creatures I captured


    Alex shuddered.


    ...yielded no new information. So, we are left with you. This research team. I will say it bluntly: someone here is involved in some capacity, having had knowledge of my supposed absence: but, this alone is not enough to be conclusive. Baelins deep voice rumbled. After all, the timing of the attack could be a coincidence, or the summoner could have known of my departure through other means. However, it does ce strong suspicion on everyone here, and narrows the possibilities.


    The Watchers of Roal red at the expeditionary team, their eyes hardened. Alex noticed gloved hands tightening on swords and staves.


    The fact that none of you made an excuse to not attend this meetingis interesting, the chancellor said. I had hoped that the culprit might scurry away like a faun before a wolf and thus reveal their guilt. But, things in life are rarely so easy. And so, we shall have to turn to the next method.


    He spread his hands. If the guilty partyes forth and confesses their involvementand that of any aplicesthen you may have a better time receiving amnesty from the court. You will avoid being questioned by the investigators present. You will most likely avoid execution, and though your term of imprisonment will still be dire, your confinement might be improved by taking the right path now. Andshould none of you be the summonerbut the guilt lies with an aplicethen you would benefit froming forward immediately. Your sentence for being an aplice to thesetravesties, could likely be far reduced. Is this not correct, Captain Francesco?


    He looked at an investigator nearby: a coarse-featured man with steel grey mutton chops. His face looked like it would have been more at home on an executioner.


    I cant speak for the council or the courts, the man said. But, I will say that submitting oneself or ones aplices to the authorities has won mercy in the past. My office would put in a good word after any confession or tip is secured that leads to an arrest. So. Does anyone have anything to say?


    Silence hung in the air.


    Francescos eyes narrowed. That is unfortunate. Then, I am afraid I must ask each of you to submit yourselves for questioning. You will be taken to the closest department of investigations in the city. This will be done today and keep in mind that if you have nothing to hide, then submitting yourselves will be the way to show that.


    Anxiety raced through Alex as he looked for hidden meaning in the mans words. Something about the captains mannerdidnt really make him feel like any questioning would be afortable experience.


    Then againAlex was a man with secrets himself. There was the time hed set the soldiers on McHarris because of his habit of using rotten ingredients in the food he sold, there were the dungeon core remains, his part in The Heroes, what he knew about what Kybas was doing, and even more stuff.he definitely had things to hide.


    Did he ever act in a way that made him look suspicious?


    His mind beganbing through what hed done sinceing to Generasi, seeing if anything would raise suspicions. He froze.


    He had been atand was involved withthe first demon summoner attack. That incident had been recorded by one of The Watchers, so they had his name somewhere connecting him to that demon summoning. Now, he was on the research team that was under suspicion. Even someone with half a brain would notice the connection. His heart jumped.


    Then there was Minervus.


    Just before he died, hed used Alex in front of a bunch of people of a screw up that had caused the rampage in Shales workshop. Alex had also talked to him alone right after that shift. Then, hed gotten killed by the mana vampire. No investigator had even questioned him about Minervus deathprobably because it was obvious who the culprit wasbut now that he was part of a group of people under suspicion? Maybe theyd start wondering if it really <em>had</em> been the mana vampire whod killed Minervus, or maybe theyd start thinking it was him whod killed him then made it look like the mana vampire had done it.


    He knew that if <em>he</em> were investigating this, <em>hed</em> be one of the first people hed be looking at.


    Then, what to do?


    Not talking to them at all was tempting. He remembered being questioned by The Watchers when he was testing Selinas gift at the beach. It wasnt pleasant or something he cared to repeat. Also, running away from the priests had worked wonders in Thamnd


    But then again, what would happen if they started questioning other people about him without talking to him too? Theyd end up building a story about him, without having his side. He thought about what could have happened at Shales if Minervus had waited until hed left before using him. He wouldnt have been there to give his side of the story, and once Minervus had done his damage, it wouldve been harderif not impossibleto change peoples minds.


    Another possibility came to him: if this demon summoner really was one of them, then wouldnt it be in their best interest to throw suspicion on someone else, why not throw it on him?


    Alexs heart was pounding.


    It was strange. All his battles with monsters had made him fairly calm when he was dealing with horrible creatures that were trying to tear out his guts or cut his face off or burn him withva, or kill him in all sorts of nasty ways. Yetsince he had no experience with being under investigation and suspicionhe felt as anxious as when hed faced the hive-queen.


    He hesitated, deciding on whether or not to volunteer. Folks were still squirming in their seats.


    Desperate for help to make a decision, he tried activating The Mark to see if it would give him any insights on what to do. Choosing if you should talk to the authorities had to be a skill, right?


    Unfortunately, nothing came back.


    It made sense. He really didnt have experience with that. And also, he was trying to make a personal decision, not learn or apply a skill.


    But, maybe if he changed the way he was thinking about things


    He thought about the skill of Coming off as trustworthy, and was immediately flooded with memories of the time hed sessfully gotten himself cleared of me in Shales Workshop, the time hed told Peter and Paulthe two guards he knew back in Alricabout McHarris underhanded deeds, the time hed spoken to Baelin with sincerity about The Mark, and times hed dodged having someone find out he was The Fool.


    It showed him how to keep his face straight, how to make sure his bodynguage conveyed that he was telling the truth. He noticed The Mark didnt provide any instances of where hed lied to people. Probably because he was focusing on telling the truth.


    Alex took a deep breath, preparing to be the first to volunteerexcept he found that in the time hed been thinking about what to do, others had already raised their hands or were talking to the investigators.


    Alex looked at Isolde. You going to talk to them?


    She sniffed. I will, but I would rather not: I do not enjoy my honour and loyalty being questioned. In the Rhinean Empire, if anyone asked a member of the nobility to submit themselves to questioning without support of a liege, they would be in full legal right to demand satisfaction, or punish their insolence, depending on the offenders station.


    He startled, looking at Isolde.


    That was right. Theyd all been hanging out together as basically equals at Generasi, but she was a noblewoman. Of what rankhe actually had no idea, it had nevere up. In some ways, it was surprising: he knew a lot about the other members of his cabal in some ways and shockingly little in others. The power she was talking about was strange to him, just the thought of being legally allowed to punish someone for talking bad to you.


    What a strange concept.


    If only hed been born a noble.


    Now where was he?


    Oh yeah, he thought. Avoiding wizard jail.


    He and Isolde got up to go talk to the investigators.

 Chapter 205: In a White Room with No Curtains

    Chapter 205: In a White Room with No Curtains


    Wizard jas it turned outwas an ominous, oppressive looking ce.


    Alex stared at the structure looming ahead of them.


    It resembled The Cells on campus: a big, grey, somber building with few windows, all sealed by metal shutters. Actuallynow that he thought about ithe wondered if the campus building was called The Cells because it looked like wizard jail with all of its <em>cells</em>. He shook his head.


    The<em> cells</em> revtion mightve made him knock himself on the head for not making the connection a long time ago, if he wasnt currently being led into wizard jail for questioning.


    d Im not here to stay, one of the other research team members muttered as the group was taken through the street and toward the entrance gates.


    You can say that again, Alex whispered.


    This station, hed learned on the way over, was one of many jails in Generasi that was used to hold criminals while they awaited trial. After sentencing, apparently, they went to a permanent facility to either serve out their sentence, or wait for execution. The investigators told the group that if the summoner was caught, thats where theyd end up.


    Surrounding the building was a wall that was twice as tall as ygon, and maybe five feet thick inscribed with rows of glyphs that he recognized as incantations to counter spellcraft, and dismiss summoned creatures. The gates were nked by two iron golems, forged to look like powerfully built Generasi soldiers, each wielded a massive pole-hammer that looked like it could squash Alex to pulp with a single swing.


    No one here is under arrest, said one of the officers leading the group. But, best to follow every instruction youre given: this is a ce of dangers, but order keeps those dangers muzzled. Ruin the order, and chaos will result. We cannot protect you if you engage in chaos. Now, for the first rule. No weapons or other magical tools are allowed beyond the entrance walls.


    Not even tools? a man held onto his staff. You wouldnt part an old man-


    You arent that old, sir, and magical tools could hide enchantments that can be used to disrupt the safety of our officers and staff, the officer said. Your items will be cared for.


    At the outer gate, the members of the research team were patted down and made to surrender any weapons or magical tools they were carrying. For a moment, Alexs anxiety surged as a young officer stepped up to pat him down. It was the most personal contact hed had with anyone outside of those closest to him since hed gotten The Mark, and the only reason he didnt take off running was because the others hadnt had to take any of their clothing off. Thest thing he wanted...well, was to have anything bad happen to his family or friends.


    The secondst thing he wanted...was well, to be killed by the summoners demons.


    The thirdst thing maybe...was to be killed by The Raveners monsters.


    The fourthst, then...was...for The Mark to be exposed, especially now, right before he was supposed to go to Thamnd on the expedition. That was,<em> if </em>there was still going to be an expedition. He still couldnt believe they might have a traitor in their group.


    After the pat down was finished and some of his nervousness calmed, he took a long look at the other group members assembled. He didnt know any of them: Amir, Isolde and the rest had been taken to different stations. Apparently, from what the investigators had said, it wouldve been too much of a problem to take them all to one station.


    Alex remembered the look on Isoldes face when they were leading her to another sky-boat bound for a different investigation office. Shed openly looked pissed. He almost felt sorry for the investigator who''d be questioning her.


    Since Alex wasnt carrying any weaponshe hadnt brought his potions to the meetingthe officer told him that ygon could be considered a weapon and would have to remain outside.


    Its okay, buddy, he said to the golem. Ill be back soon.


    As he said it, he sincerely hoped that it was true.


    ygon stood near the other golems, watching Alex as the gates closed behind him and the other research team members. If things went wrongwhich Alex hoped they wouldnthe was takingfort knowing that his golem was just a thought away.


    Inside the outer wallseparated from the wizard jailstood the offices of the security personnel of Generasi, its guards, and investigators. It was a sizable building that seemed well-protected by a squad of broad shouldered guards. An intimidating looking patrol walked the inner courtyard, leading pairs of coursing hounds of Strigathe same breed of mana-sniffing hound that Isoldes cousin keptaround the corner of the building.


    The hounds jaws hung open, looking like they could make short work of flesh and bone.


    Alex made a mental note to never, ever go to jail here...or anywhere.


    Because he and the members of the research team were there voluntarily, they were immediately led into the investigation office.


    If all is in order, then this will be quick, Francesco said, a smile crooking his lips. You schrs will be back to your books, your sks, your crystal balls and your abacuses in no time. if theres nothing out of order, of course.


    His smile widened, but Alex noticed that no hint of friendliness entered his eyes. Alex began to wonder if this might have been one of his bad ideas.


    Its alright, he said to himself. Better to get their questions over with.


    The group was taken through the front of the building, and led in a line through a small waiting area furnished with<strong></strong>a desk. Five officers had bound suspects using magical chains, and were booking them with the help of several humourless looking secretaries. Three owl-men from the solicitors guild were in the room, regrly chastising and threatening the officers for overly-enthusiastic booking behaviours. Beyond that area was a room with a number of separate desks where investigators sat either doing paperwork, or with detainees, taking information from them. Every wall was covered in glyphs that spoiled spellcraftsimr to those outsidethough these were more powerful. Alex could feel the magicing off them.


    He assumed that his group would be questioned in the room they were in, but instead, they were led downstairs to the buildings basementa ce with no windows and very little magical lightand brought to separate questioning rooms. Alex was taken along a long, dark corridor to a room with a heavy steel door iid with dozens of glyphs that countered just about every kind of spellcraft. One of his guards opened the door. Glyphs were etched throughout the walls, but seemed to practically cover the door.


    Go on in. Someone will be here to talk to you in a jiffy! a friendly young investigator saidthe same one whod patted him down earlierin the sort of voice that naturally put people at ease.


    Alex looked around the rooms interior, beginning to feel disoriented. While the rest of the building was crafted from grey stone, this room waspletely white. A table of white stone sat in the center, with three white chairs on either side. Every single surface was bare and perfectly smooth; his eyes couldnt even find the corners of the room as they tried to adjust to the low light.


    He suddenly realized that there <em>were</em> no corners.


    Even though everything in the room was the same colour, it felt offunbnced.


    The room was circr, a perfect half-sphere above the floor, giving the eye no unbroken surfaces to focus or rest on.


    Why dont you have a seat right there, the investigator pointed to one of the chairs.


    Gotchya, Alex said, stepping into the room.


    <em>Thoom.</em>


    The steel door shut behind him sounding final, though he didnt hear a bolt,tch, or lock fasten.


    Its okay, Alex. Youre not under arrest. Youre here to find out if theyre suspicious of you and try to calm their suspicions, if they have some.


    Still, that fact was hard to remember in the unbrokensilence of the room. As soon as the door shut, all the sounds from outside abruptly stopped. It was as if the outside had suddenly disappeared altogether. Inside, he could only hear the sound of his own breathing, the rustle of his clothes, and his heart beating in his ears. He turned to check the door.


    there <em>was</em> no door.


    What? he whispered. Alex startled. In the unnatural silence of the room, his voice sounded too loud.


    He walked over to the wall where the door was supposed to be and ran his hand along where it had been.


    There. There was definitely a door there, but the seam between it and the wall was so magically perfect, that it vanished to the naked eye.


    He wrapped his arms around himself.


    The room was cold.


    Not icy, but cold enough that it was noticeably ufortable. Ufortable enough to sap his concentration and make him want to get out of there.


    He went to the table and reached for a chair, sliding one outnoticing the unnatural silence when he dragged it along the floorhe sat down.


    And waited.


    And he waited.


    And he waited.


    He got up and paced.


    Then sat again, ncing around.


    And waited some more.


    He couldnt tell how long he was left there waiting, since there was no timekeeper on the wall, but it felt like hed been sitting there for hours, growing more ufortable as the sound of his own heart and breath filled the silence. His eyes had nothing to focus on but his own clothes and hands. There were no odours in the air either, unpleasant or otherwise. He could only imagine how awful it would be to have to stay here, unable to leave. What if someone was left here all alone for days with just the sound of their own heart forpany.


    And what was that rushing sound in his ears?


    Was that his blood?


    He shook himself. If he didnt want to look and sound like a nervous wreck when the investigators finally came, hed need to upy himself.


    Taking a deep breath, he focused on the meditation techniques Theresa had taught him to steady himself.


    Then he had a thought.


    Activating The Mark, he began to focus on hisnguage skills, and skills in pronouncing names. It responded with a series of sesses during hisnguage practiceswhich gave his mind something pleasant to focus onas he also passed the time and increased his skills.


    He practiced saying words and phrases out loud, switching from Common, to Rhinean, to Tarimite, to Tekish, to Schar, to a number ofnguages spoken by spirits throughout the nes, and some hed heard around campus. There were also the beginning sybles of Irtyshenan, which hed started to learn recently.


    He focused hard on thatst one: if he went to that empire one day, it would be good to-


    Are we interrupting? a voice asked.


    Alex startled.


    He hadnt even heard anyone enter the room.


    There were now two men in there with him: one was taller than he was, and powerfully built, while the other was older with balding, greying hair, and a pencil moustache. That one had a friendly face.


    Hello there, Mr. Roth, the friendly-faced man said. I hope you havent been waiting for too long. Im Officer Ferrero.


    Officer Gustavo, therger one said in a deep, gravelly voice.


    Oh, you can call me Al- Alex started to stand.


    Oh that is fine. Officer Ferrero held up a hand. You can stay seated. Stayfortable.


    Hard to do with how cold the bloody room is, Alex thought, looking down at a sheaf of papers that the officer was holding.


    We just need to ask you a few questions, and then youll be on your way, the older man said as he and his partner slid silently into chairs across from Alex.


    Well, thats good to hear. Alex smiled, calling on The Mark to help keep his features friendly, sincere andfortable. Hed never been in trouble with the guards of Alric, but he knewwhen teachers were looking to find troublemakerstheyd focus on anyone who looked shifty.


    The officers were expressionless as they sat down.


    Alright, then, Officer Ferrero said. I suppose the first question we have for you is, have you seen anything out of the ordinarytely. Anyone on your research team acting suspicious?


    Alex put his hands on the table and sped them to ground himself. He briefly considered making a joke to break some of his own tension...but immediately decided that would be a bad idea.


    I havent seen anything out of the ordinary,  he said, trying to keep as calm as possible. He focused on maintaining steady,fortable breaths.


    Mmm. Ferrero nodded. No one nervous, no one keeping strange hours or anything like that?


    No more than usual, Alex said.


    Right, right, the officer said. No one talking bad, or seeming resentful against the deities or any of the temples? Or anything like that?


    No, not that I know of. Chancellor Baelin doesnt want priests and stuff on campus, but no one else has really said anything, at least not to me.


    Mmmm, and what about you? Ferrero asked. Do you have any gods that you worship?


    Uh, just Uldar, Alex said, though he knew he didnt really pray much to Uldar anymore. For various reasons.


    Right, Uldar...not a temple with a lot of power in the city, the officer said. And you dont have a problem with Uldar or any of the other religions in Generasi? No problems in the past?


    Alex kept his face straight, thinking about how hed avoided having anything to do with Carey Londons more devout activities. They likely wouldnt know about that, and if they did, hed never been hostile toward her.


    No problems, he said, focusing on keeping his face straight.


    Mmmm, alright.


    Is that all? Alex asked hopefully.


    No, I think theres another question we need you to answer for us, Mr. Roth.


    Alex tried to predict what that question would be.


    Would it be about him being at the first attack? About Minervus?


    How in the world did you get to Generasi so fast? the officer asked, leaning in to peer at Alex.


    Alexs mind paused. Pardon?


    Youre Thameish, right? The investigator said, looking down at what seemed to be notes. Left your homnd to attend school hereand avoid this Ravener upheaval that gues your countrymen, right? But ording to the record of when the mana vampire was killed aboard the ship you arrived in Generasi onit would have been impossible for you to get to the city so fast after you left Thamnd, all things considered. Not unless you, say, teleported. Or <em>were</em> teleported.


    Alex called on every resource and bit of guidance from The Mark to keep himself looking calm, even though he was a bundle of panicking nerves on the inside.


    So the question is, I repeat, Officer Ferrero said. How <em>did </em>you get here so quickly, Mr. Roth?

 Chapter 206: Alex Roth Goes to Jail (Maybe)

    Chapter 206: Alex Roth Goes to Jail (Maybe)


    Alex took a deep breath. What does how fast I got here have to do with you investigating a demon summoner? he asked the officer. Are you using me of something?


    Oh, no, no, of course were not making usations, it just seems curious that you got here so quickly, and ording to thending records at the port, well before you were to start school.


    Oh, theres nothing curious about it. I uh, I just left right away, Alex said, looking calm even though hed been caught off-guard by the question. He kept his mind focused, trying to respond quickly and easily.


    It was a damned lucky thing, he said. As soon as I got my notice of eptance, I left as fast as I could since there was so much going on at home.


    There was probably a record of when eptances were sent out, but no recordat least here, in Generasiof when hed received his letter. He could have left Thamnd any time so, it seemed like Ferrero was making assumptions about when hed left. Assumptions werent facts.


    Mmm, luck, Officer Ferrero said.


    <em>Scrrrtch. Scrrrtch.</em>


    Alex startled.


    In the rooms unnatural silence, Ferreros penrecording his answeror maybe something elsewas unnervingly loud.


    He tried to stay calm, hoping that they hadnt been in contact with Thamnd. They couldnt know about the list of people leaving Alric that the guards, Peter and Paul, had made. Besides, they wouldnt have had enough time to send for information and get it back from Thamnd since hed been in here. If they had, hed probably be arrested and in a cell by now.


    You do have some luck, Mr. Roth. Im not sure whether youd call it good or badbut you got some luck.


    Two mana vampires hunting you in under a year. Officer Gustavo leaned forward. The monster attack on Patrizia DePaolos manor. Thats a <em>lot</em> of action for a first year student, even at Generasi.


    But hey, maybe its good luck. Officer Ferrero shrugged. After all, youre still alive. Alive and now on a major research team funded by the city and the university.


    A research team that had ess to knowledge of the chancellors movements, Gustavo supplied.


    Did you have any contacts in Generasi before you arrived here, Mr. Roth, one who might have teleported you and...your family to the Rhinean empire to board <em>The Red Siren</em>?


    Alexs eyes darted back and forth.


    The Mark was flooding him with images of himself when hed been surprisedand a little scared. But not too scared. It showed him images of himself talking to other people: images of himself looking them in the eye, not turning away, not going silent to look like he was gathering his thoughts for a lie.


    He used all of it...


    For once he thanked Uldar that The Mark seemed immune to magical detection by anyone except Uldars priests: it had even escaped Professor Jules and Baelins notice, and thankfully, now Gustavos and Ferreros.


    Why are you bringing my family into this...are you using us of something? Alex asked, trying to not sound like a naive, nervous near-neen year old as much as he could.


    Not yet, Gustavo said, his voice like iron. But the day is still young, Mr Roth.


    Gustavo! Ferrero nced at his partner as though reprimanding him. He looked back at Alex, smiling warmly. Look, sorry about that, Mr. Roth. No ones using you of anything. Were just trying to get all the facts straight here. If were going to find whoevers doing this, we need to eliminate everyone as a suspect. Make sense?


    Something about the way he said itin this strangely silent, featureless white room with the nasty Gustavo as the only other person to talk to in here, made it easy to feel gratitude toward Officer Ferrero.


    which might have been the point, Alex thought.


    I will say, Ferrero said. Your luck <em>must</em> be good. ording to information received from Shales workshop, Minervus Spuriusyourte coworkeronce used you of ipetence at your job. A few dayster, the poor young man was killed by a mana vampire. And then youter avenged himmaybe by ident, maybe not. Coincidences? Luck?


    Taking care of loose ends? Gustavo muttered.


    These two were getting on his nerves, especially with thatment about his family, but he had to remain calm.


    Ferroro tapped his pen on his sheet of parchment. Tell me, do you think you have a Guardian Engeli, Alex?


    Do you mean do I think that some generous spirit from one of the heavens is looking after me and guiding me into profitable and virtuous ventures? Alex asked, sounding slow-witted on purpose.


    In case you dont know, which you probably do, my parents died in a fire, right? So no. No, I dont think I have a guardian engeli, Alex wanted to say.


    I dont think so, was what he actually said. Unless you mean do I think someones helping me out? Well, I am pretty close with Professor Jules and Chancellor Baelin.


    Thats right.


    Name drop someone important.


    <em>Scrrrtch. Srrcth.</em>


    More pen scratching.


    So no one would ever, say, protect you, or try to make sure that problems went away for you? Gustavo said.


    And hey, if they did it wouldnt be your fault. Ferrero shrugged. If they engaged in other, say, less legal activities.


    Unless you knew about them, Gustavo grunted. And didnt say you did.


    Alex took a breath, making sure to keep it as natural as possible using guidance from The Mark.


    Not been meeting anyone secretly? Gustavo suggested.


    Alex thought about Kybas, but kept his face neutral. Well, Ive met my girlfriend a couple of times.


    Gustavo didnt smile.


    Ferreroughed, but theughter didnt reach his eyes. I understand you have an interest in summoning? Do you have atutor, or someone who youve been working with?


    Alex couldnt help but wince. Youyou know what spells Im learning?


    Weve had some conversations, Ferrero said casually. Heard things here and there. But, of course lots of people learn summoning. I did a bit of dabbling in it myself, in my youth. Heh, tried to summon up a lust demon, if you know what I mean. Haha, I spent too much time reading those books they keep in the back of the bookshops: in the rooms curtained with those beads!


    Again, the room filled with Ferrerosughter.


    Again, his cheer didnt reach his eyes.


    Alex was starting to get the feeling that Ferrero was the one he needed to be way more cautious of. Gustavo was trying to scare him, keep him unbnced: it was amon tactic inbat, ording to Chancellor Baelin.


    But Ferrero was acting like he was his friend.


    And what did someone do with friends?


    They talked.


    They let their guard down.


    They got careless.


    Ferrero was definitely the more dangerous one. In some ways, he reminded Alex of Derek: very adept at feigning friendliness to get what he wanted. Hed need to be <em>very</em> careful about what he did and didnt say to this one.


    But how did he know about the spells he was learning? Had they been following him after the first attack? Talking to his teachers or-


    No.


    Amir.


    Amir had seen him just after hed summoned the Elemental Beetlesthats when hed told Alex that what hed summoned was probably a Sea Devil. If the investigators had already talked to himand they could havethen Amir could have easily told them everything he knew about Alex.


    Would he be trying to throw suspicion on him?


    Or was he simply answering questions about members of the expedition team that hed been asked questions about? One way to tell is if Ferrero asked him any questions about the others. If he didntthen either Alex was being given different questions, or Amir had talked about him.


    or maybe it wasnt Amir.


    Isolde knew that he was practicing summoning too, but she said she didnt even want to talk to the investigators. Would she have mentioned something?


    He shook his head.


    Suspicion.


    That could make any team fall apart.


    Lagorhis supervisor at Shaleshad brought Minervus up short for making usations against a team member with nothing but assumptions, and no proof. Without teamwork, trust and camaraderie, a team would fall apart.


    I trust Isolde, he thought.


    I uhroom with beads? Alex asked. I dont get the reference.


    Really, a young man like you? Ferreros eyebrows rose. Kids, these daysspeaking of kids these days. Do you know anyone else on your team whos involved in the summoning arts?


    There, a question about others on the team, but not anyone specific. Well, no more than normal for students at a wizard school, Alex said. The question had been just a general one.


    Where were you on the following dates? Gustavo suddenly asked, naming the dates of the attacks. Alex was able to give his whereabouts on all three days. The Watcher had taken a statement from him at the first attackso thered be a recordand with thest two, a nice thing about ygon was that he stood out: witnesses in the stadium and docks might not have noticed Alex, but they definitely wouldve noticed a huge, four-armed y golem.


    <em>Srrrcth. Srrrrcth.</em>


    Ferrero nodded. And you wouldnt mind if we confirmed that, would you?


    Go ahead, Alex said.


    There. Hopefully, thatd decrease any notion that he could be the demon summoner.


    The questions continued, seemingly at random. There wasnt a specific pattern to them, but they did seem designed to throw him off. Theyd ask about certain events, then leave those only to return to themter, except the questions would be rephrased.


    Theyd ask him what happened before certain events, then make him retell the events backwards. Alex wasnt quite sure what the point wasthen again, maybe he understood.


    If he were making things up, itd be harder to keep his story straight, especially if they asked him about details in different ways. Luckily, his answers were mostly true.


    The only thing he needed to lie about was when, and how, he got to Generasi from Thamnd, and he used The Mark to keep those details straight, focusing on the skill of deception.


    Eventually, Ferrero and Gustavo looked at each other.


    Well, Im out of questions, what about you? Ferrero said to his partner.


    Well, unless he wants to tell us who his aplice is, then I am too. The bigger man finallyughed, rising from his chair. Stay in touch, Mr. Roth.


    Alex eyed Officer Gustavo for a bit to see if the man was being serious.


    Yeah, sure, he said, not meaning a word of it.


    When Ferrero opened the door, an assault of soundafter the unnatural silence of the interrogation roomhit him.


    As Alex stood, he dearly hoped hed have no reason to evere back here again.


    Alex! a familiar voice called to him.


    What? What are you all doing here?


    On a bench just outside the investigation office and wizard jails outer walls, Alex saw his whole family: Selina, Theresa, Brutus and Mr. and Mrs. Lu, quickly get up and hurry toward him.


    He blinked in the evening light: realizing hed been down in the basement of the building for most of the day.


    Are you alright? Mrs. Lu asked, reaching up to grab Alexs face and turn his head this way and that. They didnt hurt you, did they? They didnt use magic to go into your mind or anything like that?


    Mrs. Lu, thats illegal here, Alex grunted, as she squeezed his cheeks. They didnt go into my mind or try to steal my soul or anything like that.


    She gasped. So thats true? Magic can steal your soul?


    No, I mean yes, I meanprobably? he muttered before his better sense told him to stop talking about soul-stealing. Anyway, they didnt do anything bad to me. They just asked me a bunch of questions.


    Hmph, and why would they do that? she snorted. Youre a good boy, you havent done anything wrong.


    Are you in trouble? Selina asked Alex.


    No, no Im fine-


    He felt a hand on his back and startled, then turned to see Theresa. There was anunfamiliar expression on her face. Difort?


    Alright, alright, why dont we get away from here before Sir ygon does something, Mr. Lu said.


    Wait, does something? Alex turned toward his golem.


    ygon was staring at the walls of theplex. He hadnt moved from the spot where Alex had left himhe hadn''t moved at allhe just kept staring. He wasnt even looking at Alex now that he was out.


    Why was he focused on the building like that? Alex swallowed.


    He really did not need his golem acting suspiciously in front of the authorities. Yeah, lets go, Alex said, reaching out to ygon.


    They headed into the city, nning to take a sky-gond. The mood was low. It was clear that Theresa was upset, Mr. Lu was looking down at his feet in thought.


    Selina and Brutus were


    Well, they were fine.


    And that was kind of strange too.


    His sister was pointing out all kinds of neat buildings to Mrs. Lu. She didnt even seemremotely concerned about the authorities, or the demon summoner, or anything. Alex frowned.


    She had always been a brave girl, but this was something else.


    And Mrs. Lushe kept looking at Theresa and Alex.


    Finally, she sighed and stopped walking.


    The group paused on a bridge that arched over one of the canals that eventually met the sea. Fresh water rushed below, reflecting thest rays of the setting sun. A barge passed below the bridge, pulled by arge, equine creature with finned forelegs and hind quarters that ended in a massive fish tail: a hippocampus.


    Whats wrong? Mr. Lu asked her.


    His wife hesitated.


    Alright she said. Im going to tell you both something, and Im sure neither of you want to hear this, but I think we should leave this ce. All of us. As soon as we can book passage on a ship, we should go to the Rhinean Empire.

 Chapter 207: Resolution

    Chapter 207: Resolution


    Mr. Lu winced.


    Theresa looked at her mother as though shed just pped her.


    Alex grimaced: hed kind of expected this might being, with how worried shed been.


    I dont want to go! Selina cried. I dont want to run away again because of some dumb monsters and demons! I like it here! My friends are here!


    Her brother looked at her in surprise: shed been pretty ready to leave Alric with him and Theresa, and hadnt said a word about leaving her friends from back home.


    Im not running away, mother, Theresa said. You saw what I can do now. Im not afraid.


    Mrs. Lu, he said. No disrespect, but I gotta agree with my sister and Theresa here. Like, I cant just throw everything away until-


    I dont mean for you all to leave forever. Mrs. Lu shook her head. You cane away with us until this criminal is caught, then you cane back and finish your studies, and if Selina and Theresa want toe back, they cane too.


    Mother! Theresa said. Were all okay, the demon summoner hasnt hurt any of us!


    But you dont know how long thats going tost, Mrs. Lu said. You dont know how many times youre going to get lucky. What if we had been in the centre of the city when the attack happened? And now Alex is being treated like a criminal.


    Theywere just asking me some questions, Mrs. Lu, he insisted, trying not to worry her. But he knew that those questions had been some pretty <em>pointed </em>ones.


    And, if he was honest


    Having to deal with those questions in that cold, anxiety-inducing room when he hadnt done anything wronghell, hed been one of the people that had helped stop the demons during the summoners first attackbothered him a little.


    Actually, more than a little.


    He began to grind his teeth, but used The Mark to bring his expression back to a calm one.


    For the first time in a while, he found himself wishing that he didnt have this Mark on his shoulder, so that if he ever got his hands on the demon summoner, he could punch them in their stupid, demon summoning face.


    What they were doing was evil. They were forcing innocent people to have to defend themselves, and now they were directly affecting the expedition. This expedition was important for a lot of reasons. It was an opportunity for him, for all of wizardry, and for Thamnd. With Baelin and his team of researchers going to his homnd, maybe they might uncover something that could lead to ending the Ravener forever, not to mention all the advances that coulde from dungeon cores.


    But now


    The integrity of everyone on the research team was being questioned.


    Im surprised youre so calm about this, Alex, Mrs. Lu said.


    Im just d Im not in wizard jail, he said, hiding how he really felt.


    Its only a matter of time with the way theyre treating you. Mrs. Lu gestured in the direction of the jail.


    Again, anger surged in him and he took a deep breath, calming himself.


    Silence followed.


    Yutong, I thinkif the kids want to stay, they should stay, Mr. Lu said quietly.


    Alex looked at him as though he were Uldar himself, descending from on high to save the day. Both Theresa and Mrs Lu looked at him like theyd misheard what hed said.


    Zimo, really? His wife blinked. Look at all thats happened here.


    I have, Mr. Lu said gently. And we both saw something remarkable yesterday- He gestured to Theresa. -we saw our daughter fight a ten foot monster to a standstill like she was Twinde Lu himself. Selina is also learning so much, you heard the things she talks about. I saw Alex do things that Ive only heard about in fairy stories.


    Alex felt a rush of heat to his cheeks from a mix of embarrassment and pride. Hed shown Theresas parents some of the magic hed learned, but hadnt realised how much of an impression it had left on Mr. Lu.


    That wont matter if theyre caught up in some kind of criminal scandal, Mrs Lu protested.


    But it would look even worse if they ran away now, Mr. Lu countered. If we all just up and left right after Alex was questioned, dont you think thatd really make him look guilty to the authorities?


    And he, Theresa and Selina would be safe. Mrs. Lu crossed her arms on her chest. And then when they caught the <em>real</em> culprit, they coulde back.


    Maybe. Or maybe not. He crossed his arms too, and Alex felt the air tense. Theresa took a step back and Selina moved, putting Alex between herself and Theresas parents.


    They might just put all their focus on him since he ran away, he pushed. And then hed be seen as someone suspicious, someone not to be trusted. And you, me, Selina and <em>our</em><em>daughter,</em> would be known as people who helped a suspect run away.


    Theyll think badly about him anyway if hes arrested, we need to get away from here just until they catch this summoner thing.


    Mother-


    Not a word, Theresa.


    Theresas mouth quickly closed.


    Alex winced, ncing back at the river: the barge and hippocampus were gone, but other boats were passing by now. His hand rose and gripped the stone railing on the bridge, his knuckles tightening on it.


    He took a deep breath to calm himself.


    Anger was useful. It could be very useful, but overwhelming anger only caused harm. Still, in that moment of anger, he sort of got why the demon summoner would want to target temples.


    He was getting awfully sick of Uldar and every problem that had fallen on him because he''d gotten The Mark. Standing there, he let himself examine his life.


    If it werent for The Mark, his journey to Generasi would have been a normal one since he wouldve simply made the entire trip by boat like most other people. There would have been no Cave of The Traveller, no dungeon core, no mana vampire aboard ship since he would have been on ater ship, no expedition, and hed be living a life where he wasntwhat?


    A suspect?


    A person of interest?


    A potential scapegoat for demon summoning scum?


    He wouldnt have fought a bunch of monsters, which meant that Theresa and Selina would have been in less danger, and Theresa wouldnt have had to hide stuff from her parents.


    He acknowledged that his life would have been a lot easier without all of those things.


    Then he let his mind shift to the benefits: without The Mark, Selina wouldnt have gotten her birthday present. Without it there would be no ygon. He probably wouldnt know Professor Jules, ValRok or Chancellor Baelin so well. He wouldnt have taken The Art of the Wizard in Combat, so he never would have met Isolde or Thundar or Grimloch or Malcolm or any of his other friends from Baelins ss. He probably wouldnt have gotten to be such good friends with Khalik either.


    As he felt his anger decrease, he realized that he wasnt so much angry at The Mark.


    He was angry at the barriers and constraints it brought.


    The Fool didnt let him practice wizardry freely, or even defend himself from threats freely. He was discovering that he actually likedbatthe challenges and spoils of itbut he couldnt be as aggressive with his spells and other abilities because of The Marks constraints. More and more he was getting tired of having to hide it, and he was tired of worrying about being found out, whether it was by priests, other students, professors, investigators or whomever. From the very beginning hed had to make his choices based on having to hide The Mark, and not drawing suspicion, or the wrong kind of attention to himself. So, just because he was innocent of being the demon summoner, he still had his own secrets that needed to be kept hidden.


    Twice now hed been questioned by the authorities and been scared shitless each time, worried that his secret woulde outand he was getting reeeeal tired of it.


    -just want to see her pick up your childhood dreams, Mrs. Lu said to her husband. You saw her fight and you think that she can be what you decided not to be.


    Alex realized hed tuned out of the conversation.


    Mr. Lu winced as though hed been struck. Thatsunkind. Look, our daughter is an adult and so is Alex. I can see maybe asking for Selina toe with us-


    No! Selina said.


    -but we want them to make their own choices. We cant hold their hands forever, especially when theyre getting closer to dreams that they have, Yutong.


    Mother, father, Theresa said, stepping forward.


    I said not now, Theresa. Her mother nced at her.


    Yes, now. Like father said, Im an adult and Im not going to stand here while you two debate my life like Im a little girl. I want to stay here.


    And so do I, Alex said, standing beside her. Mrs. Lu, thank you. Seriously, thank you. I dunno what I was thinking earlier, but yeah, youre right. I didnt do anything wrong. And the way I see it, is that I shouldnt have to run away from here since <em>I</em> did nothing wrong. I get it, you just want all of us to be safe and this stuff is scary, but likewe all left Thamnd with the goal of eventually going back when The Heroes defeat The Ravener.


    And Im saying we should leave here with the goal of you eventuallying back when this person is caught, Alex, Mrs. Lu pushed.


    Right, and it worked for Thamnds situation. Butwhen we all leave there because of The Ravener, we all leave together. But if you, Theresa, Selina, Mr. Lu and I left now, wed be some of the few to leave.sses are still being held. The games are still going to happen. Mrs. Lu, you should see how these people deal with stuff like this: monsters and demon summoners and all kinds of bad, bad stuffes along, and they just deal with it, and then get on with their lives. Its admirable. Thats the way I want to be. Im not going to force that on Selina-


    I want to stay too, how many times do I have to say that? she growled.


    -thanks, Selina, he said. But yeah. When we run away from Thamnd its for a purpose, toe back when our Heroes win. But, the army and knights stay and fight.


    Mrs. Lu raised an eyebrow. Youre not saying youre going to try and track down this criminal, are you?


    Oh by The Traveller, no. He shook his head. I mean, if they were right in front of me and I got the opportunity to stop them, then yeah Id do it if I could. Especially with ygon around, but Im not going to go sticking my nose into something thats about as explosive as dragon breath. But I dunnotheres times when you have to be clever and take a role, and times when you just have to dig your heels in. So thats me.


    Mrs. Lu looked at him for a long time, then nced at her daughter, Selina and her husband. She sighed. I guess Im outnumbered here. but will you withdraw from these silly games?


    No way. Alex shook his head. If anything, I think Im going to work harder to ce as high as I can. If people want to be suspicious of me, then they can be suspicious of someone that excelled at The Games of Roal.


    He stepped toward her. Dont worry Mrs. Luor like, I guess I cant tell you to not worry, but trust Theresa and me. We know how to handle ourselves, and we wont let ourselves get swept up in some crap that the demon summoners doing. Okay?


    Mrs. Lu looked at him thoughtfully, then at Theresa. I take it you think the same way?


    Oh yeah, she said. Well show them what we can do. And that were not guilty of anything.


    Alex nodded. Were not.


    Mrs. Lu nodded. I see I cant change your minds or force you to leave because it is true, you are adults, but Ill always worry about you and want the best for you, no matter how old you are. She looked at Selina. Remember, you are responsible for Selina. Just


    She wrapped them both in a hug. Please promise you will keep yourselves safe.


    As Alex and Theresa made their promises, he thought about the investigation.


    At no time did any of the investigators talk to Baelin or ask him any questions that Alex saw. The ancient wizard had both the power and motivation to summon demons against priests or anyone else. It would be a way to drive all of them out of Generasi. But, that idea was ridiculous, just as ridiculous as putting it on him.


    Of course, who would use Baelin?


    He certainly wouldnt, even if for some insane reason he believed the chancellor was behind the whole affair. After all, Baelin had a lot of power and influence in the city. One look at hisb told anyone that he had a lot of coin. Then there was his personal power.


    He remembered the time when Baelin had wondered out loud what it would take to stop him if he were to rampage through the city. Even if the chancellor was a criminal, then how many people would die trying to bring him in?


    Itd likely be a situation where the authorities would just turn a blind eye and hope his mood would improve, even if Baelin was doing some real dark shit.


    Alex considered the idea of being in that kind of position of powerhe kinda liked it.


    Gaining enough power socially, magically and maybe even with enough wealth that even if Thamnd found out he was The Fool, or people tried to move against his cabal, he and his friends could be like little Baelins: too strong to move against.


    And setting himself a goal of cing high in The Games of Roal, would be an excellent next step. And the time for that was running short. Let Baelin and The Watchers focus on the demon summoner. If they came his way, ygons fist would be waiting for them.


    Cretins! Wretches! Isolde growled as she paced back and forth on the balcony. She, Khalik, Alex and Theresa had met up on a balcony of the main castle. I had no hand in this, and yet they brought me to one of their icy rooms like a b of beef to be preserved! Then they peppered me with questions like I was amon thief, me of the von Anmut family!


    I feel the same way, Alex said. Baelins the only one who looks like hes immune to their shenanigans.


    Actually, professor Jules might just share that immunity, because after a few strong words with their leader, they left her alone. Isolde added.


    Yeah, I cant see her calmly letting anyone use her of crap. But thats sort of what I was about to say. This questioning made me realize that the more our reputation grows in the city, the less people are going to be quick to throw around usations against us, or try to take us down.


    Predators do always go for the weakest members of a herd, Theresa echoed.


    And rebels often kill their neighbours long before their kings. Khalik leaned against the balustrade, his arms crossed.


    Isolde sniffed. At times, being more sessful makes one the target of ill-intentions and jealousy. Take the Hydra Companions for exampleand speaking of them, in all this disaster, I had nearly forgotten them. We should talk to them soon.


    Agreed, Alex said. Im thinking no, we dont join them, but maybe something like a nonaggression pact?


    Khalik thought about that. So, are you saying we agree to not attack each other?


    Not until the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhoods taken down. If we beat them, thatll look really good for us, plus well get a little revenge. Especially Isolde. Theyre a big team too, so eliminating them would be worth a lot of points, right?


    True, Khalik said. We would definitely ce higher, and it would look better if our team overcame our opponents on our own.


    Right, Isolde said. I


    She smiled.


    ...like this n.

 Chapter 208: Nonaggression and Reading Lies

    Chapter 208: Nonaggression and Reading Lies


    Non-aggression? Roderich cocked his head. That goes a bit against the spirit of the tournament.


    Is it against the rules? Alex asked, ncing at Isolde who was sitting beside him.


    They were meeting with certain members of the Hydra Companions in a remote gazebo on campus. The round table was attended by Alexs entire team.


    It is not, Isolde said. Informal alliances between teams in order to face arger threat are as much a tradition in the Grand Battle, as the event itself. She tapped on a history book in front of her. It is not as though the alliance extends to individual events. As long as there is no point shaving, nor coboration between teams to fix games and create results that would provide higher earnings for those generally wagering on The Games, then it is allowed. In essence, no team can be involved with anyone engaged in specting: whether legally or illegally.


    She flipped through the book. There have even been a few cases where two teamsfinding honour in each others effortshave elected to share a victory. Sometimes such a show of sportsmanship has been popr with spectators, other times, such a thing has been met with outrage and seen as a cynical attempt of one team to curry favour with members of another, they were likely to lose to. As a matter of fact, in one generation-


    I hope thats not what youre looking for, a crocodile man crossed his arms and bared his teeth.


    Grimloch growled back, baring his teeth and standing up.


    For a breath, the crocodile man eyed Grimloch uncertainly, before abruptly ending his show of hostility.


    W-were not sharing victory, no matter where we ce, he finished quickly.


    How strange. Khalik smiled viciously. I was about to say the same thing to you.


    Several Hydra Companions stiffened, but one of themclearly the highest ranked member therered at them.


    Were not here to pick a fight, she said, crossing her arms. Mind your manners. She returned her attention to Alexs group. Ourpanion-hood isnt interested in any victory sharing, if this is what the purpose of your pact is. Either you join our teams, or were all out for ourselves.


    Yeah, we dont want the victory sharing thing either, Alex said. And we arent joining you, like we said, but we dont want either of us to knock each other around before the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood gets taken down. The weaker we both are, the better chance they have of winning. So, we do it like this: if wee across each other before we hear their team is eliminated, we justact like were aaaaaall nice and invisible. We walk past each other and go stomp some otherpetition. Isolde, they announce when teams get eliminated, yes?


    They do, she said a little huffily. Alex knew her well enough to know she was still<strong></strong>offended by the crocodile mans interruption. And once their defeat is announced, then we shall engage in righteousbat.


    I see, I see, Roderich said. And would we team up on the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood if we run into them together? That seems logical to me.


    Logical, true, Khalik said. But not much thrill in that.


    They are ours, Isolde said with heat. If by some devils wish they defeat us, then you may have our scraps.


    The leader of the Hydra Companions delegation blinked. Thats some confidence.


    Weve got reason to be, Thundar said.


    For a few minutes, the Companions left the table to discuss the offer in private.


    Very well, Roderich spoke for them. Your terms are eptable. So, we will not fight each other until the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood falls. You will have first crack at them. But, if we see them first, <em>and if </em>they attack us, then we will have to engage and crush them.


    Makes sense to me, Alex said.


    But if they dont engage us, and if we see you, then well point your team to them. Deal? Roderich extended his hand as did the other members of the Hydra Companions.


    Agreed. Khalik, Alex and their other team members shook the offered hands.


    Alex nced around their surroundings, and noticed figures watching them from a distance.


    He decided that he really did not like being followed and would try to do something about it.


    Especially, when it seemed to be a bunch of different people always doing the following.


    As The Games got closeronly a few days away nowhed been noticing a mix of people, some who looked like students and some who didnt, following him at all hours of the day when he left his apartment.


    Some of the supposed students seemed to be just scoping out thepetitions movements and practice sessions for The Gameshe even recognized a few as members of the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhoodbut others wereclearly not students.


    Even though they looked youngclose to his age groupthey didnt <em>move</em> like students. After his meeting with those investigators, hed started a new project with The Mark. Learning how people moved, and identifying certain<strong></strong>facial expressions.


    When hed finally gotten into bed the night hed been questioned, hedid awake for a while thinking about everything that had happened, and hed been bothered by a nagging feeling that the investigators werent done with him. They still suspected somebody on the expedition team, and hadn''t told him that he was ruled out as a suspect, so what better way to gather more information than to watch and see who he associated with, especially, if they were looking for some aplice. When he, Selina and the Lus had spent the day at the rainbow tower, he remembered seeing people that were probably city guards dressed in inclothes, mixing in among the crowds.


    It didnt take a genius to figure out that the investigators would probably use the same method to keep tabs on their suspects. Alex definitely wanted to know who was watching him, whether it was someone looking to find out what thepetition for The Games was up to, or if it was someone from the authorities.


    So, hed turned to The Mark to help do what it did best, help him learn a skill.


    Since someone on the expedition team might be a potential criminal, he thought it would be useful if he could learn to tell<strong></strong>if someone was lying to him. He also wanted to learn how to analyze bodynguage, which he thought might be able to help him be better at figuring out who was following him; student or an investigator.


    The results of The Marks help had beenmixed.


    It turned out that the idea of being able to find out if someone was lying by bodynguage alone wasnot as easy as he thought itd be.


    The Mark had brought up different times that hed been lied to, but only when he <em>knew</em> he was being lied to. It was a downside of The Mark only drawing from memories of sesses. If he didnt figure out a lie, then it wouldnt count as a sess, so The Mark had nothing to show him in that situation. It could only show him what it did have, which were memories of some of his ssmates back in church school lying to him, or Derek lying to him, and Minervus lying about him being responsible for the golems rampage at work.


    But, in those memories, it focused on pieces<strong></strong>of the stories that Alex knew werent true, parts where the liar was vague, and parts of the stories that changed. All in all, it had showed him inconsistencies or perceived inconsistencies, which it put a focus on.


    It also focused on physical tells, like very obvious facial tics, like when Selina had eaten his share of buns once and med Brutus for eating them. Shed kept her head down and hadnt even looked at his face at the time, but shed kept chewing on her bottom lip.


    But the problem wasexcept for super obvious tellsThe Mark didnt focus much on bodynguage as an indicator of lies, which had confused him at first. But, he started to understand when he really thought about The Marks memories of analyzing bodynguage.


    It quickly became clear where the problem was.


    People had different tics to their bodynguage, where they were originally from also heavily affected their general bodynguage. One day, hed seen Theresa and Shishi talking during one of their meditation sessions. His girlfriend had a habit of looking directly into peoples eyes, almost staring them down, while Shishi tended to mostly look away when she was in a conversation with someone.


    He came to slowly realize that eye contact varied between cultures. It also reminded him of an old adage from Thamnd: Never trust someone who negotiates on an empty belly. Hed said that to Khalik once, and the prince had just looked at him in confusion.


    Certain things just didnt work across cultures.


    So hed decided to try a different approach.


    He thought about Minervus, and focused on the task of being able to tell when <em>Minervus</em> was lying. That situation had yielded a lot more data.


    The Mark had shown him all kinds of little body signals, and twitches in speech that indicated when Minervus was making up stuff to get Alex in trouble, as opposed to when he was stating a known fact. This led Alex to a conclusion: It was not only individual specific, but he had to have had contact with the individual before.


    To be able to tell when someone was lying, he had to see through the lies of the individual first, and then he could use The Mark to learn their specific tells to be able to recognize a lie in the future.


    That was a lot of work, and would take a lot of time, study, and interaction.


    Still, it was useful information to have. But, what he <em>could </em>do for now though is focus on learning someones bodynguage using The Mark, which would show him certain details. Now, this is where The Marks general analysis of bodynguage proved to be very useful.


    Seeing through lies was difficult since it would involve talking to someone then using that interaction to generate useful data for The Mark so that he could try and figure out if or when they were lying to him.


    But, identifying bodynguage?


    That was a lot more clear cut, all he needed to do was just sit back, watch people, pay attention, look for patterns ande to recognize what their bodynguage meant. It didnt take him long to notice certain patterns in peoples bodynguage. A few of the people following him had simr, aggressive movements to Officer Gustavo, or a Watcher of Roal. They hid them well enough, but the more Alex analyzed them using The Mark, the clearer it became that they were <em>not</em> students.


    While students on campus were watchfulthe demon summoner had everyone on edgethere were some on campus who looked young, but watched their surroundings with the level of alertness of an experienced hunter, not an average cautious student. Alex jotted down those observations into his notes.


    By the time the eve of The Games of Roal finally arrived, hed figured out that at least twomaybe three of the people tailing him were most likely investigators.


    After he was satisfied with his conclusionsand resisted the urge to tell them to stop following him because he knew what they were up tohe had a pre-games dinner for his friends at his apartment, which Kybas was invited to.


    Partway through the evening, he pulled him aside to warn him.


    Listen, he said to the goblin-wizard. You might want to stay above ground for a bit. I dunno if youve noticed anyone strange hanging around near you, but me and some of my friends have been gettingunfriendly eyes.


    He didnt mention who those eyes belonged to.


    Just a little suggestion, man, stay above ground for a bit. Maybe until things calm down. Maybe after The Games, or this demon summoners caught.


    Kybas grunted, ncing out the window. Ya, maybe he said. I might be able to make sure no ones following me, and go do one big harvest tost Harmless for a while. And maybe I can set up something to automatically give the shrooms moisture, I suppose, if its only for a little while. Things seem to be a lot tenser around campus these days. Lots of strange people around, too. Lots of people watching.


    Yeah, I wouldnt want you to get in trouble. Keep yourself safe.


    And so thest few grains of sand ticked through the hourss leading up to The Games of Roal. The research team hadnt met since Baelins announcement, and Alex hadnt had any contact with the chancellor either.


    In the end, hed been left to practice and prepare for The Games.


    Until atst, the first morning of The Games of Roal dawned.


    Alexs team members were up early, excited to see the grounds and the prizes that the Watchers had on disy.


    and also to see some of thepetition in action in the earlier events.

 Chapter 209: Scouting Out The Grounds

    Chapter 209: Scouting Out The Grounds


    In spite of all the tension the demon summoners attacks had caused throughout Generasi, the venue for The Games of Roal was one of the cheeriest looking ces Alex had seen in a long time. Well, maybe not as cheery as the Rainbow Tower with literal rainbows shimmering inside, but close enough.


    The main tournament grounds were set up on campus to take advantage of the facilities that were already there, like the stadium and sky-track.


    Seemingly overnight, an absolute sea of tents and deceptively permanent-looking buildings had been erected on campus. Alex figured that by using magic, one could build all kinds of stuff pretty quickly. In Alric it took <em>weeks</em> to set up for festivals that were a fraction of the size of The Games.


    Since it was still early morning, there werent too many people around yet, though there were a number of folks setting up, andpetitors for the games were walking around, doing the same thing that Alexs group was: scoping out thepetition, prizes, and where theyd bepeting.


    In the early morning sunlight, a mix of peoples from Generasi and far beyond were organizing their carts, tents, and stalls, throughout the venue, andpleting the instation of magically erected buildings made of colourful woods in all shapes and heights. Dozens ofnguages rang through the air, mixing with the aromas of a variety of foods: some Alex recognized, and some he didnt. It was the same with thenguages, and he kept listening closely, nning to take in as many as he could to go overter.


    He also watched different folks around them, gathering valuable information about their bodynguage from their movements.


    Alex looked high up above them where a busy sky reminded him of the vesparas swarm with how packed it was. Loads of sky-ships, flying beasts and sky-gonds soared through the air, arriving with people from the city bright and early. Judging by how many were alreadying by air, the area<strong></strong>would soon be filled with people, and that wasnt even taking into ount the crowds thatd be making their way over from the city by foot or carriage.


    His eyes returned to the people around him. There were plenty of Watchers of Roal and city guards patrolling the grounds as a presence to keep order, and be on the lookout for the elusive summoner. ording to Isolde, fights and even riots had broken out at previous games. Not to mention all the illegal gambling, excessive drinking and other hot-blooded activities that went hand in hand.


    Among the crowd, he spotted folks that he thought might be more than just the average spectator, vendor, or Games official. If he was reading their bodynguage right, then hed already picked out at least half a dozen inclothesmen<strong></strong>in less than half an hour.


    He didnt point them out to his friends: he just kept his eyes out for them. And, for the demon summoner.


    There was no one around the area who seemed overly suspiciousno one that screamed hey I summon demons! or anything like thathe didnt even see any of the other expedition team mem-


    He paused.


    At one end of a long pathway, he suddenly spotted Amirlooking as tired and worn out as usualwalking with his own group. He recognized Sinbrockthe dwarven grad student who worked with Professor ValRok, and whod been the invigtor for some of his examsand some of Professor Jules grad students, some who were on the expedition team, and some who werent.


    There were also three other people with Amir who Alex didnt recognize: aughing, heavy set fellow with dark hair, a thin, rangy young man with a paleplexion who was alsoughing, and a tall red haired young woman who looked just as tired as Amir.


    Are any of them the summoner? Alex wondered.


    From their bodynguage, none of them were acting in any way that stood out, but following closely behind, officers were blending in with the crowd. It looked like all of the expedition team was being followed.


    Still


    He nced at Isolde as the group made their way through the colourful tents and stalls.


    You ever he paused. Think about who the traitor might be?


    The tall young woman froze in the middle of examining armour on disy outside an armourer''s stall.


    Well that was a question right out of the blue, she said.


    Most of their group turned toward him. Thundar and Grimloch were more focused on food that was on disy. A nearby vendor had an entire goat roasting on a spit, and the smell of garlic was filling the air around them.


    Alex idly wondered how Baelin would feel if he saw it. Then again, Thundar ate beef, so maybe he wouldnt care either.


    Yeah, it kinda is butbeing here at The Games has me thinking about it. He nced meaningfully down the street, and Isolde followed his gaze until her blue eyes caught sight of Amir, Sinbrock and their otherpanions as they rounded a corner.


    It just got me wondering. Lots of people here. I dunno, maybe Im just overthinking things, but every time I see one of the team now, I cant help but think about it.


    Khalik sighed. A sad state. Such distrust has ended empires.


    And yet there is nothing we can do about it. Isolde frowned. I must admit that I have my suspicions about some of the membersif that was what you were asking, but I cannot help but feel that sharing those suspicions would be as bad as idle gossip and do more harm than good.


    Yeah Alex said. Yeah, I get ya. Trust and all that.


    He looked up at the sky again. Morning was getting on. Selina and the Lus would be waking up soon.


    In any case, lets go scout out what were fighting for. Itll be a lot cheerier than thinking about traitors and demons.


    Oh holy shit, I am <em>so</em> d I entered these Games, Alex said, barely resisting the urge to press himself against the ss.


    Hm, Khalik said. I thought there would be more. Some prize purses in the past have been much greater.


    Truly, Isolde sniffed. Evenst year the prizes were superior.


    Thundar and Alex looked at each other.


    You two really need a better idea of what average wealth is, Thundar snorted. This is a hell of a lot. Like a <em>hell</em> of a lot.


    Agreed, Theresa gaped.


    Yeeeeah, Alex muttered.


    The prizes for the various events in The Games of Roal were on disy in the central square of the event grounds. On a raised tform, behind magically reinforced ss and watched by several squads of Watchers, were wonders that glittered in the morning light.


    There were multiple suits of full te armour iid with gold and precious jewels disyed as prizes forbat oriented events, like the sky-joust and the grand melee. There were swords with jewelled hilts, and other weapons that bore glyphs with strongand deadlyenchantments. For other events, magical items like cloaks that always kept one protected from the elements, or boots infused with glyphs of running enhancement, would be presented to the winners.


    Cornucopias spilled open with rare magical fruits, or herbs and minerals that were worth a small ransom to alchemists.


    Then there was the gold.


    There was a <em>lot</em> of gold.


    Many of the eventsinstead of a fabulously crafted or even magical itemofferedrge purses filled with glittering gold coins.


    Alex rushed over to the section that disyed prizes for the Proxy battles.


    See that, ygon? He pointed. Thats what <em>were</em> going to be trying to win.


    To his disappointmentbut only a littlethere didnt seem to be any special magical items or other interesting prizes disyed for the Proxy battles. He supposed that made sense: the prizes for otherpetitions were useful for that event. Bows could be won for the archery contest, for example.


    However, the Proxy battle was a battle between summoned monsters, tamed creatures, constructs and other beasts or creations controlled by wizards. Wizards pets andpanions were so varied in shape and kind, that it would have been impossible to know what kind of physical prize would be useful to an as yet unknown winner.


    A magical cor, for example, would be two cors too few for Brutus, and probably wouldnt fit ygon, nor be of any use to him. Armour would need to be fitted to a creatures body, which wouldnt be helpful to a summoner who didnt consistently summon the same kind of monster.


    So the practical solution was on disy: cold, hard coin.


    And there was a lot of it.


    His eyes skimmed over the grand prizes for the lighter divisions:


    Three hundred and fifty gold pieces for the light-weight division.


    Five hundred gold pieces for the medium-weight one.


    One thousand for the heavy-weight, and


    His eyes grew so wide they nearly rolled out of his head.


    <em>Fifteen hundred gold pieces for the super-heavy weight division.</em>


    Thats a lot of bloody coin, he murmured, checking out the prizes for second and third ce, which were purses of seven hundred and fifty, and three hundred and seventy fight gold pieces respectively. Howe its so much bloody money?


    What do you mean? Isolde asked as she was examining some of the other prizes.


    Yeah what do you mea-Oh by The Traveller! Theresa cried, staring at the purses. Thats more than my entire family makes in about ten years back in Alric!


    Yeah, and its a hell of a lot less than the standing bounty for the mana vampire, which you knowinvolves risking your life. Thundar said.


    Indeed, Isolde said. But that is also not a spectator sport that brings thousands of paying visitors from many of the realms north and south of the Prinean Sea just to see the spectacle. Coin begets coin: and many people pay to watch the sport, so those that win are handsomely rewarded.


    Oh yeah, cuz it has so much more value than you know, <em>actually destroying super dangerous mana vampires that would kill everyone.</em> Alex snorted.


    Khalik shrugged. It is the way of things. A soldier in an army risks their life for their lords and their kingdom. Meanwhile, a bard with a wealthy patron lives on the pay and luxury of their liege, and merely has to sing onmand. Three guesses as to who has more coin poured into their coffers?


    Ugh, ah well. And I guess thats why super-heavy weight winners get the best prizes?


    Now you are thinking, Khalik said. It is the most popr of the proxy battleswatching big monsters defeat each other is more of a spectacle than watching small onesand so that event has the most funds for its prizes.


    Fair enough, better for me I guess. Wait. The Grand Battle is super popr, right? He walked along the ss as the crowd around the prizes grew. So whats the prize for-<em>Holy ever loving shit!</em>


    His eyes fell upon a massive chest filled with gold.


    The sign below showed how much coin filled the chest.


    <em>22,500?!</em> he gasped at the amount. What in the ever loving hells! Thatthat could buy a castle!


    He looked at Isolde and Khalik. That could buy a castle, right?


    Depending on where you buildperhaps a small one, Khalik nodded. What do you think, Isolde?


    Indeed, thend would be a major expensethen there is thebour. Perhaps it could buy a t-house<strong></strong>or small townhouse in Generasi, depending on the district one looked in.


    Alex and Theresa looked at each other, shocked at the sheer amount of wealth being casually thrown around during the conversation. Alex told himself that in his future, earning that kind of coin was going to really have to be part of his ns.


    He was sure ygon was worth a lot more than that, but hed rather lose an arm than lose his golem. Well, maybe not lose an <em>arm</em> but-


    Ah, but remember. Isolde tapped the side of her nose, interrupting Alexs thoughts. That prize must be split with up to a maximum of fifteen people on a team. So that is the reason the amount must be so bloated.


    Then what the hell is the grand prize for the whole tournament? Alex rushed over and looked at the prize on the highest disy.


    Rising from the top bracket was another chest filled with ten thousand gold pieces. From that chest standing straight like a young tree that had been nted in the center, was a wizards staff.


    The haft was pure tinum and covered with glyphs, and it had a massive ruby sitting on top, a ruby as big as one of Selinas fists. Alex could see enchantments for spells of Fireball, Lightning Bolt, me Wall and me Scythe built into the glyphs.


    By The Traveller, thats nice, Alex muttered. He couldnt use the spells built into it because they were too advanced and because of The Mark, but it looked really cool. His eyes went wide when he saw that it too was worth ten thousand gold pieces. So the grand prize for all the games is ten thousand gold, plus a battle staff worth another ten. And that goes to one person. No wonder peoplee from so far away topete and watch.


    He noticed that the sheer amount of points needed for the prize waspretty much impossible for him to earn. cing in different events gave you different levels of points that counted toward the whole tournament. It looked like the Grand Battle was worth a lot, but the Duel by Proxy was worth lesspared to other events, like the Sky-Joust.


    It seemed like hed have topete in about five different events to have a shot at getting enough points to win one of the overall tournament prizes.


    Theres always next year, he said. Hey Theresa, whats the top prize for the Grand Land Hunt?


    She pointed up at it. It looks like its a magical quiver that never runs out of arrows, and some sort of hunters horn. She squinted at the horns effects. It says it can only be heard by people you want to hear it, to everyone else, its silent. And whoever hears it, sees a clear image of whatever the person blowing the horn sees. Hmm...that would be <em>great</em> for teams of hunters.


    Alright, well go for that then. Alex said.


    Now that weve seen whats on offer and what we can qualify for, why do we not split up here? Khalik suggested. We can scout out the locations of our individual events before the crowds be too thick.


    Yeah, good idea, Alex said, looking up at ygon. Come on, lets see where well be fighting, big guy.

 Chapter 210: Posturing

    Chapter 210: Posturing


    The arena for the Duel by Proxy hadnt existed a day ago, but here it was: a small arena built of bright red wood. Painted across the outer walls were gigantic, murals of realistic looking monsters fighting other monsters.


    Dragons fought giant, white-furred wolves. A kraken grappled with a sea-serpent. A massive wyvern with gaping jaws was trying to bite through a xyrthaks neck.


    Its all the big monsters, Alex said to ygon as he scanned the paintings. But no-wait, there it is.


    What looked like an iron golem was fighting some sort of war-spirit, like the one Professor Mangal had summoned in Alexs first summoning ss.


    Hah, there is some love here for golems after all, Alex said, patting ygon. Lets see how much love we can give back.


    The arena was open to the public, though the area designated forpetitors to practice and warm-up in, was still gated off. Just outside the arena, a few booths selling monster-themed food, potions that boosted physical abilities, and even-


    Bar-mammoth wrasslin! A towering, rough-looking, grey bearded man called from beside a fenced-off area. Mad Stans Bar-mammoth wrasslin! Step right up, be you man, woman or child! We got baby bar-mammoths for the kids, big bar-mammoths for you adults and theyve all got gloves strapped on thatll stop em from win ya to pieces! Theyre wearin force spells on thar tusks that stops em from gorin ya. Theyre all intelligent so they wouldnt try, but idents have-I mean, could happen!


    Alex took a moment to realise, through the mans ent, that Bar meant Bear. Also, was he asking children to wrestle bear-mammoths? Even baby ones?


    Hmmm, he thought, The Mad before Stan was making sense.


    Unconsciously, Alex slowed his step and paid more attention.


    In the fenced off area were four calm-looking bear-mammoths, with massive tusks that were shrouded by force spells. There was something...odd about them. An intelligence, like hed seen from Brutus or Najyah. Alex remembered seeing bears that had been hunted by some of the local woodsmen back in Alric, but the biggest bear-mammoth in the enclosure dwarfed any hed ever seen back home.


    There was a massive one with reddish-brown fur. Alex watched as it rose up on its hind-quarters; the beast must have been about fifteen feet tall standing on its back legs. A swipe from one of those gloved paws would probably send Brutus flying.


    Hey, young man! the manwho Alex assumed was Mad Stancalled out to a passing student. Alex saw a strange, tentacled beast following him. Maybe he was one of thepetitors. Why dont you try your hand at a little wrasslin the bar? You control that beastie by you, surely you aint afeared of somethin as big an fuzzy as a bar-mammoth?


    A what? the young man asked.


    A bar, bar, my fine fellow! Mad Stan pointed to the bear-mammoths in the enclosure.


    Ooooh a <em>bear-mammoth</em>! the young man said. No, not interested.


    Alright, then, and what about you! You with the broad shoulders! Mad Stan flexed his own corded arms and looked right at Alex. Surely you wouldnt object ta tryin yer hand against one of me familiars, wouldja? You look strong!


    He pointed at a brown bear-mammoth that was one of the smaller ones in the enclosure. Old Gilda thars about three hundred fifty pounds and gentle as ambwell, not <em>that</em> gentle, but the perfect size for a big, strappind like yourself. Care t test your strength?


    Alex waved his hand as he and ygon kept on moving. No thanks, but maybe you should enter that big guy there in the super-heavy weight ss of the Duels, though.


    Thats why Im here,ddie! Just makin a little side coin first, and speaking of that-Bar-mammoth wrasslin! Impress your kids! Wrassle the bar-mammoth! He called to passersby.


    Alex shook his head as he entered the stadium.


    The interior was set up in a simr way to the main stadium where he and his friends regrly trained: stone floors with a column on the side that granted magic to monsters which stopped them from seriously hurting each other. It was like the magic they used to cover their weapons in the other stadium.


    There was one key difference though.


    A brass cagepletely surrounded the central fighting pit, enclosing the top<strong></strong>with a shining metal dome. Alex noticed that for safety, glyphs were etched onto the bars; wards that blocked most magic from leaving the fighting arena. It would take something <em>really</em> powerful to break through those enchantments.


    Alex scoped out the arena.


    There were tradespeople walking around the space, finishing upst minute tasks. He could use them to help him gather data by estimating their heights, then applying some of the maths hed learned in Rams Force Magic ss and the church school, to approximate distances.


    Lets see, that guy looks a little shorter than me. Somaybe two-and-a-half feet per pace, he muttered. Looks like itd take himthirtyishpaces to get from one side of the arena to the other? Looks likemaybe seventy or eighty feet across for the fighting space, he noted. No obstacles. Plenty of room forrge monsters and constructs to manoeuvre. Cage overhead makes it like a cage match. Some creature could use the bars to hold onto. Dome extendsabout the same height as the width in the middle. Room for flying monsters, as long as theyre not too big. Cage is climbable. Should find out how much weight it supports.


    He paused.


    It felt like he was being watched. He was getting that nervous feeling he got when someones eyes were lingering on him too long. Alex turned suddenly.


    There was a woman sitting higher back in the standsmaybe twenty feet awaywith her legs up and her ankles crossed over the back of the seat in front of her. She looked only a little older than he was, and smoke puffed from a pipe clenched between her teeth.


    She gave him a nod of recognition.


    Alex Roth, she said in a neutral tone. She said his name like she was making a deration. Her lips pulled on the pipe and she let a long puff of smoke out the side of her mouth.


    He saw a sh of gold in one of her teeth.


    Tyris Goldtooth. He nodded back to the woman. Ive heard of you.


    And I, you, she said.


    Somewhere outside the arena Alex could hear music starting up. Someone had begun plucking a lively rhythm on the strings of a sitar.


    He looked at Tyris closely, just as she was looking at him: with an appraising eye. Like opponents measuring each other.


    You here for the Duel by Proxy? he asked. Im surprised youd be going for the pet stuff. Yourva spells are so famous all over campus, I woulda thought youd be in the spell-joust, or some of the direct wizard duels and, you know, the Grand Battle.


    She shrugged. You need to ce high in a lot of events to have a chance at the grand prize. So, I diversified.


    Everything about her bodynguage spoke of confidence. In some ways, she moved simrly to Khalik:pletely openly, with set shoulders and smooth movements. The princes poise was a bit more refined, probably because he was, well, a prince.


    But she had a simr confidence.


    Diversifying is smart. I take it youre bringing a strong monster to the field?


    She nodded. I need one if Im going to take down that four-armed wonder of yours.


    There was a yful note to her voice. No malice.


    Oh, super heavy-weight too? he asked.


    Thats the biggest prize. The most glory.


    Cool, so what monster are you bringing?


    She shook her head. You can wait to find that out.


    A, thats no fun. Alex smiled, patting ygon on the side. Well, whatever. ygon could use the exercise.


    She snorted, puffing two lines of smoke from her nose. A golem exercising. Funny. Youre a funny guy?


    I try. He shrugged. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt.


    Thats good. Her green eyes twinkled. Funny people are gracious losers, at least.


    His smile widened. This was fun. Competition. No threats to his life. No maniption. She was obviously checking him out to judge his abilities, but he was doing the same to her.


    He could have some fun with this.


    Thats funny. He chuckled. Youre funny. You a gracious loser too?


    Her smirk widened. You wont find out.


    Well, well see, wont we?


    The Games of Roals opening ceremony took ce just before noon.


    The weather was beautiful.


    A massive crowdmore people than Alex had seen in his entire lifewere gathered in the schools stadium with many more seated outside. Giant illusions hovered in the aircreated by a team of wizards observing the events and then projecting them in real timedisying the opening ceremony to those outside. Patrols were thick in the airAlex could see them filling sky-boatswatching the crowds like hawks.


    Alex and his friendssince theyd arrived at the venue early,were able to secure seats inside the stadium for their group of family and friends. There was quite a big group of them, all things considered.


    There was their Grand Battle team of course, but some of them had invited close friends. Alex sat beside Selina and Theresa, who was sitting beside her parents, Shishi, and some of her other friends from life enforcement. Khalik sat holding hands with Sinope the dryadAlex noticed that the pair seemed very rxed with each other nowand friends from Baelins ss and his other sses, also sat with them. Even Kybas was sitting near Alex.


    When Theresa had introduced Shishi to her parents: Shishi had started speaking to them in rapidfire Tarimite, which amusingly, took a bit for the Lus to reply to with rusty, stilted, awkward-sounding words in thenguage. Alex remembered that they never spoke Tarimite back in Thamnd.


    For some reason, Theresas face suddenly broke into this sorta satisfied looking grin like shed been vindicated or something, but Alex had no idea what that was all about.


    The opening ceremony began with a line of Watchers carrying a longsword between them on a litter. Its de shone in the sunlight, and the scabbard beside it looked like it was crafted of shining fish scales.


    Roals sword, Theresa said in awe. Maintained after all this time.


    Wow, Selina murmured.


    The precious sword was carried to a central tform that had been erected in the middle of the arena, where a ss cauldron filled with seawaterording to the announcement describing the opening ritualrose.


    One of The Watchers drew the sword high above his head.


    And so we open these Games of Roal, celebrating our founders life and her victory over the invading sea-demigod Oreca! The Watcher roared, his voice booming out across the crowds.


    A circle of Watchers surrounding the central stage drew their swords.


    <em>Thmp.</em>


    Then thumped their staves against the stones in a slow rhythm.


    In her name, The Watcher holding Roals sword roared. We celebrate theing together of magic, might and skill to battle the worlds dangers! The sword?


    A weapon! The Watchers roared in unison.


    The spell?


    A weapon! They roared again.


    With that, the warrior on stage turned the sword and plunged the de into the seawater. It slipped into the liquid without a ssh, despite the force of the thrust. He released the hilt andby magicthe water clung, holding it in ce, hilt up.


    For the five days of these Games, the water will hold up Roals sword! He dered. Enjoyment to all spectators! And best fortune to allpetitors!


    Loud cheers rose from the stadium.


    The Games of Roal had begun.


    Looking around, Alex saw Baelin, Hobb and some of the other administration sitting in a VIP booth. He could see that the chancellor was focused on the crowd, not the ceremony.


    That was a lot to take in, Mrs. Lu said, as they left the stadium.


    It shall grow even more busy as the days pass, Isolde offered. The earlier days tend to have the less popr events.


    Which means it will be time for me and Najyah to y, Khalik said, giving Najyah a pat on the back. The lightweight Duel by Proxy ising soon.


    Yes, and soon it will be Harmless winning the prize! Kybas grinned. And me too!


    The prince smiled at the goblin and the little-ish crocodile. That sounds like a challenge, my confident friend. He said.


    Alex could have sworn Harmless had grown even bigger in thest few weeks. Kybas mustve been really loading him with mushrooms to get him ready.


    The archery contest is tomorrow which is also an early event, Theresa said. Damn, I feel a little unwanted.


    All of us early contestants can be unwanted together! Alex said cheerily. Like a bunch ofzy sons-inw.


    Mr. Lu gave Alex an unimpressed look.


    I suppose it is time to get organised, then, Isolde said. I would like to view each others matches as much as we can.


    I am hoping to see you all at mine, and I will be at as many of yours as I can, Khalik said.


    Hell yeah, if I dont see any of you at mine, Im kicking all of you out of the cabal, Thundar snorted.


    Sinope frowned, her willow-leaf-like hair softly rustling in the warm wind. Oh? I thought it was only Khalik, Isolde, Alex and you that shared a cabal.


    Well, yeahbut also, likewell like, if the others were in, Id kick them out!


    She blinked at him. And you are the cabals leader?


    Hes more of a mascot, Isolde grunted.


    <em>Youre</em> a mascot! Thundar snapped back.


    Mrs. Lu looked down at Selina. Well, theyre certainly a lively bunch. Do you want to be like them when you grow up?


    Her eyes grew wide as if Mrs. Lu had threatened her. She rapidly shook her head from side to side.


    Hey! Alex cried.


    His sister grinned evilly.


    Oh, was she joking? That little gobl- Alex thought.


    He quickly nced at Kybas.


    -uh, evil thing that is not in any way a goblin.


    Selina looked up at Khalik. When does Najyah fight? She smiled up at the eagle while cradling her messenger construct in a bag.


    In about three hours. Khalik looked down at the schedule in his hand.


    Oooh, Alex had a thought. I think I might have a couple of ideas. Grimloch, Thundar, you busy for the next little bit?


    I was just gonna stuff my face with food thats bad for me, Thundar grunted.


    No such thing as bad food, Grimloch countered.


    Try thinking that when youre past forty Mr. Lu muttered in a mncholic voice, tapping his belly.


    Well, I think I have an idea thatll get your appetite stoked, Alex grinned, rubbing his hands together.


    Bar-mammoth wrasslin! Mad Stan called. Step right up! Test yer might against the bar-


    The man froze.


    oh no.


    He watched as Alex led his group up to the bear-mammoth wrestling tent, nked by a grinning Thundar and Grimloch.

 Chapter 211: Lightweight

    Chapter 211: Lightweight


    No, no, Ozzie! Mad Stan cried. To the right! Throw him off bnce, girl!


    It was no use.


    The gigantic bear-mammoth iled as Grimloch casually lifted her off her feet and raised her up above his head.


    The colour left Mad Stans face. What in all the gods? She weighswhat in all hells do you <em>eat,</em> man?!


    Everything. Grimloch snarled victoriously as he shoulder-pressed the gigantic, struggling bear-mammoths mass above his head a couple of times before casually cing the massive beast on the ground, and pinning her in ce.


    A,e on, Ozzie! Mad Stan cried mournfully. Its the first day, you can do it!


    After it was clearfrom Ozzies futile grunts and the giant sharkman not even moving an inchthat the battle was done, Mad Stan finally spit and tossed up his hands. The beast stopped fighting and met Stans eyes.


    Fine, fine, fine! You win! Juuust let her up, shes saying she just groomed her fur and youre getting it all dirty again, so let her up easy! He seemed to focus on Ozzie for a moment. Come on girl, why would you be calling him names like that? That aint real sportsmanlike!


    Ozzie the bear-mammoth red at Grimloch and shook herself after the grinning sharkman had let her up and dusted off his massive hands.


    Welp, ya wrassled ma bar-mammoth somethin good, I got to give it to ya Mad Stan sighed. What was your name again, son?


    Grimloch. And Im not your son.


    No, I meant-Nevermind. Mad Stan sighed again. You know in all my twenty years ofin here, ol Ozzie been pinned all of twiceyoure the third, ya, great big beast. Here you go.


    He gave the Grimloch a gold pin in the shape of a bear and arge stuffed bear-mammoth toy.


    Id usually invite anyone that could pin Ozzie out for drinksbut yad probably bankrupt me big guy.


    Grimloch simply looked down at him. yes.


    Also, uh, youre not in the Duel by Proxy are ya?


    No. Im my own. Not a pet, or anyones familiar.


    Mad Stan let out a sigh of relief. Well thank all the gods for <em>that</em>.


    They looked at each other awkwardly for a few moments.


    Okay. Grimloch said, then simply walked away from Mad Stan without another word.


    His friends cheered him and pped him on the back when he got back to them. Brutus barked, but hed been barking since theyd gotten close to Mad Stans pavilion. It looked like he wanted a crack at the bear-mammoths toobut probably in a much more vicious fight<strong></strong>than any of them wanted to see.


    Well done, little brother! Nua-Oge shouted.


    <em>Little</em> brother?! Mad Stan, Mr. Lu and Mrs. Lu all cried at the same time.


    Well, well, well, looks like you came out on top too<strong>,</strong> big guy, Thundar said, patting the giant sharkman on the shoulder. He too had pinned a bear-mammoth earlier, though a much smaller one.


    Mmmm. Grimloch looked down at the stuffed bear-mammoth toy almost half as tall as Alex, but in the sharkmans hand, it actually looked smallthen nced at his older sister. You want this?


    I havent yed with dolls since you were a child, Grimloch, Nua-Oge said.


    Mmm. Her brother grunted, then scanned the group surrounding him. Here. Youre smallest. He handed it toward Kybas.


    Im a grown adult, the goblin said tly.


    Mmm. Then here. He shoved it toward Selina.


    Im too old for dolls, she said.


    Everyone looked at her sceptically as her green eyes stared at the giant, fluffy toy, clearly wanting to fluff its fuzz.


    No youre not. Grimloch pushed the doll toward her.


    Selina stared at it for a long moment, then sighed and took it, struggling to hold it and her messenger construct. thank you.


    Alex looked down at her. You shouldnt try and pretend you dont want it when you do.


    Hmph. She pushed the fuzzy toy toward his hands. Can you carry this?


    No.


    Aleeeex, she whined.


    No.


    <em>Alex</em>, Mrs. Lu said sternly.


    yes.


    Alex took the big, fluffy bear-mammoth. He considered giving it to ygon, but decided it was better if his golems hands were free in case the demon summoner pulled something.


    Theresa looked at Alex. Are you going to wrestle one of that guys familiars?


    Are you? Alex asked. You are literally stronger than me, even though Im- He flexed. -more statuesque.


    Oh, by Uldar. She rolled her eyes.


    And what about you? Sinope asked Khalik, touching his shoulder. I would love to see you test your might against a beast of the woods.


    Khalik thumbed his beard. Haha, leave such crude measures of strength to folk like Grimloch and Thundar.


    He paused.


    Is what I <em>would</em> say, were I a coward.


    The prince took off his shirt, tossed it to Alex and strode up to Mad Stan while most of his friends cheered.


    Sinope let out a whoop, cheering him on.


    I am not a toy and coat rack! Alex yelled after him.


    After spending a good part of the afternoon taking turns at bear-mammoth wrestling, eating, and seeing some of the other sightslike a horse and camel show, a demonstration of synchronised hippocampus riding, and one of illusion andbat magicthe group split up.


    Grimlochs foot race was taking ce at the same time as the lightweight Duel by Proxy match, though they might be able to catch the end of it depending how long the duelssted.


    Alex, Theresa, Selina, Mr. and Mrs. Lu and the rest of the cabal made their way toward their seats in the small arena with Brutus at Theresas side. Beside there was an area reserved for golems andrger familiars by the entrance gate, and Alex left ygon there, with four other good-sized golems.


    On their way to their seats, several peoplewithrger beasts following close behindstopped them to ask if they had ns to enter Brutus in the heavyweight Duel by Proxypetition. Those same people tried to hide their relief when Theresas answer was no.


    Im surprised at howrxed everyone is, Mrs. Lu said. What with all theyou know what, going on.


    My life enforcement professor says that if we let every event control our lives, then wed be consumed by the suffering in the universe, Theresa said.


    sounds like a cheery man.


    Woman.


    Cheery woman.


    They finally got to their seats near the arena floor, and Alex took a look around as they sat down: surprisinglythere were a lot less spectators inside the stadium than he would have expected. It looked like maybe only half of the seats were filled.


    Huh, youd think this eventd be more popr, Theresa said, looking around at the empty seats.


    The lightweight divisions are less spectacr than those of the heavyweight divisions. It is akin to choosing to spectate two squirrels fighting as opposed to two dragons, Isolde said. I myself would likely not be in attendance were it not for the fact that Khalik ispeting.


    Speaking of that, how do you think hes going to do? Thundar asked. Well, I guess I mean, how do you think <em>Najyahs</em> going to do?


    I am most curious too, Sinope said; the beautiful dryad looked around the arena. We do not have suchpetitions in the forest, nor do we tame animals. Nature works with us at most times, unless we are going on a hunt and our prey wants to protect itself. Then it fights for its life.


    Interesting lifestyle. Theresa nodded with approval.


    You <em>would</em> think so, Theresa, her mother muttered.


    <em>Anyway,</em> Isolde interrupted before Theresa could fire back a response. Khalik will do quite well, I should think. He and Najyah have plenty of experience inbat and work well together.


    Alex frowned, looking at one side of the arena. She can fly, and shes bigpared to some of the other monsters in this weight ss.


    He nodded toward somebatants waiting in a box just outside the main arena. There were foxes with fire spreading from multiple tails, dogs with mist rising from their fur, hawks with white feathers, small wolves with highly intelligent eyes, amphibians that were the size of cats, and others around that size.


    One of them was a small, familiar looking bear-mammoth.


    Alex looked carefully and saw Mad Stan standing beside the bear-mammoth among some other contestants: it seemed hed entered the smallest of his familiars into the challenge.


    Shes not the biggest, but shes the biggest flyer there. She also has that familiar connection with Khalik, so he can cast spells through her to/and help her.


    Wait. Thundar said. Youre allowed to cast spells through your familiar during a match?


    Yeah, Alex said. You cant cast spells into the cage or <em>onto</em> your creatures, but you can cast spells <em>through</em>them: thats the strength of being a familiar. Denying that would be like telling Mad Stan his beasts couldnt use their ws, or Kybas that Harmless couldnt bite people.


    In a way it reminded him of his conversation with Baelin when he told the chancellor about The Mark: the ancient wizard had likened calling it cheating to saying that a student could not use their natural talents in school.


    Well, I guess that gives familiars an advantage, Thundar said. Wellmaybe. They arent all that powerful themselves: it takes more mana, time and skill to make a more powerful creature into a familiar.


    Yeah thats right, Alex agreed. But Najyahs pretty strong on her own so maybe-Ah! Wait she might be in trouble.


    Oh? Why?


    Alex pointed at Kybas and Harmless. Kybas made his connection with his familiar when he was really young. Now hes one of the biggest in that division and Kybas can still cast spells through him.


    Huh, Maybe Khaliks got his work cut for him, Thundar grunted.


    Who do you thinks going to win? Theresa asked.


    The minotaur shrugged. Me. If Khalik wins, then my friend won his event. If he loses, then I get to make fun of him.


    Alex rolled his eyes. And <em>you</em> wanted to be the leader of the cabal.


    What? You know youre thinking the same thing.


    Arent you?


    yes.


    Gentlefolk! an announcera broad man in a long cap and bright clothingroared, his voice magically augmented to reach the entire crowd. Today we bring you a death defying event! A battle of beasts and magic and the wit of wizard versus wizard! In ancient times, archmages would often resolve disputes by duelling each other through proxies! Chosen champions, summoned spirits, golems, bewitched beasts and more, would engage each other in viciousbat, as stand-ins for mighty wizards who could tear entire realms asunder in a dispute! Today, we bring you this ancient contest by way of sport and spectacle! Cheers for the champions you see before you and their chosenpanions!


    Cheers swept through the crowd and Alexs group joined in pping, cheering, and whistling. Selina tried to not drop her snacka fried dough pastry covered in cinnamon and brown sugarand p with everyone else, but sugar flew everywhere. Brutus promptly licked it up.


    Very good, very good! Stay ready people, its going to be quite the show! the announcer shouted. Thebatants in this elimination tournament are hungry for victory, glory and the prize! There will be three rounds in each match!


    He held up three fingers.


    In each round, eachpetitor is awarded a maximum of ten points by three judges. He gestured to a judges booth where three rough looking folk were sitting and watching carefully. Though they were of different racesa human, a schar and an elfthey couldve been blood siblings. From their sour expressions and stiff demeanour, they looked like between the three of them, the word joke would be a rare, if not a totally unfamiliar thing.


    Most rounds will end in a score of 10 to 9, with the advantage given to the more dominant duelist. Each time abatant is knocked down, they lose a point for that round. For each time they are pinned, they lose <em>two</em>points for that round! If a contestant is knocked out or if someone surrenders, the battle ends! If both contestants make it to the end of all three rounds, then the one with the highest score at the end of three rounds takes the battle! No spells or potions can be used on a familiar outside of a round. For those who cast spells through their familiars, any ongoing spells must be dismissed at the end of each round. Make sure to preserve that mana!


    He gestured toward the entrants.


    Contestants have drawn straws, let us begin!


    Alex grinned. Looks like were in for a treat!


    As it turned out, they were not in for a treat.


    Is itis it supposed to be this boring? Thundar whispered to Alex.


    <em>I dont know,</em> Alex whispered back. <em>They</em> seem to be having fun.


    He nodded toward Sinope, Selina, Mr. Lu, and Mrs. Lu. The four of them were on the edge of their seats, watching as little monsters dodged and ducked each others strikes and fangs. Isolde, Alex and Thundar however, had been fighting yawns as the battles went on.


    Sometimes spells or other magical effects sted from familiars or other small monsters which livened things up, butin the endthe fights werent really thrilling Alex.


    You know what the problem is? he said. Think about it: weve been fighting xyrthaks and dune worms and hordes of monsters, while down there-


    He pointed to the match going on.


    -we get to watch a shocking lizard- He pointed to a lizard the size of perhaps a small hound that had blue crackling lightning bolts ying along two antennas on its head.


    A lightning lizard, Isolde corrected.


    -I know, Isolde, I was being facetious. Lightning lizard, he said. Fighting against what looks like a muupkara, unless Im going insane.


    Indeed, Isolde said. A <em>single</em> muupkara.


    Yeah, I guess theres not too much spectacle in that, Thundar grunted, looking around at the crowd. There was a mix of interest and boredom among the faces of those in the stadium.


    Alex looked at Theresa. You seem to be liking this.


    The huntress was staring at the battle with rapt attention, her eyes darting back and forth, following the movements of each small creature. As the muupkara ducked back and the lightning lizard sprang at it, she half rose out of her seat.


    Mana bolts fired out of the muupkaras chestcast through it by its mastersting the stone, rebounding to strike the lizard. As the reptile was hurled back, the muupkara sprang, unhinging its jaws, spreading them wide to grab its opponent.


    The lizard scrambled back to its feet, and reacted by firing a bolt into the muupkara, shaking it from head to toe as it fell back, growling.


    Of course, to Alexfrom this distanceit looked like two tiny shapes jumping around. Not too exciting from how far away he was.


    Theresa sat back down, blowing out a breath. Suddenly she looked at Alex. Im sorry, you said something?


    I said that you look like youre enjoying yourself, he repeated.


    Oh yeah, its really exciting she paused, noticing Isoldes bored expression and Thundar half-asleep. huh.


    Im surprised youre so excited, Alex said. We fought a horde of muupkaras.


    Yes, but its still exciting, just look at how theyre manoeuvring. You can see how each monsters listening tomands, and the shes of lightning, the movements and countermoves. Its really cool.


    oh you know what? You can probably see the action a lot clearer because your eyesights so much better than ours, he said. If Id thought of it I wouldve brought along some sensory enhancement potions for us. Couldnt they use illusions to give us spectators close ups of whats happening on the arena floor?


    They do, forrger events, Isolde said.


    I feel badly for Khalik, Sinope said. Its interesting to me at least: Ive never seen such a contest.


    You dont have to worry, Sinope, Alex said. Hes probably more focused on challenging and improving his skills than anything else right now.


    And the winner has been decided! the announcer roared.


    What, what now?


    He looked down to see the lizard hanging out of the muupkaras mouthbut muupkara was on the ground, having been shocked until it submitted.


    Well, thats that, Thundar said as he woke up. And now we get something interesting. Finally!


    And now we have a treat! the announcer roared. A former champion versus a neer? It is! Staaaaaan Ernesto, Winner of three Duels by Proxy Grand Prizes in past Games, versus Khalik Behr-Medr!


    Atst, the princes first battle had arrived.

 Chapter 212: The Prince vs. The Mad Wrangler

    Chapter 212: The Prince vs. The Mad Wrangler


    Khalik strode to his side of the arena with Najyah perched on his arm. He moved with confidence, waving to the crowd like he was stepping out for a coronation. Even Najyah looked poised today, like a symbol atop a kingdoms banner with all traces of her usual mischievousness gone.


    The crowds reaction was mixed.


    Some seemed to take an interest in the new match, but others were already leaving, likely for other events.


    But if Khalik minded, he didnt show it at all.


    Across the arena, his opponentMad Stanbent beside the smallest of his bear-mammoths, whispered something, then nodded.


    Representing Khalik Behr-Medr, we have Najyah! A beautiful Harpax Eagle and familiar. Weighing in at thirty-three pounds with talons that would shame most ws, shes a dangerousbatant and one to be watched!


    He gestured toward Mad Stan.


    Opposing her we have Yo-boo! A young Middendorfi Brown Bear-Mammoth: at forty eight pounds, he <em>juuuuust</em> squeaks in under the divisions weight limit! When fully grown, he could weigh more than fifteen hundred pounds! Hes a young one, but hes mature in his training, and hes also a familiar of one of the Games'' past champions, the great Mad Stan Ernesto! So, which one wille out on top? Lets-


    Wait, wait! Mad Stan cried, waving his hands frantically, the colour drained from his face. His voice carried up to the stands without any help from magic. Hol on now! Yo-boo heres a <em>Dwarf</em> Middendorfi Brown Bear-Mammoth! Hes fully grown right now!


    The announcer gave Mad Stan a look. Er, yesa Dwarf Middendorfi Brown Bear-mammoth. Well, folks, as you can see, Stan loooves his bear-mammoths!


    The crowd snickered.


    Thats right! Mad Stan shouted. Whichs why I wouldnt have no child-bear-mammoths in no Duel by Proxy! Babies is for wrasslin kids, not hard fights like this! Yo-boos an adult! Nine years oldst month! Fully grown, I tell ya! Fully grown!


    Yes the announcer said through a forced smile. Fully grown.


    Wait, Mr. Lu said. Did he just say he has bear-whatevers that wrestle children? in the same ce where your giant shark friend wrestled that big bear?


    Bear-mammoth, but, yeeeep, Thundar said.


    he doesnt see how that might also be inappropriate?


    I guess he doesnt call himself Mad Stan for no reason.


    I think its sweet, Theresa said, patting Brutus. He makes sure kids can have fun with other kids and not get hurt fighting something dangerous.


    The groupas oneslowly turned to look at Theresa.


    what? she asked.


    Some of those kids are baby bear-creatures. Which grow up to berge, dangerous beasts, Mrs. Lu pointed out.


    Yes, and? Theresa asked innocently, continuing to pat one of the heads of therge, dangerous beast known as Brutus.


    nevermind.


    Hrm. Wait, familiar, Theresa muttered, looking back down at the arena floor. You can have more than one of those?


    Oh yeah, Alex said. It gets harder and harder to create a bond with a new creature each time you try it, but there was a wizard named Jericho who had <em>hundreds</em> of crows as familiars. They think he made a deal with this Earl of one of the HellsRaum, the Raven Legions masterin order to pull it off, but it is possible.


    Huh, she paused, looking down at Brutus who was curled up at her feet. Is there a way to have something be your familiar without mana?


    kinda? Alex said. Like the process is done by wizards, and it links the wizards mana to a familiar as well as to their life forceI havent heard of a wizard linking someone without mana to a beast or monster. But, blood magic kinda breaks down the barrier between life and mana anyway


    Alex looked at Isolde. Have you ever heard of anyone whos done it? Adapted the familiar ritual to link a non-wizard with a creature using just lifeforce?


    There are a few historical cases, though it is notmon, she said.


    Theresa looked at Alex hopefully.


    He smiled. Ill look into it. Oop, its about to begin.


    The twobatants had been brought through the brass cage and into the arena. Yo-boo paced back and forth, while Najyah preened herself for a moment, then went still, fixing him with her fierce eyes.


    Mad Stan, meanwhile, was watching Khalik and pacing alongside Yo-boo: the two of them were mirrors of each other.


    Khalik watched his opponent, as still as a statue.


    Begin! the announcer shouted.


    The prince roared out in Tekish: Take flight, Najyah! Strafe him!


    Najyahs wings snapped out and she soared through the air, circling the top of the cage.


    Stan meanwhile, had stopped moving, watching Najyah intently.


    Alex nodded. Khalik switching to Tekish meant that Stan would have no idea what he wasmanding Najyah to do. But why was Stan so silent?


    Suddenly, he began muttering in low tones, just as Khalik was doing. Both were spellcasting.


    Abruptly, Yo-boo turned and jumped toward the edge of the arena, turning in mid-air with surprising agility. His paws hit the cageand he stuck to them, hanging there like a spider on a wall.


    He started charging up the side.


    Najyah swooped forward, strafing Yo-boo as he climbed the cage; a glob of y materialised in front of her chest, and shot at the bear-mammoths feet.


    Yo-boo dodged out of the way with surprising speed. A sickly green ray sted from the bear-mammoths back and Najyah just barely dived below the beam.


    Mana spread out around Najyah, then seeped back into her. Suddenly, the agile eagle sped up, ducking and dodging spells like a hummingbird on the wing.


    It must have been a spell of body enhancement: one that focused on agility.


    Najyah ducked and evaded Yo-boos beams.


    Then <em>two</em> rays shot out, and the air crackled around their orange light.


    Alex gasped, for a split second they looked like ygons fire-beams.


    But these spells were fire spells, and far weaker than ygons fire-beams. As Najyah soared past, they struck the bars of the cage and burst into balls of me no bigger than plums.


    y globules kept firing from Najyah, but Mad Stans familiar ducked and dodged everyst one.


    Stan kept his focus on the eagle. He hadnt given Yo-boo a single verbalmand since the battle began: no doubt he wasmunicating with him magically, like Khalik did with Najyah.


    Mana shot out around the bear-mammoth and his speed suddenly doubled.


    Oh shit, thats a haste spell, Alex murmured.


    The bear-mammoth seemed to glide along the bars of the cage now, and in a blur, he leapt at Najyah with his jaws spread and paws out. She ducked, barely avoiding the bite, but the paw swipe caught her while she swooped past.


    No! Selina screamed as Najyah screeched, trying to regain her bnce.


    She fought hard to right herself, but dropped to the ground.


    Oh crap! Alex shouted.


    The bear-mammoth rushed down the bars for the pin, and Mad Stan grinned, tasting victory.


    Najyah, get out of ther- Thundar paused. Wait a minutedoesnt that look familiar?


    Alexs eyes widened. He was right. It looked just like the position the xyrthak was in when theyd brought it to the ground.


    It was a trap.


    Yo-boo skidded to a halt at a distance from NajyahStan was clearly being cautiousthen reared up on his hind legs as another beam shed in front of him.


    Without warning, Najyah screamed.


    And it was <em>loud.</em>


    It was like Khaliks Sound p spell, but far louder, and linked with Najyahs cry. Alex could see something shimmer through the air in waves. The bear-mammoth roared, stumbling back from the explosion of magic-infused sound.


    The eagle rose, shooting forwardmore body enhancement magic materialising and seeping into herthen she grabbed Yo-boo by his back.


    With a few strong wing beats, she lifted the struggling creature off the ground and soared through the air, with the bear-mammoth firmly gripped in her talons. His struggle was being elerated by Mad Stans spell, but her own magic enhanced strength gave her an unyielding grasp of his back.


    A flurry of pointed stones suddenly materialised around Yo-boo, aimed and ready to strike him from all directions. The magic from the column would stop them from doing lethal damage. But, they would still hurt.


    A lot.


    Hol on, I yield! Stan shouted. Damn you.


    Khalik nodded from across the arena. Let him down Najyah. His deep voice cut through the air.


    With a low cry, Najyah lowered Yo-boo to the stones. But, before she left her perch on his back, she spread her wings wide and let loose a fierce cry of victory from atop her opponents back. Yo-boo flinched.


    Mad Stan shook his head.


    Even from this distance, Alex could see Khalik wince.


    Itry to be a good sportsman, he said apologetically while ring at Najyah. but she is not!


    Khaliks fights continued to go well. Najyah was thergest flyer in her weight ss, which gave her a major advantage over other creatures. Her coordination with Khalik was smooth, and hismunication in Tekish meant that most opponents couldnt understand, or counter hismands. After his first fight, the prince paced his spellcasting to conserve his mana.


    Other wizards whod entered their familiars kept casting through them in every battle they were in. As the day wore on, it became clear which strategy was the best as those wizards ran out of mana for theter rounds.


    It looked like Khalik was going to carry the day. Of course, Alex and his friendsand especially Sinope, he notedwere cheering for the prince louder than anyone in the stadium.


    There were only a few opponents that gave Khalik any real challenge after hed beaten Stan and Yo-boo, and only a handful ofpetitors looked like theyd be dangerous in theter rounds.


    But, there was one dangerous contender that had Alex feeling a bit conflicted.


    Thats it! Kybas hopped in the air as Harmless won another round by decision. Good job, Harmless! Good job!


    It looked like the goblins coordination with Harmless was nothing to dismiss, and apparently, the mushrooms hed been feeding his familiar were not only making him grow quicker, but also <em>stronger</em> for his size. The croc tossed around each opponent with ease, including a massive long-eared hound that looked like she weighed more than the fifty pound weight limit.


    It was exciting for Alex to see the goblin-wizard crushing his opponents, but he knew that would mean hed eventually have to face Khalik.


    Both of his friends swept round after round.


    Watching them in their matches left him hoping that theyd both make it to the final: he was a lot closer with Khalik, but<strong></strong>Kybas needed the prize money.


    Unfortunately, one look at the tournament matchup<strong></strong>board erased that hope. They had reached the semi-finals, and the board showed that Harmless and Najyah would face each other to decide who would go on to the final. The one who lost would either be third or fourth, depending on the number of points they earned in their match. And there was no prize for fourth ce.


    When the match was finally announced, Alex was a mess of mixed feelings.


    He watched as Khalik and Najyah emerged from one end of the arena, as regal as ever. From the other side came Kybas and Harmless, looking stoked and determined. The little crocodile was snapping his jaws in the air, while Kybas was letting out a war cry and pumping his arms.


    The announcer cleared his throat. And now gentlefolk, we have the second semifinal round of the lightweight division of the Duel by Proxy! Quite the show, and we have two neers whove done well for themselves in the field today! Great fighters- He gestured to Harmless and Najyah. And great masters both! He gestured to Khalik and Kybas.


    Despite never having stepped into the Duel by Proxy in the Games of Roal before, these two have shown great experience inbat, and great coordination between master and fighter! But only one will walk away with a prize today! One will reach the epilogue of their journey!


    He spread his arms as though fireworks were exploding around him. While the other will achieve a perfect run! Representing Khalik Behr-Medr, we have Najyah! A beautiful Harpax Eagle and familiar. Winner of three fights! Weighing in at thirty-three pounds, shes regal,<em> and</em> shes mean! Lets hear it!


    The audience pped and cheered. Now that they were reaching the exciting final rounds, the audience was bing much more enthusiastic.


    Representing Kybas of the n Chulu, we have Harmless! A young Deinos crocodilesome specimens have been known to be nearly thirty-nine feet longwith a not-so-young attitude! Weighing in at forty-seven pounds, he is ready to rumble! And so we ask our question once more! Who. Will. Come. Out. On. Top?

 Chapter 213: The Prince and The Goblin

    Chapter 213: The Prince and The Goblin


    Harmless and Najyah squared off across the arena cage. The eagle looked regal and deadly, while Harmless lookedwell, not very bloody harmless.


    Khalik was watching the crocodile closely with his hands sped behind his back.


    Kybassrge eyes darted from Najyah to Khalik. His goblin ears twitched.


    Who will win? Mrs. Lu asked. That crocodile has been pretty nasty.


    I was thinking about its name earlier: was I hearing rightis it actually named Harmless? Mr. Lu asked.


    Ya, thats its name alright. Alexughed. Its tough to say wholl win, he continued. Harmless is already a terror, and Najyahs fast and she can be a terror herself, so its hard to say. Plus, Khalik and Kybas havent been overdoing it with their mana, so theyre both still pretty fresh. He shrugged.


    And they will need to keep saving mana for the finals, Isolde pointed out. Whoever uses what they have left in the most timely and efficient manner, will carry the day.


    Mrs. Lu looked at her. And who do you think that will be?


    I too have no idea-Oh, and here we go. She nodded toward the arena floor.


    The announcer held up a hand.


    Both familiars tensed.


    Both masters tensed.


    Begin! the announcer cried.


    Kybas and Khalik began shouting directions as soon as the announcer called for the round to start.


    Najyahs wings cracked open, and Harmless went charging across the field, kicking up dust with his belly, webbed feet and powerful tail. His jaws snapped open as he approached her with unnatural speed: covering nearly a quarter of the arenas<strong></strong>width<strong></strong>each second.


    Kybas finished casting the running enhancement spell, doubling Harmless running speed. The croc shot forward just as Najyah took to the air.


    She screeched as Khaliks body enhancement spell flooded into her, enhancing her agility, but Harmless was too fast.


    Alex could hear jaws snap as they mmed shut just behind Najyah, catching a tail feather. The eagle flew off screeching as Harmless opened his mouth, releasing the tail feather.


    The crowd roared, caught up in the action of the semifinals far more than earlier matchups.


    Khaliks lips began moving again, quickly casting a spell, materialising stones around Najyah that pointed straight at Harmless. Kybas spoke an incantation for green force armour to appearencasing most of his crocodile in protective magic.


    It didnt cover those deadly crocodile jaws, Alex noticedno doubt the goblin-wizard had kept them free for an advantage.


    Khalik continued casting.


    Najyah circled Harmless, strafing him, but the croc zigzagged across the arena floor, making himself a tougher target to hit.


    Still, the stones kept sting down at him.


    Until Khalik finished his second spell.


    In mid-air, the stones transformedchanged to orbs of tightly packed sandand exploded upon impact with the arena floor and Harmless force armour. Taken by surprise, the crocodile began coughing, choking on a massive dust and sand cloud that had erupted around him.


    Whoa, nice trick! Alex shouted.


    Khalik had already cast the incantation for Orb of Air, and Kybas was starting to do the same.


    Orb of Air materialised around Najyahs head first.


    Isolde winced. Khalik is not holding back on his mana enough.


    Yeah, but if he holds back too much, that crocs gonna have Najyah for a snack, Thundar said.


    Silently, Najyah swooped down through the sand cloud before Orb of Air had formed around Harmless head, and began swiping at him with her talons.


    Even from their distance in the stands, Alex could hear the deep impact of talons on force armour.


    Then he heard a different sound. A bellow of pain.


    Najyah flew up, screeching in victory.


    The jaws, Alex thought. She mustve gone for his jaws. Brave. Dangerous, though.


    Harmless tried turning in ce and snapping at her, but she was quicker than he was with her agility enhancement. Kybas frowned, eyeing the arena.


    Alex could only imagine what was going through his mind: keeping Harmless in the sand cloud wouldnt work, but if he came rushing out, hed be a much easier target.


    In the end, Kybas decided to go for the rush.


    Go! he shouted. Go where you can see her!


    The crocodile charged from the sand, whirling on Najyah.


    He snapped his jaws, prepared for her next attack.


    But it never came.


    Najyah simply swooped at him, keeping out of reach of those jaws.


    Kybas paused, clearly deep in thought.


    The crocodile was probably behind on points now: even though hed managed to grab a tail-feather earlier, Najyah had blinded and hit him several times. Now, all she and Khalik had to do was avoid any offensive their opponents put up.


    If the crocodile didnt get any hits on Najyah, he and Kybas would lose the round.


    But, if Kybas burned through too much mana, he might win the round, but lose the match.


    In the end, Alex saw Kybas shake his head then shout, Stay, Harmless.


    <em>Ding! Ding! Ding!</em>


    A bellforged in the shape of two dragons with wings spread to form the shape of a tower bellrang, and bothbatants went to their respective sides.


    The spells that Kybas and Khalik had cast on their familiars were dismissed, and each went to their masters for a water break.


    Every eye turned toward the judges booth, eager for their decision.


    There was some shuffling then, three cards came up:


    <em>10-9.</em>


    <em>10-9.</em>


    <em>10-9.</em>


    Unanimously in favour of Khalik.


    Yes! Sinope and Thundar cried.


    Kybas patted the side of Harmless jaw, while Khalik stroked Najyah.


    Alexdidnt know quite how to feel.


    Soon, everyone fell quiet as the opponents re-entered the arena floor. Khalik and Kybas gave each other a respectful nod.


    Begin! the announcer roared.


    Najyah took to the air again, but Harmless came forward more cautiously than in round one. He tracked her, slowlyshing his tail back and forth.


    They were both guarded. Conserving mana. Conserving energy.


    Najyah circled above, while Harmless watched and waited, his tail still slowlyshing back and forth. Apart from his tail, the rest of his body was as still as stone, poised to spring.


    Khalik was watching cautiouslythe moments ticking by. Since he had the lead, it was wisest not to be aggressive. He hadnt even cast a body enhancement spell on Najyah.


    Alex looked at Kybas and saw his lips moving. Maybe he was about to go on the offensive. Which would make sense: he was behind. Suddenly, the sand and duston the arena floor from Khaliks spellsburst into the air from a Move Earth spell.


    It formed another cloud of grit that hovered above Harmless, blocking him from Najyahs sight.


    Najyah! Up high! the prince roared, trying to get her out of spell range.


    In a sh, mana bolts shot from the crocs back as Kybas continued casting. The line of shots streaked through the air, sending Najyah diving away.


    Harmless mouth opened wide.


    A Conjure Water spell materialised, spraying directly into Najyahs path, showering the bird of prey.


    Oh no! Eagles cant fly when their feathers are wet! Selina''s rmed cry reached her brother.


    They cant!? Alex asked, surprised.


    Sure enough, Najyah was drifting to the ground while Khalik tried desperately to cast another body enhancement spell of agility on her.


    Like a lightning bolt, Harmless shot up from the cloud, his legs and powerful tailunching him higher than Alex would have expected.


    Clearly, it was more than Najyah and Khalik expected too.


    Jaws snapped like a trap, closing over a wing and drawing gasps from the crowd, but Harmless wasnt eating her wingthe magic on his teeth would prevent the wing from being torn offhe was pulling her downward toward the ground.


    And even with body enhancement magic, there was no way she was getting away from those jaws.


    Harmless raised a webbed foot over her head and pressed her in ce, holding her wing.


    A pin.


    Khalik shouted out a body enhancement spell for strength, but so did Kybas. Najyahs activated first, but Harmless greater weight and leverage let his grip hold.


    <em>One! Two!</em> The pin was acknowledged and Harmless let Najyah go. She hopped away fluffing up her feathers while Harmless spat feathers onto the stone.


    The rest of the round went opposite to the first. Harmless snapped at Najyah from the centre of the arena, while she kept her back to the cage. Each time he went for her, a volley of stones materialised around her, firing suppressing sts at his face to keep him away.


    The crocodile couldnt get near, and the round ended without a second pin.


    <em>Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!</em>


    The bell rang ending the round.


    The judges decisions came up.


    <em>10-7.</em>


    <em>10-7.</em>


    <em>10-7.</em>


    The second round was Kybas.


    Oof, Thundar grunted. That went badly. Real badly.


    Khaliks far behind in points now, Theresa said.


    Yeah, if he can get a pin in the final round, then maybe he can turn this around. More would be even better. Thundar said.


    Yeah. Alex tapped his knee. But Kybasll be ready for him now. And all he has to do is y defence.


    Khalik whispered something to Najyah before letting her back into the arena cage for the final round, while Kybas was hugging and nting big, sloppy kisses on Harmless snout before sending him back in.


    Okay, Alex said, Here we go.


    There was a moment of silence as the tense crowd waited.


    Begin! the announcer cried.


    Forward! Khalik roared at Najyah, spitting out an incantation. Another body enhancement spell for strength flowed into her.


    Kybas cast the same spell on Harmless plus force armour, then sent him running forward. Aggression and a hunger for victory almost seemed to vibrate through the goblin as he hopped up and down.


    Get her! he yelled. Time for a croc-apocalypse!


    Then, the croc surged toward Najyah, but the charge was careful. Harmlessin his force armourlooked ready to dodge any projectile spells from Najyah.


    But none came.


    Najyah flew straight, never changing course.


    Suddenly, another spell<strong></strong>took her.


    Khaliks earth armour spell formed around her body, solidifying as she folded her wings: turning her into a heavy projectile of earth magic and massive eagle.


    Before Kybas could utter the first word of a spell, she collided with Harmless snout, the impact threw the young crocodile onto his back. Najyahnded on him hard, spreading her earth covered wings, keeping him from righting himself.


    And now Khalikhis lips moving rapidlycast a final spell. y gushed from around Najyah, sttering over Harmless stumpy legs, instantly hardening, weighing him down, keeping him in ce.


    Then Najyah ced her beak to his throat.


    Alex was half out of his seat.


    One second passed.


    Two seconds passed.


    Pin.


    Alex jumped up along with everyone around him.


    Kybas screamed, and began to mutter more incantations, but he paused, looking puzzled as Khalik did something unexpected.


    He cancelled Najyahs earth armour.


    As the earth fell away, he sent her airborne, andusing the hardened y on Harmless underbelly as a holdshe picked him up andunched into the air. She soared to the top of the arena cage and held the crocodile there, dangling.


    Khalik didnt cast his hail of stones like when Najyah carried Yo-boo, instead, he simply let Harmless hang, squirming to get out of her grip.


    When the count began, Alex realised what this meant.


    Harmless was helpless: even if he wasnt being pressed to the ground, it counted as a pin.


    An aerial pin.


    Second pin! the announcer roared.


    As the pin was announced, Kybas finished chanting a spell as Najyah swooped close to the cage floor. Mana bolts shot out from Harmless back and up toward her. She let go, swooping away.


    The crocodile impacted the ground, slowly fighting to his feet.


    But it was over.


    Kybas still hadnt given up though, and put up a hell of a fight, pouring spell after spell from Harmless. Water, more sand screens, mana bolts, even acidic sshes. But at that point, Khalik was prepared for his spells, letting Najyah keep out of reach, and staying on the defensive.


    Until the round ran out.


    <em>Ding!</em>


    Khalik had won.


    The goblin grimaced, and for a long moment, he looked up at the judges then sighed as the final scores were shown.


    <em>10-5.</em>


    <em>10-5.</em>


    <em>10-5.</em>


    One point lost for a weak performance and the other four for being pinned twice. It was enough of a point spread to ce Kybas and Harmless fourth.


    Very respectable for their first timepeting.


    But still, no award.


    Alex saw Khalik raise his fist in victory as Kybas shook his head.


    He gave a pained smile that made Alex feel for him, and feel even more conflicted. Khaliks win was awesome and it had been a good fight, but Kybas could have used the prize money.


    And even if Khalik wanted to be generous and hand it over, it would never work. Kybas had the kind of pride that made him work two jobs and never ask his friends for a single coin. Hed never done so once in the times Alex had been around him.


    At the same time, Khalik had too much honour to insult Kybas by trying to give it to him, even if he <em>did </em>know about his financial situation.


    In the end, the crowd was mostly silent--though there was some jeering--as the two young wizards met in the middle of the arena with theirpanions at their sides.


    You were good today, Khaliks deep voice rang out, as he offered Kybas his hand.


    You were better. Kybas gave a half-smile, half-snarl and extended his hand with no sign of hesitation. But, maybe not so much better next time!


    Then, I look forward to it, my friend.


    They shook each others hand.


    The crowds cheersespecially from Alexs groupfilled the arena.


    After Kybas and Harmless were eliminated from thepetition, things moved on to the final round.


    Khalik had expended a lot of mana during the semifinal, but so had the opponent hed be facing in the final. The prince limbered up, using a light mana regeneration technique to raise his energy while he got ready for the first round to start. From the information on the scoreboard, Alex could see that the majority of creatures whod made it to theter rounds were familiars. They werent necessarily the most powerful beasts or constructs, but they had the advantage of their masters magic to use.


    So, when the announcement was made that two familiars would be facing off in the final match, Alex looked forward to another exciting match.


    The other familiars master was also a first year student, and his familiar was a young falcon named Solo. Even though she was a bird of prey like Najyah, she was smaller and less powerful.


    She was a faster flyerand her master had good instinctsbut in skill, it soon became clear that it was a bad match-up.


    Najyah pinned her opponent early in the first two rounds, then Solos master tried to send her on the offensive in the third round, but he had to yield when his mana went too low.


    The score for the third round was:


    <em>10-7</em>


    <em>10-7</em>


    <em>Yielded.</em>


    And the winner is, Khalik Behr-Medr and his Harpax eagle familiar, Najyah!


    The announcer called the match in their favour as Najyah soared around the cage, obviously very proud of herself. They had won their first ever Duel by Proxy: Lightweight Division, and were awarded the golden medallion and the purse of 350 gold. Alex and his friends jumped out of their seats shouting, pping, and whooping, while the other spectators gave the champions an enthusiastic standing ovation.


    Alex was almost vibrating with excitement.


    He looked down at ygon, a smile of anticipation spreading across his face.


    Tomorrow afternoon, it would be his turn.

 Chapter 214: Super-heavyweight

    Chapter 214: Super-heavyweight


    Next time, Kybas said. Next time.


    Yeah, you gave Khalik a real run for his coin, Alex agreed. Damn, I wish youd gotten third, though. The prize for third was still really good.


    He and Kybas were standing near the entrance to the arena. The others were chatting with Khalik, but Alex had gone over to talk to the little goblin.


    I do too! Kybas grasped his head in frustration as Harmless watched his master with typical reptilian coldness. Agh, why did I tell Harmless to charge in round three! I should have had him stay back. But I thought I could get another pin and keep Khalik from getting ae back. I didnt expect his bird to turn into a catapult stone!


    His jaw clenched. Never kind, Im just making excuses. Even if I stayed defensive, he still couldve gotten me with that trick. I think he has more fighting experience than me and Harmless.


    Yeah, he does, Alex said. Hes been training longer than most of us.


    But <em>two</em> pins, Kybas groaned. If itd been only one, he would have won, but I still wouldve had enough points to get third ce. That trick with the flying pin. Bah! That was it for me!


    Nothing to be ashamed of. Alex spread his hands. Failures the mother of sess, right? You fought a hard fight with Harmless and you can learn from it. Trust me, failures can be really, really good teachers.


    Alex had a feeling he knew that better than most people.


    Ah, thanks for the encouragement. Kybas nced around, then leaned closer to Alex, his voice dropping low. Im going to go get my harvest soon. Im thinking maybe when the Grand Battle is on since a lot of folksll be away from the city and off on that ind, and lotsll be here watching the Battle through illusions I heard. So, with so many eyes away, itll be a good time to do a big harvest. He gave a big conspiratorial grin.


    Good luck, Alex whispered. His eyes scanned their surroundings, but it looked like anyone whod been tailing him, was nowhere around now. Or if they were, he couldnt see them. Just be careful.


    The goblin-wizard sighed. Ill be more careful than I was in the match! Anyway, I should go get Harmless some food.


    Yeah, hes earned it. See youter, eh?


    Yeah!


    He and Kybas split up; the goblin and crocodile went searching for a good meal. Alex watched him for a while, looking to see if anyone would leave right after him, but no one did. So, he returned to his family and his other friends. Khalik, Selina and the rest of the group were fawning over Najyah, who stood at her full height, preening her feathers.


    Alex waved as he approached<strong></strong>them.


    You are the champion, my friend! Alex said, patting Najyah and pping Khalik on the shoulder. How does it feel?


    Fantastic, the prince said. It was good sport. Very good sport.


    Well done, man, well done, Alex said, looking up at ygon.


    The golem loomed over them all, looking ferocious.


    Khalik followed his gaze. Let us see if there is room for <em>two</em> champions in this group.


    You can count on it. Alex patted ygon.


    Uldars Heroes might have a champion, he thought. But minell be bigger. Probably. Unless Uldar picked a giant for a champion or something. But ygon will <em>probably</em> be bigger.


    Alright, enough of that! Khalik said. There should be enough time to catch the end of Grimlochs race if we move quickly. Lets go see exactly how our big shark-like friend crushes hispetition!


    By all the gods he is fast Khalik muttered in horror.


    The group had reached the spectators tform for the foot-racean obstacleden marathon that went through much of campusjust as the leaders were close to finishing theirstp.


    Alex could see why the wizards who provided the illusions for The Games weren''t around for the lightweightpetition of the Duel by Proxy. A pack of them were following the racers on flying disks, showing their progress along the track.


    And what was being shown was that Grimlocheven with his long stride and life enforcement practice enhancing his speedwas in third ce.


    What in the hells? Thundar grunted, blinking. I thought for sure hed take the grand prize.


    Well, hes not far behind second ce. Alex pointed to the illusion that showed only ten yards or so separating Grimloch from the racer in front him: a centaur. ButI dont see whoevers in first ce anywhere near them.


    Over there. Isolde pointed. You can see first ce in the central illusion.


    The illusions floated above the spectators tform like a mural made up of many individual paintings. Each image that made up the whole scene was a moving illusion showing a different part of the race. Some images were from a birds eye view of the track which made the obstacles look like little toy houses, and thepetitors like ants.


    Others focused on individuals or groups from maybe a distance of thirty feet above them, giving a clear view of the action as they raced along the path.


    In the centre of all the illusions was one that was twice the size of the others: it gave a clear angle of who was in first ce.


    Alexs eyebrows shot up.


    Icant see anyone around the leader, Mrs. Lu said.


    He must be really far ahead, Mr. Lu said.


    A young mancorded with lean muscturewas tearing along the path so quickly, that it looked like the illusion had been sped up. His arms pumped in perfect rhythm with his long strides, and the sun shone on his bald, dark scalp. His moustache seemed to be pressed against his face from the sheer speed he was moving at.


    It wasnt even a contest. Despite how fast Grimloch was, and the fact that second ce was an actual centaur, the distance only seemed to grow between him and the rest of the pack.


    Indrajit Hanuman, Isolde said darkly.


    oh, Alex groaned.


    Whats the matter? Mr. Lu asked.


    You know that event weve been training for? Alex said. Well, hes on one of the opposing teams.


    oh. was all Mr. Lu said.


    The rest of the race seemed to pass in a blink.


    Hanuman ced first by minutes, and the centaur came in second. Grimloch finished within three seconds of second ce, as a small crowd was gathering around Indrajit, chanting his name. It looked like he had a lot of friends.


    He is even faster than I had heard, Isolde said, watching as theughing young man was hoisted up on his friends shoulders.


    He might have had a breakthrough in his life enforcement training, Theresa said. Which means hell probably also have sharpened senses, strength and stamina too.


    Could you catch him? Alex asked her.


    She shook her head. I wouldnt stand a chance. Im only a little faster than Grimloch these days, and thats if were going in a straight line.


    Well. Thundar tapped one of his horns. If we fight him in the grand battle, well have to circle-beat him. Get him separated from his group and bring him down. He might be able dodge one of us, but all of us? Im thinking not. Were gonna have to keep our eyes on him. He paused looking at the finish line. Hey look, theres Nua-Oge. Shes heading over to Grimloch!


    He waved at the schar and sharkman from the audience tform, as he, Alex and the rest of their group headed down to meet up with the siblings.


    Hey, tough break, Thundar said to their friend as they all stood in a circle.


    I was slower because I didnt have prey to chase, Grimloch said, drawing looks of rm from his friends.


    Why do you always have to scare everyone with everything you say? Nua-Oge chided him.


    Why not? was his only answer. Lets go find something to eat after they hand out the prizes. That was hungry work.


    Yeah, Alex said, ncing at the first ce winner.


    He was going to be a hell of a challenge during the Grand Battle, as theyd expected.


    And tomorrow, hed see some of the abilities of anotherpetitor.


    Tyris Goldtooth.


    He wondered just what kinda hell theva wielder would bring to the arena.


    As the day went on, Alex didnt see Amir or any of his group. The gnawing worry that thered be another demon summoner attack seemed to fade from peoples minds the more that time passed.


    The afternoon went by in peace, good food, and excitement.


    And the next morning


    peace and excitement continued.


    Since none of his friends had any events, the group got to take in some of the otherpetitions:


    There was a contest between illusionists: the challenge was, who could create the most realistic, or artistic illusion. From a distance, Alex saw apetition for who could melt down various materials the fastest using fire magic, but he decided not to take Selina to that one.


    It was too bad, since he wondered if Tyris would be therepeting so he could let him get some good data on her fighting style, but Selinas peace of mind came first.


    As they were walking away, though, Alex saw her looking in that direction.


    They went to watch a magical marksmanshippetition while they ate lunch. Some of the wizards took turns levitating various y tes, while others shot them down with force magic.


    One of thepetitors was actually his old force magic prof: Professor Ram. The stern force wizard watched the y targets shoot through the air, then sted them with a flurry of jet-ck force missiles from his force construct right arm.


    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>


    The targets snapping in the air sounded like hailstones hitting cobblestones during a storm in Alric, and Alex could see a look of satisfaction form behind Rams perfect ck beard.


    It made him wonder if hed be wearing a simr expression after the super-heavyweight Duel by Proxy fight that afternoon.


    Since there werent any more events that they wanted to see after lunch, they decided to head to the arena early, a few hours before Alexs event began.


    It was a good thing that they did too.


    Well <em>this</em> is a lot different from yesterday! Mr. Lu cried.


    Even though the earlierpetitions had already ended, the arena was still full, and any empty seats were filling up fast. Illusionists were setting up at strategic vantage points around the arena, getting ready to disy the action from the best views and angles, both in and outside of the arena.


    There was more energy in the air.


    Suddenly, Alex started to feel nervous. It was weird: battles to the death? He was getting used to those. Hed also been in a spell-joust before with an audience watching, and danced at a fancy ball with mostly strangers attending with no issues.


    But something about all of this.the spectacle and expectations hit him differently. He took a breath and calmed himself, acknowledging his nerves and then letting them go.


    Remember, its no different than having Baelin watch you, he thought. If anything, its going to be less stressful.


    Alright, Alex tapped ygons side affectionately. Wed better get down there.


    Selina grabbed both his hand and ygons finger. Good luck!


    Good luck! Theresa gave him a quick hug, conscious of her parents being right there.


    Good luck, Alex, Mr. and Mrs. Lu hugged him.


    Fail hriously. Thundar pped him on the shoulder.


    Lose without grace. Khalik pped him on the other shoulder. Have a tantrum in front of everyone! It will be much more amusing.


    Ignore them. Do not embarrass the cabal, Isolde told him. I should think that with ygon, any performance other than victory would be incredibly below what is expected of you.


    Thanks, he said dryly. That makes me feel soooo confident


    No need for confidence, Grimloch growled, looking at ygon. Your golem is a predator. The rest are prey. Theres no need for confidence or nerves when hunting prey. You just chase and eat.


    Y-yeaaaah big guy, Alex said. Ill keep that in mind.


    Aaaah, Mr. Roth. A man checked his name off. He was standing in front of arge doorway. Youre early. Good. Others are already waiting and others will arriveter. You may wait and take a seat inside.


    Okay, thanks, Alex said.


    He and ygon had gone through arge door that led to a sloped ramp that wound down in a circle <em>beneath</em> the arena. His name had been confirmed by two different officials: one who stood at the door leading to the ramp itself, and one who stood at the door at the end of the ramp.


    Both doors were huge and reinforced with iron and glyphs that strengthened them.


    Alex was a little shocked to see such an undergroundplex created so quickly. Then again, with magic and multiple wizards, such things were fairly simple. Or maybe it had always been there. After all, it was Generasi.


    Looking at everything around him, he couldnt wait for the expedition to begin. Once thend was cleared out, it was going to be something to see how quickly they got the research castle built in Thamnd.


    But first things first.


    He wanted to win this.


    It was time to see what hed be up against.


    Stepping into therge room with ygon, he looked around, taking in everyone whod already arrived.


    Alex could see why the room was so big.


    Beasts, monsters, constructs and their masters waited at the edges of the chamber. From the size of those already there, they wouldve definitely over-crowded the space if the room wasnt as big as it was.


    There was a massive swamp drake with ck, jagged scales and teeth that protruded from a mouth big enough to snap Alex in half. There was a brass golem that was approximately eight feet tall who had ten armsAlex counted each one with a jewelled sword in each hand.


    A white furred ape that must have been at least twelve feet tall.


    He was surprised to see Ozzie and Mad Stan there, having a quiet talk in a corner of the room.


    And then there was-


    Alex paused.


    Sim? he called out. Is that you?


    A short, grey-skinned man with a slight build stood beside an eight foot stone golem that had been carved to resemble awell, powerfully builtversion of himself. Its stone clothing was painstakingly painted to look deceptively real.


    The young man looked up and blinked in surprise. Alex! he called in an unexpectedly deep voice, considering his slight build. I shouldve known Id see you here!


    Sim Shaleson of Toraka Shale, the owner of Shales Workshopwalked over to Alex.


    Huh, looks I might be duelling my boss son, Alex thought.

 Chapter 215: Four Arms vs. Ten

    Chapter 215: Four Arms vs. Ten


    Alex and Sim shook hands in the centre of the chamber.


    You shouldve told me youd be here! Sim said.


    Well, I dont think there was really a chance to, Alex said. Weve had, what, maybe ten conversations since I started working at Shales?


    Yeah, good point, Sim said, looking up at Alex, then eyeballing ygon with an impressed look. We do work at different times. Very different times, after all. By the way, did my mother ever get you to let her take a look at that beasts golem core?


    Hm? She never asked.


    Im surprised she never broke down and asked you; it was all she talked about after you brought it to the shop, Sim said. She and Lagor still talk about it now and then. He shook his head, continuing to eye ygon. But, you know how it is in our profession, how rude asking to go rooting around in another golem crafters work is considered. Stis excited she was, I thought she might throw all that aside. You knowconvention be damned and all!


    He chuckled.


    Alex smiled, pleased that ygon was still getting attention, but even more pleased that Lagorhis supervisorand Toraka hadnt tried to corner him about the inner workings of his golem.


    That would have been very, very awkward.


    Though speaking of awkward he thought.


    So, I just want to make sure, Alex said. If we end up duelling, there''ll be no hard feelings between us, right? No matter how it goes?


    Hm? Sim looked back at Alex. Oh no. It''s apetition. Friendlypetition. Not much point in it if its not friendly.


    Yeah, I think so too, but I just wanted to make sure. No offence.


    None taken. Sim looked up as the door to the waiting room opened again. This time a wizard, wearing multicoloured clothing, walked in with a baffling looking beast at his side: it had a lions body, but its well-muscled hindquarters were goat-like. A long snakes neck and head formed its tail, and a goats head rose from its back like a torsoless rider.


    A chimaera.


    Tough crowd this year, Sim remarked.


    Yeah, and Tyris Goldtooth isnt even here yet, Alex said.


    Sim looked at him, nodding in recognition of the name. Ah, that ones entering a beast in this is she? I know shes done really well in the Grand Battle and spell-joust in past years. But, I didnt even know she had a pet topete with in this event. Maybe shes after the grand prize.


    Yeah, Alex said. Are you going for it?


    No, Sim snorted. Im a crafter. I want to show off my craft, not go around shooting spells and getting into fights myself. But a good showing here is good advertising for the workshop.


    Yeah, I guess it wo-


    The door opened again.


    <em>Thmp.</em>


    A massive footstep drew every eye.


    The first thing Alex saw was an orange glow. It was followed by the confident figure of Tyris Goldtooth, striding into the room and waving her entrant to The Games inside.


    And what an entrant it was.


    Holy shit, Alex murmured.


    It was an absolute monster of a tortoise. An undeniably enormous creature with a head and beak big enough to probably snap Thundar in half. Its shell towered over its body, and instead of being rounded like most tortoise shells, it rose into a peak like a mountaintop.


    And the peak gaped open like a hungry mouth pointing up and curving forward like a giant w. If that open hole could fire projectiles, anything in its path had better be real good at dodging. The orange glow that Alex had first seen was radiating from the open mouth on its shell.


    Suddenly, the fire mountains that one of The Travellers portals led to came to mind. The one theyd used to sprayva onto the<strong></strong>hive-queen. The glowing from the hole in the peak of the tortoises shell was reminding him of the glow from theva filled sce-


    Oh.


    Oh shit, he thought.


    It wasnt like the tortoise had a mountain for a shell.


    It was like the tortoise had a <em>bloody volcano</em> for a shell.


    Thatsthats against the rules, right? Alex murmured to Sim. Please tell me thats against the rules.


    I wish, Sim muttered. If its down here, its not against the rules.


    Ooooh, thats just great, Alex mumbled.


    Thest big monster hed faced was thatva spewing dune worm in The Barrens, and it had taken ygon, the entire cabal, plus Hogarth, Svenia and Theresa to take it down.


    He didnt know what would happen ifva sprayed over ygon. With the magic that was set up to stop attacks from being lethal or permanently damaging, hopefully, it would only mean that his golem would be buried in it and notpletely destroyed.


    Or maybe, Alex thought. Maybevas what ygon needs to go through golem evolution? Right? Right? probably not.


    Tyris took in the chamber filled with rivals, and then nodded to Stan. She also nodded to a few otherpetitors that she seemed to single out, like a wolf eyeing prey. One of them was Alex.


    He nodded back to her, burying his nerves.


    Dont let them see you sweat, he thought.


    He and Sim exchanged a few more words before each settled down for the wait. Alex spent the time observing everyone he could using The Mark to gather information about their bodynguage while they went through their preparations.


    It was easiest with Sim-


    Sorry, Sim, he thought.


    -but he collected a fair amount of information about how eachpetitor moved and reacted. He also observed how they treated theirpanions.


    Some were openly warm.


    Othersespecially the ones who used golemstreated them like tools.


    Yeah, if any of your golems suddenly gained intelligence, Im sure theyd hate you, he thought. No wait, focus. He brought his concentration back and discretely turned his attention to Tyris, watching her and herpanion from the corner of his eye. Her interaction with the tortoise was gentle. There was caring, and a respectfulness there which looked like there mightve been a bond between them.


    Alex had assumed that since thisd be her first timepeting in the Duel by Proxy to enter as many events as she could, shed only gotten a monster for that reason.


    But from their connection, it seemed more like theyd known each other for a while. Maybe it was simply a matter of her taking advantage of the resources avable to her, like Baelin told his ss to do. He might get the chance to ask her about her tortoiseter, but for now, the fight was what he should be thinking about.


    Alex looked away, focusing on himself as the room continued to fill. Falling into himself, he meditated. He checked his breathing. He strategized.


    It was harder to make a familiar connection withrger and more powerful creatures, which meant that he probably wouldnt have to worry about the spellcasting of hispetition. Then again, he knew that Ozzie the massive bear-mammoth was one of Stans familiars, so it wasnt impossible.


    That possibility was something hed need to watch for, but in his situation since ygon wasnt his familiar, thered be no spellcasting for him during the match.


    His best strategy was to use ygons mental link formands: hed be able to give him instructions a lot quicker than if he had to say them out loud. His n would involve observing ygon and observing his opponents, then altering strategies as he needed to.


    In the first round Ill go for shock and awe, he thought. A lot of these monsters are powerful, but ygons really, really strong. Like I can lift a dune worm strong. I think maybe only a handful of the opponents could evene close to matching his power. Then theres the fire-gems. Thatll be my ranged option for flying opponents or fast ones. Either way, I designed ygon for power. Ill see if a quick, devastating offensive can catch at least my first opponent off guard.


    Attention, duelists! a voice called, drawing Alex out of his thoughts.


    The announcerwho Alex hadnt notice enter the roomwas standing in the middle of the chamber.


    We are ready to begin the final division of the Duel by Proxy! The super-heavy match! The announcer said, nodding to the contestants. This is the most viewed event in all of the Duels by Proxy, so my hope is that everyone puts on a good fight, shows good sportsmanship, and takes care of yourpanions. Duels by Proxy are paradoxes: you want to show brutality within the fight, and honour outside of it. Let us keep this sport honourable. No cheating. No potions or spells cast from outside the cage, unless it is through your familiar. This is a duel by proxy, after all. Any unsportsmanlike conduct: screaming in rage at your opponent, any histrionics, abuse of your ownpanion, or other unseemly behaviour will result in heavy penalties. Are we clear?


    The contestants nodded and murmured their agreement.


    Very well! The structure of the tournament matchups have been decided. I will read off the names of the matchups for the beginning bouts!


    Alex sat up, listening to the list.


    He wondered if maybe he would face Tyris, Sim, or Stan in one of the early rounds. Thatd be a good way to start off with a bang. In the knightly stories hed heard growing up, the hero always met their greatest rival and challenger in the final round of a joust.


    Maybe he would meet Tyris or Sim then?


    Atst he heard his name.


    Ando Durand and Shining sh vs. Alex Roth and ygon is match number seven-


    Oh. Theyd be fighting someone hed never heard of. He raised his hand and looked around to see who else was raising theirs. It was the same young man whomanded the ten-armed brass golem.


    I guess that makes sense, Alex thought. Odds are I wouldnt be fighting someone I know right away, anyway. If at all.


    So, he settled in for the wait.


    The announcer left the waiting chamber by a small door that went to another ramp leading directly up to the arena. On opposite sides of therge space were two more open doorways with ramps and a sign that read, Combatant One above one, and Combatant Two, above the other.


    It looked like they were how the duelists and theirpanions got to the arena floor. Khalik, Kybas and the otherbatants in the lightweight division had emerged from doorways on opposite sides of the arena too.


    After the announcer went up to the arena, Alex heard a dim sound of cheering and stamping feet making its way down to them: the crowd sounded excited. He couldnt me them, the thought of all these big monsters and golems shing against each other in an awesome contest


    well it almost made him wish he was watching from the seats, instead ofpeting.


    Two by two, opponents were called, and headed to opposite sides of the waiting chamber. The crowds roar grew louder.


    Soon.


    Soon.


    Alex waited, keeping his thoughts clear and his breathing steady. His leg twitched.


    Until finally, he and Ando were called.


    Taking a slow deep breath, he rose from his seat and started toward the ramp marked Combatant Two. On his way there, he turned toward his opponent and called out to him.


    Good luck!


    Ando looked back with neither a response or even a nod. He just turned his head and made his way to the other ramp.


    Alexs expression soured. Alright, then <em>bad</em> luck, I guess, asshole.


    He squinted as he and ygon emerged into the daylight. The afternoon had turned cloudydark, with the threat of rainthough Alex could feel a strong sense of manaing from the sky, and see that the clouds were parting.


    The Watchers had announced that weather controlling spells would be cast to ensure The Games werent rained out.


    Next, we have two neers! the announcer, well, announced. Ando Durand vs Alex Roth!


    The crowd cheered as Alex realised that the arena was absolutely overflowing with spectators. People were everywhere, seated, standing near the entrances, and anywhere else they could fit.


    He looked over to see his silent adversary entering the arena from the other side. His golems brass surface and jewelled swords gleamed in the daylight, and it was moving like a praying mantis, preparing to strike.


    Representing Ando Durand, we have Shining sh: a handsome brass golem and veteran of performancebats all around the Prinean sea! Weighing in at nine hundred and fifty pounds, it holds ten swords of spinning death and can fillet a gorger like a fish in two heartbeats! Lets hear it for Shining sh!


    The crowds roar was deafening.


    Representing Alex Roth, we have aaaygooooon! This beast of a y golem weighs in at twenty-four hundred pounds and was witnessed sting bonedrinkers to ash during the attack on Patrizia DePaolos vi earlier this spring! With fists that smash and beams that burn, lets hear it for ygon!


    The crowd roared, and Alex searched for his friends in the crowd, finding them up on their feet cheering him from way up in the nosebleed section of the stands. He could just make out his little sister. The two of them had talked about hering to his match since he figured hed been using ygons fire-gems, and wanted to give her the choice to stay at home.


    I wanna see you and ygon fight! shed said. Ill just close my eyes when theres fire!


    In the end, hed supposed that if shed found a way to be there and be okay, then itd be the best of both worlds for her. Selina had asked for a knife for her birthday, and he hadnt thought that it would be a good present for her; but then Mr. and Mrs. Luwho were actually experienced parents whod given their own daughter a knifehad given her one for her birthday. And she was taking care with it. So, if she wanted to watch, she could. Besides, shed have Theresawho knew how shed reacted to her fire affinityand the Lus there to support her if it was too much.


    He swallowed and raised both arms and began waving wildly at them to let them know he could see thembefore thinking how stupid that probably looked and stopping.


    A blush spread across his cheeks and he quickly turned to ygon. Alright, big guy. Let''s do our best together.


    The clouds shifted.


    ygon nodded slightly.


    Wait, what? he muttered.


    Was that a trick of the light?


    He watched his golem carefully as the massive construct strode into the cage, but didnt see anything unusual again.


    Alex shook his head to clear it. I kinda feel like fodder.


    Thered been books hed taken out of the library for a fun read that featured a plucky, fleet-footed warrior who fought in martial arts tournaments. He had a fancy sword with a long name that hed use to quickly demolish his opponents who were always big, hulking jackassesin the first round of any tournament he was in.


    Alex towered over Ando and was a hell of a lot more muscr, and ygon dwarfed Shining sh by nearly two feet and almost twice the weight.


    Wait a minute, He thought. That guy not answering meis <em>he</em> the cool silent badass whollpletely whip ygon to show how badass he is? No, no Alex, calm down. This isnt some storybook. Theres no prophesied hero here-No wait. <em>Im</em> a prophesied Hero.<em></em>Yeah, but Im literallyic relief. Oh jeez, maybe I should have The Mark of The Fodder stamped on my shoulder!


    <em>Crack.</em>


    Four y hands snapped into fists.


    The announcer raised his hand.


    Shining sh raised all ten of its swords, gripping them by the middle of their des with the pommels facing toward ygon.


    So, it looked like the n was to use the ten pommels to bludgeon his golem.


    Begin! the announcer roared.


    <em>Whooooooom.</em>


    Energy gathered in the fire-gems, with the glow building in ygons forehead. The pair in his palms began to power up as well, but their light was hidden by his fists.


    Shining sh began to dance toward ygon, spinning its swords across its ten hands. The des shed and shone in the air as it juggled them from hand to hand at speeds far quicker than ygon was capable of.


    The crowd roared with delight at the sword disy, and the power gathering in ygons forehead fire-gem.


    Charge, Alex thought.


    ygon rushed the golem at full speed.


    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>


    His massive stride shook the earth.


    Shining sh dropped into a fighters stance, ready to react to anything ygon did.


    <em>Voooooosh!</em>


    Then the fire beam sted from therger golems forehead.


    Shining sh leapt to the side, but both of ygons hands snapped open as he ran forward.


    <em>Vooooosh!</em>


    Two more fire beams shot out at thest second.


    The brass golem leapt over the beamsdoing a shockingly acrobatic flip through the airand soaring over ygons head.


    <em>Thwack.</em>


    It gave ygon a quick swipe to the helmet as it soared over his head. Alex analysed the situation. So, that was the strategy: superior speed to show heavy domination of the fight and make it so that ygon lost more than one point at the end of the round.


    There were three problems with that.


    First, Alex and ygon were used to fighting fast opponents.


    Second, when one was jumping through the air it was very easy to predict where one was going tond.


    Third-


    <em>Snap.</em>


    ygons hand grasped Shining shs ankle just before hended. Ando gasped.


    -ygons powerful core made him faster than he looked.


    <em>Whoosh. Whoosh. Whoosh.</em>


    Gripping the brass ankle, ygon swung Shining sh over his head and then-


    <em>Bang!</em>


    -mmed the brass golem into the stones.


    Over and over, ygon lifted Shining sh up and mmed it into the arena floor. The brass golems arms werent long enough for a strike to its opponents hand, and it could only il until ygon mmed it to the ground one final time, then pressed it to the stones with his superior bulk and much greater strength.


    Ando had turned beet red.


    woand pin! the announcer called.


    The crowd roared and ygon let Shining sh up.


    But just as the brass golem turned around-


    <em>Ding!</em>


    -the bell tolled, ending the round.


    Welp, theres one thing at least. Looks like I dont have The Mark of The Fodder, after all, Alex thought.

 Chapter 216: A Rain of Fists

    Chapter 216: A Rain of Fists


    The scores came up.


    10-6.


    10-7.


    10-6.


    Alright, theres one round, Alex said as the crowd roared; he waved toward his friends and family, making sure it was less awkward little greeting and more Khalik addressing the crowd.


    ygon and Shining sh went to their respective corners.


    He had to admit, his earlier jitters were mostly gone.


    Right, right, analysis time, he thought. Baelin would be hugely disappointed in him if he didnt use a break inbat to examine his opponents strengths, weaknesses and potential future actions.


    He looked over at Ando, who was still bright red in the face and ring daggers at him. Alex scratched the back of his head awkwardly. He had a feeling that if the announcer hadnt emphasised that points would be lost if anyone acted like an angry child during a match, then Ando would probably have a few choice wordsor maybe fistsfor him.


    His bodynguagethe way he moved, stiffly and aggressivelyscreamed exactly how he was feeling about Alex at the moment.


    So hes angry and hes down on points, Alex thought. I can use that. If I were a betting man, Id bet hell have Shining she at ygon all stark, raging mad. Hell want to hit him fast at first, then get out of his reach. Hes faster than ygon, so skirmishing would be-No wait.


    He nced at the points on the board. Hes way behind on points, so hell need to do something more decisive than just hit-and-runs or hell lose.


    This wasnt like the fights in The Barrens: neither of their lives were at risk. Barrens-monsters would retreat when wounded, like the xyrthak did, but the goal here wasnt to life or death. It was to get the most points.


    So, if Alex were Ando, how would he go about doing that?


    Legs, Alex thought, ncing at ygons powerful legs and feet. Going for a pin would be pretty pointless: size and strength arent always the decider in wrestling, but ygon had so much more mass and strength on Shining sh, that trying to pin him would stupid. ygon could reverse an attempt at pinning him, no problem. so that leaves knockdowns. If it looks like ygons weights off bnce, then thatd be a perfect time to go for a trip.


    He kept his face neutral. Lets make that seem like a good strategy for him, eh ygon?


    Get ready! the announcer cried.


    Shining sh turned back toward its opponent and spun its des.


    Smack those fists together, buddy, Alex thought to ygon.


    <em>Thm. Thm.</em>


    ygon shed his four fists together twice.


    The crowd roared, and several of the illusions focused on close ups of the golems weapons and fists.


    Now, this was getting to be bags of<strong></strong>fun.


    <em>Ding!</em>


    The bell ran again, signalling the start of round two.


    This time, Shining sh proved to be the aggressorjust as Alex had thoughtdarting forward with all ten pommels swinging.


    ygon charged toward the brass golem, powering up the fire-gems again. Their glow reflected off the brass golems polished surface, but Alex didnt let them fully charge.


    He just let their ominous glow shine from his golems forehead and palms.


    Shining sh jumped away, trying to use its superior speed to duck around ygon, but the y golem had much better reach and stalked after his opponent, driving all four of his fists forward to seemingly try and knock down the smaller golem.


    Trigger the idea that risk will bring reward, Alex thought. Slow down those fists, just a bit, ygon.


    Blows slowed slightly as though ygon were trying to take more time and precision with each strike, and Shining sh took advantage.


    <em>ck! ck! ck! ck!</em>


    The crowd roared as the brass golem struck those big y fists while they were still extended, the pommels snapping against the unyielding surfaces.


    Thats it, now well be the desperate ones for a bit, Alex thought.


    He put on an expression of dismay and anger, pointing at Shining sh. Now ygon began lunging at it, making wide, sweeping grabs with all four arms.


    Little more aggressive, buddy, he thought. He watched Andos face and ygons legs.


    His opponent was watching the golem with utter concentration. A lot of his anger from earlier was still there, but he looked a hell of a lot calmer now.


    Alex s eyes flicked to the brass golem as it danced around ygon with its ten pommels striking again and again. He had to admit, it was a beautiful construct. Its attacks were no mindless ilings; Alex had practised enough of the Spear-and-Oar dance to know a beautifulbat style when he saw one.


    Ando must have put a lot of work into the golem core to get Shining sh to move like that. From where Alex stood, he could feel the mana surging from it as it danced around.


    Respect rose in his chest.


    Though, he wasnt about to forget that he was an opponent.


    And he justneeded him totakethebait


    ygons leg lifted high. His arms over-extended slightly.


    Shining sh darted in as therger golem appeared to be losing bnce.


    Four swords shot out, hooking the cross-guards around the back of ygons leg, ready to pull himpletely off bnce and to the ground.


    Jerk your leg back! Alex thought.


    ygon yanked his leg back abruptly, pulling Shining sh off-centre and sending him tumbling to the ground in a heap of brass.


    Knock down, Alex thought.


    ygon fell as well, but Alex gave himmands to control the fall: hended overtop Shining sh, he was nted on two of his hands while the other two grabbed the brass golems limbs and pressed it into the ground.


    No! Ando shouted.


    Shining sh jerked beneath gyon, but with therger golems powerful grip on its leg and a pair of its arms, there was no way it was going to budge him.


    wo! Pin! the announcer shouted.


    The crowd cheered as Alex let the brass golem up.


    And now for the second punch, Alex thought.


    Charge! Ando shouted.


    Now even more desperate for <em>any sort</em> of points he could make Alex lose, he had Shining sh rush ygon.


    <em>Whoooom.</em>


    So Alex finished charging the fire-gems.


    <em>Vooooosh!</em>


    The beams of fire-magic mmed right into Shining sh as it recklessly charged in.


    <em>Booom!</em>


    Fiery explosions ripped through the arena, roaring through the air as the crowd screamed and cheered. The explosions werent enough to knock the nine hundred and fifty pound brass golem off its feet, but it stumbled.


    ygon grabbed it by an arm, turnedswinging through the air to gather momentumthen flung it straight up. Shining sh flew at least twenty feet above ygons head before tumbling to the ground in front of him.


    Alex had ygon cock two of his fists back.


    <em>Wham!</em>


    He drove both of them into Shining sh at the same time.


    <em>Crash! Crash! Skkrrrrrrrrr!</em>


    The brass golem bounced off the arena floor twice beforeing to a skidding, grinding halt against the stones.


    No mas! Ando shouted, waving his hands back and forth. No mas! No mas!


    Alex had studied enoughnguages by now to trante that from Guadianan: No more!


    The crowd went quiet.


    The announcer held up his hand. Ando Duran has yielded on the field, the winner of the match is ygon representing Alex Roth!


    The crowd hollered and cheered.


    Alex turned to the stands and waved at his friends and family. He could see the distant little form of Selina pping as hard as she could and jumping up and down. Good. It looked like she was having a good time.


    Andif he was honestso was he.


    One match down, he thought.


    He won his next few matchesvery handilythrough a mix of analysis and good-ol fashioned overwhelming force. ygon was a force to be reckoned with, and even in the super-heavy weight challenge, he was able to overwhelm many of therge monsters he was up against.


    As the tournament went on, the adversariesin each matchwere bing more powerful ones. Alex needed to think and n his way through each fight by trying to leave as little to chance as he could as thepetition came in with more experience.


    Still, he was able to get through each match, some by a wide margin in points and some by a narrow one.


    Between rounds he returned to the waiting chamber. It was growing emptier as time went on and morepetitors were eliminated. Once he even saw a fist fight break out between a victor and a loser who had to be parted by some of the more hulking staff members.


    Three constants remained in the room, though, Sim, Stan and Tyris. There were no illusions that allowed thepetitors to watch other matches from the waiting chamber, but each time two fighters went up for a match, they would be back down after it for one of them to re-take their seat, and the other to head out the main exit door.


    Soon, however, two familiar names were called by a staff-member.


    Alex Roth and ygon versus Sim Shale and Shaleleath!


    Alex looked over at Sim, who was rising from his seat in the waiting chamber. Good luck, mate!


    Same to you! Sim called back.


    They made their way back to the arena to the roar of the crowd. The cheers had definitely gotten louder and more excited during theter rounds for both Alex and his opponents.


    It was the same now.


    Shale-leath! Shale-leath! Shale-leath! some of the crowd shouted in a cheery chant.


    aaaaygoooon! aaaaygooon! aaaaygoooon! roared other spectators.


    The cheers for ygon sounded a bit more ominous somehow.


    Well, if his earlier fight might have made it seem like he was the fodder to Andos quiet hero, then now he would definitely be the <em>viin </em>to anyone looking in from the outside.


    Shaleath was even smaller than Shining sh, and while ygon looked likewell, he looked like a hulking, four-armed monster with sharp teeth and three eyes, Shaleleath looked like a heroic version of Sim himself.


    A well-built hero, versus a towering monster.


    Except I might be the underdog here, Alex muttered.


    When hed been near Shaleleath, he could feel the mana thrumming from the golem. It wasnt quite like the overwhelming power ygon gave off, but it was clear that Sim had made some upgrades to the basic stone golem design.


    And that made sensehis mother owned and worked in one of the most sessful golem workshops in all of Generasiof course, Sims golem wouldnt be the run-of-the mill construct.


    He could have anything embedded in there, Alex thought. Rods that shoot electricity, protective shields, other attack spellsdefences, hed have ess to a lot more magical items than I did when I was making ygon. Of course, more magic items need more mana to create connections between them and the golem core. More pathways, meant moreplexity, and more mana. Theres probably a limit to how many magical items he has embedded in there then. Ugh, Im trying to think without data. Maybe he doesnt have any embedded magic items in there at all. Maybe just see what happens.


    He had ygon bang his fists together twice, then drop into the first stance of the Spear-and-Oar Dance.


    Sim spread his hands dramatically in a kind of:e at me gesture.


    Shaleleath did the same.


    The announcer raised his hand. Who wille out on top? Ready? Begin!


    The crowd cheered.


    Shock and Awe, Alex thought.


    <em>Whoooom.</em>


    The fire-gems began to charge and glow with crimson light.


    Shaleleath approached ygon cautiously, edging closer. Alexs eyes flicked to Sim, watching for any tells or odd movements.


    Sim waspletely still, simply watching ygon.


    The fire-gems had nearly finished charging.


    Opening shot, Alex thought.


    <em>Vooooo-</em>


    ygons fire-gems prepared to fire.


    Mana red from Shaleleath. Something was charging up inside of it.


    And it was charging up <em>fast</em>.


    <em>Broooam!</em>


    A wave of force magic sted out of Shaleleaths chest, quickly forming a spherical force construct with spikes sticking out, like the head of a morning star.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    It sted into ygons head, sending him stumbling back, throwing off his aim. Alex had him nt his foot back to steady himself.


    -<em>ooooosh!</em>


    The fire-beam from his head sted into the cages bars, exploding against the magical brass bars. The beams from his hands also went off-target, drawing long lines of explosions along the ground.


    Then Shaleleath extended one of his fists.


    But he was still too far away from-


    <em>Boom!</em>


    With a st of force magic, Shaleleaths fore-arm rocketed off his bodytrailing force magic like a fireworkand mmed into ygons trunk, making him flinch.


    The fist flew back to Sims golem, quickly re-attaching.


    Alex gaped.


    Really? he said. Force magic powered flying fists? Thats awesome!


    But from the look on Sims face, he could see that not all had gone as nned. Maybe hed expected the attacks to knock ygon back or even down.


    But that wasnt going to work much here.


    Youre gonna have to do better than that, Sim, Alex muttered, mentally ordering his golem to close the distance between him and Shaleleath.


    ygon charged forward.


    His fist cocked back.


    And then suddenly Shaleleath split into <em>six </em>Shaleleaths.


    What the hell? Alex cried.


    It was like Thundars Illusionary Duplicate spell, except there were <em>five </em>copies of Shaleleath.


    The crowd erupted.


    The half a dozen stone golems jumped at ygon in a confusing mass, Alex couldnt tell which one was the real one.


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>


    Stone smashed against y, as the real stone golem struck ygon repeatedly while he tried<strong></strong>swinging at all of them. Each time therge golem sted apart an illusion with one of his four fists, another would form to rece it.


    I take back what I said about having to do better, Sim.

 Chapter 217: Mirrored Golems

    Chapter 217: Mirrored Golems


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>


    Fists mmed into ygon from shifting directions. Shaleleath wasnt as fast as Shining sh, but he was still faster than ygon.


    Alex chewed his bottom lip, and considered the situation.


    Had this been a real fight, dropping four fists in a flurry until ygon punched through the illusions and got to the real Shaleleath, would have been a good tactic. He was capable of cracking a dune worm shell; so cracking Shaleleath with one blow or shattering the smaller golems limbs with a couple of blows would have been a possibility.


    But, with the magic that stopped hits from being too damaging, the strategy of, Well I only have to hit you once and youre deadwhich had worked against the fast moving monsters on the Patrizias estatejust would not work here.


    Even if he hit Shaleleath a couple of times, hed still be able to just get back up.


    So, Alex decided to use grappling techniques, trying to go for a pin, but Sim kept the real golem away from ygons powerful arms. That left him with only illusions to grab.


    Right, its time for the hit everything approach, then, Alex thought.


    ygon began to power the fire-gems.


    <em>Whooooom!</em>


    If he strafed all six Shaleleaths with his beams, that would not only destroy the illusions, but expose the real golem and knock him off bnce.


    Then he could grab-


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Another force st mmed into ygons head, throwing his aim off.


    <em>Voooosh!</em>


    The beams went wide again, allowing all six golems to jump away and avoid the sts.


    <em>Ding!</em>


    The bell ended the round.


    Shaleleath! Shaleleath! Shaleleath! the crowd chanted.


    Aaaah, shit, Alex swore.


    The scores went up.


    10-8.


    10-9.


    10-8.


    Hed lost two points from most of the judges.


    And he couldnt even disagree with the call: Sim had definitely dominated that round.


    Alright Alex, no use brooding about it, he thought. You lost. It wouldnt be the first time. You fail often enough that The Mark reminds you about it when youre trying to spell cast. Learn from it and move on. <em>Think. Adapt. Think. Adapt. Think. Adapt</em>. What had he learned?


    Sims magical items charged a hell of a lot faster than ygons. If Alex were to guess, there might be a few reasons why: the magical effects were less powerful than the fire-gems, and Shaleleath was probably built to flood them with mana fast.


    So, Sim would always be able to hit Alexs golem with that force st whenever he saw ygons fire-gems charging.


    That didnt mean that the fire-gems were out, it just meant that he would need to use them very carefully.


    What else had he learned?


    Well, that illusion hes using is annoying, he thought. But besides that, it also gives off the illusion of Shaleleaths mana, so I cant just sense out which ones the real golem.


    What else?


    Movements.


    He focused The Mark on learning Shaleleaths movements in the rest of the two minutes they had between rounds. He reviewed them quickly,paring them with Shining shs movements and those of his other opponents.


    Huh, he thought. Theres something.


    Shaleleaths movements werenot exactly polished.


    Alex thought about how warriors like Grimloch and Theresa fought, how dancer-warriors like Fan-Dor and Gel-Dor moved, and the bodynguage of others, both experiencedbatants, and nonbatants.


    There was a certain bnce to the way trained fighters moved that people who werent used to fighting or dancing did. The stances of the Spear-and-Oar Dance focused on always keeping ones weight grounded; a proper stance would make the dancer hard to throw off bnce.


    Even when they were in motion, they moved with grace, always keeping their bnce controlled and centred. Even Shining shan imposing brass golem whose bulk could have made him really clumsymoved with that kind of bnce.


    Shaleleath wasnt as fast or as poised as Shining sh, though.


    Judging by his movements, Sims probably not much of a fighter, Alex thought. Hes a crafter by profession, not some battlemageokay. I think I have an idea.


    Fighters, get ready! the announcer called.


    Shaleleath and ygon took their positions on either side of the arena.


    <em>Begin!</em> the announcer signalled the start of round two.


    Sending a thought to ygon, Alex had the golem drop into the second stance of the Spear-and-Oar Dance and raise all four arms into Cleansing Movement positions.


    Shaleleath immediately split into his five copies, and all began moving toward ygon cautiously.


    Sim was ahead in points.


    So, he had no reason to be aggressive now.


    Thats right Sim, ready that force st of yours, Alex thought.


    <em>Vooooom.</em>


    ygons fire-gems began to charge.


    <em>Broam!</em>


    The spiked sts of force shot from the Shaleleaths chest, arcing toward ygons head-


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Mentally guiding ygons movements, he snapped all four arms up into a block that guided the force st away.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Five of the sts dispersed, while the sixth hit the brass bars.


    Sims eyes widened.


    ygon advanced, swaying his arms like snakes. The power continued building in the fire-gems.


    <em>Broam!</em>


    More force sts flew at Alexs golem, but he dug his heels into the stone and continued swaying his arms rapidly, deflecting the force away.


    The tactic was working as ygons four enormous arms angled to deflect multiple force sts,<strong></strong>including the illusionary ones.


    Then the fire-gems finished charging.


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    Three beams sted through the air and struck the horde of Shaleleaths, splitting the illusions apart and sending the real golem stumbling back. Alex then aimed one of the beams at the smaller golems right leg, copsing it, sending it crashing to the ground like a stone.


    ygon charged the fallen golem with all four arms spread out while Shaleleath tried getting back on his feet,cking the graceful movement of Shining sh.


    More illusions began forming around him, but the fiery explosions stopped them cold.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    The crowd roared as ygon dropped down on Shaleleaths back.


    <em></em>One! Two! the announcer called. Pin!


    One knockdown. One pin, Alex thought.


    He let Shaleleath up, already charging the fire-gems. The stone golem scrambled to its feet and gave ground. It looked like Sim didnt want to risk another pin.


    So, Alex went on the offensive.


    More illusions formed around Shaleleath.


    <em>Whoooosh.</em>


    The fire-beamsnced through the air, sting the stones around him. Alex lowered ygons centre of bnce and advanced on Shaleleath. His lower arms rose up to guard against more force sts or flying fists.


    More came.


    <em>Broaam!</em>


    <em>Boom! Boom!</em>


    Fists and force stssome real and some illusionarysted into the y golems defences, but with ygons lowered centre of bnce, he wasnt budging.


    Shaleleath backed away as its fists returned and re-attached to its arms.


    Got you, Alex whispered.


    <em>Whooosh!</em>


    More fire-beams sprayed out, blowing apart the replicas. Alex angled the two beams from ygons palms to box Shaleleath in, while the third sted around the stone golem, hindering it from manoeuvering.


    <em>Booom! Boom! Boom!</em>


    ygon charged.


    <em>Booooom!</em>


    Shaleleath fired both stony fists and the force st at the same time, but ygons lower hands were alreadying up<strong></strong>as he was redirecting his forehead beam.


    The beam ripped the force st apart.


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    Sims golems fists were shooting directly at ygon.


    <em>ck! ck!</em>


    ygons hands caught the flying fists, gripping them tightly.


    I guess that means youredisarmed, Alex smiled at his own joke.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    ygon tackled the smaller golem into the cage, pressing it against the bars, then he grabbed one of its stony stumps and threw it to the ground.


    He picked Shaleleath back up, and mmed it against the bars two more times before pinning the golem in ce.


    <em>wo! Pin!</em> the announcer cried.


    Alex had ygon let Shaleleath go again, backing off slightly.


    Then he snapped his fists up.


    The illusions formed again, but now Shaleleath was cornered.


    ygons fists struck out, crashing through the images and knocking Shaleleath against the bars. The smaller golem couldnt run and he had no hands to use, since ygon was clutching them within his own fists.


    Ding!


    Finally, the bell rang.


    <em>Ding!</em>


    Both golems returned to their cornersbut first, ygon gave Shaleleath its arms back as the crowd loudly stomped the ground.


    Alex looked up at the scores.


    10-4.


    10-4.


    10-4.


    Thats a good round, he said as the crowd cheered.


    Sim just shook his head across the field and gave a bitterugh.


    The next round began aggressively.


    Sim needed to get some knockdowns or wins if he had any hope of turning the match around. So, he had Shaleleathe in hard, spreading his illusionary replicas while charging in.


    ygon charged right back.


    <em>Broooam!</em>


    Thats when the force st fired at one of ygons legs mid-stride.


    Shit, Alex swore.


    <em>Booom!</em>


    The ground shook as his golem tripped on the force st,nding hard. Shaleleath rushed for him, trying for a pin, but Alex had ygon roll and use his lower arms, trying to quickly right himself. Sim fired both fists and another force st into two of ygons arms to stop him getting to his feet.


    It was a pretty good tactic for someone who didnt have much experience in fighting.


    Guess theres more than one reason you made it this far, Sim, Alex thought, as he concentrated on charging ygons fire-gems.


    Shaleleath was almost beside ygon and was preparing to leap on the bigger golemto grab and pin him from behindbut Alex had his golem roll on his back and aim all three fire-gems at Shaleleath.


    <em>Whooooom!</em>


    The stone golem screeched to a halt, trying to jump away but-


    <em>Vooooosh!</em>


    Two beams caught its side, sting it backward, sending it to the ground. ygon got up and charged while the stone golem was struggling to stand.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    A massive kick swept through the clustered illusionary replicas, sting them apart and sending the real Shaleleath skidding along the ground.


    Two knockdowns, Alex said quietly. Now what?


    Sims next move was to try taking ygon down with more force sts to the leg, but he kept his legs steady and nted, his feet anchored in ce. Shaleleath charged, trying to kick his legs out.


    But, it was too little, toote.


    <em>Ding!</em>


    The scores came in.


    9-8.


    9-8.


    9-8.


    Winner of round three <em>and</em> the match is ygon, representing Alex Roth! the announcer roared and the crowd roared with him.


    Alex and Sim approached each other and shook hands in the middle of the arena.


    That golem of yours is kickass, Alex said.


    I could say the same, Sim said. You really know how to handle it too.


    Weve been practising together, a lot, Alex said.


    They sped each others hands and raised them high as the crowd chanted ygons name. Alex had ygon take a bow before they left the arena floor and made their way back down to the waiting chamber. He and Sim chatted for a bit before saying their goodbyes, then he took a deep breath, and sat back down to wait.


    Slowly, thepetition dwindled.


    Mad Stan and Ozzie got knocked out a couple of matchester, but each time Tyris went up, she would soon be back down with her head held high.


    Her opponents would exit shortly afterward.


    Alex nced at the fewpetitors remaining.


    If we make it to the final round, we might be facing Tyris for the grand prize, he muttered to ygon. Hear that big guy? Now we just got to win our final few matches and then-


    Next match! Alex Roth and ygon vs. Tyris Goldtooth and Vesuvius!


    Alex was startled.


    Oh shit, nevermind, buddy. I guess we face her right the hell now.


    Tyris looked up from across the room and slowly gave him a thumbs up. The orange glow smouldered from the top of Vesuvius shell.


    A golden glint shone in her smile.

 Chapter 218: Vesuvius

    Chapter 218: Vesuvius


    Well, looks like ourpanions will be dancing together a little earlier than I expected this evening, Tyris said as Alex and ygon approached her. You think your ygon can handle my Vesuvius?


    Alex shrugged, wearing a mask of indifference as he examined Vesuvius closely. Im a man of magic and science and Id never want to make a hypothesis without evidence. He smiled openly. But, Im sure Ill get all the evidence I need soon enough.


    Tyris reached out to idly stroke Vesuvius volcano-shell. The titanic tortoise gave a low rumble of contentment, sounding like a minor earthquake.


    Youre right, but I have faith in Vesuvius. Hes <em>awesome.</em> She smiled as the tortoise gave another happy rumble.


    Alex nced at the tortoisesrge eyes. He couldnt be sureat least not yetbut he thought he caught the glimmer of intellect in them.


    All the predictions in the world dont matter in battle, Tyris continued. In the end, the only thing that matters for victory is victory itself. And the only ones people want to hear from afterward are the victors.


    I dunno about that, sometimes we learn more from failure than from victory.


    Well-


    Ahem, the attendant standing by one of the doors cleared his throat. If thebatants would proceed to the arena.


    Fair enough, Alex smiled and stuck his hand out. May the best wizardmanded horrible engine of destruction win.


    She shook his hand andughed as they went to their assigned doorways.


    Alexs smile quickly faded as he walked up the ramp.


    Oh boy, he muttered to himself.


    This was going to be tough.


    A quick assessment of Vesuvius bodynguage didnt help him much: he wasnt a human after all, he was a giant volcano-shelled tortoise. There really wasnt much that hed observed about the tortoise that was helpful; hed been studying the bodynguage of <em>people, </em>and that didnt really help him when it came to enormous fire reptiles.


    Maybe I shouldve studied dragons, he thought irrationally, climbing the slope up to the arena.


    One thing he did get from Vesuvius was the sheer amount of heating off the thing. Standing near the tortoise almost felt like he was back in the Cave of the Traveller, feeling that oppressive<strong></strong>heat emanating from the goddess statues explosive fire-beams.


    Thevas not supposed to damage ygonprobably, he thought, wondering exactly what the limit of the magic that stopped blows and attacks from being lethal was. Butvas thick and will slow him if he gets caught in it, and if it cools then hardens, were <em>really</em> in trouble.


    Then there was something else to consider.


    The more powerful a creature was, the more difficult it was to make it a familiar, which is why most wizards tended to make familiars out of things like toads, rats, cats and other small, non-magical beasts. But that didnt mean you <em>could never</em> make more powerful monsters into familiars. A wizard would just have to start when they were young.


    Stories of wizards riding ancient dragon familiars tended to be either a fantastical tale or the tale was actually true, but the wizard was also ancient, and had formed their bond with the dragon when it was newly hatched.


    Stan Ernesto raised his bear-mammoths from young: the fact that he had multiple bear-mammoth familiars showed a raw talent for the ritund a real attachment to hispanionsbut Alex figured he formed his bond with them before they matured.


    Tyris seemed to have a strong bond with Vesuviusand the tortoise appeared to have intellect beyond that of an average beast. That could mean his species was either naturally intelligent, or


    He might be her familiar, Alex muttered as he stepped into the light.


    Evening had turned the sunlight a fiery orangekinda fitting for their battle, Alex thoughtand magical lights had been cast above the seats and cage to provide better illumination. Alex felt a little bit of mana from the sky above and noticed there was not a cloud in sight.


    Vesuvius being a familiar would mean Alex would haveva, the tortoises bulk, and possibly Tyris spells to deal with. She was also supposed to specialise inva, but that could simply mean that she just preferred the spell, not that she didnt use other spells.


    Guess well find out, wont we, ygon? Alex pat his golem on the side. Hey, you wouldn''t be kind enough to evolve just before the first round begins, would you? Nice and convenient like?


    ygon, of course, didnt answer.


    yeah, I thought not.


    Wee, gentlefolk to another exciting bout! We have two neers whove been <em>burning</em> up the tournament, and I do indeed intend that as a pun! the announcer shouted with humour in his voice. They fight with thebat experience of veterans, and the confidence of prior champions! Both of theirpanions specialise in crushing power, with Tyris Goldtooths spell casting flowing through her <em>impressive</em>familiar for an excellent dash of versatility!


    The crowd cheered.


    Aaaaah shit, Alex murmured.


    He nced up to where his friends and family were sitting a way up in the stands, and he didnt have to be near them to know that theyd be worried about the opponent he was facing. The group looked subdued, not cheering wildly like before: which wasnt a good sign.


    Theyd watched all the fights and had seen Tyris and Vesuvius win every one theyd been in, and if that wasnt enough to worry the-


    Wait.


    What were those shiny things Thundar and Khalik were handing to Grimloch? Were they <em>betting</em> on the fight? Were they betting against him or on him to win?


    Both of those bastards had better be betting on how many points were gonna win, <em>not</em> lose by! he grumbled as ygon entered the cage.


    Alex nced over at Vesuvius as the ground shook with every step he took. When he entered the cage, Alex realised thatlength-wisehe must reach nearly halfway across the arena.


    Maybe thirty feet long? he muttered, trying to estimate the tortoises length. By The Traveller!


    On one side, the announcer stoked the crowd. We have ygon! Victorious in five matches so far, and a favourite for the finals! A four-armed beast weighing in at twenty four hundred pounds! He smashes! He burns! He pins opponentsrge and small! Can he be stopped? Lets hear it for the four-armed juggernaut, aaaygoooon!


    The crowd cheered. aaaaaygooon! aaaaygooooon! aaaaygoooon!


    On the other- the announcer pointed to the massive tortoise, whose shell towered over even ygon. We have Vesuvius, a vulcancheloneor a volcano tortoise as theyre called in the southaged fifteen years and still growing-


    Holy shit, Alex muttered.


    -though he already weighs in at an estimated <em>fifty thousand pounds-</em>


    <em>Oh shit,</em> Alex swore again.


    -his powerful club tail could snap an oak tree in half with one swing-


    Hes got a <em>what!?</em> Alex tried to keep quiet as his horror rose.


    -and he is by far one of thergestpetitors ever to grace the Duel by Proxy! Lets hear it for the mountainous tower of <em>power!</em> Vesuuuuuviuuuuus!


    Vesuviuuus! Vesuviuuuus! Vesuviuuuuus! the crowd screamed.


    What the hell, Alex said, After an introduction like that, I sorta wanna start chanting his name myself!


    He looked at the massive tortoise.


    He hadnt been able to find any weaknesses apart from him being slow-moving, but when you took up a quarter of the battleground with bulk alone, you really didnt need to spend a lot of time worrying about trying to <em>catch</em> your opponent.


    And where was that club tail the announcer had mentioned?


    Alex shook his head. Come on, it''s gotta have weaknesses. Theres flipping it. Hell probably be able to turn himself back over if ygon flips him, but hell probably take a while. ygon lifted the bloody dune worm over his head, so he could probably flip this guy even if he wont be able to carry him. Then theres exhaustion. Hes a really big beast, which means he needs a lot of energy to move, but ygon never tires. Also, hes a familiar, so Ill have spells to worry about, but that also means Tyris has been using up mana in her other matches. And shell need to preserve some for future matches, even if she knows mana regeneration techniques.


    He nodded.


    The beginnings of a n began to form in his mind.


    <em>m.</em>


    ygons fists mmed together.


    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>


    Vesuvius pawed the earth like a bull preparing to charge.


    Who wille out on top? the announcer shouted. He lifted a hand up.


    Alex tensed and across the arena, he could see Tyris do the same.


    Begin! the announcers hand fell.


    Go for the eyes, Alex thought. And for the unexpected. Shell probably think Ill want to keep away.


    <em>Vooooom.</em>


    The fire-gems began to charge as ygon dug his heels into the ground and rushed toward Vesuvius.


    <em>Boom. Boom.</em>


    Vesuvius began to stomp his way toward ygon like a walking castle. A gurgle like a thousand boiling cauldrons about to overflow came from his shell, and the light built up.


    <em>Whoooosh.</em>


    A spout of bubblingva erupted from the top of the shell like a fountain of death, arcing toward ygon with unweed uracy.


    Alexs golem jumped back, narrowly avoiding the glowing geyser as it sttered over the stones, coating the ground in boiling rock.


    Then Vesuvius beak parted.


    There was a sound like the gusting winds of a storm as the monster inhaled an enormous breath of air, then released it.


    An inferno-cloud sted from its throat.


    Oh shit! Alex cried as gasps and cheers rose from the crowd.


    The explosive cone of mes engulfed ygon, pushing him back at least half a dozen feet, though he fought to position his heels like he had against Shaleleath.


    <em>Gurgle.</em>


    Another gout ofva sted from Vesuvius shell as Tyris roared out an incantation. ygon tried to escape the breath of me, but theva on the ground writhed into the air, suddenly transforming into dozens ofva tentacles as thick as a grown mans trunk.


    They wrapped around ygon, binding him, trying to keep him in ce.


    Break free, Alex thought.


    <em>Snap!</em>


    The tentacles snapped with a slight twist of ygons powerful limbs. Alex watched Tyris swear across the battlefield, then direct the tentacles to grab at ygon while she chanted another spell.


    The golem broke free of the cone of fire, just managing to dodge anotherva geyser that immediately sprouted tentacles.


    Shit, so thats the game, Alex said.


    She was controllingva with her spells, so each st from Vesuvius would spread over the field and give her more material to work with.


    The fire-gems finished charging.


    <em>Whooosh!</em>


    Alex aimed the beams for Vesuvius eyes.


    <em>Boooom!</em>


    They sted against the tortoises head, obscuring his vision. The beams couldnt hurt him since he was likely immune to fire and was too big for them to budge him, but they had the desired effect; stopping him from seeing long enough for an attack. Vesuvius growled and the me from his throat stopped mid-stream.


    ygon charged the tortoises nk.


    Club tail, club tail, Alex thought, watching for it.


    <em>Snap.</em>


    A massive tabout half as long as the shellemerged from his back end. There was an enormous bony club at the end that looked like it could smash a dune worms shell like a nutcracker.


    Alex watched, thinking of the best direction to head toward when it-


    <em>Whooosh.</em>


    It swung at ygon with a speed he hadnt expected.


    <em>Wham!</em>


    He gasped, grabbing the cage bars.


    The clubbed tail whipped down toward ygons approaching footsteps, smashing directly into his chest. Over two thousand pounds of magically powered y went flying through the air like a ball thrown by Selina to one of her young friends. The fire-beams sputtered out.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    And the ground quaked as he fell in a heap.


    <em>Whooosh</em>.


    Another geyser of moltenva arced out, this time spraying directly onto ygon, coating the golem as he forced himself to his feet.


    Alex began charging the fire-gems again.


    Then Tyris spat out another spell.


    A st of icy power materialised above Vesuvius head, then shot toward theva engulfing ygon.


    <em>Bwooosh!</em>


    As the cold magic hit theva, it began cooling rapidly.


    Clever, Alex grunted.


    <em>Voooom.</em>


    The fire-gems finished charging.


    ygon sted the cooling rock around him, shattering it, then scrambled away.


    Vesuvius thundered toward ygon, but he was slow.


    Tyris finished casting another spell.


    Haste.


    The tortoises speed instantly doubled, he rushed at ygon like a runaway meteor.


    Shit, ygon, move! Alex thought, fighting to keep from shouting. He couldnt let his opponent hear his instructions and learn his strategies.


    ygon rushed to the giant tortoises nk, out of range of-


    What the hell! Alex shouted.


    -the tortoises head suddenly shot forward with speed, revealing a neck that elongated.


    The beak snapped onto one of ygons arms; Vesuvius lifted the golem off his feetremoving his leveragethen mmed him back to the ground, face down with his arms and legs syed.


    He pressed a giant foot onto ygons back before he could get his arms under his body, keeping him from positioning himself to stand up.


    wopin! the announcer roared.


    Oof, Alex winced.


    Vesuvius let ygon go and the crowd went wild.


    Alright, thats okay, Alex muttered, we can-


    <em>Ding!</em>


    He startled looking at the bell.


    Already?! he cried in surprise.


    The crowd roared as the scores went up.


    10-6.


    10-6.


    10-6.


    Oh jeez, that <em>really</em> did not go well, he groaned. It makes sense, though. They dominated and got the pin. I have to do better, but all things consideredit couldve been a lot worse.


    As ygon returned to his side of the battlefield, Alex reflected on the fight.


    Hed gained a lot of data.


    And the more a wizard knew about an opponent, the more dangerous they became.

 Chapter 219: Powerlifting

    Chapter 219: Powerlifting


    Okay, lets review what we didnt know and what we know now, he said quietly to himself.


    Before, he had no idea that Vesuvius had a club tail, no idea he could breathe fire, and no idea what spells Tyris favoured.


    Now, he had information about all three.


    Tyris had used four spells in that round. Haste is a third-tier spell and I bet thoseva tentacles are third or above since they have so much power behind them. Her ice spell was powerful enough to coolva real fast: thats not exactly something youd expect from a third or second level ice spell.


    Hed seen Malcolm use plenty of ice spells, but none had the power to rapidly cool something as hot asva.


    That means shed used a lot of mana, he thought. Mana regeneration techniques asidedid she do that for the three rounds in every bout? Hmmm, shes in our division for the Grand Battle, which means at maximum, shes able to cast fourth tier spells. So, since shes not Baelin, she cant be throwing around three or four third and higher-tier spells every round without her mana dropping.


    He nced over at Tyris as she smiled, petting the side of Vesuvius mouth, and watching ygon while whispering to the tortoise.


    No doubt she was strategizing too.


    Since we made it this far, she probably had us marked aspetition and couldnt afford to hold back in the first round. But, now that shes won that first round, she can afford to be more cautious in the second, and just maintain that nice, big lead of hers for the win. So now, what?


    His eyes travelled over Vesuviuss massive body, stopping at his tail.


    Okay, so I know the tails quick. I know hes got that long neckso the sides probably the best direction to approach him from, but she''ll probably expect that. ...maybe the best thing to do is try to tire him out.


    He cracked his knuckleseven though he wasnt actually the one doing the fighting.


    Or doing anything else physical.


    Maybe I should look into getting a familiar one day, he thought.


    Then again, he wouldnt have much use for one outside of literally this situation, and he didnt really n on entering the Duel by Proxy every year.


    or maybe he would. They were pretty fun.


    Now where was he?


    Oh yeah, the fight.


    Lets oust them, ygon, he thought.


    The only problem was that each round was timed so he couldnt just take as long as he needed to exhaust the creature.


    Theyd have to make Vesuvius exert himselfa lot.


    And he just might have a way to do it.


    He thought back to the fight with the dune worm and how the monster had tired itself out against ygon.


    Smiling he had his golem crack his knuckles.


    except they made no sound.


    Because his fingers didnt have joints to pop.


    Alex shook his head at himself.


    <em>Ding!</em>


    The bell sounded, signalling round two.


    This time Vesuvius charged forward toward the centre of the arena, while ygon gave ground, letting him take the centre.


    Both the tortoises tail and neck extended, covering a vast area of the arena with their reach, and the tortoise began spewingva and fire breath at ygon.


    Alex took a quick look at Tyris.


    She wasnt speaking any incantations; hed need to keep an eye on her.


    He had ygon run to the tortoises sidethe massive golem was pretty fast when he got up to speedbut Vesuvius worked to turn and face the construct. His long neck pivoted to spew me at the golem.


    The fire crackled just behind ygon.


    <em>Whoosh</em>.


    Then the tail appeared.


    With a few short steps, the tortoise changed direction and swung his massive, club-tail directly at ygons torso.


    Alex mentally told ygon to spread his arms.


    As the tail came swinging in-


    <em>Bang!</em>


    It connected, but ygon quickly wrapped his four arms around the tip of the bony club. He was yanked from his feet with force and Vesuvius roared, swinging his tail back and forth, trying to shake the unwanted passenger.


    But the golems strength was immense, his grip solid over four limbs, and he did not tire. No matter how hard Vesuvius shook his tail, ygon wouldnt let go.


    He shifted his grip and began climbing up the tail toward the back of the monsters shell. One of his hands released Vesuvius tail and he raised that elbow and-


    <em>Bang! Bang! Bang!</em>


    Began to drop elbow blow after elbow blow into the tortoise''s iron-hard hide. Vesuvius roared with agitation and tried to swing around.


    Tyris shouted one incantation, then another.


    A small rock and a roaring ball of me materialised behind Vesuvius shell, fusing into a boiling, hissing ball ofva.


    Alex watched Vesuvius movements carefully.


    The frantic movements of his tail were stopping Tyris from aiming theva st properly. So for her to fire it, Vesuvius would have to-


    There! Alex thought.


    Vesuvius tail paused, just long enough for ygon to be a good target for the st.


    Thats when ygon let go.


    He dropped to the ground, ducked low to let the roiling ball ofva st over his head, then rushed toward the tortoises back end. Vesuvius tried turning as Tyris shouted another spell, but ygon got to his rearbefore she could finish.


    The golem bent and ced all four hands under the tortoise before nting his feet and centering his bnce.


    Unconsciously, Alex raised his arms in tandem with ygon as the golem squatted down with his legs and pushed upward with his arms.


    The crowd went quiet.


    A grunt of surprise escaped from Vesuvius.


    ygon began lifting the tortoise as the crowd broke into<strong></strong>cheers of shock and delight when Vesuvius back feet rose off the ground.


    Tyris cried out as ygon lifted her familiar higher and higher.


    Yes! Alex shouted.


    Vesuvius struggledkicking his legs and swinging his tailbut didnt have the leverage to dislodge ygon.


    Tyris began to shout an incantation.


    Now! Alex roared as loud as he could.


    It was the first time hed given ygon a verbalmand during the match; it caught her off guard.


    Her spellcasting paused for a stunned breath while ygon began to rock from side to side, building up momentum. He shifted to the side, more to the tortoises left.


    Off of his centre of bnce.


    The golem squatted low, while bending both pairs of arms for a shoulder press.


    Tyris tried to finish her spell.


    ygon pushed up at full power.


    All fifty thousand pounds of vulcanchelone let out a roar of shock as his left side flew in the air. ygon kept pushing as he upended the tortoise until finally-


    <em>Booooom!</em>


    -the entire arena quaked as the golem flipped the enormous monster onto its right side. Lava poured from the shell.


    The crowds roar was deafening as Alex let ygon back away.


    Knockdown one, he thought.


    Tyris finished her spell. Two spiked force stslike Shaleleathsshot out from under Vesuvius, knocking ygon backward.


    Alexs nextmand was: charge the fire gems.


    The monsters tail pressed against the stone, angled for leverage. His left legs were sticking up in the air, swinging back and forth to build momentum. With that motion and a push of his powerful tail, Vesuvius righted himself.


    Alex wasted no time, sending ygon charging forward to flip him again, but Tyris cast another Haste spell on Vesuvius. Now at double speed, the tortoise whirled toward ygon and his head snapped out to grab him again.


    ygon sted him full in the face with the fire-gems, blinding him for a moment; Alex used that moment. His golem grabbed the monster by the neck as its beak shot forward. ygon wrapped all four arms around its neck.


    He cocked a fist back and delivered a massive blow like a thunderp. The force was enough to send Vesuvius head whipping to the side, stunning him.


    Tyris finished another spell, a st of ice hit the ground catching ygon by surprise. He slipped, but grabbed Vesuvius neck and shell and swung his body away from the ice, then nted his feet again.


    Vesuvius master was chanting a spell again, but the massive tortoise was still stunned from the blow, and ygon used that to get beneath his shell again and begin lifting hard.


    With another roar and earth shattering crash, Vesuvius hit the ground a second time.


    Knockdown two, Alex muttered.


    He had ygon back off as Tyris fired two moreva spells, but the golem raised his arms, deflecting them as Alex directed him through the Cleansing Movements.


    While Vesuvius was righting himself, Alex began nning another knockdown when-


    <em>Ding!</em>


    -the bell ended round two.


    Alex turned and looked at the score cards.


    Please be 10-6 in my favour, he said.


    10-7.


    10-7.


    10-7.


    Dammit, he swore beneath his breath.


    Still three points behind her.


    Hed need more than to just fight better in the next round; catching up would mean either a knockdown, a pinwhich would be impossible, ygon just didnt have the sheer mass or leverage to keep Vesuvius from getting back upor more than one knockdown.


    He eyed Vesuvius as the tortoise returned to Tyris side. The massive monsters breathing was definitelyboured now. Moving all that bulk, then having to right yourself after being flipped twice probably wasnt easy, not to mention he''d had several fights before ygon.


    Thisst round mightve been tricky, though.


    Hed caught Tyris and Vesuvius off guard because they probably didnt expect ygon would be able to move, let alone lift the beast.


    But now, they knew that he could.


    We might need a different strategy, big guy, Alex said quietly to ygon. What about my proposal from before? Any thoughts on suddenly and conveniently evolving during the match for no reason that makes any sense at all and then showing everyone how much stronger youve be by beating your opponent like he was a feather?


    ygon, of course, didnt respond.


    Yeah, I didn''t think so.


    He looked back at Tyris, his eyes narrowing. Shed used more spells during that round than she probably wanted to, and he and ygon had closed the gap.


    What would she do now?


    He thought about likely spells that she might use now that there was only one round left. Thisst round was either do or die.


    If I were her, what would I do? he muttered.


    Then a thought urred to him. A horrifying thought.


    Theres no way she doesnt know that spell, he muttered. And it doesnt care how big a living creature is, it just works on them. He shook his head. Okay, buddy, lets get ready. Once more into the fray.


    The golem turned and cked his fists together at the same time Alex did.


    Vesuvius turned back toward them.


    Theyd start defensive. They were ahead in points. But once he narrowed that score


    <em>Ding!</em>


    The bell rang, signalling round three.


    This time, Vesuvius stomped toward ygon, breathing a massive storm of fire while sprayingva from his shell. Alex had ygon charge directly into the me andva storm.


    The sheer force of Vesuvius'' assault slowed him, but he dug his heels in and pushed forward. Alex had already begun to power up the fire-gems as ygon moved forward.


    The glow and huming from them was hidden by the me surrounding ygon.


    Lava gushed from the beasts shell, spraying the golem, slowing him even further as it doused him inva.


    Tyris eyes narrowed from across the arena, but she still hadnt started casting yet.


    Then three beams of light tore through the mes, sting the ground beside Vesuvius head. He jerked his head up, elongating his neck to keep his eyes from the blinding beams.


    That halted the fire breath from hitting ygon, but the breath was weakening. You cant keep exhaling forever, Alex thought.


    He had ygon scoop up two handfuls of molten rock with his lower hands.


    Vesuvius finally ran out of breath and inhaled.


    ygon whipped the handfuls ofva at the monster.


    One missed, but the othernded straight in its open mouth as it inhaled. The tortoise aspirated theva, his eyes flew wide, then he went into shuddering bouts of coughing. ygon charged, tackling his massive right front leg from under him.


    With a roar, Vesuvius tipped forward and ygon used that momentum to keep lifting him until-


    <em>Crash!</em>


    -he flipped onto his side.


    Knockdown, Alex thought. Were even. One more point from each judge.


    Tyris began spellcasting.


    First, she sted ygon with another st of force to push him back, then she started casting another spell.


    And Alex fought a smile as he recognized it.


    The crowd gasped when the massive beast began to rise from the earth. Flight magic.


    But that was the spell Alex had anticipated.


    Go! he mentally roared.


    ygon rushed forward and jumped up, grabbing onto Vesuvius shell.


    The crowd roared as both the titanic monster and massive golem rose into the air together.

 Chapter 220: Fire in the Sky

    Chapter 220: Fire in the Sky


    ygon tightened his grip on Vesuvius shell.


    Both golem and vulcanchelone shot into the air; flight magic granted the gigantic tortoise speed far greater than normal, and the wind seemed to roar around him.


    He swung from side to side, trying to shake the golem off, but ygons grip only grew stronger. Vesuvius nced at the brass bars of the arenas cage.


    He barreled straight for them at top speed, angling the golem toward the metal railings.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    He rammed ygon against the cagedetermined to knock him loosebut the golems powerful grip was like a vice, seeming to mp tighter as the giant reptile struggled to break free.


    Remembering Grimloch grabbing the xyrthak, Alexmanded ygon to position two of his arms around the tortoises neck. Vesuvius roared, banging him against the cage once, twice, three times.


    It had be a game ofbat performance: thered be no more knockdowns against Vesuvius since he was now under the flight spell. Now, only superior tactics could close the point-gap between them.


    As the tortoise bashed him against the cage repeatedlythe crash of y on metal echoing through the airAlex had ygon wrap his lower hands around Vesuvius neck, mimicking the hold hed used on the wizard in the nobildonnas wood.


    With all four arms wrapped firmly around the tortoises neck, Vesuvius struggle grew frenzied. He smashed ygon against the cage. He tried throwing him off by wriggling his neck and kicking his front legs.


    Tyris began roaring out incantations like battlecries.


    Lava, bolts of force, powerful gusts of wind, and lightning strikes mmed the golem, but Alex had him hook his legs under the shells rim. His hold was even more secure. The fire-gems began powering up.


    Lets see how all that iling works for you if youre blinded, Alex muttered, focusing on the tortoises movements.


    He was concentrating so deeply, that he could barely hear the crowd anymore; a nce at the stands showed almost everyone on their feet. They were shouting, screaming, roaring and pumping their fists as ygon and Vesuvius waged their titanic sh. Golem core-powered limbs struggled against the supernaturally mighty muscle within Vesuvius neck.


    Neither seemed ready to give.


    Tyris finished another incantation.


    Golden orbs of oil materialised around ygon, sshing downward, coating Vesuvius in its slickness. The crowd gasped as the tortoise froze in the air, then began spinning like a young giants top.


    Force and momentum built with each rotation, threatening to hurl<strong></strong>ygon into the stones far below.


    Alexs jaw tightened as ygon began to slip.


    <em>Voooom.</em>


    The fire-gems red. He aimed all three at the oil.


    <em>Whooosh!</em>


    Thebustible liquid ignited in a sheet of me, the fire-beams burned it away. ygons grip tightened again, as he turned his forehead beam toward Vesuvius head, sting the tortoise in the right eye.


    The vulcanchelone roared; ygon removed one hand from its neck and brought up his massive y fist like a sledgehammer.


    It swung down like an executioners axe.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    The monsters head whipped sideways from the force of the blow, his roar dying in a choked grunt. Half-blinded, the tortoise spun into the side of the cage, colliding with the brass bars then sliding along them with a screech of shell on metal that echoed throughout the arena.


    ygon drove blow after blow into Vesuviuswhipping the giant beasts head to the sideas the vulcanchelone scraped along the bars, then mmed into the ground.


    <em>Scrrrrrr!</em>


    His belly scraped across the earth before his momentum stopped, bringing him to a dead stop. He rose into the air slowly. ygon held on.


    The crowd screamed their approval.


    Was that a knock-down? Alex thought. By The Traveller I hope it was.


    Vesuvius kept struggling in ygons grip, but it was clear he was weakening. His attempts to shake off the unwanted passenger had be sluggish; his roars more restrained, and he listed to one side in mid-air.


    Tyris tried to dislodge ygon with spell after spell, but nothing even shifted the golems grip.


    Raising both hands, she drew in a deep breathgetting ready to cast a spellwhen-


    <em>Ding.</em>


    The final bell cut her off.


    The round had ended.


    Looking surprised but weary,<strong></strong>Vesuvius slowly drifted to the ground and gently touched down on the stones. ygon released him and jumped down. Tyris watched: her face a mask of calm as she shifted her weight from one foot to the other.


    Alex slowly looked up at the judges booth, his hands nervously balling into fists while he waited for the scores toe up.


    Did thatst fall count as a knockdown? he wondered.


    Vesuvius had hit the ground, but his flight hadnt stopped.


    What was that considered to be? A knockdown? A stumble? Was it worth points? It seemed like itd be a hard call to make, one thatd only be resolved by each judges expertise and opinion.


    And what about the fight in the air? ygon had climbed onto Vesuvius back, grabbed his neck and smashed him around, but Tyris had poured a lot of spells into ygon, nearly forcing him off, and the tortoise had smashed him into the bars several times.


    ygon had gotten clean hits.


    Vesuvius had gotten clean hits.


    Alex didnt know enough about how the performances were judged to even guess who the judges would think the more dominant fighter had been.


    Come oe on he muttered, watching each humourless judge silently tally their points to mark their scorecard.


    Judge one raised his card.


    9-9.


    <em>What?</em> Alex thought.


    The crowd made a noise that Alex could only describe as loud surprise.


    Tyris stood a little straighter. Alex groaned.


    He assumed that the judge hadnt counted the second knockdown against Vesuvius, then had given the better performance to the tortoise. Alexs mind whirled.


    Okay, so Vesuvius controlled his flight, he thought. Hed also body mmed ygon more, but-Oh shit, here we go!


    The second scorecard came up.


    10-8 in his favour.


    Alex fought the urge to pump his fist. Tyris visibly winced and the crowd let loose a collective excited cry.


    Tyris was one point ahead. One more point to a tie; in that casehe actually had no idea what would happen then.


    Come oe oooon he muttered under his breath.


    The final scorecard seemed to rise as slowly as a sleepy snail.


    Alex held his breath.


    Tyris stiffened.


    The crowd went quiet.


    Then the judge paused as if in thought, seeming to consider something for a moment. He held the card low.


    Alex wanted to scream.


    Finally, the scorecard went up.


    10-8. In favour of ygon.


    The crowds roar was deafening.


    Yeeeeeeeees! Alex shouted, throwing up both fists.


    Tyris actually turned as white as a sheet and Vesuvius gave a low sound that Alex could have sworn sounded like a whimper.


    The crowd hammered the floor and their cheering echoed all throughout the arena.


    The winnerrepresenting Alex Rothiiiiiis aaaaygoooon! the announcer bellowed above the crowds cheer.


    Alex was all smiles.


    Despite the match not even being one of the final ones, after a battle like that, he felt like hed just won <em>ten</em>tournaments.


    And what an opponent, he thought, turning to look at Tyris. If shed finished whatever spell she was about to cast, or if ygon was weakershes going to be a real problem in the Grand Battle.


    Alex crossed the field to shake his opponents hand in the centre of the arena. She was smiling at him, but he could see the disappointment she wore: a slump in her shoulders, a tight forced smile, a ssy look in her eyes.


    When they sped hands, hers were shaking.


    Well done, Alex said, with respect. You and Vesuvius are a real team; hes a real monster on the battlefield. Alex looked at her with sincerity. Im definitely not looking forward to facing you in the Grand Battle, Tyris.


    Her smile tightened further. Well, Ill be looking for you. Things will be different.


    She squeezed his hand before letting go.


    Well, thats going to be a thing, Alex thought. Gotta tell the team about her.


    He looked up at the seats where his friends were on their feet; he smiled and waved at them.


    Then, his smile faded.


    He saw Khalik giving what looked like coin to Thundar.


    Oh, you bastard, he muttered.


    A wave of relief seemed to go through the otherpetitors in the waiting chamber as they watched Tyris and her familiar leave. Alex couldnt me them; having to fight a fifty thousand pound volcano tortoise would be enough to make anyone nervous. Hed been there.


    Still, no one seemed to be paying much attention to the one that <em>beat</em> that tortoise.


    Whats ygon then, a dried bit of grass? he thought.


    Shaking his head, he took in the room and assessed the rest of the opponents.


    He noted the chimaera that hed seen earlier, the swamp drake, and the other remaining monsters.


    Alex took a deep breath.


    If Tyris was <em>that</em> tough, then what the hell are the quarterfinals, semifinals and finals going to be like? he shuddered, looking at ygon. Get ready, big guy. Because things are only gonna get harder from here.


    I yield! I yield! his opponent cried.


    Wait, what now? Alex said.


    Their opponent was waving his arms after ygon had pinned hispaniona ferocious looking ape-like creaturefor the fourth time.


    My familiar is humiliated and refuses to go on! the wizard continued to shout, sounding flustered. Have you no mercy?


    Winner of the quarter final in the third round is ygon, representing Alex Roth! the announcer cried.


    Well, this was interesting, Alex thought. Tyris was one of the toughest opponents here, but I met her early. So, I suppose it might make sense that the quarter final could be easier. But, the semis up next. Its only gonna get tougher from here.


    Holy shit, I was right, Alex thought.


    Simbariel the chimaera roared and gave ygon a swipe that shifted his head to the side. The golem spun and tried to grab the beast butmuch like Shining shhe was too quick.


    Simbarielnded behind the golem and let out a roar that threatened to shatter eardrums. Some nearby spectators sitting close to the arena floor grabbed their ears, crying out as the beastunched itself on ygons back before he could turn. He wed him in a frenzy, then mped his massive jaws over the golems helmet. Two massive y arms shot up, grasped the chimaera by the mane, then tossed him over his head.


    Flying through the air, Simbariel turned andnded on his paws and hooves with cat-like grace as the goats head on his back drew in a breath.


    It emitted a sonic st that ripped across the stones in waves, mming into gyon, driving him back. His feet scraped along the ground.


    Alex considered the fight.


    Two rounds of lots of manoeuvring.


    The first had seen ygon get in some good, clean blows that had given him the win.


    In the second, Simbariel was a lot more cagey and kept pouncing out of ygons reach before he could strike him. That round had gone to the chimaera.


    But, Alex was seeing a pattern in his attacks. The jaws of his snake-like tail always seemed to open as if poised to bite ygon, but would pull back at thest moment. He <em>had </em>bitten him once, but had only hurt his own fangs, not the golem. Now, the snake had to fight instinct each time the lion attacked.


    Steady, ygon, Alex thought.


    He watched the beast carefully.


    The lions muscles tensed.


    Then he pounced.


    With a roar, he soared at ygongiving him another swipebut as he tried to spring away, the roar turned to a yelp.


    ygon had caught the snake-like tail by its neck.


    If it worked, why not try it again? Alex thought.


    <em>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</em>


    Like hed done to Shining sh, ygon spun the beast round and round over his head like a set of bs, gathering momentum and disorienting him. With a final swing, he heaved him straight into the air.


    The chimaera sailed through the airspinning and yowling helplessly, with limbs ilingthen plummeted back down toward ygons waiting big y fists.


    <em>Crash</em>.


    He drilled two massive blows into the beast, shooting him across the arena and sending crashing into the bars. Their ringing echoed through the stadium anda momentterthe bell rang to end the final match.


    Alex watched the scorese up.


    10-8 for all three in ygons favour.


    Winner of the semifinal iiiiiiis ygon, representing Alex Roth! the announcer cried.


    Okay, okay. Its like I thought, theyre getting tougher again, Alex thought. The quarterfinal mustve been a lucky break. Thest round might be against that big, acid breathing drake. And hes going to be tough as hell. I mean look at him, hes huge! And he breathes acid! Hes not as big as Vesuvius, but theres no way hell be a push ov-


    I yield! I yield! his opponent cried.


    Alex said eloquently.


    His opponent was waving his arms after ygon had grabbed hold of the drakes long neck and repeatedly punched him in the snout, preventing him from using his acid breath.


    I have no mana left, Lambton is fatigued and cant even fight back! the wizard cried. Enough of this, I surrender!


    O-okay then, Alex muttered.


    The crowd roared, and someughed at the spectacle.


    After a long, hard fight, ygon had defeated hisst opponent in the final round of the Super-Heavyweight Duel by Proxy.


    And the winner is, Alex Roth and ayyyygooooon!


    The crowd screamed, and the few who were still seated, leapt from their seats.


    Alex stared, dumbfounded, then looked up toward his friends.


    They were going crazy, jumping up and down, pounding their fists together and whistling.


    Thundar was passing Khalik some coin with a sour expression on his face.


    We won? Alex muttered. Does thatoh holy shit.


    It hardly felt real.


    The entire time that Alex was congratting his opponent on a hard-fought fight, his mind felt like a mana spectrometer that had been left on with no sample in it: a bit of machinery that asionally made a humming noise.


    That feeling continued as he was being led to the centre of the arena with the second and third ce winners. He only snapped out of it when he was standing in the middle of the podium, a medallion was being ced around his neck, and a heavy sack of gold was being shoved into his hands.


    Fifteen hundred gold pieces.


    Holy shit, Alex thought with pure delight.


    His money troubles were steadily bing a thing of the past. Between the coin from the xyrthaks valuable parts, he and Selinas inheritance, the proceeds from the mana vampire bounties, the bounty for the vespara and his and Theresas wages, he would pretty much never have to worry about running out of coin during his studies, if they kept living within their budget.


    Hell, if they stayed long enough for Selina to graduate from the junior school and go to university hereif she got a schrshiphe might be able to afford that too with what theyd already earned.


    The funds still weren''t enoughnowhere near enoughto buy an apartment in Generasi, but it was a strong beginning. It also meant he could really build up his own alchemical kit for potion making and other experiments.


    He looked up at the crowd, watching as they chanted ygons name. His goal was to establish himself in the city: to be someone who was important enough that hed be hard to mess with.


    It felt like hed taken a big step toward that goal this evening.


    For a moment, he thought of something that Isolde had told him: about others wanting to tear someone down when they were rising up. He also thought about when Jules hadmented on people often helping those who had already been doing well themselves.


    He hade to believe that since hed seen how ValRok, Baelin, and Jules had helped him after theyd seen his talent, and also when hed told the chancellor about the dungeon core remains. He also thought about how Minervus had wanted to see him fail while he got sess at Shales.


    Tyris had promised to take him down in the Grand Battle, but that was more of a friendly rivalryhe hoped. Looking up at the crowd, he could see some of the inclothes officers watching from lower seats. He was starting to recognize them even at a distance.


    He drew back his shoulders with pride.


    Thats right, look, he thought. Here I am, with nothing to hidewell, nothing to hide from youstill things to hide from priestsbut hopefully soon, not even them! And you just watch. Watch how we do in the Grand Battle.


    Maybe doing well in that final event wouldnt be so far-fetched, afterall.


    This win had started to make him more ambitious.


    Thoughts of demon summoners were far from his mind.

 Chapter 221: Archers and Cowards

    Chapter 221: Archers and Cowards


    Good job, you prize-winning bastard! Thundar roared.


    <em>Wham!</em>


    He pped Alex on the back so hard that he almost knocked the wind out of him.


    Oof! Alex grunted. Are you trying to kill me?


    Not before The Grand Battle, the minotaur grinned. We need your big, beautiful y friend! He mimed tossing a chimaera up into the air, then punching it as it fell. By all the gods, I can already taste that prize money.


    Selina looked up at him. What would gold taste like?


    Thundars grin widened. <em>Rich.</em>


    Now, lets have a close look at what fifteen hundred gold looks like, heughed, his eyes growing round like coins.


    Alexs friends had gathered around him shortly after hed emerged from the arena proudly sporting his gold medal around his neck. His big beautiful golem ygon was right beside him holding onto the winnings. Maybe some desperate cutpurse might be bold enough to try and snatch the gold if he was holding it, but theyd definitely think long and hard before trying to grab it from ygon.


    Trying to leave the stadium to get to his family and friends had been absolutely wild; something hed never experienced before. It almost seemed like he was in another fight as throngs of people surrounded the two of them at the exit, peppering him with questions about ygon. Theyd moved up beside the golem, oohing and aahing and measuring their height against his. Theyd tried touching his armour and his four arms. Some had made requests like: Could you possibly bring him to my shop or residence for a nice visit? Or, Can he use this pen to sign my sons shirt as a bted birthday present, youll make him soooo happy! The unreasonable woman asking for an autograph had looked familiar. Naturally, ygon didntply.


    In the end, it had taken Grimloch pushing through the crowd like some massive ship cutting through the sea to reach the two of them and extract them from the mob. With Grimloch in the lead, theyd finally been able to head to the rest of their group.


    Yes! We made an <em>awesome </em>golem!! Selina cried, gripping one of ygons massive fingers. You did so awesome, ygon! She made little punches, copying some of his moves. And Vesuvius was cool too!


    You think so? Alex looked at her with concern. Was watching the fight okay for you? There <em>was</em> a lot of fire andva.


    Im okay, she said, giving him a broad smile. She closed her eyes and pointed at them. I just shut my eyes when there was fire.


    Oh yes, you did so well! Mrs. Lu said, resting her hands on Selinas small shoulders. All that fire, and you were able to sit through it. Im proud of you.


    A blush crept along Selinas cheeks and she smiled up at Theresas mother. Thank you. It helped that you told me what was happening in the fight.


    I was happy to do it. It made me feel like one of the announcers giving a y by y of the action, Mrs. Luughed.


    Thats awesome, a year ago and you wouldnt have been able to do that. You did great- Alex paused, noticing Theresa giving his little sister a long, piercing look. -uh, yeah, you did great.


    There was a moment of silence, in which Alexs eyes flicked back to Theresa. The huntress nced at Selina and gave him an expression that said: Ill tell youter.


    Then Khalik wrapped his arm around his shoulders.


    So, the prince said. <em>We</em> are the champions, my friend.


    Alex smiled. Yeah, we kept on fighting to the end. And we won!


    I certainly hope there shall be a repeat performance in the Grand Battle. And that you also gathered good data, Alex, Isolde said. What did you learn of Tyris Goldtooth?


    Well, shes tough, but we already knew that, he said. Experienced, powerful and clever; shes also got a lot of mana to throw around, and I think she has good mana regeneration techniques. If it weren''t for the final bell ending the match, it looked like she coulda kept casting for a while. That tortoise of hers is a monster and a half too.


    He frowned, thinking aloud. One problem Im seeing is that since the Grand Battle uses the same kind of spell-marks that Baelin puts on us when we go to The Barrens: if we get hit by a lethal attack or one thatd really injure us, well be teleported out of the contest. And <em>every</em> attack that tortoise makes would definitely trigger those spell-marks.


    Well, thats not encouraging, Thundar grunted.


    Tyris is real confident and pretty eager for revenge though, so, we might be able to use that. If we bait her usingwell, me, and catch her off guard, I think we can take her out.


    Hmmm. Isolde thought. That is reassuring. Perhaps we shall ce higher than anticipated.


    Careful, Khalik said. We are skilled, but overying our hand will only lead to defeat.


    Yeah, I know, Alex said. I still want to go for it.


    One thing at a time, Theresa said. We have another couple of days of events before we get to the Grand Battle. Lets try and do our best in those first.


    Mr. Lu shook his head. To think Id see the day Id watch a mountain of a tortoise spew fire, what an amazing thing. I cant wait to see what other events this festival has. Whats next,ssoing the moon?


    Dont say that around Baelin, Alex said. You might give him ideas.


    Hah! Mr. Lu chuckled as the group headed away from the arena.


    I wish I was joking, Alex muttered.


    As they walked through the tournament grounds, Theresa slipped up beside him, ncing at Selina with that same look shed had before. His sister was walking ahead of them, still holding ygons finger and chatting happily with Sinope.


    Something wrong? Alex asked quietly.


    Theresas frown deepened. It might be nothing.


    Listen, almost every time Ive heard someone say, it might be nothing, it ended up being the exact opposite of nothing. Whats wrong?


    during your match, Selina had her eyes closed most of the timebut I think I saw her open them a few times just for a little bit.


    Really? he looked at his sister. Maybe shes getting better with fire again, like I did.


    Yeah, Theresa said. She still talks about Shiani, a lot. Maybe what she said to her, and maybe being around ygon, is helping her.


    Yeah, maybe. Huh. You know, when we were checking out those other events this morning, I think she mightve been looking back at that fire disy too. The one where the fire wizards were trying to melt metals. I wonder if I should talk to her about itter? Maybe, try to bring it up subtly.


    Yeah-


    What are you whispering about? Selina asked. Gross stuff?


    Yes.


    Oh. Stop it.


    He paused. Yousure you enjoyed that match, Selina? If you didnt, you can tell me.


    I did! she insisted.


    Alex watched her bodynguage carefully, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Okay, good.


    He might talk with Theresas parents first; they might know how to bring it up with her without it being too intrusive.


    The rest of the evening passed quickly as they enjoyed a couple more events, had a hot meal, and then after a very long day, everyone headed home for a well needed rest.


    The next morning was bright and sunny when they all met up. It was the dawn of the third day of The Games and the demon summoner hadnt made so much as a peep.


    The thought of an attack seemed to fade further from peoples spirits. Everyone seemed lighter.


    Maybe with your chancellor around, that criminal will behave themselves, Mrs. Lu said as they made their way to the tournament grounds.


    Yeah, Her husband added. I remember grandfather telling a story the summer after hed moved to Alric: it was about cowardly criminals. These bandits had made a camp in the north part of the Coillethats the great forest near our home town, for those of you who don''t knowit was led by a man who called himself Scar, the Bandit King.


    Isolde snorted. Bandits alwayse up with such creative names and false titles. On the Von Anmutnds we once had to deal with a man who called himself Giant Lord Krauser. When our vassals finally found him, the man was only five feet tall. Ridiculous!


    Well, Scar might have had bad taste in names, but he was a terror, the way my grandfather told it, Mr. Lu continued. Had himself a magic sabre that hed won during some war in his mercenary days down in Ar-Bishah.


    He was well-travelled, Khalikmented.


    But not well-mannered. He hunted the roads between Canterford and Norchester, raiding caravans, burning fields and just spreading terror with a small army of cutthroats and murderers, all bold as the sun. The bounty on him and his followers kept growingand the harvest that year was bad in Alricso my grandfather, Twinde Lu, picked up his des again and destroyed one of their raiding parties. Well, bandit kings dont like to have their raiding parties destroyed, so he sent thirty men to kill my grandfather.


    He paused, noticing that the entire group was watching him as they walked beneath the morning sun. He seemed to swell a bit. His wife stifled a snicker.


    Well, he destroyed that force too. And the one after that, he continued in a louder, more theatrical voice. Suddenly, this bold-as-the-sun bandit king was noooowhere to be found. Hed fled so deep into the Coille, that youd think hed never existed. Even with my grandfathers skills and enhanced senses, he didnt find his camp until winter.


    He took a breath. There was a caravan travelling southwest along Coillewood Roadwhich cuts straight from Norchester all the way to Shropsburyon their way to a wedding. It carried a dowry worth a lot of coin, a lot of nobles worth a lot of ransom, and it was passing <em>through</em> the forest, close to Scars hideout. The knights guarding it loudly proimed Scar to be a coward as they made their way through the forest. Even ifying low was the smart thing to do, Scar couldnt resist that kind of prize and provocation. So, he had a force ambush the caravan.


    Mr. Lu paused. But grandfather and some friends of his were hiding in the caravan and ambushed them right back. They broke Scars force and tracked the survivors back to an old abandoned keep. He was there, and they wiped him and the rest of his bandits out in a night. Point is, I think it might be the same with this demon summoner: they wont do anything as long as Baelins around, just like how Scar avoided fighting my grandfather. But, if <em>something</em> provokes them, then they might do something stupid anyway.


    Perhaps that shall be a good thing, in the end, Khalik said. Better they should act out with Baelin close by. Thank you for the story, Mr. Lu. Your grandfather sounds like he was an incredible man.


    Well, it runs in the family. Mr. Lu smiled, and patted his daughter on the shoulder, looking at the thick-limbed bow she carried. Which is why I want to see you ce first in that archery contest today, Theresa. Both Alex and Khalik have prizes, and I dont want the Lu family falling behind!


    She rolled her eyes. I dont need you to tell me that father.


    Yeah, Theresas going to win because shes awesome, Selina said.


    The huntress blushed a little. Thanks, Selina.


    Ill see if during the spell-joust, I can have a repeat performance of my victory, Khalik said.


    Yeah, I kinda wished Id signed up for more events now, Im just gonna be spectating until the Grand Melee tomorrow, Thundar said. What about you, big guy? Anything besides the Grand Water Hunt this afternoon?


    Grand Melee tomorrow afternoon then Grand Battle after that, Grimloch growled. d the waters warm today.


    Nua-Oge smiled up at him. See, that wasnt unnerving at all.


    The heat of blood mixes better with a warm sea. Makes hunting the wounded more of a challenge.


    Grimloch, will you stop that! Nua-Oge protested. Theres a child present!


    I think Grimloch is cool. Selina shrugged.


    Shes right, but maybe I need to find better influences for my sister, Alex thought, then noticed that they were drawing eyes.


    As they got further into the tournament grounds, a lot of folks were paying close attention to their group. While people looking at ygon and Grimloch wasnt exactly rare, now they were looking less with curiosity, and more with recognition, especially at ygon. Some stopped Khalik to talk about his and Najyahs victory in their weight division of the Duel by Proxy, while others wanted to know who else in the group waspeting, and in what events.


    It seemed that some of their early victories in The Games hadnt gone unnoticed.


    That seemed to be why people were openly pointing at them and whispering when they reached the long field for the archery tournament.


    Alex held his head a little higher.


    Several contests were set up to test uracy, speed and power.


    The first challenge was standard for an archery tournament, the kind that Alex had been to once when he was young.


    Bullseye targetswith lines painted along the grass every hundred feet behind thest onewere set up one hundred feet from the archers. The targets floated several feet off the grass: each time an archer hit one, they would receive points, depending on where the arrow struck the bullseye. The target would then move back one hundred feet and the archer would take another shot. The cycle repeated until the archer finally missed, or the target had travelled back a thousand feet. If the archer hit the final target from a thousand feet away, they would have concluded the first challenge.


    The second challenge was for uracy and speed. The contestants had to shoot at small targets moving back and forth across a field of grass, with the goal being to empty a quiver of thirty arrows into them as quickly as they could. Points were awarded based on how many arrows hit a target, and how much time it took to empty their quiver.


    The final challenge was one that tested power.


    Floating targets were set up twenty feet in front of the archers; each was made of a piece of painted parchment attached to a thin sheet of wood. Multiple targets stood behind each other in a row, and the goal was to fire an arrow at them, piercing through as many sheets as possible. The more targets the archer prated, the higher the point total<strong></strong>at the end of the contest.


    Well, Im going to go register and get set up, Theresa said. Wish me luck!


    She jogged toward the registration desk.


    Think shes gonna win? Thundar asked, as the rest of the group made their way over to the stands which had been set up behind the contestants.


    Yeah, Alex said. But Im a bit biased.


    Theresas been shooting for most of her life, Mr. Lu said, his chest swelling with pride. Even if she doesnt win first ce, Im sure shes going to do very well.


    As they climbed the stands up to their seats, they were able to get a better view of the field and the otherpetitors.


    What do you think, Lady von Anmut? Mrs. Lu asked. You seem to know everything; do you see anypetitors that Theresa will need to worry about?


    Isolde paused, straightening a little at the seem to know everything. As I have said, while I am studying at Generasi, friends might call me by my first name, which is Isolde. My title belongs in another realm and soitisstrange She paused. Oh dear. Oh dear. Oh dear.


    What is it? Khalik asked.


    She nodded toward one end of the field. Do you recall the winners ofst years Grand Battle? The Outcasts of the Divine Wind?


    yes? Khalik said slowly, as heand the othersfollowed her gaze.


    Three centaurs were trotting up to the field in perfect unison. Large bows, which had been painted stark white, were slung over their shoulders.


    Look there, she said. Those three are the archers from that team. it would appear thatst years champions of The Grand Battle have returned.

 Chapter 222: Reverent Archery

    Chapter 222: Reverent Archery


    The group went quiet at Isoldes words; all watched the three centaurs heading for the line of entrants on the field.


    Oh dear, Mrs. Lu said. They certainly lookformidable.


    Indeed, Khalik said. Look at their coordination: they move as one.


    Yeahyeah, Alex murmured.


    The Mark confirmed what Khalik had said.


    As soon as Isolde had pointed out the centaurs, Alex started analyzing their bodynguage with The Mark. The information he got was kind ofeerie. People usually didnt move <em>identically </em>to each other. Siblings, friends and family members often took on some of each others bodynguage, like how Theresa and Mrs. Lu had a matching gait. Hed also noticed that people from simr cultures might sharemon gestures or a simr bearing.


    But these three went way beyond that


    They were like one person spread over three bodies: Alex had trouble finding <em>differences</em> in the way they moved. He concentrated, watching them trot closer to the standsraising their bows above their heads in identical salutes to the audiencebefore he finally caught subtle variances in their movements.


    The first one held his shoulders a bit straighter than the other two, the second had a slightly bouncier trot, and the thirds tail moved a bit more vigorously than hispanions.


    The heavy thump of their hooves also revealed other differences: distinctions in weight and stride that werent obvious to the eye.


    No way I would have caught those details without The Mark, he thought. But what do they tell me about these guys?


    Applying memories of the bodynguage of other people hed studied, he figured outnot much else.


    Their lower bodies were the same as a horses: so, any movements below the waist werepletely alien to the bodynguage of two-legged folk.


    What about above the waist? he thought.


    He went through The Marks store of memories, and saw that it focused on guards, Watchers of Roal, Theresa, Grimloch, Hogarth and Svenia.


    Trained warriors who had coordination, bnce, straight backs and disciplined, easy movements. The three centaurs shared all of those traits.


    Yeah, theyre going to be tough to beat, Alex said.


    Well, Theresas tough too! Selina said. Shes awesome and strong and fast and she could shoot an apple off an ants head!


    How would one put an apple on an ants head? Khalik wondered out loud.


    Isolde probably knows a spell that could do that, or at least shes seen one in the library. She basically lives there, Thundar said. Aint that right, Isolde?


    I do not spend <em>all</em> of my time in the library, you know, she said.


    Then fell silent for a moment.


    but there <em>is</em> a spell-


    I knew it!


    Quiet, you!


    They should make you the librarian! heughed. Hey, Theresas parents, you should see her. Youd think she was born with a book in her hand! Probably why she only hangs out with us.


    I have other friends! Youve <em>met</em> them!


    Yeah, but hows your love life doing?


    Isolde smirked. Hows <em>yours,</em> Thundar?


    Its a work in progress!


    <em>Ding!</em>


    Mercifully, the bell signalled both the start of the archery tournament, and the end of their argument.


    One by one the archers stepped up to their ces on the field of grass.


    Go Theresa! Split an arrow like Robbing Cloak would! Alex called through cupped hands.


    Go, get them Theresa! Mrs. Lu cried and Mr. Lu followed up with a loud Yeeeeeah!


    Brutus barked his encouragement with all three heads.


    Shouts and calls of support rose from the rest of the audience, threatening to drown them out, but judging by how Theresa looked over at them and noddedfrom the centre of the row of archersit seemed shed heard them through the din.


    The crowds calls died away as the first contest began, and soon the air was filled with the <em>thwack</em> of arrows piercing targets. Some contestants were clearly experts, while others looked like they didnt spend much time perfecting the skill.


    Each bullseye shuddered when struck, then floated backward to the next line on the grass one hundred feet away. Alex tried dividing his attention between Theresa and the centaurs, and watching for anyone who stood out from the pack.


    Theresa handled her bow like she was born with it in her handlike how Thundar said Isolde had been born with a bookbut the centaurs were like something from a folktale. They drew their bowstrings back with fluid grace and reverence; Alex noticed each would close their eyes and mutter something just before releasing an arrow at the bullseye.


    Whatre they doing? he wondered. Spells arent allowed during the archery contest. So what? Self-encouragement? Affirmations? Prayers?


    Alex frowned, thinking back to the reverence in their shooting styles; maybe they <em>were</em> saying benedictions: pleas for divine guidance for each shot. If they were, it seemed to be working: each centaur hit the centre bullseye again and again, even as the distance increased.


    As they raised their bows to arc an arrow at the marks, Alex turned to Isolde. Do folk on the Nephelean ins worship some kind of archer-deity?


    Close, she said. The deities of their worship are cousins to those of the Rhinean Empire: where <em>we</em>worship the four elements, those on the ins worship the four winds.


    That sounds cool. Having winds on your side would help a lot when youre shooting arrows, Selina said. Are they using divinities to help themselves?


    No, they are as forbidden as spells, Isolde said. Well, that is not quite true: this is a test of skill, not of magical might. In essence, one cannot actively use a spell or divinity to aid oneself in this archery skill contest. However, if one has innate magic within themborn with supernatural uracya permanent blessing, or life enforcement, then those are perfectly within the rules of this contest. I made sure to properly educate Theresa on the rules so she might avoid the shame of cheating by way of ignorance.


    Alex winced. That must have been a long, dry afternoon for Theresa.


    He turned his eyes back to the centaurs. So, if they werent using spells or divinities, they must be just praying before each shot. Probably.


    I wonder if theyre some super devout centaur n, or maybe theyre priests, Alex thought.


    He focused The Mark onparing their bodynguage to that of different priests hed knownand hed known a lot of priests in his life. Memories of priests whod served in the church school, as well as priests who regrly presided over ceremonies at the church in Alric, came up.


    There were some simrities.


    Focusing The Mark on the task, he realised that the way they brought their hands together over their bows just before each shot, was like a priest putting his hands together in prayer.


    Then again, it pointed out that the gesture was simr to what many people did when they prayed: like Carey London, or Khalik, or even himself. Not enough information to be conclusive.


    Still, if they are priests, he thought. Then maybe theyll have divinities to use on us duri-Wait a minute, what am I doing? The Mark isnt the only infallible font of knowledge I have ess to!


    Excuse me, Ms. Infallible Font of Knowledge, he said to Isolde.


    Both Khalik and Thundar burst outughing, and even Grimloch grinned. Svenia and Hogarth were doing their best to suppress any snickering.


    Isoldes blue eyes stabbed into Alex like jagged icicles. Yes, Roth?


    Why are you calling me by myst na-Anyway, are our three centaur friends priests? Like the kind that can call on divinities?


    She pursed her lips, looking down at them. Not that I know of. They showed no such abilityst year.


    Right, Alex said. Thanks Ms. Infallible Font-


    Isoldes eyes grew frostier.


    Oh,e on, its better than being a <em>fallible </em>font of knowledge!


    She looked like she wanted to throw him off the stands, while Khalik and Thundar were doubled over withughter, gripping each others shoulders to keep themselves from falling out of their seats.


    Svenia, Hogarth, and the others were making a point of looking away from both Alex and Isolde.


    He quickly cleared his throat.


    G-go, Theresa! he shouted, avoiding Isoldes gaze.


    Below, the huntress enhanced senses and muscles showed their worth: her movements were smooth, precise, and quick; her arrows hit like hammer blows striking their target. She matched the centaurs shot for shot, hitting her targets even up to the maximum distance of one thousand feet.


    When the first contest ended, the point cards showed a wide spread of scores between contestants. Theresa hade in sixthshed hit the outer ring of the bullseye at nine hundred feet, losing pointsbut the five contestants above her werent that far ahead.


    She closed the gap in the speed round.


    With her life-enforcement, her hands moved like lightning, each arrow hit with razor-sharp uracy, pounding the moving targets like hailstones.


    At the end of the contest, she was second overall.<em></em>The three centaurs began taking note of her, Alex saw them inclining their heads in her direction and talking amongst themselves.


    After a break to set up for the final contest: the one that tested power, the contestants stretched, then lined up for thest time.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    The sound of splintering wood filled the air as arrows punched through targets. Some whod done really well in the speed contest fell down here; their arrows only pierced one or two wooden targets, while Theresas, the centaurs, and other strongerpetitors projectiles, speared five or more with every shot.


    Alex imagined those spikes going through flesh like butter. He shuddered.


    By the end of the power round, the field was littered in shattered wood and shattered dreams; only threepetitors would rise to the podium and collect a prize.


    In third ce, called the announcer. Theresa Lu!


    Alex, his family and friends celebrated at the announcement, and cheered even louder when she stood on the podium to receive her bronze medallion. She was also awarded a bowstring of golden thread: enchanted to be almost unbreakable. Theresa wore a smile, rxing her deathstalker face, but her bodynguage showed Alex a mixture of both excitement, and disappointment.


    Two of the centaurs ced silver and gold, but all three looked like they were in shock that one of them hadnt ced in the top three to medal. Theresa hade in second in the speed round which had given her more points than one of them and shed just beaten him in the power round, which then gave her more total points.


    The centaurs looked up at the stands, gesturing toward a section of the audience. Alex craned his neck, trying to see who they were looking at, but the crowd blocked his view. So, he stood up.


    There.


    A group of tough-looking men and women were rising from their seats and heading in the centaurs direction.


    Alex had a bad feeling that he was looking at the rest of the Outcasts of the Divine Wind.


    Some people to watch, he thought.


    He paused.


    On the other end of the stands, he thought he saw Amir and Sinbroks group.


    But, a momentter, they were lost to the crowd.


    Right, Grimloch stood up as the audience began to disperse. My turn. Time for the Grand Water Hunt.


    If one didnt know better, they might start wondering if buried treasure had been discovered just off the beach.


    An armada of small boats cut through the waters of the Prinean Sea; its turquoise water sparkled in the early afternoon sun. On each boat, divers waited, ready to leap into the water as soon as a be diving bell, they called itrang.


    Salty ocean spray swept through the air, filling the golden sails of a central ship. Dangling over its side was an enormous ss bowl filled with seawater and a school of shining, red-scaled fish. The goal of the Great Water Hunt was for eachpetitor to scoop up as many of those scarlet fish as they could using a long-handled, while also finding and collecting gs hidden in the shallows below<strong>.</strong>


    Grimloch stood on arge boat with another pair of divers beside him. The sun gleamed on his grey hide.


    I didnt ount for the wind on that second tost shot, Theresa muttered darkly. I thought I did, but I ovepensated.


    Its okay, third is really good, Selina said, patting Theresa on her side as they watched the ocean from their seats.


    Third is well done, Mr. Lu said. And talking about a mistake over and over wont change it.


    But I over-


    Talk of buts are not for politepany.


    Yeah, Alex said. And were the politestpany in the world.


    She red at him, as did Isolde.


    He looked away. Ugh, I didnt even do anything wrong, he lied to himself.


    Standing up, he eyed some food stalls selling freshly grilled fish and seafood near the spectator seats. The smell was bing irresistible. Im going to grab a snack, does anyone else want anything?


    Your winnings from the Duel by Proxy.


    Im going to have ygon throw you into the sea, Thundar, Alex said, as Thundarughed and took him up on the offer of food.


    He left the group, and headed down the steps two at a time, then joined a long line-up for a stall that sold breaded fish on sticks. He hoped the line was moving fast because he wanted to get back before Grimlochspetition started.


    Alex began looking around, remembering the inclothes officers whod be a regr fixture in his life.


    He paused, spotting a familiar group lined up at the stall next to his. He did a doubletake at the same time someone else from the group did.


    The other person quickly looked away, but Alex was already speaking up.


    Hey, Amir, he said. Hows it going?


    Amir visibly winced and turned, giving him a weak smile. Alex, good seeing you here.


    Yeah, you too.


    Alex carefully examined his former supervisors bodynguage.


    Eyes turned down. Feet close together. Shoulders slumped.


    The opposite of someonefortable: nervousness, avoiding eye contact or looking away,ck of confidence and bnce. Hed seen the same attitude in people who were feeling anxious.


    Although anxiety seemed to be almost a permanent state for Amirit seemed even more pronounced than usual.


    Suspicions began to rise in his mind.


    Suddenly, the demon summoner wasnt so far from his thoughts anymore.

 Chapter 223: Deific Need

    Chapter 223: Deific Need


    I was hoping Id run into you again, Alex said, stepping far enough out of his line to avoid shouting, but not far enough to lose his ce.


    He stood tall, squaring his shoulders and setting his feet. Everything about his bodynguage was meant to disy confidence and ease.


    Did he talk to the officers? he wondered. Maybe told them things they could ask me about in that white room?


    His face was rxed, but he was also scanning Amir and friends, quickly examining their bodynguage.


    Sinbrok the dwarf stared up at Alex for a moment, before his eyes lit up in recognition. Ah, I remember you. Youre the student I invigted for during Professor ValRoks exam for credit in your mana maniption course, right?


    Yeah, thats right. Alex gave his hand a firm shake.


    The dwarf looked up at Amir. How do you two know each other?


    Oh, I supervised some of Alexsbs for Professor Jules, Amir said. Last year.


    Yeah, and now well be working together on the expedition team, Alex said, watching Amir closely.


    A flinch. Just a slight one.


    He noted that.


    Ah yeah, the expedition. Exciting stuff, Sinbrok said. Examining artifacts from far offnds.


    If the demon summoner doesnt ruin everything, Alex said casually, looking closely at Amir and his friends. Hope that mess hasnt been worrying you guys too much. Ive been trying not to think about it, personally.


    Ive been trying not to think about it either, Amir said quickly. More shifting in his bodynguage. He passed his weight from foot to footjust like Tyris had when they were waiting for the results of their fightand quickly looked at his friends. Alex, I havent introduced you to my friends; theyre all graduates of the university.


    And smart enough to get real jobs, instead of ving away for professors for crumbs and glory, one of Amirs friendsthe thin, rangy-looking one Alex had seen Amir with a couple of days earliersaid dryly. I have half the work and twice the pay working for the city. Word to the wise Alex, dont be like our friend Amir here.


    haha, Donovans introduced himself, I guess. In a way, Amir chuckled weakly. The other two are Leopold-


    He gestured to the heavy-set fellow, who gave Alex a broad smile. Any friend of Amirs is a friend of mine, except for Donovan, of course. Leopold said pping Donovan on the back.


    Alex shook his hand.


    -and this is Urs, Amir continued, gesturing toward a tall redhaired woman who looked just as tired as Amir. While Tyris red locks were as vibrant as fire, and Dereks leaned more toward a deeper red, Urss were pale, like her freckled skin.


    She looked up at Alex for a long moment then turned away and coughed into her right hand. How do you do?


    He decided not to try and shake her hand.


    Her bodynguage was simr to Amirs. He knew the two of them werent rted so he could rule that out, but he had no way of knowing if any simrity was because they had simr personalities, had known each other for a long time, or were from simr areas of the world.


    Im fine, its nice to meet you, Urs, his voice expressed a warm friendliness that was projected on his face. Inside, he was carefully observing her mannerisms.


    At this point, he found that he needed to call on The Mark a lot less when he was trying to convey a certain manner: even if it was theplete opposite of what he was actually feeling.


    Urs seemed to groweven more nervous when he spoke to her. Alex was reminded of what Baelin and Officers Ferrero and Gustavo had suggested: that even if the demon summoner wasnt a member of the team, they knew someone who was.


    Her manner was tense. She seemed awkward and nervous, like she was ufortable.


    Could she be the demon summoner?


    Dont you mind her, Donovan said. Urs is allergic to sunlight, people and fun. In that order. It took the better part of a week of convincing to get her toe out with us, even though we all had the time off and hadnt seen each other in half a year.


    Im busy. She shot a look at him. Very busy. Amir knows what thats like.


    Yes, Amir groaned.


    Alex thought back to what Khalik had said about suspicions--like the ones he was entertaining--ending empires, and spreading them had done more harm than good.


    Its a good thing Im not one of the investigators, he thought.


    In some of the ys Professor Jules had seemed to disapprove ofthe ones that involved boy wizards and scowling potions-masters--the protagonist often stuck his nose in ces where it didnt belong. Or at least, where it didnt belong ording to his long-suffering professors and adult guardians.


    Of course, in those stories, the situation somehow always ended up directly involving the protagonist anyway, and always required the special ability that only they possessed to resolve it.


    But things rarely worked out like they did in storieswhich was an odd thing for someone who was literally a chosen Hero to conclude.


    Baelin had said that he was bing a more capable fighter and strategist, and that he also had people in Generasi he wanted to protect. He wasnt the defenceless baker anymore; so, if he saw the demon summoner and could get the jump on them before they could summon their demons, he would try to stop them.


    But he was definitely not an investigator; he was just interested in checking out some suspicions just in case. Someone on the expedition team could be out to frame him or another team member, so the best way to get ahead of that was to figure out who that person was.


    At the very least, itd be better to see an enemying, than to be taken by surprise.


    He studied Amir as they continued talking.


    So, you looking forward to the Great Water Hunt? Alex asked.


    I know I am, Donovan answered before Amir could. Its a very important event.


    Theyre <em>all </em>important events, Leopold said.


    Yeah, I know, but let me finish, Donovan said, raising his hands. Did you know that this beach is the very ce where Roal defeated Oreca?


    <em>Really?</em> Alex said, pulled from his observations to look out at the water. Here?


    Oh yeah, her sword slew the demigod right here, Donovanughed. His blood turned into little man-eating fishgods die in strange waysthen she and her followers had to dive into the sea and hunt each of them down before they got away. Thats why the contest is set up the way it is. Impressive, eh?


    I cant even imagine battling a god, Alex said.


    And to make things worse- the pale man continued. -Orecas priests were chasing Roal the entire time. They wanted to get revenge for killing their god.


    Yeah, Alex snorted. I can imagine.


    He paused.


    Hey, thats actually something I wondered about. Why <em>did </em>Oreca attack Generasi, anyway?


    Urs frowned. Theres a good reason the university bans priests from campus, thats just how-


    Now, now, Leopold said quickly. Lets not go down <em>that</em> rabbit hole, shall we? The university may ban priestsright up until they <em>have</em> to work with them, that isbut the city is still open to any non-hostile deity. And priests <em>do</em> seem to be the target of a certain criminal, so lets not go stirring up trouble, Urs. Its too beautiful of a day.


    <em>And</em> theres more to the reason behind Orecas attack than just: <em>ooooo, look at me, Im a big mean demigod. </em>It was pretty much personal, Donovan added, making a scary face then turning to Alex. You have to understand, sea gods are often a veryaggressive bunch. They really are. Not all of them are as even tempered as Ek-u-Dari. The schar are actually lucky.


    I take it that other sea gods arent usually like her? Alex asked.


    Goodness, no, there are plenty who are of the mind that the ocean is my domain and allnd dwellers should fear it and me, Leopold said. Theyre territorial like angry fire ants. Oreca wasnt a full god, but his father wasalso dead, by the way, gods do that a lot, though they dont like us knowing thatand Oreca was powerful enough to have control of the southern Prinean in the ancient days.


    He nced over at the water. Oreca used to terrorize thend-dwellers here. Hed demand they worship him or hed send storms to destroy their ships, and tidal waves to sweep onto thend and wash out their crops, animals and the people themselves. That sort of thing.


    He demanded that wealth be poured into the sea for his treasury; the greatest share of a fishermans catch, people bound to ocean rocks as mortal sacrifices for his chosen sea monsters to feed on, and the like, Donovan added. Nasty stuff. Though when he was in a good mood, hed give the people seas so bountiful, that ounts say you could <em>walk</em> across the fish like and bridge on some days.


    Thats a lot of fish! Alex said.


    Donovan paused. Y-yes. It was. But the point is, everything depended on his mood, and the people were ves to it. That is, until wizards starteding here and gaining more and more power from the mana vents. Then they began growing and developing their spellcraft and magical technology. They gained spells that altered the weather, though that involved big rituals back then. He gestured to the sky. This was before Noarc had learned how to control the weather, of course.


    Right, Alex said. So, Oreca had control of everyone before the wizards came and learned how to defend themselves from his power. I take it the people feared and worshipped him a lot less. And you talked about sea gods being territorialyeah I think I see where this is going.


    Yes, indeed you probably do, Donovan said. After a time, people relied more on wizardry to protect themselves onnd <em>and</em> sea than they did on his blessing. They stopped fearing him, and fear is a powerful motivator for worship, as is love, of course.


    But fears easier to use, Urs said. You can forget a loving god; you can never forget one youre terrified of.


    Exactly, Leopold quickly cut in. And no more fear, meant no more faith and spirit, which grants deities their power, or at least increases what they innately have. So, Oreca lost his worship, but not the need for it. He became enraged and decided that ifwhat was the quote, Donovan?


    If <em>these magelings shall live without fearing the sea, then they shall not live at all! he roared, gathering his priests and his beasts and his bloody will, and went to paint the coastal waters with Generasis lifeblood!</em>Thats from: <em>My Battles,</em> by Roal herself, Donovan quoted, swelling his chest. Its not an umon story with gods. The only difference is that Roal and her followers could fight back. And they painted the sea red, alright, with <em>his</em> blood.


    <em></em>Deities, at least lesser ones, knew then that there wereeasier targets to attack than Generasi, Leopold said. And, so we have peace to this da-


    Parasites, Urs said loudly, sounding agitated. All deities are parasites, and they would do well to remember what happens to parasites when theyre discovered.


    Heads turned toward her.


    Urs! Leopold chided, ncing at the bystanders nearby with an apologetic smile. Thats not the <em>politest</em>thing to say in public!


    Polite or not, its true, and were on campus, Chancellor Baelin knows! Look, were on the very coast where a god tried to kill everyone in Generasi because he couldnt get what he wanted. What he demanded from them; you know-


    I think thats enough, Urs, Amir said quickly, then looked at Alex. Can you excuse us for a moment?


    Uh, yeah, sure, Alex said, stepping back into line.


    Hed been watching Urs during her outburst, and her bodynguage had be forceful, agitated and erratic. But hed also seen something simr disyed in Leopold, Sinbrok, Donovan and Amirs demeanour, as her anger grew.


    The group stood there awkwardly as people around them stared and whispered before they decided to leave without even ordering any food.


    Alex could hear Donovanining about that as they walked away.


    Leopoldined even louder.


    Alex watched them go.


    He thought about what hed learned.


    None of them seemed to be big fans of priests and godsbut, of the five, Urs seemed to have the biggest chip on her shoulder against deities and their servants.


    He took a look at the crowd around him, noticing some of the inclothes officers that had been following him paying strict attention to Amirs group as they moved through the crowd.


    Well, hopefully its not my problem anymore, Alex thought. If one of you is the demon summoner, then I hope they catch you quick.


    That was very rude, Urs, Amir said, as they made their way toward their seats.


    And stupid, Donovan added.


    It was true, damn you, Don! she pushed through the crowd. You know what deities do. And now, theres going to be an expedition thats working with priests and organizations that want them back on campus-


    Oh boy, Sinbrok groaned.


    Urs. Amir shrank in his seat. Can you please drop it? Things wont look good if you keep going on with this.


    But you <em>know</em> what priests do. Look at what they did-


    Urs! Leopold and Donovan said together, then paused looking at each other.


    Donovan continued, as though he expected Leopold to stop speaking. Amir has enough problems without you bringing suspicion on him.


    But Amir has nothing to hide-


    And that doesnt matter, Leopold pushed. Let this lie, Urs. Lets enjoy the day. Put dark things out of our minds and have some self-control. Alright?


    Istrongly second that, Sinbrok said.


    Urs paused, her anger seeming to dete. right, Im sorry.


    Thank you, Amir said to Urs. Thank all of you, for just being good friends. He looked at Sinbrok, then Donovan and finally at Leopold. Im in your debt.


    He turned back to the ocean, imagining for a moment that Oreca was there, and the brave Roal was facing him down.


    Then his mind went to thoughts of demons.


    Of innocents dying.


    He winced, ncing to the side.


    Nothing to hide, he whispered. Nothing to hide at all.

 Chapter 224: Great Hunts on Land and Sea

    Chapter 224: Great Hunts on Land and Sea


    Who were you talking to? Thundar asked as Alex sat back down, fish skewers in hand. It sounded like someone was yelling down there. Kinda looked like it too.


    I wouldnt worry about it, Alex said.


    Really?


    Yeah.


    Alex hadnt been able to confirm that Amir was pointing the investigation in his direction. While it was true that Urs had that outburst and said stuff that a demon summoner might sayone who seemed to have a deep hatred of the divineBaelin had also said simr things himself. Which didnt prove anything. If Alex went around making baseless usations against people, hed be no better than Minervus.


    Besides, spreading hypotheses without proof was bad science, and he could picture Professor Jules ring at him for even <em>thinking</em> about doing that.


    No, seriously, I wouldnt worry about it, he said again.


    Thundar shrugged. Alright, well lets eat some food then.


    Alex passed the steaming fish skewers to Theresa, who passed them down the line.


    You okay? She asked him.


    Huh? Yeah, Alex said.


    She frowned, peering up at him. you looked like something was bothering you. What <em>was</em> thatmotion at the food-stalls? I heard something about Oreca and deities?


    Alex blinked. Sometimes he forgot just how sharp her hearing had be. Itslets just say that people got a little heated about their beliefs.


    She watched him closely. right.


    <em>Ding!</em>


    The diving bell rang, signalling the start of the Great Water Hunt. Alex and Theresa quickly looked to the sea.


    Goooooo liiiiittle brother! Nua-Oge cried.


    <em>Ssh!</em>


    Dozens of divers dove off the boats, gracefully plunging into the water, though Grimloch didnt really dive so much as <em>smash</em> into the waters surface.


    Illusions rippled above the audience, giving the spectators a view from beneath the waves: the ss bowl containing the school of red fish dropped into the water, then split apart, scattering the fish in all directions. A floated at the perimeter of the hunting area, keeping the fish from escaping, and anything else from entering.


    Contestants were propelling themselves downwardtheir heads covered by Orbs of Airand casting spells as quickly as they could. Some traced their limbs in light, which red, then instantly hurled them through the water like flight spells. Others transformed their legs into long green or silver fins that pped like a fishs fins.


    Contestants of amphibious or aquatic raceslike schar, merfolk or frog-like beastfolkhad no need of spells for propulsion; they used their natural swimming ability to break through the water after their quarry.


    Alex watched closely.


    You know, thats something I should really start training, he thought. Swimming.


    Not many people in Alric knew how to swim, and as a boy, hed heard about a husband and wife drowning in a nearby river.


    Itd be pretty awful if I survived monsters, mana vampires and wizards to just fall in someke one day and drown, he thought.


    Besides, there was something beautiful about swimming.


    He watched the graceful divers shoot through the water in something that was half-glide, half-dance. Even Grimlochs movements had a beauty to them. The shark mans life-enforced limbs cut through the sea with perfect grace and rhythm. Onnd, he was surprisingly agile, but his every movement was like a bonedrinker chasing down prey.


    In the water, he was like a falcon on the wind.


    I wouldnt want to fight him underwater, Theresa murmured.


    I dont think anyone would, Alex agreed. At all. Oh shoot! Look at that!


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Grimloch mmed a schar diver out of his way.


    The attacking of other contestants was allowedlimited to pushing, shoving or pullingand Grimloch was using the rule aggressively. He was by far thergest diver in the contest and whenever he rammed someone, theyd be catapulted at least a dozen feet through the water.


    He pursued the red fish enthusiastically, knocking aside hispetition like a charging bull; the illusion showed his silent jaws snapping up his red prey, but he didnt bite down on them with his teeth. Holding them in his mouth while moving through the water, he would then turn and spit them into his before looking for more.


    Hes a lot faster than he used to be, Nua-Oge said with pride in her voice.


    Hes been learning well, Theresa nodded, then looked around. But I dont think hes getting the best reputation


    Spectators loudly shouted the names of other diverscheering them on as they grabbed wriggling red fish or pulled gs from the shallow seabedbut they were quickly turning their attention to Grimloch.


    And some didnt seem to be too happy with him.


    Loud <em>boos</em> rose from pockets of the audience, though they were mixed with rowdy cries of approval as Grimloch bodychecked his way to filling his.


    After the had grown heavy with his catch, he paused, surveying thepetition and the few remaining fish with his ck, doll-like eyes.


    Then he shot downward like a thunderbolt, aiming for the gs at the bottom. He glided along the shallow seabed like awell, like a hunting shark searching out prey, then began snatching up gs with his giant hands.


    Some were partially buried in sand or nestled in dead reefs, but his enhanced senses picked them out quickly. Soon, other divers took to following him, trying to anticipate where he might have spotted a g hidden in the depths.


    They usually ended up body-checked to the side as he turned, charging through their ranks for fun. His teeth were revealed in a wide, predatory grin and he let out a silent, bubblingugh, and grabbed a g poking out of arge reef.


    Alex was sure it had a vaguely humanoid shape.


    He wondered if that was where Orecas body had fallen. Donovan <em>had</em> said that gods died in strange ways.


    Eventually, the bell rang a final time: all the gs and red fish had been scooped up and Grimloch burst through the waters surface.


    <em>Ssh!</em>


    The giant shark man breached the water like a triumphant killer whale before sshing back down. Some cheered him on, while others booed his show of what they judged to be arrogance.


    Isolde winced. That will be embarrassingter, should he happen not to win.


    Aaaaand in first ce by andslideor should I say <em>tidal wave </em>of captured prey and gswe have Grimloooooch! the announcer cried as the diving bell rang once more.


    Standing on the highest podium, Grimloch held up his golden medallion and a massive set of steel armour iid with bronze designs and shining pearls: his prizes. The armour apparently had three enchantmentsid on it: one that allowed it to be buoyant in the water despite its weight, another that conjured an Orb of Air around the wearers head, and a third that could conjure a Shield of Darkwater around itself.


    The armour will have to be magically resized and reshaped to fit you, young fe, the announcer said to Grimloch. Do you have anything to say about the contest?


    Good hunt. Not enough blood for me, though.


    Hah! the announcer surprisingly took the gruesome reply in stride. We have a true warrior here, folks! Roal would be proud!


    Alex, his groupand quite a few audience memberscheered the shark man as he left the podium. There was a bit of a wait before the ship with golden sails returned to shore with the contestants on board. When it docked, Grimloch jumped onto the beach with his medallion in hand. He didnt wait for the gangnk.


    You did it, little brother! Nua-Oge cried, hugging her adopted sibling as several members of the audience looked at them in surprise.


    <em>Little</em> brother? Alex heard someone say quietly.


    Ive been there before, he thought. <em>I</em> still can hardly believe hes the younger one.


    He paused, looking at his friends as they all gathered around Grimloch; a crowd of spectators asking him toe visit their shops or residences formed around them too.


    Bonds. Bonds to support each otheror call each other out on something, like Amirs friends had done with Urs. Bonds like priests had with their deities and followers. Bonds like the Heroes probably had with each other.


    He looked at Grimloch patting his sister on the back and shooting fang-filled grins at other contestants who were giving him dirty looks.


    Alexughed: unlike him, Grimloch didnt seem to care how he was perceived.


    Grimloch was just Grimloch.


    His attitude didnt win him many new friends, but he had enoughand from his performance alone, new people still came to him.


    That wasnt the way Alex wanted to live his life, but he respected it. It reminded him of Baelin a bit: monsters just doing what monsters do, and damn those that disagreed.


    He thought about Baelin and Urss assertions that deities were parasites. It was ironic in a way; Oreca ruled his seas in a way that put fear and obedience into people, but in the end, hed <em>needed</em> those people to worship him. Grimloch said whatever he wanted and let people react how they would. Then during the Great Water Hunt, he crushed hispetition alone.


    Grimloch needed people less than almighty deities did.


    He put those thoughts out of his mind and joined his friends, looking at Theresa.


    Speaking of needing others, he thought. Well need each other topete tomorrow morning.


    Contestants! Wee to the Great Land Hunt! the announcer cried, his voice boomingunseenthrough the forest.


    Alex, Theresa and Brutus waitedwith a group of thirty huntersin the Generasi countryside. Theyd woken up early to get ready for the hunt and had strategized about what theyd need to do before making their way to the sky-gond that had brought them to the meet up area for contestants, then they were taken to one of four starting points.


    An illusion materialized above them, one of a white rolok with a beautiful coat. Alex had never seen anything like it before. The illusion was actually showing them the rolok that theyd be chasing.


    Spirit roloks are fast and elusive, the announcer exined, saying the name of the beasts species name. They wield innate illusion magic that allows them to almost disappear when perfectly still! At full speed, they can outrun a horse! Youll need wits, endurance and cleverness to catch this little beast, so prepare yourselves for a challenging, perhaps long hunt. Shell be released somewhere in the beautiful Generasi countryside, in the middle of the four starting points. Hunters may hunt alone, as part of your registered team, ore together as arger groupbut remember, there is only one rolok to capture! The two other teams or individual hunters closest to the roloks location when shes captured will be our second and third ce winners! Ready yourselves, and remember, harming the rolok is strictly forbidden! A hunting horn will signal the start of the contest, and another will signal the end!


    With a shimmer, the illusion vanished.


    Here we go, Theresa said. I am <em>not</em> getting third ce this time.


    Well channel our inner Grimloch and grab the gold, Alex agreed.


    Brutus barked three times.


    Other hunters nced at them, then watched the trees, listening for the horn.


    <em>Brooooooaaaaawr!</em>


    The hunting horn blew a deep, powerful note and the contestants immediately scattered into the trees. Some formed groups, but Alex, Theresa and Brutus moved as a trio.


    They had left ygon with Selina, the Lus and their friendsthe big golem would only slow them down or give away their position with his massive footstepsand with Alexs training and Theresas life-enforcement, they were able to keep up with Brutus, even though he wasnt running at full speed.


    Alex nced up through the canopy and saw birds of prey circling above.


    It looks like some of the other hunters might be using familiars to hunt with, he said. Or maybe theyre just trained birds.


    Thats okay, Theresa said. Brutus has three of the sharpest noses around. Well pick up that scent once we get close enough.


    Where do you think they released it? Alex asked as they ran through a clearing.


    I dont know, the huntress said. Everyones starting off at a disadvantage because we dont know where the prey is, so the first thing someone needs to do is-


    Brutus suddenly started barking, then veered off to the left.


    -is find our quarry. Theresas lips spread in a predatory grin, which Alex gave back.


    It begins, she said. Lets-


    <em>Brooooooaaaaawr!</em>


    The trio skidded to a halt, their boots and padded feet kicking up leaves and dirt. Alex and Theresas eyes widened in shock.


    No way, Theresa said. No way!


    <em>What?</em> Alex cried. It cant be!


    He heardmotion all around them as other hunters emerged from the trees with confused looks on their faces.


    Attention hunters! the announcers voice echoed through the wilderness. The spirit rolok has been captured! The winners of the Great Land Hunt have been decided!


    Alexs jaw dropped.


    They had already lost.


    Who the hell got that rolok so fast?

 Chapter 225: Loss and Resolve (Theresa)

    Chapter 225: Loss and Resolve (Theresa)


    Theresa stepped out of the forest and into a clearing nked by Alex and Brutus. Her deathstalker expression was now reced by one ofplete shock. Her boyfriend looked as stunned as she did, like someone had just randomly pped him. His eyes were darting around, which was exactly what they did when he was trying to puzzle out something on the fly.


    Her hands reached out: one fell on Brutus headstroking it tofort himwhile the other slipped into Alexs. She concentrated on his warm, supportive grip while trying to make sense of what had happened.


    Theyd lost, just like that.


    Hard and fast.


    They hadnt even gotten a chance to participate before the hunt had abruptly ended.


    And that stung.


    She was trying to remain stoic andposed, but on the inside, she just wanted to scream her disappointment.


    Third, she thought. Bow hunting is what I do. I excel at it. But Ie in third in archery. And now, <em>we dont even ce in</em><em>hunting.</em>


    She shook her head, and looked toward the gathering crowd.


    Officials swarmed the solo winner and the second and third-ce teams. The silver and bronze medalists looked just about as bewildered as she felt.


    At the centre of the crowd, a young man with a slight build was holding a rather calm looking rolok as the announcer ushered him and the silver and bronze medalists to the winners podium.


    Theresas eyes quickly turned to the stands, searching for her family and friends. This was one of many times she silently thanked Professor Kabbot-Xin: a year ago she wouldve struggled to find them among the churning audience, even though she considered her eyesight to be really good back then. Now, her eyes honed in on Grimlochs fin and Thundars horned head in an instant. ygon was standing motionless by the stands. From where she was, she could see Selinas facial expressions shifting as she talked with her mother.


    It was stunning how much her eyesight had improved. Too bad she didnt get a chance to use it in the hunt. Her jaw clenched as her grip tightened on Alexs hand.


    Whatre they saying? he was asking while squinting at their family and friends. I thiiink I see ygon and Grimloch?


    She focused on her hearing: fragments of conversation from different voices came at her from within the crowd. She acknowledged each one and let it go, tuning out the noise, trying to pick out what her friends and family were saying.


    but they were too far away.


    She could hear their voices faintly, but couldnt make out their words.


    Cant quite hear what theyre saying, she said.


    Too bad. I bet theyre as shocked as we are.


    another failure, she whispered.


    What was that? Alex asked.


    Nothing, she said.


    He gave her a long look. That didnt sound like nothing.


    She shook her head. Not worth repeating.


    Turning back to the podium, Theresa watched the young winner rise to the central tform, he gave the crowd an awkward smile and waved at them. She mped down on the bite of jealousy rising in her, and just tried to watch and listen for his name.


    And the winneeeeer of the Great Land Hunt is Wolud Raaaaaniiiiiiier! the announcer roared.


    Oh shit, Alex and Theresa cursed at the same time.


    The huntress remembered the name: During their Grand Battle training sessions Isolde had warned them more than once about certain people to look out for. Three names hade up over and over: Tyris Goldtooth, whose familiar had nearly crushed ygon in the Duel by Proxy; Indrajit Hanuman, who had beaten Grimloch and everyone else by a mile in the foot race, and now-


    Wolud Ranier, Alex muttered. Hes an illusionisthowd that trante to being this expert hunter? Then again, hes done two years of the Art of the Wizard in Combat, ording to Isolde.


    <em></em>Come on, Theresa said, nodding toward the stands. The crowds moving. Our friends were watching the hunt on those sky illusion things. She pointed to the fading illusions above. Lets find out how he beat us so fast.


    As the spectators filed out of their seats, Theresa and Alex pushed their way through the mass of people until they reached their friends and family.


    Her father was the first to reach the three of them, and he ced a hand on her shoulder. Im sorry, he said sombrely. I know how much you were looking forward to this.


    Its alright, she lied.


    She noticed Alex throw her a look, but kept talking.


    What happened? she asked, looking around at everyone. How did he catch it so fast?


    Isolde sighed. Through clever application of spellcraft. There is a spell of fourth-tier called Wizards Eye. It essentially conjures a magical, invisible eye that floats through the air and sends whatever it sees directly back to the caster.


    Hmmm, like a strong familiar link. Khalik nodded. Some experienced masters are able to see directly through the eyes of their familiar, even at a distance.


    Some wizards cast spells that let them share the senses of the creatures theyve summoned too, Alex said. So, are you saying he sent one of these magical eyes out to hunt the rolok?


    Thundar snorted. Try <em>five</em> of them.


    At the same time? Thats a lot of mana Alex said, shaking his head slowly. And five at oncethatd get really confusing having five spells sending five visuals to your mind all at the same time.


    He used illusions, like the ones up there. Selina pointed up at the sky, where the illusions that disyed the contest had been.


    Yes, Isolde said. It appeared that he modified his Wizards Eyes to carry their sight to illusions floating in front of him. Instead of having five different views delivered into his mind all at oncewhich would be overwhelming for manyhe simply had five different illusionary windows to view, each showed him the view from a different eye. Far more manageable.


    Clever, Alex said. Thats a trick I gotta learn when I get to fourth-tier spells.


    Yeah, me too, Thundar grunted. So with five eyes scouting in different directions, he found the rolok real fast. Then he cast a spell of invisibility on himself and headed it off. Caught it when it hid in the hollow of a tree, and that was that. Game over. I gotta say, that guy had a lot of advantages going for him. Before he even cast the invisibility spell, you could tell he knew a lot about being all stealthy: he moved a lot like you, Theresa.


    But I thought the announcer said that this rolok turned invisible when it stopped moving? she said.


    Thundar shrugged. One thing you learn in illusions ss is tricks for seeing <em>through</em> others illusions, like invisibility magic. He probably knows a bunch of those.


    Theresa shook her head. No wonder he found the rolok so fast: he didnt <em>hunt</em> it, he cornered it with his little army of magical scouts.


    Alex rubbed her back. Well, that should make us feel better. I mean, we triedbut he wasnt even ying the same game we were. And hey, we learned one of his big tricks. Thats going to help in the Grand Battle. You feel any betterknowing that, I mean?


    She sighed. and what are our chances of <em>winning</em> the Grand Battle? She wasnt feeling all that confident at the moment.


    well, with the way weve been performing-


    The way you, Grimloch and Khalik have been performing.


    uh, he paused, scratching the back of his head and watching her closely. He had the same look that he got when he was intently reading a book. Well, we have a chance, Id say.


    But a small one, Isolde said. There are many highlypetent teams here, and having The Outcasts of the Divine Windpeting again does not bode well for any other team with hopes of iming the Grand Battles gold medallion.


    Then I dont feel that much better at all, Theresa said, looking at Thundar and Grimloch. The Grand Melees this afternoon. The three of us have to be ready. I want us to win, and I dont want to be the one dragging us down.


    Grimloch and Thundar looked at each other.


    Cmon, its you! You dont drag <em>any</em> team youre on down, the minotaur said. Besides, the Grand Melees got a lot more restrictions on spellcasting. Basic body enhancements, and weapon enhancements are okay: no illusions, no great balls of fire, no flying around, or teleporting, or anything like that, though. Its just a straight rock em sock em melee contest!


    Right, Theresa said. Then Ill have no excuse. I <em>want</em> to get to the top. She looked at her parents. I want you to see that.


    Theresa, her mother said. You dont have to push yourself so hard to win just for us.


    Yeah, youre really cool, whether you win or not, Selina said.


    Thank you, she looked at all of them. But I want a win. I want you to see it, but its not for all of you.


    She gave Brutus a pat and the cerberus let out a grunt.


    its for me.


    Wee one and wee all to the Graaaaaand Melee! the announcer cried as he floated high above the field.


    Theresa watched him while trying to keep her gut calm. Their loss in The Great Land Hunt had been sittingpretty poorly with her; shed hardly tasted lunch and anxiety had been building in her belly as the melee got closer.


    Now, it was grumbling like shed eaten bad fish.


    Shed tried every technique to calm down that Professor Kabbot-Xin had taught in attempts to clear her mind and bring her thoughts back to the presentbut disappointment about the past, and worry for the future warred inside her.


    Which made grounding herself elusive.


    Steady, Grimloch rumbled as the announcer talked about the history of The Grand Melee in his opening remarks.


    Weve got this, Thundar said, stretching and rotating his arms in their joints. You guys beat the hell out of a well-fed mana vampire. We cracked open a Dune Worm and beat monster after monster in Baelins ss. Weve got thisits too bad we cant have ygon with us, but were pretty damn tough.


    True, Theresa said, taking a deep breath and looking up toward the audience. At this distance, even her enhanced sight could barely make out ygons hulking figure standing beside the stands. She couldnt even see her parents, Alex, Selina, Brutus or any of her frie-


    Wait.


    No, there he was: she could make Brutus out a little, but couldnt really see details of anyone else. She turned her attention back to the field.


    Great distance, she said, looking over the battlefield surrounding them. A lot of ground to cover. Which means a lot of opportunities for thepetition to tire themselves out.


    The Grand Melee was taking ce in a massive field deep in the countryside, not far from where the Great Land Hunt had taken ce. Teams and solo entrants had been positioned at different spots on the field to await the start of the contest. Every starting point gave the participants ample space to manoeuvre and position themselves.


    It would be a free-for-all and every single person on the field, aside from Grimloch and Thundar, was the enemy.


    Her hand fell on the hilts of her weapons. There had been a nice selection of blunted weaponry on offer for the participants to choose from, and shed picked a curved falchion and a shortsword. Both had heft to themthey were a little heavier than her normal weapons, but the difference was minorand were of simr length to her hunting knife, and great-grandfathers swords.


    Not surprisingly, Thundar had chosen a nged mace simr to the one he always carried. Grimloch had grabbed the biggest iron club avable,<em></em>drawing nervous eyes frompetitors whod been choosing weapons at the time.


    Hopefully this one wont break when I hit something with it, hed said.


    <em>Whoosh. Whoosh.</em>


    It sounded like a wind storm as he gave it a couple of test swings.


    You bend it, you buy it, Thundar joked, fingering the haft of his mace. Speaking of buying things, I need you guys to buy me some time to cast my enhancement spells on myself.


    He looked over at the team closest to themwho were a good fifty feet awayand then down at the glowing spell-mark on his arm. Theyre looking pretty antsy over there, and Im getting the feeling theyll want first strike.


    The team was made up of seven tough looking dwarven warriors armed with long poleaxes and shields. They were eyeing Theresa and her teammates with calcting looks while talking amongst themselves, strategizing, no doubt. One yawned. One sneezed. One looked real grumpy.


    Theresa remembered Baelin discussing amon tactic in battle: eliminating the greatest threat first. That usually meant taking out a wizard in a group of adventurers, dispensing with an armys general ormander fast, or finding and getting rid of the champion of a monster horde before they knew what hit them. It looked like the dwarves saw them as one of the bigger threats in the melee, and for good reason. Her knees bent slightly, readying for action.


    Well keep everyone away from you, Thundar, she said, eyeing other teams nearby. They were also looking at the three of them dangerously: a pair of twin swordsmen, a group of lizard folk, and some unarmed warriors in light clothing.


    Well take you all on, Theresa said, her deathstalker face in full effect.


    -and without further dy, the announcer roared above. I dere this Grand Meleeto begin!


    <em>Ding</em>.


    A bell rang.


    Feeding frenzy! Grimloch roared.


    Thundar began chanting a body enhancement spell.


    Lets go, Theresa said evenly.


    She drew her des.

 Chapter 226: Melee (Theresa)

    Chapter 226: Melee (Theresa)


    Battlecries echoed through the air.


    Weapons were drawn from sheathes.


    Thundar chanted his body enhancement spell as the seven dwarves roared as one, lowering their spears and charging the trio. Blunted axes hurtled toward the minotaur.


    <em>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</em>


    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>


    Theresa struck one from the air with her falchion, while Grimlochs club smashed the other two to the ground.


    Battlecries drew closer as the other teams came charging across the field, looking to overwhelm them. Theyd be buried in enemies within seconds.


    She cursed. Grimloch, weve gotta move! Therere too many of them for us to protect him while he still casting!


    Right, the shark man growled, picking up the minotaur and tucking him under his arm. Thundars voice rose in surprise, but he kept casting. She and Grimloch sprinted from their adversaries. The pursuers picked up the pace, their boots mming the ground.


    Thundars spellcasting elerated: magic to enhance strength, speed and endurance flooded his body.


    <em>ng.</em>


    The crash of metal on metal echoed behind them, followed by shrieking and rmed cries. Theresa risked a nce over her shoulder: the unarmed warriors had attacked the lizardfolk mid-charge and they were shing on the field in a massive brawl.


    The twin swordsmenone who wore a braided top knot, the other a moustache with ends curling upwardand the dwarves werent far behind her, Grimloch and Thundar.


    How long until youre done?! Theresa called to Thundar.


    A final rush of wordspleting his spells tumbled from his lips. Done! Bring your weapons close, Ill enhance them!


    Theresa held her weapons up as they ran, and he touched his mace, her falchion and shortsword, and Grimlochs club in quick session. Their weapons thrummed as the magic of his spellBlows of Leadinfused them; they grew heavy like theyd doubled in weight before quickly returning to normal. Against their opponents, though, they would strike like they were twice their mass.


    Im ready! Thundar roared. Toss me!


    What? Grimloch grunted.


    Throw me at those dwarves! Not on their spears! Aim so Ind behind em!


    Grimloch growled. Dont me me if you go st.


    Then dont st me!


    Ill hold off those twins while you two take care of the dwarves! Theresa shouted, skidding to a halt and wheeling around.


    Abruptly, she charged the twin swordsmen, their eyes hardened.


    Their weapons seemed to spark.


    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>


    No wait, thats actually lightning crackling along their des!


    <em>Whooosh</em>!


    From the corner of her eye, she saw Thundar shoot through the airjust above the dwarves thrusting spearsflip andnd on the grass behind them. His enhanced agility was working. Three dwarves spun to face him, spreading out and stabbing with their spears. Their rounded shields scraped against the spears hafts as they thrust them forward, but Thundar''s mace batted the weapons aside with ease. The other four faced Grimloch, spreading out as the massive sharkman came roaring in.


    Then, Theresa reached the swordsmen and her focus left her friends battle as she faced her two opponents. One cursed as she leapt to the side then lunged at him, her falchion shing out while her shortsword hovered in guard position, ready to deflect his blows.


    <em>Crackle!</em>


    The man swung his sword up to meet hers.


    Her eyes went wide as she jumped away.


    <em>Whish!</em>


    Electricity danced along his de, barely missing her sword; she eyed the de like it was a venomous snake.


    Theresa remembered how Isolde had conjured iron spikes to use on the mana vampire. She remembered that shed also used the spikes to conduct her lightning magic into monsters. Lightning did not mix well with metal, and she didnt want to find out what would happen if their steel swords met.


    The twins snarled and raised their des, moving to nk her.


    <em>Crackle! Crackle!</em>


    Blue bolts of lightning cascaded between their swords, forming a rippling of energy. They rushed inprepared to hurl the energised mesh on herbut she glided backward, whipping her shortsword at the moustached ones head.


    The man shouted, ducking low, breaking the lightning connection between his sword and his twins; Theresa charged him as the connection died. Her falchion whipped out, cracking across the back of his hand and knocking the sparking weapon free. She caught its hilt as it was falling and-


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    <em>-</em>threw it at his twin. The one with the top knot yelped and ducked down, but as the sword flew past him, electricity arced between it and his own de.


    Directly through his body.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    He gave a short cry and vanished, the spell-mark whisking him away. His brother reached for the dagger on his belt, but Theresa shed her falchion across his face, sting him from the contest. Even as he vanished, she was on the move: she bent to retrieve her shortsword, then pounded across the field toward the dwarven warriors.


    Thundar and Grimloch were breaking their numbers. A massive swing from the sharkman knocked spears away, and another smashed a dwarf so hard, that he arced through the air like a rainbow until his spell-mark pulled him away.


    His teammates began surrounding Grimloch, using theirpact size to slip away from his strikes, but he was quicker than he looked. The swinging club kept them off bnce, forcing them back while he kept advancing.


    Thundar was also smashing spears aside using his mace and horns, but he wasnt making much progress; the warriors kept shifting positions, surrounding him, limiting his movement. They hadnt noticed her approaching yet.


    Always watch your back. Theresa thought, rushing one of the dwarves from behind and connecting two quick blows with his neck through the gap between his helmet and chainmail.


    He gave a low cry and the spell-mark instantly teleported him away.


    Another spun to meet her assault, leaving one to battle Thundar. The minotaur grabbed the dwarfs spear mid-thrust, ripped it from his hand, then stepped forward and mmed his mace down.


    <em>Crack</em>.


    It collided with the warriors shield, and Thundar grabbed the rim, yanked it away, and smashed a hoof into his opponents face. The dwarf vanished.


    Things didnt go well for the dwarven warriors as Theresas team concentrated on knocking the rest of them out of the contest; it didnt take long for the sharkman to eliminate two, and she and Thundar to knock the other two out of thepetition.


    Right! Thundar yelled, his voice filled with excitement from the heat of battle. These spells wontst forever! Lets go knock some heads while the magics still happening!


    Agreed. Grimloch grinned.


    Theresa looked around the battlefield: all around teams were swarming<strong></strong>each other in a massive, chaotic, melee. She shed her falchion and shortsword together.


    Agreed. Lets get them!


    The three fighters charged across the battlefield with weapons held high and leapt into the wave ofbat. Enemies appeared one after the other. First, they jumped into the battle between the lizardfolk and the unarmed warriors who were still fighting each other. They came in hard, smashing some from behind then wading in to face the rest with weapons shing.


    It was a strange feeling.


    The force of impact would shudder through Theresas arms as her des struck armour, scale and flesh, but then shed feel nothing as the opponent''s spell-mark pulled them away. This fight was different from the attack on the patrizias estate, no one was going to die here. They might get messed up, and everyone knew thating in, but theyd live to fight another day.


    Soon, all the members of the lizardfolk and unarmed warrior teams had been whisked away, and Theresa and her teammates were left looking for more opponents. Again and again, their adversaries vanished to safety, and they moved on. The three of them were like an avnche of metal and power, crushing everything in their path. Excitement surged through Theresa''s gut, as she heard Grimlochsughter and Thundars battlecries beside her.


    This was it.


    This was the feeling shed wanted when shed entered The Games.


    Struggle and victory.


    Increasingly, their challengers had gone from roaring out challenges, to outright reluctance to fight them. When they came upon a group of human mercenaries, the sell swords actually tried to retreat, but Theresa, Thundar and Grimloch looked at each other and jumped right in. They were there for a grand melee, not for a grand retreat.


    Two swings of her des knocked out a pair of mercenaries and she closed on a third; he deflected her strikes with his shield and sword before he went down, then vanished.


    The trios ferocious performance had been drawing eyes, both from the audience


    and from other entrants in the contest who were seeing them as a threat.


    <em>Whooooooosh!</em>


    A whistle of metal on the wind saved her; she ducked beneath a spear that sailed past her headalmost parting her hairand mmed into an opponent shed been fighting; who ducked toote. The woman instantly vanished.


    Theresa whirled.


    Her jaw clenched.


    A team of knights mounted on warhorsesthe only type ofpanion allowed in the grand meleewere charging them. Their te armour was thick, their shields broad, and the metallic tips of theirnces shone in the daylight.


    Look out! Theresa shouted. Charging knights! Move!


    Thundar and Grimloch turned and leapt away as metal and churning hooves smashed both earth and mercenaries.


    Right turn! the lead knight roared, and the line banked to the right. The ground shook as the warhorses wheeled around as one. They were a sight to see.


    Behind me! Grimloch roared, grabbing one of the mercenaries whod escaped the charge. He raised the struggling man and dropped him and his club in front of himself, using both as shields. Digging his feet into the turf, he braced himself while she and Thundar took up positions behind him with their weapons ready.


    Well sweep their legs! Thundar said. The spell-mark should teleport the horses out of the fight if they''re about to take a bad fall and theyll disappear right from under those knights!


    Theresa paused. Ive got an idea too.


    What is it?


    Remember what Grimloch did to the xyrthak?


    Yea-Ohoh! Thundar turned around and grinned at her. Good luck!


    Thanks, Theresa said, and bent her knees, preparing to leap.


    She watched steadily as the line of knights pounded toward them. Three levelled theirnces straight at Grimloch, while the others targeted him from the sides. The sharkman watched them, letting them get closer, and suddenly stood to his full height andwith a roarthrew the struggling, screaming mercenary at them.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    His body sted two of the knights off their steeds and clipped a third, who managed to remain in the saddle. Grimloch set his club in front of himsideways like a ploughand lunged at the line.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    Whatever he hit collided in a heap, then disappeared, as he ploughed through the rest. Thundar came charging from behind him, mming into one of the horses, sending both horse and rider to the ground just before they vanished.


    Theresa ducked under ance and leapt,nding in the saddle behind a rider. The knight tried to turn, but she mmed her falchions pommel into the side of his helmet twice. He slumped from the saddle.


    The horse began bucking, trying to throw her off, so she leapt, sailing through the air toward the next knight in line.


    Her leg snapped straight out in front of her like a pole.


    <em>Crash</em>.


    Her boot mmed into his side, knocking him from the saddle. She jumped off the horse and catapulted toward another knight, pitching this one out of the saddle as he drew a il. His foot caught in a stirrup and he was dragged along the groundyellingas shended and rolled to her feet.


    About fifty feetter, he disappeared.


    Theresa took a breath, looking over their surroundings.


    Grimloch and Thundar had finished off the remaining knights and were looking for more opponents.


    The sharkman growled. Look!


    He pointed toward an area of the battlefield where a bunch of warriors were struggling against a swordsman. Holding a curved sword in hand, a bald young man seemed to blur through every fighter around him, his de snapping out like a cobra.


    Each strike of the de knocked apetitor out of the fight, and his rapid kicks and punches did the same. Even surrounded by multiple opponents at once, the man kept moving, never letting himself get cornered. A pair of teammates covered his blind spots with their shields and swords.


    Hanuman, Grimloch growled. I owe him some payback.


    Figures hed be in this, Thundar said. Weve got two choices. We could fight some easier opponents and maybe hope someone else eliminates himor I could recast my enhancement spells and we could jump him right now.


    Theresa thought for a moment. Hell probably be more tiredter, but so will we. I think we should attack him while hes busy.


    Gang up on him, Thundar said. Knock out his helpers. I like it. Fine, then lets go kick his ass.


    Lets go kick his ass, Grimloch grunted.


    Yeah, Theresa said. Lets go kick his ass.

 Chapter 227: The Clash (Theresa)

    Chapter 227: The sh (Theresa)


    Thundar cast spell after spell as the trio stalked toward the battle.


    Body enhancement for strength.


    Body enhancement for endurance.


    Body enhancement for agility.


    His magic swept through Theresa; strength flowed into her limbs, her heart thundered, and her muscles tingled. Her entire body felt more responsive. The minotaur also recast Blows of Lead, adding more force to their strikes.


    Okay, he said. That burned up a lot of mana; Ill try and use some mana regeneration, but I dont think Ill be doing that too many more times during the fight.


    Then well have to make this count, Theresa said, stalking toward their prey.


    We will, Grimloch growled.


    Okay, heres what I think. Thundar pped the head of his mace into his palm. Grimloch, you go and try to beat the hell out of Hanuman. Theresa and Ill go smack his two friends around and keep them off your sides. Sound good?


    Sounds fine, Grimloch growled.


    Theresa peered at the two shieldbearers helping Hanuman; one moved a tad faster than the other. I got the quick one on the left.


    That leaves the one on the right to me, Thundar snorted. Wont have a repeat of the mana vampire: Im not going down so easy this time. Alright, enough jaw-pping. Lets go get the gold.


    Moving as quietly as they couldconsidering Grimloch and Thundars bulk the three of them charged toward the melee.


    Some of the warriors fighting Hanuman turned just in time for Grimloch to crash through their ranks and toward his target.


    The cultivator nced at Grimloch as though hed expected him. Keep the other two off of me, he called out to his shieldbearers.


    Hispanions whirled toward Thundar and Theresa while still fending off their other attackers. Their enemies took one look at the minotaur and huntress and scrambled out of the way.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Everything turned into a whirlwind of steel.


    Theresa came at her target, her des blurring with the added help from Thundars agility enhancing magic.


    <em>ng! ng!</em>


    Her falchion crashed against the opponents long, curved de: a tulwar. His counter strikes shed at her with unnatural speed.


    Probably using a Haste Spell, she thought, as they struck at each other.


    The fighters around them froze, then leapt at the shieldbearer, eager to take advantage of Theresa''s attack. He swore, but focused on defence, raising his shield and tulwar. The de snaked around him, parrying blow after blow while he kept the shield between him and Theresa, using it to defend against her quick, fierce attacks.


    He grunted.


    His movements were smooth, his stance practised, and the Haste Spell made him unnaturally fast, but he couldnt defend against so many blows at once. Weapons found their way through the gaps in his guard, delivering blows to his chest, arms and legs. He twisted and rolled his body, turning what should have been solid hits into ncing blows, but that still would only dy his inevitable defeat


    or it would have, had this been a real battle.


    The blunted weapons stung when they connected, but if theyd been sharpened, they wouldve opened a dozen cuts on him by now. He would be bleeding, losing strength, and eventually, someone would have caught him with a blow that would have finished him off.


    But the only kind of blow that would trigger his spell-mark would be the kind that could inflict a grave injury, not just a ncing one. As long as he kept enduring, theyd never wear him down without hitting him with a mortal wound.


    Theresa growled in frustration. Even with Thundars spells enhancing her, she still couldntnd a finishing blow on the warrior; she had to admit a grudging respect for his skill.


    still, it would have been nice if hed just fallen already.


    Time was on his side.


    Thundar and some of the other fighters were swarming the other shieldbearer, but the minotaur wasnt quite as quick or as skilled as Theresa. Even with his body enhancement spells, he was barely keeping his opponent pinned down. The shieldbearer didnt have to concentrate as much on defence; his own tulwar shed around him in precise cuts, striking opponents in the head, chest or in ces whererge blood vessels were located.


    Each time he struck a vital point, one of his foes would vanish and the battle grew a little easier for him to control. Theresa could see Thundar pushing himself just to keep the shieldbearer pinned; if the man managed to thin out enough attackers then focused on the minotaur before his Haste Spell ran out


    then there was Hanuman.


    <em>Crash! Crash!</em>


    Grimloch and Indrajits battle sounded like the brawling of thunder gods. Sunlight gleamed across their weapons.


    The shark man stalked after the smaller, more experienced cultivator with his club blurring in his hand. His ck eyes seemed to be in a frenzy and his jaws cracked, snapping the air as Hanuman dodged around him.


    The cultivator side-stepped every blowfar faster than his shieldbearerswhile darting in to give Grimloch punishing strikes to his legs and trunk. It looked like he was under a Haste Spell himself, and he didnt need to work hard to dodge Grimlochs strikes.


    The other warriors werent so lucky.


    Every one of the shark mans swings smashed into some of the surrounding fighters.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Grimlochs iron club would clip them in the back or the legs,unching them into the air. Some vanished the moment the club touched them.


    She saw a light smile touch Hanumans face.


    Thank you, he said, sounding not the slightest bit winded. It was getting crowded. Thank you for clearing them out for me.


    The shark man growled, but didnt rush in recklessly.


    Hanumans smile widened further. Oh? Not as vulnerable to provocation as Id guessed. Good. Very good! You have my respect!


    He blurred forward, sliding beneath one of Grimlochs blows and shing his de along his thigh. An excited expression touched his face, followed by one of disappointment.


    I thought that would have been a critical blow, he said. Youre made of stern stu-Oho!


    Grimlochs hand shot out, snapping shut just where Hanumans head had been a heartbeat earlier.


    You are quick too, Ill give you that! Indrajit stepped back, giving Grimloch a salute with his de.


    Theresas frown deepened.


    Things were not going ording to n.


    Thundar couldnt use his illusion spells or other tricks since they werent weapon or body enhancements, and Grimloch was only helping their opponent by clearing out the chaff. It would only be a matter of time before one of them went down.


    She looked at her opponent.


    Then there was <em>this</em> tough bastard.


    Frowning, she tried to step away from him, but he lunged after her. His de shed out again and again; his shield and enhanced reflexes guarded against the other opponents.


    Oh no you dont! he shouted. Your fight is with me!


    Theresa let out a breath and struck back without a word.


    What could she do? He was too quick and skilled to just blindly disengage from, like that wed monster shed fought at the patrizias ball. She didnt have a Haste Potion, a bow, or the element of surprise like theyd had against the vesparas handlers.


    wait.


    Alex had blinded that wizard with his forceball.


    She didnt use magic, but


    Her eyes nced at the sun. The shieldbearer was backing it, but that didnt mean she couldnt put it to use. She parried his tulwar with her falchion, then feinted with her shortsword.


    As he moved his shield to block the short de, she angled her sword so its metal surface caught the suns rays. Her opponent grunted as the reflection shed into his eyes. He froze for an instant.


    Just for an instant.


    But with her speed and reflexes, that was more than enough.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Her falchion snapped across his fingers, striking the sword from his hand. She kicked it away as it fell, and the other warriors swarmed him,covering him in a tide of weapons while he tried defending himself with his shield alone.


    As he retreated, she hooked his shield with the crossguard of her falchion and pulled.


    Then she drove her shortsword toward his face.


    Thest thing she saw before he vanished was a look of disbelief on his face. Theresa turned, looking at the battle between Grimloch and Hanuman.


    No. Better get rid of the other shieldbearer. Hes weaker, and should fall quicker.


    Just one thing first-


    <em>Whish!</em>


    There it was.


    As soon as their mutual opponent had vanished, several of the warriors struck at her from behind, looking to take down a threat while they had her surrounded.


    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>


    Her des crashed through their swings, wiping them out of the contest. A single re had the rest flinching back, while she charged toward Thundar.


    She nearly caught the other shieldbearer off guard; but he whirled just as she reached him, catching her falchion strike with his shield. He flinched from her follow up with her shortsword, catching it with his tulwar.


    <em>Smash</em>!


    Thundar mmed his mace into the shieldbearers back, wiping him out of the contest.


    Thanks! Team work makes the dream work! he snorted. Now lets get the prize!


    The huntress and minotaur turned and lunged at Hanuman.


    I see youve defeated my friends! he cried, though he wasnt smiling anymore. I wont go down so easily, though, not without taking some of you with me!


    Well see about that! Thundar roared.


    <em>ng!</em>


    Hanuman barely managed to deflect the minotaur''s mace with his tulwar, then swore and had to scramble away from a flurry of des from Theresa.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Grimlochs iron club swung down like a falling tree, but the cultivator dodged away, then ducked another swing from Thundar. The trio surrounded him on three sides, burying him in an avnche of weapons. Indrajit went quiet, his body twisting as he tried to dodge or deflect the blows.


    Swearing, the cultivator spat out a spell: his sword shimmered, then began leaving after-images in its wake. Every swing weaved a confusing cloud of illusionary des that hung in the air for an instant before disappearing.


    They were creating a blurred swarm of images to conceal his movements. His weapon shed again and again against the assault from his three assants. It looked like he could defend against them forever.


    Hey, Haste is going to run out soon, aint it? Thundar suddenly asked. You can barely hold your own against us now, what happens when your spell goes away?


    Hanuman didnt say anything, but after a few more seconds of defence, Theresa heard him start another incantation.


    She rushed him when his attention was divided, trying to bury him with her des, but he retreated, pping her blows aside.


    She grimaced.


    His blows were so strong that she felt numbness in her palms. Heshed out and kicked her in the torsodriving her backthen ducked one of Grimlochs attacks and turned in time to parry a blow from Thundar.


    The minotaur snorted.


    His head shot forward.


    <em>Bang!</em>


    He mmed his thick skull against Hanumans head, ruining his spell and sending him stumbling back.


    Ah, a cheap trick! the cultivator cried. Imend you, but-


    A massive, grey skinned hand gripped his shoulder like a vice.


    You talk too much, Grimloch said.


    His fang-filled jaws came down.


    <em>Snap!</em>


    Hanuman disappeared without a word.


    Nice job! Theresa cried.


    Now for the rest! Thundar roared, turning on the warriors surrounding them.


    Grimloch gave a satisfied grunt.


    Together, the trio crushedpetitor afterpetitor as they surged toward them. Humans. Wizards. Dwarves. Elves. Beastfolk. Cyclopes.


    Enemies of all kinds were still in the melee. Those with weak skills fell quickly, but others challenged them before finally going down.


    Even with her life enforcement and Thundars spellsTheresas arms were on fire. Their little team had fought on even after the minotaurs spells finally wore off until atst


    .the battlefield was empty.


    The three stood together panting, but still alert.


    It was quiet for a moment.


    And we have the winneeeeeers! the announcers voice roared from above. The first ce position in The Grand Melee goes to Theresa Lu, Thundar, son of Gulbiff, and Grimlooooch!


    Theresa wiped her sweating brow, and smiled. We did it.


    Was there ever any doubt? Thundarughed. Well, I guess there was, but all the doubters were wrong. He raised his fists to fist bump his two friends.


    Grimloch chuckled. Vengeance was delicious. Lets get back.


    Yeah, Theresa said. Lets celebrate then get some rest. Alex beat Goldtooth, and now weve beaten Hanuman. Theyre going to be looking for us during The Grand Battle tomorrow. Then theres that team with the centaurs on it toowell have our work cut out for us.


    She looked down at her falchion.


    Even if they didnt take the grand prize tomorrowat least shed won an event today with her friends.


    As they walked back toward the audience, she had a spring in her step, and a huge smile on her face.


    Tomorrows problems were for tomorrow, today was for celebrating.

 Chapter 228: Heading to The Grand Battle

    Chapter 228: Heading to The Grand Battle


    Theresa beamed, standing atop the podium with Thundarwho was pumping his fists in the airand a grinning Grimloch who spread his hands in ae on gesture.


    The crowd roared, chanting their names: Grimloch! Grimloch! Grimloch! Thereeeesaaa! Thereeeesaaa! Thereeeessaaa! Thundar! Thundar! Thundar!


    Their names echoed throughout the stadium. Alex could almost feel the energy in the air as their gold medals were hung around their necks.


    Grimloch had to get down on both knees to receive his.


    And now, for their next prize! the announcer cried. Twenty four hundred gold! Our mighty champions of The Grand Melee will be taking home the handsome sum of eight hundred gold a piece! Enough to have some fine weapons or chainmail custom crafted for themselves. He looked at the shark man andughed. Though from Grimlochs stature, I think his might be a bit more pricey! He keptughing for a while, clearly enjoying his own joke. The shark man stared at him.


    Now, as I was saying. The announcer snapped his fingers; three long slips of parchment appeared in his hand. But, not only will they share in twenty four hundred gold, theyll each receive a voucher to Starks Armoury and Weapons, home of the finest smiths and enchanters in all of Generasi! Each slip represents the price of one enchanted weapon, or one piece of enchanted armour! We will have our champions properly equipped!


    The cheering swelled to almost deafening heights, with Alex and his ecstatic group screaming with pride.


    This was glorious! Khalik roared. Like a battle out of legends!


    Ill say! Mr. Lu shouted over the noise. Did you see our Theresa? She threw that lightning sword like she was throwing a dart! Scar the Bandit King would be shaking in his boots if he saw her!


    She Mrs. Lu blinked, watching her daughter with a somewhat lost expression. Shes grown so much in the year shes been away from us.


    Were she a dryad, we would exalt her for her skills, Sinope watched the young huntress closely. Alex noticed she was leaning toward Khalik; her bodynguage was veryfortable. It takes deeds such as hers to qualify someone for the autumn council in our wood.


    Whats the autumn council? Selina asked.


    Our war council, it assembles during times of hardship, Sinope said. That is why it is named after the autumn season, for autumn brings hardship to all forest life.


    Rightbecause fall means that wintersing. Selina looked up at the dryads willow-branch-like hair. And winters hard for everyone.


    Yes, indeed, Sinope said. Though, winter is not so bad in Generasi.


    Its a lot warmer here than where were from, Selina said then turned to Isolde. So, Theresa, Thundar and Grimloch won the Grand Melee, Khalik and Najyah won the Lightweight Duel by Proxy and he did really well in the spell joust-


    The sun blinded me, the prince said sullenly. Sinope put her hand on his arm.


    -Grimloch won the Great Water Hunt, and Alex and ygon won the Super Heavyweight Duel by Proxy. So, do you think you guys will win the Grand Battle?


    Hmmm, Isolde mused. It is still difficult to say.


    Really? Mrs. Lu asked. Even with what you saw today?


    Indeed. Isolde pursed her lips in thought. The Outcasts of the Divine Wind did not enter this contestlikely to keep themselves fresh for tomorrow. Indrajit Hanuman is apetent wizard, but he was not able to bring the full brunt of his spellcasting to bear, which he will be allowed to do under the rules of tomorrows contest. Tyris Goldtooth will face us not only with a team, but with her full power, a grudge to repay, and that monstrous familiar of hers. And look there.


    She pointed down at the field.


    Competitors whod been knocked out of the melee were watching the three gold medalists, then looking up at Alex and the others as if appraising them.


    We are being watched, Isolde said. Ande tomorrow, we shall be targeted.


    Oh Selina said. Well, maybe you can pound them like Theresa, Grimloch, and Thundar just did.


    Hopefully. Hopefully, Isolde said.


    Alex watched their watchers.


    As soon as The Grand Melee began, warriors had focused on two teams: Theresa, Thundar and Grimlochs, and Hanumans group. It was a smart tactic. Eliminate major threats fast, especially if they could catch them off guard. Now because of their victories, Alex and his friends had be one of those major threats. Theyd probably be targeted from all sides tomorrow; it was like Baelin said: power attracted attention and that attention was often malicious.


    Attention


    Power


    Thinking about attention and power and The Grand Battle, reminded him that The Games would being to an end and the expedition would be startingthat is if the demon summoner was ever caught. Maybe hed be back in Thamnd soon, and in closer proximity to the other four Heroes.


    Im d therere only four for me to avoid. He thought.


    He had no idea if Uldar could just mark as many Heroes as he felt like. It seemed like having an army of Heroes might be better than only having five, but Alex had learned that divine power had limits.


    The priests used to teach the people of Alric that Uldar was this benevolent, unbeatable, force whose Heroes would always win out over The Ravener. Yet Baelin talked about gods like they were ordinaryjust more powerfulmortals. Not above judgement. Not above death. Alex remembered Oreca: he was a demigod, but hed been killed by a mortal warrior whod wielded steel as well as magic.


    And hed been killed because hed been denied worship.


    Worship that hed needed.


    Uldars power was probably limited too; otherwise, he could have squashed The Ravener like a bug any time he wanted to. Soif he had limits to his strengthmaybe he could have marked more Heroes, just made them weaker instead of creating five powerful ones. Alex was considering the possibilities since the Grand Melee had really shown him that having a few elites as a team could be better than having arge force.


    Numbers helped on an open fieldarge group of warriors surrounding Hanuman had proved thatbut high numbers wouldnt necessarily work<strong></strong>in a tight dungeon. Also, a massive group of weaker Heroes would have to split up to deal with multiple dungeons at once.


    Which meant the divided groups would be less powerfulnot as much of a threatso The Ravener and the dungeon cores wouldnt have to use as many resources against them. Monster hordes could be sent to more ces: farms, cities, towns, churches, or ports to increase the damage it wanted to cause, maybe even wreck the countryside, or even the capitol.


    But making four really powerful Heroesand one Foolchanged that scenario.


    Alex remembered how Cedric had crushed those Silence Spiders. Wherever The Heroes went, dungeon cores wouldntst for long, and since they were a small team, their mobility was fluid.


    If they had a Sage that was powerful enough to use teleportation spells, they could move to any part of the realm they wanted. They could reinforce the army in one area, then teleport and instantly be in another part of the kingdom, cleaning out another dungeon. They could aplish a lot in one day.


    A small force of elites would not only be hard to track, but they''d be devastating to The Raveners forces. So, the dungeon cores would <em>need</em> to put a tight focus on eliminating Uldars five Heroes.


    And any monsters attacking them would mean less monsters attacking anything else, Alex thought.


    They were Uldars champions who drew The Raveners eye each cycle, and the ultimate tools of its destruction.


    I wonder what thatll mean for our expedition? he thought. Our cabals gotten pretty strong and pretty resourceful, and well be with a bunch of experienced wizards. Somelike Professor Juleswho can fight. Which means well also be a threat to it, especially when we start taking dungeon cores.


    He imagined the expedition''s castle standing tall, not only as a ce for research, but also as a threat that would draw The Raveners armies. Maybe he was being paranoid, but if people started looking into the mysteries of the dungeon coresand maybe learned how to hijack them


    If I were The Ravener, Id use a <em>lot </em>of<em></em>resources to remove that threat from off the map.


    He sighed.


    There was so much he didnt know.


    There was so much to learn. He was determined to do just that.


    Once the Grand Battle was over, then only the demon summoner stood between them and the start of the expedition.


    He took a deep breath and exhaled.


    And <em>one</em> of those events would be resolved tomorrow.


    The rest of the evening was spent in a small celebration for Theresa, Thundar and Grimlochs victories, but everyone kept themselves well under control. With The Grand Battleing up the next morning, they had to be fresh and free of lingering effects of too much celebrating, if they wanted to perform well.


    Alex doubted that most of them would be able to sleep anyway. They were way too excited.


    # # #


    The next morning dawned on the final day of The Games of Roal.


    The air was filled with tension: Alex could feel it as soon as he got out of bed. The demon summoner hadnt attacked during The Games, so he began to wonder if theyd make a move before they ended.


    Then again, he thought. The event is a celebration of the <em>defeat</em> of a demigod. Maybe theyll just sit back and enjoy it, like everyone else.


    It seemed he was the only one feeling tense about the demon summoner. Orif the others werethey were more focused on other things.


    Well, today is the day, Khalik said as Alex, Theresa, ygon, Brutus and Selina met him in the hall of the ins. Najyah perched on his arm. Is everyone ready?


    As ready as Ill ever be, Alex said.


    I dont think we could do any more to prepare, Theresa said. Now, all we can do is bring our best to the fight.


    Mhm. Khalik let out a breath. It seems the shadow of cowardice stalks only me, then.


    Oh no, Im nervous too, Theresa said.


    Me three, Alex said.


    Hah! That makes me feel better! Khalikughed. Let us see if these nerves have infected everyone else!


    It seemed they had in a way.


    They met Theresas parents down the hall andas they emerged from the ins and met the rest of their friendsthe tension increased. They were all nervous, but ready. Alex looked at the bodynguage of folks passing by. He didnt see any of the signs that some disyed when they were afraid: they werent turning their head every which way like they expected to be attacked at any second, they werent looking like they were closed off and needed to protect themselves, and their steps were leisurely, not quick like someone hurrying away from danger.


    There was a rxedness to their movements, though some were a bit breathless, but Alex thought that could be from the anticipation of the big event.


    The Grand Battle had everyoneparticipants and spectators alikeexcited.


    The only ones who seemed tense about the demon summoner were the authorities.


    The team of trackers who usually followed him and his friendsthe inclothes officerswere gone. No matter how hard Alex looked, he couldnt find a trace of them as he walked from the ins to the tournament grounds and central stadium. If the tail had been reced, he couldnt tell who they were.


    The stadium loomed ahead and crowds streamed in from throughout campus, the city, and beyond. The rest of the festival grounds were fairly quiet; vendors had even begun packing up their wares, winding up four very busy, and no doubt very profitable, days. Nearby, Alex suddenly saw familiar inclothes officers moving through the mob. Some of his usual tails were following other people. Watchers of Roal hovered on their flying disks, surveilling from above.


    Most eyes must be on the Grand Battle, he thought. It makes sense that theyd be putting much of their resources here. Not that Imining.


    No other events besides The Grand Battle, Khalik said. It looks like all eyes will be focused here today.


    Yeah Thundar agreed, as he watched a food vendor dismantle his cart. its kinda sad. Thesest few days have been crazy. So much to see and do. The foodits too bad its all gonna be gone tomorrow.


    Nothingsts for all time, Isolde said. We should enjoy ourselves while we can. After The Games, we shall have the expedition to prepare for in earnestand any battle in Thamnd shall not provide us with foes who have spells blunting their attacks, or spell-marks that can whisk us away at a moments trouble.


    Oh? Mrs. Lu looked at her. Those things cant magic you away from danger in Thamnd?


    I fear not, Isolde said. The spellcraft required involves a <em>sixth-</em>tier spell.


    Is that high?


    Very, Isolde said. To cast it on arge group would require an extremely powerful wizard, or arge group of powerful wizards working in tandem, or the use of incredibly expensive magical machinery, which is what the Watchers use during The Games. Such machinery cannot draw power from the mana vents at such a great distance and the vents only exist here in Generasi. Further, there is a range limit upon those spells: a long range, but a range nheless. Were Baelin to cast it upon us, he would have to remain fairly close for the entirety of the time we explore, and otherwise engage in the expedition. I am sure there shall be some days when we can expect such a luxurybut others...


    She let it hang.


    Alex winced, half-expecting Mrs. Lu to object to their involvement in the expedition, but she was just quiet.


    I see, she said, then a look passed between her and Mr. Lu.


    Well, we shall not always be able to hide behind our chancellors robes, Khalik said. Bing dependent onbat when safety is mostly guaranteed can only train poor habits. Instincts would dull. One would be trained to take more risks from bing used to feeling safe. That creates a false sense of safety. Should anyone expect that safety in the real world


    Monsters would kill you, Selina said, reaching up and patting ygon on the arm.


    There was a pause.


    Part of Alex wanted to reassure his little sisterbut that would be a lie. She was right.


    Yeah, he said. And that would kinda defeat the point of learning to deal with the worlds dangers.


    Mr. Lu gave him a lookbut it didnt seem like a disapproving one.


    They reached the stadium together, facing two separate doorways: one for the audience and one for thepetitors.


    Well, todays safe, Selina said. So itll be exciting watching you guys fight. She looked up at Alex. Make sure you win.


    Well try, he said.


    Assuming nothing goes wrong, he nced at the inclothes officersand Watchers of Roalsurveying the crowd as they<strong></strong>moved through it.


    He thought about Mr. Lus story about Scar the Bandit King.


    The man had stayed hidden for his own self-interestsuntil something so tempting and challenging hade along that he just <em>couldnt</em> resist going after it.


    Hopefully nothing like that happens, Alex thought, feeling like he was tempting fate. But if it doeswell be together.


    He looked at Selina, Mr. and Mrs. Lu, Nua-Oge and Sinope. Sinope and Nua-Oge were skilled fighters: if anything happened, theyd be right there.


    Just stay hiding, demon summoner, he thought. Just keep hiding.


    The time of hiding is over, Kybas whispered, peering around a tent at the crowds streaming into the stadium. Most of The Watchers were focused on the crowd.


    Hed seen some patrolling campus, but fewer than thered been in past days. Grinning, he turned and patted Harmless on the side.


    Come, lets get our harvest before any of these sharp-eyed folks think to look away from the big show.

 Chapter 229: The Grand Battle Begins

    Chapter 229: The Grand Battle Begins


    Their team marched through the dark, armed and equipped with every resource and weapon they could bring.


    Alex had a full bag of potionsboth regr and booby-trappedhanging at his side. Theresa had one of her great-grandfathers swords and her massive hunting knife belted at her waist. Isoldes stiletto de hung from her belt, while Svenia and Hogarth clinked along in chainmail. The two warriors held halberds, while shields, bows and quivers were strapped to their backs; swords and maces hung from their waists.


    Thundar gripped his mace, his crossbow hung from his back. Khalik had his shortsword belted to his waist and a new rounded shield hung from one shoulder. Najyah was alert, perched on the princes arm.


    Grimloch carried his oversized crossbow across his back, along with a massive iron club in one hand. Unlike the one hed used in the Grand Melee, long spikes rose from it. Brutus and ygon carried no weapons of course, the pair <em>were</em> weapons.


    The crowd roared as their team emerged from the tunnel and onto the stadium floor.


    aaaaygoooon! aaaaygoooon! some chanted.


    Grimloch! Grimloch! others shouted.


    Lu! Lu! Lu!


    Thundar! Thundar! Thundar!


    Khalik! Najyah! Khalik! Najyah!


    And finallyin the dinhe could hear his name, Roth! Roth! Roth! Roth! being shouted over and over. His chest swelled with pride in himself and his friends: the goal had been to start making names for themselves, they were certainly seeding.


    But they werent the only ones who were being recognized.


    Indrajit! Hanumaaaaan! screamed a section of the crowd.


    Tyris! Vesuvius! Tyris! Vesuvius! others roared.


    The audience was shouting for their favourites from all parts of the arena as Alex saw other teams already waiting in the stadium.


    He counted fifteen sapphire-shirted Hydra Companions standing together; each held themselves with the ease of those used to battle, and they carried weapons that looked like theyd been well-used.


    He recognized Roderich among them as their eyes met for an instant, then casually looked away. It was natural. No indication of being familiar with each other: no smile, no twitch of recognition. The deal theyd made regarding the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood remained their secret.


    Alexs team moved past the Hydras, making their way to a designated area in the stadium. Each team was assigned a position within two parallel rows of participants where theyd be teleported to the battlefield from when the time came. Alexs group walked between the rows,<strong></strong>drawing eyes.


    There were looks of challenge.


    Looks of recognition.


    Looks of fear.


    The pride grew in Alexs chest a little more as his teammates walked taller.


    Though one of them seemed to bristle more than walk tall.


    Isolde growled, ring daggers when she saw the purple-shirted Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood. There were fifteen skilled battlemages, some had brought weapons, some only their spellcasting skills. One familiar red-haired figure stood among them: Derek Warren turned, noticing Alexs group.


    Alex watched him closely, calling on The Mark while reading his bodynguage. His eyes narrowed.


    Dereks movements were


    surprisingly graceful.


    His stance was light. He kept his weight centred firmly on both feet. His back was straight, and he didnt look ufortable in the chainmail hauberk he was wearing. The longsword belted at his waist had a finely forged bronze hilt, and the way he rested his hands on the pommel was rxed.


    Interesting Alex thought. He moves like a swordsman. I thought he was just some cheater. then again, maybe I shouldn''t be so surprised.


    He remembered Derek being eliminated from Baelins ss because hed foolishly worn heavy chainmail in the scorching hot Barrens. Which probably meant that hed owned the chainmail all along: he certainly didnt move like someone who wasnt ustomed to wearing it.


    And just because he cheated at alchemy and didnt get into Baelins ss because of more bad choices, doesnt mean hed be bad at everything. Hed obviously met the qualifications to enter The Games, otherwise, he wouldnt be standing there. Isolde had never told them he had skills with a sword, though. Then again, she didnt know much about him when they were dating. If shed known him better, she wouldnt have dated him in the first ce.


    In any case, that was something to watch out for: better to never underestimate an opponent...no matter who they were.


    Up ahead he saw Tyris team standing together: she was watching him and rubbing the shell of the immense Vesuvius. The vulcanchelones eyes were fixed on ygon.


    <em>Thm. Thm. Thm.</em>


    One of his massive feet pawed the earth like a bull getting ready to charge.


    Surrounding them were five tough looking battlemages: the kind of folks who looked like they spent half their time in Baelins ss, and the other half killing monsters for entertainment. Her other team members were warriors wearing breasttes and holding spears, bows and des. Tyris met his eyes and gave him a broad smile that showed her golden tooth glinting in the daylight.


    He gave her a clumsy little wave, then looked past her at the rest of the field.


    Indrajit Hanuman stood with his two shieldbearers as well as three archers. They were one of the smaller teams, but they moved with excellent coordination: like theyd worked together for a while. Theyd be dangerous, especially with Hanuman and the shieldbearers harbouring some bad feelings after their Grand Melee beating. Each of them stared at Theresa, Grimloch and Thundar as they passed. They looked like predators who hadnt seen a meal in days. Indrajits face was calm, but his eyes seemed to burn.


    Alexs group finally reached their designated spot, and lined up.


    Stand a little straighter, all, let us give the crowd something to admire! Khalik said, smiling and waving up at the audience. Najyahlooking very majesticflew into the air to circle them


    The crowd roared.


    Well, dont that make you feel good! Thundar said, joining Khalik in waving. Alex followed right after and even Theresa gave a little wave.


    She looked at Isolde as Brutus began barking.


    Come one, join us! she said.


    it is uncouth and childish. The tall noblewoman crossed her arms.


    You are nobility! Khalikughed. Come now, you know the value in giving the people what they wish.


    Isolde sighed.


    Slowly she raised her hand in a little wave. Svenia and Hogarth joined in.


    Khalik turned to Grimloch. And you too-


    No, the shark man said.


    Fair enough.


    They continued waving until other teams entered the stadium. Some sent the crowd into loud cheers, but many seemed to be unknowns.


    Until <em>they</em> walked in.


    A roar swept through the audience: a swell of cheers mixed with a few boos.


    Three centaurs emerged onto the stadium floor, moving in perfect synchrony. They were followed by four men and women in te armour: their tabards bore the symbols of the four elements.


    Elemental knights, Isolde said. Fierce warriors well-versed in the arts of steel and elemental magic.


    Behind the knights came three wizards wearing chainmail, and bearing swords and staves like the Watchers of Roal. Finally, five hard-bitten mercenary-types in fine armour trudged into the stadium.


    The Outcasts of the Divine Wind.


    Every member of the team that had won The Grand Battle in the previous year moved through the stadium with ease and control through their bodynguage. They were definitely warriors through and through, even if they favoured spells over swords.


    Their bodynguage was almost like watching a story unfold: Alex could see years of training, skill and talent in every step. Goals for the future, he thought.


    Some of his friends were already close to moving with that level of gracefulness.


    As he thought of his friends, more of them appeared: Shiani strode into the stadium, nked by Rayne and Rhea. Malcolm walked in just behind them alongside Eyvinder, Caramiyus and Angr. They hadnt brought anyone else with them on their team, but the magnificent seven of them would be dangerous enough.


    They waved to Alexs group as they walked past and took their ces.


    Looks like all the guests are here, Thundar said. Is the party gonna start?


    Alex noticed one of the minotaurs hoofs bouncing up and down with nerves. Isolde was twisting back and forth on her feet while Theresa shifted her weight from leg to leg. Svenia and Hogarth were outright pacing, and Brutus paced right along with them.


    Alex realised that even his own breathing was a little quicker.


    Only ygon, Grimloch, Najyah and Khalik seemedpletely calm: all four waited asposed as someone about to walk into an exam knowing they already had all the answers.


    What happened to all those nerves you had earlier? Alex asked Khalik.


    Hm? the prince raised an eyebrow. Oh, those? I do not knowas I heard the crowd chanting our names, they seemed to melt away. I feel that no matter what happens on this day, we have already achieved more victory than many taste in life. Through luck or blessing, I am happy just to show our power.


    Pft, easy for you to say, Isolde sniffed nervously. It was easier when all I wanted was to destroy Derek, but nowgoodness, the possibility of winning dangles before us. I find myself wanting it, and high expectations bring high nerves.


    I dunno, I think Khalik has it right, Alex said. Wevee a long way. Lets just beat the Ursa-Lupines and have some fun. Even if were knocked out, look how far wevee.


    guess youre right, its not like losing means were dead, Thundar said, grinning. Unless a little imp suddenly appears, removes our spell-marks and screams, Now, youre ying the <em>Death </em>Games of Roal!


    You know theres someone out there literally summoning demons, right? Theresa said. That<em> could</em> actually happen, Thundar.


    Hey, dont me me if it does.


    Hold on, it looks like somethings happening, she said.


    A Watcher of Roal floated up to the centre of the stadium. Illusions flickered to life above her, giving the contestants and the audience a close up view of her face. Alex remembered that eyepatch: shed been the one whod exined The Games on the first registration day. That day felt like it was a very long time ago.


    Wee to the final and most spectacr event of The Games of Roal! she shouted. The Grand Battle!


    The crowd screamed and whistled, and Alex looked around the stands for their family and friends, but couldnt find them amongst the sea of bodies.


    This is the most prized event in all The Games, The Watcher continued. One that tests prowess and spell, teamwork and instinct: the culmination of every event in The Games, and the ultimate disy of prowess!


    Suddenly, from a doorway in the middle of the stadium, brass constructs resembling cylinders with stick-thin arms floated. Each held a unique g. The constructs circled the teams on the field in a cluster, stopped, then separated and shot toward each one to hover beside them. The g waving beside Alexs team was orange with a ck star in the centre.


    The winners of the Grand Battle will be thest remaining team with the highest point count! The Watcher announced. The teams ofbatants will be transported to a different area on Orecas Fall Ind; it has been popted with summoned monsters. Each individual team shall begin the contest with zero points, and earn one point for every summoned creature they defeat. For each enemybatant they eliminate from the field of battle, they will earn two points! Knocking an entire team out of the contest will give you points equivalent to double the number ofbatants on that team! So, a team of five is worth ten points, for example, while a team of seven is worth fourteen! Seizing another teams g is worth five points in and of itself, that is <em>if</em> there are any teams still possessing their g along the way. The Watcher almost smiled.


    She pointed up to an illusion floating above her which showed a low, t-topped mountain. For reaching the central point of the ind, a total of sixty points will be awarded. Holding itand preventing other teams from reaching itwill be worth ny points for each hour it is held under the teams control. The Grand Battle willst a total of four hours or until three teams are left standing! Remember, if your entire team is eliminated, it doesnt matter how many points youve gained, they will all be cancelled and your team will lose. With all of that being said, may the greatest warriors of weapon and spell triumph! And please, we expect each of you to act with integrity. No dishonesty, underhandedness, or duplicitousness will be tolerated. Observers will be watching the ind from above.


    She pointed to a row of observers seated near the stands. They included Watchers of Roal, professors, and even Baelin himself. The chancellor seemed to be watching the audience as much as he was watching the teams.


    Without further dy, let us begin! The lead Watcher cried.


    Large magical machineryeach piece looking like six golden orbs the size of human heads floating above brass tformsbegan to hum, and spell-marks appeared on every contestant''s hands, ready to whisk them away before a grave injury could ur.


    Alex took a deep breath. Ill probably appear before anyone else when we teleport in. Ill feel around for teleportation magic, then we jump the closest team as soon as you guys arrive.


    The rest of his team nodded.


    He watched as several wizards floating above the teams cast teleportation magic.


    Lets do this, he said.


    Then he felt the magic take him.


    Alex appeared in the middle of a forest and took a deep breath as he felt shes of teleportation magic nearby.


    The east is closest, he said.


    The air shimmered and hispanions suddenly materialised around him. Without a word, he pointed east and charged ahead.


    As one, his team followed, rushing through the trees to ambush the closest team before they could get their bearings.


    Atst, the final battle of The Games of Roal had begun.

 Chapter 230: Shock and Awe

    Chapter 230: Shock and Awe


    Alex charged through the forest with his team at his back.


    He heard ygons thundering steps, Grimlochs crushing rush through the trees, the clinking of Svenia and Hogarths armour, and the heavy panting of Brutus three heads. Isolde, Khalik and Thundar quietly chanted spells just behind him: force armour, body enhancement and armour of earth.


    He couldnt hear Theresas movements, but that meant nothing: she moved so quietly that even when running through a forest at full speed with her boots connecting with the rough path, she barely made a sound.


    What he <em>could </em>hear was the sound of their opponents up ahead.


    Right, gang! a confident voice said. We should secure the clearing and-


    Wait, Fred! a hoarse voice cried. Whats that noise?


    Charge the fire-beams, Alex thought.


    <em>Whoooom!</em>


    He heard their power building.


    Were being attacked! a woman cried.


    Is it monsters? another shocked female asked. Already?


    It doesnt matter! the man with the confident voice said. Form a defensive-


    Toote, Alex whispered as his team burst from the trees.<em></em>A team of ten stoodfrozenas Alexs squad ofpanions<strong></strong>surged out of the woods.


    <em>Twang! Twang! Twang! Twang! Twang!</em>


    Svenia, Hogarth and Theresa loosed arrows at the same time Grimloch and Thundar fired crossbow bolts into the clearing. Some mmed into the enemy team: three opponents vanished in an instant.


    Dammit, we have to- a blonde man began shouting.


    Fire, Alex said.


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    Fire-beams sted into the clearing, strafing their opponents. me exploded through the air, and Alex could feel the st of heat at the tree-line.


    But while heat and smoke disoriented the enemy, his team was used to battling alongside ygon. They rushed their foes and leapt on them without hesitating.


    The enemy leader began shouting an incantation as he stumbled away from the mes, right into Brutus. One head grabbed his arm. The cerberus jaws snapped shut, and the young man vanished before the sound of snapping bone could be heard. Thundar lowered his head and charged anotherbatant, headbutting him, throwing him high into the air. He flipped once before crashing to the ground. Groaning, the dazed man tried to stand-


    Hello, friend! said Khalik cheerily.


    He thrust downward with his shortsword, and the young man vanished with a gasp.


    Goodbye, friend!


    Theresa, Svenia and Hogarth jumped the remaining few enemy team members then finished them off with a sh of their weapons.


    In heartbeats, the clearing was empty except for some sputtering mes flickering on the moist earth.


    Well, almost empty.


    Theres a good start! Thundar cried as he yanked the enemys g from their gbearer and handed it to their own. Yeeeeeah! Thats liketwo points per person plus double for defeating an entire teamforty points right out the gate! Oh, <em>and</em> the g! Forty-five!


    Well done, everyone, Theresa said.


    Hmmm, but now the real trials begin, Isolde said. We will not have so easy a victory again, I would guess.


    Yeah, and thats too bad, Thundar said. So, lets get our longsting spells up in case another team tries to ambush us.


    One by one, theyyered their defensive and enhancement spells on everyone. Alex cast his too.


    Force Armour.


    Orb of Air.


    Forceshield.


    Protective crooked rectangle.


    Wizards Hands.


    Forceball.


    He was about to cast another spellone hed learned recently and hadnt had the chance to usebut held off.


    Itd be better to wait to cast that one when he knew there was a target to use it on.


    He conjured three Wizards Handssomething he couldnt do when hed first learned the spend tossed a booby-trapped potion into each one: flight, sensory enhancement and a mana soothing potion.


    He then drank a sensory enhancement potion, and tossed some to his teammates.


    Alright, if everyones ready, he said. Lets go hunting.


    Isolde looked up at the tree canopy. Remember, we must spread out somewhat. Well be amongst the trees so we cannot scatter as much as we might wish, so we must take care that we are not taken down by a fireball thrown into our midst.


    Yes auntie Isolde, Thundar said.


    I am not dignifying that with a response.


    You just did.


    A sound like an enraged wolf emerged from Isoldes throat as they melted into the trees.


    <em>Boom! Boom!</em>


    Explosions rang out in the distance.


    Looks like its started, so, which way do we go? Alex asked as he ducked under a branch and looked up at the mountain ahead. The central point is probably where well find the Ursa-Lupines: everyones going to be trying to get there and take it.


    Well probably meet every other team on our<strong></strong>way there, Theresa said.


    Perhaps, Khalik said. But some teams will doubtless try to first hunt the summoned monsters on the ind. I bet they are a safer source of points than engaging fully equipped teams of battle wizards and warriors.


    Yes, but the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood seeks to stand out, not to merely safely earn points, Isolde said, looking up at the canopy again where Najyah was flying above the trees.


    Then to meet our enemies, that is where we will have to go. Khalik pointed through the canopy and up at the mountaintop rising in the distance. We shall eliminate all those who stand before us on the way there.


    Shock and awe, Alex said.


    Shock and awe, Khalik agreed.


    The distant explosions grew louder.


    The battle had begun in earnest.


    uhAmir, you said your friend, uhAlex, was it? Donovan stared up at the illusions. You said he was a first year? As are his friends?


    Uhyes, most of them are, Amir said.


    I dont believe you.


    I dont me you.


    Above the audience, illusions disyed different areas of the battlefield. Arge, central illusion showed an overhead view of the ind with tiny illusionary gs indicating the position of each team.


    Teams shed, battling each other with weapons and spells.


    In one illusion, the Hydra Companions flew from behind a ridge, then ambushed another team. Theyunched a flurry of fireballs as soon as the other team was in sight, then several<strong></strong>of them tried teleporting down among their foes forces.


    Explosions rocked their enemy, taking out some of their members, while others managed to scatter. The Hydras teleportation failed when an opponent shouted a spellunching a flurry of lightning bolts at the Brotherhood. They scattered, but continued sting the other team.


    In another illusion, the Outcasts of the Divine Wind stealthily moved through a in, attacking a team with hit-and-run tactics. The centaur archers peppered their adversaries with arrows from all sides. Their opponents raised shieldsboth material and forceshieldstrying to block the attacks, but each arrow found a gap in their defences, like they had a will of their own.


    As the enemy formation broke, the elemental knights quickly charged bearing des shedding fire, lightning, ice and shimmering, diamond-like stone, breaking through their defences to banish them from The Grand Battle.


    In another image, a grinning, redheaded woman shotva from her hands as a monstrous volcano tortoise trampled everything in its path while spraying fire andva. Some teams hunted monsters, while others were in full-flight, soaring above the action, determined to reach the mountaintop first.


    Then there was Alex Roths team.


    They were moving less likepetitors looking to win a contest, and more like professional skirmishers slipping through the wilderness to ambush an enemy army. The young men and women didnt wield legendary magics or shining swords that cut trees in half, but they moved with far more skill than their young ages would indicate.


    In the first seconds of thepetition, they had ambushed another team and wiped them out before they could even put up a fight. Then they melted into the trees likebat veterans and moved quickly, ambushing monsters andpetitors on their way to the central mountain.


    Ive seen third year battlemages that moved with less skill than them, Urs said.


    Indeed. Leopold tapped his chin. What theyck in raw magical power, they make up for in devastating skill. Good for them. It will be a jolly good show, I think. Roal would be proud to see such warriors carrying her legacy.


    Yes, Amir said, watching a bunch of water elementals get sted apart by a lightning bolt from Isolde von Anmut.


    His eyes lingered on the summoned creatures.


    Professor Ram watched thepetition from above Orecas Fall, observing teams struggling against each other below. His heart swelled with pride: he noticed a few of his favourite students were doing very well in The Grand Battle so far.


    and one of his not so favoured students was doing surprisingly well.


    So, you were one of Baelins monsters, he said quietly, watching a certain chestnut haired young man ambush a pair of summoned creatureshumanoid in shape and with two heads eachand use a WIzards Hand spell to crush something.


    Gas sted out, enveloping the howling creatures. Their roars of anger died away, reced by cries of rm as they suddenly shot up, zig-zagging through the air in a manic, uncontrolled flight that saw them hit, then ricochet off the surrounding trees.


    After some dull impacts, they vanished back to their home ne.


    Alex Roth nodded at his handiwork then waved to some of his team: a dangerous-looking group that included a gigantic shark man, a massive golem, and a cerberus making their way toward the edge of the forest. A young, dark-haired woman and the cerberus slipped out of the trees first, scanned the t in ahead, then waved the rest of the team forward.


    The others slipped from the tree linewell, the golem didnt so much slip as he did thunderto begin quickly moving through the tall grass. Arge eagle soared above to an altitude of one hundred and thirteen feet, by Rams calctions.


    If by monsters you mean a threat, then truly they <em>have</em> be monsters, have they not? a deep, rumbling voice said from above the force professor. Chancellor Baelin floated down until he was eye-level with the force wizard. It fills this ancient heart with pride.


    Ram nced at the goat man. Some wouldnt take that as apliment, he pointed out.


    But I shall, the ancient wizard said, sweeping thendscape with those goat-like eyes. The purpose of my ss is to forge students into monstersor at least into wizards that their enemies would call monsters. There is no higher praise than to have your enemiespletely lose their faculties from fear as you advance upon them and dere that you are the monster who they should have left be!


    Ram shook his head. Youre turning them into more wizards like you: beasts that lived far too long after their time should have passed.


    Then I have done well. Baelin smiled. I shall be most curious to see how this new crop fares against some of my previous students in thispetition: Wolud will likely give them a good runhmmmm perhaps I could guide them toward each other.


    That would be cheating, chancellor.


    Indeed, so it would! Baelinughed. Ah pfeh, sometimes I am convinced rules only exist to smother all the <em>fun</em> out of life. Ah well-oh! Speaking of cheating!


    He looked toward the east. Did you feel that? No doubt that was a fifth-level spell.


    Ram frowned, concentrating on his ability to sense and manipte mana. He wasnt anywhere near as skilled at it as the chancellor, but he did catch the faint hints of a powerful spell having been cast.


    Well, someones being naughty, Ram said. You want to ruin their day, or shall I?


    Oh, be my guest, Baelin said. I know you enjoy that type of thing a fair bit.


    Ram gave a longugh and flexed the ck force construct that served as his arm. Yes, I do. Its good giving rule-breakers something to fear.


    Hah, and you call my students monsters, Baelin said. Oh by the byspeaking of those that raise monstershave you seen Holden? I thought he was to aid in refereeing today?


    Something came up in the botanical gardens and he needed to stay behind.


    Ah, pity.


    Kybas casually walked toward the botanical gardens, barely resisting the urge to stick his hands in his pockets and whistle. Hisrge eyes constantly scanned his surroundings and hisrge ears twitched, listening for patrols or anyone who might be following him.


    Nothing. Harmless was the only one around, quietly padding at Kybas side. A little bit of nostalgia rose up in the goblin: it was good that his familiar was growing so quickly, but he missed the days when he could just pick him up and easily carry his little friend.


    As for the rest of campus, it had be a ghost town while The Grand Battle was going on. Hed seen a few patrols pass overhead, but most were focused on the crowd at the stadium.


    He slipped into the botanical gardens and checked the area. Nothing. Maybe someone moving around in the distance, but far away.


    Far enough for him and Harmless to feel safe.


    Quietly, he and the croc melted into the foliage and found one of the hidden entrances to their tunnel. With one more nce around, they slipped into the passage.


    Kybas cocked his head toward the tunnels ceiling.


    After Alex had found his burrow, he had carved holes in the ceilings using a couple of spells. They werent big enough for anything besides bugs to get through, but if anything was above, or too near the entrances to his tunnels, he could better hear theming.


    Okay Harmless, Kybas said quietly. Lets go quiiiick and quiet as a mouse. And no one will know.


    Together, the goblin and the crocodile silently padded down the tunnel.

 Chapter 231: Vanishing Point

    Chapter 231: Vanishing Point


    Surprise, friends! Alex called cheerily as he raised the hidden trap door of a tunnel. A few of an enemy teampacked into the holestartled, caught off guard. Nice n, hiding down here to ambush us, but my friend Brutus over here smelled you guys from a mile away. Or at least a hundred feet away. I dunno, I wasnt counting exactly. Plus my friends pretty good with earth magic, so he noticed where you guys had disturbed the ground with your tunnelling antics.


    The team below began scrambling and chanting spells.


    Oop, none of that! Heres a present for you! Alex shot one of his Wizards Hands into the hole and mmed the hatch shut.


    With a single act of will, his spell crushed the potion bottle: a booby-trapped flight potion.


    He heard coughing then cries of rming from below, followed soon after by yelling, then the repeated thudding of bodies mming into tunnel walls. One by one, each thud and angry shout lessened as the adversaries below ground vanished from The Grand Battle.


    Looking around, Alex watched as some of his team members silently opened hatches.


    <em>Whooosh.</em>


    ygon sted more enemy teammates hiding in a different hole.


    <em>Crack</em>!


    Isolde fired a massive lightning bolt into a third tunnel.


    Surprised cries rang out, but were cut-off when Svenia and Hogarth fired arrows into the hole, eliminating anyone who Isoldes lightning bolt had missed.


    Alexs team was soon standing alone on the in.


    Well, looks like that takes care of them. Thundar dusted off his hands. Lets move on.


    Indeed, Khalik said. The mountain is closehmmmm.


    He looked up to where Najyah was circling about a hundred feet above, and called her down. She soared out of the sky to perch on his arm.


    Their eyes met in silence for a long moment.


    Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm, he engaged with his familiar. Najyah says that no one has reached the top of the mountain yet.


    Most excellent, Isolde said. We shall have a clear run to the top then.


    Well, maybe, Theresa said. If were going up there, I say we circle it first. Alex and I found out the hard way what happens when you dont scout every route to a target. You get ambushed.


    Yeah, Alex said. And lemme tell you, that ambush <em>stung.</em>


    Theresa winced. Not half as much as that joke.


    Yeah, it was pretty bad, wasnt it? he agreed. But seriously, I agree we need to check that mountain out first. What do you all think?


    Hmmm, I might have another suggestion, Khalik said. Perhaps we can pick a ridge or another area with cover and watch the mountain from there. We would be able to see anyone approaching, then ambush them.


    The rest of the team looked at him, pondering the idea for a moment.


    Thats actually a pretty good idea, Alex said. I think anyone that holds the mountain early will probably<em>also</em> get attacked early, and often. Theyll have a better opportunity of earning more points for longer, but a team that holds itter in the contest will have lesspetition to deal with.


    Right, Isolde said. Then I too think it might be best for us to approach and watch the top.


    They turned and began making their way to the mountain through the tall grass.


    What about there, Lady Van Anmut? Hogarth pointed to a small forest ahead. That might provide us with cover.


    We could check it out first, Thundar said. Then, if its ok, thats where we wait for em.


    They watched the skies as they moved closer. Far above, they saw tiny dots floating high in the sky: likely the wizards refereeing the event. Lower down, flyingpetitors were fighting an aerial battle.


    Someone mounted on a wyverns back was leading a team against a group of wizards using flight spells. Spells fired: ps of thunder, wind gusts and sheets of ice sted through the sky above. It was like watching a bunch of Isoldes all throwing everything they had at each other.


    d were not in that mess, Thundar said, as they reached the trees. Id be blown out of the Battle in like half a minute.


    Theresa and Brutus slipped into the woods, scouting ahead.


    Yeah, agreed, Alex said.


    Momentster, the huntress and her hound returned.


    All clear up ahead, she said. Lots of ces to hide in there, but were the only ones around.


    Well, thats perfect for us, Khalik said. Let us make this ce our ambush point.


    The group slipped into the trees with ygons footsteps thundering through the underbrush. Trees creaked around them and the smell of the forest reached Alexs nose.


    Well, if anyone <em>was</em> in here, theyd definitely know we wereing, he said. Good thing were alone.


    Indeed, Khalik said as he ducked under a branch. I would think that-


    He paused.


    The prince stopped walking, slowly turning his head. Alexthese trees. Dont they look familiar?


    Hm? Alex looked up, then blinked in surprise. Huh, yeah actually. Aren''t they Weiss trees?


    Indeed, they look to be. Look at the shape of the leaves, Khalik pointed. They almost look like snowkes.


    Wazzat? Thundar asked from behind a tree trunk.


    Weiss trees, the prince said. Their leaves look like snowkes and turn white in the winter season. They arenative to the northern Rhinean Empire ording to our magical botany Professor.


    Are they now? Thundar asked. Looks like maybe they brought some exotic stuff to nt on the indfor thehold on a minute.


    Thundar paused, looking at the tree closest to him. Everyone stop! his voice suddenly rose sharply. Stop for a minute, I think I got a bur in my hoof!


    Isolde groaned. Truly? Do you think we


    She paused.


    Thundar wasnt paying attention to his hoofs: it looked like hed said that for another reason. He was leaning toward the tree closest to him. A frown deepened on his face as he pressed his hand to the bark. Feels smooth, he muttered.


    He pushed harder against the tree trunk.


    Thundar, whats going on?


    Oh, this burs hard to get out, Im just- The minotaur kept pressing his weight against the tree.


    Alex froze.


    Thundars bodynguagepletely changed for a momentlike another image was trying to mimic his form.


    And then-


    Its a trap! The minotaur abruptly returned to his own form. These trees are an illusion! Its a trap!


    Alex felt mana surge all around them.


    Shit! Everyone down! Scatter!


    The group ran, diving to the earth in different directions.


    Something hissed through the air.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Heat, me and rock explosions ripped through the trees. Pebbles fired in all directions like arrows, cking against ygons body.


    Alex heard shouts of rm and grunts of paining from all around, but he couldnt tell who it was he was hearing. Was it Khalik? Hogarth? Thundar? His ears were ringing: the sensory enhancement potions hed drunk were amplifying the sts, disorienting him.


    But, his enhanced vision let his eyesight cut through flying dust and debris and as he squinted, the forest faded. The rustle of leaves disappeared, the earthy smell of a woond was reced by the scent of burning earth.


    Alex cursed.


    The illusion had been hiding right there: a t field covered in gravel and sharp stones. If they hadnt moved immediately when the explosions hit, they probably wouldve been shredded by shrapnel and out of the contest. Peering past the falling dust and rock, he looked for their attackersbut couldnt see anyone.


    There! he heard Theresa cry. I hear something to the east! I think theyre invisible! No wait, theyre all around us!


    Brutus began barking.


    Mana built up from around them.


    More spells! Alex shouted. Scatter!


    Alex scrambled to his feet while his friends jumped up, scattering in different directions, trying to put as much distance between each other as they could. They zig-zagged as they moved, making themselves even harder targets to hit.


    He heard Khalik, Isolde, and Thundar shouting incantations. Mana bolts, force missiles and lightning arced out in all directions, seeking invisible opponents.


    Alex heard a cry of pain.


    I cannot hear the enemys incantations! Khalik shouted. Theyre speaking quietly! Keep shooting!


    ygon strafe the fire-beams around us in a circle! Alex thought.


    Iing! Theresa shouted.


    Another wave of fireballs shot at them from all sides.


    <em>Booom! Boooom!</em>


    More explosions ripped through the area, and Alex heard stones snap against his force armour and protective rectangles. Someone shouted in surprise, then was abruptly cut off. It was a deeper voice.


    He didnt have time to think about it.


    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom! Crackle!</em>


    <em>Whooooooom!</em>


    Fire and lightning bolts sted the area, followed by streams of acid. Bolts of mana and force flew past him like a swarm of angry wasps. He ducked below some, twisting his body.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    One of his protective force rectangles shattered as it deflected a bolt of force.


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    ygonshed out with all three fire beams, pointing those in his palms in two directions while pointing the forehead beam in a third.


    <em>Booooom!</em>


    Explosive lines of me ripped through the air in a circle, there was another cry of pain.


    Alex willed a forceball and two Wizards Hands toward the noise. He had one Hand crush a booby-trapped mana soothing potion in one area, and the other crush a booby-trapped potion of sensory enhancement in another.


    No noises came from the area where the mana soothing potion went off, but sudden cries rose from where the sensory enhancement potion had exploded.


    Coughing followed soon after.


    There! Theresa shouted.


    <em>Twang! Twang! Twang! Twang!</em>


    A pair of arrows and two crossbow bolts shot toward the source of the cries. Two flew straight ahead, but the other pair mmed into something in the air. Two pained shouts were<strong></strong>cut off an instantter.


    More explosive spells rocketed in from all sides and someone else cried out in pain. Alex leapt away from another explosion and whirled, searching for anything that might reveal their attackers locations.


    <em>Think.</em>


    <em>Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think.</em>


    <em>Adapt.</em>


    ygon continued to st his fire-beams all around, but no more cries came from the surrounding area. Their enemies must be on the move.


    Alex studied the surroundings: he couldnt tell where they were. He couldnt feel any manaing from them and-


    Even if I knew where they were, I couldnt attack them directly, he thought as he turned to-


    He paused.


    Thats right!


    If he tried to attack them, then The Mark would protest!


    And if The Mark started trying to distract him when he shot his forceball to hit someone


    Everyone! he shouted. Watch my forceball! Attack the air in front of it when I say!


    Without waiting for a response, he shot the forceball across the battlefield in the direction hed seen the spellse from. It flew around, gathering speedcapable of doing serious damage if it collided with someoneand then-


    Ah!


    The Marks interference mmed into him.


    There! he shouted, grabbing his head. Fire there!


    His teammates'' spells, crossbow bolts, and arrows sted in the direction he pointed to, in the general area in front of his forceball.


    A cry of pain abruptly cut off when one of Theresas arrows mmed into whoever the cry came from.


    Yes! Alex yelled,unching his forceball through the air again.


    Another st of interference from The Mark.


    There!


    More spells and projectiles shot at where he was pointing. He heard the sound of arrows hitting force armour and then-


    <em>Twack!</em>


    -Grimlochs crossbow bolt sted through something solid and another enemy shrieked, then disappeared.


    Alex! Above you! Theresa shouted.


    Oh hells! he looked up.


    Dozens of glowing chains were streaming down from the sky, followed by a wave of magical force. He called on every bit of agility hed built up over the past year and leapt out of the spells reach.


    The chains whirled down, snapping around the empty air where Alex had stood a breath earlier.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The force wave sted a column of dirt into the air.


    Up there! he willed ygon. Fire!


    ygon brought his hands up and sted the area where the spells hade from. Explosions of me tore through the sky and Alex heard more cries abruptly end.


    Enough! he heard an unseen attacker shout. Scatter! Regroup at First Point!


    Silence followed.


    No more spells came raining from the sky, or streaking in from all directions.


    Alex sighed in relief.


    Theres another team! Grimloch suddenly roared. Coming from the ridge!


    Alex whirled toward the mountain.


    From behind a rocky outcropping, a line of figures rose into the air.


    They were well within spellshot.

 Chapter 232: Confrontation of Arrow and Word

    Chapter 232: Confrontation of Arrow and Word


    The enemy team soared from behind the ridge, ready and poised to attack. Mana from their<strong></strong>spells zed in Alexs senses, growing as they closed the distance. Incantations roared through the air. Alexs teammates were still scattered; the cloud of dust still filtered around them but as it dissipated, so did their cover.


    Keep moving! Alex shouted. If we stay apar-


    Wait! a voice shouted from the enemy team. Everyone hold your spells! I know that voice! Is that you Roth? Its the Hydra Companions!


    Y-yes? Alex froze for a moment before he recognised the voice calling out to him. Roderich, is that you?


    Yes! Thank the gods, we thought it might be Goldtooths team from all the fire over here.


    Slowly, the Hydra Companions drifted closer while some of Alexs teammates emerged from the dust. He let out a sigh of relief: it looked like everyone was still


    no wait.


    Wheres Hogarth? Thundar whispered, eyeing the sapphire shirted team through the dust cloud.


    Svenia swore quietly. Bloody hell. He got caught in one of those fireballs and was gone before I could pull him away.


    Alex winced.


    Lost one already, he thought, watching the members in their uneasy alliance floating toward him. Things couldve been worse. We got at least four of those invisible bastards, which means they lost eight points just to gain two. Still, losing Hogarth was a blow.


    He looked at Grimloch, ygon, Isolde and Thundar.


    At least it wasnt one of their heavy-hitters whod been eliminated.


    We have a duty to avenge Hogarth, Isolde said quietly. But, such talk is forter.


    She turned as the Hydras stopped about thirty feet away and hovered in the air. Najyah circled above them, but if they noticed, they didnt look up.


    Silence hung as each team measured one another.


    We have a nonaggression pact with them, Alex thought. But nothings stopping them from turning on us. Nothing but their wordand just how good is your word, Roderich?


    He eyed his Wizards Hands, thinking about how fast he could have them crush booby-trapped potions in their allies faces if things turned bad.


    Finally, Roderich spoke. You took a loss, I see.


    So have you. Khalik kept his hand near his sword. His earth armour creaked as he shifted. Stress cracks had begun to form from the battle.


    Maybe, Roderich said, nonmittedly. Maybe not.


    Alex scanned the line of sapphire-shirted battle mages. He counted two less team members than hed seen in the stadiumbut that might only mean that theyd left them behind the ridge.


    Then again he thought, watching Roderich and the others. Their bodynguage was fidgety and their manner tense. It was pretty clear that they didnt want a fight.


    They probably have taken losses, but dont want to admit it, he thought.


    Tension still hung in the air.


    Until Thundar sighed. Can we stop with this stand-off thing? Im getting tired of it. Is our pact still good or do we need to start sting you guys?


    There was a threat in his voice: an edge that promised a world of hurt if Roderichs answer was anything but, yes.


    It is still good, one of the other Hydras said quickly.


    Same on our end, Thundar called back.


    Alex saw relief wash through the Hydras, as his friends rxed too.


    Then let uspare notes, so to speak, Roderich said, slowly floating down. The two teams met on the in, looking around just in case the invisible assants came back for a second round.


    Who were our invisible friends? Thundar asked the Hydras. You think it was Ranier?


    One of the Hydra Companions shook his head. I have no idea. I didnt hear any of them talkingbut Im no expert on his voice. Anyone else hear them say anything? He asked his team members.


    For a moment I thought I might have heard him, one said. But now Im not so sure.


    It is likely that team was his, Isolde said. It would take skill, expertise and a lot of mana to create that illusionary forest while also casting Greater Invisibility on that many people at once.


    <em>Greater</em> Invisibility, Thundar snorted. Makes sense, no wonder they didnt appear when they started casting spells.


    They must have been maintaining those illusions for a while, one of the Hydra Companions said. Alex noticed that one sleeve of her sapphire shirt was singed. That forest was here when we got herehonestly, Im shocked they didnt attack us: we were busy ambushing a couple of other teams from the ridge, so we were vulnerable to them.


    Roderich sniffed. They were probably waiting for us to lose more membersplus eliminate more of thepetition for thembefore they tried to wipe us out. He shook his head, looking at Thundar. d you all came along, and speaking of that- He looked toward the direction Alexs team hade from. -who else did you see on your way here?


    A couple of other teams, but we didnt know any of the team members. Alex said. We eliminated them and a few summoned monsters. He looked toward the ridge. Who have you seen? Any sign of Goldtooth or Hanuman? Or the Outcasts?


    Roderich shook his head. No, we havent seen any of them.


    A pity, Khalik said. It would have been nice if someone had eliminated them in the early. Ah, well. And what of our mutual enemies: the Ursa-Lupines?


    We havent seen them either, Roderich said. You?


    Not one thread of their purple shirts.


    Damn.


    There was a pause.


    The sounds of explosions and other spells reached them from the distance.


    Right, wed better get moving then, Alex said.


    going for the mountaintop? Roderich asked.


    Tension slipped back into his body and those of his Companions.


    No, not yet, Alex said quickly. Better we stop others trying to get to it before we try and take it. Well need an ambush point, like your team has.


    Right, then, one of the Hydras looked back up at the ridge. Well, weve already called that spot.


    And we would not dream of fighting over it, Khalik said. We shall circle the mountain and find a hiding point of our own. you would not know of other teams hiding nearby, would you? We would prefer not to walk into <em>another</em>ambush.


    The Hydra Companions paused.


    Roderich turned and pointed to the east side of the mountain. Therere some caves over there near the foot of the mountain. We heard a scuffleing from that direction, but that was a while ago. Cant say if anyones still there, though.


    Well find out, then, Theresa said. Good hunting.


    May we destroy our shared enemy, Isolde said.


    Yeah, good hunting. Roderich nodded as the Hydra Companions rose back into the air.


    Tension returned and the Hydra Companions floated away; neither team took their eyes off each other until the Hydras disappeared back behind the ridge.


    Lets move, Alex said.


    But, lets keep an eye on our friends for a while, Theresa agreed.


    Slowly, the team moved away from the ridge, keeping watch on the Hydra Companions hiding spot until they were well out of spell range.


    Then, they could rxa little.


    I wasnt sure sure they werent gonna stab us in the back, Thundar said quietly.


    Wouldve been thest thing they ever did, Grimloch promised.


    do you mean thest thing they did during thepetition? Alex asked nervously.


    Grimloch didnt answer.


    Alex didnt push.


    Its good that our peaceful ord still holds, the prince said. A quarrel between us would only aid our mutual enemies.


    Yeah, Im sure those invisible bastards wouldve loved it if we started beating the hell out of each other, the minotaur said. He nced over at Isolde and Svenia. You two okay?


    Yes, Isolde said, sighing. It is too bad that Hogarth was eliminatedbut I suppose it would be too much to hope that we would all pass through the contest unscathed.


    Yeah, Svenia said, gripping her bow. Well just have to make sure to knock down a few more bastards for him. So- She looked at Thundar. -how did you know the forest was an illusion?


    Well, he said. On one of our trips into the Barrens Alex and I ran into this illusion. Hes the one who saw through itand not gonna lie, it was kinda embarrassing that the guy whos actually in illusions ss didnt see it first.


    He nced back toward the field where the illusion had been. I got really focused on techniques about <em>seeing</em> through illusions after that. They focused on one thing really hard in my Illusions ss, and that was that illusions arent actually there; we might hear em, we might smell em, we might see em and we might even <em>feel</em> em, but they still dont <em>actually</em> have any physical mass. So you might be able to touch them, and if you push on them, it might feel like youre pushing against something solidbut they cant support weight. So, when I leaned on the tree, I fell right through it.


    Really? Alex asked. I didnt see you fa-Wait. Right after you leaned against itI remember you looked strangeyour body lookedpletely different. Was that the illusion?


    Yep, probably was, Im guessing, Thundar said. It was tricking you into thinking that I didnt fall through the treeso thats what it showed youbut it didnt get me quite right: its harder for illusions to mimic a living animal than a nt or an object, and even harder to mimic a person.


    Well, Im not sure how much I understand of all that, Svenia said. But thanks. You saved us.


    Murmurs of agreement spread through the group.


    Thundar scratched the fur on the side of his face. Well, youre gonna make me blush if you keep that upbut I guess we should quiet down for now.


    Yes, lets close our mouths and open our ears, Theresa said. We want to make sure that if anyones in those caves, they dont hear using from a mile away.


    Alex thought about that and asked Isolde to cast a flight spell on ygon: that would keep his thunderous footsteps from alerting their enemies that they wereing. The golem floated a little bit above the ground.


    Alex scanned their surroundings and flinched.


    A column of me rose in the distance. Lets hope we dont lose too many more of us before we meet someone <em>really</em>tough.


    Indrajit Hanumans eyes narrowed as he watched The Outcasts of the Divine Wind make their way toward the mountain.


    Shhh, he whispered to hispanions. Wait for my mark.


    His team nced at each other and lowered their bodies deeper in the tall grass. They didnt make a sound, and that brought a smile to Indrajits face. He and hisrades had trained hard for this: their silent movements were a testament to the time and effort theyd spent honing themselves.


    Like a master weaponsmiths swords, he thought. Still, we need to be careful.


    The Grand Melee had been a bit of a catastrophe, even though theyd started off well enough by eliminating several teams early. Then theyd run into that trio: the two cultivators and the warrior-wizard.


    Theyd let themselves get surrounded then allowed themselves to be beaten.


    Indrajit shook his head. Foolish. Arrogant. We should not have permitted thepetition to swarm us. But, in this event, <em>we</em> will be the ones who do the ambushing!


    Theyd not only eliminated several teams so far, but theyd also defeated a few summoned monsters by striking from the grass like cobras, crushing them, then quickly melting back into the tall sea of green.


    Now,, they were about to face the champions from the previous year. Indrajit held his breath. They would wait for their foes toe close.


    First-


    <em>Splooortch!</em>


    Indrajits eyes narrowed as he peered above the tall des of grass.


    One of the elemental knights was spraying a ck, viscous substance onto the grass from the end of her sword.


    I dont like the look of that, he said quietly.


    Still, she was spraying it far from his teams hiding ce. And the rest of her team was still too far for his team to attack them: with those centaur archers and elemental knights, the Outcasts would have the greater advantage from a distance.


    Steady he whispered.


    Come closer, he thought.


    Then another elemental knight also pointed his sword at the grass.


    <em>Fwoosh!</em>


    me gushed from it and the ck substance suddenly erupted in an inferno. One of the mercenaries nced in their direction.


    It was only for an instant, but Indrajits enhanced senses caught it.


    Shit! he swore, leaping to his feet. They know were here!


    <em>Whooosh!</em>


    Another elemental knight pointed his sword in their direction; a great wind sted across the in, stoking the inferno, sending it racing toward his team like a hungry swarm of locusts. They leapt up and ran forward, trying to rush around the me while shouting incantations.


    <em>Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!</em>


    Arrows mmed into his teammates with the precision of a surgeons de. Arrowtips pierced through gaps between their chainmail and force armour, wiping out three of them. Even through the fire and billowing smoke racing toward Hanumans team, the centaurs found their marks like they were standing mere feet away.


    Calling upon his enhanced life-force, Indrajit charged, spitting an incantation.


    Five illusionary replicas shimmered to life around him, creating a confusing mass of six bodies.


    Shoot me now! he thought, conjuring spears of bronze and firing them at his enemies.


    They whistled through the air.


    One of the elemental knights swung his sword up and-


    <em>Riiiiip!</em>


    -a wall of stone burst from the earth.


    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>


    Indrajits spears hit the wall.


    He spat out a Haste spell and surged forward at double speed. His team and the illusionary copies split into two and rushed around the wall from opposite directions, looking to overwhelm the Outcasts.


    <em>Whiiish! Whiiish! Whiiish!</em>


    Arrows pierced Hanumans illusionary copies, but he and his teammates still reached their enemies.


    A vicious melee broke out: his teams life-enforced forms, their training and magic skills let them tear into the Outcasts, sending several mercenaries vanishing from the fight before the elemental knights jumped in.


    Hanumans tulwar shed against a diamond-encased longsword as he rushed an elemental knight with blinding speed and power. The knight pushed right backher<strong></strong>enhanced strengthand the weight of her diamond-coated de dealt crushing blows. Her armour turned away his cuts when they slipped through her guard.


    He was still gaining the upperhand: she stepped back as his aggressive flurry broke down her defences.


    Get the archers! he shouted to his team. Ill-


    The words died in his throat.


    His team was gone.


    Sometime during the moments hed been fighting this elemental knight, his team had vanished.


    The centaurs were turning toward him, drawing back their bowstrings.


    <em>Twang! Twang! Twang!</em>


    Their arrows flew true<em>too</em> true.


    They curved through the air like they were sentient, weaving around his opponent,ing directly at him. He struck one from the air, but the other two swerved straight for the gaps in his force armour.


    It was impossible.


    Hed sensed no mana and theyd spoken no incantatio-


    Indrajit froze just before the arrows mmed into him.


    So thats how youre doing it, he thought. Very sneaky. The chancellor wont approve, I think.


    Then the arrows reached him and he was catapulted from the battlefield.

 Chapter 233: Bait

    Chapter 233: Bait


    All goes well? Baelin asked.


    The ancient wizard floated high in the sky, speaking to what seemed to be nothing but empty air. Silence for five heartbeats followed his words, and then-


    <em>Whooosh!</em>


    -the wind rose up around him, rushing through his beard-braids and billowing his robes. His bronze beard sps tinkled.


    The wind carried a voice from the grounds of the university.


    All is peaceful, chancellor, said Geminis voice in the proper, clipped way she spoke. Baelin could almost imagine that stoic expression surrounding her eyepatch.


    No reports of trouble on campus? the ancient wizard pressed. Or from the citys investigators?


    None, chancellor. All goes well here, andwith any luckthe Games of Roal will end without any sign of that demon summoning menace.


    I see Baelin said. Very well, thank you for the update. Good work. Roal would be proud.


    Of course, chancellor, The Watcher said.


    The wind died down as the conversation ended.


    Damn, he swore quietly. Not going to take the bait, are we?


    He had hoped that his presence on Orecas Fall Indaway from the Generasi maindwould be enough to make the demon summoner try another attack. From his read of the criminal, hed expected that it might, but so far, they had shown restraint. This demon summoner appeared to be someone who was acting from a mix of tactical thinking, and emotional drive.


    Tactically, theyd taken advantage of his absence to strike, which was indeed a sound tactical adjustment after he had destroyed their initial demonic forces. They had also changed the target of each attack, presumably to keep Generasis protectors guessing.


    There was a damnable subtlety to their methodsbut their <em>motives</em> seemed far more obvious. Theyd attacked priests and made no demands; despite the in-depth investigations he, The Watchers, and the city investigators had undertaken, theyd found no links to any other crimes that making use of the demons to sow chaos could have been masking. So theyd concluded that the attacks did not appear to have been a smokescreen motivated by the need to hide other criminal activity.


    By his guess, that left two likely exnations, though both needed confirmation: either the summoner struck out of an enmity toward<strong></strong>priests, or a misguided attempt to garner sympathy <em>for</em> them to push their cause.


    He still wondered if one or more of the citys priests were behind the attacks, though his own investigations had indicated nothing suspicious from those dwelling in the temple district.


    If a member of the priesthood wasnt staging the attacks to advance their cause directly, then it was likely that whoever was engaging in them, was doing so from a more emotional drive.


    And emotionally oriented individuals were far easier to provoke.


    s, Baelin sighed. It would appear this quarry will not take the bait.


    He scanned the isle againthen paused. The chancellor whirled in the air, spotting a cloud of steam and smoke rising from the grassy in below.


    An elemental knight was spraying earth onto a grass fire, smothering it before it could spread uncontrolled. Earlier, hed recognised Indrajit Hanuman and his team close to that area, but there was no sign of them now.


    Too bad, he mused. That young man had the makings to win thisor at least to ce quite well. But what was it that I-


    His eyes scanned each member of the knights team.


    Not you, he said of the first elemental knight. Hmmm, perhaps you


    His eyes swept past the mercenaries and narrowed on the three archers from the Nephelean ins.


    Aaaaah, he said. I see what youve done: no wonder you three seem to bear an even sharper edge this year. The ancient wizard watched the Outcasts regroup and then continue pushing toward the mountain. Clever thing to hide it, though I am surprised your kind can resist. And you have not vited any ruleswell done.


    He paused in thought. Perhaps


    His mind drifted to the illusions that showed close-ups of the teams to the spectators back in the stadium.


    perhaps your little secret will be of some use to me.


    He nced at the mountain. Yesas long as you get a little push. And judging by-


    He looked at the forest west of the mountain where me andva were spewing through the air. Then he turned east to watch a group wearing purple shirts make their way toward the mountain, moving from copse of trees, to copse of trees, while staying low in the grass.


    -I daresay that <em>someone</em> is going to provide that necessary push. Hmmm. Oh dear.


    The Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood were not alone as they approached the mountain.


    Fire! Alex thought.


    ygon emerged from a pile of rubble just outside the cave mouth near the base of the mountain.


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    He sted three fire-beams, striking the enemy team approaching dead in their centre. A full five contestants were pulled from thepetition in an instant.


    The others cursed as Alexs team emerged from cave mouths to rain arrows, bolts of mana, and crossbow bolts down on them.


    They vanished under the deluge of projectiles.


    Hah! Well, do- Khalik started.


    Teleports! Alex cut him off, feeling the surge of teleportation magic. Their opponents had faked being transported away and materialised high above the cave mouths, shouting incantations.


    <em>Hsssss!</em>


    Clouds of green smoke billowed into the air, filling the caves. Alexs sight waspletely blocked, but his team had Orbs of Air around their heads: he had no doubt that the green cloud was a little more dangerous than ordinary smoke.


    Get out of the cloud! Isolde cried. The smoke is mmable!


    <em>Fwooosh!</em>


    Alex saw a pair of fireball spells streaking toward the cave mouth. He bolted from the cave.


    <em>Booooom!</em>


    Explosions ripped through the rock behind them, and he rolled down the slight slope before bounding to his feet. He leapt aside while willing a Wizards Hand toward the flying wizards as bolts of force mmed into the ground nearby.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    It crushed a bottle of booby-trapped mana soothing potion, enveloping several in the gas, but he heard no coughing. It seemed they were also protected by Orbs of Air.


    <em>Crackle!</em>


    Isolde was roaring an incantation.


    Alex felt pressure shift in the air.


    Small booms of thunder pped as blue lightning arced between the young womans arms and hands. Two orbs sprang to life above her palms, each blindingly bright with lightning bolts crackling back and forth between them.


    He recognized the spell that shed fired at the xyrthak: a modified Arc of Lightning spell.


    The electric blue orbs shot into the air toward the enemy, who took one look at the iing spell and began shouting incantations. He felt teleportation magic building.


    Oh no you dont! Alex shouted.


    His three Wizards Handstwo of them still holding booby-trapped potionsflew right into three chanting wizards faces, pressing against their Orbs of Air hard enough to distract them and ruin their spells.


    The wizards stopped spellcasting, avoiding mana reversals and batted at the Hands, but Alex was already pulling them back.


    Isoldes spell had appeared on either side of the trio.


    <em>Crackle, boom!</em>


    Lightning sted between the two orbs and all three wizards as they vanished from the battlefield. Their remaining team member<strong></strong>had teleported high<strong></strong>above them. Shed just begun to chant a spell when something mmed into her back.


    Najyah shrieked in victory as the woman disappeared mid-spell.


    There! Khalik shouted. Four teams annihted! Now where isah! Najyah, fetch our little friend!


    Najyah swooped down right where the enemy teams g bearer hovered, and dragged the small g from its hands. She flew over Khaliks head, dropping the g into the princes waiting hands. With a low cry, the eagle fluttered her wings and settled on his arm.


    Theresa smiled as the prince posed with the g, waving it above his head.


    Thatll be a sight for the illusions to show the audience, she said, looking up at some rocks above the cave mouths.


    Indeed! They should have a show, for we <em>are</em> doing quite well! he grinned, ncing up toward the mountaintop. We might have a chance of winning, after all.


    Perhaps we might, Isolde said, her blue eyes dancing with excitement. But how is our stamina? We should take ount of our resources.


    While youre doing that. Theresa looked up at the mountains slope. Grimloch, why dont you, Brutus and I scout out those rocks up there. We dont want any surprises waiting for us.


    Good n, Grimloch growled, lifting his spiked club.


    Ille too, Svenia said. An extra pair of eyesll help.


    The four of them made their way up the lower part of the mountain, while the others came together.


    You go too, Khalik said to Najyah See if anyone approaches us.


    He threw up his arm, and Najyahunched herself skyward, beating her enormous wings as she flew away. Then he turned to Isolde.<em></em>I am down to half my mana.


    Ive hardly cast anything, Alex said. So Im good when ites to manabut Ive used up a lot of the potions I brought.


    Im down to about half mine too, Thundar said.


    Two thirds of mine remains, said Isolde.


    And wounds? She asked.


    Just a few bumps and bruises, Thundar reported. No problems here.


    The others agreed.


    Right, Alex said, looking at the position of the sun. He wished those timekeepers at school were smaller and portable. Maybe when the alchemy developed a little more.


    He focused The Mark on telling the time from the position of the sun: it brought back memories of every time hed done so in the past, filling his mind with images of the sun.


    It was pretty pleasant, actually.


    Imagery of the schools timekeepers rose in his mind, as he coordinated a series of visuals showing multiple positions of the sun as they corrted to different times on the timekeepers.


    It gave him an estimate as to how much time had passed.


    I think were about an hour into The Grand Battle, he said.


    From the position of the sun, I would say the same, Khalik said, squinting up at the sky toward where Najyah was circling. Hmmm, we are burning resources quickly. At this rate, we will all run dry before half of the event is over.


    That will be a problem, Isolde said. I do want to wait for the Ursa-Lupines, but perhaps we should leave here, find a ce to hide and regenerate some of our mana, and then push through to the end. I know that has been a viable strategy for teams in the past that surged ahead in points during the early parts of the contest: they gained amanding lead, then retreated to rebuild their resources.


    Right Alex said. Thats not a bad ide-


    A screech ripped through the air high above, drawing all eyes to Najyah. The giant eagle was pping her wings, flying back toward them. She folded them in for a dive, then spread them out at thest moment to glide onto Khaliks waiting arm.


    What is it? the prince asked. He waited, holding Najyahs gaze.


    st it, he said, suddenly looking toward the grassy ins to the east, his eyes narrowed as his gaze flicked from one copse of trees to another. We might have a problem. Najyah spotted a group of blue shirted wizards on their wayand they were apanied by two other teams.


    Isolde looked toward the east. How many?


    Khalik met Najyahs eyes. Upwards of thirty. Maybe thirty-five. We should go back into the caves. Even if theyve seen Najyah, it would not be good to let them know that the rest of us are here.


    I shall go get the others. He looked up to where Theresa, Grimloch, Svenia and Brutus had gone. Well return shortly.


    The rest of them moved back into a cave.


    What do we do? Thundar asked, peering outside the cave mouth. Thirty-five is a lot. We shouldve known that the Hydras wouldnt be the only team making alliances.


    That is a lot of wizards, Isolde said. She looked up at ygon. With ygon at our side, I would say that very few teams can overwhelm us through raw power alonebut if many wizards have joined together, then that is a lot of power and versatility for us to handle with just our eightnine team members, if we include Najyah.


    Right Alex looked up. Itd be nice if we could lure them into the cavesbut if they know were here and how many of us there are, theres no way theyll follow us in here. And if they see us beforehand, well be sitting ducks if they just throw a bunch of fireballs or lightning bolts in after us.


    He squinted up at the ceiling of the cavern.


    Facing them on open ground wouldnt be the best ideaand we dont have a bunch of illusions to trick them with.


    Well, Ive got my illusionary duplicate, Thundar said. And a few other illusion spells, but nothing as good as that forest we nearly got tricked by.


    Hmmmm Alex thought about his own resources and the previous fights theyd been in.


    Their biggest obstacle would be the wizards.


    Theresa, ygon, Grimloch and Thundar would be able to stomp anyone in meleebat, and Theresa and Svenia could shoot down a lot of people with their bowsbut the question was how to stop that many enemy wizards from just burying them in spells.


    Then he remembered his and Theresas fight against the vespara. Hed blocked that wizards mouthand the vespara had seeded the wilderness with wasps.


    Maybe we shouldnt lure them into the caves, after all. Maybe we want to fight them on open ground, Alex said. I think I have an idea.

 Chapter 234: The Battle of the Grasses

    Chapter 234: The Battle of the Grasses


    Derek Warren gripped his sword as he waded through the sea of grass. There was somethingforting about having a weapon in hand, whether de, or pen.


    The other Ursa-Lupines pushed through the grass around him, and nking them, were the two teams theyd allied with.


    His chainmail rattled over his shirt. From the south, he could see smoke rising, and from a distance, a low buzzing reached his ears.


    Its like being in a war isnt it? Gregori said, smiling through his beard. The young blonde man had grown out his beard and his hair was cropped. He was nearly unrecognisable these days, but what hadnt changed was how his voice seemed to vibrate with excitement when he spoke of battle.


    Perhaps. Its good that we get to taste such glory, Derek said, smiling with false enthusiasm.


    Gregoris eyes lit up as he spoke.


    Predictably.


    Its almost too bad that we have these spell-marks, He continued, waving his arm dismissively. I heard that in the early days of The Games, things were much more <em>delectably </em>bloody!


    Derek made sure his facial expression showed enthusiasm, even though he didnt feel a bit of it. Still, it didnt matter how he felt, as long as peoples reactions to him were appropriatelymanaged.


    As Gregori prattled on about battle, Dereks mind drifted back to his days as a page for Duke Martel. Now, <em>those</em> days had been filled with battle, except the battle was fought with words that stabbed and twisted harder than des. Secrets devastated more than any spell, and lies blocked as well as any shield.


    His fellow pages had been like a bunch of daggers that wore human skin; their eyes constantly watched for weakness, chances to pull their friends down, or for ways to step on each others backs.


    There was good reason for that, though.


    Opportunities only went to the best of the best. And what would happen if one couldnt <em>be</em> the best of the best? Well, most folk who had expectations wouldnt just pat someone on the shoulder and say, thats alright, you tried.


    And not everyone had the same strengths.


    He knew very well he wouldnt make a very good wizard, but expectations kept him at Generasi. And while spell forme made him dizzy sometimes, he did know the form for making friends and avoiding too many enemies. And with the right friends <em>and</em> enemieseach used in the right wayshe could rise in areas where they were weak.


    He patted Gregori on the shoulder. They would have been glorious days to see, he said, putting as much wistfulness in his voice as he could. He made sure to keep eye-contact to project a sincerity he didnt feel. Fire and blood everywhere and true glory, for allbut still, theres some sport in this, Id say. We can enjoy all this fun without losing any wizards of the future to a casualty.


    I suppose there is that, Gregori sniffed.


    Quiet, someone said. Were getting close to the mountain.


    Some of the assembled wizards had cast Wizards Eyes to sweep the grass ahead of them; their faces wore somewhat vacant expressions. High above the three allied teams, more wizards floated along.


    Each scanned the grass around their team.


    Derek gave Gregori a nod then fell into a half-crouch, trying to think less about potential enemies, and more about the prestige he could share in if the Ursa-Lupines ced in the top three.


    That ought to please mummy and daddy, he said quietly, with just a touch of bitterness in his tone. Even after all of his practice, he hadnt managed topletely hide his bitterness on that particr subject.


    He shook his head, bringing himself back to thoughts of prestige and another opportunity to wipe away the fiasco ofst year. Still, erasingst years catastrophe might not be so simple because of one obstacle with a very long memory


    His eyes searched for any sign of dark hair or crackling lightning. If looks could kill, Isolde would have struck him dead back in the stadium.


    Doesnt make any sense, he thought. Things went bad for <em>both</em> of us back then. True, I might have done<em>something</em> wrong, though it wouldnt have mattered if I hadnt been caught. Isnt that the whole point? And <em>I</em> had to repeat the entire bloody course. She came out of it better than I did.


    He pushed aside some grass.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Something snapped in the distance.


    He fell into the fighting stance his duelling instructor had hammered into him for years, his sword half drawn.


    Something wrong? Gregori whispered.


    Probably not, Derek said quickly.


    Maybe someone had stepped on a branch.


    He nced at the wizards who were scouting ahead using Wizards Eyes. Nothing from them: no cry of rm and their expressions were still vacant.


    Now Im jumping at nothing, he thought, shaking his head. Look how much shes shaken you, man. Come now, its not like youll lose your life if you meet her, and even if youre knocked out of thepetition, you still will have participated in it. Thats enough to give you clout with the Brotherhood and lots of others on campus.


    He sighed.


    She should know better, though. In the end, yesterdays enemy could be tomorrows friend under the right circumstances. Burning bridges is a good way to strand yourself on an ind. Bygones are bygones, and Ive moved on. I dont think a silly little bit of revenge will really change-


    <em>Whiish.</em>


    <em>Thwack!</em>


    One of the Wizards Eye users suddenly vanished. An arrow had crashed through her force armour, knocking her out of the contest.


    Enemy! a leader of one of the three teams shouted, drawing his sword. Sniper in the distance!


    Everyone dove into the grass.


    Where? someone else asked, squinting through the tall, green des.


    I think it came from the mount-


    <em>Whiiiish</em>!


    Argh! another arrow flew through the air, cracking against armour.


    It did! someone else cried. Theyre firing from the mountain!


    Bollocks! a young man shouted. Spread out, but keep moving! That first one was a good shot, but itll be hard for their arrows to break through armour and protective spells from so far away! Who has enough mana left for teleportation?


    Three people affirmed that they did.


    Alright, teleport closer. Then-


    There was a growing buzzing sound.


    Suddenly, swarms of elemental beetles burst into the air from beneath the earth, shedding sand, soil and grass. The beetles seethed above the grass for a moment, then surged toward the teams hidden in the grass.


    They quickly closed the distance, dive bombing wizards faces and targetting their mouths and noses. Derek swatted at them; the battlemage tried to cast spells to st them away, but the cloud of summoned beetles persisted, flying at his nostrils, ears, eyes, and opening mouth.


    He could feel their rigid legs crawling over his skin, and their antenna flicking across his body. They crawled beneath cloaks, shirts, and into trousers.


    Aaargh! Disgusting! The young nobleman cut off his incantation to prevent a mana reversal. Within the buzzing cloud, beetles flew in every direction, swarming the Brotherhood and their allies, though Derek felt they seemed to be heavily concentrating around him.


    Elemental beetles! someone cried. What in the-?!


    A swarm clustered like a dense fog over the flying wizards, who were struggling to pull them from their faces to spell cast.


    Go! Destroy the swarms! wizards directed theirpanions. Familiars flew upbirds, bat-winged imps, and other creaturesto st the beetles with breath weapons, like ice and lightning.


    Aaargh, what element are they!? another wizard covered in beetles shouted. In the name of everything holy, st them! His voice was bordering on hysteria.


    I think theyre all fire! someone else yelled.


    The blood drained from Dereks face.


    He might only be attending this horrifying wizards madhousethat people called a schoolunder his parents <em>very</em> stern insistence, but even he had paid enough attention in Magic Lore to know that creatures from the elemental ne of fire were immune to fire magic.


    Which meant


    Fire spells iing! someone shouted.


    Enemy ahead!


    No, no, no, Derek murmured, looking up through the swarm. There were three teams to be wary of in thepetition that used a lot of fire, and-


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Oh no, he murmured.


    A giant, four-armed figure burst from the grass ahead with soil, sand and turf pouring from its y body. Its lower arms were sped behind its back while the upper pair zed with fire-magic.


    <em>Whooooom.</em>


    Three red points of light built up in three gems in its palms and forehead.


    Ill take it down! a wizard rose out of the grass. The swarms not around me!


    Get down, you foo- someone started to shout.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Lightning zed from their nk, cutting off the mans voice.


    Dereks blood turned cold.


    Derek, you ragged dog! a very familiar womans voice chilled his blood. Where are you?


    He considered what to do for one heartbeat.


    Diving low in the grass, he pressed himself to the earth trying to make himself as t as he could, and began slowly snaking his body away. There were certain times when discretion was the better part of valour. This was one of them.


    Derek! Gregori cried. Lets go get them! Derek?


    Quiet, you fool! the battlemage thought as he slithered faster.


    Alex rose from the grass, shedding a loose covering of earth and sand that Khalik had used as camouge to bury them in. Their shallow hiding ces had let them avoid the Wizards Eyes and sharp gazes of wizards scouting from the air.


    Fire! he barked at ygon.


    Fire-beamsnced into the middle of the enemy teams. The Ursa-Lupines and their allies had had the foresight to spread out on their way to the mountain, but ygon could carve vast lines across a wide area with his fire-beams.


    The grass erupted in me, shooting fire and smoke high into the air, hindering the flyers. Thundar jumped out from behind his teammates, fired magic missiles, then popped back into the grass.


    Isolde raked anyone beyond the swarms with lightning; fire had spread far enough to cut the enemy force in half.


    Just like herding vent-drinkers, Alex said as he shot his Wizards Hands and forceball into their midst. The Hands pulled and tugged at their clothing, while the forceball shot low, entangling their legs.


    The enemy wizards tripped, stumbling around in the tall grass.


    Some of the flyers surged from the smoke, protected by Orbs of Air, but covered in beetles. They tried casting spells, but the beetles swarmed their faces.


    <em>Whiiish!</em>


    <em>Thwack!</em>


    Svenia emerged from her concealed spot in the tall grassnear Alexand put an arrow right into an enemy at close range. The point nced off his force armour, drawing his attention to the warrior.


    <em>Whish!</em>


    Theresas arrow soared from her hiding ce near the foot of the mountain.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    It punched through his force armour; he instantly vanished. The huntress shots wereing from some seven hundred feet away, but her enhanced strength and senses gave her devastating force and uracy.


    Svenia and Theresa shot arrow after arrow into those opponents still upright, sowing more turmoil in the enemy ranks.


    <em>Whoooom!</em>


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    ygon floated closer, raking all three teams with his fire-beams.


    Some were putting up a stronger resistance. By rolling in the grass and shedding the beetles, they were gaining time to finish their incantations.


    Alex felt summoning magic unfolding in the air.


    Iing summons! he shouted.


    He felt somethinging from across the nes. The air around them began shimmering. An instantter, curious-looking, long-bodied creatures appeared in mid-air.


    Their bodies were serpentine with long fins running from behind their heads, all the way down to the end of their tails. The air crackled around them as they beat long pectoral fins, far longer than many birds wings.


    Bubbling screeches erupted from their throats as they began sweeping the air in all directions with lighting sts, melting away beetles in crackling streams of energy and glowing sparks.


    The swarms thinned, giving more of thepetition a chance to cast their incantations, but some were suddenly singed by shocks of energy.


    Hey! You bastards! Watch where youre striking!


    Alex grinned.


    Their opponents mightve had numbers on their side, but numbers were a good reason why his team had chosen to enter the Battle on their own, not directly with the Hydra Companions. His team fought like the ten-armed war golem in the Duel by Proxy: each part worked in coordination with the next for the greatest effectiveness because they knew each other well.


    Advance into melee! Alex shouted to ygon.


    His four-armed golem rose ten feet, then turned in mid-air to face the enemy. He spread his arms, then shot toward the flying wizards.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    He mmed into them like a catapult stone, his fists flurrying all the while. Huge y fists sent flying wizards disappearing by the heartbeat, then, he plummeted toward the earth, feet-first.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    ygonnded atop one of the enemiesknocking her out ofpetitionthen he began wading through the rest, smashing right and left as he went.


    Good, ygons engaged, Alex thought. Any moment now.


    He watched his surroundings.


    Take out Roth! one of the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood shouted. Get rid of him, and the golem goes!


    Oop! Catch me if you can! Alex cried, turning and using all of his training and practice to sprint away whileughing like a madman.


    Meanwhile his eyes were scanning the grass for threats.


    Thats right, he thought. He listened carefully, paying strict attention to any rustling in the grass. Any second now


    That invisible group from before; if they had taken Baelins ss, theyd know tactics. Theyd definitely strike an opponent who was fully engaged and distracted.


    But, Alexs team knew to expect that.


    His forceball swept through the grass and air, hindering and tripping visible opponents, while searching out <em>invisible</em> ones.


    Spread out! He instructed his swarm, and the elemental beetles moved apart, buzzing through the air, seeking his invisiblepetitors.


    Adversaries waded after him through the tall grass, trying to chant spells.


    Good, Alex thought. Now where are you? Attack m-


    <em>Whiiiish!</em>


    Only a brief whistle cutting the air saved him.


    An arrow pierced the air, but his trained reflexes brought him to the ground before it could m into his head. Their invisible attackers hadnt used arrows in the illusionary forest, so- Oh no Startling, he looked in the direction the arrow hade from and peered through the grass.


    His blood ran cold.


    A ball of fire, a tongue of lightning and a great spike of ice drifted above the grass,ing his way. In the distance, he could see what looked to be three mounted archers.


    But he knew damn well they werent humans mounted on horseback.


    Shit! he shouted. Its the Outcasts! Theyreing!

 Chapter 235: Divine Wind

    Chapter 235: Divine Wind


    Tyris Goldtooth grinned as herva sted the final wizard on the enemy team. The marsh boiled around her, sending steam rising into the air while Vesuvius roared in victory.


    Perfect, she said, flying forward and snatching the g from the fallen enemies g-bearer. Your g makes a fine addition to our collection.


    She handed it to her teams g-bearer and gazed proudly on her teammates: only one of them had been eliminated so far, and their mana reserves were still bursting.


    Well done, Vesuvius, she patted her familiar on the side of his shell.


    The vulcanchelone groaned happily at her touch.


    Pssst! A voice hissed.


    She blinked. Vesuvius? Was that you?


    The tortoise blinked at her with a puzzled look in his eyes.


    No, Tyris! Over here!


    Ah! What?! she whirled around. Whos there-WaitI know that voice. Wolud, is that you?


    Guilty as charged, Tyris.


    Hmph. She scanned their surroundings, ncing at her team. They immediately turned their backs to each other and began eyeing the surrounding marsh, searching the water for the owner of the voice.


    Using an illusion to throw your voice, eh? she said, seeing no one nearby. Smart.


    I have something to show you, and I didnt want you to get tooquick with the attacks before I had a chance to share.


    Is it your g? Id love it if you showed me thatthen handed it over, she paused. No wait, no I wouldnt. Where would the fun be in that? Id want the pleasure of prying it from your g-bearer myself!


    Ascharming as that sounds, I think Ill pass. But what I<strong></strong><em>do</em><strong></strong>have to show you might interest you anyway.


    What is it?


    Revenge.


    An illusion of an aerial view of the battlefield appeared in front of Tyris. Tall grass burnt and ash-grey smoke was billowing through the air. Her eyes narrowed as a familiar, four-armed figure crashed through the mes.


    There you are she said as she watched ygons head turn then look to the south.


    The illusion shifted: there was Alex Roth rolling through the grass as his spells deflected iing arrows while his golem rushed toward him.


    The view shifted again.


    The Outcasts, Tyrisughed, pping her hands as excitement built up in her.


    Three centaurs were galloping toward Roth. Each arrow they fired was getting closer to breaching his protective spells the more the archers closed the distance between them and him. His golem surged forward then positioned his body between Alex and the storm of arrows.


    Tyris watched them bounce off the constructs body.


    A smile curved across her lips.


    Interesting, she said. That does look like quite the opportunity. Alright, Wolud, you sneaky little bastard. Lets assume for a moment that you didnt conjure this out of your fertile imagination: in which case, Ill end you. What do you have in mind?


    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>


    Arrows mmed into ygon as Alex pressed himself to the golems back; some swerved around the massive form, aiming right for Alexs vitals.


    Shit! He moved his forceshield and force armour-shielded arms in the Cleansing Movements.


    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>


    The arrows were being deflected, but were bing harder to block.


    me, lightning and ice flew over ygons head.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    They hit the ground, right in the midst of the remaining members of the three-team alliance. The three elements whirled together. Air pressure changed. Heat boiled ice.


    Water rapidly expanded.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    It all exploded.


    Steam and ice shards blew through the air, sending Alex diving to the ground as shrapnel peppered ygons back.


    Bollocks! Bolloooocks! one of the Ursa-Lupines swore. Whos still around?


    Me- someone rose up.


    <em>Thwack!</em>


    Two of the Outcasts arrows sted both contestants from the contest.


    Retreat! Khalik cried from their hiding spot in the grass. A fighting retreat, just as we did with the Bonedrinker!


    <em>Schp!</em>


    Alex could barely see the princeas he flew lowparting the tall grass, weaving his way back toward the mountain.


    No! Grimloch roared. If we run, they''ll hunt us like prey. Remember the elemental we fought! It chased us down to crush us! We have ygon and we have me! We should take them now!


    Alex frowned, his mind racing.


    If they just ran across this open field, there was no way theyd make it to the mountain. They could stay low in the grass, but those archers were <em>supernaturally </em>skilled: Theyd pick them off once they got close enough.


    A fighting retreat is a good idea, but maybe apromise would be better. We need cover and something else for them to shoot at.


    He nced up at ygon.


    Youre up, buddy. Alex tapped the golem on his back. Fry em and smash em.


    ygon shot toward the Outcasts at full speed.


    <em>Whoooom!</em>


    All three fire-gems charged as he surged through the air.


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    The grass in front of him red into me, spreading fire and smoke.


    Alex winced. Hope they dont mind doing some reseeding for next years Grand Battle.


    As the smoke billowed in the air, Alex lost sight of ygon, but the smoke had now grown dense enough to conceal his team from the archers.


    It was time to regroup. He quickly drank a flight potion and shot toward his friends. Grass pped against his forceshield and the wind billowed his clothing as he tore along the in, leaving smoke and burning grass behind. He joined Khalik, Thundar, Grimloch, Isolde, and Svenia flying low in a V-formation toward the mountain.


    He nced back.


    The Ursa-Lupines and their allies were scattered and broken. On the battlefield, only a few stragglers still remained of their once massive force. It was a scene he looked on with one regret, his elemental beetles had vanished in the explosion caused by The Outcasts.


    Isolde looked back as well. I know this might not be the most opportune of moments, but did any of you see Derek?


    I did not! Khalik shouted.


    Nor I, Lady Von Anmut, Svenia said.


    No, Thundar and Grimloch<strong></strong>said together.


    Not even a little, Alex said.


    Damn! Isolde swore.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    An explosion erupted behind them. A column of fire and steam roared into the air from the distance. ygon must have reached The Outcasts. A part of Alex really wanted to see that battle, but another part wanted to get as far away from those archers as possi-


    Something caught his eyes.


    Maybe he wouldnt have a choice in that matter.


    Three figures galloped around a wavering column of smoke.


    Shit! Alex whispered harshly. The archers are after us. Keep quiet, stay low.


    The team fell silent as they shot through the grass. It rustled around him.


    Dont notice, he thought. Come on please dont see the grass movi-


    <em>Whish!</em>


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Argh! Isolde cried.


    Are you alright? Khalik said.


    An arrow struck me but the force armour took the blow. Thankfully, I am unharmed and still here!


    <em>Whiiish! Whiiish!</em>


    Arrows rained down, mming into their armour.


    I think they saw us! Thundar cried.


    No kidding! Alex said bitterly.


    <em>Whiish! Whiish! Whiish!</em>


    Another volley of arrowsunched into the air, straight toward the Outcasts. If their archers had forgotten about the huntress, that volley immediately brought her back to mind.


    Yes! Alex whispered. Get em, Theresa!


    Her arrows flew at the Outcasts in a near constant stream, easing some of the pressure on her friends from the centaurs assault. They turned their focus on her and arrows flew back and forth across the in: a duel of archers fought hundreds of feet apart.


    <em>Whish!</em>


    An arrow suddenly fell near Alex.


    Damn it! he swore. At least one of them isnt giving up on us!


    Zig-zag! Khalik shouted.


    The team spread out and zig-zagged through the field, making themselves harder to hit. A few arrowsmoving as though they were being guidedstill found them, but nced off force shields and force armour. Despite the distance, cover, and their erratic flying, the archer was <em>still</em> connecting with his arrows.


    Alex frowned.


    Ahead, he could see Theresa hiding near the foot of the mountain.<strong></strong>She was moving between a series of jagged stones and outcroppings; leaning out from behind one, shooting, then racing to the next one. Alex couldnt see Brutus anywhere, hopefully, he hadnt been eliminated.


    Wizard iing! Isolde suddenly shouted.


    Alex nced behind.


    One of the Outcasts wizards teleported high above the three centaurs, and streaked after Alexs team in tandem with the archers.


    His eyes narrowed.


    Time for another Summon Elemental Beetle Swarm spell. The Marks interference mmed into him as two arrows finally shattered hisst protective force rectangle, but with the aid of the unusual feeling that came to him with teleportation and summoning magic, he was able to smoothly finish the spell.


    The swarm appeared behind him.


    Go, he ordered them. Get those centaurs!


    He turned to his team. Hey guys, those archers are in Theresas range and the elemental knights are still busy. What do you say we turn around, nk em, then crush em like bugs?


    Like the sound of that! Grimloch snarled.


    Those shots are gonna get a hell of a lot more urate the closer we get! Thundar warned.


    Then we attack from different angles! Khalik suggested. I shall have Najyah strike from above as well! He turned to Isolde. Youve used much of your mana casting flight spells on us all. Why do you and Svenia not join up with Theresa? You can recharge then.


    Isolde glowered at the centaurs. Fine, but crush them in my stead! Come, Svenia! We can provide some support to Theresa, she and Svenia veered toward the huntress hiding ce.


    Alright, Alex said. Our main goal is to get Grimloch into their faces. We do that and theyre done.


    Agreed, the prince said. Break!


    They broke off, banking through the grass in a loop and shooting toward the centaurs.


    Theyll target me first, Alex thought. To try and get rid of ygon, or get rid of me since I control him. Alright, just focus on deflecting, evading


    His forceball and Wizards Hands rose around him.


    and interference.


    He reached into his bag for a Haste potion.


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    The world seemed to slow down around him.


    Folding his arms t to his sides, Alex shot toward the archers while taking a booby-trapped potion of sensory enhancement from his bag.


    He began casting Call Through Ice.


    The Marks interference mmed into him as more arrows struck his force shield and armour. Each strike was closer to hitting a vital body part. Alex knew his head would be<strong></strong>a perfect target for those arrows, so he folded his arms in front of it and concentrated on moving through The Marks protests.


    Images of Failures.


    Feelings of Failures.


    Memories of Failures.


    But, they were temporary.


    The spellpleted with help from that curious power.


    The booby-trapped potion left his hand, appearing directly in front of a centaur just as his arrow flew from the bowstring.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    It split the potion bottle.


    <em>Fwoosh!</em>


    The vapourized liquid spread.


    The centaurs didnt coughtheir breath likely protected by Orbs of Airbut the mist obscured their vision, robbing them of uracy as Alexs team closed the distance. He concentrated on deflecting arrows. His Hasted reflexes and enhanced senses let him p them away like flies.


    Meanwhile, Khalik and Thundar began their own assault, firing mana bolts and sharpened stones through the grass. The centaurs ducked and the wizard above them chanted an incantation. Force shields appeared before the centaurs, blocking some of the spells, but they still had a barrage of iing arrows and magic to contend with.


    Their uracy plummeted.


    Lets give them some more problems! he thought, shooting his Wizards Hands and forceball at them. All four glowing, crimson spells rushed through the air.


    They were closing the distance.


    But the enemy wizard acted first.


    He shouted an incantation and pointed at the grass.


    <em>Crooom!</em>


    Massive rope like vines burst from the earthweaving and twitching like they had minds of their ownand reached down to wrap around someone in their midst.


    Grimloch roared as the green tendrils coiled around his body, then yanked him high in the air. Alex saw two of the archers pull back on their bowstrings, readying to shoot the shark man.


    Now! he shouted. Get em!


    His elemental beetles swarmed up from the grass, straight for the centaurs eyes. They dropped their bows, turning their trunks this way and that, iling their arms, fighting to rid themselves of the mass of bug-like creatures targeting their eyes. The wizard acted quickly, working to st the swarm with a spell.


    <em>Whiish!</em>


    Theresas arrow mmed into him and he disappeared with a cry of surprise.


    With the precious moments hed gained, Grimloch bit his way through the giant vines and disappeared back into the grass.


    The centaurs snarled, each galloping away in a different direction, looking to put distance between themselves and Alexs team.


    Oh no you dont! he shouted.


    His mind went back to the golden bowstring Theresa had received: it was nearly unbreakablebut the centaurs bowstrings werent golden, and probably didnt possess the unique qualities of hers.


    Go for their strings! he directed the beetles.


    The swarm swept after the archers, settled on their bows, and began chomping on the strings with their powerful jaws.


    <em>Snap! Snap! Snap!</em>


    An archer cursed, turned and sped back toward his team.


    Above him, Najyah shot down from the sky, her talons raked across his face.


    He slowed for a moment.


    Just for a moment.


    Look out! another archer warned.


    Grimlochs dorsal fin emerged from the grass like it was breaking the surface of the Prinean Sea.


    The fin cut through the green.


    Najyah veered away just as the archer she was wing turned.


    The sharkmans jaws snapped open.


    <em>Snap!</em>


    The centaur disappeared.


    Grimloch lunged toward the other two.


    Yes! Alex cried.


    One of them whirled aroundhis bodynguage showed his determinationand lifted up his hand with the same reverence each centaur showed when lifting their bows.


    He spoke:


    <em>Blessed winds that guide bird, ship and beast. Bless me now! Bless me with a weapon that might strike my foes down!</em>


    Alexs eyes went wide.


    There was no rush of mana.


    There was only a roaring wind and blinding light.


    In the archers hand a bow appeared, shining like a hundred stars. The centaur drew back a string of light and four arrows of luminescence appeared upon it.


    <em>Twang!</em>


    He fired.


    Divine arrows drilled through the air and mmed into Grimloch, sting through his force armour.


    With a roar, he vanished.


    Oh shit! Alex cried.


    Oh shit, Amir murmured as he watched from the stadium.

 Chapter 236: Cutting In

    Chapter 236: Cutting In


    Thats it! Baelin loudly pped his hands together.


    Far below, the battle between the two remaining centaurs from the Outcasts team, and the team of his COMB-1000 students who were filling his ancient heart with pridethey really ought to have named themselvesraced toward its conclusion.


    Soatst you reveal your divinities, he said, watching as a centaur conjured a bow through a miracle and fired it into the grass toward Alexs scattering team. The arrows sought out their quarry, but Alexs Wizards Hands, forceball, and summoned elemental beetles threw off the centaurs aim.


    Baelins students survivedfor now.


    Still, rather impressive as divinities go, Baelin mused, as he considered the centaurs. And hiding your abilities for the entire tournament, only to catch your enemy off guard in a moment of tensionexcellent thinking. But perhaps you yed your hands a little toote since youre now in a most disadvantageous position. But, no matter.


    The chancellor looked south, in the direction of Generasi. Now, let us see if a certain pest reacts to your little revtion.


    He contacted Gemini.


    Dont do this, dont do this, dont do this, Amir reacted, his heart thumping in his chest. He threw an rmed look beside him: Urs and Leopold had gone to grab something to drink, leaving only Donovan in his seat.


    The pale young mans eyes were wide. Well thats a little bold! he cried. I dont remember them having divinitiesst yea-Where are you going, Amir?


    Ill be back! Amir said to his friend.


    Ah, washroom calling, then? A bad time to have to go!


    Amir ignored Donovan as he squirmed past the other spectators in his row, trying to get to the aisle as fast as he could. He winced as the crowds roar filled the stadium: some were booing as Grimlocha favouritewas eliminated, but most were cheering at the upset pulled off by The Outcasts. If the audience minded that miracles were being used in The Grand Battlewhich wasnt against the rulesthen they certainly werent showing it.


    What was even more surprising to him was that it seemed like the crowd was <em>approving</em> of the priests power


    Priests calling upon the divine, Amir thought. During the greatest of Roals games! During a celebration of the <em>defeat</em> of gods and their priests! And you all just cheer?


    Nerves gnawed at him.


    Anxiety pumped through his body.


    Cant let it happen, cant let it happen, he thought.


    Rushing into the aisle, he caught sight of the Illusions above the spectators as he nced around the stadium.


    The cheers grew louder as the centaurs fired divinely forged arrows at their opponents.


    No, no! He trembled. Quiet, you fools!


    Terrified, he looked for Watchers of Roal, investigators from the city, or anyone who might have been watching him or his friends. He well remembered his interrogation at the investigators station


    The cheering grew louder.


    Focus, Amir, focus! He moved quickly down the aisletaking the stairs two at a timeand rushed toward the closest exit.


    He emerged into one of the stadiums tunnels and looked around: people were milling about, moving to and from washrooms and lining up at carts selling snacks and beverages.


    There was no sign of Leopold or Urs in any of the lines.


    Come oe oe on he stepped into the crowd, looking for friendsor enemies. Behind him, he could hear the audiences roar growing louder.


    It was too much. Too much noise. Anyone could be hiding in the crowd. Was someone following him? He turned in ce, fighting nausea and eyeing everyone around. No one looked suspicious, but then again, it seemed like everyone was suspicious...of him.


    Was that cyclops watching him?


    What about that child? He seemed to be crying over a spilled drink, but was he eyeing him in secret?


    What about that group of men and women?


    His queasiness grew.


    He had to get out of there.


    He had to find his friendsand find some ce quiet.


    Trembling, Amir stumbled toward one of the washrooms.


    Please, he thought toward the audience in the stadium. I beg of you. Dont undo all the work Ive done.


    As if mocking him, their cheers grew even louder.


    Dodge! Khalik shouted.


    Arrows of light whistled through the air.


    Each exploded as they struck the earth, sending torrents of grass and soil sting skyward. Alex heard Khaliks earth armour crack as an arrowtip nced off; the prince cursed, firing sharpened stones at the pair of centaurs.


    One of them wheeled backward as the stones crashed through his forceshield, narrowly missing skewering him.


    Alex and Thundar dodged around divine arrows, slowly closing the distance between them and the archers; if they ran now, theyd be speared while trying to get away, so they had to keep moving forward. Alexs interference was giving them some support.


    Wizards Hands and his forceball grappled with the centaurs, pulling at their arms, pushing on their shoulders, and generally spoiling their aim. Elemental beetles crawled over them and fluttered their wings at their eyes.


    The archers cursed and fired desperately at their opponents while trying a fighting retreat, but Alexs spells werent their only problems.


    Najyah dived back down on one of them, shing her talons across his face. He swore loudly, blindly striking at the bird of prey, but-


    <em>Whooosh.</em>


    -the air shimmered in front of her as Khalik rapidly shouted an incantation.


    <em>Splooosh!</em>


    y washed over the archer, hardening, slowing him down. The second centaur called out, turning swiftlytearing at the spells interfering with his aimand fired four arrows in quick session in Najyahs direction.


    One missed, but at such close range, three found their mark.


    With a screech, the eagle disappearedbut her work was done.


    <em>Whish</em>


    One of Theresas arrows slipped through the y-coated centaurs defences.


    It struck his head.


    He was gone in an instant.


    Two down, one to go.


    The centaur turnedabandoning his retreatand tried firing directly at Khalik, but Alexs Wizards Hands kept harassing him, throwing his aim off.


    His eyes went wide as a barrage of arrows, stones and mana bolts rained down on him.


    Suddenly, he vanished.


    By the gods, Khalik panted, stopping in mid-air. Sweat poured down his beard. AhNajyah, he said sadly, looking where his familiar had vanished. If only youd made it to the end with us. He surveyed the devastation of the battlefield. They were mighty foes. It took your and Grimlochs sacrifice to defeat thembut defeat them we did.


    Imagine if this battle was actually to the death, Thundar said. Jeez!


    Khalik winced, his eyes on the spot where Najyah had been. Id rather not think about that.


    Me either. Alex looked to the south and the column of smoke rising there. Explosions and incantations roared out and he heard the sh of enchanted y against metal. The other Outcasts hadnt managed to defeat ygon, but it sounded like he hadnt crushed them either.


    How much mana do you two have left? he asked his friends.


    Not much, Thundar informed him.


    Very little, Khalik said.


    Im down to about half now, Alex said.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    An explosion of stones sted through the air past the smoke. The ongoing battle was sounding absolutely ferocious.


    I dont think well be beating the rest of those Outcasts with our mana so low, Alex said.


    Agreed. The prince watched the battlefield. But what about ygon?


    Alex considered that. Ill call him back and let him keep sting them as hes falling back. I say for now, we head to the mountain and get some cover while hes doing his fighting retreat, then watch to see if they follow him.


    Sounds like a n, Thundar said. But what if they do follow him?


    Alex winced. Then well have to hide somewhere else to recover our mana and hope he takes them down by himself. or hope he takes a few out before he goes down.


    Crap, Thundar said. Well be down a lot of power if we lose him.


    We shall just have to deal with that bridge when we cross it, the prince said, then looked toward the sky. And let us hope those invisible attackers do not reappear.


    Well, now theyre definitely gonna reappear, Alex said.


    The trio flew back toward the mountain while Alex called ygon and the Elemental Beetles: Come to the mountain. Keep sting them with your fire-beams as youre retreating.


    As the trio began their flight through the grass, they watched for hidden attackers: invisible wizards, or even remnants of the Ursa-Lupinesbut no one appeared.


    No sign of those invisible bastards yet Thundar said. And I dont see anyone from that big alliance we stomped either.


    Strange, Khalik said. You would think the invisible ones would have followed us and struck by now: perhaps they are off hunting others


    Maybe, Alex said. Maybe.


    He craned his neck in all directions.


    Nothing met his eyes.


    No threats anywhere.


    And that was making him very nervous.


    Trying to keep calm by focusing on surveying the in as they flew through its tall grass, Alex looked for arrows protruding from the earth. Clouds of them were fired during the contest, and many had been Theresas: shed filled her quivers to bursting for The Grand Battle, but they could probably use some replenishing by now. He and his Wizards Hands snatched up arrows as they flewboth the centaurs and Theresaswhile he listened to ygons battle behind them.


    He could hear the <em>whooom </em>and <em>whooosh </em>of the golems fire-beams sting the terrain; the sound was growing louder as ygon grew closer. Alex couldnt see if the Outcasts were following his golem as he fell back; hopefully, other teams were keeping them busy. Either way, he, Khalik, and Thundar were almost at the safety of their destination: the mountain loomed straight ahead.


    Theresa emerged from her hiding ce to wave them over while Brutus slipped out from behind a stone outcropping, barking with all three mouths.


    Shhh! Shhh, boy! Theresa hushed him, holding out her hand and pointing up the mountain.


    Alex squinted toward the peak, catching sight of figures moving around: it looked like several wizards were up there circling the peak using flight spells.


    Someone had taken the mountaintop.


    Well have to keep it down, Theresa said quietly. We dont want them hearing us from up there.


    Indeed, Isolde said, emerging from behind another rock with Svenia. It would be favourable to us if we were able to attack them, but I am still recovering my mana.


    Yeah, Alex said. If we try going after anyone now, well just get eliminated. Its better if we wait and recover some mana.


    Indeed Isolde took stock of the three young men. Where are Grimloch, and Najyah for that matter?


    Khalik sighed and filled Theresa, Svenia and Isolde in on what had happened.


    The huntress winced. Thats too bad. I wanted to make it to the end with themthey gave the rest of us a chance to keep going. She squinted out over the in. It looks like ygon might be safe, though. I dont see anyone following him.


    Her other teammates looked back over the grassy in. Alex couldnt see his golem through all the fire and smokewhich had spread considerablybut Theresas eyes were much sharper than his.


    Thats a big relief, he said. Lets hope theyre off regrouping somewhere: losing those archers will definitely hurt them in the long run.


    Indeed, Khalik said.


    The group moved behind the rocks, concealing themselves and watching as ygon drew closer. The silhouette of a familiar four-armed form emerging from the smoke grew in Alexs vision.


    His nerves felt like they were being pulled so tight, that they were about to snap as the golem came closer, but he saw no sign of any Outcasts. No elemental knights. No battle wizards. No other opponents.


    Nothing, ygon was only about a hundred feet away now.


    Alright, you can stop burning the grass, Alex thought.


    The golem cut off the fire-beams and turned around, floating toward Alex.


    Look at all that smoke, Thundar said.


    As far as the eye could see, burning grass filled the sky with thick white smoke. Alex was sure that the referees could put the fires out if they wanted toespecially with Baelin close by, but they werent doing so, at least for now. All that fire brought back some of his old fears and memories.


    So much potential for destruction.


    So much smoke.


    Someone could hide a castle in i-


    He froze.


    The smoke!


    Hed been a fool!


    ygon! he thought. Shoot at the smoke!


    The golem raised his arms and head.


    <em>Whooom.</em>


    The fire-gems charged.


    The smoke! Watch the smoke! he cried to his team.


    For an instant, they froze.


    Then, The Outcasts struck.


    As one, three elemental knights and two wizards burst out of the smoke with magic zing around their hands and weapons. Their eyes were utterly focused: not on gyon, but on Alexs team.


    Two of the elemental knights surged forward.


    Look out! Alex cried, then paused in surprise as another voice echoed his words.


    He wasnt the only one whod shouted look out.


    One of the Outcasts battlemages was pointing up above ygon, a look of horror on his face. Magic zed around his eyes.


    Alex looked to the spot the enemy wizard was pointing at.


    It seemed like nothing more than empty space


    until a tidal wave ofva spewed from it.


    A familiar voice boomed through the air as a young, redheaded woman appeared.


    A fine dance youve been having, Roth! Tyris Goldtoothughed. Mind if I cut in?

 Chapter 237: Double Elimination

    Chapter 237: Double Elimination


    The ambush was devastating.


    Vesuvius shimmered into being beside Tyris, and the pair pouredva and me down on ygon and the elemental knights from the Outcasts of the Divine Wind. The knights could not escape the torrent ofva and me and were instantly sted from the contest.


    Lava continued to pour over ygon, weighing the golem down with the full weight of molten rock. Three of Tyris team suddenly appeared, adding a barrage of ice magic spells to the onught,bining intense heat with freezing cold.


    The mixture erupted.


    Shrapnel of ice and rock sprayed the stones Alexs team crouched behind, as theva encasing ygon rapidly cooled.


    The fire-gems! Alex thought. Liquify the stuff on you with your fire-gems!


    <em>Whooom!</em>


    The fire-gems began to power up.


    Not this time! roared Tyris.


    More of her team appeared, drowning ygon in spells, keeping him rooted in ce. Alex was getting agitated watching them deal nonstop punishment to his golem, but how could he help him?


    Agh! This is enraging! Khalik cried, exchanging a look with Thundar and Isolde. I cannot do a damned thing with my mana so low!


    Neither can I! Thundar said. One wrong twitch from behind this rock, and Im done!


    We may have to retreat! Isolde warned.


    Wait! Not yet! Alex held up his hand as a question hit him.


    He looked at Tyris team. Why werent they staying invisible? Why were they revealing themselves when they were attacking them?


    He thought about the monster attack on the patrizias manor. The bone-drinkers, gorgers, and muupkaras were the first creatures to appear and had kept everyone focused on them. Meanwhile, the wed monsters were lying in wait until they were ready to join the attack.


    It might be the same now: the ones who were visible were the distraction, providing cover for the ones who stayed invisible. But if there are hidden opponents somewhere near, then what are they waiting for?


    Were behind cover and prepared for an attack, he thought. But wed be a lot more vulnerable if we were retreatingmaybe thats what theyre doingwaiting for us to leave cover and retreat.


    Alex looked at his summoned swarm. Spread out, he said quietly. If you touch anything you cant see,nd on it.


    He looked toward Theresa as his beetles scattered. I think I know whats going on. Watch the bugs, he said quietly. If they stop flying and settle in mid-air, shoot at that spot.


    Alex nced at the Outcasts.


    One of their battle wizards had used a magic spell to find Tyris and Vesuvius when they werent visible, so Alex watched him, hoping hed unveil anyone else cloaked by invisibility spells.


    Unfortunately, that wizard had bigger problems.


    The Outcasts were trying to retreat to the smoke, seeking cover, but flying warriors kept popping from thin air, hitting them from all sides. Elemental knights fought back with spell-enhanced speed and strength, but the wizards held them in check.


    As some of Tyris battle mage teammatesunched offensive spells toward The Outcasts, others continued their sustained attack on ygon.


    Alexs attention was suddenly drawn to the beetles.


    They had begun pausing in mid-air, folding their wings like they were preparing tond.


    Theresa acted. She darted out from behind cover, loosing arrow after arrow at unseen enemies. Cries began, then abruptly ended as her arrows hit home. Thundar jumped from behind his hiding ce and released a crossbow bolt.


    Another scream died.


    Hah! Bye-bye, Woluld! Thats what you get for being too cautious! Tyrisughed. Cant wait to see the look on his face after the battle-Oops!


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    She dodged ygons fire-beams.


    The golem was fighting to free himself from the growing mound of hardening rock and explodingva. Alex kept running interference, shooting Elemental Beetles, his forceball and all three Wizards Hands at her team.


    <em>Fwooooosh!</em>


    Two mages fired crackling lightning all around, destroying his spells and casting his beetles back to the elemental ne of fire.


    Shit! he cursed.


    Theresa switched her shots to aim toward Tyris and some mages near her, but they all soared behind Vesuvius, using the gigantic vulcanchelone as a shield between them and the arrows. Even her powerful shots had no effect on the tortoises shell.


    She took aim at his eye, but a forceshield whipped around from the other side of the beast, blocking her.


    Alexs mind raced.


    His team had very little mana left, and Theresas arrows werent doing much against Vesuvius hide. Grimloch, Hogarth and Najyah were gone. His active spells were gone, and it looked like their enemies had Orbs of Air around their heads which would stop his booby-trapped potions from affecting them.


    They were running low on options.


    Wait.


    He looked at his bag. If he could use Call Through Ice to teleport a potion into Vesuvius open mouth, that might turn things around.


    He started focusing his mind, ready for The Marks interference and nced at ygon: his golem was nearly buried inva and half-melted rock. His powerful limbs were smashing and scraping at the molten rock, fighting to keep it from sealing him in, but it was a losing battle.


    He was being buried: even the flight spell wasnt helping him break free.


    Alex grimaced. Come on ygon, just hold on a little longe-


    Perfect! Tyris shouted. That golems not dodging a thing now! Vesuvius! I cast Blows of Lead on you! Make like an avnche and go crush him!


    With a roar, the vulcanchelone shot out of the sky toward the immobile golem. His club-headed tail emerged from his shell, flicking behind him.


    Alexs eyes flew wide; he remembered how much power that tail had: enough to send ygon flying in the Duel by Proxy. And that was when there was magic dulling its blows; now, it had magic <em>enhancing</em> them.


    Run! Alex told his team. Weve gotta get out of here, now!


    They looked at each other then shot from behind the rocks.


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    Vesuvius turned in mid-air, swinging his tail down with every bit of built up momentum his great mass possessed.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    It collided with ygon at full force, and the powerful golem simply vanished.


    No! Thundar and Alex cried in unison.


    Mop up the rest! Tyris teammate shouted.


    Vesuvius turned his long neck and breathed a massive cone of fire at Alexs team. Lava also erupted from his shell, fountaining toward them.


    <em>Whooosh!</em>


    They scattered.


    Khalik shot skyward, just dodging theva fountain.


    But Tyris shouted an incantation;va swerved, turning as though it had a mind of its own, then it snapped around the prince like a serpent.


    It constricted.


    The prince of Tekezash vanished.


    Khalik! Alex cried.


    His mind tried to work out a strategybut they had few resources. So few resources.


    They werent all making it out of thi-


    <em>Ching!</em>


    He had been grabbed in mid-air; a chain of lightattached to a point of empty spacehad mped over his ankle. He was trapped. His hand shot into his bag.


    <em>Think.</em>


    <em>Adapt.</em>


    <em>Thin-</em>


    Teleportation magic manifested in front of him.


    One of Tyris battle mages appeared and with him, Tyris. She was already finishing a spell and had both hands extended toward Alex. Lava roiled between them.


    He sighed. Ugh, well done.


    She smiled, revealing her gold tooth. You to-


    Alex threw his booby-trapped potion of sensory enhancement at them mid-sentence.


    <em>Fwooosh!</em>


    Lava sprayed from Tyris hands, hitting the potion bottle and bursting it.


    A cloud misted in the air around them.


    But just before it did, he spotted two long, pointed objects racing toward her and the battle mage. They never saw theming through the mist.


    <em>ck! ck!</em>


    Alex smiled as theva rushed over him and his spell-mark activated. Teleportation magic cast him through space until he appeared in the middle of a beach-side camp on the southernmost point of Orecas Fall Ind. All around him medical and tournament staff bustled about, checking participants as they appeared on stone circles set on the sandy beach.


    A breathter, Tyris and her battle mage appeared in the circle in front of him.


    -o, she finished her too. Wait, what in the hells?


    Couldnt fall alone, Alex shrugged, then smiled. You understand, right?


    Theresa rushed up the mountain along the stones, loosing arrow after arrow behind her. The giant volcano tortoise roared and flew<strong></strong>up after her, while the rest of its team joined in the pursuit.


    Brutus barked with one head while bounding up the mountain path with the other two pointed forward. Isolde and Svenia were flying a little ahead, and Thundar was close, swearing up a storm as he dodged spell after spell.


    The tortoise spewed mes from its beak.


    Theresas jaw hardened.


    Alex was gone. Khalik was gone, along with Najyah. Hogarth was gone. ygon was gone. Grimloch was gone.


    Most of their team was gone.


    There was no way they were going to take down those battle mages now, and if the rest of them got eliminated, they would lose.


    Go! Theresa shouted at her team, whirling around.


    She took a breath, concentrating and firing a stream of arrows at their pursuers.


    Ill hold them off as long as I can! she shouted. Get somewhere safe and regenerate your mana!


    She continued firing as quickly as she could, only to see Thundar shoot back beside her.


    Oh no, youre not doing this by yourself, he said, holding up his mace. If youre gonna form a wall, then youre gonna need more bricks.


    <em>Whap!</em>


    His mace mmed into his palm.


    And Ill be just another brick in the wall.


    Brutus loped up beside her, growling and barking.


    Very well- Isolde started to say.


    No, you and Svenia go! Theresa shouted. Youve got the most magic! Go and recover! Stay in the contest until the end!


    until the very end then! Isolde shouted. We shall see you at the end of this!


    Yes! Theresa said as she shot at the closest battle mages.


    The huntress, Brutus and Thundar surged forward toward the enemy. The trio rushed through the barrage of spells, trying to hold back their opponents with everything they had. Thundars reckless charges and Theresas arrows pulled their enemies attention away from Svenia and Isoldes retreat, while Brutus lunged for the giant tortoise.


    There was a whirling of weapons, teeth, spell and me.


    Brutus vanished first: a well-aimed st of fire knocked him out of the contest.


    Thundar was next: the minotaur grabbed one of the battle mages and knocked him out of the contest, but the warriors on his team surrounded him with a storm of swinging weapons.


    He disappeared.


    Theresa fought with everything she had.


    When she ran out of arrows, she drew her sword and hunting knife. She dodged spell after spell, but the battlefield was growing harder to manoeuvre: each st of Vesuviusva sttered the mountainside with boiling rock. The heat was rising: she could feel the sweltering ze each time she came near one of the pools. Only the Orb of Air around her head stopped the fumes from choking her.


    She dodged until there was no ce left to dodge to.


    Surrounded byva, Theresa could only watch as the tortoises mes sted over her.


    An instantter, she was blinking on a beach with a stone pad beneath her feet.


    Dammit, she swore.


    Theresa! someone called.


    She looked to the side and saw her friends waving at her: Alexbarely holding back an excited BrutusThundar, ygon, Grimloch, Hogarth, and Khalik with Najyah perched on his arm.


    As she tried to step off the stone pad, medical staff surrounded herpoking, prodding, turning her to make sure she wasnt injuredbefore letting her go to her friends.


    Panting from exertion, she stumbled through the sand to meet them. How muchhow long did Ist?


    Brutus nuzzled up to her.


    About five minutes, Thundar said as the group came together. You shouldve seen the look on Goldtooths face when she appeared here. It was almost worth getting sted just to see it. He grinned.


    Yeah, Alex said. She was expecting all of us to end up here, not her. d we got to disappoint her. And shes not the only one either.


    He inclined his head toward another group and Theresa looked to see the three centaurs of The Outcasts of the Divine Wind standing alongside other eliminated members of their team. All were watching the illusions floating above that were disying the action on the grassy in and mountain.


    It looks like its all up to Isolde now, Alex said. And Sveniahopefully they can hold out to the end. We eliminated a lot of opponents, and it looks like-


    He looked up at the illusions and watched as Vesuvius and the remainder of Tyris team climbed the mountain and attacked the team holding the peak.


    -itll be hard for any other team to keep the peak with Vesuvius up there now. Most of the other teams have been eliminated too, which means itll take a lot for anyone to close the point-gap we hold now. We might even get secondor maybe third, depending on what The Outcasts do.


    Let us hope, Khalik said. May Isolde move quietly, recover her manaand may she and Svenia remain undiscovered.


    Hed been undiscovered so far, and it looked like he was going to get away with it. Kybas stuffed thest of his mushrooms into arge sack and drew the bag shut.


    Well, thats that, Harmless, he said a little sadly. At least until that demon summoner gets caught.


    Harmless rubbed his snout against Kybas leg.


    The goblin put his hands on his hips, his eyes cutting through the dark. Only the muted glow from the mushrooms inside his sack shed even a little bit of light on his gardenor what had been his garden.


    His little cavern was empty now: all of the mushrooms and his tools had been packed up. Most had already been squirrelled away to other little hidey-holes he had around campus.


    One day, he said quietly. One da-


    He stopped.


    His ears twitched as the sound of footsteps reached them through the holes hed made in the ceiling.


    Someone was near his cavern, trying to walk quietly, but their heavy footsteps betrayed them.

 Chapter 238: The Rising

    Chapter 238: The Rising


    Kybas cocked his head toward the dull thud of heavy footsteps above hisir. At first, he hadnt paid them much attention: hed heard the odd person passing by earlier, but they hadnt lingered, theyd just moved on about their business.


    But the way this mysterious person was moving around up thererepeatedly pausing, then walking around, but not leavinghad caught his attention. He thought of the jungles back home that the n Chulu had imed: his tribe had dodged and battled predatorsboth beast and humanoidsince<strong></strong>the ns<strong></strong>birth, so knowing how to listen for a hunter stalking them was as ingrained as the importance of breathing.


    Shh, shh, Harmless, Kybas said.


    Was that Alex?


    The Grand Battle shouldnt be over yet, so it cant be him, he thought. So who could it be? Everyones watching the big fight.


    He gulped.


    He knew hed been extra careful when he was moving the mushrooms, but could a Watcher of Roal have seen him? Or maybe they were patrolling the area, looking for the demon summoner.


    Well be quiet, he told Harmless. And let them pass.


    And so he waitedand he waited


    But whoever was up top, didnt leave. They kept moving quietly, slowly circling around, like they were looking for something. Kybas listened for a long time.


    Come ongo awaydont find the tunnels, he thought, bing irritated.


    Today was his only chance to get away since The Games would be ending and thered be more Watchers avable to search campus for this demon summoner.


    He held his breath.


    For a heartbeat, he thought the person above started moving toward the entrance to one of his tunnels. Thenat thest secondthey turned and began moving away. Kybas exhaled in relief.


    Well wait a bit longer, he said to Harmless. Then Ill go up and see if anythings still going on. Maybe theyve gone, then we can make our escape.


    Amir knew something was going on.


    Back at the stadium, he could have sworn he was being followed. On the tournament grounds, hed lost count of the number of Watchers hed seen patrolling. Searching. Asking questions.


    Hed finally slipped away from the stadium after a long time of trying to act casual, not wanting to arouse suspicion or draw attention to himself by hurrying, but even nowin this remote areahe felt like someone was following him. Trying to act natural, he kept his pace as slow and steady as he could, while his eyes searched for any sign of Urs or Leopold.


    They were nowhere in the stadium, and hed checked everywhere.


    They hadnt been around the grounds.


    They werent anywhere.


    This is bad, he thought. All the work Ive doneall the hours I put in trying to make things right. By spirits and deities, we were so close.


    He chewed his lower lip.


    A crossroadsy before him: a single point in time where he could avoid disaster. One pathy in finding his friend and calming the situation. Anothery in approaching the first Watcher he came across and confessing everything.


    But one word swam through his mind, stopping him from thetter path: Debt.


    A life-debt was a grave one, not so easily owed or dismissed, this was especially true<strong></strong>depending on who one owed it too.


    Think, Amir, think! He pped himself in the temple. You made it into the University of Generasi. You passed every undergraduate year with top marks, then you made it into graduate studies with picky, picky Jules. Youre smart. You can figure this out.


    He checked the position of the sun.


    The time was passing quickly.


    The Grand Battle would be over soon and when it was, thered be a period of controlled chaos. A moment when the participants would be preparing for teleportation back to campus and some of the audience would be looking to leave. A moment when the officials would be focused on preparing the medals and prizes, as well as getting ready for the closing ceremonies to end The Games.


    That would be the perfect moment to strike.


    He swallowed. If he could avoid disaster, then the end of The Games would be a wonderful moment. If he couldnt


    Shaking that thought away, he quickened his steps.


    I dont think I can hear them anymore, Kybas whispered, moving toward one of his tunnels. Come Harmless, lets see if the coast is clear.


    They slipped into one of the passages.


    Come on, why wont you end already, damn you! Derek swore quietly.


    He was so deep in the cave that it felt like hed never see the sun again: he had no way to tell time or even guess how close it was to the end of The Grand Battle.


    And he wanted no more of it. Enough was enough.


    It had felt like a hundred armies converged on the grassy ins all at once to act out every end times battle ever conjured up by seers and prophets. Fire. Lightning. Ice. Explosions. Shrapnel had been flying everywhere as hed crawled on his bellylike a lizardtoward the mountain. Hed <em>wanted</em> to creep back to the forests at the perimeter of the ind, but the grass fire had spread so quicklythanks to that horrible golem, those horrible wizards, and that even more horrible giant tortoisethat the only choice hed been left with was to make for the mountain.


    Theva-spewing thing just appeared out of bloody nowhere, he thought. This schools a madhouse. The only rational thing to do is run from it and be a bloody farmer!


    He shook his head.


    Dont think like that. Just two more years. Two more years, and if I get the right people tutoring me, Ill have a satisfied family, enough of this horrible magic to at least protect myself from these sorts of mad bastards, and merit in abundance to rise in court. Thoughwith how slow times passing, it feels like Ill spend those two years in this bloody cave. It seems pretty quiet now, though. Wait


    They didnt forget me, did they? he whispered. Maybe they teleported everyone else back to campus and left me here to grow mushro-


    He paused.


    There was the scrape of a boot reaching his ears in the stillness,ing from the direction of the exit. He froze in ce, straining his ears to listen for who or what it could be.


    Derek paled.


    NononoI cant be that unlucky.


    As the voices came closer, he realised he was indeed that unlucky. They were voices he knew a little too well. One was definitely Isoldes prim, proper and snooty voice. And the other belonged toherckey, Svenia.


    Svenia and Hogarth had never liked him much, but of course, the feeling had been mutual. Life wasnt about liking or disliking anyway, so it was irrelevant how theyd felt about him.


    He silently slid his sword from its sheath and crouched in the dark. If they went on their way, then all would be well.


    If they didnt


    Better to ambush than be ambushed, he whispered. You had the initiativest time, Isolde, ratting me out to the professor. Well, now the initiative lies with me.


    He took a breath as electric blue light approached from the cave opening.


    Then he quietly began casting a spell.


    It shouldnt be long now, Lady von Anmut: Im sure the contest should be over soon, Svenia said from up ahead. And it looks like no one has entered the cave since we were herethough its hard to be certain with these dry stone floors. But, so far, therere no tracks.


    Indeed, Isolde said. If there are no otherpetitors stalking about like beast-goblins, then we shall be able to await the contests end in peace, I would think.


    She sighed.


    Its a pity. Thisst while has been nothing but slinking about: the two of us like rats in the dark instead of the heiress to the von Anmut family and the fine woman-at-arms that we are. This is truly without decorum; we did not even have the chance to knock out a few more rivals before the end. st it all, the other teams have had plenty of time to reach or exceed our score.


    Roughly twenty feet ahead, one of her electric blue forceballs floated through the air, weaving back and forth along the passage, illuminating the path in case enemies were crouching in the dark, concealed in hidden bends and turns in the cave. It was a forceball trick that Alex had taught her while they trained for The Grand Battle.


    I wouldnt worry too much, mydy. Svenia kept her spear pointed forward. Weve been hearing less battle sounds since we separated from Theresa and the others which makes me think that many contestants have been knocked out ofpetition. And no one was able to dislodge that tortoise from the peak: not the team with Shiani, Rhea, Rayne, Malcolm and Eyvinder, or even the Hydras.


    Well, the Outcasts did drive them off for a bit, which was a shame since those extra points will definitely put them ahead of us. Isolde said, ncing behind. Another forceball floated at her backdimmer than the firstproviding light around and behind them.


    It would be the end of any chance to even ce if they were ambushed now.


    They were so close to the end. So close.


    I think-


    Isolde froze.


    Ahead, a shadow crouched in the dark: her forceballs light revealed it. She quickly tapped Svenia on the shoulder then pointed ahead, not wasting time voicing a warning.


    Those precious moments could be used for casting. She spoke an incantation as Svenia raised her spear.


    The shadow leapt out.


    Isolde was so shocked by who it was that she nearly fumbled her spell.


    Derek raised his hand, finishing a spell while Isolde was still in the middle of hers.


    A short cone of me sted from his outstretched hand, and both women sprang back, avoiding an abrupt exit from the contest. If theyd been closer when he jumped out, he would have hit them both. But even though his spell had missed, the fire st and heat had still stung their eyes.


    Derek came at them, his sword swinging.


    Svenia shortened her spears reach, angling it up, stabbing at him, but she was still half-blinded from the st. With a smooth dodge, Derek knocked the spear from her hands.


    She kept backing away as he came at her with a vicious thrust, but it caught her chainmail and she drew her own sword.


    Their des shed. Derek pushed, trying to get past her to reach Isolde, butwhile he was very skilled at cutting and parrying with his swordSvenias experience and skill kept him on the defensive.


    Then Isoldepleted her spell.


    <em>Crackle.</em>


    Two orbs appeared above her hands with lightning shooting between them. An evil smile spread across her face: the sort of smile reserved for witches in fairy tales as they were about to roast clever gingerbread men in their ovens.


    I didnt forget about you, Derek, she said.


    He recoiled from her like a mouse before a snake.


    Ta-ta, she said cheerily. No making it to the end for you. Cant cheat your way out of this one, Im afraid.


    Swearing, Derek turned and started bolting deeper into the cave but Isoldughing merrilysted her orbs at him.


    <em>Crackle!</em>


    There was a cry of fear as the lightning raced after Derek before catching him, and then, he was gone.


    Aaaah, she said with a great deal of satisfaction. I have to say Svenia, my worries have suddenly disappeared. Id hardly care if we ced tenth!


    Yeeaaaah! Alex cheered, pumping his fists as they watched the illusions being transmitted from the cave. Good job, Isolde! Damn good job!


    His team joined in celebrating, whooping, pping and hugging each other. Even Grimloch snarled in satisfaction. Alex had ygon raise his fists in salute whilein another part of the campthe Ursa-Lupines were either stunned into silence, or groaned like someone had just told them that their grandmothers all hated them.


    Derek, with his head hung low, suddenly appeared on a stone disk visibly trembling in rage, as waiting medical staff began checking him for injuries.


    Alright, quiet! Thundar said to his team. Thats two more pointe on


    The team turned to an illusion that disyed the countdown marking The Grand Battles end.


    <em>54321</em>


    A bell rang.


    There was dead silence as scores rose on a separate illusion.


    Alex gasped.


    In first ce was the team that Tyris was on and he could hear them cheering in the distance. The Outcasts were next, and he could hear them cursing in disappointment ating in second, not first.


    But in third ce


    We did it! Theresa screamed. We medaled!


    The entire team erupted, jumping and hugging each other, overwhelmed with joy. Some of them were actually wiping tears from their eyes. Alex vibrated with excitement as thest of thepetitors were teleported to the beach for a final check-over.


    Theyd done it.


    For them, The Grand Battle was over.


    Kybas trembled as he peeked out from his tunnel.


    There was <em>something</em> up ahead, in among the trees, but he couldnt see what it was.


    He slipped out and crept a bit closer, staying low. The brush was ttened, leaves were shaking like something was standing there, but there was no one there.


    A male voice began to chant strange words to a spell from within the brush. The wordsthey seemed to sting his ears. They were harsh soundingugly.


    Something was going on, someone invisible was chanting right above his burrow. But, what did that mean?


    Ugly words for a spell. An invisible spellcaster.


    The demon summoner, he thought, his heart beat faster. Its the demon summoner!


    Kybas crept away, his mind went briefly to the warriors in his family: proud fighters whod never let such a criminal get awaybut goblins fought through bravery <em>and</em> in numbers. If he attacked alone and was killed, no one would know, then everyone would be in big trouble.


    Silently, he slipped back into his burrow and sprinted toward another exit with Harmless running close behind. They passed through his empty garden, his only thoughts were getting to the end of another tunnel, and the horror of what hed just seen.


    When hed entered the botanical gardens earlier, hed heard someone. Someone who could help.


    His ears twitched, he could hear them now.


    Yes! Theyre still here! he thought.


    He and Harmless ran toward the noise until they reached a familiar face. Professor Salinger was crouched over a pot, testing the soil.


    Professor! Professor! Kybas cried.


    Salinger turned. Hm, Kybas? Whatre you doing arou-


    No time to exin, weve got to go get help then get fighting! he whispered in excitement. The demon summoners here! Someone invisibles in the gardens and I heard them chanting!


    Salinger paused. Do you remember their words?


    Kybas repeated some of what hed heard.


    The professor went pale.


    Then his jaw hardened.


    We need Baelin. Now.

 Chapter 239: Fanaticism and Divinity

    Chapter 239: Fanaticism and Divinity


    The demon summoner had taken every precaution, but knew there was a risk. Sometimes though, a risk had to be chanced if the cause was just.


    And there was no cause more just than this.


    As they chanted, the noise of mindless cheering in the stadium as filthy priests spoiled a contest celebrating mortals triumphs over the divine, came to mind.


    They shook their head; it always started that way.


    With cheers of approval.


    Priests would make their way tomunitiesoften wearing threadbare robesand work a little miracle here, and another one there that the people would cheer. That got the priests invited to stay; the demon summoners ownmunity was an example of their subtleness.


    At first, they had been unobtrusiveeven helpfulbuilding a little temple for themselves and doing good works. The people had started depending on them.


    Then came the asks.


    They had started small by asking for volunteers to help clean their little temple.


    Oh, it would be good for the children, theyd said. It will give them something to do and grant them the virtue of a good, hard daysbour. We wouldnt want them to be idle, would we?


    Then came the asks for coin.


    Children! Our temple has fallen into ill-repair, and its beautification would please our deity and help themunity! theyd cried. Please, do not mire yourselves in selfishness and remember the wonders our deity has worked for you! Open your purses! Open your chests! Open your coffers and strongboxes! A little from each is all thats needed!


    The people had given generously and the temple had swelled and swelled and swelled. Suddenly, it was thergest building in town and the priests no longer wore threadbare robes.


    Our deity would want us to be presentable! they had imed, with smiles that had sparkled just as brightly as the sapphires encrusted in their holy symbols.


    The asks for time hade next.


    Attend! Attend! Come to our speeches! they had said. Listen to our holy words so that our blessings may fall upon you!


    The demon summoner felt bile rise up in their throat.


    Over three generations, those holy words had wormed into the minds and souls of the people. So many had been blinded and twisted on the inside, that theyd be monsters capable of things that would have been unimaginable before.


    Then, they were ready for the priests final ask.


    Our deity requires fine souls to attend them in their divine pce! Who shall have this eternal blessing and live forever in the light of our deity? the priest had smiled with dead eyes. Who will take on this honour?


    Pretty words.


    Pretty words when just one would have sufficed: Sacrifice.


    There were volunteerseager to attend the deitybut sacrifice was not so pretty a thing to see. It had made some stomachs turn and finally opened some eyesbut it was toote. Themunity was too far gone.


    People whispered against the priestsbut they were rooted out. Brother sold out brother if they spoke against the priests. That had been the fate of the demon summoners own father. Sister would tell on mother. Daughter on son. Eventually, all the whispers went silent.


    As sacrifices grew, the deity grew more powerful, yet more hungry. Themunity took to taking unsuspecting travellers against their will, slipping into viges and abducting those peacefully asleep in their beds, then ming monsters, goblins, beast-goblins and wicked fey.


    But secretse out in their own good time.


    In the demon summoners youth, the rulers of the region stepped in with a punitive force of soldiers, wizards, and those of the Delvers guild. The wicked priests were imprisoned, and themunity was freed. Some were too far gone to be saved and were also imprisoned with their beloved priests.


    The summoners mind had atst been unshackledand theyd cursed themselves for staying silent, paralysed with fear.


    But never again.


    Theyd travelled, saving others from cults.


    Life-debts were made.


    Bonds of friendship were formed that carried all the way through years of study at Generasi: at this wonderful ce that kept the evils of the divine suppressed.


    But, now the threat was rising even here.


    Even the chancellorwho seemed to understand the threat better than mostwas letting the toxin grow and spread: to work so closely with Thamnds church would only invite the infection in.


    It needed to be cut out, just like that disgusting disy in The Grand Battle.


    People had to be made to seemade to fear.


    The demon summoner spoke carefully, pronouncing the words of both the spell and the name of the abyssal knight being called with precision. The name was long and in anguage that no mortal mouth was meant to utter: but long days and nights of practice let it roll off the tongue. Demons were creatures of whim, but pacts could be made with them. They could be understood, controlled, or at least directed. A crude tool, they were, but if one knew what they wanted


    Ah.


    Here it was.


    The air swam in front of the summoner as a dark presence entered the world.


    Mana red in the summoning circle: a clever crafting of their own design. The symbols in the circle were designed to not only contain the creature, but make it invisible, unseen by anyone. Even from the one whod called it.


    Wee, the summoner said. Im pleased that you answered. I do not take your time for granted and hope to never waste the gift that you grant me.


    There was a moment of silence.


    There is no wasted time for one whose time is infinite, a voice like crackling me answered. What do you call me for?


    A request to bring your servants and your soldiers here to spread terror and kill those who serve the divine.


    This suits me. More suffering to the servants who once chained me, the invisible abyssal knight said. And my debt?


    Lessened, was the demon summoners response.


    you have called on me many times and each time you only say the debt has lessened, an iron hard threat entered its voice. Why should <em>I</em> not say it is paid in full?


    Because you owe me your life, came the same reply the demon received each time it brought up that point. The summoner continued. And we both know a life debt is a heavy debt to owe. I can never take it lightly. I have not gone back on my word once since our rtionship beganand I can now offer future payment.


    Future payment?


    have you or your servants ever had dealings with something called The Ravener? It is a threat in this world.


    There was a pause.


    Only a little, the crackling voice said. Some whom I cross paths with and some of my servants have been summoned by mortals tobat this being. The nameit is somewhat familiar, but of little consequence: merely another threat to mortal kind like so many across a thousand worlds.


    This threat might have a resource that you could use, the demon summoner offered. I dont have full details, but one who also owes a life-debt to me is involved. The resource lies in the hands of those who serve a deity, but they have never harvested it to its full potential, from what was said by those with knowledge of the situation. I think something of that nature would be better used in your hands, my friends hands, or even mine.


    what is this treasure?


    We can speak of that after you fulfil our bargain. I need you to kill three centaur priests. Make the meaning of terror known to anyone near. Show this ce the truth: that involvement with the divine only brings pain.


    The demonic knight said nothing, his silence was his agreement.


    The summoner exined Orecas Fall Ind in detail, its location and what the demons should expect to find there.


    The horned wizard is there? the abyssal knight hesitated for a moment. I have lost a very powerful resource to his actions.


    You do not need to battle him directly, the summoner said quickly. Kill the priests, distract him. Hmmmmactually, there is a stadium close by. Attack there as well, offer a taste of fear to as many as you can like you have done in the past: they need to be educated in what it means to tolerate priests, and attacks in two locations will be a good lesson, and a good distraction.


    very well. I am in this world because of your magicI shall call my armies as you ask.


    The abyssal knight reached his power back to his home of smoke and brimstone and called for his demons.


    Then he paused, as if listening to something.


    Wait, the demons voice crackled. Are you not alone in this ce?


    Hm? The summoner looked around quickly. Yes, Im alone.


    Mmmmm, the abyssal knight growled. Not so. There are voices nearby. Voices speaking in whispersbut they cannot escape <em>my</em> senses. They are talking about you.


    The demon summoner paused, cursing the bad timing.


    then get rid of them.


    Baelin? Professor Salinger said quietly to the wind. I dont have much time; I think the demon summoner is in the botanical gardens. Im contacting The Watchers now.


    The professor finished the spell, and Kybas heard the wind gust, carrying the message away. Salinger cast the spell again and the wind rose up around him.


    Gemini, the demon summoner might be in the botanical gardens. Send help as quick as you can.


    Salinger cut off the spell as the wind swept away. Alright, Kybas, theyve been informed. Lets get going.


    Thats right, Kybas said. Come on, Harmless, weve got work to do.


    He started back in the direction of the summoner.


    Salingers hand fell on his shoulder.


    Hold on, now, the professor said. We should leave them to battle wizards. Youre between first and second year, and Im not abat wizard. Lets get to safety and leave this in the hands of prof-


    <em>Crack.</em>


    Something snapped in the foliage around them.


    Kybas ears twitched.


    Wait, professor, the goblin said. Somethingtheres something out there.


    He turned toward the greenery, straining his eyes.


    His ears continued twitching.


    Salinger also turned toward the foliage.


    A heartbeatter, bat-winged creatures burst from the brush. They were slightly taller than Kybas and had long wolf-like faces above humanoid bodies. They shot toward the two wizards, screeching and belching a foul gas.


    Salinger froze in surprise, but Kybas was already chanting a spell and Harmless was bounding forward.


    Raising his hands, the goblin shot mana bolts at the monsters wings, clipping them, knocking them from the sky. Theynded hard on the stones near Harmless who leapt on them with his jaws snapping. His teeth mped down on demon wings and he began to roll across the ground, pulling them with him.


    They screeched.


    Salinger winced as he raised his hands in the air. Defend us, my friends! he shouted.


    <em>Rrrrrmble.</em>


    The earth shook.


    <em>Rrrrrriiiiip!</em>


    Vines and snaking roots tore from the earth around them, shooting into the air then coiling tightly around approaching demons.


    Lets get them Harmless! You too, professor! Kybas roared at the top of his lungs. For the Chulu! For Generasi!


    Harmless seemed a lot more enthusiastic about the battlecry than Salinger did.


    Something prickled against Alexs skin: a crawling feeling, like teleportation or summoning magic wasing from somece nasty. The feeling was very familiar too.


    And it wasing from close by.


    Oh by The Traveller, no, he murmured. Oh no, no, no.


    His team had been regenerating their mana and celebrating, while medical staff offered mana soothing and other potions and finished doing more thorough examinations.


    What is it? Theresa said, turning to Alex.


    Somethingsing! he shouted, drawing eyes from everyone in the camp. Something real nasty! Get ready!


    Horror surged through him.


    The summoning magiche felt it from all directions: from deep in the inds core, from the sea, and from all around the camp on the beach. It felt like an army wasing, much bigger than the demon hordes that had attacked Carey Londons rally.


    The staff andpetitors looked at him and each other in confusion.


    Then they heard Baelins voice.


    He is right! the chancellor roared. We are under attack from the demon summoner, brace for battle!


    A breathter, portals opened all around them.


    Horrors poured into their world.


    The demons came in all shapes and sizes. Some were small, with wolf-like faces and bat-like wings. Others wererger: as tall as Thundars seven feet, with cloven hooves, blood red bodies and horned heads. Each carried a massive bone axe and had a third eyelike ygonsglowing in their foreheads. Others resembled insects covered in frost. These were taller than Grimloch, with giant scythe-like arms. From the Prinean, demons emerged with needle-like fangsa cross between selechar, frog and scaled fishand crawled onto the shore.


    The evil was everywhere, and thepetitors no longer had spell-marks to whisk them to safety if they were injured. At least Alex and Baelins warning had stopped what would have been a catastrophic ambush from happening. Those on the beach werent caughtpletely unawares.


    Finally! Grimloch roared. A <em>real</em> fight! Lets get em!


    Alexs team didnt hesitate.


    Spell-marks or no spell-marks, theyd been through plenty of deadly battles together: they knew how to react quickly.


    As Grimloch surged toward the nearest group of demons, Theresa drew her sword and knife, charging alongside a snarling Brutus. Svenia and Hogarth raised their spears and followed right behind. Thundar took a moment to cast a body enhancement spell on himself before charging in after them.


    Alex wasted no time sending ygon into battle.


    Go! he thought. Crush every one of those filthy things you see. Use the fire-gems and st the icy ones, and smash the ones with three eyes.


    ygons hands snapped into fists and he rushed along the beach, kicking up sand with every massive step.


    <em>Whooom.</em>


    The fire-gems were charging as he ran.


    Khalik immediately chanted a spell.


    <em>Fwooooosh!</em>


    The sand burst up around him, and his hands moved like he was directing a symphony. White sand coiled up into whip-like constructs that shot toward their attackers. Lightning crackled around Isoldes fingers as she soared into the air.


    Alex mind raced.


    He didnt have much time to cast his full arsenal of defensive spells.


    So, go for an offence that strikes hard and fast: shock and awe, he thought. Shock and awe!


    Cast Orb of Air on everyone! He shouted to his team.


    He pulled out a potion of booby-trapped flight and started casting Call Through Ice.


    All around, the beach had erupted in chaos.


    Baelin floated above the battlefield and spread his hands over the multitude of people and demons below. Mana roared through the air, seeming to shake the world. A wave of power burst from his hands, rushing into eachpetitor, staff member, and referee. When the power touched an ally, a silver light would envelope them, Greater Force Armour would enwrap them, and a forceshield materialised in front to deflect demon attacks.


    Ram shot through the airencased in the silvery lightfiring ck bolts of power that pierced demonic hides like a hot knife through butter.


    Vesuvius spewedva and me on a clot of demons while Tyris sted them with her spells. Hanuman and his team leapt into the fray. The Outcasts


    Alex paused.


    Demons were bounding toward them, fighting hard to push past wizards to reach them. Five three eyed demons were going for the elemental knights.


    Priests, Alex thought. Of course the demon summoner would be going after the priests.


    He turned back to his friends as he finished his spell and raised the bottle of potion. The portal appeared, sending the potion at the group of demons his friends battled


    but then he felt something.


    An eye was watching him.


    No. Many eyes.


    He looked back at The Outcasts.


    A three eyed demon had stopped its attack onst years champions.


    Its head tilted to one side, a look full of puzzlement filled its face.


    It shouted to him in anguage hed never heard before. He stared at it, frowning. Then, it spoke directly to him in anguage he understood:


    You! it roared out. I knew your death was a lie! You grow sloppy: Ive heard the trickle of your power in recent times through the nes, and now I find you here in that false form!


    Alex had no idea what the demon was talking about, but he <em>did</em> know that hed caught its attention as soon as hed cast Call Through Ice.


    A teleportation spell.

 Chapter 240: The Wrinkle of Recognition

    Chapter 240: The Wrinkle of Recognition


    The world seemed to slow down around Alex while his mind worked to process what had just happened.


    A demon had spoken to himdirectly to himlike it recognised himlike it knew him.


    No, maybe not me specifically, he thought. Maybe it recognised that strange power I feel with teleportation spells.


    The battle raged on as the demon slowly approached, its bodynguage was a jumble of menace, viciousness, happiness, sadness, pain, openness, secrecy


    Alex blinked.


    It was such a chaotic mess: he couldnt make sense of it. Something else was sending chills through him: the third eye shining in its forehead was boring into him; studying him, like it was looking at something that went much deeper than skin and bone.


    It spoke again. You cannot hide. I see it. I see that power. I smell it.


    I dont know you, demon, Alex said, moving a hand into his potion bag.


    Do not lie, Hannar-cim! the demon snarled, speaking a name Alex had never heard. Yushaero of the Enemy, making a pretence of death was clumsy, you must learn to hide yourself better! These young ones might not know your scent, but I was <em>on</em> that battlefield. I saw you. I smelled you. I know you.


    Maybe you dont know <em>me</em>, but you do seem to know this power, Alex thought, remembering how Professor Mangal had talked about immortal spirits walking multiple worlds in multiple<strong></strong>eras. He supposed that this demon mustve been around during The Travellers timebut what was this about power through the nes? About faking death?


    Youve got me, Alex lied, hoping to keep the demon upied. Im trapped here in this mortal form!


    Do not lie to me! it roared. I see the lie in you inly. Why are you hiding behind insulting childish evasions?


    Alex stepped back, trying not to make any sudden movements as the monster came closer.


    Im not lying! he saidand that was true, technically. He <em>was</em> trapped in a mortal formwhereas a mortalhe was supposed to be. Youre the one whos lying, Ive never seen you before!


    The Battle of Hirshin-Eos, the demon snarled. I was there when you appeared amongst our legions, and yed our captain. I was intrigued by your warrior skill, but not your act, and memorysts long in our realmand grudges even longer.


    Alexs mind raced, thinking back on his lessons of Thameish history and geography. Was there a Hirshin-Eos somewhere? He couldnt remember ever hearing about such a ce, even using The Mark. Maybe the demon had a different name for a battlefield in Thamndor maybe he was referring to something else.


    Whats your name, demon? Alex asked, while scanning the creatures body for unique features. Scars traced all over its form: scores of old cuts, puncture wounds, and abrasions. His eyes took in each one for a deeper evaluationter using The Mark.


    He focused on a particrly deep scar that streaked across the entirety of the demons chest: it was ragged, like the jagged teeth of a forge-hot saw had been dragged along the creature''s torso. Alex winced: he couldnt even begin to imagine how much that mustve hurt.


    The monster snarled. No, I dont think so, it said. No name for you.


    Alright, Ill just call you Burn-Saw then, until I find out, Alex said.


    The demon snorted. Call me whatever you please, Hannar-cim. Ill not let you summon me to do your biddingter. I wont be one of your ves.


    ves? Alex asked. What -


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    Shit! he ducked suddenly.


    Arge demons scythe-w soared through the air, nearly cutting him in two. As it fell to the sand, he noticed the red dripping off the edge.


    He quickly looked back at the demon.


    This was a fight for their lives: losing focus was like offering up his own head to these attackers.


    There wasnt time for questioning demons.


    It was time for fighting.


    He backed away from Burn-Saw, trying to work out a way to capture him; if he had information about The Traveller, Alex wanted it.


    If he could get a message to Baelin-


    He looked up and cursed inwardly.


    The chancellor was gone, probably hunting the demon summoner.


    <em>Whoooosh.</em>


    Behind, he heard sts from fire-beams and spells, mixed with the harsh sound of demonic cries. He turned sideways, ncing at his friends while keeping the demon in sight. They were all okay, especially with Baelins protective spells around them.


    He turned back to face Burn-Saw and slipped a booby-trapped potion of sensory enhancement from his bag. If the demons senses were so sharpit did have three eyes after allthen the potions effects should be devastating to those senses.


    You know, Alex said. If I knew your name then Id know who it is that has a gru-


    Partway through the sentence, he whipped the potion at the creature who reacted with supernatural reflexes, snapping his axe up.


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    The bottle exploded against the bony edge, emptying into the air, enveloping the demon in potion-gas. Itughed mockingly and began to charge, but theughter abruptly turned to a choked cry.


    My eyes! Burn-Saw screamed as his free hand pressed to his third eye. My ears! What did you do, you witch!?


    Alex didnt bother answering, he began casting Summon Elemental Beetle Swarm instead, one of the fastest spells he could conjure thanksironicallyto that strange power. The Marks interference mmed into him, an-


    There you are! the demon roared, moving forward.


    With a cry, Alex danced backward, falling into both the Cleansing Movements and the Spear-and-Oar Dance, but sand shifted under his foot and...


    He stumbled.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    The axe mmed into the forceshield as he fought to recover his bnce.


    Right, dont use the spell that he can sense, idiot, he scolded himself.


    He<strong></strong>slipped around<strong></strong>the iling, blinded demon, moving to put as much distance as he could between them while he began conjuring Wizards Hand.


    The monster said something in its grating, demonic tongue.


    <em>Whooosh!</em>


    From the side, a wave of figures surged at Alex, forcing him to cut the spell and duck. A mass of bat-winged demons wed at Baelins greater force armour.


    Alex ducked, dodged, and danced through the chaos, kicking up sand as the monsters swarmed him from all sides


    <em>Crack! Crack!</em>


    ws, fangs and teeth shed at the magical armour. He wished The Mark wasnt a hindrance so he could cast faster, but with so many demons attacking him, spell casting had be impossible.


    He needed another solution. He took a booby-trapped sensory enhancement potion and shattered it amongst the demons attacking him, disrupting their senses.


    Then he used the Cleansing Movements and the power of his own body against the attackers. Hanuman fighting multiple enemies in The Grand Melee came to mind, and Alex remembered how some of thosepetitors became obstructions to one another, and then found themselves stumbling into Grimlochs club.


    Obstructions


    He spotted the disoriented Burn-Saw iling around half-blinded, still clutching his giant bone-axe.


    An idea came to the young wizard.


    He danced toward the demon, calling on The Mark to help him read the path of the axes swings. His booby-trapped potion was affecting the swarm of wolf-faced demons, some fell to the ground, some followed him, clumsily crashing their fangs and ws against Baelins defensive spells.


    Those spells were a lifesaver; his own forceshield would probably have shattered by now: the demons were small, but they were clustered around him, and from the sound of the impacts, they hit <em>hard.</em>


    He was pretty sure Burn-Saw would hit a hell of a lot harder, though.


    He danced into the big demons path while his hands pulled and pushed demons off his armour and redirected them. Alex moved the creatures into each others path, knocking them around and disorienting them further.


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    Burn-Saw kept swinging his axe.


    Alex reached up to pull another small demon off his armour and toss it awaytoward Burn-Saw.


    <em>Chop!</em>


    That was one down.


    What was that? The demon roared. Was that you, Hannar-Cim?


    Alex smiled. How about you tell me your name and Ill tell you what just happened? he said, putting as much smug jerk-tone into his voice as he could to provoke the creature.


    Predictably, the enraged demon roared and swung his bone axe while Alex tossed another demon like a handball.


    <em>Chop!</em>


    Hah! Got you! The monster snarled.


    Oooo, swing and a miss, Alex said. Tough luck, Burn-Saw.


    Do not mock me!


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    The axe swung again and Alex guided more attackers toward their ally, then danced away.


    <em>Chop!</em>


    Oooo, so close that time, Alex tutted with his tongue. Care for another try?


    <em>Raaargh!</em>


    <em>Chop!</em>


    Another vicious demon was split in half.


    Ive got to say, thats no way to treat your friends.


    Frustration drove Burn-Saw on, and he charged Alex, roaring and shing in a frenzy.


    Alex grinned, remembering what Professor Jules once said: W<em>hen a demon has a desire, it acts upon it most of the time.</em>


    Not much for self-control, are we? he thought as he guided more of the demons into the path of Burn-Saws axe. The horde thinned as the demon wildly shed through his allies.


    One screamed something at him, but in his frenzy, the enraged demon struck at the voice, shing the potion-afflicted creature in half.


    Im d Im not <em>your </em>friend, Alex chuckled.


    ###


    Professor Ram soared through the air, firing force bolts into demons while finishing another spell.


    A pitch-ck wall of force sprang up on the ocean side of the camp, blocking the fish-like demons from reaching it. He flew over another group of enemies and cast an incantation. A pair of the scythe-wed demons screeched as gravity reversed for them and they soared helplessly into the sky. He whirled on a pack of flying demons and sted them with a cone of midnight-dark force, tearing their bodies apart.


    Demons fell by the second, torn to bits by dozens of spells and weapons wielded by thepetitors from The Grand Battle and the other wizards.


    not all was going their way, though.


    Some on the beach werent warriors: they were students whod entered apetition for fun and prizes. They had no experience in battles of life and death, and it showed. While the experienced or well-trainedbatants formed a line around the camp to keep the demons out, most of the inexperienced ones hesitated, or fled like prey seeking safety within the interior of the campgiving the demons something to chaseand a chance to breach the perimeter. Flying wizards engaged the demons from the air, striking down as many as they could when they entered the camp, but they couldnt get them all.


    And the demons that got through, were doing damage.


    From above, Ram saw mortal blood staining the sand as he watched the medical staff using blood-magic to help as many of the wounded as they could. Even from his distance, the number of terrible injuries was worrying.


    One of the centaur priests was trying to break away from the battle to help with the healing, but the swarm was too thick around The Outcasts. Many of the demons seemed to be concentrating on the three centaur priests who were fighting with divine fury, using their shining, miracle-crafted bows. Their battle mages and elemental knights were also wreaking havoc on the demons.


    And they werent the only ones.


    The team with the four-armed golem and giant sharkman was also devastating, eliminating demons with skill, coordination and experience. The evil creatures bodies were littering the sand.


    as for Alex Roth


    He seemed to be another target of focus for the demons: they swarmed the young man while he danced, throwing them into each others attacks. Dancing in the middle ofbat was one of the silliest things Ram could think ofbut it was attracting demonic attention to him, and away from the wounded. Was that on purpose? Just like when Roth was in his ss, Ram couldnt tell if he was a geniusor aplete fool...or a bit of both.


    <em>Whooom.</em>


    He pulled his attention back to the horde.


    More portals opened when demons fell, spilling a fresh crop onto the beach. Some materialised inside the camp and had to be dealt with quickly. He swore out loud: if the wizards teleported back to the city now, this unending army of butchers would follow them.


    Everyone would have to hold here for a timebesides, who knew what was going on back on campus.


    ###


    Baelin appeared in the botanical gardens.


    Hobb, he thought. Im calling in a favour. We have a situation at the stadium that requires your special skills. Demons are running rampant there and that muste to an end, if you understand my meaning. Primary restrictions are removed.


    Of course, Chancellor, the polite, devilish tones answered in his mind. They will be as tidied up as a proper ledger.


    Thank you.


    Baelin turned to the trees, listening to the crash of spell and demonic power. Speaking an incantation, he cast a spell of his own personal design: Teleportation Net.


    An invisible field of power spread over the botanical gardens: if anyone tried to teleport out, then they would be in for a most nasty surprise. Through an act of will, his eyes changed, shifting to seeing a world lit not by light, but by <em>heat.</em>


    His vision became a bloom of oranges, yellows and reds where things were hot, and blues where things were cool. Finally, he conjured a number of Wizards Eyes and sent them into the greenery.


    No more teleportation, he said as he flew through the gardens. No more invisibility. Come, you wretch. There will be a mighty reckoning today.

 Chapter 241: The Prey that Fights

    Chapter 241: The Prey that Fights


    Hes here, the abyssal knight announced.


    What.whos where? the summoner asked.


    The powerful wizard. The horned one that bears the likeness of Baphomet, the demon said. I feel his power. He is here in this green ce.


    The summoners blood ran cold.


    One of the rules they never deviated from was to only summon the abyssal knight in remote ces away from prying eyes. He would always appear in close proximity to the summoners chosen target, yet distant enough to avoid capture. Until this moment, that rule always guaranteed safety.


    The summoners heart began beating faster. This means a change in n. Ill return you to your realm then teleport away. Well have to end the attack sooner than I wanted, but it cant be helped now. They were silent for a moment, thinking. I suppose, the message I wanted them to hear was sent, even if its less shout and more whisper.


    Dismiss me all you wish, but do not teleport.


    what do you mean?


    There is a strange magic in the airI do not know its full purpose, but if you teleport, it will snare you.


    A cold sweat trickled down the demon summoners spine, their heart pounded.


    Oh no.


    There was no way they could take on the chancellor, whether invisible or not, Baelin could break them with a word, and if the ancient wizard was here, Watchers couldnt be far behind.


    What to do?


    The summoner looked at the abyssal knight.


    Your roots are nted deep in your abyssal domain, yes?


    "They are. Came the crackling reply.


    And you remain in good favour with your demon lord?


    I do, he said. Lord Dagons whims have favoured me for a thousand of your years.


    Then if you are killed, you will reconstitute?


    The demon paused for what seemed like forever. Do you wish for me to battle this wizard?


    Are you afraid?


    "I am not...though the horned ones reputation is towering, even within other nes. Any immortal would not enter into such a battle lightly, he said. If I am killed, I will be reconstituted in my domain, yes, but in battling this wizard, my name will be known to him. If I am capturedand not killedthat could mean my envement for eons.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Judging from the shriek, something sentient had exploded in the distance.<strong></strong>Time was running out.


    You owe me a life-debt, Ezaliel, the summoner pressed. Youre bound to me by your words and the magic that lies between us. I call on your aid now, using that debt.


    This task will risk my life and more, the abyssal knight said. So, know this mortal, if you call upon the debt now, then all that is owed between us will be counted as paid. All future rtions will be built on new offerings and servicesor they will not be built at all.


    The demon summoner cursed inwardly.


    This had been a colossal blunderbecause of a rash choice. They should have controlled the impulse to act since the chances of discovery were that much greater with so many people around.


    Fine, the summoners voice held a tone of regret. Hold Baelin off until Im past his spell, then the debt will be fulfilled, and youll be sent back to your ne. Agreed?


    So the pact is spoken, the demon said. So the pact is sealed.


    Very well, the summoner stood and broke the summoning circle.


    The abyssal knights form shimmered into being.


    The demon-summoner blinked in awe. This wasnt the first time theyd seen the demonEzalielstrue form, but his beauty was nothing less than astonishing.


    To most, the word demon brought images of horned, bat-winged humanoidsmuscr males or alluring, curvaceous femalesterrifying predators, striking, pale humans, giant single-horned ogres, or even massive serpents to mind. One mostly thought of humanoids or predators with too many teeth and too many points on their bodies.


    But being creatures of chaos: demons could be of any shape. Ezaliel was crystalline in structurelike a diamonde to lifeand almost ten feet in height, and about the same in width. His form was carved like a perfectly cut jewel with thirty rhombic faces; each face disyed otherworldly lights swimming deep within its jewel-like structure. The lights shone like the shimmering hues in Noarcs Rainbow Tower, but while pretty, they also disturbed ones senses like a predators eyes shining through a dark jungle, or the light of stars that had grown sick. At times, they red bright enough to light up the surrounding nt life, twisting the leaves and making them shimmer like one was viewing them through bubbling water.


    Somethingmimicking sound, escaped the abyssal knightas rhythmic as breathingbut the summoner wasnt so much hearing, as feeling it, crawling through their ears.


    They lowered their gaze and swallowed.


    Ezaliel radiated a beauty that was unlike anything known in this world.


    But, he was also terrifying.


    Good luck, my friend, the summoner finally said.


    I offer the same to you, little mortal, Ezaliels voice crackled; his lights pulsated in time with his words. Go. But know this, if you are caught and deny me future reward, you shall know my wrath. My memory is long.


    Silently, the crystalline demon floated into the air, then glided through the foliage like a stalking predator. Small beams of light sparked out of the rhombic facets as he went, striking the greenery around.


    Anything they touchedbrokeshattering into dozens of twisted, t fragments like thinly sliced cross-sectionsreminding the summoner of a sheeps brain dissected long ago in a junior year alchemy ss.


    Good hunting, the summoner said, eager to escape the gardens.


    Wait! They suddenly called to the abyssal knight.


    Ezaliel pulsated in ce. What is it?


    this magical<strong></stronghow far does it extend?


    The lights red.


    Fifty of your paces beyond the ss of this green ce. Perhaps fifty-five, or soare we done?


    Er, yes, and again, good hunting! The demon summoner ran for freedom.


    They wont stoping! Salinger cried, shouting a spell that filled his nts with glowing, green energy. Vines, roots and branches whipped all around them, striking at demons again and again. The flying, bat-winged creatures sttered as massive boughs hammered them, but for every one that died, two took its ce.


    Demons of all sorts and shapes appeared, some had three eyes and held bone axes, some looked like ice covered insects that towered above them.


    Stay near me, Harmless! Kybas shouted. Stay at my side!


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Harmless jaws snatched another winged demon from the air and flung it on the stones. His teeth were covered in demon flesh and his body was filled with enhancement spells his master had cast on him.


    As he turned toward Kybas, tearing sounds ripped through the trees.


    A massive demons scythed-ws chopped through Salingers nts, freezing them as it shed away the vines. Ice covered the flora, weakening the nt life and slowing the attacks. Demons came for the familiar and the two wizards in a wave.


    No, no, no! Salinger yelled. Keep back! Get back you demonic bastards!


    Kybas inhaled deeply, his breath rasped.


    Go, Harmless! he said.


    He was low on mana and worn out; if he was going to be killed by demons, there was no reason his familiar should be killed too. But, Harmless didnt leave though, he just kept up his attack on the monsters.


    Go Harmless! Leave! Kybas cried. I dont want you to die!


    I dont wanna die, either! Salinger screamed.


    What if nobody<em></em>dies? a deep voice asked.


    <em>Whooooooosh!</em>


    Salinger screamed as a tornado rose up around them.


    The whirlwind tore through the foliage, lifting demons with its roaring winds. It didnt matter how big they were: they were still sucked into the hungry storm.


    <em>Scrrrrrrp!</em>


    The monsters shrieked, ripped apart bysomething in the wind.


    Kybas squinted.


    There were knife sharp chunks of obsidian tucked within the deadly tornado, whichby some magicrotated in the opposite direction of the winds. The sharp edges tore through demons, reducing them to wet ribbons in heartbeats.


    By my ancestors, Kybas swore.


    Salinger gaped.


    Even Harmless gaped.


    Then all three yelped as a horned form emerged from a section of the tornado.


    Greetings, the chancellor said, his voice as calm as if he were on a pleasant summers evening walk. His eyes shone with odd red, blue and orange lights. The Sharp-Storm spell is a tricky thing: very hard to get it to do exactly what you want it to. So, Id strongly suggest remaining in the eye of the storm. Youll be safe there until I remove the trash from the gardens.


    Kybas, Salinger and even Harmless quickly nodded as one.


    Here.


    Baelin waved a hand.


    A few ratherfortable looking chairs appeared beside the trio. Do rx, Im sure you could use a rest. I shall be back, shortly.


    Salinger, Kybas and Harmless could only watch as Baelin floated through the death-dealing storm as though there was nothing there but a light breeze.


    Silence hung in the air, broken only by the sounds of dying demons.


    Well, uh, Salinger coughed into his hand. Lets uh, have a seat, I suppose.


    Kybas watched the spot where Baelin had gone. I want to be him when I grow up.


    I think we all do.


    There you are, my skittish little friends, Baelin said, as his Wizards Eyes caught two rather interesting forms among the demonic riff-raff moving through the foliage. He didnt recognise the person running toward the edge of the gardens, but he could see their heat despite the invisibility spell cloaking them.


    The other form was a creature made in the likeness of crystals.


    Ah, so it is you whos been causing so much misery, a sharp edge tinged his voice as he said Ezaliels full name in the tongue of demons.


    He paused, bringing up a mental image of a vast library floating in a ck void. Books shot off the shelvesastral representations of the physical copies he ownedand opened before him. Hed chosen those on higher demonology.


    Baelins eyes scanned about a hundred pages of lore on the abyssal knight below, then he banished the astral image.


    I see, he said, his voice like flint. You <em>did</em> have some nasty abilities. Including dreadfully sharp sensesyou can hear me, can you not?


    There was a pause.


    I can.


    The crystalline form emerged from amongst the nt life.


    Youve caused much trouble. Baelin rose up to his full height. Youve harmed and killed those in my city, terrorized my colleagues, and even dyed an expedition that promises great reward. Stand down, and I shall send you back to your domain with only <em>mild</em> scarring after a littlepunishment. After all, deterrents are demanded.


    The demon responded with violence.


    Its otherworldly lights red then shot through its many inner lenses, condensing into tiny, precise beams of incredible power.


    Those beams shot from the facets.


    Baelin raised a hand, erecting a multyered barrierpart of a protective spell hed set up years agothat blocked them.


    The firstyera wall of forcestopped the physical impact. The seconda curtain of utter darkness and coldrobbed the beams of their light and heat. The thirda spell that ate away at magicrobbed them of much of their power.


    Still, he was a bit surprised.


    The beams were<strong></strong>blocked by a few moreyers of protections, but theyd prated surprisingly far.


    No sense in ying games, then.


    Baelin chanted words of power that conjured a host of glowing symbols in the air: symbols created by ancient wizards to be the bane of certain powerful demons. The abyssal knight shuddered when their light touched his body, suppressing some of his strength.


    The chancellor immediately followed with one single powerful word bearing a resonance so destructive, that the demon would shudder apart.


    Ezaliel turned, shifting a rhombic facet until it shone and gleamed like a mirror as the magic flew toward it. Baelins spell struck, deflected off the surface, and shot back toward the chancellor. He brushed it aside with a single hand.


    He smiled.


    It seemed this demon was not going to go quietly, which was indeed a poor choice. But, if thats what it wanted, then he would oblige it, as the best part of any hunt was when ones prey proved to be a challenge.

 Chapter 242: Reckoning

    Chapter 242: Reckoning


    Alex dodged across the beach as Burn-Saw rushed after him, churning loose sand beneath his hooves.


    Little wretch! The demon screamed, half-delirious with rage and sensory impairment. You coward! This is how Hannar-cim, the great Yushaero acts? Where is that power that destroyed mymanders? Cease your foolish, childish games. Fight me!


    Listen, friend. Alex ducked away from an axe swing. If this is how you do against childish and foolish games Im not sure you even deserve my best. But here. A constion prize.


    Alex threw another bottle of booby-trapped sensory enhancement potion into the demons axe, shattering it.


    Potion-mist covered him.


    Raaagh! The axe swung wildly.


    Raaagh? Alex mimicked, keeping his tone light and mocking, heightening the demons frustration.


    I give you a gift, and all you can say is Raaagh? Dont they teach manners in demond-Whoa! An axe swing fell short of Alexs forceshield. So close!


    He ducked another swing then looked around. The horde of flying demons swarming him were gone now. Most were cleaved apart by the three-eyed demons axe, while others fled to seek easier prey; probably a far safer choice than being anywhere near their allys axe.


    Alex was alone with Burn-Saw. There were demons clustered near The Outcasts, fighting to get at the priests, but the wizards, Grand Battle contestants, their familiars, professors, and anyone else who could fight, were mounting a strong offensive against them. The bodies of dead demons littered the beach; where they fell, the sand had turned blue-ck with their blood.


    His eyes searched for his friends and found them doing what they did best.


    Theyd formed a tight group with their strongest fighters on the outside. The attacking demons were met with all of Theresas speed and power, Thundars might, the primal force that was Grimloch, and the unstoppable onught of ygon. The golems fists wereying into demons nonstop, knocking some back through their portals.


    An insectoid ice demon leapt at him. Scythes shed across his body, leaving no marks on the y armour. The demon paused; ygons fists didnt hesitate, sending its head soaring through the air.


    Other groups fought on.


    Hanumans team battled with the same resolve as their attackers, cutting down opponents by the heartbeat. Vesuvius and Tyris team had turned their side of the battlefield into bubblingva pools.


    But not every defender was faring as well.


    The demon horde had greater numbers; violence and war were just a natural part of their natures. And if there had been less wizards, raw power, and magics present, the situation would have turned catastrophic long ago. Baelins protective spells had given the defenders an edgeat first.


    Their protections were strong, but with time, enough solidly ced blows were weakening and even piercing them, and their magic couldnt stop the demons from catching and dragging defenders down like hunted prey. Fighters were trying to pull the monsters off their fallen allies, but there were too many of them; not everyone could be rescued.


    That left the demons free to w and sh at the protections until they shattered and


    Alex winced at the screams.


    Invaders kept emerging from portals all around: he could feel connections growing between his world and the demons domain. As demon numbers grew, so did the shrieks of mortals. On the sand, red blended with blue-ck demon blood.


    The young wizards insides tightened: there was little he could do alone about the course of the battle. Even his friendseach skilled and without a Mark hindering their abilitieswerent able to turn the tide as the demons spread like a gue.


    If this went on, in time, everyone would be overwhelmed.


    But if everyone teleported away to GenerasiAlex shuddered as he imagined this horde following them and getting their ws into Selina and the Lus.


    He shook his head. No, that must never happen.


    Let Baelin and The Watchers handle stopping the cause of all this. Focus on what you <em>can</em> do, not what you cant, he thought, bringing his attention back to Burn-Saw.


    Listen to me. He stepped behind the demon, trying to put as much intimidating baritone into his voice as he could by using The Mark to match Baelin and Grimlochs terrifying tones. Youve been fighting this entire time and the only thing youve hit are your own allies. Drop the axe and we can talk. I know you don''t want me to get serious, right? So, stop this while you still can.


    Quiet! the demon snarled, swinging at him again.


    You seem to know something about our past. Alex stepped around the blow. He wasnt about to let on how little he actually knew about what the demon had been saying. This battle is going to go very badly for your army. Very badly. If its not me who gets you, itll be one of my allies, or even the great, horned wizard.


    When in doubt, threaten your foe with Baelin.


    The demon snarled.


    Empty threats! His axe cut through the air. The horned one cannot stop us! No mortal can!


    You call them threats, I call them a warningand theyre not empty. Alex said. Weve killed more of you than there are of u-


    The demon roared withughter, his voice like gravel.


    This is no meagre force summoned by mortal rulers<strong></strong>who <em>call</em> themselves demon kings, Hannar-Cim. It is not as it once was, Burn-Saw snarled. We are not alone, nor are we bound by weak spells and mortalmands. We were called on this day by one who is unequalledour abyssal knight.


    And thats supposed to impress me? Alex said, hiding the fact he was kind of impressed by the title. Abyssal knight sounded like something that would be real low on his list of things to mess with.


    It would, if you had sense! the half-blind demons axe swings blurred as he raged on. There are more of us in our lieges armies than there are mortals in your entire kingdom. Maybe tenfold your number: cut down as many here as you like. Your forces are powerful, but we are merely drops in a sea. If you strike these bodies down, we will reform by the power of our master.


    We will reform? Alex repeated the demons words. His mind went to what little he knew about what happened to summoned creatures when they were struck down; his Elemental Beetles bodies went back to the elemental ne. But he didnt know what happened to other summoned beings when they were killed.


    Reformed might mean that the demons on the beach had a simr protection, which could exin why they were attacking so recklessly: in a way, they werent in any permanent danger.


    Well, Alex said. We can deal you some strikes thatll stick, if you dont start cooperating.


    Hm, Burn-Saw suddenly paused, looking at Alex as if seeing him for the first time. Threats. Threats and more threats. You have grown chatty in your old age, Hannar-cim<strong>.</strong> What happened to the pitiless, swifthm. Hm. Hm. You are differentand that formhm. Hm. Hm. Maybe this new form is not an enchantment or reincarnation. Maybeyou are not Hannar-cim at all.


    Say that again, and Ill destroy you, Alex said quickly.


    Aaaaah, now I understand why you y these games, the demon snorted. You must be a <em>servant</em> of the Yushaero. A pawn.


    You felt my power, Alex said quickly.


    I assumed wrongly. The demons voice was calmer and Alex didnt like that one bit. The hulking creature stood up to its full height; all three eyes were closed and his face was turning more peaceful. Even through all the chaotic bodynguage, Alex could see the demons demeanour was more controlled now.


    Yesa servant maybe, it continued. Or maybe a child. One who has tasted her power, but to whom it does not belong. Wretched mortal, where is the Yushaero?


    I am Hannar- Alex cut himself off, realising his mistake before hed finished the sentence. Thest time hed outright lied-


    Aaaaaah, now I smell it, the demon said, and Alex could see all three eyes moving rapidly beneath their eyelids. Deceit. I see now. You have no true power.


    I have power, idiot, but I want to <em>question</em> you, not <em>kill</em> you, Alex thought. He could feel his control of the situation slipping. Dealing with an enraged, blinded demon was one thing; dealing with an immortal who wasposed, was something he wasnt too eager to do.


    He scanned the creatures scars again: there was no way he was capturing it now-


    Alex froze, feeling a swell of...


    Summoning magic. Demon forms began materialising around him. Three looming monsters. Alex jumped away as they solidified, swinging their axes-


    <em>Bang!</em>


    -an axe-head drove into Baelins forceshield, and the power of the blow was enough to catapult Alex through the air. He hit the sand and rolled, kipping up to his feet. The trio charged him, all nine eyes zed.


    In seconds, he was dancing and dodging through a storm of chopping axes.


    Catch him! Burn-Saw roared. Catch him, brothers, I will throw him in the chain-box. He speaks many words- With his eyes still closed, the three-eyed demon smiled, revealing razor sharp teeth. -but I bet hell speak the words <em>I</em> want him to speak when the cranks are turned a few times.


    Alex swore beneath his breath, his hand slipping into his potions bag.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    The three demons flipped their axes to the t sides and drove the menacing weapons at him, straight into Baelins forceshield and greater force armour. He was knocked around by the impacts, but kept digging for a potion.


    He finally gripped a booby-trapped flight potion, but quickly realised he couldnt use it: demons in wild, uncontrolled, flight would create chaos for everyone on the beach, including his allies.


    There was another option.


    Alex focused his thoughts as the three demons swarmed him. Burn-Saw charged, joining them: He opened his red eyes, seeming to have recovered from the booby-trapped sensory enhancement potions.


    This was a problem. Alex was barely dodging three demons, a fourth would be impossible.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    An axe broke through his forceshield.


    Shit! Come on. Come oooon! He thought


    The demons surrounded him, mming their weapons into Baelins greater force armour on all sides. He bounced around from the impacts, his feet unstable on the bloody sand.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    An axe head smashed the force armour.


    Oh shit!


    Panic filled him as the weapons came at him from all sides. He dodged the first. Barely ducked around the second.


    <em>m!</em>


    The third clipped him in the ribcage.


    <em>Schnk!</em>


    Burn-Saw grinned, turning his axe de, then shing at Alex with the edge. The young wizard screamed, recoiling as the de caught his forearm. Instantly, searing pain tore through him while blood wicked into his shirt sleeve and ran along his forearm. Burning spread across his entire torso.


    Alex stumbled back, clutching the gash. The demonsughed.


    That was a gift for all of your jabbering, mortal fool. Now I have you! Burn-Saw roared.


    Funny,  Alex grunted, his breath strained. I was just about to say the same to you.


    He leapt backwards, throwing himself in the sand.


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    Behind him, ygon turned his head at a sharp angle like an owl, firing on his masters position whileying into demons in front of him.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    me and hot sand blew through the air, consuming Alexs attackers. He shielded his eyes from the me as they screamed, then abruptly went silent. Panting, he slowly got to his feet, watching the all consuming mes. The demons didnt incinerate as quickly as other monsters ygons beams had touched, but the fire-magic wasnt exactly slow in turning them to embers either.


    Burn-Saws form soon carbonised.


    Im going to learn your name, Alex said. And then you and I will have a talk. Ill be seeing you again.


    Turning, he walked toward his friendsapplying pressure to his wound as Mr. Lu had taught him when he was smand focused through The Marks interference to cast spells as he went.


    ###


    Why must we y these games? Baelin sniffed.


    He made a gesture and spoke an incantation.


    A cube of shining forcecovered in symbols that were bane to demonsbegan shimmering into being, but Ezaliels crystalline form shed, transforming into a ray of light which shot away from the chancellors spell before it could capture him.


    The demon reformed a heartbeatter and fired multicoloured sts from its facets. Each ray of power curved through the air, aiming to strike at Baelin from all sides. The chancellor sensed different types of magic pouring from each beam and swept out his hands, speaking another spell.


    The beams shuddered, then began weaving together, forming shining ropes and orbs of power which leapt into his palms like a trained pet. With a simple wave, Baelinunched them back at the abyssal knight.


    As they whipped toward the demon, he spun in the air, his lights ring like the sun.


    A shimmering shield appeared around Ezaliels body, and the redirected<strong></strong>magic wicked away like water. It struck the foliage around him, withering the greenerys life force and warping the nts until they were turned inside out.


    Nasty array of effects, Baelin noted. But nothing I have not seen before. You cannot win, demon.


    You will eventually run out of mana, wizard, Ezaliels voice crackled.


    Will I? the ancient wizard said. Perhaps I will. Perhaps I will not. It does not matter. The only thing you are aplishing is ruining campus gardens. As of now, youre as much a threat to me as amon hare. Still, this grows tiring. The purpose of our little exchange has passed.


    Baelins eyes flicked toward the edge of the gardens.


    Ive already taken measures to capture your scurrying little friend.


    Baelin thought he sensed adispleasureing from the creature.


    What do you mean? it asked.


    I mean that your master is not the only one here who utilizes summoning magic, the chancellor said evenly. It is quite a handy disciplinenot my personal preferred form of magic; a touch too impersonal for mebut it is one that I have mastered along with a host of others throughout the ages. My summoning was cast while I moved to confront you, so my own otherworldly servants areat this very momentrunning down your master like hounds pursuing a fresh meal.


    I have no mortal master, wizard, and I sense no such entities.


    It doesnt much matter what you sense or do not sense. Just know that it is fact. Your <em>master, </em>Baelin said, emphasising the word.<em></em>Is not the only one practised in magic to fool the senses. So again, this grows tiresome, why dont you simplye quietly. I will study you for perhaps a century or sowhen my time allows and then, you can return to your domai-


    Ezaliels inner lights red brightly; the world shimmered around him.


    Baelin spread his hands. Come, them. Break yourself on the walls of futility.

 Chapter 243: Mine

    Chapter 243: Mine


    Every object the demons radiance touched shattered like light passing through a prism. nts, soil, and stone were undone down to theirponent elements before Baelins eyes.


    The chancellors jaw hardened as an ancient tree copsed, turning to ck carbon, gases, and itsponent metals. The stones the light touched separated into quartzite, sand, metals and other precipitates.


    Admirable control over the physical form, Baelin thought. The ability to break down ones body into energy and reduce objects to elementalponents: just as the books stated, though they did not mention the speed and proficiency of it. Hmmm, this should be a good counter


    Baelins lips moved with speed, casting several spells while he willed the demon-bane symbols toward the abyssal knight. Ezaliels prismatic shield shuddered around him, splitting and solidifying into a dozen floating winged shapes that curled protectively around his body, reflecting away the symbols light.


    Then each wing shuddered.


    <em>Thooom!</em>


    A hail of crystal fragments tore free. Shards ripped through the airsnapping and popping<strong></strong>like fireworksdestroying trees and more as they struck the earth in a massive explosion of dirt clouds.


    Baelins multyered shield materialised around him.


    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>


    The crystalline missiles pricked the shield, protruding like arrows from a wooden target. The noise from the sheer amount of speed and force created by the shard storm roared in Baelins ears as his symbols passed through the crystalline storm and surrounded Ezaliel.


    He directed more mana into the symbols, they red with bright light and force. The demons form shuddered beneath their magic as the chancellor spoke his incantations in an unending stream of casting.


    He unleashed his wrath upon the creature.


    <em>Rmmmmmble.</em>


    The first spell shook the gardens.


    A swell of mana shifted through the air as molten power solidified around the abyssal knight.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    Then the reality surrounding them shattered.


    <em>Whooosh!</em>


    Eight portals burst open around the creature, each leading to the cold, ckness that lurked between stars. The air screamed as it was sucked into the endless dark while the demon was frozen in ce. The pull from all sides kept it motionless, while the icy darkness plunged its core to a cial cold.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    A long, jagged cracknced through the crystalline form as a howling sound escaped it. To Baelin, the sensation in his ears was like the feeling of panicking ants scurrying through them.


    He snorted in distaste as he struck with his next spell.


    His hand extendedfingers pointed forward like spearsand released beams of utter darkness from his fingertips. They hummed with necromantic energy and coiled through the demons wing-like protections, sinking deep down within its body.


    Ezaliels inner lights withered as its essence was drained away by Baelins terrible magic.


    He could feel him weakening now.


    But Baelin was far beyond mercy.


    The ancient wizard extended his other hand, emitting five beams of light that began to circle around the creature; from above, from the back and sides, and from below. Each beam left a solid bar of radiance in its wake; every pass crafted a prison around the creature: one that<strong></strong>no spell, skill, or feat of strength, could undo. The cage closed in around the abyssal knight, tightening like an insects cocoon around its prey.


    Ezaliel''s crackling voice shrieked in desperate echoes.


    It quickly transformed, turning to another ray of light to escape through a shrinking gap in the bars, but Baelins beams prevented that.


    <em>Pling!</em>


    It iled<strong></strong>within its cage like a captured fly inside a ss jar, trying to escape. There was little time before its prison wasplete.


    It paused, hovering for an instant.


    The demon seemed to make a decision.


    With a shudder, it returned to its crystalline form, which shuddered and cracked as power built within it. The lights inside red as bright as miniature suns.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    Oh, you are a cowardly one, arent you? Baelin snarled.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    The crystalline demon swelled, then shattered into thousands of shining particles, scattering and disappearing like stars in a cloudy sky.


    Baelin cursed as he dismissed his spells. The radiant cage vanished and the portals mmed shut with the sound of a thunderp.


    Self-termination, he growled. A cowardly movethough logical under the circumstance. st it, now I shall have to content myself with your master.


    Baelin connected with a Wizards Eye, noted its location, and floated through the wreckage of the foliage to the edge of the botanical gardens. He heard the sounds of a struggle. They appeared to be only a few yards ahead, and his altered sight saw blue shapes restraining an struggling orange one. One blue figure had mped a hand over the captives mouth to prevent spell casting.


    Through an act of will, Baelin shifted his vision back to normal eyesight then dismissed the enhanced invisibility spells hed ced on his summoned servants. Four war-spirits shimmered into being, surrounding an invisible figure on the ground fighting to get free.


    As Baelin floated up to thebative demon summoner, he spoke a single word of power and a sound like shattering ss filled the air. Suddenly, the figure of a portly young man was revealed. There was a vague familiarity about him.


    Finally, you vile little wretch, Baelin said, his voice like steel.


    He nced toward the stadiumthrough the ss walls of the gardensand saw figures flying in the direction of the gardens on stone disks: The Watchers of Roal. They had responded quickly, though the battle here was finished.


    You, child, have been a menace to all of Generasi, the chancellor said. But today, your ugly disy ends. Your demon took the easy way and destroyed its physical formno doubt to reconstitute itself in its own realm. He slowly shook his head. I have a mind to pay it a personal visitbut, s, such a visit would likely trigger the wrath of its lord and lead to even more unpleasantness with demons invading Generasi. Still, there are means avable to dissuade him from further trespass in this world. He wille to understand that, in one way or the other.


    He pped his hands once, making the summoner wince and his eyes grow wide.


    But for now, Im afraid this leaves you as the only culprit avable. The city will, with full justification, want their pound of flesh, as will The Watchers and me, of course. You are a very popr young man, in a sick sort of sense. How unfortunate for you.


    The demon summoner shouted something into the war-spirits hand, but the words were garbled.


    Save your strength, Baelin said. You will need it. You will need all of it for the trials ahead of you.


    Victory! Ram shouted from above. Baelin destroyed the demons leader and captured the summoner! We have a victory!


    Alex had known that even before Ram said the word victory. Hed felt the connections between this world and the demons realm breaking as the portals began closing. Atst the battle on the beach could end, but there were no cheers or celebrations.


    The damage the demons had done was everywhere.


    Scorch-marks, blood, debris and the broken bodies of both defender and demon littered the beach. Defenders groaned, some wept, clutching deep wounds, while others weretoo still.


    Too silent.


    Lady von Anmut! Svenia! Hogarth cried.


    He began pressing a cloth to Isoldes back while medical staff were heading in their direction. Svenias mood was solemn as she clutched a wound on her side from a demon''s scythe w. Her chainmail saved her life, but the injury had meant she could only keep fighting with one hand, and the flying demons had used the advantage to surge around Isolde, w through her defensive spells, and tear into her back. The cloth that Hogarth pressed against her back was starting to drip.


    I am alright, Isolde insisted. I am fine.


    Like hell you are, Thundar said, joining Hogarth with a strip of cloth that hed torn off his tunic to help stem the bleeding. Khalik was going to Svenia, while Theresa and Brutus ran to Alex.


    Are you alright? she asked. Your arm


    It probably looks worse than it is, he grunted. His torn shirt sleeve was saturated with blood. A trio of healing wizards were on their way with their kits of potions, salves and dressings.


    All things considered, we got off light.


    All around them, people whod been near Alexs group seemed to have fared better than others in the camp. The cabal and their allies had been highly effective in mounting a strong offensive against the demons. Since theyd had a lot of practice fighting monsters, they knew to take the fight to them which helped keep a lot of people near them safer. Plus, they had ygonwho was almost an army on his ownon their side.


    The same couldnt be said for other areas of the beach.


    A heart wrenching wail rose up from The Outcasts.


    Their team surrounded a pair of figurestwo of the centaur priestswereying on the sand. One was barely moving, and both were covered in blood; one of their legs was resting at a strange angle, like it was shattered.


    The third centaur had pressed his hands against his teammates wounds and was loudly praying to the four winds. His hands shone with healing divinity that bathed the wounded one in light.


    Buteven from his distanceAlex could see that the other fallen centaur was dead. His body had been ravaged.


    A thundering, agonised cry tore through the camp, and Alex saw a panicking Tyris tending to Vesuvius face. Dozens of gashes marked the vulcanchelones armoured face, and the poor creature looked miserable.


    Shiani, Rhea and Malcolm were carrying a weak Rayne to the closest group of medical staff. The skinny young man was bleeding from his forehead and torso.


    Still, Alex would say he was one of the lucky ones.


    Others on the beach looked like theyd tasted the full brunt of the demons rage.


    He shuddered.


    Now, he had two reasons to hunt down Burn-Saw: information and <em>revenge.</em>


    But that was forter.


    For now, he turned his attention back to the healing wizards working on his arm as they offered him a potion and continued cleaning his wound. All the while, worry ate away at him.


    How were Selina and the Lus? What would he find in the stadium when he finally got there? He was almost too scared to find out. But he had to know, so for now, he prayed to The Traveller that Selina, Theresas parents, Sinope, Nua-Oge and their other friends were okay.


    Back in the stadium, Amir stumbled around in a daze, almost in shock at the scene before him.


    The aftermath of the attack was visible everywhere, and pained cries hit him from all sides. He wrapped his arms around himself, thankful that there were less dead and wounded than hed feared there would be.


    Far less.


    It looked like The Watchers had done their work, ying demons with sword and spell and suppressing their numbers.


    But also


    Amir gagged.


    A blue figure stood atop a hill of dead demons that looked like they''d been through the grinder in a butcher shop. Those audience members who werent too squeamish watched Hobbs horned form atop his kills like a conqueror. The registrars fine clothes had not a single drop of demon blood on them, and the ancient devil was flicking his hand: with every flick of his wrist, an invisible force swept demon corpses into an empty point in space.


    They vanished like theyd never been there.


    Amir looked up into the seats, searching for any sign of Donovan, Urs or anyone else. He didnt see anyone he was looking for anywhere.


    So much destruction, and things could have been much worse.


    Leopold, what have you done this time? he whispered. After all I-


    The demon summoner has been captured!


    Amir startled, looking up at a Watcher, who was swelling their voice with magic until it filled the stadium: I repeat, the demon summoner has been captured!


    A roar of relief and anger swept through the stadium.


    It was all that Amir could do to hold himself upright. The graduate students mind whirled with terrible possibilities. Would Leopold be tortured? Executed? Banished to some demon realm?


    Amir began to shake at the thought. He was his friend and a man he owed his <em>life</em> to! He couldnt justhe had to


    Do what, Amir? he whispered out loud. Go try and fight The Watchers, the chancellor, the entire city? its done. Its all done.


    Without another look back, Amir decided to get away from the stadium, looking to put distance between himself and what had happened there. Crossing campus at a brisk walk, he reached his apartment in the eastern ins without anyone speaking to him, even though hed expected to be stoppedand arrested.


    Closing the doorthe soft click of the lock was usuallyforting, but today, it locked with the finality of a jail doorhe began quickly stuffing a bag with clothes, coin and his most precious belongings: his favourite textbooks, a few alchemical projects hed been working through on his own time, and the silk robe his proud parents had sent him when hed been epted into graduate studies.


    It had been expensive, and his family wasnt the wealthiest.


    He looked at the blue silk for a long time before finally stuffing it into the bag. What would they say? What would they do when he walked through the front gate of their courtyard, covered in road-dust, sand and shame. Trying to push everything from his mind, he took one final look around the apartment, then shut the door.


    Campus was quiet as he made his way toward the gate, though with every step, he almost <em>wanted</em> someone to call out to him. To stop him.


    For what would be thest time, he passed by the library, the main castle, and The Cells. He kept walking until the front gates stood tall before him. Pausing, he let his eyes trace each and every contour of their design before he finally stepped through them, and into the city.


    He didnt look back. He couldnt.


    If he did, he knew he would break down like a child. Instead, he kept his eyes down as the news spread through the streets around him.


    The demon summoners been caught! someone cried.


    Id like to give that bastard whatsing to him! another shouted.


    Folk cheered.


    Amirs panic and shame grew, but he tried to push them from his mind.


    He needed a n if he was going to make it two steps from Generasi.


    I just have to reach the port, he said quietly. Leopolds not the type to crack, so I should have time tono no, thats foolish. They coulde for me while Im sitting on a ship thats waiting to leave. No, I should head south ovend. Maybe even cut through a part of The Barrens.


    The more he thought about it, the better the idea seemed to him.


    Yes, thats it. Ill go south and stick to the deep parts of the wilderness. Maybe I could even summon something to fly me across the southern Prinean. And thenand then


    Slowly, the former graduate student came to a stop.


    All around him people continued cheeringhis mind shed back to those still forms in the stadium. Every single second of his silence had caused those deaths and wounds. All that suffering.


    A silence that had been bought by a life-debt, loyalty to his friend, and a desperate hope that he could convince someone he cared about deeply to step off a path of destruction before it was toote.


    But, now it was.


    It was several stages <em>beyond</em> toote.


    He looked down the street for a long moment. A part of him screamed to keep moving and get out of the city before someone thought to question him. Even if Leopold didnt crack, it wouldnt take a genius long to figure out how the demon summoner had information from inside the expedition team.


    He needed to go


    Shame gnawed at him.


    He needed tohe needed to


    His hands trembled. His entire body trembled.


    After a long pause, Amir started moving again.


    But not toward the southern gate. Not toward the port, either. He didnt stop walking until atst the squat form of an investigators station loomed ahead.


    Before he could lose his nerve, he kept walking toward the gatesnked by its iron golemsuntil an officer stepped out and held up a hand.


    Afternoon, sir, cant let you go any further unless you state your business, the man said.


    Amirs voice trembled. Im here to report a crime.


    I see. Whose crime, then?


    The man who once protected the demon summoner bit the inside of his cheek and looked up at the officer.


    Mine, was all he said.

 ??Chapter 244: The Bonds that Heal

    ??Chapter 244: The Bonds that Heal


    Alex couldnt remember thest time he felt so tired.


    Hed been teleported into the middle of the stadium by one of the referees, and immediately began searching for his family and friends.


    Selina! he cried. Mr. and Mrs. Lu!


    He desperately scanned where theyd been sitting in the stands, but there was no trace of them there. The stands were mostly empty now. Some spectators had been able to run for the exits when the demons appeared, some fought, others hid under their seats, some were wounded, others died. Now everyone left in the arena had been ushered down to the stadium floor. Watchers and medical staff were caring for the injured in and around a series of triage tents while Alex looked for his loved ones.


    As he walked by, he realised the wounds he was seeing werent as numerous or as serious as those suffered by many on the beach. Thats a relief, he thought, looking down at his own arm. It was healing now, and had been wrapped and put in a sling, but it throbbed at times, and thered be a long ragged scar to remember Burn-Saw and his axe by.


    The thought that Selina, the Lus, Nua-Oge or Sinope could have wounds like his or worse, made him even more anxious since he had no idea where they were. He needed to find them.


    Selina! He shouted her name again, but the crowd was too thick and their voices too loud. Watchers shouted, directing people to the infirmary tents, medical staff called to each other for supplies and assistance, while spectators were doing what he was; calling out the names of missing loved ones.


    No one even paid any attention to him: sadly, his situation wasnt unique.


    <em>Shimmer.</em>


    Things became even louder.


    In groups, the beach defenders appeared on the stadium floor; many soon began calling the names of their friends and loved ones whod been in the stadium. Alex heard the same fear in their voices as in his.


    Mother! Father! Theresa cried, gripping Alexs shirt as soon as she appeared. Selinaaa!


    Sinope! Khalik shouted. Sinope, are you well? Sinoooope! He turned to Najyah. Go, seek them out!


    With a single beat of her wings, Najyahunched into the sky and soared over the crowd, scanning everyone below with her sharp eyes.


    Sister! Grimloch roared, his powerful voice cutting through even the noise of the crowd. Nua-Oge! Where are you?


    Borrowing ygon for a second! Thundar shouted, climbing up the golems side and crouching on his broad shoulders. The minotaur put his hand up to his eyes, blocking out the sun to peer over the crowd. Heeeeey! Selina! Mr. Lu! Mrs. Lu! Nua-Og-


    A screech tore through the air above, and for a brief, wild moment, Alex thought the demons had returned. He took a deep, steadying breath.


    Najyahs found them! the prince pointed up at her. Come, theyre this way! Heeeeeey! Sinope! Selina! Mr. Lu, Mrs. Lu, Nua-Oge! Wereing!


    The groupwith Thundar mbering down off of ygonran through the paths between the triage tents, passing medical officers, Watchers of Roal, city and school officials, the wounded and their loved ones.


    Theresa had a tight grip on Alexs hand and the two of them half pulled each other along as they raced toward their family.


    I can hear them! Theresa cried in relief, her voice shaking like she was ready to burst into tears. Thank The Traveller, I can hear them!


    As they pushed through the crowd, Alex strained his ears until atst, the faint sound of their voices began to reach him through themotion.


    -esa! he heard Mr. Lus shout. Theresaaaa! Alex!


    A few heartbeatster, he heard Mrs. Lu, then Nua-Oge calling for her brother, and Sinope calling Khaliks name.


    And finallya very young voice.


    Aleeex! Alex! Selinas voice was screaming.


    A figure hed known all of her life appeared just past a break in the crowd.


    Selina! Alex shouted, sprinting toward her. His wounded arm bounced as he ran, but poultices did their work to keep the pain down.


    They pushed through the crowd until the Roth siblings crashed into one another. Their arms wrapped around each other, andas Selina burst into tearsall of Alexs relief, fears, exhaustion and just the sheer amount of strain hed been through, hit him all at once.


    His face grew hot; tears welled up in his eyes.


    Beside the Roth siblings, Mr. and Mrs. Lu grabbed their daughter and clutched her close; he heard them crying with relief. Mr. Lu was shaking as Brutus licked all three of them with all three tongues. Grimloch grabbed his sister and hugged her to his massive chest, while Khalik and Sinope paused, looking at each other.


    A moment of silence passed between them, then Khalik spread his hands slightly. The invitation for a hug was there, open, yet not demanding. The dryad hesitated for a breath before stepping forward and hugging the prince.


    Svenia and Hogarth leaned on each others shoulders, while Isolde watched the others embracing with a bit of a distant look.


    Then two massive arms wrapped around her from behind.


    Thundar hugged her tightly, and it looked like Isolde was about to say something. A nce at his face stopped the words in her mouth: though he didnt make a sound, the minotaurs eyes shone, and he quickly shut them.


    Isolde paused, a red tinge creeping up her face until her distant expression crumbled and she hugged her friend right back, trembling with relief.


    After a moments thought, Alex reached out to ygon. A heartbeatter, he felt his golems arms gently wrap around himself, Selina and the Lu family, holding them all together.


    For a moment, all of the strain and terror theyd just experienced slid from their shoulders, and they drank in just two emotions:


    Relief and joy.


    It couldve been much worse, Mrs. Lu was saying. When that Watcher shouted that demons wereingI thought we were all going to be killed. Thank Uldar for The Watchers and for thatterrifying blue fellow from the front desk. If hed been on the demons sidewed all be dead!


    The group had moved from the triage area on the stadium floor to some seats at the bottom of the stands in a quieter spot. They all sat together while they recovered, sharing stories about what theyd been through.


    They started pouring out of thin air, Mr. Lu said. Never felt anything like it: like something was crawling across my spine when I looked at them. I froze up. He shuddered, then looked at Sinope and Nua-Oge. But these two youngdies didnt, they acted fast with their spell casting and protected us. Ill always be grateful to the two of them.


    Nua-Oge nodded, leaning against her little brother in the seats just above Mr. and Mrs. Lu. Im d The Watchers reacted as fast as they did too; it was like they knew the demons wereing. As soon as the portals opened, they were sting them and summoning monsters to fight them.


    Sinope gripped Khaliks hand in the row just below the others. Some of the audience fought the creatures with their own spells and weapons too. Many fought fiercely like we dryads do. But still, the demons kepting. A little way into the attack, though, theblue, horned one appeared. What he did


    She shuddered.


    I think it would be better for all our stomachs if I didnt go into it further-


    Alex noticed Selina, Nua-Oge, and both of Theresas parents nodding. They all looked a little sick.


    -so Ill spare all of us that, but as gruesome as it was, it saved many. I have to say Imimpressed with the warriors of this city.


    Mhm, Mr. Lu said. They really did protect us.


    In some waysit was like having the Heroes of Thamnd right here in this stadium. Mrs. Lu looked at her husband. They protected us from those horrible monsters and kept us safe. She sighed. It makes me feel better. Maybe tonight we can sleep in peace knowing they''re around.


    Im just d youre all okay, Theresa gripped both her parents'' hands while sitting between them.


    There was a long moment of quiet.


    What happened to your arm? Selina asked Alex.


    Oh, I got nicked and sprained my elbow, he said, putting on a smile. With the sling and all, it probably looks a lot worse than it actually is, but it should be okay in a week or so. He paused trying to keep his voice light. The medical staff wouldve fixed it up even better if they couldve used blood-magic on me, but they need lots of mana to help people that were hurt more than me.


    Im d its not bad. Selina gripped his good arm.


    Me too, me too.


    Alex looked out over the stadium floor, watching the healers tend the wounded.


    Blood magic. Hed need to focus on learning it.


    Now that the demon summoner was caught, the expedition should soon be back on track. Hopefully, thered be enough time for him to learn a blood magic spell that could convert mana into healing energy before they left for Thamnd.


    A stronger summoning spell would be useful too: during The Grand Battle, his Elemental Beetle swarms were a big help, and he also wanted stronger monsters to summon. If hed had a few more allies to conjure, then maybe they couldve grabbed Burn-Saw.


    His mind went back to the scarred demon.


    Hed need to ask Professor Mangal and Baelin how a wizard would go about <em>finding</em> a specific creature on another ne, though he figured Baelin would be busy for a while, with all that had happened today.


    As though sensing his thoughts, Isolde suddenly brought the chancellor up.


    It was fortunate that Baelin used protective magic on us, she said. Were it not for his spells, I think things would have been much worse on the beach.


    Good, Im d you had his protection, Mr. Lu said. Just like The Heroes or my great-grandfather, thats the role strong folk should have in life. To hel-


    Excuse me.


    Everyone turned to the tall, blonde young man standing by their seats. With him was a redheaded woman, a squat beastman, another tall muscr looking fellow, and a short brown haired woman with pointed ears and red eyes who wore goggles fastened around her head.


    Alex remembered them as part of the first team theyd eliminated from The Grand Battle. He hoped they werent there with some sort of grudge because theyd knocked them out of the contest so-


    We just wanted to thank you, the blond man began. And uhwell, we were near your team on the beach when the demons attacked everyone. We dont really have much experience in fighting since were just doing a summer prerequisite course for battle magic and we only entered The Grand Battle for practice and some fun. You guys mostly kept those demons out of the perimeter, so they went after you and not us. And you beat them like a rug! He paused andughed, but soon turned serious again. So, if it werent for youI dont know if we wouldve all made it. Anyway, Iwe only wanted to say thank you. He extended his hand.


    Alex reached out and shook it, followed by his teammates. The blond mans gesture was repeated by his other team members. Each one expressed their gratitude and firmly shook hands with Alexs group.


    The red eyed woman said, If youre ever in the Brass Grapes, wed definitely like to spring for the drinksjust as a little thank you.


    Then wishing everyone well, they nodded then left, heading back toward the triage area.


    A long silence hung over the group.


    Well dont that just tickle the spirits, Thundar finally said. Best damned thing Ive heard all day.


    It feels strange to me Khalik said. We only focused on our own fight, but we affected the battlefield more than I thought.


    They should thank Shiani, Rayne, Rhea and Malcolms team too, and Tyris, Vesuvius and Hanuman. and especially The Outcasts. Alex winced. The demons went after them hard, and theyre the ones that paid for it most.


    Indeed, Isolde said. And they should thank Baelin as wellI still wonder how he knew the demons wereing so quickly. If someone warned himthen they deserve thanks as well.


    ###


    Are you alright? Kybas said to Harmless, checking his familiar over for the fifteenth time. Baelins spell had long faded and they were surrounded by destroyed demons and nt-life. None of those nasty demons hurt you, did they?


    Harmless was unharmed, luckily, and Kybas felt relief wash through him.


    Oh yeah, ask if the crocodiles okay, Professor Salinger said, while he inspected his ruined nts. But not your old professor! Oh no, sure, I mightve been nibbled on a few times but, eh, whats the trouble in that! No worry for old Holden-


    Ah. Kybas paused. Ah, sorry professor.


    No, no, no! Salinger waved his hand. Its a joke, a joke. I swear youngsters cant take a joke these days. The professor shook with nervous energy, but a giddy relief filled his voice. You saved my life!


    Kybas blinked. No, Baelin saved our lives.


    Yeah, but who told me there was a demon summoning ruiner over there, ready to probably kill me while I tottered around like some ancient florist trying to arrange his flowers? It was you! You gave me the warning so I could call for help, and you also helped fight those filthy creatures off.


    Ah Kybas shifted back and forth, very conscious of the fact that the only reason hed heard the demon summoner was because he was here harvesting mushrooms in secret.


    Hes right, you know.


    Both Salinger and Kybas startled as Baelin floated out of the devastated foliage with his hands behind his back. I hade to see if you two were alright, but from the sound and look of things, you are none the worse for wear.


    He looked at Kybas. You were the one who discovered the demon summoner in the gardens, my young friend?


    Uhyeah, that was me, he said, terrified that the chancellor might somehow know exactly what he was doing in the botanical gardens while The Grand Battle was taking ce.


    Baelin smiled broadly. Excellently done, my little friend! <em>Excellently</em> done! Your warning saved many lives today and led directly to the capture of the demon summoner. It is exactly this sort of thing that makes me so proud of the students of my university.


    huh? Kybas cocked his head.


    ButI was just harvesting mushrooms! he thought.


    I shall see to it that you are rewarded with the Universitys Milnos Thniel Award for Excellence in Service, along with an apanying schrship!


    The little goblin froze.


    And I am sure that the city will provide you with some sort of <em>financial</em> reward as well, even if I have to supply the funds for it myself. I know how those bureaucrats can be, pinching every coin. Hmmmperhaps tenno, twenty thousand gold, I should think. The demon summoner was a city-wide threat, after all.


    Kybas jaw droppedthe rest of him almost did too.


    It seemed that his coin troubles would soon be a thing of the past for a good long while.


    He looked down at his familiar, almost vibrating with excitement. HarmlessIll be giving you enough mushrooms and potions to make you the size of a <em>dragon.</em>


    The croc looked up at him with his cold reptilian eyes before letting out a groan of satisfaction.

 Chapter 245: The Bonds that Harm

    Chapter 245: The Bonds that Harm


    Imagine my surprise when I learned that you were a former student of Generasi, Baelin said.


    The ancient wizard sat at a white table across from a young man who had so many white chains wrapped around his body, that he more resembled a mummy in metal wrappings, than someone living. Each link was covered in glyphs forged into their surface: enchantments that disrupted mana for spellcraft. It was obvious that the city was taking no chances with this particr criminal; behind Baelin stood an officer with one hand on a glyph covered sword, ready to act if anything went wrong.


    The chained manthe demon summonersat with an utterly defeated look about him. Baelin observed nervous twitches shuddering through his body.


    <em>Rttttle.</em>


    His chains rattled, and that was the only noise in the room. In the unnatural silence, they seemed to grate against each other like the heavy chains of a ships anchor.


    Leopold Richter, Baelin said. Graduated with high honours. Refused graduate studies much to several professors dismay, and began your work life at Howard & Family, a spell-guide publishing business. Youve had little to do with your alma mater since.


    What are you doing here? the young man demanded.


    Technically? Baelin nced back at the officer. Visiting a prisoner.


    Why?


    For information, the chancellor said. A student used the teachings of the university to cause chaos throughout the city. To me, that implies thatperhapsthere was a failure in administration. I intend to fix that, and so you have the rare opportunity to tell me your story.


    Leopold looked up a little, though he wouldnt meet Baelins eyes.


    My story?


    Indeed. The ancient wizard tapped the table. These attacks were not random. They were a message, I gather.


    The young mans breath sucked through clenched teeth for a moment.


    But messages can be misinterpreted or lost. The chancellor leaned forward. So, I wish to hear what your message was, by your own words. It shall help me amend the policy of the university, if changes are needed.


    And why should I tell you anything? the demon summoner asked.


    Because you likely will not get many more opportunities to do so. The chancellor gestured around the room. I suspect white walls will be your surroundings for perhaps the rest of your life, should you avoid outright execution. How many more times will you speak to another person who is not a guard or fellow prisoner? How many more times will you be able to share your message?


    Leopold sucked on his lips again and Baelin noted the facial tick.


    You shall not speak to me again after this, most likely, Baelin said. So why not take this chance to let your cause be known?


    The chancellor watched Leopolds reaction carefully. There had been many times in his long life that hed been close to folk as they were about to take theirst breath, or undergo some sort of terrible transformation to their life. At those times, nerves, pain and fear would often drive them to speak of their thoughts to any ear willing to listen. Even if that ear was not the friendliest.


    And now


    Generasi needed aid, Leopold said.


    there it was.


    Aid? the chancellor stifled his anger at the very use of the word to refer to what the young man had done.


    You know what I mean better than most, chancellor, he said. Priests and deities will ruin this city one day. They will twist it into something monstrous. Ive seen it happen.


    What do you mean?


    Baelin listened as Leopold told a story of his youth and themunity he grew up in. The chancellor nodded along as a horrifying tale unfolded: one of evil cultists and hungry deities. The ancient wizards jaw tightened at the words, unable to remember how many times hed seen simr urrences in viges, cities or even entire empires over the millennia.


    Yet his heart remained coldtoward Leopold.


    And thats it, the young man said. I wanted to protect the city from fanaticism: priests gifts might be enticing, but they alwayse at a terrible price. Always.


    Silence filled the room, broken by their unnaturally loud breathing, the clink of chains, the shifting of their clothing, and the slow thunder of Baelins own heart in his chest.


    I understandthat most, wont see it the way I do, Leopold pushed on. But steps needed to be taken, thats the way I saw it. So if theres any policy change that would prevent actions like mineor something even graver, then I implore you, do this: punish students who even <em>suggest</em> that priestse onto campus. End any association with the Church of Thamndban the use of divinities from The Games or other events associated with the university. That way, the school can continue being an example to the rest of Generasi: a living message that priests in this city must remain on the outside of our society. Tolerated. Not celebrated.


    Another silence.


    I see. And you are done? Baelin said, putting his finger through his beard-braids and twisting them around it. Perhapsthere is a point to what you suggest. Indeed, we have grown closer to the priests of Thamnd for our uing workand this might indeed set a dangerous precedent.


    Hope leapt into Leopolds eyes.


    Then Baelin continued.


    is that truly what you expected me to say? the chancellor stared down the demon summoner, who looked away. We agree that priests can be dangerous, and I have made my opinions on deities well known. I have even built that into school policy, but what you have done is many steps beyond that. The irony of your situation is that inbating fanaticism you yourself have be nothing more than a fanatic.


    He rose in his seat. While many priests are fanatical in their servitude to deities, you are fanatical in your <em>opposition</em> to them. You allowed your cause to overwhelm you, and in your zealous attempt to serve <em>it, </em>you have only hurt the fine residents of Generasi and weakened your own purpose. In killing a priest of the four winds at The Games, you crafted a martyr out of a warrior simply looking to participate in the Grand Battle.


    Leopold swore beneath his breath. I acted hastily this time, but Baelin-


    <em>Chancellor!</em> the ancient wizard said.


    -think of it, chancellor! Leopold leaned forward in his seat. We wizards often have to engage in cruel things to advance our understanding of magic and the universe. Generasi students move on to do great things throughout the world, often involving destruction. This is the same thing, and what I was trying to do was attempt to bring the good of such actions back home to the realm that took me in!


    I am very well acquainted with the nature of cruelty for benefit, Baelin said. But the objective benefit of your actions is far outweighed by the suffering they have caused to wizards, students and citizens; the damage it has done, and the dys in research you have caused. Not to mention the waste of your own gifts. This is a sted shame: a strong rtional bond with an abyssal knight could have brought so much benefit to the university, had you channelled it for something <em>reasonable</em>such as researchinstead of zealotry. ButI have the information I came for, and I am not here to debate you.


    The chancellor rose in the silent room while Leopold watched him with a mix of disappointment and desperation.


    You should count yourself fortunate. Baelin adjusted his robe. If it were left to me, I would have ced you in the torture pits of stra, where your soul would be cut with burning saws and axes for more years than you could possiblyprehend. The punishment you will receive herewhile grimis but a summer walk inparison. Goodbye. We will not meet again.


    Chancellor!


    Baelin did not stop.


    Put in a good word for Amir, for pitys sake, Leopold pleaded. He doesnt deserve this. He doesnt deserve to be here. Plea-


    Without waiting for the demon summoner to say another word, Baelin stepped out of the room while the officer shut the door behind him, cutting off Leopolds voice.


    The room that the chancellor visited next was not what one would call pleasant, but it was much less stark than the white interrogation room Leopold sat in. Walls of stonecovered in glyphs that disrupted spellcastingformed the structure, but at the top of the chamber was a window sealed with steel bars covered in the same glyphs. Natural sunlight filtered through clouds and onto the face of Amir Abu Saleh.


    If Leopold had looked defeated, then Amir looked like he was ready to pass from the world. The young man seemed like he wanted nothing more than to just crawl into a hole somewhere and die. He barely moved at the sound of Baelins hoovesing down the hall, and he didnt raise his eyes when the chancellor stopped at his cell, nked by well-armed officers.


    Anger and disappointment waged a battle within Baelin as Amir slumped like he wanted to melt into the stone bench he was sitting on.


    Hello, Amir, Baelin said.


    The former graduate student finally looked up.


    Im sorry, Amir said. Im sorry, Im sorry, Im sorr-


    Stop. It is toote for that.


    Amir let out a whimper.


    Why? Baelin asked.


    W-what do you mean?


    Why were you party to this?


    There was a pause.


    I thoughtI thought I could fix things, chancellor, Amir said. I-


    The ancient wizard took a step forward. Thought you could fix what?


    All of it. Amir trembled. II thought I had it a few times. I talked Leopold out of a few attacks. Night after night, Id just talk to him, trying to get him to pull it back. What was done was done, but if hed just stopped-


    Why not simplye forward?


    Because it would have ruined his life. HeI dont know, hes my friend. I owe him my life: I owe a full life-debt to him.


    A life-debt? Why do you owe him so much?


    Amir swallowed, ncing out of the window. It was just before I came here: I was on my way from homein a caravanlooping around the Prinean. I thought Id see a bit of the world before university; Id just been epted and I felt like the king of everything. Thenwhile the caravan was stopped in a townI went to a tavern and bought some wine. something was in it.


    The young man winced like a whipped dog. I woke upsomewhere awful, deep underground. There was a cultand theythey were performing some sort of ritual. I watched them do it to other prisoners: they would make this potion by turning their flesh into a liquid that ran off their bones. The priests would collect it in brass bowls, drink it, and offer it to servants of their god that theyd summon. Day after day, Id see my turning closer until I was the only prisoner left. And then, Leopold came.


    Go on, Baelin said.


    He used to go around rooting out cults and hed found that one the day before, and so he crept into theirir andced their drinking water with potions. He doped them up with stuff to make them groggy and heave their guts out. They couldnt stop dry heaving. So while they were trying to recover, he summoned demons to set on them. And he wasnt as strong back thenso it was dangerous for himbut he still came back to save me. I was so weak and couldnt help him, and the cultists and that deitys servants put up an awful fight, but he wouldnt just go and leave me behind...and he could have. He got me to safety then went back and finished them off with help from every demon he knew how to summon.


    Amir swallowed. And so my life-debt was forged. He came to the university the year after me, and weve shared a bond ever since. Buthe still hated all priests, all of them. He only told me how much he hated them while he was here andI have to admitI did too, for a while. I got over it, but he never did. He just couldnt. So I thought I could save <em>his</em> life, like he saved mine. Talk him out of thingsbut when today happened, it all went wrongthings went too far. If Id just been beside him when those centaur priests used their miracles


    Silence fell, and Baelin let out a breath.


    Misguided, I am afraid, the chancellor said. Your loyaltyis misced. Many have suffered due to it, though I know all too well the drive to save a friend. He exhaled. Professor Jules will be very disappointed in you.


    I knowI know, Amir muttered.


    Silence followed.


    I suppose there is little more to say, the chancellor finally said. I suspect thew shall be easier on you than it will be on your friend. It could be that you will see the light of day outside of these walls one day, though youll never be permitted to pass through the gates of the university again. Reflect while you are imprisoned, and perhapsif you are allowed to walk freeyou might still make something of your life. Perhaps that loyalty of yours will find a better recipient next time.


    Amir hung his head again as Baelin walked away.

 Chapter 246: Getting to Know Someone

    Chapter 246: Getting to Know Someone


    The festival of ghosts will be different this yearI think. Khalik poured himself a third cup of wine before sliding the pitcher back across the table.


    Thanks, man, Alex said, picking it up and pouring himself a second cup. It was a bit of a struggle with one arm in a sling, but hed rather help himself as much as he could. He was also d he could call on his Wizards Hands when he needed them. For a moment, the moon peaked out from behind dark clouds above them and shone across the jugs polished surface, reflecting off the table. Yeah, I think well feel it even more thanst year. Theres gonna be a lot of people to say goodbye to, even thoughI mean, it couldve been a lot worse, I guess.


    He couldnt count how many times hed said and heard, it couldve been worse since the demon summoners attack. Other people had been repeating those same words too, often sounding like they were trying to console themselves.


    What had happened was an awful thing, but if there was one thing that the people of Generasi were good at, it was finding the positives in dark situations and walking forward.


    True, Khalik said. Few in number did die, when all was said and done. And the truth is, if it weren''t for your and Baelins warnings and if The Watchers hadnt been ready, then it <em>would </em>have been much worse. but I am sure that is little constion to those who had people they cared about die. When it is a loved one, <em>one</em>death is too many.


    Images of his home in mes worked through Alexs mind.


    He took a long sip from his cup.


    The prince and Alex had been sitting on Khaliks balcony, passing the pitcher back and forth for a while. Selina, Theresa, and Brutus had fallen into a deep sleep, while hed tossed and turned until finally giving up and going to look out the window. A light was on in Khaliks apartment and since Alex knew he was alone, he wondered if he might like somepany. So, hed paid his friend a visit.


    There was a lot that had been keeping both of them awake. For Alex, it was-


    You know, theres still a big part of me thats having trouble believing Amir knew who the summoner was and didn''t say anything, he said. I mean, the thought had crossed my mind that<em> something </em>was going on with him. It definitely had, buthearing it announced, was kinda like taking a hard punch to the gut.


    Maybe you hoped youd be wrong, Khalik suggested.


    Yeah, I definitely did, and thats the truth.


    Were you two friends?


    Alex paused, taking another long sip of wine. II dont know. I probably wouldnt say friends, actually. We just talked while he was supervising me in Potions, and like a handful of times after that. I mean, we were <em>friendly</em> enoughugh.


    There had been some bad momentsafter hed found out about Amirs connection to the demon summonerwhere hed med <em>himself </em>for thest attack. Hed gone through different scenarios over and over in his mind, imagining himself telling the investigators his suspicions about Amir and preventing that final attack.


    but then hed alwayse back to the same conclusion: his mind was looking at things with the advantage of hindsight. Hed done that beforea lot. After his parents had died, for the longest time, hed keeping up with a bunch of possible options and means that he couldve used to save them that night, or ways he could have noticed the fire before it had spread so much.


    For the longest time, hed lived with a bunch of what-ifsbut eventually, he had to just make peace with the fact that there was nothing he could have done. Time and Mr. Lu had helped him get to that ce.


    It was the same with the Amir situation.


    Now<strong></strong><em>after</em> Amirs arrest and confession, it had suddenly seemed perfectly<strong></strong>reasonable to think that he should have gone up to the nearest Watcher and shouted, Amirs suspicious! with all the conviction in the world. Hes the summoner probably! he wouldve, said, but at the time, he had no evidence; he hadnt even been convinced that Amir<em> was</em> the summoner. And hed also thought about the damage an usation without any proof could have caused.


    What-ifs could drive a person crazy. The truth was: there was nothing he couldve done, and no amount of hindsight was going to change thatand even if there <em>was</em> something he couldve done, no amount of hindsight would let him go back in time and make different decisions.


    There is nothing you could have done, Khalik said, echoing his thoughts. Often, the only person who can save someone is themselves. We did well. We saved folk and we fought demons. That is good enough, I think.


    Yeah


    How have Mr. and Mrs. Lu, and your sister been taking things?


    All in all? Surprisingly well, Alex said. Theyre a little shaken upall three of thembut theyre doing alright, all things considered.


    That is good.


    And what about Sinope? Alex asked. How is she doing?


    Ido not know. Khalik took a long drink of wine. She isalright, I think. The dryads live in the wilderness and are not strangers to violencebut it is just that


    Just what? Alex asked, facing his friend.


    Khalik was wearing a look hed never seen him wear before. Normally, he was alwaysfortable ifnot outright brimming with confidencebut now, he almost looked a little lost.


    Iam not sure what to do. What we are, the prince admitted.


    What do you mean what we are? Youre a prince and shes a magical forestdy: thats like something right out of a fairy tale.


    And that is exactly-well, part of the issue, the prince sighed.


    How so?


    Bah, Khalik said. Think of what just happened, now is not the time to bring up rtionship troubles.


    No, no man, now is the <em>perfect</em> time for that. Alex leaned over the table. We just had an apocalyptic battle against shithead demons and watched people die andit was rough. I kinda want to talk about something <em>normal</em> for a bit.


    Hmmm, a fair point. Khalik put down his ss. Iwell, we aream not sure if you could call it courting, but we were having fun visiting each other. Something likefriendship with the promise of more, I suppose? It is hard to describe, but then what happened after The Grand Battle put things Do I go and support her? Does she do the same with me? Do we not speak to each other and leave one another alone? I know what I would do if she were my lover, butwe were not quite there yet.


    What do you mean: not quite there, yet?


    You knowthat in-between ce where you are <em>sort</em> of courting, butmore just feeling each other out.


    I think your experience with women is a hell of a lot different than mine, Khalik. Alex shrugged.


    well, suffice it to say I do not know what to do, the prince said. And thenshe is different from me. We are different from each other. Did you know that dryads do not even <em>need</em> lovers? When a dryads tree bes old enough, they seed, and a baby dryad might be born from one of the sprouts. There is no need for men: courtship, loving, marriage isit is just for pleasure for them. But for me, there are politics to consider: I am a prince, even if I am not heir. Who I marry is more a matter of state. And what happens when I graduate? Let us say we are in love, then. Do we transnt the tree she is bound to all the way to Tekezash? Do I stay here? I do not know. He shook his head. Ah, my thoughts chase themselves fruitlessly.


    Well, that might be ater problem, Alex said. I dont know anything about dating dryads, but I do know about overthinking problems that you cant really do anything about right now. Leave thatter stuff forter. For now, me and Theresa talk all the time abouteverything. Maybe talk to her about what youre thinking.


    Khalik paused. I do not want to push if such a conversation would beless than weed.


    Well, askings a lot better than letting it lie there, I think, Alex said. The worst that can happen is she says: not now.


    Thatis a good point, Khalik finished his wine. Thank you, you helped clear my head more than the night air and the drink. But speaking of talking about thingswhat of this Hannar-cim thing? Did you speak to Baelin, yet?


    Hes been busy, Alex said. Im going to see Mangal during her office hours tomorrow. Kinda wish sses werent dyed like the closing ceremony for The Games is. But, I get why they have to dy everything. Oh right, get this: the day that the closing ceremonys held? Thats Theresas birthday.


    Truly? I shall have to get her a gift. As for the timingI am not sure if that is good or terrible timing, Khalik said.


    Yeah, and then its mine soon after that. Then it looks like the beginning of the expedition will be soon after. Lots of things areing fast.


    They tend to, Khalik said. They tend to.


    I would not rmend searching for demons, Alex, Professor Mangal said as she inspected a summoning circle drawn on a piece of parchment. Especially so early in your studies in summoning.


    Well Alex said quickly. Im not nning to go after it like next week.


    Unless <em>Baelin</em> offered to go after it next week.


    But hypothetically, he continued. How <em>would</em> one track down a demon if they dont know its name?


    Professor Mangal gave him a look over the summoning circle. Are you joking, Alex?


    Not even a little.


    revenge?


    Pardon?


    I am asking if you are searching for vengeance.


    A little, he didnt bother lying. But like I said, not yet. Sohow would one find a demon?


    What did it look like?


    Alex described Burn-Saw carefully: detailing his horns, build, three eyes and the scars along his body.


    Hmmm, Mangal tapped her chin. It sounds to me like you are looking for a Tiashiva: a minor demon of marauding and enlightenment. They roam the hells in packs, much asmon bandits do in our world.


    Marauding <em>and</em> enlightenment? Alex asked. They dont sound like they go together.


    Enlightenment cane in many forms, his professor said, turning to a painting hanging below a window on a nearby wall.


    Her office was a lot like the summoning tower: a bit on the creepy side. Statuettes, paintings, and other artworks of pretty horrifying looking otherworldly creatures filled the room, and her desk top had demon faces carved into it and leg supports of bleached wood engeli, and elementals. The window was of stained ss, and its coloured light fell on a painting below it.


    It was a scene with a horrifyingly ridiculous amount of violence: demons and monsters were tearing each other apart in a fiery wastnd that resembled flesh, and ckened clots of blood. Bodiesy everywhere.


    Do you see this? She pointed to the painting. It is called <em>ughter in the Flesh Fields of Avernus</em>. At first, it only looks like senseless violence.


    No argument there. Alex said, squinting at the painting. He shuddered, looking away. It was a little too soon to be looking at demons ripping up any living thing. His lunch felt like it wanted to escape his stomach suddenly.


    But there is a rhythm and sense to the art piece, Mangal said. Its paintera former soldieronce said that all violence in the universe follows a certainrhythm, and that great warriors and killers understand that rhythm, much as a great musician understands the rhythm and melodies that make a good song. He found he reached a higher understanding of the universe by being immersed in violence, just as one might by viewing a still pool of water and the moonlight it reflects.


    The pool sounds a lot nicer, Alex said sourly.


    I agree, but the point is that it''s been theorised that the third eye of Tiashivas represent their higher understanding of the violence theymit. It is their way of connecting to the universe much as you or I might engage with it through philosophy or art. The third eye also grants them sharp senses beyond that of the physical.


    Dont I know about thatst part, Alex said, adjusting his sling. Okay. So how would I find one of these things?


    Finding one of them? Easily? That would be a hard task. They are numerous. More numerous than we canprehend. Which is why finding a <em>single</em> onewithout a nameis next to impossible.


    Alex fought the urge to curse. Okay, but wizards are always making the impossible possible. How would I try?


    you really <em>are</em> set on this, arent you?


    Itd help me learn? he offered.


    She sighed, then pointed down to the summoning circle. His eyes followed her finger, studying the spot on the parchment she was pointing to.


    Is therea spell that can locate it? One that uses summoning circles? he asked hopefully.


    No, she said. But if I were going to attempt to even begin to do thiswell, Id take into consideration that the best way to find a demon?


    She nced back at the painting. Is to get to know <em>other</em> demons.

 Chapter 247: Demonic Reconnaissance

    Chapter 247: Demonic Reconnaissance


    You mean likesummon any demon I can and ask them a bunch of questions about the one Im after? Or try to work out a deal with them? Alex asked his professor.


    In a sensebut there is a bit more nuance to it than that, Professor Mangal said.


    She waved a hand.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    Alex startled as one of her statuesan ugly creature perched on a shelfmoved, shifting in ce with a cracking and grinding noise. What looked like a little stone gargoyle shuddered as it came to life; its bat-like wings unfolded around itself and its eyespreviously nothing more than grey stonelit up like glowing red orbs.


    The creature preened itself for a moment before fixing Alex with a stone-still stare. It was almost cat-like in its quiet observation of him, but there was an <em>old</em> intelligence in its eyes, like it was evaluating him with centuries of insight. For an instant, he was ufortably reminded of a Baelin stare, and instinctively stepped back toward where ygon was standing.


    Paz, do not scare the students, Mangal chided.


    It continued to stare at Alex, as though it hadnt even heard the Professors voice.


    She sighed, then said something in anguage that was unsettling to hear: like nails scratching the inside of the ears. Alex looked at her sharply: the words shed spoken were very simr to Burn-Saws.


    Instantly, Paz turned his head toward her and replied in that horriblenguage: his voice was loud, the tone high-pitched like angry, swarming, biting-flies.


    Mangal said something else to him, and the little creature gave what sounded like a displeased grunt, pped his wings once, took to the air, and hovered in front of a bookcase while scanning the volumes in it. Paz didnte across as having the most pleasant of attitudes.


    Its horrible voice remained pricking at Alexs ears.


    Was that the demonnguage? he asked his professor.


    She gave him a look. There is no such thing as the demonnguage, Alex. That is like saying the humannguage or the dwarvennguage or the dragonnguage.


    Well, we do have themon tongue that a lot of people speak, Alex said a little defensively. It might make sense that demons have something like that too.


    Perhaps, but it is a matter of scale. Themon tongue might seem omnipresent to us, but it has its limits in terms of its geographical reach: which is less and less the closer you get to Tarim-Lung, or in southern kingdoms like Tekezash where othernguages hold more sway. And that is only if you take <em>this</em> world into ount.


    <em>This</em> world?


    I prescribe to the Many-Spheres Theory, Alex, she said, referring to a magical theory that stars nurtured different worlds,plete with life, nts, civilization and their own magics. We have seen others through our telescopes and I have spoken to spirits and beings from other nes who have walked ons other than their own. They im that the other worlds are deadbut I am not so sure. I have travelled briefly to other nes myself, and have met other mortals there that speak nonguage I have ever heard before. Either they are from a ce in this world that is incredibly remoteor


    She paused, looking at him expectantly.


    were from other worlds Alex mused, thinking about this Hannar-cim and The Traveller.


    Maybe there <em>were</em> other worlds; Burn-Saw had said something about a ce called Hirshin-Eos, so Alex had checked the library up and down for a map showing such a ce. Hed found nothing, even after going through old maps to see if there was any reference to a lost kingdom or fallen realm by that name.


    His mind returned to the idea of other worlds with interest.


    Has there been any proof that there <em>are </em>other worlds? Alex asked.


    No <em>hard</em> evidence. Mangal looked at a globe resting on her desk. At times the terrain on it would shift, disying different locations on different nes. There are wizards and priests who have imed that they themselves have visited other worlds, but many have been proven to be no more than chatans. If anyone has sessfully reached another worldand has produced hard evidencethey havent published any papers on the subject or said such in public.


    Why wouldnt they? That sounds like it would be really exciting.


    There could be many reasons. Mangal made an expression of distaste. Think of it. Archwizards tend to hoard power: if you had discovered an entirely <em>new</em>plete with its own resources, magics and cultures, would you be so quick to give everyone else ess to it? Especially those who are your enemies?


    Alex thought about that, remembering his conflicted feelings about ygon not being unique anymore when other wizards got ess to golem cores made from dungeon core remains.


    Probably not, he admitted.


    Exactly, and as for what many otherworldly creatures say: their information can only sometimes be trusted, if one is asking them about the material world, she said. Always remember a key part of summoning: the creatures you bring to our world are from entirely different nes of existence. Where they are from, their senses do not work in the same way as ours. They likely have very different values. And while a demon or engelifor examplemight speak or even look somewhat like mortals, they are creatures of apletely different existence. Their perspectives are vastly different from ours, and sometimes what they see as undeniable, is impossible for us to begin toprehend.


    She touched her globe, shifting it from a sphere of stone covered in mountains, to an orb of fire that burned different colours. And the same works in the other direction: to an earth elemental, any liquid that is red in colour is no different from blood to them. They do not feel bloods warmth and life like we do, and do not understand its power over us beings of flesh. Do not necessarily trust everything you hear from your summoned allies, even if you have a strong bond with them through rtional summoning. Thenon top of misunderstandingsthere are otherworldly creatures that simply lie.


    Theres a lot to keep in mind, Alex said, remembering how Burn-Saw mistook him for this Hannar-cim just from him casting a teleportation spell. To the demon, the feeling of that energy was much more of an identifier than Alexs physical features.


    In any case, weve strayed off topic, Professor Mangalughed. The point is, there are many, many, many, more demons than there are living creatures in our world. By orders of magnitude, so it is theorised. There are a multitude of demonguages, each with a thousand dialects. Do not assume that because you can speak and understand one demonsnguage, that you will be able to do the same with all of them. They are not a monolith, and they are organised by-Ah, here it is! Excellent timing, Paz!


    Paz fluttered down and dropped a massive book bound in ck leather onto Professor Mangals desk. It had lettering in a ruby coloured ink on its front cover.


    The Thirty-Third Volume of the<em> Demononomicon of Ig-Tasha</em>,<em></em>Professor Mangal said, with admiration in her voice. She conjured a set of teal-glowing Wizards Hands to open the book in front of her.


    Alex leaned over to take a look at the pages, and saw that they were covered in a neat, spidery script in anguage hed never seen before. Nestled among the script were illustrations of various frightening monstersdemons, he assumedsome of which looked like artists renditions of them in their natural environment. Other images looked like anatomical drawings from a textbook on anatomy.


    You will not have ess to this book until you have mastered fourth-tier spells, she said. But when you do, I highly rmend reading each volume at least once if you choose to pursue knowledge on demonology: it is considered a good beginners guide-Ah, here we are.


    She paused on the image of what looked to be a jewel with rhombic facets.


    Demon societies are often organised in much the same way that our mortal kingdoms are; in a sort of feudal system. Abyssal knights are lower ranking members of the demonic ruling caste: the elite fightingmanders of demonkind. They, in turn, serve demon lords who, in turn, serve demon princes and princesses.


    and these princes and princesses serve demon kings and queens? Alex asked.


    Yes and no. There are only a <em>few</em> that im the power necessary to cause demon lords to bend the knee, as it were, the Professor said. And usually, they do not hold such lofty stations for long: demons arein the endcreatures of whim. The more powerful they are, the more likely they are to rebel against their rulers.


    Right Alex said, looking back at the illustration of the jewel. And whats that jewel youre looking at? Some demon treasure?


    That is Ezaliel, the abyssal knight that Baelin confronted during the attack on us, she said. It is an old, mysterious and powerful being even by demon standards. It or hedepending on how you conceive of the creaturerules a vast domain in the hells called Orapkarowe: a mountainous realm of blood and diamonds, with peaks that rise ten miles into prismatic skies. Blood rains from ck clouds to nurture nts made of living flesh.


    Uhmthat soundspretty terrible, Alex said.


    It is, and it ispletely inhospitable to mortal life without powerful protective spells or divinities. So I would not rmend you ever go there. What I <em>would</em> rmend is that you summon demons from this particr realm and ask them if they know the demon you search for by some physical mark or other descriptor. The fact that the demon you seek participated in this battle, will narrow your search further as a way to identify it.


    Thatsthats a great start, professor.


    Ah! She held up her index finger. But remember this, the size of an abyssal knights domain is equivalent to that of our entire world.


    what? Alex blinked.


    The hells are vast beyondprehension: you are looking for a single individual in a realm that is equivalent to our entire. At minimum, your search will be a struggle. Now, there are demons who possess more knowledge than othersand who are familiar with more of their kindlike how merchants, information brokers, or bureaucrats would know more people in our city than say a random bandit or farmer.


    Right Alex said. But if I was to go to random merchants in a small town and say: Hey, do you know a person with this kind of scar? thenwhile <em>theyd </em>stand more of a chance of knowing the person I was looking forthe chance would be much lower in a city as big as Generasi.


    Indeed, and you are looking for a single demon not in a ce the size of a city, but in a realm the size of an entire <em>world</em>, she said.


    Ugh, Alex said.


    Exactly. Ugh. That is why I would suggest that you forgo any journeys for vengeance and go back to living your life. If it is any constion, demons often kill each other: likely your enemy might live a short life.


    Paz let out a strange, blood-curdling call and Mangal smiled and petted his bald, horned head. Oh, <em>now</em> you respond to me when I am not speaking yournguage. Yes, yes, Paz, I know that is why you are here.


    Alex looked between her and Paz for a long moment, thinking about demonguages. Say, Professor, what ifI was to ask for a book on the tongues of demons? Would you have any rmendations?


    Her eyes lit up. Ah, now that is a <em>much</em> better use of your time, whether or not you decide to proceed with this folly-filled search of yours. I can rmend several books on vocabry, grammar, ents, musicality, tone and audio-prestidigitation.


    Right, rightwait, what was thatst word?


    Somenguages are literally impossible for human mouths to pronounce withouthelp, such as many demonic dialects and those of elementals. Audio-prestidigitation utilises skill and mana in tandem to allow human mouths to pronounce such alien words.


    Huh, cool, Alex said.


    It is indeed very cool. Here, I shall make you a study list of books and rmend a reading order for them. She drew out a piece of parchment and began writing down titles. We will be studying thenguages of other nester in the course this summer, so be assured that your efforts will help you do well onter assignments as well as the final exam.


    Thanks, he said. Ill try and make you proud.


    Oh and she paused her writing. What you witnessed the other day ishorrific. Do not be afraid to talk to someone about it when you are ready. Seek help. Calm the mind. Engage in meditation as well; do you know of this practice?


    Oh yeah, Ive done all of that, he said. And Ill continue to do all of it.


    Good, good, she finished scrawling her titles on the page. It is my hope that such a thing will remove your need for vengeance.


    Maybe, he thought. But it wont remove the fact that I need Burn-Saw to talk to him.


    As he and ygon left Mangals office, he suddenly felt a lot of sympathy for the authorities in Generasi. Finding someone without many details to go on wasa hell of a task, as it turned out.


    No wonder they had such a hard time catching the demon summoner, he thought. I wish I could just cast a spell and have magic give me all the answers.


    Unfortunately, such spellsthe kind from tales where witches see the future and the secrets of the universe in crystal ballswere pure fantasy. If he was going to find Burn-Saw, he and Baelin would need to work on it the hard way.


    Alex continued mulling it over in his mind as he and ygon walked through the halls, drawing eyes as they went. By now, his four-armed golem was a fairlymon sight at the school, but their performance in The Games along with the attack on the beach, had really increased the attention they got.


    Its a good thing the priests of Uldar still cante on campus, he thought. Despite Careys best effortsI wonder how shes doing, anyway?


    Thest hed heard, shed gone to see her family for the summer in the Rhinean Empire.


    The more my name gets out there, the harder itll be for anyone to push me around, he thought. Of course, the more my name gets out, the easier I am to fi-


    He paused.


    Oh, by The Traveller, Im so stupid! he said aloud, drawing looks.


    Hed been thinking about things the wrong way.


    Finding Burn-Saw was a good idea, but he was one nameless demon out of billions. But the demon <em>had</em>given him a name: Hannar-cim. What if he and Baelin summoned different demons and asked them not only about Burn-Saw, but <em>also</em> about this Hannar-cim?


    It must be a famous enough name: Burn-Saw said that this Hannar-cim did some serious damage to the demonic army he was part of. Which probably means that <em>other</em> demons should know the name too, or they might know the title he mentioned: Yushaero, or maybe this Hirshin-Eos battlefield. Information about those things would probably be much easier to find. Alright, Hannar-cim or The Traveller or Yushaero. Lets see exactly what youve been up toand if you are <em>really</em> dead.

 Chapter 248: Justice and Blood

    Chapter 248: Justice and Blood


    In the next few days, Generasi focused on healing and justice.


    First came the grim task of collecting the bodies of all those who had fallen, and returning them to their families. Alex and his friends made sure to stay far away from the stadium as it was being cleaned up. Apparently, The Watchers were surveying and purging the battlefield on Orecas Fall Ind of any remnants of the attack.


    As the bodies were being collected, so were other things.


    Over the dark hours of a single night, The Games venues and infrastructure disappeared. Throughbour and magic, the campus returned to its normal state with all of the fanciful buildings gone, like theyd never been there.


    It was like Thundar had said; in a way, it was sad to see them go, but for many folks, they would have made for grim reminders of the tragic end to The Games, Alex realised. As things returned to normal in Generasi, talk and spection increased about what the fate of the demon summoner would be.


    The city didnt make them wait long.


    Leopold Richter! the announcement had roared. Charged with treason, mass death, and abuse of wizardry, is found guilty and sentenced to Execution by Erasure.


    Alex soon learned what that<em></em>meant.


    Leopold would be brought in front of City Hall shackled with magical cuffs that prevented spellcasting by disrupting his mana, and ced on a wooden tform. For added precaution, the former demon summoner would also be blindfolded and given a paralysing potion that would stop all movement in his limbs.


    Once he was secured and well-guarded, a masked wizard known as a Deleoone of Generasis executionerswould stand across the square on another tform. An audience would be permitted to gather and witness the punishment. One of the magistrates would read out Leopolds list of crimes, which would be followed by an opportunity for the doomed man to speak his final words.


    Once he was doneif he did choose to speakthe magistrate would dere that the sentence be carried out, and then, the Deleo would cast a spell known as Disintegration.


    A beam of energy would fire and utterly disrupt Leopolds form down to the very smallest parts of his being. In an instant, he would be reduced to no more than a pile of the finest dust. The dust would then be taken by the Deleo to an unknown location, where the remains of all those whod been executed throughout time, were taken. Some thought it to be a remote dumping ground on the far end of the world, others thought it was in the ocean somewhere, while still others thought it was located on another ne of existence. Wherever it was, all the dust would be scattered there, then the Deleo would return to the City, and in a witnessed ceremony, dere the sentence carried out.


    Being sted to dust, Mr. Lumented after the announcement was made. Grim way to go, though I guess it probably wouldnt hurt very much, and if it did, he deserves it.


    I dunno, Mr. Lu, Thundar said. Sounds to me like being torn down to your tiniest bits would hurt more than anything.


    None know for sure if it does, since all those who undergo the process are very dead, Isolde said, the back of her dress slightly misshapen by the bandages covering her back. But I can say that historically, execution methods were far more brutal in Generasi. Before the wizards migrated here, the nobility of the time would execute such a criminal as Richter by roasting him alive inside a bull forged from brass. With time, executions were carried out using fire magic for a time, as well as lightning spells. There was even one execution where magic that conjured acid was used.


    Both of Theresas parents looked at her, horrified.


    She continued speaking quickly. It was used only once before it was dered so barbaric, that it should never be used again. Shortly after that, the idea of using Deleos and their disintegration magics, became the sanctioned method.


    Mr. Lu snorted. And I thought the beheadings, quartering and gallows from back home were bad.


    Im still pretty sure those are bad, Mr. Lu, Selina said.


    Whether disintegration was less or more brutal than the execution methods practised in Thamnd, Alex couldnt say, but he did approve of Leopolds fate.


    And the people seemed to approve of it right along with him.


    Cheers swept through the streets for a day and night, with drink flowing wildly at every bar and tavern in Generasi. The noise from the Brass Grapes carried halfway across campus all night.


    But things were a lot more muted when Amir Abu Salehs crime and sentence were announced.


    Amir Abu Salehfor the crime of obstruction of justice resulting in deathhe shall be punished by fifteen years of imprisonment and hardbour, the announcers magically enhanced voice had boomed through the city. Followed by immediate banishment and exile from Generasi uponpletion of his sentence. Never again will he be allowed to set foot on any of thends ruled by Generasi authority, under penalty of death.


    The reaction to this was far more mixed.


    There were no celebrations that night: some expressed their anger at the sentence, calling it too light. Others said it was appropriate. Amirs family and friends had very little to say about it.


    But Professor Jules definitely had something to say.


    Alex ran into her while they were both on the way to the library, and she seemed her usual busy and proper self. Even her bodynguage seemed to say that all was normalbut there was something in her eyes.


    Quite frankly, Mr. Roth, she said as they walked toward the library side by side, with ygon following behind. I am mostly relieved that the criminals have been caught, that no more death and mayhem from this idiocy will ur, and that the expedition will begin its preparations again shortly.


    When do you think the expedition will begin? Alex asked.


    She blew out a breath. The pause has been most inconvenient: we will have to do some renning before we begin in earnest. Supplies will have to be re-organized, and then there might be the issue of the weather changing on us since we will be beginningter than originally nned. We must also inform your king that our little domestic problem has been resolved.


    He paused. Will he understand? What is King Athelstan like?


    Oh, I havent the foggiest: <em>Ive </em>never met the man, only Baelin and the ambassadors from the city have.


    Ah, okay, Alex said. Have you seen Baelintely?


    Not yet, I fear he will be busy until after the closing ceremony for The Games, Professor Jules said. There are going to be special speeches, considerations, and additional rewards handed out I hear.


    Right, that makes sense.


    Alex wished he could talk to Baelin sooner, but there was no helping it.


    The student and professor fell into silence for a time, simply listening to the wind and the birds above.


    And then


    That foolish, foolish boy, she sighed. At that moment, she looked like shed aged twenty years. He had such a bright future ahead of him. So bright. I thought that Amir might eventually earn a ce teaching here, and perhaps tenure at some point in the future.


    Yeah Alex paused, a little unsure of what to say. I dunno if I should feel bad, or angry, or whatmaybe all of it.


    Mm, she mused, ncing in the direction of the city. Well, he is being punished, that is all that matters. And as for his fortune, at least he can make something of his life.


    What do you mean? Alex looked at the direction of the city as well. Exile seems pretty bad to me.


    It was a merciful sentence, she said. He is still young: after fifteen years, Amir will merely be in histe thirties.


    Oof, thats old, Alex said.


    The professor looked like she was going to say something <em>very</em> pointed to him, but then decided against it at thest moment. No, it is not old, Mr. Roth. It is still reasonably young. He will pass fifteen years, and hopefully, will make use of that time to contemte what brought him to this terrible point in his life.


    But what about the exile? Alex asked. Hell never finish his studies here.


    True, he will not, but Amir is a capable wizard able to cast fifth-tier magic and produce magical items of a simr level of power. If he travels far, far away from here, then he will have the chance to make something of his life. Life does not end when you turn forty, Mr. Roth, and the skills of a graduate of Generasieven if he did notplete his graduate studiescan carry him far.


    Yeah I guess Alex said. Or maybe hell be bitter and take it out on others. Start attacking people or doing what Leopold did.


    She paused in thought. PerhapsI do not think that is the kind of man that Amir is, but it has be abundantly clear to me that I know far less about my students than I thought. Though, if he does begin ughtering others indiscriminately, that is not Generasis issue. and often wizards that go on rampages, do notst all that long in this world.


    She sighed, and there was a bitter edge in her voice.


    Speaking of students, why <em>are</em> you heading to the library? she asked. sses do not begin again until the closing ceremony for The Games. Youre not looking for anything sinister yourself, are you, Mr. Roth?


    Just doing some studies on demonguage and blood-magic is all.


    Charming, she said sarcastically.


    Blood-Magic.


    Alex took a deep breath as he looked over the spell-guide for Life to Mana carefully. After what felt like <em>months,</em> he was finally ready to begin diving into it. It would be<strong></strong>a tricky spell to learn: there were plenty of risks when it came to spellcraft and The Marks interference, but since Blood-Magic connected a wizards mana to their life force, there were extra dangers to worry about.


    The spell-guide had warned about some of those special dangers. With a normal spell, making a mistake in the spell array could cause a mana reversal or other catastrophic consequence, but blood magic connected a wizards mana pool to their lifeforce. The book had given all sorts of awful examples of aspiring blood mages whod identally drained their life force dry, or funnelled their mana into their lifeforce until they burst like a bubble. A gory, meat bubble.


    Alexhaving no desire to be any type of bubblehad taken extra care with this spell, which was why he had picked this particr area to practice in, as opposed to his usual spots.


    He and ygon had set themselves up in a small area of parnd outside the universitys main castle, closest to the door that led to the campus infirmary. If he messed up the spell enough to wreck his own lifeforce, he wanted to be as close to medical staff as he possibly could be.


    The area was fairly busy; people were going to and from the infirmary doors every few minutes: mostly family members visiting loved ones whod been injured by the demonic invasion. A few of them nced at him as they went past, with most seeming to recognize him and his golem, but no one stopped to make conversation. The little bench he was sitting on was right beside a bronze fountain forged in the image of the infirmarys symbol: two snakes curling around a tower, with all three shooting arcs of water into the air.


    The flowing water reminded him of the flow of mana and life through the body, and the practice of Life-Enforcement: he couldnt help but wish he could learn it. It had taken Theresa and Grimlochs abilities to levels that even surprised them, levels that would really enhance Alexs training in blood-magic. But, because of The Mark, he knew it would be too dangerous to try since it was not only a divinity, but to use it, ones mind and spirit had to remain perfectly calm. His mind could never maintain that level of calm, not with The Marks interference mming into it for trying to have anything to do with divinities. With spell casting, he had his experiences before he got The Mark to help him through the interference, but he had nothing to draw from with divinities. Even just trying to test for any affinity with Life-Enforcement, could kill him deader than the soil in The Barrens.


    Theresa had said that only a minority of people who tested for her Life-Enforcement ss werepatible, and that her professor didnt let anyone who couldnt achieve a calm state of mind even <em>attempt</em> it. Even people whod tested and werentpatible, but <em>could</em> achieve a calm mind, ended up in the infirmary when they failed.


    With The Mark interfering, if he only ended up in the infirmary, hed be lucky. The chances that hed bepatible were small, but the chances that hed be super dead if he merely tried testing for an affinity with it, were massive.


    As much as hed like to try Life-Enforcement, it was something hed have to stay away from, at least for now.


    Still, he had a lot of years of learning ahead. If he ever managed to figure a way to get rid of, or even master The Mark, Life-Enforcement would be high on his list of things to test for. But, that was a future problem.


    For now, he needed to deal with more immediate problems.


    Alright, blood magic, he said, conjuring two Wizards Hands. Lets see what you got.

 Chapter 249: Life to Mana

    Chapter 249: Life to Mana


    Alexs Wizards Hands flipped through the pages of Life-to-Manas spell-guide as he gently scratched the skin around the dressing under the sling on his left arm. The healers had warned him that his arm might get itchy, but to never remove the elbow splint or the dressing on his forearm.


    If he didnt mess around with it and made sure to exercise that hand, then they should be able to take the splint and sling off in a couple of weeks, and finish whatever healing he might need to his forearm with blood-magic. There were times when he thought hed go crazy from the itching, so, as far as he was concerned, those weeks couldnt pass fast enough.


    One Wizards Hand kept turning the spell-guides pages until he had it stop at what hed been looking forthe description of the spell-array and the apanying diagram for its magic circuit. Over the years, other mages had scrawled little notes and reminders in the marginplete with doodles.


    Some of them were pretty funny. There was one of an odd looking vampire wizard with the caricature of a heart skewered on top of a pointy staff which made Alexugh out loud. It seemed someone had kept their sense of humour even while taking such an intense course. That sounded like his kind of person.


    He took out a page of notes hed made with a detailed n on how to tackle learning the spell. Since hed never practised blood magic before, he wanted to be extra careful, so hed gone over past experiences learning other spells toe up with his n. He looked at the notes one more time, took a deep breath to calm his mind, then began the first words of the incantation.


    Immediately, previous failures mmed into him but he guided himself through, slowly and methodically, taking his time with the spell-array.


    There was no rush: he had no sses to worry about, preparations for Theresas birthday were well underwayhe and her parents had been enjoying themselves in conspiring when she wasnt aroundand Shales Workshop was closed for a few more days out of consideration for what had happened on Orecas Fall Ind and at the arena.


    So there was just him, and the spell to worry about.


    For at least an hour, he spent his time making sure hed forged the first part of the magic circuit correctly, and that the foundation for the rest of it was solid. Thest thing he needed was a sloppy beginning. Once he was sure the first part of the spell was constructed, he


    went over it in obsessive detail for another half hour. There was no room here for careless mistakes.


    Alright, alright, Alex finally said to himself as he was starting to go cross-eyed from concentrating so hard. Time to move on now, man, youre just dying the scary part. Lets get on with it.


    He referred back to the spell-guide to make sure he hadnt missed anything for the next step: the second part of the magic circuit was the section responsible for connecting his mana pool with his lifeforce. This was where things could go horribly wrong, and it was also one of the mostplicated parts of the spell-array.


    When activated, this part would generate a sort of gated funnel to serve as a bridge between his lifeforce and mana pool. Within the funnel, thered be three gates acting like carefully controlled filters, sort of like the strainer Theresa used for her pine needle tea. The first gate was like a dam, controlling the amount of lifeforce that flowed into the funnel; it would quickly close after the proper amount had run in.


    The next one filtered the lifeforce: life energy was asplex aswell, life itself. Some forms of it were very simr to mana, while others werepletely different: it was like how a ss of wine was actuallyposed of multiple different substances, something Alex had learned during distition practice back in an early alchemy ss. He snorted at the memory: still surprised that no one had tried drinking the stuff. After all, theyd actually distilled pure alcoholthen again, maybe the quicksilver incident had scared everyone too much.


    In this spell, the gates would filter the lifeforce so that only its energies most simr to mana would be channelled into the mana pool. The other energies were necessary for a living being, but would be much harder to convert to mana, so theyd be pushed back into the rest of his pool of life. The funnel would then disintegrate, breaking the connection between his lifeforce and mana pool so thered be less chance of something disastrous happening.


    Once the life energy was in his mana pool, another part of the magic circuit would act as a sort of conversion chamber and change the life energy to mana. The chamber would then release the new mana into the rest of his pool, and the magic circuit would fade as the spellpleted.


    Alex was amazed at the efficiency of the process: very little energy would be lost through conversion. These sorts of spells hadnt always been so efficient because with early versions, there was no conversion chamber.


    If a wizard kept casting spells, exceeding the amount of mana they had and used it all up, a magic circuit would have to rely on life energy instead, weakening the casters life force. It was simr to what happens to the body during a famineas hed learned in magic lorewhen starvation causes it to break down muscles, fat, and even the organs as it tries to stay alive. Alex shuddered, remembering the diagrams illustrating the process and end result.


    Originally, blood-magic spells functioned in the same way, and werent only inefficient, but very dangerous. But because of a blood mage named Liza Athori, the discipline had gone through a minor revolution when she created the conversion chamber part of the magic circuit. Her discovery had saved a lot of wizards'' lives.


    Maybe Ill think of something thatll get me one of those fancy footnotes: some new process thatll be named after me. Maybe the dungeon core substance Images of priests sprang into his mind. Or maybe not.


    While the conversion process was important, Alex was a lot more concerned with making sure the funnel was formed correctly; he focused harder on that part of the spell array than any other part. If any of the gates were malformed or didnt form, then his lifeforce would gush into his mana pool like a river until his body turned into a dried out husk.


    Since he had no interest in being mummifieddespite amusing images of himself scaring his family and friendshe kept his focus on avoiding mistakes there.


    Alex took a deep breath, centering himself, then cast the foundational part of the magic circuit again and began creating the funnel. It was a very tricky process. The Marks interference,plexity of the spell, and nervesbined, and he kept repeating the same mistakes.


    Soon, he was damp from a cold sweat, battered by a constant stream of past failures at spellcraftand now, a steady throb was beating through his skull.


    Ugh, now Im frustrated <em>and</em> soggy, he thought, wishing hed brought along something to dry off with. He took a few breaths and dove back into the spell.


    He kept himself focused, slowly making progress constructing the funnel while sweat dripped down his hair, face andwait, that was a <em>lot</em> of sweat. What was going onhad he sprung a leak? He stopped the spell.


    Alex blinked, shaking himself and looking around for the first time in what felt like hours. At some point, the sky had clouded overthe weather magic preventing rain during The Games had been cancelledand rain was pouring like it was making up for lost time. People ran through the parnd; some casting wind and rain shields on themselves, struggling with wax covered umbres, or simply getting drenched.


    Alex wiped his face with his shirt, then froze.


    Oh shit, my books! he cried, looking at his basket of books beside him on the bench. To his pleasant surprise, theyd hardly gotten wet, considering how hard it was raining. He looked up. The bench isnt sheltered by a tree or anything so howe they- He startled: ygons arm was extended and his hand was open over Alex and the forceball, partly protecting them from the rain.


    Diddid I do that?


    He wondered ifwhen he was wishing he had something to dry himself withhis thought had been transmitted to ygon. But, that didnt seem very likely, which meanthis golem had initiated an action on his own.


    Maybe.


    Big guy, can you hear me? Alex said, excitement rising in the pit of his stomach.


    ygon remained perfectly still. Alex reached over and patted him.


    Hello? he said.


    No movement.


    It looked likeif there was a mind forming in therethen it wasnt fully conscious yet, or it didnt <em>want</em> to talk to him yet. He was a little disappointed, he couldnt lie.


    Thats okay, take your time, Alex said, casting wind-and-rain shield three times: once for himself, once for his booksto be extra cautiousand once for ygon. Then he went back to the spell.


    OkayI think I can get this in a few more tries. Im almost there.


    Diving back in, he continued constructing the funnel. On the fifth attempt, he got the first gate right. Then, after a few more run-throughs, he formed the others perfectly. He repeated the process a dozen more times before feeling satisfied with the results.


    Alright, he said. Only one thing left to do.


    Once again, he constructed the funnelguiding his mind through The Marks torrent of failuresand then allowed that part of the circuit to activate. The funnel attached itself to his lifeforce and mana pool, forming a bridge. Alex gasped: it felt like someone had poked him with a stick somewhere deep inside his being. A heartbeatter, he felt a new sensation wash through him. It was strong, even through The Marks interference.


    Lifeforce began running through the funnel and into his mana pool. It was nota good feeling. In some ways, it reminded him of how hed felt when the mana vampire was draining him, though this was much less striking. In heartbeats, it was over; Alex felt an odd shifting inside, quickly followed by a slight mana jump.


    Without the conversion chamber though, he didnt feel his mana increase by muchpared to the fatigue setting in.


    That conversion chamber must really get that efficiency up, he said, standing up and stretching; his left arm had begun to hurt. Around him, the rain had lessened, but it was turning dark.


    Jeez, how long have we been out here? Alex absently said to ygon. I guess maybe we should get going.


    With his two Wizards Hands and his one good one, he quickly packed up and started toward home after noting his progress in his blood-magic notebook.


    <em>25%.</em>


    All in all, hed gotten a little faster at learning spells.


    On the walk back to the ins, he began thinking about the expedition and skills he might want to learn before it began.


    I dont have a way around The Mark for capturing Burn-Saw alive, he said to ygon. Ive got quite a few solutions for killing things, but really nothing for taking them alive. I mean, I could always just have you grab them, but if theres anything that the fight on the beach taught me, its that you cant always be there to smash <em>or</em> grab stuff.


    He needed something that he could use to capture things directly. His alchemy textbook contained plenty of potions to make people sleep: he might be able toe up with aerosolized versions of those like his other booby-trapped potions. The ingredients for them werent cheapthough he did have more coin nowand they werent ones that he could get from hisb-time with Professor Jules.


    No, they would be forter. What could he use from the potions he <em>could </em>make?


    Theres got to be a way to slow things down. Can you think of anything, buddy? he asked ygon.


    No response.


    Enh, worth a try, Alex said, returning to the problem. I wonder if I could somehow <em>reverse</em> the effects of a Haste Potion? Yeah, maybe try that, but I cant just keep relying on gassing things with potions. So many folks in The Grand Battle had Orbs of Air around their headsI need another tool.


    His mind returned to the idea of creating a staffbut while his winnings from The Games were a nice boost to his funds, staves could be <em>extremely</em> expensive and he didnt want to burn that much coin on tools and supplies. What he <em>could</em> do was begin looking up ways to craft one and make a n.


    For ingredients


    if I used more dungeon core substancelike I did with you, buddythen I could probably rece some of the more expensive stuffbut what can I do <em>before</em> the expedition? How to capture thingsa chain, maybe? Thats not a weapon, and if I put shackles on-Naw. He shook his head. The Marks definitely gonna get pissy if I start swinging a chain at someone. A, maybe? Or maybe a rope? Bs?


    Hed have to look around and see if there were any rope tricks that people used to tie up enemies or other creatures from a distance.


    Okay, so Ill check out the rope stuff tomorrow- No wait, cant. Theresas birthday and the closing ceremony is tomorrow. Next day, then.


    When he got home, hed have to check on the preparations for the party: see what else the Lus had been working on. Even Selina had-


    He paused as a figure caught his eye.


    There was also a familiar three headed hound padding through the rain on the path ahead but, it wasnt Theresa walking him.


    Selina had one hand clutching an umbre, while the other held Brutus leash. A bag hung from her shoulder, and she was walking slowly, looking more toward the sky than the direction they were walking in.


    Something about her seemed different.


    Older.


    Grimmer.


    The wind blew, billowing her cloak as his eyes caught sight of the sheathed knife thrust through a leather belt around the waist of her trousers. Through the rain, it was like he wasnt seeing his <em>little</em> sister, but rather a hint of the woman she would grow up to be. She looks a lot like mom. He whispered.


    A wave of emotions swept through him, only interrupted when she spotted him and ygon and waved from across the grass. She gestured with her umbre, telling him toe closer, then pointed at her bag.

 Chapter 250: Flowers for the Fallen

    Chapter 250: Flowers for the Fallen


    Hey Selina, Alex said as he and ygon trudged up to her on the path. The golems massive y feet sshed through the growing puddles on the cobblestones.


    Hi Alex, she said. Are you all done with your spell practice stuff?


    Well, done might be a <em>strong</em> word, I think, he said. I-Argh!


    Brutus padded up to Alex, shook the water from his furwith all three sets of jowls ppingthen licked the young mans face.


    Aggggh, he groaned, suddenly sttered in fur filled rainwater and dog drool.


    Brutus seemed to spend a lot of his time shedding.


    Selina immediately did what any good sister would dostartughing until she turned red in the face.


    Aw, thanks, thanks a lot, he groaned. Ive just been assaulted and youre <emughing</em>. Ugh.


    Out of spite, he reached down, took the end of her cloak and wiped his face.


    Hey! she cried.


    Notughing so hard now, are we, you littlesomething, Alex said, remembering Kybas and the possible unpleasant nature of his old nickname for Selina.


    Little <em>what</em>? she asked, her green eyes narrowing.


    Nevermind, he said quickly. Uh, where was I? Oh yeah, I got started on the spell. ItsI think its going well.


    Thats really good, she said, looking at his basket of books. I cant wait until the fall so I can start learning magic too.


    Itll be a lot of theory for you at first, Selina, Alex said. They dont start the junior school out with spells.


    You started that way. You learned a spell behind our backs all by yourself, she said, ncing at his forceball.


    Yeah, well thats not the right way to do it. And I didnt do it <em>behind your backs</em>, I just did it in secret. He wrapped his right arm over the injured one. Anyway, whats up? Did you want to show me something?


    Yes. Here, hold this for a second. She handed him her umbre then opened her bag.


    He leaned over and peered inside: several small bouquets of white lilies, all wrapped in wet cloth, were inside.


    They said we can bring flowers to the ceremony tomorrow- Selina said. -and offer them to the people that died.


    Really? Alex looked back at her. I didnt know that.


    I found out earlier, so I asked Mr. and Mrs. Lu if I could go and get some for all of us. She looked down at the flowers with anodd expression. I got some extra ones too, for the people fighting at home. The Heroes.


    She looked up at him. And yeahthats what I wanted to show you.


    Its a good thing that youre doing, he said. I think the people who died because of the demon summoner, and the ones who died because of The Ravener would have appreciated you thinking about them.


    I hope so, Selina said. Its the least I can do.


    He paused. Whats with that look?


    What look? she asked.


    The one you just had? Are you mad about something?


    She paused. Brutus sat down beside him. For some reason, the need to get out of the rainwasnt nearly so urgent at that moment.


    Maybe, she said.


    do you want to talk about it? Alex asked.


    I dunno.


    Her frown deepened and her big brother tried to figure out what to say. On the one hand, if there was something wrong, he wanted to talk to her about it. On the other hand


    he looked down at the knife that Theresas parents had given her. Maybe he shouldnt keep trying to pull every little thing she was thinking out of her.


    Alright, he said. If you figure things out, you can tell me okay.


    thanks, she said. You want to go back home now?


    Yeah, good idea. Well get those flowers in some water and get them ready for tomorrow.


    ###


    Today we are gathered in celebration, gratitude and grief, Baelins magically augmented voice boomed over the stadium, cutting above the murmur of the crowd and the hiss of rain on the rain cover above.


    Once again the seats were filled, and everyone watched the chancellor as he floated above a central tform where the ss<strong></strong>cauldron that held the sword of Roal stood. He was nked by Watchers of Roal, officials from the city, and nearly the entirety of the universitys faculty. In front of the tformy a great stone basin filled with water.


    Dozens of lilies and other pale flowers floated on the waters surface: offerings for those who had fallen. On the sides of the basin, the names of everyone who had lost their lives in the attack had been carved in remembrance.


    One week ago, our city, our university and our campus were beset by a vicious wretch who thought to ce his own beliefs above the lives and desires of the fine folk of this city, Baelin said, and his voice seemed older than usual. More tired. While it is an immeasurable tragedy, it is also a triumph. Those who strove and fought on the beach of Orecas Fall, in the stadium where we are now gathered, and in the botanical gardensthose who made the ultimate sacrifice, and those who thankfully, were not made toare to bemended. Their efforts made the toll that we all paid much lighter than it would have been without them.


    He gestured down to the basin. Hence, this monument will honour not the tragedy that befell us, but the triumph<strong></strong>of those who fell, and those who survived the day. As the third chancellor of the University of Generasi, I have the deepest gratitude for all of your efforts, and sacrifices.


    Alex sat with his family and friends, holding Theresas hand. Selinaseated on his other sidehad her hands folded in herp. Their group was sombre, and there werent any tears today, but disys of grief were everywhere around them.


    The Watcher with the eyepatchGeminifloated up beside Baelin.


    Today! she shouted. We honour the triumphs of the past as they seed the triumphs for the future! In battle, magic, research and craft, the victories of tomorrow are built on the efforts and sesses of yesterday! And yesterdays sacrifices!


    The battles of yesterday- The Watchers roared in unison, startling some of the city officials. -seed the victories of tomorrow! Glory to those who still stand! Glory to those who have fallen! May we never forget them!


    In a grim sense, Gemini continued. This years closing ceremony for The Games of Roal is the closest to the very first celebration of Roals triumph over Oreca: the namesake of our order did not seed without sacrifice, or without loss of life! Many Generasians perished<strong></strong>in the battle against Oreca, his priests, sea-beasts and divine servants, and that first ceremony honoured those who fought, stood and fell!


    Her good eye looked at the sword of Roal. And today, we will do the same! Not only will medals and prizes be granted to those who won The Grand Battle and The Games in Roals honour, but we will also recognize and reward those who fought against the demon summoner! Please rise and proceed to the stadium floor when your name is called!


    Gemini stood tall, squaring her shoulders with military discipline and announced name after name of participants in The Grand Battle. One by one, Alex and his friends rose<strong></strong>from their seats and made their way down to join the growing crowd on the arena floor. The participants were directed to form two lines, one on either side of the memorial. With the basin in the centre, it became three linesthe memorial for the fallen formed the third.


    Other names were also calleda new row formedand Alex saw Ram and other referees from Orecas Fall make their way down to join it. Next to be honoured were those who had fought in the stadiumincluding Hobband a number of Watchers were called from their ces standing at attention near Gemini, joining the line with all who had helped to end the assault on Generasi.


    Professor Salinger and Baelin joined the group as equals to the rest.


    And finally, for his most crucial role in locating the demon summoner and in the battle within the Botanical Gardens, I call Kybas of the n Chulu to take his well-deserved ce here!


    Alex was stunned.


    He hadnt heard that Kybas had been involved in stopping the attackand what was he still doing in the botanical-


    Oh shit, the harvest, he whispered.


    Theresa nced at him but didnt say anything.


    Kybas came down the stairs with a mix of pride and nervousness as every eye in the stadium followed him. Harmless was by his side, as always.


    The two of them took their ce among those who had been part of the battle.


    Those who still stand are now assembled! Gemini spoke again, cing her hands behind her back. I will now call the names of those who were injured and are still receiving care. To each of you, know that you are not forgotten! She read their names, then said, The names called now are thest, but they are not the least. They may not stand with us, but they are here in spirit. Please honour them with a moment of silence as I call each name!


    One by one, Gemini announced the names of the fallen on Orecas Fall Ind and in the stadium, and the mood became more sombre. Above, the rain hissed on the rain shield. Pockets of weeping travelled through the arena, breaking the silence.


    This probably <em>was </em>what it felt like during that first ceremony to honour Roal; a mix of pride, pain and joy. Alex thought as he stood with his head bowed.


    Once Gemini had called thest name and finished honouring them with a moment of silence, she spoke again: And now, we shall proceed to the final part of the ceremony; the awarding of prizes for this years Games of Roal andmendations for those who participated in the battle.


    At that point, Baelin stepped out of line and joined several officials. They went down the line, presenting awards: each person who had fought against the demons received the Universitys Milnos Thniel Award for Excellence in Service, which was a silver button forged in the shape of an elven wizard holding two staves.


    Alex was surprised that he recognized the wizard: his was one of the two giant statues that stood in the courtyard of the universitys castle. Milnos Thniel was the second chancellor of the university, the one who had held the position just before Baelin. Alex had never heard of the award before, but Isolde had whispered that it was a very significant one to receive.


    His chest swelled with pride as it was pinned on his shirt.<strong></strong>Next, he was presented with the bronze medallion for The Grand Battle, along with a purse of coin equivalent to fourteen hundred gold pieces.


    Baelin gave him a respectful nod and then continued down the line. He pinned the award on Theresa next and presented her with her bronze medal and coin, then he moved down the line to rest of their teammates. As Alex stood among these folk who hadeither by choice, desperation, or simple circumstancefought against the demonic horde, he had a revtion about Thamnd.


    This must have been how it felt for past Heroes, he thought. At least for the Chosen, Sage, Champion and Saint.


    He remembered stories of days-long celebrations held to honour The Heroes triumph over the Ravener in past cycles. All of Thamnd had been made safe and the people had returned home and The Heroes were celebrated in triumph.


    How would that have felt? he wondered. Standing in the capitol, knowing that everyone in your entire kingdom is celebrating your victory and your sacrifices?


    Then his thoughts turned bitter.


    And how would it have felt for Fools who made it to the end? he thought. Standing with yourpanions, knowing they had a bright future while you were doomed to go back to obscurityor even mockery.


    His attention shifted to audience members who wept as the awards were being handed out. Their weeping grew louder when pinsand one medalwereid at the foot of the memorial.


    No, thats not what I should be thinking about, Alex thought. Fools mightve had it bad if they made it through the cycle, but at least they got to live. How does it feel for those folks up in the stands? The ones with dead loved ones. How does it feel to see the living getting awards, while their loved ones are only names on a cold b of stone now? He shifted ufortably. And how does it feel watching awards being ced at the foot of some cold memorial while people talk about how theyre going to people who arent with you anymore?


    He swallowed hard, thinking of the expedition and something Isolde had told Mr. and Mrs. Lu one day during The Games: that Baelin wouldnt always be there to help and protect them. While going on the expedition had him excited, there was something that was true: they were heading into a war zone.


    He was going back into the belly of the beast to take its resources, its secrets and hopefully, learn ways to end the beast forever. As far as he knew, what they were about to do had never been done before, and that in itself was terrifying. In the end, The Heroes had never destroyed The Ravener permanently, but each cycle they always won by carrying out Uldars n.


    He, his friends, Baelin and what the expedition would be doing wasnt in Uldars n, it was something different. Apletely new path. An unknown one. The path The Heroes was on was a known one and from what hed seen, it was still scary. He was The Fool, he wasnt supposed to be on a path to learn more about The Ravener and maybe end him permanently. There was no roadmap for him to follow.


    There was only a new path filled with unknowns ahead of him.

 Chapter 251: Memories, Recognition and Inheritance

    Chapter 251: Memories, Recognition and Inheritance


    I have a feeling this wont be thest memorial service I attend, Alex thought grimly, his eyes falling on the stone monument as a sombre feeling welled up in his chest.


    A grim image formed in his mind: another monument being erected somewhere in Thamnd or Generasi, one that had familiar names etched into the stone: <em>Lady</em><em>Isolde von Anmut, Prince Khalik Behr-Medr, Thundar, Son of Gulbiff; Grimloch</em>maybe even <em>Theresa Lu</em>.


    He quickly shoved the image away, but it made his mind turn to a graveyard in Alric where two gravestones stood, each bearing a name: <em>Roger Roth</em> and <em>Anna Roth.</em>


    His and Selinas parents.


    Alexs opinions about those stones had shifted over the years. At first, hed <em>hated</em> them: those tombstones had seemed like nothing more than a sick joke to him, two cold pieces of rock sticking out of the dirt to rece their parentswith cold ash and bones buried deep belowand he was supposed to <em>like</em> them? It was hard to even look at them without getting mad, and he remembered one awful evening when hed stood in front of them for hours, screaming for them to give his mother and father back.


    Yettime went onand so had he.


    The emotional wound began scabbing over, then faded to a scar. It still hurt, it always would, but it wasnt as raw anymore, and that slow healing had changed how he saw their graves. Once, theyd been two rocks that were poor recements for his parents, but hede to see them as somece where he could goto talk to them.


    It was like the stones were banks on a vastke andif the wind blew just rightmaybe someone could hear him on the distant shore. Emotions welled up in him, and he felt his face grow hot. He looked up at the audience.


    I hope they can heal some day, and that goes for everyone from Thamnd who has loved ones fighting there. Frustration tugged at him. Still, what would be best is if thered <em>never</em> been a demon summoner. <em>Or </em>a Ravener.


    His mind remembered something hed thought about yesterday while practising Life-to-Mana: how he wouldve liked it if there could be a note in a book in the future about some incredible contribution hed made to magic.


    What would be even better is if a history book had a notation that said: <em>Alex Roth helped destroy The Ravener of Thamnd once and for all</em>. Yeah. Thatd be a pretty nice way to be rememberedand itd make for a lot less memorials.


    Andst but definitely not least, Baelin announced, cutting through Alexs thoughts. All who stand before you are heroes in the eyes of the University of Generasi, but there is one who deserves <em>special </emmendation.


    The chancellor was standing beside Kybasholding a silver pinwhile a city official smiled down at the confused looking goblin wizard. A que and veryrge sack were gripped<strong></strong>in the officials hands.


    For his pivotal role in finding the demon summoner and bringing his whereabouts to our attention, Baelin continued. And for risking not only his own life, but the life of his familiar as well, I recognize Kybas of the n Chulu with the Milnos Thniel reward.


    Baelin ced the pin on Kybas shirt while the city official made his own announcement.


    And for his service to the city in capturing a dangerous criminal, the official said in a warbling voice. We award Kybas of the n Chulu with the Generasi Award for Heroism and Service, along with a twenty thousand gold coin reward for the capture of the demon summoner.


    Holy <em>shit, </em>go Kybas! Alex thought.


    He began to p, and apuse soon swept through the stadium. The little goblins eyesfilled with shockdarted between the official, the audience, the que, and the sack. He smiled, then gave a shy bow to the people in the stands.


    The apuse thundered throughout the arena for a long time before slowly dying away to let the ceremony continue. Friends and family of those who had diedboth in this attack and in past oneswere invited to speak, and they expressed feelings of anger, sadness, grief, loss and even gratitude. Alex listened to every word, letting them wash over him, giving them the respect of hearing what they needed to say. When thest person had shared their grief, Gemini floated back up above the sword of Roal.


    And now we have honoured the triumphant, the living and the fallen, she said. Know this, participantsas I close these Games of Roalyou can walk with your heads held high. You have done things that would make Roal proud. You are the sort who make others safer just by being near you, and that is a rare breed in this world. Walk tall.


    She floated down to the ss cauldron, wrapped her fingers around the hilt of Roals sword, and drew it from the seawater.


    With that, I dere these Games of Roal closed! Walk tall, friends. Walk tall!


    As the ceremony came to its end, folks<strong></strong>began milling about in the centre of the arena, talking for a time before going their separate ways. Shiani, Malcolm, Evynder and Rhea made their way over to<strong></strong>Alexs group, visiting for a while before Alex excused himself to go looking for a certain goblin. He and ygon found the very overwhelmed looking hero surrounded by a crowd peppering him with questions. Some were congratting him and thanking him in earnest, while othersmany who wouldnt have given him a second nce without the pin on his chest and que and sack of gold in his handswere asking him if he and Harmless coulde to their businesses or houses for a nice visit. The scene was a little too familiar for Alex. He well remembered being mobbed after winning the Dual by Proxy. Kybas looked like he wanted to escape, so Alex called to him.


    Hey! Kybas! He waved his good arm enthusiastically.


    Alex! Kybas spotted him and grinned, relief washing over his face. Excuse me. He said to the swarm of people around him, trying to get away.


    The little goblin and his crocodile familiar pushed through the crowd as Alex let ygon lead the way toward them.


    Congrattions! You <em>deserve</em> this, mate, Alex said, leaning down to p his friend on the shoulder. What you did helped so many people. Seriously.


    T-thank you, Alex, Kybas said nervously, but very brightly. Im sending a message to my n as soon as I can. I think theyll be proud of me. The ancestors too.


    Theyd better be, Alex said. SoIm guessing youre going to be renting some mushroom beds?


    Oh yes, yes! Kybas grinned. Im going to grow so many mushrooms and make so many potions for Harmless! By the time Im done, hell be able to use that bigva turtle as a warming rock!


    Hah! Wouldnt that be a sight. The young manughed, ncing at the crowd. Actually, I want to talk to you about something. Something private.


    The pair moved away from the crowd, well out of earshot. He leaned down and spoke quietly into one of Kybasrge ears. Heydid the harvest go okay? No one caught you or anything?


    No, Kybas whispered. I was scared about that: that demon summoner came around my tunnels just before I got thest of the mushrooms out and I had to hide them when I went for help, then sneak back to get them and fill the tunnels a few days ago. It was close too; the schools started renting the botanical gardensthey wouldve found my tunnels then I woulda been in big trouble. Not good for me and Harmless, not good at all! He hissed.


    Well, you got all your stuff out, right? Alex said. Even if they found them, there was nothing to connect you to them anymore.


    I dunno. Kybas scratched his head. I kept thinking that, but then I started thinking What if I forgot something?, What if I left a footprint or something?


    Yeah, I get that. He remembered his own paranoia after being interrogated by those investigators, even though he hadnt done anything wrong. Well, alls well that ends well. Youre flush with coin, and you got your stuff outpletely free and clear. This is a good time to be Kybas.


    Yeah, Kybas took a quick look at the crowd at his back. I think a lot of people think it''s a good time to be Kybas friend, but I dont remember any of them being my friend before I got these coins. He said, shaking the bag.


    Yeeeeaaah, they kinda have a little bit of thirsty Derek odour dont they? Alex said.


    Eh? Thirsty Derek? Kybas asked. Whos that?


    Likehe was in our alchemy ss. he reminded the goblin. You knowred hair?


    Oh yeahI dont remember him much.


    Huh, okay. Well, you didnt miss much. And speaking of missing things He nced over at Theresa. Listen, it''s Theresas birthday today.


    Happy birthday to her!


    Yeah, well what Im saying is maybe you can tell her yourself, Im sure shed love to have you drop by. Come on,e and celebrate with us!


    Kybas looked at the group for a long moment. You knowif its all the same to you, I think I peopled enough for one day. I kinda just want to go rx in my roommaybe Ille by a littleter?


    Alright, man. Alex pped him on the shoulder and told him where the party would be. Rest up, and if I see you there, I see you there.


    For the daughter of tavern owners, there was really only one ce on campus they couldve held Theresas party.


    A bunch of tables had been pushed together at the Brass Grapes to form one massive one, with Theresa sitting at its head. On either side, rows of family and friends were seated; the cabal was there, as well as Grimloch, Nua-Oge, Sinope, Hogarth and Svenia. Most of their friends from Baelins ss hadeincluding a newly healed Rayneand some of Theresas other friends from Life Enforcement, including Shi-Shi.


    A chair scraped the floor as Mr. Lu stood up. To our daughter: a happy birthday to Theresa! he cried, holding up a goblet. A medallist in those fancy games and a fighter of demons!


    Father! Theresa protested as her motherughed. Youre being too loud!


    Mrs. Lu held up her cup. Saviour and warrior! she joked. Champion of-


    <em>Mother!</em> the colour drained from Theresas face as she looked around the bar; other patrons were looking at them with interest. It was a good thing Alex and the Lus had booked their table at The Brass Grapes well before The Games even started. After the memorial ceremony, the bar had filled up with people toasting friends whod fought, stood, and fallen during the attack. There was no way their group couldve gotten a table if they hadnt made those reservations.


    Everyone took a long sip of their drink for the toast; most had wine or beer, but somelike Selina, Shi-Shi and Malcolmhad stuck to water.


    Khalik, of course, drank stronger stuff. I also propose a toast, the prince said. A happy birthday to Theresa, and all honour and glory to those who fought and fell at The Grand Battle.


    Here here, Rhea said.


    Mmm, Grimloch grunted.


    To those that fell, Theresa said, raising her cup.


    You know, this is the way to do things. Thundar went to wipe his mouth with his sleeve, paused, then grabbed a napkin instead. In my herd, we celebrate births and deaths at the same time: Glory to life at its beginning and end, thats what the elders say.


    A good way of putting it, Isolde said.


    Yeah Selina agreed. I like that.


    Soon, the waitstaff brought out a feast. Roasted venison, beer-battered fish, greens with a garlic dressing, spanakopita and crispy ffel with goat cheeses on steaming tters. The aromas made Alexs mouth water, butjust before they were about to tuck into the mealMr. Lu tapped the side of his goblet.


    Sorry to interrupt before we eat this wonderful spread, he said. But theres something that we need to do first.


    He looked at his wife before standing, then moving to the front of the Brass Grapes to an area where cloaks and gear was stored.


    Mrs. Lu cleared her throat, drawing everyones eyes.


    Theresa, her mother said, leaning over and cing her palm over her daughters hand. You have grown into a wonderful young womanit seems like I blinked and that baby that kicked and screamed so much became that young girl walking into the forest and bringing back wild beasts- She nced at Brutus, who watched her from Theresas side. -and then the grown woman whos getting medals and silver pins andwho people are thanking for the things shes done. Youve really grownwhich is why, well, I know gift-giving was supposed to be after supper, but were your parents. Well do what we want until you stop us. She smiled, squeezing her daughters hand.


    As she finished, Theresa suddenly gasped, looking past her mother. The older womans smile grew. Alex turned.


    And gasped.


    Mr. Lu was on his way back to the table with a pleased expression on his face.


    In his hands, he carried a long, thin object. One Alex recognized well.


    It was the second of Twinde Lus swords.

 Chapter 252: Grand Gifts and Unholy Friendships

    Chapter 252: Grand Gifts and Unholy Friendships


    Theresa, Alex and Selina stared at the sheathed de in Mr. Lus hands. The de and its twin had held legendary status in the Lu household while they were growing up: always to be kept stored away from prying eyes and curious little fingers.


    Theyd gotten used to seeing Theresa carrying the one shed borrowed, but to see its twin in Mr. Lus hands nowhad taken all three of them by surprise.


    I wont lie, Mr. Lu said as he walked up beside his daughter, who seemed to be in a state of shock. His grip tightened on the swords scabbard. For years I wondered what to do with my grandfathers des: which one of our children to pass them down to. There was always the traditional way: grandfather passed them down to his eldest son, and my father passed them down to me, <em>his </em>eldest son. Always eldest to eldest.


    He chuckled. But <em>our </em>eldest sonAlberthad no interest in either of them. He made that very, very clear; even said that if I ever gave them to him, hed cart them off to the nearest merchant and sell them.


    Theresa made a sound like a puppy whose tail had been stepped on, which Alex found to be amazingly cute. He <em>wouldnt!</em> she said in rm.


    Mr. Lu gave a wry smile. Maybe not, but I dont really have any interest in forcing burdens on people. And swordswell, theyre always burdens. Theyre a responsibility, and I lost sleep trying to figure which of our <em>other</em> children should take that responsibility. That is, until Theresa took the decision out of my hand by sneaking away with one while my back was turned.


    His daughters eyes immediately looked down, and her father watched her, evenly. I wont lie, that did upset me. You needed a weapon, Theresa: did you really think I wouldve said no if youd just asked me for them? You needed them.


    ImIm sorry. There wasnt time, she said, shifting in her chair ufortably.


    Welltheres time now. And youve shown your mother and me that these swords can do a lot of good with you. He presented her with the de like he was a high priest conducting a coronation. Grandfathers sword always looked lonely in your handI think its time for its twin to meet it again.


    Mrs. Lu rose from her seat and smiled at her daughter. Happy neenth birthday, Theresa.


    Theresa stared at the sheathed de for several heartbeats. Her eyes began to shine, and she jumped up and wrapped her arms around her parents.


    Thank you! Her voice was choked with what sounded like a host of emotions. Thank you! Oh by The Traveller, thank you!


    Alex felt himself begin to choke up; he also heard a snifflee from nearby.


    Selina must be feeling this too. I guess-Thundar!? He had turned to see the muscr minotaur leaning away from the table with a napkin pressed to his face.


    I just got something in my eye. Bloody dust! he grunted.


    Yes, it is called a ''tear, Thundar, Isolde said, and she too looked a little red around the eyes. Alex noticed her cradling the hilt of her stiletto.


    Selina looked like she was quietly sniffling into her napkin.


    Thank youthank you so much, Theresa said to her mother and father. Ill try to bear both of my great-grandfather''s swords in a way to make both of you proud.


    Youd better, Mr. Lu said. If after all this, you go and sell, break, or lose them, then Ill never be able to show my face to your uncle again. He wanted those bloody swords so much when we were young.


    Really? Theresa said. Why didnt grandfather give them to him then?


    Because he was just that right mix of wants them too much, wants to <em>use</em> them too much and knows too little about how to use them. They wouldve gotten him killed; your uncle can <em>make</em> swords, but he sure cant use them to save his life!


    Im going to tell him you said that, Mrs. Lu giggled.


    Not if you dont want the rest of our stay with him to be as unpleasant as a boil on a mooses behind. Heughed.


    Now that we have that taken care of, lets eat! Everyone dug into the feastying before them, though Theresa could hardly think about food. She kept looking down at the curved sword on the table in front of her with a mix of awe, excitement and nerves.


    Alex could sympathise: that weight of responsibilityhed felt it all too often.


    As the party went on, topics shifted. Shi-Shi, some of Theresas other friends from Life-Enforcement, Isolde, Khalik, Thundar and Grimloch all lined up to see the fabled second sword of Twinde Lu.


    I cannot get over the sheer craftsmanship, Isolde murmured. Just look at it.


    Theresa didnt unsheathe the sword in the bar, but Alex noticed that the hilt and crossguard had been freshly cleaned and polished. The scabbard looked like it had received some love too: the leather was bright and the brass on it was polished to a perfect shine.


    That giftes at a good time, Khalik said to Alex. It will serve her well during the expedition.


    Yeah. Alex speared a piece of fish, while trying to manoeuvre around his slung arm. Every now and then hed have a Wizards Hand feed him, but kept it to a minimum when Isolde made ament about unseemly behaviour in a public ce.


    I will take somefort knowing that we are properly equipped, Khalik said. Between those swords and Grimlochs armour, The Games proved very fruitful in bolstering our resources for whatsing.


    Mhm, Alex said quietly. Its a good thing too. Im sure The Raveners monsters wont exactly lie down and hand us the dungeon cores.


    Indeed, Khalik agreed. I suspector at least hope that the attack by the demon summoner was much more dangerous than what we shall face in your homndbut one never knows.


    Yeah, Alex said. Well just have to meet that challenge when ites, just like we did on the beach.


    True, we will not be alone. Still, though Khalik said, ncing down at Alexs sling. How is your arm?


    Its alright, the young man said, gently touching the sling. It was making eating the birthday meal a little moreplicated than he would have liked, but hed made the best of it so far: it couldve been a lot worse. Its inconvenient, but it doesnt hurt or anything. Mostly just itchy these days, and Im supposed to get this thing off soon.


    That is good. That is good news. Butin any caselet us not dwell for much longer on such grim talk. We celebrate Theresas birthday. This is a time for joy, not dread.


    I hear that, brother, Alex said.


    The party continued, and people at other tables came and went. Eventually, a familiar figure appeared at the entrance to the Brass Grapes.<em></em>A short figure had slipped into the barlooking all aroundthen brightened when he spotted the long table.


    Kybas! Theresa stood up. Wee! Alex said you mighte!


    Sorry Imte, Kybas approached them with his familiar at his side. Is there room for Harmless and me?


    Will be once we get another chair. Grimloch turned around, reached over and grabbed an empty seat at the next table, startling the guests sitting<strong></strong>there.


    Grimloch! Nua-Oge chastised him. You shouldve asked if they were using that!


    He growled. You using this? he said to the people at the table.


    Even if we were, we arent anymore, one of them said.


    Good. Grimloch dragged the chair over then pointed at it. Sit.


    Grimloch, I- Nua-Oge started to say, then just pressed her mournful face into her hands. Nevermind. Just nevermind.


    Alright, I never minded.


    No, Grimloch, I-


    I dont mind either! Kybas said. I like this group! You all know how to do things right!


    He jumped into the chair as Grimloch gave him a grunt. Hm. That we do. What was your name again?


    Kybas, and you?


    Grimloch. Whos your little friend.


    Harmless! Kybas grinned evilly. I am feeding him lots of body enhancement potions so he grows up very big and strong! And killy! Then when bad guys are running and screaming, I can say: No worry! Hes Harmless!


    The sharkman actually looked startled for the very first time since Alex had known him.


    Then he did something absolutely terrifying.


    Heughed.


    Deep, booming, harshughter that sounded more like boulders grinding together under water, filled the bar, drawing horrified looks from every other table.


    Thats <em>brilliant.</em> Grimloch grinned.


    I know, <em>right?</em> Kybas grinned back.


    Everyone at the table looked at each other in rm, as though something <em>unholy</em> had just been forged. The thought of Kybas and Grimloch getting along actually chilled Alexs blood.


    What have you done? Khalik whispered.


    I dont knooow? Alex whispered back.


    Ooo! Just in time for dessert! The goblin rubbed his hands together as he saw the waitstaff approaching.


    Warm butter cookies, slices of tiramisu, berry tarts, biscotti and candied chestnuts were brought to the table, much to the delight of everyone there, who then promptly began ignoring the horrifying conversation taking ce between Grimloch and Kybas.


    Well, everyone except for Selina, who seemed to be listening with interest.


    Well, thats unnerving, Alex thought.


    By the time dessert was done, he felt like hed swallowed arge bag of rocks and it looked like everyone else was in the same state of fooda. Quicklybefore anyone fell asleepthey got to the gift-giving part of the celebration.


    From me, Isolde said, handing Theresa a fine poniard. I saw you staring at it in the weapons shop more than once, and I thought it would look much better on your belt than it did hanging on their wall.


    Thank you so much, Isolde, Theresa hugged the taller woman.


    Her other gifts were things she also had a connection with: a nice collection of world maps from Khalik, beads that folk used when meditating from Shi-Shi, an antique book about Life-Enforcement from Nua-Oge and Grimloch, a new leather quill filled with arrows from Thundar, a pair of very realistic looking y figures of her and Brutus running that Selina had carved, and a lot more good stuff that she really appreciated.


    Alex had decided to go all out with his gift.


    Happy birthday, Theresa, he said, handing her a box that was long, broad, and not too deep.


    Whats this? she asked, shaking it.


    Dont shake it! Mr. Lu chastised her. Come on, Theresa, youve turned neen, not <em>five</em>.


    Father, I wont see twenty if you keep embarrassing me like this! she protested.


    Well, thatll be bad, but if you <em>do </em>keel over from embarrassment in the next year, at least youll do it with a cool new toy, Alex said. Open it.


    Everyone leaned toward Theresatrying to get a better look at therge giftas she undid the sps on the box. She slowly and gently lifted the lid, like she was opening a treasure chest in some ancient temple.


    She gasped. Oh, by The Traveller!


    The huntress drew a curved, C-shaped object from the box. It was crafted from a mix of fine wood, the horns of a bone-drinker, polished brass, and glue made from the bones and tissue of monsters from The Barrens.


    Alex, thank you, thank you, thank you! she excitedly hugged him. Thank you so much!


    What is it? Nua-Oge asked.


    Its aposite bow! Theresa said, grinning like a happy child. Its got the power of a longbowor even morebut its smaller and morepact! Its <em>perfect</em> for hunting!


    Yeah, and the draw weight is a heck of a lot higher than the bow youve been using. With the right arrows, that thing could punch through chainmail and thin te armour. Now the downside of these bows is that wet weather can mess up the glue that binds the horn and wood, Alex said. But your bow had an alchemical treatment to seal the glue: you could drop it into the middle of the Prinean and it wonte apart. It isnt enchanted, but its what alchemists would call enchantment ready. Which means the materials will take mana well. And it''s got glyphs inside thatll make it easy to enchant. So, if you want, you can get magic effects addedter.


    This is great, she said. And the brassits going to go well with the golden string I got from the archery contest!


    Right? Alex smiled. That was kind of the idea. A really cool bowstring deserves a really cool bow for its really cool archer.


    Gross, Selina said. Now youre <em>really</em> sucking up!


    I am not!


    He is, Selina, he is, butby The Travellerhes doing a good job, Theresa said.


    As the gift-giving came to an end, everyone drank and talked a little longer before finally pouring out of the bar and heading home.


    Theresa came up beside Alex as they walked through the moonlight.


    That was amazing, she said to him, her parents, and Selina. Thank you so much. She looked down at the sword on her waist, the velvet bag with the y figures inside, and the box with the bow in itwhich she clutched to her chest like a precious baby. I cant wait to use them.


    Im d youre so happy, Mrs. Lu said. And Im d we got to celebrate with you before we leave. Now, we just have one more birthday to go.


    She pat Alex gently on his shoulder. Just a couple of weeks until you turn neen too.


    Yep, He said. And I expect you all to absolutely <em>spoil</em> me. I can evene up with a gift list. An expensive one!


    Pfeh, Thundar grunted. So much for ageing gracefully. You didnt even get me anything for <em>my</em> birthday!


    You didnt tell anyone when your birthday was! Alex protested.


    Excuses, excuses, the minotaur snorted like he was offended.


    I think we should get him the greatest gift of all, Khalik began.


    Oh no, Alex groaned.


    -expulsion.


    Oh,e on!


    Perhaps we should frame him for a crime, Isolde tapped her chin in thought.


    He probably already did something, you know how much of a hardened criminal he is. I heard they even dragged him down to the station. Suspicious, if you ask me, Thundar red at him suspiciously.


    Youre all traitors! Alex shouted.


    Oh dear, Theresa, I didnt know you were dating a hardened criminal. Mrs. Lu looked at Alex with feigned worry.


    Ugh, with friends like you, who needs The Ravener? He asked mournfully.


    It had been a full day for everyone. It began with paying respects, sorrow, and recognition, and ended with a much needed celebration. Wounds had begun to heal into scars, and some folks could think about moving forward to brighter tomorrows. All in all, it had been a bittersweet day.


    Alex looked forward to getting his sling offthough he was worried about what his arm would look like under the magically treated bandage.


    Wounds might heal, but scars tended to stay.

 Chapter 253: Scars

    Chapter 253: Scars


    So there has been no pain at all? the blood mage asked Alex as he examined his sling.


    None, Alex said. My arm was itchy until a couple of days ago, but even thats almost gone now. Its healing, Id say, though Im obviously not the expert here.


    Good, good, the medical staff member jotted down a note and readjusted his monocle. Sounds like things <em>are</em>healing up nicely.


    Alex and the older man were sitting in an office in the infirmary that was painted in yellow and blue. The door was closed, but the sounds of people bustling back and forth in the hall could be heard. Along one wall sat rows of medical supplies.


    Tools like callipers, bandages, splints and basins stood beside alchemical supplies like mana-soothing potions, poultices that enhanced natural healing, and mana-powered tools for physical exams. Another shelf was overloaded with books on anatomy, encyclopaedias of poisons, herbs and curatives, and texts on the spread of disease.


    And tell me, do you notice any issues with range of motion on the left side of your body, Shannerhartthe medicsaid, peering at Alexs eyes one at a time.


    Not a bit, the younger man said. If anything, its just the sling thats slowing me down now.


    Good, good, good. Shannerhart scrawled down another note in Alexs chart. And youve had no fevers? No sicknesses? No issues with manipting mana or channelling into magic circuitstely?


    Nothing like that. Im as healthy as a horse.


    So you are, Shannerhart said. I must say, young man, you have done excellent work when ites to taking care of your body. Too many studentse to this school and only focus on feeding their minds, building their magical prowess, and pickling themselves with wine and ale. They neglect the physical until they find themselves sick.


    Why, thanks, Ive been trying to keep healthy, Alex said, flexing his free arm. Ill be honest, one of the annoying things about the sling was that I couldnt exercise, and I missed that.


    In the space of a yearthanks to his Mark-assisted training program, and support from Theresa, Khalik, Thundar and Grimlochhis body and endurance had grown to a level where he could do physical things hed never dreamt of doing before.


    He could run for miles before he got winded, and the weight he could press above his chest these days, was more than double his entire body weight when theyd arrived in Generasi. A yearand a magical Markcould change a lot about a man, it seemed.


    Well, keep it up, the blood mage said. As long as you dont overdo it and cause yourself an injury. And watch your back. Imagine that sprain in your arm but across your lower back instead: its the sort of thing that could weaken you for life.


    Oh, Im being careful.


    Good, good. In any case, from what you report, it seems that there are no issues with infection, disease, poison or curses. Demons can inflict <em>very</em> nasty wounds, so this is a good thing. And I apologise again that we couldnt use blood magic to heal the sprain faster But, Im sure you understand what we were up against. Shannerhart adjusted his monocle and sighed. There are still many recovering whove suffered significant injuries from those demons, and we had to use our mana reserves strategically when there were so many in need.


    Alex pointed to his sling. Yeah, I understand. Id be a pretty big jerk if I was like, why didnt you prioritise this little sprain over someones broken leg or wed up body?


    Well, youd be surprised how often we getints like that, Shannerhart said. Now, you have some people waiting for you in the waiting room, I believe. Lets not keep you and them here all day.


    Slowly, he took off the sling then asked Alex to roll up his sleeve and extend, stretch, and move his arm slowly. Then, he took a look at the dressing. Now, ording to your medical record, your wound was quite deep. So, just to warn you, there <em>might</em> be some scarring.


    Well, at least its not on the face, right?


    Hah! Shannerhartughed. Some would say that gives the face character. But in either case, lets see what that dressing is hiding.


    He carefully snipped the bandage with a pair of silver scissors, then began to unwrap ityer byyer. Alexs cheer soon faded as the skin on his forearm was revealed for the first time in over two weeks. Normally, dressings were changed once per day for a wound like hisording to the medical staff on the beachbut his had been soaked in a solution of potions that kept them clean and repelled water and infectious agents.


    The healing poultice had long turned dry and crusty, but beneath that


    Oo, thats quite the scar, Shanerhartmented.


    Under the bandage a long, raised, reddish-brown, ugly, welt-like scar ran along the length of Alexs forearm. It was ragged, like a dull de had sawed through it. No wonder it had bled so much. Disturbingly, it reminded him<strong></strong>of the scar that had led him to call the demon responsible for it, Burn-Saw.


    Well, Shanerhart said. It could be a lot worse.


    People keep saying that, Alex thought.


    If its any constion, the medic said. It looks nasty, but it shouldnt cause you any difort, pain, or loss of motion as time passes. Ill give you an ointment to rub it with every night for the next few weeks. It should keep the scar from tightening, if you use it faithfully. Dont forget now, some women like that kind of thing. It makes you look more adventuresome.


    Shanerhart winked with the monocled eye, giving him a bit of a creepy look. Alex just smiled politely.


    Well Im sure Theresas parents wont like it. He turned his arm back and forth, examining the scar from every angle. And neither will Selina.


    Seeing the scar made everything that had happened recently snap into sharp focus, like it was a preview of things for the future. He swallowed. A year ago, getting a scar like the one running along his forearm would have scared him into forgetting all about expeditions, and looking for a nice job behind the biggest, safest desk he could find.


    But Wizardry was dangerousand the more Alex learned about the world, the more he came to understand that even if he didnt go looking for violence and danger, then it would have no probleming to him. The demon summoner, mana vampires and The Ravener, proved that.


    Sure, he was still nervous about the expedition, but he, his friends and colleagues from the university would be tackling a dangerous foe head-on, instead of letting it run rampant.


    Some of Geminis words from the memorial ceremony came to mind:<em> you are the sort of people that make others around you safer just by being nearby.</em>


    Just like the silver pin hed received from the university, this scar was a badge representing that. Hed bear it with prideespecially when Theresas parents werent looking.


    We could probably make it fade somewhat. Shannerhart adjusted his monocle while he leaned over and examined the scar again. A little bit of Skin Renewal Poultice and it would be much less noticeable. Is that something youd be interested in?


    No, not really, Alex said. I think Ill keep it just the way it is. If anything, itll remind me ofa lot of things.


    Very well, then. Shannerhart moved away. In that case, I dere you a free man, Mr. Roth.


    Alex thanked the blood mage and left the examining room, stepping into the busy hallway while adjusting the sleeve of his shirt before he entered the waiting room where Theresa, Mrs. Lu and Selina sat. Mr. Lu was probably outside with Brutus and ygon.


    Alex! Howd it go? Theresa asked, getting to her feet quickly.


    I only have three days to live, he said mournfully. I came to say goodbye to you all.


    All three of their faces immediately went from worried to unimpressed.


    Aw, thats too bad. I guess that means theres no birthday for you, Selina said.


    Whoa whoa whoa, did I say three days? Alex said quickly, enjoying the fact he could raise <em>both</em> hands again in a slow down gesture. Sorry, the pain from this deadly wound must be messing with my mind: I meant to say, liketwo weeks and three days. Just enough for you to get me birthday pres-Hey wait! Wait, where''re you all going?


    His family was swiftly walking toward the door without a single look back at him.


    How dare you abandon a dying maaaaan! he called after them.


    They began to walk faster, trying to exit the building as quickly as possible. Pushing the doors open, Selina even turned to shut them before he could get through.


    Hey! Alex followed, bursting through the doors after them.


    A startled Mr. Lu and Brutus turned toward him.


    What happened? the older man asked.


    Mr. Lu, theyre so cruel to me! Alex said mournfully.


    Whatre you talking about?


    Im dying, and theyre abandoning me-


    Hes not dying, father, Theresa said dryly.


    Oh thats fine then, Mr. Lu said and casually joined his wife, daughter and Alexs sister in walking away quickly. If youve got the energy for jokes, then you must be fine!


    Alex sighed, looking over at his golem. Oh, ygon, youre the only one that appreciates me.


    His golem did not make a single movement or noise in response.


    Alex was sure he was just imagining a look of disappointment on ygons sculpted face.


    After Alex had given his family a serious report on how he was <em>actually </em>doing, the young wizard took his golem and went to see someone hed been hoping to meet up with for at least a week.


    Arriving at the top of the castle, his knuckles poised over a set of fancy double doors when they suddenly opened on their own.


    Ah, Alex, Ive been expecting you, Baelin said as heand a small army of silver-glowing Wizards Handswrote and signed a mountain of paperwork that rose across his desk. I unfortunately do not have much time to chat today, but I am d to see that you came by.


    d you made time for me, Baelin, Alex said, shutting the doors behind him. Is uhnow a bad time?


    Nonsense, I was in need of a little break anyway. Thest week has been a marathon. Baelin finished signing a final sheet of parchment then slid it away with a look of disgust. Have a seat.


    The chancellor looked at ygon, examining the golem for a moment. And how are you, myrge friend?


    The golem did not respond.


    Ah, well, worth a try. He turned his gaze back to Alex as the young man sat down in front of the desk. No further signs of developing intellect?


    Well, about that, Alex said. Thats actually one of the things I wanted to talk to you about.


    He told Baelin about the incident with the rain, where it seemed like ygon had shielded him and his books at his own initiative.


    Fascinating, the ancient wizard said, drawing his hand through his beard-braids. He nced back at ygon before turning back to Alex. Anything else?


    Thats it, the younger wizard said. Do you have any idea what could be going on?


    Hmmmm. Baelin tapped his fingers on the table. There have been incidents of magical items gaining intelligence in the past quite spontaneously: I once knew a warrior whose de had a simple enchantment that sharpened its edge and made it nearly impossible to dull or break. After carrying the thing for a while, the sword suddenly began speaking and <em>singing,</em> if you can believe that.


    That sounds like it could beannoying.


    Oh it was. Dreadfully so. Unfortunately, no one was able to determine how the change hade about. As I said, there is some spontaneity when ites to magical items and constructs gaining intelligence. I suspect that in your ygons case, the only spice that will stimte his growing mind will be time, though I am not sure. And what about evolution?


    Theres been nothing on that, Alex said.


    Ah, I suspected as much. With golems made from chaos essence, their triggers for evolution vary as much aswell, the roiling bed of chaos itself. However, while the dungeon cores substance shares a lot of simrity inposition to chaos essence, it is a different material, after all. I suspect that the trigger for <em>ygons</em> evolution will likelye from other dungeon cores, their monsters, or this Ravener.


    Yeah, that sounds reasonable, Alex said. I guess well see when the expedition starts, then. Speaking of that, when do you think well be going?


    End of summer most definitely, Baelin said. Everyone is anxious to get started, but, if I am to have the time to spare to see to this properly, we will have to settle all of the paperwork in the aftermath of Leopold Richters atrocities against the city before we can embark. His attacks have also caused someconcerns among other officials. People are arguing that more <em>muscle</em> will be needed to protect the lessbat-ready researchers. That involves discussion, sourcing and the hiring of warriors and battlemages.


    Well, better to do this with the best resources instead of rushing in too early.


    Agreednow, how is your arm? I see your bandages are off.


    Yeah, theres a scar there, but Im just thankful that I still <em>have </em>the armwhich reminds me, Alex said. I think I have a lead on The Traveller.


    Truly. Baelins eyes grew sharp. Do tell.

 Chapter 254: An Ancient Search

    Chapter 254: An Ancient Search


    Hannar-cimHannar-cim, the chancellor rolled the name around in his mouth. Interestingtheres a familiarity to it.


    Really? Alex sat bolt upright.


    Yeees.hold for a moment. Baelins eyes seemed to ze over as though he were seeing something that was invisible to the naked eye far off in the distance. Yes, I remember now. Roughly five hundred years ago, I summoned a demon for the purpose of killing a number of rats creating havoc in a cer, and-


    Wait, hold on, you summoned a <em>demon</em> to kill <em>rats</em>? Alex leaned forward in disbelief.


    Of course! Why not? the chancellor looked at him with honest confusion. Now mind you, it wasnt a very strong demon, but demons can make exceedingly gifted pest exterminators. They are perhaps the second most naturally gifted killing agents in all the nes.


    Alex swallowed. Whats the most gifted? Dragons? War-spirits?


    Themon housecat.


    What? That cant be right.


    Several extinct species of bird, small mammal, and reptile <em>would</em> beg to differ were they not, of course, extinct, he said. In any case, it was a BuBu: a small demon that amuses itself by scaring children and feeding on small animals. This particr one did make a strange request of me when I summoned it. I used subjugation summoning to bind it to my will, but it still tried to bargain with me. It asked if I knew where to find a Hannar-cim.


    Holy crap, this is big, Alex said excitedly.


    Indeedbut it is not the first time that I have summoned a demon who has asked if I know so-and-so mortal. I think many demons believe that the material ne is much smaller than it actually is; they seem to assume we all know each other.


    Alex felt his face flush with embarrassment: he had sort of made a simr assumption when hed thought all demons spoke a singlenguage. But, Baelin didnt need to know that.


    Did you look into the name? Alex asked.


    It pains me to say it, but I only did a cursory search, he said. Demons often simply try to bargain for information or knowledge on mortals who have wronged them, or may have given them petty slights. Most often, the mortals they seek arein factlong dead. I searched through certain reference books at the time, made inquiries of a few friends andwhen I found nothingI assumed that the demon had just named some petty summoner who had called it long ago. Now, with hindsightI regret that I did not dig further. Pfeh, if you live long enough Alex, you cane to regret your every action if you let yourself.


    Illuhkeep that in mind, he said. Can you summon the demon again? Maybe it could have learned something in thest half-thousand years.


    Hrm, we can hope, Baelin said. Before I do, though, you said the other words wereHirshin-Eos and Yushaerothose titles I have not heard before. And you said that this Burn-SawI see your skill for naming things has not growncalled out these names after it sensed the energy thates over you when you use summoning or teleportation magic.


    Yeah, and thats why I think it has something to do with The Traveller, Alex said. Like, I know there might be other variables at y here, but the timing was toospecific. I could be wrong, but I <em>think</em> its pretty safe to assume shes who he was referring to.


    Indeedindeedat any rate, while the data is not firm enough to create a conclusion, it is definitely firm enough to warrant more investigation. Now, then. Let us begin with our closest lead.


    Baelin rose from his chair. If you would be so kind as to stand aside, Alex.


    The young wizard immediately got out of his chair and moved beside ygon while the chancellor stepped around his desk. Baelin extended his hand before him and spoke the words of an incantation, which Alex recognized as the words of a first tier summoning spell.


    He could feel the connection form between this world and the faraway hells that demons called home. A circle drew itself on the floor of Baelins office and the air shimmered within the space.


    There was a shift in reality and then a creature came boiling up out of the stone. It was a sleek, vicious looking thing that appeared to be a lean, hungry cross between a goblin, a monkey and a hairless cat. While it had eyelids like a cat, its eyes were strangelike ss balls with multiple lenses in them. They sort of reminded Alex of the flies eyes he used to look at when he was small and would catch insects to examine them. These eyes looked simr to those.


    It had a long tail that separated into four fingers at the tip: from the centre, a vicious looking stinger protruded.


    Hello- Baelin said a name in one of the many tongues of demonkind. It sounded like nails scratching along stone. -it has been quite some time since we met, has it not?


    The creature let out a horrible screech at the chancellor.


    I see that time has done little to improve your mood or your manners- Baelin sniffed, then made a face. -or your smell for that matter. So let us keep this unpleasant business brief. Do you remember asking me about this name: Hannar-cim?


    The demon gave him a dull look, then made a screech that sounded suspiciously like a question. Alex focused on The Mark, trying to let it help him start picking up the demonsnguage, but he had too little experience listening to demons speak. The Mark had no memories to draw from to help him.


    You do not remember? Baelin asked. I know it was some time ago, but you seemed so intent on getting an answer from me at the time. Do not tell me you have no memory of this now?


    The demon screeched at him.


    Aaaaah, there it is. And where is he?


    Another screech.


    Ah, that is a pity. Then tell me everything <em>you</em> know of this Hannar-cim.


    Alex listened as Baelin went back and forth with the demon, trying to find <em>some</em> meaning in their conversation. The only thing he got for his trouble was a dull headache from all the screeching.


    Finally, Baelin waved his hand. Very well, you are dismissed.


    The little creature vanished from the world, and Baelin turned to Alex. Well then, that was illuminating.


    Whatd it say? Alex asked, almost desperately.


    Very littleand yet very much, Baelin said. It did not know much about Hannar-cim, and it had evenrgely forgotten the name: it seemed that when I had summoned it all those many years ago, it questioned me on behalf of another demon who was of higher station in the hierarchy of its domain. <em>That</em> was the demon looking for Hannar-cim.


    Something in Baelins voice made Alex think that there was some not-so-good-news concerning this other demon.


    And that other one is dead, isnt it? he asked. Or gone?


    Oh you were right the first time, Im afraid, Baelin said. It seems that some time ago, the abyssal knight that ruled this creatures domain angered an abyssal knight-<em>errant</em>: a sort of wandering warrior in the hells, much like how mortal knight-errants function in yournd, or the Rhinean Empire. They quarrelledand the knight-errant won handily and consumed his rival before setting upon and killing all of his enemys servants. This creatures immediate superior was among the ones destroyed. Permanently.


    Damn, Alex swore. I guess it was too good to hope the answer would be right therebut it doesnt sound like the whole thing was a bust?


    It was not. For one, our little friend <em>did</em> refer to Hannar-cim as a she.


    Alex felt his heart jump. Thatsthats one thing in favour of this Hannar-cim being The Traveller.


    Indeed, and there is more, the ancient wizard said, and Alex could have sworn he heard a young mans excitement in his voice. The creature did not have all of the details, but it appeared that a price had been ced upon this Hannar-cims head for a humiliation she had subjected another abyssal knight to, though it was unaware of which one that was. I also know that it has had no dealings with any demons from Ezaliels realm, which shows that this Hannar-cims influence extends beyond one domain in hell. He also said that hed been instructed to search for her with discretion.


    Right Alex mused. So maybe Burn-Saw and the demons that attacked Generasi arent the only ones that know about her. but Burn-Saw was pretty open about using me when he saw me: there was nooo way he was trying to be discreet. It seemed like the exact opposite to me.


    Hm, that <em>could</em> mean that whichever high-ranking demon it was that was humiliated by this Hannar-cim, might be dead or has given up on attempting to hide the event. Things are often influx within the hells, so anything is possible concerning that, really. Now, there is <em>another</em> piece of information we have gathered that the demon did not tell me directly.


    What is it? Alex asked.


    Think about it. Think about when I summoned this creature.


    You mean right now?


    The first time. What did I say?


    Well you said it wasfive hundred years agooh shit, thatd be a little more than a hundred years before The Traveller wouldve been born.


    Indeed. Baelin looked at ygons face, carved to look simr to the goddess statues in the Cave of the Traveller. This Travelleris most curious. A book with anguage that I do not know, that not even the members of my cabal knowancient Heroes that seemed to have participated in battles a hundred years before they were bornand recent sightings on other nes. Well, hasnt this be an interesting mystery. It might be enough to convince my cabal-mates to take more of an interest in the subject.


    Okay, okay, Alex said with excitement. So we learned some things. We definitely learned some thingsbut I guess we could also bepletely wrong and this Hannar-cim could have nothing to do with The Traveller.


    Indeed Baelin said. On the one hand, this Hannar-cim was a woman and so is the patron saint of your homnd. It seems that this Burn-Saw had direct contact with this Hannar-cim and identified something in your manawhen you used a teleportation spes something <em>so</em> familiar, that it was convinced that you were this person. Those things indicate a link between Hannar-cim and The Traveller. And yet, there are disparate time periods, which indicate that there might not be a link. Hm. Baelin tapped his chin. I will see if your high priest or your king might permit me to take a quick look at that cave you used to get to Generasi. More clues likely lie there.


    I wish I coulde, Alex said. But those priests would sense me around there.


    Well, you will likely be busy with investigating the dungeon cores and their capabilities, the chancellor said. Not to mention the search for any demons that would know of this Hannar-cim, which I shall conduct together with you. Now, one unfortunate matter is that this demon has not heard of any sightings of this Hannar-cim in recent times: it only knows what it found out from its deceased superior ages ago.


    Ah okay, Alex said, puzzling things over. So Burn-Saws heard of Hannar-cim being sighted in the nes more recently, but this demon hasnt. Huh.


    Indeed. Well, the hunt is on as some would say, the chancellor said. Let us see how difficult it will be for us to find our quarry.


    He nced up at a timekeeper on the wall and made a face. Well, would you look at the time? I fear that is all the break time I have for now.<strong></strong>Later, we shall look into this with moredepth. I must admit, I am eager to see what we shall uncover.


    Yeah, me too, Baelin, me too, Alex said. Oh, uhcan I ask you onest question?


    Certainly, as long as it is a quick one.


    Uhis there life on other worlds? On the material ne?


    Baelin raised an eyebrow. AlexI faintly recall saying that I had time for a quick question, not please confirm or deny several incredibly contentious theories that have gued wizards for some millenia.


    Well, I thought you might be able to answer fastyou know, with a yes or no. That sort of thing. I was wondering if Hirshin-Eos wasmaybe in another world? What do you think? Alex asked.


    Though he had a feeling he would be wasting his time, he tried reading Baelins bodynguage: but got nothing. The chancellor was stilmost stone-like in stillnessand as Alex was observing the ancient wizard, he got the distinct feeling that Baelin was observing him in exactly the same way.


    Then I shall answer with only one word: perhaps, Baelin said. There is evidence for such a conceptand evidence against it.


    Alex remembered something that Mangal had told him, about if archmages <em>had</em> discovered other worlds with life and resources, they wouldnt exactly go around telling everyone else their secrets.


    Yeahokay, Alex said. Welllets just say that you happen on the knowledge of this Hirshin-Eoswherever it might be. Do you think you could tell me?


    Why yes, the chancellor said. I will tell you as soon as I know. After all, I am a professor. What good would I be if I didnt teach?


    Alex got the distinct feeling that while Baelin <em>did</em> teach, he didnt necessarily teach <em>everything</em> that he knew.

 Chapter 255: Late Summer Days

    Chapter 255: Late Summer Days


    As the days passed and both the demon summoner and The Games of Roal receded into memory, things started to return to normal in Generasi.


    sses resumed, that atmosphere ofpetitivenessas folk had prepared for The Gamesfaded, and summer grew closer to fall. Soon, the greatest concern the students of the University had wasnt who would win medals and prizes for feats ofbat and magic, or where the demon summoner would strike next; it was about more ordinary things, like assignments and uing exams. Life had returned to normal, or as normal as life could be in an entire city of wizards.


    The summer semesterthough extended for an extra weekraced toward its conclusion, and Alex found himself and his friends once again buried under a small mountain of work.


    Isolde became her usual intense study-mode self: exhausted as the days went on, spending more time in thepany of books than people. The cabal met up to study together through the remainder of the semester with Khalik and Alex quizzing each other from their Magical Botany notes.


    You would think that the destruction of the botanical gardens would have made Salinger go a little lighter on us, the prince groaned as he copied a diagram of a magical nt from a textbook. I think hes actually be even <em>more</em> filled with zeal!


    Yeah, I thought hed be busy focusing on renting, Alex said. But, somehow hes found plenty of time to make us identify every bloody nt thats ever felt the touch of sunlight and mana.


    Oh, it cant be that bad. Thundar looked up from his own books. You think its going to help with the expedition? I mean, identifying nts sounds like itll be a good skill to have when were out in the wilderness.


    Yeah, Alex said. Its definitely going to help, but for now, I just want a break. Ugh, well, were getting through it, and at least its better than fighting for our lives.


    Indeed, Isoldes voice came from behind several towers of books. I have the sense that soon we will have enough excitement in our lives. I, for one, wee a return to normalcy.


    I suppose I do too, Khalik agreed. Speaking of things returning to normal, how are those skin-renewal treatments going?


    Quite well, Isolde said. I am fortunate that the ws did not prate much deeper than they did: the scarring should be essentially invisible soon enough. And Svenia has made a full recovery.


    Good, is she back to work? Thundar asked.


    Hogarth and I insist that she rest for a little longer, though she is growing restless. She feels she is more than ready to return to her duties.


    Yeah, Alex said. Well, shes not the only one whos been eager for things to return to normal.


    Shales Workshop had called the staff back to work shortly after the memorial service. Lagor had been busy, picking up the ck for his assistants while Shales was closed for the period of remembrance. But, even though they were back working at full capacity, he seemed to be giving Alex special consideration even after his sling hade off.


    Dont push yourself too hard now, the crafter had said one shift. The tool room <em>does</em> need reorganising, but its not urgent or anything. Take your time with it.


    Im alright, Im alright, boss, Alex hadughed. Im not made of ss. Im fully recovered and ready to go, seriously.


    But Carmen and Ekebewhod been hired to rece Minervusseemed to be going out of their way to see that Alex had a lighter load.


    Ive got this, Alex, Carmen had said toward the end of one shift. Why dont you head out a little early, I can finish cleaning up.


    Carmen, Im fine, Hed said. Youre the one with little ones waiting for you toe home. Im good, Im good.


    It was actually a good thing Alex was healthy again: Shales needed all hands on deck. After the demon summoner was caught, thered been a spike in orders for golems for both personal defence, and the defence of customers estates.


    This always happens, Lagor said. About thirteen years ago, a great flock of harpies made air about fifteen miles up the coast. They would swoop down on the countryside and attack estates out there, and all sorts of rich folk began wanting golems: at the time, we were working nearly twenty four-hours a day just to fill all those orders, just like now. Good for business, bad for health, just like now Id say. But itll all bnce out, it always does. Its not everybody who can afford what we make, so when the wealthy get their orders filled, thingsll quiet down.


    Working a few night shiftsnot just his regr evening onessince things were so busy, meant Alex would still be there when the day shift came on duty. Hed run into Sim Shale a few times and their encounters had been surprisingly awkward, which confused Alex since Sim had seemed so friendly at The Games. At first, the boss son seemed to be going out of his way to avoid himand the young wizard began to wonder if he was harbouring ill feelings about his Duel by Proxy lossbut he soon found out that there was something else going on.


    Bright and early one morning, while Alex was taking off his safety equipment, he overheard Sim talking to another staff member just outside the room he was in.


    -keep thinking that couldve been me on that beach, he heard Sims voice saying. You know, if Bruce and Kato had been free, we wouldve had enough people to form our own Grand Battle team like we were nning to. And we wouldve been there.


    It didnt work out that way, Sim, another voice said. Just thank your lucky stars your friends couldnt make it. I was in the audience andtrust methat was bad enough. Cant imagine what it was like for the ones on Orecas Fall Ind.


    I dontI keep wondering if I couldve made a difference, Sim said. It keeps ying out in my head at nightagh, but Im no fighter. We all <em>think</em> were fighters until the fight actually starts.


    True enough. Say, theres that one guy that was at Orecas Fall, right? Roth, from the night shift? You talk to him?


    Shh! He might still be here! Last thing I want is to bring all that stuff up to someone who went through it.


    Alex listened as their footsteps moved away from the door: he was a bit stunned. Aside from having one nightmare and a general sombre feeling after the battle, hed bounced back fairly well emotionally, <em>and</em>physically.


    Meanwhile, Sim was beating himself up and he hadnt even been there. Alex didnt quite know how to feel about that. It reminded him in a way of how things usually went when people learned that his parents were dead, even though years had passed.


    Their eyes often went wide, some would gasp, some would gape, many would stutter apologies for something that theyd had nothing to do with.


    Some would say: Oh poor you, I understand how much that must hurt.


    While McHarris had actually said: I feel your pain, Rothan uncle of mine got caught under his copsing barn a few years back- and then hed gone on for what felt like forever about his own tragedies, quickly forgetting about Alexs.


    It seemed like people assumed that he must still be in emotional agony, but his pain had lessened. Hed learned to live with the loss.


    There was a time when hed even questioned himself, wondering if there was something wrong with him because yearsterhe wasnt still emotionally destroyed. Had he gotten over their deaths <em>too</em> easily?


    Sims reaction had dredged up those old questions, but now, they were about not still being a wreck because of what had happened on the beach.


    Most people meant well, but got ufortable around grief and wouldnt know what to say, so instead of saying that, theyd make assumptions about what the other person was, or should be feeling. There was no one way, or one<em> right</em> way to get through things.


    The demon summoner had made a living hell for a lot of people, and some of them would be broken for the rest of their lives, butjust like with other tragediesdwelling on them wouldnt make any of them disappear like theyd never happened.


    Leopold was going to be executed and Amir was in jail. Justice was going to be done.


    All Alex could do was move on, remember, but not dwell.


    Itll get easier, Sim, Alex said to himself quietly as he put thest of his supplies away. For a moment, he paused, remembering when Minervus had been in these very rooms. Now, he rarely thought about him. Life happens and to get through, we just gotta keep moving forward.


    Maybe one day hed get to tell Sim that.


    ###


    The thing to remember is that while there are different types of soil, you <em>can</em> convert one to the next, Salinger said from the front of the ss. And thats a very important skill for any wizard who ns to specialise in magical botany. Non-wizards have to contend with being <empletely </em>at the mercy of nature and climate. We? We cantweak things a bit. And thats an important thing when youre faced with a problem like <em>this.</em>


    Salinger gestured all around the ss.


    It was early morning in the botanical gardens, and instead of being surrounded by the lush vegetation that the ss was normally nestled in, it looked like their lesson was taking ce in the aftermath of a war zone. Renting had been going on for a while, but the gardens still looked likewell, like theyd been the scene of an incursion from a horde of vicious demons doing what demons do.destroy stuff.


    A lot of the earth had been torn up, the stones showed signs of having been recently repaired by magic and much of the nt life were just sprouts emerging from the earth.


    Sometimes you need to give the soil a bit of a magical <em>push </em>to get nts growing the way you want, Salinger said, scooping some dirt from a pot and crumbling it between his fingers. Especially if it wasnt the best soil to begin with. I once had a garden that was mostly y: it was great for growing irises, hostas, and echinacea, but not much else. Well, one month, we had so many downpours, all that water eventually swept most of the nts and a lot of the soil away.


    He ced his hands on his hips. I took a look at the ruins of my garden and analysed the remains of the soil and what I had left was junk: lots of rocks, very few nutrients. So, I cast a little spell called Alter Earth Composition, which doesnt do much for the average wizard, but boy, can it do wonders for those of us who like to dig around in the dirt.


    To illustrate his point, he cast the spell on a pot of y, and slowly, the soil changed until it had be a rich loam. A few months ago, Alex wouldnt have recognized the difference between loam and mud.


    That is a useful spell, Khalik said quietly. Ive already learned it in my earth magic ss.


    One of the students put a hand up before Alex could respond.


    Yes, Avery? Salinger nodded at the student.


    Could the spell be used on a mass scale? Avery asked. It sounds like it could revolutionize farming around the world.


    It has, the professor said. And its been used here in Generasi a lot, but there are limitations. One problem is that magically altered soillike a lot of transmuted materialstends to revert back to its natural state after a time, and the greater the change in soilposition, the quicker it reverts. For example, if I tried to change pure sand into the freshest, moistestpost, itd be sand again in a few hours. However, there are some ways around this.


    He gestured to some containers of sand, water andposted nts. If you know theposition of both the soil you want to change, and the soil you want it to be, then you can get a little creative. If I addedpost and water to the sand, then itsposition would be <em>much</em> closer topost already thenwhen I cast the spell on <em>that</em> mixtureitllst a hell of a lot longer, maybe even be permanent. But you cant just go around making any soil you want without considerations: climate is always king. If you look around and see that the soil in the area youre in is of a certain type, then theres probably a good reason for that. Earth thats permafrost is never going to grow tomatoes: even if you thaw it and change theposition, itll freeze back up in no time because its too damn cold.


    He looked over at bees pollinating a pot of flowers nearby. Another thing you have to pay attention to are the type of animals around. Just because you change the soil, doesnt mean that there arent species of nasty little insects and other small hungry creatures about whod be looking to eat your mana rich nts before you can harvest them.


    Alex carefully made notes on what needed to be considered for the spell: when he finally started growing his own potion ingredients, hed have to remember what to do in case the soilposition needed adjusting.


    A thought hit him. He wrote a single word in his notebook: Quicksand? He thought about changing soil to quicksand and then lying in wait for enemies to step in itor even get chased into it. That would be a great trap, or maybe a way to alter terrain.


    He tapped his pen against the page, thinking about how dungeon cores could shift terrain in dungeons.


    <em>That</em> would be something worth studying: the mechanisms for how dungeon cores altered the earth around them. Could they only alter the shape of the terrain, or could they also alter soilposition?


    That was something else to consider.


    Id suggest practising with the spell. Its definitely going to be part of the exam, Salinger said. Which will be here before you know it, folks.


    And so will the expedition, Alex thought. And my birthday.


    It was strange.


    His neenth birthday would be the one year anniversary of him receiving Uldars Mark. And while hed made a lot of peace with the attack on the beach, he hadntpletely done it with the fact that hed had a jesters face imposed on his shoulder for a year now. He made the best of it, but it could be very limiting.


    And soon, instead of running <em>from</em> Thamnd with The Mark, hed be going back there with it.

 Chapter 256: Birthdays and Miserable Businessmen

    Chapter 256: Birthdays and Miserable Businessmen


    Alex stood before the mirror in his darkened room, examining the golden symbol on his shoulder. The mocking jesters face stared back at himits grin as malicious as everfaintly glowing like some self-satisfied tattoo. Alex inspected it carefully, looking to see if it had changed. Did it actually look different or was he imagining things?


    He peered at it in the low light.


    Yeah, it definitely looked smaller.


    A chill went through him.


    Why is it shrinking? he wondered. Is something happening to it? Is Uldar going to-No wait.


    He looked more closely, stretching the skin with his fingers.


    No, it hadn gotten smaller. His shoulder had gotten bigger, but The Mark had remained the same size.


    He sighed, not knowing if he should be relieved or not.


    Youre imagining things, he said to himself. Nothings going to happen. You havent read of anything happening, and youve never heard of Marks going through changes. Then of course, there wasnt really any detailed information written about The Marks that hed been able to find so far. So, who knows if they <em>did </em>change.


    Still, on the eve of his neenth birthdaynearly a year after hed gotten The Markhe couldnt help but wonder if <em>something</em> was going to happen.


    He shook himself.


    Youre just specting, man, he told himself. Nothings going to change and nothing has changed. The only thing that youre doing is making yourself tired. and technically, youre not really going to be neen untilte tomorrow evening, so stop thinking about stuff that you cant change for now. One thing he could change when it came to The Mark was to get Thundar to teach him some body illusion spells to hide it. If anything happened in Thamnd and his shirt had to be off around other people, it needed to be concealed. Maybe he could talk to him about that tomorrow.


    Turning away from the mirror, he went to the window and opened the shutters to let the night air in and watch the starry sky for a while. The sky was clear, and the moon was full. A cool breeze yed over the skin on his bare torso, but it was pleasant.


    Very soon, hed be looking up at the moon from Thameishnds. The expedition was structured in a way that he and his team would be teleported to his homnd for a block of days, then teleported back to Generasi for on-campus days. While the expedition would count for two of his coursessecond year Art of the Wizard in Combat and Alchemyhed be taking three other courses back at the university.


    Exploring, researching, and fighting deadly monsters on site, then back here for my other sses, Alex said. Ive got to n my schedule so that there arent any conflicts between sses and my shifts at Shales. Its gonna be a hell of a year.


    The expedition was taking over his thoughts, and he was finding it harder to think of anything else as the time drew closer.


    Come on, man, he said quietly. Future problems for the future. Lets just think about today.


    Closing his shutters, he did a few sets of pushups, then turned in for the evening.


    The next morning, he awoke to the most wonderful smell drifting into his room. His eyes shot open and he flew out of bed.


    The scent was <em>very</em> familiar.


    Dressing at the speed of a sprinting Swiftling, he bounded out of his bedroom to find that he was thest person to wake up. A big breakfast wasid out on the table: pjacks with fruit syrup and whipped cream; thick, greasy bacon strips, and spicy sausages. The perfect breakfast feast.


    A tter in the centre of the table caught his attention. There, in all of their delicious glory, was a hill of cookies that made Alexs throat catch when saw them.


    Hed know his mothers recipe anywhere.


    Happy birthday Alex, Mrs. Lu said with a warm smile as she ced thest dish on the table.


    Selina and Theresa were already in their chairs while Brutus was sitting beside his master, looking at the breakfast with three pairs of longing eyes.


    Youre up, finally! Selina smiled at him. I nearly went crazy: I wanted to eat so bad-Oh, happy birthday by the way.


    And so the dead arise. Mr. Lu smiled, pulling out the chair between him and Theresa. Come, my dead young friend, have yourself a feast.


    Happy birthday, Alex, Theresa smiled warmly. Come and eat before it gets cold.


    Alex sat down with his family, and being in theirpany, let his fears fromst night melt away.


    I cant believe that its been a year since you left Alric, Mr. Lu said. In some ways it feels like you were there just yesterday, in others it feels like it was ten years ago.


    I know, Alex said, shaking his head. I cant believe it myself, Mr. Lu. Sometimes I just cant. So much has changed since then. This timest year I was still at McHarris cethankfully, for just a little while longer.


    Right, McHarris, Mrs. Lu made a sour face. A poor businessman and a worse neighbour. I wonder whatever happened to him.


    Well,st I saw him he was being grappled by Peter and Paul, Alex said.


    Wait, really? Mr. Lu asked. McHarris is a piece of work, but I didnt think he was a criminal.


    Diddid I never tell you aboutthe eggs?


    No, not a word.


    Oh well, then, Alex pped his hand on the table. So the day I got fired-


    He regaled them with the story of how hed discovered that McHarris had been using bad eggs in stuff hed been selling to his customers, and how hed managed to get the guards set on him.


    Ew, Selina made a face. Ew! Ew! Ew! I had some of his cookies. Ew! I think Im gonna be sick.


    Selina, dont you dare, Mrs. Lu warned her. I didnt ve away since long before sunrise just to have you throw up all your food back onto the table.


    I wont, but the thought of eating rotten eggs is nasty, the young girl said. Ew!


    Well, he got what wasing to him, Theresa said as she cut some sausage.


    No arguments here, Alex said. StillI kinda wonder what happened to him after that.


    Oh, we saw him at the port, Mr. Lu said. When we were leaving Thamnd. He cameter than everyone else and he looked like hed gotten beat up.


    Aw, man, hes not in jail? Alex asked.


    Well, he wasnt,st we saw of him, Mrs. Lu said. I guess getting nobatants away from Thamnd trumped keeping him in the dungeon. Dont know what happened to him when we got to the Rhinean Empire, though.


    Good riddance, Theresa said. I wonder what happened to Peter and Paul.


    Her parents shook their heads and said they didnt know.


    Well, maybe we can try to see how they are when the expeditions on, Alex said. Well be in a different part of Thamnd, but maybe we could get a message sent over.


    If you find out, Mrs. Lu said. Send us a message so well know. Remember, some of the guards used toe to the tavern for their evening meal; so, Id like to know if theyre alright. She sighed and looked sad for a moment.<strong></strong>Im sorry we wont still be here when your expedition starts, but we have to get back to the boys soon.


    Well miss you, Alex said.


    Pfeh, I just hope that Evans gotten all that stuff about going back home to fight out of his head, Mr. Lu grunted. The boy doesnt know a spear from a candlestick and he wants to go and fight monsters. Fighting men would be bad enough, but monsters! Ridiculous. Im not even sure if I should tell him that <em>you two</em> are going back. It might give him ideas.


    Well, if you do tell him, Alex said. Tell him that were not going alone. Some of the greatest minds in wizardry and some of the best fighters are going with us. Itll be a lot different than a bunch of guys going back home with some spears and swords.


    If I tell him, Ill be sure to emphasise that, Mr. Lu said. Hopefully that gets the idea out of his head. I told my brother to beat it out of him, if he had to.


    You know what? Tell him that <em>Ill</em> beat him up if he doesnt stay put, Theresa said. Even if I have to track him down halfway across Thamndand I wont be happy if I have to do that.


    Mr. Lu snorted. That might provoke him even more.


    After a couple of punches itll provoke him a lot less.


    Alex snorted. Im pretty sure your punches these days would do a lot more than simply provoke him.


    Well, if hes bedridden, then he wont be going anywhere and doing anything stupid.


    Hah! Mr. Lu said. By Uldar, where did my cute daughter go, and who gave me this living weapon instead? Ah, nevermind. Finish up, breakfast, all! If we dont, well waste the whole day.


    ###


    You know what my <em>favourite</em> thing about your family is? Thundar said. All your birthdays are around the same time, so its just wall to wall feasts.


    Indeed, but my waist is not going to be very happy with me by the end of all of this gorging, Khalik said, patting his belly. Still, Ill be d to finally see what this ce is like. Thest time we were toe here, we missed out thanks to that mana vampire.


    For Alexs birthday supper, his friends had decided to take him to the restaurant he, Khalik, Thundar and Najyah were heading to when theyd gotten jumped by the mana vampire. He was a little irritated that they hadnt gotten over here since the attack, but the truth was, theyd been busy and had pretty much forgotten.


    The campus restaurants were niceespecially the one hed taken Theresa to for their first datebut this ce felt like it was on an altogether different level. It reminded him of the patrizias ballroomwith high vaulted ceilings, and plenty of spacebut while the roof of Isoldes cousins ballroom was ss, the restaurants ceiling was the illusion of an undersea world.


    Illusionary fish, whales, sharks and merfolk swam overheadan appropriate theme since it was a seafood restaurant.


    The group had a secluded table on the patio overlooking the canal at the back of the restaurant. Selina was nodding and waving at gonds and other watercraft passing below. Glowing candles floated in mid-air, each burning with a different colour and a me that gave off no heat. They made the atmosphere even nicer.


    In some ways, they reminded him of the light from his forceball as it shone in his room when hed gotten The Mark a year ago.


    This ce is <em>expensive</em>, Mr. Lu said as he speared a piece of cmari. But by Uldar is it worth it.


    Agreed, Grimloch shoved a massive piece of shark steak down his throat while others watchedbewildered.


    Only Thundar lookedpletely unconcerned. Rx, thats no more cannibalistic than me having a nice piece of beef.


    And that <em>still</em> seems strange to me, Isolde muttered.


    Hah, me too, even after nearly a year. By the sapphire sea, I cant believe we have known each other for almost a year, Khalik said. Time passes quickly. Especially when people have gone through as much together as we have. To think that thest time we were toe here, the evening became about a mana vampire attack and not a celebration meal.


    Alex said. You knowtheres been some hard times, but seriouslyall of you. These have been some of the best times of my life. Even considering recents events.


    Theresa reached over and squeezed his hand. Some of mine too. And I think itll get even better for you once you see your gift.


    Indeed, Khalik said. We all pitched in a little to get something for you that I think you have been wanting for a while.


    He gestured to someone inside the restaurant and a porter began pushing a cart toward the patio with a set of tools and containers sitting on it. Alexs eyes grew wide.


    It was a full set of beginners alchemy tools.


    sks, beakers, magic tools for heating, a sample of Kamookaks moss and


    Alexs jaw dropped.


    Is that a mana spectrometer? Those things cost like ten thousand gold coins!


    Aha! Khalik and Isolde exchanged grins and the prince said. You would <em>think</em> so! And it would have, were it new, but this is a used device we managed to find at a business liquidation sale. And, to be honest, it was a little on the broken side.


    I spoke to Professor Jules after we bought it, Isolde said proudly. And she agreed to repair it. Now she wanted you<strong></strong>to be aware that this is an older model and to not expect it to be quite as urate or as quick as those we use in ss, but she said that it should serve your purposes. And she also asked me to wish you a very happy birthday.


    Wha-I-wha- Alex stammered. I dont care if the thing was a box of scrap when you bought it! This isdo you know how far ahead Ill get with this?


    Now, he could begin making any potion he wanted. He would just need to rent some space and then craft away, once he got the ingredients hed need. And, he had more than enough coin to buy them now. Hells, he might be able to buy some mushroom samples from Kybas to get his own potion garden started.


    What kind of business was it that failed? Alex asked.


    Well, it was a shop owned by a country nobleman, Khalik said. It was shut down becauseapparentlyhe was deeply embroiled in the middle of criminal activities and many of his assets were seized.


    Indeed, Isolde said. Apparently he had hired thugs to raid a rivals orchard or something of that sort.


    Well, Alex said. His loss is our gain.


    Indeed. I shall expect you to make many potions for all of us on our trip, Isolde said.


    Isoldeyoull be <em>swimming</em> in potions-Wait a minute, Alex said. Thisnoble. You said he had thugs raiding an orchard?


    We werent given all the details, Khalik said. But I believe it was a nobildonnas apiary he was raiding, and not an orchard.


    Theresa froze. Diddid these thugs use a vespara?


    I do not kno- Khalik froze. <em>No!</em> It couldnt be!


    Who? Alex said. Who was the nobildonna that these thugs were raiding?


    Goodness, Isoldes eyes widened in realisation. Do you think itI believe it was Nobildonna Moggi.


    Alex burst outughingcackling like a witchand Theresa joined him a secondter.


    That mustve been the guy! Alex cried. The guy that hired those vespara trainers!


    Khalik and Thundar copsed inughter, while Isolde just sat, dumbfounded.


    It seemed like one thing hadnt changed between his eighteenth and neenth birthday: he was still making life miserable for shitty businessmen. Still, a year after they hade to Generasi, Alex <em>had</em> to say


    his neenth birthday was turning out to be a whole lot better than his eighteenth.

 Chapter 257: Fingers and Departures

    Chapter 257: Fingers and Departures


    Good, very good, everyone! Professor Mangal congratted her students.


    All throughout the chamber, students stood beside summoning circles, and within each crouched a vering BuBu; a demon like Baelin had summoned. The monkey-cat-goblin-like demons peered around while waiting for orders from their summoners.


    Congrattions, you have sessfully summoned your first demon, she said.


    Sighs of relief went through the ss. Alex nced around to make sure no one was paying <em>too</em> much attention to him and leaned toward his small summoned demon and whispered: Hannar-cim?


    The demon stared at him nkly.


    Yusahero? Hirshon-Eos? he tried.


    Still nothing.


    Then the creature moved. Alexs heartbeat quickened in anticipation. It was raising a hand. Was it going to sign to him? From his study ofnguages, hed learned that there werenguagesused by the deaf, certain secret societies, and spiesthatmunicated using hand and finger signs.


    Was this creature preparing to do that?


    Alex leaned in, watching it closely, activating The Mark to help him learn what it-


    Aaaaand, it was holding up its middle finger.


    Waitdid that gesture have the same meaning to demons as it did to people from Thamnddid it cross nes?


    The Mark then helpfully flooded him with memories of all the times people had offered him the same gesture, and used those memories to help him determine the meaning.


    I know what it means! he assured The Mark mentally, scowling as the monster burst into what sounded like hardughter.


    Confirmation! Alex continued scowling.


    Oh I got a demon that thinks theyre funny, eh?


    For a moment, he was tempted to use the subjugation summoning spells power to order the creature to pinch itself, but he didnt think Professor Mangal would approve.


    No, no, Alex said. Such aggression requires an appropriate and <em>measured</em> response


    Frowning, Alex Roth gave the demon <em>two</em> fingers.


    The creaturesughter faded and its fly-like eyes red at him.


    Yeah, thats right, thats right, Alex said, aloud.


    The creature then gave <em>him</em> the finger with both hands andgrinning like a mischievous childused thefingers<strong></strong>on its tail to give him the finger a <em>third</em> time.


    Oh you think, youve beaten me, eh? he whispered.


    Well too bad for you, he thought. A Hero of Thamnd never fights alone. ygon?


    Behind him, ygon uncrossed both sets of arms and gave the little creature the finger <em>four</em> times. The demons smile quickly faded.


    Yeah thats right, six to your three, he whispered. You can even use your feet if you want to, it doesnt mat-


    He paused.


    Why was the room so quiet?


    Alex slowly looked up to see the entire ss staring at him, including the Professor. The brave Hero of Thamnd bravely hid his hands behind his back like a guilty child.


    and as I was <em>saying</em>, ss, Professor Mangal said. The summoner should not go out of their way to antagonise creatures they summonespecially demons, even if they are bound by subjugation type summoning. She looked at Alex pointedly. After all, you never know if you might need to summon the creature again, or if they know another demon that could make your life very difficult in the future.


    To be <em>fair</em>, Alex said to the ss. He literally started it.


    Alex, this is a demon that <em>specialises</em> in scaring children, she said. It is not one known for its <em>maturity</em>.


    Yeah, but likeI dont want it to think it can do whatever it wants, right? He looked around at the ss. Some of the other students were snickering, but most were turning their backs on him.


    Professor Mangal sighed. Alex, please do not anger demons, even if they are getting on your nervesGenerasi has suffered enough of their wrath.


    She pped.


    In any case! she said. You have now sessfully summoned your first demon. Can anyone tell me why demonic summoning is somonly used among wizards?


    Alex raised his hand: hed done todays reading more than a month ago and was eager to make up for that earlier outburst of childishness. Demons and devils more easily serve and interact with mortals. Demons will act on whims, soif the summoner can fulfil one of their whimsthats a good way to get loyalty from them. Devils are creatures ofw, pact and contracts. Theyre eager to forge contracts, so you can get their services pretty easily toofor a price.


    Exactly. Professor Mangal walked through the ss, weaving between the different summoning circles with her hands sped behind her back. That is precisely the reason why demons and devils were among the first and mostmonly summoned creatures in the world. We have less to offer elementals, engeli, and other sorts of spirits.


    She turned to the closest BuBu. But keep in mind what a demon is. Your subjugation magic will make it follow your orders, but when you move on to binding or rtional contract summoning, then demons can slip out of your control if you are not cautious. Remember well the folly of Lord Velix.


    Alex remembered the name from a story in the textbook, and he recalled the passage:


    <em>A man named Lord Velix had once coveted the neighbouring lordsnd and wife, and wished to take both. Yet, his domain was poor and he had little in the way of an army to put to field.</em>


    <em>So he contacted a local witch and asked if she could arrange a meeting with a demon.</em>


    <em>I can, my lord, the witch had said. But remember, demons are creatures of whim: if they are fond of you then they will do much for you. If they are not, then they will cause you tremendous misery and seek to find loopholes in a binding contract. Make the wording tight in any contract you create: Ive had experience with these sorts of things, and we can craft the contract together. My price will be high, but it will be worth it. Just remember: be careful with how you treat your demon throughout its service.</em>


    <em>And so, Lord Velix had thought hed understood her words to him.</em>


    <em>He paid the witch handsomely and together, they crafted a contract that would have made a Rhinean solicitor proud. With it in hand, he summoned a powerful demon with arge army. Lord Velix plied the demon with meat, ves, treasure and items to expand its power. He spoke with the creature long into the evenings, using his skill with the social circles of nobility to encourage the demon to favour hispany.</em>


    <em>And it did.</em>


    <em>Greatly.</em>


    <em>The Lord thought he had done well, for he imagined the worst he could have done was to treat the demon poorly. But demons are creatures of whim, and whim is the twin of impulse. The demon worked within the bounds of its contract and destroyed the neighbour: the demons horde shattered the enemys army, conquered thend and slew the enemy lord.</em>


    <em>Throwing the dead mans screaming wife over his shoulder, the demon returned to his master.</em>


    <em>Lord Velix was happy, and released it from its contract so that he might enjoy his newfound spoils. However, the demons affection for Lord Velix was deep, so deep that it did not wish to be parted from him.</em>


    <em>And demons are creatures of whim, above all.</em>


    <em>So the demon dropped the woman and picked the lord up instead, throwing the screaming man over his shoulder. As a portal opened back to the hells, the demon took his new friend with him. His neighbours wife escaped and Lord Velix was never heard from again.</em>


    And that is why it is also important to know what a demon is saying, as you never know what its own n might be, Professor Mangal said. So, with that in mind, your second tost assignment will be to learn to speak five phrases to your summoned demon, ask it for its name, then pronounce that name perfectly. Remember the power of names. Now, let us go into the ways that demonic tongues can be spoken by human mouths.


    As the lesson went on, Alex absorbed everything he could about demonguages. Hed already been going through books from the list shed given him, but actually hearing thenguages spoken was quite an experience; Professor Mangals trantions were giving him a foundation of memories to fuel The Mark.


    After what turned out to be a very heavy ss, they were actually able to end earlya rare urrence.


    Remember, review chapter thirty! Professor Mangal said as the students filed out of the ssroom. The material there will most definitely be on the final exam.


    Cant believe were almost on top of finals already, he heard another student mutter.


    Alex could hardly believe it either.


    The summer semester wasing to an end and hed soon have to choose his courses for the fall. Two would be covered by the expedition; he had second year Magic Lore to dowhich waspulsoryand he was thinking of taking blood magic and another summoning course for thest two.


    His progress with Life-to-Mana was going well, and with practice, hed managed toplete<strong></strong>around 45% of the magic circuit. He was also looking into more second tier summoning spells to go along with Summon Elemental Beetle Swarm. There was a tempting spell that summoned a hellhounda vicious, canine devilbut he didnt really want to go all in on fire in terms of means of attack. Still, hellhounds had other uses such as tracking, sharp senses for keeping watch, and scouting. They were very clever too. It was something to think about.


    The semester was moving along, exams wereing, and some ofst years students were returning to school and settling back into their dorms and apartments. The new crop of first years would soon start to arrive and that was leaving Alex feeling a little nostalgic.


    It felt like yesterday that he, Theresa, Selina and Brutus had arrived on campus on Lucias sky-gond.


    I wonder how shes doing, he thought, though he wasnt sure if hed ever know the answer to that. He hadnt seen her at any of the sky-piers in months, and hoped that was a good sign.


    What was <em>definitely</em> good was that theyd started preparations for the expedition. The team had finally met a couple of times: the first meeting mostly dealt with the fallout from Amirs betrayal, and new rules regarding the sharing of information with anyone outside the expedition team.


    The second detailed logistics.


    We will be assigning each of your exploration teams a medical blood mage, Professor Jules said. They will be tasked with caring for your health if Baelin cannot be present to use spell-marks to ensure your safety.


    Aside from that, Baelin said. We will be providing you with enchanted camping provisions for those days you must overnight in Thamnd. You will naturally be expected to make reports on each outing: identify flora and fauna or at least document those that you do not know. Note weather, any ruins, or construction of any kind that you find, and of course, any dangerous monsters that you cannot subjugate. Collect samples from any monster you y if it is from a dungeon: you will be provided with field guideswhich are not exhaustiveof what sort of monsters are created by The Ravener. Oh, and if there are creatures there that prove to be natural to the location but are still dangerous, do not engage. Report the information and we shall see if such local creatures can be studied, then relocated.


    Magical equipment for the construction of the campsite was being organised, and the hiring of extrabatants was almostplete. Local guides were also being sourced, though there were apparently issues with finding those who knew the area, and were free to serve as guides.


    Your departure is quickly approaching, so prepare ordingly, Baelin said.


    And the expedition teams were not the only folk getting ready for departure.


    Theres a lot more to pack now than there was when we got here, Mr. Lu said as he surveyed his and his wifes luggage. He squinted in the evening light. You really spoiled us with all of these souvenirs and gifts.


    Atop one of the packagesy a piece of parchment showing proof of passage for two booked on a merchant ship; Mr. and Mrs. Lu would be departing for the Rhinean Empire in the morning.

 Chapter 258: Family’s Parting on the Eve of Change

    Chapter 258: Family¡¯s Parting on the Eve of Change


    Father, you forgot your pipe, Theresa said, waving the pipe as she poked her head in from the balcony.


    Hoo! I wouldve missed that! her father said, taking the prized pipe, then tapping it in his palm. All those fine herbs Alex gave me wouldve gone to a right waste if Id left <em>this</em> behind.


    Oh, <em>Alex</em>, tell me you didnt! Mrs. Lu looked up from organising their clothing. You know how much I hate the smell of that stuff!


    Alex raised his hands in a not guilty gesture,ughing nervously. I picked the nicest smelling herbs I could find, Mrs. Lu: the smells like incense from Ar-Bishah. Mr. Lull impress your friends!


    More like make me retch with that habit of his, Mrs. Lu sighed then turned toward her husband. Zimo, please dont smoke anywhere near me when we get shipboard. You know I wont be able to get away from you puffing like a dragon then!


    I wont, I wont, I promise, Mr. Lu said, also raising his hands in a not guilty gesture.


    Mrs. Lu returned to organising their luggage while Theresa went to help her mother. Her father leaned in toward Alex.


    Technically, if I go up on deck and maybe lean over the ships rail a bit, he whispered. The pipell be over the <em>ocean</em>, not <em>on</em> the ship. And thats the ticket, my boyjust so long as I dont fall overboard.


    He winked, then turned to busy himself with packing the sets of hardened ss steins he was taking back with them. ss goods were a lot less pricey and of much higher quality in Generasi than in Thamnd, or even the Rhinean Empire so, Mr. Lu and Mrs. Lu had bought several sets for the family inn, and a nice set for his brother.


    Theyd even bought a whole lot of goods for resale back in the Empire. Fleeing Thamnd had been hard on most folk, especially financially. For the Lus, it had meant leaving the inn behind, which was their sole source of ie. So, any opportunity they found to earn a bit of coin, they tookMr Lu had exined that to Theresa and Alex when theyd asked why her parents had been scouring local shops for so many fine wares.


    Right, theres just one more thing, Theresa said to her mother as they finished buckling thest piece of luggage. Alex?


    Grinning, he nodded to Mr. and Mrs. Lu. Ill be right back.


    Alex headed down the hall to his apartment to fetch an iron-ted box hed hidden under his bed. Selina was just finishing up drying her hair after a bath in the downstairs bathrooms,<strong></strong>and Brutus looked up bleary-eyed when he opened the door.


    Are they all packed? his sister asked, with a note of sadness in her voice.


    Almost, Alex said. Weve got one more thing to do then it''ll be bedtime. Weve gotta be up bright and early in the morning.


    Alright, hold on a sec, I wanna say good night, she said, slipping on her shoes. As they stepped into the hall, Brutus heads flopped back down on the floor.


    I wish they could stay longer. It feels like they just got here.


    Yeah, I hear you, Alex said. Im gonna miss them too, but theyll be back.


    Yeahbut we wont see them as much anymore. She frowned. And when The Raveners gone, theyll go back to running the inn and they might not have time toe see us at all.


    Alex looked down at her. Yeah, thats true, and if they do visit, they wont be able to stay as long as they did this time, plus getting here from Thamnd takes even longer than from the Rhinean Empire. But remember, therere always ways around that and Im gonna work on them.


    Hm, she grunted.


    What is it?


    Later, she said as they reached the Lus door.


    When the Roth siblings entered the apartment, Mr. and Mrs. Lu looked up and spotted the box Alex was holding.


    Whats that? Mr. Lu asked.


    A gift, Alex handed him the iron-ted box.


    Oof, what kind of gift? Its heavy. The older man groaned as he ced it on the table.


    Well, the only way to find out is to open it up,<strong></strong>so here you go, Theresa said, handing her mother a small key.


    With a puzzled look, she slipped the key into the lock and raised the lid.


    By Uldars beard! Mr. Lu swore.


    H-how much is in here? Mrs. Lu gasped.


    Two hundred gold coins, Theresa smiled.


    Just a little gift from your daughter, Selina and me, Alex said, putting his arm around Theresas shoulders. Dont spend it all in one ce.


    Wha-we-we cant ept this. Mrs. Lu stammered.


    Oh, yes you can, please, mother, Theresa said, closing the box. Its yours. We want you to have it: what good is having coin if you cant share it with the people you love?


    Mr. Lu stared at the box for a long moment. His eyes began to shine. its too early for you to start taking care of your parents. Youre too young and so are we.


    Thats for me to decide, Theresa said.


    And me, Alex said. And if I get my way, therell be plenty more where that came from.


    Dont tell anyone you have it, Theresa cautioned. And be careful. And dont let my brothers spend it.


    Oh, well make sure its used well, Mrs. Lu said. Thank you so much, Theresa, Alexand you too, Selina.


    You dont have to thank me, youve done so much for Alex and me, Selina said.


    Its not just for these coins, its for Mrs. Lu sniffed. Its for being the best children anyone could ask for.


    Its the least we could do, mother and father, Theresa lowered her head to them. I just loved having you here.


    Well be back, Mr. Lu promised as he and his wife gave their daughter and the Roth siblings a tight hug. Welle back as often as we can.


    The next morning was an early one.


    At the crack of dawn, the Roths and the Lus were up and loading baggage onto ygons powerful form while he crouched in the hallway with all four arms extended. Most of the smaller bags were being ferried into his arms by Alexs Wizards Hands. It made for a very efficient operation in the ins hallway.


    While the adults werent showing any sign of tiredness, Brutus was constantly yawning and Selina kept wiping sleep from her eyes.


    Suddenly a familiar voice came from down the hall.


    Am I toote to help? Khalik asked, striding toward them while straightening his shirt. It would be a little un-neighbourly of me to lie about while you are all loading yourselves up like pack mules. Though, I can see that ygon is doing most of the heavy lifting. Heughed.


    Ah, youre at the tail end of things, Mr. Lu said. But, its the thought that counts. Can you join us at the docks? Unless youre busy, of course.


    Nothing would make me happier than to see you off, the prince smiled. Come then, let me help you with thest of these bags and then I guess we shall be off.


    With the prince jumping in, they were finished loading up ygon in no time and could finally be on their way. Together, they handed the Lus apartment key to the superintendent, then caught a sky-gond straight to the docks.


    The trip to the port was a much pleasanter one than the trip to campus on the day Theresas parents had arrived; this time, there was no demon summoner attack to drive the city into a panic, just the quiet, normal activities of an early morning in Generasi.


    I have to admit Mrs. Lu said. As much as Generasi didnt make a very good first impression, it really made an excellent second one. Im going to miss this ce. Itsabsolutely beautiful.


    Yes, yes it is, Mr. Lu agreed. I just wish the trip to get here didnt take so long.


    About that, Alex said. Im making learning more teleportation spells a priority. So by the time I graduateat the verytestIll be able to just teleport you here. Itll literally be even quicker than walking from your apartment to ours in the ins.


    Listen to him, now, Mr. Lu said. Talking about such wonders as if they were nothing. I swear, my sense of whats possible and what isnt is going to be all twisted around when we get back my brothers.


    I know, Mrs. Lu agreed. I feel spoiled here. Even walking to the well to fetch water will feel like so much trouble.


    My teacher and some of my ssmates said that as the mana goes up in the world, then a lot of the stuff that only works in Generasi now, will spread everywhere, Selina said. Maybe everyone will be able to teleport anywhere one day.


    That <em>is</em> true, Alex said. Though thatll probably take hundreds or thousands of years for the rest of the world to reach the ambient mana levels that Generasi has. But in the meantime, Ill see if I can build some magical devices to make your lives morefortable. Itll take timemagic apparatuses that function outside of Generasis ambient mana arent exactly cheapbut Ill see what I can do. Who knows, maybe one day Ill make you something thatll let you teleport on your own.


    I dont know about all that, Theresa said. Itd take a lot of the fun out of travelling if you could teleport wherever you wanted. Youd never see the world that way, just the bits and pieces around where your trip started, and where it ended.


    That does not sound so bad, Khalik jumped in.


    Alex nced at the prince, remembering that his journey from Tekezash had been difficult.


    Think of it this way, he continued. If easy teleportation for the world bes possible, then people will not have to worry about travelling in fear of monsters, bandits, evil folk, or even the weather or seasons. Leave the long way for those who want to experience <em>all</em> the world, and let quicker ways be for those who want to travel just for the sake of reaching their destination.


    Hm, maybe you have a point, Theresa said. I know Id feel morefortable if you could just be magicked home, mother and father.


    Haha, then Alex will just have to keep working hard, Mr. Luughed.


    Alright folks, were here, said their sky-gondolier as he began his descent.


    Returning to the dockssmelling the sea and hearing the crashing of the wavesbrought that feeling of nostalgia back to Alex. He half expected to turn around and see <em>The Red Siren </em>docking into port, and he wondered if Fan-Dor and Gel-Dor were at sea somewhere nearby. Itd be nice to see them again.


    Once theyd left the sky-gond and walked down to the waiting ship, it didnt take long for the Lus to register, board, and for everyone to pitch in and unload the luggage ygon was carrying. When everything was all stored away in the cabin, the first mate soon called out over the docks.


    Last call! he roared in a sing-song voice. Time for departure! Board now or get left behind!


    it looks like this is it, Mr. Lu said.


    Im going to miss you. Selina hugged the Lus tightly.


    Were going to miss all of you too, Mrs. Lu hugged Theresa, Alex, Selina, Brutus and Khalik. She even patted ygon.


    Mr. Lu exchanged a firm handshake with Khalik, and then patted ygon on the back.


    Remember, stay on the roads, Theresa said. Dont travel at night. If you meet bandits or monsters, dont-


    Oh, Theresa, well be fine, Mrs. Lu ced her hands on her daughters shoulders. Its not as if we havent travelled to the Empire before.


    Yeah, I know, I know, Theresa said, her eyes moving back and forth between her parents. Justmake sure you write as soon as you get home. Ill be worried.


    Oh, you mean like how you wrote to us so diligently about everything that was happening in Generasi? Mrs. Lu asked pointedly. Including all the dangers?


    For an instant, Theresa froze, but then her parents burst outughing.


    When are you going to let that go? the young woman asked.


    Mr. Lu shrugged. Maybe on the death bed. Maybe longer. Who knows?


    But listen, Mrs. Lu said. I know yourtrip ising soon- She said, referring to the expedition. Her eyes looked from Theresa to Alex, and then to Khalik. -andI know youre going to make everyone proud, but be careful over there. A month or two ago I wouldve asked you to forget about this expedition altogether butwhat was it Miss Gemini said at the ceremony?


    Something like youre the sort of people that make others safe by being around, Mr. Lu said. When all those demons attackedI expected the worst was going to happen. But what did we see? You all came back to us nearly unharmed, and you had people thanking you for saving them.


    Youre our daughter, Mrs. Lu said to Theresa, before turning to Alex and Selina. And Id say youre our son and daughter too, if I werent afraid of disrespecting your parents. But all three of you have grown so much. AlexTheresa, things will be better for many folk if you step up and face down the demon summoners and Raveners of the world. I know that, and it makes me so proud of you. And, youll also have a team behind you.


    She looked at Khalik fondly. And I know youll take care of each other, just like your professors will take care of all of you.


    We love you, Mr. Lu said to Alex, Theresa and Selina. Always. And we <em>will</em> write as soon as we get home.


    There was a deep bark and then Brutus licked both of Theresas parents'' faces.


    And well miss you too, Brutus! Mrs. Luughed.


    I love yous and farewells were exchanged and more than a few tears shed before Alex, Theresa, Brutus, Selina, Khalik and ygon left the ship. Shortly after, the gangnk was raised and the ship slowly made its way out of harbour and out to sea.


    Goodbye! Selina cried, waving.


    Goodbye, Mr. and Mrs. lu! Alex shouted.


    Farewell! Khalik called.


    ygon waved with two arms.


    Brutus whined.


    Goodbye mother, goodbye father! Theresa called.


    Mr. and Mrs. Lus voices drifted back to them over the water as they shrank into the distance.


    And soon, they were gone.

 Chapter 259: Finals and Final Preparations

    Chapter 259: Finals and Final Preparations


    And there they go, Alex said as the ship disappeared into the horizon. I hope they get back alright.


    Lets just say they <em>will,</em> Theresa said. And not invite trouble.


    Ive been praying to The Traveller that their tripll be easy, Selina said. I hope its a lot easier than ours was.


    I hope so as well, Khalik said. I will pray to Zat-Ashtar that their journey will be quick, easy andfortable, and that all they find at home is pleasant: as they left it, or better.


    Thanks, Khalik, Theresa said. Lets hope that all the gods listen, and that no harmes to my parents. Come on, lets get back to campus: if I stay here any longer, Ill just keep worrying myself half-crazy.


    They turned away from the sea and left the harbour behind. On their way back to the sky-pier, Selina came up beside Alex.


    Can we talk when we get home? she asked.


    Oh yeah, he said. Ive got some time before its back to blood-magic.


    Thanks, she said.


    What are we going to do when you finish school? Selina asked her brother.


    He paused, surprised by the question. The two of them had taken ygon and Brutus for a walk, while Theresa was doing her morning meditations, and Khalik had gone home to catch some sleep before getting back to cramming facts about magical nt characteristics into his brain.


    All around campus there was a frantic feeling filling the air that happened just before finals. Even though there were less students on campus than there would be in fall, winter or spring, there was still a lot of activity going on.


    What brought on your question? Alex asked.


    Mr. and Mrs. Lu leaving, Selina said. They wont be able to see us very much anymore, and we used to see them everyday. So, I was thinking that when The Raveners finally gone, well see them even less, like we talked about.


    Yeah, but like I said, Im going to learn teleportation spells then we can see them every day if we want.


    Yeah, butfrom where? she asked. Are we going to stay in Generasi? Are we going to the Rhinean Empire, will we go back to Thamnd if The Raveners gone?


    Youre really thinking far ahead, arent you? Alex said. Well, for one thing, since you want to learn to be a wizard too, theres no way youre going anywhere until you finish your four years of university. After that, youll be grown and can go wherever you want.


    He nced over his shoulder at the castle, imagining Selinabeing around his ageand attending the university with her own group of friends and schoolmates. Her own Khaliks, Isoldes and Thundarsbut, hopefully no Dereks.


    I might be doing graduate studies too so wed be here at the same time, he said. Wont that be cool? Maybe Ill be a teachers assistant for one of yourbs.


    Selina made a face. Youd torture me.


    Oh yes, Id be the hardest marker youll ever have, Alex grinned. unless you take Force Magic with Professor Ram, then Ill probably be in second ce.


    Ill just avoid all the sses you help in!


    And Ill <em>lie</em> about the ones I help with.


    She rolled her green eyes. Im trying to be serious, Alex. What happens when you and I graduate?


    Well, then, thats going to be something well have to deal with as time goes on, he said. Look at this. He gestured around them to the stately buildings of campus and the students bustling about. After his performance at The Games, hed noticed a growing trend of students carrying their books and supplies around using forceball-hung baskets, forcedisks, or even Wizards Hands. It was kind of amusing to see some of his habits spreading.


    Look at <em>him,</em> Alex pointed back at ygon. If you told me a year ago that our lives would be sopletely different, I wouldve called you crazy. And its only been likea year. Who knows whats going to happen in four years? More than eight, for you. Take some advice from your big brother, just worry about whats ahead of you. Time changes things. You cant do anything about whats happening in the next country, but you can do something about whats happening over the next hill.


    Selina looked at him sceptically. I dont think Isolde would say that.


    Yeah, but Isolde has the next sixty years of her life nned out. Look, maybe well stay here, maybe we wont. But for now, we just need to focus on whats next. You know, maybe as you grow up, you might find you want to n the next sixty years like Isolde. Then, you can do that, itll be your choice. But one thing I do know for the future, is that we wont need to worry about where we are, because with teleportation spells, we could go anywhere we want. We could travel some ce, then teleport back to Thamnd or Generasi, or wherever, and turn in for the night. Thats the kind of future n Im pretty sure about.


    That sounds really cool, Selina said.


    Well, one day itll be our reality. Just wait and see.


    In the days following the Lus departure for the Rhinean Empire, time seemed to fly by.


    Since the summer semester was extended, final exams wereter than they normally would have been, which added to the confusion of first and upper year students arriving back on campus, while preparations for final exams were going on. There was a rush of students studying in the library, on campus grounds, practising theirbs in the Cells while at the same time, there was the controlled chaos of move-ins and course selections.


    Alex had made sure to pick his three choices early:pulsory second year magic lore, second year summoning, and first year blood magic with a n to work hard enough to challenge the exam for credit, and get into second year blood magic in second semester. Hed been careful to choose courses so that his three sses would fall on the same days that he worked at Shales to avoid schedule conflicts, and the need to juggle his time with the expedition. Hed learned that any student member of the expedition team could withdraw from sses for a year, but that wouldve meant graduatingter, and probably losing his job at Shales, neither of which Alex wanted.


    Expedition preparations were really bing solid now.


    After a few more meetingsduring one it had been announced that the professors on the expedition team were entitled to use the time away from campus as a sabbatical year, and students would also be permitted to withdraw from sses for a year without penalty a newpound was erected on campus. It was called the Headquarters of Thameish Expeditionary Forces and had been magically built on an area of the universitys property near the sea. The area was surrounded by glyphed walls some twelve feet high.


    Thepound housed aboratory, a storage building, meeting rooms, an infirmary, washrooms, and a small armoury. A detachment of Watchers had been assigned there while equipment, food, medical supplies and alchemical supplies were brought in over a period of days. Even though The Watchers were there permanently and thepound was never left unguarded, every member of the expeditionary team was provided with a unique circr card to allow them entry through the front gates, and into most buildings. Some areas were high security and heavily patrolled, barring ess to anyone who wasnt a high ranking team member. The Watchers duty also included questioning, checking and recording identities, and time and purpose of anyone wanting entry to, or exit from, thepound.


    After the demon summoner, Baelin had insisted that the expedition be absolutely secure, even if some folks felt inconvenienced. But no oneined since the memory of the demon assault was still raw.


    As the mountain of equipment grew, the surveying teamsincluding Alex and his friendsspent hours training and being drilled in proper sample collection practises, proper documentation, and propermunication. In many ways, it felt like they were taking another summer course, one that was driving some of his cabal members half-crazy.


    Well, at least much of it is review, Khalik groaned after emerging from a long, dull training session one day. Salinger has already taught us a great deal about sample collection.


    Well, youre both luckier than me, Thundar grunted. Im learning all that stuff from scratch. Feels like my heads spinning.


    Well have to burn all of it into memory guys, Alex said. Where were going, well need to have all this stuff down cold.


    He remembered his, Theresas, Selinas and Brutus experience with the Silence-Spiders. It might be tempting to thinksince their group hade through the demon fightthat theyd be alright with any danger Thamnd could throw at them.


    but dangers had a way of letting one know theyd been taking them far too lightly.


    The training sessions at thepound were actually a good review for Alex and Khaliks Magical Botany final, at least.


    Salingers exam was part massive written test, part disying and being quizzed on nts the ss grew during the semester, and a final part centering on oral identification of poorly potted magical nts, then re-potting them with the appropriately amended soil.


    Alex feltfortable that hed done well when he and Khalik were on their way out of the botanical gardens clutching their re-potted nts. Professor Salinger had insisted each student take their nt home with them and, take care of them like you would a newborn. Alex wasnt really interested in having a newborn, nt or otherwise right now, but there was no arguing with Salinger.


    Professor Mangals final summoning exam was nowhere near as benign as Magical Botanys.


    First, there was the written test that involved defining the three types of summoning, an analysis of hypothetical word problems of summoners calling otherworldly beings, and then a final section involving tranting names from otherworldlynguages<strong></strong>to themon tongue.


    For the word problems section, the ss had to break down the written examples, exin what the summoners might have done right from a theoretical perspective, and what they might have done wrong. Thenusing a mix of theory and personal experiencediscuss what they themselves might have done differently, then exin their thought processes behind those ideas.


    After the written exam, there was a break, then the practical exam took ce on the following day.


    Professor Mangal instructed the ss to summon an elemental beetle, an elemental beetle swarm, and then finally, a BuBu. In the case of the demon, they had tomunicate with it using words theyd learned in that particr demonsnguage.


    Alex had done rather well on that part of the exambetween studying and getting some insight from Baelin about when hed summoned and questioned the BuBu about Burn-Sawhed picked up afortable introduction to some of the demonguages. Baelin had emphasised that summoned creatures were beings of chaos and thenguages they spoke were very precise. Almost every nuance in pronunciation, speed, audio-prestidigitation and tone, couldpletely change the meaning of words and sentences. The Mark had really helped him in getting the fine points down.


    One of his ssmates had made the same mistake hed made the first time hed tried Elemental Bettleshe was nervous from exam pressure and mispronounced a name. But, instead of stopping, she panicked and repeatedly tried to correct her pronunciation. The result was chaos. Her summoning circle soon contained the BuBu she was supposed to be calling, plus two other creatures from different nes. They proceeded to attack each other while trying to escape the circle to get at the students. Everyone began to panic and Alex moved beside ygon, prepared for whatever might happen. Professor Mangal quickly intervened and dismissed the hostile entities. She then used the incident to highlight the importance of not being distracted, of using calm and proper pronunciation of names, and never giving in to panic: then repeating words which hadnt been mastered since doing so could be deadly. Alex figured his ssmate wouldnt do well on that part of the exam, but Mangal talked to the petrified young woman about learning techniques to calm her mind if she wanted to continue with summoning. He doubted he would ever forget his own mistake, which reminded him of Amir.


    His mistake had aged him a thousand years, but hed learned a lot about being precise from it, and he imagined Amir was learning a lot from his own mistakes as the days passed in prison.


    After the summoning finals were finished, he got back to learning the rest of Life-to-Mana.


    Alex didnt have much more of the spell to learn so he focused hard on practising it, until, a few dayster, he could cast 100% of it. His feelings were mixed on Life-to-Mana. It was a good spell to know, but he disliked the unpleasant feelings that came with casting it. That sensation of his lifeforce being funnelled into his mana pool wasnt something he wanted to experience too often but, the upside was that Life-to-Mana was foundational for the next blood magic spell he nned on learning.


    Mana-to-Life.


    At first look, the spell seemed to be simply the reverse of Life-to-Mana, in that it funnelled his mana out of his mana pool and converted it into lifeforce. There were differences though, since there were extra sections of the magic circuit that made sure the converted mana wouldnt unbnce his life force: unbnced life energies could cause long term, often debilitating health problems.


    It was another spell to be careful with, but it would give him the ability to elerate healingwhichd be really valuable. Now that hed gotten his first blood-magic spell down, Alex<strong></strong>began working on a new second-tier summoning spell: Summon Aervespertillo.


    Aervespertillos were creatures from the elemental ne of air bearing a strong resemnce to arge bat in every way but one. Their wings were massive, as were their ears, but they had no eyes. Instead, they navigated andmunicatedpletely by sound and by feeling vibrations in the air.


    They could also let out a startling sonic screech that stunned enemies andif enough of them screeched at the same timeeven deafen them. So, for scouting, theyd be very useful in the Thameish wildernessespecially at nightand since they could fly, Najyah and any of the team using flight magic wouldn''t have to take to the skies and patrol them alone.


    Alex was pleased his preparations wereing along nicely.


    Hed also started making use of both his alchemy kit, and his connection to Kybas. Sourcing mushrooms from the goblin-wizardwhich Kybas had let him have free of charge since he considered Alex his and Harmless friendhed started his own alchemical ingredients garden. For now, he was only going to grow a couple of ingredients for two potions: Potion of Haste altered to do the exact opposite and <em>slow </em>opponents down, and a Sleep Potion that would send creatures off to dreand. So, hed have two more aerosol potions for his arsenal.


    A sleeping potionll be super handy if we have to capture beasts and bring them back, Alex said to Isolde as he worked the soil in his potion garden. The young woman hade along with Khalik to see how things were progressing.


    I agree wholeheartedly, Isolde said.


    Indeed, Khalik said. Better a deceived or unconscious foe than a fighting one. Thundar has also been working on his illusions, inspired by Woluds skill, no doubt. Having more deception on our side will put us in an even better position. I have to say, I like the direction our preparations are taking.


    Yeah, so do I, Alex agreed.


    Hed also started working with Thundar toe up with an illusion spell to hide The Mark on his shoulder. When they managed to perfect the spell, itd be a nice bit of spell-work to add to his spellcraft, and he could also stop worrying about The Mark being seen by curious, or problematic eyes in Thamnd, or Generasi.


    I suppose we shall soon see if all of our preparations are enough, Isolde said. We should be getting the call to proceed any day now.


    Less than twenty four hourster, they got news from the higher ups: their team, along with other survey teams, would be heading to Thamnd during the week before school began. Theyd be meeting with the locals, getting an introduction to the location, and starting to scout the area.


    Generasis expedition to Thamnd was a go.

 Chapter 260: The Usurper Returns

    Chapter 260: The Usurper Returns


    Our first few days in Greymoor will be a deep dive into our territory. Baelin floated in front of a wall-sized illusionary map of the region. For three days, we will be setting up the main encampment and investigating the region. Each team of surveyors will have their own assigned area to begin investigating and clearing out: you will be camping there each eveningrather than returning to Generasiand ensuring that you get a feel for the terrain during both daylight and nighttime.


    He moved the illusion to focus on one particr vige.


    We will initially teleport into the vige of Luthering and meet the military force stationed there under themand of Sir Sean Swift. The ancient wizard expanded the illusion so the expeditionary team could see the vige''s basic structure. Alex noted its walls and central buildings: arge tavern and a church.


    His eyes lingered on the illusion of the church.


    Baelin had spoken with Alex briefly before the meeting: by the chancellors request, it had been arranged that the priests normally stationed in the vige would be travelling to Devonport in the south when the expedition arrived, ensuring that theyd be away from Luthering. The excuse that Baelin had given to the Thameish authorities had beenrgely true: he wouldnt wee zealous priests questioning their right to be there, or imposing themselves on the teams.


    Some eyebrows had been raised, but the request had been granted. Afterall, Thamnd would be benefiting from the expedition in many ways, so giving in to the request was considered to be small painannoying the priestsfor big gain. Despite the agreement, the chancellor would be going through the portal first to make sure no priests had lingered.


    Baelin turned from the illusion and let his eyes fall over the briefing room filled with rows of chairs holding members of the expedition.


    The survey teams had grown beyond what they were before Leopolds final attack. Mercenaries,bat-honed students and other volunteersall vetted and well-trainedhad swelled their ranks into what felt like a small army now. Among the new faces, Alex recognized some familiar ones.


    In one corner of the room sat Tyris Goldtooth, leaning back with her feet up and ankles crossed on the back of an empty chair in front of her. She was listening intently while picking her teeth with what looked to be a golden toothpick. Across the room sat the diminutive figure of Ripp, the swiftling he and Theresa had met at city hall when they were looking for a bounty for the second part of their first date.


    There were others whodpeted in The Games of Roalwho Alex knew by sight, but not by name. He was kinda disappointed, but also relieved not to see Kybas there. The goblin-wizard deserved to do what he liked best, enjoy his moments of peace, tend his garden, feed Harmless, and watch him grow.


    Of course, that meant Alex and hispanions would be doing the opposite of enjoying moments of peace, but thats what theyd signed up for. He checked his friends bodynguage and expressions.


    Isolde looked stern. Thundar fidgeted. ygon, was just ygon of course. Khalik had squared his shoulders and crossed his arms. Svenia and Hogarth whispered to each other. Theresa sat bolt upright in her chair with her deathstalker expression on.


    And Grimloch


    was Grimloch <em>licking his lips?</em>


    Alex shuddered. It seemed that while most of his friends were feeling like he didfilled with anticipation and nervesGrimloch looked like he was simply heading to the market to grab a nice snack.


    Well, if he liked Ravener-spawned monster hed find plenty of snacks in Thamnd.


    Each of you shall receive a kit, the chancellor said, cutting through Alexs thoughts. It will contain magically treated bandages to ward off infection, poultices to elerate healing and dull pain, dried rations, and a canteen for water, wine or whatever beverage you decide to fill it with. One note to all. I will personally rip apart the first person I be aware of who drinks to excess on this expedition, or who shows up for our work already in any state of drunkenness.


    Several people in the roomughed, but Alex didnt join in. He knew better: Baelin wasnt joking. Exaggerating, maybe, but probably not by much. Anyone whose wits werent sharp, would be a liability to the expedition and their team members.


    You will also find apass, spyss, notebooks, pens and pigments for use in marking trails and making rough maps. We will bring cartographers inter to do more precise mapping once all of our territory has been explored and your reports of the terrain have been processed. Finallythough you should all be capable of producing magical lightyou will findnterns and alchemical oil within each pack as well as a fifty-foot length of rope. The kit is somewhat weighty, but they are designed to evenly distribute the weight and lessen the burden on your body.


    Baelin raised a hand, calling a pack from a table across the room where dozens had beenid out in a row. The pack had the five towers of the university emzoned on the front. Do <em>not</em> lose these bags: the enchantment on each functions outside of Generasis ambient mana, and so they are not only expensive, but more importantly, contain much of what you will need to survive should something go awry; the enchantment acts to preserve foodstuffs, keeping them stable longer.


    He gestured to a side pouch on the pack. Use the side pouches for small sample collection: over time, you will be provided withrger sample bags to allow you to gather more. Next-


    Reaching into the bag, he took out three cylinders: one blue, one yellow and one a deep, blood red.


    -your res. Some of you have mastered the fourth-tier spell: Talk Through the Wind, but many have not. As such, each team will be provided with a messenger construct. However, for emergencies, each team member will have ess to these three fireworks designed to fire into the air and explode in its corresponding colour-


    He tapped a brass cap with a pin in it. -once the pin is pulled. The blue firework will signal that you have found something of major, immediate interest, and that all surrounding surveying teams should congregate on your position. Yellow will indicate that you have encountered danger of some kind and would like assistance, but are under no immediate threat of harm. Red is for emergency situations only: only make use of the red re if you are in imminent danger and require all teams to move in to provide immediate aid. Are there any questions?


    Someone raised their hand. Will you be there, Chancellor?


    I will be with you in Greymoor on the first day of exploration, but I have othermitments for the following days.


    Silence filled the room.


    Fear not: I have full confidence in your abilities and there will also be a detachment of Watchers apanying you for added security. He looked at the teams of surveyors. Remember, you are all highlypetent, or experts in your own particr fields whether that be academics, exploration, or battle. Fear is rational, but do not let it master you. Now, any other questions?


    The room was silent.


    Baelin drew himself up. Very well. Then let us not dy a moment longer.


    Professor Jules cleared her throat. Alright, the following medical staff will be assigned to each team of surveyors!


    The medical staff watched as each team stood. Hugh House is assigned to Team 1-


    A lean man with a walking stick got up and introduced himself to his team.


    -Neil P. Howser is assigned to Team 2-


    A young, blonde man made his way over to the next team.


    We are next, Khalik said.


    -Hiiragi Makaira is assigned to Team 3-


    A young woman with short, jet-ck hair quickly stood, smoothed her clothing and walkedwith short, quick stepsto Alexs team.


    Its a pleasure to meet everyone, she said, looking up at them. She was even shorter than the squat Hogarth. I hope that we can take care of each other.


    Likewise, Alex said, stepping forward and shaking her hand. You dont know us yet, but I can promise that we ll use everything weve learned frombat to look out for you and ourselves. That''ll keep the need for blood magic down.


    I second what Alex said. Khalik shook her hand and introduced himself. Lets see if we can ensure you will not have to lift a finger.


    Indeed, no offence to your skills, but the less you are called upon to use them, the better, Isolde said.


    No offence taken, Makaira said. I agree: healing is a skill where it would be better if its rarely needed.


    Team members! Another professor called for everyones attention. Collect your kit from the table then proceed to the teleportation chamber!


    Here we go, Alex said, ncing at his friends.


    The teleportation circle was wide enough to transport about twenty people at a timeless if they were Grimloch or ygon-sizedto their destination. The chamber surrounding it wasrge enough to amodate a small army. It was in a building that looked to be capable of withstanding an ogre siege, located on the outskirts of theplex closest to the sea.


    Iron beams reinforced the stone structure and what looked to be steel forged doors, provided entry. Watchers of Roal stood on guard both outside and inside the building to prevent anyone from breaching the teleportation chamber, or intruding from the teleportation circle itself. From what Alex had been told, a situation like that shouldnt happen, but with magical creatures, one should never trust in absolutes.


    I expect you to conduct yourselves as proper representatives of the university! Professor Jules announced. Treat the localswhether they be authorities or otherwisewith respect! Remember, you are not only serving as ambassadors of our academicmunity, but also of the city of Generasi: thereve been more than enough expeditions ruined by partricipants treating local guides as though they were ves or vermin. Conduct yourself politely, professionally and with efficiency-


    And have a n to kill anyone you meet, a student whispered and his team members joined each other in suppressedughter.


    -and in a dignified manner. You are wizards and academics, not barbarians going raiding.


    But maybe just a<em> little </em>like barbarians going on a raid, Baelin said, earning a re from Professor Jules. Raiding this Ravener, to be precise. Alexughed at that. Alright, Team 1, proceed to the circle! The chancellor instructed.


    The first group looked at their team members then made their way to the circle apanied by a detachment of five Watchers, and Baelin. He nodded to the rest of the teams. I am going to activate the teleportation circle. If I am not back here within a count of thirty, prepare for battle and do not enter the circle under any circumstances. His announcement was met with nervous nodding.


    Raising his hands, the ancient wizard chanted a spell that made the air thrum with power. Alex felt immense teleportation magics connect two distant points in space. The circle began to glow beneath the teams feet, growing into a shimmering portal of light.


    The light red.


    Those standing in the circle sank into the glow until they vanished.


    The circle of light shimmered in silence for one second.


    Then two.


    Then three.


    The waiting teams shifted ufortably, apprehension crept over them.


    Teneleven Alex counted, his hand resting on his bag of potions. twelvethirteenfour-


    A horned head rose from the pool of light: relief swept through the room.


    All is well on the other end so the other teams may proceed. Team 2, you can safely enter the circle, he said, then nced at Alex. There was a subtle nod of his head.


    That was the signal. No priests on the other side.


    The chancellor once again sank beneath the circle of light.


    You heard the chancellor! Professor Jules called. Its time to go, Team 2!


    The second team sank into the pool of shimmering light.


    Were next, Theresa whispered.


    Yeah, Alex said. Were finally going back home.


    His grip tightened on the strap of his bag and he adjusted his right shoulder. Well, Mark of the Fool, he thought. If you wanted me back thereI guess in a way, youre getting what you wanted. But, Im going back in my own way, not yours.


    Team 3, please proceed to the circle! Professor Jules cried.


    With a final look around and a nod to each other, Alex and his group stepped into the pool of shimmering light. It red beneath their feet andfor a momentAlex caught the scent of fresh rain.


    Then, they were sinking into the pool, watching the chamberand Generasirise then disappear around them. For a heartbeat, Alex was consumed by a whirlwind of sights and sounds from a thousand broken images originating from a host of nes.


    His gut shifted.


    The crown of his head broke the surface of another portal; he felt cool, damp air brush his hair as he re-entered the material world. Heartbeatster, his head and shoulders broke the surface of the pool of light, then one by one, his team appeared.


    Alex blinked rapidly at the sudden change of light and scenery.


    Gone were the reinforced walls and magical lights of the teleportation chamber.


    Theyd been reced by a cool light from an early morning sun filtering through dull, grey clouds. A damp chill suffused the wind. The scent of mud and manure mixed with fresh rain, an odour Alex hadnt smelled in over a year. Buildings made of dark wood and topped with thatched roofs had horses, mules and armed men and women walking between them. The scent of horse was strong, but there was also a smell ofsomething else.


    Something almost overpowering.


    Its cold, Khalik said, pulling his cloak tighter around his broad shoulders.


    Get used to it, this is normal, Alex said. Wee to Thamnd, friends.


    After a little over a year, The Fool had returned home.


    A titanic orb of darkness pulsated somewhere deep within the earth, hovering over a vast pool of ck, stagnant water.


    The cavern around it had been expanded: dungeon cores were embedded in the walls to reinforce them. Monsters had been spawned by the thousands to fill awork of tunnels which had grown into a seemingly endless maze.


    The Ravener was filled with energy: it had escted its efforts like in ancient times, encouraging its monsters to rampage throughout the countryside.


    Fear flooded into it from all corners of thend, and with that fear, came power. Growing power.


    And yet-


    Something had shifted.


    Something in the south of the realm.


    A tiny ripple of energy: from the one who had controlled one of its dungeon cores. Andsomething else. An anomaly: a mana signature that was somehowfamiliar.


    But right now, other things were of greater importance.


    The Usurper had returned to Thamnd.


    And there was work to be done.

 Chapter 261: Cycles and Struggles

    Chapter 261: Cycles and Struggles


    Ancient pronouncements whispered from within The Ravener. The usurper had reappeared after so long.


    What measures were needed?


    Reaching across great distances, it inspected certain energies, processes and paths. Ones of key importance. It examined them with great care, searching for patterns that were unusualor any that should be long inactive.


    It found nothing abnormal. All was as it should have been, and all proceeded as it had dictated. Good. The worst had note to pass.


    Then the task was clear: the usurper must be eliminated, but quietly. Too much esction could bring too much attention.


    And so, a subtle approach was needed. For now.


    Reaching out, The Ravener called to its one remaining Hunter within Thamnd, instructing it to travel southward. The usurpers precise location was unclear, but The Hunters had been created with particr senses and abilities to find their target and disguise their termination as just another monster attack.


    Butthe other Hunters had been dispatched beyond Thamnds borders a long time ago. None had returned. Perhaps reinforcements were in order.


    Yes, that was not denounced in the pronouncements.


    The Ravener searched itswork of dungeon cores within Thamnd. One by one, it analysed the monsters that each had been dedicated to creating. It eliminated those focused on creatures of unbridled destruction: monsters who would form the front lines of armies, elites who would draw The Heroes out, and devastating creatures designed as siege engines to tear cities apart.


    None of these were suitable. The task at hand would require a more subtle touch.


    Perhaps the dungeon core that produced creatures of stealth, like silence-spiders: they would be very useful. The Ravener directed the core to dispatch a force of silence-spiders to The Hunter.


    One more force possessing a different set of skills would broaden The Hunters team and improve its chances for sess.


    Ah yes.


    The Venom Walkers.


    They were not <em>the</em> most subtle of its forcesunlike the silence-spiders, or the Huntersbut they could avoid detection as needed, and were effective assassins if need be. The Ravener gave instructions to the core for a unit of Venom Walkers to be sent to The Hunter.


    Now, for the anom-


    Its senses reached out.


    There was no longer any sign of an anomaly. Strange. Whatever it wasif something had indeed appearedwould have to be left for now. Its forces would unearth it, then destroy it if that was needed. The usurper was priority right now.


    The Ravener turned its attention to The Heroes. They were engaging its cores in the west. More reinforcements would be necessary.


    Shuddering, the great orb of darkness used its gathered power to craft more dungeon cores and sent them shooting through the underways.


    All would proceed.


    All would be preserved.


    This cycle would seed as had most others.


    It would not fail.


    Wee to Luthering, a rough voice said in a thick northern Thameish ent. Uldar only knows what possessed a bunch of fancy school-folk like you to choose these forsakennds for your expedition, but here you are.


    The teams of surveyors gathered around the teleportation circle, forming their groups while supplies were unloaded from the shimmering portal. Around them, armed soldiers had begun gathering, trudging through the mud, or leaning against nearby buildings as they eyed the expedition members like they were watching otherworldly beings.


    One group approached them from the vige square: in the centre, a lean man strode through muck which coated his boots and metal greaves in thick mud. Ten soldiers d in breasttes and chainmail nked him; swords bobbed from their waists.


    Their te armour clinked with every step and their leaders sharp features gave the impression of a hawk as he eyed every member of the expedition like a wolf appraising a pack encroaching on his territory.


    After a while, he seemed to be satisfied with something and turned toward Baelin. Is this all of them?


    For the most part, the chancellor said, towering over the man. He was also standing in the muck, but Alex noticed that no mud stained his hooves or trousers. Our other lessbat ready members will be brought in at another time.


    Right, well Ill just say what I have to say to this lot. The soldier squared his shoulders, turned back toward the rest of the expedition and wiped some of the damp from his greying hair.


    If I understand correctly, youre to be our neighbours and youll be clearing thend and working on some sort of weapon against The Ravener, he said.


    Close enough, Alex thought.


    Thats good, he nodded, though very little cheer entered his voice. Uldar knows that we could use every weapon we can get: this cycles been a bad one, and Ive lost too many that followed mymand already.


    Some of his soldiers grumbled at the words, shifting in ce and throwing looks at the church of Uldar. It was a fairly towering structureabout three floors highand the only one in the vige built entirely of stone.


    The white hand of Uldar was painted on a wooden board above the entrance and Alex noticed another symbol hanging over the side of the building where a small fenced in graveyardy, likely where priests were buried.


    He wondered how fuller graveyards in his homnd had gotten in the past year.


    We hope that our presence will ease your burden, Sir Swift, Professor Jules said, picking her way around some of the deeper puddles. And that we are <em>good</em> neighbours to each other.


    Ah, and who might you be, then? Sir Swift looked down at the tiny woman.


    Professor Vernia Jules, Head of the Potions Department of the University of Generasi and head of the alchemy division of the expedition. She extended her hand to the tall knight.


    Right, to those who dont know, I am Sir Sean Swift of Devon, Knight sworn to King Athelstan Merciex, and Baron Robert Roos, he said, shaking Professor Jules hand and turning toward the rest of the expedition. Long may they rule. You lot are in the vige of Luthering which is part of my fief, and in better circumstances I wouldby rule of courtesyinvite you as guests to my manor for a feast of good fortune.


    His eyes hardened. But any pig or cow weve got left will be needed to feed my own soldiers, were near out of beer, and my manor was burnt to the groundst winter in an attack led by Skinned Ones.


    Alex winced and several of the students murmured.


    The bestiaries had described Skinned Ones as quite a nasty form of monster: humanoid, skinless titans whose bloated, naked muscles were hard enough to turn away spears, and powerful enough to batter stone.


    Alex imagined such monsters stalking through the moors toward the vige. No wonder these soldiers looked sobeaten down.


    Butwith you lot herelets hope that things will turn around; were all seeking the same thing. So, I see no reason for there to be any sort of pissing-contests or arm-wrestling going on among us. Youve got yournds over in the wilderness there just as Im warden of this vige, and the surrounding fief. You seek solutions to the scourge of The Ravener and I seek ways to square ounts with it. Youll keep yournds clear of monsters, and Ill do the same on mine. So, in the end, well be helping each other.


    Indeed, Professor Jules said. Through ourbined effort as neighbours, it is our hope that we shall have mutual safety and profit.


    He paused. Profit, he repeated the word as though hed tasted something bitter. That brings me right to it, then: thereve been folk about taking advantage of these desperate times. Bandits infest ourndshiding from our armies like the rats that they are, yet keeping themselves safely hidden from The Raveners monsters. Which is another reason to despise it and its spawn. Weve had pirates and predatory merchants creeping around taking advantage of regr folk. There are hamlets, farmhouses and manors sitting empty waiting for our people to return to their homes. If you range beyond your boundaries, then you may encounter some of these ces. What you do on yournds is your affair, but outside, you are expected to follow Thameishw.


    He raised his voice. No looting or theft of property found on Thaemish soil will be tolerated. None of it. And if you catch anyone on yournds stealing, poaching or raiding, you have full authorityand my encouragementto capture and punish them as you see fit. We have no time to worry about the fate of ouws. Theyre parasites, I expect you will not act as they do: weve had folk offer help before them turn on us. Im not using you of anything, but these are evil times. Desperate times.


    Alex noticed that the knights armour showed signs of recent repair; hispanions kept their eyes on the surroundings. The buildings around them had been patched, and the tavern walls were a mix of new and old boards. Lanky dogs wandered about the vige and each warrior looked like itd been too long since theyd seen a hot meal and peaceful nights sleep.


    No wonder he said desperate times, These people, and even their animals look like theyve really been through it, Alex thought. Wonder what hed think if he saw how we live in Generasi. Maybe the supplies we brought can ease their burden for a while.


    Right. Sir Swift looked on as the expedition finished piling supplies beside the teleportation circle. Many of the crates were for the universitys encampment, but a significant number were being gifted to the vige. Alex could already see the knight evaluating the new provisions. Lets show you where youll be wanting to go.


    Excellent. Baelin nodded to the expedition before turning and speaking a single word.


    The portal closed behind them.


    The teams shouldered their rucksacks and began trudging through the mud. At Alexs side ygons heavy footsteps sucked through the muck.


    He noticed the soldiers eyes following them as they made their way through the vige. After a year in Generasi, the novelty of being surrounded by so many strange and magical things had worn off. But here, almost everyone in Luthering appeared to be human, with only a few folk that looked like they had mixed ancestry. Perhaps elven, orcish and dwarvish ancestors from their looks.


    In contrast, Generais expeditionary force was formed of humans, elves, dwarves, beastmenincluding the towering, unique Grimlochand a giant, four-armed golem. There were also familiarslike Brutus and Najyahand other beasts apanying the group and that didnt even include Vesuvius who was simply too big to be teleported into the vige and would be brought to Thamndter.


    Still, the group made for a fantastic sight in the quiet moors and countryside of Thamnd.


    Ive sent rangers into the moors in thest few days to make sure nothing nastys been brewing there, Sir Swift said as they passed through a street filled with buildings that had be converted barracks for the soldiers. Men and women sat around, taking care of their equipment and gaping at the group. And theyve not been reporting anything more dangerous than a few beast-goblin warrens.


    Sizes and locations? Baelin asked.


    To the east, The knight said. And no more than packs of ten or twenty in each. Nothing to worry about for a group of wizards like yourselves, but youll need to roust them if you want full run of yournds. If theres more lurking out in the moors, then youll need to find that out yourselvesstill wouldve been better if youd let some of our priestse with you, I say. If it werent for their miracles and Uldars mercy, half my force would be dead.


    We have our own sources of healing, Professor Jules said.


    Yeah, dont go forcing any priests on us, please, Alex thought.


    Suit yourself. Sir Swift pointed to a smithy they were passing, which looked like it had been converted into an armoury. If you need any help, you cane to Luthering for care and what supplies we can spare: youve provided for us, and if we can, well do the same. At the same time, I will be expecting hospitality for any of my soldiers if they need to travel through yournds.


    They shall have it, Baelin said. As long as they follow <em>Generasi</em>w as they do.


    Good, The knight said as they approached the vige gate. It was surrounded by a wooden wall that looked like it had been patched repeatedly using different boards, stone, and metal. The gate looked like it was newly crafted.


    Open the gate! Sean roared.


    Six soldiers slid a massive oak post away that was securing the gate, then heaved it open. The gate creaked and sloshed through the muck, opening to a muddy road that led to the harshnds of Greymoor. Generasis property.


    The air was heavy with the smell of peat and rain.


    Happy hunting to you all, the knight said, standing aside. Ohand just one more thing. If you should happen to find anyone hiding on yournds, it would do me a great favour if you search them <em>thoroughly </em>and hold them, or bring them here to our priests.


    Sir Swift drew a piece of parchment from a case on his belt, unrolled it and presented it to the expedition. Alexs blood ran cold; he noticed Theresa and Thundar throw nces at him.


    On the scroll was a detailed drawing of a grinning jesters face. If you should find <em>anyone</em> with this symbol on their bodies, capture them. This symbol is The Mark of the Fool. It glows gold and marks the body of a missing member of Uldars Heroes. Theyre most likely long dead, but if they happen to be hiding in some hole out there in the moors while others fight and die in their stead, then I ask that you submit them to my custody: theyre wanted by the king of Thamnd and the Holy Church of Uldar.


    His eyes were like steel. If theyre not dead, then its more than time they started doing their duty. After all, who are they to deny Uldars n?


    Alex fought to keep the agitation off his face. Uldars n? What about Alexs n? We''ll see how much his n matters when we do things our way and take The Raveners dungeon cores from it.<strong></strong>This cycles going to be different.

 Chapter 262: Greymoor

    Chapter 262: Greymoor


    The expedition team whispered to each other as those closest to the knight leaned forward, examining the symbol of the grinning jester.


    That looks stupid, Grimloch growled. Id hate to be the one with that stupid face branded on my body.


    Through the greatest force of will Alex had ever mustered, he managed to keep his screaming <em>inside. </em>Thankfully, his friends kept their faces stoic: none of them gave a single twitch to reveal what they knew.


    I see, Baelin said, making a great show of examining the parchment. We shall keep our eyes open for this Fool in ournds, though under Generasiwunder which ournds are governedthis Fool hasmitted no crime.


    Sir Swifts jaw tightened. They are equivalent to a deserter from our armies, or worse. The warriors of Thamnd are ordered to fight by our king. The Heroes are chosen to fight by our god.


    And that is whyif I shouldy eyes upon this FoolI will encourage them to do the right thing: what is best for their lives and for those of your fine kingdom, Baelin said smoothly, avoiding any outright lies. Now, I do believe my colleagues have thoroughly memorised thischarming symbol. We had best be off. May our neighbourly rtionship continue peacefully, Sir Swift.


    Right, go in peace and with Uldars blessings, The knight said. May your work help bring a quick end to this cycle.


    Indeed, and may your skill and that of your army win you many battles with little losses, the chancellor said, then looked at the expedition. Come, my colleagues. It is time to be off, and we do have a bit of a walk ahead of us.


    Here we go, Alex said, adjusting his shoulders.


    Now for the fun part, Isolde sighed as the expedition set out. Luthering was <em>not</em> close to the centre of our territory on the map.


    That it was not, Khalik said, drawing his cloak even tighter around himself. Butining about it will only make the journey longer and more painful.


    Theresa nced at Sir Swift one more time as the expedition exited the gates of Luthering. Crossing rough countrys worse with a bad mind. Lets make the best of it.


    As one, the members of Generasis expedition filed through the gates of Luthering and stepped into the wilderness of Greymoor. When thest of their numberand supplies supported byrge forcedisks exited the vigethe gate creaked closed behind them.


    <em>Thm.</em>


    The bar slid into ce.


    Isolde nced back at the vige. Charming fellow, that Sir Swift, shemented on the knight. He reminds me of an old knight who worked for my father.


    How so? Khalik asked.


    He was not a happy man: it honestly seemed like he had died at some point on one of the many battlefields he had fought on, but his poor body had not realised hed been in. His spirit did, though. A dour man to be around.


    A grim way to put it, Khalik said. What happened to him?


    A bad sickness of the lungs, she said. He wasid to rest three summers ago. A poor way to go, especially for a soldier, though there are worse ways.


    With this dampness, we might share his fate soon enough, Khalik said. But I will keep myining to a minimum.


    As the expedition team trudged along the muddy road, Luthering shrank behind them into the distance. The moors spread out ahead in a grimndscape.


    Dull, pale green grasses and short shrubbery grew from rolling hills and wide ts broken by tors: small mounds of earth topped by bare, grey granite. The nt life swayed in the chill wind, and Alex recognized several species of heather and heath from one of Salingers lessons.


    An asional scraggly, half-dead oak rose into the air looking less like a tree and more like an old monster with a bent back. It waste summer, which meant most of the leaves were still green, but some had already begun to wilt and change to their fall colours.


    Skrks and other birds seemed to be the only wildlife around, flocking and pecking at worms and other insects hidden in the wet, acidic soil. Crows were everywhere.


    Screeching as the group walked by.


    Grimloch sniffed. Death. Theyre eating a carcass. Maybe its this Fool.


    Alex shuddered.


    Im sure they have plenty to eat, all over Thamnd, Theresa muttered and touched Alexs arm briefly.


    The group continued over the hills, and once the vige waspletely out of sight, Baelin looked back over his shoulder from the front of the line.


    At our current pace, it will be some five hours before we reach our border then another hour after that until we reach our staging area, the ancient wizard said. Step lively and make sure you keep your rucksacks centered on your backs. We will keep moving, but if you need rest, I can conjure forcedisks to carry you some of the distance.


    As he started to turn around, someone cleared their throat.


    Ummm, chancellor? a student called.


    Baelin. Call me Baelin, and what is it? the ancient wizard asked.


    Cant we teleport the rest of the way? the student asked. Forgive me for questioning things, but now that weve seen the vige, wouldnt it be faster to simply teleport to our destination and get started? It would waste less of the day and wed be less tired.


    Do not ask my forgiveness for asking a question, my young friend. The chancellor smiled. You are a student as well as part of a research team: it is quite literally your job to ask questions. And as for why we are <em>walking</em> to our staging area: a Proper Wizard does relypletely on magic, especially when doing so could rob you of key information.


    The wizard gestured to the grimndscape: at first nce, it didnt look like someone could get much information from it.


    By walking the distance from Luthering to our territory in Greymoor, you gain several pieces of valuable information. Baelin said. First, you will now <em>know</em> the way back to Luthering, as long as you are paying attention to our route.


    Alex saw several people look at each other then scramble to dig out pens and sheets of parchment.


    You will also learn what the terrain is like on this path and how to walk it. You will learn how long it should take for you to walk the distance between our encampment and the closest settlement, as well as how tiring the journey will be for you. If you find that your endurance wanes partway through, then you will have learned something about yourself: that you will need to build stamina.


    The chancellor reached down, picked up arge stone and tossed it to the side of the trail. You will learn about any areas of dangerous terrain to avoid, and will have first-hand knowledge ofndmarks that you can use to guide yourself back along the path. It is true, I could have simply teleported us to the site of our encampment, but then you would <em>only</em> have experienced the vige and our destination in istion.


    He conjured an illusion above himself showing a section of the surroundingndscape. Through illusions, I might have shown you the path from the vige <em>visually</em>, but that would do little to teach you about what it actually <em>feels</em> like to travel the route. Not to mention, a few minutes studying an illusion pales inparison to the rich knowledge gained by living through the journey. Think of it this way: suppose the encampment is attacked.


    He made a cutting motion through the air with his hand. Monsters are running rampant and you are cut off from magical ways ofmunication. Your messenger construct is destroyed and the portal to Generasi ispromised. Your only option is to ride, run or fly to Luthering. Because you did not make the journey yourself, you overestimate your endurance and sap your strength before you are halfway there. Or you stumble on a hill you did not remember was there, roll down and fracture a limb. Or you stumble into a river, or get turned around and lost if it is dark. By making the journey now, you are easing your situation in case of emergency. Does that answer your question?


    Yes, chancellor! The student was already taking out his notebook and eyeing the terrain to note details about it.


    Excellent, Baelin said. Chin up, now. Weve miles to go.


    The walk wasnt an easy one. Greymoor was made up of more than its share of uneven ground, wet grass and peat. At first the group distracted themselves by chatting and examining the terrain. Ripp the swiftling monster hunter even began singing a merry tune:


    <em>Oh on a merry summer day, from me home I started, left the girls of Tuillegh nearly broken-hearted-</em> His voice carried over the moors and past the tors, drawing both nces of appreciationsome even joined inand res of irritation.


    As time went on, they ran out of road and had to make their way across rough country and hilly terrain. It was about an hour in when Baelin had to conjure forcedisks for some of the less fit expedition members. Professor Jules and some of the other professors conjured their own forcedisks to float on, or summoned creatures to ride. Other students cast body enhancement spells on themselves to give them more endurance. Those who took a break on Baelins forcedisks thanked the chancellor profusely, while Alex found himself being thankful for four <em>different</em> things.


    First, that hed started building up his body and stamina when hede to Generasi: the walk would have been tough if hed still been weak and unfit like when hed first left Alric. The average bakers assistant wouldnt have been well suited for such a trek through the countryside.


    Second, he was thankful for the magical rucksacksthey really seemed to decrease any burden on his lower back and shoulders.


    Third, he was thankful hed invested in a good pair of alchemically sealed boots: they werefortable and warm and kept the cold and wet away from his feet.


    Finally, he was thankful for The Mark: as they walked, he focused on gathering as much information about the terrain as he could, and it was already reinforcing memories and building his skill in navigating the area.


    If anyone was going to get lost between their territory and Luthering, it wasnt going to be him. He felt a tap on his shoulder.


    Alex, Thundar pointed to a tor. Come with me up there, I want to get a better view of thend.


    The minotaur gave Alex a look that <em>strongly</em> indicated he wanted to talk about more than thend.


    Sure, good idea, Alex said, before turning to his friends. Be right back.


    Calling ygon, Alex and Thundar climbed to the top of the tor, away from the group. The minotaur nced over his shoulder then leaned toward Alex. Shit, man, I didnt think theyd be waving around a wanted poster for you as soon as we got here.


    I think my heart stopped, Alex said. The sooner we get into these dungeon cores, the better. If they find me out, I want to have discovered something to counter The Ravener. Then they might be more inclined to just leave me alone, or at least, theyll have a much harder time trying to drag me away to do Uldars bidding.


    Yeah, thats the hope, I guess. But Ill feel a lot better when weve got that illusion spell down. Maybe we should pull somete nights when we get back.


    Ive got it covered with a bandage right now, Alex said. Just in case, but yeah, agreed. The sooner the better. Thanks for worrying, man.


    Thundar waved a hand. You worried about me when I got jumped by the mana vampire, so of course Im gonna worry about you. He pped Alex on the shoulder. Well get that illusion downAnyway, so, this is your homnd, eh?


    The minotaur looked over the rough moors. This is where you grew up?


    No, no, Alrics a lot nicer than this ce, Alex said. When all this is over Ill show you one day.


    Thanks, Thundar said sarcastically. Nowthis is whereording to the old stories, <em>something</em> murders one or both us before that ever happens.


    Pfeh, this is real life. Alex tapped ygons side. Ill kill anything that tries.


    We have reached the border of our territory, Baelin called out suddenly. Make note of the tor therethe one whose top looks like the head of a yowling cat. That denotes the beginning of our territory. Once again, we are now on Generasi soil. Only one more hour to go!


    The cheeriness in his voice made several muted groans go through the expedition party.


    Right, lets go, Alex said. Were almost there, now.


    Yeah, Thundar agreed.


    As the two young men started down the tor, the wind shifted and the minotaur paused. His nostrils red. Hold on now he sniffed the air again.


    A secondter, Brutus started barking with all three heads.


    What is it? Alex asked. What do you smell?


    Rotting flesh, the minotaur said, quickly digging into his pack and pulling out his spyss. He scanned the surrounding hills for a few heartbeats then froze. Shit.


    He raised his voice.


    Hey! There''s a dead body over there! It looks human!

 Chapter 263: One’s Territory

    Chapter 263: One¡¯s Territory


    The wind cut across the moors, chilling the air, bringing the stench of festering flesh to the expedition. As a group, they had gathered in a circle around a bloated, decaying man dressed in the tatters of homespun clothing and a gambeson. Some grimaced and looked awayfixing their eyes on anything but the corpsewhile others watched as the medical staff crouched around the cadaver, like crows in a field.


    Their long, beak-like maskspleted the image.


    Well, whoever he was, I dont think he was this Fool Sir Swifts looking for, Meikara said as she clinically turned the corpse, examining the skin.


    Each medic poked and prodded the remains in the same way that children do when they find a dead frog on the ground, except the healers were using steel tools instead of sticks. Alex was attentive to every move they made, using the situation to learn as much as he could for when it came time to dissect monsters and gather specimens.


    It wasnt the pleasantest of tasks.


    Id say- Howser turned the mans chin with a gloved hand. Insects oozed from discoloured flesh. -he was in his mid twenties and on hard times. Theres signs of malnutrition.


    Possibly dehydration as well, House said, after casting a spell and passing his hands over the body. A band of light followed his fingers, tracing the dead mans shape. And theres signs of old injuries: looks like a knife wound to the right thigh, healed ribshe has multiple scars. I think this fellow led a rough lifemaybe a bandit or soldier of some sort.


    Deepcerations to the base of the spine appears to be the cause of death, Meikara said, drawing clinical nods from House and Howser. From the shape of the wounds, Id say they were made by ws. As for how long he''s been deadtaking into ount the bodys state of dposition and the dampness in the regionits hard to tell. Crows have already been feasting on him: I dont see signs of other scavengers around, like droppings and the like, otherwise thered be nothing left except a few bones. What do you think? She looked at her colleagues. Three weeks maybe?


    About that, Id say, House agreed. Cant say what it was that killed him though, the w marks are too big for a beast-goblin and too small for anything like a wyvern. One of The Raveners monsters maybe


    Professor Jules cleared her throat, drawing their attention.


    Any thoughts as to what he was doing out here? she asked. If he was a bandit, then theres little for him to steal in this barren ce. Her eyes scanned the hills with a hint of excitement. Perhaps theres a ruin he was trying to raid nearby.


    There <em>are</em> ruins all over Thamnd, Theresa spoke up, and the entire expedition turned toward her.


    As the only Thameish members of the group, what she and Alex had to say carried some weight. The huntress ced her hands on the hilt of her great- grandfathers swords. One of my ancestors hunted a bandit king through the forest a long time ago, and his hideout was in a lost keep that wasnt on any map. Its possible theres <em>something</em> out here thats been lost to time.


    Indeed, Baelin cut in. With each rise and fall of civilizations, the ruins of the world multiply. Perhaps there <em>is</em> something out here, but what is of more interest to me is the whereabouts of whatever <em>killed</em> this fellow. If it was one of The Raveners monsters, and its still about, well be able to begin our study of them sooner than anticipated when we capture or kill it. Are there any signs of disease? I do not detect any magics lingering upon him.


    Nothing more than simple rot, Meikara said. As long as we keep the body away from our provisions, it should be safe to handle.


    Very well, then once you are finished with your investigation, I shall transport the remains to the encampment. What we learn from them might be of interest, then we can release the body to Sir Swift. Perhaps he might know the man. Now,e: if there is a beast out there for us to find, I would rather search it out sooner thanter.


    Alex nced at Theresa. You get the feeling that wont be thest corpse we find out here?


    Her grip tightened on her swords. Id be shocked if it was.


    Their journeysted a little more than an hour after they found the body, and Alexs feet were d it was over: they were starting toin. The trek had taken the wind out of some of the less fit expedition memberswho panted like hounds on a hot summer''s dayand even his better conditioned legs had begun to burn towards the end.


    Baelin finally stopped on top of a tallmercilessly so for the exhaustedwide, hill that overlooked the surrounding terrain. Several rises of granite poked through the hilltop, but the surface was mostly t, with enough of a slope for rainwater or melting snow to drain away from their encampment. Earth magic would be used to adjust the slope as they set up.


    This is it. Wee to our initial staging area, the chancellor announced. We will begin our surveys here: but for now, our surveyors may have a brief rest while other teams begin setting up camp. Baelin looked at the surveyors. Recover your strength for a bit, then youll be tasked with exploring several areas close by: I expect thorough documentation of whatever you find. I want to know flora, fauna, mineral depositsif anyand all natural resources you uncover today. Should you find individuals or creatures capable of speech, you are permitted to parley with them, though I would suggest that if negotiations be in-depth, that you alert me through your messenger construct. If there are hostiles about, capture or destroy them as you see fit. Remember, use yourmon sense and training to evaluate the situation.


    His eyes turned to Alexs group. Team 3, for today, I would like you to explore the immediate area around us. However, tomorrowwhen you are fresherthere is arge bog to the south called Witherhand Bog that must be investigated. Such ces can serve asirs for multiple monsters, and this one was the location of a dungeon that was eliminated by Thamnds Heroes. All of the entrances <em>were</em> copsed by the Thameish army, but one never knows what might have moved in since. So tomorrow, search the bog and confirm that everything has in fact been cleared out.


    He paused, ncing toward the nket-covered corpse as it was transported to the centre of the camp on a forcedisk.


    perhaps you might even find whatever killed our friend there.


    The bog reeked of<strong></strong>dead fish and foulness.


    Grassy hills gave way to a lond filled with partly-stagnant water stinking of peat, decay, and worse. Mud bridges criss-crossed the bog, and these were covered with rotting nt-life: from some rose bent, gnarled oaks that looked ready to stalk through the muck to hunt the uninvited. Two-toned moss floated on the murky water, asionally disturbed by the ssh of an amphibian or fish moving beneath the waters surface.


    At least, thats what Alex hoped they were: the bog was like something from a sinister fairy tale where witches lurked, hungering for the flesh of innocents. The previous days exploration of the hills near the camp had been a lot pleasanter: the area, while damp, contained nothing more dangerous than some animal bones and flocks of hungry-looking crows.


    Their first night in camp had been quiet, letting them unwind for a bit before everyone fell into a much needed sleep. It was up bright and early to grab a proper meal in the morning, then gear up and head off to explore the bog Baelin had assigned them to take a look at. Alex took a deep breath.


    The chancellor had left for Generasi.


    No spell-mark would be there to whisk them away from danger.


    Theyd have to rely on their own skills and abilities now, but Alex thought that they were ready.


    Or at least, he <em>hoped</em> they were ready.


    Dont like the look of this ce, Thundar said, testing the terrain with a hoof. The ground made a sucking sound, almost like a hungry mouth. Ugh, it stinks in here.


    This water is foul. Not good for swimming. Not for me, Grimloch said. The faster we go through, the better.


    You and I agree on that, Grimloch. Although, I think I shall avoid going through it at all, Isolde said, casting a flight spell on herself, Svenia, and Hogarth then rising about ten feet above the bogs surface.


    Looks of jealousy pierced her, then Khalik and Thundar looked at Alex with pleading expressions.


    I dont want to use any flight potions yet, he said, patting his bag. Well need them tost all three days that were here. That means, we''ll just have to rough it.


    Even as he said those words, Alex took one look at the water and quickly had ygon pick him up and put him on one of his shoulders.


    Oh, what-<em>That</em> is <em>cheating!</em> Khalik pointed at him. What happened to roughing it?


    ygons shoulders pretty hard on my butt, I <em>am </em>roughing it.


    Im going to push you into the bog, Thundar said.


    Look, the longer we stand out hereining about the stink, the more time this is going to take. Theresa walked toward one of the muddynd-bridgestested it, then moved forward. There was a squelch as her boots sank in past her ankles, but she didnt sink any deeper. Sniffing the air then shaking his heads, Brutus followed his master. His legs sank deeper than hers, but he kept ploughing ahead.


    Right, best get things started. Alex summoned an Aervespertillo onto the ground beside ygon. The air shimmered and wind kicked up then a long-jawed creaturethe size of arge dogappeared with a pair of wings having a span even wider than Najyahs. Its face was eyeless, and massive, pointed ears dominated the sides of its skull.


    It let out a high-pitched sound that was like the whine of a tea-kettle, and its ears twitched: each swivelled 180 degrees around the sides of its skull, testing the air for different noises.


    Fly ahead of us, Alex said. Scout the area; if you see anything, screech twice as a warning.


    The creature gave another short, high-pitched screech and flew off, gliding over the swamp.


    You as well, Najyah. Look for danger, and keep high, the prince said, releasing the giant eagle, sending her soaring over the swamp. He sighed. I swear, the first third-tier spell I am learning will be Flight magic.


    The group cast different defensive spells and strode into the bog. Not everyone had Orb-of-Air around their heads. Given Theresa, Thundar, Brutus and Grimlochs keen sense of smell, it made sense for them to use it to continually check the air.


    Alex had ygon plunge into the water.


    <em>Schloop.</em>


    His massive weight pulled him down up to his chest, but his powerful limbs let him churn through the muck. With a grunt of displeasure, Grimloch stepped into the water next, pushing through the moss and mud.


    Make sure you watch out for leeches! Meikara called. If you find any, or maybe I should say if any find you, tell me right away!


    Thundar snorted in distaste as his hooves sank into the muck of and-bridge opposite Theresas, then he plodded over to a scraggly oak and began snapping off dead branches. Here, well want to test what the grounds like around us. He tossed one to each team member as they streamed ahead.


    Meikara and Khalik followed him. Isolde flew abovescanning the waterswhile Alex sat on ygons shoulder taking notes on the surrounding terrain. He had a booby-trapped slumber potion close at hand.


    Its real quiet, Thundar said. Too quiet.


    Yeah, I know what you mean, Alex said.


    In the distance, a head slowly rose from a patch of moss, just high enough for its eyes to watch the interlopers picking their way acrossnd like frightened children.


    Nostrils red and a long tongue licked jagged teeth.


    Were they bandits, maybe? Soldiers from the kingdom? Adventurers?


    Why had theye to her territory?


    Perhapsperhaps they hade to trade. That would be good. She had too many of the useless round shinies and metal things in herir; her sisters hadined about the clutter she lived with. Yes, yes. Such things were tempting to humans and their ilk, and maybe they could provide her with something proper in return.


    The green things were the right size, but too foul: they needed much pickling to be ptable. Then there was the scaled, little thing caged in herir: its screams of fear provided good amusement. Too much amusement for it to be eaten too quickly.


    But these folk might provide something better, if they were good to their word; thest of their kind shed dealt with had tried to trick and betray her. His corpse would be feeding the birds now. Yes, yes. Best to look on the bright side of things and hope these would be more reasonable.


    She could sense magicsing from them, but that might just mean they would be <em>more</em> open to bargaining with someone of her kind. And if not? She was confident that her servants would drive them off.


    Slipping back beneath the water, she imagined what fine things they might bring to her with their pretty, pretty magic.


    Youthful flesh would be nice; it had be so rare since the ck orbs and monsters hade.


    It had been too long since shed had a truly fine meal.

 Chapter 264: Foul Bargaining

    Chapter 264: Foul Bargaining


    Brutus barking shattered the silence.


    All three noses had been sniffing the air in different directions when hed stopped and alerted Theresa, pointing his heads toward the water.


    His barking persisted.


    What is it boy? Theresa said. What do you smell? She sniffed the air and frowned. I cant smell anything except bog.


    Ill check it out, Grimloch said, wading in the direction Brutus was looking. Moving closer, he suddenly stopped and growled. Death.


    Lets see what Najyah finds, Khalik said. ncing skyward, he said something in Tekish and the eagle banked, soaring above where Brutus was pointing. A heartbeatter she stopped and began screeching. Grimloch ploughed through the muck, heading in her direction.


    Everyone stopped, watching as he reached down and drew something from the water: a greenish-grey bodyabout the size of Kybasbloated and rotting. Grimloch held it above his head as he made his way back through the fetid water.


    Some kind of goblin, he growled, shaking the dposing body. Or whats left of one.


    What the hell happened to its legs? Thundar asked. Did some giant beast bite the poor bastard in half?


    The group scanned the bog for signs of threat. Meanwhile, Alex had ygon raise his hands, ready to charge the fire-gems if they were needed.


    It looks like a beast-goblin, Isolde said, floating down for a closer look at the corpse. Sir Swift had said there were some in the area. Ugly creatures.


    Alex had never seen a beast-goblin before, but knew about them from magic-lore. It resembled Kybas somewhat, but had a long, bulbous snout filled with razor-sharp teeth, and tiny horns poking from a bald head. Its half-closed eyes were like a reptiles.


    Whats a beast-goblin? Grimloch asked.


    Its likeyou know what a monkey is? Alex asked.


    small, tasty things that fall off shipsing from southern waters. They have tails.


    There was a moment of silence.


    Yeah, Alex said. Yeah lets uhlets just go with that. Well beast-goblins are to goblins what monkeys are to humans, basically. They look kinda simr, but beast-goblins are a hell of a lot dumber. Theyre also territorial as hell and have a mean streak as wide as our campus.


    Alex squinted at the creature, noting wounds on its body. He used The Mark to see if he could identify their cause. Unfortunately, between the rot and therge amount of damage to the corpse, he couldnt tell much. Only that shes running along the skin on its torso, looked simr to those hed seen on the dead boy theyd found the day before.


    Meikara confirmed his suspicions when Grimlochid the corpse in front of her. These are w and tooth marksit appears to have been partially eaten buttheres something She reached into one of the wounds.


    <em>Squelch.</em>


    Khalik grimaced.


    When the healers glove emerged from the little monsters chest cavity, she was holding small, dark objects.


    Isis that garlic? Alex asked, looking at the ckened bulbs.


    And dill, it looks like, Meikara said. Other herbs too.


    There was a pause.


    Waitsomeone stuffed the body like a hen? Thundar asked.


    How gruesome, Isolde said.


    More like how smart, Grimloch growled, drawing a shocked look from Meikara. Underwater beastfolk and schar do simr things: we take meat, fill it with good stuff and let it float in seawater to pickle it. Makes it soft and tasty. Dont know how itd work with freshwater, though.


    Meikara seemed to be trying to digest that information.


    Hogarth was hovering beside Isolde as everyone looked at the beast-goblins remains. First time meeting Grimloch Im guessing? He said to the healer with a big smile on his face.


    He brings up a good point, though: itd take intelligence to do this, Alex said. If something in this bog is stuffing beast-goblins full of herbs, that means whatever is doing it isnt just some mindless beast: its got dexterity and enough advanced culture to cook and care about vour. Oh, and its not above eating things that <em>look</em> humanoid, too.


    Let it try and eat me, Grimloch snorted. Ill eat it right back.


    We shall have to find it first Khalik said. My suggestion is that we get to where that dungeon was. Id wager that if something is hiding in the area, that it will likely have made its home there.


    No doubt, Theresa said. Lets go.


    Grimloch put the body back in the water and they moved on.


    <em>Slsh.</em>


    <em>Slsh.</em>


    <em>Slsh.</em>


    Under thete morning sky, the group pushed on, fighting the muck and clouds of mosquitoes that rose from the bog. After the first few bites from the little bastards crawling under his force armour and clothing to get to his skin, Alex summoned a swarm of elemental beetles to attack the mass of blood suckers all around them.


    The beetles soon turned the tables.


    Thanks, man, Thundar said, pping a couple of mosquitoes from his fur. How much further until the entrance?


    We should being to it soon, Alex consulted the rough map Baelin had given them. Hed added some details. There should be a way in on the other side of that hill over there.


    <em>That</em> hill? Thundar inclined his head toward a dark mound rising from the middle of the bog.


    Yep.


    Then lets get over there, check it out and get it done.


    Cautiously, Khalik said, eyeing their surroundings and ncing up at Najyah. If whatever was pickling that beast-goblin uses this bog, it wouldnt be surprising if itsir is also near.


    I think youre right, Grimloch sniffed the air as Brutus started barking again. The smell of death is strong here too.


    The sharkman found more pickled goblin corpses floating in the bog the closer they came to the cleared dungeon. The team was quietly scanning everything around them and using their oak branches to test the ground.


    With each step, the murky water rose around ygon and Alex realised theyd both soon be submerged by it, so he let ygon deposit him onto Thundarsnd-bridge then continue pushing the water. His towering form slowly disappeared beneath the surface as he churned through the muck on the bottom of the bog.


    If anything was hiding down there, hed be there to st it.


    Alex looked up at Najyah and his Aervespertillo scouting high in the sky.


    Neither had given any warnings so-


    Thaaaats far enough, interlopers.


    Everyone froze as a voice like scratching nails called out. Alex felt mana rise from all around and the team fell into battle stances. Isolde, Hogarth and Svenia backed each other, ready for whatever came.


    Its an illusion! Thundar shouted. Somethings throwing their voice at us: theyre disguising where theyre hiding!


    Very good, very good! the voice crowed. The bog seemed to bubble with its every word. You know your way around magics. Good, good. You do not fear and run scrambling for torches and pitch-forks at illusion. Tell me, what brings you to my home?


    Still tensed for a fight, they frowned, puzzled at the voice. Alex and Theresaspanions turned toward them, looking to see if their Thameish team mates had any idea what was out in the bog. The huntress looked at her partner from across the moss-covered water and shrugged.


    He cleared his throat.


    That depends? Alex said. Were here to look around andif we find anyone who can talk to usparley with them.


    Parley? What is this? the voice asked. I do not know this word in your tongue.


    What tongue do you speak?


    I asked my question first and so <em>you </em>will <em>answer </em>first! the voice snapped. Tell me what is parley?


    Uh, a discussion of terms, Alex said. Basically, wed <em>like</em> peace with those already in this region, so wed like to discuss that.


    Aaaah! Talking, good. Bargains follow words. Traaaaade.


    Something about the way the voice said trade chilled his blood.


    ygon, find where that voice ising from, he thought, before ncing up to his summoned monster. No information from it at all. Where and what this creature wasits voice sounded like a very old womans, but with an inhuman quality to it. Its illusion was actually concealing its voice from his summoned monsters sharp hearing. What was this thing?


    We might be up for talking a bit of trade, Alex said, ncing at hispanions.


    Everyone was scanning the bog, searching for the owner of the voice.


    Good, good, it said. The Lean Times are hard. It is good to trade, and all who wish to survive knows this.


    Lean Times? Alex asked, his gaze sharpening. You mean when The Raveneresor do you mean something else?


    When the ck orbs tunnel beneath every hill, swamp, dale and glen, she said. When blood fills the forest and when their spawn stalks the night and day. It makes food scarce.


    Alex swallowed. This could be interesting: the only sources on The Ravener hede across were from the kingdom and the church of Uldar. Thiswhatever it was, seemed to have a different perspective.


    That could mean more, as well as,<strong></strong>new information.


    Alex used The Mark, then: trying to learn the creatures inflection, diction and speech pattern. If he copied some of itand adopted a bit into his speechhe might seem more familiar to the creature and maybe set it at ease. The Mark brought up memories and pointed out specific ways the voice used the Common tongue.


    He put some of them into his speech pattern. Food is scarce for us too, Alex said carefully. No wonder you call it The Lean Times.


    Yes, yes, human! the creature cried, its voice sounding a touch warmer than before. They are lean. The prey flees the ck orbs. One gets so, so, soooo hungry.


    Hispanions looked at each other and a look of distaste was on Meikaras face. There was something about the way the voice said hungry that made Alex wonder exactly what kind of food its owner was after.


    Do beast-goblins not suit you? Alex said. They dont look very tasty.


    They are not! she cried. They are tough and filled with bitter tastes. It takes much to make them good to eat. Too much. I want <em>proper</em> flesh!


    Alex subtly reached for his slumber potion, trying not to spook the creature by making any sudden movements.


    What about the spawn from the dark orbs? Cant you eat them?


    There was a cackle that came from all directions, echoing on itself. The spawns flesh is worse than the green ones! Only to be eaten when there is nothing else. The taste is dreadful! <em>Dreadful!</em> Like a hundred human cesspits!


    Alex noted her mentally: The Raveners spawn tasted bad to at least one inhuman resident of Thamnd. That information might prove irrelevantter, but for now, he would keep it in mind because the more he could understand about The Ravener, the better. It was like what Salinger had said about considering multiple factors of nature when trying to grow nts in areas they didnt normally grow in: one had to pay attention to the other natural factors.


    The question here was; <em>did</em> The Ravener have a role in the natural world or was it something more like an invasive species that only targeted subjects of Uldar?


    Do these spawn hunt you? Alex asked. How do you keep safe from them?


    The creature snorted. They do not hunt us. They attack if we venture too close to their territories, but they leave us alone otherwise, just as we leave them alone. but we have fought them before.


    You have? Alex asked, his interest growing with every word.


    Yes, yes! Territory needs to be protected and parts of the spawn have value as material. We can use them for weapons.


    Alex heard a note enter her voice that hed heard countless times among the merchants of Alric and Generasi.


    Is that what you could use, hmmmm? Let us trade! Let us trade! the voice said. I have weapons and other things made from parts of the spawn! They are strong and can help you protect yourselves from them! Or, I have the shiny round things you folk use for barter and buying: taken from the many empty houses in the wild! I have more, too!


    Weapons and things made from the spawn? he asked, his curiosity piqued. Wed be interested in those.


    Good, good! Whether you are bandits or adventurers, I knew that is what you would want.


    And what do <em>you</em> want?


    Fleeeeesh, the voice cooed. Young flesh. Young goats ormbs would suit me, or calves would be even betteror even a nice, fat piglet. But those things would not be enough for weapons, only for the shiny disks. If it is weapons you wantthen bring me a child.


    Alex froze.


    Ooooh it has been so long since I have had a nice child of humankind! the creaturemented. Tender and <em>fat</em>, oh where have they all <em>gone? </em>The only ones left in the viges and towns are the hard, crusty grown-ups. Not good. We want delicate flesh!


    Alexs mind whirled with what to do.


    Lie, he thought. Lie, get out of here, send up a re and then bring back a full force of wizards to wipe this cannibal off the map.


    Fine, Alex said, ncing meaningfully at hispanions. He kept his words as sincere as possible. Well get you whatever you want.


    Silence.


    You mean to trick me, the voice was suddenly cold.


    Not so, you mean to trade and we have no children, goats ormbs here. We would need to get them, wouldn''t we?


    Silence.


    Hmmm, truebut many times in past trades those same words were used. And then they never came back, or they came back but with warriors in metal clothes carrying sharp des. Well, no matter. Could be you are telling the truth. There is one way to be sure.


    <em>Sash!</em>


    Something sinewy whipped from the water.


    I will need guarantees! the voice shrieked.


    A blursomething like a thin snakestruck out and wrapped around Khaliks waist, dragging him under water before he could even gasp.


    A breathter, Alex was pulled under.


    The sky disappeared and he was sucked beneath the foul waters.

 Chapter 265: The Battle of the Bog

    Chapter 265: The Battle of the Bog


    Murky water enveloped Alex, pressing against his Orb-of-Air. His breaths came fast and shallow as a moss-covered tentacle tightened.


    It constrictedsqueezingwhipping him back and forth. He fought the pain that built in his gut and reached for whatever it was that had him, and pulled.


    What was it?


    His head turned in every direction, searching frantically for his attacker.


    Down there.


    A hulkingthing loomed in the depths, like a giant underwater mound of congealed moss, vines and roots. Details were murky, but it was nearly twice ygons height and almost double his width. Multiple broad feelers writhed around the creature, resembling a monstrous squid.


    Alex recognised the creature from Magical Botany.


    A Crich-Tgh.


    Near-sapient mounds of nt-life that fed on everything: they basked under sunlight like normal nts, used their tendrils to absorb nutrients from the earth, or wrap around trees to squeeze the sap out.


    They even crushed beasts and sucked their juices for nourishment.


    Their bodies were spongy but resilient, and were always saturated with whatever water they lurked in, making them difficult to burn. They were tough. And because of their unique magical physiologylightning actually <em>empowered </em>them.


    He needed to break its grip.


    Shit! Alex swore, working his hands between his torso and the slippery tendril. He flexed, beginning to force it open while he called ygon.


    He looked around for his golem, and couldnt see himbut spotted something else. Small creatures were rising from the bottom of the bog; he couldnt see them clearly through the clouds of mud, but they were smaller than he was and were swimming toward him with jerky, erratic movements.


    Clenching his teeth, he strained against his captor, fighting to pry the coil loose.


    The grip loosened and the creature paused, as if in surprise. Alex used that pause to push with every bit of his strength, grunting, pushing outward, until the tendril ckened further-


    <em>Squelch.</em>


    Pain gripped him, the monster redoubled its hold, crushing down on his force armour, his ribs. His breaths grew shallower.


    Now, ygon! Alex called to his golem.


    A giant, four-armed form surged through the muck, mming into the Crich-Tgh in a concussive wave of murky water. The nt-creature let out a sound that was a cross between gurgling, bellowing and sloshing as it threw its bulk against the powerful golem, aiming to coil him in its tendrils.


    <em>Rrrrrrp.</em>


    ygons four-arms snapped out, grabbing the tendrils and ripping them like wet paper. He stalked into the nt monsters reach, took the base of the runner holding Alex, and tore it away at the root.


    There was a dulled roar as the muck whipped up around the two struggling titans, and the grip on Alexs waist went ck. He slithered free of the twitching, dying tendril andgritting his teethwed his way back to the surface.


    He blinked as the Orb-of-Air around his head broke the water.


    Chaos greeted him.


    Another Crich-Tgh was writhing on the opposite side of and-bridge, whipping Khalik above its head while Najyah dove, wing it again and again. She shot away from the reach of whipping tendrils while Theresa leapt on the creature, shing it repeatedly. Grimloch was in the water, his teeth tearing at the nt-monsters left nk.


    Isolde floated above them, conjuring iron spikes and sting them into the creatures right side.


    Smaller monsters surged from the water from all directions, some lurching toward Meikara. Hogarth and Svenia were on and-bridge, tearing into them along beside Brutus, while Thundar fought his way through the horde toward Alex, his mace<strong></strong>smashing small bodies as he pressed forward.


    Beast-goblins.


    The creatures looked like beast-goblins, but each had odd, vine-like growths wrapping them, and rot had reced much of their flesh. Their movements were jerkyerratic, like marites under the control of a drunken puppet master.


    Alex! Thundar roared. Iming for you, buddy!


    Alex swam toward thend-bridge as creatures popped out of the bog around him, then suddenly, a small hand grabbed his ankle. Instinctively, he kicked it but The Mark sted him with interference, stealing his concentration and slowing him in the water.


    Soon more hands reached out, clutching his clothes and potion bag, dragging him under. Alex couldnt let himself panic, he had to shake off the interference or these creatures would drown him. He focused and pushed his body forward like hed seen Grimloch do, then swam as hard as he could through the nts and muck. His strength almost got him to thend-bridge, but he was being overrun by too many of the small monsters. His head broke the water.


    On thend-bridge Thundar was roaring, cutting through the creatures like a scythe through wheat. He looked like he was poised to jump in the water, but Alex held a hand up as he treaded water.


    Wait! he cried. Donte in! Theres too many, theyll just drag you down too!


    The minotaur paused and Alex reached into his bagnow filled with foul waterfeeling around for his potion bottles. His fingers flipped through them until they found what he was looking for.


    In a swarm, the little monsters pulled him beneath the surface again as he fished out the bottle. He inhaled, dismissed Orb-of-Air, popped the cap between clenched teeth then discarding it, emptied the Haste Potion down his throat. Alex felt the world slow down around him.


    Then he went to work, grabbing the little creatures and rapidly plucking them off his force armour. He kept treading water, as the speed of his kicks doubled, creating greater force, driving him back to the surface.


    As soon as he broke the surface again, he began swimming with everything he had, shooting through peat and muck until he touched muddynd. Thundar reached down and dragged him to his feet with one hand, while striking beast-goblins with the mace in his other one.


    <em></em>Thanks, man! Alex cried, taking some deep breaths. There-


    <em>chnk!</em>


    A cry from the second Crich-Tgh tore through the bog.


    Khalik had chanted a spell and spikes burst from his earth armour, piercing the tendril coiled around him, sending nt-juices spraying through the air. A heartbeatter, Theresa shed her swords across the base of the tendril, shearing it but also sending the prince plummeting. He struck the monster with the spikes on his earth armour.


    From all around, Alex heard the mysterious voice roaring in rage.


    Filthy creatures! It shrieked. Intruders! Interlopers! Ruiners!


    Oh, you go to every hell that there ever was! Alex roared back before turning to Thundar. I got these little bastards! Go help stop the other big one!


    The minotaur nodded, leaving Alex to push through the muck. With a yell that came from deep within, he used his enhanced speed to pluck beast-goblin-after beast-goblin by their limbs, and toss them back into the water to disappear from sight. They flew through the air so quickly, that at times, it seemed like the sky was raining little monsters.


    As the horde onnd thinnedHogarth, Svenia and Brutus kept tearing apart the remaining ones, while Meikara hung back and sted any looking to crawl from the water with mana bolts. In the distance, Alex noticed a tremendous turbulence then suddenly, pieces of green Crich-Tgh churned to the bogs surface.


    ygon had been tearing the creature apart below, but the one on the other side of thend-bridge wasnt faring much better. Theresas swords were carving away at the creatures spongy body, while Grimloch had chewed through much of its left side. Numerous metal spikes were protruding from it, and Khalik kept the pressure on, sting it from up close with a hail of sharpened stones.


    Then Thundar was there, shooting mana bolts thendrawing a massive knife, he struck truecleaving the creature in two.


    No, no, no! the voice cried as the Crich-Tgh shuddered, and copsed on its side. No! No! My babies! What have you done?!


    A heartbeatter, the rest of the nt-monster ygon had been fighting split the waters surface, sailing high in the air, then dropping: a round, shredded mass of dead nt material struck the bog, spurting murky water everywhere. Most looked like overcooked greens.


    Curse you! the voice shrieked. Curse you all!


    Get out of the water! Isolde shouted, then began chanting a powerful lightning spell.


    Everyone scrambled to get to and-bridge as sheshed out with twin orbs of lighting, shooting them straight into the marshwater, sting everything near with a jolt of electricity. Shed arced the orbs away from thend-bridge, but the remaining beast-goblins werent so lucky. They shuddered when sparks of electricity tore through them.


    Light them up, ygon! Alex shouted.


    A series of explosions followed Isoldes spell. Boiling water shot through the air in a geyser, raining down on the beast-goblins. The stench of boiled flesh and rotten vegetation soon rose within a cloud of steam. Alex immediately recast Orb-of-Air around his head, and took a deep breath of fresh air.


    The attackers were reduced to burnt corpses and shredded nt matter floating on the bogs surface. Meikara took in the destruction, then looked at her teammates with a crooked grin. Im d youre on my side!


    A howl echoed from every direction. Bandits! Reavers! Away with you! The words retreated in the distance.


    Make us! Alex shouted, ncing over at Khalik. You okay?


    The prince growled. Ill be better when I break whatever that is out there over my knee.


    Get in line. Alex looked toward the hill in the distance. Lets get going, maybe we can find it on our way.


    Giving ygon instructions, he and the rest of the team pushed forward along thend-bridges, moving with speed, but also with care, just like Baelin had taught them. Below, Alex could feel ygon churning through the bog until-


    <em>Ssh.</em>


    -the massive golem broke the waters surface as the bog grew shallower the closer they got to the hill. The terrain was firmer, less boggy. Still, thered been no sign of their attacker, but in Alexs mind, there was no question that it was lying in wait nearby.


    Najyah screeched suddenly, drawing Khaliks eye.


    The prince swore, pointing to a massive clot of moss floating near a path ahead of them. Najyah warns that the mound is moving, it looks like another Crich-Tgh!


    He began chanting an incantation as his teammates quickly reacted. Alex searched his bag for a booby-trapped sensory enhancement potion; sleeping potions wouldnt work on nt-monsters, but this one would. Grabbing a good sized rock, he tossed the potion through the airunching it toward the mound.


    <em>Whoooom.</em>


    ygon charged his fire beams. Alex cocked the rock back, tracking the potion as it soared through the air. He also activated The Mark. This was going to be a difficult shot: hed need it to guide his aim.


    Alex whipped the stone forward with all his strength, skill, and enhanced speed when the bottle was near the mound. The rock sped toward it, reaching it mid-mound and connected, shattering the ss.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Potion-mist sprayed through the air, falling on the third Crich-Tgh.


    Alex nced up toward his Aervespertillo. Hold your breath, then scream and fly away!


    The summoned creature drew in a breath and swooped down, screeching above the nt monster, then soaring away from the fumes. Air vibrated around the bat-like creature; the screech mmed into the nt monster and it writhed from the water.


    Then a swarm of spells hit it.


    Iron spikes, mana bolts, and Khaliks acid stream all struck the creature as one. Then it was ygons turn, hitting it with all three fire-beams. Steam billowed from the water-logged creature as the beams dried away the liquid. Theyd done their job: parts of the nt monster ruptured, and what was left of it, copsed. The team moved past the steaming remains.


    The bog remained quiet while they rounded therge hill.


    There, Alex said, pointing ahead.


    A massive cave mouth yawned open in front of themmore than twenty feet highsurrounded by fractured rock. It looked like the stone used to block the entrance had been pushed aside.


    Alex reached into his bag and grabbed a slumber potion and a booby-trapped flight potion, just in case.


    He looked up at his summoned monster. Go! Scout ahead and screech if anythings moving in there!


    The bat-like creature gave a low cry then swooped into the cave while the team formed a line. Khalik sent Najyah on ahead too.


    Lets get some light going and get in there, Alex said. If somethings in there, we dont want it having too much time to n an attack on us.


    The rest of the team prepared; forceballs were cast for light, and everyone steeled themselves.


    For the second time in a year and a bit, The Fool of Thamnd entered a dungeon.


    But this time, he was ready.

 Chapter 266: The Prisoner

    Chapter 266: The Prisoner


    The creature ground her teeth so hard, that one of her fangs nearly broke.


    It had gone so wrong, so quickly!


    In past times, taking someone from travellers worked as good leverage to get what she wanted; her beautiful Crich-Tghs would take screaming humans to store away in herir or in one of her many hiding ces throughout the moors. Theirpanions were always caught unawares and were left surprised and screaming.


    Then the begging, the demanding, the threatening woulde. Most times, the begging and anger would either turn to bargaining with her to release the one she had taken, or abandoning them to their fate, which suited her just fine. Grown humans were tough on the teeth, but they could make good eating if prepared right. Their skin made good boots when she dried and treated it, too.


    But sometimes, there were travellers<strong></strong>like these, ones who chose violence instead of cooperation. She would always put them in their ce with her Crich-Tghs and prey-bodies infected with murteidheann vines, and even her own magics if it came to that, which it rarely did.


    But for so few<strong></strong>travellers to destroy her servants and guardians?


    It was too terrifying to contemte.


    Watching them from safety let her grasp what they could do to her guardians, so she understood that retaliating against them would be a very unwise decision, probably a fatal one. And so here she was, reduced to watching them enter and defile herir while she could do nothing. She had set surprises inside for interlopers, hopefully, they would take care of some of them butunless she was very lucky and they were all killedtoo many would live for her to challenge safely.


    Shaking with anger, she decided that the only thing to do would be to abandon their: it wouldnt be the first time she was forced to make such a choice. Her eyes narrowed as she watched the interlopers step into her home.


    Shemitted each of their forms to memory. Once they were deep inside, she would swim away through the bog and into the hills. Her sisters were somewhere in the forests to the north, scattered about. They should know of this new threat.


    Perhaps it was time for the coven to meet as in older times and join together.


    <em>Screeech!</em>


    Alexs summoned monster gave a short screech from ahead, alerting him that something was stirring in the cave.


    He looked back to his group. My Aervespertillo found something moving around up there.


    The team had been making their way deeper into the cavern, sshing through water covering much of the floor. Around them, the walls looked like theyd beensmoothed out, like someone had made the tunnels using magic; there was no sign of tool or w-marks anywhere on the stone. The ceilings were hightall enough for a group of giants to pass through. Thundar and Theresa had whispered that there was a stinking odour of rotting vegetation and old meat in the air.


    It wasnt a pleasant ce by any stretch of the imagination, and being as dark as midnight except for the asional beam of light filtering through holes in the ceiling, wasnt helping.


    The wizards had been sweeping their forceballs over the stone around them, illuminating it, making sure no side-tunnels for monsters to slip out of and ambush them were hidden in shadow. So far, theyd only encountered a few beast-goblins hiding beneath murky water where it was deep enough, and a few crude traps which theyd quickly dismantled, then moved on.


    Alexs forceball had found a pitfall theyd stepped around, and Theresa had spied a trip cord attached to a trap made to trigger a volley of spears buried in the water. But they hadnt found anything moving yetup until the Aervespertillo screamed from deep in the cavern.


    We should- Khalik started saying, then he stiffened. Is that a childs voice screaming alongside your creatures? He reached out to Najyah.


    Everyone went quiet.


    It sounds so, Theresa said, her jaw hardening.


    Najyah sees a small form in the dark and that is what we hear screaming. Khalik confirmed.


    Thundar snorted. It could be a trap. Maybe an illusion.


    Alex listened closely, trying to determine if he could hear anything wrong with the screaming voice: the only thing he got was that the voice sounded panicked.


    Well, theres only one way to find out what it is, he said, taking out another booby-trapped slumber potion. ygon, you take the lead. Well be right behind you.


    Brutus and Ill be right behind him, Theresa said, raising her swords.


    The rest of them spread out behind her and the cerberus, ready for anything.


    <em>Boom-splsh. Boom-splsh.</em>


    ygon thundered ahead as the path wound its way down into the hill.


    The water at their feet was deeper and the tunnels decline sharper as they moved down into the earththey were likely under the bog for a whileuntil the path levelled out, then began sloping upward again. The more the path sloped upward, the drier it became and a foul odour like a cesspit grew. Alexs aervespertillos screeching and the screams from the unknown creature increased in volumeechoing through the stoneuntil the team reached a massive chamber and stopped at the entrance. The noise wasing from inside. They sent in some forceballs for light.


    By the old spells of Nicodemus, Meikara swore as she gaped at the size of the cavern.


    It was enormourge enough to hold a couple of Generasisrger mansionswith multiple tunnels honebed into the walls; each passage could house a giantfortably. Beams of light shone from small scattered holes in the ceiling, but much of the caverny in darkness, broken only by the light of their forceballs.


    The chamber reminded Alex<strong></strong>of the tunnels in the outer parts of the Cave of the Traveller, bare, cold stone.


    Sitting in the centre of the massive chamber was what looked to be crude living quarters being used by someone used to roughing it, and not being overly concerned about cleanliness. A low burning bonfire stood in the centre of the camp beneath one of the ceiling holes. Skinssome animal and some that Alex didnt really want to examine too carefullywere draped across the floor like piled carpets, while skinless chunks of meat hung from a drying rack near the fire. A few tools were on the groundand what looked like a collection of wild herbs, animal parts and other thingsscattered on a rough table on the other side of the space.


    The ce had an unsavoury feel to it.


    There were two things that quickly drew everyones eyes: one was a collection of rough weapons lying against a wall. Most were spears and axes crafted from monster parts, and a half-finished bow.


    The other was alive.


    Najyah and Alexs aervespertillo circled above a wooden cageshed together with vines and what Meikara said looked like ckened tendons. A small trembling figure cowered inside. It was no more than three feet tall and resembled an elf or a swiftling covered in green scales. Long, wet-looking ck hairdespite the dryness of the airwas matted all over its head, neck, and shoulders. The creature was dressed in a filthy, tattered smock.


    It was calling out in anguage that none of the team understood.


    Alex looked at Thundar.


    Do you think thats an illusion? he asked.


    No idea. Ill have to get closer to tell.


    Well, better safe than sorry, then.


    Alex and Khalik called the summoned monster and Najyah back then Alex cast Call Through Ice, teleporting a slumber potion above the cage. It appeared through the portal and dropped.


    <em>Fwoooosh!</em>


    Mist exploded within seconds, turning panicked screams to coughing, then groaning, then snoring. ygon entered the massive chamber first, soon followed by Theresa and Brutus, then everyone else. They quickly fanned out over the cavern and adjoining passageways, hunting for traps and gathering information. There were tunnels honebing through the earth in a dozen directions, leading to empty chamber after empty chamber.


    A small army of giants couldfortably set up in any of them.


    Each tunnel had led to the surface before the Thameish army had copsed the openings to the outside, so now, there seemed to be only one way in or out.


    It looks like whatevers been living in here dug out the entrance to the bog, Alex said as the group gathered back in the main chamber. Then they left the rest closed off. Probably didnt want to be surprised, from the looks of it. But theyd also be cornered in here if someone got past their traps. He shook his head. Anyone find anything interesting?


    Yeah. Theresa made a face, jerking her thumb back over her shoulder. I think I found its toilet. Theyre some pretty big poops in there.


    Ugh, I did not need to know that. Isolde grimaced.


    If I had to see it, you had to hear about it, Theresa countered. Theyre definitely too big to be from this little guy, so Im thinking that this wasnt his cave before he got shoved in that cage.


    Well, the mist is gone now so lets see what his story is. Khalik said.


    The team stood around the wooden cage, looking down at the sleeping creature.


    It was tiny, with delicate limbs and a lean body. Like a schar, his fingers and toes were webbed. Now that they were so close, Alex could hear a sound like water moving, gurgling and trickling with frogs croaking when he looked at its scaled bodyand there was something about the sleeping creature that felt like it didnt belong.


    It was like someone had taken the Rainbow tower and dropped it into the bog. The creaturealmost seemed <em>too</em> vivid for the world around it.


    An asrai, Thundar said. One of the local faerie races. I read about them in Magic Lore.


    As did I. Is it not possible that <em>he</em> is the one who attacked us? Isolde asked. It could be that the creature put itself in this cage to trick us when it heard us approaching.


    Maybebut asrai tend to be shy creatures, theyre not known for picking a fight unprovoked.


    Alex looked at the ceiling. Look how far the cage is from the hole in the ceiling.


    Ah yes, the asrai aversion to sunlight, Isolde said.


    What happens if they get hit by sunlight? Theresa asked.


    They melt under direct sunlight and turn into nothing more than water, which it seems, would make it impossible for him to have attacked us outside. Though, he could have used magic to make it seem that his voice wasing from outside to scare us away. With the right magics, he <em>could</em> have attacked us from in here.


    Thats true, Alex said. And fae are known for using tricks. Well, maybe we should wake him up and see if we can get some answers. But be ready to hit him from all sides if he makes any threatening moves.


    Yes, that might be best, Khalik said. Lets get him out of that cage first.


    The little creature groaned as Alex held alchemical salts under his nose. Suddenly, his eyelids flew open and he looked around frantically. He gasped; hisrge eyes blinked at everyone standing in a circle around him, then grew wide when they flicked from Grimloch to ygon to Thundar and Brutus, then back again.


    It began screaming, saying something no one could understand.


    Can you understand me? Alex asked in the Common tongue.


    Dont hurt me! The small creature begged.


    Whoa, whoa, whoa, Alex said, crouching in front of him. We wouldnt hurt you unless youre a foe. Are you friend or foe?


    The creature startled and looked back at him, his lips trembling.


    F-friend, human, he said, his voice shaking. I-I have no quarrel with you and no wish to cause you trouble.


    Was it you that attacked us in the bog? Alex asked, watching the creatures bodynguage carefully to see if he could pick up anymon tics or tells.


    Attack? The little fae shook his head rapidly. Not me! Theres a blue annis that lives here: she went out earlier and hasnt been back.


    The group looked at each other.


    Blue annis? As in a blue annis hag? Thundar asked.


    Yes! One of those! the asrai yelped. She captured me, and meant to eat methen she said she liked the sound of my screams. So I kept screaming so that she wouldnt kill me. Did you y her?


    We found some Crich-Tghs and strange beast-goblins, Khalik said. We did not see any blue annis hagsshe might be still waiting for us in the bog.


    The asrai gulped, looking past the group toward the tunnel that led to the cave entrance.


    Well just take care of her when shees, Alex said. Nowmy names Alex. Whats your name?


    The asrai froze, and watched Alex. Gwyin, he finally said.


    Hes only giving us his first name, eh? That makes sense, Alex thought.


    The power of names was something that was prized by fae folk, and they wouldnt give up their full names easily. Still, by offering his own given name first, hed shown goodwind the fact that Gwyin had offered his in return, showed it was reciprocated.


    Well, Gwyin, Alex said. I dont think you were the one that attacked us. The table and tools arent really built for someone your size. So, it looks to me like youve been this blue hags prisoner. Anyone disagree?


    The group looked at one another, but no one voiced a different opinion.


    ButI was thinking, he continued. Maybe we could help each other.


    The fae gulped.


    I-I cant grant any wishes, Gwyin said. Im not tasty and I dont have any gold hidden anywhere!


    Not tasty? Grimloch growled. Thats-


    Please, man, this is probably not the best time, Alex raised a hand imploringly to the sharkman before turning back to the frightened fae. Our group and other folks are nning to set up in the moors near here. Well be neighbours, if your home is around here: and well be searching for information about The Ravener and generally taking on its monsters.


    O-okay, the small fae said. Whats that got to do with me?


    Look, I know what youre thinking, Alex said. That we might be bandits or something worse. You might also be thinking thatif we did just rescue youthen you owe us a life-debt, and I know that fae take those very seriously.


    Gwyin froze.


    Ah-ah, dont panic, Alex said. Im not going to be asking you for anything dangerous: were surveying thends and you live here. Were not going to tell you to get the hell out, either. So, what say we just have a little chat: we can share somewater-logged food, and you can tell us more about the area. Not a bad way to pay off a life-debt, eh?


    The fae froze. Youre letting a life-debt be paid off just like that?


    Of course, Alex looked up at his friends. None of us want you to sacrifice for us or be a ve or anything. So lets just say you can wipe that debt clean and we can start off as neighboursproperly. Neighbours that look out for each other. And hey, if you have a good experience with us, maybe you tell <em>your</em> friends then we can all help each other out. What dyou say to that, eh, Gwyin?


    Alex made sure to use his name. Folk tended to like others more when they used their name.


    Wellif its all true, then Id be grateful, Gwyin said. I honour gratitude greatly.


    Fantastic. Sowhy dont we grab something to eat. Im sure that hag wasnt feeding you real well, then we can start off with the big, ck ball in the room. I know fae are ancientso maybe you can tell us what you know about The Ravener? And while youre at it, Id love to know if youve ever heard anything about a human called The Traveller.

 Chapter 267: The Lean Times and Time of Plenty

    Chapter 267: The Lean Times and Time of Plenty


    This ce has been my home for a hundred years. Gwyin bit into some of the soaked rations that Alex had handed him; if the bog-water ruined the taste, he didnt say. If anything, he looked positively thrilled.


    He sat on the edge of the hags tablehis legs kicking idly like a childswhile Isolde, Khalik and Thundar examined the tables contents. A few items had made Isolde grimace while Khalik and Thundar shook their heads at some of the more gruesome ones. Grimloch, Theresawhod taken Brutus Svenia, Hogarth and Meikara had volunteered to head back outside, do another sweep of the bog in the immediate vicinity, then send a messenger construct to the encampment to report what had happened. Theyd talked about maybe using a blue re, but came to the conclusion that calling in the other teams wasnt really necessary.


    That left ygon to guard the group in the hags chamber, as Alex had a little chat with Gwyin.


    I was born here, the asrai said, his high-pitched voice taking on a more musical quality the morefortable he grew around Alexs team. On the other side of this very bog.


    The other side? Alex asked. You mean on the other end of the bog? Or do you meanthend of the faeries?


    Ah, you know about us! Gwyin said. Aye just a few hops and one faerie circle away from here. I spend most of my time on this side, though. Especially now.


    Really? Alex said, frowning in surprise. Id think when The Raveners here, the fae would be in hiding.


    And miss the Time of Plenty? the asrai gaped at him in shock.


    Thundar, Isolde and Khalik looked over sharply.


    You must be out of your mind! the faerie scoffed, biting down on more of the rations. Missing the Time of Plenty, indeed!


    The Time of Plenty? Alex asked, cocking his head and paying close attention. Im pretty sure the hag called it The Lean Times.


    Aye, because sheand much of her sorthave a different view on all this business. Gwyin swallowed. Look, no offence to you and yours but you leaving every hundred years is good for us. Youre all big, you tend to be loud, you have all that nasty iron you carry about, and you hunt everything that moves. Not to mention crashing around in the wilds, eating all the good berries and mushrooms.


    He pped his hands a couple of times. When you head off across the sea, things grow back, deer be more plentiful, and fish fill the waters again. Theres plenty of spaces for faeries to go to, plenty of ces to frolic, harvest and just have a time of it. Some say thend bes like it was before Uldar and you lot came here: it''s said that back then fish filled the rivers, bogs andkes so much that you could dance a jig across em. Though, theres no one left alive from that time to say for sure.


    Alex frowned. Yeah, but a lot of people die when The Raveneres. Its not a time of plenty for us.


    Aye, true, true. Its sad that you die when the dark onees, but you get over it, and you die so quickly anyway, but theres always more of you. In the end, is it so wrong for a wolf to rejoice when the bear has a bad time of it? It just means more deer for the wolf. And we of faerie kind have our own troubles in our own courts, and I dont see all of your hearts breaking for us.


    Alex took a deep breath, reminding himself that he wasnt talking to a human. He wasnt even talking to someone who waspletely mortal; it would make sense for the asrais perspective to bedifferent from his. It was like when theyd first emerged from The Travellers portal into the Rhinean Empire and learned that Thamnds troubles didnt really carry into much of the rest of the world.


    Still, this talk of The Ravenersing being a time of plenty did give him pause.


    Do The Raveners spawn not hunt you fae? Alex asked. Dont they kill everything living?


    Aye, they hunt us and beasts, though with less Gwyin paused, considering things. <em>Vigour, </em>shall we say, than the way they hunt your kind. Besides, we have ways of slipping away and ces to go to avoid trouble. Now and then, one of them finds their way into thend of the faeries, but they dont do well there. No, no they don''t do well at all.


    What happens to them? Alex asked.


    Ournd is under our control, the asrai said with a wicked grin. Save for a few clever humanswho manage to escape our notice ore in with at least <em>one</em> of our blessingsif we dont want someone there, then they wont do well there. Not at all.


    Right, the young wizard said.


    That makes sense, he thought. Faeries can juste and go from thend of the faeries as they please, and they have powerful magics to defend against intruders. No wonder The Ravener doesnt seem like such a big deal to them.


    But, the faerie said. The Ravener makes certain other monsters get allnasty. With you all gone, it means that a lot of <em>their</em> food disappears. Powries go stark, raving mad during this time: no mortals to hit with their rocks and scythes, none to stomp on with their iron-shod boots, and not much human blood to spill to dip their caps in.


    Right, youre talking about redcaps, Alex said, remembering Baelin warning that their kind had been seen in the region.


    You call em that, aye, Gwyin picked up a small bone off the hags table and began to pick his teeth. And they used to be plentiful around here but they went off looking for other sport. Theyll fight Ravener-spawn in a pinch, but they really would rather kill your kind. They also dont like Uldar or his symbols, and an awful lot of the humans left in thend are priests of your god. So they have to go far to get their jollies, you see.


    Right, well watch for them, Alex said. And so you dont know anything about The Ravener and where it came from?


    Only that there was a time before it was here, then a time after, and then a time after your god defeated it, and the Times of Plenty started. Ah well, not much to be said about things that ancient. Andyou asked about something called The Traveller?


    Yeah, she was a saint. The Patron Saint of my hometown, Alex said, then described as much as he could about what he knew about her.


    Mmmm cant say Im too familiar with human Heroes, Gwyin said. The newChosens been talking to some of the higher faeries in the court, but I dont know much about past ones. Sometimes some of those Heroes aligned themselves with fae. Might be thats whats happening again.


    Really? Alex tapped his chin. Do you know what Cedr-I mean, the current Chosen is talking about with them?


    Ah, Im just a bog-dwelling asrai, Alex. Im not party to the private discussions of my lords anddies. Sothats all I know. Oh, theres some phantom wild cats out there to the south in the moors, so watch yourself.


    Right, Alex said. Theres another team going down there. Ill pass on the warningbut I dont think theyll need it.


    The team sent to explore the south was the one Tyris was on, and right before theyd left, Baelin had teleported Vesuvius to the region. Alex actually felt sorry for anything that got in their way.


    Well, you know your folk better than Ibut speaking of your folk. You said more of you mortals would being to this ce?


    Yeah, Alex said, and exined a bit more about the expedition and what they were nning. Were not here to take over, were here to be good neighbours, really.


    Right Gwyin tapped his fingers on his knees. Then youll be building a castle?


    Yeah, thats right, Thundar cut in. A great, big one that can stand against Ravener monsters and the like.


    Right, righttell me, do you know of bluecaps? Gwyin asked.


    I think sotheyre fairy spirits of the earth and they tend to hang around in caves and mines. They draw power from the stone, right?


    Aye, there you have it, the asrai said. Ill tell you what, can I ask you for one more favour?


    Depends on what that favour is.


    Smart reply: its only this. I ask you to stay with me until night falls: I cant go out when the suns in the sky, but if I stay here alone, Im afraid the hag will return. In returnit stands a bit unfair to me that all youll be getting from the life-debt is me giving you a bit of information, so Ill do a bit more for you. If youre building a castle, youre going to need good stone and other things of that nature.


    He counted one finger. Ill talk to some bluecaps for you and ask them to lead you to some good spots to dig where you wont be bothering other fae and might find a bit more than rock. But, you <em>have</em> to treat them with courtesy and respect or theyll make your life rough and you wont find anything except crumbling pebbles.


    He counted on a second webbed finger. Ill also see if I can find an aeld tree, a nice young one you might be able to convince to let you transnt it where your castle is. You know an aeld tree?


    Yeah. Alex smiled. This had gone better than hed expected. Every part of aeld trees can be used for food and medicine, and they bring luck wherever they grow.


    Thats right. So, how does that sound?


    Its a deal, Alex said enthusiastically. Ill make sure our miners know to treat the bluecaps respectfully and that we treat any aeld tree you bring me to with respect. That said, I hold no responsibility for the actions of the folk I tell. I promise only to tell them to respect the bluecapsI cant promise what theyll do or wont do.


    Fair, then the pact is sealed.


    Alex felt a shift in the air as the fae magic rose up, sealing the bargain between them and then they shook hands.


    Well, just two days in and we already drove off a monster, secured a deal with one of the locals, and might even get more benefitster. This is a great way to begin.


    They stayed with Gwyin until night fellhaving let the encampment know of their intentionsthen saw the asrai off. The team stood in front of the cave while he excitedly scampered off into the moonlight.


    Ill make good on our pact! He waved, stepping into the water. I swear it by my scales and the fae courts! Ill make good and Ill see you again!


    Without another word, Gwyin disappeared into the water and was gone.


    Well, Khalik said, yawning. This was an interesting turn of events. Why dont we talk about it back at camp, I am starving for something better than boggy rations.


    On their first night in Thamnd, the expedition members hadnt had much time to pay too much attention to their new surroundings. Thered been so much to do. Alex had been so tired, that he was asleep as soon as he hit the cot.


    Tonight though, folk were more awake and even a little nervous.


    Guards patrolled outside the camp and wards had been set up around the perimeter. The surveyors had presented their initial reports and then had the rest of the night off.


    Alex sat cross-legged by a zing campfire, chewing on some of his rations and reflecting on what had happened during the day. Jules and the other professors were pleased with his negotiations with Gwyin: having secured a pact, it was pretty much guaranteed that the asrai would make good on his promises.


    That meant a supply of quality stone would be easier to find than theyd expected.


    It also meant that there might be opportunity for more negotiations with the faeries of the region if the wizards forged a reputation for working well with their neighbours. Hispanions also sat in a circle around the campfire, chatting amongst themselves.


    Its funny, Theresa said, leaning against him by the fire. To think that The Ravener is looked on by some folk as something good.


    Yeah, Alex said. That caught me off guard too. That and the fact that Gwyin didnt know of anyone alive from Uldars time. Makes you wonder just how many cycles there actually have been.


    I was wondering about that too, she said. Do you think any of them will know anything about The Traveller?


    Well, hopefully well find out. makes me wonder, thoughconsidering what Gwyin saidwhat Cedrics up to. You know, I wouldnt mind talking to him again.


    She looked at him sharply. Areare you sure about that?


    He turned and whispered. As long as we dont meet The Saint, I should be fine. Andlisten, theres nothing in our history books about how the fae view the Raveners cycle or how other monsters view it either. Nothing at all: it only gives the perspective of the followers of Uldar. But Gwyin said some of The Heroes have talked to them in the past. Yet that didnte up in any of the books and stories we ever heard about. Im sure somebody knows about that stuff.


    Sighing, he looked up at the stars, finding the constetions of The Great Mountain and The Hand. Theres too many secrets, or at least too many people noting together topare notes. If were going to find a way to kill this thing <em>forever,</em> then people need to share what they know.


    He tapped his knee, much like Gwyin had. So, if we can help The Heroes and they can help us, wed be able to work together to figure stuff out, we really should be doing that. it just makes me wonder how much more were gonna find by just digging around.


    And I also wonder if anyones not going to <em>like</em> us digging around, he added.

 Chapter 268: Uldar’s Apostles

    Chapter 268: Uldar¡¯s Apostles


    Have the Generasians<strong></strong>arrived? an aged voice asked in the darkness.


    It crackled like old parchment yet boomed through the entire chamber.


    The holy lights that illuminated the room seemed to flicker as it spoke, causing them to cast shadows over the statues towering in a circle at the perimeter of the room. There were six of them, each so ancient that UssexThamnds capitalhad been nothing more than an empty field when they had beenpleted. They were titanic: well over forty feet high, yet sculpted with such detail thatif the Third Apostle had the audacity to rise to his feet and touch onehe would have felt every tiny fold in their clothing.


    Five of the sculptures were a representation of the five Heroes: The Chosen looked brave, The Champion looked fierce, The Sage looked wise and The Saint looked benevolent. And The Foolwell, they looked foolish. The tallest of the statues stood across the room from the Hollow of Contemtion in Lights Absencethe alcove from which the ancient voice of The First Apostle emergedand it was carved in the likeness of Uldar himself.


    A full twenty feet taller than the statues of The Heroes, Uldars had the great beard of an old, wise man; the body of a powerful young warrior, and the eyes of a kind child. Those eyes rested on the alcove, forever watching each time a First Apostle came down for contemtion.


    The Third Apostle adjusted himself where he knelt on the floorat ny years, his knees could not take the stone tiles as well as they used toand cleared his throat.


    We received word that they arrived the day before yesterday, he said. ounts say they came peacefully and left Luthering for Greymoor without dy.


    And what have they found thus far? the First Apostles ancient voice inquired.


    We havent received word yet, First Apostle, came the answer. We only know that they set out to explore theirnds for now.


    Silence.


    I see, the voice sighed. And young Tobias has not been able to convince them to allow our holy supervision within theirnd?


    He has not,


    A pity, but it is not the first time that the church of Uldar has worked withunlikely allies. Either openly. Or secretly.


    it sits poorly with me that they are allowed on ournds to work their ways without our supervision, though. With no eyes upon them, they-


    Have <em>faith</em>, brother, the First Apostles voice encouraged. If they havee to aid us, then theye by Uldars bidding. This too is part of his n: whatever they reveal will benefit both our God and His great flock.


    may I speak freely, First Apostle?


    As always. There is no need to bite back words between those that do His great work. Even if words are spoken hastily-


    -He shall forgive all, the Third Apostle finished the deration.


    Thank you for your understanding, First Apostle. I know well the points you made in the midsummer meeting: by these wizards craft, we all may benefit in further understanding the dungeon cores. Such knowledge will elevate our he paused, searching for the right word. They did note so easily anymore.prehension of the cycles that define ournd and its people.


    Indeed, and this is not the first time that we have received the help of outsiders, the First Apostle said. Did Uldar not say to <em>hold the hand of the one who calls the name of a friendly god, for in this fellowship is holy alliance found?</em>


    He did, he did, First Apostle, but thesewizardsthey follow no Gods at all. They spit on all divinity as far as my understanding of them goesthough that is admittedly little. I shudder to think what they might do if they were to gain the wrong sort of knowledge of the dungeon cores. The Rhineans are our ancient allies, and we work well with them. But these godless outsidersI do not know.


    Uldar dictates that we gather knowledge and educate the people, the First Apostle said.


    But I fear-


    While the popce fears, <em>we</em> must not, the First Apostle said in light warning. Recall one of my predecessorsThe First Apostle Aximusand his fear of using the remains of dungeon cores for weapons and other items. That fear nearly led to our Orders deration of opposition to research into their use by the rest of our very church. Such fears almost caused a schism in our numbers, and yet now that ancient research serves to empower weapons for Uldars Heroes. Aximus fear was misced. We trust in Uldars n, and He is a God who looks forward, not back on the past while wringing His hands in fear of change. It is not our ce to lock Him in a golden cage and stop all progress forward out of our <em>own</em> fear. The research the Generasians do may serve to empower The Heroes and all of Thamnd: they bring skills we do not have.


    But they are unsupervised! the Third Apostle cried. IFirst Apostlecould this not result in another <em>Generals Folly</em>?


    It likely will notsuch a thing is not easy to recreate, or it would have happened dozens of times more than it has during the cycles. They will not be supervisedbut they will be watched, if not by priests then byyfolk. And if not from up close up, then from a distance. Andshould they delve too deeply, then we will take action. Quiet action, as we have always done.


    His voice held a warning, a reproach for the thoughts already entering the Third Apostles mind.


    O-of course, First Apostle, I simply wish we could move more openly.


    We all do, at one point or another. But, the entire purpose of our Order is to act, whileto all otherswe simply do not exist. Have patience. Have faith.


    II understand, First Apostle, the Third Apostle bowed his head.


    Now, for other matters, his superior said, and there was the sound of fabric shifting over ancient skin in the darkness. How fare The Heroes against the ancient enemy?


    In some ways they fare well, and in others, poorly. From what has been whispered to us, each of them excels in ability. Unusually so. Hart Redfletcher, The Champion seemed born for battle even before he was Marked. Drestra of the Crymlin Swamp, The Sage<em></emmands magic in a fashion unseen in many cycles perhaps due to her he paused. nature. Merzhin, The Saint is a towering example of the faith, able to call upon Uldars divinity so deeply that he might even rival The Traveller. And Cedric of n Duncan, The Chosenproves to excel in all domains: a fierce fighter, a devout wielder of divinity, and a fine mage in his own right. His leadership isby all reportsexcellent, and he serves as both an example to the rest of The Heroes and all of their followers


    And this sounds like it is all <em>good</em> news, the First Apostle said. Do they still struggle with unity?


    The Third Apostle made a frustrated growl. They chafe at each other like sand in ones clothing by all ounts. Each has strong <em>ability, </em>but it seems that robs them of cohesion. Combine that with theviciousness and stress of this cycle, and they struggle against the enemy more than they should.


    Mmmmm, so not much has changed, the First Apostle sighed. Were that The Fool were foundI fear their ability to relieve tension and provide an anchor grows more necessary. Any leads on where they might be found?


    Not so far. The churches have searched their records, looking for those born on the correct day and of the correct agebut none have proved promising. Much of Thamnds children have spread across the Rhinean Empire and further abroad, and searches within Thamnds borders have proven fruitless. And they will likely prove even more difficult now: with Generasis ban on priests, their territory would be the perfect hiding ce. We had already swept Greymoor before their arrival and will station priests at their borders to ensure The Fool does not slip in, butmore likely, they are long gone.


    Perhaps they reacted quickly and escaped before we could raise the barrierthis is a repeating of three hundred years ago, the First Apostle said grimly. All that is to be done is to keep searching and monitoring. Send some of oury agents into Greymoor.


    And priests as well? the Third Apostle asked, hopefully.


    No, if they are detected then an international incident will arise and questions will be asked. Just make sure that High Priest Tobias continues monitoring them, then report whatever is found to me immediatelyoh, and one more thing, any news on The Chosens negotiations with the fey?


    None yet, First Apostle.


    Mmmmm, such creatures are fickle. Sometimes friends to the great cycle and sometimes foes. Keep me informed so that we might shield The Heroes from any possible treachery.


    By yourmand.


    Now, return to your duties and leave this doddering old man to his contemtion. May Uldars hand ever be on your shoulder, Izas.


    Thank you, First Apostle. Izas rose to his feet and made the sign of Uldars hand over his chest. May his hand guide you as well.


    The younger apostle left the chamber, climbing the spiralling staircase up through the earth. As he approached the higher levels of theplex, song reached his ears, calming his spirit. Hymns to Uldar drifted through the dark, extolling his Gods virtues and begging for his protections. ording to the hidden books, the songs had not ended for over a thousand years.


    Sing on, brothers and sisters, Izas said to himself. We may need your cheer and devotion more than ever soon enough.


    Despite The First Apostles assurances, he feltdoubt within his spirit. Previous cycles had their own unique circumstances: some were more vicious than others, some had greater Heroes and some lesser, some had Fools that filled their role and others Fools who fled or engaged in treachery. There had been even cycles where outside help hade to Thamnd in the form of foreign adventurers, and allies like the Rhineans. Less helpfully, wandering monsters sometimes attacked, like the cycle where a great dragon hade to Thamnd, attacking both The Raveners spawn and The Heroes equally.


    But this cycle?


    Too many things had happened that were out of ce.


    The Fools disappearance. Thepetence yetck of unity within the Heroes. Some of the Heroesunique natures. The extreme aggression from The Ravener. And now theing of the Generasians.


    All were unusund then there was The Traveller to consider.


    The revtion of her sanctum had been a boon to most of Thamnd: much of the popce had cheered the discovery and talked of how the Saint from three centuries past had reached out from beyond the grave to help them escape. Even the High Priest Tobias Jay had looked upon it as a boon, yet the portals within the sanctum defied all attempts to understand their origin.


    It was unnerving. It was worrying.


    By all ounts, The Traveller had been an entric: somewhat apart from The Heroes, yet abnormally close to The Fool until that Fool had disappeared. Then, after The Ravener had been destroyed, The Traveller had returned home and lived her life in near-hermitage.


    Even her nameHannah Kimhad been strange by Thameish standards.


    And now it was revealed that she had been crafting a secret sanctum without confiding in another soul.


    Such a thing was unprecedented, and Izas knew he wasnt the only one shaken by it.


    Too many changestoo many abnormalities in this cycle.


    It was a bad omen.


    Suddenly finding the underground chambers of Uldars Rise stifling to his lungs, he took a side passage when he reached the top of the stairs, not yet ready to join his brothers and sisters to convey the First Apostles word. Instead, he continued to climb through the dark until he emerged on a stone balcony on the outside of the escarpment.


    A warm wind blew what little remained of his beard as he clung to a railing.


    Around Uldars Risewhere their God had ascended to the heavensthete summer weather was in full bloom. Far below, the vige spread out: filled with thoseyfolk whose ancestors had been sworn to the most secret oaths and been given the most holy of tasks. Above, rose the barrier that separated this ce from the rest of Thamnd.


    No Ravener-spawn, mortal or beast had set foot in this ce without the apostles permission. Such as it always was.


    But for how long? Izas asked himself. Too many things move strangely. The times grow dark.


    Tapping on the rail, he gazed south: somewhere in that ce, foreign wizards were stirring. Their curiosity would either help or harmand he knew the ways of wizards better than any other in the Order. Quietly, he spoke an incantation: his magic circuit formed and a ball of me came into being on his left. Next, he spoke a prayer:


    <em>Holy Uldar, bless me with a me to light the dark.</em>


    <em>Whoosh.</em>


    A second ball of me appeared on his right.


    He looked between the two mes that seemed so simr, yet hade from such a different source: one of mana and one of pure divinity. He willed each me together until they twisted into a helix of fire that spiralled beautifully before his eyes.


    This was the way things should be: theing together of the ingenuity and strength of humanity in union with the might and benevolence of the divine. It was the right path: did The Chosen not exemplify this above all with his Uldar-granted mastery of both?


    Yet, these foreign wizards rejected such a path.


    Perhaps it was time that someone looked in on them before they grew too established.


    Not justyfolk, but those who could easily put an end to any brewing disaster they found.


    Someone with might.


    Someone like The Heroes, the Third Apostle said to the wind.

 Chapter 269: The Fae Wilds

    Chapter 269: The Fae Wilds


    Oi, dont be steppin on the pixies now! Cedric caught Merzhin by the shoulder. Dont want to be startin off negotiations by crushin a few babes, now do we?


    What? The Saint paused, looking down at where his foot was about to fall. Each grass de glowed with an inner light: tiny green sparkles drifted from each one like sparks from a campfire. Among the sparkles a single flower bud shaped like an egg rose with golden light seeping through slight gaps between the petals.


    you mean to say theres something sleeping in there? Merzhin asked, slowly stepping away from the flower. Why would they leave their young on the ground? It seems a good way to get them crushed under someones boot.


    Not sleeping, Drestra of the Crymlyn Swamp said, kneeling beside the flower. Waiting to be born. Baby pixies grow inside the petals of these flowers, like chicks inside an egg. When its time for their birth, a flock of pixies will gather around them and spread pixie dust over the petals to open them. Then the pixie hatches from the flower bud, sort of like a baby bird would from an egg. She looked up at The Saint and raised an eyebrow. Anyone wandering around in here stepping on babies would soon find themselves missing the offending foot. Pixie young are well protected.


    So its a pixie egg? Merzhin mused, looking down at the flower. Perhaps it would be good to transnt our little friend into a fitting vessel and bring them back with us. Raised in the full light of Uldars glory, they might-


    Drestra cursed under her breath.


    Oi, careful there boy-o! Cedric squeezed Merzhins shoulder. Theres eyes about, even if <em>we</em> dont see em. Ears too.


    Merzhin gave a thin smile. I merely jest.


    I dont see the humour, Drestra muttered.


    Joke or not, youve got to be careful with what you say in thends of the fae. Its doubtful theyll see wheren theughs supposed to bein from with a jest like that. Anst thing we need in our lives is <em>more</em> enemies.


    <em>Crack.</em>


    As though responding to his words, something moved quickly through the woods, snapping a branch as it did. Cedric, Merzhin and Drestra turned their backs to each other and eyed the trees.


    Heartbeats passed.


    No threats appeared.


    In these strangends though, it was hard to tell where a threat mighte from. The woods in thend of the fae seemed to shift and twist, like the trees were limbering up before taking their first steps. Lights drifted between their branches: tinynterns floating on the warm wind like dandelion seeds. A deep orange glow seeped through the canopy from the sky: the sort of light that came from the sun in the midst of setting.


    But there was no sun.


    When The three Heroes had first stepped through the fairy circle, there had been no trees to block the sky, but there also were no signs of sun, moon, stars or other heavenly bodies. Instead, the heavens had been filled with strange clouds in the shape of beasts, people, fairies and maddeninglyplex symbols. The more theyd stared at them, the more the forms seemed to turn and twist like they were alive.


    The three Heroes had quickly moved into the forest: growing overly consumed by the sights in the faends held its own dangers, and they wanted to reach their destination before the light faded. Yet, after hours of walking, the quality of light hadnt changed at all: it was as though thend was permanently caught in a strange co-mingling of dusk, twilight and sunset.


    And things only grew stranger from there.


    The world seemed almosthazy to Cedrics eyes: the edges of every leaf, tree and rock were softened, like they had been painted into being with soft brush strokes. Yetas Drestra had found out when shed hit her shin on a sthey were both solid and substantial.


    As were the residents of thend.


    Hehehe, look at the big ones! They are afraid! a tiny voice giggled from above, tinkling like little bells.


    The brownyies told them not to fear, but they fear anyway! Scaredy-cat Heroes! another cried.


    Scaredy-cat Heroes! several other voices joined in.


    Cedric nced at a swarm of tiny pixies flitting through the hazy canopy, peeking at them through the branches. They giggled and chantedpointing like small childrenwhile the beating of their wings sounded like music that was strange yetnostalgic, but Cedric couldnt ce where hed heard their song before.


    They mock us. Merzhin looked up at them sternly. We, who have been chosen by Uldar to make grim war against The Enemy, are being mocked by winged children.


    Let it go, Merzhin, Cedric warned him. Don be so small a man that their gigglesd get you all riled up. Besides, each o thems probably older than our grandparents. Trust me, friend, youre not wantin to be pushing the bounds of their hospitality. This entire ce is watchin us, make no mistake.


    Merzhin nced about again, with distaste in his eyes. Of course. I suppose it is best that we keep moving, then. Hart and the knights await us and I dont wish to be here for too long. I well remember the story of the young Thameish man who wandered into the Fae Wilds for what he thought was a few daysonly to find that years had passed him by when he returned to Thamnd.


    Another peal ofughter rose from the pixies above, like Merzhin had made a very old joke.


    I think well find the old storiesve got more than a share o truth to em if we dont take proper care here, Cedric said, pointing to a curious looking tree with plum coloured vines curling around its trunk. Red leaves drooped on its branches. Come on, theres one of the markers the brownyies told us to look for. We turn right here.


    Cedric led hispanions to the right, and they travelled along game trails in the faes forest with the greatest of care. Merzhin held his head down, watching his every step, making sure he didnt trod on pixie flowers or anything else he shouldnt.


    I do wish they had sent a guide to meet us, The Saint said. I swear, <em>most</em> forests are like mazes to me, but this feels especiallymaze-like? Labyrnthine?'''' He tested one word after the next, then looked at a tree that was twisting its trunk back and forth. twisty. Thats the word.


    They didnt send a guide because theyre seeing if were so helpless that we need one. Drestras golden eyes scanned the canopy, their reptilian slits peering out from above her veil. My people have had many dealings with the fair folk, and they find us mortals to be loud and clumsy, at best. So they test us: if we cant even find our way to their meeting house on our own, then were not worth talking to in their eyes. Theyd look at it like trying to talk to a dull-witted goat, utterly useless.


    Merzhin sniffed in distaste. Such games they y. This is no time for games or tests. The Enemy moves, and does not waste time. I cannot help but wonder if holy alliances are so rare between the fae of Thamnd and Uldars children because of suchpropensity for games in a time of trials.


    Its their ways. Cedric shot a look at Merzhin. Just as how we wouldnt let a random wanderer meet the king: weve got our ways of confirmin folks as not havin their heads in their arses, and the fae got theirs. He gestured to the forest all around. An its bad manners to criticise someones ways in their own home. So why dont we find ourselves a nice little change of subject, aye? Dont want to get ourselves in trouble already. Oh, watch it, Drestra. Beware the forest mushrooms.


    I seeee them, she said, stepping past a group of mushrooms with red-caps filled with yellow dots. They rustled and leaned toward her as she skirted them. If its a change of subject you want, then I have to say, Im excited about these Generasians and their work. We might end up with some new weapons and ways to fight smarter.


    Im jus hopin to Uldar theyre not all talk. Aint goin to bloody lie, Id take help from a devil about now. Cedric ducked beneath a branch, pausing as a menhir stone loomed ahead on the forest path. On it was an arrow pointing to the right.


    He squinted at it. This way.


    Turning to the left, he led The Heroes in the opposite direction: the arrow had been pointing to a fadedalmost invisiblesymbol that was shaped like three swirlsing together in a central point.


    A Trinity Knot, his n called it: it symbolised death among those that still followed the old ways in Thamnd.


    I look upon their presence with optimism, Cedric, Merzhin said. And our brothers and sisters from the wizard city have done well by us so far: some of their people donated to the cause before our priests were called back from the city. And this official partnership with our king has brought us much needed food and aid.


    Aye, the field rationsve gotten a lot better since that deal got made, Cedric agreed.


    Indeed, and they have the church''s full support as well, Merzhin continued. I have faith that their presence is all part of Uldars n. though I question why priests are disallowed from visiting theirnds. It is most unfortunate. Close-minded.


    I dont mind, Drestra said, her voice crackling like mes. As long as they help us, they could make priests put on dancers costumes and do jigs for all I care.


    I will ignore that bit of heresy. And you should care more, holy Sage. You refuse to hear Uldars voice. Merzhin sighed. Despite the fact that he has marked you as one of his own-


    Oi! Cedric looked at Merzhin. We agreed to let that lie, didnt we?


    I did, and I was not nning to take it farther, my friend, Merzhin said. I meant no offence, holy Sage.


    Drestra looked like she wanted to say something ratherheated to The Saint, but a pleading look from Cedric made her hold her tongue.


    In any case, I hope we can visit Greymoor soon, she sighed wistfully. Think of all the magicall the knowledge we might share with each other.


    Aye, thats the hope, isnt it? Cedric said. That we might get a chance to be of help to each other. But thats only ifn we get a moment to stop having to sprint from one end of the kingdom to the other, puttin out one fire after the next.


    Thats something Im hoping to put an end to by keeping my skill and powers growing, Drestra said. Right now, Im at the point where casting fourth-tier spells is second nature to me, so I dont think itll be too long before I can cast fifth-tier ones. And when I can do that, therere fifth-tiers I want to learn that can transport us hundreds of miles in an instant. A smile that was more like a snarl lit up her face as she rubbed her hands together. Just thinking about meeting those wizards gets my blood going because Im sure they know spells like that, and if I can learn some from them, our livesll be that much easier.


    Do you think they would teach you without expecting payment? Merzhin asked.


    Maybe there can be a trade. That way, we can-Ah, I guess this is it.


    Aye, I think so, Cedric said.


    The forest came to an abrupt end, like it had been cut away with mathematical precision. Well tended flowers of a dozen colours bloomed where the woods ended, stretching out before them. Rising from a mound taller than the rest of thendscape was what looked to be a little cottage of stone that one could find anywhere in the Thameish countryside. Yet, the more Cedric looked at the structure, the more he saw that it was anything but ordinary.


    Its thatched roof was woven together like threads of spun gold. Its stained ss windows seemed to shift colour each time he blinked. The smoke puffing from the top of the stone chimney billowed skyward in neat, singr clouds that formed animal shapes which rose and swelled to join the clouds filling the sky.


    Well, this is the ce. Cedric took a breath, gripping the haft of his weapon which had transformed into a long staff of shining metal. Now, before we step into their den, lets go over the rules one more time.

 Chapter 270: The Fae Lord

    Chapter 270: The Fae Lord


    We have been over this, Cedric. Merzhin smiled politely, though there was irritation in his eyes. I might be small, but please dont think of me as a child who forgets your words so quickly. I have beenmitting Uldars scriptures to memory since I was knee-high to my parish priest.


    Aye, I dont doubt ya, but this is a dire thing that were about to do, Cedric said, nting the end of his staff into the ground, then leaning on it. Faere no triflin thing, Merzhin. You might notve ever had much to do with em, but my ns got a long saga of tanglin with the fair folk. Both in good ways <em>an</em> in the worst o ways. An this is no wee brownyie or wicked kelpie. This is one o their <em>lords</em>. Think of it like foreigners goin to meet the high priest o Uldar. Theyd need to make sure they were goin about doing things proper-like.


    fair enough. Merzhin looked at the cottage a short ways away, touching the holy symbol of Uldar hanging from his neck. So, first we must remember to bring an offering-


    He nced at the basket Drestra carried over one shoulder.


    -then be polite, nod our heads when we greet the fae lord, but do not bow. Nodding is polite, but bowing means you are deferring to the fae, which we shouldnt do. What elselet me seeoh, and probably most importantly, dont anger the lord-


    Or any fae, if you can help it, Cedric added.


    Right, or any fae.


    An if you do anger em, apologisequick an sincerebut dont you dare grovel or theyll think you got no spine in ya. An whatever you do, <em>dont</em> insult em. Honours a matter o life an death to the fae, and givin insults pretty much askin for a curse to bein on your line for generations. Cedric nced at The Sage. I miss anything there, Drestra? I know the witchesve had a dealin or two with the fair folk.


    We have. You covered everything except the issue of challenges.


    Oh, thats a new one, Merzhin said.


    Oh, shite, right. Snot likely goin toe up, but its somethin to keep in mind all the same: if youre unlucky enough to be challenged to a contest by one of them, for the love of Uldar say no unless you absolutely cant find a way out.


    Uldar did not bless me with his glory so that I may go around challenging fae like amon hotspur. Im not Hart, Cedric.


    Aye, but one might go an challenge you, Cedric said. It aint below em. Lets say you own a pretty shiny theyd be admirin an get the idea in their heads to try an win it off ya in a contest. Or they start thinkin you got a real pretty voice or face and want to bring you to their home so you could sing for em for a year. The ol stories talk about challenges between mortal and fae for many o reason, so you best be prepared.


    But I could just say no, couldnt I? Merzhin asked.


    There is an issue in <em>how</em> you say no. You canrefuse, but it must be done with grace, Drestra said, eyeing the cottage as though it were a coiled viper. Refuse too harshly or too arrogantlyin their opinionand itll be seen as an insult. But if you <em>do </em>eptcontests with fae can go badly. <em>Very</em> badly. If you lose, then you might have to give up something precious. If you win, then you might embarrass themand they dont take humiliation too well at all.


    I see. I will remember. I have no desire to insult those that also sharends with the children of Uldar: not when we could face The Enemy together. There was a note in his high-pitched voice. OhI heard that you should not lie to fae. Ever. Is that true?


    That is not quite true. Never be <em>caught</em> in a lie, Drestra corrected. Getting caught in a lie means that not only are you trying to trick them, but you are also insulting them by telling them a lie they can see through: telling a fae a poorly thought out lie is akin to saying that theyre too thick to see through it.


    But does that mean that the fae dont lie then?


    Oh yes, of course they do. Too many mortals have gone to their death thinking that the fae cant lie. Fae lie to us and to each other, but they dont do it often. They far more respect a trap of truth: clever words and tricky phrasing instead of an outright lie. Now, the one thing you must <em>never</em> do is break an oath or a pact youve made with a fae. Never lie while giving your word to them either: they have magic that does nasty things to you if you do.


    Then may Uldar strike me down if I break my word to them. Merzhin gripped his holy symbol. Lets get on with it.


    Cedric nodded, leading his twopanions to the leaf green door of the cottage. Alright then, lets keep our heads about us. We follow the rules an if things turn out well, well gain a mighty ally. That alones worth the risks. If things go bad, then hopefully the worst thatlle is we all go home empty handed.


    He took a look at the forest, quickly bing aware that the trees were shifting. The game trail they had taken through the woods had vanished and a pair of old oaks were settling into the earth where the trail had been mere moments before.


    His grip tightened on his staff. I pity the poor bastard whod have to fight his way out of here. Wed make it, the three of us, but it wouldnt be pretty.


    The three Heroes passed through the front garden pathsurrounded by hungry looking nts with buds that were hinged open like gaping jawsand stopped in front of the cottages bright green door.


    <em>Thmp. Thmp. Thmp.</em>


    He knocked three times, then waited.


    Silence.


    He shifted back and forth from one foot to the other before looking at Drestra. The offerin still there?


    The reptilian-eyed woman nced down, lifting a piece of silk cloth wrapping the contents of the basket. It is. Dont worry. Ive been watching it.


    After several long drawn out breaths, something stirred inside the cottage.


    You maye in, a deep voice said.


    <em>Click.</em>


    Thetch turned and the door silently began to open.


    Cedric took a breath. Right, best behaviour now. Im trustin both o you, don make me regret bringin either one o you instead o Hart.


    He watched the door as it finished swinging inwardand gasped.


    The interior of the cottage was not a cottage at all.


    A massive ale hall with a towering ceiling spread before The Heroes. Its walls were fashioned of smoothed timbers with hunting trophies hanging from them. Cedric recognized it well: it was the very same hall that stood in the midst of his nsnds.


    It even smelled the same, like me and dried pine.


    But as he looked more closely, he could see clear differences.


    There was only one table in the room, rather than the seven long rectangr ones that stood in his ns hall. The tabletop was round, stained a deep, rich colour, and carved into its surface, was a design of moons in various phases circling the world.


    Ithats my foster mothers, Drestra murmured. Its her witching table!


    And that hangs from a wall in my homes<strong></strong>chapel! Merzhin pointed at a titanic bronze disk forged in the image of Uldars raised hand, mounted on the back wall.


    There were other unfamiliar objects in the roomsome of the banners representing families in Cedrics n had been reced by banners belonging to The Ash Ravens: Hartspany of mercenaries.


    Weve endeavoured to make you all feel at homeat least in some ways. We have even prepared gifts, though I see some of your number have chosen not to attend.


    Cedric blinked.


    A man stood beside the table where there had been only air a heartbeat earlier. He was tallnearly as tall as Hartbut as lean as a young willow branch. His face was touched by an unearthly beauty and aurel of ivy crowned his brow,ying just above his pointed ears. His eyes were pools of silver light, seeming both ancient and shrewd.


    Why have the others refused my hospitality? the fae lord asked, calmly.


    Cedric nced at Drestra and Merzhinindicating that they should follow his leadthen slowly nodded his head. Hart sends apologies, Lord Aenflynn. There was an important bit o business needing his attention, ysee. Lives at stake, an all.


    Of course, that was not the whole truth. The whole truth was that Harts casual disregard for danger, authority and decorum mightve started a fight before the greetings had even finished. So hed stayed behind to chase down monsters that had been striking some of the coastal viges.


    Lord Aenflynn sighed. Regrettable. I had hoped to meet you as a group. and does The Fool tend to this matter as well?


    Cedric paused.


    He hadnt expected to be asked about The Fool. I have no idea where The Fool is, Lord Aenflynn. No one does. Its a shame, but it seems they mightve died early in this cycle. We never even met em.


    A pause.


    The fae lord raised an eyebrow. Truly? You believe The Fool to be dead?


    There was another pause. Merzhin leaned in with interest.


    Whydo yknow otherwise? Cedric asked.


    We might Lord Aenflynn said with an odd smile. He waved his hand over the table. Cups of fresh milk appeared beside loaves of buttered bread that smelled like they had juste out of an oven. and we might not. It is one of the things we are eager to discuss.


    Aenflynns lips parted, revealing teeth like a wolfs.


    One of the <em>many</em> things.


    Harts massive sword split the Chitterer from side to side.


    The hive-queen-w that formed its de sliced through both the creatures scavenged armour, and the rubbery flesh beneath. With a gurgling, clicking sound, the Ravener-spawned humanoid fell to the earth in a pair of twitching heaps.


    The rest of the horde didnt even pause, surging toward The Champion with high pitched shrieks and clicking cries. They were hideous creatures: humanoid in form but with grey, rubbery flesh like a dead squid. Their bodies looked soft even as they charged, and their skin appeared wet and mmy.


    There were no eyes or ears anywhere on their heads: all was simply nk, rubbery flesh save for wide mouths filled with odd, round teeth like acorns.


    Come on! Hart Redflecther roared. Come and die, you ugly bastards!


    The Hero dove in, smashing his massive armoured body into them and swinging his giant de through their numbers. Monstrous flesh pulped at the force of his contact while his de tore a path of death through the press of creatures.


    Behind him, a squad of mounted knights surged ahead, riding the monsters down, leaving a ruin in their wake.


    Wish you all just had the decency to die once we kill off your dungeon cores! Hart stove in a monsters chest with the pommel of his de and smashed anothers face with hisrge, gauntleted fist. Still, cant fault your single minded drive!


    No matter how many he killed, the monsters kept swarming The Champion even as their numbers dropped by the minute. It was different from fighting people: most folk tended to lose their nerve once enough of their fellows had gotten themselves split in half.


    But these things didnt even flinch, no matter how many went down. It suited him just fine, though. Enemies that got to retreat one day, would be trying to kill him a few dayster. At least these monsters had the decency to keeping to get themselves killed off all at once.


    As he and the knights yed their way through the fields, the Chitterers fell by the dozen until finally, only The Champion and surviving knights remained.


    Yaaaaargh! Hart stuck his de in the air, giving his customary roar of victory.


    Raaaaaargh! the knights roared behind him, much to his amusement.


    Just over a year ago, these same nobles sons wouldnt have even bothered acknowledging a mercenary like him after a battle. Now that he had The Champions Mark glowing beneath his armour, they were roaring along with him like theyd been brothers in battle forever.


    Right, then, he said when theyd finished their roar. Lets loot the bodies, take anything of use, and see if we can find out what the hell these bastards were chasing.


    Chasing, Champion? A knight asked. You think they were in pursuit of something?


    Aye. Hart stalked through the bodieswiping the massive de that had been crafted from the hive-queens wand eyed the grass around the battlefield. Look how long it took for us to catch em. They were chasing something, alright.


    Do you think so, Champion? the knight asked.


    Harts sardonic smile grew behind his visor. The knights tone had been filled with respectmaybe even awe for a lowly mercenary.


    Yeah, look at how they came at us: they didnt even care if we pulled their guts out or stuck four feet of steel through their bellies. They werent afraid of us, so why did we have to chase em for so long? Id bet you ten silvers that they werent running <em>from </em>us, they were <em>chasing</em> something else. Lets get some rangers up here to check for tracks.


    Right, Champion. The knight bowed.


    Hart let himself have a low, grindingugh as he watched the knight scurry off. This Mark was the best thing that had ever happened to him, without a doubt. His mind swirled with the possibilities and opportunities ahead of him once The Ravener was put down.


    What a life he could haveor maybe hed die like a dog, speared by some monster before The Ravener was dead.


    He shrugged, heading toward the nearest body. That was just the way of things. Hed made peace with death long ago. Busying himself with the looting and not finding much of value, he was heading to the next body when a cry rang out from the grass ahead.


    Champion! one of the rangers shouted. You were right! Theres a trail here! I think these things were following it!


    Hart grinned. Well, theyre too <em>dead</em> to follow shit, now. So lets do them a favour and chase down whatever it was they were looking for, why dont we?

 Chapter 271: The Offer

    Chapter 271: The Offer


    The Champion, knights and rangers made good time traversing the countryside. Most were mounted, but Hart was on foot; with The Champions power filling his long limbs, he was able to tear through the distance like a charging bull. He kept pace with the mounted knights and rangers as they crossed the wilderness following the trail. Though hed been running hard for close to an hour, he felt as energised as if hed just awaken from a refreshing afternoon nap.


    Hart smiled, keeping an eye on the pack of hunting hounds that loped ahead, focused on the scent they were trailing.


    Were likely following people, not monsters, one of the rangers said to Hart. The tracks were made by boots or shoes, not bare feet or ws. Might be Chitterers who robbed the dead for their boots, but I doubt it: the trails too uniform. Too disciplined. More likely its people marching at speed.


    Right, Harts voice boomed from beneath his visor. He turned to one of the knights close to him. I dont remember any patrols scheduled to march this way, do you?


    Not I, Champion, the knight said. Most likely these are bandits or maybe civilians who failed to evacuate. maybe even foreign pirates.


    Pirates, eh? I wonder Hart said. Well, well find out soon enough. He turned back to the ranger. How far behind do you think we are?


    Its hard to tell, the ranger said. But the dogs are keeping the scent, and the trail was fresh when I picked it up back where we fought those Chitterers.


    So not far, then! Hart grinned. Keep up the pace! Well have em by the balls soon enough!


    ###


    ThisI know this mark. Drestra ran her hands over the round table in a mix of awe and incredulity. Her fingers rubbed a slight depression in the wood. When I was first learning my foster mothers knife, I cut my finger and dropped the de. The knife nicked the table right in this spot.


    She looked up at Lord Aenflynn, who was watching her like a cat perched above a fish pond.


    Do you like it? The fae lords deep voice rumbled through the hall, seeming to echo from every timber, stone and even the air itself. I had the crafter take extra care to preserve the tables fullcharacter. Youll find that it is quite the same as the one in your home. Down to even the grain of the wood.


    This isa replica? Drestra blinked her reptilian eyes. How would you know all of these details?


    Lord Aenflynn smiled again, revealing his wolf-like fangs. The mortals of Thamnd notice little. We notice much; it is the way of things, as it has always been. My kindred are everywhere, even in ces you folk might not give any thought to, and as bad as you are at noticing the small things, is as good as we are at remaining hidden.


    Icant believe this, Cedric murmured, eyeing a knot in the pine wall: it was identical to a spot in his ns ale hall that his uncle had once used as a target for an impromptu axe throwing contest with his grandfather. Every mark from that drunken eveningy in the wall as though theyd been made yesterday. I thought Id seen everythingtely: monsters, magic that hid whatever was in The Cave of The Traveller, but all this


    I had hoped that tokens from each of your homes would help set you mortals at ease, Aenflynn said. It is the least I could do: after all, it is so<em>rare</em> that Heroes of Thamnde here to speak to me and my kin.


    At ease was the veryst thing Cedric was feeling right now. After fighting monsters for a year and seeing people die in ways that would scar most folk for life, hed begun to think that nothing could shake him anymore.


    But, this? This shook him.


    How in the name o everythin did yget all these details right? he wondered, watching the seated fae lord. Magic to look into our hearts? Did yget pixies to crawl about and creep through our childhood homes? How long ave we been watched? And what about-


    The Fool, Merzhin said, leaning forward over the table with his hands sped before him. You said you might know something about them? Please, I ask that you tell us He paused, then added in a more polite tone. It would mean much to us, and you would have our eternal gratitude.


    Good, Cedric thought. Keep it polite, Merzhin.


    I said that I mightand I said that I might not, Aenflynn said. I know that your people think the Fools presence mightease your burdens against The Ravener. how curious that is.


    Curious? Merzhin frowned.


    Well, if I understand it, most of you mortals consider the Fool to be useless, Aenflynn said. So, why bother with them?


    The Fool has a role to y in Uldars n. The Saint sat erect in his chair. Lord Aenflynn, he quickly added the title after a brief pause. I do not question Uldars ns. If The Fool is alive, they must join us. Only then are weplete.


    Hmmmperhaps I ammisinformed about mortal customs in thisnd, Aenflynn said, but his tone indicated that he in no way believed himself to be misinformed. Why such a need for them? What specifically do they bring?


    We cannot hope to understand the full extent of Uldars n, Merzhin answered with confidence. Our holy God crafted <em>five</em> Heroes, and while it is true The Fool has given into weakness in previous cycles, if they were unnecessary, then only <em>four</em> Heroes would be marked. We cannot simply abandon Uldars n because of other mortals past faults.


    Fascinating, Aenflynn said.


    So, what do you know about The Fool? The Saint asked in earnest.


    you do not know much about negotiation, do you, Merzhin? the fae lord said. Why would I tell you anything before a pact is made? We are not even allies.


    With respect, we do not even know if you <em>do</em> know anything, Lord Aenflynn, Drestra said. By dangling knowledge that you <em>might</em> have, you create interest without giving anything away at all.


    Now <em>this</em> one has bargained before, I see. The fae lord grinned.


    Merzhins face reddened.


    Well all that aside, Cedric quickly jumped in. We didnte ere lookin for The Fool. That cer. Lord Aenflynn, why dont we give you our offerin, an then we can jump right ta business, aye? I know ymust be a busy lord, an all.


    Oooo yes, the offering, Lord Aenflynn rubbed his hands together. The light from his eyes red. I have one for you as well.


    He stretched out his left hand and snapped his fingers once. A basketseemingly woven from pure silverappeared in his hand, and he offered it to Drestra. An offering for an offering, to show good will. Do not peek inside the basket yet, for doing so will lead to ill. Once youve departed my realm, enjoy it as you might. It is my hope that this gesture will make our futures brighter.


    Thank you, Drestra said, ncing at the lords offering with curiosity before handing him the basket she held. You can open it whenever you like.


    Ah, it would be poor manners for me to open your gift early when I have told you to wait for mine. So yes. Down to business. He looked at Cedric. Youve spent much effort to arrange this meeting, but I should ask, why are you meeting with <em>me</em>? There are other lords anddies of the fae you might speak to. Indeed, I am not known for myovert friendliness with mortals. One might call you being here almostfoolhardy.


    Merzhin threw a look at Cedric, but The Chosen met Aenflynns silver eyes without blinking. Aye, that be true. Other fae lords have had more friendly rtions wit mortals in the past. But Im no lookin for an alliance with friendly pixie nobles or brownyie lords. Yknow whats happenin in Thamnd: well be needin fighters. Warriorsand there are few lords of the fae in all of Thamnd whomands warriors as fierce as yours, Lord Aenflynn.


    The fae lord raised an eyebrow. So you seek the services of the Moonguards?


    <em>An</em> the Crimson Head Brigadiers.


    Now <em>both</em> of Aenflynns eyebrows rose. They are mercenaries, what makes you think that I couldmand them to fight for you?


    Theres no fae lord in all the isles thats fielded them as much as you, whether it be against mortals, fae or other spirits: youve called upon their services many more times than any other in livin memory. The Brigadiers regrly refuse contractsbut never one o yours. At least, ordin to most tales.


    Tales often lie, little Hero.


    Aye, that they do, but my ns lore keepers know much o the ways to sift out the truth from the ramblins of drunken bards.


    I see. Then let us say that I could provide you with the services of both. For what purposes?


    Fightin together. Your forces could hold ces where we cant be an help us break monster hordes so we can raid dungeons easier. Theres another force thatse to Thamnd thatll help us with breakin dungeon cores, but the wilderness needs to be cleaned up of monster-kind in the meanwhile. Theyre multiplyin, spillin out all over the ce, and Im tired o just runnin around like chickens wit no heads as it were. Weve been so busy grapplin wit monsters that we havent even made progress in <em>findin</em> the damn Ravener yet.


    Perhaps that is for the best.


    The best? Merzhin sat up straight. The Ravener hides like a coward, dying and preventing us from carrying out our Gods great work to its conclusion.


    The question is, <em>can</em> you conclude his work as you are, Aenflynn offered. I have seen many cycles, Heroes of Thamnd, and I can tell you that this truly is the worst one I have seen in a millennia. The Ravener strikes at you like a mother strikes at the killer of her children: if you find it difficult to suppress its dungeon cores, what will you do against the great enemy itself? It will fight you like a cornered animal. Butas you battle its monstersyou gain strength and experience with your abilities. So perhaps you shouldnt be so eager to rush toward the jaws of death before you are utterly ready to face them.


    Uldar has granted us gifts that ensure our readiness- Merzhin said with iron in his voice, but then he paused.


    Cedric was giving the younger man a look. Respect. With respect, Merzhin.


    The priest licked his upper lip and lightened his tone. Irespect your concern-


    Its adorable that you think I am concerned, Aenflynn said matter of factly. I simply state facts. What you do or do not do is utterly outside of my concern.


    well, I can say with the utmost confidence that Uldar has prepared us for theing battles. Merzhin said.


    He has handed you a sword, young Saint. You are still only learning how to wield that sword. But what you do with your weapons and blessings is your own affair. Now, you say you would like to make use of the warriors I retain?


    Aye, they can get around the isle faster than any mortal army, Cedric said.


    But that involves risk for me. Fae do not often field armies in mortal realms because they are needed here. My neighbours might see my force departing to fight in your war as a sign of weakness. That is to say, I hear what you ask, but do not know what you can possibly offer in return.


    Im not goin to presume ta guess what someone of your power might want. So, name a price. If its too much, well jus say no.


    Aenflynn cocked his head, much like a bird examining a shiny object. You are not very experienced with negotiation either, are you?


    Cedric felt his face flush. I-


    Children, the fae lord said.


    Drestra, Cedric and Merzhin froze.


    Whatwhat was that? Drestra asked.


    I would like one hundred mortal children, Aenflynn repeated, all smiles gone. Fifty delivered immediately, and fifty to be delivered upon The Raveners defeat. They will be raised here, in the faends. They will be cared for. They will be loved, and when they grow up, they will have high positions in my armies.


    Merzhin turned red. I-


    Aenflynn raised a hand. I am not finished. These children may be orphans if you desire, but they must be younger than five winters. Mortals grow quickly and can rece any losses my forces incur in battle. In return, you will also take in fifty fae to be raised among you as children.


    Changelings, Drestra murmured.


    Yes, changelings. They are of races who look simr to fae and are nearing the end of their lives. Let them live among you and experience care and a mortal childhood until they pass. That is my price.


    Cedrics knuckles turned white on the table. Youre talkin about kidnappin children.


    Orphans, Aenflynn said. Mere orphans who are destined to either die ornguish unwanted in some poorhouse until they are grown: on a path to bing bandits, criminals or worse. If anything, I am doing you a service. Nowthere you have it, thats my offer.


    This canno be done. There must be somethin else you want.


    I am afraid that is my offer at this moment: no amount of objects of shine, mortal currency or goods, will equal it. I ask that you do not disrespect me by spitting on my offer here and now. I understand why you might find thisdistasteful at first blush, but you are the ones asking me for help. Not the reverseand we fae have different ways of payment than mortalkind does. Think on it for the span of one moon, then you can either give your refusal, give me a counter offer or ept. This is what I am asking.


    Cedric ground his teeth. All thoughts of politeness had gone, and the only thing left in his mind was the thought of his weapon. Shouldntve even tried this. Shouldve-


    We will think on it, Lord Aenflynn, Drestra said. I thank you for your kind offer.


    The Sage had a tight smile fixed on her face as she red at both Merzhin and Cedric, who had half-risen from their chairs. We. Will. Think. On. It.


    There was silence as the Saint and Chosen looked at each other.


    Right, right, Cedric thought. No sense in pickin a fight. Leave an refuseter.


    He and Merzhin sank back down.


    Excellent, the fae lord said. Now, why don''t we finish this lovely meal and then you can be on your way to think about what weve discussed.


    Well looks like the meals being served early, Hart whispered, peering through the trees. Now, now, now, what naughty things have you lot been up to?


    Belowin a forested valleya camp spread out, looking like it was ready for war.


    And the people gathered werent Thameish.

 Chapter 272: Interlopers

    Chapter 272: Interlopers


    Any scouts about? Hart whispered to a nearby ranger.


    The stocky woman was crouched behind a pine tree as she peered over the ridge at the encampment below.


    No, Champion, no scouts, but theres sentries keeping watch. She said in low tones, pointing to an oak rising on the north side of the camp where a small wooden tform was supported by several thick branches. A figure crouched on it, and the metal on their crossbow glinted in the grey light.


    Theyve also set posts there, there and there. The ranger pointed at several tforms tucked into tall trees with sentriesying face down on them, watching their surroundings. and then theres this one here.


    She nodded at the tree Hart was crouched behind; a towering thing with a dense canopy that was hard to see through from a distance.


    Partly hidden by the umbre of leaves and branches was another sentrys tform.


    This one was now upied by a dead man and a Thameish ranger whod taken the watchers ce after a quick bit of knife work.


    And thats all of them, she said. Its strange they have no scouts about.


    Or maybe they havent had time to send them out yet. It looks like they just got back. Hart pointed to the centre of the camp. Look down there.


    The rangers eyes followed the direction he was pointing in.


    A group of people sat slumped around a dead fire in the middle of the camp, they looked worn out, like theyd just beaten their way through some rough countryside. The hilts of short swords glinted at their hips, and short bows hung from their backs.


    Around them stood a grouping ofrge tents: the sort one might erect in a war camp.


    Bet you three hens eggs that those bastards down there were the ones the Chitterers were chasing, Hart said. Nowwhatre they doing in Thamnd in the first ce?


    Hart had only seen a schar a pair of times in all his life, but his sharp eyes recognized their grey skin and ck eyes even from his distance on the bluff. Everyone below was a member of that sea-dwelling race and they definitely looked like the sort whode looking for a fight. Most were armed and cloaked in armour of leather and coral. Encircling the camp was an uneven ditch with sharpened stakes nted along the bottom; Hart noticed the tips of some were darkened by what looked like dried blood. Whether from monsters, animals or people, he couldnt say, but he could say being speared like that was a helluva way to go. Between the ditch and the perimeter of the camp, a wooden fence topped with vicious looking trident shaped spikes had been erected. Equidistant holes were carved in the fence, and Hart watched warriors and archers peering through them.


    Murder holes, he muttered. They can spear or shoot anyone nning on a raid from the woods or bottleneck them at the entrances to their camp.


    There were three ways to reach the camp s interior: a dirt path from the north, one from the south and a small, rocky beach facing the sea. Severalrge boats guarded by a pair of grim looking sentries had been beached on the stony shore.


    Who do you think they are? Hart asked. Pirates?


    Most likely, lord the ranger said. Though they must notve been here long: they dont look like theyve gotten up to much looting, unless theyre holding all of it in one of those tents. What do we do?


    Hart thought the situation over for a moment.


    This was a war zone, and the chances of armed folking to Thamnd with good intentions waslow. He considered attacking first and asking questionster, but if these schar turned out to be allies, then hed never hear the end of it if he just gutted them.


    Would feel like a great, big shit about it too, he thought. Give em one chance.


    We surround em and give em one warning, Hart said. You can stay back in the woods while I step up first. At the first sign of trouble, Ill break down the north gate, then shout a signal. Thatll be your sign to follow me in. Got it?


    Right, Champion, the ranger said. Ill tell the others.


    pping the woman on the shouldernearly causing her to lose bnceHart split from the group and quietly circled to the north. With his Champions Mark enhanced by stealth from years spent as a mercenary, he made no sound as he moved around the trees, slipped onto a forest path north of the camp, and approached a bend behind a small hill.


    Softly humming to himself, The Champion strung his enormous bow, loosened the massive sword slung on his back, and made sure his hip quiver was settled on his side. Then, he strolled casually toward the camp with his bow resting on his shoulder.


    The instant he rounded the hill, a horn sounded from up ahead followed by shouting from inside the camp. Hart could hear schar scrambling behind the fence.


    Hello! he shouted, waving with his free hand. Wee to Thamnd, ounders! This is Hart Redfletcher, Champion of Uldar. Im here to greet you! Now, yournding on the beach hereall quiet-likemakes me wonder if you might be up to no good. But, I thought rather than being hasty and jumping to conclusions, it might be better if I just walked up and asked. So, whos your leader and whatre you doing here?


    The sound of scrambling continued as two schar abruptly pushed the north gate shut. Hart made note of the sentries in the trees: each one shouldered crossbows aimed at him.


    Look, I know violence is the answer to many problems, but I dont see why we need to resort to it so quick! Come on, whos your leader? Lets get a little parley going. Maybe we dont need toe to blow-


    Leave! a voice barked.


    Sorry, what was that?


    I said, leave! Leave now or we will kill you!


    Hart let out an ugly, barkingugh. You? Kill me? Listen friend, lots of things have tried: the sort of things thatd give you nightmares for the rest of your lives. Youre not scaring me.


    <em>Thnk.</em>


    A crossbow bolt kicked up a cloud of dirt in front of his armoured foot. Hart looked down casually.


    That was your first and only warning! the voice shouted. We have seen things that cause terror as well, Thamnder! Retreat now or face the consequences!


    Hart shook his head.


    For one, I cant let just anyone go running around the countryside without telling me what theyre doing. If youre here to help, just say so, no need for all this flexing. Twowell, thats a bigger problem. Ysee, you just fired on a Hero of Uldar while hes in the middle of his fancy holy duties. Thats an instant death sentence around these parts, no questions asked. So why dont we-


    <em>Thwp.</em>


    Harts hand shot up, snatching a bolt as it flew toward his chest. There was a moment of stunned silence from the sentry whod shot at him.


    Ah, well made, this is. Hart examined the crossbow bolt. Shame to see it wasted. Id love to give it back to you, but its a wee bit too small for my bow-


    His hands blurred, dropping the crossbow bolt, nocking an arrow on his bowstring and pulling it back in one fluid motion.


    -so here, take one of mine!


    <em>Thwang!</em>


    A thick arrow shot from his massive bow with the force of a ballista bolt, cutting through the air and sting the sentry straight through the chest. The schar flew from the tree from the impact, plummeting to the earth even as Hart nocked his bow and fired several more times in under a pair of heartbeats.


    Before the first had even hit the ground, arrows mmed into more sentries with horrifying uracy, flinging them from their perches. He lowered his aim toward the fence, hisrge eyes focusing on the murder holes and those archers whod begun firing at him.


    <em>Fwip!</em>


    An arrow whizzed past his shoulder.


    <em>Thwump!</em>


    His giant arrows shot forth in rapid session.


    <em>Thwump!</em>


    <em>Thwump!</em>


    <em>Thwump!</em>


    <em>Thwump!</em>


    Archer after archer dropped as he skewered them through their own murder holes and he kept firing until his quiver was empty. Quickly dropping his bow, Hart charged, drawing his hive queen-w sword and churning the earth, speeding toward the gate in a blur.


    He dropped his right shoulder and


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Burst through the flimsy wooden barrier as if it were a nest of dried twigs.


    <em>Whooosh!</em>


    Screams and streams of red erupted as he cleaved his way straight-through the enemy.


    Now! Harts roar echoed through the forest. Get stuck in, mates!


    An unified shout answered from the trees as his knights and rangers came galloping down the forest path, loweringnces and firing arrows. With a madugh, Uldars Champion kept cutting through the interlopers who threw themselves forward without restraint. There was a desperation to their movements, like something was driving them toward the thicket of enemy des.


    Snarling through his visor, Hart just did what he had done most of his life: cut down the opponents in front of him. It was almost soothing in a waysimply shutting out the whole world and letting the impact of his sword on bodies travel up his arms.


    Thenalmost as suddenly as it had startedit was done.


    He blinked to find himself standing among the dead, with his rangers and knights spreading out, exploring the camp.


    Ach, easier to fold than wet leaves, Hart snorted, cleaning his de and stepping over fallen bodies. If this is all you had in you, you shouldntve started a fight in the first ce. But it seems strangefolk usually surrender after you cut down half their buddies-


    Champion! Champion! one of the rangers cried from the front p of a tent. You need to see this!


    Hart made his way over and stood among his warriors, some had their heads bowed. The tent had been abandonedlikely every living soul had rushed out to defend the campbut what theyd left behind was something from a horror story. Meat, limbs, organs and entrails hung from hooks all around the tents inner perimeter, like a barbaric abattoir.


    One look at some of the body parts told him that what he was seeing wasnt something asmon as a regr ughterhouse.


    Thosethose look human, he said, gritting his teeth. Well punch me in the head, what kind of sick bastards were these?


    He looked over at the centre of the tent.


    A blood-stained altar had been erected there, carved from a single block of basalt. In the middle was a deep indentationlike a bowl to hold blood from sacrifices. Strange symbols were carved, ringing the bowl in a circle, and Hart had fought enough wizards in his time to recognize sigils of magic when he saw them.


    Lets pack up whatever we canthese werent ordinary pirates, Hart said. Weve got to tell the others about this.


    Has Uldars wisdompletely abandoned your senses, Drestra? Merzhin asked, his voice quiet but far from calm.


    The three Heroes had stepped out of the fae realm through the fairy circle and into an empty clearing. The portal within the circle of mushrooms vanished behind them and theyd moved with speed into the woods until they felt sure theyd had privacy. Words and emotion boiled up in both The Chosen and Saint, until they finally became too much for them to hold in any longer.


    Drestra turned toward Merzhin, her eyes hard. There are other sources of wisdom in the world besides Uldar, Merzhin, and I dont think my actions were unwise. What I <em>do</em> think was unwise is you both nearly picking a fight with a fae lord in his own realm. Fighting our way out of theirnds would have been hard enough, but engaging a fae lord directly? That would have been suicide.


    Aye, that youre right about. Cedric rubbed the back of his head somewhat ashamed. Kinda lost me head there. Talk about just handin little kids over to him like wed be handin out apples took me off guard. Got me blood boilin. Youve got the right of it, Drestra. Best thing to dos refuse after his moon passes. Bah! Cedric snorted. Thought it was a good idea to ally with im. Wit the Moonguard an Brigadiers on our side, wed have way more power to hit The Ravener with. Bloody shame it didnt work out.


    Silence followed his words.


    Then Merzhin began to chuckle, his high-pitched voice cutting Cedrics nerves. Friend, Im afraid our Sage has no intention of refusing him. Have I guessed right, Drestra?


    Cedric slowly looked over and found the witchs reptilian eyes staring at him.


    I think its madness to refuse, she said.


    The Chosen blinked. What? Ywant to hand over wee ones to him?


    That is exactly what we should do. The Sage took a step toward him. We would havemand of his forces in return for giving orphans a better life than they would have otherwise. It only makes sense.


    Cedric shook his head. Youre out of your mind. Youd make ves of the wee ones! Take them away from their people!


    And is that so bad? Drestra asked. My foster mother was not of my people. None of Crymlyn Swamp were. But Ive grown up happy and well there. Fostering is no death sentence: it can be ill and it can be good. And theres tales of humans growing up in the fae realms, growing into heroes of their own right.


    Aye, an plenty o other tales end with: <em>an then the babe ended up in a redcaps belly. The end.</em> So, no. We cant be doin this.


    I agree, Merzhin said. We cannot allow any of Uldars children to grow up away from his light. It would be like nting a sapling beneath the earth and expecting it to thrive.


    Drestra rolled her eyes. You two shouldnt have started this if you werent willing to even consider the choice. Weve led men and women to their deaths. Weve nearly lost our lives a dozen times. Is this so bad? Children growing up in a fae realm?


    Itd be like sellin folk as ves. Cedric shook his head. To bargain people like chattel, it dont sit right with me.


    Its an ugly <em>looking</em> choice, Drestra said. But its one thatll lead to less suffering and more safety for everyone. Consider it at least-


    It is a shame. Merzhin shook his head. Uldar would be so disappointed by even us considering this. We might even meet with his divine punishment if we consider this grim choicewhich really is no choice at alltoo much. His path dictates that we spurn the poisoned offers that tempt us.


    Or what?! Drestra snapped. Hed voice his displeasure? Come down andin? That would be a nice change! I dont even <em>worship</em> him and he drags me into this conflict! Not even a word of encouragement or guidance! Nothing!


    You have closed your ears to him, Merzhin said. Which is why you do not hear his benediction.


    Oh really? The Sage stepped toward The Saint, towering over the shorter young man. And tell mewhat has he said to you? You do all this talking about Uldar, but what instructions has he actually given you, oh holy saint?


    Merzhins eyes hardened. His words are-


    Am I interrupting something? Harts voice came from the trees. The Heroes startled as the big man strode out of the dark woods with a corpse slung over his shoulder. I could bloody hear you from a hundred paces away. Look, you can tell me all about how things went with King Fairyter, but you all should see this.


    He held up the body of a schar warrior with one hand, and a wood and crystalline symbol with the other. I think we had a bloody cult brewing on our shores.


    Cedrics eyes looked at the body then drifted to the symbol.


    It was one he didnt recognize.


    A strange shape. A crystalline polyhedron with rhombic sides.

 Chapter 273: The First Surveys End

    Chapter 273: The First Survey''s End


    <em>Fwooosh!</em>


    Alexs sleeping potion erupted in the beast-goblins burrow, catching the creatures off guard as they feasted on suspect chunks of meat.


    Coughing and sputtering, the little monsters tried to scramble to their feet, but the gas filled their lungs with every intake of breath. Their growls faded, turning to quiet groans then muted snoring as they copsed on the dirt floor.


    Well, Id call that a sessful field test, Alex said, stepping around the corner of a tunnel. Now, letsoh.


    A quick look around revealed gruesome trophies scattered everywhere. Piles of human weapons, armour, and heaps of gnawed bones littered the cavern.


    All of them were humanoid.


    Right, well Im thinking those are pretty strong grounds for exterminating these things, he said loudly. None of the beast-goblins stirred, despite his voice booming through the cavern. Looks like noise wont wake you up, just like Gwyin. But, maybe this will. ygon?


    <em>Whoooom.</em>


    His golem came around the corner of the tunnel and stopped beside him, with all three fire-gems zing.


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    Fire-beams shed out, raking the sleeping monsters with their full fury. me exploded, soon followed by beast-goblins as the predators were wiped from existence; Alex brushed ash from his cloak.


    I guess none of youll be waking up after all, he said grimly, stepping behind ygon. He sent out forceballs and Wizards Hands to scour the cave floor, ceiling, and walls ahead, searching for hidden dangers lurking in any nooks and crannies in the rock.


    Looks like it might be clear, he said, satisfied. Good job, buddy. He patted ygon on the side, then spoke to the swarm of fire elemental beetles clinging to the golems back. Go check for survivors. If you find any little green humanoids with horns, I want all of you to make their lives really unpleasant with those nice sharp teeth of yours.


    The swarm flew from the golems back and shot into the cave, disappearing through the smoke.


    After a few heartbeats, a frantic screech reached Alex from the distance. A beast-goblin screamed.


    It looks like we mightve missed one, he said, mentally sending the golem toward the sound.


    ygon surged into the smoke and a secondter, a dull thud followed.


    I think we should be done now, Alex said when the elemental beetles returned. Lets get out of here. I cant smell anything through Orb of Air, but this ce just <em>feels</em> like it stinks.


    ygon looked at him for a moment before joining him. Alex, his beetles, once again clinging to ygonemerged from the cave back into Greymoor. The caves entrance was positioned on the side of a hill, and the hill had so many other cave mouths yawning open, that it resembled the honeb in a beehive.


    The sounds of battle reverberated from other caves: the beast-goblins had split up, nesting within multiple caverns and most of his other teammates were going about the grim business of exterminating them. Only Grimloch and Meikara stood outside, the sharkman to stand guard and the healer to respond if anyone signalled her help was needed.


    Good hunting? Grimloch rumbled to Alex.


    Done and dusted, Alex said. Nice and easy, too.


    Good, the young blood mage said, giving the caverns a puzzled look. This has been one of my easiest assignments so far. Not wishing bad for any of you, but none of youve been hurt since weve been here.


    Oh, we do get hurt all right, Alex said. Weve just been lucky, cautious, and weve been around the right people when troublees at us. But, even then


    He remembered how Theresad been so badly wounded at Patrizia DePaolos ball, and how panicked hed been then. Even now, just thinking about it brought some of that old fear back.


    lets just say weve had our share of scrapes in the past. But with some luck, you wont have to lift a finger while were here.


    As thest word left his mouth, his friends began emerging from caves in groups of two or three. Beast-goblin bits covered their weapons.


    It looks like weve made good time clearing these nests out, Khalik said, ncing up at the sun which had begun setting in the distance. Not a bad way to end our first sojourn to Thamnd.


    Yeah, if things keep being this easy, Ill be thanking my ancestors everyday, Thundar agreed. In any case, lets count this as another batch of nests cleaned out then get back to camp.


    Wee back, Ripp said as Alexs group climbed the hill back to camp. Good hunting?


    He and another guard, each nked by a stone golem that silently watched thendscape, stood beside the encampments only gate.


    Indeed, Isolde said, her boots squelching along the muddy path leading up to the gate. Our areas have been purged of all troublesome creatures which means any worries about attacks from nearby beasts can be eased, I should think: it will make for a much safer guard duty for you.


    Ripp snorted. Its when we think were safest that we get attacked. But, time will tell. Anyway, in you go. Mostve the groups have alreadye back.


    He knocked on the gate twice andwith a loud creakit was opened from within.


    In the past couple of days, the camp on the hill overlooking Greymoor had swollen, though the speed of set up was a snails pacepared to how quickly the venues for The Games of Roal hade together. With Thamndsck of ambient mana which Generasi had in abundance,<strong></strong>many of the magical tools the wizards normally used for construction simply did not work here. Instead, building structures came down to an individuals spellcraft, ingenuity and good old-fashioned elbow grease. Still, thatbination was enough to aplish a good deal in a short space of time.


    What had begun with a few tents on a hill, had swollen to a fully growing<strong></strong>settlement. Spells to move earth were used to craft earthen walls fifteen feet high, and magic had then changed the soils consistency, hardening it to the point where the walls could withstand an assault from catapult stones. The soil under the hill had also been hardened, and its acidity raised so anyone attempting to tunnel deep beneath it to breach the camp, would be in for a stinging surprise.


    The same technique had been used on the earth thaty beneath the wall separating Generasi from The Barrens of Kravernus: the wizards had no desire to ever see their fortifications tunnelled under again. Attackers looking to gain entry to the camp through its front entrance, would have a different set of problems.


    Therge gate had been transported from Generasioak alchemically hardened and reinforced with ironto guard the camps only entrance. nking it inside the earthen walls were two tall towers rising high above the camp. Battle mages stood watch in each tower, ready to rain power and death down on any hostile parties.


    Alex looked at the towers and almost felt sorry for anyone who decided to raid their camp...a raid that could only end in searing pain and death.


    Within the camp was a fully organized tent city. Researchers, staff and builders scurried between tents, setting up unique stations.


    The first tents to be erected had been sleeping tents, followed by an armoury tent, an administrative one, one for food and water storage, and the first of many for examining specimens. Alex could see that the tent that would be used as their smithymade of alchemically treated meproof clothwas being raised as his team made their way to the camps centre.


    Cauldrons were boiling over outdoor cook fires, and the scent of stew cooking made his mouth water. He found himself mindlessly wandering toward the fires until Khalik pulled him back.


    We have to report first, the prince said.


    Wont be any point in reporting if I starve to death before we fini-Yargh!


    Theresa grabbed his cloak and pulled him toward the administration tent. Insideamong a small army of clerks seated at deskswas a substantial table with arge map of Greymoor and the surrounding regions spread over it.


    Professor Jules leaned over the map, making notations on it from the individual maps and reports shed received from other teams. Slowly, but surely, an up-to-date precise map of their territory was being created. Among the notations were symbols for monster densthose eliminated and those discoveredas well as possible deposits of ore, other natural resources, and areas appropriate for road building.


    Jules looked up as they entered.


    Ah, good to see you, she said. I take it the beast-goblin threat to the west has been eliminated?


    All done, Alex said, handing her a report that hed had his Wizards Hands write up on the way back. The area looked like it could be a good ce to mine stone from as well.


    Excellent. And were there any appropriate locations for the research castle?


    None better than what we already have here, Khalik chimed in. The spot where we found the beast-goblins might be appropriate for an outpost, though.


    Very good, she said. Youve done well. Go and have a rest, then prepare to teleport back to Generasi when the next shift of surveyors arrives within the hour.


    Yeah, Alex said. I thin-


    Suddenly, the tent p behind them flew open.


    Professor! a student called to her, sounding breathless. A team brought back a Ravener-spawn!


    Everyone froze, looking at each other wide-eyed before rushing for the entrance. The camp was in an uproar as wizards scrambled toward the centre.


    Tyris team stood in the middle of camp, and some of them had summoned monsters to carry what looked like a medical litter at first, but on closer inspection was really only a long sheet of cloth. Lying on the folds of fabric was what appeared to be a human body, but it soon became clear that the creature lying there was far from human.


    A Chitterer, Alex, Isolde, Khalik and Thundar whispered in unison as they made their way to the growing crowd, noting how much the creature matched the illustrations in the Thameish bestiaries theyd been assigned.


    Alex looked at Tyris, who was recounting her teams encounter with it.


    -from behind a hill, she was saying. It looked like it was hiding there, watching us while we were travelling, but one of the monsters wed summoned saw it. We tried to bring it back alive, but things happened. It came at us. There wasnt any time for spellcasting, so we had to put a crossbow bolt through its chest.


    Was it alone? Professor Jules nodded, making her way over to the creature and strapping her mask on. Did you see any more of them?


    Not one, Tyris said. Either it was a straggler or a scout.


    A moment of quiet hung over the camp.


    Well, if its a scout, that could mean The Raveners going to know were here soon enough, Professor Jules said. I would like this specimen brought to the examination tent please: the Thameish bestiaries give us well detailed illustrations of Chitterer anatomy, but its always good to confirm things with our own eyes. Tyris, I want your team to make a full report of your encounter and indicate on the map where it took ce. Ill send a team out to see what can be found and if it can be tracked.


    She looked at the top of the wall. If theres a dungeon in Greymoor, I want to be the first to know.


    We could go check right now, Alex eagerly volunteered.


    Oh no, she said. Youve been surveying for three days. Get back to Generasi, get back to ss and your family. Its not like the dungeon will get up and walk away while youre gone, Mr. Roth.


    Alex was about to say something, but bit it back.


    She was right.


    One of the key reasons this expedition had been put together was so the University of Generasis full might and power would be behind this, not so that he could go off and do everything on his own.


    He took a deep breath, and brought his excitement under control.


    Besides, the more I learn, he thought. The more powerful I be and the more resources I gather.


    The next morning Alex feltpletely disoriented.


    For the past three nights hed slept in arge tent in his homnd with the cool dampness of Greymoor on his skin, and Thamnds fall air in his lungs. This morning, hed awakened in hisfortable bed back in the warmth of ate summers day in Generasi.


    Teleportation really messes with you, he murmured as he groggily climbed out of bed. One moment youre in one part of the world and the next you''re somewhere else where the climatespletely different. Gonna have to get used to it, though. Were gonna be doing that a lot.


    As he dressed for the day, he looked over at the textbooks piled on the side of his desk. His eyes fell on the one on top of the stack. It was a thick book, fittingly bound in a red cover.


    His blood magic textbook.


    Today would be his first official ss in the subject, and he was anxious for it to begin. Anything he learned could only help speed up his progress with Mana to Life.

 Chapter 274: The First Blood Magic Class

    Chapter 274: The First Blood Magic ss


    Alex had never taken a ss in the basement of the universitys castle before, but he wasnt really too surprised that blood magic was being offered there, in one of the darkest, creepiest ces on campus.


    Deep underground in the bowels of the castle seemed just about right for the subject matter.


    His imagination went rogue, conjuring images of a ss with sinister undertones down in a dungeonplete with torture instruments, blood filled tanks and terrifying devices half-surgical tool, and half executioners implement. Yetas he walked through the ssroom doormuch of what greeted him didnt live up to his vivid imaginings at all.


    Hed imagined a massive, cavernous space; instead, the room was modest in size: not as small as the one used for Professor Mangals summer summoning course, but smaller than the halls or auditoriums hed attended lectures in during first year. Rows of desks faced forward, far fewer in number than in any first yearpulsory course hed takenst year.


    It seemed blood magic wasnt all that popr, which surprised him. Hed assumed the ss would be full since blood magic could be used for healingan ability that wizards would really benefit from. He could hear Baelins voice saying: <em>a proper wizard should have healing skills to equip them in the dangerous world theyll be facing. </em>Taking in more of the room, <em>some</em> of the objects in it were exactly what hed imagined one would find in a ssroom dedicated to blood magic. There were ominous looking ss tubes filled with a red liquid. It probably wasnt bloodat least he didnt think so since it glowedboiling and bubbling in an unsettling rise and fall in cylindrical ss tanks on one side of the room.


    The tanks eerie red light provided much of the illumination for the chamber, lending it both the feel of a horror show, andan oddly soothing atmosphere at the same time.


    Soothing? he thought, a small smile touching his lips. By The Traveller, maybe I do have issues if Im finding creepy blood tanks soothing.


    Their red light shone over stone walls and ceilings painted stark white; the walls were covered in anatomical diagrams detailing both the physical processes of the human body, and the flow of energy between a lifeforce and a mana pool.


    There were no torture implements though, much to Alexs relief: just bookshelves tall enough to reach all the way to the chambers distant ceiling.


    <em>Scrtch. Scrtch.</em>


    Standing at the front of the ssroom before a giant obsidian chalkboard, a woman who looked to be in her middle years, was jotting down page numbers, instructions, and the lesson n using a long piece of chalk. The chalk was probably light in colour, but appeared almost blood red from the tanks glow. The woman at the boardwho he assumed was the professorwas tall, heavy set, ck-haired with severalrge pieces of jewellery around her neck, wrists, pinned to the bosom of her scarlet dress, and linked together in a chain belt around her broad waist. Every stone was a ruby, set in gold. The gems winked at him like they were alive.


    They reminded Alex of the fire-gems embedded in ygons forehead and palms.


    As he stepped into the ssroom with his golem behind him, she looked over and nodded.


    Wee to first year blood magic. You must be Alex Roth, she stopped writing.


    Students who were already seated, looked up and some began whispering to each other. He didnt recognise any of them, but they seemed to recognise him.


    Were they at The Games? he wondered. At the memorial?


    Yeah, thats me, Alex said, scratching the back of his head. And are you Professor Hak?


    Indeed, she smiled. Wee, once again. Im d you have an interest in blood magic, Mr Roth.


    Yeah, well, hopefully its a good fit, he said.


    Blood magic is a better fit for more wizards than many think, Professor Hak said. After all, we all have blood. And we all have magic.


    There was a long pause before Alex realised that shed made a joke.


    By the time ss was ready to begin, the room was nearly full; most students were murmuring to each other, looking around uneasily at the tanks of blood-red liquid and anatomical images hanging on the walls. Many craned their necks looking behind, eyeing ygon as he loomed at the back of the ss with all four arms crossed.


    Alex suppressed a chuckle: this timest year hed been one of those fresh-faced first year students shocked at the smallest thing about Generasi. Now, here he was, a second year, a member of a dangerous expedition, and a crafter of one of the most unique golems in the world.


    If you think this is crazy, you all should try Art of the Wizard in Combat, Alex muttered to himself.


    Some of the first years were gawking at both the lesson n and the readings listed on the board. Admittedly, the readings were pretty heavybut weekly readings for most courses were substantial. It was almost guaranteed.


    Alex remembered something Thundar had said during early days in first year before theyd officially formed their cabal.


    Its like every professor thinks theirs is the only course we got, the minotaur had groaned, despairing while sinking into a chair in front of his pile of textbooks. If I read one more word, my eyes are gonna roll outta my head and my brains gonna pour outta the empty sockets!


    Alex smiled at the memory. These days, the cabal had a good handle on their coursework. But their problems had shifted to include practical matters of life, death, monsters, and malice.


    Alex remembered when he used to feel like Thundar, that the number of pages in assigned readings ate up too much time. But by training himself in speed-reading and retaining information, he was at a point where he could get through some pretty difficult textbooks in a really short amount of time.


    That had freed up a lot of his time, which allowed him to juggle sses, readings, extracurricr spell-study, the expedition, work, alchemy experiments, time with family and friends, and whatever else came his way.


    His thoughts went to the expedition and the students who were in Thamnd investigating Greymoor and that Chitterers trail. He wondered how they were doing and what theyd found out.


    <em>Tap. Tap, tap.</em>


    Professor Hak called the ss to attention, tapping the stick of chalk against the obsidian board.


    Wee to first year blood magic everyone, she said. Im Professor Hak, and Ill be your teacher for both semesters of this course. I hope youre as excited about learning blood magic, as I am about opening your world to it. She gave them a weing smile before starting to teach.


    Now, when I say the words blood magic. They sound pretty frightening, dont they? But, I can tell you that blood magic doesnt always deserve the grim reputation thats often associated with itin some ways, at least. In others, itpletely deserves the reputation it ha-Yes?


    Alex craned his neck to see a first year syed out in a chair at the back of the ss.


    Huh, Alex whispered.


    A thin, pale, young man with long brown hair that looked like it was dipped in a barrel of pig grease repeatedly, had his hand raised. He was dressed all in ck and


    Wait. Alex squinted. Are those spikes?


    Sure enough, a starburst of small golden spikes covered the shoulders of his shirt, and leather bracers around his forearms. When he lowered his hand as Professor Hak acknowledged him, Alex watched his bodynguage.


    He wore arrogance like a cloak.


    The way he was sitting was a blend of Tyris rxed confidence, and Khaliks casual nobility. Butthere was an unnatural stiffness to his posture, indicating self-consciousness; like he was holding a pose while being very aware that every eye rested on him, and consciously working to project the image of a badass<strong>.</strong>


    Yes, professor, blood magic <em>is</em> also very dangerous, the young man said, with a tone indicating that he knew everything in the world and was quite willing to share his knowledge with everyone.


    Horror swept over Alex like a cold wave.


    No, please, he thought, cringing.


    He could see where the young man was going from experiences in magic theory with a couple of ssmates who, when they started talking, there was no end to it. These were the students who raised a hand right before ss endedjust as it became obvious the professor had nothing more to saythenunched into long speeches, both relevant, irrelevant and ill-timed, that kept their ssmates stuck to their chairs long after the period had ended.


    Ive studied blood magic rather extensively, the young man drawled, heedless of Alexs silent plea. And Ive learned that at the highest levels, it can interact directly with the soul.


    Then, instead of looking at the professor, his eyes settled on his fellow students. Ive read a number of d Dracs books on the subject, and-


    No, no, no, no, Alex begged.


    What followed was a period where time seemed to stop, but the young man-in- cks mouth didnt, sending Alex into fits of pure agony.


    The first year proceeded tounch into an overlyplicated exnation of his own personal studies into blood magic, subjects that were to be covered in the lesson n, his own interests, a bunch of irrelevant stuff about head trauma, and his own opinions on the subject. As time dragged on, the faces of his ssmates shifted from expressions of confusion, then agitation, to boredom, then vicarious embarrassment and finally, to outright smirking.


    To make matters worse, the professor only watched as he went on, souring his ssmates opinions of himself by the heartbeat. In some ways, while it might have been seen as dismissive, she mightve been kinder to simply cut him off.


    It definitely wouldve been kinder to Alex who was fighting the urge to fall out of his chair, curl up in a tiny ball like a poisoned spider, and just die right then and there. He almost wouldve preferred going a few rounds with Burn-Saw again.


    Mercifully, the young man finally paused when Professor Hak loudly cleared her throat.


    I seethat youre showing quite an interest in the subject- she said, her voice straining to be polite.


    Victor, the young man introduced himself despite not being asked to.


    Victor. Her voice grew even more strained. Well, I apud your enthusiasm. In the future though, Ill ask you to savements for our ss discussions. Especiallyments that are so, wellenthusiastic. When Im lecturing, you can still ask questions, but theres a lot to cover in the semester, and youre all paying a <em>lot</em>of coin to be here, so I want to make sure youre getting the knowledge you''re paying for.


    yeah, thats fine, professor, Victor said, without even the slightest twinge of difort.


    Alex looked at Professor Hak like he was in the presence of a saint, and nearly mouthed a thank you to her when, without missing a beat, she jumped into the lecture.


    Much of the first ss on blood magic was a review for him. Since hed read a number of books and spell-guides over the summerthough he didnt consider going on about it like Victor hadmost of the history, dangers and general applications Professor Hak talked about, were familiar.


    What really piqued his interest was when she discussed the spells she wanted them to learn in first semester.


    The first spells youll learn will form the foundation of all future study of blood magic, even if you be archwizards and wield ninth-tier spells, this foundation is what youll be building on. Professor Hak drew a diagram showing a pathway between a humanoids lifeforce and their mana pool. Almost all blood magic spells deal with the interaction of life and mana, and so Life to Mana and Mana to Life will form the foundations of dozens of other spells youll learn, should you choose to continue in the discipline. But for this semester, we''ll be sticking with first-tier spells.


    She listed the spells, starting with Life to Mana and Mana to Life, then moving on to Cleanse Flesh.


    Cleanse Flesh is a spell that runs mana through ones body to scrub it of impurities such as disease. While its not a panacea, it can be used to elerate your recovery from sickness, help keep you from getting sick in the first ce, and lessen the negative effects of toxins on your body


    She leaned forward.


    it can <em>even </em>elerate ones recovery from a hangover.


    A number of chairs scraped the floor as some of the more disinterested first years abruptly leaned forward, giving her their full andplete attention.


    I thought that might get some interest. Professor Hak smiled. Not that Im condoning any behaviour that would find you having a <em>need</em> for a hangover cure, of course.


    When Khalik and Thundar find out about this, theyre not gonna let up til they learn how to cast it, even if they have to pry it from my cold, dead brain, Alexughed to himself.


    From the back, Victor scoffed.


    The spell youll be learning next will be Rejuvenating Slumber, she continued. Its a spell that uses mana to enhance a wizards sleep so they can have a deeper and more restful nights rest. We all know how important sleep is.


    Now Alex was the one paying closer attention and also noticing some of the older students doing the same. He almostughed out loud.


    First-years are interested in getting rid of hangovers, second and upper years just want to find ways to get a good nights sleep.


    Now, Rejuvenating Slumber isnt a magic arrow, Professor Hak said. Some of you might get the idea that by casting it repeatedly, youll be able to halve or even quarter your sleeping time. Unfortunately, it doesnt work that way. Rejuvenating Slumbers effectiveness on sleep varies from person to person: for some, it can reduce about an hour from their sleep needs. For others, they can go from needing roughly eight hours per night, to something closer to five. But for your own information, please keep in mind that Rejuvenating Slumber cant make ones mana regenerate faster. Another point to note, is that for some folks, the spell hardly lessens their sleep time at all. Its a spell thats best used to aid someone in finding a full and refreshing nights rest in sleeping conditions that are far from rxing, like in loud spaces, for example.


    Alex tapped his pen on his opened notebook.


    Rejuvenating Slumber sounded like a spell he could make good use of, even if it didnt end up shaving a lot of time off his sleep needs, every bit helped. He wondered if he couldbine it with some of his meditation techniques or maybe even ValRoks mana regeneration ones.


    He made a note on that.


    The next spell well learn is one called Warp Flesh, Professor Hak said. Itll be the first attack spell in blood magic that well tackle this semester-


    Alex had to fight the urge to groan. Im sure the Markll have plenty toin about when I try learning that one.


    -though its technically <em>not</em> really an offensive spell, but a spell that <em>can</em> be used offensively.


    Or maybe not, he thought, grinning.

 Chapter 275: Blood and Whine

    Chapter 275: Blood and Whine


    Simply put, Professor Hak exined. Warp Flesh establishes a strong connection between your mana pool and either your own lifeforce, or someone elses. A strange light entered her eyes. From there, a blood mage can use the connection to apply mana maniption techniques to a lifeforce directly-


    Alex froze. The rest of the ss went quiet.


    -and as the lifeforce is maniptedphysical changes manifest in the body. In short? What this means is flesh, blood and bonebe no more than <em>y</em> for you to sculpt.


    Alex sat bolt upright, his mind exploding with possibilities, imagining different ways he could have used the spell if hed known about it sooner.


    Forget offence, he thought. If I can alter my own body directlyjeez, the sky''s the limit. I could increase my muscles mass and density by just casting a spell. I could improve my blood flow and bone density, and even my senses I could even change my shape. Damn, this is fantastic. Why doesnt everyone get taught thi-


    <em>But.</em> Professor Hak held up her hand, as though responding to Alexs thoughts. Warp Flesh does have some very powerful limitations to be aware of.


    Aaaaand there it is, he thought, waiting for the<em>: too good to be true,</em> information toe.


    The control Warp Flesh grants over the body is crude. She wiggled her fingers before her face. Imagine trying to perform a delicate or intricate task with your hands wrapped in a pair of thick, locked gauntlets: youd find it quite impossible to do anything requiring dexterity. The same applies to this spell; you can make simple changes such as moving, folding or growing skin, twisting muscles, breaking bone, tearing flesh and joints in your own body or even someone elses, but, if any of you are imagining yourself sculpting your face or physique into statuesque proportions, then Im afraid youll have to wait until your final year: true shapeshifting spells arent first-tier spells, theyre at best, fifth-tiers. Thereve been many wizards whove thought to use this spell to fashion their bodies in their ideal image only to find themselves deformed in a most hideous manner; the exact opposite to what they were after. Sadly, certain blood magic practitioners whocked the proficiency to wield Warp Flesh, have even disintegrated their own hearts. So please, keep that firmly in mind. Trying to run before youve learned how to crawl can end quite tragically.


    A chill went through the room, and Alex exchanged uneasy looks with students near him.


    The other limit to note is that changes achieved through Warp Flesh are only temporary. The body isspringier than you might imagine, and generally wants to cleave to its natural shape. Using Warp Flesh is like bending a sapling: sure, the tree will curve for a time, but springs back to its natural position as soon as you release it. Unfortunately though, damage caused by the spell is permanent, in the same way that bending a sapling enough to break the trunk will leave it broken. Thats why Warp Flesh is more suited for attack than for self-enhancement. If you just wish to gain strength, I would suggest learning body enhancement magic instead, or even good old sweat producing physical activity. Sheughed.


    Victor scoffed at the back of the lecture room again.


    Alex nodded along, already deep in thought. The spell sounded like it might have very limited uses for him, but then again... Hed started modifying spells mostly because of the Mark; forceball was originally a spell that provided light and had a few other uses, but hed turned it into an attacker, a pack mule and a scout.


    Given enough time with Warp Flesh, he thought. I might be able to turn it into something with wider applications.


    And finally, one of thest spells well be looking at this semester, Professor Hak said. Its one that many finddistasteful and the name it bears only encourages that distaste. Corpse Puppet.


    Some of Alexs ssmates leaned toward each other, and began whispering. Victor had his arms crossed and a smug look on his face as if hed achieved a victory of some kind.


    A young woman raised her hand. Um, Professor, isnt that a necromantic spell?


    Im so d you asked that question, Professor Hak smiled. Thats actually amon misunderstanding. Over the centuries, thereve been mages whove specialised both in necromancy and blood magic, and in both disciplines, there are ways of animating corpses that are very different beyond surface simrities. Most dont realise this though: after all, if an army of walking deades pouring over the horizonled by a half-mad looking wizardmost folk in their path dont pause to ask what sort of wizardry is being used to drive the dead toward them.


    She paused, her eyes twinkling with humour, but only a couple of studentsughed uneasily at her joke. If Professor Hak minded, she didnt show it.


    She approached a diagram on the wall illustrating the flow of energy between a wizards mana pool and their lifeforce, and tapped the centre of it. Corpse Puppet injects your mana directly into a body and converts it into a pseudo-lifeforce which you can directly control; it is literally like controlling the strings of a puppet. The spells name really does say it all. Dead bodies re-animated through Corpse Puppet obviously must bewell, puppetted: they need constant mentalmands or theyll inactivate. The whole concept might sound distasteful, but still, it can be a <em>very</em> useful spell.


    Yeah, I can definitely see how it could be, Alex thought.


    The idea of controlling dead bodies didnt gross him out as much as he thought it might. Imagining himself puppeting dead people did make him wince, but he had no problem thinking about using monster corpses like Ravener spawn.


    He thought about Tyris team carrying the Chitterers corpse back to camp.


    If dead specimens could walk themselves back to camp, thatd make life easier on our team. He considered. Not to mention their potential inbat: every enemy defeated could be abatant on our side. A monster body just waiting to be puppeted. He liked that ideaa lot.


    He circled Corpse Puppet as a spell to focus on.


    So,stly, Professor Hak said, and her voice took on an ominous note. Once youve mastered Warp Flesh and Corpse Puppet, youll then have the foundation to learn sympathetic magic: its a deadly and dangerous art, but also one of the most powerful. Youll be able to use a sample of blood from another organism in an effigy youve created of them, then exert your power over them through the effigy.


    All hints of humour vanished from her face. Using sympathetic magic on another without their express verbal or written consent is one of the highest crimes in all of Generasi, so I will teach you thews governing such practices. But, that said


    Her eyes sparked, matching the crimson glow that bathed the room. you will find such effigies to be <em>most</em>effective against monsters or enemies beyond Generasis shores. Remember well, though, that to use sympathetic magic on another, is to leave yourself vulnerable to them reversing that connection, then exerting their power over <em>you.</em> She paused, looking over the ss as if appraising each student.<em></em>But well do this safelyIll guide you through the arteries, veins and beating heart of such a practice. Earlier I said blood magic does not entirely deserve its reputationwell, lets just say that if you listen to my lectures and follow my assignments meticulously


    A broad smile suddenly swept over her face. then Ill show you a path to the sorts of powers that will make your enemies <em>tremble</em> before you.


    At that moment, Professor Hak <em>strongly</em> reminded Alex of Hobb.


    After that disquieting deration, the rest of the lesson continued smoothly, and ended soon after. Alex wanted to ask Professor Hak a question about Mana to Life, but Victor immediately scurried up to her after ss like a centipede, and trapped her in conversation in his critique on how shed presented her lecture.


    The womans humour instantly died and Victor received a terse lesson on who was better equipped to teach the ss, which ended with her informing him that shed be teaching her lessons in any way she pleased and that if he was displeased, it wasnt toote for him to visit the registrars office and switch out of her course. The young man-in-ck immediately turned red in the face and stormed out the door.


    She sighed. Theres always <em>one. </em>And what can I do for youwhich do you prefer, Alex or Mr. Roth?<em></em>


    Either, Professor Hak. He shrugged. Professor Mangal says that names are whatever we ept them to be, and I respond to both<em>. </em>So its your choice.


    Alex it is, then. Professor Hak smiled. Just to let you knowI watched your matches at the Games in the Duel by Proxypetition. And let me offer you my congrattions, both you and ygon- She nced at his golem. -were very impressive, both in power and in how youmanded the battle. The same for your entire team in the Grand Battle.


    Oh, uh, Alex flushed, suddenly feeling self-conscious. His face grew warm, and he hoped the red light from the tanks was hiding the redness spreading across his cheeks. Thanks, I guess. You know, with everythingafterward, with the demon summoner and all, the Games feel like they were a lifetime ago.


    They do to me too, Professor Hak said. I also wanted to thank you for what you did on Orecas Fall against the demons. You helped a lot of peoplewhich tells me you have steady nerves: no one battles demons andes out on top without having a pretty sturdy spine, and thats a good thing. Blood mages <em>need</em> steady nerves. I hope youll enjoy and benefit from the course, Alex: Both Professors ValRok and Jules have been raving about you sincest year-


    Wait, Professor Jules raved? Alex asked, feeling ttered. He really liked her, and shed praised his aplishments in the past, but he couldnt really imagine her <em>raving.</em>


    That she did, Professor Hak said. Professor Mangal had very positive things to say about you too. Then theres your performance in Chancellor Baelins course, and what you and your team have done for the expedition so far.


    Wait, youve heard about all that? Alex asked, feeling more than a little self-conscious. Hed wanted his performance in the Games of Roal to help his name and reputation spread in Generasi, but things were progressing faster than hed even known.


    Indeed, Professor Hak said. Its not often that we get students who arrive from a distant kingdomon schrshipand excel not only academically, but also in the Games, as well as research. You are a rare breed. So, as I said, I hope you find that blood magic suits you. If there is anything you need from me, dont hesitate to ask.


    Alex fought the urge tough.


    He remembered Professor Jules once saying: that when one was seeding, people scrambled to offer them support, rewards, help and opportunities. The more that time went by, the more he realised how true that was.


    Thanks professor. Actually, Ive been having a little trouble. I started learning from the blood magic textbook in the summer, and I was wondering if you could give me any tips on learning Mana to Life. Is there anything I should be watching out for? Im finding the spell a bit tricky.


    Her left eyebrow rose. Did you skip Life to Mana?


    Nope, I learned it.


    Ah, well Im happy to see youre already taking to my subject in earnest. Tell me what sort of trouble youre having and Ill see if I can offer any pointers.


    Alex smiled. I appreciate it. Actuallythere is one other thing. Not gonna lie, Im kinda hoping to work <em>very </em>hard and try to challenge the Exam for Credit. I know some of the spells use Mana Maniption techniques, so Im wondering if I work hard and use some of what I already know, if Ill be able to get the content down. I know challenging the exam for credit isnt exactly encouraged, but Im thinking that if I get deeper into the course and it just ps me down, then Ill know my ce. But if it doesnt, I was wondering if you could give me extra readings and maybe some pointers so I could give it a try.


    Professor Hak raised both eyebrows. Blood Magic isnt an easy subject, Alex, but youre very capable and if you want to try, then I can give you extra materials thatll let you work toward advancing faster, as long as youre dedicated to practising. Youre a second year now, and you learned quite a lot through self-studyst year, so I think youll be a good candidate to give it a try. Just remember what I said about learning to crawl before trying to run, and be careful.


    Thanks, Professor, Alex said. Ill try not to disappoint you.


    I hope you dont. I have high expectations for you, Alex.


    He winced inside.


    That was one problem with having ones name spread: opportunities came, but so did pressure.


    Alex swore to himself that hed rise to expectations, especially those he had for himself.


    Preparing to challenge the course to advance faster was something to work toward during the semester, but itd be worth it. Professor Haks list of spells shed be covering was giving him loads of motivation to try and master them quickly: during the lecture he realised that some could be built into histest alchemical project.


    A wizards staff.

 Chapter 276: Patches, Circuits and Knots

    Chapter 276: Patches, Circuits and Knots


    A wizards staff was one of the most iconic tools a wizard could carry.


    And there was a good reason for that.


    Versatile, powerful, expensive to craft, requiring a high degree of skill in alchemy and lots of mana to make, wizards staffs served as not only tools and weapons, but as status symbols. In both Alexs first year potions course and magic theory, hed learned that in ancient times almost all wealthy wizards carried a staff to show off their riches and power, just as many wealthy merchants wore an overabundance of jewellery.


    In modern day Generasi, wizards showed off their wealth and skill in other ways, and so the days of a staff being in every archmages hand when they went out for a stroll had long passed, but such a magical device was perfect for Alex.


    Staffs could be crafted so that their magics could be used through simple mana maniption, which would allow him to use spells without potion equivalents.


    Call Through Ice, Mana to Life, Life to Mana, Warp Flesh, Corpse Puppet and several summoning spells were among those he wanted to build into his staff, so hed already started drawing diagrams for it.


    Once he gained enough power and experience destroying dungeons with his expedition mates, his n was to take on a dungeon with ygon, Theresa and Brutus to try and get his hands on more dungeon core remains to power the staff. Itd make the perfect power source, like it had for ygons golem core. As for the materials to make the staff from, he was hoping to use some type of metal and maybe Aeld wood, from Gwyin. If he was careful with the alchemy, he might be able to give the staff additional powers by using both materials in the right way.


    He tapped his pen on his notebook. But, Ill have to get them first.


    Alex was sitting under a treebeside ygonafter his first ss in second-year summoning, which was being taught by Professor Mangal. He was going over his ss notes, focusing on the list of spells theyd be learning over the semester.


    Thered be spells that summoned small elementals from the elemental nes of fire, water, air and earth, a spell that summoned a hellhound, and two of each students own preference: one to summon a demon, and one to summon a celestial.


    There was a type of celestial spider Alex wanted to summon: its natural gifts of venom and silk could be handy forbat, trapping enemies, and constructing things. As for the sort of demon he wanted to conjurehed have to think about that one since he couldnt summon what he <em>really</em> wanted: which was a Tiashiva. The thought of conjuring up old Burn-Saw and forcing him to spill his secrets put a smile on Alexs face, and even if that wasnt very likely, summoning one who knew him by conjuring others from the same species would increase his chances of getting a lead on him.


    But Tiashivas couldnt be conjured by second-tier summoning spells, so hed have to settle for a demon a first-tier spell could summon, and just be patient.


    And speaking of being patient.


    Not yet, eh? he said to ygon, noting the position of the sun then looking around. There was no sign of who he was waiting for, so he opened the notebook with his progress on Mana to Life in it:


    <em>75%.</em>


    Good, Alex said, shifting the book aside. In the grass beside ity a piece of rope with severalplex knots running along its length that hed put aside for the time being.


    Professor Haks pointers were helping his progress with Mana to Life, and her extra readings had also given him new ideas on how to tackle potential problems that mighte up with other blood magic spells.


    Might as well get some practice in while Im waiting.


    Alex took a steadying breath then fell into himself, focusing on running through the spell array for Mana to Life. After casting, re-casting and cutting the spell hundreds of times, he was now on the path to a pretty solid understanding of much of its magic circuit. As he was carefully focusing his mind through The Marks interference, he couldnt help but appreciate the circuit: it really was an elegant construction.


    Then againsince he was forced to pay the strictest attention to the details of every magic circuit of every single spell he learned since arriving at Generasihede to realise that they were all elegant in their own way. In a sense, he had the Mark of the Fool to thank: he probably would never have paid so much attention to the specifics of his spells magic circuits without it.


    Maybe I can even construct my own spell arrays and magic circuits one day, he thought, as he took a short break between castings to drink water and do some push ups to give his mind a rest. And craft my own spells. Imagine that: Roths Ultimatesomething. Ill think about namester.


    Anyway, such detailed spellcraft would have to wait until he could learn to master The Marks interference. Still, hed love to invent a few spells just to see what he coulde up with.


    Ideas for the future.


    For now, he continued focusing on casting Life to Mana, going through the spell array over and over again, progressing a little further each time. Over time, it had grown much easier to handle The Marks interference, so much easier that he couldnt imagine ever learning the spell array for such a finicky spell a year ago.


    His excitement over future ns almost ruined his concentration, so he acknowledged the excitement, left it aside, then regained focus until


    Hey! a familiar voice cried.


    Thundar was heading across the grass towards Alex.


    The minotaurs books were in a basket hanging below a pair of forceballs floating beside his broad shoulder, and Alex couldnt help but feel a tickle of pride at another friend adopting hiszy-Er, <em>efficient</em> way of transporting books.


    How was illusion ss? Alex asked.


    Good. The minotaur flopped down beside him. Get this, were finally learning invisibility.


    Ooooo, thats awesome.


    Oh yeah. Were also learning a spell that can throw your voice, one that makes a <em>bunch</em> of illusionary duplicates at the same time, and one that makes a better disguise.


    A better disguise? Alex said.


    Oh yeah, you remember this one, right? Thundar cast an illusion spell over himself.


    There was a surge of mana as illusion magic washed over him: the colour of his fur changed, his horns twisted into another shape, and the structure of his bovine face shifted.


    In a matter of heartbeats, Alex was looking at apletely different minotaur.


    Disguise Self, Alex named the spell. I remember why you dont use it much. Its not super useful unless you just want to disguise yourself as another minotaur, since it cant change your overall shape and size.


    Exactly. Thundar dismissed the illusion. The spelld be a hell of a lot better if I was a human, elf or something that looked a bit moregeneric. Not that humans are generic or anything like that, Thundar added quickly.


    Naw, thats okay. We are pretty generic, Alex said. We just have the basic properties of humanoids that make us the thinking, endurance predators we are: weve got dexterous hands, we walk upright, we have forward pointing eyes, a brainwell, <em>some</em> of us have brains. Theres this guy in my blood magic ss who Im like 50% sure is missing at least half of his.


    Hah, I think hes got lots of copies of himself running around. Anyway, the point is that this year, were gonna be learning a second-tier disguise spell that creates an illusion strong enough to disguise body structure.


    Wow, Alex said. Thats gonna be real handy.


    But, you and I wont need all that fancy shit for what were about to do, so lets get to it, Thundar said. Disguise Self is a tricky spell, but I think we can break it down into a more simple version that just hides a birthmark, scar or anything like that.


    Like a god-given Mark, Alex thought as Thundar gave him a meaningful look.


    Something quick and easysounds good to me.


    Exactly. Even a little kid or someone with half a brain could cast it.


    Then itd <em>really </em>be perfect for me, Alexughed.


    Damn, you said it before I could, Thundar pped him on the back.


    Together, Thundar and Alex began to draw out the spell array on sheets of paper, breaking down its magic circuits structure. The spells magic circuit had aplex elegance to it that caused Alex both a bit of frustration, and genuine admiration.


    The array had the basics needed for any illusion: it created magic that bent and twisted light into the image of something that didnt actually exist. Disguise Selfs circuit had an additionalplexity: it also needed to record the proportions and anatomy of the casting wizard, and then drape an image over them that matched their every movement.


    The tricky part was making sure that the illusionary disguise didnt distort, twist, or change as the wizard moved.


    Okay, so the thing with illusions, Thundar exined. Is that any old hedge wizards gonna be able to disguise something that doesnt move. Its like trying to hide someone in the woods: put a cloak over them, paint it green and tell them to keep still, and theyll disappear into the underbrush. Easy enoughbut when they start moving


    He waited.


    It gets a lot harder to hide them, Alex said. Theresa told me thats something hunters have to watch out for when theyre in the woods. A green cloak might hide you if you keep stillespecially if youre far away from whatever youre hiding frombut the moment you move, you change the shadows around you as well as your shape. Its a lot easier to pick you out even from a distance then.


    Yeah, illusions work like that, Thundar said. You drape an illusion over anything that can move, like yourself for example, and you gotta make sure youre keeping the image from bunching up in the wrong ces, moving wrong, or slipping.


    Right, Alex said.


    But since were only covering up a patch of skin, itll be a hell of a lot easier: we wont have to worry about covering up big movements, or matching the shape of limbs and stuff. The only thing the spells really gonna have to do is match your skin tone, sticity, and any shadows that fall on it. That means we can really strip the spell array down to its basics, and focus on making the image <em>perfect</em>.


    Yeah, Alex said. I suppose it could be tempting to just go; well the scar is going to be under a shirt most of the time, so its not a big deal if its not perfect.


    As Baelin would say: always n for the worst,  Thundar quoted the ancient wizard. When were done, the illusionll actually replicate the pores on your skin. You can take your shirt off anytime or anywhere, and be just fine.


    Thanks, Alex said. Maybe I could actually go swimming.


    Hmmm. Thundar paused. Might be a good idea to take some extra steps too. One thing they teach you in illusions is to back up magic with a mundane disguise if you can. Like make-up under an illusionary disguise, for example.


    Thats not a bad idea, Alex said. Id thought about using make-up to hide the scarbut make-up could run.


    Yeah, good point, the minotaur said. Itd look pretty suspicious if make-up started running from under your illusionary patch. hey wait a minute, thats not half bad as names go. This spells called Disguise Self, but its gonna be so custom that it doesnt make sense to call it that anymore. So, what about Illusionary Patch? Its an illusion that covers a specific area, like a patch in a cloak. I think it sounds pretty good.


    Hmmm, I was already thinking of a name for it, though, Alex said.


    Thundar gave him a grim look.  Kay. What kinda name were you thinking about, Alex?


    Localised Illusionary Flesh Alterer, Alex said proudly. It says <em>precisely</em> what it is, since-


    Thundar held out a hand, like he was trying to ward off evil. Alexno. Just no. This is why we dont let you name things.


    You all just dont have good taste, Alex sniffed.


    Yeeeeah, if <em>everyone</em> around you doesnt have good taste, yever think it might be you who doesnt have it?


    Lets just get into the spell.


    Waitare you <em>sulking?</em>


    I am not! Im just getting focused!


    Riiiight Thundar rolled his eyes. But before we do, I just gotta ask. What is <em>this?</em>


    The minotaur picked up the piece of rope that was tied together in a series ofplex knots.


    Oh that? Rope practice, Alex said. Im thinking about learning how to use rope like asso. Itd be good for catching opponents, tripping them up, and stuff like that.


    Not a bad idea. The minotaur held up the rope, examining the knots closely. My father usesssoes to catch deer and buffalo. I didnt pay<em>too</em> much attention when he was teaching me about it, but I can teach you what I know.


    Alex brightened, forgetting his earlier sulking. Really? Thatd be awesome, man. Id owe you a beer.


    And Ill make sure you make good on that promise Thundar said, then paused. His expression grew sly as he dangled the knotted rope in front of Alex. Sothis <em>is </em>forbat right? All this rope? All these knots? I mean, I know her parents are gone now.


    Alex blinked. Whatre you talking about? Whose parents?


    Thundars grin grew wide, and his eyes shone in victory. Im just sayin that maybe this wholesso thing is some kinda ploy. Maybe you and Theresa are using this rope for-


    <em>Thundar!</em> Alex cried, his face turning beet red.


    The minotaursugh roared over campus.

 Chapter 277: The Three Spells

    Chapter 277: The Three Spells


    Is something wrong? Selina asked, looking at her brother closely. Your face looks funny.


    N-no! Alex cried, trying to keep his expression neutral even as he felt his cheeks turning red again. Thundars rope question had been conjuring all kinds of images in his mind for hours. Y-<em>your</em> face looks funny!


    Selina gave him a look that seemed to say: I regret that were rted.


    Youre thinking you regret that were rted, arent you? Alex said suspiciously.


    So school was interesting today, Selina said quickly, looking away.


    Dont change the subject!


    Then lets talk about why your face looked funny! his sister red at him.


    More rope images rose in his mind, all consuming, as if the Mark was forcing them into his head.


    Waitthe Mark, Alexs thoughts froze. The Mark of the Fool lets me improve in <em>any</em> skill outside of divinity,bat and spellcraft. So does that mea-No <em>Alex</em>, not <em>now!</em>


    Y-yeah so why was school interesting? he asked as the two of them walked across campus.


    Shed just finished school a few hours after he and Thundar stopped working on Illusionary Patch. Campus was its usual busy self again since summer break was now officially over. Students scurried across the green like ants rushing to meet their queens orders. Except, instead of a queen, it was demanding professors who had students running from ss to ss, assortedbs, and the library.


    As busy as they were, a number of them were focused on Alex and ygon. Some tried concealing the fact that they were watching the pair, but others were openly staring.


    If Selina noticed the extra attention her brother and his golem were getting, she gave no sign. We started learning about mana today.


    <em>Really?</em> Alex said, turning to her with interest. What did you learn?


    Well, all about where it is in the world and how theres so much more here than everywhere else, she said. Is there really so much more here than at home? I asked Mr. Powell, and he said that Generasi might have twenty times as much mana in the air as there is Thamnd.


    Oh yeah. Theres tons here, Alex said. Its like how theres more sand at the beach than there is around a pond. Remember when we first came to Generasi, and Luciaour sky-gondoliertalked about sky-gonds not being able to work in other parts of the world? Well, thats the reason why. Thamnds mana is a little below averagepared to most ces. Thoughthats kind of oversimplifying it. Thamnds rtive ranking in terms of ambient mana changes a bit depending on which realms you count, and whether youre using the mean, median or mode. But, <em>basically,</em> it''s slightly below average, while Generasis is way at the tip-top.


    Thats too bad, Selina said a little glumly as she shifted her bag on her shoulder. Her knife bounced on her hip; she rarely left home without it these days, even though weapons were peace-bonded at the junior school, which meant school staff tied the sheath closed during ss time. If we had all the wizards Generasi has, I bet The Ravener wouldve been dead forever a long time ago.


    Well, wizards cant fix everything, Alex said. But yeah, I think if more wizards were born in Thamnd, wed be farther ahead in a lot of ways.


    Thats what Mr. Powell was talking about, she said. Im d theyre teaching us this stuff.


    Yeah, it sounds like theyre starting you off on the really simple parts of magic theory, Alex said, leaning in to stage-whisper to her in a yful, conspiratorial tone. Heres a fun fact: it gets a lot betterter.


    A smile lit up her face. I really want to learn spells that make things: spells like they used to build all those buildings for the Games. Thats what Im going to do someday.


    Well, keep studying and youll learn all about it. Hey Alex paused. Speaking of building and constructing things, have they taught you about magic circuits yet?


    Selina shook her head. Not really. I heard you, Khalik, Thundar and Isolde talk about them, though.


    Okay, Alex took a breath, stood straighter and squared his shoulders. Imagine likeawork of roads in a city. You know how city roads let people go from ce to ce so they can get to work, school or home?


    My teacherst year said that roads keep cities and kingdoms running.


    Thats right, Alex said. Well, magic circuits are basically roads for mana. He drew an invisible line in the air. They guide mana along certain pathways so that it can create magic effects. The way magic arrays are constructed is really cool too, and their diagrams are kinda like looking at a map of a citys roads. If you want, I can teach you a bit about magic circuits. Just the simple stuff, anyway.


    Selinas eyes shone. Alex, thats awesome! Im not embarrassed to be rted to you anymore!


    <em>I knew it!</em> Alexs cry swept over campus.


    It seemed that time was moving faster with each passing day. That mightve been because Alex was so busy, but the days seemed to whip past him like hailstones in a storm. Even so, juggling work, the expedition, school and family wasnt as hard as it should have been, and that wasrgely thanks to the Mark.


    Hed called on it regrly at the start of semester as he adjusted his schedule, trying to wring the most he could out of every hour. It had paid off too. His reading and note taking speed had spiked so highpared tost year, that any reading time was now minimal. Hed devoured every ss reading, personal study text, and spell-guide like they were nothing: a year of using the Mark for speed-reading and memorising, was letting him soak up information like a sponge.


    Which meant that the hours he would normally spend on readings, could be used in other ways.


    Like working on spell practice, which was what he was doing right now.


    A week after his first ss with Professor Haktucked in his room during thete night hourshe finally finished learning Mana to Life.


    Whoa, Alex said as the magic circuitpleted. Moonlight streamed through his bedroom window as a new connection formed beneath his mana pool and lifeforce. It felt a lot different than the one that formed when he cast Life to Mana.


    Instead of fatigue, he felt energised, strong and euphoric as mana was converted to lifeforce, then channelled into his body. His entire body felt solid, warm, and healthy. His vision sharpened for an instant and voices lowered in conversation throughout the courtyard, grew clearer.


    His left index finger suddenly began itching.


    Energy flowed, concentrating on one particr spot on Alexs finger that he began scratching, then gasped: a paper cut running across his fingertip knitted together in heartbeats, and by the time the spell wasplete, the cut hadpletely vanished, not leaving even the faintest scar behind to remind him that it was ever there.


    Yeeeeees! tion filled his voice. Healing. Finally.


    He remembered injuries hed taken in battles. Wounds that should take days and weeks to heal, could mend much quicker now with repeated castings of Mana to Life. He just had to make sure he took care with the spell, since any mistakes could be catastrophic to his lifeforce.


    Blood magicIve gotta say, I like what youve had to offer so far, he murmured, then nced down at his shoulder. I wondermaybe warp flesh could let me manipte my skin and actually hide the Mark.


    His fingers flipped the pages of one of his notebooks and he quickly scrawled a note in it:


    <strong>Warp Flesh is based on mana maniption. Try to gain as much precision from it as possible and see if you can fold skin over The Mark to hide it.</strong>


    He tapped his pen on the page, then added something:


    <strong>See what other changes you can make to your body through Warp Flesh. If sessful, possibly explore shapeshifting magic in your final year.</strong>


    Finishing up, he took a moment to examine his handwriting. A year ago, his penmanship looked like Isolde had shocked him repeatedly with one of her lightning spells. But a year of Mark-enhanced practiceter, it was now as precise, neat, and artistic-looking as if a trained scribe had done the writing.


    Smiling contentedly, he twirled his pen and set aside the notebook then opened another one dedicated to Illusionary Patch.


    <em>80%.</em>


    Thanks Thundar, he said sincerely, as he cracked his knuckles in preparation to spell cast.


    The simple spell array was easy to learn even with The Marks interference; his friend had done him a real favour.


    Now, if only there was magic to block the priests ability to sense you, he whispered to the Mark as he got into the spell.


    So far, it had resisted any attempts to analyse it using magic. Even Baelin hadnt been able to examine it despite his wealth of experience, power and skill.


    But, unable to do it right now didnt necessarily mean impossible.


    It was thisforting thought that apanied him as the Marks first waves of interference rushed at him. He worked through it.


    The days had turned into weeks since hed learned Mana to Life and in Thamnd, expedition teams had tracked the chittereronly to find its trail had led nowhere.


    I suspect some sort of airborne Ravener-spawn is dropping these monsters into ournds, Professor Jules said one day. Which would exin why their trails start and end so abruptly. If a flyer is transporting them, its a damn elusive one, but sooner orter, well find it.


    One of the reasons for her confidence was because the chitterers hadnt stoppeding around, no matter how many they captured or killed. It seemed like every week, one of the survey teams found at least one stalking through the hills of Greymoor. Their persistence bothered Alex, but as Jules had said, with timing and a bit of luck, theyd eventually learn where the creatures wereing fromand how and why they wereing into Greymoor.


    Alex couldn''t wait for that day since he and his teammates often had the feeling that the expedition was being scouted, but they hadnt caught sight of anything. Yet.


    Things seemed mostly quiet in Greymoor. Some of the other surveying teams hade across the asional local monster, but apart from them and some chitterers, it seemed theirnds werergely abandoned. There were no more bog fights, or goblin-nests to destroy like in their first week there.


    But still, that uneasy feeling of a threat looming unseen somewhere in the background, nagged at Alex. Being among an expedition of fully armed and prepared wizards ready for whatever came, there should be little to fearhe hoped.


    Yet, he kept something in mind that Leopolds attacks had taught him; armies should be met with other armies.


    And Alex was working on crafting an army of his own.


    Holy shit! Alex swore one sunny day as he sat practising in his room.


    He intently watched as the Mark of the Fool slowly disappeared from his shoulder. Finally, his reward for repeatedly casting Thundars Illusionary Patch was revealed: a bare right shoulder.


    Like an object sinking beneath the waters surface, the grinning, glowing jesters face had sunk beneath the illusionary patch. In heartbeats, the glow receded until there was nothing but unbroken skin where Uldars Mark had sat for over a year.


    Time for a test: he rotated his arm, pinched the skin and stretched it. It turned red when he pinched it, stretched when he pulled it, and folded when he raised his arm.


    Thisthis is great! Alex said, almost bursting with excitement. By the Traveller, I cant wait to tell Thundar. But first things firstcelebrationster. Practice now. Dont lose focus.


    Patting his shoulder, he buttoned his shirt, cast a pair of Wizards Hands to carry his bag, and left the room to pick up ygon. Hed booked a room in the Cells to practise one of the summoning spells his ss would be learning this semester: Summon Small Water Elemental.


    The apartment was empty when he locked the door: Theresa had a shift at the beastarium and Selina was still at school, enjoying an activity for the junior school students who were learning the beginnings of wizardry. Deep in thought, he tried to not let recent sesses distract him as he crossed campus.


    This is a second-tier summoning spell, he reminded himself. Youll need to keep your focus. Remember how long it took you to learn Summon Elemental Beetle Swarm.


    Alex paused when he opened the Cells doors, almost expecting Amir to rush through the hall with his arms straining with too many books and that perpetually stressed look on his face. But, there was no Amir.


    He sighed, shaking his head to banish ghosts of the past, then went up to the room hed booked, closing the door behind him.


    Alright, set-up time. Lets not summon anything horrible this time.


    He started practising immediately, trying the spell once. Then twice.


    Over and over, Alex guided his way through, slowly noticing a difference. When he reached a dozen tries, he was already 30% of the way through the spell array.


    At two dozen, he was 50%.


    On attempt thirty-nine, power suddenly rippled in his summoning circle.


    A droplet of water formed, like a drop of dew on a leaf.


    Then another droplet. And another. More and more, the air in the circle grew moist and cool, condensing into a water globule about two feet across.


    A fully formed water elemental shuddered in front of Alex, stretching across the floor like a cat.


    He watched it in shock.


    Hed cast Summon Small Water Elemental sessfully. Just like that.


    It was the fastest hed ever learned a spell.


    Ever.

 Chapter 278: Elemental Experiments

    Chapter 278: Elemental Experiments


    The water elemental shuddered like a dog shaking off rain. Of course, that didnt make any sense since it was <em>made</em> of water, but Alex didnt have time to worry about all that. He couldnt believe what hed just been able to do: from the time hed started learning spells, hed never learned one so quickly before, not even back in Thamndand that was before The Mark.


    A sudden surge of jealousy hit him.


    Is this how easy it is for unMarked wizards? he bitterly asked the water elemental.


    It answered by bubbling at him.


    Yeah, youre right. He took a slow, peaceful breath. Shouldntin. Ive just had a breakthrough.


    <em>Thmp.</em>


    The water elemental jumped as he mmed his notebook down and began rapidly jotting notes.


    <strong>BREAKTHROUGH!</strong> he wrote in all caps.


    <strong>Have gotten better at using the powerTraveller-rted?that helps me cast spells that touch other nes. It takes away a lot of the burden ofpletingplex parts of summoning and teleportation spell arrays.</strong>


    <strong>Sessfully cast Summon Water Elemental after only 39 tries: a new record set for learning a spell. Woooo yeeeeaaah! :) :) :)!!!!!</strong>


    He stopped drawing smiley faces after the third one, but it took some effort to do it. Excitement threatened to send him running around the room screaming like hed lost his mind.


    Focus! He scolded himself.


    <strong>Next step. Evaluate limits. Measure casting speed. See if the power can be applied more efficiently.</strong>


    <strong>First, test casting speed.</strong>


    Taking a deep breath, Alex noted the position of the wall-mounted timekeeper, and began casting again.


    Or at least he tried to cast again.


    Oof, he groaned. His energy was low. He had to stop the spell.


    Alex had been casting for a good part of the day and going through the spell and practising illusionary patch repeatedly, had used up a lot of his mana. He could fix that by using Life to Mana, but hed rather avoid its unpleasantness if he could.


    May as well just wait for a bit and do something else in the meanwhile. He said, starting one of ValRoks more powerful mana maniption techniques. Its been awhile since Ive worn down my mana like this.


    His mana pool had grown dramatically over the past year, and he normally paced himself during practice, but today, hed let his excitement get the better of him, which was understandable considering all hed aplished. But, he knew better than to let that happen. He could see Baelin looking down at him, shaking his head.


    Still, itd be kinda nice to take a bit of a break from casting, He said, dismissing the disapproving image. Might as well make the best of things while my manas regenerating. Alex looked at the water elemental in the summoning circle.


    Ah, right, hello again.


    It was bubbling, slowly drifting back and forth, pressing itself against the circles walls. Its movements werent aggressive or anything, just curious.


    Alex released it from the summoning circle and watched as it slowly slid around the room.


    Its pretty cute, he said to ygon, who seemed to also be watching it closely. It was prodding the floor with tentacle-like protrusions of water now, like it was testing the surface. Time to try some harmless experiments hed nned for the summoned creature.


    <em>Genuinely </em>harmless, not the Kybas sick sense of humour kind of harmless.


    Here, I want you to try something for me, he said, gesturing for the elemental toe to him. Let mewait, hold on.


    Alex switched to one of the elemental tongues of water, using its mostmon dialect.


    <em>Youcontrol your wateryes?</em> he asked.


    His speech was broken, his ent terrible, and his audio-prestidigitation rudimentary, but it was a chance to practise thenguage. The Mark was already pointing out parts of the sentence that hed gotten right, so his skills would improve for next time.


    <em>Yes</em> was all it said in return.


    At least it understood him.


    He searched for the words to give hismand.


    <em>Want youto control-</em> he paused, then cursed softly. He didnt have enough vocabry to convey what he wanted to say, so he switched back to themon tongue.


    Ah well, itlle with time. He said. This is what Id like to try. Id like to see if I can use your core as a reservoir to carry potions in without them getting wet. Can you form a bubble in your middle thats big enough for my hand holding a small object to fit into? He extended his hand toward the water elemental.


    The fluid creature bubbled, then made a sucking sound, a bubble the size of one of Selinas fists formed inside.


    Cool! Alex pped. Alright, now for your next task: I want you to form the same kind of bubble around my hand, he pointed to his hand. So that it doesnt get wet. Can you do that?


    <em>Yes,</em> the elemental bubbled in its mother tongue.


    Okayare you ready?


    <em>Yes,</em> the elemental bubbled again.


    Alex took a potion bottle from his bag, and gingerly ced his hand in the bubble within the water elementals core. The sensation on his skin was strange; it felt cool and mmy, not exactly like water, but more like a silk glove. If the temperature of melting ice was just below room temperature, he imagined it would probably feel much like this.


    There was a sudden bubbling from the elemental. Alex froze. Was it going to bubble over like a boiling pot? Is there something wrong?


    <em>No</em> the creature burbled, then it said something Alex didnt understand.


    Frowning, he had his Wizards Hands retrieve a book from his basket: a dictionary of better knownnguages of water elementals. Then using The Mark and a little guesswork, he phically worked out what the elemental was bubbling, then a Wizards Hand flipped to the right page for trantion.


    He chuckled.


    It had told him that his hand tickled.


    Alex had to fight an almost overwhelming urge to look for a way to summon the little creature permanently; it would make the cutest pet ever.


    But, work and experimentation came first.


    Alright, well sorry for tickling, he apologised, removing the hand holding the potion bottle from the creatures core. It was a body enhancement potion. Id like you to try something else now. Im going to pour this liquid into the bubble in your core. Itspletely harmless, but Id like to see if you can keep the bubble around the potion, just like you did with my hand.


    The elemental gave a burble.


    No, you cant absorb the water in it.


    The next burble sounded disappointed.


    Yeah, I know, Alex said. Theres nothing you like more than taking water from impure liquids and absorbing it, but do this for me, and Ill reward you.


    There was a questioning burble from the water elemental, and Alex guessed that the little spirit was wondering about the reward hed mentioned.


    I think youll like it, he said pleasantly, making sure to be nice.


    His spell gave him full control over the creature, but there was no sense in pissing it off instead of trying to form a good rtionship with it.


    Aggressive water elementals were a nightmare.


    People often <em>thought</em> water elementals were harmlesspared to other elementals, something Alex used to think before taking Professor Mangals ss.


    After all, the simplest bumpkin understood that a creature made of fire was deadly, and most people could easily see how an earth elemental could also be dangerous, taking earthquakes and such into ount. There were some folk who underestimated air elementals, but most gave the creatures of storm and sky respect. Anyone who underestimated them usually changed their opinion when one of them started shooting lightning their way.


    But by andrge, the average person tended to think of water elementals as safe creatures, ording to Alexs textbooks. Folk feared the sea with its depths, massive size and waves, but not water itself. People didnt live their lives in fear of rain, ponds and small streams. Water was associated with life most often, not death.


    One of Professor Mangals more illuminating lessons on the subject came back to him.


    -do not underestimate them, his summoning professor had cautioned. Even the smallest of water elementals can pose absolute danger if provoked. Water has a great mass to it, and so a water elementals strikes have a surprising amount of force behind them.


    She had pointed to her mouth. If one manages to gain ess to your mouth or nose, they can easily and quickly smother you to death. Worse: a water elemental can control its form to such a degree, that it can seep through almost any crack or gap in any object. Anywhere water can go, a water elemental can go.


    Her finger had tapped her ear. Have you ever left the beach and had water stuck in your ear? Imagine that, and now imagine that the water inside your ear wants to kill you.


    Some of the ssincluding Alexhad turned grey<strong></strong>at the mental imagery.


    Oh yes. Such things are most gruesome. And it gets worse: there are some water elementals who consider most life forms a corruption. You see, alchemists have determined that roughly 60% of a human adults body mass is entirely water. That varies somewhat between individuals and races, but the point is that we have sealed water within our frames. Some water elementals see us as a perversion; nothing more than walking prisons corrupting the pure water we have insideand so they extract it from us as easily as they would absorb the water from a cup of wine or a mug of beer.


    Several students had gasped.


    When they are finished draining a living organism, its left in a state of dry, dusty skin, and crumbling bone.


    Alex shook the image from his head.


    This creature might be cute, but it would be best <em>not</em> to upset it.


    Alright, here we go, he said, pouring the tinted potion into the elemental.


    A bubble of colour formed in its core: an orb of potion encased by water. He watched the potion bubble shift around inside the creature, waiting to see if the bubble shrank, or the elementals colour changed because the potion was seeping into it. No seepage.


    Good, theyre not mixing. Just like oil and water, he noted. Alright. You can have that potion if you want it. But, if I were you, Id absorb <em>all</em> of it, not just the water part. I think youll like it.


    The water elemental paused like a cat contemting a bowl of milk, then bubbling happily, it began absorbing the body strengthening potion. It gave Alex a happy little burble as the mana raced through it, powering up its watery form.


    He chuckled and fed the creature a few more potions, not just as a reward, but also as a sign of goodwill. It continued happily absorbing each potion, drinking in the mana, and when they were all gone, it let out what sounded like a big burp.


    Well, it sounds like you enjoyed yourself. Alexughed.


    Hey, you wouldnt mind sharing your name with me, would you? In the future, therell be more tasty potions for you if I summon you again.


    The elemental paused, as though hesitant. It urred to Alex that the creature mightve been quite young, at least by otherworldly spirit standards.


    It suddenly bubbled a name at him, one that sounded remarkably simr to-


    Bubbles it is, heughed, feeling a shift in the air as the elemental was being pulled back to its home ne. Ill call you by name next time, okay? Until we meet again!


    With a shimmer, Bubbles disappeared.


    He jotted down the results of his experiments.


    <strong>Water elementals make a good potion delivery system. They can hold potions in themselves and carry them to enemies. Might be able to use that to work around orbs of air or any other measures enemies take against gas.</strong>


    He tapped his pen on the page, frowning and opening a textbook on water elementals. Slowly turning pages, he came upon an entry about their ability to extract water from living creatures.


    <em>Just as water elementals can extract water, they can also inject water into living beings. Past cultures have used this ability to effectively rehydrate those who had suffered heatstroke.</em>


    Well, well, I think we have a new strategy, ygon, he said, looking up at the stoic golem. Since water elementals arent hurt by an impact because theyre made of water, maybe I can have you toss Bubbles at an enemy, then it can inject a potion into them and extract their water stores all at the same time. He considered that for a time, liking it more and more. I think I made a good choice here: water elementals could speed up my alchemy too if I have them distil water for me.


    As new options swam through his mind, he felt his mana recover. Alex closed his books.


    Now, let''s try this again, he said, preparing to cast Summon Small Water Elemental again. I need to figure out this power that helps me with spells that touch other nes.


    If he could figure out <em>how</em> to use it, it could change his entire path through wizardry.


    His power could increase faster, faster than even in his wildest dreams.

 Chapter 279: Unexpected Breakthrough

    Chapter 279: Unexpected Breakthrough


    Alex returned to experimenting.


    He cast the Summon Small Water Elemental spell carefully, slowing down where the spell array touched the elemental ne of water. The strange power always emerged there, right at that part of the magic circuit, eager<strong></strong>to assemble the circuitry and reach across the nes.


    In some ways, it was as if that part of the circuit had developed a mind of its own and was trying to put <em>itself</em>together.


    So, maybe he should just let it.


    Every time he cast the spell, he cut it off right before it finished to preserve mana and avoid having a roompletely overrun by an army of water elementals. Things probably wouldnt go well if that happened.


    Alex recorded his observations, noting how long it took to cast the spell, how much of the magic circuit the strange power tried to finish, and any abnormalities with it.


    Once he finished his notesand made sure nothing undesirable had happenedhe jumped into the spell again, deciding to release increasing degrees of control to the strange power.


    Itwas difficult, but not necessarily surprising.


    Just the thought of giving up control, especially to the unknown, was sending surges of anxiety through him; it went against his every instinct. Alex had learned to cope with the Mark interfering with his spells by using meditation techniques and control. The techniques calmed his mind, letting him reject negative memories the Mark brought up to bind him to the past.


    But that was only part of the problem the Mark posed.


    Because of it, hed had to study every single spell down to the finest detail of each magic circuit until he knew them better than his own name. If he wanted to guide himself through its interference and gain control over spells, following that routine had been essential. Controlling details was key.


    So, letting go, even just a little bit, could have meant a mana reversal or worse for Alex if the spell went wrong. At least, thats how it had been, but now, it was looking like such a strict level of control was actually getting in his way.


    He understood what he needed to do, but it still wouldnt be easy giving control over to that strange power. He kept wavering between controlling the spell, and letting go. Alex exhaled, clearing his thoughts. He took a deep breath, let it out, then began the spell again. Like an arrow from a bow, memories of the first time hed cast Summon Elemental Beetle mmed into his thoughts, courtesy of the Mark: it shoved images of that failure in his face, reying the event in seemingly self-satisfied detail. The imagery of the deep sea-devil hed identally conjured surfaced, like the creature was right there, poised to spring on him. Instinctively, Alex went back to full control mode, fearing the spell would go wrong and summon something worse than the sea-devil. The Mark didnt have to show him images of it tearing out his guts and drinking his soul: his imagination did that very well all by itself.


    He stood, stretching his limbs, back, and neck, and clearing his mind.


    Lets try this again.


    For this to work, the young wizard realised there had to be apromise, one hed befortable with: hed keep control of the section of the magic circuit where he chose <em>what</em> was summoned. No soul-sucking demons for him today.


    Feeling more settled, Alex sat down, re-focused his thoughts, took some deep breaths and slowly cast the spell, being aware of each part, gradually easing away from rigid control, allowing that strange power more freedom. As he allowed himself to relinquish control, what became clear was that whatever the power was, his connection to it seemed to have grown stronger the more he used spells that activated it. There was no way he would, or even could, have handed over so much control even a few months ago; their connection just felt stronger now. With every bit of control he released, he was casting faster and faster.


    His excitement was threatening to explode, but Alex tamped it down, repeating the experiment over and over until his mana was close to running out. He finally ended the session covered in sweat, filled with tion, and with his stomach feeling like it was ready to start doing cartwheels. He was all smiles when he returned to his notetaking. Today, Alex had practised, experimented, replicated conditions, tried to change different variables to produce rigorous results. Professor Jules would be proud.


    And so, he noted his final observations.


    <strong>The power elerates the section of any magic circuit I cast that seems to reach across nes or great distances. Concluded this from how it interacts with multiple summoning and teleportation spells. Confirmed with Summon Lesser Water Elemental: the power touched no other part of the spell array and caused no other changes.</strong>


    <strong>Hypothesis: its less a power I direct, and more somethingautonomic.</strong>


    Like breathing, he said, as he continued writing.


    <strong>Letting this power handle parts of summoning and teleportation spells seems to decrease my casting time by up to 30% with Summon Small Water Elemental. Will need to test other spells to see how generalizable this is.</strong>


    <strong>Call Through Water should be next. Then Call Through Ice and other summoning spells will follow.</strong>


    He rapidly tapped his pen, gathering his thoughts then abruptly stood. He stretched out both arms, turning them back and forth, then raised each leg and did the same. He pulled his shirt offillusionary patch was still obscuring the Markand examined his torso, then felt his head and neck. Next, he tested his mana and began replenishing it before sitting back down to make another note:


    <strong>No apparent ill-effects to mana or physical well-being.</strong>


    Alex could barely resist the urge to whoop in triumph.


    This is it. This is my path. He thought, a giant smile spread from his lips to his eyes.


    If he used this powerwhich seemed to be a part of himhe could learn summoning spells a lot faster than other spells, and if he focused on learning summoning spells and any second-tier teleportation spells he might want to learn, he could not only expand his growing bank of spells, but also increase the size of his mana pool a lot faster.


    Mana pools grew from use, allowing a wizard to incorporate higher-tier spellseach level hadrger, inter-connected magic circuitsinto their mana pool. A pool grew faster if a wizard varied spells that hadrge magic circuits. Alex had been casting plenty of spells up to now, but the variety had been limited since it took him so long to learn new ones.


    So far, he was meeting the universitys expectations for the rate at which he was supposed to advance in spell tiers, but he couldnt really exceed them like he had in alchemy. But, if he let the power handle portions of a summoning spells moreplex magic circuit, he could start learning summoning spells so much faster than spells from other disciplines. He was almost salivating at the idea.


    So, Ill learn a variety of summoning spells, use them to break through to third-tier, then catch up with my other spells. Thatll let me learn and cast more spells, whichll make my mana pool grow faster. Maybe that means other types of spells mightg behind, but thats what Im making my wizards staffs for.


    Ill need to really specialise my spellcasting, he acknowledged to himself. The downside is by the time I can cast fifth-tier summoning spells, Ill still be on lower tier spells in other casting magics. Butthats still a hell of a lot better than being stuck at the lower tiers for <em>all</em> my spells. Alex suddenly realised something.


    Hed been able to learn Summon Small Water Elemental in a day.


    Sure, it had taken a lot of tries, but even so, it had happened much faster than it should have. Professor Mangal had allotted two <em>weeks</em> for the ss to learn each Summon Small Elemental spell. And a lot of his ssmates had been working on them, but no one hadpleted one so far.


    Thats strange. Thats so strange he muttered. Is it that power? Is it giving me some kind of weird affinity for summoning magic?


    He couldnt be sure.


    In any case He nced at the timekeeper. Maybe I can ask Baelin.


    He and the chancellor were due for another summoning demons and interrogating them for information about Burn-Saw and Hannar-cim session. Theyd only been able to meet twice so far, but that was understandable; as busy as Alex was, he definitely hadnt had time, and Baelins schedule was something he couldnt even begin to imagine.


    Maybe hell have some insights into all this, Alex said, packing up while continuing to regenerate his mana. Cmon, lets go, ygon.


    He was nearing his daily limit for how much mana he could regenerate, but that was okay. He just needed to demonstrate what hed done once.


    Baelins eyebrows rose as Bubbles appeared in Alexs summoning circle. How remarkable.


    Watching the little water elemental burble as it examined its surroundings, the chancellor ran his fingers through his beard-braids. Well, well, well. Most interesting.


    What do you think? Alex asked, bringing out a potion to feed Bubbles. He was starting to see why Kybas enjoyed giving Harmless body-enhancement potions so much. The little water elemental sucked the potion in like a sponge.


    Well you were correct on one ount: this is by far the fastest I have seen you cast a speside from perhaps your forceball. The chancellor watched as Bubbles absorbed the potion, burbling in delight. Baelin made a noise of disapproval. You will spoil them if you keep that up, you know.


    Sorry, what was that? Alex asked, part way through feeding another potion to Bubbles.


    Baelin stared at him before shaking his head, muttering something that Alex was sure had the word children in it.


    Nevermind. You say you noted no changes or ill-effects to your body or mana?


    No, none at all.


    Good. The chancellor leaned over, examining Alex like a healer. And you neverfelt any peculiar urges when you used this power? Or heard strange voices or felt that something was calling to you?


    Nothing like that, Alex said. Why?


    Hmmmm, sometimes such powers indicate outside influencebut you im to have not felt anything out of the ordinary. Aaaaand He cast a spell over Alex, assessing him more thoroughly. I detect no magic influencing you. Now, it is possible that someone could elude my senses, but they would have to be very subtle in their spellcraft. Let us see now


    The chancellors eyes moved back and forth, seeming to scan images that Alex couldnt see. While the young man waited, he finished spoiling Bubbles then let the little spirit return to the elemental ne of water.


    Atst, the chancellors goat-like eyes re-focused on the young wizard. I think your strategy of taking advantage of this power is a sound one, as long as you monitor yourself frequently. Inform me if anything goes awry, of course, but if mortals cowered in fear of every mysterious power or energy they discovered, then wizards would not exist today.


    Yeah, Alex sighed in relief. Im d you think so. Any guess what thisthing might be?


    I would think that The Traveller is likely involved. Now, that could be more easily confirmed had I examined you before you were in direct contact with her powerI could have done a before and afterparisonbut I can only work with what we have. Now, as to your n to specialise in summoning: I believe that is also a good one. Ignoring such an advantage would be as foolish as a wizard with an elemental affinity ignoring their affinity: they would forgo an incredible amount of power by doing so.


    Alex thought of Selina, but didnt bring her up.


    That said, Baelin continued. Do not make the mistake of over-specialization. Leave that to insects, not young wizards who bear my charm-pendant of apprenticeship. But as long as summoning and teleportation be a path to greater power and not your <em>only</em> source of greater power, then you should do well.


    Right Alex said. Andtheres another thing I found unusual. I learned the spell really fast, like in less than a day.


    Indeed.


    Do you think that was also because of this power?


    An amused smile crooked Baelins lips. No, I do not think so. Notpletely.


    Thenwhat is it?


    Instead of answering, I will ask you these questions: what is the source of ingenuity? From what does creative thinking arise? Why are new roads of knowledge paved at all? Let me put it another way. Baelin nodded at the four-armed golem standing by the door. Why did you decide to bet everything you had on building ygon? What spurred you to do that?


    Honestly? Alex said. I needed to have a way to defend myself in case the Ravener or another mana vampire attacked me. Early in first year I was pretty defenceless, so I kinda needed a bodyguard.


    I see. Baelin stood a little taller, the twinkle of amusement grew in his eyes. Would you say you would have built ygon had you not needed to defend yourself?


    Alex thought about it. NoI probably wouldnt have, actually, even if Id gotten the dungeon core substance under different circumstances. Uh, no offence, ygon. I kinda pushed to analyse it because I was worried about Thamndand myself. If I didnt have stuff hanging over me and Id found out about its properties, I probably wouldve used it to make something elseor maybe just waited until a higher year before using it.


    I see. Baelin nodded. So you analysed the dungeon core specifically out of a need, and built ygon out of that same need. Due to those decisions, you sparked an expedition that might lead to a revolution of sorts. Now, analyse your sesses today. You had a personal revolution. What might have urredaside from the help you received from that powerthat would result in you having this breakthrough? What necessity and choices lead to this?


    Alex thought about casting the spell, his analysis of how the power had helped him, and his close attention to the magic circuitry.


    A logical answer began to dawn on him. Could it-


    <em>Tap. Tap. Tap.</em>


    There was a tapping against one of the giant windows in Baelins office, startling Alex, and drawing his and Baelins attention.


    A brass messenger construct hovered outsideshaped like a giant butterflyand was using its wings to tap on the window.


    Ah, Professor Jules messenger construct. The chancellor waved a hand and Alex felt a surge of teleportation magic.


    The ss pane disappeared an instantter.


    Really? Alex asked as the construct flew into Baelins office. A butterfly?


    Oh yes, Baelin chuckled as the construct fluttered before him with a piece of parchment sealed to its legs. She tries to make her potion garden butterfly friendly. Absolutely adores the creatures. Its why she still uses this construct, despite having plenty of options for faster means ofmunication. It is an affection, so to speak.


    I never wouldve expected that.


    Ah, well the world is filled with surprises, is it not?


    He unfolded the piece of parchment, studying its contents. His eyebrows rose. Case in point. It appears that on your next trip to your homnd, we will have guests in the encampment.


    What kind of guests? Alex asked.


    The heroic kind, Baelin said.

 Chapter 280: Necessity in Discovery

    Chapter 280: Necessity in Discovery


    Th-the Heroes areing to the encampment?! Alex stammered; images of Saints and priests ran through his head apanied by sounds of rattling chains.


    Indeed. Baelin read the rest of the note. It would seem that the church and king have arranged for them to greet us in prelude to eventual partnership. In some ways, that seems reasonable: we will be purchasing dungeon core samples from them, after all. However, Professor Jules suspects their visit might be more along the lines of an inspection, though. Im inclined to agree with her.


    Alex felt a chill wash over him. What about the Saint? Are theying too?


    Rest easy, my young friend, as per the explicit agreement between Thamnd and Generasi, no priestsnot even their Saintwill be entering Greymoor. The entourage of knights and priests who apany the Heroes will instead be supporting the Saint as he visits several garrisons where soldiers require healing of both physical injury, and morale.


    Oh, thank the Traveller. Alex loudly exhaled. I think I aged about ten years.


    No need to fear. Baelin folded the note and snapped his fingers; Alex felt a surge of teleportation magic, then the message was gone. The construct fluttered in mid-air then flew away the way it camethe pane of ss reappeared in its frame. Even if Thamnd decided to vite our agreementa costly mistakeyou would simply have to remain in Generasi until we ejected their priests, which would take under ten minutes if I have anything to say about it. It is if you are discovered without warning that things would geplicated.


    Yeah, Id really like to avoid that, Alex said.


    Do so, especially when you begin raiding dungeons outside of Greymoor. At that point, you must not only be absolutely aware of your surroundings at all times, but also who could be of the priesthood.


    Yeah, Ill keep that top of mind, the young wizard said, relief washing through him. Im just d they wont be in Greymoor when we get back thereand hopefully, theyll never show up without warning.


    They would regret that.


    Yeah, I believe you. Still, it makes things a lot easier. Remember, I met Cedricthe Chosenwhen we were leaving Thamnd and he saw me use spellcraft then, so he <em>shouldnt</em> put together that Im the Fool.


    Ah yes, Thameish biases against the Fool being able to use spellcraft should bar him from leaping to anyunfortunate conclusions, Baelin agreed. But remember, you were born the day the others were selected, and if that is shared, then I guarantee <em>someone</em> will at least pose the question. Even if it ister dismissed, the idea would still have been ced in curious minds. And, as the saying goes, one cannot unring a bell. At all costs, you do not wish for that to happen, Alex: remember to act with utmost caution, and be sure to coach whoever knows your secret.


    Yeah, I got it, Alex said. I know none of my cabals going to let it slip. But, if it doese out, I want to be near that teleportation circle and out of Thamnd lightning fast.


    Mmm, Baelin mused. But even that would not be a permanent solution. Understand, Alex, that I am no apologist for any deity: if I have my way then I would see that you are shielded from Uldars church if you are discovered. He sighed, almost wistfully. But the world is smaller now. Politics get stickier with each passing year, and the power of wizards, priests and rulers less monopolised. And I also have others who rely on me: gone are the days whenif a realm angered meI could just burst into a castle, take king or queen hostage, and demand-


    He froze as Alex stared at him with widening eyes.


    Baelin cleared his throat. Er, nevermind all that. In essence, what Im saying is that certain things are out of my hands. At the end of it all, you are a citizen of Thamnd, not Generasi, and the city council has little reason to risk international animosity by actively shielding youeven if they could be persuaded to see you as a refugee from persecution. For the moment, I doubt they would attempt to detain you for Thamnd however, but I do not expect they would step in if Thameish agents simply took you from Greymoor one night.


    Right. So basically, if I get discovered, Im on my own, Alex spelled out what Baelin was implying. I get it. Theres not enough reason to risk an incident by protecting mebut if the city council <em>did</em> have a reason, then


    Baelin gave Alex a pleased look. Indeed, if you became someone irreceable to Generasi, then the reward for keeping you here would far outweigh the risks of denying you to a foreign kingdom. Very good, Alex. That is the way a Proper Wizard thinks.


    Well, that or kidnapping kings or queens. Alex said matter-of-factly.


    Baelin cleared his throat again. For the first time the chancellor actually looked slightly embarrassed. Yes, wellin any case, I do believe you were on the cusp ofing to a conclusion as to why you learned this summoning spell so quickly. So, let us not be cliches who let an interruption bar you from revtion.


    Yeah, right Alex said. Well, you were talking about discoveries that happen because of need. Theres a problem so someone discovers a way to solve it. A different way. So, I thought about what I do differently from most wizards I knowmaybe Im wrong herebut I seem to pay a lot more attention to a magic circuits construction than other wizards do.


    He took out some of his notebooks and showed Baelin diagrams hed made as learning aids for himself: the drawings broke down magic circuits of different spells into their functionalponents. Hed cross-referenced thoseponents with other magic circuits that served simr functions.


    Among the diagrams were special notes on the sections of his summoning spells responsible for reaching other nes.


    And I take it that the notes your young friends take do not focus on such details of magic circuitry? Baelin asked.


    No, not so much, Alex said. Like, they <em>do</em> take notes on them, but theyre not <em>this</em> detailed. They dont need to be for them to learn new spells. Now, Isoldes notes doe close, and Thundar took some careful notes on the exact structure of Disguise Self when he wanted to modify it for me, but those are exceptions. Like I said, they dont have to go into as much detail to learn a spell as I do.


    He paused. You knowback when I was experimenting with the Mark, I discovered that it helped me train the efficiency of my breathing and running. Most folks know how to breathe and run, but by focusing on the detailswhich most people dont even considerthe Mark showed me how to breathe and run more efficiently.


    Youre nearly there, Baelin said.


    So Alex continued. The Mark obstructs my thoughts when Im learning and casting spells, so I <em>need</em> to pay a <em>lot</em> more attention to every single detail of every spell I learn. Thats the necessity part you were talking about: the part that creates discoveries. The morefortable I am with every detail of my spells, the higher my chances are of casting them without a disaster happening. Most wizards dont have to do that, so Ive got a necessity that others dont.


    Keep going.


    And Alex kept thinking his way through. Because I have to focus on details since its so hard for me to learn new spells, Ive modified a bunch of the ones Ive already learned. Like forceball: I made it stronger by pouring more mana into it. Im guessing most wizards dont bother with that either?


    They do not, Baelin said. Time and energy spent modifying a spell like forceball can be more efficiently spent learning a more powerful spell that aplishes the same purpose, but to greater effect once your skill and mana have both grown enough to master it. Your modifications to forceball are impressive in a sense, but do not represent an improvement or a revolutionary change to wizardry. You did make forceball better in every way: but to strengthen it, you have to use more mana when casting the spell. For most wizards, such a use of extra mana would be considered a waste; they could instead channel that mana into a more powerful, effective spell. Thats the case for <em>most</em> wizards.


    But not for me, Alex said. You know, back in first year Professor Jules said that alchemy wasnt as popr as other disciplines of wizardry because other disciplines aplish what alchemy can without all the expensive ingredients, equipment and careful training you need to be an alchemist. Just an example off the top of my head, its a lot easier and more efficient to learn spells of body enhancement rather than bothering to make potions of body enhancement.


    And wizards value power and efficiency, Baelin agreed.


    But<em> I</em> cant take the easy way, so I had toe up with all these strategies and techniques to help me learn and cast spells while contending with the Mark. Sothen I get into summoning magic, which this power helps me out with. Suddenly, a big part of the magic circuits taken care of for me, which means I dont have to struggle with as much of the spell array as I normally would. So thenwhen I apply all the strategies I had toe up withI end up learning the spell <em>faster</em> than someone who didnt have to bother with learning all the nitty gritty details of magic circuits and spell arrays!


    A grin broke out on Baelins goat-like face. And this is why I enjoy having you as a student, Alex. And yes, that is what my theory is. You have had to focus so much of your efforts on <em>how</em> to learn spellcraft in the face of adversity, that you are far more equipped for the learning process than the average wizard. A good examplehmmmhave you ever met someone who is blind, Alex?


    The young man shook his head. No, I havent.


    I have many times, Baelin said. We humanoids are visual creatures: normally we process the world through our eyes. Our ears, nose, taste and sense of touch are all secondary to the information that our eyes grant us. If say Thundar were to describe Sir Sean Swift to you, he could likely speak of his height, the thinness of his build, the paleness of his skin, and the grey in his hair. If he did not mention how the man sounded, then you might not think anything of it, despite the fact that he left out an entire sense in describing him. If he described the mans scent, you might think your friend a little strange for noticing such thingsunless of course Sir Swift had a strong aversion to bathing.


    Well, Thundars got a really sharp nose. Alex tapped the side of his nose. Because hes a minotaur. Now if <em>Isolde</em> started telling me how Sir Swift smelled, then I might start asking questions. ButI think I get what youre saying. We focus so much on sightbut what happens when we have to rely entirely on another sense to get most of our information about the world?


    The answer is that you pay more attention to that sense, Baelin said. Without sight to distract one from sound, all of ones attention is focused upon what they hear. Aspects of voice, melody, and other bits of sound suddenly be far more obvious when one mostly has information of that nature to sift through. It is the same with you, you pay attention to aspects of spellcraft that most do not focus on because they do not have to.


    Whereas without the Mark, all that time I spent learning how to <em>learn, </em>wouldve probably been spent memorising more spells, Alex said. And on the other hand, the Mark cuts way down on the time I need to learn literally anything else


    and thus you have the <em>time</em> to focus on aspects of spellcraft that most other wizards do not. Thus, you have developed a skill and method of learning spells thatwhilebour intensive at firstlets you efficiently learn magic once you have mastered it.


    And, and! Alex said, growing more excited. The more control I gave over to the power when I was casting Summon Small Water Elemental, the more I stopped ovepensating when I didnt need to! Cuz I exert <em>too</em> much control in order to counteract the Mark.


    Indeed. So, in situations where the Mark is not a factor, you can release some control, thus removing wasted effort and upping your efficiency, Baelin finished. It is not simply the power that helped you learn this spell so quickly, Alex. It is thebination of this powers aid, your hard work, and attention to aspects of spellcraft most take for granted, that afforded this breakthrough. You have a very interesting path ahead of you.


    Yeah Alex said. Maybe I couldwrite a paper about this learning method or something. It could help other wizards.


    It couldor it might not. Part of what makes it sessful for you is the fact that you have developed a sensitivity to magic circuitry, much in the way a trained artist would notice more details about a painting than one who is not an artist. Think of it this way, if someone who is blind tells you all about the rich world of sound


    He paused.


    I wouldnt get it, Alex said. I could <em>imagine </em>it and I might pay more attention to my hearing for a while, but Id probably go back to relying on my eyes in the end.


    Precisely. The chancellor took one of Alexs notebooks and pointed to a detailed diagram of a magic circuit. Most wizards would not notice the detail that you were forced to consider and memorise. I do believe that aspects of your learning methodology would be helpful to wizards in general, but training that sensitivity is key. It likely would not be easy without necessity forcing one to do so. Still, with some changes for generalizability, I could see aspects of your method being useful to othersbut what I am more interested in is what would happen if we took your weights off.


    What do you mean? Alex asked.


    The chancellor looked at the young mans shoulder, his eyes seeming to burrow through the shirt to fall directly onto the Mark. You have been running a race with a heap of iron tied to your waist. You have been weighted down, and that is slowing you. Some athletes do train in such a fashion: tying great burdens to themselves and sprinting with the weight attached to their bodies. But when they remove the burden, they findthat after a period of adjustmentthey run far quicker than they had before such training. And with more stamina.


    He stroked his beard-braids. I cannot help but wonder what your speed with learning and casting spells might look like should the burden of interference ever be removed. I do believe it would be <em>extraordinary.</em>


    Alex paused, imagining that for a moment. He thought about applying everything he knew about magic circuitry and efficient spellcasting without interference. No bombardment of failures. No images mming into his mind, forcing him to use every meditation technique he could to slip through the mental distortions.


    Nothing but him, the world, and his spells.


    He could only imagine how quick he mightve been at casting magic.


    That would be something, Alex said wistfully.


    Baelin gave him a look.


    I mean, that <em>will</em> be something, he corrected.


    There. Now, that was spoken like a Proper Wizard. The chancellor handed him back his notebook. We might not be able to removeor bettermodify the Mark, but I have learned throughout my life that most problems are not insurmountable if one is given enough time, resources and experience. We shall crack it. I am sure of that. Perhaps we are simply missing a part of the puzzle for now. Of course-


    He gave Alex a serious look. -that will only apply if you are not discovered or taken by your country folk. If thates to pass, then our time working on this problem will be gone. Have a care when the Heroese, and in general. The more I consider the Mark, the dungeon cores and your Ravener, the more I suspect that things are hidden from our gaze. We might not be aware of all the yers in this game. Or all the dangers that lurk in shadow.

 Chapter 281: The Final Hunter

    Chapter 281: The Final Hunter


    Dont tell me youve been drinking, Rand. Gario red at hispanion.


    Shhhh! Randalthe other guardshushed him. Just had a bit, mate, dont say it so loud. He nced around the darkness, holding up hisntern and pressing his ear to the stone wall. Only silence met the night patrolman. If someone was passing close by, Id be in so much bloody trouble.


    Then maybe dont drink when its time for duty. Gario made a face. And step back a bit, aye? I can smell it on your breath.


    Randal gave him a startled look. Well thanks for the heads up, mate.


    As the guards continued making their rounds<strong></strong>along the towns outer wall, Randal pulled out a few green leaves and began chewing them.


    A fresh scent drifted toward his partner.


    Whats that you got there? Gario asked in a low voice, eyeing the darkened tree line that surrounded the town. He lifted hisntern, squinting at the shifting shadows, but nothing seemed to be moving between the trunks.


    Just a few sprigs of mint, the other man grinned. Cuts the scent of the drink down so none of themanders are any the wiser.


    Gario shook his head, moving thentern to scan the area around them.


    He turned away from Randal for a heartbeat.


    Just a heartbeat.


    Be better if you didnt have any drink in you at all.


    I barely even feel it mate, its fine. Just something to dull the boredom a tad, Randal exined.


    I need you sharp, not dulled. I dont like the looks of the woods around here. Anything could be hiding in them.


    Silence answered him.


    Randal? the guard turned as something moved behind him. Is something wrong-


    ws swept from the dark.


    Thest of the Raveners hunters tore out the mans throat.


    With a choked gurgle, the guard began to topple, but the monster caught him, silentlyying his twitching body on the earth. Beside them was the other guard: his throat was mangled; veins swollen with the hunters venom protruded from his cooling corpse.


    The monster listened to soundsing from inside the wall; soldiers were moving about, exchanging conversation. Someoneughed. Somewhere, a fire crackled and the scent of mortals cooking drifted through the air.


    All sounds echoed from deep within the town.


    No humans were close enough to hear what it was about to do.


    <em>Randal?</em> It said quietly, copying words the guard had spoken. They sounded rough and inhuman. It adjusted its supple voice box. Is something wro-


    It paused, sounding closer to the mans voice, but still off. The Raveners hunter recalled what the two men were saying to each other before they died at its ws and fangs:


    I dont like the looks of the woods around here, it imitated the one called Gario. Anything could be hiding in them.


    There. That was perfect.


    Now, its n could proceed.


    Seizing both corpses with ease, the hunter dragged them deep into the woods: its powerful form could have hauled the pair up a tree trunk with little effort, but it had another n for the bodies. It moved through the woods in silence: a year of hunting through Thamnd had taught it the skill to move as quietly as a passing shadow and just as swiftly. It knew the wilderness well, it knew its enemies habits, and it knew how to avoid and stalk them.


    It was an apex predator, a primal hunter, and all within thisnd was its prey. It had been tasked with searching out the Usurper, but it would have done so without amand since it took great pride in its skill, and even greater pleasure in killing.


    And others respected that skill.


    As the hunter reached a clearing, a horde of monsters assembled: a swarm of silence-spiders were concealed high in the treetops, and a pack of venom walkers were below.


    The silence-spiders clung to every trunk, reassuringly silent as they watched their leader. Each face teemed with multiple eyesinsectile and coldand the hunter enjoyed the fear and respect in each one. They silently sharpened their scythe-like ws; most were soldiers with powerful des on every leg, but there were also swarms of small, vicious workers.


    The monsters in the canopies were the stealthiest of the hunters forces, but not the deadliest. That distinction went to the venom walkers.


    The small army of spindly creatures stood in the clearing below the spiders, each towering seven feet tall. They might have looked humanoid from a distance, but up close, they were unmistakably Ravener-spawn: venomous thorns covered green skin, and masses of barbed, whip-like tentacles hung from where human arms should be.


    Multi-coloured veins pulsated across their gangly bodies, each pumping a different venom through them. A dozen poisons filled the veins, primed and ready for injection by the thorns.


    Each watched the bodies the hunter carried with a dozen hungry eyes.


    A feast. The hunter dropped the corpses then stepped back. It looked up at the spiders. You take the flesh.


    The spiders silently gnashed their des.


    You take the marrow and bone, the hunter told the venom walkers, who twitched in anticipation. Now feed. Leave nothing behind.


    The spiders swarmed from the trees as the venom walkers stretched their tentacles out. Muffled sounds of tearing flesh filled the clearing as the two bodies were quickly stripped to the bone, even the leather and cloth they wore was consumed.


    Worker spiders soon made short work of the guards wooden spear handles.


    The venom walkers snatched the promised bones from the middle of the swarm with tentacles extended, bringing them close.


    <em>Squelch.</em>


    Massive side-facing mouths separated in the centre of their bellies, gnashing in the air. An acidic stench rose from their core as tentacles slipped the bones between salivating lips.


    <em>Crunch. Crunch.</em>


    Teeth like iron ground bones to powder that was quickly sucked into acid boiling within the venom walkers bellies. Soon, the only thing left was metallic equipment, which would be discarded.


    Once the horde had finished feasting, thest hunter turned its attention to the venom walkers.


    Make will-sapper venom and get ready for more bodies.


    The creatures shuddered as blue veins swelled all over them, directing will-sapper venom to hundreds of poison sacks beneath their thorns.


    Follow me, the hunter told one of them. It gestured to the silence-spiders: you six, follow too.


    It slipped back through the trees with six spiders and a venom walker at its heels, staying in the shadows until the walled town loomed ahead of them in the forest. Take positions in the trees, it instructed the spiders.


    And you can take cover in the bushes there, it ordered the venom walker, pointing to arge clump of greenery at the edge of the clearing.


    Once its servants were in position, the hunter moved to the edge of the trees, waiting for opportunity to arise.


    Soon, it heard what it was waiting for.


    Commotion. Raised voices in the camp. Soon, they would


    <em>Creak.</em>


    And there they were.


    A group of five humans emerged from the town gates with sputtering torches in hand. One of their number stank of mana and was illuminating their surroundings with a blue orb of magic.


    Another was the human the hunter was after: a big man in armour wearing a symbol of Uldar carrying a mace. This was the one it needed: priests were the mortals who knew most about other mortals.


    As the humans searched beyond the gates, the hunter waited. They were cautious, these ones, scanning the dark, making sure there were no<strong></strong>blind spots for anything to hide in.


    At one time, they would have been difficult to snare. But, this was a different time.


    Experience would make this easy. Its voice box shifted in its throat until it produced a humans cry.


    Help! Garios voice called. Randals hurt! Thank Uldar youre here, we need healing magic!


    Its voice box shifted to Randals voice groaning in pain.


    Then it waited.


    What? Gario, that you? one of the men cried.


    Yes, Garios voice answered.


    st it, where are you? Wheres your light? Why didnt you blow your horn?


    It had expected these questions: simr ones had been asked by other humans when it had used this trick on them. Experience had taught it the proper answers to offer.


    I thought I heard something in the woods! the hunter cried. Randal fell and broke his horn. I was going to blow mine but


    It paused, thinking of the guards earlier conversation.


    look, Randals had a drink or two, okay?


    The hunter briefly shifted its voice to Randals to groan in protest. Then it changed its voice back to Garios.


    Quiet you, thats why you fell and broke your leg! it shouted at Randal.


    Amusement bubbled up in the hunter.


    It enjoyed these sorts of games: copying one humans voice, then switching to another to fool its prey. Perhaps it was a foolish thing to do, but it wasnt surprising how often-


    Oh, st it Randal, again? the man shouted back. Bloody hell. Stay where you are, were one our way.


    -it worked so well on these simple humans.


    Thest hunter snarled softly in satisfaction then crept back into the brush like a stalking lynx. It quietly gestured at the venom walker beside it, then toward the holy priest. Attack that one with your will-sapper venom when I strike, it hissed.


    Here! Over here! it cried to the humans.


    Then, it waited.


    As did the silence-spiders above.


    And the venom walker nearby.


    Slowly the humans filed into the forest, searching for theirrades. Their torches sputtered, the wizards forceball shone, and their eyes searched the night.


    Where are you? one of the men asked, his voice sounding tense.


    The hunter groaned in Randals voice.


    Shhh, quiet, help is on the way, it answered itself in Garios voice.


    The men turned to make their way toward the brush. As they approached, the hunter sent out a ping with its unique sense: the only mana it felt wasing from the wizard with the blue orb.


    Good. Only one.


    He would be the first to die.


    Preparing to strike, the silence-spiders were silently scurrying along the tree trunks behind their enemies, ready for their leader to make the first move.


    A single twitch of the hunters powerful muscles and it shot from the bushes. As one, the silence-spiders immediately dropped.


    Scythe-like des split men in two before they could cry out. The hunter thrust its ws forward, punching through an invisible force around the wizards neck; power and momentum tore the mans throat out.


    The priest raised both his mace and the symbol of Uldar, but the venom walkers tentacles whipped out of the bush and into his face, piercing flesh while injecting will-sapper venom deep inside his body. A shudder went through him and he copsed on the ground like a freshly ughtered pig. His breathing grew shallow and his eyes vacant.


    Foam trickled from his lips.


    In heartbeats, the search party was deadexcept for the priestwithout a sound to mark their end. No help would being to them.


    The hunter instructed its servants. Take their bodies deep within the trees and feast: they are your reward. When youve finished, gather your brethren and attack those inside the wall. Silence-spiders, you will enter first; take your swarm and y every mortal you find. Then open the gates and let my venom walkers in. See to it that no human escapes.


    Now that the hunter had what it was after, it must leave no witnesses. It dragged the hapless priest deep into the woods as its servants stealthily moved the bodies.


    There would be no more search parties, there would be none to spoil its work, and none to tell of its presence. Its master would hear of the fear these humans felt in their dying moments, and bathe in their terror.


    Feeling well pleased, the hunter mmed the priest against a tree, drawing a muffled moan from the man. Now, the questioning could begin.


    Where is the Usurper? it asked.


    The man shuddered at the question, but poison had stolen his will. All he could do was answer truthfully. I dont know what that is.


    The hunter had expected this. No human seemed to know what was going on in their ownnds.


    This was just one reason why they were inferior.


    It growled. What have you been doing with destroyed dungeon cores?


    If it could learn where the cores were taken, it could have a better chance of finding the Usurper: no doubt they would seize more dungeon cores to take over.


    Ithey go to the capital to craft weapons and improve the Heroes equipment, the man said in a dreamy voice.


    It wasnt surprised by the answer, but still somewhat disappointed. Time and again it had searched the capital, but-


    And now theyre going to the foreign expedition, the man said.


    The hunter froze.


    What? What expedition?


    Theres wizards here from a southern city whove made a covenant with the king to collect dungeon coresfor a new project.


    The hunter licked its lips.


    Now, this was new information.


    Tell me what you know of these wizards. Tell me where I can find them.


    Alex the Usurper stared at the teleportation circle on the floor.


    On the other side was the expedition''s encampment.


    And a few hours from now.


    He would meet the other Heroes of Thamnd.

 Chapter 282: The Arrival

    Chapter 282: The Arrival


    If they try to take you, Ill gut all of them. Theresa whispered, her grip tightening on both des.


    Whoa, whoa, now, Alex whispered back, ncing around the room.


    Their group was off to one side and thankfully, no one else was in earshot.


    Lets try not to gut the Heroes today, okay? Alex suggested. not right away, at least. Id say not at all, but like your father told me: the foundation of any good rtionship is conversation andpromise. And hey, Illpromiseyou can gut themter. Arent I a good boyfriend?


    Alex, this isnt funny. Theresa red at the teleportation circle. A line of teams stood waiting in front of it, each group was ushered through in thirty second intervals which allowed time for those already teleported, to clear the receiving circle in Greymoor.


    The teams had drawn lots to decide the order each would go through, and Alex and Theresas team had drawnst ce. He could see that she was bing more and more impatient.


    Ill fight all of Thamnd if I have to. No one had better try and take you, she snarled.


    Alex gave her a look. He was both amazed by how determined she was to protect him and touched.


    Youre right, it isnt funny. Ill stop with the jokes, Alex whispered. But, if they detect the you know whatand decide to take me, I dont want you fighting them: I want you to stay as far away from me as possible.


    What? Theresa looked at him, startled.


    Theyre the Heroes, He whispered. As much as it''s fun to joke around, I dont <em>think</em> we could beat them.


    Weve been spending this entire time fighting, getting stronger, gathering magicIve been improving my life enforcement, Theresa said. Im pretty sure I could break that hive-queen over my knee if we fought her again. I think I could hold <em>some</em> of them off long enough for you to get away.


    Theresa he leaned in even closer. Remember what we saw outside the Cave of the Traveller? All those dead silence-spiders?


    She sniffed. Youre going to talk about how Cedric did that all by himself? Yeah, well Im not impressed. ygon could do that too. Hells, I could probably take a bunch of them all by myself now. I could crack their armour with my pommels, or get in-between those gaps in their shells with my des.


    Alex imagined her fighting a silence-spider horde, tearing them apart with both des. He knew she could handle them now, he could see her demolishing their numbers by the dozens. After the Games, she and Grimloch had upped their life enforcement andbat practisingmotivated by the demon summoners attackand both of them were stronger and even more skilled than just a few months ago.


    <em>He</em> wouldnt want to fight either of them, not even if the Mark magically disappeared, but still


    The thing is, he spoke softly. Cedric did that a year ago, when he first got his powers. Now he and the other Heroes have had an entire yearactually, a bit more now, of fighting monsters and honing their power and skill. I trust you, Theresa. I trust your strength, but without knowing exactly what theyre capable of, no one I know should be picking a fight against that kinda power unless their name starts with Bae and ends with lin.


    Her lips tightened. Am I supposed to just let them take you?


    Look, Ill do my best to get away if ites to that, but I dont want you getting caught between me and angry Heroes. You could get hurt. She started to object. Just hear me out. He said and continued. Or thrown into a dungeon, or both He shuddered as a grim image passed through his head. or worse. Best thing to do is for me to just try and avoid getting found out. Theres no priests to detect me so one of us would <em>really</em> have to screw up for them to know who I am. If they do find me, then Ill just have to get away. Ive got a few ns for that if ites down to it, butif they take me, then


    He paused. It might not be so bad, he said, trying to keep his girlfriend from getting even more agitated. Maybe theyll throw me in a dungeon for desertion of duty or maybe theyll make me apany the Heroes everywhere, but Ill survive that. Ill have ygon with me and I can deal with monsters myself now, thanks to my potions and summon spells.


    He shrugged. A year ago getting caught would have been a death sentence, now it would just really, really suck. Its not worth taking a risk to fight them like that, as touched as I am. Think of yourself, think of your parents, your brothers and Selina. The king could make things rough on all of them if you fight the Heroes. If I get taken, just let me go. Ill find my way back to you.


    Theresa gave him a sharp look, and didnt say anything at first. Youd bettere back, she finally said.


    He smiled then kissed her. I will.


    Heads up, Thundar whispered. Meikaras back, careful what you say.


    Their healer had gone to fetch something earlier and was waving to them as she returned to the line. Hi, hows the line going?


    Khalik gestured to the portal. We are still cueing.


    Hed tried to make his movements look casual, but Alex could see he was tense. The prince wasnt the only one who seemed nervous. Thundar chewed on his lip, Isolde was outright pacing back and forth, while Svenia and Hogarth watched her. Brutus was looking at Alex and whining, and even Najyah was as stiff as a statue on Khaliks arm.


    And Grimloch


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    Arge hunk of tuna disappeared down his throat; he was contentedly finishing breakfast. Well, at least <em>one</em>of his friends wasnt nervous.


    Meikara smiled politely at him. Well thats new, she said, looking up at the sharkman.


    Good winners get good prizes, he grinned.


    <em>Clink.</em>


    He stood taller, showing off new thick steel armour that was encrusted with bronze designs and pearls:<em></em>a day earlier hed picked up the armourwhich had finally been resized and reshaped to fit the giant sharkmanthat hed won in the Great Water Hunt. It gleamed as he turned in ce, showing it off.


    And thats not all, Grimloch growled, reaching over and picking up a beast of a weapon. With his prize voucher from the Grand Melee, hed ordered an enchanted weapon from Starks Armour and Weapons and he, unsurprisingly, had chosen to go big.


    The weapon was a giant lead maulits head was as big as a cksmiths anvilwith spikes protruding from the hammers faces. Its enchantment strengthened the hammer to be stronger than steel, and also stopped the lead from poisoning its wielder and anyone else who came in casual contact with it.


    Alex gulped and eyed the spikes: the enchantment also sped and increased any enemys poisoning who was unfortunate enough to get bashed with the weapon. Thats, if anything could actually survive a blow from the thing: Alex doubted that even a castle gate could survive Grimloch swinging that thing at it.


    It was a fearsome weapon, but he wouldnt have expected anything different from the sharkman.


    Good winners get good prizes is right, Thundar said, also holding up his new weapon: a bronze mace forged in the shape of two snarling bulls backing each other. Their heads made up the maceshead, and their horns served as its nges. Its enchantment increased its rtive mass when it struck an adversary, and it was designed to work with Blows of Lead, enhancing the blows power tremendously.


    Alex had watched Thundar testing it, and the blows it dealt were absolutely devastating; he was pretty sure that if he were hit with it, there wouldnt be much of him left to speak of, even if he had force armour cast on himself.


    And speaking of force armour


    Alex looked at his girlfriend again, which was one of his favourite things to do, but this time, his excuse for doing it was to check out her armour.


    Theresa had gone for defence rather than offence: she had her hunting knife, her poniard from Isolde, her great-grandfathers swords, and the bow Alex had given her for her birthday which was now strung with the enchanted bowstring from the archery contest. She owned more than enough weaponsshe only had so many hands, after allbut shed never really owned any armour.


    So, shed fixed that.


    Starks armoury had crafted a chainmail shirt for her with links so fine and light, they looked more like threads of steel woven together like cloth, rather than the links in regr chains. An enchantment surrounded each thread in its own force shield, forming attice of force over the armour to cushion the impact of enemy blows, and to vastly increase the shirts level of protection.


    The force coating also dulled the clinking sound the links made when the wearer moved: it was exactly what she needed, it was protective, light, quiet and flexible; the perfect armour for her fighting style.


    The team was better equipped than theyd ever been before. With luck, they wouldn''t have to test their new equipment on the Heroes of Thamnd today.


    Remember: remain undetected, Alex thought, rotating his right shoulder. Hed already cast illusionary patch over the Mark. Try to keep out of their way. Watch theme indont avoid them outright, thatll look super suspicious if everyone else is watching them and youre notand then let them do their own thing. Thats the neven though having Baelin around wouldve been an even better one.


    The chancellor, unfortunately, couldn''t be in Greymoor for the first part of the Heroes visit, but hed be arriving in a couple of days.


    I woulda felt a lot morefortable if the super invincible archwizard that likes me was there. Butwell


    He remembered something Khalik had once said:


    <em>Well, we shall not always be able to hide behind our chancellors robes. Bing dependent onbat when safety is mostly guaranteed can only train poor habits. Instincts would dull. One would be trained to take more risks from bing used to feeling safe. That creates a false sense of safety.</em>


    Thest thing he needed was to get careless around monsters or Heroes because Baelin was there; the chancellor had even said thatif Alex were caughtthere might be little he could do.


    Alex shook his head. In the end, I cant just rely on Baelin. If the Heroes find some reason to pay attention to me, then I just need to act naturally and find out whatever I can about them.


    He had to admit that he was pretty curious about what Cedric could do now after a year of fighting monstersand he was <em>really</em> curious about what the Champion and Sage were capable of.


    Team Eight! Line up! The wizard who was directing the teams through the circle called.


    Well, hed be finding out soon enough.


    Half of the encampment stood on the wall, watching as three figures rode over the hills and toward the gate. One was massive, with armour glinting in the sunlight. The next was a slight figure in a billowing cloak with a veil covering their nose and mouth.


    The one leading the way was familiar.


    Shirtless, his woad tattoos covered his skin, and his red hair whipped behind him in the wind.


    There he is, Alex muttered, watching from the earthen wall.


    I hope he doesnt recognize you, Theresa whispered.


    The Generasians on the wall had scaled it and formed a line when the Heroes approach was announced. Alex, Theresa, Khalik, and Thundar were standing close to each other so that Alex and Theresa were partially blocked by Thundar and Khalik. The Watchers, mercenaries, wizards and familiars on the wall sent a strong message that said the expedition force was very capable of taking care of itself. ygon, Grimloch and Brutus waited below alongside Vesuvius and other wizards familiars.


    Here we go, Alex muttered when the Heroes had gotten close.


    The set of scalesrepresenting the bnce ofbat, spellcraft and divinityglowed gold just above Cedrics heart, standing out even from this distance.


    A golden symbol that Alex couldnt quite make out glowed on the neck of the veiled person. He guessed they must be the one marked as the Sage, which would make the hulking warrior the Champion.


    Just as expected.


    Holy shit, look at that sword. Theresa had gone pale. The one the Champions got.


    What now? Alex squinted.


    The Champion bristled with weapons, but his sword stood out among them. It was a long, curved de that looked better suited as a monsters w than a Heros de.


    Alex frowned.


    There was somethingoddly familiar about it.


    It looks like one of the hive queens des, Theresa whispered.


    Really? Alex blinked in surprise. Are you sure?


    Oh yeah, how could I forget? That damn thing nearly cut me in half.


    Haiiiiiiiil! Cedrics voice boomed as he pulled ahead of the other two Heroes. Greetins, foreign friends an ate wee to ournds!


    The gates were swung open to wee the visitors while a crowd gathered below, greeting the Heroes of Thamnd as they rode into Greymoor. Those atop the wall left it to join the excited crowdwho were now watching the Heroes like they were the afternoon attraction at a fairAlexs team made their way to the back of the crowd.


    They settled in as Professor Jules and other high ranked expedition members met the Heroes with enthusiastic handshakes. Several wizards were edging toward the Sage of Thamnd, itching to get a chance to talk with her.


    Alex contented himself quietly watching for a while and thenwhen everyone seemed busy enough so his exit wouldnt bring unwanted attentionhe turned to Theresa and their other friends. Im going to head back to the tents, well talkter, okay-


    Oi! Cedrics booming voice suddenly rang out.


    Alex froze.


    Oh. No. This cant be happening.


    Oi, dont I know ya from somewhere? The Chosens voice cut through the crowd.


    Alex slowly turned like a rusty gate struggling against rusted hinges.


    Everyone had swung around, craning their necks to see who Cedric was talking to. The Chosen was now staring directly at his fellow countryman at the back of the crowd.


    Silence spread through the air.


    M-maybe? Alex broke it.

 Chapter 283: Recognition

    Chapter 283: Recognition


    That faceI think I know your face. Cedric was walking toward Alex; his brow was creased and he seemed to be appraising the taller young man. Im thinkin that Ive seen ya before.


    The crowd was parting, looking between the Chosen and Alex as the broad-shouldered Hero approached. Professor Jules looked over at Alex with one eyebrow raised, her mouth opened like she was ready to ask something, but the Sage said something, distracting her. The older woman dragged her attention away from Alex, then fell into conversation with the reptilian-eyed witch while the Champion nced between Cedric and the Fool.


    Others in the crowd watched curiously: Ripp peered down from a tower beside the gate while Tyris took things in from her vantage point atop Vesuvius shell. An apple crunched between her teeth.


    Alex brought his attention back to the Chosen, whose eyes flicked between him, Theresa, and others standing nearby, before settling on a spot beside the huntress as he got closer.


    Using his Mark, Alex guided his expression and bodynguage, letting them take on a look of surprise, but not fear. He was actively using his meditation techniques to acknowledge his rapidly rising anxiety to let it go.


    The calmer he felt, the calmer hed look. The more calm he looked, the better. Theresa kept her cool while Thundar, Khalik, Isolde and the others moved back. No one gave Cedric any reason to be suspicious, and Alex thanked the Traveller for his friendsposure.


    Cedric waved a finger toward Alex, like he was trying to conjure up buried memories. I know you from somewherean you too. He looked at Theresa. I seen both o yous somewhere befor-


    The young mans eyes narrowed on Brutus.


    Recognition and genuine surprise entered his eyes.


    Balls, I musta got cotton stuck in my skull! I remember all o yous now! Just outside ooh what was that forestCoille, right? Wit those bloody silence- spiders-No wait.


    Cedrics brow furrowed. No, no it was jus <em>after</em> I took the lot o them on outside the cave, yeah, there was that straggler spider that went after ya. I remember yer little sister was there an you took the thing down all by yourselves, aye? Its allin back now.


    Yeah, thats right, Alex said, his eyebrows rising a little.


    He wasnt sure if he was surprised that Cedric recognized him or not. Hed changed <em>a lot</em> since hedst seen the Chosen: he was just a skinny, scared bakers assistant back in the Coille. His hair was cropped short and he didnt carry himself in the way that he used to, since he trained his body to move by using the Mark.


    Now he looked like hed spent years hammering iron in a forge, and his hair was much longer: down to the middle of his neck like some barbarian from the north. His facial features hadnt really changedthough his face was more chiselled and his neck thickerbut that hadnt changed his face enough for him to be totally unrecognisable, not even if theyd only met that one time.


    Then again


    Cedric certainly made a big impression on me, he thought, remembering the number of times the Chosen had crossed his mind over the course of the year. That time had been eventful and scary. The two of us had certain life changing things inmon: we were born on the same day and were Marked for the same task; of course hed stick out in my mind. Considering how we met, maybe we made a big impression on him too.


    Alex thought about his next words carefully, grateful that the demon summoner wasnt still running loose and being hunted in Generasi. The cover story hed given officers Ferrero and Gustavowhen theyd interrogated himwas that hed left Thamnd as soon as hed gotten the letter from Generasi, but he hadnt said <em>when</em> that was specifically.


    Cedric recognizing him wouldve put a timeline on when that happened, and if hed still been a person of interest


    Still, the less specifics folks had about that part of his journey to Generasi, the better. He needed to act natural, but be vague: there were a lot of ears around to hear what was said, and maybe put things together that could be a problem for him.


    Im surprised you remember us, Alex continued, smoothly changing the subject and hopefully avoiding questions about what hed done after theyd met.


    I would have thought you wouldve forgotten us, Theresa said, picking up on what Alex was doing and stepping beside him, slipping a hand into his. She squeezed it. Its been so long and youve been through so much.


    Brutus sniffed in Cedrics direction and his tail began to wag; it looked like he remembered that the Chosen had healed him back in Coille.


    Aye, well somethins stick out in the mind, yknow? Cedric had stopped right in front of Alex and Theresa and was smiling at Brutus. Hey boy, hope that wound didn leave no scar.


    Theresas expression softened a bit. No. Hes just fine now. Thank you again, by the way.


    Ah, bah! Be a pretty crummy Chosen if I let a brave hound carry on wit a wound I could help him wit. An tbe honest, it was the cerberus I remembered firs and that made the other parts click into ce.


    Ah, that makes sense, Alex said, cursing mentally.


    How could anyone forget Brutus? He thought, realising ironically, that <em>he</em> hadpletely neglected to consider Theresas impossible-to-forget giant, three-headed dog that Cedric had already met when he was thinking about what to do when they met the Heroes...


    But ystill stick in the mind aside from him: you lot were the firs that I saw smash some o the Raveners beasties. Cedrics expression turned grim. In them early days, most folk got caught off-guard by all them monsters poppin up around Thamnd. Lots o folks suffered while they were gettin to the boats an us four Heroes were gettin our things together. But, you all took sword n magic and brought the fight right to the great, dirty ck balls servants. Course Id remember that


    He squinted at Alex. Werent you skinnier? Or am I imaginin that?


    Alex shrugged his broad shoulders. Ive been working out.


    Cedric pped Alex on the shoulder andughed. Good on ya. I see yer makin an impression. He looked down at Alex and Theresas sped hands. Right, then. Well, its good to see a cou friendly faces after all these months, even if we did only meet jus the once. Trust me, friendly faces are few an far between these days.


    Cedric grinned and a glint shed off a front tooth. Alex startled.


    Red hair.


    Golden tooth.


    He suddenly burst outughing, and for a moment all his dread evaporated.


    Cedrics grin dropped. What? I got somethin stuck in me teeth?


    Sorry man. Its nothing, seriously, he was stillughing. I just think theres someone in camp you should meet. You have a lot inmon.


    Theresa looked at Alex for a moment like hed lost his mind, then her eyes widened. Huh.


    Mr. Roth, Professor Jules quickly strode<strong></strong>up to them with the Champion and Sage close behind. Curiosityy in their eyes. Do you know these people?


    Only Cedric, Professor, Alex said quickly.


    Well, you should have told me you knew one of our guests! Jules eyes lit up.


    Alexs blood ran cold.


    He knew that look.


    That was the look people got when theyd just found a way to slip out of their responsibilities; hed seen that look many times on Theresas brothers, when theyde up with a way to pass one of their chores onto him.


    I shouldve thought of this before, considering youre also from Thamnd, Professor Jules said with a smile that was uncharacteristically friendly. Why dont you act as the unofficial ambassador between our expedition and the Heroes?


    Theresas lips tightened slightly, not enough for most to notice, but enough for Alexwho knew her wellto catch. His other friends exchanged subtle looks with each other.


    Well, uh. Alexs mind raced. Well, Professor, maybe someone with moreofficial capacity-


    Youre being too modest, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules patted his arm. Youre Thameish and youve been a major asset to this expedition from its inception. I cant think of anyone more suited togiving our guests the tour. Later, I can speak to them about the procedures well have to put in ce to purchasesamples. In the meantime, you could show them our facilities, make them right at home.


    Alex looked at her with an expression that said: Ill get you for this.


    She looked back with one that said: No, you wont.


    He sighed, then put on a smile while stifling his nerves. Well, mighty Heroes, I guess youll be with me for a bit.


    Good to have a friendly face to be leadin us about like sheep, Id say, Cedricughed. Oh! My mum would have my hide: I forgot introductions. This is Hart Redflecther, the Champion of Thamnd.


    Good to meet you, the big man said, looking down at Alex with a smile that reached his veryrge eyes. Those eyebined with his long nosemade his face resemble a hawksor Najyahs. Alex was tall, but Hart was taller, closer to Thundars height.


    His bodynguage


    A chill went through Alex.


    it was like nothing hed ever seen before. Every motion he made was smooth. His stance was perfectly bnced. He seemed ready for explosive movement at any secondbut his bodynguage somehow still felt chaotic. It was almost like there was more than one person standing there, like he wasnt just one person, but instead, a multitude of people all packed inside one body.


    Then it clicked.


    The Mark of the Champion gives the experience of all the previous Champions to the current oneno wonder his bodynguage is so wild, its literally hundreds of peoples movements crammed into a single person, Alex thought as Hart extended a giant hand. But he seems to haveplete control over all of it. Its chaoticbut theres no discord in it.


    Good to see not all wizards are made of twigs, the Champion said, shaking Alexs hand and drawing a re from the Sageand several other wizardsat the same time.


    A seemingly boundless strengthy in that grip; he didnt squeeze down on Alexs hand, but it felt like he couldve crushed it into jelly if he wanted to. Then there were thoserge eyes; they burrowed into Alex like a predators.


    Hart was watching him, he realised. Measuring him and analysing his bodynguage, just as Alex was doing.


    The Fool kept his bodynguage casual and met Harts gaze evenly, holding the eyes of the Champion with his own. He kept his expression neutral, and somewhat friendly, but not intimidated. His own grip tightened on Harts hand, causing therger man to raise an eyebrow.


    Got a strong grip, Alex said. Better for wringing Ravener spawn necks, I take it?


    A grin broke out across the Champions face, and a huge burst ofughter erupted from deep inside as he released Alexs hand. Right before I tear their heads off, that is.


    As Hart stepped aside to introduce himself to Theresa, Alex watched Thundar and Grimloch eyeing the Champion, sizing him up. The gears turning in Grimlochs head were almost visible as he tapped the end of his massive maul with one thick finger. Alex had to admit, he wouldve paid several pieces of gold to see how a contest of strength would go between Thamnds Champion, and the life-enforced sharkman. Or even one between Hart and ygon.


    But, he had to quickly shove those thoughts aside as Cedric gestured to the Sage. The veiled womans eyes had been darting all around camp.


    When stranglins or tearin heads offs out of the question, thats where my other friendes in: this is Drestra of Crymlyn Swamp, the Sage, Cedric introduced her.


    The wise Sage, Alex said, reaching out to shake her hand. Im Alex, it''s good to meet you. If youre a fan of magic, whichsince youre the Sage, I <em>hope</em> youre a fan of magic, I think youll like what we have here. I imagine youve heard that magic is kinda what we do.


    The Sage looked at Brutus, then over her shoulder at Vesuvius and then to ygon. Her reptilian eyes narrowed on the golem. Yessss, I can see that. Is it yours?


    He,  Alex corrected her almost idly. And yeah, hes all mine. Built him pretty much myself, with some help sculpting him from my little sister.


    Thats right, I built a super golem, he thought. Could the Fool do that? well obviously, he did, but you wouldnt think so, would you?


    I have never seen a golem before, apart from the two standing at the gates, she said, continuing to stare at ygon. We sometimes make little familiars out of blood, bone and pine, but nothing like this. He is magnificentthe sheer amount of manaing off of him is incredible


    Her eyes narrowed. Theres something about it


    Alexs blood went cold, but he kept a friendly smile. Something about it?


    Had she recognized the dungeon core substance inside his core?


    Its mana just feelsdifferent from anything Ive ever felt before.


    Alex nearly breathed a sigh of relief. Well, he is a pretty unique golem; we do a lot of unique things in Generasi, what can I say? Well have a lot of that sort of stuff to show you here in camp. Magical equipment, devices, our research area, magical defences. The works.


    Drestras eyes lit up like a child whod been promised dessert before the rest of her meal. I look forward to that.


    Well, you seem to be getting along well already, Professor Jules said. I will leave you all in each others care. Just feel free to stop by when youre ready to talk business.


    With that, the head of the alchemy department washed her hands of her problems and passed them off to someone else with great sess.


    Alex almost admired her for it.


    Right, lets get things started, the Fool said to the other Heroes. Ill give you the tour and answer any questions youve got.


    His smile widened even as his gaze sharpened. Best to make do with a bad situation. Time for reconnaissance.


    And for you, Ive got a few questions of my own.

 Chapter 284: A Gathering of Heroes

    Chapter 284: A Gathering of Heroes


    I hate this, Theresa muttered, angrily checking over her equipment. Her light armour suddenly felt stifling and the cloak she wore seemed to crush down on her shoulders like it was made of stone. Everything felt ufortable. Everything was terrible.


    Even her great-grandfathers swords


    they were the only things that feltforting.


    From the moment her father had given her the second de on her birthday, it felt like a key had been ced in a lock; like something had beenpleted. When shed used the twin swords together, theyd felt alive in her hands, and the more she used them, the more it felt like she was on the verge of some kind of a realisation


    Right now, though, she was just d that they were close at hand. Her hands squeezed their hilts for reassurance. She might need them. Alex had said not to interfere if things went bad.


    But she wasnt sure she could just quietly stand by and go along with that.


    Just imagining him being dragged off in chains was


    She was clenching her teeth so hard, her jaw hurt.


    She tightened one of the buckles on her pack and risked a quick nce toward Alex, who was talking to the Heroes. ygon was with him, but seeing her boyfriend surrounded by three Heroes whoif they knew who he was wouldn''t hesitate to take him by force, was making her crazy. She and the rest of the team were preparing to head out on survey duty, but she kept thinking that <em>theyd</em> be safer than he was.


    Her hand clenched on the buckle.


    A hand fell on hers.


    Youll break it, Isolde said. Youve nearly bent it already.


    Theresa looked down to see that the metal buckle was starting to warp.


    Ugh, focus, she cursed herself.


    Pardon? Isolde asked.


    No, not you. Theresa shook her head. Sorry, its justthis is the worst thing that could have happened.


    Actually, Khalik cut in. The worst thing that could have happened is-


    The prince paused as Theresa and Isolde stared daggers into him.


    Ah, not the time for humour. Of course. Well, if you will excuse me, Ill finish getting ready somewhere out of sword-range.


    He slipped off to join Thundar and Grimloch; the sharkman was still openly staring at the Champion of Thamnd.


    He was licking his lips like he was enjoying something tasty while tapping his maul.


    Listen, Isolde said, leaning toward the huntress and dropping her voice to a whisper. Our mission is not difficult today: the area we are to survey hasrgely been cleared. Further-


    <em>Boom</em>.


    The earth shook as a humongous reptilian foot took a step. Tyris Goldtooth directed Vesuvius toward the gates where the rest of her team was waiting.


    Isolde inclined her head toward them. -our team will be working with Tyris today. Likely, they will have more than enough hands to manage so, if you want, I will ask them if they would not mind my absence, then volunteer to join Alex on the tour to give him some support.


    At that moment, Theresa felt so relieved, and so grateful to Isolde that she wanted to hug her.


    Which she did.


    Ah, Isolde stood awkwardly for a moment, before patting Theresa on the shoulder. There, there. It will be alright. Ill make sure nothing goesawry.


    I wish I could stay, Theresa said.


    The team will need your tracking skills and those of Brutus, Isolde said. Do not worry. I will take care of things.


    There was a note of nervousness in Isoldes voice, which just made Theresa hug her even tighter.


    When Isolde volunteered to join him and the Heroes, Alex could have hugged her. He almost did, but settled for sharing a meaningful look with his friend instead.


    Well, looks like youll be in the care of the two of us, he said. This is my friend, Lady Isolde von Anmut of the Rhinean Empire. Hope were enough.


    It certainly seemed enough for Cedric.


    The Chosens eyes lit up like a child whod just gotten into their parents honey jar. He immediately moved toward Isolde, nodded, and gave her a broad smile. I didnt really get a chance to meet ya earlier, Im Cedric of n Duncan an I think the others already introduced themselves earlier. So, well be in your capable hands, will we? His smile hadnt left his face. An sorry to pull yous away from your work.


    We could say the same to you, Isolde said, nodding back at him. Let us just say instead that both groups shall work together to bring about triumph, profit and discovery.


    Profit and triumph go hand in hand, Hart agreed.


    Hmm, Drestra said idly; the young woman had been distracted, fascinated by everything in the encampment. If they didnt start the tour soon, Alex could see her wandering off and exploring on her own.


    Good. The more you pay attention to whats going on around us, the less attention therell be on me. He thought.


    Well, lets get started, shall we? He said. Well begin outside and work our way in: so that means well start with the defences first.


    Beginning the tour with a show of the Generasians strength wouldve made Baelin proud. Alex and Isolde led the Heroes back to the gate, pointing up to the two towers nking it.


    Generasi-style defencebines mundane deterrents with magical force, Alex said. The gates are reinforced, as are the walls: theyre made of soil, but could take siege engines about as well as a stone keep. Each tower has a ballista built-in, and we also have enchanted cauldrons that can heat twenty gallons of cold oil to boiling in about two minutes. Anyone trying to break down the gates is gonna be in for a nasty surprise.<strong></strong>Sentries are always stationed outside the gates and walking patrols keep guard outside the wall.


    Smart, the Champion said. Looking for sappers?


    Right on the coin pouch, Alex said, lightly kicking the wall. Theyre hardened, but you never know what hostiles might try. The sentries up in the towers watch for enemiesing in from a distance and the foot patrols watch and listen for anyone trying to dig under, sabotage or scale the walls.


    He didnt tell the Heroes about the changes to the acidity of the soil under the wall. They didnt need to know everything.


    If anything tries to attack usbig mistake, by the wayweve got battle mages, Watchers of Roal-


    What are those? Drestra asked excitedly.


    Alex smiled. It figured that the Sage would be nerding out about anything magical. He didnt know what the situation with the Witches of<strong></strong>Crymlyn Swamp was, but he knew that wizards were rare in Thamnd, unlike in Generasi.


    No doubt most sages, even the Sage of Uldar wouldnt see this kind of stuff everyday.


    Watchers of Roal are kind of an order of warrior-wizards. They live to train, and at times, I even think they train to live, so they end up being the <em>meanest </em>of fighters who canbine both sword and spell.


    I approve, Cedric said. de and magic go together like meat and ale.


    I prefer wine with my steaks, Isolde said.


    ...well, wines good too! the Chosen quickly said.


    Well, beer or wine aside, if were ever attacked, the Watchers and battlemages go to the top of the wall and the patrolse back in and seal the gate. Then its boiling oil, arrows and spells raining down on enemies attacking from the ground, and arrows and spells for any bastardsing from the sky. If the sky gets too thick with flying attackers, then our Watchers will handle them by casting flight magic on themselves, and taking the fight to them in the air.


    He pointed back to the gate. Anyone trying to break down the gates has to deal with the stone golems you saw out there, as well as boiling oil raining down on their heads. The golems wont care, but anyone with <em>skin</em> will. And theres more to it than that, but this is a tour not a war room meeting.


    Cedric whistled. Its somethin thear how wizards defend their stuff.


    In nasty ways. Hart grimaced, like he was recalling an unpleasant memory. He nodded toward ygon. You missed out a part of the defence strategy, and it looks formidable.


    Again thoserge eyes seemed to burn into ygon. Measuring. Assessing.


    The fire-gems that were golems eyes looked right back at the Champion. If Alex didnt know better, in a way, it looked like ygon was taking the big mans measure himself.


    Well, ygon is the property of Alex, Isolde jumped in. When Alex is present, so is he. But when Alex is back at Generasi, then ygon will go back with him. If anyone tried to attack Alexor any of usthey would find ygons answer to be veryfatal, forck of a better word.


    Alex could think of no better word to describe it, and he got the message that she was trying to convey: try something and you''ll be dead. The Heroes probably wouldnt have thought she meant <em>them</em>, but it might give them something to consider if things turned sour and they did be enemies.


    ygon? Drestra raised an eyebrow, looking at golem curiously. What is a ygon?


    A pained look crossed Isoldes face. it is the golems name, as chosen by Alex.


    Drestra stared at Isolde for a moment and cleared her throat, muttering something about foreign tastes.


    Alex chose to let that pass.


    As the group climbed the wall and Alex and Isolde showed them both the camp and the view of the territory, he noticed his friends leaving the encampment with Tyris group. Cedric watched too.


    An off they go, he said, his shirtless tattooed arm reaching for the wall. He leaned on it. Great Uldar lookit the size o that bloody tortoise. d that aint a Ravener-spawnah, anyways, again, sorry to pull you away from yourrades, Lady von Anmut. Might feel a bit annoyin to be draggin us around while the rest of your mates head off into danger.


    Please, call me Isolde, the young womans eyes rested on the Chosen. And there is no apology necessary. If I were needed I would have gone with them: my bodyguards protested at being separated from me, but they are not needed here. We are well-defended in the encampment.


    Well now I feel worse: if theres danger out there then it feels a bit scummy tbe holdin yous here.


    The entirety of Greymoor is close to beingpletely mapped out, she said. There seems to be little danger presently. I can be spared, but engaging both myself <em>and</em> my guards for your tour would have beena little extravagant, I think. You are also our allies. Already we are being apanied by a war golem. Having two armed warriors following along might have sentthe wrong message.


    Aye, well-


    Excuse me, Drestras crackling voice suddenly cut in. She pointed to another part of the camp. What is that ce?


    Arger tent rose in the direction she was pointing, withrge,plex- looking magical machinery beside it.


    That, Alex said. Is our examination tent, thats where we bring our samples. Forproperty rights reasons we cant tour it, unfortunately, but as for the stuff beside it: those machines help shape stone and bind<strong></strong>it together through force magic. Once we finish exploring all of Greymoor, were going to turn this ce into a fortress. Or maybe build it in another location if a better ones found while were surveying.


    I would <em>love</em> to see those machines in action, Drestra said. How do they work? What is their magic?


    Well get to that, Alex said. Dont you worry.


    Yknow, Hart said, looking down on the camp. This reminds me of my days in the Ash Ravens. If you told me that this was a war camp, I wouldnt be surprised. Wizards dont usually build ces like this.


    You have had a lot of experience with ces that wizards built? Isolde asked.


    Drestra threw Hart a look, and the big man cleared his throat. Something like that, aye.


    Well, your impression makes sense, Alex said. In a way, this is a war camp. Were researching ways to end the war after all, and were in the middle of a war zone.


    Heh, Cedric chuckled darkly. Ifn ythink this is a war zone, yous aint seen nothin yet.


    Alexs mind shed back to the beach on Orecas Fall ind. I think youd be surprised at what Ive seen.


    As he continued leading the Heroes around camp, he began to note how each of them reacted to their surroundings. Mentally, he began building a profile of each one. Hart <em>seemed</em> rxed, but the giant of a man watched his surroundings like a guard dog eyeing passersby. Cedric was talking to Isolde, and she was keeping him engaged, fully engrossed in the conversation. He focused on the Chosens bodynguage, noting how he kept moving his arms in ways that showed off his chiselled muscles rippling under his woad markings.


    Good job, Isolde, Alex thought. Keep him distracted.


    His attention fell on Drestra.


    The Sage was darting her head like a bird sitting on a branch, trying to take in the entire camp at once.


    She was the one hed start asking questions of.


    Enjoying yourself? Alex asked, walking up beside her while ygon thundered along behind the group.


    Oh my, yessss! The Sage sounded like she couldve been drooling behind her veil. Even in the Crymlyn Swamp I have never seen so many makers of magic all at once. And your tools and equipment so refined.


    Yeah, our head of alchemy likes to be sure were well equipped. He nodded to a pair of students checking over one of the pieces of machinery used to change theposition and hardness of stone. Here were kinda roughing it. You should see Generasi. Its like an utterly different world there. We even have flying ships.


    Drestra actually gasped and pped both hands to her face.


    If its more fanciful than this ce, I cant begin to imagine it, she said.


    Well, maybe you can start crafting this kind of stuff yourself one day, Alex said, probing carefully, wondering at her skills. Ive heard the Sages mana expands bywhat, a hundred-fold?


    Thats an exaggeration, she said idly, watching familiars fly overhead. A messenger construct swooped toward themand tent. But it did grow immensely.


    Im jealous, Alex said, actually meaning it. I can only cast up to second tier spells myself, though Im a lot better at alchemy.


    Im <em>terrible</em> at alchemy, she said glumly. And the power of the Sage is nothing to be jealous of. There is frim duty thates with that power.


    Her crackling voice had caught slightly.


    Alex noted it, but didnt ask about it. Not yet.


    Too invasive too early could make the Heroes turn against him. That was thest thing he wanted. They didnt seem like nasty peopleand he wanted to get along with thembut more importantly, if his secret came out


    he figured it would be a lot tougher to try and capture someone that they liked, rather than someone they didnt.


    Yeah, well we Thameish folk in Generasi are trying to support you the best we can, Alex said. You should meet my friend, Carey. Shes Thameish too, and shes been trying to support the war effort in any way she can. Trying to make things easier on you Heroes


    He paused slightly, then decided to go for it. ...which reminds me, Cedric said something about the four of you. I know the Saint cante to Greymoor, but have there been any clues about the Fool?


    Hm? Drestra tore her eyes away from several wizards who were showing each other maps through illusion magic. Oh, the Fool. The question everyones been asking.


    She shook her head. Sadly, theres no sign of the Fool for now, though the priests continue to search.


    Not even any leads? Alex asked.


    There was a shift in her bodynguage. Sometimes theres a lead-


    Alex fought to keep his expression calm.


    -but nothing has turned up yet. Nothing solid. Everyone seems to have their own pet theory. I just focus on trying to get the job finished with what we have, using any tool we have-


    <em>Brooooaaam.</em>


    A horn blew from the centre of camp, drawing everyones attention.


    What was that? Cedric asked, pulling his attention away from Isolde.


    Alexs jaw tightened. That. Is the rm.


    Attention! Professor Jules voice called out, its volume expanded by magic. The chitterers dungeon has been located! Weve found it!


    Finally, Alex snarled. Its been-


    And, Professor Jules magical voice boomed again. There are two! Two dungeons have been found together!

 Chapter 285: The Heroes Go Forth

    Chapter 285: The Heroes Go Forth


    A double dungeon, thats some bloody rotten fortune! Cedric said as the group rushed to the centre of camp.


    Alex quickly nced at him. Double dungeon?


    Aye, two o them right on top of each other! The bloody monsters from each dungeon start workin together in all sorts o nasty ways! They get harder to predict: lots o surprises nobody needs.


    And more surprises from the enemy, means more dead allies, Hart said.


    Alex exchanged a look with Isolde.


    He was praying to The Traveller that his friends team wasnt the one that had found the dungeons. But if it was, he wanted to get to them without wasting any time.


    The expedition members gathered in front of themand tent like a mustering army while Professor Jules hovered ten feet above them. She had the look of a general calling her army to war as she clutched a message in her left hand, while conjuring the illusion of a map with her right: therge map could be seen by everyone gathered, even from the back of the crowd.


    Alex made his way to the front as wizards and familiars parted when they saw ygon and the Heroes approaching. All eyes were on the three neers.


    Whatre they going to do? One of Professor Jules grad students whispered to another who was near Alex.


    I guess well find out soon enough.


    Alex could barely think about the Heroes, his mind was on his friends.


    Come oe on he muttered, watching the map closely as a cold sweat crept over his skin. He chewed his lower lip.


    Professor Jules waved a hand. Two of our surveying teams discovered the dungeons. They were well hidden in the south of Greymoor.


    Which teams found them? someone asked.


    Alex held his breath.


    Teams eight and five, Professor Jules said.


    Alex and Isolde gasped at the same time.


    Those were Alex and Tyris teams.


    Shit, he swore out loud, drawing Cedrics attention.


    Whats the matter? Is that-


    Whats the status of the teams? Alex interrupted, desperate for information. Are they in a fight? Are they-


    The message states that they have not engaged the dungeons as of yet, Jules said. They are currently on standby. And remember, they are capablebatants, Mr. Roth, do try to keep yourself together. Clear heads are needed.


    He flushed red. Right.


    Professor Jules gave him a small sympathetic smile before she moved on. We have to assemble a team immediately to reinforce teams five and eight. Some of our other surveyor-teams have been advised to converge on the dungeons locations for added support. Once everyone is assembled there, then the investigation canmence andif the odds look favourableour goal will be to destroy the two dungeons concurrently. This is an unexpected find, but handling the element of surprise is what many of you train for, so prepare yourselves as we must move quickly. I will need several volunteers to join the reinforceme-


    Alex and Isoldes hands shot up as one.


    -ah yes, Mr. Roth, Lady von Anmut, of course you would be the first to volunteer. Andoh?


    She was looking past Alex, and directly at the three Heroes.


    Cedric and Hart had their hands raised, and Drestras joined theirs a blinkter.


    Well, ifn you got room in this strike team- Cedric said.


    He twirled his spear then set it on his shoulder.


    -why dont we tear these bloody dungeons down together? Were supposed to be workin in partnership, aye? Be bloody bad way to start ifn we jus sit here while your people fight our fight.


    Relief rushed through Alex.


    The Heroes strength and experience with dungeons would be more than weed. A little part of him was even thinking that if they saw his skill with magic and inbat: it could only help to throw them off his scent. But, what mattered most right now, was his friends. The Heroes specialised in tearing dungeons apart, so having them along should mean a quicker end to the Raveners monsters theyd be facing, and a better chance for his friends and everyone else involved.


    If you are volunteering, then I will wee your aid, Professor Jules said. Anyone else?


    Several more hands were raised, then Jules organised everyone quickly and efficiently, assigning several Watchers of Roal to the team.


    Combat isnt my greatest strength, and I confess that freely. Afterall, not everyone can be Baelin, she smiled, seemingly trying to take some of the tension from the air. So I shall remain here. If questions arise, then Watcher Shaw will be in charge. I expect you all to work coboratively.


    There was a low, harsh sound from somewhere in the crowd, like someone snorted but tried to muffle it. Hart Redfletcher was turning away from Jules, an unreadable expression on his face. Few people caught it.


    Everyone, get your equipment ready, Jules said. Pay close attention to your leader, its time to fly.


    The hills of Greymoor rushed past as the reinforcements flew through the sky. Cool air nipped at them through their cloaks and the scent of rotting bog drifted high in the air.


    Steel-grey clouds hid the sun, casting everything it touched in a grim light, and the group was quiet as they moved along. Alex flew between Isolde and ygon, with the golem flying uprighthis lower arms were crossed behind his backas Alex had directed him to do in the Barrens of Kravernus.


    His upper arms and palms pointed straight forward, the fire-gems ready to st iing attackers the moment they were needed. It was a good tactical body position to have ygon assume. Plus, he looked really, really intimidating.


    Isoldes expression was bleak as she nervously thumbed the dagger on her belt. The flying Watchers were the picture of self-assurance, with the stern Watcher Shaw moving with speed at the head of the group.


    Then, there were the Heroes


    Despite Cedrics earlier bravado and the fact that they didnt hesitate to join the fight, a surprising tension had slipped into them. When Alex and his friends were set to go into battle, they were always cautious and watchful for enemies, but theyd only stop talking to each other when they approached an opponent. Before the time came for quiet, theyd be coversing: discussing ns or tactics, exchanging information, and encouraging one another.


    Each battle saw their camaraderie and trust in each other grow. Each fight they fought together showed them how to support each other, and theyd taken that knowledge with them into subsequent battles.


    But he wasnt seeing that with the Heroes. Instead of camaraderie, it was like he was watching three people who shared nothing inmon. It felt like he was looking at people who wereplete strangers to one another. Maybe even three strangers who didnt particrly like each other.


    He studied their bodynguage carefully, trying to pick up on cues, both subtle and not so subtle. Cedrics face looked rxed, but there was a tension in his shoulders as he flew toward the dungeons. His eyes scanned their surroundings constantly, but he also kept ncing back at the other two Heroes like he was reassuring himself they were still in the formation.


    It almost looked like he was keeping an eye on them more than the folks hed just met. He didnt even seem to be showing as much concern about the potential for enemies to be lurking in the hills below.


    I know youre supposed to be the leader, Alex thought. Butthe point of having strong allies is to not have to constantly look after them. I meanthey should be able to handle themselves.


    He took a look at the Champion.


    Harts bodynguage still looks chaotic: it still feels like he has scores of people packed inside all working together, Alex thought.


    His face though, it looked absolutely ted with an excitement that Alex had seen in Grimlocha lot. The Champion looked like he was almost salivating thinking about the fight they were heading toward.


    That wasn''t really surprising, from what Alex had already observed about him.


    But there was more to his bodynguage now: a characteristic both he and Cedric shared. They looked ufortable flying, like they werent used to it. It wasnt that they were struggling to manoeuvrethe spell made flight easy to controlbut there was an awkwardness in the way they held themselves.


    They kept looking down like they were confirming that the ground wasnt getting closer, or that they werent about to plummet into it. The pair reminded Alex of the first time he and his little family had boarded Lucias sky-gond back when theyd first arrived in Generasi: flying was something scary, dangerous and seemed almost impossible at the time.


    Hart and Cedric looked like that now.


    But thats strange Alex thought. It doesnt look like theyre used to flying, but Drestra cast flight magic on herself before we left. She lookedfortable with it: which means theyve had ess to flight magic for a while. And Cedric can use magic, because he has the Mark of the Chosenso she could have taught him the flight spell. So why arent they used to flying? Why wouldnt she have cast it on them in a battle? And actually


    His eyes narrowed, remembering their final preparations before leaving camp.


    she didnt even offer to cast flight or any other spells over themneither did Cedric. There was almost no cooperation there. What the hell was going on with the three of them?


    Baelin would not have been pleased.


    One of the most important things Alex had learned in the Art of the Wizard in Combat was the importance of teamwork: wizards were dangerous on their own, but they were even deadlier when they were working together as a unit. Even warriors without mana got a hell of a lot more dangerous with a wizards enhancement magic boosting their abilities.


    Hed seen that time and time again.


    Why werent they putting enhancement spells on Hart?


    They didnt even discuss a n, or the battle they were heading into. They didnt encourage each other either, he thought. Butwhy wouldnt they be cooperating? Are they just stupid?


    He shook his head.


    No, I dont think thats it. They didnt seem particrly dumb when we were talking. So then


    His mind turned to Minervus, someone who hadnt shown anyraderie inbat situationsor in other parts of his life, from what Alex could tell. Trust was an issue there: he and any teammates he worked with didnt show a lot of trust in each other, and so when it was time for battle, things tended to fall apart.


    Inbat, having trust in ones allies was key.


    Thats why Alexs group hadnt wanted to add anyone they hadnt fought alongside before to their team for the Grand Battle: trust and cohesion would have been lost.


    But why is there thisck of trust with the Heroes? he wondered. Theyve been fighting together for over a year, whats been going on?


    He looked at Drestra, examining her bodynguage, searching for clues. It struck him how different hers was from Harts and Cedrics: her posture was straight and smooth, her eyes pointed forward confidently. She was clearly someone used to flying. If anything, she looked a bit more confident in the air than the experienced wizards around her did.


    Maybe she learned flight magic early on, Alex thought. Ormaybe something''s not quite what it looks to be. Buttheres definitely something going on there.


    Drestras bodynguage was odd. Very odd. Alex had studied the bodynguage of a lot of humanoids so far, but hed never seen another person move like her. The difference was subtle. Quite subtle. He probably wouldnt have noticed anything without having spent so much time using the Mark to observe folk: but, it was like her movementsstuttered.


    One moment shed be moving normally, thenfor a split-secondthered be an instant of nearplete stillness. Then shed move again like nothing happened.


    Wait, thats familiar, he thought. Ive seen that before. Was it Grimloch? No. Nua-Oge? No. Lagor? Kyba-


    His mind froze.


    No, it was <em>Harmless.</em> Drestra moved like a crocodile: smooth motions broken by moments of predatory stillness. Alex remembered her eyes. Reptiles eyes.


    Wait<em>was</em> she human? Another humanoid race? Orwas she something else? He thought back to a spell Professor Hak had talked about: Warp Flesh. How it changed the flesh. The mana vampires came back to him: how they would shift their form to blend in with their prey.


    Shapeshifting. A powerful magic.


    Was she some sort of shapeshifter? Or was she just from a race Alex had never encountered before? What was-


    Look alive! Watcher Shaw barked from the front of the group. Were getting near the location! Protective spells and enhancement spells up! The teams werent supposed to engage the enemy, but things could have changed. We dont know what were flying into.


    Alex pulled his attention away from Drestra, making sure to cast his defensive spells, conjure six Wizards Hands and two forceballs, slowly and carefully, in full view of the other Heroes. He wanted them to <em>see</em> him using spellcraft. Next, he drank a sensory enhancement potion and an enhanced agility one. He kept his haste potion for when they encountered a threat, then he summoned a pair of Aervespertillos, and two fire elemental beetle swarms.


    Suddenly, Hart called out. Fire column ahead! Somethings happening!


    Alex peered in the direction Hart pointed.


    Ahead and to the right, a bright orange spray was shooting into the sky like a fountain. Hed recognise Vesuvius eruption anywhere. His jaw clenched.


    Lets go! Watcher Shaw roared, increasing speed.


    Alex shot after him, pulling into line with Isolde and ygonand Cedric, Hart and Drestra. For the first time in this cycle, the Chosen, the Champion, the Sage, and finally the Fool, flew into battle together.

 Chapter 286: Heroic Battle

    Chapter 286: Heroic Battle


    The team of reinforcements tore through the sky, racing toward the battle as the roar of me reached them from up ahead. Thick smoke from burning grass billowed in a grey cloud. Something was moving through it.


    A lot of somethings.


    Alexs potion-enhanced vision began picking out details as the supporters closed the distance.


    Oh hells!


    Monsters were everywhere. A pair of hills on a hilly region up aheadhe and his surveying team had often passed ithad ruptured like rotten fruit. Nightmarish creatures poured from countless mounds like armies of ants.


    Atop the smaller hill monstrous humanoids shrieked, clicked and chittered. They churned through the turf and brush on the broken hilltop, stomping anything in their way. Alex could see strings of spittle flying from their fanged mouths even as more of them burst from the ground.


    They were armed. Most gripped rough-looking clubs of stone or hardened earth, but therger ones wielded jagged bone des that looked less like swords, and more like stacks of spikes roughly shaped into weapons. Imposing humanoid monsters strode forward, brandishing metal weapons of the kind humans normally carried, perhaps theyd been taken by force from bandits, soldiers or other warriors.


    These monsters screeched louder than the rest, and the smaller ones seemed to be reacting to the cries, like they were receiving orders from a leader.


    The Thameish bestiaries had described the monsters as chitterersfrom what Alex rememberedso he quickly called on the Mark to recall the wording:


    <em>No stronger than an average human, </em>it had said,<em> but they form a bulk of the Raveners forces: a single dungeon core can spawn thousands of them very quickly. Their dungeons must be destroyed or their numbers will quickly grow overwhelming. Ancient ounts speak of them covering thend and filling the forests to the brim, their screeches deafening when they cried out. Over time, they learn more of battle and tactics. Some are even said to be able to use mana, though it is blessedly rare in the extreme that a single one of them is born with the intellect and patience to practice spellcraft.</em>


    Luckily, Alex couldnt see any chitterers casting spells, which was a huge relief: since what wasing from the other hill was even worse news than the chitterers.


    From inside the fissure and mounds, swarms of flying creatures spewed out and took to the air.


    Are those blood-draks? He called to Isolde.


    I fear that is exactly what they are. She called back over the wind. They will be a bigger problem than the other ones. She added.


    Alex swore, recalling the entry on blood-draks in the bestiaries.


    Each was as big as a draft horse. They had long insectile bodies and chitinous tails. Wings shaped like a dragonflys pped, sounding like a roll of thunder as the monsters burst into the air, tails whipping around them, and six long legs rapidly stabbing outward.


    Each leg ended in a barbed, bony spear-tip. Those legsll definitely be something to avoid. Alex thought to himself.


    But the creatures had other natural weapons that would be even deadlier to anyone they came in contact with.


    From the shoulders up, the monster looked like dragons. They had long, serpentine necks that ended in massive, scaly, reptilian heads crowned with horns. Their jaws parted, spewing


    Alex physically recoiled mid-flight.


    blood.


    Just as it had been described in the texts, they were unleashing streams of boiling blood onto any solid object near them.


    The red torrents were hissing loudly, spraying through the air, scalding anything they touched before clotting over like a scab that was said to be as hard as petrified wood. Anything unfortunate enough to be covered by the foulness, remained trappedif they were still alive.


    And it only got worse.


    The stench of blood-draks blood was so foul, it could turn even the strongest stomach, and send one into crippling retching. The blood was also a weapon that carried disease, so even if someone initially survived being sprayed, theyd be dead from sepsis within days.


    Thank the Traveller the team had Orbs of Air around their heads. He thought.


    Isolde was right, those blood-draks would be a problem.


    His jaw clenched: theyd have to be the first to die before they had the chance to overwhelm our teams on the ground.


    Through the blood-drak swarms and the horde of chitterers, Alex spotted a group of surveyors fighting for their lives: his own team, Tyris, and other expedition members who must have converged when the call went out.


    They were making a stand at the top of another hill, sting volleys of spells like a hailstorm, raking the ranks of monsters on the ground, and through the sky.


    Streams of acid, ice bolts, crackling lightning and fireballs detonated amongst the Ravener-spawn, freezing, melting, or simply blowing them apart.


    Alex felt the mana of summoning magic building: a group of wizards were focused on summoning; hellhounds, celestial dogs, fire elementals, and scorpion-like creatures were confronting the enemy, striking at them before they could overrun the hill the wizards were defending.


    Others summoned flying demons to take to the air and battle the airborne blood-draks. They tore at the blood-spewing monsters, trying to force them away from the wizards hill.


    On the hills peak stood Vesuvius, roaring and sting chitterers with a fountain ofva, while he sprayed the swarms of blood-draks with his fire breath. Tyris floated above him, roaring out spell after spell: sts of boilingva, ice spikes and force bolts burned, froze and crushed blood-draks.


    Alexs eyes kept searching unti-


    There. He found his team.


    Khalik was chanting spells that sted volleys of stone spikes, or created stgmites that erupted from the earth, impaling chitterers as they sought to swarm the surveyors. Thundar was beside Grimloch on the front line, his form shimmering as an illusion spell obscured his movements.


    His mace red with sts of force each time it struck, crushing monsters into pulp. Grimloch wasughing maniacally, his hammer blurred from swing to swing, striking again and again. With each swing, a mass of chitterers died. An armoured leg also shot out, breaking enemies and booting them back down the hill. His armour was turning aside every weapon thrust at him, and before the attacker could try again, the sharkman was disarming them then returning the weaponde first.


    Alexs heart jumped.


    there was Theresa and Brutus.


    The huntress was blurring through the monsters, her swords flickering out like shes of light. Chitterers were falling around her as Brutus lunged and mauled any trying to attack her from behind. Svenia and Hogarth were behind Brutus. They skewered and chopped down opponents with thrusts and swings of their halberds.


    The surveyors were mostly holding their own


    But, not everything was going their way.


    Because no matter how many they killed, more chitterers would burst from beneath the hill, and the blood-draks were also very fast; some were evading spells and demons, diving at wizards with barbed legs thrusting, and spewing their diseased blood before swooping away.


    Flying wizards were trying to st them from the sky or shield the others below from the flying creatures attacks, but they were vastly outnumbered by monsters that were repeatedly being reced from reserves under the two hills. Already, more than a handful of wounded surveyorsy on the ground, surrounded by blood mages tending to them.


    It was a scene of chaos, a study of the Ravener and the fierce battles that came with every cycle.


    And Alex and the rest of the reinforcements were about to charge right into it.


    Everyone focus on the blood-draks first! Watcher Shaw drew his sword and brandished his staff. Keep your distance, clear them out, then focus on the chitterers! Summon monsters to hit em from above, if you can! Our mana wont hold out forever, so lets make a path that our surveyors can retreat through!


    Right! Alex pulled out booby-trapped flight potions and tossed them into two Wizards Hands. He tossed his second pair of Hands a couple of sleep potions, then gave thest pair some booby-trapped sensory enhancement potions.


    <em>Whoooooom.</em>


    ygons fire-gems powered up.


    <em>Crackle.</em>


    Isolde began to chant; lightning yed between her hands.


    Im going for those flyers! Alex shouted, ncing up at the other Heroes. You with me?


    Aye, Ill go after em wit ya! Cedric shouted. You got a spine, I gotta say that!


    Hart simplyughed, diving straight down toward the battle below. Im better on the ground!


    His sword seemed to blur into his hand.


    Hart! You- Drestra shouted, shaking her head. Damn itIll get the tunnels!


    Drestra flew away.


    Bloody hell, Im still wit ya! Cedric cried.


    He raised his quicksilver-like weapon which shifted until it was a polearm with sharp-edged des on either end, like a double-ended sword. He cast several spells of protection on himself then shouted one that Alex had never heard of.


    A stone formed in his handwhich vibrated so violentlyit was blurring in his grip. The Chosen cocked his arm back then whipped the stone downward with all of his considerable might: straight into the swarm of blood-draks and-


    <em>Boom!</em>


    -a st of sonic energy detonated, hitting nearby monsters with a wave of sound, and a cloud of shrapnel. Fragments tore into them, shredding wings and chitin as the sonic wave spread, rupturing eardrums and insides. The creatures burst apart like over-filled sacks.


    With a war-cry, Cedric dove at the blood-draks, spinning his de before him, slicing through the stunned creatures with precision. Isolde summoned her orbs of lightning and cast them into the swarm, catching a line of monsters between them and jolting them with repeating arcs of lightning.


    ygon! Fire! Avoid my friends!


    Alex tucked his arms at his sides and hurtled toward the blood-draks.


    Clear the way, ygon! he shouted. Heads up everyone! Look out below!


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    Three fire-beams sted into the swarm, drawing three lines of death. Wherever they touched-


    <em>Booom!</em>


    -blood-draks exploded in columns of fire that swept more of their kind, singeing wings and skin. Screeching Ravener-spawn fell from the sky in burning waves, mming into chitterers below and setting them aze.


    As me exploded through the sky, Alex sent the Wizards Hands and forceballs into the swarm of blood-draks. Many were flying aimlessly and inplete chaos because of the attack from above.


    He willed the Hands to spread out, aiming for the outer margins of the monster swarm then, he crushed the bottles.


    <em>Pooof!</em>


    Gaseous potions exploded around the swarm, catching blood-draks as they flew through it. Immediately, some went to sleep, plummeting from the sky and dropping either on their kin, or chitterers on the ground below. Others screeched, spraying boiling blood everywhere in blind panic as their senses werepletely overwhelmed. It spattered, covering their allies, scalding and hardening their wings: monsters screamed, blood hardened, and Ravener-spawn plummeted to the earth.


    As the outside of the swarm fell into chaos and Cedric tore through the centre of the monster swarm, Watchers and apanying reinforcements summoned monsters and fired spells at the swarm of blood-draks. They were being hit from all sides.


    Go! Alex ordered his bat-like aervespertillos. Stun them!


    He then instructed the fire elemental-beetles. Swarm them, go for their eyes! But, stay clear of the blood-streams!


    His air elementals swooped down like falcons, inhaled deeply, then screeched as one. Cedrics sonic wave had hurt some of the monsters, the aervespertillos did the same to even more: blood-draks shrieked in obvious pain, careening into each other.


    Elemental beetles took their turn, pouring from the sky like hailstones and seething onto blood-draks then biting at their eyes and mouths. The monsters tried to writhe away.


    ygon! Alex called. Move in, make them sorry they ever attacked us! Watch for our allies!


    Heads up everyone! He shouted as ygon took off.


    Making no sound, Alexs golem climbed through the air and hovered for a bit, then streaked downward like a meteor.


    <em>Whooooom!</em>


    His fire-gems red bright as he halted among the confused, screeching, blood-draks to unleash hell.


    <em>Whoooooosh!</em>


    The golems head revolved in a full circle, drawing arcs of fiery death through blood-spewing Ravener-spawn, while his upper arms tracked and sted more to bits with the fire-beams embedded in his palms. Raining fire in all directions, he charged more blood-draks, punting them with massive y feet, and smashing them with gigantic lower fists.


    <em>Crack! Crack!</em>


    Every kick and punch shattered exoskeletons and monstrous bodies. Some of the blood-draks tried a counter-attack, spraying boiling blood over his y body.


    <em>Hsssss.</em>


    It hissed through the air, hitting his armour. But ygon didnt flinch, he just kept surging toward the attackers. They screeched and swerved, spraying streams of foul blood, but the golem kepting.


    <em>Crack! Crack!</em>


    Spear-tipped legs stabbed frantically: the natural weapons merely shattered on his hardened form.


    Then, he reached out and plucked two from mid-air, holding the struggling creatures by the ankles.


    They were now living weapons for him to wield, and wield them he did. ygon swung them like ils, smashing their kin from the sky then pulping and discarding the pair. The fetid blood that sprayed on him began to harden butwith mental instructions from Alexhe simply tore the quick setting fluid away like old parchment.


    <em>Crackle!</em>


    Suddenly, lightning struck the swarm as Isolde drew a line of death through them. Cedric was flying from monster to monster, shing some, sting others with magic, or crushing the flying creatures with divinity. Alexs summoned monsters were also wreaking havoc, nibbling at eyes and stunning blood-draks with high pitched screeches, while the Watchers and the other reinforcements rained down battle-magic and their own summoned monsters on the Raveners.


    The tide of the battle in the air was beginning to turn.


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    Alex looked down to see what was happening on the ground.


    The Sage had brought a colossal amount of mana to bear, raising a ring of me around many of the burrows the chitterers were pouring from. She wasnt able to ring in that entire hill, but shed penned off arge part of it with fire. The mes would re, scorching Ravener-spawn that came too close, and trapping others inside the circle.


    The endless tide of chitterers began to shrink, things were looking up for both the folks on the ground, and in the air.


    Hartsughter boomed over the sounds of battle and Alex had to whistle, awestruck at what he saw. The Champion was battling arge group of monsters like he was having the time of his life.


    Hed never seen anyone fight quite like that before, and hed seen some pretty amazing fighters.


    Hart was faster than Theresa, and even more skilled than her and Grimloch were. He was whipping his massive sword around in a whirlwind of des, thrashing chitterers apart like a farmer reaping wheat.


    The more they threw themselves at him, the more they died. The more they died, the more headway the wizards on the hill made against them.


    The Watchers had wiped out every chitterer behind the surveyors with fireballs, and were now casting two smaller walls of fire to create a ming corridor for them to retreat through.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Suddenly, the ground atop the blood-draks hill exploded with tremendous force. Something enormous began shifting its way through the groaning earth.


    Alex prepared for the worst.

 Chapter 287: The Blood-Hydra

    Chapter 287: The Blood-Hydra


    A horror of a monster was emerging from the mound. It looked even more nightmarish than its pictures in the bestiaries. If a hive-queen was themander for a horde of silence-spiders, then this abomination was amander for a swarm of blood-draks.


    Damn it! Everyone back! Its a bloody blood-hydra! Cedric roared.


    Drestra swore from somewhere up ahead as she immediately transitioned from casting spells on the chitterer dungeon below, to chanting the beginnings of a powerful spell to cast at the emerging blood-hydra. She kept her reptilian eyes firmly fixed on it.


    Hart let out a battle cry, but didnt move toward the beast just yet.


    ygon! Charge your fire-gems and fire on that thing Alex ordered, pointing at the beast below.


    <em>Whooooom!</em>


    The fire-gems pulsated, gathering power for a tremendous st.


    You three! Watcher Shaw called to three Watchers. Switch targets, we need to kill that thing before it gets airborne!


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Earth shifted, more of the monsters bulk was rising into view.


    There was a piercing screech as what looked like gigantic worms erupted from the earth; nine serpentine necks thrashed on the shoulders of the blood-hydras insectile body, each capped by a draconic head spewing fountains of boiling blood through the air.


    Its heads were horrifying. Its cries were hideous.


    Its bodywas strangely beautiful.


    It resembled an enormous butterfly in shape with flexible wings that were unfolding as it crawled from an enormous tunnel. It shrieked again as its wings snapped open, taking the shape of moth wings shimmering like ships sails covered in ruby dust.


    But, as beautiful as the shimmering was, it was equally as deadly.


    Each time those wings beat, diseased blood droplets fell from them like rain, coating everything below in a crimson downpour. While they didnt scald like the streams of blood erupting from its jaws, the droplets still hardened, trapping anything they touched, filling it with vile diseases. Already, a crust had begun forming on the earth around it.


    That thing needed to die fast.


    ygon, now! Alex thought.


    The golem directed all three of its fire-gems at the dragon as Drestra finished casting her massive spell: the mana coursing from her was almost overwhelming.


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    Three fire-beams raced toward the blood-hydra.


    Drestra pointed both hands as she finished the spell. From one, a colossal wave of hurricane force wind gushedangled to drive the creature back into the groundand from the other


    <em>Hsssssss!</em>


    A storm of acid droplets driven by magical wind surged toward it.


    Both storms of magic closed in on the monster.


    Its heads snapped up.


    Nine pairs of eyes narrowed.


    <em>Whish!</em>


    Wings cracked like whips,unching the vast body up through the air at shocking speed. Its form blurred as it shot skyward, far from the sts of hungry magic. The target had evaded Drestras winds so they hit the hit the same time as ygons beams. A horrifying sound of sucking wind suddenly filled the air before...


    <em>Booom!</em>


    It all exploded.


    The winds fed the exploding fire-beams andrather than extinguishing themcreated an explosion that was so violent, scores of emerging blood-draks dropped from the force of the st. Acid rained down on Ravener-spawn.


    But, diseased blood was raining down on the airborne defenders.


    The blood-hydra soared through the air, picking up a shocking amount of speed, raining blood and death down on the flyers. Its bellowing cut the air while blood streamed from each head.


    Move! Alex shouted.


    Reinforcements were scattering in every direction, fleeing from falling blood.


    Then the Sage roared out another spell.


    She was chanting, bringing a tremendous rush of mana to bear, then pointing a hand above the reinforcements, Drestra sent a column of wind gusting above their heads. It hit the cascade of blood, sucking it in then swirling away.


    The blood-draks scattered while theirmander roared. It flew through the sky, shedding blood droplets with every wing beatand those wings covered a lot of area.


    Alex used the Mark to do a quick calction of the creatures wingspan. They were at least sixty feet from tip to tip, he estimated: enough to bury a group of defenders. If it flew over a city, it could annihte a small army by simply flying over it. It would be pure horror. Alex shuddered at the thought, realising that the droplets from its wings had nearly coated everyone with him in only one swoop.


    Blood kept streaming from its jaws.


    Something menacing burned in its eyes as it circled with deafening roars echoing from all nine throats. The remaining blood-draks seemed to rally at the cries, their chaotic flight abruptly growing focused.


    Theyunched themselves directly at the reinforcements with no regard for their own safety, hurtling around in a circle, spraying boiling blood seemingly with one goal in mind: corralling the reinforcements in one area.


    Alex swore as blood-draks vomited blood and struck at him from all sides, their jaws snapping. He danced and spun in mid-air, dodging snapping jaws and streams of blood. The beasts were like enraged demons in a feeding frenzy, filling the skies with a red mist sprayed from all directions.


    <em>Hsss!</em>


    Droplets hit his force armour, force rectangles, and force shield, hissing and sizzling against the magic. He quickly pulled something from his belt that hed been working on with help from Thundar.


    Asso.


    He whirled the rope above his head, throwing it through the airusing the Mark to guide and perfect his aimand caught a blood-draks tail. Tightening his grip on the rope, Alex let himself be pulled behind the monster as it tried to get away from him. But, he wasnt about to let that happen.


    It went into a frenzy then, doing loops and spins mid-flight, fighting to shake him off. Youre not getting rid of me that easily. He shouted. Then gritting his teeth hard, he began pulling himselfhand over handup the rope until he reached the blood-draksssoed tail. In one movement, he sprang onto its back, grabbed hold of its exoskeleton and straddled its tail, holding on as it writhed, desperate to shake him off. There was no way he wasnt letting go. Flexing his upper body, he used his captive as a shield, guiding it into different positions, blocking the blood spraying from other blood-draks close by.


    He willed his Wizards Hands to harass every blood-drak around him, blocking eyes, forcing a set of jaws closed just before one of them spewed its deadly liquid. The Hands even pulled on horns, turning the monsters spray toward each other and not his allies.


    Meanwhile, ygons fire-gems were charging.<strong></strong>Alex kept one eye on the blood-hydra, he wasnt about to lose track of it, not with so much going on to distract him. It was a small miracle that all the spinning the blood-drak was doing hadn''t made him dizzy yet. Throwing up in his Orb of Air could get kinda messy, especially since he couldnt really cancel the spell with so much deadly blood everywhere.


    Watcher Shaw was barking out orders tobat the blood-draks coordinated assault .


    Stop them from corralling us! He shouted.


    <em>Hsssss.</em>


    His force shield quickly shifted, catching a stream of boiling blood in the nick of time.


    Cedric roared out a spell, raking the blood-draks with lightning as he swooped through the swarm, shing them apart with his des. Wounds hed taken had already been healed with divinity, and Uldars Chosen seemed unstoppable as he ripped through the monsters ranks.


    Isolde sted her own lightning bolts through the horde, darting out of their reach, while the Watchers rained death in all directions, confirming their fearsome reputation.


    Above! Watcher Shaw called out.


    The blood-hydra had plunged<strong></strong>into a dive, preparing to st the defenders with boiling blood.


    Fire! Alex yelled.


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    ygons fire-beamsnced toward the blood-draks leader, forcing the creature to pull out of its dive as the beams chased it across the sky.


    <em>Whooooosh</em>!


    Another st of wind fired from Drestra, deflecting the droplets. She raised her hands high above her head and fired another intense<strong></strong>spell. A flurry of force missiles shot toward the blood-hydra, reaching the creature mid-flight, punching into its exoskeleton and driving it back.


    A couple of force bolts mangled some of the monsters legs.


    Yet no one cheered. They knew what wasing.


    <em>Squelch.</em>


    Flesh was shimmering and boiling: wounds were closing and the severed legs had already begun to regenerate. Like the true hydra it was named for, its ability to regenerate and recover from wounds was an inborn part of its nature. It would always heal, unless it was annihted utterly


    or, its wounds were seared with fire.


    Maybe Ive got just the thing for that, Alex thought.


    Thats the way! Watcher Shaw called. Were winnowing down the blood-draks, but we have to break that blood-hydra! The surveyors need to retreat, and itll hunt them if we dont stop it!


    Alex looked down at Tyris and Vesuvius: they wouldnt hesitate to take the fight to it normally, but they still had their hands full with blood-draks and chitterers. With Hart also fighting on the hill and the reinforcements fighting above, there was less pressure on them, but if she and Vesuvius went after the blood-hydra, then the ground forces could still get overwhelmed.


    The retreat was just beginning and blood mages were loading wounded onto force disks, while the other surveyors gave them cover, holding off the remaining monsters.


    The blood-hydras attention had turned to those on the hill, tracking them with nine pairs of eyes.


    The wounded were the first being evacuated through the corridor of fire as fighters escorted them.


    Watchers were providing ranged support, but that still left the blood-hydra free to attack.


    Ill get the bastard! Cedric shouted, flying away from the remaining swarm of blood-draks and shooting toward the blood-hydra above them.


    And theres my cue, Alex said.


    He called his Wizards Hands, mentally pulling them back through the swarm to hover over his iling, tiring, blood-drak. One pair of Wizards Hands untied the rope, while another pair covered the monsters eyes.


    Alex reached forward, grabbed its horns and pulled up, driving it up into the sky as Cedric soared toward the blood-hydra. As he broke out of the swarm, he pulled the horns to the side, leaping free of the blood-drak as it crashed into another one.


    He headed right for themander, drawing potions of sleep and booby-trapped flight.


    Ive got this! Cedric roared as Alex flew after him. You kin get back!


    Well break it faster together, Alex shouted over the wind, calling his forceballs to him. Ive got a n. You think you can slow it down for a bit?


    Cedric nced at him, then down at ygon. ns best ifn I just hit the damn thing until it drops. I kin st it wi fire!


    That works just fine for me, Alex said. You do your thing. d you still got Orb of Air around your head, cos youre gonna need it.


    Aye?


    You go ahead, do your thing and Ill back you up!


    The Chosen raised an eyebrow then nodded, cast Haste on himself, then shot toward the blood-hydra at speed.


    <em>Holy Uldar, grant me the power to strike this thing from the sky!</em> Cedric prayed, reaching above his head as the monster circled around, roaring a challenge down at both the Chosen and the Fool.


    Holy fire swept into his handthe divinity was conjuring a spear of mewhich he gripped as he approached the monster while changing his other weapon into a broad shield.


    With deep breath, Alex soared toward the ascending monster, guiding his way through the Marks interference as he cast Call Through Ice. One of his Wizards Hands was shooting toward him, and he tossed his booby-trapped potion of flight into it.


    He was watching the monster carefully as it beat its enormous wings through the air, spewing blood toward Cedric.


    The Chosens shield expanded, spreading out into a half-sphere, parting the torrent of boiling blood like rain running off an umbre. He shot through the liquid using it as cover for his charge, then, he burst from the torrent, moving his shield asidewicking the hardening blood awayand with the strength hed been blessed with, he cast the spear of me toward the blood-hydra.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    It hit the monsters chest with the sound of an exploding roman candle, erupting in a st of light and me. It shrieked, fleeing from Cedric while spewing its blood-breath onto the wound to douse the me.


    For that moment.


    For that brief moment.


    It took its attention off of Alex.


    Big mistake, he said.


    His Wizards Hand shot toward it.

 Chapter 288: Fire and Retreat

    Chapter 288: Fire and Retreat


    Alex finished casting Call through Ice, not resisting the strange powers help with the spell. The monsters nine pairs of jaws were snapping, blood flowed freely onto its chest wound, cooling it. Cedric sped toward the massive creature, looking to press his advantage.


    A portal was open in front of Alexs Hands, ready to receive his sleep potion. The potion bottle dropped in as another portal appeared in front of the monsters snapping jaws: instantly, it teleported between a gnashing pair.


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    ss shattered.


    Nine necks recoiled in surprise.


    Vapour erupted, spreading through the air surrounding it, filling every nostril, mouth, and lung in an instant.


    Already, the potion was showing its effects. Drowsiness was taking over; its flight was slowing.


    The Chosen saw the advantage and didnt hesitate.


    With a single thought, his shield shifted, turning into a long, sharp-edgednce. The hardening blood-hydra blood crumbled away as the shape changed, and Cedric ced his hand on the weapon then uttered a spell.


    In a re of orange light, thence was wrapped in me.


    The blood-hydra nced down at Cedric, desperate to get away, but its movements were now slow and sluggish.


    <em>Schnk.</em>


    He stabbed his burningnce into the creatures side.


    It shrieked, freezing for an instant as me began running along its body, then it twisted free, wrenching itself off thence, sting blood with five heads to drown the me and drive the Chosen back. Four other heads sprayed blood haltingly.


    Then another Wizards Hand reached it.


    A fist formed around a potion bottle.


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    <em>Poof!</em>


    The booby-trapped flight potion erupted into mist as multiple dragon heads inhaled, then reared back. But, it was toote. The flight magic shot most of the creatures body backwards, but a head shot forward until-


    <em>Riiiiip!</em>


    -it ripped from its neck.


    Weakening cries arose from other heads; shaking and iling about, trying to fight the effects of the sleeping potion as the monster pitched around in the air. Alex threw a booby-trapped sensory enhancement potion and another sleep potion to his Wizards Hands, shooting them toward the creature, tracking its erratic flight path.


    He watched, waiting for his moment.


    Cedric swore loudly. What in Uldars named you do? I-Oh hell!


    <em>Whooosh!</em>


    The blood-hydra suddenly plummeted toward the earth like dead weight.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Sweeping through the swarm of blood-draks, it mmed into the smaller creatures, shattering their bodies against its massive form.


    <em>Crunch! Rrrrrrp!</em>


    Kicking up a cloud of soil and flesh, it was mmed into the earth then dragged through chitterers, tearing a devastating swath through their ranks.


    Oi, Hart, watch yourself! Cedric shouted.


    The monster wasing up behind the Champion like a runaway bull.


    With a loudugh, Hart leapt upturned in midairand struck out, severing a leg and one of its necks in a single swing as they passed each other.


    It roared with rage and pain, then was abruptly catapulted up into the air by the uncontroble flight magic. The creature froze in mid-air for a heartbeattorn between the remaining flight magic coursing through itand its own fight to right itself with those powerful wings.


    The crimson, glowing Wizards Hands shot at the monsters writhing jaws then shattered the potion bottles right in front of its mouths. It inhaled the vapour, shrieking and lurching as the already jolted senses of eight heads, sixteen eyes, nostrils and ears went into overdrive.


    At your size youre going to burn through those potions fast, Alex thought. Butygon? Why dont you give our friend a real reason to burn.


    <em>Whooooom.</em>


    He heard theforting sound of the fire-gems powering up from within the thinning blood-drak swarm. It seemed like the other Heroes had the same idea.


    Cedric began chanting a fireball spell.


    Mana was thundering as Drestra conjured a tremendous power while shooting skyward, gaining altitude above the creature.


    As ygons gems powered up and the Heroes spells built, the blood-hydra began losing some of the effects of the booby-trapped flight potion, but its drowsiness and overwhelmed senses still remained.


    Alex shot his forceballs forward, whirling and spinning them around its eyes and through gaps between its writhing necks. He poured mana into them.


    Both forceballs red.


    The beast roared, spraying its blood-breath in all directions, panicking further as the whirling lightspletely overwhelmed its sight. Streams of blood hit both forceballs, popping them, but also filling the creature''s own eyes. Long necks whipped around as they spasmed in all directions, working to shed the congealing blood from its eyes, bing entangled. The creature suddenly began spiralling down from the sky like a millstone.


    And that was when ygon finished charging his fire-beams.


    And the Heroes finished casting their spells.


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    The red rays sted into the air, striking the middle of the blood-hydras body.


    <em>Boooooom!</em>


    An explosion of me ripped across the monsters hard exoskeleton as ygons fire-beams struck. Wings caught fire like the sails of a burning ship and the rest of its body was aze within heartbeats. Fragments of shell shattered from the heat and its roaring waned.


    <em>Booom!</em>


    Then Cedrics fireball hit, stoking the mes higher.


    <em>Whoooosh</em>


    Drestra''s sts of wind immediately followed, feeding the hungry mes and pushing the creature toward the earth.


    The remaining blood-draks froze in ce, seemingly stunned into silence until theirmander struck the earth in a burning heap. The remaining Ravener-spawn seemed to take that as a signal. Suddenly, there erupted a flurry of activity from the monsters. It wasnt a regrouping, it was a full retreat toward their nests. The chitterers turned, mbering over each other in a mad rush to escape into their holes. Drestra kept raining ice shards down on them.


    Others were cut down before they could flee into their holes by the front line of Hart, Grimloch, Thundar, Theresa, Brutus and other wizards summoned monsters which gave the expedition teams a chance to get off the hill and away from the dungeons.


    The monsters were in full escape mode.


    Alex took one final look at the two dungeons before calling ygon, his summoned monsters, and beginning to cycle through mana regeneration techniques as he flew away.


    Thats givin it to em,ds nsses! Cedric called. Theres a nasty little ck eye for the bastards!


    Drestra flew after the group toward a granite topped hill they were gathering on.


    And so, the first part of the battle ended with the monsters retreating, taking a lot of losses buttheir dungeons still awaited. And in times like this, it was important to press the advantage.


    The expedition and Heroes set up a temporary camp on the tall hill. The first order of business was to assign sentries to watch the dungeons and the second was to continue caring for the wounded.


    Cedric went to each injured person, calling upon Uldars grace and divinity to heal them. The results werefittinglymiraculous. While the medical staffs blood magic had cleaned the wounds to keep them free from infection and start the healing process, the divinity of Uldar went far beyond that.


    It not only elerated the healing process, it actually rebuilt each wounded body:cerations closed instantaneously. Infectious blood from the blood-draks purged from wounds and dissipated through divine power, leaving the body untainted.


    The relief everyone felt was palpable while the Chosen worked.


    The other two Heroes stood with a gathering of Generasians watching the dungeons. A debate was brewing among the group:


    We need to press our advantage, Alex said, standing beside Theresa. They took heavy losses, while we actually havent taken any: between Cedric and our blood mages, well have our wounded back on their feet in no time. So, I say we go after the dungeons before the cores can build up more mana and replenish their forces. We should smash em and get it done.


    No way. One of the other survey team-members shook his head. You werent here before: they came out of the ground like worms after a rainfall and took us by surprise.


    One of the other surveyors shuddered at the memory.


    There were hundreds of themmaybe more, the first man continued. I dont even want to think about how many more are down there.


    It could be a lot, Drestra jumped in. Especially in the chitterers dungeon. If youve been seeing chitterers in Greymoor for some time, then theyve had all the time theyd need to build up an army.


    Yeah, Hart agreed. You said you kept finding them around the moors? Well, blood-draks couldve been flying chitterers out of the dungeon at night and dropping them off to scout what you all were doing. Dungeon cores can control the terrain in their dungeons: big changes take a long time to pull off, but they could close up their holes after they released their scouts: make it look like there was nothing more to the hills than grass, rocks, brush and moles.


    Hisrge eyes focused on the dungeons like a hawks. I think we should get down there too.


    And I say we should wait for Baelin, the younger surveyor said. If we wait for him, he can put spell-marks on us and then we can go down there safely.


    He can bring more reinforcements too, and we can raid the dungeon while were fresh, another young woman jumped in. And his spellsll make quick work of anything the dungeons have to throw at us.


    Thats a bullshit idea, Tyris said, folding her arms in front of her chest. We spend two days waiting for Baelin and thats going to give them even more time to build up their forces.


    Which wont matter because well have Baelin, the young woman fired back.


    I dunno about that, Alex said. If we give them more time, then the dungeons can scatter monsters, send a bunch of blood-draks out into the moors to ambush us over the next few days, or even attack the encampment or Lothering.


    He looked at the two dungeons. We know that theyre there now, so theyve got no reason to keep hiding. If I were one of those Ravener-spawn, Id fly waves of blood-draks out at night and have them spew that diseased blood of theirs into the surrounding rivers: poison whatever they can. Then well be in real trouble.


    Well watch the hills day and night, in case any leave, one of the other surveyors said.


    And the dungeon cores can just make more entrances. We have no idea how deep or wide those dungeons are.


    Aye, thats true. An poisonin rivers an wells samon tactic for blood-draks, Cedric said as he stepped into the discussion. Weve got an entire division of the army set to patrolin waterways. Theyre makin sure venom-walkers, blood-draks and other nasty things dont go about poisonin things that theyd have ta heal with Uldars blessin.


    And if we give those monsters time, theyll be able to spread out and hide all over the moors. We could be dealing with them for months, meanwhile, wed have to waste a bunch of time watching our water supplies. Alex said.


    So we go in now and risk getting ughtered? someone jumped in.


    No Alex said. We could still do things strategically. Does anyone here know how to cast Wizards Eye?


    Several people raised their hands.


    Great, we can send those in to scout out the tunnels, Alex suggested. Theyll let us know whats down there. Then, summoned monsters can go in and engage any clusters of Ravener-spawn they find. After that, strike teams can enter the dungeonsin small groupsand head straight for the dungeon cores. That way were doing things cautiously, but can still get in a quick strike that takes advantage of the damage we just did to them.


    Several people nodded, others shook their heads.


    Thats a kickass ide-


    There was a pause.


    Two voices had spoken at once; both Hart Redflecther and Tyris Goldtooth stared at each other in surprise.


    Agreed, a deep voice said, before anyone else could say anything.


    Khalik stepped forward, rising to his full height. When an enemy is broken and running, that is when they are most vulnerable. This is why we must strike now before they recover or have the chance to hatch any ns that could be devastating. If we break them here and now, these dungeons will be broken forever. And besidesare we cowards?


    He looked all around. We all volunteered for this expedition. We knew the dangers. We knew the risks. Now we have the opportunity to get our first specimens of dungeon cores and whatwe wait? We run? How will that look to Baelin, to see us here cringing, hiding, and waiting so that we might hide behind his robes? There wille a day when we are graduated and cannot rely on chancellors, professors or Watchers. We will need to stand on our own. His jaw tightened. We are wizards. Let us not get in the habit of cringing like frightened dogs.


    Watcher Shaw cleared his throat. Rightwell put it to a vote just to see what the general feeling is, though Ill have final say. All whore in favour of waiting for the chancellor?


    Some hands were raised.


    And all who want to press our advantage?


    Many more hands rose up.


    Right, then. Watcher Shaw banged his staff on the granite at their feet. Thats what I was thinking. Wee up with a n, send a message back to the encampment, wait for any survey teams that areing, then we get to it.


    He looked at Alex. That n of yours wasnt half bad. You want to break it down and give us more details?


    Alex squared his shoulders. Right. First, well break down the n: then-


    He nced toward the dungeons.


    -well break those rotting bastards.

 Chapter 289: Dungeon Attack Plan

    Chapter 289: Dungeon Attack n


    Alright, so heres what Im thinking, Alex was stooped over, drawing a diagram on the granite. Hed drawn little hills to represent both dungeons and a few blobs to stand-in for the expeditions forces. So, this is the enemy. And this is usand speaking of us


    He looked up at the Heroes. mind if I include you guys in my n? You three represent a <em>lot</em> of power.


    He looked in Harts direction. Ive literally met demons, he paused. Like, a lot of demons, he paused again. ...actually, an unhealthy amount of demons, now that I really<strong></strong>think about it, but thats besides the point. The <em>point</em> Im trying to make is that you fought more ferociously than all of them put together: you must be a nightmare down in the dungeons.


    Hart stood a little straighter with each word.


    Alex looked at the Sage next. Your magic wasnothing short of breathtaking. I mean literally, as in your hurricane spells could probably suck the breath out of an air elemental. A poet should be describing your magicIm no bard, but Ill just say it felt like a seismic wave when you were casting.


    He looked at Cedric, who was raising an eyebrow. I cant believe youre <em>more</em> powerful than when we first met. I didnt think that was even possible. I can see whydespite all of yknow<em>this</em><em></em>He gestured toward the masses of dead Ravener-spawn covering the fields and hills, youve been holding the Ravener back. And youve all been facing this kinda stuff everyday for like a year; seriously, all of you, my respect.


    Murmurs of agreement went through the gathered Generasians as they took in the smouldering battlefield and destruction littering it.


    I dont know what I was imagining exactly, a grad student said with a quick nod of her head. But I know I didnt imagineing to Thamnd would be like this. You have my respect too.


    The Heroes nced at each other, as a number of Generasians echoed the same sentiment.


    But, some of the wizards remained silent, and their bodynguage showed a level of dissent; Alex made a mental note of who they were. He would have to ount for different opinions when it came to people risking their lives.


    And speaking of dissent


    He looked at Hart and Drestra. During the battle, both the Sage and Champion hadto put it charitablygone their own way. If they acted like that in the dungeon, lives could be lost. No matter how much damage they could each do to Ravener-spawn, they could also do a lot of harm by striking out on their own. They had to work together.


    For the sake of the group, they needed to work <em>with</em> the group.


    Drestra drew a breath.


    We were given this task, she said. We do what we have to do, and wereequipped for it.


    There was a catch in her voice.


    Is that reluctance? Alex wondered. Dissatisfaction? Is that why she acted on her own?


    That might be something to exploreter.


    Well, I appreciate what youve done, he said. And with your power rolled in, wed be able to make one hell of a battle n. If you want to do your own thing, Id get it, but wed love to include you.


    The Generasians looked at the Heroes, waiting for their answer.


    There were a few heartbeats of silence, broken only by the wind blowing over the hills of Greymoor. The stench it carried must have been inconceivable; with so many dead blood-draks and chitterers out there.


    The expedition teams would be taking some of the bodies for study, but getting rid of the rest and healing the ground of diseased blood, would mean a lot of clean up.


    But that was ater problem.


    Count me in, Hart said. Youve got thergest force here: Ill follow what youve got to say unless its stupid.


    Yes, Drestra said. Im curious to see what ideas the wizards of Generasi might have.


    Aye, I don mind you directin us, Cedric said. Lets see what e up with.


    Alex smiled. Thanks. Hopefully thatll make raiding those dungeons easier on all of us.


    Mentally, he made another note: Drestra and Hart made their own decisions: they didnt consult each other, or wait for Cedrics choice. theres a leadership problem among them. And thats odd.


    He thought back on what hed learned about Uldars Heroes at the church school so long ago. The Chosen was supposed to be their leader; thats what the historical records said. The Chosen took charge of the others, leading them both on and off the field. Alex recalled the text from the holy book of Uldar.


    <em>And so did Uldar grant each Hero a divine role in His n.</em><em>The Sage is the artillery: able to strike enemies, strengthen allies and wreak havoc on Ravener-spawn. The Saint is the holy balm: able to heal the most grievous of wounds and crush foes with divinity.</em>


    <em>The Champion is the protector, able to tear enemies asunder with superior physical strength, speed, agility, and the skill of all preceding Champions. In ces where magic cannot help or cannot be used, the Champion is the Heroes main force.</em>


    <em>The Chosen is the leader: by bearing lesser incarnations of all the others gifts, they are able to solve problems, bridge gaps and achieve synergies that would require all the others working as one. The other Heroes look to the Chosen for guidance, as they know each of the fields in which the others are masters.</em>


    Funny how the Chosen didnt get a lesser version of the Fools gift, Alex thought. And none of the Heroes seem to have any of the downsides the Fool does. Theres another reason why people think of the Fool as the odd person out.


    Not for the first time, Alex thought about how the Mark of the Fool was a strange choice for Uldar. He promised himself that the time woulde when he learned more details, and more of the truth about his Mark. It was a puzzle with a lot of missing pieces. But, that was forter.


    What was important now was how Drestra and Hart didnt seem to look to Cedric for leadership, even though he was their leader by divine decree. That didnt necessarily mean their group was unhealthy: Alexs group had an arrangement where there was no designated leader.


    Despite what Thundar kept pushing.


    But, the role often just naturally fell to Khalik or Alex, and if another member of the cabal had different information or expertise in something, then theyd be the one giving the orders or advice. The cabal and his other friends always worked in coboration, which made them more sessful than if they acted like a bunch of lone wolves. Their way had developed out of trust: each member of their team had enough experience together to trust each others judgement.


    The Heroes though? The Heroes seemed to be doing the exact opposite of working as a team.


    They didnt exactly scream trust or fellowship. It didnt seem like they actively hated each other or anything like that, as far as Alex could tell, but things werent exactly warm between them either.


    More information to file away forter.


    For now?


    n time.


    Right, so heres what Im thinking, Alex said. We wait for the rest of the survey teams to arrive then post anyone that feels like theyre low on mana out here.


    He threw a quick nce at those whod shown dissent earlier.


    It was subtle, but hed given them an out while still making use of them.


    Their job will be to watch the dungeons to make sure nothinges out or goes in behind the strike teams I mentioned earlier. With them-


    He looked across the hill where Vesuvius stood watching the dungeons with those intelligent eyes of his.


    -we can leave Vesuvius. Hell have to stay out here anywaycuz, yknow, hes enormous.


    Yeah, he is, Tyris said proudly. He can keep a lid on those monsters.


    Great, Alex said. So anyone thats feeling low on mana he repeated. orindisposed, like they wouldnt be able to give their all, should stay out here. Anyone feeling off would probably get jumpy down there, and if anyone gets jumpy walking around underground through the unknown? Things could get ugly, fast.


    Again, he gave the reluctant ones an out as he cast another quick nce at them. They were mainly lessbat-oriented members of their survey teams anyway: the map-makers and scouts. Now, they had a way to contribute without creating resentment or even worse, disaster.


    Some of them looked at each other then nodded. Othersmostly thebat-oriented surveyors whod been reluctant earlierdidnt. They were probably too ashamed of being thought a coward to stay outside.


    Good, weve got that settled. For the rest of us? We''re going in, Alex continued. We keep each survey team the way it is: no breaking teams up or switching people around. Most of our force herees from the survey teams, so theyre used to working together: if we switch people up, thatll break cohesion. As for the reinforcements? I think we can break those up.


    He looked at the Watchers and the Heroes. You all are the most powerful resources weve got.


    Your golem counts for that too, Watcher Shaw pointed out. Hes a force to be reckoned with.


    Yeah, Im not going to argue with that, Alex said. In any case, my suggestion is, we break the experienced members of the reinforcement group up and put one or two of each of you on a survey team. At least one Watcher or Hero to each team. That way, every team has someone more powerful and experienced to act as a leader, vanguard, or back-up: whatever that team needs.


    He looked at the Heroes. This means wed be breaking you up. Are you three used to working apart from each other? I know Cedric did some fighting alone before you all got together, but


    Letting it hang in the air, he watched them carefully. If he was reading them right, theyd probably be just fine with


    Yeah, we go our own way all the time, Hart shrugged. I dont need nursemaids.


    Aye, it makes sense, Cedric said. Normally, we stay together to concentrate power in one ce when were divin into a dungeon, butyour force is pretty bloody strong itself. It don have experience with dungeons, though. Theres a sense in breakin us apart now. We can show yuse the ups an downs o them.


    Yes, I agree, Drestra said. With your magicand thebat experience youve shown, we could use this as a chance to teach you how to dungeon dive for any future raids that you do.


    Brilliant, Alex said, looking at the rest of the group. So, first well send Wizards Eyes down to scout things out, and after theyve had a look around, we send a wave of summoned monsters down. The people staying outside; if any of you can summon some monsters for us: itll be a big help with any fighting we need to do down there, whichll also preserve the mana of surveyors who are going in.


    There was a series of nods.


    Once Wizards Eyes pick out the routes to a dungeon core, the summoned monsters can pin the Raveners monsters in tunnels theyre lurking in, whichll keep them from attacking from too many ces at once. Then we can go straight for the dungeon cores from a couple of different routes.


    He nced toward the dungeons. Just a suggestion, but I think we should send more teams to raid the chitterer dungeon than the blood-drak one. We did a good job cleaning up the blood-draks, but there seemed to be less of them than chitterers to begin with. So, therell probably be less resistance and maybe less of them left in their dungeon. Plus, we know we killed a blood-drakmander; there <em>might</em> be another blood-hydra down there, but we know for sure that we didnt kill any of the chitterersmanders.


    There were some pretty big ones, one of the surveyors said. With finer weapons and armour: we killed plenty of those.


    Aye, but they aint the really <em>big</em> ones, Cedric said grimly. Trust me, if you saw one o the chitterer leaders ywouldnt mistake it.


    I know, the surveyor said. Ive read the Thameish bestiaries, but the dungeon core might not have had time to make amander yet, otherwise they wouldve been sent out, wouldnt they?


    That is not true, Drestras voice crackled. Dungeons almost always make amander for their forces early, as soon as they establish themselves, and most of the time they keep them in the dungeon to guard the core. Its when theyve gathered enough power to make more than one that they start sending them out. Blood-hydras are a little different: dungeons that make flying creatures usually send theirmanders out on raids or attacks. A flying beast is less useful sitting in a cave underground, which is why its a bit easier to break the cores of flying dungeons: theyre a little less well-guarded. Cores that makend-bound monsters, though? They keep their strongest close, unless the dungeon has gathered enough power to make more than one.


    That makes sense, Alex said. So Im guessing that something big and nastyll be waiting in the chitterer dungeon. What does everyone think? Are we all good with this n?


    Works for me, Watcher Shaw said. Its solid enough, and probably the best way were going to break these bastards backs.


    He looked around at the surveyors. Ill be assigning the teams since I know my Watchers and Ive studied each survey team: Ill know best which weaknesses to patch.


    Murmurs of agreement spread through the group as he gave them an appraising look with his experienced eye.


    Right, heres what well do.


    He divided the Watchers quickly, assigning them to different survey teams, then he turned to the Heroes.


    Hart Redfletcher, was it? he said. Im putting you on Team 5: without Vesuvius they could use someone to handle a lot of the heavy lifting.


    Hart nced over at Tyris, who nced back. Her eyes slid up and down the Champion appraisingly. The big man raised an eyebrow.


    Watcher Shaw moved on. To Team 3, Im assigning Drestra. Your team is mostly melee oriented so you could use the extra firepower.


    Lastly, he turned to Cedric. And you, Im putting you on Team 8. You and Roth showed good cohesion earlier, and I think you would do good work on the same team.


    Aye, Im fine wit that, Cedric said.


    Alex kept his face rxed, but hed been hoping this wouldnt happen.


    He nced at ygon.


    It was the first time hed be taking his golemwith his core made from dungeon core remainsinto a dungeon. Hed also be fighting a dungeon core for the first time since the Cave of the Traveller.


    Since hed identally controlled one.


    And he had no idea what to expector what the Chosen might see.

 Chapter 290: Magical Reconnaissance

    Chapter 290: Magical Reconnaissance


    Alex sat on the edge of the hill, chewing his bottom lip while his mind chewed over the Chosen of Uldar. Before too long, Cedric would be heading down into the depths of a Ravener dungeon with him and the rest of his team.


    But first, the Wizards Eyes would have to explore the underground, inspecting every nook and cranny concealed in the darkness.


    Meanwhile, Alexs team waited tensely, sitting around him in silence, mentally preparing for what was toe. Other teams paced and readied themselves, while the more experienced wizards prepared to cast Wizards Eyes.


    He looked up at his golem standing there: solid, loyal and silent. Would he be alright down there? He was the first construct with a golem core made from the remains of a dungeon core, as far as Alex knew. The ck substance was what was used to make the Heroes equipment for generations now, and thered never been any talk of their equipment going rogue when it came in proximity to an active dungeon. Even Cedrics, Drestras and Harts weapons werent acting like they had minds of their own. Alex thought, carefully assessing each Hero.


    But maybe des were different from golems.


    After all, swords couldnt go berserk.


    at least not normally.


    When he was building ygon, Jules and Baelin had talked about a couple of strange cases where weapons became sentient then went absolutely berserk. What were their names again? Storm edge? Soulbringer?


    Something like that.


    But what had happened with those swords was different from his situation since they hadnt had anything to do with a dungeon core, theyd been cursed. ygons core was powered by core remains, and if he went berserk down in an underground tunnel, it would be a catastrophe for everyone down there with him. Alex remembered the golem rampaging through Shales Workshop; a scene hed prefer not to see repeated. Especially with ygon.


    What would happen if being near a living dungeon core triggered that somehow? He thought back to the core in the Cave of the Traveller. It seemed to have an intelligence and will, considering how hard it had fought him. He remembered the strange sights that had whirled through his mind: dark spheres, stedndscapes and monsters in the dark. To this day, he had no idea what any of that was.


    Memories, maybe? Were they something the dungeon core had experienced in the past? Can they even have memories? Or were they things it wasconnected to? Hed wondered about that more than a few times in the past year, but had never reached any conclusions.


    Blood Magic could bridge the gap between life-forces and mana, while ygon had a permanent mental connection to him. There were spells that could craft telepathic bonds, reaching between minds to allow one to speak to someone else through pure mana and mental connection. Maybe the dungeon core had something simr within it.


    If it didthen what would happen if it sensed the core remains powering ygon? There was a sort of sapience in his golem, would a dungeon core sense it? Would it try tomunicate with him? What about himself? Would it recognize that hed briefly taken control of one of itssiblings? Was siblings even the right word?


    Ugh, so many unknowns, he muttered, his eyes drifting to the Chosen standing talking to Drestra. If something does happen, Cedric was thest person he wanted witnessing it.


    Time for a n. His mind began working through different scenarios. If something happened and Cedric was right there, then Alex would need usible deniability. Battles were always chaotic, so he might be able to use


    Worried? Theresas voice broke through his musings.


    He nearly jumped out of his skin: hed been so deep in thought, hed almost forgotten she was sitting beside him.


    Yeah, he admitted quietly. But, Im trying not to go crazy with it. He held her gaze. Speaking of worry, I nearly lost it when we heard youd found not just one, but <em>two </em>dungeons. I thoughtwell, never mind what I thought since youre okay. but how the hell did you guys find them, anyway?


    It was Brutus and Vesuvius that found them, she said. We were passing the hillslike alwayswhen Brutus suddenly stopped and started barking like hed scented a pack of wolves over the next hill.


    On hearing his name, the cerberus perked up and put one of his massive heads in Theresasp. She stroked behind his ears. He was jumping around like crazy, then he led us to the blood-drak hill, and when we got close enough, Grimloch and Thundar smelled something nasty. Then I smelled it too. She made a face. It mustve been their blood: you wouldnt believe the stench.


    She nced over at the wizards casting Wizards Eyes. Having finished their spells, theyd begun sending the Eyes toward the dungeons. Khalik immediately put Orbs of Air on those of us who cant cast spells, otherwise I dont think we wouldve made it. It was <em>so</em> bad, Alex. Ive never smelled anything that bad in my lifenot even the smell from days old carrion baking in the sun smells that bad. She made a face of disgust.


    Then what happened?


    Tyris had Vesuvius climb the hill and stomp on the spot we were checking. <em>Thoomp!</em> She made a pounding noise, then a punching motion with her fist. Part of the hilltop fell in, and there was this tunnel underneath. Thats when we realised what wed found so we pulled back to a third hill, then lit a re and sent an urgent message back to camp. Some of the teams surveying near here came in to back us up, but the monsters attacked before anyone else could get here. We just fought until you guys came.


    She nced at the Heroes. But, I didnt expect <em>them.</em>


    Yeah, they were literally Uldar-sent, Alex said. But, I dont think we wouldve gotten through so much Ravener-spawn without a lot more blood being spilled if they hadnt been here.


    Agreed, Khalik jumped in. He was leaning back against the hill on Alexs other side, looking at Cedric, Drestra and Hart. Such power is humbling. The might shown by Cedricthats the dream of any warrior. Harts strength is something I would love to have. He flexed his own thick arm. Though I know I could never grow that much on my own. Not naturally. As for Drestra? I think the Sages spells could overpower those of most of our professors.


    You aint kidding, Thundar polished one of his horns. I wouldnt want to fight em, let me tell you.


    He threw Alex a meaningful look.


    Alex nodded, then nced at Theresa.


    The huntress looked away. Rather quickly.


    This is what I mean, Alex whispered. If I was an enemy of their enemies, he made sure to use very general, hypothetical terms. Id make sure that anyone I knew got out of their way. No one should fight them. Theyre <em>too</em><em>powerful.</em>


    Mmm, was all she said, with a little resentful nod of agreement.


    Right then, Cedrics jovial voice called out.


    The group startled: the Chosen was sauntering over, leaving Drestra talking to Hart. Good to be workin with all o yous. All together well give this bloody dungeon core a right good thumpin, then be back to camp in time for an early supper, by my reckonin.


    You think so? Prince Khalik asked, appraising the leader of the Heroes. You will not have your usualpowerful reinforcements, though I do not mean to dismiss our own abilities. As youve seen, we hold our own, but we are not divinely selected instruments of destruction like you three. He gave the Chosen a slight smile.


    Aye, but weve worked with knights, rangers an the Thameish army, Cedric said. We know how to work with others. My partnersll be nearby on other teams ifn things go wrong. And you all can handle yourselves, thats a sure thing. Trust me: we cud only dream o havin this many wizards in one spot. Most o the few weve been workin with are academic fuddy duddies, not too big on battle magic. He gave a wistful smile. We wouldnt say no ta havin this much battle magic with us everytime we go divin into dungeons.


    Well, were academics too, dont get us wrong, Alex said. It


    The Wizards Eyes are now in the dungeons, a wizard announced, cutting their conversation short. Well be creating illusions so we can follow their progress in real-time.


    There was a mad scramble to surround the illusions. Multiple windows had been conjured, showing the point of view of each invisible Wizards Eye floating up the hills toward the entrances to the dungeons tunnels.


    In a few heartbeats, they sank into the darkness.


    Adjusting for the light, one of their controllers said.


    There was a sh as the illusions brightened to a blinding white, then dimmed until each provided a greyscale view of the dungeons tunnels. Seeing the Eyes floating through the dark brought Alex back to his family''s own experience in the Cave of the Traveller.


    If only Id had something like this back then, he thought. We couldve checked things out from a safe distance and maybe avoided spiders that wanted to eat us and statues that wanted to roast usthats if we didnt step on tiles in the chamber with the statues. Then again, if Id been able to cast fourth-tier spells back then, we could probably have just sted our way to safety. Oh well, betterte than never: thatll be the fourth-tier spell that I learn right after nar Doorwayand a bunch of summoning spells.


    As one of the Wizards Eyes turned a corner in the dungeon, it revealed chitterer corpses clustered together: the fallen ones whod sumbed to their wounds as they fled back into theirir.


    Ach, I hate it when they do that, Cedric said. They use the dead ones as barricades. Sometimesif some clever ones get spawnedthey even set traps. Or, they even regrly jus leave scraps from their feedings in the tunnels as a warnin.


    A memory came back to Alex: the image of Brutus picking up a dead delvers skeletal hand from off the ground in the Cave of the Traveller. There hadnt been any more of the skeleton lying in the dirt: probablypletely devoured by silence-spiders. He remembered how terrifying seeing the hand of a dead person had been back then. Theyd seen worse since, a lot worse, but now, they were much better equipped to deal with whatever came.


    The invisibility of the Wizards Eyes was letting them move through the massive tunnelplex freely, though they hadnt spotted any living chitters yet. It truly was a massive space. The two dungeon cores were well-concealed, which had allowed them plenty of time to not only remain undetected, but to also build up theirirs and forces. Beneath the hills, a dizzyingwork of chambers and shafts constructed to confuse and frustrate anyone trying to attack the cores, had flourished. Itd be easy for someone to get lost down there, trapped in the dark with endless horrors surrounding them.


    Trapped to meet a gruesome fateone that some had already suffered. An expedition member gasped as the answer to where the chitterers equipment hade from was revealed.


    A Wizards Eye floating along entered what had the sinister look of an abandoned abattoir within a high ceilinged smooth-walled cave piled with skeletons and discarded equipment. It looked like the dungeon had been busy catching prey for sometime, long before the expedition had arrived in Greymoor. The bodiesfor the most parthad been stripped down to the bone.


    Some were partially eaten.


    I think Im going to be sick, one of the wizards turned and walked away from the illusion, dry-heaving as he went.


    Its only going to get worse, Hart grunted.


    Look. Thundar pointed at the illusion. Some of those bodies aint human. Theres some beast-goblinsandwhat the hell are those?


    His finger levelled at smaller corpses. Theyd been chewed up, but Alex caught sight of pointed ears andwings, maybe? Theyd been too torn apart for him to confirm what they were with any certainty.


    They look like fae. Drestra grimaced. But, I cant really tell what kind they were.


    I thought the fae were safe from the Ravener, Khalik wondered out loud.


    Aye, mostly, Cedric said. But a few stragglers get caught up. They dont get taken in the numbers we mortals do, though. Not all the time.


    Wolves, Theresa said.


    Sorry? the Chosen asked.


    The dungeons are wolf packs, the huntress said. We tell stories of people being killed by wolves all the time, but theres really only a few folks that actually get taken by wolf packs. Theres wolves all over the Coille; I think only one person got taken in all my years growing up there.


    She thumbed her knife. Wolves are smart: they know that were tough prey: we hunt them more than they hunt us. So they know to fear and leave us alone, unless theyre starving or they can catch one of us alone, or injured. Leave a wolf pack to themselves, and theyll be happy to fill up on deer, boar and the asional sheep. Id bet its the same for the dungeons: they target us as their preferred prey, but they only take the fae now and then. Likely when an opportunity presents itself.


    Sfair theory, Cedric said.


    Regardless of theories and fae, the Wizards Eyes moved on. The deeper they probed, the more living chitterers they found moving through the tunnels. It wasnt unexpected that theyd find a small army of them lurking down there, but the Wizards Eyes scouting was giving the wizards a bigger advantage over them.


    Hmmm, Watcher Shaw noted. Theres still a good few of them down there to be sure, but we withered their numbers down pretty good. Well have to get them in the tunnelswhere they cant surround usand rip them apart. Send the Wizards Eyes down deeper.


    Careful, one of the Watchers said to the wizards controlling the illusions. When we dissected some of the dead ones we found sensory organs in them, and experiments on live ones we caught showed us they can sense things cloaked in invisibility. Wizards Eyes arent physical things, but we might be in for a scare if those monsters detect them, or if we use invisibility when we get down there.


    Speakin of scares, can your magic eyes find hidden things? Like secret tunnels? Cedric asked. Chitterers like to make em and spring out atcha from the sides or the back if youre not bein too careful. Their hiding ces aint easy ta spot in dark ces, unless you move real slow and careful-like.


    Hey, I think theres one over there, a wizard said, pointing. He drifted the spell closer to a wall. I think that looks like a seal


    Something suddenly blurred in front of the Eyes field of vision, filling the illusionary view and drawing gasps.


    Oh hells! the controller swore, whirling the spell around.


    A group of chitterers had cornered the invisible spell, trying to eliminate it. Hideous, snarling mouths snapped and chomped at it repeatedly. Sharp ws tore at the Eye.


    Aaaan theres the scare, Cedric said.


    Weve got scares of our own, Watcher Shaw said. Well see how they deal with a fistful of demons shoved down their throats. Alright, keep scouting and take notice of all the concealed tunnels the Eyes find, then find those dungeon cores. Theyre our end goal people.


    Though the chitterers kept trying to attack the magical sensors, the controllers kept finding their hidden passages; Watcher Shaw had the map-makers keep adding onto rough maps of the dungeons they were making for each strike team.


    They would continue updating the maps until the Wizards Eyes found the dungeon cores.


    And, they finally did. Located at the very bottom of eachir: orbs as dark as midnight were pressed into walls guarded by monsters. Alex gulped when he saw them waiting there, forbidding anyone toe near: but soon, hed be down there, looking to destroy them.


    No sign of the chitterersmander, one of the wizards reported, a note of hope in her voice.


    Oh, itll be there, dont you worry about that, Cedric said.


    Well, the chitterers know were watching them, Watcher Shaw said. So lets get a move on. Start summoning.

 Chapter 291: The Delve

    Chapter 291: The Delve


    Alex focused his mind, pouring his mana into Summon Small Water Elemental spells while the expedition readied themselves at the bases of the dungeons hills.


    Hed already summoned Bubblesconjuring the little creature by using the elementals namethen kept summoning more water elementals until hed called four in total. Next, he summoned a fire elemental beetle swarm, then took stock of the creatures before him, concluding that theyd be enough for the time being. He then began regenerating his mana, it might be a pretty mana intensive day.


    His summoned monsters would be apanying his team, but there were a host of summoned monsters that other wizards had conjured whod be going into the dungeons ahead of the strike force. Wizards whod chosen to stay outside but were capable of summoning, had been tasked with calling a small army of demons, spirits and elementals. The creatures were assembled at the bottom of the dungeons hills, all set to go while their summoners gave themst minute instructions, showing them maps and illusions disying the targets they were assigned to hit.


    Remember, Watcher Shaw said. Summons wontst forever, so make sure they take the quickest routes to their targets. We dont want them disappearing back to their home nes because time runs out. And for you sentries, keep watching those holes. We also dont want any surprises while were waiting.


    His sharp eyes scanned the hills, and so far, none of the enemy had appeared to attack them.


    Likely they want us down in theirir. Itd be better for them if they can get us fighting on their terrain. But, weve got surprises of our own for the bastards. Watch the illusions, Watcher Shaw said. As soon as all the summons start the attack, we go down. Our priority are those two dungeon cores. Weve got to break em as soon as we can so they cant warp the terrain or make reinforcements. If theres amander? Gut em like a fish, then clear out stragglers like were crushing monsters in The Barrens. After that, its clean up time and time to divide the spoils. Everyone got that? He asked.


    Murmurs of agreement went through the expedition.


    Alex took a quick look at his team.


    Grimloch had just finished cleaning chitterer remains off the spikes on his maul and was slinging the weapon over his shoulder. Thundar had recast Lead Blows on his mace, and also cast several defensive, body strengthening and agility enhancing magics. Khalik was casting earth armour on himself, or what looked like a higher tier version of the spell. Isoldes defensive spells had been recast, and Svenia and Hogarth were busy checking their weapons. Theresa had her des drawn, shed resettled her armour on her shoulders and Brutus was busy sniffing the air ahead, his long necks stretched forward.


    Meikara checked her equipment, preparing for any healing she might be called to do. She looked strained from healing the injured earlier, but said she could handle whatever came. Cedric had shifted his weapon through various shapes before settling on his trusty spear.


    And ygon?


    ygon was always ready, no preparations necessary.


    As a second thought, Alex had retrieved hissso, cleaned and untied it and had it ready to use in a few different ways hede up with.


    Everyone ready? he asked.


    His team nodded, looking at each other supportively, but before they could say anything.


    Send the summons in! Watcher Shaw cried.


    The summoned monsters swarmed toward the tunnels, pouring into the passageways.


    Alex took a deep breath and began watching the illusions disying the interior of the tunnels. As the summoned monsters advanced down into them, they appeared in the illusions. They were concentrated in dense groups, quickly making their way to the chitterers and blood-draks huddled within tunnels.


    And they greeted the Ravener-spawn with violence.


    Extreme violence.


    Demons ripped into the enemy while elementals sted them with fire, lightning and stone. Blood-draks sprayed their diseased blood onto onrushing demons, but the immortal creatures just kept charging, shaking away hardening blood like rainwater off a dogs fur.


    Soon, groups of the dungeon cores hostile creatures were engaged throughout both dungeons, while wizards dispatched summoned monsters to the barriers made of chitterer bodies to break them down. Ravener-spawn attacked, sending some back to their home nes with vicious strikes, but the remaining summoned creatures did their work. Soon, the barriers were broken, clearing the way for the strike teams.


    Alex took a deep breath. Here we go.


    Forward! Watcher Shaw barked. Get to those dungeon cores and break them into sand!


    The teams moved.


    Alexs group mounted the hill at speed, heading toward one of thergest chitterer tunnels: theyd need the room to amodate the hulking Grimloch, Brutus, Thundar and ygon.


    Best thing to do in a dungeon, Cedric said as he marched forward. Is move as brisk as ya can, but not like youre bein chased or anythin of the like. You move too fast and youll be blind ta anythin nasty waitin in the shadows for ya. But you dont want to stay put in a dungeon either. Remember, dungeon cores take awhile to make big changes to theirirs, but they <em>can</em> make thin walls an such pretty quick if theyre pressed. You stay too long in one spot, and theyll box you up and leave you right there ta die. Sreason why Chosens and Champions get so much strength from their Marks: Hart can bust through thin stone by hisself, an I can do it too if Ibine magic or divinity with good ol muscle power.


    We got that covered, Grimloch said matter-of-factly, gripping his hammer. Ive broken stone before.


    <em>Crnch.</em>


    ygons foot crushed the body of a chitterer as they ran up the hill, almost like he was punctuating the statement.


    Aye, I suppose youve no problems with that, Cedric said, not doubting the sharkmans words for a minute.


    Alex nodded. He remembered the dungeon core in the Cave of the Traveller raising walls and changing stone. Not for the first time, he thanked the Traveller that that dungeon core had been nearly drained of mana.


    If it hadnt been, he knew he wouldnt be here climbing the hill he was on.


    When theyd made it out of the Travellers Cave, he never thought he and Theresa would be willingly heading into another one. But, here they were again, like some crazy deja vu.


    He nced at Theresa, who brandished her swords and nodded at him.


    Here we go, she mouthed, with a look of confidence on her face.


    He nodded back. Things were different now than back then: in the Cave of the Traveller, Alex had only known one spell, hed been as skinny as a rake and Selina had been with them. Their only real defences had been Brutus, Theresa, his forceball, and their wits.


    Now?


    He looked at this team again as they reached the dungeon.


    Cedrica temporary memberwas the first to enter the tunnel, his spear ready and with divinity zing around his hands. The Chosen of Uldar was their vanguard, ready to face anythinging from the front. He was followed by the two experienced warriors, Svenia and Hogarth, with their halberds pointed forward, well-equipped to cut down anything trying to get past Cedric.


    The cabal was next.


    Looming Thundar, filled with physical and magical power. His enchanted mace was gripped in one hand and a force shield hovered beside him. The formidable Prince Khalik covered in earth armour strode beside him, the armour was polished and sparkled like fine quartz; hed grown stone spikes on the arms and shoulders of it. Najyah flew above the prince, powerful and experienced in fighting any threat theyd ever encountered in Generasi. Isolde had her electric blue force shield hovering beside her, and her poniard in hand. She held no other weapons, but Alex could feel the manaing from her, tinged with the electricity of her favourite spells.


    Brutus licked his chops while his master stalked beside him, as silent as death. Between them Alex strodebroad shouldered and strongsurrounded by his Wizards Hands, elemental beetle swarm, and his water elementals following close behind like a small watery army.


    Within each one floated a bubble of booby-trapped sleep potion, ready for use. Meikara came next, prepared to protect the wizards with her own magic and provide her healing as needed. Healing from Cedric at the front, and from her in the middle.


    And to guard the rear? Their heavy hitters.


    ygon and Grimloch, their massive shadows melded with the darkness as the two giants entered the tunnel.


    Their team, with all its strengths, was something to be proud of.


    Alex took a deep breath, filling his chest with air and pride.


    Today was a lot different from the first time he and Theresa had entered a dungeon.


    A hell of a lot different.


    Lights! Isolde said.


    The forceballs and other light spells sprang to life. The caves ahead brightened from many-hued magics, recing the dark with a rainbow of light. Alex ced sleep potions into a pair of his Wizards Hands then sent them shooting forward to hover over walls, ceilings and floors, seeking any traps or secret tunnels hidden in the passageway ahead.


    Soon, the sound of wind blowing outside faded, reced by the echo of the teams footsteps walking through the multi-coloured light of their magic, and the sounds of battleing from all around. Summoned monsters and other teams were fighting Ravener-spawn in other tunnels.


    Whats the map say? Thundar asked.


    Alex nced at the mapin his Wizards Handswhile keeping an eye on the tunnel ahead. Looks like forward for a hundred steps, then right at a fork, then we slope into a curving tunnel that goes straight down. Another hundred paces then left at a crossroads. Therell be secret passages on either side of the next tunnel, about a hundred paces down. And then


    <em>Rmmmmble.</em>


    The stone around them suddenly shook, dislodging bits of rock and dust from the ceiling.


    Ohohoho! Cedric cried. Looks like the little ck balls gettin grouchy already!


    Then let us keep moving, Khalik said. I am eager to meet it.


    Well, keep moving and well be meeting it soon enough, Alex said, ncing back at Grimloch. Hey, big guy, you think you can smash open those hidden passages when we get to them? Ill have ygon st fire-beams down them when you crack them open. If anythings waiting for us, theyll be the ones getting the nasty surprise.


    Will do, Grimloch said, brandishing his hammer.


    They stalked through the tunnel, and reached the corner.


    Power up those fire-gems, ygon, Alex said.


    <em>Whooooooooom!</em>


    Red light grew within the cave.


    Everyone went quiet as they reached the hidden passages; they passed them cautiously, until Grimloch and ygon were between them.


    Grimloch lifted his weapon.


    <em>Whish! Whish!</em>


    He struck twice with his maul.


    <em>Crash! Crash!</em>


    The thin passage walls exploded; unpleasant chittering noises filled the air. Hordes of monsters were packed into each secret passageway, freezing when suddenly revealed.


    Some rush forward.


    <em>Whoooooosh!</em>


    <em>Booom!</em>


    But, explosions filled the passages as ygons me ripped through lines of chitterers, turning hordes of Ravener-spawn into floating ash within heartbeats.


    Alex shuddered at the heat, imagining what that smell must have been like. Smoke billowed high in the air, monster cries died in instants as the teams Orbs of Air wicked the smoke cloud away.


    Two down! Alex cried. Lets keep moving.


    They move forward, even more alert than before, eyes raking all sides of the tunnels. Wizards Eyes had found a lot of secret passages down there, but probably not all. Tension moved with them like a cloak. They pressed on, stepping through a cleared barrier of dead chitterers, then passing strewn corpses of a pack of newly mangled ones the summoned monsters had cleaned out. Theyd been torn apart with extreme prejudice.


    Cedric stabbed each body he came to.


    Watch yerselves, the Chosen said, thrusting downward with his spear. Sometimes they y dead, so we might wanna skewer em just in case.


    If anyone was squeamish about doing so, no one said. They were too busy watching their nksstabbing chitterer corpses, and keeping alert until they came to the crossroads.


    Left here, Alex said, and the team turned. We go for another fifty paces til wee to another fork. Itll right there, and then things


    <em>Rmmmmble.</em>


    The dungeon shook even harder.


    A horrific scream rang through the tunnels, seeming to echo from every stone.


    The team paused, scanning the ceiling and every other direction.


    Aye, thatd be themander, Cedric said. Either were gettin close, or maybe another team is.


    We should push harder, Theresa said. But cautiously.


    Slow is smooth, Khalik said, quoting an expression often used in his Kingdoms army. And smooth is fast.


    Slowly and smoothly, they kept pushing into the dungeon. As they moved forward, wreckage of dead chitterers were piling up in the tunnel like debris. Alex remembered the silence-spiders Cedric had obliterated outside the Cave of the Traveller.


    Stop! Theresa shouted, cocking her head to one side. I hear chitterers...it sounds like theres two groups of em. Onesing from up ahead and the others behind us.


    Secondster, loud chittering confirmed what Theresa had just said. The monsters wereing at them from two sides. There was also a strange nking and shing noise as if a smithy had sprouted legs and wasing for them too.


    Whatevers making that sound, Alex said. Focus all your spells on the front, ygonll take care of anything behind.


    Agreed, Isolde said.


    Cedric gave them a puzzled look. Right then. He extended his spear in front of them. If you wanna wait, then let eme.


    Alex heard a note of disapproval in the Chosens voice, but before he could say anything, Theresa suddenly swore.


    Damnit, everyone, look alive, she said, closely examining the wall to the right. She swore again then moved to the other wall. No wonder they came at us now. Theres hidden passages on all sides. Theyve got us caged in.


    Alexs mind shed back to the Cave of the Traveller and how the worker spider swarm hade up from tunnels hidden beneath the floor tiles.


    He looked at his team.


    But that was then. Things were far different now.


    Alex cracked his knuckles. Maybe they think closing a hand around a piece of ss is a good idea..theyre going to regret that.

 Chapter 292: Hand on Glass

    Chapter 292: Hand on ss


    Theresa put her ear to the wall on the right side of the tunnel. She swore.


    It sounds like theyre massing, the huntress warned, quickly moving to the left side and pressing her ear to the walls surface. Frenzied voices were increasing behind the thin rock. Here too!


    How many? Alex asked, listening to the echo of monster voicesing from behind and in front of the team. They were growing louder, getting closer.


    At least ten on the right! A dozen on the left! Maybe more, it sounds like chaos in there, so it''s hard to tell. If we move up, theyll be behind us.


    Then I can bust the walls open and flush em out, Grimloch said.


    Without another word, the group moved forward, surprising Cedric with their level of coordination. Ahead, chitters came closer, shrieking and clicking, growing louder.


    Wait! Theresa held up a hand, cocking her head, listening intently. Everyone stopped.


    I hear it too, Grimloch growled, his grip tightening on his maul, pausing mid- swing.


    Theresa put her ear to the stone again. Theres another one here too! she said.


    Alex swore, ncing at the map; there werent supposed to be any secret passages in this area.


    Then realisation hit him.


    The rumbling! he said. The dungeon core mustve been making hidden passages all this time! I bet theres secret tunnels all along here!


    Cedricat the front of the groupmoved to the right side of the tunnel. Aye, theres another one up here tooI can hear


    <em>Rmmmmmmble!</em>


    The dungeon shook again, drawing a growl from all three of Brutus heads. His fangs and eyes shone in the dark. Alex remembered the trapped temple floor in the Cave of the Traveller: the silence-spiders had used it to lure the unsuspecting to their deaths.


    Then we will have to make a stand, Khalik drew his short sword as a screech from Najyah echoed off the tunnel walls. As you said, theyll be a hand closing around ss, though they may think otherwise. They are thinking theyll surprise us from the sides. So, well make our nks as hard to break as our head and tail.


    Damn right, Alex said, digging into his pack. Ill send my swarm of beetles down the right tunnel. He switched the potions in his Wizards Hands: changing sleep for booby-trapped flight.


    Ill take the right too, Theresa made her stand beside Alex. Brutus, you take the left!


    With one bark, as if he were acknowledging Theresas instruction, the cerberus whirled toward the left, sniffing and growling.


    Im with you big guy, Thundar said, moving beside Brutus.


    Take these! Alex pulled out four potions of haste, one each for the minotaur, huntress, and cerberus, then quickly drank thest one. The magic rushed through him, slowing the world to half-speed as Theresa gave Brutus his, then swallowed hers in one gulp as Thundar did the same.


    I will focus on clearing the enemiesing from our front, Isolde said, nodding to Khalik.


    Indeed, Khalik said.


    Oi, you lot talk a bunch, Cedric said. Theyrein.


    Get ready, ygon, Alex mentallymunicated to his golem.


    <em>Whoooom.</em>


    The sounds of fire-gems powering up mixed with clicks and harsh cries echoing from the tunnel in front, and behind them, increasing in intensity.


    Theyre getting into position behind the walls. Theresa said, her enhanced hearing catching movements through the stone. Theyll attack us soon.


    Get ready, Alex said.


    The group started casting spells, readying for the chitterers to make their move. The spellcasting seemed to act like a catalyst for action from the enemy.


    In a sh, frenzied chitterers poured around the bends of both tunnels, screeching in a flurry of motion. They looked like elite warriors: taller and huskier than those theyd fought outside and they carried better weaponssteel des wrestled from past victims.


    At the front of the linewere true monstrosities.


    If most chitterers were twisted mirrors of humanity, then these creatures must have been the warped images of muchrger races. A knot of giant chitterers strode at the front of their groups, each nearly as tall as ygon or Grimloch, with barrel chests and massive arms the size of Alexs bulked-up thighs. Their legs were as thick as old oak trunks, and their wide shoulders more resembled rows of walking bricks six rows deep. Pieces of stolen armour wasshed to their bodies, adding to the image of walking fortresses of rusty metal with hands that gripped giant bone clubs with sharpened des forming brutal spikes that protruded from the tops.


    Despite their bulky frames, their skulls were strangely small, like a childs head sitting atop the body of a giant. The smaller chitterers swarmed behind them with spears and bows at the ready. Bow strings were already tensed, ready to fire.


    Unleash our fury! Isolde shouted.


    <em>Crackle!</em>


    She loosed her lightning at the same moment Khalikunched a spiked volley of rock, and Cedric shot a ball of me at the creaturesing at their front. At the rear, ygon let loose his fiery wrath.


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    Fire beams struck from the back, sting through the tunnel behind and filling it with an explosion of me. To the front, Isoldes lightning raked an armoured chitterer leading a line of monsters, and crackled through those piled in behind it. Khaliks spikes mmed into arger chitterer, piercing it countless times through gaps in its rusty armour.


    Meanwhile, Cedrics fireball soared past the armoured monsters andnded directly within the ranks of those behind them.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    If the armoured ones thought theyd been spared, they soon learned otherwise when the ball of me detonated, turning their backs into an inferno and washing their allies with fire.


    Shrieks filled the tunnel, but the chitterers werent done yet. Monsters were stilling from further down the passageways.


    <em>Whish! Whish! Whish!</em>


    Arrows! Hogarth shouted a warning.


    Archers had gotten off a few arrows as they ran. Most went wide, hitting walls, the ceiling or floor, but one headed right for Cedric. He raised his spear, shifting it into a shield and caught the arrow in one fluid motion.


    Theyreing from the sides! Theresa shouted. I hear the stone shifting!


    Get ready! Alex called on his summoned creatures and fell into the first position of the Spear-and-Oar Dance. His Wizards Hands put away the map forter then floated in front of him open-handed as the other pair held the potion bottles.


    Thundar conjured his illusionary duplicate and Brutus snarled.


    Crash!


    The stone walls on either side suddenly burst apart, revealing tunnels filled with screeching monsters who lunged at Alexs team, giving cover to the ones behind, allowing them time to draw their bowstrings.


    With the potion of haste running through him, Alex saw the monsters every movement in slow motion as he approached, using the Mark and the Cleansing Movements to guide his hands.


    His rope was hanging loosely between his fists like a garrote.


    <em>Whiiish!</em>


    Arrows whizzed toward him and Theresa while spears thrust forward.


    His deflective force rectangles snapped them aside, swerving them into the stone around. Theresa swept one with a de, then turned away an oing spear.


    A spear thrust straight for Alexs chest, but with the potion of haste coursing through him and with his heightened reflexes, it was almost like it was gently drifting toward him. He willed his defensive spells aside, striking out with both hands and wrapping the rope around the spear-shaft before the chitterer could withdraw it.


    He gripped the rope tightlyavoiding direct contact with the spear in case the Mark reactedand pulled hard.


    The chitterer struggled, trying to break free, but Alex backed up, dragging it forward.


    <em>Schwish!</em>


    Theresas curved de came down, shing the top of its head; it stopped moving as her de parried the thrusting spear of the next attacker. Her life-enforced reflexes and haste magic made her a blur, even to Alexs enhanced senses, allowing her to ovee the reach and speed of the spear.


    She cut it away, shing at the enemy in a whirlwind of steel. In a heartbeat, and with three quick movements, the armoured chitterer was shed between the gaps in its armour three times, ity still, then tumbled to the ground.


    Alex uncoiled the rope, releasing the spear it was wrapped around and let the weapon tter to the ground.


    Time for reinforcements. Eat the bowstrings! he barked at his elemental beetle swarm. They clustered together, buzzing around with what seemed like a leisurely momentum as another volley of arrows were loosed. Two force rectangles popped as the projectiles hit them while Alex danced away from chitterer spears.


    He held the rope between his fists again, and moving with the speed gained from the haste potion, rapidly dragged one chitterer after the next to Theresa who made quick work of them with her des. They worked in tandem until the monsters realised they should let go of their spear handles as soon as his rope caught the weapons. But, theyd been slow to figure that out. Alex looked around the cave floor where a mound of chitterer dead had appeared at their feet from their teamwork. I think Ill be keeping the rope. He thought, smiling. Up ahead, he could see bowstrings snapping in two as the elemental beetles chewed them, turning the bows from deadly range weapons into nothing more dangerous than sticks. His team could easily handle sticks. His smile broadened.


    Return! Alex called the elemental beetles back, then willed his Wizards Hands into both tunnels: his and Theresas, and Brutus and Thundars. He didnt dare risk a nce behind, but timed things so each Wizards Hand had enough time to travel deep into each passage.


    Then when they were in position, they crushed the bottles.


    <em>Crunch.</em>


    <em>Poooof!</em>


    Booby-trapped potion gas filled the air.


    A breathter chitterer screams joined it.


    The sound of cracking bones, bangs, dull thuds, thumps, crashing, colliding bodies and terrified shouts echoed through the tunnels, as the monsters were flung every-which-way by the booby-trapped potions, mming into walls, ceilings, floors, and even their allies. In heartbeats, the rear of the ambushing chitterer force copsed, giving him and Theresa more time to crush the ones in front.


    With him disarming them, her cutting them down, and by using the booby-trapped flight potion on them, the hordes of Ravener-spawn rapidly copsed. As Theresa cut another chitterer down, he took a nce behind.


    Thundar and Brutus had also pushed into the tunnel, trapping the chitterers between them and the cloud of potion-mist behind them. So far, the front and back lines of each group were holding up well. Alex could feel their mana surging as they brought spells to bear against the monstrous forces. Stone ground as more hidden passages opened in front and behind their team, but the would-be ambushers were just more fodder for magic, weapons, cerberus jaws, eagle talons, and big, y fists.


    Until suddenly, another mana surged.


    Alex gasped.


    Hed felt that sort of mana before: a dark mana tinged by something hungry. The dungeon core. Mana gathered right above him and Theresa.


    His eyes flew wide.


    Get back! he shouted, grabbing her and pulling her back.


    <em>Thoooom!</em>


    A wide stone barrier plunged from the ceiling above, forming a wall that nearly dropped on the two of them.


    Everyone back! Alex shouted. The dungeon cores making new walls! It''s trying to separate or crush us!


    Thundar swore and sped toward the group with Brutus right behind.


    Alex felt dark mana surging again.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    More walls dropped.


    One hit the cave floor inches in front of Thundar and Brutus, separating them from the rest of the team, nearly crushing the cerberus. Another one mmed down behind ygon and Grimloch, isting the two giants from the others, while another confined Alex and Theresa.


    Stone scraped and grated through the passageways, but now Alex felt the mana retreating. The surge hed felt that had altered so much stone had been immense: hopefully, its mana wasnt unlimited and it couldnt do that too often.


    Dark mana flowed downward, building up below.


    For an instant Alex felt something pass over the grouplike a presence aiming its attention on them. The feeling was familiar: a simr yet distant one to what hed felt from the dungeon core in the Cave of the Traveller. It was strange.


    It seemed to lightly touch them, but if anyone else noticed, there were no sounds of rming from anyone. Then, Alex felt it pause. Suddenly, that odd consciousness rested on him, focusing intently like a watchful eye. It seemed to be searching, examining him for a moment.


    Then it recoiled, as if scalded.


    For a breath, Alex felt something like emotion surrounding him before it broke contact.


    Something very sharp. Something unsettling.<strong></strong>Something like


    Recognition.

 Chapter 293: Breaking Walls

    Chapter 293: Breaking Walls


    The usurper was there. Right in itsir.


    Of all possible scenarios, the worst had arrived.


    Within its chamber, the dungeon cores mana shuddered as its alien mind worked, gathering its thoughts, ordering them. This was not the time for disorganised thinking, but it was difficult to process all that had happened.


    Recent times had brought too many unwee events its way.


    First came the new interlopers into these moor-fillednds. It had been certain the area would remain empty save for the few wild beasts and other denizens lurking about. They were no threat, so they were ignored.


    There was a time when the dungeon cores abiding in thesends had been three. They had worked in synergy, preparing to annihte the mortals staining the Ravenersnd in a crushing,bined wave. Chitterers were to form the bulk of the army. Blood draks controlling the skies, poisoning thend. And Skinned Ones, the siege engines that would shatter the walls and armour of the enemy and bring utter ruin to their cities.


    It was to be the highest expression of their purpose.


    But an impatient core had acted too quickly.


    The Skinned Ones had ventured forth, tasked with one goal: spread terror across thend among the mortals, feed their fear, make it grow so the fuel from human terror could enrich the dungeon cores. The armies would grow stronger and the cores would build their armies of monsters faster. For a time, they had been filled with the mortals fearbut that attention had drawn the hated Heroes.


    And the dungeon of the Skinned Ones had been uncovered and destroyed by them.


    So the remaining pair had waited, soaking in the mortals fear and building up fear inducing armies. The n was still sound, even without the Skinned Ones. The dungeon cores would simply be more cautious, less impatient. Then, they would strike together, and by the time the Heroes returned to hunt them, much terror would have spread far and wide among the mortals.


    But then <em>they</em> hade.


    Strangers with skill, strong magicfar stronger than that wielded by most wizards in thesendsand organisation. Soon, it became clear that these mortals were a growing threat.


    And so their ns had changed.


    The two dungeons had worked in secret, building their forces to strike and clear thends of the blight. They had sent scouts out with care, mostly under cover of darkness, and kept their tunnels obscured during the daylight. Yet, they had been discovered by a small group of these intruders. It was not the first time they had been found. Those other trespassers had been of no significance and were useful for fuel, food, and their equipment. They were easily dispatched with.


    But these strangers had proved to be an entirely different matter.


    And the Heroes presence was also of concern.


    Ultimate destruction was likely.


    Yet, resistance was a must.


    It had been mounting a broad defence against the intruders when a group of them had entered its main tunnel where it had been building ambush points.


    It had overrun that passage with its creationsonly to find troop after troop destroyed by these invaders. It had then tried to warp the stone within the passagecosting it much mana due to the urgent action needed, and the distance it had been working frombut these persistent pests had endured. So it had been forced to examine them more closely, to know the enemy.


    Thats when it sensed it.


    That stink.


    The stench of a mortal who had ovee one of its siblings and controlled it. A usurper. A usurper brought a fate far worse than destruction to a dungeon core. It meant a grave shift: from being a tool for the Ravener, to being a tool for a mortal.


    And if more mortals were to learn of this ability


    that had to be avoided.


    At all costs.


    Reaching deep within itself, it tapped some of the mana it had been building up over time. It mentally connected to the armoured chitterer who was holding it with the greatest care. The assistant had removed it from the rock shelf within its chamber: it was the only spawn in the dungeon that had been given intellect and mana to practise a crude form of magic.


    The dungeon cores mana and consciousness joined with its creations own, and that joining allowed them to begin working in concert. There was much to do. The dungeon core understood that all of its mana reserves would be used up: it would have to create additional elite chitterer-warriors to buy time. Then it would use that time to craft anothermander. The chamber would have to be sealed, obstructions must be created if there was enough time.


    It had to resist.


    No matter the cost.


    Then it paused, feeling its attendants consciousness directing its mana to another purpose. When it understood what the creature was nning, the dungeon core eagerly offered up its power.


    There would be risk. If the n failed, it would be left with just a fraction of its mana.


    But if it seededthe usurper and at least one Hero would be destroyed.


    Its power reached through the stone above.


    Brutus! Thundar! Theresa screamed, moving toward the other tunnel in a blur, the horror at what had just happened marked her voice. She threw her weight against the stone wall, hitting it with her shoulder, kicking at it.


    But it was unyielding.


    Alex watched her, frozen in ce, his mind overwhelmed. It had recognized him. By the Traveller, a dungeon core had recognized him!


    His mind began to race with questions, but there was no time to consider any of them right now. He had to get those walls down.


    ygon! He cast his thoughts to his golem. Come to me! Break down the wall.


    <em>Thm.</em>


    Colossal footsteps sounded from behind the wall separating him and Theresa, from ygon and Grimloch.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    A huge y fist burst through the thin stone like it was cracking eggshells.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Then another and another, pulverising the rock.


    A heartbeatter, the dungeon cores wall crumbled, spewing rock dust. Alex was d to see ygon step through the ragged hole. Behind him, mes roared through the passage, consuming monsters, while Grimlochcovered in a shield of dark watersmashed some of the bigger ones charging him.


    He wasughing with every swing; he didnt need ygons back-up anymore.


    So Alex put him to other uses.


    ygon, I need


    His breath caught.


    That dark mana streamed up from down below.


    And this time, there was even more of it.


    Alex looked at Theresa, fear coursing through him. Theresa, theres-


    <em>Crooom!</em>


    The tunnel shuddered like a titan was violently shaking it. Stone dust and rock shards rained down from the ceiling, bouncing along the floor and kicking up fine grey clouds.


    By Eku-Dari! Grimloch cursed.


    Alex, whats happening? Theresa cried.


    He looked up at the ceiling as the tunnel shook with increasing force. Then, the ceiling began to move. Downward. Mana flowed around them with such intensity, it was bing overwhelming.


    Its trying to crush us! Alex shouted. We need to


    Look out! Theresa screamed.


    Alex looked up.


    Spikes.


    Stone spikes were focused on him, shooting straight down from above.


    He jumped away, propelled himself to the ground and out of the way before they could skewer him, then quickly kipped back to his feet. They shattered where he had been a breath before.


    <em>Rmmmmble.</em>


    As the ceiling slowly moved down, the sheer amount of mana being used made Alex shudder. His mind shed back to that strangeplex beneath the Barrens where he, Brutus, Rayne and Thundar fought off muupkara skeletons, and had to save themselves from another ceiling rigged to crush anyone in its path.


    Only this time, there was no switch or mechanism to use to open an escape route.


    And no spell-marks to whisk them away to safety.


    ygon! Break the wall on the left! Hurry!


    <em>Schnk!</em>


    More spikes.


    Alex twisted away, dodging the impaling tips. They hit the dirt, billowing a dust cloud.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    With fists flying, ygon shattered the thin wall separating Thundar and Brutus from Alex, Theresa and Grimloch. The minotaur and cerberus were fighting hard against a tide of chitterers. Many had died by them and booby-trapped flight potions, but there were more pouring in, determined to pull the hound and wizard down.


    In an instant, Theresa was leaping through the hole and over Ravener-spawn heads.


    Her des shed, tearing through the monsters. Go! Get back! She shouted at Brutus and Thundar.


    The panting pair stumbled back, their chests heaving. The minotaur gaped at the descending ceiling. By my ancestors, itsing down!


    Grimloch roared and smashed another armoured chitterer down. We gotta move! His knees were beginning to bend as the ceiling was getting close to his armoured dorsal fin.


    <em>Schnk!</em>


    More spikes shot down, then


    <em>Sk!</em>


    moreunched from the floor at Alex. He jumped aside, narrowly avoiding being skewered. A spike tip scraped along his force armour. Too close.


    The tunnel was rapidly <em>filling</em> with spikes. He was running out of room. Soon thered be no ce left for him to dodge to.


    Break that other wall! he shouted at ygon.


    The golem strode to the front wallhis head almost scraping the ceiling nowand smashed another barrier the dungeon core had erected. There were shouts of surprise from the other side.


    Meikara, Isolde and Khalik whirled around in shock, while Najyah fluttered around them, screeching. Ahead of them, another wall had been created, cutting them off from Cedric and Isoldes entourage.


    Isolde was pale. Hogarth and Svenia! she cried. They were fighting a new wave of monsters when the wall came down! I


    <em>Rmmmble!</em>


    The ceiling continued descending, grinding slowly toward the ground and anything standing on it. The dark mana flowed.


    What is that mana? Meikara cried. Its horrible!


    Then a muffled roar came from behind the wall.


    It was Cedrics voice.


    Another mana flowed around them, filling the space and pushing back against the dungeon cores power.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Stone split from the strain, sending rock and dust cascading from the cracked ceiling. But the ceilings descent had slowed, almost to a crawl. The stone spikes stopped, buying them precious time.


    ygon, get all of us back together, Alex mentallymanded.


    Bending at the waist, the golem moved to the wall and smashed it with two powerful blows.


    On the other side, chaos greeted them.


    Cedric was fighting like a demigod,bining divinity with his whirling weapon. From his mouth poured the incantation of a spell, and from his being flowed the mana that was slowing the sinking ceiling. It was a testament to the Chosens abilities that he could cut down giant, menacing, armoured chitterers, while maintaining his concentration on his spell.


    He also had very capable help, though.


    Hogarth and Svenia were beside him, smashing the spikes of their halberds through the giant chitterers crooked armour. They fought with the skill of veterans who had learned how to fight their way out of a corner; dozens of the monsters were dead at their feet, but more were streaming toward them.


    <em>Rmmmmble!</em>


    The dungeon shook. Dark mana began to gather. Cedrics mana pushed against the mounting power of the dungeon core, but the cores power increased, pushing hard against Cedrics. Dust fell as the ceiling began to fall faster again.


    Thats it! Alex shouted. Were breaking through! ygon, st every one of those hells-spawn out front! Heads up!


    <em>Whooooom!</em>


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    Cedric, Hogarth, and Svenia continued cutting through monsters while ygon fired, aiming directly at the approaching targets.


    <em>Booom!</em>


    me filled the tunnel as the Chosen and the two warriors leapt back. The golem raked the enemy at the front of the horde with two fire-gems while sting any remaining behind them with his third.


    Move up and keep low! Alex shouted. Were pushing forward as soon as the mes die down!


    Heat built around them, and Alex called the Small Water Elementals, directing Bubbles and the other three to douse the mes. Steam soon hissed in the air, revealing piles of smouldering Ravener-spawn. Up ahead, more tunnels had opened on either side of the passageway, chitterers clicked and shrieked inside, but stayed put, probably panicked by the wall of fire ygon had unleashed on their now roasted brethren.


    Charge the fire-gems again! Alex thought.


    <em>Whooooom!</em>


    Light built in the gems.


    Get ready! the Fool said, pulling more booby-trapped sleep potions out of his pack, then coiling the rope over his shoulder. He tossed some of them into his Wizards Hands while holding another pair in each hand. Follow me at the count of twenty!


    He sprinted forward with the small water elementals and beetle swarm behind, moving down the tunnel with supernatural speed. His hands and spells whipped out, tossing potions into hidden tunnels on either side as he ran past them. The bottles exploded, releasing their mist.


    His team followed, passing tunnels with sleeping chitterers copsed atop one another inside.


    But, ygon was thest to follow, waiting until everyone was clearand until the fire-gems finished charging.


    Then, Alex gave his mental instruction. Rake them all!


    The golems upper arms snapped out sideways, almost as though he was forming a T. Then he fired. Fire-beams hit the sides of the passage, engulfing everything around him in me, then he charged ahead with earth-shaking strides.


    Fire beams seared the walls, letting loose twin streams of me on either side of ygon, leaving trails of fire as he ran. Every hidden tunnel he passed was met by fire-beams scouring them, sting any chitterer hidden within. When his sprint through the passageway was done, every hidden tunnel on either side was raked by fire; there''d be no Ravener-spawn following their team and stopping their progress. Not for a while.


    Alex had his Wizards Hands pull up the map again. Cmon guys! Were nearly at the dungeon core!

 Chapter 294: Storming the Final Chamber

    Chapter 294: Storming the Final Chamber


    <em>Rmmmmble!</em>


    The entire dungeon trembled as the group sped down the passageway.


    Stone dust rained from the ceiling, spreading through the air around them. The dungeon cores dark mana ebbed and flowed, trying to concentrate the might of its raw power in one spot and bring the full weight of the rock down on them. But they were neither stationary nor slow, frustrating its n. The team kept moving ahead, united in one goal: the destruction of the dungeon core. Frightful chitterer cries echoed throughout the tunnels, but the monsters remained out of sight and at a distance.


    Everyone could breathe a little easier for the moment.


    And Alex finally had time to think.


    Time to dread.


    His mind remembered that feeling of recognition and the spikes aimed directly at himand him alone. The walls the core had erected had actually helped him in one critical way: theyd kept Cedric from seeing that attack on him. Alex nced around, catching the Chosens eye, then slowed so the team could return to their original formation with him in the middle.


    Cedric gave Alex a respectful nod as he passed him, but didnt say a word, turning his attention forward, watching for threats. Svenia and Hogarth passed next, and the muscr woman pped him on the shoulder. Thanks for the save.


    Alex nodded, still watching Cedrics broad back moving ahead.


    Recognition. Focused attacks. It was pretty clear that the core had been fixated on him specifically: with killing <em>him </em>specifically. His eyes narrowed on the dark tunnel up ahead. What would happen when he got down there, right in the heart of the dungeon, where the cores power would be its strongest? He visualised bigger spikes, traps, swarms of monsters and other hells it could be nning to throw at him.


    His jaw hardened with resolve.


    But, so what?


    Khalik, Thundar, Isolde and Meikara passed, then he jumped in beside Theresa, and Brutus as they reached him.


    Bringing up the rear and towering over everyone like a pair of powerful guardians, were Grimloch and ygon.


    His team. His friends. All wielding their own power. All united in purpose.


    Hed spent thest year forming friendships. Making bonds. Gathering magical power, skill, physical strength and magical allies. His eyes rested on his small water elementals still moving beside him, then on his swarm, and briefly on ygon striding behind him.


    There was no question in his mind that the dungeon core was targeting himand it seemed to have a lot more mana reserves than the one theyd fought in the Cave of the Travellerbut he, Theresa and Brutus had stopped it with a de, jaws, a smashed fire-gem, and some imagination.


    If this thing wanted him dead, hed have to disappoint it...


    Still, there was one major issue to consider.


    His eyes narrowed on Cedrics back.


    What would the Chosen think if it became obvious that the dungeon core was focused on him; on someone who was from Thamnd. The secret Fool had his exnations ready, but made-up exnations weren''t foolproof. A dead dungeon core was.


    Especially one that died fast, well before it could bring attention to how much it was focusing on him.


    Alex was pulled from his thoughts when screeching erupted in the tunnel ahead.


    Theres no rest for the weary! Cedric shouted from the front. Herees another wave!


    <em>Rmmmmmmble.</em>


    The dungeon shook below.


    The strategy had failed.


    The usurper was alive and still on his way to its chamber.


    And it had already used much mana in the failed attempt.


    It grew agitated in the chitterers hands.


    The attendant looked around the chamber.


    Layer uponyer ofrge cocoons pulsated and throbbed rhythmically on the floor and walls within the space, moving and sloshing, ready to burst. The mana-filled attendant poured some of the cores mana into them until they ruptured with a wet sound.


    <em>Squelch!</em>


    Newly hatched chitterersfull-sized, but slick with fluidburst free of their cocoons, screeching out their first breaths, then skittered along the stone floor.


    The attendant shrieked its orders.


    <em>Take weapons.</em>


    <em>Use bare ws. Use teeth.</em>


    <em>Stop the usurper.</em>


    The chitterers screeched in acknowledgement of their task, bounding through the tunnel, with several giant ones bringing up the rear. When the attendant knew that the horde had entered the tunnel, more mana was poured into the remaining cocoons and then...


    <em>Rrmmmmmble.</em>


    <em>Crash! Crash! Crash!</em>


    Wall after wall appeared in the tunnels leading to the cores chamber, sealing out invaders.


    More mana used, but time bought. Now was the time for caution, but not inaction: if it drained its mana too low, then the usurper would use that weakness to overwhelm its defences and seize control of it. So, it still needed to do what it could to avoid that fate.


    There were a few more things to be done. It focused on the space above the chamber: themander it had spawned long ago remained concealed within a crevice above the entrance, ready to stop all intruders.


    It would craft another.


    The attendant holding the dungeon core reached deep within it, drawing out its mana. Within the corey prototypes of scores of monsters it could create, and its attendant searched them, choosing amander suitable for its needs.


    There was a depth within itself it could not search, though. It was the sole domain of the Ravener. The prototypes hidden there were buried within each core, and only The Ravener itself could approach them. Usurpers of the past had hunted for them, but had never uncovered where they had been hidden. Those specially spawned monsters were so terrible, so fearsome, that any one of them could make short work of all of these interlopers on its own. Yet, to create them was forbidden, protocols ingrained in each core''s very being would not allow that, except in one dire circumstance.


    And it would note to that.


    And so, it would use what it had free ess to.


    The air shuddered as a cocoon swelled and thrashed, growing as the creature inside shifted, its form altering, bing something far greater than a simple chitterer.


    A gibbering noise slipped from its covering.


    The casing began shifting and splitting apart.


    Cedric split the chitterers apart.


    More kepting.


    The dungeon was rumbling now, like an angry beast trying to scare predators away.


    But the predators kepting; pushing through thestyers of resistance.


    Were near the chamber! Alex said, checking the map.


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    ygons firebeams sted chitterers to dust as the creatures approached from the rear. Ahead, volleys of spells tore through monstersing from the front. Alex watched the spells; theyd been casting a lot since they got down here.


    How are we on mana? Alex called to his team.


    Down to less than half! Isolde shouted back, sending multiple small lightning bolts cascading from her fingers.


    A little more than half! said Khalik, spraying a glob of acid over chitterers charging Cedric.


    Ive still got about three-quarters! Thundar fired force bolts through the tunnel. Hed been using less powerful spells since the assault on the dungeons began: choosing to do a lot more hitting than magicking things.


    Im at about three-quarters of mine right now! Meikara chimed in.


    Im just fine! Cedric called back. Maybe half, but thats still lots for me!


    <em>Schnk!</em>


    He, Svenia and Hogarth ran arge chitterer through as one, then watched it copse to the earth before kicking it away.


    Theres the Mark of the Chosens mana pool for you, Alex thought.


    Im just over half! Alex shouted.


    Using so many summons earlier had taken a fair amount of his mana, but the elementals were still with him, right by his side. Hopefully, the summoning spells would hold until the core was dead.


    He steeled himself. Theyd be on top of the core soon.


    The team rounded a corner, finding a straight corridor ahead of them, filled with a swelling tide of monsters. Alex froze for an instant: the hall should lead them right to the dungeon cores chamber, but instead, it was a dead end, a dead end overrun with monsters.


    It suddenly hit him like a wall.


    The dungeons tryin ta block us out! Cedric cried. Its sealin itself up wit walls! We gotta bust em down ifn we want that core! This ones mine!


    Up ahead, the dungeon was roaring, flowing like a raging river, poweringa process Alex couldnt see.


    Traps! Cedric shouted.


    The Chosen leapt back as spikes shot out of the ceiling, floor and walls, nearly impaling him. His weapon morphed into a shining hammer then struck the spikes, shattering them. He leapt over the rubble.


    Likely thered be traps on the other side of the wall as well. And only one of their group was nearly invincible.


    Cedric! Alex shouted. Switch with ygon and Grimloch!


    He nced at Theresa. Can you and Brutus guard our backs for a bit?


    The huntress gave him a look like hed just insulted her.


    Yeah, stupid question, he said, then spoke to Grimloch. Youre the best armoured of all of us, mind going in after ygon?


    <em>Smash!</em>


    Grimlochs toothy grin after sweeping his hammer through more chitterers was all the answer he needed.


    Cedric gave Alex and Grimloch another puzzled look. Then he seemed toe to a conclusion. Right, but Im next one through!


    Good! The rest of us Alex said, feeling the dark mana continually building in the chamber ahead. shock and awe tactics! We follow ygon, Grimloch and Cedric and just bury <em>anything</em> with magic that so much as twitches in there!


    The group approved.


    Alright! Charge the fire-beams and have them ready, but dont fire yet! Alex instructed ygon.


    <em>Whooooom.</em>


    Three fire-beams charged, bathing the area in red light. Alex nced behind him. So far, nothing unusual from ygon. So far so good.


    Stay with me, buddy, he thought.


    Charge! He shouted.


    The group parted in front of the golem, who turned


    <em>Boom!</em>


    dug his foot into the stone and charged forward at full speed with all three fire-gems glowing. He smashed through the monsters ahead like a raging bull moose crashing through a dpidated fence. Chitterers flew through the air before abruptly hitting the groundwhere they were promptly trampled by Grimloch.


    As ygon ran into a line of giant chitterers, they tried to stop him by pushing back, but they may as well have been made of dried twigs. Anything trying to block the charging juggernaut was cracked and shattered.


    The golem continued gathering speed as the wall loomed near.


    <em>Crash! Crash! Crash! Crash!</em>


    He plowed into wall after wall, slowing with each onebut Grimloch was there, lending a hand. With a roar, the sharkman mmed into ygons back, pushing him forward, crushing chitterers between y and stone and demolishing all obstructions.


    Cedric came right after them, followed by each team member as Theresa and Brutus cut down chitterers in the rear, then joined the others,pleting the team.


    Finally, thest wall fell. The chamber yawned open ahead of ygon.


    <em>ck! ck! ck!</em>


    A volley of arrows broke on ygons form: a failed ambush.


    <em>Crunch! Crunch! Crunch!</em>


    Spikes rose from the floor to impale him, but they shattered on him: a failed trap.


    That core likes trying to kill things with spikes a little too much for my liking. Alex shouted.


    Get ready to fire on anything that moves!


    Three fire-beams sted from ygon, shooting into the room and rocking the tunnel with heat, and the ring light of explosions.


    Grimloch charged in after ygon.


    Followed by Cedric right after him.


    And then came the rest of the group.


    Alex blinked as light from the wizards magical lights spread through the chamber.


    The room was enormous, nearly as vast as the portal chamber in the Cave of the Traveller. Seeing it through the Wizards Eyes hadnt done it justice. The ceiling must have been close to fifty or sixty feet high, and was supported by walls covered in swollen, dripping cocoons that were pulsating, leaking thick fluid over the floor.


    Much of the chamber was burning.


    me was jumping from one smouldering cocoon to the next, belching smoke into the cavern. Chitterer archers clutching bows zed on the floor as the fire rose, but unfortunately, not every monster had perished from ygons fire-beams. More monsters were erupting from cocoons the me hadnt touched, scrambling over stone, rushing to join arge chitterer wearing distinct armour: with bright colours and decorations on the scavenged ting.


    And in its handsthe dungeon core they were after. The mana flowing from it was immense as the orb of darkness seemed to pulsate with hatred and malice. Alexs demeanour hardened as its attention fell squarely on him.


    He watched it in silence with a look of defiance on his face, neither blinking nor speaking. The Alex Roth whod escaped Thamnd on his eighteenth birthday a little over a year ago, would have been trembling at the sight and feel of its manafar more abundant than the cores in the Cave of the Traveller.


    Now he didnt flinch.


    Oi! Cedric said. Why dont ya be a good little ball of crud an just explode for us, will ya?


    The chitterer wielding it shrieked at him.


    Alex paused. Was iughing?


    Above us! Theresa shouted.


    Alex nced up.


    His vision was filled with monsters.


    Two of them.


    Giant masses of flesh with gibbering mouths quivered on the ceiling like spiders setting a trap. Each of them must have been taller than ygon and maybe twenty feet across. Dozens of twitching, fleshy arms protruded from all sides, each clutching a shield or rusty spear in their grips. A cut from one of those rusted spear tips could prove fatal.


    The monsters undting wails sted through the cavern, so loudly, the swelling sound made Alexs ears ring.


    Scatter! Theresa shouted.


    And thenwith a sound like wet paper peeling from a wallboth monsters dropped.

 Chapter 295: The Battle of Chitterer Dungeon

    Chapter 295: The Battle of Chitterer Dungeon


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    The monsters plummeted down from the high ceiling, aiming dozens of weapons at everyone below. It was as if the spectre of death was falling to either crush Alexs team, cleave them apart, or both. He doubted that how they died really mattered to the plunging horrors dropping from above, just so long as they died. With Theresas warning and the hideous criesing closer, the team reacted.


    Wizards Hands grabbed Small Water Elementals.


    The whole group scattered and leapt for the sides of the chamber.


    But Meikarainexperience inbatwas a step too slow.


    The blood mage stumbled.


    The fleshy monsters plummeted, multiple weapons poised to stab through her defences and end her.


    Thundar cursed and pivoted.


    Shit!


    His form blurred, he leapt, grabbed the healer and jumped clear, all in one unbroken movement. He drove his body to the side of the chamber with the power of his enhanced strength, and soared from the path of the monsters bulkbut with Meikara in tow, he was now slower by a heartbeat.


    Just a heartbeat.


    <em>hnnnk!</em>


    Aaaaargh!


    A sword tip shed along the back of his force armour as the monsters came to rest on the chamber floor.


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    His force spell shattered, the de sheared cloth and thick hide, piercing the minotaurs back. Thundars pained cry escaped his throat, but he stayed on his feet, his hooves skidded along stone then brought him to an abrupt halt with Meikara tucked beneath one arm.


    Hey! he shouted, as the back of his shirt washed red. Are you ok-


    There was a sudden intake of breath from dozens of mouths.


    Alex recognized the creatures as gibbering legions.


    Thundar went silent.


    Flesh swelled as the monsters inhaled, taking in a massive breath.


    And then, they screamed. From a host of mouths shrieking as one, undting sounds mmed Alexs eardrums and stabbed into his thoughts. Sound, sight, taste, and touch collided in his senses, looking to disorient him, but through experience with the dazing cries of a shoggoth, the shrillness of demon voices, the mouring from hosts of enraged monsters, and the Marks obstructions, hed learned to acknowledge the interferences and let them go.


    His friends werent so fortunate.


    Most screamed at the mental assault. Hogarth fell to his knees, wing frantically at his helmet through the Orb of Air like he was trying to rip his own ears off. Grimloch roared, shaking his head like he was gripped by a fit of some kind, snapping at the air like something only he could see was attacking him.


    Only Cedric seemed able to shake the auditory assault off, roaring out a prayer to Uldar: <em>Oh mighty Uldar, bless our minds! Protect us gainst these fiends!</em>


    A wave of light gathered around his spear.


    Alex reacted at the same time.


    ygon! he shouted, his voice loud enough for both the dungeon core and Cedric to hear.  Stay with the team! Knock the wind out of that monster!


    The golem turned on the gibbering legion and smashed a pair of his fists into the creatures side. Gibbering screeches immediately died as the force sted its breath clean away.


    Then divine power from Cedrics spear exploded outward in all directions like a wave: a halo of holy light enveloped the team. Whoever it touched was shaking their head trying to clear it, working to recover from the monstrous screams as Alex moved past the interference that had tried to steal their reason.


    Just in time.


    The other massivemander charged, twitching dozens of fleshy arms that encircled its dune-shaped body, flexing them, raising shields and rusty weapons.


    Heading directly for Alex.


    It slid along the stonewith swords shing and spears stabbing, driving its spongy body past recovering team membersfocusing its rush on the secret Fool. Gritting his teeth, Alex quickly positioned a deflective rectangle to catch a spear-thrust, then moved back from the iing assault; using the Cleansing Movements and a blend of dance movements to keep clear of the monsters blows.


    With horrendous screeching from scores of gibbering mouths, the secondmander whirled on the team, striking at them from all directions. They flinched away from the sound of its voices, gritting their teeth, giving ground as the piercing noise stabbed at their minds, but this time, they didnt fall; this time Uldars holy energy guarded them. Cedric roared, his cry reverberating off stone walls as he leapt straight for the creature, his spear shedding divine light.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    ygon grabbed the gibbering legion, smashing his hands through its web of shields with a pair of enormous fists. The team attacked, more chitterers burst from cocoons, flinging themselves into the melee.


    Alexs attention was no longer focused on chitterers; he suddenly had much more lethal problems to worry about.


    The world became a hail of steel and stone as the giant, gibbering monster repeatedly struck at him, trying to impaling him from a half dozen different directions. Spears and shields shed against stone in a frenzied attack, piercing empty air and scraping against his force shield as he just barely dodged the blows. Even a half a year ago, he wouldve been skewered in under five heartbeats by the monsters onught.


    Now, his reflexes were sharper and his movements more practised: he pushed his body to its limits, guiding weapons away from vital organs and dancing out of reach of others.


    But he wasnt entirely on the defensive.


    ygon! he yelled, ensuring all heard his voice. Charge your fire-beams!


    <em>Whooooom!</em>


    As he ducked a sword stroke aimed for his head, the fire-gems began charging. Alex returned his focus to the dome-shaped monster gibbering before him.


    You call that an attack? he said, leaping out of reach of three spear thrusts as it chased after him. Ive met beast-goblins that fight better than you!


    Its screeching built in volume at his mocking. Seems you didnt like that. Alex grinned as it threw itself at him again and again, trying to body m him into the chamber walls. If he could keep this one distracted, then the team could make short work of the chitterers and the other one, then they could all deal with this one and the dungeon core. Divide and conquer.


    And, he had more in mind for this creature than a game of tag.


    With a mentalmand, Wizards Hands shot through the forest of shields, des and spearswhile he dodged the monsters iling assaultto drop precious cargo on its domed form: two Small Water Elementals filled with bubbles of sleeping potion.


    The liquid creatures slipped through gaps in raised shields.


    Push the potions in! hemanded, ducking below a spear thrust, weaving around another, then deflecting a sword-strike with his armoured arms. Extract as much water as you like!


    The water elementals bubbled in glee, then pushed two doses of sleeping potion into Alexs attacker, filtering it through the creatures skin.


    The effect was immediate.


    Within heartbeats, the monsters actions began slowing as sleeping potion seeped into its system. It fought in vain, iling and shivering; its movements bing sluggish. The two water elementals hadnt finished the task theyd been given yet: and happily began draining the dungeon coresmander.


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    The monster shuddered as the pair did what they did best, pulled bodily fluid out, purifying it, then spraying the water through the air. The creatures flesh began withering like tomatoes drying in the hot sun, and its arms spasmed and iled in panic even as its movements grew increasingly sluggish.


    Alexs two Small Water Elementals slowly drained fluid from the gibbering legion and it slowed further as Alex danced away and sent one of his Wizards Hands searching through his bag for a


    The thought froze.


    Mana was gathering beneath his feet. Dark mana.


    He sprang to the side.


    <em>Schnk!</em>


    Razor-sharp stgmites shot from the stone beneath him, scraping his force armour as he jumped away. He shot a re toward the dungeon core.


    Im gonna get you for that, he growled.


    The orbs attendant held its master in one hand, pointing it at Alex while the other hand gestured at Cedric. With a cry that could curdle blood, it unleashed a spear of lightning at Uldars Chosen. Cedric instantly conjured a divine shield and deflected the st toward the ceiling.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Stone ruptured as the magic struck, raining stone shards onto the chamber floor. His teammates dodged falling rocks, andshed out at the other gibbering legion and the chitterers surrounding them.


    Khalik sprayed themander with acid. The corrosive substance burned flesh and melted weapons, while Isolde raked it with lightning. Fumes rose from the screeching monster. des and spears it was gripping acted as lightning rods, conducting her wrath into its fleeing bulk.


    <em>Splorcth!</em>


    Grimloch struck it with his spiked, lead maul, splintering shields and burying the hammer in the creatures side. It flinched, still screaming in agony, shrinking back as the weapons poison sank in. The sharkman wasnt finished. He charged with full force, hitting it square in the centre, body-mming it in his full armour, then in a frenzy, he buried his teeth into one iling arm after the next.


    The monstrous limbs were cast through the air like a stream of caught fish.


    As Grimloch ripped and tore limbs away, Theresa charged,unching her body up onto her friends powerful back. She leapt.


    <em>Swwchhhwiiiing!</em>


    Twin des whirled, shended atop the gibbering legionnting her feet on a pair of its raised shieldsthen severed more arms when it stabbed at her. The beast roared, shaking itself like a bucking horse, but Grimloch, joined by ygon, held it in an iron grip.


    It was going nowhere, and no help wasing to help it.


    Brutus joined with Thundar, Svenia and Hogarth, tore through chitterers trying to nk the rest of the team. Meikara stood at their backs, healing Thundar and her other teammates'' wounds with blood magic.


    But, they werent the only ones healing.


    A gurgling, squelching sound wasing from themanders wounds as its flesh knitted back together almost as quickly as the team was dealing damage to it. It wasnt generating limbs like the blood-hydra did, but its wounds healed even faster than the nine-headed creatures hadexcept for those dealt by Cedric.


    The Chosens divine-sheathed spear had burned the creatures flesh wherever it touched, and those gaping wounds were lingering, fresh and raw. Uldars power rejected the Ravener-spawn, cursing its wounds and spurning its regeneration.


    <em>Rmmmmble!</em>


    Mana was gathering beneath Alexs feet again.


    He nced down and vaulted away as...


    <em>Sk! Schnk! Schnk!</em>


    More spikes burst from the stone; a profusion of spears shot through the air, seeking to impale him from below. Relentless-themanderits movements still sluggish, lurched toward him, battling the sleeping potion coursing through it. Its movements were jerky, uncoordinated. Alex could see flesh withering as the elementals sucked and purified its life fluids, turning some of its limbs into something resembling shrivelled fruit.


    It tried stabbing at the spirits, but its weapons were too long; it couldnt angle the des properly to reach the little creatures draining it. Desperately, the monster raised a half dozen weapons


    and threw them straight at Alex.


    Spikes shot at him from all sides.


    Oh shi


    The Fool propelled himself into the air, tucking his arms and legs in, spinning to the side, using the Mark to guide the motion. He whirled above the creatures spears, and dodged some of the weapons.


    But four kept shooting right for him.


    Alex clenched his teeth and trusted his defending spells, mentally guiding them in patterns from the Cleansing Movements.


    <em>sh!</em>


    His forceshield shot up, knocking aside a pair of swords spinning through the air. His sole remaining deflective force rectangle shattered while guiding the spear away, leaving him grunting as thest sword scraped along his force armour.


    Hended, took a deep breath then jumped away from themanders next lunge. His spells had saved him. If hed had lesser force armour cast instead of force armour, the weapon would have sliced him. The breath flowed through him, as he panted, listening for the sound of ygons fire-gems charging.


    A lot had happened so fast: it felt like the gems were taking a lifetime to charge.


    Come on he thought, using his haste-enhanced speed to dodge around the creatures next lunge. Come on!


    As he scrambled away, themander reached down with those six hands and grabbed at the Water Elementals, trying to tear them loose. The little spirits tried to slip away, but too many hands reached for them, plucking them off, hoisting them between two of many hands then


    <em>St!</em>


    pped them between them.


    <em>Pooof!</em>


    The pair of Small water Elementals vanished, sent back to their home ne.


    Damn you! Alex cursed the creature. Beetles! Attack the monster in front of me! Bite at it in a loop!


    <em>Schhhnk!</em>


    Spikes rushed at him, spearing up from the floor and


    <em>Whiiish!</em>


    he just caught the whistle of more shooting from the ceiling like crossbow bolts. He dove to the side.


    <em>Crack! Crack! Crack!</em>


    They exploded against the stones where hed been a heartbeat earlier.


    Alex rolled then kipped up to his feet in one fluid motion.


    His swarm wasnt attacking.


    Where are they?


    His eyes scanned the chamber and found them on the floor twitching, their minds likely overwhelmed by screeching from the pair of gibbering legions.


    Alex swore: no reinforcements for himbut the same wasnt true for themander.


    Chitterers were rushing the young wizard from behind, while another horde was scrambling for him with out-stretched ws.


    Leaping back, he yelped as more stone spears shot toward him from all sides and themander lunged. Hed be overwhelmed in no time. His Wizards Hand finally drew a flight potion from his bag.


    Alex reached for it.


    <em>Thwack!</em>


    One of the chitterers pped the Hand, bursting the spell. The potion bottle shattered on the ground as the world around Alex suddenly sped up.


    His Haste potion was fading.


    Thoughts whirled.


    Spears were shooting for him.


    Chitterers reaching for him.


    The gibbering legion barrelled down on him.


    Too many directions at once.


    Nowhere to run.


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    His mind stopped.


    There <em>was</em> one ce to run.


    With thest of his Haste enhanced speed, he leapt, twisting through the air.


    <em>Toward</em> themander.

 Chapter 296: Harvest

    Chapter 296: Harvest


    Alex spun through the air toward the gibbering legion, using the remnants of Haste potion burning through his body and the creatures sluggishness. Its weapons stabbed upward, clumsily driving at him: a thicket of jabbing spears, des and spinning axes.


    They cut the air, but the Fool sailed higher as his forceshield rushed down, blocking them.


    Alex activated the Mark: memories of past flight manoeuvres, Cleansing Movements, acrobatics and dance steps filled his mind, uniting to create a burst of graceful motion.


    In a heartbeat, he became a whirl of deflection.


    Legs kicked away spears.


    Force-armoured arms guided swords from his path.


    His forceshield deflected more weapons, until hed stopped enough of them.


    Then one final flip in mid-air let himnd squarely on the monsters shields.


    It let out a weak gibbering cry and lurched around, desperate to eject him. It swiped at him with many arms, but he was a blur on its back. Even with the haste potion now spent, his trained speed let him slip through gaps in the monsters erratic stabbing attacks.


    Alexs hands whipped about, guiding weapons away as he danced across the monsters back with controlled bnce. The chitterers surrounding theirmander shrieked in frustration. Some tried climbing up to reach Alex, but couldnt find stable footing on its lurching form.


    Dark manaseething around Alex; the dungeon cores displeasure seemed to burn his senses with its rage, but there was little it could do about him. It would skewer its ownmander if it shot spears at him now.


    The chitterer attendant screeched in outrage, gesturing at Alex and chanting; three stone discsthin and razor sharpappeared, spinning, above its hand.


    With a flick of the wrist, it shot them toward Alex.


    <em>Whiiish!</em>


    They cut through the air.


    His hands shot up.


    Weaving out of the way of one, he deflected the other pair to the side.


    <em>Schnk!</em>


    They shed Ravener-spawn nearby, cutting them down.


    The attendant screeched louder, aiming the core at Alex. Dark mana surgedbut it was weakening. Less rose than before.


    Stone shuddered where the chitterers stood, a tform rose beneath them, catapulting the monsters toward Alex. The Fool rolled backward, hopping on two of themanders shields and somersaulting off the side of the beast.


    By the time the chitterers hit the gibbering legion, Alex was already springing away.


    Then he finally heard the sweet noise of what sounded like a choir of engeli to his ears: ygons gems were almost finished charging. With a quick thought, he shot Wizards Hands toward the attendant.


    Then he turned toward the other gibbering legion, and shouted amand at his golem: ygon! Punch through that bastards hide and st it from the inside! Shoot the one near me and blow that thing holding the orb to bits!


    He reinforced his words with a mentalmand.


    ygon raised one of his fistsred light leaked from between his y fingersthen he drove it home.


    <em>Splortch!</em>


    It collided with the monsters side, burying itself up to the elbow, forcing the breath from it.


    Oh shit! Theresas eyes went wide. She leapt off the monsters back. Everyone get clear! Now!


    Grimloch took one look at ygon, released the beast, tore his hammer free and jumped back. Cedric looked confused for a moment, then his eyes went wide: red light was escaping from the gibbering legion around the golems arm. The Chosen sprang away as heat and sound built up, shimmering around the beast and the golem.


    ygon raised another fire-gem toward the othermander while smoothly turning his head to face the dungeon core and its chitterer attendant. The Ravener-spawn screeched in rm, sting an iing pair of Wizards Hands with another volley of stone disks. Both hands shattered, and it instantly turned its full attention on ygon, using more of the dungeon cores power to


    <em>Thooom!</em>


    Raise a stone wall between it and fiery death.


    <em>-oooom!</em>


    The fire-gems finished charging.


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    All three sted out at the same time.


    The first beam fired directly into the legion ygon had rammed his fist intosting it from inside. There was a hiss like steam escaping as the monster swelled with heat and growing red light. Smoke billowed from a multitude of mouths.


    The wooden shields covering it began burning and popping like corks.


    And then


    <em>Booom!</em>


    it exploded.


    A column of me roared as burning bits of monster rained down throughout the chamber. Through the column of me, two more fire-beams erupted.


    The first struck the second gibbering legion, sting it and the chitterers on its back with roaring me. Fire danced over the monsters forms, consuming them while they shrieked and fell. The second beam hit the newly erected wall. For the space of a few heartbeats the stone held: under the heat, lines of cracks ran freely along its surfaceand then, it exploded, flinging shards of rock and dust everywhere.


    But in those few heartbeats, the attendant saw an opportunity for escape. Its magic carried it through the fiery explosionyelping as the heat scorched its hideflying through the air, tightly clutching the dungeon core.


    It nced behind as mes consumed where it had been standing


    just as Alex had nned.


    A secretive grin spread across his mouth.


    The thing was, he hadnt sent two Wizards Hands toward the attendant earlier.


    Hed sent <em>three</em>.


    One carrying a water elemental.


    Another had been a decoy that only appeared to be holding something.


    And the third? That one had been holding Bubbles.


    Hed slipped it in behind the core and its attendant, weaving the Hand through cocoons while the attendant was distracted with the other two and ygon.


    Now, the third Hand appeared as the airborne chitterer grunted in surprise.


    Wizards Hand shot up behind it, and casually dropped Bubbles


    right on its head.


    Its grunt of surprise instantly died as the first Small Water Elemental Alex had ever conjured enveloped its skull. Bubbles injected the sleeping potion through the Ravener-spawns skin then slipped into the creatures head through its mouth, nose and ears, drowning it, sucking liquid, spraying purified water through the air while making satisfied little sounds. The attendants eyes flew wide then promptly went limp from either the sleeping potion, drowning, or desation, or maybe all three: Alex had no way of knowing.


    But he did know that the dungeon core was rolling from its limp hand and dropping to the ground.


    He watched it arc through the air and, for an instant, he considered diving for it.


    Its mana was low.


    Its power spent: this could be an opportunity to try and take control of another corethat is, if another Hero wasnt standing right there.


    Then he heard Cedrics roar.


    The Chosen was charging right for the falling dungeon core, chanting a spell of running enhancement. He shouted a prayer to Uldar: <em>Oh mighty Uldar, guide my hand so that my aim is true!</em>


    Light red around his weapon, and Alex watched, only watched. And he was fine with that. He knew thered be other opportunities in moreprivate circumstances...without having to risk discovery. Now was the time to collect a sample of dungeon core remains. This time he could research them in the open, not in secretand if he could, im enough of the spoils for himself.


    He did have a staff to make, after all.


    Yes, now was the time to celebrate victory for what it was.


    He smiled as the Chosens weapon mmed into the creature.


    There was a sound like screeching, shattering ss. Cracks snaked through the dark orb as Cedrics strength and Uldars power overwhelmed it.


    And then it shattered.


    And Alexs smile faded.


    A wave of dark mana sted from the dungeon core, carrying a final emotion with it, touching his mind.


    Anger was what he might have expected to feel from it. Or fear, or even despair.


    But that wasnt the emotion the dungeon core conveyed in death.


    It was


    relief.


    With the core destroyed, a gibbering legion blown to bits, and the other burning, it didnt take the team long to clear the rest of the chamber. Most of the cocoons were burning. The chitterers had already been decimated; they couldnt offer much resistance when the teams melee fighters got to them.


    Cedric threw a few sting spells into the cocoons and chitterers, then charged the burning gibbering legion. His weapon blurred as he struck at it, transforming from spear, to sword, to mace and to axe with each strike.


    Wounds piled onto the monster while it tried to defend itself through the mes. With each strike, it grew weaker, finally copsing from Uldars retribution and bing still. Soon it was nothing more than a mound of ash and sparks gently drifting through the air.


    Atst, the chamber was cleared, but the battle still wasnt over.


    From sounds of conflict reaching the chamber, monsters were still putting up a fight in other tunnels.


    During the fight, the flow of creatures that reached the entrance to the dungeon cores chamber had slowed to a trickle, and the team soon discovered why.


    The other strike teams had pushed deep into the dungeon from other tunnels and hit back at any chitterer horde they found, tying them up, stopping them from reinforcing the core or itsmanders.


    Spells roaring from the distance shook the dungeon.


    Wed better help em, Cedric said as the team recovered their breath. Snot like theres much left to do here.


    Just one more thing, Alex said. Ill gather the dungeon core remains, then we can finish this fight.


    He felt the Chosens eyes following him as he scooped up the ck dust and ced it in a sealed container. A slight smile had touched his lips as he bent down;<strong></strong>theyd destroyed another dungeon core and collected another sample.


    It left Alex feeling ted; he couldnt wait to see what the expedition''s senior wizards got up to with it. As he stood and rejoined the team, he and Theresa exchanged triumphant looks with each other. They couldnt talk about what the victory meant to them now, but they would celebrate itter.


    When the Chosen was gone.


    The team gathered themselves up, then pushed into the tunnels to finish off the dregs of the dungeons inhabitants. If needed, most of the heavy lifting would be done by the non-wizards: the cabal and Meikara were all but spent in terms of mana.


    Cedricbeing the Chosenhad more than enough magic to spare.


    Theres a <em>proper</em> divine-granted superpower for you, Alex thought, without a hint of bitterness.


    His mana was low, but he was also tired. More tired than he had been in a long time. Tossing potions from the back of the group would be good enough for him. His help probably wouldnt be needed, anyway. When his team reached the other teamsand pinned resisting chitterers between themit didnt take long to overpower the monsters<strong>.</strong>


    But, there was still one final part of their task toplete.


    Now, we sweep this ce clean, one of the Watchers said. Make sure theres no backways or hidey-holes for them to escape through. We dont want to be wasting time hunting these nasty things through the moors for months toe. Then. We head to the blood-drak dungeon and clear that one out if theres anything left to do in there. Lets move!


    The strike forces hunted through the dungeon, cleaning up chitterers they found hiding in dark corners. Lots of folks were tired. Apart from the most powerful and experienced wizardslike the Watchers and Cedric most of them had used up the bulk of their mana, but there were few monsters left to fight anymore.


    Once the dungeon had been thoroughly scrubbed of Ravener-spawn, the teams moved onto the blood-drak dungeon, but there was little left waiting for them there.


    Hart, Drestra, Tyris, the Watchers and the other strike team members had already destroyed that dungeon core. The blood-draks had put up a hell of a fight, but the disease spewing monsters numbers had already been whittled in the battle atop the hill. So, their chances of preventing the Sage and Champion from reaching the core had been slim, with the Generasians fighting beside them, the odds had dropped to zero.


    While the reunited expedition members finished clearing out the rest of the blood-draks, Vesuvius and the wizards outside killed every monster hoping to escape their allies'' fate.


    By early evening, the expeditions first battle against the Ravener had ended in crushing victory. Spirits were high and they celebrated with the Heroes of Thamnd, looking forward to doing some serious feasting back at camp.


    Yet, all was not settled in Alexs spirit.


    As their task wrapped up, he wondered about the dungeon core and the emotion hed felt leaving it.


    Why would it have felt relief at its own destruction? Why relief?


    It had recognized, then tried to kill him, and desperately at that: either it knew hed controlled a dungeon core before, or it sensed that hed used the essence of a core to build ygon. Considering it had left his golem alonehe didnt think it knew what ygons core was made of. And speaking of noticing


    Hed felt Cedrics eyes on him a lot since the battle began.


    Grimlochs and Meikaras too.


    They wouldve had to have been asleep not to notice how much the dungeon core had focused on him. Like it was personal. Whatever questions came, he was ready with answers; there was a reason why hed made sure to give ygon hismands out loud.


    Hopefully, it would be enough.


    As Alex and everyone whod battled monsters underground left the blood-drak dungeon, the young wizard was deep in his own thoughts. He didnt notice ygon pause as he left the dungeon then look behind, back into the darkness.


    It was only for a heartbeat, and none of the others seemed to give it any thought.


    But Alex hadnt given his golem amand to look back.


    A breathter, ygon was walking along with the rest of the expedition.


    As if hed never paused at all.

 Chapter 297: Sowing the Seeds

    Chapter 297: Sowing the Seeds


    Victory had the whole group itching for a blow-out party that wouldve left them in a pool of suffering the next morning, unfortunately, reality hit hard after theyd cleared out the dungeons.


    Victory was theirs, but there was still a lot of work left to do.


    Professor Jules arrived shortly after word of their sess made it back to the encampment, and she immediately took control of the situation in her very distinctive way. After a verbal report from Watcher Shaw, she organised one and all and set them to aundry list of tasks.


    First, they had to clear the field around the dungeons, still littered with mangled blood-drak and chitterer corpses; the blood-drak blood wouldve been an environmental nightmare if left on thend. If it wasnt cleaned up soon, it would gradually seep into the ground and putrefy it for years toe. Fortunately, the wizards had ways to clean it up fast.


    The Chosen walked the battlefield, calling upon a divine miracle of Uldar: <em>Oh holy Uldar, bless this earth and remove the corruption spread by our foul enemies.</em>


    Light shed from his hands, sprinkling like rain over the field. Wherever it touched, congealed blood-drak blood steamed away with a scent as sweet as burning incense. Khalik and a group of earth magic users also moved<strong></strong>through the field, casting earth magics that filtered toxins and filth from soil, leaving thendscape lush and purified.


    In a little more than an hour, all traces of the diseased blood was ghough an event during the clean up nearly caused Professor Jules to have an apoplexy.


    We <em>have</em> extra protective equipment, she said, her eyes like flint behind her mask. It was clear that her voice wasing through clenched teeth. We have masks, gloves, aprons, boots and <em>coats</em>. <em>It would be no trouble for you to wear one, young man.</em>


    Oh, bah! Cedric waved his hand, his muscles flexing across his shirtless torso. I fight like this all the time! Blessin o Uldar keeps the disease away. Just a little prayer and Im good to deal with all kinds o nasties.


    Professor Jules eyes bugged out of her head within the lenses of her beaked mask. It is always good protocol to have redundancies in protection. There are spells that hedge out gases, but a mask is very effective at ensuring your safety, as is a coat. Safety is no joke, young man!


    Cedricughed as though shed made a joke. I fight terrible beasts near everyday, missus. I think Ive been in worse spots than dealin with a bit o dried blood.


    She threw up her hands, muttering to herself and leaving the Chosen to his ways. Cedric blinked. Was it somethin I said?


    The wizards nearby chose not to answer, instead busying themselves with sample collection.


    But Professor Jules'' irritation didnt subside, it actually spiked when she came across themanders remains.


    Look at this! She threw her hands up again. Just look, pure samples immted! Cremated! What are you, wizards or ravening barbarians? Whos responsible for this?


    Alex had to use all of his training in stealth to slip away.


    Shed calmed down eventually, though: enough samples of gibbering legion that hadnt been turned to coal were retrieved, which meant more alchemical knowledge from gibbering legion ash and other bits for the expedition to examine.


    There was no such problem obtaining samples from the blood-draks cadavres since there were more than enough of them to go around. Jules personally supervised the sterilisation and preparation of each specimen theyd be transporting back to the encampment for dissection. Her eyes seemed to glow with excitement as she examined a sealed container of blood-drak blood. The fluid had been carefully extracted from a nd in the centre of the chest of one of the specimens then treated with an anticoagnt.


    Most remarkable, she said, then paused as her eye caught sight of Hart. Young man!


    Eh? Hart looked up. Hed been in the middle of carrying several blood-drak bodies hed slung over his shoulders. He was working with Grimloch, Thundar and ygon. Yeah, maam?


    How many diseases would you say are carried in this vector? she held out the container of blood.


    He blinked hisrge eyes. Uhlots?


    Such as?


    Pardon?


    Well, is it gue? Golden fever? The waking sickness? Dragon shingles? Hog warts? Walking livor mortis? she asked.


    Uh He nced around as though hed find the answer lying somewhere in the dirt nearby. ...I think it gives you the shits?


    Aaaaah, Cholerus? Crones, or Witchs Disease, as its presently known?


    ... was Harts reply.


    Oh, bah. She waved a hand at him. Never mind.


    Doesdoes it really matter?


    Oh no. Isolde murmured from nearby. Shed been collecting samples and immediately went back to doing so with exaggerated enthusiasm.


    Professor Jules froze. Does it <em>matter</em>? Of course it matters! Diseases


    have all manner of interesting applications! She clutched the jar of dark red liquid, examining it with the eye of a merchant appraising rubies. They are useful in older forms of ritual magic, their study often generates great medical breakthroughs. Many diseases have interesting alchemical applications if isted and processed properly. She went on enthusiastically. Did you know that the original form for potions of Stone to Flesh was created from a disease that causes calcification in shellfish?


    Hart blinked.


    And further


    It was a very long time before the mighty Champion of Thamnd managed to escape.


    As the clean-up operation wrapped up, Professor Jules was handed a pair of sealed containers, one presented to her by Drestra, and the other by Alex.


    From Thamnd to you, a gift from kingdom to kingdom, the Sage said.


    Ah, yes, the professor beamed, holding up the containers. This is the <em>true</em> prize.


    Can you do much with that? Drestra asked, her reptilian eyes following the containers sceptically. Weve been using them for many cycles. Past Heroes have gone to their graves with dozens of magical items made from this stuff sealed with them in their tombs for all eternity. I thought thered be great worth in them, but there doesnt seem to be much besides making our weapons.


    Professor Jules gave an almost evil soundingugh. Im sure your wizards analysed it to the best of their abilitybut Generasi has a thousand years of magical and alchemical development behind us, and thats fuelled by the strongest mana vents in the world. Weve also had one unique opportunity to study it, but now? Oh, we can discover things now that one can only dream of. I already have somepractical prototypes Id like to test once the dungeon core substance is fully catalogued.


    Oh? Such as? Drestra asked.


    Oh, it wouldnt be responsible to promise application when studies are in their infancy and hypotheses not even fully generated. Jules eyes twinkled. Besides, if I announce it now, it would ruin the surprise, She grinned, then tucked both samples away and left, humming to herself as she went.


    Interesting, Drestra said, turning to Alex. Do you have any ideas on what youll be doing with the remains?


    His eyes twinkled. If I say, it might ruin the surprise.


    He also walked away, humming to himself as he went.


    ...what in the hells, he heard Drestra say behind him.


    There was a buzz going around about what would be done with the dungeon core remains, but there hadnt been much time for spection since everyone was so busy.


    There were still monster bodies that needed to be burned and the ashes gathered. They got to work, keeping the finish line in mind.


    And finally thest specimen was collected, the field looked healthy and green, and everyone teleported, flew, or was flown back to the encampment. Then, it was time to celebrate!


    is what most wanted.


    Reality, again, was cruel.


    The moment they got backas the sun was setting in the evening skyJules, Shaw and other high ranking members ushered them into tents. It was time for reports. Lots and lots of reports.


    There was paperwork about what had been found in the dungeons to do, including listing identifying features of everything theyd seen. There were reports on Ravener-spawn behaviour to be made. There were catalogues organising every one of the samples collected to be created. There were injury reports.


    And more.


    Even Alexwith the writing speed hed gained from practising with the Mark along with the help of several Wizards Handshad so much writing to do, that the smell of ink began to turn his stomach.


    Hah! Grimloch grinned, showing all of his sharp teeth as he watched Alex, Khalik, Meikara and Isolde wrestling with the demons called ink and parchment. Pays not to be a student. Hogarth, Svenia! Theresa! Lets get something to eat. And dri


    There you are, Watcher Shaw seemed to appear out of nowhere, like a prophet about to speak doom. All rested up?


    Theresa nced at Hogarth. Uh she started.


    Good, he said. Theres work left to be done. No rest for the wicked, Im afraid. Were going to get the warriors and mercenaries into teams with some of the fresh wizards and send you back to the moors. Thend surrounding those dungeons have to be scouted another time. Dont want any blood-draks or chitterers hiding in the hills, waiting to ambush us when we turn in. Just a simple scouting mission. It shouldnt take too long. I expect you all at the gate in ten minutes.


    He moved to step away, then paused. And I do mean report, therell be some paperwork for you when you get back.


    Grimlochno longer grinningTheresa, Hogarth and Svenia stared at Watcher Shaw with something not too distantly rted to hatred as he left.


    Im going to eat him, Grimloch said.


    Even Brutus growled in agreement.


    After what seemed like a lifetime, everything was atst finished. The moors had been scouted. The reports filed. The samples catalogued. All in all, it had been an incredible amount of work; it was well after dark when the work was finallypleted under the glow of magical light.


    Professor Jules called the tired group together, floating before the tent as she had been when news of the double dungeons had arrived earlier.


    Well done, one and all. I apud everyones effort. I recognize that youve put in some very long hours today, but such sacrifices are often necessary in battle, wizardry, alchemy and other forms of academics, she said, ncing up at the moon.


    While the camp was lit up by a rainbow of magical lights, the moon was full as its light poured down on them. Crickets chirped in the camp and fields beyond its walls, and the sweet scent of campfires drifted through the air.


    There was a lot of nervous energy in the air as well: the kind that came from a mix of exhaustion, excitement and nerves. People looked like they wanted to either copse on the spot, or fling off their clothes and start partying with wild abandon.


    For many, it looked like they could go either way.


    Normally, I would say that now would be a good time to get some rest, Professor Jules continued. But you are all adults, and it would feel a littlestingy to shuffle you off to bed like young children. For those to whom sleep is calling too loudly to ignore, Ill bid you all a goodnight. For those who wish to celebrate


    A cheer started to rise from the expedition.


    <em>sensibly</em>, she added. Ill have a couple of barrels of wi-


    She nced at Grimloch.


    ....perhaps four barrels of wine teleported from the Brass Grapes through the circle, those who wish to stay awake, can have a quiet celebration, while those who wish to turn in, can do so.


    She looked at the Heroes who were standing a little off to the side. Youre free to join us, of course! Sharing wine with us would be a much more appropriate celebration for our new partnership than battling in dungeons.


    Aye, Ill take yup on that, Cedric called. Smighty kind o you to treat us!


    Yes, Drestra said. Itd be rude to refuse your hospitality.


    Yeah, thanks! Wine isnt cheap! Hart said.


    Professor Jules smile was cat-like. We have a <em>very</em>rge budget, so only the best. Lets get some fires going, everyone! Some <em>real</em> fires!


    A memory returned to Alex, of aughing fairy tale witch who looked very much like Professor Jules riding a skeletal horse during the Festival of Ghosts. He had a feeling she wouldnt be going to bed.


    Her smile broadened as a cheer went through the encampment.


    Well, you all can celebrate, Isolde said, stifling a yawn. If I were to take one whiff of wine, I am fairly sure I would be unconscious in under five heartbeats.


    Ae on, Thundar coaxed. Dont be like that, have a drink with us.


    Indeed! Khalik spread his hands. We fought together. Risked our lives together. Would it not be proper now to celebrate together? This is our <em>first</em> victory over this ancient menace after all, and the first step of our research. You cannot abandon us, Isolde.


    She looked guilty for a moment.


    Peeeer pressure, peeeeer pressure, Alex chanted, pumping his fists like an excited child.


    She rolled her eyes then looked at Theresa. Please talk some sense into your boyfriend and <em>his </em>friends.


    Theresa shrugged, putting an arm around Isolde. Youre drinking with us. Thats it.


    The taller woman paused, her eyes flicking toward the Heroes. ...ah well, fine then. But if I cannot rise in the morning, you all will be to me!


    Thundar and Khalik cheered as Alex followed Isoldes gaze.


    The Heroes were speaking to each other in hushed tones, and Cedric was looking their way. Alexs eyes met those of the Chosen for a moment.


    There was something in Cedrics gaze. An unspoken question.


    Alex had a feeling that question would being soon.

 Chapter 298: Enchantment and Dodging Questions

    Chapter 298: Enchantment and Dodging Questions


    The bonfire crackled.


    The expedition members were celebrating.


    And the Fool watched.


    Alex nursed his wine, sitting cross legged by the fire with ygon standing nearby. Idlyout of affection and a need for supporthe rubbed the golems leg, feeling the filigree against his palm. All around, quiet festivities were taking ce.


    Five bonfires roared near the front gates of the encampment with teams of expedition members surrounding them, sharing wine andughter. Music drifted through the night air; folks had produced a set of pipes, a lyre, some drums and a sitar, joining together in a slow, improvised song.


    Sometimes they were good.


    Sometimes the notes were sour.


    But the mood couldnt be brought down by a few missed notes: victory was in some ways, more intoxicating than any wine. It brought people together. It broke down barriers. And Alex could see it ying out with his friends.


    They were spread around the bonfire, broken up into little groups passing the night together.


    Hogarth and Svenialet off-duty by Isoldewere more rxed than Alex had ever seen them. Theyd lured a surprisinglyrge group into a card game called Enchantment.


    Two wastes for two, but Hale and Iron, Hogarthid down a set of five cards. Makes the Journeycrafter of Iron Fortitude. Whatve you got, Svenia?


    The blonde womans frown deepened and she tossed her cards away like they were blood-drak blood. Five wastes.


    Hah, your lucks always been shit, heughed. What about you, big man?


    Prince Khalik grinned andid out a hand. Two wastes, Hale and <em>Silver.</em> Journeycrafter of <em>Silver</em> Fortitude, which thoroughly crushes your hand.


    Hogarth swore vilely. Like you need more <em>coin</em>, never seen anyone spend like you. I hope you lose.


    Fate smiles upon me, Khalik chuckled. Unless beginners luck carries the day, what do you have?


    He looked up at the towering Champion of Thamnd.


    Hart Redfletchersrge eyes stared at his cards. He looked like a student whod walked into the wrong exam. UhI dont know what the hell any of these mean.


    Hah, Ill help you, big man. Tyris grinned, her golden tooth glinting in the firelight as she leaned toward the muscr Hero.


    Hart looked back at her. It looks like a bunch of nothing to me.


    Cmon, show me. Ill tell you if its nothing or not.


    He turned his cards toward her.


    Her smile faded. Yeah thats a whole lot of nothing, alright.


    The Champion swore, tossing his cards on the table. This game is dumb.


    Aaaaah my friend, Khalik smiled. Only those who do not taste victory curse the game. You should not be so small minded! Now, whos next? Tyris! Show us what the mighty master of Vesuvius has to offer?


    Cold Iron, Dexterity she started.


    Khaliks grin widened at the redundant cards.


    Tempest, Frost and Lightning! Tyris cried, mming the cards down in front of her. Hah! Expert of the Sea Storm! Read em and weep! The saltier the tears, the better!


    Khaliks smile faded; snorting with disgust, he tossed his cards away. This game is dumb.


    Youre a hypocrite, Khalik, thats why you lost, Thundar snorted with glee.


    Laugh now. The prince gave him a flinty look. I will enjoy watching you fall. Reveal your cards.


    The minotaurs grin was outright evil. Heid them down one by one: Dexterity, Strength, Wisdom, Vitality aaaaaand


    No, Khalik murmured.


    Presence! Paragon of Mind, Body and Soul! Hahahaha!


    There was a round of cursing from everyone at the table, but one person hadnt gone yet. Grimloch loomed above the rest, his cards tiny in his hands. Everyone turned to the sharkman expectantly.


    In the stories, the one who wentst always won.


    ...me, Frost, Lightning and Stone, the sharkman grunted. Grandmaster of the War Elements. Still a losing hand.


    More groans rose up as theughing minotaur dragged arge pile of coins from within the circle of yers toward himself.


    Ugh, Isolde grunted. He will be unbearable for weeks, perhaps even years,


    Aye, same with Hart, Cedric said. Not a man that likes to lose, though Id be lyin if I said I liked losin. What about you?


    Hm? Isolde looked at the Chosen. Pardon?


    Er, thats to say, how do you take it?


    Take what? Losing?


    Not well, Alex wisely did not say out loud.


    I more meant that fancy card game, the Chosen said.


    Oh, I do not care for gambling much, she sniffed. Risk is something to be managed, not to be used to cultivate a quick thrill.


    Well, sometimes thrillsre what keeps life from bin a whole big ball o grey. Take what we did today: that thrill o doin somethin brutally hard an dangerous, but real bloody righteousthats a kind o thrill that donte too often.


    Isuppose not, she said, sipping her wine and yawning.


    She nced over at Drestra and Theresa, who were talking about their experiences in the Thameish wilds with Alex jumping in now and then.


    Cedric nced over at Alex. Again. For much of the night the Chosens eyes had been watching him.


    Theyd followed him since the festivities had begun, and Alex was getting a little tired of it. He could <em>feel</em> the questionsing: the curiosity, the confusion, the interest all building up until it couldnt be held back any longer. A nce at Cedrics bodynguage told of someone working himself up to ask an awkward questionand Alex just wanted it to be over with.


    His earlier nervousness was burning away and bing full on irritation as the night went on.


    Come on, just get it over with, he thought. Should I bring it up? No, dont be too quick to volunteer, anything. Its one thing if <em>he</em> brings whatever hes got on his mind up, but if you offer up information yourself, thatll just make you look more suspicious. Give him time and-


    Oi, Alex, Cedric suddenly spoke up, louder than expected.


    And here it is, Alex thought. Finally.


    The group all turned at the same time, looking at the Chosen.


    I was wonderin He ran his fingers through his long red hair, eyes fully fixed on the Fool. Yever been in a dungeon before?


    This is the first one Ive seen since we got here, Alex said, telling half of the truth: hed been prepared to say that for hours. He kept the conversation moving, not giving Cedric too much time to think. Hell, its the first time Ive seen so many Ravener-spawn. Are there usually that many in dungeons?


    Aye, in chitterer dungeons, its always so. The blood things spawn like flies, Cedric said. But, yhavent had any experience raiding a dungeon like that before?


    This was our first raid, Alex shrugged, again answering the question without telling a lie. It was another truth that left out key details. The Mark helped him keep his face and bodynguage in the perfect bnce of curiosity and confusion. To sell it, he followed up with questions. Why do you ask? Did we screw something up?


    A guess that would change the topic slightly, reveal some of Alexs ignorance about Cedrics questions, and not give the Chosen any new information to chew on. The less he had to work with, the less he might figure out.


    Oh, that? Naw, Cedric said. Yall did well, o course. sjust there was somethin strange about that dungeon core. It seemed <em>real</em> mad at ya. Never seen it focus on tryin ta tear someone apart like it did you. Not since our early days breakin cores.


    You and Hart didnt protect Merzhin and me, Drestra said matter of factly. And it targeted us while we were trying to work spellcraft or divinity.


    Cedric paused. Ayean we learned a lesson right quick, he tried tough off what shed said.


    Drestras bodynguage stiffened: there was no amusement in her gaze.


    Anyways, surprised it focused on ya like that, is all, the Chosen said. So it lef me ta wonderin if youd ever gone inta a dungeon beforeya ever have that sorta thing happen before?


    Yeah, it came after me pretty hard didnt it? Alex said. I was actually thinking about that earlier, but the truth is, Ive been kinda getting on the bad side of demons and monsters and all kinds of nasty shit,tely. Barely makes me blink anymoreI was thinking maybe it wanted me dead so ygon would stop getting orders from meI mean, since he uses his fire-beams and all.


    Eh? Cedric looked up at the golem. This big fe stops moving ifn ya stop givin himmands?


    Well, hed kinda just keep trying to do thest thing I told him to do, Alex said. But I dunnowhat do you think? Youre a hell of a lot more of an expert on dungeons than I am.


    There.


    Hed thrown Cedric an opportunity. People were a lot more likely to believe things theyd thought of themselves than they were to buy excuses that others had given them.


    Cedric blew his breath out. I dunnotbe honest, we know a helluva lot more about breakin em and about what their monsters can do, than we do the whys an hows of the little ck balls.


    His brow furrowed.


    Come on Alex thought. Iid out the trailjust follow it.


    Yknow, ywere givin out yermands pretty loud durin the fightin,  the Chosen said. Slot like when Drestra an Merzhinre casting spells an prayin. An that golem was causin a whole big fiery mess down there. Aye, youre probably right there.


    Got him, Alex thought.


    Well, Ill be more careful with that, I guess. Gonna have to be a lot more careful in general, anyway. He nced from the Chosen to the Sage, bringing her into the conversation and shifting focus a bit. Its gonna be a lot tougher raiding dungeons without you three with us.


    Yeah, Theresa said, picking up on what Alex had tossed out. Its too bad we wont always have you in the vanguard.


    Indeed, Isolde said, her blue eyes falling on the symbol of the Chosen above Cedrics heart. Uldar has clearly granted you much power when ites to destroying this menace. The legend of the Heroes of Thamnd seemed toe to life before my eyes as you fought with us.


    Yes, thats it, Isolde, Alex thought. Pull his attention.


    Oh, aye? Cedric, his face flushed in the firelight as he faced her Well, one jus tries their best, right?


    I can see that, Alex said, looking at Drestra next.


    The Sage still had some of that earlier stiffness to her bodynguage.


    Alexs eyes flicked down.


    Her wine cup was nearly empty: her second of the night. Enough to make most folk rx. Meanwhile, Isolde was doing a great job at drawing the Chosens attention. The young mans eyes watched her every move, Alex long forgotten.


    Theresa followed Alexs gaze. Her eyes flicked to Drestras wine cup. Refill? she asked. Im going to get another one.


    Oh, uh, yes please, the Sage said.


    The huntress took both cups, then went to the barrels. She threw Alex a quick nce over her shoulder.


    Thank you, he directed his thought at his girlfriend as he and the Sage turned to face each other.


    The Chosen was upied; the Fool and the Sage were alone. Now was the perfect time for a little push.


    Must be hard, Dresta, he said, making sure to use her name. People tended to react better if someone used their name.


    She actually seemed to jump when he used it. Hm? What do you mean?


    Oh, all this, Alex said. I dont mean likethe celebration, I mean dealing with the Ravener. Listen, I think I nearly died ten times today and that was with a small army trying to smash that dungeon core to bits. I cant imagine what its been like, doing this with just the four of you.


    We have had some help, Drestra said, her eyes turning away slightly. There was a catch in her voice.


    Thats good, Alex said. Some of the knights and priestsand some Thameish wizards, right? That must beforting. Better than going in by yourself.


    He thought back to the earlier phase of the battle: Drestra had seemed pretty frustrated.


    WellUldar gives us the tools we need, she said. Wejust have to use them as we can.


    Yeah, its all about tools and allies, Alex said. I


    There was a shift nearby.


    Isolde and Cedric had stood up.


    I do believe I will get myself a little snack, the young noblewoman said. I will be back shortly.


    Aye, an I was feelin a little peckish myself, Cedric said. Youin, Drestra?


    There was something in his tone that subtly said, please say no.


    The Sage paused. No, Im not really hungry. AndTheresa went to get us some more wine.


    Suit yourself, he said. A slight sh of relief crossed his face. Be back, then.


    He and Isolde stepped out of the firelight, leaving Drestra and Alex alone.


    There was a bit of a pause.


    You were saying something? the Sage asked.


    Oh yeah, tools. Uldar gave you tools to fight the Ravenerbut this is what this whole expedition is about to me. Making more tools. Tools for a permanent solution.


    The Sages reptilian eyes widened. Permanent solution?


    You know: an end to all of this. All of it. No more dungeons. No more Ravener. None more any of it. No more cycles. If I have my way, none of this happens ever again: and we get a victory once and for all.


    The Sages veil drew against her face as she took in a long breath. But Im sure many have tried that for many cycles. What would you be willing to do? For thispermanent solution?


    Honestly, Alex said. Almost anything.


    The Sage quickly looked around to see if anyone else was listening.


    Then she leaned in.


    The dam broke. Thats the most sensible thing Ive heard anyone say since this madness began. And thats what it is. Madness.

 Chapter 299: Brewing Allies

    Chapter 299: Brewing Allies


    Confiding in strangers was a surprisinglymon thing.


    Hed experienced it a lot back in Alric, especially working behind the counter at McHarris, and on a few asions since hed been in Generasi. A bad day. A hard time in school. A tough rtionship, or a lost job. All of that boiled up inside a person, pressing down on them, sapping their peace of mind with the weight of a thousand stones.


    Pressure would build untilwhether it was during a moment of stress or a chance encounter with a nonjudgmental ear, everything woulde tumbling out like the rushing rapids in a river. Hed confided in someone hed never met before one afternoon when he was sitting in the waiting room of the magistrates office, nervously waiting for information about his and Selinas finances. It was during a rough patch in his life. McHarris bullying had been escting and hed been feeling trapped. He couldnt just walk out of the bakery since he was trying to build up his savings. So, hed been sitting there fidgeting and feeling overwhelmed when this kindly older man sitting beside him said; You look like youve got the weight of the world on your back. Thats all it took for Alex to open up to aplete stranger: someone, no matter what he said to them, hed probably never see again.


    Or if he did, itd likely be in passing.


    He also remembered a schoolmate of his and Theresas whod unloaded all of her worries onto Theresa just before she left Alric. It happened. Probably a lot. Sometimes people just needed an ear to listen to them.


    And now Drestra had found that ear.


    It wasnt like shed never see Alex again, but he wasnt exactly in her inner circle either.


    And that sometimes made it easier to talk to someone.


    I need you to keep this between us, okay? Drestras crackling voice was low behind her veil.


    I wont tell a soul, he said, leaning forward and cocking his head.


    In the firelight, their nearness made them look like lovers quietly whispering to each other.


    Do you know much about the Witches of Crymlyn Swamp? she asked.


    No, not really, he admitted. I know that the witchesI mean, your kinhave been in the Crymlyn for a long time There was a little twitch in her bodynguage when he said your kin. He noted that as he continued. and I know that youre probably the biggest group of magic users in Thamnd? Then theres some fairy talesbut most of those arent very kind.


    So you know what most know, she said. We are adaptable. Weve needed to be if we wished to survive.


    Adaptable. Alex could rte.


    Its not easy to live as we do: from enduring the persecutions of the church of Thamnd generations ago, to surviving the Ravener, to crafting our own paths through magic. None of it is easy and weve had to change ourselves over and over again.


    Her golden, reptilian eyes seemed to re in the firelight.  Change is the Wonder of Life, we say in the Crymlyn. Even animals changebut all this. You have no idea what its like.


    What whats like? Alex asked.


    The fighting. The Heroes. The Ravener. We were told that these cycles and battles have persisted for centuriesmillennia even, no one can say for sure. And they tell you this with a smile on their face.


    What? Alex said. Who told you that?


    Some of the priestssome of the nobles and knights she snorted, and Alex swore he felt heat rise through the air. They called it the Cycle of victory and horror. The pride of the Kingdom of Thamnd, as if theres something to be proud of in any of that.


    Yeah, they used to teach us some of the same things at the church school when I was young, Alex said. I think Ive heard that expression before. Most people want the Ravener defeated forever, though, right?


    Do they truly? I wonder about that, Drestra said, a hint of bitterness in her voice. There are things we could be doing. Hard decisions we could make, or even different paths to look at, but everyone just wants to do the same thing that Thamnds always done: throw us at monsters like were nothing more than clubs to bludgeon them with. Like were no more than blunt weapons for them to use. What about us? We have this duty but


    She paused.


    Before he thought, Alexs mouth went renegade. But Uldar never asked, he supplied.


    Drestras breath caught in her throat as if someone had thrown ice water over her. Her eyes grew asrge as saucers above her veil.


    Wha- she stammered.


    Uh, well, sorry, Alex quickly apologised, mentally kicking himself. Now <em>he</em> was the one unburdening himself. I didnt mean


    Dont apologise, she said. Outside of my family, no one has ever said that to me before. Its true. Uldar did not ask. It doesnt matter who you are, whether youre a warrior, a priest, or you were born here or not, he just brands you like cattle and then off you go to fight. I certainly did not ask for this.


    Empathy for Drestra spiked in Alex.


    And a degree of shame.


    He used to imagine getting the Mark of the Sage instead of the Fool and enjoying the power that came from it. Hed imagined himself pouring spells down on Ravener-spawn with glee and celebrating his growth. But now that hed met the Sage.


    And knew she felt the same way he did about being Marked


    UghIm sorry to hear that, he said. Its like you have this n for your life right, then something just decides that your ns don''t matter. You. Your family. Your hopes and dreams. Suddenly, youre supposed to just throw that all away. And on top of that, people tell you to just get over it then say something dismissive like, oh well, thats life.


    Yes! her crackling voice hissed. You see! You understand! Most talk about this great honour and suchor the <em>wondrous </em>power that the Mark grants me and the other Heroes


    Alex fought the urge to wince.


    but <em>I</em> dont need such power. What I need is to live, and grow and age in my own time. Id get my own power that way. But this? What good is power when youre only made to fight for your life with it, and they tie your hands so you cant even do it properly.


    What about the other Heroes? Alex asked. You talk to them about this?


    Drestra let out a quiet, uglyugh that sounded like a chimney trying to cough. The other Heroes? They are some of the worst ones.


    She subtly nodded toward Hart. Hes a brute. A strong brute. A brave brute. Butmad. Completely mad. Suicidal. He just goes into fights happy to swing his big de with every bit of strength he has. Im not sure if he even cares about dying. Cedric


    The Sage paused. He means well, he truly does. Buthes not much of a leader. I <em>saw</em> how you people conducted yourselves when we were fighting. The Watchers, the surveyorsyou all moved together like one body. Like wolves in a pack.


    Thats a lot of training and experience working together that was ying out, Alex said. It took a long time to get there.


    Weve had a full year, Drestra said. Andit still doesnt work. And then theres Merzhin


    Merzhinthe Saint, right?


    Yes, the Sage said. Heis very focused on sticking to Uldars ways. He and Cedric dont make the choices you need tohow did you put it? Bring a permanent solution.


    I can understand how thatd be frustrating, the Fool said. You end up just throwing yourself against the same threat over and over, risking your life, like you said. And then no ones trying to find a way to stop it and make sure it never happens again.


    And thats why I used the word ''madness''. Its madness to do that, isnt it?


    I dont have a lot of experience with that, Alex admitted.


    Though some might say Baelins madbut in a different way, he thought.


    In some ways, I envy the Fool, she said.


    It took Alex everything he had not to give himself away. Really? They get the short end of the stick. When kids y Heroes and Monsters nobody wants to be the Fool.


    She shrugged. Either theyre dead, and none of this matters to them, or theyve escaped and are far, far away from here. Probably making a new life for themselves somewhere. Either way, theyre the only Hero whos escaped this madness, whether by death, or by design.


    Alex paused. ...thats one way to put it. Well, like I said. If I get my way, well investigate the cores, the monsters and the dungeons, then see if we can find a way to put all of this to bed forever. Weve got the minds and the equipment to do it. At least, I think we do.


    ...I hope so. I truly do, she said.


    A thought began brewing in Alexs mind. One that could bear fruitter. Drestra was unhappy. She seemed to be already in the mindset of questioning things.


    What ifshe were to see something that wouldshake up her understanding of the dungeon cores, the Ravener, and the whole cycle?


    What if she learned that people could control dungeon cores?


    What other questions would knowing that stir in her?


    I tell you what, Alex said, nodding toward the tent theyd ced the samples in. The moment we find somethingconclusive. Anything big. Ill make sure we get word to you as quick as we can. And the other Heroes too. You talk about having tools to fight the Ravener. Well, knowledge is power, yknow? And well see to it that you have that knowledge in your hands to make use of.


    She looked at him. Thank you. I mean that. Thank you.


    Hey, its what were here for, and remember, Im Thameish too. Its also what I want.


    Mmmmm. She made a clicking noise with her tongue, slipping deep into thought. Saymight I ask you something?


    Alex fought a spike of nerves.


    Calm down, he thought. Why would she ask you if youre the Fool. She just mentioned the missing Fool and talked about them being either dead or long gone. Youre still good, man, just dont panic and give yourself away.


    I was wonderingyou said you would do almost anything to end these cycles forever, she said slowly. What if there was something you could do that could help that cause. but some might find itunsavoury. What would you do?


    What do you mean unsavoury? he asked.


    I meanit could involve a sacrifice.


    Can you tell me anything more specific?


    No, she said bluntly. Only that some agree it should be done and some think it shouldnt. The rest must remain private. Would you take the distasteful path?


    Alex waited, gathering his thoughts. He didnt like giving advice about vague situations. It wasnt clear if shed take any of his advice seriously; after all, he was dealing with the flood of a years worth of her frustrations fuelled by a couple of cups of wine, and they werent exactly best friends. But hed heard enough tragic tales of someone giving someone else advice about some vaguelyid out problem where the advice seemed reasonable at the time, but quickly turned into a disaster when the recipient used it.


    Drestra sounded like she was in a tough situation, with a good bit of desperation sprinkled on top. He didnt want to unintentionally push her in a direction that sheand maybe lots of other folksmight end up regretting.


    I dunno, he said. I like the idea of everybody wins if you can get that. Except monsters or assholes trying to kill you, of course. They can all go straight to every hell in all the nes for all I care. In tiny pieces would be best. But for everyone else? I like to think that if theres another way, pick the other way. Like a third way. One of my mentorsChancellor Baelin, who youll be meeting soonalways tries to get us to think our way out of problems. Youre the Sage, right? Maybe youlle up with another way thats best for everybody. Beyond that


    He shrugged. I dunno. Im not in your shoes so Id feel kinda bad just throwing a bunch of advice at you.


    Hmmmwisely spoken, she said. Ah, you know, Ive gone on long enough. But umthank you for listening. Ah! Your partner ising back with our wine.


    Drestra moved away from Alex, turning to greet Theresa as she returned to the campfire. As Alex weed her back, he considered everything he and the Sage had shared.


    He had a feeling he mightve found a potential ally in the young woman.


    They had a lot inmon. More than she knew.


    Questions.


    Discontent at the situation in Thamnd.


    The need to try something different.


    Baelin had said that necessity generated innovation, and the Sage obviously had a big need.


    As the celebration wound down, he found himself satisfied with how things had turned out. Hed learned quite a bit from the Heroes, deflected suspicion, and begun building a rtionship with the Sage.


    If things worked out the way he wanted


    he might have more allies than enemies in the future.


    And he knew he needed all the allies he could get when it came to cracking the mysteries of Thamnd, Uldar and the Ravener.

 Chapter 300: And Just One More Thing...

    Chapter 300: And Just One More Thing...


    The night passed like a fleeting shadow.


    Everyone was rxed, enjoying each otherspany as Theresa returned with two cups of wine in hand. Drestra seemed lost in thought for the rest of the night. Cedric and Isolde returned a littlewell, actually, a lotterwith a couple of trays of meat and vegetable skewers to pass around. With his and the Sages conversation over, the tone of things lightened and Alex gave Isolde a slight nod, promising hed thank his friendter for distracting Cedric. He definitely owed her one.


    But, as with all celebrations, the wine eventually ran dry and Professor Juless ushered everyone off to bed like a farmer herding her cows home.


    Sleep was brief and the next morning was tough.


    As good as the wine had been the night before, was as evil as its aftereffects were the morning after.


    Thete night celebration after a long day had been fun, but did not make for a fun morning. A surprisingly refreshed Professor Jules had been understanding enough to put everyone on light duties, which still felt like torture as most were trying to work with little sleep, and different degrees of residual wine in their systems.


    Alex had to drag himself around the whole day.


    The faster I learn Rejuvenating Slumber, the better, he thought, his head feeling like his brain was plodding through mud as he patrolledmore likestumbled around the outer perimeter of the encampment. I need somethingsince some people are obviously <em>cheating.</em>


    Most of the group was stumbling around as exhausted as he was, but Grimloch and Theresa looked as refreshed as if theyd slept for a week. Back inside the camps walls, Cedric and Hart had shown an annoying over-abundance of energy. Professor Jules and some of the other alchemists had looked no worse for wear, even though theyd also had their fill of wine and very little sleep the night before.


    Alex had squinted at Jules, suspecting alchemical help, but not being able to prove it. His alchemy professor had simply smiled at him with the most serene look hed ever seen on anyones faceeven on images of Uldar. And, all he could do was re at her, which really wasnt too satisfying, as a matter of fact, it just made his head hurt.


    Meikara had finally used Cleanse Flesh on the team, wiping away most of the effects of their hangovers, but unfortunately, fatigue lingered like an unwee guest. As for her own friends whode pleading with the blood-mage for help. Alex watched as shed gleefully extracted favours before providing them with <em>any</em>magical help, all the while glorifying the virtues of a clean life, lots of sleep, and no toxic alcoholic drinks.


    The evil grin on the small womans face would haunt his nightmares for a long time toe.


    Cheating, Alex thought as they miserably trudged through the moors. Life Enforcement, blood magic, alchemy and divine powers are cheating.


    His own blood magic, alchemy and divine powers didnt count.


    The day seemed to crawl by on a snails back, but finally, sundown came. There was no celebrating that night; folks almost elbowed each other out of the way in their rush to get to bed.


    And that was a good thing, since they had to be up bright and early the next morning.


    At the crack of dawn, everyone rose in preparation for an official ceremony. Today, the Heroes were to present the dungeon core remains to the Chancellor of the University of Generasi in a ceremonial ritual that marked the formal beginning of a rtionship between Generasi, and the Heroes of Thamnd.


    Alex was looking forward tonot having any role in any of it whatsoever.


    Today, all he had to do was stand back, rx, and watch the Heroes reaction to Baelin.


    The three Heroes stood in a line, waiting for the Chancellors arrival. Across from them, the tent with the teleportation circle to Generasi rose; it glowed through the entrance. The Sageher eyes fixed on the glowhad been curious about what teleportation would be like since shed seen Professor Jules bring the wine barrels through. As she waited beside Cedric, a container of dungeon core remains held tightly in her hands while the Chosen bore the other, curiosity and a bit of envy was running through her as she imagined what it might be like to teleport somewhere.


    Somewhere far away from monsters and duty.


    Her attention shifted to the ring of wizards surrounding them: the entire expedition hade out to watch as the substance was officially presented to the head of the university before the three of them departed on horseback. Near the gates, the horses waited; groomed, fed, watered, and rested in preparation for the ride back to the ongoing battle against the Ravener.


    Drestra had a touch of mncholy as she watched them patiently waiting: despite the battles in the dungeons, the entire trip had felt like a small vacation. Going back to the thick of things wasnt exactlysomething she was yearning for.


    Im going to miss this ce, she said quietly.


    Yeah, Hart said. Theres all kinds of sights here. A real nice ce too. Lots to seelots to do.


    The Championsrge eyes drifted to a certain redheaded wizard. Tyris Goldtooth watched him back from a crowd surrounding the centre of camp. A sort ofchallenge seemed to pass between them, and Drestra would pay a lot of coin to not know anything about what that challenge might entail.


    Aye, tis a good ce, Cedric said. Good food, good people. d to have em here.


    Wish theyd been here earlier, Drestra added mentally. How quickly could we have obliterated the Ravener with a whole army of wizards fighting beside us? Look at how much knowledge, research, pow


    The Sage froze.


    Mana. Immense amounts of mana stung her senses.


    <em>Something</em> had just entered the world inside the tent: a glimpse of a power that defied imagining.


    And then it was gone.


    Holy Uldar, Cedric swore. Drestra, you feel that?


    All the way in the roots of my back teeth, the Sage said.


    The Mark of the Sage had granted her an immense mana pool. But this? Whatever this was, dwarfed her magic by an order of magnitude. Maybe more. It was like something had reached from on high and tweaked a spell of earth-shattering power.


    Whowhat? she murmured.


    Whatre you two talking about? Hart whispered.


    Before she could answer, a horned figure emerged from the tent.


    Chancellor Baelin had arrived.


    Huh, Hart murmured. Sure as hell thought hed be smaller.


    nked by Watchers of Roalwho Drestra was sure he didnt need, not with <em>that</em> kind of manathe Chancellor strode toward the Heroes, his hands sped behind his back.


    Bronze beard sps clinked as they blew in the wind. He looked like someone had dressed a barbarian in a robe, then called him a wizard.


    Greetings, young Heroes, it is truly a pleasure to meet you, he said, his goat-like eyes twinkling. I am Chancellor Baelin. Forgive the dy just now, I was just refreshing the teleportation circle.


    <em>Thats</em> what that mana was? Drestra thought.


    And you must be the Chosen, Cedric of n Duncan, which would make you the Champion, Hart Redfletcher and you the Sage, Drestra of Crymlyn Swamp, Baelin nodded to each of them. I trust my colleagues have not treated you <em>too</em> poorly?


    No, sbeen a fine time, cept for our regr monster fightin, but yer people even made that better.


    Baelin chuckled. I am d we were of service. There was an ironic tone in his voice.


    So tis a fine thing ta be meetin ya as well, Chancellor,'' Cedric said. Weve a donation for the wizards of Generasi. A partin gift, as it were.


    He and Drestra offered the dungeon core remains to the ancient wizard.


    And what a kind donation this is, and it isnt even my birthday, Chancellor Baelin said with amusement. You are all aware that you are entitled to a share of the spoils for your aid in the destruction of the dungeon cores, are you absolutely certain that you still wish to forgo all ims to them?


    Aye, trust me, theres plenty more where that came from and well soon have more ov em no doubt. Snot like we <em>dont</em> spend most of our time bashin dungeon cores to dust. Cedricughed. Were happy to leave it all in your capable hands,


    Ah, to think some say that the young have lost all semnce of manners, Baelin said. I can see that your kingdom is also incapable hands. His eyes drifted to the glowing Heroes Marks on Cedric, Drestra and Hart. And you have been suchfine tools for those hands to wield.


    His gaze paused on Drestras Mark, rising to meet the Sages reptilian eyes. Baelins lips curved up slightly.


    A shudder went through her.


    His goat-like eyes seemed to burrow through her, seeing past flesh and into whaty inside. Even Aenflynnfor all his ancient wisdom and powerdidnt have a gaze so piercing.


    My, the chancellor said. What wondrous eyes. Hownostalgic.


    Pardon? the Sage asked, looking puzzled.


    Oh nothing, forgive the prattling, idle thoughts of an old man, he smiled. It is just that Ive meta few who bore eyes such as yours in my time. When you live long enough, you see many things. One young woman was even a student of mine, a very, long time ago. Please forgive my presumptions, but you very much remind me of her.


    His eyes twinkled like a grandfather sharing a secret with a beloved grandchild. In all <em>sorts</em> of ways.


    Drestras heart felt like it had stopped.


    He knew.


    Somehow, he <em>knew.</em>


    Her eyes, her veil, her voicemost dismissed them as nothing more than curious features. Some thought they were the characteristics of someone with both nonhuman and human blood. Others thought they were an ident of wizardry. Others had asked if all the Witches of Crymlyn swamp had eyes and veils like she did.


    Most simply didnt voice their questions, even if their stares were obvious.


    But this Baelin knew what they <em>truly</em> meant. She was sure of it. Her nerves frayed; that was one secret she wasnt prepared to havee to light.


    We should have a chat, you and I, Baelin said. At length. I am sure your experiences with the power of the Sage is most fascinating. I extend that invitation to all three of you, really.


    To her relief, his eyes finally moved away from her.


    I would be vastly curious about your experiences with your Marks of Uldar. They are true wonders, and Id be intrigued to learn how theyve aided in your quest andaugmented your abilities.


    Surprised youd care about me, Hart said. Ive got no magic.


    Oho, but I beg to differ, the ancient wizard said. A Proper Wizard ignores no sources of power, whether theye from mana, muscle, skill or intellect. And from the stories your king has told of your martial deeds, Id reckon that to most mortals, your skill and physical abilities would be akin to high sorcery.


    Hart shrugged. I try.


    I am sure you do. But, here I am prattling on again. My point is, you are more than wee to stop by our little encampment any time you wish, Baelin said. After all, we are kin in a sense: wedded together by blood spilled in battle, a united purpose, and a will of iron. In short, the next time you are passing near Greymoor, do visit. You will be wee here, whether it be to exchange knowledge, rest yourselves or seek resources. Together, we will usher in an age of cooperation, understandingand profit. He looked at the three Heroes, his eyes briefly resting on each of them. I know you have many miles of travel ahead, so I shant detain you any longer. In closing, I wish you a safe journey, my young friends.


    Drestras eyes flicked to Alex Roth as their horses were brought to them. The young Thameish man who sheda little embarrassinglyopened up to a couple of nights ago, smiled at her. Shortly after the ceremony was done, he and his teammates were to leave for Generasi through the teleportation circle that Baelin had juste through.


    She found herself a little jealous: theyd be on their way back to magic and wonder, while shed be on her way back to more fighting. There were going to be some hard decisions ahead: theyd asked Aenflynn for more time to consider his offer: another couple of moons to wrestle with their decision.


    and his price had risen each time theyd dyed.


    Meanwhile, the four of them were no closer to reaching a decision, or even apromise. If they decided to do what the Fae lord wantedtheyd have to speak to the king, which would cause the debate to start all over again.


    The Sage fought the urge to grind her teeth; thest time shed done that shed punctured her tongue. As much as shed unburdened herselfpossibly spilling national secrets in the processshede no closer to finding a solution to their dilemma. It was troubling.


    And how were they supposed to defeat the Ravener for all time if they couldnt even agree on how to resolve this one thing?


    Cedric hadnt budged, neither had Merzhin, while Hart


    Oh hey, the Champion said, interrupting her thoughts much to her annoyance. Bloody hells, I almost forgot. You mentioned exchanging knowledge and you folks seem to know a lot of stuff.


    Baelin looked on curiously as Hart dug into his pack.


    Drestra jumped a little. She realised what the mercenary was about to show the ancient wizard; with all that had happened in the past few days, shed actually forgotten.


    We found this symbol the other day, the Champion pulled out a piece of parchment with an emblem drawn on it. It came from these foreign raiders we tracked to a campsite near the ocean. He shook his head. They were doing some pretty nasty stuff down there. You ever seen anything like this before?


    Baelin chuckled. I am afraid even I am not aware of every symbol petty pirate bands, bandit ns and


    His words trailed off.


    His eyes focused on the symbol on the piece of parchment.


    Ohoh dear. Leopold, you filthy wretch, still striking out even in death.


    Murmuring went through the gathered wizards.


    What is it? Hart asked.


    Baelin sighed. It seemsyou have a cult problem. And quite possibly, a demon problem as well.

 Chapter 301: The Sage Contemplates a Third Option

    Chapter 301: The Sage Contemtes a Third Option


    Oh by all the bloody Ravener-spawn! Tell me if I got any o this wrong. Cedric said, his face flushed and his jaw tight. So there wasthis bloody demon conjurer, or summoner or somethin o that sort in yer city. An he went on a bloody rampage before you caught him. But the strongest, rotting, bastard of a demon he summoned got clean away? An these pirates follow that bloody demon?


    An agitated group stood in one of the administration tents: the Heroes, Baelin, and the higher ranked members of the expedition. Professor Jules silently watched with arms crossed, tensely chewing her bottom lip. Tightly clustered around the entrance, the other expedition members listened, murmuring to each other. Their low tones reached Drestras ears.


    The chancellor was leaning over arge, solidly built table with life-like images of demons spread across it. Above the table, Baelin had cast illusions of a host of demons in motion, floating through the air. Some were engaged in fierce battles, some pped outstretched wings like birds of prey, some marched within hordes, and others seemed to watch the others with malice.


    Drestra was examining the drawings slowly, tracing their shapes with her fingers. She paused, studying a particr draconic looking creature, and another that looked insectile; in some ways, they reminded her of Ravener-spawnwith a lot of the same horrible features the creatures theyd been battling for more than a year had.


    Her reptilian eyes kept moving from one monster to the next, until one caught her attention and held it.


    It was dazzling, one might even call it beautiful there floating among the illusions high above the table. Could demons actually radiate light? This one was more like a perfectly cut jewel with dozens of rhombic faces that disyed otherworldly lights swimming deep inside a jewel-like structure, than any demon shed ever seen or heard of. It looked inviting and perfectly harmless, yet Baelin watched it with an expression as dark as a gathering storm.


    Ezaliel is the name of that one. It is one of the abyssal knights, to be precise. Leopold was the rogue who summoned him; and this summer past, his fondness for summoning this foul creature met its end at the hands of a deleo in Generasi. The scope of his crimes was vast, but mercifully, his bargain of terror and ughter ended when he was apprehended, but the demon escaped his fate when it fled back to its home ne. It seems that its stench still lingers on the material one. Baelin seemed to bristle with anger before continuing. Abyssal knights often have cults on the material ne. The execution of its summoner would not end the demons influenceand the symbol you found matches that of Ezaliel. I fear the incidents are rted.


    Cedric swore. Well, thats bloody great. Bloody demons now. He turned to Drestra. You know anything about demons?


    She paused on a drawing of a three-eyed, muscr demon, carefully studying the image. This is a Tiashiva.


    Baelin looked at her with interest. Why yes, you know of them?


    They were a part of our past. Some of the witches of Crymlyn were once practised in summoning them because their strength makes for good warriors, and their senses make them good huntingpanions.


    Indeed. But why in the past? Is there a reason you cast the practice aside? She touched the image. It''s an ugly story.


    The world can be an ugly ce at times, the chancellor said. If we only told the pretty stories, then we would be no better than liars. Please continue, if it doesn''t pain you.


    Drawing herself up, Drestra began. The witches of Crymlyn once rejected Uldar in favour of our ancestors, spirits from the natural world, and certain fae guardians. These were the old ways. The church tolerated what they called <em>uneptable views,</em>until some of our number left the Crymlyn, travelling throughout Thamnd, actively discouraging Uldars worship. That, they werent so tolerant of.


    Her gaze went to the back wall of the tent where arge map of Thamnd hung. In our kingdom there are too many fairy tales to count of witches stealing children, and many believed that those ugly tales were true back then. It was said that we were no better than blue annis hags, and some of our number were butchered by mobs after being falsely used of some of the worst crimes imaginable. The church encouraged their lords to not seek justice for our fallen. So, in retaliation, a priest whode to ournds to convert the Crymlyn to Uldars worship was killed, and her body left in a nearby vige as a warning. That was the final straw that snapped the back of the draft horse, so to speak.


    Her adoptive mothers stories came back to her, told by candlelight inside a hut with inner walls painted with their history. Thats when they censured the witches: the priests refused to intervene on the witches behalf during Ravener cycles: so, we learned to strike our assants through forest-craft and magic. Then, they herded the monsters toward our homes so surroundingmunities could be spared. Some of our elders were enraged and attacked the churchbut it triumphed, and those elders were wiped from history. Eventually, it became too much for us to bear, so we sought peace with the priests. A treaty was drafted and signed. Now, theres justice for the witches if were attacked, and we have full support when the Ravener rises every hundred years.


    She remembered the holy ce in the centre of her vige, in the middle of a set of standing stones. Now, we have a small shrine to honour Uldar beside the statues of our ancestors, nature''s spirits and fae guardians, and we no longer summon demonsor anything that could form an army. As the Sage in this cycle, Im the one exception.


    Aye, I heard tales o that, Cedric said. The ns follow Uldar an the old ways too, an some of my ancestors came to us from the Crymlyn: settled down wit my people while war was tearint through the Swamp. My ns magices from those journeying witches. We all have ta do what''s necessary ta survive.


    A low soundalmost like growlemerged from deep within Baelins chest. Demons and other summoned monsters and spirits are incredibly useful. Your church


    Jules cleared her throat.


    He paused, seeming to think better of something. well, leaving that aside, demons are useful tools for any wizard. And your people have my empathy. I too have lived through such censure. Different deities. Different priests. Same blood spilled. But my point stands, demons are useful.


    And dangerous, Hart said, looking over the illusions and diagrams. Lone wolf wizards have a nasty way of setting demons to guard their towers like watchdogs. We fought a few in the Ash Ravens, and Ill never forget this one big bastard. Looked like an ogre or something, at least at first. Then he changed shapeturned into a lion with bulls horns and bats wings. We lost a lot of the band in that fight.


    He lifted the piece of parchment with the symbol scrawled across it. Been looking for a chance for a reckoning with demons ever since I got the Champions Mark. This might be it. Now, what in all hells an abyssal knight?


    I suppose one can describe it as being much like a knight of Thamnd: a warrior who rules a fief and is a leader among the people. Except, these knights rule fiefs in the endless abyss and are leaders among demonsbut sometimes, they gain worship on the material ne as well.


    So we might be dealin wit this bloody thing, all its followers, <em>an </em>demons? Cedric scowled. Well, thats jus bloody great. Its not like Thamnds free o problems right now: we had ta deal with bloody interlopers in past cycles. But demons? Ach.


    Thats why were the Heroes, I guess, Hart said. We fight monsters. Guess its just one more monster to fight. But, whyre these cultists and demonsing here now?


    Hart threw the piece of parchment down.


    If I had to guess, Baelin said. Leopolds contact on our team likely divulged the potential value of dungeon cores, betraying both our mission and our trust. I have to wonder if these cultists are after the cores.


    Aaaah, that bloody well figures, Cedric grunted. Well, it seems like we got ourselves a mix o blessin an curse, right here. On the one side, well get more people muckin about, tryin ta grab dungeon cores n bein a menace. On the other side, thats one more group ta be givin them spawn some trouble. Like I said, snot like this is the first time interlopers came ta Thamnd. Its jus another bloody nuisance, is all.


    Indeed, and these wretches cannot be allowed to freely move about with the goal ofying their hands on valuable research material for their own foolish ends, the chancellor said. Rest assured my young friends, we will join with you in hunting these demonic servants. Even if that means having to eventually break them at the source. But for nowProfessor Jules, would you mind instructing one of your graduate students to gather some literature about these demons? Documents detailing the demonic servants most often summoned by those associated with Ezaliel would be most helpful. Our young allies should be provided with intelligence they could find useful.


    Ill have someone put together what we have, though it will take time. Her voice was subdued, like there was emotion there she was trying to bury.


    Not a problem, Baelin said, looking at the Heroes. If you wouldnt mind telling us where your next few destinations are going to be over the next week? Ill see to it that the literature makes its way to you.


    Thanks, Hart said. Well, more monsters to fight anyway, and thats always a good thing as far as I see it. Im not one toin about that. Youve all done a hell of a lot of good for us already, so unless these bastards get real nasty, I say its no problem. Well keep our focus on the Ravener. That''s the biggest threat, so we gotta take it out first. If those cultist snakes get to be a problem, well just beat them down when we need to.


    Indeed, spoken like a true tactician, Baelin said. A Proper Wizard or warrior destroys their most dangerous foe first, that way they can both mitigate damage, <em>and</em> ease the rest of the battle against lesser threats.


    Aye Cedric paused, his eyes narrowing. They unfocused for a moment, as if he was looking at something else. A memory, perhaps. Aye, thats the smart way, aint it?


    Mhm, Baelin said, looking at Drestra.


    Did you have a question, my young friend?


    Hm? the Sage looked at him in surprise. Er, yes. How did you know?


    I have taught for more years than most current kingdoms have existed, Baelin said. If I cannot tell when someone has a question burning away at the depths of their mind, then I must say that I do not deserve my considerable wages.


    Hmmm. She looked down at the illustrations spread out on the table. You said that this summonerhe conjured whole armies of demons?


    Indeed, the chancellor said. Through a back route, as it were. He was a powerful wizard, but not powerful enough to summon and bind an entire army on his own. He <em>was</em> powerful enough to conjure the abyssal knight through a pact he had forged with the entity, thenon the materialhat knight was powerful enough to summon its armies. Does that answer your question?


    Yes Drestra said, falling deep into thought. Yes it does.


    An army. An army conjured from nothing.


    That was what they were trying to have Lord Aenflynn grant them. In return, he wanted children, enough children to one day, rece any losses his army took. He also wanted human parents to take care of changelings as their own.


    She frowned.


    The fae lord had offered them two solutions, but were there <em>really</em> only two ways to decide? Did it reallye down to only yes or no? Alex had suggested finding a third path. Baelin had mentioned ignoring <em>no</em>sources.


    And shed just learned that interlopers who could summon entire armies hade to Thamnd.


    She wondered if she was looking at the problem with the fae lord in the wrong way. Aenflynn had only offered two solutions. Hed never said anything about forbidding a <em>counter</em> offer.


    What if there was a way to get him what he wanted without using children awaiting adoption. Wouldnt that satisfy everyone?


    Drestras reptilian eyes narrowed, almost with shame.


    All this time shed been judging others for not trying to find new solutions while shed been blindly trying to just choose between two hard choices without exploring morecreative options.


    Well, no more.


    There could be another way.


    And she would find it.

 Chapter 302: Reflections and Questions

    Chapter 302: Reflections and Questions


    Well, theres no sense in us standin about now that we know whats goin on, Cedric picked up one of the drawings. Can we keep some o these til we get the ones with more details from ya?


    By all means, copies are avable for that very reason, Baelin said.


    Thanks, Hart grabbed loads of drawings like he was preparing a stash for the winter. When we meet up with Merzhin, well have to tell him about these demon worshippers.


    Ah, yes, the Saint, Baelin mused as Drestra selected some of the drawings. Praytell, is he still healing injured members of your forces?


    Aye, Cedric said, seeming a little distracted. Were ta meet up with him at hisst stop, which means we best be gettin down the road. Well have ta push the horses since were likely ta bete now.


    Hmmmm. Baelin stroked his beard-braids. Do tell, where will you be meeting with your youngpanion?


    North east, bout twenty miles from here. Cedric said. Theres a town there called Ryeford.


    Baelins eyes flicked over empty space, like he was reading something invisible there. Then he looked toward the map on the back wall. It seems Ryeford is quite close to Ruriks Stand. Im familiar with the area since its one I briefly explored to get they of thend after negotiations with your king were concluded. Which means that you and your horses are in luck.


    Uh Hart said. Im more used to fighting wizards than talking to them. So, how does that make us lucky?


    Are you meaning teleportation magic? Drestra asked excitedly.


    Hah, a fine guess indeed, Baelin rounded the table. Since I have been in that area before, I can teleport myselfand your little partythere. Pfah, today I will take on the role of a simple ferryman. Heughed. One of my less challenging roles I must admit. But, such is life. Come, walk with me.


    The towering wizard escorted the Heroes from the tent and out into the open air; the press of folks gathered outside parted as he led the guests toward their waiting horses.


    Might I cast a spell on all of you? Baelin asked. It will be quite harmless.


    The three Heroes looked at each other.


    Dont know as ta why not, slong as ywont be turning us into toads or somethin, Cedric said.


    Oh my, no, Baelin snorted, seeming to take delight in the suggestion. That would just be in rude. It will only be for teleportation to save you hours on horseback. He paused and looked directly at Cedric with a slight smile. But, if you <em>did</em> wish to make the journey as a toad, we could easily amodate that wish.


    Cedric suddenly looked shaken.


    From nearby, the sound of Professor Jules loudly clearing her throat could be heard.


    You must forgive an old man his humour. the ancient wizard apologised, looking slightly amused. Wizardly jests sometimes miss the markso to speak. But, enough jokes. His attention turned to the gathered expedition members. Our new allies are leaving our camp to journey back into the thick of it, as it were. Come, let us send them off properly.


    Waves of cheering erupted from all over the encampment, with those whod fought beside the Heroes cheering loudest. When the three Heroes had first arrived, they were allies. Now, they wererades, forged in battle.


    A bit of irritation went through Drestra: the cheering was familiar. Theyd been celebrated in the same way when theyd ventured from the capital of Ussex over a year ago. The cheering had been louder then, and Drestra had heard it with mixed feelings. Shed had little interest in being the Sage back thenonly an academic curiosity for her new, Mark-granted powersand her greatest wish had been to get the cycle over with as quickly as possible.


    Back then, priests, nobles and knights had pronounced full confidence that it would all be over with quickly.


    But the days had turned to weeks, the weeks to months and the months had stretched to beyond a year with no end in sight.


    The Ravener and its armies of spawn fought like cornered beasts, and every bit of ground the Heroes and Thameish fighters gained when they destroyed a dungeon was lost mere monthster. Yet the cheering continued. Whenever they left a town, city or garrison, soldiers would still gather and cheer them as they headed back to the wilderness. Butthose cheers sounded more hollow to her now than they used to. The soldiers smiles seemed forced. In their eyes, where optimism once shone, a grim resolve now reced it.


    The hollow cheers had only stoked her bitterness.


    But now? The cheers filling the air around them seemed sincere, hopeful, and even enthusiastic.


    And the people here weren''t interested in ying out another in an endless march of cycles; like all the death and destruction was a national pride, like there was no other way. These people were intent on trying to solve it.


    Maybe she could allow herself a little hope in that.


    She gave the crowd a wave alongside Hart, Cedric and their steeds as Baelin spread his hands behind them, chanting words of power. Again, Drestra felt that enormous surge of mana, nearly buckling her at the knees.


    And then the world shifted.


    And there they go, Prince Khalik said. Off to to seek out dungeons and now demons.


    Alex swore. A lot.


    Not this shit again, he said. Gods, I swear if I could bring Leopold back to life and beat him unconscious Id be halfway back to Generasi by now.


    Same, Thundar crossed his arms. Maybe we could break Amir out of jail and clobber him a few times.


    Shhh, Isolde whispered, nodding toward the edge of the crowd.


    Professor Jules was walking to one of the other tents, looking like someone had just desecrated her fathers tomb. Alex wouldnt have needed to study bodynguage to know that every single move she made <em>emanated</em> rage.


    I think we should perhaps not speak of Amir, Isolde said softly. Out ofsensitivity for our professor.


    Yeah, youre right, Thundar agreed, taking a deep breath like he often did when practising the Cleansing Movements. Its done. Getting rage-y about it is not gonna help.


    Best to acknowledge it and just let it pass, Theresa agreed. Whats done is done. We cant deal with whats already happened, but we can hunt down these cultists.


    Mmmm, Grimloch said, thumbing the haft of his maul. Good chance for payback.


    Alex inhaled deeply, acknowledging his anger and letting it pass. Yeah, you guys are right. This is kind of ater problem anyway. Well be on the lookout for cultists, and so will the Heroesbut the Raveners really the biggest threat.


    And besides, having Ezaliels cult members show up might not exactly be a bad thing. Burn-Saw served in the demons forces, and if his and Baelins summoning investigation didnt work out, then the cultists would be the next best chance at finding out more about Hannar-cim.


    Right, Thundar said. Our shifts up anyway. Lets get back home. Been a helluva long three days.


    Alex nodded.


    Hed be back at school soon. Time to learn some more summoning spells.


    By Uldar and the n heads! Cedric swore as he and the other Heroes materialised back into the world. Their horses bucked and whinnied with fear, but Hart quickly grabbed their reins and began calming them. He whispered to them, gently stroking their nks.


    The Heroes, horses and Baelin were all in the same positions theyd been in a heartbeat earlier, but their surroundings werepletely different. The encampment was gone, instead, they were at a crossroadson the road west of Ryeford. Theyd passed this very spot on the way to Greymoor.


    And here we are, Baelin said. I do believe you will reach your destination in about three hours on foot. Of course, it will take far less time on horseback.


    Holy Uldar! Hart swore. Ive heard of wizards doing this in tales, butholy Uldar!


    The chancellor let out a boomingugh that rocked through the trees. I am afraid that holy Uldar has nothing to do with this. He grinned. It is simply the work of the will of mortals, mana and good, reliable spellcraft.


    Hell yeah, then, Hart whooped. Drestra, when the hell are you gonna learn this kinda stuff?


    As soon as I can, the Sage said, with admiration and awe in her voice. Once I break through to fifth-tier spells, thisll be the first one I learn.


    Baelin turned his twinkling gaze to Drestra and then Cedric. Should you crave instruction, perhaps Ior another professorcould set you on the path to such advanced magics. It would be a shame to see those with such promisingaffinities for magic left without proper guidance.


    The Witches of Crymlyn Swamp are masters of magic in their own right, Drestras crackling voice said, with a slightly defensive note in it.


    Indeed, they are, the chancellor rose to his full height. I meant no offence, but it is a simple fact that we in Generasi have ess to resources that wizards the world over do not. Still, it is best that we learn from each other if we can. Perhaps one of your elders would enjoy a sojourn to our encampment one day, Drestra. They could teach your ways to our students just as we could teach you and Cedric. In any case, I shall leave you to your journey: your time has been taken up enough, I would say. Farewell until we meet again, young Heroes.


    With another immense roar of mana, the beastman vanished into thin air.


    Bloody hell, Cedric swore. What a monster he was.


    Heh, most of those bastards over there were, Hart said. The Ash Ravens killed some wizards in our day, but Im d I didnt go up against that lot before I got the Mark.


    Before ya got the Mark? You think you could take em now? Cedric asked.


    Some of them? No problem, Hart said, nodding.


    Oh? Drestra asked, a note of steel entering her voice. I think they would st you with so much magic, youd be nothing but smoking boots.


    Hart snorted. Maybe if there was enough of em, and they had me cornered. But all the magic in the worlds not gonna help if your heads taken clean off before you can finish one of your fancy spells. Thats key when fighting wizards.


    Oh? some amusement entered her voice. And what about the chancellor?


    Oh <em>hed</em> be a problem. A big one, the Champions humour dropped. Hes got power, sure, but he knows how to <em>move</em> too. Perfect bnce on those hooves: hes a warrior, I can tell you that much. The rest, though? Theyd be dogmeat against me. Most of em, at least: the Watchersd give me trouble, and I think the big shark, Grimloch, would too if hes got someone backing him up. Same with that quick one, Theresa.


    He paused, scratching the stubble on his chin. But the real big problem besides the chancellor? Its that bloody golem. That things a monster through and through. I could break it, but its got way too much power, and it hits hard. Itd be a tough fight.


    Aye, Cedric said. Id give a lot to have that big bastard with us all the timeyeah


    The Chosens mind drifted back to the battle in the dungeon, remembering how the golem had crashed through just about anything the dungeon threw at it. Hart was right, it truly was a monster; he figured he <em>might</em> be faster, but even if he was, he wouldnt fancy fighting that thing.


    Hed likely win, by his reckoning: it wasnt like he hadnt busted up hulking-big monsters that dungeons had thrown at them beforebut with those fire-beams and Alex Roths dirty fighting? Cedric remembered the attendants corpse, sucked dry by one of Roths summoned monsters; one thing was sure, a fight against him would be ugly.


    A fight hed win, he reassured himself again, but probably not without some nasty wounds: he was a lot faster than Roth or his golem, he could heal from a lot of hurt with Uldars divinity, and his spells had more power behind them.


    maybe not as much power as those damned fire-beams, but still more than anything that the wizard had shown.


    Some of Baelins words came back about targeting the greatest threat first. Dungeon cores tended to work that waybut the one in the chitterer dungeon hadnt paid anywhere near as much attention to him as it had to Alex. His golem <em>was</em> tough, no doubt about that, but hed used a blessing on his weapon so it dealt cursed, lethal cuts to the Raveners spawn. Yet, it had gone after Rothand not himwith a vengeance.


    He was one of the Heroes, cores knew to try and kill them first because they were their biggest threat. It should have focused on him since he was the only one in that dungeon who couldve reliably stopped the gibbering legions.


    Yet it had almost ignored him in favour of Alex, not even giving him or the rest of their team anywhere near as much attention. Cedric felt like he was missing something.


    Oi, he turned to the other Heroes. What did you think of that Roth guy and his friends?


    Hart shrugged. Theyre stout, I guess. Good to fight and drink with. Tyris has a hell of a lot of energy. Good looking too. Real good looking.


    Blue eyes shed in Cedrics mind.


    Aye He shook the thought away. But, I dunnowhat about you, Drestra?


    Why do you ask? the Sage threw a question back at him. Youve known them longer than I have.


    Welllemme ask something else. When you fought the dungeon core in the blood-drak dungeon, did it focus on you or the other wizards you were with?


    Why? Drestra asked him again.


    I dunno Cedric said. I get the feelin were not seein somethin here. Im wonderin if theres <em>somethin </em>up with Alex Roth.

 Chapter 303: Aftermaths

    Chapter 303: Aftermaths


    Could you be any more vague, man? Hart raked his fingers through his long brown hair. Come on, this isnt some bards tale where everythings gotta be all mysterious and told by candle and campfire, Cedric.


    Well the Chosen began.


    Can we talk while we ride? Drestra interrupted, scanning the surrounding trees. We lost time back at the encampment and gained most back thanks to Baelin. Lets not lose it again.


    Yeah, lets ride. Dont feel like standing here all day anyway, Hart agreed.


    Cedric remembered the harmony hed seen between the expedition teams, both during the battle and after. The Heroes never worked like that, not even in the beginning. How much better would things be if we did? He wondered, but kept his thoughts to himself.


    Right, then. Well talk an ride. An Ill try not ta be too vague for ya Hart. Cedric climbed up on his horse, his irritation in. Within seconds, the trio was mounted and on their way down the road. A gust of wind rustled the changing leaves: each Hero scanned the trees lining the road.


    Things seemed peaceful enough, but theyd been ambushed on peaceful roads before. Thatfortable feeling from being in the encampment began to fade, too quickly for Cedrics liking.


    Once the horses got up to a good trot, he continued talking.


    Right, so. Heres what Im talkin about. Remember when I said the dungeon core really went after Alex in the chitterer dungeon?


    Yes, I remember, and I remember you asking him about it too, Drestra said, her reptilian eyes tracking from one side of the road to the other. You all said that it was simr to how the cores focus on Merzhin and me when were left undefended. What about it?


    Well, somethin about that dont seem quite right ta me. Harts right, that golems nasty, but Im nasty too. The resta their team werent no slouch either: lots o wizards and that bigun Grimloch an all the rest of em. Seems a might strange that itd just needle-focus on one wizard. I could see it, if


    You feeling neglected? Hart interrupted,ughing. Youre acting like someones lover that aint getting enough attention.


    Cedric grunted. Look, Im bein serious here. You heard what the big goat wizard was sayin: in battle you focus on the biggest threat and break it down.


    Well, sometimes thats true, Drestra said. But sometimes its better to cull the weak. Theyre more easily hunted and they fall faster.


    Not the point Im tryna make: the Ravener focuses on <em>us</em>. Were always the biggest threat to it. Shalf the reason why we even matter in this whole fight. We break cores and smash dungeons, so they focus on us first instead o tryin ta kill everyone in Thamnd an raze it.


    True, Hart said. But the spawn went after everyone pretty equally out on the hills.


    Thats true, Drestra said. It even seemed like they went after the Generasians more than they go for our knights and priests.


    Thats what Im sayin. They focused on individuals down in the dungeon, but not outside. So, what happened down in the blood-drak dungeon? Whod the core focus on when you all were tryin ta break it?


    Me, Drestra said. Then it split its attention between me and Hart when he got there.


    A lot of the monsters<strong></strong>were concentrating on me too. Hart said. I got there a little after Drestra, so she was already good and stuck in.


    And it didnt go after any of them wizards with ya? Cedric asked. Didnt focus on<em> any</em> o them?


    No, it focused on me, Drestra said, after a moments thought. But Hart and I were the main targets. Ah, no wait, Im lying. Now that I think about it, it targeted some of the Watchers more than the other Generasians.


    Yeah, I remember now, Hart said. It took some of the heat off me.


    Aye, so it spread its focus around, but with that wizard Alexit was mostly bent on killin him. Cedrics forehead creased between red eyebrows. Even ta where it was ignorin me.


    Why are you going on about this? Drestra asked, with a surprising amount of firmness in her voice. Alex and all the Generasians have been nothing but good to us. You sound like an inquisitor on a bad day.


    Yeah, why does it matter if it was hunting him? Hart asked. Maybe he stinks or something.


    Both Heroes stared at Hart. Only the sound of horse hooves drumming along the path, the rustling of leaves,<strong></strong>and distant birdsong broke the judging silence.


    Well I dont mean <em>literally!</em> He tried to exin himself. I dunno, likemaybe hes got some kinda stink that only Ravener-spawn can smell?


    They continued staring at him.


    Fine! Its just a theory, Im not the one being crazy here, Cedric is!


    Im not being crazy! the Chosen snapped. Im jus curious, is all.


    And Alex gave you an exnation: one that makes sense, Drestra reminded him. Does it even matter <em>why </em>he was attacked? Everyone was. Come on Cedric, we actually have <em>allies</em> now. Powerful ones whore more than willing to help.


    Well, lets be honest, Hart cut in. Theyre helping because <em>theyre</em> getting something out of it. Notining hereI know better than most what its like to fight for paybut Im just saying thats the way it is. Theyre not exactly here out of the goodness of their hearts.


    Oh, so now youre on Cedrics side? Drestra red at him.


    I dont have a side, Im just askin a bloody question! Cedrics voice rose.


    And Im not on anyones side either, Hart said. Look, theyre wizards: theyve probably got their own secrets. Never fought or heard of a wizard who didnt have a list of secrets at least as long as my arm. As long as those secrets dont end with me getting demons all over my ass, they can have all the secrets they want. Let it lie, man, he said to Cedric. Were Heroes, not church inquisitors.


    Ayelook, its jus that what the chancellor said got me ta thinkin is all, I didnt mean no harm by it. Sjust had me curious, but Ill let it be. Last thing we need is for Heroes to be at each others


    He paused.


    At each others throats.


    Heroes.


    Who was supposed to help keep the Heroes together? The Fool. All that ungrateful talk about the Fool being useless aside, they were supposed to serve Uldar by helping to knit everyone together, both in lifeand in death.


    A thought seeped into the back of his mind. Who did dungeon cores mostly focus on trying to kill? <em>Heroes</em>.


    Which Hero was missing?


    And whod been the friendly fellow whod helped ease the Chosen, Champion and Sages spirit when theyd arrived at the wizard''s camp? Who happened to be therea friendly face that he already knewand made getting along with all those strangers a hell of a lot easier?


    Alex.


    Alex from Thamnd.


    The same fellow hed met a day after hed woken up with the bnced scales of the Chosen burning bright on his chest. The image of an ugly jesters statueone hed seen in town squares and fountains all over Thamndcame to mind.


    Would Alex Roth have a golden symbol of a jester glowing somewhere on his body? The Chosen rode along, his hands gripping the reins so tightly, he could feel the tension in them through the metallic glove that was his morphic weapon.


    Thenhe caught himself.


    Hold on now Cedric, pa always said not ta get so heated ya stop makin proper use of yer head. He remembered how his father had pulled him aside after a few bloody-nosed fights with the other boys in n Duncan. Dont be rushin ta judgement. Think.


    The more he thought about his suspicions, the more holes he found in them.


    What am I, mad? He shook his head. The Fools the least dangerous o the lot of us, so why would the bloody core be after him instead o me. Fools cant use spellcraft or fight, an Ive seen im do both more than once. Plus, he built that bloody war-machine ov a golem ov his. An its got them firing stones in its hands and head. An if they aint bloody weapons, then I dont know what is, an Fools can''t even use weapons. Whatm I thinkin?


    Cedric doubted he couldve ever made that golem, even with Uldars magic and divinity. He didnt have the kind of knowledge to know where to even begin.


    Ach, forget it, he thought. Probably just chasin my tail like a dog thats got a damn burr in its backside. Bsides, he wasnt the only one ya got along with at their camp, aye? Theres someone else ya got along wit pretty damn well. Is she a Fool too? Course not, what wit all her smarts an that whole fancy way about er.


    He smiled, remembering the walk he and Isolde took the night of the celebration.


    If he could have slowed their walk down to a crawl, he wouldve done just that to get the chance to learn more about the attractive young woman and her life at that fancy university. He couldnt even picture some of things shed talked about: theyd sounded like something old Mad Kelda had dreamed up after one of her special mushroom soups. The stuff had sailed way over his head and hed kept gaping at her in silence like an idiot, feeling more and more like a bumpkin with every word shed spoken. At least when the conversation had turned to spellcasting, he could jump in a little: old grans wizardry lessons gave him a bit of knowledge, and hed learned a bit more in the early days of the cycle. The court wizards had crammed as many battle spells into his, Drestra and Merzhins heads as theyd had time for back in the capital. So, hed finally stopped gaping and actually contributed to the conversationeven though gaping at Isolde was something he wouldnt mind getting used to.


    It was too bad things were cut short: shed been asking about his morphic weapon when theyd circled back to the bonfire and the walk ended.


    Next time, he thought. Just have somethin ready ta talk about next time.


    Squaring his shoulders, he let go of questions and troubled thoughts in favour of nice thoughts about a fetching blue-eyed wizard from Generasi.


    Trouble had a way ofing for people when they werent expecting it.


    And the three Heroes werent expecting the trouble waiting for them in Ryeford.


    Hold on, Hart said, stringing his bow and peering down the road. His sharp eyes picked out the town through the trees ahead, while Cedric and Drestra were left squinting. Somethings wrong.


    What is it? Cedric asked.


    The roads blocked aboutId say maybe a dozen or so paces in front of the town. Theres priests around and a bunch of soldiers are standing guardoutside, not at the gates. Andyep, those are Merzhins people. I dont see anyone else, though He squinted. Theres something else too. The gates are wide open, but theres not much movement past them. Dont see any regr folks, just Merzhins soldiers and priests.


    Cedric frowned, turning his weapon into ance. Lets pick up the pace an get over there. Any sign of Merzhin?


    If hes in there, hes deep inside, Hart said.


    Prepare for battle then, Drestras crackling voice said. Just in casejust in case.


    The horses cantered down the road with their riders prepared for a fight, but as they got closer, no sounds of conflict reached them. If anything, it was the opposite. Everything was quiet. Too quiet. Then the stink hit them.


    Blood, Hart growled. Old blood. Just starting to rot.


    As the town grew closer, Cedric saw soldiers raise their weapons then quickly lower them and scramble to remove the barricade, realising who was approaching.


    Hail! Cedric called, waving at the soldiers and priests. Whats goin on? Wheres Merzhin?


    The faces of those guarding the way were as pale as sheets.


    A young woman replied with a tremor in her voice: Wee, Heroesit might be better if you go in and see for yourselves. I hope you havent had a mealtely. A visible shudder went through her. The Saint is in the town square.


    Why arent you using the gate? Hart asked.


    Its been sabotaged from inside. theres been a massacre. Youll see.


    The three Heroes nced around, then rode through the damaged gateswhich looked like they''d been sawed off at the hinges. Inside the town of Ryeford, the ugly evidence of a massacre greeted them. Rust coloured stains painted the streets and spattered the buildings. Maggots wriggled along the ground. Flies feasted on bits of rot, buzzing through the air like smoke clouds.


    Oh bloody hell, Cedric swore.


    The Heroes slowed, riding through a cloud of stench: rot, decaying blood andsomething else. Something fouler.


    Poison? Drestra sniffed the air. Venom walkers, I think.


    Silence-spiders too, Hart said. Look at those big w marks in the wood on those houses. But where the hell are the bodies?


    Merzhin probably had them collected. the Sage said.


    Yet, when they reached the centre of town, there werevery few bodies lying on the ground. A few of the towns residents along with a small number of the fifty warriors whod been stationed in Ryeford, wereid out in rows with bedsheets partly covering them like shrouds. The customary Heroes fountain loomed above the bodies, and the Saint and a group of priests knelt in prayer beside it.


    Merzhin looked upgrim-facedwhen the trotting horses entered the square. I was toote, he said, with sadness. All were departed to Uldars side for at least a day or so before we arrived. There is nothing I could do except guide their souls to him. Most of the townspeoples and soldiers bodies are missing.


    Bloody hell, Cedric said, making the sign of Uldar. What did this? Is there a dungeon around here? A double-dungeon?


    No, Merzhin said. None that we could find.


    Wheres the horde, then? Hart asked, looking around as though monsters would suddenly leap out from behind the empty buildings.


    Thats the thing, Merzhin said. Our rangers couldnt pick up a trail. Theres silence-spider and venom walker tracks all through the woodstheyre everywhere. It was like they purposefully made a web of tracks to hide their actual trail.<strong></strong>Which shows a level of intelligence thats worrying. We have no idea where they came fromor where theyre going, or where they went.


    The hunter slipped from the trees, peering at thendscape ahead. Rough hills. Grasses. Swamps.


    Moors.


    And somewhere within thisndscape, it could feel the strong pulse of mana.


    There were wizards ahead.


    And there were a lot of them.


    It snorted with distasteand difort.

 Chapter 304: Dark Allies and Operation Grand Summoning Ascension

    Chapter 304: Dark Allies and Operation Grand Summoning Ascension


    The monster crouched at the edge of a copse of trees as something stirred in the distantndscape.


    Something that gave the Raveners Hunter concern.


    There were few mortals in thisnd who could call upon mana to wield like a weapon. Yet, the ones it was sensing, zing so brightly with magic, were far from few. This was troubling. The threat was thick in the air, and the Hunter could feel it deep in its core. Where were the two dungeons? They should be near, secretly building armies for their master. It sent its senses out again, searching for the dungeonsbut, nothing answered. Were they destroyed by the Heroes, or these wizards? Were they eliminated by these hostiles now dwelling here?


    A growl escaped its throat.


    Where had these magic wielderse from and why were they here? Wizards amassing here was not natural and unnatural elements were unpredictable. They must be managed. They must be eliminated. Like the usurper. But, there was no trace of them near or far. At least none that it could sense. Troubling. The words of that priest in Ryeford might be worthless.


    The Hunter would have to learn more.


    Yet, it was impossible to scout the area ahead with the sun so bright and little cover to hide in. No overgrown ces to conceal itself.


    Daylight was restrictive. It would be best to wait until darkness fell. With a low growl, the Hunter called a pair of silence-spiders down to it. The soundless creatures crept through the trees on their de like-legs. Deeper in the wood, the rest of the horde waited, far from prying eyes.


    When dark falls, go, see who invades thesends. Find out who these strangers are, itmanded. The poisoned priest said they were foreign wizards, but I want to know more.


    The silence-spiders noiselessly brought their scythe-like front ws together in acknowledgement, then crawled back into the trees to wait, hidden until time for their mission. The Hunter sent out a ping with its senses, and detected mana nearby.


    It flinched.


    Two new sources of mana reached it.


    The first zed from the wizards camp with a crushing brilliance like the suns rays. It hadnt been there earlier, but seemed to have simply materialised from thin air like a vengeful ghost. The Hunter clicked its teeth together. It was an <em>awful</em> power. Was it the usurper? Nono it didnt have a usurpers stink.


    But still, whatever it was could be a great threat. Its master should be told.


    The Hunter called ten worker spiders to it, sending them to inform the Ravener of what it had sensed.


    Go to our master with word of this new threat. Move swiftly. It is more powerful in magic than the Sage and the Chosenbined. Go, so that our master can prepare.


    The ten dipped low in response, then scurried away between the tree trunks, hurrying to their mastersir. There. Now if anything stopped the Hunter, its master would know of theing threat.


    For now, though


    What was that second source of mana?


    It was close. Very close. Three together, perhaps only a brief march away. Scouts of these foreign wizards perhaps? They could be a valuable source of information if captured.


    With a quick bark, it brought several silence-spiders and venom walkers to its side.


    Come. We hunt.


    The party of monsters moved through the trees, keeping to the shadows between trunks, creeping closer to their prey. As always, it relished the thought of theing capture and kill. It did not gain power from mortal fear like the Ravener or its dungeon cores did, but it <em>did</em> enjoy seeing fear consume its prey.


    A screech from above brought it from its thoughts.


    Its head snapped up with teeth bared.


    A crow. A simple crow, taking flight from a branch.


    Nothing to concern itself with.


    As it slipped between trees, low voices reached it from ahead. The air was filled with the tang of magic. Spellcraft was present, but of what sort, the Hunter could not tell. Cautiously, it moved toward the magic wielders.


    Then a voice cut through the woods.


    One screaming words of power.


    Mana zed in the Hunters senses. Mana that <em>crackled</em>.


    It leapt aside, shouting a warning to its forces.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    A blue tongue of lightning flicked through the trees, catching both a silence-spider and venom walker in its path. A searing sh, and the stink of boiling venom filled the air. The dull thud of two bodies hitting the forest floor followed.


    But the Hunter didnt spare its dead a single nce. It charged through the treesas agile and swift as sudden deathweaving between trunks and toward the magic casters.


    Our servants see you, Ravener-spawn! a withered, inhuman voice croaked. Begone! Begone from ournds!


    <em>My</em>nd! another voice shrieked. <em>My </emnd, sister!


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Bolts of lightning struck.


    More silence-spiders dropped, but the Hunter burst from the woods and into a clearing. Three humanoids, having the appearances of aged female mortals, confronted him. They resembled humanity at first nce.


    But, their nature was more monster than human. Each stood taller than any humanmaybe close to eight feet and their blue skin had the grey cast of burnished iron. Long scraggly hair fell to their hips in a tangle, hanging atop robes made of a patchwork of animal skins and coverings.


    Long, iron talons capped each twisted finger, while ckened fangs jutted from vering misshapen lips shrieking spells. Around the trio, a pack of monsters milled about; mounds of vegetation with whirling tentacles, and beast goblins with vines growing freely from their bodies.


    The Hunter snarled.


    Blue annis hags: local monsters. Were they bound to the wizards?


    It would find out.


    Kill them! one of the hags snapped, in her robe of bird feathers. Kill the interlopers!


    Beast-goblins and nt monsters surged toward the Hunter, with iling tentacles and gnashing jaws.


    It answered with a roar.


    Silence-spiders poured from the woods, soon followed by venom walkers. Spells roared from all three hags: lightning, wind, and dark curses aimed at the Hunter, but the Ravener-spawns reflexes had been honed by experience.


    It weaved past lightning.


    Slid beneath wind sts.


    And used the hags own servants for cover against the curses. Vegetable-matter boiled and withered where dark magic struck the shambling nts. The Hunter waited for a pause in their spells then struck the witches. With a quick twitch of finely-tuned muscle, it soared over the hags horde and onto a giant, tentacled creature.


    Another twitch shot it toward the hag in the feather robe.


    ws swept out.


    She snarled, shing back.


    <em>Schnk!</em>


    A high-pitched shriek reced spellcasting: part of a blue arm spiralled through the air, then dropped, tumbling along yellowed grass. With a single sweep of its ws, the Hunter had shed through the hags tough hide, relieving her off a forearm.


    She reeled back, clutching the severed limb in disbelief. Then, it struck again, raking its ws deep into her face.


    She slumped lifeless to the ground.


    Her shocked sisters turned, looking to escape.


    There! There was the terror. Now to use it.


    You! the Hunter roared at them. How do you serve these wizards? Who are they?


    The surviving hags looked back at the Ravener spawn.


    Wait, wait no! one answered in terror, her eyes drifting to her dead sister. We do not serve the outsiders! Interlopers, they are! To be killed or driven from mynd!


    The Hunter snarled. You do not serve them? Lies will not save you, witch!


    No, Ravener-spawn! the other hag cried, backing away. We are enemies to them not allies, no! Wait, wait! She waved her hands, halting the attack of their horde of nt monsters and beast-goblins. Stop! Stop attacking us! We have no quarrel with you if your enemy is our enemy! We are only protecting ournd!


    <em>My</em>nd! the first hag snapped at her only sister.


    The Hunter considered what the hags had said. Enemies of the outsiders?


    A barking cry to its own forces called off their attack.


    Silence-spiders and venom walkers abruptly fell back. Relief washed the hags faces.


    Yes, good! one growled. Her robes were made from the skins of reptiles and amphibians. Her sisters were of deerskin. Good, good! Why fight each other when we can help each other!


    She talked fast; fearand something else was apparent in her voice. The Hunter thought on what it had learned while watching humans: was that excitement? Hope?


    Help, how? it asked the hag.


    You are enemies to these wizards? the deer-robed one asked.


    Yes, to all wizards. the Hunter said, omitting mention of the usurper. It had not confirmed whether the usurper was with those wizards, but it would. Information would be needed, and the interlopers would have to be dealt with. They were dangerous enough without a usurper among them.


    Good, good! the reptilian-robed one said. Why waste lives killing <em>each other</em>? Will you move into thesends and drive me away?


    No, the Hunter said. You kill mortals. I have no reason to kill you.


    Good, then better we unite our ws and use them on our enemies flesh, than on each other! Yeees! she said quickly, her face rxing. We will tell you what we know of these interlopers! My sisters and I use spells to observe them through the eyes of birds. We can watch and listen to them.


    So thats how they saw him and his forces.


    We can tell you all that weve learned. And then, we can join forces and kill every one of them! Yes?


    The Hunter thought about her proposal. It had been made by the Ravener for assassination. To this purpose, it was given the power to subjugate creatures not spawned by its master and twist any local monster into shield or fodder.


    But these blue annis hags had intelligence.


    And had offered an alliance out of fear, but also of their own will.


    It considered what to do. When it was first created, itcked understanding and experience and would not have hesitated to attack these witches and kill, or bring them under its control. But now?


    It had learned how mortals gained strength through cooperation.


    Why not adapt and try this alliance? It could easily kill these two if betrayal was their goal. Its chest swelled with pride.


    Experience had made it wiser.


    That was why it was one of the greatest of the Raveners living servants. Perhaps even <em>the</em> greatest.


    Yes, the Hunter growled. We will fight together, as long as we get what we want. Betray me, and I will kill you.


    No, no! We wont! the hag in amphibian robes said. To the Hunters surprise, she spit on her sisters corpse. I didnt like her anyway! So, no hard feelings! And more help for each of us!


    She paused. But we must take great care. Two dungeons tried to kill these interlopers, but they destroyed them! These wizards are very dangerous.


    The Hunter clicked his teeth together. Tell me more about them. How did they fight? Who destroyed the dungeons?


    The hag dressed in reptile skins growled. The wizards were with three of the Heroes. They had vast amounts of power. Some could fly. There was a big minotaur and an even bigger fishman. The fishman didnt seem to have mana, but he did have unnatural strength. The minotaur used magic. A mortal female wizard rode on the head of a giant tortoise that sprayed a thick ming liquid on Ravener-spawn, and not only that, but it could fly. It was as big as a young dragon. There was another one who controlled arge y man that shot fire from its head and hands. He and all of hispanions are very dangerous!


    A growl slipped from the Hunters throat. Tell me more about these wizards, especially the ones that controlled the tortoise and the man made of y.


    Its new allies and its army of monsters, would need to prepare.


    ###


    Far acrossnd and sea, the wizard who controlled the man made of y was in the middle of building an army of monsters. A pile of books with second and first-tier summoning spells were spread out in front of him, all borrowed from the library as soon as hed returned to Generasi.


    Summon Viper-Devil.


    Summon Ice Elemental.


    Summon Taranea: a type of celestial spider.


    Summon Hellhound.


    And more.


    Monsters forbat, for help, for scouting and for other things. Theyd each help him increase in strength and power, and also provide more helpers for other tasks.


    But, these werent the spells he was focused on at the moment.


    The spell-guide in his hands was for Summon Elemental Sprite. And he wasnt the only one looking at it.


    So, this spell is going to be a little advanced for you, Alex exined while Selina leaned against one of his muscr arms, peering at the book. But spell arrays are broken into different parts, and if you look at enough of them, you start to figure out which parts do what before you even cast a spell.


    He cleared his throat, putting on his best Baelin impression. A Proper Wizard can tell what a spell does just by seeing the spell array alone, he said. But thats not always the case. Most wizards just learn enough about spell arrays to cast the spell, they dont really break down all of the details if they dont have to.


    Cooool, Selina reached down, tracing the spell array with her finger. And youre going to summon a sprite?


    Oh yeah, Alex said. Once I learn the spell at least, which hopefully will be fast.


    Selina looked at him sharply. Howre you going to do it so fast? Miss Sutton said it takes a long time to learn spells.


    Yeah, well Alex smiled. Ive got a lot of confidence in this one. Trust me. Lets just say I have a trick or two up my sleeve.


    Today would be the first time hed be testing The Travellers power with a new spell since the day hed first summoned Bubbles. If things went well, he could probably learn the new spells on his list in under a week. And that was only one step in his n to advance to third-tier spells and progress in other ways, including physically and financially. Fighting alongside the Heroes had motivated him. Hard. If he wanted to take on dungeons and get dungeon core remains without needing a massive force with him, hed <em>need</em> to get even stronger.


    He cracked his knuckles, looking down at a detailed n with the title circled at the top of the page.


    <em>Operation Grand Summoning Ascension</em> was about to begin.

 Chapter 305: Learning & Teaching

    Chapter 305: Learning & Teaching


    Why do you do that? Selina frowned, looking down at the heading circled in Alexs notebook.


    Do what?


    Give everything big, dramatic names?


    Because Im also big He flexed a muscr arm. <em>and </em>dramatic.


    Ugh, she groaned, much to his amusement.


    He fought the urge to grin.


    His little sister was now at the stage where a lot of his clowning made her cringe since she was trying to be more serious and grown up. Which only made him want to clown her even more. Alex remembered going through the same, extra serious stageas his father used to call it when he teased him. He could picture their dad at the dinner table with that mischievous look his face got when he was fighting a grin from making Alex cringe. And now, here he was with a, <em>Im fighting a grin from making my growing sister cringe</em> look on his own face.


    This could turn into a family tradition. Maybe if Theresa and I have kids one dayor Selina does A smile like a grinning cat spread across his face as he shot a nce her way.


    His sister was watching him. He quickly looked down, dismissing the delightful idea and returning to his spell.


    Speaking of growing up


    You never said anything about growing up, she pointed out.


    Details, details, he countered, ignoring facts. Which is exactly what youre going to have to worry about. I want you to really pay attention to what Im about to say: you wanted to watch me learn and practice spells, right?


    She nodded vigorously.


    After hed returned from Thamnd, Selina had questioned him and Theresa about every detail of their trip: the fights, the Ravener, how things were going in Greymoor, and <em>especially</em> about the Heroes.


    When theyd ryed all the newsincluding that the demons theyd fought on Orecas Fall beach would soon be guing their homndshed gone quiet. And not too muchter, shed <em>begged </em>him to let her watch his spell practice.


    Shed been near him beforemore times than he could countwhen hed been practising, but she''d never shown much interest in what he was doing. So, he didnt need the Mark to tell him what was going on with her: everything that happened back home bothered her, and she wanted to learn whatever she could to protect herself, and their family.


    Alexs eyes fell on her birthday gift from the Lus. Carrying the knife had be a habit.


    Shed seen a lot, and he understood why she kept it close, but he didnt want her to lose sight of just being a kid for now.


    Thats great, but Im going to warn you; you wont understand a lot of what you see right now. Itll make a lot more senseter.


    Okay.


    Oh, and when you start learning spells, youll get faster the more you practise. Your first spells going to take you a long, long time to get.


    Hed struggled with the spell for forceball for years before he finally got it. A chuckle slipped out. Now here he was, learning summoning spells in a day. A lot had changed.


    Looking at Selina, absorbed in studying the spell guide, a warm feeling touched him.


    Youll have a hell of a lot easier time than I had, he thought. You wont have to il around like I did, trying to put it all together by yourself. You''ll have proper teachers and your big brother to help you. And since you have that affinity for fire magic, youll probably advance even faster, especially if you learn fire spells firstbut Im not sure if thatll be happening.


    Hmmm. She frowned. How long do you think itll take me?


    Ooooh, he considered. Youll have to train your mana, and they probably wont let you even try a spell until youve learned a lot of magic theory.


    Aw, she muttered.


    Whats up? he asked. Something wrong?


    ...I was thinking that if I learned magic fast, then I coulde and help you, and Theresa and everyone else in Thamnd, she said.


    Just as hed suspected, then.


    Oh no, thats out of the question, he said. Completely. Youre noting to Thamnd to fight monsters at eleven years old.


    Why? she asked. Ive seen monsters, lots of times. Demons too. Im not afraid, I want to fight back.


    Her hand had fallen on the knife handle. Alex watched her fingers tighten on the hilt.


    Trust me, you dont want to go there. Not yet, he said. Remember what I told you we saw? What we fought with the Heroes? It wasnt pretty, Selina. You shouldnt be there until youre a <em>lot</em> older, and have a lot of experience with battle magic.


    You dont use battle magic, she said.


    Yeah, well. He jerked his thumb over his shoulder at ygon who was standing beside the siblings as they sat in the shade of a flowering tree. I kinda got a really big, smashy bodyguard. And Ive also taken Baelins ss.


    You could teach me what Baelin taught you, she suggested.


    Her hand closed around the knife hilt, bing a fist.


    No way. Alex waved his hand. I meanya sure, of course Ill teach you what Baelin taught me, but you cant go into a war zone right now. Not until youre older and youve learned how to fight, but hopefully, you wont have to do any fighting back home because the Ravenerll be long dead by then. Thatll be the best thing for all of us. Butlook


    He turned back to his spell book. If you really want to learn magic fast, then pay close attention to me. Im about to go through this spell a lot, and itll give you a head start. So, just watch, okay? Summonings a really useful kind of magic, and you can apply it to all kinds of different things. Watch closely.


    ...okay, she said.


    He nced at ygon. Hey buddy, ya mind raising a fist there? If the sprite does anything hostile, I want you to smash the hell out of it. And if I identally summon <em>anything</em> thats not a sprite, I want you to smash that too.


    ygon shifted, adjusting his body weight, then curled his upper-right hand into a fist, raising it in preparation to strike.


    Did you just tell ygon to smush a sprite? Selina asked, looking at Alex dubiously.


    Listen, sprites arent very dangerous but if they get out of control, they can still hurt us with their magic. Im not taking any chances.


    He would have preferred to conjure the sprite in The Cells, but Selina wasnt exactly supposed to be in there. So hede up with apromise: ygon would smash any nasty monsters that appeared, and he was also practising his summoning outside, so running was a strong option if anything went wrong.


    At this point in his training, he was pretty confident he wouldnt screw the spell up anyway.


    Not catastrophically, at least.


    Probably.


    Alex took a deep breath, looked over the incantation and spell-array one more time, then jumped right in. The Marks interference appeared without fail, trying to break his concentration, but he slowly and carefully guided himself through until he made a mistake. He promptly cut the spell.


    What happened? Selina asked.


    I made a mistake, he told her. So what Im doing now is writing down exactly what I did wrong, which part of the spell-array I made the mistake on, and how to avoid it next time. I had to learn to do things this way because of you know what. He whispered.


    Thats a lot of stuff to write, she said. No wonder you have so many notebooks.


    Exactly, but its worth it. He now had so many stacks of notebooks in his room, that they formed a small wall on one side of his bed. It takes a lot of time doing it this way, but what thatll mean for you is you''ll<em></em>be learning your spells in a <em>lot</em> of detail. Whichll mean <em>youll</em> be able to learn them a lot faster if you put in the work, and you might even be able to design your own spell arrays. Wouldnt that be cool? You could even modify or make up spells with enough practice.


    She looked at the spell array. Becauseyou learn more about the spell array from all the detail?


    Exactly! he said. Now juuust watch me quietly for a bit. Need to concentrate.


    He threw himself into the spell again.


    And again.


    And again.


    Each time he recorded what happened to make him stop the spell.


    Five. Ten. Twenty tries. With each casting, he crept a little closer to the part of the spell array responsible for contacting an elemental neand then


    There it was, and the Travellers power smoothly took over.


    With a sigh, Alex felt it wash over him, touching the elemental ne of earth.


    And suddenly, in the air before him, a little creature materialised hovering on tiny wings, shedding a green light from its small body. It blinkedrge ck eyes as they adjusted to the sunlight of its summoners world while Selina gasped, pping her hands at the sight of it.


    Hello there, Alex greeted the sprite and took a deep breath.


    Its eyes briefly moved from him to Selina before spotting something far more interesting on the ground below; after all, the two siblings had no affinity for earth magic. Its tiny face brightened, then it fluttered to the grass, sliding its hands through the green des brushing its waist.


    Alex observed the earth elemental while sweat beaded on his brow from both exertion and nerves.


    He quickly made a note to remind himself:


    <strong>Make sure to get enough rest.</strong>


    <strong>You can learn spells fast, but youll screw things up if youre exhausted.</strong>


    So, what do you think? He asked a beaming Selina.


    She tore her eyes away from the little sprite and read his notes detailing his observations. Its like when Im building, she said. When I make towers or other buildings and they fall over, I have to find the reason they fell, or theyll keep falling.


    Exactly, Alex said. And if you apply everything you learn from your mistakes, you can make adjustments to your spell array. Each mistake gives you a clue about how a spell can be changed.


    Got it, she said. What kind of changes can you make to spells?


    Oh, all kinds of things, he said. Imagine a spell as being kind of likea building. No wait, better example. Imagine a spell is a golem, like ygon. You need a body and a golem core, but other than that, you can build a golem in just about any shape you want, within a limit. You can add more arms, you can add magical items, you can make it any size, you can add anything you want, but in the end, the golem core has to be able to power everything you put on the body.


    He tapped the spell array. Its the same with spell arrays and the magic circuits they create. You cant turn a forceball spell into a summoning spell, just like you cant turn a golem into a cerberus. But you can change it to use more mana and make a stronger forceball; change how much light a forceball gives off, or just about anything like that. In the end, a forceball is still a forceball no matter how much you change it, just like a golem is a golem or


    a tower is a tower, Selina supplied. You can make it tall and thin, you can make it short, fat and round, but if you make it like a long rectangle, then its a house, not a tower.


    Exactly, Alex said. So thats basically the limit, as far as I know. You cant change what a spell <em>is</em> by changing parts of its spell array, but you can change what it does a bit, and you can <em>really</em> change how it does it.


    Thats so cool. I cant wait to learn more of this stuff, his sister said eagerly, reaching toward the sprite. Before she could pat it, it red at her and darted away.


    With the magic of subjugation style summoning, Alex could technically have ordered the sprite to let his sister pat itbut doing so felt wrong.


    Its not part of our family like Brutus is, Selina, he said.


    I know that, she said, turning red. So, what next?


    Well, Im gonna take a break for a bit, and then Ill try summoning sprites from the elemental ne of air. Then well call it a day.


    Aw, Selina said. I wanted to watch how you worked through more spells.


    Well, thats the thing, even if I interrupt a spell, casting one over and over and over again, uses mana. Less mana than if Idpleted the spell every time I cast it, but it all adds up, he exined. Therere techniques I can use to help regenerate my mana, but they take time to use. So, I cant regenerate mana forever. Youll be learning regeneration techniques if I have anything to say about it. Theyre tough, but theyre really valuable, and really important to know. And the more advanced the mana regeneration technique, the faster you can regenerate your mana.


    Are you going to learn a better technique soon? Selina asked.


    Funny you should ask that, he said, ncing at his notebook.


    There was a time schedule written on a page: Professor ValRoks office hours. His former Mana Maniption teacher should be able to show him a new technique or two.


    Itd be another step in his n to catapult himself to third-tier magic.

 Chapter 306: The Evil Wizard ValRok

    Chapter 306: The Evil Wizard Val''Rok


    Sir Alexander Roth, first of his name, quested up the tower to meet the evil sorcerer ValRok. Well actually, he simply climbed the stairs to go see his former professor.


    Who, to be truthful, was probably at least a little evil.


    Ande to think of it, a vague memory of a great uncle also named Ale


    Aaaaaargh!


    A scream echoed from above followed by the rapid thudding of feet taking stairs two and three at a time. Alex tensed, reaching into his bag for a booby-trapped potion.


    ygon raised all four arms, levelling them up the stairs.


    Was it a demon? Had something escaped a summoning circle?


    Did


    Waaaaargh! an orcish student appeared on the steps, wailing like a frightened child sprinting past Alex and ygon like they were invisible.


    Come back! ValRoks voice cried from above. Youre not going to get very far in wizardry with<em> such</em> thin skin! Come now, when I was learning wizardry we used the Illusionary Hell Box on each other for pranks, not just learning!


    A high-pitchedugh echoed through the tower, mixing with the retreating students fading screams.


    Okay, maybe more than a little evil.


    Ugh, lets keep going, ygon, Alex said, taking the stairs two at a time.


    Professor ValRoks voice echoed through the upper halls of the tower as the young wizard and golem made their way to his office.


    Well, I trust the rest of you wont be so cowardly, the lizardman was saying to someone.


    Alex was sure he heard a whimper as he rounded the corner nearest the office. The door was open, and flickering light spilled into the hallway along with the surprising scent of woodsmoke.


    Through the doorway, he could see Professor ValRok lecturing three students standing in a row before him. They were as still as statues, the kind that <em>didnt</em> shoot horrible fire-beams of death, he noted.


    Professor, you have to let us do something different for the assignment. That deviceits cruel! one of the trio said. Its unnatural!


    No, its quite natural, actually, their professor said, conspicuously leaving out any mention of the cruel part. If you have no spine for thiAha! Heres someone with some spine!


    A reptilian hand pointed at Alex just as he knocked on the doorframe. Alex, you didnt take my ss this year, you traitor!


    Uh Alex started. I have a pretty full course load, sir.


    Hmph! the professor sniffed. Well, dont just stand there,e in,e in.


    He hurried inside.


    A fire zed in a hearth, filling the room with flickering light, pleasant heat, and the reason for the feeling of surprise hed felt earlier. He was sure the firece hadnt been there thest time hed visited ValRoks office, and the shadows it was casting made the room feel even eerier than before.


    Dozens of devices lined the spacebig, small and in-betweeneach with one purpose, to train mana maniption. No two were alike; rows of ss tubes, brass spiders, and even some Alex recognised from first year mana maniption ss, and Challenging the Exam for Credit.


    He mightve felt a bit nostalgic returning to ValRoks office, but with the air of creepiness permeating the chamber, all sentimental feelings were squashed like an awakening pest. Firelight cascading over the mana maniption devices cast long, flickering shadows on the walls like giant, quivering insects.


    The lizardmans reptilian eyes glowed red in the firelight, adding to the unnerving atmosphere. It was no wonder the students were trembling.


    Is, uh, this a bad time? Alex asked.


    Nonsense! ValRoks voice cracked like a whip, making the line of students flinch. If anything, your timing couldnt be more perfect. Alex, do you know what an Illusionary Hell Box is?


    Uh, yeah, Alex answered slowly, looking at the strange device in the professors hands.


    It was a cross between an iron helmet, and a monstrous spider: an iron cap with ten arachnoid legs, curled and ready to snap around someones head like a cage. Alex had only seen them diagrammed in bookswhich had been enough to make him never want to see one used in real life. Yet, here he was.


    Well? ValRok waved his hand expectantly.


    Eh? Oh you want me to <em>say</em> what it is! Sorry, professor. Its an illusionary device that trains someones ability to sense mana, but about a hundred years ago amittee at Generasi banned them, concluding that it was too cruel of a training tool


    A ruling that was <em>overturned,</em> ValRok quickly added, while his students seemed to be shrinking like they were willing themselves to disappear from sight.


    The tallest of the trio had opened his mouth, preparing to say something, but went quiet instead.


    ...yes it was overturned about twenty years ago, Alex continued, making sure to watch the glint growing in ValRoks eyes. But it hasnt really gotten popr because of its horrific


    Details, details, the wizard waved his hand dismissively. Just get on with what it <em>does</em>, my boy!


    Okay, okay so it trains the mana senses by forcing you to <em>rely</em> on them. The cap sits on the crown of your head, then the spidery legs wrap around your entire head. When the device gets turned on, it does its best to drown you in a horrible nightmare of illusions that trick the sensesexcept for the ability to sense mana, that is. Then, to get it off your head: either someone has to release you, or you have to guide your manawhile the illusions are trying to scare you to deaththrough a bunch of magical pathways that unlock the cage and stop the illusions.


    Exactly! ValRokughed, waving around the Illusionary Hell Box. All three students took a step back like he was waving a burning torch at them. Its a fun little activity thatll <em>really</em> make sure you know what youre doing. Youll learn quite quickly if it feels like your life''s on the line, trust me! Observe!


    Uh oh, Alex thought as the Illusionary Hell Box was shoved into his hands.


    Alex here is one of the best mana maniptors from all the first year students Ive taught in thest half-decade, ValRok pped him on the shoulder. In the cause of advancing young minds, would you mind showing our friends here just how this device can be mastered?


    The young wizard gave it a brief examination. Well, Im always up for a challenge.


    Without hesitating, Alex took the device and ced it on the crown of his head like a watch cap.


    <em>Click.</em>


    The arachnoid legs came down on all sides, forming a cage.


    Here ites, ValRok announced, cing a hand on the device and running his mana through it.


    And then the world vanished.


    In a heartbeat, Alex found himself in a nightmare realm. Frothing monsters crawled through living shadows that twisted through the room. The scent of blood, fire, and rot stung his nostrils. Screams and the wet sound of ripping meat contorted his hearing. The taste of ash filled his mouth, while the sensation of scores of insectile legs crawled along his skin.


    Terrordid not consume him.


    At all.


    All the alien images and sounds just reminded him of a particrly nasty session with the Mark. And he knew well how to handle those. With a deep breath, he felt out the mana pathways in the device, steadily guiding his mana through them.


    One after another, little mana locks popped open andas they didthe illusions became more intense, attempting to overwhelm his senses. The Fool smiled, then called on the Mark.


    Images of all of his past sesses with mana maniption, including assisting Lagor in Shales workshop, rose in his mind, guiding him effortlessly through the mana pathways. The task became so easy, that he actually startled when the arachnoid legs surrounding his head snapped open.


    The room immediately returned to its normal eeriness as every illusion faded away; all three students were silent, ValRok grinned and licked his right eye.


    And its as simple as that, the lizardman wizard stressed. See, nothing to worry about when ites to our little Illusionary Hell Box! Its harmless.


    The trio were staring at Alex with a mixture of bewilderment, resentmentand maybe even a little hatred.


    Why were


    And thats why your request to have the device removed from the course sybus is denied! ValRok grinned. If a young man with only a single year of mana maniption training can handle it so easily, so can you! So, off you go. Youll need every minute of practise you can get if youre going to master it in time for the midterm.


    Alex paled, looking at the trio apologetically as they slunk off, ring daggers at him.


    Now that thats out of the way, the lizardman wizard said. What can I do for you?


    Well, I was wondering if you could help me out with something, professor, Im trying to break through to third-tier spells


    Already? Most dont reach third-tier until close to the end of second year.


    Yeah, well I think Im getting close to some kind of breakthrough, Alex said. Im just trying to practise as many second-tier spells as I can right now.


    ValRok made a clicking sound, like he was running his tongue back and forth along the back of his fangs. I hear a but.


    Well, the problem is that I run out of mana too quickly. I could get way more practice in if I could regenerate mana quicker.


    I see ValRoks nostrils red. So youre looking for a short-cut. Alexmore advanced techniques are gated off for a reason. For someone who only knows second-tier spells, what I taughtst year should be good enough...


    Alex winced. Was he stuck now?


    I guess youre ri He started to say.


    ...good enough for <em>most</em> second year students, I mean, ValRok grinned. Ive been keeping tabs on your progress through Toraka Shale and Professor Jules: they tell me youve been advancing nicely in alchemy and mana maniption on your own. It seems your skill in mana maniption <em>far</em> exceeds your spellcasting ability. Which isnttypical for most, I have to say. Usually its ones skill in mana maniption thatgs behind. But, judging by how quickly you unlocked the Illusionary Hell Box, Id say youre probably equal to an advanced third year student when ites to mana maniption. A very advanced one at that.


    Oh, why thanks, Alex said.


    Mhmmm, so I could see why youd need a technique with a little moreoomph, ValRok said. It seems youve outgrown thest one I taught you, so maybe I can give you a little bit of a pointer: a preview for your next ss with me.


    Professor ValRok linked his fingers together, cracking his knuckles. Lets see how quickly I can cram something into your brain. Looking around his office, he appeared to be struck by sudden inspiration when he scooped up a hunk of meat sitting on a te on his desk. Tell me, what is this?


    Your lunch, Alex said.


    ...and?


    Raw meat.


    ...more specifically.


    Alex leaned over, smelling the meat. Venison, probably. With some spices. Theres saltpeppercorn


    Keep things straightforward, Alex. What we have here is <em>muscle</em> tissue. A big hunk of muscle tissue.


    Oh yeah, right, that makes sense.


    How does muscle work?


    Well it contracts, using our bones as levers and exerting force.


    Perfect, ValRok said. And have you ever looked at muscle tissue through a picoscope?


    No, I cant say I have, Alex said, scrutinising the venison.


    Well, if you do, youll see that its made up of multiple tiny fibres that work together like threads tied together to make a rope. The fibres are the building blocks of muscle, like stone bricks are the building blocks of wellbuildings.


    ValRok let out a high-pitchedugh at his own observation and pun.


    Right, Alex pictured what the professor had said. That makes sense: its like how grains of flour plus other ingredients be bread dough when you add water. Or how ropes attached to other ropese together to make a He thought back to his recent confrontation with the two dungeons. Or how individual members of a team make the team stronger by working together.


    Nicely said. Now, the funny thing about the edges of our mana pools ValRok tapped his belly. Is that theyre alsoposed of tiny fibres: if they werent, they wouldnt be flexible enough to stretch and grow as we expand our mana. And if the edges of mana pools were rigid, theyd just shatter as our mana grew. Nowrtedlydo you know what happens when a creaturelets say a toad, is struck by lightning?


    Same thing that happens to anything else? It dies? Alex said.


    ValRok gave him a look.


    Okay, okay, they spasm and stiffen, then die.


    Thats right. By running an electrical current through the muscle fibres of the body, lightning causes muscle to contract, including the heart, which can cause it to stop. Utterly. Conversely, electricity can be used to stimte the muscle fibres of the heart to start beating again if it does stop.


    Right Alex said. Somagical fibres make up the edges of our mana pools, which generate more mana.


    Correct, ValRok said.


    And we can use mana to stimte certain nodes in our poolskinda like milking a cowto make them produce more mana.


    Correct.


    But Alex paused, thinking his way through. What if we stimted the individual <em>fibres</em> that form the edges of our mana pools without magic, making all of them regenerate mana at once.


    The lizardman grinned, revealing rows of sharp fangs. And youve just uncovered the basic foundation of advanced mana regeneration techniques.

 Chapter 307: The Spiral

    Chapter 307: The Spiral


    Normally, this would take months to teach. ValRok gestured to a chair by the fire for Alex to sit in, then scuttled over to some shelves and began rifling through various devices. But with your level of experience in mana maniption and alchemy, let''s see if we cant crash you through the basics. If you do well enough, I''ll get you ess to the more advanced mana technique guides from the librarys lower floors.


    Alright! Alex rubbed his hands together in anticipation, then startled when a particrly loud pop exploded from the firece. He shifted his chair. Uh, Professor?


    Yes? ValRok continued his search through the shelves of sinister looking devices. Alex shuddered when he picked up what looked like a fan made of knife des.


    Why the firece? He said. I mean, forceballs, light spells and magic items would be more efficient as a light source, and more suitable for a mana maniption professor, right?


    Ah, you might be right on that ount, ValRok said. But all the talk of the expedition has me feeling a littlerustic. And longing for the smell and pop of <em>fire</em> in the office. When I get tired of it, Ill have it removAha!


    The lizardman turned, holding a device that looked part funnel and part corkscrew which grew narrower and narrower from the funnel shaped top, down to the tip of its spiralling tube. This device is designed to test and train your mana senses sensitivity, and your mana maniptions precision. If you want to run a mana current through the individual <em>fibres</em> that surround your mana pool, you have to be able to sense them with the strictest precision so you can then run the exact amount of mana through each fibre.


    What happens if I pour too much current in?


    The fibres will break under the strain and your mana pool goes pop like a paper balloon! ValRok grinned.


    Alex stared at himnot really surprised by his reaction.


    What? Therere reasons why two out of every three mana maniption students quit before they even get to second year. By third year, the attrition rate is even steeper. But luckily, youll have me right here for guidance, so there wont be anyunhappy little idents, as it were. Now here The lizardman extended a copper wire from the bottom of the funnels spiralling tube. hold this wire.


    Alex eyed the wire with mistrust.


    I really need to stop taking suspicious things from suspicious wizards, he said. Actually, if I stop doing that Ill probably have to drop out of school


    He took the wire and felt a small jolt from it.


    Mana current was already running through it, which quickly faded.


    Hah! ValRokughed that high-pitchedugh of his. Forgive the prank, I was just running a little electrical magic through the wire. You really ought to stop taking suspicious things from suspicious wizards.


    Alex looked past ValRok at a small window that led to a drop hundreds of feet below. For a few heartbeats, he calcted whether he could pick up the professor fast enough to throw him through the window before the Mark stopped him.


    Now, I want you to run your mana through the wire and into the spiral, then into the funnel. If you can do that, then Ill lend it to you. And by using this little device, youll be able to practise sensitivity and precision with mana.


    Alex examined the wide end of the funnel. Shouldnt I start there, Professor?


    ValRok grinned. Youd <em>think</em> so, wouldnt you? Just try it.


    Frowning, Alex poured his mana into the wireand immediately found a problem. He couldnt find anentry point. Nowhere for his mana to enter the device. It was like trying to thread a needle without knowing where the eye was. He tried sensing for it, but felt nothing but metal.


    Okay, here we go. Closing his eyes, Alex inhaled deeply, shutting out his other senses to only focus on mana. He felt around slowly, incrementally, searching for the beginning of the pathway.


    Slower, Alex, he thought. Slower nowremember in the Cave of the Traveller you used the Mark to find those pathways in the dungeon core. This time, try finding this devices pathway without the Marks help.


    Slowerslowerslower


    In the Cave, the Mark had helped uncover hidden patches and discolourations along the walls. So, finding the pathway in the device would be a simr task, but now, he wanted to test himself and see what he could do on his own.


    Slowlyslowlywait. He stopped.


    His mana had caught a snag<strong></strong>around the edge of the wire. Gently probing the area, examining it for


    Yes, he whispered.


    There it was. The entrance to the device. Alex had not only found it, but hed done it on his own, with no help from the Mark. Satisfaction grew in him as he eagerly sent his mana into the wire, searching ahead. Slowly, cautiously moving forward until he bumped the side of the pathway within the wire, and was ejected: it seemed that any contact with the sides immediately broke the connection.


    He started again, resisting the urge to swear.


    Moving as slow as honey in winter, he eased forward, finding the task easier the second time aroundbut still very finicky: the pathway in ValRoks device was narrower than in any magical device hed ever connected to before. Trying to guide his mana through<strong></strong>it<strong></strong>felt like he<strong></strong>was trying to thread a thick rope through a needles eye.


    Concentrating intently, Alex manipted his mana, thinning it to a narrower and narrower stream. It called for precision, and arge measure of patience if he wanted to sessfully thread that symbolic ropeso to speakthrough the needles eye again.


    he really needed to stop thinking about needles.


    Gradually his mana thinned enough from twisting and stretching it over and over like y, until it formed a thin, narrow point like a sharpened arrow tip, ready to find its target; he shot his mana straight for the entrance, it found the pathway again. Yes!


    Hed done it, hed gotten through the first part all on his ownwith zero help from the Mark two times now. A moment for a little mental congrattions, then, it was Mark activation time. Past sesses flowed into his mind to guide him through the path. The first memory it brought up was the sess hed <em>just</em> achieved. Alex smiled, knowing he was more than just a man with a magic Mark.


    He continued smiling as his mana passed through the small end of the spirally part of the funnel. Basic pattern recognition dictated that the pathway should widen when he reached the funnelbut he had a feeling it wouldnt be so easy. There was no way ValRok would give him a tool that became <em>easier </em>the farther he went<em>.</em> After all, where would the fun be in that for the wizard?


    Cautiously, Alex manoeuvred his mana to the edge of the funnels spiral.


    And there it is.


    The pathway didnt widen. At all.


    Quite the opposite.


    Instead of widening when it reached the funnel, the minute mana pathway split into a multitude of narrower paths, each fanning out in different directions. To move his mana through the next part of the device, hed need to sharpen it, break it up, then try sending the pieces through the web of pathways all at the same time


    Unlessmaybe he could travel one pathway at a time?


    He carefully probed the device with his mana.


    No.


    There was a lock on every path: if he sent mana into only one or two, the device would break the connection and eject him. Then hed have to start all over again.


    He looked up at the professor of Mana Maniption who was watching him with a broad self-satisfied grin stered on his face. It seemed he was quite proud of the tricky little device.


    With a grunt Alex tried splitting his mana into smaller streams.


    He creased his brow in concentration, twisting his mana into narrower and narrower points. The sensation of passing his mana through a device that was full of twisting pathways that could lock him out without notice, was familiar. He remembered well how the dungeon core had fought him back in the Cave of the Traveller.


    And that was when it was almost emptied of mana.


    If I cant do even this much, how the hell am I going to deal with a fully powered dungeon core? he thought.


    He was reaching his limit, but he kept going, shaping his mana into a finer point, trying to keep the thread of power from snapping. It was a strain. Like trying to spin a strand of wool into thinner and thinner fments while keeping each one intact.


    He called on the Mark again.


    but, it wasnt quite enough to help him.


    Andthe thread snapped.


    Thats enough, ValRok said. You look like youre going to give yourself a stroke.


    Alex opened his eyes, feeling a pounding headache beginning.


    I can give it another shot, professor.


    Oh no, thats enough for today. You aplished more than I thought you would: my third year students typically take a good week or two to get through the wire and make it to the entrance of the spiral. You did <em>very</em> well, Alex. You just need more practise time. So, Ill let you hold onto the device for now: once youve mastered it,e see me and I can rmend some books on more advanced mana maniption techniques for you to get from the library.


    Right Alex said. Turning the device over in his hands. Whats it called, anyway?


    Itos Spiral, ValRok said. Its a device so frustrating that it might drive you a little madbut if you master it, you wont regret it.


    ValRok was right about one thing.


    Itos Spiral was absolutely maddening.


    At first, it had started out as just a device to practise his mana maniption between learning summoning spells, but now, it had be an obsession. He brought it with him when he was spell practising, he brought it to ss to use between sses, he brought it to the encampment to practise with during lunch breaks.


    Hed even brought it to Shales workshop.


    Lagor didnt even try to hide his disgust for Itos Spiral the first time Alex brought it to work with him.


    Ugh, get that awful thing away from me, the orc crafter said, ring at it from across the breakroom. That thing led me to more nightmares during third year mana maniption than the damned Illusionary Hell Box did, which I didnt believe was possible, until it happened.


    He snorted, his short tusks chewing on his upper lip. Even justying eyes on it makes me want to smash it into a thousand piecesand besides, arent you in your second year? How the hell did you get that?


    Professor ValRok lent it to me, Alex said, already pouring his mana into the wire. The initial part of Itos Spiral had be a lot easier to negotiate after days of practice, but he was still having problems breaking his mana into multiple threads. Thanks to the Mark, hed gotten to the point where he would split his streams of mana into two without breaking them, but his control fell apart once the streams narrowed.


    Theyd either sputter out, or crash into the walls of the pathways.


    Alex told himself he was still making good progress, but he really couldnt help but feel his progress was actually at a crawl. Hed been learning a new summoning spell almost everyday, but his mana maniption training felt slower than an iced-over snail.


    How far are you with it? Lagor peered at the device, his face like a thundercloud.


    At the beginning of the spiral, Alex said. Then when I break my mana into two smaller threads, thats where I lose control.


    Lagor blinked. Waityou can split your mana into threads? Already?


    Yeah, but I cant control them yet. They go crazy.


    Go crazy? Notjust fall apart?


    Yeah, thats whats been happening for days now, and it <em>still</em> happens he growled. when I try splitting them into three, I feel like my <em>heads</em> gonna split in two.


    I remember that feeling wellstill, already able to split your mana into two when the pathways so narrow. Thatshuh. Lagor seemed deep in thought. Alright, Im done, I cant even look at that thing anymore.


    The orc crafter stomped off, muttering to himself.


    Alex really couldnt me him. Hed often felt like throwing the device against the wall, even presently, but fought the urge away, continuing to pour his concentration into it.


    Days crept by in a mix of sses, being tortured by Itos Spiral, and learning summoning spells on his own. A week passed, seeming to both drag on and fly by, until once again, he and his friends were heading back to Thamnd.


    What awaited them there wereunexpected developments.


    And unexpected faces.

 Chapter 308: Ugly Behaviour

    Chapter 308: Ugly Behaviour


    By the time the Fool returned to Thamnd, the encampment was in a flurry of new activity.


    At longst, the surveyors had finally mapped Greymoor. With the edges of the universitysndpletely explored, dangerous wild monsters and remaining Ravener-spawn driven from hill and bog, Generasi had mastered the entirety of its domain. Theprehensive mapping had allowed for a standardised map to be produced showing where ore deposits, strategic sites for outposts and natural resource locations were found.


    Each member of the expedition team now had their own detailed map to consult as they began new duties. Since there was no longer a need for survey work, some of the surveyorsa number of the mostbat-experienced members of the expedition teamhad been assigned tond and air patrols for now.


    Their duties were also diverse with Grimloch, Theresa, Brutus and Thundar joining Khalik in a new venture: resource gathering.


    We have several areas our cartographers found to be fit for constructing permanent structures, Professor Jules said, pointing at different spots on a new illusionary map during an early morning briefing. Various expedition members stood before her as she floated in front of the administration tent.


    She tapped the maps symbol for the encampment.


    So, after much discussion with our cartographers and earth wizards, weve decided that <em>this</em> area will be the best site for our research castle. Well also be building our watchtowers, outposts and way-stations, here, here, here


    She tapped other areas of the map.


    here and herewhich means, well need good, solid stone for our objectives. Fortunately, Greymoor provides. Jules pointed to areas on the map with several symbols depicting pickaxes crossed with shovels. Stone will have to be quarried from those locations using earth magic, then transported here. Well need earth magic users, as well as those who can protect them should trouble arise. Any volunteers?


    Prince Khalik waved his hand, an ironic smile on his face as Professor Jules chose him and several other earth wizards for the quarrying work. To think, I will be taking on the modest duties of an average miner. My father would have a stroke if he knew, he said quietly.


    I dont think earth wizard counts as an average miner, Khalik, Isolde whispered pointedly.


    Imagine that! he said dryly, as though what shed said was the most astonishing revtion ever. I never thought of that. Do you mean all miners cannot call upon the building blocks of the universe to bend it to their will?


    She rolled her eyes as Khalikughed.


    The meeting was concluded soon after, and parties of earth wizards trekked to their assigned areas: apaniedas a precautionby golems, their handlers, blood mages, battle mages, or warriors.


    It was shaping up to look like a busy day ahead for everyone.


    As for Alex and Isolde, they, along with other alchemy students and faculty members, were tasked with the ongoing analysis of dungeon core remains. The main research tent was buzzing with activity: magical machinery hummed like giant beehives, chugging mana from high-end power units charged in Generasis ambient mana every morning.


    The machinery was as diverse as it wasplex.


    Machines to test a substances mana conductivity andposition were in use; the university already had data from experiments on the original dungeon core samples that Alex, Jules and Baelin had conducted, but


    it always pays to replicate past results on new samples, The alchemy professor said, as she ran dungeon core remains through a powerful mana spectrometer. Its the only way to know if this substances known properties are generalizable across different dungeon cores, or if they were unique to the sample we already tested. Lets hope that our previous findings are consistent with these new samples, otherwise, we might have a lot of disappointment and trouble ahead of us.


    Luckily, there was no such disappointment. They were getting positive results that matched their previous findings:ing a step closer to generating a data sheet of properties generalizable across all dungeon core samples.


    While the researchers continued running tests to confirm previous findings, Jules okayed the next stage of experiments: stress tests.


    New machines were fired up.


    Mage-furnaces to test melting, heat conductivity, and evaporation points. Force Chambers to test the density, malleability, brittleness and other physical properties of the dungeon core remains. While the substances mana conductivity was known, Lightning Tubes were used to test the ability to conduct electricity. Pr Vortex Globes examined how its properties changed at falling temperatures.


    It would take time to confirm <em>all </em>properties, but the preliminary data was piling up. Already, the research teams excitement was rising to a fever pitch.


    ThisI cant believe that thisnd was just<em>sitting</em> on this gold mine! one of the researchers said, pulling her bloodshot eyes away from a picoscope. Its absolutely incredible. Durable, near-impossible levels of mana conductivity, yet it also acts as a minor instor against electricity. The mediocre tolerance for cold and tolerance for heatrises exponentially when manas run through it! This isthis is incredible.


    Indeed, Professor Jules said.


    <em>Crackle!</em>


    Lightning zed inside a lightning tube, reflecting off the goggles in the Professors mask. Her white haircaught up in a tight bunseemed to sh in time with the lightning. If the results prove replicable, then we can state that we are on the cusp of a new age, my young friends. Mark this moment: we might be some of those great pioneers whose names will be found in future textbooks and be etched onto ques. just, keep your focus on the task. She turned and stared over her shoulder at the other researchers. I dont want <em>any</em> ugly behaviour from any of you.


    Alex and Isolde looked at each other.


    Ugly behaviour? Alex whispered.


    The tall, dark-haired young woman shrugged.


    They didnt find out what Professor Jules meant until the next day.


    It had been the end of a long shiftconducting physical stress tests on the substanceand everyone was exhausted. Alex had to stifle a series of yawns as he stripped off his safety equipment and prepared to tackle Itos Spiral once again. From somewhere within the group he felt mana shift.


    Someone had briefly reached out to another ne.


    ncing around, he saw another student send some of their gear to theundry tent using Call through Fire.


    Not a bad idea, he thought, focusing through the Marks interference and casting Call through Ice to do the same.


    Around him, more magic reached out to other nes as members of the research team teleported their gear to theundry. But, his thoughts were already turning to Itos Spiral, which he nned on tackling as soon as he grabbed a quick bite to eat. Hed managed to break his mana into four tiny streams, and was on the cusp of breaking it into a fifth.


    Learning summoning spells was still going well, and Operation Grand Summoning Ascension was well on its way.


    So far, hed learned Summon Viper-Devil, Summon Small Ice Elemental, Summon Taranea, Summon Hellhound, and had moved on to learning summoning spells for the other types of small elementals before he switched to more blood magic spells.


    Cleanse Flesh was next in line, and really high on his priority list. After facing blood-draks, he now understood how important having a defence against diseases and poisons was against monsters.


    There were enough things <em>filled</em> with poisons and diseases out there, and while force armour should protect him from the venom of stinging or biting creatures, things could get lethal if he was sprayed or submerged in something noxious.


    Or if poisonous teeth or ws broke through his defensive spells.


    Having a way to clear his body of toxins was critical since he wouldnt always have a blood mage right there to heal him.


    Cleanse Flesh was also the foundation for the more challenging Warp Flesh, a spell hed be able to do a lot with, like capturing enemies alive: the perfect nonviolent counter that wouldnt trigger the Mark.


    There was also an idea floating around in his head from using Itos Spiral, and if he couldbine Warp Flesh with the Marks support, he might be able to do something really crazy.


    His thoughts were filled with all sorts of ns; he was chuckling to himself like a madman, drawing knowing looks from the most of the team. By now, theyd begun to get used to hisentricities.


    Alex, Isolde sighed. Can you not have some decor


    And thats when a ring rm sounded.


    Every head turned to the entrance of the main research tent. A student was frozen in celike hed been struck by ice magicon his way out of the tent. The young man went as pale as a sheet, his eyes wide with terror.


    You! Professor Jules voice struck out like a knife. Stefan, you stop right there! The ring abruptly ended.


    Several Watchers of Roal advanced on the tent, their hands gripping their swords and staffs as they red at the terrified young man.


    IWhats all this? he stammered.


    Ive known you for three years, Jules said. Youre many things but stupid isnt one of themor at least it <em>wasnt</em> one of them. You know <em>exactly </em>what all this is, so dont y innocent with me. She held out a gloved hand. Give me the substance.


    Stefans eyes went even wider. IwhaI dont know what you mea


    Stefan, she said, her voice taking on a note of doom. There was a ward ced around this entire tent the <em>moment</em> those dungeon core samples were brought in. As you, and everyone else just heard, it sets off a warning the instant an unauthorised attempt to remove samples from this tent is detected. And <em>if you try to run</em>


    The young man began to shake, his bodynguage had been shifting, like hed been tensing to make a break for it.


    a wall of force will spring up around the tent before you get five paces away. You are <em>not</em> taking any of that substance with you. Her voice was a threat.


    But


    The ward detects the substance even if one tries to hide it on the astral, or any other ne. So stop wasting my time. Ive been at magic a lot longer than you.


    He bit his lip as the Watchers circled him, his face puffy and eyes red rimmed, like he was on the verge of tears. He finally reached into a pocket. Alexs eyebrows rose. There was a feeling of mana touching another ne as the young wizard drew a tiny vial from his shirt.


    Professor Jules took it, shaking her head. I had hoped this wouldnt happen. But, why would you do this?


    Stefan swallowed. Ilost my job. Making fourth year tuition was going to be a struggle and I saw how valuable this substance was


    Lost your job? When was this?


    Ust week.


    Alex could see all the signs of a lie in his bodynguage: the difort, the shifting weight, the hesitation. He was about to say something.


    But there was no need.


    Dont lie to me. Professor Jules studied him icily. Youre not doing yourself any favours. I <em>know</em> youre employed by Jeckls Alchemy, and have been since your second year at Generasi. Master Jeckl and I met for supper just three days ago where he raved about howpetent you were in your work, and how youd soon be receiving a promotion. Your false sob stories wont save you; I wouldnt be at all surprised if your attempt at theft was due to simple naked greed.


    The students mouth opened and closed, his shoulders slumping in resignation.


    Youll be taken back to the university and I will apany you to immediately file a formalint with the disciplinary board against you. Youre off the expedition. Hopehowever futile that hope might bethat you wont be expelled.


    In tears, Stefan was escorted from the tent by two intimidating Watchers and Jules turned back to the researchers in the tent. Ugly behaviour is met with ugly results. If any of you want this substance


    She held up the small vial.


    then you will have to hunt for it yourselves. At ater time, there will be negotiations for sharing spoils. For nowin this early stagedungeon cores, samples and other spoils obtained by the expedition belong to the university of Generasi, and attempting to remove any into your own possession is theft. If you want a share of this substance, then wait until a muchter time when <em>some</em> can be shared. If you wish to acquire some earlier, then Im sure the Thameish will fully apud your efforts to destroy more dungeons. But, that will be undertaken at your own risk.


    She pointed to the vial. However, theft will be met by the full wrath of the disciplinarymittee followed by possible legal actions by the city. In return for riches you <em>will not</em> receive, you might well be rewarded with the end of your academic career, and possibly your freedom. The end. Of everything.


    She gestured around with the vial like it was a weapon.


    And now here we are, inconvenienced. We have applicants on a waitlist for this expeditionStefan has squandered an opportunity, and will be recedbut, that means one of you will have to train the new recruit in our research practices in order to get them up to speed on what weve been doing, so they can meet expectations. She hesitated for a moment as if thinking about something, then continued. Ugly behaviour results in ugliness for us all.


    She stormed away while the researchers looked at each other.


    Alex briefly imagined what could have happened had he thought to slip a little dungeon core substance into a pocket to build his staff with. In the bards tales of scheming wizards apprentices: they often stole from their masters then met doom in some gruesome manner.


    He was d he hadnt followed those apprentices.


    It looks like well be getting a new researcher, Isolde said. I hope its someone actually trustworthy. Such.low behaviours will only serve to harm both our research, and the service we provide to yournd.


    Yeah, Alex said. I hope its someone that actually has some dedication to what were trying to do here.


    My applications been epted! Carey London smiled, her eyes twinkling in delight, as a stunned Alex stared, while grimacing internally as she emerged from the teleportation circle. Ill be helping the expeditions alchemical research team! We can work together again, eh,b partner?

 Chapter 309: Partners, Spirals and Tempting Fate

    Chapter 309: Partners, Spirals and Tempting Fate


    Nooooooooooo! Alex screamed internally, shoving down the urge to scream out loud.


    But, instead of doing what he really wanted to, he put on his most sincere smile and nodded at her. Itll be good to have an alchemist of your calibre with us, Carey. Wee aboard.


    Oh, pshah! She waved a hand like hed said the silliest thing ever. Im just a neophyte in all of this. Im simply delighted that I finally get to be part of such an <em>exciting </em>venture for both the university, and all of Thamnd!


    She looked around, her eyes twinkling with curiosity, and zing with passion. Atst, Generasis knowledge will be used to break the enemys defences and usher in a resounding defeat of the Ravener! Isnt it just <em>marvelous?</em> Truly capital!


    Uh yeah, its, uh, good. Actually, its <em>really</em> damn good, Alex said. Despite himself, he was finding his fellow Thamnders enthusiasm infectious, and most of his reasons for avoiding her had evaporated: she couldnt exactly drag him to the priests here in Greymoor. And he hadnt heard anything more about Campus for Uldar since Leopolds first demon attack.


    He could probably rx around


    Its a dreadful shame about the priests, though. She said, looking around, a note of sadness in her voice and disappointmenthanging like a heavy cloakon her shoulders. It would be just lovely to see the holy servants of Uldar, proudly striding alongside the Wizards of Generasi. Magic, science, might and faith, all united as one! Perhaps I might appeal to the chancellor to rx the restrictions


    anyone that wasnt her.


    I dont think hell like that idea too much, Carey, Alex said. Anyway, Ill take you to Jules and she can tell you whos going to train you.


    ###


    Alex, what a fortunate coincidence, Professor Jules said, looking over reports on her desk. You are the very person who I think would be best suited to briefing Carey and getting her up to speed. Youre both Thameish, after all, and formerb partners.


    Carey pped. Ooo! Like a reunion! Seems Ill be in your care, partner.


    Alexs mind began racing while swearing bloody vengeance on Jules. Maybe, if he was fast enough, he could toss her out the window with ValRok.


    An amusing image of the two of them floundering in mid-air calmed him enough so he could lead Carey through the encampment and show her the most important parts of the operation without any visible signs of hostility. He saved the research tent, where the dungeon core remains were undergoing stress tests, forst.


    Weve been making good progress with the stuff, he said. The data sheet already has a lot of numbers filled in, though some of them are preliminary while we run more tests.


    He tapped the side of a Mordant Pool: a reinforced ss globe filled with highly pressurised acidic and basic solutions churning around a sample of dungeon core substance. A researcher was jotting down observations in an ever expanding book of notes.


    Right now, were testing the substances acidity and how well it can tolerate acid or bases, Alex informed her.


    Remarkable. Carey leaned so close to the ss that the beak of her mask nearly touched the side. Truly remarkable. I cannot believe we are finally gaining the opportunity to break the Raveners most evil servants into no more than mere lines of data.


    She rubbed her hands together. Such information! Ooo! So exciting, my Lord Uldar must be pleased with both of us, and with everyone doing this good work for that matter!


    Alex pointedly looked away from her.


    He had no idea if Uldar would be pleased with him or not. On the one hand, hed run away from his duties as the Fool. On the other, hed brought a small army here to analyse the cores of his greatest foe. What would weigh more on the gods scales? His flight away from Thamnd, or what hed triggered by his escape, and return.


    In some ways, he didnt want to know. Sometimes ignorance was bliss.


    Well, he dictated that the priests should educate the people, Carey said. But its my sincere belief that any of us doing the same is part of his will as well.


    Yeah, I suppose so, Alex said. I dont really give a lot of thought to Uldars will these days. I just kinda keep my eyes pointed forward and focus on our tasks. Theres a lot to do here. So, the next thing is


    Alex continued the tour, until Carey was well-acquainted with all of the basic procedures, then he had her shadow him for the rest of the day, assisting him and Isolde with several tests they were running.


    At the end of the work day, the trio emerged from the research tent together.


    Hoo my, that was indeed a <em>long</em> day, Carey said. Do our shifts normallyst that long?


    Sometimes even longer, Isolde said. There is much to do, and the demands do not disappear merely because we desire it.


    Yeah, Id thought wed have less work now that Greymoors all surveyed, Alex said, stretching.


    Carey stared up at him. By Uldar, have you ever changed, Alex! Goodness graciousmight I have a little touch?


    Huh? Alex froze.


    Oh sorry, that is so rude of me, its just so fascinating. I remember when we started asb partners you were ever so she paused, looking for the right word. ...sleek, sleek shall we say. But nowyou are as muscr as I imagine the Champion or Chosen to be! Oh! That reminds me!


    Alex saw Isolde turn away, fighting a smile.


    Careys attention flitted to another subject like a hummingbird. A little bird told me something delightfulthat the Heroes had been here in Greymoor. Is that true? Did you meet them? What were they like?


    Alex and Isolde looked at each other while Careys head swivelled between them.


    Well, they are quitebrave, Isolde said, turning away slightly. They are powerful and strong of body, will and magic. Much as is to be expected.


    Oh, pshah, I know all of that! Any legend could tell me <em>that</em>. But what are they like? Are they like us? Are they kind? Funny? Stern?


    She looked at Alex, while Isolde turned toward something in the distance and cleared her throat.


    Well. Alex scratched his long hair. Theyre kinda different? Brave and strong, true. But Cedrics definitely kind of the more casual type, he took on a joking tone. Like youd more expect him to be cutting logs somewhere rather than wielding spells. But


    They all have strengths too, and minds. The Chosen, as it turns out, is no mere brute despite how Alex puts it, Isolde cut in, still looking away.


    There was a stiffness to her bodynguage.


    Was there defensiveness there?


    Oh yeah, I guess it did kinda sound like I was talking down Cedric a bit, Alex thought. In the way I phrased it. Nice going pointing that out, Isolde.


    Yeah, lets just say hes not what youd expect him to be in most ways. If you think shining knight when you think Chosen of Thamnd, youre going to be wrong.


    Ah, that is fascinating, Carey said, tapping her chin. And what of the Sage?


    Definitely has her own wisdom and thoughts on things, Alex said. No surprise there. She told us a bit about her life among the other Witches in Crymlyn Swamp, but she mostly talked to Theresa about that kind of stuff. Theresa should be back for supper.


    Aaaaah yes, Drestra of Crymlyn Swampdid I ever tell you that I am from Wrexiff, near the Crymlyn?


    Ah yeah, I remember that, Alex said. Speaking of that, hows your famil


    Oh yes, and we used to tell each other such frightful ghost stories of the Witches: mere childrens tales you see, she said, her voice dropping a bit. But now, I must say I feel ever so bad about that. The Witches have been helping much of the war efforts in the west, and in many ways the Sage, of course, shoulders more burdens than the rest of usbined. I do hope that they are positively <em>lionised</em> after this cycle.


    Yeah, I hope so too, Alex said.


    You know, apparently Drestra was moderately famous among the Witches even before she was selected by Uldar, Carey said. Some of them came through the portal in the cave near Alriclong after my familyand my sister befriended them.


    Carey looked around conspiratorially. Drestra was a very skilled user of magic from quite an early age, and truly had a positively over-sized mana pool from the time she was young. I suspect she might have be a famous Witch of Thamnd even without being Marked. Now? I truly believe she will find her name in the history books as one of Thamnds greatest Sages. I would hope so, at least: with how difficult this cycle has been, our Heroes deserve special recognition among the Heroes of past, present and future.


    Hopefully, there wont be any need for Heroes in the future, Alex said. Im hoping we can stop this once and for all.


    From your mouth to Uldars ears, Alex, Carey paused, looking up at the sky. That does remind meI was told that you cleared out all of Greymoor during this past little while. Is that true?


    Indeed, Isolde said. It took a concerted effort and the work of the Heroes as well, but we have made this area safe.


    Good, good, Carey said. Well, I look forward to working on behalf of magic, science, and faith in the future. Though, I am rather shit in a fight, so I am very d to hear that things have been made safe.


    Yeah Alex said. So far.


    He waited for a moment.


    In all the stories, after ament like that, monsters woulde boiling over the walls and down from the sky to rip them all apart.


    Butafter waiting in silence for a bitnothing happened.


    There was no attack.


    ###


    It had been a long day of socialising, work, and training Carey. Alex found himself looking forward to a stressless night of rest


    or he would have if he didnt have to grapple with Itos Spiral.


    Come oe on, he whispered in his tent, guiding his mana through branching paths in the spiral.


    Sweat trickled from his forehead.


    His mana shuddered inside the magical device. No, <em>magical device </em>was too kind of a word. More like the torture device. Everyday he became increasingly convinced that some devil hade up with it then cursed mortal-kind with this hellish-device. He really needed to learn who this Ito wasmaybe he or she was actually a real devil.


    But, in spite of the devices devilish nature, he had to admit, it had pushed him through his limits.


    It had taught him that just because hed gained so much skill with mana maniption so quickly in the past, that didnt mean he could master everything involving the discipline in no time t.


    This exercise?


    This had challenged his thinking.


    This was <em>tough, </em>but it was worth it.


    It forced him to try things with his mana that he could never have imagined doing before. Alex closed his eyes, blocking everything out.


    As the spiral widened toward the funnel, the pathways kept branching out, bing smaller and smaller like an ever spreading tree with an expanding canopy of narrower branches.


    Hed been proud when hed split his mana into five streams, now, hed reached a point where he could break them into tenthen twenty. Each mana stream became smaller, narrower and more precise with each split.


    And had to be controlled simultaneously.


    The more he concentrated, the more a headache growing at the back of his skull throbbed, strongly reminding him of its presence. Minutes earlier, hed split his mana into twenty-six tiny streams, but guiding them through the pathways as a whole, felt like his mind was bending toward madness. The Mark was actually keeping him from snapping and throwing the device into the bog as it showed him what hed done right. Without it, even splitting the streams into <em>three </em>wouldve sent him looking for the bog.


    Come on he whispered. Co


    He jolted.


    His twenty-fifth strand of mana nced off the side of the pathway.


    No no no! <em>Shit!</em> he swore as the device broke his connection with it, throwing his mana back into him. Taking several deep breaths to calm himself, the urge to either smash the device against the ground or drop it in the bog, receded.


    Its okay Alex, he told himself. Breath. Breath. Its not the end of the world. Youre not a five year old. You cant just smash your professors toy.


    In the light of his forceball, he listened to the sounds of crickets outside. Folk had long gone to sleep. It was a new moon tonight, andaside from a few light spellsit was nearly pitch ck through the gap in the tents p. It was a good thing he had a tent all to himself so he could practisete into the night without disturbing anyone. But for now, it was time for bed.


    Alex didnt bother stifling a yawn when he set the device aside. No more Itos Spiral for now.


    He groaned while stretching and snuffed out his forceball then climbed into his bedroll, pulling it over his head.


    In no time at all, he was sound asleep.


    The attack came in the dead of night, shattering his peace.

 Chapter 310: Night Attack and Planning a Trap

    Chapter 310: Night Attack and nning a Trap


    Silence-spiders crept across the hills, approaching the encampments walls. Three moved across thendscape as one, low numbers decreasing their visibility under the new moon.


    Their leaderthe Raveners Hunterhad waited for a night such as this: the ckest of nights when mortals would be near sightless and vulnerable. It had sensed the usurpers mana in recent days, and with the new moon above, this would be a perfect time to strike.


    Approaching from different directions, three other teams edged toward the walls, intending to overwhelm the mortals defences from a number of routes and through sheer numbers. All the Hunter needed was for just one silence-spider to breach the encampment, find the usurper and kill them. Then, their mission would beplete.


    The silence-spiders minds were not made forplex thought. They were simple creatures, single minded in any task. They did not question orders, nor ask why the Hunter had not apanied them to the camp, but sent them behind the walls to the usurpers vicinity alone. All they knew was, reach the target and kill everyone you find. Their leader hadnt pinpointed the quarrys exact location, only their general area within the wizards camp.


    For assassins of their skill though, that would be enough.


    ying the usurper was their ultimate goal, killing as many mortals as they found behind the walls was next; all interlopers would have to be purged in time. It was this purpose that drove them on, silently creeping along the earth, making their way to the wall.


    They paused.


    A patrol was near, making their rounds along the base of the wall. So, the spiders waited; rejecting the chance for an early ughter. Killing wizards was also tasked, but only secondary. No good purpose would be served by announcing their presence too soon. The prey would be alerted, and likely escape.


    Caution, always remember caution, the Hunter had warned.


    Once the patrol passed, the Hunters first team crept to the bottom of the wall, avoiding the watchful eyes of sentries pacing on top, then, they began climbing.


    Halfway up, loud voices split the stillness.


    Multi-coloured lights sprang to life all around as the sharp crack of magic and sword des impacting chitin, echoed through the night.


    Another team must have been discovered.


    The first team sprang over the wall, determined to reach their prey before it was too


    Monsters! Beware! a mortal voice cried from nearby.


    Lights red around the trio. Magic came from all sides.


    The first over the wall was blown apart, struck by a rainbow of force bolts. Another lost one of many legs to a conjured de of magic. Only twoone woundedmade it from the wall to bolt into the encampment.


    They charged toward their quarrys location as mortals poured from tents around them. shing any in their way, the pair pressed on, deadset on finding the usurper. More mortals appearedunsurprisedand ready for battle. They gripped staffs, swords, and resolve. The wounded silence-spider was undeterred and lunged at the armed mortals, meeting death by a flurry of spells and des.


    But its sacrifice had bought the other precious time.


    It scurried toward the target, no longer bothering with distractions in its path, driven by a single goal. Its quarry. A tent was ahead, exactly where the Hunter had sensed the usurper. The spawn sprang, ws poised to stab through fabric and into whoever slept inside.


    <em>Thoom.</em>


    A massive shape rose from the shadows beside the tent.


    A giant silhouette with four arms.


    Two fists were swinging straight for the spider.


    <em>Smash!</em>


    The first cracked five legs, taking them off.


    The second smashed through chitin, rupturing the torso andunching it skyward.


    <em>Thud!</em>


    Itnded face up, writhing in the dirt, fighting to right itself.


    But, that wasnt meant to be.


    Thest thing it saw was a giant, y foot descending above its head.


    <em>Smash!</em>


    Alex emerged from his tent into a night filled with shouting and magical lights shooting through the dark. People rushed through the encampment, several were gathered around


    Holy shit, he muttered.


    a dead monster in front of his tent.


    There was a smashed silence-spider ttened under ygons foot like a squashed fly. All traces of sleepiness immediately fled as the young wizard peered through the dark, looking for more attackers.


    But, there was no need.


    Already, voices from atop the walls were announcing the end of an attack. The attackers were all dead. Blood mages were pushing through crowds to heal wounded caught in the ambush.


    Confused, Alex looked around the outside of his tent. Theresa! he shouted. Where


    Alex! Theresa rounded a nearby tent with both swords in hand and Brutus leading the way. Her hair was utterly wild and her night clothes wrinkled. Oh thank the Traveller!


    She ran over and hugged him with a crushing grip, the back of her swords freezing his back.


    What the hell happened? he asked, when she pulled away.


    We got attacked. A deep voice growled from above.


    Alex nearly jumped out of his skin. Grimloch, alongside Khalik and Najyahcame up beside them. He hadnt heard them approaching.


    Bet they were after the dungeon cores, the sharkman said. Bastards. Wish they wouldae by my tent. Wouldnt mind something that looks like lobster for a night time snack.


    Well, there is still enough left for more than a snack. The prince said, pointing at the smashed silence-spider with his short sword. Dig in.


    Good point. Dont mind if I do, Grimloch licked his lips and stalked toward his snack.


    Alex looked away, crunching noises soon filled the air.


    By Uldar! Careys voice caught his attention.


    The slight young woman was stumbling through the crowd, staring at the dead silence-spider. She looked like shed quickly thrown some clothes on, her face was as pale as frozen milk.


    She was looking through the gathering crowd then caught sight of Alex and Theresa. She hurried over.


    Egads, do you see the size of that thing? she gasped, ncing at, then quickly looking away from the sharkmans feast. Its w looks like it could cleave a horse apart! Ive read and heard tales about those monsters from the priests when they were in Generasi, but to <em>see</em> one


    Yes, Theresa said, heading toward the walls. And there might be more hiding in the hills. Im gonna go see if a patrols being put together.


    I shall go with you, Khalik said.


    Najyah gave a short cry.


    No, the prince told his familiar. You cannot see that well in the dark Najyah, sending you out alone would only risk you. Come, well search together.


    Carey stared after them as Alex called ygon to his side.


    More? Carey murmured.


    Yeah, he said, watching Theresa. Theres a lot of awful stuff out there. Still, for what its worth, this is the first attack the encampments had.


    Thatthat is not so reassuring.


    Wee back to Thamnd, Carey. At least here we can work toward putting an end to these monsters.


    Frowning as he followed the huntress and the prince, Alex wondered what had caused the sudden attack. Was it dungeon cores?


    Or was itsomething else?


    The wed monsters that had attacked the patrizias ball came to mind.


    The final Hunter crouched low on a hill, far from the encampment, watching mortals with its sharp eyes. Its senses confirmed the failure of the mission.


    Within the safety of its camp, the usurper was still alive, and now the once quiet encampment was alive with activity. If the wizards were alertit meant the moment had passed.


    Growling, it crept down the hill then began loping through the moors, back to the forest where its forces waited. Fury burned in its belly. When it had first sensed the usurper in the encampment, it had been both ecstatic and grim. Ecstatic that it had atst found its prey, grim because the prey was in such a well-fortified location.


    The moors were patrolled and defended by these wizards.


    Cover was scant. Its forces had few ces close to their camp to hide in. Its teeth ground as it loped over the hills. Its new allies, the blue annis hags, had refused to approach the camp, saying that any attack on the wizards would fail.


    The Hunter had disagreed: thinking that under cover of darkness and with the silence-spiders stealth, the usurper could at least be in before the mortals could mount a resistance. With that n, it had set out under the new moon with a small number of fighters while keeping its distance.


    If it had stayed with the teams of silence-spiders and been killed, all would have been lost. The loss of twelve spiders was no small price to pay for failure, but at least, it had preserved its own life. Even if the stink of defeat clung, it would live to hunt again.


    It loped over hillsdodging flying patrolsuntil finally, it reached the trees outside the moors and slipped deep into the woods. Their it shared with the hags and their forces awaited.


    An old windmill loomed in a clearing ahead, abandoned since the Raveners return. It was a massive structure, filled with grain the mortals had left behind in their rush to escape. What hadnt been eaten by rats, roaches, and other vermin, was now bedding for the Hunters and hags allies.


    With a growl, it stalked into the windmill, alone.


    Scores of glinting eyes and the silhouettes of a dozen owls perched in the rafters above the pair of blue annis hags, greeted it in the darkness. Both sisters sat cross-legged with a y bowl of stagnant water on the ground between them. They faced each other.


    A bad hunt, was it? the hag in reptile skins asked.


    Yes, we saw, didnt we? her sister in the bird feather robe chimed in. Our eyes see far and wide.


    The Hunter growled and considered shing the smug creatures in displeasure. But held backlittle good woulde from battling its own allies.


    Still, it would not let them mock.


    You sat here in safety and did nothing, it growled.


    Oh, but that is where you are wrong, Ravener spawn, the hag robed in bird feathers answered. We have been doing much. Very much over these past nights. Including this very one.


    You have been hiding in the dark while we have scouted and hunted ourmon enemy, the Hunter said. The venom walkers hissed in time with their leaders simmering anger.


    The hags merely snarled in unconcealed amusement.


    We may sit, but our birds do not. They watch, one said, looking up at the owls. And they find things. Interesting things.


    What do they watch? The Hunter asked. How do they help? I see none of that.


    Many things, they see, the blue annis hag wearing reptile skins said. They watch our enemiesour friends She looked at the Hunter pointedly. And those who can help uswithout knowing.


    Reaching down, she picked up the bowl of stagnant water. Strange symbols were carved in the sides. Here, look into the water.


    She waved her hand, causing the liquid to shimmer. The foul water disyed an image taken from a birds eye view. Quite literally.


    The bird watched two creatures.


    Fae.


    One looked like a tiny woman with the legs of a grasshopper.


    The other, a tiny man with green scales andrge eyes.


    That one, the reptile robed hag pointed at the scaly creature. The asrai faerie. That one has been scurrying about: once my captiveand nearly my dinnerbut some of those despised wizards freed him. He thought himself clever and as subtle as a shadow sneaking about, but our eyes see much.


    What does your food have to do with anything? the Hunter demanded.


    The little fae searches for an aeld tree to repay a debt he has. And who holds this debt? the hag grinned. The great fishman, the wizard who controls the y man, and the three headed dog were among the group that freed him. They are strong fighters.


    The Hunter fell quiet. So this fae searches for a tree for our enemies? Why?


    That does not matter, the hag said. What matters is our n. When he finds an aeld tree, our enemies will be drawn to the wilds, away from their stronghold. And we will be watching. And we will be waiting.


    The Hunter growled. Thatdid not seem like a bad n.


    With several of the enemys strongest forces eliminated, they would be weakened; the fight to destroy the restter would be easier. And that would also mean enemies to interrogate.


    And if the Hunter was <em>very</em> lucky


    the usurper would be among them.


    Tell me, it said. What an aeld tree looks like. I will send forces to find one, then we can spring our trap.

 Chapter 311: Movements in Sanctuaries of Magic and Faith

    Chapter 311: Movements in Sanctuaries of Magic and Faith


    I wonder how Gwyins doing, Alex muttered, considering ideas for his staff. As he learned more summoning spells, hed been making a list of which ones could enhance the staffs power.


    Hope the little guys alright. It isnt exactly safe out there, he said, referring to the dangers in Thamnds wilderness, and the hag whod captured the<strong></strong>asrai fae. It was a very different worldpared to the safety of the schools library, where he was now studying in a secluded corner.


    With the dark shadows of his homnd in mind, he circled another spell that would definitely be going into his staff: mana to life.


    No way I want to get caught out there without a way to heal myself. Ugh, this is going to be rough, though


    Magical healing items were tricky things to construct and often had limited usefulness; mana from objects wasnt <em>easy</em> to turn into lifeforce. He remembered an entry from his blood magic textbook:


    <em>while it is possible to make potions and other alchemical items from blood-magic, such items that channel mana into life face great inefficiency when turning their mana into life force. Mana within objects exist at different wave-lengthspared to mana within biological organisms, making it much more difficult to convert to life force. Certain magic items are exceptions to this, such as water from the fountain of youth or other legendary magical artefacts, but remember, exceptions are exceptions for a reason: theyre rare.</em>


    Normally, that very reason would have quashed any thought he had of using mana to life in his staff, but dungeon core substance was <em>so </em>efficient with mana in general, that it might bnce out the natural limits of a magical healing item. Having a staff that could heal through mana maniption, would be a huge advantage to him and his friends if there wasnt a healer around.


    He just couldnt pass that up.


    Putting Cleanse Flesh in the staff was also a must; he could eliminate toxins from his or anyone elses system without having to struggle with casting the spell.


    But first, hed have to learn it, as hed been trying to do for thest ny-nine times.


    And this would be


    Attempt one hundred Alex grumbled, flipping open the notebookbelled Cleanse Flesh.


    Four days had passed since the Raveners silence-spiders had attacked the encampment, and the Generasians hadnt been idle. Patrols were doubled. Extra mercenaries and delvers hired. Sending Wizards Eyes to sweep the area around camp was not only frequent, but now, a matter of routine.


    So far, no Ravener spawn had been caught lurking in the hills.


    Things were quiet. Too quiet, some were saying. Watcher Shaw was up nights watching the hills like he expected a horde to bleed from shadow and moonlight. Even Alexs group seemed to be itching fora confrontation.


    They are watching us, Khalik had said one morning before trekking out to raise stone with a well-armed battle group. Hed peered through the gates, squinting at the hills with one hand resting on his sword. I can feel it. They are out there. Somewhere. Instead of hiding, Id rather theye and get this over with.


    Maybe, Alex had said before heading to the research tent. Maybe.


    He wouldve been lying if hed said that a part of him wasnt getting real tired of waiting: whether the Ravener spawn was after dungeon core remains or the Fool, he <em>knew</em> theyd be back. Crushing them would be necessary, but alsosatisfying.


    But, not everyone was eager to see them again: Carey had told him she hoped the monsters were finished with the encampment.


    The day after the surprise raid, shed been more cautious, all nerves, rather withdrawn, nothing like her usual chatty self. A couple of dayster, shed said she felt morefortablebut still seemed to check the top of the wall frequently, like she was looking for something.


    Her work hadnt suffered though, shed settled into her duties smoothly, quickly picking up the routine like shed been with the research team for months, not days. Alex had to admit it, Carey was skilled, and while she made his teeth grind at times, he couldnt find fault with her work ethic, dedication, or knowledge. Her being in theb was moving their research along faster.


    And the faster they picked away at the dungeon cores and uncovered their secrets, the better.


    But whether or not Ravener-spawn were waiting in Greymoor, Alex was d for the peace of the library. Confrontation would be a part of Thamnd as long as the cycle continued.


    Here in Generasi, he could get back to some much needed and undisturbed practise time.


    Cleanse Flesh was finicky, and it was pushing him to his limits...much like Itos devilish Spiral. It had one of the mostplex magic circuits hede across so far.


    The textbook had even warned about the spellsplexities.


    <em>Cleanse Flesh,</em> it had stated. <em>Requiresplex circuitry or the spell would be disastrous. While it might be easy to remove impurities from the flesh using divinityfor reasons that elude this authorit is a much trickier process for one to do so using magic circuits.</em>


    <em>There are a number of hurdles to ovee.</em>


    <em>First, it is important to remember that any biological organism is not a monolith. We are more than just meat, blood, nerve, and bone. The bowel has many important flora that are necessary for us to maintain health. Our bodies are filled with a mixture of chemicals thatin the right amountswould be considered toxic or poisonous. Stomach acid is an excellent example of this. So what would happen if we developed a spell that simply wiped away all substances from our flesh that </em><em><strong>could </strong></em><em>be harmful? Likely, we would make ourselves very sick or even very, very dead.</em>


    <em>This process only grows moreplex. This bes even more difficult if ones body is augmented by foreign substances. Magical prostheses</em>


    Alex remembered Professor Rams force construct arm.


    <em>imnted magical devices, alchemical suspensions like those used by the Irtyshenans to create blood walkers, do not naturally ur in the body. A spell that wiped away all foreign substances would be disastrous for such folk when magical items were painfully ejected.</em>


    <em>No, Cleanse Flesh must be </em><em><strong>discerning.</strong></em>


    <em>The spell must scan a body to determine what substances within it are acting as a boon, and which substances are acting as harmful agents. This requires a level of sophistication above that of most spells at the equivalent tier.</em>


    Sophisticationthats a hell of an understatement, Alex said. And I thought Itos Spiral was bad. well, it is. Anyway,inings not gonna help me learn it any faster...so, time to get to work.


    Inhaling deeply through his nostrils then exhaling slowly through his mouth, he threw himself into Cleanse Fleshs spell array, guiding himself through the Marks usual interference. Through ny-nine attempts, hed mastered the initial parts of the circuit, but the section that scanned the body for contaminants felt like hed gone from a nice smooth run, to abruptly mming into a stone wall and a full stop. Repeatedly, he stopped the spell, then resumed it as each failure piled up, and each bit of progress he made came at the pace of a snail inching through glue.


    An old snail.


    One that had overdosed on sleeping potion.


    Alex cut the spell for the hundredth time, thinking about ValRoks firece and burning spell guides. For a minute, he considered switching to summoning spells since he could learn them with easebut ironically, that would go against his Operation Grand Summoning Ascension n.


    Rejuvenating Slumber and Warp Flesh were major parts of the operation, so Cleanse Flesh had to be learned first.


    Before one could have dessert, they had to eat their vegetables, no matter how hard the vegetables were. One step at a time, he reminded himself, then attacked the spell again, keeping calm despite the slow progress. He cast it a few more times then put it aside for the day. If he used much more mana, he wouldnt have enough left for Itos Spiral.


    You learn Itos Spiral, and your practice time sky-rockets, he said quietly, pulling out the dreaded device. Keep your long-term goals in mind.


    At least with the spiral, the Mark will <em>help,</em> not hold me back, he thought.


    Activating the Mark, Alex guided himself through the pathway in the wire, and into the entry to the spiral. His mana broke into several streams, pushing through the narrowing paths, splitting as they travelled along the spreading branches in the device.


    Five streams.


    Ten streams.


    Twenty streams.


    Forty.


    One hundred.


    Two hundred.


    Three hundred.


    Mounting streams spread from his mana, working their way through the Spiral. Splitting was easier now: what once took every ounce of his concentration, was now automatic. Like learning to walk. It showed the difference between steady practise, and giving up: a week ago, the thought of controlling ten strands at once, let alone hundreds, was impossible to imagine. But, here he was at three hundred, just a week after Professor ValRok had lent him the device.


    Eventually, I might be able to control a thousand, he thought. Maybe more.


    He wasnt even halfway through the spiral yet and had no clue how many tiny pathways were in the funnel itself, but he pushed on, sweat beading his brow, with his goals firmly etched in his mind.


    One goal was: to do something hed done before; dominate a dungeon core.


    Which meant getting every bit of training he could.<strong></strong>There was probably a reason why there weren''t any public records of anyone taking control of cores in the past. He, for one, knew it wasnt easy...but it was possible.


    Maybe, somewhere out there, someone knew whod hidden the sesses.


    Third Apostle Izas strolled through an ancient mausoleum, nked by rows of statues rising twice as tall as any human man. All were of bronze, forged in the perfect image of holy Uldar. The sculptures were grouped in twos, each pair nked an alcove containing a single sarcophagus of dark stone. Izas walked by, sliding his hand along the tops of sarcophagi carved in the shape of the Hero whoy within. ording to legend, the dark stone was said to be polished with the devotion of a thousand centuries of faith.


    Whether they were that ancient was unknown to him, but he could well imagine it. Entire generations of lives in his kingdom had weighed on the shoulders of those in eternal rest within this burial chamber. And within these walls, only the very earliest Heroes slumbered under Uldars gaze: they were cut from a different cloth than thoseid to rest in the capital.


    He remembered well the sarcophagi thaty beneath the capital like hed seen them yesterday, though in truth, thest time hed visited was over sixty years ago. He did not miss it. Here, in this sacred cein these tombs where the most ancient Heroes rested, here he could know proper peace.


    The endless hymns echoing through the escarpment sounded like lubies to his ears, bringing his spirit rest. Some of the younger prieststhe rare breed holy enough to walk these hallshad whispered to each other that the Heroes might rise from the sleep of death were these hymns to ever cease.


    The old man smiled.


    Hed been one of those whod whispered such rumours to hispanions long ago.


    How simple things were then, he whispered. Perhaps you are the fortunate ones; departed to Uldars side before me. would that I did not live through these strange and frightening times.


    For a moment, he paused, drinking in the tranquillity that hung over the deadtelling himself that he did not envy themwhen the sound of footsteps echoed from the stone staircase at his back. He turned to see the bow-legged figure of a priest, a man he knew to be gifted with a brilliant mind, and hard-won wisdom.


    Those ham-sized handscovered in scars and callousesspoke of a life that might once have been anything but holy, but now, he was as dedicated to Uldar as any who had passed through these halls.


    Third Apostle. The man bowed so low that hisrge knuckles nearly brushed the stone. A report hase.


    The Heroes, Eldin? Izas asked.


    Yes, Third Apostle, they, the other priest answered. Weve learned of their journey to Greymoor and their contact with the foreigners.


    Good! Izas said, shaking off his mncholies over a life lived too long. What has happened? What have the Generasians done? You may stand.


    The stocky priest rose, his robe hugging his broad shoulders. Blessings on your kindness, Third Apostle. The Heroes fought alongside the Generasians, aiding them in destroying two dungeons. Together, they rooted out the pair of cores and gave their remains to the Generasians, Ive been told. And the wizards are nning experiments on them.


    Izas tapped a sarcophagus. Is there any report on what these experiments entail?


    No, Third Apostle. The Heroes left before the wizards began their work.


    And? Were the Heroesdispleased with these foreigners?


    Not them, Third Apostle.


    ...them?


    Aye, apparently more troublese to Thamnd.


    Izas went quiet. The time to rest might be at an end.

 Chapter 312: Learnings in the Market

    Chapter 312: Learnings in the Market


    Demons, Third Apostle. Demons havee to Thamnd.


    What? Izas asked. This is not time for poetguage, Eldin.


    Im not exaggerating, Third Apostle. Were that I was. The squat manunched into a story of demons, summoners, and cultists.


    Izas mood fell further and further with every word.


    Cultists. Demons. Summoners. Raiders.


    All caused indirectly by the Generasians.


    The Heroes might not have ced me on the foreigners for such a blunderbut Izas was not so forgiving. The ancient priest closed his eyes as thest of Eldins words reached him.


    Two sets of foreigners. One bent on poking into matters they should not while rejecting our divine saviour. The other set on conjuring demons and bringing more chaos to our realm. Trouble spreads through ournds. He looked up at the closest statue of Uldar standing atop a columbarium.


    In a way, it looked like the bronze features of Izas god watched him in judgement. Do you test us, holy lord? he whispered.


    Eldin cleared his throat after allowing the older man a few heartbeats of silence. What will we do, Third Apostle?


    Have the Heroes decided what they will do? Izas asked.


    Theyre going to join with the Generasians, Eldin said. And work with them to hunt both the enemy''s forces, and these demon coborators. The kings offered a bounty to anyone who brings these cultists in. Dead. One gold coin per head.


    Hmmmm. I see. Then this is what we will do. Your duties are done for now, Eldin, and I must consult with the First Apostle. Izasid a hand on the younger mans shoulder. You are weary, my friend, I can tell. Go. Get yourself something to eat, tend to your prayers, and rest. There will be a time when I will call on you again.


    He looked down at the priests calloused hands. Perhaps it will be necessary for you to unite the divinity of Uldars holy service with the skills won in your past life, Eldin.


    There was a moment of silence. ...if ites to that, Third Apostle, Eldin said. May Uldar watch over you.


    With a bow, Eldin left the mausoleum.


    Izas closed his eyes, considering the report and the changesing to Thamnd. More chaos. More trouble. More foreigners who do not understand the precious bnces that urred in our realm.


    It had to be stopped.


    As quickly as his old bones could manage, he strode from the mausoleum and down the escarpment to the deepest chambers of the sanctuary. Quietly, he slipped into the sanctum of the First Apostle and, making the sign of Uldar over his heart, fell to his knees, prostrating himself before the dark alcove.


    Within, he knew the First Apostle kept to his quiet contemtions.


    Izas, you havee, the ancient voice came from the dark. I did not imagine I would see you again so soon.


    It is with tidings that Ivee, First Apostle. Izas kept his head bowed low. The Heroes have visited the Generasiansmore trouble brews in Thamnd.


    Oh? Do they seek to betray us? A dark note entered the First Apostles voice. There was a threat hidden in those gentle tones: the mark of a man willing to do anything under the right circumstances. And the mark of man who had.


    They have not betrayed usyet, the Third Apostle said. They have begun their digging and intend to dig deep, but at this point, nothing troubling has been unearthed. Though I fear that day maye in time. No, it is not <em>they</em> who cause the great trouble I bring to you. Not directly. There are other foreigners who havee to Thamnd. Others who bring darkness with them.


    Speak of them, Izas.


    And so Izas spoke, repeating Eldins words nearly word for word. Dozens of years of mental techniques had kept his mind sharp, and his memory mightier than most, despite his advanced age.


    When he had finished, silence came from the alcove for a time.


    ...things shift, the First Apostle finally said. It is too early to take great actionbut our eyes must remain open. I will consult the hidden scriptures to know if Uldar prophesied these events.


    And what shall I do, First Apostle?


    You have some freedom to act, came the reply. Select a group of subtleyfolk. See what can be done toguide the Generasians discoveries.


    It will be done, First Apostle. Izas lowered his head. As Uldar guides us, we shall guide them. The cycle must continue. All power to our god.


    ###


    Power was addictive.


    That was clearer to Alex with each new triumph.


    He was nearing his next sess and longed for that moment.


    Another week had flown by, marked by another journey to Thamnd, and a return to Generasi with mornings, afternoons and evenings filled with practice. Daily practice had led to daily progressboth great and smand the cusp of a major breakthrough.


    He checked his notebook.


    <em><strong>Cleanse Flesh. 97%plete.</strong></em>


    Just seeing that number threatened to send him leaping with excitement. He fought a strong urge to give into one of those decorumless moments Isolde loved to needle him about, and go running around, pumping his fists, and screaming uncontrobly the minute hepleted Cleanse Flesh. He was almost there, almost at 100%. Soon, the spell would beplete, but when it was, hed have to fight the urge to go berserk in public. Normally, in a ce as busy and crowded as the one he was in, getting distracted by everything around wouldve been easy. There was so much going on: scores of new sights, scents and sounds everywhere. But, his thoughts were mostly on the spell and what mastering it would mean. Images of power, as appealing as the perfect meal, or Theresa fresh from her bath kept ying through his mind.


    His mana thrummed each time he threw himself at the spell, a promise for the victory toe.


    And it wasing.


    I wonder how often new wizards think about the power they hold, how it feels, what it means, what it can do? He organised his notes on a stone table carved with decorative glyphs in nesting circles in front of him. The symbols <em>looked</em> like magical glyphs, but had no actual power. He looked up from the table to the crowds around him. How many of you went into wizardry for pure power? Is that what still drives you?


    Of course, no one heard his thoughts.


    But even if they could, he doubted they would have answered.


    They were bustling about, consumed by their own thoughts, just as he was.


    Today, hed decided to study in one of thergest markets in Generasi: Borgias Square was named for a local merchant family of great prominence. Its a shame I couldnte here before, but running into Uldars priests was something I couldnt risk. But with most of them sent back to Thamnd, with ygon by his side, and with his time fighting beside the Heroeshe felt braver, a lot more secure. Of course, hed still made it a point to choose the market square furthest from the temple district, but being cautious wasnt such a bad thing.


    The square held sights that were wondrous even to someone whod gotten used to the city.


    Carts filled with crops freshly picked that morning from local farms, vineyards and greenhouses weredened with fruit, vegetables and mushrooms in a rainbow of colours. Their aroma drifted through the air, mixing with enticing scents of smoked meats from butchers stalls, and carts belonging to spice traders and herbalists.


    Meatfresh, smoked and saltedwas being carved by a sea of vendors, shoppers argued over the choicest cuts. Fishfresh from the seahung from rows of hooks in dozens of fishmonger stalls, some so enormous, that floating scaffolding supported thergest ones.


    Alex smiled, looking at a fifteen-foot long sabrefish.


    Grimloch would go through you in about two days, he whispered, as his interest moved to different products.


    Stalls disying crockpots, charcoal grills, spits over magical fires, and portable, mana-powered ovens cooking a variety of dishes, caught his attention. Homebrews in wooden barrels, bothrge and small, were filled with a host of ales, wines, and spirits. They werent the most prized vintages or brews in Generasi, but they were fresh, and many had unique vours crafted from careful, adventurous experimentation. The scents drifting from the oak barrels mixed with the smells of many fantastic foods in the market: butter bread, tarts, spiced sausages, melted cheese, mulled wine, finely spiced stews and more, reached Alexs nose.


    Hed already picked up a nice lunch of steamed ms and rice fried in a spicy sauce and was washing it down at the table with arge cup of herbal tea. Selina, Theresa, and Brutus wouldve loved the market, but his sister had sses, and Theresa was at work today.


    Well, theres always next time, he said. And Im definitely paying this ce another visit.


    There was too much to see in a single visit. His eye suddenly caught sight of


    Magic items.


    Potions! A merchant called from across the street. Behind him, a shelf floated, packed to the brim with potion bottles. Potions for strength of the arm! Strength in the head! Strength in the bed! We have em all here!


    I want your strongest potion, potion-seller! a brightly dressed man called, striding up to the merchants stall.


    He grinned. Im not sure you can handle my strongest potion!


    Next to his stall was a woman selling a field of miniature, magical constructs allid out on a brightly coloured carpet. Even magical beasts in cagessomerge and some smallwere on disy for any buyer with deep enough pockets, and an adventurous spirit.


    All of these wonders and more were spread across nkets, in booths and on carts throughout the square, a space big enough to fit one of Alrics longer blocks into it.


    Even the sky was full: flying merchants perched on floating carts and soaring carpets. They called to customers shopping on airborne brooms, on the backs of winged familiars shaped like enormous beetles, drake-like creatures with enormous wingspans, and colourful flying rugs.


    A thousand voices filled the air as deals were struck, bargains made, and fortunes ruined in a multitude of ces at the same time. In the middle of it all, on a tform floating high above the square, a song was being performed with the enthusiasm of a massive choir by a half-dozen bards.


    And The Fool watched it all.


    And he listened.


    And he learned.


    As deals were hatched and bargains struck, he took in information like a sponge in water, storing it forter review with the Mark. He focused on the merchants, listening to how they bargained, engaged with customers, struck deals, and haggled. Every proposal. Every counter proposal. The way merchants got the attention of passersby.


    From each interaction, he learned something new about how deals were crafted, sales made, and the power of subtle persuasion. It was like a ss in tactics. Alex turned his attention to a smiling merchant who was trying to sell a bauble to an older wizard. The seller focused entirely on his customer, asking how the wizards day was going, then threw in sincere sounding questions about the older mans family.


    Alex watched as rapport built as the conversation continued.


    Thats when the customer began showing greater interest in the merchandise.


    But the truly amazing part?


    By the time the sale was over, the merchant had convinced the customer that it was his own idea to buy what was being sold.


    Alex couldnt help but admire the hustle.


    He made note of how the merchant operated, his techniques woulde in handy for step one in the financial part of Operation Grand Summoning Ascension.


    Isnt this nice, ygon? Alex asked his golem, who stood nearby. Learning while learning. He tapped his notebook. Best way to do it.


    ygon didnt respond as the wind blew through a tiny flowerurel on the very tip of his head. Shoppers had recognized ygon from the Games, and several hade over, filled with questions for Alex. Some wanted to shake hands with the golem. A set of twins wanted to give him flowers woven into aurel to wear on his helmet, even though the wreath barely fit the tip of it. But, ygon didnt seem to mind as the children screamed in delight while getting a ride in his massive hand.


    Alex just smiled, and took a sip of tea.


    Alright, here we go, time for another try. The young wizard was getting ready to dive into Cleanse Flesh again when he caught sight of two familiar figures. Walking through the market were two brothers he hadnt seen in months and who Alex had thought hed likely never see again. He half-stood from the table, waving at the tworge schar who were studying a pair ofpasses.


    FanDor! GelDor, Alex called to the captain and first mate of <em>The Red Siren</em>. Here! Over here!

 Chapter 313: For Science!

    Chapter 313: For Science!


    Captain Fan-Dor squinted across the square, his ck eyes searching the crowd, but missing the strapping young man waving at them from a table near a line of food stalls. Gel-Dor''s attention fell on Alex. Confusion lined the first mates forehead while he pointed in Alexs direction. The young wizard noted their bodynguage shifting from puzzlement, to uncertainty, to sudden recognition.


    Alex, is that you, boy? Fan-Dor shouted, as Alex stood, waving the selechar sailors over to his table.


    All smiles, the captain and first mate of the <em>Red Siren</em> pushed through the crowd toward Alex and ygon.


    Hey, its great to see you guys!


    What th Captain Fan-Dor gaped at the towering golem, then at the young wizard, then at ygon again. Look at this, Gel-Dor!


    By Ek-u-Dari, we didnt recognize you! Fan-Dors head kept swivelling between the muscr young man and the massive golem. You look like you should be juggling ships anchors, what you been eating? A side of beef a day?


    Not that much, but I <em>have </em>been working out. As a matter of fact, I started when we were on the <em>Siren</em>, Alex grinned. Though Im not as strong as ygon, here. ygon? Meet Captain Fan-Dor and first mate Gel-Dor of the<em> Red Siren</em>. Shake hands with two men who taught us a lot about mana vampires!


    Bothrge men startled when the golem extended a pair of his titanic y hands.


    Thisthis is yours? Gel-Dor reached for ygons lower left hand uncertainly, while his brother reached up to shake the upper one. The selechars were big men, but each beefy hand wasnt much bigger than one of ygons thumbs. They were swallowed up by his massive fists.


    Built <em>him</em> myself. Alex pulled two more chairs to the table. Well, I built him with Selina, really.


    Gel-Dor swore. I cant believe that. Weve ferried wizards with golems before, butthey were a lot older than you.


    Richer too. Fan-Dor looked up at the golems third eye. What happened? You win a ruby mine or something?


    Its a long story. Id love to buy you a drink, if youve got the time.


    Cant spare the time today, Fan-Dor grunted. Theres a shipment we have to run up to the Irtyshenan Empire.


    Really? Alex said. I thought you were hunting pirates.


    We still are, the first mate said. Be heading up to Thameish waters after this run, but a request came in for the <em>Siren</em> to transport goods up to the empire, so well be heading there first. The coin was <em>too</em> good to turn down.


    Huh, Alex said. You knowIve been interested in the Irtyshenan Empire for a while. Do you go up there a lot? Whats it like?


    A lot of its damned cold, Fan-Dor said. Dry too, in some ces. The peopleenh, theyre people. Everywhere you go you find differences, but you also find a lot of the same. Especially in ports. But the Irtyshenans tend to be a bit more stand-offish than most. Look down their noses at folk.


    Really? Alex cocked his head.


    Oh yeah. Im sure theres plenty of folk like that right here in this very city, Gel-Dor said.


    For a moment, Alex started to deny that, remembering how nice everyone had been to him and his family. But, then he thought about what Jules had said.


    That people tended to help those who were already on the road to sess.


    Alex fit that category. Hed been epted into Generasi on his own merit, he excelled in most of his subjects and picked most things up fairly easily; that made people pay attention to him. Selina was a regr student up until she tested and the junior school uncovered her affinity for fire magic. And Theresa was the great-granddaughter of Twin-de Lu; naturally skilled in Life-enforcement like her great-grandfather had been.


    Three people with things to offer.


    His eyes flicked across the market. And this was a city that liked people who had things to offer. He remembered Lucias hard life after she left the university. And


    His mind went back to their crossing from Mausarr to Generasi and to two passengers theyd met on the <em>Red Siren</em>Anna and Vincenzoa couple who worked for the government. He remembered how irritated hed been at Annas assumption that he and his family couldnt possibly have had the means to buy property in Generasi. But, her attitude had suddenly changed when she heard how hed helped stop the mana vampire.


    Yeah I could see that, Alex said. So the Irtyshenans are worse?


    Yeah, Fan-Dor made a rude sound with his teeth. Their gods and government say the same thing: to be Irtyshenan is to be civilised. Everyone else is a barbarian. They deal with us outsiders, buttheyre pretty arrogant. They pay well, though. <em>Very</em> well. So we put up with them.


    Jeez, whatre you ferrying up there? Alex asked.


    Cant tell you that, Gel-Dor said. But wars brewing up in the north sojust put two and two together from that. Theyre a powerful realm, and powers addictive. Of course they want more of it.


    Alex winced, thinking back to some of his earlier thoughts about that very thing.


    After that, its back to pirate-hunting for us, Fan-Dor said.


    Hey, waitpirate hunting? In Thameish waters?


    Yeah, thats right, Fan-Dor said. Plenty of em still up there.


    Hold on for a second. Alex tore a page from his notebook and quickly sketched an image of what looked like a gemstone then handed it to the ship captain. If you find anyone with this symbol, yoube careful. Our kingI mean the Thameish kinghas a bounty on them. One gold piece per head, and Generasi pledged to at least match that. Theyre demon cultists, maybe travelling with demon summoners. Im guessing they''re probably more dangerous than the average pirate you guys go after, so I figured a warning might be in order in case you run across them, then youll know what to expect and can either hunt, or avoid them.


    Hey, a special bountys a special bounty, Fan-Dor peered at the symbol. Thanks for the tip.


    Gel-Dor looked down at Alexs notes. And whatre you up to?


    Learning spells, the young wizard said.


    Ah, right, more power then, well you make sure you keep your head on those shoulders while youre getting it.


    After Fan-Dor teased Alex about Theresa for a while, they shook hands and made him promise to give their greetings to his family, then, the brothers went on their way, leaving Alex to his practising. Fan-Dor turned back and shouted some parting advice to the young wizard: You should be practising your Spear and Oar Dance with Theresa! The captains heartyugh rang through the market as his brother shook his head. Then, the two sailors made their way back through the market, stopping to buy magicalpasses and a few other items along the way. They disappeared in the direction of the port.


    Alex smiled as he watched them go, then let his eyes unfocus for a time.


    Power. Having more of it.


    Crushing others.


    What did <em>he</em> want power for?


    To crush the Ravener, he thought. To protect my family from danger and hardshipand


    He couldnt deny that there was some self-motivation there as well. Gaining physical and mental strength, mastering his growing list of spells, building ygon: a feeling of power came with each aplishment, more abilities, and he liked it. From barely surviving an attack by a starving mana vampire, to catching a healthy one with his friends, to being part of a strike force that destroyed a dungeonfelt good.


    Getting to where he could destroy one with ygon by his sidewould feel even better.


    Maybehed talk to Baelin about all of it.


    But first


    He looked down at his notebooks, then up at a stall nearby that sold homebrewed alcohol.


    It was time to experiment.


    Cleanse Flesh waited.


    He was almost at 100%.


    A full week of practising the spell repeatedly had brought Alex to the point of nearly mastering it. Time forpletion. He looked sidelong at Itos Spiral; if he didnt finish the blood magic spell in the next few tries, hed have to work on the device before his mana ran out.


    Alex closed his eyes, visualising the mana circuit zing into life with glowing crimson mana. With each syble of the incantation, more mana poured into the circuit. Even through all the interference from the Mark, he felt a sudden shift. The magic started<strong></stronging together.


    Power shifted.


    Mana flowed.


    Focus sharpened.


    He was at 97%. The farthest hed ever been.


    Only 2-3% of the spell remained. Slowing down to a crawl, he methodically eased along the remainder of the magic circuit.


    And thenthe breakthrough.


    <em>Voom.</em>


    The circuit activated.


    A surge of satisfaction spiked as the spell rushed through his body, washing away impurities and contaminants.


    Alex refocused.


    He felt centred.


    He felt powerful.


    <strong>Cleanse Flesh. 100% mastered.</strong>


    And now, the fun begins! An ecstatic Alex jumped out of his chair, fished some coin from a pouch and strode to a stall hed had his eye on all afternoon.


    Excuse me, maam! He waved to the vendor standing in front of arge pair of copper barrels.


    Yes, sir? What can I do for you today?


    Those barrels, whats in them?


    Plum brandy, sir, she said. The family recipe. You thinking of buying some for yourself, or a celebration perhaps?


    Just me.


    Ah, I see, no other drinkers in the family, sir? She gave him a polite smile.


    There it was. Making it about him. Opening the door with conversation about him and his family and asking for his name to establish rapport.


    Well, he knew better and wouldnt be ying the game.


    Im the drinker in the family right now, he said. Give me a half He hesitated, remembering how much hed bulked up. Itd take more booze to do what he needed to do. ...no, make that 26 ounces of your fine plum brandy.


    Her eyebrows rose. Are you going to a party, sir?


    No. Alex grinned. Im doing <em>science.</em>


    Alexreally? Theresa shook her head.


    He ced a small cup beside his bottle. Youre staying in tonight, right?


    ...yes?


    And youve taken care of your drunken brothers, right?


    ...yes.


    Then its perfect! he said, rubbing his hands together. Im doing this to test Cleanse Flesh. Its either this, poison, or some horriblebination of both.


    Theresa sighed. Selina, talk some sense into your brother.


    Nooope, his sister said, quickly heading to her and Theresas room.


    The huntress looked at the other upants of the table. Khalik and Thundar were already uncorking their own bottles with big grins on their faces. She didnt even bother asking them for help.


    Isolde? Theresa looked pleadingly at the tall young woman who was pulling out a pen and notebook. Talk some sense into these three!


    Well. The noblewoman said. He does technically have to test the efficacy of the spell. In the long run, this might prove to be more responsible.


    Ugh, traitor, Theresa said. Alex, theres got to be another


    For <em>science!</em> Alex, Thundar and Khalik toasted science, before chugging back the booze.


    Science hurt.


    Science hurt a lot.


    The following morning Alex Roth found himself in bed, feeling like he was about to die. Outside his room, he heard hushed voices and Thundars loud, unmistakable snoring. One of the voices was deepKhalik must not have made it homest night.


    Thanks, Theresa, he said, noting that hed been ced in his bed sideways, the safest position. But trying to crawl out of bed didnt feel safe, it felt like cruel and unusual punishment, like an angry dragon had used him as a punching bag. He was hot and sweaty, his head pounded, and when he forced his eyes open, even his eyelids hurt. His belly felt like it was full of acid. The slightest noise was like a catapult stone hitting a mountainside, thenthe room began to spin.


    Yep, he groaned, trying not to blink.


    Even blinking hurt.


    Theres the hangover, he whispered.


    The sound of his own voice hurt.


    Fighting a deep need to curl up like hed just been beaten by a team of dragons, Alex hauled himself to his feet, stumbledthe room spinning all the whileto his desk, and dropped into the chair. He sat with his head lolling back, incapable of functioning for a good five minutes before his mental faculties recovered enough for spellcasting.


    Then, he reached within and slowly began casting the new spell.


    Cleanse Fleshs magic circuit lit up, the Mark''s interference was cruelly amplified by the hangover. Every memory of his failures slowed, like they just wanted to take permanent root in his head. But hed had plenty of experience with the Marks obstaclesand thanks to Khalik and Thundar, plenty of experience with hangovers.


    He guided himself through the images, then cast Cleanse Flesh. Immediately, he felt an effect. Dizziness receded. His stomach ache lessened. His body feeling like itd been beaten by Grimloch and an army of dragons, decreased. The cleansing was fast and dramatic.


    Yes! It works! It really works! aha!


    On the desk sat a pitcher of cool water waiting for himthat is, if he hadnt died in the night.


    Thanks for the gift and knowing Id be needing it, Alex whispered, grateful that Theresa was his girlfriend. He poured some water into a y cup beside the pitcher, then swallowed it down in one shot.


    Then, cast Cleanse Flesh again.


    The effect was even more pronounced this time: the water began relieving his dehydration as toxins were washed away by the magic.


    Oh, I am definitely putting this in my staff!


    Excitedly, Alex jumped up and rushed from the room.


    Ive done it! he cried. Ive cured hangovers!


    He stopped mid-step.


    Two furry bodiesone in a rumpled tuniy on the floor, and at the table were three familiar figures.


    On the floor, Brutus was snoring with one of his heads on a passed out Thundar.


    And at the tablewell, Alex had been wrong.


    Khalik was nowhere to be seen.


    Sitting beside a very busy Selina, and an amused looking Theresa


    was a certainrge, imposing, chancellor of the university.


    Wellisnt this interesting, the goat man said, taking a long sip of tea.

 Chapter 314: Morning Amusement and Power

    Chapter 314: Morning Amusement and Power


    Baelin? W-what are you doing here? Alex asked, suddenly very aware that he must look likewell someone whod been drinking until he passed out.


    I had a free morning, for once, the chancellor took another long, amused sip of his tea. And when I arrived in my office, the strangest thing was waiting for me. Roughly fifteen letters that looked like they had been written bywell, it was hard to say, but each was quite <em>insistent</em> that I attend your residence this morning for a mutter of die-eer importunce.


    You mean a matter of dire importance? Alex asked.


    Oh, I am merely pronouncing your message <em>phically</em>, Alex. The chancellor snapped his fingers, Alex felt teleportation magic, then a rather embarrassing letter appeared in the chancellors hand characterised by runny ink and mis-spellings. A scrawl resembling his full name appeared at the bottom to confirm him as the author.


    Baelin sniffed the paper. Ah yes, I can <em>still</em> smell the spilled plum brandy. How nostalgic. It smells much like half of the school does during the first few days after exam time ends.


    Alexs face grew hot. UhI did want to talk to you about something, but uhits not an emergency and uh.how did you get my letters?


    Sitting at the table, both Selina and Theresa looked at each other and grinned.


    Huh? Alex grunted, still fighting his fading hangover.


    Selina blinked at her brother. Innocently.


    His brain suddenly fired. Wheres her messenger construct? The bird of prey sat on a dresser near the open door to her room.


    No he said. You didnt!


    I didnt do anything, She said innocently. You begged me to use it. So, I let you.


    Alex looked at Baelin in horror.


    The construct was very effective, I assure you, the chancellor said. It was winging its way from my window ledge when I arrived. Good aerodynamics. I must confess, I thought something of a personal nature was amiss in your homnd on seeing therge number of letters and their frantic tone.


    Alex strongly considered throwing himself off the balcony.


    Theresa was trying to muffleughter while Brutusawakened by the noiseshook himself, padded up to him, took a sniff, recoiled, and immediately wandered to the balcony. Crouched in a corner of the room, ygon was the only one who didnt seem to be judging him.


    Ugh, you stink, Alex, Selina wrinkled her nose. You smell like every customer whod ever spent their entire evening at Mr and Mrs Lus tavern.


    Hey, thats an exaggerationmaybe.


    But, if I do, it was for <em>science, </em>Selina! All for science! Her brother spoke quickly, also directing his statement at Baelin. I needed


    Thundar groaned and rolled over. The rooms upants watched him for a few heartbeats, but the minotaur began snoring again.


    So much for back-up, Alex thought.


    but yeah, I had to test Cleanse Flesh didnt I? It makes perfect sense! It was all for <em>progress!</em>


    Progress needs a bath. Selina got up, quickly walking to her and Theresas room as she loudly sniffed the air.


    He shook his head. Go on, run in the face of progress!


    Looking at Theresa and Baelin, Alex spread his arms like he was presenting the find of the century. Its science! Its just for sciwait, where are Khalik and Isolde?


    I dragged Khalik to his bed just before he passed out, Theresa said. Ill check on him in a bit: he has a date with Sinope this afternoon, so he cant be sleeping all day.


    And Isolde?


    She said she had enough observations on the before effects so shed be back to see the after-effects. Theresa fought a grin. Shell be disappointed that she missed you casting the spell on yourself, but maybe she can watch you cast it on your two drinking buddies.


    Alex twitched.


    Well, as amusing as this was, I should get on with my morning if there truly is no mutter of die-eer importance to worry about. Baelin rose from the table, smiling at Theresa. But, thank you for the tea and amusement;ughter is truly a wondrous medicine. One that eclipses the balm promised by deities everywhere.


    Youre wee, chancellor. Theresa nodded to the ancient wizard.


    Waitwhy thank her? Alex asked.


    Who do you think let me in? Baelin chuckled. Now, was there anything to your im, or did the mutter of die-eer importunce not actually exist?


    Ah, well I wanted to ask you something but uhits not urgent.


    I seewell, can you walk? If so, walk with me, and we can chat. But firstI shall cast a spell upon you. Is that quite alright?


    Uh, yeah.


    Bealin raised an eyebrow. Agreeing without confirming what spell I intend to cast? As Ive said before, thats not the Proper Wizard way, Alex. The chancellor looked over his shoulder toward Selinas room. Keep that in mind, young one, do not be as trusting as your brother.


    Ill be careful. Good-bye Baelin. Selina said.


    Alex shrugged. Youve told me that before, but I trust you. Youve helped me a lot, and Ive tried my best to help you.


    While that does make us allies, the ancient wizard said. Let us not forget that an alliance between wizards can be a fleeting thing. Above all else, many wizards desire power. I have seen allies turn against one another in the pursuit of power Alex, even if those allies have been bound to each other over the passage of time.


    Power.


    There it was again.


    He wanted to have a serious discussion about that with the chancellor, but first he had a reply for the ancient wizard. Baelin, if you really wanted to cast something nasty on me, then you wouldnt ask for permission. Youd just do it, and with the element of surprise, theres nothing I could even do about it.


    Hm, perhaps. The beastman''s goat-like eyes seemed to pierce through his student. But I must say, your sincere trust in me israther lovely, but, always keep in mind that broad trust in everyone one meets, can be ill-advised. Anyway, enough life lessons for now. What a pleasant morning! Alright, to the spell, then.


    With a wave of a hand and a single word of power, Baelin bathed Alex with magical powerliterally. As the magic flowed over him, the scent of his clothes freshened, the odour of stale alcohol wafting from his pores washed away, and his hair softened like hed just washed it.


    There we are. A bit less offensive to the nose, now. Well, get your shoes on, I shall meet you in the hallway.


    The chancellor nodded to Theresa. Thank you again for your hospitality, Theresa. The pine needle tea was excellent. I am d you were able to forage a supply of needles from your homnd.


    Youre wee, Baelin, the huntress said.


    With that, the chancellor swept from the room, his robes billowing while Alex rushed to get his boots on. After the door closed, Alex looked at his girlfriend a little wild-eyed.


    You know, I thought a daughter of inn owners wouldve been more impressed with a hangover cure, he said, hopping up and down on one foot while pulling a boot on.


    Alex, you know I barely drink, she said. And life enforcement means my body clears alcohol away really, really fast.


    Pffft, well with my new spell, youd clear it <em>even faster</em>. He fought to pull the other boot on.


    She sighed, an odd look crossing her face. Sliding over, she nced at the door, then whispered to him.


    He could feel her breath on his ear. Hey. Did you mean those things you said to mest night? After the others were asleep?


    Alex stopped dead, the boot dropped on the floor.


    What things? He asked.


    She smiledher eyes twinklingthen went up on her tiptoes, kissed him and walked away without another word.


    What things? he demanded, his panicking mind trying to remember what he might have said. Nothing came back, even when he tried using the Mark. He mustve been so drunk that there were no memories to sort through.


    What <em>things?</em> he called after Theresa.


    She didnt respond, but he could have sworn he heard herughing.


    <em>What things?</em>


    All set, then? Baelin asked when Alex stumbled into the hallway. Ah, hello, again ygon.


    Yeah, I just needed to cast Cleanse Flesh on Thundar, the young wizard hurried through the doorway to make room for ygon. Hell have an easier time than I did when he wakes up.


    The golem crouched and stepped through the doorway sideways, stopping beside the two wizards inplete stillness. His face wasunchanged from the snarling y expression it always had, but something about him felt a bit different for an instant.


    Those y eyes, as well as his fire-gem eye seemed to watch both wizards briefly. A heartbeatter, the feeling was gone.


    Baelins eyes narrowed on the golem. Hm, was all he said.


    Alex spent way too much time locking the door, trying to fight the blush creeping up his cheeks as he imagined what he might have said to Theresast night while he was doing <em>science. </em> His mind was conjuring all kinds of things, and with Thundar there, he prayed for the Travellers mercy that neither of them had mentioned <em>anything</em> about rope.


    Either way, Theresa hadnt told him what hed said, so all he could do was let his imagination run wilda solid reason for not overdoing the plum brandy.


    Walk with me, then, Baelin said, waving Alex to apany him.


    The two wizards made their way out of the ins, through throngs of students hurrying to the library or courtyard with arms or forcedisks filled with books.


    Midterms were looming like an ever-present phantom, and the sight of the chancellor, Alex with his growing reputation, and the enormous four-armed golem, caught peoples attention as the trio strolled from the ins.


    Under the sunlightwhich hardly stung thanks to Cleanse FleshAlex struggled with how to broach the subject on his mind.


    Well? the ancient wizard said suddenly, his hands sped behind his back. I can nearly feel your difort, what troubles your mind?


    Uh Alex paused. Look, Im just going toe right out and ask. Baelin, youre the most power person Ive ever met


    Perhaps.


    Wait, what? the young wizard asked. Come onI mean. You have to be.


    Am I? Baelin raised an eyebrow. Perhaps. And perhaps not. Power often cloaks itself in the guise of weakness or normalcy. Even I employ that strategy, somewhat. I am known as the chancellor of a university, and I wear power as an essory. But do I wear my true strength? Only I know that for sure. And I have an <em>interest</em> in disying power. If I did not, you would likely not see me as I presently am before you. Instead, you might see an old beastman: a vagabond storyteller who pilfers pantries. Or you might see another old beastmanor perhaps another racecloaked in drab clothes, who loves fireworks. Perhaps you might see me as a pipe smoking young woman, or even a street urchin begging for coin. In those ways, I could wander the world or settle in it, unnoticed and protected by anonymity, while I went about my business. My disys of power are a choice.


    Alex listened carefully. Soyou mean to say I could have met someone as powerful as you and not known it? And that I shouldnt assume certain things about anyone Ive met and how strong in magic they are.


    Very good, the chancellor said. It is something for you to consider too as you grow in strength. Will you don the guise of weakness to go about your business and surprise enemies when the need arises? Will you wear power as a deterrent to those that mean to harm you? Or will you disy power so that it might attract opportunity? These are the questions you will eventually have to answer.


    His eyes shifted to ygon. Perhaps sooner than you might think.


    Rightand a Proper Wizard who assumes he <em>knows </em>who is mighty and who isnt, might end up on the wrong end of a nasty surprise?


    Exactly. I know for a fact that youve met at least three people who are donning weaker guises in order to hide true strength,


    Really? Alex looked up at the chancellor sharply. Wh-Wait. Youre not going to tell me who?


    Of course not. To do so would be to rob you of some valuable education.


    Rightwell maybe, you can answer this insteadis power addictive?


    ...is power addictive? Why yes, yes it absolutely is. Baelin looked at him piercingly. But what a perfectly odd thing to ask. The way you phrase itit almost sounds like you think that such a fact would beunnatural. The addictive nature of power is the most natural form of addiction there is. Andif you must be a ve to any addictionit is the most logical oneas long as you deal with it within limits.


    I know youve mentioned this beforebut yesterday someone told me that the Irtyshenans call everyone not of their empire barbarians.


    An all toomon tactic among mighty empires that spawn from jewelled thrones, Baelin said gravely. It bes repetitive. Like a bard ying the same song over and over on a broken lute.


    But, if powers addictive, then how do you stop yourself from that kind of thinking? From bing like that? I mean, it might not happen today, but I could see it happening as someone keeps chasing power over decades, or even longer.


    Hmmm. Baelin looked at Alex closely. You have noticed a change in thinking recently, have you not? A hunger? Perhaps that is why you seek to master Itos Spiral?


    Y-yeah, Alex said. Howd you know?


    I saw it on your desk when you opened your door this morning. No need to be ashamed of it, Alex, I would be the same if I were one such as you.


    Someone young? Alex asked.


    Baelin smiled, his voice dropping so low that Alex could barely hear him. He said a single word of power, before he spoke: A Fool. And perhaps that is something you should consider in our search for others of your title. After all, from observing you and the other HeroesI do believe I might have found a w in your gods design. One of many, in fact.

 Chapter 315: Those that Have Faded

    Chapter 315: Those that Have Faded


    Alex looked all around, his heart hammering.


    Students were walking near, near enough to be within earshot, but Baelins deep voice was rising.


    Why?


    What was he doing? Alex began to panic, frantically looking every which way, untilhis brain turned back on. His mentor and chancellor had cast a spell just before his voice started rising. It was some sort of an illusion spell, but Alex had no clue as to what kind.


    The only way to find out is to ask.


    Did you just cast something to hide what were saying? Alex asked.


    Indeed. I have notin facttaken leave of my senses and decided to expose your secret to the entirety of campus on a whim, Baelinughed. Currently, to everyone surrounding us, it appears that I am merely giving you advice on how to master Itos Spiral since its been challenging your sanity. As a matter of fact, you are drawing attention to us by darting your head about like a frightened bird.


    Alex looked a little sheepish and regained hisposure, bringing his focus back to Baelin. Wait, how does an illusion create an entire conversation? How''re you doing that? I get casting an illusion that makes random noise, but making a realistic sounding conversation needs constant mental input.


    And so I am providing such input, Baelin smiled. One part of my mind is spinning a truly realistic conversation between us: a fun role ying exercise. While another part continues our discussion.


    Wow. How do you divide your mind like that? Alex asked.


    Usually, through decades of mental discipline and careful training. You have the foundation with your meditation techniques, but splitting the mind as it were, is a far trickier matter. With your Mark, though, I suspect you will be able to begin such a journey earlier than most. But, prepare ordingly before you try: attempting to split the focus and consciousness so utterly, can cause great mental damage if one is not ready.


    Right Alex said, wondering if using a technique like that could shift the Marks interference into one stream of consciousness, while he also focused on fighting or spell-casting. He voiced the question to Baelin.


    But the chancellor shook his head. Such a thing might be worth the attempt, but even with your meditation techniques, youre not able to fully divert your attention away from the Marks<strong></strong>machinations, correct?


    No, Alex admitted.


    Mmmm, some mental magics can be ovee by partitioning the mind, but more powerful mental interferences spread through the entire consciousnessno matter how separatedby way of the soul. And your Mark seems attached to the very core of your being.


    Rightwell, thats too bad, but it makes sense, Alex grunted. Still worth a try thoughbut thats something <em>Ive</em>recognised as a big w with this whole n of Uldars. So, most gifts that the Heroes get makes sensetheyre a badass strike force, and theyve been given tools to be a badass strikeforce. But, they dont have a choice. Howe theres no<em>choice</em>?<em></em>


    Indeed, the chancellor said, steel entering his voice. To force the youngor even the elderlyinto such dire battles without having any agency of their own is simply asking for disaster. Its no wonder Fools throughout the ages rebelled.


    Thats another thing too, why are we always so young? Why eighteen? Alex asked.


    Now, that actually makes an entire mountain of sense, Baelin said. If one looks at military science throughout the world and history, one finds that soldiers are often recruited at a young age. Such as 16 or 18. At that age, the mind is more malleable, but the body is physically resilient, mature, and powerful. It can be far easier to mould one into a loyal soldier by way of indoctrinationof course, such practices seem not to be used so readily on the Heroes of Thamnd. Likely, the role of being a symbol for the people means they must maintain individuality in order to stand out and be inspirational.


    Baelin looked at the students walking by, fondness touched his face. The young are often most inspirational to the young. Do you recall a conversation where I said that youth was unique?


    Yeah.


    Well, part of that is that youth is aspirational. To a young person, the story of another young person being seemingly selected at random for a great trial in their homnd, is more inspirational than say someone in their thirties or forties being selected. And to those selected? Thoughts of heroism and fame would be attractive. To older folk? Such excitement would be tempered by thoughts of abandoning lives they have spent years and decades building. It would not take hold nearly as well, I would think.


    The thought of that scenario was chilling, and had veryunsettling implications. So Uldar picks the young because wed be less likely to resist, and more likely to embrace our task and inspire other young folk to fight?


    Indeed, Baelin said.


    Jeez. But that doesnt fit with giving the Fool ws and not the other four. None of the legends mention other Marks having any downsides. Why only the Fool?


    You are correctit is strange, Alex, Baelin looked at him closely. But do you know <em>why </em>I believe it is strange?


    Well, the obvious answer is that the whole concept of the Fool doesnt make sense. In general. Why does one of the Heroes have major ws when the rest do not? Butyoure asking me that question, so I think you might be considering something else


    Alex thought through what Baelin had said about the Heroes being young.


    Aspirational.


    Looking forward.


    But he didnt really get the impression of being <em>aspirational </em>and<em> looking forward</em> from either Cedric, Hart or Drestra. They just seemed like they were living day to day. In Drestras case, it was pretty clear that she dreaded the whole thing and wasnt looking forward to any of it...except the end.


    <strong>That wouldve made sense from her </strong>butsomething odd <strong>was slipping i</strong>nto Alexs mind.


    Power. It went back to power.


    He was bing more driven to what power could bring, to mastering its limits and to what it could achieve.


    Their limi


    Oh.


    I think that by its very nature, the Mark of the Fool is a creation that makes you work to take advantage of it. You gain more power the more you work <em>with</em> the Mark, but with the other Marks, you get power right away. Sure, having all that power can help a Hero gain more, but it doesnt help them learn new techniques faster. No new spells. No newanything, which the Fool has to do by necessity.


    Exactly, Baelin said. The others arergely stagnant. The Mark of the Champion in particr; its built on the principle of the sesses of the past, rather than the future. Being granted all of the skills of every previous Champion is a grand thingbut as the cycles go on and the umted skill of hundreds of warriors is gifted to you, what incentive do you have to seek new techniques so the next Champion is even mightier.


    Rightit alles back to power doesnt it, Alex said. You said that the greatest discoveriese from necessity. The Heroes dont <em>have</em> any necessity because they dont have any deficiencies to ovee. They dont have to push themselves.


    Not unless by personal choice. They do grow, but they do not <em>have</em> to push themselves in the same way you do. And that is what is strange about this entire situation. Why make one Mark based on growth and struggle, while the others arergely static


    Baelins frown deepened. I am bing more convinced that we are not seeing something here. Some might even put me on your god, calling him foolish for such a choice. But I do wonderone does not usually gain such power, ascending to full godhood, by being an idiot.


    Right. Alex said. You said it was natural for power to be addictive. For people to want more of it, right?


    This desire urs in many groups. Beyond just wizards, and even within those who wield any form of power. Wealthy merchants. High priests. Emperors and Empresses. Dragons. And indeed, wizards. When one has no power, one does not think much of it. When one has a little powerone learns the taste of growing ones strength, knowledge, magic, wealth, realmand so on. When one has great power, then one often focuses not only on obtaining more, but on bending ones will to the protection of what they have. Indeed, that is why some burn their lives away embracing lichdom or seeking immortality. One who tills the earth for their livelihood might fear death, but has no choice but to embrace it. A mighty empress? She would have the resources <em>and</em> motive to extend her life forever. Why would she ever want to give up all the delicious power gained in the material world?


    Alex paid close attention to what hed just heard.


    His mind conjured scenarios where he became increasingly obsessed with growing his might and resources. Hed always been driven, andif he thought about itexpanding his abilities ounted for a lot of what he focused on, what he did, and at times, bordered on extreme.


    Harvesting mana from a mana vampire.


    nning raids on dungeons to get material for a staff.


    Entering the Games of Roal.


    These were all things he never wouldve considered when he was a simple bakers assistant. Not even when hed first be Alex the Fool. But Alex the Wizard was changing his perspective in all kinds of waysand he hadnt really acknowledged just how much.


    So, what do I do? Alex asked Baelin. You seem to have had a handle on your own quest for power. You seem satisfie He hesitated for a breath, considering the chancellors push to get the dungeon cores and his excitement at the possibility of a new revolution in magic.


    He remembered what Baelin had said earlier.


    About wearing disguises.


    Maybe he had different motivations than Alex had assumed. That intimidating edge the ancient wizard hadit was always there. Hovering beneath the surface. Just like Uldar and the Ravener, he was a being from a far different time.


    Alex wondered if the chancellor was a lot more ambitious than he was letting on.


    As for your question of powerthe hunger for it, Baelin said. I would advise you to embrace it, but before you do. Codify your ethics to yourself. Make mental notes, write them down, or do whatever you must. Keep in mind what you are willing to do. What you are not willing to do and why, and under what circumstances those ethics might have to be readjusted. In essence, if you are mindful of yourself, then you shall be less likely to lose yourself. A Proper Wizard wields power. They do not let it wield them. Understand?


    Right Alex said.


    And if you truly are concerned, keep your friends and loved ones close, use them as apass to remain the person you want to be. But do not balk. Power will change you. Andif you manage it correctlyit will change you for the better. But that said, there mighte a day when you will need to go against your loved ones. In that case, again, check your ethics. Check yourself. In the end, if you keep on track, the greatest expert on yourselfis indeed, you.


    Alex thought about what Baelin had been saying. There was a lot of sense in his words. Ethics and boundaries, but also the ability to challenge them. Support from others, but also have the backbone to stand up to them.


    Even if he were to tread down darker paths, he coulde back or at least still be Alex Roth in the end, even if he was changed.


    No Irtyshenan Empire madness for him.


    He looked up at Baelin. ThanksI think that makes a lot of sense. Um


    Hmmm, yeeees?


    Who do you use?


    The chancellor looked at Alex closely. For what purpose?


    As your supports? To keep you from going too far? Who did you talk to when you were young?


    An odd shift went through the chancellors bodynguage, far too quick for Alex to read. Well, that is the irony of things. <em>I</em> had no one to give me such advice at your age. Andperhaps at one time I wished I did. But the me from backthen has undergone so many changes and transformations, that I am not sure if it truly matters anymore. I am me. I have my own cabal as you know, met and bonded over millennia. And now? Well, we at times guide each otherbut only when necessary.


    Really? Alex said. Id actually thought youd met them when you were young. Your cabal, I mean. And uhfor what its worth, Im sorry you didnt have the kind of mentor you might have wanted back then.


    Baelin snorted. You apologise to me for something that literally urred before the advent ofwell, let us just say a long time ago. How adorable, you showing concern like that. As for those I met when I was young


    The chancellor stopped walking, looking over Alexs shoulder at an empty space on the green. His eyes grew distant. Wistful.


    Alexs eyes followed Baelins. Is there something there? he asked his ancient teacher.


    A tree, Baelin said, his voice dropping low once more. A lovely old tree once grew there. Long, long ago. I would meet someone beneath its branches. He sighed. But that was more lifetimes than it matters anymore.<strong></strong>Take a final piece of advice, my young friend. Should you choose to extend your lifespanwell, ensure you know what you are doing. If you are not careful, then you might find that the things you love have a terrible habit of turning to dust.


    His beard-sps clinked in the light wind. And most mortals<strong></strong>are not terribly fond of dust.


    The two wizards and the golem stood for a time.


    Two watched only empty space.


    The third saw something else.


    Someone who had left his world long, long ago.

 Chapter 316: An Explosion of Chaos

    Chapter 316: An Explosion of Chaos


    Dust.


    The word ash stayed with Alex, even during his next trip to Thamnd.


    Times passage ground people to nothing more than dust, as Baelin had said.


    How many Heroes, knights and soldiers of Thamnd had been killed in the wilderness somewhere? The Heroes would at least beid to rest in tombs within the capital. History books would remember their names, but for those who had no glowing golden marks?


    They werergely forgotten, except in vague mentions of great sacrifice. No more than numbers on a page.


    Like dust. Irrelevant.


    The more Alex thought about that, the more he decided he didnt much like the idea of bing dust. At least not without leaving a mark on the world. He wanted to be remembered for his deeds, for his life. Regarded as something beyond some passive aggressive historical ount of a Fool who fled their duty. What would happen if he were to die tomorrow? It was something to think about. Others certainly seemed to be thinking about it.


    Alex and his friends had returned to find the camp on high alert.


    Monsters, Watcher Shaw growled, briefing the returning researchers and surveyors. Theyve been testing our defences.


    Alex heard a loud gasp; Carey looked pale as she watched the map withrge eyes. Shed been jumpier since the attack, distantmore focused on the walls and skies, than on people around her.


    Dust, Alex thought. I wonder if dust is on her mind too; we might all be closer to it than wed likeif things go wrong.


    Whatever her thoughts, everything Watcher Shaw was saying clearly wasntforting her.


    Weve found small groups of Ravener-spawn pushing into Greymoor in the past while<strong>,</strong> he pointed to two areas on the map. Silence-spiders in the west and in the north. We eliminated those, but the monsters learn, theyve gotten smarter.


    He drew a circle with his finger on the map around Greymoor. Weve had scouts report seeing more of those spiders and other spawn circling our territory. They were outside the moors, lurking in forests, but one things clear: they know were here, and theyre watching us.


    Murmuring filtered through the tent. A researcher raised his hand as Careys bodynguage stiffened.


    Yes? Watcher Shaw grunted.


    What do we do, sir? Hunt them down? I mean, have the survey teams hunt them down.


    Yeah, thats what were trying to do. Weve sent a few hunting parties out scouting the woonds and wilderness around the territory, but they havent turned up anything significant. He frowned, looking back at the map. They know the terrain better than we do it seems. They know when to hide, and they onlye out on nights where theres little light, or nights when the fogs thick like soup. We havent been able to rule out the possibility of another dungeon nearbybut well keep looking.


    Watcher Shaw examined the map as though trying to find something he mightve missed.


    Weve also met with Sir Sean Swift of Luthering, he added. His reports say that Ravener-spawn have been skulking around his vige, but his knights made short work of them. But even so, he decided to send rangers outside of Luthering to monitor whats been going on out there.


    He turned from the map, his eyes searched the group listening to his briefing, sizing them up, noting who looked scared. In a nutshell, you mining teams, make sure you watch your surroundings like youre a starving hawk looking for yourst meal. Or a rabbit looking out for that starving hawk. Be vignt. We dont want a repeat of being caught off guard like we were with those two dungeons. We stood our ground, but better we should see them before were ambushed. Well be increasing mining and building shifts as well. The faster we get our fortifications ready, the better: with this new threat, Id prefer if too many of our fighting force werent outside Greymoore hunting dungeon cores until we have ourselves properly fortified here.


    He tapped the map near Luthering. Well be coordinating with Sir Swift for the time being whichll let us cover more ground. If you see anything that makes you the slightest bit suspicious, letmand know right away, even if youre not 100% sure. We cant be too careful. Thats all for now. Lets get to work.


    Muffled conversation spread through the tent as the teams rose and headed out into the damp. Darkening clouds stretched across the sky in a patchwork, turning it grey. Thamnd was chilly as autumn temperatures steadily dropped, mixing with wind and dampness to form a nasty chill that slipped beneath cloaks and overcoats.


    <em>Crash.</em>


    But work didnt stop, cold or not.


    On the far end of camp, stone was being shaped into blocks using earth magic. By now, theyd sessfully excavated tons of stone: their supply of massive blocks rose higher than the earthen walls.


    Walls that were quickly changing.


    Outside and beside the front gate, teams of earth wizards and summoned elementals were hard at work. The wizards copsed the earthen wall in sections, melding it back into the ground below. Then the earth elementals lifted the stone blocks, set them in ce and sank them partway into the ground with their innate magic. Earth mages then sealed the soil around the stone blocks, and hardened everything. Builders applied a mortar mixture to the stones, then let the earth elementals slide them together. Then came more mortar and more stones being slid on top of each other.


    Together, the wizards were crafting two walls: an outer wall that would be surrounded by a dry moat, then an inner wall that would surround the main keep and out-buildings. The inner wall would rece the earthen wall that protected the encampment, while the keep and out buildings would rece the tents.


    Alex shook his head, watching the work being done. Back in the church school, hed learned that castles often took a decade or more to build. At the rate the Generasians were going, the research castle would be finished in only the space of a few months.


    Magic really was astounding.


    Well, no time like the present, Khalik said, stepping forward. Stone will not pull itself from the earth, and every moment we waste, is more time for our enemies to organise.


    Alex frowned as the prince walked away.


    Dust, echoed in his mind.


    Hey, you sure you dont want to maybe switch to the builders teams? Probably safer.


    Khalik looked at Alex like hed been insulted. I do not cower, my friend. I have started a job and I intend to finish it. Besides, I learn <em>much</em> about earth magic from my peers. He grinned. Do you worry for me, Alex? How touching! Perhaps you can give me a token of your affection, so that I might return to you! Heughed.


    Alex frowned. Nevermind, he said. I hope monsters eat youArgh!


    Partway through the sentence, Najyah swooped down at his head, buzzing him and catching him by surprise. His arms shot up in defence, but with a screech that sounded likeughter, the mischievous bird was long gone.


    Alex shook his fist at her.


    See? I have a protector, Khalik said.


    As he and Najyah moved to join the earth mages, their<strong></strong>other friendswho had patrol dutywent too.


    Be careful, Alex called to Theresa.


    Well be fine! she called back.


    Alex was left standing with Isolde and ygon.


    And so they go, she said. Work is calling them as it calls us.


    Yeah, Alex said, turning toward the research tent. Yeah.


    Dust, echoed in his mind.


    Dust was what the researchers were experimenting with today: the dust of the dungeon cores and more. Notes from weeks of consistent testing had nearly filled their data sheet, and all that was left was to finish describing the characteristics of the substance by doing a few more tests to confirm their previous results were replicable.


    They also had an experiment to do to learn if, and how, dungeon core remains would react with chaos essence.


    It would be the only experiment conducted <em>outside</em> the research tent.


    Today youll be in support positions, Professor Jules said when the fullplement of researchers had assembled, all suited up in their protective gear. Whenever one experiments with chaos essenceone can never be entirely sure what will happen. After all, it is the essence of chaos. And for that reason, well be going a short distance from camp to conduct today''s experiment. Should things bevtile as they can at times with chaos essence, we wont endanger other team members in camp, or our equipment.


    Just ourselves, someone said, drawing a series of chuckles and groans from the others.


    Indeed, but well be taking full precautions to avoid that scenario. Now,e. I didnt recruit you all to be cowards. Safety, bravery, together. Lets get this done.


    The walk from the encampment was a nervous one that reminded Alex of their first trip from Luthering to Greymoor. Even though the research team was apanied by a group of Watchers and half the medical blood mage team, folk eyed the surrounding hills like waiting dungeon spawn were concealed there.


    Alexand the rest of the teamwas d ygon was along. The golems head swivelled with each step, scanning the surroundings as Alex had instructed him to do.


    Professor Jules was nked by four Watchers and two ratherrge, sealed boxes being transported on forcedisks. One contained a sample of dungeon core remains. The other, a sample of chaos essence.


    Belted at her waist were a number of tools, and a strange construct trotted beside her. A golem of some sort, human in size and equipped with ten arms, some ending in different magical tools.


    What do you think will happen? Isolde asked Alex. From a stance of mere conjecture of course, since it is quite impossible to know what will ur with certainty. I cannot help but consider that this experiment will produce nothing spectacr: the core remains are simr enough to chaos essence that they might simply join into one substance with little difference.


    Its possible, Alex said. Part of me is wondering if it might reconstitute the original dungeon core. Chaos essence is powerful stuff and if it mixes with the dungeon core remains, we might be able to reconstruct the original core.


    I wonder a soft voice said from nearby.


    Carey had quietly made her way through the hiking team members and slipped up close to him. Actually, that wasnt quite right. Shed slipped up close to ygon. He raised an eyebrow.


    The silence-spider attack had her really shaken.


    Whatre you thinking, Carey? He asked.


    WellI wonder if it might warp into apletely new substance. The dungeon core remains are <em>simr</em> to chaos essence, but still different. Perhaps theyllbine and form something never seen before. Its possible, at least.


    That is true, Isolde said. It appears we shall soon find out. Look. She inclined her to the front of the line. The professors stopping.


    Professor Jules and the four Watchers had paused at the foot of two hills. Listen up everyone. The dungeon core remains and chaos essence will be taken up the hill on the left, and well be observing the reaction from the hill on the right. Theyve been prepped in advance of the experiment.


    Alex looked at the peak of the hill on the right where a wall of reinforced earth and stone had been raised, about as high as his chest. Cover.


    Well be watching the reaction through shielded spysses; they have lenses coated with a darkening film to protect our eyes in case of any sudden or extreme sh of light. Combined with our goggles, theyll provide an extrayer of eye protection. One can never be too careful, I always say. I expect everyone to take thorough notes in your journals on what you see. Well cross-reference everyones observationster. Now, off we go.


    The construct and the two forcedisks carrying the dungeon core remains and chaos essence, moved up the hill to the left, while the research team headed up the right one, taking positions behind the wall.


    Professor Jules distributed the spysses, everyone went silent with anticipation. Alexs Wizards Hands were already recording his observations in his journal through mana maniption, while he pressed the spyss to his eye. Isolde was beside him.


    Even the wind seemed to still as the construct manoeuvred the two forcedisks beside each other.


    Alright, Professor Jules said. Erecting a wind and rain shield.


    A bubble of force appeared around the test site on the next hill.


    Erecting forcefield.


    A bubble of forcewhich emitted a <em>lot</em> of manaappeared inside the first bubble, sealing the test site off.


    Erecting a secondary protective wall.


    A wall of transparent forceas tall as ygonmaterialised in front of the wall of reinforced earth, adding anotheryer of protection.


    Note that both samples are now being removed from their protective casing. Professor Jules announced.


    Alex held his breath as the construct opened both boxes with care.


    The ck dungeon core dust and the swirling chaos essence were seen clearly through his spyss lens. Both were stored in sealed sks.


    He had Wizards Hands note:


    <em>Observation 1. Dungeon core remains and chaos essence appears normal.</em>


    Combining both samples, Jules said.


    The golem gently retrieved the samples then extended an arm which ended in a clear beaker. Unsealing both sks, it poured the dungeon core dust and chaos essence into the beaker together.


    Alex held his breath.


    <em>Observation 2. Chaos essence isbining with and breaking down dungeon core remains. Both are swirling together. Reaction appears energetic.</em>


    A few minutes passed, but the two essences merely swirled in the beaker.


    <em>Observation 3. Reaction observed to be stable.</em>


    Alright, Professor Jules said. I will now have the golem run mana through the substances to see if the reaction changes with additional energy.


    The golem extended an arm that ended in a mana conductorinto the mixture.


    Starting conduction now.


    Alex watched intently. The mana conductor began glowing slightly, indicating mana was entering the mixture.


    Suddenly, the dust began swirling faster. More vigorously.


    Much faster.


    Mana red in Alexs senses.


    The reactions destabilised! Professor Jules shouted. Get dow


    With honed reflexes, Alex grabbed Isolde and Carey, pulling them down on either side of him.


    Light red in the beaker, as bright as a miniature sun.


    Dust, was hisst thought.


    There was a blinding sh.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Then the shockwave hit.

 Chapter 317: A Fallout of Dust

    Chapter 317: A Fallout of Dust


    Alexy on the ground flinching as a noise like turbulent water coursing through a waterway throbbed in his ears. He grabbed the sides of his head and tried to make sense of what had just happened. All around, the world was raining dust.<strong></strong>Why? What hap-...the experiment. The chaos essence and core remains had exploded!


    Charred grass, soil and bits of debris fell on everyone and everything, while the earth rumbled beneath him. Through the rushing in his ears, the sounds of coughing, and moaning hit Alex from all sides. White dotsafter images from the stfloated before his eyes, obscuring his vision through a thickyer of dust.


    Get up, he thought. Get up!


    He tried willing his body to move, but every twitch made it scream. Youve gotta get up. Cast mana to life and get up! Alex clenched his teeth behind his mask and began casting the spell, pushing through the Marks interference until; a connection formed between his mana pool and life force. Power flooded his body, erasing some of his pain, clearing his senses.


    Now he could move.


    Now he could worry about the others.


    Beside him, Isolde was groaning, trying to stand, but her entire body shook like a newborn fawns. Carey was curled up with her arms covering her ears as she wheezed into her mask.


    Dont worry, he murmured, using his cloak to wipe dust and bits of rubble from his masks lenses, then reached for the two of them and ced either hand on their backs. Ive got you.


    Focusing on Isolde first, he cast mana to life again, channelling more energy andfor the first timeusing the spell on someone other than himself. A connection formed not between his mana pool and lifeforce, but between his mana pool and Isoldes vital energies.


    She tensed as the energy poured into her, steadying her, elerating her healing.


    Thank you she panted, taking deep breaths.


    Alex nodded, casting the spell to help Carey. Wheezing calmed, her breathing became steadier as she moved her hands from her ears and silently nodded. The side of her mask remained pressed to the earth; it looked like she couldnt speak yet.


    Stay down until you get your strength back, he said. Im going to see how the others are doing.


    The ground had nearly settled. It should be safe enough to walk on.


    Careful Isoldes voice was a bit breathless. That was an explosion of chaos essence. Who knows what might be happening underground. You never know with chaos.


    Alex nodded. Ill be careful, and thats why you should stay down for now.


    Pushing himself to his feet, he waved away sifting dust drifting in front of his maskand noticed a massive shape looming between him and the direction the st came from.


    Look out! He shouted, dropping into a defensive stance. What in all the hells is that? Did something form from all that energy? Did something mutate? His mind raced.


    Then he made out four massive arms.


    ygon, but how had he gotten between him and the explosion? Or had the st thrown him behind his golem.


    I mustve lost track of


    ygons head turned, his eyes looked straight at Alex.


    Holy shit!


    The young wizard jumped back.


    He hadnt instructed ygon to turn his head. He hadnt given him any instructions at all. The golem had done it all on his own. Their eyes met. Through their connection, Alex felt something touch his mind. It was a curious, hesitant touch. Like a newbornmb taking its first steps.


    It was unmistakable.


    There was an awareness there.


    A conscious thought, though it was too faint to understand.


    As abruptly as it came, it faded, leaving Alex both excited and confused. The young wizard stared at his golem. There was no mistaking it.


    ygon was bing sapient.


    ygon? Alex said his name.


    Nothing.


    ygon? he sent a thought to his construct.


    No response.


    His mind mustnt be fully formed yet. Or maybe its just awakening. Or maybe its fully formed, but hes not ready to talk or


    Alex shook his head.


    He couldnt think about that now.


    Thanks, he wholeheartedly thought toward ygon. Thanks buddy. You helped us. Seriously. Thank you.


    Alex checked him over, then patted him on the back. Youre alright. Now, lets help the others.


    <em>Thoom.</em>


    ygon walked beside him as he began looking around. The dust was clearing; most of his fellow Generasians were in different positions on the ground. Some were sprawled out, some t on their backs, some on their sides curled up, most clutched the sides of their masks, holding their ears. Everyone was coughing, gasping for breath, while trying to shake ash and dirt from their lenses. Those still on the ground werent as fortunate as he, Isolde, and Carey were. Theyd had ygon to shield them and block most of the st. A few of their teammates'' masks were off, their ears were bloodstained. Alex silently thanked ygon again.


    Professor Jules wall of force wapletely gone. Uneven, gaping cracks spiderwebbed through the earthen wall, trailing lines of loose debris to the ground.


    Alex was awestruck at what he was seeing and took a moment to examine the shattered wall before looking beyond it.


    By the Traveller!


    Through the haze, a massive ball was rising high in the sky from the other hill, expanding and growing in waves; a tower of smoke reaching toward the heavens. His eyes followed the column as it ascended, watching as it grew and red.


    No, it was too big to be a column. A massive cloud was forming.


    Shaped like a mushroom.


    He turned his attention to the hilltop below it, squinting through his lenses, trying to see where the explosion originated. The smoke was too thick to see most of the st sitebut what he could see looked vastly different from before.


    Shorter.


    The terrain had beenpletely altered, reduced by the explosion. The grass and scrub covering the sides and surrounding hills were scorched, and still burning.


    Tracking the smoke down<strong></strong>to the top of the adjacent hill stopped Alex cold, the peak of that hill was just about gone. The slope was ttened and the vegetation, a brushfire.


    A sh lit up the smoke.


    <em>Crackle!</em>


    Alex bounded back as a crack of lightning ripped through the smoke, repeating three times.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Billowing smoke parted, revealingchaos.


    Sparks, lightning bolts, momentary shes of light and waves of force crashed together: aftershocks from the reaction and discharges of chaotic energy released in the aftermath, as the remaining dregs of mana burned away.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Alex ducked as another burst of force pushed aside more smoke.


    For a heartbeat, a crater was visible.


    A wide crater, roughly ten feet deep, spread across the hilltop where Jules forcefield once stood. Forceshield and wind-and-rain shield had been obliterated, leaving a dustbowl of ash, sparks, and an odd bubbling pool of molten metal.


    At first, Alexs mind couldnt process what he was looking at, but then it hit him: he was seeing the steaming remains of Jules golem. Solid brass had been reduced to boiling liquid in a sh.


    By the Traveller!


    In alchemy, theyd learned that it took temperatures of over two thousand degrees to melt brass. For a solid brass golem to boil away like thatthe sheer amount of heat and pressure that mustve built in the forceshield


    A chill went through him.


    Mustve been apocalyptic.


    He started thinking about what the intensity of a st like that couldve meant.


    What wouldve happened if Jules hadnt erected a forcefield around the test site? Or if she hadnt raised a wall of force between them and the st? What would have happened if they hadnt been behind cover and a good distance away, or if theyd conducted the test in the research tent?


    Alex looked up at the mushroom cloud forming above the st area as the smoke drifted over the site, hiding it from view.<strong></strong>In his mind, he saw the cloud rising, but not from an isted hill, but from the sted wreckage of their encampment.


    Everything and everybody would have been reduced to dust.


    He thought of his friends returning from the stone-harvest to find a smouldering hole, devoid of life.


    Dust. Dust. Dust.


    Another sh of light broke his contemtions, pulling his attention back to the research team.


    Focus, that didnt happen, never mind what might have, he thought. Focus on whats actually happening right now.


    Watchers of Roal were getting to their feet with their staffs and des at the ready, scanning for threats. Blood mages had restored their own energies, and were the next to stand and survey the surroundings.


    Alex made his way over to Meikara who was shaking off thest of the aftereffects.


    Are you alright? he asked.


    Do I look alright? she groaned. By all the heavens and hells. Are <em>you</em> alright?


    Yeah, he pointed at ygon. He shielded Carey, Isolde and me from the worst of it, he nced at the golem fondly. ygons fine too. Have you seen the professor?


    No. She shook her head. What about Isolde and Carey?


    I healed them a bit. Isolde should be on her feet soon, Careyll probably be down longer, but she seems to be alright.


    Right, Im d you know some blood magic now. Here,e on. We could use the help. Lets find the professor first.


    Right.


    A Watcher was looking up at the cloud. Well have to establish a perimeter around the site and send up a re, not that well need it. Im pretty sure youd have to be unconscious or dead not to have seen or heard that st. The whole of Greymoor probably heard it, but lets hope no monsters are bold enough toe investigating


    She pointed at the smoke.


    ...were ready for them, whateveres. When you find Professor Jules, let her know what well be doing.


    We will, Alex said as Meikara nodded.


    The Watchers moved off while Alex and Meikara separated to cover more ground in their search for Jules. Meikaras fellow healers attended to everyone downed by the st.


    Near the wall, Alex soon found the professor struggling to stand. The lenses in her mask had shattered and her spysswas nowhere to be seen.


    He fought the urge to gasp when he saw her face.


    Droplets of blood ringed her eyes.


    Professor! Can you see? How are your eyes?


    Im fine she groaned. The broken lenses cut the skin around my eyes, but my visions fine. st it, I didnt get down fast enough when I felt the energy building. I was trying to reinforce the forcefield and the wall.


    They probably saved a lot of us, professor. Hold still for a moment, Alex said, falling into himself and casting mana to life another time. Jules tensed as her life force was fortified. Alex continued pouring his energy into healing her until she waved him off.


    There, there, she said. Thats enough now. Im not so decrepit that you have to keep re-energising me for the rest of the day.


    To illustrate her point, she pulled herself up using the damaged wall. Alex detected a slight tremor go through her, but chose not to mention it.


    Go, others need your skills, she said, looking at the mushroom cloud. By all the deities and mana of the world She shook her head. Staring at its not going to change anything.


    Professor He looked at ygon.


    Yes? She squinted at Alex.


    Nevermind,ter.


    Right. Off to it, then. She and Alex began attending to anyone who needed help nearby.


    All around, blood mages were healing wounds and bolstering the injured. Alex joined them, going from one person to the next, repeatedly casting Mana to Life. He cursed, feeling his mana decreasing. Mana to Life was an absolute pig on mana.


    Hed been trying to ration it so his pool didnt run dry but fortunately, he wasnt the only one healing. The blood mages were using their skills and tools to get folks back on their feet, but it didnt hurt to have more help.


    There were still researchers down, disoriented or injured. Isolde was already up and moving, but Carey was just struggling to her feet. The difference between how quickly Isolde was recoveringpared to Carey, was stark. Isolde trained forbat, Carey didnt. The noblewoman had fortitude that Carey didnt.


    All of Alexs training hadnt been for nothing either; his endurance and stamina were significant. Even with Jules force spells, the wall, and ygon shielding him; a year ago, he would probably still be groaning on the ground with his eyes rolled back in his head.


    The healers were working quickly, and thankfully, most injuries looked superficial. Bumps. Bruises. Some cuts. But, as a precaution for a few folks whod lost consciousness, or bled from their ears, they were revived and put on forcedisks for more extensive checkovers in Generasi.


    All in all, most of the research team were soon healed and back on their feet, supporting each other, talking about what had happened.


    When thest of the injured were finally cleared, the researchers turned their attention to Professor Jules. She was looking at the sky, intently watching the spreading mushroom cloud.


    She sighed.


    My apologies. Thiswas obviously unexpected. Sometimes discoveries in magic and science can be wonderful. Sometimes they can be terrible.


    She pointed at the cloud.


    Weve discovered something terrible today.

 Chapter 318: The Potential Horrors of Discovery

    Chapter 318: The Potential Horrors of Discovery


    Burning grass steamed as water fell in waves from above. Smoke trailed into the sky, and the coolness of the autumn day burned away until it felt like the hottest summer day in Generasi.


    Thest thing we need is a grass fire, Professor Jules said grimly, watching mes hissing and dying along the slopes. Watchers flew above, drowning the fires in streams of conjured water, while summoned water elementals helped smother the mes.


    Jules sighed. Things are bad enough without burning half of Greymoor to ash.


    Bitterness tinged<strong></strong>her voice.


    She was silent for a moment. The assembled team was quiet as they contemted what had just happened.


    Can you walk? she suddenly asked, breaking the silence.


    Some of the responses were weak, but everyone said that they could manage.


    Good, the professor said. Lets make our way downhill, further away from the st site. Well need better cover in case ofaftershocks, and we should also be mindful of the potential for another reaction to ur.


    Researchers helped each other down the incline, and ygon carried those too worn-out to make the downward trek. When they reached the foot of the hill, everyone copsed on grass and scrub littered with rubble. Not the mostfortable, but definitely safer than where they had been.


    Wewell stay down here for now, Professor Jules said,<strong></strong>with<strong></strong>guilt in her voice. The encampment will send reinforcements, so well wait for those toe before we do anything else.<strong></strong>Rest for nowrest as best you can.


    Alex threw himself down on the grass beside ygon, Isolde and Carey. Heyhowre you two holding up?


    I have been better. Isolde pulled off her mask. Far better. By the four elements, I was sure I had died for a moment. That shit was like theing of the end of the world.


    I was sure it had blinded me. Carey took her mask off too. My eyes still hurt. I had never expected any reaction would be so utterly vtile, especially from such a small sample.


    We had no clue what mixing those two substances could do, Alex said. This is all new territory for everyone.


    Gracious, to think the enemys dungeon cores contained suchexplosive energy. Carey said. Imagine if they could self-detonate when theyre threatened with destruction by the Heroes? My goodness, a st like that would annihteeverything! The Heroes, the dungeoneverything in range!


    Yeah, Alex said. But, what just happened could actually be a weapon against them. A little dungeon core remains and a little chaos essence. Delivered by a quick messenger construct or something? Think of the devastation itd do to a dungeon. But then again, chaos essence isnt easy to get your hands on.


    I am beyond d that chaos essence is difficult to get: I fear some might think of other applications for it. Isolde watched the smoke rising into the sky. Imagine, both substances could be easily concealed. Add a little mana remotely, and one could destroy castles, shatter city walls or rout entire armies. This explosion came from a small sample. I could not begin to imagine what an entire dungeon core worth of material would do. Or even two cores worth?


    Yeah Alex said. But what a waste. Id rather make a ygon.


    He looked up at his golem.


    No more movement from him. No more stirring of sapience.


    He nced at Jules.


    The Professor was sitting with her head in her hands.


    This probably wouldnt be the best time to bring up golems.


    Reinforcementsadditional Watchers, patrols and teams of minersstopped what they were doing and were at the st sight in no time, especially those who could teleport. By the time they arrived, most of the fires had been extinguished so all that was left to do was douse the remaining mes, or smothered them with earth magics. The area was bing safer.


    Professor Jules was describing the event to Watcher Shaw, whod handed her a new mask, while the others talked among themselves. Shaw listened intently, looking shaken at what he was hearing, and seeing. His eyes were fixed on the mushroom cloud.


    If wed been any closerI wouldnt be here talking to you guys, Alex told Thundar, Theresa, Khalik and Grimloch, whode sprinting over the hills with Brutus in the lead when they heard the explosion. Najyah circled high above the smoke. Wed all be dead.


    Hell, Thundar grunted, watching the dissipating column of smoke. From where we were, the bloody sh looked like something dropped the biggest ball of lightning bolts over here they could make. We even felt the ground shake. Cant imagine what it mustve been like to be so close.


    Indeed, Prince Khalik said. The st sounded like thunder struck directly above us.


    Theresa gripped Alex and Isoldes hands, her own hands shaking. Thank the Traveller youre alright. I thought the two of you were dead.


    No, we were lucky that the professor took the level of precaution that she did Isolde said. Though I expect she might me herself for what could have been a monumental tragedy for many.


    Yeah, Id do the same in her shoes. me myself, I mean, Alex said.


    It is a curse of authority, Khalik said. Those that are terrible leaders often praise themselves for boons that they had nothing to do with, and punish others for disasters they created. Good leaders often me themselves for disasters they could not control, while crediting aplishments to those they lead. Great leaders live with victories and consequences all the same, knowing that sometimes one cannot prevent loss.


    Before he could continue, Jules turned.


    To any who can climb, I''ll be inspecting the st site. The rest of you can remain here and use the break to recover. After our investigation isplete, well be returning to the encampment.


    You gonna volunteer? Alex asked Isolde and Carey. Of course, Isolde said. Without question, Carey said eagerly, surprising Alex.


    Alright you guys, youve got work to do and weve got work to get back to, so well head out. d youre safe. Thundar said. The cabal mates exchanged hugs all around, and Alex leaned down and kissed Theresa. Grimloch preferred to pat Alex and Isolde enthusiastically on their backs, then everyone got back to their duties. The small group of researchers Jules was leading remasked and followed her around the base of the hill toward the st site. Professor Jules shook her head, watching the crater smoke as the final sparks of mana sputtered out.


    It looks like the after-effects have finally stopped. But, the reaction from the two substancesbining was worse than anything Ive witnessed in all my years of alchemy, she said. Remember this day everyoneand now you see firsthand why I always insist on safety above all else, and maximising caution in every way. We did what we could to shield ourselves, and even so, very nearly lost our lives, or health. Alchemy has dangers where one''s life can be lost in an instant, so when were working with unknown elements, one never knows when things can go wrong. This was a reminder of that very fact.


    Murmurs of agreement went through the group.


    Now, before we go uplet''s be cautious, she said, eyeing the smouldering wall then summoning a small air elemental and an elemental sprite of air. The tiny creatures appeared before her. ...go, I need that area inspected. She pointed to the top of the hill. Tell me what the air quality is like up there. If you encounter danger and are sent back to your homehen I shall reward youter.


    Both creatures shot up the hill, flying over the crater, circling it twice before flitting back down.


    Jules spoke a few words to the sprite in the tongue of air elementals: Is it safe to breathe up there?


    The little creature nodded, then said something to her.


    Good, you did well, she said, turning to the air elemental. Did you see anything unusual? Anything dangerous?


    The air elemental made a windy, whooshing sound.


    Good, you did well too.


    She dismissed them both.


    We can approach, the air is safe. she announced. When we get to the craterwe can discuss everyones observations up to the time the reaction urred<strong>, </strong>then we can brainstorm. Perhaps, that will help us understand what happened.


    They followed Jules, walking through soggy, burnt grass, dirt and soil. No doubt the smell mustve been pungent, but Alex could only guess at that. Jules had been very clear thatand no one had challenged hermasks must be worn, and anyone with a damaged mask would remain behind. They neared the decimated hilltop, Jules conjured a gust of wind, sweeping all remaining smoke and steam hanging above the hill away.


    Before them, the crater yawned open.


    Dust and solidifying metal filled it.


    Well, thats one expensive golem gone, Jules sighed. But, better a construct lost than a mortal life.


    <em>Boom.</em>


    ygons feet abruptly stomped the ravaged ground as he came to a full stop. To Alex, the sudden halt almost sounded angry. He looked at his golem whose face pointed toward the crater. From the angle of his head, it looked like his eyes were fixed on Jules.


    Alex reached out mentally, but still felt no response. No thought.


    ygon? he reassured him. She doesnt mean you. Seriously. I


    Fascinating, Carey interrupted, staring at the crater, ending his train of thought. Its so fascinating from up close.


    Afraid of monsters, but not devastating explosions? he thought. Fascinating. Then again, she <em>is</em> an alchemist. Shed be exposed to explosions a lot, Ravener-spawnnot so much.


    The heat from the crater is considerable, Professor Jules noted, ncing at the other researchers. Some of the guilt had faded from her voice, reced by scientific curiosity. Any observations to report? Of the moments before the explosion, I mean. Dont change anything you''ve already recorded. I don''t want your original observations influenced.


    Wellit exploded, Alex said. I definitely observed that.


    For a moment, uneasy chuckling went through the group, but he was soon rewarded with twin res from Jules and Isolde.


    <em>Aside</em> from the explosion, Mr. Roth, the professor rified, more guilt leaving her tone. She was beginning to sound like her usual confident self.


    Well, it didnt seem like a vtile reaction until mana was added, Alex said. When the dungeon core remains were first mixed with the chaos essence, the resulting solution waslively, forck of a better word. But definitely not explosive. I think mana must have acted as a catalyst.


    I counted the number of seconds that psed frommencing the addition of mana, until the explosion, Isolde said. It was approximately one point five seconds from the point where mana was added to the solution, to the point where it became visibly vtile.


    I also heard a whining noise, Carey said, though Alex hadnt experienced that. It was almost like the sound of steam escaping a beakeror a high pitched scream.


    Right, I heard something simr, Professor Jules said. And my golem was set to add enough mana to power a first-tier potion. Which means, not much energy was required before detonation ured.


    Yeah, Alex said. You knowbetween the core remains characteristic of increasing the vigour of mana going through it, and the active nature of the interaction between it and chaos essence, it probably wouldnt have taken much to make the reaction go exothermic. Or at least just in explosive.


    It will be difficult to truly quantify what urred here from this result, Jules said. These were very small samples and yet the reaction was so energeticso violent. To replicate the reaction, even smaller samples must be used in future. Then we could measure energy outputs properly.


    I would love to categorise it as lets never do that again, someone muttered.


    Oh, pshah, Carey said.


    Professor Jules took a deep breath. Well, no sense in gawking at melted metal. Ill cool the brass, then well collect samples from the crater andIll begin some analysis of them.


    Professor, no, Meikara suddenly said, stepping up to Jules with an air of authority that Alex hadnt seen the small blood mage disy before. You were just stunned by a concussive st strong enough to shatter two force walls and throw grown people off their feet. You said that others should rest.


    She looked at the other blood mages, nodding to them. Its our rmendation that everyone hereincluding youtake the rest of the day off to recover, whether that be here, or back in Generasi.


    Professor Jules whirled on her. This research needs to be done.


    And others can be called from Generasi to do it, Meikara stood her ground, as unmoving as an oak in a breeze. Medical orders. Youve all been hurt and soording to guidelinesthe word of my colleagues, myself and all medical staff is noww. Rest, professor. Others can look at the dust and g.


    Molten metal.


    Pardon? Meikara asked.


    g consists of leftover smelting ores and used metals. Broadly, it can be ssified


    Meikara red at her andfor the first timeAlex saw Jules back down.


    Youre quite right. The professor sighed, turning to the research team. You can all have the rest of the day off. Be sure to hand in your notebooks.


    You may remain here or return to campus. Meikara added, But if you do decide to return to campus, please let the medical staff know in case you suffer any aftereffects while there, and need attention.


    Their return was heralded by gawking stares and murmurs.


    As the expedition members came through the front gates of the encampment, they were met with a whirlwind of questions.


    What happened? someone asked.


    Was there a monster attack? asked another.


    Jules looked at the crowd in silence.


    Right now, back, back! Watcher Shaw ordered. Well have exnations for youter, lets give these folks some space.


    After Shaws caution, the researchers were mostly left in peace. But, Alex did get the odd question here and there. His friends had gone back to the duties they were involved in before the explosion, while Isolde and Carey had decided to return to Generasi.


    Alexdidnt join them yet. Hed goter.


    Too much on his mind.


    Dust. ygon.


    Two major innovations had resulted from the dungeon core remains: the ability to power golems of immense strengthand the ability to create explosions of devastating power.


    Alex wondered how the world might change as a result of them.


    As he took Itos Spiral from his tent, he wondered what other wonders and horrors might be hiding in the ck orbs.

 Chapter 319: A Wizards Integrity

    Chapter 319: A Wizard''s Integrity


    The campfire zed, drawing Alexs eyes to the me.


    He was aloneor close to alonewarming himself and idly turning Itos Spiral in his hands. The explosion had dampened the mood in the encampment, casting a shadow over everyone. Much of the research team had returned to Generasi, wanting some distance from Greymoor for the day.<strong></strong>Those who stayed had turned to rxing activities, finding calm in simple things.<strong></strong>The young wizard was staring at the fire, taking in the flickering light.


    In the distance, someone yed a mournful tune on a set of panpipes, the song drifted through the camp with the sad notes of one being yed to send a loved one off to the afterworld. It fit the darkness in Alexs thoughts. Images of the st reyed in his mind.


    The substances blended together in chaos.


    He saw the golems mana rushing into the solution.


    Then, a sh and


    Boom, he muttered. Dust.


    A few simple steps had taken them from a regr day todestruction and chaos, and it had happened so quickly.<strong></strong>By random chance. And that had shaken Alex to the core. An ironicugh escaped him.


    What the hells wrong with you? he asked himself quietly, his voice barely rising above the crackle of burning wood.<strong></strong>The fire cracked, startling him, reminding him of the sudden eruption from the hilltop.Youve been fighting monsters in situations that involved explosions for like a year without being affected like this<strong>. </strong>Yet, this shakes you? Whats different?


    He closed his eyes and considered the question.


    In a way, he was like Carey, but in reverse: she gets shaken by monsters, while alchemical explosions are simply fascinating to her. Whereas, to him, monsters were just another fact of life, barely stirring any fear in him, but that explosion?


    That was something else.


    Minervus came back to mind. He hadnt thought about the young man in a long while, but his deathfelt pertinent right now. He was taken by a mana vampire while doing an everyday activity; taken off-guard, then suddenly, dead in the wilderness.


    Maybe that was why the thought of monsters didnt shake him like the abruptness and magnitude of the explosion had.<strong></strong>Baelin had taught him how to fight. How to defeat attackers. How to anticipate<strong></strong>harm from others. And, how to kill enemies before they killed him.


    That knowledge was a tool that gave him control.


    He looked up at ygon, who felt more solid than<strong></strong>anything in camp. It was like the golem was a steady rock while the world was often unpredictable, like a random tidal wave.


    If monsters or the Ravener or anything elsees at us, we can fight them together, he thought. Hell, if its the typical kind of danger thates with alchemy, we can take safety precautions and be okay. Weve got control, you and I.


    Then he frowned.


    But the explosion wasnt typicalwe couldnt do anything about it, he thought. All the unknowns came together and, boom. If wed been any closer, it wouldve been the end of everybody. No control. No nothing. Period.


    Alex stopped himself.


    No,e on, get a grip. Thats not true. Youre being irrational. There <em>had</em> been a degree of control. Jules had obviously considered that there could be an explosion and thats why shed used the precautions she did. If she hadn''t, they''d all be dead now. The extra precautions, that was the control, thats what had saved their lives.


    The conversation where Baelin talked about mortals eventually bing dust has you shaken up, he told himself. If you just sit here, youll drive yourself crazy. You have things that arent terminal<strong></strong>to think about.


    Alex turned his attention to the object he was holdingItos Spirnd felt his mana flow through the tiny pathways with more ease than ever before. He remembered how much resistance there was with his earlier attempts. Now, his mana was gliding along like a long sleek eel swimming downriver.


    Streams of power flowed through the wire, splitting when they reached the spiral. Again and again, they split into branches. Dozens. Hundreds. Thousands of them. His mana moved through the devicefortably, like it belonged there.


    Yet, as Alexs mana neared the midpoint of the funnel, he expected this attempt to be another failed one since thest dozen had failed at the same ce; halfway through the funnel. His mana would stream through the branches to the middle of the funnel, touch the sides, then shake, flicker and die.


    With a sigh, he anticipated what wasing and let his mana glide like it had a mind of its own. That was the nature of practising; improvementes from failure. His thoughts drifted back to the explosion. His jaw tightened then released.


    Jeez, I really dodged a crossbow bolt. I wouldve blown the Cells to ash if Id triedbining my sample of dungeon core remains with chaos essence.


    That nightmare scenario began to consume his imagination, building until a vision of smoke and debris rising from a crater where the school used to be-<em>Ding, ding, ding</em>...Alex looked down at his hands where Itos Spiral was shaking and ringing like an excited bell.


    What the he said, eyeing it.


    It kept vibrating and chiminglike it hade to lifewhile his mind tried making sense of what it was doing. Oh shit, dont tell me I broke it. He inspected it with his manathen it finally clicked.


    Hedpleted the devilish device!


    Hed finally crushed Itos Spiral!


    Mana filled every branch in the funnel, all the way to its widest point.


    A rush of triumph erupted in him, wiping earlier thoughts of explosions, dust and the random brutality of life, away. Alex leapt to his feet, holding Itos Spiral above his head like a prize he wanted the world to see.


    Hed done it, hed bent the device to his will!


    He could hear Hobb, Baelin, and Jules using a simr phraseexcept Hobbs involved, <em>bending the forces of the cosmos to your unbreakable will! </em>Hobbs was a little, or maybe a lot, more dramatic. But, basically what it came down to was Alex was starting to sound like Baelin and Jules, two experienced and powerful wizards hed grown close to.


    Oh by the Traveller, power really does change you, heughed. Oh well, ethics and all that. Im sure someone will stop me if I go mad with power. And, speaking of power.


    Using the Mark, he quickly went through Itos Spiral a few more times with no interruptions. Each run-through became easier than thest until, ted at what hed finally aplished,<strong></strong>Alex gathered his things and pointed toward the teleportation tent.


    To Generasi, ygon, weve got magic to learn!


    The golem followed as he jogged toward the waiting teleportation circle.


    Hello, Professor. Alex stalked out of the shadows, his eyes bright.


    Gah! ValRok cried, jumping a foot in the air. His books slipped from his hands but Alex moved fast enough to catch some, then picked up the rest and handed them to the mana maniption professor.


    An unnerving grin spread across his face. Here, was all he said.


    Alex? By allyou nearly gave me a heart attack! the lizardman wizard said, pressing the books to his chest like they would soothe his pounding heart. Where in all hells did youe from?


    Thamnd? Alex offered.


    Good lord, you didnt have to hide in the dark like some kind of maniac! ValRoks reptilian eyes bulged. The two wizards stood just outside a seminar room where ValRok had just finished lecturing. Since Alex had gotten bored waiting, hede up with an idea: scare ValRok.


    I just wanted to let you finishwhatever you had to finish. I was being <em>polite!</em> he said, his voice tinged with mania.


    Well your politeness nearly killed me. And say ValRok looked around. Where is that golem of yours? I thought I heard some thunderinging from out here during my lesson, so he must be here somewhere.


    Oh, ygons behind you. Alex nodded in the direction behind the professors shoulder.


    What do you meaOh <em>hells!</em> ValRok turned and came face-to-torso with a towering, snarling golem. The books dropped from his hands.


    This time, all ttered to the floor.


    <em>Two</em> heart attacks! ValRokined. When have I ever scared <em>you</em> like this?


    All the time, Alex said. But anyway, lets leave the past in the past,


    You nearly frightened me to death five seconds ago!


    and focus on the present! the young wizard smiled serenely and dug into his bag for Itos Spiral. And so, I present <em>this</em>!<em></em>Waaaaatch!


    Alex fell into Itos Spiral. His mana sped along the device, spreading through the branches like water running downhill to a waiting pond.


    Before ValRok could say a single word, the device vibrated and chimed in Alexs hands, making the older wizards eyes grow wide.


    Well, well, well, well indeed! he grinned, revealing his sharp teeth. Youve done it! Did I tell you that it takes third-years months to master the Spiral?


    Yeah you did.


    Well, its worth repeating! ValRokughed, pping Alex on the shoulder. Then he made a face at the pile of books on the ground, and the<strong></strong>wizards began picking them up. What this does is open an entirely new avenue of mana regeneration techniques for you, Alex. Here. I have to run to my next ss, but


    He conjured a set of Wizards Hands to hold the books, then pulled out a piece of paper. Snapping his fingers, he caused a pen to float from his pocket and begin writing a list of book titles and page numbers. The professor snapped his fingers again. A silver ring floated from his pocket and pressed itself to the bottom of the page, marking it with the wizards personal symbol.


    There, you can have the librarian find these books for you. And Ive made a note that you canwith an escortvisit the mana maniption sections of the third <em>and</em> fourth floors of the library, ValRok said. Then he paused. Sayyoure not going to go and try anything ridiculous, are you?


    Huh, me? No.


    Just had to ask he said, handing Alex the precious piece of paper. Im sure you know there have been more than a few cases of professors giving students special permission to ess the library for one thing, then next thing you know, the students are sneaking into other areas, or finding forbidden tomes, and blowing things up and causing a mess. Youre not going to do anything like thatare you?


    Three memories came to Alex. First, the explosion from earlier echoed through his mind. Next, the explosion in the Cells when he, Selina, Theresa and Brutus had first arrived on campus. Andstly, how hed researched the dungeon core remains in secretst year.


    He remembereding clean to Baelin and how the chancellor had said thatif his discoveries hadnt been so valuablethen their conversation wouldve been far different. Professor Jules came to mind because of how shed beaten herself up about the explosion and folks getting hurt, in spite of the very solid safety precautions shed taken. Precautions that had saved lives.


    Baelin had also said that Alex had vited her trustand that hed need to live with that. He wouldnt do anything like that again.


    Professor, Im not going to vite your trust like that. Im going to get books from the sections you say I can ess, and then Im going to leave, he said. I promise you that.


    ###


    This is a very rare privilege, the librarian said to Alex, leading him onto the fourth floor. Not many second-year students even get to see this floor, nevermind remove books from it.


    Alex looked around the fourth floor and sawabsolutely nothing out of the ordinary. In his mind, hed imagined the lower library floors would have special magics or mysterious auras to them.


    Strange mists.


    Witch lights.


    Illusions floating around.


    Instead, everything was the same as the upper floors, bookshelves and balconies, tables and benches. The only differences were that glyphs surrounding the doors that led to the floors below, were much more powerful than the glyphs upstairs.


    Alright, the mana maniption section is over here, the librarian said, leading him to arge bookshelf. Now, ording to your list


    Excuse me, maam? a student suddenly hurried up to them. Im sorry to interrupt, but its an emergency and I cant find <em>Drive: A Guide to Power Through Teleportation,</em> by Gosling. And my report on it is due tomorrow!


    Im in the middle of something


    Please, please! the desperate student begged. I wont take much of your time.


    The librarian sighed, then turned to Alex. Wait here, Ill be right back. You may explore this section all you wish. But, please, dont touch anything else.


    Got it. Alex said.


    She quickly followed the student to another section on the third level, leaving Alex alone. He looked to the left: books on higher tier summoning spells were nearby.<strong></strong>He looked to the right: higher tier alchemy recipes lined a shelf, one blocked by another bookcase.


    He could casually walk over and flip open any book he wanted in a heartbeat.


    He could look it over with the Mark, memorise it, and be back where the librarian had left him before anyone was the wiser.


    Alex smiled to himself.


    About fifteen minutester, Alex Roth left the library peacefully with the librarian''s blessing, ygon beside him, and his fancy new mana maniption books in his basket.


    He hadnt moved from where shed told him to stay.


    He hadnt broken his promise, his ethics were intact.


    Later, he could get to see those other, tempting books in the <em>proper</em> way.


    For now


    He flexed an arm while looking at the cover of <em>Currents: A Guide to Mid-Level Mana Regeneration.</em>


    he had a technique to learn.


    He looked up at ygon.


    And a conversation to have with a certain golem maker.

 Chapter 320: The Set Up of Mercantile Schemes

    Chapter 320: The Set Up of Mercantile Schemes


    <em>Thmp. Thmp. Thmp.</em>


    Alex knocked on the office door.


    Come in, Toraka Shales voice called from within.


    Straightening his clothes and hair, the young wizard stepped into the office of his boss boss.


    The room was much as he remembered: arge, well-ventted office with older sturdy-looking chairs and a table covered in sheets of paper. Several sweating, copper pitchers lined a side table, surrounded by cups. The liquid within smelled strongly of mint.


    But there were new sights hed never seen before.


    Against one wall was a mana powered waterfall that rose to the ceiling with water that glowed a sea blue, disappearing when it reached a basin below, and reappearing at the top. It was simr to the one in Noarcs Rainbow Tower, though that one had been muchrger.


    There was also a strange device rising from Shales desk: a golem, about one foot tall and forged to resemble a graceful young woman. The little construct carried a brass horn, which she appeared to blow into through puffed up cheeks of bronze, and music wafted out, sounding like no horn Alex had ever heard. From the instrument came the melody of a full orchestra ying a song of a man wandering through the desert on the back of a nameless horse. The singers voice was smokey, and the music had a scratchy quality to it as it filled the room.


    In some ways, that quirk made its melody more appealing.


    Business must have been good: he doubted that either the song-golem or waterfall had been cheap.


    Ah, Alex Roth, the grey-skinned woman said, looking up from a swath of paper on her drafting desk. Therey a design for aplex piece of machinery: notations for circuitry, projectileponents and


    She closed her draftbook before he could see more.


    Is there something youd like to ask me about? she asked.


    He nced through the office window, idly noting that the bakery across the street looked even more rundown than before. Business for them was likely <em>not</em> so good, unlike trade for the merchants hed seen in Borgias Square expertly bargaining with passing customers. Hed need the skills of those merchants today; hed nned for two bargains with Toraka, and though he wouldnt be making them today, now was the time to build rapport.


    Yeah, actually, he said, subtly mirroring her bodynguage to forge a connection; just a slight adjustment in the way his shoulders fell. Hours spent bent over a drafting table had left her with a slight slouch. Its apersonal question. A golem question, really. I talked to Sim and Lagor about it, and they said that youd know better than anyone.


    A mention of the problem to create intrigue. A show of subtle respect for Torakas expertise that came from Lagor and her son. A neutral but friendly tone, inviting discussion, but not sucking up: Toraka was a business woman, shed smell a tterer from a mile away.


    What kind of golem question? she frowned. Sim and Lagor should be able to answer just about anything. Does it have to do with a job?


    He read her bodynguage: forearms crossing over her knees as she leaned forward in her chair. Usually, leaning forward meant interest, but those crossing arms <em>could</em> mean defensiveness.


    Its about ygon, actually, he said.


    She <em>was</em> interested in ygon, so she shouldthere, he thought.


    Torakas forearms uncrossed. Her body leaned slightly forward.


    Your golem, yes, the very powerful one, she said, her eyes shifting to the doorway. Where is he? Hes got to be close. I can actually feel that powerful core.


    Just in the hallway outside, Alex said. Would you mind if I had him step in?


    Her eyes lit up with curiosity. Sure, please do.


    He fought the smile threatening to curl his lips.


    It worked.


    Back in the market square, hed seen a few merchants pull a well-disguised trick. First, theyd bring the customer into a conversation, then once they were engaged, do somethingpletely unexpected.


    They would ask <em>the customer</em> for a small favour. If they were tall, the merchant might ask them to fetch something from a high shelf in their wagon. Then they might offer the customer a hot drink while conducting business, but then ask if they could use the customers pen for a moment.


    The back and forth helped build rapport andto Alexs surprisewould often lead to more sales.


    And so Alex had filed that little technique away.


    To be used now.


    Hed asked Toraka for a small favour, one that also let her see ygonwhich was something shed be curious aboutwhile showing deference for her authority and respect for her space.


    A quad-y as he always called itever since he thought of the term approximately one second ago.


    gon, could youe in? he called softly.


    Golem filled the doorway a secondter as ygon turned sideways and stooped through the entrance.


    Toraka whistled. I can feel the powering from his core all the way over here. Good response to yourmands too. You gave him vague wording to work with, but he knew <em>how</em> to step through the doorway. His core must process information very well.


    Yeah. Alex grinned. Hes my baby.


    Toraka Shale raised an eyebrow. You dont hear creators refer to their golems like that everyday.


    Rising from her chair, she came across the room and examined ygon from a respectful distance, tapping her chin. Hmmmoh right, what was your question again?


    He smiled. ygons developing sapience, he said. And I wanted to get your advice on what I should do.


    Toraka raised an eyebrow. Youre sure about this? Many wizards assume that their golems gaining intelligencewhen theyre not. People will see golems doing normal golem things, but theyll think oh my golem moved slightly by itself. Cant be the wind or anything, it must be getting smart! It happens all the time. Golems gaining sapience happens very rarely. What makes you think that ygons gaining intelligence?


    Well Alex took a deep breath. For one thing, Mrs. Shale, I felt his mind through our link.


    She paused, slowly turning to Alex. You <em>felt</em> a mind through the link?


    Yeah. Almost fully formed. He exined the actions ygon had taken in the pastlike the time hed raised an arm to shield him from the rainand that gentle mental touch Alex had felt through the mana connection. Though he went into a lot of detail about that mental connection, he left out everything about the surrounding circumstances: he shared nothing of the explosion, or the dungeon cores.


    Toraka nodded along with his words andby time he was doneher eyes were narrowed, like she was puzzling over a problem of high mathematics by way of candlelight.


    I have to admit, she finally said. What youre telling mes consistent with reports of spontaneous sapience in golems of the past. Have you told anyone else about this?


    Professor Jules and Chancellor Baelin, he said. He might be talking to them about this again, but the ancient wizard was busy, and the alchemy professor was resting; Alex didnt want to bother her with much of anything after that explosion. She had enough to worry about.


    Rightand what did they say? she asked.


    Largely to let his mind develop on its own, he said. Butthat was before I actually <em>felt</em> that mind. Its formingI thought it was herebut then it slipped away. Anything I could do to help ygons mind grow?


    Hmmmm. She frowned. Thats a little beyond my area of expertise. Ask me how to build a golem, construct its core and attach magical items to it? Im your woman. But golem sapience happens more by ident than anything else. Youve been treating ygon well?


    Yeah. He patted the golem on his side. As best I can.


    Then thats the most important thing. Golems who be sapient mightresent their masters. Some wish for freedom. Some are happy to serve their creator, but get driven insane by cruel masters. Theres a few stories about golems growing in consciousness and let me tell you, most of them tend to end in dead wizards, angry mobs, torches and pitchforks. But, if youre treating him well, thats what counts. Leave him be


    She squinted at the golem. And be prepared to destroy him if you have to. You dont know what kind of consciousness hes going to have.


    Not going to happen. He shook his head.


    She raised an eyebrow. What if he rampages?


    Ill talk him down, Alex said. ygon deserves better than that.


    She shrugged. Was there anything else?


    No, Mrs. Shale, thanks for your time, he said, hiding his disappointment with her answers. Hed hoped that she mightve had some secret technique that would help ygons mind bloom faster and brighter. Oh well, sometimes things just dont work the way a person wants them to. Ill let you get back to what you were doing...what were you up to anyway, if you dont mind me asking? Some new design for a golem? A weapon?


    A toy, actually.


    He raised an eyebrow. Huh?


    Shale walked back to her drafting desk, opening her draft book to reveal the page she was working on. The diagram for the proimed toy looked like a walking nightmare: a four-legged monster with too many arms, projectiles and parts that spewed me. He squinted. No wait, on closer inspection, those parts werent supposed to spew fire, but water instead.


    He nced at the scale listed on the side of the page: from the look of it, the construct would be no more than a foot tall. A big toyor some kind of sinister assassin construct disguised as a toy.


    Its for my nephew Toraka started.


    Okay, yeah, definitely a toy and not a sinister assassin construct. Unless Toraka really, really hated her nephew


    for his fourth birthday, she said. Its just a simple little constructwell, simple on the inside at least. On the outside Her eyes shone with enthusiasm. It has projectileponents, tanks to store water, and glyphs to create water. She tapped the glyphs. Each glyph is activated by a couple of little puzzles that Im going to include with the toy. He wants infinite water squirters? Hell need to work for them. The puzzles can change over time too. Therell always be a new one, and his parents can set how simple orplex each one is.


    Wow, I would have killed to have something like that when I was a kid. Alex peered at the drawing. Well, maybe not literally. Either way, hes going to think youre the best auntie ever.


    He already does. Toraka puffed out her chest. But I just want to prove him right.


    Alex chuckled, visually tracing the puzzles. I take it he likes puzzles?


    Oh he <em>loves</em> them, she said with pride. Just like his auntie, and a good thing too. Puzzles are great for stimting a childs mind: they help them learn patience, problem solveall sorts of things! An unstimted child is a dull child.


    Dont I know that. He thought back to certainte evenings when a young Selina would sneakily build her little toys and models under their parents, andter the Lus, noses. Shed grown up to be sharp, unlike a ssmate of his. Richard Firstenberg had been a durd from day one and his constant avoidance of anything having to do with using his mind, had only made him duller.


    Thest Alex had heard of him, hed nearly drowned himself trying to throw rocks at ducks on an old pier. Hed stood too close to the edge and when it copsed, well... Also, hed apparently been doing strange things to corpses andthe less thought spent on Richard, the better.


    In any case, he definitely didnt want ygons young mind to grow up to be unstimted


    Wait.


    Stimting a childs mind, eh?


    His eyes nced over at ygon. Didnt he just call ygon his baby?


    A smile spread across his face. Yes, I totally agree. Mrs. Shale. Ill keep what you said in mind for when I have a kid.


    Right, right, she said. Now then, off you go. Its your day off, after all.


    Got it, thanks! He nodded to her as he turned to leave the room.


    Her voice was a bit warmer toward him than it had been when theyd first started talking.


    His smile grew.


    With this unexpected circumstance, step one of the financial portion of Operation Grand Summoning Ascension wasplete.


    Now it was time to work on the mana, spell and physical portions.


    And a new portion as well.


    It was time to head back to the encampment, but first, hed be stopping by a bookstore in town: ygon was most certainly not going to be a durd if he had anything to say about it.


    As he was about to close the door behind him, he caught the sound of music one final time.


    Then a ridiculous, wonderful idea hit him.


    Hed spent his entire youth buried in books, and it was only after hed gotten to Generasi that hed realised how limiting that had been. No way hed make the same mistake with ygon.


    As the music echoed in his mind, he remembered a certain battle at the patrizias ball. A battle where golem and master had moved nearly as one.


    What if he leaned in that direction too?


    What if he taught a golem how to <em>dance?</em>

 Chapter 321: Dance and Ignition

    Chapter 321: Dance and Ignition


    The pair must have made for a strange sight in Greymoors early evening light.


    The sun driftedzily toward shadowed hills on the horizon, signalling days end for circling birds dotting the sky. Of course, there would be others recing them soon enough.


    Some birds loved the sun. Some loved the moon. But no matter the time of day or night, there always seemed to be birds circling the Generasian<strong></strong>encampment.


    Always seeming to watch those below.


    mes were stoked higher behind the encampments walls of earth and stone, sending trails of smoke toward the clouds. A dark streak was all that remained of the terrible explosion that had rocked thend, but while thest bit of smog faded, the researchers memories of the detonation grew more vivid.


    Some contemted it.


    Some discussed it.


    Yet one <em>seemed </em>not to think about it at all.


    And he was the source of a peculiar sight.


    Outside the walls, a muscr Thameish wizard and his golem danced by way of forceball light. Or, rather, the young wizard danced while the golemand a number of people standing on the wallwatched.


    Stranger still was the fact that the wizard was talking to his golem. Loudly.


    Andthere! Alex fell into the final stance of the Sword-and-Oar dance. And thats really all there is to it, ygon. Wectually theres more to it, but those are all the steps, positions and stances. Well practise them together after I finish trying out a spell and the new mana regeneration technique. Okay?


    He half-hoped ygon would nod along with him, but no such luck.


    But while youre waiting for me to finishIve got a surprise for you. Alex picked up a bag leaning against the wall and fished out a set of three,rge, leather bound books. Each hardcover was embossed with a maze that a child might trace with their small fingers. Above eachbyrinth read the words: <em>Simple Puzzles for Clever Children, Volume 1, 2 & 3 </em>by Daedcarus<em>.</em>


    Eh? Eh? Not bad, eh? he said, conjuring three forcedisks<strong></strong>and nine Wizards Hands. Alrighty, ygon. He set each book on a disk, flipping the covers open to page one. Id like you to look these over, okay? Wizards Handsll hold the books and turn the pages for you, so all you have to do is keep looking at the different puzzles and studying them. Youll thank meter, trust me.


    Nodding to ygon, he willed each of the glowing disks to rise, angling them toward the golem; each book hovered at eye-level giving him afortable position to read from. To keep the books in ce, Alex used one Wizards Hand per book to hold it steady.


    ygon never visually acknowledged Alexs words, but he did focus on the puzzle books, turning his head toward each page whenever one was changed.


    Alex chuckled. Good job, buddy. Good job. Hopefully, thatll give your mind something to concentrate on. Something to chew through while its forming.


    ncing up at the encampment wall, he noted the growing crowd of spectators and gave them a wave. They probably think Im crazy because of the stuff Im doing with you, ygon, butI dont mind. Youre worth it.


    His smile faded. And, youre special, you know. Very special.


    From the deepest corners of his mind a memory so faded it was like a phantom brushing by, surfaced: a sunlit day beneath a big tree, a pic with his mother long before Selina was born, and faded words:


    <em>Youre my special little boy, Alex. Because Uldar gave you to me.</em>


    Alex smiled, happy to pass those words on. Youre special to me, ygon, for a lot of reasons. Because Selina and I made you. Because youve been through a lot with us. Those are the most important reasons.


    <em>Fwp. Fwp. Fwp.</em>


    Pages turned. ygon scanned them closely.


    But, I want you to understandtheres more to it than that. Im not only being caring when I say youre not like any other golem in the world. Your cores actually made of some really special stuff. It makes you stronger than other golems. Its probably whats making your mind grow tooor maybe that parts all you. Nobody really knows, and thats what makes you even more special. Youre a mystery my friend. Sowhat Toraka Shale said


    Alex paused, trying to figure how best to phrase what he wanted to tell him. she has no idea how remarkable you really are. Not to me. Not to Selina. Not to all of our friends. And she definitely doesnt understand whats inside you. He looked up at the setting sun then tapped ygons chest right where his golem core was. Thats hope burning in you, you know? Thats hope and promise thats been built from past darkness for a brighter future. As your minds developing, I want you to remember that. Especially, if an explosion or anything like what happened this morning gets me. Orlike age; youre basically immortal as far as I can tell, and unless I find something life-changing with time, I probably wont live forever. Ill live as long as I can, but the point is, I might not be around one day. And I want you to be able to go on if something happens to me.


    There was no response from ygon: he just continued scanning the pages. But that was alright, all that mattered was that the mind forming inside of him heard all of this as it was developing. In the summer, Professor Salinger had taught the ss that a nt only grows properly if its fed, sunned, and watered.


    The same would be true for ygons growing mind, and Alex promised himself that hed give him what he needed to help him thrive.


    Alright you think about that and enjoy your books, the young wizard said, turning his attention from ygon to; Currents<em>: A Guide to Mid-Level Mana Regeneration. Achoo! Achoo! Achoo! </em>The sneezing began. Hed tried blowing all the dust away, but enough still clung to the book, sending him into a sneezing fit every time he opened it. Upper year mana maniption courses werent all that popr, leaving books on the subject mostynguishing on the shelves. <em>Achoo! </em>Another sneeze. Good health to ya, Rips voice called from atop the wall. Thanks, Alex called back, stifling another sneeze. Hed already begun reading it on his sky-gond rides between campus, and Shales workshop, speed-reading through the dry introductory parts, and marking passages rmended by Professor ValRok.


    Flipping to the first marked section, he read a passage on the mana regeneration technique detailed there:


    <em>What separates elementary and advanced mana maniption is how one interacts with ones mana pool. Archwizard Hsekiu was the first to discover higher level mana regeneration, inspired by watching an electric current pass through his copper forkby way of an ident involving a magical toolthat caused the chunk of pork he supped upon to flex as though alive. Being a practised researcher, he carefully observed the phenomenon, then replicated it with lightning magic.</em>


    <em>He examined the pork using an array of lenses predating modern picoscopes while running electricity through the meat and noting how it caused muscle fibres to be stimted, contracting all at once. Inspiredand already a practised mana maniption specialisthe theorised that mana could be used to run a current through the edges of ones own mana pool, creating a stimulus far more powerful andprehensive than the more massage based techniques that he had been previously using.</em>


    <em>After numerous years of trial, error and self-experimentationnot to mention a few self-inflicted injuries along the wayHsekiu seeded in creating a new technique that proved far more useful to those wizards capable of wielding fourth-tier or fifth-tier spells and above.</em>


    <em>To this day, Hsekius mana regeneration technique remains the most powerful one avable to modern wizards, at least among techniques that allow the mana pool to remain unaugmented. All higher level techniques require active augmentation or alteration to ones mana pool, whiches with its own dangers. Such techniques are not discussed in this book.</em>


    While Alex was curious about what these augmentations or alterations were, he kept focused on the description of Hsekius technique. But, before the book went into how the process worked, it presented several warnings cautioning that the technique should <em>never</em> be attempted by one inexperienced with specialised mana maniption and regeneration skills:


    <em>Make no mistake. If you are reading this because you have mastered fourth-tier spells and are ready to break through to fifth-tier magic </em><em><strong>but</strong></em><em> you have never before engaged in the art of mana maniption, then I must ask you to put this book down, dear reader. Too many wizards mistake high skill in spellcraft for equivalent skill in mana maniption. They are wrong. Going into Hsekius technique without proper preparation has led to mana reversals, explosions of the mana pool, strokes, heart attacks, brain destruction, and even death. If you cannot master Itos Spiral, then you do not have the precision necessary for the technique. To properly perform Hsekius technique, a wizard must be able to split their mana into hundreds of thousands of streams, and then control each as well as they might control their own fingers. Perhaps even better.</em>


    Itos spiral mastered? Check.


    <em>If you have the prerequisite skills and are simply adventuresome, then read ahead. Hsekius technique works as follows.</em>


    What came after was a series of long,plex paragraphs that the author had buried in as much technical jargon as he could. At times, it felt like hed switched to anothernguage. Still, Alex had enough learning behind him to trante the terminology and break down the main points. He made detailed notes.<ol><li><strong>There are uncountable fibres that make up ones mana pool. Too many for any mortal wizard to connect to all of them directly.</strong></li><li><strong>The fibres of a mana pool all run in a single direction.</strong></li><li><strong>Like a piece of copper wire conducting electricity, these fibres can conduct mana.</strong></li><li><strong>This is done by breaking your mana into hundreds of thousands of streams, then connecting them to a row of fibres on one side of your mana pools edge. These are called the entrance connections.</strong></li><li><strong>You then connect your mana to another row of fibres on the opposite side of your mana pool. These are called the exit connections.</strong></li><li><strong>You pour your mana into the entrance connections, run it through the fibres then pull it back into the centre of your pool through the exit connections. This creates a currentwhich is probably why the book is named currents.</strong></li><li><strong>Like muscle fibres, the edges of a mana pool grow hyper-stimted through that current.</strong></li><li><strong>When hyper-stimted, theyll produce mana at an extraordinarily quick rate.</strong></li><li><strong>The level of mana used must be just right, or youllpletely destroy your mana pool.</strong></li></ol>


    Alex tapped his pen on the page, looking for anything he mightve missed in his notes. He even called on the Mark, letting it focus on the task of copying information, but it didnt guide him to any overlooked details.


    He took a deep breath, focusing his mind.


    Alright. Sinking down on the grass, crossing his legs and setting his hands on his knees, he began.


    A deep breath steadied him, then, he concentrated on his senses. First came the scent of grass. Then he noticed the sun on the horizon. His skin felt cool currents of fall air. His ears


    <em>Fwp. Fwp. Fwp.</em>


    heard the pages of ygons puzzle books flipping behind him.


    He was centred.


    Lets begin, he spoke softly, closing his eyes.


    Falling deeper into himself, Alex slowly closed his mind to all distractions. Then he activated the Mark, intent only on manipting mana. Memories of Itos Spiral came back, guiding his consciousness as it sank deeper into his spirit. Soon, his senses receded from his mind like the world was falling away, reced by a single, powerful sensation.


    Mana.


    It thrummed within, a deep pool of power with plenty to spare despite how much hed drained earlier that day casting mana to life to help the injured. If he seeded with the technique, his mana pool would overflow with energy.


    Carefully, Alex reached out to the edges of his mana pool, focusing his senses. The same way hed noticed the tiny pathways in Itos Spiral, he felt the minute fibres that made up the side of his pool. Hed withdraw from the edge for a whisper, then touch it again, repeatedly building more memories of sesses for the Mark. The longer he focused, the more it guided him in his task.


    The more it guided him, the more defined and clear the fibres became in his senses.


    <em>Wow!</em>


    What once felt like a single, unbroken surface, now felt textured and full of life. Enjoy the moment, soak it in. He thought, awestruck. Not too many wizards honed their senses to the point where they could feel their own mana so strongly.


    Waves of power crashed over his senses.


    He let himself feel the electric texture of his mana pools fibres, he let it steep for a bit.


    Then, it was time to get to work.


    Breaking his mana into hundreds of thousands of streams, Alex searched out a row of fibres and connected the streams to the fibres.


    Entrance connections created.


    He then reached out to the opposite side<strong></strong>of his mana pool and connected the mana streams to fibres.


    Exit connections created.


    With a long exhale, he began pouring his mana into the entrance connections. Fibres twitched.


    And then he felt it.


    A flow of power.


    An ignition.

 Chapter 322: The Mana Fountain

    Chapter 322: The Mana Fountain


    A current of power exploded through Alexs mana pool, threatening to flood the entrance pathways. The muscle in his jaw clenched hard while he fought the mana tide flooding in. It had to be controlled, slowed, if it wasnt, the deluge would tear his fibres to shreds and burst his mana pool like soap bubbles. That wouldnt be a good thingat all.


    Think of Itos Spiral, he thought, calling on the Marks power. Think of the Cleansing Movements: no rush of power. Just a soft, poised, even flow. Graceful. Like controlling your own hand.


    Slowly, he tapered it, reining it in like an excited stallion. He soothed his mana using careful, deliberate guidance, calming the flow to a gentle stream, finally regainingplete control.


    Keep the movement measured. Alex whispered.


    With care and precision, the streams of power flowed into the entrance pathways, and from there, into his fibres with an uracy born from dozens of hours of practise with Itos Spiral. Where his streams of mana had once beenrge and clumsy, now they responded to his every thought with agility beyond his ability to control even his own hand.


    He explored the fibres with his mana, testing them, adjusting his power. Initially, it felt like they were vibrating from the energy passing<strong></strong>through<strong></strong>them, shuddering like an old pane of ss on a windy day. He remembered what the book had said, and adjusted his flow of mana, stabilising the fibres, settling them into that hyper-stimtion it had described. Heartbeats passed, he was making sure that the fibres were in no danger and thenwhen he was satisfiedhe reached across his mana pool and crafted the exit pathways.


    Once the connections linked, his mana resisted, trying to pull away, desperate to race through his fibres to the new pathways. So he let it go. Guiding hundreds of thousands of streams as they raced through the fibres of his mana pools edges, until a rush of power came.


    Then mana ran like water.


    Every fibre of his pool suddenly churned out mana likeva spraying from Vesuvius shell. The sensation was so surprising, that his eyes actually flew open. Hsekius technique was astonishing,pletely eclipsing<strong></strong>his other mana regeneration techniques.


    His mana was recovering five times as fastno, maybe ten? Maybe even more. He felt invigorated from the top of his head down to his toes.


    What incredible possibilities Hsekius could open for him. Alex smiled in satisfaction then closed his eyes again, nning on refining his new skill by using the Mark. He cut the current, erased the pathways, then rebuilt them again with the Marks guidance. Again and again, he repeated the process until it felt as familiar as an old glove.


    Yeessss, good, he said, feeling the mana rising.


    In no time, his pool was re-filled. Time for a check. He cut the technique to carefully examine his fibres and look for damage or tiny tears that could worsen.


    Fortunately, everyst one was intact, with not even a single tear. His fibres felt normal, healthy, a little stressedwhich was supposed to be a normal reaction to Hsekius techniquebut otherwise fine. Hed have to remember that fibres could sustain damage or be overworked, leading to bigger problems if he didnt rest and care for them properly; ording to <em>Currents,</em> theyd build up resilience over time and allow him to use the technique more, but until then, care was in order.


    He didnt mind that, being able to refill his mana pool so quickly was a massive step toward his goals.


    The beginning of the day had been a walking nightmare, but in the end, it turned out to be a really good finish to it. Alex smiled and opened the notebook titled <em>Operation Grand Summoning Ascension</em> and made a check-mark beside the phrase <strong>Advance Your Mana Regeneration.</strong>


    He could work on the next two parts simultaneously.


    First, hed have to examine his fibres and monitor <em>exactly</em> how they were affected by the mana current. The more he knew, the more hed be able to generalise the process for another step of his n.


    Then, hed need to get to work on Rejuvenating Slumber right away. The new mana regeneration technique would let him practise for longer, and if he could use Rejuvenating Slumber to cut down on sleep, then his training time wouldpound.


    Advantages and benefits of new power called to Alex, and he was eager to answer.


    And just as eager to test out his new limits.


    He took the blood magic spell-guide and notebook from his bag, and checked how much progress hed made.


    <strong>10% Completed.</strong>


    That was after practising a few times back in Generasi, but now, it was time to step things up and immerse himself.


    The magic circuit fired.


    The mana flowed.


    Andthe Mark interfered.


    But with newly expanded mana regeneration abilities, he could push through. Repetition had always been his ally, and now, he could repeat spells almost as many times as he chose to. Alex counted, and with almost forty tries behind him, his mana pool finally began to run low.


    And so he fell back into Hsekius technique, feeling a current of power flow into his fibres, hyper-stimting them with a tidal wave of mana. Soon, his mana reserves were restored.


    This is awesome, Alex said, excitedly. Man, I wish I couldve done this a year ago. How much further would I be, not just with mana regeneration, but with spells too?


    In time, the size of his mana pool would expand to where Hsekius couldnt increase it anymore. But, for now? It was like an endless Sigmus Day. He dove back into the spell, repeating it another forty times before his mana pool ran dry.


    Phew, Im really getting hot! Alex said, wiping his brow. Despite the growing chill of<strong></strong>autumn in Thamnd, sweat shone on his forehead and trickled down his back.


    Maybe take a break and check on my fibres before I use the technique again, he thought, and falling deep within, he turned his senses to the edges of his mana pool.


    The fibres were stressed, twitching now and then from over-stimtion.


    Yeah, definitely time to give them a break, he said, closing Rejuvenating Slumbers spell-guide and recording his progress<strong></strong>in the notebook.


    <strong>30%.</strong>


    Alex grinned in satisfaction. Looks like the dawn of a new day, ygon, butbefore we move on, lets mark your progress, he said, taking three bookmarks from his bag and marking the open pages of his golems puzzle-books then putting everything away for the next session. He gave a long stretch.


    Alrighty, its time to dance, he said. Ill obviously be guiding you through the steps, but I think it''s time we practised dancing together. You ready?


    The golem stood there impassively.


    Alex waited, wondering if thered be another gentle touch through their mental connection, but nothing came. That was alright, though. He was patient.


    Well, I guess youre as ready as youll ever be, the young wizard said, loosening up. So, lets get into first stance together, shall we?


    He dropped into first stance, raising his arms to first position and channelling mental guidance to ygon, counselling him into a mirror image of himself. Then, wizard and golem danced together, slowly sliding from stance, to position, to step, to stance. It was challenging guiding the hulking golem through such precise movements, especially since Alex also had to maintain the proper positions and rhythm. Butthe Mark helpedmaking the task easier until soon, Alex had fewer directions to give ygon, while the four-armed construct retained more of the dance with only a few general mental directions.


    By the time the sun had settled low enough that evening melted into twilight, Alex and ygon were well in-sync; the long list of corrections and instructions had shrunk to a few brief mental prompts.


    <em>Thoom.</em>


    Theynded the final step.


    And there it is, the Spear-and-Oar dance, ygon. Theresa and I learned it from our friends Fan-Dor and Gel-Dorst year, and now you know it too. Alexughed and bowed to his partner. Well have to modify it a bit more since you have four arms instead of two, but those are the basics. Cant wait to try it inbat with you. Next time Ill teach you


    He was interrupted by the sound of apuse.


    At first, he thought the expedition memberswhod been watching from the wallwere showing them some appreciation, but a nce toward the top showed their audience was long gone.


    The apuse was also onlying from one pair of hands. And from closer.


    Whatre you looking up there for? Theresas voice called.


    He turned to see his girlfriend descending<strong></strong>a hill, still pping as she approached with a huge smile on her face.


    Ugh, I <em>must</em> be tired, Alex said, meeting her and taking her gloved hands.


    Well, youve had a long day. She stood on her toes and gave him a quick kiss then turned and smiled at ygon. Very nice moves, big guy. I guess Alex and Selina didnt build you with two left feet, after all.


    If Id wanted to, Selina wouldve stopped me, Alex chuckled, then grew more serious, squeezing her hands. Wherere the others? Howre things on the moors?


    Theyre a bit behind me. I wanted to get back and check on you. And the moors were quiet, Theresa said, ncing up at the dark strip staining the sky from the mushroom cloud. Very quiet. I was sure the explosion wouldve brought monsters out in the open. We watched the horizon all day while Khalik and his team pulled big rocks from the ground. Butthere was nothing, at least nothing we saw.


    She frowned at the setting sun. If theres going to be any movement, it''ll probably be tonight.


    Well, thats a fun thought. its just been a wagon load of fun thoughts today, Alex paused. Listenif anything happens to me, I want you to take car of Seli


    His words were silenced by a gloved finger pressed to his lips. Dont. Nothings going to happen to you. Nothings going to happen to me.


    Look, if its a fight, Id bet on us, even if the odds are against us His voice dropped to a whisper. Like how we beat the Hive-Queen, right? But an ambush at the right timeor something random like that explosion couldwell, we cant do anything about that.


    She frowned. TruebutI dont know what to say to that. Except maybe just pray to the Traveller it doesnt happen.


    Yeah, Alex said. She seems to be protecting us so farmaybe shell keep watching out for us.


    Im sure she is, Theresa smiled. Nowits getting dark and cold. Lets get behind the walls. We can get something to eat. Maybe talk for a while by the fire. Have a warm cup of pine needle tea. Chase some of those dark thoughts away. Even for a moment. Then tomorrow, itll be a new day.


    Alex thought about that.


    With a deep breath, he drank in the moment.


    Hed learned a mana regeneration technique suited for wizards with farrger mana pools and experience.Hed made 20% more progress with a blood magic spell in only a part day of practice. Hed started teaching ygon the Spear and Oar dance. Hed talked to Shale and sowed the seeds of future ns.


    And right now, he was holding the woman he loved.


    All in all, it had been a good day.


    He could let go of ghosts. Even for a little while.


    Youre right, Theresa. He gave her a long kiss. Lets just enjoy the night as best we can. The dark things in the world will keep for one night.


    Holding hands, Alex and Theresa walked toward the encampment, followed by ygon.


    They didnt give a second thought to the birds flying above.


    Things were sliding further out of control.


    Shrouded on the canopy of a treecrouched among leaves of red and brownthe final Hunter watched the clouds drift, its eyes fixed on the dark sliver of smog that was dissipating.


    It snarled at it.


    Earlier that morning, an explosion had rocked thend.


    A force had stuck the earth hard enough to shake the leaves from the trees. The cloud of ck smoke had risen high into the air, and an intensity of mana had erupted. Such power. It had shaken the Hunter and frightened its hag allies.


    Through their bird-spies, the hags and their helpers had watched the event far more closely. The sh of light had blinded some of their spies and sent them shrieking with overwhelmed mana senses. And now, the two sisters<strong></strong>had gone to work, calling more shambling nt monsters to do their will.


    And so the Hunter would go to work too.


    It wasreluctant to beg the Ravener for more forces to crush these new enemies. It had no desire to give its master more cause for doubt. But, after the explosion, one thing was clearer, these mortals were more powerful and dangerous than was healthy. It would need more help.


    Turning to a nearby worker-spider, the Hunter growled: Return home to your dungeon. Instruct your core to make me a Hive-Queen.

 Chapter 323: Sleep Demon

    Chapter 323: Sleep Demon


    A massive demon burst into the world through a column of fire and brimstone.


    The mes crackled with an evil intelligence, wing at the invisible walls of the summoning circle and hissing their rage when they couldnt break free. Within the inferno, a shadowy form materialised. Arms the size of tree trunks. Legs as thick as temple columns. A towering heightapproaching twenty-five feet tall scraped the soaring chamber ceiling.


    A snarl twisted the Lurkers face, the me demons scaleslike burning rubiesbristled with wrath. Light burned through its eyes like miniature suns, and lightning crackled between six horns that crowned a misshapen skull as it raised a fist the size of Alexs torso.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    With a rumbling growl, the fist clenched and struck the invisible barrier. <em>Release me summoner! Now!</em> it demanded, its demonguage piercing the ear with sharp, alien sybles. <em>If you do not, then when I free myself from this circle, mortal, you</em>


    Mortal? Baelin repeated the worda note of amusement in his voiceusing the demons ownnguage with perfect pronunciation. How presumptuous of you. Perhaps those lights in your eyes are not nearly as piercing as they look.


    His flippant tone only stoked the demons rage; its me red so brightly, Alex couldnt look at it directly. Sweating from a heat that seemed to reach his soul, he took a quick look at ygon calmly standing at the edge of the room. He was there if Alex needed him, a calm presence in stark contrast to the demons rage.


    <em>You court death</em>, the Lurker said.<em> You call me to this realm. You insult meI dont know how you mustered the power to summon one such as I, but know that no bargain will save you. I will find your name and</em>


    I give it freely. Have you heard the name The ancient wizard uttered a strange sound: a cloud of sybles that defied understanding, like an entire books worth of words all condensed into a single noise. While Alex was trying to puzzle out any meaning, the Lurker in me let out what sounded like a gasp.


    <em>You! Whatwhat do you want?</em> its tone changed, fear now apparent in its voice.


    Well would you look at that, respect! A much better way to begin this hopefully short rtionship, Baelin smiled. Have you ever heard of a Hannar-cim? Or


    The ancient wizard asked the demon a flurry of questions slowly and calmly while Alex watched. It answered no each time, growing more flustered and fearful.


    <em>I do not know anything about this Hannar-cim! </em>the demon growled with dread. <em>But I do know that my liege, Ezaliel, harbours a grudge against you</em>


    I also know that, Baelin said, his voice seemingly pleasant. For the moment, that holds no interest for me. Do you have anything else to say?


    <em>No, that is all I know! Please have mercy!</em>


    With a sigh, Baelin waved a hand. Very well. Begone, then.


    There was a whoosh like air being sucked from a ss vessel, then the circle copsed, disappearing in a puff of foul smelling smoke.


    Another failure, the ancient wizard said. But that is the way of things.


    Great, Alex muttered in irritation. Guess its my turn?


    Indeed. Baelin strolled to his desk, picking up a deep mug of hot cocoa teleported from his favourite cocoa bar in Sengezi. Thete moonlight poured through the towering office windows, making the chancellors shadow fall long across the floor. More cocoa?


    How could I say no, chancellor? Alex said, preparing to conjure a lesser demon.


    He checked his mana reserves; over thest few hours of demon summoning hed drained his pool twice, refilling it each time using his new technique. His fibres were building a tolerance to the hyper-stimtion, but were still being stressed; theyd take a current one more time before hed need to rest them for the night. Falling into himself, he began running his mana through the fibres, enjoying the rush of power.


    You seem to be getting quite the handle on Hsekius technique, Baelin said between sips. I trust its serving you well?


    Its great, Alex said. Ive been using it for a few days now and the longer practice time is helping me learn Rejuvenating Sleep faster.


    AhRejuvenating Sleep, Baelin said, with a nostalgic note in his voice. I might have known youd have an interest in that, what with all your reflections on power recently.


    What do you mean?


    Rejuvenating Sleep is a spell wizards who obsess over power are often inclined to attempt. It does not always help everyone, but it can be a path to gaining a considerable amount of time in ones day, the chancellor said. If I multiplied the sheer amount of time I lost to sleep before such spells existed, it would add up to a <em>depressing</em> number. Possibly the range of an average lifetime or two.


    RightIve been kinda wishing that I didnt have to sleep at all, Alex nced over at ygon. You know, like him.


    The golem was studying his puzzle books quietly and dutifully; these were new ones Alex had asked Selina to borrow from the Junior Schools library. His little sister hadnt needed much convincing to get in on what was unofficially called Operation Cultured ygon: the thought of an educated ygon had thrilled her, and shed taken to reading storybooks to him after her studies were finished for the day. The hulking construct would silently crouch beside her while she read, but no one knew whether or not he was actually listening.


    But if he was, Selinas storytimes meant a nice bit of variety in his learning curriculum. After all, having him look at the same puzzle books repeatedly sounded less like a good way to nurture his mind, and more of a way to nurture madness. Selinas stories had also inspired Alex to teach ygon his letters once his mind was fully formed; the idea of a golem that knew how to read wouldnt have been too thrilling to wizards like Minervus, but Alex thought itd be pretty cool.


    Theres a lot for him to learn, he said. And he has all the time in the world to do it.


    Do not envy those made of y and magic, Alex. Baelin put his cup down. Mortality has its own benefits. Death is a gift to some. The monotony of ones own heartbeat bestoo much for many.


    Well, ygons heart is made of hope, dreams and incredible magic power, so its a lot more interesting than mine. Plus, he doesnt need sleep, like I said, and thats pretty cool.


    Alex paused considering the benefits he could get from Rejuvenating Slumber.


    Hopefully, my sleep timell cut way down since sleeping means a lot of time wasted, and for now, time is immutable. I have a lot I want to get done, and there just arent enough hours in the day to do it all.


    He looked at the empty area of Baelins office where hed soon be summoning another demon. Kinda like this in a way. Theres got to be a way to find Hannar-cim faster, or someone that either knows her, or knows something about her!


    Patience, Alex, patience, Baelin said. A Proper Wizard takes the time they need to aplish what needs to be done, as long as the task is worthy.


    What if we dont have time? Alex asked.


    Then a Proper Wizard <em>creates</em> the time, Baelin countered. We will find your Hannar-cim eventually. We willbine perseverance with evolving strategy. Do not let thoughts of sudden explosions make you believe that there is a need for hurry when there is none.


    By this point, Alex wasnt surprised that Baelin had seen to the heart of his troubled thoughts so quickly. Yeah, Im trying to think that way but... By the way, did you learn anything when you checked out the explosion site?


    Only that there was no poison.


    Poison? Alex cocked his head.


    A member of my cabal once warned me of certainenergetic effects leaving invisible poisons in the air. But there was none of that, fortunately. So, only the potential for progress lingers.


    Right Alex said, knowing better than to ask more. As far as he knew, no one on campus knew anything about Baelins cabal, and nobody asked. He wouldnt be the one pushing his head into a bears den with unwise questions. Sowhat kind of poison?


    Baelin gave him a long look. Suffice to say, it does not matter. There is none of it at the site of the explosion. But, enough of that for now. Already, Professor Jules and the other professors are discussing applications for this new discovery. If applied properly, abination of chaos essence and dungeon core remains could be an incredible power source. Not to mention a fine weapon.


    Maybe too fine, Alex said. ButI dunno, maybe folk said the same thing when the fireball spell was invented.


    As a matter of fact, they did, by my recollection. At the time, some foresaw a world where every wizard would simply consume anything that annoyed them in a raging inferno. Some did, of course, but soon others came to recognise that those who threw fireballs were stillin factvulnerable to other fireballs themselves. Or arrows. Or spears. Or ws. Or any other tool of death. Worry not for the progress of the tools of violence, my young friend. Worry as to whether or not they can be used against you. Now then, shall we continue?


    Alex yawned, holding his hand over mouth. Yeah, sure.


    Baelin paused. Hm, quite the yawn there. Perhaps you are pressing yourself too hard? Shall we break until another time? As I said, there is no hurry.


    Easy to think when youre immortal, Alex thought.


    Im still good to go. I have plenty of mana left, was what he actually said out loud.


    But what of your mental fatigue? You do not know Rejuvenating Slumber just yet.


    Im 85% of the way there, the young wizard said. The past few days practising had helped him make lightning-fast progress. Ill get there soon.


    Indeed. But that day is not today, Baelin said. When did you get up this morning?


    Get up? Alex asked. I went right from a shift at Shales to practising Rejuvenating Sleep, then to ss, then doing things at home, then here.


    The chancellor frowned. No wonder you are yawning. Go home for the night.


    Yeah, but, its just temporary Alex said. Ill crunch for a bit and learn Rejuvenating Slumber whichll give me a lot of extra time. Itll be worth it.


    Hm, not if your health copses. And I do not think summoning demons while exhausted is a good idea. Even with me present. Go home, Alex.


    Come on, I just


    Prepare to be teleported.


    Baelin raised his hands.


    No wai


    There was a rush of teleportation magic. Alex felt a lurch in his belly. Images rapidly flew by.


    And then, cool air touched his skin.


    He and ygon were suddenly standing in front of Alexs ins.


    ...dammit, Baelin, Alex swore at the ancient wizardfrom the safety of distance. For a heartbeat, he considered marching right back to the chancellors office, but quickly dismissed the thought, very quickly.


    Still, he had too much energy to sleep.


    Almost out of spite, he walked away from the ins, heading to a copse of trees nearby. There he sat down beside ygon and opened up Rejuvenating Slumber.


    Alright. He cracked his knuckles. Fifteen percent left and Ive got a pool full of mana. Lets see how this goes.


    Despite fatigue, Alex concentrated on the magic circuit, studying it closely. Spite was powerful fuel as it turned out, and he found his fatigue slipping away. Driving himself through the spell array, he made steady progress and recorded each advancement.


    After three tries: <strong>86%.</strong>


    After five: <strong>87%.</strong>


    After another two: <strong>89%.</strong>


    Then another five: <strong>92%.</strong>


    To his frustration, he got stuck at <strong>92%</strong>, making no progress for ten tries in a row.


    Thenattempt twenty-six: <strong>93%.</strong>


    Another try: <strong>94%.</strong>


    Two more: <strong>96%.</strong>


    Four more: <strong>98%.</strong>


    His mana was running low.


    But, his determination wasnt.


    Two more: <strong>99%.</strong>


    Then finally


    A strange calm fell over him as the magic circuitpleted. Mana rushed through his body, rxing every vessel, organ, and sinew. Alex felt like he was sinking in a sea of soft sand.


    Perhaps, casting that particr spell outdoors in the middle of a stand of trees hadnt been the best idea.


    The sun was shining on the back of Alexs neck when he woke up. Maybe the burning sensation had been one of the things that woke him.


    Wha he groaned, prying the side of his face from the tree root hed copsed on.


    His clothes were covered in branches and dust, while his body and head feltabsolutely amazing. He felt better and more refreshed than he had in days.


    Despite having passed out on the hard ground.


    He looked up at ygon. Thanks for watching over me, buddy. Now Im about to be a hell of a lot more like you.


    Over the next few days, Alexbined Rejuvenating Slumber with skills he developed through the Mark: skills that helped with sleep. Images of specific breathing techniques he used for meditation, along with ways hed stretched his muscles, and a sleeping position that conformed to his body, came to him. All came together, and sleep grew more restful, and more efficient.


    The following night he stayed awake until morning. The night after<strong></strong>he awoke fully rested with the moon still high in the sky.


    And after another day of practice? He reached his goal.


    He woke up feeling fresh, checked his new timekeeper and realised what hed aplished.


    After only two hours of sleep, hed had enough rest to leave him feeling fully rested in body and mind.


    By pairing the Mark with Rejuvenating Slumber, he now only needed two hours to feel as refreshed as after a long nights sleep.


    Alex wanted to scream in victory, but all he could do was a few silent fist pumps since Brutus, Selina and Theresa were still sound asleep.


    So, he got to work instead.


    Using stealth to move to his desk, he opened up the spell-guide for Warp Flesh and pulled out a notebook, flipping to thest page hed written on. There, his progress was recorded as: <strong>25% </strong>after only a few days. What a difference being able to quickly regenerate his mana was making. At this rate, hed likely finish learning the spell in a couple more days.


    And then?


    Then he wouldbine Warp Flesh, the mana maniption technique from Itos Spiral, and the framework of Hsefius technique to test out a theory.


    If his idea workedhe could achieve a level reached by almost no one. A culmination of skill, knowledge, mana and physical training with one goal


    peak strength; a concentration of strength experienced by very few.

 Chapter 324: Warping Flesh

    Chapter 324: Warping Flesh


    The idea hade from meat, which was a bit strange.


    Meat wasnt exactly inspirational, unless someone was looking to create a new dish, or an artistic taxidermy object for their library. Alex, however, hadnt been inspired to make a new culinary breakthrough, and he didnt have a library.


    The idea for a new <em>physical</em> breakthrough had sparked and was burning in his mind as he quietly practised Warp Flesh in his room by moon, and forceball light. He was filled with energy after a two hour session of rejuvenating sleep, and was thinking about the image of power that had awakened some weeks ago when hed climbed the winding stairs to ValRoks office.


    It was the professors lunch that had motivated the idea currently ying in his head: sparked from a hunk of meat from the mana maniption professors midday meal which hedpared to the fibres that make up the edges of a wizards mana pool. The lizardfolk wizard had described how a pools fibres became hyper-stimted when a current was passed through them, generating more mana in the process.


    That had birthed the curious thought in Alexs mind and led to some investigating.


    A mana pools fibres function was to produce mana, so they poured more mana out when hyper-stimted.


    And<strong></strong>what were the fibres for in a muscles<strong></strong>typical functions: to lift, pull, support


    and grow.


    So what would happen if <em>they</em> were hyper-stimted in the same way? He remembered<strong></strong>one of his first alchemy lessons from Professor Jules:


    <em>Body enhancement potions work by pouring mana directly into the body, in order to temporarily energise its processes, </em>shed said. <em>This can result in increased strength, speed or vitality, or all of the above if higher grade versions of the potions are used. However, even the focused versions do enhance the entire body: one simply uses particr ingredients and mana maniption to focus that enhancement on a single physical aspect, such as increasing strength, for example.</em>


    He also remembered another anecdote Professor Jules used in that same ss:


    <em>The Tauzhian Empire used to make a practice of raising a caste of children into a sort of enhanced warrior through a careful regime of training, diet and a constant supply of rtively low-grade body enhancement potions.</em>


    It was simr to what Kybas was doing for Harmless, fuelling his growth with mushroom-based body enhancement potions. Alex hadnt seen his friend or the little crocodile for a while, bust time theyd met up for lunchHarmless body wasnt exactly little anymore. Kybas steady supply of body enhancement potions had done wonders.


    But could body enhancement potions help adults grow muscle?


    Someone must have tried it before.


    Alex had scoured the library, looking at books on alchemy and anatomy in between practice and study sessions. Hed learned that long dead wizards <em>had</em> tried to use body enhancement and various magics to increase muscle growth.


    The results had beenless than exciting.


    There was the case of the Tauzhian Empire, but their process had been fueled by a now extinct nt; trying to replicate their results with modern potion recipes would be extremely expensive, plus the subjects used for the process were children. Still, over the centuries and millennia, the lure of developing the body had tempted<strong></strong>others to consider various experiments.


    An anecdote on one process that created bloodwalkerscreatures Baelin had mentioned in one of their first conversations about the Irtyshenan Empirehad caught Alexs eye: it was a brief reference in an ount about how such a creature was found in the forests of Kymnd to the empires west. A monster simr to the wed beasts that had attacked Patrizia DePaolos ball.


    Unfortunately, the books had little more to teach about them:


    <em>The process to create bloodwalkers is one of the most highly guarded secrets in all the Empire, which is quite a feat in thatnd of secrets. They say that even the archons, provincial generals, nobility and knights do not know what strange recipes andbinations go into the creation of each bloodwalker. Only those in the dour order of bloodwalkers themselves know what strange alchemy and fleshwarping is used to transform mortalkind into supernatural monster killers.</em>


    <em>Even less is known of the strange concoctions that bloodwalkers craft from their enemies vital fluids and organs to increase their strength over time. Many have died trying to gain those secrets. Many more have died to keep them.</em>


    Then there were other processes listed, but with scant details. Alchemical baths. Immersion in dragon blood. Vivisection. Imntation of magical items into the flesh. Transmutation magic. Soul-switching into another body. But, all of these either had ws, limited uses, were expensive, called for legendary ingredients; or were inessible to him.


    The only simple and<em> somewhat</em> essible method for physical enhancement he couldve tried was from a case in Generasi from two centuries ago. In those ancient times, an athlete and member of the aristocratic ss had contracted with<strong></strong>an alchemist to provide him with a constant supply of body enhancement potions, which hed<strong></strong>guzzle while training for the Games of Roal.


    A year and a small forter saw him taking the gold medal in thend race. Hed recorded his progress and found thered been a thirty percent increase in the rate at which hed built his strength and muscle size, butconsidering the thousands of gold pieces spent, it really wasnt all that impressive.


    Others pursuing physical strength had tried body enhancement spells while training instead, but while many of them imed theyd grown much faster using these methods, any permanent increase in strength was found to have no statistically significant advantage over regr exercise.


    In the end, most textbooks hed looked at had concluded that body enhancement magic and alchemy for permanent growth, was far more effective on those still growinglike childrennot adults.


    No wonder Kybas was desperate to get his hands on a potion supply before Harmless finished growing, Alex had thought after one particrly fruitless research session.


    In the end, what hed learned was that<strong></strong>others had <em>tried </em>various methods, but so far, he hadnt found any ount of anyone attempting something simr to the<strong></strong>mad idea brewing in his head.


    So, hed turned his attention from the few failed methods hed found, hoping to find something useful in the study of body mechanics. Unfortunately, there hadnt been <em>that</em> much avable on the workings of muscle fibres. A few wizards had looked at muscle tissue through poscopes or their archaic precursors, but most seemed to have had little interest in mundane body mechanics.


    The one exception in the group were blood magic practitioners.


    Blood mages had entire bookshelves on anatomy, with <em>incredibly</em> detailed studies on the humanoid body in them. Some of the findings theyd published were actually quite gruesome and not ethical in the least. Page after page of <em><strong>very </strong></em>detailed diagrams well-suited to nightmares. As Baelin and Jules had implied, wizards had done terrible things to gain knowledge and power, and those of the past werent so constrained by modernws or ethics.


    Theirs were the old ways.


    Ways that authors of some of those textbooks had seemed nostalgic for; in sidebars theydmented that: <em>modern ethics in research slowed progress when it came to the umtion of knowledge.</em>


    Professor Jules would have some pretty pointed things to say about that, Alex had thought while in the library turning page after page and finding <em>very</em> realistic diagrams that would''ve made most lose their lunch. And Id agree with her. Ethics and safety are importantmana vampires and Ravener spawn excluded. Actually pretty much anything that tries to kill me excluded. Gotta admit though, theres a <em>lot</em> of useful information in some of these studies.


    Hed eventually found a book that talked about the mechanics of muscle growth gained through exercise which detailed how muscles tore themselves down then rebuilt. It exined that stressing a muscle by repeatedly lifting something heavy, caused micro-tears to the muscle fibres which the body repaired withrger, stronger fibres over a period<strong></strong>of days. There was a bnce to it. Too little exertion meant too few, or even no tears to make the muscle fibres increase in strength or size. As Baelin had said, things only developed in the face of necessity, and if the body didnt <em>need</em> to grow stronger to meet physical demands, it wouldnt. To build strength, it needed a challenge.


    No wonder I was so skinny when I was a baker, Alex had thought while going through the text. Didnt need to push my muscles much unless I was lifting sacks of flour. There was only that one assistant who worked the early shift at McHarris who was fit, but he also worked as an apprentice stonemason. Everyone else was pretty average.


    A couple of the textbooks had information gathered from some gruesome and highly hical studies exining how <em>too </em>much exertion could cause extreme muscle breakdown and create tears sorge, they wouldnt recover properly.


    That had let him understand why when hed focused the Mark on helping him create a training routine more than a year ago, it had<strong></strong>guided him<strong></strong>to rest as well as training. Khalik had also confirmed that resting between training was key.


    The book had also detailed how muscle contractions caused micro-tears.


    Thats why the Mark kept showing me images of squeezing my muscles when I trained, Alex had thought. Nowhow do I apply this knowledge?


    Hed thought about Warp Flesh.


    Professor Hak had warned the ss not use that spell on themselves:


    <em>The control Warp Flesh grants over the body is crude. She had wiggled her fingers before her face. Imagine trying to perform a delicate or intricate task with your hands wrapped in a pair of thick, locked gauntlets: youd find it quite impossible to do anything requiring dexterity. The same applies to this spell; you can make simple changes such as moving, folding or growing skin, twisting muscles, breaking bone, tearing flesh and joints in your own body or even someone elses, but, if any of you are imagining yourself sculpting your face or physique into statuesque proportions, then Im afraid youll have to wait until your final year: true shapeshifting spells arent first-tier spells, theyre at best, fifth-tiers.</em>


    Shed continued her warning:


    <em>The other limit to note is that changes achieved through Warp Flesh are only temporary. The body isspringier than you might imagine, and generally wants to cleave to its natural shape. Using Warp Flesh is like bending a sapling: sure, the tree will curve for a time, but springs back to its natural position as soon as you release it. Unfortunately though, damage caused by the spell is permanent, in the same way that bending a sapling enough to break the trunk will leave it broken.</em>


    From what shed said, it had sounded like Warp Flesh would be useless for building ones body since its effects were temporarybut muscle tearseven micro-tearswere obviously damage.


    Wouldnt <em>they </em>remain?


    Taking an in depth look through the textbooks, hed discovered that he hadnt been the first wizard to consider that idea. Others had tried using Warp Flesh to make micro-tears in muscle fibres, but while theyd seeded in creating the micro-tears, the tears hadnt stopped at micro and rapidly grew into <em>mega-tears.</em>


    The crudeness of Warp Flesh had been a problem for <em>them</em>.


    But would it be a problem for him?


    After all, Alex had something those other wizards didnt have: the Mark of the Fool. At first, hed been afraid it would actually stop his n since creating micro-tears <em>might</em> be considered a form of harm. But while thinking things through before wasting time on a n that the Mark abruptly put a halt to, he remembered it had helped him create his workout routine. He tore his muscle fibres down all the time with its blessing. Besides, since the mortal body tore down and renewed as a normal function of life, if it had wanted to put up any objections, hed already be a corpse, and that would be the end of the Mark too. Plus, it didnt interfere with him swatting living things like bugs, muscle fibres were a hell of a lot smaller than insects.


    So, it seemed that the Mark would be with him, not rebel and fight him.


    It had already let him master mana maniption surprisingly<strong></strong>fast: Warp Flesh enabled a blood mage to apply mana maniption techniques to their lifeforce directly. Combining that with the Mark might guide him to a level of deftness<strong></strong>with the spell once considered impossible. That was what he was hoping for.


    Which was why he was now in his room learning Warp Flesh as quickly as he could.


    His n was: start off by learning the spell.


    Then practise with it: first on something nasty like a biting insect, then graduate to something bigger, likeone of his own smaller muscles; one that wouldnt cripple him if things went horribly wrong. If his hypothesis and calctions were righthed use Warp Flesh to run a mana current through his muscle fibres, hyper-stimting them while training. That should cause controlled hyper-contractions, and create a significant amount of micro-tears.


    Then, hed recover.


    By hyper-stimting his muscles while they rebuilt and using Warp Flesh to lightly stimte them with a mana current, using Mana to Life to feed them life energy, an enormous amount of food to fuel him from a formted<strong></strong>diet, and guidance for recovery from the Markhe could see<strong></strong>growth happening that would shatter its natural limits.


    And if this n worked for muscle fibres? He could try running the same current through his tendons while stretching to increase flexibility. And on his bones while weight-lifting to increase their density.


    The results, hopefully?


    An utter physical transformation.


    He wouldnt <em>need</em> to rely on enhancement spells or Haste potions to dodge attacks, redirect blows or even overpower<strong></strong>monsters. And <em>if </em>he did cast body enhancement spells over himself? With any hope, hed be able to give Cedric a run for his money. A damn good run.


    The downside was that this n was mana intensive, which wouldve been a problemif he didnt have Hsekius technique to turn him into a giant mana fountain. With his mana pool full, Alex poured his all into Warp Flesh until the sun rose. Then before ss. Then after ss.


    And finally, dayster


    What has you so excited today? Prince Khalik asked, stretching in the gymnasium. I swear, I thought demons had invaded again with the way you were pounding on my door.


    In the light of morning sun streaming through tall windows, Alex Roth grinned. His right pinky toe twitched from gruelling experimentation using the Mark, and his now mastered Warp Flesh spell.


    Training, he said, feeling mana rumbling in his pool. His mana fibres seemed to tingle in anticipation. A <em>special</em> kind of training.

 Chapter 325: A Special Kind of Training

    Chapter 325: A Special Kind of Training


    "You''re doing <em>what</em>?" Khalik raised both eyebrows.


    "Its very simple! Alexs excited voice rang with a touch of mania as he quickly slid steel tes onto a heavy bar. I''m turning myself into a giant mana generator so I can tear my muscle fibres down and rebuild them stronger, faster and better than ever. In other words, Ill be cracking my limits like eggs for breakfast! His eyes gleamed.


    The princes mouth opened and closed like a dying fish before he threw his head back and filled the vast space with boomingughter. Exercisers looked over, their faces in different stages of annoyance which prompted Khalik to muffle hisughterbut only slightly. You do realise that this is <em>quite</em> insane, do you not?


    Absolutely!


    <em>ng!</em>


    Alex slid thest te on the bar and secured it. Thats what makes it fun. Besides, what seems insane today might be paradigm shifting in the future. I mean, think about it: imagine how insane the first person to make cheese mustve seemed? Like some ancient barbarian saying to his friend


    Alex deepened his voice. <em>Oh yeah, not worry Urgtog! Gorgors n be big smart! Me take milk from goat and cow and me leave milk in dark ce to go so bad it solid. Then it real good to eat! Try some, UrgtogWhy is Urgtog trying to stab me with sharp rock?</em>


    Khalik sighed, cupping his face in his hand. Take care how you mock our collective ancestors, Alex. Im sure they are rolling in theirgraves? Funeral mounds? Cairns? In any case, wherever they are in the ground<strong></strong>and after-world, they are <em>rolling in some way</em>.


    Probably withughter, Alex shrugged. Why would the ancient dead be offended?


    Ask that of the untold enraged ghosts, spectres, phantoms, angry mummies, liches, and other undead who haunt our world seeking to satisfy their rage on the living.


    Eh, they dont count. Alex waved a hand dismissively. Weve fought skeletons that tried to kill us. I dont listen to the opinions of shit that tries to kill us. And besides that, <em>our</em> ancestors, Khalik? Really? Pretty bold of you to assume that we humans invented cheese.


    Oho? And who do you suppose did, then? the prince ced his hands on his hips. Deities? I suppose some call the food divine, but I have my doubts as to an actual connection there.


    Maybe dragons, Alex said. Or one of the beastfolk races


    A snort came from somewhere near the prince and young, Thameish wizard. A broad-shouldered bear beastman shook his head as he passed them.


    Only humans would be dumb enough to invent and eat spoiled milk, he grunted.


    Khalik and Alex stared after him for a moment.


    Then the prince shrugged. He has a fair point. And speaking of dumb... He looked at the barbell Alex had set up. Were we actually going to do this special training? Or are we just going to stand here, having the worlds most idiotic conversation about cheese until someone rightfully removes us from the gymnasium.


    Yeah, good point. Alex headed to a nearby bucket filled with loose chalk. First he, then Khalik dipped their hands inrubbing the white powder over their fingers and palms.<strong></strong>The chalk would absorb moisture, keep their grip on the barbell secure, and spare their palms from<strong></strong>friction.


    So! Alex pped his hands, kicking up a small cloud of white dust. Could I get you to spot me? Id like to start by recording my max weight for the chest press, then move on to a few more exercises.


    Fair enough! Khalik agreed, stretching his chest and shoulders. I shall do the same. Its been some time since I tested my limit.


    Alex raised an eyebrow and smirked. You might not want to do that. He flexed a powerful bicep. Ive been building uptely. Youll only end up disappointing yourself.


    Khalik gave him a wide, confident smile. I have been training my body for most of my life, my friend. You havee to it onlytely. You dip your toe in a pond, while I swim the sapphire sea. So tell me, why should the shark fear the minnow?


    Yeah, well see how long you keep talking like that. Alex slid onto the bench, rubbing his hands together while eyeing the bar above him. Ive got myst maximum recorded. If I crush it, then I move up.


    Perfect, Khalik said, counting the tes. Three hundred and fifty pounds. Most impressive. Lets begin.


    Taking a breath, Alex lifted the heavy barbell off the rack, brought it down to his chest, slowly pressed it back up in one fluid motion, then reced it while Khalik spotted him.


    Well done, the prince nodded in approval.


    More weight, Alex said.


    His workout partner added a five pound te on either side of the bar.


    <em>m.</em>


    Three hundred and sixty pounds. Alex took another deep breath, exhaled, and repeated the controlled movement.


    <em>m.</em>


    Three hundred and seventy pounds. He grunted from the increase, his arms shaking from exertion.


    <em>m.</em>


    Three hundred and seventy five pounds. This was where the Thameish wizard began to fail.


    Come on, you can do it! Khalik roared, standing by Alexs head. Do not let<strong></strong>yourself<strong></strong>fold now!


    Alex gritted his teeth.


    Get that bar up! The prince positioned his hands under the bar, ready to catch it if Alexs strength failed. You can do this! You have fought monsters and demons at my side, will you let a piece of metal ovee you?


    With a roar, Alex pushed the bar straight uphis arms shaking and his heart hammering in his chestand racked it with a heavy <em>ng.</em> Thats it he said. Best I got.


    Well done! Khalik took his friend by the hand and pulled him up. Rest for a bit then it is <em>my</em> turn.


    Alex stretched his chest and arms for a few minutes then Khalik took his ce on the bench. Are you ready to be embarrassed?


    Alex grinned. Thats my line.


    A few minutester, he realised it shouldnt have been his line.


    <em>m!</em>


    Four hundred! Khalik pumped his fists. A new record! Hah!


    You bastard. Alex mumbled.


    Shark, Khalik pointed at himself. Minnow. He pointed at Alex who swore again. You wouldnt be grinning and gloating like that if Thundar was here.


    The princes smile faded behind his beard, but his eyes still shone with amusement as he hopped off the bench. But he is not, is he?


    While Khalik enjoyed himself, Alex looked past him.


    It could be said that fate had been unkind to Alex Roth in many ways. Hed lost his parents. Hed been branded with a divine Mark that hed never wanted. Hed had to deal with a terrible boss for years. It could also be said that fate had been kind to Alex Roth in other ways. Hed entered Generasi. Hed turned his unwanted Mark into something wonderful. Hed made fantastic friends.


    and today?


    Today, fate was kind.


    Thundar! he called as the minotaur stepped into the gymnasium with perfect timing. Its <em>so</em> good to see you, buddy!


    Khaliks smile dropped. Oh no.


    <em>m!</em>


    Thundar ced the bar back on the rack then pumped his fists. Seven hundred and ten pounds! New record!


    I hate all things, Khalik grumbled, then cleared his throat. I mean, a fine job, Thundar!


    Heh, thanks. The towering minotaur sat up. Hey, you guys did good too! Very strong for humans.


    Dont, Thundar, just dontyoure killing us. Alex pleaded. You sound like youre consoling a kid foring in second at the school track meet.


    Pffft, you need to be more secure in yourselves! Thundar pped both of them on their shoulders. It doesnt matter that Im basically as strong as both of youbined. I mean, were wizards. Whats the use of muscle anywa


    I must go to my room, Khalik interrupted mournfully. And write to my family. I must warn them that Ive been mortally wounded, and that my killer is Thundar, son of Gulbiff. Of course, theyll avenge my cruel death at your hands using the Crimson Mantis, King of Assassins and the greatest contract killer in all the realms south of the Udan desert


    Alex beganughing, remembering the name as Thundar looked at Khalik sceptically. On a more serious note, this is a good day, Khalik continued. We have gotten much stronger than we were not so long ago. Hmmmand speaking of growing strength: with her life enforcement, how strong is Theresa these days do you think?


    Alex looked at him very seriously. I would pay a lot of money not to find out. Watching you and Thundar beat me nearly killed me. If Theresa did too? Wellitd be really hot, in a way, and Id be super proud, but itd <em>also</em> destroy me.


    Hah! I get that. Khalik chuckled. And what about Grimloch? I wonder how much <em>he </em>lifts these days.


    Silence followed.


    Why dont we <em>all</em> pitch in not to find out, Thundar suggested. Thatd destroy all of us.


    Fair, Alex and Khalik said at the same time before quickly moving on.


    The three young men went from station to station in the gymnasium, testing their strength in the deadlift, shoulder press, squat, and more. On one hand, Alex felt a lot of pride in what he could do, on the other, a bit of envy:


    <strong>375 lbs. - bench press.</strong>


    <strong>690 lbs. - deadlift.</strong>


    <strong>650 lbs. - squat.</strong>


    <strong>305 lbs. - shoulder press.</strong>


    <strong>1500 - pushups.</strong>


    The pride<strong></strong>was at how much physical progress hed made.


    In about a year and a half, hed gone from being a skinny eighteen year old copsing on the floor of the <em>Red Siren</em> after a few pushups, to a young man whod be considered one of the strongest men in all of Alric. And it was all due to the Mark''s fantastic, hyper-efficient training, diet, and resting tips.


    The envy came from Khalik and Thundars max weight being higher than his.


    Hispetitive spirit surfaced; he wouldnt let himself remain in third ce for long.


    Okay, he said when theyd finished testing their limits. Let me get started. sincethisll be the first time Im trying this process on my entire body, if I suddenly turn green and fall over twitching, just take me to the infirmary.


    Well throw you in a ditch, Thundarughed.


    Thanks. Alex red at him. Alrighthere goes


    Taking a deep breath, he cast Warp Flesh, guiding his way through the Marks interference. An unfamiliar feeling came over him when the magic circuit connected to his lifeforce; his body tingled as the spell started warping his physical form.


    Carefully, he reached into his muscles, using the Mark and past trial and error to guide him to the fibres. Now came the tricky part. Warp Flesh was a clumsy spell as Professor Hak had warned, but the Mark had shown him several tricks to refine it enough for one simple task.


    Making entrance and exit pathways in his muscle fibres.


    He established paths for mana currents through each of his muscle groups until he touched every muscle.


    Then, closing his eyes, he let his mana connect to them.


    A grunt escaped as every muscle locked, sending a burst of agony ripping through him, but he focused and targeted, easing off the mana, calming the hyper-stimtion.


    The pain faded, dimming until all that remained was a slight burn throughout his body.


    Khalik gasped. Alexyour skin!


    Yeahit does that, the Thameish wizard looked down and took a shuddering breath. Just like his little toe, his skin had turned a deep red as blood rushed to every muscle at once. Sweat dripped from his pores, trying to cool him.


    With another groan, he ran Hsekius technique through his mana pool, then cast Mana to Life. Soothing energy instantly flowed from his pool and spread like rivulets.


    The pain faded further, but a new tension filled his muscles. It felt like they were vibrating with each tiny contraction. Alex stretched.


    Alright, he chugged a potion of endurance and felt the power settle in, increasing his stamina. Lets train.


    Khalik rubbed his hands, I thought wed never start.


    The three friends jumped into a brutal training routine. There were heavy weights. Obstacle courses. There was climbing. Running. Jumping.


    All the while, current ran through Alexs muscles, hyper-stimting every fibre. Each of his fitness records was shatteredincluding his max liftswith every repetition torching muscle mass. As the routine progressed, the pain progressedeven through a constant drip of Mana to Lifeand his strength waned.


    The micro-tears were multiplying quickly, and after some ny minutes maintaining their brutal pace, he had to call it a day. Agony was boiling through his body, and his muscles felt like someone had enthusiastically taken a forge hammer to them. Every movement made them scream, ensuring an awareness of muscles he never knew he had. Thest straw came when he bent over to pick up his bag and seized up like a rusted hinge; Alex had to instruct ygon to pick him up and carry him home.


    Whenever ygon took a step Alex groaned, whenever Alex groaned, Thundar and Khalikughed, eventually doubling over with tears running down their faces. This is the best part of the workout! Thundar remarked between fits ofughter. To Alex, it felt like it took several lifetimes before they reached the ins.


    He didnt stop groaning even after his golem had deposited him in bed where he remained, feeding himself with a pair of Wizards Hands while keeping a low-level mana current running through his muscles. Mana to Life fed his lifeforce, and over the course of a couple of hours, he felt the burn subsiding into a low tingle. An oddenergy built as aches and exhaustion decreased enough for him to use the Mark to slip into a meditative state. The world passed him by as his body rebuilt.


    Alex was at peace.


    He felt serene.


    He feltinsistent stabbing pains wing at his belly. Famished. <em>Really</em> famished. Hunger like hed never felt before. His stomach burned and growled, refusing to be ignored. Alex grabbed his gut. The way youre growling, youd think I hadnt fed you in days! He was starting to feel sick. I guess I underestimated how much fuel Id need. Near Alexs door, Brutus contentedly gnawed on a soupbone, and for a mad, desperate moment, he considered calling the cerberus over and snatching the bone, but quickly dismissed the idea. Youre starving, not crazy, he thought, then weakly called out to Selina and Theresa, begging them to get him a load of meat, fish, vegetables, rice and potatoes from a nearby restaurant: piles of the right fuel for his changing body.


    They were gone and back in no time, though it felt like forever to the famished Fool and when Alex had reached the point where Brutus bone seemed to be shouting his name, the apartment door opened and the heavenly scent hed been longing for drifted into his room.


    Helpme he called weakly.


    A few minutester, Selina appeared at his door like one of the saviours of Thamnd with a heaping tray of food.


    Heres your food, Alex. She brought it in, setting it on the bedside table.


    Thanks Se-, before he could finish thanking her, Wizards Hands dove into the spread, grabbing handfuls and shoving food in his mouth.


    Selina raised an eyebrow as she watched. Does it hurt?


    Yes he mumbled between mouthfuls. But Ill surviveWait, what are you doing?


    With an evil grin, Selina stalked toward him, her finger extended like an assassins knife. Im gonna poke you.


    No! No, no, no!


    Yes, yes, yes. She slowly thrust her finger toward his bicep.


    No, my darling sister! My wonderful little sister, dont do this, have mercyAaaaaaaaaaargh! his scream ripped through the ins, scaring birds from a nearby tree.


    Two dayster Khalik gasped as Alex strained on the weight bench, pressing a barbell above his chest.


    The Thameish wizards trembling arms were more defined than yesterday. A littlergerand much denser.


    <em>m!</em>


    Alex racked the bar.


    Three hundred and <em>ny five!</em> he roared in triumph. It works! It bloody works!

 Chapter 326: A Moment of Tension

    Chapter 326: A Moment of Tension


    Alexs physique transformed.


    By day two of his gruelling training, blood magic, and mana maniption regime, his strength had shot past Khaliks, much to the princes horror.


    This is it Khalik sat on the floor of the gymnasium with his head cupped in both hands. Alex had just pressed four hundred and fifteen pounds. the natural order of the universe is undone. Up is down. Red is blue. Cats are hyenas, worms are dragons... This is the end.


    Its not the end, buddy. Thundar patted him on the shoulder. Dont take it so hard. Third ce in the cabal aint too bad. I mean, Alex was in third ce a couplea days ago and now look at him!


    The minotaur burst outughing while Khalik slowly looked up at him.


    Thundars glee faded; the look on the princes face was t, like he was seeing a dead body.


    Wh-what is it, the minotaurs eyes darted back and forth. Youre looking at me like I was in my coffin or something.


    Mark my words, Thundar, son of Gulbiff, Khalik pronounced like he was an oracle predicting the very doom of the world. What has happened to me can happen to you.


    The minotaur nced at Alex whod sprung up from the weight bench, stretched his chest and was scurrying over to the kettlebell stand like an excited child. There was indistinct mutteringing from his mouth, and a wild look in his eyes as pumped biceps flexed when he rubbed his hands together.


    Thundar looked at those thick arms. Humans cant get <em>that</em> strongcan they? Not without life enforcement or some crazy magic or something, right?


    Khalik nced at Alex who was swinging a massive, iron kettlebell like he could pitch it clear across the room. Does he look crazy to you?


    Yes, Thundar said without hesitation.


    Is he using magic to make himself stronger?


    I-in a way.


    Khalik grinned evilly. Then prepare yourself because soon, it will happeeeeeen to yoooouuuuArgh!


    Thundar pushed the prince over.


    The next few days were spent in Thamnd which put the training routine on hold. Research on the dungeon core remains was progressing steadily and Professor Jules seemed to have recovered from the explosion.


    Something shed been working on had her looking like the cat whod swallowed the canary and she was humming to herself a lot. Whatever it was, she wasnt telling anyone, only saying vague and annoying things like; all will be revealed in time. All Alex and his teammates could do was wait.


    The days in Greymoor passed uneventfully, and in no time, Alex and his friends were back in Generasi, training hard. By their third training session, Alexs numbers had exploded:


    <strong>375  435 lbs. - bench press.</strong>


    <strong>690  800 lbs. - deadlift.</strong>


    <strong>650  755 lbs. - squat.</strong>


    <strong>305  350 lbs. - shoulder press.</strong>


    <strong>1500  1800 - push ups.</strong>


    The path to transformation hadnt been painless, however. His body was paying a price for its new strength and as it grew, it ached from micro-tears, hunger andafter the third sessionstabbing pains in his bones and connective tissue. The power in his skeletal muscles was ramping up so fast, that the strength of his bones and attached structures couldnt keep up.


    If he kept increasing weight without taking care of the structures supporting his muscles, hed end up doing himself more harm than good.


    He needed a solution.


    Using Warp Flesh, he expanded its power to cycle currents of energy through bone and connective tissue, hyper-stimting them. That meant less mana for his muscles, but better to slow a bit for now, than spend months on crutches or in traction.


    He also stretched longer and increased what he ate for bone building, and soon, his body reached a better bncethough it wasntpletely pain free.


    Apart from school, Shales, and his other responsibilities, the rest of his time was spent lying down, nursing bone-deep soreness. Being bed-bound meant he had to rely on Theresa and Selina to bring him foodwhich, when it was Theresa, wasnt without its own little perks.


    Hey, are you feeling any better? Theresa asked one evening, tapping on his bedroom door frame. She carried a heaping tray of food one-handed like she was serving the taproom in a tavern, and for an instant, Alex was hit with nostalgia.


    He remembered the times the huntress had helped out in themon room of her familys inn in Alric, and how popr those evenings were. Not because of what some of the leering patrons had hoped for: that the detached innkeepers daughter would suddenly be bubbly and warm while serving them.


    Quite the opposite, in fact.


    Shed <em>tried</em> to show a bubbly side to her personality when<strong></strong>helping out, but she was so terrible at it, it would often draw snickeringwith attempts to hide theughterfrom the regrs.


    Alex never bothered trying to hide his amusement, and hed often paid for it.


    Now though, her smile was fond and genuine as she ced the tray by his bedside then put the back of her hand on his forehead. Youre warm. Are you sure youre not sick?


    Not even a little bit Alex said weakly. Im just closed for renovations. Painful, painful renovations.


    Aw, she said, kissing his forehead. I hope the pain goes away soon. I dont like seeing you like this.


    Hey, its no worse than when you were throwing up all that ck stuff whenWait, wait, wherere you going? Come back here.


    Theresa was straightening up when she paused. Im not going anywhere yet.


    Come back down here.


    She raised an eyebrow. Whatre you up to?


    Come oe heeeere.


    She sighed, leaning down; Alex crunched up and kissed her inviting lips. There. Theres a proper ki-. Ow! Ow my abs! I shouldnt have done that!


    He was ready to say something elsebut one look at her face made the words die in his throat. She wore an expressionone simr to when she was on a long hunt


    simr, but also, very <em>different.</em> It was more intimate, but just as intenselike the way shed looked at him on the beach that night in the rain on their very first proper date.


    Alex dropped his eyes down, checking her bodynguage and


    oh boy.


    Tension filled the room suddenly, fuelled by unspoken words.


    He was abruptly very conscious of how much his body hurt. How helpless he was right now, and Thundars teasing about ropes came to mind.


    And then, just as quickly as the tension came, it was gone.


    Rest up, Alex. She gave his hand a gentle squeeze. When you get betterwe really, really need to go on another proper date. Its been too longand too few.


    As she left him alone in his bedroom, Alex strongly considered abandoning his training routine, but that wasnt his brain working... and it was short-term thinking.


    Hed thank himself once his transformation wasplete. He was close.


    Simmering beneath the aches and pains, a well of energy bubbled. A growing source of strength, sturdiness, stamina and flexibility pushed him on.


    Even the night before their return to Greymoor, Alex got in another gruelling training session followed by two hours of Rejuvenating Slumber which gave him enough recovery time to step through the teleportation circle to Thamnd refreshed.


    Neither he nor Theresa said a word about that moment the evening before, but from the probing way Khalik was eyeing the two of them, it seemed he suspected something had happened between them.


    And it might have if Alex had been able to move more than six inches without dying at the time.


    <em>That </em>conversation<em> was not </em>one he was ready to have with the prince, but he was lucky since there was so much to do in Greymoor to keep everyone busy, that there wasnt much time for conversation. Using magic, the expeditions seemingly endless tasks had moved ahead by leaps and bounds, and what looked like months of work, had beenpleted when Alex and his friends were back in Generasi.


    The encampments earthen wall had been partially reced by stone, and another wallforming part of one of the castles outer wallswas almost a quarterplete. Earth mages were digging a moat around it, beginning the first true fortifications. Within the camp, several areas had been cleared out: construction had begun on the castles out buildings, and the demand for stone was higher than ever.


    Watcher Shaw was waiting to brief the new shift as soon as they arrived, and after the briefing, Khalik and several other earth mages, apanied by their guards, had immediately departed for the moors.


    A few expedition members watched them leave.


    and so did the birds.


    The researchers made their way to the research tent for Jules briefing on their progress with the dungeon core remains while Alex fought the jelly-like feeling in his legs.


    Professor Jules had great news to share.


    She announced that the dungeon core remains data sheet waspleteor asplete as it could be right now. Shed once said that no data sheet was ever trulyplete, as time and science marched on, thered always be something new to discover, even about old substances.


    For now, though? Theyd learned almost everything they could about the dungeon cores material. Yet, their current knowledge still raised new questions.


    and didnt answer certain ancient ones.


    For the life of me, I cant establish where it came from, Professor Jules said, squinting at the data sheet and scratching her chin.


    Despite the explosion, it seemed no one had been scared off by the st and quit the team, everyone was at the meeting, a little more nervous, but still there.


    Usually, you can generate a hypothesis of a substances origins once you have a data sheet, Jules went on. If two substances have very simr properties, then they coulde from the same ce. Its not always true, but it can give you something to go on. Up until the explosion urred, I would have guessed the core remains hade from simr realms and nes where one would find chaos essencebut the reaction of the two substancesing in contact was so violent, it would be impossible for them to co-exist without constant destruction resulting.


    She tapped the data sheet. And there are no other substances we know of that have simr properties. The conductivity, the malleabilityits all over the ce.


    Someone cleared their throat and all heads turned to the small form of Carey London. As far as I know, we Thameish have tried time and again to determine the origin of our ancient enemy, with nothing but disappointment to show for our efforts. Perhaps the king would know more?


    If he did, hes not telling, Professor Jules sighed, ncing at the data sheet another time before putting it down. Well be in two teams today. The first team wille with me: weve found that by cutting the sample sizes of chaos essence and dungeon core remains into smaller segmentsand cutting them really smallweve gotten the energy output down to manageable levels. At least manageable enough so that it wont destroy our equipmentor us.


    She gave her new golem a cautious look. The professor probably wasnt eager to see this one melted down. That said, we wont be taking any chances doing that kind of experimentation here. Weve taken additional precautions and built a secondary test site about a mile west of here,plete with an observation bunker to view the explosion from. Again. No chances. Ill be picking the team very carefully.


    Her eyes swept her researchers. The second team will stay here: we have the data sheetpleted now. Its time to see what it can do. I already have some ideas for how we can apply it, but first, I want to see a few applications. It wont pay to not impress our guests.


    Murmurs went through the assembled group of researchers.


    Which guests? Isolde asked.


    The Heroes, for one, and representatives of King Athelstan and Court Wizard Errol as well, Professor Jules said. We promised to share our information and findings with our allies. And so we shall. A light note entered her voice. Lets make sure we dont look like weve been twiddling our thumbs all these months!

 Chapter 327: New Sources of Power

    Chapter 327: New Sources of Power


    Isolde and Alex exchanged a look as Professor Jules chose the two teams. All around, whispers and murmuring buzzed through the air like a swarm of bees. It wasnt everyday that royal representatives came calling.


    But Alex had few thoughts to spare for hisnds king.


    After all, most of his life King Athelstan was just a face hed seen on objects like coins. Sinceing to Generasi, hed met and be friends with an actual prince: so the thought of meeting royalty didnt amaze him like it once would have. And besides, the folksing to Greymoor werent even the king himself, they were royaltys <em>un</em>royal representatives.


    Meeting them quickly passed from his mind.


    Now, the thought of meeting the Heroes again? That was worth some thought.


    Looks like we get to see our new friends again, eh? Alex said.


    Isolde went quiet for a moment, her eyes looking into the distance as though something had caught her interest. She nodded her head. Oh yes, indeed. I do wonder though if they will bother speaking with us this time. They really have no reason to since I doubt Professor Jules will force you to guide them about again, and without that, what reason would they have to spend time with us again? We were passing colleagues that night: they might simply greet us and then move on with their duties.


    Alex raised an eyebrow. You think so?


    It is the way of things, often with nobi she paused, turning her attention to Professor Jules.


    Isolde von Anmut Professor Jules read the noblewomans name from the list, catching Alexs attention when she said, Carey London then continued adding to the team.


    Careywhod been in the middle of a conversation with a colleagueacknowledged that shed heard the professor with an enthusiastic nod, then with a smile, bid her fellow researcher a good day, and went to gather her gear as the professor continued adding to the team.


    Alexander Roth Jules called.


    Ah, looks were both on Team Explosions, he said quietly as he and Isolde went for their masks and protective equipment.


    She made a face. Dont call it that. Youre cursing us.


    He raised an eyebrow. Were literally going to watch explosions urring from mixing two of the mostmysterious materials in all the nes. Team Explosions kinda fits perfectly.


    Isolde took her mask off a hook while ring at Alex. But such a name implies disaster and uncontrolled detonations.


    He rolled his eyes. Youre a woman of science. Dont tell me youre getting superstitious.


    Alex. We are wizards. Half of what we do is science, and the other half can only be described as strange and terrible chaos that we barely manage to wring into the shape of science.


    Yeahfair point. Still gonna call us Team Explosions, though.


    She rolled her eyes. I hope your legs fall off on the walk there.


    Now it was his turn to re. Dont say that. They just might.


    A wicked little smile crossed her lips. <em>Now</em> whos being superstitious?


    By the Traveller,  Alex groaned, his legs wobbling as he trudged along the path. His muscles burned. His bones felt like jelly. How far is this ce? It feels like weve been walking for hours!


    It has been ten minutes, Alex, Isolde said, her voice light and cheery.


    What? That cant be right, the sun must be baking your brain.


    She nced up at the sun shining brightly in the clear blue sky; a rare sight in Greymoor, especially so close to winter. No, I think not. The temperature is quite cool.


    Then something else must be baking your brain, theres no way weve only been walking for ten minutes.


    Likely eleven now.


    He frowned, then called out to Professor Jules who marched at the head of the column of researchers, Watchers, and medical staff. Professor! How long have we been walking?


    The professor checked the time-keeping bracer covering her forearm. Eleven minutes. Just over halfway there, Mr. Roth.


    Isolde grinned.


    He red, then turned to ygon who was beside him. Hey buddy, could you give me a hand?


    The golem bent down, scooped up his creator like a child and cradled him in his lower arms.


    Isolde looked absolutely mortified. Alex, are you really going to allow yourself to be carried like a baby for the rest of the walk?


    Goo-goo, ga-ga, Alex pretended to suck his thumb while reclining in ygons arms.


    Good lordsuch ack of dignity. Of decorum. She sniffed.


    Good thing Im not a noble, then, Alex said, remembering shed been saying something. Wait, you were saying something earlier about the way nobles are. About quick greetings then moving on?


    Ah, yes, <em>that</em>, Isolde cleared her throat. much social interaction among nobilityes with certainexpectations behind them. Certain<strong></strong>maniptions. Nobles will greet each other fondly and act as though they were old friends at a summer ball. They feel someone out by testing the waters, getting to know them and testing their measure, then decide whether or not a rtionship can be beneficial if pursued.


    Her expression turned a little sad. And if there is nothing to be gained, they move on. Another encounter might only be deserving of a quick hello for the sake of appearances: simply put, time spent talking to someone who one can gain nothing from, can be considered time wasted not speaking to someone of more immediate political value. My family has learned such a dance over time.


    Alex listened, wondering where this wasing from.


    Ugh, I do have a strong dislike for such behaviour, a familiar voice spoke.


    Alex craned his neck to look behind ygon: Carey was near, listening to their conversation. She had a sour look on her face, like she was thinking of something unpleasant.


    Do you have experience with such things? Isolde asked with a raised eyebrow.


    Carey raised her hand palm down, tilting it back and forth. My family has served Thamnd as mayors, magistrates, barristers and other positions of government for nine generations. And, even though we have contact mostly with local nobility, we do know a thing or two about politics! Ones friend today is tomorrows stranger. Or even enemy. At a party in the capitol once, my father approached the Mayor of Ussex and greeted him, introducing himself as part of the London family. The man smiled, nodded and said


    Carey cleared her throat. Its a pleasure to meet you, but Im afraid I dont want to talk to you because theres more important people here. Which was rude by most peoples standards!


    Indeed, that is truly blunt, even for one who wields great political power. Isolde shook her head. And the Heroes wield such power. They might be our age, but Ive seen even those from humble origins rise to fame in the Rhinean Empire and assume the same dance ofsocial bartering. Or they be so enamoured with themselves, that they do not bother with others. They might pretend to show an interest they do not truly feel, but at the end of the day, they are focused only on themselves.


    Alex frowned.


    Oh I wouldnt think thats true! Carey''s voice rose. The Heroes wouldnt be so pompous, one would hope!


    They didnt seem that way to me, Alex said. I think youre being paranoid, Isolde.


    Perhapsperhaps not, she said, looking away from Alex.


    He frowned. There was an odd look on her facedid her expression have anything to do with her concern about the Heroes rejecting them when they came back to the encampment? He noted her bodynguage. Arms crossed. Head bowed slightly. Stride length increasing.


    Stress? Anxiety?


    Anxiety over what?


    Then a sneaking suspicion dawned on himone he was too wise to say out loud. One better filed away to maybe bring upter.


    For now, hed pay close attention to his friend.


    By the time they reached the new test site, Alexs legs had scarcely recovered, punishing him when ygon put him down. Hed never skipped leg day in his exercise routine, but he was wishing he had. No matter what Khalik said.


    If he could have floated thest few steps to the site, he would have, each step had be merciless, unending torment. His knees shook, his thighs burned, and his jaw clenched and rxed repeatedly, as he tried to distract himself by looking over the test site.


    It really didnt <em>look</em> like much; a wide, barren, ttened area of sand ckened from days of test explosions. Reinforced hills had been raised in a circle around the test area, designed to absorb explosive force and funnel it into the sky.


    A hundred paces away, a squat bunker built of stone enchanted to resist impact and absorb concussion, was carved into a hillside. A narrow horizontal window ran along the front of the bunker from where researchers could view the testing ground. It was sheltered from the elements;yers of force magic fortified the window, so powerful that Alex could feel them from where he stood.


    No doubt they were Baelins handiwork.


    If only the chancellor had made a teleportation circle to get us from camp to here, he thought, eyeing the long flight of stone steps leading down to the bunkers rear entrance. ygon was obviously way too big to fit in the small space. Alex sighed, trying to think of ways to get down the steps without walking.


    Id pay a lot of coin to just teleport since you cant carry me down there, buddy. He considered drinking a flight potion and floating into the bunker. but that would be a waste of a good potion. He couldnte up with anything else, so bracing himself and gripping the railingIsolde smiled as she passed him as if he was standing stillhe made his way down step by step, d that the worst would soon be over.


    It wasnt.


    There were no seats anywhere to be seen. Hed have to stand there on wobbly legs, observing the explosive reactions of two powerful substances for hours. It wasnt exactly the same as running, jumping and carrying heavyweights, but right now, his legs saw no difference.


    The concussions from outside didnt help.


    Through his spyss, he saw tiny samples being mixed by a golem, mana being added and then


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Sand and me would st through the air.


    The explosions varied in size, depending on what proportions of the substances were used, but they always released a terrific amount of energy. As he watched, he wondered if he couldnt give burn-saw a nasty surprise with this stuff. Then again, it would definitely be considered a weapon.


    But there were other uses


    I think we mightve found a new power source, Professor Julesmented after onerge detonation. With small portions of these substances, we could create controlled releases of energy: enough to powerrge magical machinery. If we do this right, it could be much easier to make magical items that work beyond the reach of Generasis mana vents. I wonder what our Thameish friends would think of that. Hear that, Carey and Alex? Your realm might be on the verge of technological and magical revolution.


    How delightful! Carey said.


    Urrrrgh, Alex groaned.


    To keep from toppling over, hed been dividing his attention between recording his observations of each re, sh, and st resulting frombining the two substances, and using Mana to Life on his legs.


    Even so, the spell only dulled the pain, it didnt make it disappear.


    After the first hour had passed, he was sweating.


    After two, he wished hed nevere up with anything called, <em>a</em><em>special</em><em>kind of training</em>.


    After three, he wished hed never started training at all.


    After four, he regretted ever leaving Alric, and started wondering if a life working in McHarris bakery might not have been so bad after all.


    Im going mad, Alex thought, shifting from leg to leg. The pains driving me insane. Thats it, I swear, Ill never train again.


    Hey, could I borrow some of those big rocks? Alex pointed at the building stones piled up behind a construction foreman who was just packing up for the evening.


    The man paused, slowly looking up at Alex with a familiar I was just on my way home and I dont want to deal with this shit, look often seen on the faces of shopkeepers who were just about to close for the evening when a group of customers rushed through the door.


    You want <em>what</em>? he asked.


    A big rock! Alex made a lifting motion with both hands. You knowfor training!


    After a quick two hour nap with Restful Slumber and mana to life, Alex was back in full form. The pain had faded, reced by plenty of energy. His vow to never train again was long forgotten, and now he was looking forward to lifting big, heavy things. Since he had no formal weights, hed decided to improvise and approach the foreman where the building materials were kept and ask him for a loan. He eyed the rocks like he was looking at gold. I justwant to borrow a few rocks


    You keep calling them rocks. Theyre building stones. The testy foreman frowned.


    right, building stones! Alex said. Id just be borrowing a few of the big ones. Ill be careful and put them back when Im done, I swear. Itll be like you never lent them to me. Its evening anyway, and youll have them back before you need them in the morning.


    The foreman raised an eyebrow. You saytraining? Whatre ya meaning by that, whatre you nning on doing with them, exactly?


    Building.


    The mans frown deepened. Building <em>what?</em>


    Oh, my body! Alex said, rubbing his hands together. A friend of mine trains with stones, and he suggested I try it while Im here. Khaliks his name.


    Oh, hes a good earth mage, that one. Very good. Very skilled. <em>he</em> told you toe <em>lift building stones?</em>We have golems to lift those!


    Well, Im going to lift them too, to get stronger, you see. Golems dont get stronger when they lift rocksI mean, building stones. It all makes peeeeerfect sense as long as you dont think about it too hard. Dont worry, I wont drop them, or chip them, and Ill put them right back where I found them after Im done.


    The foreman nced at the stones. You know how much one of those weighs?


    Khalik said that each ones about half a thousand pounds, which makes them perfect! So, can I have some?


    The foreman squinted at him. Is this a prank? He nced around as though expecting naughty children or studentswho were often just oversized naughty childrenhiding behind tents giggling. Are you pranking me,d?


    No, Alex assured him. Honest to the Traveller, I just want those stones for some training.


    The foreman snorted. Alright, big guy. Tell you what. If you pick up that five hundred pounder over there by yourself without magic then carry it, then sure. You can have all the stones you need tonight.


    Deal! Alex said, striding over to the stone.


    Stretching for a moment, he bent down andwith a loud gruntslowly picked up the massive stone and hoisted it over his head.


    The foreman gaped. What in every hell?


    See? Alex grunted, bncing the stone above his head. Im not going to chip it! Ill be right back for another one.


    The foreman continued gaping.


    Okay? Alex said. Im, uh, leaving nowyeah. Okay, bye.


    He started marching across camp to a clear area where he could lift.


    Halfway across the encampment he heard amotioning from the front gate.


    Arge party on horseback was riding through.


    Three familiar figures were among them.


    The Heroes had returned leading others he assumed were the representatives of Thamnds king and court wizard. Alexs eyebrows rose as an idea came to him.


    Maybe Cedric and Hart might wanna join me for some good old fashioned rock lifting. Maybe Drestra might too, he thought. Be a good way to get reacquainted, check up on Drestraand see just how strong the Chosen and Champions blessings really are.

 Chapter 328: Assessing Each Other

    Chapter 328: Assessing Each Other


    Rioran was a spy.


    Or at least, that was what hed be sent to do.


    Hed had the trainingeveryyperson in the Uldars Vale didbut he never thought hed be one of those chosen to leave the holiest of his gods ces and travel out into the world.


    When the messenger hade down from the escarpment, entered the cheesemakers hut and pointed at him, he thought hed died or must''ve been dreaming. But he was neither dead, nor dreaming: Uldars holiest order <em>had </em>called him and two others into holy, yet secret, service.


    And hed rather die than disappoint them.


    Riding in the midst of the kings representatives as they entered the Generasians encampment, he recalled lessons and training pressed into him from childhood in preparation for his holy duties. Hed learned the skills of spycraft and more. Not just simple writing,<strong></strong>but mimicking the handwriting of others with the aim to deceive. Command and mastery of variednguages both spoken and written. The tools of the liar. The skills of the scout.


    The agility to move quickly, inconspicuously, and unseen. The skills of the mind: logic, learning, education and adaptation. In many ways, he and the others in Uldars Vale were moulded on Uldars Fools: masters of many skillsbut with a key difference.


    They also learned the skills of death.


    Rioran might not have been the best with a sword, but there were few who could perform the bloody work he could with a knife. Then there was the sap. The garotte. The crossbow.


    All the tools needed to eliminate Uldars opponents as his ancestors did in times past, ording to the secret texts. For one to move through the world as Uldars eyes, one had to be ready to strike down any who was an affront to the prophet-gods sight.


    For most of his twenty-seven years, Rioran thought he was ready for such work. But now?


    Now he was not so sure.


    Never had he seen so many wizards in one ce.


    There were mages in Uldars Vale, but they were few, and they rarely left the escarpment with the priests, and they never used magic lightly. Their task was to contemte mysteries well beyond Rioran. But here, he was <em>surrounded</em> by magic.


    From the briefing hed received, the Generasians encampment had only stood in Greymoor for a few short monthsyet, in that short time, these wizards hadpleted <em>years</em> of work in stonemasonry and construction.


    Then there were the magical creatures.


    Giant soldiers of stone defended the front gates and more stood within sight of them, guarding a mountain of building stones. Magical lights yed over familiars following wizards around the camp and


    He drew in a quick breath.


    A titanic tortoise loomed over the tents dotting the wizard camp, its shell towered like the peak of a fire-mountain. The spys jaw dropped: what sort of monsters did these wizards keep?


    Aye, Id pick that jaw up if I were you, friend, Cedric smiled, sliding off his horse with supernatural grace. If youre already shocked, you wont get through the next few days. These wizards do all sorts o wondrous things. Lots to see here.


    Rioran bowed his head. Yes, Holy Chosen, I am sure. Apologies.


    No need to apologise, we get that reaction a lot, said one of the wizards who were at the gates to greet them. A sizeable party of Generasians were assembled to greet the guests, see to their horses, and provide the travellers with beverages to wee them after their long journey. Rioran had no sooner slid from his saddle, than a steaming cup of cider was offered, and his bags were being ced on glowing magic disks.


    He took the drink dly. The journey had been tough, cold and long, so a few swallows of the hot drink put some heat back into him.


    Thank you, he said, touching his holy symbol. May Uldar bless you and your good work.


    Same to you, I guess, said the wizard. But as I was saying, theres a lot to show you. Things go boom around here when we want them to, and folk tend to get amazed by that sort of thing.


    Right, Rioran said, slightly mirroring the wizards bodynguage. I guess Ill continue to be amazed.


    The other representatives nced at him. Those of Court Wizard Errol nodded in approval, while the representatives of the king looked on with empathy. They too looked like theyd been taken by surprise by so much magic.


    But for a brief moment, two pairs of eyes looked on with annoyance. Long enough for most not to notice. But just long enough for him to.


    The other two spies sent by Isazone older than Rioran by a decade and one younger by half as muchwere giving him a message. The elder, Stanwic, casually flicked his fingers over the reins of his horse before he dismounted. What looked like a simple stretching of fingers,municated words in secret:


    <em>Keep calm. No attention to self.</em>


    Annoyed, Rioran answered with subtle hand gestures:


    <em>Would look stranger if didnt react.</em>


    Catherhe youngest of the three spies added a warning:


    <em>Sloppy. Excuses. Better if no attention on you.</em>


    Rioran looked away, fighting the burn of irritation. Truthfully, he <em>had</em> let himself slip, but his words were true: it <em>would</em> look more natural showing amazement at sights of magic, than outright indifference. He wasnt dead after all.


    His cover as one of the kings agents would be strengthened by having natural reactions.


    Still, he didnt want the foreigners getting satisfaction from seeing him


    What in all hells? Drestras crackling voice emerged from her veil.


    There was a man approaching, a hulking bruiser whose hair fell long like a barbarians, and whose arms were the size of Riorans thighs. Above his head he


    was that a bloody building stone?


    The thing looked like it weighed a quarter ton!


    Though the mans face strained with effort as he approached the Heroeshe carried the stone with bare hands.


    Hey, he strode up. Wee backyou guys have a good trip?


    What in bloody hells have you got there? Cedric scratched his red hair.


    Its a rock, the tall young man said. A big rock. The foreman says the term is building stonebut uhwhatre building stones besides big rocks anyway?


    But why are you carrying it? Drestra asked.


    That was what Rioran would also like to know.


    I was about to start training when you got here, Alex said. Andwait, I gotta put this down for a second.


    Hey, toss it here! Hart spread his hands like he was ready to catch a bag of flour.


    The tall, broad-shouldered wizard took one look at the Champion and then up at the rock. Yeeeeah cant so much toss thisyet.


    Yet? Rioran thought. What am I seeing here? This fellow looks nothing like the escarpment wizards.


    The wizards he was used to were skinny, older men and women with grey or white hair and arms closer to the size of broom handles. The spy watched in awe as the young man gently ced the building stone down to shake Cedric, Drestra, and Harts hands. Rioran took a few seconds to wonder if he wrestled bears in his spare time.


    As he watched, something else about the young man caught his eye.


    His bodynguage waspoised. Smooth. Perfectly bnced and rming. Rioran had only seen trained warriors or acrobats move like that


    or the trainedyfolk from Uldars Vale.


    Even curiouser, the smiling wizards bodynguage changed slightly as he spoke to the Heroes, taking on some of their mannerisms.


    That little snakewell, big snake, the spy thought. Subtly mirroring someones stance and mannerisms was a valuable trick hed been taught in the Vale. It made a person open to you, and this fellow was using it to get on the Heroes'' good side.


    That wasnt exactly umon: hed noticed the same behaviour in many of the king and court wizards representatives. The difference here was that it seemed to be working much better. Uldars Chosen was speaking to him like they were old friends, only pausing to scan the camp like he was looking for something. Hart looked down at him andmented on how much his physique had changed since theydst met: not as friendly as the Chosen, but still open and obviously happy to see him.


    Even the subdued Drestrawho some of the kings representatives called the ice witchhad opened up her bodynguage, seemingly happy to chat with the broad shouldered wizard too.


    Are these foreigners trying to impress our Heroes? Get them on their side? Rioran wondered. But to what end? They already


    He paused. The young man was looking at him. Directly at him.


    Their eyes met.


    Rioran felt a chill.


    With one look, those green eyes had studied him, sweeping his body. Assessing.


    And then, they were back on the Heroes like theyd never left them.


    Too careless, the spy thought, turning away. Much too careless.


    He kept his gaze moving, and his bodynguage natural as their group was led further into the camp. It was too risky being so obvious, he could only chance a quick nce in the seconds it took the wizard to hoist the stone above his head again. There was a lot more to focus on than one wizard, and eventually, the visitors were separated into two groups.


    The kings and court wizards representatives would have a tour of the facility, while the Heroeshaving been to the encampment beforewere led to a campfire by the rock lifter.


    The spy gave the young man some more thought, before turning his mind to his task. Hed been instructed to learn what he could about the encampment, not one strange wizard who was looking to ingratiate himself with Thamnds Heroes.


    He would focus,<strong></strong>learn what these Generasians were up to, then report back to Izas.


    And then, be ready for his next task.


    Alexs thoughts lingered on the sandy-haired stranger apanying the kings representatives. Hed mentally called ygon to meet them a little ways from the gate, so he could give the golem the stone he was carrying and then collect a couple more.


    Hed nned on carrying them himselfthe effort would give him more trainingbut that n went out the window with the arrival of the Heroes.


    For multiple reasons.


    Even while he was chatting<strong></strong>with Cedric, his mind was on the stranger. There was something off about him.


    His bodynguage waspoised. Smooth. Perfectly bnced. The Watchers moved like that, the average person didnt.


    He was someone who knew how to handle himself.


    And then there was the way hed looked at Alex.


    Searching.


    Analysing.


    Alex had the feeling there was more going on with him than he wanted known. Was he some undercover bodyguard? Some spy? He thought about how those in clothes officers had followed him for weeks in in sight.


    Maybe


    But why was he here?


    The expedition had been upfront with the king and the Heroesbut maybe the crown wanted its own confirmation that what the king was being told was true. Or maybe the man was someone from the church. Isoldes words came back to him: the dance of maniption, shed called it. Maybe it was happening on a mass scale: maybe the king was allied with Generasi; but others at<strong></strong>court didnt believe the expedition was sharing all the information they were gathering. Maybe the church had sent him.


    Alex could only specte about why the man was there.


    But he definitely needed watching, subtly.


    So Cedric asked, abruptly changing the direction of their conversation. Hows Lady von Anmut?


    Oh, shes fine, I think shes looking forward to seeing all of you, Alex said skilfully.


    Oho? Thats a delight to hear, is she single? Cedric asked, with all the subtlety of a boulder. Be surprised if she was, though. What with her lookin like that an all.


    Oh, she is, Alex said. She doesnt have much time for dating.


    Aye, busy with her studies, no doubt, Cedric said. Does she take time to rx? Have a drink or anythin like that?


    Hah, no one can ever use you of dancing around a topic, Cedric! Next thing you know, youll be asking him about her taste in men? Hart snickered.


    Oi! Cedric red at therger man.


    Well, her taste isnt good if herst boyfriends any example, Alex thought. Though its probably a hell of a lot better now. And you and Derek have nothi


    His thoughts ground to halt as he remembered Isoldes earlier nervousness.


    Then he looked at Cedrics <em>red</em> hair. Hair that was a simr colour to Dereks.


    A suspicion arose in Alexs mind, but he filed it away forter.


    If he was right, it would be hrious, but he needed to pick the right time to strike.


    Hmmm, Cedric looked up at the stones in ygons arms. You knowmaybe I could use some exercise.


    So soon after our journey, really? Drestras voice crackled.


    Aye, it would help work out some kinks, he cracked his neck and stretched his arms behind his back.


    Well, we could work out together, Alex said. Theres enough rocks for all of us.

 Chapter 329: A Bigger Fish

    Chapter 329: A Bigger Fish


    Up ahead, Alex spied his friends gathered around a campfire.


    Look what I found! he called.


    Theresa, Thundar, Khalik and Isolde looked up. Theyd been taking turns feeding Brutus bits of meat; a pair of the cerberus drooling heads swivelled between them while the third turned to Alex and the Heroes, his eyes shing in the firelight. Nearby, Najyah perched on top of Khaliks tent hungrily watching birds circling above, her talons gripped a horizontal pole.


    The prince was the first to get up. Well, well, well, and so the Heroes are here, he said with a twinkle in his eye. Alex knew him well enough to get the meaning hidden in his words. The princes eyes rested on<em>four</em> Heroes, not three.


    Wee back to Wizard Land, Thundar said. Poption: wizards.


    Aye, I do got eyes sharp enough to see that, Cedric said, his gaze focusing on Isolde. He was all smiles.


    The colour was draining from the noblewomans face, her eyes growing with surprise. Scrambling to her feet, she dusted herself off and straightened the front of her dress before giving the Chosen a little, closed mouth smile. Her face was the perfect mask of decorum, but nerves yed all through her body as Cedric came closer.


    Subtly, the Chosen flexed his bare chest muscles, his bodynguage resembled a colourful male birds in mating season. Yet, he also carried a touch of stiffness around the shoulders and in his gait: his own tell.


    It took all of Alexs will not to chuckle; but he knew if he did, Isolde might call him Roth for the rest of his natural days. He threw Khalik a meaningful look, subtly nodding toward the young noblewoman. The princes eyes drifted to Isolde, studying her for a few seconds, then realisation spread across his face, brightening his eyes and setting a twitch to his lip. He elbowed Thundar and casually inclined his head.


    The minotaur grunted, following the princes gaze as the young noblewoman tucked a lock of ebony hair behind her ear


    What? he mouthed, the word was met with a disappointed stare from Khalik.


    Ill tell youter, Khalik whispered, then rolled his eyes at Alex, who shrugged. The Thameish wizard nced at Theresa, but she was oblivious as she and Drestra approached each other.


    Have the wilds treated you well, Drestra? the young huntress asked.


    They are even-handed as always, but I have stayed on their good side so far, Drestras tone was rxed and friendly.


    I hope you stay on their good side, and that Ravener-spawn feels their wrath, Theresa said as Brutus padded up beside her.


    The Sage startled as the cerberus heads came toward her.


    Uh-uh! Brutus, youre scaring her, Theresa chided him, then gave Drestra an apologetic smile. Hes friendly with almost everyo She nced at Alex. well, with <em>everyone</em> these days. He wont bite.


    Are you sure? Drestra asked, eyeing Brutus panting, faces sceptically. They were nearly at eye level with her.


    Oh yeah, just let him sniff you first.


    Cautiously, the Sage reached out, letting three snouts sniff her open hand. A heartbeatter, three big, wet tongues licked her, and her giggle sounded like popping firewood. As Alex watched, mentally asking ygon to set the stones down beside his tent, the Sages tension melted away.


    This must be like a little vacation for the Heroes, he thought. Beats dungeon diving all the ti


    Hey, a deep voice cut through his thoughts.


    He startled, whirling toward the towering Hart Redfletcher.


    The giant of a man had been so quiet, Alex had almost forgotten he was beside him. It was strange; Hart was no taller than Thundar or Baelin, but seeing a <em>human</em> that bigyet so quietwas just eerie.


    Jumpy, much? Hart smiled.


    Y-No. Whats up, Hart? Alex asked.


    Do you know where your one friend is?


    My one what now? Alex asked. Most of them are here.


    No, not themyou know, the hot one. The really hot one.


    TheresaOh, you mean, Tyris? Alex understood who Hart meant becausehed been born with eyes. Shes over there, near Vesuvius.


    Oh her big doom tortoise? Hart squinted across the sea of tents and campfires, spotting Vesuvius then a certain red-headed young woman sitting by her tortoises feet beside a campfire.


    Even at this distance, Alex saw her golden tooth glinting as sheughed.


    Well, looks like my holiday begins, Hart grinned. Ill be back.


    You sure about that? Alex thought.


    Without another word, the Champion strode across camp with all the confidence of a storybook hero about to y a dragon. It took a few moments for Tyris to see him, and Alex didnt need to read bodynguage to tell how the red-head felt about seeing the big man.


    She sprang upall smileswearing the same look as most of the lecherous regrs who spent a lot of their time and coin in the Lu familys taproom.


    He and ygon went over to Theresa and Drestra, and as they sat down, Khalik and Thundar drifted over, joining the conversation. The Sage told them what the Heroes had been dealing with for the past while: their travels and battles with dungeonsand some other interesting news.


    We came across two hordes of those cultists near the river a while back and killed most of them, but, like vermin, some got away. Andst week, the kings navy sank some of their boats trying to make it to our shore, so I think we can say were making progress. Its just hard to know how much when we dont know how many of these demon followers were actually dealing with.


    Bastards, Theresa said. I hope you get them all.


    No, save some for us, Thundar grunted. If I could go down there and kill their abyssal knight myself, I would.


    You speak of impossibilities, Drestra said. ButI would do the same. Thest thing we need now are these pests.


    Well, its technically possible to go down there, Alex said, recalling some of his lessons in summoning. Some really powerful teleportation magic can literally send you to the hells, the elemental nes, or any other ce you want.


    Really? Drestras eyes widened. Wonder of wonders.


    Well, it might not be so wonderful if you do not have the spells to shield yourself from the rigours of other nes, Khalik said. The ne of earth is filled with crushing rock and dangerous natural gases. The elemental ne of firewell, the name tells the story. And the nes of the demons? Chaos to a degree that twists toward what we might call evil. Spells are needed to guard your body, mind and soul from being ravaged by these strange worlds, just as an Orb of Air spell will guard your lungs while beneath water.


    Its true, Alex said. I guess well probably learn those in our final year? Maybe in graduate studies? Spells like that are fifth-tier and above.


    AhhhhI am nearly at fifth-tier magic myself, Drestra said, a tinge of pride in her crackling voice. I wish I was blessed with knowledge of the magic you are all surrounded by, and the time to <em>learn </em>it<em>!</em> But, theres so little time now.


    Do the court wizards not teach you more spells as you grow? Alex frowned.


    Some, but mostlybat spells. Theres a lot that I have seen here that Ive never even heard of.


    Well, you wont learn much from us since youre already at fifth-tier, but the next time I see Baelin, Ill tell him you could use a bit more variety in your spell selection, Alex said. I cant guarantee anything, but he might be able to help.


    A look crossed her reptilian eyes.


    He made such an offer when we first met, she said quietly.


    Well, that is a grand thing, the prince said. No need for us to act as go-betweens then. You already have the ear of the king, so to speak. Why not take him up on it?


    Drestra hesitated before asking. what will it cost?


    Khalik, Alex and Thundar looked at each other.


    Welltuitions not exactly cheap, the minotaur said. My n isnt poor, but we had to pool a lot of resources to send me to Generasi.


    I needed a pretty beefy schrship to afford it, Alex added.


    Prince Khalik shrugged. I got by.


    The minotaur red at him.


    ...I dont think shes talking about tuition, guys, Theresa said.


    ooooooh, all three young men said at once.


    The huntress rolled her eyes, while Drestra raised an eyebrow. Yes, I wouldnt have time to enrol anywayand I dont think that is what he meant. Butwizards, witchesother powerful thingsdeitiesthey dont offer much without expecting something in return.


    Mmmmm, smart to think about that, Alex said. Butmaybe you could ask him what hed want. Maybe bargain with him. BaelinsBaelin, but he treats students fairly. I dont think hed try to trick you or anything.


    Yeah, the guys an old monster, but hes fair. Kind in his own way, Thundar said. Horrifying in other ways, but not to us.


    I do not expect his help will be entirely free, though, Prince Khalik said. In the end, your decision will be yours. If you do ask for his aidwee to being an honorary member of Generasi university, I say.


    Hear, hear to that, Alex said.


    Oi! Cedrics voice suddenly called out, cutting them off. Why dont we get started with these stones? Ive got a wee bit of energy to work out.


    The chosen was striding away from Isolde, disying his muscr torso in all its glory. Alex noticed Isolde was staring at the Thameish Heros hair as he walked away.


    There it was.


    She would never hear the end of this.


    Alright, Alex said. Youre on. Each of those stones is five hundred pounds. What say we do as many shoulder presses as we can in a minute?


    Good enough for me, Cedric looked at Drestra. Youd need your magic to hoist one o these stones, but do you want in on this? Itll be like the n games. A wee version.


    There was a pause as something shifted beneath her veil.


    No. Her voice crackled. I will leave the big rock moving to you. I actually want to <em>rest</em> after our journey.


    Fair enough. Cedric shrugged.


    What about you three? Alex asked Khalik, Thundar and Theresa. You up for this? And wheres Grimloch, now that I think of it?


    He is busy with the sentries, the prince said. And He nced at the stones. As much as I hate to admit it, that is a little too much for me. I will leave this contest to you monsters.


    And I want to actually <em>rx</em> this evening too, Theresa said, ncing at Cedric then back to Alex. Are you taking your shirt off too?


    Probably not, Alex said. Its a little draughty and


    He paused, noticing the sh of disappointment cross her face.


    I mean, of course I will.


    Her eyes lit up. Wellif you want to, she said, her cheeks reddening.


    One look at that blush had Alex tearing his shirt off, thanking Thundar for the illusion magic theyde up with; their spell was holding up well, letting his bare shoulder lookwell, bare and unmarked.


    Alright, count me in, Thundar said, jumping up on his hooves. I wanna see how I match up to the Chosen of Thamnd.


    Well, ifn you want to fall to Uldars granted might, then ya both can be my guests.


    Alex and Thundar looked at each other.


    Then cracked their knuckles.


    They set up in the area Alex had cleared near his tent away from the fire. The threepetitors stood in a line with their shirts off, and a growing audience. Expedition members looked over with curiosity as ygon thundered over, bncing a building stone in each hand.


    His footsteps shook the ground.


    Theresa, Isolde, Drestra, Brutus, Khalik and Najyah had front row seats to thepetition, with the young huntress whistling as Alex stretched his sculpted physique. Isolde pretended she was only partly-interested, but her eyes moved from Cedrics face, to his hair, to the glowing symbol on his chest.


    The chosen looked very happy. Well, no sense in more dys. Lets get started.


    What about Hart? Alex asked.


    Cedric gave him a look. Hell humiliate <em>all</em> of us, so we best get this done before hees back, aye?


    Deal, Alex said. ygon?


    As the three young men held their hands above their heads, the golem reached forward and plopped a heavy stone into their waiting palms. Alex powered up Warp Flesh, letting the current pass through his muscles, bones and connective tissues. Slowly casting Mana to Life, he supported his body.


    And then


    Go! Theresa shouted.


    They began to lift.


    Alex clenched his jaw and focused.


    You might be partly trying to beat them, but the person you really want to beat is you. Break your own limits, he told himself.


    Again and again his shoulders flexed, pressing the five hundred pound building stone above his head. His arms burned from micro-tears spreading through them. After ten presses, he could feel fatigueing on.


    Alex risked a nce at the Chosen and minotaur.


    Thundar grunted, pressing his stone with effort, moving faster than Alex, but not by much. Cedric, meanwhile, was blowing through each repetition at twice Alexs speed. He was straining a bit with each lift, but there was a bright smile shining across his face.


    I could do this aaaaall day, he grunted.


    Groaning, Alex pressed the stone up onest time. Well, I cantyet, he passed the rock to ygon and leaned against him.


    Cedric and Thundar pushed on, with the minotaur failing after a few more reps.


    Theyd beaten Alex, but that was alright.


    His strength was increasingand now he had a goal to shoot for.


    He was counting Cedrics reps, setting his final number as a bar to cross. Finally, the Chosen finished hisst rep and handed the stone to ygon.


    Hah! Thirty-five! Cedric cheered. Dont really train my strength much since I got the blessinspeed n technique work better against Ravener spawnso this is pretty good since Im a bit rusty!


    You pressed five-hundred pounds thirty five times in a minute, man, Thundar panted. I think thats more than pretty good.


    Not by my standard, a deep voice said.


    Cedric froze as Hart strolled toward him, followed by Tyris and her friends. Room for one more?


    Oh no, Cedric groaned.


    Make that two, another voice said, one that sounded like two boulders grinding together.


    Grimloch glided out from behind ygon, fixing the Champion with two coal, ck eyes. Your god make you strong?


    Hart looked up at the sharkman. Strong enough. Yours?


    Im strong because Im strong, the sharkman growled. Come on, lets see whoes out on top. He looked at Alex. I want two stones.


    Same, Hart said.


    Cedric, Thundar and Alex looked at each other then stepped aside as the Champion and giant sharkman squared up. ygon handed them each two building stones.


    And then they began to press.


    Alexs jaw fell open.


    It was like they were pressing air as they grinned at each other and Tyris wolf-whistled.


    Wellguess theres always a bigger fish, Alex said.


    ...thats a terrible joke, Thundar said.


    I didnt think it was too bad, the Chosen said.


    You got taste, Cedric, not like some folks, Alex said.


    A sharp screech suddenly drew their eyes from the contest.


    Najyah had shot from her perch,unching to the skies with a single beat of her wings. Above, the circling birds scattered, fleeing in all directions.


    But all werent quick enough.


    With a sh of talon, the eagle snatched a crow from the sky, screaming in triumph.


    Case in point Alex said. Always a bigger fish, or bird, as the case may be.


    Miles away, one of the hag sisters shrieked.


    She felt talons pierce her body. A beak ripping her flesh.


    Blood was pouring from her wounds. Pouring as her body was torn apar


    With an effort of will, she broke the connection with her spy bird. Wretched creature, Ill send a flock to pluck its eyes out!


    No, you fool, be still. Petty revenge will lead to our discovery. Let it go, her sister said from across the fire. The flickering light lengthened her shadow in their burrow beneath the windmill. Rejoin the connection with our servants still watching those who arrived on horsebackI see something interesting.


    The hag smiled, her eyes distant as she observed something through her servants eyes. Trickytricky humans. They even trick each other.

 Chapter 330: Treachery in the Dark

    Chapter 330: Treachery in the Dark


    <em>Caw! Caw! </em>A crow called from its perch, watching a cloaked figure moving silently from shadow to shadow.


    Shhhh, Rioran hissed, crouched in the crevice between two tents. Quiet, bird. Crows should sleep at ni


    His words died on his lips. Was that bird one of the wizards familiars? Had they already caught him? He held his breath and peered from between the tents. Nothing moved.


    Evening had quickly darkened into nightas fall marched on, the days grew weak while the nights grew cold and strongand the moon hung above, a crescent half buried in ck clouds.


    Fires and magical lights lit the camp, chasing the nights shadows away.


    Rioran made a face of distaste, like hed swallowed rotting meat.


    It was unnatural.


    In Uldars Vale, night would have slipped over thend like aforting nket, draping all in a diffused peacefulness. The only lights to be seen would have been the odd flickeringmp left in a window, the dying embers of a fire cooling in a mantle, and the asional distant light winking from somewhere on the escarpment.


    But these wizards had turned night into a mockery. Glowing orbs of different colours. Magical fires. Lights from other forms of infernal wizardry. In some ces, it was nearly as bright as day, and brightness was the enemy of all who sought the shadows.


    Like Rioran.


    Despite the chill, a cold sweat stood on his brow.


    Any moment, he expected some unnatural light to shine between the tents, revealing his hiding ce. His mind was already crafting excuses: hed gotten lost, or someone had given him poor directions. He was even ready to feign drunkenness if he had too: better one of the kings representatives be thought a drunk, than a spy.


    Then, when they dragged him back to the rest of his party, he could apologise to Stanwic and Catherine. They would be angry, of course; after all, as far as they knew, he had simply gone to walk the walls for a time.


    Better they have no idea where I am, though, he whispered. The secrets best kept are the ones few know.


    He shook himself.


    Too long. Hed been in one ce too long. Nerves were making him hesitate: too much magic about and he was also still nervous after the crows cry.


    No matter.


    Nerves or not, it was time to move.


    With the agility of a cat, Rioran crept to the edge of his hiding ce, measuring the distance between himself and his destination: the research tent. He and the contingent from Thamnd were given a tour earlier, but just a brief one. Tomorrow, thered be demonstrations on what these foreigners had uncovered about the Raveners dungeon coresbut what guarantee was there that they would tell <em>all</em>?


    Rioran hadnte here to see what they wished to <em>show</em>.


    Hede to find out what they wished to hide.


    Still, doing so without being discovered would be difficult.


    Some of the wizards were turning in for the night, though many more were still awake. Patrols ofwhat had they called them?Watchers of Roal swept the encampment in pairs, scanning the night with glowing orbs that illuminated shadows as they passed the tents.


    He crouched low, avoiding the gaze of two well-trained warriors. They were alert and dangerous.


    But, so was he.


    Slipping from his hiding ce, the spy snuck through the camp, moving from shadow to shadow, passing patrols as silent as death. No one saw him. No one except the birds.


    A crow here.


    An owl there.


    But mercifully, none of these creatures seemed to be in league with the wizards: no rm went up, and soon, hed made it to his target.


    Rioran took cover in the shadow of arge supply wagonnoting the gaze of a nearby barn ond eyed the entrance to the research tent, assessing its defences. A pair of Watchers with swords belted at their waists, and staffs gripped in both hands, nked the entry. Glowing orbs hovered around their shoulders, banishing all nearby darkness. Poised and ready to react: these were no bookish academics.


    The front entrance was out of the question then, hed have to check the side, but getting there would be difficult. Rioran was crouched near a<strong></strongne that separated a row of supply wagons from the tent. With the Watchers on alert, thered be no way to cross the path easily without being spotted.


    Hed have to loop around and


    <em>Scrtch.</em>


    The scrape of talon on wood startled him as the owl abruptly took off, hooting and soaring into the air. And for an instant, both Watchers looked up, turning their eyes and attention to the nightbird melting into the night.


    There.


    This was his chance.


    The servant of Uldar silently stepped onto the path on the balls of his feet with breath held, and weight perfectly distributed. He made not a sound as he passed within ten feet of the guards and slipped around the side of the tent then pressed himself against the fabric. Rioran waited, fearing an rm would be raised.


    But none came.


    He wasnt noticed.


    A deep breath escaped his lips. Hed made it. Wordlessly, he closed his eyes, raised his head toward the cloudy heavens and gave a silent prayer: Thank you Uldar,<strong></strong>you sent the owl to be my guiding shadow, cutting through moonlight. Please bless my holy work.


    The spy crept around the side of the tent: on the tour, hed noted an emergency exit at the back, it was a long shot, but if it was unguarded


    Rioran peered around the corner.


    No such luck.


    Two other Watchers were on guard duty there.


    Nothing for it, then.


    He moved through the shadows, gliding his hand along the tent fabric and recalling the positions of strange machines inside, stopping only when he reached an empty space between two of therger ones. Tucked inside his cloak, a small bottle of ck ash was hidden.


    Rioran had no talent for divinity, but even he could feel the blessings on the substance as he uncorked it. With another silent prayer to Uldar, he took a generous pinch of powder and cast a cloud of it over the tent fabric.


    The ck dust clung like a ma and the cloth gently quivered where it touched. A magical ward was revealed. The spy had been instructed to push his fingers forward, and gingerly, he did so, parting ward and cloth like curtains.


    Wasting no time, he crept through the gap into the dark interior of the research tentthen pulled the two sides closed behind him. The ward and cloth closed like theyd never been parted.


    He stood for a breath, gazing around, letting his eyes adjust to the dark; the ckness slowly turned into a blend of light and darker shadows. Only a sliver of light seeped in through the gap beneath the ground and heavy cloth walls, just enough illumination to cast the equipment and machinery into silhouettes of monsters rising from the dark. Riorans eyes strained to cut through shadows while his imagination conjured endless horrors waiting for him.


    But, nothing came swarming from the darkness, it seemed no horrors lurked here.


    Or at least, if there were, he was meant to <em>find</em>, not hide from them.


    He drew a device from his cloaka tinntern, no bigger than a childs handand eased open the small door, greased hinges muffling all sound. Inside, an oil soaked candle wick flickered into me from two flintstones the size of fingernails hed struck together. A single spark, then Rioran quickly shut thentern door.


    Now, the only light was a thin, flickering beam shining through a tiny hole in the door: bright enough to illuminate a sliver of dark ahead, but too dim for anyone to notice from outside. By the low light, he crept deeper into the research tent, closely examining the strange machinery hed briefly seen earlier that day. But the devices were far tooplex and alien for him to even begin to grasp their purpose.


    Dials and switchebelled with technical writing he couldnt understandwere revealed by the light, but he dared not touch them. Instead, he memorised all the features of each machine he could: there coulde a time when he might be sent back to sabotage or destroy the Generasians efforts, if the Third Apostle somanded.


    If it came to that, he would be ready.


    A low footfall outside the tent had him springing for cover, crouching behind a desk. His eyes had grown ustomed to the darkness.


    He cocked his ear toward the front of the tent, holding his breath.


    Low voices.


    Feet shuffling.


    Then the sound of the tent p moving.


    Light poured in, he quickly covered thentern with his bare hand, biting his lip against the pain of hot tin burning his palm. With the flexibility of a serpent, he shrank down, inhaling once and holding the breath as light scoured the tents interior.


    It felt like a lifetime had passed before he heard a womans voice:


    All clear, you boys can go, weve got it from here.


    Then the p closed and Rioran released a ragged breath and the hot metal.


    Grimacing, he searched for his handkerchief to wrap the burn.


    Bad time for a changing of the guard, from the sound of it, but he hadnt hesitated or cried out in painhis training had served him well. Uldar be praised, he softly murmured over the sound of his pounding heart.


    Enough.


    He needed to find what he was looking for and be gone from here.


    In one swift movement he was up and creeping to the back of the tenthed seen a locked desk there earlierwhile he fished out his bottle of ash.


    A sprinkling of the ck dust revealed a ward over the desk, which he pulled open, then retrieved a set of lock picks and opened the drawer lock.


    <em>Click!</em>


    It opened with an audible click, freezing him in ce.


    No movement from outside.


    With trembling hands, Rioran gently slid the drawer open, and in the low light, examined the sheath of papers inside. Reports, journals, logs, all had to be looked through, their exact position memorised. He selected some to look at,id them on the desk, and began inspecting them using hisntern light.


    He frowned.


    Much of what was written was unknown to him.


    Words like malleability, he was familiar with, but there were also a host of strange terms beyond his understanding. A great deal of information about mana. Frequencies. Energy. All science beyond him, but from what little he could grasp, it seemed the Generasians were studying characteristics of the dungeon core substance.


    That seemed innocent enough, but when he read entries on applicationsthat was where things became interesting. There were proposals for new power sources. Ideas for weapons far beyond what Thamnd had made for the Heroes. Devices he could not understand.


    For each of these items, theyd referred to a specific experiment that had led to a suggested<strong></strong>applicationexcept in one case.


    There were entries about golems and other automatons, and how dungeon core substance would be ideal for building cores for the constructs. Yet, there was no reference to any experiments having been conducted for this. It was like the ideas had been birthed from thin air, yet, notes were written as though theyd already <em>built</em> a golem using the substance.


    What are you hiding? he thought before shuffling the reports and returning them to the drawer, then leafing through others. His heart was pounding as he read as many as he could, finding notes about locating more dungeon cores, ns for different tests the wizards wanted to conduct, as well as prototypes they were interested in building.


    He wished he could see more, but his time was running out. He had to get out of there.


    Chances of being discovered were increasing the longer he stayed, so hed just have to be happy with what hed learned. Rioran made sure to carefully put everything back exactly as hed found it, he closed the drawer and pulled the ward shut, then retraced his steps back to the spot where hed snuck in.


    He eased the ck dust from his cloak andwaitI dont remember if I locked the drawer. He cursed, angry at himself. Its a waste of time, but Ill have to go back. Trembling, the spy took a quick nce at the entrance and exit ps before creeping back to the desk, sprinkling the dust on the wards, and trying the drawer. It slid open, he hadnt locked it. He looked up to the heavens and asked Uldar for calmness as his hands shook harder. If he got caught, it would mean the end. He stayed in stillness for a few breaths, feeling calm returning, then locked the drawer and returned to the side wall using the ck dust again to escape.


    He remained still and held onto the calm, listening and watching for any movementbut only a nearby bird eyed him. Nodding to it, he melted into the dark, taking the long way to avoid discovery.


    Moving from shadow to shadow took him farther from the research tent and, with distance, his relief grew. Hed done it! His first mission for Uldarthe first time hed left Uldars Valeand hed seeded in learning much in only part of a nights work.


    Not bad for my first effort. an ted Rioran thought as he slipped between two tents. I suppose I was more ready than I though


    He gasped and his thoughts died when arge hand mped down on his shoulder.


    Strong fingers bit into the spys muscle andbefore he could utter another soundhe was spun around and gripped by the other shoulder with a strength like iron.


    A broad-shouldered young man red at him in the dark.

 Chapter 331: Curtains of Tension

    Chapter 331: Curtains of Tension


    Rioran was pushed deeper into the shadows, his captor gripped his shoulders so tightly, he dared not move. The eyes that were fixed on him held his; eyes that had seen the death of countless, both man and beast.


    Just what in all bloody hells do ya think yer doin, creepin about in the dark like some kinda thief? A mans voice whispered through clenched teeth.


    He looked around for anyone else.


    Thankfully, they were alone.


    His attention turned back to Rioran.


    Well?


    H-Holy Chosen, the spy whispered as the leader of the Heroes'' wrath deepened. II was lost, I got a little drunk and


    Cedric exhaled.


    Whats yer name agin?


    Rioran.


    Look Rioran, you kin stop yer babblin. You sound like a bloody fool, the Chosens golden tooth shed in a sliver of moonlight.


    Holy Chosen?


    I <em>felt</em> the bloody divinity clear across camp! His exasperation was clear. Are you a priest?


    Riorans blood went cold. The dust. He mustve felt the dust.


    No, I have not been called into direct service of our lord Uldar, he whispered. Ive not been anointed.


    Well, I know you did <em>somethin </em>divine, Cedric hissed. Theres not a single priest for more than ten miles in every direction. That means the airs been quiet for divinity. Theres lots o mana about, but not a sliver of divinity, cept fer me own. You mighta been tryin ta be all sneaky an quiet with it, but it sounded like bloody <em>thunder</em> ta me.


    Panic rushed through Rioran. None of his training or any of his ns had prepared him for something like this. He was ready to lie to foreigners or anyone else, if that served Uldars purpose. He was ready to cast aside his reputation and even his life to ensure Uldars Vale was not discovered.


    But this was different.


    Hed stirred the wrath of the <em>greatest</em> of Uldars great servants: a man who he was born and bred to aid, and whose predecessors tombs hed visited once<strong></strong>on his ceremonial naming day.


    And now all that rage that should have been aimed at the Ravener was aimed at himand the only question on his mind was


    Why? Rioran choked out.


    What? Cedric asked.


    Why such anger, Holy Chosen? Why such anger on behalf of these foreigners? Im just doingdoing


    Doing <em>what,</em> exactly? the Chosen nced in the direction of the research tent. Sabotage? You aint one o them demon cultists, are you? Gimme one reason I shouldnt drag you out an let these wizards golems deal wit you?


    I serve only Uldar. Only Thamnd, Rioran said with passion, surprising himself.


    It seemed to catch Cedric off guard too, and in that moment, the spy kept talking: We dont know what these wizards actually <em>mean </em>to do, Holy Chosen. We only know what they <em>say.</em>


    So youre findin out what these wizards actually mean to do, is that what yer sayin? Checkin on em? Oh, bollocks, youre a bloody spy!


    Rioran shut his mouth.


    He could say no more. If worse came to worst, he would just tell the Chosen that he was an agent of the king who was acting on his own. But for right nowhed be silent and pray he wouldnt be dragged back to the capital. His cover was solid, but it would never hold up to the king or queens scrutiny. Or even the courts.


    Rioran watched as the Chosens face slowly turned bright red right before his eyes, as his teeth ground so hard, Rioran could hear the sound.


    Dyou realise what cuda happened? Cedric''s voice was low and hard. Ifn youd been caught, it wouldve <em>destroyed</em> all trust between the Generasians and us. Killed anythin good that might bein, an turned this whole alliance into nothin but usations, fightin, an a big bloody <em>incident, </em>ya stupid bastard, you. An how in all hells did yae by divinity anyhow? Ifn youre not a priest, then are ysome kinda thief? Do ya go aroun stealin divine items fer coin or somethin? The Chosen hissed through clenched teeth, but Rioran kept his silence.


    He would say nothing.


    He would betray neither Uldar nor his superiors.


    The silence grew, heartbeat by heartbeat, while the Chosens scowl deepened. Every moment felt like it would explode into disaster.


    Remember your training, Rioran thought. Remember your training.


    He risked a quick nce at Cedrics form, wanting to analyse his bodynguage despite his rising panic. There was stiffness in the Chosens muscles. Anger. Butthere was something else. A slight tremor. Was it deeper rage?


    Nohe didnt think so. It appeared to be something elsehesitation. So the spy kept very still, breathing slowly, and not presenting himself as a threat.


    He gasped when Cedric suddenly dragged him forward by his shirt.


    Listen. You wont do this ever again, yhere? the Chosen snarled. Youre gonna keep quiet about all this, an if I ever catch you doin divinities or sneakin about, youll regret it. The only reason I dont get somebody ta deal wit you right now is cos itll burn every bito trust weve built wit these folks so far. An all that food Generasis sendin us? All the supplies? All the help theyre gonna give us by smashin dungeons, killin cultists and makin sure that good people dont die? All o that turns to smoke, an I wont be lettin all that happen because o<em> you. Thats</em> the only reason I wont be tellin anyone about you. Otherwise, youd be in their handsor tied up to be dragged back to the king by now!


    The Chosen pushed the spy away and nced around, looking to see if anyone was near. Things were quiet. Cedric pointed south, toward the Thameish representatives tents.


    Get outta here!


    Yes, Holy Chosen. The spy bowed his head, then scurried away, his mind already crafting his story for Stanwic and Catherine. He only needed something simple to deflect questions: judging by the moons position, hed been gone for a while.


    Well, they didnt matter.


    All that mattered was that Izas would soon know what hed found, and that he hadnt been caught. Wellthat wasntpletely; hed actually failed in one very important way. Hed been seen. From birth to death his life had one purpose, to be invisible eyes for Uldar, but now, hed been seen. The spy shook. With the Chosen watching him now, he couldnt risk even a twitch for the rest of this visit.


    And the others wont be able to move around either. Not freely, he thought, his belly churning so badly, he was nearly sick. Ill have to warn them. Theyll be angry, but better that only one of us ispromised than all three.


    It was with these thoughts that he made his way back to speak to the two others in Uldars servicewhile under the watchful avian eyes perched all around.


    It was a beautiful day to demonstrate apocalyptic destructive energies.


    The sun was high.


    The wind was uncharacteristically warm.


    And the birds sang beautifully as they circled above.


    It was mid-morning, and the Generasians were escorting the Thameish delegation to the testing area theyd used the day before. Afterst nights contest, Alexs muscles were screaming, but at least the pain wasnt in his legs.


    He could walk without wanting to curl up in a little ball and die, which was a good thing; even he wasnt shameless enough to have ygon carry him in front of Cedric and the other guests. Not that they wouldve been able to pay much attention to him.


    They were busy with a factor Alex was calling, Element Carey.


    The little Thameish wizard had immediately rushed to the Heroes as soon as they left the encampments gate. From her stuttering introduction ten minutes beforewith a face flushed with nervesto the long walk, shed alternated between constant chatter, and listening to the Heroes with the intensity of a wide-eyed child enthralled with their idol.


    She reminded Alex of an excitable puppy, flitting from one Hero to the next, much to the distress of Hart, who looked more and more miserable as time went on. Drestra, surprisingly, seemed to get along well with Carey. Or maybe that wasnt so surprising: Carey had respect for the Witches of Crymlyn Swamp and she and Drestra came from the same part of Thamnd.


    But the Hero that confused Alex was Cedric; he thought of the three Heroes, the friendly Chosen would get along with Carey bestbut there was something going on with him today. He seemed tense, distracted.


    Hey, Isolde, Alex whispered, leaning toward her. Do you think theres anything weird going on with Cedric?


    She looked at him, startled. I would not knowI have only met him twice, after all.


    Alex gave her a look.


    What? she asked.


    Now is not the time, Alex, he thought.


    I mean, not in a weird way, but dont you think hes acting a little different fromst night? he asked. I mean, first of all,st night he left to go across camp shirtless, but when he came back, he had a short on. A <em>shirt</em> Isolde, I never thought Id see the day.


    Isoldes blue eyes narrowed on the Chosens broadand bareback. Iperhaps. There does seem to be a certaintension about him.


    Yeah, okay, I thought so.


    I am not sure if it is any of our business, however, the young noblewoman said. Perhaps he is merely stiff fromst nights contestyou wereining of some soreness earlier.


    Yeah, wellmaybe youre right, Alex said.


    As Isolde fell silent, he watched the Chosens bodynguage: it was slightly stiffbut there was more going on than simply sore muscles. There was tension in his movements and he seemed restrained, not rxed like he normally was. Hed even seemed rxed when they were fighting in the dungeon.


    It was strange, like he was trying to go unnoticed but wasnt doing a very good job. After all, Cedric spent most of his time trying to <em>be</em> noticed.


    So, what could he be hiding?


    Alex thought aboutst night: wearing a shirt would have hidden the golden glow of Cedrics mark. Had he been trying to move around without being seen?


    Carefully, Alex watched the other Heroes. Hart and Drestras bodynguage was normalwell, as normal as it could be in the case of the Champion with his many different bodynguages in one form. Nothing new there.


    What about the rest of the delegation? He let his eyes pass over each one.


    Was anyone else tense or nervous?


    He examined each member, dismissing one after the other untilnothing. There wasnt anything of note with any of the


    Wait.


    Alexs eyes fell on the sandy-haired man hed observed in front of the encampments gate yesterday. There. It was only for a heartbeatAlexs trained eyes had nearly missed itbut the man had shot a quick nce at Cedric, and his bodynguage had abruptly changed. Hed tensed, like a frightened dog expecting to be hit.


    An instantter, it was gone.


    Alexs scowl deepened. Something was going on, but what? He didnt know what it was, and at the same time, there was nothing he could do. All he really knew for sure was that Cedric andRioran, was it? Were acting a little strange. There was nothing solid to go on, and he knew how itd sound:


    Hey guys, I noticed Cedric and this other guy were both acting kinda strangeyou should dosomething! he shook his head, imagining himself being dragged off.


    Besides, this was exactly like the situation with Amir.


    He remembered at the Games of Roal talking with Isolde and Khalik about how suspicions and usations ruined trust.


    <em>Such distrust has ended empires, </em>Khalik had said.


    <em>...sharing those suspicions would be as bad as idle gossip and do more harm than good, </em>Isolde had said.


    If he shared unfounded theories, that could hurt the rtionship between Generasi and Thamnd.<em></em>No, bringing unsupported ideas out in the open would be a mistakebut there might be another way


    Baelin knows that the Marks glow, and he also knows that Ive been studying bodynguage, he thought. He might take this seriously. Maybe Ill just tell him about my suspicions in private. Then he can decide what to do. Itd be good enough if he just pays more attention to Cedric and Rioran. Or maybe its nothing at all, in which case, no ones hurt.


    With another nce at Rioran, whose eyes were looking straight ahead, he turned away and started talking to Isolde again.


    Act natural, he thought. Dont let possible enemies know that you have any suspicions about them. Keep that hiddenuntil youre ready for them.

 Chapter 332: An Impressive Demonstration

    Chapter 332: An Impressive Demonstration


    Before we begin Professor Jules said to the Thameish representatives.


    Wait, I have a question! a man with thick, white mutton chops raised his hand. Is this erquite safe?


    The professor paused, looking at their surroundings. Theythe representatives, Heroes and researchershad all crammed into the bunker at the chaos essence-dungeon core testing site. Thick walls protected them. Layers of force sheathed the window. Blood mages stood at the backbehind the delegations rows offortable chairsand each member of the Thameish group had been given a safety mask with tinted lenses for the demonstration.


    ...trust me, there are few safer ces in <em>all</em> of Greymoor, Professor Jules said reassuringly. Weve taken every precaution, we have safety redundancies in ce, and medical teams are on standby should the need for them arise. All is well. Trust me.


    Come now, wheres your sense of adventure, Reginald? one of the court wizards representatives called. By my own inspection, this ce is fortified enough to take an attack by a horde of Ravener-spawn! Rx. Just think of it as a little excursion to the outdoor theatre!


    The first man mumbled. Mmmm, quite right. Apologies for interrupting.


    No problem at all, Professor Jules said. Youre right to ask questions. Questions are the fundamental bedrock to all science and diplomacy. Well, actually, deep pockets and generous <em>funders</em> are the bedrock to all science and diplomacy, but asking questions sounds a bit nicer, doesnt it?


    A few people chuckled.


    But, enough jokes, she continued. I just wanted to salute all of you in your brave fight against the Ravener. Its my hope thatwith our knowledge, bravery and deep pocketsbinedwell turn this time of darkness into a new, brighter age for folk the world over. Its early days yet, but already, our results are <em>incredibly promising.</em> That said, we dont want to beblinded by our bright futuresor these demonstrations. So, I <em>strongly</em> rmend that you keep your masks on for the entire demonstration. Protect your eyes so you can see whats going toe next. My assistants will help anyone who has issues with their masks. So, speak up if you need help.


    She nodded to a group of researchers lined up at the side of the bunker, they included Alex, Isolde and Carey.


    If you have questions, Professor Jules said. Ill ask that you save them for the end of the demonstration. We have a lot to show you, and itd be best if we keep things moving until the very end.


    The representatives of Thamnd nodded politely, then began fumbling with their masks. The court wizards representatives slid theirs on easily enough, but some who were there to represent the king struggled, eyeing the long, bird-like protrusions dubiously.


    I say! Reginald called. Could someone lend me a hand with this dastardly device? Getting it to stay ons proving to be a right bother!


    On it, Alex said to Carey and Isolde, heading to the older man. He put on his best service smile, which hed rarely used since hisst days at McHarris bakery. I got your back, sir. Are you having trouble with the buckle in the back? Thats what usually gets people.


    The man did a double-take as Alex reached him. I say, youre a healthy young man! What do they feed you down in Generasi? Dragons?


    <em>Crk!</em>


    Chair legs scraped the stone floor, like someone had shifted suddenly.


    Alex nced in the direction where the sound hade fromthe Heroesand focused on Cedric. Nothing there.


    The Chosen didnt look like hed moved.


    Well, not so much, Alex said to Reginald, taking his mask. Here, let me show you how this works.


    The Thameish wizard worked the buckle with both hands while throwing the asional nce toward Cedric. He didnt look at Rioran: the sandy-haired fellow seemed sharp enough to notice if he was being watched.


    There we go, Alex said, after loosening the leather strap. Try it now.


    He helped Reginald with the mask, guiding it over the thick mutton chops.


    Ah, excellent. It fits me like a glove! Thank you, young man!


    No problem, Alex said, manoeuvring over to the Heroes. You guys good? Need any help with your masks? Got any problems?


    He threw the question out in general, but made sure to slightly turn his head toward Cedric; not being obvious, but just so his voice was aimed at him.


    The Chosen reacted, trying to hide difortand failing. No, Im all good, mate. Thanks for askin.


    Right, Alex said, lingering for a bit before returning to his spot beside Isolde at the side of the bunker.


    Carey returned a momentter, shuddering with excitement. I do hope they find our discoveries impressive. Even though its still early days.


    Oh, I think they will He remembered the Festival of Ghostsst yearwhich wasing up soonand Professor Jules flying through the sky on a skeletal horse, dressed in her witchs costume. Professor Jules definitely knows how to put on a show.


    And put on a show she did.


    First, simplified copies of the data sheets were handed out then for the next hour, she guided the Thameish delegation through every aspect of the dungeon core substance the research team had discovered, and she did it all in spectacr fashion.


    In the test area, golems lined up with a range of portable machinery, and several samples of dungeon core remains. While Professor Jules narrated, the golems sted the powdery remains with lightning, conducted incandescent mana along a line of dungeon core powder, then used it to power a grain milling machine. A small sample of core remains wasid in a circle, then a ward was attached to form a circle of protective energy around a te with a delicate souffle on it. Professor Jules summoned demons to attack the ward. The monsters used axes, streams of fire-breath and other vicious magics, causing it to re with shadowy power, but no matter how ferocious the demon assault, the circle wasnt prated and the souffle remained untouched.


    The crowd was animated, gasping, pping and oohing and aahing at everything they were seeing. Reginald called out, This is most spectacr, professor, truly masterful! Im almost beside myself!


    Wizards have that effect on most folks. Alex thought. Soak it all in then go tell the king. If he ever finds out Im the Fool and gets any ideas about grabbing me, he might just think twice.


    Atst, it was time for thest stage of the demonstration.


    I request that you please do not touch your masks during this part. Thingsare going to get a little bright soon, Professor Jules said. Weve saved the most spectacr part forst. This is where well bebining chaos essencewhich is a rare substance from certain otherworldly neswith the remains of a dungeon core. The reaction is a tadenergetic.


    In the sandy field, the golems backed away from abined sample of dungeon core remains and chaos essence. Once they were behind cover, Professor Jules sent an inexpensive, specialised messenger construct forward with a mana conductor attached to it. It glided to the swirling mixture and slowly inserted the mana conductor prongs, then


    Hey Hart said. Is it just me or is that a <em>lot</em> of light ring arou<em>holy shi</em>


    <em>Boom!</em>


    A st strong enough to shake the entire bunker discharged.


    Sand erupted in a cloud as several of the delegation screamed when a column of fire shot toward the sky.


    Bloody hell! Reginald cried. Thats apocalyptic!


    Pretty cool, eh? Professor Jules said. Chaos essence is hard to getbut imagine what one could do with thisbination. A little dungeon core remains. A little chaos essence. A small source of mana and<em>boom.</em> You can kiss a dungeon or small army of Ravener-spawn goodbye.


    Hah! Hartughed out, his voice a touch shrill. Looks like we might be out of a job, eh, Cedric? Drestra?


    Holy Uldar Cedric murmured.


    Magnificent. Drestra watched the explosion, mesmerised. Absolutely beautiful.


    I like the way she thinks! Carey whispered to Alex.


    Well, I <em>say!</em> Reginald sounded breathless. What an absolutely smashing first demonstration! You have done some excellent work here. King Athelstan will be <em>most</em> pleased with these developments!


    Im very d to hear that, Professor Jules said, and Alex could hear the smile in her voice. And to that I say: heres to a long, and beautiful partnership.


    Indeed, hear, hear! cried a very enthusiastic court wizard representative. So, what is next? What do you think youll work on next?


    Well, for now, Professor Jules said. Well be discussing potential scientific, industrial, and militaristic applications of these remains. It seems that their best application is as an elerant: perhaps to empower technology that uses mana. In short, if we can build it? Then we can build it better with this material. And to explore that further, we n to start sending teams out to obtain additional samples.


    And after that? the older man asked.


    Professor Jules pause was filled with malicious excitement. Well, after that? I believe itll be time to move experimentation to stage two: the study of <em>living</em> dungeon cores. By the time were finished,dies and gentlemen, well know more about these dungeon cores than your enemy does.


    The Thameish delegation all stood up at once, and their apuse was thunderous. It was so loud, it nearly drowned the rumble of aftershocks as smoke and sand continued swirling toward the clouds.


    After that, the remainder of the delegations visit was almost a formality.


    Well, a formality and <em>politicking.</em>


    For the next day and a half, they met with Professor Jules and the other lead researchers to discuss future ns in detail, and begin negotiations for delivery and production of dungeon core remains for various tasks and markets.


    Discreetly, some representatives even offered moreprivate arrangements, hoping to secure promises and contracts to benefit their own families, fiefs and territories. Professor Jules made no promises, but she didnt reject anyone either.


    As for Alex, he focused on keeping up with his work with the research team and generally getting to know the Heroes better. He, Cedric, Hart, Khalik, Thundar, Theresa, Tyris and Grimloch all trained together using the building stones andfor someweights that were a liiiiiittle more reasonable.


    As they built their bodies, they built their bonds, growing closer.


    And Alex learned more about each Hero.


    Drestra remained especially fascinated by the demonstration, talking about it often. She seemed pretty excited about something, but wouldnt say what.


    If I can just learn more, she said, staring into the zing light of a campfire. Maybe it could workor maybenotbut its a start. It might buy us more time


    Alex and Theresa didnt prod her for her thoughts: after all, they didnt know each other well enough. Not yet, at least.


    Harts reaction to the substances was altogether different.


    will bloody change the face of war, he growled into a cup of strong ale. Whatre men, womenor even beasts supposed to do against that kind of power? Whats the point of skill? Or swords? Magic and divinity are one thing: you need talent and years of study for one, and a god or goddess blessing for the other. But this? So much boom from something so small. Thank Uldar that chaos stuff is rare, or one war could annihte the entire world! He gulped the rest of his ale.


    I thought you were happy with all yer talk about us bein out of a job an all? Cedric asked him.


    Yeah, I had more time to think about it, Hart exined. That kind of weapon, and Id call it a weapon, <em>might</em> be great if its in <em>your</em> handsbut battlefields are going to be even nastier if that stuff spreads. Wouldnt you think?


    Well Cedric said. Im just d we know about it and that things are transparent-likesomething as powerful as thats too nasty to be buried in secrets.


    As Alex watched them from across the campfire, he noted the Chosens bodynguage had rxed over timethough, he seemed to be tensing now that the end of their visit was approaching.


    They would be gone in the morning.


    And after that, a new stage of the expedition would begin.


    Alex thought back to what Professor Jules had said: that theyd be experimenting on live dungeon cores soon. Hed known that from the start, of course, but with all that had been going on, it seemed like it would nevere.


    He thought about struggling with the dungeon core in the Cave of the Traveller, fighting for control against a dying one.


    Sooner rather thanter, his next encounter with oneone that was very much alivewould finallye.


    and if he defeated ithed learn just how far that control could go and


    He nced at the Heroes.


    Cedric, Hart and Drestra just might learn something very interesting about their ancient enemy.


    Perhaps everyone would.

 Grand Announcement: Paperback, Audiobook and E-book!

    Grand Announcement: Paperback, Audiobook and E-book!


    Hey everybody!


    So, Ive gotten the green light to give you all an announcement that Ive been super excited about. Mark of the Fool will be published on Amazon. (Some of you figured it out already and yes, thats true).


    But thats not all! In addition to its release on Kindle Unlimited, it will also be receiving an <strong>audiobook</strong> narrated by none other than the great, the magnificent<strong>TRAVIS BALDREE! </strong>Yes! Some of you folk might know him from the narration of Primal Hunter and a series called <strong>Cradle</strong>. Words cannot describe how excited I am for this.


    Also, also...a <strong>paperback</strong> ising too. (THAT is making me freak out the most!) The whole things been professionally edited (for 17,000 changes, ording to word). So with it being on kindle unlimited, Ill be taking down chapters 8 to 75. Originally, I had up to chapter 162 as book 1 but uhmy publisher told me that it wouldve actually been too big, so I needed to split it up. (It was over 400k, lol)


    Which means what was book 1 on Royal Road is now volume 1 and volume 2 on Amazon.


    And Ive got a cover for volume 1! (My publisher even got me one of those fancy animated covers!


    And for those of you who love the RR cover? Dont worry. Thats going to be the Amazon cover for <strong>volume 2.</strong> (Since ygon doesnt exist by chapter 75)


    Special thanks to all of you. Without you, none of this would be possible.


    Heres the link to the amazon page: /amazon/B0B134YJYF/


    Ill definitely post it again.


    And seriously. Thank you for walking this path with me.

 Chapter 333: The Shedding of Filth

    Chapter 333: The Shedding of Filth


    King Athelstan will be most pleased with what youve done here, Professor Jules, Reginald said, bowing his head to the professor from the back of his horse. Around him, the entire Thameish delegation looked on, mounted and ready to depart under the morning sun.


    Court Wizard Errol will also be pleased, a representative of the court wizard said. So pleased that I have a feelingwith what weve seen herehell want to witness your achievements first hand. If I know him, I suspect hell be with the next delegation when its time for another visit.


    Then Ill look forward to meeting him and joining with another wizard interested in advancing knowledge. Dont be strangers, Professor Jules said, standing in the midst of a gathered crowd.


    Despite the early hour, many of the Generasians hade to see the delegation off. Most would be returning to the universityter: as the Thameish were heading home, thered be a changing of the staff in the expedition.


    Seated low in the saddle, Cedric smiled, shing his gold tooth at Isolde who was smoothing her hair and returning his smile. The same goes fer all o you: dont be a stranger. specially you, Lady von Anmut. I enjoyed our conversations. Yournds sound like a truly magical ce. Maybe when this wars all done an dusted, Ill hop on a shipor get some mighty wizard to teleport meane see em for myself.


    A slight shadow crossed Isoldes face, disappearing in a blink. Youre wee at any time. She paused. By which, I mean you are all wee here at the expedition. Post war, perhaps there will be time to discuss diplomatic journeys, I suppose.


    Her voice was neutral, but strained. Alex and Khalik exchanged knowing looks, and the young Thameish wizard decided to help out his cabal-mate.


    Yeah, Alex agreed. Come back. Take a load off. See what horrors weve cooked up. Have some fun.


    We will, Drestra said enthusiastically, nodding to Theresa. I look forward to our return.


    Hart grinned at Grimloch with a definite challenge. Until next time.


    Bring bigger stones, Grimloch growled, and Alex wondered if the shark man realised how his words could be taken.


    Yeah, bring big stones! Tyris whooped, and Alex had no question she knew exactly how her words could be taken. Several of her friends yelled, Tyris! in reprimand, but she was alreadyughing so hard, she was snorting.


    Hart looked absolutely delighted.


    Well, safe travels, friends, Prince Khalik said with Najyah perched on his arm.


    Kick some dungeon core ass for us, Thundar added.


    Good hunting, offered Theresa.


    Brutus barked once as though agreeing with his master.


    Well be seein you all again. Real soon, Cedric vowed.


    Yeah, too bad Baelin didnt have time toe and teleport you guys this time, Alex said. Ah, well, maybe soon <em>youll</em> be the one teleporting people, Drestra.


    I look forward to that day, Drestras eyes lit up above her veil.


    And with those final wordsand a few more goodbyesthe delegation rode through the gates and into the hills of Greymoor. The expedition team watched them shrink into the distance, and Alexs eyes fell on the sandy-haired Riorans back.


    His bodynguage had been nearly unreadable, but, as he left the gates behind, it seemed some of his control eased a bit. He rode stiffly, ncing back more than once as though expecting someone, or something, to be following them.


    Eventually, he kept his eyes ahead, riding a little faster and pushing his mount a little harder than hispanions. Soon, the visitors'' forms shrank so far in the distance, Alex couldnt tell them apart from the horses they were riding. Well, time to pack up I guess, he shrugged as he and his friends turned away from the gates to gather up their belongings and head through the portal to Generasi.


    In the end, the only eyes left watching the disappearing delegation were sharp, and avian


    and a few even followed, winging their way unnoticed across the sky.


    Treachery, one of the hags grinned. So much treachery. We could use this, sister.


    How? her sister asked, pulling her senses away from the birds. All I see is wasted time!


    The first hag nced at the entrance to the grotto theyd dug beneath the windmill. Their beast-goblin ves also watched it with keen eyes; the silence-spider servants of theirally had a distressing habit of going ces where they werent invited. In silence, and with unnerving speed.


    The hags had learned to always keep their own servants watchful.


    Once she was sure they were still alone, the first hagd in bird feathersturned to her younger sister.


    Patience. Patience she started.


    Patience? Its not <em>your</em>nd that these filthy outsiders squat in! I want them gone! her sister growled.


    And gone they shall be, the elder one said. Think, little sister. We turn beast-goblins and birds into servants. They fight in ce of us while we remain in safety. Why not do the same now? Why risk ourselves when our enemies can kill <em>each other</em>?


    Now, her younger sister paused.


    Exin.


    It is simple. We follow the one who crept about, betraying his own allies. The one who was confronted by that delicious looking, young mortal. The hag licked her lips, imagining how sulent the red-haired humans meat would be. Tough, with all that muscle, but juicy all the same. Well learn where the traitor goes and we will learn <em>all</em> of his secrets. Then, we whisper those secrets into human ears. The humans will distrust each other and kill or drive each other out. It is the way of humans. Ive seen it time and time again: mortals will kill each other for little reason.


    Mmmmm, yesssss I like this! But! But! The younger of the hags stared at the entrance, then leaned forward, speaking in a whisper. But what of our friend? What do we do with it? Do you think it will leave us be when our mutual enemies are dead?


    These are the Lean Times, sister, the elder said. The Ravener seeks to kill <em>mortals,</em> not those like <em>us</em>. It will leave. And if it doesnt? Well, humans could be told where it is. And once again, our enemies will kill our enemies.


    Yessss! Yes, sister! Youve thought of everything! In the end, we win! the younger snarled, revealing her tattered fangs. The moon and stars shift in our favour.


    That they do, sister. That they do.


    And you have no theories as to what might have happened? Baelin asked, ncing up from a strange map on his desk.


    None, Alex said. Which is why I just wanted to mention it to you and mention it briefly.


    Hmmmm, the ancient wizard mused. Interesting. Rioran, you said this young mans name was?


    Thats right, Alex said.


    I will keep an eye on him should our paths cross.


    Thankslike I said, it might be nothing, but I just thought you should know.


    Thank you for telling me and thank you for your discretion. Not that I think you would scream this out to the world, but we really must not chance having wild usations levelled against our own allies. We have enough problems as it is.


    Alexs heart skipped a beat. Oh? Problems?


    The ancient wizard sighed. Ive been having somefolk look into things in the Irtyshenan Empire in an attempt to learn what we can about the wed beast that attacked you in the countryside. Unfortunatelythat investigation has hit something of a wall.


    Oh? Why, what happened?


    The Irtyshenans have shut their borders and are preparing for another war. Anyone snooping about in the empire would likely be targeted by theiragents. As such, my friends shall we say, can no longer move with ease or without risk.


    Oh, Alex said, disappointed. Well, thats alright, I suppose. Ive got enough to worry about as it is. Hopefully, we can get back to that eventually.


    Indeed. Now, let us start with the demon summoningactuallybefore we begin. Have you beendoing somethingtely? Your shoulders seem broader, even for you. You havent been mucking about with shapeshifting, have you?


    Oh, didnt I tell you? Alex asked excitedly. So, I kinda came up with a method to enhance myself physically.


    Oh? And what sort of method would that be?


    Alex, in great detail, told Baelin about what hed been doing, exining every aspect and how hed conceived of the idea. The more he talked, the more the ancient wizard leaned in.


    honestly, Ive just about doubled my strength and Im not showing any signs of slowing down. Im making my bones denser too, and Ive got so much power in my limbs, that Im a lot faster. He rubbed his hands together in excitement. I think Ill hit a limit <em>eventually</em>. Im reinforcing my body with my own mana and elerating its growth, so I think Ill hit <em>some</em> kind of biological strength limitat least thats my hypothesis based on what Ive been reading in the anatomy books.


    Alex tapped his chin. Im also considering if maybe I can exploit life enforcementsee if I can kinda copy its processes for an extra boost He teetered his hand back and forth. I <em>might</em> be able to use Warp Fleshor a more advanced versionto remove impurities from my body, but with the Mark, theres no way I could reinforce it with the power of the natural world without cultivating. That just might be a death sentence. Still, with such a strong foundation, any body enhancement spells going to give me a <em>lot</em> of power.


    That it <em>wiiiiill,</em> Baelin said, with pure delight shining in his eyes. What a <em>fascinating</em> solution to a problem. Hmmmhmmmyou should write a book about this.


    Oh, you mean like a manual? Alex asked.


    Indeed, an instruction manual or even a full-on short textbook. The issue with your method is that it requires a <em>grand</em> talent for mana maniption in a way that most will never achieve. Your Mark lets you reach it, but to do so naturallyvery few wizards would be able to copy it. Have you tried using your method on other creatures?


    Alex grimaced. I experimented with insects before I did it on myself. But, the problem is that I kinda need my own bodys feedback to figure out if Im doing it properly. Its pretty delicate work, to put it mildly. If I were to do it for someone else, Id need to study their body for a long timeover a lot of different circumstancesand then maybesomehow connect my senses to theirs so Id know if I was screwing up. But, <em>I </em>wouldnt want to take the risk.


    He tapped his shoulder. The Mark doesnt interfere with the process since its only making micro-tears in tiny fibres and <em>helping</em> my muscles. One screw up with someone else though, and I could really hurt them, which means the Mark would start interfering, then I could hurt them even more, and then the whole thing would spiral.


    Mmmm true, Baelin mused. I could see why you would only take such risks with yourself. No matter. By recording the method, youll certainly help blood mages and also make some good, solid coin in the process. Im sure thered be a market for it.


    Right Alex ran his hand along his chin where stubble seemed to be establishing itself from days of not shaving. Baelins beard-braids got him thinking about how he might look with a full beard covering his chin. Maybe hed avoid shaving for a while longer. You know, I think I just might do that. But, Ill wait til thingse to their natural conclusion first. Doesnt make sense to write a manual when I dont have all the data. yet


    Quite right, Chancellor Baelin said. Then just as we are about to focus on demon summoning, you will need to focus on your training.


    Will do, Alex said. Will do. Lets see how far I can push myself.


    Over the next few weeks, Alex put everything into keeping his word: pushing himself as far as he could. Most days were about training, eating, sleeping, resting and meditation.


    He only deviated from that routine to go to Greymoor and back, study, work at Shales, go to ss and write his midterms. Every moment he could spare was spent on building his body and pushing it as far as he could, which included trying to <em>improve</em> his special kind of training.


    The more he practised with Warp Flesh, the more refined his control became. After a week, running the current through his muscles was reaching the point where he could say it was bing easy, plus, hed refined <em>how</em> he ran the current, and how much mana he used. With each contraction during weight lifting, hed focus on the muscle and be sure to spike the current.


    Two weeks of improvementster, he hit another breakthrough: bybining control over his lifeforce with Warp Flesh, his mana currents, and Cleanse Flesh, he did something that would change his body forever.


    Hurrrrrgh! Alex retched into a bucket on the balcony. Whywhy didnt anyone tell me it feels like your insides are on fire? By the Traveller! Hurrrrgh!


    Alex! Selina ran onto the balcony. Alex whats wroIt stinks! Why does it stink so bad?


    Shaking, he turned to his sister. Because Im bringing up just about every nasty thing that was in my body. I found a way to do something simr to the first part of what Theresa does.


    He turned the bucket, revealing a vile ck substance inside.


    E! she screamed, running back inside.


    He gave a wry smile, wishing he could do the same.


    Alex Roth might not have been able to try life enforcement, not with the Mark of the Fool interfering with divinitybut hed found a way to take some of that process power for himself.


    At least the first stage of it.


    Now, he could go even farther.

 Chapter 334: Like a Titan From the Tales of Old

    Chapter 334: Like a Titan From the Tales of Old


    It was like someone had taken a curtain off the world.


    He could see better: colours were brighter, things detailed and objects easier to make out in the distance. He could also hear better: the musicality in a personsughter, the song of the wind, the thunder of someones heartbeat. His sense of smell was better, he could perceive scents in ways he never could before.


    Taste.


    Touch.


    It was all enhanced.


    Then there were other physical improvements: sharper reflexes, more flexibility. His thoughts came quicker, clearer, his stamina went through the roof and hed even shaved another fifteen minutes from his sleep time.


    He was renewed, like a whole new man.


    And he loved it.


    I cant believe getting that gunk out caused such a change, he turned his hand, examining it; when he focused he could clearly see the pores of his skin. I didnt think itd be <em>this </em>effective.


    Oh, you have no idea. Theresa smiled, and for a moment, he was lost. He saw her in a new way. In new detail. Her gracefulnessa beauty hed never seen beforetook his breath away.


    A few hours had passed since hed thrown up all that ck stuff into the bucketwhich hed disposed of down the drainand he and Theresa had strolled to the beach on campus. After Selina went to school, and the huntress heard all about Alex heaving his guts out, theyd taken a walk to a special spot, the quiet beach where theyd ended the night on their first date.


    Fall in Generasi was the opposite to fall in Greymoor.


    The warm autumn sun shone down on ocean waves breaking on the shore while gulls cried above. He could hear every sound so clearlyhe could even hear a fishing leap from the water in the distance. It was as if his ears had been cleared of wool he never knew was muffling his hearing.


    Hey, do you remember when dad fixed the axle on the wagon? Theresa asked.


    Yeah Alex said, letting himself get lost in her face. He watched her eyes getting lost in his too. Your mom thought we might need a new axle, but your dad got down there and found all kinds of built up gunk stuck to it. Didnt he take like half a day getting it all off?


    Seven and a half hours to be exact, she said, wryly. He counted. And you remember how well the wagon worked after that?


    Yeahit was like a brand new wagon, he said. I remember him taking us out for a ride. Worked the horses hard. By the Traveller, it was like we were <em>flying</em> through the countryside.


    Yeah, she said, smiling at the memory. Its the same with our bodies. All that gunk was clinging to every little bit of you. It makes your body struggle more, work slower, causes more pain, you get sick easiergetting that stuff outs really important. Even if you cant cultivatethis is She sniffed, tearsing to her eyes. Im just so happy for you.


    He felt a lump rising in his throat. Im happy I get to share at least some of what youve been experiencing all this time.


    Its great, isnt it? she giggled, wiping his eyes. It makes you feel like you can run forever.


    Yeahthats a good way to describe it, Alex said, looking at her curiously. If this feels thisamazing, what does taking in natures energy feel like?


    She sighed. Like youre one with the world, just for a little while. Its like feeling creations heartbeat and bringing it in time with your own. Or the other way around, I guesswhat youre going throughjust keeps going. Your senses get sharper. You feel healthier. Stronger. You feel different...in the best way.


    Welleven just this part is fantastic, Alex said. NowI wanna go train. Lets see how I do with all that gunk gone.


    Theresas smile was like the suning out.


    She leapt up from the beachside table and began to stretch. I thought youd never ask. Lets go!


    The huntress took off, racing across the beach in the direction of the gymnasium. A secondter, and Alex was sprinting after her.


    Except sprinting fell short of what he was doing.


    It almost felt like <em>flying.</em>


    Every footfall was strong, catapulting him forward like a stoneunched from a trebuchet. Heughed as the wind rushed by his ears, and Theresaughed with him. With every pump of his arms, he closed the distance between them until he was beside her, almost running t-out.


    He wasnt even winded.


    Great! You caught up! She grinned. Now we can <em>really</em> run!


    Wait, what now


    She was <em>gone.</em>


    Alexs jaw dropped.


    Hells!


    Shed gotten a <em>lot</em> faster over the past few months. With a whoop of excitement, he followed, running t-out. Trees whipped by. Passersby turned toward them.


    But they were gone in seconds.


    Too soon, they reached the gym, and Alex felt like he could keep running forever. But, it was time for a different kind of training.


    Alright. He ran the mana current through his body and cast Mana to Life. Lets get training.


    Okay, lets see where I am, Alex said, approaching a weight bench. You mind spotting my chest press?


    The huntress eyes ran up and down his body. I dont mind at all. The viewll be great from up here.


    She stood behind the bar as he slid the tes on. Her eyes grew wider the more weight he piled on. By the Traveller, how much is that?


    Six hundred and ny five pounds, he said. Ive <em>almost</em> caught Thundar. Lets see if I can close the gap today. You ready?


    Sure am, she said, holding her hands below the bar.


    The fact that she didnt flinch at the thought of spotting that much weight gave him an idea of just how strong shed be.


    Alright. He rubbed powder over his hands then slid onto the bench. Lets see if I can beat ThundaOh holy crap! The bar felt like it weighed nothing in his hands. Nearly seven hundred pounds glided through the air.


    He pressed the bar a few more times then


    <em>ng.</em>


    racked it.


    We have to go heavier, he said in excitement.


    Theresa, almost giddy herself, went for more weight.


    <em>ng.</em>


    Seven hundred and fifty.


    <em>ng.</em>


    Eight hundred.


    <em>ng.</em>


    Nine hundred.


    <em>ng!</em>


    More weight! He was so pumped, he was twitching. I cant believe this! I feel amazing!


    Theresa slid more tes on the bar. After thiswell have to move to a bench with a stronger rack and bar, this ones starting to bend. Right now, the bars gota thousand pounds on it! Thats more than some horses weigh, Alex.


    Welllets see if I can lift a horse, then.


    With hands shaking, he closed them around the bar and inhaled.


    Then pushed.


    Slowly pushing a thousand pounds above his chest, then slowly bringing the bar back down.


    Theresa gaped.


    Then they looked at each other.


    More? she asked.


    More, he said.


    They moved to a heavy-duty bench with a much thicker frame and bar, one hed seen Grimloch and other immense folks using.


    Hed never considered using it before, yet here he was, pushing his limits over and over again.


    <em>ng! ng! ng!</em>


    He finally hit his limit for bench press for the day at thirteen hundred pounds.


    His forearms and triceps shook and he stretched them out. I cantI cant believe this. Weve gotta test my limits for other exercises!


    Lets go, Theresa said, almost as excited as he was.


    Over the past two weeks, his numbers had exploded across every exercise. Today though, hed eclipsed all of that. After a punishing series of tests that pushed his muscles to their limit, his maximums were on apletely different ne for the day.


    <strong>695 lbs.  1300 lbs. - bench press.</strong>


    <strong>1,250 lbs.  2,340 lbs. - deadlift.</strong>


    <strong>1200 lbs. - 2,245 lbs. - squat.</strong>


    <strong>560 lbs.  1,050 lbs. - shoulder press.</strong>


    <strong>5000  Had to stop counting - push ups.</strong>


    By the end of the session, he was exhaustedbutpletely ted.


    Holy shit,, he said, lying t on his back on the bench while catching his breath. From what I read in my anatomy books, my body just passed the limits of natural human biology, its like I have a brand new super body, Theresa!


    You lifted how much? Thundar gaped. Whatnothat cant be right.


    Hey man, Alex grunted, lying in bed while his body recovered. The numbersdont lie.


    No, that cant be true. Thats impossible! the minotaur cried, sounding a little hysterical.


    It is okay, Prince Khalik patted him on the shoulder. Being second strongest in the cabal is no shame.


    His grin was perfectly evil.


    Thundar gave him a flinty look. I hate you.


    Khaliks smile grew wider. Oh, I know. And that? That pleases me.


    The next week, Alex Roths continued to explode.


    The gymnasium almost became his second home as he kept shattering his old records. His muscles burned, but in a good way, and recovered quicker than they used to. Session by session, his strength rose.


    It was astounding how his body kept adjusting, getting stronger, growing beyond anything he''d ever expected.


    He didnt think this was what ValRok had in mind when he lent him Itos Spiral, but Alex had to make it a point to thank the Mana Maniption teacher a thousand times over.


    He started drawing a crowd when he went to the gymnasium these days. Some onlookers began taking bets on where his numbers would stop, while others cornered him, asking for his secrets.


    Baelin was right.


    He really did have to write that textbook one day.


    As for his appearance, his muscles had stopped growing in mass, but seemed to be increasing in density. His body was solid like warm marble now, making his bed groan a little louder whenever he fell into it.


    He kept going untilhe finally teaued.


    Well beyond natural human limits.


    You can do it! Khalik cried from the nearby bench. You can do it! Just a little higher!


    Hrrrraaaaargh! Alex roared, finally getting the bar above the rack, then racking it with a thud. The noise echoed in the room.


    His arms felt like jelly. His heart pounded like thunder.


    This was it. This was where his body wanted to be.


    Well done, Grimloch snarled, moving his hands away from the bar. As Alexs strength increased, only Grimloch or ygon were strong enough to spot him.


    Thats it, Im done, he panted.


    By all the gods, Thundar grunted. How much was that again?


    Alex looked up.


    At the highest weights, lifters rarely used tes here in the gymnasium. Instead, enormous iron <em>blocks</em>wereid out for the most powerful life enforcement practitioners to use. The shark man regrly used them, but now, Alex could join him.


    He looked at his friends: Theresa, Thundar, ygon and Grimloch.


    One ton. He smiled. Two thousand pounds. Give or take.


    What in all <em>hells!?</em> the minotaur shook his head. Alright, tell you what? Next time theres a monster to wrestle? <em>You</em> do it. Theresa, ygon, Grimloch and Ill just watch, rx, and eat goodies.


    Alexughed weakly, folding himself off the bench and picking up his notebook.


    This time, hed saved chest press forst and he recorded the final number, then reviewed all of them.


    <strong>2,000 lbs. - bench press.</strong>


    <strong>3,600 lbs. - deadlift.</strong>


    <strong>3,450 lbs. - squat.</strong>


    <strong>1,600 lbs. - shoulder press.</strong>


    <strong>Dont even bother - push ups.</strong>


    In essence, physicallywith his <em>special training</em>hed reached his peak of strength. In strength. Reflexes. Stamina and endurance. He was like a titan in tales of old. Combined with his potions, magic, friends and ygon?


    Alex Roth was feeling ready for anything.


    Those were the longest weeks of my life, Catherine said, riding ahead of her twopanions. Leaving the wizards camp, getting away from the rest of the delegation, investigating those attacks and then riding all the way back here? I feel like Ill be wearing the aroma of horse for at least a month!


    Above, a crow cawed, hopping from branch to branch in the canopy. The forest grew thick over the secret paths to Uldars Vale: just one of many defences that had kept it undisturbed, undiscovered and protected through time. Rioran should be feeling safe, but he couldnt shake the feeling that they were being watched. Even here. The skin on the back of his neck felt like eyes were boring into it.


    Itll be worth it, Stanwic said, bringing up the rear and ncing over his shoulder. So far, none had followed, except local wildlife. While Rioran breaking from the n was frustrating, it might have been beneficial. We have much to report.


    Im right here, you know, the sandy-haired man grumbled.


    Yes, well how much more would we have discovered if we could <em>all</em> have moved about freely for the entire time we were with those wizards? Catherine shot a challenging look at Rioran. Trying to take all the credit for yourself, are you? Uldar does not bless the selfish.


    The only credit goes to Uldar, Rioran said, ncing at the trees. I


    His words died.


    There was a light ahead.


    A green and gold light flickering in the distance.


    His sword was in his hand in a heartbeat. Somethings in the trees! He pointed with his de.


    With the swift reaction of an angered snake, Catherine and Stanwic drew their weapons, turning their mounts toward the woods.


    What is that? Catherine whispered. A wizard? Did they follow us?


    NoI dont think sohold your des a moment, I think I recognize that light, Stanwic said. I saw something like it, far from the Vale when I was ad. Follow me.


    The elder of the three spies slid off his horse, leading hispanions into the trees with a stealth borne of a secret life lived in service to those on Uldars escarpment. Catherine and Rioran exchanged a nce and followed. They wasted no time bothering to secure their horses: vale steeds were trained to remain until their rider returned. They were a breed not skittish by nature.


    As the trio approached the light, Rioran squinted to see through the darkness. A deep calm seemed toy in the air. Peace. And a promise of fortune.


    What witchcraft is this? he hissed.


    No witch had anything to do with this Stanwic smiled, stepping through a wall of trees and into a clearing. This is all naturalcongrattions, youre two of very few in Uldars Vale to every eyes on an Aeld tree.


    At his words, crows burst from the canopy, chattering and screeching, raising a mighty racket. In Riorans paranoia, he couldve sworn their caws were cries of triumph.

 Chapter 335: A Theft of a Sapling

    Chapter 335: A Theft of a Sapling


    Oh quiet, you silly birds! Catherine shouted at the crows in the canopy.


    But they paid her no mind and cawed, pped, and cavorted like there was an autumn festival in the treetops.


    Ah, leave them alone, Catherine, Stanwic said. Maybe the trees got em happy. They say that every part of an aeld tree is good for food and medicine, and they bring luck wherever they grow. Maybe the animals are happy to be near one. Its a thing of beauty, aint it?


    The tree was young, perhaps ten feet if even that, and despite the onward march of fall, its branches hung heavy with green leaves shining like emeralds. Swollen buds peeked through the leaves, ready to explode into bloom, and its bark was the golden amber of rich honey.


    It bled a greenish-gold light that radiated warmth, like the tree was a cheery me in a hearth.


    Then there was the smell


    The smell was


    It smells like home and hearth, Rioran said, struck by a scent that reminded him of roasting chestnuts and bread baking. What a wondrous blessing of Uldars.


    Oh, dont be mistaken, Rioran, this tree was never created by Uldar, Stanwic said. Aeld trees grew here long before the prophet-god came to thesends to save and guide us. They are spirit and tree alike, closer to fae than any mortal, god, or monster.


    Fae? Catherine raised an eyebrow. Fae have no love for Uldar.


    Both hands wrapped around the hilt of her sword, and she raised it like an axe. Rioran stiffened. A noticeable change washed over the clearing. Feelings of calm and peace that had filled the air retreated, leaving fear and difort in their ce.


    What? Catherine cried, pointing her sword. Somethings wrong, like a foul wind in the air! Is this an attack?


    No. Stanwic gave her a look. Its afraid. Youre holding your de like a bleeding axe. Theres a spirit in that tree, you know? It knows enough to be afraid of things that can bite its wood.


    Can it harm us? she asked.


    Stanwic turned his eyes to the surrounding trees, scanning them with care. Then he crouched low, pressed his hand to the ground and felt it. Aeld trees grant fortune to those who protect them, whether they be monster, mortal or fae. Older ones can have dozens of wild guardians. But this one is young


    So it didnt have time to gather servants? Rioran asked, scrutinising the young tree. Bad luck you have there tree, sprouting so close to ournds. Its rare anything with sensees so near Uldars Vale. Monsters sometimes wander in, but our patrols do a good job culling anything that might do harm to the vale. As for us? You wont be making make ves of us, spirit. We only serve our divine patron.


    The air seemed to bristle with fear, and after weeks of paranoia, Rioran had to admitit felt good making something afraid of him.


    Oh, stop with that stupid talk, Stanwic said. Aeld trees transnted into castles and towns bring good fortune, good harvest, and some protection. Even to those who follow Uldar. We might be transnting it from here and into the vale, you know.


    I dont trust it, Catherine said. I say we report it to Third Apostle Izas and let him decide whats to be done with it. If he trusts it, only then will I trust it. If not


    She brandished her sword menacingly.


    Stanwic frowned. Theres sensible thinking in that. The way I see it, the tree is probably Uldar-sent. This path back to the vale isnt used often: even the patrols dont normallye in here. But, it was lying here undiscovered for Uldar-knows how long and we just <em>happen</em> to stumble on it? I say it''s divine providencebut well let the Third Apostle decide the matter.


    I say we cut it down now, Rioran said darkly. Get it done with. Who knows what evils it might attract. You say it seeks guardians and servants? What if it calls Ravener-spawn here?


    The divinity on the vale stops Ravener-spawn from even approaching, Rioran. Use your head. Stanwic gave him a sour look.


    Maybe this tree has magics that could call evil to it; you said it seeks servants and guardians. Why take the chance and leave it here?


    Fear continued spiking around them, permeating the atmosphere.


    Havent you gone your own way enough for one mission? the older servant of Uldar asked the young spy. You could be in enough trouble as it is. Do you want us to tell the Third Apostle that you not only snuck about the foreigners encampment without consulting us and got caught by the Chosen, but you turned around and destroyed a tree that he might want to bring into the vale for the service of Uldar? Use your head, man.


    Fear and anger surged in Rioran, but he swallowed it, barely biting back an ugly response. Nervesand building fear from thoughts of the impending meeting with Izashad him on edge.


    He wanted to break something, make something feel as much fear as he was feeling and the tree was just steps away. His eyes flicked to Stanwics face, the mans expression was hard.


    Let it go, if you challenge Stanwic, youll bear blessed Izas wrath, so let it go. He thought, remembering who he was. He had honour. He was trained. Steeped in Uldars holy teachings. If he couldnt even control his own emotions, what good was he?


    Hed already fallen once to impulse, would he let himself fail again so soon?


    Youre right he grunted. Well report it to the Third Apostle. See what he thinks should be done with thistree.


    Without another word, Uldars servants slipped back into the trees and headed to their horses. Mounting up, they continued down the path at a walk. They were in no hurry after all, it wasnt like the tree was going to get up and walk away.


    Or so one would think.


    Long after they had departed, the forest was quiet.


    Leaves gently rustled in the wind.


    The sun crept across the sky.


    And the aeld tree atst rxed, releasing its earlier tension.


    All was quiet.


    Even the birds. Only one pair had followed the trio deeper into Uldars Vale. The rest stayed and watched. They did not move. They did not cry. They merely watched while something measured the aeld tree through their eyes.


    Suddenly, one flew off on ck wings, soaring over hill, glen and wood. The crows eyes searched the woonds as though it had passed this way many times before. Or perhaps something that controlled it, had.


    In any case, it seemed to know what it was looking for.


    And atst, it found it.


    Miles from where the aeld tree stood, it spotted a vast pond far below, and within ity what looked to be a slumbering form. A matted mound of nt matter beneath murky waters.


    A crich-tgh.


    The nt monster wasnt sleeping, ity motionless, waiting to capture whatever approached the pond to drink: winter wasing; its energies must be full to sustain its life through the long, frozen months.


    One of many tentacles twitched as the crow circled, poised for the bird toe within reach. But, those ck feathered wings did not bring it near. Instead, it circled high above the pond in unnatural, hypnotic patterns.


    Its beak was open, emitting an odd sounding calllike a foul whisper was hidden within. Magic reached across distances, using the inky body as a conduit and the power that flowed was so potent, smoke spiralled from the crows wings.


    mes leapt from its feathers.


    Power rushed from the burning body as the bird dropped from the sky, striking the monster beneath the water. A terrible will seized the creature and the crich-tgh found itself lumbering onto the shore. The mound shambled forward with purpose. An evil intellect guided it through glen, hill and wood until it neared its destination: Uldars Vale. A golden light called to it, andpressing itself to move through the trees, it answered.


    The monstrosity pushed into the clearing, sending the aeld trees fear spiking again as vines shot forward, driving into the earth, seeking the young trees roots. Distress mounted as it rocked back and forth, trying to escape, almost toppling, but the crich-tgh seized its trunk holding it firm. Once the earth around the roots had loosened, tendrils coiled around them and lifted the young nt free.


    Waves of panic surged from the spirit tree as


    <em>Schlorp</em>


    its roots were nted in the crich-tghs mound of nt life. It seemed therger nt would feed on the smaller one: sucking away its nutrients until it was nothing but a withered husk, but instead, the nt-monster shambled off through the woods with the young aeld tree protruding from its back. The crich-tgh tore at the canopy, snapping branches so its precious cargo could pass through the forest unspoiled.


    Behind, a flock of crows took to the air, surrounding them and scouting for threats. And in this way, the nt monster and its captive made the long journey to a certain abandoned windmill just outside of Greymoor.


    By the time anyone from Uldars Vale came to investigate the report of an aeld tree, they would find only nt debris, and arge empty hole in the ground.


    That fact wouldnt matter to those who had made the report.


    This was especially true for heyd have far more immediate things to worry about.


    May Uldars blessing cleanse your soul. The priestess poured water over Riorans hair. Even as his rains wash filth away and feed thend, so might they do the same for you.


    Thank you, holy one, the spy said.


    Uldars gracey upon you. The priestess lifted a bowl of burning incense, wafting the smoke over Riorans bare chest. May his sacrifices give you life and purpose, as they have done for all of his children.


    Thank you, holy one, the spy said.


    And may his spirit grant you strength. The priestess drew a blessed jug of fiery spirits, tipping just enough onto Riorans tongue for a slight burn. Just as his holy spirit empowers the Heroes and priests.


    Thank you, holy one, the spy said.


    You are ready to see the apostle, the priestess said. Go, Third Apostle Izas awaits you.


    Rioran rose, putting on his shirt, covering the getion scars that marked his back: the remains of a few disobedient episodes as a child.


    He solemnly made his way to the door and opened it, leaving the cleansing chamber behind. In the hallway, Catherine and Stanwic waited, both nodded to him grimly, then without a word, all three strode down a corridor. The escarpment hymns surrounded them, for they were deep within its confines. They passed doors carved in the shape of Uldars servantsholy men and women from ages pastuntil they came to a set of double doors that looked no different than others set within the long corridor.


    Nodding to each other again, Stanwic knocked.


    Rioran took a deep breath.


    Come in, an aged voice called from the other side.


    The three spies entered a small chapel that was almost as in as a natural cavern. The only part of it that looked like mortal hands had ever touched it was a lone statue of Uldar which roseeight feet tallin the centre of the chambers back wall. Kneeling before it was an ancient figurebreathing slowly and in time with the hymnswith a snow white beard and bright robes that seemed to glow in the flickering light of two braziers illuminating the room.


    The scent and smoke of incense drifted in the air, and three cushions wereid before the Third Apostle.


    Sit, children, he said, gentleness and yet a note of firmmand marked his voice.


    With instinctual obedience, the spies knelt before him.


    We greet thee holy Third Apostle of Uldar, they said as one.


    And he greets you, he said. Did your mission go well?


    Rioran opened his mouth.


    But he was too slow.


    Rioran learned much, Stanwic said. But possibly at great cost. The Chosen discovered him while he was investigating the foreigners on our first night there.

 Chapter 336: A Lack of Repentance

    Chapter 336: A Lack of Repentance


    Third Apostle Izas face did not twitch.


    Only a light nod acknowledged what he had just heard, but when he turned toward Rioran, the young mans heart thundered.


    What is this, Rioran? the ancient priest asked. The Chosen saw <em>you</em>? Confess what has happened, child.


    For a wild moment, an urge to lie surfaced, almost overpowering the sandy-haired man. Hed been trained to lie, and hed told Catherine and Stanwic only that hed been caught by Cedric, not the details of his ill-fated meeting with the Chosen.


    He could spin the story and shift details to lessen the brewing disaster.


    But one look at Izas face, banished all such notions.


    The ancient mans eyes were endless pools, deep and full of mysteries. Rioran could not even imagine a lie that they couldnt see through; throughout all the young spys training, who was it that guarded this ancient order, serving as messenger betweenyfolk and the First Apostle? Who was it whod been there, watching the training of Uldars servants since Rioran was a child?


    Izas.


    He knew every trick that Riroan knew and much more.


    What would a lie do? only make things worse.


    With that one look from Izas, Riorans resistance crumbled.


    He bowed his head and sought mercy from the ancient priest. Forgive me, Third Apostle Izas. Forgive me.


    Do not ask forgiveness of me, Rioran, Izas said. I cannot give it, for it is not mine to give. The harm of your actions will affect Uldar and his purpose. It is in his hands where forgiveness lies. And it is his mercy that you must seek,<em> if</em> you have done him wrong. Nowwhat have you done, my child?


    Rioran swallowed, closing his eyes. Iin my arroganceI broke away from the others.


    Reluctantly, he began the tale of what had happened in the foreigners encampment. His decision to go his own waywith all the justifications he could musterhow hed crept through the encampment, entered the research tent and what he had discovered there.


    Hmmm, Izas mused. And so you used the blessed dust of passwall to pierce their wards. Ironic: to use the remains of our enemies to learn more about foreigners who seek to learn about the remains of our enemies. Izas rubbed his white beard, a wry smile twisted his lips for a heartbeat. And how were you discovered?


    I Rioran said. I was on my way back from their research tent and I was feeling proud that Id avoided their sentriesthats when the Chosen came upon me in the dark. Hepletely eluded my senses.


    You were preupied with what youd just dhis narrowed your focus. Izas suggested. And though the Mark of the Chosen grants grace to him in a lesser measure than the Mark of the Champion, I am told that this generations Holy Chosen was already a warrior and man of light steps even before his blessing. It is little wonder that you were taken off-guard.


    T-thank you for your understanding, Third Apostle, Rioran stuttered, a wild hope rising in him. Izas voice had been nothing but gentle and understanding so far. Some of his words had held a note of reprimand, but none of his tone or bodynguage spoke of anger, or even disappointment. Perhaps the young spy woulde out of this without punishment.


    Continue. Izas waved for him to resume his exnation.


    Hed felt the divinity of the dust. And so I was caught and interrogated.


    Aaaaaahhh, indeed that would make some sense. Izas frowned. The dust is subtle, but with divinity absent from the confines of their encampment and the young Holy Chosens gifts being what they are, it would stand to reason that he would feel it. And then what did he say, child?


    He warned me not to interfere with the Generasians and


    Wait. Izas held up a hand. The Chosen of Uldar demanded that you not interfere with the <em>foreigners</em>?


    For the first time, another emotion had entered the Third Apostles voice: surprise. Stanwic and Catherine also looked at Rioran with raised eyebrows. Hed never revealed this much of what had actually happened to them.


    Yes, holy Third Apostle, he said, then repeated Cedrics reasoning and warning.


    Izas frown deepened. So it seems he is prioritising the aid these foreigners provideand saw you as a threat to that. Hmmmm. This information is vital. And what did the other Heroes say?


    They did not speak to me, Third Apostle, the spy said. I do not think the Chosen told them what had happened.


    I see. And did any of the foreigners know what had urred? Were you confronted? Spied upon?


    Rioran searched his memories, past paranoia and panic-filled days returning in a wave. His thoughts were of the research team, the other wizards, the guards and the Watchers of Roal.


    Did any of them seem to pay closer attention to him?


    Had anyone shown signs of suspecting him?


    Nothing extraordinary came to mindexcept maybe


    Im not sure if someone had knowledge of what Id done, he said. He showed me no suspicion openlybut there was a young wizard at the encampment. He was trained, that was clear. He moved like a warrior and shifted his bodynguage to mirror those he spoke with. Our eyes met briefly and to be honest, in some ways, he reminded me of usyfolk of Uldar. But I dont think he paid me much mind after our initial contact.


    Your initial contact? Izas asked.


    When our eyes met he seemed toread me much like how we read another persons bodynguage.


    Who was this? Catherine asked. Oh wait do you mean that tall one with the building stones? Its true, he did move like a warrior, but I didnt notice him paying you any more attention than anyone else.


    Mmm, the Watchers of Roal moved like warriors too, and they werent the only ones in the encampment who did, Stanwic said. I noticed the big young man myself, but he looked more interested in the Heroes than in you or any of us, Rioran.


    Trueits probably nothing then, buthe seemed to recognise my training from my bodynguage, Rioran said.


    Hm, Izas mused. If he paid no attention to you afterward, that is fine. Im not surprised that the Generasians would bring along those who know how to handle themselves. They are in a warzone, after all.


    Yes, Rioran said. Well then, Id have to say that no one other than the Chosen knew what Id done.


    Then likely the Chosen <em>did</em> keep what he discovered to himself. A relief, but still aplication. One that might need to be resolved in time, Izas said, his voice gentlealmost too kindly.


    Rioran didnt know what to make of that.


    And what did you learn about the foreigners experiments and activities, my children? the Third Apostle asked.


    Well, they held a demonstration of the tests theyd done for us, Catherine jumped in. We saw what theyd been doing and what they <em>n</em> to dobut, they left out any mention of experiments with golems. So, if what Rioran found in their notes is true, theyre not sharing that part.


    I see. And what did they show you during these tests? Izas asked.


    Catherine and Stanwic recounted the tests in detail, leaving nothing out, no matter how minor it seemed. With their trained memories, they could describe the spectacr demonstrations like theyd just witnessed them.


    Izas nodded slowly when they were done, seeming to contemte what hed just heard. Powered machinery. Devices. Magic. Hmm.I see. It also sounds like they have the building blocks for a terrible weapon.


    Yes. Stanwics lips tightened and a troubled look touched his face. It was unholy.


    No, I would not be so quick to pronounce it as unholy, my child, Izas gently chided him, shaking a finger. A kindly smile took his lips, and he looked like a vige elder guiding a grandchild. Uldarmanded us to learn and teach the people of thisnd. We need not fear discovery, cowering under the shadow of ignorance like barbarians. Magic is dangerous, yes, but it can be a tool of holy light when wielded in the proper ways, and by the proper hands.


    I suppose our armies and clergy could use such a thing, Catherine suggested. We use dungeon core remains with Uldars blessings to make use of <em>some</em> of the properties they had when they were whole all the time.


    Rioran thought of the dust of passwall. It mimickedwith limitationsa dungeon cores features of altering floors and parting walls to let spies slip through most barriers while leaving them whole.


    And the Heroes wield blessed weapons that contain dungeon core remains, Izas pointed out. The generasians professor speaks truth: chaos essence is difficult to acquire and can only be gained by those who wield the mightiest magics, or those whove been entrusted with the greatest of divinities. I daresay anyone with the power to call upon chaos essence with any degree of reliability already wields deadly power in their own right.


    He chuckled. They would not need such a mixture to show the world whether they were bane or boon.


    Relief flooded Rioran. This is a good sign. Izas is showing humour, perhaps he holds nosting displeasure with me.


    Still, I am sure King Athelstan, Court Wizard Errol, and High Priest Tobias will be most pleased to gain such a weapon against the Ravener. Excellent work, my children. Stanwic, Catherine, you may return to the vige and rest. Youll be free from your duties for a fortnight starting immediately. Use the time to contemte, read the holy book, and share good meals with your loved ones.


    Stanwic and Catherine bowed as one, then stood before Izas. Thank you, Third Apostle, they said in unison.


    Silently, they slipped into the hall, easing the door shut behind them.


    Rioran didnt move.


    He had not been dismissed.


    His nails dug into his palms.


    Nerves threatened to turn his stomach.


    Rioran, do not be afraid, Izas said, looking on him with kindness and concern. Gather a few provisions and venture to Achellons Face. There, climb the cliff and find the Shrine of the Second Disciple. Pray. Call on Uldar and reveal your heart to him under the open sky. Hide nothing and say what you truly feel. If you feelin light of our conversationyou have wronged our god, then repent. If you do not then utter no false repentance. Own what you did.


    And then? Rioran asked.


    Then Uldars reply will be revealed to you.


    You heard all, Eldin? the Third Apostle said, though he seemed to be alone in the chamber.


    <em>Grrrrrrnd</em>.


    The sound of stone scraping on stone came from behind him: signalling a slot opening in the wall behind Uldars statue.


    I heard all of it, Third Apostle, Eldins deep, quiet voice said.


    Your assessment?


    No threats yetthough the Chosen might need to be watched. Threatening a servant of Uldar for the sake of foreignershe had his reasons, but reasons like that can make a person all twisted up inside.


    Agreed. We will watch, then, and let this y out for now the Third Apostle said.


    Nothing he had heard appeared to be a threat to the cycle, and might even benefit Thamnd. Surely Uldar would be pleased to see his mortal kingdom prosper.


    I take it Im to make sure Rioranson the right path? Eldin asked.


    Please do. And thank you, my friend.


    For the glory of Uldar, Third Apostle.


    With a grunt, Rioran pulled himself up thest bit of rock face and onto the cliff. His hands burned; Achellons face was not an easy cliff to scale, and none of theyfolk looked forward to ascending the jagged bluff.


    Still, this was a holy ce.


    Close to the edgesome ten feet from himstood the petrified form of a woman: the remains of thest Second Apostle<strong></strong>of Uldar, still frozen in her final act of defiance against one of the deadliest of the Raveners servants.


    What sort of servant, Rioran didnt know. He was not privy to the ount; the battle had taken ce many cycles ago. But, what he did know with certainty was that he was here to kneel before the Second Apostle and bow his head in prayer. He wasted no time in doing so.


    He searched his feelings, contemting what had urred in Izas chamber. When he had reached Uldars Vale, he was covered in shame.


    But had things not gone well?


    Hed offered valuable information to the Third Apostle and only received a slight chiding. There was no punishment. There was no pain. In essence, had he not served Uldar well? Hed simply shown initiative. That business with Cedric was unfortunate, but Izas had said it could be resolved.


    So, all in allhad he done anything so wrong?


    Oh, holy father Uldar, he prayed in earnest. Ie toask for your boon. Weeks ago I took initiative on your ount. I havee to see that it was the right decision. I hope you are pleased with me and I hope to show such initiative in the future.


    Falling silent, he waited for a sign of Uldars answer.


    He wished he could feel divinity like the Chosen, the Saint, or the priests, then he might better feel Uldars will. Of course, if he could feel divinityand were very, very sensitive to ithe might have been saved


    Wrong conclusion, Im afraid, a quiet voice said from behind.


    Rioran tried to turn, reaching for his dagger.


    A meaty hand closed over his mouth. He felt rough callouses on his skin. Then a blow struck his elbow, shattering it.


    His muffled scream was sealed in by the hand as his assant dragged him backward. Rioran fought to kick but


    <em>Crack.</em>


    another blow shattered his kneecap.


    Uldar! he cried in his mind. Uldar save me!


    Even as his prayer went up, he was being dragged to a jutting stone.<strong></strong>There was no more surface to tread uponbut his captor kept forcing him backward.


    Until


    A cold feeling of confinement restrained him as his terrified eyes strained to look down. The stoneit was consuming him. He was being drawn in!


    Rioran struggled.


    Rioran prayed.


    Rioran wept.


    But in the end, Rioran silently disappeared into the stone like a drowning man into quicksand.


    On the Shrine of the Second Apostle, the only thing left moving was a soft, gentle breeze.

 Chapter 337: For a Price of Three Wasps

    Chapter 337: For a Price of Three Wasps


    When Alex Roth awoke, he had no idea he was on the cusp of one of the greatest battles of his life. He wasnt alone in this though, most folk tended not to see what wasing until it was staring them square in the face, so, many spent theirst hours worrying about mundane things like lifes daily troubles.


    As for Alex, from the moment his eyes opened, his mind was already taking stock of what he had to do.


    First, there was organising the data from his special training.


    With the results inand no sign of muscle breakdown, no further increases in strength, or no side-effects, positive or negativehe was ready to review his notes and n the manual.


    Second, was getting ready for the Festival of Ghosts.


    It was fast approaching, and this year, the city was giving it more attention thanst year. Masks and costumes had been in shop windows since school began, and festive decorations hung everywhere downtownbut with a touch of sombreness that hadnt been therest year. The victims of Leopolds demon summoning were fresh in most minds, and lots of folks had newly departed loved ones to let go of this year.


    Alex was already making his own preparations, which brought up the third thing ying in his mind. The fruitless hunt for Burn-Saw was still on, so the only way he was remaining patient was by telling himself thatwith every passing dayhe was better prepared for their eventual confrontation.


    He performed his morning stretch routine while thinking about the fourth thing; a confrontation of a different sort. Hed soon be needing dungeon core remains to forge his staff with. Thameish agents had been tasked with supplying the expedition with information on dungeon locations so the wizards could raid them for cores, and at the same time, take some of the stress off the army. Cooperating with each other also worked out well for the Heroes since they couldnt be everywhere at once. To date, the amount of dungeon core samples harvested could be counted on one handnot enough to share any spoils among the expedition memberswhich meant, certain wizards were growing impatient and nning their own hunts to find cores for themselves.


    Alex nned on being ready: he still didnt have the material hed need for his staffs body, but at least, hed be ready to harvest its<strong></strong>power source. Wood was actually his preference for the body, but a material like metal would do, if that was all he could get his hands on. And it just mighte down to him using a substitute. Hed been waiting on Gwyinthe asrai fae he and his friends had saved from the blue annis hags cook fireto appear, and fulfil a promise to settle his self-imposed debt by telling Alex where he could find an aeld tree.


    But, months hade and gone and he hadnt even seen the faes shadow. His thoughts lingered on Gwyin, and while Wizards Hand poured him a ss of water, he began dressing, wondering if the little fellow couldnt find a treeor if something awful had happened to him.


    Hope youre alright, little guy, Alex said quietly in the dark room. And I hope to see you soon.


    He downed the water. It was almost time to leave for Greymoor and what he thought would be just another day working with the research team.


    Steady, steady, the younger of the hag sisters hissed. We do not want to harm our lovely guest.


    Three crich-tghs paused at their masters words, ceasing their rough handling of the young tree, then gently positioned its roots at the bottom of a newly dug hole. Two steadied it, holding its trunk upright, while the third backfilled the deep hole, covering the bare roots. Beast-goblins and silence-spiders scurried around the base, packing earth, brushing soil so it looked natural and undisturbed, and scattering fall leaves haphazardly, creating the impression that the aeld had always grown there. In the air, distress emanated from the tree in waves of greenish-golden light.


    It was enough to set the final Hunters envenomed teeth on edge.


    You think this will work? it asked, mimicking the voice of a wizard it had heard when hiding from a patrol a week ago. It was getting very tired of hiding from mortals. Much time has passed, yet, our enemy remains.


    They will not remain much longer, the elder of the hags said. Some of their most powerful will be lured into our trap and be wiped out in one stroke. Andonce they are dead, the rest will grow agitated like wasps in their nest when the bear or badgeres! Then


    The younger of the hags giggled and scraped her iron ws against one another like des along a whetstone. we will whisper of the treacheries we learned of to the other mortals. And they will be sooo broken on hearing that their friends were eaten, they will react and strike! They will ruin each other for us! Soon your enemies will be dead, and mynd will be mine again, just as it should be!


    The Hunters growl escaped its lips. Thishunting scheme the hags had nned was not a bad one. For weeks, it had fought growing frustrations, contemting what to do toplete its mission. Time and again it felt its prey appear in the interlopers encampment, but it could noty ws on the usurper. It was always blocked.


    There were always too many powerful magic users around, and the moors were too heavy with patrols both night and day. The unfortunate assassination attempt had been costly: the failure had given the interlopers reason to be far more cautious. Patrols became toomon for its liking, each made up of too many wizards, and even more warriors. The stench of mana dripping from them was offensive.


    Another failed attack on their camp would likely lead them to more drastic measures, perhaps bringing them right to the Huntersir. Then all would be lost.


    The hags n though, was a good one. Drawing many of the enemys more dangerous fighters out in a group, would make them ripe for ambush. Thenwhen they were ughtered for meatthe Hunter would watch and wait, and when the interlopers sent out a search party to find their long deadpanions, Ravener-spawn and the hags own servants would greet them with fury.


    As the human blight was being eliminated from the Raveners territory, the hags would steer the interlopers into a fight with the ancient enemy, and pit the wizard who overflows with mana against the Heroes. And in all the chaosif the usurper still livedthe Hunter would right that wrong.


    For the hags n to work, much depended on the first ambush.


    Those fearsome interlopers had to be in.


    The Hunter took ount of its forces. Packs of silence-spiders and venom-walkers hade to reinforce its numbers. Then, there was the Hive-queen, who even now lurked within air behind the windmill among a nest of silence-spiders.


    Stealth. Venom. Power and the element of surprise.


    All would tilt theing battle in their favour.


    Andif thest Hunter was fortunate


    It turned its head toward the interlopers camp. It could feel the usurpers presence even now. If patterns held, they would remain there for the next three days. Enough time to spring the trap.


    The usurper might even be among those to die in the ambush at the aeld tree. Flexing its ws eagerly, it imagined the taste of hot blood in its mouth.


    It had been too long since it had made a proper kill.


    Oh? Youve seen one! Gwyin cried in excitement. The asrai faes long ears wiggled. Where? Where? Ive been looking for an aeld tree across bog, wood and field for moons and I havent found one!


    Ive heard you were searching, the little pixie said, poking his head out from a tree trunk. The edge of his wings caught the moonlight, shining like white jewels. My cousins cousin told me youd asked before the leaves had begun to turn. I dont know where it came from, but an aeld trees sprung up near an old mill humans once used.


    An old mill the asrai faerie mused. I think I remember that ce. Many years ago humans used it then left it. Then they started using it for a time again and then left it when the Times of Plenty came. I think theres still flour in therewhats an aeld tree doing there?


    I dont know where they sprout and why! Thats their business! the pixie cried. They pop up like toadstools wherever they please. but you might want to hurry to find this one. My cousins cousin said it was sick. Stressed. It might die if you wait too long. Oh! And watch out for the monsters!


    Monsters? Gwyin blinked hisrge eyes. He wasnt too eager to end up in another cage, waiting to be somethings supper again. What kind? Where?


    Dont know and dont know, the pixie said. My cousins cousin just said there were monsters, but that theyd gone away. Maybe all these magic using mortals ran them off! Ugh, theyre so noisy! All the spells! All the booms! All the churning and building of stones! Theyre ruiners!


    Uhuh, Gwyin said politely. Well, Ill go see this aeld tree and see if there are any monsters around. Thank you!


    Wait, what about payment! the pixie put his hands on his hips. Youre going to cheat me, Gwyin! I told you something valuable and youre going to cheat me! Ill tell everyo


    No need for that. The asrai rolled hisrge eyes then reached into a pouch at his waist and produced threerge wasp queens, tied in gossamer. I was saving these for my nightly snack, so take them and begone!


    Ooooo! The pixie rubbed his hands together then greedily snatched the wasps. Delicacies! Ill tell everyone that youre generous, Gwyin! Everyone!


    With a happy little flutter, he shot back into the hole in the tree where there was likely a portal to the fae realm.


    Well, there goes my snack, Gwyin pouted, but wasted no time in racing off to the windmill. Taking the fae paths and faerie ways, it didnt take him long to reach where he was going and see that the pixieor rather, the pixies cousins cousin, had not lied.


    There was the greenish-golden light of an aeld tree.


    Butsomething wasnt right. The tree was distressed. Frightened. In pain. Maybe it was sick. Maybe it will die soon. Still, that didnt matter. At least, he would have settled his debt with the human.


    Debts were never good to carry for too long.


    Especially debts to wizards.


    Nowwhat about monsters?


    Gwyin didnt check too long, but he saw no monstersand besides, even if they were there, the wizard was strong with magic and had that four-armed golem, and all those strongpanions.


    Surely, they could handle a monster or two!


    Taking the faerie-paths again, Gwyin scampered across the moors until he came out from beneath a hill. He paused, blinking in surprise. Many times had he passed this way, but he didnt remember any high stone walls being around the hill, and at its top!


    And was that a half-built tower?


    How curious!


    The fae slipped closer to the wizards ce and looked around for the young man.


    and luck was with him!


    There he was, all tall and broad and walking atop those stone walls with a cloak around him, and that giant, four-armed y man at his side. Gwyin crept to the walls. It was a hard thing to do. There were plenty of folk on the lookout, and strange magics in the air: maybe wards, maybe things that could see him.


    With his fae magics, he slipped between the guardians, sentries, and defences until he was at the foot of the stone wall at the top of the hill. It was atop that wall that the wizard was walking, so he waited patiently, until he heard the young wizard pass nearby.


    Then he scaled the stones as quietly as a mouse, pausing at the top of the parapet. Just after the tall human passed, the fae poked his head up.


    Pssst, a voice whispered.


    Alex jumped and whirled around. There, poking out of the darkness was a small, green figure who Alex thought was a beast-goblin at first.


    It took his eyes a few heartbeats to recognize the scales on the little creatures form.


    It was Gwyin.


    Hello, Alex, the asrai said. Ive been trying to find youI think Ive managed to find an aeld sapling.

 Chapter 338: An Otherworldly Muster

    Chapter 338: An Otherworldly Muster


    Gwyi Alex cut the word off, realising the little fae was being stealthy because he was trying to avoid attention.


    You surprised me, the wizard whispered. I was just thinking about you this morWait, did you say you found an aeld sapling?


    The asrai nodded as vigorously as a happy child proudly confirming she was ready for dessert. He climbed over the parapet, did a graceful somersault onto the wall then pressed his body to the stone, bing part of the shadows.


    It took me a lot longer than I wanted, but I finally found one, he whispered. But we have to go see it right away! Its sick or something.


    Alex squinted, looking up at the moon.


    It had been a long day in Greymoor. Folks were normally up and away hunting dungeon core remains from first light, today was no exception.


    Baelin arrived bright and early and teleported a team of dungeon breakersa name the harvester groups had adoptedto a dungeon of cold belchers some fifty miles east of Greymoor. Alex and his friends were on that team, and even though the dungeon was new, the monsters fought like they were battle-hardened, giving his team a fight that was far from easy.


    Temperatures in a cold belcher dungeon were numbingly cold, so the wizards had to castyers of spells to withstand it. The icy floors were as reflective and treacherous as walking on ss. Walls of ice would abruptly spring from either ceiling or floor, and just like in the chitterer dungeonthe dungeon core threw itself into the fight with abandon, determined to crush everyst one of them.


    For their effort, theyd sessfully harvested the corea Watcher shattered it with a spell of sonic energybut their work hadnt ended there. Dealing with stragglers then copsing the dungeon took more time. Cataloguing, warding a cold tent to house the living specimens theyd captured, as well as attending to regr duties all had awaited when they returned to camp.


    Research. Harvesting minerals.


    Ongoing research castle construction andmore recentlyoutposts and fortifications throughout Greymoor. By days end, Alex and his dead tired teammates fell fast asleep as soon as they hit their cots.


    But, a little under two hourster, he was rested and eager to get to work on his special training manual. Hed gathered writing supplies and his notes, then made his way to the finished inner castle wall that was now standing where the rampart of hardened earth once stood.


    A clear night was rare in Greymoorthe moon and stars were brightand soaring some forty feet above the hilltop, the top of the wall provided a fine view of thend. Alex had greeted the night guards and chatted for a bit before taking in the view then settling down to write.


    Suddenly, Gwyin was there, bringing news of the aeld sapling.


    The timingwasnt exactly perfect.


    Can it wait until morning? Alex asked, thinking about his friends. They were exhausted and his cabal had burned most of their mana in the cold belcher dungeon. Even if he was selfish enough to wake them up toe help him, they wouldnt have much magic to call on. The morning would be better., I think.


    Why not now? You should go get your friends ande get the tree, the asrai said eagerly.


    My friendstheyve had a long day, the young wizard exined. I cant see getting them up in the middle of the night, even for this.


    Oh dearoh dearoh dear, Gwyin murmured, his ears drooping and his eyes looking off in the distance. Alex assumed thats where the aeld sapling was. Wellit might be able to wait. But


    Alex raised an eyebrow. But?


    But! Theres something wrong with the sapling. It might be sick or stressed. The spirit inside of its upset, and thats never a good sign.


    The young man chewed his lip, thinking. Will itst through the night?


    Ummmm, well I cannot tell you, if Im honest. It felt <em>very </em>distressed. And maybe it was afraid of the monsters.


    Wait, monsters? Alex asked. You didnt say anything about monsters.


    Liar! I did say something about monsters! Just now when I said maybe it was afraid of monsters, Gwyin insisted.


    Gwyin, what He stopped talking as footsteps echoed nearby. They were soft, but his sharpened hearing picked them up. Guards wereing toward them, chatting and watching the moors.


    They didnt appear to be paying any attention to him, let alone the little asrai hidden in the shadows.


    Hey, he said quietly. Meet me outside. Near the gates. I wont be long.


    Right, see you in a bit! Gwyin disappeared over the wall and Alex moved quickly. First, he went to his tent and filled his bag with potions, grabbed a bit of homemade jerky and a waterskin for the road. He still hadnt made up his mind yet, but hed be prepared if he did decide to go.


    Once hed gathered everything he could think of, he casually strolled over to the encampments front gates.


    A familiar figure was stationed at the barricades for night dutyRippthe swiftling monster hunter hed met in Generasi. He was alert, watching and listening,pletely focused, but gave Alex a curious look as he came toward him. Going somewhere?


    Yeah, just heading out for a bit. Going to grab something out there. Alex inclined his chin toward the wilderness.


    Oh really? Off on a little hunt of your own? Going to get a dungeon core, are you?


    No, Alex told the truth. Nothing like that.


    Well then, youre not on duty. What you dos your own business. But, dont go getting yourself killed.


    Yeah, thats not exactly the n, Alex said.


    It never is, Ripp chuckled darkly, then called to another guard. Lets open up, Sid. Just you two going out? he asked Alex, looking up at ygon.


    Yep, just us.


    <em>Kroom.</em>


    A pair of stone golems removed the bar and opened the gate, letting the young wizard and his golem pass. They walked between two more stone golems stationed outside and Alex nodded to them as he set off down the hill.


    He passed the partlypleted outer castle wall, walking slowly until he heard little footsteps approaching.


    Gwyin? he said.


    Yes, Alex, Im here, the fae answered. So will you go?


    First, tell me about these monsters that the tree might be afraid of. In detail.


    Wellnot much detail to give. I met a pixie who said that their cousins cousin saw monsters near the aeld tree and that theyd gone a while ago.


    A pixiescousinscousin. Okay, Alex said slowly. And thats all they said? Not how many monsters? Not what they looked like? Not where they went and when?


    Not really, the asrai said apologetically. But youre a brave yer of monsters, arent you? You wouldnt be afraid of a few raggedy wild monsters!


    Well, I think anyone thats sensible would be cautious around wild monsters Alex said, acutely aware thatby most peoples standardshed left any notion of being sensible behind long ago.


    But if the wild monsterse back, they might harm the little sapling, and then itd be dead and my debt to you would still be unfulfilled, Gwyin said. Come, Im sure theres nothing to be afraid of!


    Alex frowned, considering what to do.


    Going out alone at night to follow a fae to find a mysterious tree in a ce that might or might not have monsters around sounded like a good way to get killed. At least, to most people.


    The sensible thing to do would be tonot go, if he were honest.


    The second most sensible thing to do would be to wait, gather people in the morning after theyd had a good nights sleep, then go for the tree. But, that had its own problems. Hed have to see if his friends could get away from their morning dutiesnot to mention skip out on his ownand more importantly, Gwyin wouldnt be able to survive the sun to guide them anywhere in daylight.


    And what would happen if other folks heard about the aeld? They held a lot of value. He doubted Professor Jules would make a im for it, but others might follow and try to im a share for themselves. And even if that didnt happenif things were as desperate for the sapling as Gwyin thoughtthen it could be dead in the morning, or ripped apart by monsters. Would he get another chance like this?


    He was silent, considering things.


    Then he shook his head.


    He was thinking like a bakers assistant, nervous at what might be waiting in the wilderness, wondering if he should go for what he needed. But, he wasnt a bakers assistant. Not anymore. Hadnt he been gathering power since he left Thamnd? Hadnt he made potions and learned spells to counter enemies? Hadnt he learned how to heal himself in case he was injured?


    And trained his body to the absolute limit?


    And besides, it wasnt like he was alone.


    ygon was with himand he could bring more friends along too.


    Alright, lets go, Gwyin, Alex said. Lets go meet your tree and settle your debt. And if the tree needs rescuing? Then, hell. Lets rescue it.


    He chuckled to himself.


    Maybe Cedric and Hart were rubbing off on him.


    The final Hunter startled. Could this be true?


    It had scaled the windmill and was perched on one of four des, digging its ws into the wood. The view from so high gave it a perfect view of the woods and hills far in the distance, as well as miles of wilderness. A light wind blew, and the strange human mechanics that turned the des had long seized, making the spot the perfect ce to perch.


    Its senses could stretch for milesand one of those senses told it something that seemed too good to be true. Could its senses be wrong? Were hope and frustration twisting its thoughts? It focused acutely, sending pings through the air, reaching across the miles, feeling out any sources of mana.


    The pings travelled a great distance, confirming what the Hunter had sensed: the usurper wasing closer.


    They wereing this way!


    Stifling a roar of triumph, it swung its scaly form off the windmill de and in through a window on the ancient structure. Inside, on the uppermost floora hive of monsters waited.


    Silence-spiders clung to stone walls. Beast-goblins and venom walkers milled about the well-worn floor. Crich-tghs gathered on the first floor below. And the hagsthey sat in the midst of all the monsters on the upper floor, turning in surprise when the Hunter appeared.


    What is it? the younger sister asked. What did


    Theye! The enemiese!


    You know this? The elder hags face turned more sour than usual. How? He is still miles away.


    He? the final Hunter wondered. Just one wizard? Only the usurper?


    This was only getting better!


    I have ways of knowing, it said. You do not tell me all. I do not tell you all.


    Hm, the younger hag sniffed. Fair. Well, this is a disappointment. Only onees. The one who controls the big y statue. There are no others with him, except that slippery asrai who should have been in my belly! He guides the wizard to the aeld tree, no doubt, she growled like an angry dog. Destroying the y creature will be a boon, but killing just those two wont remove as much of their fighting strength as we need! Agh!


    She red into the distance, witnessing the usurper through avian eyes. Hmmmmaybe we should capture them to lure the restthen, a trap will feed a trap.


    We could do the same if hes dead, the Hunter spoke quickly.


    The hags did not know of the usurpers importance to its task, and they did not have to know. Still, there were ways to bring them to its way of thinking without revealing <em>too</em> much. If they go missing, then the interlopers will search for them. I know mortals; they will hunt for their kin even if they think they are dead. We kill the wizard now, and break the y thing. Less risk.


    ...fair enough, the younger hag said agreeably. Well set our ambush from up here. The man will be here soon enough, so well wait until he reaches the clearing where the aeld trees ntedand then, well attack from all sides.


    Good! Come! Make ready! The final Hunter called to the gathered Ravener-spawn.


    A horde of monsters poured down the windmill, readying themselves for a kill.


    Atst.


    Atst the usurper would die.


    He is here, sister. And the asrai too, I will taste his juicy flesh after all, and the wait will make him taste even sweeter, the younger hag said, watching through an owls eyes as the human approached alongside the fae and y statue.


    I see that, the elder replied. That was fast. He moves quickly. With hope, hell be tired out and the fight will be easy.


    Be careful, sister, the younger warned. The y statue has much power. It ripped my crich-tgh apart with its bare hands.


    Our magics and allies will take care of that, the elders confidence was strong. And it follows the orders of the man. Once he is dead, it will be much less of a threat.


    Yes, her sister said, eager for vengeance. <em>When</em> he is dead. She savoured the words while watching the human through an owls eyes. He stretched and eyed the forest.


    Hurry up! she thought. Enter the trap!


    But he didnt enter their trap, instead, his lips began moving.


    A circle of magic appeared before him, then arge water droplet materialised inside.


    So, he was conjuring a servant? No matter, they had many servants to


    Her thought paused.


    The mans lips hadnt stopped.


    Another monster appeared before him.


    Then another.


    And another.


    And another.


    The hags jaw dropped.


    Shed been wrong: their enemy wasnting alone. He was conjuring an <em>army.</em>

 Chapter 339: The Summoners Commands

    Chapter 339: The Summoner''s Commands


    Summon Small Water Elemental.


    Summon Small Fire Elemental.


    Summon Small Earth Elemental.


    Summon Small Air Elemental.


    Summon Small Ice Elemental.


    Summon Elemental Beetle Swarm.


    Summon Aervespertillo.


    Summon Viper-Devil.


    Summon Taranea.


    Summon Hellhound.


    Using the strange power that reached across nesbined with months of practice, Alex filled the moors bordering the forest with a small army of monsters. He used Hsekius Technique and cycled current to keep his mana flowing.


    Gwyins alreadyrge eyes looked about ready to roll out of his head. Whwhatre you doing?


    Alex paused his spellcasting. You said there might be monsters, right? Well, I dont much like the idea of being attacked by monstersso Im bringing a bunch of my own.


    Howhow many? the asrai asked.


    As many as I can. As many as it takes. He looked skyward at a pack of six aervespertillos, flying above. Scout the trees up ahead. Screech if your sound waves pick up <em>anything</em> bigger than this guy. Alex nodded to Gwyin. The blind, bat-like monsters released short cries, then shot over the trees, their oversized wings carrying them into the night.


    Alex returned to monster summoning.


    Soon, the area around him, Gwyin, and ygon<strong></strong>was teeming with creatures from other nes, each watching their summoner with curiosity, mistrust andin some casesunconcealed anger. He definitely didnt want to deal with bitter monsters, so hed have to remember to approach them with respect. The young wizard drained and refilled his mana pool several times, but despite having loads of mana to draw from, he had to stop summoning monsters at a certain point. Creatures from other nes had limited time in the material world. If he kept them for too long, the ones hed summoned first would run out of time and return to their home nes, whether hed made use of them or not. So, if he needed more, hed have to conjure moreter.


    The next thing Alex did was cast defensive spells: he covered his body with force armour, deflective rectangles, an Orb of Air and force shield. He then drank Sensory Enhancement and Flight potions, those two should do for now.


    Hisst bit of preparation was to cast six forceballs and six Wizards Hands and then toss booby-trapped sleeping potions into the crimson glowing Hands. Alex stretched, cracked his knuckles, and beganmunicating with the summoned monsters, greeting them in different elemental tongues; one of the tongues of devils, one of the tongues of celestials, and one of the tongues of demons, and conveyed the same message to each group:


    I bet youre wondering why Ive called you all here, he said.


    Always wanted to say that, he added mentally.


    Well be going into the woods ahead of us on a rescue mission, he repeated the message, switching tongues as he needed. Water elementals, Ill need you ready to give a young tree water. Earth elementals, be ready to do some gentle digging. Oh, and before I forget. Pleasee here, Bubbles.


    He pulled out sleeping potions and fed one to each water elemental. Ill need you to jab this stuff into my enemies when I tell you to.


    Bubbles made a happy <em>blub blub</em> noise, and Alex had to fight the urge to pat the little creature. Tree first. Pattingter.


    Alright. He cracked his knuckles again then pointed at the woods. Forward march.


    Alexander Roth strode confidently<strong></strong>in the middle of his horde of summoned monsters. A pack of hellhounds ringed<strong></strong>him. Taraneas climbed from tree to tree on their sets of eight golden legs. Viper-devils slithered into the brush, their tongues flicking out to test the air.


    And then came the elementals.


    Fire elementals rolled along the ground while preventing the foliage from burning by their own will. Earth elementals snaked beneath the soil, ready to erupt from the earth and pounce on unsuspecting attackers. Bubbles and the other water elementals rode on ygons broad shoulders as the golem crashed through the brush. Ice elementals were out front and air elementals soared above.


    Buzzing around the wizard in a cloud, were masses of elemental beetles, alert and primed to swarm anything that came too close.


    None of the monsters Alex had summoned would be considered the most powerful. They were brought to the material world using first and second-tier spells after all, but what theycked in power, they made up for in numbers, and if they were coordinated as a proper unit, they could do some terrible things working in tandem.


    You uh, youre prepared, Gwyin said a little nervously, staying close to the wizard. One of the hellhounds was eyeing the fae like he might be its next meal. Its eyes reflected crimson light from the wizards spells.


    Youre sure you need all these monsters? Its uhits a bit frightening.


    Alex smiled down at him reassuringly. They wont hurt you. And well be thankful for these guys if we get attacked. Trust me.


    Wellif you say so. But like I said, the monsters are gone.


    Yeah, well Alex focused on his hearing, listening to the forest above the din rising from his army of monsters. Sharpening his senses through body cleansing had also made the potion of sensory enhancement even sharper. something tells me this isnt going to be easy. Nothing ever is.


    Of course, he could get lucky like when hed found Kybas cave in the botanical gardens, but he suspected that what was ahead would be a lot less friendly than the goblin wizard.


    Be still the Hunter whispered.


    It crouched in the midst of a pack of venom-walkers, concealed within brush and shadow, awaiting the usurper. Among the trees far ahead, crimson light glowed in the centre of a field of flickering orange.


    It looked like a full hunting party was out in force. Mana bled from a horde of figuresnear fifty different creatures, by its countmoving along the forest floor, and in the sky. Still, the only one of them that mattered was the usurper. The others were nothing. They could not alter the Raveners n, but the usurper could.


    The ambush would be by the clearing where the aeld tree stood. nt monsters were in position at the stone structure, ready for their part in the trap. The blue annis hags and their beast-goblins waited closeby to tighten the snare around the usurpers throat. The final Hunter relished the time when its Ravener-spawn would strike from the rear, and if the usurper escaped, then the Hive-queen would emerge from her burrow near the great stone building and ensure his death.


    Be still, the Hunter whispered. Waitwait


    Its enemy was near, butthose flying creatures, they were even closer.


    The final Hunter held its breath, going ever so still. It had nothing to fear. Even if the creatures could see in moonlight, the dense canopy covered the forest in deep shadow, veiling its horde from their eyes.


    They would be well hidden if they remained sti


    why were the flying monsters slowing?


    What were they doinghovering above the


    <em>Screeeeeeech!</em>


    Six mind-shattering shrieks ripped the wilderness, mming into both final Hunter and Ravener-spawn ears alike. The venom walkers cried out with incoherent gurgling sounds as they writhed and wed the air.


    Struggling to find its bearings, the Hunter improvised, altering its voice.


    Stop! it cried in a human speech, throwing its voice. Please dont attack me, stranger! I mean you no harm!


    The aervespertillos shrieking split the night.


    What was that? Gwyin jumped, scurrying closer to Alex and ygon.


    Alex caught the sound of inhuman cries spreading through the once peaceful night.


    It sounds like monsters, he said. We


    A womans voice cried. Stop! Please dont attack me, stranger! I mean you no harm!


    Alex hesitated, but only for an instant, remembering the patrizias ball and a wed monster whod mimicked Theresas voice to lure him.


    Could the voice actually be human, or was it a mimic.


    But.


    Just in case.


    Alex pin-pointed the sound of the cry, then shot a Wizards Hand toward it. He willed the spells crimson glow to dim until it was barely visible.


    Human or not, Alex thought. Youre going to sleep.


    A small light was shooting toward them.


    Wait! the Hunter cried, trying to keep up the ruse. Youre making a mistake, stranger, please dont atta


    The mana wasnt slowing. If anything, it sped up, weaving through the woods,ing straight for the Ravener-spawn. The dim light kept moving forward.


    The Hunter growled, dropping the deception.


    Atta the order started.


    Then, a blinding crimson sh: a glowing Hand red into incandescence.


    <em>Crnch! Hssssss!</em>


    ss shattered, sting vapour through the air.


    In a blink, the Hunter was gone, barely dodging the spreading mist. Behind it, the cries of venom walkers rose, then faded.


    <em>Thmp. Thmp. Thmp.</em>


    The heavy thud of bodies dropping on the forest floor soon followed.


    No more time to wait.


    Attack! the Raveners Hunter roared. Attack!


    What is it, sister? the younger hag demanded. Why has the Ravener-thing started the attack? My birds were watchingbut something happened to them!


    The elder hag cursed. It was discovered! The fool and its servants were discovered! The enemy is fighting them now! We should go to their aid. Fight the enemy with ourbined powers.


    Noooo, sister, the younger one said. Think. Only send whatever beast-goblins we can spare to its aid, and no more. We should remain here with the crich-tghs. The big y statue is dangerous, it wields fire magic and has a giants strength. If it lights the forest aze, we could burn. Lets wait. Strike from right here with our magic.


    The elder of the two annis hags paused. Thats wise. Let the Ravener-spawn fight first.


    The forest hade alive with the cries of monsters.


    Its time, Alex said. Elemental beetles! Swarm out! Attack anythinging at us! If they have eyes, go for them!


    With fierce buzzing, the swarmsunched for the trees and shot away into the darkness. Then Alex sent half of his forceballs into the canopy, while the other half fanned out into the undergrowth.


    He wasnt taking any chances at being blind to a silence-spider ambush.


    He swallowed another potion: Haste.


    Then tossed a flight potion to Gwyin. Drink up! he said. Its a flight potion. Stay close to me, but if we get overrun, you can fly away!


    You swear on your life drinking this is safe? Gwyin eyed the bottle in his hand sceptically.


    I swear on everyone dear to me. Alex promised, understanding the faes scepticism. Baelin would approve of Gwyins caution.


    O-okay! the asrai fae said downing the potion.


    And with your permission, Ill cast an Orb of Air on you too. Itll protect you from breathing in anything nasty thats in the air, he said.


    Uhthats fine, Alex. I dont know what that is, but you swore on your loved ones, so go ahead.


    The young wizard cast the spell and turned his gaze back toward the trees.


    A<strong></strong>monstrous roar had reached him earlier,<strong></strong>and now the sound of bodies crashing through the brush was growing closer. Coming right for them.


    Air elementals! he shouted. Go into the canopy, stifle anythinging this way and rake them with lightning. Aervespertillos! Cover the trees and screech your lungs out! Stun anything moving through the woods!


    The cloud-like air elementals flew into the trees with a whoosh of wind, while the bat-like creaturesin the distanceswooped above the canopy, screeching as they went. Alexs enhanced hearing picked out the mour of monster calls mixing with heavy footfalls pounding toward them.


    Gwyin! Which way to the tree?


    Uh, er, forward! the little fae pointed. Straight forward.


    Good. Water elementals! I want you to spray water on everythingexcept for the path right in front of us! Ground, nts, monsters, I dont care, drench it all! Ice elementals! Freeze anything the water elementals spray!


    With the sound of rippling water and the cracking of ice, the elementals went to work, spraying and freezing in equal measure.


    Earth elementals, I need you to burrow under the ice and strike at anythinging our way. Twist ankles. Shatter feet. Pull things into the earth. Do anything you have to do to stop them!


    The earth elementals spread out, digging beneath the ice to do their masters bidding.


    Viper-devils, I want you out in front! The path wont be covered in ice so anything thates from that direction, give it a taste of your venom and drop it. Hellhounds, your job is to stop anything that attacks us from the front. Fire elementals, you make anything the hellhounds grab sorry they ever attacked us.


    The devilish creatures hissed and growled as they bounded through the brush to organise themselves at the front.


    Taraneas, spray your silk on anythinging through the trees. If they get too close, let them feel your fangs!


    The celestial spiders skittered along tree trunks and branches, forming a circle in the canopy.


    ygon, Alex mentally reached out to his golem. You smash anythinging at us from behind. If anything gets close to me or Gwyinthen well use our dance, just like we practised.


    The towering golem stepped behind Alex, ready to defend his creator and theirpanion.


    And me? the young wizard said. It''s time for me to go to work.


    He shot Wizards Hands into the canopy, hunting for prey.


    It didnt take them long to find some.

 Chapter 340: The Fruits of Summoned Labour

    Chapter 340: The Fruits of Summoned Labour


    Silence-spiders scrambled through the treetops, gangly monsters lurched through the underbrush.


    But, Alex was ready.


    Go! he barked, sendings Wizards Hands among the horde of spiders.


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    <em>Wooooosh!</em>


    Sleeping gas spread in a dense cloud, enveloping Ravener-spawn<strong>,</strong> stealing control of their movements. They wavered back and forth, shooting webbing, but missing their targets, growing weaker with each breath. Until, in the crimson light of Alexs spells, scythe-tipped legs spasmed, and silence-spiders plummeted without a sound.


    Yet, for every one that fell, two skittered through the canopy to take its ce.


    <em>Bzzzzz!</em>


    A cloud of elemental beetles swarmed them en masse, crawling along carapaces, seeking gaps for pincers to nibble between and feast on the soft flesh beneath. The spiders went wild, thrashing at the leaves, dropping to the ground, frantic to escape as the beetles ate them alive. Another beetle swarm pinched their eyes, some flew into gaping mouths and chewed the moist insides.


    The Ravener-spawns jaws opened and closed, forming silent shrieks, but Alexs will hardened. His tactics might be vicious, but the creatures werent there for a pic with him and Gwyin, they were there to kill them.


    This was war.


    And the enemy was stilling.


    The air elementals reacted.


    shes of blue light and a hungry crackle heralded their attacks. Lightning struck a cluster of silence-spiders, sending them into spasms, then the summoned monsters dropped into gaping jaws and sucked their air away. They stopped moving. More appeared, Alex sent three forceballs at their legs, tripping some, knocking them to the forest floor. Ravener-spawn within the treetops kept up the battle, fighting soundlessly, but Taraneas sprayed streams of silk, binding them to the branches. Soon, the canopies were filled with writhing cocoons of struggling monsters, breaking the momentum of the enemys charge.


    Alex used the lull to call his Wizards Hands and hand them booby-trapped flight potions, keeping one in each of his hands. Then, he eyed the forest. Monsters kepting. With a shortmand, he sent Wizards Hands into the clot of attackers at the front, and to hover above those at the back.


    He nted his feet, tightening his grip on the potions in his palms and


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    <em>Crash!</em>


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    ss shattered against tree trunks.


    Wizards Hands cracked vials.


    <em>Crunch! Whoooosh!</em>


    Vapour swept the air, filtering through the canopy, filling the monsters lungs.


    One moment they were clinging to a stand of trees, the next, theyd been yanked off and were flying straight into gnarled branches, tree trunks and even each other. Silence turned to ear-splitting shrieks; pulped silence-spiders soon filled the undergrowth and canopy.


    Oh dearI feel sick. Gwyin groaned and covered his mouth, looking even greener.


    On the forest floor, a different type of Ravener-spawn wasn''t having a much better time of it. Alex recognized them: venom walkers.


    Nasty things.


    The entry on their venoms, habits, and what could withstand them, took up an entire page in the Thameish bestiary: Cleanse Flesh or not, staying away from those barbed tentacles was a must.


    Dont let them touch you! Alex warned Gwyin. Theyre full of poisons!


    I dont want<em> any </em>of those monsters touching me! Gwyins voice sounded panicked, as did his eyes.


    The young wizard sent forceballs racing through the underbrush, dimming the light until they reached the venom walkers. The spheres hovered at eye level for a heartbeat then abruptly red as bright as me. Screeching, and flinching, they tore at their eyelids, trying to clear the searing light, but Alex wasnt finished with them yet. His forceballs looped between their legs, pitching them into the underbrush.


    Most tried to kick away Alexs spells, and a pair were almost upright, but


    Earth elementals had nothing to fear from poisons, but venomous creatures had plenty to fear from earth elementals. The summoned monsters grabbed spiny tendrils, dragging downed venom walkers into the soil as some were trampled by their kin in their rush to reach Alex. A wall of icy spray hit monsters and the ground around them, turning the earth into a spreading<strong></strong>sheet of freezing water. The foliage drooped with ice, and the air grew heavy with icy vapour.


    The seven-foot venom walkers momentum propelled them along the ice, while water showered them. They struggled to gain footing, but freezing wateryered their bodies and the earth under them, leaving them iling on the frozen forest floor.


    Then, Alexs forceballs were there, harassing them, tripping them, stopping them from standing. Their movements gradually slowed. They shivered as they were encased in ice, and soon grew still.


    Their packmates in the rear bound up, desperate to avoid the icy spray, poised to poison Alex with writhing tentacles. But, there were other monsters near him. Viper-devils slipped through the foliage, hissing, baring knife-like fangs and striking the Ravener-spawn.


    Alex grimaced; venom walkers were immune to most poisons.


    Pull back! He shouted in the tongue of the viper-devils. Save<strong></strong>your strength: your venom wont hurt them! Hellhounds! Fire elementals! Go! Burn them, tear them apart!


    As the otherworldly serpents pulled back, snarling hellhounds surged ahead, unafraid of these monsters poisons, immune to poisons from all worlds and nes. They bared snapping teeth that seemed too big for their mouths, and sprangme<strong></strong>spewing from gaping jawsburning and ripping at the attackers. The enemy struck out with spiny tendrils, catching a hellhound who yelped in pain, but then, the fire elementals were on them.


    me spirits bounced high in the air,<strong></strong>then dropped,nding on the venom walkers, instantly ring with a burning light. me ignited from both hellhound and fire elemental, spreading over the looming venom walkers and setting them aze. The creatures writhed, turning into fume-spewing, shrieking, fleeing infernos.


    Alex looked at Gwyin and tapped his Orb of Air. Are you alright? Can you smell the fumes? They fae patted his Orb. Im fine. I dont smell anything burning with this on my head! Its great! He grinned, still patting the Orb appreciatively.


    d to hear it. Alex said, watching as venom boiled, hissed and sshed on foliage the burning monsters ran through. Some slipped and fell on the ice, melting it and dousing their mes.


    More soon reced them, looking to bypass the hellhounds and fire-elementals, but Alex called his Wizards Hands, telling them to throw, pull, and push the creatures off-bnce. The monsters stumbled around like theyd had too much wine, falling over, making easy prey for the summoned fire monsters.


    Some circled around, trying to attack from the rear.


    But ran right into ygon.


    <em>Smash! Crunch! St!</em>


    He cut the monsters down like he was in a field of rotting fruit, squashing them with his big fists, grabbing and hurling them against tree trunks, or stomping some under his massive, y feet. They were no match for the golem: their venom was useless, their strengthcking.


    In no time, more than a dozeny dead, and far more were either dying, asleep, stunned, or disoriented.


    The ambush had failed in a most spectacr way.


    Alex looked around, taking stock of the area when a wounded silencespider broke free of the taraneas silk, leaping from tree to tree, springing at the wizard with scythe-like des stabbing.


    A month ago, Alex would have dodged, or tried to guide the creature away.


    But now, he had other options.


    He waited, hands readied like he was in a game of catch. He kept his eyes on the monster, his forceshield deflected some of its des, turning them away with motions matching the Cleansing Movements and as he reached up, he caught hold of two front legs.


    Alex Roth smiled: the massive spider felt no heavier than one of McHarris flour bags, and with a surge of power, boosted the snapping creature high above his head.


    ygon? he thought. Its all yours.


    He threw it into the air.


    <em>Whooosh!</em>


    The golem swung a massive fist straight for the plummeting spider his creator had so politely pressed over his head.


    <em>St!</em>


    It shattered like a pumpkin as Alex stepped aside and Gwyin sprang away, ducking for cover and looking even greener than before. The Thameish wizard had a Wizards Hand pat the little asrai on the back.


    You might want to close your eyes when things get messy, he said. I have a feeling theyll be getting a lot messier before were done.


    Alex scanned the forest, listening to the sounds of monsters approaching and caught sight of some moving toward them.


    Theres still quite a few out therebut at least it doesnt look like its an army, he thought. Ive got plenty of manaI could run Hsekius technique through my pool again and summon more monsters if I need them. Plenty of potions left too.


    Lets keep going, Alex stood in the midst of his summoned army. With their numbers, varied abilities and his tactics, his army wreaked havoc through the approaching Ravener-spawn.


    This was a disaster.


    The final Hunter watched, hidden deep beneath the brush as the usurper tore through its forces like they were helpless insects. It was regretting the choice of Ravener-spawn it had brought on the hunt.


    The usurper had conjured a multitude of strange creaturesnone of its forces were ready for them. Silence-spiders and venom walkers were perfect weapons for ambushes and assassinations, and were even deadly in a fight, but the enemy was stealing their mobility, finding them despite their advantages in stealth, and not seeming to care about toxins.


    A silence-spider and even a venom walker had slipped through the field of obstacles the enemy had created, but were either torn apart by those fire-creatures, seized by the usurper and crushed by the y statue, or smashed by it.


    Its venom walkers and silence-spiders were a poor match for any of this.


    <em>Skreeeeee!</em>


    Those foul things flying above the trees strafed it and its forces with their infernal cries again. They sensed without seeingwhich made trying to regain the element of surprise pointless.


    Throwing wave after wave of its forces into the jaws of death was a bad strategy.


    Regrouping was a sound one. Strike with its remaining forces united with the hags nt creatures.


    Retreat! Back to the building of stone! Back! The Hunter roared in its monstrous tongue and loped away, moving through the forest at full speed. Trees whipped byand as the crimson light of the usurpers magic faded behind itthe green-golden glow of the aeld tree grew brighter.


    The final Hunter sprang from the woods ahead of its pack of Ravener-spawn. From the topmost window of the windmill, the hags poked their heads out.


    The enemyes! the Hunter announced. We must make our stand here!


    With a growl, it raced to the mill and called for the Hive-queen.


    Curses. Curses and darkness! the younger hag swore. The ambush is ruined!


    For now, the elder said. We are herethat wizard is not the only one with magic, and our forces are stronger than our allys. Victory will be ours, sister, victory will be ours.


    She smiled looking up at the moonlit sky.


    Birds flew above the forest in a flock so enormous, they looked like gathering thunderclouds.


    He will die soon enough.


    Alex Roth strode through the woods.


    The forest had suddenly gone quietbut he could hear the sound of wings beating above.


    Birds.


    Likely hundreds of them.


    He had a sinking feeling they werent the friendly kind.


    Alex called to his Aervespertillos: Stay below the branches! Dont get caught out there!


    The bat-like creatures screeched once, then dove below the canopy.


    Why are there so many birds about? Gwyin asked. Some strange magic, this is


    YeahI think youre right, Alex said, watching the path up ahead.


    A golden-green light bled through the trees.


    Thats the aeld tree, the little asrai said. Well be at it soon.


    Uhuh Alex said. And it just<em> happens </em>to be growing out in the open?


    Yes, right near the old windmill.


    Rightso the enemy probably wants to lure us into open ground then swarm us with all those birdsand I bet they have <em>more</em> monsters hiding in this windmiWaityou said windmill?


    Yeah. Gwyin nodded vigorously.


    What was it used for?


    For grinding grain before the Ravener came and the humans abandoned it.


    ...they used it to make flour?


    Yes, why? the fae asked. This is no time to be baking bread, AlexWhy are youughing?


    Alex had thrown his head back, a boomingugh echoed through the trees. Oooooh man, sometimes life does give you a second chance. An old abandoned flour mill, eh? Well, I <em>hope</em> theres a bunch of monsters hiding in it, cuz if they are? I wont be baking bread, Gwyin.


    His smile turned downright evil. Ill be baking Ravener-spawn.

 Chapter 341: Make Like a Tree and Leave

    Chapter 341: Make Like a Tree and Leave


    Stop, Alex called as his summoned army reached the forests edge.


    The aeld tree shed a green-golden light in a clearing ahead. It was alone, unguarded, and an old windmill rose behind it. Gwyin had been right. Something was wrong with the sapling. Alex had done some reading on aeld trees after the asrai had offered to bring him one: the spiritual nts projected their feelings into the air.


    And this tree?


    Fear, panic and pain emanated from it. He felt for the young sapling.


    Well, you see the tree, Alex! Gwyin said, his voice frayed with panic. If its all the same to you, Ill be taking that offer to fly away now


    I wouldnt, Alex said.


    Eh?


    Look.


    The young wizard pointed to the windmill.


    His enhanced senses took in the moonlight streaming through the archway leading into the mill, the cracks in the ancient stone, and a window high above. He couldnt see very far inside, but there was movement in the dark.


    Lots of movement.


    That mills full of monsters, he said. And I get the feeling the birds have something to do with them.


    Alex nced at the flock, which had been growing with every passing heartbeat, circling the canopy. There was something unnatural in the way they were gathering.


    Oh by the fae lords, the asrai cried, his ears going stiff as his scales paled. if the birds are being controlledoh no, theyre going to eat me!


    He tried to fly away using Alexs potion, but the young wizard caught him by the shoulder.


    You separate from me and theyll kill you, Alex said. Theyre waiting for one of three things, I think: for those birds to build up, for us toe out from under the tree cover, or for us to run. We do that, and theyll attack.


    Wh-what do we do then, ooooh I shouldve listened to that pixie! Shouldve listened to their cousins cousin! Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear, theyre going to eat us! The birds are going to peck out our eyes and


    Im not gonna let that happen, Alex said. You stay close to me, and I wont let em hurt you. Youre the one that led me here, right? He smiled at the little fae. Id be a pretty shitty guy if I let you die after you went through all this trouble.


    He used his training to make his voice as soothing and confident as he could. Some of Gwyins tension seemed to ease.


    Y-you sure? the fae asked.


    Im sure, Alex said, being careful not to say I promise. Making a promise or pacteven by identwouldnt be the best idea with a fae. What would happen if he promised You wont be hurt then something terrible happened?


    He didnt think that fae pact magic would ept, But it was an ident! as an excuse.


    Right, he said, taking a loop of rope from his bag. This is going to sound strange, but I want to bind you to me.


    Gwyin gave him a horrified look.


    No, no, no, not like that! the wizard said quickly. If youre tied to me, I can keep you safe and watch out for you. I dont want us getting separated if those birds swarm us.


    Gwyin gave the rope a dubious look. O-okay, if itll keep me from being pecked to death.


    d no one else was around to hear their conversation, Alex had his Wizards Hands loop the rope around his waist and tie the little asrai to himself.


    Now, lets force their hand and not let any more of those birds gather.


    Gwyin gave him a frightened look. Youre going to have to move quickly if you want the tree. T-theyll attack us the minute we step into the open.


    Who said anything about us going out there? Alex asked. Theyre going toe to us.


    He switched to one of the tongues of the celestials. Taraneas, I want you to start webbing up the canopy above and around us. I want a wall of silk that nothings going to get through, even something as small as a sparrow.


    The taraneas chittered and sprayed their webs into the trees.


    He switched to the tongue of water elementals. Water and ice elementals, turn everything around us into ice. Ground. Leaves. Tree trunks. All of it.


    The water and ice elementals bubbled and cracked, spraying their surroundings and freezing it over. He had his other monsters gather inside the frozen area, ready to attack anything that breached its perimeter. To his air elementals and elemental beetle swarms, he gave them orders to hover nearbypoised to fly to the windmill with a singlemand.


    Then, he switched to the tongue of earth elementals.


    Alright my underground friends, Ive got a<em>special </em>job for you.


    This is strange the younger of the two hags said.


    What is? the elder sister asked.


    They crouched by the windmills uppermost window, ws out and magics ready. Watching the forest and clearing below, they waited for their enemy to step into the moonlight.


    Every heartbeat brought more birds, tilting the odds to their favour. Many of their avian servants were day-flyersunable to see well at nightand so the best time to strike would be when the enemy stepped from the dark treeline.


    But he never did.


    Even as their flock grewand they knew he could see ithe just stayed. Was he nning to run?


    The elder hag frowned.


    They were missing something.


    Then she realised her sister hadnt answered her. What is strange? she asked again, her voice filled with impatience.


    I remember this one the younger said. His ypanion was dangerous, butof all those who killed my servantshe seemed least deadly. I thought he would be an easy killhe was not this difficult to ambush before; my even crich-tgh dragged him beneath the water.


    She scratched her chin. His senses were not so sharpand the creatures he conjured not so


    Many.


    Both hags startled as their ally slithered from the dark and joined them in peering out the window.


    They are many. And they are coordinated like an army. Do not dismiss this one, it growled, its ws biting into the window frame. I have some of my forces in the forest, hiding and ready to strike from behind. The Hive-queen will attack the big, y thing when they step out. While it is upied, we kill the master.


    Soon, we will have enough birds to pluck out his eyes and drive him from the woods, the elder hag said. Butwhy is he not moving? I sense no mana and I see no spells being cast. Time favours us, so why


    Sister!


    What is it? the elder asked.


    Some of my birds are caught in a spiders web!


    The elder growled. So he is trying to lure us inclever, but he cannot gain the aeld tree unless he steps out.


    He might send that big y thing out to get it for him, the Hunter said.


    If he does, the younger said. Then he is a fool. Pulling the tree from the ground with such violence will only do it more harm. We have buried it well and deep.


    It does not matter either way, the Hunter growled. When his y soldier goes out, my Hive-queen will attack it. Then we can kill the man while he is undefended. I will go down to the lower floor and be ready. You two prepare your magics.


    The Hunter loped away, climbing down the inside of the windmill. After he was gone, the elder sister scratched her cheek. Something was still wrong.


    She looked down.


    Now the enemys monsters were spraying water <em>in front</em> of him then freezing it. How would he or his golem cross to get the tree? She nced at the aeld sapling, which wobbled a little in the wind. Would he send his flying creatures to get it?


    Her eyes focused on the hovering monsters, just barely visible at the edge of the treeslike they were waiting. They did not look strong enough to carry the sapling, let alone uproot it, so then


    Sister! Look! The tree is moving!


    The wind blows it, yes but


    No, you fool, <em>look!</em>


    The elder hag looked down and gasped.


    Her sister was wrong. The tree wasnt moving.


    The soil beneath it was.


    Earth bubbled and shifted around the roots of the aeld tree, shaking the sapling back and forth. Then it rose as though an invisible hand was raising it by its branches


    Her eyes grew wide.


    <em>Or</em> something was <em>pushing</em> it up from <em>below!</em>


    The earth swelled like a bubble around the trees roots and then it <em>glided</em> toward the forest. <em>That</em> was why he was staying hidden in the trees!


    He had a way to make the aeld saplinge to him!


    Sister, make haste! We must strike!


    Gathering their mana, their ws began to arc with lightning.


    Attack! the younger hag screamed at their servants.


    They sent lightning into the forest as their birds fell from the sky.


    Alex felt the mana just before he saw the sh of light.


    Gwyin! Were moving behind the trees!


    ygon! he thought. Get between us and this tree! Charge your fire-gems.


    <em>Whooooooooom!</em>


    Wha the asrai shouted as Alex leapt behind arge oak and the golem surged forward, standing between them and the tree trunk


    <em>Crackle!</em>


    <em>Boom!</em>


    For an instant, night was as bright as noon.


    Lightning arced from the windmill, crackling through the air and mming into the wood.


    The asrai screamed.


    Wood ckened and splintered.


    Steam shot through the air.


    Then the lightning faded.


    Alex and Gwyin were alright, as was ygon, but the trunk had a smoking hole in it and fire was licking up the bark.


    The young wizard peered out.


    He swore.


    Some of his water and ice elementals had been hit and sted back to their home nes. His army was down by half a dozen little soldiers.


    Steady! he said, drinking another potion of haste. Cover your eyes, Gwyin, here theye!


    Birds swooped from the sky as monsters boiled from the windmill: beast goblins, venom walkers, silence-spidersand then the big, shambling crich-tghs.


    There. The enemy had engaged.


    ygon, fire at those monsters, then go and stop those big nt bastards in their tracks!


    The golem moved forward, cracking the ice and stomping past the aeld tree as it glided along.


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    ygon discharged the fire-beams in his palms, strafing the iing horde of monsters. The fire-gem in his head fired on the window where the lightning hade from.


    There were cries of rm, and something dove away from the window.


    <em>Booom</em>!


    me exploded through the monsters and roared into the window, ckening the stone. Beast-goblins and venom walkers burned, but the crich-tghssoaked with watershambled forward through clouds of steam. They piled onto ygon, whipping him with their vines and body mming him. His fists struck back, pulping nt matter.


    Birds hit the taraneas webs, which bound them to the canopy, but some veered around,ing in low, screeching and shooting toward the wizard and asrai. Alex brought up all his force spellsWizards Hands, forceballs, deflective rectangles, and forceshieldthen raised his arms in the Cleansing Movements.


    As the birds pecked and wed, he blocked and gently deflected, his arms blurring. Wizards Hands seized wings and feathers, throwing them into the spiderwebs.


    There.


    The enemy was engaged.


    Now! he roared, pointing at the windmill. Elemental beetles, therell be cloth sacks in there. Go in, find them, tear them open and spread the dust around! Elementals, find any crack you can in the stone and blow the dust with everything youve got!


    Beetles surged past the birds and toward the windmill, followed by air elementals. Elemental beetles poured into the archway, while air elementals pushed their forms against cracks along the outside of the old mill, funnelling air into the structure. Sacks were chewed open, spilling flour into the air.


    Things were going well.


    If he


    A slight shift in the shadows barely saved his and Gwyins lives.


    He soared into the air


    just as a silent monstrosity crashed into the trees.

 Chapter 342: The Hunted

    Chapter 342: The Hunted


    A familiar form writhed through the moonlight, chilling Alex to the bone.


    By the Traveller, he whispered.


    What was that? Gwyin screamed, his head darting back and forth. The wind whipped by as he and the young wizard soared through the night air. What hapOh by the fae lords, what <em>is </em>that?


    Alex had seen the creature in his worst dreams.


    Hed faced it in what seemed like a lifetime ago. Deep within the Cave of the Traveller.


    From the treeline, the immense Ravener-spawn coldly observed him and Gwyin: looming in shadow like the stuff of nightmares.


    Alex took in its form: the lower body of a centipede, scores of legs, each ending in a de; two massive arms capped by scythes.


    And above those arms?


    Carapace, harder than te armour, sheathing a humanoid torso. Crowning the creatures trunk was a spiders head with five pairs of glinting ck orbs clustered in its forehead. Ten eyes followed man and asrai, four upper arms flexed and opened coarse hands almost rhythmically, retracting and extending its ws.


    Its a Hive-queen, Alex murmured.


    A <em>what?</em> Gwyin cried.


    A leader among Ravener-spawn.


    The world dragged to a crawl.


    Birds banked through the air, their movements slowing by the heartbeat in Alexs perception. nt juices seemed to spray at a snails pace as ygons fists sank into crich-tghs bodies with a squelching sound. Vines coiled around his limbs, fire-gems, and head, straining to pull him downbut he wouldnt fall, instead, he dragged them like a raging bull.


    Near the windmill, mes crackled through the clearing. Monsters burned. Some screamed. Others charged past the fire, piling onto ygon or springing at Alex, but he and Gwyin floated out of reach.


    His summoned monsters harassed the Hive-queen while the aeld treepanic bleeding from it in waveswas rushed to the woods. The young wizard shouted in the tongue of earth elementals: Take the tree away! Dont stay here, Ill find youter!


    The saplings panic surged, its light flickering wildly as the earth elementals bore it away from the battle, weaving through charging Ravener-spawn.


    The monsters ignored the aeld and summoned creatures like they werent even there.


    Alexs blood grew cold with realisation.


    Theyre not here for the tree, he watched the monsters racing toward the clearing, leaping straight for him.


    And as for the Hive-queen?


    Her eyes were fixed on him like nothing else in the clearing mattered. Her jaws spread apart, revealing needle-like fangs. Fire elementals and snarling hellhounds charged her, me ring as they closed the distance.


    The Ravener-spawns massive lower des blurred in arcs, cutting hellhounds and elementals down like a sickle through dry wheat. The summons were promptly sted back to their home nes.


    She levelled a wed hand at Alex.


    Oh shit! he swore, ready to move.


    With eerie quiet, a gleaming webline streaked toward the bolting wizard, narrowly missing. The air whistled as it whipped by.


    She was <em>fast. </em>He needed to slow her down.


    Taraneas! Bind her! he shouted.


    White lines of silk sprayed from the canopy, sticking to the queens back.


    She writhed against them while he dug into his bag for a booby-trapped potion.


    Alex, looook ooooooouuuut! Gwyin screamed.


    <em>Crackle!</em>


    The sound of electricity.


    Something was firing from the windmill.


    Alex turned in mid-air, trying to soar higher, but


    Oh <em>shit!</em> He dove as lightning shed.


    A bolt tore through the air, aimed at where hed been, but Gwyins warning had kept him from flying headlong into it. His hair stood on end, the sky above crackled.


    He shot a nce at the Hive-queen.


    Two web lines raced at him.


    Alex weaved his body between them, but one struck a deflective force rectangle.


    It exploded.


    Gwyin screamed. Were dead! Were dead! Weve been killed!


    The Hive-queens legs tensed, she pointed at Alex and his screaming faepanion as she cleaved the taraneas webs.


    Without a sound, webbing flew from her hand, arcing through the moonlight, cutting the air around his head. He dove, cursing the monster.


    It was what shed been waiting for.


    Those hundred legsunched her massive bulk off the ground to spring at Alex; des cut the air.


    The wizard shot away from the shing scythes, but an edge clipped a defensive force rectangle, shattering it.


    Birds swarmed, pecking and wing from all directions as he climbed.


    Aervespertillos! Screeeeeeeeam! Alex yelled in the tongue of his summoned air elementals. Stun her! Stun her!


    The bat-like creatures plowed through the bird swarm, heading for the Hive-queen. Their jaws spread wide, ready to shriek.


    Another sh from the windmill. A crackle in the air. More mana.


    Looooooook oooooooout! Gwyin cried, pointing.


    Behind them, lightning shed from the top window and the crackle of electricity growled hungrily. Twin bolts sparked, directed at Alex within the mass of birds. Birds died, plummeting from the flock as he bolted, weaving across the sky in a zig-zag pattern. His hands blurred, grabbing a booby-trapped flight potion from his bag and whipping the vial at the window.


    His aim was truebut toote.


    <em>Crunch! Whooooosh!</em>


    A lightning bolt struck the potion bottle, melting the ss and releasing the liquid inside. Any birds caught in the mist shuddered, and abruptly plunged to the ground, joining theirpanions littering the forest floor. The second lightning bolt wasing at Alex. He banked as it split the sky, incinerating more of the flock, thinning their numbers further.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Another defensive force rectangle exploded, stopping a webline, keeping it from trapping him.


    He flew at speed, tearing away from the Hive-queen with Gwyin screaming at his waist. His forceshield spun around them, deflecting talons, helping him gain height and distance until


    <em>Screeeeeech!</em>


    Alex flinched.


    The aervsespertillos extended shriek stunned birds, Hive-queen, and any spawn near her. Hit her while you can! Alex thought, whipping booby-trapped flight while she leaned over, holding the sides of her massive head.


    The bottle spun, flipping over and over


    As a dead crow fell, picking up speed, plunging into the bottles path and deflecting the potion.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Both went spinning into the night,nding somewhere in the woods.


    Damn it! <em>Damn it!</em> Alex shot away, climbing higher.


    Below, ygon fought crich-tghs, silence-spiders, venom walkers and beast-goblins that wouldnt stoping, piling onto him. Each swing of his arms sent monsters flying, but more swarmed him like ants.


    The Hive-queen shook herself like a fighter whod taken a hard blow to the head. She looked up at the sky, then all four hands spun weblines, tying the ends, making knots the size of a grown mans fists. Her body reared back, whipped forward, then with her full weight on the weblines, theyshed out.


    Four whips snapped without a sound, while Alex frantically weaved around them.


    Were going to die! Gwyin screamed. Well be yed! Our bones <em>crushed! </em>Our bodies broken! Our faces torn away! Oh, theyre not going to find enough of us to fill a spoon!


    Were not going to die! At least not at these bastards hands! the young wizard shouted.


    Alexs heart pounded with fear, but also rage. Especially rage.


    He flew through the cloud of birds, reaching the windowand found lurking in the dark..


    Two blue annis hags.


    Two blue annis hags working with Ravener-spawn.


    Whats this all about? he wondered.


    Gwyin screamed at the sight of them. Shes back! Oh by the fae lords, thats her, Alex! Shes back! The hag that tried to cook me! Oh by the fae lords, she wants to eat me and you too! We have to flee!


    Shes not going to eat us! Shes not eating anybody!


    The young wizards heartbeat quickened as his mind tried to piece it all together.


    <em>Think. Adapt. Think. Adapt. Think. Adapt.</em>


    The hagsa blue annis hag. One of them was driven out of Greymoor by him and his team.


    She came back? he thought. Did she move to this windmill instead of going back to her cave? Did she im the aeld tree?


    Nothat didnt make sense.


    Gwyin was here earlier. He was alone, so, why wouldnt she just eat him then? And if shed imed the sapling, then why werent the monsters trying to take it back?


    No.


    Something else was going on herethis entire thing felt like a trap, like some kinda set up.


    The aeld tree had been the bait. The ambushand all these monsters working together? Hed seen beast-goblins, crich-tghs, two different kinds of Ravener-spawn, a Hive-queenwait, maybe there was a dungeon around here?


    And what about that womans voice hed heard in the woods earlier?


    He thought about the wed monsters from the patrizias ball: the one that lured him into the granary mimicking Theresas voice. Could it have been one of them? maybemaybe not. Magic could mimic different voices, and blue annis hags had magic.


    and certain <em>fae</em> could mimic voices too.


    He looked down at the screaming asrai at his waist.


    Was Gwyin in on whatever this was? He sure didnt <em>look</em> like he was in on anything. And why would he work with a hag that was trying to eat him? Unless he was lying, and theyd always worked together? Nohed given his word and he had a debt to settle: if the asrai had betrayed him, then the fae magic would never give him a moments peace.


    Which meant that he was just a victim in a bigger scheme.


    Alex chewed his lip, searching for other possibilities.


    He remembered the night the silence-spiders had attacked the camp.


    there was that silence-spider that ygon had smashedit seemed like it was going for his tent, didn''t it? His heartbeat quickened, pumping haste potion through his veins. His thoughts raced. Suddenly, he felt cold.


    Wait, was this ambushfor him? Or was it supposed to be for all the wizards, but hede out alone? He thought of the chitterer dungeon core and how it had targeted him. Was this whole thing just part of that?


    Was he being hunted?


    The why and how were things to considerter.


    For now, what mattered was getting the hell out of here. His jaw clenched. He had the aeld tree, and hed kept Gwyin safe.


    He could fly away, try to lose the birds and


    No. What about ygon?


    He looked at the fight below.


    His golem was tearing into the crich-tghs with all four arms, and sting them with his fire-beams.


    But more monsters were piling in by the heartbeat.


    Even as the Hive-queenshed her whips at Alex, she struck ygon with her ded legs. He was fighting back, but he was up against a swarm, pressing him with no end in sight. Even when Alex had him spin in a circle, pick up speed, and fling the monsters off, silence-spiders clung to him like leeches.


    Exasperation filled the young wizard: ygon had been unstoppable so farbut if there was one thing the battle against Vesuvius had shown, it was that he wasnt invincible.


    Besideshe was family.


    And Alex Roth didnt leave family behind, no matter what.


    <em>Whiiiiish!</em>


    <em>Crackle!</em>


    Whips shed and lightning crackled on either side of him. His forceshield weaved around deflecting the birds.


    The lightnings getting closer! Gwyin screamed. We cant dodge it forever!


    The asrai was right.


    Alex couldnt dodge forever. Not with that flock of birds harassing him. He needed to help ygon, and he needed to destroy these monsters andif there was a dungeon aroune back with help.


    But he couldnt do any of it if this horde followed him.


    The air elementals were still pressed against the windmill; at least the birds hadnt attacked them. Maybe his elemental beetles had been left alone too.


    For his n to work, hed have to get as many monsters into that windmill as possible. And, right now, there was only one way he could think of to get them in there.


    Gwyin? he said.


    Y-yes? the asrai asked.


    Forgive me.


    Forgive you for<em>Oh by the fae loooooooords!</em>


    Alex dove toward the ground at full speed, grabbing some sleeping and one booby-trapped flight potion.


    First step, help ygon.


    He concentrated, looking for space within the screeching cloud of birds and calling his Wizards Hands.


    No gap, Alex thought. You need to make one.


    He threw sleeping potions.


    <em>Crash! Crash! Crash!</em>


    Theynded in the waiting Hands, which snapped shut with force.


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    Vapour spread through the air.


    Birds fell, clearing the sky below him.


    There. A gap!


    He whipped the booby-trapped flight potion at the monster horde.


    The Hive-queen saw iting and raised a hand, poised to bat it away but sprang aside instead; she''d seen what those potions did to her kin earlier.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    The bottle hit rocky ground, the impact shattered ss in the middle of the monster horde, releasing the potion.


    Mist spread over ygon and his attackers. Alex kept moving.

 Chapter 343: A Living Clue

    Chapter 343: A Living Clue


    The scene was a sea of chaos.


    Ravener-spawn became puppets and the potion mist their master, tossing them into tree trunks, sky, or ground, it didnt matter which. The result was the same.


    The crich-tghs and beast-goblins had no need for air; murteidheann vines had long removed the goblins need to breathe. So, unaffected, they fought through the vapour. Still, there were less monsters now and ygon had more room to manoeuvre.


    His fire-beams were powered-up, firing on his attackers, reducing their numbers.


    Good.


    Hey! Monsters! Alex roared, swooping down toward the battlefield, stopping some twenty feet above the ground. Hovering with his arms crossed, he called his forceballs to his side and glowered at the window high above. That goes for you too, you snaggle-toothed, half-witted bastards! Your aim is as bad as your smiles!


    What are you doing? Gwyin cried.


    Monsters looked up.


    Birds circled.


    The Hive-queen snarled.


    Two faces, the very picture of rage, appeared at the window; iron ws bit the frame.


    Oh, by the fae lords, theyre looking at us! Theyre looking at us, Alex! the fae screamed, trembling against the rope.


    Thats right! Your aims terrible, its no wonder youre not a threat to anyone! He mocked.


    The air bristled, hate flowed from the hags.


    Push a little more.


    Why are you enraging them? Gwyin cried. II dont share his opinion, nice monsters! Im sure your aims very good most days!


    See, your aims so bad that you need pitypliments from my little buddy here!


    <em>What?</em> Gwyin gasped.


    Thats right! Youre trash! You mad now? You want me? The young wizards forceballs and Wizards Hands orbited him like crimsons. With an act of will, they red bright. Come and <em>im</em> me!


    No! Donte and im anything! Go away! Alex, w-what are you doiiiiNoooooo! Gwyin screamed.


    The Hive-queens whips shed the air. Her mouth opened in a silent roar.


    Try again! Alex dove.


    <em>Crackle!</em>


    Two blue lights lit the window; lightning danced between the hags ws.


    A bolt arced down.


    He barrel-rolled to the side, the hair on his arms rising.


    Lightning struck, catching a venom walker off guard.


    Wake up! Alexughed as the monster was electrified.


    Wind roared past them, and he pulled into an aerial loop, dodging the other bolt. He hovered again.


    Forget half-witted! You dont even have one wit between the two of you to rub together! He whirled, hisughter echoing through the woods. Force spells revolved around him, deflecting squawking birds.


    ygon! Alex called mentally. Listen carefully, smash as many of those crich-tghs as you can. Youll get my signal from inside the windmill over there: Ill need you to start charging your fire-gems as soon as you get the signal! Be ready to fire into the millOh shit!


    <em>Whiiiish!</em>


    A giant de cut the air. The Hive-queen was leaping for him.


    Nooooo! Gwyin screamed.


    The wizard tucked and rolled above the sh, letting it pass a hand-width below him.


    Still too slow! he mocked her as she shot past and dropped to the ground. Her ded legs skidded through the dirt.


    Snarling, she raised her whips, but Alex was already soaring around her, arcing toward the windmill. He risked a nce behind.


    His heart skipped.


    Got you.


    The horde was following him: Ravener-spawn, birds, beast-goblins and even a crich-tgh had broken away from ygon and was shambling after him.


    Leading them was the Hive-queen.


    Good, just follow me, Alex thought, descending. Pay attention to nothing else.


    With the wind whipping by his ears, he dove through the windmills archway.


    Hes in the mill! the young hag scrambled from the window. She peered through a wide hole in the floor. That rude human wretch! Ill wring his neck! Agh, damn this dust!


    Flour drifted from below. Dozens of sacks had been ripped apart, and the rude wizards insects were spreading it with their wings. Small cloud-like creatures blew wind into the mill, whipping the flour into a billowing mass.


    The hag coughed, waving it away, trying to see through the cloud of white. It was no use: it looked like a blizzard inside the mill and she could barely make out shapes.


    No, sister, no wringing his neck. The elder stayed by the window. That would be too quick. Our birds will eat his eyes, fingers and toes! Then well have all the other soft bits while he shrieks!


    Yes! The younger screamed, still trying to look through the flour cloud. But the asrai is mine! I saw him first, and he gave us pitypliments! Im going to eat him from the feet up!


    She ran back to the window, throwing her consciousness into the flock of birds. Together, sister, together!


    As one, the blue annis hags guided the flocks toward the windmill.


    A tide of birds poured through the archway.


    Why do I get the feeling somethings thinking about eating me? Gwyin cried. Oooooh, I know it! I just know it!


    No ones eating anybodyOh shit!


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    A crich-tghs vine struck a rafter inches from Alexs head.


    He dove, flying through the drifting flour.


    There was a sense of deja-vu about this.


    A building filled with dust. A monster stalking him through the dark. mes in the night. It was like Patrizia DePaolos balmost. Alex hadnt flown through the patrizias granary, and ygon had been at his side then, not a screaming, terrified fae. Hed also been weaker and slower. His reflexes less honed.


    But of course, thered only been <em>one</em> monster to deal with then.


    Now?


    Monsters were everywhere.


    Silence-spiders clung to the windmills walls. Birds filled the air, choking on flour-dust. Venom walkers were climbing after him, trying to poison him with their deadly tentacles. The crich-tgh was throwing beast-goblins at him.


    Their bodies crunched as they hit the walls.


    He was d he wasnt a beast-goblin.


    And the Hive-queen?


    Her whips had been cast aside and shed spun line after line of webbing through the mill, swinging from one to the next, trying to trap him. Scythes shed when she came near.


    Alex ducked and weaved through the weblines and monsters, spinning as he went. His cloak billowed behind, whipping more dust around. He grabbed flour sacks as he flew by, splitting them, spilling their contents in his wake.


    The white dust grew thicker.


    Air elementals'' whipped it up like a storm; inside the mill was like a whiteout blowing across a barren countryside: a Thameish winters full fury concentrated inside.


    Monsters coughed. Monsters sneezed. Monsters roared, almost blinded.


    Im getting diiiizzy! Gwyin cried. For the love of the fae lords, whyyyyyy?


    Alex threw a nce at the archway. Through the dust, he made out silhouettes stumbling in; the horde was starting to thin.


    There. Looks like most of them are inside. He barrel-rolled, passing another webline. Not a moment too soon either!


    He grabbed another sack, split it, and soared toward the ceiling in a spiral.


    Thats it! he shouted over the racket the monsters were raising. Follow me, you fools!


    He was unaware of another pair of unfriendly eyes, watching from a rafter above.


    The final Hunter watched the usurper, its ws dug into the windmills rafters, and its muscles were tensed to spring. It had been waiting for its chance.


    And now that chance was here.


    The usurper was proving to be a <em>ferocious</em> opponent.


    In the time the Hunter had walked thesends, never had it seen prey that had struggled so fiercely. Any strike would have to be quick, decisive and final.


    It watched as the usurper shot through the mill, kicking up dust. Was he trying to hide himself? Was this some means of camouge? It did not matter: the Hunter would have sensed him near, or far. This futile attempt at hiding was a fool''s errand.


    More allies flooded the human structure.


    They chased the usurper, striking from all directions, but he dodged them like an annoying fly.


    What was he doing? He was only cornering himself.


    Unease seeped into the Hunters thoughts.


    None of these tactics made sense.


    What was he up to?


    Whatever it wasit had to be stopped.


    He had to die, now.


    The Raveners assassin braced against the rafter as the usurper flew through the air, shooting up the structure.


    Now!


    It sprang, bearing venomous fangs and spreading its ws, set to puncture the wizards back.


    He was oblivious to its presence.


    The ambush was perfect...


    Until the usurper spun in mid-airwith eyes zingand grabbed the Hunters wrists.


    Hah! You thought you could he began speaking.


    But the words died on his lips and his eyes flew wide.


    Y-you!


    Shock hit Alex, chilling him to the marrow.


    There, in his gripafter so longwas another wed monster, kin to the ones that had attacked on the night of the patrizias ball. A littlerger, but from the same stock.


    It struggled in Alexs grip as his mind raced.


    So many mysteries to solve: this ambush, the silence-spider attack, the patrizias ball, the Irtyshenan empirethe answer to so many questions was right here.


    Aaaaaah! Aaaaaah! Gwyin screamed. Its a monster! Its a monster! Its going to kill us! Throw it away!


    Why Alex asked, his voice shaking. <em>What</em> are you? <em>Why </em>are you hunting me?


    The monster snarled and lunged.


    Venom dripped from its fangs.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Alex blocked its face with his forceshield.


    Two Wizards Hands grabbed its shoulders, pulling it back.


    Answer me! he roared.


    They spiralled up the inside of the structure, whipping clouds of white powder around.


    Tell me! Why are you <em>hunting</em> me? What are you? Answer me! Rage filled him. How dare this thing remain silent?


    Tell me what you want!


    The Hunter roared, moving to overpower the humanbut to its rm, it <em>couldnt!</em> The grip binding its wristswas like steel! No matter how it shifted its body, the usurpers hold didnt weaken, even as he flew through the rafters in circles.


    Anger and disbelief was turning to fearthe final Hunter had never known helplessness. The usurper had sensed it. This wizard was its superior in strength; it couldnt escape! How could that be? He was not the Chosen or Champion; no mere mortal could match the Hunter in power!


    It extended the ws on its feet and shed at the mans belly, trying to eviscerate him.


    <em>Thnk.</em>


    But, the enemys leg whipped up, blocking the blow. An invisible force protected his legs, and their movements were like flowing water; the Hunters attacks were pushed aside.


    It shed frantically.


    Answer me! The humans eyes burned. He shook the Hunter in his grip. You dont get to chase me, try to kill me then act like you cant talk! I <em>heard</em> you in the woods, ying like you were human! I know your kind can mimic voices!


    Now the hunter froze.


    Its kind? The usurper knew of its kind?


    By the Ravener, had its kin found him before?


    If theyd failedthen he was even more dangerous than the Hunter had thought.


    For the Ravener and for its own sake, he had to die.


    Frantic, the wed monster threw its bulk around, desperate to break Alexs grip or w his insides out. Forceballs spun at its feet, deflecting its ws, but the weight threw their flight off.


    Wizard, monster and asrai moved through the air while the beast kept struggling. The flight grew increasingly erratic. Weblines whipped past. The wed monster pulled the three of them within a breath of the rafters.


    Alexs frustration grew. Youre going to be like that? Fine. Were not dying because of you!


    A Wizards Hand took out a sleeping potion. The monsters head recoiled and a legshed out, shing the Hand, destroying it; the potion spiralled downward,nding in the horde below.


    Bastard! Alex snarled.


    Why are you talking to it? Gwyin screamed. Why, by all the fae lords are you talking to it! Let it go!


    The wizard focused on the struggling creature. You wanna shake us around? You wanna make this harder? Then have it your way!


    As Alex flew, he spun.


    Raaargh! the monster screamed.


    Aaaaaargh! Noooot agaiiiiin! Gwyin screamed.


    <em>Whooosh! Whoosh! Whooosh! Whooosh</em>!


    The world tumbled end over end. Alex focused as the enemy spun with him. They climbed higher.


    Hed disorient the creature, then put it to sleep. Itd be too dizzy to stop him.


    Its n was not working.


    The usurper kept spinning faster and faster. The Hunter could not tell up from down, or left from right. Its eyes swam and its stomach clenched. If it lost control of its senses, it would be gassed by one of those bottles.


    That must not happen! It had to do something.


    Well, if resisting didnt work


    Over here! it called in its monstrous tongue. Hive-queen! Be ready to strike! Ill distract the mortal!


    It moulded its voice box.


    Then opened its jaws.


    You are our enemy, the Hunter said to the man. You wronged my master, and now you must pay the price.


    The usurper gasped.


    It had used the mans own voice to speak.


    Now! it roared.


    Two weblines shot through the dust.


    The Hive-queen leapt,ing at the usurper from behind.

 Chapter 344: Months in the Making

    Chapter 344: Months in the Making


    Alexs thoughts raced.


    The wed monster had spoken to him. It had said something about a master? Who was this master, and how had he wronged them? How did he be its enemy when he didnt even know who they were?


    The monster roared, then fixed him with an odd gaze. Its lips parted. A word was forming.


    Alex focused on the creature. What would it say?


    He took in every detail: its bodynguage, its voice, its eyes


    its eyes.


    It wasnt looking at him.


    It was looking behind him.


    Alex whirled and dove.


    Whatre youoh nooooo! Itsing out of the dust! Gwyin kicked wildly. Were dead! Well be killed.


    The young wizard swore, and shot away.


    The agitated beast wouldnt stop squirming, the trio swayed unsteadily, but Alexs grip tightened on its wrists. No matter how much it thrashed, he wasnt about to let it go.


    Behind them, the Hive-queen swung along on sticky weblines. Dust parted before her. Her des cut the air while she sprayed twin lines of webbing at Alexs back. Forceballs swirled into her path, knocking the webs off target, but her des kepting.


    Wrestling with the monster, Alex tried to soar past a beam holding a shelf of flour sacks.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    He grunted, pain shooting through his leg as his thigh bounced off the wood; force armour had taken most of the impact.


    The Hive-queens immense bulk swung overhead, jaws parting in a silent roar.


    Her des shed, splitting the old wooden beam, slicing through half a dozen flour sacks.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Flour swirled like a snowstorm.


    As the young wizard soared away, grappling with his would-be assassin, he called his elemental beetles: Thats enough! Theres enough flour in the air! Attack the giant spider! Go for her eyes!


    The Queens multiple legs pulled her smoothly along the webbing, but with a silent cry she reared back suddenly. Through the white-out, elemental beetles swarmed her.


    She wed at her face, ripping at the beetles, trying to tear them offbuying Alex precious seconds.


    <em>Leeeeeaaaadeeer,</em> the Hive-queen hissed. <em>Are yooouuuu aliiiiiive? I cannot see!</em>


    The monster roared at her in its monstrous tongue, desperately shing at Alexs gut. Wizards Hands closed around its ankles, and forceballs pushed its legs apart, making it struggle all the harder.


    Alex swore.


    This wasnt working.


    He looked at the ceiling. There were some holes in it.


    We have to get out of here.


    Hed have to put this monster to sleep and question it when they got away from the windmill. He needed answers. Focusing on his n, Alex sailed through the air, climbing toward the ceiling, hauling the screaming, kicking monster with him.


    I.I think Im going to be sickor dead Gwyin groaned.


    Hold on for a little longerWere getting out of here. Alex said, then switched to the tongue of air elementals. Listen to me! His voice boomed through the mill. Go to the top of the mill! Stay up there, get in front of the window! Ill need all of you to blow inside as <em>hard</em> as you can!


    Wooden beams rushed past as Alex ascended.


    The monster growled, snapping and biting at him.


    The forceshield spun around its face.


    ygon! he thought. Now! I need you to start charging your fire-gems. Ill need them soon!


    Something came back through their connection: not a thought, but an acknowledgement.


    Thank you. The wizard raced above thest of the birds, aiming for a hole in the ceiling.


    That must lead to another floor.


    He readied the forceballs. No doubt two <em>very </em>angry blue annis hags would be waiting.


    Where did he go? The younger hag looked through the eyes of birds spread throughout the mill.


    There was no sign of the wretch.


    Thest shed seen of him, hed been flying toward the top of the mill.


    Our birds outside do not see him either! Her elder sisters head turned as she looked through dozens of pairs of eyes.


    The younger growled, pulling her senses back into her body. Ill look for myself.


    She started for the hole in the floor...


    <em>Crash!</em>


    Stumbling as something burst from it.


    Alex swore from pain.


    The wed monster roared in pain as well.


    Its struggling had mmed their shoulders against the floorboards as they flew through hole.


    Wood exploded and splinters rained down.


    But Alex had more to worry about than a throbbing shoulder.


    This floor was mostly abandoned: only a few beast-goblins and two veryrge, very angry blue annis hags red at him as he, the struggling monster and the screaming Gwyin, hovered above the hole.


    You! shrieked the closer one.


    <em>What?</em> Gwyin cried in a single breath. Thatsherthatsherthatsherthatsherthatsher! Dont eat me! Dont eat me!


    Ill eat you! the hag growled.


    No!


    Ill have your flesh this time. Theres no escaping, fae! She snarled, then turned her eyes to Alex. And Ill have yours too!


    Roaring like the monster he was gripping, she lunged, her iron ws shining in the moonlight.


    Alex had no more patience for this. He had a n. They were messing it up.


    His forceballs shot at her feet, tangling her legs. The hag hit the floor jaw first, sprawling like an old rug. A tooth shot from her mouth.


    Raaaaargh! Filthy manling! She spat blood on the floor. Ill get you! Ill get you, manling!


    Youre about to have much bigger problems, the wizard said, his voice like ice.


    Gripping the monsters wrists, he shot through the open window.


    The hag in feathers screeched, raising her hands. Alex felt the mana of lightning magic gathering. Still bleeding from her mouth, the one in amphibian skins charged to the window.


    Both leaned out, lightning dancing around their ws.


    Air elementals were flying to the window.


    <em>Whoooooom!</em>


    ygons fire-gems red below: they were nearly finished charging. The golem had crushed two crich-tghs and was finishing off thest. His gems glowed bright.


    The wed monster iled in Alexs grasp, desperately kicking and biting at him.


    Die! Die! it roared in Alex''s own voice. <em>Your</em> hunt must end! No more can you be allowed to walk thesends! You and your kind must die!


    What? His kind?


    <em>Crackle!</em>


    Lightning red in the hags ws.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    Twin bolts arced toward Alex.


    He tried to dive away, but the monsters movements grew more frantic, throwing off his flight.


    Lightning raced for them.


    They tumbled through the air.


    Alexs blood went cold.


    He wouldnt be able to dodge both bolts.


    Not with this creature grappling with him.


    Gwyin was weeping at his side.


    <em>Think! Adapt!</em>


    His forceballs wouldnt block the bolts.


    <em>Think! Adapt!</em>


    Forceshield couldnt deflect them.


    <em>Think! Adapt!</em>


    He couldnt get a potion out in time. He couldnt cast a spell in time, either. For a single desperate, mad instant, he considered letting the lightning strike them. His body was tough now. He might survive.


    no. That was madness.


    It would kill Gwyin and probably the monster too.


    And theres no way hed survive the fall, even if by some miracle he survived the lightning.


    There was only one thing he could do.


    Frustration boiled, leaving his mouth in a roar of rage.


    Alex released the thrashing monster and dove.


    <em>Crackle!</em>


    Lightning struck the creature in mid-air, cutting off a shriek as its body writhed in shes of blue light. Then, it was falling, trailing smoke. Alex shot after it at full speed.


    Mana to life.


    If it was still alive, he could catch it and use Mana to Life to keep it alive.


    The final Hunter fell.


    Its head swam.


    Its body was past pain, and its limbs twitched.


    Mustkill The stunned Hunter choked. Its tongue had boiled in its mouth. Missionnoescape.


    It felt like something was carrying it from belowmaybe it was the Hive-queen, climbing her weblines. Noshe was still in the human structure. It could see birds and white dust through cracks in the stone as it plunged toward the buildings base.


    Most of the Hunters forces were inside.


    It tried calling to them.


    The usurper is here! it thought. Hes here!


    They just had to go a little farther.


    A little farther and they would catch the Raveners enem


    Nono, it had lost.


    There was nothing carrying it.


    Only the cold ground awaited.


    Heat touched its back as it neared the y creatures glow.


    Would the usurpermand the y man to crush its body if it survived the fall? The Raveners servant looked up toward its enemy. The man flew after it at speed. He looked half-mad.


    aaaygooooon! he was shouting. Caaaatch iiiiiit!


    Catch it?


    Ahthe usurper still wished to capture it.


    Maybemaybe that would be a good thing. If it lived, there would be one more chance to fulfil its mission. Weakly, it reached toward its enemys outstretched hand.


    <em>Boom! Boom! Boom!</em>


    The big y soldier was approaching from below.


    Maybe it will catch it in time?


    Maybe


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    Was that the ground?


    It could feel something nearing its back


    It gasped, terror clutching its chest.


    No! It had more to do! It could not die! Not ye


    <em>Crunch!</em>


    There was a horrible instant.


    An instant where it <em>felt </em>its body break.


    Then there was nothing.


    No! Alex screamed, pulling up from his dive. No! No! No! <em>No!</em>


    The assassin was sttered on the ground, like an insect caught beneath a boot.


    <em>Boom. Boom. Boom.</em>


    A heartbeat toote, ygon stepped beside it, his arms still raised to catch it. The golems head fell a little.


    Rage coursed through the wizard and he looked toward the window.


    You<em>filth!</em> he roared. Look what youve <em>done!</em>


    The hags raised their hands.


    Then his air elementals reached the windowformed a wand together, blew inside as hard as they could. The hags were thrown back.


    Alexs teeth clenched. For a moment, he considered flying back up there and capturing onebutno. They had all of those creatures under their control. While he was trying to catch a single hag, they could swarm him, Gwyin and ygon, then escape through the woods and overrun everyone in the encampment.


    And the hags were magic userstheyd be a lot harder to hold on to than that wed monster.


    Besides, poor Gwyin was babbling with terrorhe couldnt justify taking the asrai anywhere near those two hags again.


    <em>oooom!</em>


    As if supporting his decision, the fire-gems finished charging.


    Alex took a deep breath.


    The flour was whipped up inside the mill. The air was concentrated.


    and most of his enemies were in the killing zone.


    ygonobliterate them.


    The golem looked at him for a moment, then turned, aiming all three gems at the archway.


    Their light burned in the night.


    <em>Whoooooooosh!</em>


    Three beamsnced from his palms and forehead, sting into the windmill. There was a brief momenta brief moment when the world seemed to be at utter peace.


    <em>Booom!</em>


    Then it all exploded.


    The flour dust caught.


    The air ignited.


    And night turned to day.


    Sister, get up! the elder of the hags cried. Help me y this creature! Ill throw my mind into the birds and send them after him!


    The younger hag groaned, climbing up to her hands and knees. Another of her fangs felt loose in her mouth. A growl of rage escaped her throat.


    That manling would pay for all of this!


    Even if he won on this night and escaped, she and her sister knew of the humans treachery. They could leave this ce and whisper what they knew to the other humans, they could


    <em>Boom!</em>


    She gasped, choking on dust.


    What was that?


    Leaning forward, she peered through a hole in the floor.


    me.


    me was consuming everything.


    Three beams of light had exploded, igniting the dust particles and air between. The air <em>burned.</em>


    And all burned with it.


    Venom walkers boiled.


    Silence-spiders ruptured.


    Beast-goblins lit up like torches.


    The crich-tgh writhed, its body steaming thening alight.


    The Ravener-spawn spider-queen screamed so loud, she hurt the hags ears. She was desperately trying to climb away, but her webs snapped from the heat. With her endless legs writhing, she fell into the inferno.


    mes rose like a starving beast, turning the hags birds to ash mid-flight. They were shrieking as they


    A blood-curdling scream came from behind her.


    It was her sister.


    She whirled.


    Her sister was on the ground, writhing and weeping tears of blood. The birds. Her senses had been in them; she had felt each and every one of them burning all at once.


    The agony would have driven anyone mad.


    I have to get out of here! the younger sister panicked.


    me roared, rising through the structure, consuming flour, rafters and monsters as one.


    It raced toward her, the burning spectre of death.


    Her lungs were blistering.


    Her skin was hot.


    Desperately, she tried to flee, abandoning her elder sister to her fate, but the air spirits were still sting wind through the window. The hag dug her ws into the floorboards, fighting the galebut shed never fight her way through it in time.


    Wait! What if she sted them?


    Calling upon her manaand knowing nothing of dust explosionsshe called the lightning. It sparked between her iron ws


    sparked in a small stone chamber, being fed with a backdraft and full of mmable dust.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    A second explosion consumed her.


    The blue annis haga creature that had stalked Greymoor for decades, eating people, fae and beasts aliketried to shriek.


    But her lungs were ash.


    A lump hit the floora lump that was little more than meat clinging to burning bones.


    Greymoor would be a safer ce.

 Chapter 345: Considering Dead Clues

    Chapter 345: Considering Dead Clues


    The explosion rocked the forest with a concussion that stunned both flora and fauna. Nearby trees bent from the force, shedding leaves like rain. Any monster near the windmill was thrown backward, tumbling through the air with Alexs air elementals. The summons flew end over end, pushed by the infernos power until they righted themselves and flew a safe distance away, sparking with blue bolts.


    Dust, debris, monster parts and soaring mes erupted from the mill, shooting through the sky, scattering birds, reducing some to fleeing torchlights as their dead masters power ebbed away. Alex steadied himself and Gwyin, hovering in the sky. The asrai was trembling.


    OhIoh the fae watched the mes. His eyes were as wide as tes. W-would you look at that.


    And Alex did look.


    And he didnt like what he saw.


    mes danced in the clearing, the mill zed like a firestorm.


    Life could be fickle. Sometimes it gave opportunities when one wasnt ready for them. Other times, it handed out chances disguised as ill fortune. Then there were the times where it repeated itself.


    Like today.


    Once again, life had brought Alex Roth deep within his anger, watching a burning building.


    Gwyin was about to say something else, but one look at the wizards face stopped the words from leaving his mouth.


    Before them, the windmill was a column of me. Stone ckened, as everything within turned to me and smoke like an oil soaked parchment. In heartbeats, the me climbed, licking at the old wood of the windmills des.


    A heartbeatter, they zed like the suns rays.


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    me burst from the archway, crackling joined with the monsters cries.


    Agh, I cant watch The asrai closed one eye, peeking with the other.


    I can, the wizard said, leaving thoughts of a burning ale house<strong></strong>aside. They tried to kill us. They threw everything they had at us to kill us. So I did the same. I just did it better. Its just


    He looked down at the assassins broken corpse with disgust. Anyway, it doesnt make sense to just float here in mid-air. Wed better make sure we get rid of any stragglers. Come on, welI have to clean up the rest of them. After thatwhen things are safe, Ill untie you, okay?


    A-alright, the asrai said. The me reflected in hisrge eyes. Youre right, its not safe if monsters are still running loose down there.


    Alex shouted down to ygon. Lets go hunting, buddy.


    Downing another potion of sensory enhancement, he turned to the forest and cupped his hands over his mouth.


    Whos left? he called in otherworldlynguages. Thank you for helping me. Whoever wasnt sent back to your homes by the enemy,e on out!


    <em>Rustle.</em>


    There was movement among the trees.


    <em>Blub.</em>


    Bubbles rolled out of the brush, leading a couple of water elementals. They bubbled at Alex. A pair of aervespertillos emerged from the canopy along with a clot of taraneas. Two ice elementals and four viper-devils appeared from the undergrowth, crackling and hissing. Air elementals floated over to hover around his shoulders.


    You were all a big help, He began.


    As he spoke to the gathered summons, through the trees, a green-golden light drew closer.


    Alex called out in the tongue of his earth elementals. Wait where you are for now. I want half of you to stay there and guard the tree. Donte into the clearing yet! The rest of you? Come with me.


    His summons would soon be fading, so theyd have to move fast.


    Were going to sweep the area around here, he instructed. Well stay in a group, except for you aervespetillos and air elementals. I want you to head deep into the woods, and look for any of these. He pointed at monster corpses dotting the forest floor. Keep searching, destroy any you find until youre called back to your home nes. He pointed at the broken wed creature. If you see any that look like this one, dont kill it. Come and get me and well capture it. Ill summon all of youter for a reward. Go for now.


    The aervespetillos and air elementals soared into the night, disappearing over the trees.


    You guys also have another job. He switched to a<strong></strong>tongue of elemental earth. I want you to go underground and look for caves, burrows or any ce where creatures like the ones we fought could be hiding. If you find anything, let me know.


    They rumbled like shifting rock and sank beneath the earth.


    Oh, and ygon? Alex floated up beside his golem and patted one of hisrge shoulders. ListenI dont know if youre conscious right now butdont feel too bad about that wed monster hitting the ground. There wasnt anything you could do. And if it werent for you, Id be dead tonight. So, just so you know, good job, buddy. Good job. Im going to get you so many puzzle books when we get back to Generasi. And were gonna go on a dancing binge!


    Gwyin looked up at the wizard like he waspletely mad. Im sorrydid you say <em>dance</em> with him?


    What, youve never danced with a golem in the pale moonlight? Alex asked.


    C-cant say I have Gwyin murmured. ...by the fae lords, what have I gotten myself into! The asrai shook his head.<strong></strong>Tonights beenits been too much. I think I might sleep for a season to calm my nerves.


    Yeah, I think calming the nerves is a good idea, the wizard agreed. But we can think about thatter. First, lets make sure all those bastards are good and dead.


    Calling forceballs to light their way, Alex slipped into the woods, his enhanced senses tuned to sounds, near and far. He was listening intently, hoping theyd find another wed monster for ygon and him to grab. He still had a lot of questions that needed answering and even if they didnt find a wed one, hed settle for any monster that could talk.


    Time seemed to drag while they searched. The windmill burned in the distance, filling the night with the light of dancing me and the roar of an inferno. ygon, a very jittery Gwyin, Alex, and his summoned monsters scoured the area, his disappointment growing as they ventured deeper into the woods.


    Overall, there wasnt much left of the monster horde. They came across sleeping monstersout cold still under the effects of Alexs sleeping potions; ygon smashed them without mercy. The young wizards mood grew increasingly darker with every useless silence-spider and venom walker they found. There were no wed monsters anywhere. No blue annis hags or anything else he could capture; at least nothing that could talk.


    The remaining Ravener-spawn lurking in the woods soon found themselves on the receiving end of unwanted contact with ygon, and with Alexs summoned monsters. The summons wereone by onebeing pulled back to their home nes, leaving Alex facing the reality thateverything he could get information from, was actually dead He watched ygon pull a stunned silence spider from a tree and smash it between his fists. Theres nothing to give me any new information, nothing beyond what that monster saidor whatever we can learn from its corpse. Shit! It looks like Im back at square oneor maybe not. Think about every detail. What did you learn tonight that you didnt know before?


    As the forest grew quieter, Alex sifted through the nights events. So. A wed monster, like the ones that attacked me in Generasi, attacks me in Thamnd. Itys a trap, uses the aeld tree and Gwyin as bait, and lures me out here. It was working with local monsters, like the two at the patrizias ball didno wait, thats not quite right. Notpletely.


    He thought about the blue annis hags: their cursing at him and their promise to eat Gwyin.


    That hag wearing amphibian skinsshe was the one who caught the asrai and stuck him in a cage in her cave. So, Im guessing she was probably after revenge and wanted her meal and territory back. Those two hags didnt seem like they were being controlled by that wed monsterI mean, they electrocuted it while trying to hit me and Gwyin, yet they seemed pretty indifferent to it being dead. Which means the wed monsters are capable of forming alliances. There. Thats something I didnt know before. Alright, what else was different between tonights attack and the one at the patrizias ball?


    He looked at the forest around them, ncing down at a venom walkers corpse.


    Well, I can see two obvious differences. Were in Thamnd and this attack involved Ravener-spawn, not monsters from the Barrens. So that means the wed monsters have been seen in three ces that I know of: Thamnd, Generasi and the Irtyshenan Empire. Three ces: different locations, different climates, separated by bodies of water and hundreds of miles. Which means theyre either global, or they <em>travelled </em>from a single location. Nowthink about what the creature said.


    <em>You are our enemy. You wronged my master, and now you must pay the price.</em>


    And then outside the mill, right before it died: <em>Die! Die! Your hunt must end! No more can you be allowed to walk thesends! You and your kind must die!</em>


    So, it was working for some kind of master, Alex thought. It said I was its masters enemy. And its enemy too. It also said that Id wronged this master and that I was on a hunt, a hunt that needed to end. So, it obviously didnt want me around here with that no more can you walk thesends line. Thatthat <em>could</em> mean it was after me in particr. But waitit also said my kind. So not only am I on its shit list, but it thinks the same thing about whatever group it thinks Im a part of. Okay, Alexhypotheses time.


    The wizard thought about why it could have been after him. Could it be because Im the Fool? My kind could mean the Heroes, which <em>would</em> mean that its master is the Raveneror maybe it''s someone who has a problem with all Fools.but it never referred to me as the Fool. Also this, your kind must die reference: all the other Fools are dead, so that makes no sense. Unless, there are other Fools aroundno, thats getting way tooplicated. A simpler exnation would make more sense.


    It had said that hed wronged its master in some wayso who had he wronged? Who were his enemies? Who would want him dead?


    For a brief, mad instant he imagined the ghost of Minervus or a secretly sinister McHarris controlling an army of monsters from the shadows. He shook his head. Focus! Okay, so possible enemies: the main ones would be the Ravener, Ezaliel, and the rest of Burn-Saws kindred. Theyre all powerful and Ive done things that would piss off all of them. And this hunt that thing was talking about: it could be my hunting dungeon cores, but I havent been hunting them by myself. Not yet anyway. So there''s not much reason to target me specifically: others-like the Heroeshave been hunting and smashing them for well over a year. Theres also Ezaliels Cult to consider: those demon worshippers are supposed to be hunting for cores too.


    Alex thought about possibilities and different variables he could eliminateand any variables that made him unique. For one thing theres the fact that Im one of the Heroesbut, that doesnt really <em>seem</em> to be whats going on here. I controlled a dungeon core for a bit; and saw something through it. Two dungeon cores came after <em>me </em>specifically: the one from the chittererer dungeon and the other one in the cold belcher dungeon. If Im being hunted because I hijacked the core in the Cave of the Traveller, that puts things squarely on the Raveners shoulders. But wait, it doesnt actually have shoulders, its a big round ball. Uhpretty squarely on the Ravenersspherical surfacemaybe? Anyway, theres still some problems with that theory. For one, the barrier around Thamnd keeps Ravener-spawn <em>in </em>Thamnd, yet those monsters werent in <em>any</em> of the Thameish bestiaries.


    The other thing, he thought. Is just because the two dungeon cores seemed to focus on medoesnt mean theyre after me because I controlled one of them. And even if the dungeon cores <em>are </em>after me because I took over a core, that doesnt mean this wed creature was after me for the same reason. Its kin that attacked me at the ballst year were in Generasi. And the demon summoner was calling on Ezaliels demons in Generasi. Now, Ezaliels demon worshippers are here in Thamnd, and one of those same wed monsters attacked me here in Thamnd. That <em>could</em> all be connected to the cult, which might mean the hunt it was talking about is my and Baelins hunt for Burn-Saw<strong></strong>and information about this Hannar-cim.


    And if those creatures were connected to Ezaliel, that could exin what they were doing around Thamnd. Butwas <em>that</em> right? Were they actually connected to the cult?


    The Travellers mana left <em>something</em> on mesomething Burn-Saw recognised instantly. Maybe<em> they</em> could smell it too.


    But those monsters attacked me <em>before</em> I ever knew Burn-Saw existedthen again, the demon summoner was already creating chaos in Generasi, and if something <em>had</em> smelled the Travellers presence on me, that could be a reason for targeting me. The Ravener and Ezaliel: both theories make sense, but Leopolds too dead to question.


    Alex muttered. My heads starting to spin. I wish my clues would stop dying.


    What was that? Gwyin gave him a startled look.


    Oh, nothing, Alex said,ing out of his thoughts.


    He nced around the woods.


    The trees were still.


    He hadnt heard his aervespertillos cries or air elementals cracklestely, and thered been no monsters stalking them in the underbrush for a while. If monsters had survived, they were fewand they were long gone.


    Things were calmer. The only sound reaching his ears was the roar from the windmill burning.


    Before they headed back, he checked with his earth elementals to see how their search for hidden dungeons was going. They reported that the area was clear so far, and some of them were being called home to their otherworldly ne. He told them hed check back with them when he reached the clearing.


    It was time for him, Gwyin, and ygon to get back to the windmill so he could douse the fire before it spread and reduced the woods to cinders. Hed have a pretty hard time exining that level of destruction to Professor Jules; he picked up speed. On their way back, he could find out how Gwyin was doing, afterall, the fae had been pretty traumatised tonight. When the fire was out, he would get the aeld tree, collect any remains he and ygon could carry, then return to camp.


    But, first things firstthe poor asrai would probably very much want to be untied the second they touched ground.

 Chapter 346: Fighting Fire with Fire

    Chapter 346: Fighting Fire with Fire


    Those Ravener-creatures were dedicated, the little fae said when they returned to the clearing. Ive never seen anything put up such a fight after their sides been licked. Its said that the Crimson Head Brigadiers dont give up easily either, but these beasts just kept throwing their lives away like they meant nothing.


    WellI guess that makes them <em>dead</em>icated, Alex thought, caught between irritation and amusement.


    He bit back darkughter, then caught Gwyin staring up at him.


    What? Alex asked.


    Uh<em>dead</em>icated? the asrai asked. You put so much emphasis on the dead part it sounds like you were making a pun.


    What? Wait, you can read my mind? Alex gasped.


    Noyou said it out loud.


    O-oh, he muttered. Itd been a while since his mouth had gone renegade. Great. As if Gwyin wasnt frightened enough, now he was looking at Alex like he was afraid he waspletely unhinged.


    Pointedly ignoring the faes gaze, he called out in a tongue of elemental earth: Earth elementals? Did you find a dungeon? Come back up since youll be going home soon.


    Soil shimmered and the rocky creatures emerged, rying what theyd seen. Alex took it all in with a mixture of relief and frustration.


    They <em>had</em> found chambers deep beneath the windmillbut theyd been empty of Ravener-spawn and all other forms of monstrous life. No spheres. No dungeon. When the elementals vanished back to their home ne, Alex was left with Gwyin, ygon and a small number of his rapidly decreasing army.


    Right, he said. Looks like the dangers passed, so lets get this rope off of you.


    Thank the fae lords, Gwyin said with relief, watching Alexs Wizards Hands undo a series of knots. I think the rope bit into me as much as that hag wanted to.


    Well, rope burns are nasty, but a lot better than hag teeth, I bet. Alexs magic Hands finished untying the rope.


    The little asrai plopped to the groundhis flight potion having fadedand rubbed his chest and arms. I cant believe Im alive.


    Ya, it was touch and go, but were both alive, the young wizard watched the mill ze. Heat came off of it in waves, some of the rafters had long copsed to the ground. The structure now formed the perfect chimney, channelling heat up and out through the upper windows.


    Sparks drifted like fireflies, floating into the wind.


    It was like watching the worlds tallest hearth.


    I have to try and put that out, we cant just let it burn. Alex put his hands on his hips. The clearings pretty wide, otherwise the sparks mightve already spread to the forest. Its probably burning through a lot of its fuel. Travellers blessing that theres no dungeon around, or we''d have fire to deal with, <em>and</em> be overrun by another horde of nasty monsters.


    The Ravener-spawn mustve been brought here from elsewhere. Probably by the wed one, Alex thought. Thats something else to consider and discuss back at camp. and speaking of things to bring up.


    He looked at the asrai faerie watching the windmill burn. His head was shaking back and forth, but he was otherwise motionless.


    Hey, Gwyin?


    Huh, wha? the asrai jumped, double-taking on Alex. Erm, yes?


    The fae shifted his weight back and forth, looking ready to bolt. It was obvious he wanted to be away from here.


    Did you ever notice anyone following you? Or watching you? Alex asked.


    Well, no Gwyin said. And I was keeping an eye open in case that hag was out some night looking to turn me into a meal or two. He looked angry, then his expression shifted, bing puzzled. Then againI did notice there were an awful lot of birds in Greymoor in recent times. Look at how they gathered and attacked usBirds behaving like that isnt natural. I guess they mustve been watching us for a while.


    The birds.


    Thered been birds around camp for months, lots of them. No one had paid them any mindjust thinking it was a normal sight in Greymoor. After all, the expedition was arge group with lots of food scraps that would attract crows and other hungry birds. ording to the bestiaries, birds were one of the mostmon forms of animal life in the moors: the Generasians had no reason to give them a second thought.


    Baelin and Professor Jules arent going to like this Alex murmured. Looks like the blue annis hags were spying on us for a long time.


    Gwyin shuddered. The thought makes me feel all creepy inside. Im d theyre dead now. And all those Ravener-creatures too. Small wonder theres been so few animalsing around.


    Well, I think therell probably be more birds soon, Alex said. Lots of carrion lying around. Theyll probably flock to this ce like someone rang the dinner bell. How are you doing? you seem kinda ufortable. You wanna get going?


    Wellin a bit, Gwyin said, ncing over his shoulder. The green-golden light of the aeld treeback in the treelinereflected off his eyes. Theres a few things youll need to know about nting an aeld. The poor things at least half as panicked as Ive beenand Im sure those hags didnt exactly treat its roots well. Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm.


    The asrai tapped his chin, deep in thought. Ive got a friend,Jacks his namehe came into a lot of leas-todhar dustst winter.


    Alexs eyebrows rose: Salinger had talked about that stuff in a lecturest summer, and it was also popr in old tales about talking trees. Isnt that the stuff fae folk use to feed their magic nts and make their beanstalks grow taller than trees?


    Aye, some of the best fertiliser in the whole wide world, Gwyin said, almost visibly swelling with pride. A pinch of that mixed with the right amount of water should have those roots growing and healing in no time. Ill go fetch some from Jack, he lives not too far from me in a toadstool cottage at the edge of the willow wood.


    Uh, thats good of you. Alex scratched the back of his head. ButI dont mean to be rudewhy, though? You said youd find me an aeld tree, a nice young one I might be able to convince to let me transnt it where our castle is. Youve already done what you said youd do.


    Aye. Gwyin nodded. But it wouldnt be in the spirit of things if I let you have it while its half-panicked and maybe sick. Youll have an easier time convincing it if you care for it properly. But, I still have to fetch something from my home for you: Remember I said Id talk to the bluecaps and see if theyd show you good spots where you could find proper building stone and metals where you wouldnt be bothering other fae? Well, I did have a talk with them and they agreed, so long as you wizards didnt give them any trouble. I have a map at my home thatll show you where they said you could find good stone, some pretty shinies, and other things. So, Ill go fetch that too.


    Yeah, that sounds great. Weve already been harvesting stone, itll be good if we found some metals too. The earth mages will be d for that, and Ill tell them that they have to be respectful to the bluecaps.


    Good, good, Gwyin said. And while Im gone, try and talk to the tree a bit. Let it get to know you. You already saved it from nasty monsters, so thats a good start, but it wont know if youre nning to nt and protect it, or if youre nning to chop it up for firewood. So, be nice and gentlenot like how you were with those monsters. No disrespect intended.


    None taken, Alexughed.


    Good, Ill be back soon. Nights getting on, and I want to be tucked in my bed before the suns out. I''ll see you shortly!


    Gwyin flitted into the woods and disappeared.


    Alex re-summoned his earth elementals.


    Right, wee back, he said. I need you to go into the forest and get me a special tree thats in there. You cant miss it. Its the glowing one.


    The elementals made a grinding sound and slipped beneath the earth. He felt their mana approaching the aeld tree, then returning.


    The sapling came toward Alex, smoothly sliding into the clearing.


    It didnt look damaged, no stripped bark, or broken branches, or anything visible, yet fear and confusion were still flowing from it in waves.


    Hello there, Alex said gently, approaching slowly. I dont know how much of anynguage you understand, so Im just going to say that I mean you no harm.


    The little tree shuddered in the low wind as the wizard stepped into its green-golden light. Waves of panic spiked, it grew more frightened with each passing heartbeat. Its leaves shook.


    Hold onhold on Alex said, trying to keep his tone smooth, calm and soothing, remembering what Gwyin said. Im not going to hurt you.


    The trees panic only increased, no matter what he said, or how he said it.


    Well, I guess after everything youve been through its only natural that youd be afraid of.me? Wait a minute... He slowly turned toward the inferno that was the windmill.


    Fire was still raging through the structure; a pretty terrifying sight for a tree, no doubt.


    Rightmaybe I shouldve tried calming that fire down a bit firstshouldnt I? Alex said sheepishly. He spoke to the earth elementals. Sorry to send you back, but I need you to hurry and get this guy back into the forest about a hundred yards or so.


    The elementals slipped beneath the soil, ferrying the tree back to safety.


    Alex spoke to the water elementals, We need to douse this fire, so I want you to spray as much water on it as you can.


    As the water elementals bubbled and rolled toward the windmill, the young wizard winced as he ran Hsekius technique through his mana pool. His fibres were definitely stressed: after this round, hed be done with mana for the night, but for now, he needed more to summon another pack of air elementals. He gave them a quick order: Three of you, find cracks in the mill and pull the air out through them: were going to starve that fire. You other three, go up to the windmill des and pull out all the air you can from the me up there. Lets get to it: weve gotta calm this down before the des copse.


    With a whoosh, the air elementals took off.


    Alex drank another flight potion, picked up Bubbles and floated toward the windmill. Ill be right back, ygon, he said to his golem.


    He and the elementals moved from ce to ce, putting out as much of the fire as they could. The work was hot and difficult, and the heat wafting from it threatened to roast him if he went too close. He stayed to the side of the des, letting Bubbles aim streams of water at them.


    Bit by bit, the mes decreased.


    But, not enough to extinguish the zing mill.


    Then, Alex had an idea.


    Floating to the ground, he cast Summon Small Fire Elemental twice, speaking to the spirits in one of the tongues of elemental me: Hey guys, wee back. Thanks for answering so quickly. I need you to go into that burning building and absorb all the me you can. Just feast on it.


    The fire elementals crackled with excitement.


    Then, he sent a mental call to ygon. I have a creativesome might even call it dumbn, buddy, and I need your help. When in doubt, fight with fire, so power up your fire-beams.


    <em>Boom. Boom. Boom.</em>


    ygon thundered toward the mill, powering up his fire-beams as he ran. While the fire elementals happily burned as much wood and monster matter as they could, ygon repeatedly shot all three beams through the archway again and again. The mes grew higher and hotter until the mill became too hot for most living things to be near. Alex stayed back and called the air and water elementals, leaving the fire elementals to enjoy the intense ze.


    It was a good thing Gwyin wasnt there. What Alex was doing would have convinced him that the wizard had gone absolutely mad and was trying to turn the tower into moltenva. But with a few minutes of concentrated sting and scorching, the opposite of what one might expect happened.


    The mes began dying.


    Solid fuel that would have burned for hours, was turned to ash in mere minutes thanks to the fire magic. Alex had built the inferno up in the short term, to starve it in the long term. He sent air elementals scouting the area around the windmill, blowing any errant sparks back into the fire, keeping it from spreading.


    Eventually


    <em>Crack!</em>


    The beam supporting the windmills des began giving way.


    Alright, Alex said. Air elementals, I need you to move fast, blow the sparks back into the windmill when that support beam copses. ygon, I want you to st the hell out of that building.

 Chapter 347: Alexander Roth

    Chapter 347: Alexander Roth


    <em>Whoooooom!</em>


    All three fire-gems built power.


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    ygons beamsnced through burning des, cleaving pieces of wood, incinerating them in seconds. Air elementals darted around the st, blowing sparks away from the forest and back toward the mill. They looked like fluffy, flying sheepdogs herding a flock.


    <em>Crack! Crack! Pop!</em>


    Wood snapped, and pockets of moisture detonated within the support beam, shattering it.


    <em>Whooosh!</em>


    The structure plummeted to the earth in a cascade of soot.


    <em>Crash!</em>


    It collided with the ground, exploding with an impact thatunched sparks and burning shrapnel soaring as high as the mills windows. Alex, Bubbles and the air and water elementals chased sparking embers, sucking away the air from hungry me, or dousing it with waves of water.


    <em>Hssss!</em>


    Steam hissed from the clearing and edge of the treeline: the sound of smothering me. Alex ascended, found no me had spread to the trees or brush, then dove back to the burning des.


    He had the air and water elementals form a circle around the structure as ygons beams struck the des with their full fury, reducing each one to ash. Air summons hovered around the copsing structure, controlling re-ups by sucking away the air whileholding BubblesAlex and the water elementals snuffed out flying embers. Smoke billowed through the clearing.


    When the windmills des had turned to ash and embers, both wizard and golem scooped up dirt, tossing it onto dying mes around the structure, but the fire still burned within the windmill. ygon gathered dirt by the handfuls and heaved it through the archway, stifling the mes. Water elementals sprayed, and steam hissed. Air elementals drew in air.


    The fire starved.


    When all was ck smoke and grey steam, Alex leaned against ygon, rubbing his arms. A month ago, he might have been on the ground gasping for breath from his effort. As it was, he could marvel in the aftermath of it: the mills stones had cracked and run like candle wax, pooling in the smouldering debris.


    What once was a windmill, was now just another abandoned, burnt out ruin; a reminder of the folly of monsters, blue annis hags, and Ravener-spawn. With a sigh, he stepped away from the ckened shell, as a bitter thought rose in his mind. If hed had this power, this magic, ygon, and his summons years beforethe Roth Family Alehouse would still be standing, and his parents would be with him and Selina today.


    He shook the thought away. Down that roady daydreams of things beyond his control, and if he walked it, hed only find ghosts of the past waiting to consume him. He couldnt help his parents, no matter how much he wanted to, but he could honour them by not being bitter.


    You know, ygon, that mill mightve been abandoned long before the Ravener came back, but maybe <em>someone</em> wanted that flour. Im thinking theyll be bloody pissed when theye back to a big pile of ash, he said. Ah well, alls fair in love and fighting monsters. Or something like that, I guess.


    They strode into the forest, following the light of the aeld tree to a quiet spot between tworge oaks that looked like its bodyguards. The three earth elementals supported it, talking animatedly in theirnguage.


    Alright, little guy. Alex walked over to the tree, his open palms facing the little sapling. No more fire. No more mes looking to spread. No more nasty monsters to harm you. So, theres nothing to be afraid of now. See? Im noooot going to hurt you.


    The aeld seemed less tense now, the high panic from earlier was gone.


    It was still giving off brief waves of uneasiness, but they were mixed with a hint of curiosity.


    Alright, it seems youre a bit calmer Alex said. So, maybe I can introduce myself. He pointed to his chest. My name is Alex, or I guess


    Hello.


    Gah! Alex jumped a foot in the air and spun around.


    Gwyin had stepped from behind a tree. I see that the fires out. Good on you.


    Jeez, you nearly scared me half to death, man, Alex said.


    The asrai raised an eyebrow. Really? I step out from behind a tree and you get scared half to death? I was tied to you while you were flying about, dodging monsters and shooting mes and all that. If youre half-dead, then Im dead three times over.


    Right, right. Alex rolled his eyes. Guess Im overreacting then.


    Oh bah, dont pout. I brought you gifts. Gwyin presented a scroll case bound in a giant leaf, and a small bag that was leaking cerulean light. Leas-todhar. He jiggled the bag. Fresh and ready. And your map of course.


    He lifted both, cing them in Alexs waiting hands.


    There you go. Nowlisten carefully. For the aeld to thrive, you must know certain things if youre going to do well by it. Heed my words now, for mortals have known despair by not using the proper ways with an aeld.


    Right, Im listening.


    Gwyin held up one webbed finger. First, you must nt the tree at noon when the suns not hidden by clouds. Doing so will let the tree drink in its rays and nt its roots deep. nt it on a cloudy day, and the roots will be shallow. nt it at night, and the tree will never reach its true strength.


    Right, Alex said. So, noon on a sunny day. Gotcha.


    Gwyin held up a second finger. You must never take from the tree anything it cant rece. Not without permission. Pluck fruit. Pluck flower. Pluck leaf only sparingly. These are always things the tree can make more of. Never take a branch nor bough by force: just as the tree can give fortune, it can also take fortune back. Saw off a branch for decoration or firewood, and youll find your food spoiling quicker and making you sick. Harvest will be poor, and animals will fall sick. Falls that should be bumps will make broken bones. Dont trifle with it.


    Got it, Alex said.


    Im serious! the asrai said. Too many mortals look at an aeld and take it for granted.


    Im not going to. The wizard smiled. Im not the kind of guy to spit in the face of advice.


    Well, right you are, then. Gwyin held up a third finger. Water the tree, but dont drown it. Feed it, for it needs lots of energy. With leas-todhar, youll want to mix a pinch of the stuff per gallon of pure water. The purer, the better.


    Alex nced at Bubbles. I think I can manage pure.


    Good and should the aeld grant you a gift of a branch, make sure you seal all wounds with fresh honey.


    Got it, Alex said. Fresh honey?


    The fresher the better, Gwyin said. Our Lorekeepers say that the first aeld tree took two protectors into its branches: a queen of hos and a queen of honeybees. The queen of bees made her hive and had her workers pollinate the aeld. The queen of hos made her hive to protect the aeld from enemies. The trees have had an affinity for honey and ho venom ever since.


    HuhI didnt know that the wizard mused. Should I get my hands on a ho queen and honeybee queen for it? Let them build hives in its branches?


    Only if you really trust it and the tree trusts you, otherwise itll set the swarms on anyone it doesnt like.


    Got itpossibility of getting stung to deathIll remember that.


    Anything else?


    Dont betray it. And be careful to be direct with it, the asrai warned. Be kind, but understand: its a tree. It feels, but it doesn''t exactly do nuance and social grace.


    Right, so treat it gently, but honestly. Like a kid.


    No, not like a baby goat.


    Silence followed.


    Oh, no I mean like a child!


    Oh right, yes, the asrai yawned. That. And therethats all I can teach you. The rest is up to you.


    Gotchaso what now? Heading home?


    Oh <em>yes</em>, Gwyin said, nodding emphatically. I thought I was dead about a half a dozen times tonight. Too much excitement! And not the good kind! Butwith this He looked at the aeld sapling. were squared, right? All debts paid?


    All debts paid, Alex said. I really appreciate what you did. You should look me up again sometime, itd be fun to have a chat when were not fighting for our lives.


    Gwyin gave him a look. If its all the same to youIm probably going to avoid you for a bit. Too young. Too hot-blooded. Ill give you a few decades to mellow out before I even think abouting to see you again. wait, youre a wizard. Maybe a century or so, then.


    Alexughed. Alright, well, maybe Ill see you in thirty to a hundred years, eh?


    Maybe. Oh, andthank you again for saving my life. And for wiping out the monsters. The forest around here will be a nicer ce with them gone. Therell be more food for beasts and the smaller fae folk too. Farewell then, Alexthats a human nickname thats short for Alexander, isnt it?


    The young wizard blinked. Yeah, it isthough I cant remember thest time anyone called me that.


    Right, goodbye, Alexander. May the moon smile on you and may the suns kiss be gentle.


    With that, the little fae stepped into the trees.


    And, after a few heartbeats, Alex could no longer hear his soft footsteps in the dark. He waited for a time, listening to the wind rustling through the canopy, then turned back to the aeld tree.


    Right, I was introducing myself. So Im Alex Roth. Alexander Roth if youd prefer, though nobody calls me that except for Gwyin. Anyway, Im a wizard, and I was hoping to take you back to a ce where a bunch of my wizard friends have made a base. I was thinking we could nt you there and give you a nice safe ce to grow up. We have magical techniques that help nts grow big and strong, and you wouldnt have to worry about fire, animals or anything else.


    Alex kept his voice calm, slow and soothing.


    The trees nerves slowly seemed to calm, reced by a questioning aura. The young wizard had no idea what the tree was curious aboutso he just decided to exin all that he could about the encampment, the Generasians, and what they were doing in Greymoor.


    My point is, were not going to do anything to youthough, I hope that youll grant me one boon. He looked at the trees branches. I understand that you can gift some of your wood to those who aid you. So, I was hoping that you would grant me a branch so I could make myself a staff. I wont take anything more than what is offered, and I give you my word on that.


    More and more, the waves of emotion emanating from the aeld were shifting from anxiety, to growing calm and curiosity.


    Okay, so, what Im going to do is transnt you in the middle of our home. My hope is thatwhile we protect youyoull bless our home with fortune and plenty. Is that fair?


    The trees curiosity grew, along with another quick spike of nerves.


    Dont worry, Ill transport you as gently as I can.


    Bubbles poured water onto its roots, while earth elementals packed soil around them. Alex carefully added some of the leas-todhar to the wet soil. It glowed with a cerulean light before vanishing, then a feeling of warmth and exhration rose from it, its light turned more radiant.


    Alex smiled. You like that, do you? Good. He took off his cloak.


    The sapling continued emitting feelings of curiosity and nerves while the summons worked.


    The earth elementals slowly raised it then formed a ball with the soil and tree roots, Alex wrapped his cloak around them. Mr Lu used to bring home fruit trees from the Coile and protect their rootballs with bup while he transported them. Alex didnt have bup, but his cloak would do for the trip to the encampment. Once the cloak was securely tied, ygon gently scooped up the ball with his lower hands, steadying the trunk with his upper ones.


    Easy now, steady, Alex said. You okay up there, little guy?


    It felt strange calling a ten foot tall tree little guy, but it seemed appropriate: Gwyin had said to treat it like a child, after all. The feelings emanating from it were a mix of fear, trepidation and a warm sense of hope.


    He patted its roots. Alright, lets take you to a better ce.


    Taking a final look around the forest, Alex, ygon and the summons made their way through the woods and out into the moors. Bubbles dripped water onto his cloak, keeping the aelds roots moist. Together, the young wizard and the golemgently cradling the saplingwalked through the moors to camp


    or almost to camp, if they hadnt run into a small survey team led by Ripp about a hundred feet from the forest.


    What the hell happened to you? the swiftling asked. We heard a big explosion then saw a mountain of fire filling the sky all the way from the encampment. What went on out there? And whats that?


    Alex looked at the tree. Hopefully, the beginning of a beautiful rtionship.

 Chapter 348: A "Triumphant" Return

    Chapter 348: A "Triumphant" Return


    A horde of monsters right under our noses? Ripp gaped. Just hiding in that old windmill?


    Ya, I think they were using tunnels to hide from our patrols. And they were just outside our territory too.


    Yeah, they were clever alright, hiding right outside our borders like they did. It seems they knew ournd stops right before the forest.


    They probably did. They actually had birds watching us all times of the day and night.


    Birds? What kind of birds?


    Regr birds, like crows and owls and such. Just local birds that one wouldnt really notice.


    So, they had spies hiding in in sight, the tricky bastards.


    Yeah, well they wont be watching anyone anymore. Alex said.


    The swiftling threw a nce over his shoulder at the imposing forest receding in the distance.


    Alex and the guard had been walking for some time, making their way to the encampment. The forest was close to disappearing behind the rolling hills. A handful of surveyors whod apanied Ripp to investigate the fire and explosion, were walking back to camp with them, but the majority had gone to the burnt out windmill. Thered be lots of monster horde remains waiting for them.


    It would be a long,te night.


    Alex had the wed monster all trussed up and was dragging it behind him on a makeshift sled. There was no way he would have left it near the windmill to be scavenger food; that corpse might have a valuable story to tell him.


    You know, I think Ive passed near that windmill close to half a dozen times. Ripp stopped and pulled out a map of Greymoor, tapping the diagram. Never saw nothingbut then again, I dont think Ive ever gotten closer than half a mile. Not close enough to see this thing.


    He inclined his chin to the aeld treefortably nestled in ygons arms. The golem stepped softly in the midst of the partyor as softly as a giant y construct that weighed thousands couldswaying his arms to ease the impact on the sapling.


    Surveyors were throwing uncertain looks at the tree. One apprehensively passed her hand back and forth through the green-golden light, and little sparkles danced off the aeld, like it was amused, adding to its well of emotions.


    Nerves. Anxiety. Giddiness. Excitement. Curiosity. Fear. Amusement.


    All bubbled from the sapling as it bobbed along in ygons hands, reminding Alex of Brutus when he was a pup. He remembered those countryside excursions the Lus would take them on to the mill, or to see the sights in the next town over. He, Selina, Brutus, Theresa, and two of her brothers would be riding in the back of the wagon. The cerberus pup would bound around the back of the cart, barking at birds, sniffing the air, and excitedly following every sight with all six eyes. His tail would be wagging so enthusiastically, hed almost topple over. Yet, hed always return to his masters sidepressing against her for reassurancewhenever a flock of birds burst from a thicket, or a farmers bellow echoed through the hills.


    He was curious, and young. New to the world and its sights and sounds.


    And youth brought both excitement and apprehension with it.


    So it was with the tree, Alex supposed.


    He hoped it would befortable in its new home.


    The aeld tree only came to be there recently, Alex said. Itsits a long story. Maybe it can wait until morning?


    Wouldnt be so sure about that, Ripp said. There were a few awake in the encampment when we left. Not everyone heard the st, but it was loud enough it got a few people up and moving.


    Right Alex said. Well, hopefully there wont be too many questions tonight. Id love to see my bed.


    Well hope that happens for ya, Ripp said.


    At first, it looked like hed get clean away.


    The front gates opened quietly, and though the sentries crowded atop the walls, they werent shouting questions, only talking softly to each other as they watched the processione through. Two stone golems closed the gates, and Ripp went to report to the ranking Watcher of Roal on duty.


    A few guards patrolling the interior of the wall peppered the young wizard with questions but he held up his hands.


    Friends, everythings been resolvedIll tell you more in the morning, he said wearily. It feels like it''s been a night and a half, and I just want to He froze.


    Mr. Roth!


    Professor Jules voice shattered the peace along with all Alexs hopes of crawling into bed. The straightforward and mighty alchemy professor marched out of the sea of tents, her robes in disarray, her hair wild, and eyes wilder.


    What is <em>that!</em> She pointed to the aeld, which gave off a short burst of fear.


    Professor, professor! the young wizard hissed. Not so loud, youll scare it.


    Scare <em>what</em> exac Her voice dropped to a whisper as she strode up to him, his golem, and the glowing tree. She squinted, peering up at the sapling in ygons hands. is that an aeld tree?


    Uh yeah Alex said.


    Why do you have an aeld tree, Mr Roth?


    Uhwell, do you remember that report my survey team made at the end of summerright after we got to Greymoor.


    Oh by every lord that ever wore a crown! Could you be any vaguer? I have a lot to think about! Professor Jules crossed her arms. Refresh my memory.


    Alex reminded her of their encounter with the crich-tghs, blue annis hag, Gwyin, and the promise the asrai had made.


    I seeand so how did that trante to you getting such a tree in the middle of the night?


    Well Alex exined the events of the evening, and with every word, Jules eyebrows rose higher.


    You did <em>what?</em> she whispered.


    Uhwell, I uh Alex stuttered. I uh


    Uhuh, she said impatiently. Say it again. Slowly. Like youre exining something to a child. A <em>dull</em> child. And listen to yourself when you do, very carefully.


    I uhwell, I went for a walk.


    Yes?


    Then, I uhI met Gwyin.


    And Gwyin is who?


    The asrai faethat my team saved.


    Right, so you met an asrai fae when you were out for a walk in the middle of the night.


    Yeeeeah he said slowly.


    And then?


    I uhI went with Gwyin and ygon to the forest just outside Greymoor.


    Right.


    And then I summoned a bunch of monsters.


    Right


    And uhwe foughtuh a small army of monsters.


    You, your summoned creatures, and the asrai youd met? only once.


    Yyeah. Wait, no. ygon was there too.


    Right, and soyou fought an army of monsters, a Hive-queen, a pair of hagsby yourselves. In the middle of the night. Miles away from help.


    Well, you knowthats not, Alex coughed. I mean, thats one way of putting i


    And then you started an immense fire, she continued. In the middle of the forestby yourself. And you put it out with a bigger fire?


    Yeah, that uhyou summed it all up pretty well.


    Are you out of your mind? she hissed, stepping forward so she was less than a foot away from him. You couldve gotten yourself murdered in the fields like someones prey!


    I had my training, professor, Alex defended himself.


    And you also had plenty of people to help here. That is why the university organises <em>expeditions,</em> not solo quests. Leave such things for knights-errant and other fools!


    Alexs lip twitched; one day shed understand the irony in that statement. I assessed the situation, professor, just like Baelin taught me. And just like you taught me. I had plenty of resources: I was fresh, and my mana was fully charged. I had ygon with me. Meanwhile, my friends were exhausted from the days battle and my cabals mana had runpletely dry. Completely.


    There are others in our camp.


    Yes, professor, Alex said. But most of them were exhausted or were recharging their mana. Andthis wasnt really part of the expeditions mandate. How would it look to the universitys board if they found out that I convinced expedition memberswho have no other connection to meto go out on a potentially dangerous side-mission for my purposes? Plus, I couldve been on a time limit andthis might be out of line, but Ive been trained forbat. I did what I thought was best.


    Oh dear, youre starting to sound like Baelin. Professor Jules gave him an unhappy look. I supposeyou do raise some valid points though, and I can see that you did give this some thought, at least. Butin future could you avoid doing such things alone, especially in the dark of night?


    Yeah, if I can avoid it, Alex said.


    She peered at him for a long moment. What''s done is done, but remember, Mr. Roth, safety first, always.


    He looked at her, considering what shed said.


    I know professor, but with all respect, the world isnt always a safe ce. Im never reckless and I think thats a way of keeping myself safe.


    She muttered something about Baelin and corrupting influences before her eyes lit up.


    By the way, what <em>is</em> that youre dragging behind you?


    Alex thought fast. Keep the details limited.


    Its this really interesting looking monster that I dont remember seeing in the Thameish bestiary. Look at its ws, just those alone would be worth studying, I think. It might be rare, so I brought it back so scavengers wouldnt get it.


    She looked it over, all smiles.


    Ill have it taken to the research tent, she rubbed her hands together, turning back to the aeld tree.


    Hello there little fellow. Wee to Generasi territory. I hope Mr. Roth takes the very best care of you.


    Actually, I wanted to talk to you about thatand some other things I left out. But for now, would it be alright if I nt the tree here, right in the middle of camp? I think itd be a boon for everyone.


    Of course you can, thatll be a good thingI suppose it would be wrong to badger you for more details right now. You look like wild bulls trampled you. We can talk tomorrow, Mr. Roth. You can just leave the specimen right there.


    Right, thanks, Professor, Alex left the wed cadaver, and he and ygon made their way toward his tent.


    Behind him, muffled muttering came from Professor Jules: The reports about this are going to bewait, are they even necessary? He did act on his own after all, and


    She quickly strode through the tents, heading in a different direction.


    Alex stealthily picked his way through camp, trying not to awaken anyone. His pace was slow and steady, with ygon trying his best to be stealthy, but failing with every step. Alex was thinking about the morning, certain itd be filled with questions from his friends and others, so the longer he could dy them, the better. Ahead, his tent waited, seeming to call to him like heavenly bells.


    He quickened his step.


    He was almost there.


    Then a menacing shape loomed out from the dark, blotting out the moon.


    Alex whirled toward the shape, but its moves were swift, blocking any route for escape.


    Grimloch. The menacing shape was Grimlochs.


    The shark man grunted, his ck eyes focusing on the wizard.


    Huh, was sleeping. The light woke me up. Thought we were under attack.


    Jeez, what is with everything trying to scare me to death tonight? Alex asked, his heart pounding.


    Dunno. Maybe dont make scaring you so much fun, Grimloch growled. We being attacked?


    No?


    Good enough for me. He paused. Why do I still <em>feel</em> so much fear then? His ck, doll-like eyes turned to the sapling, it was shedding waves of panic. Why is this tree scared? Its a tree. Not meat.


    Alexs mind whirled. He was too mentally exhausted for this. Yeah, Grimlochnot meat. Can I go to bed now?


    Sure you can, the shark man said, making no effort to move.


    ...uh okay, thenand uhplease dont wake anyone else up.


    I wont.


    Especially Theresa.


    I dont have to.


    Okay theWait. What do you mean you dont have to?


    She does life enforcement, Alex. Grimloch growled. Even longer than me. Her senses are sharper than mine. So if you woke me up, you really think <em>shed</em> still be asleep?


    Alex gulped. Whatyoure telling me shes standing right behind me or something, arent you?


    No.


    The young wizard nced backward. No one was there. He sighed in relief. Okay, then. Then Ill


    Shes standing right behind <em>me</em>. Grimloch grinned.


    A familiar form slid out from behind the towering shark man, one that moved as quietly as a silence-spider. Eyes shed in the dark. The look of a death stalker marked her face.


    Evening, Alex. nice night for a walk, Theresa said, her voice dangerously calm.

 Chapter 349: Just Communication

    Chapter 349: Just Communication


    Y-yeah. Cold sweat dotted Alexs brow. N-nice night for a walk, eh?


    Theresa in no way looked like she thought it was a nice night for a walk. The exact opposite was true.


    The death stalker face she was wearing looked more grim reaper, than peacefully strolling hiker. As she nodded to the saplingits fear spiked.


    Im right there with you, little guy, Alex thought.


    Well, uh He put on his brightest, grandest smile. its an aeld tree! Surprise! Only took a great big fire, and fighting some Ravener-spawnand, uhm, some other monsters to get it. Simple.


    He froze.


    The silence fell on him, crushing down like a pair of hands choking the breath from him.


    No, no stop thinking like that, Alex thought. Why is my mouth going rogue <em>right now?</em>


    Alex Theresa took a soft, careful step toward him. Youre thinking out loud.


    Alexander Roth, a Hero of Uldar and favourite of the ancient wizard Baelin, barely resisted the urge to scream.


    So Theresa said. You went outall by yourselfremember when you said that anything could happen, and if the worst did, you wanted me to look after Selina?


    She let the words hang.


    I mean, sure, Alex said. If you wanna put it <em>that</em> way, butnguage is such a varied anduhimprecise<em>subjective </em>tool ofmunicationjeez, is it getting hot out here or is it just me? he chuckled nervously, looking at Grimloch. Am I right?


    Its always warm on the surfacepared to the deepest trenches of the sea, Grimloch rumbled.


    Silence.


    Grimloch? Theresa asked, her voice uncharacteristically sweet. Would you mind giving my boyfriend and me a bit of privacy? Just for a little while.


    Oror! Alex said. Y-you could chaperone young people whore alone on a dark night. Haha, protect them from danger.


    That sounds boring, Grimloch said. I already got my fun out of this. Im getting a snack and going back to bed. He looked at Theresa. Kill him quietly.


    H-hey! Alex protested.


    What? You deserve it. You knew about a good fight and didnt share. Thats cold. Grimloch shook his head like Alex had spit on his ancestors, then he strode off in search of some sort of meat.


    Like his neck was a rusted gate hinge, Alex slowly turned to face Theresawho was advancing on him menacingly.


    It must be menacing night in Thamnd, he thought, backing away; straight into ygons immovable form.


    <em>Thmp.</em>


    H-hold on now.


    With a single step, Theresa was right in front of him, so close, he could feel her breath on his neck.


    So she said quietly. Tell me. Everything.


    Alex Roth might have been branded a Fool by the god of hisnd.


    But, Alex Roth was not fool enough to lie to the woman who knew him like she knew her own hand.


    Taking a deep breath, he told the story, leaving no details out, and adding things he couldnt tell Professor Jules. In low tones, he told the huntress that the wed monster in the windmill was kin to the pair theyd fought at Patrizia DePaolos ball. She was shocked to hear that it was working with a Hive-queen. He told her about the conclusions hede to, and all the questions and suspicions he still had.


    Theresa did not interrupt.


    She did not snap at him.


    She did not me him.


    And, in a way, that was even more unnerving.


    It was just the silence, the death stalker face, and those eyes boring deeper into him with his every word. By the end, he wouldve preferred going another round with the Hive-queen.


    And then I met Ripp and we came back home, he whispered. And thats pretty much it.


    For a moment, an apology was making its way to his lipsbut he bit it back. He firmly believed hed done nothing wrong; any apology he gave her would simply be false words to avoid conflict.


    And he owed Theresa many things


    false words werent among them.


    After what felt like a lifetime that even Baelin might call long, Theresa let out a long sigh.


    Okay, she said, then paused, gathering her thoughts.


    Alex knew better than to say anything: he just gave her time.


    She crossed her arms across her chest. AlrightIm not mad at you, Alex. She paused again. Okay, I lied. Im a little mad at you.


    He nodded, leaning in to show that he was fully listening to her.


    Look, Im not stupid: I know you can handle yourself. Ive seen it, over and over again. Youre tough, youre smart and we havent been training with Baelin for nothing. And she paused. well, maybe Im thest person who should criticise you for going off into the wilderness on your own, you knowsince I basically half-lived in the Coille. And youre a lot better equipped for dangerous situations than I was back then. So I wont tear you down for going out there, and besides, you had ygon with you.


    Okay, to be fair, he interrupted her. When you went into the forest, the worst thing you couldve met back then was a wild boar or a bear. Or maybe a cerberus? But, like, they''re a lot less dangerous than entire dungeons of Ravener-spawn.


    Alex. Are you really trying to tell me that what I did was better than what you did? Right now? When Im trying to <em>help you?</em>


    Uh he murmured.


    What the hell <em>was</em> he saying?


    Yeeeeeees? He offered.


    Oh by the Traveller, Alex, she said, a pained note in her voice. Uncrossing her arms, she reached down and wound her fingers around the cuff of his shirt. Idont change, okay? Look, I mean it. Im not mad about you going out therebut why didnt you wake me up?


    Uh Alex paused. You were tired from dealing with those Cold Belchers; everyone was, but I have my sleep spell to use, yknow? So I was fresh in no time. I figured it wouldnt be fair to any of you if I woke you up to possibly end up in some dangerous situation when you werent 100%.


    Alexthat makes sense, but you couldve just <em>told</em> me. Then I could have said if I was fresh enough or not.


    You wouldve forced yourself toe with me, or you mightvetrust me, you <em>really</em> didnt want to face those bastards when you were tired. They were fast, there were a lot of them, and they were <em>motivated.</em>


    And I still wouldve wanted to at least know. She looked up at him. Youre a big boy, Alex, butif something happened, then I would never know where to look for you. Never wouldve known what happened to you? You just wouldve been gone. My mother said that to meand she was right. Never knowing what happened to you would beunbearablefor life.


    Yeahbut He winced; a dark image rose in his thoughts, and he had to push it aside. If youd forced yourself toe with me and then something happened to you because of a situation <em>I</em> dragged you intoI know I couldnt live with myself.


    She sighed. Alex. Alex. Alex. This is me. Im not stupid. I wouldnt get into something I couldnt handle: Ive been in Baelins sses too. I know how to measure a fight I cant win, or a hunt I cantplete. Even if Id just hung back to back you up if you got in over your heador even if I stayed behind, but <em>knew</em>where you werethatd be a lot better than nothing. Besides, remember that night I walked into your room back in Alric.


    She looked at his shoulder. I walked with you. Just like you walk with me. Let me <em>keep</em> walking with you. Just tell me. Thats all.


    Alex chewed his lip, imagining if the worst had happened: his body wouldy beneath the windmill among the crumbled remains of ygon. Gwyin would have disappeared into a hags belly, and his body would''ve followed. By the time surveyors tracked him to the woods, there mightve been nothing to find but crumbled bits of y, and maybe some bloodstains.


    And then, Theresa, Selina, and Mr. and Mrs. Lu wouldve been left with a cruel hope that he might be alive somewhere. The kind of false hope that shattered people with futile quests and fruitless dreams.


    okay, yeahthat part wasnt cool. You deserved to know, he sighed. Im sorry.


    You dont have to be sorry justif youve got to do something like that again, tell me where youre going. Im not your shepherd or your grandmother: I dont need to know everywhere you go. but if youre going up against a horde of monsters, please tell me. I know you said Gwyin thought the monsters were probably gone, but he wasnt sure


    yeah, okay. Alex wrapped her in a hug.


    She stiffened for a moment, then hugged him so fiercely, he had to exhale. Wee back, she said. Im d youre in one piece.


    Thanksme too, Alex smiled. andnext time, Ill tell you. As a matter of fact, if you cane, I want you right beside me next time.


    Next time? She looked up at him.


    Yeah, I meanif the aeld tree grants me a nice big branch, then Ill have the body for my staff. But, Ill still need to power it. And that means breaking a dungeon, to get its core.


    Theresa paused. I hope its a silence-spider dungeon.


    Oh? Why?


    She gave a little growl. Because you got another go at a Hive-queen. I want one too.


    Ill see what I can do. Alex nodded.


    He and Theresa talked for a while before exertion finally caught up with them, dropping their voices to whispers and recing their words with yawns. ygon stood patiently in the moonlight, cradling the sapling as Alex and Theresa shared a goodnight kiss, then hand in hand, walked toward Alexs tent. The golem followed, being as quiet as he could.


    No one poked their heads out from any of the sea of tents they walked by, most were likely still deep in sleep.


    Night ygon. Night little tree, Alex and Theresa said, crawling into his tent and closing the p behind them. With ygon holding the aeld, it wasnt long before the soft drone of snoring drifted from within. And so, the golem stood beneath the stars, nestling the magical sapling, bathed in its green-golden light. Clouds drifted above. Guards patrolled the walls.


    Andunder the joined light of moon and aeldygons head moved slightly to face the little tree. If Alex had been awake to stand in that light, he might have noticed a wave of surprise rising in the saplings aura. Surprise, followed by inquisitiveness. And inquisitiveness followed by a sense offocus.


    If he had been awake and present


    he might have thought that the golem and sapling weremunicating.


    The next morning found a greatmotion among the Generasians.


    In the centre of the encampment was the familiar sight of ygon, holding the decidedly <em>un</em>familiar aeld tree. Bup wrapped its roots in ce of Alexs cloak, and summoned water elementals misted its roots and soil. Mixed with another dose of leas-todhar dust, the water sank into the wrapped soil, feeding the aeld while the wizards discussed when, if, and how to nt itas they waited on some expert help with their decision.


    Im walking here! Im walking here! Professor Salingers familiar voice drifted through camp, rising above the crowd as the dark-haired magical botany professor pushed his way through those assembled to witness whatever was going to happen.


    When he reached the tree, he dusted himself off as though hed just rolled through a field of dust.


    Well, look at what weve got. This is a treasure! Ive been briefed: weve got to get this lovely in the ground as quickly as we can!


    Indeed, Baelins deep voice rumbled, and Alex could see his horned head rising above the other Professors. Ive had the wonder of having an aeld tree grow on some property of mine, and I must say, we are most fortunate because it was quite the boon. I agree with Professor Salinger, it should be nted with all haste in a spot where it has plenty of room to grow. We must also give it proper care and attention. Now, where is the scoundrel who wrenched such a prize from the hands of our enemies?


    The professorsas onelooked at Alex from their breakfast table, and Baelinhis eyes twinkling with delightmade his way over to the young wizard.


    Well done, Alex! You left, you saw, and you conquered, just as a Proper Wizard should, the chancellor said. And now you feast on the breakfast of champions. Well done.


    See? You did nothing wrong, Grimloch grunted at Alex.


    I would not go so far, Prince Khalik said, buttering a chunk of bread. You did not <em>share.</em>


    Ohe on, not you too, Alex said.


    Now, now, Baelin cut in. There are more than enough monsters in thisnd for everyone. There shall be plenty of opportunities in the future.


    He looked at Alex. Now, Professor Jules told me a little of what urredst night. Andshowed me a most interesting sight.


    He nced toward the research tent where specimens from the windmill had been taken. One, was the wed monster. Alexs hunter.


    Baelin gave him a pointed look. I do believe you may have more to share with me. And it seems we just might have some nning to do.

 Chapter 350: Confounding the Confounding Variables

    Chapter 350: Confounding the Confounding Variables


    Soit may have been targeting you and spying on both you and the rest of our team for a good while, Baelin said, annoyance marked his tone. <em>And</em> it also had the wherewithal to set a trap for you by observing your asrai friends movements, and using the aeld tree to bait <em>you.</em><em>That </em>is most interesting. And let us not forget the alliance between it and these two blue annis hagsthat level of<strong></strong>cooperation<strong></strong>speaks to more intellect than I had originally prescribed to these creatures.


    His gaze shifted, settling on a shelf near the tents entrance. Najyah preened herself, happily oblivious to the ancient wizards stern gaze. Alex had to admire her courage; he didnt think he could have been quite as nonchnt under Baelins scrutiny.


    Shifting his position on the carpet,<strong></strong>he took in hispanions.


    Prince Khaliks arms were folded across his chest and his jaw clenched under his beard. Isoldes index finger rapidly tapped on her right knee, while Thundar scowled with his powerful arms also crossed on his chest. Theresa thumbed the hilt of one of her swords, Brutus panted beside her.


    Confidants and close friendseveryone who knew Alex was the Foolhad been invited to meet with the chancellor in a tent he upied when he was on site. Hed cast the same spell that masked conversation that hed used when he and Alex strolled across campus the morning after Alex, Thundar and Khaliks night spent knocking back plum brandy in the name of science. Sitting cross-legged on the tent floor to examinest nights events in detail, made privacy from passersby vital.


    Baelins nostrils red. One also has to consider the avian spies: that also speaks of a much deeper measure of intelligence. Not only did these monsters have the patience to observe us for months before acting, they also chose mundane creatures that ur naturally and abundantly in the area as spies.


    His expression turned darker. st it, I never once suspected the feathered snoops!


    Now Najyah <em>did</em> look at the chancellor, her feathers puffing up in offence.


    Prince Khalik swore in Tekish. I do not understand how I could have been so careless not to have noticed. An eagle is my familiar: who better to note suspicious birds than me? Thisambush happened, in part, because of my failure.


    me will not bring us forward, Khalik, Isolde said.


    <em>Tap. Tap. Tap. Tap.</em>


    Her finger drummed even faster. We must focus on the potential repercussions and possible sources of this danger. what shall we do about these birds? Do we watch each one that flies above the encampment or perches nearby?


    No. Baelin shook his head. His bronze beard-sps clinked. Id rather leave safeguarding the camp to Watcher Shaw, Professor Jules, myself and others tasked with security. Our meeting should focus on weighing theories that Alex has presented: looking at whether or not these creatures follow The Ravener, or the demon, Ezaliel.


    Well, we know from dissecting them Isolde said. That they certainly are not demons. but, demons do attract cults made up of many sorts of mortal worshippers.


    Indeed, some cults even use demonic chaos to craft their own mutants by warping flesh, the chancellor said. Though such experiments mostly lead to warped abominations that die within moments of their creation, and even those that survive, tend to be only useful as mindless fodder in battle: little better than beasts of burdenalbeit beasts of burden with extra ws, limbs and fearsome teeth. Still, such experiments do produce a creature of high value on the rare asion. Perhaps it was one of those.


    He looked at Alex. Then again, your unique status lends some credence to the idea that these creatures have spawned from your Ravener. After all, some Ravener-spawn are rarer than others, and it could be that this is some unknown creation that has not yet appeared in the bestiaries.


    Yeah, we dont really know what the Ravener can and cant do, Thundar grunted.


    Theres <em>some</em><strong></strong>information in the history books: most previous generations of Heroes had their final battle against the Ravener recounted in songs, poems and recorded in epic tales. Alex said. Butwe wouldnt be here studying dungeon cores if the books had everything about Thamnds oldest enemy in them.


    IndeedEzaliel has proven to be quite the confounding variable. For every hypothesis, there is enough evidence to give the impression that it could be true, but not enough to confirm one, while denying the other. so, we must act as though both could be true.


    Baelin looked at Alex. I do believe this question will be a waste of breath, but do you still feelfortable remaining with the expedition? Keep in mind that <em>one</em> fact can be confirmed: for whatever reason, youve been targeted. Actions were tailored to hunt and trap youor indeed, those of you who were involved in saving this asrai


    Baelin scanned the group. You are all capable young people. Full of life. Full of vigour. Full of trained judgement and mounting power. However, an important aspect along the path of the Proper Wizard is assessing whatamong lifes manyplicationsare challenges to be confronted, and death sentences to be avoided. Know that whatever the situation might have beenst night, there is a chance that Alex, or <em>all</em> of you, might still be targets. Or all of us, for that matter. So, with that in mind, considering Alexs personal involvement withst nights sh, do any of you feel the need to excuse yourself from further involvement with the expedition?


    A chorus of nos filled the tent.


    The chancellor then looked at Khalik. And that goes for you as well? Are you sure?


    Without doubt, the prince said. I would not be worthy to be called wizard or any title if I were to back away now. <em>I</em>was not the one in dangerst night.


    The ancient wizard nodded. Magnificent. You all may make your own decisionsbut I am d youve chosen to stay the course. Now then. ns. I want each of you to be vignt. I have no doubt you will be out in Greymoor and in thend beyond for expedition purposes, <em>and </em>your own personal goals: so be vignt. Find more of these creatures if you can. Capture them if you can, unless you would be risking all to do so. I shall send surveyors to search out cells of Ezaliels cultists. They must be captured and interrogated about this matter and other foul dealings pertaining to their master. He said that with distaste. As for thiscreaturethe next time the Heroes or a Thameish delegationes to Greymoor, I will make inquiries about them. Perhaps someone has encountered such a creature before. And with that, does anyone have any further thoughts or questions?


    You want us to group up? Thundar asked. Not travel alone and stuff like that?


    Baelin looked at the minotaur like hed suddenly sprouted two pairs of horns. Of course not! I give youas alwaysthe autonomy to move as arge group or as a smaller one as needed. Indeed, perhaps at times, it would be better to break your team up for infiltration or other tasks of that nature. You are all capable. I shall not throw objections in your waybut, I cannot say the same for Professor Jules.


    Baelin looked at Alex. I suspect that when she learns that the monsters were specifically targeting you, she will strongly argue that you be removed from the expedition for your safety. Naturally, I will go against this. At times such as these, we cannot run from the enemy. After all, turning your back to a wild beast is an excellent invitation for it to chase youand if you forever run from every beastthen you will live in fear of the cave lion for your entire life. That is not the proper way.


    Indeed, Khalik said.


    Right, Alex agreed.


    Now then, I will go and speak to Professor Jules. You all have duties to perform, and Alex, you have a tree to nt. Noon is approaching, and I do not want you to miss your opportunity.


    Yeah, Alex said, standing.


    Baelin started for the tent p, the carpet muffling the sound of his hooves. Hmmmmhmmmhmmmmissed opportunity


    What was that, Baelin? Alex asked.


    Hma thought urs. The confounding variables involved with these wed monsters will make it more difficult to get answers. We will show the Thaemish the creatures remains, but if they have no knowledge to share, then we must rely on cultists. and, of course, cultists tend to be fanatics. If we cannot get them to talk, or if what they say is useless, we would be back to square one. Id much prefer to increase our options.


    The ancient wizard looked at Alex, nodding as if confirming something to himself.


    I think, my boy, you and I should go on a little hunt.


    What do you mean? Alex asked. You mean we go looking for more wed monsters?


    Oh my, no. Baelin absently ran his fingers through his beard-braids. If these beasts <em>do</em>e from the Ravener, then that <em>should</em> mean they are made by dungeon cores. A thorough examination of one could help unlock the secrets of these mysterious creatures.


    But weve examined them thoroughly, Isolde pointed out. We have not found anything about how they create monsters.


    Indeed, and that is why I will rearrange my schedule to pursue one <em>personally</em>. It is true that we have examined the remains of dungeon cores. Baelin drew himself up to his full height. But perhaps its time to capture and study a <em>live</em>one.


    So, youve gotta time it right. Professor Salinger was saying, standing within the circle of wizards. As Alex approached the magical botany teacher, he could see him craning his neck, squinting up at the sun. Ah, yeah, were lucky. Sunny day. Not a cloud in the sky. Perfect aeld nting weather. Caufield!


    He pointed at one of his assistants who clutched a portable timepiece inches from his face. The young mans bloodshot eyes blinked slowly, never straying from the device. Professor?


    Now remember, you must tell me the <em>exact</em> instant it bes noon. Not one second after or two before. The more precise we are, the better andAha! Roth!


    He pointed at the gathered wizards. Come on, people, let him through, let him through.


    Everyone cleared a path for the broad-shouldered wizard making his way to the centre of the crowd. There, Salinger, his assistants, ygon and the aeld tree stood under the near-noon sun, waiting beside a great hole in the earth, and arge mound of soil.


    Waves of curiosity alternated with acknowledgement as Alex approached the tree. It was starting to recognize him.


    Hello. He nodded to the aeld. I hope everyones taking good care of you!


    A wave of contentment drifted from it.


    Feel that? That should be answer enough, Salinger said. You have to be part of the digging, Mr. Roth. Its bing morefortable around me, but theres been a lot of noise and new sights its still adjusting to. You saved it, so you should be here to calm it.


    Got it. Alex rubbed his hands together.


    Perfect, Professor Salinger said. Someone get this man a shovel!


    A shovel? the young wizard asked, spotting a group of students nearby: some were stretching like they were warming up for apetition, some held sturdy looking shovels, while a pair were cing incense into censers.


    A young man stepped forward, pushing a shovel into Alexs hands.


    Were not using magic? the Thameish wizard asked Salinger.


    No, its better if we do this by hand. The professor picked up his own shovel. When ites to spirit trees, its important to give respect, make something of a ceremony out of the nting process, and even present a sacrifice. Its all part of the ritual.


    Ceremony? Alex asked. Gwyinuh, the asrai that brought me to the aelddidnt say anything about a ceremony.


    Ah, well, not everyone or every culture believes in the same things, but theres been a lot of corrted data that speaks to increased spiritual nt health when the spirits within are appeased, Salinger said. Which means, having a ceremony for major events like nting, having sacrifices, and all that good stuff.


    Sounds almost religious. Alex held the shovel in one hand, stretching his fingers and wrists.


    Thats because ites from religion, Professor Salinger said. From the early, early mortal days, certain cave paintings and oral traditions speak of the worship of spiritual nts as predating themon worship of deities. There was even a theory that our world hung in the branches of a world tree. Another tradition says that the first seeds of all spirit trees fell off the back of an Earthborne.


    Whats an earthborne? Alex asked.


    Salinger shrugged. No ones been able to find out. Couldve been an earth elemental, some sort of extinct race of people or monster, or even a title from ancient tribal times. Nobody knows. The point is, ceremony and spiritual nts are woven all throughout mortal history. And, aha!


    Sorry werete! Khaliks voice boomed.


    The prince pushed through the crowd, nked by Thundar, Theresa and Brutus. Grimloch brought up the rear.


    We had other duties to attend to, the prince said. But we are here now and ready to help.


    Perfect, the more the merrier, Salinger said. Get em some shovels.


    His assistants handed each neerexcept Brutus naturallya shovel. Grimlochs looked more like a childs garden spade in his giant handsdrawing looks of amusement.


    Are we not using magic? Khalik asked.


    Salinger just sighed. h, h, h: spirit likes ceremony. Better to do it by hand. I dont have time to go over it agai


    Professor! Caufield cried. Two minutes to noon!


    yeah, definitely no time! Alright, I want all of you to follow my instructions precisely. He quickly counted everyone holding a shovel,<strong></strong>then uttered an incantation. The earth trembled, and Xs appeared around the hole at equidistant points. Everybody pick an X and im that spot as your own. Then, when you hear me start singing and shovelling, follow my rhythm as closely as you can. You wont know the words to the song, but the tune''s simple and easy to pick up, so just hum along. Itll help you keep rhythm and serve the ritual. Now hurry, get in ce!


    The diggers looked at each other then scrambled into position.


    Casting another spell, Salinger caused the mound of soil to shudder and separate, dividing into smaller piles. They glided around the hole like earthworms, each taking a position behind a digger.


    Youve got your soil. Salinger unwrapped the bup from the aeld trees roots, then raised his shovel and took a position by an X. Ill start the song precisely at noon. Alex, when I point down, have your golem lower the sapling into the hole.


    Got it.


    The two wizards holding the incense burners positioned themselves directly north and south of the circle, lighting the incense with a quick incantation. Smoke drifted from within, floating from the censers and falling to the earth where it hung like a low cloud of mist on a cold spring day. The scent was soothing as all waited in silence.


    And then


    Noon, Professor! Caufield cried.


    Salinger took a deep breath.


    Then he fell into song.

 Chapter 351: Ancient Rituals and New Applications

    Chapter 351: Ancient Rituals and New Applications


    The words sounded ancient.


    Primal almost.


    The melody was simple, yet rang with power.


    Alex listened.


    Professor Holden Salingers voice filled the centre of camp, carrying with it ancient sybles and a tone that held respect, reverence and esteem. In a moment of deja vu, Alex felt like he was back in the church of Alric, listening to the choir sing hymns in Uldars name. His and Theresas eyes met, exchanging a look of reminiscence.


    As Salinger ced his palms together, it struck Alex how simr the poses of prayer were among deities faithful, no matter the deity, and no matter the culture. He wondered if there was something to that, or if it was just one of lifes endless quirks.


    The Professors voice fell, finishing a verse, and though he wasnt the best singer, he carried the tune well enough for the others to follow. As his melody repeated, those in the circle joined in, humming along, their voices blending with his words.


    Once a single voice became many, the little aeld seemed to suddenly flourish, brimming over with life.


    Its aura brightened, pulsing in time with the ceremonial song, pouring out pure glee to all in the circle. The wind roseblowing the saplings leaves in harmony with the pulsating lightthey waved to the songs melody, keeping a steady rhythm, like a heartbeat.


    Its singing, Alex thought. In its own way, its joining the song.


    Smiling, he used the Mark to learn Salingers words, and though he didnt know the meaning, he joined in.


    Their voices carried into the air, rising with the wind.


    Then Salinger caught Alexs eye and pointed to the hole before him.


    Alright, ygon, the young wizard thought. Lower the aeld. Slowly. Gently.


    ygon carefully lowered the tree, stabilising its root ball in the waiting hole. Professor Salinger nodded his approval, providing a signal to the participants in the ritual to be ready, he then positioned his shovel over his mound of soil, and filled the de. Everyone followed his lead, then moving as one, they slowly sprinkled fresh earth over the young trees roots.


    With each de of soil, Professor Salingers assistants swung their censers back and forth, shedding white smoke, dispersing it over the earth and into the hole, mixing it with the growing mound of soil.


    Shovel by shovel, verse by verse, and swing by swing, the hole was filling with smoke and fresh earth as the saplings light grew ever brighter. Its incandescence spiked to near blinding when Alex spread thest of the soil over the young trees roots, protecting them from the elements<strong>. </strong>With the ntingplete and the earth tamped down<strong></strong>around the little tree, allowing it to settle in the middle of the encampment, the magical botany professor raised his shovel before him like a knight making an oath of fealty.


    And so we honour this spirit in its new home, he proimed. May it grow and prosper, and may it share that prosperity with us. Would you like the honour of watering it now that its safely in its new home, Alex?


    Of course. Alex summoned Bubbles and brought out another pinch of leas-todhar. He sprinkled Gwyins gift over the soil around the rootsa light dusting which left a cerulean glow across the earthand sent a happy little wave<strong></strong>through the trees aura.


    As Bubbles watered it, Alex patted its trunk. Wee to your new home. I hope our care for you matches the good fortune youll bring us.


    And then what happened? Selina demanded, leaning over her textbook.


    Well, not much after that. Alex took a sip of water, putting it on the soil beside him, well away from their books.


    Another sunny noontime, but this one found the Roth siblings on campus a couple of days after the nting ceremony with Alex going over Blood Magic notes and tutoring Selina in magical theory. They were taking a short break, and he was regaling his sister with tales of the windmill, Gwyin, blue annis hags who had a taste for fae, the aeld tree and the wed monster.


    leaving out parts of the story that werent for random ears to overhear.


    I fed and watered the tree for a few days, took care of my duties, and before we knew it, it was time toe back home. And here we are, he shrugged. So thats basically it. Now we just keep feeding and nurturing the tree, and do our best to help it grow.


    Awesome! Selinas green eyes sparkled. Can I see it?


    Well, Im not sure about that, actually, Alex said. We cant really bring visitors into the encampment whenever we want. And thends still not safeyknow, like I <em>just</em> said. Plus, Im pretty sure Professor Jules would tear me in half if I brought my sister there. but, I dont knowmaybe when the research castles finished? Itll probably be safer then, but... Theres still lots of monsters back home.


    Hrmwell, I hope I get to see it one day She paused. Whats home like now? With all those monsters there?


    Alex blew his breath out. I havent actually been back <em>home</em> home, not to Alric at least, butlets just say I get why everyone has to leave until the Raveners defeated.


    She swallowed. I hope the taverns okay. And the rest of townif a big battle happened there like it did at the windmill, it doesnt sound like thered be much of our hometown left.


    Alex sighed. Well, the army tries to defend towns and cities, especially important ones. So maybe Alric will be okay. Its important to Thamnd because the Cave of the Travellers nearby.


    Selina frowned. Butits our home. We live there. Lots of people do. It has the summer festival, and the church, and the magistrates officewouldnt that make it important enough?


    Alex considered that. There were many ways he could answer her; many sweet lies he could tell to paint the picture of a kinder world for her. But, when it was all said and done, a half-truth would still be a lie. And Selina had grown beyond sweet lies that were meant to shield children.


    Well, <em>we</em> think its important. Alex leaned back against ygons leg, his hands resting on the grass. Butyou know how the world just seemed to move on in the Rhinean Empire and here in Generasi, even while all of Thamnd was running from the Ravener? Its kinda like that. We think our towns important, but theres a lot of people out there who think <em>their</em> towns more important than ours. And the officials who decide where the army goes make those decisions. Since the Cave of the Travellers important to <em>everyone</em> in Thamnd, it means theyll protect our town more than other towns.


    Selinas frown deepened. Hm, she said. Kinda like how the flour in that windmill was probably important to somebody? But you needed to blow those monsters up, so using it to burn them was the better choice.


    Exactly, Alex said. Itskinda grim when you think about itbut maybe healthy in its own way. The worlds a great, big, wide cewith good things and bad things happening to people weve never even met. They dont know about the things that happen to us, and we dont know about the things that happen to them. So basically, we just have to decide how much of our lives and spirits we use for othersand who we use them on.


    Hmm, you sound like Baelin, she said.


    Yeah, I think hes rubbing off.


    She giggled. Youre not scary like he is.


    Hey! he said, pretending to be offended. Im sure those monsters were plenty scared of your mighty brother.


    More like mighty,me brother. She rolled her eyes.


    Well, the sister takes after the brother.


    No she doesnt.


    Yes she does.


    No she doesnt!


    Yes she does!


    They red at each other. Well, the tree wasnt scared of you. If you were so big and scary, itd be scared of you, wouldnt it?


    Of course not, I just saved it like it was a damsel and I was a brave knight from a fairy tale! It could <em>feel</em> my aura of mighty goodneWait, what are you doing?


    Selina had leaned over the grass, pressing her palm to her lips and puffing her cheeks out. Tryingnottothrow up.


    Ugh. He looked up at the branches of therge tree they were sitting under. I should have ygon pick you up and put you on one of those branches up there.


    He wouldnt do that. She patted ygons foot, smiling sweetly at the golem. Would you?


    For a brief, horrifying moment, Alex imagined his golems first true disy of sentience would be to side with his sister. He studied ygons face with his breath held, looking for signs of imminent betrayalbut, there werent any.


    His golem was his usual, stoic self.


    Smiling smugly, he turned his attention back to Selina.


    The smile dropped.


    A deep frown had creased her brow<strong>, </strong>she looked like something unseen was pressing on her shoulders, like she carried the weight of the world on them.


    Before he could say anything, she spoke up.


    Alexdo you think the tree would be afraid of <em>me</em>? Do you think itd sense myfire affinity? You said it was afraid of the fire you started.


    Oh no, I dont think so, he said. I <em>did</em> start the fire, yet it doesnt fear me. I dont think there''s any reason for it to be afraid of you.


    Yeah, but you only used fire. Firespart of me she said, sucking her lip between her teeth. Andits a tree.


    Well, I dont think itd sense your fire affinity. As far as I know, aeld trees cant sense elemental affinities, he said. Besides, if you treat it kindly, Im sure itll have no problem with you. Youre <em>not</em> just a walking ball of fire. I mean, fire has its own ce in the wild: it clears the way for new growth, and burnt things feed the soil. Professor Salinger says fire means renewal. And listen, I used fire to put out the fire in the windmill. So, it can be used for a lot of different things, just like Shiani said. Point is thoughI used fire and it wasnt afraid of me, so I dont think it would be afraid of you. I think it reacts more to how folks treat it.


    He raised an eyebrow. Did something happen? You dont usually talk about this stuff.


    She looked away, her hand falling on her textbook. In our next sswell be learning more about affinities. SoIve been thinking.


    Oh, Alex said. Whatre you thinking about?


    I dont know she said. Lots of things, I guess.


    He thought about what to do. A part of him considered talking to her teacher about maybe letting her go to the library during that course butwhat would that aplish? It would just make her more afraid and teach her that she should run from knowledge she might not want.


    And if he supported that sort of thinking, he would be telling her that Alric was just as special to everyone else in Thamnd as it was to them.


    And what good would that lie do in the long run?


    Alric was only special to the kingdom because the Cave of the Traveller was so close to it, and the transportation potential it had was enormous. If they came to understand how to control the magic, then the Kingdom of Thamnd could be a far different ce after the war. Awork of teleportation gates could transform Thamnd from a remote kingdom, to a trade ma in under a decade.


    <em>That</em> was what gave Alric value, not the fact that people lived in it and loved it.


    And Selina had a fire affinity. Nothing would change that. She wasnt going to grow out of it. It couldnt be removed. She couldnt will it away. As far as anyone knew, elemental affinities were as inherent to people as their soul, mana, or flesh and blood. Even more inherent, in the case of flesh and blood: shapeshifting magic could <em>change</em> the flesh.


    No known magic could change an affinity.


    So would he really leave his sister with the idea that she should run away and hide from the knowledge of something that was inherent to her?


    No. That wouldnt help her. Hed have to let her decide for herself,<strong></strong>just like hed done before.


    Well, what do you want to do? Alex asked. It sounds like your teachers just going to go over what the affinities are like, right?


    She nodded.


    She wont force you to do anything with them?


    No. Selina shook her head. She even said that we werent allowed to do any magic for a long time.


    Rightso it sounds like youll just be finding out how some of this stuff works Alex said.


    Yeah, I know, she said. Im a little scaredbut Her hand fell on the knife belted at her waist. But I want to find out more.


    He smiled, leaning over to squeeze her shoulder. Youre brave. Good for you.


    She looked up at him. Butcould you tell me about that fire you made one more time, and how it fought the other fire?


    Sure, Alex said. Ill tell it as many times as you want.

 Chapter 352: The Origin of Affinities

    Chapter 352: The Origin of Affinities


    Selinas ss was all abuzz with excitement. They were hovering in front of her ssroom door like eager bees over a flower fieldchattering to one another, giggling, and periodically adjusting hefty bookbags on their shoulders.


    Seven of the eight students kept watching the door as if willing it to open, or staring at it long enough would make it fly open.


    Selinathe eighth studentwasn''t<strong></strong>so excited.


    She felt like sprites were flying around inside her belly, some excited and some panicking. She was nervous, not knowing quite what to expect, so a part of her just wanted to go back home.


    But, what good would that do?


    You want to be a wizard, right? she thought. Alex and Baelin keep talking about how dangerous it is and She remembered the Games of Roal and demons. Demons who mindlessly attacked them, turning what was a fun day into a terrible, scary one full of sharp teeth and wild magic and red. how can I handle stuff like that if Im too scared to even go to ss.


    Frowning, her hand dropped to her belt instinctually. Of course, there was nothing there; she wasnt allowed to carry her birthday gift from the Lus in school, which bothered her. Having the knife waforting, in the same way holding figurines shed made when she was small used to be.


    I wish Ab was here, she thought for the hundredth time since shed started learning magic theory with her other ssmates who were rich in mana. Ab was her closest friendbut she didnt have enough mana to be a wizard.


    Her friend didnt seem bothered by that fact in the slightest, but Selina still wished that she and her best friend were in all the same sses, especially ones that made her nervous.


    Shed made friends with other kids in her magic sses, but it wasnt quite the same.


    Im so excited, Mariama said from nearby, her dark its bouncing as she bobbed on the balls of her feet. Ive been trying to find out more about wind affinity, but my big sister hardly tells me anything. Ugh, youre so lucky, Selina.


    Huh? Selina was dragged from her thoughts, turning to face Mariama and two other students who were watching her with a mix of curiosity and awe.


    She fought the urge to make a face: most of the kids in her sses looked at her that way since her affinity was revealed. It wasnt their fault that she didnt like thinking about that day: they didnt know about what happened to her mother and father.


    How am I lucky? She asked.


    Your brother teaches you all kinds of extra stuff. Mariama pouted. My sister says that I cant learn <em>anything </em>unless our teachers teach it to us. Its <em>so</em> annoying.


    Alex doesnt teach me all <em>that</em> much, Selina said. Just a little bit more about spell arrays. He tells me what they do and stuff.


    But, thats what I mean! Mariama said. Id love to learn that stuff now. Instead, its all this boring history stuff. I want to know <em>magic</em>, not history!


    Well, a lot of the spell array stuff iswell, Im not sure youd like it, Selina said. Its a lot of detail. Theres a lot of things I had to learn just to start understanding that stuff.


    But youre starting. Its so unfair. You get a head start over the rest of us, the other girl rolled her eyes.


    I think Selinas right, Chelios said.


    The younger Roth sibling looked at the tall, tanned boy making his way over to them, a broad smile brightened his face. All the nuts and bolts of it isnt for everyone. My father started teaching me a little bit about magic arrays andI like it loadsbut I think most people would find it boring. Not me, though.


    Oh yeah, its very cool! Selina said excitedly. Did he tell you how a Bohr Array Section works? How it controls how much a spell can spread? When you see a radius listed in a spell guide, you can change that radius if you change the Bohr Arrays configuration. Its tricky, but its a lot like changing the specs for a building. It''s okay to do it as long as you know what each part of the structures for, and what changes could happen if you rearrange stuff.


    Chelios stood frozen in front of her like a deer in the path of a charging dragon.


    Uhwell, I mean yeah, he said, seeming to wither under her earnest gaze. I mean sureyeah. The Bohr Arrayyeah, I always thought that most peoplenot mewould think its the bor<em>ing</em> array!


    Some of the other kids burst outughing.


    A shudder went through Selina.


    Ugh, that was an Alex joke, she thought.


    But seriously, you must be really excited, Chelios said. What with all those fire sprites and how they gathered around you on testing day. Mr. Powell said your fire affinity is super strong, right? You must be so excited!


    Uh Selina said, a wave of difort going through her. Well


    <em>Click.</em>


    The door opened, revealing the smiling face of Miss Sutton. Well, well, its so good to see all of you so diligent this early in the morning. Hello everyone,e in! Come in!


    Selina sighed with relief as the other students rushed into the room.


    Their wizardry ssroom was a hall of wonders. ss terrariums and tanks held earth and water where small magical creatures lived. They were cared for by the students. Longoean ash spiders, scotiatic coffee lizards, and cobic shine-fish, crawled or swam behind the ss. Some paused what they were doing to watch the children as they ran into the ssroom.


    On the other side of the room a raised bed of rich brown soil was filled with dozens of nts. There was a butterfly bush thatwhen it was hungrywould periodically uproot itself to drink nectar from nearby flowers, then settle back into the soil when it was full. There were flowers that bloomed everyday at noon in shades of gold, like the sun. Others grew tiny berries that shed entire rainbows of colourful light. One ntSelinas favouritehad leaves that looked like salt crystals, each pulsing with inner electric lines.


    They reminded her of Isoldes lightning bolts.


    Miss Sutton took her ce at the front of the ss as the eight students found their seats. A minute of chattering passedthen a loud <em>hem, hem</em> brought everyones attention to the front of the room.


    Very good, ss, Miss Sutton said. Im d to see so much excitement todayif only youd had such enthusiasm for our lesson on the History of Spell Arrays. She watched them from behind thick red framed bi-focals.


    A bit of grumbling went through the ss, as Chelios raised his hand.


    Yes, Chelios? Miss Sutton asked.


    <em>I</em> liked Spell Arrays, Miss Sutton, he said, his voice filled with pride and his chest puffed up.


    The teacher smiled sweetly. Im very d you did. But today, as you all know, we won''t be talking about spell arrays, well be talking about affinities and their history. Just a bit of it, at least. This information will be on the final test, so, I suggest you take notes, pay attention to my handouts, andas always?


    Do your homework, the ss droned, with all the enthusiasm of children who had repeated those words dozens of times.


    Exactly! Miss Sutton said in cheery tones.


    She snapped her fingers.


    <em>Poof!</em>


    There was a burst of light and smokeas though shed set off a small fireworkand chalk appeared in her hand. On the board, she drew symbols; four of them in four directions: up, down, left and right.


    Raging me to represent the element of fire.


    Flowing waves to represent the element of water.


    Craggy stone to represent the element of earth.


    Rushing wind to represent the element of air.


    In the centre of the symbols she drew the symbol for mana.


    Can any of you tell me what the primary elements are? she asked, facing the ss. Yes, Milintica.


    A boy with a long dark braid wrapped in leather ties raised his hand. Earth, Fire, Water and Airbut some say theres different elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.


    Thats correct: those are the elements that people in Tarim-Lung teach in<strong></strong>their systems of magic. They are also correct, Miss Sutton said, drawing a symbol of a tree and a symbol of a steel bar. In thosends, their mana vents are inhabited by powerful spirits of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. They drink in wild mana from the vents and release it as energy tied to their elements. So, for them, their system is more appropriate.<strong></strong>However.


    She tapped the four elements shed drawn. When ites to elemental nes, the primary elements are the four you named first. All others, such as Ice and Magma are called Paraelemental nes, which form gateways between the four primary elemental nes. Now, when ites to affinities, mortals are only born withif they have any affinity at an affinity for one of the four primary elements. Do you have any idea why that is?


    The children looked at each other, but no one raised their hand.


    Well, that was actually a bit of a trick question. Miss Sutton smiled. So, there really is no fully right answer.


    There isnt? Chelios asked.


    No, Im afraid. We learn more about magic everyday. Knowledge is not a dead thing to look at once and never think about again. Knowledge lives. Knowledge grows. Knowledge changes. People agree and disagree about things we think we know. And until one is proven right beyond doubt, we must be open to the idea that things that we believe, can change.


    Selina thought about fire.


    Beforefire had shattered her family, she used to think it was beautiful. One of her very first memories was of fire. The way it danced. Its warmth. Its smell. Its light. But from the night her parents died, fire was shame. How could she love something that could do something so awful?


    But when theyd left Alric...


    Fire had nearly killed them in the Cave of the Travellerbut it had also saved their lives from the swarm of spiders. It had burnt the Hive-queen and let them escape. Shed seen fire magic used to fight those demons that tried to kill everyone.


    And Shiani had told her about how her people saw fire so differently.


    Selina had peeked at Vesuvius glowing<strong></strong>mes in a mix of wonder and shame. Changes. Changes. Changes.


    She tuned back into the lesson to find Miss Sutton moving on.


    the most epted theory as to why mortals are born with affinities for the elements is because, way, way, way back in history, many mortals <em>worshipped</em> elements. The teacher drew a pair of hands pressed together in prayer. Some of your families might worship deities and some might not, but a long time ago, people worshipped spirits, mighty monsters and even the elements themselves. Can you think of why that would be?


    Selina remembered what Shiani had told her about how fire helped her people. Then she thought about the farmers around Alric and how they would pray for rain. Or how the fishermen would pray that the river would have lots of fish in the spring.


    She raised her hand.


    Yes, Selina?


    Um, is it because the elements are so important in our lives?


    Exactly! Miss Sutton praised her. And the farther back in time we go, the <em>more</em> they affected mortals lives. Before we figured out how to build shelter, we had to hide in caves or be at the mercy of the weather, and hostile tribes. Before magic and divinities came into the hands of mortals, fires were unstoppable in viges. So people worshipped and sought the good blessings of the elements.


    She drew a line from the sped hands to the symbols for mana. As we know, the elemental nes are powerful nes of magic, with elements being strong and powerful beings. Being around them can leave a mark on someones mana, one that can even reach out through time to touch their childrens childrens children. So if you have an affinity for an element, it might mean that your family had something to do with that element way back in time.


    She pointed to a world map on the wall next to the obsidian stone she was drawing on. This is supported by the fact that there are far more people born with elemental affinities in the Rhinean Empire, where people <em>still</em> worship the elements to this day. And


    She tapped an area on the board. most people in the Rhinean Empire born with elemental affinities are born near the Peaks of the Elements.


    Selina paused, remembering the four peaks. Each mountain had been within sight of the portal theyd taken out of the Cave of the Traveller. Alex had blocked her from seeing the mountain of fire. Maybe there was a connection there? Mr. Lu once told her that herst nameRothused to mean red in the old Rhinean tongues. Fire was orange, but it could also be red. Was there a connection?


    She swallowed.


    Changes.


    Other theories say that exposure to an element or elemental in childhood can give someone an affinity, but thats questionable since everyones exposed to wind, earth and water everyday, yet affinities are still quite rare, all things considered, Miss Sutton exined. So the theory about the worship of elementals in the past is the most epted one we have today. Its called the Ancient Elementals theory.


    She chuckled. There was also a theory that Mana and Elemental affinities were given to us by powerful beings from the starsthats called the Ancient Aliens theory, which is <em>not</em> epted. So, please dont confuse the two if you read about it or hear it discussed. At ater date, well talk about which areas of the world have the greatest poption of folks with elemental affinities. But for now, lets talk about what an affinity actually does, and how it affects your mana. You might be surprised at how you can use it.


    At how you can use it


    Selina remembered how Alex had used fire to fight fire.


    The young girl leaned forward in her seat, paying close attention, opening her mind to the lesson.


    And changes.

 Chapter 353: The Changing Flame

    Chapter 353: The Changing me


    How many of you have been to the rainbow tower? Miss Sutton asked.


    Selina, Chelios and two other students raised their hands.


    Good, so some of you have seen how ss prisms break light into colours. The teacher drew a triangr prism on the board. Those of you who havent been to Noarcs<strong></strong>tower, have you seen coloured ss or a coloured gem, like a ruby or a sapphire?


    The other four students raised their hands.


    Excellent! That will make this easier to exin. Now, I have a simple question for everyone. At least I hope its simple. She drew four tall rectangles on the board: one red, one green, one yellow and one blue. The chalk shimmered, changing colour each time it touched the board, and returning to its natural colour after the blue rectangle waspleted.


    She then drew four straight lines, one ending against the left side of each coloured rectangle, creating an image of a light beam striking the rectangle.


    Now, lets say the straight lines are light, and the rectangles are coloured ss. So, each beam of light strikes the coloured ss on the left side, thenes out on the right side? What colour will each light beam be when it emerges on the right?


    Someone snorted.


    Selina and some of her ssmates looked at each other, waiting for someone else to answer.


    The question did seem to be <em>too </em>easy, there must have been a trick to it. Unsure, Selina didnt raise her hand, but neither did anyone else. <em>No one</em> wanted to be the one taking a chance at being wrong when the answer seemed so obvious.


    Miss Sutton mimed looking at a time keeper. Come on, were not moving on until one of you answers.


    Reluctantly, Mariamas hand went up. Uhwell, if it went through the red rectangle, the light would turn red. If it went through the blue one, it would turn blue. If it went through the yellow one, it would be yellow, and the green rectangle would turn it green.


    Miss Sutton paused for a few moments, watching the young girl squirm. Selina had the feeling her teacher was enjoying herself, then she finally broke the tension with a big smile. You areabsolutely correct Mariama! She drew the appropriately coloured lines exiting the right side of the rectangles.


    And now you know the basics of what we call the Filter Theory, which is the most epted theory for how affinities work. She tapped her belly. Like weve talked about before, inside all of us theres a mana pool, and around that mana pool are our mana fibres. We havent been able to examine them visually, but people with affinities have described how their own fibres feel. And what they say, <em>seems</em> to indicate that mana fibres in people with affinities are shaped slightly differently than in those without.


    She tapped the coloured rectangles. So imagine that each fibre also acts as a kind of filter, filtering the mana you make in such a way that its touched by a particr element. So what does this mean in practice? It means that the mana you produce is much more efficient at powering spells of your own element. Spells you cast of that element will require less mana, and be far more powerful than average.


    She looked at Mariama and Selina. Which means that your mana will be much less efficient at powering spells of the <em>opposite</em> element. The stronger the affinity, the less efficient it will be, and the more likely the mana will be to act up while youre building a spell array. So, for those with a very strong affinity, casting spells of the opposite element might even be dangerous.


    Selina nodded silently. Shed expected that would happen.


    Miss Sutton continued the lesson, exining how affinities were used throughout history. She talked about the ancient kingdom of Windemere where those with a wind magic affinity were seen as blessed people, and how they used their spells to power windmills so each harvesting season the grain was efficiently turned into flour. The kingdom always had flour to trade for other goods with their neighbours. She exined how people with water affinities used spells that changed currents to push ships through the ocean even when there was no wind.


    Then she spoke of fire.


    In the lost Kingdom of Ozuko, there were many people with fire affinities. And they had two jobs: to make clean water and to help make it rain, she exined.


    Selinas hand immediately shot up.


    Ah yes, Selina? Miss Sutton asked.


    I thought you said that people with fire affinity couldnt use water magic very well, or at all?


    Aaaaah, but heres the thing, Selina, Miss Sutton said. If you apply magic and science <em>together</em>, then you can do all sorts of things that might surprise you. She picked up a cup of water from her desk. Watch closely.


    With a short incantation, Selina felt a wave of heat pass through the room and a gathering of mana near the cup in her teachers hand. Something about the mana felforting.


    Then came a hiss and a bubble as the water boiled, sending a line of steam into the air.


    Take note of the steam. When water boils it <em>evaporates, </em>meaning it turns into vapour. However, if it gets cold enough, then it will turn into water again. Thats a process called <em>condensation</em>, which is what we call the moisture that one sees on a window in colder climates during the cold season. Now, heres the interesting thing about evaporation and condensation.


    She muttered another incantation, and the mana Selina sensed feltawful. Strange. Unfriendly. As Miss Sutton finished the spell, a thin wall of ice rose from the floor beside her. It was no thicker than a pinky, and no wider than Selinas arm-span, but it wouldve been even taller than Alex.


    The teacher brought the steaming cup close to the wall of ice andas the steam touched the frozen surfaceit began turning into water droplets that quickly froze into icy protrusions on the wall.


    Each of those droplets are pure water, their teacher said. When water evaporates, it leaves many impurities behind. Contaminants like sand, grit and even salt. So for example, if you were to boil seawater, you would make pure steam. Then when it condenses, you have pure water that you can drink. We call this distilled water. You understand? If you have or ever develop an interest in alchemy, youll be using distilled water a lot.


    Sowizards with fire affinity could boil sea water to make pure steam? Selina asked.


    Exactly, and if you evaporate a <em>lot</em> of water at once, then it will travel up into the clouds where it is <em>much</em>colder. Then, if that much water condenses all at once, and under the right conditions, it can trigger or increase rain. See? With science and magic together, theres many amazing things you can do, if you learn about electrical current, how heat travels, the minerals in earth, and the way water flows. AndSelina?


    How does heat work? she asked.


    Silence spread through the ss.


    Oh my, well, thats an advanced question, Miss Sutton said. Wellumhow can I put this? This is <em>very</em>much oversimplifying it, and youll learn much more about heat during magical theory and alchemy courses inter years. But, for now, heat is a bit like energy on the move. When something burns, energy is being released as heat and me. The fire feeds itself on air and fuel, and heat results. Heat conducting along metal is energy travelling along it.


    Selinas mind was working quickly.


    A tiny hope bloomed in her chest.


    She thought back to what Alex told her about using more me to fight the fire in the windmill:


    <em>The thing is, the fire needed the wood, air, and monsters inside the mill to keep burning. So if I made a bigger fire, it would eat all the fuel and air inside the mill. Then the first fire wouldnt be able to burn anymore,</em> hed said.


    Fire to eat the fuel of another fire.


    Fire to stop fire.


    Fire to end fire.


    Fire would burn up all the fuel, and then there would be no more heat after that.


    And now this stuff about heatfire was transforming energy. Changes. Changing.


    Heat was something moving from one ce to the otherso wherever the heat was going would get hotter, wouldnt it? So then


    She put her hand up again.


    Yes, Selina?


    What is cold?


    Miss Sutton chuckled. Well you are just <em>full</em> of difficult questions today, arent you? Cold is hard to describe, but the easiest way I can exin it is thatcold is where heat and energy isnt. The less heat and energy in the air She made a little shivering motion. the lower the temperature will be.


    So Selina said, her hope growing. If you can move heat and fire, can you create cold?


    Miss Sutton paused, thinking about the question. In theoryyou might be able to, but it would be very difficult, I would think. I imagine it would be a lot easier to have a wizard just cast a spell of elemental water, or a spell of paralemental ice. Theres no real necessity for such a thing, but who knows? Does that answer all your questions?


    Selina Roths mind was on fire. She barely managed to squeak out a: Y-yes, those are all my questions. Thank you, Miss Sutton.


    Youre most wee. Okay, then, her teacher said. Now, lets talk about how air magic works. With air, we


    But Selina wasnt listening.


    Her imagination was ame. What if fire didnt have toe with shame? What if she could use itjust like her brother used the Markto do something different? Something good? Fire and ice.


    Snow from fire.


    Good fire that ate destructive fire.


    An Eater of me.


    Silently, she sat, trying to listen to the lesson while her mind danced with images of me. For the first time in years, those images didntpletely fill her with shame and fear.


    A sense of wonder returned, and though some shame remainedfor the first time, she felt like she could do something about it. Hope. Selinas mind drifted back to Miss Suttons voice when she heard, assignment for next ss and realised her ssmates were all standing. Immediately, she was out of her chair, shoving books into her book bag, and heading to the line forming by the teachers desk. She waited patiently for her turn, knowing her question wasnt going to be a short one. It seemed like everyone had long questions that needed long answers today. Mariamas was about the elemental ne of air, and how that intertwined with lightning magic. She was second tost in line just before Selina; whose patience had been erased by the time Mariamas turn came.


    When the young girl had gotten her answer, she noticed Selina standing there. You want me to wait for you?


    No. You go ahead. Ill catch up to you in a minute.


    Mariama shrugged, Okay, see you in a bit.


    Cheliosnked by two friendspaused at the doorway for a moment, giving Selina and Miss Sutton a wave goodbye.


    Selina was almost vibrating with excitement.


    UmmI was wondering if I could ask you kind of a hard question, Miss Sutton?


    Oh my, well youve been asking me hard questions all morning, Selina. You certainly had me earning my wages, thats for sure. Miss Sutton smiled, cing a book in her bag. Im d todays lesson sparked so many questions in you. It shows how engaged you are and that youre making some sound connections from the material. Thats the definition of learning. So, now tell me what youre curious about?


    Ummm Selina said. Making a spell that couldmove heat and fire and then make things cold where the heat wascould someone make a spell like that?


    Miss Sutton paused. You seem really interested in that. She frowned, then cleared her throat. Your brother has told mesomething of your past. Are you doing okay?


    ...yeah, Im okay. Selina said.


    I didnt want to be indiscreet in front of the other children, butIm d I have the chance to check-in with you. Just so you know, if you ever find parts of our lessons involving fire affinities too difficult, dont hesitate to excuse yourself for a bit. She smiled and patted Selinas shoulder.


    Now, to your questionif someone could make a spell like that. People dont usually make spells unless its out of necessity, and most people use cold magic to make cold, or water magic to make water. it might technically be possible, though. I think youd need to ask a wizard far more experienced than myself.


    The words technically be possible were enough for Selina.


    Miss Suttonwhen you have help hours after school. I wonderif you could teach me a little more about how heat and fire magic works?


    Miss Sutton paused Whatever I can. And whatever yourefortable with.


    And so a door had opened for change toe to Selina Roth.


    Just as a wildfire brought change to thend.


    What would grow after that change?


    Selina was hopeful for something good.

 Chapter 354: Redundancies

    Chapter 354: Redundancies


    For the first time, Alex Roth walked toward the portal to Thamnd with only ygon at his side. He drew quizzical looks from the portal staff; since the expeditionary force was ustomed to seeing him with his teammates, this change of routine was something the attentive staff paid close attention to. Some waved and wished him a good morning, and he replied in kind, but never slowed his stride.


    Todays event was too important for him to bete.


    It had been nearly a week since the windmill ze and normally, he and his teammates wouldnt be returning to Greymoor so soon.


    But today was a special day.


    Alex had received a message the night before that was written in a familiar hand. It had read:


    <em>Alex, my boy, I have managed to clear my schedule but just for tomorrow. Apologies about the short notice, but I have taken leave to inform your professors of a one-time possible absence on your part. Professor Hak was veryplimentary of your work, and actually said thatif you did not choose to attempt it this semesterthat she would propose you Challenge the Exam for credit for next semesters first year Blood-Magic course.</em>


    <em>I chose not to tell her of the little book you are penning. I thought that should be your little surprise. In any case, should you ept, your professors are forewarned.</em>


    <em>I hope to see you on the morrow, say at seven oclock, for a nice little safari.</em>


    <em>If you choose to apany me, please press your charm-pendant to the bottom of the note, and Ill be alerted.</em>


    <em>Do make sure toe equipped for battle tomorrow, and bring both a lunch and supper; I shall meet you at camp beside your lovely aeld tree. Ive heard its growing well.</em>


    <em>Oh, and do bring headwear: reading the weather indicates that it will be a sunny autumn day in the area where we will be trekking. Yet, it will also be bitterly cold. I did not train you for battle only to have you felled by frostbite</em><em><strong></strong></em><em>or sickness!</em>


    <em>Yours Faithfully,</em>


    <em>Chancellor Baelin</em>


    Of course, angry dragons couldnt keep Alex away from Baelins orb hunt, so hed eagerly taken the charm pendant from around his neck and pressed it to the message.


    There was a sh of light, a hiss of me andwhen the young wizard lifted the pendantsymbols were inscribed as though theyd been branded into the paper.


    He hadnt wasted a second after that.


    Hed prepared his gear for the morning, had a quick Restful Slumber, gave a hurried exnation to Theresa and Selina, then ran out the door at sunrise with his golem by his side. Selina and Theresa stood on the balcony waving goodbye with Selina excitedly bouncing on the balls of her feet.


    His little sister seemed about ready to burst recently, butif Alex asked her what was going onshed only say:


    Ill tell youter, okay? Its a secret for now.


    So, he didnt push, after all, who was he to begrudge anyone their secrets.


    Maybe she has a surprise for us, he thought as he stepped onto the portal. Maybe somethings happening at school or maybewait? Could there be a boy that she likes in one of her sses? Should I be expecting that? Is she old enough for that? Oh, by the Traveller? What am I supposed to do? Be protective? Be cool with it! Shes only eleven, she cant be


    <em>Whooom.</em>


    Alex and ygon sank into the portal with his body peacefully still, but his mind panicking.


    By the time they emerged in Thamnd, he was a bit calmer.


    Get your mind right, He said to himself, stepping off the portal and greeting the Watchers on duty. You can''t go into this with your mind in some chaotic, half-crazed mess. Calm down and only start panicking when Selina tells you shes getting married Stop it!


    Alex shook his head while stepping out of the teleportation tent. He watched the sky for signs of snow.


    The early morning sky was bright and crystal clear, nothing but sun and feathery white clouds, yet a deep chill hung heavy in the air. The rains had been frigidtely, coating yellowing grass between each tent in light frost.


    Winter wasing, and the first snowfall wouldnt be too far off, making Alex wonder how expedition members whod never experienced cold and snow would find the bitter cold. Pulling his cloak around himself, he and ygon moved through the encampment toward his and Baelins meeting ce; by the aeld tree.


    Looking around, Alex whistled in amazement.


    Construction on the research castle had continued, making it nearly impossible to refer to the site as an encampment anymore. With the inner wallplete, the builders had moved on to the next phase and were now at the stage of recing tents with outbuildings.


    The research tent was already gone, and in its ce stood arge stone building that was a smaller version of the Cells. He could only imagine how thrilled Professor Jules must be with the finished research building since he was just itching to get inside himself.


    Other structuresincluding a bathhouse, tool storage, and a sleeping barrackswere still under construction but nearpletion, and looked like theyd be finished by weeks end.


    But to Alex, the most remarkable sight before him was near the centre of camp.


    There, what looked like a half-finished mass of stone had been erected: the keep of the castle was surrounded by scaffolding, and a mountain of building stones. In front, most of the grass had been removed, reced by paving stones: a courtyard in the making.


    In the courtyards centre, a field had been cleared for an expansive garden bed filled with enriched soil where newly sprouted earth-enriching magical nts were growing. Theyd been generously provided by everyones favourite magical botany professor, Professor Salinger. And, in the centre of it all?


    Hello there, Alex said, as he approached the aeld tree.


    Stepping into its green-golden glow, a wave of peace and contentment came over him.


    Ah, I see youre in a good mood today. He ced his hand on its trunk in greeting, then took a pinch of leas-todhar from his bag. Nice sunny day for you, eh? I bet youre looking forward to that.


    A wave of warmth came off the aeld, tinged by a touch of nerves as Alex sprinkled the cerulean dust over its roots. With each passing day, the tree had settled in, growing morefortable in its new surroundings.


    But, it still gave off the asional wave of nervousness.


    Well, he couldnt me it: if hed been trappedfor the Traveller only knew how longand at the mercy of nasty monsters, hed be pretty nervous too.


    I see youve still got a bit of nerves, he said, pausing to summon Bubbles. The elemental appeared and released a little burbling noise, then sprayed the soil with light, nourishing mists. And I get that, Im just happy to see that youre growing so well.


    He wasnt sure if it was the leas-todhar, the nting at noon ceremony, the magical seedlings growing alongside its roots, or all of those things, but the aeld tree looked <em>great.</em> Its green-golden glow shed a richer light than when hed rescued it from the clearing by the windmill, its leaves were broader and looked like theyd been polished, and its trunk actually felt <em>warm.</em>


    And


    In that short time, the trunk felt a little thicker, the tree seemed taller, and its branches looked fuller. Whatever the reason for its growth spurt, hed keep giving it the best care. Maybe


    Teleportation magic. Coming from behind him.


    The young wizard turned as the power spiked and a familiar horned figure appeared.


    Morning, Baelin said. I see that youre early. Glorious.


    Whoa. Alex took a step back.


    In all of his time around Baelin, hed only seen the chancellor dressed in his magnificent robes, even while battling Leopolds summoned demons. Of course, those had been times when the ancient wizard hadnt had any forewarning.


    Today he was ready, the fight was of his choosing and so he was dressed for it, dressed as only the instructor for The Art of the Wizard in Combat could be.


    The goat beastman had abandoned robes in favour of armour of brilliant bronze. A shirt of bronze chainmail belted at the waist, d his broad shoulders and torso, falling down to his knees. His lower legs were protected by bronze greaves, and his forearms sheathed in polished gauntlets. A helm with guards that protected the front of his horns, shielded his head, fitting it like a custom forged glove. In one hand, he gripped a staff that towered over him, crafted of a deep, ck material that drew in light from around it. It was crowned by a jewel shaped in the image of a goats eye that burned with an inner me. At his waist, a brutal looking spiked warhammer hung, backed by a curved pick. Glowing runes encrusted its head, and the mana it emitted, made Alexs senses tingle.


    Youre really not ying around today, are you? Alex said in awe. Have to admit, I wasnt expecting you to be someone who wore armour.


    And why not? Baelin asked. When one knows one is going into battle, is it not appropriate to dress for the asion? One wouldnt till their fields wearing a silk dress, and one should not go into war wearing robes, if one can help it.


    Yeah that makes sense, butarmour? Alex asked. I figured with the kind of protective spells youd have, any kind of armoureven magical armourwould beunnecessary?


    Baelin gave him an unamused look. He let out a sigh as though the worlds weight had pressed the breath from his body. Alex, I am not sure who should be more disappointed. Myself or Professor Jules. What did I teach you in the Art of the Wizard in Combat? What have you been learning and applying during this expedition? Think about the reports youve been submitting for your COMB-2000 credit.


    Uh Alex paused. A Proper Wizard doesnt ignore any source of power?


    Exactly. The chancellor tapped his hammer. And why do we not pare down all safety procedures and equipment to their bare minimum, even when doing so would save both time and coin?


    Redundancies are important in safety, Alex said, repeating some of the safety part of his first year alchemy textbook word for word. Safety procedures and equipment arent meant to protect you in <em>ideal</em>conditions, theyre meant to protect you under stress.


    Exactly, the chancellor said. And so I have sheathed myself in protective force armour, but what would happen if that spell were to be pierced? What would happen if I encountered an enemy where such a spell would do little good? Why entrust my bodily health to a singleyer of protection, when I can gird myself in protective spells, magical armour, and my own iron will?


    Yeahuh, that makes total sense. Alex scratched the back of his head. Didnt really think about that. I always thought that armour would berestrictive. And youd be better off just relying on protective magic and increased mobility to be a shield for you.


    In some cases, your thinking would be quite apt, Baelin said. But this armour has enough enchantmentsid upon it to make it as light and cool as cloth, while at the same time, harder than castle forged steel. Remember: as your resources expand, then normal limitations beguidelines. Keep that in mind as you grow in strength and experience: I have known too many archwizards who thought themselves indestructible due to their magic, only to fall in a situation where their magic was denied to them. Keep this in mind.


    Alex nodded, his mind conjuring an image of some barren, terrible ce where he couldnt channel his mana. Maybemaybe Ill start looking into some light armour for myself.


    Good man. In any case, let us depart. We have all day, but no sense in wasting time here when the wilds, adventure, and fabulous prizes call to us. His voice boomed, tinged in excitement. Come, let us begin our sojourn. Do you have anything else to do or gather?


    No, this is it, Alex said, turning to Bubbles. Why dont you keep misting our friend here until youre pulled back to your home ne? How does that sound?


    With a burble, the water elemental continued spraying the contented aeld trees roots.


    Alex looked up at the sapling. Alrighty, Ill see you when I get back.


    Another wave of peace and calm came from the little tree as Alex and ygon stepped up beside Baelin. Alex castyer uponyer of magic on himself, preparing his full suite of defences. The chancellor cast a pair of defensive spells on himself, then cast greater force armour over Alex.


    And now for the finishing touch, the ancient wizard said, casting a flight spell on himself, Alex and ygon.


    Thanks. Im ready and so is ygon, the young wizard said.


    Baelin nodded, a glint in his eye. For blood and thunder, then. Into the hunt we go. ThoughI suspect it will be less a grand hunt and morenipping down to the shops for a biscuit sort of hunt. Hisugh boomed across the encampment.


    Raising his arms, he chanted an incantation.


    Alexs senses tingled as teleportation magic enveloped the golem and pair of wizards.


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    And then they were gone.

 Chapter 355: Convenience

    Chapter 355: Convenience


    Alex appeared first, dropping into a fighting-stance while surveying the area. Baelins spell had catapulted him across thend, andwherever he wasit was markedly chillier than Greymoor. The sun was lower on the horizon than it had been earlier, casting the light of dawn in a deeper shade.


    West, then, Alex said. We must have travelled west.


    The wind rustled through a stand of pines, needles whispering as the evergreen branches rustled. The aroma of conifers hung in the air, mingling with bird calls andsomething else.


    His enhanced hearing detected something in the distance.


    Something <em>wet</em>.


    A heartbeatter, the air shimmered, signalling ygon and Baelins arrival.


    Ah yes, theres your peculiar quirk at work, the chancellor said. Hmmm. He scanned the trees. Well, it appears we are roughly on target.


    Banging his staff on the ground, the jewel shuddered, rippling like a pond, and a swarm of glowing, magical Eyes surfaced. One pair. A trio. A dozen. Two dozen.


    More than a score of Wizards Eyes circled the ancient wizard like a mass of loyal bees. With a gesture, he sent them off andas they flew awaythey began to fade, gradually turning translucent, then vanishing.


    My Wizards Eyes will have the area scouted in no time, Baelin said. But in the meantime, we can prepare and proceed toward our target dungeon, it lies northeast of here. Well fly, of course, and Ill cast a spell to disguise our voices so they blend with the sound of the wind, and another to mask our scent. Oh! And I should also cast the one spell that every wizard going on a hunt should never leave home without. Might I cast it over you and ygon?


    Of course, Alex said, keeping his voice low.


    With a quick incantation, the chancellor waved his hand and a massive pulse of power flowed, pouring mana over Alex, making his form shimmer like waves of heat on a scorching day in Generasi.


    Whoa, the young wizard whispered as his hands faded before his eyes.


    A few breathster, Baelin and ygon were also as invisible as the wind blowing around them. But, secondster, Alex came back into view, but only to his own eyes; to all other sighted creatures, he was invisible.


    Making a quick guess at the spell Baelin had conjured, he suspected Greater invisibilityor perhaps something more powerful: the strength of the mana had nearly brought him to his knees.


    Hold on now, Im not quite done, the chancellors voice said.


    Another wave of mana washed through the air, Alex felt it concentrating around his eyes and then, Baelin and ygons slightly translucent forms shimmered back into being.


    I trust you can see us now? Baelin asked.


    Uh yeah. What spells were those? Alex marvelled.


    The second one was true seeing. The ancient wizard waved a gauntlet before Alexs eyes. A very handy sixth-tier spell. It cuts through most invisibility magic, illusions, and even shapeshifting to reveal the world as it actually is. It <em>can</em> be defeated by mundane disguises and more powerful magics, but nheless, it is a spell I would rmend that no wizard of sufficient power be without. Keep in mind, it isnt infallible, but it will save your life time and time again.


    Baelin chuckled. About a millenia ago, there was this trend for assassins who were inclined toward magic to learn just enough wizardry to pick up Greater Invisibility, then use it to wreak havoc upon any head of state who someone had a grievance against. They charged a kings ransom for their services, eventually gaining enough wealth to establish their own dynasties.


    Alex frowned. Wait... Was an assassin known as The Crimson Mantis a member of one of these dynasties?


    The ancient wizard raised an eyebrow. Indeed! I must say, I am surprised you know of him.


    Well. Alex shrugged. Khalik mentioned him. He was making this pretty unsettling joke about him a while back. Sowhat happened?


    Hm?


    With the assassins?


    Ah, well, let us just say that court wizards and high priestsanyone with magic powerful enough to pierce invisibilitybecame highly valued in realms that up until then, did not bother with them, Baelin said. I found myself working as a hunter of these assassins for a time. Of course, by the time monarchs had seen the wisdom in hiring wizards and priests to guard them against such magical threats, any assassin with foresight had concluded which way the wind was blowing and either retired, or moved on to different methods. Still, some of the younger, less experienced ones tried to keep the trend alive.


    Baelin burst outughing. I swear, Alex, you do not knowedy until you see a young mandressed all in ck leather in the summertimeconfidently saunter across a crowded ballroom with a smug expression on his face and a knife in his hand, convinced that no one can see him. Ooooh the look on his face when my first disintegration spell hit him.


    Alexs eyebrows rose. So, one moment hes walking across the ballroom, and the next hes dust?


    Hah! Well, at least a <em>part</em> of him was! You see, if you be very adept, you can gain a certain <em>finesse</em>with a disintegration spell: you can actually choose which parts of something you want to turn to dust, and which parts you want to remain intact. With enough practice, you can use it with the precision of a sculptor.


    Alex swallowed. He wasnt sure he liked where this was going. Sothis young assassinwhat did you do to him?


    Hah, I disintegrated his skeleton and left the rest! Youve never seen a human body lose all of its skeletal integrity just like that, have you? Ploop! Baelin snapped his fingers for emphasis then made a motion with his hand like paste sttering on the ground. It bes no more than a mewling pile of meat! Let me tell you, the other three assassins hiding in the rafters got the message rather<em>quickly.</em> Fled immediately, even left their associate to his own limited devices! <em>And </em>they led me riiiight to their base. Aaaaah what a delightful evening that was!


    Alex stared at Baelin in abject horror.


    Ah well, I suppose you had to be there. The ancient wizard wiped tears from his eyes. Or perhaps youll see the humour when you are older and moreexperienced.


    Alex chuckled nervously. Y-yeah maybe. So what was that other spell then? Greater Invisibility?


    Ah that? Not quite. Its something of a homebrew, so to speakwhich I shall not reveal the details of. A wizardeven a teachercannot give away <em>all </em>their secrets, after all! Baelin smiled, tapping a bronze beard-sp with a gauntleted finger. Now then,e, we have a hunt to engage in!


    He floated about a foot above ground. You and ygon follow me.


    The goatman glided northeast andafter a moment of Alex trying to right his whirling mindhe and ygon rose a foot in the air and floated after him.


    The trio melted into the trees.


    Deeper and deeper into the forest they flew, with the wind rising and rustling the pines. The canopy grew thick and the light dim. Alex cursed internally. The wind muffled his hearing while the dim light turned the forest into a blend of shadows. His eyes scanned their surroundings; he was with Baelin and ygon, which wasforting, but hed rather that his senses werent muted while they were in these woods. Anything could be prowling through the shadows.


    He imagined Silence-spiders and Hive-queens creeping through the canopy. Maybe another wed creature poised to swoop down on them, or even a pack of them.


    Monsters were fond of amb


    Oh! Would you look at that! Baelin stopped, bending down suddenly.


    Alex held his breath.


    What was it? Tracks? A burrow? Had they reached the dungeo


    A four-leafed clover! The chancellor straightened up, happily pinching a tiny cloverroots and allbetween two gauntleted fingers. There was a rush of teleportation magic and the clover disappeared. Hah, an auspicious sign for our hunt, wouldnt you say?


    Alex sighed in relief. You scared me, he said. I thought youd found the dungeon or something.


    I have.


    Like wed just stumbled across iwait, what now?


    I have, my boy! Baelin chuckled. I was given quite detailed directions by our Thameish friends, so the Wizards Eyes had no problem locating it. It is roughly two miles to the north and we should reach it right in time for the best morning light.


    O-oh, Alex said, rxing.


    But please continue monitoring our surroundings as you were. I wouldnt want your habits dulled just because we possess precise knowledge of where our destination is.


    Right Alex said.


    Oh, and feel free to chat. Keep in mind that any sounds we make are being disguised. Our discussion is merely mixing in with the sounds of these trees groaning around us from the wind. Nothing to worry about.


    The more Baelin talked, the more dispensable<strong></strong>Alex felt. O-okay.


    Floating ahead, the chancellor glided silently in between evergreens while Alex and ygon followed, the golems upper arms were crossed and his lower ones were folded behind his back. Baelin chatted away like he was a vige elder out for a leisurely nature walk with his grandchildren.


    Alex enjoyed the conversation, as the light grew. But, he also kept his ears and eyes sharp, knowing cking off wasnt an option. Baelin might have seemed rxed, but Alex didnt miss his head turning to either side, his goat-like eyes examining their surroundings with precision. The eye in his staff shifted and turned, watching the canopy above, while he took in the constant stream of information from his Wizards Eyes.


    So, when he floated past monstrous sets of<strong></strong>tracks pressed into the forest floor, Alex could only assume hed missed them on purpose. It must be the teacher in him testing his student


    Baelin. Alex floated down, hovering over the footprints. Theres some tracks down here.


    Ah, excellent. I was hoping you were paying full attention. And what can you tell me about these tracks?


    The young mans eyes narrowed.


    Whatever left them was huge: the ground was wet and the footprints were at least a couple of inches deep. There had been a lot of weight behind them. The creatures that made them were broad: the tracks were nearly as wide as they were long. An imprint of four bulbous toes extended from the front of a foot.


    Images of those tracks were in one of the Thameish bestiaries theyd all had to study. He remembered Isolde cringing at the drawing of the foot, and remarking on how it looked like it was in desperate need of a proper pedicure.


    Theyre Skinless One tracks. Alex examined the forest floor and the tree canopy, noticing branches and other debris scattered around. The creatures were tall enough to knock some pretty high branches off the trees. Big, stupid, nasty and strong enough to crack stone with a good blow from one fist. Theyre the siege engines of the Ravener.


    Very good. Our Thameish sources informed me that it was indeed a dungeon upied by these Skinless brutes. The signs of their destructive natures will increase the closer we get to the dungeon itself.


    Yeah, Alex said, a n forming in his mind. Theyre a nasty a bunch. But at least theyre not exactly the sharpest<strong></strong>or most cunning of the Raveners spawn: we should be able to ambush them pretty easily. Even without magic.


    Indeed, Baelin said. Now lets move on and survey our enemy and see how we might do that.


    With purpose, the chancellor led Alex and ygon through the woods. Further ahead, a loudmotion drowned out the sound of the wind, announcing the dungeon and its monsters were near. The cracking of branches. The heavy thump of giant feet hitting the ground. The wet squelch of naked muscle.


    The monsters presence had taken a toll on the surrounding trees: branches were torn away, bark shredded, and pines uprooted; no tree had been spared. The wind quieted and signs of the monsters were more obvious.


    Trees thinnedmore roots were uneartheduntil atst, they spotted Skinless Ones moving between the pine trees.


    They towered over ygoneach perhaps seventeen feet tand over ten feet at the shoulder. They were a gruesome sight and their name was undeniably fitting: humanoids bloated to an impossible size, with physiques utterly devoid of a single shred of skin. Copper-coloured muscle with fibres thicker than ropes corded their massive forms, writhing with their every movement. Wide, lipless mouths exposed thick, t teeth meant for crushing. A broad forehead protruded from their faces like a step. A hole where a nose should have been, and enormous bloodshot eyes that constantly teared from the cold wind,pleted their faces.


    Horrible things, Alex shuddered, whispering to Baelin and ygon as they floated between packs of the creatures, unseen and unnoticed.


    They are not the most pleasant looking creatures, are they? Baelin agreed, emerging through the trees and floating<strong></strong>above a cliff. And they are asmon as ants. Pfeh. Vile things.


    Alex and ygon came through the treeline and looked down. A vast ravine dotted with a honeb of gaping cave mouths reaching deep into the earth,y below. The Skinless monsters, as abundant as ground wasps guarding their nest, milled about.


    Jeez, Alex murmured. It looks like theyre pretty established down there: with that many, they could easily overrun a small city.


    Indeed, which is why we will stop them here, Baelin said. Suggest a n of attack.


    Well Alex scratched his chin in thought. The beginnings of a beard was forming, and it was starting to itch. My thought is, we have ygon distract most of the creatures. He can stage an attack from outside: lots of fire and lots of explosions. Thatll draw most of the monsters attention to him while we slip into the dungeon. Your Wizards Eyes can scout out where the core is, and then we fly in and take it. Im thinking that the dungeon might sense our mana through your spellswe dont know everything these cores are capable ofbut even if it can, you can fight off its defences while I grab the core.


    Alex pointed to the tunnels below. Then we use your and ygons power to bury the dungeon. What do you think?


    Baelin thought for a moment, nodding his head. Hmmm, a fine n that makes use of the resources at our disposal. Quick and efficient. Good job, you have taken your lessons to heart, Baelin said with pride.


    Thanks, Alex said. So I guess we can fly above, you can remove the invisibility from ygon, and


    Oh, now just because I approve, doesnt mean were going to <em>do</em> all of that. Baelin smiled, his eyes tracing the lines of the ravine.


    What do you mean?


    Do you know what one of the advantages of overwhelming power is, Alex? The ancient wizard raised his staff.


    What? Alex asked.


    <em>Convenience,</em> Baelin said, his voice taking on a dark note.


    Then a tidal wave of mana rose around them.

 Chapter 356: One Persons Entrance...

    Chapter 356: One Person''s Entrance...


    Power gathered around the chancellor like light zing from the sun.


    The air shook.


    Alexs mana senses screamed.


    His mouth felt dry.


    Hed seen the ancient wizard exert his power beforebut he was never quite prepared for the magnitude of raw power hemanded. The eye on Baelins staff zed like a falling star, while the incantation pouring from the goatmans lips throbbed in his ears.


    The Skinless monsters stopped what they were doing, seeming to sense that <em>something</em> wasnt right.


    Then the skies began to darken at ferocious speed.


    And their world shook.


    As Baelins spellpleted, the ravine suddenly shuddered.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    Monsters bellowed; towering cliffs melted into cascades of broken earth and stone. Trees wavered and copsed. The earth roared and rock heaved from the soil.


    and then, the bottom of the ravine split apart.


    A quake rumbled through the dungeon, tearing it in two, sending Ravener-spawn tumbling into crevices that opened beneath them like hungry mouths. As frantic cries rose above the roar of earth and stone, Skinless Ones scattered throughout the forest thundered back to the ravine to find cliff faces heaving and buckling, sending them plummeting to their deaths.


    First the egg is cracked, Baelin shouted, watching the dungeon split apart, revealing scores of copsing chambers underground. And then it is scrambled.


    His staffs eye shed.


    A wave of power soared, and struck the air.


    The wind screamed.


    Stay close, Alex, even I might be unable to guarantee your safety if you stray, the ancient wizard warned.


    It took all of the young wizards will not to wrap himself around the chancellors leg like a terrified cat. Hed be much braver from his adventuresbut this? This was what he imagined the end of the world could look like.


    The wind howled, the unnatural clouds shifted and boiled like rushing water, turning on themselves. And they turned. And turned. The air spun faster and faster.


    Alex was witnessing the phenomenon Baelin was creating, but his mind couldnt believe it.


    He remembered the tour guide at Noarcs tower telling them about violent events in the atmosphere of the Barrens when too much wild mana seeped into the air. Whirling winds that levelled everything they touched were created.


    If he remembered correctly, the phenomenon was called


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    A tornado.


    The air whipped and swirled into a funnel that reached down from the sky, shrieking as it touched the ground. Chaos filled the ravine; the tornado hungrily tore through widening crevices, grabbing earth, stone, and Skinless Ones like they were weightless. Boulders the size of wagons spun in dizzying patterns, upheaving trees, or terrified Ravener-spawn, it didnt matter.


    In the space of heartbeats, what was once a fearsome dungeon capable of destroying<strong></strong>a good size army, was merely dust in the wind. Yet, in all of the destruction, Alex, ygon and Baelin remained safe in a bubble of air so still, it was like being in a quiet meadow. Within the bubble of stillness and peace, the Thameish wizard witnessed ruined monsters and debris spiralling past them like he was watching a storm from the safety of a cosy hall with a fire zing in its mantle. Then a thundering bellow reached him.


    Horror was being dragged from deep underground.


    A Rampart-crusher; an enormous tentacled creature resembling a skinned squid, fought against the wind. Its body was bulbousas wide around as a Skinless One was tand from its frame, a dozen tentacles iled, each ending in a grasping, six-fingered hand. It drilled its fingers into the earth, clinging to what little solid ground remained.


    Naked muscles flexed, straining to hold on.


    Bulbous eyes rolled in distress.


    Andin the grip of one oversized handAlex saw their prize.


    Baelin! He pointed. I see the core!


    Ive had a Wizards Eye on it this whole time. Look at that!


    There was a pulse of mana, and stone walls rose around the Rampart-crusher, trying to shield it from the brutal winds.


    Baelin waved a hand like he was shooing a fruit fly.


    The wind changed.


    Boulders, felled pines, and Skinless Onesunched at the walls, striking them with the force of trebuchet stones. Mana flowed, more walls rose, and abruptly fell in a barrage of Baelins making. The Rampart-crusher shuddered as jagged stones raked its nk.


    Several raw-looking tentacles split from its torso.


    The bellow that followed was lost in the howling wind as it was dragged from its handholds and cast into the gale.


    End over end it spun, iling, still desperate to keep its grip on the dungeon core. But for all of its stone-shattering might, it was powerless in Baelins whirlwind. The ancient wizard watched it whip through the air then extended his hand, muttering an incantation.


    Mana shuddered.


    And a ck orb shot from the Rampart-breakers fingers, tumbling through the violence around it, straight for Baelins outstretched hand.


    <em>Shcwoop!</em>


    The core slipped into the bubble of calm, and dropped<strong></strong>into the chancellors waiting palm.


    Excellent, we have our prize, he said in cheery tones. Now, let us finish this. Ill show you a favourite trick of mine.


    With a word of power, Baelin waved his hand.


    Shards of obsidian ss materialised in the tornado, whirling counter to the wind. Countless slivers raced through the air like hunting birds, shredding wood, earth, and flesh where they struck. In heartbeats, Ravener-spawn shrivelled into masses of pulpand near deaththe mangled Rampart-breaker raised a tentacle and reached for the orb it was meant to serve and protect, then plunged from the sky.


    When the work of the shards was done, only howling wind and the groaning of trembling earth remained.


    And that is that. Baelin waved his staff once.


    The wind died.


    The earth stilled.


    And the obsidian shards vanished.


    A noise deeper than thunder erupted from below as mounds of dirt, timber, rocks and flesh, struck the ground as one. Menacing clouds cleared like they were never there, revealing the gentle light of the early morning sky.


    Bloody hell, Alex swore.


    Where a powerful dungeon once stood, a wastnd of shredded monsters and overturned earth reced it. It looked like titans had run through thend with the abandon of uncontroble toddlers smashing sandcastles. Or massive bears digging up anthills.


    Massive rabid bears.


    Holy shit, Alex swore, still stunned by the disy of pure power hed just witnessed.


    He definitely wanted to be Baelin when he grew up.


    He hovered in the air shaking his head, feeling even more redundant than he had earlier, but by the Traveller, did he ever have a story for Theresa and the cabal!


    As I said, Baelin said cheerily. Convenience! Well, now let us find a ce to settle for a time. Well see if anythinges to investigate themotion I made. I suspect we might be visited by stragglers, but we could also be lucky enough to have one of those creatures who are so taken with hunting you, show up. However, in the meantime


    The chancellor held the dungeon core out to Alex.


    The orb gave off a wave of frantic energy and he felt its attention fall on him. Its mana recoiled. There was a recognition from the core like there had been in the chitterer dungeon.


    But, he could also feel its fear.


    Care to give it a go? Baelin asked.


    ###


    When the dust had literally settled, Alex and Baelin were camped roughly fifty yards south of the ravine. Baelin had conjured a pleasant little campfire while his Wizards Eyes patrolled the area. ygon was watching the ravine. Alex had tasked him with clean up: and at the first sign of stragglers, his beams were primed and ready to start sting.


    The chancellor was watching Alex.


    And Alexwatched the dungeon core.


    Over a year ago, hed been in a simr situation, holding a living dungeon core in his hands. He could <em>feel </em>its displeasure. Its mana stung the air, vibrating like a nest of angry bees. Yet, for all its anger, it could do little without a Ravener-spawn, like a ship without a helmsman.


    But, he knew it would fight him with everything it had.


    He swallowed.


    Cold sweat slicked his palms as he called on the Mark, focusing it on the task ahead, controlling a dungeon core. Memories from his struggle in the Cave of the Traveller came back with full force. That battle had tested him to his limits even though that core had been weakened. Its mana was depleted, yet it had still put up enough resistance for him to struggle with it. How much of a fight would this fresh, enraged one give him?


    But, he was more skilled at mana maniption now, unlike back in the Cave of the Traveller when hed been escaping priests, and Heroes.


    Are you ready? Baelin asked. If you are at all hesitant, perhaps you would rather I give it a go first? My original idea wassince in thisyou are more experienced than I, you should try to control it first.


    No, no. Alex rotated the orb, examining its dead, ck surface. Thats alright, II want to do this. I need to do this.


    Well, then do away, whenever you are ready.


    Alex nodded. Are you sure you want to try this here instead of back at camp?


    I would rather we attempt the process here in the wilderness wherewe have less constraintsconsidering your situation. Should anything be revealed, it will be revealed to no one but us. If we sessfully engage with this orb and gain a better idea of what were dealing with, as well as determine that your secret will not be exposed, we can bring our prize safely back to camp.


    Yeah, that makes sense, Alex said, fighting nerves.


    Hed been wanting this confrontation, even imagining it, but now that it was right in front of him, his mind kept conjuring reasons to wait.


    But, no.


    Time and opportunity were here, he should use them.


    The most powerful wizard in all of Generasi was at his side. He was away from anyone that could be at risk, and the orb was at his mercy. Dying was only feeding his nerves.


    Alright, nothing for it, Alex said.


    Taking a deep breath, he threw his mana into the dungeon core.


    And met a resistance he was not prepared for.


    Hed been wrong: the dungeon core didnte at him like a swarm of angry bees. It came at him with the full fury of a servant of the Ravener: just like in the chitterer cave, but with an intensity and desperation he couldnt have imagined. Its mana pushed the young wizard back with full force and a hostility that felt personal, promptly expelling him.


    Alex frowned, considering what hed just confirmed.


    This things power was as beyond the orbs in the Cave of the Traveller, as the suns was to candlelight. This orb wasnt drained, and it also seemed fuelled by resentment. If hed met this much resistance in the Travellers Cave, his mind might be mush now.


    Exins why people controlling dungeon cores isnt exactlymon knowledge, he thought. Well, Mr. Mark, we overcame Itos Spiral. Lets see if we can out-wrestle this thing.


    Calling on the Mark, Alex threw himself into the core again and again, pitting his skill and power against its desperation. And at first, desperation won out. Easily.


    Baelin watchedas still as a statuefor an hour while Alex struggled to even enter the cores mana pathways. Yet the ancient wizard neverined or asked a single question. He was just patient.


    And so was Alex.


    With each failure, he learned a little more about <em>how</em> the dungeon core was resisting him. He learned its pathways: how many mana entrances there were, how quickly its mana could fight him, and the way its power moved through the orb.


    As the Mark pointed out what he did <em>right,</em> he began forming a strategy: the dungeon core resisted his mana with pure overwhelming force. Like a predator. It didnt seem to do finesse. It was all about brute force.


    And so he split his mana into thousands of strandsas with Hsekius techniqueand attacked the dungeon core from every entrance.


    Its power sought to block him, but his strands moved with the agility of vipers. He could feel its rising panic trying to fight him off, but too many of his strands moved in too many directions. The core split its attention, throwing power at him over and over again.


    And, forced him out.


    He started again.


    With each attempt, the young wizard went a little further.


    Alexander Roth bent all of his will and skill to the task, learning more of its pathways as he did. Its mana trembled.


    Now it was easier, like learning the steps of a dance.


    He persisted through the early morning, feeling closer to something important: the cores centre. The dungeon core seemed delirious, frenzied, fighting in panic.


    But Alex was determined.


    And hed done this before.


    Calling upon a familiar memory from the Mark, he shifted his mana.


    <em>Whoom.</em>


    A connection.


    For an instant, the world disappeared. A thousand images poured into his mind as they had in the Cave of the Traveller when he controlled the core. Dark caves. Battles in ces hed never seen before. A dark


    The images abruptly vanished, like theyd been halted.


    When Alexs senses returned to the world around him, Baelin was standing.


    Mana flowed from the core, reaching out toward the ravine.


    The sound of grating stone echoed through the air.


    Alex! the chancellor shouted in triumph. My Wizards Eye witnessed a wall rising from the dungeons remains! You did that?


    Yeah, the young wizard panted, sweat pouring from his brow. Yeah, I did. I actually did that!


    Well done, my boy! Baelin patted him on the back. This is an excellent step forward. Did youlearn anything? Anything that might help us track these wed creatures?


    No, Alex said. I saw some images He told the chancellor what hed seen. ButI have no idea what they were. And they were cut off too quickly. I think something didnt want me poking around.


    Hm, well it will not have a say in the matter, Baelin said.


    Rightbut, by the Traveller, I cant believe it. Alex watched the dungeon core. It had forced his mana out again, but with less force than before: the more of its power he used, the less it was able to resist. After a yearsometimes Id get this notion in my head that Id imagined what Id done. Buthere it issolid proof. Baelin, this is big. History-changing big. It brings up so many questionsI-Ive got to go back in.


    Hold now, the ancient wizard ced a hand on his shoulder. Why not let me have a go? You are exhausted. No sense in trying again when you are worn down.


    Yeah, I suppose youre right. Alex panted, offering Baelin the orb. Its all yours. I could use the break, and if I could do it, youll do it in no time.


    Oh, pfah, whats a few thousand years of experience? Baelin chuckled, holding the orb between his palms. Now, let us see what <em>I </em>can see.


    Alex felt the ancient wizards mana spark with overwhelming power.


    It was profound, like the tornado hedmanded.


    Very little would be able to stand before it, including the dungeon core


    which is why Alex was stunned when Baelin frowned.


    Without a sound, the chancellor turned the orb over, fixing it with a piercing gaze.


    He seemed to be looking deep within it.


    Heartbeats passed while he turned the core, his mana boiling around him.


    Alex waited for the rush of the dungeon cores power doing the chancellors bidding.


    But, it never came.


    Heartbeats turned to minutes.


    Minutes became an hour.


    Yet there was no rush of force: there was only the chancellors deepening frown.


    Alex he finally said. Icannot do this.


    The Thameish wizard thought he misheard. Pardon?


    I cannot do this, Baelins voice held a note of astonishment. It is impossible for me.

 Chapter 357: ...is anothers wall

    Chapter 357: ...is another''s wall


    Impossible! Alex shot to his feet. For <em>you</em>? Thatthats impossible!


    Nothing is impossible Baelin said, turning the orb over again. His goat-like eyes scanned every detail. Butfor the life of me, Alex, I cannot even begin to challenge thisinfernal thing.


    The young wizards eyebrows arched toward his hairline. No way, I meanI can feel its mana. And I can <em>definitely</em> feel yours. Theres no way you cant beat this.


    It is not a matter of power the goatman said. It is a matter ofwait, perhaps I am being hasty. He handed the orb back to Alex. Have you had enough rest?


    Yeah. Alex moved closer to Baelin. What do you need me to do?


    Try and activate the dungeon core again, Baelin said. Lets see if anything has changed. Perhaps, it metamorphosed a defence against further tampering.


    Sure. Ill give it another try. Alex took the dungeon core and dove into it, finding the pathways, using the Mark as he went. It was much easier to break through its defences this time: in minutes, he reached the core and


    <em>Rumble.</em>


    Another rock wall rose through the debris that used to be the dungeon. Alex frowned.


    So even though the dungeons destroyed, it still has control over terrain. I wonder just how far this things range is, and if<strong></strong>it can establish a new dungeon.


    But, more importantly, at least for now...


    Im in, Alex said.


    I see that. This is absolutely fascinating, the chancellors focus was on the orb, his face tensed in concentration. Lets try something, well both hold it while you use your mana to activate it. Go slowly and Ill follow what youre doing <em>precisely.</em>


    Got it. Alex held the orb toward the ancient wizard.


    As his gauntleted hands pressed against the cores surface, Baelins ocean of mana unfolded, nearly dropping Alex to his knees. Together, they reached into the core, the young wizard feeling like a tiny minnow swimming beside a massive whale.


    Impossibly tiny.


    And the <em>finesse</em>.


    His mana was agile, but Baelins was quicksilver. No effort in movement; it just simply <em>was.</em> The chancellor shouldnt have a problem overwhelming and controlling the core, yet here it was, he just couldn''t do it.


    Alright, so follow my mana, Alex said, letting his power gather by the dungeon cores entranceways. Do you sense where I am?


    Indeed, I feel where your mana gathers. Baelin frowned. What am I looking for there?


    Alexs brow creased. The entry points. Theyre right where my mana is.


    The ancient wizards frown deepened. His mana searched for entryways. I sense nothing.


    ...really? Alex asked, confused. What was going on? Okay, Ill<strong></strong>take you to them, right to where they are. Just follow my lead.


    The chancellor closed his eyes, moving his mana toward the entranceways while Alex guided him.


    Closer, the young wizard said. Closer. Youre getting there. Closercloserthere! Right there! Stop!


    Baelins mana paused squarely above the entrances. Here? the goatman asked, obviously still baffled. I sense no entrances, none at all.


    Okay, maybemaybe its done something so theyre invisible? Ormaybe it''s hiding them? Alex tried to puzzle it out. It could be using some sort of mana-sense based illusion.


    Hm, the goatman mused. Perhaps.


    Either way, go ahead, push your mana down into the dungeon core, Alex said. Like Im doing.


    He demonstrated. It was even easier now: each time he activated the orb, it used mana, so it had much less strength to fight him.


    Hmmmm. The goatman cocked his head as though listening for something in the distance. What in theyour mana just felt like it disappeared. As though it went off into nothingness. Let me try.


    Baelins mana pushed downbut nothing changed.


    It was like there <em>were</em> no entrances so his mana was futilely pressing against a solid wall.


    What is going on? Alex murmured, his nerves stretching. Youre sure you cant do what Im doing?


    NoI cannot. Baelins voice sounded quite bewildered. It isit feels like there <em>is</em> no mana apparatus there to interact with. Honestly, I can feel the mana within the thing, butfor all intents and purposesI may as well be trying to find pathways to magically interact with the average rock.


    He pulled his mana back and stroked his beard-braids, lost in thought. When he opened his eyes, they were alight with intrigue. Well, this is <em>absolutely</em> fascinating. It would seem that dungeon cores have apparatuses that can only be interacted with when held by certain individuals. Whatever the qualificationsit appears that I do not possess them.


    The chancellors voice was as calm as Alexs spirit was frantic.


    What was this? Did this really mean that not everyone could take over dungeon cores? Why? Was that done by design, or was it idental? His thoughts were whirling.


    The young wizard tried reasoning things through, thinking about both dungeon cores and golem cores and how simr they were in mana. If dungeon cores were <em>made</em> to be controlledthen


    <em>Whos </em>supposed to control them? Alex wondered. Thisoh jeez this is big!


    Indeed. Baelin eyed the ink-ck<strong></strong>orb. If dungeon cores have apparatuses that are only essible to those having certain qualities, that speaks more to a purposeful design choice, rather than a random ident, or natural development, or even an evolution. It lends credence to the theory that dungeon coresand perhaps even this Ravener creatureare constructed.


    He stroked his beard. But we cannot know much more until we understand what criteria allows one individual to interact with these dungeon cores, and what<em> prevents </em>another from doing so. Hmmmso what are the differences between you and I?


    Well, Alex said. Youre miles more powerful than I am. Youre older. Im human and youre not. Im Thameish and youre not. HmmmI worship Uldar, and you dont.


    Alexs faith in Uldar had waned considerablypared to before he was Markedthese days, he prayed to the Traveller more than to Uldarbut he hadnt stopped believing in Thamnds god entirely.


    Indeed, Baelin said. I <em>think</em> we might rule out the idea that you can control it because you are human: after all, Ravener-spawn control dungeon cores as a daily fact of life, and no autopsy has found that they share the least bit inmon with humanity. Theyre not even mammals.


    True Alex murmured. And me being younger would be a strange criteria. Not impossible, but just pretty arbitrary. All things considered, Im thinking it has something to do with me being Thameish. After all, Im from Thamnd, just like the dungeon cores.


    Indeed, Baelin said. And the Raveners mana does infest nearly every inch of this realm, however slight it might be. The thought urred to me that those born here perhaps absorb a bit of that mana, while those born elsewhere would have no such exposure to it. Which would be a strong hypothesisexcept for one simple fact: you were born during a time when there was no Ravener present, andording to our Thameish alliesits mana ispletely absent from thend between cycles.


    Right, and if the ability was triggered by being immersed in the Raveners mana, Alex said. Then you should be able to activate a core, just like I didst year when we were in the Cave of the Traveller: at that point, the Ravener had only been back for a short while. So, I wouldnt have had much time to absorb its mana, yet I was able to control that core.


    Exactlyah, we did overlook one more difference between us. Baelins eyes dropped to Alexs right shoulder. Your Markwhat if that is the key to all of this?


    Alex blinked. You meanHeroes are supposed to control dungeon cores? Or maybe just Fools?


    It is possible. We cannot rule it out. Either way, we have discovered something of prime importance, Baelin said. You should experiment with it, see what can be done with it, and if you can work out how it creates monsters. That should run its energies down and weaken its mana, then it should be easier for you and others on site to handle it over the next few days.


    Alex looked at him sharply. UhmI kind of agree that we should let others try to ess it to see if that helps us understand whos able to interact with this thing. But, what about those wed things, what if they were after me because I took over that dungeon core? Suppose someone else controls one and ends up with a big target sign on their back?


    Hmmmm indeedthoughhmmm Baelin gave Alexs concerns some thought. We will discuss what to do with it and how to experiment with a living core when we return to camp. In the meanwhile, go ahead. Run it as dry as you can.


    Got it, Alex said, trying to calm his spirit as he flew toward the ravine.


    Hypotheses of all kinds raced through his mind while he looked at the dark orb in his hand.


    Dread seeped into the pit of his stomach.


    Just what in all of Uldars mercy had they stumbled onto?


    ###


    The Ravener felt it.


    Another core had fallen to the Usurper.


    Deep within its underground chamberfloating above the darkke and surrounded by a grim army of guardiansits ancient mind thought on what should be done.


    The Usurper still lived.


    And it had received no word from any of its trusted Hunters.


    They had likely failed. Or were probably dead.


    And the Usurper still tainted thends, taking things further and further out of bnce. But what should be done now?


    The Hunters had failed to this pointshould it make more?


    Would that make sense?


    Or should it


    It reached deep within, searching far below the ce where forms of its typical servants were kept.


    There, in the deepest recesses of its being, the shrouded terrain where unique servants were concealed waited; servants it could spawn only if certain criteria were met.


    and the situation had not fractured enough to justify bringing these to bear. Not yet.


    Still, it began careful preparations to spawn at least one should things deteriorate further.


    If the Usurper was not stopped soon, then that dangerous set of criteria could be met sooner, rather thanter.


    And all must be ready.


    ###


    And I think its almost out of mana, Alex said. Theres a bit left, but not enough to really do anything with it right now.


    He looked down, examining the ravine floor where odd shapes rose from the debris. For the past hour, hed been experimenting with the core, raising walls from the ruined earth, pressing holes in the ground, and shaping stone.


    Rock formations were scattered far and wide, marking the ground with what could be best described as efforts ranging from rudimentary, to moreplex. Hed even created a small stone building using the cores power, and apart from missing some of the roof, it almost looked liveable.


    Thisthis could be addictive, he said. I mean its one thing to create things out of magic and alchemy, but this? Once you get the hang of it, youre basically shaping thend by sheer will alone. I wonder if this is what deities feel like?


    The ones I have spoken to have not admitted to such a thing, but I do agree that there would be a certainaddictive quality to shaping things by will and purpose alone. Baelin thumbed his chin. This is most fascinating. We will have to experiment with it further. From what Ive been told, dungeon cores gain power from mortal fear. There are always a dozen little anxieties during any given day at the encampment, especially for the young. So, it should be interesting to see if by having it in camp, it will regenerate mana from the little fears of those around it. I must say, it is looking a little pale right now.


    As Alex used its mana throughout the morning, the deep darkness it had started the day with had faded until it was now the lightest shade of grey.


    Yeah, I noticed that too, he said. Do we have anything else to do here?


    Not for the present. The dungeon is destroyed and we have gained our prize. All thats left to do is to bring it back to camp and inform the others of what we have been up to. Tonight, I will stay to aid in securing it, then brief Professor Jules when she arrives in the morning. We must set up containment procedures as well.


    His goat-like eyes twinkled. Im very eager to experiment with our new sample. Who knows what other discoveries it might hold? I suspect learning how it works will be an involved undertaking. Soe, today has been a most productive day for usperhaps having this living specimen in hand will soon bring us another one.

 Chapter 358: Uldars Guidance

    Chapter 358: Uldar''s Guidance


    You did what? Professor Jules cried, not believing what she was hearing. On her desk was a light grey orb with a small ward surrounding it in a half-sphere, <strong></strong>shimmering like water.


    I uhI controlled a dungeon core, Alex repeated, looking up at Baelin for back up.


    Indeed, he controlled a dungeon core, Baelin shrugged.


    Jules eyes bulged, looking about ready to roll from her skull. Muttering, and with an air of desperation about her, the alchemy professor staggered from her chair, eyes fixed on a cab in her new office.


    It was an impressive stone chamber lit by forceballs and overflowing with polished alchemical apparatuses, endless shelves of texts, manuals, and constructsmostly butterflies. A slew of protective equipment hung from ornate hooks hammered into the walls, each pristine from meticulous care.


    Beside these, stood her objective, an borate cab with carved doors that flew open when her muttering turned to spell casting. Inside, a few bottles of amber coloured liquidmaybe whiskeywere revealed. She reached for one with a shaking hand, then paused, seeming to think better of it and reached for a tin of tea, and a silver tea set instead.


    On one side of her desk was a pitcher of distilled water which she poured into her teapot, dropped in six scoops of loose tea while saying something to herself that sounded like, ...strong today, ced the teapot on a round, grey stone upying one corner of the desk, then pressed a glyphone of fire magicto the side of the stone, and turned back to Baelin and Alex. They were seated before her desk in sturdy maplewood armchairs with seat cushions filled with goose down, a gift from the Thameish court.


    Professor Jules leaned forward, watching the orb.


    Then she took a deep breath, as if steeling herself.


    Excuse me, but <em>what</em>? How? Her eyes travelled between the professor of the Art of the Wizard in Combat, and his eager student. How did you even <em>discover</em> such a thing?


    Well, the chancellor jumped in quickly. We set out to obtain a live dungeon core for a bit of experimentation. And after subduing it, we thought we should give it a close examination. So Alex volunteered, since he''s most keen to aid his homnd.


    Professor Jules look was piercing. You examined a living dungeon core in the field, <em>alone</em>, Mr. Roth?


    Alex winced.


    Alone? Come now, Vernia, I am old but I am no corpse. He was under my supervisionand encouragement the entire time. I assure you, he was in no danger, Baelin smiled.


    I guess Professor Jules frowned. Your protection should ensure safety...but even under your supervision in the Barrens, there have been mishaps


    As there have been in the Cells, unfortunately. Baelin said pleasantly. That is the nature of what we do. It has its dangers, but we strive for safety and survival. And being prepared to act when dangeres, but as I said, Alex was in no danger.


    Professor Jules jaw clenched and released before she spoke again. Alex imagined the word, reckless speeding through her mind. Everything you say is true, but also moot, considering the deeds already done. She looked directly at Alex. Baelins way might be considered bold, Mr. Roth. But try to remember, safety trumps all, because without it, wizards would be as extinct as the tyranodopolus. Now, as I said earlier, the deed is done so let''s not waste this opportunitywe can call itsetting up proper field examination safety procedures, but I stress, dont make this type of thing a habit, Alex.


    Oh, do not stifle our students, Professor Jules. Think of the results. Baelin pointed to the orb. This changes everything, does it not?


    Yeah, it really does, Alex jumped in, caught up in what theyd learned about the core. I didnt find out <em>how</em> it makes monsters like I was hoping to, but I did figure out how to make it alter terrain in a dungeonor at least what was left of its dungeon.


    Truly? Professor Jules demeanour changed. Her eyes went wide. Thatthat changes so much. We now have new and confirmable knowledge that mortals are capable of controlling dungeon coreswhich means, Thameish understanding of their enemy, will radically change! And then theres the fact that it could still alter terrain even after its dungeon was physically destroyed.


    Her enthusiasm built as she turned to the map of Thamnd hanging behind her. Where did you say this urred again?


    Baelin stepped around the desk and pointed to an area in northern Thamnd. Here. In this forest in particr. There <em>was</em> a ravine there where the core had made its dungeon.


    Was? Professor Jules raised an eyebrow.


    It is stillby all technical definitiona ravine.


    ...I take it you exercised your <em>usual</em> restraint when ites to problem solving. Professor Jules shook her head and tapped the map.


    Ah, I see. And Alex, you were able to modify the dungeon cores territory even after the dungeon was demolished. She tapped the map in thought. A dungeon core frequently alters the shape and structure of its dungeon, so its likely that its control over its home is based on area, and not structural integrity. Which would mean you could cave in an entire dungeonplex andas long as the dungeon core is whole and has a Ravener-spawn to wield it, it could just reshape and rebuild. Hmmmm.


    She made her way to a bookshelf, removing a leather bound book and flipping to a passage near the beginning. Yes, just as I thought. It seems there have been early Thameish ounts of dungeons being copsed without destroying the coresbut, the dungeons would always regenerate. Now we have a better idea as to why. Butmortals controlling dungeon cores...


    She eyed the pale orb on her desk. How did they never discover this after so many cycles? Hmmm, its true that their magical technology isfrom what I''ve gatheredcenturies behind Generasis, no offence Alex.


    None taken, he said. Youre thinking the way I am: we know the church and previous court wizards researched the Ravener as much as they were able to. They enhance the Heroes equipment with core remainsso youd think <em>someone</em> would have discovered this.


    Yessomething just doesnt feel right, Professor Jules said. of course well have to share this knowledge with our Thameish allies, but we should be careful when we do so.


    Agreed, Baelin said. When we reveal all, well have to watch their reaction carefully. Especially when one considers this next revtion. I cannot control the dungeon core.


    Professor Jules squinted at Baelin. Youre teasing me.


    I wish I were, the goatman said. Things went as such.


    Baelin exined how hed struggled in vain with the dungeon core. Not able to even sense its entryways. Jules face grew ever more shocked as he told the story.


    Thisplicates things further She looked at the core, curiosity and caution warring across her face.


    Curiosity won out.


    Alright, so youve had no ill-effects from interacting with its mana?


    No none at all. Either for me or Baelin, Alex said.


    If thats the case, then I think Im going to try it.


    What about safety, Vernia? After all, it''s only been tested by Aex and I. Two testers isnt what one would really call rigorous testing, wouldnt you agree? Baelin smiled, his face a mask of serenity.


    Alex looked away, stiflingughter.


    Jules nced at Baelin, her focus still on the core. Youre clearly enjoying yourself a little too much right now, chancellor, but we have to understand why Alex can control this thing but you cant, and the only way to get any answers is to experiment. Besides, youre here, as you assured me you were for Alexs safety. She returned his smile, her face the picture of serenity.


    Alright, then. Professor Jules cracked her knuckles. Time to give it a go. Please drop the ward, Baelin.


    Over the next few minutes Alex watched Professor Jules examine, measure and attempt to connect with the orb. Her puzzled expression grew deeper.


    Curious. Curious, curious, curious, she said. If it werent for the fact that you had a witness for yourcore take-over or challenge, as it were, Id ask if youd gotten into some bad mushrooms. Theresnothing. No way for me to interact with it.


    Baelin and Alex looked at each other.


    Let me try and guide you, Alex said. Well see if its any different for you than it was for Baelin.


    He touched the core with Professor Jules and felt her mana. She was powerfulone didnt be a professor at the greatest university of wizardry in the world by having poor skills and being weakbut he hadnt known just how powerful she actually was.


    Baelin wore his power like a robe, while Professor Jules didn''t, but within her, a <em>deep</em> pool of mana moved with <em>mathematical </em>precision. She would have made a frightening battlemage had she gone that route.


    Yet, for all her precision and powerhe couldnt guide her.


    Like Baelin, she may as well have been trying to push her mana into a rock.


    This isrming, she said. It implies that there is a designa purpose to these dungeon cores that we dont understand yet. Gentlemen, Im d you discovered this sooner rather thanter.


    What do you want to do? Alex asked. Let some of the other expedition members try to control it?


    She shook her head, taking the orb back. No. Not yet. I want to run a few tests first. Then well figure out what to do from there. Ill pause everything we have scheduled for the next few days because we have to learn what we can about this core. I have a feeling it will take time.


    Professor Jules looked at Alex. Alex, we dont know what this meansthe fact that <em>you</em> can connect to it while Baelin and I cant? Thats very, very troubling to me. It is a living thing after all, so I think that you should err on the side of caution and take some time off from the expedition while we figure this all out. We dont know what any of it means yet, but until we get some answers and begin to understand what there is about <em>you</em> that lets you interact with it, then there could be some danger.


    Alex looked at her straight on. Is that a rmendation?


    She paused. ...yes. I <em>rmend</em> you go home for a while. Dont worry about your alchemy credit, you have more than enough to miss a few days ofb work. Im sure you already have plenty of material for your final report. Butno, I am not <em>forcing</em> you to go home if thats what youre asking.


    In that case, Alex said. If its all the same to you, I want to see this through, at least as much of it as I can.


    Professor Jules sighed. Why doesnt that surprise me? Alright, then go and get your gear. We should get started on this right away. I suspect that this might be a mystery that eludes us for a long time.


    You never know, Vernia, we might just get lucky, Baelin said.


    Well see.


    Yeah, Alex said. Well see.


    ###


    I cant believe it, Carey whispered. A living dungeon core. Right in front of us.


    Fear rose in her chesthere it was: a great enemy of Thamnd.


    An object more feared than devils and monstrous hags.


    The subject of most of the scary stories told to her at bedtimeand the subject of many childhood nightmares. It was a vile servant of the enemy shed sworn to use all of her knowledge and research against for as long as it gued Thamnd, or as long as she had breath in her body.


    And now? Now she had her chance.


    The core was pale. Samples of dungeon core remains theyd experimented on were always as ck as midnight, so why was this so pale? She spotted Professor Jules in Analysis Room 1.


    Now that the research building waspleted, the teams had ess to a suite of rooms for their research work, as opposed to the giant tent theyd been using. The equipment was organised and ced in the appropriate room ording to its function, giving the researchers more space to do their work. Each chamber was sealed and reinforced as securely as one of the Cells back on campus, which was especially necessary today.


    There was no telling what experimenting on a live dungeon core might bring.


    Well, here it is, everyone, Professor Jules said. A living dungeon core. I want all of you to take extra caution with todays experiments: while the core doesnt seem to be living from an organic perspective, it does have intelligence. Theres no information avable on what to expect once we begin our study since, as far as we know, a living core has never been studied before. That said, I want to learn as much as we can,<strong></strong>as quickly<strong></strong>as we can. This is a very exciting moment, but keep safety foremost in mind.


    She gestured to the equipment. Today youll be examining its mana traits: its signature, conductivity and so on. I want to know if there are any variances in those propertiespared to cores that have been crushed. While this project hase up suddenly, it must take priority. Any questions?


    What about the rest of the team? someone asked, looking around the room.


    Roughly about a third of the regr team was assembled for Professor Jules briefing. Carey noted Alex Roth and Isolde von Anmut were missing.


    Theyre split between Analysis Rooms 2 and 3, and are prepping the equipment there. As soon as youre finished with your preliminary studies, I want the cores other properties tested immediately. Any other questions?


    Silence.


    Carey watched the dungeon core and exhaled.


    It was time to work.


    My lord Uldar, her head bowed and she whispered a prayer. Guide me. Guide my mind. Steady my hand. Keep me sharp. Let me find the way. Let me seek our enemys weaknesses so that your holy Heroes may destroy it forever.


    As she finished the prayer, she swallowed her fear, then looked at the dungeon core in surprise.


    Was she imagining thingsor was it a little darker than it had been mere heartbeats before? She pushed the thought away and got to work.


    Under Professor Jules guidance, the team began running a series of tests on the dungeon core, passing it from one researcher to the next and cing it in various machines. An air of tension hung in Analysis Room 1, but the researchers kept pushing on.


    Alright, Carey. A third year student handed her the core. Attach the mana conductor then well start the tests.


    Right, Ill have it done in a tick, she said, carefully taking the core in her gloved hands.


    Shock ran through her. She could sense the orbs manaas faint as it wasandsomething else. Agitation maybe? <em>Was</em> she imagining things?


    Carey focused her full attention on the dungeon core, trying to see if the agitation shed sensed was real, or imagined. Maybe it was because she was so nervous. She passed her mana over the orb, searching for the best ce to attach the mana


    Wait, what was that? What were <em>those</em>?


    She ran her mana over the core again.


    Were thoseentrances?


    Excitement rose in her chest.


    Uldar had guided her.

 Chapter 359: Usurpers

    Chapter 359: Usurpers


    Ohe now, Carey, dont be so silly! Carey admonished herself. This was examined by Professor Jules quite thoroughly, no doubt with upmost care and caution as per usual. What are the chances that youa studentwould notice something that she did not.


    She chuckled her own silliness.


    Uldar brings low those with too much pride, she muttered to herself.


    She looked at the other students, still gripped by the giggles. All of her highly qualified colleaguesmany of whom were upper years and far more skilled than herhad handled the dungeon core.


    <em>Of</em><em>course</em> they wouldve noticed such a thing.


    It was a mana richcross between a creature and a device, it would be only natural that would have mana pathways.


    Herughter drew the eye of the closest student, a thin young man named Nadir. Well, what has you giggling to yourself? he asked.


    Oh, pshah, its nothing. Absolutely nothing of relevance, she said. One has tough at oneself sometimes.


    Well, once youre done with your private joke, weve nearly got the machine prepped. Youll want to hook up the core any second.


    On it, on it, sorry for the dy! she said, her having a little bit of a singsong note in her amusement.


    By holy Uldar, I do so hope they dont think Ive lost it, she thought, returning her attention to the core. You know what, I should try and map out these pathways as best I can so I can know best where to attach the apparati. Uldar guide meIm sure the others would be able to do the same. It would be no good to embarrass myself.


    Humming a little tune, Carey separated her mana out into agile little portionsas shed learned to do through her alchemy ssand slipped her mana into the dungeon core.


    She gasped.


    Oh, it did <em>not</em> like that.


    The little mana left inside the core rushed at her, trying to push her out. Jumping back in surprise, she nearly dropped the core.


    You alright over there? Nadir asked, his eyes narrowing through the lenses of Youve been acting a bit funny He nced down at the core. this is a new experimental subject, if youre feeling off


    Oh, Im fine, just dandy, she said. Just felt something from the mana within the core.


    Right, its mana was moving around a little bit when I was handling it too, he said. Youre sure youre alright with it? If its too much


    Im fine, Carey insisted, flushing with embarrassment beneath her mask.


    Her fear of monsters invading the encampment was not exactlysecret among the other members of the expedition, to her humiliation. Thest thing she wanted was to be treated like she was some unhelpful coward.


    She turned back toward the core, anger burning in her chest.


    The Heroes might battle your kind in their own way with their own power, but I am also a child of Uldar. Of Thamnd. Im a member of the London family. You shant scare me again! she thought.


    Squeezing her mana back through the entrances, she sought to map out its inner pathways. The core fought her with everything it hadbut what it had wasnt much. Its inner mana was nearly spent, and its attempts to drive her away were so feeble that she couldve overrun it while asleep.


    Reaching deeper into the core along its inner pathways, she felt like shed hit the centre. The core had grown more and more frantic, but there was little it could do.


    Oh, pipe down, you! she thought. Its been ever so trying, dealing with you, now how do I reach the other side of you


    She froze.


    A connection was forged.


    Mana red.


    Images pushed themselves into Careys mind, causing her to shriek and drop the core. A heartbeatter, the images disappeared, leaving her shocked and breathing hard.


    The dungeon corey on the stones at her feet, unharmed, but paler than it had been a moment before. All the other researchers stared at her, their eyes wide through their lenses. Professor Jules rushed across the room and seized Carey by the shoulders.


    Whatwhat did you do? the professor whispered. I felt a surge of mana She looked down at the core. Did youdid you do something with the core?


    I Carey murmured. I dont know. I was experimenting with the pathways, trying to find the best entrance to attach the mana


    Wait, back up, Professor Jules said. You <em>felt</em> the pathways?


    Er, yes?


    Professor Jules looked at the rest of the research task. Youre all done for the day. Pack up and clean up theboratory. Nadir. Go get Alex Roth, then find Watcher Shaw and tell him to contact Chancellor Baelin. Its an emergency. Go. Now!


    Uh, yes! Nadir immediately rushed for the door.


    Professor? Carey murmured. Whats happening? Whatwhats going on? What did I do?


    Carey Professor Jules turned back to her, her eyes growing gentle and her voice growing soft. It would appear thatyou momentarily took control of a dungeon core.


    Careys thoughts froze.


    Waitcontrolled a dungeon core? That didnt make any sense. Why would a mortal be able to control a dungeon core? They were the enemy. That didnt make any sense. Only Ravener-spawn could use dungeon coresright?


    <em>what?</em> Her mind whirled. What does this mean, Professor?


    Idont know yet, Carey, I dont know, Professor Jules said.


    It struck the Ravener like a bolt of lightning.


    All seemed to shake around it and its thoughts fell into chaos. Many of its guardian monsters looked toward it, sensing the distress. Some looked for hidden opponents in the cavernsbut there was nothing they could do.


    This enemy was too far for them to strike.


    Much too far.


    Nothat was not right.


    The term enemy had be enemies.


    Now there was not one Usurper.


    There were two.


    The situation had degraded: two usurpers meant either that another mortal had identally taken over a dungeon core oreven worseit meant that the first usurper wasmunicating with others.


    Telling other mortals <em>how</em> take more dungeon cores.


    Things needed cutting off before they degraded even further.


    And now, certain criteria had been satisfied.


    First, it would make more hunters: it did not matter if the first pack were still hunting or if they were dead. The Ravener had refrained from making <em>too</em> many hunters at once, to avoid them being discovered.


    Its assassins greatest strengthy in mortals not knowing of their existence.


    But such secrecy mattered less now.


    And so did subtlety in general.


    As another batch of hunters shimmered into being, sliding from the Raveners deep ck surface, it reached deep into itself.


    Down toward the monstrous forms held within the deepest part of it.


    There. One was avable to it now, triggered by this emergency. It would cost an immense amount of mana to craft, and it had not produced such a creature in several cycles.


    But it did not hesitate, pouring its power into the form. It would take time to craft such a fearsome beast, but oncepleted, the Usurpers would know the meaning of terror.


    For few Ravener-spawn were as terrible as the creature it now forged.


    A Petrifier.


    Carey looked petrified, sitting in her chair in Jules office.


    Do youneed a drink? Alex asked, gripping his knees to steady himself.


    Hm? Oh, yes, I would like that ever so much, she said, looking toward the door. Will Professor Jules be back soon?


    I think so, Alex said, rising from his seat. Before shed departed, Jules had given Alex permission to fix Carey anything from her cab. She said shed be back with Baelin, and apparently hes already on his way.


    Goodgood. She nodded, shifting ufortably in her chair.


    Bottles and cups rattled as Alex prepared tea.


    IProfessor Jules youd also controlled the core? She looked up at him.


    Yeah, Alex said, putting the pot on the heating te. When I was experimenting with it in the field. Wedidnt exactly make that public until we found out more. but I guess we found out more pretty damn fast.


    She gave augh tinged with hysteria. By holy Uldarso the two of us then. Wait, the two of <em>us?</em> What about Professor Jules and Chancellor Baelin?


    Alex paused, about to ce the tea leaves into the infuser. She didnt tell you that part? I guess she didnt have timeCarey, they couldnt do it.


    She looked at him sharply, her eyes very wide. Alex, youre not making any sense at all. I did it so it should be <em>terribly</em> easy for wizards of their caliber.


    They cant even attempt it.


    Alex exined the Professor and Chancellors experiences.


    Whatthenwhy you and I? she asked.


    IIm not sure Alex said.


    Right she murmured, falling silent.


    The only sound in the room was the bubble of watering to a boil. As that bubble rose into a sharp, hissing whine, Alex poured the water and ced the infuser into the cup, covering it with a saucer to let it steep.


    He waited quietly, his eyes fixed on the cup.


    His mind, however, was anything but quiet. The young wizard was frantically noting simrities between he and Carey and contrasting them with their teachers.


    They were leading him in some fairlydisturbing directions.


    Thispletely destroys the theory that only Heroes or even Fools can do it. Completely destroys it. So think, what do you and Carey have inmon? She and I are both wizards, he thought. And <em>thats</em>important. Hijacking a core requires maqna maniption. That means mana. That usually means wizard. Okay. Okay, what else do we have inmon? Well theres the obvious


    He picked up the saucer and stirred the tea. Cream? Sugar?


    Sugar, Carey said. A lot of it.


    Right, he said, spooning a couple of scoops into the tea.


    His mind kept working.


    Right, theres the obvious simrities, Alex thought. Were both young, were both Thameish and were both followers of Uldar. but by the Traveller, why in all the hells would a belief in Uldar be the criteria to activate a dungeon core? Or even being Thameish? What in all bloody hells does that even mea


    Youre not being sensible! Professor Jules voice boomed from the hallway.


    Alex and Carey jumped, looking at each other and then toward the door.


    There was a deep voice that said something in the hall, but even Alexs sharp ears couldnt quite pick it out.


    You have to think of Professor Jules voice boomed before falling low. Perhaps shed started speaking quieter.


    What certainly wasnt quiet was the sound of boots and hoovesing down the hall. They sounded like they were in a hurry and


    <em>Thoom.</em>


    Alex and Carey jumped as the door banged open and both Professor Jules and Chancellor Baelin swept into the room, shutting it behind them.


    The ancient wizard looked serious, while Professor Jules was agitated.


    Alex slowly handed Carey her tea, and she took it with a trembling hand.


    Alex, Carey, Professor Jules said. I want you off the expedition until further notice.


    Alex gasped.


    Carey yelped, nearly dropping her tea.


    Hold on, dont panic. Baelin held up a hand. You are not being removed from the expedition.


    Baelin, Professor Jules said. This is too strange. Too many unknowns. Too many possible dangers. Think about it: about a dozen students handled the living dungeon core today, and the only ones thatfound its mana pathways are our Thameish students? Baelin, this quite frankly stinks, and until we find out more, I think our students should be <em>out</em> of Thamnd.


    And <em>I</em> disagree. Carey and Alex are two valuable members of the research team, and they are <em>grown</em>adults, not children to be hidden.


    And we are dealing with forces were just starting to understand here, Professor Jules said. Listen to me. First we find out that the dungeon cores have a nearly <em>apocalyptic </em>reaction with chaos essence, then Alex gets attacked while just outside of Greymoor in an event that looks suspiciously like a trap, then we find out that the dungeon cores can be controlled by seemingly only Thameish students?


    Or followers of Uldar, Baelin noted calmly.


    Followers of Uldar? Carey cut in. Wh-why would that be the reason we could control dungeon cores? Theyre ourtheyre our gods eternal enemies.


    Baelin looked like he was about to say something, then thought better of it. Before we get too hasty, Vernia, why do we not ask the students in question what their choice would be, considering everything?


    Im staying, Alex said without hesitation. With this discovery, I want to dive deeper into this as much as I can.


    A moment of silence hung in the air.


    Then all three other wizards looked at Carey.

 Chapter 360: The Challenges of Faith

    Chapter 360: The Challenges of Faith


    Ino, no I dont want to go, Carey said, with a hint of iron in her voice. Everyday the Heroes and our army fight monsters across thend. They stay in the fight. They persevere. What right do I have to scurry off like a scared little mouse? I could never face my family ever again. She looked directly at the alchemy professor.


    Jules looked back at her for a long, silent moment. Then she closed her eyes and drew a breath so deep, her body shook.


    Miss London, she measured her words. I strongly rmend that both you and Mr. Roth return to campus. It wont be for long, but until we determine if youll be safe here, I think you should step back. You can still work with the expedition on the Generasi side of things. In time, well be bringing samples back to the Cells for processing, further experimentation, and prototyping. You could both make your contribution there. Any thoughts, Mr. Roth?


    No thanks, Alex said. I get what youre saying, Professor Jules, and I know youre trying to keep us safe. ButI think Id be more useful here on site, and one reason, ironically enough, <em>is </em>because Im<em></em>Thaemish. Ive also got ygon, and I can handle myself, and Baelin wont always be here to break dungeons across his knee, which means well need all hands on deck.


    We have plenty of Watchers, Professor Jules countered. Your help is appreciated, Mr. Roth, but She turned to Baelin. Tell them what you told me.


    The chancellors nostrils red. There might be a chance that you two could be hunted for this discovery. Those images that were revealed when you took control of the core


    I saw something too! Carey cried, turning to Alex. What did you see?


    Uh He looked at Baelin, who nodded and remained silent. Well, it was strange. These images of monsters and ces Id never seen before suddenly shed into my head. They were only there briefly, though.


    By Uldar, I think we saw the same thing, and what I saw onlysted for a few seconds too! she said. What does it all mean?


    Well, Baelin said. It could mean that theres a degree ofmunication between dungeon cores. Perhaps you saw images of other dungeons, considering there were monsters in what you both experienced. That could indicate the presence of some hivemind ormunication apparatus existing between dungeon cores.


    He looked at Carey solemnly. In full disclosure, if I were this Ravener and I knew someone had discovered how to control my dungeon coresthe means of producing my soldiersmy armiesI would stop at nothing to ensure that individual was eliminated. I am not saying this to scare you, but before you make a decisionI feel you should know what you could be up against.


    Carey paused. Sat up a little taller in her chair. Thank you ever so much for that, Chancellor Baelin, butI still want to see this through. TheresI have so many questions now. How can I leave when theyre yet to be answered?


    Exactly, Alex agreed. Im staying too. And hell, weve got a castle here with some of the best trainedbat wizards in the world. This might be<em> the </em>safest ce in all of Thamnd.


    II think so too, she said, her lower lip trembling ever so slightly. The determination in her voice matched her fear.


    Excellent, Baelin said. Spoken like Proper Wizards.


    I Professor Jules frowned, looking at Baelin. I dont like this, Baelin. Its our duty as instructors and leaders in this school to see that our students use caution, and not assume unnecessary risks.


    The path of wizardry is a dangerous one, Vernia. You yourself know this, he said. If one wanted to live apletely safe life, one would be better served bing a tailor, perhaps. Or opening a shop to peddle fruits and vegetables. Magic is a deadly art, and wizards must know how to make their own decisions in the face of those dangers. We cannot shield them from all risk, we just cannot, nor should we even try. Well simply be doing them a disservice when theyre no longer hidden beneath our wings. We also shouldnt be the ones to decide what risks they choose to face.


    The path of wizardry was a lot more dangerous <em>before</em> we came up with safety regtions, proper mentorships, and the like. Jules shook her head, her eyes growing distant. No more using apprentices to provide blood for sacrifices, or tricking them into diving into ancient, dangerous ruins to fetch dangerous artefacts. Young wizards are no longer turned into mulch by an angry demon they identally summonedmost of the time. We dont want to go back to the dark old days, remember, they were put aside for very good reasons. Its up to usthose with wisdom and experienceto guide and protect our young wizards.


    What you are suggesting is beyond that, Baelin said firmly. I understand the need for caution, but if we start stepping too far into that realm, we risk taking away a students agency. You remember that idiotic meeting we attended a few years back dont you? Where it was suggested that our curriculum be altered so nearly ny percent of courses are pre-selected for students in an effort to promote He made air quotes and his look grew disgusted. optimization and universal skill building in the modern wizard? You fought against that as hard as I did, arguing that such a thing would defeat the choice afforded every wizard.


    Thats different, Baelin, she said. What youre arguing is the equivalent to saying that every student should be given the choice to <em>not </em>wear safety equipment in theb, because enforcing such rules would take away from a students experience. I am not proposing we kick students off the expedition, only that they serve from a <em>safer ce</em>.


    And these students are in their second year. They undertook this expedition knowing that there would be dangers, monsters, and an entire warzone to be wary of. They knew there would be unknown substances to experiment on. I do not think we would serve them well by drawing a line for them. When they are out in the world and the unexpected happens, we wont be there to whisk them away. I believe exposure to the unknown now, will give them skills to deal with itter.


    Grandma, grandpa please stop fighting! Alex screamed internally.


    Careys eyes darted back and forth between the two wizards.


    Neither Baelin nor Professor Jules had raised their voices during their discussionthere was a deadly calm in their tonesbut it was clear that hooves, and heels were dug in.


    They even seemed to have forgotten that Alex and Carey were still in the room, growing increasingly wide-eyed.


    This is an unknown among unknowns, Professor Jules said. How many expeditions were destroyed by an expedition leader saying oh just a little farther? Remember the Silt Cave Disaster? We lost Professor Collins and five promising graduate students because of foolhardy decisions.


    A false equivalency, Vernia. And you know it. You love your students, and you should, but if you coddle them


    Coddle them? Professor Jules eyebrows shot up. I want to keep them alive. Baelin, with all due respect, this is not some barbarian age where folk have to fight and die everyday for their meat. Were in a time of science and magic


    And faith, Carey whispered, but if Jules heard her, she didnt look her way.


    and these two young wizards have an excellent future ahead. Simply having them pause the headlong rush into dangerous mysteries I think is more about being reasonable, and less about coddling.


    And I think you are underestimating our students capabilities, Baelin said, pride filling his voice. I epted the position as chancellor of the university because I also love wizardry, and seeing new wizards entering the world prepared for its trials. But those trials are often dangerous, and if we train our students to run and hide from shadows even when they are in a safe location backed by some of our best security forces, then what are we teaching them? Were teaching them to cower, to run.


    He gestured to the pair of young wizards. Neither student has requested anything unreasonable: Alex has provenbat capabilities. Hes taking my course and is also performing so excellently in the expedition, thatquite franklyhe would have to literally spit on his written final exam not to gain credit for year two of the Art of the Wizard in Combat. Allowing autonomy to challenge and assess the world is important for his growth, or hell be unprepared for the dangers of the wider world.


    He looked at Alex. Do you not agree?


    Alex swallowed nervously, not wanting to get caught between the two wizards and their opposing points of view. He saw reason in both arguments, and hede to care dearly about both professors. It almost felt like he was being pulled into one of Mr. and Mrs. Lus arguments.


    Uh he said carefully. I agree with both of you butI dunnoIve gained power. If I dont use it then whats the point? I want to do things as safely as I can, but I think I can handle whateversing. And if there is something nastyingwhy should I hide back in Generasi while my colleagues are here facing it?


    Professor Jules looked like she was about to say something, but bit it back. Worry had taken over her expression.


    Well spoken, Alex. Next, Baelin gestured to Carey. Carey, on the other hand, has nobat experience. Do you?


    Carey flinched. Not really.


    But you are an excellent alchemist, and you have not said that you have any desire to suddenly rush into battle and risk yourself even though youre not experienced or equipped for such rigours, have you?


    No, Carey said. I do want to continue working on the frontline ever so muchbut here in the encamper, castle. If I went out there, I know Id just be a danger to myself and anyone else with me. So, Ill stay where I can best helpespecially becausetheres only the two of us whove engaged with a dungeon core so far, yes?


    She looked at Professor Jules, whos nod came reluctantly.


    ThenI must stay, I simply must! We have to learn everything we can about all of this. And, my countrymenI am terribly frightened to be sure, but I wont let my fear send me retreating like a coward.


    SIlence hung in the air.


    Baelin looked at Jules. And there you have it. Reason. If we deny them now, Verniawe would not turn them into Proper Wizardswe would turn them into cowards.


    Professor Jules jaw flexed rhythmically.


    I she said. Iseem to have been outvoted. Well, I cant stand in your way if the three of you want this so much. But I disapprove. I very much disapprove.


    She sighed, shaking her head. Well, what do we do


    Professor, why are Alex and I the only ones who managed to do this? Carey asked. Why us? What is going on, and why would mortals even be able to control a dungeon core?


    Professor Jules cleared her throat. Well, Miss Londonit might be too early for a hypothesis, but there are two obviousmonalities between you and Mr. Roth. First, you are both Thameishand secondly, you are both followers of Uldar.


    Carey paused, working through Jules answer.


    And the colour began to drain from her face.


    Butwhy in Uldars name would that allow us to control thesethesedevil-orbs? she cried. They are our enemy, so, why? Why would we maybe Uldars grace is simply so mighty, that it lets us seize control of dungeon cores against their will? Her eyes darted. M-much as a mouse would bow to a lion in the soutnds!


    Baelin and Professor Jules looked at each other.


    The ancient wizard cleared his throat. Perhaps that might be a fair hypothesispower can be a tipping factor in many situations. But uhI was unable to even attempt this myself, the same is true for Professor Jules.


    Oh thats alright, Chancellor Baelin, Carey said. Theres no shame in not being as powerful as a god


    Carey, no! Alex screamed internally, feeling like he was watching a rudderless ship steaming toward a reef.


    especially one as great as Uldar, the young woman finished, her tone filled with the innocence of a child reporting the colour of the sky on a given day.


    Professor Jules gasped.


    Alex considered having ygon break down the walls and yank him from the room.


    Baelin stared at Carey for a moment, a look of shock on his face for the very first time since Alex had known him. Then he threw his head back and a boomingugh filled the room. Oh my, Carey, there was a timethere was a time he said, wiping a tear from his eye.


    He had an edge to his voice right below the surface that Alex caught, leaving him feeling like the spectre of death had just flown by.


    Welllet us say for a moment that you are correct, and that your deity Uldar is my better, he said. It could be possible. Not all deities are made from the same stern stuff, after all.


    He stroked his beard. But there are two issues with your hypothesis: the first being<em>you</em> and Alex are not Uldar. You are not priests either, and so do not wield his divine power for yourselves. The second issue is that its not about powerits that the dungeon cores entrances do not even <em>appear</em> for others aside from you and Alex, so far. Its as though theyre <em>designed</em> only to be essible by certain individuals. Which indicates somethingless than idental.


    Waityoure suggesting that theres somepurpose to allowing children of Uldarof Thamnd to control dungeon cores? Whose purpose? Carey asked.


    Baelin shrugged. That I do not know, my child. Your guess is as good as mine.


    The thing is, Alex cut in. The historical records cover how Uldar fought the Ravener the first time, right? They also cover how Heroes rose up to fight him in subsequent timesbut information about those first battles are vague. We dont even know where the Ravener came from.


    But whywhy Uldars children? Carey muttered, her eyes growing distant. Whywhy would Uldars own be able to contrnd why does no one know of this? we must tell the church, right away!


    I dont know about that, Carey, Alex said. Our kingdoms been fighting the Ravener forat least a millennium, maybe longer. This should bemon knowledge among our people. It couldnt have stayed hidden for this long, unless


    Unless someone or something wanted it to remain hidden, Professor Jules finished. Which is why details must be revealed cautiously.


    But Carey had begun to shake. Someone<em> must</em> know!


    Yeah, I agree, Alex said, watching Carey as his mind worked. Thats why I think we should start by only telling a few people. People that are already close to the expedition.


    Carey looked at him sharply. Who?


    The Heroes.

 Chapter 361: Challenged Beliefs and Alternate Plans

    Chapter 361: Challenged Beliefs and Alternate ns


    Hmmmm. Thats not a half-bad idea, Baelin said. It should also increase trust between us and themthough, I doubt they would be likely to believe us by our word alone.


    I know I wouldnt, Carey said, looking more shaken as the realisation that mortals could control dungeon cores yed in her mind. I never would have believed it.


    Which is why we need at least one of them to try it. We should invite them back here. Alex pushed on. Listen, if this is half as big as it looks, they should know. Imagine if they could turn the Raveners own weapons against it?


    He crossed his arms across his chest, considering possibilities. We know you need mana and mana maniption for it to work, and of course being Thameish goes without being said. I bet Drestra could do it, probably Cedric too. That way we let them know whats happening, and they get a heads up about enemiesfrom the Ravener orelsewhere.


    You mean cultists? Carey asked.


    Baelin, Alex and Jules exchanged a quick nce.


    Professor Jules cleared her throat. Careythe likelihood that this was <empletely </em>unnoticed by everyone in Thamnd for all of history iswell its possible, but highly unlikely.


    Indeed, Baelin agreed. In a situation like this, if such a fact is unknown by everyone who has any reason to know it, even after the passage of so much time, I would have to say its most likely that someentity or entities do <em>not </em>wish it to be known.


    What? Carey blinked herrge eyes. Are you saying you thinkyou think theres some kind of conspiracy? I dont mean to be disrespectful but, that just sounds like absolute madness! Right round the bend! ItIm sure it can all be exined. Look at all that our teams have discovered so quickly about the dungeon cores. Secrets that eluded our kingdom and the church for centuries! I meanI mean Her words stopped, and a pained look crossed her face. I meanof course we have Generasis advanced magics and technologies to work with Her voice dropped. Yet, I was able to interact with the core without magics or technology, I simply picked it up. She was almost whispering now, a catch in her voice.Someone surely should have figured this out by now Her words trailed off.


    She looked paler. By Uldarwhat is going on?


    I dont know, and thats why Im thinking we tell the Heroes. That way, theyll be warned since this information would matter most to them, and the way I see it, theyd be least likely to be in onwhatevers going on, if there is something going on.


    And if they are, we can watch their reactions first-hand, andshould they prove to be treacherousdispense with them before they can even consider striking us, Baelin said.


    Alex looked at him somberlyknowing he was right: if the Heroes did turn out to be enemies, better to catch them alone and off guard, than with the full backing of


    he really would like to know who the hell they were fighting.


    He waited for Carey to raise a protest, but she was silent.


    Alex watched as her bodynguage seemed to wilt. There was a slump to her shoulders like a terrible weight had been ced on them. Everything about the way she looked spoke of turmoil, despair.


    He remembered what hed felt like in the Cave of the Traveller. All the questions he suddenly had. All the doubts. All the fears. Hijacking that core had shaken him. After all, who wouldnt be shaken if they learned that what theyd been taught from childhood, what theyd believed without question, should actually be questioned. That their gods and their homnds eternal enemy could be controlled by mortals, and no one had ever told them that?


    Except, it was even worse for her.


    After his experience in the Travellers Cave, hed assumed that all mortals could control dungeon cores. Now, hede to understand that not all mortals could, and if dungeon cores could only be controlled by people of Thamnd or specifically followers of Uldarit meant that something was <em>terribly </em>wrong with their understanding of the Ravener, their struggle, and


    Alex gripped the armrests on his chair.


    maybe even Uldar himself.


    Uldars gift to the people was to destroy the Raveners first incarnation, andthento create the Heroes. Butif his children could control dungeon cores, then whywhy would he not tell them that?


    Why bother with Heroes at all, why not encourage followerswho were most powerful in magicto takemand of the cores and use their own monsters against them?


    Alex remembered Baelins distaste for deities and indeed, many were selfish, petty, fickle and arrogant. But others were kind, and wanted the best for their followers. Hed been <em>raised </em>on stories that Uldar was kind and caring.


    The evening of his eighteenth birthday had changed his thinking and taken away some of his reverence for his god, but it hadnt entirely died. But, now? Here he was wondering exactly what the great and holy Uldar intended.


    What <em>was</em> his n?


    The more he thought, the more disturbing possibilities came to mindand that was troubling for him, someone whose faith in Uldar had be casual at best.


    What about someone as devout as Carey?


    She could either fall into denial and hold on to her faith, make excuses and look for other possibilities, be angry and treat what was before her as lies


    Carey shifted in her chair, clutching her trouser knees and chewing her lower lip. Her feet were nted squarely on the stones: all signs of someone trying to ground themselves. Her mannerisms spoke of


    doubt.


    Alex felt a stab of sympathy in his heart. Carey had never been his favourite person in Generasi, annoying at times though fairly harmless, but shed always been a goodb partner and she wasnt malicious. Did she deserve to have her world shattered?


    As someone whod lived that several times in his life, he didnt think so.


    You know, perhaps we should let this issue lie for now, Baelin broke through Alexs thoughts, watching Carey carefully. It istrying in many ways, as some revtions can be. I agree with Alexs idea of reaching out to the Heroes, and you, Vernia?


    The alchemy professor frowned, seeming to calcte things in her head. Ughif I wanted this sort of intrigue and danger I wouldve be a court wizard. Iyes, I think its a good idea. Sitting on this for too long might reflect negatively on us if it were toe outidentally.


    Speaking of that, the chancellor said. Until we are ready to reveal this, I will be calling all members of the expedition to a meeting. And I strongly rmend the use of pact magic to ensure that this does not leak outside the team before we are ready.


    Jules looked at him sharply. Really? Are you sure thats necessary?


    I believe so, Baelin said gravely. I am sure that at the very least the researchers who were in yourb today will already be asking what has happened andwith information as sensitive as this, I would prefer it didnt find a winding road into some demon summoners hands this time. It might sound distrustfulbut I wont risk betrayal again, it has already cost us too much, and were still dealing with fallout in the form of cultists to this day, right here in Thamnd. Is there any opposition?


    Alex didnt even have to think about it. No he said. I think its best. And I also get why.


    Fair enough, Professor Jules agreed.


    Her words were followed by a drawn out silence.


    Hm? Sorry? Carey blinked, pulling herself from her thoughts. Er, yes, yes. Ill swear not to tell a soul by way of pact magic.


    Good, the ancient wizard said. Then we will do so. And Ill make sure the Heroes of Thamnd are contacted as soon as possible. If nothing else, if one of them chooses to attempt controlling a dungeon core, then well have another data point to go by.


    ###


    Pactspacts Drestra whispered, drawing symbols in the dirt with a stick. Can I trick him? Is there some loophole I can exploit in Lord Aenflynns words? Maybe I canno, no, no.


    She scratched out the idea, thinking back to the old stories.


    Games of wordy often came up in stories of the fae. There were too many disturbing tales of mortals whod made deals with fae, only to have the otherworldly creatures trap them with some hidden meaning in their own words. But, that was the problem: <em>most</em> of those stories were about fae tricking <em>people</em> with words, not the other way around.


    And Aenflynn was a fae lord: she doubted hed be obliging enough to leave her some easy to find loophole to capitalise on. After weeks of mulling over the problem, she still hadnte up with anything that the ancient, clever fae wouldnt immediately see through.


    Worse, even if she were to trick himit wasnt as if hed be doing them a one time service, and then shed never see him again. His armies would be fighting by their side, and mortal children would be held in the fae realm. Even if Aenflynn miraculously honoured a deal he was tricked into, suppose he instructed his troops not to fight as hard as they could? Or what if he took vengeance out on the children given over to the fae realm?


    At the end of the day, the best thing to do was to honour the spirit of the deal and make sure the fae lord walked away satisfied.


    If they


    <em>Crack.</em>


    She caught the sound of a dry leaf crunching beneath a light footstep and whirled around. A familiar, white robed figure was making his way through the trees.


    Merzhin? she called out.


    Holy Sage. There you are, by Uldars holy will, his high-tenor voice sounded relieved as he broke through the trees. The Holy Champion sent me to find you. We have made ready to travel to the fae wilds again. Are you prepared to go?


    No, Drestra thought.


    Yes. She stepped away from the patch of ground shed been writing on, rubbing the symbols away with her foot. Lets get this done.


    Together, they made their way back to camp as Merzhin nced back at her.


    Did you have a pleasant timemuning with the wilderness? he asked, an awkward friendliness in his voice. Ive always found it so delightful how the Witches of the Crymlyn weave the reverence of nature into your worship of Uldar. Its an admirable denomination, I think. For


    He cleared his throat. <em>lo, did Uldar make all the fields fertile and the forests lush, and his benediction made the rivers and seas forevermore hold plenty so that his children might feast of hisnd for all their days. For thisnd is his greatest domain and his greatest gift to all who follow the sign of the hand.</em>


    He made the sign of the hand before his chest. <em>Always</em>, he finished the recitation of the holy scripture. I find that some focus too little on the agrarian sides of Uldars great domain.


    Drestra gave him a long look. We worshipped the spirits, fae andnd long before Uldar. It only made sense that he join them, not be worshipped instead of them.


    Mmm, yes, <em>fae</em>. Merzhin almost seemed to spit the word. I have no idea why were even still entertaining this nonsense. Surely even <em>you</em> must be tired of it by now. This fae lord increases his price each time we are undecided. But how can we decide? What he wants from us is too monstrous to even consider. Were wasting time, dont you agree?


    No, Drestra said tly. I dont think we are. I think wed be foolish not to look at everything if were going to win this war.


    Faith in Uldar and his gifts shall win us the war, Merzhin said. Unshakable faith. Your faith is light, Holy Sage. It is thin, like dried wheat. Have faith. Trust in Uldar and us. Look at how many cycles we have ovee the enemy, and understand that we will seed.


    Im not having this argument again, Merzhin, Drestra said.


    All of this desperation weighs heavily on the spirit, he said. You give yourself to a higher power


    Enough, Drestra warned him.


    He gave her a look and sighed. Very well. I will drop it for now.


    Not just for now,  she grunted, turning her thoughts back to the problem at hand.


    As much as she hated to admit it, Merzhin was right: the way things were going, these moon-timed meetings with Aenflynn were a waste of time. The fae lord, of course, had all the time in the world to spare.


    He was an immortal or near-immortal creature, and his people werent the ones being harmed by the Ravener. The fae even called the Raveners attacks the Times of Plenty. But the Heroes had far less time to spare, and less hope as he simply raised his price each time they dyed their decision.


    Now the number of children he was requesting had risen to a level that even made her ufortable. Butshe couldnt just let go of the thought of gaining those powerful forces for the war effort.


    Think about the <em>spirit</em> of what he wishes, Drestra thought. Taking fae changelings and making themfortable here is no problemits the children going over to the fae thats the unbearable part. But does it have to be children? He wantssomething to rece the forces hes giving us. So that means power. Mortal children would grow up in the fae world and live longer than adult mortal soldiers. Which means he wants power that willst. Military support for us nowmilitary growth for himter. But we cant hand him just any sort of power. What if he turns it on us? So it needs to be something that we can give him that wont turn on usand something that willst


    Drestra! Merzhin! Harts voice boomed, echoing through the trees. New informationse in! Theres a cult to the east that needs paying a not so friendly visit to, and the priests have called for you, Merzhin. Drestra, the Generasians have called for usand they made it sound urgent!

 Chapter 362: Suppositions and Stories

    Chapter 362: Suppositions and Stories


    Oh by Uldar, the Traveller and all my ancestors, Theresa shook her head, holding it between both hands. I cant believe this. Only you and Carey? she said, looking up at Alex. I just cantI cant believe this.


    I think there would be few who could, Prince Khalik said, leaning against the wall and crossing his muscr arms. This would be like the people of the four Kingdoms of the Blue Delta learning that the machine gods that gue them every dry season were actually the servants of their kings. It isshattering, potentially.


    I''m wondering if its just people whore Thameish that can control it, or if its those who follow Uldar. Theresa said, watching the activity around them. And it doesnt look like were the only ones with questions.


    Jules and Baelins briefing had been more than an hour ago, and its ripple effects were being felt everywhere in the encampment. Researchers, guards, and builders had paused their workfreed from their tasks for the rest of the dayand many huddled in their own little groups, discussing the news. A noise like thunder announced Vesuvius tromping through the half-finished courtyard with Tyris perched high on his back.


    Her eyes lingered on Alex as they passed him and his friends, but she didnt stop. Sitting under the branches of the aeld tree, Meikara and her medical colleagues talked among themselves, often stealing nces lexs way with expressions ranging from curiosity to fear. But, the blood mages werent the only ones watching the Thameish wizard. Some were outright staring, whispering to each other like insects droning in the courtyard. Others watched the tents and partly finished out-buildings, probably looking for Carey, but they were out of luck. The young woman had returned to Generasi as soon as the team had finished binding themselves to a pact of shared secrecy.


    It was Baelins magic, and it would curse anyone who broke the pact with a growing agony that led to paralysis.


    Between what Carey had described to Professor Jules as a sour stomach, a chalk-likeplexion, and a deep need to return to campus to think, Jules had offered her a potion to settle her stomach, which she was sipping on when Alex hadst seen her heading to the teleportation circle.


    Baelin had also left the encampment, teleporting away to pick up the Heroes, while Jules was locked in her office, tackling a mountain of paperwork from the unexpected direction their research had taken.


    That only left Alex, and while some folk would have cast politeness to the wind ande rushing over to pepper him with questions, it was clear that he and his friends wanted privacy. They were wedged in a corner of the inner wall, away from everyone.


    There were some who still mightve been bold enough to casually saunter over anywayacting nonchntbut Grimloch, Brutus and ygon made for a fine deterrent. Arge hunk of meat disappeared into the shark man''s mouth, gnashing teeth made short work of it as he stared at passersby with his dead eyes. If the briefing had bothered him in any way, youd never know it from/by looking at him. He was enthusiastically tossing his food in the air and snatching it with his teeth like he was ying his own game of catch. If Baelin and Jules had announced that a meal would bete, Alex had no doubt he wouldve looked more concerned.


    Brutus had two heads tucked into a bowl of dried meat, while his third whined softly, watching his master and licking her hand.


    ygon was silent, of course, but his head was turned toward the aeld tree, like they weremunicating as it gave off its soothing light in the middle of the courtyard.


    Leaning against the golem, Thundar was chewing on a carrot, his furry brow was creased in thought. Isolde paced back and forth, muttering to herself with her hands sped behind her back.


    It is most curious, she said. And it calls into question so many historical and ideological events. Even spiritual ones, depending on what the answer to this puzzle turns out to be.


    Yeah, Thundar said. I guess to get some answers, wed need to find a Thameish person whos got mana and doesnt worship Uldar to get them to try and hijack a core.


    Or an Uldarite who isnt Thameish, Alex said. But finding them is going to be like hunting for a tick in a field. Just about everyone in Thamnd worships Uldar, or at least pays some measure of respect to him.


    Best bet would be someone who emigrated here, Theresa said. Itd have to be someone who moved to Thamnd and became a subject of the kingdom, but didnt join the church. Someone we can trust.


    That''d be easier to do, butwell, I think any pool of people who lived in Thamnd and didnt believe in Uldar would be small to begin with, but even smaller now because they mightve started believing in him when the Ravener came back, Alex said. Or maybe itd drive them awayI dunno. But one thing we know for sure, they wouldve been hard to find in the first ce, but nearly impossible since almost everyones left Thamnd now.


    One thing we must understand is when someone is considered Thameish, Isolde pointed out. Is it when they have moved here? Is it if they were born here?


    That parts easy at least, Theresa said. Heroes onlye from Thameish folk, but we know that some past Heroes came from othernds originally. The Traveller was supposed to be from somewhere else, and there was<strong></strong>a<strong></strong>Chosen a few cycles before that who was actually born in Rhinea and came to Thamnd when she was five. She and her family swore an oath to the king when they came here, so that made her Thameish enough to be marked as the leader of the Heroes in her time.


    Ah, well that does help narrow things down, Isolde said, shaking her head. Buteither situation proves grim. We Rhineans take pride in historically offering our Thameish cousins shelter while your Heroes battle the Ravenerbut there are those who do not approve of this arrangement.


    She crossed her arms. Some of our noblesin about having to house and feed the Thameish when they arrive because taxes on all Rhineans are raised by the emperor. The collected funds are then used to support those who fled your kingdom. It is our duty, but some chafe at it. if they were to learn that some of your people could <em>control</em> the dungeon cores of your enemies


    Oof, I didnt even think of that, Alex said. Support would probably dry up hard, wouldnt it?


    Do not think so little of the majority of us. Most would dly continue to aid our alliesbut some would, no doubt, begin to petition the emperor for achange in policy. It could create some unfortunate discord.


    Ah, the wonders of politics and the greedy, shortsighted desires of petty nobles, Khalik grunted. It does not bode well. I wonder. Has there been any change in the orb, Alex? I wish Id had the opportunity to see it.


    Oh no, Jules has it locked down tight. Alex looked over at the research building. At least a dozen Watchers and some golems were brought over from campus to guard it. Baelin even ced more than one ward on the door of the Analysis room its inyoud have an easier time breaking into a merchants vault than getting in there. As for how its doing. Well, its getting darkerst I saw of it, which means it''s manas building. No surprise there: dungeon cores feed off of fear, and theres been enough fear and anxiety floating around here for it to feed off of.


    Can theymunicate with each other? Isolde asked, throwing a nervous look toward the research building. The idea that we could have brought a spy into our midst concerns me.


    Nobody knows yet, Alex said. Thats something we were going to look intobefore all this happened. Its one of the reasons its been locked down under all those wards.


    Hm. Khalik smoothed his beard. A core that creates monsters. A core that feeds on the fear of mortalkind to power itself. A core that strikes only at those from a certain kingdomand yet, that same core can only be controlled by those it victimisesit would be poetic if it were not so grim. And suspicious. It gives us a lot to specte about.


    Hey, youre all looking like someone spit on your ancestors graves, but aint this a good thing? Thundar asked. Think about it: all the sinister shit aside, we just got ourselves a powerful new tool.


    He began listing the benefits on his thick fingers. For one, weve got something that could make <em>us</em>monsters. That means unlimited specimens and guards for us. No more fearing Ravener-spawn if we just throw their own creatures at them. Two, we can use it to change terrain in any way we want. Isnt that badass? Wed raise the castle even faster. Those mining operations the leaderships been talking aboutthe ones our fae friend found. Think about it, Alexwe wouldnt even have to use earth mages for that. One dungeon core and, <em>voom!</em>


    The minotaur spread his arms. We can just open up the earth like were cracking a walnut. Third, we can learn <em>exactly </em>how a whole living dungeon core works. Do you know what my tribe calls an animal whose behaviour we know <em>all</em> about? Prey, my friends, prey!


    Mmmmm, quite true, Thundar, Khalik said. If we can use the dungeon cores to change terrain, we could have roads throughout Greymoor before the season ends. But! While we know that they can be made to alter terrain, we do not know if they can be made to make monsters. And even if they can, will those monsters also be under our control, or will they simply turn on us as soon as they appear? Then there is another issue: Alex, does anyone know how a dungeon coremakes a dungeon? How does it bring<strong></strong>an area ofnd under its control?


    Once we get through the initial<strong></strong>tasks and make some data sheets, thats probably the next thing well be working on, Alex said. But theres been no time for any of that. Folks are reeling, and with the Heroes on their way, we probably wont have time to run full experiments for a while.


    Theresa gave Alex a long, meaningful look, then looked away. ExperimentsI feel like Im in the middle of a giant experiment right now.


    What do you mean? Alex asked softly.


    ...it wouldve been <em>one</em> thing if it turned out that <em>any </em>mortal could use the dungeon cores, she said carefully. Grimloch still didnt know about their experience in the Cave of the Traveller, and what theyd learned there. Very few people outside of the cabal did. But its like its <em>tailor made</em> so only its <em>victims</em> can control it. Imagine? If a deer found out that the only living creatures that could control wolves were other deer. Its like a joke.


    She looked up at the clear sky, her eyes focusing on a dark cloud moving from the east. It was still distant, but it looked threatening. The wind had a crisp bite to it. First snow woulde any day now. Does Uldar <em>know</em> his people can control dungeon cores? Hed have to, wouldnt he? So then why bother with Heroes? Why send five young folks to fight and die if any one of us, if we have mana, can just take control of our enemies? Why?


    Hmmm, I have a couple of theories, Khalik said. There was once a story I heard as a boy. Two lions were attacking a mine in the north of Tekezash, killing miners and making them into their meals. Now, you must understand, mortals are not the usual prey of lions: they have learned to fear us, our weapons and our magics over the millenia. So this was strange. The other thing that was strange was that these were <em>male</em>lions, and not young ones either. Mature male lions would normally be leading prides and letting most of the lionesses do the hunting. And finally, the lions were beyond cunning. It was uncanny. They seemed to know the ways of humanity. How we hunted. What our weapons were. So, for ten months, the lions killed at will. They seemed unstoppable. And then something odd happened.


    He tapped the shortsword at his waist. A slew of mercenaries were hired to kill the beastsmany died. But there was one: a young man from the kingdom of Tsava who joined the hunt with four others. Hispanions were hunted and killed, but when the lions stalked him he called out in Tsahis mother tonguefor them to stop. And would you know it? They did.


    Why? Isolde asked.


    Well, as it turned out, they understoodmands in Tsa. The young mercenary took the lions with him while an investigation was done and it so happened that a rich merchant and hunter from Tsava had a pair of trained hunting-lions escape his pens. That is why they were so clever: they were trained to hunt at his side, so they used the skills theyd been trained to.


    Jeez, what happened to the merchant? Alex asked.


    He happily took his prized lions back and rewarded the young mercenaryonly for the lions to run away again. As it happened, the young man had been a kinder master than their former one. And so they went back to him. Together, they hunted monsters all over the region. But the point is, these dungeon cores might be some mortals<strong></strong>creation. Maybe some ancient wizard made them: one of your countrymen from the past perhaps. And then the cores went out of control. Maybe this Ravener took them then, and now you must take them back.


    Not the craziest theory Ive ever heard, Alex said.


    I got a theory too, Grimloch jumped in. But if this ones right, youve got a <em>big</em> problem.

 Chapter 363: Heroic Tricks and Divine Gifts

    Chapter 363: Heroic Tricks and Divine Gifts


    What do you mean, a big problem? Khalik asked.


    Youll understand when I finish. Mmmmany of youndbound people ever heard the story of Bowar-Og? Grimloch rumbled, picking his teeth with a bone.


    No, I cannot say I have, Khalik said.


    Naw, Thundar said.


    No, Theresa and Alex echoed.


    Isolde shook her head.


    Right. Grimloch licked thest of the meat juices from his fingers. Bowar-Og was a folk hero. Both above and below the waters, he growled. There <em>were</em> a lot of songs about him.


    Were? Khalik asked.


    <em>Were.</em> Theyre not sung anymore. He used to go around with his harpoon fighting sharks, sea serpents and even some of my people, because back then, some of us were at war with some of the schar. He made his living with his trident, spearing all kinds of monsters. But he really specialised in bandit hunting. Itd always be the same: bandits woulde to an area, people would send out a call for help, and the bandits would kill a bunch of knights and wandering warriors. But, Bowar-og would always defeat them. Some would die by his spear and the rest would run. Then, a rival of his started asking questions. Shed noticed that he fought a lot of bandit bands: theyd always have their faces covered, theyd have different names, different weapons, different armourbut theyd always be the same races with the same stocky shapes. So she followed him one tide and


    He growled. She saw him <em>meeting up </em>with the bandits.


    Oh Khaliks eyes grew. Oh <em>no.</em>


    What? Were they bribing him? Isolde suggested.


    No. He was their leader, Grimloch snarled. Got an idea in his head that theyd make more money if they faked bandit attacks then had him stop them instead of robbing travellers and raiding viges. It was always the same set up. Bandits would swim into some remote vige, attack some sea cows, crush coral houses and maybe kill a guard or two. The vige would send out a cry for help, and Bowar-Og would answer. Hed fight them singlehandedly, hed kill any new recruits his band had picked up, and let his crooked buddies run away. Then the vigers would heap all kinds of wealth on him, which hed take and share with the other crooks.


    Oh shit, Alex said. They wouldnt get as much wealth in the short term as if they raided viges, but in the long term theyre hunted by less people, and they get rewards from bandit subjugation over and over again. Theyd make a lot more over time if they were smart about it.


    Howd it resolve? Theresa asked. I doubt anyone<strong></strong>wouldve believed their Hero was a bad guyespecially if it was one of his rivals who was pointing it out.


    Thats exactly right. People didnt believe her at first, Grimloch growled. So she kept quiet and got a group of people together from viges Bowar-Og had saved and took them into the deep. They went to a bandit camp in an ocean trench, and whod they find? ...Bowar-Og, sitting with them:ughing, and drinking. They didnt like that too much, so they set a trap. Next time those bandits swam into a town and Bowar-Og appeared promising hed stop them, a bunch of mercenariespaid for by all the towns hed savedsurrounded and captured everyst bandit. Didnt take them long to start squealing on their silent partner. So, the townsfolk took Mr. Hero, gave him twenty shallow cuts and left him in megalodon waters with the rest of his bandit band. They told him that hed have no problem fighting his way out if he was half the monster hunter he said he was.


    Grimloch grinned. He wasnt.


    Oh dear, Isolde said.


    Yeah, thats the fun part of the story. So anyway, maybe its like that here. These dungeon cores are supposed to be like golems, from what I hear, right ? He jerked his thumb toward ygon. Maybe some old wizard made em so they could solve problems for money and now here they are, still causing trouble.


    Some old wizardor someone else Alex thought, considering a very grim possibility.


    From the look Theresa threw him, shed thought the same thing.


    Silence hung over the group for a while.


    Reminds me a of a story from my tribe, Thundar said. They say that in our early days, one of the gods we used to worship sent down a bunch of golden bulls to protect us. Well, he didnt bother telling <em>us</em> about it, so we just saw a bunch of great, big mammoth sized monsters on ournds, grazing on grass, and before the bulls could do anything, our warriors attacked em. Well, the bulls got pretty testy that those they were trying to protect attacked em, so they swore revenge on us. It finally came out that they were there to help us, but not until long after wed killed everyst one of em.


    He shrugged. Maybe Uldar, or some ancient wizard or something made dungeon cores to help the people and I dunno, there was some kinda misunderstanding and now everyones attacking them.


    Right Alex said. Well, its hard to tell either way. Im starting to think our historys so iplete that anything could be right. But ya have to wonder if its iplete on purpose.


    Ya, Id love to get into the church archives in the capital, Theresa said. Maybe theres hidden stuff there that we could dig out.


    Yeah, me too, Alex said. And I


    He paused.


    Teleportation magic wasing from near the aeld tree.


    Lets leave this forter. We havepany. Baelins back with the Heroes.


    The air shimmered and four forms materialised beside the aeld: Baelin, Cedric, Hart and Drestra.


    Wee back, Baelin said to the Heroes who were looking a little wild eyed.


    If this were a regr day I would offer you a ce to sit and have a proper meal before we proceed, but I fear this is too important to let lie for long. Perhaps a quick beverage will suffice for now?


    Cedric chuckled nervously. Heh, youre talkin like all o youve just stumbled on the end o the world or somethi


    He paused, spying Alexs group by the wall. Well, hello to you, Isolde an the rest o yous! Pleasure to see you all again He frowned as the cabal and theirpanions strode over. is normally what Id say if all o yous didnt look like ywere walkin to your own funerals. Whats happened? Yget attacked?


    The three Heroes looked around, and Drestra gasped as she saw the aeld tree. Her slit-like pupils grew as she took in the beautiful sapling.


    An aeld tree! her voice filled with warmth. We had one protecting the main square of our vige. I cant believe you have one? How did you manage to get it?


    Thats a long story, Alex and Baelin said at the same time, then looked at each other.


    The chancellor cleared his throat. And one that will need to be exined at ater date. I have already informed professor Jules of our arrival and Alex will take you down to see her in our new research building. Shell be waiting for you and Ill see you all there shortly.


    Without another word, the ancient wizard vanished in another pulse of teleportation magic.


    Hart shifted his helmet and scratched his head. The atmosphere around heres pretty tense. Reminds me of when my band found out we were on the losing side of a war we were hired for in Rhinea.


    Its not that badprobably, Alex said.


    None of the Heroes looked reassured.


    ###


    That was fast, Im d youre here, Professor Jules said, meeting Alex and the three Heroes just outside the research building. She looked around. Baelins not with you?


    Hes getting Carey, Alex said. He told us toe see you and wait for him.


    I see. It appears that Carey wont have much time to herself after all, she said, as the Chosen, Sage and Champion exchanged puzzled nces. Well, wee back to the three of you, if only these were more rxed circumstances.


    Okay, <em>now</em> all o yous are startin to scare me, and thats not an easy thing ta do, so whats this all about? Cedric said. First, we gotta get her fast, so fast that Baelins gotta meet us at the closest ce he could teleport to. Now were here and no ones tellin us anythin He looked at Alex. Your friends all slink off with hardly a word. Sbeen bloody spooky is what its been.


    Forgive us. Were not trying to be ndestine for effect, Cedric, Professor Jules said. Its just that the quicker, and smoother this all goes, the better. Now, walk with me.


    With a billow of her cloak, she turned and led the group into the research building and down a steep flight of stairs.


    They reached the vault, and Hart whistled when he saw how many Watchers were standing before the doors, guarding them.


    Whatve you got in there, the Ravener? heughed.


    Jules and Alex didnt say anything.


    Look, I was just making a joke, what in the hells have you got in there? he asked.


    Youll see, Professor Jules said, approaching the vault doors.


    She whispered something Alex couldnt hear, and abruptly, a pulse of magic shed. With a creak, one of the doors to the chamber swung open, revealing a pedestal with a familiar orb on it.


    Sthat a dungeon core? Hart cried, his hand falling on the hilt of his sword. A living one?


    Why do you have a living dungeon core? Drestra demanded.


    All locked up in here like sthe kings jewels, why in Uldars name? Cedric asked. His morphic weapon slid off his arm, turning into a spear in his hand.


    The Watchers tensed.


    We were experimenting on it, Professor Jules said calmly. And we found something that you need to see.


    See? Cant you just tell us? Drestra asked.


    No, Professor Jules said. Its better if you see it first hand.


    You can rx, Alex jumped in. Theres no Ravener-spawn around to control it, and even if there were, the dungeon cores really low on mana right now


    He took a close look at it.


    The orb was still a shade of grey, but definitely darker than thest time hed seen it. Anxiety. Fear. Power for the enemy. All intertwined.


    I wonder how theyll react? he thought.


    Luckily, he didnt have long to wait.


    There was a rise of teleportation magic.


    Then Baelin and Carey appeared from thin air.


    Gah, ytook a few years off me lifetime, Cedric said to Baelin before talking to Carey. Good tsee ya again, ybeen holdin up alright?


    Carey definitely did not look like shed been holding up alright. Not at all.


    Oh dear. Jules whispered, watching her.


    Her face was pale and puffy, her nose and eyelids were red and swollen, like shed been crying.


    She probably had been.


    Clearing her throat, she lowered her head to the Heroes. IIm alive.


    Silence hung in the air.


    Alright, no sense in wasting any more time, Baelin said, heading to the pedestal and picking up the grey orb. We have one more teleport to make, but before that. Anyone object to a flight spell being cast on them?


    Only Hart had concerns.


    Youre not going to teleport us into the middle of the sky, are you? he asked the wizard.


    Of course not, I would warn you if I were. It is just thatthe ground is not exactly stable where we are going. But you shall see soon enough.


    ###


    With a surge of teleportation magic, they appeared above the ravine. Below them, thend still looked like it had been ravaged by titans, and a cold wind swept the air.


    No Ravener-spawn walked below, but hordes of animals did. Birds and insects crawled and flew through the valley, feasting on the mangled corpses of Skinless Ones.


    Drestra gasped. What happened to this dungeon?


    I did, Baelin said simply. One does not need a gods power to wreak terrible wrath.


    Ugh, well thats a rank smell, Cedric waved his hand in front of his nose.


    Carey took a mouthful of her stomach potion.


    What is this ce? The Chosen continued.


    A dungeon reported to us by your military, Baelin said. And one thats still active.


    Still? Hart asked, scanning the ruins below them. With it all gutted? Oh yeah, because<strong></strong>the dungeon cores still intact, I guess.


    But why bring us back ta the dungeon? Cedric asked. If were here ta pick through them ruins, thats goin tbe a bit of a nasty affair.


    No, that will not be required, Baelin said, holding the orb out to Alex and Carey. Now, lets proceed.


    Carey looked at Alex. You go first. II dont think I can, yet.


    Okay, the young man said softly, taking the core.


    He took a deep breath and turned to his fellow Heroes.


    Thest couple of visits, theyd spent time together, and he felt hed gotten a good feel for them, at least to some extent. These three werent fanatics. They were young, thinking folk who wanted to help others and destroy the Ravener.


    Depending on how they reactedeverything could change.

 Chapter 364: Convictions

    Chapter 364: Convictions


    When ya called us up here I never thought Id be watchin one o yous carryin around a livin dungeon core. Cedric eyed the orb like it was a coiled snake. Never seen anyone do that beforealmost expect it tbite ya or somethin.


    Yeah, if I think about it, its the first time Ive ever seen a live one up close like this. Hart inspected the core. Its got kind of a sheen to it. Almost looks like a giant pearl.


    But more dangerous than any jewel, Drestra said, her voice crackling like me. She looked from the orb to the Generasians. Are wesupposed to see an image in it? Like in a crystal ball?


    No, Alex said, taking the core in both hands. Nothing like that. As a matter of fact, youll want to watch the wrecked dungeon down there. Oh, and Cedric, Drestra? Pay attention to your mana senses. Youll know why in a sec.


    The two Heroes frowned, but Hart already had hisrge eyes trained on the ravine, scanning the debris and dark crevices below.


    RightIm watching, Cedric looked down.


    What am I looking for? Drestra asked.


    Youll know it when you see it, Alex said, directing his mind to the core then shattering his mana into hundreds of streams and pouring it into the dungeon core. He called on the Mark and attacked the core from all sides, expecting resistancebut he neednt have bothered. The orb was stronger, but not strong enough to stop his mana. It rushed through the entrances, bypassing the cores weak attempts to eject him and then, he was in, right where he wanted to be, in the centre of the dungeon core, where its magic originated from.


    Alexs mana had entered a control centre of sorts, like a windowless room filled with levers, dials and buttons that drove the core, deploying its power in countless ways.


    Eventually, the research team would have to explore and map it, but not today. Today was for controlling the dungeon core for the Heroes to see. So he moved his mana, sending it flowing into the centre of the core, then pulled a lever.


    A sudden rush of dark mana poured out.


    What? Drestra cried. Beware, everyone! The core, its


    <em>Thoom!</em>


    From the bottom of the ravine, a five-foot wall erupted, shedding soil as it rose. Carey made a choking sound as the colour drained from her face, then she began to whisper, making the sign of Uldar over her heart.


    I can hardly believe it, even though Im seeing it for myself, Professor Jules murmured, taking a notepad from her robes. She conjured a pair of Wizards Hands and a pen. One held the notepad steady, while the other began to record her observations.


    Baelin simply said. And there we have it.


    As for the Heroes?


    They looked stunned.


    Wha? Hart grunted, drawing his de. His head pivoted between the orb and the wall. What just? Cedric, Drestra! What happened? What in all the Ravener-spawning hells did I just <em>see</em>? Since I cant do any of that fancy stuff like sensing mana,<strong></strong>what just happened?


    No Cedrics jaw dropped. Noooo bloody way. No. No, I mustve been bewitched cause Im bloody well seein things! Feelin things that dont make any bloody sense! I thought I felt manae outta the core and flow inta the gorge down there, then that bloody wall popped up! He was wild eyed.


    Cedric ground his teeth, his gold tooth glinting in the sunlight. No, no, no. No. Cant be. Did the dungeon core do that on its own? They cant do that! They need a monster to control em! Everybody knows that, I learned that shite from the priests a day after I got marked! He touched the golden scales glowing on his bare chest.


    Drestra! The Chosen turned to the Sage. Drestra, your mana sensesre better than mine! Drestra? Drestra?


    But the Sage wasnt moving.


    It was like shed be a statue in mid-air. Her cloak and veil blew listlessly in the brisk autumn wind. She was shivering, but Alex suspected it wasnt from the cold. Her golden reptilian eyes slowly slid from the wall below, up to the dungeon core in Alexs hand.


    Impossible, she murmured. I felt your manaI felt it re and go into the coreand then that wall came out of the ground. It felt like when a dungeonmanders controlling a coreitsoh by the spirits! Did <em>you</em> do that?


    Alex slowly nodded. Yeah. It takes a lot of practice with mana maniption, and when the cores fully powered, itll fight you like a demon, but yeah: you saw what you saw and you felt what you felt. I actually controlled it.


    His eyes drifted from Hero to Hero, noting their bodynguage.


    Cedric oozed disbelief. Hed crossed his arms defensively, and his openness wavered before Alexs eyes. He was trembling. Drestra was stiff, and though her veil hid most of her face, her emotions wereing off of her in waves, just like the aeld tree.


    Disbelief. Fear.


    Anger.


    As for Hart?


    Alex couldnt really read him: the Champions bodynguage was a jumble, too alien for him to distinguish one past Champion from the next. But his face?


    Shock had faded.


    His jaw was set.


    His eyes were measuring. Calcting. Like the experienced soldier he was.


    All of a sudden, a deep sound boomed off the ravine and soared above the trees as Cedric burst outughing. His head was thrown back, his eyes were closed. But theughter had no trace of humour in it, it was harsh and cynical, and he kept it up until he was coughing, breathless, and his voice was hoarse.


    When he finally opened his eyes, they were hard, ringed with anger and something else. Mixed emotions? Maybe uncertainty? Maybe fear?


    Look, ifn this is some kinda bloody joke that you people are puttin on, then snot bloody funny, the Chosens voice was like flint, his eyes raked over all four Generasian wizards before returning to Alex. Whats this, some sort o illusion? Some trick? They flicked back and forth between Carey and Alex. The two o you should know better, bein fellow Thameish an all! Draggin us all the way out here for some cruel trick, Id expect that from the fae, but you lot?


    An eyebrow rose, his eyes filled with suspicion, and Alex watched him closely. There was something fighting within him. Confusion? Recognition and denial? Desperation? Horror? Either way, Cedrics outrage was shaky. Anger was leaving his voice. An you, Alex, back in the


    Stop, a deep voice cut in.


    Hart was looking at Cedric with an expression that couldve been carved from stone. Stop. Youre not making any sense and you know it. Why would this be a joke? You sound like youve lost your mind.


    Cedric whirled on Hart, going red in the face, then seemed to bite back his words. His attention turned to the orb. Bloody helljustbloody hell. Was all he said.


    And now you can see why we wanted to show you this, Baelin said. And why we kept quiet about the details until you could see it for yourselves. You didnt believe your eyes when the evidence was right in front of you. You certainly wouldnt have believed anything we simply told you, and I cannot me you: as weve been discussing, this has been an unforeseen development that calls many things into question.


    Many, many things, Drestra agreed. Howhow did you learn about it?


    Alex nced at Baelin. We were here investigating a dungeon and looking to get our hands on a living dungeon core to see if we could figure out how it made its monsters. Butwhile I was messing with itwell, you just saw what happened.


    By Uldar, the Sage said. This isthis could change the war. But how did you make it work? Did you use some special mana technique from Generasi?


    No, he said. As a matter of fact, you and Cedric could probably do it with a few minutes of practice. The core doesnt have much mana left, so it wont be strong enough to stop you.


    What<em>what?</em> By wildfire, the Sage swore. Well if you could do itand Cedric and I could


    Ugh, bloody hell, cant bloody believe it. Cedric ran both hands through his hair. Cant bloody believe what Im listenin to. Mortals controllin dungeon cores? Not even the most crazed doomsayer could<strong></strong>think up such bloody nonsense.


    Drestra looked at him for a moment, then at Baelin. So when you did it, Chancellor Baelin, you must have


    Now it was Baelins turn tough. Cedric and Drestra startled, but Hart was still focused on the ravine, calcting.


    Oh, no, I cannot do it, the chancellor said frankly. Unfortunately, I could not even begin to try.


    He exined how he couldnt interact with the dungeon core.


    Now Hart''s focus shifted back to the wizards. It kinda sounds like a gate that only opens for some folk, but not others. He looked at Alex. And if it only opened for you, why do you think Drestra and Cedricd be able to do it?


    Because I, to my dismay, did it too.


    The Heroes heads abruptly turned toward Carey.


    Im afraid its true, she said. The young Thameish woman set her jaw and held out her hands toward Alex. Would you be ever so kind as to hand me the dungeon core?


    A determined look had taken her features, and Alex did as she asked. You needany guidance?


    No, itd be better if I did it myself, she didnt try to hide her bitterness. And show off this<em>gift </em>Disgust had joined the bitterness of her words. thats been given to us.


    What dyou mea Cedric started, but trailed off.


    Careys eyes were closed. She gripped the orb tightly between both hands, and her knuckles paled. Alex felt her mana pierce the dungeon core.


    She was slower than he was; minutes passed as they floated in silence, with Drestra, Cedric and Hart watching the core, Alex and Baelin watching Carey, and Professor Jules Wizards Hands taking notes.


    Time dragged by, but Carey stayed focused until finally, she found her way into the centre and took a deep breath.


    Alex felt her mana twisting, trying to catch on toanything inside the core.


    Then a rush of dark mana exploded.


    <em>Thoom!</em>


    In the valley below, earth shuddered and a patch of soil became a spewing mound of mud. It reminded Alex of Vesuvius shell.


    Damn my eyes, Cedric muttered. Damn my bloody eyes!


    Carey handed the dungeon core back to Alex without a word. Her fingers clenched and released, her face quivered as though she were fighting tears, but beneath that, her anger was unmistakable.


    There you have it. So far, Im the only oneaside from Alexwho can control this thing, she paused, biting her lip. Her tone was resentful. Do you want to take a guess as to what Alex and I have inmon that no other member of the research team does?


    Youre both Thameish, Hart said. I remember that theres nobody else from Thamnd whos part of your expedition.


    Theres another thing, holy Champion: were both <em>followers</em> of Uldar, she said, and her words were solemn, like she was pronouncing a death sentence.


    The air seemed to grow colder and nobody spoke for heartbeats.


    ...oh. <em>Oh,</em> Drestra said, her voice very quiet. <em>Oh.</em>


    It just keeps gettin better n better, the Chosen said, looking up at the sky, his eyes searching through the blue. Whatre you thinkin up there, Uldar? Whats the n in all this?


    Whywould only our people be able to use it? Drestra asked.


    Thats not the question you need to be asking, Hart growled.


    All eyes turned to him.


    This tells me something. Either weve been lied to, or every schr, priest, and Hero who came before us have been the biggest idiots ever born. He shook his head, clearly irritated. And you cant tell me <em>nobody</em>ever picked up a dungeon core in thest how many thousand years and thought to fiddle with it. Cmon, Ive seen enough wizards to know that theyre all the sameno offence meant to you fourpoking around in all kinds of different magic stuff. I cant believe that not even one of them ever tinkered with a core; it''d be like expecting a fish not to bite at a worm. Way too tempting to ignore.


    Youre thinkin folkre lyin to us? Cedric asked.


    Yeah, I kinda do, Hart said. It wouldn''t be the first time Ive been hired by someone to do a dirty job, only to find out the jobs a hell of a lot dirtier than they said. Mercenaries get lied to all the time. You know why?


    He bared his teeth. Because a lot of lords think were fodder. And I sure as hell dont like being treated like fodder.


    Alex saw doubt go through the other Heroes.


    Thisthis was going better than he could have hoped.


    Drestra looked at Hart. Youre rightsomething is wrong. This is too big to <em>never</em> have been noticed. And the fact that weve only seen followers of Uldar control this core, wellit makes me wonder.


    You said Cedric or I could do this, Alex?


    Yeah, he said.


    Good. She held her hand out. I want to try it and see for myself. Thenwe have a <em>lot</em> to talk about.

 Chapter 365: The Next Stage

    Chapter 365: The Next Stage


    The Hero took the dungeon core between her hands.


    It wasnt the first time shed seen one of course, but it was the first time shed had any interest in examining a living one. Representatives of the church and the Thameish army had shown her and the other Heroes drawings of dungeon cores in the capital the first time theyd ever met, which was soon after theyd been marked for Uldars work.


    The priests had filled their heads with as much knowledge of the Ravener as they had time for. In other words, a lot of information in very little time since dungeons and Ravener-spawn had been springing up and running wild all over the kingdom. Those days seemed so long ago, yet itd been only a little over a year since shed been marked at eighteen.


    It was hard to believe that shed been away from her home in the Crymlyn for only over a year now. It felt like a lifetime at times, but in fact, shed just turned neen not too many months ago.


    Undeniably, very, very young for her kind.


    Since theyd left the capital, shed seen dozens of living cores over the course of their battles. Some had been so powerfulso fuelled on the fear of mortalsthat their darkness would have eclipsed the deepest, moonless night. Those battles were fierce and prolonged. They''d also fought dungeons with cores so starved of mana, that theyd been nearly colourless, and thankfully, were destroyed with ease.


    But in all of those encounters, neither she, Cedric or any priest had ever thought to stop, pick up a dungeon core and examine it. Destroying them as quickly and as decisively as possible then moving on, was always the end goal of every battle. In the war against the Ravener, there was no time to stop and wonder about the nature of dungeon cores, but today theyd had to make time, so she took a good hard look at the core she was holding.


    Visually, there was nothing unique, interesting, or unusual about it. Nothing to hint at the world-changing revtion that this thingno bigger than the average mortal headhad revealed. Rubbing her hands over it only told her one thing: that it was even smoother than ice.


    No more dying, then.


    Time to see if she could get inside.


    Taking a deep breath, Drestra reached deep into her mana. The Mark of the Sage red, and it was like the light of the sun flowing through her body. Power sparked at her fingertips as she found the mana entrances and wasted no time in going forward.


    Wait! Alex called suddenly.


    Drestra paused. Whats wrong?


    before you keep going, I just want to warn you that we have no idea if therell be consequences from doing this, he said. It might be possible that taking over a core could make you a target of the Ravener.


    Thats absolutely true, Professor Jules said, her face a mask of concern. These are uncharted waters, as it were, and we dont have nearly enough data to say for certain what taking control of one of these cores could mean for you. To be fair, as long as you can feel the entrances to its mana pathways, that proves you can do it, so theres no need to go any further.


    Drestra looked down at the orb. I need to see this for myselfand besides, Im a Hero of Uldar. Im already one of the Raveners targets, wouldn''t you say?


    Her power flowed, she felt the dark mana rising, desperate to eject her.


    How strange she thought. I never thought that one of these things could feel fear.


    But there was no mistaking how its mana thrashed frantically.


    It was actually afraid.


    What a curious thing, and how very satisfying. She thought, before pushing deep into its mana pathways, and quashing all resistance. Drestra was no expert in mana maniption: it was aplex art and most witches in the Crymlyn relied very little on it. But considering its weak resistancealongside the overwhelming power of her mana and the Markshe didnt need it. Before long, shed made her way to the centre of the core.


    and there was something curious in there.


    Something that she could interact with, if she just moved her mana in the right way. Shefelt around like she was in a dark cave, moving her mana in different ways untilshe connected.


    <em>Whoom.</em>


    Drestra gasped in astonishment.


    It was true!


    Images of darkness flowed through her mind, but before she could catch and make sense of them, they abruptly vanished, like theyd been cut off. Mana flowed from the dungeon core into the ravine, then her mind shifted and for a moment, she felt it connect to something below.


    Unfamiliar thoughts filtered to her through the orb, suddenly, she knew what she could do. If she could just reach them


    Oh bleeding hells! Cedric cried.


    There was a shimmer along the wall Alex had made.


    And from it?


    A monster was being born.


    ###


    The Ravener was incensed.


    Things were escaping its grasp!


    There were <em>three</em> now!


    Three!


    In its dark chamber, mana was still constructing the spawn that would put an end to these Usurpers. Its Hunters looked at their master, sensing distress. The guardians filling the cavern roared as one, the noise echoing through the tunnels.


    But its thoughts were not on them.


    They were churning, assessing the situation and its protocols. It examined records deep within, reaching back through all the cycles all the way to memories of the first battles against the first Heroes, long dead.


    Five glowing golden symbols ran through its memories, but it was not Heroes that were its focus: cycle by cycle it measured the number of times that Usurpers were more than two.


    Aside fromvery specific circumstances in the earliest cycles, more than two Usurpers existing at the same time had urred but twice since those early days.<strong></strong>It examined its options.


    Time to block the Usurpers.


    First, it severed the usurped dungeon core from its link.


    Then, it released some of the restraint ced on the other dungeon cores. They would still be limited in the kinds of spawn they could create, but now, they could birth servants faster. More efficiently.


    This would create more fear and more fuel, hopefully leaving the enemy too distracted to organise.


    After that? It could do nothing more.


    It retreated into itself, waiting for the Petrifier to be ready.


    ###


    Alex stared at a half-formed Skinless One emerging from the wall. Only a misshapen torso hade through to then copse on the ground in a writhing heap of flesh. The dungeon core was almostpletely clear now: Drestra using it to produce the partly formed Ravener-spawn had taken all it had left.


    Cedric swore.


    Carey gaped, while Professor Jules Wizards Hand scribbled even faster.


    Baelin simply watched, while Drestra was transfixed by the creature.


    Harts reaction was different, he acted.


    In one smooth motion, he drew his thick longbow from his back, nocked an arrow and


    <em>Twang!</em>


    sent it rocketing downward with all his immense strength.


    It mmed into the half-creatures forehead, ending its writhing.


    Drestra swore. Hart, why did you do that?


    Hart gave her a look. Because a monster appeared and I didnt feel like asking it over here for an ale. why? Were you nning on doing something with it?


    I wanted to control it, she said.


    Alexs interest spiked. What? Hold on now, you couldve controlled it?


    Yessss, do go on my child. Baelin leaned in, his goat-like eyes gleaming with interest.


    Therethere was a connection between me and the creature,ing from the dungeon core, she said. And at the same timeI sensed something. I think if Id moved my mana the right way, I mightve been able to take control of it.


    So you did not have control immediately? Baelin asked. Fascinating. So the cores can create monsters, but controlling them is a different operation. Incredibly fascinating. This information will certainly serve as quite the roadmap for future investigation.


    Absolutely, Professor Jules said. Im dying to know how it ticks. How it does <em>everything </em>it does. When you think about it, these dungeon cores not only produce matter out of pure mana, but theyre able to create life. Complex life. If we could reverse engineer thatforget a revolution of magical technology, we could bring the entire <em>worlds </em>technology, and quality of life forward by millenia. Gah, you three are lucky, Id love to be able to poke around in it myself.


    Yeah, thats the thing I <em>really</em> want to find out next, Alex said. Whats the exact criteria for essing the core? Drestra, are you a follower of Uldar?


    Drestra was staring at the dungeon core, and Alex could almost see the gears turning in her mind. Hm? Im sorry?


    Its okay. ItsI know, its a lot to digest. But, are you a follower of Uldar?


    Yesthough not as devout as many, she said.


    Damn. That means we still dont have an answer. Itd be really helpful if we could figure out what the <em>exact</em> trigger for being able to control a core is. Is it being Thameish? Is it following Uldar? Is it both? Is it some other variable that we havent even considered?


    Hmmm. Drestras brow furrowed. An interesting question. I


    Why are none o yous not losin your collective shite over this? Cedric asked, his voice thin, and strained. You all seem so bloody calm while its takin everythin fer me not tstart bloody screamin. Look, ifn folk of Thamnd can control these things then whyre we botherin fightin all these cores? Whyre they attackin us? And why dont them church priests talk about this? Youd think itd be a <em>wee</em> bit important! An shite, if theyve been lyin...


    I kinda want to bust down the doors of the cathedral, grab High Priest Tobias and shake him until he squeals, maybe even dangle him from a parapet. Hart said. But maybe Ill settle for Merzhin insteadthough, I suppose we shouldnt spread this yet.


    Right, Cedric said. We talk about this too loud an too soon an itd be like kickin a nest o wasps an fire ants barefoot. Who knows whats gonnae pourin outta the ground, but whatever it is, yknow its gonna be angry an dangerous.


    And with the Ravener still trying to kill all of us, Drestra said. If this spreads too quickly and in the wrong waytherell be panic and more fuel for the enemy. if it really is our enemy. I dont even know anymore.


    Cedric looked at the four wizards intently, his eyes lingering on Carey. Despite the potion, she still looked like she was about to be sick. Lookifn you all want ta leave thisnd, I wont me yous. This heres spretty shit. We dont know where its gonna go, an this aint your fight. Whatever the hells goin on, an whatever the truth is, we were marked for this fight. Not yous. Ifn you want to leave, Id understand.


    Jules and Baelin burst outughing and a heartbeatter, so did Alex. Even Carey gave a weak smile.


    Oh you dont know us, Cedric, Alex said. Were on the trail of maybe the greatest magical discovery of like ten lifetimes. I dont think wild dragons could pull us away now.


    A wave of amusement showed in Drestras bodynguage.


    Well said, Alex, Baelin said. We are here to aid <em>and </em>investigate. Of course we are going to stay, but you are right about one thing. Thisrevtion should remain as known to as few as possible. Do not forget that the Cult of Ezaliel still wanders these shores. They must not hear of this. It would not be below them to use Thameish citizens to capture dungeon cores and enve them to do their demonic masters bidding.


    Yeah, andI hate to say it, but doesnt this revtion really look bad for the church maybe even the king? Alex scratched his head awkwardly. Speaking high treason and sphemy in one sentence made him kinda nervous. If theres enemies within our own ranks, and I feel that there arewe dont want to tip our hand.


    Ayean it is <em>our</em> hand, innit? Cedric said. I swear you bloody lot of foreignersan you too, Alex an Careyare the only ones in this damn war whove been tellin us the whole truth.


    The <em>whole</em> truth.


    Alex winced internally, thinking about the Mark on his shoulder, hidden beneath his clothes and the spell he and Thundar had created. He hadnt told the Heroes the whole truth, of course. He and Baelin hadnt told them who he really was or how exactly hed <em>first</em> learned that dungeon cores could be controlled.


    Butthings were starting to move in a direction where it wouldnt be a disaster if they found out. The three of them looked like they had growing doubts about the church now, and they might not be so eager to drag him off in chains if he came clean with them.


    But not yet.


    Let this information filter through their minds. Let it steep, then hed see what hed see. For now, theyd probably nurse it, discuss things, while the expedition focused on narrowing down the catalyst


    Do you have time for another teleport today, Baelin? Drestra asked.


    The ancient wizard paused, looking like hed been caught off guard.


    I do. I assumed this development would require time and attention. Why do you ask? Do you wish to return to your duties?


    No, not yet. You said you werent sure if the trigger was being Thameish or worshipping Uldar, right? So that means we need to test it on someone whos Thameish, but doesnt worship him. the Sage continued. If you have the time and can teleport all of us close to my home, then we might be able to get that question resolved.


    She paused, in thought for a moment.


    Maybe even today, if were lucky.

 Chapter 366: The Witchs Suggestion

    Chapter 366: The Witch''s Suggestion


    What? Alex asked, excitement surging through him. How? Howre we resolving this today?


    Drestras reptilian eyes were focused on the wizards and her fellow Heroes. This is somewhat of an open secret, but I still dont want anyone going to the priests with what Im about to say.


    She looked directly at Cedric. That means you too, Cedric.


    His face turned red. Waitwhyre you lookin at me like that?


    Because you get along with those priests, and I know Hart, and from what these folks just said, I doubt any of them are going to be talking about this or what Im about to say to priests or anyone else for that matter.


    After this shite, Drestra, I dont know what Im thinkin about priests. He crossed his powerful arms. I aint goin tgo so far n say that I hate all o em, butbloody hell, I trust em a helluva lot less.


    Carey visibly winced. IIm suretheres honourable members of was all she managed to say. But weve made a pact not to speak of anything to do with the dungeon core, and of course, I wont say a word to anyone about what youre about to tell us, Drestra.


    Good, now that thats out of the way, the Sage said. Deep in the Crymlyn, not every witch worships Uldar. Some practise only the old ways. Generations might well have passed, but to this day, they stilldespise the church and priests of Uldar. Theyve never forgiven or forgotten what they did. These are witches whore Thameish by birth and blood, but they reject him and his church.


    I could understand why. Baelin said. So youre saying that one of those witches could be the perfect case study to test the core with. Hmm And would you personally know one of these hold outs? Someone you know<em> and</em> trust?


    Yes,, she said. Someone I know well. The witches of the old ways dont have <em>much</em> to do with those of us who worship both Uldar and the old ways, but we still meet to take care of the swamp, and we unite in difficult times.<strong></strong>One of my closest friends is one who still follows the old ways, and Id trust her with my life.


    Excellent. Would she be open to testing the dungeon core? Perhaps not going as far as to attempt to control it, however. If they are able to ess it with their mana, then well know without a doubt that they would be able to probe it. If they find no entrances for their mana? Then we can rule them and the question of being Thameish and a follower of Uldar out.


    Thats what I was thinking, Drestra agreed. Then well have an answer to one of our questions.


    How close can you teleport to the Crymlyn, Baelin? Alex asked.


    The chancellors eyes seemed to lose focus, like he was viewing something hovering before his eyes. I took something of a tour of Thamnd when we were negotiating with King Athelstanand I did pay a visit to Wrexiff, which is Careys hometown and quite near the Crymlyn.


    Alexs blood ran cold. Going to a town would mean people, specifically soldiers and priests.


    However, Baelin continued. I think it would be wiser to teleport to somewhere in a nearby forest instead. Theres less likelihood that priests will be in the wilderness to ask us our business and perhaps rather awkward questions, particrly when they see three Heroes in our party which could lead to a tipping of our hand before we are ready to tip it.


    Alex fought the sigh of relief he was suppressing. Things were shifting: with the Heroes being brought into the expeditions secrets, and him bing more important to the city and the university, priests having the power to just drag him away was lessening. His own personal power was also a factor in how much had changed for him since hed left Thamnd.


    When he was first marked, there was nothing he could physically do if a few priests had caught him and dragged him off to war. Now, especially with ygon beside him, any priests who considered grabbing him had better be prepared for one hell of a fight. Still, there was also Selina, Theresa, and her family to keep in mind. So, for now, keeping his secret until he was ready to reveal it, was what had to be done.


    Thats reasonable, Hart said. Honestly, the less people that find out about this the better. In war, you dont go sharing intelligence with anyone unless youre sure theyre your ally, and right now, we dont know <em>who</em> our allies are.


    Hm. I like the way you think, Baelin said. So my proposal is that we teleport to a remote location that I visited when we first arrived in Thamnd. Just an out of the way little spot in the wilderness. From there, I can teleport us to locations within my line of sight until we reach the edge of the swamp. Then, we can fly under the cover of trees until we reach our final destination. We will need to move quickly as I cant keep my more important meetings and tasks waiting indefinitely.


    Fine by me, Cedric grunted. When yfind out the battle ybeen fightin for over a year might be tied up in some kinda great, big, dirty secret, you make that a priority.


    Would it be okay if I came with you? Alex said. I can bring ygon for extra protection, and I really would like to be there for the test.


    Hah! Baelinughed. It is adorable that you think extra protection might be needed.


    Hey, what if it takes longer than today and you have to go back to Generasi? Alex pointed out. It could happen.


    Well, lets hope it doesnt. He and Alex exchanged a subtle nce. But you have a fair point. In that case, I think we should return to the encampment for supplies, in case our stay has to be extended. He looked at Professor Jules and Carey. Will you be joining us?


    Hrm, Jules frowned. As much as I want to see the experiment with my own eyesI am not good in the wilderness, and even less so in a fight. And I have heard the Crymlyn Swamp is somewhat dangerous.


    You heard right, Drestra said. We learn magic in part to defend ourselves.


    Mmm, then how aboutwhen youve located Drestras friend and if she agrees to do the test, you teleport back to the encampment and fetch me? Then I can be there to observe the oue without holding the rest of you back.


    I-if its quite alright, I would be ever so grateful if that could extend to me as well, Carey said. Iwould like to be there too. Please. If Im not there, I think the suspense will drive me mad. But I also know Id just be dead weight in a fight, and if folk whove manipted these cores are actually targeted by monstersor others, I dont want to be out there too long to get myself or any of you in trouble.


    A mature decision, Baelin said. And the answer, of course, is yes. After all, it takes just a few droplets more mana and a scant few heartbeats worth of time to do so. Now, if were done here, lets return to camp and collect our supplies. Then, its away to visit Drestrasmunity. The sooner we start, the more likely I can see our rather important journey through to the end.


    Absolutely, Professor Jules said. And the sooner well have an answer one way or the other.


    But whichever way it turns out, Alex thought. I get the feeling its trouble. Big trouble.


    ###


    Youre heading back out so soon? Theresa asked from the tents entrance.


    She watched as Alex shoved clothing into a rucksack and organised his supply of potions.


    Yeah, her partner said, checking the colour of a potion. We should be back in a daymaybe three or four tops if things end up taking longer than we expect them to.


    Theresa crossed her arms. And its just you, Baelin and the Heroes?


    And ygon. He buckled the rucksack. Dont forget ygon. Oh, and I wouldnt say that Im <em>just</em>travelling with Baelin and the Heroes: Baelin alone is probably the nastiest fighting force in all of Thamnd. Well be fine.


    Andno one else cane with you? Her hands dropped to her swords and she adjusted her chain shirt and bow slung on her back. As soon as hed returned and the announcement was made that they were heading back out, shed prepped for battle.


    But disappointment soon reced her excitement when the chancellor said they would be travelling alone.


    Yeah, I want you toe with me too. Alexs expression was both disappointed and apologetic. But Baelin said he wants to keep the group as small as possible in case theres priests or soldiers around. He exined.


    It took some convincing for him to even let me bring ygon along. He blew out a breath. Priests shouldnt be in the swamp, ording to Drestra, but in these times, theres no guarantee where they might be. So moving in a small group means well be more agile.


    I know, she said, disappointment in her voice. Thatthat makes sense. You just be careful out there, okay?


    I will. He stood up, went to her and wrapped her in his arms before kissing her. They stood near the tent p, connected to each other for too short of a time, before Alex spoke, trying to reassure her. And with Baelin along, well definitely be okay.


    Yeah, true, she said. And if you find something out there that can take <em>him</em>,<em></em>youll have bigger problems. But Im worried that if youre out there long enough and hes needed back in Generasiwhat then? Maybe you could suggest thatif he has toe backhe teleports me to your group. Im no Baelin, but my swords should help, and the group would still be small.


    Actually, thats not a bad idea, Alex said. Ill suggest that to him if he has to go back to Generasi.


    Good, she said. I can have everyones bawait, what are you giggling at?


    Alex had broken into unsuppressed giggles. ncing behind and finding no one around, she stepped into the tent and closed the p behind her. Whats suddenly got you so giddy?


    Well, think about it, he snorted. If you rece Baelin, that means itll be a group of five. The Sage, the Chosen, the Saint His voice dropped to the lowest of whispers. then theres me, the Fond think about it.


    Think about what?


    You practise life enforcement. He grinned, his eyes dancing with amusement and triumph. Its like youre our alternate Saint. Weve got the whole Hero roster down!


    Pfffft, Im no Saint, Alex, she said. And you know it.


    Youre a saint to me, he whispered, his voice taking on a cheesy tone. Youre the only saint in my liMh!


    She pressed her hand to his mouth. Alex, even if you were trying to be serious, I would never fall for that.


    His mouth opened. Suddenly, her hand felt wet.


    Agh! she cried, pulling her hand away. Diddid you just lick my palm?


    You dont seem to mind when Brutus does it. Heughed.


    She stared at her hand, then frowned at him.


    Before you say anything, he warned. I want you to remember that you chose me. You chose me above everyone else. You picked meAgh!


    Theresa wiped her palm on his forehead. There. Now were both gross. We should


    We are nearly ready! Baelins voice boomed through the camp. Hart, Alex! If you would be so kind as to join us, then we can begin!


    Well, thats me, Alex said, kissing her three more times then shouldering his pack. Ill talk to Baelin, andif he has toe back, Ill see you in the Crymlyn.


    See you, she whispered. Keep safe.


    I will.


    ygon was standing beside the tent and the three of them made their way to the glowing aeld where Baelin, Cedric and Drestra were waiting, talking with their friends, whode to see Alex off.


    Hart soon strode from somewhere in the camp, having helped himselfwith Baelins permissionto supplies hed loaded into an immense pack he was carrying on his back. He looked like a turtleand giggling, Theresa whispered that she was wondering if Tyris might enjoy having <em>two</em> turtles around. Drestra obviously heard her; she suddenly started giggling.


    Professor Jules and Carey were amongst the gathered expedition members.


    Ill make note of what weve observed so far, she said. And then return to Generasi to let the other expedition leads know whats happened. What weve uncovered is obviously something they should know about without dy. If youe back today and Im gone, just talk to Watcher Shaw, Baelin.


    I hope youll all be safe, Carey said.


    Of course. Well, no time like the present. Were off! When we return, we will be one step closer to solving this mystery. Farewell to all for now.


    Alex gave Theresa a little wave as the ancient wizard spoke words of power.


    And then he, Alex, ygon and the Heroes vanished.


    Theresa bit her lip. Left behind again.


    She looked at her swords.


    Her fists clenched.


    It was time to practice. Hard.

 Chapter 367: The Teleportation Shuffle

    Chapter 367: The Teleportation Shuffle


    It was snowing.


    Alex Roth appeared in a meadow, standing on a low rise overlooking a crossroads twenty paces to the south. A damp chill filled the air, and with it came wet, white kes drifting down from a sky of steel grey clouds. The wind was low, yet moist and brisk, and he wrapped his cloak tighter around his broad shoulders.


    It wasnt cold enough for the snow to stay, but there was little doubt about one thing:


    Winter''s almost here, Alex whispered as the air around him began to shimmer.


    As one, the rest of the party appeared: the chancellor, the Heroes and ygon. Cedric and Hart immediately checked their surroundingstheir hands on their weaponssearching for signs of danger, but Drestra was looking at Alex.


    Did you get herebefore us? she asked.


    Alex shrugged. I guess so? Quirks of magic can be weird.


    Aye? Cedric raised an eyebrow, looking at the young Thameish wizard closely. Have ttake yer word for it; dont know much about teleportation magic.


    Magic in general is variable. Baelin surveyed thend with his hands on his hips. For example, if one had need to codify the damage dealt by attack spells using pen and paper, I would imagine it would require some sort ofplicated dice system to simte.


    Ill take yer word for it. Cedric shrugged and his shining spear melded back into a gauntlet over his arm. For the most part, all I need t know about spells is how fast they make Ravener-spawn go boom.


    Baelin looked sharply at Cedric, his expression slightly hurt. Oh, you will miss so much of the wonders of wizardry that way, Cedric. You cannot have such a plebian understanding of magic! He stroked his beard-braids. As a matter of fact, this is an excellent opportunity for a lesson in some higher forms of wizardry. Congrattions, almighty Chosen, wise Sage and mighty Champion: today, you will be honorary members of Generasi University. I shall teach you a lesson usually only offered in Tele-4500: a fourth year course dedicated entirely to the study of teleportation magic.


    Ooooo! Alex pped excitedly, looking at his fellow Heroes. Youre all in for a <em>treat!</em>


    UhIll take your word for it, Hart said, hisrge eyes darting back and forth. He looked out of his element. Wont be much good to me, unless Ive got to exin to a wizard their own business. then again, if I ever end up on a wizard-hunt after the war, I guess itd do me some good to know more of their tricks.


    Cedric and Drestra shot him horrified looks. The Chosen subtly inclined his head toward Baelin, who wasof coursestanding right there.


    The Champion shrugged. What? Its a living. And a good one, at that.


    Hes right! It <em>is</em> a living. And if I was offended by wizard-killers, I would be offended at myself! Young Hart, I hope you can use this knowledge for your economic gain in the future. As for Alex, Cedric and Drestra Baelin turned north. I am going to show you a lovely little trick <em>you</em> can perform when you learn long-range teleportation magic. It will make travelling far quicker and pleasanter.


    Uhhh, what tiers this fancy teleportation stuff? Cedric leaned toward Alex.


    Teleports fifth-tier, Alex said, rubbing his hands together. Only three tiers away for me.


    And maybe only <em>two</em> tiers away soon enough, if Operation Grand Summoning Ascension keeps going well, he thought.


    <em>Fifth</em>, ysay? Well, I dont think Ill be learnin any o that fancy high level magic any time soon, then, Cedric said. An...dwe got time for this, ythink? He looked at the dungeon core which was stuffed into a satchel slung over Baelins mail-covered shoulder. Solvin a mystery o these cores seems a bit on the pressin side.


    Baelin looked at the Sage. Drestraregarding your friend whom we are about to visit, would you say she will likely disappear within the next ten minutes or so?


    Drestra raised an eyebrow. No?


    Excellent! Then I do believe we have ten minutes to spare for this little lesson, the chancellor smiled at Cedric. Remember, young man, the opportunity to gain knowledge does note often, and once you have knowledge, you have it forever.


    Rightbloody hell, you sound like my nan, Cedric said. I still dont think Ill be learnin such magics any time soon.


    So do itter, then! It will be a good lesson for you, whether you learn it in two days, two years, or twenty years. Now, pay attention, folk are usually willing to pay a lords ransom to learn such tricks. The ancient wizard indicated a high hill far to the north with a nod of his head.


    By Alexs estimate, it might be a fifteen minute walk to its summit.


    When one is teleporting Baelin exined. one can only transport themselves and their passengers to one of two sorts of locations. The first is what most wizards use Teleport to reach: a ce they have already personally visited. This has very obvious uses. For instance, I can do this!


    With a few words of power, the chancellor disappeared.


    Heartbeatster, he was back and holding a porcin cup of a steaming hot beverage, See this? He took a sip. I retrieved it from my office in the university. And now


    He vanished.


    Cedric looked at Drestra. Why cant you do that?


    She red at him. Why cant you?


    Baelin reappeared, empty handed. and now I have ced the cup in my office in the research building right here in Thamnd. Learning Teleport, essentially means that you can wake up in the morning in your residence, go off to adventure somewhere in the wide world, and then be back home for supper! You can also use it to escape danger and aplish a host of other tasks.


    Drestras eyes were very wide now, and she was hanging onto the chancellors every word. Alex, of course, was enraptured too. He imagined himself visiting Theresas parents for lunch and then teleporting back to Generasi in time for ss.


    But of course, Baelin continued. The restriction of needing to visit a location before teleporting to it, is somewhat limiting. It means travelling to an area in the old fashioned way first. That is why I took some time to travel through Thamnd some months ago, so that I could teleport within reasonably close distances to just about any location on this grand isle you call home.


    Alex raised his hand, and the ancient wizard gave him an amused look. Yes, Alex?


    Is there a way to get around that limitation? he asked. Some, I dont know, ninth-tier spell that lets you teleport to anywhere you can think of?


    Possibly, Baelin said. The ne Shift spell, for example, lets one travel to another ne despite never having visited it before, but unfortunately that spell simply transports you to <em>anywhere</em> on that ne. Most inconvenient. However, there is a graduate research team hard at work trying to develop a sort of Greater Teleport spell of perhaps sixth or even seventh tier. In theory, it would be able to transport you to any location in the worldregardless of distanceas long as you could visualise it, even if you only had a mere passing description, or even a painting of the location to go by. But, unfortunately, such a spell does not exist yet.


    He spread his arms over thendscape. However, Teleport is not always used to reach ces that you have already visited. There is a second type of destination that it is not <em>often</em> used to reach.


    He pointed at his eye. Teleport can also take you anywhere that you can see at present, as long as you can see the <em>exact</em> location where you will be arriving. So, no teleporting deep into a thick forest, where you cannot see where you will appear. Now, most do not use Teleport for such purposes: there are lower tier spells more often used for short-range travel. Butif you have enough manayou can chain these teleports together in a nifty little method of travel that we archwizards like to call: The Teleportation Shuffle.


    Cute name, Drestra said.


    Kinda like a dance, Alex added.


    A dance of the cosmic power, perhaps, the ancient wizard chuckled. So let us say that you wish to go somewhere, but! Gasp! You have <em>not</em> been there before! Whatever shall you do? Well, for most wizards, they would be forced to use flight spells, mounts, or their own feet to journey there first. But what if I told you there was a faster way? A way that has the advantage of utter expediency! To demonstrateI will cast a spell on you, so keep all limbs inside the wagon, so to speak.


    Baelin spoke an incantation.


    Wait wha Hart started.


    The world vanished in a sh anda heartbeatterAlex was standing on the high hill to the north. The others materialised around him.


    Cedric looked around. Well, ysaved us a little bit of a walk. About five or ten minutes by my reckonin.


    Indeed! But this is where the lesson truly begins. Baelin gazed over thendscape below. From the hill, they could see for miles and miles. Forests and wild meadows blended together across thend, and in the far distance, farmers'' fallow fields and cottagesy empty.


    Seeing them touched Alex. In happier times, cottage chimneys would be puffing smoke, and folk would be out gathering wood and other bounties of thend for winter. He spotted a windmill in the distance, bringing back hisst adventure in Greymoor.


    Hopefully, this trip to the Crymlynll be a <em>bit</em> less eventful, he thought, patting ygons arm.


    So, we have a good vantage point from here, Baelin said. And this is where the Teleportation Shuffle truly shows its worth. We can see far more of the countryside from this hill, which allows us to teleport much further than we could from the crossroads.


    That makes sense, Drestra said. You can see farther into the horizon.


    Yeah. Alex frowned, deep in thought.


    Memories returned to him: of seeing Mt. Tai through a portal in the Cave of the Traveller and of the four elemental peaks in the Rhinean Empire.


    If I were doing this, he said. The first ce Id teleport to is the top of a tall mountain. Then I could see dozens of milesmaybe even fartherand be able to teleport a much greater distance.


    Indeed, now you are getting it, but hold onto that thought of your mountain, Baelin said. There are additionalplications to consider. For instance, let us say we wanted to teleport, ooooohover there. He pointed to a copse of trees to the north; it looked to be at least two miles away. Whatplications could ur when we got there?


    Why do I feel like Im bein lectured by a n elder? Cedric muttered.


    Well, Alex jumped in eagerly. First of all, just because we can see it, doesnt mean we know its safe to teleport there. For example, we could teleport in front of those trees and find an army of angry bears waiting. Or that the grounds unstable, and as soon as we get there, we fall into a sinkhole. Or find that theres gas leaking from the ground somewhere. Basically, the farther youre teleporting to without knowing the ce, the less information youll have about what youll find when you get there.


    <em>Exactly,</em> Baelin said. Just because one can see it from a distance, does not mean we have the full picture of all threats that might be there. And that is why I told you to keep your mountain idea in mind, Alex.


    He cleared his throat. Let me tell you a story. There was once a very arrogant archwizard by the name of Yem the Invincible. He lived in the early days of wizardry, so there is an argument to be made that he was <em>the</em> most powerful mortal wizard of his day. So powerful, in fact, that he went wherever he pleased and whenever he pleased using the Teleportation Shuffle; he felt that his defensive magics could handle any threat. So one day, he decided to teleport to the top of an extraordinarily tall mountain. Tens of thousands of feet up to the peak. But there was an issue.


    Baelin chuckled. He was diving at the time in a pool of utterly clear water, and hed spied the mountain from about one hundred feet below the surface. So he teleported from deep within this body of water to abruptly ascend to a high summit. The shock of the sudden pressure changesbined with altitude sickness <em>destroyed</em> him in an instant. So, one could say that he wasnt so Invincible, was he?


    He roared withughter at that.


    Idont find that too funny, Cedric looked ufortable.


    Alex gave him a knowing look and shrugged, while the chancellorughed. You get used to it, though it can take most people some time before


    He paused, realising that two people wereughing.


    Alex nced over to find Hart Redfletcher doubled at the waist, pping his knee. He and Baelin pointed at each other, thenughed harder.


    Thats amazing! the Champion said. I got a story just like that!


    Alex looked at Cedric again. Some people get used to it really fast.

 Chapter 368: Ransom and Descent

    Chapter 368: Ransom and Descent


    After what seemed like forever, Hart and Baelin finally got theirposure back, though tears ofughter still swam in their eyes and the asional chuckle escaped them.


    So, Baelin said, a huge smile on his face. You said you have a simr story to share? Mine was the appetiser, so let yours be the main course!


    The Champion wiped his eyes. You want the story, well here you go. When I was aboutmaybe fifteen, the Ash Ravensthats my mercenary bandhad gone down to the Rhinean Empire for work. Word had travelled up to Thamnd about these two lords who were having themselves a little religious dispute.


    He made a pair of fists. The two of em prayed to the four elements, but one thought fire was the greatest and the other thought earth was. I cant even remember their names now, but lets just call them fire lord and earth lord for the sake of the story. Anyway, I didnt really get all the philosophical crap, but from what I understood, the entire business had been on the civil sideuntil everything changed when Mr. Firelord attacked. You see, bandits sacked one of the temples in Mr. Earthlords territory. Only problem was that when some of these bandits got caught, they started screaming that they should be ransomed to their families.


    Whats that mean? Alex asked.


    Oh, its a funny practice, Hart said. Say, when someone like you or me or, yknow, bandits get captured, wed have our heads lopped off or get thrown in a dungeon. Or both. But, when<em> knights</em> and rich nobles get captured, their families pay good gold to get them back. So they get to sit tight, made allfortable, while their families get gold together. Not fair, no, but good business if you can catch one.


    Huhso when they said they wanted to be ransomed back, it came out that they were knights, Alex reasoned.


    <strong></strong>Right on the mark. As it turns out, they were all Mr. Firelords knights. Not a good look, so you know, of course that meant war.


    He made a walking motion with two of his fingers. So, we go down there, hired by Mr. Earthlord, but one of his sons is put in charge. Well, Mr. Earthlord Juniors a right ass. Arrogant as an eagle but not nearly as bright, even though he thought he was. But thats alright, we were gettin paid so we let him believe what he wanted and we just did what were good at. We won battles for the little shit he shouldve lost.


    Hart chuckled. Now this is where he reminds me of your Mr. Yem. See, he had this set of full te armour from his daddy. Tackiest thing youd ever want to see: all gold iid and studded with gems like he was trying to outshine the sun. He even had servants polishing it every minute he wasnt wearing it. Hart snickered. Would you believe he actually brought these four valets into battle just to start the polishing the minute they took him out of it? Hart shook his head.


    Yes, I actually would, Baelin said, with an amused smile.


    Anyway, in spite of how gaudy this te looked, the damn suit was tough as hell. Cutting edge stuff: he couldve taken a sledgehammer to the chest with that thing on andughed it off. On top of that, daddy had wizards enchant every te with all kinds of magic.


    He put his hand over his chest like he was swearing an oath. On <em>Uldar,</em> I once saw a knightnce him in the chest. Snapped the bloodynce in half and the little bastard didnt even move. The <em>other</em> knight got dismounted like hed charged into a stone wall full force. Broke his neck when he hit the ground.


    Ah <em>yes.</em> Baelin stroked his beard with interest. I do recall a set of armour like the one you described being crafted in Generasi some half a decade ago. It was the talk of the warriormunity, though mockingly at times. A kings ransom was poured into it for some of the best armourers in the city to put it together. I could see how it could give one the impression they were invincible.


    Oh yeah, he thought he was invincible, alright, Hart grinned. And, like your Mr. Yem, he went wherever he wanted and did whatever he wanted. Every battle, hed always lead from the back, sitting on his big, old charger and watching the battlefield from a nearby hill. He wanted to see every detail so much, that he always insisted on keeping his visionpletely clear. No obstructions for him. Which meanthed always have his visor <em>up</em>.


    <em>Ooooh no</em>, Baelin, Cedric, Alex and Drestra all said at the same time.


    Oh <em>yeeeeah,</em> the Champion smiled. So there he was, sitting on his horse one day, far enough from the battlefield to be out of arrow rangeor so he thoughtand even if one got lucky and hit him, he figured itd bounce off his armour. I mean, his faced be too small a target to hit, right? Well. <em>Bang!</em> Crossbow bolt <em>right</em> to the mouth! The hit took most of his teeth. Infection got the rest, and a good part of his jaw. Last I heard, his daddy said hed be sipping gruel for the rest of his life!


    Baelin burst outughing, sending Hart into more fits ofughter.


    Drestra shook her head. Cedric grimaced. Alex shrugged.


    Dontdont get influenced by them, ygon, he thought.


    Oh, what a delight! And it helps illustrate the point! the chancellor said. When you are teleporting anywhere, ensure that you ount for multiple forms of risk that could be lying in wait! Then mitigate them. Get ready now, Ill be casting some spells on you.


    With words of power, he cast a flight spell on each of them, followed by a spell of invisibility, orbs of air, and a spell of true seeing. Soon, the Heroes were looking at each others translucent forms.


    This is incredible, Drestra said, marvelling at herpanions. We could go anywhere we want like this. Unseen, flying, and yet be able to see each other.


    Yeah. Hart stroked his stubble. Imagine having entire strike teams cloaked like this. They could just slip into enemy ranks as a group, ughter their generals in the morning, and then be off for beer and biscuits before lunch.


    Somethin to work on for us. Wed have a helluva lot easier time with a whole lotta dungeons if we had this set up, Cedric agreed.


    d you are enjoying the experience! Baelin said. And with that, we have mitigated two risks: we no longer have to worry about the grounds integrity, <em>and</em> werergely safe from attack in our invisible state. So, let''s be off to the next location!


    In a sh of teleportation magic, they were transported to the copse of trees Baelin had pointed out earlier, floating just above the ground.


    You see? This way, we do not have to worry about the grounds integrity. Now, to really show the techniques worth, please join me in flying higher into the sky. Baelins translucent form smiled, then shot into the air.


    Alex exchanged grins with the other Heroes and hurtled after the chancellor with ygon at his side. He had to admitdespite the seriousness of their situation, he was actually having fun. All the teleporting and flying they were doing had also set his imagination on fire. Getting deeper into teleportation spells couldnte soon enough.


    They floated up beside the ancient wizard who waited a few hundred feet in the air. Now, take a look around.


    Alex turned, scanning thendscape. From their height, miles of wilderness spread before them in every direction, and he took it all in as kes of snow sifted over the ground. He shivered. They were only a few hundred feet up, but the chill ran deep. A woollen cloak suddenly appeared around Cedrics bare torso, and a trembling Chosen nodded at Baelin in gratitude, pulling it tight around him.


    And now, from this vantage point, we can make the jump for several miles at a time, Baelin said. With uninterrupted views of the vista, we can travel long distances. This is why flight magic is the perfectplement to the teleportation shuffle. However, to avoid Yems fate, you must always pay attention to your altitude, the cold, wind speed and direction, and the weather and air pressure. Do not make the mistake of thinking, if I fly higher, I will just see farther!


    He took on a grim look and watched the sky. It might not look like it from herebut if you fly high enoughyou shall find only death up there. Now, let us go!


    With a few words of power, Baelin catapulted them through space in a stream of teleportation. The world shed around Alex: in one heartbeat, he was floating in the sky above a forest, the next, soaring through waves of sights and sounds.


    A broad smile took his face.


    Being immersed in so much teleportation magic was exhrating, exciting, yetforting, likeing home to a warm fire after a long day in the cold wilderness. It was like there was a voice calling to him across time and space, weing him.


    He wished it could go on forever but Baelin suddenly stopped near a vast, expansive swamp.


    Lets do that again! Alex said, whirling on the amused chancellor with the enthusiasm of a child.


    Now, Alex, we should at least <em>pretend</em> that we are adults at times, he said, smiling at all four Heroes. And here we are. ording to map coordinates and my calctions, this should be the southern end of Crymlyn Swamp. When you recover, Drestra, would you please tell me if we are in the right ce?


    When you recover? Alex thought, taking a look at the other Heroes.


    Cedric, Hart and Drestra were bent at the waist, looking more than a little grey, their hands were pressed to their mouths. The Champion was shaking and gagging beneath the heavy pack on his back.


    Are you guys okay? Alex asked them in rm.


    They are finewell, fine might be a strong word, the ancient wizard admitted.


    Damn right it''s a strong word. Flying through the air has its uses, but it just aint natural, Hart managed to choke out.


    What they are experiencing is teleportation sickness. Which is less problematic than you might imagine. As a child, did you ever take to spinning around in a circle until you were so dizzy that you fell over?


    Uh, yeah, more times than I care to remember, Alex admitted. He wasnt always the smartest of children.


    Teleportation sickness is essentially a disorientation-caused nausea akin to motion sickness, Baelin exined. When one appears in multiple locations rapidly, the body can be a littleconfused. Hence, the nausea.


    You didnt warn us about that? Alex asked.


    It will not kill, the ancient wizard said. And, through experiencing, one gains a valuablewell, experience.


    Feels like my insidesre gonna pour out, Cedric moaned.


    I nearly threw up in my veil, Drestra said.


    Its like ten hangovers at once, Hart groaned,


    Oh, do not be so dramatic! Baelin chuckled. It will pass in mere heartbeats.


    After more than mereheartbeats, the Heroes translucent forms looked decidedly less grey.


    Hoh, Drestra sighed. It will be a long time before I have enough mana to do that. Hopefully, Ill have the stomach for it, by then.


    I am sure you will, Baelin said. Now, are we in the right spot?


    We are. Andwhats betterI can point you to exactly where my home is, she said, adjusting her veil in the wind. The witches I spoke of live more of a wandering type of life in the swamp. Well have to go to my vige to ask where they might be this time of year, so do you have the mana to continue teleporting us?


    Baelin chuckled. Do I have the mana, she asks. How adorable. Lead the way and I will get us there.


    With Drestra directing Baelin, they travelled through the sky above the Crymlyn, deeper and deeper into the immense swamp. The deeper they went, the more the young wizard realised just how immense it was. If Drestra and Baelin hadnt been there, he had no doubt they would have gotten lost because the marsh was soon all he could see in every direction. He knew that the Swamp was said to be bigit appeared as a massive swath ofnd on maps of Thamndbut seeing something on a map and seeing it in-person, especially from the air, were two entirely different matters.


    Most trees had dropped their leaves, giving the swamp a ghostly appearance: skeletal tree trunks and branches reached up over misting frost-covered water, seeming to strain toward them as they passed by. Mudholes, shrivelled bog nts, and peat dotted swaths of moss covered ground.


    Vulture-like birdsfarrger than any bird that flew above Greymoorscreamed to each other. Alex mentally thanked the Traveller that they hadnt been servants of two blue annis hags hiding in a windmill on a fiery night not so long ago.


    A wave of excitement went through him: not many in Thamnd could say theyd visited the Crymlyn Swamps borders, let alone flying over it and actually meeting the witches who lived there. He was about to live out some of the childhood ghost stories his father used to tell him.


    without the gruesome endings, he hoped.


    There. Drestra pointed at a series of lines of white smoke<strong></strong>to the north. My vige lies there. We should descend ande in over the water. And maybe drop the invisibility. Things weretense, when I wasst here, and it wouldnt do to surprise everyone by appearing out of thin air in the middle of our vige square.


    Spoken with true wisdom, young Drestra, Baelin said. Then we will do just that and I will conjure a boat for us to sail to yourmunitys borders. Discovery awaits.

 Chapter 369: The Dangers of Crymlyn Swamp

    Chapter 369: The Dangers of Crymlyn Swamp


    The party floated from the sky, sinking beneath naked tree branches to stop above the frigid swamp water.


    Baelin looked at Drestra. There are no toxic gases here.


    Not in this part of the swamp, the Sage said.


    Excellent. I shall cancel your Orbs of Air. We should know what the area smells like before continuing further: swamps often have built up gases that can be quite explosive. So, its always best to have a quick whiff of the air, see if we have anything to be concerned about.


    With a wave of his hand, he cancelled the spell, and a foul smell reached Alexs nostrils: like rotting vegetables and drying fish. Nearby, he spied a silver form breaching the water, quickly followed by a quiet ssh: a small fish snapped a bug off the waters surface.


    Not many insects around, Alex thought. Good thing were here sote in the year, or wed be a feast for mosqui


    <em>Ssh!</em>


    Alex, the Heroes and Baelin whirled.


    Deep in the trees to the easta ssh much louder than a small fish hitting the water startled them. A birds panicked cry was abruptly cut off.


    Another ssh, thensilence followed.


    Whatn zes was that? Cedric asked.


    Could be any number of things. Some of the swamps predators are very active this time of year, Drestra said calmly. They fatten themselves in the fall then swim down to their caves for the winter. Its almost time for them to go into hibernation.


    Charmin, Cedric said, his morphic weapon flowing off his arm and transforming into a spear. Now he was ready for whatever came, whether fish or predator.


    Watch out for anything swimming near us, Alex directed ygon. He drew a sleeping potion and a booby-trapped mana soothing potion from his bag. If anything jumps at us, squash it.


    The golems head began to turn, watching thendscape in all directions.


    Hart drew his bow and nocked an arrow. Whatre the odds of these predators attacking an armed party?


    Low, Drestra said. They rarely attack my people when were out on the water. Unless theyre very, very hungry.


    Right, Alex said. Of course thisll be the day theyll be starving.


    Unfortunately for them, any attack they attempt will only result in their <em>own </em>deaths<em>,</em> Baelin said, conjuring a swarm of Wizards Eyes. He sent them out in all directions, his gaze unfocusing for an instant. Hm, no immediate threats in the area. Excellent.


    He turned to Alex and the other Heroes. Stay here for a moment will you? Remember that you are still invisible, but endeavour not to make too much noise. I shall return momentarily. Alex, will you hold this for a moment?


    Just as he had when he teleported away earlier, he gave the dungeon core over to Alex, then disappeared.


    Four Heroes and ygon floated quietly, watching the swamp around them.


    So this is your home, eh, Drestra? Alex whispered.


    I was born here, the Sage said quietly. Id only left the Swamp a handful of times before I was marked. This was my world for more than seventeen years.


    How did you deal with the smell? Harts face soured.


    She shot him an annoyed look I dont want to hear anything about how my home smells from <em>you.</em>


    What? Hart asked.


    Drestra looked at Alex. This Champion hereit took Cedric and me weeks to convince him to bathe regrly. For a while, he reeked worse than a dungeon full of dead Ravener-spawn.


    Hey, were out on a war campaign. A bit of a half-wash chases the bugs away, and doesnt waste time like some luxurious bath would, Hart said defensively.


    Your stink nearly chased <em>me</em> away, Cedric grunted.


    Alex chuckled quietly, not particrly interested inmenting. Calling on the Mark, he read the Heroes bodynguage; tensiony in all three of them. But, now they seemed more rxed around each other than before; though their tension spiked each time their eyes fell on the dungeon core slung over Alexs shoulder.


    It looked like the gap was closing between the three Heroes: maybe sharing the secret of the dungeon core had brought them closer, at least subconsciously.


    Hopefully, it keeps closing, Alex thought. No matter what we find out.


    Minutester, Baelin was back with arge, gracefully-shaped boat with a figurehead carved in the image of a hydras nine snarling heads. The vessel was longlong enough to carry a party three times their sizeand broad enough for ygon to fit in with ease.


    With a whispered word, the chancellor lowered the boat into the water and gestured for everyone to get in. Thises from my personal collection, and it is indeed a favourite, he smiled fondly at the watercraft. Hop in. Alex, I will take the core back. Oh, and do not worry about ygon: the boats enchantments ensure that it can carry <em>more</em> than ourbined weight.


    Alex handed him the dungeon core, then floated into the boat, watching ygon. But he had nothing to worry about, even when ygon settled in the middle of the vessel, it never sank below the waterline.


    The enchantments Baelin had on it were powerful ones.


    Hart and Cedric sat down next, rocking back and forth, testing its stability; they were soon nodding in satisfaction. Drestra was looking about, taking in every inch of it.


    Where are the oars? she asked, frowning in curiosity.


    Our manner of travel will not require oars, Baelin said, pointing ahead. That way to your vige, I take it?


    Yes, she said. Theres curving paths and forks in the waterways, but I can guide you through them.


    Excellent.


    The ancient wizard snapped his fingers.


    Holy sh Alex swore as the boat suddenly lurched forward under its own power.


    Picking up speed, it glided through the marsh, kicking up mud and slushy water in its wake. But, considering how fast it was moving, it travelled with an eerie silence.


    Alex wanted one, and no doubt so did the other Heroes.


    Prepare for the cancetion of your invisibility spells, Baelin said. As Drestra said earlier, its better not to rm herpatriots by suddenly appearing out of nowhere. We want to have a pleasant chat with them, not give them the impression that we are thieves or spies.


    Great, Hart said. Now any of these nasty predators will see using.


    Trust me, as long as Baelins here, we have nothing to worry about, Alex said.


    You tter me, but I shant be raising your grades over mere words, Alex! The chancellor waved a hand and their bodies shimmered, translucence fading to reveal them.


    Everyone tensed, more cautious.


    Keep watching for anything nasty, Alex told his golem.


    ygons head swivelled in all directions as he bnced in the middle of the boat.


    Youre all too nervous, Drestra said. At the speed were going, well reach my vige in minutes. And as I said, creatures in the swamp rarely attack people. Were fine.


    And, indeed, her words were true


    for approximately sixty seconds.


    A minute of gliding through the swampwith the Sage guiding the chancellor through the waterways branching pathssaw Baelin suddenly sit bolt upright and snap a hand out to their right.


    With a single word of power, he shot a crackling sky-blue beam through the air, sending it racing above the water, striking what seemed to be empty air about a hundred and fifty feet away.


    <em>Crack!</em>


    A monstrous scream ripped the air, suddenly reced by the sound of crackling. Rapidly freezing ice spread, coating an invisible creature swimming toward them, sh freezing it like an ice sculpture floating in the murky water.


    By the Traveller! Alex swore. What in all the hells is that?


    The creatures shape was mostly humanoid and probably ten feet tall, with a thick tail equally as long as the rest of its body. Hooked talons extended from fingers on massive hands, and its arms were so long, they must have scraped the ground when it walked.


    What in the Drestra leaned over the side of the boat, her reptilian eyes squinting at the creature. I think thats an invisible marauder.


    A <em>what </em>now? Alex asked.


    He didnt remember mention of any such creature in the Thameish bestiaries.


    Theyre predators from deep within the swamp, she said. Nasty things, and with a sadistic streak: theyre smart enough to use tools, and cruel enough to hunt not only for meat, but for sport. They can also turn invisible naturally.


    Well, it is now an invisible corpse, Baelin said matter of factly. Against my<em></em>Wizards Eyes, that level of invisibilityno matter how naturalwould not serve it.


    The boat turned, silently gliding toward the frozen form.


    The nearer they went, the more the monsters invisibility shimmered away; until only a slight translucence remained. When Baelin shot it, they must have been close enough for him to catch enough of its body with his true seeing spell, cancelling most of its ability to remain hidden.


    It wasnt what anyone but another invisible marauder would call attractive: green scales covered most of its body except for its back and tail. They were sheathed in a bone-like carapace. Its face had a human-like quality for the better part, but its mouth was that of a giant crab.


    He whistled at its ws: they looked sharp enough to tear through petrified wood like paper.


    Thissomethings wrong, Drestra said, as they pulled alongside the frozen body. Invisible marauders stay much deeper in the swamp. They have a fear of mortals, and my kinthe ones were looking forcull their poption as much as they need to.


    She gave Baelin a worried look.


    We need to get to the vige.


    Of course, he said, conjuring a rope which tied itself around the monster. I think we should bring this creature with us to show to your people. If they arent already aware of thisabnormality, then we can show them.


    Im d you saw it, Drestra said.


    The boat took off again at speed, everyone watched the trees and water. Baelin recast Orbs of Air over their heads in case something managed to get close enough to drag one, or all of them beneath the murky surface.


    Near Drestras vige, the trees grew thinner and signs of civilization abundant: ropes had been attached to tree trunks as mooring posts; curious, arcane glyphs were scratched into tree bark, and effigies hung from leafless branches high above. Alex stared at the effigies: they were figures of people made of sticks and straw woven together, then painted red.


    They reminded him of diagrams hed seen in blood magic books.


    Those werent there when I was herest, Drestra said softly, pointing at the effigies. They warn of dangerous areas that should be avoided or, at the very least, passed through cautiously. I wonder why theyre so close to the vige?


    I guess well be finding out soon enough, Alex said to the Sage, his grip tightening on his potions while his eyes scanned for more attackers.


    But the next sign of life they encountered wasnt a monster.


    About a hundred and twenty feet ahead, five people shimmered into being, their forms having the same translucence as a spell of true seeing. They were crouched in what must have been a sentry post.


    Each was pale, d in rough, homespun clothing and were decorated in arcane symbols drawn in red pigment. They held bows nocked with arrows that glowed with power.


    Ah, the sentries! Drestra cried, jumping to her feet.


    She called to them in anguage Alex had never heard beforeone withplex sybles and tones that ran from guttural, to musd caught the sentries attention. They looked down at her in surprise.


    Ie with the Champion and Chosen, Drestra said in themon tongue. And with other friends too. Well met, Angharad!


    Well met, Drestra, a sentry called back in a deep voice. He was young and not particrly tall, but he was broad of both shoulder, and belly. Its been too long!


    The sentries spoke quick incantations and shimmered out of invisibility while Angharad stepped forward. Your timings either good or terrible: youvee in dark days.


    Whats happened? she asked as the boat glided beneath the sentry post. She pointed to the invisible marauder tied to the back of the boat. That thing was within a horns blows distance from the vige. What is going on? Are our kin having trouble containing them?


    Angharad grimaced. A lot has happened since you left, Drestra. And as for our kin? We lost contact with them about two months ago. Youd bettere into the vige. We have a lot to tell you.

 Chapter 370: The Dead Aeld

    Chapter 370: The Dead Aeld


    The Heroes and the Chancellor of Generasi glided through the swamp in his enchanted boat, following a vessel Angharad had unmoored from the mouth of a small cave formed by the roots of the same tree the sentries post was in.


    The witches boat was smallmore of a dugout reallyjust big enough to hold two sentries and Drestra. It was powered when a sentry spoke a short incantation and passed her hands over the oars, bringing them to life. The paddles responded; shuddering, groaning, then slithering over the portside and starboard of the dugout to dip themselves in the water, and begin rowing as though ghosts were pulling them.


    Drestra was eager to catch up on recent events in the Crymlyn, and had joined the sentries on the trip to her home. Now they talked quietly in the dugout, leading Baelin, Alex and the other two Heroes to the Sages vige.


    Well this is unexpected, Baelin said. I thought we would have our work done within hours, but the situation appears to be moreplicated than I anticipated. Hmmm. Perhaps I will have to depart for a time and leave the task at hand to the four of you and ygon.


    The chancellor looked up at the sky, a frown taking his face.


    Clouds were darkening and the snow was falling harder, not settling on the ground yet, but visibility was lower.


    The weather looks to be turning against us. Hm, listen well, Alex: this is something you must pay attention to in future when you attempt the Teleportation Shuffle, he cautioned. It bes far less useful when ones sight ispromised.


    Right Alex said, thinking about what mighte next. It looked like they were on the verge of an adventure, and


    He nced back at the ice-caked monster they were towing.


    it could be a dangerous one.


    So then why did he feel soexhrated?


    There was a part of him that was actually looking forward to Baelin leaving them on their own. Something was brewing in the swamp and uncovering it with ygon, the three Heroes and Theresa would be an adventure. The dungeon cores secrets, looking for answers in this strange ce, being unsure of what wasing next, all of that was exciting, even thrilling. Having Baelin with them would probably mean theyd get answers faster, answers he was eager for.


    But, when he really thought about it, the thought of having to work for those answers using his own skills, got him real excited.


    Baelins definitely rubbing off on me, he thought. But thats alright. Hes definitely someone I dont mind being influenced by.


    Do you mind leaving us the boat? Alex asked. And the core?


    Not at all, the chancellor said. What would be the point of training, and watching you grow into a Proper Wizard if I would not even trust you with such a meagre amount of responsibility.


    Right. Alex blushed and was about to say something else


    when something enormous up ahead of them suddenly caught his attention.


    Well theres somethin I didnt expect to see, Cedric murmured, as he and Hart leaned over the side of the boat.


    Ahead was what looked to be a living <em>wall</em> of trees. Not logs, but breathing trees that had grown so closely together, their trunks were fused in a continuous rampart of living wood. Their canopies wrapped each other in a permanent embrace. It was one of the most majestic things Alex had ever seen, easilypeting with some of the wonders in Generasi.


    Wow, they must be even more incredible before the leaves fall, Alex shouted to those in the dugout, the wall loomed higher the closer they came. Each tree was perhaps fifty to sixty feet tall.


    It is! Drestra called back, pausing her conversation with the sentries. I only wish you were seeing it in happier times.


    Yeah, Alex murmured, his eyes widening at whaty ahead.


    The tree trunks curved, forming a gracious tunnel into a<strong></strong>Tree dome? Tree house? He had no idea what to call it.


    This ce is easy to defend, Alex could inly hear the admiration in Harts voice as they passed into the tunnel, sailing deeper into the structure of living wood. Inside, a dense forest of trees that thrived in swamnd reached toward the clouds, their canopy forming awork of pathways on every side, including above. Some branches were thicker around than even Baelins boat, and had be a truly living structure birthed from a single organism.


    Alex found he felt rxed, their surroundings had a soothing quality that took the tension from both his and Cedrics bearing from the moment theyd slipped beneath the tree branches.


    Hart was a different story. It wasnt that he was tense, it was that his focus was now in full military mode. He pointed to a host of ces where archers and wizards could hide in the canopy and make use of those massive branches for cover, while peppering intruders with spells and arrows from atop other branches.


    The Champion sniffed the air. And its humid in here, too.


    Yeah, Alex turned his attention to the canopy. Some of these trees have roots that go all the way down to the earth deep below the water so theyre always slowly taking up water: they getpletely <em>saturated</em>. So, anyoneing in here with a n that involves burning the Witches out, would have a hell of a time burning anything, especially with Witches raining all sorts of nasty spells down on their heads.


    Yeah, thats what I was thinking, Hart said, squinting at the trees. Good thing were being escorted in. Look up there, theyre already watching us.


    Indeed, Baelin said, his eyes looking ahead. They have been monitoring us well before we entered the treeline.


    Alex casually looked up, catching quick movements in the shadows of the branches. There were animals up there, steadily watching: squirrels, birds and other creatures with sharp intellect shining in their eyes which marked them as familiars. And they werent alone. Sentries wrapped in cloaks the colour of tree barky on hunting blinds, concealed and peering at the neers with bows in hand. They looked tense.


    And ready for a fight.


    Alex wondered what theyd been dealing withtely.


    ###


    The boats sailed from the mouth of the tunnel to arge ind within the fortress of trees. Before them, the main vige of the Witches of Crymlyn swamp, rose. Nearby, a line of docks jutted into the water with a small floti of dugouts moored to them, and from there, a stone pathway led into a vige...though, Alex quickly realised that really wasnt the right term.


    Luthering was a vige.


    Whaty before them was a town nearly the size of Alric, but magical. The houses were a mix of wooden cottages, giant mushroom-houses, and magnificent trees with entire cabins growing in their branches. The Witches of Crymlyn were hard at work as Alexs group reached the docks.


    Wood was being split for the long wintering.


    Hauls of fish, logs, and swamp vegetables were being carted toward storage houses by teams of otters the size of horses. A walking tree nearing twenty feet tall strode through the centre of the vige, carrying a load of barrels in its many arms like they weighed no more than a bushel of sweet peas.


    How charming, Baelin smiled, watching as some of the witches pointed at the neers. Folk had begun to gather while the boats were tied off, but their numbers grew into a crowd when the sentries guided the group through the vige.


    Nearing the vige square, Alex saw arge tree in its centre: one with a very familiar shape. It was an aeld tree. Why is the aeld white, Drestra? He asked.


    Sadly, it died.


    He thought of his aeld tree in the courtyard of the encampment, so bright, so warm. He remembered the nting ceremony Professor Salinger had performed for the little tree and how vibrant with life it had been. In death, this aeld had turnedpletely white like freshly fallen snow, and while no glow emanated from it, it still held a muted light that caught one''s attention.


    It was sad that its spirit was gone.


    Fittingly, in the centre of the vige, adjacent to the tree, a circr shrine of menhir stones stood, each at least as tall as ygon. Witches knelt therehands sped tightly in prayerwithin a circle. An arcane glyph marked each stone, though one was emzoned with the white hand that was Uldars holy symbol.


    Alexs displeasure surfaced, but he pushed down the urge to scowl. Uldars symbol was noticeably smaller than the other glyphs, visibly worn by weather and time, and spattered here and there with bird droppings. It looked like its maintenance wasnt top priority for the Witches of the Crymlyn.


    Well, depending on what we find out, maybe theyll be taking it down anyway.


    He looked back down as Angharad spoke to Drestra, then moved toward arge wood and stone hall the size of one of Uldars churches, but without symbols to honour him etched in its walls. Moss and ivy crawled over stone, and the thatched roof was bright green, as though it was still growing from the earth.


    Two rowswith six pines in eachnked the hall, releasing a pleasant woodsy scent, and a significant amount of mana. Alex watched the evergreens, wondering what magicy in them as Angharad made his way up to a set of doors.


    Drestra turned. Well see the vige elder in a moment. Angharad is just letting her know were here.


    Whats been happening? Alex asked. Did the sentries say what happened to the other witches?


    Yeah, are they okay? Cedric joined in. What about that friend you mentioned? Anyone hear from em?


    The Sage frowned. Apparently theyve not been seen in any of their campgrounds or hunting areas. Search parties are out looking, but none of them havee back with any news. Everyones concerned.


    Cedrics eyebrows rose. An your people are <em>all</em> magic users?


    Many, but not all. but yes, magic users were among those who disappeared, she admitted.


    Sounds serious, Hart said.


    Indeed. Well, if fortune smiles on us then we might find your friends quickly, Baelin looked up at the sky. Though it appears fortune might <em>not</em> be on our side.


    Above, the clouds were deep grey and threatening. Snow continued falling and the temperature with it; kes of white were settling on the ground now, more reluctant to melt than before.


    The weather has indeed turned against us, Baelin said. And without knowing as much as I would wish to about the weather and climate systems around this area, I am reluctant to alter it. Hm, if only <em>you</em> were still alive.


    The chancellor looked up at the aeld tree. Would it be safe to assume that it lived for at least half a millenium? When did it die?


    Yes, it was very old and well tended. It lived for about 700 years, but died when I was eight, Drestra said sadly. Ah, if only you couldve seen like I did when I was young. It lit up half the vige when it was happy. Some of our people are looking for a sapling to rece it, but havent had any luck finding one. So when I saw yours


    She paused, looking toward the hall.


    Angharad had emerged, and was waving them to the doors.


    Later, I guess, the Sage said. We had better go in. The faster we learn whats happened, the faster we know what can be done.


    ###


    The interior of the hall was dark, cozy, and within its four walls, the oldest <em>looking</em> person Alex had ever seen awaited. A tiny womanher face a mask of linessat on a nket by a fire pit. mes licked the sides of a cauldronrge enough to hold a good sized pig.


    or a person, Alex thought, trying to dismiss the grimmer fairy tales hed been told about witches.


    Which was no easy feat when the spitting image of witches from those very fairy tales was sitting a few feet away: reminding him, ufortably, of the pair of blue annis hags.


    Wee to Crymlyn Vige, the elders voice croaked to her guests, now seated on thick nkets in front of her. Or I should say, wee <em>back</em> Drestra-child. It is good to see you again. The other children have missed you.


    I missed them and you too, Elder Blodeuwedd. Mother, Drestra bowed her head, and her crackling voice held more sincerity than Alex had ever heard in it. Cedric looked at her with an eyebrow raised, but she didnt catch his gaze.


    But whats happened to our sister people? The Sage continued. Angharad couldnt tell me much.


    It was on purpose that not much was shared until you were brought before me, Elder Blodeuwedd said. She looked at Baelin and then at Alex.


    Her eyes seemed to glitter like diamonds in firelight.


    Wee, strangers from the farnds to the south. Angharad told me where you are from. Orperhaps not so wee.


    Alex watched her closely as she dug into a pouch at her side.


    He looked at Baelin and ygon, but the chancellor was watching the elder witch carefully as she pulled out a small, y tablet.


    Do you outsiders recognize this?


    She held the tablet out to them, disying a symbol carved into it.


    Oh <em>shit</em>, Alex swore.


    A growl escaped his throat.


    The symbol belonged to the Cult of Ezaliel.

 Chapter 371: The Elder Witch

    Chapter 371: The Elder Witch


    And just where did youe upon this? Baelin asked, tension tingeing his voice.


    Not anger. Not usation. Not offence.


    Just a hint of tension, like a hand slowly beginning to curl its fingers into a fist: no threat yet, but a preparation.


    Here, in the swamp. Elder Blodeuwedd watched him calmly, those glittering eyes meeting Baelins piercing gaze. Alex took in her bodynguage: rxed, utterly calm, even serenebut tension was there. Her shoulders slouched, and her hands shook with a barely perceptible tremor.


    But, there was no sign of fear.


    Alex wondered if the tremor was part of an illness, but he was truly impressed that she could hold the ancient wizards gaze so evenly.


    He cleared his throat, hoping to coax a response from her. She was so focused on Baelinlikely feeling his powerful energiesthat she was paying little attention to anyone else.


    Her eyes briefly flicked away, and Alex spoke up, his words low and calm.


    Whoever came here with thatthey were a problem for you, werent they?


    As he spoke, some of the tension left the air. Drestra immediately jumped in. We know that symbol! she eximed. Its the symbol of a cult of demon worshippers whove made their way to Thamnd for reasons that bear no resemnce to anything good.


    She looked at Baelin and Alex. These two arent cultiststheyre friends. Theyve been nothing but helpful, honest and forting, mother.


    Elder Blodeuwedd held Drestras eyes for a moment, then looked at Baelin.


    She shrugged. Strangers from outside the swamp came to the vige one day, bearing this symbol. They asked for our alliance: military protection against Uldar <em>and </em>the Ravener, in return for shelter and serving as their guides in Thamnd.


    A frown creased her brow. But we were wary of them. They smiled too easily and offered much we did not see proof of. And there was a presence to themlike one sees in those who have sold themselves to foul magic. When I told them we would consider it, they left easily enough.


    Her frown deepened. But a few weekster, our brothers and sisters disappeared I must add that I hope Drestras trust in you both is well-ced. Her eyes drifted to the front door before she continued. So, what brings you to Crymlyn Swamp? Angharad has told me that you seek our kin, but not <em>why </em>you seek them. In truth, your timing iscurious. Strangerse from afar, then our people vanish without a trace. Then other strangerse looking for those same people. Why?


    Drestras friend is to help us with a question that we need answered, a private question for now, Baelin said smoothly. But what I can say is that we have a need to find your kin. And by we, I mean myself, my friend here, and our expedition.


    Dont forget us, Cedric said. Bloody bastard cultists are addin t our troubles too.


    Mother, Drestra said. Id like mypanions to join me in searching for our people. Please, give us your blessing.


    Hmmmm, the elder said. These strangers seek our kin for their own businessand offer no false smiles and fantastical promises of gifts. And one of our greatest calls them friend. That gives mefort that they do not have malice in their minds. Very well, daughter.


    She dug a pinch of bright green powder from her pouch and tossed it in the fire. A whoosh preceded emerald me that roared up the sides of the cauldron, peaking high above the rim before ebbing and calming to a flickering orange.


    There, now you have my blessing. Search for our kin in the Crymlyn. I will tell you where they werest seenand if you find them. Her eyes drifted to Cedric, Alex, Baelin and Hart. Ill be sure a reward is prepared for you, for the Witches of Crymlyn Swamp believe that no help should go unrewarded.


    Alex lowered his head. Thank you, he said, taking on some of the notes in the elders voice. Well do our best to find themand those you sent after them as well.


    The elder nodded. Good. I will have a cottage prepared for your needs while you are here with us. And in the meanwhile, we can talk about where our kin werest seen as well as disturbing<strong></strong>events that havee to ourndstely. Youll soon see that youll need good luck, and the spirits with you more than ever. I know you will guide yourpanions well, Drestra-child.


    Yes, mother, the young witch said.


    ###


    Oh my, how lovely and<em></em>nostalgic, Baelin said as their boat glided through the swamp. The snow had picked up, but the wind was low, and the cold not <em>too</em> biting. Though that didnt mean the weather wasnt worsening. The atmosphere in the swamp felt ominous to Alex, especially with visibility now reduced to mere yards ahead, and the conversation with the elder re-ying in his mind.


    She had told them of<em>things</em> their scouts had seen deep in the marsh: monsters they had neverin remembered timeseen before.


    Monsters whose descriptions were unnervingly simr to demons described in some of the universitys summoning textbooks.


    Whats nostalgic? he asked Baelin, his eyes searching the trees before ncing at the clouds and noting the change in light, darkness would soon fall.


    This adventure, Baelin said, looking at Drestra quietly sitting pressed to the vessels bow, watching the swamp ahead. It has been some time since I went exploring the wilderness to find something or someone. It used to be something I did as regrly as breathing.


    You miss it? Alex asked, smiling.


    At times, butoverallI have moved on to other things.


    Oi, how can ybe so calm? Cedric nced at Baelin. I understand not bein afeared o the wild, bein that ygot so much power tthrow around an ygot three of Thamnds Heroes an yer student an his golem wit ya. snot like we cant win a fight, sjust Im worried for whats happened, an if were gonna find Drestras kin in this deep swamp. The witches ave already searched fer weeks now.


    Indeed, but they do not have the mobility we do. Even if the weather has reduced the range that I can safely teleport us, we are still able to travel far more quickly than they can. Further, we have the strength of spell and arms to take moredirect routes.


    Yeah, Alex said. I can understand why theyd need to be cautious too. If there really are demons lurking somewhere in here, thats not something just anyone can handle.


    And not when winters so near, Drestra said. Its a terrible time. We need almost<strong></strong>every hand out hunting, harvesting and making ready for the cold season.


    She looked back at herpanions, including Hart and ygon, who were silently watching their nks as they glided through the marsh. The Champion had his bow clutched tightly, an arrow was nocked on it.


    Thank you, she said in her crackling voice. Thank you for helping with this. I owe you all.


    Think nothing of it, Baelin said. As was said earlier, we are doing this for our own purposes as well. So its not a case of pure altruism, but rather it meets the needs of two groups aligning in a fortuitous or, rather, an unfortunate time. And we arein many waysfighting a war alongside each other, albeit with differing capacities. I am sure you will have a chance to return the favour one day. Especially as danger arises all around usand speaking of that He looked past Drestra. Do you see anything resembling the forked tree yet?


    Actually, we should be close, the Sage said. It should be riah, there it is!


    She pointed aheadrising from the centre of the waterway was the tree they soughtand it was so straight and even, it looked like it had been whittled by mortal hands. The waterway ran past it, flowing deeper into the swamp, and the tree represented an unofficial boundary line that the witches used.


    Everything past the forked tree seemeddarker. Trees were more twisted. Grasses withered. The water murkier.


    But those things weren''t what caught Alexs attentionit was what was missing.


    Hey, didnt the elder say there was an effigy here? He frowned. To mark the area ahead as some ce to stay out of, or at the very least, be real cautious in? You know, a ce where a whole damn search party disappeared? So wheres this effigy?


    Aye, thats a bloody good question. I remembered er sayin it was right here. Cedric craned his neck, looking through the swamp. But the trees were thicker here, and his vision lower.


    How much you willing to bet it didnt just fall off by itself? Alex asked, getting potions ready.


    Im not taking that bet, Hart growled. Cuz Im no fan of losing coin.


    Indeed, Baelin said. Those invisible marauders have sufficient intellect to n: and it would be in <em>their </em>best interest if hapless wanderers stumbled into their territory. If Elder Blodeuwedds theory proves correct, then demons deep within the swamp would drive invisible marauders out of their normal hunting grounds. Which means they would have to attract prey however and wherever they could, so removing the warning would be a good way to achieve that.


    That makes sense, Drestras eyes hardened. Well, well go to them, give them what they <em>think</em> they want. Ill go right <em>through</em> them to find out what happened to my kin if I have to. Thinking about them meeting the same fate as the one you froze, is real appealing.


    Yeah, Hart said. Guess well be doing your people <em>another</em> service too: culling overpopted pests!


    Hah! Baelinughed. I <em>knew</em> I liked the two of you.


    As Hart and the chancellor grinned at each other, Alex felt a twinge deep in his chest that surprised him. An emotion he rarely felt.


    is that jealousy? he thought as he began conjuring Wizards Hands, forceballs andyering defensive spells over himself. Am I actually <em>jealous?</em> Of <em>Hart?</em> Come on, Alex, stop being crazy. Or at least pull the crazy back a little.


    It makes sense that theyd get along. Baelin, above all else, is a warrior like Hart. Theyre lived lives of war. And, they have the same dark sense of humour. So, why not?


    Once his defensive spells were up, he summoned Bubbles and five other small water elementals, sending them into the water.


    Hey Bubbles. He patted the little water elemental on itshead? Its body, he supposed. Then he patted the others. Hey everyone. Wee back. I need you to dive into the water and just follow us. If I tell you to attack something, that means you just suck all the moisture out of them, okay?


    Bubbles and the others made bubbling sounds, then slipped into the murky waters.


    Cute little things, Cedric said. Dont look like theyd hurt a fly.


    Youd be surprised, Alex smiled.


    They have some nasty tricks up theirsleeves, and so do <em>these</em> guys. He conjured a couple of swarms of water elemental beetles.


    Wee back, he said to the swarms. Thanks for your helpst time, guys. This time I want you to spread out, fly around and scout the area. If yound on anything you cant see, I want you to make a racket thatll bring the rest of the swarm, then start biting every invisible thing youvended on. Buzz as loudly as you can, okay?


    The swarms scattered into the marsh, looking for prey.


    Hm, I remember you used that strategy during the Grand Battle, Baelin said. But, it will not be necessary now since we have the true seeing spell on ourselves.


    Yeah, Alex shrugged. I figured what we have to do could take longer than you have time for, and you could be gone by nightfall.


    Indeed, Baelin said. That is a distinct possibility.


    So yeah, Alex said. Better to get in the habit of scouting out enemies before you leave, rather than beingcent.


    Ah, spoken like a Proper Wizard. Very well, keep your habits, Baelin said. Now, has everyone else had time to prepare?


    The Heroes nodded.


    Good. He cast an invisibility spell over everyone. Even the boat vanished. Let us see if we cannot find ourselves one good battle before I must head back. It would be a shame to leave you all to clean up this <em>entire</em> mess on your own.


    With that, he gave the boat a quickmand, and it glided past the forked tree and deeper into the gloom.

 Chapter 372: A Running Battle

    Chapter 372: A Running Battle


    It didnt take long before Baelin found the fight he was looking for.


    Theyd pressed deeper into the swamp where their surroundings turned rougher, and grisly remains of ughtered birds, giant swamp otters, and enormous turtles that were eaten right out of their shells,y everywhere.


    Alex imagined Vesuvius not being amused at the sight.


    Then he cleared his thoughts.


    The others were on alert, though Baelin <em>appeared</em> quite rxed. Those goat-like eyes, however, were scanning the marsh with that piercing gaze of his. Hart kept an arrow nocked on his bow string. Drestra held her hands out, ready to direct spells, while Alex had several booby-trapped sleeping and mana soothing potions in floating Wizards Hands.


    ygon stood in the centre of the boat, his hands spread, ready to fire beams at anythinging too close.


    Cedric had gone an extra step.


    His morphic weapon had shimmered, transforming from a spear into a magnificent<strong></strong>recurve bow of gleaming silver with a silver string taut between its tips. The Chosen had muttered a quick prayer to Uldar and conjured glowing arrows, much like those the centaur priests used at the Games of Roal.


    Alex eyed the bow. I really gotta ask what the hell that weapon is once we get through this, he thought. I wouldnt mind getting one for myse His thoughts paused and his face turned sour. oh, thats right. What am I thinking? The Mark and Uldar would never let that happen


    Shhhhhh! Baelin hissed a warning.


    Alex''s bitter thoughts vanished.


    The chancellor whispered amand that swept through the watercraft, slowing it. Do not give any indication that youve noticed anything amiss, but something approaches.


    Everyone went silent, their eyes searching the gloom. They remained still, even their breathing was soundless while the boat drifted forward like an eel slipping through the murk.


    Hart subtly looked left, indicating a spot through the evening light and falling snow, deep within the trees.


    Alexs gaze shifted left.


    A hundred plus feet away, Baelins true seeing spell revealed translucent creatures moving noiselessly through the turbid swampwater, hunting for food.


    More than two dozen Invisible Marauders inched closer, confident in their innate invisibility to keep them hidden. If those things werent so deadly the situation would be pretty funny. Alex thought, fighting the urge tough. Theyre so sure we cant see them, that theyre not even trying to hide. Guess what monsters, we can see you.


    Their actions might have been funny, but there was nothing funny about their appearance.


    Some were scrawny, most bore long jagged scarslike theyd fought for their very liveson parts of their bodies not submerged in swampwater. Several had fresh wounds, open and raw. It looked like theyd been in a brawl recently.


    Well, they were about to be in another one.


    Let em get closer, Hart said. Maybe around sixty feet. Then we hit em hard and keep em from escaping back into the marsh.


    Stock-still, they waited, watching their hunters swim closer, foot by foot, until...


    Now! Hart shouted, and hell was unleashed.


    The Chosen and Champions hands blurred on their bowstrings,unching a dozen arrows in heartbeats. Glowing bolts shed from Cedrics bow like bursting fireworks, striking scaly skin, holy power rampaged through convulsing bodies.


    Harts thick arrows had the speed and force of a small battering ram, sinking Invisible Marauders or flinging them through the air like limp dolls.


    Drestra roared an incantation and aimed a spell at their attackers.


    Orange light shed beneath the line of marauders, illuminating the murky water. Steam exploded, scaly skin blistered red. Some died, but some survived and persisted, driven by one basic need, food. Prey had grown scarce.


    They charged Baelins boat, but some stopped mid-lunge, shrieking and wing at their own flesh: Alexs water elementals weretched onto them, sucking their moisture, absorbing it like a sea sponge. The marauders clutched their throats, gasping for breath like caught fish until their struggles weakened and they mummified, sinking beneath the muddy waters.


    Alex didnt bother using his Wizards Hands, it wasnt necessary. Baelin had watched while his youngpanions fought the marauders, then when he was ready, he nodded and spoke a single word of power.


    An enormous surge of power preceded the tell-tale signature of summoning magic.


    The remaining marauders began to scream.


    Below the monsters, the water began churning in a spiral, red froth spun violently as scores of squat, foot-long fish materialised beneath the waters surface, tearing at the creatures like packs of starving Grimlochs.


    In seconds, invisible marauders swirled in the water, dragged to the bottom of the swamp, or floating on the waters surface as no more than bones.


    Well thats one way tget things done, Cedric said.


    I dont think Ill be jumping overboard to get my arrows back, Hart grunted. Good little fight, though.


    And less marauders to attack the vige or anyone out foraging, Drestra said. That was a <em>big</em> pack, I have to say. They only gather inrger groups for protection, so theres definitely a threat somewhere deeper in the swamp. I hope whatever they''re afraid of doesn''t have my kin.


    This aint much constion, but theyll regret it ifn they do. Cedric said.


    Thanks for summoning those vuncali fighting fish Baelin, it was a good idea for now and forter. I think I get why you called them. He continued. They drew blood, now theyll look for more blood in the water and follow the smell, which should take them to wherever the wounded marauders came from. If we follow the fish, we should find what wounded them. That could give us some information about whats going on deeper in the Crymlyn.


    Alex looked around. Ifyou have to go back to Generasi this eveningwell have a great start for tomorrow.


    Ah! You catch on quickly, the chancellor said.


    Hey, you taught us to let todays advantages be the beginning of tomorrows advantages, Alex said. And I didnt exactly sleep through your ss.


    No, you got top marks and for good reason! Well done, Alex, the ancient wizard praised him.


    It took all of the young wizards will to resist the irrational, childish urge to throw a smug grin at Hart.


    ###


    They tracked Baelins fish through the swamp, following the marauders blood trails.


    All of a sudden, it seemed the swamp hade alive.


    Invisible marauder attacks were frequent. No sooner had they put a lone creature down, a pair, or trio would attack. Sometimes the attacks came fromrge groups. Though the Heroes, Alex and Baelin eliminated them quickly, the spreading scent of blood seemed to attract more.


    They were starving andas Drestra exinedwerent above cannibalism. Marauders emerged to feast on their own kind, trying to drag them away from the prying eyes of those whod killed them.


    But the Sage kept them from escaping, sting them before they could grab their meal and leave.


    Theres far too many of these, shed said. Each one we eliminate will make the winter and spring safer for my people. She looked at Baelin and Alexs summoned monsters. I have to say, those spells are quite handy. We witches dont practise that kind of summoning: our summoning spells require a lot of ritual and preparation to bind the spirits we ask for aid, and we always give something in return.


    Yeah, thats called subjugation type summoning, Alex said, watching Bubbles and the other water elementals drink the moisture from a marauders dead body. Its not the friendliest way to summon monsters, but if your only goal is summoning a lot of creatures thatll get stuff done for you quickly? Its the best kind.


    Indeed, Baelin said. At a quieter time I can give you a crash course on the types of summoning that are possible, when its convenient for us both.


    Thanks, Drestra said. I learned some summoning spells in the capital like the ones you both used, but they werent efficient for destroying Ravener-spawn. I find it easier to just hit them with fire, lightning or ice


    She watched the fish. But having a small army that I can control... Subjugation-type summoning, you called it? Interesting. Anyway, this talk is just distracting us right now. We should leave it for another time.


    Deeper into the swamp they went, fighting more marauders along the way. Soon the tang of blood was so strong thatrather than attracting starving maraudersit was driving them away in fear.


    Things grew quiet and the Heroes, wizards and golem moved through the water undisturbed.


    Pfeh, it seems somewhat pointless for us to have been invisible when facing creatures that can turn invisible themselves. st it. Baelin frowned. No doubt there are other foes waitingthough I suspect the element of surprise has been lost. Loud, running battles tend to attract attention, whether you want them to or not. Hmmm. But it seems that we arent the only ones to have had such battles in this area.


    Yeah, Alex said. I see what you mean.


    Signs of terrible violence marked the foliage. Entire inds of grass had been burned away. Trees were downed. Skeletal remains of invisible marauders floated in murky water, or poked through the roots of towering trees.


    Their bones had been crushed, battered, burnt or split. Probably byrge weapons.


    Somethings iming this territory as its own, Drestra said. Something new. Ive never seen anything like this in ournds before.


    Probably them damn demons, Cedric said. An their cultists. Bloody hell, I didn think theyd gotten this deep into Tham


    Hold on, Hart said, pointing through the gloom. By now, between the deepening shadows of evening and the worsening snow, it was hard to see clearly.


    It looked like there were masses rising from an ind ahead, like giant tortoise shells, or piles of something. But, what? A wave of dread went through Alex. The Orb of Air he wore cut all smells, and short of removing it, all he could do was wonder if the stench of rot was in the air.


    Were they going to reach that ind and find Drestras kinfolks bodies piled high, left to rot in the swamp? Demon worshippers werent known for their kindness. From the Sages manner, it was clear she also feared the worst: her shoulders tensed the closer they came to the ind, and her knuckles had turned white from gripping the boat.


    It was Baelin who chased away their fear.


    Wizards Eyes have checked what lies before us, he announced. It appears those shadowy mounds are tents: we have found an abandoned campsite.


    Sighs of relief came from each Hero while Drestra whispered a prayer of thanks to the spirits. Baelins boat reached the ind and they quickly disembarked, each scanning a different part of it with weapons, potions and fire-gems ready.


    But all was quiet.


    The campsite held half a dozen empty tents, scattered tools, and a rumpled bed roll left on the cold ground. Nearby, several sturdy mooring posts for good-size boats stood, but all were empty.


    Two objects in the centre of camp drew their attention.


    The first was a dead campfire, which Drestra immediately touched. Her frown deepened. Its still warm. This camp was used very recently.


    And abandoned in a hurry, Alex noted, approaching the second object of interest.


    It was arge, circr stone disk,rge enough for arge animal to beid on. A summoning circle had been carved in it, and within the circle, a partly eaten corpse of an invisible maraudery.


    Cedric leaned down, touching it. Hm, this bodys still warm too.


    Alex checked the snowy ground, noting footprints. He called on the Mark, and it showed him images of his time in the countryside of Generasi, tracking the vespara with Theresa. Noting the shapes of the tracks, their depth and their stride length, he started to put a picture together.


    The Fool crouched, peering at the mud.


    There were about tenmaybe twelve people here, he said. All humans or races of simr height and weight. That looks like the imprint of a weapon rack over there. He pointed at a deep impression in the lightyer of snow beside a tent. And a few areas where people, maybe guards, sat. The edges of the ind have impressions of piled logs: probably for people to sit on and watch the swamp.


    He went to the waters edge. They posted sentries mostly on the side of the swamp we came from. They were probably watching to see if anyone made it this far while searching for the missing witches, in case an Invisible Marauder or other beast didnt get them first.


    Alex pointed to the other side of the ind. All the mooring posts are on that side, which means they probably came from somewhere deeper in the swamp. I wouldnt be surprised if that blood trail your fish were tracking came from somewhere near here, Baelin.


    The chancellors eyes unfocused for a moment. Indeed. There looks to be a battle sight not one hundred yards from here where my vuncali<strong></strong>fish have tracked the trail too.


    Right Alex said, tapping his chin. That fits. It might be a bit early toe to conclusions, but I think this is an outpost. We mightve found the cults territory.

 Chapter 373: The Demons and Witches

    Chapter 373: The Demons and Witches


    The <em>cults </em>territory? Drestras voice rose. This is territory my kindred imed too long ago to remember. Its not somece that is visited regrly, but it belongs to witches, <em>not</em> foreign cultists.


    Yeah, Alex said. It looks like they n on settling here.


    The hell they do! the Sage growled.


    Whatre ya thinkin? Cedric asked Alex. An how can ytell all that from a few tracks? Ymust got good eyes.


    Hart was silent, examining the ground, looking for his own evidence of Alexs theory.


    Its just a guess, the young wizard said. But look at the campsite. Its well established. Look over there.


    He pointed to a hill of trash on the side of the ind. Garbage was piled high, and a deep pit had been dug beside it with burnt refuse at the bottom. A short distance away, what looked like a privy had been erecteda small shack that Alex had no intention of looking in.


    This camps been here for a while. Mooring posts, weapon racks, the trash pile, atrhat all tells me these people are settled here. It doesnt look like they just dropped in for a few hours and then left. I think theyve been using this ce for some time, making it more of a semi-permanent camp, and judging by the way the guards were positionedit feels like an<strong></strong>outpost.


    He tapped the Orb of Air around his head, his mind working. You knowthis is getting into spection territory, but isnt the Crymlyn kind of the perfect ce for a cult to permanently set up? The swamps deep, its big and its hard to navigate. Uldars followers rarelye here, which makes it easy to hide in and keep people away froming in here. Its a good staging ground, all things considered.


    They need to get out of <em>my</em> swamp, Drestra growled. I take it this camp was abandoned in a hurry? She looked in the direction theyde from. They probably heard us fighting the marauders and left before we could get our hands on them.


    Aye, didn wanna face us, bloody cowards, Cedric said. But, this could be good news since it narrows our search.


    Indeed, that is what happens when you are able to swiftly repel whatever threatens you, Baelin said. Hrm, but now time is turning against us.


    He examined the sky.


    The snow fell steadily, and as night advanced, the temperature was dropping. Thick kes clung to everything they touched; mud, trees, rocks and the six allies exploring the ind. Visibility was even poorer now.


    It does not look like the weather will turn stormy, the chancellor said. But, it will hinder our search. And the time is getting on. I believe this will be a good time for me to return to my other duties back home.


    Alex wanted to keep searching.


    They were so close to finding the cultists, and here they were about to lose the most powerful member of their team. It wasnt as if they were weak, Baelin was an unstoppable force, but he, ygon and the Heroes could also handle themselves. The cultists had a lot to worry about from them, but stopping the search at this point could mean losing an advantage theyd just gained.


    The upside was that with Baelin leaving, Theresa would be joining them.


    She wasnt Baelinno one wasbut she could handle her share of monsters.


    Well, ifn youll be leavin, salright. Cedricughed. Sa bit unnatural for us Heroes tbe the ones bein escorted everywhere we need t go. But, vacations over, stime for us to do our work an get rid o nasty pests.


    Indeed, Baelin said. And so I will leave this operation in all of your capable hands. Here you go, Alex.


    He handed the young wizard the satchel containing the living dungeon core. I know youll keep it well hidden, and well guarded safely in your hands.


    Right, Alex said, hanging the satchel across his torso. When do you think youll be back? Youre kind of our ride back to the encampment.


    Once my duties arepleted, the chancellor said. You can expect me in a few days, briefly, at least. Hopefully, that will be enough time to clean up any troublesome leftover problems that might persist. Now, even though you are allpetent young folks, I strongly rmend that you retire back to Crymlyn Vige for the evening. Powerful you are, but the enemy knows the terrain


    So do I, Drestra cut in. Ive been living here my whole life. I know thend better than they could ever hope to.


    Indeed, if you do regrly venture this deep into your own swamp, there is still the issue of these cultists having a presence here for quite some time. Who knows what changes theyve made, traps theyve set, and hidden dangers theyve left as deterrents for your people. During the day, I have no doubt you could ovee these limits. But in the dark?


    I can see in the dark, the Sage said, her reptilian eyes shing.


    But yourpanions cannot, Baelin pointed out. In the daylight, you increase your advantages while decreasing those of your enemy.


    Hes gotta point, Drestra, Cedric said. Remember when we got attacked that night by the army o Ravener spawn at those standin stones. Right terrible, that was, as ysaid. We can break eme mornin.


    Indeed, and I can make your quest easier before I go. Baelin turned, studying thendscape, soon spotting a thick copse of trees. I shall conjure a teleportation circle and conceal in that stand of trees then link it with Crymlyn Vige. Come morning, you can take my boat through the teleportation circlewhich I trust will not be reduced to kindling in your battlesand be back here to resume your hunt. Who knows? If youre lucky, you might return to find those who abandoned this post, which will give you prisoners to interrogate.


    Thatd be handy, Alex said, turning to the other Heroes with his attention more focused on Drestra. I agree with Baelin, I think we should wait until morning, then strike hard and fast if they''re here when wee back. I know youre worried about your kindred, Drestra, and so you want to get out there right away. But, if we get ambushed, our chances of finding cult members, your friend, and the rest of your kindred really narrows. Then, everyone loses.


    The Sage paused, her frown deepening at Alexs words. Atst, her crackling voice sighed through her veil. Youyoure right. And if were tired, that will make things even harder.


    Yeah, Hart agreed. Well leave for now, and break em good in the morning.


    Then it is unanimous. I am d you all have chosen the more reasonable path, Baelin said. Come, then lets be on our way.


    The party boarded the boat, floating the short distance to the copse of trees Baelin had pointed out. It was the perfect spot: hard to ess and dense with trees, yet wide enough for a teleportation circle that could amodate the boat. Drestra cast a spell, animating the tree roots and bringing them to life like spider legs. They groaned, pulling themselves from the soil and scurried away, making enough room for even ygon.


    Then Baelin cast the teleportation circle and ced an illusion on it, hiding it from hostile eyes.


    This version of the spell has amand word keyed to it which I will share with you once we are back in the vige. He said, watching the circle vanish beneath the illusion. You will have to speak it before entering the circle or it will not transport you at all, keep that in mind. If everyones ready, it seems our preparations areplete; so, lets be on our way.


    With that, the party stepped into the magical circle and vanished from the swamp.


    ###


    Zonon-In levelled a cold gaze down on the cowering mortal before her.


    And these trespassers differed from the ones you captured before? she growled, her voice rumbled like both the roar of a wildcat, and the chilling noise of de sliding on de. Her pincers clicked at her sides.


    Yes, mighty demon spirit, the cultists forehead pressed so low, it scraped the mud beneath it. They came through the swamp like they were on a vendetta, not quietly like past ones. But as you instructed, we conjured the wind demon to blow our boats away swiftly, and we escaped.


    Zonon-Ins growl rumbled through her tent. So greater forces in this kingdom have found us.


    There was a thrill in her voice that she didnt try to hide: a hunger for battle that this out of the way post in the material world had denied her. She fought the need to spring from her bone-throne, hoist her war-spear, and lead a warband of cultists and demons to find these enemies and ughter them for a bit of fun.


    But Ezaliels orders had been very clear: avoid all conflict until they had secured at least <em>one</em> of the curious prizes his unfortunately, now dead


    wizard- servant had revealed to him: a bauble called a dungeon core.


    His order was still unfulfilled: countless search parties had ranged out of the swamp, seeking just one of these things, but were met by either the military forces of this realm, or some of the innumerable monsters that haunted the wilderness.


    So shed decided to wait until winter.


    When the snows fell deep, their enemies armies would be slowed while her ice demons would cut across any mortal winterndscape like birds through the sky, then easily im her masters prize. She knew Ezaliel would reward her handsomely if the object proved as valuable as some said it was. She was in no hurry.


    Their captives provided plenty of sacrifices andentertainment. The cults ess to therders of their guests ensured there was plenty of sustenance and water to sustain all of their mortal servants for most of the cold season.


    It was far more practical to avoid confrontation, and simply move deeper into the swamp to conceal themselves from the hostility of mortals.


    but she was bing <em>dreadfully</em> bored.


    though not bored enough to disregard her masters orders. And besides, there were still <em>some</em> things she could do to keep herself entertained, like


    Demon! Demon are you there? an arrogant voice called from outside her grand tent.


    A wide grin split her face, revealing rows of dagger-like teeth leading to a small forest of mouth-tentacles. The cultist whod reported to her shuddered before the undisguised malice of her gaze.


    You may go, she said to the man, resisting the urge tough as relief clearly washed through him. Humans were so amusingly small: both in size <em>and</em> courage. Tell the others that we will move shortly. You may also go and get yourself a reward from the quartermaster.


    Yes, mighty demon! the cultist cried, facing her while bowing with each step as he retreated from her gaze.


    How amusing! For a moment, the image of her ws reaching out to y the manjust as he felt most relievedcame to her, but unfortunately, her pleasure would have to wait. But, the look of surprise that would have taken his face was something to savour.


    She was patient and these were her master Ezaliels followers, not her own.


    Besides, there were other, more amusing targets that she was lettingripen.


    As if called by that thought, one of those very targets burst into the tent, his face a mask of adorably, futile mortal anger. It was like watching an ant bluster abouthighly amusing.


    But she imagined that this mortal saw himself very differently.


    I have heard that outsiders were seen close to our borders! the man cried. What will you do about this?


    As my mastermands, Zonon-In slowly replied, massaging the note of amusement in her voice to be its most irritating. And you are not my master, witch.


    He growled. This is not the deal we bargained for, demon. You said we would unite and throw down the Uldarite vers who hold dominion in this realm, and bring thends bordering the swamp into the hands of we witches! Instead, I see you lounging here while your followers use <em>my</em> people for your filthy rituals!


    If you do not like it, you maycast us out, Zonon-In said, her voice growing cold. How many of your kindred joined you in betraying your people? Twenty?


    <em>Thirty</em> brave souls who had grown tired of living in fear.


    Thirty magic-users of <em>your</em> power wont get you very far against my masters many cultists, and my demon servants. She grinned. I will make good on the bargainum


    <em>Osian!</em> he yelled in such an amusingly self-important way. This is the tenth time


    Right, right, Rosian, she said, waving a pincer. Ill remember this time. Remain calm. The deal will be made good, but my masters purpose must be satisfied first. I am a mere servant while you are the mighty leader of <em>thirty</em> she made her tone as condescending as possible. brave traitors!


    Not traitors! The others who did not follow are the traitors!


    Oh, do you mean your more than one hundred kindred who decided not to deal with our followers? Zonon-In asked. Seems to me that you betrayed them when you went against the decision of your <em>former </em>group, but maybe my addition is off and you have the majority behind you!


    Justnevermind! Osian snapped, and the demon grinned at her victory.


    Frustrating this fool was too easy.


    What about the ones poking about our territory? We should capture and interrogate them, just like we did the traitorous Uldar worshipping cowards from my vige!


    And we willif they persist, as per my masters orders. Then you can have your little satisfaction, Assian.


    <em>Osian</em>!


    Yes, that is what I said! Now, go. You humans need sleep, am I correct? You seem a little tired and grumpy. Perhaps some sleep will make you feel better.


    Howling in frustration, the treacherous-witch stomped from the tent while the demons rollingughter chased him.


    By Ezaliel, that was funstill, I could use some variety in my sport. Her mouth-tentacles licked her lips. Hopefully those trespassers return and put up a fight. I would love to see to them personally.

 Chapter 374: The Baby on the Mushroom

    Chapter 374: The Baby on the Mushroom


    And look who I found! Baelin said breezily as he reappeared in Crymlyn vige.


    Beside him was the familiar figure of Theresa Lu, looking ready for war. She carried an immense pack over one shoulder, and both of her great-grandfathers des were sheathed at her hips. In one gloved hand, was her birthday gift from Alex, a powerful bow strung with the golden string shed won at the Games of Roal. At her side, her ferocious cerberus Brutus stoodlooking fierce, immenseand as hungry as everright until he bounded at the Thaemish wizard, barking excitedly, and knocked him over.


    Aagh! Brutus! Stop! Why? the young man protested as threerge, wet tongues slobbered over his face while he floundered on the ground.


    Vengeance is mine, Theresa said quietly, helping him up from Brutus ongoing tongue bath.


    Vengeance? <em>Really?</em> The cerberus assault persisted. Brutus, youre drowning me! He cried.


    And I cant believe youd hold a grudge like that Ther


    He watched her carefully.


    She looked tired: in the moonlight, a sheen of sweat shone on her face, reflecting off the gathering snow, her breaths came faster than usual. She looked like she''d been running.


    Aaaaahhhh, youth. Baelin shook his head and looked at ygon. You see how cruel life can be, my giant friend. I am literally one of the most capable archwizards in all this world, but as soon as a young man, a young woman, and might I add, an enthusiastic pup see each other, I am as forgotten asst weeks weather forecast. He looked up at the sky mournfully. To think I would live so long to see my days of glory pass away like this.


    No, wait, Baelin, I Alex started.


    Oh <em>now</em> you pay attention to me!  Baelin beganughing. Calm yourself. I merely jest. And on that note, I will take my leave of you young people and wish you the best of luck and good hunting. My goodbyes have already been said to the others, so do work well together, and most of all, simply take good care of my boat, your other package


    He looked meaningfully at the satchel strapped across Alexs torso. and yourselves. Farewell for now, I shall see you all in a few short days.


    Theresa and Alex said their goodbyes to the chancellor, and in a sh of teleportation magic, he was gone.


    The huntress looked around the fantastical vige, letting out a breath that misted white in the cold. They were on the outskirts near the cottage Elder Blodeuwedd had ordered prepared for them.


    So this is the home of the Witchesit actually looks just as I imagined, she said.


    Yeah. Alex pat Brutus head and mentally told ygon they were leaving. But where were going tomorrow is a hell of a lot less fairy-tale-like. Come on, Ill exin once we meet up with the Heroes. Theyre in the cottage, finishing up supper. You already eat, you want a hand with your gear?


    Yeah, I ate, and, Im fine with my stuff thanks, she said, at his side.


    Their cottage was one of the houses set among branches of a great tree, making the sight of firelight<strong></strong>from a cook fireflickering between wooden shuttersa very strange sight indeed. The tree probably has its own magical defences against runaway mes, otherwise the practice of cottages in trees would be long dead...either that, or all the trees would be, Alex thought.


    The vige was still as the snow drifted down, leaving Alex and Theresa in afortable silence as they climbed up the carved staircase to the cottage door. Brutus heads were turning every which wayhis noses constantly sniffed the airwhile he whined, longing to bound through the snow and explore the vige.


    Hey, Alex said quietly. You okay? You look like youve been running from demons or something.


    Yeah, she said, wiping her brow. I was practising when Baelin came for me, thats all. Im okay.


    At the top of the steps, the Heroes voices could be heard through the cottage door.


    So whats the deal wit the elder, ysaid shes your ma? Cedric was asking.


    Yeah, Harts deep voice spoke up. She looks a little oldish for that. More like your grandmother, or maybe your great grandmother. And she doesnt have your eyes?


    Oi, Hart, ycant jus go askin stuff about why someones eyes look different. Its kinda rude, Cedric said.


    Cedric, its alright, Drestra sighed, though weariness had entered her voice. Im used to those questions


    The door creaked open before she could finish, and Alex, Theresa, Brutus and ygon stepped in, shaking off snow before Alex shut the door behind them.


    Wee back! Cedric lifted an earthenware cup of herbal brew: the witches had brought them a small keg of it with a supper of stew and skewered fish. It was good, filling food with an herbal vour that Alex promised hed ask about for his own cooking. Hart was enjoying the meal like it was hisst one, making another trip to the stewpot.


    Its good to see you, Theresa, wee to Crymlyn Vige. Drestra greeted Theresa, and squeezed the young womans gloved hand, obviously happy to see her.


    Thanks, its beautiful here, Drestra, the huntress gave her a hug.


    Brutus went straight to the fire and curled up, warming himself while Alex took his partners pack and ced it in a corner beside his own gear. ygon sat beside it. The cottage was onerge room, and each party member had imed a corner of the space as their own.


    You two are just in time, the Sage said as Theresa and Alex came to warm themselves around a stone firepit in the centre of the cottage. Cedric and Hart just asked me about my mother.


    We heard, Alex shrugged. I didnt really question your rtionship, I mean, if shes your mum, shes your mum.


    True, but Ive had such questions too many times to count, so I may as well answer now and get everyones curiosity satisfied, she said, and the fires reflection danced in her golden eyes. Elder Blodeuwedd adopted me eighteen years ago. ording to her, she found me bawling my eyes out on the cap of a giant mushroom in the swamp: there was no one around, just me. She told me it was a good thing she found me when she did because a giant swamp serpent was about two heartbeats away from swallowing me whole before she killed it. She took me home with her and raised me. Shes the mother Ive known my whole life. And thats the reason my eyes are different.


    Silence followed, as the others waited for her to continue her storybut she didnt.


    Cedric gave a great yawn. Aye, well, thats simple enough, isnt it? Kinda feel a bit dull-witted for not putting that together mself.


    Yeah, that was a lot less epic than I thought itd be, Hart said, turning his attention back to the remains of his supper.


    Theresa simply nodded and said, Thanks for sharing that with us, it must be annoying feeling you have to exin something so personal about yourself to whoever asks. She pointedly looked at the Champion and the Chosen, then went to unpack some of her things.


    Alex subtly watched Drestra for a time, noting certain things about her bodynguage: a closing off of her shoulders, a crossing of her ankles and hands, and her eyes not holding anyones gaze, merely staring into the fire pit.


    They were all signs of someone hiding something.


    He took notice, but in the end, it was none of his business. Instead, he cleared his throat.


    Okay guys, sofor tomorrow, I wanna make a couple of suggestions on how we do things.


    The Heroes looked at him.


    Aye? Cedric took a bite of fish. Ysound like some o the knights that follow us into battle. Whats it yer thinkin?


    Well, were tough, Alex said. Especially you three, but we dont know exactly what were walking into tomorrow morning. So, I think we should focus on recon. Dresta, how well do you know that area of the swamp?


    Not very well, she said. Ive only been there a few times.


    Right he said. So I say when we go back, we head further into the swamp, but try to keep things quiet. We stay low and avoid fights with invisible marauders, when we can. Ill be having my elemental beetles and water elementals scout for invisible threats. Baelin taught me a spell to summon a vuncali fighting fish, but I can only call one, not a whole school like he did, but at least well have one to track scents underwater.


    So scouting and skirmishing, instead of a full assault, Hart nodded. Okay, theres some sense to that. I think we need to get our hands on someone who can answer some questions, though.


    Yeah, that was my next suggestion. Now, if theyre cultistsitll be hard to get them to say much, but there are ways. In the meantime Alex took out a notepad. Ill be mapping our path through the swamp so we can get out of there fast if we need to. Im thinking if we do manage to capture a cultist, we bring them back to the vige and interrogate them here. If we try to do it out there, were just asking to get ambushed while were upied.


    What? Cedric raised an eyebrow. No offence, but aint that a little cowardly? Drestras peopleve been stuck with them bastards for maybe a month or more now, an were jus gonna go in there all sneaky-like, an then scurry back out? Were the bloody Heroes o Thamnd, weve fought armies! I think we can take care of a few bloody cultists. Hell, Hart handled an encampment of them devils all on his own, and Im surprised youre not talkin about rushin in there and just takin em out, Hart.


    I also dont want my people waiting any longer. Anything could be happening to them. Drestra said.


    Yeah, the young wizard said. I get that. But, the way I see it, one major problem we have is that we dont know whats really going on in that part of the swamp. We need information. Like, are your kin actually <em>in </em>those cultists hands, and if they are, <em>where</em> they are. If we dont know those things, things could get even worse for them if we run in blind and start blundering about with no information. Thats the thing about Ravener-spawn. They dont take hostages. At least not in my experience.


    No, Cedric said, calmer. That''s a fact, Ive never seen em do that since we been fightin eman aye, that makes things different.


    Yeah, no use in going in there, spells zing if we dont know <em>what</em> were looking for or <em>where</em> it is, Hart agreed. Still, I vote we kill as many of them as we can.


    Oh yeah, Alex agreed. Once we get a prisoner, any cultist patrols we see? We turn them to dust. As a matter of factinstead of going deeper into what theyve got staked out as their territory


    Drestra scowled.


    ...it might be better to loop <em>around</em> it and see if we find another outpost.


    Yeah, Theresa agreed. Baelin briefed me on what you all were up to, and this sounds like a good way to scout out theyout and size of their territory, kill some of them, <em>and</em> get ourselves a prisoner nice and early.


    ...yes, that all makes sense, Drestra said. But I dont want to move in too slowly. Theyve already run from us once. We should make sure more of them dont get the same chance.


    Oh yeah, trust me, Alex said. They wont be getting away from us.


    ###


    Alex and two swarms of elemental beetles materialised in the teleportation circle just after sunrise. Around him, six dimly glowing Wizards Hands floated, each holding sleeping potions.


    He dropped into a crouch, listening for sounds both near and far.


    Only the natural noises of swamp life, and muted whispering of the wind reached him.


    A heartbeatter, the rest of the party appeared: ygon, Drestra, Cedric, Hart, Brutus and Theresa.


    The huntress, Chosen and Champion had bows in hand with arrows nocked on their strings. ygons head swivelled as he scanned the surroundings, while Brutus sniffed the air, his heads turning in different directions.


    Things look quiet so far, Alex whispered. I havent seen anything.


    Then came Brutuss low growl.


    The cerberus pointed his heads toward what appeared to be empty space about ten yards away. Alexs elemental beetles flew straight to it, hovering there.


    He wasted no time. With a mentalmand, he called back the beetles and sent a Wizards Hand to the empty space, crushing a sleeping potion above it. Mist sprayed, followed shortly by a harsh groan, then a ssh. An invisible marauder dropped into the murky depths. A heartbeatter, three arrows mmed into it with terrific force. It was dead instantly.


    Good boy, Theresa stroked Brutus ears.


    Right, lets get the boat in the water, Alex whispered.


    Silently, the Heroes and Theresa carried the boat down a small bank, cing it at the waters edge. Using flight spells on Brutus and ygon, Drestra let them float above the ground and into the vessel while Alex climbed aboard after a final look around.


    He directed ygon to crouch in the centre of the boat, then he cast Orbs of Air around everyoneexcept Brutus, whose heads would keep scenting the swamp air. Andwith a quiet wordBaelins vessel sailed into the water as silently as a waterbird.


    They took a slow, winding route deep into the swamp, using Alexs beetles to scout for Invisible Marauders. There were none to be seen, perhaps after yesterday, they mightve decided to give this part of the swamp a wide berth. The boat drifted along soundlessly, progressing through the marsh, heading deeper into the swamp.


    Around ny minutes in, Brutus suddenly turned one of his heads starboard, growling at something to the right.


    What is it? What is it, boy? Theresa whispered.


    Is it one o them invisible things? Cedrics voice was low.


    Then he went quietthe party looked at each other.


    From the swamp, voices reached them.

 Chapter 375: The Patrol

    Chapter 375: The Patrol


    The sevenpanions hid beneath a mud covered tarp in the belly of Baelins boat, moving stealthily toward unknown voices.


    The cloth was draped over the sides, blending with their surroundings, and if they maintained a snails pace, they shouldnt draw any more attention than the low, bumpy hills they were drifting past.


    Can anyone make out what theyre sayin? Cedric asked, his voice barely audible.


    Something about a patrol, Theresa whispered, cocking her ear toward the voices.


    Alex frowned, focusing on separating ambient swamp noise from people talking.


    Theresthree of them, he thought. They soundstressed. No, not just stressedscared. Like theyre afraid ofmaybe of being spotted? could be the cultists were looking for.


    He held his breath, listening intently, but while he could hear talking, the words werent clear at their distance.


    Lets get closer, Drestra hissed. The Sage raised the tarp slightly, peering ahead, but all she could see were clumps of dense nts between them and the owners of the voices.


    We should just fly over there and ambush them, this is taking too long.


    Alex started trying to reason with her, when Hart spoke up.


    Thats probably not the best idea, Drestra, his voice was low. While stomping them to paste would be fun, we gotta make sure things dont get outta hand if we want a live prisoner. Any spellcaster worth their salt isn''t just gonna sit there and let us jump them so easy. They probably have familiars, summoned monsters, and who knows what else on watch, so the minute they see using, guaranteed therell be a fightand that means a bunch of dead prisonersand they cant talk.


    Yeah, they''re demon worshippers, why wouldnt they have summoned demons watching for threats? That''s what Id do, Alex agreed.


    Looking down, he considered the water, noting its murkiness. Even a demon swimming under the surface would have trouble seeing anything alive in all that murkespecially if it just looked like more water.


    Hold on, Im going to try something.


    Alex concentrated, casting Summon Water Elemental through all of the Marks interference, and conjured Bubbles beneath the tarp. The little water elemental bubbled happily, no doubt excited for his usual reward of a potion or two, or three.


    Hey, Bubbles, Alex whispered. I need your help. He switched to a tongue of elemental water and pointed to where the voices wereing from. I want you to go underwater and swim to the sound of talking. Have a good look around, pay attention to everything you see above the surface of the water: everything talking or moving around. Okay?


    The water elemental bubbled again, then rolled over the side of the boat and slipped into the water.


    Cedric raised an eyebrow. Really? Bubbles?


    Alexs face flushed hot under the tarp. I-its appropriate, he said quickly.


    The Chosen opened his mouth to reply, but the voices ahead rose in pitch, stopping him. The party sat in silence, listeningbut the talking began to fade.


    It seems like theyre moving out of earshot. Theresa said. I can hardly hear them now.


    Lets hope your elementales back soon, Drestra murmured.


    As if summoned, Bubbles appeared a few heartbeatster, rising from the water so Alex could lift him into the boat. Wee back, whatd you find over there?


    He listened as the water elementalunable to differentiate between humans and other humanoidsgave him a vague report that Alex was able to piece together to get a picture of what hed seen.


    Hmmmm, no demons by the sound of it, he spoke in low tones.. My little friend says theres five things that look like usIm thinking human or close. He also said that theres something with wings circling above them, staying close, so I think its a familiar.


    Demon? Drestra asked.


    I dont think so, Alex said. What Bubbles had told him was that the flying, winged thing looked like that swarm of winged things that attacked us, referring to the blue annis hags giant flock of birds. I think its a bird familiar, to be specific.


    Well if theyre watching from above, itll be hard to get to them, Hart said.


    We can still do it if we move in from where the trees are thickest. We can use them as cover, Destra pointed ahead to a swath of trees rising from the swamp. A flying familiar could miss us if we keep our distance and keep the canopy above us.


    Thats true, Theresa said. Okay, so well keep the tarp covering us and the boat so we blend in like were part of the swamp. All we have to do is make sure we keep moving cautiously. She watched the trees. Lets go. I can pick out a path for us.


    With the huntress and Drestra guiding, the boat glided on, silently closing the distance between the party, and their prey. All the while, Alex, Cedric and Hart peered at the sky from beneath the tarp, keeping the bird familiar in sight.


    Soon, the voices grew louder.


    Alex could pick out the odd snippet of conversation now.


    Jeez, theyre loud, he thought. Its like they want to be found.


    The closer they sailed, the clearer the voices, until Drestra suddenly gasped.


    I know that voice! she hissed. Thats Llyworn!


    Who? Cedric asked.


    Shes one my kindred from deep in the swamp! her voice was filled with relief. We found them! but, I dont understand why theyre going in the opposite direction to Crymlyn Vige instead of rowing there as fast as they can?


    Hmmm. Thats what Im wondering too. Alex said. But, maybe its not really your people. Theresa and Ivee across these monsters that mimic voices perfectly, and theres also demons that do the same thing. Hells, some of them can even change shape. What Im saying is this could be a trap.


    Aye, Cedric said. I could see that. We rushed em yesterday and gave em a scare. Now they send out<strong></strong>a bunch o nasty, dirty ol demons to throw us off.


    Yeah, Alex said. Could very well be.


    Mmm, lets get closer, the Sage suggested. We need to hear exactly what theyre talking about. Maybe see them if we can. I dont want some demon tricking me with shapeshifting or illusions. So, lets make sure this isnt a trap.


    Right Theresa said quietly. Lets go around that ind then. The trees are thicker up there and we can hide under them when we get closer.


    They moved closer, the voices grew louder and the words distinct.


    is going to kill us if she finds us out here, a womans voice said.


    Thats Llyworn, Drestra whispered.


    And dont you think <em>Osian </em>will kill us if we dont act like we own our own territory! a mans voice snapped back. Now, stop arguing with me, youre going to alert half the damn swamp.


    A littlete for that, Theresa whispered. Whos that?


    I dont know that one.


    Will you two quiet down and keep your eyes open? a third voice hissed. If those trespassers are still around, theyre either going to be running from us or sneaking up on us, and I dont know about you, but I dont need my back decorated with fletching <em>or</em> acid arrows!


    Youre louder than the two of them put together! a fourth voice snapped, and though he was quieter, his tone was even more stressed than the other three.


    Alex frowned. Each of them soundedagitated, even fearful, but that wasnt too surprising, it was the high level of frustration in each voice that was so striking.


    Whatre they talking about? Drestra also sounded agitated. What theyre saying makes no sense if theyre my kindred, but if theyre not and this <em>is</em> a trapand theyre really demons or cultistsshouldnt they be actinglike theyre on top of the world and not like frightenedmbs?


    It does seem strange doesnt it? All that noise theyre making will just put anyone looking for them on their trail, Hart whispered, peering out from the tarp. Hisrge eyes focused through a gap in the thick tree cover. I count five of them in the boat.


    Yeah, same here. Theyre maybetwo hundred yards away, Theresa said, then looked up. Look. Theres the bird.


    Where? Harts eyes searched the canopy. I cant seeoh wait, there it is. Good, if its hard for us to see it, then itll be hard for it to see us.


    Alex squinted at the sky, but couldnt find the bird, nor the five people in the boat below it. Nothere was movement between the trees; no way he would ever have seen them before using blood magic to cleanse his body.


    Can you see what theyre armed with? He asked Theresa.


    Two of them have bows and theyre standing; ones watching the bow and portside, the others watching the stern and starboard, she said. The others dont have weapons drawn, butactually, one of them has an axe.


    Spellcasters, Drestra said. Thats a ssic formation for our patrols. Two standing archers, one spellcaster on the oars, and two others ready to strike with their spells. if they <em>are</em> demons in disguise, then what terrible things did they do to my people to pry that information from them?


    And is the familiar flying above also a tactic the witches use? Alex asked.


    Yes, she said. Whoever they are, they know our strategies.


    A grim thought suddenly hit them and everyone went quiet. It wouldnt be the first time traitors were found where friends were supposed to be.


    We have to catch them, Drestras voice was hard.


    Agreed, Cedric said. But with em havin their eyes peeled and that bird up there, snot like were gonna be able to jus creep up on em with nothin but a tarp. itd be simpler to rush em and just beat em down.


    Yeah, but if spells start flying, thatll alert everything in the swamp, Alex said. And lets face it, some in that boat will end up dead, if not all of them.


    Right, takin em alive means quiet-like, which means no stin. Cedric frowned. Howre we gonna get em, then? We three aint exactlyused to tryin tnab enemies alive, thats not our rule for fightin Ravener-spawn. We go all in.


    Alex asked Drestra, Do your people use Orb of Air spells?


    Yes, of course, she said. It''s important for living in the Crymlyn so its one of the first spells were taught.


    Damn, Alex swore. I was thinking I could send Wizards Hands at them, crunch some sleeping potions in their faces, and send them off to dreand.


    His mind was working on another n when Theresa suddenly chuckled. I have an idea. We have Orbs of Air around our heads. Now, the question is, can everyone here swim?


    The answers were all positive.


    Hmmmm. Drestra, she said. Do you know a spell to keep us warm or dry us off if we get wet?


    The Sage nodded. There were some environmental spells that I learned growing up. Theyll keep you warmthey wont beat a blizzard, but in temperatures that arent extreme, they work quite well.


    That includes if we get <em>really</em> wet?


    Yes, wed still stay warmwhy?


    Good. I have an idea, but it means were going to have to go for a little dip.


    Brutus began to shake.


    Not you, boy, youll stay here. And Drestra, if youre okay with it, I need someone to stay here and protect my dog.


    The Sage raised an eyebrow. Really? Dog sitting?


    Yeah, trust me, its important. the huntress said. Heres my n.


    ###


    Hold it! Llyworn squinted up at her familiar circling their boat.


    The ducks squawking travelled through the swamp, drawing the attention of everyone in the boat.


    What is it, Darkwing? she asked. What do you see?


    She listened, confused. What? Whatre you talking about?


    Whats he saying? one of herpatriots asked.


    Im wondering if hes taken to seeing things, she said. Hes telling me theres a boat about two hundred yards eastwith a big statue lying in it.


    Well <em>thats</em> a trap if there ever was one, an archer said . Who puts a statue in a boat?


    Still, we should at least get close enough to take a look, another witch said. Report it to Osrian, cos if we dont and it turns out to be something, were all demon food.


    Right, Llyworn said, turning to the witch navigating the boat. Take us east. Around fifty fifty yards away from this supposed boat.


    The navigator gave a shortmand to the animated oars.


    They took them through the murky waters, weaving between trees and rough brush until the boat rounded a corner and was greeted by another boat slowly drifting along the waters surface. A tarp obscured the stern, but lying in the vessels bottom, was what Darkwing had described: an enormous, ferocious looking y statue.


    Arge ruby-coloured gemstone shone in its forehead in the morning light.


    Llyworn immediately knew <em>something</em> was not right: the statue was far too big to fit in the boat without sinking itand why would anyone abandon such a valuable jewel in the swamp, and how did the statue get there in the first ce?


    Her eyes narrowed, watching the tarp. Fire some arrows in there and into that statue, I want


    Her eyes caught a flicker of movement in the water.


    Shite! Everyone w-


    Something burst from the water beside them.

 Chapter 376: They Which Come From Beneath

    Chapter 376: They Which Come From Beneath


    The biggest man Llyworn had ever seen came surging from the murky depths, seized the edge of their dugout, and pulled hard, before she could even react.


    The boat shifted violently to the left, groaned then capsized like a toy boat in a storm. With a strangled cry, the witches hurtled over the sides.


    Llyworn plunged deep beneath the surface and into the murky depths, gasping when she hit the frigid water. What saved her from aspirating was the Orb of Air around her head, and she thanked the spirits even as she frantically prayed for their help. Swampwater rose, she sank lower, fighting rising panic; thest thing she saw above the water was Darkwing desperately shooting from the sky toward her.


    Then, frigid, murky water enveloped her. Waving, nt life reached for her, tangling her cloak as it spread like a sail. She iled, terror gripping her, her fathers diving lessons fleeing her mind. Llyworn kicked and grabbed for the surface, kicking up mud, silt and weeds. Swampwater grew murkier from each frantic movement.


    Spirits help me, I cant see! Panic took her mind.


    Calm down or youll die! Calm down and find the others. Call Darkwing! she snapped at herself.


    Fighting fear, Llyworn began chanting


    as a pair of gloved hands reached from behind and mped her mouth shut. A pair of legs wrapped around hers.


    Terror surged, she struggled against them, trembling from panic and cold, but her captor held tight, she couldnt escape. A breathter, rope and murky water slid between her teeth, she gagged as gloved hands tied it tight.


    Thered be no spells for her now.


    That iron strength spun her around, bringing her face to face with a young woman she could barely make out in the turbid water.


    A young woman who snarled like a starving wolf.


    ###


    Nearby, Alex swam up to the man with the axe while Cedric, Hart and Theresa were restraining the others floundering in the frigid water. The axe wielder was panicking, swinging his axe in every direction and screaming into his Orb of Air. Alex moved behind him, grabbed his wrist mid-swing and yanked the axe from his hand.


    The mans agitation grew, he kicked the water, trying to stay afloat while wing at the Fool who immediately dropped the axe. He could just imagine the Mark deciding it was more weapon than tool right when he was underwater with a vtile, struggling man whod probably like nothing better than to drown him. So, he grabbed the mans face, and took his rope out to bind him.


    His opponent lunged, but Alex spun, dove below the man, surfaced behind him, then looped the rope around his torso, pulling it taut. His adversary fought his capture, but couldnt match Alexs strength. In heartbeats he was subdued and being dragged up to the waters surface.


    Alexs Orb of Air split the muddy surface, and he inhaledonly to be greeted with a face full of angry duck.


    Argh! Sic that thing, Bubbles!


    The water elemental emerged from below, sting the bird with a cascade of water, driving it toward the bottom of the swamp. The duck righted itself and shot for the surface, but just as it took flight, Alex plucked the pping waterbird from the air and bound it like he was trussing it for Sigmus dinner.


    Soon, Theresa, Cedric and Hart surfaced with captives in tow; the Chosen had actually grabbed two, his morphic weapon ringed one of them, squeezing tighter the more they squirmed.


    Heughed, his golden tooth shining in the morning light. Bloody hell, it was worth the cool dip, wouldn''t cha say? We caught all of em.


    Great n, Theresa, Alex smiled. They were so busy watching what was happening above, they didn''t think about what could be happening below.


    Sitting on the tarp in the bottom of Baelins boat a few yards away, Drestra, Brutus and ygon watched. The Sage had already dismissed a force shield spell shed positioned over herself and the cerberus, protecting them against any attack on the boatbut an attack never came since the enemy had abruptly found themselves over their heads in swampwater. Her eyes took in herpanions and the prisoners, then she sighed, a long tired sound. Good. You <em>did</em> catch them. Are any of you hurt? She called.


    Just cold, Theresa said, swimming toward the boat. Lets get these people on board so we can get out of this water. Your spell makes it bearable, but not exactly pleasant. But, Im notining. Look at the prisoners!


    Yes, hurry back, theyre turning blue! The Sage said. You have some protection from the cold water, but <em>they</em> dont.


    She pointed at the captives; all were trembling, some were still fighting their gags and struggling against their bonds, but others were shaking so hard, their movements were jerky and theirplexions greying.


    The duck, of course, was perfectly fine, still pecking at Alex with its bound bill.


    Right, don want em freezin before we get a chance ta have a little chat with em, Cedric said, swimming for the boat


    Yeah, Alex followed close behind, his mind already working on a new problem.


    We have prisoners, and there are ways to get them to talk, but wed probably rather not use them, he thought. But howre we going to get them to talk, then? If I was them, Id just keep my mouth shut as soon as the gag came off. Actually, their spellcastersll probably try casting a quick spell as soon as their gags are off, but thats okay, a booby-trapped mana-soothing potion will put a stop to that. Still, whats to stop them from just shutting up? And if they dont talk, what can we do to make them?


    He knew what Baelin and Grimloch would suggest, butwell, hed cross that bridge only if theres no other way to find out what happened to Drestras kin.


    The questioning problem turned over in his mind as he watched the others swim to the boat.


    ygon, he thought. Thanks for being a diversion, buddy, would you mind helping people back into the boat?


    Drestra startled as the golem stood up and flew away, hovering above the water using Drestras flight spell. Their back up nif they were spottedwas for ygon to fly at the dugout, grab the archers and flip their boat over. But that was more of a contingent n. It would have been messy and there was no way the people in the boat wouldnt have seen himing then started spellcasting and making a lot of racket and alerting every cultist in earshot. Which would have meant a fight and nobody left alive to interrogate.


    Fortunately, it hadnte to that.


    Everythings going as smooth as Alex began a thought as he watched his golem hoist Theresa, Hartand their prisonersinto Baelins boat.


    Drestra immediately began casting spells of warming on the prisoners, raising their body temperatures. Hypothermia wasnt part of the n if they wanted them to live, but as she warmed them, the look on her face could have frozen them.


    It really is youwhat in all hells is going on, Llyworn? the Sage scowled at the other witch. Whatre you doing out here? Why arent you trying to get back to the vige?


    Cedric and Alex swam for the boat as ygon flew toward them.


    Huh, that was kinda dumb, he thought.  We shouldve had Drestra cast flying spells on all of us too. Then we couldve just flown the prisoners to the boat after we grabbed them. Ugh, tension really makes you miss things


    Theresa had gone stock-still, only her head moved, her eyes scanning the area like an owl.


    Brutus jumped up barking, sniffing the air frantically, his hackles raised.


    Harts attention left his prisoner, turning to the swamp around them, hisrge eyes examined the trees.


    A crawling feeling snaked up Alexs spine; like someones gaze was on him, watching him with eyes free of humanity.


    Theresas head suddenly stopped tracking. Her eyes went wide and her bow seemed to leap into her hand as quickly as a single word left her lips.


    Demon!


    Alex whirled, spinning the prisoner and catching a shimmer of movement just above the trees. A small, angry imp red down from the sky.


    Its shriek pierced the silence when Theresas arrow mmed into its chest.


    More movement came from the trees below, Alexs senses tingled as mana built. A sudden sh of light illuminated the trunks.


    Oh shi He dove, dragging his prisoner beneath the water.


    Rays of orange coloured the air and water.


    Impact.


    There was little left of his prisoner; two beams had struck him, one in the head and one in the chest, and the water stained red.


    The young wizard untied the mangled corpse while sending mental directions to ygon.


    Attack! he thought. Find whoevers shooting at us and stop them!


    A shadow passed overhead as ygon flew toward their assants. Alex cursed: his pack was in the boat, and he only had two potions on him.


    Thesell do nicely, though, he took the Flight and Haste potions from his belt, pushed one vial at a time into his Orb of Air, pulled the corks with his front teeth and drained the liquid.


    The world slowed around him and he sped<strong></strong>away, splitting the murky surface, where Flight<strong></strong>took over. Alex soared, dodging a barrage of beams from up ahead.


    He took stock of the area.


    ygon was racing for the trees. Harts and Theresas prisoners and Brutus were lying prostrate in the boat. The Champion and huntress kept low, firing arrows like a steady rain. Cedric had reached the boat and was transforming his weapon into a bow, while Drestra was beside him, covering their side of the vessel, deflecting beams with her force shield spell. Her eyes zed and she fired bolts of acid in the attackers direction.


    Alex searched the water for Cedrics prisonershe found them, floating face down with holes the size of their heads blown into their bodies.


    Shit! Theyre shooting at the prisoners! He cast force shield, reaching the boat and grabbing his bag, then raced after ygon. The nearer to his golem he went, the clearer what they were up against became.


    A war party of cultists and demons, with few mortals among them, but a score of demonic warriors towered above boats made of what looked like the spines and attached ribs of titanic beasts covered with a demons transparent hide.


    The demons were all bulk, their skin covered in iron pikes. Their left arms terminated in club-like hands bearing ws as long as short swords, while their right arms ended in peculiar, metal tubes. As Alex came closer, a demon tracked his flight with those tubes and: light and mana built up in each one, then exploded. Blood-red beams of force tore after him.


    He dodged; but more rays chased him and ygon from the boats below. The golem flew through the beams, as arrows and acid spells flew past him, striking cultists and demons. Their bodies tumbled overboard into murky water, foaming from acid.


    A cultist pointed at Alex, demons turned, firing a barrage of rays through the sky. A ray hit his shoulder as he spiralled through the cluster of red beams.


    Grunting with pain, the Thameish wizard reached for mana-soothing potions and dropped them on the assants.


    Vials burst, clouds of mana-soothing potion nketed the enemy. Rays of light and force began to sputter and die.


    The demons staggered, calling to each other in their demonic tongue, but ygon flew into their midsts, ending all conversation. Massive fists went to work, and with each swing, someonewhether demon or cultistbecame paste.


    Catch some, ygon! Alex thought. We need them for questioning!


    The golem switched tactics, reaching for their opponents rather than turning them to pulp.


    And at that moment, things turned into a waking nightmare before the young wizard''s eyes.


    It was clear that the battle wasnt going in the cultists and demons favour and theyd soon be taken alive, which led to something that Alex would remember, even if he reached twice Baelins age. The cultists drew their des and invoked a single nameEzalielthen died by their own hands, driving the des into their throats. The demons bellowed at each other, then sprang, firing their beams and ripping one another to shreds.


    Alex gaped in disbelief: even the pair of demons ygon had caught killed each before anyone could begin to understand what they were seeing.


    Demonic boats groaned as though they were alive, then shrivelled like mummifying bodies in the Barrens of Kravernus. Skin withered. Bone crumbled.


    In heartbeats, all that was left of the war band floated atop the water, pieces asionally drifting to the bottom of the swamp.


    Holy hell, Alex swore. What just happened?


    Silence returned to the swamp.

 Chapter 377: Painting with the Colours of Horror

    Chapter 377: Painting with the Colours of Horror


    Images of the carnage hed just seen filled Alexs mind as he and ygon flew back to the boat. Hed seen violent deaths before, hed even helped cause some; Hive queens, Mana vampires, monsters in the Barrens, even demons, but this was different. Mortals and monsters dying with such violence by their <em>own</em> des, and at their own wsit was unsettling, even for someone whod seen more than his share of violence.


    That tooka terrifying amount of fanaticism, he thought. It took a lot of will to do something like that.


    He nced back at the ruins of the cultists bodies.


    No way they would <em>ever </em>have talked, he thought. Holy shit.


    Baelins boat was gliding toward him and he flew down to meet it.


    Everyone alright? he asked.


    Yeah! Theresa called back. But what about your shoulder?


    He nced at a red stain spreading across his shirt.


    Im okay, he assured her, floating into the boat. After what just happened, a wound to my shoulder isnt top of mind right now.


    Aye, cmon then, lets get ya patched up, Cedric said.


    The Chosen reached out, his power touching Alexs wound. Theresa casually caught his eye, her eyes flicked to his Marked shoulder as relief passed through them. Thankfully, the beam hadnt hit his right side. Trying toe up with a reasonable exnation for why he didnt need to be healed when blood was staining his shirt, would have brought Cedrics attention and questions. The Fool never thought hed be thanking the Traveller for a wound, but here he was, thanking her for being shot on the left side.


    Did any live? Drestra asked.


    Alex shook his head while Cedrics divinity numbed the pain and healed him. Nothey either killed themselves, or each other. It was pretty gruesome.


    Well, thats some scary shit, Hart said. You see warriors do that sometimes, theyre the ones you either have to worry about the leastor the most.


    What do you mean? Theresa asked.


    I mean they dont care about preserving their own lives if their mission fails. They take a lot more risks than someone who wants toe out of a battle breathing. They also wont stop fighting, even when its obvious you got them beat.


    Shite, slike fightin Ravener-spawn, they aint got sense enough to stop fightin, Cedric peered at Alexs wound and pped him on the shoulder. There we go, all mended as easy as mas knitted cloak.


    Thanks, Alex said, looking toward the demons boats. Brutus necks were stretched in that direction, his snouts sniffing and growling at the dead.


    Wonder what the hell they were doing. Maybe following this lot. He nodded to the two prisoners shivering in the bottom of the boat.


    We wont know until we get some proper answers, Drestra said, dragging a corpse toward the vessel. Andno matter what they were up to, their bodies have to be taken to mother.


    ###


    The teleportation circle in Crymlyn Vige shimmered, drawing the eyes of witches passing by as Alex Roth appeared in the circle. Heartbeatster, hispanions materialised around him.


    ygon carried three bodieswrapped in the tarptucked beneath his arms, while Hart and Cedric had hold of the prisoners. The pair looked bone-tired, and dejected, like their lives had ended back in the swampwater. The familiar was the only one still resisting, pecking at Alex and anyone else with the gall toe near it. Its eyes glowed blood-red. You''re staying tied up for now, duck. Alex said, keeping out of pecking range.


    Wee back homekindred, Drestras tone was dangerous.


    The prisoners couldnt<strong></strong>say a word, but Alex didnt think they had any interest in conversation, even if their mouths werent bound. The Heroes<strong>, </strong>Alex, Theresa, Brutus and ygon made their way toward Elder Blodeuwedds hall<strong>, </strong>deep in the vige. Witches dropped what they were doing and followed as they headed toward the standing circle and dead aeld tree; they were attracting a growing crowd.


    Along the way, a bewildered young man pushed through the gathering and came up to Drestra. A frown creasing his brow.


    Whats all this? he cried. Llyworn? Is that you? Youre alive?


    Every pair of witches eyes were on the bound prisoners, their faces awash with confusion.


    Llyworn nced up, then quickly looked back down.


    What in the spirits true names? Angharad looked at Drestra in rm. Why do you have our kin tied up likemon bandits?


    Because, something is very wrong, was all she said, her voice cold enough to chill Alexs blood.


    Oh Angharad didnt push further. Youre taking them to the elder I take it?


    Yes, mother will be able to figure this out.


    Right, the puzzled sentry agreed. Thats the best thing to do. His eyes drifted to the bodies under ygons arms. Andthem?


    The Sages eyes hardened. Those are more of our people, Angharad. We were attacked and things turned against them.


    The sentry was silently eyeing the bodies.


    The crowd whispered to each other all the way to the centre of the vige and the elders hall. To Alexs surprise, Elder Blodeuwedd was waiting outside, her face grim.


    Mother, Im d youre here. Drestra called as they dragged the prisoners toward the hall.


    The trees told me you were back, daughter, she said. And that you were holdingcaptives?


    Thingshave grownplicated, Drestra said.


    The Sage told of what they had seen, and the elders face turned grimmer, watching the shapes wrapped in the tarp. What about them?


    Complicated, Drestra said again.


    Bring them within, the old woman said, her voice terrible. Her attention turned to the crowd. Back to your chores! All of this gawking wont keep winters bite away, and if our stores arent fattened, well be burying some of you soon enough!


    The vigers seemed reluctant to leave, but slowly began dispersing throughout the vige.


    Alex and Theresas eyes met, then flicked to Cedric and Hart.


    Their faces were nk, except for a slight smile ying at the edge of Harts lips.


    She kinda reminds me of a storybook witch right now, Alex thought.


    Of course, he kept that thought to himself.


    Bring them, the Elder said, her eyes fixed on the prisoners. As soon as ygonwho wasst to enter the hallstepped through the doorway, Elder Blodeuwedd waved a hand.


    The door mmed, the noise echoing in the soaring space.


    Follow me, the old woman led them to the rear of the hall and a staircase that ran deep below ground. She pped her hands twice, and a host of papernterns filled with green glowing firefliessprang to life, filling the dark stairwell with an eerie light.


    As the group descendedygon floated, his feet too massive for the steep, earthen staircase. Alex turned his mind back to the problem of getting the two prisoners to talk. He remembered Gustavo and Ferrero questioning him in Generasi: the pair of investigators had isted him, trying to y on difort and anxieties to get to him.


    The tactics hadnt worked on him, but they might work on prisoners who were involved in some way with demon worshippers. Alex was deep in thought when they reached the doorway of arge chamber beneath the hall. Alex let out a low whistle.


    A ceiling at least twenty feet high and perhaps twice that in length and width, rose above them.


    The walls were lined with potion bottles, scrolls, jars with strange, withered things floating in them, and stone tablets covered in ancient sigils that were stacked high. In a corner of the chamber a firepit crackled, and above the me, a ck cauldron with dragons, and monsters of all shapes and sizes forged into its sides and lip, was hanging from a braided handle. The pot wasrge enough to fit Grimloch with room to spare. And in the centre of the room, a summoning circle carved upon a b of dark stone, waited, emanating an eerie quality that filled the space.


    More green fireflies flitted about in hazy ss orbs, making the room feel even more sinister, especially when Theresa whispered...


    Isis that blood? she held onto Brutus.


    Alex followed her gaze, finding dark, rust coloured patches staining the stone.


    This uhygot a nice ce here, probably gets lotsa lips pping.


    Cedric said awkwardly.


    This is <em>not </em>a nice ce, child, Elder Blodeuwedd stared at him, then muttered a flight spell and rose high above the floor. She drifted past scores of over-packed shelves, pausing only when she reached one with bottles of potions stored in casket-shaped boxes.


    The elder floated toward the prisoners, uncorking two bottles.


    As an acrid scent wafted into the air, Brutus whined, backing away from the potions.


    Hold them steady, big man. The elder witch floated to Hart, who was eyeing the bottles like they were coiled vipers.


    Uhm, whats in those? He asked.


    Ancient recipes, known to few, using ingredients found only here in the swamp. She conjured glowing green Wizards Hands to hold the potions, then took a tiny brush from the pouch at her waist.


    The prisoners had been subdued, but they now found strength to struggle the moment the brush appeared, but Harts grip doubled.


    I bet Professor Jules and Generasiw would have a lot to say about whatevers about to happen, Alex thought, looking at Drestra.


    If she had a problem with what was happening, she didnt sayhopefully, that meant the potions wouldnt melt flesh, or start turning anyone to stone, or anything gruesome like that. He remembered how Drestra had insisted her dead kin be returned to the vige, so it was likely a safe bet she wouldnt approve of her living kin being melted.


    The elder witch dipped the brush into the first potion bottle, and spoke an incantation while swirling the liquid around. As words of power poured from her lips, the potion in the tiny bottle turned a sickly green, and glowed like fireflies.


    Every word she spoke repeated, filling the air, sounding like scores of voices echoing in the vast chamber. Blodeuwedd took the brush from the liquid and slowly painted the potion across the captives foreheads. The witches'' eyes rolled back, their bodies stiffened, and Alex startled when the angry duck tensed in his hands. She dipped the brush into the potion again and again, painting different sigils on their foreheads.


    The prisoners alternated between stiffening like statues, and shaking violently as Blodeuwedd went about her work. When their foreheads were covered, their throats were next. Llyworn began to gag.


    Oi! Cedric cried. Get the gag off er mouth or shell choke!


    It is alright, the elder said, painting symbols on the other witch''s cheeks. She will not choke, nor will she vomit.


    Alex was puzzled.


    He could feel mana pouring from the familiar and the prisoners in Harts grip. It ran out in torrents. Cedric was noticing it too, he looked horrified.


    Whats happening to them? Alex asked.


    The purgative is taking effect. The witch dipped her brush in the other bottle. Its like any tonic you would give someone to induce vomiting, only this makes a spellcaster vomit up their mana, so to speak.


    Alex shuddered, exchanging a horrified look with Cedric. Drestra, however, looked as calm as if she was having a soothing cup of tea.


    They will recover their mana in a weeks time, with nosting damage, she said. But in the meanwhile, there will be no spellcasting for them. And things will be easier for us.


    Alexs stomach churned at the thought of that happening to him.


    He told himself to remember not to make an enemy of the Witches of Crymlyn Swampbut if that ever happened, to never, ever, let them capture him alive. Maybe those cultists had taken the smart way out


    W-whats that one now? Alex asked, looking at the other potion.


    The liquid glowed with a deep amber light.


    This rxes the will, the elder said, painting golden-brown symbols on the wild-eyed witches. It makes one tractable, unable to lie, or deceive, so they bepletely cooperative.


    Holy hell, Alex swore internally. This is like fifteen kinds of illegal in Generasi.


    Still, there was a part of hima part that worried him a littlethat would have given a lot of coin to learn the recipes for those two potions.


    Are there anysting effects to this one? Alex asked.


    It can damage ones will permanently if the sigils are poorly applied, my curious childlike in situations such as this, where Im being distracted, she said pointedly.


    Alex shut up: he didnt need the Marks guidance to know when he was being politely told to be quiet.


    Keep a tight grip on them, young man, the elder said, dipping her brush again. The second potion has a tendency to weaken the legs, captives often copse after its applied.


    Oh uhokay, Hart said, his voice shaky.


    Alex, Theresa, Cedric and Drestra looked at him sharply: the towering man had gone pale, and as hard as it was to believe, he actually looked scared. If Alex had eaten recently, he would be wondering if magical mushrooms had been in his food. The words Champion and afraid were as opposite, as the words Baelin and newborn. The four of them tried to catch his eye, but they were fixed on the ceiling, pointedly avoiding sigils, or potions used to paint them.


    Jus when ya thought yad seen everything, Cedric muttered.


    The Elder shot him a stern look and finished drawing her symbols. Llyworn and the other witch abruptly rxed, but Hart kept them upright as light left their eyes. They stared nkly into empty space.


    The elder rested her brush in a bucket on a nearby table, then floated to the potion wall and returned them to the storage boxes. She sealed them with a wave of her hand then faced her kindred, looking into their vacant eyes.


    Are you ready to talk? she asked.


    They nodded in unison, their movements sluggish, like they were moving through thick mud.


    She looked at the fivepanions. Theyre ready.


    ###


    Author''s Note


    Hello wise sages, mighty champions, eight cool fools and almighty chosen! Thank you for your support!

 Chapter 378: An Interrogation Professor Jules Wouldnt Like Very Much

    Chapter 378: An Interrogation Professor Jules Wouldn''t Like Very Much


    What are your names? the elder asked.


    Llyworn, the young woman said, her tone distant.


    Rhodri, the male witch spoke without emotion.


    Both were now freed from their gagsbut their hands and feet were still bound. They were sitting in the middle of the chamber, near the cauldron. Elder Blodeuwedd and Drestra stood before them, while Alex and the others had positioned themselves behind the Sage and the old witch.


    Looking into the prisoners eyes, and seeing no light, no spark of free will, was chilling. Even fear had been reced by nothingness. Alex finally understood why such magics were forbidden in Generasi. Unconsciously, he reached for Theresas hand and squeezed it.


    Harts eyes were everywhere but on Rhodri and Llyworn, while Cedrics jaw was tense, his arms crossed over his chest.


    What were you doing out in the swamp, Llyworn? Drestra began the questioning.


    Wewere hunting for those who made us leave our outpost, the young woman said.


    She went silent. The Sage waited for her to continue, but no words came.


    You have to keep pushing for answers, Drestra, the elder witch said softly. With the will unravelled, free thought is absent. You have to lead them through your questioning.


    The Sage gathered her thoughts, Was this outpost held by cultists?


    Yes.


    Are you working with them?


    Yes.


    Silence followed a deep breath from Drestra.


    When did this happen, Rhodri? She asked, a hard edge to her voice.


    Six weeks gone.


    How did it happen?


    People came, offering an alliance, the man said, then fell into silence.


    Was this offer of alliance epted?


    Elder Gethin made them leave, but Osrian met with them secretly and epted their offer.


    Go on, what happened next?


    Osrian killed Gethin, then we helped the cult capture the others.


    Drestra paused, her jaw clenching.


    The others, Llyworn?


    Alex focused on that part, wondering if every witch from deep in the swamp had allied with the cultists, or if there were some in need of rescue.


    Many didnt join, Llyworn said. So they were taken. Some joined uster, but some are used in demon rituals.


    What rituals?


    Llyworn recounted the demons baser habits with a t tone, like she was telling a tale of eating gruel for breakfast.


    Theresa gasped, her gloved hand covered her mouth. Alexs jaw tightened. Cedric grimaced. Hart gave a low growl that rumbled from the bottom of his chest, and Drestras breath caught. She stepped toward the prisoner, her eyes like stone, but Elder Blodeuwedd reached for her daughters arm, hissing something beneath her breath.


    Weve got demons to kill, Alex thought.


    Stop! Drestra cut the witch off. Osrian allows this?


    Yes.


    Why?


    The cultists promised to help us drive Uldar and his followers away from here, she said.


    Alex snorted. Even if those demons did make good on their promise in some way, he knew they wouldnt leave these traitors very happy about it. Demons were pure chaosand their whims were nasty.


    What did they want in return? the elder asked Rhodri.


    They wanted us to shelter them, he said.


    Is that all?


    No, we have to guide them through the countryside so they can capture dungeon cores.


    What? Why would they want dungeon cores?


    They believe theres hidden power or treasure in them.


    The Heroes, Alex and Theresa looked at each other.


    Drestra leaned in closely. Where are they camped, Llyworn? Describe it to me.


    Hold on, Alex nced at a desk nearby and took a folded sheet of parchment and three<strong></strong>pens from his bag. Mind if I use that?


    Elder Blodeuwedd nodded, and Alex set the paper down, then concentrated, conjuring a pair<strong></strong>of<strong></strong>Wizards Hands and handing them each a pen.


    Go ahead, Drestra, Im ready for that description of the camp, Alex said. Ill draw us a map and write everything she says down.


    Alright, Llyworn, Drestra said.  I''m going to ask you to describe your camp in detail. Lets start from the beginning. How would I get there from the vige?


    The questioning continued, Drestra was thorough, making Llyworn break down every twist and turn to get to the cultists camp. She asked aboutndmarks, where outpostsy, and the specifics of the cultists defences.


    Alex wrote down everything, then put the details together in his mind so Wizards Hands could sketch out a rough map. Drestra and Blodeuwedd focused their questions well, andonce they had finishedAlex had questions of his own.


    With the answers he was given, he mapped out the route to the enemy camp, and the details of how it was set up, but there was one important question still to be answered.


    Where are they keeping the prisoners? Drestra asked.


    In the centre of camp, behind a palisade, Rhodri said.


    Are their mouths gagged to stop spellcasting?


    Yes.


    Whos guarding them?


    Demons.


    What kind of demons?


    I dont know that.


    Describe them, Alex said.


    He listened to the witch, carefully noting his description of the demons guarding the prisoners, as well as the other ones in the camp. As he wrote, he called on the Mark, focusing it on the task of identifying demons. It brought back memories of all the demonology and summoning books hed read, and the illustrations in them.


    Unfortunately, there were somelike the beam shooting bastards and the demon leaderhe''d never seen before.


    Describe the leader in detail, Llyworn, Drestra told her.


    Its an enormous frightening creature, around three times the height of a tall man. Her eyes shine like fire and her skins a simr colour. She has four arms, the lower ones have ws like crayfish pincers at the ends, and when she opens her mouth, it''s full of teeth and tentacles. Its said that spells and spear-tips dont seem to damage her.


    Alex grimaced. Oh shell be <em>loads </em>of fun.


    What is it? Cedric asked him.


    She sounds like one of the higher demons. Some of them can resist mana and divinity. Nasty bastards. Shell be a tough one.


    He tapped the page with his pen, circling a couple of numbers.


    Looks like well be up against maybe a few hundred cultists and half that number in demons, and many of them arent exactly weak like the ones first-tier spells can summon, and that doesnt take into ount those I cant name.


    Hundreds aint too bad, Hart said. We fight hundreds of Ravener-spawn all the time.


    Aye, but thats without havin hostages ta worry about, Cedric said. Cant exactly have Drestra drop a tornado o fire on the camp an call it a day.


    Yeah, Theresa said. And if we attack in the open, they could kill the prisoners. Remember, they killed themselves rather than being captured, but they killed our prisoners first. Its like Hart said, theyll ughter everyone if it looks like theyre gonna lose.


    Drestra let out an inhuman growl. Did you see Ffion, Llyworn? You talked about sacrifices, is she still alive?


    Alex could hear the tension in her voice, and realised she mustve been holding back from asking that question.


    I saw her yesterday when I took food to the prisoners, the witch said.


    Relief went through the Sage in such a wave, she looked like she was going to copse.


    Im happy for you, child, the elder said, patting her daughters arm.


    Is that your friend? Theresa asked.


    It iswe need to get her out of their clutches, and we need to kill those invading filthy creatures. The Sages hands balled into fists.


    No argument here, Cedric said. We could<strong></strong>strike hard an fast, get the prisoners out before they can hurt em.


    Not with those beam demons, Alex said. Theyre so many of them that theres no way we could get the prisoners without a lot of casualties.


    Yeah, Hart agreed. They could just spread out into the swamp and shoot us as were leaving. We have a lot of folks to rescue so we wont be moving fast eitherah shit, the water. Wed need boats to get everyone out. Lots of ces for a lot of people to die. He scratched the back of his head in thought. Im wondering if maybe we should wait for Baelin toe back. We know right where these cultists and demons are, so we wait for him, he turns us invisible and then, we cut the heads off the snake before they know what hit em.


    Theres too many, Drestra argued. All it would take would be for just one demon to go after the prisoners, who knows how many lives would be lost? And She looked at Rhodri. How often do these sacrifices take ce?


    Everyday, Rhodri said. In the dawn ritual a beast from the swamp is sacrificed on their altar, and in the dusk one, a beast and a witch are bled together, mixing the blood.


    A heavy silence filled the room.


    And you let this happen? Why? the elder witch asked.


    They wouldnt join us, Rhodri said tly. And their sacrifice is for our peoples greater good.


    You mad bastard, Alex swore at the witch. Anger surged through him.


    Now I understand why Baelin hates fanatics so much, he thought.


    We cant wait for Baelin, we have to get them out of there, Drestra said, her eyes on Llyworn. And what about this camp? Is it permanent?


    No, it moves every few weeks, the other witch said.


    Has it moved recently?


    They were preparing for their next move when we left.


    Shit, Drestra swore. We cant lose them again. When Llyworn and her ilk and those demons donte back, everyone will run, and they might kill our kin when theyre breaking camp. We cant let that happen.


    Youre right, Cedric said. Demons or not, weve beaten worse odds. Takin the fight to emll be easier than tryin to track em while theyre spreadin out and hidin.


    We should thin their numbers if were going to try a rescue, though, Alex said.


    Thats probably the best way to do things. Normally, itd say we pick them off over time. Theresa frowned, organising her thoughts. Like wolves picking off a herd of deer, but while were doing that, theyll be killing prisoners.


    Alexs mind was working.


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    Okay, we know theyout of their camp, right? So, what we need are ways to get in and ways to get out. You Heroes could probably break them by forcebut that big demon worries me.


    Think we cant take it? Come on, man, youve seen us fight! Cedric said, sounding hurt.


    Youre all powerful, Alex said. Buthigher order demons and devils are on a level all their own. Im not exaggerating when I tell you theyre terrifying.


    He thought about Hobb. The carnage one devlonehad unleashed on those demons in the arena, was the stuff of repeating nightmares. The aftermathand the stories spectators told, were cautionary tales Alex remembered well.


    I just dont like unknowns, he said. And besides, itd be one thing if we had her alone and surrounded, but shes going to have a ton of reinforcements with her; demons, spellcasters and the Traveller knows what else. And <em>we </em>have to worry about rescuing prisoners, while all she has to worry about is, yknow, gutting us.


    aye, I still think we could take er: we fought some nasty shite, an even witout Merzhin witus, theres few things in thend weve got tfear. The Chosen grinned and there was a light in his eyes that reminded Alex of their first meeting outside Coille forest, when Cedric had ughtered an entire horde of Silence spiders all by himself.


    Buttruth is, I dont think were gonna be able to do that witout losin a bunch of people we need to be rescuin. We gotta break em up. Lure em out.


    Right Alex said. If there were less of them in that camp, wed be fine, but, what could lure them outwait


    Inspiration struck. Hey, you said the cultists are going after dungeon cores, right?


    Yes, Rhodri said.


    Alex stepped closer, an idea brewing. He remembered how Burn-Saw had recognized him. How are they supposed to find them?


    By tracking Ravener-spawn, he said. And they have demons that can sniff out a dungeon cores mana, like bloodhounds.


    Oooooh, thats <em>great</em>. Alex grinned, his eyes twinkling.


    Drestras eyebrow rose. Whatre you thinkiOh. She beganughing.


    And lets say they find a dungeon core fairly close to their camp. Alex pushed, watching the captives closely. What would they do?


    They would send a war party, Llyworn said. It was our job to guide them.


    How many in a war party? Alex asked.


    At least half their<strong></strong>numbers, she said.


    What does that mean? the elder said. Whatre you talking about?


    But thepanions were all smiles.


    Divide and conquer. Hart grinned. I like it.


    Yeah, if this works, we can split their numbers in half, Alex said. And maybe lure out that big boss of theirs. If it works, we can save as many people as we can, and tear the cultists and their demons apart. But well have to act fast. Theyre getting ready to move, so they wont be as organised, and if we divide them, theyll be vulnerable.


    Is there anywhere in the swamp that would make a good ambush spot?


    Elder Blodeuwedd gave it some thought. There are the Skull Pits.


    Skull pits? he asked.


    Its somece we rarely go, and with good reason.


    Alex raised an eyebrow. Why?


    Theres quicksand there.


    Well, Cedric said. Dont that just sound bloody perfect. Right, so lets get done wit these prisoners an get to work. We got a trap to set.


    ###


    Author''s Note


    Hello eight cool fools, mighty champions, wise sages and almighty chosen! Thank you for your support!


    So...I think this is my favourite chapter title in all of Mark of the Fool so far, hahahaha. Oh poor Professor Jules.


    Cya tomorrow!

 Chapter 379: The Bait in the Skull Pits

    Chapter 379: The Bait in the Skull Pits


    Now? Zonon-In demanded. You are sure?


    Yes, leader, one of her higher ranked demons growled from two crocodilian snouts.<strong></strong>Its voice was like gravel. Sniffers find mana scent: dungeon core near.


    Where? The leader leaned forward, her eyes zing.


    The smaller demon cringed beneath her re like a frightened imp. South. One plus half mortal mile, is what sniffers say.


    Thats close, she turned to Osian who had entered her tent for some unrted business of his own.


    What lies a mile and half south of here? she asked the man, failing to keep disdain from her voice.


    He startled amusingly, like he had pins ced in his boots. I suppose that would be the Skull Pits. Terrible ce full of quicksand. But, I was talking about my people, it appears theyve disappeared.


    Ah yes, she said irritably. The ones who left camp against my orders? And, what of the twenty I sent to get them back?


    That has nothing to do with me. I want my people back, Osians tone was testy.


    Then your ambitions are low. Why have small wishes when you could be wishing to be a king. Wouldnt that be nice for you? A human king? With your little jewelled crown and your sceptre?


    Osian ground his teeth, which was an excellent passing moment of amusement before she got down to real business.


    Osian, tell me, how would a dungeon core end up close to this camp?


    The witch frowned. Welldungeon cores appear without warning all across thend. Theres no one rhyme or reason to it, and few, if any, can say how. The Ravener just sends them out, and they show up in caves or other ces below ground.


    So it is possible. One of her pincers clicked with anticipation. Hmmmm, this might exin certain things. This Ravener of yours started chaos in the swamp, then your peoplewho seem not to know what following orders meansvanish at the same time my patrol is destroyed. Her pincer clicked faster. ...It seems a dungeon formed to the south and now its monsters areying im to our territory.


    She looked at her demon. Did the sniffers sense <em>much</em> mana?


    Little mana, it snarled.


    Perhaps the core formed in thest day or so, which exins the low mana, Osian said. They say it takes time for one to establish itself.


    Zonon-In growled, her mouth tentacles scraping her teeth.


    This was an opportunity shed be a fool to let pass: a dungeon core appearing so close while it was still weakif she could take a punishing force and eliminate its guardian monsters and im it, she would have a prize for her lord well before the time she anticipated.


    Ezaliel might even grant her greater rewards than what was promised.


    Yes.


    Yes, she would act, im the prize quickly, and if it was indeed the dungeons monsters that had interfered with her forces over the past day, with them destroyed, her camp wouldnt be forced to move until a time of her choosing.


    She rose from her bone throne, towering above it.


    Gather a sizable force, shemanded her servant. I want mortal followers assembled and waiting alongside my demons within the hour. Only the best fighters. Only those who can follow orders. Her eyes lingered on Osian. From those, I will choose who will apany me in an attack on this dungeon.


    Yes, leader, the demon snapped its jaws and backed out of the tent.


    Osian. Zonon-Ins attention turned to the traitorous witch. You will remain here since I cannot be sure you will follow my orders properly.


    What? he cried. We must expel these invaders from our home!


    And if you didnt behave like an infant, I would bring you along. You could watch or fight, whichever you choose. But, you cant even keep your own followers in line, and this situation is much too delicate for me to risk you going off on some mad n for honour, or some other silly word you mortals make up.


    She grinned. Congrattions, youve acted so chaotically, youve managed to bring a <em>demon</em> up short. Not many can say that. So, you will stay here guarding the camp, and make sure your people are ready to travel when the timees.


    Osian grumbled and swept from the tent. Herughter followed him.


    Well, this is going to be a good day. She reached out and grasped air.


    There was a shimmer, then a hiss of brimstone, and in a sh of red light, a war-spear appeared in her wnearly as tall as sheand made of burning brass. The end bore the skull of its former bearer and its barbed tip shed necromantic vapours swirling through the air.


    Time for some exercise, she snarled. Oh how Ive missed these times.


    ###


    Well, its done. Alex hurriedly ced the dungeon core back in his bag.


    Hed sensed the orbs unique mana rise after hed reached into its centre.


    Aye, now we wait for the signal. Cedric bit into a piece of jerky, tearing off a chunk of smoky venison. Brutus stared at him.


    Heres hopin theye pourin outta that camp like a whole nest o angry wasps.


    Yeah. Theresa said, checking her arrows. I hope Drestra, Hart and the others will be okay.


    Dont worry about them, worry about <em>us!</em> Alexughed, checking his potions. He was taking stock of how many bottles were left since giving some to Hart, Drestra, and the witches apanying them.


    The n was a simple one.


    He, Theresa, ygon, Brutus, Cedric and a small mobile force of spellcasting witches from Crymlyn Vige, were deep in the Skull Pits. Hed just activated the dungeon core, letting it shed mana for the demons mana sniffers to notice.


    The idea was to trick them into sending out a force to find the core.


    Meanwhile, Drestra, Hart and another group of spellcasters were waiting out of range of the mana sniffers, close enough to the camp. If the demons took the bait, half of the army would be gone; the Sage and Champion could then infiltrate the camp and rescue the hostages.


    When the fighters left, a witch would send a message by way of their familiar to Alexs team, letting them know how many enemies wereing for the core. Once the cult was deep in the Skull Pits, theyd find an ambushnot a dungeonwaiting for them. The witches knew the swamp, Alex had Baelins boat, and between the entire group, they had enough flight spells, potions, traps and skills to bury the enemy in swamp water and quicksand.


    When the hostages were safe, Drestra was to shoot a st of fire into the sky as a signal to Alexs team that the prisoners were on their way to the vige with the witches, and the enemy camp was destroyed. The Champion and Sage would thene to reinforce the Skull Pits.


    With everyone assembled inside the perilous terrain, they could break the armys back.


    It was a good n, Alex thought, one he and hispanions had worked out together.


    Just hope they dont surprise us, he muttered beneath his breath.


    What was that? Cedric asked.


    If they do, well be ready for them, Theresa said, giving Alex a small smile.


    Brutus stood up, padded across the boat and licked his face.


    Thanks, guys, he said.


    Ygot bloody good hearin, Theresa, Cedric was rxing against the stern, toying with the glowing string on his bow. Well, aint this a bit strange? He said.


    What? Alex asked. You mean that were here waiting for an army of demons to attack us while sitting on a magic boat in the middle of quicksand country while a bunch of witches were now kinda friends with are out setting enough traps to catch half the animals in Thamnd? Yeah, I guess that is pretty strange.


    Naw. Cedric shook his head. Thats not it, mate. Waitin to fight a bunch of monstersis jus another bloody day o the week fer me. What I meant was, this feels a bit like the night we met. Just you lot an me. Even the pups herealthough your little sisters been reced by that great, dirty golem.


    ygons clean, Theresa said, a defensive note in her voice. She patted the golems leg.


    He was standing beside her in the centre of the vessel, his eyes focused.


    Yeah, I washed him before we left the vige, Alex said.


    Cedric burst outughing, his deep voice rolling through the marsh. Now, now, don''t the two of ya get all crusty. Sjust a harmless expression. An Im only sayin hes dirty, meanin that bringin him into a fights a bloody dirty move, not that I care too much about fairness when somethins tryna kill me an all that. Anyway, Im gettin distracted from what I was sayin. When we first met, I remember tellin ya it was good ta see yous fightin the good fight. Especially wit your fancy magic. Yalways pronounce your spells all slow an steady-like, an yer real precise with those incantations o yours.


    Alexs pulse quickened. Yeah, as I always say, it pays to learn your spells inside and out.


    Agh, as long as the mana does what I tell it, sgood enough for me, Cedric said. But, sfunny, here we are, fightin together. Gotta say, sbeen nice havin yous an Baelin with us. Makes things easier an helps wit the nnin an such. Im not the best with that partmy heads much better at buttin other heads than at tactics.


    He rubbed the back of his neck and rolled his head from side to side. There was a sharp crunch. Anyway, stoo bad one of yous wasn''t marked. Yer both good fighters and good nners, wouldve been great havin ya wit us.


    Alex fought his expression, it wanted to do anything but remain neutral, a quick nce at Theresa told him she was having the same problem. The irony of the situation was overwhelming. He felt a little guilty deceiving Cedric. The Chosen was a decent guy, honest, trusting, and if theyd met in Generasi, hed probably be part of his cabal. He obviously liked him and Theresabut how long would thatst if he told him he was the missing Fool.


    Alex looked at the murky water around them.


    now was not the time, if there ever would be one.


    Hey man, its too bad youre not down in Generasi with us, the Fool changed the direction of the conversation. Sure, we get into the books, but we also y hard.


    Well, the yin part sounds good tme, the Chosen chuckled. Who knows, maybe if this war ends before everythin on my skulls gone grey, Ille down an take a look for meself.


    Alex winced. Why do people keep saying stuff like that? In every story hed ever heard where someone talked like that just before going into battle, the story would end with them dead. But, he wasnt about to share that thought with the Chosen though, that was more a Khalik or Thundar conversation.


    Its incredible down there, Theresa said, slipping her quiver onto her hip. Its like the world


    She paused, cocking her head to the north.


    I hear a bird, she said. Its moving fast.


    The huntress looked in that direction, and Alex and Cedric followed her gaze.


    A dot in the distance was growing fast, shooting through the clear sky for Baelins boat. It stopped short, hovering above them with a leather tube clutched in its talons.


    The brown swamp piper squawked and pped its wings until Cedric fed it a piece of jerky. It snatched the meat, nipping his thumb while Theresa removed the message from its ws.


    Bird familiars have way too much attitude. Alex thought of Najyah and Llyworns duck.


    Did it work? He asked Theresa. Are theying?


    She was silent for a long moment. Ooooh it worked alright. Theres over two hundred cultists and more than a hundred demons on the way. Including a really <em>big</em> one.


    Alex rubbed his hands together. Ohoh holy shit. And weve got like fifty witches. Id say were pretty outnumbered.


    But you''ve got the Chosen of Uldar an that great, big, erclean golem at yer side. Cedricughed.


    Yeah, this is good. We were outnumbered about four to one when they ambushed us, so I think we can handle this, Theresa agreed. Theyre looking to raid a dungeon full of Ravener-spawn which means theres only a skeleton crew left in their camp.


    Makes things easier for Drestra, Hart and the witches, Alex said. Good, well we made a n and so far it''s working. Thats something to celebrate, notin about.


    He took a deep breath, cracked his knuckles, and began putting his potions away. Did the message say how fast theyre moving?


    Seems theyre rowing at a steady pace, so they should be here in maybe an hour or so.


    Alright, lets finish our preparations, Alex said. Ive got a lot of summoning to do.

 Chapter 380: The Battle of the Skull Pits

    Chapter 380: The Battle of the Skull Pits


    Here theye, Theresa whispered from the belly of the boat.


    Aheadthrough pines and willowsthe enemy army came. Cultistsrowed like their lives depended on itpowering strange boats of bone and hide around tree trunks and through thick, sandy bogs. Each vessel carried at least ten spellcasters, some sheathed in defensive spells. There was no shortage of force shields, bows and chainmail shining over dark clothing. Other fighters gripped long spears with tips sharpened to a knifes edge, their faces showed no trace of fear, and they were not alone.


    Demons spread among them, oozing menace.


    Packs of beam-shooters stood in defensive formation, while a flock of imps soared overhead. Earlier, a scouting party of the vicious little creatures had appeared in the distance, surveying the area until a barrage of arrows from Theresa, Cedric and witch-archers bows had knocked them from the sky before they even saw the fletchinging.


    If the demon army had any concern for their missing scouts, they showed no sign. They just kept pushing forward, the tiashivas looking especially confident. Their third eyes burned with a longing for violence and Alex was stered to the floor watching their approach, wondering if Burn-Saw was among them.


    But, if the scarred demon wasnt part of this horde, he wouldnt be surprised, he would even be relieved. Trying to capture the tiashiva would be a distraction<strong></strong>he couldnt afford right now, especially since the Chosen would have questions he wasnt prepared to answer. Burn-Saw was a future problem, a now problem was the demons kindred approaching with sharp axes and des of jagged bone. nked by the tiashivas were schar-like Ar-heugeni: the type of demons that had crawled from the sea and attacked the Games on Orecas Fall ind. The creatures broke the waters surface with powerful strokes, their faces fixed in a snarl as they scanned the swamp through yellow eyes framed by heavy lids.


    Seeing the tiashivas and Ar-heugeni together brought back terrible memories that screamed for retribution. Alex would be only too d to repay them.


    Towering above them, giant mantogugons strode: mantis-like, ice creatures whose titanic ws clicked with each step they took, freezing murky water beneath their feet. They stalked through the swamp like they were on solid ground.


    Alex frowned: pushing those things toward quicksand or a bog would be pointless. The liquid they stepped on froze wherever they walked, which meant his teams advantage from the ground being so waterlogged was gone.


    ygon would have to focus his beams on them. They needed that advantage.


    Among the horde stalked unfamiliar hulking, simian-bodied things with two crocodile heads, flyers with feathers of a sickly green colour, and beaks resembling venus fly traps like in Professor Salingers greenhouse. He recognized the dozens of beam-shooters in the boats, their weapons were aimed and ready to fire.


    Sniffing the airin the bow of each boatwas a squat demon covered in chitin with more than a dozen articted legs; their long noses coiled and uncoiled like snakes. There was no mistaking the mana sniffers Llyworn and Rhodri had described, and they now headed straight for Baelins boat.


    As the boat moved closer, the creatures paced in a frenzy, their focus riveted on one overwhelming source of power ahead: ygon. Their excitement surged, expecting that a dungeon core was within reach, and they howled like hounds on the hunt, mana calling them.


    The monsters had no idea they had sailed right into the trap nned for them: the witches of Crymlyn Swamp were concealed and watched the demons row past. Soon, theyd be ambushed from all sides.


    Traps bearing sigils that magicalmand words would activate, were ready for any demon or cultist who passed too near.


    Alexs summoned allies alsoy in wait: scores of water elementals at the bottom of the swamps murky depths waited patiently. When the fight began, they would surge from the water and fall upon the Ar-heugeni.


    Everything was going ording to n.


    But wheres the <em>big</em> one? he wondered, scrutinising the enemy ranks.


    No matter where he looked, he saw no demons that even vaguely resembled the demonic leader the two cultists had described.


    He chewed his lower lip.


    Oh shit, Theresa suddenly whispered.


    She was on the opposite side of the boat to Alex and Cedric, peering out from under a canvas cloth that shrouded them from enemy eyes.


    What is it? The Chosen whispered.


    Dont make any fast moves, she said quietly. But, look in my directionthey have us surrounded.


    Alex slithered to the opposite side of the boat. Oh shit!


    Theresa was right. Movement came from the trees nking them, and arger force of demons was approaching, but they were further away.


    It looks like theyve split their forces, he whispered. Maybe they nned on surrounding the dungeon anding at it from each direction.


    Aye, Cedric said. Well, weve got traps out there too.


    Yeah, but we dont have the numbers they do. Theresa said. Maybe we can kill as many in the front as we can, if we do it fast enough, that should buy us some time before their reinforcements can move up.


    Aye, Cedric said, his voice low. If we wipe out the first wave, we got a good chance o takin care o the rest. Stoo bloody bad Merzhins not here. Hes got this miracle thatd take care o all these pests in one go: takes im a while to set it up, but I cant see anythin were facin survivin it.


    Alex made a mental note of the Saints gift: if there was one Hero hed likely have to fight one day it was the Saint, so of course <em>he </em>would be the one who sounded like hed be a problem in more ways than one. But, tomorrows battles were for tomorrow.


    Todays needed to get started.


    Okay, Alex said, turning back to the demonic army in front of them. Sounds like breaking them fast is the way to go. We dont want themsting long enough for the rest of their army to get here and give them the advantage, so if we can take the first wave out, that gets rid of a good chunk of their force before the rest can get stuck in.


    Aye, well Ill show em how fast a Chosen o Uldar can wreck shite, Cedric said, opening up a flight potion. Yous ready? The witches are waitin on us ta start.


    Alex and Theresa looked at each other, then nodded<strong>.</strong>


    Ready, Theresa said, drawing her bowstring back.


    As ready as Ill ever be, Alex willed a half dozen Wizards Hands to yank back the canvas.


    Well, Cedric took a deep breath.


    Then his roar filled the swamp.


    Alexs Wizards Hands threw off the canvas as he chugged his Flight potion.


    Alright, yshite-eatin, bloody traitors and demon scum! the Chosen bellowed. <em>Lets goooooooooo!</em>


    He swigged his flight potion in a single gulp.


    Theresa was already up, her hands blurring across her bowstring. Arrows flew through the air like driving rain.


    ygon! Alex thought. Light em up! Focus on those ice demons.


    Alexs defensive spells red as he, Cedric, and ygon shot from the boat and up into the air. The demons and cultists looked to the sky, roaring a challenge, while Theresas arrows mmed into mortal bodies. Stay down boy, she whispered to Brutus who Alex had covered in force armour.


    A heartbeatter, a cry rose from witches concealed in the Skull Pits.


    Mana surged, traps came to life.


    Shrieks of pain suddenly rang out, demons and their allied cultists were met with spiked logs, trip wires, and dead falls of rocks suspended from trees high aboveall hidden by illusionsthen triggered in tandem, crushing boats to bone fragments and shredded hide.


    Witches released arrows relentlessly, while casting deadly spells from hiding ces throughout the Skull Pits. They rained acid on the enemy and awakened dormant vines and swamp nts that now writhed with life, sprouting venomous thorns. Theydshed cultists like whips, knitting together and weavings between clumps of trees to trap demon boats inside smaller waterways.


    Spellcasters sted powerful wind gusts, blowing enemies into the frigid water and nearby quicksand, sucking them down. As they sank, walking trees erupted from the muck. Groaning like old oaks, they swung clubs as long as ygon was tall, turning demon boats to rubble.


    One minute, Ar-heugeni were cutting through swamp water, swimming for animated trees and witches hiding within bogs and the tree canopy; and the next, they were yelping, frantically wing at their own skin.


    Alexs water elementals were stuck to them like leeches, burbling contentedly while draining the demons life fluids.


    Thats a downpayment for Orecas Fall. Alex thought.


    Laughing with abandon, Cedric dove toward demons, shouting an incantation and firing light arrows into the horde below. Many dropped, felled by his arrows, while others were grabbed by their kindred and used as living shields.


    Cedrics wildughter echoed through the trees, sending cultists scrambling for hiding ces, but before they could reach safety, he finished the incantation and a fireballunched. With a resounding boom, me enveloped the fleeing cultists. Screams joined the Chosensughter before abruptly dying.


    <em>Whoooooooom!</em>


    Meanwhile, ygon was building his own fire.


    His gems red, ready for ice demons below.


    <em>Whoooooooosh!</em>


    me sheared torsos from lower halves.


    Three sts instantly rocked the swamp, sending columns of steam, boiling nt life, and melted ice monsters hissing through the air. ygon recharged his beams while Alex tossed booby-trapped flight potions into the enemys ranks. Clouds of potion mist mingled with,unching cultists and demons into tree trunks, swamp water, and each other.


    In moments, the number of adversaries had plummeted.


    But, those remaining weren''t retreating, they still kept up their fierce attack.


    Beam-demons firednces of light toward ygon, Alex, and Cedric, the light rays shot through the sky like fireworks. Alex dodged while his golem simply took them across his body, then answered with his own beams.


    Cedric flew between the rays, transformed his weapon into a halberd, a prayer to Uldar sheathed him in zing light, then he dove among the enemy in melee range, cutting them down where they stood.


    Cant say we really need Merzhin after all! He called to Alex and Theresa.


    Thank the Traveller hes nowhere near here. Alex thought.


    Cultists lobbed spells and arrows at thepanions above, and the witches concealed in the Skull Pits. Shards of darkness, fire-rays, force bolts and zing, rotting skulls shot at Alex, but with a Haste potion enhancing his speed, he weaved between them in an aerial dance, retaliating with more potions of Flight.


    Imps and the peculiar green, bird-like demons soared toward him with snapping jaws, and long, sticky tongues flicking acidic slime, but he blocked the acid with force shield and the cleansing movements.


    As ygon sted ice demons with his hand beams, he flew through airborne monsters, pummeling them with fists and devastating kicks. Each blow turned a demon into paste, and sent it plummeting to the swamp.


    Theresa fired from the boat, striking demons trailing Alex and Cedric. All around them, the Skull Pits had be a scene of chaos and magic, as cultist and demon numbers were shed.


    Alex was pleased, taking stock of the direction things were going, when suddenly, horns trumpeted above the havoc of battle and demons began advancing from their nks, closing on Baelins boat.


    With the blowing of horns, came a deep bellow, erupting from the marsh at the witches backs.


    There she was: the demon leader. The towering creature strode forward, wading through swamp water,ing toward them. In one w, she gripped what was the biggest spear Alex had ever seen. Maybe, spear was the wrong word: the barbed de on its end looked like a titans barbed sword had been fitted onto the haft of a pole-arm. Unfriendly looking vapours drifted from the spears de, and an equally unfriendly look burned in her eyes.


    Cedric! he roared. Its the leader!


    The Chosen swung his halberd, splitting a giant, crocodile-headed demon in two with a single strike. Im on er! Give the signal!


    Alex dodged through a pack of imps, then turned and fired a re high into the sky.


    When its ascent began to slow, it abruptly ruptured, shedding a scarlet light that could be seen from miles away.


    ###


    A mile and a half away, Hart watched the south from a treetop, while Angharad and a team of thirty witches waited in boats below.


    Drestra hid at the base of the tree.


    The Sage tapped the trunk with growing impatience.


    Anything yet? she hissed at the Champion.


    No, And thats the twentieth time youve asWait.


    Hart grinned, stepping out of the canopy, floating down with the aid of Drestras flight spell.


    res up, he whispered. The enemys fully stuck in. They cant back out now.


    Then we go to work, Angharad said.


    Yes, its our turn, Drestra murmured.


    She cast her warming spell and the witches slipped into the waters of Crymlyn Swamp with the Heroes. A few stayed back, guarding the vessels while the rescue team quietly waded away, swimming through the murky water toward the unsuspecting enemy camp.

 Chapter 381: The Infiltration of the Demonic Camp

    Chapter 381: The Infiltration of the Demonic Camp


    Drestras Orb of Air and spell of warming surrounded her as she felt her way through the murky swamp. Sounds were distorted. Visibility low. In some ces, she could only see a few feet in front of her, butas nerve wracking as that wasshe was d for it.


    If she was having trouble seeing what was ahead, then the enemy would have trouble seeing her.


    Soundlessly, she noted the number of strokes she had taken, and looked for the underwater markers that were pointing the way to the enemy camp. Earlier, Alexs water elementals and a few of her kins familiars had scouted the cultists camp, bringing back information for a detailed map to take them through the waterways and straight to the enemy camp. If the water elementals hadnt scouted the way in advance, finding the cultists camp and the gate in the waterway leading to it, would have taken more time than the captives had.


    The camp was set up on a series ofrge inds that were elevated, rising high above the water and were sparse of trees. At the centre of the fortified camp a pit held the imprisoned witches, and around it, a towering palisade of thick logs had been erected. The murky waterway led right to the log walls: the pen was built on one of therger inds, ensuring that water ringed the walls like a moat.


    Llyworn had said that if the shackled prisoners were to somehow get free, they would have to swim through fifty feet of water to escape. Making things worse, the demons traitorous allies had repeatedly painted every imprisoned spellcaster with mana expulsion potion, leaving them broken. The witches were weak, underfed and in no condition to swim awayeven if they could escapewhile weighted down with chains.


    The conditions the prisoners were kept in suited the demons and even Osrian and his followers, but in the end, their cruelty would be their undoing. While the set up satisfied the cults purpose, it gave the rescuers easy ess to their kindred. They could simply swim through the swamp, right to the moat surrounding the ind.


    Of course there were obstacles in ce to keep predators and other hostiles out. An underwater gate was positioned within thergest waterway leading to the demons camp.


    Water demons patrolled it without fail, eager to catch anything bold enough to swim too close, and the demon leader believed she could never have enough sacrifices for their rituals. If the scent of mortals and other sacrificed swamp dwellers brought packs of starving monsters to their camp, the patrol would sound the rm, calling reinforcements to put down the intrusion.


    Then there were also mana sniffers to worry about.


    These curious demons were highly attuned to mana shared by the Ravener and dungeon cores, though spellcasting or vast mana pools could also alert them. What helped the rescue team was information shared by Llyworn and Rhodri that the creatures were always surrounded by mana from demons and cultists, making it difficult for them to distinguish between mana wielded by their allies, or their enemies.


    We should still use spells sparingly until the hostages are free, Drestra thought. Hart was at the head of the rescue team, obscured from her sight by churning silt and muck.


    Its up to you, she thought.


    ###


    Hart was grinning like a maniac as he tore through the water.


    This is bloody amazing, he thought, enjoying the excitement running through him.


    A previous Championlikely more than onemust have had skills in underwaterbat. He was cutting through the swamp water like hed been born in it.


    This is the life, he thought. Swimming through muddy water on the way to kill a bunch of cultists and demons so we can rescue some hostagesthats normal everyday stuff. Not that bloody weird, mind-bending shit Drestras mother was doing.


    A shudder went through himand it wasnt from the cold. Images of things hed seen with the Ash Ravens came back to him. Things hed experienced.


    He pushed the past from his mind, re-focusing on what was ahead.


    This wasnt the time for battling ghosts.


    Hart searched for marker after marker, leading the team past each one.


    Theres the root that looks like an old mans hand, he thought, passing a craggy tree root; thest of the underwater markers. Hart signalled Angharad, who was in line behind him, to stop. Theyd reached the spot the four water demons would be patrolling, just ahead by the<strong></strong>underwater gate.


    He drew his massive knife of Ravener-spawn bone enchanted with dungeon core dust and raised an eyebrow.


    All this time they had us believing that dungeon cores were only good for pulverising and turning into weapons and armour. Now we find out mortals can control the bloody things. Jeez. Uldar, you old, rotting bastard, just what in all hells are you ying at up there?


    A patrolling demon suddenly loomed from the gloom just feet from him. Harts agility and generations of experience took over, and his knife was in its throat before it could even move.


    He turned around.


    One down.


    Nearby, two more shadows shot from the gloom.


    Their ws shed.


    His de shed faster.


    Both shuddered, then stopped, their corpses drifting down into darkness.


    Three dowOh no you dont!


    Barely visible through the silty water, he caught movement from the corner of his eye: another demon was wing its way to the surface, about to raise an rm. With one kick of his legs, the Champion was in pursuit, his power driving him upward, straight for the fleeing monster.


    He caught it and his de found its back while his other hand found its throat. Hart twisted the knifes hilt as his grip crushed the creatures throat; the demon shuddered once, then went still.


    And thats four. Better grab the other three before one of them floats to the surface. He swam to the bottom of the swamp. Even the stupidest,ziest sentry in all of Thamnd would notice dead demons bobbin in the water.


    The other three demons were tangled in tall weeds near the stagnant bottom. He added thest one hed just killed to their muddy graveyard. A few well ced rocks to hold them down, and his work was done. They wouldnt stay put forever, but itd be long enough for him and hispanions to get the prisoners far away from the hellhole they were in.


    Hart remained at the bottom, waiting for the sound of bodies diving into the water, but all was quiet.


    He exhaled.


    Interesting. Quick and easy kills. Maybe the demons in that campll put up a better fight.


    The Champion swam up toward the waiting witches.


    ###


    Hart and Angharad were with a few more witches, waiting close to the watergate when Drestra and the rest of the rescue team caught up with them. With hand signals, he pointed to where the patrolling demons nowy, and she nodded at the giant of a man in approval as they swam to the gate.


    Angharad, Drestra and several more witches went directly to the logs and floating before them, cast incantations that surrounded their hands with acid. The spells were lower-tier, but higher-tier spells werent necessary for what they had to do.


    Together, they pressed their palms to the gate, acid slowly burnt the wood away until there was a hole wide enough for even Hart to fit through. He wasted no time in doing just that with Drestra right behind, and Angharad leading the rest of the witches into the murky waterway.


    This is where things could get tricky.


    Alexs water elementals couldnt get past the gate, so anything could be waiting for them.


    They moved in single file, staying within sight of one another, keeping no more than two feet between them and the person ahead. Their pace was slow and smooth, disturbing the silt as little as possible.


    The Sages anxiety grew. The longer they swam, the farther away their goal seemed to be, but if they rushed, theyd fail and her kindred would die. She had to trust Hart to be cautious and lead them through the twisting waterway. Her nerves didnt leave, and she knew they wouldnt until her kin were safe, but she could deal with that until the mission was done. With each stroke, the waterway opened up, taking them closer to the moat. Finally, there it was before them, and beyond, the indy.


    The rescue team kept moving forward at their slow and cautious pace until they reached the ind and looped around. Hart was searching for a distinctive looking root that a witchs bird familiar had spotted when it was scouting the camp from the air. It was hard to miss, not only because of its massive size, but because of its shape. It looked alive, like a giants head with snakes growing from it. A few feet away, he spotted it and The Champion, Sage and Angharad surfaced and hid beneath the root, looking around.


    Inds surrounded them, each covered in a sea of tents. Between them, cultists and demons went about their business. Drestra tensed, holding her breath, praying that no rm would be raised.


    But none came.


    It seemed the diversion had done what it was meant to. There were still dozens in the vast camp, but their numbers were depleted. And those who remained, were more focused on packing their supplies.


    There were only two guards watching the moat, and the pair were more focused on a game of dice than on their duties.


    I lovezy guards, Hart whispered, hisrge eyes lighting up. Theyve made my life easy so many times. Theyre like a gift.


    If only the ones over here were so obliging, Drestra said, peeking around the root at the palisade on the prisoners ind.


    The wooden wall held a single guard tower, and within it, a pair of sharp-eyed cultists. One looked to be packing up, while the other paced back and forth along the guard station, eyeing both the<strong></strong>pit within the wall and the moat outside.


    Mmmm, doesnt ruin the n, though. Hart said, pointing to the opposite shore. See that tent over there, the one near the water?


    Yes, Angharad said.


    Ill swim over there, use the tent as cover, get in the camp, and start killing. Itll be nice and quiet at first, just to thin out a few, then Ill make it loud.


    And while everyones attention is on you, Drestra repeated the n. Ill cast flight on myself, kill the guards and anyone else holding the prisoners, then st open the palisade.


    And then wee in, free the captives and protect them, while you two handle the rest of the camp, Angharad finished. The n looks like its still a go as far as I can see.


    Yep, Hart said, cracking his neck. So, Id better get to work.


    He grinned at hispanions. Wait for the screaming.


    With that, Hart sank beneath the water and moved through it as silent as an eel.


    Ill let everyone know to get into position, Angharad whispered, dipping below the surface.


    The Sage waited anxiously, looking from the tent near the moat, to the cultists on duty in the guard tower above.


    Come on spirits and you too, Uldar, she prayed quietly. Make it so the guard doesnt see him. Make it so the guard doesnt see him.


    She watched as Harts head surfaced, he took a quick look around, then slipped onto the shore, pressing himself against the tent. He was moving quickly


    then a bloody cultist made his way over to the tent Hart was hiding behind, carrying a bucket full of slop to dump into the moat.


    No, no, no, Drestra whispered as he came closer to Harts hiding ce.


    The cultist would see him andif he didnt, then the guards on watch in the guard tower would.


    She got ready to cast a fireball at the tower.


    Then Hart blurred from behind the tent, grabbed the cultists by the neck and crushed it with a quick squeeze of his fingers. His other hand caught the bucket before it hit the ground and set it down gently while the man went silent. With fluid motion, he drew his knife, shed open the side of the tent and slipped in with the dead cultist under one arm.


    No cry of rm went up.


    Drestras heart was pounding as she let out a breath she hadnt even noticed she was holding. Heartbeatster, a veryrge cultist in ill fitting robes stepped from the tent and shuffled into the monsters camp. His head was bowed low beneath his hood.


    The Champion of Uldar had infiltrated the camp.


    Drestra looked up, ready to attack the guard tower.


    Wait for the screaming, she whispered.

 Chapter 382: Goading

    Chapter 382: Goading


    Screams rang out over the Skull Pits.


    Armies shed in a storm of magic and death.


    In the sky above, Alex battled demons.


    He weaved past the sticky tongues of green-feathered demons and dodged the barbed ws of imps; the sky was filled with screeching monsters, snapping and wing at him. They poured from the witches nks, racing past their allies and taking to the air like flocks of malevolent birds. They aimed to rip Alex, ygon and Cedric from the sky, but the trio had another n.


    Wizards Hands whirled with speed: tugging wings, pulling imps through the air, ring with crimson light that blinded demonic eyes. Alex hurled sleeping potions through the<strong></strong>flocks, the air filled with vapours; shrieks died as sleeping monsters dropped from the sky like hail.


    Through the chaos came thunderous booms, shes of light, and searing heat as ygons sts tore through the skies. Cedrics challenges roared above the demonscries along with lightning and me. The Chosen of Uldar wielded spells and divinities like he was a vengeful god removing the wicked from his presence.


    Below, sts raced skyward,ing for him and hispanions: but were met with beams of light spraying near and far, striking flying demons and those below. Alex and Cedric weaved between the dead.


    Demons and their allies were dying like autumn leaves, and just like autumn leaves, there seemed to be no end to them. They were so thick in the skies, that Alex couldnt gauge how the battle was going below.


    Die, you bastards, his mind screamed. I need to see past you! Just drop dead already


    Looking like a streaking star approaching, shes of light reflected off polished desing toward him.


    Theresa spun through the sky, her swords shing, thinning both hordes and flocks she flew by.


    Poor Brutus followed behind her, looking like a newborn calf with iling legs trying to stay upright. A sh of fangs met anything that came close; he would snatch them from the air with snarling fangs, shake them, then drop them into whatever waited below.


    Finally, the demons flying force broke. Between the persistent attack from Cedric and ygon, and Alexs potionsbined with cerberus fangs and twin sword des, the skies were atst free of cultists and demonkind.


    You alright? Alex panted.


    Yeah, Im great, Theresa reached for the whimpering, trembling Brutus; the cerberus nuzzled into her, making a point of not looking down. I thought Ide up and lend a hand since I ran out of arrows, she said. I didnt think youd mind if I took a potion and gave poor Brutus one since I couldnt just leave him in the boat with all those demonsing at us.


    My potions are your potions, and thanks, he said emphatically. Thanks to you, we finished them off faster than I thought we would.


    Well, the battles ending down there too. She watched the battlefield below. Ill go see if I can get some arrows from one of the witches, thats if they have any to spare. Ill need more for when the rest of the demons get here.


    She and Brutus descended, the cerberus shaking with relief.


    Aye, looks like we gets a few minutes'' rest, Cedric said. Theyve got things wrapped up down there.


    Steam and smoke rose from the Skull Pits below, and everywhere Alex looked,y the ruins of demon and cultist bodies alike. Dozens floated face down in murky water or were trapped in quicksand. Witches moved through the trees with care, finishing off survivors.


    No mercy was shown by the witches of Crymlyn Vigeas no mercy had been shown to them. Among the corpses of demons and cultists, dead witchesy; the numbers of their dead were small, but even one was too many at the end of it all.


    Too many witches were left in mourning.


    His mind shed back to the beach on Orecas Fall, and his anger at the cult of Ezaliel smouldered in his chest.


    Focus, he told himself. It''s time for action, take your rage out on the onesing.


    He looked across the swamp grimly.


    Demons and the traitors theyd aligned with were approaching, closing in from three sides andeven with their flying demons destroyedthe oing demon force was at least triple the one theyd just defeated.


    Alex clenched his jaw.


    More losses could be catastrophic.


    We need Hart and Dresta, he said, looking to the north.


    Still no signal.


    Aye, those demonsll grind a lot o these witches to dust if they get us surrounded, the Chosen said.


    Yeahwe have to move. Theres a couple more positions here in the Skull Pits we can retreat to, Alex said. We should get to one, force the cultist scum toe at us from only one direction.


    ...aye, Cedric said grimly. Or we could strike the head off the snake.


    The Chosen pointed to the south at the imposing figure leading the advancing demon army.


    Yeah, that ones the leader, alright, Alex said. Even from his distance, he felt a chill from the immortals gaze. But I dont know about attacking her yet. Not before Hart and Drestra get here.


    Ive cut down Ravener-spawnmanders dozens otime. The Chosens grip tightened on his weapon. An some o them were a hell o lot bigger than that she-beastie over there is.


    I dont doubt that, Alex said. But any spirits or elementalsincluding demonscan get <em>very</em> powerful as they go up hierarchies. Not just physically powerfulbut with some real nasty magic and more years ofbat experience than everyone here put together. Some are even resistant to magic.


    How resistant?


    <em>Very</em> resistant. Like, sure, shed probably be like a flea to <em>Baelin</em>, but to us? I doubt our magic could do very much to her.


    Then thats even more reason to take er on: itd be best fer our forces if shes tied up, if shes even half as tough as yer thinkin,  the Chosen said.


    youre not wrong. Alex frowned. We can take cover in the trees and st her from there.


    Aye, but didn ysay she was resistant to magic?


    I dont know for sure, but she very well could be since a lot of higher demons are.


    Well then somethin needs to be in front o her: somethin so tough, she cant just ignore it.


    I can summon some monsters. <em>They</em> can keep her busy.


    Shell cut em down quick. Im the bloody Chosen: she wont be able to go through me so easy.


    Yeah, youre the Chosen, and Thamnd needs you. Alive.


    Cedric gave him a look. Now youre startin to sound like the bloody priests.


    Alex paused as a wave of anger washed over him. He held his tongue.


    Cant just sit back an let this demon rampage an kill our allies, the Chosen said. Ille out still breathin, Im sure.


    Alex winced, remembering how theyd met: Cedric went off on his own to fight Silence-spiders in the Cave of the Traveller. He did it to stop them from going to massacre the townsfolk and the vigers around Alric.


    <em>Of course</em> Cedric would<strong></strong>run into battle to save other people. Alex admired that and his bottomless well of courage. The Mark of the Chosen hadwell, chosen well.


    Alright, the Fool sighed, opening his bag and counting the remaining potions. I dont know if my mana soothing and sleep potions will affect something <em>that</em> powerful, but Ill give you all the support I can. And Ill see if I can hit her with a booby-trapped flight potion. She probably wont put up much of a fight against you with her arms ripped off<em>if</em> my potions affect her, that is.


    Well find out. The Chosen cracked his neck.


    Alex''s mind was working through different scenarios.


    He could run Hsiekus technique through his mana pool a few more times then summon a ton of air elementals to hit the towering demon with them. His eyes focused on the giant, walking trees below.


    Let''s see if I can convince the witches to let them back Cedric up, he muttered, ready to start summoning.


    Zonon-Ins mouth tentacles wriggled behind her teeth as she watched the battlefield.


    A quarter of her forcesy dead, andmore rminglythere was no sign of a dungeon anywhere, just witches and flying strangers.


    She pointed toward the outsiders in the air with her war-spear.


    What are those? she asked a nearby traitor witch.


    I cant tell, the witch said, peering at the flyers. Were too far away.


    The womans calmness stoked Zonon-Ins annoyance. Unlike Osrian, she didnt lose her temper at the slightest provocation. Howdull.


    The demon leader instead turned her focus back to the flyers.


    A ck-haired woman and a three-headed hellhound had disappeared into the trees. That left the sky with only a magical y soldier and a shirtless warrior floating in it.


    Her eyes took in the warrior, noting his liquid weapon and the glowing symbol on his chest.


    Hmmm, it seems some of you mortals have taken to branding each other. How delightful. Witch, that man there, She pointed to the sky. Have you seen that symbol before?


    The witch and the other cultists around her, gasped.


    Thats the Chosen of Uldar! the witch hissed, her tone hard, but her eyes filled with fear. Why is he here? Hes one of five who were named a Hero of the enemy. Theyve been tasked with destroying the Ravener in Uldars name. That ones their leader and the one they call the Chosen.


    And yet hes here Zonon-Ins voice grew thoughtful. In this swamp.


    A flutter of excitement went through the demon; a powerful mortalthis Chosen might be an interesting challenge. The symbol on his chest recalled runemarked warriors she had fought on this world in past times. Among their kind, the more symbols they bore, the more powerful they were, but this Chosen had only one.


    She wondered if that would make any difference .


    More importantly, she wondered what this all meant. Something was wrong.


    Shed learned from these witches that this ce was called the Skull Pitsa name she heartily approved of, it almost sounded like homebut what she didnt approve of was that several of her most loyal cultists had been lost to quicksand along the way.


    Coming so far without finding a dungeon even the worthless Osrian would have known her forces had been led into a trap.


    But there was something else concerning her.


    There was no question that the sniffers <em>had</em> smelled dungeon core mana.


    Did the mortals use some trick to imitate it and lure them? Or was there a dungeon core hidden in their ranks, ripe for plucking? If so, the dark orb had gone silent; the sniffers hadnt detected even a hint of its mana again.


    What were they up to?


    That question must be answered, and the only way to learn what treachery these mortals had brought to her territory was by capturing some and forcing answers from them.


    Annoyance rose again.


    If they were


    Oi! a voice roared from the Chosen. Great, dirty demon!


    She growled, her annoyance giving way to amusement.


    Ooo! A heroic speech! She grinned, her face scornful. How fun!


    The demon cleared her throat. What is it, oh mighty Hero of Uldar?


    There was a pause, her smile widened.


    Didnt expect me to know about your amusing title? she called back.


    Aye, I''m the Chosen, thats true! heughed. An this Chosen o Uldar challenges you, demon weaklin, to a test o arms! Come, leave the safety o your horde! Well fight it out, ifn ya got the nerve to face me!


    Zonon-In put on her best evil overlord voice, which shed had millenia to practice. And why, puny mortal, should I bother with you? I could squash you like an earthworm!


    Thats what they were called in the material world, right? Earthworms?


    The Chosen barked augh at her. I dont think so! Im gonna cut cha inta a dozen pieces! An spear your heart


    Oh, she loved when they said that.


    Which one? she called back.


    ...what?


    Which heart? I have a few! Which one will you pierce?


    Another moment of silence, and a flustered expression.


    All of em! he shouted. Soe on, ya weak, dirty, cowardly wretch! Ill tear ya down!


    Well that was fine goading, she said to herself. If a little obvious, but one turn deserves another.


    Fine! she roared. But why should Ie to you, when you coulde to me! She gestured at her army with a w. Were going to return to camp now and surprise your little friends who are, no doubt, raiding it as were having our little chat!


    The Chosens expression shifted dramatically.


    There. She had him.


    So, if you really want to challenge me and <em>not</em> lure my army into any more of your traps, then <em>youll</em> have toe to <em>me!</em>


    She faced her troops. Ar-heugeni! Go back to camp! Spellcasters, cover yourselves and our mantogugons in flight spells then return there with haste! The prisoners are waiting for a taste of your des!


    Zonon-In raised her war-spear.


    Everyone else! Retreat! Were leaving this death trap!


    With a great mour of voices, her army didnt hesitate, circling the enemy to pull back to their base.


    She suspected the mortals wouldnt simply let them leave, theyd do something to keep her entertained.


    Ah <em>shite!</em> Cedric roared from above. Bloody clever bastard!


    Shit! Alex swore from below, summoning one final air elemental.


    I gotta bring er down! the Chosen flew down to Alex. Ifn any o them make it back ta that camp, the whole things busted! We gotta cut the head off!


    Shit! Cedric, wait! We need a n! Alex shouted.


    But it was toote.


    The Chosen flew off, arcing toward the demon horde, bellowing a prayer to Uldar.


    I swear, that war-spears gonna find itself down that demons throat, Alex grumbled, getting his potions out.


    Heads up! he shouted to the witches. Send as many walking trees with me as you can, well try to kill that thing!


    Iming with you! Theresa emerged from a copse of trees. Brutus was back in Baelins boat, watching as she flew off. Stay there, boy! Stay! Ill be back soon. she called.


    Well, here goes nothing. Alex, Theresa and a horde of air elementals,unched toward ygon hovering above.


    They exchanged a nodthen tore after the Chosen.


    Ahead, the demon grinned.

 Chapter 383: The Crack

    Chapter 383: The Crack


    Zonon-Ins goading had worked better than shed expected.


    This Chosen was tearing through the sky shadowed by the other two flying mortals, the giant y soldier, and a horde of air elementals. Below them, walking trees wereing from the swamp, wading toward her.


    The rest of their forces werent idle either, they had gathered in numbers and were scrambling to block her army.


    It was perfect; shed made them chase her and her horde, and like fools, theyd done exactly what shed wanted. Now they were divided, weakened and easier to conquer.


    Which also meantit was time to direct her troops.


    <em>Keep retreating,</em> she reached into their minds. <em>I will catch up. Theres something I have to do first. </em>Her teeth bared.


    Gripping her war-spear, Zonon-In spread her arms in invitation.


    Come! her voice thundered. You wish to test your mettle against me, Chosen of Oolurder? Well, here I am! I respond to your challenge with one of my own! How will you answer it? She enjoyed twisting the gods name.


    His answer was a shouted incantation and me circling his hand.


    Oooo, how spicy. She spread her arms wider, ready for his magic.


    The Chosen threw a fireball.


    It streaked across the marshtrailing sparksand exploded against her torso. A magical inferno engulfed the demon, but all mana within it recoiled from her flesh.


    This raging me feels no hotter than noon in this lifeless ce...oh how I miss the joy of true heat, she thought, standing among the mes, patiently watching them fade, then fanning smoke and steam away.


    Not bad, mighty Chosen! her tone was dismissive. But youll have to do better than that! Do I look like some lesser demon who would have been roasted by your little spark? I need a challenge, something to drive me down to one knee, but Im sorry to tell you, that wasnt it! Maybe a p or two from your little hands might work. I might feel that!


    Despite her goading, the Chosenmuch to her disappointmentdidnt take the bait and rush her in a blind rage. It was too bad, she loved when mortals did that.


    She waited for his next move.


    He was slowing, advancing cautiouslyhis body was tensing: getting ready for something...


    All of a sudden, he blurred into motion, charging straight for her.


    Yes! <em>Come on!</em> Her weapon whirled in anticipation.


    With a terrible noise, the hungry war-spear mmed against his morphic weapon, surprising her with the force of his blow.


    You <em>are </em>a strong one, sheplimented. For a mortal.


    She thrust the war-spear, crashing against his guard, knocking him back.


    But, I am strong too, for a <em>demon</em>. She grinned, letting her mouth tentacles run along her teeth.


    <em>Holy Uldar! Hear my cry, let your light fall and burn this invader of yournd!</em> The Chosen called out to his god.


    A shift of divine force came from above, she nced up just in time to catch a column of light streaking from the sky. It struck, swirling around her, seeking the destruction of her very essencebut it recoiled, just as the mana did.


    The demon scratched at her skin. Agh, trying to itch me to death isnt a very sound strategy, Chosen of Odar, she abruptly thrust her war-spear at his Mark through the fading light. Cedric zipped away, barely escaping a blow that would have impaled his chest.


    Perhaps you can call on your god toe down himself if you want his power to strike me down! She was enjoying herself. When ites through you its a littlcking. Thats not an insult mind you, just a fact. Maybe we should see if your martial skills fare any better.


    With a snarl, her war-spear exploded, serving up a flurry of blurring cuts. The Chosen dodged the barbed de while it cut air, water and nearby trees with equal ease.


    Shed expected the shirtless man to die time and again, but to her surprise, he endured. He even parried her strikes, angling them away and diverting much of the force.


    Her eyebrow arched.


    This mortal looked youngeven by mortal counting, but he fought like hed lived through a lifetime of battles.


    You might make a good tribute for my lord, she said. I think


    The rest of the thought abruptly ended when ugly sounds escaped her. She began cursing in her demon tongue, ring from a gaping puncture wound on an upper hand, to the Chosen.


    He grinned viciously. Oi, demon, hows that for a tribute? Now, less talkin, an more fightin.


    Zonon-In looked from the wound to her opponent onest time.


    As you wish. She shrugged.


    Metal struck metal, the sound reverberating through the air.


    A massive blow from her war-spear mmed into his morphic weapon, flinging him through the air like a catapult stone. He bounced off a tree, struck the ground and skidded across swamp water before halting with a thud against a willow.


    His groans revealed his condition as he slid down the trunk, catching himself on a branch, his mind in a daze.


    Zonon-In flipped her war-spear, pulling her arm back for a throw. First, she would sever his throwing arm, then


    Something flew at her face.


    She caught a glimpse of what looked like a glowing hand gripping a vial, right before crimson light and the crunch of breaking ss came.


    A whoosh of vapours blocked her sight, but she sensed mana recoiling as she inhaled the dense mist.


    Maybe go back to talking! a new voice said. I liked it a lot better when you were talking!


    Then she was surrounded by whirling air elementals.


    ###


    Oooooh by the Traveller! Alex murmured, gaping at the enormous demon whod just swatted Cedric like a fly.


    Shes fast, Theresa said grimly. Way too fast for something that size to be.


    Thats for damn sure, he agreed, tossing booby-trapped potions at the towering demon. Zap her! he shouted in a tongue of air elementals. Keep hitting her from every direction! Lets see if you can get her flustered!


    The air came to life as air elementals raked her with an onught of wind and lightning. But her reaction was like that of a bull being pestered by fruit flies; unimpressed.


    And who is talking to me now, I wonder? the titanic demon called through the rising potion mist. Are you trying to poison me? How adorable!


    That voice sent a chill up Alexs spine and his instincts spiked, warning him to run for his life. He fought them.


    ygon! he called. I want you to


    Alex! Watch out! Theresa screamed.


    There was a blur as something enormous cut through the air for him. He shot to the side, his eyes wide, his heart drummed in his ears.


    The enormous war-spear tore bybursting three of his deflective force rectanglesalmost slicing him in two. It flew straight ahead before he felt a surge of teleportation magic, then it vanished in a sh of light, only to reappear in the demons hand.


    <em>Oh</em> s<em>hit!</em> The young wizard swore.


    Those make poorst words, she grinned.


    Yeah, well theyre <em>my</em>st words and <em>I </em>say whether theyre poor or not! he yelled down at her. I mean, no, those <em>arent</em> myst words!


    Oho! This one has quite the mouth! She swept her spear around her, cutting through at least a dozen of air elementals in one stroke. Always good to have a nice talk when fighting to the death!


    Ooooh this is bad, Alex murmured. Ill try to keep her off-bnce until Cedric gets back in the fight.


    Same. Theresa sheathed her swords and drew her bow.


    She fired arrow after arrow at the demon, cursing each time one bounced off.


    Thats not good. ygon, st her with the jewel in your forehead then shoot the water shes in with the other two!


    <em>Whoooooom!</em>


    Three gems had been building in power, and now released their fire-beams. Two struck the water, sending explosions of steam through the air. The third hit the demons chest and she bellowed in pain.


    Yes! Alex thought. Now weOh.


    The steam clearedshe waspletely unharmed.


    I shouldve bloody known, he muttered.


    Hah! The creature pointed a pincer at Alex and Theresa, ignoring the wind gusts and lightning. I always love that look in my opponent''s eyes! That sudden shock!


    Alex frowned.


    This wasnt working.


    Theresa, whatre your chances against her?


    Not great, she said, her voice frustrated. She<strong></strong>shouldered the bow and drew her swords.


    Alright, then Ill try to even some of those odds.


    He took two of thest three booby-trapped flight potions he had, tossed them to Wizards Hands, then sent the spells at the demon as she swept her war-spear through thest of his air elementals. His jaw clenched then released, his hatred for the monster growing by the heartbeat.


    ygon sted her, mes licked up her body, making her look even more like a walking nightmare. As the fire danced around her, the two Wizards Hands flew right past the towering demon, stopping only when they reached her army. ss shattered, potion-mist billowed out, and puzzled demons sniffed the air before abruptly hurtling into trees, cloudy water, and their leader.


    Agh! Whats this? She cried, anger finally touching her voice, her own minions collided with her spine.


    Alex looked for Cedric, finding the young man on his feet with a glowing hand pressed to his chest, and bruises that were rapidly fading. He was almost back in the fight.


    The witches trees were on the move, closing in on the giant demon.


    Time to press the attack.


    Now, ygon! Alex reached out. Crush her!


    The golem dove at the demonic leader at the same time Cedric did.


    Snarling, she swept her weapon in an arc, pulping minions, then parrying a giant club wielded by an attacking tree.


    A twist of the haft sent the club flying from her enemys log-like fingers, and a thrust sent the barbed de slicing into the trees trunk, exploding from its back. The animated hardwood was slowed, but still fought on.


    It soon began withering.


    Wisps of dark smoke bled from its wound, and in heartbeats, the young tree had wilted and shrivelled, until it copsed onto itself in a pile of rotting bark.


    Ooooh hells! Alex swore.


    Thats it! Give me a haste potion! Theresa said, clearly irritated.


    What? Youre gonna go near that thing after that?


    Not without a haste potion! Toss me one!


    Alex reluctantly threw her the potion, watching as she chugged it and charged at the monster with no sign of hesitation.


    The demon leader was cutting through another tree when Cedric and ygon reached her.


    They attacked from two sides, she fought them with supernatural speed, parrying their blows. But now, all was not in her favour. A club struck her ribcage and she reacted with a grunt. She growled when Cedrics weapon shed her shoulder, then outright howled when one of ygons fists struck her back.


    <em>That</em> hurt! But, well done! A pincer snapped a wooden arm from a walking tree, then she whirled on the golem with both pincers snapping.


    They surged toward him.


    She looked amused for a breath, then growled when his lower hands caught them.


    This cant be!


    The two titans pushed against each other, neither budging.


    Alex didnt know who was more surprised: her, at something actually matching her strength, or him, at something matching ygons.


    She kept struggling with the golem, trying to wrench free. Then his fire-gems red, hitting her from up-close.


    Argh! A dirty triAgh! she screamed as the Chosen stabbed his spear deep into her side, then she cried out again when Theresa flew behind her with both swords shing.


    The huntress went for the soft flesh beneath the pits of the demons lower arms, and her des bit down, drawing a trickle of ck blood. The cuts were shallow, but Theresa kept on them, shing at the wounds repeatedly, deeping them with each stroke of her des.


    The leader exploded in boomingughter.


    Theresa and Alex looked at each other.


    This! This is what Ive longed for! Months of boredom and finally, some actual fun! she shook with delight. Alright then, lets see what all of youvery determined thingscan do!


    Her foot shot up and kicked ygon back, breaking his grip.


    Her war-spear whipped out.


    There was a tearing sound.


    y dust sprayed through the air.


    Alex screamed.


    A deep gash ran through the golems chest.


    ###


    With another slice of his de, Hart severed the beam-demons throat, keeping a tight grip on its face while stifling the sounds of dying. He slowly lowered the creature to the ground and rolled it into a nearby tent.


    Thats twenty, he whispered, stalking forward like a predator.


    Hed been moving through the camp under his ill-fitting disguise, killing anything that was alone, or not in in sight. As long as he kept his hood down and his distance from prying eyes, he passed for just another cultist with blood on his robes: able to move through the camp and kill at will, andwith so many tents aroundit was easy to hide the dead.


    Still, he knew it was just a matter of time before <em>somebody or something</em> noticed that folk who shouldve been packing up supplies, had had their souls packed off to the afterworld. With that thought in mind, the Champion had enough time to slit three more throats before the rm went up.


    Howalns dead! a mans voice shouted. Someone slit his neck from ear to ear!


    Aaaah damn, Hart muttered, partway through wringing the necks of a demon with two crocodile heads. Well, it seems the party couldntst forever.


    With a final crunch, he broke the demons spines, kicked the creature away, then looked around its tent. Arge, spiky axe leaned against a chest, seeming to call him to heft it over his shoulder.


    Axe in one hand, dagger in the other, not the most morous way of doing business. He whirled them in his hands. But, theyll do.


    Cracking his neck, he burst from the tent.


    Thats right, you filthy freaks! The bogeymans here to gut ya!


    With augh, he cleaved in the face of a surprised cultist, and stabbed a nearby traitor witch in the neck.


    Come and get dead! he taunted them.


    The stunned cultists could only gape before snapping out of their stupor and springing into action. They grabbed weapons or began casting spells. Demons charged.


    The Champion of Uldar leapt into battle like a fish into the sea.

 Chapter 384: The Unmasking

    Chapter 384: The Unmasking


    Screams and roars filled the air as the Champion of Uldar met the cult with maximum violence.


    To Drestra, though?


    It was music to her ears.


    The Sage dove under water and gave Angharad an enthusiastic thumbs up, letting him know that Hart was in position.


    He nodded, turned to the witches waiting with him and pointed to the surface, it was time to start their ascent. By the time he turned back to Drestra, she was already gone, climbing through the water, wasting no time; their captured kin had little to spare. A flight spell tumbled from the Sages lips, and as she broke the surface and climbed through the air, she chanted another spell. In the guard post above camp, two cultists gaped open-mouthed at what was happening below.


    What in every hell? One cried. Are we under attack?


    No, all that shoutin and mayhem means everythings just fine! The second sentry scrambled for the bell. You idiot, of course were under attack, but it looks like its only one


    Wrong, Drestras voice crackled beside the sentry post as she hovered in the air.


    Fire magic red around her hands.


    Catch.


    She tossed twin cones of me at the pairones hands shot out to catch them, while the other man ducked; that didnt help him. me enveloped both before they could even grasp why, and screaming, they leapt over the sides, burning like torches. Drestra soared over the palisade below without a second nce at them.


    Roosting on a perch above the pit, two screeching bird-like demons spread their wings, ready to tear her from the sky. Lightning struck, turning the demons and their perch to ash; it gently floated into the pit like a light rain. The crackle of lightning and falling ash had the prisoners looking to the sky when the Sagefloating down like a miracletouched the ground. Shocked cries and whispers spread among puzzled captives. They squinted at her like she was the sun itself.


    Drestras eyes welled with tears as her rage seethed at the state they were in.


    Each was filthy, bruised, and gaunt, with eyes that were sunken so deep, they looked like dark craters. Some had injuries: broken arms stained with dried blood were barely supported by tattered rags, and manacles circled bony wrists. Across every face, symbols of mana expulsion were painted.


    Drestras hands balled into fists.


    Kindred, I am Drestra of Crymlyn VIge, daughter of Elder Blodeuwedd, she said. Its time for you to go home!


    Oh praise the spirits! A witch cried, his voice breaking. Praise them!


    Others prayed loudly, some sobbed with relief.


    And then she heard her name from a familiar voice. It was low and weak.


    Drestra?


    The Sages heart leapt.


    Ffion? Her voice caught while she looked around desperately Ffion where are you?


    A bedraggled woman came through the crowd. Shed always leaned toward the thin side, but now, she looked like the slightest breeze would blow her over.


    Im here, Ffion said weakly. How did youOof!


    The Sage rushed her old friend, catching her in a hug and holding on like she thought shed slip away.


    DrestraDrestraaaayoure crushing me, Ffion smiled, her face was pained like she wanted to cry. But only a single tear came. Well get everyone water, the Sage exhaled softly. Im so d we found you. The tears flowed as she gently pulled away and held her friend at arm''s length, examining her. Im sorry this ever happened to you. Were going to get you home. Everyones going home. Drestras voice was like iron.


    Oh thank the spirits, Ffion said softly. I prayed everyday that someone woulde and murder these bastards. And here you are. To murder these bastards, she gave a weakugh.


    Drestra squeezed her friends hands, her eyes smiling above her veil. Im d they couldnt break your spirit.


    Not in this lifetime. And I mean it, theyre parasites, and they need killing. Her voice was calm.


    I agree. Theyre a gue that nothing good can evere from. Drestra said.


    And well deal with all of these demons and demon worshipping filth like they deserve to be dealt with. One way or another, theyre leaving our swamp, I promise everyone that. She looked up at the palisades gate, eyeing a dirt ramp that spiralled down the edges of the pit to give the cultists ess to the hostages.


    I have witches from Crymlyn Vige and Uldars Champion with me. Our kin will take everyone out of this ce and Hart and I will see to these cultists. Stay put, Ill go let Angharad in. Drestra flew to the gate andwith a spellsted it with a wave of force.


    Both the bar <em>and</em> gate wrenched open, revealing a shocked Angharad and the other rescuers on the other side.


    Hey, you nearly took my damn face off with that spell, heined as he led the others through the palisade.


    Sorry, Drestra said. I was trying to save time.


    Dont apologise, save that sort of thing for the The man paused when he saw the hostages below, his eyes clouded. Oh, by the spirits, this is awful. Go on, well see to our people. You go help pay back the rest of those bastards.


    With pleasure, she flew from the palisade, and turned to the witches below. Ill be back soon!


    Drestra! Ffion called after. Get that traitor Osrian and all the other stinking traitors with him! Dont let them get away.


    Angry voices rose in agreement.


    The Sage nodded, holding her fingers up like ws.


    If Hart didnt get him yet, hell die by my bare hands.


    She tore from the palisade and flew over the camp, watching the carnage below. The Champion of Uldar was racing between tents, cutting down demons, cultists, and the few traitor witches remaining. With every step, he was a blur of death.


    But, too slow for her liking.


    Calling on her power, Drestra rained lightning and ice from above, cutting down the enemy by the dozen. She avoided fire: the camp was packed with supplies her people could use, especially with winter so near.


    Her eyes kept searching for Osrianbut the coward was nowhere in sight. Maybe hed already run off at the first hint of a battle at his front door, though she had to admit, there were surprisingly few traitor witches around.


    Youre not getting away, Osrian. Ill hunt you for the rest of my days, if thats what it takes, she whispered, climbing higher then turning in ce, scanning the camp.


    there!


    A boats stern was heading into the trees.


    Hart! her voice crackled like burning logs. Rats are escaping! Ill be right back!


    Oh, take your time! He cut the head off a three-eyed demon. Ill be here, having a st!


    The Sage shot for the trees.


    Coming close to her quarry, voices carried to her on the wind.


    disaster. Shes going to kill us when she gets back, Osrian, a man said.


    And thats why well be long gone when she does, another man replied. Were going to disappear so deep in the Crymlyn, even invisible marauders wont be able to find us.


    What about the others who went with the army? a third voice asked. Theyre our people. Do we leave them to her wrath?


    At this point, <em>we</em> have to survive or our ways die with us, Osrian said. Well leave signs so they can find us if they get away from Zonon-In


    The only signs youre going to leave Drestra dropped below the trees and hovered above both vessels. are your bloated corpses.


    The witches recoiled like theyd been scalded.


    I am Drestra, the Sage. Her voice crackled like a zing fire. Which of you is Osrian?


    As one, the traitorous witches nced at a man at the bow of a boat.


    He flinched, looking at hispanions in shock. Youtraitors! You betrayed me! he hissed, with no sense of irony, then whirled on the Sage. This is our swamp! His voice grew firm, this was only slightly undercut by him trembling like a leaf. We needed allies to keep outsiders out! Tototo


    His voice trailed off.


    Drestra wasnt listening.


    And though she hadnt said much, she was finished talking, too.


    Instead, she did something she had not done in front of another living being for many years. She reached to her face. Her hands unsped a hidden catch.


    And she took her veil off.


    Oh! Osrian cried. Oh spirits protect us!


    Then, she flew at them.


    Screams erupted from the swamp, followed by a terrible cracking and immense crashing. Something crumbled. Someones breath rasped as they sank beneath the water. A tree snapped in half.


    When the Sage atst flew into the skyher veil was back in ceand everyst traitor was sinking in muddy water.


    She swooped away, speeding to the camp and finding most of the enemy already dead. Enemy numbers had been shed, pushing the enemy to desperate measures. Some rushed the palisade, looking for hostages, but instead of hostages for their taking, witches of Crymlyn Vige waited at the gate with volley after volley of ice, acid and other deadly magics for them.


    The Sage soared over the camp, raking the few remaining knots of resistance with lightning and conjured stones, allowing them a quick death, something theyd denied her kin.


    Yes! Hartughed, his dagger and stolen axe carving a swath of carnage through the rest. Get em, Drestra! Theyre breaking like kindling now!


    And he was right.


    Demons and cultists <em>had </em>fought in a fantical frenzy, but as their numbers dwindled and all hope was lost, their courage shattered. They fled for the swamp in all directions, but Drestra and Hart were merciless.


    Less than a dozen minor demons escaped, and all bore grave wounds. Theyd be prey for the swamps predators soon enough.


    Not a bad bit of exercise, the Champion said, tossing aside the now-broken axe and grabbing another.


    We still have more to do, Drestra said. Ill go tell the others.


    Oh, take your time, I aint going anywhere. Hart took a wineskin from a corpse, flicked the cork away, sniffed it, then took a long swig. A broad grin covered his face. This is the life.


    The cultists are dead! The Sage flew above the pit, calling to her people. That filth Osrian wont be trading away anyone else''s freedom ever again! Youre free!


    The witches of Crymlynformer prisoners and rescuers alikecheered and wept, some did both at the same time. Relief washed over everyonebut Drestra couldnt share in it.


    To the south, shes of explosive magic and columns of smoke rose from the swamp.


    The battle hadnt been won yet.


    Angharad, weve done what we came to doless than a dozen demons fled into the woods and theyre so badly injured, they wont be alive for longbut those with the leader are still putting up a fight. Cedric and the others can use reinforcements. Do you think youll be alright getting everyone back to the vige?


    Theres thirty of us, you go, help the others. Angharad said. Wed be pretty poor witches and mages of Crymlyn if we couldnt handle a dozen half-dead demons.


    Go! one of the prisoners cried. Help the rest of our people!


    Yes, go ahead, Drestra, they need you. Ffion said. Angharad told us theyre also fighting these monsters! So dont worry about us. Were fine now!


    Thank the spirits youll be back home soon, everyones waiting for you. Stay safe, all of you, and Ill see you soon! Drestra flew toward the Champion, who was cleaning his des. Lets go. Time to help the others!


    Alright, game on, then, he said, tossing the wineskin aside as she cast a flight spell on him.


    Together, the two Heroes flew toward the southern battle as the Sage sent a signal through the sky.


    A plume of me erupted, announcing they were on their way.


    They know wereing, so lets move! Drestra said. We should be there in about five minutesif we dont run into trouble!


    Oh, I think we will! Hart snarled. He squinted in the distance. Somethings flying this way, and it aint moving at a slow leisurely pace either.


    Drestra swore. Well, if were really lucky, maybe the enemys retreating. I hope the others are having an easy time like we had.


    ###


    Alex stared at the long gash across ygons chest.


    It was <em>deep, </em>nearly deep enough to pierce his core, and if that had happened


    ygon! Theresa cried, whirling at the demon. You filthy monster!


    She shed at its eyes, but the demon casually clipped the huntress with a backhand, sending her careening through the air.


    No! Alex screamed, diving toward her.


    Theresa held up a hand, the gesture stopped him, then she charged back into battle. Her teeth were clenched as she joined Cedric and the witches dying trees. ygon came for the demonic leader while she fended off their attack, and mmed a fist into her shoulder.


    She howled with pain. Alright! Felt that! You need to go, rock man!


    No! Alex shouted.


    Dodge, big fellow! The demon flipped the war-spear in her grip and hurled it.


    The young wizards mind flooded ygon with directions, and the golem spun to the side.


    But not quick enough.


    The spear struck, clipping his shoulder, ripping away a chunk of y. His arm almost separated from his body.


    Oh, by the Traveller, Alex murmured, watching ygon climb away from the fight. If that had hit any lower


    A rush of teleportation magic cut off his words. The demons war-spear reappeared in her hand, and she shed another tree in half. As it was falling, Cedric was darting in, his weapon changing from form to form; he shed with a sword, then stabbed with a spear, struck with a mace, then parried with a shield. Theresa sliced the demons nks and her blind spots, drawing dark lines of blood from shallow wounds.


    But the monster hardly seemed bothered; shezily batted aside the two supernatural warriors and the powerful trees. She waseven


    Oh shit! Alex cursed. Shes actually <em>humming.</em> This isnt working. If this keeps up, <em>someone</em>s gonna die. Focus! Focus!


    He looked for ygon; the golem and Cedric were the only ones doing any real damage, but ygon was too slow to avoid that bloody spear.


    Alright, now shes toying with us. Shes not really paying attention. You can use that. Just get that weapon away from her, he thought. Teleportation magic! Maybe when shes stabbing at Cedric, I can cast Call Through Ice and she''ll stab her de into the portal. She can probably teleport it back into her hand, but before she does, Ill have ygon crush her damn skull!


    He began casting, sinking into the Marks interference.


    The whoosh of a de cutting the air warned him.


    He stopped the spell, pulling out of the images.


    The war-spear wasing right for him.


    With a shout, he dove as it tore through the air where his head had just been.


    Nice dodge! Now, no more spells from up there! The demon said as her spear shed back into her hand. If you want to fight me, then youre going to have toe down and use those tiny little hands of yours!


    A chill went through him; hed called it wrong.


    She <em>looks</em> like shes toying with us, he thought. But shes actually watching the battlefield like a hawkAlright, so well have to blind her first.


    He sent two Wizards Hands at her face. The spells red brightly and pped over her eyes, trying to blind her.


    She opened her mouth.


    Dozens of long tentacles slithered from between yellowed fangs, wrapped around the spells, and crushed them.


    I said <em>hands!</em> she barked, as she blocked Cedrics blow.


    Those were hands! he fired back.


    Hah! You make jokes, how fun! Why dont we try some <em>physical</em>edy for a bit!


    Her eyes met Alexs and her lips moved.


    But no sound came out.


    Then something hit his mind with the force of ygons fist.

 Chapter 385: Roiling Chaos

    Chapter 385: Roiling Chaos


    It overwhelmed his senses.


    His ears rang and his skin crawled. White light red in his vision. The scent of ash clung to his nostrils, the taste of it filled his mouth. Nausea boiled as his mind reeled.


    What is this?


    Focus! The young wizards thoughts were scattered, frantic. Get your mind back! Control your senses


    A terrible screech erupted behind him.


    Alex whirled unsteadily, finding legions of monsters pouring from the blinding white, each a living nightmare. His heartbeat galloped, sounding like it was doubling with every breath, and a supernatural fear wed at the inside of his skull like a monster was inside.


    And it wanted out.


    Focus! his thoughts screamed. Focus! Its in your mind, its an attack on your mind! Fight it, whatever it is, fight! You fight the Mark, you can fight this! Focus! Let it pass!


    Desperately, he turned to his meditation techniques, letting them steady his mind so the magic would pass. But it clung, clouding reason, tugging at his will, determined to steal his sanity.


    He called on the meditation techniques, sinking deeper into them.


    Alex felt his breathing slow.


    It''s like using the cleansing movements or the Mark. Itll pass. Let it pass. Let it pa


    Suddenly, he was back.


    The disruption to his senses, the shrieks, nausea, smell of ash, the hideous monsters all vanished, leaving him floating face down in the swamp. Only Orb of Air saved him from drowning.


    By the Traveller, what in all hells was that? He groaned, shaking away the fogginess in his head. A few deep breathster, he was flying high above the battle.


    His vision cleared.


    His hearing slowly returned.


    Alex! Alex! Theresa was screaming his name.


    She was desperately trying to reach him, but the demon caged her with blurred strikes from that awful war-spear.


    Neither seemed to notice he was recovering.


    Were not done, you and I, unlike him, the demon said. Youll have plenty of time to go toyourwhatever he is. Her eyes shed. Does that screaming of yours mean you two have a connection? Perhaps, hes what you mortals call a lover? Your scream wasnt <em>quite</em> a, you killed my father or brother or what not scream, so Im guessing lover?


    The demon thought things over while casually deflecting attacks from the huntress, the Chosen and two witches trees at the same time. Alexs face fell, realising she was now surrounded by the ruins of the other trees. Shed destroyed the rest of them.


    How long was he out?


    How quaint, and I must add, overly confining. You could learn something from me. Why limit yourself to one when a dozen is so much sweeter? She grinned.


    Anyway, it doesnt really matter who he is, after Im through, you can all have a little get together in death


    Will you bloody shut up! Cedric stabbed the demon deep in her side again.


    Her growl of pain sounded like she was chewing stone as she smashed him into the water with a single stroke of her spears haft.


    I could say the same to you. Youre shockingly resilient.


    Her full attention now turned to Theresa, Alex sent a mental call to his golem.


    ygon, help Theresa or that thingll kill her! He directed another pair of Wizards Hands at the demons face.


    The spells hovered before her eyes, then red.


    What is this?


    Theresa whooped, relieved at the sight of Alexs spells and shed the leaders ear. She jumped back, hissing hard, ugly words in a demon tongue as ygon came for her from above.


    Two quick blows struck the sides of her head, snapping her neck sideways. She stumbled, taking blows from thest two trees and then


    Cedric was there.


    the Chosen burst from the water, his spear stabbing deep into her back.


    He mustve hit something important, because the scream that ripped the swamp was deafening. She raised the war-spear, looking for her next target. Theresa and Cedric dove away, and Alex pulled ygon and his spells back.


    Youre alright! Theresa cried.


    Well see how long thatsts! Shes wrecking us, and theres no way shell let us just go! He dug into his bag. Here Cedric, have a flight potion! He whipped the potion at the Chosen.


    Thanks, mate! Good ta see ya back in the fight!


    Look! Theresa was pointing past Alex.


    Desperate hope sprang in his chest.


    While theyd been fighting the demon leader, her army had continued to retreat, but some had run head-on into witches of Crymlyn and their hidden traps, and deadly magics. Traps and spells had thinned enemy numbers, but hadnt killed the fight in the remaining ones, they were fighting back. Hard.


    Witches were dragging their wounded and dead within tree cover, and between some of those tree trunks, Alex spotted Baelins boat with Brutus on board, jumping and pacing frantically. One head snapped at the water where demons were swimming past the boat, heading for their camp, while another looked straight up, growling at cultists speeding awayand thats where Alex spotted what Theresa was pointing to.


    In a backdrop of magical explosions, the Sage and Champion battled monsters through the clouds. Lightning shed, me red, and Alexs hope grew.


    He said a silent prayer to the Traveller. Please let them get here soon.


    If webine Harts speed and power with everyone elses skills; and if Drestra hits the army, we should be able to overwhelm this demon. Things could turn in our favour.


    Alex looked back at their enemy.


    There was one ring problem with that n., though.


    <em>Whoosh!</em>


    With a sweep of her war-spear, she cut down an animated tree like a de of grass, then brought her weapon into guard position.


    The leader smiled, a smile that both threatened yet managed to look amused. We have to stay alive long enough for them to get here, he thought, pulling out every booby-trapped potion he had.


    Well done, little mortals! You wounded me! she said, stretchingzily. Wounds in the dozenssome shallow and some deepmarked her body, but her eyes twinkled like she was enjoying a game of fetch with a beloved pet. I have to give it to you mortals, few have made me bleed so deeply. I suppose congrattions are in order!


    Thest tree lurched toward her, but she parried its club without looking at it. A chilling sensation crawled along Alexs spine.


    Alright, back to it then


    Wait! Alex forced a smile, his hand shot up. I suppose Ive got to congratte you too. Ive never seen an opponent able to push <em>all</em> of us so hard before.


    He kept his voice respectful, confident and resonating, like a knight of legend acknowledging the honour of their rival. Cedric looked at him like hed lost his mind, but Theresas eyes were moving back and forth between him and the demon, calcting.


    Thats right, Alex thought. Dont make any sudden movements. Just buy some time and get us some breathing room.


    Really? she said. A finepliment from great, adorable little mortal warriors such as you!


    Adorable? Cedric turned on her, clearly aggravated.


    Of course you mortals are! she continued, throwing her head back withughter. Always running, running, running through your little, short lives, in your little, short bodies, always up to this or that. Think of it this waydo you know of an animal called a cat? I havent seen any in this part of the material ne, so I wondered.


    We have cats, Theresa said, masking the rage and hatred she felt for the murderous, overbearing creature.


    Good! Then this will be easy to exin! Oh, and where are my manners? I am Zonon-In: you wounded me, so you deserve my name. What are yours?


    Alex abruptly stopped hispanions from answering with a shake of his head. Both you and I know its never a good idea to give your name to a powerful demon, especially one thats a bit on the hostile side at the moment.


    Meanwhile, he wasmunicating with ygon. Buddy, I need you to do something for me. When I say, I need you to dive at her from behind, but when you do, youll need


    Hah! You are the <em>cleverest</em> little mortals. Its rare to find ones so educated. Its usually: Oh no a demon aaaaah! Or, Why are you eviscerating me, we had a deal! Or, You dared kill my wife and destroyed my castle and now you payUrgh! Gurgle! Argh! Stop ripping my belly open with your pincers! She clicked the pincers of her bottom arms for emphasis. well, perhaps thatst part isn''t exactly spoken in <em>words</em>as much as in ear-shattering screams, but its implied.


    Whats thisgot tdo wit cats? Cedric growled, his eyes briefly flicking back to Alex.


    Good. Hed figured out that they were buying time.


    Nice one, Cedric, Alex thought.


    He looked past the war-spear like it held no interest for him, while she casually twisted it in her grip in a rhythmic assault on thest animated tree. That weapon was utterly deadly: if it could wither an entire tree, then what could its barbs do to a mere human?


    Ah, yes the cats, well think of it this way, she said. Theyre dangerous predators, in their own eyes. They take themselves so seriously, yet for all their teeth and ws and aloof self-importance, theyre still only threats to the tiniest of mortal animals. I did once hear a story about cats being more dangerous than the average mortal peasant, but thats neither here nor there. Regardless, they see themselves as monarchs of tiny kingdomsbut theyre so smallpared to all of you. Short, little lives and short, little bodies. And so sure of themselves, yet you mortals find them positively lovely! And so She gestured to the three of them. Here you are, less than a third my size, thinking yourselves predators of the highest orderand yet youre so small in the end. Its just too cute!


    Cedric growled, but Alexs voice remained even and quiet.


    I can see the simrities, I guess. But we dont usually try to skewer our catsor any of our pets.


    Hah! Then you havent spent enough time in the world experiencing proper things, Zonon-In told him. Some mortals find the struggles of things with short, little lives amusing. That futile rage and desperation, thats when youre most adorable! Now, then


    Just a little more! Alex thought.


    Youre not going to let us leave, are you? he asked. A demon of your power has a lot of magic to call on, and youre not using it.


    Oh, very astute. You are right. Ive no reason to use it, butas you experiencedif you get too out of line, youll be disciplined! Now, thenenough of your bid to buy time. I think Ill greet your other friends with your mutted bodies. Alive, of course. Otherwise, where would the sport be in that?


    With that, she swept her war-spear above her head, cutting down the final tree with a single stroke.


    Alex grimaced. Well, not surprised she figured it out. But He looked at the spear again, thinking about everything Baelin talked about with the Teleportation Shuffle.


    focusing on what hed said about paying attention to where you were going to appear in case there were obstacles in the way.


    A new n crystalized.


    Right, then! Cedric chugged his potion of haste. No more buyin time for us, then!


    He charged.


    Theresa! Alex cried, tossing her another potion. ygon!


    He made sure to call his golems name out loud, bringing Zonon-Ins attention to him


    ygon dove from the sky, his fists ready.


    Theresa swallowed the potion of haste and charged, while Alex soared higher, downing his. He was activating the Mark, focusing on the task of faking spellcasting.


    Memories returned of Baelin summoning his terrible whirlwind over the Skinned Ones dungeon. Alex threw booby-trapped potions of sensory enhancement into his four remaining Wizards Hands, shooting them forward as Cedric reached the demon.


    With the haste potion running through him, the Chosen was a blur, spinning his morphic weapon, chopping at the demon, trying to reduce her to bits.


    But she was fast. Theresa joined the Chosen, Zonon-Ins pincers struck like snakes, blocking their assault.


    ygon dove from above.


    The demon was all smiles, grinning at Alex as her spearshed out. It reached its target, shing ygons torso: a wound that would have halved a living creature. He paused for an instant, then dropped, plummeting into the swamp with a ssh that bathed everything near, then Alexs golem sank beneath the water.


    ygon! His voice broke with pain.


    Zonon-Inughedas he knew she would.


    His face twisted with loss and he raised both arms. A Wizards Hand flew at her face, crushing the bottle in it, releasing mist in her eyes.


    Have you no imagination? she shook her head as if in disappointment. This again? My senses are


    But Alex was already chanting with all the fury he could put in his voice. <em>Almost</em> perfectly mimicking the words of Baelins terrible incantation above the Skinless Ones dungeon, but in the noise and intensity of battle, perfection wasnt needed.


    None of that! Zonon-In shouted.


    She flipped the spear.


    His eyes narrowed.


    It flew with such speed, his forceshield shattered from a ncing blow as he dodged it. His heart pounded. Alex exhaled, bracing for the feel of teleportation magic.


    Then, it red.


    Now! came themand.


    Three Wizards Hands shot into the demons hand; the one waiting for the war-spear to return.


    Bottles shattered, Wizards Hands filled her palm, the spear reappeared, and blocked by his spells fromnding in her hand, the weapon rolled from her fingers.


    What?! The demon bellowed, mist blocking her sight.


    Theresa and Cedric struck her throwing arm as one. She sliced Zonon-Ins fingers, drawing blood from the softer flesh. His weapon became an axe, driving into the monsters elbow.


    She shrieked, caught off guard and furious, reeling from pain and confusion.


    And in that confusion, her weapon dropped, turning end over end before hitting the water below.


    A massive hand reached up.


    Swamp water erupted like a geyser and the immense figure burst from the depths.


    Gashes ran along his torso.


    Water streamed from his form.


    And in two hands?


    ygon gripped the demons war-spear

 Chapter 386: The War-Spear

    Chapter 386: The War-Spear


    Some would have gloated. Some might have paused for effect. Alex, however, wasted no time.


    Stab her! he thought.


    Before the demon could reim her spearygon thrust its tip into Zonon-Ins side. Something tore, the demons scream could have shattered ss as his powered arms drove the barbed de home, then twisted the haft. Her shriek soared through the swamp as he ground the weapon deeper. For a brief moment, she wavered, but she didnt fall.


    ck blood gushed, Zonon-Ins flesh shrivelled: her own spear withered her lifeforce, slowing her movements.


    Cedric and Theresa were quick to take advantage.


    The two warriors shed at her trunk, their weapons sinking deep into her weakened hide. Theresa snarled in triumph, opening a dozen cuts across her gut before shifting to her legs and shing at withering joints.


    A tremendous boom resonated through the swamp, the demon fell to one knee.


    Give me back my spear, youArgh! She grabbed the haft, trying to pull the de free, but ygon sailed above her, lifting the handle like a lever and throwing her off bnce.


    Her hand and pincer plunged into the muck struggling to keep her upright, and the other hand grabbed at her war-spear. It was taking its toll.


    ygon hovered, built momentum, then dove. Her yellow<strong></strong>eyes grew frantic, she knew she was trapped, and what wasing. The golem came in at speed, putting his full weight behind the war-spears haft, driving her down. Her withering hand and pincer copsed, and with a shout, she hit the bog. An explosion of muddy water heaved into the air, but ygon kept pressure on the spear, shoving their enemy down into the marsh; her body withered with every beat of her many hearts, and the Chosen and huntress joined the golem with a punishing attack of their own.


    They shed, pierced and dealt her an array of blows she couldnt answer. Her wounds mounted, she clutched at the haft with two hands and both pincers, but it wouldnt budge, she was weaker, the golem wasnt. The war-spear did not move.


    Panic haunted her face.


    Nows when shell be most dangerous. Alex thought.


    Cedric! Theresa! he shouted, diving toward the fight. Go for her eyes, but dont meet her gaze. Keep her busy! We cant let her concentrate or she''ll use her magic!


    He willed Wizards Hands to cover her eyes again, making both<strong></strong>spells re like mes.


    Zonon-In clenched her teeth, but said nothing: she was beyond taunting anyone now.


    Aye, none o that magic business beastie! the Chosen surged at her face, stabbing her cheek with his morphic weapon. Theresa followeddragging her swords up the creatures torsocarving deep wounds into her flesh.


    Thats for ygonand everyone else! Her voice held no pity.


    Die! Alex thought. <em>Why wont you just die!</em>


    But Zonon-In fought on; her physical form was wavering like a failing illusion, but she swung her fists at Cedric and the huntress like the cornered beast she was.


    With a jerk of her neck, she twisted the Chosens weapon from her face, bellowing in a demonic tongue. <em>Help!</em> Her call swept out to her army. <em>These mortals are mauling me, stop them!</em>


    Watch out, shes calling for reinforcements! We have to finish her! Alex tranted.


    Zonon-Ins mouth opened, tentacles writhed from it, reaching for Alexs spells covering her eyes.


    Oh no y dont! Cedric chopped through her guard with a shining halberd.


    Tentacles split in half, snaking into the water. Zonon-In screamed.


    Were not so adorable <em>now</em>, are we? Theresa snapped, chopping off two of the demons fingers.


    Alex took his cloak off.


    If he wrapped it around her face he


    A burst of light shed at the corner of his eye.


    Watch it! he cried.


    Beams of power sted all around him, one clipped his force armour, knocking the breath from him. He spun out,nding in the water.


    Beam-demons wereing in fast, shooting deadly rays from their vessels, answering Zonon-Ins call. They were closing the distance, but also taking heavy losses; dozens of boats ripped apart on ancient roots lying just below the waters surface, or plowed into quicksand, their crew were cut down by arrows and spells. But not all met that fate. Enough beamsunched through the sky to drive Theresa and Cedric from the demon-leaders face.


    That gave her time to act.


    Her lips twisted, and with one word, something shifted in the air.


    A roiling wave of chaos mmed into her foes.


    The word scraped Alexs eardrums like pitchfork tines, stole his hearing, and hammered his mind with a force that made his body wilt. He felt like a snake shedding its skin, feeling it throb and pulse and work to pull itself free of his body, while a bolt of pure chaos wed at his brain, fighting to burrow inside.


    Alex used every technique he knew to keep his mind clear, but the rest of his body still twitched uncontrobly, pure chaos wanting to tear it apart. Above, Cedric fought invisible phantoms around him, he was shouting, but no sound came. Theresay helpless in the water, writhing from the demons onught, every inch of visible skin pulsated.


    Even the armour covering ygon<strong></strong>thrashed; y bulged unnaturally, and cracks on his body spread. Yet, he never stopped grinding the war-spear into the demon. He was relentless.


    He would never stop.


    <em>Perhaps I owed you all more respect,</em> Zonon-Ins voice echoed through Alexs mind, the only sound she allowed in the silence. <em>I see now you were not cats to toy with. I shall honour that. You deserve better from me.</em>


    With no one to stop her, she raised a hand toward Alexs golem.


    He felt a terrible mana rising.


    ygon! Alex reached out. Move!


    The golem pulled away, dragging the spear from her body as he went.


    But her mana was reaching a new height of power.


    It would


    An outline rocketed from the sky.


    Alex caught sight of a very wee face.


    Hart Redfletcher, Champion of Uldar, dove straight for the demon.


    In a blur, he swung an enormous bone axe at Zonon-Ins pointing hand, severing it clean from her wrist. Her spellcasting ended, she screamed silently, the offending hand sailed end over end into the swamp.


    Now! Came Alexs thought. Go for the face, ygon! Dont let her recover!


    His golem lifted the war-spear and drove the immense, barbed de into the demon-leaders screaming mouth. She stiffened like shed been turned to stone


    and then her body began to shatter.


    Alexs hearing returned to a sound like crumbling ss; the greater demons form was shuddering apart, bing particles like sand that vanished in puffs of brimstone.


    <em>I shall remember this, mortals,</em> Zonon-Ins voice echoed through their minds. <em>You won my respect. Now you have my wrath. I will recover my strength. I shall learn your names. Then, whether it be in one mortal year, one decade, or a score of wintersI will return for you.</em>


    Her form was now as clear as ss.


    <em>In my defeat, you have won my war-spear,</em> her telepathic voice was fading.<em> Treasure it while you can, for I will reim it from the ruins of both y and flesh. Until then, know that you have made an eternal enemy of Zonon-In,mander of the Abyssal Knight Ezaliel.</em>


    And then, she was gone as though she was never there.


    That left a surprised Hart Redfletcher pulling Cedric and Theresa from the water, while ygon hovered in the air with Zonon-Insno, his war-spear gripped firmly in hand.


    Alex dragged himself from the muck, his body still trying to shake away after-effects of the demons power. He stood there trembling, taking in the battlefield.


    Drestra was with the witches of Crymlyn Vige, hurling spell after spell into the enemys ranks, driving them further into the Skull Pits and waiting patches of quicksand.


    Their leader was gone as was their nerve, and they began fleeing, often into deep pools of quicksand.


    Were winning, Alex murmured, scarcely believing it. At times, hed thought she was going to kill them and crush ygon. Were actually winning.


    Yeeeup, Hart said. Theyre <em>done</em>. Just a matter of cleaning up the rest now.


    He looked critically at Cedric, and then everyone near.


    But you all look like youve been ripped in half then sewn back together, then ripped in half again. Badly. By a drunken blood mage. Maybe you should go back to the boat and catch your breath. the Champion said. Weve got this.


    No, I can heal usthen fight, Cedric wheezed, shaking his head like a wet hound. His long hair dripped swamp water.


    The heal part sounds good, the fight part, not so much. Go on, rest: you all already fought the good fight. Im just mad I missed it. Now get back on that boat before I drown you myself, Hart said.


    Yeah, Theresa took a slow deep breath, floating up to Alex. They leaned on each other. Youre right. It''s better if we recover. I can barely lift my swords.


    Fine, Cedric grunted.


    Atta boy, Hart said, flying off to the battlefield. Ill kill a few dozen in your names!


    Alex watched him leave, shaking his head.


    I cant believe my lifes gone so sideways that that sounds like a good offer, he muttered as he and Theresa half-flew, half-carried each other to Baelins boat. Cedric and ygon came right after them, with the Chosen calling on Uldars power to heal him, and the golem holding the hard won war-spear over his shoulder.


    Brutus barked the instant he saw his master and Alex, and almost drowned them in cerberus drool when they finally copsed in the boat with ygon between them.


    Cedric flopped down on the canvas even though it wasnt the least bitfortable, but at this point, lying on rocks would have felt good.


    That the Chosen murmured. Was the worst bloody fight of me entire life.


    His head lolled back and he stared at the sky.


    Told you, Alex said slowly. Greater demons are no joke.


    Yeah, well, she seemed tfind things pretty funny for a bit, the Chosen chuckled bitterly.


    The hell with her and her sense of humour, then, Theresa groaned. I wasntughing.


    Doubt any of us were, Alex looked up at ygon. Oh no, look what she did to you, buddy.


    Cracks snaked through most of his torso. A chunk of his shoulder was missing, and deep gashes ran through his chest and belly.


    Can e be fixed? Cedric asked.


    As long as his cores fine, which it is, otherwise he wouldve stopped moving, the young Thameish wizard said. I just need to get back to Generasi, get him into a workshop and get some y. His golem corell help it harden into the same shape as before, but its going to take a fair amount of work, but hes worth it. Alex patted his damaged arm.


    Well, Cedric looked at the spear clutched in ygons hand. It was longer than he was tall. At least <em>you</em>got somethin outta all othis, big guy.


    Yeah, Alex said, admiring how well the horrifying spear fit the terrifying golem. I think were going to put that to good use.


    As you should Theresa groaned. But, I know what Im going to do after this. Im going back to training. When that demones back, I want to be strong enough to cut her clean in half.


    Life goals, I guess, Alex said. For now, thoughI dont think I wanna move for a while. Maybe try not breathing too.


    Youll die if you stop breathing, idiot, the huntress said.


    Enh, it works for ygon, he groaned.


    That it does, and not gonna lie, Im a bit jealous o him. Breathin hurts, right now, Cedric grunted. Butat least it tells us were still alive.


    Yeah, Alex said. Damn right were still alive.


    Were still alive, Theresa echoed.


    In that momentsurrounded by the sounds of dying demons and cultists being finished offbeing alive seemed like a very precious thing, indeed.


    ###


    Cornered in the Skull Pits, the enemy was desperate to escape, but there wasnt much they could do to make that happen.


    It took less than an hour to finish off the followers of Ezaliel, and soon, the noise of battle was reced by victorious cheers from the witches of Crymlyn<strong></strong>Swamp. But things grew sombre when the dead and dying were ounted for, and the witches began mourning their fallen, loading their bodies into boats to ferry them home one final time.


    Healerswell-practised in blood magicworked on the injured, tending their wounds and bringing themfort with herbs, potions and spells.


    At the end of it all, theyd suffered less losses than theyd expected, but more than they could stand. Even one loss was one too many for the loved ones of the dead.


    Once the witches said prayers over their kin, asking the spirits to cleanse and heal the swamp of the taint of cultists and demons, they began the journey back to Crymlyn Vige.


    Theresa and Cedric said very little on the way backdrifting in and out of sleepwhile Alex piloted Baelins boat through the swamp. The journey was grim, most thoughts were on those whod met their end, and kindred whod turned to treachery. But, at least there was a lot waiting at home to celebrate: freed hostages, their rescuers, and a reunion. At the dock in Crymlyn Vige, cheers, tears of joy and relief met the witches, Heroes, and Generasians. Everyone thanked the returning rescuers and fighters, a reminder of all theyd been through and what theyd won. Those whod remained behind to defend the vige, came out to wee the exhausted fighters and see to their care.


    Elder Blodeuwedd<strong></strong>was in the healingpoundalong with several other healerstending to hostages, witches and anyone else in need of care, which included Alex, Theresa and Cedric. Their physical wounds were minor, but Zonon-Ins assault on their thoughts werent. Those called for soothing potions, drawing salves, and pressure techniques to calm their minds and bring them back into bnce. The witches'' treatments worked, finally cleansing the trio of residual effects of chaos, draining it from every fibre of their being. Most of their energy returned.


    And, they slept deeply that night.


    The next day would ask much of them again


    but hopefully, a bit less.

 Chapter 387: A Surprise Strike by Morning Light

    Chapter 387: A Surprise Strike by Morning Light


    How is Ffion? Alex asked Drestra.


    Mmf, came the Sages muffled reply.


    She was turned away and held up her index fingerindicating that she needed a momentas she chewed a morsel of food.


    Take your time. Alex reached for another serving.


    Thete morning light found Alex and hispanions in their tree-cottage, devouring a breakfast of mushroom soup, pickled birds eggs, and fish roasted in garlic butter, while Brutus darted around the table, begging for food. The young Thameish wizard smiled at the cerberus, understanding his enthusiasm.


    Hunger and being thankful for being alive really are the best seasonings, Alex thought, still bleary-eyed and tired from yesterday. He felt like his entire body had been beaten by ygons mammoth fists.


    The golem was standing near the cottage door. Beside him, propped against the wall, was the demons former war-spear. He admired it with a conflicted smile on his face.


    You deserve your prize big guy, youre the one who was hurt the most, he thought, eyeing the cracks throughout ygons body. He was itching to get back to Generasi to repair him.


    Ffions recovering well, Drestra finally said, the relief in in her voice. Most of the survivors are: the majority didnt really have major wounds or infections, thankfully. They were all dehydrated, some had broken bones and cuts, but between my peoples healing magics, the blood magic you used this morning to help them, and Cedrics miracles, most injuries are healed, but some will need time. My thanks to both of you.


    Well, Id be a pretty shit Chosen if I didn''t help, Cedric said, ready to shove a thick piece of fish in his mouth.


    And Id just be a pretty shit wizard, Alex said. Even if it was just a few extra castings of mana to life, Id be kind of an ass if I didnt at least try to help.


    And were all grateful, Drestra said. Alex could hear the smile in her voice. Mother said that she wont forget what any of you Her reptilian eyes slid over the group. have done for us. Butfor many of the victims, the mental scars will take longer to heal. Theyve seen things that are hard to imagine.


    A demon camps no ce Id want to be long term, Hart said. Say, did your mother say anything about getting those supplies? There were a <em>lot</em> of them lying around that camp.


    Yes. She sent guards therete yesterday to keep an eye on things and start organising the supplies to bring them back here, she said. And youre right, the cult was very well stocked. We should have enough food to feed all the folk we rescued well into the spring. After that, thoughI dont knowtheyve lost a lot of people. Theres been some talk that they might stay here for the next year at least.


    Well, I hope they can get back out there with time. Its always rough to lose a way of life, Alex said. Even if you have another one waiting.


    Mhm. Drestra nodded. But onto a lighter topic: do you know when Baelins supposed to be back?


    Today, sometime, Alex said. And when he gets here, well be able to meet with your friend and He tapped the dungeon core. get this taken care of.


    Aye, thats something thats got me real curious. Cedric chomped on a big mushroom cap. Then I suppose its time fer some feastin this evenin then well be headin back ta yer camp, right?


    Yeah, Alex said. Hopefully he gets here soon, I wanna talk to him about what that demon said.


    Ya mean about makin us her eternal enemy an such?


    Yeah. Its something we need to figure out. Demons cant exactlye to the material world whenever they want, and she doesnt know our names, Alex said. But sooner orter, shes gonnae for us.


    Aye, this big, glowin thing on me chests a bit of a clue ta who I am, though, Cedric said. So Id appreciate knowin if shes gonnae leapin outta some rain barrel at me someday. Swear, I could do wit less surprises in li


    Well, hello there, Baelin said.


    Ah holy shite! Cedric jumped, spilling food on his chest.


    Alex sprayed his soup.


    Brutus yelped and jumped back.


    Drestra screamed.


    Theresa choked on a piece of fish, and Alex had to pound her back.


    Hartdidnt stop eating.


    The chancellor raised an eyebrow. Well! Good morning to you too! Quite the reaction from such brave young people to an old goatman. Are my horns crooked? Do I have five eyes this morning? Did a demon lord just manifest in your parlour? Careful, if I were less secure in myself, my feelings might be wounded.


    Baelin, you scared the hell out of us! Alex cried. He was so tired, he hadnt even noticed the teleportation magic.


    Aye, I nearly cacked mtrousers! Cedric looked at soggy chunks of fish running down his Mark.


    Well, I am most certainly d you did not! Baelin said. In such an enclosed space, that would have been most unpleasant.


    Yeah, it wouldve been your fault though, Alex grunted. Howre you doing, by the way?


    Most excellent, Baelin said. Ive put some affairs in order and so IOh <em>my, </em>ygon!


    The chancellor stopped mid-sentence, his goat-like eyes scanning the golems body.


    What happened to <em>you?</em> Baelin said. It looks as though He paused again, his eyes taking in the enormous war-spear against the wall. What in zes is that!? What happened?


    You missed one hell of a party, Hart said.


    <em>Party?</em> Cedric gave the Champion a withering look. A party ycall it? Bloody bastard, thats easy for you tsay. All yhad tdo was smash up a half-deserted camp. We were the ones havin our shite stomped in by the bloody biggest bloody demon that ever stomped outta the hells.


    Baelin raised an eyebrow and looked at Alex.


    Well, not the biggest ever to spawn in the hells, the young Thameish wizard said. But she was pretty big.


    Pretty big, Alex? Theresa looked at him. Ive met smaller <em>trees</em>. And she hit like a battering ram. It felt like she was going to rip me in half.


    Baelin cleared his throat. I do believe that I amermissing a bit of <em>context</em> here.


    Alex sighed. Well, we won and now there aren''t enough demons left in Crymlyn Swamp to fill your boatwhich made it out undamaged, by the waybutoh, you better sit down. Its a long story.


    Goodness, you all have been busy! Baelin cried, sipping a bit of broth as they caught him up. And you defeated a greater demon! By yourselves! An incredible feat for ones of your age.


    It was close. Too close, Theresa said. If she was taking us seriously, shed have had our guts for breakfast.


    Aye, dont like to admit it, but Theresas got the right of it, Cedric agreed. Bloody demon nearly fried mmind when she got desperate.


    Indeed, you all are extremely fortunate that she had underestimated you. A greater demon is a creature to be feared and respected by most, the chancellor stroked his beard-braids. Unfortunately, I doubt that she would make the same mistake twice.


    Yeah, thats going to be a problem, Hart admitted. Ravener-spawn are bad enough, but waiting for this demon to jump us is going to be a pain and a half.


    Thats an understatement, Drestra said.


    Well, now, I would not worry about that too much. Baelin said thoughtfully. You said this demons name was Zonon-In?


    Yeah, Alex said.


    Fascinating. I do believe that I should summon this demon, then she and I can have a friendly chat. It might involve a little curse that would ensure some unpleasant, soul-rending consequences were she to return to this ne to do any of you any harm. Of course, Im sure she will eventually find <em>some</em> way to remove itor get around it in timebut such an undertaking will take time.


    Ohoh thats grand. Alex grinned wickedly. But couldnt you just destroy her in that case?


    It is a dangerous thing to assume one could wipe out a greater demon sight unseen, though I likely could, the chancellor reasoned. But,e now! That would be destroying a learning opportunity for all of <em>you!</em>


    Huh? Learning opportunity? Drestra asked.


    Indeed, you angered a greater demon! And I sincerely doubt this will be thest time you will do so, considering the path of martial, magical and divine power you all pursue. If I use my greater experience to simply make the problem go away, then what will you have learned? What will you do next time? Better to simply dy her until you are ready to face her at your full strength rather than having me erase the threatpletely and stifle your growth.


    Thats bloody madness, Cedric said.


    I dunno, makes sense to me. Alex shrugged. What do you think, Theresa?


    I want another crack at her.


    Then it is settled! Baelin pped his hands together. Excellent work, by the way. And look at ygon! He raised a cup of water toward the golem. You got the only prize out of this. Andwhat a prize it is. That is a <em>very</em> powerful weapon. From a quick lookI see traces of teleportation magic to call it back to hand, force magic to increase the strength of its impact and prevent its barbs from remaining in an opponents flesh, blood magic to increase bleeding, and necromantic magic to wither the life force of whatever it strikes. What a feast of power. The golems are eating better than the people.


    He paused as though expecting augh, but was only met with confused silence.


    Actually, I suppose it makes sense that you would not get that reference: a Generasian aristocrat once wrote an essay entitled, The Golems Eat Better than the People, predicting a future where magical constructs will assume all thebour in the world, taking away the livelihood of farmers, warriors and tradesfolk. In the essay, he painted a rather fanciful image of powerful archwizards serving their golemsvish feasts like they were mortals dining on borate meals in a rich setting. Of course, such food would be wasted on golemssince they have no need to eatwhile the nobility of the world would be reduced to starvation and battling each other over scraps.


    Uhwouldnt havin golems doin all the hard work be a bloody paradise? Cedric asked.


    There are several schools of thought on that, the chancellor said. Some say it would lead to a paradise of leisure. Others say that having all needs met by constructs would wither thepetitive spirit in mortals, leaving them to fester in indolence. I happen to believe that such a world would have mixed results. I know of many wizards who leave all forms ofbour and chores to summoned and constructed servants, allowing them to spend their time in pursuit of knowledge, leisure and self-development.


    He chuckled, his eyes growing wistful. Some take to it very well, using their free time to make great advancements in philosophy, science, self-actualization and wizardry. Others raise families or delve into the arts. Others be masters of hobbies or find new joys to explore. but, indeed, there are some who copse into forms of degeneracy so foul, it would be a disservice to all of you to speak of them.


    Baelin elbowed Alex with a twinkle in his eyes. Now, dont <em>you</em> go that route, Mr. Golem Maker!


    Iokay, the young wizard simply said.


    Now, then, the ancient wizard looked at Drestra. You said your friend has recovered?


    The Sage cleared her throat. Yesshes fit enough and demanding food richer than broth.


    Would she be well enough to receivevisitors? He looked pointedly at the dungeon core in Alexs bag.


    She should be, the Sage said. And Im as eager to resolve this as you are.


    Then let us go! But before we do, do you think she would mind a couple of extra guests with us? he asked.


    Uhwhat do you mean? Drestra asked.


    Professor Jules and Carey requested that they be present when we do our testing, Baelin said. Might I bring them along?


    Of course, Drestra said. I dont think it should be a problem.


    Most excellent. Then meet me outside, I shall return momentarily.


    With a surge of teleportation magic, Baelin vanished.


    Alex and the others looked at each other.


    Well, this is it, the young wizard said. The moment of truth. Lets get going.


    As one, they wolfed down the rest of their breakfast like it was theirst meal, did a quick clean up and filed out of the cottage tense, but eager.


    The vige was quiet, calm andhad a feel of mncholy to it this morning.


    Its appropriate, Alex muttered.


    What is? Theresa asked him softly.


    The atmospheres a bit happy and yet a bit sad, he whispered. Were about to learn something huge; whether worshipers of our god or people of our homnd can control dungeon cores. Even if its exciting to finally find outeither answer is grim.


    Yeah Ive been thinking about it, she said, as the group stopped at the foot of the tree their cottage was nestled in. Theyre both badbut I think I know which one would be worse for me.


    Which one?


    ...well, I dont want to say yet, in case thats the way it goes, she whispered.


    Alex was about to reply when he felt a rush of teleportation magic.


    Baelin appeared, nked by Professor Juleswith a bulging pack on her back as though she were about to start a long journeyand Carey, looking like she was two breaths from throwing up.


    She gave a weak wave to the others. Morning, she said.


    Good mornOh goodness! Professor Jules cried, catching sight of ygon. What happened?


    Its a long story, Alex said. Well fill you in on the way.


    Indeed, Vernia, Baelin said. We can catch up as we make our way to Drestras young friend. Now,e. It is time.


    Alex took a deep breath. Yeahits time.


    His hand fell on the orb tucked safely in the satchel.


    Together, the group walked toward Ffions cottage.


    Together, they walked toward the truth.

 Chapter 388: Ffions Touch

    Chapter 388: Ffion''s Touch


    This is such a wonderful ce, Careys eyes couldnt stay still as the group trudged through the vige. Its like something from bedtime fairy tales my nursemaid told when I was little.


    She looked a little brighter, gawking like a sightseer.


    Professor Jules was doing the same, though she was clearly pretending she wasnt. From the smirk on Baelins face, hed noticed.


    For a moment, it felt like just another ordinary day, not one with a potentially life-shattering truth gathering on the horizon like storm clouds. But, Alex knew this moment would soon end for him, and the other followers of Uldar walking through the magical vige beside him.


    They reached a series of long buildings on the other side of the vige where former hostages were recovering. Caregivers busied themselves, collectingrge potsnow empty of their nd contentsto clean them in the kitchens. They watched the passersby with nods and friendly smiles of gratitude and even awe.


    Those reactions had bemon since theyd helped end the demon and cultist scourge that had done so much damage to life in the Crymlyn.


    But Alex and hispanions couldnt stop to talk, they were on their way to a small cottage set apart from the other buildings.


    An offended looking young woman was shutting a door, gripping the handle like she wanted to crush it as she nced at them and left with an empty pot in her other hand.


    Comints from within the cottage chased her as she went. Youre trying to starve me! I swear, you are! I need <em>real</em> food! Fried catfish! Roasted bear! Nice, hot, chunks of bread,e on! Ive been starved for weeks, have mercy!


    The woman hurried away, muttering to herself with no interest in turning back.


    Oh, Ffion, Drestra sighed as they approached the cottage. Why do you have to give people trouble?


    Before any of herpanions could say a word, she opened the door to a single room with an oak bed that was upied by an agitated young woman.


    Back to argue, eh? Listen, starving people cant recover their strength with bone broth aloOh, Im so d youre here, Drestra. I thought it was that stingynever mind about her. Did you bring food?


    Hello, Ffion, the Sage said in a very unimpressed tone as she stepped inside. Nice to see youre treating the people trying to help you with <em>kindness </em>and <em>respect</em>.


    Ffion froze, then was suddenly seized by loud, exaggerated coughing. Theyre trying to kill me. Seriously, give me <em>anything</em> but broth, she groaned, flopping back on her bed and looking weaker, even her voice suddenly sounded weaker than when she was pleading for mercy from broth a minute ago. Drestra, help, theyre torturing me. Im feeling weak. Im feeling so weeeaaaaak.


    The young woman had buried herself in nkets. Broth and a pitcher of watery within arms reach. Beneath her were severalyers of sheeps wool. In short, she looked shockingly cosy for someone being tortured.


    Youre not being tortured, Ffion, Drestra grunted. Youre fine.


    Ya, easy for you to say. You get real food, she grumbled, looking at the others whod squeezed into the one-room cottage after the Sage.


    Stay outside, Brutus, Theresa said. Itll be a little cramped in here.


    Same thing for you, buddy, Alex said. Just wait out here for a bit, we wont be long.


    The cerberus cocked his heads at Theresa then turned in ce a couple of times andid by the door.


    Hart came inst, shutting it behind him.


    Professor Jules cleared her throat. Greetings.


    How do you do, Baelin said.


    The others greeted Ffion while the young woman looked at them like a cornered deer.


    Drestra what is this? Am I being arrested?


    No, the Sage said dryly.


    Ohis <em>this</em> the reason I was given my own cottage? Something to do with these people?


    Yes.


    I thought it was because Ive been friends with the Elders daughter from the time we were small. Ffion shed a toothy smile.


    Its that too, Drestra frowned at her childhood friend. Though Im beginning to regret that But, seriously, I need to ask <em>you</em> for a favour.


    Well, you just saved my life, Ffion said, turning to the others. All of you did, I hear. Well, except for you, and you. She squinted at Carey and Professor Jules. No offence.


    None taken, the professor said.


    But as for the rest of you: if one of you asked for my firstborn, I think Id pretty much have to give them up, that iswhen I get around to having this firstborn. You saved my life, so, whatever you need.


    Drestra looked at Alex and Baelin.


    The young wizard cleared his throat. Well, its pretty simple.


    But it requires secrecy, the chancellor added. Drestra says you are to be trustedbut, would you be opposed to swearing a magical oath that guards against loose tongues?


    Ffion looked at Drestra. Uhwhat is this?


    Youll understand in a minute. Its not going to be anything very dangerous. Probably.


    <em>Probably?</em>


    In all likelihood, no, if I understand the proceedings correctly, Professor Jules added. You will not be doing the dangerous part.


    Theres a dangerous part? Ffion looked at her sharply.


    Yeah, probably, Drestra said. But its like the professor said, youre not going to do the dangerous part.


    Silence followed.


    Ffion took a deep breath. Well, I guess this is better than my firstborn. What do you need me to do?


    First, Alex said. We kinda need to do an oath of secrecy with you. Something thatll ensure you dont talk about this with anyone.


    The young witch looked at Drestra who nodded at her friend.


    Alright, you people saved us, my friend trusts you, so I think I can trust you too, Ffion said. Besides, we use that kind of magic too, so this must be really important.


    It is, otherwise we would not burden you with it, Baelin said. I shall conduct the ritual after we finish our testif you would do the honours, Alex?


    The young wizard carefully removed the dungeon core from the satchel.


    Carey tensed, watching the dark orb in his hands.


    Now, try not to he started.


    Is that what I think it is? Ffion cried, backing into the headboard.


    We dont really have to talk about what it is Alex said.  really, its probably better if we dont get into too many details about that, he offered her the core.


    Wide eyes pleaded with Drestra for Help?


    Ffion, trust me, this will be easy, the Sage assured her. All you have to do is pick it up


    you want me to touch a <em>dungeon core</em>? Ffion hissed, her voice dropping to a whisper. Are you out of your mind?


    Itll be alright.


    Oh by the spirits, folk said that youd tricked those demons into thinking you had a dungeon core she gripped the sides of her head in shock. Not that you <em>actually had one!</em>


    We doand we need to find out something about it. Drestra took one of Ffions hands. Please. Its important.


    The other witch looked at her for a long whilethen sighed.


    Fine, what should I do?


    Its simple, Alex told her. We want you to run your mana over the dungeon core and feel for anyoddities.


    And it wont kill me or maim my soul?


    Well, Im holding it, arent I?


    And Drestra touched the orb. Im touching it too and Im fine.


    ...okay, but if it kills me, Im haunting you. Ffion sat up in bed and gingerly touched the orb.


    This was it.


    Alex held his breath. The Heroes leaned in. Baelin fixed the dungeon core with his piercing gaze. Theresa swallowed. Professor Jules took out her pen and notebook. Carey prayed in whispers.


    Everyone watched as Ffion focused her mana, running it over the orb.


    Heartbeats passed in silence.


    Breaths were held.


    And then


    Am I looking for something in particr?


    Cedric groaned.


    No Carey murmured.


    What about here? Drestra guided her friends mana to the area where the entrances were located. Do you feel anything here?


    Alex felt Ffions mana pass over the gates.


    Another long moment passed.


    Ffion shook her head.


    Nonothing, she looked puzzled. I gather theres supposed to be something there? Maybe I did it wrong.


    There was a thud as Cedric fell against the wall, the colour draining from his face. Oh <em>you</em> didnt do a thing wrong. Oh, bloody hell. Oh, bloody, bloody hell.


    By holy Uldar, Carey was reaching for the door fighting back tears, a heart wrenching sob wracked her body as she staggered into the cool air.


    Miss LondoCarey! Professor Jules snapped her notebook shut. Ill go after her. Many thanks, Miss Ffion.


    The professor stepped outside, closing the door behind her.


    Alex swallowed.


    Confirmation.


    The only people who could control dungeon cores were not only Thameish...they also followed Uldar.


    It was a strange thing.


    Theyd entered Crymlyn Swamp <em>knowing</em> that it was either one possibility or the other. Theyd fought a terrible battle not only to help Drestras people, but to also find out for certain who could control dungeon cores.


    The battle had been won.


    A feast was nned in their honour for tonight.


    Theyd found the answer to the question that had brought them here.


    And yet


    Whywhy do you all look like someone just desecrated your graves? Ffion looked at everyone before her. What was wrong with that woman? Why was she crying? Are you <em>sure</em> I didnt do something wrong?


    Oh no, you did notbutwell, one day you will know exactly what has urred, Baelin said. Apologies for the mysterious approach were taking for the time being, but it is best if as few people as possible know as little as possible, and nothing more.


    II bloody well need some air, Cedric almost ran outside.


    Yeah, me too. Theresa followed him. II need to see my dog.


    Theresa Alex called after her, but she was gone. Shit. Baelin, can you hold onto this?


    He offered the ancient wizard the dungeon core, and Baelin dly took it.


    Of course. Go ahead. I shall disguise all of your voices so youll be free to discuss things without worry. The chancellor tucked the dungeon core away. Have a chat while I go about sealing the oath with the ever so helpful Ffion. He smiled down at her. You have done a great service today, though you might not know the full extent of it, and I will see to it that you are appropriatelypensated.


    Compensated? Ffion looked like she wanted to bolt. Butwhatd I do?


    Dont worry, Ill stay and well talk about it, as much as we can, the Sage said.


    It was thest thing Alex heard before he stepped out of the cottage, followed by Hart. Theresa was kneeling beside Brutus, hugging his necks while Cedric was staring up at the sky as though his gaze could punch a hole in it. A short distance away, Carey had copsed against the cottage wall, still sobbing while Professor Jules awkwardly consoled her.


    Alex made his way to his partner and gently squeezed her shoulder. She reached up, locking her fingers with his and buried her face between Brutus necks. The cerberus nuzzled her.


    Baelin cast a spell that lets us talk without anyone else understanding what were saying, Alex announced. Soif anyone needs to say anything aboutwell, you can just get it out.


    Silence followed.


    Then Hart put his hands on his hips and blew a breath out. Wellthats that, isnt it?


    Whaddya mean, thats that? Cedric looked at him, wild-eyed. We just bloody found out that only folks worshippin the god that <em>stamped us</em> ta fight our, or maybe it''s <em>his </em>eternal enemy, are the only ones who can control those thingsand thats that is all you can say?


    Yeah, Hart crossed his arms over his chest. What do you want me to say? Oh no? Oh, my hearts shattering? My mindsing apart? My faiths been robbed from me?


    <em>Hart,</em> Cedric threw a meaningful look at Carey. Have a bloody care, would ya?


    Why? the Champion asked. Look, I understand feeling bad, but it happened, and we know about it. No amount of crying, or screaming, or losing our minds is going to change that.


    Ikinda agree with Hart, Alex said. We all knew this was a possibility andto be faireven if Ffion could control the core, which would mean this would be about Thameish people in general and not just Uldars followers, then thatd <em>still</em> be a problem. Im not saying it doesnt suck, because it doesbut at least we know more about what were dealing with


    <em>Do we?</em> Cedric scowled. Now we know thathavin faith in Uldar is what lets us control our worst enemy, but somehow, no priests ever thought thatd be somethin important fer us tknow? I mean, sure, now we know, but what in all shite do we do wit that information? What in all hells do we bloody-well do?


    Thatll take time to figure out, butno matter what it meansat least now we have somewhere to start, Alex said. Andif it does have something to do with Uldar, then were notpletely in the dark anymore.


    Look, thats easy for you tsay, no offence but ywerent <em>marked</em> by our god, Cedric said. Ywouldnt get it.


    Alex felt heat rising. Ya, I would get it, he thought. He was one hair away from telling the Hero that <em>he</em> had no idea what he was talking about, that hed also been markedbut as the Fool, not the Chosen, like him. He wanted to tell Cedric that it was him whod been stamped with a Mark that made him the object of Thamnds ridicule, and that no one had ever asked if hed be okay with that, or if hed be willing to die for that, for a cause built on some sort of deception. He wanted to shout that Cedric wasnt the only one whose life had been flipped on its head. but he couldnt say any of that, at least not now: Cedric was obviously raging, and in that state, who knew what the Hero might do.


    Besides, Carey was right there seeming like her heart would break, confronting Cedric wouldnt help her.


    Were both followers of Uldar, Cedric. Theresa looked up at the Chosen, then pushed herself to her feet. We were raised and educated in the church. Priests helped me learn my letters and spell my name. Weve lived and breathed him our whole lives, even if we dont pray out loud all the time, or join campus groups, or visit the church. Hes shaped our lives, just like yours, and now what the hell does this all mean?


    The huntress frown deepened. Who the hell have we been praying to?


    Oh? You think this goes beyond priests? Hart asked.


    Maybe. Its possible, she said. I wish there was a way to go ask.


    The priests? Alex asked her.


    No. Uldar, she said. Butlook at the difference, you go to Generasi and find out that gods all over the world talk to their followers, or even walk the world. Ours? Hes distant. Silent. And this is a bad time for him to be silent.


    what if we did ask, though? Carey spoke up suddenly.


    The group turned to her as the young woman got to her feet.


    What if we went and asked him why we can control these dungeon cores? She wiped her nose. What if we went right to the source?

 Chapter 389: Looking to Question the Source

    Chapter 389: Looking to Question the Source


    Professor Jules stepped back, giving Carey space. What do you mean, Carey?


    The young woman wiped her tears. I meanUldar left for his divine realm cycles ago. He left the holy Heroes She looked at Cedric and Hart. To defeat the Ravener while he watched over Thamnd from his throne. But what if <em>we</em> went to his divine realm? What if we met Uldar and asked him what this all means?


    Alex froze, shocked at both the simplicity of the idea, and Careys single mindedness.


    Holy shit, he murmured, looking at Theresa. Can we do that?


    The huntress startled. Whyre you asking me?


    She turned to Cedric. Can we do that?


    The Chosen startled. Whyre ya askin me? I dont know nothin about this! He turned to Professor Jules. You teach in Smart Wizard Land. Can we do that?


    Whyre you asking meOh, nevermind. Well, the answersplex. While its true that some priests <em>have</em> gone to meet their gods in their divine realmsas have some wizardswhether or not it works, depends on the deity, Professor Jules said. For some, a simple ne Shift spell or equivalent miracle puts you in a deitys divine realmor at least at its front gateas long as youre a worshipper. Some ancient wizards used to visit their deities divine gardens to collect rare alchemical ingredients. Some still do. Butfor other deities


    She tilted her hand back and forth. Some ask for massive rituals and sacrifices. Others give the petitioner trials before they allow them to magic<strong></strong>themselves into their realm. And others justclose themselves off. So the question is, has anyone from Thamnd ever done that before? Gone to see Uldar?


    No. Alex shook his head. At least not that Im aware of.<strong></strong>If there was a history of priests visiting and talking to Uldar, then its been hidden. Were taught that Uldar went to his divine realm, stayed there, and has been quietly watching Thamnd ever since.


    To get out of our way, one of the priests in Wrexiff used to say. Carey crossed her arms. She looked at the two Heroes. Er, CedricHartdid the priests ever teach you a way to get to Uldars divine realm?


    No, the Chosen said. Fraid not. Just gave us the same song they give everyone else: well all meet Uldar when see the afterworld, if were good enough.


    Is that it, then? Hart asked. ns dead?


    Well, maybe not, Carey said. Im wondering if maybe theres an answer in the Cave of the Traveller.


    Alex and Theresa flinched, but everyone was so focused on Carey, they showed no sign theyd noticed.


    The Traveller? Alex asked carefully. Why her? What do you think shes got to do with this?


    Well, she had a secret citadel underground, Carey said, drying her face with a handkerchief. All signs of tears were nearly gone. And it was full of portals. Legends aboundas you know since youre also from Alricof people wandering into the cave and appearing in all sorts of ces. But theres stable portals all through the secret area down there. And she was a Saintwhat if she was trying to find a way into Uldars realm?


    The possibility struck Alex like a bolt from the blue.


    Could that be it? he thought. Was she working on somestrange power that would let her travel across nes and into Uldars realm? Is that it? maybebut then why did she have goddess statues in her temple, they definitely werent in Uldars image? Theres more there, but


    You could be right, Carey, Alex said, looking at Cedric. Have they explored the entire cave?


    I dunno, tbe honest, the Chosen said. Last time we was there was ta help people with the portals so they could leave Thamnd. It wasnt mapped out back then


    but its been a year, things change, Hart jumped in, scratching his stubble in thought. You know, it might not be a bad idea to go back there and check it out.


    Go back where? a new voice joined the conversation.


    Everyone faced Ffions cottage door as Drestra and Baelin stepped into the cold, closing the door behind them.


    real food! Tell them, Ill spit the next spoon of bone broth they bring here in Ffions voice called out before Drestra shut the door purposefully.


    Baelin snorted in amusement. So, what is this about going back somewhere?


    They filled Baelin and Drestra in with details of what theyd been discussing.


    Huh the Sage raised an eyebrow. The magics in the cave <em>were</em> uniqueyou might be onto something.


    It is indeed possible, Baelin said. <em>Possible</em>.


    Yes, its important not to ept an idea as fact before proper investigation is done, Professor Jules said. But, its definitely a very good ce to start.


    Mm, we could go back there an have a proper look around, the Chosen said. Maybe make some quick excuse to the priests about wantin to check some o the portals or somethin. I dunno, the church lets us go where we want as long as were smashin dungeons.


    Ah, you know what? Hart snapped his fingers. We could say that there was an invasion by a big, nasty demon leading its big, nasty army. So, were just looking at the portals to make sure they cant be used by other big, nasty demons. theres something we need to talk about, though. We have confirmation now, right? So, what do we do about Merzhin? Do we tell him?


    <em>No,</em> Drestra cried. Heszealous beyond anyone Ive ever met. Hed head straight for the nearest priest, and if theyve been hiding things, hell tip our hand. But, even if he doesnt run to the priests, what if he has a melt down?


    Aye, until we know more then, it stays between us, Cedric looked at Carey. Your ideas a good one there Carey, headin ta the Cave o the Traveller ta start lookin fer leads is probably the best ce ta start.


    And Ill see if theres anything else I can think of, She said. The ideas a long shot and it might not work.


    Well. Hart shrugged. We could always go knock on the cathedral door back in the capital like I said. That should get us some quick answers.


    Well, well cross that bridge ifn ites to it, Cedric said. But I hope not. In the end, our dutys still fightin Ravener-spawn, not people.


    Could be that dutys false, the Champion suggested.


    Aye, but we know fer a fact that the Raveners tryin tkill our people. Its spawn hunt them like theyre huntin quail an that dont sit well wit me. We gots tatleast stop that from happenin.


    Still, I hope we find <em>something</em> in that cave, Drestra said. This is going to keep me up at night.


    Well, it''s a lot. A <em>lot</em>, Alex spoke up, his mind racing. What if the Heroes found something down there? Would that be such a bad thing? Why did he feel almostpossessive? Like <em>he</em> needed to be the one to find out more about the Traveller?


    Well, I wish you good hunting in that, Baelin said. Weon the other handI think we should explore exactly what mortals <em>can</em> do with a dungeon core, wouldnt you agree, professor?


    I do, Jules said. It might be dangerous, but its just as important to understand the parameters of connecting to a dungeon core, as it is to find the origin of this connection.


    Yeah, I agree with that, Alex said.


    Me too, Carey said. Ijoined the expedition to find the truth about the Ravener and find ways to get rid of our enemy and also help out the best I can. I want to see this through to the endwhether that end is bitter or sweet.


    Yeah, Alex said. Whether its bitter or sweet.


    A coldness crawled up his spine, leaving him with the feeling that they were in a frozen bottomless abyss, turned a corner and found something they were never meant to see.


    It wasn''t that long ago that only him, those closest to him, and Baelin knew there was a strange connection between mortals and dungeon cores. Back then, theyd thought all mortals had that connection.


    Now, they knew better: that only those who worshipped the very god who opposed the Ravener, could control its minions. For a moment, he wondered if Uldar had left a secret gift for his followers behind: something they could use against the Ravener and purge it from thend once and for all.


    But why would he keep it secret? Alex considered. How many cycleshow much death could have been avoided if everyone knew. No, that doesnt feel like a benevolent n. It feels more likelike our own god has a dark n hanging over us.


    He looked to the sky, watching the blue and white above.


    And if darkness is what he has in store for his followers Alex thought. Something hidden from them, how far would he go to keep his secret?


    The Fool swallowed. If we <em>do</em> find his divine realm and can get answers to our questions, then we sure as all hells better have Baelin with us, cuz what does a mortal do if their own god tells you that you know too much?


    The evening feast would be theirst meal in Crymlyn Vige, at least for now. And witches had clearly set out to give them a grand send-off.


    Sturdy woven tables of magically animated woody vines called hadwovhas, were ced in rows in front of the Elders hall, well within sight of the standing stones in the centre of the vige. Professor Jules had returned to the encampmentsaying she would feel like a sponge attending a feast she did nothing to contribute toand Carey was back at Generasinot feeling great, which Alex could understandeveryone else had seats of honour at thergest table.


    Unfortunately, the table had been positioned in such a way that it faced the symbol of Uldar emzoned on the witches standing stones, a matter of pride for Elder Blodeuwedd. Her ancient eyes had crinkled with pleasure while she exined that theyd been ced in view of Undars symbol in consideration of the guests faith in the god. Well, this is awkward, Alex whispered to Theresa as the glyphilluminated by bonfire lightsent an uneasiness seeping into everyone whod visited Ffions cottage earlier.


    Everyone, that is except Baelin and Hart. The pair were thoroughly and enthusiastically, enjoying themselves. They watched, loudlyughing and pping at the witches'' disys of light and sound using illusionary magic. Conjured pixies fluttered overhead, spreading glowing dust through the air.


    Musicians yed stringed crwths and pibgorn pipes, while dancers performed ancient steps offering praise to the spirits in thend. Alexs mood was subdued. On another day, he wouldve been joining Hart and Baelin, enjoying every new sight, sound and magic the witches had to offerbut today was not that day, he wasnt in the mood to celebrate. He simply tucked into his herbed fish, washing it down with a mug of elderflower and herbal brew set beside him.


    The Heroes and Theresa did much the same while Brutus begged her and Alex for scraps.


    Alexs eyes drifted to ygon standing nearbysilently watchingwhile the celebration continued.


    The Thameish wizards eyes traced the damage on the golems body.


    Cracks, he thought. Just like the cracks in all of us now. Cracks in faith. Cracks in purpose.


    Looking around at the witches celebrating their lives and freedom, he wondered how they would react if they knew the truth. Would they think Uldar had given them a gift against their enemies? Would they think that he was in league with the Ravener? Would they think something else?


    Such thoughts gued Alex throughout the meal, and the more he wrestled with them, the more confused he became.


    His eyes rested on Theresas face; she was likely having simr thoughts. Her eyes were downcast, her face was pale, and she paid little attention to anything around her.


    One of her hands hung by her side.


    Alex reached over and squeezed it. Itll be okay, he whispered. Well figure this out.


    Thats what Im afraid of, Theresa whispered, meeting his gaze. Whatwhat if all of this is for nothing? What if we couldve been rid of this thing generations ago, but the priestsor someone, or something elsekept that knowledge from us? What in all hells do you even do with that kind of information?


    Alex shrugged. I dont knowhonestly, I dont know. What I do know is that things are probably going to get way more dangerous from here on out. People are going to have to know, eventually.


    Yeah, Theresa said. And I dont think a lot of them will take it as well as we didand we didnt take it very well. Jeez, and thats without confirming what any of this means. Hows Thamnd going to react, Alex? What if the priests are trying to hide this huge secret from everyone? The church educates almost everyone in Thamnd, they do good things, whats going to happen to any of us if theyrepletely rotten to the core.


    I


    A sound of wood on metal drew everyones attention to Elder Blodeuwedd, who was tapping arge cauldron. A cauldron that was floating in mid-air.


    Tonight, the Witches of Crymlyn honour those who have helped rescue our people, she floated over the cauldron. The liquid within it cast eerie light over her face. And it is time to see them rewarded.

 Presenting: Limited Run of Baelins Charm-Pendants (Available in the Link below)

    Presenting: Limited Run of Baelin''s Charm-Pendants (Avable in the Link below)


    Hello everybody! Remember when I said I had a small surprise? Well, here it is! NGL,I am SUPER excited about this!NGL, I am SUPER excited about this:


    My publisher and I teamed up to create real life versions of the charm-pendants that Baelin gives to those he recognizes as his apprentices, like those he gave to the First Years of the Art of the Wizard in Combat.


    I teamed up with a fantastic artist and designer to craft these and I''m REALLY happy with them. I love the rays of powering off of the goat''s eye staff. The pendants are made of solid metal and coloured enamel: I added some more colours to them than I originally described in the story because...well, it looks awesome.


    My publisher''s <strong>doing a limited run of 100 of these pendants</strong> and after that? <strong>This design will not be appearing again.</strong>


    Can I just say how crazy it feels to have something I wrote about in a book be real, in a sense? It just...it''s flooring.


    If this is something you''d like, you can pick them up from the Etsy store though this link.


    (Today''s chapter ising in a few seconds)

 Chapter 390: Rewards Under a Grim Sky

    Chapter 390: Rewards Under a Grim Sky


    The elder witch floated to the nearby guest table, the cauldron following like a loyal familiar. The witches had gone quietall settling down for the ceremonyas were Alex and hispanions.


    Let it never be said, Blodeuwedd dered with deep pride in her voice, that Witches of Crymlyn Swamp are bereft of gratitude. The old witch and her cauldron hovered before her guests. For that would make us no better than those you saved our people from.


    She looked over each of them. We are not ones to amass stores of gold and silver like the great dragons of old, though a reasonable amount is useful for trade. But because of you, we now have more from the supplies we gained from the enemy than we can use for our needs.Their wealth is now our wealth and our wealth should be shared with those who made it possible.


    A crisp snap of her fingers, one spoken word, and the cauldron went into a frenzy of bubbling, smoking and shaking. Out popped heavy sacks that should have been dripping boiling liquid everywhere, yet were unexpectedly dry, and with a wave of her fingers, each one floated into the cupped hands of a guest.


    Alex whistled, curious at the amount of weight he was holding, but for politeness sake, he controlled the urge to rip the ties open and look inside.


    Three hundred gold coins for each of you, Blodeuwedd said, answering Alexs unspoken question. From all of us with our deepest gratitude. Use it to equip yourselves in future battles, or simply live infort. The choice is yours. However, the gift-giving isnt finished yet. Her grey eyes sparkled.


    She raised her hands to the illusions and fairies above. We witches do not stockpile coin like we do stores for winter, it has less value to our way of life, but we treasure and are rich in rtions and magic. And so, we will give you a gift of each.


    With another wave of her hand, she summoned a collection of items from the pot. A group of ringseach made of roots twisted around each other in intricate knotsfloated from the cauldron and into the waiting hands of Alex and hispanions.


    These are the Rings of Safnd and they are only presented to those who have done us a great service. They will mould to the wearers finger and are made from the hearts and roots of our walking trees when they reach an age where they have grown ancient, and their spirits pass from thend. A hint of the essence that remains within our aeld tree, collected when it was in the twilight of its life, is woven into them too. When you wear your rings, you will find that weapons and attacks are hindered, that the bitterness of poor weather will affect you less, and that poisonous nts native to our swamp and other parts of Thamnd will do you little harm. May they protect you well. And


    She gestured to the pixies, who fluttered down in a swarm like migrating butterflies. Each one kissed the rings and briefly glowed like they were caught in moonlight. They giggled with glee, theirughter pealing like little bells, then flitted away, chasing each other into the sky.


    There it is friends, Elder Blodeuwedd said. The blessing of the fae nowys upon your rings. They will glow when you are near a fae gate andif you should find yourselves in their realm by ident or on purposethen the rings will show you to be friends with us, as we are friends with many fae. You will be guided and shown hospitality while you are in their world. In return, you must not curse or bring destruction to them. For if you do, it will reflect poorly on us.


    Ill make sure they act properly, mother, Drestra said.


    I am sure you will, the elder smiled, then turned back to the honoured guests. Finally, we offer each of you a modest cache of potions.


    She called up various potion bottles, all bound together with vines, and floated each set into their guests hands.


    I understand that you are to fight these menaces in the future, Elder Blodeuwedd said. And so I give you these potions of mana expulsion. Without the proper painting techniques, their effectiveness ismuted, but I have taught Drestra to draw the symbols and she can teach you when you are ready to learn the skill. May these boons make your future journeys lighter, and please know that you are wee within Crymlyn Vige and the rest of the swamp any time.


    The small woman nodded to each of them, holding their eyes for a few breaths. May our spirits and your deities help you as you have helped us.


    A shudder of irony went through Alex. Lets hope that he does, he thought. Otherwise, were going to have major problems.


    The celebration ended after hours of mingling, feasting, and toasting well into the evening and Alex and hispanions gathered up their gear and gifts, exchanged farewells with those who theyd fought alongside, broke bread with, and now counted as friends. There were invitations to stay longer, and under better circumstances, staying in and exploring the magical vige would have been wee, but, divine mysteries were waiting for answers, and the Heroes in particr wanted to go looking for them.


    And so they had gathered in their treehouse cottage, all packed up and ready to go.


    First, we shall return to camp and Alex, Theresa, ygon and Brutus will take the teleportation circle back to campus, the chancellor said. And the three of you can continue onand as per your requestI will teleport you in close proximity to the Travellers Cave then you can make your way from there, he told the Heroes. Are you sure that is what you want? We would dly host you in the encampment while you rested for a time?


    Thanks for the offer, chancellor, Drestra said. But its better if we get this taken care of right away. We only have a couple more days before were supposed to meet up with Merzhin, and honestly, this is something we have to do without him anywhere around.


    Aye, Cedric said. San easy excuse tmake: well just tell im we had ta get ta Alric quick an make sure cultists an demons dont got a backdoor ta Thamnd through the Cave o the Traveller. Makes a good excuse that nobodys gonna question an since well be tellin the priests and him that gettin there woulda been too urgent ta waste precious time pickin im up an exinin everythin thim, they shouldnt be sayin nothin tus.


    Lets be honest, hes going to question things anyway, Hart pointed out. But, all he can do is whine andin and then get over it. If hes <em>right there</em>, itll be a real problem if we find something that he cant know about.


    Alex fought to keep his face straight. He hoped thatwhatever they foundit could help him with his own search for information about the Traveller. If only there was a way to trante her book.


    Well, quite right, and it does make absolute sense to keep on with things and strike while the irons hot, as they say, the chancellor agreed. Very well, lets be on our way, and I hope that your hunt will be fruitful and may we discover the truth in all of this.


    Yeah, Alex said as he and Theresa shook each of the Heroes hands. Lets hope you learn something. If you dont, feel free toe to us when you can and well try and put our heads together.


    Aye Cedric said. An I hope I gots this all sorted in mhead by then. Itsa lot.


    It is, Theresa agreed, turning to Drestra.


    The two women hugged each other.


    I hope you find Alric peaceful, the huntress said.


    Im not sure well have to go there, the Sage said. Were going to focus on the cavebut if we do, I hope so too.


    Good hunting. Alex offered.


    And to you too, Hart said.


    And with that, Baelin began to chant his words of power and the teleportation magic rose.


    In a few breaths, Alex, Theresa, Brutus and ygon were at the teleportation circle in the encampment, and Baelin was leaving the Heroes near the Cave of the Traveller.


    Do you wish you could tell Selina? Theresa asked as she and Alex walked along campus to the ins.


    Oh, by the Traveller, I didnt even consider that, he groaned.


    They had arrived on campus just a few minutes earlier with the cerberus padding ahead through the moonlight, his eyes shining, while the golem strode behind, gripping his new spear and wearing his new wounds.


    First thing in the morning, hed go to Shales, buy some y, request a workstation and repair that damage. He hated seeing ygon like that, and tomorrow couldnte soon enough. I wonder how long itll take?


    Selina was not going to be happy to see ygon like this.


    In a way, I wish I could tell her, he said. Buton the other hand, Im d the oath magic stops me from telling anyone.


    What do you mean? his girlfriend asked.


    Well, learning what we did shook the two of us. It shook Cedric, it shook Drestra and Carey looked like she was almost destroyedthough I gotta admit, she pulled herself together more than I thought she could.


    Shes braver than she thinks. Theresa looked up at the moon. She wouldnt havee to see Ffion with us if she wasnt. I know Selinas brave too.


    But shes also young, Alex said. She prays to the Traveller and to Uldar. She believes in the Heroes and wants the dungeon cores gone. What happens if she starts questioning so much of what shes always believedwhen shes so young?


    Maybe its better if she is young, Theresa countered. She might be able to adapt better.


    He sighed. Yeah, maybebut in either casewere not allowed to tell. Andeven if we were, I kinda think its better to tell when we have the <em>whole</em> truth. Ive been going crazy with all the possibilities, and I dont want her going through that too.


    Yeah, I guess youre right there. Even mother and father are going to have a hard time with this, so Id want to give them proper answers and foundation, not part truths that just makes them have a bunch of scary questionslike


    She muttered something beneath her breath.


    What was that? Alex asked.


    Like if we have to fight our own god, she muttered.


    Oh<em>oh</em>. He winced. Yeah thatsthatthats something Ive been trying not to think about.


    Its a possibility, Theresa gripped her swords. Oreca defeated a demigod, and the Watchers have told me stories about gods being killed throughout history.


    Well thats sortaforting, maybe, he said. Oh boy, well we dont know if well have to do that. Maybe our faith lets us control the cores forI dunno, some other reason besides: Uldar hates us and he wants us to suffer with the Ravener.


    Maybe, she said, drawing the swords. The des gleamed in the moonlight. Well, either way, I think things are about to be a lot more dangerous for sure. And <em>I </em>need a breakthrough.


    A breakthrough? Alex asked.


    She nodded. My great-grandfather terrorized pirates across the seas with these swords. My grandfather used to tell stories about them cutting viins in half with a single stroke and so on, but I havent seen anything like that. I mean, theyre <em>very</em> good swords. Ive never held any other weapons that are so bnced, Ive never needed to sharpen them, and no matter what I strike, they dont break, dull or chip. But, they only cut like regr swords do.


    Her frown deepened as she turned the des. Somethings missing. Im missing <em>something</em> about them and I really need to figure that out or I''ll never match the type of opponents well be fighting.


    Well. He put his arm around her shoulders. If theres anyone who can figure them out, its you. Youre a badass, beautiful death machine, and right now, I have more<strong></strong>faith in <em>you,</em> than I do my own damn god.


    Sheughed bitterly, blushing at the same time. I don''t know if that''s the nicest thing a guys ever said to me, but Ill take it. What about you? Howre things going with third-tier spells?


    He frowned. In terms of summoning spells? I think Im just about there, he said. Hopefully, the next few days wont involve anymore apocalyptic battles and maybe Ill get a breakthrough soon myself. Ill get back to practising tomorrow. Well, probably tonight, after a couple of hours of sleep.


    Right. She looked at Brutus and ygon. Well, we need to be ready for whateveres next, no matter what it is.


    Yeah, he said. Ive gotta get third-tier summoning spells soon then, and Im gonna push hard to get them."

 Chapter 391: A Rude Breakthrough

    Chapter 391: A Rude Breakthrough


    Alex Roth broke through to third-tier summoning spells the very next day.


    The day before had been a long, full one with revtions, feasting and new friendships formed.


    When they got to the apartment that night, he and Theresa had unpacked their gear, cleaned up and copsed into his bed, exhausted. Surprisingly, or maybe not so surprisingly, theydid awake even though they were dead tired, spooned together until finally falling asleep to the sound of the timekeeper in his room. Two hourster, Alex was well rested, while Theresa was still sound asleep, but both were up and heading to Selinas friend, Abs house when daylight came.


    On the way back to the apartment, Selina had been talking non-stop, peppering them with questions about Crymlyn swamp and the witches when Alex unlocked their apartment door and her eyes fell on ygon. Her jaw had dropped and her anguished cry trailed her from the door, as she ran to the damaged golem and threw her arms around his neck sobbing. Her fingers gently touched the gouges on his chest.


    Alex and Theresa had looked at each other, tears glistened in the huntress eyes, and hed gone to his little sister and wrapped his arms around her. Brutus came up and licked everyone after being shocked from a deep sleep.


    What happened? Shed asked.


    And theyd told her about Zonon-In, and with each word, her grief had turned to anger. I hate monsters. her voice was low. They hurt ygon, they always hurt everyone, but look at what Mr. Hobb did to them, they cant hurt people forever. Her words were like a promise as she wiped her tears away.


    Alex listened to her, trying to soothe her, and not knowing whether to be worried, to approve of her resolve, or both. In the end, shed only calmed down when he said hed be going to repair ygon as soon as he saw her off to schoolright after his early morning ss.


    On their way to the junior school, she tried convincing him to let her help him since he might make strange design changes to ygonlike hed do something like thatbut hed promised he wouldnt do anything to embarrass ygon or her, and that made the dark cloud hanging over her face lift. Shed remembered she had something to tell him when they got near the school entrancesomething hed actually forgotten about with all that had been going ontely.


    Im just d ygons core wasnt damaged, its like his heart... I wonder if you can honour golems at the Festival of Ghosts, but I hope we never have to find out. Shed said.


    The part about the Festival had caught Alexpletely off guard.


    Wait, is thating up soon?


    Yeah, Abs familys going to an event on Orecas Fall, shed said. Its with a bunch of other families. We probably got an invitation too. Did you check our mailbox?


    Alex, during the mind-melting morning where hed been thinking about the very real possibility that heand his entire kingdomhad been betrayed by their own god had not, in fact, checked their mail yet.


    N-no, he said.


    Well, check it, shed said. And talk to Thundar. He said he wanted to do something for it this year.


    Yes, captain, hed saluted her.


    For more times than he could count, shed rolled her eyes and walked away.


    And that was how hed been reminded that the festival wasing soon. He would have talked to Theresa about it, but by the time hed seen Selina off, the huntress had already left for sword practise with the Watchers.


    Hed talk to herter, but he had to get to ss then head into the city to repair ygon.


    On the way to Shales, Alex had seen mask sellers everywhere, disying their wares on every street corner, and in every shop window. Decorations of all colours adorned front doors and townhouses, borate costumes crafted of everything from animal skins to gossamer, hung on rows of racks inside, and merchants called out to passersby, inviting them toe in and, find something nice for the family.Illusions of frightful spirits swooped high above a wooden wagon then dropped down at shoppers. The merchant grinning beside it abruptly stopped grinning when a frightenedd kicked at the illusion, his shoending on the merchants shin. Alex stifled augh. Banners<strong></strong>emzoned with<strong></strong>grape vines and wreaths streamed above every door and on everymp post. The sights had brought back memories of their first Festival of Ghostsst year with its warm nostalgic atmosphere. Friendships were being forged then. Hed looked across the street and noticed the only door free of decorations on the entire street was the bakery across the way from Shales. Lately, it hadnt been open more than a few times a week, and cobwebs were a permanent fixture on the eaves.


    As he opened the door to the Workshop, hed wondered how much longer it would be before the little shop would have to shut its door for good. Inside Shales, Alex was greeted by a bit of a stir when his coworkers caught sight of ygon.


    Sim had nearly dropped his tools, gaping at the damage.


    What the hell did that? hed scurried up to the golem, taking in the cracks up close. Jeez, it looks like some kinda de did it buteven though Im seeing it, I cant believe it. When Shaleleath fought this big guy, I thought <em>nothing</em> would get through that hard shell, protective spells or not. You got lucky that the cores not wrecked.


    Ya, no kidding. Alex had patted his golems side. Just when you think youve seen all the nasty things out there, something worsees along. Me and my friends were lucky ygon was there to protect us, but now hes the one who needs repairing. Is there a free bay I can use?


    I think therell be one in about an hour. Sim had shaken his head in amazement. Feel free to use it, and any tools you need.


    Thanks, Sim, Alex had said, taking ygon aside to wait.


    The repairs went well, they were fairly simple to do, and in less than two hours, he was done. Apprenticing at Shales building golems and getting paid for it was a dream. In a little bit north of a year, hed learned everything he needed to know to fix ygon all on his ownexcept for some help few people would ever get. Using the Mark, hed mixed y, infused mana and bonded it with the golems body.


    By the time hed finished torch-drying the y in ce, ygon looked just like he did before theyd everid eyes on Zonon-In and that war-spear. Alex smiled at him, Selinall be happy, he thought.


    Since his work had taken less time than hed expected, that left him with a free afternoon to practice summoning magic.


    On ark, hed gone to Professor Mangal and asked for permission to try third- tier summoning and she''d encouraged it.


    You have performed very well in ss, Alex. shed said, walking to a shelf of old books containing both written and practical assignments. You have a strong grasp on the aspects of rtional summoning as well: your paper on it was most insightful.


    Thanks. Hed used some of his experiences with Gwyin to write that paper and in it, hed discussed certain concepts of reciprocity and how they<strong></strong>applied to summoning. Hed found the concept inspired when he was researching the paper, and it seemed the professor had thought so too.


    Shed brought out a spell-guide from her shelf. This is a third-tier spell meant to summon antern celestial. They are beings ofw, kindness and curiosity, so even if you make mistakes with the spell, you are not likely to face a terrible fate. The most a rampagingntern celestial might do if it breaks your circle, is to give you a lecturewhich, considering that youre a student, you might find an additional lecture to be a terrible fate.


    Alex hadughed as hed taken the book and lowered his head. Well, Professor, Ill try to make sure I dont get a lecture from it. And you.


    ###


    And that was how Alex Roth found himself staring at a floating orb of light in the middle of the Cells.


    Areare you real? he asked, checking the summoning circle on the floor.


    Greetings, mortal! a voice like tinkling bells answered him. How are you doing? Is it day? Its dark. Are we in dungeon, mortal? Are mortal going enve me mortal? Do not do that, mortal.


    Wait, what? No! Alex said quickly. Im not going to enve you. This is a safe room. Were in a summoning room at a magic school andI just summoned you.


    Good! This one likes being summoned. See lots new things! Thentern celestial said cheerily.


    YeahI canshow you new thingsits justhold on one second


    Whats a second?


    What?


    Whats a second? This one no knows that word.


    Second means <em>second</em>, Alex tranted it into a tongue of the celestials.


    This one no understand.


    He tried switching to a few different celestial dialects.


    This one understand those words! it cried.


    Ah, good.


    But what you mean second? You no say what is first! You not very smart for a mortal.


    Alex stared at thentern celestial, wondering for a brief moment if hed gone insane. Okayso letsokay. Justa second is like a unit of time. Kinda like a heartbeat.


    Oh, okay. Whats a heartbeat? Is that like when you beat a heart? And uhif it iswhats a heart?


    are you messing with me? Alex demanded, wondering if Professor Mangal had somehow pranked him. He wouldnt put it past her.


    Thentern celestial bobbed back and forth in the circle, like it was looking around the room. This one no see no mess. What to clean?


    Okay, hold on, justhold on on se


    Hold what? This one has no hands.


    No! Alex fought the urge to scream. II mean wait for a moment while I look at this book! He held up the spell-guide.


    Oh thentern celestials voice hummed. Why you no say so and keep saying stupid things instead?


    For the first time, Alex Roth considered strangling a monster hed summoned. Instead, he squinted at the book, checking the diagram for the magic circuits.


    Did I miss something? he thought, his finger tracing the diagram. The problem was that he wasnt looking for what might have gone wronghe was looking for what had gone right.


    Third-tier spells were no joke.


    Many of the most iconic spells in wizardry were third-tier: Fireball, Phantom Steed, Daylight and even one of Isoldes favourite spells: lightning bolt. For many armies fortunate enough to count spellcasters among their ranks, third-tier spells were some of the greatest magics their wizards could wield.


    Just one wizard possessing third-tier spells could change the direction of an entire battle, or the way of life of a whole vige. They were also a major jump inplexitypared to second-tier spells: three magic circuits interlinked and firing at the same time. Hed expected thateven with the strange power he had inside lending him a hand with summoning spellsit should have taken him weeks of practice to reach third-tier.


    His eyes slowly drifted to his notebook, focusing on the number of check marks hed made, one for each time hed cast Summon Lantern Celestial.


    <strong>3.</strong>


    It had taken him just three times to cast a third-tier summoning spell.


    Holy shit.


    Language, the celestialntern chided him.


    <em>Really?</em> he red at it. You dont know most colloquialisms or mortal measurements of time, but you know that swearing is bad?


    Of course! the celestial red, as though offended. This one not <em>stupid</em> like you!


    Alexs lip twitched.


    He might have broken through to third-tier summoning spells, but at what cost? At what cost?


    Seriously, what the hell? he wondered. Why was it so easy? I know that power did a lot of the work and Ive learned a <em>lot</em> about summoning spell arrays, butdamn, this is<em> stunning</em> news. But what do I do now?


    He pulled another notebook from his bag and flipped to Operation Grand Summoning Ascension. With mixed feelings, he put a checkmark beside the step:


    <strong>Learn to Cast Third-Tier Summoning Spells.</strong>


    Well, congrattions to me, I guess, he murmured, tapping his pen on the page beside the next steps:<ul><li><strong>Practice with Other Third-Tier Summoning Spells Until You Have Mastered Different Ones.</strong></li><li><strong>Practice With Other Types of Spells Until You Have a Good Foundation of Third-Tier Magic.</strong></li></ul>


    Do I still want to do that, though? he wondered.


    When hed first thought of his n, hed expected to have to struggle to cast a third-tier summoning spell, and thats why hed decided on such a conservative strategy for his n.


    Hed thought that with time, hed learn third-tier and would then have to spend time actually mastering a number<strong></strong>of other spells to develop a solid grasp of it. But today, hed cast a third-tier spell in only three tries which was making him consider moving up.


    Maybe I should jump right into fourth-tier<strong></strong>summoning, he thought. Push hard now.


    Tempting.


    It shouldnt be a problem for his mana pool since it had grown so much from mastering Hsiekus technique. The third-tier magic circuits had <em>barely</em> put a dent in his pool, so thered be more than enough space to fit a fourth-tier magic circuit in there.


    Maybe even a fifth-tier one.


    It made sense, if he thought about it: hed used Hsekius technique and restful slumber to continually repeat his summoning spells. After he did it once, hed repeat the process over and over, until it became natural to him in spite of, or maybe because of, the Mark. But, other students only practised their spells a handful of times because they had no need to practise them more.


    Hed umted the equivalent of hundreds of hours of practice. And if he leapt ahead now


    Anticipation ran through him: at fourth-tier spells, hed have ess to the first spells that used Rtional Contract and Binding Contract Summoning and with those, the types and numbers of creatures he could call from the outer nes would expand <em>vastly</em> both in power and in variety.


    And if the situation with the Uldar mystery and more was going to be as dangerous as things were pointing to, hed need all the power and variety he could get.


    Should I do it? he thought. Should I go for i


    He stopped, remembering the traitor witches in Crymlyn Swamp.


    They were so hellbent on ridding the Crymlyn of Uldars influence, theyd literally chosen to make a deal with demons. Zonon-In. And theyd paid for it. Hard.


    He shook his head. Just because learning a third-tier summoning spell was easier than I expected, doesnt mean I should start trying to rush ahead. One mana reversal, and its all over. I should stick with the n and explore third-tier spells first and know them like the back of my hand, then when I have a solid enough foundation, move up. Besides, theres no way Professor Mangal would give me a fourth-tier spell guide. Maybe Baelin? Ah, forget it. Lets not get greedy.


    Mortal! You be so stupid you lose power of talking? the elemental suddenly demanded. This one surprised you live so long.


    Alright, thats it, Im dismissing you now! Alex whirled on the glowing creature.


    Wow, this one no know how stupid mortal is! thentern celestials voice rang out like a church bell. You summon this one to not do anythi


    Alex spoke a single word, sending the celestial back to its home ne.


    Okay, next time, he said. Im summoning something with manners.

 Chapter 392: A Uniting Force

    Chapter 392: A Uniting Force


    Hey, congrattions on third-tier spells, but uhno offence, thats a little lightpared to hey, there might be a conspiracy set up by my own god. Thundar rubbed the side of his face, groaning like hed aged a decade. Also, you pissed off the biggest, nastiest demon youve ever seen. Likewhat the hell happened, I thought you were just popping over for a quick chat with Drestras friend?


    Thingsgot out of hand. Alex admitted, cing tes of steaming pancakes on his dining table. His Wizards Hands added pats of butter and jars of honey. You know, like they often do.


    Indeed, Prince Khalik took a pancake, thered it in butter and licked his lips. Like they often do is truethis is a heavy revtion, andas you saidwe do not know the whole truth of it yet.


    This is most ominous and odious. Isolde sipped her tea. But you said Baelin was going to cage this demon, no? Ah, and congrattions on reaching third-tier.


    Thanks, and yeah, he should be taking care of itter on, Alex said, sitting down with his own stack of deliciousness. But well see how that goes.


    What the hell, Thundar chuckled, shaking his head. He looked at his cabal-mates. Can you believe this shit?


    What do you mean? Isolde asked.


    I mean it feels like were running around in a damned legend, he snorted. Come on, weve stumbled onto something that schrs will probably write about for a thousand years. And, did that battle ever sound like a tale bards tellte at night by some fireside. And <em>look </em>at that thing!


    He gestured to ygons new spear leaning against the wall.


    You guys literally took a super powerful war-spear away from a greater demon. How many people can say that? He shook his head. And all of us His arms arced toward everyone at the table. are involved too. I mean,e on, did any of us think wed be doing stuff like this when we got to Generasi? I know I sure as hell didnt!


    To be honestit did cross my mind, Prince Khalik said. That my name might one day join those spoken of in whispers and written about with awe: not for their<strong></strong>bloodline, but for their <em>deeds.</em> But, I thought it would happen in the full breadth of my power, when I am an older, more experienced, far wiser and much greyer man.


    That <em>would</em> make more sense. Isolde stirred more honey into her tea. It was her third spoonful. At this stagewe are hardly better than fledglings, yet<strong></strong>here we are making enemies of demons and gods.


    Well to be fair, Alex said. Zonon-Ins not your enemy: she didnt see you. And this whole Uldar thing only involves my homnd. Like, seriously, you could all walk away anytime you wanted.


    Hah! Thundar scoffed, pping Alex on the shoulder. And thats why youre not the leader of the cabal, my foolish friend. We forged a cabal to support each other through thick and thin. It uh, kinda defeats the purpose, if we abandon each other the moment one of usnds in trouble.


    Truly, Isolde agreed.


    We would be no better than cowards, Prince Khalik said.


    Thanks guys, Alex felt himself choking up. That means a lot to


    But is anyone else getting a little buyers remorse? The prince shed a mischievous grin and a wink at Thundar and Isolde. I mean, no one told us that helping each other might mean staring down the wrath of a secretive and possibly angry god.


    Oh, hell yeah, the minotaurs grip on Alexs shoulder tightened. I mean the most we three ever ask is for help with studying or getting into a party or a hangover cure experiment, but this bastard man He shook Alexs shoulder. forgot to mention, oh hey, you guys might be fighting demons and gods and shit because of the fifty billion skeletons my kingdom has in its closet


    That is a big closet, Isoldemented.


    so just be prepared and maybe have a will written up when you join a cabal with me, Thundar finished. Cuz, yknow, I might get all of you tangled up in divine conspiracies and demonic wrath.


    Okay, to be fair, if were talking about the demons and cultists, I was <em>barely</em> involved Alex paused. at the beginning.


    That makes it worse, in a sense. Isolde drained her tea. After all, what that means is youand thus <em>we</em>have stumbled into the wrath of a greater demon not by purpose, but by a line of random chance that led us here. My goodness, I almost want to start a small war back home and pull you into <em>my</em> problems for a change.


    Now thats an idea, Khalik mused. Perhaps I can return to Tekezash and unearth some sleeping dragon-god or something that I can throw at him.


    You guys are the worst friends. Alex red at them. Here I amin my time of <em>need</em>and this is the treatment Im getting.


    No, no, you see, were the <em>best</em> of friends. Thundar shoved an entire pancake in his mouth, chewed it three times, then gulped it down. If we were the worst, we wouldve cut you loose around the time you mentioned angry god conspiracy.


    That isnt how I put it.


    But thats exactly what it is.


    We dont know that for sure.


    Look at our luck, man, the minotaur snorted. At the rate things escte for us, there''ll probably be <em>multiple</em> angry gods involved, and they''ll all hate us, <em>specifically</em>.


    Alex snorted. Maybe, but just remember, the moment one of your homnds meets some horrible apocalypse that you get dragged into, I am <em>never</em> letting you hear the end of it. But, speaking of horrible things happening in someones homndI know this ising out of nowhere, Isolde, but I just remembered this story Hart told us about when he was in the Rhinean Empire. Do you know a young noble whose father had this one-of-a-kind super invincible armour made for him? Then he took an arrow to the facenot the fathers face, the sonsanyway, all of his eating, or maybe drinking would be a better word, is done through a straw now?


    Ah, that cmity does ring a bell, actually. The poor boys name was on everyones tongue when it happened. She frowned. But, it escapes me nowit seems that the father had a bit of a conflict with the neighbouring lord, but his name also escapes me at the moment. She shook her head. Territorial squabbles are not umon in my homnd. Part of my grandfathers duties involve advising the Imperial throne on strategies to preserve unity between dozens of proudoften arrogantancient families and keep them that way for the good of themselves, and the empire. Itcan often be quite difficult.


    Yeah, I can imagine, Alex said, a wave of nerves passing over him. That urred to me since this whole Uldar thing: Thamnd is pretty much united around three things: the throne, fighting the Ravener, and the church. If people have a reason to start thinking theres a lie behind fighting the Ravener, and that the church is involved in ithells, I have to worry about what thatll mean for my country.


    Your concern is far from unreasonable, Isolde said grimly. Realms require a uniting force to stay together, whether that be a strong power on the throne, a mighty deity, an ideal, amon enemy, or something else. The Rhinean Empire is strong, to be sure, but we worship <em>four</em> elements, not a single deity like Thamnd does. To offer devotion to more than one of anything can be a source of conflict. But, we work it outwe <em>are</em> civilised, after allbutsome of our political philosophers look at the Irtyshenan Empire with admiration.


    Truly? Prince Khaliks eyebrow rose. The Irtyshenans and the Rhineans are the tworgest of the northern realms, and frommon knowledge of how most empires view others, I would have thought thered be no love lost between your two countries.


    You would be right for the most part. Isolde conjured a set of electric-blue Wizards Hands to fetch her a pancake. Butas distasteful as the practice issome Rhinean philosophers look at the Irtyshenan belief that those outside their borders are uncivilised barbarians, as having a uniting effect on the people. After all, it makes the <em>world</em> their enemy, so they are less inclined to fight among each other, at least in theory. In truth, there have been more than a few Irtyshenan civil wars of session that have been fought regardless of this so-called unifying force but, such inconvenient facts are often ignored.


    I could see the allure to some philosophers. Prince Khalik stroked his beard. My own teachers taught that war can be a double edged de for a sitting ruler. A king or queen who goes to warif it is the right war at the right timeusually enjoys greater support from their court. After all, war can mean spoils for the kingdom, prizes, newnds to rule and other boons. But an unpopr war can see the people rise against the rulers as a way to get their dying children back from the battlefield. When any state defines all outside of their borders as lesser, it ensures that almost <em>any</em> war is popr, as long as the state is winning.


    He looked at Alex. Now, to bring the point back to <em>your</em> kingdom, youve had generation upon generation of battles against near-mindless hordes of monsters that seem to want nothing more than your peoples destruction. Every battle against your Ravener is a war of survival against the truly vilest of opponents. Even when soldiers fall, they give their lives for the ultimate cause. How can such a war be anything but popr?


    Yeah. But what happens if that premise all goes away? Thundar asked. Reminds me of an old story about the five tribes. About five hundred years ago, the five biggest minotaur tribes in my homnd united to form a single herd against this rampaging necromancer and this skeletal army he was leading. By uniting, they had the power and numbers to sessfully put the threat down. And so peace reignedfor about a week. Once the outside enemy was gone, the chiefs remembered that theyd been fighting each other for generations and reverted to trying to wipe their old rivals out. The event is called: The Chiefs Folly, for good reason.


    Ugh, I hope that doesnt happen in Thamnd, Alex groaned. Wouldnt that be bloody miserable? We manage to get rid of the Ravener forever, use the dungeon core remains to usher in a golden age of magic, and then my kingdom falls apart because some dukes let their grudges take over since the Raveners gone?


    Indeed. Isolde nibbled the edge of her pancake. The possibility that some might even suggest leaving the Ravener in ce to keep your people united, would be a very real possibility in a situation like that. There is something else to consider. If the Ravener <em>is</em> gone, would that not mean that the source of dungeon cores would disappear as well? I am sure others would want such lucrative materials to be produced forever, no matter how many lives were lost.


    Ah, jeez, Alex grunted. I never even thought of that.


    Though in my opinion, considering such options would be nothing but pure intellectual cowardice, Isolde continued, her blue eyes shing. We are wizards: it is in our nature to master and create cosmic forces, bending them to our will and not bending our knees to them. Were this not the case, we would still be engaging in blood sacrifices and begging demons and devils for scraps of power. We have analysed the dungeon core substance and I have no doubt we will find ways to reproduce it without a need for those evil orbs of darkness.


    Heres to that! Thundar lifted his fork as though it were a sword. Besides, Im sure Cedric, Hart and Drestra would be kinda pissed to let all this effort go to waste. I can hear it now: Oh, sorry, the Ravener needs to stay to keep the kingdom from falling apart and keep nobles coffers full.


    Oh, by the Traveller! Alex nearly choked on his pancake. HartIm pretty sure Hart would bepletely done with Thamnd, right after he killed everyone who made that decision. Cedric would curse everybody and everything, and Drestra might dere open war on the church and crown. Theres too many dead over too many centuries for them to ept any kind ofpromiseif you could even call that apromise.


    That actually leads to another topic. The minotaur licked his fork clean andid it across his empty te. I took point with nning some stuff for the Festival of Ghosts this year. Alex, Ill need you for some cooking, but Ive got most of the organising taken care of. Weve got a table booked at the event on Orecas Fall, which seemed pretty appropriate, considering how many were lost out there Thundar paused. and I guess its even more appropriate with the threat from that demon hanging over us. By all my ancestors, it makes you wonder just how long you got, all things considered. Maybe you gotta act on things while you still got the chance, yknow? just in case


    Well, I wouldnt worry about that too much, Alex said. Baelin and I are meeting up tonight and hes going to summon that demon, Zonon-Inmaybe after a little chat with him, well see how eager she is toe after anybody.

 Chapter 393: The Catching of One Offguard

    Chapter 393: The Catching of One Offguard


    Come in, Baelins voice boomed through the doors. But mind your step.


    Mind my step? Alex wondered aloud. Why do I have to mind my


    His words faded.


    Why was it so dark?


    But, why could he still see like he was looking through the surface of a deepke on a sunny day?


    It was nearly pitch-ck in the vast chamber, yet at the same time, it wasnt.


    Hed spent enough time in Baelins office to know thateven at nightit was always lit, either by moonlight, light spells, or often, abination of both. Tonight, there was no light, noneing in from the soaring windows, no reflection bouncing off of them. They simply blended with the walls, forming a single lightless surface. Heavy,<strong></strong>ck curtains covered them, creating a darkness soyered that they could not possibly be natural.


    But this made the space feel off, wrong. He stepped closer to ygon. The golem gripped his war-spear. Why can I see? Its pitch ck in here.


    There was lighting from the hallway, but not enough to see as well as he could: the firece wasnt lit, no magical lights hovered in the chamber. In reality, he should have only been able to see the vaguest of silhouettes.


    Eyes shed in the darkand he moved even closer to ygonwhen the chancellors towering, horned figure glided through the shadows in the back of the room.


    Baelin? Alex whispered. Baelin is that you?


    I should hope so, the ancient wizards voice came back through the ckness. Shut the door, would you? There is too much lighting in.


    ygon, would you mind shutting the door? Alex thought.


    Behind him, his golem took a deep, rumbling step.


    Then the hall light died and he heard the click of the doortch. He blinked several times, expecting all light to vanish, butsomehowhe could still make out shapes throughout the space. His vision wasnt sharp enough for him to sprint around the room, but he could make his way through it without falling headfirst over furniture.


    Whats going on, Baelin? he asked.


    Hmmm, before I answer, would you mind telling me what you see?


    Um, let''s see. He slowly looked through the strange darkness, reporting everything he saw in detail. From nearby, he heard a pen scratching.


    Most excellent, Baelin said, moving closer to Alex. Those goat-like eyes seemed to shed their own inner radiance. Thank you for that, my young friend.


    Huh? Whatre you doing?


    A side-experiment that urred to me to run at the same time we engage in this summoning. I will spare you the details for nowthe specifics involved require a rather lengthy exnationbut what is of most relevance, is that I can currently control the level of darkness that ones eye can pierce in the room. To a certain degree, at least. It will help disorient our guest.


    Oh, thats a definite plus, Alex said. Trust me, though, shes damned hard to disorient. Its even harder to catch her off-guard. Shes obviously <em>very</em> old and experienced.


    Indeed. The chancellor tapped his hoof against the floor.


    A wave of power billowed through the air, and a glowing summoning circle drew itself on the floor, emitting a dull, blood red radiance that illuminated all within a little less than a dozen feet of the circle.


    Would you say this circle is about the right width to contain our friend? the chancellor asked.


    Ah, you might actually want it a little bigger, the young Thameish wizard said. She was really huge.


    Fair enough.


    The circle widened. Better?


    Better.


    Good. That war-spear looks quite suitable in ygons hands, by the way. But, I think it might be best if I teleport it elsewhere. We dont know if shes able to sense its presence, or not, the chancellor said.


    Alex smacked his forehead. Oh yeah, that makes sense. Shouldve thought of that.


    Not to worry, you have much on your mind, to be sure. Baelin crossed the room to ygon who offered up the weapon. In a wave of teleportation magic, the ancient wizard disappeared and reappeared again. There. It is in a safe location and I shall return it as soon as we finish our meeting. And speaking of safe locations


    His eyes fixed Alex with a prating look. I would like you and ygon to move over there He pointed to a spot deep in shadow far from the circle. for the duration of the summoning. Afortable chair is there for you within a circle of magic that will obscure your appearance, voice and even your scent. Things will be simpler if this demon does not grasp our association quite yet.


    Oh, youll get no argument from me. Alex quickly made his way to the chair without tripping over anything and took a seat in the darkness. Baelin was right, it <em>was</em>fortable.


    I really dont need her having any reason to focus on, or even think about me. Next time we meet her, I dont think shell be in the toying mood. did you happen to find out anything about her?<strong></strong>I couldnt exactly get information about greater demons from the librarys third floor.


    Ah, yes, I suppose you would no<em>Third</em> floor you say? Well look at you, did you have a breakthrough while I wasnt paying attention? Baelin asked as he inspected the symbols around the summoning circle.


    Uh, yeah, today, actually. Professor Mangal gave me permission to advance, along with a spell guide to summon a Lantern Celestial, and I got the spell in no time.


    Well, congrattions! And here you are celebrating it with an old man and a demon that wants your head! A little unorthodox, dont you think? The chancellor paused at one of the symbols. It shifted, bending to his will and adjusting itself.


    Its not my first choice, I have to admit. The celebrating it with you part isnt the problem, its the other part. Alex settled in the chair with ygon behind him, and took in the muted glow of silver symbols around it. There were glyphs for shifting light and sound, and arcane markings that conjured a protective shield in case Zonon-In surprised them and attacked him, but most of the other symbols held no meaning for him. But, enh, at least its interesting.


    Indeed, it is! And speaking of interestingheres a bit of information for you. I learned that there have been at least three thousand demons known as Zonon-In mentioned throughout history. Baelin asked.


    Alex whistled. Three thousand?


    Well, thats been the case. As it happens, it is not the most umon name demons have taken on when choosing one that is pronounceable by mortal tongues. And that, my young friend, tells us something. Now, any idea of what that could be?


    Alexs brow furrowed. Well, despite her arrogance, she picked a name for herself that would make her harder to research. It means shes confident, but somewhat cautious, so she doesnt let the need for reputation cause her to give major advantages to anyone.


    Indeed, that would be my guess too, though she did toy with you in the swamp, Baelin said. Any thoughts on how to reconcile this seeming caution with her overconfidence?


    Well, she said that we were like cats, Alex reasoned. She had us right in front of her, and could take our measure. As much as she talked about mortals having little lives, she did start hitting us hard once wed really wounded her. My guess is, shes smart enough not to reveal vulnerable information where powerful entities could use it against her.


    He tapped the armrest on the chair. Now, having amon name wouldnt keep her from being summonedsince she answers to the namebut it would make it more difficult to research her in general.


    Indeed, those are my thoughts as well, Baelin gave a slyugh. Unfortunately for her, I was able to cross-reference ounts of demons named Zonon-In with the powers disyed by your enemy and learned that she is <em>old</em>. Older than myself, most likely, though probably not as old as our very able registrar, Hobb. ounts of the violence shes wreaked leaves no doubt she is powerful in the ways of chaos, and her magic can reduce a mortal form to something of a gibbering, ever shifting, mass of flesh. Yet, despite this devastating ability, she actually favours meleebat, most likely out of a desire for greater sport.


    Baelin paused, and light appeared in his eyes. They moved back and forth as though they were scanning scrolls or books that were visible only to him. However, when faced with a powerful opponent, ounts of her blending magic with her skill inbat, or even retreating when overmatched, can be found. Which tells me that I will not be able to rely on overconfidence from her. The fact that I have the power to call her will set her on guard.


    No doubt, Alex said. Im d you learned what you did about her, because meeting her cold like we did in the Skull Pits, wasnt the best position to be in.


    Indeed, you are learning, the chancellor turned back to the circle. Now, you might be wondering why I covered all of this if all I intend is to summon, curse, and learn a little more about her. You see, I believe we can get more out of this meeting than that, so my n is for you to be able to question her from your shrouded position. Now, keep in mind what we just discussed, phrase your questions ordingly, and be careful not to let your identity slip.


    The ancient wizard spread his hands over the circle. Red light red, making him look positively demonic as he towered over it. She might recognise the connection between us, but there is no reason to offer up that information if we do not have to. After all, she did make a <em>number</em> of enemies recently.


    Got it, Alex said, focusing the Mark on the task of disguising his voice. It flooded him with images of people in conversation, focusing on the depth of their voices, the differences between their diction and his, and speed of phrasing.


    The young wizard cleared his throat and tried a few voices before settling on one he felt was far enough from his own.


    This one should do the trick, he said.


    Are you ready?


    Ready.


    Then here we go.


    Words of power filled the room with their haunting notes. A wave of summoning magic spiralled through the air in a vortex, swirling around the blood-red circle of power. White-knuckled and straight backed, Alex gripped the armrests of the chair concealed from the demons view.


    The atmosphere turned from calm to tense; power built, swelling, climbing in ord with a growing presence. A presence both familiar and foul. A thousand whispering voices chanted a thousand names. The air within the summoning circle shimmered, heralding theing of scores of thickened feelers that erupted from the tileslike a krakens limbs reaching from the seaand writhed through the air. Fierce blows whipped the sides of the circle, seeking freedomand only when futility was epted as fate, did the demon join its appendages together in a great knot of pulsating flesh.


    It heaved and trembled, melting into a primaeval soup that rose and fell like eruptingva, evolving into the greater demonZonon-In. Lower armscovered in chitinand ending in pincers big enough to snip Baelin in two. Articted legs, upper arms and a thick torso were crowned by a massive head with a face that could curdle the blood of the faint of heart.


    She stood within the summoning circle in the darkness of Baelins office in full and towering glory. The wounds shed received were gone: the terrible one that ygon had dealt her, and the dozens of cuts from Cedric and Theresas des were now erased, like they never were.


    Even the hand that Hart had severed had grown back.


    And yet


    She seemed diminished.


    Her presence had lessened; the aura of power that she once radiated was reduced. Her gaze was dull, and her movements slower. She was far from lean, and her bulk would still intimidate, but she looked weakened.


    Her flesh might have recovered, but her life essence needs more time topletely regenerate, Alex thought.


    Who dares summon me? Zonon-In demanded, her voice like ice as her mouth-tentacles writhed like whips. Her pincers snapped like bone cracking. I caution you, this ancient power you call upon is not for the weak, so understand, if you are toying with me, there will not be a second time.


    She paused, her yellow eyes slowly focusing on the chancellor in the darkness. Ah. I believe I know you. Are you the horned wizard who drove my master from this world?


    I am the same, indeed, Baelin said, his voice as smooth as melting butter.


    Ahwell, that is a notable feat, the demon said.


    Alex smirked.


    Thats right, youre dealing with a big boy now, he thought. No catching <em>us</em> off-guard!


    Would you also happen to be the same horned wizard who has been asking after one Hannar-Cim?


    Alexs heart skipped. Okay, maybe you can catch me off-guard.

 Chapter 394: Alexs Sickness

    Chapter 394: Alex''s Sickness


    To Baelins credit, he did not twitch, flinch or show any reaction to the demons words.


    Indeed, I am one and the same, his voice was measured. I gather you are revealing that information as a way of proposing a deal?


    You catch on quickly, mortal, Zonon-In said, bearing her fangs in a wide grin. If you gave my master such trouble, then what am I to do to you?


    And how many wizards have you entrapped with such lines and ttery, I do wonder? Baelin said.


    Ohoh! Sheughed. I can see you have done this dance before.


    Indeed, a bit more than a few times, he said. Sonow you wish to deal, then?


    Ooooh yes. She leaned down so her enormous face was level with Baelins. Yes, I do, mortal. You dide against my master before, but that is no reason <em>we</em> need be enemiesor even why you need to remain enemies with my master. Your search for this Hannar-Cim is not well known, and I only happened to hear of it by chance. If word were to spread however, then those of demonkind with information would be less inclined to share it.


    I see, the chancellor said. Then, since you have been so polite thus farwhy dont you tell me what it is you want?


    Well, first, why dont we chat a little first? The greater demon offered. I am curious as to <em>why</em> you search for this Hannar-Cim.


    Indeed, and as an immortal, you would understand that an unfortunate thing about endless life is thatoftenmany of our little curiosities go unsatisfied. Why I search is not relevant, Zonon-In, Baelin chuckled. And since I shall not give you information for <em>free,</em> perhaps Ill now go silent and hold you in this circle until you tell me what you wish from me.


    The demons face dropped. Ah, <em>youre</em> not cute at all. She rose up to her full height again. Two things I would ask. The firstI am looking for a particr weapon thatys on the material ne. Being such a powerful, resourceful wizard, I was hoping you might be able to locate it for me.


    Alexs heartbeat quickened as he prayed to the Traveller that she wouldnt sense the war-spears magic through the circle.


    I might or might not be able to find it, the chancellor said. It all depends on the weapon, of course.


    Now the young wizard had to bite back the urge tough.


    What is the other thing you want from me?


    Well she said, clicking a pincer. an abyssal knights court often includes many greater demons. Often <em>too</em> many. Such an excess of subordinates can divide focus and cause a scrabbling for favour.


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    There was a clue in there.


    She survived our battle, but shed been soundly defeated, he thought. Her essence took a hit, she lost a powerful weapon and a whole army of cultists and demons, the defeat was witnessed, and she was forced to go home and lick her wounds, all a huge blow to her pride.


    He felt a warm surge of pride at the thought.


    Demons are creatures of whim and chaos, his thought continued. And its easy for mortals to believe theyre evil because of how self-focused they are.


    Minervus came to mind.


    I wonder how many lines he wouldve crossed to get what he wanted? When that golem started rampaging at Shales, everyoneexcept himsaw a deadly situation unfolding; but he saw an opportunity to advance himself and scapegoat a supposed rival. He didnt have the power of a demon, but he had the same mindset in many ways. So, what would a bunch of self-serving greater demons do to Zonon-In? Shes <em>actually</em> failed, and is vulnerable. Maybe shes looking for a way to get rid of rivals before they can get rid of her.


    And you wish to have this scrabble for favour the archwizard paused. Reorganised, shall we say? You wish for the ranks of yourpatriots to be lesscluttered?


    That is a lovely way to put it, my mortal friend, Zonon-In smiled. Ormaybe not so mortal. She looked into the chancellors eyes. Those eyes have seen much, I can tell. So tell me summoner, which one is it, mortal or not?


    You <em>would</em> like to know, wouldnt you? Baelins eyes twinkled.


    The towering demons smile was mischievous. And if I would?


    What would you trade for it?


    What would you ask?


    I can ask for much, the chancellors voice took on a note that had Alex guessing where he was going with their conversation.


    Whats your master n, Baelin? He wondered.


    As can I. Zonon-Ins yellow eyes burned through the dark. And I can give much in return.


    Strange, so can I. The chancellor''s eyes lit up. What a pair we are.


    Are we not? Zonon-In chuckled. Indeedyoure <em>not</em> cute at all, youre something else. Perhaps for such information, how about an exchange in time?


    Something I have in abundance, as do you, I am sure.


    Then such a trade would be hardly costly for either of us, she said. Unless the mighty wizard is too busy for a demon such as myself.


    Things have a habit of rising to the top of my schedule when they proveinteresting. Perhaps something could be arranged at ater time, when the situation is less stressful.


    Horror swept through Alex, and it was threatening his sanity.


    Oh, by the Traveller! he thought, fighting the urge to flee the room. Oh by the Traveller, are they <em>flirting</em>? Please tell me they''re not flirting! Oh, gross! Why? Why did I live long enough to witness something that makes Uldars <em>possible betrayal</em><em>seem tame!</em>


    In any case, what is to stop me from simply taking the information from you and then doing what I wish with it, free to not make good on my part of the deal? Baelin asked, cocking his head. Surely a demon, a woman asexperienced as yourself would have thought of this.


    Well, here is the truth of it. Zonon-In frowned, cing both pincers and hands on her hips. <em>I</em> do not happen to have the information. But, I <em>have</em> heard a rival mention it, though. Several times. Ive also heard that they <em>might</em> keep such a piece of knowledge in one of their strongholds, and I could be persuaded to learn which one. Meanwhile, my other rivals have pces filled with treasures that might interest even one of your <em>obvious, towering</em> powers.


    Dont gag, Alex! Dont gag! The young wizard shuddered at the tone in her words.


    Thenonce I discover where your information is locatedI could make your journey to im it so much easier. You might get a <em>name</em> if you forced the information from me, but the location wouldnt be narrowed down for you, something I would take great pleasure in giving you. And to make things more difficult for you, my rival has <em>many,</em><em>many</em> strongholds.


    Wait did she just wink? Alex blinked rapidly.


    The demon continued. As do I. Getting a name from me then going from one stronghold to another would certainly be trying, and it could also open you up to reprisals.


    She clicked a pincer. But with me to narrow your search and direct your attention to my other foesyou would receive your information, you would also receive treasures and knowledge from several other greater demons, as well as direction to help with your search.


    Hm, Baelin mused, a pleasant note in his voice. You thought this throughquickly. A rather swift reaction on your part.


    I try to improvise. Helps one live longer, she said. Well, that is what <em>I</em> want. But what is it that <em>you</em> want? You summoned me, and not for this purpose, unless your powers of foresight rival mybat prowess.


    Hm, well that is to sayI did have a n, but perhaps I can work it into a rtional summoning pact between you and I. It might make things a little more beneficial in the long run.


    Oh? She raised an eyebrow. And what would you ask of me?


    Time, Baelin said.


    As we discussed earlier? You can ask for that any time you wish.


    I need a bucket, Alex thought, clutching his mouth. Oh, by the Traveller, I need a bucket! A big one!


    That just might be a two way path, the chancellor said. As one ages, interestingopportunities and individuals tend to show up less and less. One can be jaded, which is why one should pursue interests when they arise.


    Kill me, Alex looked up at the dark ceiling. Uldar, please strike me down. Do it. Do it!


    But enough of that. I will be forting. I seek a total ban of yourself and any of your servants and allies from setting forth on this


    He used a word Alex had never heard before.


    until such time as I give permission or say Baelin gave the idea more thought. ...forty years have passed. In particr, you must avoid all temples associated with the god known as Aphrometh, I would see that as a personal favour.


    Her eyes lit up in recognition of the name. I see. I see why you might ask for that, but forty years is a long time.


    Not for those like us.


    How about thirty years?


    Thirty-five.


    Thirty-two.


    Thirty-three.


    eptable, Zonon-In grinned. Very wellthose terms are most eptable. In fact, such a long sojourn from this


    Again, the word Alex had never heard before was used.


    might make thingsmore enjoyableter on. A return is often more delicious when others no longer expect it.


    Alex shuddered.


    No doubt he and his friends were exactly what she was referring to in her covert way. He grimaced at the thought of it: three anxious decades, waiting for the demon to appear and im her revenge. But as time went on, the memory of her would fade into the background of their lives, pushed aside by the neverending concerns of day to day life, new triumphs, new losses and new crises.


    Thenwhen they were all in midlifeand she was a distant memory, she would return and strike. A cruel nof course, but by the time Alex saw a half century, he nned to be a <em>much </em>tougher match for this demon.


    If he let her live that long.


    Hows that for goals? Alexs mentalugh was dark. Probably not what the folk back in Alric imagined for me.


    Indeed, striking when unexpected is just good practice, Baelin was saying. Let us seal our pact, then. I shall aid you in the destruction of your rivals, keeping all loot and treasure in the process. You will provide the locations of their strongholds and pces, as well as their defences. I will destroysay, four of them. Then you will provide me with the information necessary to strike the demon with knowledge of Hannar-Cim. If you do not provide the information within a span of one week and a day of mypleting my end of the bargain, then you will be considered in breach of our pact. You also agree to make every conceivable effort to keep yourself, your servants and your allies out of


    He used the word Alex didnt know again.


    for a period of thirty three years from today.


    Four rivals? How generous. I thought you might wish to stop at one, she said.


    It is generous to both you and I.


    Fair. Those are good general terms. Let us hash out the specifics, shall we?


    Then she and Baelin began speaking so quickly, Alex could hardly follow them, only picking up the barest bit of a word here and there. But, from what he could gather, they were creating what sounded like a rather lengthy verbal document that wasbyrinthine enough, to make any barrister or magistrate proud.


    Sometimes, Baelin would even stop using words and switch to something that sounded like an advanced mathematical proof: a construct of pure logic that sealed the deal from any loopholes or bad faith misinterpretations.


    Done, Baelin finally said.


    And I. Zonon-In replied. Thenunder the power of this spell and with full knowledge of all boons and penaltiesI seal this pact.


    And I seal this pact as well.


    A colossal wave of magic shifted in the air like some cosmic giant had taken a step.


    Done! The ancient demon and archwizard spoke at the same time.


    It has been a pleasure, horned one, she said. I ask that you summon me again in a weeks time. I shall give you the information you need to begin. After that? Take your time. Whats a few extra years to immortals.


    No more than a few extra grains of sand to the sand dunes, Baelin said. I shall enjoy speaking to you again, Zonon-In. Farewell for now.


    With a wave of his hand, the magic circle red and the greater demon vanished. Then Baelin snapped his fingers, magical light red in the chamber, the firece roared to life and the dark curtains drew back from the windows, flooding the office with moonlight.


    How invigorating! Baelinughed, his eyes zing in triumph. Months of searching resolved! This has truly been a glorious evening. Though, Alex, I am quite surprised you did not ask any questions! I had given you the perfect set up to do s


    He paused, looking at the young wizard closely.


    Are you quite alright? You look positively <em>green.</em>


    Alex was still fighting the urge to be sick.

 The Amazon Launch of Mark of the Fool: Paperback, Audio and Kindle! [+more]

    The Amazon Launch of Mark of the Fool: Paperback, Audio and Kindle! [+more]


    Hello everyone, I just want to thank you all so so much!


    Today is the day!


    Its my great pleasure (and rapidly rising shock/panic) to announce theunch of my debut published novel <strong>Mark of the Fool</strong> Book 1, avable now through Amazons Kindle Unlimited, Paperbackandoh there was something else


    Oh yeah, <strong>as an audiobook narrated </strong>by the great, the almighty <strong>Travis Baldree</strong>, who has narrated such greats as <strong>Primal Hunter, Unbound</strong> and this lil story that you MIGHT have heard of called <strong>Cradle. </strong>He also recorded this amazing trailer found here /watch?v=f-LI3yGFQaA) Im really excited about the audio because Audible is having an amazing cash sale right now!


    It was really lucky the way it happened during myunch, but means that for the next <strong>5 days</strong> you can get the audiobook for <strong>1 credit</strong> or <strong>$8.63 USD </strong>in the current sale (<strong>regr price is 24.95 USD) </strong>so its pretty much the best time to jump into the series on audio.


    You can get it through these links:


    Amazon: https://mybook.to/markofthefool1


    Audible: /pd/B0B6JPQXR6/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-316942&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_316942_rh_us


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    P.S. Also thank you so much, we''ve sold over 70 medallions! Thank you all so much!

 Chapter 395: A Man of Culture...and Planning

    Chapter 395: A Man of Culture...and nning


    Oh, do not be such a prude, Alex! The chancellor rolled his eyes, pouring himself a cup of pineapple juice. He waved the pitcher. Care for a cup?


    The young wizard shook his head. Dont think itd stay down right now.


    You<em> do </em>have such a talent for the dramatic! Baelin snorted in amusement, taking a long sip of his drink.


    Butyou two <em>were</em> flirting? Alex sounded unsettled.


    Well, I most certainly hope so! the ancient wizardughed. Come now, dont tell me that todays youth have lost their zest for such activities and be puritan again, or is your reaction due to my age?


    Alex stared at him.


    I am <em>old</em> but I am not a <em>corpse, </em>after all.


    No, no, its not that! Came the partial lie as he waved his hand and sank deeper into the chair. There was a <em>little</em> bit of what Baelin had suggested going on. A mix of cringe, embarrassment, and icky thoughts were running wild in his head. It almost felt like he was under Zonon-Ins chaos magic again. Its just that, wellshes a demon.


    Baelin raised an eyebrow. You would be surprised at the number of half-fiends in this world. And they doe from <em>somewhere</em>, Alex.


    That brought an image to the young wizards mind that threatened to freeze it mid-thought. He called on every meditation technique he knew to save himself.


    Okay, okay, but this demon tried to kill me! And my friends! heined.


    Oh, bah! Baelin waved a hand. You have to learn to let such things go since todays enemy could very easily be tomorrows ally. As a matter of fact, at one time there was a trend in epic poetry that focused on dangerous enemies growing to be lovers


    BaelinBaelin, you gotta stop. Im literally dying.


    Alex, you are not dying, you are fine. Fine!


    Well, theres likelook atwell, shes a giant!


    Baelin shook his head. Demons, my young friend, are beings of chaos, and greater demons have significant power over such chaos. Remember, they are shapeshifters, though some use the ability more than others. And as for me, I can assume just about any form I damn well please, so the physical barriers you are <em>entertaining</em> are of no concern whatsoever. His face had an innocence to it.


    The image came back into Alexs head. With a vengeance.


    He leaned back on ygon for support. BaelinBaelin, please.


    Bah, make it less fun to torture you and I might consider stopping. the ancient wizards eyes twinkled. But in full disclosure, much of that was an act.


    Alex shuddered. <em>Much</em> of it?


    His mentor shrugged unapologetically. As I said, I am old. Not dead. But still, this works out well for us. In this case, we now have a route to gain information on Hannar-Cim, and it was all done with our guest being none the wiser that there is a n in the works for youand your friends, of courseto y her. Come now, this is a moment to celebrate!


    Iyeah, I guess youre right, Alex took a deep breath, forcing himself to stop thinking about bileand other unpleasantness. He began thinking of the possibilities ahead instead. By the Traveller, I cant believe we actually found a major clue and didnt even <em>need</em> Burn-Saw.


    True, but our search still bore fruit for us, however: it spread word that I was on the hunt for information which was what caused Zonon-In to volunteer what she knew in order to forge a deal with me. Baelin stroked his beard-braids. And this is excellent. It will give you time.


    You mean thirty-three years? Alex asked.


    Oh, goodness, no, Baelin said. I am hoping that we will be ready to move on this mysterious demon and take the knowledge we desire sometime next year.


    Oh, I see. Okay. Alex nodded. But, why next year?


    It is simple. The chancellor swirled the juice at the bottom of his cup and drained it. That''s when we will be ready to fetch the information <em>together</em> if all works out ording to my vision.


    Together?


    Indeed, Baelin said. In short, I think that your connection with this Traveller could be useful when ites to searching for what we need. Not to mention the excellent learning experience it will be for you.


    Alexs eyes lit up. Damn, how many mortals can actually say theyll be going into the Hells? Right now Im terrified, but Im also excited, which means by the time next yeares around, I should be a total wreck. He grinned, rubbing his hands together.


    It will be good for you in particr since you engage in summoning magic as a focus, the chancellor said. Most magic learners would indeed be curious about what its like on a ne that they have learned to summon from.


    Alex considered it. Yeah, I know <em>I</em> am. I wonder what well find? Knowledge, an artefact, maybe just some demon who met Hannar-Cim in passing once? whatever we find, I like the idea of following our clue down there.


    Excellent, then its time for you to get to work. The chancellor poured two cups of juice, this time handing one to Alex without asking.


    The young wizard took the cup. Get to work? OhI guess you mean on growing my power.


    Indeed. If you wish to defeat Zonon-In, you will need a major progression in strength, the ancient wizard said. I would humbly suggest having mastered fifth-tier spells before heading into the lions den, as it were. With ygon, Theresa, and the Heroes, and perhaps members of your cabal at your sideyou might get away with fourth-tier spells. Either way, I would suggest lots of practice and growth.


    Yeah, I get it, Alex said. Ill put in the work. Still, holy shit. what a stroke of good fortune.


    <em>Now</em> you see the bright side! Baelin said. Good show. In the meantime, I will be considering Ezaliel. That is a problem which needs a remedy.


    Yeah, definitelybut I think Ill let you handle that one. The young Thameish wizard grinned and sipped his juice. Oh, by the way, can I ask you some questions?


    Of course. I am a professor. I am meant to answer questions. Most of them, anyway.


    UhAphrometh Alex said. You mentioned them and their temples?


    Oh, that, Baelin chuckled. That was as a result of some of my research on Zonon-In. I discovered that her servants were lurking about the temples of the dead god known as Aphrometh, seeking some artefact of the deceased deitys power.


    Oh, thatthat doesnt sound good, Alex muttered.


    Of course ruins of temples are plundered all the time. Sometimes such ces yield great sources of power. Sometimes they do not. But, that is not relevant to us, though. What <em>is</em> relevant is that I knew her servants were seeking such ces and so I led her where I wanted her to go by mentioning the gods temple. She naturally assumed that I asked her to leave the material ne because I have a vested interest in Aphrometh myself, so with that to upy her attention, she will be less likely to put together that I summoned her to stop her from attacking you.


    He smiled. Information has value, as I said, and there is no reason for me to simply volunteer that you and I have a connection. Let her figure that out herself.


    Right, Alex said. I guess thats another advantage of making a pact instead of cursing her. Shell be less hostile toward you and even less likely to put together that youre associated with what happened in the Crymlyn.


    Precisely. Now what was your other question?


    Well, you used this strange word when you told her not toe back without your permission. Alex scratched his growing whiskers. They were scraggly, but starting to look like the beginning of a real beard. I didnt understand it. Now, Im far from familiar with every dialect in all the nearly-infinite tongues of demons, but I couldnt tell if it was country, continent, kingdom,nd, world or ne. What was it?


    Hmmm, Baelin mused, looking at Alex closely. His eyes seemed to be reading the young mans soul. You know? I think I shall save such a lesson for a different day. There are some things that a young wizard is not quite ready to grapple with. I hope you understand.


    Alex felt a sharp twinge of curiosity, but he knew better than to push.


    Baelin and he had a great rtionship and the ancient wizard gave him a lot of privileges, but there was an unspoken understanding about parameters, and one reason that their rtionship was as good as it was was because he knew when to ask questions, and when not to.


    This was one of the times not to.


    I do, I understand, he said. Well. I guess this is ourst time summoning demons for information.


    Perhaps, however, there might be a need in future. Remember, demons are always creatures of chaos. Baelin said. But for the time being, I will likely use the time to research my new enemies. And how will you spend yours?


    Ill probably use mine researching more summoning magic and trying to solidify my breakthrough to third-tier by learning more spells. Haste would be nice. I can brew haste potions, but itd be better to have more than one path to get there.


    Very wise, Baelin said. But, tonight, we have finished a journey we have been walking for a long while. Go and rx. Celebrate in your own way, though it iste. It is important to acknowledge milestones, or in time, every aplishment will simply be another in a series of endless grey steps.


    Thanks Baelin, Ill do just that, he said. Maybe Ill make Theresa and me a nice dinner if shes up. Selinall probably be asleep by now, though.


    Oh, yes, how <em>is</em> your little sister? Still having struggles with her affinity? the chancellor asked.


    Well, Im not sure. Alex scratched his head. Shes been asking a bunch of questions about fire and heattely, but she wont really say why. I think shes gotten really curious since I told her I put out a fire using another fire.


    Most excellent, I would hate to see another young wizard crippled by something as futile as self-hatred, the chancellor said. Such urrences happen more often than they should, unfortunately. In any case, I will not keep you any longer. Go, take the rest of the night for some recreation.


    Thanks for this, Baelin, Alex said. Really, thank you.


    The chancellor chuckled, then his chuckle grew into a boomingugh. No need to thank me. I <em>am</em> gaining from this too, after all!


    by that do you mean the loot from the other demons? Orsomething else? Alex asked nervously.


    The ancient wizards chuckle turned darker than the night sky. Do you really want to know?


    Nope! Leaving now! Alex cried, running for the door. Lets go, ygon!


    Hed made it halfway when Baelin called out to him.


    It is <em>both</em>, of course! his voice boomed madly.


    Aaaaaaargh! Alex screamed, desperately pulling on the door. You could have left it alone! You didnt have to say that!


    And to think your partners a hunter, have you learned nothing from Theresa? the chancellor chuckled as Alex scrambled into the hall with ygon right behind. What good is the chase if you do not finish off your prey!


    The young wizard mmed the door and fled as Baelinsughter chased him into the night. It only urred to him muchter that the ancient wizard could have easily teleported after him, if he really wanted to keep tormenting him.


    Zonon-Ins words came back; about waiting for when someone least expected an enemy to return. Would Baelin do that?


    He could imagine the ancient wizard biding his time for days, weeks, or even months and then hitting him with the horror of Zonon-In when he least expected it.


    What did I ever do to deserve this? he moaned as he exited the castle and stepped into the moonlight. ygon walked by his side, tightly gripping the war-spear that had once belonged to the demon. Someday soon, he would get a chance to return it to herthough not in the way she wanted.


    Well, buddy, he looked up at ygon. Theresas going to be happy to hear we have a solid lead, and Cedric will probably like the idea of a rematch, a lot.


    He stood still for a bit, looking up at the moon.


    You know, I bet the Heroes reached Alric by now. Makes me wonder if theyll find out something about the Traveller and who knows, maybe <em>theyll</em> find something unexpected too.

 Chapter 396: A Fortified Cavern

    Chapter 396: A Fortified Cavern


    Holy Heroes, its good to have you back with us. The priest bowed to Cedric, Drestra and Hart. ThoughI must say, your presence here is a little irregr.


    The holy man adjusted his spectacles and peered at the three Heroes as though they were obscured in fog. I see you are without your entourage and the Holy Saint this evening, has something dire befallen them? As out of the way as the Travellers Cave is, its rare that news of the goings on in the wider realm reaches us.


    Armour clinked nearby as soldiers leaned in.


    Drestras eyes flicked toward them. There were six standing at attention on either side of the room; she mentally calcted about three paces separating them from her.


    Look at how quickly things have changed. I would have never considered checking the distance between me and the kingdoms soldiers before. She let out a tense breath. And it never wouldve urred to me that they might be here to do someones secret bidding, not help and protect us.


    It was easy to suspect the worst after the revtions about dungeon cores, but also hard to reconcile since they were now in the presence of Uldars priests and these dutiful Thameish soldiers.


    Cedric, Drestra and Hart had arrived at the Cave of the Travellerte in the evening and found it significantly changed. In many ways, it was unrecognisable. Where there once was an unassuming hole in the side of a hill in the middle of the Forest of Coille, now a small fortress of wood, earth and stone stood. Some three hundred or so yards of vegetation had been cleared away from the cave mouth, the trees were milled and the lumber used to erect an intimidating log wall that stretched around the hill.


    A trenchlined with rows of wooden stakes sharp enough to pierce Ravener-spawn, cultists or any other enemy seeking entrance to the cavy in front of it. Two watchtowers soared above either side of the solid gates, each well-staffed by sharp-eyed guards who had immediately ordered the barriers be opened when the three Heroes had appeared. Once inside, the Chosen, Sage and Champion were greeted by soldiers and priests who fawned over them in a way so servile that Drestra longed to be away from their attention.


    The campawash with tents, wooden barracks and guardhouseshad exploded into activity when word spread of the Heroes surprise arrival, and by the time they had been escorted to the fortified office beside the Cave, the head priest was back at his desk still in a nightshirt hidden under a colourful robe.


    Even as he spoke, the expression on his sleep-creased face hinted atsomething like worship.


    All this attention, the Sage thought. But whats behind it? Are you serving us? Or are you puppeting us? She nced up at the dark ceiling. Or are you puppets too? And what happens if your strings are cut?


    The thought of fighting people they were supposed to protectpeople whod helped them before and seemed to have all of their hopes pinned on themsent a pang through her.


    Killing our own people isnt what mother and our kin sent me to do when I was Marked, she thought. Ill do it if I have to, but Id rather it didnte to that.


    Well, we aint got too much news fer yous, Cedric replied to the priest, while Drestra marvelled at how smoothly hed lied. Only a slight stiffness in tone hinted at any tension, and if they didnt spend so much time around each other, she never would have noticed. We had tmeet up wit the Generasians ''cause some trouble cropped up wit them bloody cultists that needed sortin, now we gotta check the Cave just in case.


    Another clink.


    Drestras eyes flicked back to the guards. Two exchanged nces.


    Are you nning something? She wondered. <em>Is</em> there a conspiracy?


    Ah, the Generasians. The priest didnt hide his displeasure. Fancy folk who think theyre too good to let our church aid them. Are they even of any help? As I said, we get very little news here, Holy Heroes.


    Yeah, you could say theyre helping, Harts voice was smooth.


    Well, at least theres that, the priests tone was less than enthusiastic. But why do you have to check the cave? Weve been briefed on the cultist threat, I understood that their activities were mostly confined to the coast.


    Well, thats the thing, Hart said. We want to make sure they dont use some portal out there in the worldone we mightve missedto start ferrying demons into Thamnd without us noticing til its toote.


    What! The priest paled. They can do that?


    Theyre bringing demons from elsewhere in the world and from other nes, Drestra said. We wouldnt want them using a portal and overwhelming us with their armies. So we thought we should be cautious and check the Cave to see if there are any portals we missed. As long as we know whats on the other side of them well be fine.


    So yeah, was the entire Caveplex explored yet, or could there be something down there thats not been ounted for? Hart watched for the rmed priests reaction.


    The man frowned. Not all of it, admittedly. It travels deep into the earth beneath the portal chamber. There are numerous side tunnels down there that might be miles long.


    Drestra and Hart looked at each other.


    We <em>were</em> surveying it, but found monsters and their young settled in different areas down therenot Ravener-spawn mind youand some caves narrowed the deeper we went, so we couldnt chance going further. They need the attention of experienced members of the delvers guild to get through them, he exined. So until that can be arranged, we gated off the deeper tunnels and posted soldiers at their entrances. You, of course, are wee to have a look if you need to.


    He swallowed. Cultists, by Uldar!


    Aye, well get down there nice an quick then an get things all surveyed out fer yous, Cedric assured him.


    That would be a relief. The priest looked at the guards. We''re all at your disposal, of course. Captain, please take your guards and guide Uldars most weed into the lower tunnels.


    Yes, sir! the guard captain snapped to attention. Right this way, Holy Heroes.


    ###


    As you can see, we''ve added some fortifications. A guard indicated as they passed through a thick wooden gate. If Ravener-spawn want this ce, theyll have to bleed for it.


    Things look a lot different than when we were herest, Drestras voice crackled.


    The temple chambers high ceiling loomed above, lit by a sky-portal hovering in the middle of the room. Wherever the sky was, it was night there: moonlight poured through the portal, pooling on the temple floor. The air filling the space was fresh and clean, leaving those in it feeling refreshed and surprisinglyforted.


    What wasntforting was what stood on the two pedestals by therge, stone doors at the back of the chamber. Statues in Udars likeness had been raised on each pedestal, each smiling down with an air of sweet benevolence.


    Drestra took no pleasure in the statues, her jaw hardened behind her veil.


    Whats hiding behind those smiles? She looked away.


    A brief inspection of the floor showed all signs of rubble had been long cleared out, leaving the Thameish gods temple pristine.


    As the guards passed by, they paused, sping their hands in reverence to the statues and bowing their heads before leading the Heroes through the open doors at the back of the chamber and down the stairs to the massive cavern below. Wooden blockades had been built on the wide steps, each guarded by a squad of soldiers wielding crossbows. Ballistas also fortified the winding stairway, each angled upward, positioned to pepper spears or arrow clusters at any invaders foolish enough to charge from the top of the steps.


    If any attackers came from outside, theyd pay a high price in blood while they were trying to break through to the central chamber.


    Were well protected from anythinging from the mouth of the Cave, one of the guards said. by Uldar, we have good defences against anything dropping through the portals, but not extensive enough to repel an entire army. Weve had to deal with beasts on asion, but nothing more dangerous than that so far.


    Hart looked at the guard sharply. Beasts?


    Oh yes, another guard spoke up as they reached the bottom of the stairs. Strange creatures: predators Ive never seen or heard of before. Im guessing theye from different ces all over the world.


    Holy Heroes, have you heard about the exploration talks? the guard captain asked.


    Exploration talks? Drestra said, feeling the strange mana tickling the air as they approached the enormous, portal-filled cavern. Whats that about?


    Ive only heard rumours, the captain continued. You know, my pay grades not high enough for specifics, but there was a big argument between Baron Arturiushes the local bigwig lord, by the waysome of the priests, and certain representatives of the king.


    Oh, I remember that, another guard joined in. There sure was a lotta shouting <em>that</em> night. All kinds of talk about rights to this, exploration that,w this, and so on. Rumours say they want to fund folk to go exploring <em>through</em> the portals, butmand wants to wait until the wars done. No need stirring up new enemies, if we dont have to.


    Aye, thas all we need, I mean Cedric paused. Oh.


    Drestra stifled a gasp and Hart was silent.


    Theyd stepped into the immense cavern; the portal chamber. It was now a fortress.


    Dozens of portals shone in the air, each leading to a scene of strange wildernesses, burning wastnds, or breathtaking waterscapes. The portals were familiar, but the dozens of fortifications carved into the surrounding stone werent.


    A scaled-down parapetpatrolled by scores of protectors; archers, priests, and even court wizards deployed from the capitalhad been chiselled from the rock running along the spiralling path leading deeper into the earth. Ballistas were strategically positioned, pointing at specific portals. It seemed the soldiers were ready for predators or anything else uninvited that wandered into the cavern.


    Yet, what really drew Drestras attention wasnt any fortification, it was an inviting stone shrineshining with divine lightstanding where the Travellers body oncey. As the Sage took in the details of the Travellers shrine, her senses felt the Caves unique mana.


    It wasforting, warming and weing her, and fora few peaceful moments, she was lost in it as it pushed away her inner turmoil.


    God, church, kingdom she thought. All of it feels insignificant here. Ironic, considering this ce was once a Saints. If only mother and the others could be heretheydtheyd


    She frowned.


    Why did the Caves power have a familiar feel to it? It hadnt felt like this thest time they were here. Whats changed?


    We built this up good, a guard interrupted her thoughts, leading them deeper into the earth. We had to after that forest beast crawled out of a portal. Nasty thing. Killed some good folk, I hear. I wasnt here at the time, though. Back then, we were still stationed in Alric. He looked at another guard.


    Right after that, some of us got called to help shore up the Caves forces, and weve been here ever since. Maybe Command forgot about us, eh? He punched hispanion on the shoulder. Well, at least its an interesting post. Portals are really something to look at.


    Hart was peering into the deep shadows at the bottom of the cavern. Whats down there?


    Youll see soon enough.


    ###


    It was a long trek<strong></strong>to the bottom of the cavern andby the time the Heroes and soldiers finished the triplight from the portals high above was barely visible. The guards provided illumination from small candles in metalnterns on their belts, while Cedric and Drestra cast forceballs to brighten the way.


    In the glow of flickering me and magic, they reached onestextremely well-fortifiedguard station. Two dozen soldiers, three priests and a Thameish wizard all garrisoned the station, with several sentries keeping watch on a number of tunnels.


    The caverns lowest level was honebed with passageways going off in all directions into the pitch-ck beyond. Most were sealed by heavy gates whose massive hinges were secured in stone, but there were three barricaded so thoroughly, it would take a battering ram at least the size of a mature tree to break them down.


    These are the tunnels we havent finished exploring yet, the guard captain pointed. Monsters, tight spaces, potential cave-ins, or all three, take your poison.


    Then thats where well be lookin, Cedric said, eyeing the barricades. Hmmmm, if theres potential for a cave-in, we better not all go down the same tunnel.


    Yeah, Hart agreed. If someone gets trapped down there, the others can still help.


    Sounds reasonable, Drestra said.


    Oh, but you cant each go off by yourselves, one of the guards said. Let two of us escort each of you.


    The Heroes looked at each other, their faces unreadable.


    Well, can''t really see a reason to refuse, Hart said.


    Aye, Cedric agreed.


    Drestra didnt answer, letting her silence stand as her agreement. She didnt want anyone apanying her, but there was no subtle way to refuse the guards offer.


    So, in the end, two guards were paired with each Hero andas misfortune would have it, she got the two chattiest ones.


    Well, if were going into the breach together, I suppose wed best introduce ourselves proper, one of the guards said. The names Peter.


    The other guard smiled. And Im Paul.

 Chapter 397: A Confluence of Luck

    Chapter 397: A Confluence of Luck


    Holy Heroes, its good to have you back with us. The priest bowed to Cedric, Drestra and Hart. ThoughI must say, your presence here is a little irregr.


    The holy man adjusted his spectacles and peered at the three Heroes as though they were obscured in fog. I see you are without your entourage and the Holy Saint this evening, has something dire befallen them? As out of the way as the Travellers Cave is, its rare that news of the goings on in the wider realm reaches us.


    Armour clinked nearby as soldiers leaned in.


    Drestras eyes flicked toward them. There were six standing at attention on either side of the room; she mentally calcted about three paces separating them from her.


    Look at how quickly things have changed. I would have never considered checking the distance between me and the kingdoms soldiers before. She let out a tense breath. And it never wouldve urred to me that they might be here to do someones secret bidding, not help and protect us.


    It was easy to suspect the worst after the revtions about dungeon cores, but also hard to reconcile since they were now in the presence of Uldars priests and these dutiful Thameish soldiers.


    Cedric, Drestra and Hart had arrived at the Cave of the Travellerte in the evening and found it significantly changed. In many ways, it was unrecognisable. Where there once was an unassuming hole in the side of a hill in the middle of the Forest of Coille, now a small fortress of wood, earth and stone stood. Some three hundred or so yards of vegetation had been cleared away from the cave mouth, the trees were milled and the lumber used to erect an intimidating log wall that stretched around the hill.


    A trenchlined with rows of wooden stakes sharp enough to pierce Ravener-spawn, cultists or any other enemy seeking entrance to the cavy in front of it. Two watchtowers soared above either side of the solid gates, each well-staffed by sharp-eyed guards who had immediately ordered the barriers be opened when the three Heroes had appeared. Once inside, the Chosen, Sage and Champion were greeted by soldiers and priests who fawned over them in a way so servile that Drestra longed to be away from their attention.


    The campawash with tents, wooden barracks and guardhouseshad exploded into activity when word spread of the Heroes surprise arrival, and by the time they had been escorted to the fortified office beside the Cave, the head priest was back at his desk still in a nightshirt hidden under a colourful robe.


    Even as he spoke, the expression on his sleep-creased face hinted atsomething like worship.


    All this attention, the Sage thought. But whats behind it? Are you serving us? Or are you puppeting us? She nced up at the dark ceiling. Or are you puppets too? And what happens if your strings are cut?


    The thought of fighting people they were supposed to protectpeople whod helped them before and seemed to have all of their hopes pinned on themsent a pang through her.


    Killing our own people isnt what mother and our kin sent me to do when I was Marked, she thought. Ill do it if I have to, but Id rather it didnte to that.


    Well, we aint got too much news fer yous, Cedric replied to the priest, while Drestra marvelled at how smoothly hed lied. Only a slight stiffness in tone hinted at any tension, and if they didnt spend so much time around each other, she never would have noticed. We had tmeet up wit the Generasians ''cause some trouble cropped up wit them bloody cultists that needed sortin, now we gotta check the Cave just in case.


    Another clink.


    Drestras eyes flicked back to the guards. Two exchanged nces.


    Are you nning something? She wondered. <em>Is</em> there a conspiracy?


    Ah, the Generasians. The priest didnt hide his displeasure. Fancy folk who think theyre too good to let our church aid them. Are they even of any help? As I said, we get very little news here, Holy Heroes.


    Yeah, you could say theyre helping, Harts voice was smooth.


    Well, at least theres that, the priests tone was less than enthusiastic. But why do you have to check the cave? Weve been briefed on the cultist threat, I understood that their activities were mostly confined to the coast.


    Well, thats the thing, Hart said. We want to make sure they dont use some portal out there in the worldone we mightve missedto start ferrying demons into Thamnd without us noticing til its toote.


    What! The priest paled. They can do that?


    Theyre bringing demons from elsewhere in the world and from other nes, Drestra said. We wouldnt want them using a portal and overwhelming us with their armies. So we thought we should be cautious and check the Cave to see if there are any portals we missed. As long as we know whats on the other side of them well be fine.


    So yeah, was the entire Caveplex explored yet, or could there be something down there thats not been ounted for? Hart watched for the rmed priests reaction.


    The man frowned. Not all of it, admittedly. It travels deep into the earth beneath the portal chamber. There are numerous side tunnels down there that might be miles long.


    Drestra and Hart looked at each other.


    We <em>were</em> surveying it, but found monsters and their young settled in different areas down therenot Ravener-spawn mind youand some caves narrowed the deeper we went, so we couldnt chance going further. They need the attention of experienced members of the delvers guild to get through them, he exined. So until that can be arranged, we gated off the deeper tunnels and posted soldiers at their entrances. You, of course, are wee to have a look if you need to.


    He swallowed. Cultists, by Uldar!


    Aye, well get down there nice an quick then an get things all surveyed out fer yous, Cedric assured him.


    That would be a relief. The priest looked at the guards. We''re all at your disposal, of course. Captain, please take your guards and guide Uldars most weed into the lower tunnels.


    Yes, sir! the guard captain snapped to attention. Right this way, Holy Heroes.


    ###


    As you can see, we''ve added some fortifications. A guard indicated as they passed through a thick wooden gate. If Ravener-spawn want this ce, theyll have to bleed for it.


    Things look a lot different than when we were herest, Drestras voice crackled.


    The temple chambers high ceiling loomed above, lit by a sky-portal hovering in the middle of the room. Wherever the sky was, it was night there: moonlight poured through the portal, pooling on the temple floor. The air filling the space was fresh and clean, leaving those in it feeling refreshed and surprisinglyforted.


    What wasntforting was what stood on the two pedestals by therge, stone doors at the back of the chamber. Statues in Udars likeness had been raised on each pedestal, each smiling down with an air of sweet benevolence.


    Drestra took no pleasure in the statues, her jaw hardened behind her veil.


    Whats hiding behind those smiles? She looked away.


    A brief inspection of the floor showed all signs of rubble had been long cleared out, leaving the Thameish gods temple pristine.


    As the guards passed by, they paused, sping their hands in reverence to the statues and bowing their heads before leading the Heroes through the open doors at the back of the chamber and down the stairs to the massive cavern below. Wooden blockades had been built on the wide steps, each guarded by a squad of soldiers wielding crossbows. Ballistas also fortified the winding stairway, each angled upward, positioned to pepper spears or arrow clusters at any invaders foolish enough to charge from the top of the steps.


    If any attackers came from outside, theyd pay a high price in blood while they were trying to break through to the central chamber.


    Were well protected from anythinging from the mouth of the Cave, one of the guards said. by Uldar, we have good defences against anything dropping through the portals, but not extensive enough to repel an entire army. Weve had to deal with beasts on asion, but nothing more dangerous than that so far.


    Hart looked at the guard sharply. Beasts?


    Oh yes, another guard spoke up as they reached the bottom of the stairs. Strange creatures: predators Ive never seen or heard of before. Im guessing theye from different ces all over the world.


    Holy Heroes, have you heard about the exploration talks? the guard captain asked.


    Exploration talks? Drestra said, feeling the strange mana tickling the air as they approached the enormous, portal-filled cavern. Whats that about?


    Ive only heard rumours, the captain continued. You know, my pay grades not high enough for specifics, but there was a big argument between Baron Arturiushes the local bigwig lord, by the waysome of the priests, and certain representatives of the king.


    Oh, I remember that, another guard joined in. There sure was a lotta shouting <em>that</em> night. All kinds of talk about rights to this, exploration that,w this, and so on. Rumours say they want to fund folk to go exploring <em>through</em> the portals, butmand wants to wait until the wars done. No need stirring up new enemies, if we dont have to.


    Aye, thas all we need, I mean Cedric paused. Oh.


    Drestra stifled a gasp and Hart was silent.


    Theyd stepped into the immense cavern; the portal chamber. It was now a fortress.


    Dozens of portals shone in the air, each leading to a scene of strange wildernesses, burning wastnds, or breathtaking waterscapes. The portals were familiar, but the dozens of fortifications carved into the surrounding stone werent.


    A scaled-down parapetpatrolled by scores of protectors; archers, priests, and even court wizards deploy


    Is this what its like to be in a dungeon? Peter whispered. All dark and spooky like this?


    Oooooo, spooky, Paul whispered back in a creepy voice. He angled hismp below his chin, giving himself a ghoulish look. Theyreing to get you, Peter.


    Oi, dont even joke about that, the other guard said, looking over his shoulder at the tunnel behind them. Beyond Drestras forceball light, the passage became a thick wall of endless darkness. Last thing I wants for some monster toe sneaking up behind us: Ravener-spawn or not.


    And thats how its not like being in a dungeon, the Sages voice crackled through the dark, startling both men. In a dungeon, wed either be under attack by now, or we wouldve just fended off an attack so Ravener-spawn could surprise us with another one.


    Peter and Pauls eyes widened.


    Hey, remember when we were arresting folk for brawling, drunkenness and rotten eggs? Peter asked Paul.


    Oh <em>those</em> were the simple days, werent they? Paul said. None of this endless monster shit.


    Drestra paused, looking at Peter. Rotten eggs? You arrested someone for rotten eggs?


    Thats a bit of a story, he said.


    Then itll have to wait, she said, turning back to the darkness of the tunnel. Even if this isnt a dungeon, you said there were monsters down here?


    Oh, aye, there were monsters, Paul said. Or so they said. Beast-goblins.<strong></strong>And<strong></strong>there were a lot of them.


    I wonder what they eat down here, Peter whispered. Maybe mushrooms, bugs and such.


    I think theyd like a nice nk off a loud guard. Paul smirked.


    Then theyll go for you first. Peter retorted. Youre fatter than me. More tender.


    Shut up you, youre embarrassing us in front of a bloody Hero, Paul hissed.


    Drestra didnt mind their talk. The more distracted they were, the more opportunity she had to examine their surroundings for cluesclues they might miss. She just wished she knew what she was looking for.


    The tunnel reached into the earth, always curving to the left like it was slowly spiralling downward. The walls were surprisingly smooth and felt like a dungeon in some ways: it didnt feel hand carved, or naturally worn by the passage of time or water, it looked more like it had been shaped through magic, or even divinity.


    Do you know anything about these tunnels? the Sage asked.


    Uh, anything specific? Paul cut off another whispered retort he was about to give Peter.


    Did yourmanders say whether or not these caves were natural?


    There was a bit of talk about that, Peter said. Most think the Traveller herself carved them with her power, but others think the wall texture mightve been from the dungeon that formed here. He made the sign of Uldar over his chest. Thank the Traveller that she destroyed the monsters, even in death. If a horde of Silence- spiders attacked Alric


    thered be no more Alric, Paul finished. Lots of people who were fleeing to the ships wouldve been killed too


    He paused, and Drestra could <em>feel</em> him struggling with something he wanted to say.


    Er, you said you had dealings with the Generasians? Paul asked. Did you spend a lot of time down there?


    The Sage frowned, her attention shifting to the two guards, sharpening to a razors edge. Slowly, she turned to face them, reptilian eyes narrowing. Tension grew, both guards seemed to notice; their movements tensed as they met her gaze.


    Are they digging for information? she wondered. How much do they know? Are they part of a bigger plot?


    Her mana red.


    Are they supposed to be pretending to guide me, but are <em>really</em> here to silence me?


    Drestra counted the steps between her and them, calcting whether she could get a spell off before they lowered their spears. If magic failed


    Her eyes measured the ceiling height.


    Too low.


    No way for her to


    Well, its probably a long shot, but Paul cleared his throat. But since youve met with folk from that big, fancy ceI was wondering if you happened toe across a young Thameishd by the name of Alex Roth? He sucked in his gut. Tall, gangly fe. Likes bad jokes and thinks himself clever.


    Drestra stared at the pair, confused.


    Or a young woman named Theresa Lu, Peter added. Dark hair, ferocious look on her face most of the time, like a bear thats been stung by a nest of bees.


    Has herself this big, scary, three-headed dog, Paul jumped back in. Friendly to most, but hes a bear-killer. About the size of a pony.


    The Sage continued to stare at them, her jaw dropping behind her veil.


    Oh! Oh! And theyd have a little girl with them. Peter raised a hand like he was trying to catch the teachers attention in church school. No older than tenno wait, maybe shed be twelve by now? By Uldar, has it already been more than a year? In any case, have you met any of them? I figure at least the dog would leave an impression. Theyre from our town and


    Wait, youre <em>from</em> Alric?


    Born and bred, the both of us, Peter said with pride. Anyway, that bunch was going


    Drestra suddenly burst intoughter so hard, both guards jumped a foot.


    It had the sound of dry twigs snapping.


    Oh for the sake of reason, Drestra! Come on, really? A plot? These two? She remembered how theyd reacted in the priests office when the Generasians were mentioned. You must be losing your mind. You cant start jumping at shadows!


    The Sage keptughing at herselfalmost delirious with reliefshe doubled over with one hand on a knee, and the other holding her fluttering veil in ce.


    The two guards were looking at each other in the way folk often do when confronted with a strange and unpredictable creature. They took a few steps back.


    Uh, Paul cleared his throat. You uhyou alright there, Holy Sage?


    Im fine, forgive me, she apologised after a few more moments of uncontrobleughter before she could finally straighten up and wipe tears away. Apologies, I mightve caused a cave-in,ughing like that!


    Oh, this tunnels stable, Holy Sage, Peter said. Its justyou knowinfested with beast-goblins. A lot of beast-goblins. And maybe a lot of other monsters.


    And I mightve attracted them all? Drestra asked, suddenly feeling light. Giddy, even. To think shed been frightened at something so <em>simple!</em> I must apologise again. I shouldve kept more control over myself.


    Oh, uh wellI guess we all need a goodugh sometimes? Paul offered, in the sort of gentle tone one might use if they were questioning anothers sanity.


    Yeah, I meanmaybe we just said something that would be a funny joke to someone from Crymlyn Swamp, Peter suggested. Theres no ounting for the humour of strangers. Er! Not to say, youre a stranger, Holy Sage, or anything


    Its alright, its alright. Drestra waved her hand, turning back toward the dark tunnel ahead. And could you hold that thought for a moment?


    Oh, sure, Paul elbowed Peter in his ribs, shooting him a hard re. There was a slight clink of armour against armour. Did we offend?


    No, I just need to concentrate, Drestra said lightly, preparing to chant a spell. Were about to be attacked, after all.


    Wait, what? both guards asked as one.


    Screams were their answer. From around the corner ahead, a horde of beast goblins tore past a jutting wall shrieking and howling like the Ravener itself was behind them. They charged straight for the Sage and guards, eyes wild, and fangs bared, starved for blood and flesh.


    They were instead offered their fill of lightning and me, and the relievedughter of a half-delirious Hero.


    ###


    You hear someoneughing? a guard apanying the Chosen whispered. Sounded like a ghost.


    Maybe its the Travellers spirit or some other lost soul trapped down here, the other whispered back. Oh, Uldar guard our spirits.


    Ahead of them, Cedric fought to keep a straight face realising that there were smaller tunnels connecting the passageways, since the deliriousughtering from the right, was being made by Drestras crackling voice.


    Be bloody well more believable if it <em>were</em> a ghost, he thought, gripping the haft of his morphic weapon. Didnt think she could evenugh, never mind like that


    His brow creased.


    Matter of fact, aint it more believable that its a bloody ghost? Mimickin her bloody voice? he thought.


    His expression was grim as he offered a silent prayer to Uldar and felt the holy energy spreading over his weapon, sheathing it in divine power as he watched.


    Callin on him dont feel natural like it used to, the Chosens spirits were low. At least hes still lendin me his power, even if hes up tsomethin.


    Cedric raised his spear and walked cautiously into the dark, poised to strike ghosts or anything else lurking there with his and Uldars power.


    Hart paused, listening toughter echoing in the distance. Behind him, the two guards drew their swords and mmed down their visors.


    Huh, the Champion thought. Drestras finally gone mad. Well, it was just a matter of time I guess.


    Shrugging, he continued leading his escort into the darkness.


    The Sage dusted off her hands while stepping over piles of beast-goblin and agarici bodies. Thetter were colossal, lumbering, humanoid-like fungi with shocking power behind their blows: blows that felt like they came from a sledgehammer, but were still no match for Drestras own power.


    Well, would you look at that, Peter lifted his visor, gaping in amazement. Almost feel sorry for those bloody Ravener-spawn that have to face you.


    I wouldnt go that far. Paul poked one of the smoking mushrooms. Im just d I was <em>behind</em> all that magicy stuff, and not in front of it.


    It looks like the beast-goblins were feeding on the agarici, the Sage noted stepping past thest corpse. A nce at one of the mushroom-creatures sucker shaped mouths revealed a scrap of something green clinging to it. Or maybe it was the other way around.


    Well, now worms will be feeding on all of them, if we leave them here, Paul said. When we get back, well put in a request to have them taken away. The air could turn nasty if we leave them rotting down here.


    They already stink, cant imagine how bad itll be if we just left em, Peters nostrils red.


    Lets move on, Drestra said, ready for what came, monsters or whatever else they might uncover as they kept going.


    Right you are, Holy Sage, Peter said, following her down the tunnel, hisntern held high, candlelight dappling the walls.


    Irritation red. That Holy Sage business had been irritating even <em>before</em> shed learned that this whole thing could be built on a foundation of secrets and lies.


    Now, it made her want to heave.


    Drestra, she corrected the guard.


    Mm?


    No need for all that Holy Sage business, she said. Just call me Drestra.


    The two guards looked taken aback for a moment.


    Alright, HolEr, Drestra, Peter finally said. After what you just did to those monsters, Id call you queen if that wasnt probably treason. Is that treason, Paul?


    How should I know? Paul sounded mildly annoyed. Anyway, no ones going to be around to hear you creep out Drestra when you call her queen, so go right ahead. Call the powerful mage weird names, mate. Just let me step back into the tunnel about a hundred paces or so.


    Drestra gave another crackling chuckle as they walked along. Oh, that reminds me, I <em>did </em>meet a Theresa Lu with the Generasians and, indeed, I met her boyfriend: Alex Roth, and her big dog Brutus! I havent met the little sister, though.


    Well thatsWait, boyfriend? Hah! Paul chuckled. Well it finally happened, did it?


    What finally happened? Peter asked.


    Oi, what good is a guard who has less eyes than sense, Paul red at him. Those twove been making goo-goo eyes at each other for years.


    Well, <em>Paul</em>, unlike you, I dont go paying attention to every teenager in town making goo-goo eyes at each other! Now whos the bloody creep? Maybe I should be stepping a hundred yards away from <em>you. </em>Anyway. He smiled warmly. Good for those two. d something positive came out of all that mess. Theresas mum and dad told us that the four of them went ahead so Alex could reach that fancy magic university. Hah, nice to hear hes having a good time. He deserves it since he got such a bloody rough birthday gift.


    Hm? Drestra cocked her head. Birthday gift?


    Yeah, Paul grunted. The boy has the worst luck. First there was what happened to his mum and dad. And then the Raveneres back on his eighteenth birthday, right as he gets his inheritance. Got fired too, but I think that mightve been his own doing!


    Oh? Drestra frowned. Fired from wha


    Her mind ground to a halt.


    Wait <em>When</em> did you say his birthday was?


    ed from the capitalhad been chiselled from the rock running along the spiralling path leading deeper into the earth. Ballistas were strategically positioned, pointing at specific portals. It seemed the soldiers were ready for predators or anything else uninvited that wandered into the cavern.


    Yet, what really drew Drestras attention wasnt any fortification, it was an inviting stone shrineshining with divine lightstanding where the Travellers body oncey. As the Sage took in the details of the Travellers shrine, her senses felt the Caves unique mana.


    It wasforting, warming and weing her, and fora few peaceful moments, she was lost in it as it pushed away her inner turmoil.


    God, church, kingdom she thought. All of it feels insignificant here. Ironic, considering this ce was once a Saints. If only mother and the others could be heretheydtheyd


    She frowned.


    Why did the Caves power have a familiar feel to it? It hadnt felt like this thest time they were here. Whats changed?


    We built this up good, a guard interrupted her thoughts, leading them deeper into the earth. We had to after that forest beast crawled out of a portal. Nasty thing. Killed some good folk, I hear. I wasnt here at the time, though. Back then, we were still stationed in Alric. He looked at another guard.


    Right after that, some of us got called to help shore up the Caves forces, and weve been here ever since. Maybe Command forgot about us, eh? He punched hispanion on the shoulder. Well, at least its an interesting post. Portals are really something to look at.


    Hart was peering into the deep shadows at the bottom of the cavern. Whats down there?


    Youll see soon enough.


    ###


    It was a long trek<strong></strong>to the bottom of the cavern andby the time the Heroes and soldiers finished the triplight from the portals high above was barely visible. The guards provided illumination from small candles in metalnterns on their belts, while Cedric and Drestra cast forceballs to brighten the way.


    In the glow of flickering me and magic, they reached onestextremely well-fortifiedguard station. Two dozen soldiers, three priests and a Thameish wizard all garrisoned the station, with several sentries keeping watch on a number of tunnels.


    The caverns lowest level was honebed with passageways going off in all directions into the pitch-ck beyond. Most were sealed by heavy gates whose massive hinges were secured in stone, but there were three barricaded so thoroughly, it would take a battering ram at least the size of a mature tree to break them down.


    These are the tunnels we havent finished exploring yet, the guard captain pointed. Monsters, tight spaces, potential cave-ins, or all three, take your poison.


    Then thats where well be lookin, Cedric said, eyeing the barricades. Hmmmm, if theres potential for a cave-in, we better not all go down the same tunnel.


    Yeah, Hart agreed. If someone gets trapped down there, the others can still help.


    Sounds reasonable, Drestra said.


    Oh, but you cant each go off by yourselves, one of the guards said. Let two of us escort each of you.


    The Heroes looked at each other, their faces unreadable.


    Well, can''t really see a reason to refuse, Hart said.


    Aye, Cedric agreed.


    Drestra didnt answer, letting her silence stand as her agreement. She didnt want anyone apanying her, but there was no subtle way to refuse the guards offer.


    So, in the end, two guards were paired with each Hero andas misfortune would have it, she got the two chattiest ones.


    Well, if were going into the breach together, I suppose wed best introduce ourselves proper, one of the guards said. The names Peter.


    The other guard smiled. And Im Paul.

 Chapter 398: Links in the Chain of Destiny

    Chapter 398: Links in the Chain of Destiny


    It was the same time the Ravener came back, Paul said, shaking his head. Turned eighteen that very day and thenthat eveningwe heard that the Heroes were marked and a new Ravener cycle was starting.


    Alexs eighteenth birthday was the same day the Ravener came backthe day the Heroes got marked? Drestras brows rose.


    Oh yeah, Peter said. Was a nasty coincidence, that. d he got out when he did. I dont know if ya know this, but he and his sister have had enough bad in their young lives with what happened to their folks in that fire, and all. The poord had been working himself to the bone for a nice future and then bam, the day hes grown to thew, is the day all hell breaks out in Thamnd. So, its good hes finally catching a break and now things are going his way for a change. Howd you meet them?


    Silence followed.


    Everything alright? Paul asked. Are more monstersing down the tunnel?


    Hm? Drestra shook her head. No, I was just thinking. Anyway, I can confirm that hes doing well. Hes studying at the university in Generasi. Hes gottenpowerful with magic. Her mind crawled over the times shed seen him cast spells. He even made a golem.


    Oh, Paul said. Thats nice, I suppose. Er, whats a golem, Peter?


    How should I know? Peter hissed. Well, good to hear hes getting all fancy. Maybe helle back to Alric, set up some kind of wizards tower and help folks in town with his magic.


    Oh,e on, Peter, Paul said with disdain. You know half the young folk who learn a bloody <em>trade</em> donte back to Alric. Do you really think a fancy wizards going toe back? Thatd be fooli He paused, then suddenly broke intoughter.


    You know whats funny, Drestra? He asked.


    The Sages mind continued turning over memories of when shed first met Alex, Theresa and their friends. In truth, she liked Theresa the most of their groupthey had a lot inmonbut Alex was the one who got her to open up about things shed buried for months.


    Her frustrations.


    Worries.


    All of her desires, when it came to ending the war once and for all.


    All hade pouring out like someone had punched a hole in a full rain barrel. It was like hed known exactly what to say to her.


    After we met the Generasians, she thought. The stress of everything seemed a little easier to bear. I got along better with Hart and Cedric. We even started working more like a team, its not perfect, but were not working against each other either. And, when Alex was around giving strategy suggestions, we really fought well together. Its true that he and his friends were trained by Baelin, butit was almost like a missing piece was slotted into ce.


    Drestra, you alright? Paul asked.


    Hm, yes! the Sage pulled her mind back to the present. What..what was so funny?


    Heh, well, you know, the guard from Alric chuckled. Maybe you had to be there, but I remember telling that boy: <em>Act the fool long enough and youll get the fools mark</em>, and I was pointing right at that ugly face on the Fool statue in the fountain in town. Could you imagine if that had happened?


    He snorted. About to go to wizard university and then he loses his chance because the Fool cant do magic? Itd be a tragedy. Shit, I wouldve felt terrible. You know, maybe thats not as funny as I thought it was.


    Nice going, Peter, the other guard muttered. Now, quit ppin your jaws. Look.


    He pointed to a symbol carved in the stone wall ahead lightly illuminated by Drestras forceball. Theres the marker from the first survey team. Were down as as deep as they made it before the monsters got too thick to fight through,


    The guard pped down his visor. From here on, weve got no idea what well find. Best be on our toes.


    Yeah, Paul agreed. Dont wanna end up dead down here in the dark like those monsters.


    Dont worry, Drestra said. Ill protect you.


    Alex and Theresa had shown how far theyd go to help <em>her</em> people, even risking their own lives, so she wasnt about to let anything happen to folk from <em>their</em> hometown. She had a duty to them.


    And so the trio went quiet with the Sage fixed on their surroundings.


    She needed her focus, but try as she might, her thoughts drifted back to Alex Roth. All of Cedrics musings about something being off with him came back to her.


    Cedric kept saying how he found it odd that the chitterer dungeon seemed to focus on Alex, didn''t he? I remember some talk about that. But, him being the Fool doesnt make sense? He can cast magic. He built a golem. Ive seen him fight


    She hesitated.


    Had she seen him fight?


    She remembered their first battle together, the one above the two dungeons in Greymoor. Their fight with the cultists and demons patrolling Crymlyn Swamp when theyd grabbed Llyworn and Rhodri to question them. And the tail-end of the fight against that greater demon Zonon-In in the Skull Pits.


    Her mind sifted through details of each fight, carefully.


    She startled at a revtion.


    Didhas he <em>ever</em> cast abat spell that you saw? She brought to mind every memory of him spellcasting that she had. Ya, he did. He used those potions to make things fly around and rip themselves apart. butthats not really abat spell is it?


    The more she thought, the more she realised: shed never actually seen him cast force missile, or any fire or lightning spells, or <em>any </em>directbat spells for that matter. In three battlesall deadlyhe hadnt cast a singlebat spell once?


    Why not?


    As a matter of fact she thought back to the times shed seen him. I dont remember him ever carrying a weapon? His whole cabll his friends carry weapons. Even Isolde has her dagger. He looks like a fighter, hes all muscle, hes got all that strength, and hes fast too. Yet he doesnt even have a short sword to defend himself with?


    It made no sense. His entire group carries weapons, some more than one, or they use battle magic. Howe he only carries potions, ropes and tools?


    And has he ever <em>hurt</em> anything directly, anything that Ive seen. I dont think Ive even seen him wound somethingwait. Those potions, they rip things apart. Thats definitely using a weapon. And the Fool cant fightor hurt living things. Or use magic for that matter!


    She shook her head, trying to stop the stream of contradictory thoughts running through her mind.


    Alright, there were some odd, suspicious things going on with Alexlike him seeming to appear before everyone else whenever they were teleportedbut, it was a historical fact that the Fool couldnt use spellcraft, divinity, or fight.


    And Alex fought.


    Shed also<em> seen</em> him cast spells.


    And thats why youre being crazy, Drestra, she told herself. Being distrustful like Cedric was after you first went to the encampment. Put this idiocy out of your mind and focus. Youre down here to look for clues, not focus on silly coincidences, like Alex being born on the same day as you and the others. Lots of people are born on the same day.


    She chuckled softly. In the end, it''s a historical fact, she thought. Alex cantbethe Fool.


    Her steps slowed.


    Her breath did too.


    The Fool was useless. The Fool couldnt fight, use spellcraft or divinity. That was a historical fact. A historical fact. A historicalfact? But where did she get that fact from? Who was spouting that truth?


    The church, she thought. It came from the church. <em>Theyre</em> who said the Fool cant use spellcraft, divinity or fight. Ive never met any Fools. Arent I here looking for clues because the churchor Uldaris <em>hiding</em> things?


    She re-examined her assumptions.


    All of them.


    What if what she knew about the Fool was wrong? Orif not outright wrongthen iplete? What would that mean?


    Let me think about this. Leaving all the Fools limitations out of it. Peter and Paul said Alex had his birthday on the day the Ravener came back. So, what does he do? He, Theresa, his sister and Brutus <em>immediately</em> get out of Alric. Get out of Thamnd.


    She frowned, thinking back on what the guards had said.


    Theresas family left <em>after </em>Alex and their daughter? Why? Why wouldnt they travel together? Theres safety in numbers, and Theresas a warrior. Shouldnt they have been travelling together to protect each other? But, no, he and she left first. And then what happened?


    Her frown deepened, thinking back to the story Cedric told when shed first met Alex at the Generasi encampment. Cedric went to the Cave of the Traveller by himself. He killed the horde of Silence-spiders that were gathering there and hunted for thest one. Then he met Alex, and the others.


    Moving through the dark, she tried keeping her mind on where they were heading while listening for threats, but a part of her brain was hooked on solving the puzzle now.


    She couldnt let it go, not just yet.


    Then Cedric left them, met up with us, and we came back together, she thought. The dungeon core was already destroyed when we got here. There <em>were</em> worker Silence-spiders, but they were all dead. Burnt to a crisp.


    She recalled the scorch-lines ygons fire-gems left when he fired them. Werent they simr to some theyd seen in the Cave?


    But ygon didnt exist then, Peter and Paul didnt even know what a golem was, and they definitely wouldve mentioned him if hed been around. No one misses ygon. So maybe something else happened to those spiders. We thought it was the Travellers power destroying the dungeon, but the armys been here for months and she hasnt done anything to help them, even when they were attacked by beast-goblins and the like.


    The Sage took a deep breath. Suppose I was the one who was marked as the Fool and lived in Alric and wanted to get away from Thamnd. Suppose I knew that the priests had a barrier over thend that stops Ravener-spawn from leavingand can also detect a Heros Mark. What would I do?


    The answer came immediately.


    If I was desperate, which I would be, Id try and leave through one of the portals in the Cave.


    Things were adding up.


    Certain other things might be exined.


    Banning the priests from going into the Generasians territory, she thought. If someone on the research team <em>was</em> the Foollike Alexthen a ban would make Greymoor the perfect ce for them to hide, thats if he was mad enough toe back to Thamnd. If I was the Fool, Id be long gone: even if I had to hide in the Irtyshenan Empire.


    She felt the Travellers mana above as they continued through the dimly-lit tunnel.


    And lets say Alex is the Fool and he dide through the Caveif he found dungeon core remains and took them with him, then thatd exin <em>why</em> the Generasians started the expedition in the first ce. All this time, no ones been able to understand how they knew that dungeon core remains were valuable. But thisthis fits.


    Still, in the end, all she was doing was thinking of different scenarios in the dark, when she shouldve been paying attention to their surroundings. She had to put it aside for now.


    But she had reached a decision.


    No more secrets, she thought. Im tired of them. Im going to get him alone and ask him directly the next time we meet and Ill watch his reaction. Thats the only way Ill know for sure. And if he <em>is</em> the Fool, thenIll is the Travellers mana getting stronger?


    Hold on for a second, Drestra stopped and raised her hand for Peter and Paul to do the same.


    What is it? Peter gripped his sword. More monsters?


    No, she said. Something else. Im sensing a familiar mana near here.


    Isis it the Travellers? Paul asked.


    Yes, but weve been heading deeper underground and away from her shrine for a while now, she said.


    Focused on her mana senses, she stepped forward.


    There was no mistaking it.


    And the further down this tunnel we go, the stronger it is. Were getting close to something.

 Chapter 399: The Hidden Gateway

    Chapter 399: The Hidden Gateway


    There was no mistaking that up ahead and above the tunnel floor, she could sense another source of the Travellers magic. Excitement rose at the thought of another pocket of the dead Saints power hidden deep beneath the chamber above it.


    This was it.


    The kind of secret she, Hart and Cedric hade to find.


    It could be a hidden portal, she said. Or something else concealed down here.


    Oh by Uldar, Peter said, his voice choking with fear. Another portal? W-where do you think it opens up to?


    Maybe somece with more starving monsters thatlle pouring out and attack us. Paul audibly swallowed. Not that you couldnt handle some monsters, Drestra. Oh, by Uldar, do you think it leads to somece with those demon worshippers?


    I dont know, yet, the Sage said. That''s what we have to find out.


    U-um. Peter looked back at the direction theyde from. Maybe we should go back and tell Command. We could get more soldiers, or even call the Holy Champion and Holy Chosen. A-and then the <em>three</em> of you could go find out whats what with a few squads of archers, some priests, and maybe a mage to back you up.


    You can go back if you want to, Drestra said. But I think its best to see what it is and not leave it unattended. By the time reinforcements get here, it could be long gone.


    The truth was, shed rather not have Uldars servants around. She wanted to have a look before they did because she had no clue how theyd react, and depending on what she was sensing, things could turn hostile.


    And if things turned hostilewell, better not to think about that.


    W-well, Peter cleared his throat. Then, on we go I guess.


    Yeah. Paul raised his sword. How would it look if we just let you go on ahead by yourself? We might not be muchpared to you, but three heads are better than one, eh? At least well be two more sets of eyes for ya.


    Gratitude warred with agitation inside Drestra. On one hand, it was brave and noble of the guards to want to stay with herbut on the other, she really <em>wouldve</em> preferred to go on alone. She thought about ways to get them going on their way.


    No, she said, her voice taking a note ofmand. In case something happens up ahead, I want you to go tell the others that theres something here. Donte back down here unless Ie out first, or unless Hart and Cedric are with you.


    Peter and Paul looked at each other; relief flitting across their faces.


    Neither of us are crazy enough to argue with a Hero, so well go, Peter said. But, be careful down here.


    Yeah, take care of yourself, Drestra, Paul said.


    With a quick bow, both guards lifted theirnterns and started back the way theyde. The Sage watched them round the bend, the glimmer of their lights receding as they ascended, and soon, even the clink of armour faded.


    She exhaled a deep breath she hadnt realised she was holding.


    Then, she went into a flurry of movement.


    Soon, Peter and Paul would reach the main cavern, andif theirmanders didnt wait for Cedric and Hartthe tunnel would get very crowded, very fast.


    Whatever it was that was up ahead, she wanted to be the first to see it. She hurried into the passage and strode deeper underground, the familiar power of the Traveller growing stronger. Each step brought her closer to the mana ahead. She listened for shifting sounds, and watched the light as she sniffed the air.


    The air near portals was usually sweeter and fresher, since most were connected to settings well above ground, and they were also a good light source. She stayed alert for those signs, drawing closer to the mana source, butthe air and light never changed.


    The Sages footsteps<strong></strong>sounded in the dark.


    The only new scent reaching her was the asional strong whiff of decaying food scraps, or waste matter from monsters that once dwelled in the tunnel. No sign of portals or anything concerning the Traveller.


    Drestra paced, hoping for a sign ofwell, <em>anything</em>.


    It was only after another fifty steps that she realised the mana was growing weaker in her senses.


    What in all the hells? she swore, stopping to take a closer look around. I know I didnt pass anything!


    She backtracked.


    Some twenty pacester, she paused.


    Then stepped back five paces.


    Here, heres where its strongest


    She scanned the passageway, her eyes drifting to the ceiling.


    Now the mana felt strong, like it wasing from above.


    Is it hidden in an illusion? she wondered aloud. Casting a flight spell on herself, she floated upward and ran her hands along the walls and ceiling, there was nothing there but solid stone. No illusions for a secret passage to be concealed in.


    The only thing her palm touched was cold stone.


    wait.


    <em>Cold </em>stone?


    She felt the ceiling again.


    Cool stone. Cool stone. Cool stone.


    And then


    She hadnt imagined it.


    One area was icy cold, far colder than the rest!


    Floating backward while speaking words of power, Drestra conjured a b of rock, and with a quick pulse of her will, rammed the coldest spot on the ceiling.


    A deafening crack echoed off the walls.


    Debris dropped to the floor.


    And then


    Light! she smiled.


    The b had broken through a thinyer of stone, exposing a narrow passage leading to a dim source of light. Fresh air that held a chill so deep it was almost painful, gushed into the tunnel, making her shudder.


    What were you hiding down here, Traveller? she whispered. <em>Were</em> you looking for a way into Uldars sanctum?


    Maybe its time to find out.


    Casting defensive spells over herself, the Sage floated up to the secret passage and squeezed in. The space was tight, and neither Hart nor Cedric would be able to fit through it.


    She wriggled around, shifting her shoulders and using her hands to pull herself up through the narrow passage, and into arger chamber above it.


    Hoo, she let out the breath shed been holding to get past the confining space.


    Where <em>am </em>I?


    It appeared shed gone higher and deeper into the rock and toward the central cavern above. A guess would put her much deeper in the earth than the portal chamber, but probably somewhere almost directly below it.


    This chamber <em>seemed</em> unremarkable, but the source of light and fresh air wasing from somewhere outside of it. The air was cold. Very cold. The heart of a Thameish winter kind of cold.


    The kind of cold that called for a warming spell and a cloak pulled tighter around herself. She blew on her hands and cautiously floated toward the source of light, ready to cast a rock or acid spell at anything unfriendly.


    Ahead, a doorway awaited and she steeled herself then peeked through it, her spells ready.


    A loud gasp left her lips.


    She was looking into <em>another</em> mostly unremarkable chamber


    but floating in the centre of this one, was thergest portal Drestrad seen in the entire Caveplex. The portals floor hovered mere inches from the chamber floor, but the top ended near the rooms ceiling, which was at least twice the height of Chancellor Baelin. It was also broad in width: maybe some twenty feet across.


    And through it


    What <em>is</em> that? she whispered.


    She was staring into a room so vast, she couldnt see the ceiling or most of the walls, it was like it was limitless. Only a floor ofrge tiles and a wall that looked like it had been carved from a single piece of stone was defined, and the architecture was oddly simr to the temple chamber in the Cave above.


    The wall, though, was covered in writing in an unfamiliarnguage. Each character was etched in the stone with precision by a masterful hand, and there was enough text covering the wall to fill a substantial book.


    What also caught her eye were three statues positioned against the wall. The two on either side were ferocious looking goddesses with teeth that were pointed like sharp spikes. Drestras eyes flew wide.


    Theirtheir faces look like ygons! she said aloud.


    Of course, they didnt have deadly fire-gems in the middle of their foreheadsbut she could feel powerful magic radiating from them. Cautiously, she turned her eyes away from the statues on the left and right, and focused on the one in the centre.


    <em>It</em> was even more familiar.


    The tall, benevolent form of Uldar towered above, his right hand held in the mirror-image of his holy symbol. His robes had been sculpted so exactly, that the folds appeared to be in motion, and the details of his hair were so fine, she could make out individual strands.


    Those perfect details highlighted his face, forcing her eyes to it, shocking her senses.


    Because, Uldars expertly carved image had no face.


    It wasnt that it was unfinished: there were small remnants of his smiling mouth and chin. But at some point in time, a rough tool had been used to gouge and disfigure his features, until all that was left was an ugly ruin of stone. It was clear that whoever had done this, held nothing but rage and contempt for the Thameish god.


    What is this ce and who hated him that much? Drestra wondered.


    Icy air continued pouring from the portal; wherever the building was, it was far from summertime there. But the question of where it was, was what needed an answer, and to begin to get that answer. Ill have to get closer, Drestra thought. Just close enough to look around. Ugh, I wish I knew Wizards Eye or any other spell like that.


    So, with the utmost caution, the Sage began floating toward the portal.


    And thats when the screams tore through the air.


    Before she could react, both goddess statues'' mouths parted, unleashing blood-chilling screams that drove Drestras hands over her ears. Then a sudden re of golden light that seemed to be rising from right below her erupted.


    Looking down


    her blood went cold.


    The Mark of the Sagethe staff emzoned on her neckshed repeatedly with incandescence. Through the portal, the eyes of the goddess statues burned in tandem, and from all directions, the Travellers mana zed as the cave shook with its power. The edge of the portal shed with lights that shone in every hue of a rainbow. Then through the portal, the goddess stone lips twisted in a single word:


    Begone, they hissed, a whisper to the earlier screams.


    The instant the word reached her, the edges of the portal shuddered.


    And the doorway shut.


    Light and sound left the chamber, and the Travellers mana faded away. In heartbeats, it was as though there never was anything there except rock and what looked to be an X etched into the floor below where the portal had floated.


    Whatwhat in the name of all the spirits was <em>that</em>? Her voice trembled as she floated to the side of the cave to support herself against the wall and try to make sense of what just happened.


    A portal was hidden beneath the Travellers sanctum, one that led to somewhere unfamiliar and ice-cold. There were two statues there that looked something like ygon, and one of Uldar with his face hacked away.


    The two goddess statuesshe assumed they were goddesseshad magic: but Uldars statue hadnt reacted


    But the portal <em>did</em> react to me, she said. No, the portal and the statues didnt react to <em>me.</em> They reacted to my Mark. They didnt stopDrestrafrom entering the portal. they stopped the Sage from entering it.


    She swallowed. I dont know what the Traveller was working on, but from that reaction and Uldars face being ground offseems she was hostile to the Heroes.

 Chapter 400: Reaping the Harvest

    Chapter 400: Reaping the Harvest


    Well, aint that real bloody ominous, Cedric growled, firelight reflecting off his green eyes and the silver on the morphic weapon wrapped about his hand. His fingers clinked as he tapped them together. Too bad the bloody portal closed.


    Yeah, Hart said. Wouldve liked to have seen it, considering it was our only lead.


    Yes Drestra agreed, not trusting herself to say more. Thats true.


    Dusk found the three Heroes sitting by a zing campfire deep in the northern reaches of the forest of Coille on the evening after departing the Cave of the Traveller. Around them, mes chased shadow, dancing along falling snowkes; their writhing forms seemed to echo the turmoil in Drestras heart.


    Were meeting Merzhin in two days, she thought. Theres so much more to hide from him now.


    So, about Merzhin, Hart scowled as though hed read her mind. The giant of a man tossed a twig on the fire; it hissed and popped as it was consumed. Whatre we gonna tell him?


    Same thing I told the rest of the priests, the Sage said.


    Which wasnt much. Cedric reached over the fire, turning the forest mushrooms and quail skewered above the me.


    No, it wasnt, Drestra couldnt disagree.


    Her story to the army had been a simple lie of omission: shed told them that shed found a portal leading to the inside of a building she hadnt recognized. When she flew closer, loud screaming started and the doorway shut before she could see anything more. Of the writing and statues, shed said nothing.


    With the portal goneand showing no sign of returningthere was little the army could do but ask her questions, guard the secret passage, and observe it for signs of activity.


    Meanwhile, Drestra, Hart and Cedric had searched additional passageways below the Cave of the Traveller, looking for concealed portals or clues. But none were to be found, only empty chambers of cold stone lying in the dark.


    Wish <em>we</em> had more than not much to go on and I wish Id seen that writin, Cedric said. Not that it woulda bloody meant anythin tme.


    Yeah. Even more than the writing, Im wondering <em>why</em> someone would scratch Uldars face off that statue of his. Hart frowned. You know, I think thats actually an offence. Pretty sure I saw a guy in the stocks for defacing a statue of Uldar a while back.


    I dont think whoever did it was too worried about stocks, Drestra said.


    Yeah, well, lets hope if theyre still alive, they wont try and scratch <em>our</em> faces off. Anywayquestion is, what do we do now? That was our one lead, and it didnt get us any closer to Uldars realm.


    I think we gots ttell the Generasians when we see em, Cedric said. Who knows, maybe one of em knows that writin. Think you could recreate it, Drestra?


    Silence followed.


    Drestra?


    Oh yes, sorry. She pulled herself from her thoughts. I think I could copy some of the characters from memory. Maybe thatll be enough for one of them to recognize it and maybe know where it is. If they dont


    then where the hell do we go from here? Hart finished her sentence and continued. Thats the problem. I only see one optiontalking to the churchand that aint a good one. And it wouldnt be a pleasant kinda talking either.


    I know, Drestra said. But we cantas you suggestedbust down the doors to the cathedral in the capital.


    Hart growled, scratching his head. Im not some inquisitor or investigator or anything. This is beyond me. He snorted. Makes me wish we had the Fool with us.


    Above her veil, Drestras face was nk.


    Aye, theyre supposed to be the one tdo the sneaky stuff an all the tricky skill work. Ifn we had em tdo the talkin'', thingsd be a might easier.


    Yeah the Sage said. I suppose so.


    Well, theyre either dead or hiding, Hart grunted, eyeing the roasting food. His gaze shifted to the dark stand of trees surrounding them as he listened to the wind rustling through bare branches. No sense wondering about all that, I guess. Weve only got us and the Generasians, so we can talk with them and


    His words trailed off.


    Shhh, he hissed. Stay quiet.


    Cedric and Drestra froze.


    Only the crackling of me echoed through the dusk.


    What is it? the Chosen whispered.


    Dunno, Hart said. Thought I heard something out there. Maybe all this shits making me jumpy.


    Hold on, Drestra conjured a cluster of forceballs and sent them into the woods; balls of light travelled between trees, illuminating trunks, bare branches and snow falling gently between them.


    Do you see anything? she whispered, squinting into the darkness.


    No, I Hart froze. Weapons out!


    A sharp crack came from the woods.


    Squeals like those of an enraged dire boar came next.


    Hart was already up and leaping over the fire with arge hammer and heavy axe in hand, blurring into the trees<strong></strong>while Cedric was chanting his prayer to Uldar and following the Champion, his morphic weapon growing into a halberd. Drestra cast a flight spell and shot toward the sky.


    A heartbeatter.


    A mammoth shape exploded from the woods, churning clouds of snow, bounding through the campfire. ming logs and embers flew through the night trailing sparks, and in the ring light, Drestra glimpsed the creature.


    It was a bulky, four-legged beast riding nearly seven feet tall at the shoulders. Two bulging arms flexed at its sideseach ending in curved wswhile a long, thick tailshed side to side, the tip was a bone-club poised like a snake. The monsters broad skull was crowned by a helmet of ivory coloured bone, and spikes formed its spine, rising high above its back.


    A bone-chargera rare Ravener-spawnmoving with enough momentum from its charge to crack a keeps gate.


    The monster snorted, smoke escaped ring nostrils as beady, glowing orange eyes fixed on the Sage.


    Then, it leapt.


    Powerful legs catapulted its bulk more than dozen feet through the air, mping jaws snapped inches away from Drestras leg. Its ws shed at her right side and the tail whipped out toward her back as the monster flew by, crashing to the snowy ground. It whirled to spring again, but she was ready with a spell.


    A wave of acid washed the Ravener-spawn, turning it into a squealing pool.


    Hart! Cedric! she shouted. This


    Searing pain struck her torso.


    Drestra screamed, looking down at fletching protruding from her body, only her magic ring had stopped the arrow from piercing deeper, but she doubted it would stop the others flying from all directions.


    Clutching the wound, she rose, casting forceshield and greater force armour, and as the magic enwrapped her body, she tossed a fireball high above her head, the st<strong></strong>illuminated much of the night sky.


    Below, horror unfolded.


    Through the bare canopy, she caught movement from all around them; scores of chitterers scrambled through the forest, each wielding thick-limbed longbows.


    Were surrounded! Its not only bone-chargers! Drestra warned herpanions while conjuring volleys of stone projectiles and sting monsters with flurry after flurry.


    The rocks cracked tree branches, sank into chitterers, pulping flesh, breaking bone and dropping them to the forest floor. More bone-chargers rushed from the woods, meeting the carnage Cedric and Hart were dealing out.


    In the chaos of battle, Drestra suddenly noticed with rm that; Those chitterers arent aiming for them, theyre mostly firing at me!


    Then another wave of arrows came, leaving her no more time to think.


    Drestra touched down on the forest floor when thest of the Ravener-spawn had fallen to the Heroes; monstrous corpsesy steaming in the wintry night. They twitched in pools of melting, blood-stained snow.


    Holy hells, Cedric stepped over a chitterer''s corpse. Bloody vicious, these ones were. Real bloody vicious.


    Yeah. Hart pulled his axe from a bone-charger and frowned, noting the chip in its de. Hed have to file that out. They were working like a team with surprisingly good tactics. Well, good for Ravener-spawn, I mean.


    Thank the spirits for your senses, Hart. Drestra touched the arrow in her side. Her clothes were warm and wet around it. If wed been attacked in our sleep, wed be dead.


    Youre injured! Cedric rushed toward her.


    Its not bad, though. Mothers ring did what it was made to. She sounded relieved.


    Aye, well lets get yhealed up, the Chosen began to work on the wound with a healing divinity. As the glowing light of Uldars grace mended Drestras flesh, her attention was drawn to the bodies strewn about their camp.


    Those chitterers had focused on her, which brought to mind Cedrics suspicions about Alex when it seemed that the Ravener-spawn and dungeons had concentrated on him.


    Curiosity was burning in her, but she kept her thoughts to herself.


    She would stick with her decision to not tell Hart and Cedric what Peter and Paul had said about him. If Alex was the missing Fool, or if he had been through the Cave of the Traveller, shed decided it would be wrong to use him publicly. Putting suspicion on him; not talking to him about what she had in her mind first was something she couldnt take back once she told anyone else. If she was wrong, hed be watched by priests, the king and court, the other HeroesMerzhinwhich would be a fate worse than deathand spirits knew who else.


    He might have his own motives and secrets, but who was she to judge?


    After all, so did she.


    But if there was treachery in those secrets?


    There would be hells to pay.


    You know. Hart lightly kicked a nearby corpse, pulling the Sage from her thoughts. This was a pretty big horde, and it seemed toe out of nowhere. Once we meet up with Merzhin, we might want to send a message back to the Cave: tell them that there might be a threat in the area. Maybe we should see if theres a dungeon around here too.


    Aye, more things tdo. Cedric finished healing Drestras wound. Ugh, look at us. Were here spread so bloody thin, an meanwhile, we dont even know if we can trust the very bloody people were fightin besideor the god were fightin for! Makes me wish we could just hunt down the damn Ravener an get this done with.


    Well, maybe we should take a closer look at Aenflynns deal, Drestra said. We need troops.


    The Chosen sighed. Yknow, I think were gonna have to forget about recruitin the fae. I cant think my way through Lord Aenflynns deal, an thest thing<strong></strong>were<strong></strong>doin is givin up kids.


    Yeah, Hart grunted. We keep meeting with him and we keep stalling and the price keeps going higher. It was a nice idea, buthe''s asking too much. Just wish there was a way to get more troops on the field without having to do something unsavoury. I mean, look at all these He gestured to the bodies. we cut em down and the dungeon cores just make as many as they want, good as new. Sure, squashing thems fun, butI dunno, it almost feels like were being pointed in the wrong direction.


    We cant give up on Aenflynn, Drestra said. Now more than ever we need extra help, and help that doesnt belong to either a treacherous god or a conspiracy peddling church. We need an army that


    She paused.


    A resource given to Aenflynn.


    One that <em>they</em> could control.


    And take back if he betrays them.


    WaitHart! She flew over to the Champion and grabbed the front of his shirt. Say what you just said again. About what dungeon cores do!


    Uh Hart grunted. Well, they make as many monsters as they want.


    And what about when we cut them down?


    They just make more, good as new.


    Yes! she cried, excited for the first time since Ffion had touched the dungeon core. Hart, you genius! You just <em>solved</em>the Aenflynn problem!


    Huh? the Champion grunted. I did?


    You did!


    Whoa, whoa, slow down, Drestra, Cedric jumped in. Catch us up. Whatre you thinking?


    Its simple, she said. And even if he doesnt take the deal, we <em>still</em> win. Butbefore we meet Merzhinwe need to find a dungeon. We need a living dungeon core.


    What? Cedric paled. Youre not thinkin o givin one to him, are ya?


    Oh my no... Drestra grinned behind her veil. Were not giving him a <em>dungeon core</em>. Were going to <em>offer</em> him something else. And if he doesnt take it? We still get what we want anyway. Now <em>well</em> be in control of negotiations!

 Chapter 401: The Varied View of Death

    Chapter 401: The Varied View of Death


    Hey, Alex, hows that cakeing over there? Thundar asked, stirring a pot of goat stew.


    About the same as thest twelve times you asked me, Alex fired back, carefully measuring out a portion of white sugar. Its <em>baking</em>. Cakes <em>bake</em> when theyre put in the oven, Thundar. That takes <em>time.</em> You know, time? That continued sequence of existence that events ur in? And asking how its doing until my ears fall off wont make one bake any faster.


    Ohe on, cant you do something to make it go any faster? The minotaur nced at the window of the inss kitchen. The sun was setting. You knowapply some kind of special technique?


    Alex paused, mid-measurement and gave Thundar a withering look. Really? Apply some kind of special technique? To make <em>time</em><em>go faster?</em>


    No! Dont be ridiculous! Thundar nced at the position of the sun again. I meanlook, youre a <em>skilled baker</em>


    He said, throwing a meaningful look at Alexs marked shoulder. You cant likefind some special way to speed things up? Make it bake faster?


    The young Thameish wizard gasped. <em>Thundar!</em> His tone sounded scandalised. Which reminded him of Professor Jules that time a student suggested they could work faster without masks and aprons. Baking is an <em>exact</em> science. Cooking is a science! And this isnt something forgiving like boiling some vegetable soup or something! You have to bnce the heat. You have to keep it even. Too high and the cake burns or dries out and


    Okay, okay, I get it! Thundar raised his hands in defeat. You can take as long as you want with your cake, jeez. Youre acting like I just asked you to cut off an arm or leg.


    You may as well have, Alex said, shaking his head. The young wizard looked at the position of the sun through the window and nced at the hourss he was using to time dough he had resting under a towel to rise. Not for the first time, he wished the kitchen had one of those fancy timekeepers. Whats got you so antsy, anyway? Were fine! If anything, were ahead of schedule. The pies are done, and the roasts are on. The sauce for the noodles is almost finished simmering, the cake will be baked before our time slot runs outeverythings going great. Well have more than enough time for clean up, and all the foodll be ready for Orecas Fall tomorrow.


    He cocked his head, closely watching Thundars bodynguage. Something odd was going on with the minotaur; his movements were jerky and tight. There was an uneasiness in the way he stood: his hooves shuffled against the tiles and were spaced closer than usual.


    Saywhats up, man? Alex asked. You look tense. Has stuff that happenedtely been bothering you or something?


    Wait, what? the minotaur startled, chuckling nervously. Naw, naaaah, no way! Nothings bothering me!


    Alex stared at him.


    Yeah even <em>I</em> didnt believe that, Thundar admitted.


    Aha, so there <em>is </em>something. Well, you dont have to tell me if you dont want tobut is it you knowthe thing that we talked about?


    Alex made the sign of Uldar over his chest.


    Eh? Oh <em>thatOw, shit</em>! Thundar tasted the stew, grunting as it burnt his tongue. Nowell, kinda.


    Kinda?


    Well, its not that <em>directly</em>, I meanlook, I know its a big deal, but its so <em>big </em>that I can barelyprehend it. Like I know what it all means and what we might have to do, but it just doesnt feel real.


    I get that, how could it? Alex shook his head. So then, whats up?


    Thundar looked around as though spies were hiding in the corners and rafters of the kitchen, then he slunk over to Alex. Well, that thing made me think about life, you know? Things cane unexpectedly. Anything can happen. I know you know what I mean.


    Oh yeah, I definitely do, Alex said, thinking back on the mini-crisis he went through when Minervus was killed, and when the chaos essence and dungeon core remains exploded.


    He thought of the encampment, wondering how things were going there. The research team was still doing their experiments on dungeon core remains, and the castle was on schedule to bepleted before first semester final exams began.


    As for the living dungeon core? Baelin and Jules had it locked away while they developed protocols for powering it up and having Carey and him experiment with it.


    He was looking forward to getting his hands on it again, even though he was also wondering if Carey would be up for it; the young woman had taken a leave of absence, which he could easily understand. If he wasnt already considering the revtion that shook her so badly, he might be on a leave himself.


    As it was, hed experienced too many life-altering events for certain things to break him at this stage.


    You start wondering if tomorrow might be yourst day, Alex said to Thundar. And you begin thinking about things you want to do in case it is. Or things you might never get to see.


    And then you think about acting, the minotaur finished. Before you never get the chance to.


    Alex looked at him sharply. Acting? You mean like on the stage? I didnt know you wanted to be a performer?


    Thundar stared at him.


    What? Since when have you wanted to act?


    Thundar sighed. Not that kind of acting, Alex.


    Alex was silent, then realisation hit him.


    Ohhh, <em>that</em> kind of acting, he said sheepishly.


    The minotaur shook his head, I dont know about you sometimes. Were talking about, and I quote, tomorrow might be yourst day, and next thing ya know, you have me performing on stage!


    I dont know, maybe you have some secret yearning to be an actor. It could happen. Alex weakly defended himself.


    Thundar muttered something in anguage Alex had never heard him use before before continuing with the original conversation.


    Anyway, well, the first thing I did was write home, he said. I mean, like, I hadnt done that in a while and Id feel pretty shitty if I died and my folks hadnt heard from me in months. He snorted. Speaking of that, Khalik apparently had a hell of a time writing home.


    Really? He didnt say anything to me.


    Yeah, probably didnt want you taking it on. See with me, I told my folks that I got involved in something dangerous, but cool. Something the ancestors would be proud of. Everyone in my familys going to be cheering me on. Theyll be proud of me if I make it through, andif I donttheyll be proud of me for falling while doing something worthy.


    Really? Alex asked. They wouldnt tell you toe home, like yesterday?


    The minotaurughed. Listen, I get that things are different all over the world, but my tribemy herd doesnt really have much use for cowards. Ournds can be harsh and we dont have a horrible doom orb looking to kill all of us every hundred years, but we fight monsters and beasts for resources. Not everyone in our tribes a warrior, but none of us are cowards. Trust me, any coward-leanings are smacked out of us when were young.


    Thatsthats sad, in a way, Alex said. Sometimes cowardice is a good thing.


    For some people, but not for us. The minotaur looked toward the sun again. I aint gonna lie, sometimes I look at you Thameish and think you could do with being a little more like us. Imagine if <em>all</em> of you picked up the sword, the spell, the bow and the miracle. Not just your soldiers and Heroes. Everyone. Then everybody would be involved in defending yournds.


    Maybe, Alex said. But if everyone stayed to stand their ground and fight, a lot more people would die. Maybe so many thatwhen the Ravener was finally defeatednot enough of us would be left to sow and harvest. Ournd would be this empty ruin: just somece for wild beasts and Ravener-spawn.


    Thundar mulled that over. YeahI can see that. Thing is, my people live in smaller groups. We farm less. Hunt more. Herd more. If we sent half our people away when trouble came, maybe there wouldnt be enough of us to fight whatever the threat was. When pushes to shove, we need every hand around a weapon, if those hands are strong enough to wield one.


    He grabbed a fork and went to a delicious smelling roast turning on a spit, speared one end and pulled some of the meat off for sampling. Were not blood drinking berserkers here. In our eyes, the best death is one where youre in afy bed after a long life with your family around you. But we mortals dont often get that luxury. So, dying in a fight against something terrible for a good cause? Thats seen as good too.


    Huh Alex murmured. Makes ya think.


    The way Thundar was talking about death so casually startled him since their perspectives were so different. It wasnt often that he thought about how distinct all of their cultures and lives were. But one thing he knew for sure was that if Theresas parents caught even the slightest <em>whiff</em> of what had happenedwhat had <em>really </em>happenedtheyd do anything to keep their daughter and potential son-inw alive.


    They were proud of her, of her strength and fearlessness, but just giving her their blessing to go up against Uldar himself would, without a single doubt, be pushing things beyond insane thinking. Thundar, though, <em>his</em> family would be proud of him even if he were to lose his life. It was such a strange idea to Alex: if anything killed one of his friends, he couldnt imagine reacting with pride.


    He could only imagine grief, rage and a need for vengeance. And after that? The slow grind ofing to terms with it, like he had with his own parents.


    Well, its a different way of looking at things, Alex said. Guess it makes it easier to send letters about what youre doing to your family.


    Yeah, I remember Theresa said that she hid her stuff for awhile, the minotaur said grimly. But, thats nothingpared to Khaliks problem.


    Right, back to that, Alex said. Whats going on?


    Well, not to go into too many details, but hes been having trouble telling his folks about the dangerous stuff hes faced here. Its not that he outright hides it, but he has to try and put things in the best light, sorta like putting nice clothes on Ravener-spawn to make them look better. And with this Uldar stuff, hes oathswornlike the rest of usnot to give details. Its hard to get the gravity of the situation across without details, so hes gotta walk this tight line. He doesnt want to hide whats going on from them, but if things get too roughwell, you know his position.


    Yeah, I could see theming up here to take him back home, which could be a mess cos he wont want to go. Alex shook his head. Lets hope for his sake that his brother can keep them away for a while longer. I remember he said theyre already getting twitchy since its been over a year since theyid eyes on him. And by the Traveller, I dont even want to imagine how that meeting could turn out. I meanhes <em>him</em> and his parents are who <em>they</em> are, while were a bunch of idiots.


    We are, Thundar chuckled, biting into the piece of roast. Hm, good vour but probably still a little tough for human teeth. Anyway, I kinda wanna try not to embarrass himbut I also kinda wanna embarrass him a lot. Enh, Isolde will be there to make a good impression, anyway.


    Yeah, Alexughed. Theyll probably ask why all his friends cant be like her. But anyway, thats beside the point. You were talking about writing home to your family because of so much uncertainty about the near future. Anything elsee to mind?


    Thundar paused. Well


    He went silent.


    Well, what?


    Lookpromise you wont tell Khalik. And definitely not Isolde, he finally said.


    I promise nothing.


    <em>Alex.</em>


    oh shit, youre being serious. Yeah, okay, mums the word. Whats up?


    Again, the minotaur looked around conspiratorially and leaned toward Alex before whispering. Im going to ask Kohana out.


    Alex paused. Waityou mean our Cleansing Movement instructor? <em>That </em>Kohana?


    Keep it down, will you? Thundar hissed, his eyes wide. Jeez, why not scream it to the whole campus?


    Sorry, its just thatI never thought you would.


    Really? Thundar snorted. Im no coward, Alex.


    Yeah maybe not on the battlefield, but weve been going to those sses on and off for like a year now andjeez, she came to visit you after you wereid up from the mana vampire attack. And you didnt do anything then?


    Didnt seem right, the minotaur grunted. There I was, injured, right? Or just getting better and then I go and ask her out? Could look like I was trying to <em>guilt</em> her into going out with me. Like I was after some sorta pity date.


    Yeah, fair, but I meanyou waited so long, shes <em>gotta </em>have a partner. I mean, <em>look </em>at her


    I have.


    yeah, thats a fair point too, but look, all that Cleansing Movement practice <em>shows</em>.


    Ya, it sure does, Thundar was grinning. Getting a no wont kill me, but dying before even throwing out a line? Now thats cowardice. And whatd I <em>just</em> say about that?


    True, Alex said.


    Its why Im going to do it after the Festival, the minotaur said. Well honour the dead, and thenIll do something for the living. The living being me.


    You know Alex said. In the stories, this is the kinda thing characters say just before they die.


    Yeah, Thundar said. But if Im gonna die, Ill die anyway. So whats the point of hiding from life? I just want tomorrow to go perfectly. Theres a lot of dead to honour. And, if things get rough enough in Thamnd, there might be a hell of a lot more.


    Lets hope not, Thundar, Alex said. Lets hope not.

 Chapter 402: The Ghosts of Faith and Gods

    Chapter 402: The Ghosts of Faith and Gods


    The beach on Orecas Fall had been transformed in the afternoon light.


    When Alex wasst there, the sand was thick with the dead: most were demons, but the rest were hisrades from the Grand Battle. Generasian wizards and otherpetitors had stood shoulder to shoulder, fighting those demons with many paying a price that was too high to bear. Scavenging seabirds had been circling the beach after the battle, and the smell of death had hung in the air mingling with the cries of survivors.


    Today, an ocean breeze reced that smell with the scent of sea salt and the inviting aroma of scores of delectable dishes.


    Towering in the sunlight where there was once only death, a monument had been raised to the triumphant fallen.


    An enormous stone statue stood where apetition had turned into a deadly battle: it was carved in the likeness of a dozen young wizards and warriors joined together in a stand against the threat of a hideous demon posed in submission. Around the statue, long tables were set up, each assigned a number corresponding with one assigned to the party who had reserved it. In front of the statue was a single extended tform piled with steaming dishes provided by the Watchers.


    See that? Thundar nodded to the tform. The Watchers sent folk out to every family who lost loved ones to find out what their favourite dishes had been. And thats the spread they put together for everyone to share: survivors and guests.


    To honour the dead, Theresa said quietly. And it looks like therell be plenty of people to share with.


    The tables around Alexs group were filled with familiar faces: teams from the Grand Battle who were there for the Festival of Ghosts in respect of their fellowpetitors. Not everyone had returned, but Alex recognised quite a few: Hanumanthe life enforcement practitionerwas with his team from the Grand Battle; together, they formed a circle around their table, hands linked and heads bowed in a quiet prayer. Their masks were intricate and varied, but each was colourless: Alex wondered if theck of colour was in deference to the dead.


    Tyris group was there as well, at a table at the edge of the event. Alex exchanged a solemn nod with her as they passed. Her expression was covered by a dragon mask, but the usual cocky demeanour and boisterous bodynguage was gone, reced by a quiet sombreness and a touch of haunted memories ying through her.


    She wasnt alone in that sombreness: some folk were quiet as they set up, but others chatted to each other with big smiles on their faces as they remembered their fallenrades. Some raised toasts; it was obvious they werent their first tributes of the afternoon, and after each sip, they spilled some on the sand in memory of a teammate.


    There was sadness and nostalgia, but there was alsorelief that wasnt there during Alexs first Festival of Ghosts. Last year tension loomed over the celebration from the demon summoner threat. He remembered how folk eyed one another with suspicion and fear, and how the city had been on high alert, prepared for an attack.


    Now, that threat was dead along with its instigator, Leopold.


    Ezaliels cult was still out in the world, but they hadnt been bold enough to show their faces in the wizard city; folk were still cautious, but the sharp-edge of most anxiety had dulled.


    And what that left was an opportunity for people to be together and catch up; young wizards whod not seen each other since that difficult time in the summer came together as old friends. Some reminisced. Some hugged each other like they couldnt let go. Some cried. And someughed and raised a ss or two.


    Their mood was bittersweet, and memories of lives faded also gave Alex and those with him that bittersweet feeling, yet for him and his good friends, there was also a deep feeling of gratitude because they would all be there, together.


    The cabal, Hogarth, Svenia, Selina, Brutus, ygon, Theresa and her friend, Shishi, were there of course, with immense baskets and pots of the foods most special to their loved ones. Alex had made his fathers stew and his mothers cookie recipe again this year, along with dishes he and Thundar had prepared. The minotaurs special apple pies would soon be on the table, while Isolde and Khalik had bought the finest foods on campus. Grimloch had his own dishes in four oversized baskets, enough to feed a small army.


    New faces were joining them for the Festival this year with new dishes to add to the feast. Sinope strolled arm and arm with Prince Khalik, and both looked regal enough tomand empires. On her other arm, she carried a basket of wild fruits soaked in sweet tree syrup and a dryad liquor.


    Nua-Oge followed her baby brother, reminding him to mind his manners at the table, while carrying a basket of steamed shellfish. Soon, Shiani, Rhea and Malcolm would be joining them with their own dishes, and Kybas was on his way. Alex was excited about seeing everybody: it had been too long since hed been with most of his old friendsThundar had a pointbetter to catch up with friends now, than regret not doing soter...if youre even around for regret.


    Number twelve! Thundar announced, pointing to a nearby table with his horns. Thats us!


    This is a good table, Thundar, Isolde approved, looking at the statue of the fallen.


    Yep, right close to the central table, the minotaur nodded his head in respect.


    Good, Selina took in the central table. Im d were so close to the food everyone who died liked. I didnt know them, butmaybe thisll help me know some of them. She looked at her brother. Do you think Shiani will be here soon?


    I think so. Alex nced at his little sister. Itd been a while since the young girl had mentioned their fire-wielding friend. He wondered if her question had anything to do with what shed asked him about putting out the windmill fire. I dont think shell bete for such an important celebration and miss out on honouring the folks who fought beside us, Selina.


    Good. I just hope we celebrate the demons being dead too, she said. They deserved it.


    Well, Roals statue is looking over all of us. Theresa nodded to the statue honouring the fallen wizards. And the Watchers are running this event: trust me, theyll focus on our triumph just as much as on honouring our fallen.


    Good, was all she said as the others put their dishes on the table.


    There was a hard edge to that word.


    Alex looked at her for a moment with a mix of pride and concern. Concern about the hardening he was noticing in his sister. The scared, but brave little girl who had walked into the Cave of the Traveller with him was transforming. What that meantit was too early to know. Part of him wanted to preserve the sweet innocence in her.


    But shes growing up, he thought, looking back to the statue of fallen wizards. And for a wizard, sweet innocence serves a hell of a lot less well than a strong strength of will. If she channels it right, shell be okay.


    His eyes drifted over the stone faces of the fallen, recognising some of them now that he was closer.


    The figure in the middle of the group was no young wizard from the Grand Battle. It was Roal herself, standing behind the others: not in an exalted ce of glory, but one of support. She was not the hero of this image, instead, she was the ancestor whod helped the young wizards face their monstrous foes.


    As the groupid out their dishes and other friends arrived, Alex found himself turning again and again to the stone face of Roal. He studied it. Turned it over in his mind. Compared it to the faces of the statues of wizards around her and his own friends.


    She was young, Alex muttered.


    Who? Theresa ced adle in Thundars stew.


    Roal. He nodded to the statue. Look at her. Shes maybe five years older than us. Maybe a little older. I would have thought that someone whod killed a demigod would be older. More experienced.


    Theresa followed his gaze. Huh. You know, I never thought of that. I guess Roal was young. Or maybe she just looked young. Wizards can be a lot older than they look.


    True, Alex said.


    Still, if she was around their age when shed in Oreca


    She killed a demigod, right in front of his followers, then fought them as they threw miracles at her, he thought. And he was a demigod who ruled the seas around here. I wonder what that was like for her, if it was tough, mentally?


    He considered what he and his friends might have to do. What if the church was corrupt and needed to be dismantled. It was a uniting force in Thamnd, butmore than thatit did a lot of good for the people. Their church schools were responsible for the fact that nearly every citizen in Uldars kingdom could read, write, and knew a bit of science, and history.


    Even serfs were better educated than merchants in other realms because of that. What happens if it all goes away? Living in Generasi had given Alex an idea of what it takes to run a massive system of learning.


    The university needs a small army of clerks, teaching staff and associates to keep it running, and theyve had centuries to make it work.


    If some archwizard snapped their fingers and made every professor and all the auxiliary staff disappear, it wasnt like someone else could just pick up the torch and keep things going. Itd all fall apart.


    And Generasi was only <em>one</em> institution.


    Uldar only knew how many church schools there were across the entire realm. If the church has to be removed from Thamndif it turns out theyre corruptwhat happens to all the knowledge the kingdoms children receive? Who would take up teaching them? Who would organise what they learn and how its taught? Who would pay for it all?


    Then there were all the other services the priests provide: healing in emergency times, officiating at marriages,ying people to rest, baptisms and births; emotional help for folk who needed support, folk who couldnt share their secrets with friends and family for fear of shaming or harm.


    He remembered a young priest from Alric who had spirited away a family who for years, lived in terror from violence at the hands of their kinfolk. Hed kept them safe, and probably saved their lives. And his wasnt the only story like that.


    What would happen if all of that justevaporated one day?


    And that was <em>if</em> the church was the root of the problem, and not Uldar.


    If we had enough schrs, they might be able to take over the schools, Alex thought. And maybe we could find other trained folk to fill other roles the priests havebut how long would that take? Meanwhile, how much would we lose? And if it turns out that Uldar is the problem like Oreca was, and if we <em>do</em> manage to reject him


    He nced at Isolde as the young woman took a seat near Svenia and Hogarth. Shed said that not everyone in the Rhinean Empire supported people from Thamnd. What would happen if our realm was suddenly weakened, with no protection from gods or churches. We have the Heroes and a strong armybut the Rhineans have elemental knights, way more wizards than we do and a much bigger army. Jeez, they probably wouldnt be the only ones looking to conquer us if our kingdom looked like it was failing. The only thing we could do is use dungeon core remains as a weapon to keep conquerors awaythen again, what if our own citizens start in-fighting over those very weapons?


    He shook his head. Fighting a deity and his church isnt like getting rid of a powerful demon or some monster. If Uldars church is the problemthatll leave a massive hole when theyre gone. Andifthe Raveners still around, thatll be an even bigger problem since the priests organise the fight against it, and they''ll be gone. Telling people that followers of Uldar can control dungeon cores would give us weapons against the Ravener and other attackers, but Thamnds not exactly overrun with folk who could even use them.


    He blew out a breath. Complications,plications,plications, he thought, his mind swirling. Butenough of that for now. Handle it when


    Kybas! Theresa waved. Over here! Were over here!


    Alex turned, excited to see the little goblin.


    Then he whistled with awe.


    Kybas was grinning and waving at everyone at the table, and beside him strode Harmless, who was <em>not</em> so little anymore.

 Chapter 403: Reunions and the Refusal of Pettiness

    Chapter 403: Reunions and the Refusal of Pettiness


    The not-so-little crocodile had obviously taken well to Kybas concoctions. Thest time Alex saw him hed actually grown quite a bit, but now, he was at least another foot longer than at the summer games, and he was thick like a log, sleek and powerful. His scales were shiny and clean, and his gait was steady and strong as he strode along beside his goblin master.


    A huge basket was strapped to his back with the scent of a buffet of mushroom dishes wafting from it.


    Hello! Kybas carried a pot of what smelled like mushroom soup. Its been a while!


    Yeah, man, howve you been? Alex asked, looking up at the scaled, monstrous mask he had sitting on his forehead.


    Oh, Ive been good! Very good! the goblin grinned, bobbing his head enthusiastically. Harmless has grown <em>so much!</em>Its all been very good! Hell be the biggest and strongest, in no time.


    Yeah, Alex said. I can see that. Is Salinger working you hard?


    Nope. Kybas nodded to Theresa and the others, then lifted his soup pot onto the table. He began untying the basket from Harmless back. I mean, he does work me very hard, but its nothing I cant handle.


    He leaned toward Alex and whispered. Beats growing mushrooms by myself in a cave wondering when Ill get caught. He gave a little giggle.


    Yeah, no doubt.


    Kybas! Grimloch shed his many-fanged grin at the goblin. Hows hunting been?


    Good! He grinned back wickedly. Harmless is learning well. If he keeps it up, hell be killing sea serpents soon!


    Oh, sea serpents are the best eating! Youve gotta try some, Grimloch growled. Ill take you hunting and we can boil up whatever we catch together. But Harmless can have his raw if hed like it better that way.


    Ooo! Ooo! That sounds fun and delicious! the goblins voice rose. Maybe Ill take you to my home one day: theres big lizards there, and their meats tough, but so, so juicy! Cant get any of that here.


    Grimlochughed. Yeah, they got everything here except the <em>best</em> meats.


    I know!


    Alexand the rest of the groupgaped at Grimloch. Hed only seen the shark man that animated once before...and that was also when hed been with Kybas. Was the world ending? Was the sky about to drop on them?


    He gets like that around Kybas, Nua-Oge confirmed quietly from somewhere behind Alex. Its great. So d my baby brother made such a good friend. They really seem to understand each other!


    Y-es Prince Khalik muttered somewhat awkwardly. Its uncanny. Theymost definitely seem to understand each other.


    A match made in the hells themselves, Alex thought. I dont want to be anywhere near either of those guys when they go hunting together. Maybe


    Shiani! Selina suddenly cried. Hey! Heeeeey!


    Alex looked up to see Shiani, Malcolm, Eyvinder and Rheaing toward them along the beach. Caramiyus and Angr were just behind, their doberman-like faces covered by werewolf masks.


    Shiani was wearing a phoenix mask, but he could see her bodynguage open up as soon as she saw Selina. Hi Selina, its been awhile, she called excitedly. Youre so much taller thanst time we saw each other!


    Its been way too long, the young girl smiled, taking one of Shianis fish dishes from her. A very spicy scent drifted from it. I had this idea I wanted to talk to you about


    Whoa, whoa, Alex said. Lets let them get settled first before we start an inquisition here.


    Oh, its alright, I havent seen Selina for a long time! Shianiughed. You need to lighten up, Alex.


    Yeah, what she said, dont be so grumpy and mean, ugh. Selina put her hands on her hips.


    What? Alex cried incredulously, spreading his hands. Im just trying to make sure my little sister isnt rude! How does that make <em>me</em> the bad guy?


    But Selina had already turned back to Shiani and was chatting away like Alex wasnt there. I wanted to talk to you about heat, and how it moves She started.


    I wouldnt worry about it too much, Rhea said, the tall elf putting her dish down and smiling warmly. Shiani was pretty excited about catching up with her.


    And the rest of you were a good constion prize, Malcolm added, sliding a tray ofyered sandwiches and frozen juice cubes onto the table.


    Judging by how excited she is, it would seem that the rest of <em>us</em> are a constion prize for Selina as well, Isolde smiled.


    Alex sighed, staring up at the heavens. You hear that, mother and father? Your daughter thinks her own brother and all her friends are constion prizes. Heughed as Selina guided Shiani to her seat, shaking his head. Well I guess thats only natural, eh? he whispered.


    He watched his friends settling at the table and an old memory came back to him.


    <em>It would be a shame if the next Festival of Ghosts were toe around next year, where he would be one of the dead being honoured by his friends and family.</em>


    He remembered thinking along those lines just before the festival when he and Baelin talked about the hunt for the demon summoner. Hed sworn not to get involved in finding the dangerous maniac back then.


    In the end, though, Leopold had pulled himand everyone hereinto it.


    Thats the trouble with dangerous maniacs, demons and He looked at Roals statue. they get others involved in their bullshit.


    Putting the thought away, he turned to take a seat but found Isolde staring at a table nearby. Well, she was trying to be discreet and make it <em>look</em> like she wasnt staring buteven while she helped unpack Rheas incredibly aromatic curryher eyes were focused on the other table. At first, Alex didnt recognize its upantsconsidering they werent wearing their characteristic [coloured] shirtsbut he soon realised she was eyeing the Hydra Companions.


    He hadnt seen or spoken to any of them since the Games, and


    Wait.


    His eyes searched beyond the Hydra Companions and rested on the true recipients of Isoldes covert attention. There, in all of their glory, sat the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood, and among them, the familiar redheaded figure of Derek. The young man lookeddifferent.


    Older, with a leaner, harder physique and more grace to his movements. His long red hair had been cut low and his eyes hung lower; he actually looked exhausted.


    Damn, Alex whispered. Thats quite the change. What happened to him?


    Well, Isolde said. I have not thought much about Derek since the summer


    A single nce at her bodynguage revealed this as a lie. The young noblewomans face always went <em>slightly</em> nk when she lied.


    and I do not really care much what happens to him


    Another lie.


    however, my <em>friends</em> have informed me that the demonic attack seemed to shake him. Her lip twitched. He entered third year trying even less than in our first year. But such behaviour does not lead to sess in ones third year. Not that I celebrate his inconvenience or anything like that.


    Another lie.


    So, he found himself on academic probation. Again. I understand he has to apply himself nowthough he is rather bitter about the situation. In the end, I suppose the shaking from the summer did him some good. She looked at Alex. Not that it is any of my business, of course.


    Of course, Alex said, fighting to keep his face straight. He was the veryst person who could criticise someone for taking joy in petty revenge.


    There was the tinkle of a spoon ringing against a cup.


    Alright, everyone, its time to honour the departed, Thundar said, looking around the table. He was wearing the mask of an antlered fae this year.


    All things considered, his demon mask fromst years festival would have beenin poor taste.


    I know I led thingsst Festival, but does anyone mind if I go again? the minotaur asked. Kinda feels like we started a tradition.


    There was a chorus of approval from the group.


    Alright, then, he cleared his throat, falling into words simr to those hed spoken at their first Festival of Ghosts. With our masks on to frighten away ghosts of evil folk who might be called by our words, we keep those were honouring in our minds, and dedicate the food we eat to them. We take our masks off to finish our feasting by sunset. Then well all go out together as a group so the dead dont follow any of us cos were alone. Everyone ready?


    Some nodded, some spoke up, and all sat taller and straighter in their seats. Alex noticed that the other tables were also preparing for their own ceremonies.


    Alright, bow your heads everyone, the minotaur said. Close your eyes and think about who youre honouring with this meal.


    Alex bowed his head, closing his eyes beneath the same dragon mask hed wornst year. He waited for Selinas hand to slide into his like it did atst years ceremonybut it never came.


    Guess they do grow up fast, he thought.


    Oh, honoured ancestors. Thundars deep voice began. Lost friends and family, fallen members of the herd: we think about you through the year, but during this feast, we bring you into the centre of our thoughts and dedicate this food to you. We eat for you so thatthrough usyou can taste mortal sustenance again. Please watch over us throughout the year, and please keep those on deaths ne who might harm us, away.


    He paused. Please bring forward whoever youre dedicating this feast to in your thoughts.


    Images of Alexs mother and father came to his mind as they hadst year. But now, they were joined by those who had fallen in the battle on Orecas Fall, and those whod lost their lives during the fight in Crymlyn Swamp.


    He shuddered.


    How many more faces will join these next year?


    Now, say aloud who you want to honour, Thundar instructed.


    Mother and father, Alex said quietly. Those who fell in the Crymlyn. Those who died here.


    Murmuring spread around the table, but he only focused on Selinas words:


    Father and mother, his little sister said quietly. Those who lost their lives against the demons. Those who lost their lives against the Ravener.


    Let the dead from beyond join with the living in this feast, Thundar pronounced. And let our memories of them grow happier and stronger. Alright, lets begin. All of you can open your eyes and take off your masks. And-Oh holy shit!


    Alexs eyes opened and his gaze drifted skyward.


    This year, he wasnt surprised at what wasing, but he was amazed nheless.


    Likest year, the early evening sky was filled with hundreds of glowing beings shining with silver light, drifting like scores of autumn leaves. Ghosts of the fallen: mortals, beasts and monsters. He heard a sigh of relief escape his own mouth: thankful that there were no demonic shapes floating above.


    A choked cry reached him from a nearby table.


    Edward! a doe beast-woman pointed to the sky. Its my Edward!


    A wave of gasps travelled between tables as folk pointed, calling out the names of loved ones floating within the stream of spirits passing by. Alex watched the ghostly throng, then exhaled deep and low. He too was finding familiar forms within the multitude of spirits. They werent folks he knew by name, but he remembered them as opponents from the Grand Battle.


    He also recognized those hed seen lying broken and unmoving on the sand.


    Slowly, he bent his head to pray for their safe passagebut realised he no longer knew who to pray to. Calling on Uldar seemed hollow, and the Traveller was the patron saint of his hometown, she wasnt a goddess who could guide these souls whod fallen in battle in a foreignnd.


    In the end, he offered his silent prayer to any god who would listen:


    To any merciful deity who hears me, I ask you to guide these souls into their reward in the afterworld, as you see fit. May they rest in peace, and may their sacrifice in life give them what they need in death.


    As he listened to the whispered prayers of his friends and those at tables close by, a disturbing thought struck him.


    Mourning mortals whove fallen is one thing, he thought. But how do you mourn the loss of a god? Of a church? Of ones entire faith?

 Chapter 404: Isoldes Shame

    Chapter 404: Isolde''s Shame


    Alright, the prince said, mming his cup of wine down on the table. I tire of this dancing around the bush. No more shall I walk on eggshells over this.


    The entire table paused mid-feast, their eyes wandering to Khalik as he sat tall in his chair and squared his shoulders as though he were about to<strong></strong>carry an enormous weight.


    In the sky above, the stream of ghosts had long faded and Alexs groupalong with others on the beachwere now deep into that easiest of traditions in the entirety of the Festival of Ghosts: feasting on all the food theyd brought so the dining would be finished by sunset.


    Within the first hour, theyd made an admirable effort: a growing majority of their tables dishes were now empty, shared between each other, with much of the food disappearing down the throat of a certain hulking shark man.


    Said shark man had then been reprimanded by a certain shark mans older, adoptive sister:


    Dont eat <em>all</em> the food, Grimloch! shedined. I told you to mind your manners. There are other people here!


    Its okay, Selina had said. Its fun this way!


    The young girl had speared several pieces of fish on her fork and tossed them across the table into Grimlochs open and waiting jaws.


    Three points! Kybas had called, writing the number down on a scoreboard hed made from an empty tter. He had been keeping a tally of points using a spoon and a spare bowl of mustard.


    Not bad, Malcolm had said, buffing his fingernails on his jacket. But youre four behind me. I guess youre a few years too young topete against me.


    Does it make you feel proud to beat a child? Rhea had asked, her voice holding a bit of a chiding edge.


    Yes, Malcolm had said evenly.


    My man. Alex had grinned with approval, drawing an evil re from Selina and a shake of the head from Theresa.


    Will you all stop <em>enabling</em> him! Nua-Oge groaned.


    Look, Thundar patted the schar woman on the shoulder. No offence, but Im pretty sure getting between your brother and food is a good way to join the ghost-stream at next years Festival. And thest thing I want my epitaph to be is, Here lies Thundar, he was eaten by a friend!


    Hed paused, looking at Grimloch. We <em>are</em> friends, right?


    Yes.


    Oh goodwait, you dont eat friends, right?


    No promises.


    Well, there ya go! Thundar had shrugged at Nua-Oge. And thats why Im not doing it. You want your dirty work done? Do it yourself.


    The schar had rolled her eyes. <em>Fine!</em> Shed looked at Grimloch. Little brother, youre banned from eating any more of our food. Youre <em>going</em> to leave some for others.


    Or what? Grimloch had snorted.


    Or Im telling mother and father when we go back home.


    The shark man had paused. Dirty.


    Shed crossed her arms. But it needs to be done.


    Grimloch had sat in silence for a moment, mulling things over. Then hed shot out of his seat and rushed to the central table; to the food brought by the Watchers. Folk at other tables had already begun picking at it, but Alexs group was still focused on their own food; theyd brought more than enough, after all.


    Things at the central table had changed when the walking disaster known as Grimloch raided it. Alex saw the colour drain from the Watchers faces as the shark man piled tter after tter high with food. Thenas he was about to head back to their tablea Watcher had leaned over and said something to him.


    With a single grunt, hed reached out and grabbed a small barrel before striding proudly back to his seat.


    Before you say anything, Grimloch had said. Remember, you stopped me from eating <em>our</em> food. Not food the <em>Watchers</em> brought.


    Nua-Oge had stared at him for a long, quiet moment, before her head had slowly fallen into her hands. Whywhy do I bother?


    I dont know, Grimloch had grunted. Anyway, I brought presents. He mmed the barrel on the table. Pumpkin ale. Provided by the Watchers.


    The entire table had gone still.


    Oh no, Nua-Oge, Eyvinder, Shiani and Selina had said as one.


    Oh <em>yes!</em> Thundar, Alex, Sinope, Caramiyus, Angr, Prince Khalik, Malcolm and Rhea had contradicted them. Hogarth rubbed his hands together like a greedy fly, while Svenia was already scrambling for her cup.


    As one theyd lunged for the barrel.


    Even Isolde had given it a long look. Perhapsperhaps just a bit.


    And soon, they were <em>well</em> into their cups.


    Now, there was a good amount of swaying from members of Alexs group. A good deal ofmerriness.


    And Prince Khalik was one of the merriest of all.


    Alex looked down at the sand. Walking on eggshells? he giggled. I think you mean <em>sea </em>shells.


    Silence followed.


    Becausebecause were on a beach, he exined.


    We got it, Alex, Selina said, hanging her head in shame.


    Well, I thought it was funny, Theresa took a long sip of her pumpkin ale.


    You have awful taste, Theresa, Selina said.


    But the huntress was already having more ale. Goodness, this is <em>good.</em> Father and mother would <em>kill</em> to have a keg of this at the inn.


    I would kill to have a keg of it in my room! Khalikughed uproariously.


    Oh please, Khal, Sinope touched his arm. You only say that because youve never tasted my peoples fall wild apricot brew. I swear, one sip of it and youll never be able to drink anything else.


    Waitwait<em>wait!</em> Thundar raised an eyebrow, swaying slightly in his seat. Wait, <em>Khal?</em> Whos Khal, when did <em>Khal</em>happen?


    Yeah! Alex said, resting his cup on the table. What <em>is</em> this Khal business?


    Indeed, Isolde smiled, her face slightly red and her electric blue eyes dancing. She bobbed back and forth.


    That is of little importance, Khalik waved their questions off.


    Yeah, says <em>you!</em> Alex said. <em>Khal </em>is a major development! The people need to know!


    You fools, you are being distracted from the <em>true</em> mystery, Khalik grinned, his smile turning sly behind his thick beard. He leaned toward Isolde. Isolde, my dear, wondrous friend.


    Yes, Khalik? She smiled sweetly. Are you sure you wish to verbally fence with me? You have had a few more than I.


    Indeed, but I can <em>take</em> a few more than you, and I would not be so confident, all things considered, he said, mysteriously. And besides, there will be no fencing. There will be a <em>single</em> question. Then you will shatter like ss in a hailstorm.


    Oh? Isolde cocked her head. And, praytell, what sort of question is that?


    Khaliks smile widened, like a spider whod just witnessed a hapless waspnd in its web. What is it with youand redheads?


    Alex and Theresa gasped.


    Thundar choked on his drink.


    Selina looked around in confusion.


    Im not going to be able to defend you this time, Lady von Anmut, Hogarth said, quickly tucking into his food.


    This foe is beyond me, Svenia said apologetically, draining her cup of ale.


    The others at the table nced at each other.


    Isolde, however, seemed not quite to understand <em>exactly</em> what had ured at first. She smiled, nodded. Thought it over for a moment.


    And then all the colour drained from her face.


    Her face went slightly nk. II do not know what you are talking about.


    Oh holy hells, are we doing this? Alex looked at Khalik, Theresa and Thundar.


    Oh hell yes we are, the minotaur grinned viciously, leaning over the table and pursing his fingers beneath his chin. Come oooon, Isolde, we all have eyes. Dont think we havent noticed how you act around tall, redheaded


    And shirtless, Alex also grinned viciously, leaning over the table and pursing his fingers beneath his chin. He and Thundar looked like the most mismatched twins in all the worlds history. Isolde looked between the two of them like a deer nked by hungry wolves, then nced at Theresa for help.


    Im sorry, Isolde. The huntress grinned like the cat who had gotten the cream. Im on their side this time. You do seem to havea particr type of prey.


    The young noblewoman went beet red. WhatI am quite unaware of what you mean! It is obvious that you all have had much too much to drink.


    Oh I am not so sure you are one to speak of how much <em>we</em> have drunk, Prince Khalik chuckled evilly. After all, it is <em>your</em> face that is as red as the hair on your preferred type. You must have drunk a great deal, after all, why else would your face be red? Unless of coursethere is something you are embarrassed by. Now what could that be, I wonder?


    She went even redder. I have no idea what <em>any</em> of you are talking about! None! Zero! You are all courting madness!


    Um, Selina said. I dont know what anyones talking about either.


    They are talking about nothing, the ruiners! the young noblewoman red at all of them. Nothing!


    Silence followed.


    Thedy doth protest too much, Malcolm said.


    And here I thought the <em>food</em> was spicy, Rhea added.


    I smell blood in the air, said Caramiyus.


    And in the water, Grimloch added.


    Well, Isolde would probably like that. Alex smirked. Considering that its <em>red.</em>


    Roth. Lu. Son of Gulbiff. Khal, she avoided using the princes surname. I <em>swear if you keep this up I will end you.</em>


    Keep what up? the prince cocked his head. Come to think of it, did you not say that we were drunk and essentially speaking of nothing? Why are there consequences to keeping <em>nothing</em> up?


    Yeah, just some good ol innocent nothing, Alex cackled like a crow. Whats wrong with doing nothing? I could understand if we were doing something. But nothing? Thats just rude to stop us!


    I am warning you Isolde growled.


    Oh, right! Warnings! Thundar brightened, half-rising from his seat. Id better go warn Tyris that someone might be on the prowl for her


    Theresa nearly spit out her drink.


    Son. Of. Gulbiff! Isoldes voice cracked like an icicle sheathed whip. I swear on all the elements that if you take <em>one</em>step toward Goldtooths table, I shall pull out every single strand of your fur <em>one. Piece. At. A. Time.</em>


    Oooooooh, Grimloch grunted. I was just going along before, but now I get it. This is about her crush on Cedric.


    Isoldes horrified silence filled the air while her friends vibrated with barely suppressedughter.


    Wait Selinas eyes went very, very wide. You like Cedric? Like the Chosen of Uldar, Cedric? Oh, he <em>does</em> have red hair. but so did Derek. Do you like guys with red hair, Isolde?


    The look that Selina gave the tall, young noblewoman was one ofplete and utter innocence. It was the kind of look Alex hadnt <em>quite</em> seen on his sister since she was about eight years old, and he didnt know if she <em>really</em> was just asking an innocent questionor if she was the most secretly evil of everyone.


    Isoldes choked scream in response was loud enough to draw nces from nearby tables.


    II do <em>not</em> have a crush on Cedric of n Duncan, she said in a voice about as firm as wet paper. He isa valuable, respectable acquaintance. A Hero to a kingdom that is close in rtion to my realm. A man of importance and a great help to the expedition!


    He also has lots of big muscles, lots of tattoos and he never, ever wears a shirt, Theresa pointed out.


    IndeedAnd that is <em>entirely</em> irrelevant! Isolde red at her, grabbing her ale and draining half the cup. I am not some cat in heat! If! If the Chosen of Uldar <em>were</em> to grace my thoughts beyond a professional capacitywhich he does not, I assure youI would most likely focus on his bravery, the openness of his mind, the stoutness of his heart, his sense of justice, the ease of his smile, which is <em>punctuated</em> by his gold tooth rather than marred by it. Ah! There is the fact that he is an excellent listener! These are all things that would be of far more interest to me than the width of his shoulders, shape of his jaw or the way his hair falls to his cor bones. Andand


    The table had again gone silent with utter glee, then broke into uncontrobleughter.


    Shiani awkwardly sipped a ss of water. Oh dear, the young woman said. I know itste fall, but is it just me or did it just get a lot warmer outside?


    Isoldes scream of horror perfectly aligned with her friends endless, roaringughter.


    Dont worry, Isolde! Thundar pped her on the back while she doubled over, her ming-red face in her hands. The cabal has your back in all areas!


    That is right! Prince Khalik said triumphantly. We shall help you pluck your <em>next </em>red rose!


    Well make a <em>heroic</em> effort, Alex agreed.


    Isoldes scream rose higher into the sky.


    Hey, Gregori leaned around the table. That woman screaming like thatisnt that your ex-girlfriend?


    Nooot remotely my business, Derek said, forcing his eyes to stay on his food. Actually, could you pass me that? Before anyone in the Brotherhood could say anything, he grabbed a pitcher of beer.


    Thanks.


    And poured liberally.

 Chapter 405: The Petrifier

    Chapter 405: The Petrifier


    Atst, it wasplete.


    Deep within the Ravener, a new monster had atst spawned. Weeks of fear bled from every corner of Thamnd to feed the storm of dark crafting, and still the process was longer and more drawn out than in the past. Many cycles had passed since the Ravener hadst brought a new petrifier to life, but now, the inner devices used in the spawnsplex creation were warmed-up again. Now, a second would be much quicker to create, but, if all went to n, there would be no need for another. By design, the first would not be among the living for long.


    Thest detail needed for itspletion was a small organ situated in its midsection: one that roared and pulsated with violent pools of mana. It would be used once: when time came for the lethal creature to obliterate itself. Petrifiers were those rarest of monsters with a single purpose: destroy all usurpers within the realm and in the furthering of that task, kill all witnesses to its presencethen erase itself from existence.


    Keeping mortals in the dark was central to the Raveners ns during each cycle. So, throughout time, no petrifier had ever been left alive, even their bones had been erased. Such was the way of things when itst crafted a petrifier.


    And so it would be now.


    With a ripple across its ck surface, the Ravener shuddered and began spawning. Its great monstrous guard: Hive-Queens of Silence, scaled behemoths, the mighty Rampart-crushers, and all other creatures in its service turned toward their master.


    And trembled.


    Each was mighty enough to lead hordes of Ravener-spawn from their dungeons and through thend to destroy mortal armies. Yet, they recoiled in fear when the creature slipped from the Raveners now boiling surface.


    Hunters slowly crept from side passages, growling and awaiting their leaders entry into the world.


    The first elongated, silvered limb emerged.


    Followed by another.


    Then a third.


    Three legs writhed from the dark sphere and nted themselves in ake of shadowy water below. A small forest of wriggling tentacles appeared, testing and tasting the air. A long, silvery oval shell, matching the colour of its legs, rose from the Ravener, and atop the shell were nine eye-stalks capped with massive glowing eyeballs shining in the darkness. A dreadful power lurked within eight, but the ninththe central andrgest oneshimmered with the radiance of a precious stone.


    That dominant eye observed its surroundings like a living diamond, gleaming with deep intellect.


    When the entire shell was finally free of the dark orb, a new petrifier was born.


    And it proimed its birth.


    Its fanged jaws spread apart at the shells anteriorwide enough to swallow a knight and their charging mountand its shriek reverberated within the cavern walls, making ravener spawn shake harder. The creature straightened to its full height, rising nearly a hundred feet in the air, disying its soaring shimmering form. Silver chitin shifted with the light, and the petrifiers many eyes appraised the new world around it. Its sheen slowly dulled until it was as dark as the cave. Then, like a living prism, its form became the shapes, images and colours of its surroundings, adapting and mimicking them like camouge. To all near, it would have appeared invisible.


    The petrifiers gaze turned to the other monsters and it shrieked its dominance, glowering down on every creature. Each recoiled, lowering their heads and fleeing, concealing themselves behind anything near. They were created with an instinctual fear of the towering monster, for it was made tomand them, and they were made to follow it lest they taste the fate its eyes could unleash.


    It scraped the tip of a foot along the bottom of the undergroundke, stirring up the silt drifting there and coiled to spring on the other spawn.


    Enough, the Ravener spoke for the first time in this cycle, its voice came deep and resonant, burying all sound throughout the caverns beneath its rich tone. Were there any mortals nearby to hear, they might have thought it was steeped in wisdom.


    The petrifier stilled, then turned to its master and took an uncertain step back.


    Do not fear me, my creation. The Raveners surface rippled with each word. For you are mine, and you will be safe as long as you do not harm what is mine.


    The unruly look in each of the petrifiers eyes died. Its eyestalks bowed low, and its throat released a whimper of submission.


    You have a task, the Ravener continued. You will eliminate the usurpers; they gue thisnd. Let no mortal see you. And should they; destroy them.


    Yes, master, the petrifier rasped. How many usurpers do I hunt?


    Three, the Ravener informed its creation. You must act quickly. There was only one for an entire passing of four seasons, but within a day, there were two more. The spread must end before the situation is irreversible.


    Understood. The petrifiers eyestalks turned to the<strong></strong>Hunters.


    And these are mine to use?


    They <em>and</em> these, the Raveners surface rippled and two dungeon cores floated out. Take them and nt them as you need to. Build armies to aid you.


    Yes, master, the petrifiers voice was tinged with an excited hunger. And when I seed, am I to destroy myself?


    Not right away, the Raveners voice was even. Once your task is done, conceal yourself and wait. Should new usurpers appear, the Hunters will alert you so you can kill them. If I am defeated,<strong></strong>or a full year has passed with no new interlopers recing the dead ones, then you can eliminate yourself.


    Yes master, I serve at your pleasure, the petrifiers<strong></strong>eyestalks lowered in deference. Might I query you?


    You may.


    I have searched my memories. Do we remain in the Second Protocol? Is the First Protocol not in y?


    The worse has not been realised. The Second Protocol remains.


    Gooood, it rasped. And what of the missing Hero? The one you suspect as a usurper?


    You are mistaken, the Ravener said. Those are not your memories, they are your predecessors. It has been several cycles since, and that usurper would have reached their mortal end by now. There has been no trace of them for cycles.


    And the other usurper of that time, master?


    Killed during the next cycle.


    So if it is only these three to start, then the matter will be simple, the petrifier growled. May I start immediately? Do we know where they are?


    No and yes, the dark orb pronounced. Their precise location is unknown, but the Hunters have scouted and know where one wasst sensed, and where the other two tend to gather.


    Good. The Ravener-spawns colouration shifted. I will begin the hunt.


    May your hunt go well, its master wished it.


    With a chittering shout, the creature crawled from the water on three flexible legs, its tentacles reached down and enwrapped the Hunters. Countless Ravener-spawn scrambled from its path, giving ground as it bounded into a tunnel and ascended through the dark with terrible speed. In the spiralling<strong></strong>passage, it braced its legs against three walls, almost flying to the surface.


    Beneath the earth, the vastwork of tunnels that shrouded the Ravenersir from prying eyesy.


    The petrifier growled, acknowledging its surroundings.


    When its incarnationst walked thesends, the Raveners sanctum was hidden atop a mountain. Whether deep within the earth or high above it, each ce offered sanctuary for its masters purposes, but perhaps these tunnels were the better choice. Just atop the surface, a mass of earth and stone spread through the vertical shaft, sealing it shut. All who came upon these caves would believe they had reached a natural dead end.


    However, the petrifier knew better: a mere twenty feet of earth and stone separated it from the world above.


    But, there was a hindrance in its path.


    It touched its tentacles to the stone ceiling, feeling vibrations through the earth. Movement. Not an animals, the gait of a roving beast was different. These were the strides of mortals. Many mortals.


    Andvoices.


    Muffled wordsunclear, but close. Too close.


    With them so near, it could not enter the world unseen.


    And, its masters orders were clear.


    No witnesses.


    We go to kill, it hissed to the Hunters clinging to its back.


    Rumbling growls and tensed haunches ready to spring was the reply. With a mentalmand, the petrifier reached for the Raveners mana.


    And the ceiling abruptly shattered, fragmenting into chunks of falling stone.


    A quick flex of three legsunched it well above the rocky surface, and onto a hilly, snowyndscape. Not forty feet away, some twenty warriorsbearing symbols of the white handscrambled for their weapons, rushing toward their tents away from a zing campfire.


    Eight eyes turned.


    All shed,ncing the air with dark beams that struck warriors like a ravenous ooze. The fighters slowed, darkness crawling over them, constricting their movements until it froze them in mid-motion. No chance for escape.


    Then the petrifiers central ray shed and glowed with a silver radiance, building in intensity until another beamshed out, strafing the mortals.


    A sickening cracking sound split the air as every living thing the beam touched turned instantly to cold, grey stone. Grass peeking through snow froze in the wind. Embers floating above the campfire fell like pebbles. Even sparking firewood cracked as me smothered, burning logs transforming to te coloured rock.


    And the mortals?


    They had no time to utter words, cries of rm, or even a single prayer to their god before their voices and lives were stolen by creeping stone.


    In heartbeats, eight of the enemy were gone and the petrifier continued strafing more with its power. Its Hunters had leapt from its shell and were doing their part, shing and mauling the enemy with envenomed fangs. Before long, the hapless mortals were either lifeless stone statues, or poisoned and shredded corpses.


    Search for more mortals, the petrifier rasped. Purge this ce of any hiding near.


    Yes, leader, a Hunter answered, and the pack scattered, spreading through the surrounding hills, leaving the petrifier alone to admire its handiwork in the cold evening light.


    The massive creatures tentacles snatched up poisoned corpses, smashing weak mortal flesh against the frozen ground until they were no more than pulp, then it buried the remains beneath mounds of loose, soft snow. Good. No more disgusting fleshy forms would be visible among the perfect stone tapestry.


    It cleaned its tentacles on unblemished snow then tenderly held mortals forever frozen as stone, raising each to its eyestalks, fondly admiring the sculptures from every angle.


    Beauty, it whispered. Perfection. That frozen moment saved for all time. I have missed this.


    In serenity and with pleasure, its tentacles turned its handiwork over. Truly, it would have stared at its creations<strong></strong>for days if time permitted.


    Buta task awaited.


    Leader, a Hunter growled as the pack returned to report. Only wild beasts are near.


    Then we can proceed. The petrifier reluctantly set down the statues. In which direction did youst sense a usurper?


    Each Hunter pointed southward.


    Then that is where we go, the many-eyed monster growled, once again gathering its servants in its tentacles.


    Its eyestalks briefly turned to the statues, each projection drooping with a hint of sadness.


    If only I could preserve you my beauties, it whispered. But there can be no sign of my presence.


    With that, its enormous jaws parted, sucking in a breath.


    Then the scream came: soundless and pitched high enough that no human mortal could hear, but with a resonance that brought visible results. Waves of sound bathed the stone statues, shaking them slightly, causing them to vibrate. Then together, they shattered, bursting into minute particles of grey dust.


    When the noiseless scream ended, nothing remained but fine bits of rubble drifting through the air,nding on Uldars warriors snowy campsite.


    A shame, the petrifier whispered, its form shimmering to match the surrounding hills and night sky above. Maybe one day I can keep one.

 Chapter 406: The Confounding Secrets of the Swords

    Chapter 406: The Confounding Secrets of the Swords


    Great-grandfatherwhy the hells didnt you make an instruction book? Theresa sighed, lying on the grass and turning her sword des above her head.


    The huntress examined them for what seemed like the thousandth time, turning them, inspecting how they shone in the sunlight, running her fingers over the silk on each hilt.


    She searched for hidden catches, a secret spot, or concealed areas that felt magical. Her eyes scanned the des for any writing or hidden symbols. Anything at all.


    But there was nothing. Nothing apparent, even though she was using her sharpened senses.


    Frowning and reaching beside her, she picked her bow up from the thick grass, turning it over in her hands. On her birthday, Alex had said the gift was ready for magical enchantments to be added to it. Maybe her great-grandfathers swords were the same? Or maybe theyd been magical once, but then lost their power?


    Closing her eyes, she slowly traced the wood with her fingertips, focusing on the grain and any special markings that might have been left in it. There. There were two areasone above the grip and one belowput there for someone to insert the thinnest of needles.


    Maybe for one of those mana conductor things Alex uses, she whispered.


    She opened her eyes,id the bow back on the grass and picked up the des again.


    Maybe theres a notch or something on your swords, great-grandfather, she murmured, closing her eyes and gently running her fingers along the des, examining one at a time.


    Aside from nicking her thumb on a sharp edge, she could find nothing.


    No magic, no hidden anythingnothing, she muttered in frustration.


    With a quick flex of her body, Theresa kipped up to her feet and stretched. Then fell into her fighting stance. All around, the sound of metal shing against metal echoed through the Watchers training field.


    Bull-voiced sergeants organised recruits into neat marching lines in one area, or guided them through sword positions in another. Some sat on the grass learningpulsory spells that all Watchers were expected to know.


    While others wielded de and staff in unison through intricate drills that created flowing movements that were not only beautiful, but deadly.


    Theresa sighed.


    If only theyd been able to help her.


    Several Watchers had tried helping her unlock any secret that might be buried in the twin swords that could have been hidden in them for generations.<strong></strong>Theyd offered suggestions, asked questions, done research in their personal library, and even examined the two swords with their magics.


    Yet, despite every effort, it had all led to the same conclusion: there <em>was something </em>strange about the desthey never snapped, chipped or needed to be sharpenedbut they held no magic or divinity.


    Shede no closer to figuring out their secrets; if there were any to figure out.


    Frowning, she twirled the swords then went through a series of push-cuts, steps, guards and draw-cuts. Drawing on powerful life energies within herselfforged through more than a year of life enforcement practiseto make her body ignite with speed and power, the huntress blurred with every step she took.


    Everything seemed to slow around her.


    Each blow struck with enough force to shatter brick.


    Yet her mind was elsewherefocused on the mystery of the swordsas her body performed a flurry of motion built from thousands of hours of repeated practise.


    Notice something, she demanded of herself.


    The des pushed through the wind.


    <em>Notice something.</em>


    There was a hiss as they cut the air.


    <em>Notice something!</em>


    With a final rush, they carved through an imagined opponent, shing grass on either side of her. Grass stalks flew, blowing in the wind ornding in her raven-ck ponytail. She exhaled and waited.


    Nothing.


    Nothing had changed.


    She was faster, stronger and more agile than ever before. But her swords were no sharper. They would never cut Zonon-In.


    Damn it, Theresa swore softly, holding the weapons in front of her face, then closing her eyes, she tried guiding her inner life energies through her body and into them. If it was the first time shed tried this, she might have been hopeful


    but it was at least the hundreth.


    So it came as no great surprise when nothing changed in either weapon.


    Frowning, she first tried passing her life energy into one de at a time, then she tried directing the flow of life force in both directions in case the identical swords had to be fueled at the same time.


    No changes.


    Dammit, she swore again, ring at the des.


    It had been a frustrating day.


    Her mind drifted back to blunt advice shed gotten from a Watcher.


    Look, the squat man had said. These swords are sentimental. Thats nice and and whatevers keeping them sharps convenientbut youre a warrior. Just a warrior with no magic to call on. That means your lifes going to rely on just three things: your body, your mind and your weapons. And your weapons arent keeping up with your body and mind. Go get better ones before these get you killed.


    At the time, shed been so angry, she hadnt stopped shaking for an hour.


    But day in and day out, shed tried breaking the secret of the swordsif there even <em>was</em> a secretand shed made no progress. None.


    What if he was right? What if there <em>is</em> no way forward with great-grandfathers swords? Theyd served her well, but maybe it was time to go to a local armoury with Isolde or Alex and look for something new. Being injured or literally losing her life clinging to a family legacy was senseless.


    No, she muttered, shaking her head. Great-grandfather used these. They had power in them thenI think.


    She mulled over the situation.


    What do I <em>actually</em> know about the legacy of his swords? Not that much really. I know he used them with a vengeance across the seas, but most of those stories were about him being a legend because of his skill, strength, and impossible speed. The des were mentioned, but only in passing, not as anything special or unique.


    She remembered her grandfather telling the family a story about how


    great-grandfather Lu, shed through pirates and armour in one strike! but pirates didnt wear armour heavier than quilt or leather.


    Maybe the swords were justswords: very well made and with something about them that kept them sharp, but that was it.


    Then why would he keep using you? she asked the des, turning them in her fingers. She wished they would answer; if benches could walk away from a cerberus, then why couldnt des give their masters great-granddaughter some useful guidance?


    If you were so ordinary and he was so powerful, wouldnt he have traded you in for better swords?


    Of course, the des didnt answer.


    She sighed, sheathing them and gathering her things. Why cant the ancient sorceries and hidden magics of the world help me for once?


    Life seemed quite happy to throw surprise demons, mana-eating monsters, sorcerous cultists and divine conspiracies at her, so why not a helpful, talking pair of swords? Shouldering her pack, she made her way from the training grounds and toward the main castle.


    Professor Kabbot-Xins office hours had started, and the life-enforcement practitioner knew of Twinde Lu. Maybe shed have some insight to offer.


    ###


    The professors office wasnt quite what Theresa expected.


    For one, it had no ceiling.


    The circr stone chamber was opened to the sky, weing in sunlight and warm winds. Atop the rounded walls and dozens of windows,y mechanisms attached to fabric with a sheen like waterproof coats and cloaks shed seen wizards around campus wearing. Maybe the fabrics a retractable cover for the roof and windows? She wondered. But, why wouldnt she use magic to keep the elements out, unless she does sometimes?


    A quick nce around the room showed her that none of the stone furnitureand it was all made of stonewas stained with watermarks from outdoors. Considering that the floor was a bed of fine white sand except for a small wooden tform at the front door where visitors left their footwear, keeping the weather out was clearly a priority for the professor. Above a grassy mat beside the door, a copper basin with glowing water where dozens of fish no bigger than fruit flies lived, hovered inches above the grass.


    A quick dip of ones feet into the basin, and the fish would churn around them like a whirlpool, nipping away dirt, and refreshing and soothing the skin. Theresas feet still tingled from their little bites and she wriggled her toes in the sand. Though she was sitting cross-legged on the groundher des bnced before herno sand clung to her skin or clothing, and eyeing the bottom of Professor Kabbot-Xins robes while the older woman poured two cups of tea, all she saw was spotlessly clean fabric, free of even a speck of sand.


    There must be some kind of magic involved.


    The huntress eyes drifted to the open sky. Magic to stop sand from clinging to everything, but none to stop the elements?


    Professor, why doesnt your office have a roof? she asked.


    The professor answered softly, I believe in teaching and encouraging my students to be mindful of the moment and the world, but imagine if I were then to shut <em>myself</em> away from that world, I think that<strong></strong>would see me fail the very lessons I seek to teach. She glided across the sand with cups in hand, skirting a small white-barked, red leafed maple tree in the centre of the room. It rose from a mound of ck earth contrasting the sand. To be connected with the moment, one needs to be connected to the world if one truly wishes to follow such a path.


    Connected Theresa muttered. Thats exactly what Im <em>not</em> feeling. Im disconnected.


    Oh? Professor Kabbot-Xin handed her a steaming cup of hibiscus tea as she sank down on the sand across from the huntress. She cooled the hot liquid with her breath. Is your training not going well? Perhaps you should return to auditing a few sses with me. It isof courseyour choice.


    No, that parts going well, Theresa said. I feel stronger all the time. My senses are sharper. I notice more of the world around me. And my spirits calm.


    Then something else? The professor looked down. Something to do with those two des across yourp?


    Yes, thats right. Theresa held up her swords. These were my great-grandfathers. They belonged to Twinde Lu.


    I imagined so. Congrattions. What a fine inheritance youve received.


    Im not so sure about that, professor, Theresa said. She flinched, horrified by her own words. No, thats not what I meantI mean


    Take a breath. Professor Kabbot-Xin smiled and sipped her tea. Be mindful of your thoughts.


    Theresa took a breath so deep, her whole body shuddered, andas she inhaledshe quieted her mind, noticing every emotion, every passing thought and every sensation:


    Warm sand beneath her.


    Cold steel on her legs.


    The tickle of her clothing, and thete autumn air on her skin.


    Frustration. Fear. Guilt. Worry.


    She exhaled.


    More centred now? Kabbot-Xin asked.


    Yes, I know what I wanted to say. Theresa gripped the hilts of both swords, holding them between her and the life enforcement professor. I feel disconnected from them. I think theres something hidden in them, but I cant find a way to unlock what that might be. And itsworrying me.


    Worrying you?


    Yes, Theresa continued. If I dont figure out their secrets, somethings going to kill me one day. Or my partner, or one of my friendsor someone near me.


    I see. You have quite a weight resting on your shoulders.


    It is. The huntress flipped the swords around, offering the hilts to her professor. You said you knew of my grandfather, so I was wondering if you might have any guidance for me. Maybe a guess as to what the des secrets could be. Or any suggestion on how to know if theres something hidden in them. Or anything at all. I justIve been trying and trying, and I dont even know if what Im doing is the right thing. Its like trying to wrestle fog.


    So your goal is to understand your swords, but you dont know if you are trying the right things. And so you feel lost. You are scared, because if you do not unlock the potential secret, you might let someone down during a life and death struggle.


    Yes! Theresa cried. And our opponents are tougher and the situations affect lots of people. Our allies are also strong, but, by the Traveller, professor, I was in a fight not long ago and most of us almost died. And the whole time, my swords couldnt even do what swords are supposed to do; pierce our enemy enough to stop her. I know Im getting stronger and faster. Im learning more and more about how to fight, but whats the use of all that if my swords cant do enough damage to stronger enemies to stop them?


    That would worry me too. The professor set her tea cup down on empty air, then took the des by the hilt. Well, it is good to seek help. Too many people hit their heads against walls for too long when a helping hand was all they needed for a breakthrough.


    Rightso I was hoping The huntress leaned in expectantly. That you might know something.


    Well, I am no expert in metal, battle or magic items. but Professor Kabbot-Xin held the swords up before her face and took a deep breath, almost as though she were inhaling some of the des aura. interesting.


    What is it? Theresa asked.


    There is some evidence that a life force very simr to yours flowed through these des at one time.


    The huntress half-stood in excitement. Yes? Yes! That must have been great-grandfathers! Cancan you see how his energy entered the swords? Maybe I can do the same thing!


    I cannot. Her professor threw cold water on Theresas excitement. And


    She took another deep breath.


    there is a possibility that you might not be able to either. Not now. Or perhaps ever.

 Chapter 407: Seeing Things as They Are

    Chapter 407: Seeing Things as They Are


    <em>Not now. Or perhaps ever.</em>


    Those words burned in Theresas mind and spirit, freezing her heart. She took another deep breath as a thousand thoughts collided in her brain.


    Have I been wasting my time, was I just holding onto old sentiment meanwhile monsters couldnt care less about sentiment since all they want to do is gut me and everyone close to me? Was I being naive, maybe even selfish? It


    Take a breath. Be mindful of your thoughts.  The professors words came back.


    With difficulty, she emptied her lungs, letting those thoughts pass.


    Youre jumping to conclusions, which wont help, the huntress told herself.


    What do you mean, professor?


    Professor Kabbot-Xin opened her eyes. Are you familiar with mana to any degree, Theresa?


    Id have to be since most of my friends these days are wizards, sheughed. I couldnt be around my boyfriendor most of my friends here in Generasiwithout learning <em>something.</em>


    <em></em>Right, so tell me what you know of it? If you had to exin mana to a child, how would you do so?


    Um Theresa paused, shifting awkwardly on the sand. Istudying was never my favourite thing, so this might not be crystal clear, butits energy. It flows out of mana vents in the Barrens and into the air.


    Correct. And how do magic items in Generasi make use of this?


    Um, I think they take mana from the air and use it to power themselves? A bit like how a windmill uses the wind to move its des and grind grain.


    That is also correct, Professor Kabbot-Xin said. And what does life force do in our bodies?


    It flows. Theresa said. It gathers here. She tapped a spot just above her navel. Then it flows through our bodies.


    Exactly. And much as how we draw in the power of nature to enhance the life flowing through <em>us </em>the life enforcement professor tapped her own navel. so too can <em>some</em> life enforcement practitioners channel their power into certain objects. Not every object, mind you, and not every life enforcement practitioner. But, those objects that <em>do </em>ept lifeforcebe like us. Enhanced. What they already do, they do better.


    Right. Theresa looked at her des. So a sword would cut better and be stronger?


    Yes, and a shovel would break through denser, harder earth. An arrow would fly farther. Chains would be stronger and less prone to breakage. These sorts of things. But, for that to ur, an object must have a path between the cultivator and itself. A bridge for energy to flow in, much like how we use our lungs as a bridge to bring the power of nature into us.


    Is that like how blood magic can be used as a bridge to make an animal into someones familiar? Theresa asked. Even if the person doesnt have mana?


    Exactly like that. The professor seemed pleased. Where did you learn of such a possibility?


    The huntress mind drifted back to the Games of Roal, settling on a fond memory of the Duel by Proxy. Those days seemed like lifetimes ago, even though only a few months had passed since the closing ceremonies. She remembered watching the battles between familiars in the lightweight-division, and hearing the roar of the crowd, and feeling the ripple of spellsts.


    Theyd all been watching thepetitions from the stands when Alex said something that had made her heart leap with joy; it might be possible with blood magic for Brutus to be her familiar. The how was way beyond her since she didnt have any background in wizardry, but from what Alex had said, the process was challenging but possible; though hed only attempt it when hed built up enough skills in blood magic.


    But for her, what was most important was that Brutus could be connected to her: cerberi only had a lifespan averaging around thirty years, which while long for a canine, was shortpared to the average human life, especially one whose natural years were extended by life enforcement. From the time shed found her cerberus in the forest, shed always thought that the gods were cruel to give long life to mortals, but not to their loyalpanions, so she was grateful that blood magic offered her something better.


    Theresa told her professor as much. Kabbot-Xin nodded, looking at a hairless sphynx cat the colour ofva rock sunning itself on her desk.


    I can well understand that, the older woman smiled thoughtfully. Howeveryou might wish to be careful with that. Sometimes, attachments can shake your resolve along the path of life enforcement.


    What do you mean? Theresa swallowed. It was the first time shed heard this.


    The professor waved a hand. Its not something for you to worry about quite yet. Not now at least, and perhaps not ever. For <em>very</em> advanced life enforcement practitioners though, there are times when a barrier to their own further development can be created by a need or desire for attachments.


    Wait, really? How? Theresas eyebrows rose.


    The more powerful a lifeforce bes, the greater level of calm one must achieve to advance further. Imagine yourself drawing a perfect circle. Then within that circle, you must draw another. Then another within those two. Then another. The older woman formed a circle with her hands, then gradually made that circle smaller and smaller. Each circle you draw has less space within it, and so you require finer and finer control to draw the next one without making a mistake. It is the same with life enforcement.


    She closed her hands until the circle they formed was too narrow to allow even a pin to pass through. Eventually, the control, precision and calm necessary to empower ones lifeforce further, forces one to take drastic measures. Some practitioners in Tarim-Lung retreat to the serenity of a temple, leaving behind all worldly attachments and in this way, errant noise, or even an errant thought of loved ones cannot disrupt their path. Naturally, most practitioners dont take such an extreme path or such drastic measures for sess, however.


    The des of Twinde Lu gleamed. But what <em>can</em> harm you is allowing your attachment to cloud the way you see the world. You might not see the world as it <em>is,</em> but rather as you want it to be. Which leads me back to the point.


    The professor rested the des on thin air. They rotated before her as though an invisible wheel was turning them. In life, it is vital to take things as they are.


    Otherwise, we dont interact with the world: but with an illusion thats created by our own thoughts and desires, right? Theresa said. Thats when we could misread the flow of natures energy as we take it into us, and make potentially fatal mistakes.


    Precisely, the professor said. And sometimesto ept things as they arewe muste to realise certain truths that we might find unpleasant.


    Like epting the death of a loved one, Theresa said, having a sinking feeling she knew where this was going.


    Indeed. Or epting the fact that life is aing together of naturalw and pure chaos, and ofteneven with the greatest magic, and most towering power and sharpest knowledge on our sidewe cannot control it. She tapped both des at once.


    The air rang. For example: despite centuries of attempts, even the greatest cultivators have never found a way to <em>create</em> items that ept the flow of empowered<strong></strong>lifeforce.


    Really? Theresa frowned. Even though wizards make magic items like a cooper makes barrels?


    Suddenly, Professor Kabbot-Xin burst outughing, startling her.


    Oh dear! the professor cried. I can think of no less than three professors who would immediately wither if they heard you describing their work as being no different from a cooper making a barrel! Oh my goodness.


    She wiped a tear away as her thin form shook. Oh my goodness. In any case as, uhamusingly offensive as that wasyou do have the right of it. Wizards can craft magic items as they need, but life enforcement practitioners must rely on luck, elements, fortune, or the grace of the divine if they wish to find an item that epts the flow of enhanced lifeforce. No one knows how it happens. Sometimes one harvests wood from a tree that is ten thousand years old and finds that the wood epts lifeforce. Sometimes a suit of armour made by a dying smith might ept it. Sometimes a stone that has felt the bite of a lightning strike might ept it.


    But no one knows how it urs, Theresa said. And no one knows how to replicate it?


    Precisely, Professor Kabbot-Xin said. Andmany timessuch items abruptly stop epting a flow of lifeforce, returning to normal with only a lingering trace of what they once were. Especially if the item has not tasted lifeforce in a long while.


    Theresas heart sank. So you think my swords dont have any power in them? No secrets to unlock? Or if they did at one time, its gone now?


    Actually, what I am more saying is that there is no guarantee, Theresa. Professor Kabbot-Xin picked up her teacup. Im simply saying that there might no longer be any secrets to unlock. And if that is true, then no amount of wishing, hoping or trying will change that, and your attachment to these swords might cloud your judgement and bar your ability to ept certain possibilities. Ask yourself this: why are you convinced that these swordsindividuallyhave secrets to reveal to you?


    Theresa paused, focused on one thing: why she was pursuing this path. Well, the stories of my great-grandfathers deeds, they made me think that the swords <em>had</em> to hold some sort of secret. And logically: why would he keep using them if they werent special in some way? But when <em>I </em>use them, they cut no better than simple, good, solid steel swords.


    Indeed. Now examine what you just said. What do you know about this pair of swords? What do you <em>know</em> about them?


    The huntress scrutinised the identical steel des. Honestly? All I <em>know</em> about them from my grandfathers stories is that great-grandfather used them while he sailed the seas. And all I know about them from my own experience is that theyre solid, they never break and never need to be sharpened. I guess, I dont <em>know</em> if they have secrets. I just assumed that they do.


    Precisely, Theresa, the professor said. And in order for you to be sessful in life and life enforcement, you cannot forge a path based on assumptions. You must see things as they actually <em>are</em>, not as you want them to be. It is only when you observe somethings true form without the illusion of your own wants, worries and desires, that you can truly see it. And only when you truly see it can you engage with it.


    Ithink I understand, the huntress said glumly. And what do you observe about the swords, professor? What do you sense in them? You dont have my wants or my connection with them, so what do you see?


    A smile curved the ends of her professors lips. You said you were disconnected from them when you first got here, didnt you?


    The huntress went quiet.


    And yet now you say you have a connection with them, the older woman chuckled. Which is it, I wonder? Something for you to answer, I think. As for what I observed in them? Much as you said: they are well-made swords. And there is indeed a lingering sort of divinity in the pair, one so sparse<strong>, </strong>it is quite like a lingering strand of silk thread. I can find no opening within them where they might ept life energy. As they are? They are steel swords with sharp edges. That is all I can tell you.


    With a wave of her hand, the swords floated from between the two women, travelling back to settle in the huntress hands.


    Iunderstand. Theresa sheathed them.


    If you say that, then you have not understood at all.


    Theresa looked at the life enforcement professor sharply. Excuse me?


    I have told you nothing, Professor Kabbot-Xin rose from the sand. I have given you no great insight about these swords. There is nothing for you to understand, because you have notpleted your own observation of your des. I am not sure if you truly know them. You say you are disconnected from them, thenter you say you have a connection with them. You say you understand, but what is there to understand? I have told you my observations and nothing more, yet your face is a storm of worries and disappointments. If you left here with your understanding then you would observe your swords not through an illusion of wantsbut through an illusion of fears. All I have done is said what <em>I </em>have seen. You, on the other hand, have a different vantage point.


    She leaned toward Theresa. They may hold no secrets. They may hold many. In either case, see these weapons for what they <em>actually</em> are. Not through illusion. But through a clear eye. Only then will you know what you need to know.

 Chapter 408: Dancing for Three

    Chapter 408: Dancing for Three


    And then she said only then will you know what you need to know<em></em>! Theresa moaned, her hands pressed to her face.


    Okay, what in all hells does that mean? Alex asked from off to her left. She heard the page of a book turn, the thunder of ygons massive feet across the ground, and Brutus panting and barking, mixed with the yelping of other dogs. She heard the deep sigh her boyfriend often gave when something troubled him. She literally told you her observationsobservations that you <em>asked</em> for I might addand then she gets mad at you for saying you understand?


    I dont think she was mad, the huntress groaned. It was more like she was trying to give me a warning. But the way she said it made it feel like I was some naughty kid or something.


    Well, maybe she shouldve, yknowbeen more clear, instead of talking in parables and making you try to figure it out. Ugh, Baelin does that sometimes.


    Well, its her way of teaching, and to be fair, we learn more when we figure things out for ourselves than when she just exins things. She used to exin morest year when we first started taking the course, but as the year went on, she started guiding us toward examining our own life paths and figuring things out for ourselves. Each persons path through life enforcement is unique, so its not really helpful if she just gives us her perspective.


    Theresa sighed. Which is why she reprimanded me for saying that I understood: her perspective isnt really <em>useful</em> for me in this situation. So if Id left her office just taking her viewpoint as the truth, it wouldnt have gotten me any closer to understanding what I need to know.


    fair, and yeah, I didnt mean to go hard on your teacher like that, Alex said. Another page turned. Just made me mad seeing you so upset, thats all.


    I know, Theresa said, opening her eyes. And thats one of the reasons I love you.


    She squinted against the sun''s rays streaming through thick brass bars enclosing the beastarium, then nced at Alex. Even sitting cross legged on the grass, her partner towered above her as she sat with her legs draped across hisp. His glowing Wizards Hands hovered in front of him, holding a book on life enforcement hed borrowed from the library.


    Selina was sound asleep, leaning against a nearby fruit tree with a nket tucked around her from chin to toe. Theresa watched her chest, waiting for it to rise. It finally did. How the young girl could sleep through ygons thundering footsteps was a mystery, but sleep she did, soundly and peacefully. Her father would have called it the sleep of the dead, or the young. The giant golem was moving across the grass with slow, deliberate steps, his war-spear in hand: twirling, shifting and thrusting through the positions of the Spear-and-Oar dance. From hours of Alex leading him in different dance steps, his movements were far smoother, faster, but there was still something surreal in the image of a massive stone warrior moving through the beastariums pathways and grasses almost gracefully. As ygon danced, Brutus led a pack of dogs and dog-like monsters, tearing past him as they chased each other around his legs.


    Careful! Theresa called to her three-headed pet.


    Oh, hes fine. Ive been watching him, Alex said. I love you too. And Id also really love it if even one of these books gave me some answers. Im not finding anything that could help you with your swords. He grunted, mming the book shut and setting it aside. And thats thest book I have. Not a single chapter about life-enforcementpatible objects helped. Hmmmmaybe blood magic books might be more useful. Maybe I could ask Professor Hak.


    No, its okay, Theresa said, sitting up. Honestly, what I <em>should </em>be doing is clearing my head She took her sheathed swords up. And observing the swords without any preconceived ideas. Looking through books is only wasting your time.


    Hey, if there was even the slightest chance that these books could help you, it was worth a shot, Alex shifted the life enforcement books to the side. Another set of Wizards Hands floated to another pile, picking up a summoning spell-guide that was spilling out of a bag.


    She smiled, then tilted her face up to kiss his cheek. A frown touched her lips as something scratched them. Youre sweet. She nced at the cover of the book he was ready to open. Whatre you working on?


    New third-tier summoning spells, he said. I need to make sure I have a good handle on that level of magic.


    Oooo, whatre you summoning? she leaned over for a peek at the book.


    She didnt know why she bothered: the pages were full of the same symbols and diagrams that Alex was always drawing. They made her head spin.


    Well, right now? Nothing really. By the time you reach third-tier summoning, most of the monsters you call <em>really</em>should be summoned in the Cells for safetys sake since a lot of them are pretty dangerous. I think you might like this one, though.


    He flipped the pages of the spell-guide, stopping at an artists rendering.


    Oh my! Theresa said. Look at him!


    The drawing was of a tall, proud looking canine that resembled a cross between arge wolf, a doberman pinscher, and a bull mastiff. There was a nobility in the way it stood and a proud intelligence to its features.


    Whatre they called? Theresa asked.


    Flicker dogs, he said. Theyre really pretty neat actually: their homes are in the celestial realms, and theyre a lot like wolves here on the material ne. The big difference is that they can teleport.


    Really? She frowned, imagining wolves teleporting, then imagining herself long dead in the Coille somewhere. Thats terrifying, but kinda cool. Can they teleport like Baelin does?


    Oh, by the Traveller, no, Alex said. Most can travel about seven hundred feet with a thought. They can also flicker in ce. Which means they can vanish to avoid an attack, then reappear in the same spot. They can be really annoying to fight and even harder to catch and theyre also <em>very</em> good at getting into ces and sneaking around. Another nice thing about them is that theyre about as intelligent as humans, and theyre <em>very</em> loyal.


    I cant wait for you to summon one. Theresa tapped the ears of the drawing with a gloved finger. I wonder if itll let me scritch it?


    Heh, well, well see if itll be open to scritches, you know how dogs are, some love a good scritching, some prefer biting your hand off. Alexughed. Once I get this spell array figured out, Ill be summoning one and if all goes well, you might be scritching before the days through.


    She giggled. What about your other summoned monsters? Any other cute ones?


    He gave her a thoughtful look. Well, cute wouldnt be the right description for hell-boarswhich are about seven feet tall at the shoulderor formiac ants, which look like regr ants except they grow to be about the size of Brutus. But, even though theyre not cute or great in a fight if theyre alone, theyre amazing climbersand with enough guidancereally good at construction.


    Thats neat, she said. Got something you n on building?


    Not specifically, Alex said. But if we''re ever caught out in the wilderness, they can help with building a shelter real fast. How cold it gets in Thamnd or even in the Crymlyn started me thinking about how important getting some quick shelter would be under those conditions.


    Nice thinking, she said.


    He gave her that look again. Whats gotten into you? he asked. Youre not usually so interested in this kinda stuff.


    Well, youre showing interest in my stuff, Theresa said. So, of course Im going to be interested in your stuffeven if I dont get a lot of it.


    The smile spreading across his face was like sunlighting out on a cloudy day. Wellsun that was still somewhat obscured by clouds. He couldnt deny it anymore, the mess of fuzz hed been cultivating for thest while was finally something one might call a beard, a rather short one, but it had reached beard level.


    Theresawasnt sure if she liked it; it was scratchy when she kissed him.


    Thats another thing I love about you, he said. I


    His face suddenly went nk and he sharply turned toward ygon.


    The golem continued his dance.


    What is it? Theresa asked.


    I dont know he muttered. Probably nothingprobably.


    That really sounds like it was definitely something, she said, peering at ygon.


    Well, I dont knowIve been mentally guiding ygon through the dance while weve been talking, but I dont think thest couple of steps he took were ones I directed. He peered intently at the golem.


    ygon continued his dance across the grass andand holding the spear as he washe reminded the huntress of seeing Fan-Dor and Gel-Dor performing the dance for the first time on <em>The Red Siren. </em>The twins had moved through the dance together, identical in every way, moving as mirrors of each other. Moving as one.


    You know, Alex muttered. Im wondering if its the material.


    What do you mean? Theresa pulled her thoughts back from the memory.


    I mean, ygon keeps getting <em>close</em> to a breakthrough in sentience, he said. Every now and then I <em>feel</em> his mind begin to spark. Then nothing else happens. Im wondering if the material hes made with is the problem. Maybe the mana doesnt conduct through y well enough for his mind to fully form? Or maybe when he evolvesif he evolveswe might see his mind fully form then. All we can do for now is just try and keep it stimted and show him lots of affection.


    Theresa smiled. Maybe we can do that right now.


    Hm? Alex looked at her.


    Take a break, she said, jumping to her feet Dance with me. Dance with us. Let the <em>three</em> of us do the Spear-and-Oar dance together. Maybe well get some insights.


    He cocked his head. Thats not a bad idea, besides, Id be a dead man before I said no to dancing withygon. Youre also a nice bonus.


    She rolled her eyes, walking toward the golem. Your father is so mean, ygon. You need to show him what its like to be a true gentleman.


    Strong, tall and silent? Alex hopped to his feet, following her.


    Silent, but at <em>least</em> polite, she said, falling into the first position of the Spear-and-Oar Dance.


    Alex took up a position beside her, putting his hands on his hips. Well, were probably not going to be able to do <em>that</em>dance; after all, its meant to be performed by <em>two, </em>not three.


    Well, then youll need to improvise, I guess. She grinned at him. Youve been practising Fan-Dor and Gel-Dors dance all this time and you cante up with something new?


    Pfft! he blew out a breath, readjusting the cement of his hands. <em>Ill</em> show you something new. Ill have you know that Alexander Roth could be the choreographic director for a circus!


    Yeah, maybe for the clowns.


    ...well, I just ran right into that one, now didnt I? He shook his head. Ah, whatever. If Im a director of clowns, then youre a clown too, because Im about to direct you!


    He fell into the second stance of the Spear-and-Oar dance. Follow my lead, Ill give you some suggestions but in the endhell, just do whates naturally. Were making this up, after all.


    Yeah, she said. And thats the fun part.


    Together, Theresa, Alex and ygonunched into a different version of the dance, one not meant for two, but for three. At first, things were clumsy: a dance for two performers mirroring each other didnt work too well for three. One dancer would act as a reflection of the other, which left the third redundant. It made their dance unbnced and awkward.


    This isnt working, Theresa said. Maybewe should try moving topliment each other instead of mirroring each other? She thought of the schar twins, moving beautifully across the deck. We should move like one entity.


    Hmmm, Alex mused. Yeah, thats like the Dance of Fusion. In that dance, its less of a mirror and more likeeach dancer acting as a <em>different</em> part of a stronger whole.


    Okay Theresa said. I like the sound of that. Is it for three or more?


    No, still twobut I think we can modify it. Here, lets try this


    He led them into a new dance, one that was the Spear-and-Oar Dance, but built on the Dance of Fusions principles: not two moving in reflection, but three moving as one inpliment. At first, things were awkward as Alex and Theresa stumbled around ygon.


    But soon, they grew morefortable and better practisedand started moving in tandem. A transformation urred while the trio glided across the grass, responding as one. It feltproper, like they should have been moving like that all along.


    Theresa fell into it more and more,ughing with Alex as they danced with the golem.


    She had no idea just how much that little dance would change her life.


    And soon.


    Far beyond Generasi, things were already shifting.


    And her sword would be needed.

 Chapter 409: Hostile Negotiations

    Chapter 409: Hostile Negotiations


    I dont think we need Aenflynns swords, Merzhin said disapprovingly. And I am getting a little tired of being left behind, mypanions.


    Drestra froze in the middle of shouldering her pack.


    Not now, she thought.


    Oi, Merzhin, Cedric said. Leave it lie.


    I do not believe that I can, the small Saint said from across the embers of the campfire. Around them, their escort of priests and knights were breaking camp. The Ravener-spawn have been especially heinous as ofte. Uldar has watched asin thest whilethey have struck with both more frequency and ferocity than ever before. The Holy Heroes must act together.


    I agree, Hart said, slipping on his pack.


    Holy Champion, now is not the time to argWaityou agree? Merzhin was taken aback.


    I do. The Raveners spawn <em>are</em> getting nastiertely, so weve gotta work together to stop them, Hart continued. But that doesnt mean just the four of us, it means us and anyone else we can get to help. The army. The Generasians. The fae. Anyone. We need to be doing everything we can to get <em>everyone </em>we can.


    Truebut, this Aenflynn is toying with you! Merzhin said. <em>And Lo did the fisherman trust the hungry pike, who left with the entire catch.</em> Like in the parable, he lies and takes advantage. After all this time, I cannot imagine him taking these meetings with us for any other reason than his own amusement and the thought thatin desperationwe might fall prey to one of his mountingly unfair offers.


    Drestra fought to keep her face straight.


    Aint it our duty to keep tryin anythin we can for country an god, though? Cedric said.


    indeed. Apologies, I was letting my own feelings cloud our need to do what we must. Andin the endthese meetings cost us nothing while having the potential to generate more allies. He ced his small hands together before himself. I shall pray to Uldar that you are guided and that the miracle of sess visits your negotiations. While in Dulforth healing the garrison and raising morale, I will say another prayer for your sess. Hopefully, when we meet there, you will have positive news this time. And may Uldars grace smile upon the three of you.


    There was a pause.


    Aye, an you as well, Cedric said.


    Nice save there, Cedric, Hart said, walking between the Sage and the Chosen.


    Thanks, the red-haired young man said. Thought I was gonna choke on them Uldars blessin words, but I managed to get em out. Feels a bit ironic, an all, considerin Uldar might not be too happy with what we knowor what were about tdo.


    We need to think about what happens if he<strong></strong>finds out aboutall of this, Drestra said. We want to be ready.


    Hopefully, he wont go full maniac on us. Id hate to have to fight him, Hart said.


    Drestra looked at the Champion, surprised. Youre afraid to fight him? I didnt think youd be afraid to fight anybody.


    Hart shrugged. Hes arade. He might not be my friend, but hes fought alongside me for more than a year. Weve saved each others lives. Weve killed together and broken bread together. And its never easy turning your sword toward an ally. It just isnt.


    Ysound like yer talkin from experience, Cedric said.


    That''s because I am.


    For a few heartbeats, the only sounds heard were from the Heroes boots crunching through muddy snow.


    It stinks, doesnt it? Drestra thought about the traitors among her own people.


    It does, was all Hart said. But, lets leave all that aside. You sure this is gonna work?


    No, Drestra said as they pushed through a thicket and into a hidden clearing. But it will let<em> us </em>dictate terms. Im tired of being led around by the nose.


    The Heroes paused at an unremarkable, dead tree.


    Aye, Im tired of it too, Cedric said grimly, drawing back his metal sheathed fist. Lets see if <em>we</em> cant be the ones drivin the wagon for once.


    The Chosen drove his fist into the wood, and with a crash, it split apart, revealing a hollow in the south<strong></strong>side of the tree. He stuck his hand in and felt around, grasping an object hidden deep inside the trunk. When his cupped hand emerged, it was holding an orb the size of a human head: a dungeon core.


    Sbeen a bit of a pain luggin this thing about, hidin it every time we move camp. Cedric handed the dungeon core to Drestra.


    Dontin. Getting away to practise with its been even harder, she said, pouring her mana into the core. Last night, Merzhin nearly caught me: hes going to get suspicious.


    Well, I dunno about that, Cedric said. Yve always gone off doin your own thing ever since yjoined us. If anythin, youve been spendin <em>more</em> time with us than before we found out about all o dis dungeon core business.


    She looked at Cedric and Hart for a long time. Well, were united by purpose now.


    Hart snorted. United by purpose <em>now? </em>What, are you saying dealing with the Ravener wasnt purpose enough for you? Hah!


    I guess not. Before, all we were doing was pushing down the Ravener for another hundred years. Some longer lived people wouldve had to deal with it in their lifetime again, which seemed pretty futile to me. And since I knew that, and it didnt sit too well with me, I wasnt really full of a lot of motivation. But now? Now were cutting the head off the snake.


    Aye, fair enough, Cedric said, looking at the dungeon core. I thought fightin the Ravener was about as noble a purpose as I could think of.but bein sure that none o me grandkidsll have tdeal wit the same threats we do, seven better. Much better. Anyway, lets get this done. Yready, Drestra? Sall gonna fall to you.


    Hold on, she said, closing her eyes and pouring more mana into the dungeon core.


    After the Ravener-spawn attack in Coille forest, the three Heroes had searched for a full day before theyd found the chitterer dungeon and destroyed it, but theyd been too enthusiastic. Their n had been to capture the dungeon core for Drestra, but by the time they were finished with the chitterers, everyst chitterer was dead, the dungeon was wrecked and so was the dark orb. So, when they tracked the bone-charger dungeon a mile or so away, they werent about to make the same mistake twice so they curbed their enthusiasm, making capturing the orb the priority. Theyd raided the dungeon, kept it fairly intact, smashed the bone-chargers and the behemoth serving the orb with prejudice, then imed their prize: a living dungeon core for Drestra to explore, and eventually, control. For her n to work, before they left the bone-charger dungeon to meet up with Merzhin, shed need lots of practise, long sleepless nights of practice to reach a specific goal.


    The process to get to that goal had been gruelling: the dungeon cores inner mana pathways almost felt alien, and forcing it to do more than randomly making walls wasnt a simple task. But, she had three advantages in her favour:<strong></strong>the Mark offered the Sage an almost bottomless well of mana, vast amounts more than the Chosen, and he possessed far more than an average wizard. Her will was steel and her mind determined, andif she set her mind to itshe could live without sleep for weeks. While Cedric and Hart kept watch, time and again shed passed her mana through the core, focusing on something shed done identally while touching the centre of the core the Generasians had: making monsters.


    In the end, shed managed to aplish what shed wanted, but shed also found something unexpected, a startling revtion as it were: one that would change the way negotiations with Lord Aenflynn would goand the entire war.


    Alright. She slipped the dungeon core in her bag. Lets take control of our fate.


    The meeting ce was much like Drestra remembered: an unchanging stone in a sea of change.


    Each journey the Heroes had taken into the fae wilds through a fae gate was always different, thendscape had always changed. Sometimes they walked along green rolling hills. Other times, they crossed an endless meadow surrounded by trees that never seemed toe closer, no matter how long they walked toward them.


    Today they were walking through cultivatedwns and hedges, among mazes of shiny green boxwoods sculpted into the shapes of life-like monsters, bothrge and small. They had even passed a tall bush pruned in the shape of a mage spellcasting: a literal hedge wizard. Yet, at the centre of a maze was the same destination they always found themselves arriving at.


    Well tended flowers of a dozen shades were in full bloom, stretching out before them. Rising from a mound taller than the rest of thendscape was a small stone cottage that one could find anywhere in the Thameish countryside. A thatched roof woven together like threads of spun gold sat above stained ss windows that shifted colour each time a Hero blinked. Smoke puffing from the mouth of a stone chimney billowed skyward in neat, singr clouds, forming animal shapes that rose, spreading and seeming to dance across the sky.


    No matter if theyd crossed forests, meadows, or hedge mazes to reach it, their destination was always the same.


    Thisll be thest time wee here, the Sage whispered, leading Hart and Cedric up to the door.


    Aye, may it be so, the Chosen said.


    I dunno, Hart shrugged, knocking on the door three times. He serves really good bread and milk. Shame theres no meat, though.


    Before Drestra could say a word in response, a voice came through the door.


    You maye in, the cultured voice of the fae lord said.


    The three Heroes nodded to each other in resolve and the Sage pulled the door open.


    As much as the outside of the cottage was unchanged, the same was also true of the inside: they stepped into the vast ale hall filled with artefacts from their childhoods,plete with the lingering scent of spring flowers native to the Crymlyn. The fae lord still sat within the setting as though it all belonged to <em>him.</em>


    He, too, was the same.


    The unearthly beauty of his face. Thaturel of ivy circling his brow, the pointed ears. The only thing that changed were those eyes: those ancient pools of silver lightfilled with a shrewd cunningwhich only seemed to grow more smug with each meeting.


    The Sage vowed that this would be thest day she would see that smugness in those eyes.


    Wee back, mortal Heroes, Lord Aenflynn said cheerily, gesturing to the spread of buttered bread and cups of creamy milk on the table beside him. Are you ready for our little luncheon? At this point, these meetings seem to be less about negotiations and more about simply joining me for lunch, but I do not mind. After all, I have all the time in


    He paused, watching as the three Heroes filed into his cottage. His eyes noted the confidence in their steps and determination in their gazes. A slight furrow creased his brow as they bowed.


    You three seemdifferent somehow. Have you gained resolve? If so, I am truly surprised. The price has reached three hundred mortal children now, as you know. I thought you might be morereluctant.


    I was never reluctant, Lord Aenflynn, Drestra said. But nownow Im ready for you.


    We all are, wit respect, Cedric said.


    The fae lord paused, an amused smile touching his lean features. Oh, please dont tell me youre going to attack me or do something equally silly. I know young mortals can be impulsive. But trust me, to attack me in my own homethat is a contest of arms you would not wish on your worst enemy.


    No fights, unless youre starting one. Can I grab some food real quick? Hart pointed to the spread on the table.


    Be my guest, Lord Aenflynn said, watching Drestra closely. You knowif you arent here to start a physical fight out of desperation, I can only suspect that you might have finally found something suitable to counter with. My, my, this will be an interesting meeting. Tell me, how do the Heroes of this generation seek to impress me? What can you offer me with all of my power? What can you offer me that I cannot already provide for myself, or even a suitable alternative to what I have asked for?


    How about four hundred, Lord Aenflynn? The Sages tone was calm. Four hundred mortals under the age of five winters and our agreement to take care of one hundred of your elderly fae as though they were mortal children. The four hundred mortals wouldnt be given all at once, but rather over time.


    An, Cedric added. Since were increasin what you want to shore up <em>your</em> armies, us four Heroes an our armies get to use fae gates to move across thend and respond tthreats faster.


    Well! Lord Aenflynn chuckled. The young ones bite back! Oh, this will definitely be an interesting meeting. I am noting your phrasing carefully, though: four hundred mortals aged under five winters, not four hundred mortal <em>children.</em>I suspect this is where you altered the deal, but I hope you wouldnt be sotransparent as to propose an offering of four hundred young animals or anything of that sort. Keep in mind that youre not in a fairy tale where you trick me by honouring the spirit of what I want and not the actual deed.<strong></strong>It would take more lifetimes than you could ever have for you to be shrewd enough to trick me into, wenything, I suppose. His tone and the smile that joined it were smug.


    No tricks, Drestra said. You said you wanted young mortals that could be raised in the fae realm to serve in your armies. Youll <em>get</em> an army. One full of young and trainablemortals.


    Oh, this I am dying to hear! Lord Aenflynns silver eyes lost their smugness, instead sparking with excitement. You must exin it to me.


    I cant do the n justice with words alone, the Sage said. Itd be better to show you. But its not possible here. Are you willing to follow us into the mortal world? Well have to travel to a specific ce.


    Where, exactly?


    A dungeon. An<em>almost</em> empty dungeon.

 Chapter 410: An Almost Empty Dungeon

    Chapter 410: An Almost Empty Dungeon


    When Lord Aenflynn stepped into the mortal world, reality seemed to buckle beneath the weight of his being.


    The air and earth around him shimmered and distorted like water forced into a sphere. Dead foliage breathed life again, bursting with vibrant summer blooms under his feet only to wither and die when his touch left them. His power: to Drestras mana senses, zed like the sun. It felt like hed brought part of the fey wilds into the material world with him. Or perhaps he <em>was</em> an enduring part of the fae wilds.


    His lip curled while he took in the dead fall foliage surrounding them. I find your mortal world <em>quite</em> distasteful. Its strangely both stifling, yet barren, and I cannot imagine how you manage to live here. The fact that I am now in your reality should tell you how high my expectations are for what you have to show me.


    May we meet them, Lord Aenflynn, Cedric bowed his head, then looked around at the bare trees. Where were goin snot far. The fae gate opened near the dungeon an its jus a short walk from here.


    Good, then let us move quickly, this world is too oppressive, the fae lord said, folding his hands behind his back. A sudden pulse of mana saw him rise, hovering a few inches above the earth. Drestra watched his expression carefully; things were going ording to n this far, but the one wrinkle could be his mood.


    Fae were creatures of their word, and if angeredand without warning would not hesitate to strike out at anyone who they felt dishonoured by. And Lord Aenflynn already looked offended by the very world they walked in.


    As they made their way to the dungeon, she wondered if they <em>would</em> be able to get the upper hand on the fae lord if he lost his patience or temper with them. As a group theyd been able to stop a greater demon, after all.


    She shook her head.


    No, Zonon-In was a monster, but she doesnt <em>bleed</em> power the way Aenflynn does. He reminds me of being around Baelin: they both have a presence that feels like youre near the power of a raging hurricane. maybe one day, I''ll be like them.


    In time, Drestra very likely would be.


    But shed have to survive today first.


    <em>I</em> bring you into a mirror of your childhoods captured by the majesty of my power and the fae wilds, the faes tone was scornful as they moved past debris in the damaged bone-thrasher dungeon. And you bring me to a dank cave. How charming. Hmmmm, but this is odd. You say this dungeon is nearly emptyI detect the presence of a strange mana in the air.


    Drestra slipped a hand in her bag, resting it on the dungeon core and keeping it thereout of Aenflynns sightfor what wasing next. She carefully probed the centre with her mana, pushing against the dark orbs fierce resistance until she found the distinct apparatus within.


    Like you did before,<strong></strong>she thought.


    Wait Lord Aenflynn paused. Somethings up ahead and its doing its damndest to be quiet, but of course its failing. He snorted mockingly. Did you have an ambush in store for me, young ones? Dont lie, because I will know.


    No, Cedric said. Not tryna tambush yat all. But whats up theres got tdo with our demonstration.


    The fae lord frowned. Youre telling the truthinteresting. I suppose I will see soon enough.


    And soon enough, they entered what had been the central chamber of the dungeon. Most of the evidence of the terrible battle that had taken ce there was gone: scores of Ravener-spawn corpses had been removed and incinerated, but ckened walls scorched by fire spells, cleaved by punishing weapons and powerful magics, still remained.


    Were here, Drestra announced to the puzzled fae lord. Now, Lord Aenflynn, I must ask something of you.


    He raised his eyebrows. Youre asking something of me before you do whatever it is you called me here for? Bold. And potentially ominous.


    Aye, an we wouldnt ask if it werent important, Cedric said. But we request that ydont share what youre about to see here today with anyone. By your own power an your own honour, we hope youll swear tkeep everythin that happens from here on out between us, unless the three of us gives ya permission tdo otherwise.


    Oho! And if I say no? the fae asked.


    Thenin here woulda been a waste of your time, Hart said. And we wouldnt want to waste your time, mlord.


    I could <em>force</em> you to show me whatever it is, oath or not.


    You could, Drestra said. And you would break negotiations that we have held in good faith. We didnt insult or attack you, so if you attack us, the dishonour that would stain you would be of your own doing.


    Cedric stiffened, looking at her in warning.


    Youre treadin a little close! she could hear him saying.


    But she was also focused on Aenflynns face. The fae lord stared down at her with that terrible power lurking in his gaze, his face a mask of calm.


    Would it stay calm?


    Or would the hurricane begin?


    Fine, then, he said atst. I will not be the one to spread dishonour among us, and I would hate for this trip to yourquaint little cavern to be a waste. So, in the spirit of honour, I swear upon my name and my honour not to share words, deeds or happenings regarding anything said, revealed or done in this ce.


    Cedric bowed his head, and took a deep breath. Thank you, he said, before turning to Drestra. Alright, the floors all yours.


    Her attention had shifted to a number of tunnels shrouded in darkness at the back of the cavern.


    Look over there, Lord Aenflynn. The Sage pointed, then closed her eyes, falling into the dungeon core, pushing against its power.


    Nerves gripped her. Shed only get one chance.


    For the n to work, she had to show the fae lord that their position was strong. She couldnt afford to falter now. With these thoughts spurring her, Drestra fell deeper into the dungeon core, wrestling with its power, fighting its resistance.


    Aenflynns eyebrows rose and his eyes narrowed on her bag. Shed expected that from him: an ancient, powerful, magical being would be able to sense <em>something, </em>even if he didnt know exactly what it was, and as long as he wasnt rmed enough to do something rash and remained peacefully curious, it didnt matter.


    Her mana seized a section of the dungeon cores centre, and opening her eyes, she activated the core.


    It was time to give him something to look at.


    Mana rushed from the dungeon core, reaching for the shadowy tunnels in the rear of the chamber. The Sages jaw clenched behind her veil as she worked through precise movements with her mana. The actions were still new to her so the results were clumsy and imprecise, but they were adequate, and from the back of the chamber, a heavy footstep echoed, followed by another. And another. An awkward hulking thing stumbled through the passageway, introduced by a pair of staring eyes that slowly advanced in the darkness.


    It trudged squarely into the silver light shining from the fae lords eyes.


    A Ravener-spawn.


    A bone-charger.


    Lord Aenflynn frowned as the creature lurched toward them. Hm, it seems you missed one earlier. Though it appears ill, or perhaps injured from your fight with...


    His words trailed off.


    The hulking monster had stopped in front of them. It watched the group for a heartbeatthen Drestra made another adjustment to the core and with a shudder of its massive form, the Ravener-spawn slowly bent its head and lowered its front legs. One arm swept below its neck while the other rose in the air. The movement was clumsy. It wasnt fluid. But it was unmistakable.


    The bone-charger was bowing.


    Drestra looked at the fae lord andfor an instanthis expression slipped: a parting of his lipsbined with a ckening of his jaw. Hed gaped ever so slightly.


    We might have him, she thought.


    A heartbeatter, his face was back to its cool, controlled expression, but now, a long finger was perched beneath his chin like he was deep in thought. Interesting, the way you used a controlling spell to puppet this creature and have it do your bidding. But what does this have to do with me?


    Hold that thought, Drestra concentrated on the dungeon core, fighting through its mana and bringing another monster to life.


    Soon two sets of thundering, stumbling footsteps echoed from the darkness in the back of the cavern. A pair of bone-chargers emerged. They stumbled forward with less agility than the firstcontrolling two was mind-bendingly difficultbut they still stopped obediently before the Heroes and fae lord and lowered themselves in a bow that mirrored the first spawns.


    Drestra pulled her mana from the orb, taking a moment to gather herself from the exertion of controlling it.


    Theres gotta be a better way to do this, she thought. A way for me to only give them orders to follow.


    The only way Drestra could control the Ravener-spawn for now was by feeling about in the dungeon core and using its inner apparatuses to direct the creatures. It was difficult, slow, and trying, and she felt there had to be a better, more efficient way to get the monsters to follow hermands.


    Shed make do for the time being since shed had very little time to practise.


    Her attention turned to Aenflynn as he studied the creatures, his silver eyes pulsing with light.


    More than one. Interesting. A fine show youve put on for me, my dear, but I still do not see what this has to do with our deal.


    Its simple, Drestra gestured to the monsters. You said you wanted mortal children to raise as soldiers in exchange for fae warriors you provide to fight alongside us. These creatures will be ready for your army. Theyre Ravener-spawn, so no training necessary.


    They do not even move properly, Lord Aenflynn chuckled.


    They will, Drestra said. And they are all mortal, and all aged under five winters.


    Lord Aenflynn shot her a startled look, then burst outughing. The cavern rumbled with the weight of the fae lords superior tone as rock rose and fell like rough waters. She noticed that his canines looked unusually sharp.


    The three Heroes stepped closer to each other.


    Ah, mortal humour, how amusing, Aenflynn said. Youve matched my requirements at the most basic levnd all I see here are three monsters, not the four hundred you promised.


    Hold that thought, the Sage poured her power back into the orb.


    She felt around.


    There was enough mana inside of it for maybe one final demonstration.


    Drestra cautiously reached for the centre of the core, triggering another apparatus. A greater wave of power exploded from the dungeon core, lighting up the air, seeping into nearby stone. Rock shimmered, an enormous cocoon with a moist appearance rose from the cavern floor. The cores mana increased, swelling the casing to bursting, squelching sounds oozed from inside. And then


    A soggy tearing noise followed, and a bone-charger slipped to the cave floor, ready for Drestra to quickly seize control of it, and with a final pulse of her will, the newborn bowed.


    Lord Aenflynn watched closely, but wordlessly. So Drestra spoke first. As you can see, itll take time, but you will have the promised creatures to fight for you. And besides, whats time to you? As you said, you have all the time in the world.


    A twitch of amusement touched the faes face as he pped loudly. Well done! Well done! His voice was strangely casual. Youve found an interesting little trickbut Im afraid it is no more than that; an interesting trick. I do believe I will deny your counter-proposal and request the three hundred<strong></strong>mortal children I have asked for. As usual, I will give you one moon to think on it. I look forward to our next meeting.


    Drestra, Hart and Cedric looked at each other.


    The two young men nodded.


    The Sage was still, looking up at the fae lord, her golden eyes meeting his glowing silver ones.


    Thats a shame, she said. In that case, this will be our final goodbye. We wont be meeting again.


    He paused. I beg your pardon?


    Its been a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Aenflynn. She lowered her head. Since that is your position, negotiations are over. Sorry we couldnt work things out.


    And now the final stage of the Heroes n was in y.

 Chapter 411: Bargaining From a Seat of Power

    Chapter 411: Bargaining From a Seat of Power


    <em>I like the idea of everybody wins if you can get that,</em> Alexander Roth had once said.


    The Thameish wizard had been sitting beside the fire talking with Drestra in the Generasians encampment, and the Sage had hinted at the troubles Lord Aenflynn was bringing. Shed sought advice while still keeping the negotiations with the fae lord secret.


    And Alex Roth had replied: <em>I like the idea of everybody wins if you can get that,</em><em>except monsters or assholes trying to kill you, of course. They can all go straight to every hell in all the nes for all I care. In tiny pieces would be best. But for everyone else? I like to think that if theres another way, pick the other way. Like a third way. One of my mentorsChancellor Baelin, who youll be meeting soonalways tries to get us to think our way out of problems. Youre the Sage, right? Maybe youlle up with another way thats best for everybody.</em>


    The idea of a third way had set a fire in Drestras mind, and shed spent months trying to find that third way.


    Shed thought of summoning monsters, constructing servants or even hiring mercenaries: anything that the other Heroes could find eptable while still meeting Lord Aenflynns needs.


    Yet, none of her ideas had been practical.


    The mercenary idea was madness born from desperation and was dead before shed wasted too much time on it. Even if the crown was interested in spendingrge sums of coin to hire a small army of mercenaries, there was a big ring, insurmountable problem with the idea: mortal mercenaries tended to be adults, mortal adults were well beyond five winters old, way too old to even try pawning off as younglings the fae lord could raise and train as soldiers for his army. Shed dismissed the idea almost as soon as it came to her, then started considering an army of summoned monsters for Aenflynn, but quickly recognised that this solution came with its own problems. One would need an entire army of wizards to maintain summoned monsters andwhen the spells mana ran outthe creatures would abruptly vanish back to their home nes. Shed also thought about asking the Generasians to help create golems to offer to the fae lord, but if Thamnd had the resources tomission an army of powerful golems, they wouldnt need an alliance with the fae in the first ce.


    For a few wild nights, shed even toyed with the idea of tricking Aenflynn into epting something he didnt really ask for, then binding him to it by using his word against him.


    Unfortunately, no amount of desperate schemes or overthinking would have solved their problem, because in the end, Aenflynn could always turn down anything they proposed andeven if she seeded in tricking him and gained the fae warriors they neededtheyd be fighting alongside soldiers sworn to an angry, bitter and vengeful fae lord. Who would they have to keep more of an eye on, the fae warriors fighting beside them, or dungeons full of attacking Ravener-spawn? The fae scenario had disaster and a fae de in the back written all over it.


    But now that shed learned how to control a dungeon core, a door had opened, and it solved their problem, eliminated desperation, and gave them an edge.


    Truth was, they didnt really <em>need</em> Lord Aenflynns soldiers anymorethe fae were preferable fighters in ways Ravener-spawn couldnt bebut the Sage could conjure an army from literally nothing, which meant unlimited numbers and the greatest tool anyone could have in a negotiation.


    The ability to simply walk away.


    If Aenflynn doesnt like what were offering, he can hang, she thought. And well make our own fighters Though, having ess to the fae gates would be a big help to us, maybe we should see what else he has to say before we walk away.


    Lord Aenflynn had been silently eyeing the Heroes for heartbeats, looking from one to the other like someone whod been told a joke they didnt understand.


    Sorry we couldnt work things out? he suddenly broke the silence. What are you saying? You need an army to deal with your Ravener-spawn problem. You also need my fae gates to transport your troops.


    I dunno about that, Lord Aenflynn, Cedric said. Ylook at these three, an all ysees jus a beginnin, yknow. Were masterin this everyday, soon well be makin our own armies.


    And <em>how</em> did you manage this? Aenflynn asked, looking at Drestras bag.


    Respectfully, Lord Aenflynn, we have our secrets, Drestra said. As you no doubt have yours.


    His lip twitched.


    So, we get it, Hart said. You want something from us and we want something from you, but as youve said, you dont <em>need</em> anything from us. And while wed deal with you if you wanted to negotiate, these monsters are our best offer. Mortal children arepletely off the table. If you dont want what we have, thats alright. We respect that. Well just go our separate ways.


    You need my forces, these monsters cannotpare to my warriors, the fae lord said quietly. The brute actions of what are barely more than beasts can never match even one faes hundreds of years of experience.


    True, Drestra said. Which is why we still want to bargain. But in the end, we can let this go.


    That Lord Aenflynns eyes shed.


    A bolt of fear and excitement ran through Drestra.


    You ancient beast, when was thest time someone told you they could walk away from you? She wondered. Without insult, or dishonourjust the ability to walk away? How does it feel not holding all the power for once?


    Obviously, not good.


    The fae went from throwing the Ravener-spawn a cutting look, to openly ring at the Heroes.


    You <em>need</em> me, he said. You <em>need</em> my forces.


    His power red and the cave system began to rumble.


    It urred to Drestra that holding this meeting underground might not have been the best idea. If Aenflynn wanted to bury them under a mountain of rock out of childish rage, he could, thered be little they could do to stop him or escape.


    Stay the course, she told herself. If he was going to bury us, wed already be buried.


    Or at least she hoped that was true.


    Wed like your help, she said. But were willing to do without it and use our own power.


    So, as things stand, Cedric added. Ycan have loadso monsters treplenish yer forcesthough we gots final control over eman well take proper care o yer elderly fae an give em a good life in theirtter days. An your fae warriors can fight alongside usor well take our monsters, bid you farewell an part as friends.


    Friends? Lord Aenflynn choked. Do you think this is a joke? Do you think you are all cute?


    Well, my mother and father thought I was cute, Hart said.


    Mine too, Drestra chimed in.


    Da n ma thought I was downright adorable, Cedric said.


    Drestra burst into deepughter, soon joined by Hart and Cedric. Relief. She felt relief and couldnt help butugh; from the moment shed been Marked, shed lost control of her own life. The church controlled her destiny. Uldar controlled her destiny. Aenflynn kept leading them around by the nose, and hed been ying with them for months.


    But now?


    Now they couldpolitelytell him to piss off with his games.


    And damn did that ever feel <em>good</em>.


    Well <em>I</em> do not find you adorable, the fae lord pronounced. I should curse you right now and let your people wither under the tide of these monsters. Butout of kindness, I shall give you a chance. Forget this foolish counter-proposal and I will give you one moon to think things over.


    I do not wish to waste your time, Lord Aenflynn, Drestra said. None of us do.


    His face was a thundercloud. And is that your final answer?


    Yes, all three Heroes said as one.


    fools. He nced at the Ravener-spawn then fixed them with a long re. Foolsimpudent fools.


    She could see him struggling for control. It was like watching a child losing their favourite toys for bad behaviour, but not wanting to lose either the toys, or the bad behaviour.


    Will your honour and pride allow you to bend? she wondered. If you let us walk away, youll always know that weve walked away as equals: that you lost control of us. Do you want that?


    Fifteen hundred, the fae lord grunted.


    Pardon? Cedric asked.


    I want fifteen hundred of these monsters.


    And there it was.


    Then we want five hundred fae warriors fighting at our side, Drestra said.


    Hah! Lord Aenflynnughed. You mortals <em>are</em> amusing. You asked for fifty originally!


    Aye, but the deals been changed a lot since then, hasnt it? Cedric asked him. So why dont we work this out all proper-like now.


    Fine, they heard the fae lord say. We will bargain in earnest.


    ###


    More than an hour passed. An hour of conversing, haggling, bargaining, threats to depart, negotiating, thinking, stepping aside to confer in secret and thening back with new proposals. For a while, the fae lord was actually shouting, shaking the entire cave system with his power.


    Butatsta pact was reached.


    One hundred and twenty of your monsters, to be given once per moon in groups of thirty or more, not less. In return, you will have the service of one of my fae warriors for every three monsters you provide me. He looked down at the rings theyd received from Elder BlodeuweddDrestras mother. In addition, you Heroes will have full ess to the fae gates, letting you cross the five highways of my realm and quickening your travels across Thamnd. Your armies will have use of the same, though you will all be under faew while travelling through the fae wild. If any of you vite ourws, you will be subject to our punishments.


    Aye, got all that, Cedric said. An if we betray you, then you willmand your fae warriors to set on us and rip us to shreds. If ya betray us, then any Ravener-spawn weve gifted t ya will make things nasty for ya. Well also have folk ready tcare fer yer elderly changelings in two moons time.


    Fair, Lord Aenflynn said. Do you three swear to honour this pact on your names?


    The Heroes nodded at each other, then swore their oath.


    Excellent. Then I, Lord Aenflynn, ruler of the Realm of Och Fir Nog, will honour this oath.


    A wave of power swept the air.


    The deal was done, and Drestra felt ancient magic bind the four of them.


    Even as that weight fell on her shoulders, she felt another slide away.


    It was done. Theyd done it.


    At months end, well deliver the first lot of monsters to you, the Sage promised.


    Good, Lord Aenflynns spirits were high. Then, as a gesture of my good will, I will send ten of my best warriors to aid you inanticipation of this months payment. Theyll find you within one day.


    Thank you, Lord Aenflynn. Drestra bowed her head. Your generosity is only exceeded by your fairness.


    Fie on that nonsense! Fie, I say! The fae lords voice rose. Fie on such empty ttery. If you meant such a thing, you would not have kept threatening to walk away from the bargaining table. And on that matter, fie on this realm, he said, looking around the cavern. Until we meet again, Heroes.


    Aye, <em>if</em> we ever do, Cedric said.


    Oh, we shall, <em>Heroes of Thamnd</em>. The fae lords voice boomed.


    Wind swept through the cavern, woven together with the heat of summer, wetness of spring, the damp of fall, and the chill of winter. Aenflynns form grew until he was the size of a titan; his shadow loomed and spread over the caves walls, his silver eyes zing like miniature suns.


    <em>The path you walk now is unlike any other, and it is not one you walk alone,</em> his voice was thunder and me. <em>Like any path that departs from the known trail through the woods, you now step into peril. Fell things watch you. Allies quake. Whispers slip through the dark. Your post is abandoned and you are wanting. Every step you walk now will bring forth doom again, and we will meet again when you see the ck ichor on the chair. In your desperate hour. Farewell, Heroes of the Prophet God, walk your path towardpletion. Walk your path toward doom.</em>


    There was a peal of thunder that shook waves of stone dust from the ceiling.


    Then a terrible sh of light that half blinded Drestra erupted.


    She shielded her eyes against the sh andfor an instantsaw me.


    me that danced across a battlefield before a great escarpment.


    And from atop it, the empty grin of a bleached skull smiled at her.


    Soon the light faded, and with it, the images. When her eyes adjusted, the fae lord had vanished.

 Chapter 412: The Wake of Pronouncement

    Chapter 412: The Wake of Pronouncement


    what the hells was that? Hart asked. It felt like someone just walked over my grave. I saw all this fire and a great, big fight. Did you guys see that?


    The Sage muttered an incantation, conjuring a huge forceball to light the cavern.


    Yeah, Cedric said. I saw somethin like that. Bunch o monsters and fire burnin in front of a big tower o rock.


    Same here, Hart said. There were a whole lot of stsing from the tower. From the look of it, Im guessing mages or priests were working their power.


    I didnt see that. the Sage looked at him.


    He shrugged. My eyes are better than yours.


    She raised an eyebrow. It was a magical vision, Hart, were not seeing it with our eyes.


    All I know is that I saw more than you did. Cause, like I said before, my eyes are better than yours. He pointed to his eyes.


    Drestra clicked her teeth together. But that doesnt make any sense, we should be seeing visions with our souls: our eyes shouldnt matter.


    I dont know how it works, but did <em>you</em> see magic explosions? He cocked his head.


    no.


    Have you ever had a vision before? Got a lot of experience with them?


    The Sages face flushed. <em>No.</em>


    Then I guess our eyes matter in visions, then, dont they?


    Ugh, nevermind, she said. As for what the hells that was? I couldnt say.


    I dunno what any o that was, or even where it was. Cedric scratched his head. Never seen o heard anyone describe a ce like that in all o Thamndnot that geography was my best subject when I went t school.


    Ive never heard of it, either. Drestra frowned, thinking back to some of the stories her adoptive father had told her about different ces hed been to. Hed spent a lot more time travelling around than her mother, but she couldnt remember one single story the old man told with a giant escarpment in it anywhere in Thamnd. Cedric, dodo you think Aenflynn gave us a prophecy? Uldar used to make prophecies.


    Ive heard o fae pronouncin the future, Cedric said. But everythin I heard had to do wit em cursin folk and lettin em know how their magic was gonna pull their guts out n such. But I aint never heard o no deep fortune-tellin in faerie tales.


    Maybe he was showing us the past, Hart said. Or maybe they were just crazy illusions to mess with us: he was kinda mad we werent dancing around like his puppets anymore, so maybe he was getting some revenge. Anyway, whatever it was, if its the past, we might find out. If its a threat? It doesn''t matter. If its the future, well meet it sooner orter anyway.


    AyeI suppose you aint wrong, there. Well bring it up with the Generasi-folk or somethin. They know magic shite better n us. But, never mind all that fer now. He pounded his knuckles together. We bloody did it! We bloody well <em>did it!</em>


    The Chosenughed and leapt in the air, dancing an ted jig, his gold tooth lighting up his smile. Hart whooped and pped in time with Cedrics steps, tapping his foot in time to an unheard beat.


    Glee surged through Drestra, filling her with a fierce urge to take to the sky, roaring in triumph for all to hear. Their armies could soon travel from ce to ce at speed, theyd soon have reinforcements, and those benefits would be theirs for monsters shed always have control of. But, in her mind a clear warning whispered: barter with the fae lord would always bring trials.


    So, it''s best to keep their pact and avoid contact with him whenever they could; only spirits and fae knew what schemes and spiderwebs he might try weaving into other dealings. But for now? This was a good day.


    Bloody hell, thisll be greatthisll me Cedric paused. Hold on, mate, he left us here. Now, we gotta walk all the way back tmeet up wit Merzhin.


    No sooner had those words left his mouth, than a sound like bells tinkling in the distance reached their ears. Galloping hooves and clinkling bells wereing closer, ringing through the cavern, mingling with deep, jolly,ughter.


    What in all hells is that? Cedric shouted, his morphic weapon changing to a long halberd.


    At least, it doesnt sound like Ravener-spawn! Hart drew his bow, nocking an arrow and pulling the string taut.


    Drestra called upon her mana, chanting an incantation.


    What was that? A cultist attack? A demon? Lord Aenflynn betraying them so soon?


    The Heroes tensed, ready for whatever came through that entrance. Beneath the light of Drestras forceball, the tter of hooves on stone grew louder. A bellyugh repeated, rippling through the caverns.


    A bulky shape advanced, hoofbeats pounded the cave floor.


    With one leap from the shadows, a majestic bull moose thundered into the chamber, his nostrils puffing, expelling golden steam. Bells tinkled on his branching antlers, and their merry sound mingled with the bellyugh of the creatures rider. The man astride the beasts back had an otherworldly cast to his skin, like frostbite mixed with blueberry stains.


    Mistletoe, blood-red holly, and many more Sigmus nts were braided throughout his snow-white beard and scarlet clothing, and a satchelbursting with shining golden scrollshung from his side. No saddle adorned the mooses back, nor did the rider need any tack to control its movements; the moose and its rider moved as though they shared a single will.


    A wide grin bloomed across the riders face and his faded grey eyes danced with mirth. Hello Heroes and friends of my Lord Aenflynn! Many fine mornings to you!


    He brought his mount to a skidding halt before the gawking young Heroes and released a boomingugh, then leaping from its back, hended squarely on the cavern floor with barely a sound.


    The moose-rider stood no taller than Drestras waist, though his shoulders were as broad as Harts. His long pointed ears twitched as he spoke.


    I can see from your faces that youre a tad in shockylook like you just walked in on your mums dancing naked in a stormbut, have no fear, Ie in peace! Well, Ie in peace as long as you keep peace with me!


    He gave Cedric and Harts weapons a meaningful look.


    The two Heroes nced at each other before cautiously lowering them.


    Whore you? Destra asked.


    Im known by many names through many times and in many roles, all of them important! the fae said, puffing out his broad chest. And you, you can call me the Guide, for thats what Lord Aenflynn has sent me to do for you: guideand fight for you, if need be, but thatd be such a waste of my many, many talents.


    So, youre the first of the fae wholl be aidin us? Cedric eyed the scrolls rising from the Guides satchel.


    Hah! And to think folks say that mortals are durds, look at you, figuring that out all on your own, the stocky fae chuckled and drew a golden scroll from his satchel, snapping it open with a flick of the wrist. Youre right, and I will be the first of many, if I understand the contract between you and my overlord. And Ill likely be your best: at least better than some surly redcap, or as some mortals prefer to call them; powries! Arent you lucky? Redcaps dont bear gifts like this.


    He offered the scroll to a stunned Drestra who stared at the Guide for a few moments before catching herself and taking it. Her twopanions peered over her shoulders. Engraved in green shining ink was a detailed, yet odd map of the entirety of Thamnd.


    It noted no mortal settlementsas if none existedbut notations and symbols identifying fae homes, the dens ofrge beasts, and various forests and green spaces scattered throughout the countryside were spread across it. What was most interesting were the fae-gate symbols; realistic sketches of mushrooms that looked real enough to pluck from the page and drop into a pot of bubbling mushroom stew.


    Fancy map. Hart touched one of the circles. Those mushroom things, are they the fae-gates?


    The cleverness of mortals almost has me speechless! the Guide shouted, his moose shaking and jingling its bells. Thats right, my friends, these are your lifelinesthe doorways between yournd and mineand theyre all open to you as per your arrangement with my Lord Aenflynn. You can follow the map to any of them and pop right out in the fae world, and, when you do, just say Bielgloc!


    Bielgloc? Cedric asked. Whats thatOh holy hells!


    The green ink shattered, bursting from the golden paper and breaking into dozens of tiny, verdant particles that buzzed around each other like a swarm of bees. They swirled through the air for a heartbeat, then shot back onto the scroll, settling into an entirely new map.


    One that was even stranger. There wasnt much outlined on it beside a vast, confoundingwork of roads that connected each other in arge web. The other notations aside from the roads were house-shaped symbols beside them, and mushroom-circles indicating the fae-gates. A quick nce told Drestra that these gates matched gate locations on the map of Thamnd.


    This map shows you the roads youll be using to go from one gate to another in the fae wilds, the Guide exined. If youll notice, near<strong></strong>the roads are symbols for hostels you can stay in if youre travelling a far distance. Theyll be open to you and anyone with you: youll find fluffy beds for any number of guests, stables for your beasts, and the finest food that mortals can handle.


    I like the sound of that, Hart squinted at the map. But theres nothing around the roads. No countryside. Nothing. What if we get lost?


    The Guidesughter reverberated off the walls, and now it had a vicious edge to it that chilled the blood. Well, you see, thats the thing. The fae wilds are suitably named because of what they are; wild. Changeable. Keep in mind that you really dont want to step off the roads or you could find yourselves in for a bit of a nasty surprise. Your realms not like ours: yours is all stable, and samey and dead. Ours is alive; it lives, breathes and actually moves.


    He gave another wicked chuckle. Our roads stay in the same ce, but everything else wanders about like a bird on the wing: we have our ways of finding what we need to find and getting to where we need to gobut few are the mortals who would be able to find their way through our realm, aided or unaided. And, not everything in the fae wilds is as friendly as your loyal Guide!


    So what happens ifn we wander off the roads? Cedric asked.


    Lord Aenflynn grants you and your followers protectionas long as you stick to the roads. For you lot The Guides eyes fell on the Heroes fingers, taking in the rings gifted them by Drestras mother. I see youve been given the witches rings. That means <em>most</em> fae will guide you back to the nearest road. But in the case of your followers, if theyre alone, they wont have any such protections


    The Guide made a ripping sound while running a long finger across his throat.


    I thought we had a deal: that wed be safe in your realm anytime we travelled through it. Hart frowned.


    And you will bejust as long as yourpanions stay on the roads. Think of it this way. Do your mortal kings control every wolf, bear and angry drake lurking in your forests? They dont, do they? The boar doesnt have any idea that theres a king who says who can or cant hunt in the woods where it lives! It just gores anything thates into its territory!


    He nced left and right then leaned toward the Heroes and whispered conspiratorially. I once heard of a king who ruled over one of your mortal realms and got himself gored to death by a boar while he was on a hunt. That little incident kicked off a nasty little war. He giggled. I watched the progress of that war for seven winters, but eventually lost track of it. Sometimes I wonder if it ever ended. In any case, my point is that Lord Aenflynn doesnt rule every beast or ruffian in his realm anymore than your mortal king does in his. Keep it in mind, my friends. Or dont! Ill be guiding you on your trips through our realm, so you wont have to worry your heads about a thing. The best way to safely use the fae-gates to get to where you want to go is to stick to the paths, keep things civil, and youll be there and back again in no time.


    We got it, Cedric said. No messin about or harmin fae, an keep to the roads.


    Exactly. Now, if youll kindly follow me. Ill take you to the first fae-gate so you can get used to travelling and using the map. Im sure that well get along famously, like fish and water.


    Right Cedric said. Lead on, I suppose.


    Ill do it and do it well. The Guideughed, leaping back onto the back of his moose with a single twitch of his legs. Lets get going, I might have all the time in the world, but you mortals no doubt have ces to be.


    The moose pranced toward the mouth of the cave with Hart staring after him, a deep frown lining his forehead. Watch him, he whispered to the other Heroes. Watch him like a mouse would a snake.


    Aye, Cedric agreed. I''ll be keepin an eye on im fer sure.


    Both eyes, Drestra added.


    The petrifiers nine eyes glowered down on the Hunters. You lost the usurper? Were we not close?


    The pack of Hunters grovelled, pressing their scaly forms into the snow. Each trembled, but it wasnt from the cold.


    Apologies, the lead Hunter growled, its voice wavering. We were close, but they vanished. We dont know how.


    The petrifiers eye-stalks twitched. Show me.


    Right away!

 Chapter 413: The Coming Storm

    Chapter 413: The Coming Storm


    The Hunters led theirmander through the mounting snow, slipping between bare branches and frost-slicked trunks. In the distance, a line of eyes shed yellow. A pack of wolves stalked through the cold, guarding a kill that stained the white red.


    They eyed the Hunters warily, sniffing the air as they passed. Growls rumbled from deep within their chests as their hackles rose when the camouged petrifier strode by. They huddled closer together, tails and ears down and haunches low as its scent carried on the wind, sending fear through the nervous pack.


    Amusement filled the titanic spawn leader.


    These fierce beasts had turned cowardly at its presence, yet they had nothing to fear. They should be grateful, not fearful: were it not for Ravener-spawn, mortals would have long tamed more of the wild ces in thesends.


    Perhaps, eliminating woonds where usurpers could hide would better suit


    We are here, the lead Hunter suddenly spoke, halting in a snowy clearing. This is thest ce we sensed the usurper.


    The petrifier growled.


    There was nothing there. Nothing but impressions in the snow that led to an empty point in space. Had they vanished by mortal magic? Were they spirited away by something else?


    Its eye-stalks examined the tracks closely.


    Three pairs of mortal footprintsand four cloven hoofprints were all that was to be found.


    What to do


    Leader! A Hunter called from the distance.


    The petrifiers eye-stalks rose, scanning the trees.


    Two Hunters were loping from the south. We have found the other two usurpers!


    A riot of excitement seized the other Hunters: they bounded through the snow with teeth bared, pouncing and snapping at each other, unfurling razor-sharp ws, shing at tree trunks as their packmates came near.


    Where are they? The petrifier growled as the two scouts pressed themselves low before it.


    In a stronghold to the south, leader, one reported. It is far, but there is a chance to kill both because they are together, and leave together. We can attackbut


    But? the petrifiers eye-stalks twitched. It would not do to have another failure so soon.


    The other Hunter craned its neck, looking up at their leader. A source of powerful mana also appears in that ce. The usurpers might be protected by its power.


    And! The first Hunter crouched on its hands and knees. They appear and disappear strangely. Sometimes they are in the stronghold, then suddenly vanish. It is confusing.


    Vanish the petrifier looked down at prints that had also disappeared. The usurper here also vanished.


    Perhaps they were using the same magic.


    We have only ever felt two there, leader, the second Hunter said. The third does not seem to go there. But those two rarely move from that position, so an attack should kill them and their allies.


    Allies? Tell me more.


    By the time the two scouts had given a full report, the petrifier had gone quiet. Its ancient mind churning through the details: a group of powerful mana users. Powerful defences. Watchful sentries. This group did not sound like other mortals from this kingdom: mana-users were rare here.


    The Raveners task could prove challenging.


    An attack on so many spellcasters could turn against them, and a stealth attack could be difficult with thatrge a number of magic-wielders in one ce. Still, there might be more than one way to take these mortals by surprise.


    Prepare to move, the petrifiermanded. We will go by the lower ways and strike them where they would least expect an attack.


    The Ravener-spawn moved to the south, ready to deal death to the usurpers and their allies.


    Theres a storming, Theresa said, watching the northern sky as she stepped onto the battlement. Looks like a rough one too.


    Yeah. Alex peered through the falling snow, wiping wet kes from his beard. Might be a white-out.


    The morning air was cold in Greymoor, made chillier by a biting wind that cut to the bone. The chill was the sort of wet freeze that clung to the body, seeping into the muscles, making them burn and numbing them at the same time. Across the moors, all was white: a sea of frozen, rolling hills in the distance, only broken by grey towers.


    Small beasts had long gone to hibernate, while most birds had flown south to warmer climates. But a long winters sleep and warm climates were not for the Generasian Expedition; they had work to do, and now they had a proper ce to do it in.


    No one could call their base a research camp anymore. Camps involved tents and bedrolls, and there wasn''t a single sign of cloth tents among the grey stone buildings which had risen in their ce.


    The research castle was nowpleted.


    Towers and battlements soaring above the snowy hill overlooked miles ofndscape. An outer wallwith dozens of guards patrolling parapets between the guard towersencircled the hill. The main courtyard at Alexs back was loaded with equipment and other supplies, which even now, was being transported to their permanent homes within the castles inner buildings.


    The central keep towered above everything, and was the highest watchtower, thest defensive bastion,<strong></strong>and the main administration building. Inside, there were enough sleeping quarters to amodate the entire research team, but nearby, there was also a barracks building offering extra sleeping space for visitors, or ready for use as the research team expanded with time.


    The castles construction had been a marvel to Alex: if he hadnt seen how fast the work progressed with his own eyes, he would have believed thepound had been there for centuries. Hed pinched himself the first time hed seen the castle to make sure he wasnt dreaming, but it was real: a new permanent home in Thamnd where extensive research and exploring deep into the mysteries of dungeon cores could take ce.


    The construction phase wasntpletely over, yet.


    Throughout distant hills, grey stone towers stretched high above thendscape: outposts and watchtowers for keen-eyed sentries and battle mages to keep watch over Greymoor and defend thends around their fortress. Some of the structures had beenpleted, but for others, major work was still being done below ground. When the castle was nearingpletion, the university had brought in teams of dwarvenstone-engineers, earth mages, and fire witches to construct underground towers and fortresses interlinked by roads buried deep beneath the earth. When the roads were finished, Greymoor would be connected by awork well below ground, allowing researchers to travel to testing grounds and bunkers regardless of the weather, and also making it possible for defenders to quickly get to watchtowers, no matter the conditions outside.


    If a tower waspromised, each road leading to it was setby a series of magical measuresto copse in a ball of me through abination of me and earth magic. Fire and earth mages hadbined their talents, working together on road construction, melting frozen earth, and warping earth and stone. With dwarfcraft and wizardrying together,<strong></strong>the finished roads would be built to stand for a thousand years.


    Or, copse with amand.


    They were passageways simr to those within a vast dungeon to serve as pathways for Generasian forces and expedition members, but death-traps for their enemies.


    When thework was finally done, reaching testing sites without having to worry about fickle winter weather would be weed.


    Alex would soon be off to a testing site.


    You have any idea when Professor Julesll be calling you? Theresa asked, drawing her cloak tighter and hugging herself.


    She, ygon, Brutus and Alex stood on the castles inner wall high above the hill. Najyah soared through the falling snow, her broad-wings silhouetted against the grey sky. The eagles form was magnificent as it cut through the frigid air and despite the cold, she looked content and regal, a testament to how effective Khaliks warming spell was. Their otherpanions were at breakfast, fuelling themselves for the days work ahead. Today, Prince Khalik, Theresa, Svenia, Hogarth, Grimloch and Thundar would be heading underground to help with the tunnels, while Isolde was in the research building testing a dungeon-core copper-alloy.


    As for Alex?


    Theyll be calling me and Carey anytime now. Alex put his arm around his partner. She shouldve finished up herst exam and be on her way through the portal soon.


    Jeez, its crazy to think you guys<strong></strong>are all done with finals. The huntress snuggled against his shoulder. This semesters flown by. Doesnt it feel like your first semester was twice as long?


    Yeah, Alex agreed. This one went by in a blink. Between the you-know-what and my sleeping magic, it felt like school was almost easy.


    I dont<strong></strong>think thats something toin about.


    Yeah, thats the truth.


    Toward the end of the semester, Alexs routine was; ss, work, spell practise, dancing and reading to ygon, and prepping things at Shales for the next financial step in Operation Grand Summoning Ascension. Most of his studying and reviewing for summoning, blood magic and magical theory, was done at night after a refreshing two hour sleep.


    Hed learned the final spell for blood magorpse puppetfairly easily since he''d been through it so intensively while he was working on his body strengthening technique. When Professor Hak had finished grading his final report for the semester, she handed it back with an excellent mark on top of the page, glowingments scrawled in the margins, and a hard nudge for him to Challenge the Exam for credit and bypass the second semester of first year blood magic so he could move on to a second year course.


    Hed eagerly agreed since second semester courses for first years were mostly theory, with a heavy focus on deepening a wizards understanding of life energy and its maniption, information that would basically be a review for him since hed literally <em>invented</em> a new blood magic technique. Professor Hak had then piled a small mountain of textbooks to study from in his arms, then scheduled the test for shortly after Sigmus; which would be right before he challenged the Exam for Credit for Summoning. After Professor Mangal had seen how well hed mastered extranarnguage and third-tier summoning spells, shed also suggested he challenge the exam for credit in her course.


    You have a natural talent for summoning, Alex. shed said one day. And not simply for casting spells: youve also excelled in your understanding of otherworldlynguagesvocabry, grammar, ents, musicality, tone and audio-prestidigitationand you have a real knack for rtionship building and negotiation. Its been a pleasure having you in the ss.


    Guilt had hit him when she''d praised his skills since he knew there was nothing natural about his talent for summoning.


    His skills were enhanced by the strange power within him, his gift fornguages and negotiation were amplified by the Mark. He wasnt someone whodpletely discount or devalue his own gifts: hed always been friendly and knew how to make a good impression on people, but that had never extended to having any special natural ability withnguagesmortal or otherwisebefore now.


    But, his life had changed, the Mark and this power were a part of him nownatural or notso hed let the guilt go.


    Thanks, hed said. Its really exciting stuff.


    It is, Professor Mangal had agreed. And its rare for me to encourage skipping ahead by challenging an examtoo many students think if they learn a few advanced summoning spells they can jump ahead without mastering the theorybut your understanding is quiteprehensive, and quite advanced. And, holding you back wouldn''t serve you well since Ive always believed that an under-stimted mind is truly a wasted one.


    Shed then shoved a thick stack of books in his hands.


    "Review these and have the information they contain well-in hand before you Challenge the Exam for credit," she''d said, flipping open a calendar on her table. "We''ll want you to havepleted the exam before the second semester begins so you have time to sign up for an advanced second year summoning course. How about..." Mangal had scanned different dates on the calendar. "The third day after Sigmus."


    "Uh," he''d said. "I''m challenging the exam for credit for Professor Hak''s blood magic ss then."


    "Ah, well then you can do it the next day," she''d said. "Are you free?"


    "Uh, yeah, but isn''t that a little close?"


    "Ohe now, I''m sure you can handle it. A young man of your talents should not be afraid of a couple of exams, Alex."


    He''d grudgingly agreed, and that was how his ''exam season'' was extended.


    ''I really shouldn''tin, though,'' he thought. ''My exams went well, and it''s not like they were super hard.''


    Things were a far cry fromst year and his struggles with Professor Ram''s force magic ss. He hadnt taken force magic for a while, but he used to have nightmares where the angry, bearded, professor was ring at him as he towered above the foot of his bed with a midterm in his hand and force missiles pointed straight at him.


    Thankfully, Rams sses werent on his schedule this year and hopefully, they never would be againunless some sort of petty revenge was involved.


    His final reports for the expeditionand his second year alchemy and the Art of the Wizard inbat creditswere back. Thankfully, he''d aced both papers.


    All in all, it had been a really good semester, but coursework and exams seemed insignificantpared with other things going on in his life. He was doing what hed wanted to do for most of his lifelearn magic, but dungeon cores, ancient monsters and divine conspiracies weighed a lot heavier on his mind than school did.


    There was also the trip to the hells with Baelin to think about.


    In preparation, he''d already mastered three new summoning spells: summon flicker dog, summon formiac ant, and summon hell-boar, and all three were a good start for being on the road to mastering third-tier summoning spells.


    ''What I really need is greater force armour, though,'' he thought. ''Having some full body protection''s going to be key for fighting monsters as tough as Zonon-In was. Who knows what other demons might be lurking about. But, maybe if Im lucky, Ill have some peace for a while.''


    Within the earth, the petrifier stopped. "Where are these usurpers?" it asked its Hunters.


    "Right above us," the lead Hunter said, peering through pitch-ckness to the stone ceiling overhead. "There was only one, now the second has joined them."


    "Good," the petrifier reached deep into its jaws and drew out the pair of dungeon cores the Ravener had handed it.


    "Then we begin."

 Chapter 414: Tapestries of Past Victories

    Chapter 414: Tapestries of Past Victories


    "Mr. Roth! Mr. Roth! Miss. London! Miss. London!" a magically augmented voice boomed over the castle grounds. "Professor Jules requests you attend her office in the keep!"


    "Well, that''s me," Alex said, leaning down to kiss Theresa. "Have fun in the mines, honey."


    She rolled her eyes and kissed him back. "They''re not mines, they''re tunnels."


    "So are sewers; you''re still going underground."


    "Keep talking like that, and you''ll be going underground," Theresa warned. "About six feet underground."


    He raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay!" he chuckled. "I''ll see you at dinner tonight."


    As Alex and ygon entered the keep, he was greeted by a massive entrance hall and two sets of curved, stone staircases rising to a balcony on the second floor. Between themon ground levelwere a pair of stone doors through which the expedition''s small battalion of administrators, engineers and armourers scurried: through that doorway were offices, an armoury, and several summoning cells. On the second floor, another set of double doors led to a receiving room, a cluster of offices, and the first grouping of bed chambers.


    Images of dragons in flight were carved into the doors, and the walls nking them were decorated with tapestries woven in Generasi, each immortalised a moment from the expedition''s taming of Greymoor.


    The wall hanging on the left, was woven in muted tones and illustrated the expedition''s arrival in the vige of Luthering, with anunrealisticallystern depiction of Baelin and Jules leading the team out of the portal. Another tapestry showed the battles they had fought across Greymoor: the survey teams'' struggles against a host of wild monsters that had gued thend before they were cleared away. Alexs eyes drifted to an exciting imageone filled with way more crich-tghs and beast-goblins than had actually been thereof his team''s battle with the blue annis hag.


    Another tapestrythis one stitched in richly coloured threadsportrayed the first time theyd joined with the Heroes; it was the battle of the double dungeon. At the very top of the massive wall hanging, the Watchers of Roal, the Heroes and more, fought a blood-hydra from the sky, while Vesuvius and countless wizards engaged chitterers on the ground below. And at the bottom of the tapestry, expedition members and the Heroes were throwing spells and showing their might against the pair of dungeon cores.


    But battles werent the only grand images hanging in fine silk for all to see.


    On the opposite wall were woven scenes of moments of discovery and diplomacy. One showed the wizards of Generasi shaking hands with a group of blue caps somewhere deep within the earth: an artistic rendition of friendly contact between the expedition and the local fae. The fruits of that contactveins of metals, gems hidden in stone and buried ruinswere finely woven into the image with care.


    Another celebrated a group of triumphant researchers holding a jar of ck dungeon core remains along with a detailed data sheet that glowed as if it were the sun. A third illustrated the violent explosion resulting from their experiment with core remains and chaos essence, and a group of brave researchers standing strong against the wind and heat.


    Alex snorted. He didn''t remember anyone standing that day.


    "It''s a tad garish, isn''t it?" a familiar voice said from behind him.


    "Morning, Carey." He turned to face his colleague. "Well, at least they have us looking our best. I don''t think Id be standing here admiring a bunch of scenes with us crawling through muck and hiding from all the rainstorms in Greymoor<strong>.</strong> Id probably beughing and cringing."


    "Or one of us barely picking ourselves up after the chaos explosion," she said, "Those were not exactly our best moments."


    His oldb partner looked...surprisingly good, all things considered. She wasn''t back to her usual, bouncyexhausting selfbut she looked more rested and her hair was a healthier colour and texture than ''dried straw''. Her clothes looked neat, clean and freshly pressed, and a light scent like apple blossoms drifted from her.


    The symbol of Uldar still hung from its customary ce around her neck.


    "Shall we?" She gave him a closed mouth smile, "It wouldn''t do to keep Professor Jules waiting and" Her eyes flicked up. "Ah! Oh dear, that must have vexed her ever so much."


    "What? Alex asked, following her gaze. She was looking at the tapestry depicting their triumphant cataloguing of the dungeon core substance''s data sheet. He focused on Professor Jules'' face. "What, did they get her nose wrong or something?"


    She giggled. "Well that is just the problem, isn''t it? We can see her nose!"


    "What do you meOh, by the Traveller! None of us are wearing safety equipment in theb. Oh yeah, I bet she wasnt too thrilled about that." Heughed.


    "Certainly not."


    "Well, you''re right: best not keep her waiting and maybe make her mood worse."


    Together, he and Carey climbed the stairs with ygon, walking through thebyrinthine halls of the keep. For a time, they walked in silence as they climbed the ever-rising staircases of the tower.


    Until, finally...


    "Have you...been quite alright?" Carey asked with a shy note in her voice. "With...recent discoveries, I mean."


    "I was thinking about asking you the same thing." Alex nced at her. "Honestly? For me? plicated."


    "That''s not surprising."


    "Right?" Alex said. "I dunno, it''s made me think about and reconsider a lot of stuff. A whole lot of stuff."


    "In truth, it cannot help but make one do so." She nodded. "Its given me many sleepless nights to the point where I sought help from the infirmary. They offered me a sleeping draught and the strength had to be increased twice before it finally gave me some relief."


    Alex looked at her sharply. "Those sleeping tonics are pretty powerful. Are you okay?"


    "Oh yes," she said, though there was more than a little tension in her voice. Her bodynguage was open and truthful, though. "I used it for a few nights to get me started and then slept like a baby without it after that. Now all the questions haunting me have the decency to confine themselves to my waking hours."


    "Yeah, it''s a lot to think about, isn''t it?" Alex agreed. "Thoughts about gods, mortals...the rtionship between them."


    "Oh yes." She nodded. "I recall those well. Have you had any thoughts about the future and how our country''s bedrock might well dissolve one day?"


    "Oh that''s a familiar one," Alexughed bitterly as they climbed. "What about questions dealing with what the source of the...you know what, might be?"


    "Those? Oh they only knock about in my head every time I blink," she joined his bitter chuckle. "It is...troubling. And lonely."


    "Lonely?" Alex asked, pulling open the door to the fourth floor and holding it for her.


    "Thank you ever so much," she said as she walked through. "Well, it''s terribly lonely in that all of myforts are now...not sofortable. I can count on one hand the number of people I can talk to about any of this, I can''t exactly run to the priests of Uldar in Generasi and seek their wisdom, and even my own prayers feel..." She sighed. "At times it feels like I''m praying to a stranger. I hear you mention the Traveller regrly, Alex. Do you pray to the Patron Saint of Alric?"


    "Honestly?" He looked around as though he was about to admit a terrible secret. "I''ve been praying mostly to her for a while. I dunno what interpretations or conclusions you''ve reachedif you can even reach any conclusions in all this messbut to me, I know that the Saint of Alric fought for our people. Even in death, in her own way. It feels way morefortable to pray to her; it''s kinda like I know her better."


    "I see," she said. "Perhaps I might try praying to St. Avelin of Wrexiff. He destroyed the Ravener all by himself ten cycles ago: the Heroes had unfortunately perished in the journey." She shook her head. "My teacher said that was a bad cycle: lots of infighting and even betrayal."


    "I remember learning about that," Alex said. "Well, I hope praying to him gives you a little fort."


    "I truly hope so," she gave a sigh so deep, that her whole body seemed to dete. "I fear that...well, nevermind."


    "No, what is it?" Alex asked, pausing and ncing around it. At the end of the hall were the double doors leading to Professor Jules'' new office.


    Carey paused andfor a momenther eyes shone. "I wish to keep my faith, Alex. Both in the church and in our god. I...I''m not stupid, and I know how this all looks. For a time, I thought that surely we must have made a mistake. I thought of every possible way to deny what Ffion told us. And to deny what we ourselves experienced. Then my every thought turned to the core: to try and pick it up once more and see if we had made an error."


    The young woman shook her head. Her eyes seemed to burn with different emotions. "But I would not havee to Generasi if I was one to deny the cold hand of evidence. As we have learned so many times: confirmation bias is the bane of wizards, science and the truth. The world is the way the world is, and none of my wishing will change that."


    "I hear you," Alex said, with a world of sympathy.


    If creation bent to folks'' wishes, it would be a much kinder ce. Or a more crueller one, depending on the wish.


    "Well," he said. "Maybe the problemes from mortals in the church. You know, like a few rotten apples spoiling the entire barrel."


    "Truly, that is the hope," she said sadly. "But I kepting to a grim answer to that thought: if the lies areing from a few false priests, then why does our god keep silent? He fought the first incarnation of the Ravener himselfording to what the church teachesthat sounds like an active deity to me, not one who''d sit back and let the evil of mortals ruin his earthly house."


    "Yeah..." Alex said. "When you put it that way it does make things seem kinda....grim. Well, if you need anybody to talk to about this, there''s always me. I mean, I don''t know if my faith was ever as strong as yours, but at least I can listen to what you''re thinking and feeling about this mess."


    She smiled at him then, and her face was ringed with both appreciation and a deep mncholy. "I...I would appreciate that, Alex. Now,e on before Professor Jules chides us for beingte."


    "So you passed that awful tapestry, did you? Ugh," Professor Jules rolled her eyes as she sat behind her enormous desk. "I had no less than five arguments with the weaver about theck of protective equipment. He kept screaming ''art'' and ''impression'', but neither of those concepts give prospective students and visitors the right impression, to use his word."


    She shook her head at the two students seated in front of her desk. "Can you believe they wanted to put a painting of the same scene on a wall in my office! Bah! That''d be enough to give me the shakes every time I sat down to work. In any case, that''s not why I called you here."


    The professor peered at the two of them carefully. "Are you both alright? I can imagine all of this has been a great shock."


    Alex and Carey looked at each other. "We''re about as fine as we can be," Alex said. "Which is better than expected, to be honest."


    "Yes, I''ve been worse," Carey agreed.


    "Good," Professor Jules said. "Because as soon as the new year begins, we''ll be putting the two of you to work."


    Reaching into a box of rolled up papers at her side, she took out and unrolled a map of Greymoor, tapping her finger on an unremarkable location to the east. "I''ve had the engineers hard at work setting up a new testing site for the two of you. It''ll be a fortified bunker with a teleportation circle that Chancellor Baelin crafted and itll be directly linked to the dungeon where you obtained our living dungeon core, Mr. Roth."


    She shuffled through another stack of papers and retrieved a schedule written in spidery script. "At the start of the new year, I''ll be taking you both off the main research team for at least one day a week. So, instead of reporting to the research building as you normally would, you''ll join a team of Watchers and other defenders and go to the new site, then use the teleportation circle to take you back to the dungeon. When youre there, youre to conduct a number of predetermined experiments designed by Chancellor Baelin and myself to test the limits of mortal control over living dungeon cores. Any questions?"


    Alex raised his hand.


    "...Mr. Roth, there''s only the three of us here. Four of us if you count your golem." She nodded to ygon. "I don''t think it''s necessary to raise your hand before asking a question."


    "Right," Alex cleared his throat. "Will you be supervising us?"


    "At first, yes," Professor Jules said. "Though there will be times when Ill send a graduate student to supervise you instead, especially after the initial trials. I want you to first focus on mastering warping terrain with the dungeon core."


    "Not on making monsters?" Alex asked.


    "No, let''s start small before we think about crafting entire armies of Ravener-spawn that we might or might not be able to control." Professor Jules tapped the map. "Besides, any summoner can ''make'' an army of monsters. What''s far more intriguing to me is the thought of warping terrain at our will. If we can do that, we could very easily construct new underground bases,bs and fortifications. Destruction is necessary, but discoveries that create new methods of construction are a lot more interesting in my opinion, Mr. Roth."


    She circled the research castle on the map of Greymoor with her finger. "Imagine what we could do with devices that could raise walls, create tunnels and craft roads in only a heartbeat of time, a surge of mana, and no building materials whatsoever. It would be incredible."


    Far below the research castle, the petrifiermanded the dungeon cores to close the vertical shaft leading down to the Ravener''s tunnels. The rock closed, forming a seamless floor. None would know that tunnels were there, deep beneath the earth.


    In its grip, the dungeon cores thrummed with power.

 Chapter 415: What Brews in the Dark Beneath the World

    Chapter 415: What Brews in the Dark Beneath the World


    In the starkness of a tunnel beneath the research castle, the petrifier prepared its attack.


    It loomed above a growing horde of monsters within a vast chamber shrouded in darkness, and pressed into the walls on either side of it, were the dungeon cores granted by its master. And they shuddered, pouring their power into the walls around them. Monster after monster burst from the stone, each one as vicious as thest.


    One core crafted bone-chargers; each hulking beast boiled from the walls and dropped to the cavern floor with a heavy thud. They milled about in shadow, waiting for amand that would drive them forward to y the two usurpers who walked the surface above, unaware that their doom awaited beneath their feet.


    The other dungeon core birthed a far more insidious creature: a spear-fly. Only a foot in length, and with their small size, seemed less deadly than their bone-thrasher kindred, but these Ravener-spawn were known for being the cause of the greatest number of mortal deaths over all the cycles of Thamnd''s endless battle. Insect-like, one of the smallest monsters in the Raveners arsenal, with two sets of kite-like wings, a tangle of spindling legs tipped with jagged des for gripping prey, and a needle-sharp proboscis protruding half a foot in front of beady, white eyes.


    They attacked at speed, aiming their rigid proboscises straight at any enemy in sight, piercing deep into living fleshwhether mortal or beastthen gripping their target with a cluster of barbed legs and sucking the blood and life-juices from their captured prey: a single spear-fly could drain a body of half its blood in less than sixty heartbeats.


    A swarm?


    A soldier, wizardor even a Hero would be a shrivelled, dessicated corpse in less than half the time.


    Together with the bone-chargers, all affronts to the Ravener would be removed.


    The brutish chargers would be first to erupt from the earth and grind all mortals in their path to paste. Spear-flies woulde next, swarming from hidden tunnels and targeting spellcasters and archers, draining them dry. The Hunters were to take the role of attack dogs: sniffing out the usurpers for the petrifier to paralyse them with a beam from its eye-stalks, leaving them at its mercy, frozen where they stood.


    It shuddered, ovee with pleasure at its next thought; seeing its masters two enemies in its mind''s eye, raked by the ray from its central eye, forever cast in stone. Though the two bold mortals would not agree, feeling the touch of its ray was a gift they would be fortunate to know in the brief time it took to eliminate their allies. None could be allowed to live. Perhaps, its new statues would be trophies it could present to the Ravener when the final usurper was found and eliminatedeliminated in the very same way.


    When this phase of its master''s needs were met, it would bury itself, secreted away in the cool muck, waiting to see if new usurpers would surface or if the time hade to destroy itself. Those were its most favoured cycles: calm, peace, coolness and nothing more to do but admire its own art.


    "Hurry," itmanded the dungeon cores. "We will need the armies quickly."


    The ck orbs shuddered beneath itsmand, silently shrieking. New monsters poured from the walls, but not without consequence. A pair of jagged cracks ruptured weakened stone, running from floor to ceiling, tremors spread through the cavern; web-like fissures had been forming along the dungeon cores'' already weakened surfaces. Stressed from the vast amounts of power the Ravener had poured into their centres, and now with the petrifier pushing them beyond normal limits, it was only a matter of time before they crumbled beneath the strain.


    No matter: in time the overload of power would have shattered their mana pathways, so better to use them up quickly and have the army ready before its preparations were detected by their foes up above. It was a necessary sacrifice. The petrifier''s eye-stalks turned to narrow shafts the dungeon cores had begun forging: the orbs had crafted a dungeon and were constructing spiralling pathways with great care to take the army to the surface.


    The spheres cautiously shifted stone, avoiding underground quakes and stifling mana surges that the mortals would detect. The petrifier feared little, but it also valued caution, there was no sense in risking its mission by losing the element of surprise. The narrow shafts gave its Hunters a strategic ce where they could hide and use their heightened senses and mana perception to scout the mortal stronghold unseen.


    They would search any surprisi


    "Leader," a Hunter''s voice called from one of the shafts.


    The petrifier''s eye-stalks turned upward. "What is it?"


    "We must shift direction," the Hunter growled. "We listened to the stone as you tasked us to do and heard odd sounds and detected powerful mana in the earth. And when we moved closer, we heard voices. Mortal voices: the enemy has tunnels below the surface, and our shafts will breach theirs if we keep digging in the same direction."


    Six of the petrifiers eye-stalks twitched, but kept focus on the Hunter, the fourth pair turned to the ceiling. It saw nothing but unbroken stone. It tried to imagine how close the enemy''s tunnels could be. "Are the usurpers in those tunnels?"


    "No," the Hunter growled. "They are elsewhere on the surface."


    "Then"


    "There''s more, leader."


    The petrifier''s eye-stalks twitched in irritation. Moreplications? "What is it now?"


    "There are other chambers in the stone and earth between us and the tunnels, but these do not have the stink of mortals. Some of our shafts have broken through to them." The Hunter''s ws flexed. Inside we found strange small creatures that looked like balls of blue me and made thin, high noises like rodents. They had much mana and showed us no fear."


    The petrifier searched its memories, recalling vague images of creatures that looked like blue mes. But, they were harmless: they did not help mortals, nor did they interfere with Ravener-spawn unless pressed first.


    Considering its next move, the petrifier reared up to its full height. "I will close off the shafts that lead to those chambers. Do not interfere with the blue-me creatures. If they are provoked, they could be troublesome. As for the enemy''s tunnelsI will move all of our shafts around them, but the mortals in those passages could still reinforce the usurpers base. So.<strong></strong>This is what we do."


    "It''s unnatural. Too quiet," a grey-bearded dwarven engineer grumbled. "What the hell is the point of tunnel-building when you can''t hear the echo of a pickaxe on stone?"


    "The point is to actually build the tunnel, you old codger." A younger one red at him. "If we only used pickaxes, we''d be down here for ten years and still not close to being done. Earth magic gets things done in hours thatd take picks weeks to do. Just be thankful we''ve got so many wizards to work with."


    "Hrmph!" the older dwarf snorted. "That''s the problem with you youngsters: getting toozy relying on fancy shiny lights. You''d all be bloody helpless without wizards and the like to help you."


    He shook his head and marched off to oversee the wizards heating the stone and soil. "Oi, watch it. You don''t want to melt it too fast or you''ll bury us in mud!"


    Several of the fire magesincluding Tyris Goldtoothlooked at each other. There was no need for words. The old engineer''s youngerpanions chuckled and turned toward the end of the tunnel, discussing the next steps. Ahead of them, Prince Khalik and another dozen earth mages were shaping the soil and stone to tunnel deep through the underground. In miles beyond the shifting wall of rock and earth, another team of mages and engineers were burrowing toward them from a distant watchtower. The two teams would meet at a midpoint,pleting one of the tunnels leading from the research castle.


    At first, it had been fascinating watching the process: tons of stone, earth and y flowing like water to form the hardened ceiling, walls, and tunnel floor; the dwarven engineers using advanced levels and instruments to monitor the tunnel''s slope, direction, and grading; the fire mages mes softened the earth around them and kept everyone warm beneath the winteryndscape above.


    There was even a ''navigator'' holding several stone tablets on which a wealth of underground maps were etched: some indicated veins of minerals, others ces where sinkholes might form, and still others revealed blue cap burrows the wizards had promised to leave undisturbed.


    All in all, it was a wondrous site...


    ...for the first hour.


    But now, Theresa was bored.


    And she wasn''t alone.


    Thundar yawned beside her, leaning against a wall. "Never thought I''d be wishing for a monster attack."


    "I hear you," the huntress agreed. "It gets a little monotonous, doesn''t it?"


    "Yeah," the minotaur peered at Prince Khalik. "Even our friend looks bored, and he''s actually got something to do."


    A nce at the prince revealed a slightly distant expression on his face, like he was daydreaming of things that weren''t rock and stone.


    ''Probably about things involving ''leaves'' and ''trees'','' Theresa thought a little wickedly. ''Can''t me him, though.''


    She nced down the tunnel at their backs which she and a group of warriors and mages were guarding. Darknessy in their wake,<strong></strong>broken by forceballs floating at twenty foot intervals along the tunnel, banishing most of the darkness, reducing it to merely shadows. She listened for any sounds approaching from behind, but...there''d been nothingsuspicious or otherwisefor hours.


    There''d been nothing in all the days they''d been digging down here. She and Thundar had taken to calling it light duty. But light duty often meant boring duty.


    "Anyone bring a deck of cards?" Thundar asked. "Grimloch?"


    A loud snore came from where the sharkman was leaning against another wall with his arms crossed. Eerily, his ck, doll-like eyes were still open even though he was clearly fast asleep.


    "Well," Theresa said, looking at Brutus asleep near the sharkman. "There goes that idea."


    "Yeah, no meat and no fighting makes Grimloch a dull boy, I guess," Hogarth said from his seat against the wall. Svenia was nearby, sharpening her weapons and polishing her armour.


    "These quiet times are good for making sure your equipment''s in good order," she chided Hogarth. "Lady von Anmut would be disappointed that you''re not using your time productively."


    "Ah, leave me alone, Svenia," Hogarth snorted. "I polished every single piece of my kit to mirror shinest evening." He held up his feet. "You see these boots? I could use them as a mirror to shave if I wanted to. Lady von Anmut could even use them as a mirror to put on her lip colour."


    Svenia rolled her eyes, jerking her thumb at the soldier. "Don''t follow his example, kids."


    "I dunno," Theresa said. "Thest thing I want to think about is weapons right now."


    She red balefully at her great-grandfather''s des. If any progress had been made with them...well, it was a secret to her. Every day she''d tried to remove her preconceptions about them and see them for what they actually were. And every day theyd remained cold, lifeless steel with no sign of sudden magical or divine powers.


    At this point, she needed a break. She''d think about looking at the two swords from another angle in the new year. If a month passed and she couldn''t figure anything else out...then it might be time to admit that maybe there was nothing special about them anymore, and look for new weapons.


    It''d hurt to put them aside, but if she had to, theyd be given a ce of honour in her room. Perhaps, that was where they belonged, anyw


    She paused.


    What was that?


    She strained her hearing, cocking her ear toward the full length of the tunnel.


    "Hey, you missed a spot," Svenia pointed at one of Hogarth''s boots. That bit there looks like bird shit.


    "It''s just a bit of extra polish," Hogarth shrugged.


    "That doesn''t make any sense," Svenia said.


    "Neither does bird shit, it''s bloody winter."


    "Hey, maybe it''s from Najyah."


    An angry shriek echoed through the tunnel as therge eagle red at them. Khalik''s familiar perched on the edge of arge cart where the team had stored precious metals, gems or anything else they''d pulled from the rock as they magically warped their way through the earth.


    "No offence." The blonde woman held up her hands to the bird. "I just meant"


    "Shh," Theresa said. "Quiet for a moment."


    The other guards quickly fell silent, with all signs of lethargy fading.


    "What is it?" Thundar asked. "Your ears are a hell of a lot better than any of ours, except maybe Grimlochs.


    "It''s...I thought I heard something." Theresa ced her hands on her des and slowly crept down the tunnel.


    Her eyes cut through the shadows...but she saw nothing. The hairs on the back of her neck began to rise as she remembered the invisible marauders that had lurked deep in Crymlyn Swamp. Closing her eyes, she cocked her head and held her breath, trying to listen above the dwarven engineers'' calls and the grind of rock and earth flowing to reinforce the sides of the lengthening tunnel.


    She could have sworn she heard a sounding from the tunnel wall. Something like a shift in stone.


    But now, there was nothing.


    "I think the boredom''s driving me a little crazy," she said. "I''m hearing things now."


    "Ugh, don''t say that," Thundar said. "Now there''ll definitely be something out there waiting to kill us. Enh, well at least it''d be a quicker death than from all this boredom."


    "Yeah..." she said, peering back down the tunnel. "Yeah, it''s probably nothing."


    Deep within the earth, Gwyin''s eyes went wide as he stepped into the dark cavern.


    Ahead of him, the blue caps were swarming about like angry bees.


    "What has all of you worked up, I wonder?" he asked.


    His heart sank.


    He had a bad feeling this was going to be just like the windmill incident.

 Chapter 416: Hungry Stone

    Chapter 416: Hungry Stone


    "Hold on, slow down for a couple of heartbeats!" Gwyin cried, waving his basket of honeyed acorns about like he was fending off a swarm of enraged bees.


    The blue capseach crackling and ring with blinding blue light, raced around Gwyin, yapping like excitable fox kits.


    "You''re all hard enough to understand when you''re not screeching over each other!" the asrai cried. "Come on, then, will one of you calm down and tell me what''s got you all excited?"


    It took some coaxing, but atst a tiny blue fae began to calm, floating in front of therger fae and telling him their story.


    "Right, right, so there was some sort of..." He paused. "Monster, you said? One that opened the side of your cave? Must''ve been a strong monsterNo wait, you mean there was some kind of mana moving the rock?" Gwyin scratched his chin. "I know there''s a bunch of mortal wizards above you. Maybe they''re mucking around with some kind of magioh? It wasn''t them? What''d the creature look like then? Uhuh. Uhuh."


    He tried to imagine what they were describing. "Big mouth full of needles...skin that looked like a bunch of scabs put together with sticky sap. Or like dried tree bark...right...and big wWait."


    His blood instantly turned cold. "Was it...about as tall as a human, but it moved fast?"


    The blue caps excitedly bobbed up and down.


    "Oh...oh by all the fae lords," Gwyin hung his head. "I...I know the beastie you saw."


    Memories from that terrible night rushed back to him: the mes, the monsters, the flying about, the nearly being eviscerated by that wed creature....that terrible explosi


    "What, what was that?" He asked, realising the blue caps were still talking to him. "Oh, yeah, no. I don''t think it''s going to be a big problem. No, I really don''t think it''s going to being back. Unless...you didn''t see any blue annis hags with it, did you? No? Okay, then it won''t being back."


    As one the blue caps cheered, flitting about joyfully...but joy was far from Gwyin''s heart.


    ''The monster that looked like that was at the windmill really wanted to kill Alexander,'' he thought. ''They''re probably back...and if they can warp the earth...''


    Gwyin''s eyes slowly drifted to the ceiling.


    ''They''re going toe up right below the wizards,'' he thought. ''And a lot of death''s going to be about. Or maybe not. Those wizards seem to be a nasty lot.''


    He hadn''t gone near them since that wild, horrible night, but a fae only had to take one look at Greymoor to not only see that all the wild monsters were gone, but to also recognize the power these foreign, mortal wizards wielded.


    But still


    ''If that thing is looking for Alexander, maybe it''d be nice to give him a quick, little warning. Might not be bad for a fae like me to have a favour owed to him by wizards like that...'' he thought. ''And words been about that there''s been mortals on the road again. The Stalker''s been going about with the mortal Heroes, they say. Maybe they''d like to know this too.''


    "Okay! Okay!" Gwyin put down the honeyed acorns. "We''ll have to pause our visit a bit, my friends. Theres something I''ve got to dNo, I''m not refusing your hospitality! By the fae lords, don''t be so sensitive! I''m just going to go and be right back, we''ll have our little party when IWhat? Leave the acorns? You treacherous little...fine! I''ll be back!"


    Throwing up his hands in disgust, Gwyin put the basket on the floor and stomped toward the wall. "Completely merciless, all of you are, I swear!"


    With another snort of disgust, he disappeared into the fae pathways.


    ###


    "Well, that''s going to be interesting," Alex said as he, ygon and Carey stepped into the entrance hall of the keep. "Out there by ourselves in the winter, ying with dark forces we barely understand. Though, I guess understanding them is the whole point of all this.


    "Yes...I just hope we e to learn more," Carey said as Alex opened the door. "Oh dear, it''s absolutely freezing out here!"


    The storm had arrived. Snow was blowing with such force that the world had turned into a sheet of white. Castle buildings were no more than faint shadows in the whiteout, while people, beasts and golems were flickers of movement in the snow.


    "Jeez, the storm came on fast!" Alex cried above the wind.


    "Work for the day might be cancelled at this rate!" Carey called back, shielding her face from the biting cold and stinging snowkes.


    "I doubt that!" Alex shouted, sending out a thought to ygon. The golem raised his arms, shielding both Alex and Carey from the snow. "You know how Professor Jules is! If we had to fight our way through a massive storm and snowdrifts she might cancel work, but thats not happening if our safety''s guaranteed!"


    "Truly!" Carey said. "Shall we head off to the research building?"


    "Ill be there soon, I''m going to go make sure the aeld tree''s alright!"


    "Good good! Say hello to it for me, wont you!"


    Conjuring a wind and rain shield, Carey disappeared into the white, crunching her way through the rising snow in the direction of the research building. Around them, Alex saw orbs of light flicker to life: forceballs to be guiding lights for folk pushing through the snow. Then wizards appeared, casting spells of wind and force to lift the snow from walkways and clear a path for walking.


    "Jeez," Alex muttered, crunching his way toward the aeld. He nced up at ygon who ploughed through the rising white as though it were t ground on a summer day. "On days like this back in Alric, they would have shut everything down!"


    He turned away, not expecting an answer from ygon, but paused.


    There. There was a pulse of...something through their link. Alex''s heart leapt in excitement: it''d been a long time since hed felt anything from him.


    "ygon?" he called out.


    But the golem kept walking with his spear in hand, striding toward the aeld tree with a purposeful gait that kicked up clouds of white with each step.


    "ygon!" Alex called to his golem. "What''s happening? Is there something wrong?" Gently, he tried feeling through their linklooking for that spark of consciousnessbut found nothing on the other side. "ygon? What is"


    The golem suddenly stopped, clutching his war-spear close. His head was turned toward the glow of the aeld tree only a few feet ahead of them. Alex forced his eyes away from ygon and onto the tree. The weeks of healthy earth, nourishing nt food from the fae, and tender care from Alex, Professor Salinger and many others had done it a world of good. Its golden glow was twice as bright as it had been when Alex first brought it to the camp, and its branches were fuller, healthier and slightly sagging from the number of leaves that had sprouted on them.


    Despite the wind, freezing temperatures and snow, it radiated a calming warmth that reached out to Alex, even from feet away. As early winter brought more frequent temperature drops and snow falls, he''d wanted to protect it from winters bite and damage by wrapping it in rolls of bup, but Professor Salinger had told him not to bother that in fact, it would even be harmful to block its leaves from the sunlight.


    Alex could see how right hed been. Its heat was so pleasant, that he almost wanted to hug its lean trunk; yet, something was distressing it. Though it radiated a calming warmth, the emotions rising from it were...anything but calm. Waves of increasing fear, rm and high levels of tension were wafting from the aeld, hitting him like waves against a seawall. Even a fresh corpse would have noticed its distress.


    "What is it?" he asked the young tree, looking between it and ygon. "Is that what''s got you all excited, ygon? Did you feel somethinging off of our leafy friend?"


    He stepped toward the tree, cing a hand on its warm bark. "I know there seems to be something between you two."


    Alex''s eyes narrowed and he looked at his golem closely. "Is there something you want me to know? ...something the tree noticed?"


    Nothing came through ygon''s link, even after he''d waited quietly for heartbeats.


    "Ah well," he said. "Maybe the weather''s got this little one stressed." He patted the tree trunk. "Don''t worry, you''ll be okay. And I promise I won''t...let you...get...buri"


    He paused.


    Something tickled his mana senses; something stirred beneath his feet.


    "What...what''s that?" he paused, wondering if the earth mages were making changes to the tunnels directly under the castle. Maybe


    "Alexander!" a voice whispered behind him.


    "Guh!" the young wizard leapt a foot forward, whirling around. Nothing was there. A brief surge of fear gripped his heart.


    Was it a ghost? Had the tree sensed some invisible spirit here to stalk him through the world of the livi


    "Down here! Down here!" a familiar voice cried through the wind.


    Alex looked down and yelped again: a sight he hadnt expected to see for at least another fifty years was looking back at him. "Gwyin?" He nced around before bending down. "What''re you doing here?"


    The little asrai was hugging himself against the cold, his jaws chattering. "Warning you!" he cried. "Monsters areing from down below you wizards! They''re going to attack you at any second!"


    "What?" Alex gasped.


    Then it sank in; the mana hed felt below was familiar, but it had the stink of Ravener-magic.


    "Oh, by the Traveller!" he shouted.


    "Defend yourself!" Gwyin said. "Don''t go getting yourself gutted! Now I''m getting far away from here! Good luck! I''ll try and get you some help!"


    "Help? What kind of hel"


    But the fae had already turned, darted into the blowing snow, and disappeared.


    Alex''s mind raced. The wind and snowkes stung his face as he turned back to the tree. "That''s what you felt!" he cried. "You felt the same monsters that treenapped you"


    His heart skipped. If the monsters wereing from below...


    "Theresa and the others!" he shouted, sprinting toward the keep. "Help! We''re about to be attacked! Monsters are"


    He''d only gotten half of his warning out before the rm bells began urgently pealing throughout the research castle.


    "Attention!" Watcher Shaw''s voice boomed through the white. "We are under attack! Earth mages detected dungeon magic beneath us! We are under attack! Everyone to your battle-posts! Standby for a briefing! There''s a lot of movement in the fortified stone beneath us! This''ll be a bad one!"


    ###


    "No, I know I heard something that time," Theresa said, drawing her swords.


    "Ugh," Thundar grunted. "I''d say you''re hearing things, but everyone who says that in all the stories gets their guts ripped out in the next verse."


    "You''re both being paranoid...is what I would say, but Thundar''s right. Everyone who goes on about ''it must''ve been the wind''s'' always the first one to die in all the bard''s tales," Hogarth grunted, jumping to his feet and offering Svenia a hand.


    She took his grip, pulling herself up and readying her spear. "With our luck, a xyrthak or dune worm tracked us here from the Barrens."


    For what reason? Hogarth asked. To kill us?


    What do <em>you</em> think, Hogarth? Svenia shot him a look.


    "Pffft, only poor guards base their warnings on copper-penny stories," one of the younger dwarf engineers snorted.


    "You only say that because you''ve never been ambushed by beast-goblins in the middle of a dig," the elder of the dwarven engineers put down his tools and picked up a two-handed axe. "Folk that brush off warnings are the first ones to die."


    "Mm?" Grimloch shuddered, stretching and yawning. "What''s going on? Is there action?" The giant bent down, picking up his brutal hammer.


    Beside him, Brutus shook himself awake, his three tongues lolling out and his six eyes checking every direction. Then the cerberus froze.


    His hackles went up, his ears perked up and he bounded to Theresa''s side, snarling and growling.


    "Shhh, quiet, boy," the huntress whispered. "Everyone, quiet for a second!"


    At the end of the tunnel, the earth and fire mages paused, looking at each other as a tense silence fell over the excavation team. Theresa held her breath, cocking her head and listening to the air. In the distance, far down the tunnel...no...something wasing from the side of the tunnel.


    "I hear something through the stone," she said softly, creeping to the wall.


    "I do not like the look of this." The prince began whispering incantations, sheathing himself in stone armour.


    "Hold on, Now I hear something too," Grimloch growled.


    Theresa pressed her ear to the rock and closed her eyes again.


    There...the sound of wings and shifting stone.


    Her heart froze. She knew that sound; that same terrible groan of rock: she''d heard it every time she''d gone into battle inside a dungeon.


    "Ravener-spawn!" the huntress yelled to her team. "They''re shifting the walls! There must be a dungeon below us! Everyone, get ready!"


    As her cry echoed through the tunnel, the stone began to shake.


    Dust rained from the ceiling.


    The earth mages gasped.


    "The tunnel!" Prince Khalik roared. "Whoevers up there, they mean to bring it down on us!"

 Chapter 417: Theresas Battle in the Dark

    Chapter 417: Theresa''s Battle in the Dark


    The cave floor bucked and heaved beneath Theresa''s feet like an angry stallion bent on throwing her to the ground. The sound of stone cracking through weakened walls groaned from every direction.


    Earth mages scrambled and dwarves shouted warnings.


    "These wallsll fail!" An elder dwarf engineer climbed atop the closest cart, pointing his axe at the tunnel wall. "They''ll bury us!"


    "If we dont push back that mana, were paste! And it''s everywhere! Cmon, weve got to take control of the stone!" A senior earth mage thundered.


    Prince Khalik and a stream of earth mages rushed to the walls, pressing their hands to the crumbling stone and bellowing incantations. For a terrible moment, the tunnel shook hard enough to upset oilnterns sitting atop wooden work tables. ss shattered into jagged shards, spreading pools of oil and me along the tables and cracking floor. Fist sized stones rained from the ceiling and walls, dust spilled down in clouds.


    A fissure suddenly gaped open in the tunnel floor right in front of Brutus, sending the cerberus yelping and scrambling backwards toward Theresa, his ws scrabbling against the stone. Panic hit the huntress full force; the tunnel was moving and buckling like a living, breathing thing, surging around her like the sea. The ceiling groaned, warping and threatening to drop tons of rock and earth on her and Brutus.


    And she would be helpless to stop it.


    Images of everyone she cared about shed through her mind as she knelt and clung to Brutus offering up prayers to the Traveller for help with every fibre of her being. Every muscle tensed, waiting for the crushing press of stone to bury them, the throb of pain, and then nothing.


    Perhaps shed meet Uldar. She had some questions for their silent god. Heartbeats passedearth-shakes calmed. Cracks began to close. Stone stopped falling, the terrible tremoring that threatened to topple everything around her began subsiding. Soon, the earth''s roar calmed to low rumblings, then mild quakes.


    Relief reced panic.


    "You did i" she began.


    "No!" Prince Khalik shouted. "The enemys breaking through our defences!<strong></strong>Look ou"


    A tunnel wall exploded. Jagged boulders sted through the air, crashing into walls<strong></strong>and skidding along the passage floor. Stone-dust sprayed, sending the excavation team into fits of coughing.


    The sound of pping wings came next.


    "Something''sing this way!" Theresa warned, jumping to her feet. "Something with wings!"


    The team had mere moments to prepare before a stream of small bodies poured from the hole in the side of the tunnel. For a breath, Theresa glimpsed bat-like wings and long bodies soaring through the stone-dust.


    "Spear-flies!" she cried. They looked exactly like illustrations in the Thameish bestiaries and she recalled the gruesome way they killed.


    And as abruptly as they appeared, the monsters were on them.


    Hundreds of wings thrummed through the air, foot-long bodies swarmed, shrouding the team as they disappeared in a haze of insectile bodies and floating stone-dust. With a growl, Theresa shed all around with both swords, every strike connecting to a spear-flys body rippled through her arms as the Ravener-spawn dropped to the ground.


    Her great-grandfather''s des split thin chitin, cleaving the monsters into twitching mounds; but for each dead one, ten more appeared. Beside her, Brutus sprang at them, mouths snarling, trying to snatch them from the air, but they flocked to him in swarms, barbed legs digging at his tough hide, proboscises thrusting, seeking any ce where his skin was thin enough to pierce.


    "Brutus!" Theresa screamed, calling upon that well of lifeforce deep within her. "Get off of him, you filth!"


    Her senses sharpened.


    des whirled, dealing death in a blur.


    Steel streaked through the swarm, splitting three with every stroke, clearing them away from her cerberus. They fell in droves, and Brutus snapping jaws crushed more between them. In moments, the swarms were thinned though not gone, they persisted, pressing in on all sides. Theresa blurred as her swords shredded them to ribbons, her enhancedspeed kept them off of her and Brutus, yet, they seemed to multiply with each swing.


    It felt like she was floundering against a tide of white water sweeping her down a river. And from what she could hearing from herpanions, it sounded like they were struggling too. Through the swarms and swirling dust, spells roared and loud sts of power mixed with war cries and screams of pain. Theresa spotted Grimlochs immense form bellowing and sweeping his weapon through the spear-flies. His great jaws filled with rows of jagged teeth opened, then snapped shut, grinding groups of Ravener-spawn into ground meat between them.


    Yet, every inch of him was covered in spear-flies.


    They crawled over his rough, grey skin stabbing at it again and again. In some cesbeneath the armpits and backs of his kneestheir proboscises pierced the flesh beneath. The Ravener-spawns'' bodies swelled and turned red as they sucked the beast man''s blood.


    "Grimloch!" Theresa shouted, tapping Brutus'' side. "We have to get to him, boy!"


    Grimacing, she led her yelping cerberus toward their giant friend, cutting through the swarm. As they drew closer, Theresa caught sight of the others. The horned head of Thundar ducked and weaved around the swarm while he sprayed the parasites with cones of magical force. They ruptured under waves of power, sttering surrounding rock. The minotaur shouted a spell that made the air shimmer.


    Three minotaurs appeared, the illusionary duplicates swinging their ''magical'' maces through the cloud of Ravener-spawn, driving them into a frenzy. The filthy flying creatures swarmed, striking empty air as the real Thundars force spells tore them to pieces. Some still surged past their kindred and clung to his force armour, jabbing at it with barbed legs and sharp proboscises.


    Get off me, blood-suckers! He stumbled back, tearing them away.


    Thundar! Hold on, Igh! Svenia cried, waving a roaring torch through the mass of winged monsters.


    Back to back, she and Hogarth fought the swarm, tossing sks ofntern oil then setting it aze. me came to life, engulfing screeching spear-flies, driving them into each other in full panic. They dropped from the air in burning heaps.


    But the two warriors had no time to celebrate; dozens more came at them, recing each smouldering sibling.


    Agh! Theyre on me! Svenia cried, as several gripped her armour. She pped them away with her torch, but one managed to jab its jagged legs into a section of links in her chainmail.


    Then its proboscis sank into her back through a gap in the rings.


    Its body swelled, soon washing red.


    Svenia screamed and spun around, trying to tear it off, but more swarmed her, driven manic by the sight of flowing blood.


    "Hogarth! Help! Get it off!" she shrieked.


    Keep still, Ill burn it! Stop moving foroh, shit! He shoved his torch at the creature, but onended on his helm, blinding him. The warrior stumbled away, struggling to get free. Svenias screams grew more frantic as the spear-fly grew fatter on her lifeblood.


    And then


    A shadow fell over her.


    One with a massive wingspan.


    It swooped down, seizing the Ravener-spawn in its talons, piercing it, tearing it away. The deadly form of Najyah shrieked in rage, her body shimmering with Khaliks power.


    A wave of acid erupted, washing over the clot of Ravener-spawn, melting insectile bodies while some felt the bite of talons and a razor sharp beak.


    Thankthank you! Svenia gasped, fighting off the other spear-flies.


    She was pale, but alive.


    Not all were as lucky.


    The swarm moved in perfect unison, like a giants mind in a thousand tiny bodies, hunting the weak. Two dwarven engineers screamed like pigs at the ughter, their bodies buried in swelling, pulsating spear-flies; the Raveners spawn tripled in size, growing thick and red, while the dwarves flesh turned from mottled blue to stark white.


    They copsed to the ground, stilled, then withered like fall leaves.


    "Ullvar! Bjorn!" The older dwarven engineer cried, his axe whirled around him as spear-flies now clung to him. Somebody help them!


    Theyre gone! a nearby bloodmage shouted. Keep <em>yourself</em> safe!


    He turned back to the wizard he tended, channelling magic into her body while others defended him with acid, fire and lightning. Wizards conjured fresh winds, blowing Ravener-spawn back, and clearing out stale cavern air.


    Spellcasters burnt through the purified air as quickly as it was reced.


    Tyris sprayedva, coating scores of spear-flies in boiling rock, filling the ground before her with the burning monsters. A pair of Watchers leapt over the pile while strafing the swarms with whirlwinds of ice.


    In between the two, a third Watcher thrust her staff toward the breach, speaking a word of power. A shimmering wall of force magic sprang up, cutting off the spear-flies.


    "Finish these off! I''ll keep the rest of them out!" The Watcher shouted, conjuring a whip of me from her staff and raking the cloud of flying bodies.


    Cheers went through the excavation team, and Theresa felt hope for the first time since the spawn had attacked.


    Her des shed as she fought toward Grimloch, leaping beside the sharkman and cutting down spear-flies.


    The swarm thinned, letting the sharkman throw himself against the wall, crushing dozens clinging to him.


    "Thanks!" Grimloch snarled.


    "No problem!" Theresa said, chopping at the spawn around him and Brutus. "Now we canWait, what''s that?


    A deep rumbling noise began.


    Look out! Svenia pointed to the wall across the passage.


    It was swelling.


    Swelling and straining.


    Before anyone could react, it burst like overripe fruit. Rock shot through the tunnel. A single boulder swept the old dwarf engineer off the cart, mashing him to pulp against the wall.


    Shocked cries erupted.


    Bodies fell as stonesunched into ducking forms.


    A ng and a muted cry escaped as a rock struck Hogarths helm with such force, it put him down like a stricken ox.


    Hogarth! Svenia cried, grabbing his limp body to drag him toward the blood mages.


    She nced at the new breach and all colour drained from her face.


    Dozens of glowing eyes burned deep within the dark hole, each pair framed by looming silhouettes. Alight with wild abandon, a frenzied wave of bone-charges barrelled into the tunnel.


    "Our forces are striking the enemy in their tunnels," one of the Hunters growled. "They have engaged all the mortals who could reach the usurpers base to offer reinforcement.


    "This pleases me," the petrifier growled, its eye-stalks turned in several directions; two watched the shafts in the caverns'' walls and the swarms of Ravener-spawn pouring through them. Three eyed the dungeon cores, noting the cracks forming in their dead, ck surfaces.


    They would not take the strain forever.


    Hopefully, they wouldst long enough for the work to be finished.


    "Have the tunnels been copsed?" The leader asked the Hunter.


    The smaller Ravener-spawn hesitated. "...no, leader. The enemy held back the dungeon cores'' power with magic.


    "Unfortunate," the petrifier growled. "The more help we can deny the usurpers, the better. Go, take some of your siblings and clear those tunnels out. Thene to the usurpers'' base above."


    "Yes, leader," the Hunter growled, bounding back into the passage.


    The petrifier''s eyes returned to inspecting the dungeon cores, watching the walls around the pair of dark orbs shimmer and buck. Stone swelled, transforming into four egg sackstwo titanic and two human-sizedthat split, releasing four monstrous creatures. Two were made of swarms of spear-flies clinging together to form humanoid shapes. The wings of the collection of Ravener-spawn rubbed together as they bowed to the petrifier.


    The other pair of monstrous leaders bowed low, their great bulks constrained by the cavern walls. Towering more than twice ten feet with shoulders nearly as broad, a thick coat of bone-tes sheathed them, and each left arm ended in a club-like protrusion covered in spikes. Their glowing red eyes shed with a dull, but vicious intellect.


    Wee to the world, behemoths and hives-as-one. Wee to the good work, the petrifier said.


    At its words, the dungeon cores screamed, cracking as more behemoths and hives-as-one emerged from the walls. The petrifiers force grew in strength and number; had the multi-eyed beast been capable of smiling, it would have grinned from ear to ear.


    "Leader!" another Hunter called from the passages before emerging into the cavern, its eyes looking afraid.


    One of the petrifiers eyes turned to its hound. Speak.


    "We have pinpointed the usurpers position, but there''s a problem!"


    "What is it?" Now all eyes turned.


    "We''ve been detected." the Hunter growled. "Mana surges on the surface and an rm has been sounded. We can hear it through the rock!"


    The petrifier stiffened with displeasure. "What of the usurpers? Are they trying to escape?"


    "One remains where they were before." The Hunter pointed to the ceiling. "But the other is moving toward arge pool of mana within theirir. We cannot say what it is, or why."


    The petrifier''s teeth ground together; a usurper had disappeared into thin air earlier, and now another was moving toward a great source of mana. Would they also disappear?


    This could not be allowed.


    There was another crack from the dungeon cores: more lines were spreading across their surfaces and their mana was sputtering. They were failing. Time was short.


    "Open the shafts above us. Force them if you have to," the petrifier ordered the cores. "Behemoths, hives-as-one. Some of you will enter the tunnels and kill all who resist. As for the rest of you" it looked to the Hunter. "Give me the locations of the usurpers and this source of mana that one of them flees to. We''ll open up the earth, then we attack from beneath their feet."

 Chapter 418: Defences in the Blizzard

    Chapter 418: Defences in the Blizzard


    "But the tunnels!" Alexs voice rose. "I''ve have to get down there, my friends are"


    "Mr. Roth, we''ve already sent help to the excavation team," Watcher Shaw barked, not sparing the young wizard a nce as he strode through the raging blizzard, adjusting his scarf to shield his face. A line of Watchers followed close behind. We dont needHey you! He pointed at a wind mage floating from a nearby doorway. "Yes, you! I want you on top of the keep! Cut this whiteout down; we can''t defend a fortress if we can''t see more than a foot in front of our own noses!"


    "Yes, Watcher!" the wizard shouted above the howling wind and levitated toward the keep.


    Watcher Shaw didnt break stride. As I was saying, thest thing we need is more people to rescue.


    "I can take care of myself, and Ive got ygon!" Alex pointed at the golem by his side. "We can get right"


    "Im not losing track of students today because none of youll be running into tunnels half-mad, if I can help it." Watcher Shaw''s voice cracked like a whip. "You want to help? Stay where we can keep track of you and go defend the castle so the excavation teams have a point to retreat to! Or get to the portal and evacuate, I dont care which. I''m not letting anyone else into those tunnels and that''s final; now, you do whats proper and leave me be. I''ve got work to do."


    With a single word of power, Watcher Shaw took to the air, disappearing into the wind and stinging snow with his Warrior-mages. The young Thameish wizard ground his teeth behind him, considering a way to get to the tunnels without being spotted by the Watchers. Theresa and the others were down there with those monsters. Worry tore through him as images of violence and death finding his friends in the dark gued him.


    But one thought kept rolling through his mind.


    <em>Last thing we need is more people to rescue, </em>Watcher Shaw had said.


    Alex knew he could handle himself, butfrom what Gwyin saidthere was a strong chance he already knew what or who the Ravener-spawn were looking for.


    Himand Carey. Theyd controlled dungeon cores, which mightve put giant bullseyes on their backs. He moved closer to ygon, wondering if a wed monster was waiting to pounce on him in the blinding snow.


    Watcher Shaws words repeated in his head. Last thing the Watchers need is more people to rescue.


    And thest thing my friends need are more monsters to fight. If those things are trying to kill me and Carey and I run into a tunnel with them chasing me, Ill bring them straight to my friends. No, the hell with that. Its better if theye outside, we have more defences out here than underground.


    Wizards and warriorslooking like spectres in the whiteoutwere moving into position throughout the courtyard, preparing for the monster attack.


    Spells that raised and hardened snow into towers of ice were being cast. Wizards buried beneath mounds of white were casting ice spells that bonded sheet after sheet of ice as hard as diamond atop each other, creating bunkers where they could lie in wait, hidden from view. A group of flying mages soared overhead, leaving glowing glyphs of light in the air.


    Alex recognized the deadly sigils: they were set to gently hover in the wind until a monster ventured too near, then theyd trigger, unleashing a storm of force magic that would pierce attackers, stopping them in-flight. And the glyphs werent the only deadly surprise waiting for the enemy.


    Summoners had called on monsters, and wind mages were flying above the courtyard, shouting words of power, creating roaring winds that blew snow away from the castle. Their voices had gone hoarse from endless chanting, yet they persevered without pause orint; and for their efforts, the whiteout thinned in varied areas throughout the courtyard.


    Earth mages chanted spells of earth movement, pushing their power into the ground. Through the snow beneath his feet, Alex felt a great struggle between the wizards'' earth magic, and the intense source of dark mana below.


    They were holding it back for now, but he knew that their efforts couldntst forever.


    It was time for him to help.


    "Right." He turned to ygon now standing behind him, gripping his war-spear as the snow battered his broad, y shoulders. "Let''s not make things worse. Let''s make it so our friends have somewhere safe to return to."


    Biting down on his worryand sending up a silent prayer to the Traveller to keep Theresa safeAlex conjured his army.


    He''d already conjured his defensive spells, eight Wizard''s Hands and six forceballs; now it was time for summoned monsters. The first to answer were groups of water and ice elementals bubbling and crackling in the whiteout; they appeared at his call, greeted by biting snow pellets and frosty winds.


    "Wee back Bubbles," he said to the little water elemental, while it shuddered at the cold and bubbled indignantly. "I know it''s cold, but, wait, Ill get you something thatll help. He sent six Wizards Hands to the stables where the Watchers mounts were sheltered, and they soon returned with chunks of salt from a salt lick. Here, take this! It''ll make you and our water elemental friends morefortable. But don''t spray it out. When you spray liquids out, you have to keep it in your bodies for it to work."


    Alex exined. "Its salt and itll lower your freezing point. Keep it inside you, and you''ll be safer against the cold."


    The water elementals gathered around him like excited children, all bubbling happily. Another time, he would''ve found their reactions cute. But right now, his time was limited.


    "I''ll give everyone directions in a second," he said to the water and ice elementals. "I just want you to know that we''re about to be in for a rough fight, so I''ve gotta get more friends to help us."


    Pouring himself back into summoning spells, he called for help from creatures best suited to the terrain.


    Taraneas, resistant to cold, and able to bind enemies with their webbing. Earth elementals; they would dig through deep snow and the frozen ground below it and catch Ravener-spawn unawares. Air elementals would be flying by his side. Flicker dogs could teleport, shing from visible to invisible and they could harass monsters bigger than themselves. Hellhounds would have the task of torching attackers, and hell-boarsalso resistant to coldcould burn and crush them.


    When Alex was finished summoning, a fearsome force surrounded him, one ready to fight and follow hismands.


    "Alright," he brushed snow off his long hair and cloak when he finished thest spell. "Wee back everyone. He said to his summoned horde, switching extranarnguages as he needed. This time, the enemys in the ground below us, and we can use the terrain to our advantage. Air elementals, follow me and defend me as best you can.


    The air elementals exhaled sharp gusts in acknowledgement.


    Water and ice elementals, he continued. I want you tobine your power and quick-freeze anything threatening thatsing up to the surface from below ground. Hell-boars and hellhounds, you work together; burn anything menacing. Earth elementals: I''d like three of you to stay over there with the aeld tree, your job is to defend it. The rest of you stay hidden in the earth and attack every monster you can. Anything trying to get to the surface gets stopped. Flicker-dogs, I want you hamstringing anything that walks or runs. Taraneas, bury yourselves in the snow and trap anything in your webbing that walks, crawls or flies. Does everyone understand?"


    The summons answered in the many tongues of elementals, celestials and devils, then his army spread out, getting ready for theing Ravener-spawn.


    Alright," Alexs breath misted in the air. "Potion time." He watched ygon while he dug potions from his bag. "Hey buddy, if you want to finish forming your mind or start evolving or anything...now would be an awfully good time to do it."


    ygon merely stood at his side in silence, ready for his instructions.


    There was no longer a spark of thought through his link with the golem.


    "Well, that figures. If timing was a matter of convenience, then the Ravener-spawn would''ve attacked when Baelin was here," he cursed internally. "Still, thanks for showing me that there was something wrong with the aeld tree, ygon. Between you, Gwyin and the aeld, I had like three warnings even before the rm went off..."


    Alex paused as unwanted images of his friends dying horrid deaths took over his thoughts. He shook them away like dirty water. "...listen, I don''t know if your mind can hear me right now, ygon, but I want you to protect yourself. Like, absolutely protect me too, but look after yourself too. Don''t go jumping in front of beams or anything like that. Seriously. I don''t know what I''d do without you."


    ygon silently held his war-spear.


    Alex sighed, patting his golem on his side. "Well, you''re a good listener bud"


    The ground bucked beneath his feet. Another surge of dark mana shifted.


    "They''re pushing hard!" An earth mage cried through the storm. "Feels like they''ve turned all the ground down there into a dungeon! We''re holding them back for now, but they''re going to breach!"


    "Jeffrey! Hines! Get those nobatants back to Generasi!" Watcher Shaw shouted to two of his lieutenants. "I want them through that portal before we get a whiff of Ravener-spawn stink!"


    "The nobatants," Alex muttered. "Carey and Professor Jules would be among them. Good, I hope they get through the portal fast. The faster the better."


    "Alex!" Isolde''s voice reached him.


    He turned to see the tall, dark-haired woman flying through the snow, an electric blue wind-and-rain shield protecting her face. "There you are, have you heard anything about the tunnels? About Svenia and Hogarth?"


    "Not a single word," Alex said as she floated down beside him. "I take it you haven''t heard anything either?"


    "I just came from helping some of our research colleagues get to the teleportation circle, and there is still a lineup forming of people wanting to escape."


    "Lets hope that line moves fast. Are Carey and Professor Jules gone?"


    "Carey is helping direct and organise people, and Professor Jules said she would not leave until all of her team had gone through." Isolde looked back toward the direction shede from. "It was hell trying to convince her not to stay behind to wait for the two of us."


    "Yeah, that sounds like her," Alex said. "I wish I could go into the tunnels."


    "As do I." Isolde looked down as the ground quietly rumbled. "As do I."


    "Well, the best we can do is make sure everyone down there has a safe, Ravener-spawn free zone toe back to," he dug around in his bag. "Here, potions of haste, sensory enhancement and agility enhancement. They''ll help you see a little farther and manoeuvre better in this snowstorm."


    "Thank you," she said. "Ah, here."


    She turned, casting a flight spell on ygon. "There you go, ygon. Now you can keep up with your father."


    "Thanks," Alex drank potions of flight, haste, sensory enhancement, agility enhancement, and strength enhancement. He wiped the cold liquid from his lips as he and Isolde cast Orbs of Air over their heads. "Listen Isolde, take care of yourself. Seriously. This could be rough. There''s a lot of mana moving around down there. Too much for one dungeon core, Im thinking."


    "I feel it," she looked up, frowning. "What of your tree?"


    "I have earth elementals protecting it," he said. "Thats the best I can do. Hopefully, all that stuff about bringing fortune wherever it''s nted is actually true. We could use some good fortune right now." Alex raised his hand, looking down at the wooden witch''s ring on his finger. "And <em>we</em> could use some protection too."


    Isolde was about to say something.


    Then the earth bucked. Hard.


    "They''re pushing through!" An earth mage cried. "They''ll be up here soon!"


    "Everyone, get ready!" Watcher Shaw shouted. "You''re all experienced enough to know what you''re about. Fight to your strengths: remember the entries in the bestiaries and don''t let yourself get buried by numbers!"


    Another rumble ripped through the earth as the ground bucked again.


    The dark mana raged, as energetic and chaotic as fire and a gue of locusts.


    Earth mages screamed out spells all around, their voices carried by the wind.


    Mana battled mana below their feet.


    "May your Traveller bless you, Alex," Isolde whispered.


    "And the Elements bless you, Isolde," he said in return.


    There was another surge of dark mana so powerful, that it shook his mana senses; crackling like lightning. He and Isolde exchanged a nod. The mana merged beneath them into singr points of power, sharpening like a thrusting estoc sword ready to punch through armour.


    Then the ground bucked once.


    Then again.


    Then it ruptured beneath their feet.

 Chapter 419: A Battle in the White

    Chapter 419: A Battle in the White


    Alex, ygon and Isolde shot away when the ground cracked. Rock whizzed by. With jaws clenched, Alex weaved through the barrage, praying to the Traveller that they would clear the pelting rocks.


    Stone shards seemed to soar in every direction, but only dust reached them. He sent out a silent prayer of thanks to the Traveller as he peered into the gaping chasm, then swore.


    The craggy tear in the earth was teeming with a pulsating mass of spear-flies with one goal: he recalled drawings in the bestiaries of their dried out victims.


    Their wings snapped out, propelling long insectile bodies upward. The creaturesunched toward the surface as one, but as they neared, the holes ragged edges crumbled, raining massive rock shards, forcing Ravener-Spawn down to an unforgiving tunnel floor.


    But, like falling snowkes, dozens more appeared, recing the dead. Above the eerie sound of howling winds, the beating of leathery wings grew as swarm upon swarm of spear-flies rose from the dungeon below, thirsting for blood. In heartbeats, the courtyard exploded into shouted spells, war-cries, explosions and energy sts. Trap-sigils zed bright every time Ravener-spawn flew near, spells red into a mass of tiny beads of light no bigger than acorns, then exploded, shrapnel skewering spear-flies, tearing through one insectile body then another in a cascade. Dozens plummeted, ending their ascent.


    The storm''s gusting winds were also working in the wizards'' favour as they grabbed the lighter monsters and flung them straight into stone, ice walls, and waiting swords. In a sense, the teams first snowstorm in Greymoor might have been a blessing for them.


    But, nature alone couldnt blow clouds of Ravener-spawn away and more attacked with abandon.


    The wizards, warriors and guards fought back.


    Beside Alex, Isolde shouted an incantation. Lightning zed around her hands and thunder rumbled through electrified air; Alex felt his scalp crawl as she unleashed a new spell. Her arms swept out, the young noblewoman clenched her fists, tendril-like, crackling whips of lightning formed in her grip. Around her, the air thrummed with thunder as she swept her whips through theing swarm.


    The creatures crackled, splitting apart where lightning touched them, and crumbling where thunder raked their flesh. Still more appeared, pressing her from all sides.<strong></strong>Some bounced off of greater force armour, but others clung tight, sawing at her defensive magic with jagged limbs.


    "Enough of that!" Alex cried, shooting a Wizard''s Hand beside his cabal mate.


    The spell''s grip tightened on a sk of sleeping potion, cracking it. Isolde hovered in potion mist, enveloped for a moment, then spear-flies abruptly fell away, plummeting to the snow covered earth.


    "Thank you!" she called, her lightning-whips cracking through the swarm.


    Alex was already focused on defending himself.


    Spear-flies swarmed from all around, focusing on him. If dozens had attacked Isolde, then hundreds were attacking him; he tried weaving through them, but there were too many to escapedodge from. He could never dodge every ke of snow in a blizzard, just as he could never dodge every one of these monsters. Their number was as thick as the wall of snow swirling through the courtyard, and they carpeted him in mounds, clinging to his force shield so tightly, that it looked like it was some strange force construct of giant bugs.


    His defensive force rectangles shattered one by oneas they shifted position, trying to block monsters. Theynded on his force armour next, crawling over it, using barbed legs to test for weak spots. A probing spear-fly wormed its way into a gap, its pointed proboscis was poised, ready to stab him, when a wave of magical energy stopped it cold; the witch''s ring tingled on his finger.


    "Get off me!" Alex plucked spawn away, tossing them to the wind, but even more settled in their ce. Forceballs and force shield whirled around him, knocking some aside, scraping others away, but though these defences were quickly overwhelmed, his elementals saved him.


    The extranar creatures of air were theresix crackling protectors to defend him from the hordeto do their work without restraint. Exploding wind gusts howled, blowing light-bodied spear-flies into pelting snow. Lightning pulsed, raking the winged creatures, sending their sparking forms into free fall.


    "Good work!" Alex shouted to the summons. "I need three of you whipping around me like a tornado, and three defending Isolde! Hit these things with everything youve got! He pointed to the Rhinean wizard as the numbers of monsters swarming her escted. "Don''t let a single one<strong></strong>through."


    Isolde was defending herself with crackling whips and orbs of lightning, but even her deep mana reserves couldn''tst forever. All six of his elementals crackled, three broke away, surrounding Isolde, defending her from the monsters attacks. The other three whirled around him, spraying lightning and wind in all directions, casting Ravener-spawn down to their ruin.


    Spear-flies scattered, but hundreds more were still silhouetted in the blizzard and whiteout around them. Unseen defenderswizards and morescreamed in the distance, shrouded by blinding snow, clearly not faring well.


    Frantic calls for help reached him.


    His Wizard''s Hands flew toward the voices, tightly clutching booby-trapped potion bottles, and stopping in the midst of a monster swarm. ss shattered, releasing abined mist of booby-trapped flight and sleep magic. In breaths, the enemy dropped like rocks, orunched uncontrolled through the storm, colliding with each other, the Watchers gauntlets, walls and eventually the ground. ygon!'' Alex thought. ''Charge your fire-beams!''


    His golem hovered nearby, sweeping his war-spear and fists through the swarm, batting and pulping dozens of Ravener-spawn in one swing. As Alex''s voice came through their mental bond, the fire-beams'' burning light illuminated whipping snow.


    Whooooooom!


    They gathered power.


    Their mana built; Alex grabbed more potions from his satchel, tossing them to his Wizard''s Hands. All around him, shouting and muffled cries came in waves as the castle''s defenders battled what seemed to be an ever-renewing horde of spear-flies.


    ''If these spawn are after Carey and me, Id better try and keep most of their attention on me,'' he thought.


    "Isolde! I''ll try and herd as many of these things in one ce as I can and get them away from everyone else so ygon can st them! Are you gonna be okay?" He shouted.


    "I can handle myself! I have no doubt they can use more help at the keep! Good hunting!" she cried, soaring into the sky with his conjured guardians surrounding her.


    Alex took a deep breath, eyeing the swarm around him. "Alright, you wicked bastards!" He called. "You want me? Come get me!"


    He tucked in his limbsreducing wind resistanceand shot through the freezing storm, bellowing challenges to the spear-flies, taunting them as he flew. They probably had no clue what he was saying, but they immediately took the bait, trailing after him, following like an entity was directing them.


    "That''s right!" Alex shouted. "Ive got some blood for you and your filthy maker. Try and get some!"


    They tore through the sky weaving above the battlefield, and Alex nced down toward the fighters, taking stock of how they were faring.


    Like phantoms in a world painted white, Ravener-spawn were everywhere.


    They were bursting from the earth through dozens of jagged holes, then setting upon the Generasians like fire ants. Spear-flies swarmed through the sky, but another type of Ravener-spawn churned through snow drifts, kicking up sprays of white. Bone-chargers raged through the courtyard, squealing and barreling toward anything they could reach.


    The Watchers of Roal met them with spell and steel. With magic zing, they struck the enemy with spells of force, frost and me, striking the mighty bone-chargers. Above them, wind mages cast whirlwinds to contain the spear-flies, while other wizards conjured their own swarms of elementals and summoned monsters to tear the spear-flies from the air.


    Yet, for all of this power, bone-chargers still barrelled through spell after spell, running down warriors, trampling them where they stood. Patches of white turned red.


    Alex bristled, the things needed to die.


    "With me, Watchers!" A familiar voice cried from somewhere in the blowing snow. "Send these spawn back to the cradles of filth they crawled from!"


    Watcher Shaw emerged like a vengeful war-spirit, floating above the earth, his form wreathed in me. His sword<strong></strong>was sheathed in power, zing in a storm of force magic and he shouted an incantation, channelling a staggering amount of mana. He levelled his staff as he finished the spell, unleashing a cone of screaming spirits into the world.


    They raged through spear-flies and bone-chargers alikepassing through flesh like waterand when they emerged from the other side, they clutched chunks of meat in their phantom hands. The Ravener-spawn stoppedstrickenspewing fountains of ck and red, until copsing in pools of melting snow.


    Any monsters spared from the st were met by the Watchers shing sword. With every de strike, his force magic boomed, crushing bone and tough hide, letting the de slide through soft underbellies. With each stroke, a bone-charger fell, Shaw leaving carnage in his wake; his fellow Watchers followed the same path, destroying spawn onnd and in the air.


    "You actually spar with these people, Theresa?" Alex muttered to himself as he soared past the Watchers, gaining attention from a growing number of Ravener-spawn. "ygon, I want you to get as many spawn as you can! Clear them out with your war-spear!"


    Silently, the golem dovehis upper arms charging the fire-gemswhile his lower ones ripped the war-spear through bone-chargers. The de split their hard carapace and tough hide like fresh curds, and each monster withered from the spear''s deadly magics. Some whirled, leaping high into the air to strike at the golem, but a massive y fist sent them tumbling back to the snow in broken heaps.


    Bone-chargers scattered, leaving their fallen brethren behind. But as they fled, their eyes didnt focus on ygon.


    They fell on Alex.


    If there was any doubt before that they were there for him, there was none now; as he flew past the packs of bone-chargers, they squealed like wild boar set upon by a wolf pack, and charged after him.


    Some abruptly abandoned fights with the castle''s golems and the hulking, summoned demons the wizards had conjured. A pack menaced a group of spear-wielding warriors until; the blurring form of Ripp sprinted through the snow with his glinting de in hand, diving beneath towering Ravener-spawn, hamstringing them, leaving them as easy prey for Generasi spear bearers.


    Alex approached as a warrior strayed too close to a bone-charger, it snatched the mans leg in its jaws at the same moment Ripps de hamstrung it, but it still raised a giant fist above the warrior, poised to crush him while it tumbled like a falling oak. An enormous war-spear arced from above, slicing the Ravener-spawn''s skull in two. Its fist dropped. The wounded many in the snow, eyes wide and breathing hard. Ripp bent down to help him up.


    Alex cursed; he couldn''t drop any booby-trapped potions since he didnt know who was protected by Orbs of Air and who wasnt. So he did the next best thing. He egged on the monsters.


    Alex growled. "Hey, over here!" He shouted. "Cmon you bastards. Catch me! Catch me!"


    The bone-crushers'' eyes red as they spotted him, and squealing, pulled away from the warriors to chase after the Thameish Wizard.


    Alex led them through the whipping white frost, picking up more speed as he called out to them. He flew above the aeld and was grateful that the monsters passed it by like it wasnt even there. It must''ve seemed harmless to them, but Alex wasn''t so sure it <em>was</em> harmless to them. As bone-chargers gave chase, strange misfortunes hit them: some slipped on ice, or were blinded by sudden wind gusts, spinning them through the air and into each other, toppling them in twisted heaps like clumsy acrobats.


    The aeld trees fortune did not favour them, it seemed.


    Those that remained upright, though, sprinted after Alex as though the fires of every hell in the nes pursued them.


    "That''s right, chase me," he whispered, turning toward the swarm at his back and the horde below. They filled his vision, spreading out into the snowshed whiteout.


    <em>Whooooom!</em>


    "You''re not going to like what you catch," Alex sent the mentalmand to ygon.


    ''Fire.''


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    Two fire-beamsnced into the horde below while the third raked the swarm above. Instantly, spear-flies exploded in an inferno, bursting from pent up heat. As insectile creatures died, ygons beams spread deeper into the thinning swarms. Snow vapourized, and white zed red and gold in columns of me. Bone-chargers burned in moments, the air superheating and turning their lungs to ash; their glowing eyes dimmed in fire.


    Soon, winter''s chill seemed far away when ygons fire beams finally stopped.


    The horde was devastated: piles of smoking ash and ckened bodies slowly smouldered in melting snow. Hissing vapour snaked into the air, dispersing in the wind.


    Alex sighed in satisfaction. "Time to do it again, y"


    An earth shattering explosion, strong enough to sway an escarpment, rocked the castle, with a sound like thunder.


    The young wizard whirled in that direction, his blood dropping colder than the blizzard. "That came from the teleportation building! ygon, we''ve got to"


    Beside him, the ground detonated.


    An enormous monster d in bone loomed beside him.


    And he felt mana re.

 Chapter 420: Blazing Desperation

    Chapter 420: zing Desperation


    The behemoth towered above the snow covered terrain, growling and snapping like crumbling bone. The earth trembled with each heavy footfall while misting breathlike a fog cloudfroze in the air. Wide eyes sought a single target in the courtyard and suddenly zed with recognition, lighting up when they fell upon Alex. The monster reacted. Long bone spikes sprang from its armoured form, shuddered in the air for a breath, then shot toward their target with all the force of a storm of arrows.


    "Oh shit!" Alex whirled away, dodging through a barrage of spikes heading straight at him.


    ygon soared in front of him, solid bone splintered to shards on his y body, but the behemoth wasnt done. Itunched volley after volley of bony projectiles toward him as a fresh swarm of spear-flies poured from the hole beneath the behemoth and swarmed the wizard. His trio of summoned protectors, zapped, and blew as many Ravener-spawn away as they could. Alex twisted and turned in mid-air like a snake, but shards still struck, ncing off his forceshield and raking the surface of his force armour. He grunted from the force of each impact and howled with pain when a shard passed through a gap in the force armour, slicing his right leg.


    "Bastard! He cursed at the spawn, tucking in his limbs and spinning through the bone slivers like a top. "I''m going to"


    A surge of mana zed in his mana senses.


    He paused for a moment, focusing on the behemoth: on its shoulder sat something bearing no resemnce to bone-spikes.


    A Hive-as-onebuilt from a vast colony of spear-fliesturned its jagged hands toward him. Dark magic zed over its limbs.


    Desperate to escape, he barrel-rolled through the air.


    A beam of utter ckness ripped from its hands.


    The pitch-ck ray arced toward him, zig-zagging through the swarm and homing in on Alex. He jerked to the side.


    But not fast enough.


    It slid across his force armourpassing through itncing off his flesh. Agony hit him in a wave. His left side went cold as though bathed in ice water and a weariness spread over the spot where the beam had clipped him.


    ...his flesh began to wither.


    A cry of agony escaped his lips.


    And the world went ck.


    The bone-charger bucked and thrashed beneath Theresas feet as her swords chopped at the back of its neck again and again.


    "Die!" She screamed. "Die, damn you, just die!"


    Snarling, she raised an arm above her head, drove the point of a sword into the thick hide sheathing its neck, then hammered the pommel with the hilt of her other de. The monster went wild, squealing, running into walls, trying to throw her to the cave floor, but the huntress grabbed its dorsal spikes with a death grip. Its arms flew up, grabbing at her, but she knocked them aside with every bit of life-enforced strength she could call on.


    Her de rose again, she mmed it into its twin''s hilt; once, twice, three times, and on the third, something gave, the bone-charger went stiff.


    With a loud exhtion of breath, the great beast finally toppled toward the tunnel floor as Theresa dragged her sword from the back of its neck then whirled around, ready for more monsters. Throughout the passage, the air filled with a cacophony of sound; monstrous voices, shouted spells, panicked screams from injured and dying both mortal and beast. The chamber felt overwhelming, like it was pressing down on her.


    Two figures were struggling nearby on the tunnel floor, surrounded by clouds of rock dust. The sight snapped her mind back into sharp focus.


    "Brutus!" She cried, charging to her cerberus and a bone-charger wrestling on the ground. The Ravener-spawn was bigger, not much stronger, inexperienced, untrained, and less agile. Brutus was beneath it with all three mouths filled with bone-crushing teethtched onto its neck.


    Theresa raced in, shing at the beast, its tough hide was already punctured with deep bite marks. The bone-charger fought to get free, squealing and pawing at the dirt as the cerberus'' bites cracked bone, reached the flesh below, and tore chunks away. Theresa put it out of <em>their</em> misery, crossing her swords and shing both sides of its throbbing throat. Her dog bounded to its feet beside her, barking and snapping a spear-fly from the air, crushing it between his jaws while his other heads panted with excitement.


    The insect-like creatures numbers had dwindled along with the bone-chargers, but there were still more to defeat.


    Grrimloch growled, swung his magical maul into a bone chargers head, its bone helmet shattered and its pulped head flopped to the side. Thundar battled another one, his mace crushed bone with every swing. The beast yelped, wing at illusionary duplicates nking him and striking empty air and frustrated, it turned and ran. Thundar whipped his mace at the fleeing creature, stopping it dead in its tracks. Svenia and Hogarth were back in the fight: healed by blood magic, though not a hundred percent, the hard-bitten warriors still gave it their all, stabbing bone-chargers, batting spear-flies from the air like they were clearing cluster flies.


    When Thundar went to retrieve his mace, Najyah tore apart thest of the spear-flies with her beak and talons, and the Watchers brought down the final bone-charger withnces of force.


    Dread hung in the air, rasping breaths and soft pained moans broke the silence as the Generasians tensed, not knowing what to expect next.


    Then, the uneasy silence shattered.


    A thud.


    Followed by another.


    And another.


    The team whirled toward the pair of breaches in the tunnel wall: both had been sealed by Watchers using force magic, but bone-chargers had quietly amassed in the passages behind them. Now, they were ready for their next attack and powerful monsters rammed force walls over and over, shaking the tunnel with every blow. Above them, spear-flies gathered, pressed together as one, poised to spill into the tunnel the instant the magical walls fell.


    A pair of Watchers came forward at speed, lifting their staffs, levelling them at the force walls. Both magical fortifications red, drinking in the new power. "We''ll hold the creatures back as best we''re able, but these walls cant take this battering forever!"


    The tunnel rumbled around them, clouds of stone dust and soil rained down from the ceiling.


    Tension spiked, but the earth mages pushed their power into the stone, holding back the enemies mana.


    "We''re sitting ducks down here," Thundar grunted, panting and holding his knees while recovering his breath.


    "I agree, the highest-ranking Watcher said. "We should get moving and fight our way back to the castle."


    "That''s impossible," the eldest of the earth mages growled as he struggled against the dungeon cores. "It''s taking all of our strength to keep these monsters from crushing us to paste right now. If we move and lose concentration, they''ll tten us. We should stay right here and wait for help toe. The castle will send rescuers.


    "And if they''re under attack, what do you thinkll happen? Itll take time for anyone to get here since theyll have to stabilise things up there first," the Watcher said sternly. "And by then, we could all be spawn food."


    "We fought them off once," the earth mage fired back. "But no one''s fighting a copsing ceiling."


    The Watcher''s eyes narrowed. "Inbat situations, I hold rank."


    The earth mage''s chest puffed out. "And in cases of the safety of this structure and how it affects the excavation, Iand the dwarf engineershold rank," he turned to the dwarves who were silently praying over their fallenrades.


    "What are the chances of us surviving if this passage ispromised?"


    A dwarf looked up, his face heavy with grief. "Next to none. Even if some of us get into an air pocket, we''ll all still die from suffocation or being crushed."


    "We''ll cast Orbs of Air around everyone''s heads," the Watcher said.


    "And then we might not smell gas if any''s released from a cavity down here," the dwarf engineer warned.


    "Wouldn''t that be a good thing?" A wizard cut in, leaning against the wall as a blood mage bound his arm. "If were smelling gas we''re getting poisoned, and if we''ve got Orbs of Air up, who cares if there''s poisonous gas?"


    "You need to study the earth''s secrets more thoroughly, my friend," Prince Khalik said, his voice smooth yet strained. "Some gases can burn the skin as well as the lungs and others have little smell, but when met by fire..."


    He let the words hang.


    "That''s right," the dwarf engineer said. "We dislodge some natural gas and don''t detect it, then one of your little fire spells sends us all to the afterworld. Besides, Air Orbs or whatever won''t help much if we get crushed by a thousand tons of rock."


    Another crash reverberated through the force wall.


    The lead Watcher grunted. "If we stay here, they''ll break through. Its either go and live, or stay here and get ughtered."


    "And <em>you</em> don''t understand," the earth mage fired back. "If we move too fast, it''ll be easier for that mana to overwhelm ours. And then"


    Tension mounted as the Watcher, earth mage and the engineers argued. Theresa swallowed.


    ''They don''t understand each other''s training,'' she thought. ''Each of them sound like they''ve got good points, but they know nothing about what each others training is telling them.


    It''d be like me and a wizard arguing about how to hunt a magical beast: the mage woulde at it from the perspective of a wizard, looking at how to counter its magical abilities. Id being at it from the perspective of a hunter, cing the most weight on its physical abilities and the terrain.


    In stressful situationsif a team didn''t consider each other''s perspectivesall sides would miss the full story.


    "You okay?" Thundar asked, wiping blood and stone-dust from his fur. "Those spear-flies drain you?"


    "No," Theresa said, pulling her attention away from the argument. "I''m fine. How about you? Are you okay?"


    Their little group hade together in the middle of the tunnel: Grimloch, Svenia and Hogarth had wandered over to Theresa, Brutus and Thundar.


    "Yeah, the force armour protected me," Thundar nodded toward Khalik and lead them to where the prince stood with his hands pressed to a wall. "And those things kept trying to gut my duplicates instead of me, thank the ancestors."


    "Wish I had duplicates," Grimloch growled, stomping forward with giant footsteps. His iron grey hide was covered in swelling spear-fly bites. The huntress shuddered at the sight of them: if she''d taken half the bites Grimloch had, shed be a bloodless corpse right now.


    "Yeah, they found you right tasty," Hogarth chuckled as he limped beside Svenia. His pupils glistened, and one eye lookedrger than the other. "They liked Svenia too."


    Hisugh grew shrill, drawing nces from the other members of the excavation team.


    "Shhhh," Svenia shushed him. "Last thing we need is mad talk spreading more panic." Her voice dropped low. "Courage is hanging by a thread."


    Around them, the team had broken into little groups, talking to each other in whispers. Nervous nces shifted between the force walls and their arguing leadership. Some were watching the tunnel, looking tempted to bolt for the castle and take their chances.


    "Yeah," Theresa said quietly, reminded of those dark hours in the Cave of the Traveller, remembering the dread and fear that had lurked in the corners of her mind. "We don''t want to set anyone off."


    "If they''re gonna panic that easily, we don''t want them with us anyway," Grimloch rumbled, kicking a bone-charger''s corpse as they passed. "Can''t afford cowards. These Ravener-spawn were made of harder stuff than those chittering ones."


    "Yeah," Theresa said, looking down at the carpet of dead spear-flies. "And that swarm''s hard to deal with." She looked up at Khalik when they got closer. The prince''s beard was a mess of grit and bits of gore, and Najyah was looming over his shoulder, nuzzling him with worry.


    ''Never seen her give him that much affection,'' Theresa thought. ''We really must be doomed.''


    "How''re you holding up, Khalik?" she asked. "Are you okay?"


    "Only my pride is bitten," the prince chuckled weakly. "And I did get clipped by a bone-charger. It felt like my ribs were going to tear through my chest and armour. I would''ve been dead if I''d received more than a ncing blow."


    "Well, at least you''d already be buried," Thundar chuckled darkly. "We''d all already be."


    The prince shared his darkugh, though he looked a little wild around the eyes. "Well, we still might be if we do not do something"


    There was another rumble and the tunnel shook.


    Khalik grunted.


    "You okay?" Thundar asked.


    "I am," the prince said. "But, it really takes a good deal of effort and control when the enemy throws its full weight at us and".


    The Watchers, earth mages and engineers raised their voices.


    "See? If we stay here" the Watcher said.


    "We''ll be dead anyway if we move without" an engineer fired back.


    Their voices were drowned out by each others as the argument intensified. The rest of the team muttered to each other.


    "You know..." Theresa said, looking thoughtfully at Ravener-spawn corpses piled in heaps atop each other. "I remember something about bone-chargers being slower to make than chitterers and other monsters, right?"


    "I do remember that entry from the bestiaries, yes," Khalik said. "Ah...I see where you are going. There are a great many of them down here. Far too many for a new dungeon to have crafted, so for there to be this many..."


    "They''d need to have been below us for awhile, making monsters the whole time," Theresa said quietly. "Unless the rules have changed."


    "Yeah," Thundar agreed. "I know what you mean. And they havewho knows what the hell else to throw at us. He spit on a nearby bone-charger corpse. Shit, I can''t die down here. I''ve got shit to do."


    "Me too," Theresa said.


    I swore an oath to die for the von Anmut family," Hogarth said, lifting his helm to massage his temples. "But I don''t want my death to be down here in some tunnel."


    "Separated from ourdy while she fights for her life," Svenia said.


    "It would not be a good death," Khalik said. "And"


    There was an immense crash from somewhere distant, and the tunnel shook again.


    Everyone looked at Khalik, but the prince was just as wide-eyed as they were. "That wasn''t the mana trying to bring the tunnel down," he said. "It was something else."


    He cleared his throat and let his deep voice boom through the passage. "Leader! Team leader!"


    The argument had gone silent as the Watchers, mages and engineers eyed the walls; the earth mages leader turned to the prince with a dumbfounded look.


    "We must move," the prince said.


    A cracking noise split the air. Stone crumbled.


    "Another breach!" An earth mage cried.


    Theresa darted toward the crack, but two Watchers reacted before her, levelling their staffs, shouting a single word. A powerful wall of force sprang up, sealing the breach before it could expand.


    The tunnel rumbled as though the very earth was rejecting it.


    Then it slowly calmed.


    Earth mages and engineers looked at each other.


    The earth mage leader eyed the force wall. "You''re right. We can''t stay here. How much mana does everyone have left?"

 Chapter 421: Seeing As They Are

    Chapter 421: Seeing As They Are


    Harsh Ravener-spawn cries echoed through the force walls.


    The excavation team were talking numbers to one another.


    "Talk fast," the lead Watcher pushed.


    "I have about half my mana left," an earth mage said.


    "Same here," another echoed.


    "Less for me," Prince Khalik revealed that between fighting mana and casting spells through Najyah, he was down to a quarter, if even that.


    More earth mages reported: all were down to half their mana, maybe slightly more. Nobodys voice held enthusiasm or optimism.


    "What about you lot?" The lead Watcher pressed the other Generasians.


    "I''ve got about a third." Tyris raised a hand. The young woman was crouched with her back to a wall, drenched in sweat. "That swarm really had me pushing hard. Even with me using a mana regeneration technique, I cant really say how much I can make up before another attackes.


    Thundar raised a hand. "I''ve got more than half, but only by a little."


    Other wizards weighed in, things were looking grim: most were at half mana and some reported far less.


    With a solemn nod, the lead earth mages eyes focused on a spot in the distance, muttering calctions under his breath. "Okay, if we move slowly. And I do mean slowly, we could inspect the walls for differences in soundness and stoneposition as we go without interfering with our earth and stone shaping spells."


    "How slow are we talking?" The lead Watcher asked.


    "Slow enough so the tunnel doesn''t crumble around us like an egg." The earth mage frowned at the ceiling.


    "Hmmmm, If we raise walls of force behind us while we move forward that should reinforce the tunnel and make your job easier, shouldn''t it?" The Watcher followed the earth mage''s eyes upward.


    "That it would," the mage said. "Wed move a bit faster if you did too."


    "Good, and itll stop the spawn from getting right behind us." The Watcher cleared his throat and pointed at three of his juniors. "I want you, you and you building those force walls. Set them up behind us about every twenty paces."


    He turned to the blood mages. "Weve got to be ready to move in under a couple of minutes, so you blood mages need to have our wounded on forcediscs in less than that. Everyone else? I want you prepped and ready to go by then."


    "We''ll be in your care," Thundar said to Khalik. "And I''m not even joking, I mean we''ll actually be in your care, so remember, if you screw up, we''re dead."


    "Thanks," the prince said dryly.


    "I wish I could help," Theresa said.


    "You can, by making sure no bone-chargers trample me into paste," Khaliks jaw flexed.


    "That I can do," Theresa checked her swords, remembering what it took to pierce tough bone-charger hide.


    ''I hope,'' she added mentally, moving away to help the others prepare to leave.


    The mood was bleak. Folk stared at the patched walls with dead eyes, some muttered silent prayers, others busied themselves by helping with the dead, leaving care of the injured to experienced blood mages. Healers secured the wounded to forediscs, working quickly to stabilise and relocate them. Anyone who could fight was stretching and giving their des and spear tips a quick wipe, and heavy weapons a few swings.


    "Alright," the lead Watcher looked over the group.


    All were in close formation, with warriors and mages at their nks, positioned to defend against attacks. Watchers would lead, acting as vanguard, meeting frontal attacks with their melee skills and magics. Another group of Watchers would bring up the rear, raising walls of force behind them.


    Fighters were at the front, back and at either nk, guarding against sudden ambushes from monsters charging in from air or ground. In the middle of the defenders were those unable to fight; the wounded, the healers and the dead. The earth mages would also be in the middle: acting as lifeline and defence against the dungeon cores n to crush them.


    Theresa took up position between Thundar, Brutus and Grimloch; behind them came Hogarth and Sveniatheir spears at the readywhile Prince Khalik walked behind the two warriors with Najyah perched on his shoulder. Tyris was nearby.


    "Alright,e on," Theresa heard her whisper. "I want to see my turtle, my bed, my family and that tall, spicy drink of water. Youre not getting my life, you stinking bastards."


    The huntress nced back, about to say something when the lead Watcher spoke.


    "Alright, everyone hold your position and we''ll survive this. Are you earth mages ready?"


    The eldest earth mage took a deep breath. "We are. I''ll keep the pace, you keep us safe."


    "Fair." The Watcher pointed ahead with his sword. "Let''s go."


    Everyone was gathered and began their march forward. Darting eyes scanned tunnel walls with precision, while the entire passage shook; Theresa held her breath, listening to the sounds of something unseen moving through the stone. pping wings. Heavy steps. Shifting earth.


    Her grip tightened on her two swords and beside her, Brutus sniffed the air, all three heads facing toward different directions.


    "It''s okay, boy," she whispered. "It''s okay."


    They crept forward slowly, almost painfully, while the earth mages fortified the tunnel, casting spells at a whisper. Strain had been on their faces and in their voices before, but now, it grew.


    Theresa prayed to the Traveller, her ancestors and anyone else listening that their strength would hold. ''Please let me see Alex again. Please let me see Selina. Please let me see my parents, my brothers, Shi-Shi...and please dont let Brutus die


    Crashing sounds reached them from deep in the tunnel to the rear.


    The excavation team started to turn around. Theresa raised her swords.


    "Eyes forward!" the lead Watcher shouted. "Keep moving! Watchers at the rear, you know what to do!"


    "Sir!" They shouted, raising shimmering walls of force in their wake. The huntress nced back, seeing wall after wall shining behind them. In the distance, she spotted a horde of Ravener-spawn throwing themselves into the walls, seeking to shatter them. The barriers shimmered and shook with each impact...but they held for now.


    "Anyone trying to figure out how long it took us to get down here in the first ce?" Thundar asked. "Cause I know I am."


    "You have any idea?" Theresa asked him.


    "Too long," the minotaur grunted, his grip tightening on the haft of his mace. "Way, way, way too long."


    The team continued along at a crawl, giving the earth mages the time they needed to adjust to the shifting rock. Every heartbeat seemed an eternity, and each rumble and shaking of stone felt like a prelude to catastrophe. With silent footsteps and a pounding heart, the huntress helped move the group forward, ncing down at her great-grandfather''s des, remembering the feeling of trying to cut through the bone-charger. That resistance. That futility.


    ''Is this it?'' she wondered, turning the des, forceball light reflecting off of steel. ''Will I die with you down here in the dark?''


    Towering anger rose in her chest, directed at herself. She imagined what might have been had she put these swords aside a long time ago and reced them with something with more bite. Thundar''s magical mace crushed bone. Grimloch''s maul ttened a dozen foes at once. It was only herand these swordsthat were close to being dead weight. Or, at least, thats how it felt.


    And she was only one warrior with two des...but if they were sharper, maybe everyones chances of survival would be better. These were deadly times, any extra advantage could mean death for the enemy, or doom for them.


    For more times than she could count, she looked at her swords closely, as frightened whispers from some of herrades, the terrifying crash of bone-chargers mming against force walls, and the ominous rumble of shifting stone somewhere beyond the passage walls, reached her. It felt like all of it was closing in around her, bringing the swords into sharp focus.


    Her professor had said, see them clearly. To see them for what they actually were.


    ''If I don''t do this now, I might never get another chance,'' she thought. ''I might never get a chance to do anything again.''


    The huntress'' eyes flicked between the passage ahead and the two des in her hands. ''Describe everything you see. Two swords. Reflective. Tassels on their hilts. Thick crossguards, but not wide. Forged from steel. Old swords. Sharp edges.''


    "Hey, do you hear that?" Grimloch growled. "Theresa, you hear that?"


    "Hear what?" She pulled her mind away from the des, looking at him with concern.


    "Ahead." He nodded to the front of the tunnel. "Fighting."


    Theresa peered down the winding passage, concentrating on her hearing. She picked out distant sounds over quiet footsteps,boured breathing, and the murmurs of herpanions: chaos, distant explosions and the crack of metal on flesh and bone. Voices shouting spells.


    "There''s fighting up ahead somewhere," she told the sharkman.


    "Yeah that''s what Im hearing too," Grimloch grunted, tightening his grip on his maul. "Means the enemy''s already ahead of us."


    Though his tone was optimistic...almost cheery, his grim words sapped any hope from the rest of the team. Shoulders slumped at the thought that there wasnt a straight path to safety up ahead, but instead, another struggle with monsters awaited.


    The lead Watcher spoke quickly. "But that also means there''s a rescue team up ahead. Can we pick up the pace?"


    "Not if we want to make it to them. We go any faster, our magic will lose control of the stone and the tunnel will copse. Monstersll die, but so will we."


    A noise like ss shatteringsomewhere behind themthen bone-chargers broke through a wall of force.


    The lead Watcher growled at his juniors. "How much more mana do you have?"


    "We''ll run out if we keep putting up force walls every twenty paces," one answered. "If that rescue team doesn''t get to us soon, we''ll be down to just swords, spears, and rocks before we get anywhere near the castle."


    "Shit," the lead Watcher squinted at Grimloch and Theresa. "Any idea how far ahead that battle is?"


    "No," Grimloch grunted.


    "With so many different soundsing from in front and behind us...I have no idea," Theresa said apologetically.


    "Shit! Alright, we switch vanguards and rearguards. Watchers in the back, you go up front, and those of you in front, take the back and start raising"


    "Mana swell!" the eldest earth mage shouted. "A breachsing right below us! Get on it!"


    Khalik and his fellow earth mages chanted incantations, aiming their hands and power toward the ground. The stone bucked and the tunnel rocked. Theresa felt a colossal being move through the earth below them as two immense forces wrestled each other for control.


    She braced herself against a wall.


    Impacts shook the passageway.


    "Another mana reing from ahead of us!" Prince Khalik shouted. Its a new breach!"


    A sound like doom struck the left wall ahead, battering it to rubble. The Watchers reacted with knife-edge timing: raising a force wall over the breach in heartbeats. Bone-chargers met the force wall, pushing against it with their full weight. Spear-flies drilled into the glowing force magic like crossbow bolts.


    But, for now, the wall held.


    Earth mages and Watchers panted with strain, their chests heaving.


    Then, the breach widened, gaps formed between force magic and stone. Spear-flies spilled into the tunnel, bone-chargers squeezed in behind them. In instants, the tunnel filled with Ravener-spawn and a battle was raging before anyone could shout one word of warning.


    Theresa, Brutus, Grimloch and Thundar rushed ahead, desperately cutting down bone-chargers before they overwhelmed the tunnel. Impact numbed her muscles with every sh against resisting hide and bone as she hacked at glowing eyes and gaping mouths; Ravener-spawn screamed and reeled backwards as her des bit home, making the monsters easy prey for Thundar and Grimloch''s heavy weapons. Brutus savaged their legs and Svenia and Hogarth slid their spears into soft underbellies.


    "Widen the force wall!" the lead Watcher ordered. "Seal the cracks"


    The wall burst, opening a second breach and filling the passage with drifting clouds of stone dust. Sounds of hacking, wheezing and coughing joined the shrieks of agitated monsters.


    Through the clouds, an enormous form entered the tunnel, a form with a growl like crumbling bone.


    In a blink, light shed through the dust and a bead of green energy shot over the excavation team.


    "No" Theresa cried.


    Then it exploded.


    Green force ripped the air, jolting wizards and engineers. Theresa screamed as it raked through her: her flesh shrivelled, her blood felt like it was being released through her pores as vapour. Wounded shrivelled like wilting leaves, others exhaled once then copsed on the spot; the more robust stayed upright, while blood mages frantically cast their spells on the injured, helping those who had fallen. Theresa called on her lifeforce, staying on her feet even as the magic ripped through her. Her consciousness wavered, but she fought on.


    The enormous beast before them stepped from the cloud, lumbering through the passage, its broad bulk nearly filling it. Upon its shoulder, a hive-as-one clung, the wings of masses of spear-flies caressed each other.


    The behemoth roared and shuddered, fired streams of bone-shards from its towering body, then sprayed the excavation team with razor sharp shrapnel. The Watchers'' force armour held against them, but those not fortunate to be protected by armour, fell screaming, pierced and bloodied.


    A mix of fear and rage gripped the huntress. Shards cracked against her chain shirt as she dove low. Sharp pain burned across her cheek as one tore through her skin.


    Grimloch charged the towering monster alongside Thundar, while Brutus snarled and snapped beside his master.


    The world seemed to slow around her.


    Death hung over the tunnel.


    Many were down.


    The earth-mages were holding on by the barest thread.


    Others were dying.


    She red up at the giant beast, her two swords crossed. There was no way she''d be able to cut the behemoth, so she would have to strike the hive-as-one.


    But could she? Could she kill it?


    It wasnt a single being shed have to cut, but dozens of creaturesall connectedacting as one. Even if she killed some, the rest would be...


    ...identical to each other...


    ...acting...


    ...as...


    ...one...


    The huntress'' eyes fell on her two swordsNo.


    That was wrong. She''d been seeing through the veil of her own biases. They weren''t two swords, they were twins: two that were really one, acting together just as she, ygon and Alex had when they danced together.


    They weren''t two weapons at all. Each was a half of one; her great-grandfather wasn''t called Twindes Lu.


    He was called Twinde Lu.


    All this time she''d thought she was wielding two des, when...


    Theresa poured her lifeforce into both halves of her weapon, reaching out to forge a connection between each.


    Making them one.


    And something awoke within the steel.

 Chapter 422: The Twinblade

    Chapter 422: The Twinde


    It started with one.


    When Theresa Lu left her family home in Alric, she took with her one of her great-grandfather''s two swords. And with it, shed fought a hive-queen, and silence-spiders in the Cave of the Traveller, and monsters in the Barrens of Kravernus with the sword in one hand, and her hunting knife in the other. Shed never thought of it as anything but a singr de, one that she cherished. It was the weapon shed paired with her knife when they were desperate to escape Uldars priests and Thamnd.


    When her father had given her the other sword on her birthday, she saw each one as part of a set: a pair of separate weaponsone to wield in her left hand, the other in her right; just two individual des. Made to function as two, and to defend as two.


    But, they were not two. They never had been.


    Just as the Dance of Fusion fashioned two beings into one, the des were two halvesing together to form one potent whole. So, trying to push one''s life force into them separately was like a heart pumping blood into two divided halves of a body: it would go nowhere, feeding neither side. But if the halves were united, and became a wholewith a connection between them, then...


    Unyielding power red between the weapons.


    Between each half of the Twinde.


    And that power sparked in Theresa''s grip, unruly, like a wild beast running free for the first time in untold summers. But, Theresa Lu had experience in bonding with wild beasts.


    Ahead, the world crawled onseeming to stretch endlessly between heartbeatsas she watched the battle before her. Her senses were sharpening, cutting deeper into each passing moment. Seconds became eternities.


    She watched Grimloch smash his poisonous maul into the behemoth''s hand, cracking bone-shell armour. But the Ravener-spawn leader turned its massive body, striking the sharkman with an arm studded in spears. The dull thud of lead on bone sounded near her as Grimloch was driven back, his feet digging trenches through stone-dust.


    Thundar came to his side, his mace batting spear-flies as illusionary duplicates appeared. He struck a bone-charger in the arm, and raced for the behemoth''s legs, firing pulses of force magic at the hive-as-one as he ran.


    The humanoid-shaped swarm crouched in back of its hosts bone-spikes, using them as a shield to deflect the minotaurs force energy. Growling, the towering monster lifted an enormous arm and...brought it down toward the horned attacker. It missed the flesh and blood target, passed through an illusory image of him, cracked the tunnel floor as shocks rippled outward, knocking him to the ground.


    Bone-chargers and spear-flies leapt at the downed minotaur.


    Theresa''s des shed; appearing no different to the eye than they had before, but to the huntress, theyde alive. She allowed her lifeforces power to flow into either half of the linked weapon.


    Steel screamed, and in that cry, she could feel its hunger. Forbat. For death. For blood.


    And she was ready to feed all three.


    With a fearsome cry, the huntress'' legs twitched with reinforced life-energy, catapulting her ahead, both des shing on their way to the bone-charger bearing down on her fallen friend. Spear-flies shredded by the number, the weapon shed through air, then struck tough hide.


    And felt resistance.


    A resistance that instantly broke.


    The dual weapon of Twinde Lu split Ravener-spawn hide like rotted fruit. A powerful arm drove the de through iron muscle and bone, severing the monsters limb, it careened up, and across the tunnel.


    In two pieces.


    With an agonised cry, the beast turned to snap at her, but the other de was already slicing bone-shell, biting into its skull. Twice.


    Her jaw dropped, but she kept working.


    Her arms shuddered from impacts as the de carved armour, splitting whaty beneath, and as the de cut bone, two shes appeared where only one should have been. Every sword strike was dealing two wounds.


    The bone-charger''s beady eyes widened before it gurgled, then fell, its skull split in three.


    On your feet Thundar!" Theresa shouted, whirling on the behemoth. Her des screamed in triumph, cutting bone and hide in a blur, sending bone-chargers and spear-flies to their ends. Steely tion filled her with a bloodlust only a weapon could know, bringing surprise to the huntress face andughter to her soul.


    ''You''re awake!'' she thought. ''Atst, you''re awake!''


    In heartbeats, all fear, dread and frustration evaporated, reced by confidence, and iron resolve. She didnt notice Thundar''s shocked expression as he looked between her and the des.


    "We''ve got to work together to take the rest of these things," she yelled. "I''ll get the behemoth and that thing on its shoulder, you get the bone-chargers!


    Thundar''s eyes widened, watching her screaming swords. "Y-yes, m''am!"


    He leapt to his feet as she charged the behemoth''s leg.


    Bone-chargers jumped at her, but her united twindeits power resonatingshed skin and bone shell, leaving two wounds for every stroke. The more monsters she cut down, the more her euphoria tempered: moderating, adjusting.


    Her des still screamed, but her own feelings now rose above theirs.


    Relief.


    All-epassing relief and contentment swept over her, wrapping her like a nket, transforming her into a calm eye in a storm of shing steel. A smile grew wider with every step she took. Her cuts grew sharper, and though the twinde had carved bone, blood and sinew, there was not one single speck of gore marring its surfaces. All had slid away like oil from water.


    The sound of its joyful cries had eyes turning toward it.


    The behemoth was roaring as Watchers came at it with an unrelenting stream of deadly magics, its bone armour ckened and cracked under the assault. On its shoulder, the hive-as-one raised a hand. A sickly green light coalesced around twitching ''fingers'' formed from a nest of barbed spear-fly legs.


    With a chittering cry, the monsters hand aimed at the Watchersuntil its many eyes fell on Theresa and her shining swords.


    It cocked its head, seeming to take her measure.


    Her threat was clear.


    With the wings of its many spear-flies writhing, it turned the hand and released the energy beam. The magic seemed to whisper death as it flew at her; she was poised to jump away, but the des shrieked, thirsting for challenge. They shifted in her grip as though longing to meet the deadly magic full force.


    <em>See them as they are.</em>


    The cry of challenge. The blood and gore beading off them like repelling oil. Steel shining like two halves of a mirror.


    She put faith in her great-grandfather''s twinned weapon. Raising one de, she met the oing magic with the other, the foul energy ray struck shining steel.


    Her arm was numbed by the power sparking across the twinde; making it ring like a church bell. Magic red bright. Metal gleamed. The beam ricocheted off her weapon, racing back to its sender.


    The creature stilled in surprise; a deadly mistake.


    Green light rebounded, striking its core, vile magic sshed over the massive clot of spear-flies, bathing them green. Awful power worked horrors through the hive-as-one, bodies shrieked, withering like weeds bathed in vinegar and the hot midday sun.


    Twitching and near death, the clustered spear-flies copsed on the behemoth''s shoulder with a weak, pleading cry. Its host nced from the surprised huntress to its barely stirring rider.


    Quickly shifting the hive-as-one so it was hidden behind a shoulder spike, the monster snarled down at Theresa. Fingers like clubs curled into a fist the size of a boulder, then it levelled a spear-capped arm at the defiant huntress ring back at it.


    Every spike in its bone armour lengthened.


    Theyunched in a deadly wail that pierced the air.


    Theresa spun through the storm of bone-spears, her des shing, splitting them with the precision of a mantis striking a fly. Snarling, spittle flying, the behemoth drove its fist at her.


    The cracking sound its armour made matched that of breaking walls, rming the earth mages. The monsters closed hand had enough power behind it to shatter stone, but although it struck with speed, it was clumsy. Too much momentum, too little control; and inparison to the lightning-like agility of Zonon-In, the behemoth moved at a snails pace.


    Theresas usual response would have been to leap aside, rush forward, look for a weak spot in its armour, then strike.


    But now?


    Now she could punish its overreach.


    She sidestepped the fist, des swept out, catching the oing limb. She never imagined that even with life force enhanced strength, she could cut through itsyers of armour without firstnding a series of cuts to its body. But with the spawns own weight and strength helping to do the work?


    The fist drove into her des. Steel screamed. Bone armour split. Flesh parted in four trenches. The behemoth bellowed, yanking its arm back, and the huntress leapt.


    Her bootsnded atop the spurting limb. She bnced her body like she had in the Grand Battle and drove a de into bone armour, stabilising herself on its iling arm while the other deshed its wrist with whip-like strokes.


    She carved away chunks of armour, sliced through meat with shallow cuts, and the creature might have survived a hundred, or even a thousand of them.


    But, she wasn''t trying to kill it.


    As the monster iled its arm, trying to throw her off, Watchers, Thundar, Grimloch and Brutus were tearing through the remaining bone-chargers and spear-flies. The second breach was now sealed by force spells, and Ravener-spawn numbers had dwindled.


    Ava ballthrown by Tyrisstreaked through the air, sailing above light cast by forceballs, and burst on the weakened hive-as-one; its many mouths screeched as insectile bodies boiled in their shells. Shrill voices rose, and died as one.


    Then Grimloch and Thundar raced to the behemoth''s knees, pounding their bludgeoning weapons into bone armour, cracking it, pulping the flesh beneath.


    Theresa felt something shift under her feet and leapt high in the air as shards rose from its armour. Bone shifted, preparing to fire in waves.


    Until a shadow fell over monstrous eyes.


    Her shadow.


    Shended square on the spawns skull, her boots cupping it, a de bit into armour. Her eyes met the Ravener-spawn''s: the re of a beast levelled with the re of a huntress.


    And, it was the beast that turned its eyes away first.


    If it could have known hers would be thest face it would ever see, it might have turned away sooner, but it didnt, and so it hadnt.


    Her screaming de shed across its eyes.


    Then, it saw nothing more.


    Somebody throw me a spear! She shouted, sheathing a de.


    The behemoth yowled, red running freely, its jaw parting. She nted one boot in its open mouth and pressed its jaws apart with the other foot.


    Svenia scooped up a spear no longer needed by its dead owner, and tossed it through the air.


    Theresa snatched it with her free hand and jammed the spear tip into the roof of the creatures mouth, propping it open. The hulking monster went wild, tossing its head in a frenzy. She bnced in the centre of the gaping mouth, and while her teammates used hit and run tactics on the behemoth and bone-chargers, her des flurried inside the giant beast''s mouth. The first strike split jaw muscles and tendons before its jaw could clench; but it seemed disinclined to do so, fearing the spear tip pointing toward its brain. Its jaw ckened and quivered as her second strike severed the tongue. It bellowed, trying to w at the inside of its mouth, but she punished it with a strike to the knuckle.


    Another sh rendered its jaw useless.


    Without its tongue, nothing separated her from the back of its throat.


    And so she stepped in.


    The titanic Ravener-spawn''s cries withered into gurgling sighs as gore sprayed. It stumbled. Thundar and Grimlochthough weakened by magic and blood lossshattered its knees in a barrage of swings.


    Washed in red, the huntress leapt from its mouth,nding lightly on the tunnel floor, and immediately began chopping down remaining Ravener-spawn. Behind her, the behemoth toppled in a twitching heap, the passage shook violently, and by the time the battle was over, everyst monster was dead, and the tunnels quaking had nearly stilled.


    Her des sighed, seeming pleasedboth halves together atststeel shining. While the shaking finally calmed around the excavation team, she looked at the swords with gratitude and gave a silent prayer of thanks.


    ''Thank you great-grandfather. Thank you so much for helping me. Thank you for the gift of your legacy.''


    When she looked up again, more than half the excavation team was staring.


    Thundar''s jaw hung open. Prince Khalik''s matched the minotaurs. Tyris'' eyes were almost as big as Harts.


    Grimloch had a bloodthirsty glint in his eye. "Yeeeeeesss," he growled in approval.


    "Well...." the lead Watcher murmured. "That was a wee sight.


    Brutus bounded to her and two heads licked her face enthusiastically. The third regarded her swords with...


    ...was that jealousy? Was he jealous of the attention she was paying the weapon?


    She reached down and hugged his neck. Dont worry boy, well always be a team.


    The Watcher cleared his throat. "Good job. Just wish you''d done that before." He turned to the excavation team. "Alright, we got through that one, so everyone get ready. I want to see us ready to move in a minute. Blood mages, you know what to do, lets get the wounded and the dead taken care of. This victory wont do us a lick of good if we''re trapped like rats down here."


    He looked to the elder earth mage. "Is that manaing for us? We''ll need to move faster. Can you handle it?"


    Silence.


    "Hello?" the lead Watcher prodded the other wizard.


    The elder earth mage was frowning, his brow furrowing in thought while his eyes widened in surprise. "I...I don''t feel anything." He looked at the other mages. "Do any of you?"


    The other mages nced at each other, apprehension on every face.


    "I...I do not," Prince Khalik said. "I think it is no longer trying to crush us."


    "I don''t hear anything in the walls either," Grimloch grunted, breathing deeply. His skin looked dull from the hive-as-one''s magic. "But.Wait...Theresa, you hear that noise down the tunnel?"


    The huntress nced ahead, closing her eyes.


    From deep in the passageway, faint battle sounds reached her: screams, the sh of weapons, the sound of spells.


    Beyond that....a low unnerving rumbling.


    Coming from the direction of the castle.


    "Oh by the Traveller," she murmured, opening her eyes. "There''s fighting ahead, and I also heard a sound way up there that sounded like an earthquake."


    Prince Khalik stiffened. "What if the dungeons are trying to copse the research castle?"


    Alex''s face appeared in Theresa''s mind.


    "We have to move," the huntress voice was strained. "Now."


    "Agreed," the lead watcher said. "Everyone get yourselves together. I want haste spells or running enhancement spells on anyone whos still on their feet. We have to get moving."

 Chapter 423: Awakening and Arrival

    Chapter 423: Awakening and Arrival


    Alexy against something hard and cold.


    Actually, the cold seemed to be swirling all around. It bit into him, a deep pit of exhaustion was calling him toe drown in it. All he wanted to do was sleep...


    ...but he couldn''t...


    ...he was...


    What was he doing again?


    Some sort of growling? Crackling? Spells?


    He shook his head.


    Something far below was moving.


    Something important...or maybe not. Maybe this was all just a bad dream, and he was still in his room in Generasi, bedding down after a shift at Shales. Yes, that was probably it. All the excitementtely must be giving him strange dreams.


    ''Well, that''s not the kind of dream I want, now is it?'' A groggy thought came to him. ''Be much nicer to be dreaming of a warm beach somewhere. One with Theresa, Selina, yNo, you know what? Just me and Theresa, alone...with...wait, Theresa?"


    The tunnels.


    The Ravener-spawn.


    The attack.


    Everything came back with a start, his eyes flew open.


    "Theresa!" He cried.


    Snow andshing wind stung his face and he clenched his teeth against the chill, trying to figure out where he was. He couldn''t see the castle or much of anything. And he was flying, moving fast, clutched in a grip of stone. No, not stone.


    y.


    "ygon?" Alex murmured weakly, his eyes resting on the golems face above him. The four-armed construct held him in a tight grip with one of his lower arms, keeping him close, shielding him from the chill.


    His upper arms were busy: one was unleashing lines of me through the whiteout, spraying spear-flies and leaving trailing infernos in their wake. The other struck with the war-spear in powerful strokes, cutting through Ravener-spawn.


    Beams shot from his forehead andaround themAlex''s air elementalsshed the swarms with crackling lightning, and sted them with blustery winds. Ravener-spawn gave chase, trying to pounce on the Thameish wizard, but his guardians were fending them off while the ferocious wind blew them about like tattered rags.


    But something was strange about how the spear-flies were flying.


    Most were below him and ygon, straining to catch up.


    A few were alongside, but none were above.


    As he looked around, it struck him. The monsters were struggling and the wind was so strong because they were soaring high in the sky. Unusually high.


    The hive-as-ones beam hadnt hit him with its full force and had only clipped him, but its power had knocked him into unconsciousness. ygon must have sped away to protect him.


    And then kept going upward.


    How far are we above the castle? He wondered. "Have...have to get back down there. Can''t get lost in the storm, I''ll freeze to death." He looked at ygon and the water elementals. "Protect me for a second! Jeez, Isolde and that explosion from the...oh by the Traveller, the teleportation building!"


    He fell into himself, guiding his mind past the Mark''s interference as he cast Mana to Life. Power raced through him, leaping from his mana pool and filling his body with new warmth. Exhaustion and the aching pain of bitter cold were chased away, vigour returned to his limbs and core. Alex took a deep breath, centering himself.


    Then he rose from ygon''s grip, taking flight under his own power. His green eyes scanned the swarm below, searching for holes in their formation, and there were many. The driving wind tore at the small creatures, breaking their lines apart.


    "Alright, everyone, we''re going back down. Cover me."


    They turned in mid-flight, racing down through the blizzard. Alex opened his mana senses, feeling the power of the spells being cast below. Power raged in the distance and beneath it, a deep mana that made him shudder. More of the dungeons'' power had coalesced beneath the earth; he could feel it, even from so high in the sky.


    His hands balled into fists.


    He had to find Isolde. He needed to reach the teleportation building.


    They raced through the swarm,shing out with lightning and me. Alex''s force spells caught spear-fliesing at them, he deflected them into the wind, and tossed them aside. This might be a longshot, but he whipped booby-trapped potions into his Wizard''s Hands and though the spells caught and crushed them, the mist dissipated into the howling wind.


    It had been worth a shot.


    Downing another potion of haste, he caught spear-flies, pulling them from the air at speed, throwing them into the wind. Below, the sounds of battle and shes of magic grew louder and brighter. Wind''s bite lessened the closer he came to the wind mages power, and the white-out eased.


    Wavering images of massive buildings in the courtyard wicked in and out of view, until Alex finally broke through the haze of stinging snow, and soared down past the keep. He hovered in the air, squinting through the white, trying to catch his bearings and take ount of the battle below. The wizards were tearing through the enemy, cutting them down with abandon, but the spawn seemed endless, pouring from below ground in droves.


    Another behemoth climbed onto the surface, and was met by a stone golem''s fists, and Alex''s flicker dogs, teleporting around it and appearing then disappearing, chewing on bone armour like it was a soup bone. A hive-as-oneunched a deadly orb of magic at a Watcher that was deflected by a spell from the woman''s staff.


    Earth mages were channelling their mana into the stone below, sealing the dungeons'' breaches while wind mages were guiding the blizzard, channelling its winds into gale-paths that swept swarms of spear-flies over the walls and into the frozen beyond. Any wild animals desperate enough to be out, would eat well tonight.


    Summoned monsters carried the wounded into icy bunkers where blood mages tended them, but for every wounded defender, there were a dozen dead bone-chargers, and an order of magnitude of dead spear-flies.


    The wizards were beating back the enemy...so far.


    But the monsters'' numbers showed no sign of thinning. And Alex didn''t see Watcher Shaw, orfor that matteranyone evacuating toward the teleportation building. He turned, flying in that direction getting closer to the keep.


    A spear-fly shot from the sheeting snow, but he caught it in one hand.


    "Hah." He prepared to toss it to the wind. "Nice try"


    And that''s when the wed monster leapt.


    The creature had been clinging to the keep, crouched against the wind, ws biting into stone. The monster looked like it had been waiting


    And now its ws were racing for his throat. The young wizard reversed course, and by reflex, tossed the spear-fly like he was ying fetch with Brutus. The muchrger Ravener-spawn took the spinning spear-fly right to the face.


    Proboscis first.


    A screech followed, curved ws raked at the clinging blood-sucker, both monsters tumbled through the wind.


    Alex watched them soar past and plummet to the battle below,nding in a soft mound of snow before his water and ice elementals set upon them, freezing the pair solid in heartbeats. He stared at the stilled forms, dread rising in his chest.


    "Oh no," he whispered.


    This was a new wed monster, but of the same type that had attacked him at the windmill. The same as the three that attacked Patrizia DePaolo''s ball. Now, he had no doubt that back then, they were there looking for him.


    And now, here they were, hunting for him again, still intent on killing him.


    And, if by chance, they were here because he''d controlled a dungeon core, then


    A cry rose from the distance like a bullhorn. It came from the direction of the teleportation building. Scores of Ravener-spawn turned and rushed toward the cry like a tidal wave.


    "Oh no," Alex murmured, taking potion bottles out and soaring after the enemy. He took a quick look downward, shouting instructions in a tongue of celestials, and one of devils.


    "Flicker dogs! Hell boars!" He called. "Follow me and ygon, there''s a fight up ahead! I need you with me!"


    His voice reached a group of hell-boars that had cornered a bone-charger after pulling it down with goring tusks and powerful bites. They nced up at his voice, squealed ominously and charged, kicking up clouds of snow. A pack of flicker dogs that had been racing through the snowsnapping spear-flies from the wind and teleporting around the battlefieldbarked at hismand and loped after him, flickering in and out of the white haze.


    A bad feeling spread through the young wizard. If wed monsters were here, then what other deadly surprises were waiting?


    As Alex flew past an area of the courtyard, he searched the ground below, looking for a massive monster and found itbut not as hed left it.


    There in the stained snowy the behemoth and hive-as-one that had attacked him, causing him to ck out. He''d assumed they would have wandered away when ygon had taken him out of reach, but the only ce they had wandered to...was the afterworld.


    Their bodies had been utterly mutted: therger beast was carved up like a Sigmus bird and the remains crushed into bits of bone and red jelly. The smaller one was little more than a streak of ash on the grey and ckened snow, its mass of spear-flies scattered like gravel.


    Alex swallowed. The attack on the behemoth looked like it had been personal. The wounds repeated and were excessive. Ragged. Wild. Final. He nced at ygon.


    ''I gave him an instruction to protect me, but I didn''t tell him to make that thing into ground meat...but I never told him not to either. I''ve never known him to act out of emotion. I also didn''t tell him to take me so high. What in the name of the Travellers happening?''


    This was the second time ygon had acted on his own during this battle. Something was going on, and Alex didn''t like it. The Ravener-spawn were behaving in ways that were unheard of. The wed monsters were here. His golem was acting on his own.


    What if something bad happened at a critical time?


    His mind shed to the dungeon core explosion and how ygon shielded him against the st. That time he''d been fine, but... His eyes travelled to the golem''s war-spear, remembering how easily it had carved ygon''s body like hot butter.


    What if some other horror attacked now? Something unknown, like the wed monsters, but even worse, even more dangerous?


    He swallowed, trying to mp down on rising doubt since there was no time to think about things now.


    As he reached the teleportation building, he found it besieged on all sides. Bone-chargers swarmed into broken hallways. Spear-flies slipped into cracks in the stone. Behemoths rampaged, smashing through walls, firing spears and bone-shards into summoned monsters and wizards flying above the roof.


    A part of the ceiling had copsed andwhere the teleportation circle was supposed to bean enormous, gaping hole yawned open, and a wild melee surged around it. Warriors. Wizards. Watchers and summoned creatures alike met endless tides of Ravener-spawn boiling from the wound in the earth, and down every passage in the broken structure.


    The defenders had formed a circle, and he spotted Isolde, Ripp and Watcher Shaw among them. His cabal mate looked ragged, but she fought with the frenzy of a cornered beast, pouring lightning bolt upon lightning bolt into the surging horde. Within the middle of their defensive circle huddled the researchers, blood mages and other civilian staff.


    And among them?


    Carey London.


    The young woman was screaming, even as she fired first-tier force bolts into spear-flies above them. Her clothing had been torn, and beneath the rips, bright pink marks in the shape of long cuts and gouges showed; wounds that had been knitted together by blood magic. Alex winced: she''d been mauled, those scars looked like they could have been deadly. She was lucky shed escaped with her life, but around her neck, above the pink scarring of a healed injury, something was conspicuously missing.


    Her holy symbol of Uldar was gone.


    He winced again, swooping down to join the fight...but spied something that chilled his blood worse than the wind''s bite.


    Like prowling wolves, two wed monsters were stalking along the rooftopkeeping low and moving slowwith ws curved and teeth bared, using spear-flies and blowing snow for cover. Every muscle in their powerful bodies were tensed, prepared for a deadly spring that would carry them into the battle.


    He had a feeling he knew just what they were going to pounce on.


    "Let''s try giving you a target with more bite," he whispered, arcing his body toward them and drawing a pair of sleeping potions. As he flew, his eyes scanned the roof: the wed things seemed not to notice him at first, but now, one spotted him through all the swirling snow and wind.


    He sensed a trap.


    "There''s going to be another one," he thought. "There''s definitely got to be another one."


    And, he was right.


    A glimpse of movement through a curtain of snow; a third monstery pressed against the castle roof, watching him intently. If he hadnt known what to look for, he wouldnt have seen it in the white haze, and it would have been on him.


    Too bad for them.


    ''ygon, get ''em,'' he thought.


    The golem turned, dropped, and swept his war-spear in an arc. The wed thing sprang away, the weapon sparked off of stone instead. As the creature fled across the rooftop, Alexs forceballs spun after it, entangling its feet, throwing bnce to the wind.


    It tumbled through the air.


    And ygon''s war-spear awaited.


    Hearing their siblings dying shriek, two wed creatures heads looked in the direction of the panicked cry. Words seemed to pass between them, then snarling and sliding along the keeps roof, they dove toward Carey.


    Alex sent a thought to ygon just as Watcher Shaw raised his staff.


    Neither warrior nor golem had a chance to act.


    Two silvery Hands appeared in mid-air, each caught a Ravener-spawn in an unshakeable grip. Both creatures went limp.


    "No more of that," Baelin''s voice boomed above the wind.


    The chancellor of the university appeared, wreathed in power, suspended above the battle.


    With a single word, he cast a wave of magic, striking the horde with a prismatic spray of lights. Some melted. Some turned to stone. Others froze, encased in ice.


    The rest were blinded by piercing light.


    With another word, he raised his hands, the air shimmered around him, and a dozen war-spirits appeared. The creatures of shining metal surged, standing shoulder to shoulder, cutting through Ravener-spawn like dried wheat.


    "Filth." He scowled at the attackers, then drifted down to hover beside the defenders. "Watcher Shaw, what is our status?"


    The chancellor gave Alex a nod as he and ygon floated down to meet them at the teleportation circle. Isolde began checking herself over and Carey wavered on her feet. Tears of relief ran down her cheeks; and she was not alone.


    Alex felt tension bleed from his spirit.


    Baelin was here now, all would be well.


    The petrifier crawled from the lower caverns and up through the shaft in silence.


    "Leader," the Hunter hiding in its mouth whispered. "A great mana source has appeared. One that feels very hostile."


    The immense Ravener-spawn growled. "Then we will be quick and subtle." Its eyes looked down at the shaft.


    "And we will need to sacrifice."


    It sent an order to the two dungeon cores below.

 Chapter 424: The Battle on Two Fronts and the Stalkers Summoning

    Chapter 424: The Battle on Two Fronts and the Stalker''s Summoning


    "And it''s been just over ten minutes, by my reckoning," Watcher Shaw reported from the teleportation building. "ording to the earth mages, these things managed to make dungeons and the like right below us, and theyve been throwing around a lot of mana down there, breaching walls like they were cracking eggs. Weve had attacks in the tunnels under the research castle and even further out. Its been grim, Baelin. Some of our folks are wounded and weve also suffered casualties, but despite all of that, weve been beating them back so far. Frankly, theyre relentless, its been like trying to beat back the sea."


    Baelin looked at the researchers, the fighters, and all the destruction below him, and then at the vast hole in the earth. "And where is Vernia?


    Shes in the keep with some of our battlemages making sure the teams all evacuated. Watcher Shaw said. Said she wasnt going anywhere until everyone was ounted for.


    As she would. The chancellors eyes focused on the chasm. And the enemy destroyed the teleportation circle?"


    "One of the first things they did," Watcher Shaws jaw clenched.


    "Then this is no typical Ravener-spawn attack," the chancellors voice was deadly calm. "This is targeted." His goatlike eyes narrowed, looking through the snow at the lifeless forms of the two wed monsters still in the grip of his Wizards Hands. He clicked his tongue, his face unreadable.


    "Alright, this foolishness is done." He spoke to the wounded and the nobatants. "You did well, all of you, and you held on bravely; now your trials are over. Lets get you back to Generasi."


    His focus turned to the defenders. "Anyone who wishes to evacuate when I teleport the others away may join us. My war-spirits will aid those who choose to remain. But, I expect that anyone who is capable of defending our research castle will fulfil their duty asbat members of this expedition. If you are not injured, think on that and consider your role here."


    The ancient wizard waited, giving any fighter who wished to leave the chance to say so. The battle raged on, war-spirits advanced, cutting down masses of spawn in their path. The expedition members watched the carnage, whether their faces showed fear or resolve, none asked to leave.


    Baelin gave them a slight nod. "Excellent. I shall start here, then move through the camp seeking those who need to be away from here, all the while, Ill be clearing the filth from our camp. My actions will most certainly distract our attackers, and you can use that to overwhelm the remaining spawn. When Ive teleported all who need to return to Generasi, I shall visit the tunnels and help our people trapped in them. Now"


    The ground bucked, stopping his words.


    A spike of mana raged below. Expedition members screamed. Baelin sighed, and pointed at the ground with one finger. His lips spoke a single word.


    The world froze as though two giants grappled, one trying to crush it, while the other tried to protect it. But one giants will and strength was far greater than the others; the chancellors mana smothered that of the dungeon cores.


    "There," he said. "That should" He frowned. "Oh..."


    Something tingled all around Alex, something his mana senses could scarcely detect, yet, it was as vast as a giant sea creature swimming hidden just below the dark surface of the sea. It brimmed with power, swimming down, down, down until


    The ground bucked again, thundering, threatening to tear apart.


    Alex''s heart jumped as everyone startled. Those on the ground fought to stay upright, throwing their arms out, bracing against the snaking earth. The mana beneath them was pure chaos,ing in waves, splitting stone. Disorganised. Howling, iling like a wounded beast.


    Its power was nearly equal to the chancellor''s.


    "Change of ns," Baelin spoke quickly. "Hold the line. I shall teleport those here who need to be transported back to Generasi immediately, then dispatch others from the city to bring the rest of the wounded to safety. The Ravener''s ambient mana is being shunted directly into dungeons under us. That must end or this entire fortification will not survive."


    He looked at Watcher Shaw. "Hold the fort for now. Ill be back."


    With a shimmer of teleportation magic, Baelin raised his arms.


    Carey looked at Alex and Isolde, her eyes wide. "Be safe, both of you! Please be safe"


    She was gone before she could finish.


    Wizards were murmuring, their worry in on their faces. Alex could well understand.


    The only creatureto his knowledgethat had ever given Baelin anything even approaching trouble was the demon Ezaliel itself. What level of power was the Ravener sending into the


    The ground heaved again. Multiple explosions suddenly erupted, sending stones as big as the Thameish kings carriage high overhead where they hovered for a blink then tumbled, picking up speed,ing for anything not wise or able enough to get out of the way. A new wave of Ravener-spawn was pouring into the courtyard, led by hives-as-one perched on behemoths. Plummeting boulders met them by the number.


    "Hell''s broken loose!" Watcher Shaw pointed his sword toward the courtyard. "Lets send it back where it belongs!"


    With a war cry, he led the Watchers into the fray, joining the war-spirits in eliminating the enemy. The other defenders shouted incantations. Isolde and Alex reassured each other with a look.


    The ground heaved again.


    Power raged below, the kind of power that could buckle knees and wither spirits.


    The sort of power that made one question whether or not theyd see another sun rise.


    Think. Adapt.


    The mantra ran through his mind.


    "Watch my back," Isolde said, her face pale. "Please watch my back."


    "I have you," Alex said, looking back at ygon who was raising his spear. "We have you."


    Her smile was thin. "Thank you, Alex."


    Together, the cabal mates took to the air. Isolde channelled her lightning. Alex drew his potions.


    And he mped down on rising dread. Why had the dungeon cores suddenly exploded in power when Baelin arrived? Why were wed monsters here looking for him and Carey? Why the attack all of a sudden?


    It all stank of a trap.


    ###


    The petrifier slipped out of the chasm in the earth, its eight eyes darting, taking in the surface world. Battle raged all around as the Ravener poured unending power into the dungeon cores deep below. Mana boiled underground, and the dungeon cores'' silent shrieks were building, soon, they woulde to a head. As the shrill cries reached it, the petrifier felt a distant bite of sympathy, but there was nothing it could do. In the end, all were expendable for their masters purpose. And it doubted that even <em>it</em> would escape this battle with its life spared.


    "Leader," a wed monster concealed within the petrifier''s mouth whispered. "The great entity is below. It is"


    A quake rattled the earth, followed by three more in quick order, sending wizards and Ravener-spawn alike tumbling through the snow. The petrifier could imagine the titanic struggle in the tunnels where the orbs remained churning out monster after monster, crafting more to guard themselves and more to unleash, and with the Raveners mana flowing through them, they would be granted the...special means to defend themselves.


    Though soon, that same power that flowed into them even now, would be the very cause of their destruction. The petrifier might escape, or it might not. But, its true goal must be achieved, even at the highest price. Eliminating the usurper and every witness to its presence, turning the enemy into perfect statues would be its own reward, no matter the cost. Should its life end on this day, the Ravener could grant it new life, in some form.


    But for now, the usurper awaited.


    "That way leader," the Hunter whispered. "The usurper is ahead."


    Silently, the petrifier stole through the snow, moving along the edge of the courtyard and away from the hole it had crept from. Its steps were silent and the battle loud. None had reason to pay it any mind as cloaked in invisibility, it moved past a wall encircling the stronghold.


    "The usurper is near, leader," the Hunter whispered. "I can feel it through the white ahead."


    "What do you mean, usurper?" Its leader whispered. "Usurper? One usurper? What of the other?"


    "...leader, many apologies, but I cannot feel the other. It seems they have vanished."


    Stifling rage, the petrifier ground its fangs together, causing the Hunter to whimper andy t for fear of being crushed in its leader''s jaws.


    Another escape. Thisplicated matters. Briefly, the petrifier considered bounding over the wall and taking to the wilds. As it was, it would likely lose its life eliminating a single usurper while two were still free.


    This was a problem.


    It had been three cycles since a usurper had escaped the Ravener''s reacha rare thingand now two threatened to do so. Should it take the one now? Or retreat and take all threeter, surviving until circumstances were better?


    ''No,'' it thought. ''Take this one now, eliminate every witness and be away. If there are none left alive to reveal your existence, you will be free to hunt the other two either together, or if the Hunters find them alone. If that powerful being returns, and you cannot defeat it. Destroy yourself and take it with you. Then hunt the other usurpers when the Ravener reforms you. Yes. That is the way.''


    "We go forth," the petrifier growled. "Show me this usurper."


    The ground shook as it crawled forward, lowering its body against the snow.


    It rounded a building and


    "There!" The Hunter hissed. "The mortal near the four-armed statue that moves! That is the usurper!"


    The petrifier''s jaw clicked.


    Atst, it had found one: the human was flying through the air, distracting Ravener-spawn and leading them in a chain behind him. Strange spells and strange creatures followed hismands, and the four-armed entity fought a good distance away, battling with tremendous power, shing a weapon through behemoths, and burning hives-as-ones with curious me.


    A spasm went through the petrifier''s eye-stalks. The Raveners enemy was fighting fiercely, leading its servants on a wild chase. The usurper sped through the air, the spawn followed, falling behind. It watched as the usurper turned and faced the pursuers, calling to theughing, seeming to mock them. He was pointing a finger at its dead servants lying broken in the snow. They died for the Raveners purpos One of the petrifiers eyes fell on the two lifeless Hunters in the courtyard, their bodies being slowly buried in drifting snow. Who killed them? The usurper, the powerful entity, another mortal? One of this strongholds other defences?


    A group of mortal mages wielded des and staves, meeting bone-chargers with ferocity, seeming to have no fear. Other magic users cast spells in quick session. Near the usurper, a woman struck at its spear-flies with chained lightning, jolting them from flight.


    Powerful enemies...but it didn''t matter.


    They were all witnesses and all were destined for death.


    ###


    "I hope this isn''t a mistake." Gwyin drew an ancient sign on a tree within the borders of the faewild. "Lord Aenflynn and any fae lord who can hear me, please watch out for this humble asrai."


    He stepped back from the signa scythe piercing a brace of hollyand paced back and forth through the clearing, stepping around young pixies growing within flower buds.


    "Is this a good idea?" He wondered out loud. "Maybe its not.<strong></strong>I mean, sure, it''d be nice to have powerful wizards owing me a favour, but it''s not like I owe Alexander Roth anything. He saved my life, and I gave him everything I promised and nothing more! And I risked my life alongside him!"


    He kicked a patch of grass. "No,e on, Gwyin. He''ll be a good mortal to know...he might be able to help you one day! He and all his wizard friends. But he cant do that if him and the rest of them are dead!<strong></strong>But what if I get caught up in something nasty and get killed. Or if the stalker..."


    The fae shuddered. "You know, maybe this wasn''t such a good idea. Maybe I''ll leave a note, Alexander knows that I warned him after all, and maybe"


    "Well, aren''t you a talkative little faeling?!" A voice boomed behind him.


    "Gah!" Gwyin jumped at least a foot in the air and spun about.


    There, on a rockwith his skin blue and his beard snowy whitesat the Stalker. A rock that the asrai could''ve sworn on his life wasnt there mere heartbeats before. Behind him loomed the great moose that served as the ancient fae''s mount. The bells tinkling from its antlers were eerily silent as the big beast snorted and shook its head.


    "Been a long time since anyone called me using that sign," the stalker said. "What''s it been...four? Five hundred years? Or was it three? Anyway, you''re a bit bold to be using it, arent you?" His tone was a warning. "Very bold."


    The moose took a step toward Gwyin, who yelped.


    "I don''t mean any disrespect!" The asrai cried. "Swear on my life, I didn''t know you used any other names! But...I heard you made friends with humans! Powerful humans! The ones they call the Heroes! I-I have a message for them!"


    "Oh? I didn''t know one of my names was the messenger," the stalker let that hang before continuing. "What sort of message? Anything juicy?"


    Gwyin quickly told him about the attack on the castle that belonged to the foreign wizards, and everything else the blue caps had mentioned. The stalker watched him closely, his eyes emotionless.


    When the asrai finished, he quite expected the unpredictable fae to leap up and snatch half of his face off.


    Instead, he grinned, revealing sharp teeth. "Well, this <em>is </em>juicy. Good news for you, you''ll be living for another day. And you''re right, this is as juicy as a nice ripe apple. Hmmmm, my three new friends will definitely want to hear this. Let''s see how quickly they can travel our lovely roads."

 Chapter 425: Unable to Scream

    Chapter 425: Unable to Scream


    "A little more," Alex whispered, sending a Wizard''s Hand into a behemoths throat. The spell squeezed the vial, ss shattered, the monster began to stagger.


    The hive-as-one lodged on its shoulder raised its hands, channelling mana until another Wizard''s Hand dropped in its face, releasing a mana soothing potion. Drifting mist disappeared in the blowing snow, but it had already done its work. The clot of insectile forms swayed on the behemoths shoulder, and as its inner energies calmed, the magic glowing about its hands died.


    It followed an instantter.


    Isolde''s lightning flew, striking it in pulses while ygon''s fire-beamsnced into the behemoth it rode on. Both spawn vanished in an abrupt shriek and st of heat.


    "There''s no end to them!" The young noblewoman cried, Alex''s air elementalsshing the swarm around her.


    "That''s alright!" He shouted back above the wind, trying to soothe his fraying nerves. "We just have to hold on for a little longer! Baelinll"


    He nearly missed mana that was building at speed, joining with the power from below. Alex whirled, the hairs on his neck rising, his eyes expecting to see a hive-as-one. But he saw nothing but defenders and monsters locked in battle: Watcher Shaw and his group, crushing through Ravener-spawn alongside the war-spirits. No, there was something more. A bit farther beyond the knots of fighting...the spot that looked like there was nothing in it.


    The mana was building, and his sharpened mana senses had only just caught it. His thoughts raced. The surprise attack. Those wed monsters. The power in the dungeons below. That feeling of foreboding.


    Then, dread spiked.


    Watcher Shaw cut down a bone-charger, then suddenly whirled on the invisible space.


    He spoke a word of power. His eyes flew wide. "Invisible monster!"


    Isolde turned toward the voice.


    Swarms of spear-flies parted, opening a path between Alex and the invisible space.


    ygon raced for his creator.


    "Isolde, move!" Alex yelled.


    Her lips parted. She started climbing.


    Beamsnced through the wind. Five rays of power raced for Alex. All spread out. All would cage him in.


    He called on the Mark, spinning and dancing through the air. Barely, just barely, weaving through the rays like thread through the eye of a needle. Isolde was not so lucky. A beam slipped through her guardiansthe three air elementalshitting her dead on.


    The young noblewoman froze as though she''d been cast in ice, eyes wide and panicked. Jaws stiffened. Lips trembling.


    The next beam came faster than the others.


    <em>Think! Adapt!</em>


    He barked a single word in an elemental tongue of air, and her guardians swarmed around, blowing hard, moving their charge. His forceballs came in from the side, pushing her down. The beam strafed empty air, slicing past her,ing for Alex, but catching one of the air elementals defending her.


    His eyes widened as the elemental froze, emitting a howling scream before its air currents hardened into a mass, it plummeted. The beam kept sweeping toward him.


    He weaved, he ducked, he rolled.


    The ray zed with power as it passed inches beneath him; his back muscles stiffened, recoiling as it came too near forfort. It sputtered into nothingness.


    A heartbeatter, a desperate scream cut the air.


    Alex whirled, spotting a single beam streaking through a group of wizards fighting beside a war-spirit. A sound like a rock face straining and shifting when the ground moves, followed. Wizards twisted, their bodies writhing in the sky, then turning grey. Slowing. Shuddering, growing still until flesh and blood became nothing but cold stone. Even the war-spirit was pertifying, its silvery sheen fading to the dull, deadness of te.


    And then, they all fell, plummeting through the wind. Shattering on impact. Screams arose. Chaos swept the courtyard, and Isolderecovering while floating near the groundgaped in horror.


    ''What in the Traveller''s name is <em>that?</em>" Alex turned his attention back on the invisible enemy, as another volley of beams shot toward him. He climbed through the sky, desperately dodging each beam, escaping their touch by inches. His heart was racing.


    "ygon!" Alex called to his golem, trying to get clear of the other wizards. If this invisible thing was targeting him, he needed to be away from them, and as high in the sky as he could get. "Go over there and stop that thing! Use your fire-beams! Use your war-spear! UseShit!"


    He veered, escaping a beam, its power hissing past his cheek.


    "Use anything!" He finished his instructions.


    And his golem...


    ...did not turn. He charged his fire-beams, but he didnt swing his war-spear at the attacker, nor did he fly toward it


    Instead, he kept racing toward his creator while the young wizard dodged for his life. Alex''s eyes grew wide, his heart pounding.


    ''ygon!'' he thought. ''ygon listen to me!''


    But the golem would not. He was ignoring his directions, or disobeying them, either way, Alex couldnt dwell on that, whatever was down there, it could turn flesh to stone with the st of a beam, and those beams were after him. He nced at ygon and felt a pang in his chest.


    Below, the battle became a desperate struggle.


    The invisible assassin seemed to be moving across the snow at terrifying speed, the angles of its beams shifting with mathematical precision. Invisible forceshed out around it, crushing defenders where they stood. Its presence invigorated the other Ravener-spawn, they rampaged through the courtyard with renewed fervour.


    "Everyone, get back!" Watcher Shaw shouted, his ck beard bristling in the wind. "This creature is <em>mine</em>. Back down to the pit with you!"


    The Watcher levelled his staff at the invisible menace and spoke an incantation. Power built at its tip. A deadly beamnced toward the invisible space. A disintegration spell: a beam of matter-reducing energy shot forward with upromising uracy.


    The snow churned as the unseen menace sped through the courtyard, trying to dodge, but the leader of the Watchers arced his ray after it, tracking it like prey.


    The beam caught up, within inches of connecting...when a spear-fly veered downward, taking the hit, vanishing in a sh.


    The invisible monster responded with a sweep of its grey, petrifying beam as the Watchers were already shouting spells, beginning to raise a stone barricade around it. Alex was still its main target, and it was taking all his haste-enhanced reflexes to get away.


    Two of his air elementals froze in mid-air, trapped by the paralysing magics. Alex''s mind raced, as he pulled out potions. The beams were too swift to risk the Mark''s interference.


    He shouted in every extranar tongue he knew, calling on his summoned monsters. "Everyone, attack wherever those beamse from!"


    The summoned monsters broke off their assault against Ravener-spawn to charge the invisible creature, while Watchers unleashed cones of utter cold. Snow churned. Ice sprayed, the spells sted over the snow.


    But the enemy was quick and sure. Even as it pin-pointed Alex in the sky, it shot at fighters on the ground and in the air.


    Its like it has eyes in the back of its head! He thought.


    As it weaved through enemy attacks, its beamsnced out again, striking the Watchers.


    Shaw dodged away, levelling his staff, releasing a whirlwind of force des. They spun through the snow, spiralling forward when above the noise of the gusting wind, came a loud tearing sound.


    Followed by an inhuman scream.


    Something hit the ground writhing, leaving snaking channels in the snow, slowly bing visible. An eye. An eye at the end of what looked like a thick tentacle. Alex looked down at it frowning, cheers erupted through the Watchers ranks.


    Suddenly, a beast sprang from where the invisible things eye hade from, surprising most.


    The wed monster leapt at them with blurring speed, and Watcher Shaw didn''t hesitate, thrusting his enchanted de in mid-leap, spearing the creature and twisting the de.


    It slumped over on the weapon.


    He snarled at its corpse.


    And then the snarl froze on his face. Alex''s breath caught. The invisible monsters beam had washed over the powerful battlemage in his moment of distraction.


    Distracted only for a heartbeat.


    But that was enough.


    Grey magic swept and paralysed Watchers, Alex''s summoned monsters, and defenders nearby, casting them all in stone. Even a strapping red y golem hardened into unyielding granite.


    Then came the earth-shattering scream, bringing ear piercing pain with it.


    A scream so powerful, Alex''s hands shot up, clutching the side of his head, trying to block the agonising sound. It stretched out for what felt like minutes before rising to an octave that faded into silence. But Alex could feel terrible energy resonating in his bones, and the rigid figures of defenders began to shudder. Near, a pair of stone golems shook like leaves caught in a gale, and Alex''s eyes fell on the bearded form of Watcher Shaw, his face twisted in defiance.


    Cracks rippled through a stony snarl.


    Then, the battlemage exploded. All exploded: golems, people, summoned monsters, cobblestones and even sections of nearby buildings. In an instant, they were gone, and shattered remains fell from the sky, staining the bloody snow grey with rock-dust.


    Alex''s mind recoiled. How many had just died?


    Twenty? More?


    He had no time to count, for they weren''t the only victims.


    "ygon!" he screamed.


    The sound was wreaking havoc through the golem. Cracks spiderwebbed through his body as y was battered by sound energy.


    More beams came at Alex.


    The young wizard focused, measuring their paths, calling on the Mark, weaving and dancing.


    One swept by. He whirled past another, teeth clenched, focus narrowed: it was taking everything to dodge them. Each passed closer than thest as his invisible enemy adjusted its aim.


    He moved quickly.


    He moved gracefully.


    And then...


    He did not move at all.


    A terrible force wrapped him, squeezing, freezing him in ce. His every muscle strained, his sinews twitched and his nerves fired...but his body would not move. His breath came shallow and fast. He controlled his breaths, calming them as well as he could. Blinking was slow, his eyes barely responding. Through force of will and what felt like moving through muck, his left eye slowly tracked downward.


    There. It had struck him there: the beam had caught an ankle.


    Panic. What was happening? He fought the panic threatening his nerve.


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    He sent mentalmands, he screamed them, told his force spells to push him like theyd pushed Isolde. Forceballs and Wizards Hands followed hismands, shoving, nudging, pushing against him, but it was all in vain. Alex remained like a statue, fixed and unmoving.


    Three beams hit: one to the chest and one to either arm.


    His breath slowed.


    He was static. Fighting for breath. His force spells kept trying, but still couldn''t move him.


    <em>Think! Adapt!</em>


    His mind raced. What could he do? He couldnt use potions. His spells couldn''t help. His air elementals were close, but his mouth wouldnt budge. He couldn''t cast anything.


    Hope drained as mana built, powering the petrifying beam.


    And then came the scream. Stronger this time: it rose to an octave so high, that it seemed to die, but was still very much alive; he felt it deep in his core. Stone shattered, his teeth chattered, grinding in his clenched jaw.


    His head and his vision swam. He felt like he would suffocate.


    ''Think!'' He screamed in his own mind. ''Think! It wants to kill you. To turn you to stone! Think! Think! Adapt!''


    Panic fought for control, but he tried to push it down, seeing Theresas face, Selinas, his parents, ygons, his friends, drifting through his mind. His eyelids grew heavy; his eyes felt like grit had reced tears, his vision blurred, barely catching something streaking toward him. It was ygon, looking battered, looking damaged: broad cracks spider webbed through his massive form. Grey dust rained as he flew toward his master, and in the centre of his trunk...his golem core wasid bare.


    No ygon! Terror seized Alexs mind. Get away! The thought was frantic: if anything struck his core...


    ''ygon! Please! Fire your beams at that invisible monster and throw your war-spear! Then get us out of here!


    But his golem didnt alter his path: his face was fully focused on Alex.


    ''No!'' Alex pleaded. Listen to me, please, listen to m''


    The grey beam fired when ygon was a handspan away.


    Alex could only watch as it raced toward him.


    It was moving too fast, even if his golem pushed him aside, the invisible monster could simply sweep it after him.


    <em>Think! Adapt!</em>


    Then his sight was abruptly blocked.


    ygon was before himlimbs spread, shielding his creatorjust as he had when the dungeon core remains and chaos essence exploded. And, he was right in the middle of that terrible scream. Cracks ran like webbing, continuing their spread.


    That petrifying beam shot up.


    ''ygon! ygon, no!'' Alex''s mind shrieked, powerless to act.


    He''d shatter. His core would explode.


    The grey light consumed the golem he and Selina had sculpted together. The golem he and his friends had hunted a mana vampire to power. The golem who had saved his life. Cracks, sounding like frazil ice on a frigid winters night, spread through ygon.


    Yet, Alex couldn''t even scream.

 Chapter 426: Change

    Chapter 426: Change


    Molten lines of power flowed and bubbled likeva running through cracks in the golems battered body. An unfamiliar mana drove into Alexs senses and ygons massive form seemed to ripple.


    As he watched helplessly, old memories came drifting across time, seeming to echo through his mind. They rose even above sounds of battle and y cracking, running through his golem in fissures.


    Bits of a conversation hed had long ago returned.


    <em>Some golems can even change on their own if they encounter the right mana, magical effects, or spells,</em> Sim Shale had said, on the day he and Theresa first toured the workshop.<em> Golem Evolution we call that, but it takes a core made with materials that can generate a lot of mana and that are able to produce a variety of effects naturally. Chaos Essence is a good example, with its ability to mutate monsters.</em>


    That was the day hed connected the simrities between golem cores and dungeon cores. The day hed first learned of golem evolution, the mysterious process that couldnt be predicted.


    A deeper voice; measured, stronger, ancient, reawakened a memory buried in his mind.


    <em>With golems made from chaos essence, their triggers for evolution vary as much aswell, the roiling bed of chaos itself, </em>Baelin had said.<em> However, while the dungeon cores substance shares a lot of simrity inposition to chaos essence, it is a different material, after all. I suspect that the trigger for ygons evolution will likelye from other dungeon cores, their monsters, or this Ravener.</em>


    And so, he was provided with a clue: ygons evolution might be tied to the origins of his golem core. They had fought in dungeons together, been bathed in chaos essence and dungeon core energies in an explosion, felt the Raveners mana.


    ygon had encountered strange magics from masses of Ravener-spawn, even going back to the time of the wed ones at Patrizia dePas ball. And yet nothing. Not even the slightest change.


    But today, the unique power from this unseen Ravener-spawn had turned y golems, elementals, and mortals to stone.


    It had washed over ygon and his exposed core, andbined with the mana pulsing inside. A new power exploded; sparking, spreading as the enormous pool of mana within his core soared. It slipped through his mana pathways, and in heartbeats, cracks closed, knitting together like they never were.


    Energy flooded the pathways, burning with incandescent light.


    The light seared Alexs eyes andas it fadedygon transformed.


    Gone was the grey y that he and his sister had used to mould him. In its ce was white stonelike marblegleaming in the fading grey light of the enemys power.


    Alexs eyes stung, powerless to shed tears that longed to run free: his golem was alright. He was alright.


    Hed evolved from y to stone with a new and staggering power radiating from deep inside his core.


    For a breath, Clyagons entire form shedhovering between solid matter and pure powerhis mana pathways zed bright, visible to even Alexs frozen sight. They seemed infinite, teeming through his body like schools of tiny fish, connections between his fire-gems and core widened.


    His core sparkled like crystals.


    A breathter, his frame settled, white stone gleamed in snow swirling to the ground, and for an instant, the courtyard stilled. Monsters and defenders paused on the battlefield, looking up at what looked like a second sun briefly hovering above.


    Even the invisible monster that once moved so quicklykilling with abandonseemed rooted in ce, its beams still holding Alex in paralysis.


    Now.


    The spawn was distracted.


    This was their chance.


    ygon! Alex thought. Hit it with everything youve got! All three fire-beams! And your war-spear!


    The golems arms snapped up.


    <em>Whooooom!</em>


    Alexs mind raced, the beams would take time to charge, but ygon could throw his spear and force the Ravener-spawn to scatter


    <em>Whooooosh!</em>


    Before he could finish the thought, three beams like me shot out, shocking him with the speed of their response. The rays holding the young wizard in suspension released the instant ygons beams fired.


    An inferno, followed abruptly by a concussion of sound, ripped the air. Something immense hit the ground, a feeble voice called from a mound of snow.


    The paralysing effect fled, and Alex inhaled a precious breath of cold air that filled his spirit with relief, and every fibre of his being with life. Muscles he didnt know he had ached from straining against the monster''s magic, but they would have to wait.


    He stared downwrath filledat ck blood staining the snow where their invisible enemyy.


    Youre dead, he promised, pulling a pair of mana-soothing potions from his bag. Youre absolutely dead.


    ygon, get it!


    The stone golem gripped his spear and charged from the sky, unleashing beams of me that streaked toward the target with the same swiftness as the enemys.


    They struck,ncing through snowmelting it into geysers of boiling liquid herding the invisible menace. Another grey beamunched, travelling sluggishly across the sky. Its beams would never again touch ygons creator, the golem would see to that.


    Without waiting for Alexs direction, he flew into the beam''s path, his stone body absorbing its magic. A smile crossed the Thameish wizards face. ygon was immune to the petrifying beam.


    He was safe.


    And that meant he could shield others.


    ygon! Alex flew by his golems side, tossing the mana soothing potions to his Wizards Hands. Were going to dance! Lets get this bastard!


    The stone construct immediately snapped to attention. He and Alex fell into the first position of the Spear-and-Oar dance, and together, they headed for the Ravener-spawn.


    They danced for all to see, distracting, drawing attention away from Alexs Wizards Hands as they dimmed to a muted crimson glow, nearly disappearing in the sheeting snow.


    Wizard and golem moved as a mirror of each other, whirling and exchanging positions in the sky. ygon fired beam after beam of raging me at the unseen foe, heating the ground, melting snow, turning it to a boiling pool. The monster was trying to fight back, but its petrifying beams could onlybour through the air while Alex and ygon whirled in tandem. Feeble beams of deadly magic passed lightly over his stone form as he shielded his creator.


    The enemy was struggling, stoking morale and fire<strong></strong>in the defenders. Most shouted Watcher Shaws name in tribute, shing every foe in sight, giving the invisible creature more than ygons fire-beams to consider. A barrage of spells and blows came in a ferocious attack from every wizard, warrior and summoned in the courtyard.


    Watchers bellowed incantations and curses, raining down shards of icicles, lines of dark energy and explosive fireballs, striking swathes of terrain and the invisible creature. They were also corralling it, herding it with explosive magics, preventing its escape.


    ygons beam struck.


    A fireball singed its hide.


    Ance of force magic hit as Alex and his stone golem closed in, doing their aerial dance. The creature fired sputtering paralysing beams of energy, desperate to sweep the defenders with the petrifying ray, but its aim had grown clumsy, predictable.


    The panic it had inflicted on its masters enemies now fell on <em>its</em> own shoulders.


    ck blood dripped from invisible wounds, marking the spot where ity. Incrementally, its shape was exposed, and frenzied, it writhed through the snow.


    Paralysing and petrifying bursts fired slowly, erratically, flying in all directions. Four paralysing rays hit ygon, freezing him in mid-air. Alex soared behind him, shielded. Another petrifying beam raked the golem, to no effect.


    Keep firing, ygon! Alex thought. Even if you cant move, just <em>bury </em>that thing in power.


    Instantly, fire-beams fired from ygons forehead and outstretched hands. Explosions boiled the snow, but it dragged itself away, trying to roll from their path. ygon fired again, his beams still aiming at the spot hed just targeted. They raced past the Ravener-spawn.


    But, hitting it wasnt the goal, holding its attention was.


    Glowing Wizards Hands slipped through blowing snow, weaving through spells and raging fire-beams.


    High winds meant Alex would only get a single chance to hit it with a potion.


    He just needed the right moment.


    And maybe some luck.


    This was not going well.


    The petrifier had been moving through the courtyard, beset on all sides by defenders and mortal mages. Burns marked its body, and it bled from a dozen cuts. That st from the four-armed warriors rays had dealt it a terrible wound to its leg, robbing it of speed. Now, its movements were slowed, it was bleeding, leaving a blood trail that allowed the enemy to track it.


    More and more, the threats closed in, and though it could watch them from all sides, it was now more difficult to monitor every direction at once.


    And the greatest setback was that the usurper was still not dead.


    He just would not die!


    There he was, high above, hidden behind that infernal four-armed thing that also would not fall to its Ravener-granted magic. The petrifier screeched, shattering stone, kicking up waves of snow, desperate to break its strange new enemy.


    To its frustration, the enemy endured, unharmed. It screeched louder, increasing the frequency of the sound, but nothing changed. No cracking, no fragmenting, no shattering.


    Something unknown in past cycles was waking: the cold touch of fear. Fear of failure, fear that the usurper would live, and its masters n would be ruined. Below the surface, the dungeon cores struggled with that powerful entity who also would not die.


    Its time was running short.


    I must kill the usurper, it thought, calling out to its Hunters. I must see him dead. In this, I cannot fail!


    Hunters were concealed throughout the courtyard, awaiting its call to act. They sprang from snow and rooftop, cutting the enemy down, driven by the need to serve their master. There.


    The pressure had lessened.


    Two free eyestalks pointed in all directions, primed to freeze every mortal they saw. Then, its petrifying beam could sweep the enemy formations, creating perfect statues to shatter in its own time.


    A twitch of its legs carried it a hairs breadth above the snow, propelling it forward. It directed its petrifying eye-stalk toward the nearest group of mortals.


    Power built.


    It adjusted its aim, preparing to fire.


    Thenit tripped, tumbling to the earth, long legs in a tangle, grunting in surprise.


    Howwith all of its speed and meticulous agilityhad it been clumsy enough to stumble? Its central eye looked for what was in its path, what had caused it to fall.


    The only thing it found could never ount for the mishap.


    A root. A single tiny sapling root was barely visible in the snow, growing from a strange tree that glowed green in the centre of the courtyard. How could its feet find an obstruction, when its many eyes could not?


    It waspuzzling. Perhaps a wizards sly deed.


    When it had fallen, some of its eyes kept the four-armed enemy in sight.


    Good. If that creature was able to


    A crunching noise above its head. ss broke. Mist driftedblowing into its mouth. What was this? Poison? Foolish mortals, its body was created to stand against a venom-walker, no poison could


    what was this?


    What disrupts my mana? It called upon its own power, but it was slowing, calming like a river freezing. The sensation was not unpleasant, but


    The power within its eye beams faltered, flickering off and on, power lessening, making it vulnerable.


    The petrifier tried to leap away, but stumbled in its own pooling blood, sying out in the ckening snow. And thenthe fire-beams came; bringing fresh fear,ncing it in waves of agony. Its wounds seared. Two of its eyes turned to ash.


    The pain


    A sharp object abruptly sliced it, tearing its attention away from eyes consumed by me, to excruciating pain from an enormous spear protruding through its core. Blood poured freely, and weakness spread from the wound, slowing it further. The spear withered its lifeforce as the mist calmed its mana. It tried to scream, but it was weakening, drained, sapped of strength and mana.


    Then spells struck from all sides.


    Shards of shing magic.


    Roaring and bursting me.


    Ice.


    Lightning hitraking its armoursingeing its flesh. The mortal female who earlier fought at the usurpers side was pouring lightning from her hands in waves.


    Panic surged. The petrifier was being torn apart.


    It was going to die. Worse, it was going to <em>fail.</em>


    Only one thing to do before my full form is revealed in death, it thought. May my master ept my sacrifice. May my sacrifice smite my enemies. May my return be greater than thest.


    It activated an organ within its core. An organ that would bring death. Its mana reacted slowly, sluggishly. What should have been an instantaneous explosion, was taking time to build. The detonation would be less powerful than nned, but it would be powerful enough.


    It would die.


    But it would not die alone.

 Chapter 427: Racing the Explosion

    Chapter 427: Racing the Explosion


    Euphoria!


    Thundering cheers rising louder and louder.


    Warriors, mages, all celebrating the enemys imminent end.


    The invisible Ravener-spawn verged on defeat; its ck blood stained the ground where ity, unseen limbs stirred clouds of white and its fading cries rose and fell like the gurgles of a choked well. The mana-soothing potions had withered its power, while the war-spear withered its life.


    Victory was a Wizards Hands grasp away.


    We did it! Alex cried to ygon, throwing his arms as far around the stone, yet warm body, as they could reach. We <em>did</em> it, my beautiful golem! Now lets end the rest of these bastards then get down to the tunnels and rescue


    A chill crawled through him like the cold hand of death reaching for his heart.


    No he paused, his mana senses brushing against a rising power. He turned his attention to the invisible creature whose ebbing power was suddenly growing, surging.


    Rising.


    Rising.


    Changing, transforming, bing something that stilled the heart of every research team member in the courtyard.


    Isolde drew back, keeping her eyes fixed on the ckening spot in the snow. What is happening? The energyis still she whirled around. ...going to explode! Some felt the energy growing and looked for cover, others screamed orders, others froze.


    A chilling memory flooded Alexs mind: images of a mushroom cloud rising high above the moors.


    Itll wipe out the castle!


    The power was listless, and still the reaction built. Maybe they could get rid of the monster before it blew everything theyd built and everyone whod built it, to particles.


    ygon! Alex shouted. We have to stop it!


    Below, others sprang into action.


    Watchers cast spells around the unseen beast, wrapping it in walls of force, shielding the surroundings from the building power.


    Alex and ygon raced for the creature, tearing through the icy wind, the young wizards cloak billowing around him. Power built, bringing a new realisation: when this thing exploded nothing could withstand it. What could survive an explosion even stronger thanbined power of the chaos essence and dungeon core remains? It had torn hills apart, forcewalls could never contain it.


    <em>Evacuate!</em> Professor Jules voiceenhanced by magicboomed through the air from somewhere in the keep. High above the mounting snow, her tiny form caught his attention. <em>Evacuate the research castle! Retreat until Chancellor Baelin arrives!</em>


    As though responding to her words, the earth bucked; the struggle continued between Baelins power and the Raveners energies, and their sh was showing no sign of weakening.


    Still, Alex kept faith in the chancellor.


    Thats right, Baelins here, he whispered, reaching the creature and hovering above the force walls containing it. Hell be back soon and hes gonna grab this thing, teleport it so it can blow up somewhere else, then everythingll be fine. All we need to do is buy ti


    As though mocking him, the earth heaved again.


    Stone crumbled and soil belched through holes tunnelled from deep below the surface. Defenders and monsters alike were knocked to the ground, buildings trembled.


    And through it all, the power built.


    We might not have time for him to get here, Alex watched the ground heave. Weve gotta do something fastbut what? Maybe I can soothe its mana with more potions? But, who knows how long thatll work for. We need a way to get rid of


    Symbols.


    Thats it!


    An old witch in an underground grotto.


    Elder Blodeuwedd, painting symbols on a traitor. Symbols that bled away mana.


    I can drain it! His hand shot for his bag while he called to a Watcher. Hey! I need to get through those force walls! I can drain some of that things mana!


    Its too dangerous! the Watcher shouted back. Move from there!


    He had no time for this.


    ygon, break the wall down!


    Stone fists hit with the force of an avnche and with two quick blows, a section of a forcewall shattered and Alex dove through with ygon at his side.


    What do you three think youre doing? Get out of there! The Watcher shouted.


    Were trying to save us! You can close the wall behind us! He drew a brush and dipped it in the gift from Crymlyn Vige. Wait, three?


    He refers to me.


    Isolde! Alex turned at the sound of the noblewomans voice.


    I am here to help, she said.


    There was no time to argue. The power was building. Nearing its peak.


    d youre here! He handed her a bottle. Here, paint this stuff onby the Traveller!


    Below them a creature was slowly materialising.


    Its oblong form was covered in grey chitin and three long legs stretched on for yards. Burns and raw wounds marred the silvery sheen of natural armour, and a withering rot was spreading through its twitching body. zed eyes, bulbous and wavering, slowly tracked his every movement.


    Fluid poured from a mouth wide enough to swallow a pair of oxen, and its screams were choked. Even now, it fought to reach Alex, butfor all its effortit could barely raise a single limb.


    Look how weak it is. Isolde said.


    But that wont stop it from exploding, he said,nding on its armour. We need to get rid of it. Here, just drop some of this on as much of its body as you can.


    He handed her a bottle of mana-ejecting ointment.


    We must work quickly. Isoldes voice was strained as her eyes turned to three


    long twitching legs. With a trembling hand, she dribbled the liquid over the creatures hide, then frowning, she focused on its wounds.


    Nothing is happening, Alex!


    Just give it a minute! He shouted, calling on the Mark. It guided him through images of Elder Blodeuwedd painting ancient symbols on the traitors; he copied them, using as much speed as he could manage, quickly refining each symbol.


    The symbols wouldn''t be perfecthed only watched Blodeuwedd once, and practised them with Drestra oncebut with the Marks help, theyd be close. He hastily painted symbols onto a monster that was both dying and growing in power.


    Even if it died, that power would keep building until its body exploded, bringing catastrophe to Greymoor.


    This isnt fast enough! He called on Wizards Hands.


    The spells raced toward the bottle clutched in his fist, dipped magical fingers into glowing ink and sped to the monsters body, painting symbols at speed.


    The power pulsed, flowing like a rising tide.


    Come on! Come on! Alex thought.


    Alex? Isolde murmured, the colour gone from her face. I just want you to knowit was an honour to know you and I am happy that we formed our cabal. May we reach the after world together hand in hand with the highest of honour.


    The highest of honour can be us living after we beat this thing! Alex shouted, desperately sifting through the Marks memories, trying to draw the symbols as precisely as time would allow.


    They werent perfect, some were too big and others didnt quite curve properly.


    I just need them to be close enough, he thought, just close enoooouuughThere!


    He finished thest symbol and a re of power spiked throughout the glyphs, spreading, alighting every drop of ointment on the monsters body.


    Power flowed.


    The creatures death rattle suddenly gasped out in a choked scream as its mana began pouring away, dissipating in the wind. As power drained, rising mana lessened, sputtering like water pumping from a dying well.


    Yes! He nearly screamed. Yes Yesyesoh no!


    Oh by the elements, Isolde murmured.


    The creatures mana was flowing out, but not as fast as was needed. What seemed like a river running freely, was a mere trickle from the ocean of chaotic energies that had slowly built within the beast.


    And worse


    I can feel it, Isolde said in horror. The reaction is not stopping!


    Beneath them, the dying spawns mana was roiling in pure chaos. Even if ygon ripped it apart until there was nothing left but shreds of flesh and silver armour, he didnt know if that would stop the explosion, nor did they have time to experiment and find out.


    <em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    We cant stop it, he thought. We need it gone. Maybe drop it in a hole? No, that would kill everyone in the tunnels and copse the earth and kill everyone above ground. Think! Think! We survived the chaos explosionhow? Distance. Okay, the explosion wont be as powerful since it has less mana, but we''ll still need to be far away when it explodes. The right distancethats key. ygon! He called to his golem. I need you Alex pointed in the direction that the wind was blowing, looking between the monster and his golem. to throw this thing as hard as you can <em>with </em>wind. Get it away from here!


    The golems head turned, andfor a brief, horrifying instanthe thought he wasnt going to listen.


    But, he reached down, gripped the Ravener-spawn by a single leg and streaked skyward as though the titanic creature were no heavier than a sack of feathers. He began to spin, building momentum. Turn after turn, spinning smoothly, ever faster ever swifter. The dying creatures leg grew taut as its body rose.


    The whirring sound of it cutting the air mounted, growing, building in force. ygon swung the Ravener-spawn with such speed that it dpensated with every turn, shedding damaged bits the faster he spun.


    A final spin and Alex could feel the explosion straining its bonds and


    ygon! He yelled. Throw it!


    The powerful stone golem hurled the ruined body, throwing it with the wind. It flew straight as an arrowrotating through the air, trailing gore in its wake. Watchers cast force walls, sealing it away from the world on all sides.


    Alex could only hope it would be enough.


    The monster disappeared into the storm.


    Everyone, down! A Watcher shouted as he burnt a swarm of spear-flies to ash.


    Alex leapt to the snow with Isolde beside him. Clenching his teeth, his arm covered her. Air elementals! he shouted. Shield us!


    The summoned monsters floated above the two wizards.


    And then


    For the second time that day, it seemed as though a second sun zed in the wintry sky.


    A blinding sh. Then a concussive force and the rumble of thunder. The shockwave struck Alex like a battering ram, threatening to drive him into unconsciousness. The wind reversed course, blowing hot, steaming droplets of melted snow poured down.


    Chaos energy billowed in the distance, shaking the ground well beyond sight. Alex shut his eyes, praying to the Traveller that the ground would hold.


    The earth shifted, and Alex braced, ready to fly into the hot wind should the castle be sucked down into the earth. Images of Selina, Theresa and everyone he held dear shed in his mind.


    Please, he thought. Please hold.


    For what felt like an eternity, the world threatened to fall apart around himuntilslowlythe ground began to settle.


    The quake stilled. Heat cooled. And the zing light diffused as the roar of me faded.


    Alex risked looking around.


    The castle shook, but still stood. The ground beneath them held, they were alive, and they were free of the invisible Ravener-spawn that was likely sent for him and Carey.


    He was mostly relieved, but numb.


    Snow crunched nearby and his breath stopped.


    Above him and Isolde a pair of wed monsters loomed, ws raised, eyes burning into him.


    ygon! Alex screamed, casting force spells, while Isolde whirled, shouting an incantation.


    But they were too slow. The first creatures ws fell to twin des of steel, then the rest of its body followed.


    The second monster was greeted by a shining, morphic metal weapon.


    Two warriors turned with surprise on their faces.


    Alex and Isoldes expressions echoed theirs.


    Theresa hade from the right, climbing from a hole in the earth to defend her partner and their friend. Her snarl was feral as she raced through the snow, leaving clouds behind her. Brutus bounded behind, followed by the towering Grimloch, then Thundar, Khalik, Svenia, Tyris, Hogarth and more from the excavation team behind. Najyah circled, sharp eyes tracking flying monsters.


    While Theresa came from the right Cedric had approached from the left, his morphic weapon whirling in one hand. Behind him, Hart charged through the snow, and above, Drestra weaved through the air, her reptilian eyes locked on the remaining clouds of spear-flies.


    Behind the Heroes squads of mounted knights and foot soldiers thundered, armed withnces and brandishing their spears.


    Amongst the army, a strange, blue man sat astride a moose with tinkling bells hung about its antlers. And sitting on that moose''s broad head


    a terrified Gwyin, looking like hed rather be anywhere but there.


    Not agaaain! the asrai screamed, his cry a war-horn<strong></strong>for what was toe.

 Chapter 428: To Make the End of Battle

    Chapter 428: To Make the End of Battle


    Greetins friends! Cedric took Alex and Isolde by the hand, pulling both to their feet. Were here tturn the tide. Well be talkinter.


    Without another word, the Chosen of Uldar charged through what was left of the hordes of Ravener-spawn, unleashing a fireballturning half a dozen bone-chargers to ashand leaping on survivors as his morphic weapon changed into the shape of a broad axe. It shone with the light of Uldars power as he cleaved foes down like chaff.


    The Champion, Sage and their knightpanions fell on the enemy in a sh of magic, blood and metal, spraying reddened snow to the wind.


    And as crimson spread like a battle g unfurling, the defenders were spurred on in a final push against the monsters.


    Alex and Theresa looked at each other and no words passed between them, leaving their gazes to tell of their relief, excitement, love and exhaustion. There would be words to express such things when the final Ravener-spawn had breathed theirst, but for now...


    Theresa! Alex shouted, tossing her a potion of haste as he flew through the air. You and I can distract the bone-chargers! Grimloch and ygon can finish them off!


    Dont worry. The huntress des shone, seeming to scream in the wind. Ive got them.


    She ran forward, twin des flicking around her, splitting hide and bone as each sword strike left two wounds.


    Alex gaped.


    In heartbeats, death and ruiny in the huntress wake as nearly a fourth of the bone-chargers littered the ground.


    at that moment, the young wizard could not describeeven in a thousand wordshow attracted he was to her.


    By the Traveller, I really <em>do</em> have issuesbut I wouldnt want it any other way. He smiled to himself, tossing sleeping potions into clouds of oing spear-flies, dropping them from the sky in puffs of mist.


    ygon, theyre all yours, buddy! Show them the brand new you!


    His golem had evolved. After all this time, hed <em>finally</em> evolved. It was almost like seeing him for the first time, and Alex looked at him in amazement, wondering how much<strong></strong>hed changed.


    ygon moved through the sky like a reaper, herding Ravener-spawn to their doom. Where his fire-beams had once built power slowly, now they were swift to respond, and even swifter to fire. If he were a painter, his fire-beams would have been his brushes and palette knives, and the battlefield his canvas.


    As spells and steel rained down on the attackers, Gwyin and the blue stranger watched near the aeld tree as the earth shook. Gwyin shook with it.


    The terrible struggle between two pools of mana vast enough to devastate Greymoor reached a peakthen calmed as one shrivelled, then shattered like a thin sheet of ss, and the other disappeared only to abruptly reappear in the sky above. Baelin hovered above the battlefield, unscathed, cloaked in power, and wearing an expression of rage so pure, so profound, that a dragon would have cowered in fear.


    You, his voice boomed. Your dungeon cores are no more. Perish! You have extracted enough pain in the course of your worthless lives.


    He levelled a finger at a pack of Ravener-spawn, his words were short, his tone curt. And the power that flowed from him was like a tidal wave. It crashed into the army of monsters, freezing them, holding them as though theyd been pinned in ce, then the spell went to work. They recoiled as though struck by arrows and shrieked in defiance, hissing and writhing as their bodies boiled, billowing smoke and me from every pore.


    They copsed on themselves, a dull grey substance leaking from their skin. Alex flinched, knowing what the chancellor had dealt them: boiling lead ran from their bodies, pooling then hardening in the snow.


    The ancient wizard had transmuted their life blood into the molten, lethal metal.


    Scores of monsters died in heartbeats when he trained a single finger on them, and searing pain reced all desire to do their masters bidding. The enemy numbers dropped fast, and without dungeon cores to replenish them, bone-chargers were the first to meet oblivion, followed soon after by thest behemoth, which fell to Baelins war-spirits like prey to hungry wolves during a lean winter. ygons mes made short work of thest hive-as-one, and clots of spear-flies shrivelled away, leaving clumps of hardening lead behind. And when the final monster breathed itsst, Baelin called out in triumph.


    Victory! The ancient wizards voice boomed through the courtyard. Victory!


    Spontaneous cheers erupted, filling the air with cries of celebration and relief. Everyone was talking at once, pping each other on the back, throwing their fists in the air, but some stood stoically, lost in the moment of triumph.


    But beneath the joy, an undercurrent of grief hung around them.


    The first battle at Greymoors Research Castle had ended in victory, to be sure.


    A crushing one.


    But as with all victories in battle.


    There was a cost.


    The victors filled the entrance hall of the keep beneath a cloud of exhaustion. Most sat ory on folding cots warming themselves around orbs of conjured me. Moving briskly through the centre of the chamber, blood mages worked on stabilising the wounded. Some of the injured passed in and out of consciousness on glowing forcedisks, moaning in varying levels of pain as they were transported to the infirmary. Thameish soldiers helped where they could, relieving the weary defenders and bringing broth, bread and cups of hot milk to soothe their bellies. As the tapestries of victory watched from above, Alex Roth sat against a wall, Theresa pressed to his side while his cabal sat around him.


    Not a word passed between them. Not yet, for there were other conversations worth listening to. And other things to process.


    Throughout the chamber, the leadership and specialists of the expedition were gathered in clutches, discussing the toll and aftermath:


    Twenty dead in the courtyard. A Watcher to Alexs left announced, her grim eyes scanning a tally on a scroll. Most were reduced to stone dust. At least ten more died in the tunnels. Well need to


    The armoury and research buildings arepromised, right down to the foundation, a dwarven engineer showed a schematic to a gathering of earth mages on Alexs right. Once the blizzard passes, youll need to reinforce


    And the creatures remains? Baelin asked Professor Jules in the centre of the room.


    The alchemy professor shook her head. Hopelessly ruined. Her voice contained a growl Alex had never heard before. There was also a stiffness in her body. A forcefulness to her movements. All of it spoke of rage. When the creature detonated, it was quite nearlypletely reduced to ash. There werent enough remains left to catalogue. No organs.


    Fascinating, yet disappointing, Baelin said. Something is shifting: we have neverbatted a monster that was naturally able to self-destruct rather than let itself be captured before. That speaks of a guile and strategy built into the creatures very design. Natural organisms do note equipped with self-destruct mechanisms.


    I agree, it seems it was created with that foremost in mind. Ive seen self-destruct mechanisms in golems, but never in living creatures. Save, for some very rare and exceptional demons. Professor Jules frowned. Something is moving against uswhat did you see below ground, chancellor? Was there anything unusual?


    The ancient wizards frown deepened. I saw pain, Vernia. I saw two dungeon cores that were as beastsshed to a wagon, made to pull a load too great to bear. They screamed in absolute agony, yet fought me with everyst bit of energy they had. I broke one, but the other shattered from the overload of power. Still, for the period theystedthey were ferocious opponents. It seemed like the very earth itself sought to destroy me.


    His nostrils red. If this is the sort of power that the Ravener can bring to bear, then my respect for previous generations of Thameish Heroes has greatly increasedah, speaking of that. Where are our young friends?


    They went to the tunnels in search of stragglers, chancellor, a nearby Watcher said. And they


    I swear, Prince Khalik suddenly spoke, startling Alex. The broad-shouldered young man leaned against the sleeping form of Grimloch; the hulking sharkman hadid down and fallen asleep as soon as hisst spear-fly wound was bandaged, and the prince had copsed against him shortly after. He hadnt found the strength to move.


    What do you swear? Svenia asked, syed out on a cot beside the sleeping Hogarth whose head was wrapped in so many bandages, his skull looked more like cloth than bone.


    That I have no wish to ever be beneath the earth again, at least at this moment. Khaliks eyes swam with fatigue and his beard had wilted. I imagine I will have to get over itor my studies of earth magic will beically pointlessbut as of right nownever again.


    I hear that. Thundar groaned from a cot, holding a tightly woven ice bag to his head, his body was swaddled in a nket. IAchoo!


    Bless you, Alex and Theresa said together.


    Yeah, thanks. The minotaur rubbed his nose. Id better not get sick. Ive got something to do. Anyway, yeah, someone else can be on the excavation team for a bit: right now, if I could live on the sun, I would.


    He nced at Theresa. Hey, listen. Thank you, from me, my ancestors and my whole herd. If it werent for you going all god-warrior or whatever the hell that was down there, Id be a b of bone-charger meat right now.


    The huntress held up a hand. In herp, one of Brutus sleeping heads shifted. No need to thank me


    It aint about need, Theresa. Its about gratitude. Thundar looked at her seriously. His tone was grave. Itd be a great dishonour to me if I didnt at least thank you. One day, I hope I can return the favour.


    Wed have to be in another life or death situation, she smiled. And I think even Im a bit through with those for a while.


    Yep, the minotaur said. And I aint gonna hope it happens: especially sooner rather thanter, but I do know thateven if it takes a lifetimeI <em>will</em> return the favour.


    The huntress stilled for a moment, then smiled weakly. Thank you, Thundar. Thank you. But it should be my great-grandfather you should be thanking. If it werent for his weapon, I might be dead too.


    Yeah. Alex looked at the naked des sitting beside her. They had always been beautiful, but now their metallic sheen was burnished to the shine of a mirror crafted in the finest ss. Not a speck of dust or tarnish marked them. Every reflection was perfect, and they seemed to shine with their own inner light.


    He had a hard time pulling his gaze away. Beautiful. Just like you.


    They are, arent they? She gazed at the des warmly. Great-grandfathers family legacyI finally saw it for what it truly is. Theyre two swords, but theyre one weapon.


    An impressive one at that. Khalik saluted the des.


    Indeed, Isolde said groggily. The young noblewoman had just woken from a deep slumber, propped against the nearest wall. They are handsome weaponser, weapon, I suppose, and their power is most impressive. Many elemental knights would dly give much for such weaponser, I suppose, weapon would be the correct term for them in the singr? Two swords, but one weapon?


    They are two yet one, Theresa said. I think singr or plural works.


    Either way, they are magnificent.


    Im sure my great-grandfather would be proud to hear you say that.


    And Im sure he wouldve been proud of <em>you</em>. Alex kissed her cheek. Im proud of youand Im thankful to him: helped youe back. He helped keep all of us together.


    She smiled and kissed him, scrunching her face up as his beard tickled her lips. Im pretty proud of ygon.


    Her eyes took in the towering golem of white stone standing silently above them, his spear poised to protect them from all threats. His fire-gems gleamed with a new light, one that drew the eye.


    Nowfor the first time since the battles end and ygons evolutionAlex had a chance to see how hed changed.


    And, so far, he liked what he saw.

 Chapter 429: The Exploring of Change and a New Battle Brewing

    Chapter 429: The Exploring of Change and a New Battle Brewing


    ygon had always been beautiful to Alex. A terror to be sure, but a beautiful terror, much like Theresa was. Every inch of the golems finely sculpted y had always reminded Alex of the hours of love and care he and Selina had poured into crafting his body.


    ygons new frame had the same shape and height, the same bulk, the same ferocity to his face, but the details were finer. After untold hours sculpting, Alex remembered him and Selina admiring all the intricate images of battles, and monsters, of warriors and more, that theyd sculpted into his y surface with a sense of awe. It was like watching a piece of art ready toe to life. Now, when the light struck him since his transformation from y to polished marble, the carvings seemed like they were in motion.


    The marble gleamed in the light of fire magics, andlike Theresas swordsappeared to emit its own inner glow. The chamber was reflected in ygons polished surface, shadows and light dancing across the marble.


    Beyond the surface; a staggering level of power unfolded like an ocean wave, far beyond anything Alex had ever felt from him. The connections between his golem gore and fire-gems had strengthened, widening so a far greater flow of power reached them.


    No wonder they fired so fast, Alex thought, looking at the gem. Those expanded pathways must <em>flood</em> them with powerand


    He reached up and touched the fire-gem in ygons right palm, flinching slightly in surprise.


    Warm.


    It was warm to the touch even at rest. He ran his finger along the gems surface, feeling its smooth, shining facets. A strange sensation of warmth travelled through the tips of his fingers different from the warmth of magic spells or heat radiating from me. There was another sort of warmth there, seeping into the link between Alex and his golem.


    It gave the young wizard the feeling of being wrapped in a thick nket on a cold winters day, and


    He paused.


    Its not just the fire-gems, he thought, touching the gauntlet he and Selina had sculpted on ygons hand. His whole bodys warm nowwarm marble. Like hes alive.


    Alex closed his eyes, reaching out to ygon with his mana sensesand he felt a pulse. The mana coursing through his golem had always flowed like a river: powerful, but without life. Now, the flood of mana rushed through him like an ocean''s shifting tides, or the rise and fall of the wind with the pulse of a beating heart.


    And


    Theres something about his mana thats changed, he thought, examining each thick finger. Theres more of it, and its denser but


    Is he alright? Theresa asked, concern marking her face. Hes been through a lot.


    Yeah, hes better than ever. Alex patted ygons hand. At least, I think so. Its just that hes changed just as much on the inside as on the outside.


    Really? Prince Khalik looked fondly at the golem. Truly, hes be quite the handsome devil.


    They grow up so fast. Thundar mimed wiping a tear from his eye. Next thing you know hell be asking to borrow your fine cloak and be bringingdy golems home to meat papa.


    Lady Golems? That is utter nonsense. Isolde looked at Thundar.


    The minotaur shrugged. Ive seen golems sculpted to look like men, women, cats, dogs, or whatever in the city.


    And golems do not require biological reproduction, Isolde fired back.


    Thundars hooves literally dug into the stone. But some golems have minds, dont they? He nodded to ygon. Alex, does ygon have a mind yet?


    The young wizard looked at his golem closely, closing his eyes again. He gently prodded at the bond between him and ygon, feeling its magical contours and the pulse of power emanating from the other end.


    He searched for consciousness on the other side of their bond, and what he foundwas strange. Much like his body and the power coursing through him, something had also changed in their bond. It felt stronger and ygons presence wasdifferent.


    I dont know Alex said. He feels different through our bond, but it doesnt <em>quite</em> feel like those times his mind sparked.


    Is he talking to you? The minotaur looked ygon up and down like he was expecting him to start doing something.


    No. Alex tapped his arm. But somethings definitely changed.


    You hear that, Isolde? Thundar grinned at the noblewoman. Somethings changed! And that might mean hes got more feelings. He wants <empanionship.</em>


    Isolde stared at him.


    What, you saying our brave and mighty friend <em>doesnt </em>deservepanionship? Thundar gawked at her as though shed dered that all children should be thrown into cauldrons.


    For shame, Isolde, Prince Khalik jumped in, his grin weak but wide. To deny ygon the very essence of what makes a living thing living: the warmth of others.


    That is <em>not</em> what the definition of a living thing is, Khalik and you know it, Isolde snapped.


    Aaaaah, do youck all poetry in your soul, Lady von Anmut? the prince cocked his head at her. This is not about biological needs or the tyranny of nature and destiny dictating our path. Surely, a golem with a mind, such as you and I possess, can form bonds and make friends. Or do you simply treat ygon as no more than a tool, like the sickle or pickaxe?


    <em>Khalik!</em> Isolde snapped. You have been having <em>entirely</em> too much fun at my expensetely. You know what I am speaking of! I am not denying the emotional needs and desires of sapient beingsbe they biological or notI am simply saying that <em>assuming</em> that such affections will manifest in biological reproductive pair bonds is absurd! Far more likely that such a bond would manifest as familial for that is how weespecially Alex and Selinatreat him! As both family and friend!


    Youre ruining the joke, Isolde, Thundar whispered.


    I am too tired to appreciate being the butt of such jokes at this particr moment. Her tone was acid.


    It is true, it is true, Khalik said. Though keep in mind that I am your match when ites to exhaustion, soin a sensethere is no advantage on my part. We are simply two weary people having a good time, are we not?


    Isolde pointedly ignored him, looking up at the golem. Listen, ygon, my dear. Do not engage in such worthlessness as taking on these <em>three</em> as examples. In some sense, you will no doubt take after your father somewhat She nced toward Alex. but at least we might be able to narrow the field of bad influences on you


    Hey wait, wait, wait! Alex straightened up in offence. I literally said nothing wrong! Youre victimising me!


    Oh, <em>please</em>, Roth. Her blue eyes were like ice. You have been there, grinning like the cat who got the cream and stifling a hyenasughter the entire time. I could <em>feel</em> the malice emanating from you as surely as ygon feels your thoughts through your link!


    Thaaat would <em>not</em> be admissible during a tribunal! Alex cried. You cant just say: listen, I think that man over theres thinking bad things! Trust me, Id knowI got a feeling about it!


    We are not in a tribunal. This state around us She began.


    Theresa stiffened, looking over her shoulder. Murmurs went through the room.


    Uh, Isolde, the huntress said.


    is a post-war state which often involves a degree of anarchy the noblewoman continued.


    Isolde, Theresa said more urgently.


    Alex followed her gaze, sitting up straighter as he did.


    Murmurs swept through the entrance hall.


    <em>Isolde</em>, Theresa hissed.


    in a moment, Theresa, for I


    Aaaaah, wee back young Heroes of Thamnd, Baelins warm voice boomed through the entrance hall. I trust that your hunt went well?


    Aye, it did, Cedric replied. There was more Ravener-spawn in them tunnels, but we wiped em all out t thest.


    Isolde let out a tiny yelp, unconsciously fixing her raven ck hair.


    Prince Khaliks eyes twinkled.


    He looked at Thundar.


    His words came out in a whisper: Biological reproductive pair bonds.


    Isolde turned bright red as Thundar, Theresa and Alex bit down rollingughter.


    Shut. Up! She hissed.


    If anyone noted the groups exchange, none said a word. Their eyes were locked on the two figures following the Heroes. Gwyin padded into the room like a nervous cat stepping out of a barn and into the farmers waiting dog pack. Hisrge eyes darted every which way, growing wider at each wizard, familiar and monster, theynded on.


    He didnt say a single word when he spotted Alex, though he did flinch in recognition, then did a double take when he saw ygons new form, quickly turning away. His attention went to the other faeor so Alex assumedwalking beside him.


    It was this figure who drew the most attention.


    And it was obvious why.


    At first nce, the blue-skinned fellow looked like nothing more than a jolly, dwarven-like fae with a stark white beard and blue skin. Buthis bodynguage raised a primal fear in Alexs core; the sort of fear that took hold of a mouse the moment it caught a snakes eye.


    That instinctual terror on seeing its natural predator.


    His true nature was hidden well: the fae had mastered his bodynguage so well, that his guise was nearly perfect. Alex watched him intently, using the Mark, looking for subtleties and masked cues. The slight cracks in his persona were there in the jolly, harmless mask he hid his true nature behind: the perfect bnce of weight on the balls of the feet, his eyes slowly scanning the room and how they lingered on the woundedbriefly, hungrilybefore moving on. There was something chilling about this fae, and


    Oh, by the Traveller, hes looking this way! Alex thought.


    The faes eyes turned to himas though sensing his gazeand they focused with the stillness of an owl regarding a rodent. Alex quickly adjusted his bodynguage: rxed shoulders, levelled gaze, straight back. He showed no fear, only casual interest: nothing challenging, but nothing to encourage a predator to do what predators do.


    A smile crossed the faes blue lipsone that didnt reach his eyesand in a sh, his attention was elsewhere. That smile quickly faded when he looked up at Baelin. The ancient wizards goat-like eyes met those of the stocky fae.


    They held for a moment.


    The fae was first to break contact.


    Pleasure to meet you all, he said, his tone whimsical and light. Im called The Guide: guide to the Heroes of Thamnd, and one of the road wardens sworn to Lord Aenflynn.


    Professor Jules watched the blue-skinned fae closely, her bodynguage showing gratitude, but screaming and distrust. Her feet drifted closer together and her arms crossed before her.


    Baelin stood tall, every muscle rxed as he bent to shake the stocky faes hand. The pleasure is mine. I am Chancellor Baelin and your assistance was most appreciated.


    His words were carefully chosen, showing appreciation, but nothing that could be twisted into a deration, oath or debt.


    If the Guide noticed, he gave no hint of it, instead, he gestured toward the asrai at his side. Twas Gwyin here that warned me and got us toe to your aid, he said, and so appreciation should be given to he as well as me.


    And it is appreciated. The chancellor said to the nervous little asrai. This is a time of nning and grieving, but I would be remiss if I did not show you hospitality. Walk with me, I will see you fed and we will speak. He looked at the Heroes. All of us.


    Aye, we should talk, Cedric said. Folkre sayin there was new monsters among them that attacked here?


    Could they be something the demon worshippers conjured up? Hart tapped an axe resting on his belt, one hed taken from Zonon-Ins war camp. Your people were describing them, and giving us a pretty good idea of what they looked like, but weve never seen their like before.


    Unfortunately, theres not much data to go on, Professor Jules said. Were examining the scant remains we <em>do</em> have, but it''s far too early to make any conclusions. Still, it would be good topare notes. And She paused, seeming to notice something, but moved on quickly. and figure all of this out.


    Her brow furrowed, and her body shook. Signs of difort washed over her in waves. People died today. Too many. Far too many. We need a response. One thats measured.


    Yet crushing, Baelin said. Our enemies are multiplying. Moving. Growing bold. It is time that some of them be culled.


    A cheer swept through the room at his words, a cry of grief, and a hunger for vengeance. It spread, sweeping Alex and his friends up.


    Fists, weapons, and staffs rose high.


    As the young wizard raised his arm in solidarity, he looked to his golem, appreciating his new-found power and wondering what secrets might be hidden in his transformed body.


    His eyes fell on the war-spear.


    Your war-spear suits you better than it did that demon, ygon, and if she wants toe im it, well take care of her, Ezaliel and all their demon allies, he thought. Theyre going to pay for all the people they killed or hurt, and were going to take more of their stuff to help us. Then when we find out what the Travellers secrets are, were going to break the Ravener forever. Sound good?


    There was a pulse across the bond.


    Alex held his breath.


    He waited for another spark of thought, but nothing came.


    Hmmm, maybe youll start with your feelings first, and thoughtsteroh, right! Speaking of feelings, the aeld tree helped us. I should thank it.


    As he excused himself from his friends to step into the cold night air, Alex focused on ygon and the aeld, his thoughts and attention turned from the Heroes as Baelin led them deeper into the castle.


    And, so he missed Drestras lingering gaze.


    He missed the Sages reptilian eyes, watching his every move.


    Her look was questioning.


    Measuring.


    And girding for a confrontation.

 Chapter 430: Father (End of web novel book 2...ish. More like book 5 now, lol)

    Chapter 430: Father (End of web novel book 2...ish. More like book 5 now, lol)


    The blizzard had lifted by the time Alex and ygon stepped outside into the cold night air.


    But the storm had done its work.


    Snow drifts rose high in the castles courtyard,ying thick on every roof and capping the inner wall in a rampart of white. They covered the signs of battle, hiding them, making it seemfor one irrational momentthat it had been done on purpose to hide their shame. It was as if the world was concealing something ugly, washing it in white paint to hide that it ever was.


    An image of Mrs. Lu hastily sweeping dirt under a bearskin rug before guests arrived came back to him. It had always been a fond memory, especially when Mr. Lu brought it up to his wife, but Alex now found it disturbing, realising how much it had inmon with the snow sweeping over the tragedy that had just befallen the castle.


    How many more times are sights like this going to be a part of my life? Alex thought, his boots crunching on heavy snow as ygon ploughed along beside him.


    His boot caught something hard buried in a drift and he stumbled, almost falling.


    A crushed spear-fly corpsey beneath the snow, probably one of many. Gingerly, he picked it up by its crumpled wings, looking at a nearby hillone of the few formed not by fallen snow, but by the hands of the Generasians.


    Ravener-spawn were piled highhigh enough to tower over even the castle wallsand more were still being carted over, adding to the growing pile. Beside the gruesome sight, wizards were gathering and cataloguing specimens, preparing them for the scalpel and the autopsy table.


    As Alex strode to the foot of the grisly pile and tossed away the spear-fly, he hoped that the bodies would provide some new insights into their anatomy, tactics, and maybe even clues to help defeat them permanently.


    Its the least you could do. He spit on a dead bone-charger before he and gyon turned away. Alex wasnt the first to spit on the in invaders bodies.


    And he was sure he wouldnt be thest.


    He trudged through snow drifts, contemting the battle: the sesses, the failures, and what they should do to prepare for the nextand there was no doubt thered be a next. I need that staff, he whispered, breath misting in the cold, rising toward the grey clouds. His eyes turned to a spot where a vast<strong></strong>hole had been; it was now back filled by earth magic, and covered in ayer of fresh, white powder. It was the hole from which two monsterswhod almost cost him everythinghad climbed. That behemoth and hive-as-one came out of that hole almost right on top of me.


    He touched his side, rubbing his skin, remembering the numbing cold of the hive-as-ones magic as it withered his strength. They came at me and I didnt have a quick enough response. My potions are good, but with the wind blowing so hard, they were mostly useless. I <em>need</em> another way to react faster: the potions arent enough.


    His frown deepened the more he thought about the attack. I use a lot of protective spells, but I need stronger ones. Greater force armour is a must, and as <em>soon</em> as I get to fourth-tier spells, Ive got to learn an invisibility spell.


    His fingers raked his short beard. Maybe some more illusion spells in general. Next semester Ill be learning more blood magicif I can build Corpse Puppet into my staff, Ill be able to pull that out in a fight. Better to turn dead enemies into fighters than be overwhelmed by live ones. Same with Warp Flesh


    He remembered beams of light firing from his invisible enemy, freezing people in ce and holding them so it could sweep them with its petrifying ray.


    He remembered the paralysed face of Watcher Shaw, frozen in a snarl of defiance before he turned to stone. Alex winced at the memory: he hadnt known the Watcher captain well, but he was a fierce leader and a great tactician whod seen them through some bad situations.


    If it werent for him, Alex was sure that a lot more people would have died.


    Rest in peace, he thought, looking at the spot where the Watcher had taken hisst breath. I hate to admit it, but that paralysing ray was <em>very </em>effective. I need to find out if theres a spell that does the same thing, something that I could use against really tough threatsespecially fast ones. I also need a way to make invisible things detectable.


    He thought back to his team fighting invisible adversaries in the Games of Roal. Back then, hed sort of cheated using the Mark and sending forceballs to where he <em>thought</em> enemies were.


    Thenwhen the Mark prevented him from doing anything it consideredbathe was still able to tell his team where their opponents were.


    But thatd be too dangerous in a true battle, he thought. The invisible monster was fast. Really fast and if I was doing something the Mark didnt like and it interfered, Id be stone dust right now. No, I need to think of something else. Some way to mark invisible enemies. If I dont, <em>somethings</em> going to get me one day. I cant just keep relying on ygons power.


    Alex looked at his golem: the giant, silent guardian. Always there. Always quiet. Always reliable.


    That was something the young wizard had started to take for granted, and one day it was going to cost them both dearly.


    Youre always protecting me, he said. ButI havent been doing enough to protect <em>you.</em>


    Pain marked his eyes as they ran across the white marble of his golems form when he recalled the cracks that had cut into him.


    Thats twice now that youve been hurt badly: once by the war-spear and now by the sonic scream from that Ravener-spawn, he said. You know, it''s only because your body <em>was</em> ynot sthat you didnt shatter. That one difference in yourposition saved you. But after you evolvedI dunno what made you immune to that scream, but whatever it was, Im thanking the Traveller for it. Maybe you absorbed some of that things magic. Its something we really gotta explore together.


    They were nearing the aeld tree, passing by expedition members on clean up duty: defenders loading thest of the enemy bodies, earth mages searching for Ravener-spawn holes, and other wizards casting spells that renewed shattered stone.


    He exhaled, his eyes stinging.


    ygon could have shattered, just like those stones. He rubbed his eyes, and turned away from what could have been, feeling grateful that it hadnt happened.


    Ahead, the aeld trees leaves fluttered in the winteryndscape.


    Alex cocked his head, examining it from base to crown.


    Its light brought warmth andfort andsatisfaction?


    He raised an eyebrow.


    Areare you feeling proud of yourself? Alexughed. Im kinda getting a little bit of satisfactioning off of you.


    That self-satisfaction seemed to heighten at his words, he could imagine the little tree puffing up its chest, if it had one.


    Yeah, thats definitely what Im getting from you, he said, touching its bark. His hand rubbed the tree trunk, drinking in the magical saplings warmth. And, you know what? I think you should be proud of yourself.


    He gestured around the courtyard.


    Dont think I didnt notice you helping us out. I know the courtyard was slippery and all, but those bone-chargers were falling over like drunks after a night in the Bears Bowl Tavern. Or like Khalik and Thundar after exams. He chuckled. You bring fortune to those who take care of you, right? Well, we definitely had some fortune today. Between Gwyin noticing what was going on and bringing the HeroesI gotta ask what thats aboutand that invisible thing falling overyeah, we definitely had luck and good fortune on our side.


    Alex pat the tree trunk. Im grateful for that and Im going to try and get the best fae and wizard-made fertiliser that I can and drench your roots in it until youre taller than the keep.


    There was a happy little pulse from the tree which felt like a tickle to Alexs soul. He, like the tree, was filled with a contented warmth.


    Alright, youll take care of me and Ill take care of you. But for right nowthanks. Thanks for what youve done. Were all really lucky


    A voice cut him off, one that was calling out from behind him. Alexander!


    He turned, finding the small form of Gwyin ploughing, leaping and tunnelling his way through the drifts. Despite the cold andck of warm clothing in the cold night air, the asrai showed no sign of shuddering as he made his way to the wizard.


    Youre taking care of the aeld very well. Hisrge eyes fell on the tree. I could tell how it feels from halfway back to the keep.


    Yeah, I hope its happy, Alex said. It feels strange, in a way. Everyone else is either grieving, thinking or strategizing.


    Aye, thats what theyre doing up there alright, Gwyin nodded to a window in the keep. And its aaaall a little too big for me. Too much excitement, I think. I asked to be excused becauseI think Ive had enough excitement for one day.


    Yeah, Im surprised to see you, Alexughed. I thought you said youd be avoiding me until I was a hundred or something? Or maybe even older.


    Well, it felt bad to be just letting you and yours get eaten by Ravener-spawn, he said. Just didnt feel right to me.


    Alex watched him closely.


    He looked away as he spokehe was hiding something.


    The Thameish wizard nodded his head. Well, I appreciate what youve doneeven if that meant putting yourself in danger. Do you want something from me?


    Gwyin flinched slightly.


    Just slightly.


    No! Of course not, dont want anything now, he said.


    Now, Alex thought. Hell probablye looking for a favourter. Best to watch my words with him.


    Well, even if you dont want anything now, you should at least stay for the evening. Get something to eat. Ill give you some wine. You deserve it for what you did for us.


    Aye, Ill take you up on that. The asrai smiled. Only had human wine a couple of times. And it was old.


    Sometimes its better when its old, Alex pointed out.


    Not the stuff I got my hands on, it tasted like bog water, he grimaced. But, wine will have to wait. First, Ive got to go down and tell the blue caps whats happened. No doubt, theyre still hopping mad at all the churning and smashing that went on. So, Id better let them know it wasnt you mortals fault.


    Wed all appreciate that, Alex said. Wouldnt want them to be upset with us.


    Oh, but before I go Gwyin looked around, his eyes scanning the moonlit snow, making sure no one was near. Then he waved to Alex. Lean down here.


    The tall young man frowned, crouching in the snowdrift. What is it? he asked quietly.


    Beware the fellow that brought me.


    What felloOh you mean the Gu


    Shhhh! Gwyin hissed. Dont say the name. Some faeve got a bad habit ofputting lures in their names. Makin em all sticky-like and letting them know when their names been spoken. Not sure if hes one, but I wouldnt put it past him.


    Alex recalled the predatory auraing from the stocky fae. He nced up at the keep. Okaywont say his name unless I have to.


    Hes got many, Gwyin whispered. And hes a nasty one. Dark rumours about him. And they say he doesnt y too gently with mortals.


    What kind of rumours?


    Best not to speak of it much more, the asrai whispered. I gave my warning and now Id best be off. Ill see you when its time to eat.


    With that, the asrai bobbed his head in a short bow, took a step into the snow and vanished.


    Alex looked at where the little fae had just stood. By the Traveller, Ive got to learn to disappear like that.


    Rising to his full height and sighing, he considered the asrais warning. Enemiespotential dangersthey just keep multiplying. And, Baelinll be taking me into a demonic abyss soon. Ive got enough things to think about. Ill just tell Baelin what Gwyin said and be done with it.


    He exhaled, his breath drifted away like fog.


    The road ahead would be rougher.


    His first semester of second year had ended with darkness, blood and chaos.


    but also with some good.


    He looked at the evolved ygon standing beside the aeld tree, head facing the sapling. The sight brought a smile to Alexs face. His golem and the young tree seemed to like each other: he could feel curiosity emanating from the sapling along with a weing warmth.


    Alex chuckled. You must be thinking that ygon looks different. Well, hes still the samehes just gone through a couple of upgrades. Thats the thing, youll find a lot of things around you change, just like the castle over there. He gestured to the keep and stone walls. Thends changed but in many ways, it stayed the same. Hmmmyou know what, maybe Ill leave you two to chat for a while. Or whatever you do tomunicate.


    He looked at his golem. Ill be back to pick you up in a bit, my friend. Just enjoy your time.


    Putting thoughts of dark times from his mind, Alexander Roth began his trek back to the keep. The road ahead might be a dark one, but he would be ready for it, no matter what dangers it held, be they demons, Ravener-spawn, or fae.


    He had his spells.


    He had his friends.


    And, he even had the Mark.


    With hope, that would be


    <em>Father.</em>


    Alex nearly jumped a foot in the air, letting out a scream that sounded like it should havee from Selina. He looked around for the source of the voice. Was that Gwyin pulling a prank?


    It sounded like it hade from right on top of


    <em>Overherefather.</em>


    Alexander Roth froze dead in his tracks.


    The voice had note from on top of him.


    It hade from inside his head, and behind him.


    Slowly, he turned, his eyes falling on ygon.


    His golem was looking straight at him.


    And in his mind, he could hear the nervous, tentative voice tinged with all of its trepidation.


    All of its longing.


    And he knewwithout a doubtwhose voice it was.


    <em>Hellofather,</em> ygon gently whispered in his mind.

 Chapter 431: Seven Seasons of Change (Beginning of book 6. Properly.)

    Chapter 431: Seven Seasons of Change (Beginning of book 6. Properly.)


    A year and half had passed since the Fool had left Alric e summers morning. Nearly seven seasons since hed fled his homnd to escape the Raveners return.


    And those seven seasons had brought change, as time tends to.


    But, there are many kinds of changes in the universe.


    There are small ones: a man sewing a new pair of trousers, a woman buying a jug of milk from a different farmer, or even a king deciding to have boar pate with breakfast instead of duck.


    Then there were changes that were great to some, but with short reach: a young couple wedding under a summer moon, the birth of a wolf pup in Coille Forest, the blow thrown by a young man that found the face of a former friend.


    And, then there were titanic changes; ones with ripples that reached acrossnd and sea, sweeping up all as they passed: the rise of a tyrant, the wrath of a deity, or the fall of an empire. Some were even greater, reaching across nes and affecting beings who dwelled in different worlds.


    And in seven seasons? Those seven seasons had been <em>full</em> of titanic changes, even if they had not yet fullye to pass. Even if those that made those changes were not quite aware of how great they would be yet.


    Within the research castle in thend of Greymoor in the Kingdom of Thamndyet unnamed by its buildersmany of those sources of great change had gathered.


    There was Chancellor Baelin, head of the University of Generasi, and a symbol of power by any measure. Beside a roaring fire, he shared knowledge with Professor Vernia Juleshead of the universitys alchemy departmentand three of Thamnds Heroes.


    The Saint was absent, but the Champion, warrior of Uldar; and the Chosen, leader of the Heroes; were present with the Sage. Along with them was a mysterious member of the fae, known to most as the Guide.


    Known to some as the Stalker.


    But the Sage paid little attention to chancellors, fae, Heroes or alchemists. Her mind was elsewhere, outside of this room, focused on one who was absent.


    The priests of Thamnd had never found Uldars FoolDrestra the Sage thought she might have.


    And that he was closer than was thought.


    Outside of the keep, in the snow-locked courtyard on a winters night, the Fool of Uldar was called father for the first time.


    And so another change hade to his life.


    Alexander Roths mind reeled under the weight of that word. Somewhere in his visions of his future, hed expected that there might be <em>someone</em> who would call him father one day.


    He loved his girlfriend, Theresa Lu, and nned to marry her if she would have him. As for children, he really hadnt given that much thought. In his hometown of Alric, having children was just something people did.


    They grew up.


    They worked.


    They married.


    And they had children.


    The only folk who didnt take that path were mostly priests and schrs, or the very curmudgeonly like his old boss McHarris. In Generasi, most folk made different choices. Some would dedicate their lives to careers, research, magic, or the arts. Others would simply take up lives of travel and exploration, leaving behind thoughts of building home, hearth and family.


    On some deep level, Alex Roth knew he could choose that sort of life if he wanted, but the young man from Alric hadnt really left those old town traditions and life paths behind.


    Therefore, it wouldnt be at all surprising for there to be at least one small someone in his life someday to call him father.


    But, hed never in his wildest imaginingsexpected that the someday would be now, and that the someone would be a construct.


    Standing before him was his newly evolved golem: ygon.


    He towered roughly teen feet tall and looked even more ferocious than the goddess statues in the Cave of the Traveller that the fire-beams in his hands and head hade from. From his creators hands, the sculpted form of an invincible, four-armed warrior with sharpened teeth had been born. Hed been crafted of grey y with a surface carved to imitate intricate, full te armour adorned with scenes of warriors and monsters among the filigree.


    The three fire-gems sparkled in his palms and forehead, connected to a powerful golem core. In the light of a glowing saplinga magical aeld treethey seemed to shine with their own inner fire.


    Each seemed a window to the new power within.


    For, ygon had changed too.


    In a battle of life and death, power had bathed him from an unknown entity, turning his body from y to fine marble. He was now stronger, tougher, richer with mana andhed also transformed in other ways.


    And to Alex, perhaps this way was the greatest.


    Father.


    Atstafter many monthsygon hadmunicated, and that remarkable word had been his first. Alex had been granted that wondrous title, not by a toddler of his and Theresas blood, or a child adopted by choice, but by a golem crafted by his and his sisters hands.


    Inside, Alex felt a torrent of emotions: love, shock, confusion, delight, awe, fear and more. They raced through him, leaving him paralysed, not knowing quite how to react.


    And he didnt think the Mark could help him.


    But, he knew one thing for sure.


    This moment would decide the strength and direction of his and ygons bond.


    <em>Father?</em> ygons voice asked in his mind. It was deep, like the rumbling of the earth, but childlike in a way: uncertain, yearning, loving and unknowing.


    And fearful.


    Vulnerability emanated through their link, telling Alex that what he said now would either create great change, or do irrevocable damage. Hed heard tales in Shales workshop of evolved golems who were met with rejection and fear by their creators. It would always end in rampages, torches, pitchforks and destruction.


    He thought of the first time hed met Drestra: the Sage had been unheard by everyone around her, and had turned agitated and bitter. He thought of Selina, shed feared rejection from everyone, including her own brother when her fire affinity was discovered.


    He even thought of Brutusbrought home from the woods by Theresa as a pupwith his six eyes shining bright with curiosity.


    What would have happened had Theresa been a cruel master? Alexs gaze fell on ygons fire-gems. How long would it have taken for those bright eyes to grow dull?


    But the young wizard, the golem maker, had no intention of dulling eyes or fire-gems. Hed treated ygon with love, not only to avoid rampages and mayhem, but because he loved the silent giant that he and his sister had built.


    And so he responded in the only way he could.


    ygon! he shouted, his smile growing so wide it hurt his cheeks. You can <em>talk!</em>


    Alex sprinted across the snow, kicking up little clouds of white powder and leaping through the air,nded on his warm torso, wrapping his arms around him.


    <em>Father?</em> The gentle voice echoed through Alexs mind as the young man squeezed his torso tight.


    You talked! The Thameish wizards voice cracked as tears welled up in his eyes and joy surged through his chest. Oh by the Traveller, you can taaaalk!


    The golem stood frozen, watching his creatorhis fatherthrough marble eyes. Feelings rushed through their link; surprise, relief anda bubbling, rising feeling of happiness.


    <em>Isthisright?</em> ygon asked, his lower arms gently wrapping around Alex, hugging the young wizard. His grip was powerful, and for abrief, ustrophobic momenta little stab of fear went through Alex; ygon arms felt like the earth rising up to consume him.


    The golem hesitated.


    Its okay, Alex said gently, looking up at ygons face. Its okay. You can probably feel my feelings through our link, cant you? Just like I can feel yours.


    He spoke slowly and with the most soothing tones in his voice; he couldnt imagine what it must have been like for ygon, suddenlying to full sapience. If it were him, hed feel scared and confused.


    There would be things that needed exining.


    And he would need reassuring.


    Its okay, you can hug me. I know you wont hurt me, he said. Sometimes people get feelings and little emotions that pass quickly. Its natural, but they dont define us. Its our decisions that do. And Im deciding I want you to hug me, if you want to.


    The golem paused, and Alex could feel a torrent of emotions rushing through their link.


    And then.


    Trepidation came through along with nervous, flickering hope.


    The arms slowly wrapped around Alex, hugging him gently. One of the massive stone hands slowly patted the young wizards back. Alex smiled, unleashing all of his giddiness, letting it race through his bond with his golem. Letting him know that his affection was desired, trusted and reciprocated.


    Slowly, the trepidation began to vanish, pushed aside by that growing hope and a child-like, simple feeling of pure joy.


    <em>Father,</em> the voice said, its confidence growing. There was less of a question in it when he said the word now. It sounded more natural, morefortable.


    Morelike ygon was epting it.


    Yeah, buddy, Alex said. I suppose, Im your father of sorts. Wee to the world, my brave golem. Wee to the world.


    As he leaned back, he noticed wizards passing through the courtyard, looking at him as thoughwell, as though hed quite lost his mind. He supposed it must make for a strange sight: a grown man suddenly talking to his golem, hugging him and telling the golem to call him father.


    At best he mightve looked entric.


    At worst he mightve looked like he belonged in a dungeon somewhere.


    But Alex didnt care. Hed just survived one of the greatest battles of his life, the love of his life had unlocked a hidden secret within swords that were precious to her, and his golem had transformed in both mind and body.


    Looking like he needed to be locked up was nothing in the big scheme of things. His own god had branded a big glowing jesters face on his shoulder, though it was hidden by a little illusion hed concocted with his good friend, Thundar. But hidden as it was, <em>he</em> knew it was still there, so a little golem-directed affection didnt bother him too much inparison.


    Everything was rtive in life.


    Which was something ygon would have to learn, depending on how much he already knew.


    Hey, Alex said, examining him closely, looking for any more signs of physical change. Nothing caught his eye. Seriously, wee to the world! He turned in ce, his arms spread to the castle around him. How does it feel? Hows it feel? You can think! You can <em>talk!</em>


    Silence passed between them andfor an absolutely terrible momentAlex feared that ygons mind had receded once more. But feelings and snippets of thought sparked at the other end of the link before exploding into a kaleidoscopic storm of emotions.


    Half-formed words flickered through the bond, each disappearing as quickly as they materialised.


    <em>Dont know</em> ygon finally said. <em>Dont knowthe words.</em>


    The words? Alex asked gently.


    <em>Words forfeelings,</em> the golem said.


    Right the young wizard went to cross his arms, but paused. To many folks, crossing ones arms created a barrier between people and showed feelings of distance, possibly anger. Those were definitely not feelings he wanted to show ygon, so he kept his hands spread slightly by his sides, showing openness, friendliness. In time, hed need to teach his golem about these things and lots more so he could properly navigate the world.


    Theres a lot of words for feelings, he said. Im sure this is a lot for you, so I wont start teaching you them now. Youd like to learn about that kinda stuff, wouldnt you?


    <em>Yes!</em> came ygons enthusiastic cry through his mind.


    Alex pped in excitement. Good! Good! Thats what I like to hear. Ill teach you so many more things toobut I have a couple of questions for you. He pointed to his temple. I hear you using words in my mind. How is it you know those words? If you dont know, thats okay.


    <em>I knowsimple words,</em> the golem said. <em>Thingsyou say. Thingsyou said. SomeI understand.</em>


    Good, good, then well figure out what you understand together! Alex grinned. But for now, we should go tell all our friends the good news! I meanyou can talk! A lot of people have been waiting for this for a long time.


    <em>Waitingfor me?</em> His golem asked.


    Yep, he said. Theresa, Isolde, Thundar, me, Khalik, Selina, Baelin, Professor Jules, Grimlochweve all been waiting. Not to mention Lagor and some of the other people at Shales. Theres more Im surebut anyway, you want to meet the others?


    There was a pause.


    <em>Yes.</em>


    Awesome! Alex cried, turning to the aeld tree. ygonlle backter, okay?


    A wave of curiosity and acknowledgement radiated from the tree.


    Great, well be back. He looked up at his golem. Ready to meet the world?


    .<em>..yes.</em>


    Then lets go!


    Together, the young wizard and the golem pushed through the snow back toward the keep. Far from Alexs mind was the warning that Gwyin had given him, though he would bring that upter. What was important was that he was warned.


    What he <em>wasnt</em> warned about was that Drestra the Sage was preparing for him.


    Change was not done with Alex Roth.


    In some ways, it was only now truly ready to begin.

 Chapter 432: The First Letters

    Chapter 432: The First Letters


    Alex burst into the entryway with a smile so wide that his jaws should have been aching, but even if they were, he wouldn''t have noticed anyway. As the doors burst open and the cold night wind billowed his cloak around him, every eye in the room turned to him.


    Blood mages looked up from tending the wounded. Warriors stirred from half-doze, hands falling on weapons as they geared up for threats. Wizards and dwarven engineers turned from maps and schematics, still jumpy from the assault on the tunnels.


    But there were no enemies and or falling rocks at the door, only Alex Roth striding forward like hed just won every grand prize in the Games of Roal while ygon shut the doors behind them.


    By now, Alex was well known throughout the expedition, and his heroic deeds during the recent battle only strengthened his reputation. Watchers nodded to him with respect, and Thameish soldiers elbowed one another, tilting their heads and whispering as he passed by.


    But most eyeswhich had brightened when the door first openedquickly turned away, expressions bing indifferent: for as much as hed gained a reputation for hard work, bravery and clevernesshed also be known as an entric.


    Golem-dancing, muttering to himself and gloating over seemingly nothing were well-known Alex Rothisms and in his current statewidely grinning and nearly skipping in front of his golemit just seemed as though he were going through one of his regr fits.


    In a way, the young wizard preferred it that way: in this wonderful moment, he had a secret that only heand ygon knewand that put such a spring in his step, that he felt like hed drunk an entire pitcher of flight potion.


    The only thing that would bring him higher would be telling his friendswhich was why he was more than a little perturbed at finding them missing.


    <em>Where iseveryone? </em>ygons voice boomed through Alexs mind. <em>They werehere. Isolde wasred.</em>


    Alex stifled augh. Yes, she was red, wasnt sh He paused. Waitdo you remember that?


    <em>Khalik and Thundar weremaking that loud noise. The one you almost made now.</em>


    Oh, yeahthats right, Alex said. That is the sound I just madehuh. You know whatughter is, lets chat about that after we find out where everyone went.


    He nced about, catching sight of the blood mage Meikara. The young womana former member of Alexs survey teamwas examining Tyris Goldtooth, checking over a patch of bright pink skin on theva mages arm: the remains of a freshly healed wound.


    Come on, maybe they saw them, Alex said, approaching the two women with quiet footsteps, giving a little wave when Tyris looked up.


    You two alright? he asked. I know, I know, it''s a foolish question to ask after a near apocalyptic battle since not too many folk are <em>truly </em>bloody well alright after something like that, but I thought Id ask anyway.


    Meh, appreciate the thought, Tyris said. And Im actually alright. If you asked me that a few hours ago, I probably wouldve punched you in the face if I had the strength. But right now? All those wonderful feelings of being alive are kicking in. Right now, I want an ale, a steak and a kiss or ten from a pretty boy.


    No steak. Broth, Meikara said, painting Tyris skin with a healing salve.


    Broth? Do you think the jarls of the north celebrate being alive with <em>broth?</em>


    I dont care about celebration or jarls, Meikara said firmly. I care if my patient dumps a bunch of poisons in her body while it''s trying to healWhy are youughing, Alex?


    Oh, nothing really. Alex waved the question away, a hand pressed to his face, doing his best to force downughter. Its just that you reminded me of someone.


    He remembered Ffion, Drestras friend from the Crymlyn, peevishly spitting like a cat when broth was brought to her sickbed.


    I wonder how shes doing, he thought. I gotta remember to ask Drestra when I see her: we havent had time to chat yet and Itll be nice doing some catching up with her. Wonder if she has anything exciting to tell me?


    So did youe here just to harass my patient, Alex? Meikara asked, her eyebrow raised.


    No, actually, he said. Did you see where everyone went? Everyone that was on our survey team, I mean.


    She jerked a thumb toward the stairs. Do you remember that little fae fellow we rescued?


    Alexs smile faded a little. I just talked to him, actually.


    Well, he went and spoke to some of your friends then he went outside. After that, they went upstairs. She paused, thinking. I think I heard Grimloch saying something about foodyou know how loud he isso I think youll probably find them in the dining hall.


    Huh Alex said. Okay, Ill go look for them. Oh, right, while I was outside did anyone say when Baelin or Professor Jules would be back down?


    No, Tyris said. Havent heard a word from them since they left with the Heroes.


    Right Alex said. Well, thanks, Ill catch up with you after things calm down a bit.


    Go with strength. Tyris reached up and sped his hand.


    Say hello to Vesuvius<strong></strong>for me when you get back home. Alex turned, walking toward the stairs.


    She gave him a casual wave as he left.


    Alex fell into deep thought as he and ygon climbed the stairs; for the first time since the golem spoke, he began turning over the asrais warning in his mind.


    Thisfae, Alex thought of the blue-skinned man strolling along beside the Heroesstrolling with a friendly voice, and a predators stride. There was a wrongness to the creature that made the young wizards teeth grind. I bet thats what Gwyin talked about with Theresa and the others.


    He thought of thest thing the fae had said:


    <em>Dont say the name. Some faeve got a bad habit ofputting lures in their names. Makin em all sticky-like and letting them know when their names been spoken. Not sure if hes one, but I wouldnt put it past him.</em>


    Names he thought. Professor Mangal talked about the power that lies in names: that if we acknowledge a name someone uses for us, then that gives that name power. What if it could go the other way? What if there were ways to make a name have power over someone saying it? What if


    <em>Vesuviusthat name</em> ygons voice boomed in his mind, startling him so badly that a couple of passing blood mages recoiled, then scurried away, whispering to each other. <em>Is that the name of the big turtle I fought.</em>


    All thoughts of blue frightening fae left Alexs mind, and he turned to ygon. Waityou remember that?


    <em>Yes,</em> the golem said. <em>Hestrong. Hit hard. You told mehow to beat him.</em>


    Alex peered into his golems marble face Hmmmm, whats the first thing you remember? he asked mentally.


    ygon stood silently for a moment, and his thoughts flickered at the other end of his bond. <em>Not surethinkingrememberrain.</em>


    Rain?


    <em>Outsiderain on body. Feltcool. Feltgood.</em>


    Rain, eh? Alex thought. That could have been any timedo you remember all the dancing we did? The books Selina read you?


    <em>Always,</em> ygon said firmly in his mind. <em>Will always remember.</em>


    Another wave of giddiness went through Alexs chest. His golem enrichment exercises hadnt been a waste at all.


    Eat your heart out, Toraka, Alex grinned. Cant wait to show you how much my baby boy has grown!


    He paused briefly at the thought; he was most attracted to his girlfriend when she was in the middle of monster-murder, and his baby boy was a doom fortress on two legs.


    You know, maybe the question Ive gotta ask myself is not, <em>do I have issues,</em> maybe its; <em>how many issues do I have?</em> Alex thought grimly, resuming his trek to the main hall. He nced back at ygon, wondering if the golem might be able to eavesdrop on his thoughts. Hey, you didnt hear that just now, did you?


    <em>Hear what, father?</em>


    Nothing. Nothing worth repeating.


    ##


    There you all are! Alex cried as he stepped into the dining hall.


    On the other end of the massive hall, Grimloch,Theresa and the others were huddled at the end of one of the dining halls tables, each nearly the length of the Lu familys taproom. It was built to support feeding the entire expedition team at once, along with any guests from the Thameish army and reinforcements from Generasi who might be about at mealtime.


    Some had thought it a waste of space, but there were potential sieges to consider. And today had left no doubt that such things were a <em>very</em> real possibility.


    Were you looking for us? Prince Khalik asked, running a hand through his beard then waving Alex over. We were hoping you would be back soon. There is something we must discuss.


    Yeah, Ive got a feeling I know what it is too, Alex said as he and ygon weaved between tables. But Ive got something to tell you first. He grinned. And I think youre all going to love it.


    Is that why you look like the cat that has gotten the cream? Or the Khalik and Thundar that have tormented their cabal-mate? Isolde scooted over from beside Theresa, making room for him to sit down. Hogarth and Svenia shuffled down to make room for her.


    From across the table, the minotaur and prince shared knowing smiles.


    Yeah, but my reasons are a lot more wholesome, Alex smiled up at ygon.


    Alright, buddy, he thought. I dont want to steal your thunder soyou seem to know how words workdo you remember how to write any words from the books Selina read to you?


    Another flicker of memories from the other end of the bond. <em>Yes. Butnot so well. Neverdid it before.</em>


    Great! Alex said out loud.


    His friends stared at him.


    Well, he has atst lost his mind, Prince Khalik said sadly.


    Truly, a sad state of things. Thundar shook his head, looking at Theresa mournfully. Its official, your lovers a madman. Hows that feel?


    The huntress sniffed theatrically. I always knew this day woulde. When his madness finally overcame him. But, madness or not, well still give him a warriors death.


    It is the only way, Isolde nodded sagely.


    Ill eat the body, Grimloch grunted.


    You are all the worst people Ive ever met, and the only mad thing about me is that Im continuing to associate with you bastards, Alex grunted, digging into his satchel and taking out a roll of scrap paper and thergest, thickest pen he had.


    <em>Father? Whyall of you attack each other with words? </em>ygon asked.


    Alex winced. Um he thought. Its humour, we dont really mean it.


    <em>What ishumour?</em>


    Um Alex put the sheet on the table. I can exin that more another timebut basically, its the thing that makes usugh. But, more important things first He handed the pen to ygon. Im the only one who can hear you through our bond. Soif you want to introduce yourself to everyone, youll need to use this.


    The golem gently took the pen from his father, and bent over the table. As the pen point touched the sheet, Alexs friends all began looking at each other; a realisation dawning and spreading among them.


    Theresa looked at the golems face sharply. Nono way.


    Her eyesalong with everyone elses at the tablefell on the pen moving along the paper. Their eyes grew wider as ygon began to slowly form letters hed been shown before.


    <em>Hello. Cant. Speak.</em>


    <em>I am </em>He paused, his head turning toward Alex. <em>Fatherwhat letters are in my name?</em>


    Alex felt a lump well up in his throat. CLAYGON, he said. Thats how you spell it.


    Their friends watchedjaws hanging openas he printed each letter.


    Brutus suddenly sprang from beneath the table, bounding over to ygon and barking excitedly.


    Najyahwhod been perched on a chandelier suspended from the rafterslet out a sharp cry, swooping down, flying circles about the golems head as he finished his first message:


    <em>I am C L A Y G O N. Warm. I feel warm to meet you.</em>


    Theresa screamed, hopping from the bench and hugging ygon as Alex had. Khalik and Thundar whooped, cheering and leaping up from the table to rush to the golems side. Tears were running from the minotaurs eyes. Grimloch actually smiled, while both Hogarth and Svenia wiped tears from their eyes.


    Marvellous. Isoldes blue eyes shone. Tremendous. What glorious day: I must teach you proper decorum before the others corrupt you.


    It was a perfect moment.


    A moment that Alex would recall for the rest of his life.


    Which is why he didnt notice Drestra rushing across the room toward him.


    By the time he realised she was even in the hall, her hand had fallen on his shoulder.


    Alex. Her eyes were as hard as gold. I must talk with you. Now.

 Chapter 433: Protective Children

    Chapter 433: Protective Children


    Hello to you too. Alex gave Drestra a surprised smile. Can this wait for a while? Were kinda in the middle of something.


    Id really rather it didnt, she said, her voice holding a gravity that wiped the smile from his face.


    Behind him two heavy footsteps moved closer.


    A menacing boom and the grind of stone on metal.


    The Sages gaze shot to something above Alexs shoulder, making the young wizard spin around.


    In a blink, ygon had transformed from calmpanion, to dangerous guardian. Two arms raised his war-spear, upper hands tightening on the haft. His two lower hands balled into fists as a flicker of light ran through the fire-gem above his eyes. Emotion hardened through their link.


    There was no mistaking the warning in his body; a promise of aggression.


    Alex panicked.


    ygon, no, no, no! His mind worked quickly. No, no, shes a friend! Dont attack, shes a friend! You remember, Drestra, dont you?


    <em>Sheis aggressive. Could hurt you, father. </em>The golems words flowed smoother, easier: less halting, but still tense, cautious in his overwhelming desire to protect. There was no anger in them, though. She is preparing to attack.


    Wait, what?


    Drestras hands had risen before her, fingers curved like an eagles talons, eyes zing. From beneath the veil came the whispered chanting of a spellspoken low, slow and steadybut ready toplete in the wink of an eye.


    Drestra, whatre you doing? Thats ygon! He just transformed! Hes sentient now! Alex snapped.


    I know thats ygon. Her voice was flint. So why are you telling him to attack me?


    Tension filled the air. Alexs friends had gone silent. Grimloch was rising from the table.


    Telling him to attack her? The young wizard wondered. What the hell is she talking abouOh, by the Traveller, she doesnt know his minds awakened!


    To an outsiderignorant to ygons new awareness and agencyit would seem like Alex had told him to attack the Sage of Thamnd.


    He raised both hands in front of him in a gesture to ease tension. Cmon Drestra, nobodys attacking anybody. ygon gained sentience no more than twenty minutes ago. He probably had some memories and probably some vague thoughts before butShit, Im getting distracted. Look, the point is, hes <em>just</em> getting used to the world, and you looked real aggressive for a second there.


    <em>Something</em> shed through her eyes, something that passed too quickly for most to read. Something that raised caution.


    But slowly, the tension drained from the Sage andmore importantlyshe stopped chanting.


    Iapologise, she said to ygon, sounding slightly unsure of herself. I didnt know.


    <em>Shelooks less aggressive now, father,</em> the golems voice echoed in his mind.


    I guarantee shes not going to hurt me, Alex thought. I guarantee it. Juuuust lower that war-spear, would you? Were getting some looks.


    Throughout the dining hall, wizards had gathered to either have a quick meal, or discuss the days horrors, or both. Now, all looked ready to bolt as nervous eyes locked onto the Sage and the golem.


    Alex frowned, noticing something about Drestra that he hadnt until now; she was alone, there was no sign of Cedric, Hart, Baelin, or Professor Jules anywhere. He didnt know if they were all still at their meeting, or engaged in some other task, but one thing was obvious, Drestra had purposefully separated from them to seek him out.


    Alone.


    Doubt rose in him, and he wondered if his promise to ygonthat she meant him no harmwas actually as true as hed assumed.


    How can you guarantee she wont hurt you? He asked himself. Can you really be so certain? Look at her, just one nce at her bodynguage and you know shes hiding <em>something.</em> Maybe she found out who you really are and shesing to drag you off to the cathedral in Ussex? Or maybe shes some shapeshifting monster trying to kill you. Stranger things have happened before, even as recently as today.


    He chewed on his lower lip and shook his head.


    Listen to yourself. Youre sounding irrational, dont let unknown monsters make you lose trust in our alliesstill though, why <em>is</em> she here alone? Hm, you know, if she were here to drag you off to Ussex, she wouldnt be alone, shed be with Hart and Cedric. Shes <em>powerful</em>, and shes not stupid. Challenging you by herself when shes surrounded by wizards, and warriors in the middle of our territory would definitely be


    <em>I am loweringmy spear, father,</em> ygons voice boomed through Alexs mind, pulling him from his thoughts.


    Okay, Alex said, ncing at his golem. Thanks. Drestra, everyone, it was all a misunderstanding and eeeeverythings all cleared up now. Nothing to worry about.


    A wave of relief spread to his friends as he caught a slight movement from Theresa; the huntress was subtly moving her hands from the hilts of her swords.


    This couldve gotten bad. Very bad, he thought.


    Well now, look how easily misunderstandings can happen, Prince Khalik gave a jovialugh, striding to stand between Alex and the Sage. His voice was rich and calming; the voice of a young man trained from birth in statecraft, using all of his skill to unravel a dangerous knot. It is good that ygon is so protective, and I am sure he will learn well who his friends are. And you are one of his friends, are you not, Drestra?


    Khalik watched her eyes closely, as did Alex.


    But this time, nothing betrayed her true feelings. Nothing he could see, at least; for the first time, he wished he could look beneath that veil.


    Yes, were friends, she said. Ill never forget what ygon did for me and my people, or all the hurt he suffered. She looked at Theresa slowly, her eyes flicking down to her swords. Ill never forget what you did, either.


    The huntress flushed, quickly looking away.


    Nor you, Drestra said, her eyes catching Alexs gaze. How could I ever forget what you did for me, Ffion, or mother. No matter what happens.


    She went quiet then, letting <em>something</em> hang in the air between them; a statement of trust, a deration of loyaltyand a plea for trust in return. Slowly, some of Alexs earlier suspicions subsided.


    He wouldnt say that there were bonds of deep friendship between him and Drestra like there were between him and his cabal-mates, but hed built a level of trust with her. A trust that had grown from their first meeting in the encampment on the night hed listened to her worries and given her some much-wanted advice.


    Alex took a deep breath; he wasnt sure what this was all about, but hed put trust in her just as she had in him.


    I wont forget what youve done for me, either, he said with certainty, before turning to ygon. Remember how she and Hart saved us in Crymlyn? Shes a friend. Things are okay.


    So was Amir, a small part of his mind whispered; he noted the thought, setting it aside for now.


    <em>Shes a friendIunderstand. </em>ygon thought, and acknowledged his father with a deep nod.


    Alex looked at Drestra closely. So, you said something was urgent, right? Fine, lets deal with it. Where do you want to talk? Is here good?


    No, she said. Itssomething sensitive.


    The Sage threw a nce at Alexspanions.


    Alright, then how about you, me and ygon go somewhere and talk about it, then? He watched her reaction closely.


    If she showed reluctance at the suggestion that his golem be with them, that would end every bit of trust hed put in the Sage. Thered be no more Amirs for him, not if he could help it.


    But she didnt hesitate.


    Not a flinch.


    Her cheeks moved as a smile grew beneath her veil, one so wide, the corners of her eyes crinkled. Thats more than fine, shall we get going?


    Alex paused, considering the situation for a moment.


    Maybe its better I find out what this is all about now rather than letting it fester and catch me off-guardter.


    Arent Cedric and Hart going to miss you? Alex asked, watching her carefully.


    Theyre still talking over some matters with Baelin and Professor Jules, she said. I stepped out for a bit. Thisthis couldnt wait.


    Well, then, lets get to it. He turned to his friends. Sorry to cut ygonsawakening day short? Birthday? Maybe well just call it his introduction day. Anyway, well be back.


    Well be waiting, Theresa said, looking at Drestra closely. A cautious trusty in her eyes. Take care of him.


    Indeed, Khalik said, his wide smile barely concealing a warning. Do bring him back to us in one piece.


    I will, Drestra said, not bothering to ease their concerns.


    Alex wondered just what she had in store for him.


    Is this far enough? He gave a nervousugh. If I didnt know better, Id say you were luring me out to the woods to kill me.


    Drestra didntugh.


    She flew through the night ahead of Alex and his golem, her cloak billowing in the winter air. Below themy the moors, covered in a blizzards worth of snowlow hills had disappeared beneathyers of white. Behind them, the research castle rose, close enough to take up much of the horizon, but far enough to be well out of earshot when quiet words were needed.


    And up ahead?


    Alex was wondering what could be waiting for him when Drestra finally did decide to start talking; that is, <em>if</em> she began talking: she just might start sting without a single word instead.


    But, she was holding all the cards since only she knew what direction this mysterious conversation would take. He rested one hand on his satchel where at least one booby-trapped sleeping potiony, just in case. Just in case.


    This is far enough, she said, abruptly descending toward the ground, we can talk here.


    Alright, well at least its not out in the woods, Alex said, swooping down after her.


    <em>Fatherif she wants to kill youfollowing her herenot good, </em>ygon said.


    Its just humour, big guy, just like we talked about. Just humour, he thought.


    <em>HumourI should learn</em>


    He stifled augh as theynded: the image of a golem telling jokes nearly made him burst outughing despite the tension of the moment. But that image <em>did</em> bring up a more serious matter.


    Im going to have to try and build you a device thatll let you talk, ygon. Maybe Toraka might know of a way to do it. Anyway, well have to talk about thatter.


    He pushed the thought from his mind, crossing his arms before him as he watched the Sage. Drestra shifted back and forth in the snow, anxiety ying through her body.


    Tension.


    Resolve.


    Again, he gripped the satchel.


    Sowhats this about? He asked. And while were at it, where are Cedric and Hart.


    Now she flinched, turning her head slightly, looking at him sidelong.


    For a momenther resolve seemed to shake; her posture shifted as what seemed to be different urges went to war within her. Alex said nothing, letting it y out, subtly preparing to defend himself.


    If youre some shapeshifting monster, he thought. Lets get this over with.


    She sighed, looking up for a long moment at the moon and stars dotting an inky night sky.


    Then she turned to face him.


    Ive been trying to decide how Id broach this formore nights than I want to say, she said. I was even asking myself for a while if Cedric and Hart should know firstbut youve been good and honest with me. So, I decided toe to you first.


    Alexs heart beat faster. Come to me for what?


    Suspicions grew in his mind.


    We went to the Cave of the Traveller, she said quickly, pushing the words out as thoughif she didnt get them out fast enoughthey wouldnte out at all. To investigateanything having to do with Uldar, like we said we would. And, certain things happened. One of them was that I met these two guards from Alric who asked about you.Their names were Peter and Paul.


    Every nerve in Alexs body frayed at once; it felt like someone had dumped a vat of ice water on him.


    I spent time with them in the Cave and we got to talking about Theresa and you, she said, taking a step closer.


    It took all of his will not to take a step back.


    And while we were talking about youI learned something.


    And what was that? He asked, his mind trying to quickly put together what it might be.


    Well. She looked him in the eye. That every time my mother and father may he rest peacefully with the spiritscelebrated my birthdayyou were celebrating yours, in Alric.


    He kept his face neutral even as internally, he screamed.


    Thats right, he said. There was no point in lying.


    They also said you left on the day of the Raveners return, she continued. You, your sister, Theresa and Brutus even left ahead of Theresas family. Did you go to the Cave? actually, wait. Let me ask the real question.


    Her reptilian eyes met his.


    Her crackling voice took a deep breath.


    Are you the Fool?

 Chapter 434: Tada

    Chapter 434: Tada


    Alex Roth exploded.


    Or at least, his mind did.


    Thoughts and emotions shed within, leaving him paralysed, yet filled with an overwhelming desire to burrow into the earth and disappear. Through all of the panic sweeping him up, one thought kept recurring, screaming through every cell in his being:


    She knows. She knows, she knows, she knows, she knows! his mind shrieked. She knows! She knows! Shecalm down! He snapped at himself. Pull yourself together you bloody fool. By the Traveller, you <em>do</em> deserve that title. She doesnt know for sure. She <em>asked</em> if you were the Fool, she didnt say: <em>''I know youre the Fool so confess all your sins to me or Ill kill you in the woods.</em>


    His mind whirled faster; the world around him slowed to a crawl.


    Vaguely, he became aware that every moment of silence that dragged on without a denial,pounded, looking more and more damning. But he was trying to think fast, and a few extra seconds processing and not blurting out some idiocy was worth it.


    You can lie your way out of this, he thought. She doesnt have any solid proof and she wont get any unless she drags a priest over to Greymoor, and Baelin will never let that happen. You could lie. You could tell her its all a coincidence. You could say you were <em>afraid</em> of bing the Fool, but it didnt happen.


    His mind worked through scenarios.


    You didnt n for folk to find out this early. You wanted to be more powerful. Less expendable, more important: too strong for anyone to simply drag out of Generasi and throw into <em>either</em> type of dungeon. But someone did find outbut, you can always lie.<strong></strong>If she knows you went through the Cave of the Traveller? Simple enough. You could say you were worried for your sister and you wanted to make it to the Universitys registration on time. You left Alric ahead of everyone else to make it to the boats before they got overwhelmed by everyone else on the bloody ind.


    His mind worked through the story. You were attacked by the Silence-spider, were saved by Cedric, and didnt want to take a chance in the countryside because it was full of monsters. So, you tried your luck in the Cave. It all worked out, and there we are. No Fool. No Mark. You show her your body, she doesnt know about the illusion. It would be a bit embarrassing stripping down to your smallclothes right here in front of her, but thatll put the question to bed. Youll both be embarrassed and then go back inside where its warm and safe. AndBy the Traveller, how many seconds have passed?


    Only one or two, he realised.


    His mind was racing as though hed finished off a dozen potions of haste and theydpounded, propelling his thoughts to the speed of lightning. Fear was a hell of a motivator at times. And an elerant.


    Right, thatll be that. We go home and forget about this. Down the roadwhen Im ready, I can reveal all and apologise for lying. Im sure shell understand He paused. Butis that really what I want? Is that <em>really </em>what I want?


    There would be no going back on whatever he did here and now.


    If he lied, hed have security for now, but lose trust in the future. Perhaps forever. And he might deserve that too; Drestra could have easily given him up, gone to the priests, or used him in front of everyone.


    But she didnt.


    Instead, shede to him and brought him here, somewhere privatenot in consideration for herself, he realised, but in consideration for <em>him.</em> What would happen if he repaid that consideration with lies? What would happen if he met her deration of trust with deceit.


    in a time when they both knew that the church and perhaps Uldar himself was lying to the people of Thamnd?


    He was at a crossroads and he had a choice to make.


    Telling the truth meant taking a big risk, a risk that could cost him his freedom.


    If she took his admission that he was the Fool and flew off to tell every priest from here to Wrexiff, a lot of things would getplicated. Veryplicated. He was one of the only two members of the expedition that could control living dungeon cores, hed gained a reputation in the city itself, and hed shown his power and worth as abatant.


    But he wasnt irreceable. Not yet. If his secret was revealed to the wrong people and they demanded the Generasians hand him over, then, as even Baelin had said, thered be limits as to what he could do to help. There was every chance the city would hand him over to keep their ess to dungeon core essence, since it was too valuable for them to just walk away from.


    So if they surrendered him to the Thameish authoritieshis life in Generasi, the future that he wanted, would be finished.


    His inherent caution was screaming to avoid even the slightest whisper of that risk.


    But then what would have been the point ofying down seeds of trust between him and Drestra? And in the end, it all came back to her.


    He could ask himself a million questions. Come up with a million ns.


    But only one question mattered: did he trust Drestra of Crymlyn Swamp, the Sage of Uldar?


    And he knew the answer.


    Seconds passed in silence.


    Maybe two.


    Maybe three.


    To Drestra, each was an eternity. What would he say? Would he deny it? Would he say yes? Her eyes flicked to his golem; was ygon <em>truly</em> acting on his own will, or had that been a lie?


    Either way, she was prepared to defend herself, if need be.


    Are you the Fool? she wondered. Just answer, and end this agony already


    He moved.


    His hands were rising.


    Was this an attack?


    Would he try his potions on her, or some other trick?


    Her eyes moved back to ygon.


    Would the attacke from there?


    Should she strike first?


    His hands continued to rise until they hovered just below his chest; the pose was something between a shrug and an apologetic gesture. Then he waved his hands a little, like he were a street performer whod just finished a backflip.


    Tadaaaaaa! He said, his expression turned sheepish.


    Then he fell silent.


    And she was silent.


    And the world was silent.


    Cold wind blew a haze of snow between them.


    Excuse me<em>what?</em> Drestra demanded.


    I uhI mean, uh Alex cleared his throat. I mean, yeah. I am the Fool.


    The Sage stared at him for a long time after that, her mind trying to make sense of it all. And it did fit, if she really thought about it.


    His strange fighting style: he never attacked anything directly, he only hindered enemies or destroyed them through indirect means. He didnt poison Ravener-spawn, he put them to sleep. He wouldnt throw a fireball into a group of cultists, but he would order ygon to burn them to ash.


    And then there was their first conversationhow he seemed to knowand know, oh so wellher position of being forced into service by Uldar.


    <em>Some of the priestssome of the nobles and knights</em> shed snorted near the campfire. <em>They called it the Cycle of victory and horror. The pride of the Kingdom of Thamnd, as if theres something to be proud of in any of that.</em>


    <em>Yeah, they used to teach us some of the same things at the church school when I was young,</em> Alex had said, his voice calm and understanding. Like her mothers voice whenever shed gone to confide in her. <em>I think Ive heard that expression before. Most people want the Ravener defeated forever, though, right?</em>


    <em>Do they truly? I wonder about that,</em> Drestra had said, and she remembered the bitterness of those words as though shed just said them. <em>There are things we could be doing. Hard decisions we could make, or even different paths to look at, but everyone just wants to do the same thing that Thamnds always done: throw us at monsters like were nothing more than clubs to bludgeon them with. Like were no more than blunt weapons for them to use. What about us? We have this duty but</em>


    Shed paused, gathering her thoughts, and then Alex had spoken, his voice going as hard as stone: <em>But Uldar never asked,</em> hed supplied.


    The way hed said it, it wasnt like someone who was merely offering a sympathetic ear. It was like hed <em>known</em> exactly how she felt. And with his admission, she realised it was because he was in the same position she was. One that was even worse, actually.


    This whole time she murmured. You were one of us. Hart thought you were probably dead, Cedric talked about protecting you, and Merzhin wanted you to be dragged back to your duty. No one could find you and you were right here the whole time.


    She gasped. The priests are banned from Greymoor!


    Alexs expression grew more sheepish. Now, to be fair, that was only <em>partly</em> for my sake. Chancellor Baelinif you havent realised itis no fan of gods or priests. Which is a bit serendipitous for me, when you think about it: he banned priests from setting foot on campus. Without that little rule, I probably wouldve been back by your side nearly a year ago. And very most likely dead.


    He gave a nervous chuckle. But, yes. The point is that I left Thamnd, and when I came back, I didnt exactly run to your side. I would apologise for that, but weve been honest with each other so far, so, Ill keep that up: Im not sorry I left.


    Alex rose to his full height in front of her. Im not going to lie, if Id been brought to your side back when I was first marked, I would probably have been dead in under five minutes, unless you all protected me, of course. He gave her a knowing look. But you were already bitter about this whole thing: Im guessing that babysitting a useless nobatant in a warzone wouldve done nothing to make this easier on you or the others.


    He raised a hand, pointing south. So, I left, built power, learned what I could and came back to try and help put this whole cycle to bed forever. Its the best y I could make with the cards I got dealt. But, maybe you wont see it that way.


    The Fool spread his hands, like a criminal surrendering to the city guard. But Id get it if you didnt see it that way. If I were in your shoes, Id be a little angry.


    He was right.


    She <em>was</em> angry.


    All those months of crawling around through the wilderness, constantly fearing an attack by monsters. All those nights fearing the dark, listening to Harts snoring, Merzhins preaching, Cedrics waffling attempts at leadership and those priests Hero worship had been maddening.


    All the worry that <em>her</em> secrets mighte to lightand how others might reactall the loneliness..


    Meanwhile, Alex was down south in a ce that sounded like absolute paradise. While <em>she</em> was fighting a war she wanted no part of, he was learning magic, eating fine food, enjoying goodpany and taking care of his family.


    Sharp teeth ground in her mouth.


    She <em>was</em> mad.


    She was madder than every devil and demon in all the nes.


    Butshe knew where that anger wasing from.


    It wasnt from me: after all, were she in his shoes, she would have done the same thing. It wasnt disgust or judgement: if she thought him a coward that had run from his holy calling, she would have been no better than the people shed railed against by that campfire months ago.


    No, it was envy.


    She would have killed to be where he was: away from battle, dealing with her own desires, building power, hoarding magic and wealth, and getting ready to take care of her family.


    But <em>he</em> was not the one that kept her here.


    He was not the one who would put her family andnds at risk were she just to fly across the oceans and vanish.


    She could envy him, sure, but she couldnt me him.


    But one thing was sure.


    No more cloak and dagger in the dark.


    Soyou know, whatll you do now? Alex asked.


    Im going to listen, Drestra said. Im not taking you to any priests. I want you to talk. Tell me everything. Tell me about how you were marked, your journey away, what youve learned and your journey back. And I have some things to tell you too. We need to talk. <em>Really</em> talk.


    Right, Alex let out a sigh of relief. And what about Cedric and Hart?


    We can talk about that too, she said. But first, let me in. Tell me everything.


    Okay. I can do that.


    And he started talking.

 Chapter 435: Comparing Notes

    Chapter 435: Comparing Notes


    It took him longer to tell Drestra than it had to tell Baelin.


    Though, he supposed the tale had grown longer since that day in the chancellors office. Perhaps hed be well served to write it down and have it ready in some sort of pamphlet to hand out to the next person who asked.


    In the end, though, he shared most of his story with her: escaping Thamnd with his little sister, Theresa, and Brutus without being caught by priests. Being attacked by the hive-queen, briefly controlling a dungeon core then destroying it and taking the essence with them to Generasi.


    Drestra had listened in silence as hed told her of his time in Generasi, his and Baelins experiments with the dungeon core essence, ygons creationand what hed used to make his core, and why the substance probably led to the birth of the golems mindthe attack of the wed monsters in Generasi and finally


    another of the damned things jumped me at a windmill just outside of Greymoor, he said grimly, remembering that night all too well. The image of the flour mill burning like an inferno would stay with him forever. Believe it or not, theyd joined up with a couple of blue annis hagswhich was a bloody unholy alliance made in the hells. They even used birds to spy on the encampment. So, since they knew what we were up to because of the birds, they conjured up this horde of monsters andid a trap for me using the aeld tree. And they sprang the trap one night at the windmill, and in the fight, a hags lightning spell hit the wed thing instead of me and it dropped from the top of the mill like a boulderwhich meant its talking days were done. So, I never got a chance to question it. Later on, after all that other stuff, we found out about others controlling dungeon cores andthats the tale in a nutshell, really.


    And that was only a slight lie.


    In the end, Alex had decided <em>not</em> to tell Drestra about his experiments with the dungeon core essence behind Professor Jules back; he still felt guilty about deceiving her, and the less people that knew, the better.


    Even what hed told her gave him a bit of difort: though with his final words, a burden had left him to be sure, but with it came a feeling of being caught, like hed just gotten out of the bath while reaching for a towel.


    Hed shared secrets carried by only a few for almost two years; and now to reveal them to someone else, made him feel more than a little exposed.


    Which wasnt helped by the fact that he could <em>not</em> get a read on what she might be thinking. In the entire telling, shed gone as still as a reptile, watching him with a snakes cold gaze. There was no judgement, no warmth, no understanding; he might as well have been talking to a statue.


    Now and then, her eyes flicked away as she processed his words, but there was no big shift in her demeanour to hint at any conclusions. Well, none that he could see. For a moment, he wouldve given a lot to peek under that veil.


    Thatsa lot, her voice crackled. So you knew more about the dungeon cores than you said.


    Yeah, Alex said, shrugging an apology. To be honest, I wouldve liked it if I couldvee clean about everything a hell of a lot sooner. As much as I love Generasi, Im wondering how much more Iand everyone Im close tocould have learned about the Ravener and Uldar if I didnt have to focus on hiding from priests. And all the hiding made it a little hard to be near Carey, let me tell you.


    I see, she said. It would bedifficult to get much done in your situation. Hiding by its very nature restricts you, for good or for bad. She blew out a breath, and the air grew warm for a moment. Its hard to believe that all this time we were fighting up here, the Foolyouwere out there trying to solve things in another way.


    I did what I could, Alex said.


    Iguess that makes up a little for being in paradise while we were in hell, her voice took on a fiery note. But now that I know, what you know She swore beneath her breath. When you started talking, I was hoping youd be able to give me some answers. Now, I just have more questions.


    Yeah, youre preaching to the choir with thatint, he said. Questions about the Ravener, questions about the Traveller, questions about usquestions, questions, questionsbut, if its any constion: in research, if you keep generating the <em>right</em> questions, then youll get closer to an answer.


    I hope youre right, because I am getting tired of all the questions, her voice crackled. Butwhat you have told me <em>does</em> help exin some things.


    Oh? Alex cocked his head. What sort of things?


    When we left the Cave of the Traveller, we were attacked by bone-chargers and chitterers, she said. But the attack was strange: they seemed to be focused on <em>me</em> in a way I havent seen before. Usually theyAh! Her eyes went wide with realisation. This exins so much about what Cedric was saying.


    Wait, wait, wait, back up nowwhat <em>was</em> Cedric saying? I want you to tell me about this attack, but this seems pretty important.


    It might be. She nced over his shoulder at the castle, as though making sure no one wasing out after them; they <em>had</em> been out here for quite a while now. ygons head hadpletely turned around, watching the castle as he and Drestra were talking.


    And listening, Alex realised.


    It doesnt look like weve been missed yet, she said. But to be truthful, Cedric <em>was</em> suspicious of you after we first met. Something about the chitterer dungeon focusing on killing you. I didnt think much of it at the time, but now that I know you were attacked by these wed monsters in Generasi, and that you had controlled a dungeon core before that


    Cedrics sharp, Alex said, his belly flip-flopping. But yeah, about these attacks on you. This focus. Did you notice any monsters giving you more attention after you controlled the dungeon core? Any at all?


    Honestly, a little, she said. But theres been so much else going on with Aenflynn that I havent had time to really think about it.


    Aenflynn? Whos that?


    Someone we got on our side thanks to one of <em>your</em> suggestions, she said. Now its my turn to tell <em>you</em> something.


    Oh holy hells, Alex swore. You managed to trick a fae lord onto our side?


    Trick is not the right word; its morehaggled, she said, then paused. And Im not sure on our side is right either. I think hes only helping us because it amuses him.


    Yeah, that tracks for things old and powerful, he said, remembering Zonon-Ins absolute glee when she was bullying those weaker than herself. Youll have to watch him.


    Yes, and his servant too, The Gu


    Shhhh! Alex hissed. Careful there, Gwyin warned me about him: he said his name might be sticky. That means


    Oh, I know what that means, Drestra said. The witches of Crymlyn have had dealings with fae and spirits that have magic embedded in their names before. He said he used manyI will watch for that and warn the others that we need to be careful of how we speak of him behind closed doors.


    Yeah, Alex said. Still, its good that youve got ess to the fae roads.


    You might too, Drestra said. You are our allies, Baelin was talking toour friend, about how you might be able to use them too. Having use of them would be a benefit when you cant teleport somece.


    Yeah


    And speaking of that, thiswed monster you talked about inwhat empire was it? she asked.


    The Irtyshenan Empire is to the northeast, across the sea and far beyond the Rhinean Empire, he said. Theyre pretty insr folk at the best of times, and they''re taking even worse than they normally do to outsiders these days.


    I wonder she frowned. You said that a wed monster was exploring thatnd; that doorway in the Travellers cave led to somewhere cold. I have to wonder if it could have been there?


    Alex raised an eyebrow. Now thats big news. Anywhere more specific? Ive looked at maps: the ce is huge. As in, can fit almost a hundred Thamnds in it huge. Searching all of it without a lead could take years. Maybe decades. Maybe centuries.


    She shook her head. All I saw was the inside of a building. Just stone walls and writing.


    Rightand this writing, what did it look like?


    Drestra frowned. I cant remember the letters exactly, butthey looked like this.


    She bent down, drawing a line of symbols in the snow.


    Alexs breath caught.


    Thatsthats <em>exactly</em> the same writing thats in the Travellers book! He hissed, excitement racing through him. Finally, a lead. Hell, Ive seen those exact symbols in it, some even in that order!


    Really? Drestra looked up, reptilian pupils dting. I want to see this book.


    Yeah, I dont mind if someone else takes a look at it, he said. And I dont think shed mind either.


    Im not so sure about that. The Sage frowned. Whatever that portal was, it was not going to stay open for a Hero.


    Right, well theres no magic in the book, so it shouldnt be a problem for you to go through it, he ran a hand through his short beard. But ya, its something to think about. Well need to talk to Baelin about this.


    Good She nced down at the symbols. AndId like to talk to Cedric and Hart about it too.


    Alex looked at her in surprise; the way shed once spoken of Cedric and Hart had changed dramatically since hed first met her. All the tension shed shown when shed firste to the encampment all those months ago seemed to be gone.


    Yeah, Alex said. I can see why. Itd be better if we were all on the same pageDrestra, how do you think theyd react if they knew about me?


    She paused. You mean that youre the Fool?


    Yeah, he said. Look. Look how much weve learned by letting go of so many secrets between us. And if Cedric and Hart knew, thered be a lot more we could aplish. AndId like to believe that they wouldnt drag me in front of the priests.


    I dont think they will, Drestra said. They like you andafter what we found out about the dungeon cores back in my home, theyre not eager to deal with any priests either.


    RightAnd speaking of priestswhat about Merzhin. Whats he like?


    Fanatical, nosey the Sage grunted. Good-hearted, in his way, I think. He wants nothing more than to defeat Uldars enemies and help Thamnds people, butin his mindthe way to do that is <em>only</em> through Uldar.


    Sounds like a perfect saint, Alex mused, remembering the strange goddess pendant that hung from the Travellers neck. Or at least, he thought of them as goddesses; for all he knew, they could have been nothing more than cool statues she was fond of. But, if they were goddesses, though, then a perfect saint she was not. So Im guessing hed drag me off in an instant.


    Before you could say a word, if he had his way. Her voice crackled a warning. But it is too bad. He is <em>very</em> powerful; if he were in our fold, hed be a great ally. If Uldar is working against his own people, but Merzhin cant see thatthen hell be a powerful enemy.


    Right. Alex noted that. Ill keep that in mind. well, you know what? If I dont tell at least Hart and Cedric now, then thatll put my secret on you. And if it were to evere out, thered be hell to pay.


    From what Alex knew of the Chosen, hed likely be none too pleased with the secrecy, but it was better that things be brought out into the open and dealt with now that Drestra knew. It would be an even bigger problemlike imprisonment in a dungeon for life level problemif the fact that he was the Fool came out in some way that could be misinterpreted.


    Cedric might get angry, but, given the situation with Uldar, Alex had the feeling he could talk to him.


    Maybe make things easier and smoother.


    As for Hart? It was hard to tell. The Champion was a hard man to read.


    If you want, I could help you tell them, Drestra offered. We could do it together.


    Alex took a deep breath.


    This was alling very fast.


    Alright, then, he said. Unless theres something else you want to tell me while were here, then lets go find them. Better we do it before I lose my nerve. Already, my minds thinking of all the ways this can go wrong. ButI trust Cedric. Best to see if hell trust me after this.

 Chapter 436: Reading People

    Chapter 436: Reading People


    As days went in Alex Roths life, there were few as important as the day he received the Mark of the Fool. That day had altered his lifepath forever, and the only other that couldpete was the night his parents alehouse burned.


    But this day?


    This was close; the dungeon core attack earlier, ygons awakening, admitting that he was the fugitive Hero to Drestraand now, steeling himself to tell Hart and Cedric that he was the missing Fool.


    It wasnt exactly the day hed been expecting when he got out of bed in the morning, and it wasnt even over yet.


    <em>Fatherwill you be safe? </em>ygon asked in his mind. <em>Drestra was nice after allwill Cedric and Hart be nice too?</em>


    I hope so, buddy. Alex answered as theynded in the castle courtyard. And Id like to think so. One thing youll learn is that when you fight by someones side, you kinda build trust. Well, most of the time: there were these guys named Derek and Minervusfrom before your timeand fighting by <em>their</em> side kinda wrecked any trust I <em>mightve</em> had with them. But Cedric and Hart? Theyre goodwell, theyre alright.


    <em>Father</em> ygon said as he, Alex and Drestra walked toward the keeps gate. <em>If theyhurt youor any of your friends</em>


    Our friends, ygon, Alex opened the door. Theyre your friends too.


    A flicker of emotion reached through their link, and then silence.


    Alex looked up at his golem with a question forming in his mind when


    Maybe I should do the talking, first? Drestra quickly looked over her shoulder; shed taken the lead without them noticing. I know you should be doing most of the talking since you''re the one who has to say what needs to be said, but maybe I could soften them up a little.


    No. Alex shook his head, looking around the entrance hall. It was almost empty now; the wounded, their caretakers, the nners and strategists were gonelikely to different chambersreced by a few guards and the remaining golems.


    There was no sign of the Heroes anywhere.


    Hart and Cedric are brave men. Alex climbed the stairs behind Drestra, hearing amotioning from the dining hall. And its my secret to tell, and from my read on them, I dont think theyd react well to you softening them up. Theyd probably take it better if I just came out with what I have to say.


    She frowned. Your read on themWait. I think I hear Cedric.


    Yeah, Alex said, pausing at the top of the stairs, cocking his head. There was a familiar voice booming from down the hall. Thats Cedric, alright.


    So the meeting must have finished. She started for the hall. I wonder what they decided. Anyway, what do you mean by read them?


    Well, I suppose reading them isnt the <em>nicest</em> way to put it, he said. But, you know how you can tell a lot about people by looking at their bodynguage?


    Hm? A bit.


    Most people do it subconsciously, Alex said. You know, like how you can sort of tell that someones angry at you without them even opening their mouth. If you focus on reading people enough, you can learn a lot about a person just through their nonverbal manner. Its not perfect, of course, butif you read someones bodynguage you can kinda get an idea about how they might react to certain things.


    Drestra went silent. OhI dont know what to think about that. It does sound useful, though. What does my bodynguage say about me?


    Uh Alex paused,pletely caught off-guard. Well, its less like you can look at a person and see their entire life story y out before you, but given enough time, you can put together certain details when youpare them alongside what people actually say and do. Funny thing, though


    He peered at her. And I do mean this as apliment, but your bodynguage is sometimes a bit harder to read.


    She paused. Oh?


    Yeah, everyones bodynguage is different, but yours can be <em>very</em> different at times, he said. I remember when I first met you I couldnt make head or tail of it.


    Strange Drestra said quietly, and before Alex could reply, they reached the dining hall.


    Where thered only been a few wizards lingering at the tables earlier, now the room was overflowing with castle staff and Thameish soldiers taking ate supper. For the better part, the atmosphere was boisterous and friendly. Alexs friends were still crowded around their end of a long table, but theyd now been joined by a couple of new additions who seemed right at home scarfing back hunks of meat and weak beer like it was the eve of a long predicted famine.


    Despite their feasting, Cedric and Harts usual cheer was absent.


    They shared grim expressions while discussing something with Khalik, Isolde and the others, until the booming voice of the Chosen revealed the subject of their concern:


    Never seen an invisible Ravener-spawn. Cedric swallowed a piece of roasted fowl. And Is not tryin t be cute wit a clever joke or nothin like that. I mean, weve never fought anythin like that.


    And it was real fast too, you say? Hart rumbled. Every Ravener-spawn wevee across that are on the bigger size are usually on the slower side. either this isnt a Ravener-spawn, or its something new. Something we havent seen before.


    And you have read nothing in your copies of the bestiaries? Prince Khalik leaned in closer, lowering his voice even though the Heroes hadnt. You do not need to answer, if that is confidential, but


    Oh wed tell yous, right quick, Cedric said. Theres gettin to be less an less of a point in secrets as this whole bloody thing goes on. An I tells yous, ifn wed heard a whisper about great, dirty invisible beasties that turn folks tstone, best believe youd be hearin about iOi, whatre lookin at?


    Prince Khalik and the others had spotted Alex and Drestra from across the room, and both the Chosen and Champion turned toward the neers.


    There yous are! Cedric shouted, then frowned, his eyes shifting between Alex and Drestra. So whats all this urgent business about, then? From what I sees, yjust went off to go pal about.


    We need to talk, Drestra said.


    Yeah. Alex looked at the Chosen and Champion. The four of us, together.


    A gathering of Heroes, he thought dryly.


    Is everything alright? Theresa asked pointedly, her eyes flicking to the Sage.


    Yeah, Alex said, giving her a reassuring smile. Just fine. Better than expected, really.


    Should wee along? Isolde asked.


    No, Alex said quickly.


    He didnt think having Isolde with them was the best idea; she and Cedricwell, they liked each other, and if the Chosen didnt react <em>well</em> to his revtion and turned on Isolde, things would get even messier.


    Alex thought well enough of Cedric to believe that wasnt likely, but people could easily turn against each other if they felt theyd been betrayed. If the situation involved a romantic rtionship and the notion that one of them had been manipted by the other


    If Cedric got it into his head that Isolde had manipted him to keep him from looking too hard at Alex, things could end before they even really got started between them.


    It all depended on how he and Hart reacted.


    Cant believe Im bloody doing this, Alex thought, before a chair scraped.


    Can Ie with you? Or is this conversation private again? Theresa asked, already part way out of her seat.


    She gave him a look, a look that said: do you need help?


    Andin that moment, his answer was


    Yes, itd be great if you came with us, he said. You might be able to help.


    Isolde, Khalik and Thundar gave each other confused looks.


    Cedric raised an eyebrow.


    Good, the huntress said firmly. Lets go.


    <em>Good that she isingfather, </em>ygon said. <em>It will be easier to smash those twoif they try to hurt you.</em>


    ygon, Alex thought. You and I are going to need to talk about a few things before I build you something thatll let you speak.


    <em>Goodthat can be after we smash our enemies.</em>


    Alex chose not to respond.


    If I didnt know better, Hart rumbled as they flew above the snow. Id think you were bringing us out to the woods to kill us.


    Aye, this sgot a whole lot o an ominous air about it, now dont it? Cedric looked around the moors.


    Its here, Drestra said, pointing down to the earth before anyone could respond. Wellnd here.


    Cedric and Hart shrugged and followed the Sage, descending to the exact spot where she and Alex had their talk earlier. Theresa caught her partners eye.


    Whats going on? she mouthed.


    He tapped his shoulder meaningfully.


    The colour drained from her face. Really? <em>Here? Right now? </em>she whispered.


    Drestra already knows, he whispered back.


    <em>What?</em>


    Ill exinter, he said. Its been wild. Justwatch my back, just in case.


    Oookay, she said, grimly sizing up the Champion with a nervous gulp. I hope you know what youre doing.


    Me too. He floated down from the sky. Me too.


    Theynded in a circle, with Cedric and Hart peering at them curiously.


    This really feels like were about to n a regicide or something, the Champion said. All wed need to do is put on white, then go off to kill a king.


    Put on white? Cedric raised an eyebrow.


    Snow. Hart jerked his thumb at a nearby hill. Itd help us blend in. Sneak up on King Athelst


    Alright, alright, maybe lets back off the treason talk for a minute. Cedric rubbed his temple. Snot even funny: maybe we already got the priests an maybe even Uldar hisself as an enemy. We dont bloody well need t add any more conspiracies an secret enemies.


    An awkward silence hung in the air as the Chosen looked from Alex to Drestra. The Sage avoided his gaze.


    Cedrics face dropped. Oh bloody hells, <em>what?</em> Whats it yve learned now? Ya about t tell me that me das some sort o great, dirty demon or somethin o that sort?


    Its definitely regicide. Hart nodded sagely. The kings in on it, and now we have to kill him.


    Its not regicide, Alex said.


    Do yjust wanna kill the king or somethin? Cedric snapped.


    The Champion shrugged. We might have to kill our church and our god. Why notplete the set?


    Ifnthat doesnt make anynevermind, the Chosen turned away. So lets jus rip the bandage off, why dont we?


    Rip the bandage off, is it? Alex sighed, stepping forward. Yeah, thats a good way to do it.


    From his read of Cedrics and Harts temperaments, he had a feeling he knew the perfect way to tell them.


    So he began by taking off his cloak.


    Oiwhats this youre doin now? Cedrics eyebrows rose. We havin another liftin contest? Is that why y dragged us all out here then?


    Alex handed his cloak to ygon, then undid his shirt.


    He also handed that to his golem, flexing his sculpted torso.


    Well, here goes nothing, he thought.


    What Im about to show you, Alex said quietly. Ive shown toalmost no one else. ygon, could you stand between me and the castle?


    <em>Yesfather. Be careful.</em>


    The golems marble feet crunched through the snow as he interposed himself between his creator and the research castle. Cedric and Hart were staring at him like hed lost his mind.


    Alex sighed, turning his right shoulder to them. Well, here it is.


    And he dispelled the illusion.


    There was a shimmer.


    And then a jesters face was revealed, like a smiling brand on his shoulder.


    For a moment, the world seemed to stand still.


    The colour drained from Cedrics face as he squinted as though his eyesight was failing. Wordlessly, his mouth opened, then closed.


    Huh, Hart grunted.


    Yeah, its what it looks like, Alex said, reading their bodynguage.


    Harts was impossible to read as always.


    Cedric was about what hed expected: surprised, shocked but, luckily, with no hint of anger.


    Right, Alex thought. Things are going well. No screaming, no raging, no crying. Good, that should give me enough time to start exining while hes still caught off-guard. Then, we should get through this.


    He opened his mouth to speak.


    Cedric was stillpletely frozen.


    Which was why Alex didnt see the punching until it mmed into his face.

 Chapter 437: Protect

    Chapter 437: ''Protect''


    Alex had met Cedric in Coille Forest a long time ago.


    The Chosen was as boisterous as he was friendly; the type of fellow who made even Alexwhod desperately wanted to avoid <em>all</em> the Heroes at the timewant to sit down and have an ale with him.


    He wasnt anything like the Chosen that Alex had imagined: the fountain overlooking Alrics town square that paid tribute to the Five Heroes had depicted their leader as a shining paragon. A haughty-looking, fine featured young man who looked like he would press his own judgement on others while directing all his meagre kindness toward himself. The type of man who wouldve been described as a paragon of goodness in the past, but also the sort of man revealed to be vile inter tales told by others.


    In short, the sort of fellow who would have dly lectured a defenceless Fool on godly duties, forced all the grunt work on them, and perhaps even shoved them toward the front line when it came time for battle.


    But that wasnt the sort of man whod walked out of Coille Forest. It wasnt a man with eyes full of judgement and a self-righteous sneer on his lips, it had been Cedric; a shirtless, woad-tattooed warrior, with an easy smile, an easier kindness, and the strength of several bulls.


    Alex well remembered that strength from when the Chosen had helped him up off the forest floor. At the time, it seemed an impossibility for so much power to be stuffed into one human form, and Alex would never have believed thatonly a year and a halfterhe would be as strong.


    But, not only was the Chosens might far beyond preternatural, his speed also matched it, which was something Alex learned in the most abrupt and personal way when Cedrics fist caught his jaw.


    The first thing he thought waswell, nothing. There was a brief, wondrous moment in time where he was fairly sure the soul had been punched out of his body. He fully expected to be watching himself from the after-world, stupidly wondering why he was lying in the snow with his head on backwards.


    The pain came next, bringing with it two bits of good news. First, that he was still alive, which was a fairly nice thing to be most of the time. Secondly, that the Chosen had obviously held back; after all, Alexs head hadnt been sted off his neck and sent flying halfway back to the castle.


    The Fool stumbled backward, holding his jaw as the world tumbled around him.


    Then something like thunder exploded; familiar yet menacing.


    One word echoed through his mind: <em>Protect.</em>


    Oh shit, Alexs thoughts came as if through mud.


    Theresa and Hart were yelling.


    Cedric swore.


    And ygon attacked.


    By the time Alex fully realised what was happening, his golem was already lunging for the Chosen, war-spear thrusting, fire-gems zing.


    Bloody he Cedric blurred to the side as the spear came down.


    There was a terrible ripping noise.


    Snow exploded in a geyser as the war-spear tore through frozen earth.


    Hart drew his sword a breath before Theresa, yet both hesitated, unsure of what to do.


    Drestra rushed between the golem and the Chosen, hands raised. Stop! Stop!


    Cedrics morphic weapon red out into a shield. Oi! Oi! Shes right, easy now, big guy!


    <em>Whooom!</em>


    Fire-gems red bright.


    ygon! Alex cried. ygon, ygon stop! His hands waved desperately, his mind reaching through the link to touch ygons thoughts. Its okay. Im alright, he said gently.


    <em>Protect,</em> the golems voice ground like gravel. His body hesitated, but his mind zed with the overwhelming urge to guard, crush, and defend.


    Its okay. Alex calmly went to his golem, cing a hand on one of his marble arms. It was hot. Very hot. Im alright. Cedric and I are having a disagreement, is all. And we shouldnt solve all disagreements with violence.


    He opened with violence, Theresa growled, ring at the Chosen.


    Ayemaybe not the wisest thing Ive done, the Chosens tone was cautious, though his eyes were zing and fixed on Alex. He still simmered with anger.


    Your words say that, but you look like youre ready to use that other fist, the huntress took a step toward the Chosen. You wont touch him again.


    Oh, by the spirits, Drestra swore.


    Emotions red in ygon, threatening to ignite.


    Guys! That kind of talks not helping! Alex said sharply. Im trying to calm things down, and any other threats are going to set him off.


    <em>Hewants violence.</em> ygons voice boomed in his mind. <em>Hewill get violence.</em>


    For a brief instant, Alex wondered how his golem had developed such a bloodthirsty streak; he immediately realised that son had taken after father.


    No, ygon, no one wants any more violence, Alex said gently.


    <em>I</em> dont. Drestra red at Cedric.


    Ohe off it, that <em>deserved</em> a punch. Maybe ten, the Chosen growled.


    Dont be such an idiot, the Sage fired back.


    <em>Idiot?</em> Do you have any He whirled on her, eyes narrowing. Oi, whyre you actin like its no big deal? Djyou know?


    The Sage went quiet for a heartbeat.


    The Chosens face washed crimson. Oh thats just bloody great!


    Cedric, Alex said gently I get it, if I were in your shoes, I mightve punched me too


    Oh, if you was in my shoes, is it? The Chosen scoffed. You gots any idea


    The golem took a step forward. Cedric tensed.


    Both of you! Alex said, his voice growing firmer. Can we <em>not</em> do this? Please!


    Im tryin! So ya need ttell yer mate tback off! the Chosen snapped.


    Im <em>trying,</em> the Fool said, his voice growing hard.


    You started this. Theresa pointed one of the twindes swords at Cedrics chest. You dont get toin.


    Oi, fine thing for you tsay, aye. I threw<em> one</em> wee punch, then <em>this</em> one He nodded toward ygon. Tries tskewer me!


    It wouldnt have happened if youd acted like an adult, Drestra snarled behind her veil. This is <em>your</em> fault.


    <em>My </em>fault? Oh, oh, so its fine when all o yous get mad about secrets an lies, an start talkin like we need to gut every bloody priest in thend, but oh, lets me ol Cedric fer bein a wee bit mad at <em>secrets an bloody lies!</em> An


    Hey, all of you shut up for five seconds. That includes you, ygon. Youre grinding your feet loud enough to wake the dead. A deep voice cut through the din.


    A shocked silence fell. Every eyeincluding ygonslooked at the Champion.


    Hart had sheathed his sword, his arms were crossed. This is gonna sound strangeing from me, but lets use our words instead of cutting each other to pieces in the snow, alright? Specially over something we already kinda knew.


    Waitalready kinda knew? Cedric looked at Alex. What, did ytell him too?


    Hey, Im just as confused as you, Alex said. Whatre you talking about, Hart?


    The Champion looked at the others, his expression growing bewildered. What? I thought it was obvious.


    Whatre you talking about? Drestra demanded. I just found out about twenty minutes ago! How did <em>you</em> know?


    Hart shrugged. Gut feeling. He nodded to Alex. After our side-journey to Crymlyn Swamp, I got to thinking about things. I mean, if the church was lying to usand maybe our own damned god was toothen what the hell else did we miss? Who else was lying to us. So I started thinking about all the people Ive met since this whole mess started.


    He looked at Alex. Then I thought about you and the way you fight. And the more I thought about it, the less sense you made.


    What? I make perfect sense! Alex snapped, offended.


    Maybe to a drunk. Look, when you fight, you never do anything directly. And you should. Youve built all that muscle, but you never use a warbow. I thought maybe you didnt have time to learn <em>how</em>, but a crossbow? Any serf can pick up one of those and use it as long as theyve got eyes and the muscle to wind it back.


    He made a winding motion with those enormous hands. Hells, you never even throw a punch and youve learned all that fancy magic, but you never blow anyone up like this one does. He jerked his thumb toward Drestra, who went red.


    Then the Champion pointed to the castle. Then theres Baelin. Youre so chummy with that big, bad wizard-chancellor of yours that youre basically his grandson.


    Now it was Alex who blushed.


    But, when <em>hes</em> going into battle, hes carrying weapons and wearing armour. And youre not. Hart looked Alex up and down in a way that made him feel naked. And its not just Baelin: your girlfriends carrying swords, Khalik has a sword, Thundars got a maceeveryones got weapons...everyone but you. Even your bloody <em>golems</em> got a weapon, and <em>he</em><em>is </em>a weapon. Carrying weapons is smart, if youre getting into fights. He blew out a misting breath. The Ash Ravens have gutted our fair share of wizards stupid enough not to have a weapon as a backup. All they rely on is their magic. Everyone needs a back up, its stupid not to have one.


    He jabbed a finger toward Alex. And you arent stupid. So I thought, <em>why the hell doesnt he carry any weapons when everyone else does? Maybe he cantOoooh.. </em>And I figured that you were probably thest member of our five maner, four man, one womanband. And thats that. I thought everyone else knew.


    WhaBut Alex stammered. But Iyou cant just draw a conclusion from something like that! There could have been a dozen other exnations! Thats not how logic works! Or science!


    Well, I dont know any of that fancy, science stuff. Hart shrugged. But I was right, wasnt I?


    Ibutwha


    Oi! Cedric looked at the Champion, his expression utterly offended. Ifn ythought o all that, why didnt ybloody say somethin? Matter o fact, y talked me outta thinkin that somethin wasnt on the level wit him!


    Yeah, so? Hart gave the Chosen a look like he was talking to a very slow-witted sheep. Didnt you hear what I said? I figured it out <em>after</em> we went to Crymlyn. Back when you were going on like a madman after the double dungeon


    <em>Madman!? </em>Cedric cried.


    Yeah, madman. I didnt have any damn idea that anything was off with Alex. I learned stuffter and I changed my mind. Even a loopy dog would understand that much. He squinted at the glowing set of scales on Cedrics chest, then looked at Alexs shoulder. You two sure your Marks didnt get switched or something?


    Cedric and Alex made choking noises.


    Butwhy didnt you <em>say</em> anything! Drestra demanded. Night after night, I was lying awake thinking about this! You didnt say a word!


    He shrugged again; the gesture made the Sages teeth grind behind her veil.


    Hart didnt seem to care one bit.


    I figured if <em>Id </em>figured it out, then the wise Sage wouldve.


    Drestra joined the choking noises.


    Hart looked at Theresa. Now, now, no ones going to start cutting apart your boyfriend so I think you can put your swords away, eh?


    The huntress looked away briefly, then slowly sheathed the twinde.


    There we go. Hart dusted off his hands. And now no one dies in the snow. Thats pretty nice, isnt it?


    Okay, okay, hold on now, Alex said. Okayeven if you figured it out, he said, refusing to ept hed been seen through in such a simple way. Whyre you acting like its no big deal?


    Ya! Drestra said. I spent nights lying awake


    You said that, Hart pointed out.


    Its important.


    Its really not.


    It is! She snapped. Howe you dont seemupsetor arent thinking about it?


    Because its not that important, Hart said. So what if hes the Fool? Hes been helping us, hasnt he? Havent you? He looked at Alex.


    Er, yes, but the Thameish wizard began.


    Well, there you have it. The Champion interrupted, spreading his hands. Hes helping us. Whats it matter if he tells us hes got a glowing Mark on his shoulder? And if he was going to betray us? Id just cut him in half, which I wont have to do because hes still helping us.


    Yes, but


    And there you have it, Hart continued. Guess the only one that <em>isnt</em> a Fool around here is me.


    A stunned silence filled the air.


    Then Alex heard a strange sound.


    A sound that was between a cough and the grinding of rock on rock. It was rhythmicwarm somehow.


    The young wizard slowly looked at ygon and realised what he was hearing.


    Laughter.


    His golem wasughing. <em>FatherI think I know what humour is.</em>


    And Alex wondered when it was that hed lostplete control of his life.


    Well, Hart said. If youre all done acting like little kids, lets get down to business, why dont we?


    Aye Cedric said slowly. The anger was gone from his eyes, well most of it. He still looked a little peeved at Alexand was shooting Hart dirty looks. Sorry for the punchsort of. Be best if ystart talkin. Yshould have yer say an tell your story.


    Alex sighed.


    He really needed to start making that pamphlet.

 Chapter 438: The Heroes Paths are Not the Same

    Chapter 438: The Heroes'' Paths are Not the Same


    and then I came here, and you punched me in the face, the Fool finished his tale. And thats it. Thats the whole story, and I swear Id rather box a behemoth than tell it again.


    <em>Fatheryou cannot punch a behemoth. It would squash you, unless I protected you. </em>His golems voice echoed in his mind.


    Figure of speech, ygon, Alex thought. Figure of speech.


    Aye, slong story in truth. Cedric hovered in midair with his arms and legs crossed, Drestras flight spell levitating him several feet above the snow. As a group, theyd relocated and were now further away from the castle floating above the ground behind arge hill. Alex told his tale to Cedric and Hart, keeping their full attention. The pair were enthralled, listening quietly, their silence only broken by a loud grinding noise as the Chosens teeth clenched and unclenched between his jaws.


    On asion, Alex paused to ask Theresa for her perspectives on things shed been present for, but apart from that, no one else said a word.


    By the time the telling was done, it appeared to be well past midnight judging from the position of the moon, yet Alex was still wide awake and watching the Chosen again; especially any movement of his hands.


    The pain from that fist connecting to his face had finally faded after a little application of Mana to Life, and he wasnt too eager to be the audienceand subjectof a repeat performance.


    That was a long story, Hart grunted. I like the part where you blew up that windmill.


    Thats what ygot out of it? Cedric looked at the Champion, his expression utterly incredulous. You only got a windmill blowin up?


    Well, I was kinda disappointed when that Generasi nobles granary didnt blow up, so yeah. I was waiting for that. Whatd you get out of it?


    That Ive been wastin mbloody time, an spirit wit worry! Cedric growled, whirling on Alex. You bloody bastard. Ygot any idea what''s been goin through here all these months? He tapped his temple. All dis bloody time, Ive been picturin some poor fool


    Literally, a Fool, Alexs mind added unhelpfully, and he wisely chose not to voice those words.


    dead in a cave somewhere or all swallowed up by some great, dirty Ravener-spawn an crapped out in a forest for the worms an flies tfeast on! He snorted. I been worryin about it. Feelin guilty sometimes. An there youve been off somewherealive an wen didnt even breathe a word tanybody. Sbloody selfish, thats what it is!


    Selfish? Theresa scoffed. Cedric, I like you, but youre out of your damned mind. Did you even <em>listen</em> to the story? Alexs been trying to solve <em>all</em> of this while he was in Generasi. We all have. Even Khalik, Isolde, Thundarwhove got nothing to do with thisare putting in a lot of work to see the Ravener dead. And that it <em>stays</em> dead. How is <em>that</em> selfish? And look! He even came back!


    Aye, he did, an then we met im. Cedric red at Alex. An whatd ydo? Ydidnt say a bloody word. Even when we was in the damned Crymlyn an we learned that every bloody person under the sun''s been hidin things or lyin tus, whatd ydo? Did e clean wit it? No, yjust kept it to yourself like a bloody sneak.


    Cedric, Cedric Alex said, jumping in, keeping his voice soft. The Chosen was working himself up, and they didnt need him to lose his head and start throwing punches and agitating ygon again. I get it, Id be mad if I were in your position, as I said. Youve been worrying about the Fool being somewhere out there, dead, and now you find out Ive been with you this whole time so you feel like all that worry was a waste.


    Damned right, it was a bloody waste! The Chosen snapped. Yknow, I liked you from the first time we met back in Coille Forest. I liked both o yous His eyes scanned Theresas face. and that little sister o yours, Alex, an Brutus too. Thought you was all damned brave for facin down a silence spider wit nothin fancy, just a pair o swords an some magic.


    He scoffed. Little did I bloody know, you was runnin off.


    Thats not fair, Alex said. I got this on my shoulder He pointed to the Fool. an...what was supposed to happen to me? Do you remember what I looked like back then? I was a skinny <em>bakers assistant</em> who knew <em>one</em> spell. Forceball. And the Mark stopped me from casting that fast, or even very well.


    Aye, but ycould cast it, couldnt ya? Cedric said. Ytalked about learnin how pensate for the Marks limitationsan...yknow, before I go any further let me just say that I think those limits are aplete load o shite. Youve got me sympathies, Alex. He shook his head. I dont have any way o knowin what was goin through Uldars head when he made that Mark. If what Hart said hade tpass an <em>Id</em> gotten the Mark o the Fool, I most likely woulda lost mbloody mind by now.


    Yeah, thanks for that. Alexs jaw hardened. Memories of some difficult days came back to him andfor a momenthe could taste that early bitterness on his tongue. Itit was rough.


    Aye, I imagine that it was, the Chosen nodded, his voice a bit softer. But the point is, ystarted to figure out ways around it the very night ygot Marked. Skinny bakers assistant or not, ycouldvee wit us. I said I was gonna protect the Fool when I found found em, didnt I? Yreally trusted me that little?


    Alexs breathing paused in surprise.


    There was an emotion that had slipped into Cedrics voice and flitted across his facetoo quick for most to notice.


    Hurt.


    The Chosen was hurt.


    And out of all the reactions Alex expected from Cedric, that was thest one.


    He sighed. Look, maybe if I knew you better back then. But, wed just bloody met. I was on the runterrified that some priest was gonna snatch me up and throw me to some Ravener-spawn at any momentand then you came walking out of the woods. No offence, but you were the veryst person I wanted to meet. Im not gonna lie, I liked you too, mate. But just because I <em>started</em> to get around the Mark doesnt mean I wouldve been any good in a fight. Look.


    He pressed a hand to his chest. Back then, I wouldve been absolute dead weight on all of you


    Thats not true, Theresa interrupted him, a defensive note in her voice. We wouldve been dead in the Cave of the Traveller if it werent for that brain of yours, Alex.


    Yeah, maybe, but that was a lot of luck too. He nodded to ygons fire-gems. The Travellers defences saved us twice; if she didnt have those statues in her temple, we wouldve been Silence-spider food. If it werent for your wits and those strong arms, we mightve been Hive-queen food.


    <em>Fatherthese saved you? </em>ygon pointed to his fire-gems.


    Yeah, buddy, a part of you has been protecting all of us since before you were born, Alex thought. And Ill never stop being grateful.


    Right, ysee? Ycouldve helped us an we couldve protected yous, Cedrics fingers left impressions on his crossed arms. No need tbloody run off wit all them secrets an lies. No need t risk your lives goin through that cave by your lonesomes.


    Cedric, consider it this way, Alex said. Back then you wiped out an entire horde of Silence-spiders all by yourself, and that was when youd <em>first</em> gotten your power. And that was against a bunch of the soldier spiders. We nearly died to a swarm of <em>workers</em>. Drestras told me about your adventures here: I wouldve either been dead meat, or one of you wouldve gotten hurt trying to protect me. If not one of you, then some of the soldiers following us. And this thing


    He tapped his shoulder.


    our people hate it. Have you ever read Galloways book on us? On the Heroes?


    Cedric frowned. Cant say I have. Think I remember seein it at the ns church, but never felt no reason tread it before I got marked. Then after getting my Markwell, whats some dead mans book gonna tell me about the Chosen that I wouldnt learn in the capital or on the battlefield.


    Well, its not bloody kind to people like me, Alexs tone was sharp. Theres lots of talk about how wonderful the Chosen is, the wisdom and power of past Sages, the holy might of the Saint, the unstoppable force of the Champion. But me? The Fool? He basically says Im shit. And youve heard how the priests talk about past Fools.


    His eyes scanned the entire group. How would you actually react? This skinny, weak guy joins up with you in a fight for life and death. A fight for the kingdom. And all he can do is bloody bake? Sure, he can learn new things, but they dont apply real well when the main thing you need on your side is: blow up Ravener-spawn right now. So, now you have this deadweight with you who <em>you</em> have to protect. Tell me, how would you <em>really</em> react?


    Silence hung over the group.


    I mightve hated you, Drestra said, with a note in her voice that was as ck as pitch. No, I definitely would have hated you. Those times were hard enough, and theres no way I wouldve appreciated having to protect someone else while we were facing everything we had been.


    I dont think I wouldve cared. Hart shrugged. Lots of people follow a mercenary band onto a battlefield. You need cooks. You need smiths. You need stablehands. But some of those knights? The priests? A lot of them already thinking the worst about you? Yeah, I can see that not going well.


    I wouldve protected ya, Cedric insisted. I said I wouldve done it when I first met yous, an I meant it then, and I still mean it. Im not some fairweather friend or stupid bastard who believes all that cruel shite.


    Yes, Alex said, looking Cedric directly in his eyes. I believe you. But you also said to me when we first met that, in your eyes, every Hero has a role, duty and purpose.


    Aye, thats so.


    So, you would have brought me to the priests, Alex said. You would have protected me, sure, but I wouldnt want to just sit on a battlefield somewhere and be protected, Cedric. Id want to contribute to the fight, to my family, and to the world. And I couldnt do that if you were there acting as my nursemaid while I was desperately trying not to die every fight.


    Well, ylearned how tfight down in that big school o yours, didnt ya? If ydid it there, you couldve done it by our side, the Chosens voice dropped. His hand shot up, raking his long hair. I woulda seen to it that ywoulda learned.


    No, man. Alex shook his head. Ive only gotten to where I am because of the people I met. Cedric, youre a good manand I mean thatbut, no offence, youre not Khalik. Youre not Thundar. Youre not Isolde


    Cedric flinched at her name.


    youre not Vernia Jules. Youre not Baelin. Youre not ValRok. Youre not Kybas. Youre not Gel-Dor and Fan-Dor. Youre not Shiani. Youre not Professor Ram. Youre not Professor Mangal, Hak or Salinger. Youre not ygon. And youre certainly not Theresa. All of those people helped me get to where I am today, and listen; the <em>real</em> lie I could tell you is that I got here all on my own. It took a lot of time, a lot of resources, and a <em>lot</em> of people to get me to where I am. To get me to the point where I could at least keep up with all of you, in my own way.


    He made a motion like he was gripping an invisible sphere. And without the universitys resources? We never wouldve figured out any of the dungeon cores secrets. We never wouldve figured out the truth behind Uldar or the church. None of it.


    Drestra couldve taught you more about magic, Cedric said, though his voice had less conviction.


    No. The Sage shook her head. Ive had enough asked of me. You wanted me to y teacher too, on the battlefield? No. <em>No! </em>I would have flown back to the Crymlyn and burned <em>anyone</em> that stepped foot in it after me.


    Another silence took the group.


    ...Aye, a lots been asked oyou already, Cedric grunted. I still think we mightve been better off ifn ywere at our side. Look, ysay you woulda been dead weight but the three of us get along a lot better wit you about. Maybe things wouldve been easier beforebut, then again, maybe not.


    His nostrils red, revealing misting breath. Yknow, when this thing appeared on me chest. He tapped the symbol of the Chosen. I thought it was the best day of mlife. I actually did a jig. I screamed so loud it brought da out from the smithy tsee if Id been mauled by a bear or somethin.


    He chuckled at the distant memory. Everyone in the n was all a roarin anughin. Kegs oale got tapped. Heaps ofood was brung out. Heughed even harder, tapping the morphic weapon that had shaped itself into a gauntlet on his arm. The n leaders even granted me M-chumadhthe most prized weapon in all the nand sent me off to do the ancestors proud. And thats what I set out to do too.


    His smile faded, and he looked at Alex. Might be that I imagined it was the same fer all of us. Same for youan if it wasnt, I thought I could make it that way.


    And thats why youre the perfect person to get the Mark of the Chosen, Cedric, Alex said. Listen, Im telling the truth when I say that theres no person Ive ever met from Thamnd that Id rather have that Mark than you. But this? He tapped his own Mark. You alone couldnt make this better for me, or make the me from back then fit better with all of you. I needed to do that in my own way and take care of my family while doing it. I get your anger, man. I get your hurt. You wanted to do right by everyone and I kept this a secret from you. Makes you wonder who to believe. But thats the thing, Cedric.


    Alex spread his hands. You might have broad shoulders, friend, but theyre not going to carry the whole world. And they shouldnt have to.


    Aye, maybe youre rightah shite, now I feel like aplete ass for punchin ya, sorry about that, man, the Chosen apologised.


    Well, Im sorry we couldnt have this talk sooner, Alex said. Weve had it now, though. And it didnte out in some stupid misunderstanding that wouldve seen us try to kill each other.


    ygon tried to kill me.


    And hes sorry about that.


    <em>I am not, father.</em>


    Well talkter, ygon, Alex thought.


    Well, now that all of our cards are on the table, Hart cut in. Are we all good with each other?


    Aye, I am. An...d that were all together. The Chosen grinned, revealing his gold tooth.


    Hart stared at the tooth for a moment, then at Cedrics hair, then shuddered and looked away.


    I am too, Alex said. And nowI think we should take the next step.


    Oh? An whats that? Cedric asked.


    Me and Baelin go kill Ezaliel and find out whats happening with the Traveller, Alex said. You all try to catch one of thosewed creatures and find out what the hells going on with our church.

 Chapter 439: Consolidating Resources

    Chapter 439: Consolidating Resources


    And so the Fool, Chosen, Champion and Sage nned their future.


    It wasnt the first time theyd talked like this, but <em>this</em> timeatstthey spoke with all their secrets out in the open.


    Or, at least, most of them.


    Midnight hade and gone, but no ones eyelids had grown heavy. They werent yawning. They hadnt nodded off. Excitement filled the aircapped with residual anger.


    As they talked, Alex noticed heat returning to Cedrics voice every now and then as tension yed around his mouth. But, his bodynguage was more rxed, his movements less forceful. The fullness of his anger would take time to drain away, Alex thoughtand hopedbut at least, he wasnt throwing punches anymore.


    At least, not at Alex.


    He had something else to focus his anger on, now.


    The Chosens fist mmed into his palm. I feel like a bloody wolf in a cage, he growled. Id like tbe off tthis Irtyshenan Empire ourselves and turn the ce upside down til we find what Drestra saw through the Travellers portal. He nodded in the direction of the castle. But we cant leave if the Raveners pullin out all sorts o extra nasty tricks, were gonna be needed here. An besides, Merzhins already gettin kinda twitchy. I can jus hear ''im now, scoldin us fer shirkin our holy duty and all. He might even go tthe priests in.


    Yeah, Hart grunted, thumbing the pommel of his sword. We dont want him or the priests looking at us too hard, especially since that invisible beast could mess us up real good if we get caught off-guard.


    Thats not even what worries me the most. Drestra pointed to the earth beneath them. We can fight monsters. With Aenflynns forces and any Ravener-spawn that we control, we can build our own armies and kill our enemies, even unknown ones. But what happens if the Ravener starts overloading a dungeon core with all its power while were <em>inside</em>a dungeon? You heard what Baelin said, it held <em>him</em> off for a while.


    Aye, an if two o them could put up a fight against <em>that</em> scary bastard, then one could likely squash us bloody t, Cedric grunted. They could kill hundreds o soldiers too, an there wouldnt be one bloody thing we could do. All o that trainin they gave us in the capital didnt do nothin tget us ready fdis kinda shite.


    Yeah, the Raveners escting, Alex said darkly. And if I had to guess, its reacting to us taking control of its dungeon cores. I controlled one for just a second in the Travellers Cave and the Ravener sent out an entire hunting party of assassins to track me all the way to Generasi.


    Aye, an that means it can get Ravener-spawn off the bloody ind, Cedric said. An that aint supposed to happen.


    But if it <em>can</em> get those wed things off the ind, why doesnt it attack the rest of the world? Drestra asked. What makes <em>us</em> so lucky?


    Its like a predator, stalking through its territory. Theresa glowered at the horizon, as though the Ravener were hovering in that direction, just beyond sight. It treats our whole kingdom like its hunting ground.


    Im not not sure about that, Theresa, Alex thought aloud. I mean, dont get me wrong, it <em>does</em> hunt us butif its a predator and were its preyand since our fear is what fuels dungeon coreswhy doesnt it keep following us outside of Thamnd? He gestured to the west. Most of our people are right across the channel between here and the maind: thats a hell of a lot closer than Generasi. If it could follow <em>me</em>, it can definitely send those wed thingsand who knows what elseafter our people in the Empire. But it doesnt.


    Predators are not ravening monsters that chase down and eat every single scrap of prey, Alex, she pointed out. Wolves dont ughter an entire herd of deer, they hunt the weak and eat their fill.


    Right, but <em>our</em> weak are gone, he said. All thats left in Thamnd are our Heroes, priests, the army and anyone else who can fight. If its actually behaving like a wolf or a bear, then what it <em>should</em> be doing is chasing down everyone who leaves. Imagine how much fear itd have to feed on if it had those wed monsters stalking the Rhinean countryside, striking from the shadows, killing our old, our weak and our young. He shook his head. Imagine how much terror a tactic like that would create? The Ravener would be drowning in power.


    Bloody frightenin thought that is, Cedric was somber. But its true. If it could send monsters after <em>you</em> all the way t the south, then why cant it chase the rest of our people? He paused. ...Less it dont want to.


    My thoughts exactly, mate! Alex nodded emphatically. Thats why I dont really think its <em>hunting</em> us. I think its <em>herding</em> us, like a sheep dog herds a flock of sheep. When our people escape to the Rhinean Empire, well, thats the same as putting sheep out to pasture, so it lets our people go.


    But when you took control of the dungeon core, that was the same as a fat, juicy sheep <em>escaping</em>, Drestra said. So it needed to send out hunters to either kill the sheep, or bring it back.


    And now more sheep are escaping, Hart jumped in, nodding to Alex and Drestra You two can control dungeon cores, and so can that Carey girl.


    An when more sheep start escapin, ybring out all yer shepherds and herdin dogs, Cedric finished. Aye, it fits. Exins why its escting. He looked at Drestra. An why youve got a big, nasty target on your back now.


    Yes, the Sage said. And that brings us back to the point: if its escting, theres no way we can leave. Well be needed here.


    And thats where I think we can divide and conquer. Alex made a chopping motion in mid-air. Except in this case, its us were dividing, and our enemies were conquering.


    Go on, Hart said.


    Well, first of all, we have an advantage in that I can count the number of people who know Im a Hero on both hands, Alex said. Youre all likely to be watched by the church; if theyre keeping secrets, I cant imagine theyd want to risk having Uldars mightiest weapons all going rogue, especially since ones already missing.


    Youre probably right, Drestras voice crackled, her eyes hardening. When I really think about it, we have priests constantly following us to supposedly give support. They let us act on our own now, but back when we were first Marked, I could hardly sneeze without a priest popping up to wipe my nose. Maybe theyre there for more than nose wiping.


    And now that weve been good little Heroes for over a year, they let us have our run of thend, Hart added, giving an amused snort. The look on their faces if we all just pulled an Alex and ran off, Id pay solid gold to see that.


    Oi, dont even joke about that, Cedric said firmly. Lotta peopled die if we did.


    Oh no, look out, Cedrics mad. He just might punch me! The Champion held up his hands.


    The Chosens face turned beet red. Not funny, mate.


    Funny to me, Hart rumbled, then looked back at Alex. But I see your point. We can only go so many ces since the priests dont want us too far from their sight, but they dont know enough to have any interest in <em>you.</em>


    Yeah, which means I can look into things outside of Thamnd, he said. Though, Ive got to admit, progress has been slow because of that. But! Im hoping that Baelin and my little trip down to the lower nes can give us some clues. I really believe the Traveller is a key in all this. If not <em>the</em> key, then at least a piece of the puzzle.


    At the very least, I want to know why a Saint of Uldar would build a secret temple in the earth near her hometown and not have one single image of Uldar in it. <em>And</em> why would she have a portal that ms shut as soon as a Heroes near it? Drestra said.


    Yeah, me too, Alex said. And thats what Im hoping we figure out in the hells.


    I cant believe youre goin to the hells before ygo tan empire right here in our world. Cedric shook his head. Yourepletely bloody crazy, yknow that dont cha?


    Well, Ive got Baelin to give me a ride down to the hells, and we know where were going, Alex said. As for the empiretheres no way I can think of exploring it without learning some kind of long-range teleportation spell. Even then, its going to be rough, with how theyre gating out outsiders and all.


    I still think its bloody madness that ythink goin to the hells is an easier thing tdo.


    The worlds upside down, Im just trying to react to it, Alex shrugged. But while Im literally going to hell, you can go ces <em>I</em> cant. This ispletely up to you, of course, but if I were you, Id start considering a little burry.


    Whore we burgling? Hart asked.


    The cathedral in Ussex would by my suggestion, Alex said. We need answers, and we need them sooner thanter. If the Raveners escting, then we need solid ways to counter it. We need to solve this mystery.


    Cool. Im up for that, Hart said. I can be sneaky-like when I want to be. Ill be like a shadow. Steal some books. Snap some necks. Itll be fun.


    Aye, but weve got to think about Merzhin, though, Cedric pointed out. Ach, I feel for im. He looked at Theresa and Alex. You two should see im; hes our age, aye, but he juslooks like hes so much younger. I keep thinkin that hes like a little kid, one thats too fond o Uldar.


    Hmmmm, can you get him on our side? Alex suggested. Drestra was saying how powerful he is and wed have an easier time investigating the church if we had the Saint willing to work with us.


    The three other Heroes looked at each other dubiously.


    Dont think thats gonna work, Hart said. We mentioned this a bit before, but hes a fanatic among fanatics. Likeyou ever see those guys standing by the roadside on a rock, iming that the end of the worldsing and only their deity can stop it?


    Cant say that I have, Theresa said.


    Me neither, Alex added. But Alrics a small town and religions not <em>super</em> prevalent in Generasi, so Ill take your word for it.


    Anyway, Hart said. So, Merzhins like one of them, except he was <em>raised</em> to be one of them. Hes all in.


    Okay Alex frowned. That description reminded him of Carey, but shed started questioning what theyd been told after learning they could control dungeon cores. Maybe this Merzhin could turn a corner too. What if we started with some honesty? How would he react if he knew I was the Fool and was helping out?


    Hart, Drestra and Cedric burst outughing.


    You want to end up in chains? the Sage asked. Because thats how you end up in chains.


    ygon emitted a mental growl through their link.


    It cant be that bad, can it? Alex asked.


    Look, ya told me an <em>I</em> punched ya. What dyou think <em>hed</em> do?


    Yeahokay, Alex acknowledged. But what if we told him everything? About controlling the dungeon cores, about their connection to Uldar, all of it. How would he react?


    Drestra frowned. I dont know. He might exin it away, he might have a meltdownbut either way, hed tell every priest with ears, and then theyd know we know. And I dont know about you, but Im not ready for that fight.


    Speak for yourself, Hart chuckled. Id meet em in the light with my bow or in the dark with a knife. They want a fight? Ill give them theirst.


    Were strong, tbe sure, but wed be branded traitors, then well have all o Thamnd after us. I dont want nothin tdo with ughterin my fellow country folk, Hart.


    If theye at us to cage or kill us, then I have no problem killing them, Drestra fired back.


    Youre awfully cold blooded, at times, Cedric said.


    And your blood runs too hot at times.


    The Chosen frowned.


    I think youre both right, Alex said. Weve got to defend ourselves, if ites to it: obviously there are people who want this conspiracy to remain. But Id rather we kill people who want to kill and oppress us, rather than somepoor bastards that dont know any better. Thats why, if you find out more about whats going on with the church, we could really narrow down who we need to talk to and whose heads we need to crack. And


    He looked at Drestra. You talked about not being ready for that fight?


    Im not. Im trying to break through to fourth-level spells, she said. I cant handle the Ravener <em>and</em> ancient conspirators all at once.


    Well. Alex leaned forward. Maybe I can help with thatlisten. Ive learned a lot at that school of mine. A lot about fighting. A lot about magic. Maybe I can talk to Baelin and we can see about a littletraining for all of you. I mean, look what I managed to do for myself in thest year.


    He grinned wickedly.


    Imagine what we could do for all of <em>you.</em>

 Chapter 440: Operation Nurturing Heroes

    Chapter 440: Operation ''Nurturing Heroes''


    Ooooh I like the sound of that. Hart snarled, hisrge eyes twinkling in anticipation. You said you went from being a skinny bakers boy a year ago to turning intowell, <em>you?</em>


    Aye, is true, hes bloody hard to recognise now, Cedric said. He went from lookin like a de o grass to lookin more like a thick, bloody oak.


    de of grass? Thanks. Thanks a lot, Alex said dryly.


    The Chosen ignored the snippiness in his tone. How <em>did</em> you do it?


    I used the Mark. It hinders all that pesky ability to fight, all spellcraft and divinity, but when they say it helps <em>everything</em>else, they do mean <em>everything</em> else. If you can learn it? The Mark will help you. So, thanks to itand KhalikIve learned how to train better, eat better, walk bettereven <em>breathe</em> better.


    He looked at Drestra. Baelin said that Ive got something of a mastery over spell arrays and magic circuits, and he should know. He should be busy for the next whilegoing down to the hells to break some abyssal knights


    I still think yerpletely barkin mad when I hear ytalking about that kinda thing. Cedric shook his head.


    but what I can do is get some pointers from him, and pass them on to you three. Im a fair teacher, Id like to think so anywayIve been teaching my sister and ygon and theyve turned out just fine


    Cedric gave ygon a sceptical look.


    and besides, even if Im not the best teacher right now, the Mark will <em>turn </em>me into a great teacher in no time with a bit of practice. And thats not all I can contribute.


    Alex reached into his satchel, pulling out the spell-guide for greater force armour. Drestras eyes shot to the book, burning with interest. Is that a spell-guide? she asked, her excitement was clear.


    You got that right, he said. The universitys library has more of these than Crymlyn Swamps got fish. Orwell, maybe not <em>that</em> many, but you get my point. He looked between her and Cedric. You want spells? Youvee to the right wizard. I can show you mana regeneration techniques thatll let you fight longer and harder.


    And as for you, Hart, teaching you more fighting techniques probably wont help you muchyouve got dozens of generations of the finest Thameish warriors right in your Markbut with a little blood magic, some training and a little time, I might be able to bring your body up to a new level of power.


    Well, I like the sound of that, Hart beamed.


    The only problem is thatitspletely experimental. Alex grimaced. I made it work for myself because I know my own body really well. But, for other peoplewell, Id have to use some guesswork whichd be a bit more dangerous.


    Define dangerous. Hart raised an eyebrow.


    Well. Alex scratched his hair. If I get it wrong I could mess up your life force or do some serious damage to your body.


    What if Im there theal im? Cedric raised his hand. Would that make things a tad safer?


    I Alex paused, blinking. Hell, why didnt I think of that? Yeah, if you used your divinity to fix any damage I did mucking about, then Id have a lot more room for trial and error. But, still He looked at Hart. Listen, no offence to you, but this isnt something Ive tried with my closest friends for a reason. Even if Cedrics there to stop any permanent damage, we could be talking about a <em>lot</em> of pain here.


    Hart shrugged. A little pain for me means a lot of pain for Ravener-spawn.


    Right and true, Alex grinned. Well, if youre fine with it.


    We can also see if any of you arepatible with life enforcement, Theresa suggested. Its where a lot of <em>my</em> poweres from. And if it works for any of you then, by the Traveller, youd be monsters.


    Hah! I like the sound of that too, Hart chuckled. This is a much better way to use you, Mr. Fool. Have you in the backline, feeding us info, skills and resources. Like a proper quartermaster. Gotta wonder why the kingdom doesnt use you like that. Well, I guess where you are has a hell of a lot more resources than even the capitals got.


    Mmmm, truebut as for why Fools are used the way they are He looked up at the sky. Well, lets just say thatif we do manage to meet UldarIll have my own questions for him.


    Id drink tthat, brother, Cedric paused as if deep in thought for a moment. Well, I like this n. An we can use the fae roads tget back ere quick when we need ta. Then ygive us a lesson, an we can be back in the fight in a day or so. Aye, this is reallyin together.


    The Ravener might be escting, Drestras voice crackled. But so will we.


    Aye, the Heroes are unitedwell, almost, Cedric grunted. Wish there was a way tbring in Merzhin.


    Hmmmm, Alex scratched his chin in thought. I get that. I kinda want to as well. I dont know him, but hes been branded the same as us. And hes very powerful, from what you say, so Id rather him with us, than against us. What we <em>could</em> do is get ourselves ready to fight. Get stronger and informed. Get ourselves ready to act. Then


    He snapped his fingers. ...you can tell him if you still want to, and if we do this righteven if he goes against usitll be toote for him to stop us. We justor, <em>you</em>, actuallyhave to tell him when the time is right. When we can put him aside, or put him down if he tries to stop us.


    Cedric grimaced. Thatssa real nasty way o puttin things. Real nasty. Underhanded, even. Dont sit right wit me, reallybut bloody hell, just walkin up to im and tellin im nowd be bloody stupid. It dont make me feelfortable, but it aint really about <em>me,</em> is it?


    His eyes took on a mncholy cast as they took in the cold, empty moors. S about thend, the people, gettin rid o the Ravener once an fer all so people can live here in Thamnd witout great, dirty monsters showin up lookin t kill everyone every hundred years.


    So we can live free, Drestra said with heat. So we can live for ourselves.


    So no one has to go through what weve been through ever again, Alex added.


    Silence followed.


    The other three Heroes looked at Hart.


    And the big man shrugged. What? You expect me to say something fancy? I just wanna kill the monsters, get rich and then maybe do something fun with that Tyris friend of yours.


    Hell, thats as good a reason as any, Alex said. Ill talk to Baelin, and well get ourselves ready to wipe out all these bastards. Together.


    Aye, together, Cedric agreed.


    That went well, Theresa whispered over ygons heavy footsteps echoing through the halls. She looked up at the golem. Except for the part where you tried to kill Cedricbut to be fair, I wanted to punch him too.


    <em>Punchingwould not end the threat as quickly. Butgood, </em>ygon said in approval.


    Alex sighed. ygon says thats good, and that he wanted to use a more permanent solution. ygon, we really do have to talk about that.


    <em>I willlisten, father, </em>his golem said.


    Good, Alex said, turning to Theresa. And yeah, Im not in chains. They didnt beat me unconscious. All in all, it went well. Now, I just have to tell Baelin what I mightve, sort of volunteered him for andif he doesnt reduce me to a pile of ashesthen Ill call it a win. A little punch is an easy price to pay.


    <em>If he tries to turn you to ashI will fight him. Run while I sacrifice my</em>


    No, ygon, no sacrifices, he said. Especially not futile ones. We really do need to talk when we get back to Generasi. Id do it now, but, by the Traveller, this has been a long day.


    The wee hours of the morning hade to the Research Castle, and the halls were still. A deep silence had descended, only broken by the asional ck of a Watchers staff tapping along the stones; their patrols were thick in the halls, but there wasnt another soul stirring.


    All seemed to have finally turned in, even Alexspanions were absent from the dining hall when he, Theresa, ygon and the other Heroes finally made their way back to the keep.


    Theyd parted ways with sped hands and good feelings, leaving Alex to track down Baelin and Professor Jules, if they were still awake.


    Its been a long day, Theresa yawned. Do you think theyre still up?


    Oh, definitely, Alex said. Well, at least Baelin. He mightve told Professor Jules to go to bed, but hell still be up. Im not sure if even needs sleepMakes me wonder where he goes after he finishes his work day in his office.


    Maybe among the stars, Theresa said, a wistful look taking over her face. Remember that Many-Spheres Theory Isolde talked about? The one that says each star might have their own worlds, as different from ours as we are from those elementals you summon? Maybe thats where he goes. He can teleport anywhere, right? And Ive never heard of him having a house in the city.


    Yeah, I havent either,e to think of it. And youd think that itd be public knowledgeand knowing, Baelin, you probably wouldnt miss it.


    Theresa raised an eyebrow. Im not sure what you mean.


    I mean, can you really imagine Baelin living in anything but an unassable fortress of doom? Alex said. Unless, the unassable fortress of doom was really a decoy and he actually lived in some obscure, cosy little cottage where his enemies couldnt find him.


    I could believe She yawned again. in either of those things.


    You should go to bed, love. Alex looked at her in concern. Youve been through a lot today.


    So have you.


    You nearly died.


    So did you, she insisted.


    Fair point, but let me put it this way: I <em>have</em> to be up for a little longer. You dont have to be, so why would you be? Thatd be madness. Go on, go to bed. Ill be there soon.


    Theresa grumbled. Finebut dont let him keep you up forever. I know that spell of yours cuts down on your sleep, but you do need <em>some.</em>


    I wont, I wont, Alex said. Butwell, well see how scheme-y he gets.


    Really? scheme-y?


    Its a perfectly real word that I made real just this second.


    Sure. She rose up on her toes and<strong></strong>gave him a lingering kiss. Love you, dont stay up toote. She looked at ygon. Dont let him stay upte.


    <em>Iwont. Will make father go to bed. Goodnight. </em>ygon said.


    He says hell make me go to bed, and I dont imagine I could stop him if he put his mind to it. Oh, and he wishes you a good night. And good night to you too, love. Love you. Ill see you in the morning.


    And with that, Theresa silently slipped into the darkness.


    Alex and ygon made their way up the keeps stairs to the top floor. The double doors to Baelins office rose at the end of the hall with a steady stream of light escaping from beneath them.


    Good, hes still up, Alex whispered, looking at ygon. This will be your first time meeting him since you awakened. Well, I imagine hell be very taken with you.


    <em>He cannot take meI am my own. And yours. And Selinas.</em>


    True, and I appreciate the sentiment, but againfigure of speech. And so the list of things we have to talk about grows. But, thats ater problem.


    Alex approached the doors, knocking on them softly.


    Vernia? Baelins deep voice spoke from within. Is that youAh, of course not. Alex, ygon. Id know those gaits anywhere. Youre up ratherte. Well, please doe in.


    There was a re of mana, and the doors swung open.

 Chapter 441: The Ancient Wizard and the Golem

    Chapter 441: The Ancient Wizard and the Golem


    Ah, Alex, ygon, wee. Baelin looked up as the young wizard and his golem stepped into his office.


    The ancient wizard was bent so low over a map table, that his beard-braids threatened to scrape the painted surface of Thamnd. Across a tabletop made of cork, a map was carved showing the realm, the sea around it, and the nearby coast of the Rhinean Empire. It was topographic, with cork rising up to represent mountains, and dipping down to illustrate valleys and other londs.


    Dozens of pins pierced the cork, each capped with tiny carvings of castles, dungeon cores and cities. But these elements werent what drew Alexs gaze the most, because hovering above the map,strange golden lines glowedeach shedding sparkling lightspider-webbing over thend, some even reaching across the sea.


    He didnt recognise them: but, from their shapes, he assumed they might be roads or rivers, but they didnt match any hed seen on any other map of his homnd.


    Evening, Baelin. The young wizard stepped closer to the map, peering at the golden lines as ygon came up beside him. Alex could feel his golems curiosity as he too stared down at it.


    His hand raised slightly, a marble finger pointing toward the map as if drawn to the cork.


    The motion drew Baelins sharp gaze, though Alexhis focus on the golden lineshardly noticed. What are those lines?


    The fae roads as they appear in the territory of one Lord Aenflynn, he answered, still scrutinising ygon. Our Hero friendsand their newassociatehave taken the liberty of informing us as to the roads locations and theirwork around yournds. It is a fine thing theyve done; a tidy bit of negotiation on Drestras part. Shell go far, in time, both in wizardry and in other fields, I do believe.


    Yeah, I want to talk to you about thatI mean her going far in wizardry, and I want to talk to you about a lot of other things, Alex said, his finger passing through one of the golden lines. It tickled his skin. Is Professor Julesing back soon?


    At any heartbeat, I suspect, Baelin said, his gaze boring into ygon while the golems finger traced fae roads. Why do you ask?


    Alex nced at the double doors behind him then leaned toward the chancellor, his voice dropping to a whisper. I told the Heroes. For emphasis, he tapped his Marked shouldernow covered by his cloak, shirt and the illusion spell.


    The ancient wizards bushy eyebrows shot toward the ceiling. Well, well, that <em>is</em> quite the development. At ater, safer time, you and I will have to discuss how that came to be. I take it all went well?


    I got punched.


    Oh, is that all? Bah. Baelin waved his hand dismissively. Hardly trouble at all, theAlright, Alex, it is bothering me, why are you having ygon trace the lines of the fae roads?


    He cocked his head. If you wished to call my attention to his handsome new appearance you neednt have resorted to such <em>subtle</em> tactics; he already has my full interest.


    The chancellor floated into the air, hovering over the table anding to levitate around ygon, examining him like a curious fish orbiting a lure. ygon paused his examination of the illusionary roads, his head turning inplete circles, following the ancient wizards movements.


    He gave Baelin a slight little wave with two of his hands, drawing a chuckle from the goat beastman, who waved back. Ah, an adorable gesture from such a devastating weapon of battle. An amusing juxtaposition: your sense of humour is improving, Alex.


    The golem cocked his head, looking down at the young, Themaish wizard. <em>Fatherwhy not tell himI am awake? He thinksI am moving because of yourdirection. That iswrong.</em>


    Alex could hardly fight the wide grin spreading over his lips. Give him a minute. Heplimented my sense of humour, right? Lets let the joke continue a little longer, he thought.


    <em>This ishumour?</em> ygon asked.


    To me, it is, Alex beamed.


    Hmmmm, the power radiating from him has increased dramatically! Most impressive! I see that his movements have grown smoother as well, almost true to life, really the chancellor paused before the golem, peering into his face. The signature of his mana hasaltered slightly as well. Fascinating. I wonder what new powers he might exhibit? Has there been any progress in his growing cognition? Has he changed <em>internally</em> as well as externalWhy are youughing?


    Baelins expression was puzzled as Alex bent over the map table, his body shaking with barely stifledughter.


    I fail to seeOhoh my goodness! He cried in delight, whirling back to face ygon. Yesyes, I see now! ygon, your movemenOh st it, I must have finally grown senile! The chancellor spread his hands as though weing a ship to harbour. Ahhhh, myrge friend! You have awoken atst, have you not?


    The golem slowly gave the chancellor two thumbs up.


    Hah! Glorious! Magnificent! The ancient wizard pped. This is an absolutely wondrous development. How does it feel to think, to move, to act on your own power?


    He tried to kill Cedric, Alex reported.


    <em>Fathersaying it that way removes the full picture.</em> ygon pointed out. <em>He will react negativ</em>


    Baelinsughter erupted, echoing throughout the chamber.<strong></strong>Oh my, considering what your creator just told me


    Father, Alex corrected. He calls me father.


    At those words, he felt a little surge of happiness rush through their link.


    Oh, now <em>that</em> is interesting. Baelin stroked his beard-braids, their bronze sps cking together with the movement. That says a great deal about your rtionship. Some golems who awaken to cognizance see their creators as parental figures, but many simply see them as, well, creators, masters or leaders. Warmth defines the bond between you and him. It will be fascinating to watch how that develops in the future. But in any case, considering what you just told me, I think I can guess <em>why</em> he attacked our friendly Chosen One. Is Cedric still among the living?


    He peered at ygon, not waiting for a reply. I guess it would be safe to assume that he is, otherwise the conversation were having would be somewhat more dire. ygon, you are unwounded andwhile you are powerfulI should hope that the Chosen would have put up a little more fight than that.


    <em>Fathercould I have a pen and somethingto write on again?</em>


    Of course! Alex thought, immediately conjuring a forcedisk and producing both parchment and a writing tool.


    The golem ced the paper on the forcedisk, using it as a desk while he slowly drew letters, which grew to form words.


    <em>He wasfast. No onehurt. Fathercalmed all.</em>


    Ah, good, good, good, Baelin said. I daresay it would be a tad difficult to smooth over Hero murder as an international incident. That would truly be the <emst</em> thing I need today. Thisnew friend of the Heroes has been vexing me enough as it is.


    New friend? Alex asked.


    The little <em>predator</em> that guided our friends along the fae roads. The ancient wizard gestured to the golden lines over the map, then wagged his finger at ygon. You watch him closely, my young, stony friend. There coulde a day when son might need to protect father against him.


    <em>Willcrush if needed.</em> ygon wrote.


    Hah! What a delightful personality <em>you</em> have. A Proper Wizard would kill for apanion such as you. Baelin patted the golems broad, marble shoulder.


    Right, that reminds me, Alex said. I have something to tell you too: about the Heroes fae friend. I wanted to warn you about him.


    Warn me? Baelin cocked his head slightly.


    <em>My </em>fae friend, Gwyin. He said that He paused, wondering what to call the white-bearded, moose-riding fae. ...he said that the Heroes new friendMr. Herofriend, lets sayhas a lot of different names. And he said that those names aresticky, he called them.


    Ahhh, that old fae trick. Baelin nodded grimly. I might have known. Clever, though, to have multiple names and put traps in <em>all</em> of them. It would take quite the expenditure of power and no small amount of skill. Hmmm, he no doubt is older than I had initially thought, and Id guessed fairly old.


    He frowned. The tricky thing is thatsince he has multiple nameshe could haveid traps in any number of names and titles. We should refer to him by one he likely has never used before. Mr. Herofriend should suffice: I would be very surprised if he had seeded <em>those </em>particr words with a magical trap. Only you could have thought of such a novel way by which to refer to him. Now, what else did your little friend say?


    Oh, only that theres dark rumours about Mr. Herofriend, Alex said. Something about not ying gently with mortals.


    Ah, well that much I had guessed myself, Baelin said grimly. Hmmm, perhaps I should take my own measures. The fae areby andrgean unpredictable people; it might be that Mr. Herofriend wishes to help us now, but that could change at any time. There is always an element of whim that one must be aware of when dealing with fae. Yes, I do believe my own measures will be necessary.


    Yeah. Alex looked down at those golden roads. Each promised new avenues for the Heroes to travel; they could respond to enemies quickly,e to the Research Castle at speed, and deploy armies over vast distances. But Alex wondered what hidden dangers might be ahead, both on those roads and off. Well, the Heroes and I are going to be doing some preparations. This is just one more thing to prepare for.


    Preparations? Baelin cocked his head.


    Oh yeah, that was the next thing I have to tell you. He nced at the doors, listening for Professor Jules tell-tale gait moving down the hall. Silence met him. The Heroes and I talked about some stuff, so I need a bit of a favour from you.


    He told the chancellor of the n to increase the Heroes power: including passing on Baelins theories of tactics andbat, teaching Cedric and Drestra new and powerful spells from spell-books in the library, and his nned experiment with Hart. The more he talked, the closer Baelin came, leaning in and floating nearer, his goat-like eyes twinkling like stars on a crisp Thameish night.


    Howintriguing. I did offer to pass on some teachings to Drestra, but thisthis will be far more magnificent. With the Heroes being such fine y to work with, and hands as skilled as yours and mine to sculpt themwell, I am positively salivating to see what might result.


    <em>Youwill sculpt their flesh? </em>ygon wrote. <em>They will die.</em>


    Oh, no, my young friend, its just a figure of speech, the chancellor said. I merely meant that we will grant them the knowledge and skills to transform into their best selves.


    <em>Figuresof speechconfusing.</em>


    That they are, that they are, ygon, Baelin said. Try living for a few thousand years and watching the popr expressions of era after era tumble away to be reced by new ones. It can be positively mind-rending. Now, as for these teachingsI am in full support, of course, and I shall aid when I can.


    Thats great, Alex said. Because theres aspects of spellcraft Id obviously have trouble teaching, and I wont be able to help them at all with fighting techniques.


    Hmmm, Baelin mused. We shall see how much <em>my</em> fighting techniques would be of help to someone like Hart. Do not mistake me: a Proper Wizard maintains their body and learns how to direct it in acts of necessary violence buteven at my great ageI would not by any means deem myself a master of modern melee and rangedbat arts. I learned to fight in a very different time, I perfected those skills and only expanded on them as necessary: most of my vast gift of time has been spent on wizardry, of course. I could well teach those interested a thing or two about the spear, club and axe, but to someone with generations ofbat knowledge flowing through themI do not know how helpful I could be.


    He tapped one of his beard-braids. I think <em>your</em> method of improving his base physical capabilities to enhance his millenia worth of experience and skill is indeed the best method, unless we find some rather unique and formidable techniques to teach to him. Hmmm, perhaps there are some fighting manuals in the hells that we might uncovAh! Thats it!


    What? Whats it? Alex asked abruptly.


    Baelin gave a low dark chuckle. Over the next year, I of course will be sojourning to the hells for the express purpose ofying a number of Zonon-Ins rivals. This will be arge timemitment and would have been difficult to smoothly schedule when one considers my administrative duties, other duties, my time on the expedition, as well as teaching my students in various years The Art of the Wizard in Combat.


    He raised a finger. But what if we y five dragons with a single meteor?


    I, uh, dont think thats how that expression goes


    For you see! Baelin smiled, unabated. You and many others have learned a great deal aboutbat on this expedition, as you did in the Barrens. So, I think its time to set you forth against more exotic prey.


    Alexs eyes widened. You dont mean


    Oh <em>yes,</em> Baelin chuckled. I think it is time to tell you, your cabal, your friends and the Heroesto go to hell. Or rather, toe to multiple hellswith me. I will seek out the greatest quarry, of course, but everyone else will benefit by having armies to fight, and magics to defeat. You will all learn a great deal from a period of extended demon-ying.

 Chapter 442: Approaches of Bombardment and Guile

    Chapter 442: Approaches of Bombardment and Guile


    Professor Jules is <em>not</em> going to like this, Alex murmured. Im not sure <em>I</em> like it.


    Baelin, his eyes sparkling while he remained floating in mid-air as he schemed for the future, looked at Alex with incredulity. Truly? <em>Now</em> you wish to turn coward? Bah, I say! When we spoke of ying Ezaliel and obtaining information on the Traveller, you were as eager as a rabbit in spring time. Dont tell me this littledisaster today has caused you to lose your nerve?


    Alex paused. I wouldnt really call it a little disaster Baelin: a couple of dozen people lost their lives.


    And I mourn them, the chancellor said, a note of gravity in his voice. In my own fashion, I mourn them. I will ensure they are remembered well and their families are wellpensated. He sighed. The loss of Watcher Shaw stings in particr: the man served with the Watchers near-on thirty years. He was a fine warrior, a good tactician, and a Proper Wizard. Geminithe leader of the Watcherswill be most upset. However


    He gave Alex a serious look. along the great path of life as one moves through the world, there will be bumps, sinkholes and dangers. Every single expedition member joined with the understanding that they would face great dangers. Safety can be maximised and loss of life minimised, butin the endnothing is guaranteed. This could have been far worse, Alex. Far worse.


    Oh, I know, Alex agreed. But, small disaster...small...the words just make it feel a bit too insignificant for my liking.


    Ah, well thates from a matter of perspective, the chancellor said. I have seen things that would drive others to catatonia: wars, demonic eclipses, gues, famine, and spells so powerful that entirends were washed out to sea when the spell went awry, yet, they were forgotten by the vast majority of history.


    He nced at the map, eyes distant as though looking <em>through</em> it to watch something else. Something Alex couldnt see. I am sure you will find a way to have a very long lifespan, Alex. You might see my perspective as alien nowif I were your age and raised in your circumstances, I certainly wouldbut amass enough years? And you will likely see disasters in an entirely different way, and on an entirely different scale.


    Alex opened his mouth to replybut closed it immediately as a thought and context urred to him.


    Baelin was probably right, if he really thought about it. Back when hed first been Marked, hed paid a visit to Alrics local magistrate to im the entirety of his and Selinas inheritance.


    At the time, the funds had seemed a vast sum that would utterly change their lives.


    Now? After living in Generasi and seeing what great wealth looked like, and if the financial part of Operation Grand Summoning Ascension went as nned, all of that cointhe sum total of his parents wealthwould seem like pocket changepared to what he could earn. Maybe in time hed begin to look at death in the same way; over twenty dead was a catastrophe now, but perhaps, with the passage of years, and surviving more deadly battles


    He shook his head, clearing his mind. I can consider that another time.


    You might be right, Alex said. But, anyway, we got a bit off-track. Im not reluctant to go down to the hells because I turned coward. Its just thatwell, I have the distinct memory of you saying that you wanted me to know fourth or fifth level spells before we went down there.


    Ahhhh, true, Baelin said. I did say that. However, that applied to <em>that</em> particr mission. When the timees, you will be facing the forces<strong></strong>of a greater demon, quite possibly without my help, which means I will likely be directly engaged with Ezalind any of its allies. I most likely will not have the attention or time to protect you, even if you fall under dire circumstances. Further, and let this serve as your first lesson in journeying into dangerous nes


    He conjured a pair of illusions, letting each hover above his palms. Over his left was an army of powerful soldiers and wizards, mustering to march through a portal to a hellscape. Floating above his right palm were a trio of adventurerswell-equipped with weapons and suppliesmoving stealthily like experienced warriors over a sted abyssal desert.


    there are two main ways to lead an expedition into dark, otherworldly realms, Baelin said. The first He wiggled his left hand, and the illusionary army above it charged a horde of demons, crashing into them with fury. is what I would call the Bombardment Approach. Not an official academic term, but it serves the purpose. Essentially, you assemble a small army of powerful individuals to breach the ne in force. It is loud. It is messy. It is dangerous. And it is expensive. Truly, it is only useful for destroying targets, or defending otherworldly citadels. And when we


    The image of the army faded, reced by an illusion of Baelin, Alex, his cabal, ygon, the Heroes and other members of the Art of the Wizard in Combat attacking a horde of demons.


    attack Zonon-Ins enemies, this will be the approach we will use. We will be loud, and I will handle their most dangerous forces while I assign you enemies to face that can help your learning without overtaxing you. We will rain fire, and that will be the end of them. But, this approach will not work well when ites time to obtain the information about the Traveller from Ezaliels subordinates.


    He wiggled his right hand, and the image of the grizzled adventurers changed to one of Khalik, Alex and Theresa infiltrating an ancient, demonic temple. The Guile Approach is what well need: you need to <em>obtain</em> something, and we dont know precisely what it is. Is it a scroll that can burn? A stone tablet that can be crushed? A rumour in some demons mind that will be lost forever if they are in?


    Right Alex said, running his hand through his short beard. So if we go in with the Bombardment Way, we might destroy the information before we even get it.


    Precisely, Baelin said. At that time, you and a <em>very</em> small group must act autonomously. I can move unseen when I wish to, but I will be needed to draw Ezaliels attention. As such, youand this small groupwill have to act independently. I would not send you into literal hell without being sure you can defend yourselves under such circumstances. But for the Bombardment Approach? As you are now, you are more than capable enough. You will have me as a safety, my spell-marks to whisk you away from dangers, as well as a group of powerful allies around you. Under such circumstances, we can proceed!


    But wait, Alex said. What about the Heroes? They said that things are escting here. Theyll be more than a little bit needed right here toyou knowfight the Ravener.


    Baelin waved a hand dismissively. Simplicity in itself.<strong></strong>Remember, our COMB-1000 sses took little more than a single period each week. The Heroes can travel here through the fae roads, or I could teleport them to the Research Castle. From there, one little spell and we will appear in the precise location within the hells to proceed immediately. If the Saintins, I could see to it that some of our resources are dedicated beyond Greymoor. We are building to that, anyway.


    Right, Alex said. But what about Professor Jules not liking this?


    Baelin was about to respond when quick, familiar footsteps echoed from the hallway.


    Ah, speak of a devil, and they may appear, the chancellor said just as the doors opened.


    Whos a devil now? Professor Jules asked, shutting the doors behind her. What are you nning? Something Id disapprove of, no


    She paused, her eyes falling on Alex and then ygon. Well, goodwee hours of the morning, Mr. Roth. What brings you here sote?


    nning, Alex said. Baelin was just thinking of ways we could take advantage of a few opportunities.


    Oh? Professor Jules looked at the chancellor dubiously. Nothing too dangerous, I hope?


    I will be taking mybat ss to the hells, he said proudly.


    The younger professor stood by the doors for a full five seconds, her eyes bulging. Really? Really, chancellor? A deep frown creased her brow. After what happened today, youre nning on bringing students into <em>more</em> danger?


    After todayif anythingIm more convinced than ever that such dangers presented in a controlled environment are more necessary than theyve ever been, Vernia.


    She gave a deep, heavy sigh. Well, I wont be the professor who tries to dictate anothers curriculum. Thats too gauche, but still Professor Jules gave Alex a pointed look. ...I assume you will be a party to this madness?


    He shrugged. You know me well enough; what do you think Ill do?


    Her sigh deepened. You spend far too much time running headfirst into danger, Mr. Roth.


    I do <em>not!</em> Alex protested. I take measured risks. Theyre calcted.


    Then youre worse at mathematics than Id thought.


    Hey! Ive gotten loads of benefits from my way of doing things, and they arent <em>that</em> risky!


    Monster hunting isnt risky? The alchemy professor raised an eyebrow, putting her hands on her hips. Battling cultists isnt risky? Using a mana vampire like a power source then draining it to propel a golem with an untested mana core isnt risky


    ygon waved at her, and she nodded in return.


    Ah, hello, ygon. Sorry I didnt greet you, how impolite. Must be theck of sleep. In any case, Alex I am fairly sure that you are the Chancellor of Risk. Well, you would be except for Bae


    Her words trailed off, her head slowly turning back to ygon.


    Wait she murmured. Did you just?


    The golem nodded, drawing a new note on his sheet of paper.


    <em>Hello. Professor Jules.</em>


    The older womans jaw dropped. Youyouve awakened to intelligence! She cried. This is incredible! Oh my goodness!


    In an instant, allints about dangers were forgotten, and she was scurrying up to ygon like an excited child, producing a pen and paper from seemingly nothing at all. Goodness me! Changes outside and within! I had thought your<strong></strong>awakeningif it were toe at allmight be due to certain conversions of the properties in your inner elements. There are certain theories about silicon


    Her pen danced across a page.


    ...but enough of that, how do you feel? Whats your first memory? What are your thoughts? Do you have a sense of touch?


    ygon looked at Alex as though begging for help, but the young man simply shrugged.


    The golem seemed to give up, scrawling a new message: <em>I am. Learning. Things. Write. Slow.</em>


    Ah, I wont overwhelm you, then. Professor Jules whirled on Alex. Mr. Roth!


    Yes! Alexs back straightened as though he were a soldier and hismanding officer had just snapped at him.


    Oh, calm down, this isnt the army, Mr. Roth. Professor Jules rolled her eyes. But, I need you to answer my questions. In particr, what is ygons learning capacity? He is already capable of writing which indicates that he had a form of memory storage before his awakeningunless he gained intelligence some time ago?


    No, it was right after the battle, Alex said. And uh, I havent really had time to test how quickly he learns.


    That should be your <em>first</em> priority! Professor Jules dered, looking at Alex with disappointment. You have such a <em>rare</em> opportunity, Alex: a new mind to form, and one existing within a corporeal shell that has no biological limiters. It could be that we have a genius on our hands?


    <em>What isa genius? </em>ygon asked mentally.


    Its basically Isolde. And Baelin. And Professor Jules. Ill exin it moreter, Alex promised.


    <em>Thankyou.</em>


    Hmmmm? The alchemy professors head darted between them. Ah! He canmunicate through your link? Excellent data. She jotted down a note. You <em>must</em> build him a speakerbox soon. <em>Very </em>soon.


    Its on my to-do list, professor, Alex said. Trouble is that its a very long, and growing list.


    Perhaps some reprioritising would help you. For example, Im suggesting you lower the priority level of horrendous risk, which might give you time for other, more productive activities. She red at Baelin.


    HmmmProfessor Jules might have a point. The chancellor stroked his beard, peering into ygons fierce expression. His eyes flicked to the war-spear in the golems grip. Hart might present a good opportunity to test such a thing. He is a repository for centuries ofbat knowledge. You could have him train ygon in various spear-fighting techniques and see how quickly our friend would take to them.


    Alex froze, then gave a wide grin. Thats <em>perfect!</em> What do you think, ygon?


    <em>Good. Willhelp me protect.</em>


    Professor Jules gave a devastating sigh. Of course. You have a new mind to shape. You have a new form of life to study. And what does everyone want to do? Teach him how to hit others with a sharp piece of metal! Gah! She threw up her hands. Youll just infect your little sister with such urges.


    Toote, Alex thought, remembering Selinas knife. Shed probably want ygon to learn how to fight the mostI wonder how shell react when she meets him? I guess Ill find out soon enough.

 Chapter 443: A Dance of Heat and Flame

    Chapter 443: A Dance of Heat and me


    and so heat rises, travelling as high as it can go, Shiani was saying, pointing to the me. It was a tiny, controlled flicker caged within an oilmp in the tables centre. ss walls surrounded the small fire, caging it in, giving it no opportunity to grow and spread to the books and papers sprawled around themps brass base.


    The fire was harmless, Selina told herself, though she was still having a hard time keeping her eyes on it.


    She could barely hear Shianis calming voice, her mind warring with the flickering dance of me. With every bob and quiver, the fire drew more of her attention, its beauty held her gazeyet also stoked a spark of guilt that made her want to turn away.


    She forced herself to watch and to listen.


    If she wanted thisaffinity of hers to be something good, shed have to do just that.


    Are you okay? Shiani asked, pausing the lesson. We can take a break if you need one.


    No! No, Im okay, the young girl insisted, clenching her jaw. This was the third time Shiani had asked her that, and each time it made Selina just a little more irritated.


    But her annoyance wasnt directed at the fire mage; it was at herself.


    If I keep acting like a little kid that everyones got to treat like ss, Ill never do anything good with this fire affinity, she thought, forcing herself to listen and watch the me. Ill just keep being that scared, stupid little girl who always runs away from fire <em>and</em> monsters.


    Her hand clenched beneath the table. Stupid little girl, stupid! Focus!


    She looked up at Shiani, noticing the worry on the young womans face, and faked a smile. You were saying heat rises?


    There was a pause.


    Yes Shiani said slowly, carefully watching the young girl. Heat radiates off of any fire, but the heat will travel <em>up</em>. Its why you can put your hand close to the side of themp and have it be fine, but your fingers will burn if you hold them <em>over</em> the me. Ah, careful


    To test it for herself, Selina waved a hand over the fire while the other one hovered near the ss. It was definitely hotter above themp, she frowned, a familiar thought in her mind.


    Fire was a cruel thing. It really was.


    If a fire started at the bottom of a building, the heat would rise, reaching anyone upstairs and stopping them from getting away because they couldnt get downstairs to run out the door to safety. Theyd be trapped. If heat travelled down instead of up, then people would have a better chance of getting out of the building and not dying from the smoke and mes.


    She said as much to Shiani, who frowned.


    Fire is not a cruel thing, to my people, Shiani said. Its no crueller than water or wind or sunlight. Think about it this way: if heat travelled down, then wed have a harder time cooking our food. Wed need to put our pots <em>under</em> the me, and just think about how hard that would be to do.


    Wind and sunlight dont burn people alive, Selina said darkly, wondering if there was something wrong within her mind. How could she think that something so awful was beautiful?


    Wind can sweep away crops, Shiani said sadly. If its strong enough, it can blow houses down, tear a mothers baby from her arms and blow them into the sea to drown. Wind can uproot trees and blow away good soil. Water can drown animals or people. The sea can flood and wash away homes. Sunlight can burn peoples skin or make them die of thirst if its strong enough. These things are just as cruel.


    Selina frowned, trying topare those things to the hunger of me.


    Shiani kept talking. And besides, in your exampleif the roof burned first, thenif heat travelled downitd burn every living thing below and they still wouldnt get away.


    ...thats true, I guess, Selina said. Which means that fire can do good <em>and</em> bad, just like the sun, water and wind.


    Exactly. Shiani smiled brilliantly. Andmany people here feel that fire is a thing of death. But to my people, its life.


    How can it be life? Selina asked.


    When a forest burns down, the ash feeds the soil and makes the new trees grow healthier, the fire mage said. Fire helped my people fight the monsters on our ind back before we knew the power of metal or de. And fire can even bring life...have you ever heard of the phoenix?


    Feeee nicks, Selina sounded the word out. No?


    Okay, well,<strong></strong>Shiani began. A phoenix is a sacred creature to my people. They live on the elemental ne of fire, in the celestial nes, and even here in the material world in deserts and volcanoes. Theyre birds with the most brilliant and beautifully coloured feathers of crimson and gold, and they canmand fire better than any dragon can. Fire <em>is</em>actually life to them, and so they can never truly die.


    Theyre immortal? Selina asked the fire mage. We learned about immortals in ss: so these phoenixes never die?


    They do <em>and</em> they dont, Shiani said.


    Selina frowned, about to point out the contradiction when she remembered where she was now living. This wasnt Thamnd. There were so many strange and impossible things that weremonce in Generasi that shed just learned to ept them with few or no questions. It was a sentiment shared by many of her ssmates, andas a private joketheyd started answering all of their teachers questions about magical and<strong></strong>natural phenomena with a simple phrase:


    <em>A wizard probably did it.</em>


    Their teachers were less than amused.


    And she didnt want to do that to Shiani.


    Do thee back to life? Selina asked. Everyone says thats impossible. My teachers say that. Alex told me that Baelin said so too.


    Thats true, as far as I know. Shiani pointed to the fire. But what happens if I blow this fire out?


    Umit would go out? Selina proposed.


    Thats right, it would. Shiani leaned over themp and gave a quick puff through pursed lips. The me snuffed out, fading into nothing more than a single ember, and a trailing line of white smoke. But what happens if we reignite it?


    She uttered a single word of power.


    There was ashift in the air, one that felt warm; Selina wondered if she was starting to feel mana, like Alex could. Or maybe it was just fire mana, since she only felt it when me magic was being conjured.


    The power flowed from Shiani, settling into the glowing ember and setting it alight again. Selinas eyes widened; watching the me return made her feel like when shed seen ygon take his first steps.


    She tamped down the guilt that came with that thought.


    And, the me is back, Shiani said. We have an expression among my people: <em>As long as there is fuel, the fire never dies.</em> And that is the way for phoenixes. They are birds of fire, and when they die, its like a candle being snuffed out. But, with a little fuel, they cane to life in great explosions of fire. To <em>them</em>, fire <em>is</em> life. And with the glory of me, they can live for millenia, burning from one life to the next.


    But wait, Selina said. Fire can onlye back if theres fuel, you said. So whats their fuel?


    Shiani shrugged. I asked my fire magic professor that very question. Andwe dont really know for certain. For a few centuries we thought it was mana, but phoenixes burn back to life even in ces where theres little to no mana. And the mana in their bodies dissipates when they die, so theres nothing left to rekindle their life. So mana cant be the fuel source.


    She tapped the side of her head. Then my teacher said that wizards used to think that phoenixes burned their own memories as fuel: so they woulde back to life, but with each life, they would forget their old memories and begin anew. But, around two hundred years ago or so, some other wizards went straight to the source and asked the phoenixes themselves to see if they could finally get an answer to that question; and what they learned was that they remember their past lives perfectly! So memories werent the answer to them returning to life. Then we wizards guessed that it was the soul that was the fund a little burned away each time they resurrectedbut they soon realised that phoenix souls grow <em>more</em> powerful, not less powerful over time. Thats why ancient phoenixes look like miniature suns when theye back to life.


    That image caught hold of Selinas imagination, refusing to let go; a great, powerful bird like Najyah, rising from ash in a glorious flower of me.


    But, then what <em>is </em>their fuel? Selina frowned, more puzzled than before.


    As far as we know, they might not need fuel. Shiani spread her hands helplessly. Fire elementals burn forever without fuel; maybe phoenixes are the same. As much as we know about magic, we still dont understand everything. Our professors dont, at least.


    Hmmmm. Selina looked back at the me. Fire that burns foreverscary. How would you put it out?


    Maybe some mes arent always meant to be put out, Shiani said. Maybe thats what makes some fire so wonderful. Like the sun, burning forever to warm our world.


    Selina nced at the sun through the window for a moment, squinting against the light. So if the sun was goneitd be cold here.


    Well, you would be cold if someone moved a campfire away from you on a cold night, wouldnt you? Shiani offered.


    The young girl frowned, turning this over in her mind. Socan you move fire with magic? Do you know any spells like that?


    Hmmm, theres a spell called Control me, Shiani said. But, its mostly used for stifling fires or keeping them burning longer. Wizards who get <em>very</em> good with it can even make fire walk around like it has legs.


    Selina held her hand over the oilmp, feeling the heat. Can you move <em>heat</em> with that spell?


    What do you mean? Shiani asked.


    I mean, could you make the heat justgo away from somewhere, like making a fire walk away? Then with the heat gone, itd be cold?


    Ivenever heard of anything like that, Shiani said, pondering the question. MaybeI dont know, Ive never thought of that before. Or heard of anyone trying anything like it. Controlling fire itself is different, I think.


    Why is it different? Selina frowned. Fires just a lot of heat and light, isnt it?


    No, itsI mean, thats one way of looking at it, Shiani said. ButI dont know, Ive never heard of such a spell being used that way. Malcolm, have you?


    Shiani turned to the other upant of the tablethe ice wizard Malcolmwho wasslumped over in his chair, fast asleep with his head hanging over his chest.


    Malcolm! Shiani snapped.


    Uh, wha? The young man dragged himself awake. What? Whats wrong? We under attack? His eyes were bleary and his words slurred.


    Ma, how long have you been asleep?


    Around the time you started talking about fire?


    Oh by the mountains me, Shiani swore, Nevermind. Have you ever heard of a Control Fire spell being used to move heat without the me? To make things cold?


    Uh, he scratched his stubble. ...no? Why would anyone do that? Sounds like itd be hard. By the way, youre still going to help me with that assignment, right?


    <em>Yes,</em> Shiani grunted. You could pretend thats not the only reason youre here.


    Meh, why lie to children? He shrugged, looking at Selina. Youve got a fire affinity, right?


    Yeah, Selina said.


    And you still want to do ice stuff?


    Yeah, she said a little more forcefully.


    Well, uhI dunno. He looked up at the sky again. When the sun moves away from the northwhere Im fromthen thats when winteres hard. Maybe study the seasons or something? I dunno, Im just some third year student, so what do I know? Im not some fire and ice genius.


    With that, he rose, sauntering to the balcony while stifling a loud yawn.


    Shiani shook her head. Why dont we take a break, she suggested. Im going to grab a ss of water.


    Selina was left alone with her thoughts. And the me.


    Hmmm, the seasons she wondered aloud, thinking about winters back in Thamnd.


    She remembered waking up in the Lu Family Inn on winter mornings when it was still dark and icy cold. The days would be short and frigid; those were days for staying inside with hot drinks and hotter soup, doing work indoors, and spending time with family.


    But if those days were short and cold because the sun was awaythen maybe she could make mini winters by moving heat around. The question washow?


    She looked back at the me, watching the heat rise.


    Her eyes narrowed in thought.


    Heat already moved, didnt it?


    It travelled up, like Shiani said. The sun travelled, taking its heat with it and making the weather in her homnd turn into winter.


    Maybe


    Oh hey, your brother and everybody else is back, Malcolm said from the balcony. And thereswhoa, what the hell happened to ygon?


    Is something wrong with him? Selina asked, her voice filled with fear. She scrambled out of her chair and onto the balcony, staring into the courtyard.


    A squeal of delight suddenly escaped her gaping mouth when she saw ygon. pping her hands, her face beaming with joy, she rushed toward the apartment door.


    Hes evolved! she cried. Hes evolved!

 Chapter 444: Selina and Claygon

    Chapter 444: Selina and ygon


    Selina was tingling with excitement as she took the stairs two at a time. From somewhere behind and above her, she vaguely heard Shiani calling her name.


    Selina, be careful you dont fall down the stairs! She warned. Your brother will kill me if you do!


    Im fine! Selina shouted back undeterred, now stubbornly taking the stairs <em>three</em> at a time.


    She hit the ground at a sprint, rushing into the courtyard and skidding to a halt, her shoes scraping along the cobblestones. She was gaping again, her eyes bulging at the sight of the reborn ygon striding forward with a new body of shining marble.


    Oh by the Traveller! She gasped, hands pressing to her cheeks. Hes so beautiful! Look how beautiful you are!


    In all of the many timesand there were <em>many</em>that shed imagined what ygon might look like if he evolved, shed never thought hed look like <em>this</em>. Sometimes she imagined him as grey stone, sometimes as the same red coloured stone that Alex had said existed in the Barrens.


    But never, ever had she thought of stunning, smoothly, polished white marble; she was so transfixed by his glorious form, she didnt notice when he stopped dead in his tracks to stare at her.


    She also didnt notice her brother walk up to her, waving his hands wildly while calling her name.


    Selina! Selina! He shouted, snapping his fingers in front of her nose. Alex to Selinaaaaa! Come back from the next ne, Selinaaa!


    Argh! She yelped, finally noticing he, Theresa, Khalik, Brutus and Najyah were surrounding her. When did you get here?


    Alex gave her a withering look and sighed, looking at Theresa. I swear, one little golem evolution and youre suddenly invisible to your own flesh and blood. Truly, no one has ever suffered like I have!


    Ah, Alex, Prince Khalik cleared his throat. Considering what happened in Greymoor, perhaps your uh<em>timing</em> with that joke is a little


    Ah. Alex winced. I see what youre saying. AndSelina?


    The young girl had left the circle, walking toward ygon as though she was entranced. AlexAlex what happened to him? Oh, by the Traveller?


    As Shiani ran down the stairs to join them, Selina was circling ygon, eyeing him from his feet to the top of his head. Her gaze lingered on the high gleaming from his fire-gems.


    They drew her eyes like the me had.


    she could feel something emanating from him, simr to what shed felt when Shiani had cast her spell.


    Fire mana? She wondered as she noticed something odd.


    His head was following her as she circled him, like he was watching her as intently as she was watching him. His lower hands twitched as though wanting to reach out to her, but something was making him hesitate.


    Selina frowned at Alex, whofor some reasonhad a big, stupid grin on his face like he was keeping the most amusing secret in the world to himself.


    Why are you making ygon do that? She asked. Youre being weird, Alex.


    For a moment, Alexs eye zed over and his head cocked to the side as though he was hearing something that only he could hear.


    No, no, he said gently. Youre not being weird, she just thinks <em>Im</em> being weird.


    Selina frowned, looking at Khalik and Theresawho were also smiling at her as though her birthday present was about to be revealedbut neither said a word.


    Whore you talking to? She asked her brother, her frown deepening. Youre being weird and crazy again. Are you talking to yourself?


    ygons hand rose, waving at her<strong></strong>as though he was denying her words<strong>.</strong>


    Alex burst outughing. No, no I don''t look weird and crazy! Yes, its funnier this way! Yes, yes this is also humour!


    Oh dear, Selina, Khalik said, his bearded face a mask of concern. It would seem that your brother has lost his mind. It is a shame really. From my house to yours, I offer my deepest condolences.


    I hope you have the strength to take care of your brother when hes chewing leather and chasing birds on all fours. Theresa gave the biggest, fakest sob that Selina had ever heard. Ill be there in spirit!


    Her face fell into her hands, her body shuddering with both fake crying and very realughter. Brutus looked at his master curiously for a moment before dropping to his haunches and raising his heads toward the sky.


    The cerberus howled at the sun like a wolf whod lost his entire pack to poachers. Even Najyah began to screech and cry, circling Alex like a vulture whod found a tasty bit of carrion to leisurely pick apart.


    Selina was growing even more confused, rmed and annoyed with every heartbeat. She looked to Shiani for some semnce of sanity, but the fire mage was staring at the chuckling Khalik, theugh-crying Theresa, and the rambling Alex like theyd all lost their minds.


    Slowly, the young girl looked up at the balcony, finding Malcolm watching the scene with a bored expression.


    What? Dont look at me? The ice wizard shouted. I dunno, but if hes mad, break his knee and run away or something.


    ygon looked at Malcolm sharply.


    Ah, yeah, thats right, Alex said to seemingly no one. Thats more humour. See? Youre learning already.


    Whatre you talking about, whore you talking to? Selina demanded, wondering if she <em>should</em> break her brothers knee.


    Alright, alright, Alex said, looking at ygon. Ive had my fun. Time to stop the tortutre. Let that be a lesson: sometimes something starts out funny, but if it goes on for too long, the joke bes just in cruel and tragic. So, lets avoid that, shall we? Here.


    He took a pen and notebook from his satchel, flipped it open and walked over to the golem with an expectant smile on his face. Here you go, buddy.


    ygon gently took the pen and notebook between his fingers, setting the book on one of his lower palms. Selina watched as he used his palm as a writing surface.


    His index finger and thumb gently cradled the pen and he began writing slowly.


    Selina watched, mesmerised, looking between her brother and the golem theyd built together. But Alex just kept smiling at her like a fat cat whod drunk all the cream in the kitchen.


    It wasstrange, now that she actually thought about what was going on.


    Normally, when Alex gave ygon silent directions, he usually had a distant expression on his face. And


    Wait, how are you telling ygon how to write stuff if you cant seewhathesdoi Her voice trailed off as Alexs grin grew wider, her head slowly turned back to the golem.


    He was looking down at the notebook as though paying strict attention to what he was doing.


    And then


    It hit her.


    Can youcan you think? She asked, blinking in disbelief. Are <em>you </em>doing that writing on your own, ygon?


    There was a short nod from the golem that made her gasp, and then he looked up, turning the notebook to face her.


    <em>Hello. Selina. I am ygon. I am happy to see you.</em>


    Selina screamed.


    She screamed so loudly, that it sent Brutus into long mournful howls again, startled Najyah, who veered off her path and spiralled downward to crash into Khalik in a tangle of squawking, pping wings, flying feathers and shouting wizard.


    But Selina didnt notice.


    Youreoh my goodness, you can think! You can write! aaaaygooooon!


    She leapt at him.


    Selina sailed through the air, arms spread wide as the golem scrambled to drop his war-spear, his notebook, and his pen to catch the flying younger Roth sibling.


    In a heartbeat she found herself wrapped in hard, warm marble arms, holding her as gently as a newborn. She hugged the golem like he was the biggest, softest deepest, well offort shed ever known.


    The young girl had never felt stone that warm before, and not just warm from heat coursing through it like smooth stone kissed by hours of sunlight, but warm in another way.


    Aforting way.


    ygons warmth reminded Selina of winter fires and roasting chestnuts in Thamnd. Of baking cakes and hot apple cider. Of warm bonfires and summer nights, and of the warmth of her parents hands as they held hers.


    It reminded her of the days when fire was just beautiful; when her father had to pull her hand away from the firece because she kept reaching toward the me. It was one of her first memories, and shed forgotten it until now.


    That memory was all warmth, free of guilt and the horror of burning alehouses. ygon was warmth in the same way.


    Wee to the family, ygon, she whispered. Im so d you can finally hear me. did you like the books I read you?


    The golem stiffened for a moment, then bent down and scooped up his pen and notebook with his lower arms. Selina pulled her face away from ygons torso, pausing in surprise.


    His chest was wet. But then again, so was her face.


    She hadnt noticed the tears running down her cheeks.


    Stop being such a little girl, she scolded herself, wiping away tears and watching as ygon slowly wrote letters in the notebook.


    <em>Yes. I liked your reading. Remember the books. Made me feel warm.</em>


    And then there was no use in wiping her tears away.


    ###


    ygon almost died? Selina cried, nearly falling off of the golemsp. What? Oh no!


    Yeah, it was really scary, Selina, Alex said grimly, sipping a cup of pine needle tea and leaning back in his chair. Really terrifying. When that beam hit him, I thought he was going to turn to stone and break apart. But nohe changed instead. He turned to stone, alright, but he got stronger than ever. Anter that nightthats when he started thinking on his own, talking


    Its not fair that only you get to talk to him, by the way, sheined, looking up at ygon. Smash him, will you?


    The golem froze, his hand wrote another message in the notebook lying on the table before them. <em>I cant smash father. Dont smash father, Selina. Sad.</em>


    She sighed. Fiiiiiine, but Im just d youre alive. She patted him on one of his thick, stone arms.


    The golem leaned toward her touch happily.


    She giggled.


    Alex looked at ygon curiously. Huh, thats interesting. You know, whats odd, every time someones threatened me with violence, even as a joke, ygons gotten a little testy about it. But you seem calm right now, buddy. Even happy.


    Her brothers face turned nk for a moment, then he nodded. Ooooh, thats why.


    Whatd he say? Whatd he say? Selina pushed.


    Yeah what <em>did</em> he say? Theresa asked from across the room. The huntress was kneeling in front of Brutus huge food bowl, filling it with slices of warm meat. The cerberus stared at the bowl, drool pooled on the floor.


    Well, he said that he doesnt want Selina and father to fight, and that he knows we wouldnt hurt each other, Alex said. All in all, a bit <em>boring</em> of an assessment, isnt it? What happened to the drama of siblings locked in deadly battles of session, struggling over inheritance with daggers


    Okay, Im just going to ignore you if youre going to be weird, Selina said. Why is he calling you father and me Selina? I helped build him, he should call me mother.


    A look passed over Alexs face. Thatthat would be super weird, Selina.


    Why? Oh ew! <em>Ew!</em> Youre right, gross, gross, gross! Forget I ever said that! Her skin crawled, as she shuddered in disgust.


    Theresa burst outughing, spilling beef on the floor. Brutus snatched it up.


    Thank the Traveller, Alex said. ygon said that Im his father because hes connected to me. He said youre Selina because youre part of the family and you made him too. He said he could call you Creator, if youd like?


    No, Selina sounds nicer than Creator, she said. Maybe he can call me teacher. Im still learning, but Im going to teach you so much stuff, ygon!


    ygon wrote in his notebook: <em>I like that. Makes me feel warm.</em>


    Her smile deepened. I like that, and it makes me feel warm too.

 Chapter 445: Upcoming Hellish Difficulties

    Chapter 445: Uing Hellish Difficulties


    Selina looked at Alex solemnly, earlier warm feelings draining away as she thought about the story her brother had told. What hed said was horrifying, a tale of monsters she could barely imagine, invisible dangers and enemies so powerful, theyd even given Baelin pause.


    And shed always looked at the chancellor as invincible.


    Then Theresa had told her story: of darkness beneath the earths surface, of powers trying to crush her and their friendsbut also of wonder and triumph. Selinas eyes were drawn to the mirror-sheen sparkling across Theresas des as they leaned against the door frame to her and Theresas bedroom, catching the suns rays and the eye. She could see that something was different about them, something had changed.


    Change


    She frowned at the bed she shared with the huntress; she was growing, but the bed wasnt. With each passing night, it seemed to grow more cramped, leaving her wondering when shed find herself on the bedroom floor as Theresa sprawled out and encroached on her side of the bed.


    Maybe she could pretend to be asleep and kick her out of the bed a few times, maybe then shed go and sleep in Alexs room.


    Theyd probably like that, and she could end up with her own room and a bed all to herself. Mr. and Mrs. Lus angry faces appeared in her mind. No, they wouldnt like that idea if they found out


    But then <em>again</em>her brow furrowed as she schemedthey wouldnt be mad at <em>her</em>, now would they?


    Why do you look like youre hatching evil ns over there? Her big brother asked.


    I dont know what youre talking about. She looked away from the bedroom, blinking innocently.


    Oh yes, you do. That innocent look didnt work on me when you were five, and it wont work on me now.


    Alex, what are we going to do? She asked sincerely.


    And changing the subject wont help you either. Face it, Selina, Im too clever for yoh, oh wait youre serious. His big, stupid grin dropped. Whats the matter? What are we going to do about what?


    About the Ravener and all those monsters? She leaned against ygon. Clutching the hem of her shirt, she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. Theyre going to hurt youno, <em>all</em> of youone day. Herrge green eyes looked from ygon to Alex, then to Theresa and Brutus. Theyre going to hurt Khalik or Thundar or Najyah, Isoldethey keep getting worse, dont they?


    Yes but, we keep getting stronger, Theresa insisted, patting Brutus head as he feasted on the beef strips. She strode across the room, taking her swords in hand, she spun them in her grip. Remember those Silence-spiders in the cave? My sword couldnt cut through their shells. I couldnt do <em>anything</em> to that damned, Hive-queen. But now?


    She cleaved the air twice with the des as each caught the sunlight. Selina blinked. Was it a trick of her eyes or did the airlook funny when Theresa shed it?


    Now I can split Ravener-spawn armour thats twice as thick as hers was, the huntress said firmly. Maybe three times as thick. Great-grandfathers twinde cuts twice for every sh, and it can also deflect magic. I can defend us.


    There was a scritching noise as ygon wrote in his notebook. <em>I am stronger. Will protect father. Will protect all.</em>


    Yeah, ygons stronger than ever, Alex agreed. Im learning better summoning spells and other ways to defend myself and our friends. Well be alright, Selina.


    Will we? Selina asked. Every time you tell me a story about the Ravener and its monsters, things keep getting worse. More people are dying, more monsters attacking, and theyre getting stronger too. You said Watchers died, and theyre <em>so</em> strong! Her voice rose. If they can get killed, why cant you?


    Not going to happen, Alex tried to reassure her. If anything tries to kill us, well just kill em right back. A lot of things have tried so far, but nothings seeded.


    Im worried, Selina said. I wish I could help


    Dont even think about that. Alex pointed at her. This isnt some bards roadside story where the princess gains the magical power of friendship and destroys the evil dragon.


    I dont believe in that kind of stuff, Alex, she said, more than a little offended. But you learned spells in like a year and now you can fight. I can do the same thing.


    Listen, the answers a hard no, Alex was unyielding. Youre eleven years old. The scariest thing you should have to worry about is whether youre going to study for a test or not. Thats how it is, and thats how it should be.


    She frowned. No. No, youre wrong. Thats not how it is, Alex. Ever since we left home, monsters have been trying to eat me. Those Silence-spiders, the demons, those wed monsters at Isoldes cousins ball. My friends tell me stories all the time about dragons and sea monsters attacking ces that theyre from.


    Selina folded her arms across her chest. If Im old enough to be eaten by a monster, arent I old enough to fight back? Arent I old enough to kill monsters?


    Alex and Theresa looked at each other for a long moment.


    Her brother sighed, an ufortable look on his face. Ilook. You know whats funny? Baelin told me the same thing once.


    Really? Selina frowned.


    Yeah, rememberst year when I brought you with me to the Art of the Wizard in Combat for a bit? Alex asked. Well, just before that, Baelin told me this storywell, the storys a bit gruesome so I dont think Ill be repeating it here.


    Aw, I want to hear the story!


    Well, ask him, then, Alex spread his hands helplessly. But the point is, it involved children facing some pretty grisly fatesas I said, gruesomeanyway, after he finished the story, he said something very simr to what you just said. That children can die whether or not they know how to defend themselves. You remember some of those lessons, right?


    Yeah, Selina said.


    Well, maybe a few more might be in order, Alex admitted. Now, I still cant teach you magic yet: Im not going against your teachers on that, and you need a <em>good</em> foundation of the theory first.


    Okay, but what about after? She pushed.


    Well, after that, well see about getting you to the point where you can turn any demon that wants to make a meal out of <em>my</em> sister into ground meat. His jaw clenched.


    And then! She pushed, leaning forward. And then I cane to Thamnd, and


    Absolutely out of the question. He firmly waved her suggestion away. And you cant me me for that one because its out of my hands. Baelin, Professor Jules and the other administrators of the expedition only let qualified researchers and fighters join. And their standard for who can get in is probably going to be even higher after <em>this</em>test incident. That wont include little sisters, Im afraid.


    Ah, bah! She frowned. Maybe Ill ask Baelin.


    Hell say no.


    You dont know that.


    Trust me, I think I do he paused. ...at least I hope so. So! Your lessons on how to defend yourself are going to be restricted to training, and only in proper ces.


    Im not going to blow up the ins, Alex, Selina said. Im not stupid.


    I know youre not, he said. Youre many things, dear little sister, but stupids not one of them. But, the thing is, learning magic can go wroAh! You said the ins! That reminds me of something.


    He looked at Theresa, waving her over to a chair. Honey, could youe here for a minute? Ive got something I want to talk about. Something important.


    The huntress paused. Whatis it? She frowned. Youre not saying that youre about to go off and do something dangerous all by yourself, are you?


    ... Alex froze, like a deer caught inntern-light. Alrightso I have <em>two</em> important things I want to talk about.


    Alex! Selina snapped.


    <em>It is okayI will protect,</em> ygon wrote.


    Alex paused again. Okay, <em>three</em> important things.


    So, lets get the parts out of the way that are going to get me yelled at, Alex sighed, looking at the golem, the huntress and his sister.


    Selina watched him closely. Itd been a long time since shed seen him this nervous.


    Right, so theres no easy way to say this, Selina, but well be going down to the hells for a while, he said.


    What? She demanded. Whatre you talking about?


    She listened as her brother exined how he, Theresa, ygon, and their friends would be heading to the hells with Baelin to learn to fight demons. Selina wasnt sure which feeling was stronger: fear or jealousy.


    That sounds dangerous she said, when hed finished. But youll be with Baelin, so that should be okay.


    Yeah, Alex, Im not sure why you looked so anxious, Theresa said.


    Yeeeeeah, yeeeeeeaaah, wellthen theres the part where I might have to go and uh He ran his fingers through his stupid-scraggly looking beard. Selina did <em>not</em> like that beard. Well, look, I might maybe sort of kinda have to go down to the hells uhwithout Baelins help. And uhwithout uhygon.


    What? Theresa and Selina eximed as one.


    The golem flinched, staring at Alex.


    YesI know, buddy, I know, the Fool said. Yeah, I know, buddy. The problem is that one of the things I need to do down in the hells needsa subtle approach. Baelin tells me that I wont be able to bring many of my friends down there with me, and I wont be able to bring ygoYes, yes I know its dangerous, but I


    No, you <em>have</em> to take ygon! Selina pleaded. Hes so strong, and hes saved all of us!


    Yes, but if I need subtlety, then thats the one thing that ygon doesnt have. I cant exactly go somewhere without you being noticed, buddy. And thats not all, Alex said grimly. Itd have to be a small team thates with me, and theyd have to be people that could go unnoticed.


    He scratched his scraggly beard. AndIve been giving it some thoughtif I go alone, Id feel a lot better.


    Alex, you cant defend yourself as well as youd need to, Theresa insisted. You need someone at your side.


    I did think of that, you know, he said. Seems a bit foolish to train myself in all these group tactics just to muck it all up by going to hell by myself. But, you all mean the world to me He looked at the golem, the young woman and growing girl seriously. and so does the cabal. Hells, Id feel like utter garbage if I got Grimloch killed on some dangerous mission. This isnt like when we fight in Thamnd, where we can just blow up all of our problems. It might involve sneaking and all that, possibly not bringing our full power to bear.


    He sighed. But I was thinking about my summoned monsters. They fight by my side, they can appear out of nowhere and theyre expendable. Of course, Ive got to summon them and I might not always have enough time for that. SoI thought, what if I get some people that were, oh by the Traveller, <em>this</em> sounds awful: expendable? Folk that I wouldnt mind working with butif something happenedI wouldnt be getting half of my friends killed. Maybe mercenaries or something. I dont know.


    Silence hung in the air.


    Alex, Im not sure thats the best idea, Theresa said. I understand you want to protect us, but the people you can rely on most to watch your backwell, thats us.


    Yeah, you should all go together, itd be safer, Selina insisted.


    Well, thats the rough part, I <em>cant</em> take everyone with me, so anyone thates along could be in for a rough time of it. Wed be dealing with more<em></em>danger than wed normally have to since thered be less of us. Itjust doesnt sit right with me.


    Theresa put her hand on his. Dont worry, well figure it out together.


    He smiled. Thank you.


    Gross, Selina wrinkled her nose. Now you have me super scared about what the third thing is. Are you going to tell us that you have to be demon food? Everything youve already said is awful.


    Well, this ones a bit different, his eyes twinkled as they scanned the room, his mouth took on a wistful smile. What would you say if I wanted to get us out of here?


    Like go and get some lunch? Selina asked. I am getting hungry.


    No, I mean, out of this apartmentout of the ins, he said. Im asking if you guys would be open to anupgrade in our living arrangements. Not right away, but soon. Im asking if you might like living in our own ce.

 Chapter 446: New Frontiers of Fortune

    Chapter 446: New Frontiers of Fortune


    So, Ive been doing some thinking in thest day or two. Alex leaned forward, elbows pressed to the table, ncing over his shoulder at the room his sister and his girlfriend shared. Youre getting bigger, Selina. A lot bigger.


    He looked at ygon. Youve changed a lot too, buddy, and I need to make you a speakerbox or <em>something</em> thatll let you talk, and since thats going to be a big project, I started thinking that Id kinda like to have my own workspace at some point. So, Ive been thinking that it might be time for us to move into somece with more room.


    Selina frowned. You mean somewhere else in the ins? Like a bigger apartment? Can we afford that?


    Pffft, youre too young to be worrying about finances, he said.


    Alex, what should I worry about? You said I shouldnt worry about monsters, then you say I shouldnt worry about coin? Im not a brainless donkey, ya know. I know were not exactly rich, so Im not going to pretend that we dont have to watch our coin.


    Well, thats the thing, right? Her brother said. I didnt have to worry about money when I was growing up with mother and father, and neither should you. Id be a pretty bad brother if I let my kid sister worry herself to death about coin.


    Well, Im not going to sit here empty-headed, thinking about building blocks and y all day. She crossed her arms. So. Can we afford it?


    Right now? Alex said. Absolutely, we cant


    There might be something we can do about that. Theresa interrupted him. Actually, this is as good a time as any to bring this up. She tapped the pommels of her swords. I think I might quit my job at the beastarium. Or, at least, ask if I can reduce my hours.


    The huntress smiled. Im thinking about doing some monster hunting. Actually, Im thinking of doing a lot of monster hunting. It was too dangerous for me to do it alone before: if I met anything that my swords couldnt cut, well, Id probably be dead, right? Her smile grew positively predatory. Now? I can cut through stone if I put enough force behind my strikes: itd take a really, <em>really</em> tough monster to resist them. So, with the right contracts, I could earn a <em>lot</em>more coin for us than I do at the beastarium, and itd be a whole lot more fun too. Isnt that right, Brutus?


    One of his heads lifted from his food bowl, yapping in excitement.


    Alex gave Theresa a look, one Selina had seen him give the huntress many times when he thought no one was looking. The strange thing was that he only seemed to have that look when Theresa was being particrly scary.


    Ah well, her brother was just weird sometimes.


    You shouldnt go alone, Alex tone was filled with concern. Youre an absolutely amazing fighter now, Theresa, but Baelin taught us, and we know what can happen if theres no one around to watch your back.


    Itll be alright, she said. Ill pick bounties that I <em>know</em> I can handle and I can ask <em>you</em> to teach me about the monsters Ill be hunting. You can tell me their weaknesses and strengths. Plus, Ill have Brutus with me and She smiled at ygon. If youre up to it, you cane with Brutus and me sometimes. The three of us would be almost unstoppable.


    Alex turned to ygon with a quizzical look on his face. Would you be alright being away from me for a while, buddy? He cocked his head, his expression growing distant. Oh yes, Ill be fine. Usually campus is safe: except for Careys rally, Ive never been attacked here. <em>And</em>, therere plenty of Watchers around to make sure I stay safe while youre gone. So, by all means, go if you want to smash monsters with Theresa and Brutus, dont let me hold you back. Okay? Aaaaah, perfect.


    He looked at Theresa. ygon says he wouldnt mind; itd help him fight better now that he can think. And you guys canmunicate using simple signs, or he can write things until I build his speakerbox.


    Awesome! The huntress cheered. Now we <em>definitely</em> can get that bigger apartment. Should we go talk to Hobb?


    Well, heres the thing about that, Alex said. I thought of talking to him, butIm thinking that itd be a waste to give the university even <em>more</em> money, now, wouldnt it?


    What do you mean? Selina asked.


    Well, I mean, if were going to be paying more for our room and board, Id rather be paying <em>us</em> instead of making Hobbs abacus go ck, ckor maybe not, actually. Come to think of it, Ive never seen him <em>use</em> an abacus. Maybe he doesnt need one, hes a devil after all, and they have some <em>amazing</em> powers of logic and mathematicalw


    Alex, focus, Theresa said.


    Yeah, dont start talking about random stuff halfway through a sentence, Alex, the younger girl frowned.


    Oh yeah, right. Alex shook himself. Alright, what Im suggesting is maybejust maybe, we buy our own ce. Our own little piece of Generasi. We want to stay here, dont we? Dont we? He looked at Selina. You want to attend the university when you graduate from the junior school, right?


    Yeah, she said. Id like to. Thats why I want to study hard and get a schrship like you did.


    Alright, then, were staying in Generasi for a while. At leastoh, youre eleven and you probably wont finish an undergraduate degree until youre at least twenty-one. So thats a full decade. Why keep paying Hobb for <em>ten years</em> or more when we could have our own ce?


    Alexthat sounds reasonable, but uhhow much does a ce in Generasi cost? Theresa asked. I thought itd bethousands.


    He paused. ...well, I did some asking around. I think wed want a townhouse, so we have enough room for all of us, anyway, I asked what prices are like. and in some districts, a townhouse can run you like eighty thousand gold.


    <em>Eighty</em> thousand? Selina and Theresas eyes grew wide.


    Now, now, the good news is that we would want a ce near the school, which ischeaper. Alex held up his hands, waving them as though he was trying to fan down a fire.


    How much cheaper? Selina asked.


    Oh.about He shifted ufortably in his chair. About sixty thousand.


    Silence hung in the air.


    You knowgive or take.


    Alex, in <em>what lifetime </em>would we ever be able to afford that? Theresa choked. Iitd take me years at my jobat our jobs. If I hunt monsterswhats that likeforty mana vampires? No, no the one we captured had its bounty increase a <em>lot,</em> so that means itd be even more, and besides, theyre not exactlymon. Id probably have to start looking for dragons to hunt, and while thatd be fun, I dont think dragons are exactly falling off of trees around here.


    Alex, you dont have to worry about that kinda stuff, Selina said, feeling a little guilty. Her big brother shouldnt have to think of crazy, impossible schemes just because she was getting a little big for a bed. She nced at her and Theresas room.


    Maybe it was time to suggest that Theresa should move into Alexs room, after all.


    It wasnt like Mr. and Mrs. Lu would get mad at <em>her</em>.


    She opened her mouth, ready to make her suggestion.


    No, you wont have to hunt a dragon, Alex smiled, patting Theresas hand. For you see! I have a cunning n, and I think I can take the next step toward it thanks to ygons evolution. Thats right, its time for the next part of the financial portion of Operation Grand Summoning Ascension!


    He raised his arms to the ceiling as he dered the terrible name for his n, reminding Selina of a picture of a mad and dangerous ancient wizard summoning a demon in one of her textbooks. Of course, instead of conjuring a terrible creature, Alex was calling out a terrible name.


    Theresa and Selina exchanged unamused looks as the young girl turned to ygon, patting one of his lower arms. If you ever have to name anything, ygon, then dont be like Alex.


    Hold on now, I named ygon! Her brother huffed, putting his hands on his hips. Youre not saying that he has a lousy name, are you?


    No, because <em>you</em> didnt name him, <em>I </em>did! Selina puffed out her chest. I thought ygon was an awesome name, and you just agreed with me!


    Thats not how it went! Alex said. Thats not the way I remember it at all!


    Youre both remembering it wrong, Theresa said. Nua-Oge mispronounced y golem: she said ygon and you thought it was brilliant, Selina. Alex agreed. So, technically, it was Nua-Oge who came up with it and you both just agreed with her.


    Oh, right, Alex muttered, like his thunderd been stolen.


    Mhm, which means youre still terrible with names and thats why ygons name is perfect and not stupid, Selina huffed.


    <em>Youre</em> not stupid! Alex said. Then he froze. No, no, waitwaitwaitwait


    Thaaaaaank you Alex. His little sister grinned. You should be nice to me like that all the time.


    ...I should let you stay in that room. Make you sleep on the floor.


    Brutus would keep me warm anyway, she said.


    Alex red at the cerberus. You would too, wouldnt you, you treacherous dog.


    Brutus barked happily.


    Yes, he would, Theresa said proudly. Because hes a good boy.


    A good, treacherous boy, Alex sighed. Anyway, the point is that we wont be able to get our own ce yetbut if the financial part of my n works, we wont have to worry about coin ever again. Unless we want to build or buy a castle, of course. And, wellone thing at a time.


    As Alex started going over the details of his n, Selina gave her room a final once over. Briefly, she wondered if she should bring up the idea of Theresa moving into Alexs roombut decided against it.


    After all, he was right: they would be staying in Generasi for a long time, so having Theresa move to another room wouldnt exactly solve their problems. Even if that gave Selina more space, it still meant theyd be paying the university a lot of money for way too long


    Besides, itd mean Theresa and Alex would be the ones cramped in his bed: her big brother had gotten <em>bigger</em> over thest year. She couldnt imagine how annoying itd be for them, bumping into each other all night.


    And Theresas parents would be really mad too.


    She shrugged, deciding against making the suggestion.


    Of course, she had no way of knowing thathad her brother and Theresa known what shed been thinkingtheir mournful screams would have been heard halfway across campus.


    And introducingthe new and improvedaaaaygoooon! Alexs voice boomed through Shales workshop as he gestured toward his golem like a farmer pointing to his biggest, and most beautiful, prized pumpkin.


    Awed murmuring swept over the workshops staff gathered around the pair in a circle some three people deep. Crafters, assistants, salesfolk and administration all crowded each other, vying for the best vantage point.


    Inside, Alex beamed; amused as he watched these grown wizardsall masters, or at least masters-in-the-making in their fieldsgathered around like children excited for the country fair.


    They oood and aaaaad as ygon simply raised his arms, turning in ce like a young nobleman modelling his new finery.


    Some of the crafters pped, and Lagor was among them.


    He, Sim and CarmenAlexs closest colleagues and friends at workwere pressed together by the crowd drooling over ygons new form.


    Ill be damned, can you <em>feel </em>the powering offa this thing! Lagor gaped as the golem raised his war-spear over his head triumphantly. Feels like Im standing next to the damned sun!


    Im d Shaleleath doesnt have to fight him, Sim murmured. If you enter the duel by proxy next year, Ill be sitting it out unless I do a whole <em>lot</em> of upgrades.


    And if hes like this now Carmen gawked. Whats gonna happen if he evolves again?


    ygons head turned toward Alex.


    <em>Theydo notdislike me, father?</em>


    Oh, I think it goes a little beyond dont dislike you, ygon, he thought. I think they adore you!


    <em>Theydo?</em>


    Oh yes, Alex thought. Youve drawn everyones eyes. And I do mean <em>everyones.</em>


    He nced up at the catwalk and spied the very person hed wanted to see ygon the most.


    Toraka Shale.


    His boss of bosses.


    And she was staring at his golem like he was the most beautiful thing shed ever seen.


    Perfect, Alex thought. The next step of the financial part of Operation Grand Summoning Ascension begins.

 Chapter 447: Claygons Good Impression

    Chapter 447: ygon''s Good Impression


    Agh, you couldnt have brought him a littleter? Lagorined, ring at the crowd as they slowly closed in on ygon. Little by little the ring of curious onlookers surrounding the young Thameish wizard and his golem shrank<strong>,</strong>people pressing tighter and tighter against each other.


    Crafters reached for ygon, wanting to touch him, their hands yearning to feel his marble surface. Only the greatest restraint stopped them andif thered been less people in the presseven that might not have been enough.


    Ah, what I wouldnt give to be able to see his core, Lagor grunted, as other engineers pushed in behind him. Ach, budge up back there, would you? Alex, you really shouldnt have brought ygon during shift change! Youre not even working tonight, you couldve saved this for when you came into work! You know, when it was quieter!


    Why, so you could hog this sight all for yourself, Lagor? A dwarven crafter snapped, pushing aside a skinny elven engineer. Your assistant brought his golem in when most everybody on staff could see him! Hes being considerate, which is more than I can say for the lot of you,e on make way for an old man!


    Old? The elf beside him scoffed. Youve only seen seventy summers!


    And thats old! by human standards, the dwarf cleared his throat.


    Ah, yes, that it is, Alex agreed. But, ah, sorry to disappoint you but I didnt bring him in at this time because I was being considerate or anything like that. I brought him in now, because, well, I was too excited to wait for my shift.


    And that was only a half-lie.


    Alex had been rabid to show off gyon; were he a master of illusions, he might have conjured a hundred foot tall image of the golem and let it hover above the city for every wizard in all of Generasi to see.


    But there was also a very specific reason hed had brought ygon to Shales Workshop at shift change.


    Toraka Shale herself.


    The workshop owner was crossing the floor like she was mesmerised, bloodshot eyes burning holes into the transformed marble golem. Alex hadnt seen her blink recently; or even <em>breath.</em>


    Good, good, he thought. Reel in that fish.


    What changes have you seen in him? Lagor asked. Have you done any structural tests yet? Whats his mana<strong></strong>output and conductivity? Anything else?


    <em>Whydo they watch me like that, father?</em>


    Because theyre curious about you, he replied mentally. See all these golems here? He gestured to a trio ofmissioned iron golems standing next to a loading bay, ready to be shipped out to their <em>very</em> wealthy new owner. Each of them costs about one hundred and fifty thousand gold coins on the open market. Shale charges a little less because she has the facilities to make a lot of golems, but those three are as expensive as almost nine of those townhouses I was talking about buying, ygon.


    He smiled at his golem warmly. But you? Youre priceless. Not just to me, but to all of these people here.


    <em>Priceless, father? </em>ygon asked mentally.


    Yeah, youre unique. Youve evolved, and that makes you fascinating. Wait until they figure out you have a mind now, then youll really see something neat. Watch this.


    Well, Lagor, you were wondering about what changes happened to ygon on the inside?


    Yeah, I didmore than a minute ago, Lagor grunted. Then you zoned out like a madperson.


    Hah! I didnt zone out, I was talking to someone. Alexs smile widened. Excitement welled up in his chest.


    Lagor raised an eyebrow, then wagged his finger at Alex. No, no, thats bait. Youre gonna make me ask if youre crazy and demand to know who youre talking to.


    Alexs smile faded.


    <em>Then</em> youre gonna reveal that youre talking tooh! <em>Oh!</em> Lagor threw a startled look at ygon. By mana and iron, is he <em>thinking</em> now?


    Alexs mood soured a little, and he crossed his arms. Well, now that youve taken all the surprise out of it, yes! Yes hes got a mind! Say hello, ygon.


    The golem waved at the crowd, shocking them into silence. From across the workshop, Toraka Shales footsteps quickened and her bloodshot eyes grew wider. Oooos and Aahhs spread through the crowd as Alex took out a pen and notebook, handing them to his golem.


    Say hello, buddy, he said proudly. And, just to make sure you all know Im not trying to pull anything sneaky, Ill close my eyes.


    Alex pressed his hands to his eyelids. I want one of you to write down a question for ygon to answer while I step out of this circle with my eyes closed and my body facing away. That way youll know that Im not making him respond. Youll know that its all him.


    He took a step forward. Coming through, make way, make way!


    Alex stepped into the crowd, listening to their murmurs as they shuffled aside, making room for him to pass. He subtly angled his body so that hed cross paths with the source of a certain set of footsteps approaching the circle. A certain set of quick footsteps belonging to Toraka Shale.


    He stopped when she did, very aware that she stood close to his side, though he was sure she hadnt noticed, her eyes, no doubt, still fixed on his wonderful golem.


    And so he waited for ygon to write his greeting, hed know for sure when


    Cheers and vigorous apuse rose from the crowd.


    And there it was.


    Good job, ygon, they love you, he thought. Now you just need to answer whatever question they write down for you.


    <em>ThisI like thisfather.</em>


    Im d you do, he sent the thought to ygon.


    And Im also d for whatsing next, he thought to himself, needle-focused on Torakas reaction. Shed gasped, letting out a small cry of surprise at the golems greeting, but he knew that what wasing next would <em>really</em> impress her.


    For now, he wasnt sure if she fully believed that ygon had awakened to true sapience; after all, what shed seen so far could have been replicated with a few tricks.


    Lagor had told him of a time when chatans would travel from noble house to noble house, iming to have an intelligent golem avable for purchase. They would be invited into the halls of great lords anddies to demonstrate their ims.


    And demonstrate they would.


    Their golems would answer questions designed to test their skills.


    Their golems would identify matching images from a series of paintings.


    Their golems would sort out words that were written in hard to decipher handwriting then rewrite them in proper form.


    When all the tests werepleted, and the amazed whispers were hushed, it would appear that the chatan <em>had</em>presented a sapient golem to these men and women of power.


    And then the bidding would start.


    The chatan would take the small fortune theyd been offered for such a prize, then wander off into the wilderness. It was only when the lord ordy tried to speak to their new golem or get it to perform someplex task that they realised the truth: that their golem was no cleverer than a boulder.


    The skill-testing question? Answered by the chatan, who would listen closely and direct their golem on how to answer.


    The matching of paintings? The chatan would simply stand beside the golem, peeking through their eyelids and guiding the construct to the correct paintings to point to.


    The scrambled words? A quick peek at the page let the chatan instruct their golem on the correct words<strong></strong>to write in clear lettering.


    And, then the chatan would just let human nature take its course, allowing a little phenomenon that Professor Jules hated do the rest of the work: a pesky little thing called confirmation bias. The swindler would then leave the noble household far richer than when theyd firste to the door, the lord ordy would have a cheap, shoddy golem theyd overpaid for, and that would be the end of that.


    Of course, until the lords anddies caught on and chased the chatans away or left the room during their miraculous tests. When the truth was revealed, the lord ordy would be the proud owner of a severed head, while the chatanwell, theyd be down one head.


    These days, any crafter in Generasi with half a brain would know to watch for such tricks, and he knew Toraka would be no exception.


    And so, the right moment to strike would be


    Oooooh! Its real! Lagor cried. He answered the question, its real!


    Cries of excitement rose from the crowd, and this time, Toraka was shouting excitedly with them.


    Now. Now is the time, he thought, turning toward Toraka and opening his eyes.


    His boss of bosses was staring at ygon with her jaw hanging open.


    She looked close to drooling.


    Good. That was just the reaction he needed.


    He cleared his throat as the crowd swarmed ygon, peppering the golem with all manner of questions, and excited congrattions.


    Boss, he said. Do you have a bit of time before you go home?


    He fought to keep his face a mask of calm; he knew damn well that she had time: theyd just finished a massive order and her workload would have eased for a bit.


    Hm? She murmured, bloodshot eyes still fixed on ygon.


    Mrs. Shale, Id like to talk to you about something, privately, he said, putting a bit of urgency in his voice.


    Finally, she managed to tear her eyes away from ygon, blinking for the first time in what seemed like minutes. Oh yes, I do have some time. Ido, have some questions for you too. Well, more than some.


    Perfect, and I imagine that you do, he said.


    Already her eyes were back on the golem.


    He fought down a smile. The fish has bitten. Now tond it.


    Do you drink, Mr. Roth? Or do you prefer Alex? Toraka Shale asked, opening a cab that revealed row upon row of fine liquor.


    Oh, Alex is fine, he said. And I do drink. I mean, I am a student, after all.


    Yes She paused. One could almost forget that at times. Hmmmm. Vodka? Whiskey? Rum? Falernum?


    Ummmmm, surprise me? He said.


    Hmmmm, lets see. Youre Thameish. I have a lovely scotch that you might enjoy.


    She took out the bottle of amber coloured liquid, pouring him a drink in a crystal ss.


    He took it, giving it a sip and appreciating the vour. It was good. Very smooth.


    Oh, its delicious, he said warmly, his words building the connection between them. Building rapport.


    She gave a curious nce to the door as she sat behind her desk. Is ygon alright by himself?


    One sec, he said.


    Are you alright down there, buddy? he asked.


    <em>Yesfather. Thiswarm feeling,</em> ygon thought.


    Im happy youre having fun, Alex thought.


    Yeah, hes just fine, he said to Toraka. I think he likes the attention.


    I see. She shook her head in amazement. Mr. Roth, Ive been working in this business for a long time. Do you know how many golems Ive seen awaken to sapience?


    How many? he asked.


    She held up two fingers, wiggling them. And one of them happens to be ygon.


    That few? He blinked in surprise.


    Yes, she said. This is going to spread across the city. Andwell, my questions cer. For now, what is it you wanted to ask me?


    Well, its simple. He took another sip of scotch. Ive been working here for about a year now, and Ive taken leadership among Lagors assistants for a lot of the projects. Have you read his report on my performance?


    I have, she said neutrally.


    Then youll know Ive exceeded expectations in every category, he said, then began to list his aplishments over the past year, calling on the Mark while focusing it on the purpose of presenting himself.


    He took the images it presented of everything hed achieved at the workshop, transforming them into a case that built his value with every word.


    This was not the time to be modest, andby the time hed finishedhe felt rather good about himself. Shale, thoughher face was a stoic mask during his entire presentation.


    But that was alright, hed expected that.


    and thats why, he said. And considering what ygon and I have aplished together, Id like a raise.


    And so hed made his case, and he ran through different scenarios as he waited for her response.


    If she said yes, theyd negotiate.


    If she threw out a low number, hed haggle a little.


    If she said no, then he would start looking into the other golem workshops in the city.


    In the end, the raise itself didnt matter that much; it simply would mark the first step, the first sessful negotiation between himself and his boss. It was needed for the next few steps in his <em>actual</em> n for building wealth.


    Shale took a deep breath. Im afraidI cant give you a raise as a Crafters assistant, not with your track record.


    He fought to keep his face straight; after all, he was prepared for this.


    Alex opened his mouth to reply, but she beat him to it.


    But what would you say to a promotion, instead? Toraka Shale asked.

 Chapter 448: The Lions Den

    Chapter 448: The Lion''s Den


    Before you say anything, I want to dispel all notions that this is a hollow tower. Toraka Shale leaned forward on her desk, tenting her fingers. I dont tolerate such trash practices in my workshop, unlike some of ourpetition here in the city. Many of them are associated with enough hollow towers to buildplete castles.


    The young, Thameish wizard was silent, caught off guard by the offer and having no idea what a hollow tower was. His mind reeled as his prepared responses suddenly became irrelevant; this was one scenario he hadnt anticipated.


    Um, whats a hollow tower? He asked.


    You dont know what a hollow tower is? She gave him a crooked smile. Then youve been very lucky not to have encountered one in your work experience to this point.


    No, actually, the exact opposite of very lucky, Alex said. At myst job, promotion was a dirty word.


    Ah, well, sometimes no promotion is better than a hollow tower. Shales face grew grim. When I first started working in the field, I worked for a potion makingpany: Tilvins Tinctures, it was called.


    Ive never heard of it, Alex admitted.


    Id be surprised if you had, she smirked, her eyes gazing over her office like a conqueror surveying newnds. This building <em>was</em> Tilvins Tinctures, and this office belonged to Tilvin himself.


    Oh. Oh my, he said, looking around the office for signs of a former upant. He found none. Did you inherit it or buy it?


    Inherit it? Hah! She gave a sharp bark of augh. If I had shared a single drop of blood with Tilvin, I would have thrown myself into the Prinean decades ago. No, I bought it, Alex. Because Tilvin was a terrible businessman and a worse boss.


    He flinched in sympathy. I uhknow what thats like. Was it one of those everything that goes right is my idea and everything that goes wrong is your fault sort of deals? Because I <em>love</em> those, he said, sarcasm more gushing from his voice than dripping.


    You <em>do </em>know how it is, she grumbled, her eyes lost in dark memories. And so we get to hollow towers. Tilvinand sadly, scores of other business people in the cityare very fond of promoting workers to higher positions, giving them loads of extra responsibility, and very little increased financialpensation. Hence, one climbs a tower, but gains no benefit from it: a hollow tower.


    Oh, by the Traveller, that soundswell, I wont lie, it sounds terrible and really unfair.


    Thats because it is, and I promised myself a long time ago that I would never adopt such a practice, she said sternly. Because of that, I wanted you to be confident that this isnt some hollow offer. Youve done good work here, and the fact that a golem you made on your own shows so much potential, <em>more</em> than proves your talent for craftwork. Especially at your age andwhere are you in your education?


    Halfway through second year.


    Wow, that <em>is</em> impressiveand whats the maximum level of spell you can cast? She asked, her bodynguage shifting slightly: leaning forward, eyes widening with alertness, a slight tension in her muscles.


    Alex kept still, keeping his bodynguage calm as though he hadnt noticed a thing.


    Youre still measuring my worth, Alex thought. Very clever. Youre acting like Im impressing you, meanwhile, youre pumping me for my limits. Well done, and I guess theres no sense in lying.


    I can cast up to third tier spells, but obviously, Im a <em>lot</em> better when ites to mana maniption, he said.


    Mhm, I can see your talent for mana maniption for myself, its quite extraordinary. And youre only at third-tier spells. Remarkable! She said, tension leaving her body. And youve aplished so much so fast. Hmmm, but that does put both of us in an interesting situation.


    Oh? He cocked his head, watching her closely. What sort of situation would that be?


    Well, Ill tell you, Alex, she said. Youre too good to be anyones assistant at this point. Much too good. But there are certain prerequisites of power and spellcraft that you dont <em>quite</em> meet yet in order to be a full crafter here at the workshop. You can do <em>most</em> of the job, but a full crafter would still have to check your work and even cast some spells for you that you don''t know, yet. Like Shape Metal for example: its very handy for forging iron golem bodies quickly. Or Stone Shape. Youll need these spells to help you produce quickly and with full detail.


    Mhm? Alex said, keeping his face neutral. So youre saying that I wouldnt be able to perform a crafters full duties. At least, not yet.


    You catch on quickly. She snapped her fingers.


    A hidden hatch on the side of her desk opened, unleashing a horde of tiny handsno bigger than a small childseach forged of brass. They swarmed into the air on bee-like wings and, with a metallic buzzing, flitted over to her writing desk, fetching paper and pens.


    As he watched in awe, theynded on the desk in front of his boss, centred the sheet and began writing simultaneously. Half a dozen hands working together to produce a contract of employment right before Alexs eyes: in less than a minute, the entire document wasplete.


    Only a few lines remained nk: one for an agreed rate of pay, a space for Torakas signature, and another one for his.


    As his eyes quickly scanned the contract, they paused on an interesting set of words, his new job title: Junior Crafter.


    Hm, he mused, running his hand through his beard, cursing the itchiness. I dont remember meeting any junior crafters at the workshop. Is it a rare position?


    It is, because youd be our first, she smiled. As I said, you cant do everything that an entry level crafter can: so youd need one of the others to look over your work or lend you a spell or two during the construction process. But, leaving you as an assistant would be a waste of your time and mybour resources. Besides, its time that you start gaining some leadership skills: I have a feeling youll go far with them.


    Alex smiled at the irony: over the past year hed often taken a leadership role among fellowbatants, and hed also noticed how even the Heroes had taken to treating him as a source for guidance.


    Hed had plenty of leadership experience, justnot much when it came to <em>building </em>things rather than smashing them. Ironic for a Fool since<strong></strong>they couldnt really fight; he had more experience leading people intobat than leading them in anything else.


    Yeah, getting leadership experience would be valuable and I could take on bigger and better roles in the workshop, Alex said, subtly hinting at loyalty. Hed need that for what came next. Butwell, I think you know what Im about to ask. Whats your offer of payment?


    Down to business, then, Shale said. Could you hand me that piece of scrap paper beside you?


    He looked down, noticing a small piece of paper near his drink. Certainly, he said, sliding it to her.


    Thank you, she relieved one of her industrious writing hands of its pen and tapped it on the piece of paper. What do you earn now?


    Two gold coins per shift, Alex said.


    A good wage for a student, sheplimented her own business practices. But, your skills are far beyond a students nowlets see that yourepensated appropriately. She wrote a number down. What about this for a starting wage?


    She smiled, turning the page toward him; the ink on the number <em>35</em> glistened.


    And he fought to keep his face neutral.


    Thats in gold coin, of course, she said smoothly. Per shift. Not too bad, eh? At your current rate of pay as an assistant, you makewell, subtracting weekends, holidays and festivals, we do roughly two hundred and twenty one work days here at the workshop. Lets leave things like overtime and any extra days you book off for your exams out of it, so on average you bring home four hundred and forty-two gold coins in a year. At thirty-five gold coins per shift, youll match your former annual ie inno wait, youre part time, arent you?


    Er, yes, I am, he said.


    Right, so thats Her eyes drifted up and to the side as she worked through mental calctions. ...about three hundred gold in a year?


    A little less, actually, he admitted. Festival days.


    Right, thats true. And it also makes the math easy. At thirty-five, youd match your yearly ie as an assistant in roughly nine shifts. Well, just over eight and a half, technically.


    Alex felt cold sweat threatening to erupt from his skin; between the apartment, the junior school and Theresas course auditing, their monthly expenses were thirty gold coins.


    He would earn that in <em>one</em> shift at this new rate.


    In a year, youd gross just north of five thousand gold coins, she said. Naturally, youd be subject to Generasis tax rate


    Wait, taxes? Alex suddenly felt like he was choking.


    Toraka Shale threw her head back, letting out an almost demonicugh. Yes, Alex, <em>taxes.</em> Wee to a most hated part of adulthood. You wouldnt have had to pay them on your wages since your ie was rtively low, but the governing council does take a solid twenty-seven and half percent of all ie once you reach a certain ie level. It does sting, but I suppose its the price we pay foryou know, roads, security and what-not. Just be happy youre not tributing goats to a local lord or something.


    ...I guess? He said, feeling the sting of coin flying from his hands. No wonder Mr. and Mrs. Lu were always so cranky when Alrics tax collector came around.


    Still, even with paying taxes, youre a lot farther ahead, she said. Youll gross just north of five thousand gold coins in a year, pay about fourteen hundred in taxes then take the rest home. Thats thirty-five hundred gold pieces for a student who currently lives in heavily subsidised<strong></strong>ins at the university andif you perform half as well in school as you do hereyoure probably on a schrship. The university gives you free food and so.your living expenses are going to be minimal. What Im saying is that youll likely be able to squirrel away more<strong></strong>than three thousand gold coins in a year, even if you increase your spending. In just over ten years, youll be able to buy a t somewhere in Generasi outright. Butyou wont have to wait that long.


    She drew an upward facing arrow beside the <em>35.</em>


    As soon as you graduateor maybe even sooner, depending on how quickly you pick up higher level spellsIll see that youre promoted to full crafter. I pay any new crafter who joins our team a starting wage of seventy gold coins.


    Alex nodded slowly; that was about what Professor Jules had said many crafters were paid per shift in Generasi. Thats a good wage, he said.


    And thats not all, she continued. Ill count your time as a crafters assistant and your time as a junior crafter towards your seniority here at the shop. You wont be earning <em>starting</em> wages for long. Furthermore, if you wish to buy your own house or make anyrge purchase and need a letter of character witness to provide to a vendor, Id be happy to write one for you.


    She tapped the nk like where he was to sign. So, what do you say?


    Could you give me a moment, Mrs. Shale? Im just doing my own calctions, he said.


    Whats there to calcte? she asked, frowning, a slight pressure entering her voice. I dont make an offer like this to just anyone, Alex. And its not one thats avable for long. I cant have you walk out of here to go tell every student at the university that there could be junior crafter positions at Shales. If you walk out, the offer expires.


    He smiled slightly. I thought that might be the case.


    Pressure.


    It was amon tactic in sales: one hed picked up from sitting in Borgias Square, watching merchants negotiate with customers. He had to admit, she was a master of several of the techniques hed witnessed.


    First off, shed exined the hollow tower to him, which was her subtle way of hinting that others in the city used such practices. This was done to show him that he might have a rough time working for herpetition.


    Then, shed ttered him byplementing his skills, while at the same time reminding him of his limits. Shed used more subtly, but this time, it was to indicate that she was doing him a favour with this joband, in a small way, she waswhile letting him know that itd be hard to get such an offer elsewhere.


    After that, shed asked him for the scrap piece of paper nearby, a small favour to continue building rapport.


    Then, shedpleted all the math for him out loud, promising him riches,miserating with him on the pain of taxes, offering to do him a favour that would help him quickly establish roots in the city, and painting a bright future for him. Most importantly though, it was a bright future that would require his <em>continued</em> loyalty to her.


    Oh, and he couldnt forget the drink shed offered as a small favour to him; one that got a little alcohol in his system to put him in a warmer, more receptive frame of mind.


    Finally, after the carrot, shed brought out the stick.


    That was the pressure.


    Shed said the offer onlysted until he walked out the door. It was a clever move, meant to deny him time to think, stop him from consulting with anyone else, or going to herpetitors.


    In short, shes created demand, added scarcity and urgency to the deal, he thought. All in an effort to stop me from negotiating. Well done, Toraka. And if I were just after a sry, I might have epted it.


    He leaned forward. But this isnt about wages and promotions. This is establishing patterns. This is about whatester. Soen garde, Toraka. Let the negotiation begin.


    His mind turned toward the workshop. ygon, would you minding up and seeing father?

 Chapter 449: Creating Demand

    Chapter 449: Creating Demand


    <em>I aingare you safe, father?</em>


    I am safe, Alex said out loud.


    Hm? Shale frowned.


    Oh, sorry, I do that sometimes, he chuckled. I was talking to ygon.


    Oh? Toraka Shales eyes shone with curiosity. You canmunicate with him from this distance?


    Alex beamed.


    The two of them were sitting in her veryrge, well appointed office. He was sipping her expensive scotch while listening to the gurgle of running watering from the mana powered waterfall that rose all the way to the ceiling. The water glowed a sea blue and disappeared in a basin below, reappearing at the top to cool the entire room. He couldnt begin to imagine how much something like that would have cost.


    On her desk stood her music golem, about a foot tall and forged to resemble a graceful young woman. The construct blew into a golden horn, producing the sound of a full orchestra.


    Each piece of office furniture was crafted by the hands of mastersusing the finest woods, stone and metnd her liquor cabs contents alone probably could have funded his little familys living expenses for at least two years.


    But thevish furnishings merely enhanced Shales image: the sheer power and wealth Toraka Shale must wield would have made the Lord of Alric look like a penniless vagabond. From this office, she controlled an army of crafters who built hordes of powerful golems; each iron golem in the shop below would have generated more than fifty thousand gold coins worth of profit per sale.


    The young Thameish wizard had never seen her house, but if it was anything less than a pce, that would have been by choice, notck of funds to build or buy one. Meanwhile, there he was: a bumpkin from a small town in Thamnd, a student and someone with less gold to his name than the cost of Shales desk chair.


    In short, he was a helplessmb sitting in the lions den; its ce of power.


    But with one quick phrase: Oh, I was talking to ygon hedpletely reversed the power dynamic.


    Now <em>she </em>was the one looking at <em>him</em> expectantly, waiting for <em>him</em> to speak and tell her more about the wonderful golem that had captured her imagination.


    And just like that, he was no longer themb.


    Sorry, for the pause, I was talking to him again, he lied smoothly, enjoying her excited little flinch. You asked me if I couldmunicate with him at this distance? Well, yes. But, I havent actually tested the limit on how far we canmunicate yet.


    Have you done any other tests? She asked.


    Oh, hes not aboratory specimen, so we havent gone out and performed a bunch of tests or anything like that<strong>,</strong> he said. But I can tell you that hes a quick learner. He smiled warmly, like a father bragging about his child. You should see how quickly his writings improving. Its astounding.


    ...really, now? Toraka asked, leaning even further over her desk.


    Yeah, his cognitions really something. Its stunning to see how far hese in the few days since he evolved. Did I tell you his sapience seemed to coincide with his evolution?


    No, she said, clearly fascinated.


    Oh yes, Ill spare you the details of what the trigger was, but Im wondering ifassuming I can use those circumstances as a modelId be able to spark his <em>next</em> evolution intentionally.


    Her lip twitched. Do you really think you could <em>purposefully</em> cause golem evolution?


    He shrugged. Im a golem maker, not a prophet. I leave that sort of thing to priests andAh, here hees now.


    Toraka looked at her office door expectantly as ygons thunderous footsteps echoed down the hall.


    And so the fishing rod begins to pull, Alex thought.


    <em>Fatheris this the right door? </em>His footsteps stopped just outside Shales office.


    That it is, my friend, would you mind knocking before youe in? Gently, now, Alex thought.


    <em>Iwill try to be gentle.</em>


    After a heartbeat Shale flinched as a terrific banging came from outside. It sounded like someone had thrown giant rocks at the door, making it shudder on its hinges.


    Erm, ce in! Shale called.


    There was a pause.


    Then the doortch clicked and ygon gingerly stepped into the room, bowing his head below the door frame. He waited to close the door. A little past himfilling the hallwaywere half the staff of the workshop, piling over each other, still gawking at him.


    Oh,e on, really? Shale scowled. This isnt a sideshow at the circus, people, its a ce of business! Back to work, all of you, back to work!


    Grumbling came from the clot of disappointed staff members.


    She looked at ygon. Would you mind closing the door? She spoke softly, as though she were speaking to a friends child.


    The golem nced down at thetch and gently batted the door closed, but it banged so hard in its frame, that the wall surrounding it shook. Muffled, startled yelps came from the hallway followed by a veritable stampede of footfalls.


    <em>That was loudsorry.</em>


    ygon says, hes sorry about the noise. Alex told her.


    Hah, they deserved that: gawking like a bunch of children, she said as she gawked at ygon like a child. Ridiculous.


    Alex shrugged at the golem. I guess the door mming was okaythis time. You shouldnt normally do that, though. With your strength, youd destroy any door weaker than a castle gate.


    <em>And that isbad, right? Grimloch saidthat is good.</em>


    Oh by the Traveller, my babys been thinking for less than a week and theyre already trying to corrupt him, he thought. Well talk about thatter, ygon.


    <em>You say we will talk about many thingsterI look forward to it.</em>


    Im starting to look forward to it less and less, Alex thought about all the many, many things hed have to exin to ygon.


    You are marvellous, arent you? Toraka half-rose from her seat, looking as though she wanted nothing more than to charge across the room and examine ygon with every single device she had.


    Yes, he is, Alex said.


    <em>What doesmarvellous mean?</em>


    It means very good. Alex thought.


    He felt a flutter of emotions from the golem, ranging from delight to surprise. <em>Fathercould you tell her I saidthank you?</em>


    Alex nearly choked up. Yes, I can ygon, he said out loud, turning back to Toraka. ygon says thank you.


    Oh, u-um, she stuttered,pletely off-bnce. Youre very wee.


    Alex resisted the urge to smile.


    With ygon in the room now, hed given himself two great advantages.


    First, Toraka would be distracted for the rest of the negotiation. Now, every time she tried to outmanoeuvre him, shed have to waste mental energy pulling her attention away from ygon. To make things worse for her, her focus<strong></strong>would naturally drift back to the golem over time.


    And a distracted opponent was a far less dangerous one; someone who bore a Mark that would pour dozens of images into his mind if he tried to go against it knew that better than most.


    The second advantage came from the reminder ygons presence brought: here he was, a unique, powerful, priceless golem made by the very person sitting in front of her desk. A golem she would very well lose ess to if Alex were to leave her employ, not to mention losing the skills of the one whod crafted him.


    Right, sorry for the interruption, we were talking about wages, werent we? Alex brought the conversation back to the business at hand.


    Er, yes, thats right, she said, her eyes still fixed on ygon.


    Id like to ask for sixty per shift, he folded his hands over hisp.


    <em>That</em> got her attention.


    Sixty? Her eyes grew wide. Thats almost double, <em>and</em> nearly what an entry level crafter makes.


    True, and I also recognize that you said that I have great skills; that the only thing separating me from having the full skillset of a crafter is not knowing a couple of spells, his voice was even, his tone smooth. He avoided using the word but, which would have created a subconscious wall between them. A crafter would only have to take a couple of minutes after their schedule to cast those spells for me when needed.


    He spread his hands. Just a couple of minutes in return for a junior crafter: someone that can do everything else the job requires at a discounted price. He did some mental calctions. Which would you a savings of about fifteen hundred gold pieces a year.


    That number was nothingpared to the sheer volume of gold that flowed through Shales Workshop everyday, but it was enough to show that <em>she</em> would stand to benefit from having Alex do most of the work of a crafter at a discounted price.


    And he knew that.


    Shift the narrative away from her <em>doing you a favour</em>, he thought. Bring the negotiation back to a notion of reciprocity. Increase your value. Rebnce power in the conversation. And


    He noticed her eyes drifting back to ygon.


    ...take advantage of her distraction.


    Actually, overall, your gross would go up even more than that, he said. Since youd have an extra pair of hands working on another golem. Youd produce faster.


    Show her the advantages, he thought. Show her what shed gain. And now


    He looked at her bodynguage.


    Shed leaned back a bit, crossing her forearms over her desk: a defensive gesture. A sign of difort. She was hesitating, but not out of angerso then, what


    I cant go that high, she said, her tone polite but firm, showing no room for negotiation on that point. If I gave you that much, itd devalue the work of every starting crafter here at the shop.


    Ah, yes. Theyd wonder why a junior crafter is making a wage thats so close to theirs, he said. Itd breed questions. Maybe disloyalty.


    Show understanding, show that youre not a child. Youre a man who can understand her concerns. A reasonable one, he thought.


    <em>Fatherwhy do you look like youre in a battle? </em>ygon thought. <em>Do you need me toprotect?</em>


    Oh noooo, ygon, Alex thought. Im juuuust fine. Juuust fine.


    Im d you understand, Alex, Toraka said. If I start giving a studentno matter how talented he isa wage so close to a full crafters, its going to cause problemsbut okay. What about forty-five?


    Fifty-five, Alex suggested.


    Her eyes narrowed slightly. Youre haggling like youre in Borgias Square.


    Well, it


    <em>Father, what is thatsound?</em>


    Hm? What sound, ygon? Alex asked, drawing Shales attention back to the golem.


    ygon gingerly stepped over to the desk, his enormous shadow falling over Toraka and Alex. He bent down to examine the music golem from close up.


    <em>The soundis a good sound.</em>


    Whats happening? Toraka asked.


    Oh, he just likes your music golem, is all, Alex said. I cant wait to build a speakerbox for ygon. Its expensive, but itll let himmunicate with everyone, not just me.


    A subtle twitch ran through her lip; more coin would let him build the speakerbox faster, which would let <em>her</em> talk to ygon and ask him all the questions she was dying to.


    Im sure hed love to talk with you, Alex said. And let me tell you, theres loads of folk who want to talk to him. Baelin, Jules, a whole bunch in the alchemy departmentI wouldnt be surprised if half the alchemists in the city would like to have a chat with him. He smiled at ygon. I hope you like the attention, buddy.


    But he didnt answer, too enraptured by the music golems song.


    A host of emotions trailed through their link: warmth, curiosity, pleasure andlonging. Alex noted thatst emotion carefully. Hed bring it upter.


    As for Shale? She fidgeted ever so slightly in her chair, not missing what Alex had just done.


    Hed created demand by subtly reminding her that anyone in the city would want to examine ygonand theyd likely hire the one who built him in a heartbeat.


    She looked at him closely, carefully, then.


    He noticed a change in her eyes: she no longer looked at him as though he were a talented student. She looked at him the way an experienced merchant would look at another.


    With respect.


    He barely resisted the urge to smile in triumph.


    And with that? Hed aplished exactly what he wanted.


    Everything that followed would just be a bonus.


    Do youe from a merchant family, Alex? Toraka asked.


    My parents ran an alehouse, he replied. And after they passed to the afterworld, the couple that raised me ran an inn. They had to do their share of haggling with farmers and brewers from time to time.


    He, of course, made no mention of any divinely gifted Marks and their role in preparing him for this.


    Well, they taught you well, she said. And my condolences on your parents. What would you say to fifty gold pieces per shift and She held up a finger. If you need a lump sum of coin to buy a ce in the city, I could lend you that sum and simply take some of it back from your wage on a schedule. Itd let you establish roots in the city faster.


    A counter offer of more coin, bundled with a devils favour: one that would tie him to her business both by way of finance, and gratitude.


    But none of that mattered now.


    Hed already won, she just didnt know it yet.


    Fifty is perfect. Alex extended his hand to seal the negotiation.


    Excellent. She shook his hand, throwing him a big smile. Ill take care of you, trust me on that.


    More than you know, Alex thought. Lets see, thats steps three and four of the financial part of Operation Grand Summoning Ascension skipped. Now were ahead of schedule. I should grab something to eat to celebrate.


    At that thought, his eyes fell on the window beside Shale and his smile faded, reced by an expression of surprise and curiosity.


    Across the street, there was a man doing something near the front window inside the rundown bakery. But, he wasnt baking, nor was he eating, or even disying baked goods.


    He seemed to be painting what looked like a sign.


    Andif Alex wasnt mistakenthat sign looked like it had two very interesting words on it:


    For Sale.

 Chapter 450: A Haunted House

    Chapter 450: A ''Haunted House''


    Alex Roth, the very first Junior Crafter ever hired by Toraka Shale, emerged from the workshop with a smile on his face and a spring in his step. Tucked away in his satchel, he carried a writ of employment with a promissory wage use included of fifty gold pieces per shift, with three shifts per week as a schedule.


    Not included in the written contract was Torakas verbal promise to lend him her aid when it came time for him to buy his familys first home in Generasi. Also not included were the numerous extra benefits that would being to him in the future.


    Soon, it would be time to begin step five of his n, whichin some wayswas the easiest step. Of course, it was that step that would also bring the greatest risk to his life with it, but when <em>wasnt</em> his life at risk these days?


    Just need to get my hands on a dungeon core of my own, he muttered, crossing the crowded street with ygon at his side. No problem, really, I only need to enter a dungeon, steal the core and break it down, just me and ygonand maybe the rest of the cabal. If Im lucky, invisible monsters wont turn me into stone and scream at me until Im rock-shards!


    He sighed. What even <em>is</em> my life, really?


    Then there was step six to think about.


    If step five risked his life, then step six risked the entire n; there was no step more critical, but if it worked


    Financial freedom, he muttered to himself, stopping in front of the rundown bakery.


    He put his hands on his hips, examining it with a practised eye.


    Alex had never really stopped and taken a good look at the building before, not in any depth, and what he foundwell, was disturbing. McHarris was selling bad eggs, butthis cehe couldnt imagine which of their ingredients <em>wouldnt</em> be bad.


    Bloody thing looks more like a haunted house than a cake shop, he murmured, eyes scanning the buildings facade.


    <em>What is a hauntedhouse?</em> ygon asked.


    Oh, its an attraction they build for the festival of ghosts, Alex thought. Its full of people dressed as spooky monsters. Its supposed to be scary just for the fun of being scared. Selina and Theresa love it, but personally, I see enough monsters in real life. I think the haunted house is supposed to resemble actual haunted buildings, which are buildings that angry spirits are trapped in.


    <em>Ohand what makes thislook haunted?</em> ygon asked.


    Well, theres a few things. First of all, look at all the cobwebs around the window. Haunted houses <em>always</em> have loads of cobwebs hanging from them, though thats really less a sign of ghosts than it is a sign of poor cleaning habits. Oh, and its also a sign of spiders, but that''s pretty obvious, isnt it?


    <em>Notto me</em> ygon thought.


    Oh rightwell, Ill exin spiderwebs another time. Anyway, the threshold looks like it hasnt been cleaned in months, Alex continued scanning the building. Windows are dusty, the brick on the chimneys darker than a moonless night, and it smells like old dry food even from here. AndOh, by the Traveller, no!


    He shuddered at a terrible sight crawling from a crack in the mortar.


    A sight less wee in a bakery than even the most vicious of Ravener-spawn, so feared by chefs from Thamnd to Generasi, that there were some who had nightmares about it.


    The creature that was a gue to restaurants and mills across the world


    themon cockroach.


    It crawled along the bakery wall, antenna wriggling away as though it were drumming on the bricks, before slipping back into the crack and disappearing into the building to defile everything within.


    Well, there goes the idea of grabbing a quick meat pie, Alex muttered. Last thing I want isoh. Oh dear. His stomach churned. Is thatoh dear, those <em>are </em>bat droppings on the roof. How has the bakers guild not shut this ce down yet?


    He nced at the sign above the door, which had a faded image of a mermaid carrying a cupcake in a giant m shell. The paint was chipping, nearly ked away, exposing the bare wood beneath. Under the image was the shops name: <em>Mermaid Cakes.</em>


    Well, lets go and have a look, shall we? Alex said.


    The first thing that caught Alexs attention was the tinkling of a bell as he opened the door. It was a pleasant little sound, contrasting <em>strongly</em> with the second thing that caught his attention.


    The smell.


    A pungent, sour scent struck his nostrils like a punch from ygons fist, nearlyying him on his back before hed taken two steps into the ce. Only an iron willforged by a year ofbatting the Markand the sheer politeness hammered into him by two different families kept the contents of his stomach from spewing out onto the floor.


    Not that a pile of vomits presence on the floor would have been out of ce.


    At a quick nce, it looked as though the wooden floors werewell, if not clean then clean enough. But Alex had learned all the tricks when it came to floors: for a few minutes effort, one could make a floor <em>seem</em> clean with a quick sweep of a broom, no mopping or polishing needed.


    Of course, the corners told the true story.


    And the story these corners were telling was filthier than a sailors bragging after ate night visit to the local brothel. Dust, crumbs, tangles of hair and worse all nestled in those corners, each the perfect nest for an entire menagerie of vermin.


    By the Traveller, Alex thought, noting cobwebs hanging from the ceiling. Did no one report this to the bakers guild? Does Generasi even <em>have</em> a bakers guild?


    Hello? A voice called from somewhere unseen. Is that you? Youre early.


    Alex heard shuffling from the direction of the kitchen, or at least where he guessed the kitchen was. Mermaids Cakes was set up much like McHarris bakery: a small seating area at the front of the shop where customers could enjoy hot snacks, then a counter upon which bread, cookies and pies were disyed, and finally a doorway to the back where the kitchen was probably located.


    It was from that door that Alexs nostrils caught the sourest of the shops odours, though he definitely detected a certain sickening sweet and sour aroma rising from the baked goods on the counter.


    Rotten ingredients are likely masked with sugar or jam, he thought. Ugh, here I am, halfway across the world and I run into the exact same thing I found at home. But, stilltheres some talent here.


    While the scent might have been the stuff of food poisoning nightmares, the baked goods <em>looked</em> delightful. In particr, a certain cookie caught his eye, one dressed up with an image of the shops mermaid mascot, covered in icing rather than paint.


    He was just about to take a closer look at the cookie when the source of shuffling footsteps appeared: a middle aged man with a pan in hand.


    A pan he nearly dropped when he spied the hulking young man and his towering golem. Alex wasnt surprised. It wasnt the first time that he and ygon had provoked that reaction in a stranger.


    A customer? The man cried as if shocked. Cantexcuse me, sir, butand I know this is a bit rudebut do you exist? I cant rule out the idea that the boss ordered the wrong sort of mushrooms.


    Erno, Im real, Alex said. Er, youre a bakery right, you shouldnt be <em>that</em> surprised to have a customer.


    I can be if its <em>this </em>bakery, the man snorted, putting the baking pan down on the counter and squinting at Alex. Well, then off you go. Shoo shoo. Run along now.


    The Thameish wizard gaped at the man, ncing up at ygon.


    <em>This man has told us to leavewe are not wee,</em> ygon noted.


    YesI mean no, that doesnt make any sense! Alex cried.


    The man startled, snatching up the pan again. Youre not one of those ghost hunters are you? If you are, youd best be moving along and moving along quickly. My pan found the head of thest one and I wont be afraid to do the same to you.


    <em>This man is a threat, </em>ygon dered, levelling a fire-gem at the man. <em>I will destroy him.</em>


    No, dont destroy him! Alex cried.


    I tell you, that acts not going to work! The man brandished the pan. Theres no ghosts in here! If there were, they would have done me the sweet mercy of taking me into the afterworld already!


    What the hells are you talking about? Alex demanded.


    <em>I am destroying him now, father,</em> ygon said.


    No! Dont destroy him! Were not destroying anyone!


    You take your act and your fake ghosts and you get out of here! The bakery worker snapped.


    Will you <em>shut up!</em> Im trying to stop ygon from turning <em>you</em> into a bloody ghost!


    <em>If he is a ghostthat means he will stay a threat after I destroy his body. Yeshaunted house, I understand father, </em>came gyons resounding voice in Alexs mind. <em>We willgo outside. Then I will blow up the house.</em>


    <em></em>No, its okay, ygon hes not a threat! Alex pleaded.


    Oh? Is ygon the name of your fake ghost? The man demanded.


    No, its the name of my very real golem! The wizard snapped. <em>Hes</em> who Ive been talking about!


    Ooooooh now I understand, youre nothing more than amon loon, the man sighed in relief, putting down the pan. Right, off you go then. Or if youre going to go mad and blow me up lets get it over with. Oh by the way, its pronounced y Golem not ygon, are you foreign or something?


    Whats being foreign got to do with anything? Alex demanded, starting to wonder if he <em>should</em> let ygon blow this ce up. So what if Im bloody foreign?


    Well it means you could be talking funny and mis-saying words. The man put his hands on his hips. You do have that weird ent.


    My ents not weird! Your ents weird!


    No, its not, yours is.


    Look, whatwhat is going on here? Alex squinted at the walls. Is this a prank? Is this some big joke Thundar came up with? Ah, or maybe Baelin, hed do something like that.


    What makes you think Im joking, you loon? The man asked.


    Because none of this makes any sense! Alex gripped fistfuls of his long hair. Ia bloody customerwalk in, and the ce smells like a bloody trash fire. Then youe out, deny that I exist and tell me to leave your bakery and start talking about ghosts and the like! What in bloody zes is wrong with you? Its no wonder you dont have any customersing into your bake shop, and you look like you could use a bloody sale.


    The man cleared his throat. Its not my bake shop. And listen, Im trying to protect you. You must be a loon to walk into a ce like this: youre the first customer Ive seen in about a month now, and theres a good reason for that. Look at the ce. He gestured around. You have a nose. It stinks in here for good reason. But, here I work and here I stay.


    Wait Alex paused, a horrifying sense of deja vu hitting him. You just work here?


    Oh yes, I need the job, hence me not minding you obliterating me right now, the man grunted. Better than working for the old ve driver. I mean, look at this.


    To Alexs great horror, the man rolled up his sleeve, revealing a series of welts along his arm. Familiar welts. Welts that might have been given by an abusive baker punishing a worker for not whipping custard fast enough.


    A moment of empathy/sympathy struck Alex so hard, he had to lean against ygon for support. Andhe holds you hostage with your pay? Never pomotes you? Never appreciates or trusts you? Has you using rotten food and just ys it off? Never protects you from nasty customers.


    A baffled expression crossed the bakery workers face. Howhow do you know all that?


    Because Alex sighed. At one time I had welts just like yours. Were brothers in mistreatment, my friend. Brothers. Tell me about your McHarris.


    My McHarris? Whos that? The man asked.


    Another devil, my friend, Alex said. One Ill tell you all about.

 Chapter 451: The Bakers Tale

    Chapter 451: The Baker''s Tale


    My names Troy, the baker sighed, wiping his brow with a handkerchief. He was bent so low over a table, that he looked about ready to copse. Troy of Tauberurg, from the Rhinean Empire originally, and now the veryst person employed at the Mermaids<strong></strong>Cakes Bakery.


    Alex Roth, the young wizard said, inspecting the mans welts. Originally of Alric, in Thamnd, and now a student at the university and a Junior Crafter with Shales Golemworks.


    Well aint you a fancy one, Troy snorted. Dont know how were any brothers, what with you having a fancy job like that.


    Oh, trust me, were brothers alright, Alex insisted. A little over two years ago my arms regrly bore welts just like yours. If you want, I can heal them for you.


    If you can, have at it. Troy held his forearms out.


    Concentrating through the Marks interference, Alex slowly cast Mana to Life, pouring power into Troys body. In an instant a change came over him: his skin flushed with vigour, his eyes brightened as the angry welts on his forearms shrank and faded.


    Well Ill be damned! The shocked man swore, examining his arms. As good as new. I think you even took a crick out of my back while you were at it. Thanks. But why?


    Selfishness, if you can believe it. Alex patted the mans arm. I only did for you what I wished someone could have done for me every night for years. I couldnt tell my family what was happening because they would have taken McHarris to task and he would have fired me as easy as breathing. Maybe Im healing my past self, in a way.


    Troy squinted. Well, all that fancy babble type university talks going over my head, but thanks I guess. Id fix you something to eat in return, but theres nothing that''s even fit for a dog in here. He looked around the bakery with distaste. I just feel sorry for the poor wretch the boss sells this ce to.


    Bad boss, eh? Alex said.


    The worst, though you sound like you know something about that.


    Do I ever. So, I used to work for a man named McHarris Alex told Troy an abridged version of his time at the bakery in Alric. A very abridged version; if he were to go into the whole story, theyd likely still be sitting at the table three evenings from now. Troy nodded along with the tale, his expression growing darker and darker, though his eyes softened in sympathy as Alex talked.


    He eventually burst outughing when Alex reached the part of the story where hed sicd the guards on McHarris. The man wasughing so hard, he wentpletely red in the face, coughing and gasping for breath as tears streamed down his face. Ah, thats great! Id give an arm to see the boss end up like that. Or at least a finger.


    Yeah, now and then I dream about it, Alex chuckled. Those are some of my best nights. But uhone thing I have to give McHarris, he knew how to run a bloody business for the most part: his bakery didnt look like a haunted house. What happened here? And whats this business about ghost hunters?


    Ah, well, now its time you hear about <em>my</em> woes, my baking brother, Troyughed. Now, Im going to say something that sounds like Im some bragger, but let me tell you, its fact: ten years ago, the Mermaids Cakes was one of the best bakeries in the whole district. Maybe <em>the</em> best.


    Big im, Alex said, Ive eaten at quite a few good ones here.


    Troy shook his head. None of them could hold a candle to us. Was a time when even your big friend there He nodded to ygon would have agreed we were the best. And he doesn''t even have a mouth to eat with, or a nose to smell!


    <em>Fatheris thishumour?</em> ygon asked.


    Yeah, youre getting it, buddy, Alex said, ncing at Troys confused expression. Yeah, ygons just learning humour. Just gained sapience, like I said.


    You university people and your big words. Troy rolled his eyes. But I get ya, though the point still stands. This was the best bakery, back when old Master Beerensteyn ran the ce.


    Oh Alex paused. New management, then? Someone bought it?


    Worse, inherited it, Troy snorted. His <em>son.</em> So it went like this. A decade back, the Mermaids Cakes was the best ce you could go for food in this entire district, and one of the best ces to work too if you knew your way around a kitchen. Master Beerensteyn insisted on <em>one</em> thing: quality. And that didnt just mean the food. He took the time to hire good workers, paid them well, kept the ce looking great and took his time making the food. The secret was the ingredients and how he prepared them.


    The bakery worker smiled, caught up in nostalgia. He used to soak his fruit for dayssometimes weeks, depending on the dishfor all sorts of preparations. His favourite was a mixture of rum, golden sugar and certain spices. Oh, that infusion was just perfect. Wed have customers lined up for blocks, and he had applications everyday from folk looking to work here. st it, most days we were sold out of everything shortly after lunch: couldnt even make it to dinner. And the prices! Oh, the prices were about as low as the guild would let him make them. He wasnt exactly warm and fuzzy, but that doesnt matter <em>too</em> much when youre making the best pies for miles around.


    But then Alex tapped the table. ...something happened, I take it? Something with his children?


    With his <em>son,</em> Troy spat the word like he was spitting acid on a cockroach. A brick-headed jackass whos as useless as teats on a bull. He had some magic in him, or so I heard, and Master Beerensteyn sent him to the university to get all trained up. Ugh, he was back in just under a month. Never confirmed why, rumours say he mightve cheated and got caught. Or it couldve been just inziness: After that, Master Beerensteyn sent him off to learn half a dozen trades. The boy just waited for his parents to leave for work in the morning and then snuck back into their townhouse to sleep, or chase girls all day.


    Troy threw a venomous look at the bakers counter. So, Master Beerensteyn put him to work here, greeting customers and seating them. Bastard just used to read dirty books under the counter. You know the ones? Cheap, short and raunchy. In the end, me and the rest of the staff just took to ignoring him.


    He sighed. Then one sad day a few years back old Master Beerensteyn keeled over with a heart attack. His wife went a monthter. Tragic business, made even worse by the fact that their stupid son inherited everything: including this business, which he suddenly took an interest in. Maybe he thought he had his own coin pressing factory here, I dunno. It doesnt matter.


    Troy threw a sad look at the baked goods on the counter, wrinkling his nose. You know, Im so used to the smell of those things that I dont even notice it anymore. But anyway, the first thing that he changed was of course: the quality of the ingredients. We went from using fresh sweet apples, to those really sour ones that sell for cheap by the roadside. Not even good enough for Borgias Square.


    Ooooooh, Alex winced. Thats uhoh<strong></strong>dear, I see where this is going.


    Dont assume, because it gets worse, Troy gave a darkugh. No more soaking ingredientshe thought that was a waste of timeand he started keeping things longer than he should have. Was the milk getting blue and furry? Not a problem! He says. Just scrape the mould off the top and use the rest.


    No! Alex cried, more offended than hed been sincewell, since a giant invisible monster had tried to kill him a few days back. You cant be serious? Thatd kill people!


    Oh, it quite nearly did. Troy shook his head. A few times. But it gets worse. He started asking us to take unsold goodsand there were a lot of those at this pointand just doll them up and resell them for days on end. Stale? Sour? It didnt matter. Well, it actually did because customers started to go away veeeeery quickly. But the nail in the coffin came from the ghost hunters.


    ...do I even want to know? Alex asked.


    No, but Im gonna tell you anyway. Troy grunted. Around the second time we poisoned someone with bad food, the staff started leaving faster than rats off a sinking ship. Maintenance wasnt being done and actual ratsand roachesand fliesand batsstarted moving in. The ce began falling apart and it looked so haunted, that these ghost hunter typesfolk who find ghosts and justwell I dont know <em>what</em> they do except stand around <em>iming</em> theyre sensing spiritsshowed up here going on about how the spirits of old Master and Mrs. Beerensteyn were haunting the ce. To be honest, I wish they actually were: mightve taught that boy a lesson. Anyway, customers dried up after that.


    Yeah, I can see why, Alex said. The threat of ghosts is no joke, especially when the food might actually turn you into one. Well, thatsa depressing story. So, then what makes you stay, Troy?


    The older man grumbled. I thought if I stayed long enough, I might see this ce rise again. Be what it once was. But bahnow hes going to be selling it. Thest straw was the upstairs tenants leaving: which drops the coining in from this ce down to zero.


    Alex paused. Tenantsis this a townhouse?


    Oh yeah. Troy nodded. Used to be a nice cosy little home upstairs, butagh, now thats all done. The ce is unlivable.


    Right Alexs eyes narrowed. So now he wants to sell it?


    Ya, but whod be stupid enough to buy it? Troy gestured to the cobwebs. Weve got a roach infestation. Flies. Rats. Bat infestation. And the spirits only know what else. Plus, the bakerys reputation is ruined. This ce aint even worth the wood and stone its built from anymore.


    Uhuh Alex looked around, his mind calcting. And does anyone know its for sale yet?


    Not unless someone saw me painting the sign, Troy shrugged. But itll be no use, like I said, no ones gonna buy it.


    On that point, Troy couldnt be more wrong, Alex realised.


    This cewell, charitably, it could be called a garbage dump. But thats exactly what would make it so valuable: property in Generasi was at a premium price, but this cein the state it was inwouldnt sell for <em>half</em> of what it was worth. Maybe even less. Now the sheer amount of repairs needed wasintimidating, but to an enterprising business person with a team ofpetentbourers, or one resourceful wizard, the ce could be fixed up in months.


    Maybe even weeks.


    The key would be examining the soundness of the structurebut even if there were structural issues, having a ce to tear down andnd to build on in such a valuable location in the city would bring investors running.


    Theyd buy it for cheap, fix it up and even if they didnt want to run a bakery, they <em>could</em> use the ce as a rental property for graduate students from the university. Or they could even fix it up then resell it at a much higher price.


    In either casethis was a rare find.


    Troywould you mind showing me around a bit? Alex asked.


    Why? youre not thinking of buying this trash heap are you?


    Lets just say that youve piqued my interest, the ambitious young wizard said. Is there a basement?


    Ya, but its useless, the bakery workers voice rose with worry. Look, the damned things just filled with a lot of stored crap the boss couldnt be bothered to dispose of, or sort through. And there might actually be a family of dire rats down there, judging by the squeaking sounds.


    Right Alex said.


    A cleaned out basement would make a great ce for a workshop. The bakery itself could provide an ie if it was brought back to life, and the townhouse could be a perfect starter home for his little family.


    It was close to the university, right across the street from work andhellshe now made enough money to also hold onto their apartment in the ins, if he wished. He would certainly need to while he was cleaning the ce up


    Wait.


    Im really considering buying this, arent I? He thought. ...how much of this is from wanting to ruin another shitty baker, Alex? Oh probably fifty percent, but that doesnt matter, this still makes a load of sense.


    You know, I really would like that tour, Alex said.


    Troy shook his head. Even just looking around would be foolish, you know?


    The Thameish wizard smiled. Well, it wouldnt be the first time someones called me that. And it probably wont be thest. Show me around, would you? If I get my way, youll be very happy with where things could be going next. Your boss, though? I dont think hell be so pleased.

 Chapter 452: The Horrible Hoard

    Chapter 452: The Horrible Hoard


    To say that the living quarters were in an even worse state than Alex had feared would be an understatementTroy hadnt been exaggerating. Dust clouds rose in mounds, provoking fits of coughing and sneezing as the baker led him through a doorway that was covered in suspicious looking stains in the alleyway, then up a flight of stairs that creaked so badly, Alex had ygon wait for him in the dining area.


    Cobwebs reached for him, clinging to his face with each step that he took and as light poured up the stairwellhe spotted masses of ck dots fleeing through cracks in the wood and stone. Cockroaches, their stink so putrid, that Alexresembling a robberwrapped the tail of his cloak around his face as they climbed the stairs.


    The rickety door to the living area smelled of wood-rot, and beyond that


    Oh, by the Traveller, save me, Alex murmured as Troy waved him forward into the townhouse and the sea of disaster that had overtaken it. He gagged from odours far worse than roach stink, then tripped on pieces of debris as they stepped over the threshold.


    I tried to warn you, Troy grunted. Its not a pretty sight.


    Well, you werent wrong, and thats the truth, Alex muttered, surveying the mess while trying toprehend what he was seeing.


    Old legends came to him: of dragons decorating their darkirs and sleeping pads with hoarded stores of treasure. There was a hoard here alright, but not the kind those legends spoke of.


    Instead of gold, pearls, precious stones, magical items and other priceless treasures, this hoard was piled high with mouldy food scraps, old containers, stacks of broken furniture and other debris. There was enough of it that it formed its ownndscape: hills, valleys and even mountains of trash; oozing foul liquid mingling with the stench of death and decay while emanating sounds of vermin scurrying through its depths.


    Okay, were not taking a step further without precautions, Alex said, drawing two flight potions. No way Im fighting monsters and demons just to get killed by some sort of filth fever. He handed one to Troy. If you dont have any objection, Im going to cast a spell called Orb of Air over our heads to protect us, and if we drink these flight potions, we can float above the trash.


    Ive only ever flown in sky-gonds before, Troy said, looking a little nervous, and pointing at the endless rubbish pile. Theres a small path through this mess. We could just weave our way through it.


    No, Im not taking any chances and neither should you. Alex pushed the potion into Troys hand. Here, well stay close to the ground, itll be safer than wading through all this stuff. Suppose something jumps out and bites you? As if to illustrate his point, the pile moved. Troy pulled the stopper from the vial and downed it, levitating above the mound. A huge smile took his face as Alex cast Orb of Air.


    The two men floated through the townhouse, freely taking stock of the ruins without suffering the foul air and adding everything in their bellies to the mounds.


    Thest tenant had a bit of a problem, Troy exined as they floated past a tower of decaying books. Never threw anything out: For years he kept talking about keeping it just in case. I think he lived through some sort of famine in the soutnds: so he got it into his head that if he let anything go, hed miss it when things turned bad. I never got involved, and we didnt know how bad it had really gotten until a couple of years in. He kept paying the rent, though, so the boss didnt do anything about him. Sometimes I wonder where he is now.


    Hopefully, somewhere cleaner, Alex murmured as they flew up another flight of stairs, inspecting the next floor. Id be worried about disease.


    And well you should be. Youd be wise to be on your way, Troy said. Any fool who buys this ce will live to regret it.


    I assume your boss will have it cleaned up before showing it to people, Alex pointed out.


    I heard something of the sort, but Ive yet to see anybourers hired, Troy snorted. Hed best not expect <em>me</em> to do it. I need the job, but theres some things even I wont do.


    I hear you, butif one had the rightbour, or spells Alex stroked his beard. Theres a lot of potential here.


    As they flew through the townhouse, Alex called on the Mark, focusing it on the task of evaluating property. It wasnt something hed ever done directly, but the Mark still had plenty of images to show him. All of his spelunking through dungeons, examining the temple in the Cave of the Travellerlooking for hidden passagesand the construction work hed seen being done to the Research Castle came to him, providing scores of useful images.


    The Mark guided him, pointing out simrities between those structures from his past, and the townhouse he was floating in.


    And he actually liked what he was seeing.


    Even filled with garbage, the townhouse seemed well and carefully built. The inside spaces were wide with plenty of ss windows to allow the light in on Generasis many sunny days. Or, they would, once the years of grime was wiped away.


    The beams were solid, and though some of the wood finishes needed recement, in general, the building didnt seem to be in need of major renovations. And as for the amenities?


    They were solid.


    Very solid.


    Above the bakery, the living quarters consisted of three floors, with a kitchen, three bedrooms, a bathing area, sitting rooms, a sewing room and a study. There was even a balcony off of the top<strong></strong>floor, with the tatters of an awning overtop a rooftop garden and a sitting area.


    It was more than enough for Alexs small family with plenty of room for even Brutus and ygon, thoughin thetters caseAlex would have to reinforce the townhouses stairs.


    The more he looked around, the more excited he became: this was a project he could really sink his teeth into once the trash was gone, and the vermin sent packing. When the work wasplete, it would make for a fine living spaceat least, until he could buy something grander.


    Andthere were no ghosts.


    None so far, at any rate.


    As they finished the tour, Troy seemed convinced that hed talked Alex out of buying the building, not realising that what hed actually done was ensure a sale.


    Depending on the asking price, Alex had an idea of how he might get it for cheap.


    When did you say you were going to put that sign up? He asked Troy.


    Sometime next week. I think the boss is getting things in order. There was talk of a clean-up crewing in to make the ce look a bit nicer. A lick of paint and moving the trash out was mentioned.


    I see, the young wizard thumbed his chin. Maybe, you can


    Troy! A voice bellowed from the bakery below. Troy, where are you? Did youargh! A golem? What in all hells is going on?


    Troy gave Alex a resigned look, sighing deeply. That would be the boss, he grumbled. And I can tell hes in a grand mood.


    Well, well see how grand of a mood hes in after a few minutes of conversation. Alex whispered, grinning wickedly and dismissing their Orbs of Air.


    The Boss was not a very tall man: if hed stood as straight as he could with his head held high, spine rigid, and chin up, he <em>might</em>e up to the bottom of Alexs neck. However, the way he held himself and movedwas like he thought he was a hundred feet tall.


    The skinny man ran his hand through greying hair, scratching his head and watching ygon while the golem closely examined the spread of baked goods across the counter.


    Boss, youre here, Troy said, his voice losing life by the instant. His shoulders fell and he soon looked more corpse-like than alive.


    Meanwhile, Alex was sizing up the boss, noting his bodynguage, measuring his mood, and looking for weaknesses. The man squinted at the young wizard with red, pig-like eyes, and it didnt take Alex long to reach one very important conclusion.


    Judging from the way he was swaying and squinting against the bright light pouring through the front door, The Boss was at the very least, hungover.


    He might even still be drunk, Alex thought. This might be easier than I imagined. Id better catch him off-guard first.


    Hello there. Alex Roth, he abruptly thrust out his hand, startling the man as he held it out for a handshake. I understand youre in the market for a buyer?


    Huh? Wha? The boss gingerly shook Alexs muchrger hand. How do you know The smell of stale booze drifted from his breath.


    I can see why youd want to be paid as quickly as possible, Alex looked around clinically. This ce is falling apart andbetween you and meits easy to see why youd want it in someone elses hands just in case the guild makes their way over here suddenly to check up on things.


    He chuckled as the man started to pale. I get it, you dont want some<strong></strong>big boss toe looking in on you, telling you to clean up your toys. After all, this is <em>your</em> business and you want to run it however youd like, am I right?


    Um, yes, the boss murmured, looking at Alex closely. Are youerm, interested, young man?


    Oh <em>very</em> interested, Alex said, putting a note of naivety in his voice, sounding for all the world like someone whod spend all his worldly wealth to buy a single piece of trash.


    And the mans pig-like eyes lit up instantly. Well, well, then have a seat! Have a seat and wee! Troy! Go get us some hot cider. And He paused, noting a cockroach skittering in front of the counter. and uh, youd better make it quick.


    Erm, right, boss, the baker muttered, ncing at Alex like the young man had lost his mind.


    The boss and the Thameish wizard sank into two wooden chairs at a small table near the doorthe shorter man nced at ygon. Erm, the golems yours, I take it?


    Yes. Yes, he is, Alex said smoothly, watching the mans eyes predictably light up.


    Golems were not cheap, which helped solidify the image that Alex wanted to project: a young man with a lot of coin and perhaps measurably less brains. A young man who would be the perfect buyer forfor


    Um, Im sorry, you have me at a disadvantage, Alex said. You know my name but I dont


    Govert, the bakery owner said proudly. Govert Beerensteyn, Son of Heinke and Sanne Beerensteyn, may they have found peace in the afterworld.


    May they have found peace, Alex echoed. And you kept things running after they were gone?


    Indeed, I have, butin truth, it has been a burden, Govert confided. A difficult thing to juggle alongside my own personal work.


    What personal work? ording to Troy, this man didnt hold another job, and judging by his clothes, Alex was inclined to believe the worker, not the boss. Goverts shirt, pants and boots were well-made and would have cost a fair sum at one time, but now they were threadbare in spots, looking like theyd need at least a half-dozen patches in another season of wear.


    Hed obviously hit upon hard times.


    But, he didnt need to know that Alex knew that.


    Yes, I can understand that, the young man nodded in feigned sympathy. Running a business on top of another job is a difficult thing at the best of times.


    You know how it is. Govert gave a smile so oily, it could have fuelled a dozenmps. But you are young, you might have more energy for it than I do. Tell me, are you a baker yourself? And how did you hear about my little sale?


    Well, I am something of a baker myself: mostly amateur, but I thought Id make a go of it as a professional, Alex lied smoothly. And as for how I found out about the sale? Well, it was pure luck. I saw your worker painting the for sale sign and had to pop in and take a look.


    Ah, that <em>is </em>a bit of good luck for you! Govertughed. You see, this ce has an excellent reputation. It has built in customers and its a very nice building with an upstairs living area that would be good for you, your family, or any renters you decide to take on. Its a good family property <em>and</em> a good investment. Plus, the area is very desirable!


    That it is! Alex said. Which makes me think that somebody will buy it quickly.


    Precisely. Govert nodded with glee. No, I dont expect it will be on the market for long!


    Alexughed easily. I have a feeling that its time on the market will be very, very short.


    Then we are on the same page, Goverts enthusiasm shifted to practicality. Ahhhh, no offence, but you are quite young, and I dont expect to part with this ce as an act of charitywould you be able to pay? Im afraid I would expect to be paid up front.


    Well, I do work for Toraka Shale across the street, Alex said. She can front the funds.


    You do not have them yourself? The man frowned.


    Lets just say my star is currently rising, Alex said. And a lot of my wealth is tied up in other matters at the moment, if you know what I mean. He nodded to ygon.


    Aaaaahhh yes, Govert said. It is troublesome when capital is tied up in properties and investmentsbut for this deal, Id need proof that Mrs. Shale would be kind enough to trust you with a loan of this magnitude. The building will not be cheap.


    I could have proof in hand in the morning, Alex said. But why dont we go over the pricenow.


    Hmmmm, Govert looked at Alexs golem, seemingly torn. Eventually, though, he seemed to sumb to the idea of an easy sale. Alright, we can agree on a price now


    In writing, Alex insisted.


    Govert shrugged. If that will make you morefortable. But any deal we make will expire at midnight tomorrow.


    Of course, Alex said, smiling broadly. I wouldnt have it any other way. Excuse me for a moment.


    He concentrated, conjuring Wizards Hand after Wizards Hand until six of the glowing spells were floating around him. Flying into his satchel, they took out a length of nk paper and several pens, writing up a contract right there on the tables stained surface, leaving a nk line for the price, and spaces for two signatures: his and Goverts.


    The older man watched nervously. Wow, I didnt expect things to be going so fast.


    Well, while we hesitate, others eat, as they say, Alex smoothed out the paper. Solets talk about price, shall we?

 Chapter 453: Cornering the Vermin

    Chapter 453: Cornering the Vermin


    Sixty-five thousand would be a very fair price, I would say. Goverts eyes narrowed as Troy tottered back into the room, bearing two hot cups of cider.


    He carefully ced them on the table away from the contract.


    Your drinks, sirs, the assistant said stiffly before returning to his spot behind the counter. There he stayed. There he watched.


    If you look at the location and the fact that youd already have regr clients eager to frequent the business on a daily basis, Govert said. Youll see this is a real steal. Youll make your upfront costs back in less than a year, I can guarantee that. The ce needs some love and care for sure, but if youre a crafter at Shales, then you should be up to the challenge. A fine project that you can turn into a ce of your own!


    Hmmmm, Alex nced around. A ce to make my own he murmured, as though amazed by the possibilities.


    He could almost <em>feel</em> the glee radiating off Govert.


    Which instantly melted when Alex uttered the following words and dropped the naive smile like a hot rock.


    Sixty-five thousand? His eyebrow rose. Govert, you must think Im a real fool, dont you?


    Erm the business owner stuttered, caught off guard by Alexs shift in tone. I dont follow.


    The average price of a townhome in this district is sixty thousand, the young, Thaemish wizard said. And thats for homes that are move in ready. Trust me, Ive done my homework. And thisthis is <em>not</em> move in ready. Theres the sea of trash upstairs, for example, which Im fairly sure youll promise to removeright up until you receive your chests of gold and then youll be gone so fast that even Chancellor Baelin couldnt catch you.


    Um, Im not sure I like what youre implying, Govert frowned, his cheeks growing pink. Behind him, Troy stifled a giggle.


    I am no thief.


    Not technically, Alex agreed. But you did just try to sell me a rotten egg while iming it was fresh.


    I dont think


    This ce is infested with vermin, as you well know. Theres probably more cockroaches living here than there are fish in the Prinean. And of course, I heard squeakinging from downstairs that sounded like dire rats to me.


    Govert turned pale. I dont think


    Now just a minute, Im not done, Alex continued. Theres removing the trash up and downstairs, then the costs of rehabilitating the reputation of this ce.to be honest, I could see any number of buyers running as soon as the first roach appeared. Dont you think sixty-five thousands a bit much?


    Now see here, the older man frowned. I dont see why I should let yousomeone who doesnt even have the full price in here and dictate to <em>me</em> what I should or should not sell <em>my</em> building for. I think Im going to ask you to leave.


    He began to rise from the table, pushing his chair away.


    Oh, sit down, will you? Alex said calmly, waving Govert back down. Were bargaining here.


    We are not. Youre insulting me. Now get out of my shop before I call the guards! The business owner demanded.


    I could leave, Alex shrugged. And I could also stop by the bakers guild on my way home and maybe drop a word or two about certainthings they should be looking at in your building.


    Govert paused.


    I dont know about Generasi, Alex continued. But any food business back in my hometownwith such clear vitions of guild policy, Id suspect the fines youd receive would be <em>very, very</em> hefty. Not to mention being forced to shut down. The ce could be condemned. Hells, you might be arrested.


    Goverts lip twitched. ImIm in good standing with the guild.


    Are you? Alex cocked his head. Maybe. Maybe not. I reckon in a big city like thisfor a shop as old as this hat as long as you keep paying your dues, they probably wouldnte in to check on you, now would they? Maybe if they receivedints, but they obviously didnt. Layfolk dont often think toin to guilds, do they? My old boss said some choice things to some of us and wasnt well liked back in my home town, but no guild official ever came in to check on him.


    He leaned forward. But I wonder what would happen if I were to just, oh I dont know, lead them back here?


    Govert had gone pale. Youwhywhat


    Troy was doubled over the counter, shaking with silentughter. ygon had turned around, watching the exchange closely.


    Youre not too bright, are you? Alex asked.


    What? How dare you Govert growled.


    Sit down, the young, Thameish wizard snapped, channelling Baelin and Khaliks authoritative voices into amanding tone. Im about to do you a bloody favour, the least you could do is have a seat and not bellow at me.


    The businessman watched him closely, grumbling as he sank back into the chair. Youre not going to bully me out of my own business.


    I dont see how you have a way out of it, Alex said calmly. Im sure you thought yourself clever. Your business will be soon going on the marketnext week, Im guessing? Or maybe a couple of weeks from now? He made sure that it seemed like a guess, not wanting to reveal Troys hand in any of this. Not yet, at least. I can see the n you had cooking: youde in, hire a bunch ofbourers to clean the ce up then sell it to some poor unsuspecting fool.


    Govert swallowed, but didnt answer.


    Alex continued. But, I saw it first. All of it. All before you had the chance to have the filth removed, and sohere we find ourselves.


    Troy! Govert snapped. Why did you show him around?


    Dont me him: you wanted a buyer, and he was just doing his job, Alex shrugged, much like Hart would have. And you still <em>have</em> a buyer, my friend. Just not one whos going to get ripped off by you.


    What? The businessman murmured.


    Its simple, I want your ce, Alex said. I want to buy it outright, and if we settle this by saytomorrow, I see no reason to get the guild involved. You wouldnt have to pay for any trash removalId have all of that done myselfand then you could be on your merry way and this would aaaaall be behind you.


    Govert snarled. Howmuch?


    Oh, for this ce? Why dont we say ten thousand?


    <em>Ten thousand?</em> The man sputtered. Even Troy gasped from behind the counter. Ten thouNow <em>youre</em> robbing me! You wouldnt be able to buy a cheap t for that price! Not in <em>this</em> district!


    I think its a good price, Alex said. After all, I cant move in. I cant use it as a business until I join the guild of bakers, which means taking on the massive task of cleaning up and removing any disease spreading agents firstreally, youre actually more selling me piles of filth and disease vectors than any home.


    Ten thousandthatll ruin me! Govert insisted.


    Will it? Alex wondered. Personally, I think its more than fair to you: you inherited this ce, after all. Got it for free and then tarnished your fathers life''s work. I dont see you having put muchif anycoin <em>in here</em>, so ten thousand would be almost pure profit for you, wouldnt it? Its a good deal.


    This buildings worth at <em>least</em> sixty thousand! The older man hissed.


    In good condition, yes, Alex said. Andonce you cleaned it up, youd probably be able to get a number of offers on it. Maybe youd manage to get fifty thousand for it.


    Fifty thousand! Goverts eyes lit up. Thats a more reasonable number


    Reasonable numbers belong to reasonable homes, my friend, Alex said. Not this. Reason left this ce a long, long time ago, so ten thousand suits it well.


    Govert sputtered like a pot about to boil over. Youre robbing me!


    You already said that, Alex pointed out, And Im not robbing you, Im doing you a favour. Think of it this way: what would happen if you had buyerse in and saytake a long look around, theyd likelye to a simr conclusion as I did. One guild reportter, and youd be fined and jailed. Im just giving you a way out


    My father would spin in his grave if he knew you were trying to swindle me like this! Govert snapped.


    He probably already is, Id reckon seeing as how you let his lifes work go to seedbut thats none of my business, really. Ten thousand, and you can walk away. Thisll never haunt you again. Alex softened his tone, slowly sliding the contract toward the businessman. Think of it this way: you get ten thousand gold tomorrow and never have to worry again. You can use it to invest in some merchant venture, or you can use it to buy a small property, or arger one elsewhere in a cheaper district. And! You wont have to bother hiringbourers to do any clean up. Come on, be reasonable! This is more than fair.


    Govert twitched. Tenten thousands too low. Much too low!


    Name a price, then, Alex said simply.


    F-forty thousand, the businessman countered.


    No.


    Th-thirty-five?


    Alex looked at Troy. How long of a walk is it to the bakers guild?


    Alright! Alright! Govert snapped. T-twenty thousand. Thats less than a third of my original asking price.


    Hmmmm, Alex did a few swift calctions in his head. At his current rate of pay at Shales hed pay that sum off in a few years. Less if he threw some of his savings into it.


    Of course, if his n worked out, hed have the whole thing paid off in little over a couple of months.


    Twenty thousand seems fair, Alex said, sliding the contract over to Govert. He snapped his fingers and a Wizards Hand swooped in, floating at eye level with the businessman. Shall we sign?


    Goverts jaw trembled. What about twenty-five


    How about the guild?


    Damn you! He snapped, snatching the pen from the spells grip and hastily scrawling both the price and his name. Youre a damned devil, you are, and I hope this ce <em>ruins</em> you!


    A devil wouldve gotten a lot more out of you than this, trust me, Alex said as another Wizards Hand snatched the contract and brought it to him. In a way, this is a mercy. Just look at it that way: itll make you feel better.


    He grinned as Govert uttered some vile curse words. Youd better hope that this boss of yours gives me the coin tomorrow or I swear Ill


    Youll what? Alex asked lightly, rising from his chair. Just to warn you, my golem doesnt take too kindly to threats on my person. I dont know if you want to go all criminal on me, but unless youre hiring a dragon toe break my legs, I dont think you want to go down that road.


    Agh! The businessman sputtered, storming out of the building as Alexs radiant smile followed him out the door.


    Well, that went better than I thought it would. He said, listening as cursing faded down the road as he turned to Troy and ygon, one of them was openly gaping. Troy! My friend, you need a job?


    Eh, oh uh the baker stammered. What? What just happened?


    I just bought this business. Alex smiled. Which means that I need at least one staff member. How much did that goon pay you?


    Oh ersix silvers a shift, Troy said reluctantly.


    Lets start you off at eight, then, and go up from there.


    What? Eightthis isnt a joke, is it? The bakers assistants eyes were wide. Maybe I did eat some bad mushrooms.


    No, my friend, no bad mushrooms. Alex reached into his pocket, drawing out eight silver coins and walking over to press them into a stunned Troys hand. As a matter of fact, I want every bad mushroom gone from here. Close up the shop and get rid of <em>all</em> of those rotten ingredients.


    I Troy looked to be on the verge of tears, staring down at the coins. Areare you going to reopen this ce? Make it good again?


    Absolutely, once its been purged of Goverts neglect. Alex said. And Ill need someone with experience to help bring it back from the brink. Would you be with me on that?


    Hells yes! Troy cried. Ill start throwing out all the old crap right now!


    With augh, the bakers assistant hung up the closed sign in the front window and rushed to the back, humming happily while he emptied therder of all signs of rotten food.


    Alex smiled broadly. Not bad for a days work.


    <em>Father</em> ygon asked. <em>Ididnt attack that man. Is thatgood?</em>


    Yes it is, ygon, the young wizard said. And Im proud of you. Youre learning! Speaking of which, we should have that conversation now. Theres a lot I need to teach you, but well start with the basics.


    <em>Canwe do that near the aeld tree? </em>ygon asked. <em>...I miss it.</em>


    A, of course, ygon, of course, Alex said. sses are done! We can nip back to Thamnd for our talk. Hells, maybe we could dance while were there. Id like to see how much of our lessons you remember.

 Chapter 454: A Beautiful Gift

    Chapter 454: A Beautiful Gift


    It was a beautiful day in Greymoor; a lovely winters morning where it felt like all the world was at peace, almost as if the rivers of blood spilled on the Research Castle grounds in recent days had never been. The wind was uncharacteristically warm, the sky uncharacteristically clear: perfect dancing weather, to Alexs mind.


    And he and ygon took full advantage of it.


    Good! Alexplimented the golem as both fell into the third stance of the Spear-and-Oar dance, acting as mirrors for each other. The young wizard held a stout broom handle in the fifth guard, while ygon mimicked him with his war-spear. Very good! Next one!


    Both golem and wizard shifted into third position together, their feet crunching snow as they fell into the first stance, raising their hafts into second guard.


    Yes! Alex said, more than pleased. Your forms perfect, and your movements are so much smoother!


    <em>Thank youfather,</em> ygon answered in his mind. <em>Andthank youfriend.</em>


    As the golem thanked their nearby spectator, there was a re of green-golden light across the snow, and with it came a warm embrace of emotion. The aeld tree watched Alex and ygon from a few feet away, captivated by their performance. Expedition members shot curious nces their way as they passed through the courtyard, but tasks were waitingplenty of repairs on the castle and tunnels had to be doneso none could spare the time to linger and watch.


    Which suited Alex just fine.


    The conversation taking ce between him and ygon as they danced was intimate, not meant for every passing ear. Even if their thoughts were often exchanged through their special link, sometimes Alex spoke aloud.


    but, yes, as I was saying, he thought, falling into the fourth stance. People arent super literal about their words. Sometimes they are, but often theyre not, and the more someone gets to know someone else, the less literal their words tend to be.


    His broom-handle and ygons war-spear flourished, spinning in their hands as they weaved a graceful pattern through the air. The golem spun his weapon in slower arcs than Alexs haft, but his movements had progressed in speed and ease since theyd begun their dance earlier.


    He was learning quickly.


    Very quickly.


    Alex only hoped that hed learn the growing list of social subtleties the young wizard was trying to teach him just as quickly. Itd make things easier on both of them.


    For example, remember when I said to Isolde and <strong>Thundar </strong>that Id kill them for abandoning me over the holidays? He was referencing a conversation from yesterday at the docks in Generasi. I didnt <em>really </em>mean that I would kill them, what kind of monster would that make me? They were going home because they nearly died in thest fight andnot surprisinglythat made them want to see their families.


    <em>...they feltlike they wanted to seetheir fathers and mothersjust in casethey diedsoon? </em>ygon asked, switching his grip on his war-spear from his upper arms to his lower ones.


    Alex startled at the movement: hed never taught him how to do that. Thats it, buddy, you got it. If you havent noticed, we all live pretty dangerous lives, dont we? And people we know have died: so when you think about that, it makes you want tosay things to people you might not get the chance to ever say if you wait too long.


    <em>Saythings</em> ygon paused. <em>Thenyou sayyou kill themthat wasnot true.</em>


    Right.


    <em>It washumour?</em>


    Right, very good!


    <em>Yousaid you didnt want them to gobut in a funny way. Not literal.</em>


    Youre getting it! Alex thought, jumping and spinning in the air,nding in second stance softly.


    ygon paused for a moment, then tried to mimic the move.


    His powerful legs catapulted him through the air, his massive bulk soaring more than a dozen feetbefore hepletely lost bnce. With arms iling, the golem mmed into the snow, kicking clouds of white into the morning air.


    ygon! Alex shouted, running over, feeling waves of concerning off the aeld. Are you okay?


    <em>Imunharmed, </em>the golem said, pushing himself to his feet with ease. <em>Notgood at thatyet.</em>


    Youll learn, Alex said, patting one of ygons lower arms. Youll definitely learn. You just need to be patient.


    <em>Patient</em> the golem thought, turning to face his creator. <em>Patiencewaitingfather, can I ask a question?</em>


    Yeah, any time, ygon, Alex thought.


    <em>You were impatient earlier, father </em>ygon said, setting the butt of his spear down in the snow. <em>You knowThundarIsoldethey wille back. You saidyou would kill them for leaving. Humourit is humourbut it is strong words.</em>


    Right, Alex said.


    <em>Drastic wordshowe you cant wait for them toe back? Patiently?</em> ygon asked. <em>Waitingis easy. You stand in stillness and youlet things happen.</em>


    Oh, wellits different for us people of flesh and blood, Alex answered. We need to eat and sleepand I think your attention span is probably loads better than almost any mortals''. And you can also achieve a stillness that no mortal can. He tapped his chest. Even if I stood as still as you, Id still fidget, and even if I managed not to, my muscles would eventually cramp up and Id have to move. Even if I kept them still with blood magic, I couldnt stop my heart from beating, or my lungs from breathing. If I did, Idyknow, die for real.


    <em>Right</em> ygon thought. <em>Sowaiting is harder for you.</em>


    It is, yes, but also I really like Thundar and Isolde, so Id miss them, Alex said, through their link. Sort of like how you wanted to see the aeld tree. Since were good friends, I made that joke: its funny, only because they know Id never actually hurt them. Itshumours a bit hard to exin, but thats why we had augh between us.


    <em>Yeughter</em> ygon thought. <em>But for people you dont knowFather, do they not mean you harm when they sayharmful words?</em>


    Thats a bit harder to predict, Alex thought. You need a lot of context clues to really know for sure. For example, if we walked out into the snow right now and ran into a bunch of leering, muscly men with big axes demanding money or my lifewell, its a good assumption that they actually mean to gut me and leave me in the snow.


    ...<em>but if they are in the city </em>ygon thought. <em>They will nothurt you?</em>


    Well, probably not, Alex said. Best in that case to just watch me handle it, then youll learn a bit more about how to predict these things.


    <em>...but I must protect.</em> The golem gripped his war-spear.


    And I dont always need protecting, Alex thought. Besides, youre a thinking being now, buddy. You need to learn more about yourself. You mightve been built to protect and fight, but you can re-define your purpose if you wish.


    <em>I likeprotecting,</em> ygon thought. <em>Likesmashing.</em>


    Alex paused, sighing. Of course he would: after all the fights theyd been in ygon would have eithere to love, or hate fighting, and the young wizard wasnt sure whether he was disturbed or relieved that it was the former.


    He shrugged: it was just the way things were, he supposed.


    <em>Is italrightfor me to likeother things?</em> ygon asked, cutting off Alexs train of thought.


    The young wizard looked up at him closely, realising that this could be a critical moment in his golems growth. His facial expression was fixed, his countenance didnt vary so there were no cues to read, but Alex could feel waves of anxiety, nerves and hopeing from him.


    If he were to say the wrong thing right now, he could crush him.


    But if he gave him no direction at all, then only the gods knew where that might lead. What if ygon decided he liked skinning people alive? Alex shuddered.


    ygon needed careful guidance, and Alex needed helphe called on the Mark, focusing it on the task of giving guidance. Images from past conversations with ygon returned along with some of his quieter talks with Selina as she tried to understand the world, her life, and the future.


    The images helped to guide his words:


    Its alright, ygon, Alex thought. You are a thinking being and you can decide to get into whatever you want. Do you remember how you react when anyone tries to hurt me?


    <em>Yes</em>


    Then think of it like this. If you define and shape your life on hurting other people, then that will make people want to hurt you, me and Selina. I dont like hurting peoplebut Id bloody well do it in response to them hurting us<strong>. </strong>I dont know if thatll turn out to be the same for you, but I <em>do</em> know that by not being a shit to folk most of the time, people are more willing to help me.


    <em>Yes </em>ygon thought. <em>Butthe monsters we fightthey hurtand so we want to kill them.</em>


    Perfectly said!


    <em>Mmmmlike smashingbutdont like fighting everyone </em>ygon paused. <em>ButI was thinkingsomething other than fighting or smashing.</em>


    Oh? Alex cocked his head, answering out loud. Such as?


    ...<em>fathercan I ask you for something? Ask you for help? </em>The golem asked.


    The young wizards breath caught.


    Thats the first time youve ever asked me for a favour. Youre getting more of your own ideas, Alex thought, smiling. Im proud of you. So, what is it? Depending on what it is, Ill try to make it happen for you.


    ...<em>father. You are going to make me something to speakwithsome way for me to talk out loud?</em>


    Yes, thats right.


    Beside them, Alex could feel the aelds attention focusing on the two of them.


    <em>...and Idlike it to sound like something, </em>ygon said.


    Like what?


    <em>Thegolemthe little one in the office ofof Toraka Shale </em>he said slowly, with nervous hesitation drifting through his and Alexs link. <em>It mademusic. Pretty music. I liked it.</em>


    Yeah, its a wonderful device, Alex agreed. Do you want me to make you something like that?


    <em>Noyes</em> The golem pointed at his mouth. <em>Thespeakerboxthat will let me talkcan you make it so it will make sounds like that too?</em>


    Alex smiled warmly. Of course, ygon. Ill have it make sounds like that and any other sounds you want it to. If Shale lets me take a look at it, I should be able to base your speakerbox on that design.


    <em>Is thattroublesome, father?</em>


    Not at all, Alex said, more than pleased. As a matter of fact, Im just happy for youbut Im curious, why do you want to make sounds like that? Music and such?


    ygon paused. <em>IId like to, father. I liked those soundsand Id like to make those sounds myself. And </em>He looked at the aeld tree. <em>And Id like to makemusic for themy friend. The treelikes music. Rememberssomeone singing to it.</em>


    Ah, that wouldve been Professor Salinger, Alex said. Well, then I have two reasons to roll up my sleeves and get that work done! Ill have it whipped up for you as fast as I can, ygon. He smiled at the aeld tree. And then you can sing to our friend as much as you like.


    <em>...thank youfatherI feelwarm, </em>ygon said.


    Oh, Im happy to do it, Alex said. I


    He paused as a wave of warm emotions embraced him.


    And they werenting from ygon.


    The young wizard turned to the tree in time to see its light suddenly re like the sun. Green-golden radiance zed so brightly, that he had to squeeze his eyes shut, but along with the brilliant light came feelings of warmth, joy, and something more.


    A deeper affection that Alex couldnt put into words.


    Cries rose from expedition members in the courtyard as the aeld trees warmth became a stifling, epassing heat. And then, it was done. The light faded to a gentle glow, and the heat decreased until it was no more than a pleasant,forting warmth.


    <em>Fatherwhat is that in frontof you?</em> ygon asked.


    Alex opened his eyes slowly, blinking away white spots, his pupils slowly readjusting to the light. Shock held him in ce.


    There, rising from the snow before him, a thick branchplete with green leaves shining like emeralds. The air was suddenly awash with the scent of spring and summer entwined, and an aura of power sparked from it.


    On his finger, the ring gifted to him by Elder Blodeuwedd tingled as aeld magic reacted to aeld magic, and Alex forced his eyes away from the branch to give his full attention to the young tree.


    It looked as healthy and as beautiful as ever, but with a slight change to its shape: a branch was absent from its trunk. It hadnt been cut away in a violent act with a hatchet or saw, for where the branch once was, there was now a smooth stump of healthy bark, perfect, as though it had always been that way.


    Alex was ovee, nearly falling to his knees in gratitude, and he simply bowed his head. Thank you, he cried emphatically. Thank you!


    <em>Warm</em> ygon murmured in his mind, looking at the branch rising from the snow.


    The aeld tree had granted him a part of itself.


    He now had the first thing he needed to make his staff.


    And it was more beautiful than he could have ever imagined.

 Chapter 455: The Death of Winter Break

    Chapter 455: The Death of Winter Break


    It was perfect.


    Power bled from it in waves touched by a hint of the aelds natural warmth. A mound of snow nestled beneath the branch melted away from its touch, and its golden-green light sparkled in the melting rivulets.


    Oh, by the Traveller. Alex reached toward the gift, feeling pure magic tingle across his fingers. Pure magic mixed withsomething he couldnt immediately name.


    But, the instant his fingers wrapped around the branch, it came to him. Warm feelings caressed him through its touch, and he felt a spark of the aeld trees consciousness.


    His eyebrows rose. You didnt just detach a piece of your body from your trunk, he realised. You cleaved away a piece of your being.


    Warm affirmation tingled in his palm.


    Ill be damned, Alex turned the branch over in his hands, examining its smooth bark, marvelling at its bnce. Well, Ill be gentle when I make my staff. Andoh boy, youre going to make a good one. You have your own power and I can just imagine the mana conductivity youll have.


    He looked up at the aeld tree, excited. Listen, as soon as it gets warm, Ill get you a queen of hos and a queen of honeybees. Youll have them to bond with and protect yourself with in the future. I want to do that for you.


    <em>Iand I will sing to you, </em>ygon said, stepping forward and running his stone hand along the aelds trunk. <em>As soon as I canI will.</em>


    Waves of gratitude emanated from the tree, seeping into Alexs core through his grip on the branch.


    This is incredible, he murmured.


    I agree, a deep voice rumbled behind him.


    Gah! The young wizard jumped, whirling around and finding a familiar horned figure looming over him. Baelin! You scared me!


    And you have only yourself to me for that, the chancellor chided. After all, you have enough gifts to feel my power before I even arrive. If you did not sense the teleportation magic, then you simply are not paying enough attention.


    But, I He pointed to the tree. Aeld!


    Indeed, but a Proper Wizard practises constant vigncewell, perhaps not <em>constant</em>, but they must remain aware of their surroundings to at least a higher degree. Though, I must admit I can see why you would be a taddistracted. He eyed the aeld branch in Alexs hand. Fascinating. Such a<strong></strong>thing opens wonderful possibilities for you. And with very good timing too.


    Yeah, Alex said. The aeld tree seemed very happy when I offered to make ygowait. You said the timings good? What do you mean?


    Ive had contact with a mutucquaintance, shall we say, the chancellor said pointedly.


    Im not sure I follow, Alex frowned, cocking his head to the side.


    One you came into conflict with and who also makes you rather ufortable, Baelin smiled. Since youck the necessary wisdom and courage to find pleasure in lifes more exotic charms. For now.


    Oh! Oh, by the Traveller! Alex gagged, remembering the towering, demonic Zonon-In. Ugh, no need to borate! I remember! Iwait, she contacted you? Already?


    Indeed. The ancient wizard rose up to his full height. We are toplete our firstrequest from our acquaintance in a month.


    In a <em>month?</em> Alex gawked. So soon?


    So soon, Baelin looked at the branch critically. That is why I was looking for you, to share that information and give you the beginnings of a briefing so you would be ready when the timees. If I were you, Id start crafting that staff of yours. And doing so quickly.


    Yeah Alex said, his mind whirling. Yeeeeaah.


    In otherworldly nes, there are times when our notions of material physics and geometry must bepletely thrown away. Baelin gestured to an illusion. That especially applies to the demonically ruled hells, which are aligned with the cosmic force of chaos.


    As he lectured, the illusionary image whirled and shimmered above him, disying an otherworldly hellscape. Stones the size of cities floated in a void of me and scintiting colour, each covered with their own peculiar flora and twisted forms of demonic life. At times, arcs of red lightning shot between the stones, indiscriminately striking nts and demons, exploding anything it struck.


    Baelins small audience nced at each other.


    And it was very small, indeed.


    In the vast hall of trophies that served as the ssroom for the Art of the Wizard in Combat, only Alex, Khalik, ygon, Theresa andby Baelins firm insistenceSelina were present.


    The others who would be apanying them on their special journey: the Heroes, remaining cabal members, and Grimloch, were away, either engaged in battle, or seeing family. In the sharkmans case, Alex had the feeling that both options might be one and the same.


    In time, upon returning from theirmitments, the others would be given the same briefing, leaving the few present to be the first to begin their preparations for the uing trial. And have a longer time to dread it.


    Grimacing, Prince Khalik raised his hand.


    Yes, do you have a question, young Khalik? Baelin asked.


    I do, the young man said as he fed Najyah a small morsel of beef while she perched on his desk. Does thischaotic force affect our mana and magic?


    It can. Baelin turned the illusion, focusing the image on a space between the titanic floating stones. A flock of lean demons were dancing through the storm, their vulture-like beaks silently cackling among the crimson lightning. Their limbs iled in a ruinous mockery of grace, their tailsshing and their wings whipping wildly about their shoulders. For exampledo you see anything strange happening in this scene?


    Baelins students leaned forward in their chairs, each studying the strange demons capering, looking for some missing detail.


    It was Khalik who gave the first cry of realisation. Their wings do not move at all as they should. They should not be staying airborne.


    Very good, Khalik, Baelin pointed to the iling wings. In the material world, if their wings moved in such an erratic manner, they would plummet to the ground in a pile of broken bones and shattered flesh. However, in this domain of the hells, the rules of lift do not apply in the same way that they do here. Neither do the rules of gravity. Demons can take advantage of this, but for those from the material world who use wings


    He looked at Najyah.


    or flight magic


    He looked at Alex.


    to soar into the air, they will experience aplete loss of control over their flight paths as the physical rules of our reality cease to apply. A flight spell will bepletely chaotic, and wing beats can cause one to move in any random direction as gravity changes around them.


    Huh Alex said, pointing to a floating stone. It looks like gravity applies to each of those giant rocks though, right? Im noticing demons walking around on them just fine without falling off. He squinted. Even when theyre walking on the sides or bottom.


    Another good observation, Baelin said. Indeed, if you do stay low in altitude while flying around one of these floating stones, you will be fine as long as you remember that gravity will always pull toward the <em>centre</em> of the stone, no matter how or when it turns. Up and down do not exist as general concepts in this domain.


    He ran his finger through a stones image. It <em>only</em> applies to each of these stones individually. When you are standing on, or flying near one? Up is <em>away</em> from the stone. Down is toward it. It is as simple as thaton the surface. Thats but one example where thews of magic, physics and reality can be <em>very</em> different in other nes. Which leads us to the main thrust of what we will be doing.


    The image suddenly shifted with most of the floating stones melting away, leaving but one.


    It was farrger than the others, and looked as though some impossibly titanic crafter had carved it to form the rough shape of a demons skull. From the top of the<strong></strong>skull<strong></strong>a massive fortress of ck stone rose, easily asrge as the entire university campus. From arge number of the fortresses windows bled a hideous mix of boiling blood and glowingva, running down its sides then disappearing somewhere deep within the skull-like stone below.


    Alex grimaced. Well, that looks like a charming ce.


    Good ce for a date, Theresa agreed sarcastically.


    I would love to build a summer home there, Prince Khalik added with a wry smile. Imagine the view! And, ugh, the smell must be something.


    <em>Dangerous ce </em>ygon thought. <em>Lots ofmonsters.</em>


    This is the Hold of Ikarrash. The ancient wizard peered at the stronghold. And it is the headquarters of one of Ezaliels more powerful lieutenants: a greater demon by the name ofwell, of Ikarrash. Thanks to someinformation I received, I have theyout of this stronghold andtogetherwe will be ying him and destroying the ce entirely.


    Baelin grinned viciously. Fun, hm?


    Yeah Alex said. Fun.


    Oh, spare me your sarcasm, you will gain much from this experience! The ancient wizardughed, and while I deal with Ikarrash himself, you will be infiltrating his fortress from below and eliminating his three sons! They are powerful demonic princelings who would naturally assume control if left to their own devices.


    Khalik cracked his knuckles. This soundspotentially like suicide.


    Oh, bah! Baelin waved a hand dismissively. You will have my spell-marks to protect you, not to mention being apanied by the Heroes of Thamnd. I would still worry, of course, but this is by no means a suicide mission. A Proper Wizard does not engage in such activities unless under the greatest of duress. In truth, I think with ygon and the Heroes supporting you, you will have more than enough power to y your targets. The question is, can you handle the strange hazards the realm itself presents? That will be your first task.


    The chancellor snapped his fingers, producing a re of teleportation magic. From thin air a stack of floating tomes appeared, eachrger than a dinner tter.


    You will be using these texts on demonology to research the realm, Baelin said. Note that I have told you the name of the fortress we shall assault, but <em>not</em> the name of the hellish domain it is found on. A Proper Wizard should know how to research any otherworldly ne of existence that they seek to enter, and how to prepare ordingly for the specific risks that venturing to such a domain will bring. I could <em>tell</em> you all the risks involved in this journey, but that would engender helplessness and bad habits. Still, these are <em>the hells</em> we are speaking of.


    He waved the books over to the small group. Therefore, I shall not leave youpletely without guidance: I have already gathered the appropriate books in which you can search. But, for the next domain we visit, you will be expected to source all books yourselves. Any questions?


    Theresa raised her hand. How many demons are there in that castle?


    Tens of thousands, Baelin said calmly. Perhaps more. It will be in your best interest to use the terrain to take away your enemys advantage in numbers.


    Yeah, Theresa whistled. You can say that again.


    Khalik raised his hand. What of earth magic? Will it work on those stones? Or is that magic also twisted by the domain?


    You will have to research that yourselves, Im afraid, the ancient wizard said. Any more questions?


    Selina slowly raised her hand.


    The others looked at her, and Baelin paused in surprise.


    Yes, Selina? He asked, his tone gentle.


    Why are the three sons away from their father? She asked slowly. Wouldnt they be together?


    Baelin smiled, his eyes twinkling. Out of the mouths of babes. Indeed, an excellent observation Selina. And the answer is that members of this demonic family do not get along so well, ording to my intelligence. Father will note to aid his sons if they are too weak to survive an enemy on their own power, and sons will not aid father since they serve him out of fear.


    Alex frowned, raising his hands. Then how about the sons? Do they work well together?


    Baelin smiled wickedly, pointing to the floating stacks of books. Read and find out, my young friends. Read and find out.


    Khalik sighed mournfully. And so dies our winter break.

 Chapter 456: A Favour and a Plan

    Chapter 456: A Favour and a n


    Hey, Khalik, I need your help, Alex said suddenly, dragging his nose out of the immense tome of demonology lying before him.


    The prince held up a finger as he jotted down a note, frowning at a certain passage. Hmmm, I would have thought the air in the Domain of Cawarthin would have had a more acidic tinge to itbut it is the opposite: more slimy and basic, it seems. You will need to brew us some potions of resistance.


    Yeah, got it, Alex said, ncing at a Wizards Hand as it added another entry to the growing list of preparations he had<strong></strongid out nearby.


    So, yes. The prince looked up from his book. What do you need help with, my friend?


    Alex sighed, flipping the list of preparations over to the other side; there, hed recorded a list of ingredients hed need to craft his staff. In the centre of the list was one single item written inrge letters and circled thrice:


    <em>Dungeon core essence.</em>


    I need you to help me raid a dungeon, he said, his tone apologetic. I know the timings pretty shit, what with Grimloch, Isolde and Thundar away right now, but I <em>need</em> toplete the staff before we head down to Cawarthin. Ive been going over things in my head and Im a little nervous about using my potion-mist.


    Oh? Aaaaah. Khalik nodded. The density of the air is different, the winds can be high, and the gravity is variant.


    Exactly! Alex raked his fingers through his madly itching beard. He had the urge to just shave the thing off. Its not going to be a good look on any of us if I toss a sleeping potion at a squad of demons just to have it blow back in our faces, sink to everyones ankles, or float into the sky. Hells, theres a chance that there might be some unknown alchemical reaction with the bloody air, so Id rather <em>not</em> find that out by blowing us up.


    Mhm, so you need an alternate way to fight, Khalik noted, fingers running through his own well-groomed beard.


    Alex red at it jealously. Howe <em>his</em> beard never itches?


    ...Alex, you said that out loud.


    What? I did? His face flushed. Well, uhwell it still stands, howe it doesnt itch?


    It itches less as you grow it, Khalik said. You simply need determination.


    Mine just seems to be itching <em>more!</em> Alex scratched at his beard frantically, barely resisting the urge to hack it off right then and there and covering Khaliks spotless floor with scraggly chestnut beard-whiskers. I think Im going to go mad!


    Have you been caring for it? Khalik asked.


    Caring for it?


    Yes, with proper soaps? Beard oils? The prince squinted at Alexs beard.


    What in all the endless hells is a beard oil? Alex asked.


    Khalik winced, looking down at his friends beard as though it were a poor, starving animal. Worry not, my hairy friend, I will see that your father takes care of you.


    Why are you treating my beard like its an abused dog?


    Because it is, the prince said grimly. But we are losing sight of the point: you need another way to fight and protect yourself. Youve been nning to make this staff for a while, but now you need it sooner than you thought you would.


    Yeah, that about sums it up, Alex groaned, jerking his thumb at his own apartment through Khaliks window behind him. On the balcony, Selina was teaching ygon how to write faster while feeding the treacherous and spoiled Najyah morsels of fish.


    Leaning against the wall nearbystill glowing with green-golden light and thick with emerald leaveswas the aeld tree branch, drinking in the sunlight, emitting feelings of contented curiosity that Alex could feel all the way across the courtyard.


    He waggled his thumb toward it. So now I need my staff, and Ive got my first ingredientand dont get me wrong, Im notiningI just thought Id have months to get the rest of whats needed to craft the thing. Instead of, you know, <em>days.</em>


    Hmmmm, hence the poor timing, when our forces are diminished. The prince nodded sagely. It istroubling. Raiding a dungeon with just myself, you, Theresa and ygon will beof some risk.


    Yeah, I know, Alex grunted. And trust me, I feel bloody terrible asking you this, but the proverbial crossbows at my temple and fates itching to pull the trigger. Id hate for us to get down there and then have it turn out that Impletely useless.


    True, we shall need all of our power to ovee the demonic foes that await usbut to raid a dungeon with so fewconsidering the deadliness of the Ravenersst attack, <em>and</em> how it flooded the dungeon cores with enough power to give Baelin pause Khalik teetered his hand back and forth. We may not stand a chance. Then again, we might. Have you thought of asking Baelin to fetch a dungeon core for you?


    Yeah, Alex admitted. But I tossed that idea aside like old cheese becauseto be honestI think hed say no. You heard what he said about the raid on Cawarthin: we have to research the domain ourselves. You know how big he is on making us independent, I dont see him just fetching a core <em>for</em> me.


    Fair, but it costs you nothing to ask, Khalik pointed out.


    The Thameish wizard sighed. I knowbutand before you say anything, I know this might soundpletely madbut IdId like for us to do it on our own. I have a n, andif it works outIll be regrly raiding dungeons to harvest cores. And, the faster I start doing it, the better my n works. It wont be long before folk on the expedition getfortable enough to start going after them to sell for profit. Right now, Ive got an advantage, but it wontst forever.


    Mmmm, I see. Khalik nced at the aeld branch across the courtyard. Youre saying if you cling to the hem of Baelins robe now, then youd need to rely on him every time you went to im a dungeon core. And that could geplicated. And it would also make youcent.


    Yeah, Alex sighed. And I know, I know this sounds awfully bloody selfish, but Ill use every bit of power my staff will haveand if I have any say in the matter, itll have <em>loads</em>to help us in the hells, and for <em>anything</em> any of us might need, Khalik.


    Mhmmm, the prince said thoughtfully. I understand. It is a riskbut if the n is sound, then I will help you.


    Great, thanks man! Alex reached over, pping his friend on the shoulder. I promise you wont regret it!


    I will not have <em>time</em> to regret it if things turn deadly. Khalik ran a finger through his beard. But, I will not dwell on the negative. He grinned suddenly. Besides, what would be the point of wizardry if we did not use our powers for grand, foolish adventures!


    Alexughed. Professor Jules would <em>wither</em> if she heard you say that!


    Then it is good she is not here to hear it. Khaliks grin widened for a moment before falling away. A deep frown took his face. HoweverI do believe that there would be sense in bringing someone else into our fold for this quest. After all, we are only four: Theresa, yourself, me, ygonah, six if I count Brutus and Najyah. Is there anyone you trust? What of Tyris?


    I think shes away for the holidays, Alex said. Besides, sheswell, shes monstrously powerful herself and Vesuvius is a titan, I cant really bring her along without expecting her to ask for a cut of the core remains. And between you, me and Theresathats already quite the split.


    Oh? The prince raised an eyebrow. You were going to give me some of the dungeon core remains?


    Alex shrugged. Its only fair, right? Im not going to ask you to risk your life for nothing, Khalik. You should profit too.


    Hmmmmm, Khalik paused, contemting. InterestingI have little use for dungeon core remains: I have not studied alchemy. But if you could use your talents to craft me armour infused with earth magic, then I would be most pleased.


    Consider it done, Alex said. But yeah, you see the point, right? Here, look


    He reached into his satchel, pulled out one of his notebooks and flipped to two bookmarked pages. Take a look at this. Turning the book to face the prince, he pointed to a pair of diagrams on either page. Ive got the schematics worked out for my staff and the other project Ill need the essence for, andwith my portionitll be barely enough to do both. If we make it a <em>four</em> way split, then Im going to be in trouble.


    Mmmmmm. Khalik squinted at the diagrams. I see. In my eyes, a four-way split is worth it to give ourselves a greater chance to livebut there might be another way. Perhaps we could hire someone that we trust, someone who would work for a t fee: your new job allows you to dole out quite a reward,<strong></strong>and I would be willing to contribute to the reward to get a proper mercenary.


    Hmmm, now theres a thought. Alex tapped his chin through his beard. You know what, we have loads of mercenaries, monster hunters and members of the Delvers Guild on the expedition. Maybe I couldOh bloody hell, I must be going senile! Ripp!


    Hm? Oh, yes! Khaliks eyes brightened. The swiftling monster hunter! I have spoken with him a few times. If he is willing to work for coin instead of dungeon core essence, then he would be perfect: supernaturally quick, skilled in battle and strong of nerve.


    Yeah, <em>yeah.</em> Alex nodded, liking the idea more and more. Baelin did say I might need to hire some folk to help with one of our uing quests. Thisd be a good chance to work with Ripp and see what hes made of. Great idea, Khalik!


    Thanks, now and then I have those, the prince chuckled. Nowas for obtaining the core itselfI think it would be folly for us to try to overpower the dungeon and all of its Ravener-spawn in a direct assault. Even with Ripp, we will be only fiveseven if you count Brutus and Najyah.


    Right, youll get no argument from me there, Alex agreed. Im going to head to the Research Castleter on to find out if we have any information on new dungeons. If we do, then Ill sort through the ones that the expedition hasnt already imed for a future raid, and pick one that might be a bit easier for us to take: like a chitterer dungeon, or something. Theres no way were raiding a dungeon full of Skinned Ones without an army, or a Baelin.


    Of course, I might value courage, but I do not value throwing my life away for no reason, Khalik grunted, his eyes lost in thought. Suddenly, they brightened. Saya thought urs to me. Alex, this is a good time to tell you: Ive reached third-tier spells.


    Really? Oh, thats brilliant! The Thameish wizard cried. Absolutely brilliant. Im happy for you!


    Indeed, I am happy for myself. I wanted to save it for a surprise for next semester butthis feels a little more important than showing off. But the nice thing is that I learned the Stone Shape spell recentlyand with it, I think I might have a n that will let us harvest our dungeon core, barely risk ourselves, and allow us to be back in Generasi in time for a fine supper. Interested?


    No, of course Im not, Alex said sarcastically. Why would I have any interest in ns thatll keep us alive! Sounds a bit boring, to be honestOf <em>course </em>Im interested! What is it?


    The prince took a deep breath,ying out his tactics with all the poise and grace of a young man trained in statecraft since he learned to speak. He exined his ideas with confidence, but paused to consider the finer points of the strategy before continuing.


    By the time he was finished, Alex was leaning back in his chair, eyebrows raised. Wellthats a damned good n, he gave an evilugh. Oh, and by the Traveller, if <em>I </em>was a dungeon core and someone pulled that on me, Id be <em>livid!</em>


    We will not give it <em>time</em> to be livid, Khalik said, his tone satisfied and dark. So, if you are alright with it, let us go exin the idea to Theresa and ygon. After that, when would you like to start?


    Honestly? Alex shut one of his books. If youre free tomorrow, then the quicker I get this dungeon core essence, the quicker Ill be able to put the staff together.


    Then, tomorrow it is! Khalik eximed. I would offer you a drink in preparationbut I have a strong feeling that we will need all of our wits about us.

 Chapter 458: Rapid Dungeon Raiding

    Chapter 458: Rapid Dungeon Raiding


    Alex was more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs as Theresa, ygon, Brutus and Ripp swooped toward the snow-covered hill.


    The huntress hands were already blurring, loosing arrow after arrow into chitterers as the group of four attackers went for the Ravener-spawn. Her bowstrings heavy twang announced a rapid stream of bolts that pierced their monstrous hide, catching the creatures by surprise.


    Some copsed, some stumbled back, hammered by projectiles now protruding from them like pincushions. Others raised their chittering voices, raising cries of rm, scrambling for bows lying in freshly fallen snow.


    <em>Whoooooom!</em>


    But ygons fire-gems charged in heartbeats


    <em>Whoooosh!</em>


    They sted from the sky with fury.


    Three zing rays struck, twonced Ravener-spawn like boils, turning the monsters into geysers of me and steaming snow. The third struck the hilltop, reducing it to vapour in a sh of light and terrible heat.


    As the attack-force touched down at the entrance to the dungeon, the white hilltop boiled, pouring bubbling mud down its sides likeva from a volcano.


    All goes well, Khalik nodded. And now we just wait forah there it is.


    Alex felt a rush of mana from below, followed by shrieks of rage rising from deep within the hill, dozens of shrill voices joined as one.


    Yeah, Alex said nervously. Do we go now?


    Khalik watched the brewing battle like an eagle. Not yet, Alex. Not yet. Let these Ravener-spawnmit. Let them fully fix their gaze in the wrong direction.


    And down you go. Theresa fired an arrow into an oing chitterer, taking it in the throat. She was nocking the next before the creature hit the snow. And down you go. And down <em>you </em>go.


    Arrows found throats and chittering mouths, staining the snow ck, littering it with bodies. For every Ravener-spawn she slew, two more emerged from the snow-covered treeline, wading through snow drifts, hurling horrid cries, long spears, and arrows at the intruders.


    She watched the weapons flymoving toward her as slowly as driftwood to her potion enhanced-sensesand weaved through them like a lithesome dancer, skimming the deep snow with flight magic.


    The huntress answered the attacks with more arrows, sending the creatures to their deaths in heaps. Hows it going back ther


    A st of heat stopped her words, spraying her cloak with billowing steam.


    Theyre mad now! Ripp cried. But theyre still noting up in numbers.


    Theresa swore softly, hitting another charging chitterer in its broad mouth. Theyre probably hoping their scouts get back here and take care of us. I cant me them, but Id just like to know where all these damned things were hiding. Theres way more than twenty-one!


    The chitterers were boiling from the woods, growing thicker in number, brandishing spears and rusted des above their heads,ing for the huntress as they half-charged, half-loped toward her.


    Aye, well lets speed up the killing, then. Get them stuck in, Ripp growled.


    A blur shot past her.


    Even with her sharp senses fully engaged, she could barely follow the swiftlings movements as he skimmed the snow. The diminutive warrior hit chitterer ranks like an angry wasp raging through a horde of unsuspecting honeybees.


    His strikes were flicks of steel and sshes of ck blood as chitterers were cut to ribbons in heartbeats. When one fellits body covered in a dozen wounds the swiftling would immediately be wreaking havoc on his next target.


    Between his de and Theresas bow, Ravener-spawn were dropping by the dozens, dead before they could even reach their enemy.


    Brutus! Theresa shouted,unching a clutch of arrows at the horde. Rip them up!


    Three barks answered and the cerberus barreled ahead, a trio of vicious jaws snapping. Chitterers whirled on the flying beast, raising dented shields or rusted swords, but he crushed their guards with his bulk, teeth tearing, crushing armour and finding Ravener-spawn flesh.


    His prey fought back desperately, but a single bone-crushing bite to the skull silenced all counters.


    Between the huntress, cerberus, and swiftling, the scouts numbers thinned until few remained.


    Come on, Theresa challenged, loosing a final arrow then slinging her bow on her back. Come and get us!


    She gripped her sword-hilts, drawing the Twinde, its steel screaming in triumph and bloodlust.


    And the dungeon screamed back.


    The ground rumbled, scores of chittering cries erupted from the cave mouth. ygons fire-gems glowed, sparking with magic as he raised his war-spear.


    Finally! She snarled, whirling on the cave. Ripp, Brutus, you clean up the stragglers out here. ygon, lets get started on the next part of Khaliks n.


    Aye, Ill dly take the easy job, thank you very much! Ripp shouted, his flickering de opening another dozen cuts on a chitterer before hed finished the sentence.


    Brutus barked, chomping on a pair of Ravener-spawn.


    Then, lets go, Theresa said, nodding to ygon.


    Together, the golem and huntress entered the cave, soaring through the low light.


    Daylight from the caverns mouth quickly faded, leaving only a slight portion of the interior illuminated, revealing a horde of Ravener-spawn racing toward them.


    Alright, Theresa stopped, hovering some ten paces from the entrance. Lets wait for them toe to us.


    ygon mmed his fists together in agreement before unleashing three<strong></strong>beams of me on the advancing horde.<strong></strong>The first monster rank quite literally dissolved, falling in heaps of ash and fine dust.


    More raced forward, screaming and leaping through me, yet driven beyond pain by the dungeon core hidden somewhere in the darkness behind them.


    These single-minded creatures met ygons war-spear and Theresas swords. Enchanted metal parted rusty chainmail and rotting leather like decaying leaves, splitting the screeching monsters with every strike. The golems spear withered their bodies, while the huntress Twinde delivered two cuts for every strike.


    In moments, dead Ravener-spawny across the tunnel floor, and a rumble of fury echoed from down below.


    Almost there Theresa murmured, marvelling at the ease with which her des cut through shields and armour. Come on, I know youre not giving us everything youve gotHah! There you are!


    In the inky light their prey had finally emerged.


    Towering chitterers bearing the finest armour and weaponry within the horde, loomed from the dark. They roared, shaking their heads, flinging shining lines of spittle through the cave as they bashed rusted greatswords against shields the size of carriage doors.


    The dungeons elite forces were here.


    And that meant its attention was firmly on her and ygon.


    It was time.


    Brutus! Theresa cried. Now!


    She signalled her cerberus with three quick whistles, and he answered with a pair of howls that echoed through the cavern, over the trees, and into the sky itself.


    The huntress cracked her neck, focusing on the foes ahead. Now its up to you, Khalik and Alex. Go get it. ygon?


    Exploding into motion, the golem charged, spraying the chitterers with an endless stream of me. Squinting against the heat, Theresa leapt after him, the twinde poised, steel singing.


    War-spear and swords were soon ripping through burning Ravener-spawn.


    Alex watched as Brutus snapped a chitterers bony neck in a pair of jaws, tossing the creatures broken body to the snow. A heartbeatter, the cerberus pausedears perked upthen he raised his heads, baying at the sky.


    Theres the signal, Alex said, cracking his knuckles and drawing a single booby-trapped flight potion. Alright, then. You ready, Khalik? This next parts all you.


    I am, the prince confirmed. Remember, you will have to guide me.


    I will. Ill be the best damn eyes youve ever had. Alex prepared to dive.


    Good. Then guide me well. Lets begin. Khalik took a deep breath.


    The two young men nodded to each other, tucked their arms by their sides and swooped downward, aiming for the hill. Cold wind stung Alexs face as the ground rose up, trees rapidly growing in his vision.


    Frigid air died away as residual heat from ygons me radiated from the steaming hill.


    Any moment now, Alex thought, closing in on a muddy path on the hilltop. Any moment itll sense


    Suddenly, he felt a shift; dark mana swirled somewhere beneath the earth and the attention of a powerful force fell on him.


    He sucked in a breath of air. Here ites!


    The earth shook like an angry beast. There it is, Khalik!


    Can you pinpoint it? The prince shouted,nding atop the hill, hot mud sshed as he thrust both hands sheathed in earth-armour into the steaming earth. Can you sense it?


    Alex concentrated, reaching out with his mana senses, following the path of that dark power below. As it watched him, he watched it in return.


    Deeper? He thought, searching through the earth, seeking out their quarry. Deeper? Notoo deepcloserto the left, maybe?


    There! I found it! Alex shouted to Khalik, pointing at the earth. Seventy feet down, thirty to the left!


    Good! Then here we go! Khalik pushed his hands deeper into the soil, chanting an incantation. Earth magic shifted around the prince, seeping into the ground, reaching deep beyond its surface


    and touching the stone below.


    Ive made contact! Now go! Draw its gaze!


    Way ahead of you! Alex catapulted through the air, soaring above the hill. He banked to the left, flying in a loop around the hilltop, concentrating as he slowly cast a summoning spell.


    The ground shook as the dungeon core raged within the earth.


    He could feel its mana coursing through the hill, shifting stone, forming new tunnels. Alex imagined chitterers surging through the dungeon, moving into those new passages with weapons ready to gut him.


    Now, the dungeon cores attention would be split between intruders striking from the cave mouth, butchering its horde, and the Raveners enemy soaring out of reach.


    It would have little thought left to direct at the earth mage who was slowly reaching into the earth with his stone-shapespell. His mana shifted rock, forming a small shrouded tunnel through the dungeon, leading from the hilltop to the source of the cores mana.


    The prince was doing his work quicklybut Alex could help him be quicker.


    As thest sybles of his summoning spell died, a conjured earth elemental appeared on the hilltop below.


    My elemental friend! He called in an<strong></strong>elemental tongue of earth. I need you to burrow into the earth until you find my friends earth magic! He gestured to the prince. Widen the tunnel that hes digging and help him connect it to the chamber hes aiming for!


    The earth elemental gave a grunt like grinding stone then plunged into the soil like a sea urchin diver into the sea.


    Alex could feel its mana join Khaliks, reinforcing the princes spell and lengthening the tunnel. Their power reached deeper into the hill


    while the dungeon cores was reaching toward the surface, lengthening its own tunnels. Soon the hilltop would be teeming with Ravener-spawn.


    Khalik! How much longer? Alex shouted. That hills about to explode with chitterers!


    I am almost there! I feel the earth changing and your elemental is guiding me! I <em>know</em> I am near the chamber!


    The hill shook violently, coughing soil through the air as new caves formed on its surface.


    Khalik! Alex shouted again. Weve got to pull back, we wont make it!


    I <em>will!</em> The princes voice boomed with confidence. I will not let some <em>rock</em> best me! Call Ripp and tell him to get ready!


    Damn, youre one stubborn bastard! Alex cursed him before turning to the battle before the cave mouth.


    Brutus and the swiftling had made short work of the remaining chitterer scouts, leaving the snow covered with lifeless monsters.


    Okay,e on, Ripp! Alex called. Get up here! Were almost ready!


    Better be sooner than almost, bosses! The swiftling shouted, dashing through the snow and up the hillside. He was beside Khalik in less than a blink, watching the tunnels from the hilltop. We dont have much time!


    I am nearly therejust allow me toconcentrate! The prince roared. There!


    He stood, forcefully spreading his hands as though ripping apart a set of doors hanging in midair.


    The earth growled, then it gurgled, then came the tearing sound. Soil and stone abruptly split, revealing a long, narrow tunnel leading down into the dungeon. Its opening was too close for most to fit in.


    <em>Most</em>, but not all.


    Now! The princemanded.


    Back in a blink! Ripp leapt in, sprinting down the tunnels length faster than an arrow in flight.


    A heartbeat passed.


    Then two.


    We should Alex started to speak.


    Furious roars came from below, rising from an untold number of throats, chilling Alexs blood; he recognized the hideous cry of a gibbering legion.


    Then something small shot from Khaliks tunnel.


    I got it! Ripp shouted in triumph. Stole it right from their grasp!


    sped in his hands, held high above his headwas the dungeon core.

 Chapter 459: Preparing the Proposal

    Chapter 459: Preparing the Proposal


    Nice job, Ripp! Alex shouted. Now, lets get the hells away from here!


    Way ahead of you, bosses! The swiftling cried, racing from the hill and leaping into the air then soaring well above the treetops.


    ygon! Alex thought. Were finished, get out of there!


    <em>Comingfather</em> came the reply, followed by a boom and a sh of light from the cave mouth.


    Heartbeatster, Theresa and ygon emerged into the daylight, climbing into the sky. Brutus barked twice, soaring after them.


    Everyones clear! Alex turned back to Khalik.


    And what he saw


    One more thing to do! Khalik shouted. Alex, get the bag ready!


    On it! The Thameish wizard pulled a small sack from his belt as the party came together in the air, still climbing away from the forest. Ripp, hold that dungeon core steady!


    Whatever youre doing, do it fast, bosses! The swiftling cried.


    Khalik, hurry! Alex pressed, holding the bag beneath the core.


    Shouting an incantation, the prince called on a shatter spell.


    Mana shifted.


    A noise like ss screeching across metal erupted as potent sound waves concentrated on the dungeon core, leaving the ck orb shuddering in Ripps grip; a jagged crack ran along its side.


    My turn, Theresa floated up beside Ripp.


    She raised the Twinde.


    And her swords crashed down.


    Another harsh soundthis one like shearing stonemagical metal carved through the cracked dungeon core like water, leaving cuts that split the orb into three. It screamed in Alexs senses, tearing asunder, filtering into the sack, bing fine dust as ck as pitch.


    Alex quickly sealed the bag, binding its mouth with a strong length of cord and sighing with relief. We did it! He grinned at Khalik. It worked! We actually pulled it off!


    Of course we did, we are powerful and my n was sound. The princeughed in triumph, looking down at the hapless chitterers boiling from the coreless dungeon. Now, what do you say we clean our tes? It would be rude to leave the Thameish army to deal with our leftovers.


    <em>Agreed</em> ygon said, though only Alex heard. His fire-gems red with power. <em>Timeto end the rest.</em>


    With those words, the golem unleashed full fury on the confused Ravener-spawn below.


    It wasnt long until all that remained on the hillside was a barren hill, dead monsters, and scorched earth.


    Two hundred and ny-eight, two hundred and ny-nine, Khalik counted. And there we are, three hundred altogether. Would you like to count them yourself?


    No, no, Ive got eyes, Ripp said, gazing at a small chest before him filled with shining coins. I watched you count em myself, right here in front of me, and the sums right.


    Are you sure? The prince started to close the chest. By all means, I want you to befortable. I could have used sleight of hand to fool your eyes, and I<strong></strong>would take no offence if<strong></strong>you wished to be sure of our honour.


    Yeah, man, I know how it is, we mightve used magic to cheat you or something, Alex agreed, leaning over the table and tapping the side of the chest. Dont think were going to get insulted or anything like that.


    Listen, boys, I know you mean well. The swiftling looked at both of them evenly, standing up in his chair and taking hold of the chest. Butand I mean this as no offence to youbut neither of you are <em>near</em> fast enough to fool a swiftlings eyes. So, theres no sleight of hand. And as for magic? We swiftlings are closer to fae than not: Id bet the tips of my ears that my mana senses are sharper than yours by a big margin. Trust me, me counting coins now would just be wasting your time and mine.


    He mmed the lid shut and dragged the chest to his side of the table, the annoying sound drew the gaze of other patrons in the Brass Grapes. Alright, then. Three hundred for the job. A good payday, Id say. The mercenary grinned. Listen, if youre ever in need of a small and quick de, dont hesitate to call on ol Ripp, now.


    With that, the swiftling jumped from his chair, bowed to the two wizards and shot from the bar in a blinding sh of speed. Before Alexs eyes could even begin to track him, he was gone, leaving the Thameish wizard shaking his head.


    Shouldve hired him ages ago, he said. Let me tell you, some of those fights weve been in wouldnt have been half the trouble they were with Ripp by our sides.


    Khalik shrugged, then raised his hand, catching the attention of a server. And we would be all the weaker for it: better to hire more experienced fighters now that we know how to handle ourselves rather than before we did. I have no ns to be a useless child in battle, waiting for guards and servants to save me.


    Yeah, youre probably right about that. Alex smiled as the server approached. Hold onLets make our order.


    The young men ordered two cups of fortified wine with shots of rum on the side to celebrate their victory. Alex might have ordered more than one if there wasnt a great pile of work waiting for him.


    It was going to be a long evening.


    He looked back at his friend. Right, about the mercenary thing: now that I think about it, we would have only needed to hire mercenaries recently. Until we came to Greymoor, we were fighting most of our battles in Baelins ss.


    It is true, Khalik agreed, his smile nostalgic behind his beard. And the only true battles we fought were against foes who sought our lives when our guards were down: like the mana vampires attack on Najyah


    His familiar gave a loud screech of offence, ruffling her feathers and digging her talons into the perch positioned at the side of their table.


    it is alright, it is alright. The prince stroked her feathers, his voice soothing. The monster is long dead. We have already avenged your honour, Najyah.


    She gave another offended squawk, but seemed to settle down, her feathers growing decidedly less puffy.


    Alex fought the urge tough. Yeah, there was also the attack at Isoldes cousins vi. Then those bloody demons. Ugh, let me tell you, I cant wait to get down there and show <em>them</em> some surprise carnage for once.


    Mhmmmm. Khalik nodded, still gently stroking Najyah. Of that, we are in full agreement. And speaking of that His eyes fell on two small sacks by Alexs side, each containing a share of dungeon core essence. What will you do now? Will you begin crafting your staff immediately? Start on my armour? Research spells?


    Well, Id love to do any one of those things, to be honest, Alex said. But what Ive <em>got</em> to do first is a bit less morous.


    Oho? Khalik raised an eyebrow. Whates next?


    A business proposal. Alex reached into the satchel beside his chair, pulling out a notebook and setting it on the table. He quickly flipped pages until he reached a long, formal document that seemed to go on forever.


    The prince whistled, eyeing the pages dubiously. Interesting. Vastly interesting. What is it for?


    My boss, Alex nced around the Brass Grapes and leaned across the table, his voice dropping to a whisper. Im going to try and set up a business partnership with Toraka Shale.


    Khaliks eyebrows shot so high, they threatened to melt into his its. That isvery interesting indeed. But why are you doing it first?


    Well, the staffs going to take a bit of coin to make. Well,<em> a bits </em>putting it mildly, its going to take a good chunk of coin: more than Ive got currently. He flipped through the notebook again, stopping when he reached the set of schematics for his staff. Theyd increased from when hed shown Khalik them a couple of days earlier. I have ways to design it so that its cheaper, but Ill be bloody damned if Im going to waste aeld tree wood and dungeon core essence on a crappy staff.


    He scoffed. Itll be a masterpiece, or Ill throw myself in the Prinean.


    I understand, you have a good quality canvas so you do not wish to spoil it with fingerpaint, Khalik agreed. And thisbusiness n will provide you with the war-chest needed for your staff?


    Alex chuckled evilly. Oh itll get me more than that, Khalik, a hell of a lot more than that. But, yes. Ill need the coin from this if Im going to build a proper staff.


    Hence the business proposal, then The prince ran a hand through his beard, eyeing Alexs notebook. ...do you feelfortable with it?


    Alex gave him a look. Do you want the truth or a lie?


    Hmmmmlet us have the lie first.


    Well, I think its brilliant and no one could resist it, he nodded with a confident smile.


    And the truth?


    Oh by the Traveller, Im so bloody nervous about it I feel like my skins going to rip itself off and go running to the Rhinean Empire, he said mournfully, his head dropping to the table and his fingers raking through his unkempt beard. Ive never done anything like this before, man, and the you-know-what''s been helping, too. Butwell, a lot of my familys future is riding on this.


    He tapped the business n with a finger. If this goes wrong, its bye-bye staff until I cane up with something else, <em>and</em> bye-bye financial freedom for the foreseeable future.


    That is not so bad. Khalik shrugged. You are clever, and even if this fails, you <em>will</em> create another n. I know you will. Besides, you now have a well-paying job that will give you its own opportunities.


    Alex gave the prince a withering look. Thats easy for you to say, youre loaded. Youre swimming in coin. For me, this is different, man. Andlook, for reasons that would be abundantly clear if you read the proposal, theres a bit of a time limit on this sort of nand Im not sure what Id try next if time runs out.


    Then show it to me, Khalik said.


    Hm? The proposal?


    Yes.


    Ooooh, bah! Alex scoffed, waving him off. Trust me, you dont want to read it, its dry as a bone, and its like ten pages long so far.


    I am curious, all the same, bone-dry or sea-wet. He waved the book toward him. Come, hand it here.


    Alex sighed, sliding the book across the table. Alright, but dont say I didnt warn youAnd ah! I see the server is on the way with our drinks. Good thing too, youll need at least one just to get through <em>that.</em>


    Let me be the judge of that, Alex. Khalik frowned, flipping to the first page of the proposal. Now be quiet for a moment, I need to concentrate.


    Yeah, well, shutting up then, if thats what you want, but Im telling you


    <em>Alex.</em>


    Right, right, shutting up for real.


    The young Thameish wizard went quiet, watching the prince read through his proposal with a deep frown lining his forehead as drinks were ced on the table. Khaliks eyes travelled across the pages line by line, lips muttering in Tekish under his breath.


    Anxiety-filled, Alex picked up his wine cup, giving it a swirl and taking arger sip than hed intended. He sipped nervously as Khalik read, andby the time the prince had finishedhed drained one cup and had ordered another.


    Well? He asked as Khalik put down the notebook. Thoughts? Is it great? Terrible?


    Oh, most terrible! The prince offered, his face a mask of disgust. The worst writing I have ever seen: you must have been taught themon tongue by a wine-addled frog.


    Alex rolled his eyes. Oh, <em>haha!</em> I just told you that Im so nervous Im about ready to skin myself, and you go making fun of me. Some friend you are!


    Apologies, apologies! Khalik held up his hands in surrender before noticing his wine ss and taking it up eagerly. In more serious words, thoughit is goodbut it could be better.


    Alexs heart dropped slightly. Really? Have you written business proposals before?


    I have not, Khalik admitted. But I have read many proposals for matters of <em>state</em>, all written to convince a king that they would be beneficial to him, his queen, his house and his kingdom. I have seen proposals that have seeded. And those that have failed. I can teach you some tricks from the ones that found sess.


    Alexs green eyes grew wide. KhalikI could <em>kiss</em> you right now.


    Even if you could, I would never allow it with that foul, neglected <em>thing</em> on your face. The prince waved his hand in mock disgust. Nowe, bring me a pen. I will show you tricks on how to get those with power to part with some of it.

 Chapter 460: The Final Financial Battle of Operation Grand Summoning Ascension

    Chapter 460: The Final Financial Battle of Operation Grand Summoning Ascension


    First of all, Khalik began, flipping to the beginning of Alexs proposal. Understand that these things I am about to telle from lords beseeching their king, not a subordinate beseeching their boss. The situations are simr, but not equivalent. For example He ran his finger down the margin beside the second page. your tone in this would not be suitable for a subject addressing their monarch. You are missing the customary toadying, bowing, scraping and sickeningpliments that apany these things in a great effort to avoidoh what is the Rhinean term for it? Isolde said it once


    Lse-majest, you mean? Alex asked.


    Indeed! That is the word: an assault on the monarchs dignity, Khalik said. It is something that must be avoided, even when the king is as easy-going as my father. But yes, <em>you</em> need not worry about buttering up your boss as you would a king.


    Actually, Alex chuckled beside the prince. My first instinct was to throw in as manypliments as possiblemaybe some begging, for good measurebut I didnt think that would set a good precedent for whats supposed to be a business <em>partnership</em>.


    Indeed, you are most correct in this. Khalik nodded. Which is why proposals delivered to my father from other kingdoms ambassadors read decidedly differently in tone. When one ruler is conversing with another, it is important that they show each other respect, but in no way convey deference. It is the same with this.


    He pointed to one of Alexs sentences. Here, yournguage is neutral, yet respectful: which is good for one seeking to craft an equal partnership. However, you have missed one important aspect to your proposal.


    Alex flinched. What is it?


    Simply puthmmm. The prince flipped to a nk page in Alexs notebook. Might I tear this out?


    By all means.


    Khalik ripped the page from the book and flipped back to the proposal.


    In your proposal, you exin all the benefits of your business n: you speak of great profits, grand rises in reputation and the speed with which you and Toraka Shale can reach the market if you were to act together quickly. Khalik wrote each of these points on his sheet of paper. You also give a good breakdown as to how this will increase the market share of Shales Workshop. These are all glorious points. However, you have failed to exin one matter: your capability.


    Pardon? Alex cocked his head. I did that! On page six, I have the schematics for the product and I exin how capable it is! Not to mention that shes already got an example to look at.


    Indeed, that is true, the prince said, but it is not the products capability that you missed out, it is your <em>own.</em>


    Eh? My own, Alex paused, confused. Oh, Ive already taken care of that. When I negotiated my sry for my new job, I sang my own praises so much that it was almost sickening. She knows what Im capable of.


    In <em>general</em>, yes. The prince nodded. But! You do not exin why <em>you</em> are <em>uniquely</em> positioned to do these things you speak of in this proposal. You should not only be selling your boss on the <em>idea</em>, you should also be exining why <em>you</em>are indispensable in its execution.


    Well, thats easy to see, Alex said. So far, Im the only one whos <em>made</em> anything with dungeon core essencewell, thats not <em>quite</em> true, I guess. Some Thameish crafters made weapons and armour out of dungeon core remains for the Heroes, but Im the only one whos made a golem before.


    Mhm, that is true, but I have a question for you.


    What is it?


    Khalik frowned. Why are you telling <em>me</em> this? Put it in your proposal. Tell your future business partner why <em>you</em> are capable, and why you are <em>irreceable.</em>


    Oookay, yeah, good point, Alex noted the point on his own piece of scrap paper. Anything else youd suggest?


    A few things. Khalik flipped to the proposals first page. You have done an excellent job of exining how a business partner can be valuable to the projectbut you should specify why <em>Toraka Shale</em> would be valuable to the project.


    Right. Alex nodded along. Otherwise it might seem like Im looking at her as just a generic bag of coins to fund the project.


    Too right, Khalik said. In the case of a lord making a proposition to their monarch, it is about convincing the ruler <em>why</em> something cannot ur without their intervention and royal treasury. After all: everyone and their goat wants the king to open the royal treasury. As for you, you must convey why Shales Workshop is indispensablepared to another business.


    Hmmm, Alex frowned. Might not want to lean <em>too</em> heavily into that: I dont want her to get the impression that she has me over a barrel.


    That is true, so in this case, you must strike a bnce. If you do not show why Shales role is significant, then you run the risk she could be insulted or question your future loyalty.


    Future loyalty?


    Indeed. What guarantee does she have that you will not immediately dissolve the partnership as soon as you are able and move onto another workshop?


    Ah yeah, fair point. Fair point, Alex agreed, making another note. This is already helping loads.


    Good! And remember that apliment to her and her business will put her in a fine mood, and make it more likely that she epts your idea. Another thinghave you thought of what the current priorities of Shales Workshop are as a business?


    What do you mean? Making money, of course, Alex said.


    Yes, but how? Through expansion? Through invention? Through driving a rival out of business? Find out what Shales most <em>immediate</em> concern and priority isif you canand show how <em>this</em> proposal will help that along.


    Oh <em>thats</em> bloody great! Alex said. Itll make my idea seem like it has a lot more of an immediate impact. Good thought, there Khalik.


    I try. The prince grinned. As for the restI think it can stand on its own. Your He nced at Alexs shoulder. ...friend helped you most of the way. What I have given you merely serves as the extra spice to enhance an already fine meal.


    Ah, this is the best, Alex said. Dont know how Ill ever repay you.


    That armour will be a good start. The prince sipped his drink. And perhapsif this proposal goes as well as you anticipateI might ask you for a discount on one of your fineproducts.


    The thameish wizard looked at Khalik sharply. Really? You think youd order one?


    Absolutely, one<strong></strong>of them would make a kingly gift for my father and mother. So yes, I think I would. And that simply means thatto repay your debtyou must make sure the proposal goes well, then.


    Yeah! Alex jotted down his final note for his business ns potential revisions. Well if it does, the first thing Im going to do is get you so drunk, you wont be able to walk straight. Seriously, mate, your n helped me get that dungeon core fast. I couldnt do any of this without you.


    Hah! Well, it is for my own benefit as well, Alex: your staff might help me avoid a grisly fate in the hells.


    Oh I dont think itlle to that: well have Baelins spell-marks to protect us, Alex countered.


    And for that I am gratefulbut these are demons that we will now battle, not simple muupkaras. Who knows what unexpected dangers we will face. So, I will be morefortable with your staffplete, and on our side.


    Right, fair point, Alex said. I suppose the only thing to do now is finish this proposal and hope that all goes well. Both at Shales, <em>and</em> in the hells.


    A toast, then. Khalik raised his goblet. May your proposal go well so that you will live through ouring battle.


    Alex chuckled wryly, raising his cup. Andshould I diemay my proposal go so well that I can die a rich man!


    Hah, you can be morose sometimes, but stillwell said. Cheers! And may a river of gold fall upon you!


    The two young friends clinked their goblets together.


    Well, then, nothing more to it. Alex whispered to himself, pacing back and forth in front of Shales office. In one hand he clutched a copy of his business proposalwith the original being perfected over several nights and given to Toraka some days earlierand in the other he held a rather hefty box.


    <em>Ican carry that for you, father,</em> ygon noted, ncing up from his book.


    Its alright, buddy, I didnt grow all these great, big muscles just to let them go to waste, you know, Alex said, nervously ncing at the door. Besides, Im so nervous I might jump out of my skin if I dont have something to hold onto, Id


    His sentence was cut off as the door suddenly opened.


    Alex, youre early, Toraka said, blinking in surprise. I was just about to step into the washroom, how long have you been waiting out here?


    About ten minutes, maybe, he lied. Likely, it was closer to twenty or more. Im surprised you didnt hear ygoning down the hall.


    Well, I was busy making some calctions and I have my music golem going a little loudly, Toraka said, then turned and nodded at ygon. Good day to you.


    <em>Hello, </em>ygon said mentally while waving at her.


    She smiled. Ill never tire of seeing that. Anyway, Ill be right back. You both can go wait in my office. Alex, pour yourself a drink. Strong or not.


    Oh, Ill leave the strong stuff forter, he said. In case I need it for celebration orconstion.


    Well spoken, well, then go and pour yourself some minted water or something. Ill be back. She strolled down the hall, leaving Alex and his golem to shuffle into her office.


    With shaking hands, Alex poured himself a tall ss of mint water and sank down in a chair before her deskputting his box downas ygon took his ce at his fathers side, burying himself in his puzzle book.


    Alex shifted nervously, eyeing his business proposal spread open on Shales desk. It looked like it had been thoroughly reviewed with several notes scribbled in the margins.


    He gulped, praying to the Traveller that all those notes meant good things.


    He nced at the office door then leaned over, trying to figure out what her notes saidbut, they were in anguage hed never seen before. He took a deep breath to steady his nerves.


    This was not the time for weakness.


    <em>Father</em> ygon said. <em>Are you alright?</em>


    I am, Alex said quietly. Just steadying the heart. Soon well know how thisll all end up. Being nervous wont change anything about i


    He paused, hearing Shales footsteps echoing down the hall.


    Time to do or die, Alex, he muttered.


    You make yourselffortable? Toraka stepped into her office, shutting the door behind her. Ah, I see that you have. And you didnt start with the strong stuff, after all.


    She rounded the desk, sat in her chair and nced out the window.


    So, are you enjoying your new home? She asked, nodding to the bakery across the street.


    Alexs bakery.


    A closed for repairs sign hung from the door, right above a sign that read under new management. There was a light on inside: no doubt Troy was in there, cleaning the kitchen and giving it some much needed love after years of neglect.


    Well, I havent had too much time to enjoy it yet, Alex said. Just working on getting things cleared out, butgot to say, he nodded to the proposal on the desk, thats been upying just a tad more space in my head.


    And I can see that, she said, flipping through the proposal. Have you ever written one of these before?


    No, actually, this is my first, he said.


    Well, you did an excellent job, it reads like it was prepared by someone ustomed to writing dozens of proposals, Toraka said.


    Alex mentally thanked both the Mark and Khalik. Im d you think so.


    I do. And I have to say, the opportunity to bring golems like ygon to the market? She looked up at his golem hungrily. Well, I find that intriguing.


    <em>Very</em> intriguing.

 Chapter 461: When it Rains...

    Chapter 461: When it Rains...


    I do have a question for you, Alex, Toraka Shale tented her fingers before her. Thissubstance, the one you indicated in your schematics. Ive heard rumblings about <em>something</em>ing from that expedition of Vernias. I take it this has something to do with that? Shes been quite excited about <em>something</em> you people discovered out there.


    Well, if she hasnt given any specifics, then I wont either, at least for now. What I <em>can </em>say is that you and I have an opportunity. Alex leaned forward, tenting his fingers on the desk as well. We have a substanceone I can get a solid supply ofwhich <em>will</em> hit the marketId say sometime in the next six months.


    There was no lie in his words.


    By now, everyone on the expedition with half a brain had likely realised the value and road to magical progress the dungeon core remains presented.


    Id bet my left pinky finger that others are already nning their own little dungeon-hunting expeditions, he thought. Hells, they probably wouldve already started if that invisible monster hadnt led such a devastating attack on the castle and spooked everyone. Which means we wont have long before folks start getting their nerve back and get down to the business of selling dungeon core essence.


    Hmmm, the next six months you say? Toraka flipped to the schematics in her copy of his proposal. And this substance is important for the process. At least, ording to your notes it is.


    Oh, its key, Alex assured her. You cant make golems like ygon without it. Itd be like making honey on toast without the honey! See, thats why I thinkif you and I act togetherwe can make Shales Workshop a pioneer in the market. You have a few advantages right now that no one else has.


    And what would those be? Toraka raised an eyebrow.


    Well, for one, I have a supply of that substance right here. Alex tapped a pouch at his side. We could begin making the first golem prototype <em>right away.</em> Youd literally be to market ahead of everyone else by months. By the time yourpetitors start looking to produce their own versions of these special golems, youll have a steady supply of customers who already know that you were the first, the best, and the most reliable.


    True, if it alles to pass. Toraka drummed the tips of her fingers together. <em>If</em> it alles to pass. I have no idea if thisproduct is as revolutionary as youre iming it is. Ive had people walk into my office before iming all sorts of things. She chuckled. Once I had some mane in off the street yelling about how he could make flying golems out of mere bird feathers, wheat, and pig-iron. I cant tell you how many wizards have imed to have discovered the next big thing, the next revolution, the next wonder that would transform society and the market. In my experience, ny-nine percent of them were wrong.


    Well then, Im in the one percent whos right, Alex said confidently. Listen, do you trust Baelin and Professor Jules?


    Toraka winced. Depends on the sort of trust. That old archwizard scares the hell out of me. I avoided his sses for a reason.


    You missed out on a lot, then, the Thameish wizard said, defensively.


    Maybe, maybe not. Half the people I knew who took his sses dropped out after the first week. The other halfwell, if they werent crazy before, they seemed pretty crazy after a semester or two.


    Alex could think of a few choice words Baelin would have for the master crafter if he had been sitting in her office. Something about Proper Wizards, no doubt. Wisely, Alex chose to keep such thoughts to himself.


    Alright, his teaching methods aside, would you trust his and Professor Jules judgement if <em>they</em> thought something was revolutionary? Something revolutionary enough to justify an entire expedition, the construction of aplete Research Castle, and a military presence in a warzone? He leaned forward. Something revolutionary enough that even the city council put their weight behind it.


    Torakas lip twitched. A fair point. Im not fainthearted enough to miss a gold rush when I see onealright, but do you realise theres one problem with being a first adopter, Alex?


    Enlighten me, the younger wizard said.


    Its convincing <em>others</em> that this new thing youre doing actually has merit. The problem with being ahead of your time is thatwhile it might get you a nice note in a history textbookit often trantes to poverty, or at least major mary loss during your lifetime. It doesnt matter if you have a revolutionary product: others have to <em>believe</em> its worth paying top dor for it.


    She flipped to the back of his business proposal where the potential economic risks and rewards of the project were, tapping a number hed circled several times to draw her attention to it.


    This price here she whistled. if I could charge that for one golem? The margin of profit wed be talking about would make half the industrialists in the city weep. But well never be able to charge that much if our clients cant be convinced its worth it.


    Luckily thats where one of your other advantageses in. Alex nodded to ygon, who looked up from his puzzlebook to give Shale a thumbs up. You have a walking advertisement right beside me. A walking advertisement that won the super-heavy weight division of the Duel by Proxy at the Games of Roal the very first year he entered. A walking advertisement thatsince thenhas undergone golem evolution and developed sapience. Let me ask you, Mrs. Shale, has there been talk about ygon among your social circles? Among yourpetitors?


    She gave him a wry smile. There has been, as a matter of fact. Even a couple of people were proposing to buy your friend. I told them you wouldnt be interested, of course.


    Of course, Alex agreed. But then whatll happen when you can tell them youll have golems ready for sale that are <em>almost</em> as good as ygon? Word will spread, Mrs. Shale, and youll have customers lined up all the way down the street!


    Her fingers drummed faster. ...interesting.


    And you have one more advantage, by the way, Alex said.


    And that is?


    Me. He reached over to his box, undoing several brass sps that held it shut. Carefully, he teased open the doors on the side, sliding out what was inside.


    Toraka gasped. Is that?


    A model, Alex said, turning a sculpture forged from blown ss and affixed to a wooden stand toward her. It was a perfect replica of what hed described in his schematics: a golem core built from dungeon core essence. You always wanted to have a look at ygons core. Well, this is as close as youre going to getuntil we build the real thing, that is.


    He slid the sculpture toward her, hiding a smile as she took it with the same feverish need that a starving person would a joint of venison. The master crafter turned the sculpture, digging out a jewellers lens from a desk drawer to give it a closer look.


    This isvery good, sheplimented him. The designits simr to a golem core thats been infused with chaos essence, butyes, I see some differences.


    Its one thing to see a schematic, Alex said. But quite another to see an actual model. A model I built in a few hours, by the way.


    She looked up at him, startled. A few hours? Alex, the work on these mana pathwaysits so fineyou sculpted this by hand?


    By Wizards Hand mostly, and with some tools from my alchemy set, he said. Obviously, itll take longer to make the real thing, but I wanted to make a point. Alex pointed to his chest. As far as I know, Im the only living wizard who has <em>ever</em> made anything with this stuff. He patted the sack on his belt. The only one. I bet I could make a real coreand the golem that itll go intoinoh Id say, a hundred and twenty days? Probably less, with your help.


    Her eyebrows rose. That fast? It takes us a hundred and fifty on average to make a regr iron golem. Youre saying you can make an advanced one even <em>faster?</em>


    I am, Alex said. The substance does a lot of the heavy lifting which allows you to skip a few of the regr steps you need in the golem crafting process. <em>And</em>, Ive made some refinements to the construction process since I first experimented with the essence. I expect that over time, we''ll be able to work even faster.


    Her breathing quickened; she was growing excited at the thought.


    And, I have to say, I understand why you might be reluctant to go into a business partnership with one of your employees. Especially one as young as me, butI assure youyoure not looking at your average flighty student. Youve seen my work record as an assistant and recently as a junior crafter. He nodded to ygon again. Youve seen the results of my work. You know Ie in, and you know I can produce.


    ...mhm. She frowned, looking down at the numbers presented in his business n. I have to admittheres not much risk here. On my end, the supplies needed are just what wed use for a regr iron golem. If anything, your risk is a lot greater than mine. Toraka looked at him pointedly. Which brings up a touchy point that Ive been considering. Thisstuffwhich youll need to tell me more about once nondisclosure agreements are signedfrom the way Vernia talked, it sounds like getting it is quite dangerous.


    Alex shrugged. I wont lie, its not as simple as nipping down the street to fetch some bread.


    With that in mind, what happens if youre <em>killed</em> during one of these little sojourns to get more of this miracle substance? Toraka asked. Not only would I be losing a business partner and my supply of the miracle substance, but Id lose a valuable employee who owes me over twenty thousand gold coins. What guarantee do I have that youll be good for your debts if this dangerous work makes you pay the ultimate price?


    She looked meaningfully at ygon.


    No, Alex said, crossing his arms. Mrs. Shale, with all due respectIm taking on the bigger risk here. Youre risking your business partner and supply, but as you said, Im risking my life. If anythingif we go into business togetherI should be asking <em>you</em> to look after my family.


    Hmph, youve gotten mouthy, she raised an eyebrow.


    If were going to be partners, well need to speak a bit on the candid side, wont we? Alex said. Why dont we start now?


    Right Toraka sighed. Well, then Ill speak candidly. Youre a hotmodity right now, Alex. As you said, you have a skill and a product no one else has at the moment and you can prove its value. Ill tell you what. Why dont we sign a temporary contract using your n as a model.


    She tapped the business proposal before her, making Alexs heart skip a beat. Ill be the first customer. If these golems are half as impressive as ygon, I want to be the first with one. Ill test it out, and if it worksthen well put it into production as partners. But! Thispercentage youve suggested. I think well have to negotiate that. I say seventy-thirty for profit share, in my favour, since Im providing most of the supplies and the infrastructure to build with.


    Alex chuckled. Mrs. Shale, that all might be truebut again, Im risking my life to get the product. And Im also the only one who knows how to<strong></strong>create these golems. Fifty-fifty is only fair.


    She scoffed. You cheeky littleSixty-forty, then.


    The Thameish wizard shook his head. Fifty-fifty, andin returnthe contract can include a nopete use to put your mind at ease that I wont go into business for myself. With the profit margins were looking at, fifty percent is going to be an enormous amount of coin, even for someone as established as you. In return, making sure that I dont bring the process to anyone else for a period ofsay half a decade, if we have to part ways, is a nice guarantee.


    He paused, feeling bold. Also, if youre going to be the first customerthen you should provide a down payment, since the standard for anyone wanting to do business with Shales Workshop is typically half up front, which is only fair, Id say.


    Alex stilled himself, trying to quiet the pounding of his heart. His mind screamed, wondering if hed gone too far.


    Toraka outright red at him. Youre really pushing your luck.


    Im taking a calcted risk, Alex said, hiding his fear under a light tone. If you dont want any part of this, Im willing to go out and take my proposal to other golem workshops. Id just rather work with you. I like you. I like this shop. I like Lagor and Sim and my other co-workersId prefer making <em>you</em> rich rather than someone else.


    Rich<em>er</em>. Toraka sucked her teeth in thought. Youd be the one going from rags to richesalright, look, Im putting a lot of faith in you here, Alex.


    His heart jumped. What do you mean?


    I mean that if Lagor and Vernia werent always singing your praises, I wouldnt be giving the slightest thought to what youre proposing, she said, standing. So heres what were going to do.


    Alright? Alex said, unable to hide the tremor in his voice.


    You and I are going to go down to the offices of mman and Plummer, barristers, she said decidedly. And were going to go this very minute. Were going to have a contract formalised before I lose any more of my senses, or you get greedier, and were going to sign the thing right there and then. In blood, if need be.


    His heart leapt into his throat. Okay?


    Then what were going to do after that is go straight to my bank, she sighed, fetching her cloak from a rack. And I am going to pay you half of your fifty percent of the profits from the sale of one of theseSuper Golemsand we are workshopping that name by the wayto me in the form of a promissory note deposited directly to your ount. Youd better not spend six figures in one ce, by the way.


    His body went cold as his mind threatened to melt. Howhow much did you say? Thats more than


    Alex, be quiet for a moment, she said. Im trying to make you rich.

 Chapter 462: ...It Pours.

    Chapter 462: ...It Pours.


    I mean Alex stammered. ButI dont have a bank ount.


    Really? Toraka Shale frowned. Youve been in the city for how long and you never opened a bank ount?


    Um His mind refused to cooperate, unable to string even two coherent thoughts together. I meanum I


    Youve been here long enough to have a bank ount. Where have you been keeping your money? She asked him.


    Inin my apartment, Alex murmured, too stunned to even consider hiding the location of hiparatively meagre fortune.


    Really? Well, youre going to open an ount, then, she said sternly. If were going to be business partners, here''s a lesson for you. Youre not going to stuff a hundred and ten thousand gold coinsbecause I <em>am</em> subtracting the twenty thousand that you owe me, by the wayunder your apartment floorboards like somemon adventurer.


    Alex was trembling. Iwha


    Oh, dont get me wrong, she chuckled. A locked chest is good enough for a few thousand gold coins from any Games of Roal winnings. But, we dont call that <em>real</em> wealth in the circles I run in. Circles youll have to learn to run in soon enough. If the golemsplete, and its as incredible as you imeven half as incredible as ygonthen youll get the other one hundred and thirty thousand I owe you.


    The Thameish wizarda young man whod spent years slogging away in a bakery for a few silvers a shiftnearly fainted right there in the chair.


    I he shuddered. Thatsfor that level of profityoure charging a lot more than anything I would have suggested.


    She shrugged. Your second lesson: learn proper mark-ups. Youre creating an exclusive product that kings would stab their brothers for. Well charge ordingly.


    I His knees trembled, tears welling up in his eyes. Butthat


    Third lesson. She patted him on the shoulder. Never show how happy you are with how much money youre about to get. Makes people feel they could have gotten you for less. Anyway, youre about to be very, very rich, and if you keep negotiating and innovating like you are, I suspect that the Roth name will soon be a <em>very</em> important one here in Generasi. I do believe youre about to make the kind of money that dynasties are built on, Alex.


    Ialrightthank youMrs. Shale, he choked out.


    She smiled at him. Were about to be business partners, Alex. Call me Toraka. Oh, and by the way. Im making you head of sales for this entire project. You negotiate like a devil. Itd be a waste to let those skills rust away in the shop.


    A-alright, he murmured.


    She cocked her head at him. Well? Arent you going to get up? Or do you n on having ygon <em>carry</em> you to thewyers office?


    No! I can walk! Alex yelped, leaping up and following Toraka out the door with ygon right behind.


    And so, in the final step of the financialponent of Operation Grand Summoning Ascension, the Roth-Shale Super Golem Crafting Project came to be.


    It was a name that would be workshopped in theing days.


    Heavily.


    Alex Roth stumbled home from the bank, leaning against ygon.


    His pouch was heavy with gold coins: a fraction of the fortune now sitting in his newly acquired bank ount in the Generasi Central Bank. And <em>that</em> fortune was only a small fraction of the wealth he stood to make with Toraka over the next couple of years.


    Alexs hands trembled at the thought.


    I did it he murmured to himself as he and his golem made their way to the ins. I bloody did itby the Traveller, Im rich.


    His mind raced, remembering the sums hed heard tossed around at the bank; the sort of coin that could buy entire <em>towns</em> back in Thamnd.


    <em>I dont know what a lot of what was said meansbut congrattions, father,</em> ygon said.


    Thanks, ygon, Alex thought. Itsits life-changing, what just happened is absolutely life-changing.


    <em>Ina good way?</em>


    Oh yes, in a very good way, Alex thought. Oh, and dont you worry. These golems Im crafting arent going to be copies of you. Youll always be unique, my friend. Very unique.


    <em>It does not matter to me if there are others like me,</em> came ygons thought. <em>There are other humans like you, father. But there is only one you.</em>


    Alex nearly choked up at his golems words.


    Today was getting to be a bit much for his heart.


    But, in a good way.


    As he and ygon stepped into the courtyard, he couldnt wait to tell Theresa and Selina the amazing news.


    The arrow slipped from the huntress fingers, ttering to the floor as she stared at Alex in open mouthed shock. There was a thud as Selina dropped a textbook on the table, looking at Alex as though her brother had gone mad.


    Have you gonepletely mad? Selina asked. Thisthis has to be a joke, right?


    Y-you saidone hundred and ten <em>thousand</em> gold coins, right? Theresa stammered. There was a <em>thousand</em> after that ten, right? I didnt just hallucinate that? Or dream it?


    Alex sank into a chair by the table like his body had turned to jelly. Noyou heard it right, he said. Thatsyeah, wereuhWere rich beyond our wildest dreams, guys. Thatsits true.


    Tears welled up in Selinas eyes. When you bought that building you said you had a lot of debt because of it


    He made a cutting gesture with the edge of his hand. Gone, he said. All of the debts gone. And itll stay gone so long as I make a good golem. Alex smiled up at ygon. And Roth golems are the best golems.


    Oh by the Traveller, Alex! Theresa leapt out of her chair, sprang across the room and wrapped her arms around him. You did it! You can build your staff now!


    I-uh, can do a bit more than make a staff now, Theresa. This is life-changingwe could buy


    What matters to me is that you can make something thatll keep you and the rest of us safe. She hugged him tighter. <em>Thats</em> what counts.


    Right then and there, Alex Roth promised himself that Theresa Lu would live like an empress for the rest of her life if that was something she ever wished for.


    I dont Selina murmured, sliding out of her chair, walking lightly over to her brother and squeezing his arm. ...thank you, Alex. I thinkI think mother and father would be proud of you. I know I am.


    Right then and there, Alex Roth promised himself that Selina Roth would live like an empress for the rest of her life if that''s what she ever wished for.


    As he basked in the embrace of his familywith a foundation of wealth finally firmly beneath their feethe thanked the Traveller for their good fortune. At longst, their future in Generasi was secure. With his new venture, Alex would be able topletely fix up their new bakery, transforming it into a thriving business and a wonderful home.


    Hed be able to fund all of Selinas schooling, even beyond undergraduate studies. He could buy the supplies for ygons speaker box without a second thought; soon his golem would be talking and singing to the aeld tree whenever he pleased.


    For his friends, he could build magic items to protect them in battle, and make their lives easier in peace.


    And as for Theresas parents? With so much coining in, he could fund their retirement whenever they wanted to take it. If they wanted to move to Generasi? Hed be able to snap his fingers and buy them a townhouse in the city, or even a vi in the countryside.


    A major change hade to Alex Roth and his familys life again. A wonderful change.


    A frown took his features.


    A fragile<em></em>change.


    All of thisgood fortuneits all dependent on me getting more dungeon core essence. I cant keep putting Khalik, Theresa and my other friends at risk helping me keep <em>my</em> supply of dungeon cores flowing. I have toe up with a way to get them myselfwhich isnt going to be easy. Theres a reason why dungeon raids are usually led by a team of magically empowered super-fighters blessed by a powerful god. Dungeon cores wont do us any good if I get killed trying to get my hands on them. And ifno, <em>when</em> the Raveners defeatedit could also mean no more dungeon cores.


    He chewed his lip, fighting his own worries. Youll need to diversify, just like you would a spell list: make sure you have multiple paths for earning coin. More than one way to build your wealth. But, thats ater problem. Right now, you need to focus on building your staff and getting the bakery fixed u


    Alex? You look like you swallowed a jug of vinegar. Selina frowned at him.


    Hm? Oh, sorry, I was just thinking about things, he said as Theresa finally released him from her death grip of a hug. The bakery, for one. Ive got to get it cleaned out sooner orter.


    Ooo! Can we go see it again? Selina asked. You hardly let me see much of itst time, and I really want to see where my rooms going to be.


    The ce is <em>not</em> fit for human habitation yet, he reminded her. Its not really fit for any habitation that doesnt involve cockroaches, rats, mice and other various varieties of vermin.


    Please? She begged. I mean, wererich, now right? We should go to the city and celebrate! Like maybe go to that nice restaurant we went to for your birthday! And on the way therewe could take a look at the bakery.


    Hmmmm, he thought the idea over. I dont know. Last thing you want is to catch some bakery-inflicted gue.


    You said you used Orb of Air and Flight Potions when you looked at it withTroy was his name, right? We could do the same thing, and Im <em>forcing</em> you to let me take you out for a nice meal, Alex. Theresa said. We could see the ce on the way, like Selina suggested. Cmon, Id love to go.


    ...alright, but dontin to me if you both get flesh-eating disease, Alex said. Or if youre eaten by some giant, flying cockroach.


    Look out! Alex cried, recoiling in horror.


    The young Thameish wizard flew through the air, his feet hovering above the bakerys cluttered floorboards before his back collided with a wall. Stammering, he pointed ahead with a shaking hand. A giant, flying cockroach! Theresa, flee! We must flee for our lives!


    Floating in the air ahead of him was the giant, flying cockroach: Selina. His younger sister put her hands on her hips, ring at her brother. Alex, why do you have to be so silly sometimes?


    Look out, Theresa! Alex screamed in mock terror. The flying giant cockroach can talk!


    This giant flying cockroach is going to push a giant flying rat down the stairs if he doesnt stop! Selina yelled, floating high in the air, curling her fingers like ws.


    Theresa, help! He cried. The cockroach is going to kill me


    Sure Ill help... Ill help Selina, Theresaughed, floating through the apartment, examining the rooms carefully.


    Thanks, he said sourly. Some thanks I get.


    You got thanks earlier, but then you started being weird, Selina pointed out, flying to another room. Also, this ce isnt so bad. I meanits got a lot of stuff in it


    She eyed the junk gathered in piles on the apartment floor. Alexs clean up operation had begun by his own effortshe hadnt had time to hirebourers yet but that effort had only seen the apartment go from horrifyingly unlivable, to slightly less horrifyingly unlivable.


    And maybe having so much stuff all over the ce isnt very nicebut the rooms are nice, and theres a lot of them. Our new home is gonna be really pretty once its all cleaned and fixed up, Selina said, brimming with optimism. Well wake up to the smell of fresh bread every morning! And Ill have a ce to build things and study magic!


    Oh yes, Alex said. Once<strong></strong>the clean ups all finished, and the basements done, Im going to set up my workshop down there. You can have your own space too for studying and building whatever youd like. We might want somewhere bigger down the road, but for now, this ce will really serve us well.


    I can see us spending a lot of time on that rooftop garden. Theresa wiped grime from a window. Its too bad theres nowhere close by for Brutus to run, though.


    A floor below, Brutus barked as though he was answering to his name being called.


    No, Brutus! The huntress called down to the main floor. I dont want you up here eating anything buried in all of this trash, boy. You dont need old rotting rat in your belly!


    She paused, frowning at Alex. Um, how <em>are</em> we going to get rid of the vermin anyway? If theres half as many roaches as you say you saw when we were herest time, then its going to be a <em>nightmare </em>and take a miracle to get rid of them all. My uncle once had a really bad cockroach infestation at his cottage, and father said it took him the better part of a year, and a whole <em>lot</em> of homemade poison to get rid of them.


    Well, Alex cracked his knuckles. You let me worry about that. Ive got a fewns, shall we say. Tomorrow, Im going on a bit of a shopping spree to get everything I need for my staff. Then ygon and Ill be cleaning and sanitising the kitchen, and Ill bring my alchemy kit with me to do a little staff-building.


    He smiled wickedly. At the same time, I have some<em>ns</em> for ouruninvited vermin guests. I dont think therell be a single roach or rat left in the building in a few days. No <em>living</em> ones, in any case.


    His smile grew wider as he rubbed his hands together and nned his next task; the perfectbination of staff-building, and vermin extermination.

 Chapter 463: Extermination by Army

    Chapter 463: Extermination by Army


    Well, ygon, it seems like well be here for the next twenty hours or so. And, ughif I could p that Govert in his stupid, unsanitary face, I would. Alex grimaced as he finished scrubbing years of grease, stains, and hardened batter from the kitchens central ind and flung another dirty rag onto the growing pile. I swear, that man never used a sliver of soap and water on this ce. Not one sliver!


    <em>We makegood progress.</em> ygon gently dipped his pair of mopically small in his enormous stone handsinto two buckets, continuing to mop the kitchen floor. <em>It istoo bad I cant use fire. It would clean away all the old dirt quickly.</em>


    Yes, but with one big problem being that itd also clean up everything else. Everything else meaning the floor, ceiling, wallswell, the whole bakery, really. Alex shook his head at the basin of dirty water close by, then raised his hands, making a face at the dark gunk clinging to his gloves. Ugh, I knew this shouldve been a Wizards Hands only job, but noooo Alex, <em>you</em> had to contribute so things would go faster.


    <em>Youare making things go faster, father. Its a good thing.</em>


    Well, thanks for the vote of confidence, buddy, he said wryly, looking around at his army of Wizards Hands scrubbing away thickyers of grime that had built up on nearly every surface since Govert had inherited the bakery. But if its all the same, in retrospect, I have a feeling that taking longer and keeping my handsgloved or notclean, wouldve been better.


    He ripped the gloves off, tossing them into a basin brimming with diluted sanitising cleanser: a form usually used by alchemists for disinfecting equipment after working with particrly toxic substances.


    <em>His</em> version contained double the usual concentration of alchemical cleaner.


    In most cases, such a mixture was considered overzealous, even by Professor Jules standards. But, for this ce? Alex was considering that maybe it wasnt quite strong enough.


    Still, at least it finally looks like weve basically gotten the ce sanitised! He said, taking a deep breath of fresh air. It does smell a lot better, thats for sure.


    <em>Fatheryou have Orb of Air </em>over <em>your head. I watched you cast it earlier.</em>


    Alex froze. Ahyes, well that exins the pleasant scent. Forgot it then<strong>, </strong>and thanks buddy.


    <em>Youare wee.</em>


    Right, then. Alex put his hands on his hips, his eyes going to a corner of the kitchen. Looks like were about ready to begin setting up.


    There, in the corner, a pair ofrge boxes full of suppliesincluding his alchemy kitand the precious aeld branch was leaning against the wall, waiting. It still glowed with a cheery, green-golden light, bubbling with excited curiosity at its new surroundings.


    If it minded the asional roach crawling through cracks in the floorboards, it showed no sign of it.


    I suppose the only bugs thatd put you off would be carpenter ants and the like, Alex said thoughtfully. Not much to fear from cockroaches when youre a piece of magical wood. In any case, you just wait there for a moment, Ill start working with you riiiiight after I eliminate the vermin.


    Alex cracked his knuckles,ughing evilly as bugs crawled along the ceiling, their wriggling antenna popping out of holes in the mortar.


    <em>Maythis battle end in your quick victory, father,</em> ygon said.


    Oh, it will. Alex spread his hands, joints popping ominously as his fingers flexed. Oh, it will. Now, let the grand summoning begin!


    With those words echoing through the kitchen, Alex conjured an army just as he had when he was seeking the aeld tree with Gwyin by his side. He cast spell after spell, quickly filling the kitchen with otherworldly summoned monsters, being very specific as to what kind of creatures he called to him. First, he brought Bubbles, and several other water elemental friends to the material world. In this case, several meant a good two dozen. Next, he refreshed his mana with Hsiekus technique, then cast Summon Elemental Beetle four times, calling a quartette of water elemental beetle swarms.


    He cast Summon Viper-Devil repeatedly, conjuring a dozen of the hissing serpents from the hells. Lastly, he rounded out his summoned army by calling half a dozen air elementals to do his bidding.


    Phew, I love doing that, he said, taking time for a stretch after his enthusiastic conjuring session. Its going to be loads better too when I build some of this magic<strong></strong>into the staff. No more bloody Mark shenanigans every time I want to cast a summoning spell. Anyway, time to get down to business!


    pping loudly, he drew the attention of his otherworldly horde.


    Might I have your attention, please! He said in themon tongue, fully aware that few of his horde would understand it. Still, calling an army of summoned monsters to order did something for the ego.


    Makes me feel a bit like a general, to be honest, he thought.


    Alright, friends, today were going to be going on a little vermin hunt. Well, less a hunt and more of a vermin annihtion extravaganza, he said several times, switching through different otherworldly tongues. This building is <em>full,</em> and I do mean <em>full</em> of creatures like that.


    He pointed to a cockroach running along the wall, drawing the attention of his magical minions to it. As well as creatures like these.


    Alex went over to his satchel, retrieving and waving drawings at his summoned creatures: one was of a rat, and the other a bat. And today, I want you tob through every crack, gap, hole, and space, to get rid of everyst one of these blighted bastards. Ill give you the specifics of your missions now. Oh, by the Traveller, I love saying that.


    He pped twice, turning to Bubbles andpany. My water elemental friends, youre going to slip into holes and cracks in the walls, floors, and ceilings. I want you to find every rat and cockroach that you can He waved the drawings, pointing out bugs crawling on the bakery floor. gobble them up, suck every bit of water from them until theyre as dry as tinder, and then drop them in that bin over there.


    Alex pointed to arge, tin barrel by the door. Sound good? Ill give each of you lots of potions as a reward for helping. So, get ready to start when I say go.


    His water elementals bubbled with glee and he actually giggled, turning next to the Viper-devils.


    You, my friends, he said, switching to a tongue of devils. Youre going to be the seekers of our little operation. Youve got senses and hunting instincts that make even demons and devils fear you. So, I want you to go and not only seek, but also have a feast. Find the little hideyholes that the water elementals miss and hunt for rats. Eat them, friends. Oh, and


    He pointed to the floor.


    youll find some really <em>big</em> rats down there. Give them a few bites, and a nice big dose of your venom and let them drop.


    The viper-devils looked at each other, then hissed in a way that reminded Alex of maliciousughter.


    Well thats a sound thatll live rent free in my nightmares. He looked at the elemental beetles next. Youre all on bug-duty too. Fly through every space you can fit in, hunt and kill every fly you see. He pointed to flies already buzzing around his freshly cleaned kitchen. Once theyre all cleared out, go up to the top of the building and drive out every bat there. He waved the drawing of the bat for effect. Alright? Alright.


    The beetles buzzed in affirmation, gathering together, ready to follow hismand.


    Lastly, he turned to his air elementals, speaking in one of their tongues. Youre on bat duty too, my friends. I want you to go to the top of the building, find all of the leathery winged fellows roosting up there, and roust them. Suck them up, and throw them out of the windows. And dont let theme back either.


    The air elementals made a whooshing sound, floating away like storm clouds racing through the sky.


    Right, you all have your orders, now. He pped his hands. Go!


    With a cacophony of whooshing, bubbling, hissing and buzzing, his otherworldly army scattered throughout the bakery, hunting their prey with frightening zeal. He hadnt blinked even once in the time it took his beetles to begin snapping flies from the air, turning them to paste with their grinding mandibles and swallowing them down. Some swooped at the walls, snatching roaches before they had a chance to skitter away.


    Viper-devils shot along floorboards, diving between cracks, uncovering holes where rats hid in the darkness, or heading to the stairs, primed to set upon therger prey below. Air elementals swarmed up the stairs in droves, seeking the colony of bats roosting there.


    And Bubbles gathered his water elementalpanions, leading them through gaps in the floorboards and walls. They ttened like disks, seeping into spaces and gaps like running water, disappearing beneath the floor and within the bakerys walls.


    Humming contentedly, Alex turned to his alchemy supplies as battle sounds not normally heard in a townhouse echoed through the building. Walls gurgled, mixed with frightened cries from cornered rats and their mouse cousins. Cockroaches skittered to and fro, desperately fleeing liquid death, and from the<strong></strong>basement<strong></strong>panicked dire rats shrieked as viper-devils fell on them.


    Must say its a hell of a lot cheaper than hiringbourers and rat-catchers, he said cheerily, beginning to set up his workstation.


    <em>FatherI feelleft out.</em> ygon paused his mopping.


    Oh? What is it, buddy? Alex asked. You want to join in on the battle too, or something? I mean, I dont think youd fit in the walls.


    <em>Nofather</em> ygon said, and Alex felt a shynessing from his golem. <em>I meanthis building is being cleaned. Butwell, me</em>


    Alex paused. You want me to give you a polish, you mean?


    The golem shifted his weight back and forth shyly. ...yes.


    Alex chuckled. Well, say no more, buddy. Ill polish you right up! And after that, its time to get my staff-work started.


    ...<em>thank you, father.</em> ygon said, and Alex could feel a slight embarrassmenting from him.


    Well, its official, Alex thought, fetching a soft, clean rag. I have the most adorable golem in the whole city.


    Alright, aeld tree branch? Check. Crafting tools? Check. nt pot? Check. Crystallisation stabilising infusion? Check. Alex looked at the kitchen ind carefully as he strapped on his mask and adjusted his apron. Alright, everythings ready.


    He shuddered, recalling the monstrouslyrge amounts of coin hed spent on some of the ingredientsid out before him. Crafting a staff was no cheap task. Crafting a staff that could be activated through pure mana maniption? Even more expensive. Crafting a staff that could be activated through pure mana maniption, took advantage of aeld tree wood, <em>and</em> had a design that would let him add more magical abilities in the future?


    Well, that had cost enough to buy a pair of small bakeries in this district.


    But itll be worth it, he promised himself, flipping through his staff schematics. Itll definitely be worth it.


    He nced at the aeld tree branch leaning against the ind, bubbling with rising curiosity and wonder.


    Well, then, my friend. Alex rubbed his gloved hands together. Were going to be making you into a magic staff today. But dont worry, the process Im going to use isnt invasive. Itll only work becauseas far as I can tellyoure made of living wood, so youll just need to use these


    He picked up a set of false roots that hed bought at a magical nt store. to drink deeply of the liquid Ill be brewing for you. Thats all there is to it. In return, youre going to have a whole <em>lot </em>of magical power flowing through you. Sound fun?


    He felt a wave of warm curiosity drifting from the aeld tree branch.


    Brilliant. Then lets get started, shall we?

 Chapter 464: The Methods of Staff-Making

    Chapter 464: The Methods of Staff-Making


    As Alex had learned over many, many long days and nights of careful research, there were a host of methods an alchemist could use to craft a staff.


    In the most ancient days of magic, wizards staffs were forged by way of blood sacrifice to a powerful demon, devil, or other spirit, one who would bind only the strongest souls into a chosen tree branch to fuel the staffs powers. These magical items were cruel and monstrously powerful, channelling vicious magics that echoed the suffering of the souls trapped inside.


    Some of these staffs even survived to modern times: terrible artefacts of a barbaric age.


    But, as alchemy advanced and the world grew richer in mana, lessbloody methods were used in staff crafting;ter wizards took to binding elemental spirits within the cores of ancient woods, granting terrible elemental powers. Though they wereto some extentless cruelly made, these staffs were still wrathful things, wrought of dreadful magic and often temperamental at best.


    Fortunately for Alex, modern staff-making techniques were lessif at allcruel, less dangerous, and more versatile than the terrible ways of ancient times, which gave the young wizard more, even better, and far more eptable options to choose from.


    Of course, <em>I</em> would have to go and choose one of the more difficult methods, he thought, painting the aeld tree branch with mana-infused oil. Its green-golden glow flickered, like it wasughing from being tickled. Oh well, easy methods tend to make for unimpressive results. Still, a lot of this is going to be tedious, meaning lots of waiting aroundbut, I think I know how we can pass the time.


    He turned to ygon standing nearby, eyes fixed on the aeld tree branch. His surface gleamed brilliantly after his fathers meticulous polishing, and Alex admired it, picking up a sk of dark liquid and bringing it to a pressurised mana processor.


    So, ygon. He popped the cap on the sk, dripping liquified dungeon core essence into the processor. I know how much you like learning things, and this is going to take awhile, so, since theres not going to be anything for you to do except listen to my army eradicate vermin, how about if I teach you some of what Ill be doing?


    The golem pulled his gaze away from the aeld tree branch. <em>What you willbe doing?</em>


    Yep, in my staff-making, Alex said. By the time Im finished, youll know more about alchemy than most first years! Andmaybe if I ever need help with this sort of stuff again, youll be able to assist me, if you want. What do you think?


    ygon looked between Alex and the aeld branch. <em>Yesfather. I would loveto learn.</em>


    Good! So, lets begin lesson one of staff-crafting! Alex eyed the dark liquid dripping into the container, adjusting the freshly polished mana vacuum. Theres a lot of different ways to go about doing this: if theres anything wizards and alchemists love, its variety andbetween you and mebeing a little redundant at times. Thats why theres absolutely a bloody wagon load of different methods for making a staff, but I think its simplest if I tell you about the two mostmon onesand then the <em>strange</em> one Ill be using.


    <em>Strangeone?</em> ygon cocked his head, watching as the dungeon core substance slowly dripped into the processor.


    Oh yes, weve got Alex paused. Wait, I was getting a bit ahead of myself there. Well get to the strange er. Lets go over the <em>easiest</em> one first: Magic Circuitry Infusion. Fun fact for you, thats likely the way your fire-gems were made.


    ygon slowly raised his upper hands, opening his fingers and examining the fire-gems shining in his palms. <em>Really?</em>


    Oh yeah, Alex remembered the very first time hed felt the gems magic circuitry back in the Cave of the Traveller. You just take a magical medium and inscribe a magic circuit into itwell, its a bit moreplex than that, but thats the basics of it. In the end, you have an item that replicates a spell. Its fairly easy to doif you know your way around alchemyand can be pretty cheap as far as magic item creation goesjust as long as you make the item rely on the ambient mana in the air. Alex finished measuring out the dungeon core essence into the mana processor. But your fire-gems are a little bit different than that. Theyve got their own internal power sources, so you can activate them just about anywhere, mana in the air or not.


    He made a gesture like he was rubbing a pair of coins between his fingers. But <em>that </em>gets <em>much</em> more pricey, especially if you have to inscribe multiple magic circuits into one object. Thats when youd need to build <em>lots</em> of different power sources into the itemor one big one connected to all the separate circuitsand thats not cheap. If youre going to do that, you may as well go straight to the second method, in my opinion.


    <em>Which is?</em> ygon asked.


    Mana Core Creation: which is close to how <em>you</em> were made, ygon. Alex said, warming up a heat source beneath the processor. Basically, you create a coresimr to a golem corethat acts like both the power source and control centre of a magic item. For a staff, you dont make it as <em>powerful </em>as a golem core or asplex, but it still takes some pretty skilled alchemy-work to pull off. To me, the nice thing about staffs made with mana cores


    He went about setting up the flower pot, opening bags of sanitised soil and specialised fertiliser as he talked. is that the <em>lovely </em>little design doesnt need<strong></strong>spellcraft in order for me to use it. Everything can be controlled with good old fashioned mana maniption. Most wizards would find that <em>more</em> of a headache, but for me, its the perfect Traveller-sent blessing.


    <em>Good</em> ygon said, eyeing his fathers alchemy equipment. <em>Is that the methodyoure using to make your staff, father?</em>


    Oh, absolutely not! Alex poured the soil into the pot, stirring it carefully, then added a bag of dried mushrooms from his personal garden; something to increase mana conductivity. You see, in order to install a mana core into a staff, you need to cut the actual body of the staff open, put the core in, then seal it back up again. Which, uh, wouldnt be very pleasant for our young, branchy friend over there. He gave the aeld branch a friendly nod.


    The branch released a wave of anxiety.


    <em>That would bebad,</em> ygon said.


    Just a bit. Now, if I knew a spell called Wood Shape, then I might be able to warp its wood, install the core then close it back up with no issues. He shrugged. But I dont know <em>that</em> spell, so were using a method from magical botany for making a staff out of living wood. Its called Staff Incrementum, and it needs one of these!


    He picked up the false roots, waving them in front of ygons face. Their prongs protruded like spines on a sea urchin.


    <em>Thosespikes are going to stick the branch?</em> ygon asked. <em>They look like they wouldhurt it.</em>


    The branchs emotions sent out a peal of agreement, drawing Alexs curious eyes. It wasnt the first time the aeld or its branch had reacted to his and ygons mental conversations. He was learning that aelds had a powerful sense of empathy, picking up on the emotions, intentions and thoughts of those around them.


    The tree <em>had</em> been the first among the Research Castles inhabitants to sense the Ravener-spawning from beneath the earth; he could only wonder what else it could sense


    Well, just to be clear, the prongs dont go <em>into</em> the branch. He flipped the false roots over, showing both the branch and ygon a slot in the devices centre. The bottom of the branch goes here, now that its been coated in mana-rich oil, which enhances conductivity. Here, Ill show you.


    He took up the aeld branch and false roots, carefully measured the branchs diameter and circumference, then adjusted the slot on the roots and slowly slid the magical device over the bottom of the branch.


    Alex heard several clicks as an internal conductor touched the oily wood and internal mps mmed shut, securing the staff. A high pitched whine emanated from the<strong></strong>device as aeld tree power coursed through false roots.


    The prongs vibrated, stretching and twitching like angry spider legs. A golden-green glow shone at the tip of each prong, and the aeld branch gave off waves of nervous curiosity, while showing no sign of pain.


    Good. Alex nodded, pointing out the lights to ygon. See those lights at the end of the prongs? It means the roots are channelling the aelds power, which means that the connection between the false roots and the branch<strong></strong>is good and strong, and thats what we want.


    <em>Goodbut where do the prongs go, father? </em>ygon asked.


    Well, what do they look like now that theyre at the bottom of the branch? He asked.


    <em>Liketree roots. do they go into the earth?</em>


    <em>Thats </em>my big, brainy golem for you! Thatspletely right! Alexughed, lifting both branch and iling false roots above the nt pot. His Wizards Hands swarmed over the soil, digging a deep hole in the centre of the dirt. Now, watch this


    He slowly lowered the branch into the soil, watching the false roots twitch then begin digging into the soil, covering themselves with rich earth. Once hed lowered the roots halfway into the pot, another snapping sound saw the prongs suddenly extend, hooking onto the inside of the pot, securing the branch.


    Gingerly, Alex let go, watching the aeld branch for signs of toppling.


    There we go! He chuckled. I got the self-securing kind, because, hey, I can afford it. Anyway, keep in mind that those roots are the key to our process, ygon. What Im going to do is basically create a crystalized mana core that can go into any staff, but then Im going to liquify it and pour it into this mana conductive soil here.


    He tapped the side of the pot. Then, I have to keep the soil at a high heat, and let the false roots and aeld tree branch drink up the liquified mana core. Afterwards, Ill add a crystallisation agent and wait for the entire thing to naturally crystallise in the aeld branch. It shouldbine really nicely with its natural magic to form a staff of living wood.


    <em>That soundplicated,</em> ygon said.


    It is! Alexughed. And if I mess up the proportions, the mana core will <em>stay </em>liquid and<em></em>all the ingredients I bought will be <empletely</em> useless!


    <em>Why doyou sound happy about that?</em> ygon wondered.


    Oh, whats the fun in alchemy without a little tension? The young wizard asked, vaguely aware that he sounded quite insane. Itd be kinda boring if there wasnt any risk at all, eh?


    Alex felt a flurry of confused emotions from his golem, followed by a nervous sounding phrase: <em>Ifthats what you wantfather.</em>


    Ah, good, youre already figuring out the wonders of being socially polite even if you dont understand what someones talking about. Youll go far, buddy. Point is, though, I wouldnt be trying any of this if I didnt think I could do itand speaking of doing it


    He nced at the pressurised mana processor. Its about time we start the next step. Watch closely, this next parts a bit delicate so I wont be able to really narrate what Im doing step by step.


    <em>Tell me if you need me, father</em> ygon said.


    Oh I will, but I should be fine. Alex flipped open the schematics, studying his list of ingredients.


    Over time, hed created a precise list of steps for how to add and process each ingredient his staff would require, including the amount of time needed for controlling their reactions.


    His attention went to the carefullyid out ingredients organised in rows across the kitchen ind.


    Right, then, lets get to it, he said, looking over the list of magical powers hed selected for his staff, hoping hed chosen well.


    His first choice was to include every single summoning spell that he knewwhich at this point was quite a fewas well as every Call Through Elemental ne spell hed learned since first year. Each one would be beneficial to him inbat as he could activate them with a little bit of quick mana maniption embedded in the staff.


    For that to work, hed bought essence from every ne hed learned about in Magic Theory, Professor Mangals Summoning sses, and his own personal study: soil from the elemental ne of earth, a bottle of sealed me from the elemental ne of fire, a measure of brimstone from the hells, holy ice from the heavens, and so on.


    They werent cheap, but thanks to some astute negotiation with Toraka Shale, he could now afford them. Alex smiled at the memory.


    For force spells, hed bought force-magic infused tesseracts to add to his solution, and for his blood magic spells, hed include some of his own blood, which would bind the staffs power to him alone.


    Along with those elements, he would also infuse ingredients that would grant the staff flight magic and body enhancement magic.


    And that was where the easy part ended


    He looked at a sealed box rounding out his line of magical ingredients where hed ced a key one: thest remaining mana ejection potions gifted him by Elder Blodeuwedd in the Crymlyn Swamp.


    If he used those just right, hed have a nasty weapon against any mana-rich enemies.


    If he had his way, those demons lurking down in the hells were going to be on the receiving end of a very bad time for a change.

 Chapter 465: Magnificent Blooms of Power

    Chapter 465: Magnificent Blooms of Power


    The one incident topping the list of things that truly convinced Alex of how key having the power of Elder Blodeuwedds mana ejection potion at hand would be, was the invisible Ravener-spawn attack against him, his friends and the other expedition members in the Research Castle courtyard. Hed saved lives thanks to the Elder witchs potion, but only by a whisker, and as crucial as it was to have, using it in his staff posed certain problems hed had to ovee.


    First off, it wasnt likely that an enemy would be obliging enough to just stand around while he slowly painted the tonic on them. So, a solution hed tried was to use a bunch of Wizards Hands and some intensive training, keeping the goal of painting moving targets duringbat in mind.


    After a few experiments using the Mark, some gesso to paint the enemy, some Wizards Hands, and an unbelievably patient stone golem, hed managed to paint <em>a few</em> symbols on something in motion.


    But, two rted problems had quickly presented themselves.


    First, hed wasted a whole lot of paintwhich he couldnt afford to do if he was using the potionsince the Wizards Hands sshed gesso everywhere, pursuing ygon. Secondly, the supply of potion was limited, and getting more wouldnt be easy: it wasnt like popping over to the Crymlyn to help Drestras people rid themselves of a demonic horde every week wasnt anything short of delusional. Which left him trying to find a solution based in reality.


    So, the answer he came to was: replicating the potions effects in a magic item that would allow him to stamp an enemy with a symbol, and produce mana expulsion power at will.


    But, how to do it had been murderously tough to work out.


    First, he had to break down the potions magicalposition using his alchemy kit and several gruelling nights of painstaking testing in the Cells. Then, it was off to the library to grab every book he could find on staff-making and magic item creation.


    Which had led to another near-sleepless night of work, but in all that, hed uncovered an old method of transferring a potions effects to a more permanent magical item. Of course, as is often the case with alchemy, the method called for some <em>very</em> expensive ingredients that he would <em>never</em> have been able to afford before his deal with Toraka.


    Even then, the price the alchemical supply merchant had quoted had nearly stopped his heart.


    But, its going to be worth it, he muttered, sliding the box over to the mana processor. At least, if all goes to n, it will.


    Once hed solved<strong></strong>how to make his staff replicate a potions effects, hed needed to resolve the problem of having that effect transfer onto an enemy. After another long night of considerationthe hypothetical solution had been simpler than hed expected.


    Thats,<em> if </em>the idea worked, because at this stage, it was all still theory.


    Hed designed a custom force effect for his staff, one that would effectively be a giant stamp with shapes of the symbols Elder Blodeuwedd had painted with her potion.


    Like a great, big rubber stamp made of force magic.


    Ram would be proud, if it worked.


    And if it <em>didnt</em>


    You know what a nice side-benefit is of how were making this staff? He asked ygon. Its that I get to fiddle with itter and make any changes I need. He nodded to the fire-gems. You know how your fire-gems power up faster now that youve evolved?


    <em>Yes </em>ygon said. <em>I rememberthey were slower before.</em>


    Thats right, and thats because they changed along with you, Alex said. Theyre better integrated with your mana now so you can flood them with your golem cores power, which lets them power up a lot faster. Now, the thing is, normal magic itemswell, they dont do that. For example.


    He tapped the fire-gem in ygons palm. Lets say that gem <em>wasnt</em> integrated into your body. Wellwithout some <em>very </em>finicky alchemy work and really expensive ingredientsthat fire-gem would be static. It wouldnt change, and itd be hard to make changes to it. Its like how regr golems dont evolve or develop sapience over time. Like I said, <em>youre</em> special.


    Alex felt a little spark of happiness through his link with ygon, which he found quite adorable.


    The golem looked at the aeld branch sitting in its pot of mana-treated soil.


    <em>Youare going to make the staffspecial too?</em> He asked.


    Oh yes, Alex said. Why wouldnt I? Ive got this special woodand dungeon core essence, so why wouldnt I make a special staff?


    <em>Goodthe aeld branch deserves to be a special staff. But how will it be special?</em>


    d we both agree, Alex rubbed his hands together. The thing is, Staff Incrementum creates a staff of <em>living</em> wood. One of the advantages is that once the staffs initial<strong></strong>powers settle in, I can always snap the fake roots on whenever I want, make more liquified mana core, and have the staff drink it up. And then, well have all kinds of new effects, whichll be really good since theres other powerful ones Id like to attach to the staff. For now, I dont quite have the mana pool to forge them, but when I do, well have some real fun. Anyway, enough talk, lets get this next part done. Watch closely.


    Alex turned, gathering up his ingredients and prepping them.


    The elemental essences were ced in suspensions of mana-rich oil to draw out their power, then he took the force magic-infused tesseracts and added them to the dungeon core essence.


    Taking out his mana conductora new, far more sensitive modelhe inserted it into the mixture, flicked a switch on the side of the pressurised mana processor and...


    With a <em>whoom</em> of intense power, heat and pressure channelled into the substances. Alex was deep in concentration, pouring his mana into the solution. Sparks erupted as the tesseracts cracked, releasing force magic into the liquified dungeon core essence.


    Liquid shuddered when mana conductive substancebined with the new power, pushing against the sides of the container as Alex steadily guided the reaction.


    A long, slow breath, escaped him as he guided the pressurised mana through its reactions; the work was finicky, but if he hadnt mastered Hsiekus technique, it would have also failed.


    Slowly, the powerful reaction began stabilising, signalling it had reached the point for more ingredients.


    First, a powerful binding agent was added, uniting the rest of the materials.


    Then came the elemental essences, ring with magic within their oil-based suspensions.


    With the utmost care, Alex stirred in each one as ygon leaned over his shoulder, watching them undergo a startling reaction in the processor.


    The elemental me essence released jets of fire, spraying a sea of me within the processor, only held in check by Alexs skill in mana maniption. Elemental earth caused crystallisation in the solution, creating tiny jewels, geodes, and veins of gleaming metal before quickly reverting back to liquid.


    Now, the once ck solution glowed with crimson light, thrumming with power as Alex introduced new ingredients.


    <em>Its beautiful</em> ygon noted.


    Oh, you havent seen anything yet, Alex thought.


    Essence of elemental air sent wind and lightning dancing through the processor. Water created tiny typhoons of steam, rain and ice. Essence of flight magic caused the glowing substance to float for a heartbeat before settling down as the processors pressure redoubled.


    Alex clenched his jaw.


    Reactions sparked in vtility as dozens of magical forcesall enhanced by dungeon core essenceraged within the processor, shaking the magical device on the kitchen ind from the sheer force of pressurised power it was fighting to contain.


    For the first time since hed begun his work, Alex felt a twinge of nerves.


    This pressurised mana processor was one of the most expensive he could find in Generasi, reinforced with strong magics designed to contain the most violent of alchemical reactions. But, it wasnt built with dungeon core essence in mind: an unknown substance that acted as the ultimate catalyst for magic.


    Please hold, he pleaded. I just bought this ce, itd be a shame to blow it and myself up so soon. Itd be a shame to blow up mOop!


    A reaction red, shaking the processor vigorously as the powers within threatened to spiral out of control, but Alex pushed his own power, guiding the reaction like he was guiding his bodys energy flow using the Cleansing Movements.


    It calmed, soon quietening.


    Just keep going, Alex, he thought, breathing a sigh of relief. Better to get through this before anything nasty happens.


    And just as he added the next ingredient: a drop of his own blood, light shed.


    The glowing liquid boiled, writhing with newfound life, then suddenlyit changed, taking on a familiar shape. Alex gasped asfor a breaththe solution transformed into an image of his face, trapped, struggling under the pressure of the mana processor, mouth contorted and screaming.


    The young wizard recoiled, eyes wide, his concentration slipping.


    Abruptly, the mirrorimage shattered, scattering into a cascade of steam, rushing liquid, and pure, molten energy as the mana processor began beeping in warning, straining as the reaction spiked out of control.


    Shit! Alex threw the entire weight of his power into the substance, trying to tame the reaction.


    <em>Father? Father, are you alright?</em> ygon cried in rm.


    Justgive me asecond he squeezed the words through clenched teeth, bending his mind to the reaction. He called on the Mark, and it guided him through memories of mana maniption, alchemy, and fighting mana reversals in his own body.


    Through each memoryhis experience crafting ygon, hundreds of potions, and mastering mana maniptionhe let his power flow, redirecting the reaction, calming it, controlling the energy.


    The roiling force began to stabilise; each disparate ingredient from across the nes, raging against each other only moments before, now began joining together harmoniously. They bonded to the dungeon core essence, mana flowing with perfect conductivity, each ingredient empowering the next.


    For the better part of an hour, Alex controlled the reaction, monitoring it closely. At times, it seemed to flow as smoothly as warm oil, gently, calmly, seeming ready to guide itself, but in the blink of an eye, it would change, spiralling into chaos, forcing him to fight it like a ships helmsman on a stormy sea.


    But, those storms passed, and with each one he conquered, they grew scarcer, until in time, the churning energy within the processor quieted to an easy simmer, allowing him to move on to the next step.


    Alright. Here goes. Picking up the portion of crystallisation stabilising infusion, Alex gingerly added the transparent substance to the shining liquid in the processor and was immediately rewarded with a sharp snap like ice cracking in the heart of winter, the reacting fluid shining with all the colours of the rainbow, hardening within the processor.


    Tiny crystals appeared, glittering like stars reflected on quiet waters, the hardening process crept across the liquid, rising in spectacr shapes like salt crystals. Alex moved the mana conductor in a spiral, guiding the crystals upward until they took the form of a glittering crystal flower in full bloom. Each petal thrummed with a different form of mana, radiating power in symbiosis with each other.


    The young wizard sighed, struck with awe; the heart of his staff wasplete, and more beautiful than anything hed expected. Carefully, he inspected the bloom with his mana conductor, sensing out each power, assessing his work, confirming whether or not it had borne the right fruit.


    And indeed it had.


    In that beautiful crystalline bloom, he found every bit of magic that hed wanted his staff to hold. Summoning magic. Blood magic. Force magic. Even the mana signature of Elder Blodeuwedds potion. It was all there, just ready for the final touch: a body to hold it.


    Alex nced at the aeld branch.


    And its almost ready, he said, looking up at ygon. You see this, buddy? This is what dreams are made of. This is what power and protection looks like. This is what progress looks like.


    The golem leaned over his shoulder, peering down at the crystalline mana core. <em>Beautiful, </em>he said. <em>Butit will not fit.</em>


    Ah, and thats where <em>this</em>es in. Alex reached for a tiny crystal bottle stoppered with a small gem. This potion is called Form of Fluidity, he exined, unstopping the tonic. And apart from being horrifyingly expensive, when its applied to a living thing, it transforms their body into this flowyoily material, much like certain oozes and slimes youd find in the wild.


    He mimed chugging it. One sip, and I could fit through those spaces between the floorboards. Of course, the effect is only temporary, but still really useful for slipping in and out of dangerous situations. Not that Ill be the one drinking it, though. You see, magical botanists devised this <em>very</em> interesting way of applying the potion. And all I have to do is simply add it to our crystal here andwell, youll see.


    Alex poured the potion onto the bloom while increasing the pressure in the processor, then guided the potions mana through the crystal. The reaction was instantaneous.


    <em>Nofather, the crystal, </em>ygon murmured as the flower once again copsed into liquid, shining with dozens of coloured lights.


    As I said, its juuust temporary, Alex lifted the processor. And now


    He carefully cut the heat source, flicking on the processors cooling feature. Immediately, the steaming liquid rapidly adjusted, cooling to room temperature.


    And now, for our final step, Alex said.


    He turned, ready to take hold of the nt pot where the aeld branch waited, shining with anticipation.

 Chapter 466: Growth and Labour

    Chapter 466: Growth and Labour


    Now that weve got our mana core liquified, we have to apply it to the false roots, Alex exined to his golem.


    <em>FatherI have a question,</em> ygon said.


    I love it when you have questions. Alex put the processor down so he could check the temperature of his mixture. It shows that youve got a curious mind, ygon, and having some healthy curiosity takes you much farther in life than being a durd. So, what would you like to know?


    <em>The pot</em> ygons attention was on the soil. <em>It isfull of earthbut in the shop we went tothere were nts floating in liquid. Why notdo it that way?</em>


    Oh? You mean why bother with the soil at all? The young wizard checked the temperature gauge on the side<strong></strong>of the processor, nodding in satisfaction. Yeah, thats a good question: its true that certain nts can be cultured in water, and some you can use a mineral-rich liquid solution for. But the answer is time. Remember how you said you were alright with waiting? That you were patient?


    <em>Yesfather,</em> ygon said.


    Well, sometimes patience is rewarded. And sometimes without patience there is a consequence,<strong></strong>Alex exined. You see, the soil slows how fast our little aeld branch friend will take up the liquified mana core. Its more of a slow release of energy into the staff.


    <em>And thatsa good thing?</em> His golem asked.


    Oh, its not only a good thing, its a <em>necessity.</em> Alex tapped the side of the nt pot. The aeld branch is going to take up this entire solution through the false roots, right? But if it drinks it <em>too</em><em>fast</em>, then the mana core will recrystallise


    <em>Itsgoing to recrystallise?</em> ygon looked at the liquid with concern. <em>It had sharp points when it wassolid. Will thatnot hurt the aeld branch?</em>


    Very astute: the answers a very strong and mighty <em>yes</em>. Alex patted ygon on the arm. Oh, and by the way, be careful when youre interrupting someone. I dont mind it, because I understand youre just excited to learn, but some people could find it <em>very</em> rude and insulting.


    <em>Ohsorryfather</em> ygon said.


    Oh, bah, no need for apologies, Im just warning you for when youve got your fancy, shiny speakerbox and youre chatting with everyone you meet, Alex chuckled. Not everyones as understanding, kind, intelligent, wise, forgiving and devilishly charming as I!


    Heughed, then paused, reflexively waiting for someone to roast him.


    Of course, no one did.


    ygon simply nodded as though his fathers words were the greatest truth the world had ever known, and besides, the only other living creatures around were the vermin in the walls and his summoned army hunting them down. And they were a little busy at the moment, and probably not really up on the whole roasting between friends thing.


    Alex coughed awkwardly. Anyway, I mean I might be exaggerating on my good qualitiesa little.


    <em>Isthathumour, father?</em> ygon asked.


    Er, yes, but anyway! My point was that you were rightbut you were also a little wrong. Alex tapped the branch gently, and its light flickered as though his touch was ticklish. When it solidifies in the branch, it <em>can</em> hurt itif it drinks the liquefied mana core too fast. He rubbed the bark. You see, if it absorbs the mana core too quickly, the liquid wont have time to flow through the wood evenly, and pockets of liquid mana core will form. Those pockets will then harden, forming small, sharp crystal blooms thatll tear through the wood fibres. Thats where the soiles in handy, it slows the process down, giving the liquid a chance to spread through the entire branch consistently. Then, when it does crystallise, itll solidify through the whoooole branch, along the wood grain.


    <em>And thatthat doesnt sound like it would hurt the branch,</em> ygon mused.


    Thats right, Alex said. Anyway, did that answer your question for now? Its just about time to move on to the next step.


    <em>Yesthank you, father.</em>


    Oh youre wee, Alex held the processor over the pot, slowly pouring the liquid into the mana-rich soil around the aeld branch, watching as the earth shone with dozens of coloured lights. He was moving at a snails pace, slowly and steadilyensuring not a single precious drop was spilledas he covered the soil with liquified mana core.


    We want to get as even a distribution as we can, he said to ygon. So we have to soak the soil around the branch fairly evenly. The false roots can correct for <em>some</em> imbnceslike too much liquid on one side of the potbut its better to keep things as even as possible.


    <em>Yesfatherso that the aeld branch drinks it evenly, and the mana core crystallises evenly.</em>


    Youve got it, Alex gently swirled the liquid over the soil. Very good. Aaaaand, with that, were just about done.


    Tipping the processor, he let thest few drops of liquified mana core drain into the soil, then paused, admiring the multi-hued glowing from the soil. Hed learned that in the most northern and southern ces of the world, there were nights when the sky was filled with lights of different hues and shades, weaving like silk tapestries hung by deities.


    He wondered if they looked anything like these shining in the soil surrounding the aeld branch.


    Alright! He said enthusiastically. So far so good!


    <em>Whathappens now?</em> ygon raised a hand as though wanting to touch the soil.


    Well, now we do that thing that youre so good at: we wait patiently, Alex said. In the next hour, we should know for sure if the branch is taking up the mana core.


    <em>What happensif it doesnt?</em>


    Well, one of two things. Alex began cleaning and sanitising his tools. Best case scenario is theres a little bit of an imbnce in the soil, which means I can simply adjust it with some fertiliser.


    <em>And what isthe worst case scenario?</em>


    Alex gave a nervous chuckle. Worst case scenario is that I screwed up a step when I was making the mana core, which means that Id have to toss everything I just did, and start all over again. If <em>that</em> happens, then youll have your first experience seeing your father fall to his knees and cry.


    <em>...you said those ingredients were expensive.</em>


    And thats why Id be falling to my knees and crying.


    <em>Ah.</em>


    Exactly aaaaaaah! Id be screaming that word too! You get it! Alex scrubbed out the pressurised processor. In any case, weve got some time to kill and a bit of mana left, so we might as well get a little more work done since were here, and Traveller knows the ce needs it, he looked around the kitchen. We might be able to kill all the vermin todayor at least most of them, I definitely dont hear those dire rats anymorebut theres still a lot of junk to remove.


    <em>I can move the heavy thingsfather. You just stay hererest. You are tired and I dontget tired.</em> ygon said, standing a little straighter.


    Ohoho, no you dont! Alex wagged a finger. I didnt just polish you to a mirror-sheen just to see you get dirty hauling a bunch of garbage around. He cracked his knuckles. Like I said, Ive got some mana leftso lets leave that sort of thing to some new helper friends Ill be calling.


    Formiac ants were some of the greatest workers in all the outer nes.


    Virtually tireless, ultimately focused, loyal to a fault and excellent at teamwork, they could raise literal mountains on their home ne if given enough materials, and theydplete the task in surprisingly little time.


    For the job of taking out years of garbage and disposing it in a city-provided bin, they were more than qualified. Alex stood in themon room, conjuring the final member of his squad of six ants while ygon watched.


    To anyone walking into the bakery unawares, the ants would have made for a terrifying sight; each the size of a pony, with long, hooked pincers and front legs that ended in unnervingly human-like hands.


    Their long antenna flicked the air while beady, insectile eyes took in their surroundings with a strange, distant intellect. Unsettlingly alien minds lurked behind those eyes, coldly assessing their summoner, their surroundings, and even ygon.


    Only the deities knew what manner of thoughts were sparking in those chitinous heads.


    Alex cleared his throat, switching to the creatures insectile tongue; a tongue that required making a series of clicking sounds so distant from anynguage hed ever heard, that he could scarcely believe what wasing from his own throat.


    Hello, friends, Ive got a job for you, he said slowly, stumbling over theirnguage. Every ants head snapped toward him, focusing on the young wizard with an eerie stillness. They could have easily been mistaken for stone if not for antennae that bobbed and twitched with every pulse.


    The Thameish wizard was a hairs breadth away from giving in to a strong urge to shudder, but he closed his eyes for a breath, pushing it down, avoiding offending his new friends.


    So, Ill lead you upstairs in a moment: there, youll find rooms full of all sorts of inanimate objects. Big ones He spread his arms out. small ones His arms came together until only a tiny spacey between his hands. and Id like you to take all of it and bring it down to that bin over there.


    Alex led the ants through the front door where a bin crafted of thick timbers and iron bands sat atop sturdy wheels of ned wood and metal. Renting the thing had been quite the culture shock: in Alric, when farmers or townsfolk had trash to dispose ofwhich was a rare thingtheyd either bury it as fertiliser for their crops and gardens, or burn it in huge fire pits dug just outside of town for that purpose.


    When hed brought up disposing of the bakerys garbage to Toraka Shale using the same manner used in Alric, all the colour had drained from the master crafters face.


    If you tried that here, youd be fined so enthusiastically, your descendants would still be paying the city long after you were dead and gone, shed said in a horrified tone. This is a city of wizards, as you well know: if everyone just dumped their waste however they wanted, all the alchemical run-off would have filled the wilderness with masses of mana-twisted mutants and wild magic by now. In Generasi you have to go, get a permit, then rent a bin on wheels. When youre done with it, contact the city and theyll take it away and dispose of everything safely.


    Its a sound practice, Alex thought, showing the ants how to put things in the enormous bin, then leading them to the staircase on the side of the building. And its probably a good thing that Im not burning all that trash piled up upstairs. I could see those fumes killing half the city.


    and bring it all down these stairs, or you can climb out the windows ande down the side of the building, if you want. Alex finished detailing the job to the ants whose antennae were flicking in time with his words. Just keep dumping everything in the bin until the mana starts running out on my summoning spells. When you feel the tug starting to call you back to your home ne, drop whatever youre holding into the bin, then wait down here for me, and as a little thank you for helping me, Ill give you this.


    He pulled out a small sack of sugar, shaking it in front of the enormous, extranar ants. Their antenna flicked wildly at the scent of the sweet treat, then they didnt hesitate, immediately springing into action, scampering up the stairs with absolute mechanical efficiency.


    Soon, the giant ants formed a constant stream of chitin and litter, ferrying the garbage from the upper floor, to the bin in front of the bakery. Their efficiency was almost golem-like; they never stopped moving, never stumbled, never paused for a break, never got distracted, or even slowed to click at each other.


    They were a study in efficiency, and Alex was amazed at how quickly the bin began to fill up with the contents of the second floor.


    Bloody hell, he swore, happily. At this rate, well have the ce free of trash in no time. Fantastic! Ill save hours ofbour costs, if this continues.


    He wrapped his fingers together behind his back, looking up at the building with a sense of pride spreading through his chest. Well, ygon, Ill still need to hire folk to give the ce an <em>extreme</em> scrubbing once all the trash is gone, and Ill also need to get carpenters in to do <em>much</em> needed repairs, but this ce might be livable a lot sooner than Id originally thought.


    Alex smiled up at the golem. And then, Ill get that basement set up good and proper for my workshop, which means youll have that speakerbox in no time.


    There was a pulse of excitement from ygon. <em>You area goodfather to me.</em>


    Well, I try, the Thameish wizard shrugged. Id be a pretty shit one if I didnt do my best by you. In any case, why dont we wait a bit, then check on the staff. Tell you what, Ill teach you how to y cards. maybe you can y Thundar and<strong></strong>break his winning streak. And speaking of him, I cant wait to show him and Isolde our new home. I think theyre going to be real bloody surprised.


    <em>Fatherits beautiful</em> ygon murmured. <em>Look at the light</em>


    It <em>is</em> beautiful, isnt it? Alexs eyes shone with anticipation, observing a multi-hued glow pulsing upward through the aeld branchs bark. It means our aeld friend is drinking all that liquified mana core just fine.


    His smile widened. Looks like Ill have a brand new staff thats ready for our next battle, after all.

 Chapter 467: A New Battle Brewing

    Chapter 467: A New Battle Brewing


    When Alex Roth had so confidently dered that he would have a staff all ready for their next battle, he didn''t know conflict was just over the horizon.


    Though, it would prove to be far from typical.


    It had all begun one pleasant morning at the Generasi dockside.


    The day hadnt started off ominously, all things considered.


    He was up at the crack of dawn andas usualconcentrated on material in the spell-guide for greater force armour, speed-read materials from textbooks on demonology, and considered which courses he should be taking in the new semester.


    After thathumming tunelesslyhed gone down to the inss kitchen to make something for himself, Selina and Theresa, and had a nice chat with ygon, and then a fine breakfast with his little family. Hed then checked on the aeld branchwhich hed brought back to the apartment a week agoand, once he was satisfied that it was still making healthy progress, hed pulled up a chair at the table and read while waiting for expectedpany.


    Soon, Prince Khalikapanied by Najyahjoined his family in their apartment, then everyone headed off to the city docks to wait for a Generasi bound ship.


    The sun was well into the sky when the ship carrying Thundar appeared on the horizon, warming the day considerably by the time the vessel finally came to rest by the dock.


    Alex andpany were rxed, chatting among themselves as they arrived at the pierwhen suddenly, the mood changed: a certain minotaur sprinted down the gangnk like he was being chased by hellhounds, bounded at Alex and Khalik, and seized the pair by their shoulders.


    Youre my friends, right? He demanded, staring at them with eyes wild and red.


    Not when you ask like that! Alex cried, taken aback.


    Hey, hey, is that any way to talk to your cabal-leader? Thundar asked through a forced smile, one eyelid twitching rapidly and his grip tightening on their shoulders.


    I do not recall making you our leader! Khalik said, trying to pull away from his friend, but the minotaur held on like a bear trap mped on a terrified bear.


    Even if its not official, eh? The minotaur chuckled dangerously. I <em>am</em> still an important member of this cabal, remember? You know, the thing where we agreed to help each other?


    Well, yeah, Alex started. But I mean, you didnt even say hello! You just ran off the ship like a maniac and tried to crush us.


    Hahahaha! Thundarughed, sounding off, his deep voice unusually shrill. What are hellos and goodbyes between good, good, good friends whore oathbound to help each other! I mean, Ive helped you both a bunch! Weve fought together, Ive nearlyid down my life a half-dozen times for my good, good, good friends here, weve shared drinks together, I mean


    Are you drunk? Khalik frowned suspiciously, leaning forward, sniffing the minotaurs breath. He grimaced, the regret clear on his face. Ugh! I cant tell whats beneath all of that smoked fish odour! Ugh, Thundar, I warn youif you got into your crews alcoholsailors grog can be foul


    Im as sober as the day I was born, and dont interrupt your good, good, good friend, its rude and offensive! Thundars grin was exaggerated, broad enough that it looked like foam would spill from the corners of his mouth.


    <em>Ah! It is like you said father</em> ygon pped one of his palms with a fist in sudden understanding. <em>Interrupting someone isrude. I seenow. Thank younow I know what you meant.</em>


    In Alexs overwhelmed mind, he couldnt even remember what his golem was talking about. And he wasnt the only one drowning in a sea of confusion. Beside ygon, Selina was staring up at Thundar as though the minotaur had suddenly grown two more heads and started breathing lightning. Brutus was sitting in front of his master, with all three heads cocked to the side as though observing a rabbit drunk on nut wine.


    which had actually happened, back in Alric.


    Mr. McGregor had taken to sealing his personal stores of spirits far more carefully after that incident. The townsfolk found hungover rabbits for days afterward<strong>.</strong>


    And hungover was exactly how Theresas face looked.


    Well, that or like shed been clubbed on the back of the head; her jaw hung open as she stared at Thundar in bewilderment, only closing when a fly threatened tond in her mouth.


    As for Najyah, she was so shocked thatno wait, she was too busy to be shocked. Alex observed the giant eagle as she feasted on a hapless seagull.


    When did she catch that? He wondered, vaguely aware that Thundar was still talking to them.


    Thundar! Theresa managed to shake herself. Whats happening? Is something wrong? She ced a hand on his shoulder. If there isand its this desperateyou can tell us. Well help you in any way we can.


    The minotaur froze.


    He slowly looked down at Theresa with anxiety-filled eyes darting back and forth while he shifted his weight ufortably on his hooves. Umno.


    Silence nketed the small group standing at the pier as the huntress watched the minotaur, even more confused than before. The stillness was only broken by shrieks from panicked gulls scrambling away from Najyah, and the murmurs of passengers disembarking and moving past the strange scene that was unfolding.


    Why <em>not?</em> Theresa demanded. Oh, I see how it is. So, whatever it is soooo important that only your fancy wizard-cabal friends can help you?


    Weller the minotaur cleared his throat, releasing Alex and Khalik to back away from the huntress. Well, uhthats to sayI uhwell, you knowthe thing is


    Yeah! Selina glowered, putting her hands on your hips. Were your friends too, just because were not wizards like you<strong></strong>doesnt mean that we cant help you! Dont you trust us, Thundar?


    The eleven year old girls big green eyes stared into the minotaurs soul.


    No, no! Its not like that! Thundar pleaded. Its not like that at all! Doesnt have to do with me not trusting you! Its thatwell, its not something you can really help with! I mean. Especially not, you Selina


    Why, not! She scowled. You think Im too young and stupid to hear what it is?


    No! Thundar screamed. No, youre not stupid! Oh, by my ancestors, why is this happening? Alex, help me! Help! <em>Me!</em>


    Why are you dismissing Theresa and my little sister? The Thameish wizard ced his hands on his hips. Maybe this is a problem that needs some wizarding work, sure, but we havent kept them in the dark before, even when we were about to head into some sort of danger! This is really unlike you, man!


    Aleeeex Thundar rasped as though he were dying, squirming under the gaze of three glowering sets of eyes. Aleeeexdont do this to me. Not like this. Not like this


    Oh! Khalik suddenly cried, his brown eyes growing wide with understanding. IIII think I see what is happening.


    All eyes fell on him as he gave Theresa and Selina a meaning-filled look.


    My friendsI think, erm, Thundars issue is one that ishow should I put thisa little delicate. Perhaps he is embarrassed to share it among, shall we saymixedpany?


    Another long silence.


    Oooooh! Selina said, nodding. Icky boy stuff.


    Its <em>not</em> icky! Thundars voice grew shriller than before. Itssensitive, like Khalik said.


    Theresa sighed, her eyes rolling so hard, they looked like they would fall from her head and onto the pier. I understand, but maybe you couldve said something before instead of scaring everyone by acting all terrified and hysterical.


    Hey, its not my fault I havent slept in two days, the minotaur grumbled. And I wasnt hysterical. I dont do hysterical!


    ....right, was all Theresa and Selina said as one.


    Why, havent you slept in two days? What happened? Alex asked him.


    I was too nervous to sleep!


    So, its your own fault, then.


    The minotaurs bloodshot eyes narrowed. You treacherous bast


    Theresa, lets go get something to eat, Selina shook her head. We passed some fish stands on the way, you wanna go see if theyve got anything good?


    Yeah, wed better leave the boys to it, Theresa sighed, taking Selinas hand. Before Thundar has a breakdown. Well be back, boys, you justdo what you need to do.


    Thank you. Thundar bowed his head to the two young women as they took Brutus and headed to a line of nearby food stalls. AlexKhalikwhy dont we He inclined his head to the other side of the dock, a spot decidedly less crowded and free from folk pouring off the ships gangnk. ...head over there. Its more private.


    Fair enough Alex said, having a sudden inkling of what his friends strange behaviour was about. He fought back a smile. Lets go, then the only non-cabal ears thatll hear us will be ygons.


    The golem gave the minotaur a little wave, and Thundar sheepishly waved back.


    Indeed, we will keep our voices low. Khalik grinned through his beard. I could even send Najyah away if you find that you grow ufortable with her being in earshot. She is a girl, after all.


    Thundar made a rude noise with his lips. Bah, now youre just making fun of me.


    As is our right, the prince chuckled. As you said, we are your friends.


    So. Alex tented his fingers before his broad chest, leaning toward Thundar conspiratorially.


    The nervous minotaur looked up at him from his seat on a bord. So what?


    This is about Kohana, isnt it? The young wizard dered.


    Keep your voice down! Thundar hissed as the prince threw his head back and burst outughing. You dont know if shes here somewhere, what if she hears you?


    Thundar, youre being paranoid. Generasis enormous, and you dont even know if shes in the city right now. Were technically still on winter breakOh, right, that reminds me, were going to the hells in a couple of weeks.


    Well, I dont know, she could be anywheWait, did you say going to the hells? Thundar blinked.


    Oh yes, Khalik said, and quickly exined the grand task that Baelin had set out for them.


    The minotaur nodded along with his words, giving a big sigh when he was finished. Well, that figures. Of course. No rest for the wicked, its off to the hells for us. I swear, that ancient goats going to kill us, one day.


    Shhhh! Keep your voice down! Alex said, his eyes darting back and forth. You dont if hes around here!


    Oh, <em>now</em> whos being paranoid!


    Look, theres a much bigger chance of Baelin appearing out of nowhere than there is of Kohana just happening to be at the docks right now, Alex pointed out.


    In <em>any</em> case. Thundar held up his hands. If were going to the hells, Im definitely gonna ask her out before that. <em>Definitely</em>. Even if she says no, better I do it before some demon guts me.


    Do not worry, Baelin will have his spell-marks upon us, Khalik reassured him.


    All the same, I want this done in case something goes wrong, you know? The minotaur said.


    Alexs mind shed back to that fateful night at Patrizia dePaolos ball, where hed confessed his love to Theresa before joining the battle against the monsters, so he well understood what Thundar meant.Their lives were dangerous and could possibly be short, and waiting for the <em>perfect </em>moment to act might nevere.


    Right Alex said. So, you want our help with this?


    Yes, my absolutely mighty, handsome, loyal friends! Thundar sped hisrge hands before him. By my ancestors, I need your help! Ive been up for two nights straight just thinking about how to do it! I was <em>this</em> close to throwing myself in the sea by the time the ship got here!


    Alright, alright, settle down. Khalik patted the minotaurs shoulder. We willhelp. Though, I do not know <em>how</em> we can. A confession of the heart or of interest should be done alone and fromwell, from the heart, not filtered through the advice of fifteen advisors.


    Yeah, thats all good and fine for you to say, King Charisma. Thundar red at him. You could probably talk a golem into going out with you, Im not so good and fancy with the words.


    Hey, back when I told Theresa how I felt, I wasnt so good and fancy with the words either, Alex said. And let me tell you, man, I did it spontaneously and with words that felt right. He tapped his chest. Straight from the heart. It probably wasnt the smoothest confession in the world, but sincerity goes a lot farther with most people than methodical nning.


    The minotaur turned his re onto Alex. Yeah, well, you had a childhood friend whos been crazy about you for probably her whole life, which gave you an advantage that I dont have.


    You probably could have vomited halfway through your confession and she wouldve been happy.


    HeyI resent how true that might beuhmdid she really like me <em>that </em>much? Alex asked, ncing at Khalik.


    There was a reason I helped you from the sidelines. The prince winked. If It was not obvious that she liked you, I would not have bothered.


    Yeah, helping from the sidelines! Thundar said. Thats the thing I need.


    My friend Thundar, helping to smoothcircumstances around you and yourdy-friend is one thing, Khalik said. For example, if some boor was stumbling into your way, I could see distracting him. If you said words that you did not mean, I could see Alex and me helping you exin yourself to stop any escting anger or embarrassment. Butif you want us to tell you what to sayis that truly what you want?


    Yeah, Thundar said. Help me with phrasing. Help me think of the right circumstances, Im so nervous, Im ready to throw up.


    Then I cannot see us helping with that, Khalik said.


    I have to tell you, man, I agree. Alex nodded. Thatd be like the three of us asking her out instead of just you, plus, I could see things going wrong if all of us tried putting our heads together over <em>your</em> feelings. I mean, theres that old expression: too many cooks in the kitchen. And in the end, shes a being with her own thoughts and desires. No matter what we do, whether or not shes going to go out with you, is all up to her.


    Alex, I dont have rocks for brains, you dont think I know that? Thundar sighed, shaking his head. Look, I get it. Asking her out is up to me, and her saying yes or no is up to her. Im not naive, I know how it works. I also aint too naive about my chances. Shes older than me, sophisticated, as centred as a mountain in a storm, pretty, sexy, fit, smart. Honestly, if shes not already seeing someone Im gonna be shocked.


    Alex raised an eyebrow. Thenwhy all the nerves? If anything, youve got a more mature handle on this than I did when I told Theresa.


    The minotaur looked him directly in the eyes, and for a moment, he seemed much older than he truly was. Because, my friend, when youre going to do somethingyou want to make sure you do it right, dont you? Regrets a nasty disease, and I dont want it following me.


    He stood suddenly, rising to his full height, making Alex take a step back. Sometimes he forgot how tall Thundar actually was.


    The minotaurs nostrils red. Look. If Im going to do this, I deserve to put myself out there at my best. And she deserves to get me at my best. <em>Thats</em> what I want help with, I say a <em>lot</em> of stupid shit. But not this time. No breakdowns. No stupid hijinks.


    When he looked down at them, for a moment, Alex saw the powerful leader of a cabal: a wizard and a warrior who would be talked about for generations. Help me. Help me be my best.


    You have my sword, my captain, Khalik said instantly, his voice cracking with emotion.


    You have my staff, Alex agreed.


    <em>Andmy spear?</em> ygon added, hopefully.


    And so it was that the boys of the cabal went into a new battle.

 Chapter 468: The "War Council"

    Chapter 468: The "War Council"


    I do not understand why you three have banned me from a cabal meeting! Isolde shouted through Khaliks door, knocking insistently. Theresa said that Roth mumbled something about awar council? If we are going to war, then I see no reason to exclude me in such an arbitrary fashion!


    Alex Thundar red at the young Thameish wizard without mercy. Why did you say anything?


    I was half-awake! Alex hissed, eyeing the door as though a demon were about to burst in. I didnt know shed tell Isolde!


    <em>Should Iblock the door?</em> ygon said, watching the door.


    No, no, its fine, ygon, Alex thought.


    Hmmm, the fact that she told her in such a fashionsaying a war-council without contextmeans that she did it on purpose. As a joke. Khalik eyed Alexs apartment across the inss courtyard. Well yed, huntress. Well yed.


    I know you are in there! Isoldes knocking grew more demanding.


    By my ancestors, Isoldes thest person I want to find out about this! Thundar grimaced. Shes gonna make fun of me for sure.


    Hmmm, I am not so sure about that, Khalik mused, running a hand through his beard.


    Thundar looked at him like hed lost his mind. Khalik. I got back yesterday morning. She got back yesterday evening and shes made fun of me twice already.


    You made fun of her three times, Alex pointed out.


    Yeah, but when <em>I</em> do it, its funny. When she does it, its hurtful and tragic.


    You wereughing when she did it.


    I was half-crazed with exhaustion and <em>anyway</em>, speaking of half-crazed, what do you mean youre not so sure, Khalik?


    I mean, Thundar, that our friend Isolde finds herself in a simr position to yours, Khalik noted. She too is troubled by matters of the heart. I dont think she willugh at you as much as you might think, and if she doeswell, you have a great weapon to strike her with.


    What kinda weapon? Thundar asked.


    Cedric. Khalik tapped his heart.


    Fair enough, Thundar grunted. And uhI guess, if Im gonna ask a woman outmaybe asking a woman for advice aint the worst idea in the world, now that I think about it. Shit, I really was half-crazed from exhaustion. Alright, hold on.


    The minotaur crossed the room. Just a minute! Dont knock the door down!


    When he opened the door, Isolde stood in the hall with her arms crossed over her chest, tapping her foot. Her face was a thunder cloud. Well? Are you through with making our cabal into a boys club?


    She stomped into the room, a basket brimming with books floated behind her, borne by an electric blue forceball. Isolde threw herself into thest of four chairs at Khaliks table, glowering at the rest of the cabal before returning ygons polite little wave.


    Well, she said to the young men. I do not know if this was your idea of a practical joke, but such pranks are the lowest form of humour. You told mest night that we have an expedition to hell to prepare for, and not calling on all of your resources is most immature, foolish andquite franklyhurtful.


    Alex, Thundar and Khalik looked at each other sheepishly.


    Uh, Isolde Alex started.


    Wait, I am not done! She dragged a thick stack of books from her basket, mming them down on the table. I will have you all know that I took the liberty of raiding the fourth floor of the library for every book on demonology that I thought might be relevant.


    Yeah, thaWait, the <em>fourth</em> floor? Alex froze. Youyou hit fourth tier?


    A cat-like smile curved across Isoldes lips, and her blue eyes sparked with pride. She flicked her ebony hair. Indeed, she sniffed. I was nearly there when I left, andafter a few lessons with grandfatherwas able to reach fourth-tier quite handily!


    Why didnt you tell us yesterday, congrattions, thats great! Thundar roared.


    Hmph! She turned her head away, crossing her arms again. Well, I was tired from the voyagest night, and I knew that if I told you then, you might insist on filling me with enough wine to leave me senseless for a week. I thought it would be imprudent, for that reason. Besides, since you have covered yourselves in secrecy, excluding me from cabal activities like this, I see no reason at all to share! Now!


    She began opening books. What are we discussing?


    Uh Thundar grunted, closing the door. My uhlove lifeactually


    Isolde stared at him, a dozen expressions flitting across her face.


    First, she paled.


    Then, she turned red.


    Then she blinked rapidly.


    Ah. She slowly closed the book before her. I, er, seesee why you might have wantedaerboys club for this. Umoh dear, by the four elements um, Ioh my, how embarrassing. Um, this is not a prank is it?


    There was a note of hope in her voice.


    Nope. Thundar shrugged. Im going to ask Kohana out and Im gettin some support. Were figuring out how I can present my best self.


    Ah, quite righthow, er, sensitive. Well, I um She cleared her throat. I supposeif you invited me inthenyou are seeking my council as well?


    Yep, Thundar said. Probably a good idea to get a womans perspective. Come to think of it, maybe I should ask Theresa too.


    Oh no, that is <em>not</em> a good idea. Isolde shook her head furiously, catching Alex off-guard.


    Wait, why not? He asked. Shes smart! And wise!


    She also viewed you like a stag to be hunted over a period of years, Isolde said. Theresa talks about it with a rather <em>frightening</em> smile.


    Alex could imagine that smile.


    The fact that it did strange things to him in no way meant that he had issues.


    Wait, that cant be, Im not some sort of prey animal! He glowered, looking at the others. I y monsters and demons, Im a predator! Arent I, boys?


    Khalik looked away.


    Thundar coughed awkwardly.


    A-arent Iboys? Alex asked again, his confidence plummeting.


    Anyway, I do not think her specific advice would apply too well to your situation, whatever it is, Thundar, Isolde said, pointedly refusing to meet Alexs gaze.


    <em>Dont worryfather</em> ygon said. <em>I think you area dangerous predatorto monsters.</em>


    T-thanks, ygon, Alex thought glumly.


    Anyway, except for maybe Khalik, you have the most rtionship experience of any of us, Thundar said.


    Isoldes face washed bright red once more. I certainly do not! I have had all of a single rtionshipwhich was a terrible mistake, I might addI am not some lout at the bar who has more rtionships behind her than there are shot sses before her!


    Yeah, well, you beat my zero, Alex is still in his first rtionship and youve got a new crush, the minotaur said casually.


    I most certainly do no Isoldes voice grew shrill, her blush deepening so that she resembled a ripe cherry.


    Isolde Alex leaned over to pat her on the shoulder. We can all tell. There was a reason Khalik made that redhead joke back at the Festival of Ghosts.


    I am well <em>aware</em> you can all tell, but to admit that would be to admit defeat! She cried in consternation. <em>He</em> was supposed to be interested in <em>me</em>! I am not some silly little girl whose heart flutters at the sign of red hair!


    To be fair, he also has quite the sculpted physique, Khalik pointed out.


    So do all of you and yet I do not find myself melting into a puddle! She moaned, her head dropping to the table. By the elements, when he smiles Her breath caught a little. he somewhat resembles that maniac, Tyris Goldtooth! Why? <em>Why am I attracted to that?</em>


    I think Harts wondering something simr, but from the other end, Alex muttered.


    What was that? Isolde looked up.


    Nothing, he said. Well, then. Isnt this lovely? Love is in the air for two more of our cabal!


    Khalik made mock kissing sounds, drawing res from both Thundar and Isolde.


    The minotaur shook his head, turning back to the young noblewoman. Look, I aint gonna make fun of you if you dont make fun of me.


    He held out his hand, almost like a general calling a truce.


    Deal, she said, shaking his hand. So, you were first. Tell me of this woman. Who is she?


    Kohana: me and Alexs Cleansing Movements instructor, Thundar said. Shes an upper year.


    Really? Hm. And you wish to present your best self?


    Yeah, Im fine with her turning me down,<strong></strong>but not if I dont present my best self, you know? Thatd beterrible, he grunted.


    II can respect that, Thundar. To give ones all, whether it be in rtionships, in statecraft, in study, or in battle, is the only noble way to go through life. She nodded, acknowledging<strong></strong>her own words. Butyou seem to be rather fascinated by her. What do you find so captivating?


    He winced. I dunno, what do you find so captivating about Cedric?


    She squirmed in her seat. I asked you first!


    Hrm, fair enough, fair enough, he grunted, his eyes rising to the ceiling as he gave the question some thought.


    Khalik leaned forward with curiosity, as did Alex.


    To be honest, despite <em>knowing</em> that Thundar had an obvious crush on Kohana, hed never asked the minotaur anything about his feelings. Hed just assumed it was because his friend liked her tails or something.


    But, thest day had shown him that Thundar had put much more thought into this than hed ever considered, leaving him wondering what his friend might reveal now, about the feelings in his heart.


    I like her tails, Thundar said.


    Im going to murder him, Alex said.


    Well, thats what it was at first, butshesI dunno, shes dedicated, the minotaur shifted ufortably. Shees to our sses ready to go every time, and she really seems like shes steady as a rock from the way she talks about the cleansing movements and life. She was kind enough toe see me when I was healing after that battle with the mana vampire. She justseems like a good person. And uh, its really cute when she straightens her spectacles.


    Alex and Khalik gave Thundar a warm smile.


    Now, you! The minotaur said. I shared, so your turn now!


    Oh, wellif you must know, Isolde sighed.


    Alex turned to her expectantly, wondering what had attracted his friend to the Chosen of Uldar.


    This is Isolde, Alex thought. I kinda doubt shes going to say its because he has nice hair and muscles.


    His hair is beautiful, she said dreamily. And my goodness, he could model for the statues of <em>gods.</em>


    ...you know, I walked into that one, Ill ept that, Alex thought.


    But more than that, she continued. He is brave, and has a very curious mind. His sincerity is unreserved, and not just with me, but with everyone I see him with, whether that be his fellow Heroes, we students, or others. And his voicejustoh my, I have said too much.


    Well, this is entirely too wholesome for my tastes, Khalik said. I hardly have any new ammunition to mock you with, how dull!


    Hmph, well I for one am d for Thundars sincerity, Isolde sniffed, then looked at Thundar. But, Thundar, I cannot help but wonder why you need us. You seem to have an understanding of what you want, and you are determined to get it. You say you wish to put forward your best self, but do you really need us to help you with that?


    Yeah, Thundar grunted, looking at them earnestly. Likelook, Ive never <em>been </em>on a date before, you know? I mean, unless you count walking around the meadows with some of the girls back in my tribe dates.


    Alex shrugged. I dont see why not.


    Yeah, but Kohanas all sophisticated and shit like that. I dont think saying hey, lets go walk in a meadows reallyputting my best self forward, you know? He sighed. I wanna get to know her better and I want to let her get to know me. The best mebut uh He nced at his friends. Whatrewhatre my best qualities?


    Pardon? Khalik asked.


    Whats good about me! Thundar cried, his voice rising. Thats what I need help with! I know what <em>Id</em> say: I can drink most under the table, bench press a good sized boar and crack a monsters skull open. But uh, none o thats real good for dates. Its who I am, but Im wondering what <em>other</em> people see. So yeah, whyre you all friends with me, you losers?What makes me good?


    That is the neediest question I have ever heard in my life, Khalik chuckled.


    Well, Im being needy, you happy? Thundar snapped. Justhelp me out, okay? This shits embarrassing enough.


    Alright, alright, Alexughed. I get it, man. Well, thats one thing Ive always liked about you right there. You can take a joke. Anyone can go around making fun of others but when we make fun of you, you give right back butits all good-natured, you know?


    Good-natured, Thundar nodded. Alright.


    You are loyal, as well. Khalik tapped the tabletop, deep in thought. There are few that I have met who are as willing to risk themselves for their cabal and friends. You watch our backs, and I will always appreciate that.


    You are also humble, Isolde added.


    <em>Humble</em>? Thundarughed. Now thats gotta be a joke, Im always going on about how Im the leader of the cabal, right?


    True, but you are still humble in a sense: intelligent enough to receive admission to the greatest university of wizardry in the world, but yet you downy it, there was a note of respect in her voice. You do not show off your intellect as a point of pridewhich is something I could never imagine for myself.


    Alright, alright, Thundar said, coughing in embarrassment. Ugh, this makes me feel a bit awkwardbut uh, you know what? Thank you. Thats just what Ill sayIm not too sure all thisll help me ask someone out though. This is all deep stuff.


    Well, you got a lot going for you in other ways too, Alex said. Youre a member of a very special expedition, you won or ced in multiple events in the Games of Roal, youre built like a brick shit housebut also, you care about others. Youre sincere, Thundar, otherwise you wouldnt be going through all this trouble in the first ce.


    Hm? The minotaur frowned. Hey, thats not badyeah<em>thatll</em> help me.


    What will help you?


    When I ask her outI make it about her, he said. I go in sincere. I say that I like her and that I wanna take her out for a meal or something so that I can get to know her better. Shows my sincerity andmyhumility, I guess. The rest I can show off on the date itself, if she says yes.


    You know, I have a feeling you are overthinking this, Khalik said. Butthat is not a bad strategy, at all.


    I can agree with that, Alex said. Wellnow all thats left to do is date nning.


    Thundar waved a hand dismissively. Bah, date nning, date schmanning. Shes probably gonna say no, anyway, if Im honest. Better to be spontaneous? I meanwhatre the chances of us <em>actually</em> going out?

 Chapter 469: I Can Fix—

    Chapter 469: I Can Fix¡ª


    In a panic, Thundar scrambled to get ready for his date.


    Shit, shit, why the hell didnt I listen to Alex? The minotaur cursed, running a stiffb through his fur. He checked his teeth in the mirror, making sure they were sparkling white, and didnt have any bits of food between them. Who the hell was the idiot who said date nning, date schmanning? By my ancestors Id like to punch that guy in his big, stupid snout. I really <em>do</em> got the brains of a damned cow!


    Throwing theb down, he snatched up a rough cloth from his small dresser and began buffing his horns. Laying on his bed was a fine set of clothing trimmed with the furs of griffons: a gift from Alex to congratte him on his date.


    A new belplete with a golden dragon bucklewas a gift from Khalik, while the silver-hilted, ornamental dagger hade from isolde.


    Sometimes, having rich friends had its own perks.


    Of course, that wont help <em>me</em> if she wants toe back and see my ce! He grumbled, ncing around his dorm room. Nothing says hey, Im not <em>actually</em> an adult than bringing a girl back to a damned dorm room.


    Checking his horns for the hundredth time, he slid on two bronze horn-caps, and got dressed, smoothing his new outfit.


    Alright, Thundar. He belted on his coin-purse, looking himself over in the mirror, then with a deep breath, slid into the cleansing movements, focusing on his body, the present moment, the flow of his energy, his mana, his breath and the beating of his own heart. Calm down. Youve been fighting monsters and youre literally going down to the hells. You can do this. Shes gonna be perfect, all <em>you</em> gotta do is go pick her up and not make aplete ass of yourself.


    The minotaur cleared his throat, straightening his hair another time.


    Alright, big man, knock em dead.


    With that final deration, Thundar whipped open his door, stepped into the hallway and locking it behind him, made his way toward the city.


    He hoped his nerves would calm with time.


    Thundars nerves were wreaking such havoc in him, that he came close to stopping at the top of Kohanas street to be violently ill. The minotaur loudly sucked in breath after breath, trying to calm his belly while folk stared at him as he went by.


    There was even a youngster pointing at him from the window of a carriage pulled by enormous terror birds.


    Mommy! The little boy cried, Why does that man look like Uncle Luigi when he gets home at night?


    Dont look! Come away from the window! A woman mmed the carriage curtain shut and the child disappeared.


    Well, Thundar took a deep breath. That does a lot for a fes confidence, jeez.


    Steadying himself, the minotaur journeyed down a cul-de-sac, admiring tastefully painted townhomes lining the street. In the courtyards of quite a few of them, young wizards soaked in the warm day, lounging in wrought iron chairs, either lingering over healthy-looking lunches, or with their noses buried in textbooks.


    They nced at him curiously when he abruptly stopped before an emerald green townhome.


    Yep, student rentalsnumber four He mused. This has to be the ce.


    Kohanas house was very well-kept, with a small herb and vegetable garden cultivated on the front porch. Itcked the wondrous, unique nts of the universitys botanical gardens, but whoever cared for it, obviously tended the earth with plenty of their time and energy.


    I wonder if its hers, he murmured, his hooves clopping up the walkway to the front door. Butterflies rose in his belly. Well, maybe Ive already learned something about her. Alright, Thundar, try to remember everything Khalik and Alex told you about their magic gardening course.


    As the minotaur sifted through Khaliksints about the early morning time slot for Salingers botany coursesearching his memory for anything useful he could talk abouthe stepped onto the porch, ncing down beside a nearby nter bursting with ripe tomatoes ready for picking.


    And, that was when he saw the bilogar with its tawny spotted fur, long snout and stumpy tail.


    Which was his first clue that something might be very, very wrong.


    What the he murmured.


    At the sound of his voice, the animal slowly raised its head from the porch floor, looking up at him with sad eyes. Thundar was no expert on bilogars, butif he were forced to guesshed wager that the one looking up at him came from a racing or hunting breed.


    Though, he doubted that this sad looking creature would have the energy to race or catch anything faster than a rock stuck in a mud puddle. It was rail-thin, not in that energetic way of wolves and other hunters, but in more of a sickly, malnourished way, as though itsst good meal had been sometime shortly after birth.


    What was even stranger, though, was thatin other waysit looked pampered, with newly brushed, unmatted fur, white teeth, and a silk cloak adorned with crystals secured around its neck and fastened with a matching bow tie.


    Frowning, Thundar knocked on Kohanas door.


    Maybe, uhmaybe it''s been sick, he said softly.


    His heart jumped when he heard the quick padding of feeting toward the door, then his date swung it open, seemingly flustered as she pushed her spectacles up the bridge of her nose.


    Hi, Thundar! Im d you could make it! Come in,e in, Im almost ready!


    Um, you look great already, he said, admiring the bright silk dress that hugged her limber form.


    Her <em>very</em> limber form, which Thundar watched appreciatively as her tails wiggled behind her.


    Then, a smell hit him.


    A sour, acrid odour that pervaded the otherwise clean-looking house.


    He choked back the urge to gag.


    Did you have any trouble getting here? She asked as she slipped on a hair tie.


    Uh, no, I He muttered, holding back bile threatening to rush up his throat. He swallowed hard, it uhit was fine.


    Good! She shed him a brilliant, white smile. Before we go, you should take a good whiff of my acidweed.


    Acidweed? Thundar asked.


    Oh yes, I have it growing all over the house, she said proudly. Flowers and other nts release awful pollens that clog your aura. Acidweed cleans it away. Go on. Take a good, deep breath. Itll help bnce your aura.


    Oooookay? He said through a forced smile, taking a good long whiff.


    Under the circumstances, Thundar performed a feat of will only akin to anything the gods could do; he didnt throw up right there on her front entrance mat: the smell was something found in nightmares, fermented vinegar, mixed with rotten goose eggs, dung, and alchemical idents.


    There we go. She patted his cheek. Good and bnced. Now, I just have to feed Puppy, then well be ready to go.


    Oh yeah, I saw your puppy out there, Thundar said excitedly, grateful for the chance to change the subject to anything but acidweed. Whats his nameor her name?


    Oh hes a he, she said. And his name is Puppy.


    Oh, his names Puppy, okay andWait, his names Puppy?


    I think its cute, she giggled. I had two cats named Big Kitty and Little Kitty, but friends of mine adopted them. Theyre good names, and they dont obfuscate my pets true selves. Oh, could you hold Puppys lunch?


    Yeah, sure II he stared down in shock at the contents of a steel bowl full of kale and broli that Kohana was handing him. Huh. These. These are vegetables.


    I know, its delightful, isnt it? She led Thundar back onto the porch, and he noticed her fluffy tails rubbing against his calf. Both Puppy and I are vegan.


    An internal scream ripped through his mind, managing to ovee his tail fascination. Whayour bilogars vegan?


    Oh yes, and hes much happier for it. She leaned down, patting the predators head. Arent you, Puppy?


    Puppys miserable eyes fell on the bowl of greens, then looked at the road longingly, as though wanting nothing more than to run down the street and disappear into a butcher shop.


    Thundar was starting to feel the same way.


    You shouldnt do that, you know. Kohana frowned over her spectacles, her knife slicing into a steamed yam.


    Hm? Thundar finished sipping his iced water. Do what?


    Drink that? She nodded to the water ss. I dont drink water anymore, its bad for you.


    The minotaur ced the water ss down beside his tter ofmb gyro, his hand was shaking badly. Drinking wateris bad for you?


    Oh yes, she giggled, her tails wagging behind her in her seat. Its a prettymon misconception that we actually <em>need</em> water.


    He stared at her openly. Um, look Im no expert on blood magic andhealth and stuff, butdont we die of thirst pretty fast if we dont drink water?


    As long as youre eating a healthy nt filled diet, you dont need water. She shook her head, pushing up her spectacles. All it does is bloat your belly and interfere with the suns energy as it transfers into your body.


    First, uh, first I ever heard of that. Thundar said with growing horror.


    Around the restaurantthe same one theyd taken Alex to for his birthday patrons within earshot were craning their necks, looking on as Kohana loudly spun grander and grander tales, increasingly divorced from reality.


    Even the waiters were starting to throw Thundar sympathetic looks.


    Ce on, man, dont judge! The minotaur told himself. Youre in a city full of all kinds of weird shit and weirdos. Maybemaybe shes justmaybe shes making a bunch of jokes or something! Yeah, thats gotta be it!


    Thundar forced augh. Man, that water thing got me good


    She frowned over her sses. Its not funny, Thundar, water will kill the suns energy coursing through you. Which can kill you! Its noughing matter.


    Hisughterand a good part of his hopedied in that moment.


    Um, er, he desperately tried changing the subject. So uhwhat made you decide to teach the cleaning movements? I mean, its pretty incredible stuff, and it takes a lot of your time, Im sure.


    Mm! She made a muffled sound as she swallowed a piece of yam. I want to teach people how to centre themselves in the world. They can get so caught up by all the citys sights and sounds, that they can easily lose track of who they are and what theyre doing in the present moment. In my first year, I was aplete nervous wreck. Her tails waggled. My tail was even losing its fur.


    Ah yeah, that sounds rough. I was nervous in first year toowait, your tail? He craned his neck, ncing at the <em>pair</em> of tails behind her.


    My race grows more tails as we age and we be more powerful in our innate magics. Kohana ate herst piece of yam. Centreing ourselves in our own energies is a way to grow our power.


    Right Thundar nodded, reaching for his water ss, then pausing. After a moment, he picked it up anyway, despite her slight frown of disapproval. So you found they helped <em>you</em> and thats why you want to teach others. Thats noble.


    Thank you. She smiled, batting her eyshes.


    Which did things to him.


    Youre noble yourself, Thundar, she said. A brave warrior who stands out in the Games and is a rising star in the university. Yet, you never miss my sses. Why is that? She asked slyly.


    And for that, he gave an honest answer. Because it helps centre me, keeps me bnced and focused. Its actually notpletely different from some of our elders teachings back home. Since it works well, I keep doing it. Simple as that.


    She raised a perfectly sculpted eyebrow. You know, I respect you for that. When I was learning, it felt like half the people in the ss came to ogle our instructor. She was very fit. Its nice to know youre taking an <em>actual</em> interest in the cleansing movements.


    Thundar chuckled, taking a bite of his gyro to another slight frown of disapproval. Way I see it, lifes too short and too risky to bother with going to a ss just to ogle the instructor. Dont get me wrong, your movements are like water and your tails are something else, but I wouldnt just show up for the view if I didnt actually enjoy the cleansing movements. Thatd be a waste of your time and mine.


    She giggled. Charming. Im d you take such an interest in it. It was through that and my dietary changes that I reached new pinnacles of power and oneness with my own self. Its important to me to pass that on to othersand Im d youre such a fine pupil.


    He smiled.


    You know, maybe this aint so bad. Yeah, shes a little weird but maybe she just has some wrong ideas, he thought. I mean, I aint perfect either, and she is super, super hot and doesnt exactly seem like a bad person. Maybe, I can help out a bit. Maybe have Theresa teach her about why some animals need meat to survive


    Its also why I want to fix you.


    What? His mind froze.


    Well, youre such a good pupil, butyou have a few bad habits. She pushed up her spectacles again.


    ...like?


    Well, all that meat eating is ruining your aura, and I think a good acidweed bath would clean your pores, she said, matter of factly. Then theres all that water drinking. Weve got to stop you from doing that!


    Uuuuuhh he said. I dunno if thats a great idea


    Then we can begin sun-staring together.


    What the hells is that?


    Its when you stare at the sun for an hour, she said, pushing up her spectacles once more. By lowering your internal water and letting the suns rays strike your eyes directly, you can take full advantage of its power. A lot of people say that its bad for the eyesand it does stingbut theyre all babies, and dont have the will or perseverance to stick with it so they get the proper health benefits.


    Uuuuuhuh. Thundar stared at her face. Sayjust, a random question, Kohana.


    Sure! Ask me anything! Im always ready to teach.


    Have you<em>always</em> worn spectacles? he asked.


    Well, no actually, she chuckled ruefully. I started needing them in my second year. Maybe reading too many books was bad for my eyes!


    Uhuuuh, yeah maybe that was it, Thundar nced out the window. Anyway, since youre done eating, why dont we get our bills and call it an evening. I wouldnt want to take up your whole day, after all.


    I suppose it is gettingte, she said. Its almost mooning hour. Oh, and in case you were wondering, thats when you take in the moons energies from the otherside by lying on your stomach and pointing your rear toward


    Oh yeah, yeah, I uhI get it! Thundarsugh was shrill. Bordering on panicked. Better let you get to that, then. Wouldnt want to do dessert, either. Might uhmess up your aura.


    Her eyes seemed to sparkle. You get it! You truly get it!


    Well, I got a <em>lot</em> of things, today, Thundar said. A <em>lot</em> of things. Anyway, lets get you home so you cando your mooning.


    Thundar, son of Gulfbiff, tried to be honourable in many things.


    As such, he honourably dropped his date back home and bade her a good night.


    And after that?


    He gave her bilogar a nod of sympathy and then honourably fled for his life.

 Chapter 470: In the Aftermath of Disaster

    Chapter 470: In the Aftermath of Disaster


    And then! And <em>then!</em> Thundar mmed his fist on the table. She said that drinking water is <em>bad</em> for you! Can you believe that shit?


    Alex froze, looking up from the spell-guide for greater force armour. Areare you serious?


    As death! Thundar moaned, reaching for another ss of rum with a shaking hand. She said it blocks the suns effects on your aura or somethinKhalik, this isnt <em>that</em> funny!


    The prince had fallen from his chair, howling withughter, so consumed by mirth that he couldnt find the strength to stand. No, its even <em>funnier! </em>By the <em>gods,</em> this is incredible! Tell me, tell me, did she try to sell you strange herbs, or anything of the sort?


    I honestly thought thatd be next! Thundar downed a shot of rum, making a face. Ugh, and the staring at the sun


    <em>No!</em> Isolde could no longer resist, tearing herself away from her textbook. No. What? <em>No. </em>You are lying to us. Thisthis must be a joke.


    By now, Khaliksughter had deteriorated into full blown sobbing.


    Listen, listen, Thundar said seriously. If this was all a joke, then <em>Im</em> the punchline and the only ones telling the joke were fate and the gods! I am not lying to you! She <em>said</em> that she stared at the sun so she could get all its good energy <em>right into her eyes! Right into her eyes, Isolde!</em>


    Ohoh my goodness. The young noblewoman began to shake, covering her mouth.


    And! On! Top! Of! That! Thundars voice boomed. She said that her eyes got bad after first year! And that it was probably from <em>reading too much.</em>


    Alex burst outughing, surprised when Isolde joined him.


    The young woman was bent at the waist, giggling uncontrobly while trying in vain to cover her mouth. Nonot that! That is too much! She threw her head back, herughter echoing off the walls of Alexs apartment.


    ygon looked between the members of the cabal, his gaze lingering on Thundar as the minotaur began to giggle, then chuckle, until he too was roaring withughter.


    <em>Fatherbad things can sometimes be funny? He asked. Thundar was just saying his date wasbad, but now hesughing with you.</em>


    Yeah, buddy! Alex barely managed to squeak out the words through his own hysterics. Sometimes bad things <em>can</em>be funny! Not all the time, but sometimes they can!


    Easy for you to say, Thundar rolled his eyes, chuckling as he poured himself another drink. You werent the one dealing with all that madness!


    I would say that you are actually quite fortunate, Thundar. Isolde wiped tears from her eyes. Your amorous focus of affection showed you herentricities early. When I had my bout of poor luck in love, <em>my</em> mistake did me the discourtesy of hiding his figurative boils and warts until I was fullymitted to the rtionship. Bah! She shook her head mournfully. I would have given much for such a bad first date with Derek. I had many months of grief thanks to him, while all you have for your trouble, Thundar, is an amusing story. but I have to ask, how<em> are</em> you doing? I can only imagine the disappointment.


    Me? Disappointed? Naw. He waved away her concern. Way I see it is that it coulda been a lot worse. Like you said, I couldve gotten deeply involved andnext thing you knowbam! Im living in a cabin up in crazynd. No, in the end, this isnt too bad. I went out with her, got to know herlike I said I wouldand what I found made me run for the hills. Thats nothing to regret. Better than carrying a crush for someone who wouldve been a disaster for me.


    He snorted in amusement. Imagine how sad that would be? I couldve floated through my full four years here with this big, stupid crush. Maybe I wouldve put her on a pedestal too: built her up in my head until I thought she was this untouchable goddess. Maybe I wouldve turned down other opportunities: gone through my university years pining for a goddess thats less goddess and moremon garden variety weirdo.


    Isoldes eyebrows rose. Thatsrather mature, Thundar.


    The minotaur shrugged. Its practical. I saw one of my older cousins pining for this one girl for like three years, imagining her as this perfect He made a vague gesture. ...thing.


    Very descriptive, Alex said.


    Indeed, Khalik agreed, climbing back into his chair. You would make for a fine poet.


    Hey, Im a wizard and a warrior, not a damned bard, Thundar grunted.


    Fair enough, but I am curious, Thundar. Khalik cocked his head. What happens now? Is she interested in a second date?


    Dunno, and I aint thinking about that for a bit, he said. Im gonna tell her when sses start up that I had fun butdont think we work too good together. Hope shes okay with that. Last thing I want is for things to get awkward during our Cleansing Movements sessions. I really like those.


    Then I hope all goes well. The prince poured himself a drink. And I hope your next date is a better experience.


    Well, the bars been set pretty low, Thundar chuckled, before his smile faded. ...but, Ive been thinking about her pet a bit.


    Yeah, Alex said. Its a good thing you told your story while Theresa was out walking Brutus. I doubt<em> she</em> wouldve seen the humour from the moment you mentioned that she only fed that bilogar vegetables.


    Yeah, well, I dont think theres anything I can do about it, the minotaur said sadly. Im not exactly gonna go and steal her pet. But, thats the thing, you know? She means well. I can tell she lovesPuppyby the ancestors, I still cant believe thats his nameand Id be kind of a jackass if I just petnapped him.


    I dont know, man, Alex said. Some people would just look at it as a rescue.


    The animal might disagree, Prince Khalik said somberly. We have a story in Tekezash. He rose to his full height in his chair. There was once a soldier on his way home from war. In this war, he saw many terrible things and had done many terrible things. His dreams were blood and the guilt made his waking hours into horrors.


    He nced at Najyah, who had her head tucked behind her as she slept. On his way back to his vige, he saw a hawk by the road, feasting on a cat that had a blue piece of twine around its neck as a cor. Nearby, he saw a child crying. And so he asked the child if that was his cat.


    Khalik put on a voice. And the child turned to him in tears, and said: It is not my cat. It is my fathers cat, but I let him escape. Now the hawk has killed him and my father will beat me, and the soldier asked the boy: why will your father beat you for what the hawk has done?. And the boy said to him: because I am a bad boy. This enraged the soldier, and so he demanded that the boy lead him back to his house. There, the soldier beat the father terribly.


    Khalik mmed a fist into his hand. He said to the father: I will take your son and raise him properly, away from your violent ways. And so the soldier raised his spear to y the manbut he felt a sharp pain in his back. Surprised, he turnedand found the boy. The boy had stabbed him with a pitchfork. And as the soldier died, he asked the child: why? I was trying to save you. And to this, the boy told him, because you are an evil man and you hurt my father. So, the soldier died.


    Jeez, thats a dark story, Thundar winced. Whats the moral?


    Let me see if I can guess, Alex said. That not everyone who you think you are saving will see it that way, even if their circumstances are utter shit.


    Khalik snapped his fingers. You are correct. It can also be said that the soldier never lost his violent ways, despite his grief over them. After all, his way was to beat the father in front of the child. He spread his hands. My father told my brother this story, and my brother told it to me. When you are ruling a countryand you are a good monarchit can be tempting to muster your armies to crush any tyrant you see. But, when your armies are striding over borders, crushing and gutting soldiers, you might find that the people see your liberation as something else.


    We have simr tales among the nobility in the Rhinean Empire, Isolde said grimly. I can imagine thatif you were to take this animal away from his mistress, he might not appreciate what you have done. After all, a bilogars loyalty is foremost to its master.


    Thundar jumped in. Ya know, thats true, which makes this situation even worse. The more I think about Kohana and that poor skinny pet of hers, the more the way shes feeding it doesn''t sit right with me. Predators need meat. He paused suddenly, seemingly struck by inspiration. Ive got an idea that doesnt involve pet theft. Maybe I can tell her that Puppys eyes looked dull, and his aura seemed out of bnce to me, like he needed to see a healer! I think shed go for that. Any healer with eyes would take one look at him and see that theres something definitely wrongthen bang, problem solved! Thundar looked very pleased with himself as he drained his ss.


    That should solve the problem nicely, Thundar. Isolde said.


    Yeah, Alex agreed, with a hint of worry in his voice. What you said about loyalty earlier; thatssomething I think about a fair bit. I mean, when I think about Thamnd.


    How so? Khalik asked.


    Well, lets say in the worst case scenario that keeps ying through my head Uldars actually evil, or somethingthen lets just say for a moment that he gets stopped. The cycles end and the Raveners gone. Everyone is supposed to live happily ever after, right? Except maybe a bunch of regr folk in Thamnd arent so happy about that, eh?


    Ah yes, that. That is true Khalik murmured. I have some hope that perhaps things will not be so grim, butif they are


    Silence fell over the room.


    Its something to talk about with the Heroes, I think, Alex said. If we lose the church and our faith in Thamnd, theyll be who people are probably going to listen to.


    Yeah well, Thundar grunted. Youll get a chance to ask them soon enough. Which reminds me He looked at Isolde. Youve got me rooting for you and Cedric. I hope your first date with hims a hell of a lot better than mine with Kohana.


    The young noblewoman went beet-red. I-I have no intentions of asking him out!


    Ah, a traditionalist, eh? Thundar chuckled. Well, hes bold. When he gets a chance, hell ask.


    II do not wish Isolde paused, looking away. Ihope not.


    Wait, what, why? Alex asked. You like him, and hes a lot better than yourst pick, I gotta say.


    Her lips thinned. It isimpractical, Alex.


    How so? An eyebrow rose.


    I am a noblewoman. A member of the aristocracy of the Rhinean Empire, she said, raising her chin. Her eyes shed as she held Alexs gaze. I have responsibilities to my empire, my grandfather, my parents, the fiefI cannot irresponsibly choose just any partner.


    Ohe now. Khaliks frown deepened. Do not tell me your parents insist on choosing your marriage partner for you. Or even who you choose to court in your youth. Even mine do not engage in such a practicethough, they will make their opinions known. He winced. <em>Very </em>known. So, I have that to look forward to.


    My condolences. My parents are simr, she said. They do not insist on choosing a marriage partner for me, only because they have full trust that my choice will be one that does not bring trouble or shame to the family. They trust that I will pick well.


    Wouldve been <em>real</em> disappointed if youd brought Derek back, then, Thundar said.


    Thundar! Alex looked at him sharply.


    What, its true! The minotaur frowned. Think about what Theresas mom and dad would do if she brought <em>Derek </em>to their threshold.


    Oh, by the Traveller, even I dont want to imagine <em>that </em>much violence. Alex shuddered.


    Isoldeughed bitterly. Well, you are not as correct as you think you are. My parents would worry about that choice on a personal level, but would not interfere from a political standpointif I were foolish enough to make such a choiceas Derek would not be a terrible choice, on paper. He is from a fine family in the realm with wealth and clout behind them.


    Ugh. Alex rolled his eyes. d I wasnt born into nobility, then. Dont have to worry about that kind of stuff. But, whats wrong with Cedric?


    Cedric is she paused. Cedric is a valued member of his n, within your kingdom, Alex. But, he is not a member of the nobility. He has no great holdings in yournds or mine. It isdifficult.


    Well, what about the fact that hes a Hero. A Chosen, no less. Alex said. Thats about as important as you can get in Thamnd. After every Ravener defeat, Chosens have gone on to be generals, some married Thameish princesses, others were given fiefs. Cedrics no bloody titleless bumpkin. In some ways, hes got one of the greatest titles in the realm.


    Indeed, and I have ounted for that, Isolde said. When I was at home, I took the liberty of proceeding to an archive in the capitol. I discovered that there have been instances of Heroes of Uldar marrying Rhinean nobility before. It is not <em>unheard </em>of.


    Right, thats good, then! Alex said. Problem solved, right?


    It is not simpWaitThundar, why are you cackling like an old witch? Isolde red at the minotaur suspiciously.


    He was fighting backughter. And failing. Well, I was just thinking I gotta tell Cedric to run. Or go fight the Ravener and then justlive in the wilderness somewhere where no one can find him.


    And why is that? Isolde asked.


    Well, I mean he giggled. You two havent even gone out on a date yetand youre already looking up ancestors-damned marriage precedents! Hah!


    Isolde went stark white.


    Khalik and Alex slowly looked back at her with twin evil grins on their bearded faces.


    I-it is not like that! She yelped.


    Is it not? Khalik asked innocently.


    It is <em>not!</em>


    Are you sure about that? Alex asked innocently.


    Yes! Isolde cried. I am not some wretched madwoman who would cling to someone like a drowning sailor to a piece of driftwood! I-it She turned away. I-it just pays to be prepared for eventual possibilities, is all.


    Alex looked at Khalik and Thundar. So were going to make sure we give Isolde and her fiery-haired prize plenty of alone time when the Heroes get here, right?


    Of course! Thundar and the prince said in unison.


    I hate you all! Isoldes scream echoed through the ins.

 Chapter 471: Advanced Alchemy

    Chapter 471: Advanced Alchemy


    Mr. Roth, I was hoping Id find you here, a quiet voice came over Alexs shoulder, startling the young wizard.


    Professor Jules. Alex wheeled around in his chair, half-rising as his alchemy professor plopped down in a seat beside him.


    At the other end of the tableand across the third floor of the libraryseveral students looked at her with a mix of surprise, spite and naked fear. A small smirk yed at the edges of the professors lips.


    Oh dear, they dont like the sight of me, do they? She said lightly, making herself morefortable in her chair. Shall I increase the difficulty of my assignments, I wonder?


    And this is why students dont like her that much, Alex thought.


    <em>I do not think she caresfather. </em>ygon looked up from one of Selinas books on arithmetic.


    I know, which makes them like her even less, Alex thought.


    Were you just thinking about how students dont like me? A white eyebrow rose on the professors wrinkled forehead.


    Guh, never Alex started to say, but was cut off by a dismissive wave of the hand.


    Dont lie to me, Mr. Roth, Ill see through it, she said, then paused. ...is what I<strong></strong><em>would </em>say if I had foreseen the Amir situation.


    A dark cloud consumed her expression, stoking Alexs guilt: he was still lying to her by omission about using herboratory without permission. If he was lucky, shed never put it together; and if he had his way, that secret would go with him to the grave.


    In any case, I saw that youd submitted your course selection, she said primly. Which is why I am here: youve signed up for the Introduction to Magic Item Creation course?


    Er, yeah, Alex said, scratching his beard. Its not a problem, is it? I mean, with the expedition and all.


    No, no, its not. Im d youre taking additional alchemy courses, I just think youre taking the wrong one, she said bluntly.


    O-oh? He frowned. Most potions only go up to third-tier effects, right? And Ive already been brewing all sorts of potions on my own, I thought Id go for something a little more advancedyou want me to take another potions course?


    No, by all the nes, no. Professor Jules took two forms from her carry-bag, sliding themand a pentoward the young wizard. He peered at them nervously, like they were angry weasels ready to spring as she quickly exined. So, one of those is a form stating that youll be withdrawing from the Introduction to Magic Item Creation course, taught by Professor Procipkek, and the other will enrol you in the Advanced Magic Item Creation course taught by me.


    He stared at the two forms, then looked at his professor in shock. Really? You want meto <em>skip</em> a course. Even without challenging the exam for credit?


    You can write it, if you want to, but itll be a waste of your time and waste of an afternoon for one of my teaching assistants. Sheced her fingers together before her. A little bird, named Toraka Shale, tells me that youre involved in a special project with her. One involving a special substance?


    Alex winced: her bodynguage screamed distaste. I, er, take it you dont approve?


    Of course I dont, she scoffed. Youre running offhalf-trainedto put your life in danger finding a powerful substance that we dont quite fully understand, in an attempt to bring it to market.


    Eris that not allowed?


    It''s not a matter of allowed or not allowed, its your own private matter, its just that youre triggering a rush more quickly than I anticipated. She sighed. I suspect well be dealing with profit-seeking adventurers from all over the ce, soon enough. Also, youre notpletely trained in all alchemy safety protocols. Youre risking your life twice over.


    Um. He nced at the application for Advanced Magic Item Creation. If thats truethen why am I being rewarded?


    Its not a <em>reward</em>, Mr. Roth, its a necessity, she said pointedly. From the day I met you, you were wanting to run ahead and engage in all manner of dangerous activities without a shred of training. I <em>tried </em>to drill into you the necessity of slowing down and learning all safety procedures before attempting anything too dangerous. And what do you do? You get a job at a <em>golem workshop. </em>And now youre experimenting on your own. Speaking of which, hows that staffing along?


    Alex winced. Did Baelin tell you?


    No, you just did, she said. Toraka told me a bit about your new project andafter enough whiskeyI got her to give me a peek at your schematics, citing that I was protecting my students. Which I am. The professor couldn''t hide the burning curiosity in her eyes. And I noticed that your design didnt call for an entire cores worth of material. So, I assumed that youyet againwent off to do somethingpletely and utterly dangerous, funded almost entirely by Torakas irresponsible handing over of a small fortune to an eighteen year old student.


    Neen, Alex corrected.


    Still a baby. In any case, I realised something. She spread her hands. Ive lost, Mr. Roth. You are quite insane, and will probably try to invent a way to snuff out the sun if left to your own devices. However, you are also quite good: Toraka doesnt have any tolerance for idiotsask her about the university job fairs sometimeso she certainly wouldnt start a business partnership with someone like you if you didnt know your stuff.


    She sighed. Theres also Professor ValRok, who wouldnt stop <em>bragging</em> about how he taught you Hsiekus Technique and how you learned in record time. Thats a higher level of skill in mana maniption than even most four-year alchemy students have these days.


    The Professor then critically sized up his physique. Then Professor Hak reveals that you somehow managed to join a couple of blood magic spells together to rebuild your own body. Baelin <em>also</em> mentioned this, and informed me youll be publishing a paper on it soon.


    Ah, yeah, Alex said. Ive been juggling that during winter break. At this point, I think its almost ready to submit to Baelin for corrections.


    Charming. She grimaced. So, youre going to further <em>spread</em> your madness. Anyway, Professor ValRok, Torakawhen she soberedBaelin and Professor Hak all insisted that you be allowed to fly. The point is, you are an intellectual stallion, Mr. Roth, with too much energy, and too little caution.


    Thank youI guess? Alex said.


    But, you also have a problem in that a little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing, and so.


    She reached into her carry-bag again, pulling out a stack of textbooks and quietly cing them on the table. If I allow you to be trapped in a course that is beneath your abilities, you wont learn anything thatll help you, yet youll still run ahead of yourself and probably blow yourself up sometime in the next six months. Hence, the necessity. I am going to hammer into you skills, learning and safety procedures that are at <em>your</em> level, and you are going to use them to <em>not</em> kill yourself, do you understand me?


    Yes, mum, he said, then froze, his mind catching up with what hed just called her. Heat abruptly raced across his cheeks as his face turned blood red.


    A quick sh of amusement ran through Jules bodynguage, but she let the moment pass. Students make that mistake often, she said. Normally, theyre of an age where theyd be beginning their studies at the junior school, but it happens.


    Alex felt himself turning redder. You knowmaybe Ill just sign these papers now.


    Maybe you should, Professor Jules grinned. Oh and by the way, the next time you see Toraka. Give her hell for me. Showing off proprietary secrets when drunk isn''t a good habit to make.


    But Alex paused. Youre her close friend, right? And <em>you</em> got her drunk, professor!


    Which is no excuse for breaking safety protocol and any nondisclosure agreements, Professor Jules sniffed. Researchers do it all the time with their friends and loved ones, but its still no excuse.


    Within arge, symbol encrusted cauldron boiled a liquid that burned with teal and crimson light. Bubbles of ck formed in the boiling substance, containing vast concentrations of mana before they burst, spreading their energies into the solution.


    Power sparked in the cauldron as Alex guided the reaction along.


    Steadysteady he said, watching sparks of power within the cauldron, directing it with his mana. Would you mind adding a little mana, Toraka?


    Already ahead of you, she said, a look of wonder painting her features. Teal and crimson were reflected in her eyes. This is wonderful, thissubstance; Vernia <em>wasnt</em> exaggerating, its conductivity is something else. Look how its enhancing the power of everything around it.


    Yeah, its pretty great, isnt it? Alex chuckled, hisugh muffled by his mask, though it still rolled off the underground chambers walls.


    Alex and Toraka had been working in a restricted workshop, one buried deep within the sub-basement of the golemworks, granting them privacy from prying eyes in the workshop.


    Away from distractions, and distractors.


    Only one pair of eyes looked on; ygon stood silently at the edge of the workroom, watching the two golem crafters engaged in their art.


    I think were nearly at a resting point, Toraka said. Which means it needs time to stabilise before we move on to the next step.


    Yeah, I agree, Alex looked to the other side of the room. You want to work on the body for a while?


    On a sturdy work table at the other end of the space, a partlypleted construction of irony, forged in the form of a statuesque woman. Much of the constructs chest cavity was wide open, revealing aplexwork of mana pathways leading into its limbs, and in the centre of its chest, the hole was ready to receive the golem core.


    ygon looked upon the iron golem with shifting emotions, many Alex couldnt begin to separate. The golem touched his own chest just above the spot where his own core burned, drawing Alexs attention..


    He began to say something when Torakas voice cut in. Sure, lets work on the body for a while. Youre picking up metalworking fast enough.


    Thanks, he said, stirring the solution with his mana conductor. Honestly, youre doing most of the heavy lifting on that, though.


    I should be, Ive been doing this longer than youve been alive. Toraka shifted her mana within the solution, gradually calming the reaction. Alright, Im going to set it to rest.


    She<strong></strong>pressed a sigil on the side of the cauldron, sending a pulse of mana into the substance. Immediately, the rolling boil ceased, the solution stilled until its surface resembled painted ss concealing a source of inner light.


    Good stuff, he said.


    Very, very good stuff, she agreed. Im <em>very</em> pleased with how things have gone. Honestly, youre doing a lot more work on the golem core than I thought you would be.


    He shrugged. Its my design, right? Itd be kinda weird if I came up with the thing then couldnt bloody-well make it.


    Youd be surprised how often that happens, Toraka sighed. Theres <em>lots</em> of idea people out there, Alex, and not many with the skills to turn innovation into reality.


    Yeah, well, Im not one of them, he carefully ced the cauldrons lid atop the massive pots lip.


    Toraka pressed another sigil, andwith a pulse of manaa click sounded and the lid locked in ce. Im d youre not, but unfortunately, most students with big ideas are, though.


    Really? Alex wandered over to the golem body, opening a tool kit.


    Its an epidemic. She went to a mana-powered forge, pressing a glyph on its side which sparked another pulse of power, followed by a burst of me and heat within the furnace. In the early days, after I first bought this shop, I made it a point to go to a career fair that the university put on in the main castle annually. It was always well attended by eager students with the idea being to recruit the best and brightest right out of school.


    And howd that go? Alex asked.


    Well, I dont go anymore, do I? Herugh was bitter. We did get a few excellent hires, but far more bad ones. Then there were the ones approaching our booth, clutching schematics for magical devices that couldnt even cut it as passable projects in a second year alchemy ss. But of course, to them, their ideas were always the next big thing which only needed a few skilled workersprovided by the workshop of courseto get things started.


    The mention of the word staff brought a surge of excitement to Alex.


    When hed left home that morning, the staff had almostpleted its growth process.


    It was so close to being finished, that he figured it should beplete when he walked through the apartment door that evening.

 Chapter 472: The First Staff Tests

    Chapter 472: The First Staff Tests


    Alex brought his thoughts back to present, eager to finish up and get home to his staff.


    What was Toraka just saying? He wondered. Oh yeah, she was talking about students and how limited knowledge was a bad thing.


    He picked up a block of iron with a sturdy pair of tongs, and holding them securely, carefully deposited it within an enormous machine that resembled a hulking tarant. Pressing a glyph, Alex activated it, sending mana flowing through its eight pipes, liquifying a sizable chunk of purified carbon within the device. He consulted a gauge on the side. Looks like the carbon regtors good to go, no need to add any more carbon. But yeah, Professor Jules was saying howoh howd she put it again?


    He frowned. How a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing when you <em>think</em> you know more than you really do.


    Thats one hundred percent true, Toraka said. The thing is, with first and second year students, theyve just opened their minds to a billion new possibilities in magic and science. Problems start because they dont fully understand or appreciate all the present limitations of wizardry yet. Well, that, and the fact that they havent learned how to research what theyre seeing in their heads before pushing every idea and supposed innovation they conceive of.


    So, some make a lot of assumptions, like for example, assuming that theyve solved a major problem without knowing that it was solved a century or more ago, <em>or</em> that theres precedent for an idea theyre all excited about which was proven to not work. Alex supplied.


    Exactly. Its why youre a breath of fresh air: so young, yet you actually have grounding and evidence for your ideas. He could hear the smile in her voice, despite the mask obscuring everything but her eyes. She snorted. I find first year philosophy students are even worse, by the way. They learn a few theories then be convinced that theyre masters of ethics and existence.


    Really? I havent actually met many philosophy students.


    Theyre not for me, shall we say, Toraka said. I prefer things to be morepractical. And speaking of students, its about time for your new sses to start, isnt it?


    Tomorrow, actually. Alex set the tongs down. Im not going to lie, winter break was over before I had time to enjoy it. It feels like I blinked a couple of times and sses are ready to start again.


    Toraka chuckled. Ah, memories. It was like that for me too, it was the same for my husband, for Simits always like that, she said. So what courses are you taking? Anything exciting?


    Well, Im not really taking anything fancy and new, he said. Mostly building on what Ive already been taking.


    Of course, and thats actually amon pattern. Toraka nodded. Most undergraduates spend their first year or two trying things out, learning different disciplines of wizardry before getting locked into their strengths. What did you decide to expand on?


    Well, Ill be taking Professor Haks second year blood magic course, Alex said. And Professor Mangals summoning course. Theres thepulsory general magic theory course andthough Im technically getting an alchemy credit from the expeditionProfessor Jules <em>strongly</em> rmended that I enrol in her advanced magic item creation course.


    <em>Really?</em> Toraka said in surprise. Vernia is letting a second year take <em>advanced</em> magic item creation? She hates letting students skip grades.


    I know, it surprised me too, Alex agreed. Theres almost no way shed let me do it normally, butwell He gestured to their work. She thought it might be time to learn more advanced safety regtions thatd actually apply to what Im doing.


    Torakas eyes rolled behind the lenses in her safety mask. Well, sometimes shes too stodgy. Does she really think I teach my employees <em>nothing</em> while theyre working here? Our safety regtions are some of the strictest in the city.


    Right, that reminds me, she said something about you not sharing proprietary secrets when youre drunk? Even with friends? Alex delivered Jules'' opinion.


    Toraka stiffened. That littleokay, Vernia. If youre going to y it that wayanyway, weve had enough distratioOh wait, whats yourst course?


    What else? Alex picked his tools back up. The Art of the Wizard in Combat?


    That mad old goats mad old course? Toraka scoffed. It only gets <em>more</em> dangerous after first yearyoure out of your mind, truthfully. Hes probably going to have you fighting demons, you know?


    Yeah, well. Alexs thoughts went back to the waiting staff. I have a little something thatll help even the odds. Demons or not.


    The aeld branch had always been beautiful.


    But now it had grown into a work of art.


    Its leaves were interspersed between fruits of crystalline power, each shone with every colour of the rainbow, shedding a glowing, multi-hued light thatbined with the aelds green-golden radiance. Within the staff, crystal fibres had grown through the inner wood, reaching its upper branches and manifesting as crystal fruit.


    It zed with an abundance of power that left Alexs mouth agape; he was not only confident that it was able to conjure all the magic hed poured into it, but it would do so with greater force and strength than hed hoped for. When his magics grew, he could add more powers to the staff and it would fuel them with ease. The aeld branch also seemed to be enjoying its new transformation; feelings of delight, yearning and curiosity were wafting from it in waves.


    <em>Itisbeautiful, </em>ygon said, crouching beside Alex, determined to fit in the limited space at the side of the balcony. <em>Ifeel it.</em>


    Yeah, it <em>is</em> beautiful, isnt it? Alex murmured, ncing at the high position of the moon. Its too bad its sotewell, so <em>early</em> now that its past midnight otherwise Id show off our new staff to Theresa and Selina. He considered what to do for a moment. Maybe we should just leave them since theyre sound asleep and let them see it in the morning, and besides, who knows how many more nights theyll have in this apartment.


    He felt a note of curiosity from the aeld staff.


    Oh, I suppose I should exin. He gestured toward the city. Remember the ce where I first started crafting you? Well, thats our new home and well be moving there soonyou know, after some of us risk our lives in the hellstherell be a lot more room for all of us. The cleaners are nearly done, which means we could be moving any day now. Thats assuming Im not moving into a morgue after the hells, that is. He didnt want to scare the aeld staff, so he kept the part where he was taking it to the hells with him to himself, for now. Hed tell itter.


    <em>Iwillprotect us, father,</em> ygon said, patting Alex on the back, nearly knocking him over in the process.


    Oh, Im only joking, ygon Alex paused, wrapping his hand around the staff. Probably.


    He took a close look at the nt pot, noting several false roots poking from the soil indicating: the process wasplete. He gave the staff a nod and slowly pulled it from the rich earth.


    Its glow intensified as he hoisted it in the air: green, gold and other hues danced in the moonlight. Power tickled his palm, coursing through wood, ready for use in the blink of an eye.


    A grin lit his entire face.


    This.


    To actually hoist a mighty staff above his head, ready to unleash its power? A staff hed made with his own two hands, his wits, his magic and his will? Well, <em>that</em> and more, was why hed wanted to be a wizard in the first ce.


    It was a fantasy hed dreamt of since boyhood, and here he was, staff in hand,ughing in pure joy; a dream fulfilled.


    Alright, I cant wait til morning. Ive got to go test this out right now. He nced at ygon. What would you say to a nice moonlight walk, buddy?


    <em>Iwould behappyI wantto seethe staff</em> his golem said.


    Brilliant, then I


    It was only when he heard the whining through the balcony door that he realised his mistake. A momentter, there came a scratching of nails on wood and the whining grew urgent.


    Ahright, he said. Heres a lesson for when you get your speakerbox, ygon. Always be careful of saying the word walk around a dog. Especially one with three sets of ears.


    A panting Brutus padded through the doors ahead of Alex and ygon, stepping into the stadium. In the low light, Alex saw that thebat practice area was mostly deserted, though a few solo students were still honing their battle magic skills well into the night. Most were of races with innate night vision, like dwarves, but others simply practised by way of moonlight and various magics illuminating the field near them.


    All paused, watching as a cerberus, a stone golem and a powerfully built mortal wizard strode into the stadium. Some quickly returned to what they were doing, while others let their eyes linger on Alexs glowing staff as he took up position near a practice dummy.


    Brutus watched the students curiously before sniffing the ground, circling in ce, and plopping down to chew on an old beef bone hed been carrying in his middle jaws. Alex considered what magic to call from the staff first.


    <em>Whatare you going to do, father?</em> ygon asked and the staff bubbled with powerful waves of curiosity.


    Well, might as well start with the basics, Alex said.


    He focused his mind, channelling power into the staff. Pouring mana into the wood through his grip, a vast wave of power rose to meet him. A vast wave of power with a mind: the aeld staffs consciousness eagerly reached out to him, ready for his mana to join its own.


    Wow, I guess thats <em>one</em> good sign already, he reached through scores of mana pathways, trying to get a feel for the staffs inner workings. What he found was dazzling: within magical woody crystal pathways in an intricatework, each brimming with mana. The aelds natural power and the mana coremingled so seamlessly, he had trouble knowing where ones power ended, and the other began.


    A perfect fusion, allowing his mana to slide through the staff effortlessly, providing easy ess to the mana-rich inner controls for the staffs wealth of powers.


    Hmmmm, alright, he mused. Theres forceball. Theres greater force armourand the other onesall the force effects are in order. Good. Good. And summoning? Ah, yeah. Its all there. Same with blood magic. And this one? Yep, its got the signature of Elder Bloddeuwedds potion all over it. Ill do that bitst. So, lets do something easy and get ourselves a baseline, ygon.


    He let his power flow into the control of a familiar spell.


    The crystalline fruit red in the staffs branches.


    A tremendous rush of power shedmore mana than hed ever channelled on his ownand then


    In an instant, it was followed by the familiar crimson light of a glowing forceball dappled with tinges of gold, green and other hues. The spell floated in the airat least twice the span of any hed conjured by way of spellcraftingwith a light that burned almost as brightly as the sun in the Barrens, making him squint.


    He smiled at it fondly, fighting back a rush of giddiness. Well, hello old friend! Its kinda fitting that were starting out with you, isnt it? Alex looked at ygon, unable to suppress childlike giggles. It works! It works, buddy, it bloody works!


    <em>Congrattionsfather </em>ygon thought. <em>Whydoes it lookdifferent?</em>


    Well, thats becauseto put it lightlythe staff is so much stronger than I am. It uses my mana as a catalyst to channel its power. He waved the aeld staff at the forceball, but its doing most of the work. Andwhen I was designing the mana coreI made sure that each of the staffs powers had a bit moreflexibility than a regr pesky spell array would have. It means that any of the spells it replicates can be weaker or a lot <em>stronger</em> than any I could normally create with spellcraft without using a <em>lot</em> of modifications to magic circuits.


    His mana rushed to another control within the staff.


    There was a sh and a burst of crimson light as a Wizards Hand appeared in the air. It was alsorger than any hed ever conjured on his own, and it too glowed with a brighter light.


    <em>Thatis goodfather, </em>ygon said.


    Yeah, but now, lets see if the really good part starts, Alex said. You see, the fun thing about subjugation type summoning spells is thatwhen you have enough poweryou can actually summon multiple monsters with one spell. And this staff is <em>very</em> powerful, so, if Im right


    He reached into the aeld staff, finding the control to call water elementals, and at the same time, spoke a single word: Bubbles.


    In an instant that strange power moved within him, touching the staff, a heartbeatter, <em>four</em> water elementals appeared before him, bubbling with curiosity.


    Yeeesss! Alex said, jumping for joy.


    Summoning magic with no interference from the Mark, just pure mana maniption.


    Incredible!


    He called on the Mark, focusing it on manipting mana through the staffand much to his delight, images of guiding his mana to the controls appeared in his mind.


    Yeeeessssss! He cried. This changes everything! Lets keep going, ygon, theres a few more powers Id like to see.

 Chapter 473: Testing the Staff and Testing the Nerve

    Chapter 473: Testing the Staff and Testing the Nerve


    Curious students paused theirbat practice, watching as Alex used his staff for the first time. Calling on the Mark, he guided his mana through the fibres of powerful crystal and mana-infused wood, finding each control faster and with more precision.


    He conjured elementals, devil-vipers, hell boars and flicker dogs in small packs. Elemental beetle swarms appeared in such great numbers that their buzzing droned<strong></strong>throughout the stadium. In mere heartbeats, with staff firmly in hand, the young wizard conjured an army that would have normally taken him minutes to call if hed been casting summoning spells while fighting the Marks customary interference.


    He also discovered that the inner powerthat strange magic that solidified his connection to other nesworked just as well when he conjured through his staff than when he didnt.


    Makes sense that it would, he said to himself as he summoned a small pack of hellhounds with little more than a quick flick of mana, and his wrist. It helps me when someone else casts a teleportation spell on <em>me</em>, so why wouldnt it help me use that type of magic through a staff.


    <em>Fatherwhat about protecting yourself? </em>ygon asked.


    Oh, this staff can do that too. Take a look.


    He waved the staff, getting a little creative.


    Within, he split his mana into two streams, using them to reach two controls at once. Power redbut mana only poured into <em>one</em> control.


    A familiar spell manifested before him: force shield, a much thicker one than hed ever conjured himself, veritably humming with power.


    A, he said. Well, I didnt expect Id be able to conjure two sets of magic at oncebut maybe if I hit one control after another one <em>real</em> fastthatll be something to testter. And speaking of tests!


    He turned to ygon.


    Hey ygon, could you do me a favour?


    <em>Whatis itfather?</em>


    I want you to hit me. Well, no! Wait, dont hit me, if you do, Ill turn to paste. I want you to hit my shield.


    <em>Yesfather.</em>


    ygon brought his fist back, then mmed it into the shield.


    Alex watched with bated breath asthe shield was instantly shattered.


    <em>Ibroke itfather</em> ygon said, a note of prideing through their link.


    Yeah, yeah that you did. You did wellbut I guess that was a bit of a poor test, Alex admitted. Too much power would shatter any shield. I have a better idea.


    Through his staff, he conjured another shield, then turned to his summoned creatures. I want you to attack this shield with everything youve got, he switchednguages for each different creature. Well, not <em>everything!</em> Physical attacks only, please!


    The shield rose, inviting his summoned monsters to test it, and with all the enthusiasm they could muster, they didnt hold back, rushing in, snarling, biting, tearing and mauling the force spell.


    Hellhounds, viper-devils, elemental beetles and hell-boars charged, ramming the shield with full force. Terrible crashes resounded through the stadium, drawing attention from curious students, but Alextoo busy watching the assault on the shieldpaid them no mind.


    Yesss! Its stronger than my other ones. It whipped around, facing his summons. And it even responds faster. This is good. Real good. And nowoh wait, all of you! You can stop now!


    One by one, he switchednguages, calling off his summoned army, then once again, reached into the staff with his mana.


    It touched a control and power raced through crystal and wood; crimson lighttinged with other huespoured from the staff, enwrapping his body in a flexible mesh of force magic.


    With a sh of light, it disappeared.


    <em>What wasthatfather?</em> ygon asked.


    Greater force armour, Alex said excitedly. One of the best pieces of protection magic you can have. But we wont know how tough it is until I test it out.


    He turned to a nearby hellhound, speaking to it in a tongue of devils. Would you mind biting my arm?


    Alex presented his arm to the creature, it didnt hesitate. With malicious gleeas is within the nature of devilsthe hellhound chomped down on his armimmediately recoiling, yelping when its fangs simply nced off steely force magic.


    Holy Traveller, I didnt <em>feel that at all</em>! He cried, examining his arm in wonder. No force got through, none at all, not even with the strength of the hellhounds jaws! HmmmmMakes me wonder


    He nced at Brutus, a thought ying in his head.


    just as the cerberus snapped the beef bone in half with the squeeze of one set of jaws, another head made eye contact with him, its tongue lolling out.


    You know what? Maybe well uh, skip that test, Alex said. Lets try body enhancement instead.


    Brutus returned to the beef bone.


    Guiding his mana from one control to the next, Alex cast body enhancement magic over himself, empowering his strength, speed, and senses in mere heartbeats. Yes, yes, yes! He was overjoyed. This is incredible. Okay, next thing. ygon, could you stand still for a moment?


    <em>I amstanding stillfather. Youare the onehopping from one foot to the other.</em> ygon pointed at his legs.


    Oh, I am noOh, shit, I guess I am. He nced down, acknowledging that hed been excitedly hopping about for Traveller only knows how long.


    Clearing his throat, heposed himself. Point is, I need you to keep still for a moment, buddy.


    <em>I willfather..</em> ygon replied.


    With care, Alexs mana activated another control point in the staff, and a rush of invisible magic enveloped the golem.


    Alright, nowif things worked properlyyou should be able to fly. Try flying for me, buddy.


    ygon looked down at his feet, looked back upthen slowly began to rise through the air. Soon, the golem was ascending at speed, then soaring through the stadium,pping it once while Alex pped and cheered.


    By now, most students had already left or were leaving, watching his progress as they went. One young battle mage tracked ygons flight through the stadium while cheering them on with a huge smile on his face and two thumbs in the air, caught up in their sesses with the staff.


    Alex nodded as he passed by.


    <em>Father! I flew! The staffused flight magic!</em> ygon called, pausing to hover above his creator.


    I can see that, and thats bloody fantastic! Alex cheered. No more having to rely on Isolde to get you in the air. Hah! This is brilliant.


    He felt a wave of bashful joy rise from the staff.


    Oh, dont be modest, youre a magic staff put together with some of the worlds fanciest materials. Of course youre brilliant, Alex smiled. Solets see if one other thing works.


    He guided his mana onest time, activating the control for mana-ejection magic and pointing the staff at a practice dummy. Crystalline fruit red and power erupted: releasing a small swarm of force constructs, each bleeding magic.


    They swarmed the dummy, painting it in glowing lines that mimicked Elder Blodeuwedds symbols. Alex watched them go, watching for imperfections in the glyphs.


    But, he found none.


    In short order, the constructs vanished, leaving behind glowing symbols that lingered for a full minutefed by the staffs powerbefore disappearing.


    Well, he said. The symbols <em>looked</em> right. ButI wont know if theyll have the right effect until I use them on something with mana, and Id rather not use that power on myself or a friend.


    <em>You can use iton mefather,</em> ygon offered,nding beside Alex.


    Oh no, definitely not. The Thameish wizard shook his head. Youre a construct that <em>runs</em> on mana: forcing you to eject itwell, I cant imagine thatd be too pleasant for you. So, lets skip that.


    <em>Thenwhen will you test it?</em> ygon asked.


    Alex sighed. Ideally, Id like to test it on Ravener-spawn or some other nasty creature, maybe something from the Barrensbut since well be going to the hells soon, I dont think Ill have time to do my own hunting before then.


    <em>Thenwill you test it on a demon?</em> The golem wondered.


    Looks like thats the way its going to have to be, unfortunately. Its not ideal, reallyitd be better to find out if it works by trying it on less dangerous preybut, time is what it is. That particr power will have to be field tested, I suppose. Oh well, its not the first time Ive had to do so and Im sure it wont be thest.


    <em>Maybeyou could test iton Cedric.</em> ygon suggested.


    Well, theres an idea, but I dont think hedwait Alex paused, giving his golem a suspicious look. Are you suggesting that because he punched me?


    The golem stared at him for a long moment, then slowly looked away.


    By the Traveller, you are! Youve learned how to hold a grudge. Now, remember, alls forgiven between Cedric and me so you shouldnt <em>really</em> hold a grudge for that.


    <em>...yesfather</em>


    That said! Alex gave him an evil grin. I am <em>very</em> proud of you. As a matter of fact, this is a good teaching moment! On the way home, Ill teach you about a wonderful conceptcalled revenge.


    <em>Ilook forward to learningfather</em> ygon said.


    Oh yeah, and this is an important lesson, becauseand dont let anyone tell you any differentwhen used right, revenge is absolutely awesome. But youve got to control it. Youve got to know who you want to take revenge on. I think Baelin might agree with that.


    <em>Isee</em> his golem mused. <em>Have you ever taken revenge on anyone before?</em>


    Oh, ygon. A glint of malice shone in Alexs eyes. Let me tell you the tale of McHarris.


    ###


    Well, you <em>have</em> been busy, Baelin turned Alexs staff over in his hands. <em>Very</em> busy. Its light reflected in the chancellors goat-like eyes. This is truly a work of art, my young friend. You have done quite well using such fine materials.


    Thank you, Alex said, beaming and shifting his weight in the chair.


    You are most wee, I merely am reporting what I see, the ancient wizard said, as the staffs light shone through his office in the Research Castle. I daresay that our young friends will be most impressed. WellDrestra most likely will be, in any case. Hart and Cedric should also appreciate it, but I doubt on the same level as she will.


    His eyes twinkled as he handed Alex the staff, then rose to his hooves and rounded the desk. When they see it in action, they will be most impressed.


    I can only hope, Alex swallowed and standing, he followed Baelin. Theyll be here soon, wont they?


    Indeed, Baelin said. I was told that they entered the fae roads a few short hours ago. No doubt that means theyre almost here. Come, let us gather in the ssroom and wait for them. I take it our other hell-raiding friends have already assembled?


    Yep, Alex said. Theresa, Brutus, ygon, Khalik, Najyah, Thundar, Grimloch, and Isolde were heading to the ssroom right after breakfast. So they should be there and ready. Im just wondering if I am.


    I should think so, Baelin chuckled as he waved a hand at the double doors. They opened in silence. You did, after all, craft a staff so mighty that you could not resist rushing to my office to show me before our briefing even began.


    Yeah, well, Alex muttered as they stepped into the hall. Its a damned good staff, but I keep thinking about enemies like Zonon-Inlike the demons we fought. They were tough to beat in our world, so I have to wonder what theyll be like on <em>their </em> own territory.


    You should not be wondering. The ancient wizard looked at him critically. You have had quite a bit of time to research your enemy and their location. As such, should you not know exactly what awaits you?


    Alex snorted. A Proper Wizard does their research, yeah, but they also have to prepare for surprises. Not everythings in a book, otherwise we wouldnt need these practical lessons in the first ce, am I right?


    Hah! Baelin pped him on the shoulder. Thats a good man! It is good to see you are taking on my lessons, even when I try to mislead you. He looked ahead as they strolled down the corridor. You are right to worry, Alex, as long as your emotions do not dull your senses and coordination during battle. A Proper Wizard does not consider themselves invincible unless odds are truly, utterly, andpletely in their favour. And even thenI have seen the powerfulid low by a lucky beast-goblin spear due to carelessness.


    As he opened the door to the stairs. Cleave to that caution, my young friend, but do not allow it to control you.


    Alex took a deep breath. Yeah, that makes sense.


    Good, Baelin chuckled darkly. Now, let us proceed with the briefing so we can discuss how well be eviscerating demons. Well, once our guests arrive, that is. HmmmI wonder if Careys made it yet.


    Carey? Whats she got to do with this? Alex asked.


    Ah, do you remember thatas part of our negotiationswe would be sending teams to aid the Saint while the Heroes were learning alongside us?


    Yeah? Alex cocked his head. Then his eyes went wide. WaitCarey volunteered? Shes going into the field? But, shes terrified of monsters!


    Indeed, but oftentimes a brush with death can inspire greater fears, or greater courage, Baelin said. And in Careys case? It seems to be thetter. For the present, at least. I only hope that she will be ready for the rigours of what is toe.


    Yeah, Alex sighed. Shes not a fighter. Brave or not, I dont know how shell deal with monsters.


    Oh, that I am not too worried about. The Saint will be there, and we have sent<em>significant </em>forces with her. She will be quite safe, I should think andshe requested the assignmentI would not rob her of agency. No, to me, the riskes from within. Her faith has been shaken, from my understanding, and now she goes to visit one of the strongest symbols of Uldar within your kingdom. I only hope that her spirit is fortified.

 Chapter 474: A Saints Questions

    Chapter 474: A Saint''s Questions


    A wealth of lessons followed Merzhin through a life spent in the churchhis home and sanctuary. And though he did not quote them to each and everyone around himas they had been uttered by the mouths of mortals and not the holy word of Uldarthat did not mean that he had not called on them often in his own private moments.


    Scores of little anecdotes and phrases shared by the priests that raised him, the children he grew up alongside, and even theyfolk who kept his church home clean, dry and in good repair, were hispanions throughout his young life.


    Some were grand lessons, such as Father Dales telling of his journey to the church, and how folk could wash away dark years through the light of forgiveness.


    Uldar forgives, true, hed said as he knelt before the sepulchre. But, you will never truly believe it if you do not also forgive yourself for your own past.


    That lesson had done much to grow Merzhins empathy and his kindness toward himself. Then there were the simple day to day words of wisdom, like those imparted by Layman Yorrick one winters day.


    You know, it always pays to do your hardest work at the beginning of your day, hed said, shovelling the church yard clear of snow alongside Merzhin and the other acolytes. Your mind is clearest then. Leave easy work for a tired mind and a fatigued body, I say. The afternoon you will thank yourself for the easier burden.


    That lesson had taught Merzhin much about how to organise his day. And finally, there were the little expressions that would pop into his mind as echoes from the voices of his fellow acolytes.


    I swear, Merzhin, Acolyte Joanna had red at him one day after hed been in a mood. Youve got to stop stewing in your own holy brew. You look sour enough to scare off the Ravener.


    And those words? Those words had not really taught him anything new, but the phrase had stuck in his mind for years toe, giving him a way to refer to people who we were caught up in simmering anger.


    He always thought of them as stewing in their own holy brew.


    And right now?


    Merzhin was stewing in his own holy brew.


    Might we get you anything, Holy Saint? A priest broke him out of his reverie.


    I am sorry, my mind waselsewhere, Merzhin said, slowly looking up at the priest. No, my fellow brother in Uldars grace, I am fine. May holy Uldars glory walk with you today.


    The priest bowed deeply. Of course, Holy Saint. I will leave you to your contemtion. May Uldar guide your thoughts. And may he guide the other Holy Heroes in their journey as well.


    Merzhins jaw twitched, and he did not trust himself to answer as the man left him, for those same Heroes were the source of his anger. Warmed by a miracle of Uldar, the Holy Saint sat cross-legged on a boulder he had cleared of snow, considering his confrontation with the other Heroes earlier.


    Im beginning to suspect these trips of yours, quite frankly, hed said to Cedric, Drestra and Hart as the three gathered belongings in their tent. I understand that yourst journey to the Generasians was out of necessity for our unholy enemies had menaced them, but remember, Uldar, thisnd, and its people need you here.


    Its gonna be quick-like, Merzhin, Cedric had said, and the Saint hadnt missed the note of tension in his voice. That tension had cloaked himand Drestrasince their return from Greymoor, and, for all of Uldars holy insight, he could not uncover why. Well take the fae roads, help our friends, get in a bit o learnin an be back before you know it.


    But you are needed here, Merzhin had insisted. Every hour you spend away is an hour the enemy could be mustering.


    True. Hart had been toying with a dagger which hed slid into a sheath. But you know whats going to help with that? Gathering our own strength. Maybe you should be looking at this as an opportunity the Generasians are giving us to hone our skills so we can go into battle at our strongest, right?


    Holy Uldar has provided gifts to prepare us for our trials ahead, Merzhin had frowned. The rest we can learn on the battlefield while doing good for ournd.


    Because <em>thats</em> been working so well, Drestra had growled. Were gathering strength for the real fight


    Cedric had shot her a look.


    and any extra we learn can only help us.


    True, but these tripsyou take them on your own, Merzhin had started, but could not find the words to continue.


    Friend, well be back in no time, Hart had assured him, adjusting the massive sword on his back. But, in the meantime, the Generasiansll be sending you some pretty capable support.


    And to that, Merzhin did not have much else to say; his thoughts and heart were clouded, and his feelings defied words. Hed left them then, standing aside as the Guide hade to take them to theseforeigners who so upied their minds.


    Now, he was here, aloneby choice, in some waysand trying to clear his thoughts.


    What is happening to us? He wondered quietly. Uldar, I see a rift forming between your Holy Heroes. His eyes drifted to the sky as he pressed his hands together in prayer. My Lord Uldar, I beg you to grant me a sign. I beg that you grant me guidance, for the path ahead has grown as shrouded in mist as my own heart.


    He closed his eyes. I keep the faith and battle your sworn enemy, butthere are new challenges that this unworthy servantcks the wisdom to understand. We fight the Ravener-spawn and though they grow more voracious and desperate, I do not falter. We have been granted your holy power for this very purpose, after all. Butwhat of our own struggles from within?


    Merzhin grimaced. The Holy Sage, Holy Champion and Holy Chosen have grown more distant from mefrom all of us. They take the priests council less, partake of quests without including me among them. It islonely, Holy Uldar, but more than that, I worry that they are turning from your path.


    The Saint opened his heart, listening for Uldars voice. First, the Holy Fool is lost, and then another three of your Holy Heroes turn more toward outsiders for aidfae, foreign wizards,<strong></strong>than they do those you have ced on this earth to aid them. My lord Uldar, please grant your humble servant a sign. Show me how I may mend this rift between us. Show me how I might bring your three Heroes back into your fold.


    He let his words fade into the silence of the forest clearing, straining both his ears and heart that he might hear Uldars reply, for he was a subtle god. Unlike other deities, he did not coddle his chosen people by loudly proiming either his edicts, or hisfort in a voice that shakes the heavens.


    It was also not his way to speak by way of disaster and curses, falling upon his people with terrible wrath and vitriol. Uldars voice was the subtle twist of fate. The coincidence. The passing favour or disfavour of luck. His words were only for those who listened closely, in faith, and could interpret his subtle signs.


    These ways made his words precious, for their meaning eluded the unwise or unfaithfulbut sometimes those ways were frustrating to mere mortals. Even to one such as Merzhin. Sitting in the silence of the icy de, he would have given much to have Ulder tear open the sky and shout his will for all to hear.


    Forgive myck of patience, oh mighty Uldar, Merzhin begged for forgiveness. But I fear that this is an infection that will fester, and I am far too dull to hear the subtlety of your divine will. Please, aid me.


    Again, Merzhin waited, but there came no reply.


    At least, none the Holy Saint could hear.


    With a heavy sigh, he hoisted himself up, brushed errant kes of snow from his chainmail, and began his journey back to camp. It was a short walkhe would have never left their brave knights and priests alone for too longbut even those few moments of silence were enough to further sour his mood.


    He truly was stewing in his holy brew now.


    It was only through discipline forged by years of faithful study of scripture that he was able to reset his mask of calm, granting the perimeter guards a polite nod as he passed back into the camp proper.


    Men and women looked up from their tasksmaintaining gear, tending horses, and prayingwhile he drank in their gazes of quiet awe as he passed through their ranks.


    As the other three Heroes had gallivanted across Thamnd alone, making deals with fae andmiserating with wizards, Merzhin had turned his attention to their staunch followers. He had ministered to them, heard their troubles, healed their wounds and steadied their spirits.


    In return, they had granted himpanionship and sour for his soul, healing some of the shameful loneliness that had crept into his heart. Struck by the thought, he slowed his step, pausing in the middle of the small encampment.


    A shocked chuckle escaped his lips.


    How could I have been so blind? He thought, chiding himself. I did not hear Uldars answer because he had already given it! Though a rift might grow between the others and myself, I have to truly ask: were we ever close? No, we were not. Nor do we have to be: we are not granted our roles to make friends with each other. We are granted our power to eliminate our enemies. And have we not been doing so admirably?


    He pondered his fellow Heroes. Hart is brutish, crude, and nearly faithless, but he is a stout yer of Ravener-spawn. Cedric struggles to please those around him and is too weak of spirit for the mantle of leadership that Uldar has ced upon his shoulders. But he is courageous, skilled and leads by example. Drestra?


    He fought a small surge of displeasure, knowing well it was an unworthy emotion. She is cowardly, shrewd, faithless, cold and unapproachable. But is she not a deadly force on the battlefield? Does she not burn our enemies to ash? Even when she journeyed with the others back to her faithless swamp, she led them against cultists seeking to sully our holynd. She too has a use in Uldars n.


    The Holy Saint beamed at the surrounding knights and priests. If there is a rift, let there be a rift. It is not into the Heroes that I should be pouring my efforts, it is into the people! To Uldars people! And that is his gift, for there has <em>always</em> been a rift between the other Heroes and myself, but as that rift grows, I grow closer with the people. With his faithful.


    He bowed his head in prayer. I thank you, holy Uldar, for your guidance. I thank you for granting me the wisdom to find the meaning in your teachings. I


    A soundlike air being sucked from a cupstarted Merzhin from his prayer, drawing his attention to the fae gate at the centre of the camp. Stepping out of the circle of mushrooms were a group of strangers: warriors, wizards, and strange beasts from Generasi.


    They hailed from a multitude of peoplesmore than Mezhin had ever seen in his neen yearsand bore weapons, staffs and armour that seemed to spark with both magic and decadence. nking them were a pair of massive stone giants: golems, he believed they were called.


    A disciplined looking womanbearing both staff and swordstepped forward from the group, her eyes focusing on him. She bowed her head. Saint Merzhin, I presume?


    The Saint gave her a peaceful smile. Holy Uldar has deemed me worthy of such a name and title, yes. Greetings and Uldars blessings be with youmadam?


    Watcher Hill, the woman said, her words clipped and her tone brusque; the manner of speaking hed hearding from more than one sergeant serving with Thamnds soldiers. He only hoped she would be as dependable and professional as they. I am inmand of the University of Generasis Secondary Expeditionary Force. Might I have some room made around the fae gate? We have arge contingenting through.


    Er, you may. Merzhin turned to Uldars followers. Could we make space for our guests?


    Holy Saint! An instant response from dozens of voices followed, with knights, soldiers and his flock scrambling to clear the space around the fae gate.


    Merzhins gaze crept over the strange group of neers.


    Such wondersy in this world, he thought, his eyes lingering on the stone golems. I cannot believe there are so many


    His thoughts paused.


    One of the Generasians was staring at him: a young woman in in clothes, with golden hair...


    And a symbol of Uldar hanging from her neck.


    Well, he thought, marvelling at Uldars ways. Perhaps my little flock has grown.

 Chapter 475: The Phantoms of Faith

    Chapter 475: The Phantoms of Faith


    Carey felt like she was going to be sick. Frayed nerves and anxiety ran through her like carpenter ants gnawing through rotten wood, consuming her peace, cold sweat beaded on her skin since shed awoken that morning.


    Shed felt lightheaded during Watcher Hills briefing, and positively faint when her group had crossed paths with Cedric, Drestra, and Hart on the fae roads.


    But now?


    Now, standing in the Heroes camp, she found it was all she could do to keep her meagre breakfast down.


    Hey, are you okay? Came the gruff voice of Tyris Goldtooth, a deep frown on her face. Those green eyes, just minutes before, had been sending the hungriest of looks the Champion of Uldars way.


    Theva wizard seized Carey by the shoulder, giving it a shake. Hey! Hey, you alright? If youre gonna be sick, do it somewhere else, somewhere away from the fae gate.


    I am quite alright, Carey said quickly, trying to shake her nerves. Im quite, quite alright, I swear.


    You sure? Tyris frowned. Every time I saw you this morning, you looked like you were about to keel over and die.


    Just a little under the weather, I suppose, Carey bit back the truth.


    Uhuh, Tyris eyebrow rose. Keep yourself focused, were heading right into danger and I dont want you getting distracted and gutted.


    I wont, I swear, Carey mumbled.


    I hope not. Tyris shrugged, stepping back toward<strong></strong>the fae gate.


    Of course I cant actually tell you that <em>Im terrified vicious monsters are going toe looking to kill me because I interfered with the weapons of my peoples greatest enemy. Or that Im also currently having an ever so inconvenient crisis of faith because evidence hase to light that my god might have betrayed meand all of his peopleand now I have to face the greatest of his mortal representatives!</em> The young woman''s thoughts redoubled her fears. Oh, what am I even doing here? By Saint Avelin, I must have taken leave of my senses. I should be back at the castle, my face buried in a mask! Not out here with all the dangers of flesh and soul! And


    A roar erupted, shattering her thoughts.


    Carey reacted by whirling and screaming.


    An explosion of heat sted through the air, announcing Vesuvius presence as he and Tyris rose from the fae gate, his enormous feet stomping through the snow. Beside him, Tyris watched Carey as though the younger woman had lost her mind.


    An easy grin appeared on her face, her gold tooth glinting. Well, Im not sure whose cry frightened more Ravener-spawn: yours or his.


    Nervous snickering spread through the expeditionary force, while ming crimson spread along Careys cheeks.


    She red at Tyris.


    Youre terrible! Absolutely dreadful! She snapped.


    Maybe, the other woman said. But you look like you took a couple of steps <em>away</em> from deaths door. Not so nervous now, are you?


    Carey fought her anger, which made Goldtoothugh all the harder.


    Guess not. So Im going to call this a victory, the redheaded woman turned to theirrades, several still wearing amused looks.


    Cut it, Goldtooh. Watcher Hill strode up to Vesuvius. Save the pranks for when were not in enemy territory. Youre spooking our allies.


    Carey nced about, noting Thameish knights trying desperately to calm their rearing and whinnying mounts in response to the enormous tortoise. The Priests eyes were fixed on the enormous turtle in a mixture of trepidation and approval.


    Uldar be praised, a young priest muttered. Let the Raveners-spawn fight monsters for once.


    Uldar be praised, indeed, a high, clear voice cut through the murmuring. We are d to have such staunch allies by our side.


    Carey flinched, slowly turning; the voice had surprised herand who it came from drove that surprise into the realm of panic. What little she knew of the Saint of Uldar was only by description and reputation, and even then, it wasnt much.


    The other Heroes had not spoken of Merzhin much during their times in Greymoor, and shed only personally heard mention of him once.<strong></strong>Shed<strong></strong>been eavesdropping at the time, craving news about her homnds precious Heroes, but what little shed learned was that he had a surprisingly youthful appearancethough he was the same age as the other Heroeshe looked far younger, ording to Hart Redfletcher.


    And the young man striding toward the expedition membersd in the fine garments of a priestlooked no older than fifteen winters, yet all the Thameish folk around watched him with deference, lowering their heads.


    He could be none other than the Saint of Uldar, and a rush of terror went through her. There had been a time when she would have been more than ecstatic to meet the holiest mortal in all of Thamnd.


    Now?


    Her feelings roiled, sparks of guilt mixed with waves of anger went through her, coupled with an overwhelming desire to greet Merzhin with a demand for answers.


    Why can we control dungeon cores? She wanted to cry. Why? What has Uldar done to us, what is his n?


    Even as the urge fled in favour of rising fear, she was terrified that Merzhin would see right into her heart. That he would see her shaking faith and know that she was wavering and false. And was she false? For weeks, shed wrestled with questions of faith, feelings of guilt and outrage.


    All her prayers felt false.


    and all were answered with silence.


    Always that silence.


    Even the symbol of Uldarin some ways wearing it felt like she did it only out of habitor like donning a costume. Thefort it once gave her was now long gone, reced only by shame and questions.


    And the closest living thing to her god wasing nearer, with the same symbol hanging from his neck. Suddenly, fleeing back through the fae gate and away from peppering him with all the questions that disturbed her day and night seemed like the best idea.


    Butbefore she couldthe Saint looked directly at her.


    His eyes met hers, and held them.


    Greetings, he said. <em>And on the day of the fifth rain, Uldar looked and saw thend was wetted.</em>


    She swallowed, the familiar scriptureing to her lips from years of repeating it. <em>And he said: That is enough, oh, weeping sky, for the farmers crops have drunk their fill and the forests trees have drunk more still. Wipe away your tears today and quit your weeping, so that the traveller might walk with the sun on his head.</em>


    And Merzhins eyes lit up. I didnt expect one of you Generasians to be so versed in our scripture! Wee, wee, fellow child of Uldar.


    Carey beat down the urge to wince at the designation. Im er, actually from Wrexiff, holy Saint.


    Oh, you are Thameish! Fantastic, I didnt know some of us went to study in ces so far afield, he said. Well, wee to our camp. I hope that we work well together.


    I do as well, ever so much, she managed to say.


    I am sure you and I will have much to talk about, he said, a note of eagerness in his voice. Uldars connection is to his people, and the connection would be maintained, even among those who travel far from hisnd. I am d you are hereMiss?


    Carey. Carey London, she introduced herself, bowing and drawing on all the etiquette lessons hammered into her throughout her young life.


    I am Saint Merzhin, the Hero said, giving her another friendly nod and a smile before walking toward Watcher Hill. We will speak moreter, Carey.


    With a mighty effort, Carey resisted the urge to scream.


    Could she keep her questions silent over how many nights and evenings she would spend so close to the Saint of Uldar. She was not so sure.


    Ugh, she thought. I feel like Im in the hells. I wish I was back in Generasi.


    So this a ssroom, huh. Hart swivelled about in his chair, hands drumming on the desk. You all really sit in these rooms for like six hours a day?


    Not in university, Isolde said from behind her desk. The longest time you sit in one particr ss is just under three hours. Beyond that, the attention span will fray.


    Mine might fray after five minutes in one of these ces, he said, standing and lifting up the desk to inspect it.


    Ah,e on, were tbe talkin about fightin demons. I think thatll hold your attention just fine. Cedric eyed the trophies lining the walls. An this looks a hell of a lot less like a ssroom and more like a hunters hall, to my eyes, at least.


    The ssroom, as it was, was originally arge hall within the Research Castle: both a staging ground and a briefing room for survey and dungeon core harvesting teams. On the walls hung maps of Thamnd and Greymoor, as well as maps of dungeons already conquered by the expeditionsbatants.


    In between the maps; weapons, shields and armour hungpolished to mirror shineframing trophies of in Ravener-spawn, all stuffed and cured in perfect preservation of them in life. The reassembled skeleton of a behemoth dominated the back of the chamber, posed in a position of cringing fear.


    Its empty eye sockets watched the group gathered for the expedition to the hells: Isolde, organising her research while throwing sidelong nces at Cedric. Khalik, feeding Najyah as she perched on the side of his desk. Thundar, thumbing his mace across hisp. Grimloch, picking his teeth. The three Heroes, Alex, Theresa and Brutusand of course, ygon, who was reading a book in the back of the room.


    A bloody frightenin hunters hall ya got here, Cedric noted, eyeing the snarling face of a bone charger mounted on the wall beside the golem.


    Thats because its Baelins ss, Alex said as he arranged his notes. To be honest, when he gets back, Id be surprised if we stay here for too long. His prebat briefings tend to take ce in more


    He paused, looking for the right words.


    ...practical locations? Theresa suggested.


    Yeah, thanks! Thats perfect, Alex said.


    Good, Hart grunted. Im already feeling the need to stretch my legs.


    Well be doing that soon. Grimloch grinned, his arms crossed as he sat on the floor, leaning against the wall nearest Harts desk. His rows of triangr fangs gleamed. And youll have all the demons you can eat.


    Hart nced at Grimloch. You mean that literally, dont you?


    Yep.


    Badass. Hart raised a hand toward the shark man.


    Their high five was a thing of legends, as loud as a fireball spell going off, and it actually startled Drestra from her daze. She looked up from her close examination of Alexs aeld staff to re at Hartbut her eyes quickly returned to the staff.


    Thisthis is incredible work, she murmured, the staffs crystalline fruit bathing her face in multi-hued light. It <em>feels</em>so powerful.


    Alex felt it emit a wave of pride.


    Yeah, it turned out really well, he grinned, turning to look at the staff fondly. Im super happy with you and cant wait for us to wreak havoc on some demons together.


    It radiated a wave of pride and anxiety along with a quiet determination. It seemed it was already learning from ygon.


    Your aeld staff seems so healthy, Drestramented. Mother spoke of healthy aelds being better guardians. She nced at his ring. Has it reacted to your ring at all?


    I feel a tingle from it now and then when I hold the staff. He lifted his hand, spinning the wooden ring on his finger. But nothing obvious, or anything. It didnt magically make me into a god or anything.


    It wouldnt do that, aelds dont have that much power, Drestra exined.


    Oh uhthater, that was a joke, Alex said.


    Silence followed.


    Are you sure about that? Khalik asked. Last I checked, jokes tended to be funny, did they not, Thundar?


    Yeah. The minotaur shrugged. Unless they invented a new form of not funny joke when I wasnt looking. He looked at Alex. So yeah, I dont think that was a joke. Yknowon ount of it not being funny and all


    I <em>get </em>it! Alex said acidly. Im going to let the demons down there eat you.


    Heh, yeah, theyd want a nice b of beef, I guess. Theyd avoid eating you because He looked critically at Alexs beard. You look like you carry disease.


    I <em>dont</em> look like I carry disease! The young Thameish wizard insisted.


    Well, I wasnt going to say it. Hart shrugged.


    Well, er, I dont think its lookin all that bad, Cedric muttered diplomatically, shifting ufortably in his chair. Alex didnt need the Mark to know that the Chosen was lying through his teeth.


    I should point out that demons are immune to nearly all mortal diseases, by the way, Isolde said to Cedric. We learned through our researchand will cover this in our briefingbut I do believe it would be better <em>not</em> to spread false information now.


    Really? That a fact? Cedric cocked his head at Isolde. Why don they get sick, then?


    Erm, well, she shifted in her seat as the Chosens eyes focused on her, moving her hair behind one ear and clearing her throat. Well, I do not wish to bore you with unnecessary details.


    I dont think ycould ever bore me, to be honest, Cedric said simply. I like hearin ytalk.


    Isolde looked away immediately as she turned beet red.


    Holy hells, hes a natural, Alex thought.


    I agree with our young friends assessment, Baelin said. It is <em>not an unnecessary</em> detail. A Proper Wizard learns the whys of their foes'' strengths and weaknesses.


    Gasps of surprise ran through the ss as the chancellor suddenly appeared at the front of the chamber, d in his suit of bronze armour and gripping his staff.


    Apologies for scaring you: I was under an invisibility spell, he said, his voice booming through the room. And I also disguised my scent to illustrate a point.


    He looked at the ss gravely.


    When one is dealing with demons, one must be acutely prepared for the unexpected.

 Chapter 476: A Relaxed Introduction into Demonology

    Chapter 476: A Rxed Introduction into Demonology


    Hello to you all and wee to a new semester and our first session of the Art of the Wizard in Combat. It promises to be a rather special session indeed, Baelin addressed the ss as his students collected themselves. As you know, within the hour we will be venturing into the hells on our first demon hunt.


    He nodded to the Heroes, watching Drestra as she passed Alexs staff back to him and scrambled to take a seat. I am most pleased and proud to wee some guests to this particr seminar: the Heroes of Thamnd. Cedric, Hart and Drestra, thank you for joining us.


    Oh, thank you for havin us over, Cedric said. I aint one for too much book learnin but Ill be happy to learn more about how tbring hell down on our enemies. He paused with a sheepish grin on his face. Ah, didnt mean for the pun.


    It is quite alright, Baelin chuckled. A little levityeven that which is unintendedcan calm the nerves before a battle. It is valuable. And speaking of battle, I would like to give a slight overview of what this course is about to our neers. Keeping the goal of the course in mind will help those who seek to learn from it, even if they are not actually students of the university.


    He focused his attention on Hart, Cedric and Drestra. The Art of the Wizard in Combatthrough all of its yearsis a course designed to prepare wizards for the rigours of magic and battle. In short, when one seeks to gather power through wizardry, one will inevitably be challenged by way of violence. It is the way of the world.


    Already Drestra and Hart were nodding at his words.


    As such, allowing students of wizardry to go into the world with all thebat prowess of a librarian is a foolish thing. Now, you might be wondering what <em>you</em> have to learn from this course. To answer such a question, he looked at Alex''s cabal. Tell me, what is the philosophy behind the skills that Ive taught you? Ah yes, Khalik, your hand was up first.


    It is to teach one to use <em>all</em> the resources they possess to destroy their opponent and protect their allies, the prince answered.


    An excellent response, Baelin said. All too often, wizards learn to rely <em>only</em> on their magic. And beyond that, they often learn to rely on nothing more than theirbat spells. This is utter folly. A battle is a struggle for resources, life, and death. Why would one not utilise every advantage? Every strength? Every tactic? To not do so inbat is to gamble with ones life without a full deck. My aim is to teach my students tomand every card thats at their disposal.


    Oh, so its like learning how to master a bunch of different weapons? Hart called out, not bothering to raise his hand. In case youve got to make do with what you have?


    Baelin smiled broadly. Indeed! I think you will do quite well here, my young friend. But yes, that is the philosophy behind the course. By the time you have engaged in a few sessions of training with us, you will learn better how to rely on yourrades and on other resources aside from your Marks. In addition, through a little learning from your peers, it is my hope that you will be able to bring your own powers to new heights.


    He gestured to Cedric and Drestra. You both will have ess to lessons in spellcraft as well as new spells for you to learn. His eyes rested on Hart. I understand that Alex will be finding ways to enhance your already unique physical prowess, and I shall aid him in this.


    Much obliged, said Hart.


    Good. But that is forter. Baelin gazed at the cabal. A time ago I assigned you all the task of researching where we are going. Both in terms of the hells in general, and the domain we seek in particr. Let this be a first lesson for you to adhere to, my heroic friendsremember that information is a resource that is incredibly important to anyone going into battle.


    Yeah. Hart jumped in. Like when you send scouts ahead of an army.


    Almost, the chancellor said. Scouts are helpful, but when one is dealing with otherworldly nes, dark magic or rare monsters, one must also rely on information that is written in ancient libraries of magic, or obtained from wise counsellors. Now then, to my students, what did you learn of our destination? Ah yes, Alex?


    The young Thameish wizard lowered his hand, organising his notes while quoting them entirely from memory. So, you told us that well be going to the Hold of Ikarrash, which lies in the domain of Cawarthin.


    Baelin nodded. Very good. You found the name. Before going further, though, what did you learn of the hells in general? For the benefit of the new additions to our ss.


    Oh! Right. Alex cleared his throat. Yeah, I was getting a bit ahead of myself, wasnt I? Alright. So the endless hells are an otherworldly ne. He exined. Theyre one of thergest of all the otherworldly nes, and theyre aligned with the concepts of chaos and order.


    Simultaneously? Baelin asked.


    It depends on the domain, Alex exined. In domains where you find a lot of demonscreatures of utter chaosthen youll find that domain will be chaotically aligned. In a devil-ruled domain, though, youll find that theyre a lot more aligned with order.


    Very good, Baelin said, turning to Cedric. You have a question?


    Aye. The Chosen lowered his hand uncertainly, as though he didnt quite know what to do with it. Well, the thing thats got me wonderin isytalk o demons an devils anw an order, but arent the lot o em an evil bunch?


    The ones that invaded <em>my</em> home sure were, Drestras crackling voice affirmed.


    Indeed, amon belief. Baelin nodded. But is it true? Can anyone answeOh, yes. Isolde, your hand rose before I even finished. What do you say to Cedrics question?


    Demons and devils represent two different extremes on the axis of order and chaos, Isolde exined, turning to face Cedric. Demons are creatures of utter chaos, whim and individuality, while devils are creatures of order, discipline and oaths. When taken to such extremes, order and chaos can be what we consider ethically evil. A demon acts on all whims, even if that whim drives it to kill innocents with impunity. Devils act on logic and order, and if that requires the death of a hundred kingdoms or endless tyranny, theyby andrgewill gravitate toward that.


    So Drestra frowned. Theyre fanatics? Order and chaos fanatics?


    That is a simplified way of putting it, though it is moreplex than that, Baelin nodded. You must remember that demons and devils <em>appear</em> to be simr to us mortals, but theyand most other outsiders that dwell in otherworldly nespossess a <em>key</em> difference. What difference might I be referring to?


    Thundar put his hand up, receiving a nod from Baelin. Each of thems got a different need. Their bottom of the pyramids different from what ours is.


    <em>Precisely!</em> Baelin apuded. But I should exin a little further for our guests, he said, noting the confused expressions on the three Heroes'' faces.


    Waving his hand, he conjured an illusionary pyramid to float beside him and ran one finger along its side so wherever his fingertip touched, a horizontal line appeared. He did this repeatedly, separating the pyramid into five horizontal sections.


    This is what we call a hierarchy of needs, the ancient wizard exined. And do not worry, it is very quick to exin. Every organism has a hierarchy of needs that should be met in order for them to thrive, as represented by this pyramid. The bottom needs must be met before those above.


    He tapped the foundational section of the pyramid. The first need that all organisms must meet is physiological.


    Whats that mean? Hart asked.


    It means they are needs one must fulfil to sustain ones life: namely food, air, water, warmth, shelter and rest, though some versions of the pyramid also ce safety on this tier, but, we will get to thatter. In short, youas a living beingmust secure these resources before all else or you shall die. But once those are secure, one moves up the hierarchy.


    He tapped the next level of the pyramid. Here we have safety. After one is sure they can eat, drink, stay warm enough not to die of exposure, and can breathe, a living organism needs ways to protect itself from predators, rivals and natural hazards.


    His hand moved up to the next section. Next are needs that are more debatable as to whether or not they are necessary for life: the needs of belonging and love.


    Thundar, Isolde and Cedric winced. Hart grinned.


    After that, Baelin said, paying them no mind. You find, on the next level, the need for self-esteem and aplishment, and finally He moved his finger to the top of the pyramid. The needs of self-actualisation and self-fulfilment.


    Thats.a lot, Drestra remarked.


    Then let me give you this example, Baelin said. You wake up one day to find that you are alone in the wilderness. It is the heart of winter. Your stomach hurts, you are cold, and your throat is dry. In the distance, you hear wolves howling. What do you do first?


    Drestra paused, reptilian eyes focused on the pyramid. I would seek out a cave, get myself out of the wind, and warm myself with my magic.


    Good. He looked at Cedric. What would <em>you</em> do<strong></strong>then?


    Id try an find deer or fish in ake or somethin. Cedric frowned in thought. Catch em, build a fire, cook em up, an gorge mself. Then Id drink some water from melted snow, like mda taught me to do.


    Indeed, and Hart, what would <em>you</em> do next? Baelin asked.


    Go and kill those wolves or drive them off, the giant of a man grunted. They might attack me while Im sleeping or eat my food supply. Then Id fortify the cave.


    Good, and after that? Baelin pushed.


    Idont knowprobably see if theres other people around, Hart said, looking at the pyramid. Oh, wait, I see whats happening. After I found people, Id get a lot morefortable. Maybe wed build a settlement together, or Id move into theirs. More protection in numbers. Id wanna know<strong></strong>if I was doing a good job, becauseif I was just being a shitthen maybe they kick me out of the settlement and it gets harder for me to live.


    Aye, I got it now! Cedric snapped his fingers. Then when everyones all safe an well-fed an Im feelin like Im pullin my own weight, thenif I gots any time to mselfmaybe I start thinkin about <em>why</em> I woke up in this strangend. What Uldarer, any deitys n is for me an such.


    <em>Very </em>good. Baelin apuded. And the reason why this hierarchy is considered a <em>hierarchy</em> is becausein generll mortal sapient creatures must fulfil needs at the bottom of the pyramid before they fulfil higher needs. If you sit about in the snow, trying to consider your ce in the universe? Then you will freeze to death. Now, this is where demons and devils <em>differ.</em> The same with engeli.


    He tapped the bottom of the illusionary pyramid once more. Take the foundational level and rece it with somethingpletely different. Otherworldly creaturessuch as demons and devilsdo not require food, water or air in most cases. They usually are tied to a concept which serves to feed their energies.


    His hand clenched in a fist. A demon of violence would need to surround itself with violence or fall prey to madness and frenzy. A devil of courage could not tolerate even the beginnings of cowardice or reluctance in their presence. A demon of lustwell, you know.


    Khalik, Alex, Theresa and Thundar chuckled.


    But yes, that is the major difference, Baelin said. You have an otherworldly being that must fulfil needs that would be mostly superfluous to us as a means of their survival. What that means is that a well-fed demon might appear to act much like a mortal, but do keep in mind thatabove alldemons are creatures of chaos that <em>must</em> fulfil whatever concept drives them.


    Right Cedric said. An this big boss were goin tbe smashin upwell, that <em>youre</em> goin tbe smashin upwhat needs does he got?


    A very good question. Would someone else like to answer?


    Alex raised his hand. Ikarrash is a creature of fear, as are his three sons. So their realm is filled with terror.


    Exactly, Baelin said. And?


    That brings us to our first hurdle, Alex continued. The Terror-Field.

 Mark of the Fool Book 2 out today in e-book, paperback, audio! (todays Chapter coming soon)

    Mark of the Fool Book 2 out today in e-book, paperback, audio! (today''s Chaptering soon)


    Helloooooo everybody!


    Welp, it''s that time! <strong>Today''s chapter isingter today, I''m a bit swamped at the moment, but I''m here to announce...</strong>


    <strong>BOOK 2 IS OUT!!!!</strong>


    <strong>Book 2 Amazon:</strong> /amazon/B0BFCD4LM5


    <strong>Book 2 Audible:</strong> /pd/Mark-of-the-Fool-2-Audiobook/B0BK9Y83LV<strong></strong>


    I''m super pumped guys, and I''m once again asking for <strong>a wee favour, since amazon/audible is having a glitch</strong>.


    Basically, there''s some <strong>dys</strong> in updates in their ranking system plus audio preorders are going out slowly today. As such, I need some help!


    If anyone, can <strong>leaving a rating on amazon, downloading the book if you have KU and leaving a rating on audible will help me immensely.</strong>


    <strong>Also, I would love some upvotes on these posts, if you have reddit:</strong>


    1. /r/ProgressionFantasyments/108b7t7/mark_of_the_fool_2_is_out_today/


    2. /r/litrpgments/108b7to/mark_of_the_fool_2_is_out_today/


    3. /r/Pathfinder_RPGments/108bg74/the_sequel_to_pathfinderinspired_novel_mark_of/


    4. /r/audiblements/108b7yt/mark_of_the_fool_2_is_out_narrated_by_travis/


    5. https://.reddit/r/audiobooksments/108b7za/mark_of_the_fool_2_is_out_narrated_by_travis/<strong></strong>


    <strong>Thank you all</strong> for walking with me on this journey so far. You''re all wonderful!


    Alright, I''m back to editing today''s chapter! Cya!

 Chapter 477: The Ruined Demon City

    Chapter 477: The Ruined Demon City


    Oh that sounds bloody charmin, Cedric growled. The hells a terror-field?


    Yes, it most assuredly is since it does carry an aura of terror that hangs over the entire domain, Isolde said. This aura is concentrated within the hold of Ikarrash himself. It attacks the mind of all creatures foreign to the ne and stokes feelings of fight or flight within them that leaves them constantly on edge.


    That sounds awful, Drestra said. Is there a way to ovee it?


    Is there? Baelin asked.


    Yes, Alex said. Strong will protects you against the worst effects of the terror-fieldbut it can still be a dangerous thing if it gets into your mind at a vulnerable moment. I read this <em>nasty</em> ount about these adventurers who went into the domain, fighting the terror-field the entire time, and were beating it too. Right up until one of them got surprised by a demon springing from the shadows. It broke his concentration, his surprise turned to panic and next thing you know, hes cutting down one of his own allies trying to get away, which caused the others to panic andwell, only one of them made it out alive.


    But, we <em>did</em> find a spell Khalik flipped open his notes, squinting down at a line. Called Adapt to ne. It can protect from the worst effects of a domains hazardsand this one has many. The terror-field is one, but the air is also slimy and slightly corrosive. Not good for most life from our world. Magic and divinities are also affected by both the nes chaos alignment, and the terror-field, so miracles that inspire bravery in ones heart are less effective in the domain of Cawarthin.


    Yeah, and summoned monsters might be more inclined to lose their nerve, Alex said. Which is why its best to only use Subjugation type summoning magic. Those spells oblige the summoned creature to listen to the caster.


    Ayeayeis there any good news? Cedric asked. An can you cast this spellAdapt to ne?


    No, Alex admitted. Its a fifth-tier spell.


    Which is where Ie in, Baelin said smoothly. Since you have uncovered the solution, I shall provide it for you.


    Silence followed as the cabal nodded, while the Heroes nced at each other.


    Wait Hart slowly raised his hand for the first time. You werent going to cast it on us unless this lot figured out that it existed?


    Precisely, the ancient wizard said. If I were to hold your hands for the entire exercise, it would teach you to rx and not fend for yourselves.


    Drestra raised her hand. Um, but wouldnteveryone stand a good chance of dying if things went wrong?


    No, since I will be cing spell-marks on one and all to guard your lives. But nothing more. If you cannot research the enemy properly to find solutions for their advantages, then you cannot ovee any opponent that approaches your own might. Not without incredible risk to yourself, and a reliance on random luck, and that is very unhealthy.


    Thatsthats cold, Hart grunted. True, but cold.


    If warm is what you wanted, then I would suggest going to sit by the fireside of your grandparents. Rest assured, my young friends, your enemies will be much colder than me.


    Aye, I dont think the Ravenerd be givin us time to run back tcamp task for advice, Cedric said. Makes sense gettin folk tthink for themselves.


    Indeed, I am d you see it that way, Baelin said. Now, to my regr students, are there any other hazards that youve uncovered?


    There is the chaos of the domain itself, Isolde said. It can affect ones actions if one spends enough time within it, driving one to chaos eventually, but such an effect usually takes months of exposure to manifest.


    Very good, Baelinplimented her. Nowis there anything else you discovered that might be helpful?


    Wepiled a catalogue of the mostmon demons noted in the domain, Alex offered, flipping the pages of one of his notebooks to a series of drawings depicting ferocious denizens of Cawarthin. Considering the terror-field, its not surprising that a lot of the demons associated with the ce have terror as their foundational need.


    He pointed to the image of a vulture-headed demon with the body of a long,nky humanoid nked by oily ck wings on either side. Its talons looked like they could gut a bonecharger. Theyre called pazuzites, and wrath is their foundational concept. These things fly into states of rage as easily as they draw breath, they shoot lightning, are about as tall as Grimloch, yet theyre surprisingly strong, despite how skinny they are. They can fly, and it takes nothing to drive them into one of their rages since its their default status. Too much calm and peace, and they go nuts.


    Alex showed each Hero the image, before flipping to the next one. Now this little bastards called an agwiagma.


    Well, that thingss bloody ugly! Cedric said emphatically, eyeing the drawing Alex was disying with a frown.


    It had the face of a really ugly fish, with wide, staring eyes, fangs poking from bulging lips, and bat-like wings emerging from its sides. Hanging from below its gut, dozens of thread-thin tentacles dangled, and extending from its forehead, a single tentacle glowed with a crimson light.


    Blech, Grimloch growled. That thing looks nasty: all the worst parts of anglerfish and jellyfish. Neither are too tasty.


    Then I dont think this demon would be any tastier, Alex said. Its tentacles are just brimming with deadly venom, its forehead tentacle can bewitch the mind if you look at it for too longand it also <em>shoots</em> beams of heat. If it bites you, it carries diseases that it passes on through the bite. Its not good. Their foundation is fear.


    Makes sense, Grimloch said. It looks like what a lot of schar nightmares are made of.


    And speaking of things made of nightmares, B''mxibas also have a foundation of fear. Alex flipped to the image of a tall, muscr, skinless humanoid demon with barbed ws and the head of a spotted jaguar. Watch out for these sneaky brutes, if they ambush you and mp their jaws on you, it''s not likely theyll be letting go anytime soon.


    He flipped to another page, revealing a familiar three-eyed demon. These are tiashivas, weve had dealings with them before. Nasty creatures. Strong. Fast.


    I know them, Drestras voice crackled. Some were at the camp in the Crymlyn.


    Yeah, Alex said. Theyre demons of violence, so theyre going to be mostfortablewell, trying to kill us.


    That fits, Cedric said. Oh! Question. Since a bunch oh these great, dirty demons want everyone around em tbe cowerin an suchare they gonna be pissed if we aint scared of em?


    An astute observation, Baelin said. Your bravery and urge to seek a fight will drive them to vigorously try to destroy you as surely as we of the material ne would strive to stop a blight from destroying our food stores. Now, is there anything you learned of demonkind in general?


    Theyre resistant to diseases and immune to mostmon poisons, Khalik said. Because their nature is so different from ours. Some are resistant to spells, and tend to have tough hides, stout constitutions, and great resistance to the elements.


    Indeed. Baelin nodded. I am pleased that you took your homework so seriously. And that leads us to your specific targets. What can you tell us about them?


    Alex flipped through his notebook, showing the Heroes a drawing of a massive, hyena-headed demon with the body of a corpulent, humanoid toad. Its belly was a distended sack wearing an enormous pair of plump, amphibian lips.


    Introducing Azzad, Zabai, and Osshar, he said, the three sons of Ikarrash, who Baelinll be killing while we look for these three bastards.


    But theres only one of em there, Cedric pointed out.


    Thats because theyre triplets! Theyre the spitting image of each other, Alex pointed out. Each has the foundational concept of terror as their most basic needafter that, information gets a bit spotty. Not too many ounts anywhere of folk having fought them. Theyre huge, we know that. About twenty feet tall, and really strong. Their mouths spit mucus and can swallow someone in an instant. and thats about it. Oh wait, one more thing. Theirughter hurts. I mean it literally physically hurts.


    Yeah, they use some kinda wave of sound to break down flesh, Thundar said. Hurts the ears too, obviously. Now thats it. Its all we got.


    Thats enough, Drestra said, I think we can work with that.


    Excellent, Baelin said, smiling at his students. Excellent research done by all of you. You are far more prepared for the rigours of this journey than most are when they first venture into the hells. It will aid you quite nicely, and I suspect my spell-marks might not be necessary. And speaking of thatI would like all of you to collect your things then gather before me. We have a stop to make before reaching the hells itself.


    Alex was the first to materialise and a st of sweltering heat stung his eyes.


    He took in the area surrounding him, swearing. Laying all around, was a wastnd of dried out trees and sun-sted earth. The ruined structures of what looked to be an ancient city extended skyward, with buildings in different states of copse leaning at crooked angles, like hands reaching from the surface of the sea as their owner sank beneath its depths.


    This is not a nice ce, he said, his grip tightening on the aeld-staff as it emitted waves of curiosity and trepidation.


    A momentter, the entire war-partyincluding Baelinappeared, each eyeing their surroundings with the caution of experienced fighters. Theresa and ygon stepped closer to Alex, nking him protectively.


    The Heroes scrutinised the ruins, muttering beneath their breaths.


    Where are we? Drestra asked.


    Wee to the lost city of Samora. Baelin stepped forward, scanning their environment intensely. We are roughly three thousand miles southwest of Generasi.


    <em>Three</em> thou Cedric whirled on Baelin, his eyes bulging. Thats bloodythats


    About two months travel by ship, Hart murmured.


    Made in just a couple of teleport spells? Drestra gasped.


    You get use to it, Thundar said, straightening his chain shirt and eyeing his mace.


    Indeed. Baelin turned to a partly-melted statue standing in the centre of a nearby square. For you will be travelling much, much farther than this. Now, the reason why we are here is that the barrier between the nes is rather weak in this location. Weaker than in most ces in our world, which is an advantage to us. Hmmmm His eyes narrowed, examining the ruins. Just give me a brief moment.


    As Baelin fell into silence and the others checked over their supplies one final time, Alex opened his mana senses to their surroundings, trying to feel for any magic that mighty nearby.


    And something <em>did</em> tingle in his senses.


    Something that made that strange power stir within him.


    He couldnt quite grasp <em>what</em> he was feeling at first, butas the heartbeats passedhe finally understood.


    It feels likeit feels a bit like my summoning magic here, he said to Theresa. I can <em>feel</em> how close the other nes areno, wait, thats not quite right. He squinted, carefully examining the energies around him. No, its only the hells. This ce feels a bit likeoh how can I put thislike how it feels when I conjure demons.


    The huntress hands immediately dropped to her sword-hilts, and her eyes scanned the shadows between nearby ruins. Beside her, Brutus growled, following her gaze with his own, sniffing the air. Hows that possible?<strong></strong>Why would the hells be so close to our world?


    It must be like it is in my homnd, Isolde said, ncing at Cedric as the Chosen stepped closer to her. In the Rhinean Empireespecially around the four elemental peaksthe barrier between our world and the elemental nes is thinner. That is the reason why elementals are somon there.


    And there are also ces within the Barrens where the barrier between the elemental ne of earth and the material world is weaker, Baelin said, before nodding toward a ratherrge building nearby. Here, that phenomenon is present with respect to the hells. The mortals that once lived here used this weakened barrier to<strong></strong>call armies of summoned demons and devils, conquering their enemies with the forces of chaos and tyranny.


    Itdoesnt look like it worked out too good for them in the long run, Thundarmented, his eyes falling on an ancient skeleton crushed beneath a pir.


    That it did not, Baelin said grimly. In time, ves broke free of chains and ughtered masters, then went home. Now only ruins remain, but within these ruins lies something useful for us.


    With a single word of power, the ancient wizard waved his hand toward a doorway. There was a pulse of great power and the air space within the doorframewhich had led to nothing more than a tumbled pile of stonerippled and shifted, until a jungle of otherworldly ntlife beneath a stormy sky appeared, it was criss-crossed with blood-red lightning.


    This is your doorway into the realm, Baelin said. It will also be your doorway out of it. Ensure that you know its location well, for if you lose track of it while you are in Cawarthin? Then even I will not be able to guarantee your safety.

 Chapter 478: Invasion Plans

    Chapter 478: Invasion ns


    What do you mean? Alex asked, concern in in his tone.


    Baelin turned back to his ss with a grim look. In short, my spell-marks cannot transfer you across nes.


    A heavy silence filled the air as Drestra raised her hand. What are these spell-marks?


    I shall show you. Do I have permission from each of you to cast spells upon you? Baelin looked over the ss, nodding when he found no dissent. With a wave of his hand and a word of power, the ancient wizard ced his spell-marks on them, the symbols manifesting on the backs of their hands.


    Hart grunted, examining the spell-mark. Great. Another mark from another powerful being. Hope this onees with less responsibility.


    It does, Baelin smiled. To those of you new to the ss, these symbols represent a contingent teleportation spell. The instant any of you is struck by an attack or a hazard that would involve serious injury, these marks will transport you out of danger and to a ce ofrtive safety. As part of my ss, my students explore the dangerous wilderness near Generasi. This spell automatically returns them to the school if they are injured or otherwise at the threshold of disaster and inescapable harm. Unfortunately, it cannot cross from the hells to the material world.


    He gestured to the portal conjured in the ruined doorway. Hence, my solution. That is a one-way gateway between our world and a quiet little area within Cawarthin that is not frequented by many demons. It remains unmolested and undiscovered for the better part. When a spell-mark whisks you away from danger, you will be transported to the clearing directly in front of this gate.


    Baelin pointed to the ruined town square. At that point, it will be up to you to simplye through the gate and bring yourself back to these ruins and safety. As I said, it is one-way, and I have keyed the gate to each of you. No other beings will be able to cross the line to our world. However, I shall summon a pair of guardians to <em>defend</em> the gate, but!


    His expression turned solemn. Do make every effort to not let yourselves be tracked back to the portal. It would be most dangerous for you if the area around your escape route were to be a warzone. Anyone transported back by the spell-marks would appeardisorientedin a pitched battle. I trust you all enough to ensure that this portal will remain undiscovered. Only <em>you</em> will be able to see it, so its discovery by the enemy would only ur from either carelesses or unseen factors.


    He nced at the portal again. I will be engaged in my own hunt and cannot guarantee my presence at the portal, particrly if you are sent back to it early in our mission.


    Got it, Alex said. Well make sure we dont set off fireworks or the like by the portal then.


    Very good. The chancellor took a deep breath. Now, then. I shall be going into battle. I strongly suggest that you wait for at least five or ten minutes before you step through the portal. That should be more than enough time for me to get myself engaged. At that point, much of the realm will be focused on <em>me, </em>and you will have an easier time infiltrating Ikarrashs Hold, or choosing to rush in and take the direct approach, as you see fit. Youll have time to think of your battlen when I leave. So, any questions before I go?


    Yes, actually, Drestra said. How will we know when youve engaged the demons?


    Alex burst outughing. Oh, well know.


    Well know, Khalik said dryly.


    Well know, Theresa and Grimloch said together.


    Yeah, well definitely know, Thundar said emphatically.


    Indeed, I doubt we shall miss it, even on the other side of a portal such as this, Isolde said.


    The ancient wizard roared withughter, throwing his head back and letting his mirth roll through the ruins. Ah, my wonderful students, you know me well. In any case, one final thing to do.


    He waved a hand, uttering a short incantation and sending a wave of mana pouring over the young students. Alex felt warm energy nketing him, seeping into his skin and disappearing.


    <em>Father </em>ygon said. <em>It feelswarm.</em>


    Yeah, its protecting us, Alex said. From all the nasty energies of the ce were going into.


    <em>Goodand I will also protect you</em> ygon said, gripping his war-spear.


    Alright, that is an Adapt to ne spell, Baelin said. You should be safe from the worst effects of the domain itself, and some of the floras more dangerous effects will also be blunted. On one final note, on the other side, you will find something that will help you locate your prey, though you will still have to do much of the searching for yourselves. Now then, farewell for now, I shall see you all when we im victory.


    A reverberating thud followed as the ancient wizard tapped his staff against the earth, he spoke a smattering of words of power, raised an enormous wave of mana then abruptly disappeared.


    Well, thats bloody impressive. Cedric raised his hand, letting his quicksilver glove run down his skin until it formed what looked like a bubble near his fingers. Sword? Shield? No, spear.


    With a snap, his morphic weapon changed, forming a long spear. So, then seems well be needin a n.


    Drestra looked at the others. Youre a team and you have experience fighting inthese kinds of situations She nced at the portal. It might make more sense if you came up with the n.


    Aye, were supposed tbe learnin how to work together from all o you, Cedric agreed, Im happy tlet ysteer the ship.


    Same. Hart drew his enormous sword and added, Im just here for the fight.


    Grimloch looked down at the Champion, giving him a toothy grin. I like you.


    Same here. Hart grinned back.


    You should meet a friend of mine. His names Kybas. He has a crocodile that he sics on people. Named him Harmless.


    Bwahahahaha! Hart roared withughter. Thats amazing. And hrious.


    Oh, by the Traveller, the maniacs areing together, Alex thought.


    Aaaaanyway, Thundar cut in. Alright, its n time. He immediately looked at Khalik and Alex. You two wanna start us off? Youre usually the ones that get the ball rolling with respect to ns.


    Several sets of eyes fell on the prince and the Fool, who looked at each other and shrugged.


    I have some ideas, Khalik said. You?


    Yeah, same. You wanna go first? Alex offered.


    After you. The prince gestured as though he were holding a door open for Alex.


    Okay, then, the Thamemish wizard looked through the portal. So, Im thinking its a <em>terrible</em> idea to go in loud. Were a big group and were <em>going</em> to be breaking some heads at <em>some</em> point, but itd be a pretty shit idea to run up to a fortress full of demons, screaming and sting.


    He scanned the jungle. Therell be poisonous nts in there no doubt, but Baelins spell will protect us from some of that. If we keep to clear pathsuse some flight spells to get above the undergrowthwe should be able to move silently through the bush. Anything to add, Khalik?


    Only that we will have to fly low, the prince said. And I would suggest we keep spellcasting to a minimum on our way to the castle. Remember, certain demons <em>can</em> sense mana quite well, after all.


    Yeah, good point, Alex said. So lets get our defensive magic up nowIsolde, heres your chance to try out your new invisibility spells.


    That is true, she said. Though it would drain a lot of my mana casting it on a group thisrge.


    Thats alright, I think we just need it for ygon, Grimlochand maybe Brutus and Thundar. He looked at the groups giants, including Hart. Youre enormous toobut you know how to move silently without being seen.


    That I do, the Champion said. I learned how to sneak into an enemy camp without anyone seeing me when I was about eight or nine to slit someones throat.


    And Alex paused. Thatser, a valuable skill. But the point is, I think we can spare putting an invisibility spell on you. Cedric, Drestra, you two know how to move quietly, obviously.


    Aye, Cedric said. I was huntin since I was seven.


    Ive been hunting since I was six, Drestras voice crackled with pride.


    Well, <em>I</em> was hunting since I was Theresa started.


    For the love of the Traveller, its not a contest, Alex sighed. We get it, youre all sneaky and that means less invisibility spells for Isolde to castnowtheres our approach and formation to talk about.


    I have some thoughts on that, Khalik said. Theresa and Najyah could take up the front, alongside Brutus. They have the best senses of all of us. In the back, we position Grimloch since his senses are also excellent, and with him, Thundar who can use his powerful nose and skill with illusion to detect enemiesing from the rear.


    Sounds good to me, Thundar said. Ill watch our backsor well, smell our backs. No wait, that didnte out like I wanted


    Hart, you have sharp eyes, Alex said. I think youd do well on our left nk, while ygon and I can be on our right.


    Hm, good formation, Hart said.


    <em>I will protect all of usfather </em>ygon said.


    That will leave myself, Khalik said, Isolde, Cedric and Drestra to form our centre. Does that sound reasonable to everyone?


    I see no problems, the young noblewoman said. It is a formation that ensures we have a hard shell on all sides and can detect enemiesing from a good distance away. I approve.


    I dont have no quarrel with havin Khalik, Drestra an Isolde in the middlemakes sense tprotect embut why me? Cedric frowned. No offence butnext to HartI might be the best frontline fighter weve got. Mce is in the front, protectin all o yous.


    Youre not wrong, Cedric, Alex said. But youre also a spellcaster. From the middle, you can throw your magic at anythinging at us from all sides, and your weapons got a lot of reach. Youre fast: you can fly to any side and reinforce anyone who needs help.


    Aye Cedric nodded slowly. I sees that now, but then whyre you on a nk wit ygon? Wouldnt it make more sense for <em>ya </em>tbe in the middle?


    Youd <em>think</em> that, but my senses are sharper now thanks to a little magical method I used on myself. Same one Ill be using on Hart after we finish up today. He nodded to the Champion. Its best having our scouts on the outside of our formation.


    Actually, I think Cedric brings up a good point, Alex, Theresa said. Having you on our nk doesnt really make a lot of sense. If youre in the middle, you can still watch our nk. You usually call out our tactics during battle, so I think its better if youre in the middle where you can see everything and also<strong></strong>direct us.


    Huhthats actually a good point, Alex said, ncing at ygon. You think you can defend that side on your own?


    The golem banged the butt of his war-spear against the earth emting Baelins earlier move, but now, the sound of metal on rock was magnitudes louder. <em>I will be enough.</em>


    Well, if you think youre enough, I wont argue with you, Alex said, turning to the others. Alright, time for some defensive and empowering spells. Let me handle a lot of it. My staff He waved the aeld staff about. doesnt have <em>unlimited</em> mana, but it has a <em>lot</em> of it, and it recharges pretty fast too, so I can handle a lot of that stuff. If theres anything the staff cant do, then you can fill in the gaps, but its better if everyone walks into this with as much mana as we can.


    Sounds good to me, Hart said. Cast away.


    With that, Alex raised his staff, pouring his mana into it. Its aura red with light and power as heyered magic on himself and hispanions. Everyone received the power of flight as well as a number of physical enhancements: strength, speed, agility, sensory and more.


    He girded them in greater force armour, sheathing them in invisible protection. Upon himself, he cast force shield and deflective force rectangle.


    As the others were casting spells on each otherincluding Isoldes invisibility magiche began summoning a group of air elementals. One after the other, he conjured them, until a full<strong></strong>flight of ten were hovering before him.


    Hello friends, he greeted them enthusiastically in an elemental tongue of air. Surprise! Were going to the hells today, and we have to be stealthy about it. Id like all of you to surround us and fly silently. If you sense anythinging our way, let me know with a light gust of wind. If a fight starts, I want your focus on any flyers attacking us. Buffet their wings, blow them down and well take care of the rest.


    One of the air elementals crackled out a question, and Alex shook his head in response. Id avoid lightning. Well be moving as quietly as we can for awhile, and lightning isnt exactlystealthy


    His words were cut off by a massive booming from the gate.


    Through the portal, an explosion ripped through the sky, stinging the eye as though a second brilliant sun had suddenly appeared.


    Well, Alex said, straightening his cloak. I think its safe to say thats our signal. Baelins <em>not</em> subtle when he doesnt want to be. He nced toward a gawking Cedric. Told you we wouldnt miss it. Alright, folks, lets go. Weve got hells to invade.

 Chapter 479: The Wilderness of Cawarthin

    Chapter 479: The Wilderness of Cawarthin


    The hellish jungle reeked. A harsh stench like ammonia, mixed with rot, rankness, and a miasma ofposting floral scents assaulted Alexs nostrils like a weapon. Grimacing, the young wizard exited the portal, quickly wrapping his cloak tail around his nostrils; ahead, he could hear Brutus whining and sneezing.


    Humidity was thick, like theyd been submerged in a vat of hot muck designed to both stifle and swelter them. There was also a bitterness permeating the atmosphere that he could taste, and he lowered the cloak and spit on the foliage nearby.


    Some of the taste still remained.


    Ugh, wish we could have gone for Orbs of Air, he grunted, listening to the thunderp of terrible magics being brought to bear. Somewhere beyond their sight Baelin rampaged, and Alex felt oceans of mana shing against each other. He shook his head. Youre probably enjoying this, arent you? He whispered.


    No sign of anything thats alive near usexcept for those guys, I guess, Thundar nodded to a pair of towering humanoids nking the portal d in golden armour, and wielding glowing greatswords. Their white-feathered wings were drawn about themselves like cloaks, and their eyes burned bright silver within great golden helms.


    They radiated terrible power, even standing statue-still.


    What nall the hells are thoWait, are they engeli? Cedric scratched his red hair. Arent they servants o Uldar?


    Some are, ording to holy books, Alex said. But theyre also their own spiritual species that serve mostly themselvesand powerful archwizards, I guess.


    Its good to know that our escapes covered, Theresa said, nodding through a gap in the treeline. I wouldnt want to be trapped in <em>there.</em>


    The Hold of Ikarrash towered above them, its spires filling much of the sky. Alex couldnt help but gape at the monumental scale: hed never seen anything as enormous beyond literal mountains, and hed never imagined anything that immense could be wrought by mortalor immortalhands.


    Shite, thats the size obloody Ussexno, thats the size o <em>ten</em> bloody Ussexs! Cedric whispered. Bleedin hell, howre we supposed t find anythin in that?


    Ikarrash''s sons will be in the lower chambers, Prince Khalik said quietly. And they will not only be opulent, but also well-guarded. But, Baelin did say that he left something to help us


    Before he could finish, an orb of grey matter shed into being before them.


    <em>Hello, my students,</em> Baelins voice came from the sphere, freezing the party in ce as they reached for their weapons. <em>This is a spell I crafted just for this asion, and it is keyed to the essences of your quarry. As you approach them, the orb will emit an increasing heat to indicate that you are closing in. If you take a wrong turn and begin increasing your distance between yourself and Ikarrashs sons, then this orb will grow colder. Happy hunting.</em>


    With a final echo, the voice faded, leaving the grey orb floating in mid-air, waiting for someone to take it.


    Only one orb, eh? Khalik gave the sphere a troubled look. That is not good.


    What do you mean? Alex asked. Oh wait. I get it. Only one of us will be able to carry our only guideif they get sted and sent back to the portal, then not only will they be gone, but so will the thing telling us whether or not were going the right way.


    Thats not good, Hart grunted. Well want someone whos not gonna get stuck in.


    That would either be myself, Alex, Khalik or Drestra Isolde reasoned. I think Alex would be our best candidate. He is the least likely among us to get himself stuck inbat and he also is used to defending himself.


    Agreed, said Khalik, handing the orb to the young Thameish wizard. You will need to be our guide, then.


    Alex took the orb, wincing at its touch. Well, its icy cold right now, he said, holding it close. So, let''s head in the direction of that castle. The more time we spend here, the more likely well be discovered.


    Silently flying above the foliage, the group of Cawarthin-invaders began their journey into the jungle, falling silent as the sounds of Baelins battle boomed above them. All around the din of conflicts between a host of demons red.


    Screeches of pain.


    Cries of terror.


    Dying shrieks.


    The sounds of monsters tearing the flesh of other monsters.


    It was enough to make anyones skin crawl, and Alex scanned the alien jungle cautiously as they flew between thick tree trunks oozing a diseased-looking crimson sap.


    The scent of the jungle was beginning to cause the young wizards head to throb, a disquiet began to stir in his chest. As they moved deeper into the jungles of Cawarthin, the Hold of Ikarrash grew in the skyline, as did the anxiety within Alexs own heart.


    The screams intensified around themand the battle above grew more viciousthe unnerving cries wormed their way deeper into his mind. Where before<strong></strong>they<strong></strong>were merely unpleasant, now theyd be sinister. More purposeful, as though they were closing in, and his imagination conjured images of demons whispering in the dark treeline, stalking the group of mortals who were arrogant enough to trespass in their domain.


    An image came to him: one of Burnsaw and Zonon-In, out there in the trees, plotting and cackling at the foolishness of their mortal prey.


    What if this is all a trap? Alex thought. What if Zonon-In knew all of Baelins ns and everything she said was just a trap to lure us down here and kill us. No, torture us first and then kill usNo, stop! Its the terror-field. Harden your mind against it.


    Taking a deep breath, he grounded himself in the moment, acknowledging his fears were irrational and letting them pass. He noted tense bodynguage, and tightened jaws and knuckles among hispanions.


    Remember the terror-field, he whispered. Its getting into our heads. Acknowledge the fear, then let it pass. Dont get too upset and dont try to fight it too hard. Justlet it go and remind yourself that youre among friends.


    Thanks, Cedric whispered back. Was almost half-bloody sure these trees would be reachin out an grabbin us for a spell there.


    It could happen to the best of us, Khalik said, wincing as another explosion tore through the distance. Lets keep our nerve and let us get to the Hold with it intact.


    Well try, Drestras voice crackled, her reptilian eyes darting through the foliage. What a terrible ce.


    No argument there, Alex whispered.


    Wait, stop! Theresa hissed from the front, raising a gloved hand. Ihear something. Maybe a few hundred feet ahead.


    Go low, then, Alex whispered, looking at Khalik. Does Najyah see anything?


    The prince fixed his familiar with his full attention, then slowly nodded. Tiashivas, from what she describes, and many of them too. We will need to take great care around here.


    Can we slip past them?


    Khalik frowned, his eyes fixed on Najyah. I think so. Theresa do you agree?


    Yes she said. Theyre not moving, and theres a path in the trees to the left. If we go low and quiet, we should be alright.


    Low and quiet, it is, then, Alex whispered. Lets move.


    Silently, the hells-invaders dropped down until they were hovering only a handspan above the foliage, ttening out and shrinking their profiles as much as they could.


    They slid over the strange flora like sharks silently cutting through water, and Alex took a moment to examine the nts clotting the jungle floor. Even taking into ount his limited lessons in magical botany, most of the species here were beyond his knowledge.


    Oily fern-like nts dripped viscous liquid onto a purplish moss that formed a carpet over the sted soil. Berries the size of eyeballs oozed a rusty smelling substance, while flowers resembling starfish seemed to reach toward the mortals as they hovered above.


    Alex winced at their overpowering scents, praying to the Traveller that Brutus wouldnt sneeze again: he could hear the Tiashivas as they drew closer. The demons were off somewhere to their right, creating a ruckus as they cooked something over a campfire and brawled among the trees.


    The forest was too thick for Alex to catch sight of them, but he <em>did</em> smell their roasting meat as the aroma drifted through the trees. There wassomething familiar about the scent, simr to steaks hed grilled for evening meals in Generasi, though this smell had an oddly sweet undernote.


    He couldnt quite put his finger on why, but there was something unnerving about the aroma, which made him very happy he couldnt see just what it was they had roasting over their fire. Over time, the tiashivas disturbing scents and sounds faded as they left them behind, gradually reced by movementing from ahead.


    A lot of movement.


    And Baelins orb grew warmer.


    Alex nced up, looking for the Hold through gaps in the jungles thick canopy, catching glimpses of the deep orange sky throughyers of dagger-like leaves. The Hold of Ikarrash loomed above them, so enormous that it upied half of the skyline. Lava flowed from its towers, raising smoke and the pungent stench of sulphur.


    Alex longed for an Orb of Air. As if this ce needs to smell any worse, he thought.


    The treelines ending up ahead, Theresa said. Therell be a clearing soon I think we should be close to the Hold then.


    As quiet as you can, then, everyone, Alex whispered. Were almost past the first challenge.


    Slowly, the mortals flew to the edge of the treeline, peering out over the undergrowth.


    Ahead, a hundred feet of sted earth andva poolsy, leading to a small vige of ramshackle huts and hovels, seemingly long abandoned. Above, flocks of pazuzites flew in a frenzy, pointing, squawking and soaring toward the great battle in the distance.


    Beyond the vige the stone walls of Ikarrashs fortress rose, as thick and imposing as a mountainside. Snaking vines glowing with the orange light of me, crept up the rock, covering it in otherworldly blooms the size of Grimloch. Alexs eyes narrowed: they reminded him of the hungry mouths of certain carnivorous nts Professor Salinger had taught them about.


    Best to avoid those vines, he whispered.


    You see a way in? Hart asked. Im not seeing anything from here.


    No, Im not either, Theresa whispered, squinting at the stone for a sign of a door or passageway. Well have to circle around and see if we can find a doorway.


    Okay, lets go.


    The mortals slipped along the treeline, flying low, focused on the stone ahead. Creeping along, Alex noticed the odd window carved in the rockbarely visible among those thick vinesthrough each one, demons leaned out, pointing skyward and shouting to each other.


    Nearly every eyes likely fixed on Baelin, Alex thought. Good for us, as long as we can find


    There. Theresa pointed. Thats our entrance.


    They paused, following her outstretched arm, spotting a vast door carved in the stone. It was enormourge enough for a creature twice Grimlochs height to step throughand broad enough to amodate a pair of wagons side by side.


    In a mortal castle, it would have served as the main gate, buthereit seemed more like a side entrance: the door was shut, only guarded by a single pair of pazuzites, each demon twitching and squawking at each other, ring up with longing as flocks of their kindred poured into the sky, joining the battle raging above.


    Hello, entrance, Alex said quietly, noting the orbs growing warmth. This looks good. Well need to take those guards out quietly.


    I can do that, Hart said, drawing his enormous warbow.


    And so can I, Theresa drew herposite bow.


    Okay, Alex said. Go to it, but maybe we should make sure ygon. Grimloch. Are you still with us?


    Yep, Grimlochs voice growled.


    <em>Yesfather,</em> ygon said.


    Fly over there as quietly as you can, then wait for Hart and Theresas arrows to hit their targets. If the guards die from getting a little too close up and personal with the arrows, then good. If they dont? Then, kill em.


    Dont have to tell me twice, Alex heard Grimloch say as he moved off.


    Also, Isolde cut in. Be aware that the invisibility spell I cast on you is one of the least powerful. The magic is delicate. An act of violence could be enough to disturb it and break the magic. So only attack if necessary.


    A, Grimloch grunted. Learn better spells. His voice faded away.


    <em>...there are better versions of invisibility? </em>ygon asked, a note of disappointment seeping through their link.


    Yes, but dont worry, Alex thought. Therell be plenty more opportunities for fightingter.


    <em>Yourerightfather,</em> ygon thought. <em>Willbe patient.</em>


    Alex sighed. When did everyone around me be a violent maniac? I used to hang around sensible people, he thought, watching his incredibly violent huntress girlfriend pull back her arrow.


    He caught himself enjoying her profile as she aimed the bow. Right, nevermind, I almost forgot that I also have issues.


    With a pair of twangs, two arrows loosed.


    Nothing ever happens at this door, one of the pazuzite guardsined. No interlopers. Nothing to sink our ws into.


    Youre right, growled itspanion. Always down here, never getting to have any fun<strong>.</strong> Its tongue licked a sharp beak. No delicious rage and fights to


    The second demons words dropped as an arrow plunged into its eye.


    What? Where did The first demons words died as a muchrger arrow smashed through its skull.


    Well, Alex said, watching the two demons slump to the sted earth. Away we go, then.


    ygon, he thought. Could you do your father a favour and quietly get the door?

 Chapter 480: Demonic Trapfinding

    Chapter 480: Demonic Trapfinding


    The massive hinges groaned, screeching like blue annis hags as Grimloch and ygon pushed the door shut.


    Shit, Alex swore, looking down the abandoned hallway for guards poised to sound the rm.


    Around him, the party tensedbut no guards appeared and no rm was raised.


    For the moment, they could breathe with relief.


    This looks to be a servants entrance. The prince looked around the hallway, inclining his chin toward a number ofrge wheelbarrows overflowing withundry. It seemed a strangely mundane sight to find in such an otherworldly ce, but Alex supposed that even demons needed clean garments.


    I am surprised to find it under-guarded, Khalik whispered, scanning several towering doors lining the corridor. They are under attack so one would expect all entrances would be securedbut, it is obvious that my expectations are wrong.


    What do you mean? Hart rumbled, examining a piece ofundry from a bin with the tip of his sword. He sniffed the air around it, his face instantly registered regret. Recoiling, the Champion flung the garment away. Thats one of the first things you learn about sieging: if youre holding a castle, you secure every entrance. If youre attacking, you know theyre going to secure the entry points.


    Very true, my friend, the prince said. But a mortal castle would not ce an entrance outside of a protective wall, so our assumptions about demon siege tactics might be wrong.


    I dunno, Alex said, dread growing. This does seem a little too easybut shit, I dont know if the misgivings Im having areing from me, or the damned terror-field.


    And no doubt the demons would be counting on that. The prince drew his sword. We should proceed with the assumption that they areying a trap for us. Alex, where do we go?


    No idea. Alex gripped the orb. Well have to go further in: I wont be able to tell if were getting closer to, or farther from the three sons until weyknow, start walking.


    Aye, lets get movin then, Cedric said. Trap or not, better we be about our business than waitin around here.


    Right, Alex said. Well keep the pace quick, and quieter than mice. He nced at his air elementals. In the low-light of the hallway, they werent easy to see. Alright, my airy friends, I want you to check each door ahead of us. Peek through cracks, under doors, and even keyholes, but try not to get spotted. If you see anything moving on the other side, let me know with a little trickle of wind.


    He felt a soft breeze caress his face in response.


    Good, Alex turned back to hispanions. The air elementals have door duty. Now, lets move.


    As one, the war party floated deeper into the demonic fortress, listening to the chaos of battle outside, and the distant movements of the Holds denizens rushing to and from posts, while bellowing in an array of demonic tongues.


    Minutes passed as they moved throughrgely abandoned passageways, each lit by strange forks crafted of metal disying crimson bolts of electricity crackling between their tines. They washed the surrounding area in flickering red light, highlightingyers of dust nketing the floor.


    Eerie contraptions, Alex thought, pausing to test the orb at a fork in their path. And why do they even have light sources, anyway? Most demons see in the dark just fine, and these hallways dont look like they get much traffic, so nosomethings off.


    Hold for a second, he whispered to hispanions, floating toward one of the crackling forks. Theres something bothering me.


    What is it? Cedric asked. Somethin to do wit those strange lookin torches?


    Yeah, you could say that, Alex whispered, reaching toward the fork. Now that he was nearer, he sensed a hellish mana emanating from the crimson bolts. It doesnt make sense to have so many magical torches, especially in areas they dont seem to use very often. So let me just He got the attention of a nearby air elemental. Could you touch this for a second? Not the lightning part, the metal part below it.


    The air elemental floated to his side, wind whispering as it approached, and touched the lightning-torchs handle. Alex braced for a reactionbut nothing happened.


    Hmmmm. Gingerly, he touched it with a fingertip.


    And didnt explode.


    Right, it doesn''t seem like a hidden trap. He gripped the handle, letting his mana pour into the magical device, feeling its inner pathways. Lets seethe device is definitely feeding off of the domains ambient energies, so it<strong></strong>wouldnt work outside of Cawarthin. Hmmm, seems it channels chaos to create a controlled arc ofOh.


    His mana senses paused on a control within the device.


    He tensed.


    Oh hells, well, that could have been <em>really</em> bad, he reported.


    What? Whatd you find? Theresa asked, raising her swords.


    This thing is trapped. He released the fork, flying to one across the hallway. Letting his mana pour into its inner pathways, he cursed again. This ones trapped too.


    Wait, trapped? How? Thundar asked.


    Judging by its inner construction? Alex looked at the minotaur. I think it reacts to amon word. They all do. Hold on, everyone move away from here for a second. Make sure youre not in between these two forks.


    Hispanions quickly parted, giving him room to work.


    Alright. He backed away from the fork until he was hugging the wall with only his finger touching it. Here we go.


    Alex drove his mana toward the traps control, bracing himself for what he knew wasing. A wave of failures mmed into his mindthe Marks wrath fell on him with full forcebut he guided his way through the bombardment as best he could, <em>barely</em> activating the traps control.


    A coarse crackle.


    A sh of red.


    Bolts of lightning leapt across the hall, striking the other fork, forming a thick rope of lethal power. Crackling crimson electricity arced back and forth between the forks, Alexs hair stood on end as he retreated, shaking off remnants of the Marks displeasure.


    By the time the final image faded, so too had the lightning bolts, leaving only that dim, crackling light in their wake. A light well-illuminating hispanions shocked expressions.


    Holy hells, Cedric shook his head. That coulda fried any one ous.


    Or sent a bunch of us back to the clearing, Hart scowled, ring at the tines. I damn well hate magic traps.


    And the halls are <em>filled</em> with these devices. Isolde said. No wonder they are guarded with such little care. If a demon were toe across us down here, they could simply utter a singlemand word and we would all die.


    Which also exins why they have light devices on the walls despite demons being able to see in the dark, Khalik murmured. Hmmmm, Id hate to give away our location by leaving darkness in our pathany demoning upon where weve been would know that someone has infiltrated their stronghold. But, in truth, I suppose thats preferable to being roasted by demon-lightning.


    Yeah, I think wed all agree with that, but maybe we can solve both problems at once, Alex said, conjuring a Wizards Hand with his staff. The spell pulled the fork from its bracket, killing the lightning immediately. Okay, so heres what we do. Ill conjure a bunch of Wizards Hands, have them take the forks out of those brackets as were getting close, then put them back when we pass. Ill conjure forceballs to give us some light. My spells glow crimson so the colour of our lightll match theirs; from a distance, they shouldnt realise anythings wrong, if all goes smoothly.


    Aye, theres good nnin for ya, Cedric nodded. Well, cook them Hands up, then lets get on wit it.


    Dont have to tell me twice, Alex nervously watched the hallway as he poured mana into his staff.


    Lets hope no demons are near here, he thought, conjuring a series of Wizards Hands. Soon, he had a flight of six floating at his sidealong with four forceballswith no sign of discovery from any demons.


    Alright, he said, checking the mana in his staff. It was still holding strong, and regenerating well. Lets move, weve wasted enough time.


    In silence, the party moved forward, but at a slower pace this time. Though the Wizards Hands flew with speed and precision, the matter of removing the forks from their brackets then returning them as they passed, took extra time.


    He didnt much like the situation: every moment in the fortress risked discovery and failure, but he resisted the urge to simply rush ahead as they reached another split in the hallways. Caution now, or discoveryter.


    To the left, Alex said, feeling the orb grow warmer as he stepped into the left passage. The spheres about room temperature now. Were definitely getting closer.


    Perhaps things will go smoothly, afterall, Drestra said, her tone hopeful.


    Never say that, Thundar whispered as they stepped into the hall. Thats just asking for trouble.


    Alex stayed vignt, his eyes taking everything in with care; noting less dust on the floor, a strong sign that this part of the Hold was well-travelled. Leaving him with the feeling that a demon rounding a corner from a hall ahea


    He stopped dead.


    Wait, he whispered.


    A breeze touched his cheek, blowing in the direction of a closed door about fifteen feet ahead. His hand rose, bringing the group to a halt as he held a finger to his lips.


    The party followed his gaze, eyes on the door. Their bodies tensed.


    <em>Fatherenemies?</em> ygon asked.


    Yeah, but they dont know were here, Alex thought.


    He nodded forward, mouthing keep going to Theresa and the others. The huntress nodded, and the group resumed their flight forward.


    just as an agwiagma floated into the hall from another passage.


    Everyone froze, including the demon, its bulging eyes growing wide.


    Its forehead tentacle red.


    The mouth opened wide.


    And two arrows struck its throat at once.


    Theresas arrow speared it as though she were bowfishing, while Harts sted through the creatures neck, driving it back, pinning it to the wall.


    A loud tter rang out as the metal arrow-head raked stone.


    What was that? A demonic voice asked through the nearby door. I smellfear. And death.


    Shit, Alex swore, nodding toward the door. Were about to havepany. Hart, make sure youre through there firs


    The door swung open before he could finish.


    A b''mxiba rushed to the doorway, jaguar-like head snarling, fangs bared, mouth opening to roar.


    Then, a terrible crack.


    Its eyes went wide.


    Slowly, the image of ygon flickered out of invisibility, an enormous stone hand already wrapped around the demons skull.


    He closed his grip.


    One crack and a popter, the demon shuddered, falling limp in the golems dripping fist.


    Alex sighed, relieveduntil he spied the <em>other</em> demons in the room.


    Look he started to say.


    Monstrous voices tore through the hall.


    Take em down! He snapped.


    ygon, Hart and Cedric rushed the chamber at speed, with Alex right behind, followed closely by his pack of air elementals. Ahead, five<strong></strong>demons were rising from a table covered in painted bones, their ws lengthening on skinless fingers.


    In a blink Hart was leaping at the pack snarling, his swordcrafted of a hive queens wblurred in an arc. A tearing noise ripped the air as he split two demons in half with a single stroke, then whirled on another.


    The nearest one hissed and jumped straight for the Champion of Uldar. Sounds of squelching flesh and shattering bone stopped Hart in ce when the demon suddenly screamed; an enormous form shimmered into visibility, Grimloch, his jaws mped firmly on the monsters torso, materialised.


    With a grin, the sharkman seized the struggling monsters limbs.


    And pulled.


    In a heartbeat, what <em>was</em> once one demon, was now three ragged pieces of twitching meat already disappearing down the sharkmans throat. Thest of the demons in the room were yowling in rage as elementals swarmed them, striking them with lightning shes.


    They blurred, ws shing, striking down elementals with each swipe, but Alex was already pouring mana into his staff. Aeld wood red with power, and sleeping magic hurtled through the air, seeping into the demons essences.


    Roars became yawns which soon turned to snoring as both creatures fell to the stone


    directly in front of ygon.


    A quick swipe of his war-spear split both in two.


    Thats seven down, Hart growled. And a million more to go.


    Yeah, Alex said grimly, cocking his ear to the ceiling.


    From above, shouting in demonic tongues and the ck of wed feet running across stone, reached him.


    I get the feeling well be seeing more than seven, real soon. He red down at the dead demons, cursing them. Lets get moving, everyone. Weve got a fight on our hands.


    Grimloch licked his bloody lips. Bout time.

 Chapter 481: Out of Place

    Chapter 481: Out of ce


    During the time Alex andpany were considering the best way to infiltrate Cawarthin and aplish the mission Baelin had assigned to them, theyd agreed that a silent intrusion into the demon domain would be their best chance. The n was to slip into the realm like ghosts, enter the Hold, move through it undetected, then catch Ikarrashs three sons unawares, and eliminate them before other demons were any wiser.


    If they got swarmed?


    No problem: their spell-marks would whisk them away to safety even if they were struck.


    Of course, if they were discovered early, their n would crumble like sand: presenting them with the far less desirable scenario of facing hundreds of demons inside the Hold.


    Their silent infiltration would copse into nothing more than a very dangerous assault.


    And this situation?


    Well, it was now a very dangerous assault.


    Tiashivas from the back! Alex cried, summoning another hell-boar. ygon, turn one of your fire-beams to our rear! Cedric, reinforce Thundar! The rest of yousurvive!


    Alexspanions fought through an endless tide of demons in the fortress halls. At blinding speed, Wizards Hands grabbed and flung trapped forks far from their path; elementals swarmed monsters, while forceballs weaved through demons legs, sending them sprawling.


    Tiashivas and pazuzites pushed through the swarm of summoned monsters, while Theresa and Brutus met their ranks with violence in return. The huntress twinde split demon meat, cutting down monsters like hay.


    Brutus stayed close, savaging fiends determined to strike his master and himself from the side. Demon voices shrieked their outrage as the cerberus mauled them, only growing silent when Hart trampled them. The Champion fought beside the hound and huntress, one sweep of his enormous sword sent demons to their deaths by the half-dozen.


    Hisughter rolled through the passage, echoing above even the terrible rampage of ygon. The golem brought down a slew of demons, every sweep from his war-spear cleaving and withering monster after monster. He didnt hesitate. He never paused to catch his breath.


    His strikes were a sure, never-ending storm.


    Pausing after a deadly stroke that pinned a pazuzite to the wall, he half-turned, pointing a fire-gem backward, then firing. The ray streaked over the group ofpanions,ncing into schools of agwiagmas, blowing the fish-like demons to fine grey ash.


    Much obliged! Thundar shouted, his bull-headed mace caving in a tiashivas skull, while his illusionary duplicates confused and distracted a group of b''mxibas. But I could use a little more


    Cedrics spearzing with Uldars divinityimpaled one of the jaguar-headed demons menacing Thundar.


    ...much obliged again! The minotaur called.


    Think nothin of it! Cedric shouted back, whirling his weapon, stabbing foes with the point, and cracking their heads with the butt. Wish there was less o these things! Theres more o them than bloody Ravener-spawn!


    Good. More meat. Grimloch lifted a struggling pazuzite and bit it in half. He tossed both halves into the horde, then waded into their ranks, his spiked maul blurring in his hands. Every stroke hit with the force of a battering ram, crushing demons to paste.


    That is good! Hold them at bay! I will crush them! Isolde chanted a spell, materialising a swarm of iron spikes around her. With a quick wave of her hand, she sent the swarm of spikes into enemy ranks attacking from the rear, spearing a dozen or more.


    Roars of rage and pain erupted, she followed up with a trio of electric orbs crackling with bolts of lightning sparking between them. The spheres red with power, the young noblewoman thrust her arms before her andunched the orbs into the horde of demons; they spit lightning in all directions.


    Where a lightning bolt<strong></strong>struck an iron spike, electricitynced deep into its target, demon bodies danced grotesquely before copsing in twitching heaps on the stone.


    The lightning-balls had more work to doa heartbeatterthey exploded, electrocuting agwiagmas, hurling smoke trailing forms into the demons ranks. Away from the front-lines, the demons were preparing their own magics; Pazuzites capered and danced, building up auras of crimson lightning around their talons.


    Their digits were flexing, prepared to send deadly magics at the fortress invaders, but Najyah and Khalik struck. Sheathed in powerful stone armourwith talons and beak sparkling in diamond-sharpnessthe eagle flew through the capering, vulture-headed fiends; her beak and talons tore at eyes and severed fingers, shattering both concentration and deadly magics.


    In retaliation, those that could turned to strike the bird, but Khaliks spells sted from her body,shing out in all directions, conjuring a swarm of living sand, sharp rock, and ss, spraying directly for the demons faces.


    While the demons wed at the cloud of living grit, Alexs summoned monsters joined in: swarms of elemental beetles followed water elementals, the beetles harried the demons in the back ranks, the small elementals slipped along the ground undetected,tching onto the monsters limbs, draining their fluids clean away.


    Alex, can you send me some more haste magic! Theresa cried, splitting another tiashiva in half. The huntress was bleeding from several cuts. I dont want to slow down now!


    Done! He levelled his staff at her, releasing more haste magic, then ncing at Drestra. You ready?


    Yes! The Sage shouted, her limbs zing with a colossal tide of mana. Ive got it! We should be safe! Everyone get ready!


    Her fingers flexed as whirlwinds of cold magic manifested around her hands. The temperature dropped around the Sage of Uldar, and Alex watched mist condensing around her fingers.


    Here ites! She roared, aiming her arms at both their front and back ranks. Two orbs of ice and snow leapt from her fingers, travelling almostzily toward the demons in front of, and behind the group of mortals.


    The spells drifted along until they reached just beyond the demons ranks.


    Then, they exploded, swirling, turning into roaring whirlwinds of ice, snow, and pure cold magic. Alexs breath misted as frost formed on surfaces all around, turning demonic war-cries to wheezing, chattering teeth, mixed with the crackle of rapidly freezing flesh.


    Drestras creations swept the passageway in both directions, consuming everything in their paths. Demons were dragged from their feet, tossed against stone walls and each other like dolls as ice rapidly consumed their flesh. Soon, the tornadoes were filled with broken frozen bodies, striking and shattering unfortunate kindred caught in their paths.


    In heartbeats, what was once a passageway filled with an army of enemy monsters, had been reduced to a graveyard of ice and shattered, frozen corpses.


    <em>Damn!</em> Thundar shouted, lifting his mace and crushing thest half-frozen demon. I <em>love</em> fighting with you! This is easy!


    T-thanks? Drestra cocked her head. I guess?


    Save the congrattions forter! Alex shouted, hoisting his staff. Weve got an opening and wed better use it before they swarm us again. Lets go!


    Indeed! Khalik stepped forward. We dont want them draining our resources! Lets not forget the <em>real</em> fight lies ahead of us!


    Ach, killjoys, Thundar grunted as the group charged ahead.


    Falling into silence again, Alex swore internally. This is bad. Those bastards know were here now and theyre going to start looking for us, even <em>with</em> Baelin distracting the bulk of them. Well get buried in demons at this rate. Damn it all! Whyd we have to get discovered so soon? What the hell went wrong?


    He shook his head. Not now. Break down our mistakes <em>after</em> we get back. We have to concentrate and figure out how to salvage this now. Okay. Think. Adapt. Think. Adapt. Think. Adapt.


    He looked at his staff, cocking an ear to the ceiling: above, he heard another demon horde rushing across the floor, probably to intercept them.


    Ive got to buy us more time, he thought, pouring his energies into the aeld wood. And the best way to do that is to make sure they dont know <em>exactly</em> where we are. We need distractions. And a lot of them.


    Quickly, he guided his mana into the summoning controls of his staff.


    Even as the group flew on, he conjured swarms of elemental beetles, air elementals, aervespertillos, flicker dogs, hellhounds, hell-boars, and evenntern celestials: anything fastand that could make a <em>lot</em> of noise.


    I want you to run through the halls! He told the newly summoned monsters. Go and spread out, make as much racket as you can and attack anything that you see! Make chaos: I want to be able to hear you from half a mile off! Go! Go!


    The summoned creatures scattered, raising a terrible din and spreading out in all directions. In minutes, the halls were alive with roars, shouts and screams from his summoned monsters as they shed with, and taunted, demonic forces.


    Next, he turned to his remaining air elementals. I need four of you to fly ahead and behind us, he said in their tongue. If you see any demonsing our wayexcept for anything that Ive summoned in front of youfly back and crackle as loud as you can. Let us know theyreing.


    With a whoosh of wind, the air elementals scattered.


    What the hell was all that? Hart asked.


    Distractions and scouts, Alex said as sounds of battle echoed through the stone. He quickly exined what hed done. it should buy us a bit of time. The demons are gonna have a hell of a time pinpointing us in all that chaos.


    Aye, but now <em>we</em> wont hear emin for us so easy, Cedric pointed out.


    Thats the air elementals jobs, he said as they paused at another fork in the halls. Well have <em>some</em> warning at least, but it''d be a whole lot better if we find our targets fastEr, this way! No wait He waved the orb back and forth. The other way, to the right this time!


    Hispanions turned to the right as Alex drew on his staff, pouring more haste magic into each of them.


    Gotta keep up our pace, he thought, ncing at the aeld staff. But I need to keep as much power as I can for our fight with those triplets.


    Within the aeld wood, he could feel its mana dropping: the dungeon core essence and magical wood hade together and created a deep well of mana to draw froma well that refilled quicklybut hed been calling on its power almost constantly.


    Its energies were ebbing: he needed to give it time to regenerate.


    Come on, he thought, as the group rounded yet another in a seemingly endless series of corners. How <em>big</em> is this ce, anyway? The bloody orbs warmer than metal on a summers day and it doesnt feel like were any closer.


    The group paused, reaching the top of a curving staircase that led deeper into the fortress, its steps wererge enough for a giant to walk down with ease. Alex held the orb ahead of him, waving it up and down.


    It grew warmer as his arms dropped.


    Down the stairs, he said. Theyre somewhere below us.


    Then down we go, Khalik said, ncing behind them, listening to the sounds of battle echoing through the halls. Your distractions are working for now, but theyre eventually going to realise that somethings wrong. Come.


    The group soared down the stairs, listening carefully for signs of pursuit. Alex held the orb so tightly, his knuckles had turned chalk white on the sphere. It was growing warmer and warmer as they descended.


    Alright, we must be getting close, he thought, spying a massive pack of hellhounds ahead. Good, it wont be long


    He abruptly paused as the group flew toward the hellish canines, they growled at their approach. Alexs eyes went wide.


    Wait! He shouted. Theyre not mine!


    But his words came toote.


    The monsters leapt for the stairs, their teeth shining in the crimson light. Theresa let out a scream as one pounced on her, its jaws mping on her forearm.


    No! Alex cried, reaching forward, but her sword was already removing the offending mouth.


    Im okay! She shouted, whirling on the rest of the pack. Brutus, sic em!


    With a rumbling growl, the cerberus pounced on the others, his three sets of jaws pulling down the smaller creatures, tearing them apart. Hart leapt into the fray, the Champions sword quickly finished the rest.


    Alex flew to Theresas side. Are you okay?


    Im fine, she rubbed her arm. The chainmail caught it. Lets just keep going.


    Thank the Traveller for chainmail, he grunted, his jaw tightening beneath his beard.


    Descending, he took in the hellhounds corpses, his frown deepening.


    Hellhounds arent native to Cawarthin, ording to the demonology texts, which means that either the books were wrongor <em>something</em> brought them here.


    Grimly, he remembered Baelins earlier words: <em>When one is dealing with demons, one must be acutely prepared for the unexpected.</em>


    What else is down here thats not supposed to be? Alex wondered.

 Chapter 482: The Unexpected Finds

    Chapter 482: The Unexpected Finds


    Dammit, Alex swore to himself, reying what had just happened in his head.


    The image of that hellhound mped onto Theresas arm was seared in his mind, along with the thought of what could have happened if she wasnt wearing magical chainmail. Considering he med himself, it was all too real and sobering.


    That was so stupid, he muttered, anger colouring his thoughts as they reached the bottom of what felt like an unending staircase. You told the hellhounds to scatter, so why would they be gathered in one spot, you drooling jackass? He cursed himself. You even told the elementals not to warn you if they saw anything youd summoned, but how in all hells could they tell the difference between groups of hellhounds? You shouldve known they werent yours, and now


    Alex! Khaliks voice pped him like a palm.


    Hm? He looked into the troubled face of his friend, realising <em>everyone </em>else<em></em>was watching him.


    Which way do we go? Ground yourself, man! Think about what you could have done differently <emter!</em> The prince gestured to three passageways leading from thending.


    Oh shit, right, sorry, Alex apologised, waving the orb about. It grew warmer when held directly ahead. Central path.


    Are you alright? Are you with us? Khalik looked at him solemnly.


    Yeah, Im with you. The young Thameish wizard took a deep breath, letting his emotions slip from his mind to wash away. He would deal with themter. Lets get this done.


    As the group flew along the central path, Drestra nced at the orb. How much farther, do you think?


    Well, if this thing gets any hotter, itll be burning my hand soon, Alex grumbled, shifting his grip on the sphere. Which means were almost there.


    From the front of the formation, Brutus suddenly stiffened, his noses pointing forward, his hackles rising as a low growl rumbled through his chest.


    Yeah, you said it, boy, Alex said. Im ready to be done with this ce, too.


    But the cerberus kept growling as they moved forward, growing increasingly agitated, his heads swivelling in all directions.


    Its alright, Brutus. Theresa patted her cerberus side. I know theres a lot of demons down here, but well be out of here soonat least, I hope so.


    No Grimloch took a deep sniff of the air. Hes not smelling demons. The sharkman licked his lips. Thats human flesh hes smelling. Looks like theres people down here.


    Wait, what? Cedric whirled, eyes wide. First, whyd ycall it human flesh, like that?


    You dont wanna know.


    Youre right on that ount, friend, the Chosen winced. But why would there be any trace o humans down here? Were in a hellish <em>demon</em> abyss, arent we?


    Alex and Khalik looked at each other, but it was Isolde who spoke first.


    To earn their favour or to appease them, some cultures have been known to sacrifice their people to demons as ves, pets, ythings or even to be used as fodder. She said grimly. Their existence in such a ce must be utter torment


    Or they could be cultists, Thundar suggested. A bunch of Leopolds and Zonon-In worshipping types.


    I am not certain they would be living <em>in</em> the hells, though, Isolde said.


    Hey, supposedly most archwizards eventually leave the material ne, dont they? Thundar pointed out an old tale. Why couldnt some of them be living in the hells?


    Thepanions looked around.


    Fighting an archwizard Hart growled. I dont know about that. The regr ones are bad enough in a fightso Im not liking our odds against another Baelin, unless we get a few hundred miracles on our side.


    Yeah, Alex agreed. Well, we dont know for sure <em>what </em>it is. Might even be a trick or an illusion for all we know. In any case, thats not our missionunless these supposed humans are being held down here. Itd be pretty shit to just leave them in the hells, though.


    Rescuing them would be difficult, Prince Khalik pointed out. We have spell-marks to protect us, but they would not. Freeing them from this fortress without getting them killed, I would imagine would be nigh on impossible.


    Maybe we find them, mark their location, finish what we came to do, then tell Baelin, Alex suggested as the group paused at another split in the path: a hallway led to the right, and another curving staircase was leading deeper into the Hold. Grimloch, Brutus, which ways the smelling from?


    The sharkman nodded to the stairs. That way.


    At the same time, the cerberus growled, pointing his snouts toward the steps.


    Well, that''s one location confirmed, Theresa said, ncing at the sphere. Wheres our quarry, now?


    Alex waved the orb toward the stairs feeling a surge of heat through his fingers.


    This way, he blew on his hands and shifted the orb, pointing down the steps. Wherever those three demons are, it looks like that human smellsing from the same direction as them.


    I hope that doesnt mean Ikharrashs<strong></strong>sons are using the humans as shields, Prince Khalik said. Our battle will be difficult enough without having innocents to worry about.


    Yeah, well, well see. Alex turned to his air elementals, switching to their tongue. I need you to go and scout ahead.


    The elementals gave a whoosh, instantly sweeping down the stairs and into the dark while his Wizards Hands continued extracting electrified forks from wall sconces.


    Lets hope thats not something well need to worry about, Alex said, nodding toward the steps. But, with the kind of luck weve been having so far


    He fell silent as they continued their descent into the Hold, suddenly, his elementals reappeared, crackling with electricity.


    Ambush ahead! He called.


    Let me take care of it. Drestra calmly offered, flexing her fingers. I have something for this.


    Go ahead, but youd better do whatever it is fast!


    Demonic cries echoed up the stairwell.


    The Sage of Uldar began her incantation, channelling an immense tide of mana. Demon cries were growing louder, more frantic and then, Drestra pointed a single finger downward.


    A sphere of frost magic, the size of a small house, manifested before them with the sound of sucking wind, solidifying into a titanic boulder of ice and snow. A flick of her wrist sent the boulder rolling with the sound of thunder, plummeting down each enormous step, disappearing around a corner, gathering speed, anda heartbeatterfrantic cries reached the party from the demons below, followed by shrieking, and the wet crunch of bodies. Cries died away, leaving only the thunder of Drestras icy orb surging down the staircase.


    Alex looked at her, his mouth agape. Holy hells, that was <em>awesome.</em>


    Its one of my favourites, she sounded pleased. It was created by another Sage of Uldar for just this purpose: rolling on Ravener-spawn in dungeons with steep tunnels. d to see it works on demons, too. There was a smile in her voice.


    A loud explosion shook the entire stairwell as the ice balls momentum ended against a wall somewhere far below. Stone dust rained down from the ceiling.


    Drestra gestured toward the steps. No more ambush. Now, shall we?


    In amazement, thepanions continued, flying above icy steps smeared red before they rounded a corner taking them into a passage one floor below.


    The orbs heating up again, Alex announced.


    The smells getting stronger, too, Grimloch growled.


    Then wed best prepare fthe worst, Cedric said.


    Yeah, everyone keep your senses sharp, the young Thameish wizard warned.


    Think. Whatll you do if Ikharrashs<strong></strong>sons have hostages? He considered the possibility. Dammit, I wish Id mastered a teleportation spell: I could just grab captives and teleport them out of harms way while the others are busy beating the hells out of those three demons. But, no use wishing for what you dont have. Think about what we <em>do</em> have. Weve got lots of power to throw around with the Heroes here, still, that wont help us much if theres prisoners. Maybe I can use summons? Maybe bury the demons in a horde of summoned monstersach, but theyd just rip the hostages apart. Shit, maybe


    Scentsing from over there. Grimloch nodded toward a hallway branching off the passage. Its strong, were real close.


    Wait, what? Alex peered down the hall.


    At most, the corridor was only a few dozen feet long, terminating with a set of looming double doors. The short passages walls were lined with forks sparking in their sconces, while suits of armourhuman-sizedstood every five feet or so. They faced each other, gripping weapons and shields emzoned with the symbol of Ezaliel.


    Thats pretty ominous, I bet you thats where our quarry the young, Thameish wizard paused, waving the orb back and forth. His brow furrowed. Actually, thats <em>not </em>where our targets are.


    Really? Khalik cocked his head, noting a tapestry hung from the wall above the doors. Thats strangethose doors almost scream throne room.


    Or a wizards personal chambers, Hart grunted. Youd be surprised how many wizards towers have their living area all set up like a throne room.


    Have you been in many throne rooms? Khalik asked.


    Just the one. But Ive been in my share of wizards towers. You knowfor the purpose of killin em. No offence.


    None taken, Isolde said. Now then, what do we do? Do we investigate this ce or stay on target? It is not so far out of our way, and if there are victims being held against their will


    I think we should take a quick look, Khalik said, squinting at symbols etched into the full-size armour. This ce feels like it has importance. I dont much like the idea of seeking our prey only for powerful reinforcements to attack us while were otherwise engaged.


    Yeah, agreed, Alex said. Lets check it outbut first


    He looked at ygon. Would you mind sting those suits of armour, buddy? They have this, were going to animate and chop intruders to tiny bits written all over them.


    <em>Yesfather.</em> The golem raised his hands, aiming his palms at two statues, while turning his head toward a third.


    Light red, zing power shot forward, sting three suits of armour to molten g. A heartbeatter


    A terrible screech of steel on steel cut the air as armour shuddered,ing to life. Raising shields and sturdy weapons, they slowly turned, facing the intruders.


    But, ygon had already charged his fire-gems, ready for another volley.


    Beam after beam sted through the hall, blowing apart metal, ckening stone, and turning the tapestry to ash. Sparking forks died as sconces melted, dripping down the walls, radiating near blinding heat.


    Soon, what remained of the line of animated armour were pools of bubbling steel.


    Alright, lets breach those doors! Alex cried. ygon, could you go first


    No, wait. Theresa raised the twinde, its shining steel glinting in the crimson light. Is there manaing from them?


    Alex paused, peering at the doors, opening his enhanced mana senses. He hadnt felt anything earlierbut now, mana was definitely building behind them, mounting as someone or something held their magic at the ready.


    Yes, he whispered. It feels like someones getting ready for whateveres through those doors.


    Then let me go first. If theres a wizard in there, Ill have a surprise for them. She waved the Twinde purposefully.


    Alex paused. Okay. ygon opens the door. Youll be the first one through. Hart, Grimloch, ygon? You''re right behind her. Lets go!


    As one, they charged. ygon lowered his war-spear and shoulder, building speed; Theresa flew close by his side, her predatory eyes fixed on the doors.


    The golem struck wood, war-spear first.


    A screech of agony erupted when the doors imploded, war-spear driving point-first into an enormous tiashiva waiting behind them.


    Theresa darted in front of ygon, her swords poised.


    Arge, richly adorned apartmenty before them, crawling with snarling demons surrounding a tall, sharp-faced woman in charcoal-ck robes. Beside her, a finely dressed man cowered, his chalky face mapped by rows of wrinkles, his balding head dotted with scraggly white hair.


    He pointed with a shaking finger. K-kill them!


    With a single word of power, the ck-robed wizard thrust both hands toward Theresa, firing a pair of jet-ck rays of necromantic power. The spells hissed like serpents as they cut the air as fast as any arrow, but they might as well have been moving at a snails pace against the huntress lightning reflexes.


    A noise like a struck gong reverberated through the chamber as ck beams met silver des, rebounding from their surfaces, returning to the wizard. The womans eyes flew wide as her own spells found her gut, her scream ripped the air. Alex watched, transfixed, while necromantic power withered both life and mana in a hideous parody of natural decay.


    First her skin paled.


    Then ckened.


    Her flesh shrivelled.


    Her eyes turned white as her hair and teeth fell to the floor.


    In an instant, a putrid, rotting corpsewithered and mummifiedcopsing on the rich carpets, staining them and her robes with decay.


    In that moment, mostboth Alexspanions and the demonspaused in shock, staring at the grisly remains until their attention was dragged back to each other.


    Dripping demon heads suddenly arced across the room, demanding their focus.


    Stop gawking and start killing, you fools! Hart roared, plunging into the demonic horde, his sword swinging.

 Chapter 483: Strepplers Sins

    Chapter 483: Streppler''s Sins


    The ughter was just that: an undeniable rout; quick, brutal and one-sided.


    Minus their wizard, the demons fell into chaos, trampling each other, fighting to get ws and fangs into prey bold enough to attack their necromancer. More frenzied tiashivas seemed to lose all reason, shing the backs of their own allies standing between them and the mortals breaching theirir.


    Those who made it to the front quickly learned who was prey, and who were the actual predators.


    Harts sword blurred around him, cutting a crimson path of death through the frantic demons. Theresa was close behind, swords cleaving double-cuts with every stroke, and ygon and Grimloch came next, leaving their own swath of destruction in their wake from both war-spear and maul.


    The trembling manhis rich garments sttered in goreshrieked in terror as thest of his bodyguards fell, leaving him alone with a menacing party of warriors and spellcasters who clearly meant him no good.


    He held up his handsmost fingers sparkling with gem-encrusted ringsin surrender. Wait, wait, wait! D-dont kill me! I-Im a prisoner here! They were going to sacrifice me!


    One look at his bodynguage revealed lies were pouring from his lips, and Alex stalked toward him, his staff raised. The man whimpered, his terror rising, cringing away from the towering wizard. Wait! Im innocent! I


    Stop, Alexs tone was flint. I know that youre lying. Tell us the truth or Ill peel the flesh from your bones.


    Mercy, no! No please! The mans voice grew shrill. I-I-I can pay you! Im rich Im a sessful merchant! If you guarantee my safety, I can


    We dont have time for this, Khalik cut him off, ncing at Alex. Could you have ygon carry him? It would be better if we could interrogate him while were on the move.


    Agreed, Alex smiled, looking up at ygon. Good job on the demon-ying, buddy. Would you mind picking this man up and bringing him along with us? You dont have to be <em>too</em> gentle.


    <em>Yesfather.</em> His golem reached toward the hapless man with one enormous stone hand.


    The merchant squealed like a frightened pig, beginning to loudly pray to the Traveller knows who, as he was hoisted from his feet and roughly shoved under one of four arms. From the foul scent suddenly filling the air, it seemed hed soiled himself.


    Ugh, definitely gonna need to wash you when we get out of here, ygon, Alex grunted.


    <em>Iwouldenjoy that, father,</em> his golem said.


    Towing the screaming merchantthe war-party left the chamber, flying down the hallway and picking up the path toward their quarry. All the while, the merchant bawled, pleaded and bargained, offering promises of vast wealth.


    Alright, you. Alex red at the man as they reached a sloping passageway. Who in the hells are you, and what are you doing here? Andif you even think about lyingthat arm youre tucked underwont hesitate to crush you, am I clear?


    Alright, alright! The merchant cried. No need for that! My name is Herinrich Streppler! I-Im from the Torgundy!


    That is a remote area northeast of the Rhinean Empire, Isolde said. What would a merchant from our world be doing in the hells?


    B-bartering! The man was almost in tears. Im securing a measure ofsecurity. Sennarathe wizard you just killedpromised she could secure some protection for me! She promised me dozens of demons!


    What in all hells? Youre here for demonslike youre going shopping at some market? Alex frowned, reading the mans bodynguage. He fidgeted constantly, averting his eyes and sucking his teeth. Noyoure hiding something. ygon, crush him.


    No, no, no! Wait!


    Alright, ygon, give him a minute, but no more. The young wizard held his hand up. ygon began to count.


    So, why are you <em>really</em> here then, Mr. Heinrich Streppler!


    Alright, alrightIIve been working with Ikharrash for awhile, he murmured. Sennara put me in contact with him! IIve been using demons to eliminate my rivals. I must say, its been <em>very</em> effective!


    I can imagine, Alex said dryly. So, what are you still doing here?


    Its something of a getaway for me! Heinrich moaned. The junglesthe red lightningits a nice change from our world, I find it quite beautiful and safe. Sennara arranged for me to be able to spend time here when I wanted. I even have servants to look after my every need.


    Uhuh, Alex shuddered, raising an eyebrow as he remembered Baelin and Zonon-In. Is that all?


    Iwell, what I told you about security is true. I <em>did</em> want more security! He insisted. Th-theres been problems to the north. The Irtyshenans have been pushing into the forests at Kymnds western border and stirring up the monsters around there. Theyve been getting rowdy. Its only skirmishes so far, but bad enough that theres been a steady stream of monsters and bandits being pushed down into Torgundy. The roads arent safe! I lost three shipmentsst week! Soso


    So this Sennara offered to get you demonic caravan guards? The Thameish wizard asked, his interest suddenly piqued. And how long ago did this conflict start? The one between the Kymnd and the Irtyshenans?


    Only recently, Heinrich murmured. But, itll be a full blown war soon. Lots of profit to be made for those willing.


    Interestingand


    Hold on, Alex. Thundar raised his hand. Theres something Id like to know. Whatd you give these demons in return? Demons dont work for free andst I checked, they dont work for silver and gold.


    Heinrich paled. II dont want to answer that.


    You will answer. Thundars eyes seemed to burn. Or Ill put your eyes out with my horns.


    No, no, please! The merchant begged the minotaur. I dontlooktheresthey like to scare things down here<strong>,</strong>right? Andwell, my home city has plenty of vagabonds, too many for that matter. II thought Id just put them to use! Folk no one would miss!


    Silence hung over the group like dense fog.


    Whatd yjust bloody well say, man? Cedric demanded, ring down at the man with naked disdain. Are ymeanin ttell me ytook innocent folk an brought em to this cesspit tbe bloody tortured by demons for the rest o their lives? Just sycould get yerself some bloody guards?


    P-please! Y-you must understand! I have a family to feed! D-demons are ferocious fighters! Heinrich murmured. A-and it keeps margins down!


    Alexs jaw hardened. You bast


    He paused.


    The orb had grown almost burning hot in his hands.


    Uhguys, Hart said. Weve gotpany!


    They had rounded a corner,ing upon an <em>immense </em>underground passage at least twice the size of any other theyd encountered. At the end, a massive gateway rose, one that could have served as the front gate of a fortress in the material world.


    It was framed by two monstrous statues of massive, hyena-headed demons, with the corpulent bodies of humanoid toads, and a thirdidentical in every waywas perched on a ledge right above the door like a looming gargoyle.


    Eek! Heinrich screeched. Please no! Get away from here! Those are Azzad, Zabai, and Osshars personal chambers! Ikharrashs sons! Youve just killed us!


    Youll die first if you dont shut your trap, Grimloch growled, shing his bloody teeth.


    The merchant fought his whimpering, going as quiet as a mouse and whiter than a sheet as he trembled in ygons grip. Alex glowered down at him, imagining all sorts of nasty things for this nasty man before turning his attention back to the gate.


    He opened his mana senses, carefully feeling for wards or magical traps set in the stones, the doors, or the titanic statues. An eyebrow rose when a tingle of mana came from inside the room, not outside.


    Theres some pretty powerful magic in there, he said. As if we needed more confirmation that we found the right ce. His eyes scanned the enormous hall. Huhdoes anyone else find it odd that theres no guards posted outside?


    Baelins probably pulled most of em away, Im thinking, Thundar suggested, sipping water from his canteen. The minotaur cocked his head, listening for sounds of Alexs summoned monsters shing with demonic hordes in the distance. Then theres your summoned monsters running around, distracting thembut yeah, it is kinda weird the doorspletely unguarded.


    Unless they are using siege-defence tactics, Prince Khalik suggested. Perhaps theyre waiting <em>inside</em> the room, ready for us toe through the doorway: that will put us in a bottleneck for them to easily destroy us as wee in.


    Fireball formation, as they say, Isolde said grimly. It is what I would do.


    Shit, Alex swore. Its what I would do too.


    Aye, didnt even think o that, Cedric murmured, eyeing the statues. Ravener-spawny traps nsuch at times, but they dont usually set up big barricades an have organised resistance. Its differeHart, whatre you lookin at?


    The Champion was squinting at the three statues. Something doesnt look right. He nodded toward them. From here, we should be seeing stone in the backs of those mouthsbut its all dark in there, like


    Like the mouths <em>have</em> no stone back there. Theresa nodded. Yeah, I see it too. It almost looks like there''s a metal pipe buried in the stone.


    Yeah, Thats why I was looking for murder holes, Hart grunted. Bet you they pump boiling oil orva on top of anyone trying to get in through the front doors. Clever bastards. He pointed at the lightning forks. You hammer on the doors, trying to batter your way in, then they pourva on you and zap you with those magic forks. Andif youre not dead thenthey probably open hidden hatches in the stone and fill you with arrows, or more lightning. All they gotta do after that is walk out, and stomp your corpse.


    Clever, Drestra growled. We would have been back at the clearing if you didnt notice.


    Yeah, but whatre we gonna do about it? Hart said. I guess maybe if ygon charges, he could break down the doors real quick, but theyd still be funnelling us into a death trap.


    Then we dont go into their death trap, Khalik said, his focus on Heinrich.


    The merchant looked as though he was going into shock.


    So the prince pped him.


    Ah! Heinrich squealed. What? What do you want now?


    Youve been to this fortress many times; from what you say its your vacation home, right? Are there any other rooms adjacent to that chamber?


    Um, y-yes? Heinrich nodded toward another passage across the hall. Theres kitchens and such for Ikharrashs three sons, and there are some other doorways that lead into their quarters. B-but thosell be guarded! Ill die if you take me there!


    Im not interested in other entrances, the prince said. I just need you to lead me to a room that shares a wall with this chamber.


    Alexs eyes lit up. Okay, <em>thats</em> a good idea. Tell you what, I think I can make it even better. He lifted his staff, feeling the mana within.


    A good deal of it had regenerated.


    Ill summon a horde of hell-boars and have them charge the doors. Thatll give these bastards something to think about, Alex said.


    And then whats the n? Drestra asked.


    Well discuss it after we leave this hall, Khalik said. No doubt we are being watched and listened to by the brothers, so lets just leave them guessing, shall we?


    With that, the group fell silent as Alex began summoning an army.


    Here! Heinrich pointed his chin toward a door close by. Thats one of the kitchens! It shares a wall with the main chamber!


    Excellent, Alex nodded to his golem. ygon, get the door, would you?


    A single blow of his massive stone fist opened the kitchen door, allowing him and the hyperventting merchant to enter. <em>Thedooris open, father.</em>


    Good work, buddy, Alex floated in, leading hispanions.


    In the distance, hell-boar squeals echoed through passageways along with dull thuds from monstrous skulls hammering on reinforced doors. Beyond that, shrill demon voices grew louderas the chaotic sounds of shing between demons and his summoned monsters died down.


    I think the enemys about done with my distractions, Alex said grimly. Theyll be on us, soon. He nodded toward the wall on the opposite end of the cavernous kitchen. Gut-churning scents rising from massive ovens made him d he didnt know what was being roasted. Khalik, you think you can do it?


    I think so, the prince said thoughtfully, floating past a row of cauldronseachrge enough to fit Grimloch, Brutus, and ygon intobubbling with a ropey-looking green liquid inside. He touched the stone wall, closing his eyes, muttering an incantation. Yes. I can do it from here!


    Do what, exactly? Cedric demanded. Care tlet us dumb ones in on the n, ymasters ostrategies?


    The prince turned, jerking a thumb toward the wall. I will be using a spell to weaken and open the stone here.


    Then Ill have ygon charge through it, breaking a great big hole in the side of their chamber, Alex smiled. Then we all rush in while theyre caught off-guard and we break them.


    Ayeaye! Cedrics eyes lit up. I like the sound othat! So, then wehuh. He abruptly turned to the Sage. SayDrestra, Ive got meself an idea. Would ymind helpin out wit it?


    If it lets us kill more demons easily, itd be my pleasure, her voice crackled through her veil.


    Aye, good. The Chosen smiled. Why don''t we give these little demons an even bigger surprise? His eyes went to the bubbling cauldrons. Somethin tgrab their attention.


    Hold on now. Hart looked down at Heinrich, his grin absolutely evil. What about <em>two more</em> surprises?


    Now it was Alexs turn to smile. See? Youre already learning more about cooperating and using your resources. Aint that a grand thing?


    Together, thepanions hatched their n.

 Chapter 484: Three Demonic Brothers

    Chapter 484: Three Demonic Brothers


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Osshar grumbled, his fangs grinding as the chambers main doors boomed on their hinges. All this bangings driving me mad! Why arent we attacking?


    He scrutinised his brotherslip curling in distaste at minor imperfections marring the otherwise perfect form that all three sharedthey squatted on borate thrones, observing the chambers side entrances.


    Patience! Azzad snapped, revealing chipped, yellowed teeth. The fool never did take care of his fangs properly. Why attack when we control the fortified position? Let them bang away and exhaust themselves! Thats to our advantage!


    We should at least use theva! Osshar pointed to pipes spider-webbing across the ceiling and running down the chamber walls, burrowing through them, then vanishing behind stone surrounding the three carven images of themselves outside the doors. Within the towering ceiling in the room,y an enormous chamber whereva was pumped directly into a reservoir from the earth<strong></strong>beneath the Hold then dispensed at the triplets whims.


    Ossgar licked his hyena-like chops, remembering thest time theyd pouredva onto a band of unsuspecting rivals seeking their lives. To this day, the delightful smells asva bathed them, and their terrified screams, still made his pulse quicken.


    How long ago had that been?


    A century?


    A millennium?


    Far too long.


    What was the point of ava trap if one never got to use it?


    Where are they? Sabai demanded, moving away from his throne and growling at the runtish pazuzite hovering before a peephole. Are they not back at the entrance?


    N-no, most malicious of masters! The pazuzite cried. I dont see the interlopers! Just the monsters they conjured!


    I told you we should have thrown the doors open and swarmed them! Sabai whirled on his brothers. You foolish fools! This is why father prefers me to you two impulsive brutes! You have no subtlety! Cowardice oozes from you in a stink that everyone in the realm can smell!


    You dare! Azzad snapped. You are the greatest fool of fools! We have full tactical advantage here!


    He gestured to their demon forces spread throughout the enormous chamber: a hundred pazuzites with ws twitching, and another hundred tiashivas sharpening bone axes against each other. Above, scores of agwiagma floated near the ceiling, their forehead tentacles glowing with power.


    B''mxibas waited in the shadowy corners of the vast room, poised and ready to spring from the shadows and fall upon their foes in the light.


    Hosts of varied demons hade together, waiting for their orders: eight-armed makadeanstauric demon spiders propelled by eight legs and eight armseach armed with heavy crossbows meant to rain volleys of hellfire-hardened, iron, bolts on those foolish enough to barge through the doors. Demonic suuderai boiled silently in the gloom beneath the brothers thrones, the sinister creatures eager to possess unwary mortals.


    See? Azzad pointed to the rooms side entrances also covered withva pipes feeding through the stone around them. Weve covered every direction, our forces are ready, even a demon-host led by the Three who Dwell in Ash would break against our defences! Why throw away tactical advantage just to rush into the halls like maniacs? Wheres the logic in that?


    But, then we wont be able to use theva! Osshar snarled. You foolish fools are fooling yourselves if you think those mortals wont be getting a taste of my simple, but masterful trap today!


    Well, trap or no trap, we wont be using anything if they donte to us, Osshar. Azzad growled. Where are they? st it, I wish we had our sniffers. Theyd tell us where they are.


    Father needs them, Sabai said. And weWaitdo you hear something?


    No, why? Osshar paused. ...waityes. Like the earth rumbling?


    The three hyena-headed demons looked all around, their ears twitching and swivelling.


    Its agrinding sound, right? Osshar grunted.


    Masters! A pazuzite shouted, pointing at a wall. I sense great fearing from there! And strange noises!


    What? Azzad frowned. Isnt that one of the kitchens? What are theyIt sounds like theyre tunnelling!


    Sabai snarled. Archers! Pivot your aim! Troops! Turn! Prepare to strike as theye through! I want those invaders dead before they can take three steps!


    Osshar scowled, his anger rising as he leapt from his throne. I want to tear them apart personally. How <em>dare</em> they deny me myva!


    A massive tongue licked his enormous belly-lips like he was tasting something.


    First, Ill drown them in mucus, then swallow a few of their warriors whole. Myugh is going to pop ear-drums, and my magic will poison their insides. He began to jiggle at his own n.


    No fair! Sabai snapped, charging up behind Osshar. First blood is mine!


    No! Osshar turned, ready to reprimand his brother.


    Only for a moment.


    First, he felt a sudden surge of mana like a riptide.


    Then a mounting boom rocked the chamber.


    He whirled in time to see a tremendous hole rupture a wallwide enough for him and his brother to fit through shoulder to shoulderejecting a storm of boulders that dropped onto hapless demons standing too close.


    But the hole was soon obscured by a floating mix of mist and stone dust.


    A voracious roaring wind followed.


    A sour stench filled the air.


    A whirlwind of acid sprayed from the hole.


    Osshars sensitive ears screamed in pain, acid fumes gnawed at his nose, a tornado swelled, growing in intensity, whirling into the chamber, gathering up stones and demons close by.


    Look out! Sabai leapt back.


    Acid droplets sprayed like water, burning tiashivas, melting their flesh in instants. Osshar growledhis own demonic form was made of much sterner stuffand waded forward with confidence, straight toward the whirlwind.


    His bulk would keep him anchored to the ground.


    His resilient hide would resist the acid: hed simply walk through the spell and


    Glowing droplets touched his skin, hissing dangerously.


    He flinched, screaming as his flesh began to burn.


    Whats this? He cried. Its burning!


    Radiant holy liquid sprayed over the stunned demon, burning skin, flesh, and, as he inhaled, scorching his lungs. Agh! Osshar stumbled back, trying to escape the holy rain, but the tornado was already on himfull of the blessed drenching liquidwhich swirled with acid, eating away his rubbery hide.


    Gotgot to get out! He gasped.


    A sudden <em>whoosh</em> caught his attention in time for him to spot an enormous cauldronglowing with divine blessingbarreling down on him at great speed. The blessed vessel struck with the deep ng of a rusty church bell, almost bowling the demon over. Metal crumpled against his bulk, burning his hide with divinity.


    Screeching, Osshar fought to peel the crumpled metal away, casting the ruined cauldron into the tornado as it finally passed. He coughed and heaved, his chest wracked in agony: his vision blurring from holy fluid stinging his eyes and tongue as droplets peppered his face.


    They have at least one priest, he thought, enraged. Those mortals used their filthy blessings on our kitchen vessels and our food and sent them against us like a weapon! What kind of scum fouls a perfectly good meal that takes days to percte? Theyre tricky, but lets see how tricky they are when I kill the first one I see!


    Osshar looked up, squinting at the stone-dust swirling in the hole.


    A flicker of movement.


    There! He pointed. Archers! Fire at the hole!


    A screech of terror filled the room as someone flew from the hole at incredible speed.


    Osshar drank in the mounting fear, savouring it as dozens of bolts and lines of lightning shot past him, striking the brazen fool in mid-air. The scream quickly withered to a dying gurgle as crimson lightning ripped through the attackers form.


    By the time the man copsed, all he could do was twitch in silence by Osshars elephantine feet.


    Thats one lessWait He stared. Now that the dead humany before him, there was a familiarity about him. Isnthe..that coward the necromancer brings here? What is he


    He heard the sound, but much toote.


    Osshar, son of Ikharrash, looked up in time to see an enormous human flying toward himsheathed in the mana of many spellswith a titanic sword held in a tight grip. Before the powerful demon could even twitch, the warrior became a blur of motion.


    Something raced for Osshars neck.


    And thenthe world was tumbling.


    End over end, the chamber spun around him.


    Whats this? He wondered. Did a wizard bewitch my mind?


    He tried to right himself, anchoring his body to the ground, butfor some strange reason, he could feel neither his legsnor arms. The sound of stone impacting the side of his hyena-like head gave a dull thud.


    Wh he tried to choke out, but no air came to him. There was no breath in his lungs and.wait, what was he seeing? Standing above him was a bodyheadless and spasmingslowly sinking to the stone.


    One of his foolish brothers had gotten themselves killed before the battle had truly started! How useless they were! A sneer spread across his lips.


    How could he let his centuries of life end so easily, so foolishly, and be taken by unworthy mortals? He wondered. Which one is it? His eyes scanned the fools form, trying to find the unique imperfections that would betray who the body belonged to: Azzad or Sabai.


    He looked closelythen his heavy eyelids tried to widen in shock.


    The body! It <em>has</em> no imperfections! He realised as though through a veil. Thatsits <em>mine! </em> But howhow could I


    As thest of his lifeblood poured from his severed head, his thoughts slowed and slowedunttsthe thought no more.


    And so ended the life of Osshar, son of Ikharrash.


    ###


    I got one of the sons! Harts shout came through the fog of stone dust and mist.


    Then lets get the rest! Prince Khalik shouted. Everyone, get ready!


    Forward! Alex raised his staff,manding another small horde of summoned monsters through the breach in the stone.


    A pack of flicker dogs howled, charging through the gap and into the chamber, where they flickered into the ranks of the enemy, mauling them.


    First waves in! Alex shouted. Go!


    ygon flew through the obscuring dust first, followed by Cedric, then Grimloch, Theresa, Brutus and then the others streamed through in a line.


    Alex took a deep breath as he flew in. Here we go!


    He emerged in the chamber, alreadymanding his Wizards Hands.


    All around utter chaos reigned: hordes of demons were in disarray since Drestras tornado had ripped through their ranks, drenching them in acid and divinity infused broth. Cedrics idea to bless both the cauldrons and their contents had been inspired, and throwing the enormous cook pots into the Sages whirlwind proved a devastatingbination.


    Harts idea to use Heinrich as a decoy was also inspired: putting an end to one evil life and wasting the demons first volley in one swoop.


    And now, the demons were feeling their enemies bite.


    The flicker dogs bit and harried the confused demons, allowing Hart to lead a charge straight<strong></strong>for another of Ikharrashs sons. Snarling, the Champions bulbous target spread both mouths, set to unleash his demonicughter and disgusting mucus, when


    <em>Whoooooosh!</em>


    ygon fired beams directly into the mouth on the demons gut.


    <em>Boom!</em>


    An explosion shattered the air, setting the monster aze, copsing hisughter into screams.


    And then the Champion of Uldar was on him.


    The huge demon barely raised his guard, and<strong></strong>the dedriven by Harts tremendous strengthbit deep, carving a trench in its limb. It flinched, then the team was on it.


    Cedrics spear, bleeding holy power, jabbed its side.


    Theresas cuts shed its other arm to ribbons.


    Grimloch took a massive bite from its nk.


    It howled and iled.


    And ygon?


    The golems war-spear streaked toward its shoulder, it writhed, trying to flee as the blow carved deep into his torso. ygon then cocked a stone fist back, swinging it with full force.


    The hyena-headed demons eyes mmed shut in reflex.


    A terrible crunch followed as ygons fist ttened its snout like a bellows turning the monsters head to pulp.


    Two down! Cedric shouted. Weve got em on their back foot, keep on em!


    Grimloch and Brutus roared, diving into a clot of demons. ygon, Khalik, Thundar, Isolde and Drestra fired punishing magic into scattered schools of agwiagma floating high in the chamber, and at crossbow-wielding fiends.


    Theresa and Hart drew their bows, sharp eyes scanning the room for demons gathering magic. The instant they caught sight of capering of pazuzites, or the glow of crimson lightning, they loosed their arrows, skewering threats before magics could be brought to bear.


    And Alex conjured monsters, drawing even more power from the aeld staff. This was not the time to hold back.


    Gotta keep up our momentum. He thought, guiding his horde of Wizards Hands and forceballs through the room, disrupting the enemy.


    His attention turned to the centre of the chamber where the lone surviving son of Ikharrash stoodhis mouth agapethree towering thrones behind him.


    If they acted quickly, they could finish the battle before it really started.


    This is easy, Alex thought. almost too easy.

 Chapter 485: Demonic Laughter

    Chapter 485: Demonic Laughter


    Ill be takin thest ones head! Cedric shouted, flying toward the demon, his spear zing with Uldars divinity.


    Alex raised his staff.


    But a slight doubt kept nagging at the back of his mind.


    Theyde to the hells with a lot of power and theyd hit the trio in ways the demons hadnt expected. It <em>should</em> have been easybut something still bothered him. As he watched Cedric streak toward thest son, he knew theyd made sound tactical decisions: capitalising on their <em>advantage </em>while they could.


    Looking to end the fight clean and fast.


    But, he remembered Baelins warnings about overconfidence.


    And that demons were unpredictable.


    He raised his staff, ready to direct mana draining magic at the towering fiend.


    But in response, that hyena-like maw opened.


    And the demonughed.


    Agony mmed Alexs ears. Hispanions screamed, while Cedric froze in mid-air, both hands mped over his ears. Pain contorted Alexs form, his eardrums pounded like they were about to explode. Confusion raked his mind.


    <em>Father!</em> ygon cried. He was the only one unaffected by the great demonsughter. <em>WhatswronLook out!</em>


    The golem raised his fire-gems, sting a wave of demons springing at the pain-wracked party.


    <em>Father! Can you hear me? </em>ygon cried in desperation, flying to Alexs side, his war-spear cutting through swarms of demons in his way.


    It hurts so much! Alexs thoughts screamed. The book said theirugh causes pain but! I feel like my heads splitting


    His darting eyes fell on the staff clutched in his hand.


    Realisation struck.


    Hed ced sensory enhancement magic on his team members, heightening their senses, making their hearing ripe for assault from the demons sonic weapon; itsughter. The auditory sensation was pure torment, pitch and volume intensified beyond reason, distorting sound waves, ripping through their<strong></strong>heads.


    Got to he raised his staff weakly. Got todrain manaygon, I


    The thought died when a shadow shot from beneath a throne, racing for Cedric while the Chosen of Uldar curled up in agony.


    Wh-what the hell? Alex choked out, pushing against the torture in his head, trying to gain enough rity and will to power the staff.


    But, before he could, the shadow fell on Cedric.


    Get back ybloody! The Chosen cursed at the threatening shadow, lifting his spear as if in slow motion.


    Even if Cedric wasnt weakened, the creature was devilishly quick, sweeping past his spear, and diving for his chest.


    No


    diving <em>inside</em> his chest.


    Wh? Cedric gasped as the shadow sank beneath his skin.


    What? Alex cried.


    For a breath, the Chosens unbelieving eyes stared at shining scales on his chestwhere the demon had vanished just an instant beforeand gingerly reached for the spot.


    Whats happeniAaaaaargh! He cried, dropping his weapon, both hands desperately wing at his temples. I feels it in me! Tryin ttake over!


    Cedric! Isolde and Alex groaned.


    The Chosen fought back with all his will, holding the demon at bay.


    Horror mingled with pain in the young Thameish wizard.


    Possession: in demonology, it was a fiendish power where certain demons had the power to possess a mortal body, taking over its will.


    If the Chosen of Uldar became controlled by a demonwhile the rest of them were paralysed by pain


    Well alldie! ygon! He thought, ncing at the golem as he sted an oing horde of demons.


    <em>Father! </em>ygon cried.


    Alexs thoughts raced. He couldnt shoot the demon <em>within</em> Cedricbut he could stop thatughter.


    Weve got to shutthat demon up! Stop it fromughing! Alex thought in desperation.


    <em>Butfather! </em>ygons fist crushed a pazuzite. His war-spear shed through a group of tiashivas. Fire-beamsnced the demon horde, sting all those working to bring their magic to bear. <em>Youll beswarmed if I turn away!</em>


    Pleasejust<em>do it!</em> Alex grunted, calling his Wizards Hands to him.


    In that instant, ygon turned from the hordes, unleashing a fire-beam at the remaining tripletsughing face.


    Ikharrashs third son, hisughter booming through the chamber, abruptly yelped and sprang aside. But his bulk wasntpletely spared, the beam clipped him, exploding in me. The yelp turned to a scream of rage. Kill them! Kill them all!


    A wave of demons fell on the party.


    Isolde was first to go: an agwiagma swooped down on her, its poisoned tentacles striking from behind; her greater force armour held, but its demon kindred piled on, swallowing her in a cloud of fish-like monsters.


    Next to vanish was Grimloch, struck by scores of crimson lightning bolts at once, while Brutus vanished when b''mxibas overwhelmed him in a coordinated attack.


    More monsters swarmed Khalik, then Drestra.


    Alex cursed, recovering from the overpoweringughter.


    Most of their teamand spell powerwas gone in heartbeats.


    And now, the horde wasing for him.


    Whirling his staff around in an arc, he called his forceballs to him, trying to deflect dozens of ws. A sh at the corner of his vision warned him crimson lightning was streaking across the chamber, he dove to the side, saving himself.


    Meanwhile, he was pouring everything he could into the staff, readying its power. Wizards Hands mped down on Alexs ears, protecting him from anyughter the demon might try.


    If I drain mana from Cedrics body, he thought. Maybe thatll drive the demon out when its mana starts draining too! Come on!


    Cedric screamed, battling the demons influence on his mind and body. Thundar, Theresa and Hart fought back-to-back with ygon, striking down the tide of demons trying to eliminate them.


    Alexs mana coursed through the staff.


    The hyena-headed demon beat mes away, beginning to recover.


    And Cedric screamed.


    abruptly stopping.


    Oh no, the Thameish wizards fear spiked, dread filled the nce he risked at the Chosen. He expected a demon would now be in control of one of the most powerful warriors in all of Thamnd


    instead, the shadowy demon floated in midair, looking around frantically for the host body it was in instants before.


    The spell-mark! Alex thought. It mustve taken Cedric away before that demonpletely possessed him!


    Another nce, this one toward the hyena-headed demon made his blood chill.


    The creature was all smiles.


    Possess them! The towering monster cried.


    He inhaled like a massive bellows, readying hisugh.


    No! Alex levelled his staff at the titanic fiend.


    The aeld branch emitted a wave of defiance as power poured from it, releasing a swarm of magic.


    This nonsense cant help you the demon snapped in themon tongue as the spells swirled around its body, painting Elder Blodeuwedds symbols across its skin. Whatre youAaaaaargh!


    The demon screamed.


    Mana poured from it like a fountain, washing away in every direction.


    Around it, its underlings paused, gaping at their enormousmanders reactions. Some seemed pleased at his suffering, smirking quietly, but their focus never wavered from the intruders.


    The shadowy demonnked by two more that had shot from beneath the thrones, flew for the warriors, eager to possess them, but Alex levelled his staff, unleashing more mana-draining magics.


    Symbols appeared across their essences, their forms wavering as mana flowed from them.


    The hells with this, bring down the big one! Were about to fall! Theresa shouted. Weve got


    There was a ssh and a wave of mucus flew across the room, striking the huntress.


    Theresa! Alex cried as she struggled against the hardening substance.


    She never got a chance to break free. In a blink, demons were on her, sting her with crimson lightning.


    Then, she was gone, whisked away by her spell-mark.


    Hart struck all around him,ughing maniacally as bodies fell.


    Stopughing, you maniac! Ive had enough crazyughter for one day! Thundar roared. Were about to be wiped out!


    I <em>know!</em> Hartughed harder, his de cutting down half a dozen tiashivas at once. Dont that get your blood pumping?


    <em>No!</em> Thundar snapped, shooting a group of agwiagmas from the air with a wave of force missiles.


    Alex took in the situation at a nce: the floor was littered with dead demons, but more still poured into the chamber from all entrances. Around him, the swarm thickenedit was taking everything he had to dodge and deflect themand if any more of those shadow demons were to appear, hed be done for. Only ygons unstoppable power was preventing them from beingpletely overwhelmed, though even he was having trouble keeping back the ever renewing demon numbers.


    The three shadowy demons were growing weaker as their mana flickered awayyet they kept crawling forward while the towering son of Ikharrash stalked toward the mortals, his teeth grinding in rage.


    Whathave you done to me? He demanded. You know you wont be leaving here, dont you? No magic will sweep you away! Ill keep you here and peel the flesh from your bones! You will <em>know</em> terror when I, Azzad, begin to work on you!


    The hells with this! ygon! Alex shouted, pointing to the big demon. Kill that bastard! Dont bother about protecting me! Just get him dead!


    <em>Butfather!</em> ygon pleaded. <em>Imust protect you!</em>


    Ill be fine! Alex shouted. Go! Take him!


    He felt a wave of frustration from the golem as he cut down an entire row of pazuzites.


    <em>Dead!</em> ygon roared in his mind, charging through rows of demons and facing their master.


    Fire-beamsnced out, sting the towering demon. Azzad howled viciously as me magic struck him, enveloping him in a column of fire before he stepped forward to meet ygon.


    Ill turn you to gravel! His eyes glowing red as he burned. Then Ill crush your filthy masters!


    Tworge hands reached into the air, grasping with wed fingers, and as Alex dove down to join Thundar and Hart, he felt the tingle of teleportation magic.


    Look out, ygon! He shouted, taking up position beside the Champion and minotaur. He ducked an axede and deflected a w with his staff. Hes calling something!


    Two somethings, as it turned out.


    In a sh of crimson lightning, a pair of swordseach forged from an ominous-looking ck metppeared in the demons hands, bleeding both magic, and deep red lightning.


    The demon pointed at the charging golem, a dangerous sneer on his hyena-like face and with a roar, he rushed to meet ygon.


    War-spear swung.


    ck swords swung.


    Their shnded with the force of a battering ram against a stone wall.


    The demon grunted, jumping back and parrying a series of ygons blows. He was yowling as another fire-beam ran along his flesh, yetthrough immortal fortitudehe kept on fighting.


    Youre strong, creature! The demon shouted. But youck the experience Ive earned over far too many of your mortal centuries for me to count!


    To illustrate his point, he easily feinted the golem, turning aside the war-spear and striking a blow across ygons torso. The heavy ck de rang like a trebuchet stone against a rock face, but failed to leave even the slightest scratch.


    Shit, Alex thought. It looks like we killed the other two so fast because we caught them off-guard. But theyre <em>tough</em>, and a lot faster than they look!


    ygon lunged at the towering fiend, eliciting another crash of metal on metal. The demon growled, his arm shaking from the impact. Fine, then, enough of this game, he snorted. Move aside. Your masters are made of much weaker stuff.


    Lips parted on the demons immense belly, spraying ygon with mucus.


    The golem didnt pause, simply burning it away with his fire-beams.


    Argh! Filthy, defiant creature! Azzad snarled. Fine, have it your way! Dance with me! Ill see my minions tear your masters apart!


    He barked out his terrible, magically-infusedugh.


    A wave of prickling coursed through Alexs body, though much of the demons power had fadedwithered by mana draining magic. The creature scowled.


    Now you thest son paused, his eyes growing distant for a moment, then lighting up. Wellisnt that interesting?


    He parried another of ygons blows.


    Seems that one of the patrols found an <em>interesting</em> portal outside the stronghold''s walls His grin widened as a stab of panic ran through Alex.


    What? Thundar shouted, driving away a tiashivas axe. You piece of shi


    Theeeeere it is, Azzad leapt out of the golems reach.


    The war-spear crunched, cutting deep into nearby stone. Azzad kicked the golem with an elephantine leg, sending ygon stumbling back.


    My minions have already destroyed the portal the fiend sneered. Now theyre busy capturing your friends. It seems they fought fiercely, but, since shadow demons now control themit seems they wasted their energy, maybe they can still fight fiercelyfor me! He seemed quite pleased with himself.


    An image of Theresa and the others filled Alexs mindwith no spell-marks and vulnerablewrithing in some filthy demons grip as it seized control of their bodies.


    No! Alexs panic spiked, he felt the terror-field reaching into his mind.


    Oh yes! Azzad roared. Submit to me now! Or I will let my minions free the flesh from their bones!

 Chapter 486: To Pay Back What You Owe

    Chapter 486: To Pay Back What You Owe


    You leave them alone! Hart roared, an uncharacteristic note of fear in his voice. The champion cut down all demons in close proximity to his de as he pushed ahead, stalking the towering fiend like the reaper. Ill split you from crotch to crown!


    He shot forward with a war cry, but a b''mxiba hit him from the side, throwing off his flight path. Pazuzites piled on, straining against his enormous strength as he raged against them in turn.


    But they were also strongand numerous.


    <em>Father!</em> ygon thought. <em>What should we do?</em>


    Alex fought the terror-field closing in on his mind. We have to


    wed fingers seized his shoulder, as more gripped his arms. Then his legs. He was struggling, trying to get free of the hands holding him. He called Wizards Hands and forceballs for help, but agwiagmas swarmed his force constructs, bursting them.


    Alex looked around, desperately searching for his flicker dogsbut they were long gone. He struggled as the aeld staff was dragged from his handsreleasing waves of panicand a pazuzite raised it in triumph, cavorting about in victory.


    The young Thameish wizard was wrestling with the chaos swirling in his head, his thoughts were everywhere, when a sudden scream took his attention.


    No! I-Ill stop! Thundar cried, tossing aside his mace.


    Thundar! Alex called out to his friend.


    Azzadsughter boomed through the chamber as the minotaur rushed toward him with a fear-filled groan; Thundar passed one of the dead, crossbow-wielding demons, throwing himself down at the towering monsters feet.


    ygon stood nearby, seemingly paralysed.


    <em>FatherII do not know what to do! If I attackyouthe others could be hurt too! </em>He thought.


    Alex tried to fight the images of his friends being tortured and eaten; in the back of his mind, something was bothering himsomething he couldnt put words to.


    He gazed up at the towering bulk of Azzad, his eyes searching for any way he could kill this monster beforebefore


    Alex examined the demon''s bodynguage, noting the look in its eyes, and calling on the Mark. Images rose in his mind,paring Azzads movements to those of every demon hed ever encountered.


    There was something about Azzad that was familiar


    An image of Zonon-Infull of deceitcame to him.


    Realisation struck; Alex looked down at the trembling minotaur cowering before the demon.


    Thundar! He choked out. Get away! Hes lying! His bodynguage is all lies!


    The minotaur continued to whimper helplessly while Azzadughed.


    Until the whimpering abruptly stopped.


    I know, Thundar said, his voice dangerously calm. Hey, demon. This belong to you?


    There was a heavy twang of a bowstring.


    A squelch of flesh.


    Aaaaaaaargh! Azzad screamed, stumbling back, a massive crossbow bolt protruding from his eye. He pawed at his face, dropping one of his swords.


    Thundar rose to his full heightsmallpared to the bulk of Azzadwith one arm raised, seemingly empty-handedno


    the air shimmered around his hands as an illusion peeled away. The illusionary double of the minotaurhiding insidepeeled away, revealing the mace that he''d never dropped.


    And on the way to the massive demon, hed picked up another demons discarded crossbows.


    You! The son of Ikharrash wailed. You spineless beast! My eye, you took my eye!


    Then you owe us another, the minotaurs voice was flint.


    He snapped his fingers, muttering a short spell.


    A volley of force missiles fired from his hand, cutting through the air, piercing the demons face, plunging deep into its other eye.


    Arrrgh! You blinded me! It screeched. Youll wish you were dead a thousand times for this!


    Trying down here and saying that.


    Thundar tossed aside his mace, reaching down and lifting one of the monsters immense swords. The minotaurs magically empowered muscles bulged as he hefted the weapon, clenching his teeth and levelling it at the demon like a spear.


    He charged Azzad with one of his own ck swords, pointing it at a massive knee.


    The de sank deep, splitting bone while the demons servants, Alex, Hart and even ygon watched, frozen in ce. With a stone-shaking thud, the monster copsed on its hands and knees, tears of ck blood flowing as Thundar lifted his mace.


    He gave it a quick twirl with his fingers.


    Then, mmed it with all his wrath into the side of the hyena-like head.


    The snout whipped to the side, and Azzady prostrate on the floor. He mewled with agony. W-wait! Stop! Ill do anythiminions! Help me!


    Thundar red at the demons spread around the room. Really? You gonna do it? You all terrorise those weaker than you, right? He pointed at the fallen Azzad. Youre gonna listen to this terrified little worm? His thumb jerked toward ygon. Knowing youve got to go through him?


    Every demon eye was on the golem, watching him brandishing his spear.


    The horde nced at each otherthen quickly released Alex and Hart, moving away from them. The pazuzite holding Alexs staff dropped it like it was scorching its hands.


    Thats what I thought. Thundar turned back to Azzad, driving another blow at his face.


    A sharp crack, and the demons snout folded.


    Aaaaaargh! No, I can help you! Thest triplet cried. No more, please, stop! I can grant you any desire! Treasure! Magic! Mates! Beasts!


    No, that wouldnt be right, Thundar grunted, strapping his mace back to his belt. He reached down. After all, I still owe <em>you</em> something.


    What? Azzad cried, the lids covering his blind eyes twitching.


    Thundar hefted the other ck de, nostrils snorting out twin clouds of steam.


    I only gave you back one sword.


    No than


    With a grunt, the minotaur hefted the enormous de high, then drove it down to meet the demons head.


    A wet crunch and ck metal split that head in two.


    Azzad shuddered, then went quite still.


    As an awe-struck Alex picked up his staff and Hart fetched his sword, the minotaur slowly turned to face the rest of the demons, seemingly paralysed in the chamber.


    Alright. He cracked his neck. Im tired, and I want to go home. Ill go through the rest of you if I have to. Who wants some of this?


    The demons snarled, bearing ws and fangs.


    Now, now, Thundar, a deep, familiar voice boomed through the chamber. Id be a terrible teacher if I made you do that <em>after</em> the lesson isplete.


    Alex felt a wave of teleportation magic as the towering form of Baelin materialised in the air.


    The demons gasped.


    Floating beside the ancient wizardwho was sheathed in an aura of unnerving powerwas a demons head. A demons head the size of a small house.


    Ikharrash is dead, Baelin said simply. And now, so are you.


    With a ugly word of power, he conjured an orb of utter darknesscker than a moonless and starless nightand, with a shudder, it broke into scores of marble-sized orbs that shot through the air like shrapnel from an explosion.


    They sought out any living demon near them, striking with precision.


    Stunned fiends gasped for air as bone crumbled and flesh crushed inward; prating the small orbs of darkness, disappearing with a grotesque noise.


    Some tried to scramble away, but they too were pierced by the ck marbles, crumbling inward and vanishing as though they had never existed.


    In heartbeats, the snarling horde was a full, panicking rout as fiends scrambled over each other, trying to flee the ancient archwizard.


    Very few made it from the room.


    And then only by a few steps.


    When atst the sound of crumbling bodies faded, Baelin and the fourpanions were left alone in the chamber. Only the dead remained with them.


    Well done, everyone! The chancellor said, his voice filled with warm pride as he kicked the body of Azzad with a cloven hoof. Ikharrash is dead. All three of his sons are dead. And I have taken the liberty of <em>moving</em> their treasures to one of my strongholds. I do think it is time for you toe back to the portal with me. We have much to discuss.


    Yeah. Alex gave Thundar a look filled with gratitude. Yeah we do.


    Uhuh. Hart nodded to the minotaur with respect.


    <em>Yes.</em> ygon agreed, radiating warmth and awe as he looked at the minotaur.


    Thundar looked at them in confusion. What? Do I got demon bits in my fur or something?


    Alex reappeared in the clearing, dreading what he might find.


    Relieved, when he saw it was exactly how theyd left itterrifying and filled with dangerous looking ntsbut with not a single sign of demons nearby.


    His friends were gathered around the portal, syed out on the ground, except for Theresa and Brutus, who stood at the clearings edgewatching the treesand Cedric, who was pacing back and forth a short distance away from the group.


    Isolde had been watching him closely, but sheand the others turned as Alex materialised in the clearing.


    Relief washed over Theresas face, but the others tensed when he first appeared.


    Cedric ran forward. The rest! Are they


    quite fine, Baelin said, as he, Thundar, ygon and Hart materialised in the clearing.


    Cheers rose from the group as a stampede of feet thundered across the ground. Theresa flew into Alexs arms, kissing him. Brutus nearly tackled them to the ground. Thundar was caught in a tight hug by Khalik and even Isolde, while Grimloch stomped over to Hart and pped him on one shoulder.


    Cedric pped him on the other while Drestra simply nodded to the Champion. d youre alright, she said.


    More than alright, thanks to this consummate badass. Hart nodded at Thundar.


    Oh? Whats all this, then? Cedric said. Ytake out thest son, big guy?


    Yeah, I did, Thundar grinned. Got lucky <em>and</em> used my head.


    Indeed, Baelin said. But we can discuss that in detail shortly. Come friends, let us leave this ce. Did any demons prate the clearing?


    Isolde shook her head. A patrol came close but She gave a respectful nod to the engeli. your two engeli flew into the woods and slew them instantly and in utter silence.


    The chancellor looked up, meeting the gazes of the winged giants. You performed your duties well. You will find payment waiting in your pces.


    Both engeli gave the archwizard silent nods, then disappeared as the chancellor strode to the portal. Come, let us be rid of this foul ce.


    No argument from me, Cedric said emphatically.


    Together, thepanions stepped through the gate, emerging back in the material world. The dry air of the ruined city struck Alex like a fist, a strong contrast to Cawarthins foul humidity.


    It was more than a little relieving.


    Im d were<strong></strong>back, Theresa whispered, holding Alexs arm. That terror-field kept trying to get into mind: All I kept thinking about was all these horrible things that might be happening to you. It took everything I had not to run into the jungle and chase you down. Butthat wouldve only made things worse.


    Im d you stayed near the portal and safe, Alex said emphatically, rubbing her side. Last thing I wouldve wanted was for you toe back without a spell-mark.


    I know, she said, kissing him on the check, making a face as his scraggly beard scratched her face. Please get rid of that thing.


    That just makes me want to keep it, he said proudly, running his fingers through it.


    Ugh.


    As thest of the group filed through the portal, Baelin turned, waving a hand and speaking a quick word. The gate shuddered in the ruins doorway, shimmering then vanishing as though it had never been.


    Well, Cedric sighed. Were all done. Guess its back to Thamnd?


    Not quite yet, the chancellor said, waving his hand toward the square.


    There was a pulse of teleportation magic and the air wavered. An instantter,fortable chairs appearedfitted with overstuffed cushionsin a circle within the ruined square.


    Baelin gestured to the seats in invitation. This is a ss, my young, Heroic friends. And as such, it would be useless if I were to simply throw you at enemies without you <em>learning </em>anything.


    Learning? Drestra cocked her head to the side. Wont we do that back at the Research Castle? New spells and such?


    Indeed, just as promised, the ancient wizard said, strolling to one of the seats and sinking down on the cushion. However, thebat that you just undertook is full of lessons of its own, but they will be useless if you dont discuss and debrief after such a fight. And so


    Baelin smiled.


    wee to your first debriefing session of the Art of the Wizard in Combat. And as for the rest of you He snapped his fingers and the tracking orb appeared in his grip. we will begin this session a little differently than previous times. Withshall we say, a spectacle to watch.

 Chapter 487: Replaying Illusion

    Chapter 487: Reying Illusion


    A spectacle? Alex asked, settling into a wide, cozy chair with Theresa beside him, arms wrapped around his. She snuggled up while Brutus curled up at their feet.


    Indeed, the chancellor said. Unfortunately, that conflict wastaxing, shall we say? Very taxing. You werebatting an entire horde of demons, staving off the terror-field, while watching each others nks. It was a great deal to consider and to deal with.


    Youre speaking of it as though you were there. Prince Khalik rxed in a chair beside Thundar.


    The cabal mates had rushed for two individual chairs positioned beside each other, denying Isolde a single seat. After a bit, shed beenforced to share a broad chair with Cedric.


    Neither looked at all bothered with the arrangement, though she tried to hide her joy.


    The Chosen didnt: his grin was both broad and cat-like.


    Were you following us under invisibility, Baelin? Khalik asked the ancient wizard.


    I was not! The chancellor denied. I did have my own battle to fight, andat this stage in your developmentI felt that I had granted you enoughsafety rails, shall we say. Were I to follow you invisiblylike a parent hovering, trying to stop a child from tripping and fallingwould have been a disrespect to your now formidablebat abilities. that said, I was observing you objectively.


    He waved the orb about. This magical device possesses more than one function: it examines an area within a hundred feet and sends what it sees directly to one of my streams of consciousness. My eye was on you from the moment you entered Cawarthin.


    We werent in any danger, Grimloch stated tly.


    Alex looked at the sharkman sharply; he almost sounded disappointed.


    Ooooh my noooo. Baelin shook his head. You absolutely were in danger, though far less than you would have been without spell-marks. Had something gone <em>terribly</em> awry, rendering the spell-marks insufficient to assure your safety, I would havee for you. but if I didnt arrive in time


    Well, d there was real danger then, the sharkman was clearly relieved.


    I like you. Hart nodded at him in approval.


    Youre both crazy, Drestra''s eyes flicked from Hart to Grimloch. She shook her head.


    Thanks for thepliment. Grimloch grinned.


    Okay, I <em>really </em>like you! The Championughed. When this is all over, Im buying you some drinks, big man.


    Wait, wait, wait, Alex interrupted them. Baelinso you said if something rendered the spell-marksinsufficient?


    Indeed. As you know, there is a slight chancefor example, if you were to be obliterated instantaneouslythat the spell-marks activation would ur toote to save you. However, such a scenario would be very unlikely. Mostly.


    Uhuh Alex looked at his spell-mark uneasily. Are there any specific dangers we should know about that could get past your marks, Baelin? Likeanything in particr we should be watching out for?


    Not anything you would be likely to run into, the archwizard said, sounding disconcertingly vague. I suppose an interdiction would be the greatest threat, but if you throw yourself against something capable of <em>that,</em> then either you have refused to listen to all advice I have ever given you, <em>or</em> I have utterly failed as your professor and guardian.


    Whatsan interdiction? Cedric asked, his voice unsure. Never heard o the like before.


    A low growl escaped Baelins throat. It is one of the most powerful divinites that can be brought to bear. A miracle of miracles, as it were. The chancellors eyes grew distant and his expression turned sour, as though he was observing a far removed, but <em>very</em> unpleasant memory. Deities, as you have all heard, are powerful beings, glutted on faith, and that faith allows them to interact with thews of reality in ways that even wizards cannot.


    He held up a finger. An interdiction is when a deityor one of their most powerful divinity wielding servants<em>denies</em> aw of reality through sheer will, a strong deration, and divine power.


    Oh dear, Khalik swallowed.


    Yeah, that sounds pretty bad, Thundar said. Imagine if they say theres no light here or theres no air or something like that.


    <em>Precisely,</em> Baelin said. Ormore relevantly He took a deep breath, drawing himself up. <em>No mortal magic may call upon mana in my domain.</em> That is a favourite of many deities who know they shall be opposed by wizards or other magically gifted mortals.


    Alex shuddered. By the Travellerthatd shut down the spell-marks <em>and</em> every bit of our magic. Wed be pretty helpless.


    Indeed, Baelin said. Howeveragainif you were facing something capable of <em>that</em> sort of power, then something has gone terribly wrong.in any case, we are getting off topic. He smiled at the Heroes. Amon urrence in a ss whose professor is a mortal as old and doddering as I.


    Are you mortal, though? Theresa asked.


    Debatable. Depends on your definition and who you ask, the archwizard said smoothly, before uttering a word of power.


    A great pool of mana shifted around the circle of students, and the air in the midst of the circle shimmered, transforming into a vast, life-like illusion. Thepanions began murmuring softly: confronted with the hovering image of themselves standing before the gateway in Cawarthin, ready to quest into the demonic jungles.


    The image paused before moving forward.


    As a matter of routine, Baelin said. I begin our debriefings by asking a simple question: what went right and what went wrong? However, I do believe that in this case, your reflections can be enhanced by a bit of observation first.


    He tapped the side of his head. This was your first visit to the hells and the very first time many of you had to engage with an otherworldly presence attempting to smother your coherent thoughts


    Everyoneexcept Grimlochthrew Alex a brief, ufortable look.


    and so it might be difficult for you to clearly evaluate your actions without a reminder now that you are more, shall we say, clear headed. I will show youby way of illusioneverything that I observed of your journey by way of the orb. Take notes, if you wish. I can teleport your writing instruments to you upon request. Alright? So, let us begin.


    ###


    Watching himself by way of an illusion was a novel experience for Alex Roth, butin some waysa familiar one. On one hand, the Mark had shown him his past more times than he could count, but on another, hed never had the experience of observing himself from outside before.


    Or for that matter, watching himself and his entire team from outside before.


    But one frivolousconsidering the seriousness of the situationrather ridiculous thought was taking his attention.


    Oh by the Traveller, does my beard <em>really</em> look that bad? Alex cringed. Ugh, look at how its tangling in the wind like string! Jeez, Khalik was right, I really need to take care of itor maybe I should just shave it oOops, pay attention, Alex!


    He focused as Hart and Theresas arrows cut through the air, piercing the heads of two pazuzites.


    From there, the group entered the fortress, shutting the doors behind them.


    Alex grimaced.


    Already, he recognised his first mistake, he quickly made a note to bring upter.


    They watched mostly in silencewhispering to one another now and thenas they saw themselves moving along the fortress corridors. Grumbling ran through the group when the illusion showed them examining the sparking forks, followed by muted murmuring when they met their first demons.


    By now, Alex was busily scribbling notes, circling those things he thought hed done well, and highlighting what he thought hed done wrong with big, ck Xs.


    We were down there for a lot less time than I thought, Theresa whispered, watching as the group flew down the halls. It felt like we were in there for hours.


    Yeah, Alex agreed. I cant believe were already at the stairsOh, by the Traveller, <em>this part</em>.


    Alexs teeth clenched, watching himself blunder into the pack of hellhounds. He shook his head, cursing out loud.


    Theresa squeezed his hand. Hey, its okay. Im okay.


    Yeah, <em>but</em> I still messed up, Alex muttered, squeezing her hand in return. I wont let it happen again.


    We all make mistakes.


    Yeah, but I cant afford to make mistakes that would have such a high cost.


    The couple fell silent, watching as their illusionary selves continued through the Hold. Alex noted the sour look on his face and added to his notes.


    Ah, herees my second favourite part, Baelin said cheerily, chuckling as thepanions illusions breached the chambers of Herinrich Streppler, killing his wizard, interrogating the man, then tucking the terrified, evil merchant under ygon arm like a sack of grain and taking him with them.


    Alex watched closely as they paused outside of Ikharrashs sons massive chamber. He chewed his lip while they flew past the room and made their way to the kitchens, nodding in approval at Khaliks n, as well as Cedric and Drestras contributions.


    He smiled, watching them burst through the wall and wreak havoc on the demonic forces inside. The smile abruptly faded, a sour expression recing it as he watched the battle.


    Ach, shite, I can barely watch this, Cedric cursed as his illusionary double charged thest of the three demonic brothers. Dark muttering spread through the circle as they watched the shadow leap from beneath a demons throne, slipping into Cedrics chest.


    And this is where it all goes wrong, Isolde muttered sourlyas one by he groups number was battered.


    Yes. Drestra leaned forward in her chair. But Ive been wondering what happened after I was pulled away.


    Oh no Thundar muttered, sinking lower in his chair, covering his face with both hands. We dont have to watch the rest, do we, Baelin?


    The chancellor paused the illusion. You really do not wish to experience it again? I would think you would be the one most eager to continue.


    Isolde nced at the minotaur in curiosity. Oh?


    No, no, dont ask. We dont need to see the rest, the minotaur muttered, shifting ufortably in his seat. You dont want to see the rest, trust me.


    <em>I </em>want to see the rest, Khalik said. It can only help us if we all see how the final battle yed out.


    Oh yeah, Hart grinned. <em>All</em> of you have to see this glory. Theres a reason Im going to drown Thundar in beerter. A <em>real </em>good reason.


    Indeed, Baelin said, in some ways, the final part of the battle is the most importantfor several reasons. He cleared his throat. Itsalso my favourite part.


    Yeah, Id watch it a thousand times in a row, if I could, Alex agreed, drawing curious looks from Cedric, Isolde and the others who werent there to witness Thundars triumph.


    Oh by my ancestors, fine, Thundar said. Im justhoping it aint as embarrassing as I think it was.


    Thundar, Baelin said, his voice almost grandfatherly. Please, the victors of great battles do not concern themselves with such paltry things as embarrassment.


    With that, he waved a hand and started the illusion again.


    Alex watched with bated breath as the illusionary battle unfolded: first came Azzads terrible lies, and he watched fear y across the faces of Hart, Thundar and himself. Then came Harts rush, and their captureand


    He frowned.


    Is Thundar saying something? He wondered. I cant hear itmaybe thats when he cast the Illusionary Duplicate spell he was hiding in. And then


    Oh here we go! Alex cried. Youre going to love this part, Theresa!


    By my ancestors, Thundar grimaced as he rushed toward the demon, throwing himself at Azzads feet.


    An ufortable silence fell upon the group.


    Iit is alright, Thundar, Isolde saidfortingly. The terror-field can get to us all, and Azzad took advantage of that.


    Just wait for it, said Alex, Baelin and Hart simultaneously.


    The three men looked at each other with knowing grins.


    Whats got you so exciOh! Grimloch suddenly rose from his chair.


    <em>Holy shite!</em> Cedric cried, gaping as the illusionary Thundar shot Azzad through the eye. Thats bloody brilliant!


    Oh, it gets better, Baelins voice was filled with pride.


    Then you owe us another, the illusionary minotaurs voice was like flint as he sted the demon with force missiles.


    Daaaaaaamn! Theresa cried, leaping from the chair. This is amazing!


    Kill me, the minotaur groaned.


    Kill ya? Cedric looked at him incredulously. Only way Im killin ya is wit yer body weight in booze, yhear?


    Drestra vibrated in her chair, seized with high-pitched giggles.


    Thundar seemed to be trying to dig himself into the ground as his illusionary double fired off another one-liner, spearing the demon through its knee cap with its own sword.


    Whoa, whoah, <em>whoa!</em> Grimloch cried, the sharkmans voice brimming with uncharacteristic excitement. Show that again!


    Perhapster, Baelin said, with no hint of a lie.


    The minotaur made a gurgling, dying noise as his illusionary self intimidated the horde of demons. Dont say itdont say it


    No, that wouldnt be right, the illusionary Thundar said. After all, I still owe <em>you</em> something.


    What? Azzad cried.


    Thundars illusion hefted the demons other de, his nostrils snorting out twin clouds of steam.


    I only gave you back one sword.


    Top score! Baelin shouted.


    Amazing! Alex cheered.


    The others roared with approval.


    Drestra burst outughing. Delightful!


    I wish the demon had killed me, Thundar groaned. Look, look, lookI didnt say all that shit just because! I had a reason for it! A good one!


    As I suspected, Baelin said, gesturing to the scene. Which is the reasonaside from <em>vast</em> satisfactionI insisted that everyone witness this. Thundar, tell us<em>why</em> did you say those things, aside from the fact it is your right and I would have done the same.


    Well the minotaur grunted. Itsits how I overcame the terror-field.

 Chapter 488: Reinforcing the Will

    Chapter 488: Reinforcing the Will


    And <em>that</em>, my friend, is a golden nugget that should be shared with your teammates, Baelin said to Thundar, giving him an encouraging smile. Would you mind expanding on that point?


    The minotaur looked ufortable. WellI know I was talking like I was a twenty foot tall badass or whateverbut not going to lie. Inside? I was scared shitless. He tapped his skull. The shit that big demon was saying got inside my head and so did the terror-field. So, it was likeall I could see were these nasty mental images of you all gettingmangled.


    Alex shuddered, recalling what had crept into<em> his </em>own head.


    Some teammates were nodding: it seemed that he and Thundar werent the only ones affected.


    So, right away, I started using techniques from the Cleansing Movements, Thundar exined. I let those thoughts and feelings pass over me, acknowledging em, as I did. But that wasnt enough. Something about the terror-field made the thoughtsoh whats the right wordsticky? Stubborn? They wouldnt go away. So uh


    He cleared his throat. I started saying things out loud to kinda deny those images: thoughts to anchor myself. Yeah, most of that muttering you saw me doing? That shit wasnt spellcasting: I was saying Im not afraid, Baelins engeli are protecting my friends and uh I can kill this bastard, over and over again. Something about hearing my own voice kept me grounded, and that helped keep the terror-field out.


    ThundarIm so impressed with you right now, I am almost ready to vote for you as cabal leader! Khalikughed, pping him on the shoulder. If anything, <em>how</em> you did what you did just makes it even more impressive.


    Murmurs of agreement rose from the entire circle.


    Whoa, now. Thundar held up his hands. I dunno, likemuttering Im a badass over and over again to yourself is something that some crazy bastard would do. Or yknowsome tryhard who only dresses in ck, even when its like the hottest day of summer.


    No, no, no, Alex insisted. Listen, Im not letting you do that shit to yourself. What you did was necessary: anything you had to do to get that noise out of your head is valid. Some guy saying Im a badass repeatedly while hes sitting in ssI mean yeah, thatd make me cringe. But doing it so you can drive hell-magic out of your mind? That actually <em>is</em>badass.


    I dont know much about boys wearing ck in sses. Drestras voice crackled through her veil. But I dont think you should be embarrassed by what you said. I mean, it was a bit funny


    Thanks, Thundar said dryly.


    No, no! In a good way! Her voice was warm. And it helped destroy our enemy. SoI wouldnt feel shame over it, if I were you.


    Well, thats the trouble with feelings, isnt it? Thundar shrugged. They just happen. All we can do is try and steer em in the right direction and hope they lead us right. Or we can lead <em>them</em> right.


    A startled silence followed.


    Hasanyone ever told you that youre rather wise for your age, Thundar? Baelin asked.


    The minotaur shrugged.


    Well, they should, the chancellor said.


    I dunno, most of the time I just say whatever stupid shit jumps into my headunless Im meeting new peopWait, were supposed to be analysing the <em>battle</em>, not <em>me!</em> Thundar raised his voice. Right, so, I guess my point is thatwell, you can use words to reaffirm to yourself whats real and whats magic trying to mess with your mind.


    And <em>that</em> might be the greatest lesson you all take away from this venture, Baelin said encouragingly, pointing to Thundar. An iron will is often most helpful when ites to defending against magic that strikes the mind or soul, but a Proper Wizard, warrior or Heroenhances their own will using specific mental techniques to ensure they are not ovee. When one loses ones mind? One loses all battles. And now, to that point


    He looked at the group expectantly. So, now that we have teased out Thundars great wisdom, what else would you say that you did correctly in your undertaking? What do you think could stand improvement?


    Well, I can think of a bunch of stuff <em>I</em> did wrong, Alex grumbled, organising his notes. First, I let us walk into the Hold without a way for us to see in the dark without giving away our position.


    Oh? Baelin cocked his head. Do go on.


    Well, I have to ask myself, what wouldve happened if the demons didnt have those fork-traps down there? They can see in the dark so why would they need light sources, they could simply leave their fortress pitch-ck. So for us to light the way, we wouldve needed forceballs. Forceball light would have just screamed, hey were over here!...to any demons within a few hallways of us. Lighting was crucial, and I overlooked it.


    He nced at his notebook. There must be <em>some</em> potion or spell that can let someone see in the dark: Id be shocked if a wizard hadnt alreadye up with something like that.


    Indeed, a fine point, Baelin acknowledged. When a Proper Wizard is engaging their enemies, they must pick apart their advantages. From there, they can use their own magics to either remove those advantages, or equalise matters by gaining the same advantages for themselves.


    Yeah, and I didnt ount for that, Alex grumbled. That brings me to my next mistakeI didnt really have a good way to disarm those fork-traps. If theyd been activated by proximity instead of amon word, we would have been done for.


    He scowled. Then there was that mess with those damn hellhounds. You told us to expect the unexpected, but I let hellhounds catch me <empletely</em> off guard. In the futureif my summoned monsters are out of sightI need a way to recognize which are mine, and which are the enemies.


    Hey, man, dont beat yourself up about that kinda shit, Thundar said. We all did good, and we all made mistakes. You acknowledge them, but no need to cut yourself to pieces.


    But


    If youre worried about me, dont be, Theresa put a hand on Alexs shoulder. Like Thundar said, we all did well, and we all made mistakes. Were learning.


    Aye, lemme tells yous this, I sure learnt somethin, Cedric said, his eyes growing distant. That feelin ohavin somethin crawlin around inside yer head an bodyfightin yer soul fer controltis a bloody <em>awful </em>thing. Like bein full osnakes. He shuddered. I hated every bloody second of it, an I wish I could go back down t them hells n wipe out everyst one o them kindsa demonsbut runnin inta battlethat was my mistake, wasnt it?


    The Chosens fingers flexed in his metal gauntlet. I went off tfinish tst demon an got us in bloody thick trouble. I made a stupid choice fsure. Wed already chopped up <em>two</em> o them big ones, an when youre fightin Ravener-spawn, y press any advantage ygets. Dont make much sense stoppin thave yerself a think.


    Its true, Drestras voice crackled with frustration. When Merzhin takes as long as he does to use one of his more powerful miracles, it sets us back. Pushing forward is what we were taught to do.


    Yeah, Hart agreed. Leaving an enemy alive doesnt make sense. Dead ones cant hit back.


    Aye, but that didnt work out real well this time, now did it? Cedric said.


    An interesting observation, the ancient wizard remarked. And why do you think that was the case this time?


    I got cocky. Overconfident. Punched witout thinkin. That kinda shite, Cedric reasoned.


    Oh? Is that all?


    The Chosen looked at Baelin in surprise. Beg pardon?


    I encourage you to examine your conclusions more thoroughly, Baelin said. As Hart and Drestra pointed out, there are many situations in which seizing the initiative will help solidify victoryif not outright <em>guarantee</em> it. After all, such a tactic has worked well in your previous battles, has it not?


    Ayethats so Cedric said slowly. But it still went like shite this time.


    And why might that be? Baelin asked.


    The Chosen frowned, falling into deep thought.


    For a long moment, silence hung in the air while Cedric reviewed his part in the battle. Alex was also examining the fight and hade to what he thought was a sound conclusion.


    He was about to raise his handbut decided against it.


    Better if Cedric answers. The Heroes need to learn how to do their own analysis and assessments.


    The Chosen scratched his long red hair. YknowI gets the feelin that the problem coulda been that I had no bloody idea what them demons was capable of. A rush works on Ravener-spawn, but that shadowy demon thing caught mepletely off guard.


    Alex and Theresa nodded.


    True. Very good, Baelins voice was warm and congrattory. Seizing the initiative is right when you are <em>guaranteed </em>that such a tactic will <em>undo</em> your enemy, without that guarantee, taking such a risk could easily bring more trouble for you. Rushing ahead against a prepared enemy with unknown capabilities is likely a dangerous move to make.


    Right Cedric said. Learned that the hard way.


    Indeed, the chancellor continued. It is important to know as much of your enemys capabilities as you can. If you do so, and you have the proper counters? You will master them. It is those unknown factors that bring the powerful to their knees andunfortunatelyeven the greatest of Proper Wizards cannot ount for <em>all</em> chaos in the universe.


    He looked over his students. Is there anything else you feel you have gained from this experience?


    Yeah, Hart jumped in, looking at Alexs group of close friends. We worked pretty well as a team todaybut you all clearly have a lot more experience working with each other. In the Ash Ravens, we also learned about each other: wed know what our mates could do and theyd know what we could do. Made working together a lot smoother.


    From the corner of his eye, Alex caught an abrupt shift in bodynguage from the Sages direction. By the time hed fully turned, she waspletely still.


    Very good, Baelin agreed. Exploring your capabilities and learning to work around each others strengths and weaknesses will greatly improve your ability to function as a cohesive unit in battle, as well as in other areas. That said, you have <em>already</em> begun to work well as a team: your naturalpatibility is quite good. But with that in mind


    He looked at everyone in the circle slowly. keep in mind that you may not always have the privilege of choosing your most optimal allies when entering a battle. At times, you will be forced to work with strangers, for whatever reason that might be. In those times, let this experience serve as a reminder of how to handle such circumstances: today can teach you how to adjust to new team members rhythms. Take this lesson with you as you work with others in future.


    That reminds me of another point of observation I wished to bring up. Isolde said, raising her hand. It wasan incrediblyplex battle with many moving parts that I was not used to.


    Go on, Baelin said.


    Well, she sped her fingers together. There were new members within our ranks, and not only that, we were fighting in apletely alien realm, a dangerous environment we had never been to before.


    Yes, Khalik agreed. The demons wereplicated opponents: they possessed a number of varied weapons, abilities and magics, plus there were a great number of them, and while some used crimson lightning, others were firing crossbow bolts at us. We also had to contend with the three sons magicalughter and those unnerving shadow demons and their ability to possess us. All of this made it very difficult to track everything that was happening while also trying to think of proper counters at speed.


    Excellent points, Baelin said. Unpredictability among your opponents onlypounds as they increase in number. To counter this, one must consider multiple possibilities, grow ones power andas I said earlierbe used to working both with, and against newbatants, and thates with practice.


    Alex nodded, thinking about what he would have to deal with in future. One things for sure, he thought. Baelins rightIm going to need people who <em>arent</em> my friends when I go down to the hells for information about the Traveller. Itll be impossible for me to predict everything that could go wrong down thereand as much as I hate thinking this way, its better if something happens to people I dont know, than to those I do.


    He looked at the Heroes.


    The other thing I''ll need to do is to grow their power. And thats something Baelin and I can start working on right away.

 Chapter 489: Preparing for Mad Experiments

    Chapter 489: Preparing for Mad Experiments


    Lets start with these, I believe youll find them useful, Baelin announced.


    A loud bang broke the silence as a neatly stacked tower of books dropped in the centre of a tabletop before the Chosen and Sage of Uldar. Two pairs of eyes travelled from the bottom of the pile, up to its full height of more than two feet. The Heroes paled.


    Iydoknow I aint never read that many books in mwhole life, right? Cedric sounded uneasy.


    Neitherneither have I the Sages eyes were sparkling with excitement, though her voice held a hint of apprehension.


    And I do not expect you to read all of them <em>now</em>, the chancellor reassured the two Heroes, pacing the length of the room, passing through rays of early evening sunlight.


    Several hours had passed since their debriefing in the ruins, and thepanions were back in Greymoor, meeting in different areas of the Research Castle. After a satisfying noontime meal, Baelin had ushered Drestra and Cedric into one of the Castles more private studies.


    Herein this spacious chamberdark-stained oak shelves covered every inch of wall space, brimming with texts both old and new. Most werergely useless for what Alex had named Operation Grand High Ultimate Hero Transformationhe was the <em>only </em>one calling the project thatbeing that most of the books here were on Thameish history, geography, various bestiaries and other reference books that would have been helpful to a survey team, but <em>not</em>so helpful to natives of Thamnd.


    And so, Baelin had transported massive volumes about wizardry and spells from Generasis library. I have taken the liberty of bookmarking certain passages referencing magical theorythat would be immediately helpful to youalong with spells in several spell-guides that you would be well-advised to learn. Since Ill be taking a hands-on approach in teaching you, I believe you will be able to pick up the concepts quite quickly since you are two very clever young people.


    Thats a lot o faith youre puttin in me, Cedric said, standing up and carefully removing a book from the top of the pile. He began flipping through the pages. Huhmight not be as bad as I was thinkinSeems I knows some o this stuff already.


    Good. And that knowledge will serve as your foundation to build even further knowledge, the ancient wizard said. Do not be afraid, and besides, I shall assign you both your own tutor.


    He gestured to Isolde and Thundar seated at a table nearby.


    The minotaur was peering intently at Baelin. Okay, uhI get why Isoldes here, he said self-consciously. Shes all super brainy and everything, but uhwhy me?


    Because you have a gift for cleverly applying spells, Baelin said. I believe it will be a good experience for you, and you are already well-equipped in tutoring others: after all, you crafted an entirely new illusion spell for Alex<strong></strong>and then taught it to him. Apply such ingenuity when educating the Sage, and I am sure you will <em>both</em> learn a lot.


    Yeah, okaWait, Im teaching the Sage? A note of surprise was in the minotaurs voice.


    Im teaching Cedric? Isolde whispered.


    Im fine wit that, Cedric said quickly.


    Indeed, Baelin nodded. Thundar, Drestra has artivelybetter understanding of magical fundamentals than Cedric does, so she would benefit from your experience in wielding both spell and mace. You can teach her new perspectives on empowering allies and such. Isoldes grasp of magical theory is undeniably well advanced, which will be most useful in catching up Cedric in that capacity.


    O-okay, but uh, Thundar said. What about Alex? Wouldnt he be more qualified to teach than me?


    Baelin nced at the door of a private reading room a short distance away. He is upied, at the moment but, your underestimation of yourself will deny others your impressive skills, Thundar. I demand you stop it.


    Yes, where is all of that I should be the cabal-leader talk now, Thundar? Isolde asked him. I must say, I find this newfound humility of yoursfar more fitting.


    Now dont you start making fun of me, Thundar grumbled.


    In the reading room, Alex closed his eyes, focusing on his mana as it gently passed through Harts lifeforce. You feel any pain yet? He asked quietly, both hands pressed to the Champions broad back.


    Meh, theres some tickling still, but nothing hurts, Hart grunted, ncing down at a Wizards Hand busily writing in one of Alexs notebooks. You getting everything you need?


    Yeah, I am. Alex passed his mana through Harts muscle fibres. These are the samebination of spells Ill be using to empower your body, but for now, Im just getting a feel for what your lifeforce is like. When Cedrics free, <em>thats</em>when Ill begin the process. So, look forward to itprobably.


    ...I <em>was</em> looking forward to it up until that suspicious sounding probably, Hart said. Whats with the probably?


    Well, Mana to Life and Warp Flesh are a <em>very</em> effectivebinationbut theyre finicky. Real finicky, Alex said, using Warp Flesh spell to continue examining Harts lifeforce, while avoiding <em>actually</em> warping his flesh. Ive used it on myself, but obviously I know my own lifeforce really well. Since I dont know yours, using it on you will be a lot trickier. Sorta like fighting while youre blindfolded.


    Ah yeah, well thats what Cedrics healings for, right? Hart chuckled. And why youre gonna be testing it on someone expendable and not on one of your friends.


    Alex froze. Youre not expendable.


    Yeah, but youd be a lot less broken up if you identally screwed <em>my</em> head on backwards than you would if you messed up this magic stuff on your girlfriend, am I right?


    Well, I


    None of those fancy words, now, just give it to me straight.


    Yeahyoure right.


    Atta boy. Hart shrugged. I know what Im getting myself intowell, mostly.<strong></strong>So, whats this magicy stuff gonna do to me again?


    Itll enhance all your senses, make you stronger, faster, tougher Alex exined, moving his mana into the Champions core. Youll heal faster andwith me there stimting your muscles while you trainbuild strength really fast so that you reach new limits of your physical power.


    I like the sound of all that good shit, Hart chuckled darkly. Itll be just like when I got Marked: my strength, speed and stamina shot through the roof. Hah, having that happen again? Oh boy. Thatll be <em>something</em>.<em></em>Ill be cutting through demons and Ravener-spawn like a blur.


    Yeah, well dont me me if Cedric has to put you back together a fewdozen times, Alex muttered.


    I wont, I wont. Probably. Hart grinned over his shoulder.


    Alex snorted, taking his hands away from Harts back. Alright, thats enough for now: I think Ive gotten enough of a feel for your lifeforce to begin making a n. How much time do we have before you need to get back to Merzhin?


    Well, that mission Merzhins on with your people is gonna take about four days. Soyknow. You got the rest of today and three more, Hart said.


    Plenty of time, then, Alex said, noting a time beside his notes. Ill go over these tonight and make a n. After that, we can get together with Cedric at dawn and get started on making you into a new man. If we brute force it, we might be able to purge your bodys impurities tomorrow. After that? Youll need to rest for a bit, then we can get to the training. Oh, right, does the Mark of the Champion let you heal faster?


    Yep. Hart rose from the chair, reaching for his shirt on the table.


    I thought so. Alex took a quick look at his notes. You have a<em> very</em> powerful lifeforce, so that doesnt really surprise me. How much faster would you say?


    Most bumps and bruises are gone after a nap. The Champion buttoned his shirt. Cuts take longernever really timed itbut they heal faster than before I got Marked.


    Hmmmm, itd be better if I knew exactly <em>how</em> much faster, but Ill take it. Alex added another note. Since youve got the Mark <em>already</em> empowering your body, I suspect this method will work even better on you than it did on me. So, with that in mind


    He pped Hart on the shoulder. ...kill some damn monsters for me when were finished, okay?


    Hah! the Champion pped Alex on his arm. Thats the n, man. Thats the n. Merzhin doesnt <em>know</em> what hes missing.


    Alex paused, his smile fading. Rightthe Saintwhats he like, anyway? Whats your impression of him?


    Hm? Hart stepped back, cinching the sp on his cloak. Whaddya mean?


    Im curious about him, andright nowhes off on a mission with one of my friends, he said, feeling a little strange calling Carey his friend. So, Id kinda like to know what sort of man he is.


    The Championsrge eyes squinted at the shorter man and he leaned against a wall. Tell you what. You tell me about that hot redhead, Tyris, and Ill tell you everything you want to know about our Saint friend.


    Tyris, eh? Alex leaned back in a chair, kicking his feet up. Youve got good taste.


    Hah, has anyone ever told you that youve got a type? The Champion smirked. And dont let your girlfriend hear you talking about another woman like that.


    Now it was Alexs turn to smirk. She knows that I have eyes, but Im <em>loyal,</em> and <em>not </em>stupid.


    Hah! Fair enough. Alright, then, Ill go firstso Merzhin. Hart took a deep breath. Honestly, I dont give him much thought outside of whether or not hes got my back in a fight, and he always does. Hes zealous to the extreme, but he doesn''t really mean any harm by it, at least I dont think he does.


    He gave Alex an appraising look. Hed still drag your ass to the priests if he could, so I dont think <em>youd</em> really like him too much, but Im sure thatd go both ways.


    Sounds like he gets along with others, though? Alex asked. If hes got your back, I mean: doesnt sound like hes a bad guy.


    Well, I dont think he is, but I dont think hes got too many friends either. Hart shrugged. Drestra doesnt like him, and he doesnt get along with herbut even with all that aside<em>,</em> I dont see him talking or joking with too many people.


    Oh? Alex frowned.


    Yeah, hell minister to the knights and rangers that follow us, but he wont drink with em, Hart said. He might break bread with you after a sermon, but hell mostly eat alone. Takes water instead of wine, doesnt really talk much outside of praising Uldar. The Champion shrugged. That kinda thing. It aint bad, to be honest: we had a few guys join up with the Ash Ravens that were like that. But, that kinda thing dont really help you make friends, unless theyre as into Uldar as you are. Otherwise, its just a wall between people, yknow?


    Yeah Alex said, remembering Careys overwhelming passion for Uldar. But thatd let him make friends among the priests, right?


    Dunno, Hart shrugged. Ive seen them talk to him a lot, sure, but they treat him more like akinda like a boss, or their leader? He snapped his fingers. They treat him like they treat the really, big fancy priests in the capitol! You cant really call that friendshipor maybe you can, I dunno. Im not King of Friends.


    Right Alex said, thinking hard. That sounds a bit sad, to be honest. But, I guess, Carey and the others will be in good hands.


    Probably. Hart shrugged. Now, enough boring shit. Tell me about Tyris!


    Alex gave Hart a look. Do you likeva?


    Huh? Well, Ive seen it up north. Its cool.


    And do you like turtles?


    Yeah, cute little guys.


    Well, youre already off to a good start.


    Alexthe Fool of Uldarwoke long before sunrise the next morning, prying himself off the makeshift pillow hed made using a folded up towel on his desk. Stretching his back, then cracking his neck, he rotated his arms, letting his gaze settle on the vast sea of notes lying around.


    Crumpled balls of parchment, numbering dozens, littered the back of the desk alongside discarded notes, and bits of scrap paper.


    Partiallypleted diagrams overflowed a trash can near his feet.


    Shredded strips of paper were scattered over the stone floor.


    Butamong this disastrous ruin of ink and discarded papersat apleted notebook.


    The cover simply read: The Great Hart Champion Amplification n. Version 3.


    Hed finallypleted his n for enhancing the Champions body.


    I hope this works, he muttered, standing and stretching his arms behind his back. If it doeswell, I could have a paper on my method in Baelins hands in less than two weeks. it could even start a blood magic revolution. He inhaled deeply and exhaled a few times.


    All in all, it was a night well spent.


    Cracking his knuckles, Alex grabbed the book and prepared for the day.

 Chapter 490: Harts Transformation and Cedrics Horror

    Chapter 490: Hart''s Transformation and Cedric''s Horror


    So, this thing youll be doin wont kill Hart, right? Cedric was strapping the Champion of Uldar to a long, narrow table. He gave the thick leather bindings a dubious look, eyeing the heavy metal buckles. What in all hells is this ce for anyway; torture?


    Its actually an operating room: its used to do research on certain living specimens when theyre captured in the wild: you know, Ravener spawn and the like, Alex said distantly, checking his notes onest time. Hence the straps.


    Riiiiight, the Chosen eyeballed a ss cab full of instrumentsscalpels, bone-saws, brain-hooks and eye-gougers. But er, Im bein mighty serious herewill dis kill Hart?


    Probably not, Alex said.


    Probably. Hart shrugged.


    Ugh, I hates thboth o yous, Cedric muttered. An tthink, I was wonderin if I could be next in line if dis works on Hart.


    Alex looked up expectantly. You <em>could</em> be.


    Er, no thats, er, nevermind, I think<strong></strong>Ill be fine jus the way I


    Actually, youre right, Alex interrupted him, picking up a wooden bucket and cing it on the floor at the head of the operating table. We need you for healing when I inevitably start ripping Hart apart.


    Yeah, right, speaking of that, you got a gag or something? Hart asked. Might start screaming and dont wanna bite my tongue.


    Good point, Alex looked at Cedric. So yeah, you wouldnt be able to heal <em>yourself</em> if Im ripping <em>you </em>apart, man. At least, not reliably.


    The Chosen looked from the Fool to the Champion. Yboth are bloody touched in the head, yknow that?


    Meh, sometimes being crazy gets things done, Alex rubbed his hands together. Now, lets get started: I want to get this done so I can go cure Thundars hangover, <em>and</em> have you upstairs in time for your dateI mean tutoring sessionwith Isolde.


    Cedric grinned at him. In due time, friend, in due time. Once all dis Ravener an trainin madness has calmed down, Ill step out wit her proper-like, if shell have me.


    Alex was a breath away from saying: I dont think you have to worry about that. She was already looking up marriage traditions. You should probably run, but he managed to resist.


    Can we get started already? Hart asked. Operating tables cold, and Id like to be either powered up or dead by meal time, please.


    Right, lets get to rebuilding your body, then Alex rubbed his hands together again. So, Cedric. What Im going to be doing is pretty simr to a technique that Grimloch and Theresa use: life-enforcement. It literally enhances your lifeforce and body.


    Oho! The Chosen raised an eyebrow. Exins why the pair of em are so bloody quick on their feet an why shes so strong, tboot! An ifn its makin that big sharkman even stronger, why dont everybody do it?


    Yeah, I want a piece of that, Hart agreed.


    Well, you can only use it if yourepatible with it. What Ill be doing is <em>brute-forcing</em> the first stage of life-enforcement using a little cocktail of spells to clear your body and lifeforce of impurities, Alex cracked his knuckles. When Im done, maybe see Theresa. She might be able to teach you the real thing, if yourepatible with it, that is.


    Aye, Ill keeps that in mind, Cedric said. So, you was exinin somethin?


    I was saying, Alex continued. What Ill need you to do is use your divinity to heal Hart the <em>second</em> I tell you to. These spells arent exactly the mostrefined, so Im <em>going</em> to make mistakes. Youll be our safety.


    Ill be ready, Cedric vowed. Seems simple enough. Whenr we startin?


    Alex looked down at Hart. You ready, big guy?


    Yep, just give me that gag, and Im good to go, the Champion rumbled.


    Oh ya, Im sure youre gonna need it, Alex went to a nearby shelf, picked up a sanitised gag and secured it around Harts mouth, making sure the wooden tongue depressor was set between his teeth. Alright, dont hate me for this. You ready?


    The Champion of Uldar nodded.


    Alex looked at Cedric. You ready?


    Aye, lets see this fancy, dangerous shite o yours, the Chosen said.


    Okay, then lets get to it. The Fool ced his hands on Harts bare chest.


    He cast his spells.


    Mana to Blood.


    Warp Flesh.


    Then poured his mana into Harts body, seeking the miniscule fibres that made up the Champions form. Calling on the Mark, he passed mana through him repeatedly, exploring every aspect of his lifeforce.


    From the Mark, images of the examination hed conducted the day before appeared, helping him guide mana though Harts body. For a span of twenty minutes, Alex simply moved his energies back and forth, letting the Mark hone his skills as he directed his mana through the Hero.


    Alright, I think Ive gotten used to your insides.


    Mmmmf, Hart mumbled.


    What was that? Alex lifted the tongue depressor from between clenched teeth.


    I said, well thats something you never want someone saying to you, Hart grunted. I take it this is where the pain starts?


    Yep, could be. You ready?


    Not exactly thmostfortin thing ycoulda said there, Alex! Cedric shook his head.


    Better hard truth than sweet lies. Alex shrugged.


    I hear that, Hart agreed. Gimme the gag, then lets go.


    The Fool ced the tongue depressor back between Harts teeth, and once again, poured mana into the Champion. Using Warp Flesh, he ran a mana current through muscle fibres, ligaments, and even bones, hyper-stimting the tissue.


    Harts body abruptly stiffened on the metal tablemana current contracting the very fibres of his beinglimbs twitching from intense stimtion. The Champions eyes flew wide, his skin reddening with each heartbeat.


    Alright, Alex said, I think itsNo wait, shit!


    Something tore.


    Hart roared into his tongue depressor, his hands balling up in agony.


    Cedric! Alex cried, cutting Warp Flesh.


    Shite! The Chosen leapt in, both hands shedding a blueish-white light.<strong></strong>He called upon a miracle of Uldar and pressed his hands to Harts midriff<strong>.</strong><em>Oh, Mighty Uldar, I ask you hear the call of your servant and share your divinity with the stout-hearted soul before me.</em>


    Glowing divinity swelled into incandescence around his hands as light flooded Harts body. Beneath his skins surface, dozens of injuries healed as the ruddiness retreated from the giant mans skin, leaving him drenched in sweat.


    You alright? Alex watched him with concern.


    Hart shook his head.


    Should we stop?


    Hart shook his head harder.


    Holy shite, youre a bloody pair omadmen, Cedric stared at the Fool and Champion.


    YeahI get that a lot Alex said. Hmmmm, I wonder He reached back into Hart, feeling out the mans muscle fibres. Dammit, I was hoping for a shortcut.


    Mmf? Hart grunted.


    Well, the Thameish wizard said. Part of what Im doing is hyper-stimting your muscles so they tear themselves apartat the same time, Im feeding you with Mana to Life to lessen the pain while your muscle growth elerates and you get stronger. He nodded toward Cedric. I was hoping Uldars healing miracle might make things easier if we used divinity to put your body back together, butseems like the miracle heals you back to exactly how you were when we first started.


    He shook his head. So wed just be tearing your muscles apart to always put you back to square one. You wouldnt retain any gains.


    There was a long pause.


    Ididnt understand <em>most </em>o that, Cedric admitted. But whatchyou means we cants use my divinity to make this go any faster?


    A little worse, Alex said. Until I get this right, were going to lose any progress we make each time you heal Hart.


    The Champion let out a sullen grunt.


    Yeah, I agree, its annoying as hell. The young Thameish wizard turned to his notes, willing a Wizards Hand to cross out a notation. But thats the thing with science, sometimes <em>eliminating</em> a possibility is progressin its own way. Even if its a possibility you were hoping for.


    No offence, but science sounds like a load o disappointing shite, Cedric lookedpletely unimpressed.


    Well, sometimes thats absolutely right, Alex said. Ah well, thats often how it goes: theres no shortcuts for things worth doing. Alright, are you ready, Hart?


    The Champion nodded silently.


    Cedric? Alex looked up at the Chosen.


    Hey, I aint the one bein shredded up like a piece o leaf in a bucks mouth. He held his hands up. Im just the one puttin things back together. Im good whenever youre good.


    Alright, back to it then, Alex ced his hands on Harts chest.


    He called on the Mark, letting its images wash over him, searching out what hed done well previously.


    Then, he ran the mana current through Harts body again.


    The Champion stiffened, his skin turning bright red and a choking sound escaping his throat. Alex adjusted the current with care using warp flesh, searching for the right bnce of hyper-stimtion.


    Another tearing sound.


    Hart jerked in his restraints.


    Shite! Cedric was at his side in an instant, healing divinity knitting the Champions body. Harts breathing calmed and Cedric let out a deep breath.


    Ysure ywanna keep goin, mate? This shite looks brutal, Cedric asked the fellow Hero.


    Mo, came Harts muffled, determined, reply.


    Jeez, youre tough, Alex said, admiringly. Alright, again then.


    He channelled his mana current through Hart<strong></strong>andagainsomething precious tore,<strong></strong>Cedric called on his healing miracle. But the Champion again nodded for the Thameish wizard to keep going. Again and again, Alex passed the mana current through Hart, always tearing something within minutes<strong>.</strong> But each time, he made progress, advancing a bit more before hearing that now familiar tearing sound.


    Were getting there, Alex said, watching more of Uldars healing light pass into the Champion.


    Saycant we just, I dunno, give im a bunch o booze or somethin? Cedric asked, his eyes pleading. Somethin tput im tsleep, or at least kill the pain.


    Alex sighed. I thought of that. Theres a sleeping draught I could brew, and theres herbs and tonics that dulls the nerves and reduces painbut theres a couple of problems with that, he focused on Hart, monitoring his condition. One of the reasons this is so hard is because Im working semi-blind here. When I did it to myself, I could <em>feel</em> it the moment I did something right, or the moment I did something wrong.


    He tapped the table beside Hart. But the problem right now is that I cant <em>feel</em> what youre feeling, so Ive got to rely on whatever my spells are telling mewhich isnt all that muchand whatever reactions youre having. If youre asleep, thats one less set of reactions for me to go by, and more chances that Ill <em>really</em> mess something up. The other thing isif youre asleepyou cant tell me to stop. And the moment you say stop, this ends.


    Doth shtop, Hart growled, resolve filling hisrge eyes.


    Cedric threw up his hands. Youre bloody right round the bend, mate. Both o yous.


    For what its worth, youre going to feel like a new man when were done, Alex began pouring mana into the Champion once again with care.


    Heartbeats passed.


    Heartbeats turned to minutes.


    Minutes to an hour.


    An hour to two.


    Over and over, Alex ripped Harts body apart with Warp Flesh, poured vigour into it with Mana to Life, and had Cedric heal the injuries hed caused. And he caused many over the slow passage of time.


    Yet, each time, the damage took longer to happen. Each time, his control over Harts flesh grew more precise.


    After two and a half hours, his control had finally reached the point of being fine-tuned enough for Cleanse Flesh


    And so another hour passed.


    Then another two.


    Then three.


    All three young men had fallen silent, consumed by determination and concentration. Alex was in awe of Harts resilience: even with Cedrics healing miracles supporting him, there was little doubt in the Thameish wizards mind that the process would have killed most people he would have tried it on.


    Only the Champions bottomless well of stamina kept his heart beating and his body from copsing into lifelessness as Alexs manashed his every fibre over and over again.


    With the Marks supportand their perseverancethe mana currents passing through Harts body finally bnced. Life to Mana fed him, flooding him with renewed vitality, and with Cleanse Flesh washing through every fibre


    the giant of a man gave an immense shudder.


    A stench filled the air.


    A sudden ripping noise cut the air as Harts muscles flexed, then his limbs burst free of his restraints. The Champion flipped onto his side, tearing the gag from his mouth and retching onto the floor.


    A stream of ck gunk poured from his lips, sttering on the stone.


    Oh shite! Cedric shouted, charging forward with Uldars light shimmering around his hands. Are ydyin?


    No! Alex stopped the Chosen. No, no, nothe exact opposite of dying! A huge smile took over his face. It worked! His bodys cleansing itself of all the impurities that it was holding onto: his lifeforcell be <em>a lot</em> stronger after this!


    Raising a trembling hand, the Champion gave them a thumbs up while he spewed foamy, ck filth on the floor.


    Shit, Hart, use the bucket! Alex grabbed the pail, quickly shoving it below the stream gushing from the Champions mouth. Congrattions Hart, your new path to power begins! He looked up at Cedric. What do you think?


    I think its stinkin like manure in here, and that yous both are cracked! Cedric shook his head, one hand pinching his nose. I mean, I hopes this does wonders for yHart, but youre bloody cracked. And ugh! The Chosens face scrunched up. That stuff bloody stinks!


    Hart hawked out a wad of slime then grinned, showing now ck-stained teeth. Lets see you call me cracked when Im tearing demons in half with my bare hands.


    He gagged, cringing away from the bucket. But youre right, that stuff really <em>does</em> stink.

 Chapter 491: Growth and Minions

    Chapter 491: Growth and Minions


    Just keep going, I got you! Alex shouted, pouring his mana into the Champion.


    Hah! Dont gotta tell me twice! This feels <em>amazing!</em> Uldars Championughed, the sound roaring through the moors.


    Heavy links that formed a massive chain whirred through the air above Harts head, the oak of a man swung the attached ships anchor in great arcs, cutting the air with a noise like a trebuchet stone soaring for a fortress wall.


    His bare torso dripped sweat and was flushed a deep red, chest muscles flexing, veins prominent against moist skin. His lips curled back, eyes burning with exhration.


    Look at this! I feel like something outta some legend! Floating high above the snow, the Champion shifted his grip on the colossal chain and angle of his swings, training muscle groups cording his trunk.


    With every swing, he raised his legs, quadriceps bulging beneath his trousers. A half-dozen thick leather straps were attached to his legs, each connected to iron chains dangling some ten feet below, suspending rocks sizable enough to strain the back of a young giant.


    Hart would lift then swing his legs, controlling the stones movements. Muscles, joints, and tendons strained with each motion.


    Alex sat on ygons shouldergripping his aeld-staff and anchoring himself, focusing on Warp Flesh and Mana to Life a safe distance away from theughing Hero.


    How is it, doc? Hart spun like a top, anchor and boulders whirling all around him. You need a break?


    Do <em>I</em> need a break? Alexughed. You must be out of your mind, I could do this all week!


    For the love of the Traveller, take a break you damned maniac! Alex actually thought. Your body guzzles lifeforce like awelllike your mouth guzzles booze! Ive run Hsiekus technique through my mana pool so many times, its fibres are literally going to grow arms so they can beat the shit out of both of us!


    Hah! Hartughed. A whole week? I just might take you up on that.


    With a whoosh, the Champion flipped in the air, swinging the ships anchor on a low angle. Iron struck snow, sending a cloud of white drifting through the wintry air.


    We cant stay <em>that</em> long, Hart! Drestra shouted, a note of longing obvious in her crackling voices. ...no matter how much we might want to.


    Hey, never mind that big bastard, dont pay attention to him, pay attention to <em>this</em> big bastard, Thundar was staring down at the <em>two</em> Sages of Uldar standing before him. Hmmm, not bad. Not too bad at all. He took a look at her feet. But, your Illusionary double doesnt look like shes standing in the snow. Thats the thing with illusions: easiest way to see through them is when they dont interact right with the environment. Its something you need to remember when you create them.


    Oh, damn, Drestraughed, her true form looking down at where her duplicates legs ended, vanishing where its ankles met unbroken snow.


    Yeah, its just something to watch for, Thundar said. Oh! And while I remember, keep in mind that your illusion wont leave tracks in the snow. So thats something youve got to watch out for. Its all about the details.


    Youve really thought this stuff through. Drestra and her double floated above the snow as she examined it thoroughly. If Im flying, though, I wont be touching the snow, so that wouldnt give the illusion away, right?


    The minotaur grinned. Now <em>thats</em> using that big, Sage-y brain of yours. Next, well go over some enhancement spellstheyll help you and anyone you fight besideespecially the guy getting stabbed right now.


    A short way off, Isolde was stabbing Cedric in his gut.


    Ah, yes, this is excellent work! She said enthusiastically, driving her dagger into his stomach again and again. You learned Greater Force Armour incredibly quickly!


    Aye, well, sagood thing too the Chosen sounded ufortable. Youre uhnot holdin back, are ya?


    Baelin emphasised the importance of not doing so, she said, aiming for his neck. Her de nced off an invisible barrier of force. And he was quite correct, I can see that now. Though, I must admit, I was horrified at the idea at first. She stepped back for leverage, firing a force bolt at his right<strong></strong>thigh. A crack came as the spell splintered against the Chosens armour. Think of it this way: it is far better that you discover that your force armour has weaknesses when I, with my thin arms and dull knife, is attacking you, rather than a bone-charger rushing at your skull.


    Aye, that aint wrong he muttered. <em>Feels</em> wrong, though.


    Embrace the crazy, Cedric! Hart roared. Its the path to unlimited power!


    Well, hes not wrong, there, Alex thought, his eyes scanning the Heroes.


    It was a day since the trio had spent hours in an operating room augmenting Harts body; the n to elevate the Heroes skills and powers was proceeding better than hed expected. Both Chosen and Sage had nimble minds and were quick learnersDrestra in particrtheyd grasped the utility spells Baelin had selected for them as fast as, or faster than, any student enrolled at the university.


    Well, those big mana pools let them practise a lot, Alex thought. Shouldve known theyd catch on fast. He looked up at the Champion. But Harts the one whos gotten the <em>real</em> boost.


    As Alex watched, marvelling at his transformation, the Champion swung the colossal weights like they were as light as pebbles.


    Alex felt a measure of pride.


    When he used the process on himself, hed been building strength for a yearand had a solid foundationbut Hart was altogether a different story. He was a big man, born with great strength, deep stamina and easy agility: a natural athlete. Then, the blessing hade, and hed been Marked as Champion of Uldar, empowering his body far above human limits. With the Mark and his natural abilities, he could have easily wrestled Grimloch, despite the sharkman cultivating his lifeforce.


    Now, less than twenty-fours hourster, hed transformed, unlocking vast depths of physical power, his strength had nearly tripledand those gains showed no signs of slowing.


    He could be at least ten times stronger by the time he teaus, Alex thought, continuing to feed the big mans lifeforce. Possibly twentymaybe more. Hes faster and tougher too. Good. Ravenver-spawn or demons wont know what hit them. And if the church wants toe against us? Oh boy.


    Alexs attention turned to his notebook, willing Wizards Hands to make a new notation. I should be able to finish my preliminary paper soon, just have to name the process, he thought. <em>Roths Radical Rebuilding of Muscles</em> has a nice ring to it, maybe Ill pitch it to Baelin.


    He nced at the book that ygon was quietly reading, then at the stack sitting in one of the golems palms.


    All those books remind me; sses will be starting soon, he thought. Back to learning more spells, blood magic and alchemy. And I still want to find a spell that lets you see in the dark: no way Im going back to the Hells without something like that.


    He watched Hart swinging his chains for a time. Ive got the bakery to check on, see how the worksing; Ive got Torakas golem to finish toolots to doand I definitely want that stuff done before I go looking for information about the Traveller.


    He rested an elbow on his dangling legs, chin slowly falling into his palm. On the chance that something happens to me down there, I want the bakery finished and that golemplete: thatll give Selina and Theresa a ce of their own to live, and a nice nest egg to keep themfortable. Oh, shit, ygons speakerbox. I definitely want that done


    His eyes fell on Thundar, reflecting on their trip to the Hells. And I need to start thinking about who Im going to hire to go down there with me. Ripps a must: his speedll be key for infiltration and information gathering. Butshit, who else?


    Alex considered whether he knew any warriors and spellcasters whod be willing to cross the ins for a generous payday. None came to mind; none to suit his purposes, anyway. They have to be good in a fight, obviously, butas the terror-field <em>really</em> showed ustheyve <em>got</em> to have a strong will and be able to keep their wits about them. Even if I bring the most vicious warriors ever to walk the earth, it wont help if their minds crumble as soon as some hell-magic gets to them.


    He tapped a finger on his knee. They also have to be trustworthywhich means either Ive worked with them before, or theye with <em>really </em>good rmendations. <em>Or,</em> theye from a guild or mercenary group thats highly rmended. Hmmmm, maybe some of Harts people?


    Once again, his eyes fell upon the enormous warrior. Maybebut then again, the Ash Ravens dont sound like the type to walk into the Hells. If I wanted to kill a wizard? Sure. But literal armies of demons? Probably wouldnt take the job. Also, getting involved with someone who knows any of the Heroes is probably not the smartest thing a missing Fool should be doing.


    Maybe I can ask Baelin: he used to work for kings, hunting assassinsmaybe <em>hed</em> know some good people. Yeah, Ill ask him about it next time I see him. In the meantimeI wonder when Zonon-Ins going to show up with another demon lieutenant for him to beat the shit out of?


    Mercenaries, you say? The ancient wizard stroked his beard-braids as the wind rattled their bronze sps. An interesting question.


    A life-or-death question, to be honest, Alex said. Literally.


    The pair of wizards stood on a balcony high up on the Research Castle with the cool night wind blowing lightly through the moors. Layered in furatop a warming spell covering his bodyAlex found himself a little envious of Baelins natural coat of fur.


    It must be good for dealing with the cold, he thought. Its probably pretty awful during Generasis hottest days, though.


    Indeed, the choosing of mercenaries is a life-and-death matter. Often for the mercenaries andsometimesfor the wizards hiring them. The chancellor nodded. It is a skill that many Proper Wizards must master: minion recruitment.


    OhuhI wouldnt really call hired people minions?, Alex said, shifting ufortably.


    Well, what <em>would you call</em> them, then? The ancient wizard raised an eyebrow. Followers, perhaps? That would imply they are following you due to a cause, or your personality. Cohorts? Ive heard the term used for the closest of followersfor some reasonbut you are not seeking such a thing.


    Baelin chuckled. Alex, you are literally seeking to hire individuals to help you in a task because strangers are more expendable than friends.


    Uhthat sounds awful when you put it that way, butyeah, I guess, he admitted.


    And they are following <em>your</em>mands because you are <em>paying</em> them. Mercenaries? Yes. Hirelings? Another correct term. Minions? <em>Absolutely.</em> You are hiring <em>minions</em>, like a Proper Wizard would!


    Okay, okay! Alex threw up his hands. So, how do I hire good <em>minions?</em>


    Now you are asking the correct question, and let me tell you, that is a dilemma that ancient warlords, powerful archmages, and the wealthy have grappled with for time immemorial. How does one findpetent minions? How does one build trust? How do they function as a conquerors force.


    Whoa, Baelin, Im not trying to build an evil doom army here, Alex raised a brow.


    Not <em>yet.</em> In any caseyoull wantpetent individuals willing to work for payment who will venture into the Hells willingly, and not melt the first time a subus or incubus looks at them while biting a lower lip. I understand.


    Yeah, I dont know where to begin, Alex frowned. The monster hunters in Generasi seem good, butI dont know many of them. And itd be better if I could find actual specialists in demon-ying.


    Hmmmwhat would you be willing to pay? The archwizard asked.


    Not my soul, the young wizard didnt hesitate, making his position crystal clear.


    Oh, bah, that would be boring Baelin looked off into the distance. There <em>is</em> a ce where I think you could find what you are looking for: stout-hearted adventurers with iron will, luck and skill. Butit is a ce that is difficult for even I to locate reliably. Itmoves about, forck of a better way to say it. Once I do find it, though, the payment will be expensive.


    Less expensive than putting my life in shitty hands? Id have to say that being cheap coulde with a pretty high cost. Alex''s tone was grim. Ill pay what I have to.


    Very well, Baelin said. Give me some time, and I shall take you there.


    Really? I thought you said itd be hard for you to locate.


    It is, but I know someone who tends to keep track of it. He shall find it quickly. The goat beastman said.


    Who is it?


    A member of <em>my</em> own cabal; it has been far too long since west met. Perhaps it is time we meet again.

 Chapter 492: Moving Day

    Chapter 492: Moving Day


    Yes, thats it, my minion! Alexughed maniacally. Work for me!


    Will you <em>stop</em> calling me that! Selina grumbled, hoisting a box out of the sky-boat and onto her shoulder. Im not your minion, you big jerk!


    You must be! Her brother gestured to the sky-boaden with boxes and furniturehovering a foot above the cobblestones. Powerfully builtbourers were carefully unloading the vessel, carrying boxes through the bustling street to the bakerys front door.


    I told you to let us and the movers carry everything, but youre <em>choosing</em> to lug around those heavy boxes. So, you <em>must</em> be my minion! Alexughed, erecting a mighty tower of unassablebut terriblelogic. Besides, Baelin says that Proper Wizards hire <em>minions</em>.


    Its okay, Selina, Theresa hoisted an enormous crate over one shoulder. Her eyes twinkled in the morning sunlight. In a lot of the old stories minions betray their evil wizard masters and destroy them. So, you have that to look forward to.


    Selina threw her older brother an appraising look. I like the sound of that


    Hey! Alex whined, picking up a chair. I resent that! I am a kind master!


    Selina rolled her eyes, watching ygon lift an armoire from the sky-boat. Is Alex a kind father? Ill take your silence as a no.


    <em>Waitwhat? </em>ygons head whirled toward Selina, but the little imp was already staring at Alex with a toothy, victorious grin.


    See? Rebellion time, she whispered, before turning back toward the bakery.


    For a moment, the young girl stoodpletely still, taking in the buildings lines, her green eyes sparking. I cant believe this is all ours, she said in awe. It looks so different now.


    Over weeks of renovating, deep cleaning and painting, the bakery had transformed from a dingy vermin nest, to a charming home and weing business. The brick was restored from the dingy, mud colour covering it rmingly reminiscent of dry dung to a vibrant, inviting red. New windowssome clear and some crafted of varied shades of blue stained sssparkled in the sunlight between painted ck wooden and iron shutters.


    A freshly whitewashed front dooplete with a massive brass handlestood open, waiting for the bakerys new inhabitants to move their belongings into their home.


    After much preparationtwo weeks into the winter semestermoving day was finally here.


    Yeah, I can hardly believe it myself. Alexs smile zed with pride. When youre older, Im going to have your name added to the deed, Selina. And yours too, Theresa. He chuckled. Whats my kingdom, is your kingdom!


    <em>It isit feels warm, father.</em> ygon had also stopped.


    Its beautiful. Theresa sighed, admiring their new home. I couldnt ask for a more perfect ce for us to live in.


    Oh, bah! Perfect? the broad-shouldered wizard barked out augh. Youre exaggerating. This is but a fine beginning my lovely huntress, wondrous golem-son and fine minion-sister! I know <em>you</em> would love a nice little hunting lodge somewhere in the countryside, Theresa, and youd better believe that I shall provide! How would a nice big manor houseor heck, a pcesuit you? All with fine architecture? If I keep working on what Im working on, all that and mores going to be possible.


    Selina looked up at Alex, her eyes shining. All that sounds nicebut this is still perfect. Its ours. The first home thats all ours sincewell She took a deep breath. Since the ale house burned down: that makes it special.


    I agree, Theresa said. Dont go buying half the world on my ount, Alex. She smiled, her face alight. This is one of the most beautiful moments of my life. I just wish mother and father could see us.


    I wish our mom and dad could see us too, Selina sounded a bit downhearted.


    Well, Im sure they know about it, Alex said. Theyre probably watching from the after-world, and theyre really proud of us. He looked up at the sky. At least, I hope you are, mother and father.


    They have to be, Selina said. Im doing well in school. You got us this wonderful home, youre even helping the Heroes. They <em>have</em> to be proud.


    Alex gave her shoulder a squeeze. No doubt, Selina. Im sure youre right.


    If only there was a spell that could let me ask them, he added in his thoughts, grabbing another chair and carrying it to the bakery alongside his family.


    Inside, the transformation was just as marked as the one outside.


    Brand new tables and dining chairs filled the bakerys eating area sitting atop newly ned floorboards stained a deep burgundy. The smell of freshly seasoned wood mixed with a delightful aroma drifting in from the kitchen.


    Alex could hear bellies rumbling in response to the delicious scent as the movers arranged the dining room, or took boxes up the recently installed stone staircase leading from behind the shops counter, to the living space above.


    The young wizard put down the chairs hed been carrying, nodding to a mover whod juste downstairs. Would you mind taking that big box from my stubborn little sister? I mean, shes a littlelittle.


    Oh, well we cant be having little ones do the work of grown folks. The heavy-set man tromped over to Selina, taking the box from her. You, littledy, can direct me where to put this.


    Hmmmmmmokay, she said. Its this way!


    The man smiled at Alex. Ive got a couple of young ones myself. I know how it is. He turned, following the young girl upstairs while another mover eyed Theresa, still holding the enormous crate bnced on one shoulder.


    ShouldI take that? He asked, reluctance screaming loudly from his tone and bodynguage.


    Meh, Im alright. She bounced the box.


    Yeah, shes probably the strongest of everyone here, Alex admitted, pride filling his voice. Well, everyone, that''s not a ten foot tall stone golem, that is.


    Ah, right then. Ill fetch something else. Thebourer nodded, heading back outside.


    <em>I am verystrong,</em> ygon confirmed through their mental connection, climbing thereinforced stepsand carrying the armoire up to the second floor.


    Id better get this upstairs too, Theresa followed in the golems footsteps.


    Alright, Ill meet you up there.


    Boss! Troy poked his head out of the kitchen door. Just wanted to tell you that the breads nearly done. Lunchll be ready within the hour.


    Excellent! The Thameish wizard pped. Howre you liking the kitchen now that it''s all remodelled? Anything you think well need to change?


    Oh no, boss, its brilliant. The baker was all smiles. The new ovens are perfect, the kitchen supplies are top notch and you got us some proper ingredients.


    Thats what I like to hear. Alex gave him a thumbs up. Well, if you think of something thatd make your job faster, better or easier, dont be afraid to tell me. We can have a chat about it.


    Sounds good! Troy actually giggled, sounding like a delighted child as he made his way back inside the kitchen and began humming a little tune. Best boss Ive ever had, and I only just started working for you.


    Alex couldnt help the little thrill rising up in his chest. And this is what coins for. He whispered. Making sure less people have to work for the McHarris of the world. Oh, and being able to buy whatever you want and bury yourself in hedonism, I guess. But thats no fuNo wait, that actually sounds pretty fun.


    Excuse me sir. A nearby worker interrupted Alexs train of mad thought. He and another mover were carrying arge, steel box. You said you wanted to show us where the boxes in the basement should go, sir?


    Oh, yes! Follow me. Alex gestured to a side door. You cant actually ess the basement from the first floor. Safety first, and all.


    Right sir. The taller of the two movers grunted, bncing his side of the heavy box in his grip.


    The tall young wizard led the moving men up the stairs to the second floor, through the living space which, at the moment, was a chaotic mess of partially-unpacked boxes and scattered furniture. Most of the furniture for their new home was bought the week before in a flurry of a shopping trip Alex had taken his family on. Even Brutus had gotten something: a plush oversized down-filled dog bed he was presently sound asleep on, curled up in the corner. All four paws were moving like he was running, and one of his heads was snarling, while another was growling and whining. Hed quickly made himself right at home.


    Most of the furniture in their ins apartment belonged to the universityand for the time beingthey were keeping the ce for convenience, like for mornings when they had early sses, or forte night ones, or when Theresa had to be at the Beastarium, or Alex had to teleport to Greymoor.


    And so, theyd made a day of choosing enough furniture to supply a three story building. Some would have to be custom made and would be delivered when it was ready.


    Of course, a lot of their personal items had already been carted over from campus by the movers, and much of Alexs equipment went straight into the basement.


    His newb wasing along nicely.


    Down here. He gestured to the movers, opening a door of magically treated iron. Through ity a staircase, well-lit by lights in steel sconces. The stairs were reinforced, and theyre sized for bigger folk than humans, so watch how you step.


    Carefully descending the stairway to the renovated basement, they reached Alexs pride and joy, his own in-houseboratory spreading out before them,plete with stone walls of magically treated steel. Tables and equipment were being set up by some of the movers, while a specialist was performing the finishing touches on a protective summoning circle on the other side of the basement.


    Theb wasnt as secure as those found in the Cells, but it was more than sturdy enough for his needs; crafting and summoning projects he had in mind for the near future.


    He could start building ygons speakerbox in this very room soon, and he was getting more excited just thinking about it, about hearing ygon talk for the first time.


    You can put the box over there. Alex pointed to a corner of theb nearest a mana vacuum. After that, Ille with you to get the next one. We should be able to get most of theb unpacked by the time our lunch is ready.


    You dont have to feed us sir, the shortbourer said, taking the box over to the spot Alex was pointing to.


    But I <em>want</em> to feed you. The tall wizard smiled. And in return, you can tell people that this bakerys days of selling terrible food-poison giving food is<strong></strong>long gone.


    If that bread tastes half as good as it smells, Ill tell everyone I know.


    Glorious, and I


    Aleeeex! Theresas cry echoed from upstairs. Youve got a visitor!


    Oh, thats me! Alex said to his workers, moving to the steps. Ill see you all outside!


    Taking the stairs two at a time, he emerged from the basement, expecting to find one of his friends waiting, or maybe even Baelin.


    What he was <em>not</em> expecting to find was Toraka Shale standing among the chaos of his sitting room, a small brass box in hand. So. She took in the sitting room. This is what all my coin buys, is it?


    Toraka! Alex blinked. Im surprised to see you here.


    Of course you would be, but were neighbours now, and what kind of neighbour and business partner would I be if I didnt bring you an appropriate housewarming gift, she said dryly, ncing around. Youve really transformed this ce, no denying it. I thought youd taken leave of your senses when you bought thiswell, I certainly cant call it a dump anymore.


    Yeah, I could see what was hidden under the surface, and it really did need a ton of work, but its paying off, Alex pulled out a chair from between the sea of boxes. Do you want to have a seat? I know its kinda upside down in here, but we could clear a space and I could put on some tea or melt some chocte from the kitchen? If you stay for a bit, well be having lunch soon.


    Oh no, thats quite alright, Alex. Toraka raised her hand. I have to get back to work soon, and you dont need me hanging around on a big, busy day like this. So, without further ado. She handed him the brass box. I think youll like this.


    Puzzled, the young wizard took the box in hand, cing it on the closest table and undoing the metal mps sealing it shut. Lifting the lid slowly, he found an inner lining of emerald green velvet holding


    A sound replicator! Alex cried. Holy crap!


    The same kind thats in my music golem, though a littlerger. Toraka smiled. I know youre about to build a speakerbox for ygon, and this will let him make any sort of music, sounds, or voices he wants to.


    Thisthis is an incredible gift, Alex said, gratitude in in his voice. Thanks for this, Toraka. Im going to make sure I finish ygons speakerbox as quickly as I can.


    He nced up to the floor above where he could hear his golem moving around. But, I think thanks will sound a lot bettering from him.


    Good andafter youre all set up hereI want you to finish our special project with me. Torakas eyes twinkled. Im <em>ver</em>y excited to see the product in action.


    And I wont disappoint you, Alex said. Youll have thesecond finest golem youve ever seen.

 Chapter 493: Loud and Clear

    Chapter 493: Loud and Clear


    Take a good look, ygon. You too Selina, and Theresa. And you too, Brutus! Alex spread his hands over a row of alchemicalponents on the table. All of this stuff? This is whats going to let you talk, my golem buddy. This is whats going to let you <em>sing.</em>


    <em>Icant waitto sing </em>ygons excitement was bleeding through his link with his father.


    ygon says he cant wait to sing, the young wizard tranted for his audience. And buddy, you wont have long to wait.


    I cant wait to hear him sing. A delighted Selina was almost vibrating. And talk. Its not fair that youre the only one who gets to hear him.


    Brutus massive heads timidly sniffed the elements that made up the speakerbox: a casing of hardened steel, Torakas sound replicator, and a few more internalponents.


    Wow! The Huntress patted Brutus middle head, peering down at the parts on the table. These look pricey.


    Theres a reason for that, Alex said seriously. Its because they are. <em>Especially</em> the sound replicator: Toraka was an absolute saint to gift it to us.


    Yeah, she sure was. How much would something like that cost?


    You dont wanna know.


    Fair enough. Well, shes wee to share anything I kill any day. Theresa examined anotherponent. What are these other parts?


    <em>Yeswhat are they, father?</em> ygon leaned in, inspecting the metallic items.


    Im so d you both asked. Alex pointed to a funnel shaped device. This is an amplifier. Torakas sound replicators very, very good for a musical golem that sits on a desk in an office, but you need something with a lot more <em>oomph</em> and more <em>bass</em> if youre going to be shouting over the noise of a battlefield.


    He pointed to another device, this one resembling an eight-pronged ma. Now <em>this</em> is an interesting little part that I found in a corner shop that Professor Jules rmended. Their deals are absolutely <em>criminal</em>. Anyway, this is a mana interface, specifically a model with an attachment function.


    Alex reached up, tapping ygons barrel-like stone chest. The interface is whats going to let you actually <em>use</em> the speakerbox. Itll connect with your internal, artificial mana, just like your fire-gems do. Its not going to be as well-integrated as if Id built it into you when I was first attaching the fire-gems, but itll still do the trick. The neat thing about it, though, is how it attaches to you.


    Alex ran his finger around the front of his neck in an arc. At first, I was thinking of making the speakerbox something you could wear around your neck like a ne, butI quickly came to the very scientific conclusion that the idea was a very, very stupid one.


    <em>Becauseit could get torn offwhen I am fighting?</em>


    Thats exactly right. Alex turned to Theresa and Selina, who were looking questioningly at the golem. He said it could get torn off while he was fighting.


    Yeah, thats true, Theresa said. He takes so much punishment that a random chain could melt or snap like a twig.


    Selina winced at those words. Im d you can protect yourself and Alex, ygon, but I wish you didnt get hurt so much.


    <em>I detect damagebut feel no pain. </em>ygon patted Selinas shoulder with arge, stone finger. <em>Worrynot.</em>


    ygon says he doesnt feel pain, Alex said. In any case, what the <em>attachment </em>function does is creates a mana current between your body and the speakerbox,<strong></strong>and uses it to actually secure the box to you. Itll <em>also</em> spread your mana all through the speakerboxs structure, which will pass along some of your sturdiness to the box. In the same way that regr y and stones nowhere near as strong as your body is, the mana current will make the box stronger too.


    He tapped the steel casing. This should make it so that it wont break easily. Of course, <em>you</em> make so much mana that Ill have to do some modifications, or youll probably blow up the entire speakerbox as soon as I attach it, but Ive got a way around that. So, what ites down to is that in the end, the box should be able to take a couple of direct hits from a demons warhammer and hold up just fine.<strong></strong>Im still going to add some extra shielding, which cant hurt, but it should do what we want it to do just fine without it.


    <em>Thissoundslike a lot of work, fatherand youre not as strong as I amyou get tired.</em> ygon bowed his head. <em>Thank youso much for doing this.</em>


    No need for thanks, ygon, I <em>want</em> to do this for you. Alex smiled, patting the golems side. Now, then! He pped his hands. If I could get you all to mask up and stand back, Ill get started. This process doesnt involve anything strongly reactiveso no danger of blowing us up, or melting anyone, or disintegrating our bodies, or freezing us solid, or frying us in a massive jolt of electricity, or sting us toponent atoms or


    We get it, Alex, Selina said dryly.


    Yeah, okay, you probably would. Her brother scratched his beardwhich looked slightly better groomed after a few lessons, tools and beard oils from Khalikand turned back to the work-table. Its not dangerous, is what Im saying. Theresa, if you could keep Brutus out of the way, though, Id really appreciate it.


    Done and done. Theresa said. Come on, Brutus! Lets go upstairs for a bit. Ill be right back, guys.


    He kissed her cheek. Looking forward to it.


    Rubbing his hands together, he began suiting up for the build.


    Over the past few days, Alex had made a few practice runs. Using bits of scrap metal hed forged into shapes simr to the speakerboxsponents, hed simted the building process repeatedly, using the Mark to hone his skills.


    At the end of it all, hed discovered that the practice runs really hadnt been necessary: his skills in building and alchemy had grown and advanced with every project hed crafted to this point, but, this project was personal, it was for ygon, so every extra bit of care and caution he took, was well worth it.


    He also couldnt ignore how precious and expensive theponents hed be working with were.


    Squinting through the lenses of his protective mask, he wielded a fire magic powered-soldering torch as deftly as if hed been born with it in his fingers. With his mana running through its inner circuits, it produced a steady, very hot me, which he carefully brought into contact with the amplifier.


    There came a hiss of me on steel, andbehind himSelinas stifled gasp reached him.


    Are you alright? Theresas voice sounded muffled, her mask muting it.


    Im okay, the young girls tone was steel. Im okay.


    Tell me if youre ever not, the Huntress said, her voice calm and reassuring.


    <em>FatherI have noticed that you often ask Selina how sheis when there is fire nearhas she had an ident with fire, or is she afraid of it?</em> ygon leaned over Alexs shoulder, his focus now on the young girl. Alex felt his curiosity bleeding through their link.


    There<em> is </em>something, Ill tell you about it when I finish the speakerbox. He thought as sparks began to fly.


    With great care, Alex attached a bit of mana conductive solder to the end of the amplifier, melting it in ce. With one quick motion, he took up the sound replicator, running his mana current through it, then pressing it to the solder. Metal bonded to metal, Alex felt his mana begin flowing through both amplifier and sound replicator in a single continuous current.


    Excellent. Good bond. He nced at a pair of Wizards Hands waiting off to the side.


    The duo of force spells drifted over to him, taking both speakerboxponents in a firm, steady grip. Alex willed them to remain perfectly stillensuring the bond would not releasethen picked up a cryowand.


    He spun it in his fingers, a big smile crept across his face: it had been one of the very first devices hed learned about in Professor Jules advanced alchemy ss since the semester began.


    <em>A cryowand is invaluable to the alchemist who needs to solder something quickly. </em>The professor had held up the device in front of the ss.<em> Its also very useful for alchemists who are conducting heated reactions that have finicky temperature requirements. It can pull heat away from any precise spot you direct the wands ice magic to, which then allows for rapid spot-cooling. Take care with it, though, since it requires very precise mana maniption. Sounless you are aplete madman, like some alchemists areI would strongly, strongly suggest that you do not jump ahead and start experimenting with a cryowand. Even if you do happen to have ess to one outside of this ssroom.</em>


    The usatory look that shed given Alex at the time had been one full of flint, vinegar, fire, death, and knowing.


    Of course, without a shred of guilt, hed immediately bought one for hisb and used the Mark to master it in a very short space of time. His mana maniption abilities had grown to such an advanced level that the tool had been pretty basic for him to grasp.


    Running his mana current through the long, thin device, he generated a spark of absolutely cold ice magic, pressing it against the solder gently, quickly cooling the substance without it cracking.


    Setting it aside, he touched the sound replicator again, running his mana current through it and nodding with satisfaction when the current passed freely between bothponents, he then reached for his soldering torch.


    Painstakingly, theponents were attached to each other: an audio processor to trante ygons mana into a signal the sound replicator could interpret; allowing the mana interface to pass mana from the golem to the otherponents.


    He took up the steel casing next: soldering a pair of connections between the metal and the mana interface and then forged<strong></strong>it all together.


    Another application of the cryowand, and the treasured object was finished.


    And, here it is, Alex announced proudly, holding up the device gingerly as though it was a priceless artefact hed uncovered from the ancient world. Your speakerbox is all done, buddy.


    <em>IsI cannot believe itI will be able to talk</em> ygons voice murmured in his mind.


    Were going to hear his first words! cried Selina.


    This is big. Theresa agreed.


    Are you ready, ygon? Alex faced his golem holding up the box, his full attention focused on him.


    <em>I</em> the golem paused, looking slowly over his family. <em>I am readyI want to talk.</em>


    Alright, then here we go. The young man reached up, pressing the speakerbox to the stone chest. Dont worry, it might take a few minutes to calibrate.


    The moment the contacts of the mana interface touched ygons torso, a loud rumble and hum cracked the air as the golems power coursed through it. The steel jerked<strong></strong>free of Alexs grip, sealing itself to the stone with the sharp clink of a lock.


    Humming rose, increasing in volume, changing from a deep crackle to a high-pitched whine.


    The golem stood very still, waves of confusion and panic reaching through the link with his father.


    Its okay, ygon, Alex reassured him, I know it feels weird, just let it do its work. Itll feel better when it calibrates.


    <em>I</em> the golems voice came through their link. <em>I want to go outside.</em>


    Without another word he turned, climbing the stairs to leave theb.


    Is something wrong? Selina asked anxiously.


    No, ygon wants to be outside. Alex followed his golem. The speakerbox is calibrating, and its making him feel weird.


    Is he okay? Theresa asked, climbing the stairs after her partner.


    He should be, but Ill take the box off soon if he still feels strange. I imagine itd be like having an extra arm bolted onto your body: Id feel strange too!


    Running after the golem, they ascended the building floor by floor. ygons great strides carried him up the stairs far quicker, and his speakerbox made peculiar noises with every step.


    In one stride it crackled.


    In another it whined.


    For a brief, terrible instant, it gave a shriek so loud that Alex and Selina screamed.


    Is that normal? His little sister asked.


    It should be. Alex sounded unsure. At least thats what Toraka said. Mounting thest few steps, he burst into the sunlight dappling their rooftop patio.


    There stood ygonhis polished, white stone gleaming, and his fire-gems burning with inner lightstaring up at the sky. Nearby, the aeld staff leaned against a trellis, emitting waves of curiosity and concern.


    ygon, are you okay, buddy? Alex, Selina and Theresa rushed to his side.


    Slowly, his great, stone head drifted downward, his gaze dropping as the speakerbox fell silent. The golems head stopped moving, stone eyes fixed on a row of budding flowers rising from a wooden nter box.


    Nearby, a book on gardening that Selina had read to him the first night in their new home,y.


    A deep whisper emerged from the speakerbox, like a giants first breath.


    <em>Daisies,</em> ygon said, his eyes fixed on the smallest of the blooms.


    Alexs breath caught.


    Theresa gasped, pulling off her mask.


    Selinas hands rose to her cheeks.


    And ygon turned to them. <em>Fathergive me your answertruecan you all hear me?</em> His natural voice was deep as the ocean, sounding like two mountains crashing together. It was a voice that rose from his mana core: the closest thing to his soul.


    Alex swallowed. I can hear you, loud and clear, buddy. Loud and clear.

 Chapter 494: Golem Songs and Minds

    Chapter 494: Golem Songs and Minds


    You can talk! You can talk! You can talk! Selina screamed, jumping up and down.


    <em>II can talk! </em>ygons voice boomed over the rooftops, rolling into white clouds high above. From a nearby building, a flock of pigeons fled,unching into the air, screeching in panic.


    The golem froze, then shouted, <em>Sorry! </em>The word booming through the entire neighbourhood. In the distance, dogs abruptly barked and howled, bringing Brutus bounding up the stairs, answering their frantic voices with his own rumbling growls.


    Alex burst outughing while his sister copsed in hysterics, unable to stop giggling.


    Thats it, buddy! He cheered. Let the world hear your voice!


    Yes! Selina pumped her fists. Shout! Let everyone know youre here!


    Wait, wait, wait! Theresa held up her hands. Maybe we shouldnt terrify our new neighbours three days after moving in. Maybe thats not the first impression we want to give them.


    <em>Ill speaka lot quieter.</em> ygons voice boomed from the speakerbox, dropping in volume with each word until it was only slightly louder than Alexs. <em>Isthis eptable?</em>


    Look how smart my son is! Hah! Alex cried. Yes, thats perfect. Well, buddy? Hows it feel? Hows it feel!?


    <em>Itfeelsgoodto talk in my ownvoice. Ownvoice?</em>


    Static crackled from the speakerbox.


    What came next caught the young wizard by surprise: ygons voice was now high and thin.


    A childs voice.


    <em>How does this sound, father?</em> He asked.


    It surprised me, Selina cut in. But I think it sounds cute.


    <em>Cute?</em>


    Yeah, cute. Like you.


    The golem cocked his head in confusion, and it was obvious. Alex decided not to examine too closely what it meant that he found a ten-foot-tall-doom-golem- with-a-permanently-snarling-face cute, and what that said about his mind. <strong></strong>Honestly, ygon? Alex shrugged. It doesnt matter what I think. Its your voice, and youre one of the rare folk in this world who can choose what their own voice sounds like. You can keep your first voice, you can sound like a childyou are very young, after allor you can even sound like a talking bear if you really wanted to. Its your choice, buddy! And thats the beautiful thing about it.


    ygon watched Alex with care for a long moment, a flurry of emotions dancing through their link. Some happinessy there, alongside nerves, and apprehension.


    Choice paralysis, Alex thought to himself.


    You can take all the time in the world in making your choice. Heck, I built that speakerbox to replicate any sound you want: you can change voices every week or even every day if you want, just like how I would change my shirt and pants.


    <em>...Thank youI will take timethinking about what I want</em> the golem said.


    Another flurry of emotions. Happiness. More nerves. Relief.


    <em>Iwould liketo make</em><em><strong></strong></em><em>a song. Can I </em>He paused.


    Resolve shed through their link.


    <em>I will make a song, </em>ygon said, his voice sounding like an old mans.


    A crackle rose from the speakerbox.


    Followed soon after by a song.


    It was a simple tune: one Alex remembered Torakas music golem ying in her office. It held a smoky crackle, giving the melody an ethereal softness, while the singers voicea womanswas low, rich and soothing.


    The golem began to sway back and forth, calm spreading through his link with his father. And the song itself? A sad one. The singers words told of lost loves, regrets, the pain of loneliness, and the evils of drink. Her warbling tone was dramatic, meant to bring tears to the eye and mncholy to the heart.


    But neither tears of sadness, nor mncholy were anywhere to be found in ygon; only quiet, contented, triumphant feelings were what emanated from his core.


    The song sounds sad, Selina whispered to Alex.


    Its not sad to ygon, he whispered back. For him? Its a song of triumph.


    A song of triumph. Theresas hand slipped into his. I like that.


    For a long time, the little family stood in silence, listening to the golems song as it drifted through the air and over the neighbourhood.


    The only other sound to be heard was Brutus whining,muning with their canine neighbours baying in the distance.


    Another day found ygon making music again, thoughinstead of a sunny day on a rooftopit was a cloudy evening deep within the bowels of Shales golemworks.


    In Torakasb, the golem leaned against a wall, softly ying a bards song of remembrance and battle, presenting a contrasting backdrop to the hiss of hot iron being connected to hot iron.


    Steady Shale warned, squinting through her masks lenses. Steadykeep that alignment straight


    Ive got it, Toraka, Ive got itjust thisst part andthere we go. Alex lifted the soldering torch away from the metal, scrutinising the joint between the golems arm and its shoulder. It looks level to me. You?


    She paused soldering the te she was attaching, taking in his work at a nce. Perfect. And Im almost done here too. Carefully, the master craftswoman finished the iron golems leg joint, giving it a visual inspection and nodding to herself in satisfaction. Very good. All done on this end.


    She took a few steps away from the vast craft table, regarding the iron golem from the tip of its toes, to its crown. Thats it. The bodys finished.


    Good job, Alex congratted her. And uh He looked at another table. By the Traveller, I think were ready for the final step.


    On that table a massive orby, glowing with a purple-violet hue: the golem core for Torakas first dungeon core-infused iron golem. It zed with an awesome power, and a deep well of inner mana sat<strong></strong>within its form. To Alexs mind, it wasslightly on the unimpressive side.


    Its power was a fraction of ygons core, and it generated mana with far less efficiency. He saw it only as proof of a sessful concept that could be brought to market.


    But for Toraka, it was far more, the master crafter <em>oozed</em> excitement.


    From time to time, she threw hungry, impatient looks toward the core, her eagerness bleeding from her bodynguage in torrents.


    And now?


    Now, she watched it as though awestruck, a naked yearning burning in her eyes. This is truly it, isnt it? Her tone was hushed. I want to see it work.


    Then, I guess theres no reason to dy, Alex said.


    Together, they began the final process of attaching the core.


    Strict procedure was followed, of coursethough Toraka seemed almost keen to cast it asideby attaching the mana vacuum to the core, while being ready to drain away uncontrolled mana should the golem go berserk.


    With a pull of a lever, she raised the iron golem into an upright position, the head of the metallic craft table rising until the constructs feet settled on the floor. Chains snaked down from the ceiling, wrapping around the iron body, holding it upright and binding its movements in the event of a rampage.


    From his ce at the side of theb, ygon stopped singing, now watching the next step with interest.


    <em>The golems goingto be born, </em>he spoke in the voice of a tenor, all clear, rich and warm. <em>Im dI get to see this birth.</em>


    If its half as fascinating as you are, Im going to call this a major win. Toraka said to him.


    <em>I hope you getyour major win.</em>


    Well arent you precious, she chuckled warmly, looking at Alex as he locked a scaffold into ce behind the iron golems back. Did I ever tell you hes precious?


    You have, and youre right. Alex scaled the scaffolding. And were going to give <em>you</em> a precious one of your own, soon enough. Care to do the honours?


    With surprising agility, Toraka mbered up the scaffold, scaling it with the ease of a squirrel. Of course I want the honoursno wait. She ced one hand on the golem core, leaving room for Alex to take the other side.


    They nodded to each other.


    Then inserted the core together. With the greatest care, junior crafter and master crafter attached the core to the iron golems inner mana circuitry.


    They poured in mana from the mana vacuum.


    A pulse of power spread through the air as mana ran along inner pathways. The clinking of metal tes shuddered through the room as the golems body began to twitch.


    Here we go Alex murmured, his hand steady on the mana vacuum.


    With a rush of power, the golems fingers clenched.


    Yes Torakas eyes shone. I can feel our connection forming.


    The cores internal structures ignitedpower raged within the constructs body. Slowly, the iron head turned, taking stock of the room from all directions.


    Iron hands moved smoothly, spinning in their wrist sockets.


    Hands clenched, snapping into fists.


    The internal reaction settled.


    Silence hung over the room until Toraka drew in a deep, trembling breath. This is it, she murmured in wonder. It worked. The power, I cant believe the power.


    <em>Wee to the world </em>gyon spoke, his voice returning to its initial deep, gravelly, tones. <em>...do youhave a mind?</em>


    Alex looked at Toraka searchingly, but she was already shaking her head.


    I dont feel a mind in there, she admitted. Sorry.


    A sh of disappointment reached from ygon to Alex, quickly dispersing.


    <em>Iexpectedtoo much</em> he said.


    Well, its often better that golems dont have mindsuh, presentpany excluded, Toraka smiled quickly. Youre a very good golem, ygon, but Ive heard of some nasty ones. Her look turned grim. I heard of a golem once who was owned by a wizard, who used to take it out hunting. Well, that golem developed a taste for blood and bonded strongly with its master. The master died one day, and the golem kept doing what it had always done: it hunted. But without the master to guide it, it took to hunting whatever it wanted.


    She sighed deeply. And what it decided to hunt was <em>people</em>, for some reason.


    <em>Did the people harm him? </em>ygon asked.


    No, it just didnt like people. Or it decided to kill them because it thought theyd make challenging prey. Or maybe it was following one of its mastersst, crazed orders. No one knows the reason. All people knew was that the golem had to be stoppedandit took a lot to stop it. It was an iron golem, and had a fair number of upgrades to give it extra power and onboard weapons.


    Her eyes drifted to the ceiling as she searched her memories. I thinkit had killed half a thousand people over a decade before it was finally cornered and destroyed. Awful story. And there''ve been many other golems whove lost themselves to some form of madness or another. Its why sometimes its a good thing golems dont have minds. One wrong turn of thought, and you have an immortal, almost unstoppable killer on your hands. No offence.


    ygon paused, taking in her words for a long moment.


    The connection between him and his father was silent as the golems emotions went nk. Alex was looking at Toraka, hiding a mixture of anger and horror.


    Her story had been true, and hed heard simr tales before, but he couldnt help but see what shed said to ygon as highly offensive.


    Before he could say a word, though, the golems voice boomed from his speakerbox.


    <em>I seethenthat makes sense</em> His words were clear. <em>Golems with minds can be dangerousso it is a good thing when they dont have them. then by that logicpeople should not have minds either.</em>


    Yeswhat?


    <em>I haveseen peopledoevil things. Animals kill. People kill. Demons are immortal and they kill too. None of themshould have minds, then.</em> His voice was cold, devoid of emotion, and his stony gaze was fixed on the craftswoman.


    Well, Iuhwellthe thing about that is, Toraka stuttered. Well, I see that Ive, uh, stepped in it, havent I? When you put it that way, it makes what I said a bit nasty, doesnt it?


    <em>There istruth in your words. There istruth in mine. When golems are bad, you crush them. When people are bad, you crush them. When animals are bad, you crush them. When demons are bad, you crush them.</em>


    Well, thats a simple way to put itbut I suppose its on point, without getting into the finer points of ethics.


    Its a start, Alex said. We humans havent figured out the ethics of the world in all its fine points, I dont expect ygon to figure them out without at least a few hundred years of thought.


    Anyway, sorry about what I said, Toraka cleared her throat.


    <em>Apologyeptedyou will no longer be considered a bad person. You will no longer be crushed.</em>


    Both Alex and Toraka froze.


    ygon Alex panicked, thinking back to earlier days where he chose violence regrly. I


    <em>That wasa joke </em>the golem interrupted him. <em>I havelearned of humour fromfather. Hahahaha</em>


    Cold, stiltedughter boomed through theb, cementing itself in Alexs psyche, likely waiting to ambush him in his nightmares.


    Toraka leaned into Alex and whispered. You taught your golem to have a terrible sense of humour.


    The young wizard could say nothing in his defence as ygonsughter filled the evening gloom.

 Chapter 495: A Rich Womans Fun

    Chapter 495: A Rich Woman''s Fun


    There came a terrible crunch.


    The sound of steel copsing.


    Yeeeesss Toraka hissed, delighted with her new golems performance as it crushed the heavy metal sheet with ease. This is excellent. Look how quickly it responds to mymands, and the power output its beyond anything that even Id imagined.


    I agree. It seems to be pretty well at the upper end of expectations. Alex chimed in, watching the iron golem tramp away from the crumpled metal.


    It stomped toward a line of stone cones set up to test its agility and began weaving its bulky frame through them, moving forward. The sight of a massive iron construct performing such precise movements wasnt exactlymon, but Toraka was nodding along as if it was the most impressive, natural image in the world.


    Each footstep came like the ng of a cksmiths hammer with the peal of thunder, shaking the stone beneath their feet. Towering over ygon by a good three to four feet and likely outweighing him by a couple of tons, the size difference between them was clear.


    Its definitely more agile than a standard iron golem would be as well. Toraka entered detailed notes on the golems performance into her own log. Much more agile.


    She nodded across the testing chamber to where an iron golemof simr dimensions and physical design as the new onewas negotiating the exact same obstacle course.


    The ungainly construct had knocked over several cones during the test, leaving them scattered across the path.


    The extra agility <em>really</em> expands the tasks it can perform, shemented. A golem could out wrestle a dragon, but if it trips over its own feet every time it takes a step, then its uses would be limited to the most basic of manualbour. Nowlets move on and try a more direct test.


    As the two golems reached the finish line of their respective obstacle courses, Toraka snapped her fingers, bringing them to attention, their heels nging together like trained soldiers. The iron giants turned to face each other across the broad testing chamber, bowing at her mentalmand.


    Then, they charged like raging bulls.


    Holy sh Alex barely managed to stifle the curse word as the room shuddered from the impact of their footfalls, their weight pounding from stone to stone.


    ygon stepped up beside Alex and Toraka, intent on the iron golems.


    With a tremendous crash, the metal titans collided, hands connecting, driving their enormous bulk against the other. A screech pierced the air as iron ground against iron


    a golems feet raked the ground as it was pushed backward. The dungeon core powered construct drove the older model back as though a bull was pushing a young boy.


    Whistling her admiration, the master craftswoman began pping. This is excellent!


    Alex breathed a small sigh of relief. But, as his mind often had a tendency to do, it conjured a horrifying scenario: the old golem was handily defeating the newly crafted creation, melting away his financial future in one fell swoop.


    But, the image was soon erased by the look in Toraka Shales eyes, fixated on the new golem and dancing with undisguised greed. He could practically see coins piling up around her.


    With another snap of her fingers, she stopped the contest; both golems broke contact with the other, rxing their grips and stepping back. They faced Toraka, giving her a deep bow.


    Alright, well theres one more test that we have left to do. She said, throwing Alex and ygon a sly look. What do you say? Would you like to see a little prototype Ive been working on?


    Excitement gripped the young mans chest. Hells yes, I would!


    <em>Iam interested too</em> ygon leaned toward the woman in curiosity.


    Good. You must share this with no one.


    Toraka pped her hands.


    A sound like thunder grinding on a cliff face echoed from the back of the chamber as an entire section of wall slowly rose, revealing a secret room. From within, a tall brass construct forged in the curious shape of a humanoid praying mantis, unfolded its arms. Atop scythe-like des on those arms sat a pair of hands, and in those hands was a tray held by elongated fingers possessing a dozen joints.


    Upon the trayy a curious device: a thick iron box, covered in dials, tubes and exposed circuitry that wove together in aplex pattern. On one side, a hole big enough for an iron golem to insert its arm up to the forearm, gaped; from the opposite side of the box a thick, heavy tube jutting more than half a dozen feet, protruded.


    Whats thaaaaat? Alexs eyes shone. Looks like itd make a very big boom.


    Its designed to do just that. Toraka smirked. I would like to introduce you to the Gale Force Cannon Mk. I Prototype.


    Holy crap, thats an awesome name. Youre good at naming things.


    One of us has to be, she murmured.


    I heard that.


    You were meant to.


    Alex rolled his eyes. So, how does it work?


    So d you asked, she said. And my answer is that''s a proprietary secret. But what I can tell you is that it produces a super-heated column of fire magic, further charged with a burst of lightning magic all held within a force magic carrier wave. A twinkle danced in her eye. Add in a sprinkle of disintegration magic, and


    ...and you have the coolest sentence Ive ever heard in my life.


    Exactly. She beamed as the mantis-construct bowed to the old iron golem which inserted its limb into the hole. Energy sparked, emitting a pulse of mana so powerful, Alexs hair stood on end. Its a bit of a pig on manafor obvious reasonsso it''s built to draw power from a golem core.


    Right. Alex veritably drooled as a pair of stone golems carted out an immense steel target from a storage space. Drawing power from a golem core puts less pressure on the devices internals since some of the burden is offloaded by having its own power source. Its a great solution. So, whats the practical application, aside from rampant destruction? Military use? He asked.


    Oh by the gods, no. Shaleughed. Its far too expensive and impractical. For the same price as this, a kingdom could hire at least two dozen battle mages. No, this is a pure hobby. And, a rather fun one! Observe!


    With the snap of two fingers, a st screen emerged from the floor before her, Alex, and ygon, thick enough to withstand explosive magic or deadly me, yet clear and shielded by a force screen for them to view events behind.


    A memory returned, the explosion caused by chaos essence and dungeon core essenceing together in Greymoor.


    <em>ThisI have amemory </em>ygon thought. <em>A bright lightstanding in front of you, fatherto protect you</em>


    You remember that? Alex replied mentally as the golems set up two rows of giant steel doors.


    <em>I dobutit isvagueIhopewhatever happensis notso powerful</em>


    So, well learn a lot about both golems power output. Toraka pressed a hand against the force screen, peering through it in anticipation. If the new golems power outputswell, well see. Time for the first demonstration.


    A sudden surge of mana and a hum of powerful magic coalesced.


    The old iron golem pointed Shales deadly device at the closest line of steel doors.


    Humming power built to a peak.


    A beam of white light blew through the tube,ncing into the steel. Lightning crackled and a wave of heat shimmered, mming into the shield like a runaway boulder, Alex reflexively recoiled. The beamas thick around as his waisttore through reinforced steel te after steel te, reducing five into smouldering ruins.


    By the Traveller!


    Haha, pretty cool, eh? Toraka grinned. See, this is one reason having a lot of coin is nice. It lets you have all kinds of <em>exotic</em> fun. Now, lets test my newest addition.


    Before them, the old iron golem was passing the weapon to the dungeon core powered one who hefted it above its head and inserted its arm. The rush of mana when it connected to the machine spiked to a higher peak.


    Without hesitation, the golem turned the device to face the closer row of steel doors.


    An immense power surge rocked the room.


    The device rattled, its tube glowingva red.


    The beam forming was twice the diameter this time, bulging from the end of the tube, then tearing through the air. mming into the closest door, it burrowed through, leaving a smoking pile of g behind.


    te after te ruptured into molten shrapnel, a trail of smouldering ruin hissing in the beams wake. Thest metal te split as the beam flew straight ahead, hitting the testing chambers back wall, blowing a ragged hole through it, sending stone fragments pelting down like rain.


    A line of smoke ascended from the tube, dissipating around the damaged wall.


    Hohohohoooooo! Toraka cheered. Now <em>thats </em>power! The output! The efficiency! Its incredible!


    Hells yes! Alex cried. Look at that! It is incredible!


    A tinge of envy shed through him, andfor the first time in a whilehe cursed the Mark of the Fool for preventing him from using and constructing weapons. The very idea of ygon taking up a device like Torakas and blowing holes in ten demons at a time


    <em>Thatis impressive, </em>ygon said, his voice slightly distant.


    Torakas cheering stopped, as she gave the golem an incredulous look, arching her brow. Oh? You dont sound impressed.


    <em>The devices poweris very high. You have done good workand the new golem has done very well.</em>


    Again, that distance in his voice.


    Shale cocked her head. You <em>still</em> dont sound impressed. Care to try wielding the device yourself.


    Alexs heart skipped a beat in excitement. With ygons power, he wondered just how much destruction it could cause. The golem looked at his father for a moment, as though poised to ask permission.


    He paused.


    Then marched forward, filling Alex with pride. <em>Iwill do it</em>


    It didnt take long for Torakas golems to set up another row of steel doors, ready for ygons use. The four-armed golem gently took the device from the dungeon core-powered construct, his hand lingering on the other golem for a moment before he finally inserted a lower arm into the hole.


    A wave of mana impacted Alex, his skin tingled.


    As ygon aimed the weapon at the closest steel door, the young Thameish wizard was suddenly struck by the thought that this experiment might bein facta bad idea. He knew that the iron golems produced only a fraction of the evolved ygons mana.


    And if the second one had punched through the wall in back of the chamber


    Alex whirled toward Shale. Toraka, maybe we should


    But it was toote.


    ygon had activated the device.


    A hiss followed a whine, and the sound of metal screamed.


    The room shook.


    Steel doors rattled as the stone golem levelled the device at his target. Humming power increased, rising to a screech.


    There was a sh.


    A terrible impact.


    Crumbling stone.


    Alex and Toraka cried out, their eyes stinging.


    Then, it was over.


    As Alexs eyesight recovered from the blinding light, he gasped.


    Five steel doors were gone. Just gone. The floor around them had crumbled into steaming gravel and the devices tube had melted, now in utter ruin.


    <em>OhI broke itI am so sorry.</em> ygon muttered.


    Dont be! Toraka said excitedly. Look at the devastation! The destruction! ygon, I knew you were unique but <em>this</em>ohohoho, this is great!


    Youre notmad? Alex murmured.


    Of course, not! ygon revealed a design w in the device, and now I get to rebuild it. Make it <em>better.</em> Her eyes shone in anticipation. And <em>thats</em> what crafting is all about!


    She looked at her golem with pride. And <em>my </em>golem represents a new stage in golem crafting. More efficiency. More power. An evil grin took her features. Were going to have half the citys wealthy tossing their golems aside for the new model. Its perfect!


    Yeah, Alex agreed. Now we both have excellent golems.


    She rubbed her hands together. Ill start bringing my new golem out for demonstrations next week. Word will spread fast, and Ill have kings from here to Thamnd ordering one.


    Her eyes looked her golem up and down. This is going to be a new chapter for both you and I, Alex. Forget that ce you have across the street: in a year, youll be able to buy half the damned bakeries in Generasi.


    Alex thrummed with excitement, imagining the bright future thaty ahead of him, Toraka, ygon and his family. Things were looking up, now all he needed to do was breakthrough to third-tier spells outside of summoning magic and prepare for Baelins next mission into the hells.


    Buta note of mncholy touched him.


    And it took him a moment to realise that it was not his own.


    ygon was looking at the newest of Shales golems with a long mncholy note drifting through their link.


    And his voice echoed in Alexs mind. <em>FatherI wish to talk to you.</em>

 Chapter 496: Hidden Thoughts and Hidden Stars

    Chapter 496: Hidden Thoughts and Hidden Stars


    Night had fallen when Alex and ygon emerged from Shales golem works. Generasi was now plunged in darkness only broken by the sliver of a new moon above, and an abundance of city lights all aglow.


    To Alex, nights like these always held an eerie quality in Generasi, whereas back home in Alric, thousands of stars spread across the sky during each new moon, seeming to awaken the night. During Generasis new moon, stars numbered few.


    Professor Jules exined the phenomenon as something called light pollutiona term that had baffled him at the timewhere the huge number of city lights stifled the stars own. Shed exined that some wizards had long predicted that this light pollution would eventually grow to be such a problem, it would interfere with the day and night cycles of people, monsters and beasts.


    For now, though, it was only the stars that suffered, but this still left Alex feeling a sense of tension when he watched the sky. He sometimes wondered if the Many-Spheres Theory was true or false; when the sky looked like nothing more than a ck void, it was hard to imagine other worlds and other pantheons floating up there among the hidden stars.


    He looked at ygon walking close by his side, their link utterly silent, making him wonder what thoughts were going through his golems mind, as hidden as the stars.


    Suddenly, ygon slowed, stopping in the middle of the street, his eyes fixed on their new home. A blip of emotion came through his link with his father, fleeting, gone in an instant.


    <em>Father</em> ygon murmured. ...<em>can we not go home yet? Idlike to see the aeld tree.</em>


    In Greymoor or my staff? Alex asked.


    <em>Both</em>


    Okay, thats fine by me. Whatever you need. I tell you what, Ill go inside, fetch the staff, tell Selina and Theresa well be out for a while, then we can go to Greymoor. I can even get a couple of our books to take with us. Sound good?


    <em>Yesthank you </em>ygon said.


    Campus was even darker than the city, and more stars peeked out from above.


    Only a few more.


    And as they appeared, ygon began voicing what was on his mind.


    The golem turned to his father, the light of the aeld staff reflecting off his polished surface and fire-gems. The staffs curiosity flowed<strong></strong>into the air. <em>Fathercan I ask you a question? </em>He asked.


    Any time. Anything, the Thameish wizard said. Well, anything within reason. And any time probably doesnt include after Im dead. But if Im asleep, you can waOkay, Im nervous and rambling. Sorry. Sorry. Whats going on, ygon?


    <em>Willthe new golem you made with Torakawill it have a mind?</em> He asked.


    Alex winced, wondering where this might be going.


    Was ygon bothered that the golem couldnt think?


    Did he want to meet more golems like himself?


    No, sorry to disappoint, but uh Alex scratched his beard. ...I dont think so. Ill be honest, ygon, Im not really sure what made you evolve and what made you develop your mind. But one thing I <em>am</em> sure of is that it has something to do with the dungeon core essence burning in your heart. And


    He looked up at the stars. Well, like I said, youre special. I didnt want to make loads of ygons for everyone under the sun to buy. The thought of there being a <em>bunch</em> of you out in the worldwell, I didnt like it. So, I decreased the amount of dungeon core essence in Torakas golems core and changed the design to lessen the chance of mutation. Now, itll be less likely to develop a mind and evolve. I know you might not like


    <em>GoodI am d it will not have a mind </em>ygon said.


    yeah, Im sorry, I meanwait, what? The young wizard looked at his golem sharply.


    <em>Hmmm.were yousurprised?</em> ygon cocked his head.


    Uh, yeah, actually. I thought you wanted to have more golems that were like you.


    <em>Idont know about thatButI was thinking about the story that Toraka toldabout the golem that huntedI was wondering why he did that</em>


    Yeah. Alex pat ygons arm. Im sure a lot of people were wondering why that happened.


    <em>...thatmakes sensebut I was thinkingthat the golems masterhis fatherdid not sound like a good man.Youtake care of meyou teach me thingsyou fight and you fight with me at your sideI learn how to fight. But I learn other thingsI like to do other things.</em>


    What else do you like?


    <em>...youour familyreadingmusiclots of things, </em>ygon said. ...<em>more than just fightingbut I like that too. But if that master only taught the golem how to hunt? Maybe hecould havelearned something new if he had the chancebut it was all he knew</em>


    Oh wow, Alex said. Thats some really advanced thinking, there.


    <em>Whatdo you think?</em>


    You mean, about why that golem started killing people? Alex blew out a breath. I, shit, I dont know ygon. It could be that youre right. I mean, maybe the wizard also made his golem badlyor maybe the golem just really wanted to kill people.


    <em>YesI do not knowbut I think a bad master would make a bad golem.</em>


    Maybe, Alex admitted. That could be true.


    <em>Andthat is why I am d Toraka Shales golem will not get a mindI do not think she would be a good master.</em>


    Alex flinched. Really?


    <em>She only looks at golemslike toolseven meI think</em>


    No, thats not true. Not about you. She really likes you, and she treats you like a person.


    <em>I do not knowshe is nice to mebuther golems, she treats them like toolsand she says it is bad if golems have minds</em>


    Yeah, she did say that, didnt she? Alex nced at a passing student, hurrying back to the dorms. I think its aplex thing. She honestly cares for her golems, but yeah, a lot of the time I get the impression that she honestly does see you as a personoh jeez, now you have me wondering. Maybe she looks at you more like a curiosity? I dont really know.


    <em>I thinkif I belonged to hershe might not see me as a personI think she wouldlook at me only for how useful I could be.</em>


    Well, Im not sure. Honestly, unless she had a sapient golem of her own, I couldnt tell.


    <em>You treat mevery wellyoufriendsfamilyall treat me like I am made of flesh and have a heartbloodlike you. I do not think she would go that far. You would never saygolems should not have minds</em>


    Alexs face flushed. Yeah, I guess not. I dont know what to say.


    <em>I am just d I have the best father </em>ygon said.


    Yeah, well, Im d my golems the best too.


    The young man and the golem strolled along campus, toward the portal to Greymoor.


    ygon sang to both aeld tree and aeld staff, his music drifting through the dark night of the new moon. The Research Castle was still, save for his song and the quiet clink of guards armour as they patrolled along the outer walls.


    Above, Greymoors skies were a sea of shining stars, unpolluted by the artificial magical light of a sleepless city. It was aforting sight and a familiar one.


    One that gave Alex a measure of peace as he practised a spell.


    While his golem was serenading both aeld tree and staffwhich was giving off waves of happy feelingshe was focused on learning a new spell.


    Mass Darksight.


    It was a spell that transformed the eye, allowing it to see inplete and utter darkness: a tricky third-tier spell, with aplex spell array.


    With a growl, he aborted the spell for the thirtieth time, letting the magic dissipate while recording the spell array that had defeated him again.


    This is tough, he muttered to himself, sitting cross-legged in mid-air, hovering above the snow. A forceball served as his light source and a pair of forcedisks carried his spell-guide and notebook.


    His eyes flicked toward the staff set in a snowbank between the tree and ygon. The same emotions drifted from staff and tree, prompting a question in Alexs mind.


    Does the staff have a different consciousness? He murmured softly. Or does the trees emotions spread into a new body? Jeez, doing a lot of thinking about what consciousness in magical items meanstely, like when I was talking with ygon.


    His eyes narrowed, scrutinising the staff. Theres plenty of room in its inner core for new, more powerful magics. I <em>could </em>create an alchemical infusion of Mass Darksight and simply ce it in the staff. Hells, Im already doing that with a lot of spells. I could just put any magic I want in the staff, stop learning spells aside from summoning ones then I wouldnt lose all that time fighting the Mark.


    Alex considered what to do. I could just focus on summoning, and make up for all the other magics I wouldnt be casting by using the staffs powers and other magic items. The disadvantage of that is that if I ever lost my staff, Id be pretty screwed. Summoning magics <em>very</em> powerful. but what happens if I cant use it?


    He rocked his head from side to side, deep in thought. No, Ivee this far. Im just going to keep going with my ns.


    Turning away from the staff, he returned his focus to the spell once more, guiding his mind through the Marks interference, and the spell array.


    For much of the night, he kept going, his single-minded focus honed from hundreds of hours of practise. In some ways, the process had be easier, like the moves of a dance practised to perfection.


    He was so used to contending with the Marks interference, it had be second nature, familiar. At times, his mind would even wander


    which is why he didnt notice that something had changed.


    Did somebody light a torch? He murmured, ncing up at the walls. Its a lot brighter out here all of a sudden.


    He squinted at a dark corner of the courtyard, realising that he could suddenly see every single stone that made up the walls.


    Oh shit, it worked!


    He had cast Mass Darksight and made the breakthrough, casting a third-tier spellnot a third-tier <em>summoning</em> spellwithout the help of that strange power.


    Thank the Traveller, Alex sighed. I did it.


    He waited for that surge of excitement that always came when he broke through to a new tier, butnothing came.


    Huh. I guess, its not as thrilling as when I learned third-tier summoning. But still, this is good. This is very good. He made a note bolding <strong>100%</strong> under the words Mass Darksight, in his notebook.


    Closing it, he turned to ygon, ready to tell him of his sess, but the words died on his lips.


    The golem, and the aeld tree were gently swaying back and forth with the wind, moving in time with the melody of ygons song.


    Ill leave them be, the young wizard said, pulling out another notebook from his bag, where he tracked each spell hed learned. Now that hed reached third-tier spells without the help of that strange power, it was time to decide where to go next.


    A couple of choicesy ahead of him.


    On the one hand, I could learn as many third-tier spells as I can, and really solidify my foundation. But, I have my staff for a lot of the third-tier magic Id want to cast.


    He tapped his pen on the page.


    Maybe its better to start learning fourth-tier summoning spellsthat could be a good ideaI have the mana capacity for iNo wait! Alexs eyes went wide, he began running through the wishlist of spells he wanted to learn. If were talking about fourth-tier spells that make use of that ability of mhen theres one I need to grab right away.


    He stopped on a particr page with a single spell bolded and underlined.


    Alex drew a circle around it.


    nar Doorway.


    That spell would be the first true teleportation spellwhich transferred someone from one ce to anotherthat he could learn.


    Mastering it would open up all kinds of possibilities.


    Now he was excited.

 Chapter 497: The Manacles of Distance

    Chapter 497: The Manacles of Distance


    Strange, I thought you had already reached third-tier spells? Baelin polished a beard-sp. Before him, a pen hovered, signing paperwork scattered across his desk. You didn''t?


    Only with summoning spells, Alex said excitedly. But this! This means I can cast other spells of third-tier now.


    Oh, then this truly is exciting news, Baelin said warmly. I take it youre here about registering for the fourth level of the library?


    Yes. Alex nodded enthusiastically. I want to start learning nar doorway as soon as possible. Im thinking that this powerwhatever it iswill help me learn and cast it faster. Plus, Ive seen how useful your teleportation spells are. I want a piece of that for myself.


    Ah, how brilliant. Even if you didnt have that power giving you aid, I would have strongly rmended looking into teleportation, at any rate. Ive suggested as much to Isolde as well.


    Really? Alex asked. She didnt say anything about that.


    At present, shes exploring other spells firstmore rted to her ssesbut she will get there, in time. As for you The chancellor rose from behind his desk, hands sping behind his back. I am very d you began right away. A Proper Wizard sets about conquering the fundamentalws of the universe as soon as they are able.


    You mean conquering the concepts of space and distance? Alex stood up as well, trailing the chancellor as the ancient wizard strolled to the window, his hooves clopping on the stone floor.


    Precisely. Baelin smiled, gazing out over campus and the city beyond. Look at this view. Magnificent, is it not? So much greenery. The buildings. All of the wonders going on between these walls, not to mention the wonders even beyond that.


    Yeah, Alexs eyes fell on the city, hovering near where the bakeryy. Its an amazing ce full of amazing things. Id love to show the Heroes some day. Hells, I wish I could have shown my parents.


    I understand, and I sometimes wish the same, the chancellor sighed. Though mine would have likely melted in superstitious terror. Yours?


    They wouldve been shocked, I can tell you that. As far as I know, theyd never seen anything like this. You should go to Alric, one day. I think someone like you might say itsquaint. If youre trying to be polite.


    Oh, I could not judge. My tribe would have seen your town as a wonder of the world, no doubt. I take it that Alrics on a river?


    Yep.


    Indeed, then they might have even tried to take it for themselves. But that segues into a fine point. Alex, why is Generasi located where it is? Why is Alric where it is? Why are these towns and cities where they are?


    Well, thats easyis what I would say if you werent obviously baiting me with a deceptively simple question that you could use to teach me someplex lesson after I inevitably get it wrong.


    Hah! Have I truly grown so obvious? Baelin watched Alex, delight in his smiling, goat-like eyes.


    Only when you want to be. The young wizard shrugged. But Ill bite: we learned why towns and cities are located where they are back in Alrics church school. Basically, wherever theres resources, theres people. Alric was founded because of the location having a river, and the t earth made for good farnd. Being so close to Coille forest was a plus too: its just a logical ce to live.


    He gestured to Generasi. And this citys here because of how close the mana vents in the Barrens are, which lets magical technology be built and function far more cheaply. Plus, more wizards are born here. It makes sense for people to cluster around natural resources.


    Indeed. And, to some extent, you are correct. And now here is the part where I tell you how your answer was notplete, Baelin said smoothly. You spoke of natural resources and a settlements proximity to them, and that much is true. It makes sense for farms to be built on good soil to grow grain, for a mill to be built on a nearby river in order to grind that grain into bread, and in turn, it makes sense for people to cluster around a food source. But does it? Does it truly make sense for people to move near the river, the mill, and the farm in droves? After all, a clerk, a tavern owner and a ssblower dont technically need the river for their day to day lives like the miller does. So why do <em>they</em> move near<strong></strong>the miller?


    I know youre manoeuvring me, but Ill answer anyway: they move to the miller to be close to food, Alex suggested. Otherwise its going to be stupidly difficult to get to that food. Imagine having to leave your home for a weeks walk every time you need bread. Its just more convenient to be near the ces you work, and get your food from.


    And <em>there </em>it is! Baelin boomed. <em>Distance</em>. That is the truth of it, Alex. People cluster around natural resourceslike children crouched around a firebecause distance would make living elsewhere far more inconvenient, if not actually impossible.


    He chuckled. And thus people are shackled: one must pay fealty to a lord to live on a plot ofnd <em>they</em> control because of the resources therein. One must live near their ce of work or lose ones job. Distance is a manacle, my young friend, just as much as time or mortality. Butthankfullywizardry has had far more sesses when ites to defeating distance.


    The ancient wizard gestured to the city. Imagine a world where everyone could teleport with a thought. Why would all these individuals live herecrammed into the same expensive ceif they chose not to? He pointed to a student far below walking across campus. Do you think she likelyes from the dorms? With teleportation as an option, she could make her home on top of a mountain, within a meadow, on a quaint farm, if she so chose. She could wake in Tarim-Lung at sunrise, and be at her first year Magic Lore ss within a dozen heartbeats.


    His eyes drifted to the distance. Defeat distance thoroughly enough, and you may make your home in any space in this world, on any ne, or even elsewhere. You can build your sanctum in some ce as remote, unassable and beautiful as you like. Trust me, a world where distance is not a concern would be a vastly different one.


    He nodded to Alex. And your decision to begin to conquer the concept of distance is one that I enthusiastically approve of. It mighte in handy sooner than you might think.


    Oh? What do you mean?


    The archwizards look turned grim. I had an enlightening conversation with Zonon-In this morning. In the uing week, your ss will be spending some time in the Hells once again. Thetask, though, might be significantly more challenging this time, andto fully disclose my thoughtsI had to contemte whether or not you would all be ready for this next challenge.


    Alex paused. Where in the hells are we going this time? also, that wasnt a swear, I meant that literally.


    Tenebrama. It is a domain thatys permanently beneath a pall of darkness. No natural light exists within the realm, and many of its denizens see in the dark asfortably as you take breath. Others simply do not have eyes, relying on other senses. Most relevant is that the ne is a <em>in.</em> A t, dry expanse that continues far beyond the size of any mortal in. Nothing but ck sand, darkness and utter cold for a distance of thousands upon thousands of miles. Light and warmth are fleeting friends, while distance will be an enemy.


    A week? Alex balked. I wont be able to learn that spell in a week.


    Indeed, hence the poor timing, Baelin said. The trouble is, I think some of the other challenges that Zonon-Ins quests might afford your group would either be too easy, would not provide you with any learning opportunities, or be so utterly challenging, that only a wizard who has lived twice or three times your lifetimes could manage them.


    Ooooohwell, thatsthats great, Alex said, thinking back on his mistakes the first time they entered the hells. Well, maybe a future challenge will be a bit more, uh.reasonable?


    Baelin sighed. That is the other issue, which brings both good news and bad news. The trouble isshe is running out of rivals that she wishes to see dethroned. In short, she has indicated to me thatsooner, rather thantershe will reveal who holds the information that we seek.


    His gaze pierced Alex. Expect to embark on your mission for the Travellers information well before the semesters end.


    What? the Thameish wizard eximed. So soon?


    Sooner than I would have liked, Baelin said grimly. In truth, I would have liked for you to have engaged in several more training missions in the hells before we tackle our grand prizebut I suspectfrom what Zonon-In has indicatedthat our window of opportunity for the best chance of sess might be somewhat fleeting.


    Right, no pressure, as usual, then, Alex mumbled.


    Fear not, I will be with you every step of the way, as much as I can. And soon, that wretch, Ezaliel will know the taste of permanent oblivion. In the meantime, research the enemy. Youll need to prepare something for the darkness


    Actually, Im d you mentioned that, Alex said ruefully. The spell I broke through with? It was actually Mass Darksight.


    Hah! Well, that is most fitting. Baelin nodded. Then I would rmend meeting with your friends. Do something that warms the spirit, for this mission will chill you all to the very core.


    Yeah, Alex said. Ill take your advice on that.


    Oh, and how is ygon doing? the chancellor inquired. I notice he is not at your side today. Is hewell, I suppose he cannot be ill, but is heindisposed? I had heard he had begun speaking, atst. I had hoped to share words with him.


    Hes actually at home now, helping Selina prepare for our official housewarming party. Im inviting the cabal over. Youre invited toe along too, if you want.


    Ah, how kind of you, my boy, the chancellor beamed. The trouble is that I will be a tad preupied today, and so I must rudely deny your invitation.


    Oh jeez, I understand, Alex said, though he was a little disappointed not to be able to host the chancellor. There was a sort ofgrandfatherly way about the ancient wizard that the young man had attached to.


    Well, grandfatherly filtered through thousands of years of barbarism, madness, magic, obsession with power, and towering strength by all measures.


    Still, much of that was probably why he liked to spend time with the ancient goat-man.


    Ive got to have him over from time to time, he thought.


    Honestly, with the amount of paperwork you have, I can see why you wouldnt have time, Alex said.


    Oh, its not paperwork todayits more of asocial engagement that has many other benefits for both myself and for you. Its an engagement where Ive finally managed to wrangle all the participants together.


    Oh? Alex cocked his head. Then his eyes grew wide. Wait now. Are you meeting up with <em>your</em> cabal?


    Oh yes, you are quite correct, Baelin chuckled. And it has been too long. You see, we have all conquered the fundamental barrier of distance. We live <em>very</em> remotely from each other, but we can alle together whenever we wish. Time, however, has provenas I saidmore stubborn. We have tried, but none of us has managed to conjure time from the ether as of yet. One of us is working on it, though. But, unfortunately, we are all quite busy.


    He sighed wistfully. I run a school, another of us is something of an architect for a very exclusive body of clients, another runs an empire and wrangles his family, yet another ahhas<strong></strong>exotic amusements, shall we say. And finally, one is always avable, but has aplished this through unorthodox means.


    They sound like a pretty amazing bunch, Alex said in awe. Wish I could meet them.


    Keep being a proper wizard and you might one day. Baelin nced at the position of the sun. Speaking of time, I am afraid mine has run out. Enjoy your housewarming gathering. I have my own meeting to attend.

 Chapter 498: A Meeting Among the Stars

    Chapter 498: A Meeting Among the Stars


    Baelin watched the young Alex Roth scurry across campus, no more than a dot upon the green. It was amusing, knowing that they both were about to join with their cabals


    ...and yet, the manner in which we visit them will be quite different, the ancient wizard said aloud, snapping his fingers.


    A looking ss appeared before himtwice his height and thrice the width of his shouldersreflecting both himself and the great office behind him.


    Taking a moment to gaze upon the opulence of his surroundings, he straightened his robe and beard-braids, examining the bronze sps to ensure theyd kept their shine.


    It would not do to appear in front of old friends without looking his best.


    And so it begins. He waved a hand at the mirror, it rippled in the way the surface of ake would after hed cast a stone into its depths. The reflection warped and shifted, darkening until the room echoed in the mirror had faded to a pitch ck.


    With care, Baelin cast a spell of Void Adaptation on himself, then stepped forward, his hoof gliding into the darkness facing him. Another step, and he disappeared from the office.


    Darkness surrounded him for a brief moment, broken only by lines of white shooting by in all directions.


    Stars.


    Stars reduced to tiny lines of light by speed and distance, as the magical mirror catapulted him across a space so vast, that <strong>most </strong>numbers used in Generasi would beughably inadequate.


    No average teleportation spell would be up to the task in any capacity, which was a good thing.


    Better that any rival making the effort to find their meeting ce be actually forced to <em>work</em> for it. In time, space slowed around him as stars shifted from lines of light, to twinkling dots in the distance.


    Before him, an object grew in his vision as he closed on it: a vast stairway carved from obsidian ss harvested from the heart of a primal volcano. When atst his movement stilled in space, he floated down, hooves touching the bottom step then taking him up the stairs that began in empty space, and seemed to lead into nowhere.


    The ancient wizard climbed hundreds of steps, admiring the distant stars and letting his cabals concealed guardians examine him closely as he climbed to the awaiting sanctum.


    It is I, Baelin, he said smoothly. Calm yourselves, friends, I am no shapeshifter that you need to destroy.


    For a time, he could feel gazes searing into him, capable of piercing any illusion or transmutation he could be capable of creating, lingering as he peacefully climbed the steps. Atst, the watchers pulled away, satisfied that he was who he was.


    That had not always been the case in the past, and his cabal would tolerate no more shapeshifting intruders. He ascended to the top step, turning back and pausing for a moment to gaze upon the wonders of the universe.


    Stars burned in unfathomable distances with clusters and gxies further still. The cold vastness of spacey in between, unbroken save by unseen objects and travellers locked up in airtight vessels of magic and wondrous craft. He knew they were there, even if he could not see them.


    Ironic, he whispered, as he mostly did whening to this meeting ce among the stars.


    For thousands of years, the people of his world had looked up to the sky, thinking that the ball of dirt upon which they stood was everything. The source of all life. The only firmament.


    The cradle of creation.


    Meanwhile, they held to the notion that the sky above them was the domain of nothing more than birds, twinkling lights and hidden deities.


    But, the opposite had proved true: the universe was a vast ce, filled with more wonders and dangers than even Baelin dared face withoutpanions to share it with.


    To do otherwise would be foolhardy.


    And terribly, terribly lonely.


    Of course, it wouldnt do to share the wonders of the universe with <em>too</em> many: for that would give the altogether tastelessly inadequate tyrant-wizards, mad priests, megalomaniacal dragons and petty gods, foolish ideas.


    Foolish ideas in the hands of foolish beings would only lead to foolish oues: such as entirely bothersome<strong></strong>things turning their attentions to a world <em>entirely</em> unready for those attentions.


    Or worse, draw the eye of an <em>actual</em> threat.


    There were many terrible things in the universe, some best left alone, while others were to be actively worked against <em>without</em> the fumblings of neophyte magicians interfering with millenia-long conflicts.


    If folk found their own way to the stars, they <em>usually</em> had thepetence to engage in the grand cosmic tapestry with <em>some</em> wisdom.


    Usually.


    I do wonder if the Traveller was part of this tapestry. He spected, a hand rising up to trace the hidden lines of a constetion so distant, that his world would not have heard of it. It is not an entirely unreasonable assumption butthat could causeplications.


    Will you stare at the stars until they burn out, Baelin? a voice spoke from behind him, one as deep as an ocean trench.


    A thrill struck Baelins heart.


    Magun-Obu. The chancellor turned away from the stairs and stars. How long have you been there?


    An eternity. Since you mounted the steps then paused still in contemtion. I thought I would slip into torpor again before you finished.


    Before the chancellor spread a circr tform hovering in the ck of space, forged with obsidian ss surrounded by enormous standing stones floating about it in a ring, each the height of an ancient redwood.


    Within the circle rose a set of five thrones, each tailored to suit its owner.


    Baelins was an imposing armchair of stone and bone, bedecked with the skulls of his enemies. The throne to its right was a simple, squat boulder, carved with the glyphs of a long-dead tongue. Beyond that, a golden seat towered above the rest, shining with hundreds of jewels encrusted in stardust, armrests representing dragons roared at the world.


    Above it, floated the replica of a sun.


    The next throne was a mound of perfectly ordered coils of wires and metal cordssome glowing with inner lightningsurrounding a perfectly formed crystal of silicon carved in the shape of a chair.


    And finally, the fifth was a majestic obsidian seatperfectly symmetrical by all measuresits back was capped by a ruby of the same scale as a rhinoceros skull.


    This was the only throne that was upied, at the moment.


    Magun-Obu the Maker sat cross legged, dark-skinned, shaven-headed, powerfully built and sheathed in a voluminous robe woven of a ck silken fabric. In one of four hands, he gripped a staff: tall, forged of an ebon metal, its origins undisclosed even to his cabal.


    It was topped by a skull of some long forgotten humanoid, eye sockets filled withrge emeralds. Rubies and sapphires filled its jawsalternating between glittering red and shimmering blueeach replicated a human tooth.


    The striking wizardas tall as Baelin himself despite his <em>mostly</em> human heritagerose from his throne, crossing the tform with bright eyes. How do you fare, you old son of a bastard?


    Hah, the only things you can call old without hypocrisy, are <em>mountains, </em>you decrepit wretch. Baelin grinned, extending his hand.


    What followed was one of the most epic of secret handshakes, only able to be performed by two beings of great power, six arms between them and the vigorous summoning of magical hands of force.


    When atst the ritual was done, the two menughed, embracing each other.


    It is much too long since we all came together. Magun-Obu said, his eyes shining. No smile touched his lips, but it rarely did: his smiles always hid in his eyes. How fares that school you inherited? Have you grown tired of it, yet?


    Fonder, if I am to be honest. Baelin walked with the other archwizard; they sank into their thrones<strong>.</strong> I believe I shall stay there for a time longer. How does work go?


    The newest pantheon is less demanding than thest. Magun-Obu leaned back in his throne, and the chair back bent with him, allowing him to recline infort. Their payment is more worthy. Their task is more challenging and satisfying. All together? An improvement.


    Good to hear, but I have to say, I dont know how you can tolerate deities demands


    You say that upon our every meeting.


    because it remains true. You make wonders of architecture and sorcery for them, and yet they often treat you as nothing more than an underpaid gardener.


    Then I shall retort with my own refrain. I do not understand how you tolerate the constant presence of so many children. Magun-Obus lip curled. I cannot fathom it.


    They keep me fresh, Baelin chuckled. If it were not for the young ones, I would likely spend much of my time in torpor like you. Ah, speaking of young ones, how is your son?


    The other archwizards lip twitched. I do not see him oftenwe still do not understand each other.


    You should work on that. I know you can. You had a fondness for that apprentice of yours Kmark. Moulded him from a young man into an archwizard.


    That was different. Magun-Obu said grimly. He wished to learn the powers of sorcerymy son learns the theory, but seems more interested in weapons, ws, and the strength of his arm than he is in the boundless wonders of sorcery. I do not understand it. His mothers influence, no doubt: trolls have strange ways, no matter which world they are born in. Butin the end, what does it matter? She will die. My son will die. I will live on.


    Aaaaand you might find the hole that they leave in deathsts much longer than their measure of life. A new voice spoke.


    In a sh of me, a light zed into being, as though another sun had been born only a hundred feet away. The light shrank, curling into itself until it took on the shape of a man even taller than the other two archwizards.


    His armour was regal, his bearing noble and his long ck hair perfectly cared for. He seemed human, though his size betrayed something different, as did the ws upon his fingers, the fangs filling his smile, and his zing reptilian eyes.


    Emperor Anaxadar! Baelin called cheerfully, moving to get up. Still ying at conquering your world?


    I told you not to call me that. The mans height was immense; he held up a wed hand. We are each others friends, not subjects, we have too few friends to start burdening each other with titles. And do not get up.


    We will call you that as long as you keep ying with that empire of yours, old friend. One <em>must</em> make fun of you, Baelin chuckled as the new archwizard took his seat.


    Anaxadars nostrils red, blowing twin lines of smoke. You are using muuuust incorrectly. You are <em>choosing </em>to poke fun at me. Like a wretch.


    <em>Is</em> he using it incorrectly? Must is quite appropriate. Magun-Obus eyebrows rose. Are you truly still trying that scheme? You should give it up, your mothers not around any more to encourage it.


    And I will tell you what I have said for centuries: the conquest is for me, now. For my peoples. Anaxadars ws traced the armrests. A world that worshipped a departed sun goddess might not be healthy, but one that worships her <em>son</em> as its Divine Emperorwell, I might be able to lead it well after forty millennia of nature running amok in it.


    Baelin shook his head. You y with fire, old friend. Someones going to kill you, one day. World conquering almost never ends well for the one attempting to be conqueror.


    As we said, we will not help you if it turns ill. Magun-Obu agreed.


    And as <em>I</em> have said, this is my own project. Just as your architecture and schools are: just as you do not ask us for help with them, I do not ask for your help in this. Even if it does lead to death. Anaxadar nodded. Now enough of such grim talk, have you seen the others?


    Not yet, Baelin said. Im surprised that Sanii isnt already here.


    <em>I was earlier, but needed to perform maintenance on the guardians.</em> A womans voiceechoing from ten directions at oncerang through the meeting circle.


    Floating from behind one of the massive stones, came a humanoid constructthe height of an average adult human femalebuilt of shining metal alloys and clothed in robes of white. The constructs eyes glowed red, ring as she spoke, and from her feet, issued jets of me.


    <em>The 143rd body of the Wizard of Steel greets you. The central brain apologises for not being able to attend this meeting in my primary chassis.</em>


    Sanii! Anaxadar called. The Wizard of Steel? That is a new one. It is also ostentatious.


    The constructs head snapped toward the human as she hovered down to seat herself on her throne. Wires red bright from contact. <em>It was given to me by a primitive worlds denizens, though the structures of all my bodies use very little steel. And the name is no more ostentatious than Divine Emperor or any of your other titles.</em>


    Hah! Baelin threw his head back. She has you there, you old lizard.


    A re of sunlight sparked behind Anaxadars fangs. I will get you back for that, youAh, our number is about to bepleted.


    The emperor gazed up toward the stars, and the rest followed his gaze.


    Baelin warmly noted a pale, growing speck among the ck.


    It drew closer, eventually growing clear: a lean crow with feathers as white as clouds and eyes as red as blood. The bird fluttered down, resting on the glyph-marked boulder, shifting shape until it had taken the form of an ancient woman.


    She was unassumingcloaked in homespun robes and fursthough her craggy face held a chilling cast from the sinister light in her eyes. Old friends. The sight of you takes a thousand years off these bones.


    Cra. The chancellor smiled. I am pleased to see you too.


    My heart is warmed as though the sun smiles on it. Anaxadar boomed.


    <em>My affection has not lessened. </em>Saniis voice issued forth, with something simr to emotional warmth.


    I am as well. Magun-Obu nodded. How goes things in that barbaric world? Have you run into my apprentice?


    I have not, Cras voice seemed to bubble. He avoids me and I think he fears me. Isnt that adorable? Herughter was wet, and though her voice was muted, Baelin heard it as clearly as if she was whispering in his ear.


    How goes things with yourtest apprentice? The goat beastman asked.


    He shows promiseand yet does not A pleased smile grew across her wrinkled lips. Whether he survives my riddle remains to be seen. If he does, then we will be ready for the next step. If he does not?


    The smile widened. My collection grows.


    You always were a cruel teacher, Cra, Anaxadar said.


    So are we all, by many measures, Baelin said. Cras methods are harsh, but fair, and not so dissimr from how I learned wizardry. In any caseafter far too long, we are assembled again.


    Indeed. Magun-Obus deep voice boomed. And I am curious as to why. I havepleted the task you asked of me. Yet that could have been resolved in correspondence. Why the meeting?


    Chancellor Baelin leaned forward. Because I have something of arger favour to ask. I am going into battle again. True battle. what say you if we reunited inbat for a special asion?

 Chapter 499: The Purest Form of Entertainment

    Chapter 499: The Purest Form of Entertainment


    Anaxadars smile was predatory, bleeding sparks and smoke.


    Cras wetughter echoed through the depths of space, her wrinkled skin shifting as though worms swam beneath it.


    Samii was silent, but her eyes red bright and the wires of her throne red with them. A silvery dust seemed to crawl over her metallic surface.


    Magun-Obus knuckles popped as his hands flexed, and the jewels of his staffs skull swam with inner shadows. It has been some time since we were united under the same war-banner. To what enemy do we owe this imminent violence?


    I will soon make war against an abyssal knight from one of the hells. Baelin leaned forward in his barbaric throne. The battle will likely take ce in that knights personal city at the very heart of its domain. I suspect that there will be vicious resistance, naturally.


    An abyssal knight? Anaxadar cocked his head, the motion bird-like. Baelin, pitting all of us against most abyssal knightseven in their own domainswould be like calling an army to put down one rabid rodent. I enjoy crushing insects, but this feels strange for you.


    <em>Anaxadar raises a point. </em>Samiis voice issued from deep within her metal frame. <em>You often relish battle in ways that most of us do not.</em>


    I doooooo too, Cra said.


    <em>Hence my specification of most of us. Magun-Obu and I do not share your fondness for violence in the same way. The point: Baelin would enjoy battling this knight alone.</em>


    You are quite right, of course. The chancellor ran a hand through his beard-braids. I hold a grudge against this particr demon, and under normal circumstances, I would be crushing him with my own hand. Howeverthis task requires both more finesse and more force. There are risks for those I have taken an interest in He paused. ...and perhaps havee to care for.


    Murmuring spread through the cabal-members.


    I do not ask this of you withoutpensation, Baelin continued, meeting each of their gazes, one after the next. I hereby invoke the Principle of Reciprocity, as we agreed upon in our inception. Each of you can name a favour from meand do try to have <em>some</em> restraintso that I may fulfil it.


    Inteereeeestiiiing, Cra mused, the ancient womans bushy eyebrows rising. Once more, something seemed to swim beneath her skin. Exin yourself: youve aroused my curiosity.


    Mine as well, considering the task you already asked of me. Magun-Obu tapped his chin with one of his four hands.


    I think I have found a point of interest, one that will benefit both those I am mentoring quite nicely, andif I am reading the situation correctlyresult in a gain for myself. One of those lovely, everyone wins scenarios. Baelin said. We will be retrieving some information from the hells, whether it be in the form of an interrogated prisoner, a written record or something else, I can only guess for now. To be specific, I will be keeping Ezaliel upied while someone elsefar more vulnerable than any of usretrieves the information.


    <em>You need the threat crushed utterly. It must be contained so that this secondary n can be executed.</em> Samii reasoned out.


    Without your battle spilling over and wiping out both this information and the one attempting to find it. Magun-Obus eyes lit up. Now, I understand the task.


    What iiiiis this task? Anaxadar hissed. Your cloak of enigma is a little much, even for us.


    Baelin asked me to find the current and subsequent three projected locations of the Whetstone Tavern. Magun-Obu looked to the chancellor. You will be hiring minions to seek this information?


    Partially, Baelin said. A person I know will be hiring minions: it is mostly for him that I take part in this taskhe will gain the most immediate benefitbut I do have a personal grudge with Ezaliel. He boldly attacked my school. Now I will destroy his domain. However, I suspect he will not be so amodating as tobat me by himself. I have no fear of his minions, but if any of his abyssal knight allies flock to his domainlet alone if he calls the lord he is sworn toI am unsure if I could defeat them all without resorting to measures that would atomise all but the most powerful of allies.


    And who is this one that will benefit? An ally? Magun-Obu asked.


    No, a student of my school.


    Oooooh, you have taken an interest in a student? A personal interest, too. Thats not like youuuu. Cras ancient eyes twinkled. Perhaps we shall meet them as well.


    In a thousand years, perhaps. Perhaps even a few hundred, the chancellor said quickly. But for now, I think my corruption is enough for him. You would be an even worse influence than me.


    That is up for debate. Anaxadar said.


    You dare speak to me in such a fashion? Baelin red at him.


    Yes.


    Oh, alright, then.


    You have told us where the battle is and against whom, the towering, fanged human said. Now what about the when?


    That I do not quite know as yet. But soon. Within the next two months, I suspect.


    <em>I am currently performing research on Ezaliel and all possible allies.</em> Samiis eyes shed as the 143rd bodymunicated with the others in her mind. <em>I will have documentation ready for your perusal by the meetings end.</em>


    Good. Efficient. Magun-Obu nodded. I will contact my own sources to see if there are any surprises to be gleaned.


    I will call upon certain fiends, Cra whispered. And see what lore they have to tell.


    I will seek out the fallen archives of Arc thaty in my empire, Anaxadar mused. And I will speak to Lady Laurahasa in case she possesses any insights.


    You still speak to that one? Baelin looked at him sharply. She is not to be trusted.


    Anaxadar snorted me. I tell you, Baelin, you would like her.


    She is a goddess.


    And for the thousandth time, the deities of my world draw their power from their portfoliosfrom creation itselfnot through worship. And most of them were mortals, once.


    And they hatch schemes that make <em>me</em> look honest. That goddess you speak of, what was her portfolio again? Ah yes: <em>dark magic and secrets. Very</em> trustworthy.


    I dont trust herpletely, but her creed is to <em>spread</em> secrets, and that is a good source of knowledge, Anxadar said. We know that dangerous knowledge is to be used with care and analysis.


    <em>You both have had this conversation one hundred and twenty-two times. </em>Samii said. <em>Almost verbatim. As is tradition, I will point out that Baelins prejudice against the divine is somewhat emotionally driven. Baelin will then list the rational reasons behind his prejudice. Anaxadar will point out that he is a demigod, due to his mothers blood. Baelin will say that this is a unique situation, and that he is only half-blooded. Cra willugh. Magun-Obu will attempt to hide his boredom. I have just saved us approximately forty-seven minutes ording to the previous averages of how long this conversation takes to resolve. Magun-Obu, you likely will congratte me on my efficiency and thank me for it.</em>


    Thank you for your efficiency. Magun-Obu bowed his head.


    Thank you for taking all the fun out of it! Baelin snorted, grossly offended.


    The point is not to <em>finish</em> the argument, Samii, Anaxadar protested. The point is to y it out, see what traps we can spring on each other. The bones of the argument are the same


    but the truth of it is different every time! Baelin finished. That is the fun of it!


    It concludes in the same way, so it is fundamentally the same. Magun-Obu tented his fingers. For practical purposes.


    Practicality is <em>not</em> the beginning and end of all things! The chancellor protested. What about fun?


    At our expense? the four-armed man frowned. At the expense of our time?


    Thaaaat would make it more fun. Cra chuckled.


    Anaxadar pointed a w at her. <em>She</em> understands!


    <em>We are getting off track, and we are in rapid danger of devolving into a fit of stupidity</em>


    Which is our right! Baelin leaned forward. What better way to entertain a brilliant mind than to see what creative ventures ofplete foolishness one can conjure!


    It is the purest form of entertainment, Anaxadar said sagely.


    I would not say it is the purest form. Magun-Obu leaned forward, his eyes shing. By inflicting it on others, you are causing harm through emotional damage.


    Semantics! Anaxadar bellowed. I speak not of the morality of it, but the direct path of joy from the action!


    <em>Then you are still incorrect. Utter purity of joy would indicate a self-perpetuating emotional response that continues to feed upon itself without outside emotions or stimulus. </em>Samii spoke, her eyes glowing brighter.


    You twist our intent in favour of semantics, Baelin leaned forward, hands on his knees. The intent is to say that purity results because the brilliant mind can conjure their own entertainment without outside stimulus by simply creating their own stupid scenarios to craft entertainment.


    Now, Baelin, now Anaxadar, my young friends, you are getting ahead of yourselves: a sin of the young. Cra drummed her knees, leaning forward on her boulder. You speak of purity. Purity would imply it hade first.


    Now you bring in outside factors. Anaxadar leaned forward. Butthis is amusing.


    <em>Indeed.</em>


    Then let us debate each other into the ground. Baelin smiled. My fellow old fools.


    And so Baelins cabalin one of the most feared enves over many worldsroared at each other about the nature of entertainment in purposeful stupidity, their voices ringing out past the stones and into the ck void beyond.


    They did not reach a conclusion by the meetings endbut they would not have had it any other way.


    <em>Oh yes, Baelin,</em> Samii said as they neared the meetings end. <em>I have been tracking the movements of Hearts Desire. It is currently far from any of our worlds of interest, but in the processwhile scanning for its influenceI surveyed thenguages of several hundred worlds. In a sample size of one hundred thousand tongues, I have not been able to find a trantion for those runes you sent to me.</em>


    Ah, st it, the chancellor grunted, his jovial mood from the debate soured. And if you didnt solve it, I suspect there are few in the universe that could. So I will have to hope that this information we are seeking will give us some answers.


    <em>Understandable and apologies given,</em> the Wizard of Steel said. <em>Without viting our Pact of Noninterference in Each Others Secrets and Affairs, what is your interest in this information?</em>


    That, I will have to leave forter, the goatman said. There are things I wish to confirm first. If all goes to n, then I shall benefit greatly, and I might be able to pass on the benefits to all of you. Now, what of the Principle of Reciprocity?


    He looked at the others. Do you have tasks in mind for me?


    I do, Cra said. If you could be a dear and help me track down an elder thing that has absconded with a soul, I will say we are even.


    I wish for your help with some research. Anaxadar tapped a w on his throne. The old spells of my world are lost, but the gift of my worlds gods is fascinating. I wish to see what you make of it and also bring me some subjects for our experiments.


    <em>There is a spell I am researching that needs the heart of a titan. One who has wrought great evil. Help me destroy her.</em> Samii spoke.


    Magun-Obu shifted ufortably. You have experience speaking tochildren. Give me some advice about just thatspeaking to children.


    Very well. Baelin nodded. These all sound fair. As always, it is a pleasure to meet like this. I will call upon you when the timees for us toe together. Are there any other matters?


    What about food? Cra said. Remember when we used to meet over a feast? I miss those days.


    <em>Unnecessary for me, but it would be afort to you organics. </em>Samii said.


    I have the best chefs in my world under mymand, Anaxadar said. You wish for it? I will bring you a feast undreamed of for our next meeting.


    Delightful! Baelin said. That reminds me of someone who thinks along a simr line. Their solution would bemore quaint, I would think. But He nced over his shoulder, eye fixed on the direction of his world. Sometimes, there is nothing wrong with quaint. In any case, are we adjourned?


    We are. The other four spoke.


    Then until we meet again. Baelin grinned viciously. May we bring ruin to our enemies.


    May they fear us, Cra said.


    <em>May those we protect be safe and may we discover all the secrets we desire.</em> Samii added.


    May what we build repel our foes forevermore. Magun-Obu pronounced.


    And may the sun rise on those that follow us, Anaxadar growled. And let ash rain on the heads of those that strike at us.


    As it has been, the chancellor finished. Andin timemay our numbers grow.

 Chapter 500: A Warm Prelude to Cold

    Chapter 500: A Warm Prelude to Cold


    The chancellor would likely call<strong></strong>this celebration quaint, The young wizard thought.


    Alex Roth had no idea where Baelin had gone, and he imagined the ancient wizard departing for a mountain peak somewhere. He could see him meeting with a circle of other bearded old men in some mountaintop castle.


    Or in a distant forest, the pce of an emperor, or even under the ocean somewhere.


    Maybe in the heart of some volcano.naaaah, thats too crazy, even for Baelin, Alex was setting the table for friends in his very own dining room. Outside, the rain pounded against the windows, serving as a backdrop to the rattling of tes and silverwareing from the kitchen below, and the smooth orchestral music thrumming from ygons speakerbox. Well, wherever he and his cabal are, Im sure theyre discussing things of cosmic importance with all the dignity youd expect from ancient beings like them. Probably wouldnt think much of a bakery and the pack of idiots in it right now.


    I tell you, peanuts grow below ground on bushes! Thundar bellowed, gently cing a pot of gravy on the table. Dont make me go and look it up!


    They are a <em>nut</em> Thundar, they grow on trees! Isolde shouted back, carefully cing a punch bowl beside the pot. And I dare you to look it up! Prove me right!


    My friends, I could resolve this at once. Prince Khalik nced between them, setting down a pot of hearty stew. I have taken magical botany, and we grow peanuts in my homnd. In one word, I could settle


    Dont you dare! Thundar and Isolde whirled on him.


    Hogarth and Svenia, whod been bringing dishes to the table, looked at each other, keeping their thoughts to themselves. They knew better than to say anything.


    We are settling this ourselves. Isolde sniffed. I shall elucidate to Thundar the finer points of patterns within taxonomy, and either convince him, or seek the answer myself from a direct source in the library.


    And Im gonna make her back down, or Ill be the one to m a book in her face! the minotaur roared. And then tell that face that its stupider than my face!


    Impossible, yours is the stupidest face of all! Isolde growled.


    Its a peanut. Theresa carried a bowl of assorted nutsplete with a handful of serving spoons. Whats the big deal?


    It is the <em>principle</em> of the thing, Isolde insisted. The twisting of facts.


    Its also fun. Thundar shrugged.


    You find this fun? That is perverse.


    If<em> you</em> didnt, youd let Khalik end it, the minotaur pointed out.


    Why are you like this? The prince made a disappointed noise, then looked at Sinope, who followed Theresa with arge bowl of greens. I apologise for the stupidity of my friends.


    The dryad had a twinkle in her eyes. Dont apologise. I like how lively things are.


    Im d you do. Alex straightened the ce setting. Because its almost always like this. I swear, I doubt youd ever catch Baelins cabal going on about such stupid shit.


    Give us a thousand years to get it out of our systems, the prince chuckled. Though in Thundar and Isoldes cases it might take two.


    <em>I thinkall of youare very smartand kind.and strong</em> ygon spoke through the speakerbox, his voice back to the gravelly tone. It sounded a little odd having something so wholesome spoken in such threatening tones. He was carrying two tters: one of pae, with its saffroned rice heaping with plump shrimp, mussels, scampi, chorizo sausage, chicken, hake and whiting. In the other, a steaming dish of cross-cutmb shanks braised in white wine, broth and vegetables, garnished with risotto.


    The aromas were making Alexs mouth water and had been since the dishes were simmering on the stove in the main floor bakery kitchen. Making a feast for such arge group just wouldnt cut it in their much smaller private kitchen upstairs.


    Besides, since the bakery hadnt officially opened yet, therge kitchen was the perfect ce for creating some special dishes for the partycelebrating the very first home of their ownsharing it with their friends. Course after course was brought up to the dining room from below, carried by hungry people who clearly appreciated the aromas drifting through the building.


    Are you <em>sure</em> youre alright with me being here, boss? Troy the baker asked as he climbed the stairs, bncing a deep bowl of fruit soaked in a sugar syrup voured with star anise, vani, rum, cloves, citrus peels and cinnamon sticks. That was the desert for the adults. Feels like this is a private gathering, what with all your close friends being here and all.


    Mr Beerensteyn didnt invite us to anything, a short, stocky womanTroys wifefollowed after him with a tter of puff pastries filled with sweetened whipped cream. My sister looked at me like I had three heads when I asked her to take care of the young ones for the evening.


    Well, Im not Troys old boss, Govert, Alex said. <em>This</em> boss wants you at his table for his familys housewarming party.


    <em>Iam happyto have you hereyou have helped my family a lot, </em>the golem said.


    Troy and his wife started.


    You, know, big one, Im not really used to you speaking, but thanks for weing us, Troy said.


    See? And thats why ygons the best, Selina said happily, the young girl smiled up at the golem.


    A short timeter, the rest of the guests arrived, filling the house withughter.


    First came Grimloch alongside his sister, Nua-Oge. The sharkman and schar had brought their appetites and a housewarming gift: a good luck charm to be hung from the window, crafted from an iridescent conch shell.


    Malcolm, Rhea and Shiani arrived as a trio, with Caramiyus, Rayne and Angr following soon after. Once again, much of the COMB-1000 ss was reunited for the first time in a while.


    Sorry werete, Shiani apologised profusely. Malcolm is terrible and wasnt going to bring a housewarming gift.


    My presence is the gift, the ice wizard said glumly, handing over a gleaming sculpture made from never-melting ice.


    The parents of Selinas close friendsMariama and Abcame next, dropping off the two girls and leaving them with an excited Selina, who was dying to show off ygon.


    Finally,st but not least, Kybas arrived, and beside him, an obviously thriving, Harmless. The young crocodile had gained nearly half a hundred pounds, and from his appetite, it was clear why.


    Hes been eating so well! The little goblin cried as his familiar enjoyed all the attention from Theresa, Selina, Ab, Mariama, and Grimloch. Ive had to up his feed almost every few weeks. Hehehe, it wont be long before hes gobbling up sea serpents.


    Sea serpents are mighty fine eating. Grimloch grinned. Hey, you get a chance to look over that map?


    Yes! Yes! Kybas nodded vigorously. I think I know where their is, just past the coast. We can go soon!


    Gooooood, Grimloch growled. Gonna be bowls of thick manticore soup for dinner that night.


    Great, something to look forward to after our little trip, Theresa said.


    Whats this? Alex asked.


    More monster hunting! Kybas said cheerily. A nice y date for Brutus and Harmless. With food after!


    Sinope gasped. Youre going to <em>eat</em> a manticore?


    Yes, said Grimloch and Kybas together, while Theresa rapidly nodded her head. Shishi whispered something to the huntress in Tarimite, and the taller woman whispered something back in the eastern tongue, the words stilted and broken, though she <em>had</em> improved over time.


    Butmanticores are deadly poisonous! the dryad said.


    Thats the fun part, Kybas said. The thrill of food that could kill you!


    Its extra spice. Grimloch shrugged.


    Brutus barked happily.


    Nua-Oge buried her face in her hands.


    Alright! Alex called, gesturing to the table. Everythings still warm thanks to the warming spellsI mean thats why theyre called warming spells, and nothing beats fresh food. Come on, everyone. Lets tuck into a <em>not</em> poisonous meal.


    Before the word meal had left his mouth, the entire group was rushing to the table like Ravener-spawnying siege to a fortress. Only the thinnest of polite behaviour had held them back in the face of those enticing aromas, and nowwith permission giventhey cast it all aside.


    Soon, food was piled onto tes and into bowls, the tter of utensils on ss filled the dining room. Standing at Alexs side, ygon quietly yed music, circling the table to chat with every single guest.


    A brand new voice and my golems suddenly a social butterfly, Alex thought, watching the towering construct asking Rhea about the new tattoos that scrolled along her arm. Proud of him.


    The young wizard chatted, drinking in the atmosphere, a wonderful realisation dawning on him. This would be the first of many such get-togethers, and not just here. Troy and his wife were quiet during the mealbeing a fair bit older than the other guestsbut one nce at their bodynguage told him that they were enjoying themselves.


    Or, at least enjoying the food.


    With time, how many more friends would he be able to host?


    How many more people would he have working for him for fair wages and under good conditions? He would host more gatherings in this not-so-humble bakery, sure, but what about in other ces?


    Countryside manors?


    Ocean vis?


    Hunting halls?


    Maybe one day <em>hed</em> be the one with a super-doom-fortress in the heart of a volcano.


    But such pleasant imaginings couldnt go on forever.


    The cold hand of reality came for him as the conversation shifted, turning to darker subjects.


    I took some time to research Tenebrama before leaving campus, Isolde said. Our mission there will be challenging, to say the least.


    What trip down to the hells is not? Khalik pointed out.


    Whats this, now? Troy asked, curiosity in on his face.


    Were going to the hells for one of our sses, Alex said. Routine trip. Well, not really routine.


    Troy sputtered, shaking his head.


    Whatd you find out, Isolde? Thundar asked.


    That some of our deficiencies in our first journey will not be as forgiving in the new environment we will be in. There is no cover, so we will have to be under stealth the entire way. Our teamwork must be perfect, as we will not be able to see each other, and if we make the mistake of speaking too loudly, it could easily alert the enemy to our presence.


    Well, so far, what Im hearing doesnt sound good, not that I expected it to, Alex grunted. Does it get worse?


    It does Isolde said sourly. I have read ounts of the experiences of previous expeditions into the domain. Hypothermia was a verymon killer among those in past expeditions, but it was the wrath-field that was the true killer.


    She paused for a moment, noticing the other conversations at the table were quieting, but she continued on. The wrath-field caused discord within groups. Petty annoyances would be magnified. Fears would turn to rage, and anger would grow unfocused. Friends would turn on each other, stab each other in the back. Jilted lovers who had worked through their problems would re with rage, hurt and jealousy, turning such things into


    She paused, watching the wide-eyed stares of Selinas young friends.


    Hogarth and Svenia nudged each other.


    Isolde cleared her throat. In short, the attacks on the mind result in even more dire consequences than those in thest realm. We will need to <em>very thoroughly</em> control our emotions. Iespecially worry about the Heroes. Hart, Drestra or Cedric rampaging through us would be disastrous.


    <em>Ican alsofengerif I were tolose control of my mind</em>


    Or me, Grimloch said, his voice stony.


    Wed all be in trouble. Thundar poured himself another ss of punch. But I can teach you the mantras I used to keep myself in check, thatd help.. Ill teach the Heroes too and try to keep them steady.


    Sounds like a good strategy, Alex said. Rages going to be tough to deal with, especially when we start getting attacked. Or if anything goes wrong. Honestly, the best thing for us would be to get in quietly, hit our destination, and then get ourselves extracted without a fight.


    In an ideal world, that would be the case, Khalik said. In any case, let us save such dark thoughts for another timewe will be in true darkness soon enough.


    He lifted his goblet. To us. To warmth. To fellowship and to good times. And to the new home.


    To good times, and our new home, Alex said.


    To our new home, Selina said.


    To our new home, said Theresa.


    <em>Toournewhome </em>ygon agreed.


    Together, everyone raised their ssesthough the golem used the tip of his fingerand clinked them together.


    Alex tucked back into the warm meal, preparing mentally for the cold trial ahead of him and his friends.

 Chapter 501: Impressed and Dismayed

    Chapter 501: Impressed and Dismayed


    Harts fist met a bone-chargers skull.


    It wasnt his best punch.


    And apart from the gauntlet upon his hand, it was the sole weapon hed used on the monster.


    Yet, it shattered the rock-hard skull as though it was the shell of a robins egg. With a kick to its back, he cracked another bone-chargers spine as his de whipped about him, cleaving through a behemoths legs.


    The Championughed like a man possessed, his every movement a blur as he tore across the battlefield. Yes! Run, you little rats! <em>Im</em> the monster now!


    And Merzhin could not help but agree.


    The Saint watched his fellow Heroes, both impressed and dismayed.


    And more than a little suspicious.


    What happened to you? he wondered, watching Drestra split into four illusionary copies, rushing toward the horde of bone-chargers in a dizzying spiral of flying images.


    Bone-chargers roared, lunging at the Sage, heads lowered, jaws gnashing, legs churning great sprays of muddy snow. But rather than strike the Hero with full forcecrushing her body to pastethey blundered, mistaking an illusion for her, colliding with each other in a tangle of limbs.


    The true Drestra flew above the confused pile, fingers curving like ws as she channelled a river of fire down on the beasts. Ravener-spawn bellowed, bursting into me, burning away in the melting, steaming snow.


    Thats it, Drestra and Hart! Cedric mmed into a bone-charger, splitting it in half with his morphic weapon, now transformed into a greataxe. One of the creature''s ws raked him, but the blow rebounded off invisible armour. Another w swiped out, scraping his force shield, while a swinging tail was deflected by strange, glowing weapons of force. Each weapon changed shape with every heartbeat. The rest o yous, we got em pinned down! Now Merzhin, finish em off!


    With a roar, mounted knights of Thamnd charged swarms of Ravener-spawn, driving theirnces forward, piercing tough hide. Beside them rode a fae cavalry unit, swinging swords of glowing silver while mounted on fae steeds. The bodies of knights and fae thrummed with power:yered with powerful body enhancement spells cast by the Sage and Chosen.


    Behind them, the priests and their rangers marcheduntouched by Ravener-spawnfreelyunching arrows or divine miracles into the enemy.


    Saint Merzhin shook himself back to his senses, fixing his eyes on his target.


    The Heroes and theirpanions had tracked the horde of monsters to this dungeon, ripped open the dungeons side with a devastating st of earth magic, and flooded into the gaping hole like angry ants.


    Now, the dungeons chambery before them, with only a handful of bone-chargers left to protect the core.


    Even the Saint would have to say that it felt good catching the enemy by surprise and tearing <em>their</em> structures apart for a change.


    But, now it was time to finish it.


    He looked up to the sky, his hands rising in supplication.


    <em>Oh holy Uldar, we thank you for this holy bounty and beseech you. Bring ruin to our enemies, as you did so long ago!</em>


    Above, the steely grey sky began to shake.


    Thunder boomed.


    Lightning shed.


    Clouds boiled.


    Merzhin smiled in holy ecstasy as the divinity of his god flowed through the gateway of his soul. <em>Yes, my god! I feel You with me!</em> He turned his eyes down to the dungeon core and the dwindling horde of monsters desperately defending it.


    He levelled a single finger at them.


    His high voice boomed over the hills, oveid with a far deeper roar.


    <em>And He shall smite the wicked and curse them with a serpents kiss!</em>


    There was a tearing sound from above.


    And the lightning came down.


    It struck in the centre of the cluster of Ravener-spawn, shing through them, freezing them in ce as Uldars divine power did its terrible work. Then their skin began to shift.


    Then <em>boil</em>.


    Then explode.


    Their blood transformed, bursting from their bodies as a hundred vipershissing in rageand swinging dripping fangs down to pierce the Ravener-spawn. Holy venom burned the creatures, withering them, leaving them as dried out husks.


    Even the powerful dungeon core was not spared.


    As the serpents fangs bit the ck orbs surface, it screamed in anguish, shuddering, crumbling to dust.


    In the span of heartbeats, the dungeon had fallen.


    We got em beat! Cedric cheered. Dungeons dead and not a drop oour blood spilled!


    The Thameish army roared in triumph, thrusting their weapons toward the now-clearing sky. Priests chanted Uldars name. Fae cavalry warriors smirked at the corpses of dead enemies.


    Hart pounded his chest.


    Drestra was at the core, beginning to gather the dust.


    But Merzhins heart was not settled.


    He cheered too, calling Uldars name, but in his mind, the battle reyed. His fellow Heroes were different, changed, fighting better, conjuring new spells and tactics. Harts physical transformation was monstrous: he had been a physical paragon before, but now he threw about even the strongest Ravener-spawn like they were nothing more than emaciated rodents.


    And so, the Saint wondered.


    Just what has been going on at the Generasians camp? he thought. What has happened to the other Heroes?


    Well, hold down the fort while were gone. Cedric stuffed a mirror into his bag after taming his long red hair. He was crouching in the middle of a bearskin pad, collecting the rest of his belongings. A number of booksy among his things: books the Saint had never seen before.Were goin tbe out fer two days. Dont let the Generasians bite ya, Merzhin, an be nice to em. His smile came easily.


    The Saint watched the Chosen from the mouth of the muscr young mans tent, throwing a nce over his shoulder. Behind him, the rest of the camp was packing up, preparing to move out as soon as the Generasians arrived.


    His eyes fell on Hart, whouncharacteristicallywas actually grooming his scraggly stubble with a razor de.


    A mix of feelings chased each other within Merzhins soul.


    Cedrichave those foreign wizards been doing anything untoward? he asked gently.


    Whats this? The Chosen stood, hoisting his pack onto his back. Whatre ytalkin about?


    I cant argue with the results, the Saint said slowly. Uldar would be pleased with how his Heroes have been ying his enemies.


    Aye. Cedric reached to where his morphic weapony against the tent pole. The metal melted down from the shape of a greatsword, running onto his hand and taking the form of a gauntlet. Sbeen bloody great! he grinned, his golden tooth glinting in the morning sun. Been the easiest battles weve had against them bloody Ravener-spawn.


    Yes Merzhin agreed. Butis there a cost? This powerespecially what has happened to Hartit seems unnatural. He rose to his full, though short, height. Let us not forget the Folly of Felix as told in Uldars third gospel: And so the potter came forth unto the crossroads, but it was not fae he called out too, but to the foulest of devils. And he said to the devil


    give me power, an Ill y the monsters<strong></strong>that took my son from me, an Ill pay whatever price yask for, Cedric finished. Th local priest taught me that story when I was a wee one, Merzhin. An then Felix the potter was granted great power by this devil an he killed the Ravener-spawn, he turned inta demon an killed everyone he met. Aye, I know the tale, but whatre yimplyin, mate? Them wizardsve been helpin us. Theres no deals wit devils.


    At times, devils cane in fair forms, Merzhin warned. We know that the devil that appeared to Felix appeared as a friend. But the poweras easily given as it wascame at a terrible price. Iworry that such things are happening to my fellow Heroes. I would not see you undone, Holy Chosen.


    For a moment, Cedric stared at him, and Merzhin thought he might start shouting at him. Instead, the Chosen smiled sadly. They did some safe He paused. er, <em>mostly</em> safe wizard shite to Hart.


    Mostly safe?


    Aye, well, its wizard shite, we aint exactly talkin about pettin cute pups, are we? Cedric said. But theyre good ones, down at that big ol Research Castle o theirs. Sa shame ycante wit us, mate. If ycould, ymight see things a tad different. Come on, Merzhin, dont yget along wit the wizards thate thelp us?


    Merzhin was about to say no.


    The stern Watcher ofRoal, thats what his title was, the one that served as theirmander was too standoffish for him. That Tyris Goldtooth was too fiery for him, prone to battlelust that he would call madness.


    But there was one.


    Carey London of Wrexiff.


    He got along with her well enough andhe had to admithe was looking forward to seeing her again.


    The rest, though?


    I do not dislike the wizards, he said. Butjust be careful, Cedric. Uldar knows if you go to face demons that hide beneath smiling faces.


    Oh, demons smile less than youd think, the Chosen said.


    ...what?


    Nevermind, ya wuda had tbe there.


    Do you find that Uldar has a strong presence in your daily life, even when you are so immersed in the matters of magic? the Saint asked Carey, drawing her out of her reverie.


    She flinched, looking down from her seat on the edge of Vesuvius shell.


    The war-columnThameish soldiers, rangers and knights; fae irregrs and Generasian wizardsmarched through a pass between tworge rock rises. Tyris sat cross-legged on the front of her familiars volcanic shell, and she had been thoughtful of the other wizards, letting them ride the enormous turtles shell during the march.


    Lost in thoughtas she had often beentelyCarey had not heard the Saint as he approached her in the snow. The young woman shook herself.


    The group was attacked more than half-a-dozen times thest time you came out here, Carey, she thought. This is not the time to let your thoughts wander!


    Im sorry? she apologised quickly, a bloom of difort rising in her chest. What did you say, holy Saint?


    Merzhin gave her a crooked, unnatural smile. I was wondering if the matters of faithy upon your mind even in a ce so full of distractions as your school of wizardry.


    Oh, well, yes my faith does y through my mind ever so much, she said, leaving unspoken the questions of faith that gued her with frightening and growing frequentness. Uldar is not far from my thoughts.


    Indeed, that is good. He nodded vigorously. It is important to keep his glory close to heart and to mind.


    An awkward silence hung between them as they rode, until it atst dawned on her what was happening. I do so apologise, but er, are you purposefully trying to make conversation?


    The young man winced. Oh dear, am I so transparent? I was taught by one of my mentors to be as the mirror, reflecting the thoughts and faith of Uldars flock, not as the window. He would be disappointed.


    Oh, not at all, I do appreciate you speaking to me. It can get terribly lonely at times, when one is constrained by ones thoughts, she muttered, saying more than shed intended.


    A sh of recognition lit up Merzhins eyes. True! And I have experienced such things myself, but, take heart. There is a solution.


    And that is? Carey asked, fearing she already knew his answer.


    Faith. he nodded firmly. Let Uldar fill your heart, and you can know no true loneliness. Let Uldar guide your steps, and you can never truly lose your way. Let Uldar lead your thoughts and you will never be tricked or led astray.


    Tricked or led astray.


    A hot wave of anger went through Carey, and she nearly screamed at the Saint. They had all been tricked. They all had been led astray, either by the church or Uldar.


    But she bit the words back.


    I shall keep that in mind. She smiled sweetly, making a show of gripping her holy symbol.


    With a final nod of encouragement, Merzhin rode off toward the head of the column.


    Careys eyes followed. I think I would have liked him a lot more <em>before </em>I knew about the dungeon cores secrets, even though he means well. Still, hearing that sort of thingthis could be a hellish few days.


    Somewhatter and beyond the material ne, a portal opened in the utter darkness of Tenebrama.

 Chapter 502: The Dark Struggles of Wrath

    Chapter 502: The Dark Struggles of Wrath


    In his rtively short neen year life span, Alex Roth had seen a lot of darkness: both literal and metaphorical.


    There was the dark of Alric during a winter night, when no me burned to break the darkness. There was the pitch ck within passageways<strong></strong>in the Cave of the Traveller, only broken by his forceball light. There had been those dark spaces in the Raveners dungeons: unlit, leaving their mortal enemies blind.


    But nonepared to the dark now surrounding him and his group ofpanions.


    Tenebramas darkness was so deeplike the bottom of the deepest well that it seemed to drink the light of his memories, casting light images in dim shadow. The mass darksight maghannelled by way of his aeld staff and cast through the spellthat hed ced on the group was already doing its work, turning what would have been an imprable ckness into a strange colourless world in which they could at least see.


    But even that magic had its limits.


    Normally, the power of mass darksight empowered the eye to see through pitch ck up to one hundred and twenty feet, but it would provide no colour, leaving the world in shades of greys.


    And beyond that range? All would be shrouded with an absence of light.


    But here, in this dark ne, it was more severe. The supernatural gloom was so thick that even the dark-dispelling magic struggled to pierce it, reducing visibility to merely sixty feet.


    Alex shifted ufortably, his staff in hand, emotion drifting from it in waves. Fear. Trepidation. Anger.


    Difort; two new crystalline blooms had formed in its branches after hed infused it with mass darksight and invisibility, but the blooms shed no light. Invisibility magic sheathed the staff, the one who wielded it, and theirpanions.


    As suchto Alexs eyesit seemed as though he was alone in the dark. He felt for the rope tied to his waist: aforting tether. He and hispanions were bound together by the thick rope: under invisibility and travelling in silence, it would have been a simple matter to get lost in the pitch ck otherwise.


    Still, the rope extending from his waist disappeared from sight a little more than a foot beyond his body, everyone tied to him was no longer visible.


    It was lonely.


    It was terrifying.


    And he could feel rising anger pushing against his thoughts.


    Youre among friends, he whispered. Youre among people who support you. Youre calm. Youre not actually angry.


    His mind settled as the affirmations grounded him, and he took a deep breath.


    He felt the rope grow taut.


    It was time to move.


    Up ahead near the front of his invisible group of teammates, the enormous Grimloch drifted forward under flight magic, cutting through the air as silently as he cut through the sea. His eyesused to the lightless ocean depthscould pierce the dark without the aid of Alexs magic, seeing farther as well.


    His senses were well suited to dark realms: better than any of the other members of the party andwith Baelins directions in mindit was the sharkman that they would rely on to guide their way.


    You are charged with destroying an ancient relic within Tenebrama which has the dubious name of the Fountain of Infinite Shadow, the chancellor had informed them. It channels the darkness of the realm into an obscuring illusion that hides its masters greatest treasures. Your task is to free those treasures, which means: your mission will be to destroy this relic. It might be a simpler mission than yourst, but only if you remain undiscovered.


    He had handed them a vague map and a list ofndmarks. The fountain is powered by a constant blood sacrifice fuelled by the deaths of countless demon and mortal ves. The odour of fresh blood can be smelled<strong></strong>halfway across the ne.


    And that had been no exaggeration.


    In the dark, the rusty tang of<strong></strong>life blood filled the air, biting Alexs nostrils. Some of their groupexcluding himself, Theresa, Hart, Thundar and Grimlochwore Orbs of Air: without visibility, having use of their other senses was important in tracking their present location.


    Grimloch-his intense sense of smell for blood was sharper than any sharkscould lead them through the dark, featureless, ne like a wolf to wounded prey.


    And boy is it featureless, Alex thought.


    There was only t earth and ck sand for as far as they could seewhich in this case, was about sixty feet. No stonesy in their path. No wind caressed the air. All was silent, except for the sounds of monsters.


    All around, he heard the sweep of wings in the air, the sound of beasts shing with roars of rage, and the mour of terrible violence. Their sounds were harsh and tumultuous, grating on Alexs nerves in a way he knew was unnatural.


    Again, the realm gued his mind.


    The air was frigid anbined with the darkmade it seem like he was trapped alone in a chamber of shadow that held no colour. He could understand how one could go mad here, trapped in the cold, forced into silence because of hundreds of demons.


    Thankfully, he had someone to talk to.


    ygon? He reached out to his golem mentally. Are you alright?


    <em>I amfather.</em> Came the constructs silent reply, though Alex could feel tension in the golems mental tone. Waves of emotion travelled between them, but no anger. <em>I feelnothing from the wrath-field.</em>


    Well, youre lucky, Alex thought. You werent affected by the terror-field either. Probably because your minds sounique. Im just d to hear youre alright.


    <em>Areyou? </em>ygon thought. <em>I fenger from you, father.</em>


    Why would you ask me that? Alex thought. You think I cant handle this? Come on, ygon I made you, IWait, wait. Shit. Sorry. Its the wrath-field.


    <em>Iunderstand. I willprotect you.</em>


    Another sh of anger boiled in the young wizards core.


    Why would he need to be protected?


    Because of the Mark? Was he some useless Fool that needed everyone to hold him like a baby? No, he was


    He stopped his train of thought, recognizing the alien emotion and letting it pass.


    Yes, thank you for protecting me, ygon, Alex thought. I really appreciate it.


    He withdrew into his own mind, working on keeping himself calm.


    Why does this seem so much harder than Ikharrashs fortress? He thought. The terror-field was unpleasant, but I could deal with it. I almost didnt notice it for a good while. But this ce? This is much tougher. Why the hells is it so tough? Its makingAlex, youre losing it again.


    With a slow deep breath, he calmed himself, making himself consider all the information he had. All the differences between this realm and thest. In silence, he mulled over the two realms in his mind, soon finding an answer.


    In fact, most of the differences were literally clear.


    Thest realm was filled with stimulus: demons were everywhere, there was a thick jungle, shing lightning and a fortress full of monsters Here, were surrounded by coldness and darkness, overwhelmed by the smell of blood and the unnerving sounds of demons in the distance. Theres not much to distract you: youre all alone with the demons in your mind.


    Shaking himself, he began tapping his arm as he floated along, guided by the rope. Think. Keep yourself upied. And hope to the Traveller that Thundars lessons can help everyone keep their heads


    <em>Watch outfather!</em>


    Two forms hurtled from the darkness, locked in a deadly grip.


    They crashed to the ground, spraying a cloud of ck sand into the air as they tore at each other. Two pazuzite demonsovee by rageripped and tore at each other some twelve feet away from Alex.


    The din grew in the dark.


    Suddenly, the sound of hundreds of wings pping through the pitch-ck overhead appeared, circling, swooping around with abandon. Demons called to each other in their many tongues,ughing and squawking, enjoying the fight. Some cheered the violence, while others bet souls, portions of food and others trinkets on who the winner would be.


    He felt the rope cken.


    The group had stopped.


    Shit, he thought, trying to control a spike of irritation. Were close, whyre we stopping, Grimloch?


    But there would be no answer for him.


    These demons could almost hear a pin drop, and their sight was well adapted to the constant darkness: even a whisper at the wrong moment could give the team away.


    And so Alex waited, fighting impatience, until a tug at his waist pulled him forward. As he followed, floating above the ground, a gaze seemed to pierce him from the right.


    A crash came. Sand stung his face.


    He wiped it away, barely resisting a gasp at what met his eyes.


    A pazuzite demon was beside him, its hot, vile breath filling his nostrils. It was no more than a foot awayit could reach out and easily touch himand it was looking <em>right</em> at him.


    His mind whirled. His staff raged, eager for him to use its magic and strike at the demon. The creature had seen him, it had seen through his invisino wait.


    It wasnt looking at him.


    It was looking <em>through</em> him.


    On eggshells, the young wizard floated around the pazuzite; its eyes did not follow, remaining on the bloody fight between its kin. Alex sighed mentally, relief washed over him as he followed the ropes pull. He kept an eye on the brawling demons, cursing silently as he watched them disappear into the darkness behind.


    It had been a long while since hed felt so helpless, and he didnt like the feeling.


    Keep calm, he thought. Keep calm. Your feelings dont matter. Think of the mission. Think about what youre learning. The rope was a good idea, but you need to try and find other ways tomunicate with the others when you cant talk or see each other. Thats something to work on. Thats it! Problem-solving.Thats how you keep your mind upied. You can problem-solve, just like you did before you came down here. It allowed you toe up with the little present you made for these demons.


    His hand fondly touched the satchel by his side as he thought about thest projects hed tackled beforeing down to Tenebrama. Hed worked on a couple of special ones right after the housewarming party.


    The first was the armour hed promised Khalik, now finished and being worn by the earth mage, unseen under the guise of invisibility. The second project, though?


    It was a critical onecrafted for the sole purpose of devastating the demons relic without revealing their presenceandpleted with material provided by the Heroes when theyd arrived that morning.


    Thats right, you problem-solved for this, he remembered the hours hed spent using the Mark to master aspects of the clockwork-craft needed for the device. Lets just hope all goes well.


    He clenched his jaw, eyes looking down at the spell-mark on his hand. Youre not going to have a protective mark and a portal waiting for you when youe down to the hells again looking for the Travellers information. You might even be on your own; so keep the lessons youre learning right now in mind.


    As he continued to drift forward, his mind slowly let go of anger, working on themunication problem instead. There had to be some spell out there that allowed thought-to-thoughtmunicationand if there wasnt


    What else could he do?


    There were thosemunication devices that Professor Jules used. If he could get his hands on some of thosethen perhaps


    No wait, wed still have the same problem: wed still have to speak into them, he thought. Maybe


    He flinched.


    A tall spire of ck rock loomed ahead.


    It was the firstndmark.


    They were getting closer.


    He pushed thoughts ofmunication aside.


    It was time to concentrate.


    What felt like hours had passed, thoughin this ceit might have only been minutes. Floating through the endless dark, the group had passed thousands of demons, approaching a deepening odour of fresh blood.


    Grimloch had guided them unerringly, slipping everyone past thendmarks Baelin had described. Alex was even more impressed with the sharkmans skills.


    Atst, the rope went ck andfor the first time since theyd entered TenebramaGrimloch spoke.


    Theres no demons close to us. Were about three hundred feet away. Alex, you can get it ready.


    dly, the young wizard whispered, digging into his satchel.


    Tenebrama might have been dark, but it wouldnt be that way for long.


    Alex was holding a strange device, a hexagonal shape made of well-oiled springs and clockwork. From it, he could feel the thrum of chaos essence and another bit of magical material.


    In his hands, he held the worlds first chaos-dungeon core explosive device.


    Or, as Theresa had called it:


    A Chaos Bomb.

 Chapter 503: A Small, But Insistent Explosion

    Chapter 503: A Small, But Insistent Explosion


    Toraka Shale had often said that innovation came from three things: boredom,ziness and necessity.


    Boredom drove inventors to tinker in their workshops.


    Necessity forced people to find new solutions for problems.


    Andziness? If someone was tired of performing an unpleasant task, well, that often served as a <em>great</em> impetus to develop new techniques: the urge to automate or ease long, boring, repetitive tasks drove much innovation in wizardry.


    In Alexs case, it was necessity that drove the creation of the Chaos Bomb.


    For a time, hed struggled to find a way to destroy the demons relic without breaking their invisibility. If the team was caught anywhere near a burning ruin that had once been an intact magical artefact, they would be instant fodder for the tens of thousands of demons hovering in the skies around them.


    And while there were more powerful forms of invisibility that would allow them to attack and remain cloaked, those spells were difficult to master, and neither he nor Isolde could call on such convenient magic, at least not yet.


    We need something we can set and forget, Alex had said to his cabal and Theresa one afternoon. Something indirectnot a direct attackbut something that could cause enough damage to destroy a demonic relic that the demons <em>probably </em>spent a lot of time and attention fortifying against destruction.


    Well, you would be the person most apt toe up with a solution. Prince Khalik had looked up from sheets of design schematics of the armour Alex was crafting for him. You have had to deal indirect damage since the day you were Marked.


    True. Alex had raked his fingers through hisnow slightly lessscraggly beard. But the problem is that none of my indirect solutions have enough punch to destroy that blood relic. Honestly, except for ygon, I dont think any of us have <em>direct</em> solutions that Id trust to demolish that relic. He had nodded to the golem, who was watching Selinas messenger constructforged in the shape of bird of preyas it sat perched by a window.


    It had just returned with a message from one of her friends.


    It is vexing. Isolde had agreed, closely examining a spell-guide on explosion magic. I am finding no practical solutions. Theres a certain explosion spell that would have the power, but it is fifth level, incredibly difficult to learn, takes an impractically long time to cast, and drains so much mana that it could affect the casters life force.


    Thundar had snorted. Only the craziest spellcaster would bother with something like that.


    <em>I have a thought</em> ygons voice had boomed from his speakerbox. On that day, he had chosen the high, clear tones of an alto singer. <em>What aboutthat explosionthe one I protected you from?</em>


    There was a moment of silence.


    Wait, do you mean the dungeon core and chaos essence explosion? Isoldes blue eyes had shot up from her document. Wellit certainly did have the power, but it would explode immediately once the substances werebined.


    Hold on now Alex had said, his eyes following Selinas messenger construct. I think ygon might be onto something. Getting chaos essence will be expensive, but either Shale or Baelin could source some for me. Itll cost, but why not? Coins for destroying your enemies. Hed nodded toward the messenger construct. And I think I can build us the perfect little delivery system. I might not be able to make the explosive part myself, but hey thats what helpful friends are for, right Isolde?


    And now, that system was in his hands; he unfolded aplex array of four wings from a spheres sides, winding the gearwork carefully. Well-oiled and engineered to precision, the clockwork was shockingly quiet.


    Lead the way, Grimloch, Alexs voice was the slightest whisper, trusting the sharkmans enhanced hearing to pick up his words. And point me in the right direction. Remember, youll be setting it for me.


    There was no grunt in reply, but the rope growing taut around his waist told him it was time to move. Sliding through the dark, he followed the tether as a hill of ck sand emerged from a shadow coated wall ahead.


    Silent and invisible, his teammates drifted up the side of the hill, staying near the sand. He held his breath as they rose over<strong></strong>the hill: this was the riskiest part of their n. If they could destroy the relic without being discovered, then their flight to the extraction point would be rtively easy.


    If not


    Alexs jaw worked.


    So far, theyd made their way through the dark like the well-honed, silent machine he held in his hands, while fighting the realms wrath-field. He was proud that neither his friends, nor the Heroes minds had been lost to the creep of wrath.


    As he crested the hill, a conversation theyd had before stepping into the portal came to mind.


    For this to work. Hed finished tightening the rope around Drestras waist, nodding to the others. Were going to need absolute trust in each other. Theres going to be a lot of anger flying through us, and well need to trust that were going to keep ourselves under control and do our jobs.


    His eyes had rested on each member of the team as theyd gathered in a dank cave where the barrier between the material world and Tenebrama was thin. Baelin had been standing by, ready to open the gate.


    If we lose trust, that helps the wrath-field get into our heads, and we wont be able to do what we need to. He nodded to Grimloch. Much of our sess rests with you, big guy. I know thats a lot of pressure, but were trusting you to lead us. Everyone else, we mostly sit tight and let him get our little present to the relic. Our jobse in if things go wrong, so keep in mind that the wrath-field could <em>really</em> get into our heads, then. Were going to have to put a lot of trust in each other.


    Hed looked at Drestra, stepping back. And just for the record. I trust all of you. With my life, really.


    The Sage had only nodded, much of her expression hidden by her veil.


    Her bodynguage had been guarded, now Alex was wondering what was going through her mind at this moment.


    Ahead, he heard a terrible racket:ughing demons, the sounds of leathery wings rubbing against each other and wed feet mming on sand and stone.


    Among the sounds came a sudden scream: a voice in pain.


    Shit, Cedric whispered from nearby, his voice tense with wrath.


    Alex braced himself for the worst.


    If the Chosen flew down there


    Remember, he thought. Any mortals down here are probably cultists or demons disguising their voices. Dont go down there. He listened to the scream closely, calling on the Mark, reviewing past experiences summoning and fighting demons. Thats a demons voice. Dont react to it, man. Dont do it. Im trusting you not to do anything rash.


    He feared Cedric would roar with outrage and shoot toward the cry, dragging himself and everyone else into some conflict.


    But, the Chosen kept control.


    Surprised, and relieved, Alex smiled; the Hero was learning.


    Alright, Grimloch whispered. Get it ready, then set it on down. Ill aim it.


    Alex swallowed, taking in a deep silent breath and turned the master dial on the Chaos Bomb.


    Another point of trust.


    If Grimloch took too long to release it


    But, trust won out over fear. He set the bomb down, making sure it was pushed down far enough to form an obvious indentation that was clearly visible in the sand. Grimlochs massive hands fell over his, picking up the bomb.


    The sharkman would take the primed device, point it at the relic and let it go: it would fly straight for the fountain as he was leading them away. When the rope went taut, everyone knew it was time to go.


    Alex began counting: the oiled springs inside the sphere would slowly extend toward each other, applying pressure to two vials: one containing chaos essence and the other, dungeon core essence.


    After thirty seconds, the vials would crack,bining the two substances.


    And thenwith all hope and a loud boomno more relic.


    Hopefully, that didnt also mean; no more Alex and friends.


    wo he counted, feeling the rope go taut around his waist.


    In silence, he followed as Grimloch led the team away. They rose higher, moving from the hill as he risked a quick nce behind him.


    Fivesix


    The messenger construct-bomb materialised as it flew: a sphere with four wings, rapidly catapulting forward on its fated mission.


    All up to you now, little guy, Alex thought as the invisible assault team picked up speed.


    The bomb flew into the dark and beyond his sight. He kept counting.


    They gathered more speed.


    Icy air stung his face.


    Twentytwenty-one


    An outcry arose behind them, from beyond the hill.


    A demon must have heard the bomb.


    There was a flurry of wingbeats and monsters shouted at each other.


    Alexs group continued building speed.


    Twenty-seventwenty-eight


    Something hit the wall! a demon roared. What was that?


    Twenty-nhirty.


    The demons voice boomed. What is


    And then dark turned to light.


    An ear-shattering explosion ripped through the darkness behind them, lighting up the ne, erupting in a blinding sh of heat and light. Alex risked another look over his shoulder, swearing to himself.


    For an instant, he saw the relica fountain of ck stone the size of a castles tower but tall and thin, spewing shadows from its peakoutlined in full glory in the blinding white light.


    Hundredsno, <em>thousands</em> of demonsof hosts of varied specieswere silhouetted around the fountain. And below, Alex glimpsed the sacrificial altar, the size of a hulking building with dozens of demons bound to it.


    In a single heartbeat, it was all gone.


    The Fountain of Infinite Shadow shadow vanished in a sh of light and soul-sting heat. Below, the altar disintegrated, the demons in the air vanished and the entire hillside near the fountain was ttened.


    And that was when Alex knew hed miscalcted.


    The mana from the explosionit was even more powerful than hed calcted. And he realised why: hed unleashed the bomb on a chaotically aligned ne.


    And dungeon core essence reacted with chaos essence.


    The explosion was more massive than hed estimated it would be.


    When the shock wave hit, it sted the air from his lungs, knocking him end over end as the rope whipped around him. Invisible, and attached, hispanions screamed as a hailstorm of ck sand ripped past them.


    Praying the rope would hold, Alex held on for dear lifehugging his panicked staff to his chestas they careened through the sky, crashing to the ground, colliding with showers of icy sand and skidding through the dirt<strong>.</strong> Alex grunted as grit raked his skin.


    Shit! How in every hell didnt you consider the potential for interference from ambient chaos in the air! Why didnt you take that into ount! Its in the ne! Whats wrong with you, its like the hellhounds all over again! Anger rose, threatening to swallow all reason.


    Stop! he screamed internally, mping down on the emotion. Its the first Chaos Bomb ever made. You couldnt know all the secondary-effects. Besides, you dont have time to be angry about this now. Find out if anyones been taken by their spell-mark. Any demon that could have heard us is going to be too distracted, too deaf or too <em>dead</em> to hear us whisper.


    Everyone, he rasped. Are we all still here?


    Alive, Grimloch said.


    Here and dying, Thundar growled, his voice shaky with anger.


    Head spinning, but here, Theresa mumbled.


    <em>Herefather</em>


    Barely alive, Khalik grunted.


    Someone broke my fall, Isolde groaned.


    Thatthat was me Cedric groaned from the same direction.


    Apologies the young noblewoman said.


    I should be thankin ya the Chosen murmured.


    Stop flirting. Im alive, Hart said in irritation.


    And then silence.


    Alex held his breath. Drestra?


    Shhhh! she hissed in rage. Tryingto keepcontrol


    Remember. Thundar growled, his voice moving closer to the Sages. Say them outloud if you need to. Affirmations.


    Cantwhy didthis wholeits all ruined


    Ground yourself. Come on, Drestra. Thundar mumbled. We trust you. You can do this.


    There was a moment of silence as the Sage whispered to herself.


    Half a minute passed.


    All around them, demons swarmed through the air in the darkness on unseen wings, making for the column of me and light roaring from the heat-sted waste. Much of the sand had been melted into a thick te of ss.


    The scent of blood was gone.


    All about the roaring mes, silhouettes of demons shed in the air as me flew. They tore at each other, wing, ripping, and hurling insults.


    Others cowered in fear and fled, afraid that their master wouldy his wrath upon them. Of course, Baelin was already elsewhere on the ne, taking care of the monster in silence.


    Alright, Im okay, Drestra whispered. Lets go.


    I knew you could do it, Alex whispered.


    Good job, Thundar agreed.


    ...thanks, the Sage muttered, a strange note in her voice.


    Come on, Grimloch murmured. Lets get going.


    The rope went taut around Alexs waist again, and thepanions were soon in the air, moving fast.


    With the relic in ruins, they needed silence to escape, but also speed.


    It was best to be at the extraction point before anything else went wrong.


    The firstndmark came and went without incident: demons were still utterly focused on the great column of roaring me, and had given no thought to searching for invisible travellers.


    It was only when they had passed the secondndmark that they found trouble.


    It came from nowhere.


    An eyeless creatureshaped like a xyrthak, but smallerflew from the dark inplete silence, its beak pointed toward the explosion.


    But, it crashed into one of Alexs shrouded team members.


    Drestras cry was muffled as the demon clipped her, sending itself spinning through the air.


    Even before it righted itself, it bellowed, a harsh sound of surprise and rage.


    Its cry tore through the wastnd.


    Oh no Alex murmured.


    Monsters answered its call, their screams tearing the air. Thousands of wings whipped the darkness.


    They know were here! Grimloch shouted. Fight back and fly! I can see the extraction point! Were only minutes away!


    Drestra swore repeatedly beneath her breath, wishing to all deities to boil the blood from the demon that crashed into her. Rage coursed through her: rage at herself for herck of control, rage at herpanions, rage at the demons.


    But she knew that wasnt her.


    That was the wrath-field.


    And herpanions trusted her to resist it.


    They trusted her.


    They trusted her.


    Maybe it was time to start trusting them.


    As she called upon her well of mana, she wondered if it was <em>finally</em> time to show them the truth of her.


    Secrets be damned.


    She reached for her veil.

 Chapter 504: All Secrets be Damned

    Chapter 504: All Secrets be Damned


    The ck skies of Tenebrama were heavy with the sound of demonic wings sweeping across them.


    In the darkness, monsters raged at one another, screeching curses and threats in their demonic tongues.


    Interlopers! How dare you defile our domain! a deep, thunderous voice boomed through the ck. Whatever was speaking, sounded big. You have destroyed our sacred Fountain, but even without it, your puny lives will still end in sacrifice!


    As it spoke, the burning light in the distance red, growing for a brief time.


    Oooooh shit! Thundars voice came from the darkness.


    Flying demons were everywhere. Pazuzites. Eyeless, xyrthak-like things. Enormous beings all tentacles and eyes. Bat-winged, horned, warriors bearing weapons of utter darkness.


    They came in all shapes and sizes.


    They came from all sides.


    They swarmed like locusts.


    And all were looking right at Alex and hispanions as they flew toward the extraction point.


    Alexs mind raced. Everyone! Drop your ropes and Ill stop our invisibility with the staff! he shouted, instantly cancelling his own invisibility, the light from the staff red. We need to be able to see each other! Light up the skies, fight for your lives! We


    The words died on his lips.


    An immense surge of mana was growing, building, releasing close by.


    What in bleedin hells is doin that? Cedrics voice was tense. Drestra?


    Alex turned from the demons.


    His breath caught.


    Hispanions were now visible, hovering in the dark. But all were watching one Hero.


    Every pair of eyes were transfixed on the Sage of Uldar.


    Drestrafor the first time since Alex had known herhad removed her veil. And beneath the cloth? A wide mouth full of enormous, sparkling fangs sat between taut lips. Reptilian eyes burned with an inner light andas she dropped the rope from her waistorange radiance red behind those teeth.


    Her mana surged once moreand she began to grow.


    First, her crackling voice changed, dropping lower and deeper until it was the rumble and roar of an erupting mountain. Her clothing melded with her skin, disappearing as flesh rippled and twisted in shape.


    Drestras limbs stretched.


    ws sprouted from fingers already the size of tree branches.


    Bones cracked. Flesh tore and shifted.


    Her face lengthened, eyes grew as horns sprouted from her skull, dark hair merged with flesh. Deep red scales sprouted from smooth skin. A thick, spiked tail emerged beneath a pair of vast, bat-like wings.


    Grimloch and ygon had always been thergest members of their group, butin heartbeatsDrestra of Crymlyn swamp dwarfed the entire teambined. When her transformation wasplete, she was greater in size than a trebuchetdened with massive stones.


    More ferocious than any Ravener-spawn.


    And the heat she was radiating?


    Surpassed that of Vesuvius many times over.


    Alexs mind tried to ept what he was seeing: demons surrounded them, hed seen mana vampires, Ravener-spawn, and other creatures of legend. Hed seen enough magical creatures to fill many lifetimes.


    But, nothing had prepared him for this; the shock of seeing a dragoneven more shockingly one who was a friendin the flesh for the first time in his life.


    For that was what she undeniably was.


    Drestra of Crymlyn Swamp, the Sage of Uldar, had assumed her true form.


    Her true form as a dragon.


    Red scalesyered her body, with thinner ck ones covering her neck and belly. The golden staff that was the Mark of the Sage zed on the side of her neck. Ridges ran down her back. A duo of curving horns swept back from her skull. Her thick tail whipped the air, sheathed in spikes toward its tip and capped by an enormous spear-de of bone which looked like it could slice a demon in half, or pierce a castle gate.


    The only features that remained the same were her reptilian eyes: the same golden orbs that had always framed her face.


    Dont just gawk, stop them! A demon roared from the dark.


    The Sages draconic eyes flicked toward the voice. Air shimmered around parted jaws, coral-red light built within her maw. Grey smoke and acrid gas hissed between sword-shaped fangs. Venom dripped on ck sand.


    And Thundar gaped. This is the coolest damn thing Ive ever seen, he murmured.


    No argument, Alex whispered.


    And then the dark skies burned bright.


    A cone of me erupted from her throat, raking the air, consuming a horde of oing demons. Her long neck swept to the side, me scorching flocks of charging monsters. Dragon-fire burned hot, turning the smaller fiends to ash while setting therger ones ame like torches.


    In a heartbeat, the darkness Tenebramas demons lived under was gone, reced by fire and smoke. Demons flinched away, trying to escape its reach.


    And Alex remembered a conversation hed had with Khalik long ago:


    <em>and then I found out what dragonfear is.</em>


    The prince had ced his ss on the table and drawn arge, imaginary circle around it.<em> Dragons have an aura around them of supernatural fear, and the older they get, the stronger it grows. The fear prates the mind and infests the heart. Not fear from within </em>Hed pointed to his own chest.<em> but fear from outside. </em>Hed gestured around them.<em> It is magical, and digs into the mind like a pickaxe.</em>


    Now, Alex could observe firsthand what his friend had meant, and while he didnt feel the dragonfearthe demons certainly did.


    The dragon that was Drestra roared, and the demons turned, flying erratically in their scramble to escape. She roared again in ragewhether from the effect of the wrath-field or notAlex had no way of knowing, then a great beat of her wings sent her in pursuit. mes sted from between lips that twisted, casting spells.


    A tidal wave of mana washed into Alex, and the red and ck dragon shimmered, her form splitting into seven illusionary duplicates. Each breathed fire as oneand though only ones me was realthe figment drove demons away like hens fleeing a fox.


    Yet, bolder ones remained, roaring back challenges.


    An enormous fiend, a creature of mostly tentacles and eyes, soared at her, its tendrils sprouting spikes. She whipped her head toward it, mes extinguishing as she filled her chest with breath.


    A stream of acid poured free. Liquid hissed when it bathed the bold creature, sending it into shrieks, flesh boiling away until only a slurry was left to stter on the sand below.


    Stay away from the fumes! Drestra roared, her crackling voice thundering. They bring death! Fly! Fly away my friends! Fly!


    And those words snapped Alex and hispanions back from astonishment.


    You heard her! he shouted, raising his staff. Get to the portal and support her with everything youve got!


    <em>Understoodfather. </em>ygon raised his upper arms, palms pointed forward. His fire-beamsnced the horde of demons, striking those closest to Drestra as she winged through the sky, then he shot up after her. <em>Icannot be harmed by inhaled poisons. I will protect you, Drestra.</em>


    The golem mmed into a flock of pazuzitesrage driving their attack in spite of <em>dragonfear</em>cleaving them apart with his war-spear. His fists struck the creatures with each swing, spurring hispanions into action.


    Hart and Theresa drew their bows, hands blurring,unching a flurry of bolts into the horde. Isolde called on lightning, and Cedrics morphic weapon changed form, bing a bow.


    <em>Uldar, bless with me wit arrows o light to smite all o these demons!</em> he prayed, forming a string and arrows of light, finishing off creatures struck by Isoldes lightning.


    Thundars arms snapped out, raking demons with heavy force missiles as they closed in, cracking wings and skulls, sending the creatures plummeting. Prince Khalik flew beside himwith armour of steel and stone sheathing him, studded with glowing runes and quartz crystalshis spells whipping up the sand, transforming it into shards of ck ss.


    With a gesture, they streaked for the closest knot of fiends, shredding them like dry leaves.


    Alex waved his staff, casting haste magic on everyone.


    Drestra was first, and he smiled in satisfaction when all of a sudden, the dragons speed doubled, sending the demons into panic. Next, he cast the spell on the warriors; their attacks struck with even greater speed and precision. Lastly, he conjured swarms of Wizards Hands to fan around them, lighting up the dark and interfering with monsters, tossing them around.


    Some tumbled from the sky.


    While others tumbledright into Grimloch.


    Feeding frenzy! The sharkman bellowed, leading the group toward the extraction point as Drestra criss-crossed the sky, his jaws snapping demons apart as the team followed him. He wasughing now, and hisughter held both anger and relief. Roar with me! He shouted at the others.


    And Grimloch roared, a sound that hispanions joined with zeal. Every bit of anger created by the wrath-field was released into the demons.Their rage finally had somewhere to go.


    And Alexs Wizards Hands whirled demons out of his path like tops.


    Roaring together like a pack of behemoths, thepanions fought their way through the tide of monstersat first, tearing through them like Grimloch cutting through the sea. Soon though, since Tenebrama offered no ce to take cover and fight from, the demons amassed again, their numbers increasing, swarming, seeming endless.


    When the fiends began their rally, they came on hard.


    The skies filled with soaring, diving bodies.


    Demons began calling on their own magic, casting it down on the mortals.


    Drestra flew into the path of crimson lightning bolts, deflecting them, letting them run off her scales like water. She kept roaring, sending cones of me and war-spells onto the creatures, wreaking havoc through the horde.


    But they kept closing on them, trying to form a ring.


    And even the teams ferocious assault, and Drestras <em>dragonfear</em> could not keep them <em>all</em> at bay. Demons were edging closer, swooping in, ws, weapons, spells and venom ready. Their magics struck nearer.


    There it is! Grimloch bellowed. Theres our extraction point!


    Drestra roared louder, chanting a spell and as the air seemed to ripple, the dragon shot fire from her ws while me erupted from deep within her core.


    Alright then! Cedric shouted. Hold on, bash these bastards a bit longer! Were almos out!


    Alex flinched, expecting the Chosens words to conjure some hidden titan-sized demon from thin air. Some terrible final challenger theyd have to strike down when they were so close to escaping.


    but no titan appeared.


    And then Grimloch shouted the words they were all waiting to hear as he smashed a persistent demon with his maul, turning it to pulp. Were here! We made it!


    That means its almost celebration time! Thundarughed, sounding ted.


    Alex could feel something in the aira bit of teleportation magicas they approached a rock rise that resembled a twisted goblin: the extraction point.


    Forming a circle around it, they prepared to defend themselves from the demons weaving toward them.


    They are stopping! A massive demon raged in the sky. Kill them! They mustnt escape!


    And the monsters came for them from all sides.


    But Alex was already smiling.


    The moment theyd reached the extraction point, he could feel teleportation magic forming.


    Not today, demon, he said lightly. Maybe another day! Well actually, Ill probably never see you again! Bye, bye!


    And the portal opened beneath Alex and hispanionslike a great maw opening in mid-airit rose up, consuming each team member in one swoop.


    For an instant, the young, Thameish wizard was tumbling through space.


    And then he was in the cave where earlier, they had left the material ne for Tenebrama. The portal they hade through was gone, and in its ce, burnt a small, magical fire.


    Beside it, Najyah was perched on a stctite, while Brutus paced back and forth, sniffing the air, his whining filling the cave with their echoes.


    His snouts shot up, sniffing fasterthen he growled when an enormous dragon rose from a gate near Alex, the otherpanions soon followed.


    Shocked silence held the group in ce, the past moments sinking in. A feeling of great relief washed over Alex, blending with waves of emotional exhaustion. The wrath-field had been driving his heart to the limit, and now with its influence abruptly gone, a lethargy had seeped into his very bones and taken over.


    There was no question: anger was exhausting.


    He took a deep breath, steadying himself.


    And then Drestra started talking.


    So her voice rumbled through the cavern. ...we need to talk. Obviously.

 Chapter 505: Revelation

    Chapter 505: Revtion


    You mean, we need to talk about how <em>cool </em>you are? Thundar was all smiles. Since when the hells could you turn into a dragon? Were you always a dragon? Holy shit, youre a dragon!


    I Drestra started speaking.


    Never did I think I would live to see the day I fought at a dragons side, Prince Khalik said, his grin wide through his beard. Never,<em> ever</em> did I think I would see <em>dragonfear</em> gue my enemies! It was glorious!


    But the Sage tried to continue.


    Like Thundar said, it was the coolest thing Ive ever seen, Theresa agreed as Brutus bounded up to her, growling and barking at the dragon. Brutus! she chastised him. Use your noses, thats our friend.


    Thats the dragon started.


    Amazing. Grimloch gave her a thumbs up. An apex predator.


    Yeah, what he said! Alex said.


    <em>Whatthey said, </em>ygon agreed.


    Aye, sbloody wild, but ysaved us out there, Cedric stared up at her, looking a little crazed around the eyes. At some point before the portal had swallowed them up, his arm had circled Isoldes waist.


    Neither seemed ufortable and neither made a move to untangle themselves from each other.


    Indeed, I want to convey just how impressed I am. Isolde looked Drestra up and down. Your form is admirable and trulyparable to the wyrms of legend. ButI must ask.is thisreally you? Or some form you have assumed with a spell.


    Silence followed, broken only by Drestras thunderous breathing.


    Itis my true form, she said slowly.


    So, was all that story n such about ybein adopted by your ma, the Elder. Was that all a load o shite? the Chosen asked, some of his earlier enthusiasm fading. He gave a bitterugh. It was a right detailed tale that, for bein a bunch o made up stuff, if thats what it was.


    No! the dragon spoke firmly, her voice rumbling through the cave. It was no lie. Around eighteen years ago, my mother <em>did</em> find me on a giant mushroom in the swampI didnt mention just <em>how</em> giant the mushroom was.


    Didnt you say that some big snake was going to swallow you whole? Harts voice was low.


    ...yes.


    Was that true?


    ...yes.


    And what about the part where Elder Blodeuwedd killed it?


    I did not lie to you.


    The Champion of Uldar whistled. And how big were you at the time?


    Isnt that a rather rude question, Hart? Isodle threw a stern look at the giant man, while Theresa was loudlyand meaningfullyclearing her throat.


    Just trying to figure out thendscape, as it were, curiosity marked his face. Listen, a woman Ive been travelling with for more than a yearwhos been fighting monsters by my sidejust turned into a damned dragon. I think I should be able to ask her a few questions.


    Aye, Cedric agreed, his arm slipping from Isoldes waist. That turnin into a giant, fire-breathin, walkin, flyin, siege engine mightve been a trifle useful when we was gettin our faces kicked by chitterers, silence-spiders and bone-chargers.


    Youreboth right, Drestra said.


    Her titanic body shiftedscales bunching like a serpents as she movedthen she settled on the floor of the cavern. The cave groaned as her great weight rested on the stone. To answer your question, Hartmy mother said I was about the size of a vegetable cart.


    <em>Damned </em>big snake, then. Thedys got my respect for ying such a beast, Hart said. And the part about you bawling your eyes out? Was that true too?


    ...yes. She sighed, sending streams of smoke and poisonous fumes drifting from her nostrils.


    Uuuuhhh, if its okay with you, and if the others have no objections, Im just going to uhput Orbs of Air on everyone who isnt wearing one, Alex offered. You knowpoisonous gas andconfined spaces dont really mix <em>too</em> well.


    Oh, by the elements, you are right, Isoldes face paled. We were all in such a state of wonder that wepletely forgot.


    ...I didnt think of it either. Drestra lowered her head as Alex protected hispanions from imminent death.


    Right, right, sowhatygot adopted by the Witches? Cedric asked. Do they bloody know yre a great, big dragon?


    They do now, Drestra said. At first, they did not. My mother didnt bring me back to the vige right awaydragons can naturally change shape


    Overpowered bastards, Hart whispered.


    and my mother knew some transmutation magic of her own. It took her a few days to calm me, but she taught me how to use my inner magics to lookmostly human. She bared her fangs. I cant get the mouth and eyes quite right.


    Exins the veil, Hart said.


    Yes. The dragon nodded. And long ago, the Witches of Crymlyn used to wear veils: back when the swamp was infested with evil spirits, centuries before anyone here was born. The belief back then was that if veils were worn, a witchs face couldnt be seen by the spirits and they wouldn''t get attached to them and start bothering or following them home. She pointed to her snout with a w. Mother said she brought me to the vige at night, and by the time she showed me to anyone else, shed already hidden most of my face with a veil, so it wouldnt be seen by any evil spirits hunting in the swamp. The other witches knew I wasnt quite human, but they didnt question it. I lived as a human for much of my childhood


    Her w scratched a trench in the stone. ...when I was older, I revealed myself to the vige. Theytook it well.


    Right, that mustve been a relief. Alex ran his fingers through his beard. I imagine you mustve been dreading that day. revealing a secret is never easy.


    Aye, but the witches dont xactly cast out strange creatures. Not surprised they took it well, Cedric said. n Duncan an the Witches o Crymlyn arent too different, an we gots rtionships wit some o th spirits an monsters o the woods around those parts. Dont see dragons bein too different fer much o yer kin t be good with.


    He frowned. But, still, I gots to ask, why didn ytell us? Was yafraid we wouldnt ept ya? Cmon, Drestra, Im not this steamin big pile o shite. Yfought by mside an saved mlife. I wouldnt just cast yaside.


    No, thats not it Hart frowned, the Championsrge eyes narrowed. That doesnt feel right to me.


    And Alex agreed with him.


    Drestra had been marked as the Sage of Uldar, destined to fight the Ravener. She was a young woman who hade to him, looking for any solution she could find to help end the war. She wanted the Ravener-spawn destroyed and she wanted this all to end.


    Why would she hide such power from her enemies?


    Why would she hide it from those she fought beside?


    Was it a matter of trust? He remembered how she and the other Heroes had acted toward each other when hed first met them. There was no harmony between them, and they acted like three powerful individuals who just happened to be fighting the same foes.


    They werent a team. Maybe she thought the other Heroes would try to kill her if they knew her true form. Did she have so little trust in them?


    No, that doesnt make any sense, Alex thought. Thereve been nonhuman Heroes in the past and they were treated as, well, Heroes. Besides, she doesnt seem like the type to worry about thatthe Drestra I know would use everything she had to fight her enemies. no, its gotta beOh. <em>Oh.</em>


    Maybe it was something more personal: something that could perfectly exin why Drestra had kept her form a secret.


    I Drestra paused. Youre right, Hart. There was more to why I kept my secret. She sighed. In truth, it was because I understood that if I ever had to fight my way out of being a Hero of Uldar to protect my home from the churchand othersmy body and its power would be quite the surprise.


    Something thatd catch your enemies off-guard, Hart said. Including us.


    ...yes.


    Well, I cant me you. The Champion shrugged. If you ever needed to escape or fight us, better to take us by surprise with a show of power and a statement that says: Im actually a dragon, so die now. Nobody would have seen that oneing. Its what Id do if I was a dragonactually, Id probably be eating vigers or kidnapping royals and stealing treasure, but Im not you.


    Thanks, Drestra said dryly.


    Id honestly do the same, Alex said. If I needed an emergency escape or battle n, I guarantee you, Id keep my abilities to myself too. Best element inbats the element of surprise.


    Alright, so, why show us ykin change now? Cedric asked, cocking his head. Wasnt an actual life or death mission.<strong></strong>If we failed down there, thenwell, shitenow ya gots me thinkin about it, an I woulda been broken up if we failedhells, I think I woulda been <em>real </em>broken up. When the hells did I start carin so much?


    It sneaks up on you, Isolde said. It is not life and death, but it feels that way at timesbut, Drestra, you were saying something?


    Yes the dragon growled. You asked why now And her reptilian eyes shifted, falling on Thundar. ...its becauseof what you said to me. You said that you all trusted me when the wrath-field was taking my mind. You said that you trusted me to resist it.


    Her eyes scanned the others. And if all of you had enough confidence and trust in me to fight my own mind, then I thought that I should trust you too. I know, it might look bad, but I thought it was better that you know.


    Alex gave her a silent nod of approval.


    I see, so you was keepin your true self back sycould st us all tash ifn ydecided we was threats to ya. Cedric shook his head. I aint gonna lie, thats bloody colder than a winters day in a bloody northern ocean. There we was, fightin by yer side all this time, while ywas waitin tcook us ifn we twitched the wrong way.


    The Chosen let out a low growl. Im gettin real tired o secrets. Everyones keepin secrets. Feels like Im walkin around fightin monsters for everyone while folk keep tryin to shove mhead in a damned bag. But


    He cut himself off, looking Drestra in the eye. Ycame an told us about it. Ytransformed fer us when it counted an ysaid ywas gonna trust us now, an I aint so small a man as thold a grudge forever. Ydid no harm tme, anif Im bein real honestif we ever need tfight the church, sgood that we gots ourselves a <em>secret</em> dragon on our side.


    His arms spread wide, and he shrugged his broad shoulders. So thats what matters t me, in the end. How abouts you, Hart?


    Like you said, we got told the truth. the Champion shrugged. And now we have a dragon. I see this as nothing but a win.


    Aye, I can agree wit that, Hart. I can agree wit that. The Chosen smiled up at the Sage. So Is d t know th real you.


    ...thank you, Drestra said. Thank you. I imagined this going a lot worse.


    Wait, wait, hold on, now! Howe it''s <em>not</em> going a lot worse, Cedric? Alexs voice rose. Thest time someone revealed their secret to you, you punched them in the face He put his hands on his hips. But now youre all, lets let bygones be bygones? This is some unequal treatment, and I protest!


    Really? Theresa nced at Alex. Things are ending on a peaceful, wholesome note and youre going to ruin it with a joke that could stir the pot?


    Yes! Alex insisted, ncing at Grimloch. I know of a very handsome intelligent person that nearly had all their teeth shattered <em>long</em> before age wouldve de-teethed them! And Im offended on their behalf!


    Cedric turned toward the Fool. Well, Alex, Is done some growintely. Besides, ifn yre offended an wantin tpunch <em>the bloody dragon</em> in her face? Then be my guest!


    The Fool pausedhis eyes slowly falling on the dragon.


    Drestra grinned at him, showing her many, many, manyrge teeth.


    You know what? Theres something I always say. Hurray for personal growth is what I always say. Hurray for no punching! Alex said.


    ...thanks for lightening the mood, Drestraughed, and it was like the crackle of me. And thank you allfor taking this so well.


    Hey, like Hart said, this is a win, Thundar snorted. Now, lets give ourselves a nice big round of apuse because I think we did real good on this mission. <em>Real</em> good.


    Indeed, Baelins voice boomed from the dark. The chancellor stepped into the firelight. You have done exceptionally well. Even better than I expected. It seems you have reached a new level on your journey into Proper Wizardry.


    He looked at everyone gathered, his eyes lingering on Alex. I believe you are all ready for the next steps of your journeys. Meaning entered his voice. And be prepared, they areing soon. Very soon.

 Chapter 506: A Step out of the Circle

    Chapter 506: A Step out of the Circle


    Before we part, I would like to congratte you on your exceptional work. Baelin leaned forward in his chairone of many he had conjured in a circle around the fireand gazed upon his students and the Heroes of Thamnd.


    Pride brimmed in his goat-like eyes.


    But something else alsoy theresomething unsaid.


    You have progressed immensely, the chancellors voice was warm. You defeated your enemies in Tenebrama and aplished your mission with few issues. The demons relic was destroyed, you reached the extraction point without a single injury or causality even though surrounded by overwhelming odds. But, before I go on, is there anything anyone wishes to say?


    Alexs hand rose. I think we did a lot better than ourst mission: we resisted the wrath-field, which was tough to fight, we all made it out without needing the spell-marks andlike you saidwe reached our objective; destroying the target.


    Aye, Cedric said. I didnt lose mdamned head, this time.


    Neither did I, Hart said.


    Ialmost did, Drestra said, still sheathed in her true form. She was curled up at the edge of the circle, as Baelin had said he didnt have a chair to amodate her size that he could teleport for her. The Sage looked down at Thundar, her lips pulling back from her fangs.


    Alex guessed that the expression was a smile, though it looked more like she was preparing for a fresh beef luncheon at the moment. But Thundar helped me through it. Thank you for the lesson.


    Thundar beamed.


    Aye! Cedric said. Them mantras helped me keep mself focused even though we couldnt see much. Bloody hard, that was. Kept wantin tsmash faces, even if it was a friends.


    Yeah, same here, Hart agreed.


    I think I can say that all of usexcept for ygon Prince Khalik nodded respectfully to the golem standing beside Alex and Theresas chair. were assailed by those same feelings of rage.


    <em>That is true</em><em>Iwasnot</em> ygons speakerbox boomed, his choice of voice mimicking that of a demon. <em>I couldfeel my fathersanger. It wasconfusing.</em>


    And how was it confusing, ygon? the chancellor asked with interest. Yours was a unique experience within Tenebrama, and I do believe that sharing it would be useful to all of us.


    The golem paused for a long moment. ...<em>Ifelt fathers angerand it made me want to attack. I wanted to protect. Father was under attackfrom the ne. Fromhimself. Butthere was no one to strike with my war-spear or shoot with my fire.</em>


    That would be confusing. Baelin nodded. And how did you deal with it?


    <em>Iwaitedremembered fathers advice about not always attacking thingsI waspatient.</em>


    And do you think that worked well for you?


    <em>Yes</em> ygon said. <em>BecauseI trusted father</em>


    Indeed. Baelin smiled. And with that, you have hit upon the most important element that contributed to your entire teams sess this time. Trust.


    The chancellor looked at Drestra. It might be tempting to say that your sess stemmed from Drestras powerful transformation, Alexs very expensive explosive device, your clever use of spells, Thundars affirmations, or even your teamwork. In truth, these were all <em>secondary.</em> The primary factor that brought you through Tenebrama so sessfully? Trust.


    He held up a hand. Now, a cynic might roll their eyes and fear that I am about tounch into a sentimental speech about love and friendship triumphing over great evil or something of that sort. Absolutely not: two weak youngsters madly in love would be consumed by a demon as easily as a hateful, lonely wretch. Trust is rather pragmatic, in this case.


    Baelin nodded toward Alex. You spoke of trust before you began this mission, and it was quite apt that you did. In Tenebrama, none of you could see each other. You had no way to monitor each others positions or see what a teammate was doing. Each of you operated as a team butin many waysyou were alone. Tell me, what would have happened had you been thrown into this situation with unreliable strangers?


    Prince Khalik raised his hand. We would have performed poorly. In essence, we could not know if our teammates were pulling their own weight, conducting themselves well and staving off the wrath-field. What would have happened if one of them had been ensnared by it and attacked another team member with a powerful spell? We would have all been in trouble. It would have made me constantly mistrustful of the others, while having to be vignt against enemy attacks, dividing my attention.


    Precisely. Baelin nodded. Very good. You trusted each others <em>abilities</em>. That enabled you to perform your own jobs without having to worry about whether the team member next to you could perform theirs. And that generates power. You have all grown immensely from when I first met you, including you, young Heroes. You have learned how to better function and fight as a unit. And that is a skill which can aid any Proper Wizard or warrior, or Hero throughout their trialsbut now, I must reveal a worry to all of you.


    His look turned grim. You have taken a major step toward your final transformation<strong></strong>as young people with bright futures. Be you warrior, wizard, dragon, shark beastman, human and so onthis lesson and your sess shows me that you have progressed to a new stage.


    Isnt that a good thing? Theresa asked. So, why would you be worried?


    Because you are growing to the point where I suspect you will leave my sphere of protection sooner, rather thanter. And the worldas I have saidmany times, is an unforgiving ce. I will continue to teach you ways to protect yourselves, to destroy attackers and conquer foesbut with your newfound level of agencyes a newfound ability to venture out in the world and strike your own path.


    He sighed. I have trained a great many students in my time, teaching them all that I could. My teachings have saved many lives. At other times, they were not enough. My only hope is thatas you grow beyond where I might protect youthese lessons serve as both sword and shield.


    Silence followed.


    We already venture into danger, Drestras deep voice crackled. But thank you.


    Indeed! the archwizards voice lifted, taking on a lighter tone. And do not let an old mans mncholy rob you of what this is: a victory. Go. Celebrate. You have earned it and He looked at Drestra closely, a chuckle passing from his lips.


    The dragon cocked her head. What is it?


    Oh, nothing, he said, his tone amused. It is just that you remind me of at least one former student, and of another <em>dear</em> friend. Now, let us return to the Research Castle. Go and be merry! Eat, drink, dance. Or do it all.


    He looked at Alex. But you, my friend, muste with me for a moment. We must talk.


    The young wizard nodded; he had a feeling he knew exactly what the chancellor wanted to talk about.


    Cretalikon, within the Outer Labyrinths, Baelin said, his voice grim and stern. That is where we must go next.


    Alex watched as an illusion floated above the chancellors desk in the university, marvelling at the sight of it.


    It was the image of a mazeso mind-bendinglyplexthat his eyes throbbed just from trying to trace a path through it. Thebyrinth was massive, sorge that entire cities thrived within its chambers, each separated by hundreds or thousands of miles of winding halls. Labyrinthine walls towered above floors of stone and bone, some rising as high as a castle rampart, while others towered over the elemental mountains within the Rhinean Empire.


    Every wall burned, wreathed in mes ranging in colour like a rainbow.


    me licked thebyrinths marble, filling the air with shimmering heat waves and rising soot. Within great clouds of ash flew dozens of demonkind, many mocking the creatures desperately crawling through the endless halls and corners below. Alex noted that each flying fiend was wearing a glowing crystal attached to a stone belt inscribed with a demonic glyph that tranted in the Common Tongue to the word: Freedom.


    Those without such sigils seemed to be bound to the maze below: he watched a strange monstera centipede-like creature with row after row of feathered wings in ce of chitinous legsattempting to wing its way above thebyrinths walls.


    It wore no<strong></strong>stone of freedom on its side.


    Each time it fluttered<strong></strong>above the walls, the realm shifted, folding in on itself in a seemingly impossible, alien geometry that Alexs mind could not begin to grasp. When the reconfiguration wasplete, the monster was gone.


    Over here Balin pointed to another part of the image. There was the monster, now trapped in that part of the maze, surrounded by dozens of strange crystalline fiends, their shapes like oozing, partly-melted gemstones.


    They struck at the hapless creature from all sides, crystalline pseudopods smashing and ying the creature into bits of chitin, wings and bug-like flesh.


    <em>Thatishorrible</em> ygon said.


    You can say that again, Alex agreed. Is this one of the hells?


    In a sense, Baelin said. It is a domain that shifts its alignments between the hells and other nes of existence, effectively travelling between each. Sometimes it exists in the Hells. Sometimes it exists in the elemental or celestial nes. Sometimes it exists seemingly nowhere.


    Thats amazing, Alex murmured. The nes really are fascinating cesbut thats going to be hard to navigate. Is that whereZonon-In said Hannar-Cims information is?


    Indeed. The chancellor waved a hand in front of the image, shifting its focus to several chambers in the maze: each so titanic that entire citiesy within.


    The image focused on a particr cityan enormous centre with buildings crafted of gold and sparkling gems the size of wagons.<strong></strong>Its towers soared hundreds of feet in the airsome even thousandsmany forged in the shape of demonic generals and masters, clutching weapons or sceptres of rulership.


    Coiling vines of writhing greenery enwrapped the city, sometimes bursting into full jungles between streets of gem and gold. They steamed, and despite the thousands of fires burning in braziers nking every street, they did not burn .


    Yet, no fire burned brighter than the one capping a sixsided pyramid: the mes topping the structure might have been as big as the entire Research Castle in Thamnd, and burned with colours that Alex could not even name.


    Surrounding the pyramid was a massive pce that could rival the city of Generasi in size,<strong></strong>filled with buildings of maddening geometric shapes.


    Holy hells, Alex swore. Its beautiful isnt itin its own way? Its own mad way.


    Many demonologists have said much the same. Baelin gestured to the pce. You are looking at one of the many wonders of the nes: a pce older perhaps than our world itself, and filled with demons of an age that they would have witnessed the dawn of civilization in our world.


    And who does it belong to? the young, Thameish wizard asked.


    To Ezaliel himself. You are looking at one of an Abyssal Knights many manses.


    The young mans jaw fell open. Is Hannar-Cims information in there? By the Traveller, Baelin, Zonon-Ins information better be specific. I could search that ce for a year and probably not explore it all.


    And that is where my news to you turns good and ill at the same time. The goatman shifted the image. The good news is that the information you seek does not lie in Ezaliels pce itself.


    The image focused on another building: a pce that easily matched the size of the university, constructed of silver, gold and jewels. Surrounding it was its own maze of burning marble, interwoven with hedges of blood-red flora, each spiked with thorns the size of daggers.


    At the centre of the pce stood a statue of a towering minotauror what looked to be a minotaur at first nce.


    A closer look revealed its demonic nature: four horns instead of two, tentacles hanging from his body in ce of fur, two great fathered wings sprouting from its back, and six-fingered hands clutching a fearsome-looking trident.


    The statues four eyes were burning rubies, staring down at the courtyard below with an inner malice. A cruel arrogance marked the bulls expression.


    This is the pce of Kaz-Mowang: a former mortal cultist of Ezaliel that served him so well, that he ascendedor descended, depending on your perspectiveto demonhood, achieving immortality in the process. He is one of Ezaliels most ferocious, powerful lieutenants and a fanatic to the Abyssal Knights cause. Andording to Zonon-Inhe fought Hannar-Cim on an ancient, mortal battlefield.


    Baelin red at the pce itself. And though the battle was a draw, he took from her a prize, which he spirited away to hisir. In there, you will find what you are looking for.


    Alex took a deep breath. WellI never did think it would be easy. Baelin, tell me everything you know. If Im going in there, Im going to have to prepare like my life depends on it.


    He sighed. You know, because it does.

 Chapter 507: The Creation of an Act

    Chapter 507: The Creation of an Act


    First of all, Baelin started. I do <em>not</em> rmend you challenge Kaz-Mowang in a direct force of arms. He is a foe that is still beyond you.


    Baelin, I might be a little crazy sometimes, but Im not stupid. most of the time at least. And Im <em>definitely</em> not suicidal! Alex said, jotting down a note in his notebook and nodding to ygon. Zonon-In nearly <em>killed</em> me, ygon, Theresa and Cedric. And that was when she was holding back. Theres no way Im starting a punch-out with any demon whos on her level.


    <em>Iwould like to face Zonon-In again, </em>ygon said, his voice having returned to its initial gravelly tone. <em>Iowe herfor damaging mehurting my fathermy family</em>


    A capital thought! Baelin sounded pleased. Despite what Alex might consider to be mybiases, I would enjoy seeing you take your vengeance my young, polished friend. HoweverZonon-In at her full strength is still beyond you, though she is somewhat weakened from her defeat. I urge you not to rush in before you are ready. A Proper Wizardand an intelligent warrioronly moves to crush an opponent when victory is assured, unless forced into an unforeseen situation.


    Yeah, ygon, Alex urged him. Lets not pick a fight with <em>two</em> greater demons at once, both of whom will kill us.


    <em>Iwill notfather</em> ygons voice boomed. <em>Butsomeday. Someday.</em>


    Agreed, Alex patted his golem on the arm. For now, lets just focus on the greater demon we have to deal with right now. So, we know that we cant fight Kaz-Mowang. Makes sensehmmm His fingersbed through his beard while he examined the illusion of Cretalikon. Okay. So, it seems to me that an infiltration mission is the way to go: The Guile Approach, as we talked about. We cant just blow up the pce and pick through the wreckage.


    Indeed, Baelin said. You could destroy what you are seeking.


    Rightright. The much younger wizard nodded. So, then my first question ishow close can you drop me to Kaz-Mowangs pce? Can you teleport us inside?


    Potentially, Baelin said. But the geometry of the Outer Labyrinths makes it a difficult ce to cross the nes with any sort of precision. All gates I could make from the material ne would be automatically shuffled to specific areas of the maze. Those areas aremon for nar travellers, and tend to be either well-guarded by Ezaliels forces, patrolled by wild predators, or both.


    Well, thats great. Alex said, noting that down. So, wed either have to do the stupid thing and go in stingordo they bother cultists whore working for Ezaliel or travellers looking for an audience with Kaz-Mowang or his master?


    The predators bother all, but the demonic guards will let those with proper business in Cretalikon pass.


    So that could mean a small group, well-disguised and prepared with a rehearsed story. Alex nodded. Okay, and what about navigating through the maze? I saw itfold on itself like a damn He paused, searching for the words. Shit, I cant even think of a way to describe it.


    Few can, the archwizard nodded. The geometry of the realm confounds some of the greatest mortal mathematicians. I can tell you that flight above the walls triggers a response from the domain itself, causing it to fold in space and deposit the flyer into another part of thebyrinth at random. As such, I would not rmend that.


    Yeah, that seems pretty obvious. Alex agreed. So it looks like were only left with walking then?


    Walking is easier, though not by much. Once within Cretalikon, you will be able to walk through the maze. It is rather difficult to navigate by sheer intellect and pattern recognition alone, but it can be done, though that method is inefficient and can be dangerous since you could encounter thebyrinths many, many predators in the process.


    And what about teleportation? Alex asked. Or climbing the walls?


    Those prove to be easier solutions, the archwizard waved his hand over the image, which scrolled away from Kaz-Mowangs enormous pce, centering itself over an area of the maze outside of the city. There, it focused on a peculiar sight.


    A pack of strange, lizard-like demons with wide, constantly twitching eyes, looking in two different directions at once. The creaturesat least one score in numbernavigated the maze with practised precision, but they neither crawled nor walked through the halls.


    Instead, their feet and hands clung to the burning stone in the same manner that Alex had seen a small reptile in the botanical gardens at school do. A gecko, it was called, and hed seen few non-magical creatures capable of climbing so well on sheer surfaces as they could.


    Hed once seen one cling to a smooth piece of ss as easily as Theresa might cling to the rough branch of a tree she was climbing.


    These human-size demonssimr in appearance to both geckos and chameleonsscaled burning walls of stone as easily as a gecko climbs ss, stone or bark. They swarmed over the top of the wall and into the next maze hall.


    And there they came upon a group of mortals.


    A band of four adventurerswell-armed and well-equippeddrew their weapons as the demons plunged down on them. Two powerfully built warriors surged toward the lizard-like demons, cutting through several with des glowing with powerful magics, but the demons swarmed them,shing them with their tongues, pinning them to the ground.


    What followed was a grisly, red feast that was both horrifying, and hard to turn away from.


    Next to fall was an archer, who was tackled by another lizard-like demon before he could loose his arrow.


    Jaws closed on the bowmans head.


    Alex winced, but didnt turn his eyes away.


    Thest of the four mortals standing was a wizardinitially frozen in shock at hispanions deathsbut finally came to his senses as the demons advanced on him. With a quick incantation, the magician disappeared, teleporting several halls away.


    The young, Thameish man leaned forward in his chair. Holy crap, teleportation works? Thats great!


    It is technically the easiest way to travel through the outerbyrinths, Baelin said. <em>Technically.</em>


    Why do you say technicallyOh right. If you cant fly above the walls, then you cant see where youre teleporting to. So, youd be blindly transporting yourself to another part of the maze, where you couldAaaaand there it is. Alex said grimly.


    In the image, the hapless wizard was screaming as a demonic ooze monstera living mound of magmaenveloped him, consuming him in two blinks.


    You could easily teleport yourself in proximity of somewhere or something you''d rather not be around. Alex said.


    Indeed, Baelin said. Which is why care and strategy must be used with teleportation. And speaking of teleportation, that brings me to anotherplication. Ezaliel knows that I am no friend to him. I cannot risk teleporting you to the city in case we are seen together. I could send you ahead, but I suspect that he will have agents watching for me the moment I enter the ne. If you wish a stealthy entrance into the city and Kaz-Mowangs pce, you will need to enter the ne alone.


    Right Alex sighed. So enter with a small team, without you present, and then make our way to this city through a giant,plex mazewhere we can only walk or climbwhile not being discovered, and then under stealth, infiltrate a greater demons pce. Great. Sounds bloody great. Right, now tell me how it gets worse? What sort of emotion or concept is this realm tied to?


    Mania, Baelin said bluntly. Within the bounds of the domain, one will feel all emotions intensely. Bouts of uncontrolledughter aremon, and uncontrolled tears are incrediblymon. As are fits of rushing about aimlessly, struggling to control ones thoughts, and rages that would be akin to a young childs tantrums.


    I think these emotional states are getting better all the time. Alex noted sarcastically. It couldnt be the domain of being able to stay extra focused, now could it? It''s a bit nasty having a <em>maze</em> realm that can steal your ability to concentrate and n your actionsthis means Im going to have to make sure anyone I recruit has a <em>very</em> strong will, or is <em>already </em>a maniac.


    Good thoughts, Baelin agreed. And what about your point of entry? How will you do that? His eyes sparkled with curiosity, and Alex noticed that he was barely offering him any of his own suggestions.


    Hes really trying to get me to think the situation through on my ownguess he was right about me stepping out from his protective circle soon, Alex thought, peering at the illusion.


    Could you take the image back to Kaz-Mowangs pce for a second, Baelin?


    Of course. The chancellor waved a hand.


    Alex pointed to the pce grounds, tracing his hand through the inner maze surrounding it. Does that maze have the same I fold over you and send you to another part of the maze thing? that thebyrinth outside the city does.


    In a senseinstead, though, it simply reaches up and crushes those who try to fly above itbut only when Kaz-Mowang wills it. Zonon-In has informed me that his personal maze is usually more of a toy: a curiosity to amuse himself, his lieutenants and his guests. When he wishes, however, it will destroy any who try to fly above it.


    Well, thats charming, Alex said, examining the pce. He studied the courtyard, noting a series of richly appointed carriages pulling up in front of the main gate. Does he get a lot of visitors?


    Zonon-In says that Kaz-Mowang loves to show off his wealth and power and does this by finding any excuse to host guests, usually on arge scale. It seems he is a rather conceited creature, very much in love with himself, and entertainsvishly as a way to bring attention to himself.


    Huh. Alex nodded. Is he having a party soon?


    Indeed, Zonon-In has suggested that he will host a party within the next few weeks.


    Iiinteresting, Alex said. We might be able to sneak in while all those guests are thereortheres no way hed allow random humans on his guest list, would he? Alex asked.


    Not unless you were a high priest of his cult, some powerful ruler on the material neor you are there as the meat, as sport, or as entertainment.


    Right, that makes se Alex paused. Hooold on a minute. Did you say entertainment?


    ...I did. You have a thought, dont you?


    I doooo. Alex looked at the demonic guests being ushered into the pce. Do you know what sort of entertainment he likes? He sounds arrogant as all hells, but does he insist that his entertainment be all likpetitive human-gutting or something?


    No, Baelin said. Demons in this realm enjoy puzzles as evidenced by the maze that serves as their home, and they also enjoy experiences that heighten the innate mania they experience. Such emotions can be intoxicating.


    Okayokay! An idea began to brew in Alexs mind. So, they like spectacle? They like tough?


    ...why yes. Yes they often do. Baelins eyes lit up with understanding.


    Yeah, you get where Im going Alex cracked his knuckles. Do you think you can get me and a small band of people in as entertainment? Maybe ask Zonon-In to arrange some entertainment for him as a gift? It could be our way in.


    I do believe I could, Baelin said. I do believe I could indeed. Whats your idea?


    I recruit some minions that could help me put on a show. We use that to get into Kaz-Mowangs party. Once all the demons and their friends are celebrating, then we use that opportunity to go rifling through the pce and see where he might be keeping the information. <em>During</em> the party, I might be able to get one of his servants talking. Maybe find out <em>what</em> exactly were looking for.


    I see, Baelin said. With the right minions recruited, that could very well work.


    Yeah, and since itll be super dangerous, Alex said. Ive got to make sure I bring as few friends with me as possible. Maybe one, maybe two, tops. The rest of the act has to be made up of people whowell, thrive in situations like this, people Id be morefortable going down with me if things go really wrong.


    I seeany specifics in mind for your act?


    Alex chuckled in bitter irony. Do they let wizards in the ce?


    Wizards are a regr fixture there.


    Then Ill need to learn the nar Doorway spend Im going to need a jesters hat.

 Chapter 508: A Loved Ones Responsibilities

    Chapter 508: A Loved One''s Responsibilities


    What? Are you out of your damned mind? Theresa demanded. Youre <em>not </em>leaving me behind!


    Alex winced, looking up from his spell-guide for nar Doorway. He swallowed, feeling the full power of Theresas death stalker face.


    You cant budge on this one, Alex. He thought. You cant.


    He met her gaze head on.


    The two of them were alone in their apartment in the ins after Alexs alchemy ss and Theresas shift at the beastarium. ygon and Brutus were on their way to the junior school to surprise Selina, which left Alex alone with Theresa to tell her about his ns for Cretalikon.


    A day had passed since Baelins talk with him about Kaz-Mowang, and that conversation had brought him to one firm conclusion, one that involved Theresa, one he knew she would fight him on.


    Hed tried to break the news to her gently, but directly.


    There were certain things he could have done in an attempt to soften things if he wanted to. He could have made her a favourite dish, or offered her a rxing foot massage while she sipped some fresh pine needle tea. But, what awaited him was hard and dangerous.


    She deserved to get the hard truth of it.


    I wish I didnt have to bring anyone at all that I love with me, but I dont have a choice, I have to bring ygon. Alex said. We talked about this: what Im doing is gonna becrazy dangerous. Im going down <em>deep</em> into the hells, Baelin wont be there as a safety because his focus has to be on Ezaliel.


    Alex Her nostrils red as her frown deepened. Thatthat doesnt make any sense. Thats more reason for me toe with you: weve been protecting each other since before the Cave of the Traveller, and now you want to go down into the hells without me? How would <em>you</em> feel if I said I was going to do something so deadly by myself? And I dont mean my hunts, I mean, <em>literally going down into a ce like the hells with mostly strangers.</em>


    I know you wont like this but, yeah, ygons going to be waiting in reserve at a portal, since he cant be right beside me. Alex said. Baelin and I talked about the best way to do things: a war-golem wouldnt have worked with the n we came up with, but he can be part of the n if Baelin transports him to a different part of the domain with a couple of summoned monsters that hell be conjuring. Theyll be killing any wild demons that are waiting anywhere near <em>that</em>portal. ygonll have a spell-mark thatll teleport him to me the<em> instant</em> I call him, and hell be bringing the summons with him.


    So ygons <em>not</em> going to be at your side? Theresa balked further. Even more reason you need me. Come on, Alex, youre not the kind of guy that would just turn to me and say this is too dangerous. Youre not, so wheres thising from?


    Alex winced. II dont wanna say it.


    Come on, talk to me. She slid into the chair across from him at their little table. Whats going through your head? Tell me, because I cant understand this. It doesnt make sense to me.


    He sighed, closing the spell-guide. Alex looked into his partners eyes, his hands sliding across the table to take hers. The thing is he said slowly. I dont want to risk <em>anyone</em> close to me: It bothers me that I even have to bring ygon along, but both he and Baelin said itd be rash not to have at least one close ally down there.


    Then I can wait with ygon. Baelin can put a spell-mark on me too, and you can call me and him. If things go wrong, Ill be there to back you up.


    Itsjeez, listen Theresa, Im thinking about our family, about Selina, he said. Look, Im going on this mission, and Im taking a <em>big</em> risk. I know that. If things go wrongandby the Traveller I dont want to even think about thisif you, me and ygon die down therethen what happens to Selina? What happens to Brutus? Thatd be almost our entire family wiped outjust like that.


    The huntress winced, squeezing his hands. I get that. But we fight together against dangers all the time. The demon attack here in Generasi. The Ravener-spawn back home. By fighting together, we made sure we both came back <em>together.</em>


    Yeah, thats true, Alex said. But this is me trying to infiltrate a greater demons pceat his partyto get my hands on information about the Traveller that could help us. Its risky, its dangerous andhonestly, I think taking you with me would be pretty selfish. I <em>want</em> to fight by your side, butBrutus, Selinayour parents. I just want to hedge all my bets. Im taking people along to back me up. Baelins going to help me. I wouldnt be doing this at all if I didnt think I had a good chance of pulling it off. But, I want to make sure thatif something does go wrongthat your parents still have a daughter, that Brutus still has his mom and


    He took a deep breath. ...and that Selina has someone toe home to after school. I promise, this isnt going to be a habit, but likeI dunno. Just give me this, this one time.


    Theresa remained silent for a time, looking deeply into Alexs eyes. A thousand thoughts seemed to brew behind her eyes, most would be left unsaid.


    She finally spoke. Alright. It is hard, Alex, and I <em>hate</em> having to think like this. I <em>hate</em> it. But, if I go with you, it would be selfish. Id be going for you and me, not for Brutus and not for Selina. I <em>wish</em> I didnt have to make this decisionbut youre right. This is different from Thamnd, or when we were attacked in Generasi.


    Yeah, and I <em>hate </em>it too, Alex agreed. Listen, I <em>want</em> you toe with me, butyou saw what happened in Cawarthin, in Ikharrashs fortress.


    Her hands squeezed his. We were affected by the terror-field and the demons swarmed us. If it wasnt for Baelins spell-marks, wed all be dead. And you say this Kaz-Mowangs as powerful as Zonon-In?


    Yeah, Alexs expression was grim.


    She shuddered. If shed been really trying against us, we wouldve all died in the Crymlyn, even with<em></em>Cedric<em> and </em>the witches trees helping. If things do go wrong, well be gone, me, you and ygonand if the worst does happen


    Brutus and Selina are going to need someone tofort and support them, someone who understands what theyre going through, not <em>three</em> corpses.


    Yeah Her grip on his hands was so strong, they ached. Alright. I trust you toe back to us. Gobut make sure youe back. She leaned forward, kissing his forehead across the table. Come back to me.


    I will, Alex said, kissing her lips. I swear on the Traveller, I''lle back to you.


    For a moment, they held each others hands in silence.


    and then the apartment door began creeping open, its hinges squeaking.


    In a wild moment, Alex thought demons were at the door to kill him since he was an associate of Baelins, or else as revenge for Cawarthin and Tenebrama. Or maybe it was the Raveners wed monsters sent from across the sea by Thamnds ancient enemy, ws ready to gut him.


    When a horned figure loomed in the doorway, his thoughts went even wilder, imagining Burn-Saw or even Kaz-Mowang himself there to murder them in their apartment.


    It was Theresas voice that returned him to sanity.


    Thundar? she asked.


    Alex blinked.


    The horned figure standing in the doorway was the towering figure of his friend. Alexs sigh of relief was so strong, he nearly doubled over. Thundar, you scared the soul out of me! Holy shit.


    Jumpy, much? Thundars hooves tromped across the threshold as he mmed the door behind him. Is it because youre about to go down to the hells to face some greater demon by yourself?


    Alex winced. You heard?


    I did. I certainly did. He dropped into a chair beside his shorter friend. The minotaur red down at him. You know, youve done a lot of crazy shit, but this might be the damndest, most foolish, craziest thing youve ever talked about. Which is why Iming with you.


    Yeah, itswait what now?


    I heard everything you said from: Theresa, Ive got to protect all my friends by going down to the hells with a bunch of strangers., but youre going to need at least <em>one</em> person with you to watch your back, Alex. And I get why Theresa canteif I was in your shoes, Id have said everything you said to her, that all makes perfect sense. If all of you die, itd put your sister and Brutus in a real bad way. But me? Im the perfect guy to go with you. As I said, youre gonna need someone right there with you to watch your back.


    Thundar, I


    Remember when we were cooking for thest Festival of Ghosts? I told you: If I die in battle protecting a friend, then I die in battle protecting a friend. Theres few better deaths than that. Thats how I feel, and my ancestors would praise me for it. And me? He pointed to his chest. I dont got a girlfriend or little sisters, or dogs to worry about. If I fall, my family will mourn, but if they know how I fell, theyll be as proud as my ancestors.


    Thundar, Theresa cut in. You cant just say youre expendable.


    Im not, what, are you nuts? He looked at her like she was nuts. Im just saying Im well positioned to take the risk. And, I got skills hell need. I can fight, but thats not the point. Remember the terror-field? I resisted that. I taught the rest of our team how to get through the wrath-field: when Cretalikons mania-field hits, you can guarantee Ill keep my head. Can you say the same for a bunch of strangers? You got mercenaries, but youll need <em>one</em> good friend to keep an eye on them <em>and</em> you.


    Thundar, if anything happened to you, Id never forgive myself, Alex insisted.


    Good. The minotaur pped his friend on the shoulder. Thatll give you an <em>extra</em> reason to be <em>real</em> careful so we get back home. Because if you let me die down there, Im gonna be the nastiest demon-marked ghost you ever did see. Ill haunt the shit out of you.


    What if Im dead too?


    Extra haunting. Therere no rules saying that ghosts cant haunt other ghosts. Besides. He nodded toward the apartment across the inss courtyard. You <em>know</em> that when Khalik finds out youre leaving him behind, hes gonna hit the roof, right? Isoldes gonna lecture you about only taking mercenaries down there with you.


    Oh, she doesnt have any ground to stand on when ites to not bringing people with you to dangerous ces. Alex scoffed. She didnt bring Hogarth or Svenia on our trips to the hells.


    Um. Theresa cleared her throat. Alexcan you think of one single reason why Isolde might not have wanted to bringextra protection from <em>her</em> household with her?


    Alex paused, the memory of Cedrics arm around Isoldes waist returning to him. ...oh.


    Huh. Thundar chuckled. Ill need to use that against her. Point is. You need at least <em>one</em> person at your side for this crazy quest. I got the skills, Im volunteering, and I wouldnt be leaving behind responsibilities. Plus, itd make Isolde and Khalik feel better. Come on, man.


    Alexthis is selfish, but itd make me a bit morefortable if someone that we know was with you.


    He paused, considering everything Thundar had said, and what he was offering. ...Yeah, okay, Alex agreed, atst.


    Wrapped in a wave of guilt, a surge of relief also came over him knowing that <em>one </em>of his friends would be with him. He made a vow, promising himself that <em>nothing</em> dire would happen to Thundar. But if you die, and I dont, Iming to the after-world to kick your ass, and if I also die, Ill already be right there beside you kicking your ass.


    Wouldnt have it any other way. Thundar grinned. Now, I didnte here to bully you: I ran into Baelin earlier and he wanted me to give you a message. The minotaur drew himself up, trying his best to mimic the chancellors dignified voice. <em>I am to inform you that your chance to recruit minions</em>his word, not mine<em>will being shortly. I am also to inform you thatunless they belong to races with natural furthat Kaz-Mowang does not tolerate facial hair on his performers. Zonon-In has informed me that he thinks smooth-skins should be smooth-skins.</em>


    He slumped his shoulders as he finished. And thats the message.


    Horror stricken, Alex clutched his beard protectively. What the hells other details did she leave out? Waitthat meansI have to shave?


    Thundar nodded gravely. You have to shave.


    Oh no. Alex murmured.


    Theresas eyes shone, and a dreamy smile took her face. She looked up toward the sky as though she could see every deity in the world above her.


    Releasing Alexs hands, she copsed her palms together in prayer. Thank you, Traveller. Thank you.

 Chapter 509: The Death of the Beard

    Chapter 509: The Death of the Beard


    We are gathered here today to send off a brave warrior, Khalik said sadly, putting his hand on Alexs shoulder. Let it be known that he fought well and hard, but now must fall to benefit others. What do we call that?


    A Hero, Thundar and Alex echoed.


    Oh by the elements, Isolde rolled her eyes. I cannot believe you called me out here for such a thing. The young noblewoman squinted at the position of thete evening sun setting as ocean waves crashed over the Generasi beach. A small, hand-crafted boatonlyrge enough to contain a childs doly before them. Just shave it off, already!


    Shhh! Alex clutched his beard protectively. Youre scaaaaaaring him.


    The young noblewoman made a sound as though an invisible hand was strangling her and turned away, shaking her head.


    Itll be alright, little one. Alex patted his beard sadly. A day wille when you will rise again. For as long as I live, you are immortal.


    Please do not inflict such cruelty on Theresa, Isolde muttered. You have given her hope. Do not dash it away now. That is more cruel than giving no hope at all.


    Quiet, Isolde. Thundar lowered his horned head. Were grieving.


    Yes Alex said, as grimly as a man condemning his brother to death. Let us be done with it.


    He brought up the straight razor.


    The operation did not take long.


    With what felt like a few quick scrapes, it was over.


    Alex gathered the remains of his beard with the greatest care, andid it to rest in the small boat. My cabal mates, we are gathered today to bid farewell to a fallenrade.


    Utterly ridiculous, Isolde muttered.


    Let it be known that he was with me through thick and thinand through many dangers. But, sometimes, we go where even our closest cannot follow, Alex pronounced.


    Where even our closest cannot follow, Thundar and Khalik echoed.


    They turned to Isolde, who stared at them in utter incredulity.


    You cannot be serious. She shook her head. I shall not say it.


    Please, Khalik said. For all of us.


    ...will it get us off of this beach faster?


    Likely, yes.


    Where even our closest cannot follow, , , put the ridiculous boat in the water and light it on fire already! Isolde snapped.


    <em>Father </em>ygon leaned down toward the beard. <em>I was not going to say anything butthis is dead hair. It has no feelings, and you likely appear disturbed to everyone around youexcept for Khalik and Thundar.</em>


    Its about the sentiment! Alex cried in an overly dramatic manner. Its about the poetry!


    You would never understand, either of you, Khalik sounded pained. Let us see it done. Your beard does not deserve to hear such disrespect.


    Yes, Alex said, picking up the boat gently. Good night, sweetest of princes


    Put. The. Boat. In. The. Water. Isolde growled from between clenched teeth. Or I swear on the elements I <em>will paste it back on your face if you miss it so much!</em>


    Ugh, such disrespect. He shook his head sadly, cing the vessel in the water. May the tides carry you to the after-world


    It is <em>hair!</em> Isolde screamed.


    <em>I do not thinkthe beard hasa soulfather </em>ygon said, the confusion clear in his voice.


    Such cruelty! Alex cried. May the next world be more gentle!


    He pushed the boat out to sea, watching as the tide took it deep into quiet waters.


    As it drifted away, Alex raised his head, about to sing a funeral dirge but a look-that-could-kill-a-demon-lord radiated from Isolde, stopping him. Instead, he, Khalik and Thundar watched the boat drift deep into the water in respectful silence.


    And so, Alexander Roth sent his first beard into a kinder ce, and turned to his golem. ygonin some northern funeral customs, an outgoing burial boat is set on fire by a ming arrow to cremate the dead. If you would do the honours.


    The golems head darted between Alex and the boat. <em>FatherI am not so surethat is a good idea.</em>


    Alex ced a hand on his arm. Please. For me. For the beard.


    For the beard, Thundar and Khalik echoed.


    Strike me down, Isolde begged the heavens. Strike me down. I am ready for sweet death.


    <em>Ifthat is what you wantfather</em> ygon turned toward the boat.


    His central fire-gem red bright.


    Ance of me fired from his forehead.


    It was beautiful: the orange light of ygons me shone across the waters, mixing with the reflection of the setting sun. Thundar and Khalik began to sing the funeral dirge. In Alexs imagination, it was as though a hundred spirits of fire had risen to see his beard into the after-world.


    And then, the beam struck the boat.


    And the boatquite predictablyexploded.


    Instead of me springing to life and igniting the vessel, burning brightly and cremating the remains of the deadbeard, a column of me erupted, exploding boat, beard, and several unfortunate fish, sending all boiling into the air in a column of fire and steam.


    Thundar and Khalik stopped singing.


    Alex stared at the boiling ruins, his mouth gaping.


    Isolde nodded in satisfaction. The elements were smiling on me today.


    No sooner had she said those words than the wind shifted.


    It whipped over the beach, carrying with it anunforeseen consequence of fiery burials on the open seas.


    Oh, by the Traveller! Alex screamed, the stench of burnt hair and fish skin assaulting his nose. That stink!


    By my ancestors! Thundars eyes began to water. This is worse than the hells!


    My nose! My eyes! Isolde screamed.


    Flee! Prince Khalik cried. Abandon your posts! Fleeee, flee for your lives!


    Screaming and coughing, the cabal stumbled off the beach nauseated, leaving behind a terrible stench and a very, very, very confused golem.


    <em>...to simply burn hairwhy did father use a boat?</em> he wondered aloud, turning to follow his screaming father.


    Alex hated to admit it, but the absence of itching was nice.


    Rubbing his now smooth cheeks, he reclined in a long divan on his rooftop garden, with the spell-guide for nar Doorway floating before him, held up by a pair of crimson-glowing Wizards Hands.


    Along with the moon, they provided enough light for him to read by.


    It waste into the night in Generasi, and the muted sounds from still busy taverns reached him from the distance, but all was quiet on Alexs street except for the asional hums, thuds and ttering from Shales workshop. The rest of his family was long asleep, ygon stood nearby, watching the street below, his head tracking night travellers going about their business.


    Altogether, it was a quiet night, one perfect for deep study, which was a very good thing: the spell array for nar Doorway was intenselyplex.


    In some ways, it was simr to other teleportation and summoning spells he had already learned: Like Call through Iceand other spells that sent small<strong></strong>items through tiny gateways in elemental nesbut of a level ofplexity hed never encountered before.


    The magic circuit had to ount for a host of variables.


    nar Doorway would cast an object from the material nebriefly taking it through another ne of existenceand back to the material world in less than a heartbeat. Except, with this spell, the object was the living caster themselves, providing the wizard with the ability to instantaneously move from one ce to another, though the spell had a rtively short range of up to a thousand feet.


    It also allowed the caster to transport an equivalent weight of matter with them, including other living beings.


    And that was where things got a bit tricky.


    Sending a small inanimate object across the nes for instant movement was one thing, but living beings wereplex: at the same time, both durable yet fragile, often in unexpected ways.


    Alex had read of cases where average folk had survived a fall from a hundred feet or more. But, hed also read about cases where a fall from three feet had killed a grown man instantly.


    When using teleportation spells, the shock of passing through two or more nes instantaneously was far more dangerous than a fall; it had to be carefully managed by the spell. Magic Circuits had to control the casters movement across the nes, or it might send them into a wall of ice, an astral vortex, a powerful inferno, or some other life-ending hazard.


    Naturally, that would be bad, and so the Magic Circuit had to detect hazards across the nes, ensuring that it avoided them when sending the wizard across the boundaries of reality.


    Then there was an issue of orientation.


    While the average person might think of the ground as static and unmoving, both a wizard and an astronomer knew better: the world was constantly moving, spinning and rushing around its sun in a never ending orbit. A teleportation spell that did not ount for that movement could smash the wizard against the ground, or simply leave them catapulting endlessly through the sky.


    And there were other factors the magic circuit had to ount for as well.


    All in all, it made for perhaps the mostplex spell array Alex had faced yet.


    Okay, he said, scrawling an entry into his notebook. Even with that inner power helping me, this is going to take some time.


    <em>Whyis thatfather?</em> ygons head turned one hundred and eighty degrees, staring at Alex in a way that sent a shudder through the young wizard. Heads were not meant to turn that far. Unless one was an owl. <em>Is itbecauseyou are stillgrieving?</em>


    ygon, Alex said very seriously. We promised never to speak of the funeral again.


    <em>ButI have so many questions</em>


    ygon, youre killing me. Alex pleaded.


    <em>Okayfor now</em>


    Thank you. The young wizard sighed in relief. So, basically, the spell has a <em>lot</em> of differentponents to it. The Magic Circuit isplicated, and if I screw it up, then theres a <em>lot</em> of ways it could turn me into a corpse. Or maybe many, many parts of a corpse.


    ...<em>that would be sadwould I then need a funeral boat for you? </em>the golem asked with sincerity.


    ygon! Alex choked. You promised!


    <em>But I wasnt speaking of the beach</em>


    ygon!


    <em>Alrightno moreboats. Soif this spell is so dangerouswould</em> He looked to where the aeld staffy against the garden trellis. ...<em>putting that magicin your staffbe better?</em>


    In some ways, yes, Alex said. But itd take me a bit of time to formte the right infusion for magic thats thisplex, and itd take even longer for the staff to absorb it and create a new bloom. I probably could pull it off in time, butif worsees to worsewed be going to Cretalikon without my staff. And thats a risk I cant afford to take.


    <em>Thatmakes sense</em>


    Besides, if I want to learn more about whatever this power is within me, itd be better if I learned teleportation spells myself. And if I break through to fourth-tier with this spell, itll help me gather more power. So, yeah, Im stuck with thisplex spell for now.


    <em>Ihopeyoulearn it faster than you fear you could</em>


    Thanks, ygon, I hope so too. Itll give me a lot to do while were making the other preparations for the trip. And speaking of thatany sign of him, yet?


    <em>Not yetfather</em> ygon said. <em>I have been watching every passerby, but havewaitI think I see him. Smallmoving very fast.</em>


    Thats Ripp, alright. Alex jumped up from his divan, fetching his staff and casting flight magic over himself. Ill be right back, ygon, this shouldnt take too long.


    He reached down, picking up a heavy pouch from beside the divan. Hold the fort for me.


    <em>Indeed</em> the golem said. <em>Andfather, I have one final question.</em>


    And I might have one final answer, Alex replied.


    <em>WillRipp alsohonour your beard?</em>


    ygon! Alex choked. Are you doing this on purpose? Youre doing this on purpose, arent you?


    The golems head cocked to the side. <em>Whywould I be doing anything on purposefather? I amlearning.</em>


    Learning to make me suffer, Alex muttered. No more, alright, no more!


    <em>Iunderstand</em>


    With a final scandalised look, the Thameish wizard leapt from the roof, floating down to meet Ripp in the street below.


    His golem watched him for a time. <em>MaybeI will askTheresainstead</em>

 Chapter 510: Building a Team

    Chapter 510: Building a Team


    Good eventide! Ripp skidded to a halt on the cobblestones, stopping just in front of the bakery. Late hours, youre keeping.


    Evening, Ripp. Alex floated down in front of the swiftling, noting the glint of weapons strapped to the little mans armour. Sometimes nights the best time to get things done, especially when its so busy in the daytime.


    Aye, if Ive juste back from a hunt and got paid, the days all taken up; on those kinda days theres only time for leisure and other business when the night falls, Ripp said pleasantly. So, I got your message. Is it about another job?


    You could say that, Alex said, gesturing down the street. Walk with me.


    The swiftling looked up at him, the light of intrigue in his eyes. Aye, lead the way then.


    Together, the young man and the swiftling strolled down the street, their cloaks high and their voices hushed. To anyone peeking through a window from the shadows, the pair could have easily been taken for a couple of rogues scheming to burgle a house nearby.


    The truth of it was that <em>there was a burry</em> being nned, but for a ce far, far from Generasi.


    So, youre going to be needing another ck ball? Ripp asked, his eyes constantly searching the dark of alleyways they passed. He nodded to stray cats passing by, and scowled at a twitchy rat gnawing on a piece of dropped trash. Need me to dive into another hill and fetch one from a monster den? By the way, you shaved! Good for youd! You didnt wear a beard right.


    Alex hadmixed feelings about that statement. Actually, I only shaved for the job I want to talk to you about, whichll be somewhere a little moreexotic than Thamnd, Alex said. The butt of his staff clicked against the ground as they walked. Tell me, have you ever had a job anywhere off the material ne?


    ...Oh, well doesnt this already sound curious? Ripps eyes narrowed at the thought of intrigue. Not often, Ill admit. I was hired by a wizard to crack open a beastie in the elemental ne of earth once. It was supposed to be all diamonds on the inside, hed been told.


    Oh? That must have been quite the payday.


    Ripp made a face. Unfortunately, nothing but quartz inside. My employer got himself killed for nothing.


    Poor him. Alex winced. Howd you get back?


    We got in through a natural portal, so I just needed to run fast. Very fast. Ripps face turned dark. Sowhat sort of ne are we talking about?


    The endless hells, Alex said grimly. In the Outer Labyrinths.


    Eyebrows rose. ...Oh. Well thatssomething. Dont bother with specifics about ne names and such, the only thing Im going to understand is hells. Hoh, boy, and whats the job?


    Were going to steal something from a greater demon. Alex pointed to a richly decorated townhouse nearby. Hell be hosting a g soon. The n is for us to slip inside as part of the entertainment, and while were in there, burgle what we came for, then hopefully, get out without incident.


    Aye Ripp nodded slowly. Well, its not the maddest thing anyones ever said to me. Butits sure giving everything else a run for first ce. Whatre we stealing?


    Alex shrugged. Dont know exactly. Its information, but it could be written down, it could be carved into a gem, some demon could know it. Were going to find out during the party.


    Well, shite, this keeps getting better. Rippsugh was shrill. So were going right into the belly of the beast, on a demons ne, in their sanctum to steal somethingand we got no idea what were stealing?


    Weve got <em>some</em> idea. Some.


    ...hoooh boy, youre going to need a kings ransom to hire me for this one, Alex. The swiftling shook his head, his long ears wiggling beneath his hood. And Ill be honest: if you werent youand we didnt pull that job in Thamnd togetherId beughing at you with every step I''d be taking down this street. My legs arent the longest, mate: so thered be a lot of steps and a lot ofughing.


    Right, if I didnt know me Id beughing at me, too. And as for a kings ransom? Alex lifted the sack at his waist. This is five thousand gold. Ill give you this upfront, and youll get another five on our safe return.


    Alex almost missed it.


    The faes movements were rapid and liquid, his tics and tells passing so swiftly, that the untrained eye would never have caught them. But Alexs trained eye did, just barely: a slight stiffening when he heard the sum.


    A point of shock.


    And maybe hunger.


    Well, Ripp tried to y it off casually. Thats not badbut extra hazards


    Name a price, Alex said.


    ...fourteen. Three quarters now. A quarter when we get back. We might die, and Id like some spending time, in case we do.


    Twelve thousand. Half now. Half when we get back. You can spend all you want when we get back alive. And we will. Youre going to help me make sure of that.


    Ripp paused. Ayeis it just you and me?


    Myself, you, my friend Thundar andmaybe two to three others, tops. Stealthy types. My golem will be back up.


    Ripp paused again, and Alex could almost <em>see</em> the calctions working through his brain. Seven thousand now. Six thousand when we get back.


    Six thousand and six thousand, take it or leave it.


    ...fine. Ripp sighed. Ille with you into the breach. Gods above, whatever youre going to get must be priceless to be worth this much pay and danger.


    Yeah, Alex said. You have no idea. He handed Ripp the sack. Well go to my bank in the morning and get you the other thousand.


    Thanks, Ill need to do some quick spending in case Im too dead to do itter. He gave Alex a searching look. And whore the others youre hiring? I could give you a list of hunters to avoid. And some good ones, if you dont already have folks in mind.


    Alex shrugged. Lets say that Ive got a connection. A ce where only the very best mercenaries go.


    Now the key thing to remember is that some of the potential minions you will encounter there are idiots, Baelin said, leading Alex through an alley in Generasis business quarter. Complete buffoons. The worst sort of scum.


    Baelin Alex pinched the bridge of his nose, following the chancellor closely. I literally just told a guy I hired yesterday that where were going will have only the very best mercenaries there.


    In many ways, it does, Baelin said. But if you are looking for pre-sorted warriors who have only the cleanest morality and highestpetence, thenwell, unfortunately, such a ce does not exist. This ce will have some of the best hired arms you can buy, but it will also have others intermixed. I would suggest using your skill in reading others carefully.


    Right, Alex said. Sowhere are we going? Specifically?


    That, I cannot say, Baelin said. Both because where we are going tends to bein multiple ces at once. Honestly, its a metaphysical nightmare and I asked one of my cabal membersone far more fond of metageometry than Ito track it down. The other reason is that the owner would not appreciate it if I were to make the ce <em>too</em> well known. And speaking of tacit agreements with the owner, there are some rules to follow.


    He gave Alex a very serious look. First, you have brought gemstones, yes? You did remember that payment is strictly in the form of gemstones? No stamped coins?


    Ive got em right here. Alex rattled two bags, one great and one small.


    Good. Secondly, you are to purchase at least one drink from the barkeeper. To purchase none would be the height of rudeness.


    Got it.


    Thirdly, a number of variousnguages will be spoken. Most will be unfamiliar to you.


    I dont know Baelin, Ive studied a lot ofnguages, I think I should at least have a passing knowledge of most of them.


    Then your thinking is wrong, the chancellor said, turning the corner in a narrow alley. Do not give into arrogance. The material world is farrger than you might think.


    Alex was having trouble keeping track of their route. Were the alleys in Generasi always such a maze?


    ...okay, then, Alex said, intrigued. Anything else I should know?


    Do not draw a weapon, no matter what happens. Things would turn quite ugly if you do. And thats about all. I would suggestmunicating in a tongue of demons. That will help narrow your choices of potential minions.


    Yeah, I was thinking of doing exactly that. Alex tapped the pouch of gems on his belt. So, when are you going to teleport us there?


    We are already there.


    Wait, <em>what?</em> Alex paused, frowning at the goatman. What are you talkiOh. <em>Oh.</em>


    It was at this point that the young wizard knew they werent in Generasi anymore.


    They were elsewhere.


    Somewhere very cold.


    At some pointwithout him even realising itthe two wizards had rounded a corner in Generasis alleyways and stepped into one in apletely different city. The surrounding buildings were ancient, their stones cyclopean, and their architecture a hodgepodge of time periods. It was as though people had been modifying structures belonging to their ancestors generation by generation, each leaving asting mark that the next generation would do their best to erase.


    Streets away, Alex spotted lofty towers of carven stone, reaching up toward cloudy skies. There were no gonds in those skies nor any sign of familiars, or any of the exotic beasts found throughout Generasi.


    The mana in the airwas thin.


    Not as thin as Thamnds, but thin enough to let Alex know that mana vents were nomon thing here.


    The sounds of an alien city reached his ears: speech innguages hed never heard before, in voices both human and not. The aromas of boiling meats and beets reached his nose, wafting along on the harsh scent of cheap perfumes and burning incense drifting from windows that were curtained with fur, and shuttered with tted wood.


    Ahead of the two wizards, stood a stone tavern in the centre of a crossroads of alleyways.


    It matched the surrounding architecture but seemed, somehowout of ce.


    He squinted, scrutinising it, trying to grasp the problem. Nothing obvious met his eyes, but he couldnt dismiss the feeling that <em>something</em> about it was offthat it didnt quite fit.


    The doors were barred, and hanging above the entrance was arge sign with a whetstone engraved on it.


    Wee to the Whetstone Tavern, Baelin said fondly. A crossroads for many and a home for few. Those that find this ce are mostly the sort that you needyou just need to have the eye to recognise them.


    He switched to a tongue of demons.  Come, then. Let us have ourselves a drink. I will meet a friend inside while you sort your business.


    Got it, Alex said, taking a deep breath and following Baelin to the door.


    It creaked open, allowing a sliver of daylight into the dark, firelit, space.


    Within, it seemed to be no more than any typical tavern, though it was somewhat barbaric in how it was outfitted. The floor was rough stone, covered in rugs of bearskin and the hides of both long, and shorthaired beasts. Trophies from various monster huntsmostly bleached skullswere disyed on the walls.


    Lithe figures d in gauzy garments danced around a massive fire pit, and the air was thick with the scent of smoke, roasting food, and the rise and fall of voices in a host ofnguages, mixing with a steady drum beat.


    As daylight trickled in, eyes turned, falling on the door. Some were human. Many were not.


    All sized up the two wizards.


    You hear for peace? Drinks? Or more? A man asked from behind a bar of carved wood. He was tall, lean and had a piercing gaze beneath a wide brimmed hat.


    Baelin looked down at Alex and barely nodded.


    Drinks, peace and possibly more, the young wizard said, his voice filled with confidence. He couldnt flinch before the patrons here. Most looked hard and dangerous.


    Then wee, strangers. The barman gave a nod of silent assent. Treat this ce as your home and itll treat you like youre its master.


    We will, Alex said, closing the door behind them.


    Ahhh, there is my friend. Baelin nodded to a tall, hooded figure in dark robes on the fire side of the tavernsmon room. In one of his four arms, he clutched a skull-headed staff. I shall fetch a drink, and enjoy some conversation. Good hunting.


    Yeah, thanks. Oh, and do me a favour, do these people know you? Alex asked.


    Some know of me, more know of my friend.


    Good. Alex handed him the heavy sack of gems, keeping the small pouch. Keep this on you, itll help meter. Ill hold on to the small one.


    Fascinating. The chancellor took the sack. I look forward to seeing what you have in mind. He stepped away.


    Alexs eyes took in the room, assessing those who had returned to their drinks. Looking around, he was beginning to wonder why Baelin had brought him here: the ce seemed like any other roadside tavern where one would find mercenaries.


    Within a few heartbeats, though, he quickly understood how wrong he was.


    His eyes shone in realisation.

 Chapter 511: And They All Met in a Tavern

    Chapter 511: And They All Met in a Tavern


    The air held little mana.


    The same could not be said for some of the figures upying tables in the tavern.


    Though many were d like anymon mercenary or itinerant warrior would be, some also carried one or more objects that radiated high levels of power.


    A steel axe strapped to a hulking orcs back, encrusted in runes, zed with fire magic.


    A wiry woman ying a game of cardswith unfamiliar faceshad a golden halberd leaning against the bench by her side. Sparkling emeralds emanated a rainbow of deadly magics from it.


    Other weapons, precious stones, and armour all burned with their own magics, each exuding a power as great as anyAlex had seen in Generasi. These were the true monsters of magic weaponry: stormbringers, swords of chance, des of honour, and foe-hammers all.


    And those were just the weapons.


    The warriors who wielded them also had him taking notice.


    In the past two years Alex had spent a lot of time with and around warriors, considering his life had been filled with mostly peaceful things, like baking, before hed left Thamnd. The Watchers of Roal were a constant on the campus, but Hart Redfletcher was the greatest warrior hed met so farbeing the culmination of hundreds of years of powerful warriors. Then there was Cedric, Theresa, Hanuman, Grimloch and others from Generasi, while Thundar was firmly on the path to greatness.


    But within this tavern?


    One look at the bodynguage of nearly everyone present, revealed a naturalness of movement as they moved their bodies with utter ease and deadly precision. There were some here who seemed like they could give even Hart a challenge.


    Folk without even a single bit of magic had the presence of those whose de could make demons cry.


    But there were also those whose bodynguage was far from subtle: it was loud, jerky and seemed to scream look at me. They swaggered around as though trying to own and impress a room full of folk that could end a life with a single twitch.


    Their bravado wasnt working, though they looked from table to table, eyeing Alex and anyone who met their gaze with a note of challenge.


    The young wizard met their stares evenly, neither flinching nor showing any sign of unease. He wasnt aggressive, yet he remained guarded, disying neither weakness, nor open challenge.


    Alex wasnt there to engage in a bar fight, afterall.


    He was there to recruit fighters.


    Sidling up to the bar, he nodded to the barkeep. What do you have?


    What do you want? the older man grinned. We have many things. Many, many things.


    Cider?


    Sweet or dry.


    Sweet.


    Then I have just the thing. The bartender offered.


    Great. Alex slid a tiny jewelthe smallest he had broughtacross the counter, and the barkeeps eyes seemed to spark at the sight.


    He handed the Thameish wizard a tankard of bubbling cider in a y pot.


    Thanks, Alex said, leaning forward. Listen, Im looking for folk for a jobany idea of who in heres good


    The barkeep shrugged. Folk find their way here from many ces. Somee on purpose, looking for pay. Others stumble in here, running from trouble. And otherswell they are always here. Youll find what you need from among the lot.


    Alex frowned. Is that some kind of cryptic prophecy business?


    The barkeeps eyes shone. Maybe. Maybe not. Youll find out soon enough, I think.


    Yeah, okay, definitely cryptic prophecy business. Tell you what, if it all works out as you say, therell be a ruby in it for you. Alex slipped away from the bar, making his way to an empty table near the door.


    Stepping over a couple of drunks and the leftover ruins of a fight, he slid onto a bench, paying attention to the warriors nearby.


    Alex was thumbing the small pouch of gems at his belt, slipping it under his cloak and palming a jewel in one fluid movement, when a deep grunt drew his attention to the nearest corner.


    A curious sight met him.


    Two enormous menone blond and the other with hair like copperstood before a table, facing each other. Both had one hand ced firmly on the table as they watched one another with expressions like stone.


    As Alex watched, puzzled, the blond man raised a hand.


    And drove his palm into the side of the other ones face.


    The p was like a boulder dropping; Alex, expecting knives to be drawn or the white-haired man to copse like a poll-axed ox, swore.


    But nothing happened.


    The man stood tall, his neck not even budging from a blow that could have felled Thundar.


    Not bad, he grunted, tattoos rippling across bronzed skin.


    He raised his arm back.


    Then swept it forward.


    If the first p was a boulder falling, then the second was a thunderp rupturing the air. The blond bear of a mans head snapped to the side, his face shuddering, and his neck making an unhealthy cracking sound. He copsed to the floor in a heap, while the white-haired man sneered.


    Need more steel in your neck, friend. He reached down for a pouch, picking it up and counting the jewels inside.


    Alex watched him carefully, noting the magic drifting from the de at his waist, the power in his thick muscles, and the sharp, calcting look in his eyes. He took in the mans powerful arms,pletely covered in dozens of intricate tattoos, each bleeding magic.


    His eyes paused on a phrase inked across the hulking mans skin: <em>Let them know youre not afraid of Hell.</em>


    Hed found someone of interest. You have steel in your neck and steel in your arm, Alex switched to one of the tongues of demons. You using that arm for anything besides pping?


    The man startled, eyes filled with caution, and falling on the Thameish wizard. Stark white hair fell to his shoulders.


    Alex kept his bodynguage open and friendly, but confident.


    Depends on whos asking and why? the big man also spoke in a tongue of demons, a hand on his sword-hilt.


    Someone who might be interested in seeing your purse get a little heavier, Alex gestured to an empty seat across the table. Dangerous work involving the hells. The young man nodded to the warriors tattoos. Not that youd be afraid of them.


    ...interesting. The man stepped forward, dropping silently into the offered seat. You know your stuff.


    I have to, in my line of work. Alex took a sip of cider, looking down in surprise. Damn, thats good. So, do you know anything about the Outer Labyrinths?


    Ive heard of them.


    Good, then this will be quick to exin.


    It was not quick to exin.


    On purpose.


    Alexunched into an exnation of the job, in low tones and using the tongue of demons. His exnation was longpurposefully soand winding, with his words rising in volume at certain points.


    His approach gave him time to watch.


    And assess.


    If this warrior lost focus partway through Alexs speech, itd be clear that he wouldnt have the focus and will to stave off the mania field. If he didnt pay attention to the details, it would reveal ack of<strong></strong>interest.


    If he got bored and drifted off, it would reveal that hecked seriousness.


    Those actions would disqualify him.


    But, the man kept his focus on Alex for the entire exnation, eyes unmoving, hardly blinking. His attention was rapt.


    As Alex continued talking, at points where he raised his voice, he noted others in the room. Some watched him with interest, but he marked those that looked on withprehension: those who could understand the sybles<strong></strong>of a tongue of demons.


    And thats the job, he finished.


    Break into a party of demons, pretend were entertainers and find something hidden? the man asked, his voice low. Sounds dangerous.


    And it involves good pay. Alex slipped the jewel hed palmed into his fingers, rolling it between them to let it sh in the firelight. He drew it back into his hand with a fluid movement. He nodded to Baelin and his mysterious friend. Those two have more to show you. A lot more. If Im lying, you can tell me to go to hell. Well, maybe not that, since Im nning to go there anyway.


    Alex told the warrior the sum he would be paying, and noticed therge mans eyes light up. Ill give you one now as a retainer, and the rest youll get after the jobs done. If you can bear danger, that is, and if you can handle yourself.


    I am Ezerak Kai, former king of Feuran, Army-skinned, ckguard of the Ebon Fist. And Im not afraid of hellbut I <em>am</em>afraid of poverty.


    Good. Good, Alex searched the mans mannerisms for any sign of lies. He found none. I know your strength. Can you prove your skill?


    Ezerak smirked, extending an arm.


    His skin rippled.


    Monsters emerged; each tattoo rose from his flesh, shifting and twisting until the inked images became small, dragon-like beasts crouching on the table.


    These are a fraction of the size of some of the other creatures Imand. Ezerak said, his voice filled with confidence. I have bound many to mymand and flesh. They serve me and they will serve you. As for my sword-arm? You saw how I p. I strike even harder. And swifter.


    Alex looked down at the creatures sitting on the table.


    Theyd be useful for scouting, for performance and forbat, he thought.


    Very good, he extended his hand. Weve got business, then. Former King Ezerak. I am Alex Roth.


    And youre now my employer, therger man shook his hand.


    And hopefully mine, a womans voice said from nearby, her words in the tongue of demons.


    Alex startled, as did Ezerak; the young wizard hadnt heard a single sound as she approached. The mercenary was short, but broad shouldered. Her skin had a greenish cast to it, and the short tusks protruding from her bottom lip revealed at least a bit of orcish blood.


    At her waist hung a pouch dyed with several colours: it zed with magic.


    I heard some of what you were saying. You need warriors to go down to the hells, and I need gems. She nodded to the young Thamsieh wizard leaning forward over the table. Im not going to boast or brag. I fight using throwing stones. She tapped the pouch at her waist. They strike flesh and they explode, then


    There was a scrape.


    Alex, Ezerak and the neer looked up, as a towering man in ck armour rose from a table. His bulk had been hidden behind the smoking fire pit. He strode toward themarmour clinking with every stepand the massive mace strapped to his back nking against their tes.


    He didnt break stride, stepping over sleeping drunks, an intense gaze behind his visor.


    He was nearly at their table


    when he turned, headed to the door, and opened it without a word. Brisk wind and blowing snow whirled into the tavern before the door shut behind him.


    The trio watched the door in baffled silence.


    You know, I really thought he was going to attack us for a minute, Alex said.


    Probably going to take a leak, Ezerak said.


    In the cold? Doesnt this ce have atrine?


    Theres an ogre passed out in it. The doors blocked and the scents so bad, it makes your eyes water. The woman jerked her thumb toward a dark doorway in the back.


    Well, when youve gotta go, youve gotta go, I guess, Alex said.


    Right, the orcor half-orcishmercenary shook her head, nodding to Ezerak. Hey, former king, do me a favour, would you?


    Depends, Guntile. The white haired man said.


    This. She took out five pieces of flint from another pouch. Throw them in the air for me, would you?


    Ah, this old trick. Ezerak took the shards without hesitation, tossing them toward the ceiling.


    What followed was one of the most amazing disys of dexterity Alex had ever seen. Guntiles hands blurred into her pouch, casting smooth stones through the air so quickly, it was like watching a blizzard.


    With seemingly impossible uracy, they struck each piece of scattered flint dead-on, popping them in tiny shes of spark and heat.


    Before two heartbeats had passed, she was done and grinning at Alex, revealing broad teeth and tusks.


    Ive fought demons. They pop much better against them, she boasted. If one came in now, I would


    The door burst open.


    zing sunlight filled the tavern, and what blew in this time was not cold and snow, but heat and swirling sand. As Alex tried to grasp what was happening, a cloaked figure scrambled inside.


    A head darted this way and that, before spying their table, which was nearest the door.


    The form blurred toward him and the two mercenaries.


    Demonic, crimson eyes glinted from beneath a dusky hood.

 Chapter 512: Those of Oaths, Blood and Coin

    Chapter 512: Those of Oaths, Blood and Coin


    The demon moved like water.


    It danced between unconscious drunks and the uneven floor as though moving on t earth.


    Guntile snatched a stone from her pouch, flicking it at the fiend.


    The pebble flew true, but the creature ducked low without breaking stride, all in one fluid motion. The stone ruptured against a nearby beam, outlining their attackers form, revealing the gleam of a de at its waist.


    Alexs thoughts raced.


    He was almost up and out of his seat, ready to defend himself, but a mystifying thought struck him.


    If this was an attack, why did the demon have its sword sheathed?


    Before Ezerak could draw his weapon, their attacker was mid-leap, hands outstretched like a springing leopards ws, ready to pounce


    beneath the table.


    In a blur, it shot between their seats, and couched under the tabletop.


    Those crimson eyes met Alexs and dark lips below them hissed softly; a finger pressed against them.


    They whispered imploringly, words the young, Thameish wizard did not understand.


    He spoke in the tongue of demons hed used before. Wait, what now?


    A sh ofprehension passed through crimson eyes. You speak a demon tongue? He whispered, surprise clear in his low voice. No matter if you be wizard or schr, hide me, my friend. Drink and act like I am not here!


    What? Alex looked at the other two at the table, they mirrored his puzzled expression.


    rity came quickly.


    From outside, voices were shouting in anguage Alex had no knowledge of, and he looked back down at the stranger.


    He paused, undecided.


    The hells with it, he thought, plopping down on the bench and pping the seat beside him, his eyes on Guntile and Ezerak.


    Both of you, down!


    The two mercenaries looked at each other.


    Hes paying youand probably me. Guntile sat beside Alex.


    Aye, how far kings do fall. Ezerak shook his head, sitting across from them, arms resting on the table.


    Folk in the barroom turned away, focusing on their drinks, conversations, and the swaying dancers.


    The bartenders eyes had just dropped to a y cup he was polishing when the door burst open.


    A squad of men and womenwell-armed and sheathed in bronze armourrushed into the tavern, khopeshes drawn and shields high, snarls marking their lips. They stopped abruptly, scanning the smoky room, eyes widening at the armoury of deadly weapons before them.


    Anger instantly drained away, giving way to restraint.


    The lead warrior lowered his shield and weapon, eyeing the patrons in a mixture of surprise and confusion.


    Suddenly, Alex felt magic pulse through the air.


    The neers flinched back, bodynguage hesitant, apprehension marking their faces. With a quick nce at his fellows, the leader nodded to the bartender, speaking to him in a harsh soundingnguage.


    His face neutral, the bartender replied in the same tonguethe wordsing easy to his lipsas the warriors frowns deepened.


    Three broke off from the group, eyes searching tables for any sign of their quarry.


    Those eyes fell on the trio at the table nearest the door.


    They strode forward with purpose, one spoke, uttering something in the unfamiliarnguage.


    The young wizard simply sat tall, back straight in his seat, calling upon the Mark.


    It brought him images of every minute shift in their bodynguage since theyde through the door


    He altered his own posture, setting his jaw, eyes steely like someone used tomand.


    Which, in some ways, he was.


    Whats this? Alex continued speaking in the tongue of demons hed been using since arriving at the Whetstone Tavern. You dare disturb me and my mates when were enjoying a drink? Get gone, you, or I swear Ill turn you into newts and boil you all in a potion!


    From the sand and heat that had blown in through the open door, and the soldiers oliveplexions, hed taken them for people from a desertnd somewhere, and he had no idea if they knew what a newt was or not.


    But, it didnt matter: that wasnt the point since hed assumed they wouldnt understand his words anywayor anytongue of demons for that matter, so hed made the threat with a purpose: the sounds of those demon words were gruesomeeach syble piercing the earfrightening to those with no knowledge of them.


    And right now, he needed frightening.


    The soldiers took one look at his expression and bodynguage, and heard the horrible soundsing from his throat, and cringed back like scalded dogs. Three pairs of wide eyesbed over the young wizard and his hard-lookingpanions, fingers making holy signs before their chests.


    Abruptly, the squad leader barked amand, his head inclined toward the door, and the trio shrank away.


    Without another word, the warriors turned, hurrying into the desert heat, their voices fading as the door banged behind them.


    What was that about? Ezerak called to the bartender.


    Guards. The mans eyes glinted beneath the red brim of his hat. Searching for a killer and rogue, apparently. He smiled broadly. And we know how we feel about killers and rogues.


    A hearty cheer, apanied by raised mugs and the pounding of fists on tables, swept through the tavern. Guntile joined in, pounding her fist on the tabletop, making Alex wince: the very one making her cheer was still under their table, no doubt not appreciating the sound of a fist pounding inches above his head.


    Alex leaned down, nodding to the demon or whatever he was.


    You cane out now, he said.


    As I thought from the cheers and great pummeling right above my skull. The man slithered from beneath the table. His breath came and went in great gasps.


    Sit down, join us. You look out of breath. Alex patted the bench.


    The reason for that is very simple, my friend. He copsed onto the seat, drawing back his hood.


    Crimson eyes swam with exhaustion and his skina dark umberwas drenched in sweat. He dried tightly curled ck hair, and slightly pointed ears with the hem of his cloak.


    Half-elf maybe? Alex wondered. But crimson eyesdark elf? Demon?


    The man turned, a grand smile breaking across his features. To you, my friend, and to both of you He looked at Guntile and Ezerak. I owe my life. Were I not as dry of coin as the great deserts are of rain, I would see that you drink until you sleep as well as those over there. The man nodded to the passed out drunks on the floor.


    Well, its the thought that counts, I suppose. Alex frowned, more than a little bewildered. So why <em>were</em> they chasing youoh wait, where are my bloody manners? He tapped his chest. Im Alex Roth, and you?


    Kyembe, who folk call the Spirit Killer. The rogue patted his own chest. ...you have heard of me, perhaps?


    A glint of metal drew Alexs eye down to the hand Kyembe had brought to his chest, noting a shining ring on a lean finger. It <em>zed</em> with a dreadful magicas powerful as any in this cereminding him of his time spent in the hells.


    His bodynguage was easy and open, but he watched the stranger with an intense gaze, carefully reading his bodynguage.


    Right, he said slowly. No, sorry to disappoint, but Im afraid I havent heard of you. Should I?


    The Spirit Killer nced at Guntile and Ezerak, both shook their heads.


    Bah! he shrugged. Perhaps you would not have. As I look around this tavern I can see that in my flight, I have stumbled into a most peculiar ce.


    Oh, and why were you running? Ezerak asked slowly.


    A misunderstanding, you see. The stranger cleared his throat. Those guards are under the impression that I did their great empire a disservice.


    What was the disservice? Alex asked.


    I gutted a high priest and hung him by his guts in his temple.


    Guntile snorted. Why the hells did you do that?


    His wife is a high priestess who hired me to kill a demon that had been stalking her city, hunting and killing for pleasure.


    Alex scowled. Sounds demonic.


    Right? Kyembe spread his hands. As it turns out, her <em>husband</em>the high priestwas the one setting the demon on their people. He also sent it to kill meand his wifes followers. Learning that your husband is a demon, summoning, murderer of your own people does tend to make one less interested in the rtionship, it seems. In any case, as I said, he set his summoned demon on mewhich offended me somewhathence the gutting and the hanging. His followers found that less amusing than I did, so I was making my way across the city to the harbour when I came upon this ce and thought to hide here.


    He patted Alex on the shoulder. And that! Is when you decided to rescue me, because <em>you </em>areas of this momentthe greatest among all men. I cannot let this debt stand, you <em>must</em> let me repay you in some way.


    Mhmmm. The young Thameish wizard mused, watching the mans bodynguage.


    His mannerisms were fluid, like flowing water, and his ivory-hilted swordthough less powerful than the ringwas coated in its own magics. Alex thought back on his blurring movements when he first entered the tavern.


    It was bing clear that thisSpirit Killer might very well be a very, very dangerous man.


    Thankfully, he was in the market for very, very dangerous at the moment.


    You said you killed a demon. Alex leaned forward. Do you often do that?


    Much of my trade and life is focused on it. Kyembes eyes hardened. Their kind is filth, and many hold folk in their ws. Why not destroy them? Let <em>them</em> be in fear for a change.


    I can get behind that, Alex said slyly. Tell me, you speak this tongue of demons very well, have you ever been to the hells.


    Once. It was not a pleasant ti The man paused, a sudden dawning of understanding entering his eyes. Aaaaahhhh, you seek to lead a raid into a demons stronghold? Looking to hire swords. Yeeessssnow that I look closely, you have the look ofwell, to be honest, you have the look of a wrestlerbut you also have the look of a wizard. And few mortals but those who practise such arts have such amand over the tongues of demons. Well, if that is your purpose, you can count on my sword, my ring and my magics. Although


    He nced down at the shabby tunic covering his torso. I would appreciate ameal, if you could, as poorly as that reflects on me.


    Alex smiled, pping him on the shoulder. What kind of boss would I be if I didnt make sure my mercenaries were well fed. All three of them.


    Waitso Ive got the job too? Guntile asked.


    Lets just say your rock throwingrocks. Your skill made an impression. Alex grinned.


    Oh Ezerak murmured awkwardly.


    What? Guntile frowned.


    Kyembe let out a deep chuckle, which made Alex like him immediately, even if their chance meeting aroused his suspicions.


    A demon yer that happened to wander right into his hands when he was looking to y demons? He wouldnt rule out coincidenceor some cryptic prophecy business, considering this ce and what the bartender had saidbut the timing seemed a little too perfect.


    It made him wonder if there was more going on here than it seemed, if maybe Zonon-In had gotten wind of Baelins ns and wanted a spy among their ranks. The chancellor <em>had </em>warned him about some of the rogues in this ce.


    Anyway, better to keep a close eye on traitors, Alex thought, remembering Amir. If you are a spy or an assassin, Kyembe the Spirit Killer, then lets have you right within Baelin-scrutinising, and ygon-sting distance, shall we?


    Well, are we not a merry band? Kyembe said. Is this all of us?


    The door burst open again, this time bringing in cold air and snow along with the towering, armour-d figure whod exited before.


    With armour clinking, he made a line directly for their table.


    An intimidating air radiated from him as he stopped before them, looming like an oak tree.


    I heard everything. His words were clipped. Precise. You seek to y demons and rob them. You wish to pay. I wish to be paid. I am Celsus. Ezerak can vouch for me.


    Wait, what do you mean you heard everything? Alex was startled.


    His peoples ears are as sharp as diamonds, I wouldnt be surprised if he heard half the whispers in here. Celsus, are you <em>sure</em> youre interested? the former king seemed surprised.<strong></strong>Its not like you to get involved unless the job really moves you.


    It did. Ive had run-ins in the hells. Any n against their masters? I want to be part of. He growled, raising his visor.


    An elfs features were revealed, one with ghostly-white skin and not a trace of hair anywhere on his head, not even above his eyes, giving hisrge, strange eyesgold, with red flecksan intimidating cast.


    Id hire him, Ezerak said. Few warriors are his match in this whole ce, and thats saying something.


    Agreed, Guntile joined in. He isntthe most subtle, but if we have him as our backup, you can count our opponents as good as dead.


    I like the sound of that, Alex said, looking at Kyembe. What do you think?


    The Spirit Killer leaned back, spreading his hands helplessly. Do not look at me! After all, I just got here.


    Alex took a long look at the tall, pallid elfhis bodynguage was odd. He seemed to be hiding no ill-intent, but then again, the way he moved was almost alien.


    Definitely in ygon range. The young wizard thought.


    Right, wee aboard Celsus, he said. And to answer your question, Kyembe, this is almost the whole team. I hired another mercenary and well have a friend of mine apanying us. But yeah, thats it.


    So, including you Guntile counted on her fingers. Seven. Small team for a raid on the hells.


    And possibly an expendable one, Alex thought, stymying his guilt. But, in the end, better us than everyone close to me.


    Yep, its seven. A magnificent seven, he said. No wait, theres ygon too, so more like an eight really. A hateful eight?


    What are we hating? Guntile asked.


    Hopefully not ourselves for taking this joband speaking of the job, let''s get to it in more detail. He waved Celsus down to take a seat at the table.


    Nowtell me, how many of you have seen performers at a fair. How many of you can <em>dance?</em>

 Chapter 513: The Consequences of Minions Incompetence

    Chapter 513: The Consequences of Minions'' Ipetence


    For the first time in a long while, Alex Roth was barely paying attention during a ss.


    Now, that wasnt to say that he really <em>needed</em> to pay much attention in Magic Lore: even in year two of the coursewhich dealt with advanced history, physics and philosophysince the Mark helped him absorb the material like a sponge.


    If he really wanted to, he could have used it to recall information that hed only paid minimal attention to during the lecture. As long as he attended the ss, he could daydream all he wanted, then use the Mark to retrieve<strong></strong>the professors materialter.


    If hebined that with speed-reading and a quick scan of the information in his textbooks, he could probably teach himself the entire courseand part of next yearsin under a month.


    Maybe less.


    Still, Alex Roth would never be so disrespectful that he would ignore one of his professor''s lectures after theyd made the effort and taken their time putting it together. Anddespite what many of the other students thoughtMagic Lore was actually <em>fascinating</em> to him.


    So, for him not to be paying attention in ss, something very odd or very wrong had to be going on.


    Today?


    It was both.


    Alex sat in the back row of the lecture hall beside Khalik and Thundar, his pen idly tapping a page and his mouth silently moving, repeating the incantation for nar Doorway.


    He wasn''t trying to cast the spell, he was trying to master the incantations sybles. After nearly two weeks of feeling like he was repeatedly bashing his head against a stonewall with the spell, he would have dly done anything for a breakthrough.


    Muttering, he looked down at his notebook, focused on the single number that hed written in the centre of an otherwise nk page:


    <strong>17%.</strong>


    Two weeks of effort and hed only managed to master seventeen percent of nar Doorways spell array.


    This is bloody ridiculous, he thought, frustration growing, resisting the urge to snap his pen in two. All of this mysterious power inside mehelping me with all the summoning spells I wantand it cant get me through this?


    In truth, the mysterious power was the only reason hed gotten as far with the spell as he had.


    The task that hed taken on wasnt easy; trying to break through to fourth-tier spells using the mostplex spell hed ever tried to cast in such a short space of time. Meanwhile, he was also juggling sses, time at the Research Castle, getting another dungeon core to continue his work with Shalewhich hed finally gotten less than three days agotraining with his merry band of mercenaries while they roomed at the Whetstone Tavernfacilitated by Baelins teleportation spellsand trying his damndest not to gopletely insane. Meditation was his best friendtely.


    He actually saw it as a small miracle that hed even gotten as far as he had with the spell.


    But he didnt need a small miracle.


    He needed a big one.


    At this rate, Ill have less than fifty percent of the spell down by the time we head to Cretalikon. And I <em>really</em> want to know that teleportation spell if Im going into a bloody demon maze. He brooded, looking toward the front of the ss at some of his ssmates in the lecture hall. There were fewer who werent engaged than in first year Magic Lore, but quite a few still appeared intent on paying attention to literally anything rather than the voice of the professor.


    Ohe on, he thought. The least you guys can do is pay attention, its not like <em>most</em> of you<em></em>have a suicide mission to a domain in the hells to look forwell, <em>something. </em>Ive got real bloody things to worry about.


    He shook his head, trying to banish his worries.


    Look, youve got time, Alex. He thought. Youve still got about two weeks left. You already got the dungeon core for Shales, so no more extra trips to Thamnd for a while. Work on the business n you and Toraka are developing is limited to only work hours. Youre all moved into your new home. The speaker box ispleteyouve recruited all your minionsI mean, mercenariesyeah, youve basically done <em>everything</em> extra that needed to be done. Now you can dedicate <em>all</em> your extra time to mastering this spell, if you have to. You <em>might</em> get a breakthrough. Theres no need to worry, yet. Just focus on doing what you can do. Remember, youve got time.


    Bringing himself back to focus, he tuned in to the lecture, trying to quiet his misgivings.


    Itll be alright, he thought, between calming breaths. Itll be alright.


    He would soon learn that it was <em>not</em>in factalright.


    After another hour, ss ended and students poured from the lecture hall, desperate to get away from what many thought to be the most boring mandatory subject imaginable.


    Alex and his two cabal mates were thest to leave. And so ends another riveting lesson on the toileting habits of ancient wizards, Khalik said. Shall we have some lunch?


    I cant right now. Alex grabbed a spell-guide from the basket hanging beneath a forceball. Ive really got to get back to work on nar Doorway.


    Still giving you trouble, eh? Thundar asked. Well, from what you told me, its stupidly hard. But, dont be too hard on yourself. Wont do you any good if youre dead before the mission even starts cos you starved yourself to death.


    I wont make it a habit. Alex moved away at a half-jog. Its temporary. Ill take it a bit easier when this demon gs behind us


    Yeah. Thundar snorted. Id best get back to practising my dance. Dont want them tossing us out cos we look like clods with two left feet. Happy studying!


    Happy feasting! Alex waved as he rounded a corner.


    He hurried toward one of his favourite spots for practising spellssomewhere nice and close to the infirmary, just in case things went horribly wrongand he was already deep in thought, reciting the incantation in his head when he mmed into a wall of stone.


    Agh! he stumbled back, clutching his nose.


    <em>Father, there you are. I was waiting for you,</em> ygon said.


    Ugh, try and wait a little louder next time, buddy, Alex murmured. Did you finish seeing Baeli


    He paused, noticing the towering figure of the archwizard standing behind his golem.


    And the look on the goatmans face was grim.


    Very grim indeed.


    Walk with me a moment, Alex, he said. To my office. We have much to discuss.


    Is there something wrong? the young wizard asked, slowly shutting the door behind him. Its click sounded unnervingly final.


    Yes. The chancellor quickly rounded his desk, pulling open a drawer and taking out a handful of spell-marked gems. Very. I have just finished having a talk with Zonon-Inand there is trouble.


    Oh no. Alex crossed the room, his mind conjuring multiple disasters. Dont tell me Kaz-Mowang cancelled the demon g or something. Did he find out about the n? Did one of the mercenaries betray us?


    No, no, nothing like that. In some ways, it is worse, Baelin muttered, counting the gems. Zonon-In informs me that her servants are durds, oafs and imbeciles; the only reason <em>I </em>am not seeking them out to st them out of existence is because <em>she</em> has already done so.


    Alexs heart thundered. W-what did they do? Did they warn Kaz-Mowang about us?


    No. The chancellor looked Alex in the eye. They were incorrect on the date of his g. <em>Highly</em> incorrect.


    The young Thameish wizard swallowed. Whenwhen is it?


    The day after tomorrow.


    <em>Thatthat is too soon!</em> ygon protested, raising his voice for the first time that Alex could remember. <em>Father hasnt mastered his teleportation spell yet!</em>


    I know, trust me, I <em>know</em>. The goatman growled, stalking toward a bookshelf. He pressed the back of a rather nondescript book, a click, and the entire row of shelves slid sideways, revealing a deep storeroom.


    Inside, suits of armour, staves and weapons all zed with power, filling the repository. Baelin stomped in, quickly selecting what he needed. Now, I have to scramble to rearrange my entire schedule and try to make my meeting with Ezaliel coincide with the g, which I am sure shall not arouse <em>any</em> suspicion! His voice oozed sarcasm and bitterness.


    Shit Alex muttered. Can we just goter? Nono, that demons stronghold is going to be a <em>lot</em> more secure when hes <em>not</em> expecting dozens of guests, isnt it?


    Precisely, Baelin said. The safest time for you to enter those wallsand the time that will guarantee you the most sessis when your enemy is <em>weing</em> people inside of those walls.


    Yeah, youre right. The young, Thaemish wizard began to pace back and forth in the chancellors office, his mind working. And the longer we wait, the more chances for things to go wrong. But, still, maybewhens he hosting another g?


    That is unknown, the chancellor said. It could be any amount of time, even years, ording to Zonon-In.


    Yeah but, does she know what in all hells shes talking about, this time? Alex demanded.


    I should hope so, Baelin said. Sinceand this is the worst partshe confirmed it by showing me her invitation. Her second, mind you. Those dead servants lost the first, inconveniencing her greatly andfar more importantlyus. That is why I say to ensure thepetence of your minions, Alex. Look at all the havoc wrought by the carelessness of brainless demons!


    Alex stopped dead. Shes going to be there?


    Indeed. The chancellor eyed several different staffs before selecting one crafted of gold and wood. She has given her word that she will not interfere with anyone associated with me, but she does not know that <em>you</em> are working with me.


    <em>She willrecognize me</em> ygon said.


    Yeah, but you were being held in reserve anyway, buddy, Alex said. Still, this isoh man, this is bullshit. Okay, hold on, let me think for a second, Baelin. Theres no way Im going down there unless I feel that Ive at least got <em>most</em> of what I need for sess. Going in short on preparations would just risk me, ygon, Thundar, Ripp and the others I hired.


    Indeed, the archwizard agreed. A Proper Wizard adapts to circumstances, judging whether to continue with ns or cancel them, if one has time.


    Yeah, well, the faster we can get the information, the quicker we have a chance to figure out <em>something </em>about Uldar, the Fool, the church and the Ravener, he muttered. Andthe Ravener hasnt sent any more invisible, petrifying monsters after me, Carey or Drestra yet, but Id be a fool to think its not nning <em>something</em>.


    Agreed. The chancellor sheathed a dagger at his belt. So, with that in mind, what are your thoughts? I will advise you <em>after</em> your decision.


    One secokay He ran through a mental inventory. Lets see, Ive got all the mercenaries recruited. Our teams at maximum size. Everyones basically picked up what their roles are for the performance. Ezeraks doing tricks with his magical tattoos. Kyembes dancing and fire-swallowing. Rippll be doing acrobatics. Guntiles juggling lightning. Thundar and Ill be dancing, and hes making illusions, and Ill be doing strongman stuff. Weve got all of that stuff covered.


    His hand reached for his chin, fingers poised to run through his beard before remembering it was gone. Celsus and ygon will be spell-marked and left in reserve. If theres trouble, Ill call them and thats when all hells gonna break loose. Lets seewhat else. Ive got my staff, Im about as prepared as I can be on demonic culture andnguage, and Ive been using the Mark and a pen to puzzle my way through about a hundred mazes a week.


    His eyes fell on the spell-guide in his hand. The only thing left for me to do is to learn nar Doorway. Everything else is done. Im probably going to be as prepared as Ill ever be except for that one spell.


    Then what will you do? the chancellor asked him.


    Alex sighed, resisting the urge to swear. Okay. First, Ill wait to see if you can arrange your<strong></strong>meeting with Ezaliel. If you cant, Im not going anywhere: were finished if things go wrong and he gets involved. He has to be either distracted, or dead. Butif you <em>can </em>get that meeting? Screw it, the only thing that waitings going to do is lessen our chances in the long run.


    He shrugged. Hells, maybe Kaz-Mowang hears that youre trying to find information about Hannar-Cim and destroys it. Time is not our friend here, and if I call everything off because I havent learned <em>one</em> spell, welllet me put it this way. It is a really useful spell, but if its <em>the</em> thing that makes or breaks us? Then Ive made a major oversight somewhere.


    That would be my assessment as well, Baelin said.


    Then it seems that were going to the hells in less than a couple of days, Alex muttered. No safety, this time.


    Indeed, it is the way of thingsthough I wish it was not so soon. The chancellor strode over to Alex, cing a hand on his shoulder. But, I have faith in you.


    Well, thats a major vote of confidence. The young wizard squared his broad shoulders. And you tend to be right about things, Baelin. Lets hope that youre right this time.

 Chapter 514: The Image of the Fool Fulfilled

    Chapter 514: The Image of the Fool Fulfilled


    Alex appraised the image confronting him, in many<strong></strong>ways, his reflection in the mirror was more than a little diforting.


    It was as if hed finally done it, betrayed himself, embraced his role in Uldars grand scheme at longst.


    Or, at least, that was how he looked.


    His costume was a garish crimson, chequered in yellow and blue. Big, white gloves covered his hands, and his shoes were so long, they made his feet look like they belonged to some giant, humanoid rabbit.


    His face was painted a stark white, though one of his eyes was covered by a ck star, and below them, a foolishly long false nose protruded, fashioned from a cored, waxed carrot.


    Worst of all was the hat. More of a cap, really.


    It was big and floppy, dyed bright red, sickly yellow, and vibrant blue; projecting from the top were four drooping horn-like sleeves that hung down past his ears, and attached to the end of each?


    A single tinkling bell.


    Four bells in total, ringing and rattling each time he moved his head: the final signature thatpleted his Fools uniform.


    Finnius Galloway would have nodded in satisfaction as he penned Alexs entry into another volume of<em> A History of Our Heroes and their Opposition of the Ravener.</em>


    Were he still alive, at any rate.


    As far as Alex knew, the author was long in the after-world, and <em>this</em> ridiculous costume was likely to be the only thing standing between<strong></strong>him<strong></strong>and a demons hungry ws.


    In more ways than one.


    After hed bought his troupes costumes, hed set about enhancing them with alchemy. They hadnt be actual suits of armour, but hed increased both the strength and resiliency of the fabric, thenyered an enchantment of greater force armour onto each one.


    Itd been expensive work, but he had the coinwith more on the wayand losing their lives would have been, well, just a tad more costly.


    He just wished the entire get-up didnt <em>look</em> so ridiculous.


    If the worst happened, hed rather death found him looking far more dignified.


    Alright, Alex, he pped his hands to his cheeks, bringing his mind into focus. No sense in wasting any more time. Lets go.


    On his bedbeside his stafy a satchel dyed in gaudy shades of purple. Waves of emotion came from the aeld branch as he picked it up: nerves, curiosity, determination and excitement.


    Were going to get out of this together. Alex soothed the staff, taking onest look around his bedroom in the bakery.


    It was far bigger than his room in the ins <em>and</em> his old bedroom in the Lu Family Innbined, and was well furnished with high quality furnishings. The bed was the mostfortable hed ever slept in, the wardrobe had more than enough room for more clothing than he owned, and there was a sitting area near the window.


    A sitting area! In his bedroom!


    Id better not die <em>right</em> after I finally get rich enough to enjoy this stuff, Alex grumbled, dragging himself to the door.


    On silent footsteps, he made his way down the stairs to the dining room where a weing group was waiting, which hed kind of expected.


    What surprised him though, was just how <em>many</em> people were waiting for him.


    Hed expected Theresa, Selina, ygon and Brutus to be up, ready to see him off, but he hadnt expected Prince Khalik, and Isolde to be sitting at the dining room table along with Thundar. Whispered conversation fell silent as he appeared in all of his foolish glory.


    Tadaaaa he said, trying to lighten the mood, though his voice was a little weak. I finally look the part.


    Not a singleugh answered him.


    Prince Khalik crossed his arms, his face grim.


    Isolde narrowed her eyes, her gaze hard and stern.


    Theresas death-stalker face grew even more terrifying.


    ygon stood impassively, but a wave of determination reached for Alex through their link.


    Brutus whimpered. Najyahwell, Najyah preened herself showing a totalck of interest.


    Selina stared at her brothereyes red and jaw tenseas though she was intent on burning him into memory.


    Andstly, there sat Thundar, giving Alex a nod of shared resolve. The minotaur was already dressed in his costume: a bright, mustard, yellow tunic and trousers, chequered with images of stags leaping over brilliant, red, berry bushes.


    Bright purple paint was thered over his hooves, which were now shod with silver horseshoes for the asion. A snowy white magicians cape fell from his broad shoulders, and his face was concealed by the stags mask hed worn at Patrizia DePaolos ball and the Festival of Ghosts in first year.


    How do I look? Thundar growled through the mask.


    Like a ridiculous magician, Alex said lightly. Perfectly suited for the role.


    Great, so if I die, Im gonna die looking like a jackass. Thats just damned perfect, the minotaur snorted.


    Oh, please, we wont have to worry about that! The young wizards voice was positively cheery. Well be in and out in no time, and if not? Well just smash all the demons down there! Right, Thundar?


    Silence.


    Oh,e on, youre all acting like were at a funeral, Alex said. And the person that died is someone we actually like! Come on, lets get some fearlessness going, shall we? And none of thisst second were alling with you business either. You know how thats going to y out: you argue why you shoulde, we point out all the logical reasons why you should stay here. We go back and forth, we convince you. You stay here.


    <em>If.</em> Prince Khalik started. If we were to argue, what makes you so sure that you would win? You could be convinced by us.


    Khalik, dont. Thundar shook his head. Weve already got a team together, and weve been practising our performances for two weeks. Ive met the other mercenaries and I already know<strong></strong>Ripp. You havent met them. None of you have. You arent prepared. Youre just going to make this harder, man, but thanks for the thought.


    Yeah, what Thundar said, Alex agreed. Weve got everything lined up. Zonon-Ins secured us spots as some of Kaz-Mowangs performers. But she said thered be a band of <em>six</em> people. Not nine or ten.


    Isolde sniffed. Your logic is unpleasantbut correct. Know that I would have followed you into the very teeth of the hells themselves.


    We know, Alex and Thundar said at the same time.


    Come back safe. <em>Safe.</em> Theresa emphasised.


    Alex crossed the room, nting a kiss on her lips. We will.


    He turned to Selina, spreading his arms. A hug for your big brother?


    There was a pause, followed by a scrape of wood on wood as the young girls chair shifted. She slid from her seat, rounded the table and wrapped her brothers torso in a tight hug.


    Selina buried her head in his chest. Please dont die, her voice was small and teary.


    Alex hugged her back, stroking her fluffy hair. I wont. I promise.


    Internally, he hoped that hed be able to keep that promise.


    The goodbyes were quick after that.


    Nobody staying behind wanted to dwell on grim possibilities of failure, while Thundar, ygon and Alex didnt want to dy any longer than they already had.


    Friends and family watched the golem and two young wizards from the bakerys front doorway, waving as they stepped into the early morning light, footsteps heavy from the weight of their supplies, and their even heavier hearts.


    Alex looked over his shoulder, waving until they rounded a corner and passed into the busy street beyond.


    So, are you ready? Like actually? Thundar asked. Like without the brave face, I mean.


    No, of course not! Alex hissed. I think Im gonna turn the seat of these pants brown! You?


    Same. Thundar snorted. I think I spent three hours in bedst night asking myself if Id lost my damned mind. Didnt get to sleep until I took a tonic.


    What about you, ygon, are you ready? Alex asked.


    <em>Yes</em> ygon said. His grip tightened on his war-spear. <em>If I am destroyed protecting you, fatherIve fulfilled my purpose. And I would reallylike to kill that big demon.</em>


    Well, Im d <em>one</em> of us isnt afraid, Alex said. But youve got to value your life more, buddy.


    <em>Ido. I dont want to diebut I amstill ready.</em>


    Ugh, well now I feel shitty for turning coward at thest minute. Thundar nced down at his mustard-coloured costume. Like, shit, yellow was the perfect colour for me.


    Yeah, I get what youre saying. Alex shook himself, taking a deep, calming breath. Were the ones practising meditation and the Cleansing Movements the most, and we cant calm ourselves down? Come on, whats the matter with us? Why should we be afraid, except formon sense, of course.


    Yeah, and the danger of being horribly killed, Thundar added.


    <em>Mashed into pulp </em>ygon chimed in thoughtfully. <em>Stone ground to dust. Eyes gouged out. Elbows shattered. Knees split. Our bodies burned away. Our limbs hacked and mangled</em>


    Yeah, maybe we should bravely run away, Alex interjected.


    Turning tail and fleeing sounds good. Thundar nodded seriously.


    The threepanions looked at each other, thenughed for the first time that day.


    As theyughed, they drew eyes from those out in the early morning air. Merchants looked at them with puzzled expressions, as did travellers and folk having their morning meal on their balconies, watching the streets below.


    But one person in particr caught Alexs eye. Just for a moment. It was a lean woman, one whose face was very familiar, who disappeared as the morning crowd moved around them.


    Alex thought hed seen her before, and it took a minute for him to remember who she reminded him of.


    She bore a striking resemnce to Lucia, the sky-gondolier whod ferried Alex and his family to the university on their very first day in Generasi. When hedst seen her, shed been making great haste to leave the city after Khalik had paid her a hefty sum to take themand one unconscious mana vampireinto The Barrens.


    But it couldnt be her.


    Since when did Lucia wear such rich, finely-made clothing? And the woman definitelycked the dead-fish stare that was characteristic of Lucias face. There was no way shed have such lively eyes and bear an expression that was so rxed.


    No, it must have been a rtive of hers.


    Morningtide, boss! a voice called from up ahead.


    Ripp was waving the wizards and golem into an alleyway. The swiftling was dressed in bright greens, looking like a merry forest faerie. A big bycocket sat jauntily on his head, its forward brim so long, that it reminded Alex of a ducks bill. Your tailoring was right on the coin, boss. It fits me as well as my own skin.


    d to hear it. Alex smiled wanly, stepping into the alley with his two muchrgerpanions. Well need it to fit well in case theres any fighting to do.


    It might note to that, Ripp said. The ns solid, even if we need to make it happen earlier than nned. But thats the way with monster hunts. Things got a way of surprising you.


    Yeah, thats when youve got to think and adapt, Alex said wryly.


    Ripp frowned as he led the trio deeper into the alley. Thats not a bad expression, you know?


    Well, its something of a mantra of mine. The Thameish wizard came to a dead stop as the alley ended. So, you all ready?


    Ripp spread his vest open, revealing an array of nasty looking hooked knives. Oh Im ready. You sure theyll let us bring weapons in with us?


    Within reason, Alex said. If its part of the act, then it wont look suspicious. Therell be a lot of us taking part in the sword dance.


    Aye, I getcha. Ripp nced at the minotaurs mace hanging from his belt.


    Thundar shrugged. Weapon dance doesnt sound as good.


    Aye, that it doesnt. And you got the other supplies we need for the acts?


    Yep. Alex patted the heavy pack on his back. And enough dried waybread tost us a week if things turn bad and we end up having to hide out in the maze.


    He didnt mention some of the other things they were bringing with them.


    ygons bag held two chaos bombs, ready for use if things went <em>really</em> wrong. Dozens of potions were spread among all three packs.


    Andstly?


    Alexs hand fell on his garish satchel, feeling the small book within it; he had brought the book of the Traveller along, and with it, he hoped to unravel her mystery at longst.

 Chapter 515: Into the Labyrinth

    Chapter 515: Into the Labyrinth


    This time, the Whetstone Tavern was sitting atop a hill, surrounded on all sides by grass so tall, the stalks rose to Alexs chest.


    The building looked more rundown than beforeor so it seemedwith lichen and vines crawling up the walls, and cracks running through the cyclopean stones. Yet, for all the aesthetic differences, it looked no weaker structurally.


    And Alex doubted that it was.


    Well, we aint in Generasi anymore. Ripp looked around, pointing out trees in the distance and a small vige at the bottom of the hill. The buildings were so squat, and ancient, that their roofs were of earth, and greenery had sprung up on top of them. Where are we?


    The answer would mean nothing to you, the chancellor said, a note of stress in his voice. He was garbed in a rich robe, and also wore rings and bangles that shone in the evening sunlight. Suffice it to say that we are very, very far from Generasi.


    Well, Im not being paid to make maps, so thatll do, Ripp shrugged, nodding to four figures outside the tavern. I guess thats the rest of us for this little moving demon-feast?


    Yep. Alex nodded to three brightly d mercenariesand Celsus.


    Guntile was the first to spot them, waving cheerily and jumping to her feet. The half-orc mercenary wore a costume of bright red fabric, covered in sparkling multi coloured sequins.


    When she moved, it was like a rainbow hade to life. Right on time, boss. She said, stretching her shoulders.


    Ezerak nodded, leaning against the wall. He was the least clothed of the group, wearing a simple bright orange loincloth of woven silk. The single piece of clothing allowed hundreds of tattoos to be exposed, covering bronzed skin, each depicting a fearsome beast, demon, monster or soldier.


    The surface of his body looked as though an entire realm had been painted on his skin, and every image was so lifelike, it seemed they were ready to leap from his flesh and pounce.


    It was quite likely that mostif not all<em>were</em> ready to leap off his flesh.


    A fine, curved sword hung from his waist, its hilt encrusted with diamonds.


    Eveningmander. The former king nodded, hoisting a heavy pack onto his back. I am ready.


    As am I. Kyembe took a sip from a waterskin before leaping to his feet. Let us rescue whatever we are looking for from the demons.


    The half-dark elf was dressed in a bright purple costume,plete with a blue cape that hung to his waist, and a grinning skull mask that wrapped his face. His crimson eyes were terrifying behind the masks skeletal eye sockets.


    At his waist the ivory hilted, thin-ded sword hung, and on his index finger, his ring shone.


    Thest mercenary, armoured and as still as stone, stood near the others.


    Celsus wore no costume or uniform, simply sheathed in his usual armour and bearing a mace. The tall man paused, spotting ygon.


    A strange shift rippled through his bodynguage.


    Alex eyed him and Kyembe carefully as the two groups met a short distance from the tavern.


    Good to hear everyones ready, Alex said. Weve rehearsed our parts, and we know what to do if things go right, and if things go wrong. So, any questions?


    Guntile nodded. Do we have looting rights? Meaning, if we find treasure besides what youre looking for, can we grab it?


    Ripp, Kyembe, Celsus and Ezerak all looked at Alex with piercing interest.


    Yeah, go nuts, he said. Im only after one thing; you can take whatever you wantunless I get to it first.


    Youre a good boss. Celsus nodded.


    Very good,mander. Ezerak gave him a thumbs up. I already like working for you.


    May our hands find many fortunes. Kyembes deep voice was bright behind his mask.


    And may our pockets get so full, they burst, Guntile grinned.


    Aye, and lets hope we live to spend it. Ripp finished.


    The mercenaries nodded to each other.


    It seemed theyd hit it off.


    A good sign: hopefully heralding good things toe.


    Right, then let us get on with it, Baelin said. I must be away soon. He nodded to Celsus and ygon. My friends, I will mark you both with my magic, unless either of you objects.


    The pair were silent, and the archwizard waved a hand, sending a wave of teleportation magic through the air.


    A glowing spell-mark appeared on one hand of the golem, and one of the armoured warrior, who carefully examined his.


    Now the chancellor said. I will be transporting everyone to your entry point in the outerbyrinth. The ce is a wild one, unguarded by the nes more organised forces, but patrolled by predators. Expect a fight upon your entry, unless you are very fortunate. From there, it will be half a days walk to the rendezvous<strong></strong>point. You will find a carriage supplied by afriend waiting, containing the rest of your supplies for your performances while alsopleting the deception that you are an experienced troop of entertainers. It<strong></strong>will be equipped with hell-boars serving as both beasts of burden, and the wagons guards. Have a brief rest there, but do not linger, from there you will still have another quarter days journey to the city and the pce of Kaz-Mowang. If timed right, your arrival for the g should ur about one hour before his guests, save for the earliest and most eager, of course.


    Right, Alex said. And the maps?


    Baelin took two scrolls from a bag. These are the most recent maps of the area youre going to in the outerbyrinths. Keep in mind, the maze changes over time. You must keep to schedule, or these maps will rapidly be obsolete.


    Right. Alex nodded. And the extraction points the same ce well be entering from?


    Indeed. Baelin nodded. Unfortunately, the nes not in so convenient an alignment as to present one that would be closer.


    That means Ripps brow furrowed. If we find ourselves in trouble, well be a days travel away from freedom, at least at a humans pace. If I was on my own, I could get out much faster, though.


    If we find ourselves needing to make our escape, we must move quickly and quietly, while still foiling any hindrances we encounter. Kyembe nodded his head thoughtfully as he spoke. A challenge; if an army of those vile creatures is pursuing us. But, life is full of challenges, is it not?


    Id like things to be a bit easier, honestly, Alex said dryly, though he wasnt sure how much of that was true. He couldnt deny the kernel of excitement in a corner of his heart.


    A very, very boneheaded corner.


    Remember, Baelin said. I will help you if I can, butin all likelihoodI shall be rather upied, ensuring that you do not encounter resistance from those beyond your power.


    Gotchya, Thundar said. So that means no <em>goatus</em> ex machina for us? Great. Well, Im about ready to die, whos with me?


    Alex and the mercenaries gave half-hearted cheers.


    <em>The only one dyingwill be the demons, </em>ygons voicesounding like stone grinding on stoneboomed.


    Kyembe nodded to him. I like the way he thinks much better.


    Lets hope hes right, Ezerak said. But we all knew what we signed up for, and where were going.


    Very well, then. The archwizard spread his hands over the party readying to raid the hells. Let us begin your transportation. I wish all of you luck, fortune and the blessings of any fickle gods that you worship. May your minds be swift, your arms strong, and your magics deadly. May your enemies be slow, cowardly, foolish and weak.


    His goat-like eye focused on Alex. Good hunting. All of you.


    Two things struck Alex as he stepped through the portal.


    The first was the heat.


    Cretalikons simmering heat enveloped him like a wave, making his eyes tear and parching his nostrils as he entered the domain. He squinted at a pair of panting hellhoundsmarked with a band of yellow to identify themhed sent through the portal to scout ahead.


    The second was the mania-field.


    It hit him like a millstone.


    Before he could even draw his first muggy breath, his thoughts began racing, focus died, and emotions ran wild. Feelings flit through him, amplified ten-fold: fear, anger, excitement, even anticipation magnified in intensity.


    The urge to act was overtaking reason, the desire to scream in terror, shout in triumph and w at his own self-mocking costume in rage all came together, fraying his nerves.


    Alex forced himself to pause and shake his head, fighting for quieting breaths, he whispered affirmations: You are calm. These are not your feelings. Theyre the domains. You are calm. You are calm.


    He gripped the aeld staff, feeling inquisitive emotions. The mania-field seemed not to be affecting it though it emanated waves of curiosity and uneasiness. Maybe because of their other trips down to the hells, it was growing less affected by the field in much the same way ygon was immune.


    Well, I cant lose a contest of wills to a tree branch, Alex muttered, finding calm in his own emotions. As the mania abated, he considered his surroundings.


    And whistled.


    The portaly within a great crossroads in thebyrinth,rge enough to hold the Research Castle in Greymoor. All around, walls as high as any mortal tower stoodperhaps sixty or seventy feet in heightbuilt of stone burning with raging me.<strong></strong>Rock faces were rough, though climbableif one fancied turning to charred ash.


    As the others appeared through the portal behind himhe had arrived first, as usualThundar began muttering his affirmations against the mania-field. Ripps breath hissed, the swiftling twitching and shuddering as he fought to control his thoughts. Guntile tapped her stones in a calming rhythm, while Ezerak chanted something low in a foreign tongue.


    Celsus and Kyembe showed no reaction to the demon realm; the armoured giant never broke stride and the Spirit Killer was as calm as hed been in front of the tavern, giving Alex no cause to be concerned about the pair falling under the fields influence.


    His attention turned to the exits: a host of twisting paths led deeper into the maze in all directions, each wide enough for a small army to pass through.


    His nostrils red: though the air was surprisingly fresh, it was tinged with the slightest hint of brimstone, zing wood, and boiling meat. Alex sweltered in the heat, as far-off sounds reached his ears: a distant battle, cries for help and screams of suffering, a voice locked in utter ecstasy, the frenzied beat of a drum apanying manic chanting andughter, loud, hystericalughter.


    Far above, the fire-streaked sky was a roiling sea of orange and redme had erased cloudsfilled with soaring, darting forms of flying demons. He also recognised the marks of civilization up there: his eyes were drawn to a magical carriage hundreds of feet above, pulled through the sky by a demonic wyvern.


    The creatures fevered<strong></strong>screams cut the air.


    Charming, he muttered.


    Er, boss. Ripp nodded ahead.


    Alex looked at the crossroads.


    His hellhounds were tense, snarling at a troop of anthropoids emerging from a passageway. A troop of monkeys. A troop of <em>giant, </em>demonoid simians. Each resembled an enormous baboonat least eighteen feet tall, by Alexs estimatecovered in fiery orange fur, with bulls horns protruding from either side of their skulls.


    And they were<strong></strong>in abundance.


    Thergest dozen or so loped along the ground, with at least that many bounding across the walls, moving through the passage, spreading over ming stone.


    Diabnirei. Alex named them. Primal demons of mockery and anger. Theyre the hunters Baelin warned us about.


    Big bastards, Thundarmented, readying his mace.


    <em>Ordersfather?</em> ygon asked.


    Kill them. Leave none alive, theyre persistent so theyll chase us until the hells end to get revenge.


    Time to earn your pay,ds andss. Ripps hands blurred, extracting two hooked knives from his vest.


    Ezerak snarled, drawing his de. Guntile fished a handful of stones from her pouch. Kyembes sword seemed to leap into his hand.


    A loud crash came as Celsus drew his mace, mming it against the stone.


    A<strong></strong>giant demon startled at the sound.


    Oh! Alex cried. And try not to mess up your costumes.


    An extra challenge. Guntileughed, seeming to wee it. You heard the boss, clean em up, you bastards!


    With the roar of a cyclone thundering from his speakerbox, ygon charged, leading the others into their first battle in Cretalikon.


    Many, many miles away, Baelin stepped from a portal and into the seemingly boundless castle belonging to Ezaliel. nking him were two mighty engeliserving as bodyguardswhile all around, enemies watched the archwizard with unconcealed hostility.


    Demons and<strong></strong>devils<strong></strong>snarled at him from each corner of an antechamber, grinding their ws on priceless gold and marble, seeming not to care.


    The chancellor met their intimidating res with his own gaze of disdain.


    Apologies, guest of Ezaliel, a voice crackled.


    Before Baelin, a demon suddenly manifested, one of smoke and ash coalescing into a humanoid figure with burning, ember-red eyes and ashen flesh. A fine doublet and hose covered its form, and it bowed; its manner formal.


    Wee to the halls of my master. The creature gestured to the nearest passage. You are awaited.


    Then let us begin, shall we? the archwizard said stiffly, ying the part of an irritated diplomat.


    From his mind, a call went out: I am here. Be ready to strike.


    nes away, the powerful consciousness of four archwizards touched his own.


    They were poised, ready to unleash hell upon hell.

 Chapter 516: The Mercenaries Power

    Chapter 516: The Mercenaries'' Power


    The horde of demon monkeys howled, bellows echoing along the walls. They beat their chests. They stomped their feet. They gnashed their fangs to drive terror into their foes.


    Alexs team wasted no time with mere threats.


    Guntiles stones shot through the air with deadly precision, flying far and fast. Each struck a beast clinging to the walls, exploding in great shes of light and bone-shattering peals of thunder. Demons blew apart in columns of me and force, limbs flying one way and bones another.


    And that was just the opening salvo.


    As raging demons gaped at their dying fellows, Ripp was among them, knives flickering as he sped between their legs, blurring in impossible speed, steel spraying ck and red liquid.


    A hamstring slit behind an ankle.


    A vein opened in a thick thigh.


    In a heartbeat, two giants were tumbling to the earth, and Ripp was on them, hooked des doing their gruesome work.


    Ezerak chanted a war-cry in an ancient tongue, raising his curved de high. His skin rippled. His tattoos boiled.


    An armprised of a horde of horrifying monstersdemon lions, snarling griffons, enormous bats, and stalking trees leapt from his flesheach growing to full size in heartbeats as they jumped the frenzied demon monkeys.


    Ezeraks monsters ripped the demons like parchment, shredding them with w, fang and beak. Arger diabnireus sprang from the wall gripping a massive rock above its head and dropping it on a griffons skull, rupturing the creature in a wash of ink and fumes.


    Regenerating, it returned to Ezeraks chest, free of colour, leaving it grey and wan.


    Alexs jaw dropped, but before he could utter a word, a titanic surge of mana struck his senses from the side.


    Kyembe had stepped up, raised his arm and aimed his fist before him. His ring red a blinding bright white. A terrible heat swirled.


    With a sickening hiss and crackle like bone bursting, a white beam of hellfire shot from the ringfilling the air with blinding heatand striking a demon-ape mid-chest in mid-leap.


    The creature shrieked only once, erupting in a column of white me that consumed it down to bone and beyond, leaving only a cloud of white ash. Within the cloud, the spark of hellfire burned, jumping to another demon. Then another. When its searing light winked out, four had been reduced to dust.


    Kyembe groaned and the scent of burnt flesh rose.


    But, Celsus was surging past the Spirit Killer, every stride eating the distance between him and the now panicked horde. With the momentum of a falling tree, his enormous mace smashed through air, flesh, and bone with equal ease.


    Demons pulped beneath the blows, their own strikes ttered futilely against his armour. He didnt slow.


    In heartbeats, most of the horde was down and the rest looked frantic, poised to scatter.


    ygon stopped them dead.


    Literally.


    Fire-beamsnced into the apes, and though their fur resisted me from thebyrinths stone walls, it incinerated in ygons terrible fire-magic.


    In the end, the troop of anthropoids was reduced to a horde of twitching corpses, drifting ash, and bits of meat drowning under the menagerie that had swarmed from Ezeraks form.


    Uh Alex murmured in amazement. Welluhwell done.


    Thundar elbowed his friend, leaning in and whispering. You, uh, wanna hire these guys all the time? Pretty sure wed have your kingdom cleaned up in ten minutes.


    I hear you, Alex whispered back, watching the mercenaries take stock of the situation. Well, you get what you pay for, I guess. And Im paying a <em>lot</em>. And I do mean, a <em>lot</em>.


    Fair enough. The minotaur nodded.


    <em>Fatherall threats are destroyedyou shouldbe moving soon,</em> ygon said, taking up a position beside the portal. The butt of his war-spear struck the ground.


    We will guard your escape. Celsus marched back, also taking up a guard position across from ygon on the opposite side of the gate. Do not fear. We will be ready if you need us.


    Lets hope we wont, Alex said, his eyes falling on the other mercenaries. Even with this group, Id prefer that we be out of here without fighting another horde of demons. You never know when catastrophe will get you.


    He nodded to Kyembe. Hey, are you alright? I smelled something burning.


    Hellfire is a gluttonous beast, and it demands its price. The Spirit Killer pulled back his sleeve, revealing a mass of burns snaking along his ring-hand and arm.


    Alex flinched. Holy hells! That doesnt look alright!


    Give me a moment. The purple d mercenary sheathed his sword, and Alex felt another surge of power as Kyembe pressed his other hand to the wounds. Muted, golden light enveloped his fingers, cooling flesh and sloughing off burnt tissue, exposing new, unblemished skin.


    There, as smooth and whole as the day I was born. He pulled his sleeve down. I can pay hellfires price for some time, as long as my eldritch energies hold. Beyond that? Things bechallenging, shall we say.


    Right Alex noted the arm, filing it away on a mental list of weaknesses. If Kyembe, Celsus or any of the others <em>did</em> try to betray him, he would have to hit them fast, hard, and right where it hurt. Well, I can heal with blood magic, so if you need to save your power, just tell me.


    A fine offer, and I thank you. The Spirit Killer nodded.


    Two healers. Ezerak whistled. Were spoiled on this job.


    Aye, and nasty killers too, Ripp said. But, Im feeling more confident already.


    Dont, thats always when things go wrong in the old stories. Alex grimaced, pulling out Baelins map. Alright, so lets get going. We have a party to go to.


    The journey through thebyrinth wasthankfullynot a difficult one. Baelins map proved invaluable, providing clear and simple directions through the miles of maze-tunnels between Alexs group and the waiting wagon.


    Through the hours-long walkmade easier with body enhancement magic from the aeld staffthe team spoke little, kept their eyes peeled, and their ears cocked for the first sign of danger.


    Ripp took up position at the front of the group, often zipping ahead, scouting corners to alert hispanions of hidden danger. Guntile took the rear, her eyes scanned the path behind them, watching for even the faintest shadow of a wild demon.


    Though there was little conversation between them, Alex had much to upy his mind: ygons emotions and thoughts reached out to him across the miles. <em>Nothreatshere, father. Are youalright?</em>


    Alright and on schedule, Alex thought, tracing their path along Baelins map. Havent met any travellers, forces from the demons city, or wild demons. How about you?


    <em>Nothing herefather. Juststanding stillwith Celsus. He is very good at standing stillfor a living thing.</em>


    Yeah, Alex thought. Well, hes very good at fighting too. Rely on each other, and watch him closely.


    <em>Iwillfather </em>ygons thoughts drifted away.


    The aeld staff gave a small peal of emotion, as though saying goodbye to the golems consciousness. Alex shook his head. Still wondering how it does that.


    No threats up here, boss! Ripp called, peering around a corner up ahead. The swiftling kept his distance from the burning walls.


    None on our left. Ezerak watched the wall closest to him.


    None to our right. Kyembe watched the other one.


    And nothing behind us, Guntile reported. This is almost too easy.


    Dont say that. Thundar warned her. No faster way to find something jumping out at you than saying that.


    Youre a superstitious lot, Ezerak said, sounding amused.


    Comes from experience. And by the way, thats something else thatll get monsters jumping out at you. Alex referred back to the map, calling on the Mark.


    It brought him detailed images of the path theyd taken since reaching Cretalikon, giving him a better understanding of their trek through the maze so far. The Mark even noted tinyndmarks and peculiarities in the stone, most of which had escaped Alexs notice at the time.


    If we lose the map, he thought. Id better make sure to have our route out of here memorised. I can see mania taking hold of us if we get lost on the way back, especially if theres an army of demons on our tand speaking of mania


    He took a subtle look at the mercenaries. They seem fine, at least right now. But, if things go wrong, thats when Thundar and Ill <em>really</em> have our hands full. These folks are a dangerous bunch, without question, and if even one of them turns on us, it likely wont end well.


    As they made their way through the maze, Alex reyed the battle at the portal in his mind, looking for weaknesses in his minions.


    Ripps quick. Real quick. His des bite hard and fast. If he turns against us, we cant hesitate. Not for a second. Greater force armour might buy some time, but hed ughter me if I dont take him down fast. The best way to counter him would be to summon a horde of monsters to slow him down then hit him with sleep magic.


    His eyes briefly flicked to Ezerak, remembering the creatures covering his body. <em>Hell</em> be a major problem if he turns. The man wears an entire army on his skin, but he must use a lot of mana powering those tattoos. Blodeuwedds mana-draining magic shouldhopefullydrain a lot of his forces. After thata sleeping spell maybe.


    His attention drifted to Kyembe. Hes almost as quick as Ripp in some ways, and his ring means nothing short of instant <em>death</em>. but it takes time to chargelike ygons fire-beams used toand I bet it also draws a lot of mana. While hes charging it, I hit him with Blodeuwedds mana-draining magic then freeze him in ce with blood magic, or maybe put him to sleep.


    Thest one for him to consider was Guntile. Those stones of hers could split Thundar and me like rotten fruit, and shes real quick with them too. Maybe use deflective force rectangles to p them away, whichll buy me a few seconds. Then a bunch of Wizards Hands to try and pull the bag from her, followed by sleeping magic or booby-trapped flight magic.


    He nodded, satisfied with the nningsomewhat. Still, no matter how you look at it, a fight between us and them would be rough, and if two or three of them join up and turn on us, we may as well ept the fact that were as good as dead. Jeez, I wish Id learned nar Doorway already, itd be great for escaping.


    His eyes drifted up to the me-wracked skies. No sense in wishing, or buying trouble. n for the worst, but focus on whats in front of you.


    Boss, were here! Ripp called peeking around another t-junction.


    Around the corner a festive looking wagon waited, as fine as any Alex had seen at festivals in Alric or those in Generasi. Its frame was crafted of solid brass, and the wooden panels surrounding it were painted a deep scarlet.


    Atop, a bronze gargoyle perched, its eyes burned with illusionary red light. Though the wagon was big enough for at least ten veryrge passengers, it was only being pulled by two draft animals: two of thergest hell-boars Alex had ever seen.


    The demonic beasts were docile, gazing at the troupe with cid eyes as they approached.


    Well, here we have it. Alex announced. The Troupe of the Gargoyles carriage, to take us into the city.


    Thank my ancestors, Thundar grunted. I was sick of walking.


    We rest here. Alex turned to the mercenaries. Eat up, drink, nap, do anyst minute business you have to. Thisll probably be thest meal well be having for a while.


    Or at all, Guntile grunted.


    Ah, banish such thoughts. Kyembes crimson eyes shed under his skull mask. We are mighty, as we have shown each other; the lion does not spend each moment cowering and contemting his death.


    Ezerak grimaced. One of my generals was called The Lion. Last I saw of the man, he was skewered on half a dozen pikes. Deathes no matter how you think of it.


    The Spirit Killer spread his hands. Then better to plunge into the after-world in a fine mood, not a foul one. Death cares not if we scowl or smile when ites.


    Id rather tell it to piss off for another hundred years, Alex said.


    Or two hundred, Thundar added.


    Can we stop talking about death now? Ripp scowled. It brings poor luck.


    Fair enough. Alex tapped his staff on the stones. Eat and get some rest. Well be seeing the walls of Jaretha, Cretalikons capital city, soon. And then its show time. Literally.

 Chapter 517: The Walls in the Centre of the Labyrinth

    Chapter 517: The Walls in the Centre of the Labyrinth


    The ramparts of Jaretha made the outerbyrinths walls look like a childs sand castle.


    Forged of gold and white, burning stone, it filled the sky above as the Troupe of the Gargoyle rolled toward the open gates. Calling them city walls seemed to do them a disservice.


    The walls around Generasi? Now those were fine city walls, in Alexsadmittedly inexperiencedopinion. They were high. They were strong. They were well polished.


    They werent, however, roughly eight hundred feet high, as Jarethas ramparts were, ording to what hed read about the hell-domain.


    Such wealth and splendour, yet so many fiends take their pleasure in the torment of mortalkind. How many of these immortal fiends leave their walls to hunt us in the material world? Kyembe sat behind, leaning out as Alex gripped the hell-boars reins, guiding them as they pulled the wagon to Jaretha.


    The young wizard noted disgust in the Spirit Killers voice.


    Its bloody ridiculous when you think about it, isnt it? he muttered in agreement.


    Enjoying their cosmic joke is the way of demons and gods. And we are the subject of their amusement.


    Heh. You remind me of someone, Alex smiled.


    Floorboards groaned behind them as painted hooves shifted position; Thundar poked his head out of the wagon over Alexs other shoulder, whistling at the gathered crowd before the city.


    He leaned around the side of the wagon, looking back.


    A mere hundred feet of stone separated Jarethas rampart from the surrounding maze, like a moat standing between a mortal castle and the encroaching wilderness. Thebyrinth stretched around the city as far as the eye could see, its burning walls parted by hundreds of pathways leading from its depths.


    From each passageway came dozens of demonic travellers, all making for the citys walls, turning the length of stone into a writhing thoroughfare of fiendish bodies.


    It was both horridyet beautiful, in its own strange way.


    Alex could only wonder how mortalsand there were mortal wizards who had left the material world to dwell in this citycould stay here without going mad.


    You, uh, marked where we came out, right? Thundar whispered as Kyembe ducked back into the wagon. If we have to leave in a hurry, itd be real easy to run into the wrong path.


    Alex subtly tapped his right shoulder. Ive got it memorised, he said, guiding the wagon through the crowded road to the colossal city gates. Trust me, theres no way were leaving here without knowing where were going.


    Thank the ancestors. Thundar looked ahead to the citys gates which appeared white from a distance, and of an irregr texture, only bing clear what the surface actually was as they came closer.


    They were not painted white, in fact.


    Nor were they carved of white stone.


    Rather, the bones of untold numbers had been pressed into their steely surface,minating them in a skeletal sheath, serving as a grisly warning to any who would think to enter the city by force.


    Or break one of its<strong></strongws when within its walls.


    I dont want to be decorating those gates when this is all over, the minotaur muttered.


    Dont worry about it, Alex said. Wed probably be decorating some hall in Kaz-Mowangs pce instead.


    Thundar red at him. Listen, if were gonna die, Im making sure they get you first.


    The troupe passed through Jarethas gates, two beams of red light falling on them like the suns rays breaking through cloud cover. But, the light came from far more sinister sources.


    nking the gates inside the city stood two demonic titans. Each half as tall as the walls at their backs, horned, hooved, and cyclopean; a single eye watched from the centre of their foreheads, burning like red stars, casting scarlet beams wherever their gaze fell. Scaly hands gripped spiked clubsrge enough to smash a rampart while their ankles were encircled by rings of spiked steel.


    A single kick would see those barbs shear through scores of foeswhether mortal or demonat once, making any sane enemy tremble at the carnage that would result.


    After a few tense moments, the titans eyes drifted away from the wagon, turning to inspect other members of the bustling, fiendish crowd. But they were far from thest eyes following the mortals as they made their way through the city.


    Dozens of demons and devils paused their business, turning to stare, gawk, point and grin at Alex and his wagon as it passed through the streets. Some cracked their knuckles.


    Some licked their lips.


    Others gnashed their fangs.


    All looked upon him with a manic hunger that made his skin crawl. For his part, the young wizard kept his eyes forward, shoulders set, and his back straight. Using the Mark, he altered his bodynguage to project importance, as though he belonged in the city and was there on important business for a very important master.


    Whether in mortal realms or demon ones, youre more likely to be left alone if you look like you belong, he thought. And you cant risk a fight before you even get to Kaz-Mowangs pce. If that happens, the whole missions blown.


    His eyes travelled up to the walls of the jewelled pce of Ezaliel dominating much of the sky above. Dont start throwing around thunder and lightning yet, Baelin, he thought. Give us a bit more time.


    Chancellor Baelin was very, very close to throwing around thunder and lightning.


    The ancient archwizard drummed his thumbs against the decidedly ufortable geometric monstrosity that Ezaliel had <em>imed</em> was a seat. He was still not quite convinced that the chair hadn''t been some sort of nasty, private joke on the demons part.


    The surroundings might also have been a part of that joke.


    Ezaliels meeting room was a kaleidoscopic nightmare of nonsensical shapes, rhombuses, dodecahedrons and other flights of visual mathematics, all shing together in a way precisely designed to irritate the mortal eye.


    To make matters worse, the room was oveid with polished, mirrored ss.


    On every surface.


    Thousands of twisted reflections of every demon in the chamber, as well as Baelin and his two attendant engeli, writhed in his vision from every angle: a fitting representation of the domains mania-field.


    For an untrained mind, the surroundings would have frayed their will to the limit, and opened their thoughts to the preying of the mania-field.


    To Baelin? It was simply irritating.


    As was the simpering demon before him.


    He was a lean, bulbous seneschal with the head of a jackal and the body of an emaciated human. His voice was like ss scraping across chalk, and his tone was ripe with the sort of arrogance reserved for bootlickers, bureaucrats and young noble offspring hiding behind the power of greater masters. as we have discussed at length, the piddly, insignificant crimesthat you so use the Abyssal Knight Ezaliel, Ionomancer of the Third Mountain, Master of the Orillian Cult, Defeater of the Three Hundred and Ny-Seventh sub-maze of


    The chancellor resisted the urge to st the offending demon intoponent atoms.


    His eyes drifted away from the sycophant to the form of Ezaliel, floating above his demonic attendants like some minor god looking down on his earthly realm.


    He was unchanged from Baelins memory: his form was carved like a perfectly cut jewel with thirty rhombic faces; each disying otherworldly lights swimming deep within its jewel-like structure.


    The lights shone like the shimmering hues in Noarcs Rainbow Tower, but while pretty, they also disturbed ones senses like a predators eyes shining through a lightless jungle, or the light from stars that had grown sick. At times, they red bright enough to light up the mirrors, twisting the reflections, making them waver like one was viewing them through bubbling water.


    His power was much greater here, Baelin felt it, and the silent abyssal knight emitted the confidence of a general surveying a conquered realm.


    The chancellors nostrils red in displeasure.


    He doubted the demon was so foolish as to forget the results of theirst encounter: Baelin had been the victor by a wide margin, and the demons home advantage could only serve to lessen such a gap, not eliminate itpletely.


    No, there was something else at y here: the ancient archwizard had the distinct feeling that he was not the only one with help waiting in other realms.


    A part of his mind wandered, thinking of the small group who werelikely at this momentbeginning to infiltrate the halls of Kaz-Mowang. Another part of his mind consulted his internal timekeeper, counting down the amount of time he had left before he could begin his distraction operation.


    The gibbering struck them first.


    A babbling of voices drifted toward their wagon on the hot wind, punctuated by the manic rattling of iron bars. There was giddyughter, mixed with deep, heart-breaking sobs.


    That doesnt sound good, Guntile whispered from inside the wagon.


    The troupe had passed through the city, and were now slowly and cautiously travelling the passageways of Kaz-Mowangs personal maze. Things had been unnaturally quiet; the greater demons guards had not troubled them at all, simply looking at the gargoyle atop their wagon then ncing away as though they were beneath even a second look.


    From there, they had moved deeper into the confines of Kaz-Mowangs maze while the sounds of the city faded behind them. Only the crackle of the fiery sky, the creak of their wagon, and their own whispered words broke the unnerving silence.


    Yet, manic energy filled the air, like a breath held before a scream.


    And now the scream hade.


    A shriek of ecstasy and agony joined the gibbering and sobbing ahead, sending a chill deep into Alexs soul.


    Im not sure I wanna know what that is, Thundar murmured. Im getting sick just hearing it.


    Steady, Ezerak whispered as their wagon emerged from Kaz-Mowangs personal maze. Steady.


    Yeah, Alex said as they rolled through the passage, emerging from the maze and into the greater demons well tended grounds. In a way, our performance begins right now.


    Aye, Ripp muttered. I for one want to know where that racketsing from.


    Your wish is answered. The Spirit Killer leaned over the others, his hand gripping the edge of the wagon. Look there, beyond the fountain. You will see what passes for music in these realms.


    Alex followed Kyembes pointing fingerthen immediately wished he hadnt.


    Ahead, a towering fountain rose, forged in the image of Kaz-Mowang, standing triumphant on a hill of corpses. The tines of his trident sprayed red liquid through the air, their streams arcing down, sshing into the waiting mouths of stone gargoyles.


    And behind the fountain, the source of the sounds.


    A dozen cageslike those for songbirds, but several orders of magnitudergersat in a row beside a line of crimson hedges. Inside each cage, a mortal huddled: trapped, filthy and utterly broken.


    ssy eyes stared into nothingness as they wept, giggled or sobbed to themselves. Someughed hysterically while smashing their foreheads against the iron bars. Others chewed bleeding fingers.


    Each wasting muscle was tensed from the effects of the mania-field, and ashen skin was criss-crossed in a grid of scars and open wounds.


    A pack of demons stood aroundws clutching fancy sses of what looked like winedrinking, chatting, and sharingughter. The scene was the exact image youd expect to see of a group of aristocrats enjoying the orchestra at one of Patrizia dePaolos balls.


    But, the sight of those poor, broken souls wasnt what drew Alexs eye the most. Among the demons near the cages were two recognisable figures standing with a third,<strong></strong>and the trio towered above the others.


    The first was a demon of metal and gears, looking like an infernal machine given unnatural life. Its head was far too small for its body, while its belly was rounded like a great iron cauldron. Gears whirled in its joints as steam poured from its eye sockets and mouth.


    Kaz-Mowang was the second: tall, hulking and, with a manic malice emanating from him in waves. His body was a tower of power, his horns could have impaled the hell-boars with a single sweep. He was without the trident he customarily carried, instead, he held a fine goblet of wine as he conversed with the demons, one who Alex recognised all-too-well.


    Not too far from the wagon, stood the towering, powerfully built form of Zonon-In, with menace in her eyes and her crabs ws snipping at the air in time to the screams.


    As the wagon rolled along, she spied them, a toothy grin taking her maw as she announced:


    Atst, more entertainment has arrived! Let us hope they can keep their minds, though if they dont, thats always fun too. In its own way...

 Chapter 518: Old "Friendly" Faces and New Unfriendly Ones

    Chapter 518: Old "Friendly" Faces and New Unfriendly Ones


    For a few heartbeats, Alexs nerves threatened to fray.


    Memories of what had happened in Crymlyn Swamp came back to him: the demonic magic ripping through his mind, the war-spear slicing ygons body, the terrible blows raining down on his friends


    He shuddered as anger and uneasiness crept up his spine; expecting Zonon-In to recognize him. Would she attack him? Probably not: the greater demon knew that these performers she had helped arrange for Kaz-Mowang were agents of a rather dangerous archwizard.


    But, having her present couldplicate thingsdepending on what she didand he was also surprised that she was there so early since hed assumed shed only make an appearance when the g was well underway, giving him and his team time to get set up, and be ready for their performance.


    She was a wild card that he hadnt expected to be yed this early.


    Alex gripped the hell-boars reins as she approached, nked by the curious Kaz-Mowang, and that towering greater demon of metal, gears, smoke and steam.


    Zonon-In grinned, ncing at the bull-headed demon. What do you think of this interesting little wagon? The performers call themselves the Troupe of the Gargoyle? Isnt that deliciously ironic?


    Kaz-Mowang raised an eyebrow. Twin clouds of smoke rose from his nose. Are they rted to Garnyxulon? he asked, his voice boiled as though a dozen beings spoke as one.


    Of course not, Zonon-In snorted. But the image of our fallen rival would serve well to lighten the heart, wouldnt it?


    Agreed. The third demon spoke, its words marked by the spewing of sparks, ash and steam from a multitude of gaps in its metallic body.


    Alex bowed his head as he brought the wagon to a halt, watching the greater demon with concern. Her grin was nasty, her eyes a sea of malicebut no trace of recognition took her face.


    There wasnt a single twitch of acknowledgement in her bodynguage: either she was really good at hiding her intentionswhich she likely wasor she hadnt seen through his disguise.


    Still, there was no need to tempt fate; it would be best if they were away from these three, and deep into their business as quickly as possible. With a great flourish, he called out to the demons:


    Pleased to meet you, mlords and dies! Alex hopped up, leaping into the air and flipping twice beforending on the stones with hardly a sound. Hardly a sound save for the clinking of bells on his cap, that is. We, the troupe of the Gargoyle, humbly humble ourselves in the abode of the great, mighty, terrible and wonderful Kaz-Mowang!


    The Fool of Uldar cartwheeled into a handstand before whistling in the direction of the carriage. To me, my fellows!


    One by one, the team members exited the wagon in dramatic fashion.


    Ripp shot forward, racing across the stones in a tight figure-eight then whirling and spinning like a childs top before dropping into a bow beside Alex.


    There was a sh of light and a popping sound as Guntile struck the ground with a magical stone that instantly ruptured in a disy of multicoloured me and smoke. She leapt through the smoke, skidding forward to take a knee before Kaz-Mowang.


    Kyembe came spinning off the wagon, twirling his sword in one hand in a circr cut, while spinning a long, coloured stick in the other. His feet struck the earth, tapping the ground in a frenzied beat as he danced, spun and twirled the sword and stick. He tossed the de in the air, caught it in a loop on his belt, then nted the stick on the stone, leapt up,nded atop it, and bowed at the waist, keeping perfect bnce on a single foot.


    Behind him, two lions leapt from the wagon, grappling and wing each other before separating. The two enraged beasts red, circling each other from a distance before charging, maws parting and ws extending.


    But when they collided, they shattered like ssflowing back into Ezeraks tattoosrevealing the former king and Thundar locked in battle, their teeth clenched. The man pushed the minotaur back, then the minotaur pushed the man back.


    In a mutual disy of strength, they grabbed each other by the shoulders, throwing one another down, then bowing before the greater demons.


    We, the Troupe of the Gargoyle, look forward to entertaining you! six voices shouted in unison.


    Silence followed, only broken by the constant gibbering of caged mortals.


    Then, loud apuse.


    Quaint! Kaz-Mowang proimed as he pped, a massive smile taking his bovine features. Alex made note of every exposed tooth in that mouth, they looked as sharp as daggers. Delightful and quaint! Reminds me of my mortal days, long, long, long ago! Very good choice, Zonon-In!


    The towering she-demon grinned. I am much obliged, Kaz-Mowang. And they have more to show you! Her grin widened. Much more.


    Hmmmmm the third demon mused, his displeasure voiced by a hiss of steam from all sides. Billowing, the hot cloud drifted close to Alexs face,ing dangerously close to scalding away his make as he bnced on one hand.


    I expected more from them, Zonon-In. Where is the blood? Where is the mania?


    He gestured to the caged mortals at their backs. Where is the <em>madness? </em>I want <em>entertainment.</em> He jabbed a fingertipped by a sword-like wtoward Alex. You. Take that ones sword He pointed at Kyembe. and fight the minotaur to the death. That will be a good opening to the festivities. Proper fun.


    Now, now, Yantrahpretaye, Zonon-In said. Mortal entertainers who perform so far to that extreme are rare...for very good reason. She grinned. What? Is that lump of mercury you call a heart so unmoved? Perhaps if they were juggling gears instead, you would be more interested.


    y your games elsewhere, Zonon-In, I have no interest in your private jokes or attempts to infuriate. The steel demon puffed out a cloud of steam, which seemed to writhe with its own fiendish life. I want blood in my entertainment. Screams. Ecstasy. Agony. Not parlour tricks. Kaz-Mowang, order one of them to kill one of the others.


    Alexs mind worked quickly. May I have permission to speak, most mighty of demons? he asked Kaz-Mowang, keeping his voice simperingoozingplimentary sycophancybut without showing any fear that could<strong></strong>arouse the demons curiosityor hunger.


    The bull-headed fiend nced down at the jesterwho was still bnced on one handand gave a snort. Speak.


    Yes, mightiest of the mighty, Alex said. I wish to hear of your exploits, demon master. Zonon-In said that you are a great warrior, and I thought we might incorporate some of your magnificent battles into our act. Quaint recreations of your limitless might.


    Alexs eyes flicked to the sculpted likenesses of Kaz-Mowang throughout his courtyard, and pce architecture.


    y to his vanity, Alex, he thought. Theres plenty to work with.


    Go on the greater demon said, his chest just barely puffing up.


    Yantrahpretaye let out a puff of acrid ck smoke. Metal ground on metal beneath the surface of his form.


    Our stylings will capture your majestythough notpletely since were but mere mortalsand present it through the quaint eyes of mortal actors. Well astound! Well thrill! Well elicitughter! And well show your guests your glory! I ask that we be allowed to keep our lives so we can present your magnificence with our fullplement!


    The bull-headed demon stared down at him, blowing another puff of steam from his nostrils. Then he threw his head back andughed. Dont think you have fooled me, mortal. I know very well that youre begging for your life and that of your friendsbut what a way to do it! Very well, you have pleased me so far! Lips parted, revealing his razored fangs. But I warn you, I have <em>very</em> high standards: you will capture my glory in the ways you promised and more, or I will see that your bodies provide the exotic entertainments mypeer desires.


    I wish to see the inside of mortal skin. Yantrahpretaye scraped his knife-like ws along his belly.


    And you will! Kaz-Mowang announced, pping hispanion on the shoulder. The sound of his hand striking that iron shoulder was like a church bell sounding. We have many mortal rats, demons, engeli, and other spirits to run my maze. We have creatures to be vivisected, some to over-stimte, and others to dance. You will have all the sensations you desire. Allow me this quaint act, my guest.


    The metal demon sprayed a great line of steam from the top of his head. Your once mortal existence is showing, Kaz-Mowang. But fair. There is plenty to feast upon. These mortals can be allowed toexist, for now. But if they fail to impress, allow me to do with them as I will.


    Zonon-In? Kaz-Mowang raised an eyebrow at her. Will you need these creatures again?


    I will not, she said simply. Do what you must.


    Very well, then The bull-headed demon grinned down at the Troupe of the Gargoyle. Now that you know the consequences of failure. Let that motivate your performance to its greatest heights.


    Yes, potent master. Alex bowed his head. Might we ask for a boon? We wish to know more of your mighty exploitsmight you regale us?


    Hmmm, no. The demon snorted. I will have my archivist tell you of my deeds. A servant will show you where you may put your wagon; keep from underfoot until the g begins. I will send my archivist and Master of Festivities to you so that you may know your ce and role. Now go, before one of my other guests decides to begin the festivities earlyusing your blood!


    Well, its official, Thundar muttered from inside the wagon, practising his illusions. I hate this ce. I hate that demon bastard and Id like to smash his face in until his snout caves in.


    The group had pulled the wagon far off to the side of the pce, stopping among arge number of tents, carriages and enormous carts. From within them, sobbing from mortal suffering, moans of pleasure, and other maddening noises could be heard.


    In the distance, more of Kaz-Mowangs guests arrived.


    It wouldnt be long now.


    You and me both, Thundar. I wish ygon was here so we could break all three of those demons in halfwell, actually more likely theyd rip us apart before we got the chance. Greater demons are no joke. Alex straightened a bell on his costume. Better we get in and get out of here without them knowing that anythings even missing


    He winced as a cry came from a nearby carriage. I wish we could free all of these poor souls, though.


    Down that path lies death. Ezerak warned in a whisper. The former king practised bending an iron bar. Most of these folk have already had their minds shattered.


    And many have found themselves in this horror by way of pact, not capture. Still Kyembe practised twirling his de. A terrible anger simmered in his voice. ...this ce needs to be ashes in a hot wind. I would see to it that the cages are thrown open, and<strong></strong>these vile demons<strong></strong>thrown down.


    Oi, oi. Ripp red at him. Lets not get stupid, alright? Them three demons made my ears wither. Were good, but I doubt that a fight between us and them would end in any other way than with us dead.


    Hmmm. The Spirit Killer tapped the side of his skull mask. Of that, I would not be so quick to dere, my friend. Demons and gods think themselves lions among the meekpared to we mortals, but the lion has learned to fear fire, bow and spear. And we have such in abundance.


    I would like to see that arrogant iron bastard go boom, Guntile snarled, rattling her stones across her finger joints. ButI dont know about our chances. Ezerak?


    Against those three? We <em>might</em> take it. The former kings expression was dark. But not without losses, especially if Celsus and the golem dont get here soon enough to reinforce us. And if the demons servants and guests join the fight? Were dog meat. And anyway, were not being paid to start fights unless we get orders to. Are we starting a fight,mander?


    Alex shook his head. If we get a chance, we might free some people on the way outbut I cant risk all of us, especially for people who might be here because they wanted to be cultists. He looked at Thundar. Thoughts?


    Yeah, itd be real nice if we could let some of those folks outbut no way we can protect them all the way back to the portal, andst thing I want is to be captured or gutted like a fish because were trying to be heroes. shit, maybe thats an awful thing to say


    I think Baelin would approve, Alex said. Maybe welle back and burn this ce to the ground when were archwizards.


    Thundar smiled. You know just what to say to make a guy feel better.


    Troupe of the Gargoyle? A posh-ented voice called out from outside the wagon. I was told by my lord and master that you would need lore on his achievements?


    Theres my cue. Alex whispered, moving toward the back of the wagon. All of you, I want you to go out and mingle with the other entertainers, if youre confident in your social skills, that is. We need information. Im going to try and get this archivist talking: if I can manoeuvre the conversation right, I might get a good idea of <em>what</em> were actually looking for. And where we need to go to find it.

 Chapter 519: A Symbol of Fruit

    Chapter 519: A Symbol of Fruit


    The archivist, to no ones surprise, was a horrible creature.


    Twice as tall as Alex, with the bloated body of a bipedal pigdripping with mucusand the head of an enormous, filthy fly. The creatures odour burned Alexs eyes and churned his stomach.


    It took every bit of his training to keep his face neutral, and thankfully, the carrot strapped to his face limited his sense of smell; but, he also had to keep blinking to stop tears from pouring down his face.


    The master of festivities, on the other hand, was quite the opposite; she looked almost human, with only her goats horns, bat-like wings, and scorpions tail betraying her demonic nature. She was also stunningly beautiful, so much so, that it nearly hurt his mortal eyes to look upon her directly: graceful curves hugged a robe of white silk.


    Sucking on one of her fangs, she gazed on Alex distantly as he bowed before them.


    This humble jester makes your acquaintance, he said. Im the leader of our troupe, and I hope we can serve to entertain and thrill. Thank you for taking the time to give me my instructions and regale me with the deeds of the great Kaz-Mowang.


    Hmmmm, so you know etiquette. Thats a true rarity in a mortal, the master of festivities pronounced, ncing at a golden scroll held in wed fingers. In order of appearances, your act will be thirdafter the beastsbut before the maze run. Once the g begins, you shall be ushered into the servants gallery then you appear when your troupe is called. If your performance is satisfactory, you shall be given the chance to eat of Kaz-Mowangs table and enjoy some delicious libations. My lord is generous, he would never see his entertainment cast out into the city as though he could not afford to feed them.


    Understood, Alex muttered. Kaz-Mowang be praised.


    Very good. The master of festivities made a mark on her golden parchment. Celpahophon will provide you with the lore you seek. Ensure you sing my masters praises properly.


    With a single beat of her wings, she was off, flying into the zing sky.


    There was a sound of bubbling phlegm, and the archivist spat on the stones at his side. Mortal! I like you! the fly headed demon proimed suddenly.


    Alexs eyes grew wide. Really?


    Yes! the demon gurgled. You have shown great interest in the most interesting subject in all the realms: the glory of the great Kaz-Mowang! A foul odour sprayed from its fly-like mouth with every word.


    Alex resisted the urge to curl in a ball and die, after heaving his guts out.


    Yes I have! he said with a forced smile, immediately regretting opening his lips when the odour hit his tongue. I want to know all about the great lords battles, his victories and his triumphs. There are many to be told, Im sure.


    Of course there are! Celpahophon boasted. And I have memorised the details of each and every one.


    Everyst one? Alexs interest piqued. Behind him, the rest of the troupe climbed from the wagon, spreading out among the other entertainers. What are your favourites?


    Get people talking about themselves, he thought. Lower their guard. Demons especially love talking about themselves.


    Im so d you asked! the archivist trilled like a glee-filled bird. A favourite of mine is Kaz-Mowangs Triumph over the Coward Ilz


    The archivist self-importantly began recounting details of different battles that his master had fought.


    And the more he talked? The more Alex wished he could turn the greater demon inside out.


    The hard way.


    Every triumph seemed to be some new cruelty.


    Most victories<strong></strong>were against the sort of folk<strong></strong>Alex would likely have called friends, and Kaz-Mowangs sesses often spelled days of darkness for entire nar domains or mortal realms. It made Alexs teeth grind.


    Buthe was noticing something.


    Not a single name this mucus-covered demon mentioned belonged to any hero, realm or demigod he had ever heard of. Hed learned a great deal of history at the university, yet...none of the names were familiar, even those belonging to individuals from the material ne.


    The world is a big ce, he thought, considering the travelling Whetstone Tavern. But I should have heard of at least <em>one</em> of them


    He had a feeling that the Many-Spheres Theory was not that far fetched after all, but maybe he should be focusing his attention on this demon and its endless prattling right now.


    Ahhhh, that is a glorious tale. Theres no way we can fit them all into our performance, but well try and bring in one or two of your favourites. Alex winked. But ermtheres a battle that even this humble one has heard of, despiteing from a backwater world. Is it true that the great Kaz-Mowang fought a mere mortal called Hannar-Cim?


    The archivist stopped dead andfor a momentAlex wondered if hed gone too far.


    Suddenly, it shuddered like aspic, sputtering as a wet tearing sound rose from its back and a pair of immense dragonfly-wings sprang free, buzzing furiously. That battle was terrible! Terrible! I do not wish to speak of it! Take care that you do not mention it in front of my master forwhen his mood is lowany talk of it instantly drives him to terrible wrath.


    Ah, my apologies! Alex cried, as though admonished by the enormous demon. I had heard that the battle ended in his resounding victory. He decided to take a slight risk. Hannar-Cim was a devious opponent, triumphing only by quickly moving from ce to ce! Trickery! But Kaz-Mowang still defeated her!


    Her trickery robbed my master ofplete victory! the archivist screeched. She used her deceitful mortal magics to escape before the final blow could be struck, wetting herself in the process!


    Somehow, Alex had a feeling that part wasnt true.


    Ooooh! The young wizard pped his forehead as thoughing to an incredible revtion. Id heard that Kaz-Mowang had taken a trophy from her upon her defeat!


    He takes trophies from all worthy opponents upon their deaths, but Hannar-Cims object was dropped as she fled, soiling herself thoroughly! the demon boasted. A vile thing! She should have remained to grant my lord his victory as per his right.


    Alex considered the demons words.


    When exactly did this battle take ce?


    He knew of no tales about the Saint of Alric inbat with a greater demon. Had the priests simply left that out of her chronicle? He doubted it. All of his teachers at the church school loved filling young minds with the deeds of Alrics patron saint.


    Then again, they might have only taught stories of her victories, and left out any battle where a demon fought her to a standstill; if such a battle made Kaz-Mowangs archivist flinch at the telling, he could well imagine the church having simr qualms.


    Hopefully, whatever information he found, would shed light on everything.


    Its shameful that the great Kaz-Mowang couldnt collect his prize from a corpse, as is right and proper, Alexs voice dripped with sympathy.


    Yeesssss! Yeessss! You understand! The archivists enthusiasm bubbled over.


    The Fool of Uldar mimicked that enthusiasm, using the Mark to examine every minute tick in Celpahophons bodynguage. He mirrored the giant demons posture, loosened his jaw and widened his eyes as though he was a child gawking at the stars for the first time.


    I couldnt hope to understand. He bowed his head. Not in the way you dobutoh I wishno, I couldnt


    Speak, mortal! the archivist cried. There is no need to hold back from sharing in Kaz-Mowangs glory!


    Well, its just Alex shuffled, scuffing his feet along the ground. ...I wish I could see some of Kaz-Mowangs trophies for myself. Their glory must make one weak in the knees.


    Yes, yes they do! the fly-headed fiend giggled, hisughter causing great gouts of slime to run down his chest, soiling his rich, silk vest. You should count yourself lucky that Kaz-Mowangs trophies are only for his own eyes and those of his closest allies and advisors! The sight of themfor a mere uninitiated mortalwould strike blindness into you and wither all memories of beauty in your mind!


    Ahhhh, if only my eyes were more sturdy and my mind less imbecilic! Alex cried, miming wing at his own face in regret. Might I ask He looked around conspiratorially. if you could describe some to me, just so that I may share in even the ghostthe shadowthe scent of their glory!


    He poured enthusiasm into his voice: just a touch of uncontrolled emotion. A slight pulse of mania spread through his chest at the sound of it, as he saw Celpahophon puff up with even more self-importance and boundless glee.


    Well, since you asked so humbly: I will give you a taste of my lord and masters trophies! the fiends stench wafted through the air, a pulse of purple light coursing through the many lenses in his eyes. First, let us speak of the Lions Head of Numarai


    For a time, Alex let the giant demon ramble, going on about gruesome treasures that made his blood boil. Some of these trophies had no value in terms of magic or goldbut were the sort of sentimental items that one could never rece: paintings of deceased loved ones, the first gift from ones lover, or a childs first shoes, were some of his favourites.


    Again, Alex had to fight the urge to call ygon and have him rip this flys wings off. With a great effort, he resumed focus, paying attention as Celpahophon turned to<strong></strong>more general treasures: magical weapons, lost artefacts and other items of power.


    The young wizard steered the conversation subtly, waiting for a lull, then asking questions about the trophies from battles the archivist had previously mentioned. Andwithin those questionshe slipped in the important one.


    And what prize did he earn from that foul Hannar-Cim? Alex asked. I hope it was something precious.


    His voice portrayed utter sincerity, not allowing his ingratiating facade to crack for an instant.


    And the demon leapt on the bait.


    If only! it snorted. She dropped a pittance of an item


    Alexs eyes narrowed, ever so slightly.


    with no practical useor discernable sentimental value! It was a simple rectangle. The demon made a shape with its fingers. One just slightlyrger than your human hand with the symbol of a silver apple<strong></strong>on the back, and antern engraved in it. Other glyphs marked it, but none held any power! Perhaps it was just a useless piece of artwork shed scratched out! He shook his head in disgust.


    The young man nodded. Yeah, Alex said. Must be worthless


    To the demon, perhaps, but to the Thameish wizard, hed just gained something precious: he now knew what to look for.


    Symbolsmaybe some sort of stone tablet to decode the book? Alex thought. Maybe a trantion toolbut he said it had no discernable use, and these demons had decades to figure out how it works. Maybe it only works in the Cave? Or maybe its a dead endbut, its a lead. At least, its finally a damn lead!


    Indeed, worthless, but better it be in the hands of my master than some cowardly wretch! the archivist boasted.


    Alex promised himself thatif a fight did break out herehed make sure to smash this fly.


    Thank you for your insights! he said. For a moment, he considered asking <em>where</em> Kaz-Mowang kept his trophies, but that would have been entirely too obvious. Hed need some other way to learn where those trophies were kept.


    He and Celpahophon exchanged a few more pleasantries before Alex was atst permitted to take his leave to incorporate Kaz-Mowangs glory into his act. As he watched the fly-like fiend buzz into the air, his mind was already calcting.


    Thinking.


    Adapting to his circumstances.


    Looking for anything that could help him reach his goal for the mission.


    Something came to mind, something dangerous but it also promised a delicious irony. He remembered how close Zonon-In was to Kaz-Mowang.


    Hed probably show <em>her</em> his trophies, Alex thought. And if she thinks shes helping a powerful archwizardone that could owe her future favoursthen I think weve got ourselves a n. Good, lets let her work for us for once. If we can time things just right, we might be well gone from this ce before the g even ends.


    Elsewhere in the city, from deep within his own manor, a greater demon bellowed at his servants to ready his pnquin for Kaz-Mowangs g. He waste, annoyed, and on edge.


    Strange rumours buzzed of goings on in Ezaliels pce. Rumours of danger and dark negotiations. It was enough to give the mania-field extra bite today. The greater demon resisted the urge to punish his honour guard: a group of fearsome, veteran tiashivas who would serve as his escort through the g.


    As he paced, he hardly gave them a second look.


    Not even one of their most veteran members, whose third eye was narrowed in agitation.


    The creature had an enormous scar on its chest.


    As though someone had raked a burning saw through its flesh.

 Chapter 520: A Performance among Fiends

    Chapter 520: A Performance among Fiends


    Alexs scar itched under his shirt sleeve. Normally, the old wound wasnt prominent in his thoughts: he had more important marks on his body, after all, but this evening, a creeping sensation kept running through the long, raised scar on his arm. He scratched it absently, while sounds of revelry reached him through a thin wall and the door to the chamber the troupe was waiting in.


    Hours had passed since his conversation with the archivist, and the time had been filled with frantic activity; information was sharedas the troupe did somest minute rehearsingrecounting everything theyd learned from other entertainers theyd talked to. His talk with the archivist had borne the ripest fruit, but there were interesting bits the others had discovered.


    Thundar had learned from a circus act thatnot too surprisinglyKaz-Mowang favoured anything depicting the image of a bull. Minotaur performers were regarded fondly, and bulls losing in contests of beasts were judged harshly.


    That made it clear to Alex andpany that Thundar should be featured prominently in their act.


    Guntile had learned that Kaz-Mowang tended to show his closest allies his trophy room and other important<strong></strong>areas of the pce at the end of his gs. He was loath to leave the attention of his guests for too long.


    The rest of the team hadnt gathered much that would be helpful for their mission, except for one grim warning: the master of festivities had, without warning or hesitation, immted performers whod displeased her at past gs.


    Wouldve been good to know that before we decided toe down here, Thundar had grumbled.


    But, at this point, the time for grumbling andining had long passed.


    The troupe was in a side chamber, brought there by Kaz-Mowangs servants, just one group in a long line of mortals and fiends waiting to entertain the greater demon, and hoping to win his favour.


    Theyd been led through gilded hallwaysrge enough to march armies through, each corridor was patrolled by vicious tiavshivas, pazuzites and more exotic denizens. Some were gigantic humanoids whose skin was a mass of boil-like eyeballs, creatures called; Omnesventae who were known for seeing through all but the most powerful mortal illusions. Theyd licked their lips as if relishing something tasty, intently watching the performers as theyd passed, as thoughmitting their features to memory.


    Alex had no illusion as to what would happen to his team if they were taken by even one of these monsters.


    But the n was to avoid that by giving a performance that pleased the demons, especially Kaz-Mowang. If they failed


    Well be in a world of problems, he thought. Or maybe not. Cuzwell be dead.


    Thundar pped a hand on Alexs shoulder, looking the Thameish wizard dead in the eye. You ready? he whispered. Behind him, the rest of the troupe stretched, preparing for their debut. Beyond them, other performers readied themselves. Some looked jittery and on the verge of fainting.


    Yeah, Alex whispered back. As ready as Ill ever be. You?


    No. Thundar shook his head vigorously. I feel like Im gonna be sickbut like, I havent eaten in a while so its gonna be that nasty sorta sick thats all burning bile and water.


    I hear you, Alex muttered. Im feeling the same way.


    Well, dont matter if were ready at this point. Thundar tapped his mask. Only matters that we do it, and do it right. No pressure, eh? Just confirming, but, if we dieIm haunting your ass.


    Likewise, Thundar, Alex took a deep breath, fighting away stage fright and the mania-field effects warring inside him. Likewise.


    Beyond the door, sounds of violence, and roars of fiends loudly cheering echoed through the stone. From the shrieks and wild apuse, the Beasts performance seemed to being to a vile and bloody climax.


    Tough act to follow.


    Alex took a deep breath.


    Cheers came through the wall.


    Followed by silence.


    And so we have an astounding victory by Khanigor! Kaz-Mowangs voice boomed. A bloody one, just the perfect appetiser. The way we like it! But now, we have something more quaint. Mortal yers! See them astound and clown while you feast on my lively finger-foods! Come! I call the Troupe of the Gargoyle!


    Here we go, Alex whispered, leaping forward as the doors were thrown open.


    Greeting them through the gaping doors was Kaz-Mowangs ballroom, a chamber so massive that much of Patrizia DePaolos vi could have easily fit inside. It seemed to go on forever, gold and marble paved the floor, magical me zed in candbras and braziers of tinum and ivory. The ceiling was a whirling, living tapestry of Kaz-Mowang locked in deadlybat with a horde of engeli and mortal knights.


    Demons, mortal cultists and devils filled the ballroom.


    They milled about, over-filling the balconies, flying above the crowd below, darting and dancing between chandeliers, feasting and toasting Kaz-Mowang.


    Some of their food was still wriggling as they dropped it down their throats.


    The demons were as varied as they were multitude: portly, blue-skinned fiends with maws protruding from their bellies. Beautiful, curvaceous subi in dresses made to kill; in some ways, quite literally. Snake bodied men and women with six arms and faces raised with pride.


    And more.


    Many, many more.


    The rooms energy had the feel of a manic mobs, barely held in check by wills honed by millenia of existing within a disruptive field.


    These were their audience as the Troupe of the Gargoyle bounded into the room. Ripp zipped across the floor like a stone skipping over akes surface, blurring as he went. Then came Thundar, his head lifted in arrogance as he took on the role of Kaz-Mowang himself, nked by illusions of luscious demons and cowering mortals.


    Alex and Kyembe back flipped and danced behind him in perfect harmony, nodding to each other as they performed cartwheels. Guntile juggled fire and exploding stones, and Ezerak led a horde of beasts: lions, wyverns and drakes all prancing along like trained horses in a parade.


    Even to the jaded eyes of their demonic audience, they drew attention, with increasing numbers of the fiends turning from their conversations and drinks to level gazes at these springing, dancing, capering mortals.


    Gentlefiends! Alex cried, springing into the air, and drawing his staff from across his back. The Troupe of the Gargoyle is here to delight you! To inspire you!


    The aeld staff gave a peal of nervous excitement as he spun it around himself in dizzying circles, using the Mark to ensure his every movement was perfect. From the staff, heunched a dozen forceballs, swirling and whirling around him.


    We aim to make youugh, we humble yers do, and make this moment in your immortal lives one to remember! At least for a few hours! he shouted, pouring body enhancement magic over himself. Mana flooded his form, tightening his muscles, filling him with new vigour. He soared through the air, flipped andnded on a single finger, holding his staff high, bncing it on one toe of his foot.


    For thats all we humble yers can ask! He shouted. And that we maye even close to honouring the glory of Kaz-Mowang that he so deserves!


    As Alex shouted, he timed his words with the rise of the orchestras melody, letting the greater demons name echo through his halls. Meanwhile, Guntile flung a fistful of power stones in the air, letting them burst in shes of coloured light, ps of thunder, and radiant smoke.


    Above the central area of the ball room a longship crafted of pure ss hovered, held aloft by powerful flight magic that allowed it to orbit the chamber at a leisurely pace. Within the longship lounged dozens of jewel studded demons and cultists with golden symbols tattooed over their bare skin.


    Kaz-Mowang was among thema veritable emperor on his thronecasually watching the entertainment below.


    His eyes lit up at the deration of his glory.


    Got you right where I want you, Alex thought, lifting his voice.


    Let the performance begin! he cried.


    And with another explosion from Guntile, and fearsome roars from Ezeraks beasts, they began in earnest.


    First, they led off with a re-enactment of Kaz-Mowangs triumph at the battle of Yavic. Ezeraks beasts provided the enemy forces, charging Thundar while he struck them down.


    Ripp served as his general, praising Thundar as he marched around like a conquering emperor, while the others portrayed the cowardly,edic enemy generals and kings that sought to throw down Kaz-Mowangs righteous rulership.


    Alex served as the capering fool, stupidly singing his masters praises, before being pped by Thundar for flubbing his titles. Kaz-Mowang roared withughter at the sight.


    One by one, Thundaras Kaz-Mowangthrew down his enemies, who scrambled and stumbled around like durds. First Kyembe fell, sted by illusionary beams of magic. Then Ezerak. Then Ripp.


    As theyy broken, Alex pulled out his final card: changing history to appeal to his audience.


    Guntile stepped forward, dering herself to be Hannar-Cim, her announcement caused Kaz-Mowang to fall silent in his longship. But he was not silent for long.


    The greater demon pped in delight as Thundar crushed Guntile, sending the mercenary fleeing and crying out, begging for mercy before being soundly destroyed.


    It was aplete lie.


    A grand twisting of the truth.


    And Kaz-Mowang loved every moment of it, his apuse resounded through the chamber. His pping spread among many of his gueststhough for some, with markedly less enthusiasm, except for his servantsgrowing until apuse engulfed the ballroom like runaway me.


    Alex and his troupe continued their performance, breaking into individual acts, entertaining the crowd with their own talents, strategically allowing the attention to gradually move away from them. They entertained, but unobtrusively, letting the demons return to their own conversations and drinks.


    It wasnt an epic finalebut that was by design.


    A subtle ending would cement their good impression, without making them the centre of attention. They could finish their act with quiet ir then take their bows and smoothly blend into the throng of party goers, and as other acts performed, escape notice.


    It might not be a good strategy for performers looking to secure permanent patronage or future contractsbut for performers looking to slip away from the crowd to steal something?


    No better way to end a performance.


    And so, they went out with a whimper, as more and more demons lost interest in the quaint performers, as anticipation grew for the uing maze run. The only demon that watched themwith displeasure, was Yantrahpretaye.


    The creature puffed out rapid streams of smoke and steam as the performance ended. I want violence, not this y-acting and illusion!


    Youll get violenceter, impatient one. Zonon-In popped what looked to be a questionable piece of meat down her gullet. The maze run will bring you what you seek. Let the quaint ones go, they have earned their lives I say.


    Here! Here! Kaz-Mowang roared, pounding his goblet on the table before him in the longship. My glory was spread and my enemies were shown to be the dead buffoons they always were! Lets not punish those who please us, or why would anyone seek to please us?


    The mechanised demon sent another irritated puff of smoke screeching over the side of the ss ship. His hungry eyes remained on the troupe, giving them a hard look that promised all sorts of horrors if he were ever alone with any of them.


    Alex didnt intend to let that happen, melting into the crowd as Kaz-Mowang announced the beginning of the maze run.


    As one, the fiends began gathering, readying to move outside and watch the spectacle in the greater demons personal maze. Groups streamed to tables before slipping outside, quickly grabbing refreshments before heading outdoors.


    The Troupe of the Gargoyle huddled at the side of the room, nodding to each other.


    Well, we didnt die, Thundar said.


    A fine thing, in most circumstances. Kyembe cracked his knuckles.


    What next? Ezerak asked.


    Now, we spread out, Alex whispered, looking up at Zonon-In warily.


    The greater demon descended from the longship through flight magic, then settled before a table filled with strange, repulsive looking pastries.


    Ill be right back, Alex said, then slipped through the crowd.


    Moving between the revellers, he cautiously sidled up to the greater demon.


    Thank you for your support, oh mighty mistress! He bowed deeply, the bells on his cap ringing. His voice shifted in pitch, disguising it slightly.


    Zonon-In nced down at hima knowing twinkleas though she was keeping a secret, dancing in her eyes. Your patron believes in you, and so I support you.


    Indeed! Alexs tone was respectful for all near to hear, Im d to see you were pleased with our quaint, little performance. I hope that you keep pleasant memories with you throughout the evening. May you treasure it as you enjoy your evening, enjoying the maze run or evenif youre so fortunate He gave her a meaningful look. if you have the pleasure of seeing mighty Kaz-Mowangs trophies.


    Zonon-In stared down at him, her eyes shining.


    Even my patronour old friendwould love to see them, Alex said. If only he were here to do so in person. But, maybe you could see them for him, tell him of their magnificence. Im sure hed be delighted and appreciative of that.


    The greater demon licked her lips.

 Chapter 521: The End of Patience

    Chapter 521: The End of Patience


    Do you think I am here to risk myself, or to allow you to risk my position? Zonon-Ins eyes shed, her voice falling so low that little sound seemed toe from her lips. Yet her voice echoed through Alexs mind. I am here to enjoy the party, mortal. Your affairs are your own.


    Her gaze burned into the jester as he prayed to the Traveller that she wouldnt recognize him. He was nearer to her than he would have likedcloser than hed anticipatedwaiting for the moment her eyes lit up in malicious recognition, his stomach clenched.


    But, she showed no sign of realising who he wasso far.


    He pushed on.


    Yes, indeed, and I would never dream of asking you to do anything untoward or risky, the young wizard promised, his voice falling to the lowest of whispers. For no effort on your part, though, certainparties would know of your aid. And He nced up at Kaz-Mowang, the demon basked in fawning attention. Any help is another chance fopetition to be cleared away.


    Zonon-In sucked her fangs. Hmmmmmm her growl was low, reaching Alexs ears and deep into his core. Fair. It wont cause me any strife to do this. But you get no more help from me, mortal. The risk is yours, not mine.


    Fair, Alex whispered.


    Be ready. I wont miss the maze run for any of you, butafter... Zonon-In paused. Have wemet, jester? Have you visited the hells before?


    Alex fought a shudder. Ive been to the hells a time or two, he said casually, not letting his tension show. But, I would have remembered someone as memorable as you if wed met on this ne before.


    Technically, no lie told.


    She watched him for a moment before shrugging and sauntering off to join Kaz-Mowang.


    Alex let out a breath he hadnt realised hed been holding and almost burst outughing. Hed been right in front of the greater demon and she hadnt recognised him, and that was a great feeling.


    But, the faster were either out of here, or shes dead, the better. Honestly, both. Both would be good. his thoughts turned to hispanions.


    The demonic guests filtered out of the ballroom, giving him time alone with his team. In the end, just a few stragglers, servants, and fellow performers remained in the ballroom. Relieved, entertainers rushed the buffet tables, grabbing food and libations before the press of demons came back for more.


    With a meaningful look at each other, Alex andpany moved to a quieter corner of therge room, making a show of sharing lively conversation as they examined food on a table topped with bowls and tters of mostly recognisable fruits and vegetables, no wiggling meat for them.


    Were a go, Alex whispered. Kaz-Mowangs showing off his trophies after the maze run and Zonon-Ins going along for the tour. He looked around, making sure no one was near. Thats our in. Well follow them, find out where the trophy room is, and snatch what we came for.


    Sounds like a n, Thundar said grimly, keeping his voice low. We all going?


    I wouldnt rmend it. Ripp nced over his shoulder. A group of us disappearing suddenly would be noticed, and a big group roaming through the halls in this ce would be noticed even more.


    Are we splitting up, then? Guntile cringed. That never goes well.


    Dont see how we have much choice. Ezerak sniffed some multi-coloured greens in bowls on the table, then began filling a te. We all stay? We cant do the n. We all go? Chances of us getting caught goes up. Kyembe, any thoughts? Kyembe?


    The group looked over, the lean man had lifted his mask and was pouring himself a <em>very</em>rge cup of wine. A heaping bowl of spiced fruit sat on the table in front of him.


    What? He paused, realising they were watching him. This is the part where we have either triumphed, or will be having our guts torn out and used for decoration. If thetter happens, I would like some wine in those guts. The Spirit Skiller sniffed the wine goblet. And this is a fine vintage; better in our bellies than in demons.


    Thundar looked at him in awe. Hells, youre a genius! He rushed to the table, pouring himself a mug of wine.


    Yeah, no argument here, Alex filled a cup and drained it.


    Kyembe had been right.


    The wine was good. Very good.


    Right Ripp said slowly. So, who goes and who stays?


    I think I should stay. Thundar put down his mug. Id rather go, but I was the centre of our performance. Theyre gonna notice if I disappear.


    Alex nodded, thanking the Traveller that Thundar had suggested the idea before him. Better his friend was here, where there might be a better chance of him escaping if things went wrong.


    Good idea, Thundar, he muttered. Maybe He considered the mercenaries. Two of you shoulde with me. Three stay here, three go hunting. Seems practical, everyone gets a fighting chance, and no teams too big.


    Youre the boss. Ripp shrugged. Who stays and who goes, then?


    Alex contemted his choices for a time, considering his options.


    They could all handle themselves in a fight, so that was a given, but he needed stealth as well. Thundar would need enoughbat strength beside him if a horde of demons spotted him and whoever he was with.


    His eyes fell on Ezerak; the former king could summon an army from his skin. Numbers would be key to fighting a horde of demons in this enormous room, but not quite as useful in a tight corridor.


    Ezerak should stay with Thundar.


    Alex looked down at Ripp.


    Calling the swiftling fast was an understatement: he could move like a blur, hed snatched a dungeon core from an army of Ravener-spawn before they could blink; he could be trusted, theyd worked together before, and he was deathly quiet when he needed to be. Ripp would go with him.


    Which left the other choice.


    He considered Guntile, watching her as she carefully palmed her stones, getting them ready should things turn bad.


    He eyed Kyembe who was obviously enjoying his wine and shovelling his fruit like it was hisst meal.


    Alex sighed.


    He trusted Guntile more than Kyembe, but if this Spirit Killer was treacherous, better to have him closein reach of Ripps knivesthan out here with Thundar.


    Alright, Ripp and Kyembe, youre with me. Alex tapped his staff on the floor.


    Aye, thought I might be. Ripp squared his shoulders. Well, then, Spirit Killer. Hope that drink was good.


    It was. Kyembe wiped his mouth, his crimson eyes shing. Perhaps we can liberate some of it on our way out of this ce. That and other treasures.


    Liberate? No judgement, but you mean steal, right? Thundar said.


    The Spirit Killer shrugged. Here there are only tyrants and monsters that rule. They do not know how to treat their wine. So I say it is not theft, it is a rescue.


    I dont think theyd see it that way. Alex pointed out.


    Dead demons do not see much, my friend. And they need no wine.


    We are terriblyte! the greater demon snorted, his pnquin shaking as he disembarked. You fools will have made me miss the maze run!


    Beneath the pnquin, a horde of twenty demons shuddered under their masters weight, discretely sighing in relief when he finally climbed down.


    Guards! To me! the greater demon bellowed. Wine, I seek wine!


    Exchanging looks of disdain, the tiashiva bodyguards grouped around him, forming a menacing troop of honour guards.


    Yet, one seemed to pay his master little mind.


    The scarred demon was focused on Kaz-Mowangs pce, his eyes narrowing in curiosity.


    For the briefest moment hed felta familiar power re; a power that few other demons had his connection to.


    But that could not be.


    How would that mortal be here?


    I have new ones to show you, Zonon-In! Kaz-Mowangughed uproariously, the sound of his hooves cking on stone. His gait was a swaggering one, as hisughter rolled through the hallways, echoing from pir to post.


    I hope so, Zonon-In sounded thrilled. Id say you were cking, otherwise.


    I never ck. Kaz-Mowang boasted. Ie, I see, I conquer. The mortals in the maze run? They were from one of mytest conquests in the material world.


    That exins why they seemed so delightfullyfresh. The sound of her mouth-tentacles slurping across her lips was enough to chill the spine and turn the stomach.


    Charmin. Ripp hissed sarcastically while pressed to a wall beside Alex. Were gonna be trophies if he sees us.


    Or he shall be ours, Kyembe whispered on the other side of the young Thameish wizard.


    Were not picking fights that we can avoid, Alex whispered, peering down the corridor, keeping his eye on patrolling pazuzites strutting through the hall. He held his breath, waiting for them to pass.


    They moved by without spotting<strong></strong>the concealed trio.


    Go! Hug the next corner!


    Alex crept from behind the wall, moving to the next corner and hiding there. Ripp and Kyembe were silent behind him.


    Still together? he whispered.


    Here, Ripp whispered back.


    I am with you, Kyembe added.


    Stay close, Alex peeked down the long hallway, watching Kaz-Mowang leading Zonon-In and a group of demons and mortalsmostly femaletoward his prized trophies.


    Theyd been following the greater demon andpany for a while now, watching as the bull-headed fiend stopped every few steps to proudly show his guests some bit of architecture that disyed his wealth and taste. Meanwhile, Alex and the two mercenaries had crept along behind them, hugging walls and pressing themselves against corners since theyd left the ballroom in the chaos of party guests returning from the maze run.


    Briefly slipping into an empty chamber while the demon showed off his pce, Alex cast invisibility magic on the three of them, allowing them to stalk Kaz-Mowangs party at a safer distance. The tiashivas and pazuzite patrols lessened, with many going to guard the halls around the ballroom, but their numbers were still more than Alex wanted to see, especially with those Omnesventae around.


    Their illusion-piercing eyes could abruptly end the n, sowhen one appeared down a nearby hallAlex, Kyembe and Ripp doubled back, retreating around the nearest corner until the fearsome creature moved on.


    If Kaz-Mowang wasnt as fond of hearing his own voice as he was, they might have lost him in the multitude of hallways.


    Come on Alex thought as they tracked the bull-headed fiend. Where is this damned trophy room of yours? Whyd you have to build the biggest damn pce ever? For the love of the Traveller, why?


    Deeper and deeper they went into the gargantuan structure, passing seemingly endless rows of statues honouring Kaz-Mowangs form, murals depicting his deedsnone were too insignificantand suspended light fixtures glowing in his likeness. Everywhere they looked his image greeted them, bombarding them at every turn, threatening to disorient the trio, making it harder to recognise where they were, or where they had been.


    Alex used the Mark constantly, drawing images from it, using them to keep track of their path. If not for its help, theplex web of hallways and neverending images of the pces master, would have left even the clearest mind in total confusion. The Mark provided a mental map.


    When they finally got their hands on the prize they were here for, itd be up to him to lead them out of there.


    And fast.


    Thats <em>if </em>we ever get to his bloody trophy room! Alex thought in agitation. Does it even exist? Do you even <em>have</em>trophies, or did that disgusting, long-winded, shit-sucking fly demon lie to me?! Whats the matter with you? I


    And here we have it, my most favoured guests! Kaz-Mowangs voice boomed from ahead.


    finally! Alex thought.


    The trio crept around a corner, spying a massive doorway; not surprisingly, sculpted in a replica of Kaz-Mowangs face, the mouth was wide open, serving as an entryway.


    Two Omnesventa nked the entrance, their many eyes searching the hall beyond their masters guests. The three burrs darted behind the corner.


    We found it, Ripp hissed. Now what?


    Lets pull back and wait until they go


    Alexs voice trailed off.


    From somewhere inside the trophy room, a tickle of energy touched him, simr to when he was close to teleportation magic but much more specific. The power felt warm, familiaryet, he hadnt felt in a long while.


    Not since he, Selina, Theresa and Brutus had passed through a portal and appeared in the Rhinean Empire.


    It was the Travellers power.


    And in his core, something resonated with it.


    As his master guzzled wine, the demon dubbed Burn-Saw looked up suddenly.


    No, I definitely felt something, he growled. Hannar-Cims servant is here.


    Thundar nced around the ballroom as he entertained a gaggle of subi with his Kaz-Mowang impression. His eyes fell on a tiashiva with a massive scar running across his chest.


    Wait, whys that demon look so familiaOh. Oh <em>shit!</em>


    Baelin glowered as Ezaliels minion prattled on about alliances, the meagre value of mortal life, and truces. Still seated in the offensive chair hed been shown to in what felt like a lifetime ago, the archwizard gripped the armrests so tightly, they creaked.


    Enough!


    Hed tolerated this charade for far too long and now, his patience had run its course. He could finally embrace his breaking point.


    Alex and his team would have had enough time to act by now.


    Time for the distraction to begin.


    I have a counter proposal, the chancellors voice boomed.


    He reached out across his mental link. To me, my friends.


    From a distance, he felt aary surge of mana.


    His cabal wasing.

 Chapter 522: Chaos in Jaretha

    Chapter 522: Chaos in Jaretha


    Burn-Saw began moving with urgency while whispering to his master.


    Thundars stomach dropped.


    Things were about to go to hell.


    Literally.


    Well, if youll excuse medies, heughed. I gotta go and get my friends together for uha party.


    Oooh, one of his admirers pouted. We were hoping youd show us another impression of the mighty Kaz-Mowang.


    Of his <em>stamina</em>. The word dripped from the other female demons mouth.


    Thundars brain felt like it was turning to mush, ready to explode with a mixture of feelings that were being highly encouraged by the mania-field.


    But, one quick look at Burn-Saw, and a long deep breath, brought him back to reason.


    The fact that subi had a nasty habit of draining the life and soul from their mortal matesording to thest book on demonology hed readwas also enough to kill any spicy ideas that hed been starting to entertain.


    Later,dies, he lied, Cant disappoint the real Kaz-Mowang.


    The minotaur quickly made his way to Guntile and Ezerak who were watching themotion brewing between the newly arrived demon, and his guards.


    Weve got a problem. Thundar whispered, taking the pair aside and nodding towards Burn-Saw murmuring to his increasingly incredulous master. See that scarred up guy over there? He knows Alex and he can probably sense him too. Were gonna get made. He adjusted his mask, making sure his face was covered should Burn-Saw catch sight of him.


    Ezerak looked at Guntile.


    Their eyes hardened.


    Orders? the half-orc asked.


    Thundar set his jaw, keeping his attention on Burn-Saw who was leading his master toward a door.


    We follow em, nk em and kill em before they get to Alex and the others. Then


    An earth shattering explosion stopped his words. The floor bucked like an enraged dragon, nearly throwing the trio to the ground. Shrieks cascaded through the ballroom.


    The roar from an enormous beast seemed to shake the entire domain.


    What is happening? the master of festivities cried. Are we under attack?


    Mania sparked, running through the room in chaotic waves, violent festivities colliding with the growing emergency, meeting in a spike of wild emotions. Even the native demons began twitching with intense feelings; ranging from excitement, to fear, to rage and more.


    An invader is among us! Burn-Saw shouted. Deep within this pce! We


    Another explosion stopped his words, rocking the pce, sending screams rising beyond the walls.


    Manic energy filled the chamber.


    That came from outside! one of Kaz-Mowangs guard captains roared. To the maze walls! Secure the grounds!


    The room erupted in chaos.


    A section of Ezaliels pce walls exploded, raining rubble onto the city. Masses of stone, sparkling gems, and precious metals poured onto structures far below, crushing entire buildings in great clouds of dust.


    Demons screamed, someughed.


    Fire erupted from windows<strong></strong>and smoke billowed from a cavernous hole in the pce.


    And through that smoke?


    A storm of violence raged.


    Baelin floated in a tempest of force, me, and lightning, calmly watching his summoned engeli shred demons with their zing swords. Any fiend brave enough to try prating the archwizards barrier melted away, reduced to smog and sludge.


    Baelin was now alone with the lean, bulbous, jackal-headed seneschal. The arrogant demon hovered helplessly before him, limbs taut, gripped by invisible chains.


    Do you know how many<em> decades</em> I have aged listening to your ramblings? the chancellor snorted. A lifetime of bore and tormentpressed into a handspan of minutes. So, as I often say, one good turn deserves another.


    With a flick of his wrist, a portal opened in mid-air. Within the ragged hole, thousands of hungry weapons danced: spears, swords, axes, knives and maces crafted with serrated des and hooks that curved like ws, gleamed.


    The Living Armoury of Koza-Kas. Baelin grinned as the demons eyes widened. Worthless, you called my students lives. Well, let us see what your life is worth to the armoury. Let us see how quickly your candle is snuffed out. Though, I warn youthe armoury, though famisheddoes enjoy toying with its food.


    With a wave of dismissal, he cast the screaming, long-winded demon through the portal, sealing it behind him.


    Then abruptly uttered a word of power, erecting ayered barrier of force, deflecting a beam that had erupted from the rubble, sending it into the carpet of shattered ss scattered across the floor.


    Air shimmered and the abyssal knight Ezaliel burst from the rubble, zing in power, roaring his outrage.


    And his whole domain joined in the sound.


    I knew it woulde to a fight between you and I wizard! Sickening lights yed through the demons gem-like body, shimmering and writhing with wrath and power. But a surprise attack? Truly?


    Just as you led a surprise attack against my school and students. Why would you deserve otherwise? The archwizard growled. As I speak you are summoning allies, are you not? Well bring them here at once so that you can <em>all </em> be cast into the void together!


    With a snap of his fingers, Baelins jewels exploded in ring light, the armoury concealed within was revealed, sheathing him in full battle garb.


    Bronze chainmail armour.


    His mighty staff.


    A hammer zing with captured sunlight.


    Two animated, floating shields.


    But, Ezaliel had made his own preparations.


    Space twisted as demonic forces dropped through a host of nes as if the many domains were one, creating a shuddering reality that weed powerful fiends to the abyssal knights own.


    The first to appear was tiny: an abyssal knight that was a humanoid no bigger than a human thumb, and held aloft by a pair of rapidly buzzing wings. Though small, it burned with a power that saw the realm<strong></strong>shuddering around it.


    The second, towered in height, a female demon as tall as a mature tree, with flesh of rotted wood and fungal matter so foul, it threatened to turn even Baelins stomach sour. Sprouting from decaying fleshlike malignanciesflowers weighed down by venomous dew, throbbed.


    A third seemed closer to human in some ways: with hair the colour of straw, the facial features of a man of astounding beauty, and d in ivory armour that sparkled with the light of a thousand mornings. In one hand was a sword of the deepest midnight, and in the other, a shield like starlight encased in force.


    Yetwhen it grinnedit''s maw overflowed with bloody thorns seemingly plucked from an entire forest of brambles.


    Thest was an amphibious creature: a zing smander standing upright on two hind legs, its skin dripping an oily substance that zed when it touched the ground, burning with heat strong enough to melt iron.


    Following close behind these abyssal knights, armies of demons boiled from a tear in space, each more foul than thest. The chamber that Baelin had been shown to, and even the sky above the demons pce, was soon filled with Ezaliels allies.


    He hissed. Behold <em>my</em> allies, wizard. We are mountains standing tall beneath a vast skypared to the feebleness of a puny pebble like yourself, and make no mistake, that if I so desire, I can call upon my lord and master. Now, kneel, or you will wish that destruction is all we bring to you.


    Baelin smiled. That is an excellent line, Ezaliel, I think I shall take it for my own, but with one modification: Unlike you, I am nockey. Understand me clearly, demon, we have no master above us. Perhaps, it is as you say and you <em>are</em>mountains beneath your sky. But, know this. <em>We are the sky.</em>


    Reality tore open around him.


    Magun-Obu stepped into the demons world, leaving darkness in his wake.


    Sanii manifested in a sh of lightning and thunder, her metal skin crawling with thousands of minute<strong></strong>forms.


    Anaxadar appeared in a pir of me that raged like an angry sun.


    And Cra simply was, standing in a space as though she had been there from times first breath.


    One or five, Ezaliel said. It matters little. This will be a battle to remember, one you will not live to recount, and you will fall even if we bear wounds from this sh.


    No, Baelin said. One does not remember the unworthy dead. Dinner is served, my friends! Contain and destroy. Break them as you will.


    Cras wetughter echoed through the chamber. Something boiled beneath her skin. Then let us feast!


    Mana red.


    Power poured in a cosmic river.


    And the air shattered.


    What in Ezaliels name is happening? Kaz-Mowang screamed from within his trophy room.


    Zonon-In shouted.


    Other demons cried out in rm.


    The ground raged like a storm-struck sea.


    But Alexs mind was reeling from the power stirring within him, reaching out<strong></strong>to whatever was lying in that trophy chamber. Desperation boiled, stoked by the mania-field, demanding that he rush forward and snatch the Travellers object.


    A small hand grabbed his trouser leg, grounding him.


    Boss! Ripp hissed, his voice barely audible as the pce shook. Maybe we should back off! Theyre gonnae out of there like lobsters leaping from a boiling pot!


    When do lobsters leap from a pot? What lobsters have you been boiling? Kyembes voice rasped from the other side of Alex.


    Not the point!


    The Thameish wizard shook his head as thunderous footsteps bounded across the trophy room floor.


    He snapped back to reality. Go! Go! Go! he hissed. Down the hall!


    Kaz-Mowang barked orders. Guards! Stay here! Let no one cross this threshold! His footsteps were reced by the beating of massive wings.


    Shit, go! Alex hissed.


    The trio rushed down the hall on silent feet, reaching a corner as Kaz-Mowang flew from the hall of his trophy room, wings cutting the air.


    Zonon-In followedthrowing a subtle nce in either directionand behind her, came the gaggle of fiends and cultists that<strong></strong>the bull-headed greater demon had led into the chamber. They<strong></strong>flew along the hallway, heading in the opposite direction to where Alex and the two mercenaries hid, making their way to the ballroom in the quaking pce.


    The young wizard watched them go, recognising what was happening.


    Baelins started his attack, he thought. Nows our chance.


    This is our opportunity, Alex whispered. Theyre not going to be looking for the Troupe of the Gargoyle in all this chaos. Lets grab what we came for and get out. He nodded down the hall. It seems he left the two guards by the entrance, though. Well have to take care of them. And fast. Kyembe, can your ring do the trick?


    With one stroke, the Spirit Killer promised. I can strike both down.


    Good, then lets go, you st them and we keep moving.


    Aye, lets get the bastards, then, Ripp agreed.


    Hold. Kyembe mused. A thought urs. Remove my invisibility cover.


    What? Alex demanded. Are you crazy?


    Perhaps, but I have an idea, my friend. One that will bear fruit. Probably.


    Probably? the young wizard raised an invisible eyebrow.


    I cannot guarantee it, since what <em>are</em> guarantees in life? But we waste time, remove my invisibility


    Alex frowned. Was this the prelude to betrayal?


    Maybe this<strong></strong>was an opportunity in disguise.


    Fine, but keep in mind that I cant put you back together if those two giants rip you apart. Alex raised his staff, removing the invisibility magic from Kyembe.


    The Spirit Killer slowly materialised, pulling off his mask. Wish me luck, friends.


    His face immediately twisted into an expression of utter terror, as he began rushing toward Kaz-Mowangs trophy hall.


    Alex followed in silence. Ripp, if he makes any wrong moves or says <em>anything</em> suspicious to those demons, I want you to put enough holes in him to turn him into a sieve.


    Got it boss, Ripp hissed.


    Help! Help! Kyembe shouted from ahead, approaching the hall. Were all going to die! Demon lords are invading! Our souls will be swallowed up! Help!


    He ran along the hallway, making his way to the trophy room, sighing with exaggerated relief when he neared the guards. You! Oh, by the stars, I am saved!


    Kyembe staggered forward, disappearing from view.


    Alex and Ripp stopped a short distance from the hall, crouching and pressing themselves against a thick column. They peeked around it, spotting another golden statue of Kaz-Mowang positioned across from the hall leading to their prize. A shield was raised in triumph; its golden surface gleaming like polished ss and acting as a mirror, allowing Alex to see into the trophy rooms hall while keeping a distance.


    The staggering Spirit Killer was reflected in it; a frightened, dazed man for all the world to see. The demon guards glowered down at the mortal, many eyes appraising him while others scanned the halls for more intruders.


    Alex prayed to the Traveller that they wouldn''t look at the shield too closely and spot him and the invisible Swiftling beside him.


    All around, the pce rumbled.


    Thundar picked himself up off the floor, shaking his head as demons and mortals panicked, surrendering to mania.


    Guntile and Ezerak nked him back to back, ready to act if the fiends erupted into violence.


    Holy hells, we were nearly trampled. The minotaur groaned, ncing at Burn-Saw.


    His breath caught.


    The tiashiva<strong></strong>was leading his master through a door that would take them deeper into the pce. The scarred demon was shouting a nameHannar-Cim.


    Hannar-Cim! Hannar-Cim! Hannar-Cim! It was as clear as crystal.


    Shit, we gotta go after them! Thundar bounded forward, the two mercenaries were right behind.


    In their rush, no one noticed that a dangerous member of Kaz-Mowangs party was nowhere in sight.


    Yantrahpretayethe machine-like greater demonwas gone.

 Chapter 523: The Rescue Begins

    Chapter 523: The Rescue Begins


    Stop, mortal! one of Kaz-Mowangs demon guards bellowed, pointing an immense spear at the staggering, purple-d man. You are trespassing in the depths of Kaz-Mowangs halls! Flee, or die!


    Please, mercy, I beg of you, great and mighty demons! Kyembe cried, his voice cracking as though he were about to weep. Do not send me back alone! I am frightened!


    More eyes turned, scrutinising the mercenary, demonic maws twisted in disgust.


    Alex watched their reflections, his every muscle tensed. If betrayal were toe, it woulde now.


    Please, you cannot send me back! Kyembe begged in the demons tongue, falling to his knees. II will die if


    You will leave mortal, or we will y and devour you. The second demon guard warned, taking a step forward.


    Wait! the Spirit Killer sobbed. There are others in the halls


    And there it was; the betrayal. Ripp Alex started.


    they seek to kill me! They are armed and hiding nearby!


    Hold on, a minute, Alex paused his order. Somethings off.


    If this was a betrayal, then why lie about nonexistent enemies? Unless


    And then Alex understood.


    The guards eyes turned upward, some checking the surroundings, others examining reflections in the shield held by Kaz-Mowangs statue. Suddenly, the Thameish wizard felt an immense rush of hot mana.


    A demons eyes squinted, then went wide.


    There! It pointed to the shield. In the shield! Look, someone watches us!


    What? the other guards eyes burrowed into the reflection.


    In that instant, their focus left Kyembe.


    And he struck.


    He raised his hand, his ring zing white.


    That distinctive crackle heralded a beam of white hellfire, hissing as it flew, striking a stunned demon in its chest without warning. With a muffled gasp, the fiend erupted into me and white ash, vanishing in a rush of searing heat.


    The beam leapt to the other guard raising its weapon in defence, but a spear was no match for hellfiremetal and demon disintegrated in me. There had been no time for them to raise the rm. No time to cry out. No time to alert Kaz-Mowang.


    White ash and boiling metal fell, raining on Kaz-Mowangs likenesses.


    Come! Kyembe called over his shoulder, the hand bathed in golden light was already healing his burns. The n bore fruit and the path is clear. He drew his sword.


    Well, I have to say, that was a pretty good way to do it, Alex said, shuddering as he stepped into the hall. Hellfire was nasty, effective, but nasty.


    A part of him wanted some.


    Youre crazy, Ripps voice came from beside Alex. Damned crazy.


    We are in a demons pce. Kyembe spread his hands. At his trophy room door, to be exact, while Another distant explosion rocked the pce. a devastating battle takes ce somewhere beyond our sight. My brother, I think we <em>all</em> abandoned sanity the moment we decided this was a prudent idea.


    There was a pause.


    Aye, see your point. Ripp muttered. So, thats the trophy room, is it? Well, thats somece thatd singe the hair off ya.


    Ill say, Alex murmured, noting the pull of the Travellers energy growing stronger. Really matches paintings Ive seen of the hells.


    Through the open maw of Kaz-Mowangs carved image,y an enormous chamber, evenrger than the ballroom


    and more dangerous.


    Within about ten paces, the floor on this level ended. Some fifty feet below, a seethingke of liquid rock boiled, hissing and sizzling, burning away the moisture in the air. The lower floor was a sea ofva. Above it, a web of bridges and floating tforms crafted of enchanted ss and glyphden gold, spread out. The bridges had no railings around them and were nearly transparent, providing adramatic view of the inferno below, a feature well suited to demons.


    The sight made Alexs stomach clench.


    On each tform, the spoils of Kaz-Mowangs battles were on proud disy.


    Some bore enchanted des.


    Others held what looked to be baby teeth behind ss,id out on velvet cushions.


    Petrified remains of beasts, demons and humanoids were taxidermied and frozen in some final moment of terror.


    The young wizard turned from the grisly prizes, opening his mana senses while trying to ignore<strong></strong>the growing call from the Travellers artefact. He felt the air, searching for signs of magical traps or wards: the thought of being surprised by something like a wall of concealed disintegration magic kept him focused.


    His mana senses scoured the room, but found nothing.


    He checked the doorway next, calling on the Mark, using it to find traps like trip wires or pressure tes.


    He found none and was just instructing Ripp to scout ahead when Kyembe stiffened. Down!


    An instantter, Alex heard what the Spirit Killer had heard.


    The sound of bow strings being pulled.


    Swearing, he hit the ground as a horde of tiashivas boiled from behind the wall on either side of the trophy rooms entrance, muscles taut and bow strings tensed.


    Screaming in their tongue, they loosed a volley of arrows, skewering the air where Alex and the mercenaries were standing a heartbeat before.


    These tiashivas were far bigger than any the young wizard had ever seen, and were well armoured in rune-encrusted ivory te. Jagged weapons hung from belts resembling linked chains of vertebrae, and each demonic warrior moved with expertness, signalling long experience.


    These were Kaz-Mowangs elites who were now reaching for more arrows.


    The Spirit Killer was on his feet in a breath, his ring gathering power.


    Ripp! Stop them Alex shouted, his voice tensing.


    Got it, boss! came the familiar cry.


    The young wizard felt something pass at the speed of a swift wind. In a blink, twin cries came from ahead.


    Ripps blurred among the fiends, bringing the fight to them. A demon was teetering, ready to drop like a falling treea long dagger was buried in its third eyewhile two more dripped ck blood from gaps in their armour.


    Caught by surprise, the guards were recovering quickly, dropping their bows, new weapons recing them.


    The tide changed, suddenly Ripp was fighting for his life. The air around the swiftling was now a dance of spiked bone-weapons, striking at him with speed and brute power. Only the swiftlings speed was saving him, but he couldnt dodge every cut aimed at him.


    With a battlecry in an unknown tongue, Kyembe surged toward the fight, his ring zing and arm hissing as burns crawled up his flesh. The air thrummed, shimmering around his sword as hot, white light spread, reaching up, outlining the weapon like an eclipsing star.


    Until it found the de.


    With a crackling roar and a st of heat, steel erupted in a white ze like the sun''s rays.


    Tiashivas whirled on the Spirit Killer.


    And then they began to fall.


    Kyembe was a blur among them, de flicking like a viper. Hellfire cracked magic armour where he stabbed into gaps, finding the demons wounds, and in an instant, they erupted in a hail of white ash.


    But, the tiashivas showed no fear, leaping at this new attacker with practised courage, giving Ripp the moments he needed to recover. He hacked at them, striking with hooked des, slicing through vulnerable joints, then finishing the monsters when they fell.


    Still, many remained, and though Ripp and Kyembe dodged and fought fiercely, their wounds increased.


    Alex scowled, it was time to bring these demons wretched lives to an end.


    Covered in invisibility, he added flight magic, catapulting through the air, and calling on the aelds blooms and haste magic, he cast haste on himself and his twopanions.


    Kyembe and Ripp became whirlwinds.


    Steel shed.


    Blood sprayed.


    Hellfire burned.


    In heartbeats the demons were falling by the number, their ranks decimated as the two enhanced warriors shredded them.


    By the time Alex had reached the battle, a path of deathpaved with ck demon gory in Kyembe and Ripps wake.


    He added body enhancements, giving them a boost, then<strong></strong>turned to the task of harassing Kaz-Mowangs elite guards. He began to summon. Like ghosts, small water<strong></strong>elementals quietly appeared behind the monsters, then Alex shouted in a tongue of water.


    Demon heads turned in surprise on hearing the voicebut they looked straight ahead, not down. From behind and below, summoned water elementals sprayed the tiashivas lower bodies as ice elementals froze the liquid. Instantly, the joints in their armour hardened in ice, freezing them in ce.


    And Kyembe and Ripp went to work, propelled by the magic covering them.


    In no time, the swiftling and Spirit Killer were stepping over a sea of ruined corpses.


    You fight well. Kyembe smiled at his smallrade.


    Aye, could say the same to you, Ripp nodded toward the summoned monsters. And your magic and these wonderful creatures were much appreciated, boss. Nothing like having a wizard as your boss, wouldnt you say, Kyembe? I never thought I could move any faster, but there I was.


    Your words are true, I might be able to heal faster with this haste magic upon us.


    Well, you know what? Im just d I could count on your particr set of skills, Alex removed the<strong></strong>invisibility as he flew. Heres something that should help you out. Hended, pressing his hands to their backs, concentrating, channelling Mana to Blood, pouring life force into them.


    Ripps wounds began closing, Kyembe healed instantly. I could grow ustomed to this. The Spirit Killer examined his mended arm.


    d to help, Alex smiled. Seems no rms were raised


    Another explosion sounded in the distance. The pce shook, stone dust rained.


    unless you count that. So, what do you say we get finished before <em>someone or something</em> spots us. Huddle up everyone. He nced down at the water and ice elementals. Were going to make ourselves some antiva heat armour, as I like to call it. Alright, my elemental friends. I want you to jump on us, sit on our shoulders and cover us in cold energy and water mist. Keep the air around us cool and moist, understand?


    The water elementals bubbled.


    The ice elementals cracked, settling on the trios shoulders and spraying cooling mist and waves of icy power over them. The temperature surrounding them dropped, and despite the terrible heating from theva below, Alex felt like hed stepped into the coolness of the Crymlyn.


    Taking a deep breath, he set his jaw. Alright, here we go. Ill make us invisible soon, but first, let''s form a line and hold onto whoevers in front of you. We dont want to get separated.


    They entered Kaz-Mowangs trophy room in a chain.


    Light zed from theva below them, washing everything in a deep orange glow. As Alex put invisibility magic on them and the elementals, they picked their way along the transparent walkways, eyeing the surrounding trophy-tforms, examining their details.


    The young wizard watched the floating ss and gold disys, being mindful of dangers while looking out for glyphs or signs of mechanical traps. He noted doorways cut into the walls, revealing a number of entrances into the chamber. Some were big. Some small. Some were partly hidden.


    But, they were all quiet, unguarded.


    With a sigh of relief, he prayed that things would remain that way.


    Abruptly, the pce shook and the clear bridge swayed beneath them. Alex nted his feet, trying to keep his bnce. Beside him, Ripp swore, but Kyembe was silent, his grip tightening on Alexs shoulder.


    Oi, whats Baelin doing? Ripp hissed. Hes going to shake this ce apart at this rate.


    Trust me, if thats what he wanted, itd be rubble by now, Alex said.


    Aye, well, could you spare some flight magic, boss? Id like to catch myself in case we lose our footing. I dont think these elemental friends of yours will be much help if we plunge into thatva.


    Yeah, fair pointwaitKyembe do you have any experience using flight magic? Alex asked.


    ...some Kyembes tone was reluctant. My mentor and teacher of wizardry once cast a form of magic that bore me aloft. ButI have little experience with manoeuvring in such a way.


    Well, stay close to the ground. Alex warned him. And only use it to catch yourself in case things go wrong.


    An idea I would not argue with.


    With a wave of his staff, Alex cloaked them in flight magic, ncing at the entrance, cursing every dy they had encountered. He felt like something was crawling up his spine, he expected to be caught at any moment.


    Youre being paranoid, he told himself. The demons are too busy with Baelins distractions. Thats the point of the distraction. And we


    His thoughts halted.


    There, across the enormous trophy room.


    On a tform away from the walkways, a tall ss enclosure hung. Within it, was a plump velvet cushion. And on that cushion? A rectangle of ck ss and silver trim that could fit into one of his hands. On the ck was the image of a silver<strong></strong>apple with glyphs carved into the objects edges. Below? The Travellersnterny atop the surface.


    A familiar power thrummed from it.


    One that called<strong></strong>for<strong></strong>home.


    Kyembe had been right, Alex realised.


    This wasnt a theft.


    It was a rescue.

 Chapter 524: Death Comes to Jaretha

    Chapter 524: Death Comes to Jaretha


    Alex could hardly contain himself.


    After nearly two years of wondering, searching, and running into dead endshed found something. Something that could give him some answers was near, yet still just out of reach.


    Dread was gnawing at his belly.


    Getting the Travellers information in his hands felt a littletoo easy.


    It seemed like all he had to do was reach out, smash the ss and im the object for his own. But how could it be so simple? Would Kaz-Mowanga greater demonreally leave a mere two guards and some tiashivasno matter how elite they wereto protect his prized treasures from theft?


    No traps?


    No wards?


    It made no sense.


    Yet, no matter how much he strained his mana senses, he couldnt feel a single bit of manaing from anywhere.


    That might not mean anything, he thought. Maybe there really arent any surprises waiting. If I were Kaz-Mowang, maybe I wouldnt set traps around my trophy room. Why inconvenience myself if I wanted to juste down here and admire the spoils of my conquests any time I felt like it? Bringing guests with me would also be a lot of trouble. Hmm, but to avoid all that, what I would <em>definitely</em> do was trap the ever-living hells out of those trophy cases!


    Alex floated<strong></strong>with Ripp and Kyembe<strong></strong>toward the case containing the Travellers possession, his eyes alight. Using the Mark, he studied the case, looking for anything unusual.


    His eyes traced the ss and the stone pir supporting it.


    They scanned the floating tform itself.


    Power coursed through it, but he sensed no mana except for the flight magic keeping the tform aloft. He found no other magicand no sign of pressure tes, springs, or any other triggers that would set a hidden trap off.


    Alex swallowed.


    The pce rumbled.


    Well, are we good? Ripp asked.


    I <em>think</em> so, Alex said, his eyes examining the object.


    The symbols carved into its surface matched those in the Travellers book. It felt like it was calling out to him, urging him to reach out and take it.


    The hell with it. I gotta try something, he muttered, raising his staff and conjuring a swarm of Wizards Hands.


    He let the Hands float forward, each one wrapped around the ss enclosure. As one, they squeezed, tightening their grip, then began floating upward, lifting the case as they went.


    Alex heard a slight click.


    He felt mana re.


    Spikes sprang from the container, spearing the Wizards Hands, shredding them. They vanished.


    Oh shit! I didnt feel that trap!


    The spikes slowly retracted as the case rippled like water and the mana faded away.


    He swore again. Shit! We dont have time for this!


    A devilish trap, Kyembe said. Can you not break the ss?


    Maybe? Alex muttered, ncing back at the gaping doorway.


    No sign of any demons for now. If the three of them moved fast enough, they should be gone before anyone even knew thered been a robbery, but these dys werent helping.


    He red at the ss container, his mind working. Hold on, Im going to try something.


    Alex raised his staff again.


    If we want to hit them, its gotta be hard and fast, Guntile whispered, peering around the corner of a hallway. Ahead, Burn-Saw led his master deep into the pce.


    Agreed, Ezeraks voice was low. Better we get this over quick.


    No wait! Thundar muttered. No, we cant jump em, yet. He nodded toward the demons. If we get into a pitched battle with them in this hallway, someone coulde along while were fighting them. And if things go bad, Alex isnt here to summon Celsus and ygon.


    So, what should we do, then? Guntile asked.


    Hmmm, Burn-Saws leading them toward Alex, right? Thundar frowned. We let em keep going. When they find Alex, Ripp and Kyembe, theyll be off guard, right? Maybe usationsll start flying. Lotsa yelling. All the usual shit. While theyre doing all that?


    The minotaur wizard cracked his knuckles. We jump em from behind and hit em as hard as we can.


    There was a pause.


    The element of surprise, I like it, Guntile nodded, pulling out a fistful of stones. Ill hit them with a wall of these thatll rock their teeth out.


    My army will attack them from behind. Ezerak said.


    And Illwell, Ill jump in there too, Thundar grunted, flinching as another explosion shook Kaz-Mowangs pce. Thats <em>if </em>were alive that long. Come on, Alex, whats the hold up?


    Baelin ripped open a hole in reality, sting Ezaliel with the heat of a star.


    zing death sprayed through the portal, washing the abyssal knight in the suns wrath. Ezaliel let out a cry, folded the space of his domain, then vanished.


    The demon abruptly reappeared behind Baelin.


    Uttering another shriek, the abyssal knight shuddered, firing a cascade of beams that arced through air and sped for the archwizard from every direction.


    A word of power erected a multyered shield around Baelin.


    Demonic power struck walls of force.


    The beams waned, the archwizard spoke again, filling the air with hungry orbs of darkness, each raced for Ezaliel. The demon spunits jewel-like facets shiningshooting innumerable beams at his foe. Where a beam struck an orb, space cleaved.


    And explosions rocked the air.


    In the distance, more chaos was awakened.


    Magun-Obu floated above a burning street, encased in an imprable shell of darkness. The fiery smander-like demon rampaged through the street below, summoning plumes of white hellfire, casting them at the four-armed wizard.


    What is wrong, wizard? the knight bellowed. No words for me?


    Hellfire struck Magun-Obus wall of darkness, withering as its life and energy was sucked away.


    They would be wasted. The mage pointed his staff at the demon.


    The jewels in the staffs skull ckened.


    And four bolts of darkness streaked out. The abyssal knight of me weaved away, trying to dodge, but Magun-Obu uttered a single word.


    A sound like ss shattering filled the air.


    Then the demon froze, held in ce by cosmic forces. ck beams struck, withering its skin as though untold diseases joined with the ravages of a thousand years to fall on the creature as one.


    It wilted, falling to one knee, but still faring better than itspanions.


    The tiny abyssal knight soared through the air on swift wings, shing at Sanii. Metal tore on the wizard of steels form, but those glowing eyes merely watched the little demon in utter stillness.


    Is this true? the knights tone was mocking. Can even metal be paralysed by fear


    <em>Flight path calctionsplete. </em>Sanii said. <em>Proceeding with termination.</em>


    With these words, hundreds upon thousands of what appeared to be minute flecks of metal dust poured from ports in Saniis body, capturing the air with floating, glistening particles.


    The abyssal knight frowned, ring at the dust. What is this? It scoffed. Do you think it the proper time to y withconstructs, wizard?


    <em>Nano-sized and each one bears a fraction of my mind and power,</em> Sanii said.


    Mana shifted in the air.


    <em>But each is as capable of wizardry as I am.</em>


    The sky erupted in power as thousands and thousands of tiny constructs cast Force Missile in tandem. The abyssal knight growled, tucking its wings around itself, teleporting a hundred feet away


    but Saniis constructs were multitude.


    And many had already predicted where the knight would go.


    The demon cried out, force missiles striking as one, piercing both its physical body and its essence. It fell in a ragged heap, fighting to heal itself, rolling across the battlefield andnding where the towering tree-like abyssal knight battled Cra.


    The demon howled, its vines snapping through the air and batting the ancient woman around as though she were an old rag. With every stroke, it imparted toxins and spawned the roots of illnesses within her that were well suited to ending even a titan''s life.


    And yet, the wizard was unshaken.


    Her wetughter seemed to spread through the realm.


    Why will you not die? Or defend yourself? the demon demanded.


    I am in no danger, Cra told it. And I have been enjoying our time together. Why would I end it?


    Cra! Magun-Obu shouted, conjuring chains of utter void to wrap around his fiery foe. We are to contain them with efficiency! Stop ying the fool, you are only wasting time!


    The old woman threw her cabal mate an amused look. The youngso impatient, but sometimes their wisdom exceeds their elders. She looked at the demon. You seek to infest my body, is that correct? To melt or control it? A childish attempt. Even the lowly shoggoth could shake off such nonsense.


    Her grin was wide.


    Too wide. Something swam beneath her skin. <em>This </em>is how you infest someone.


    And her body melted, transforming.


    What it became had no name, but it hurt the eye to look upon it. It had eyes. There were tentacles. There were limb structures so old, their names were long forgotten.


    And there were mouths.


    Many, many mouths.


    Cra grew, swelling until her bulk dwarfed that of the abyssal knight.


    The demon screamed a challenge, exhaling gases that liquified stone and the flesh of its own demon forces, yet was benignly absorbed by Cras new flesh. The wizards tentaclesshed out, wrapping the demons trunk and limbs. Barbs dug in, injecting something foul into the bark.


    And the demons scream of challenge became iprehensible, so terrible, that it caused even thest of their number to pause.


    Of course, the heroic-looking, white-armoured, demon had more than a single reason to pause.


    It was ame.


    The creatures body burned, wrapped in mes that zed as bright as the brightest star, melting its essence, body, and armour. It snarledgrowling at its opponent like a cornered beastrevealing teeth that were either shattered or gone.


    Its eyes squinted at a vast column of billowing smoke, rising before it with twin veils of burning light behind. Through the smoke, something approached, shaking the ground with every step.


    Anaxadar emerged with fangs bared.


    In his true form.


    To say that he was simply another dragon would be like calling dragons earthworms. His bulk was titanic, his wingspan broad enough to lend shade to a full block in a vast metropolis. His wings bore membranes like pure sunlight; the dragon wizard was covered in ck scales that seemed to throb, moving as ava flow would, exposing rivulets of power beneath them, pulsing like the crust of a volcano. Anaxadars facial features were pits of pure starfire.


    Heat bled from him in waves, turning demons to ash.


    You disappoint me, his voice was thunder, me, and the roar of a forest aze. You seemed fit for battle. Arent knights meant to y wyrmkind? To y the wayward demigods of the universe? Where is <em>your</em> fire, abyssal one? Where is <em>your </em>light demon?


    Enraged, though in agony, the demon surged toward him, its sword blurring.


    Anaxadar batted him aside with a single w.


    The abyssal knight crashed to the earth with such force, that where itnded, a trench formed.


    My disappointment grows. Anaxadar sighed. You are not even worthy of my breath. The light in his maw red. But I have a generous nature, so you can experience it nheless.


    Structures and more wavered around the draconic demigod.


    And his breath poured forth.


    While Baelin would have channelled a portion of a stars wrath through a portal, Anaxadars breath was that of a stars white-hot core, enhanced by his own spells, it travelled no further than where it touched, leaving no trace of buildings or life in its wake. But, it touched a great deal.


    The cone of his breath was broad, carving a boiling trench of metal, stone and chaos that turned sections of the demon citys mighty walls to nothing. When he inhaled, both his demonic opponent and a great slice of Jaretha was gone.


    Demons screamed, fleeing for their lives.


    But others mustered.


    Titanic gate guardsdwarfed by the dragonthundered across the city, ready for the battle of millenia.


    And Anaxadar bore his teeth, circling about, putting his bulk between the titans and Kaz-Mowangs pce. He would keep the fight away from Baelinsrades.


    # # #


    Your list of allies shrinks, Ezaliel. Baelin batted aside another wave of beams.


    Never! the abyssal knight growled. The tingle of teleportation magic shimmered around them. I can call upon endless allies, for the hells are endless. What you do now will begin eternal war. You cannot win.


    Baelin chuckled. Well, you would be surprised. Heres the problem with eternal wars. They require two sides to both be alive and willing to fight. The ancient wizards eyes zed. By the time this is over, you will be dead and those most inclined to avenge you will havee here and died by my and my allies hands. The rest? Theyll likely scrabble for your demon lords favour, seeking to usurp each other. You will be too dead to reward their efforts. So, why would they risk themselves?


    His nostrils red. Your eternal war willst minutes.


    Do not be so sure, Ezaliel growled.


    Why not? I have done this before. Now,e, enough wasting time. I aim to torture you a fair bit before this ends, so let us continue. Lets start by draining that mana of yours.


    Baelin arced out beams of light, surrounding Ezaliel in a cloud. The abyssal knight shrieked as his power was siphoned away.


    Elsewhere, in another demonic pce, something simr was happening.

 Chapter 525: A Dish Best Served by Way of Many Pointy Teeth

    Chapter 525: A Dish Best Served by Way of Many Pointy Teeth


    Alex was painting Elder Blodeuwedds symbols along a ss enclosure in the trophy room of Kaz-Mowangs pce. If I can drain the mana, well be in business. Watch the doors. All of them. Tell me if anythingsing.


    Gotcha, well keep watch, Ripp said. Get that case open quick.


    And try not to be killed by some devilish trap, Kyembe added as he let go of Alexs shoulder.


    Ill do my best. The young wizard said dryly.


    In his hand, the power of the aeld staff thrummed as symbols formed across the ss surface. Manaundetectable even to Alexs sharp sensesleaked from the case, flowing free, disappearing into the air.


    His n was simple: hed drain enough mana from the trap to be able to lift the ss case and take the Travellers artefact. Hed summoned an earth elemental earlier, thinking it could break the case, but the ss turned out to be harder than steel and the spikes were triggered, skewering the stone elemental as easily as butter.


    Time was ticking alongthe only choice he had now was to try and disarm the trap.


    Alex frowned, examining the flow of mana with his senses, slowly finding its source.


    In the column beneath the ss case, he detected a cleverly disguised magic circuit. Cleverly disguised, intricate in design, and maddeningly powerful.<strong></strong>To learn spells, hed had to break down a lot of magic circuits, but even with his level of skill, he doubted he could craft anything like this.


    And that was the problem.


    I cant disarm it without opening it, and I dont think its just going to let me start mucking around with it. Its much moreplex than those lightning forks in Ikarrashs fortress. Alex sensed the flow of energy as it poured from the ss. And if it has its own power source, then itll take me forever to drain enough mana to shut it off.


    The pce quaked, an explosion rocking it.


    Lavapped at the lower walls of the chamber.


    Alex looked around.


    There must be a faster way to do this, he thought, intently examining the tform, column, and case. Think, Alex. Cmon think. Youve got a trap. You cant break it. ygon might be able to punch through the ss, but if he hits it hard enough, he could also smash whats inside. No, you need to do something different. Drain it faster with more symbols? Nomaybeno, I doubt I can break the columns. Come on, think. Adapt. Think. Adapt. Think


    His eyes considered the tform carefully, it was supported by flight magic. Flight magic.


    Alex, you really are a fool sometimes!


    Thats it! Theva! He made a mental calction.


    Okay, got it!


    Pointing his staff at the floating tform, he painted it in mana draining symbols. Mana flowed from it in a wave, spreading through the air and dissipating.


    The tform shook and shuddered, its power beginning to fade.


    Whatre you doing? Ripps voice called out.


    Opening a door, Alex said. Hold on, let me concentrate


    He watched, sensing the tforms power ebbing away.


    Then, it began to plunge.


    And the young wizard flew after it.


    tform, column and ss case plummeted,nding atop theva.


    ss heated, bobbing on the surface.


    It cracked.


    Gold melted.


    The tform started to sink. Hovering aboveprotected by cold energy from his summoned elementalsAlex watched.


    Come on he muttered, squinting against the heat. Come on


    He could still feel mana draining from the ss.


    The tform was being consumed, disappearing into theva.


    Molten rock bubbled around the column. Alexs heart was pounding, roaring in his ears. Anxiety brought with it a storm of questions.


    What if the trap never breaks?


    What if this one chance to understand the Travellers past disappears under burningva deep within the hells?


    Come on! he growled, eyes fixed on the pir. It was cracking. Fail, you stubborn bastard, fail!


    Thenas though obeying hismandanother crack sounded.


    Mana red bright for an instant, nearly overwhelming his senses, then suddenly stopped.


    The power leaking from the ss died.


    Something shifted.


    The column sank faster.


    Alex gasped, diving toward the Travellers object. Heat struck him like a wall. His elementals cried out.


    But he clenched his teeth, raising his staff. Sorry, friend.


    A wave of surprise and confusion rose from the aeld as he drove the butt of the staff into the ss case, shattering it, sending shards flying into theva.


    The pce shuddered, an explosion sounded in the distance. The column shook. Lava sprayed.


    And the cushion began to topple.


    No! Alex screamed.


    Drops of liquid rock sprayed, striking the cushion, igniting it. The Travellers artefact seemed to be calling out to him, every instinct wanted him to leap forward and grab it.


    But, that would have meant instant death as theva was surging, the heat rising.


    so he cast Wizards Hands.


    They darted through molten rock, a pair grabbing the prized object then soaring toward Alex as he retreated from the intense heat. He almost screamed for joy when they dropped it in his waiting hand.


    But every sound he was about to make failed him.


    Something shifted.


    Power inside the rectangr artefact stirred, reaching out, touching something deep in his core. His vision blurred; shifting images danced before him as if through a haze.


    Dark voids appeared with winking stars burning in the distance. Alien oceans of green. An endless sky dotted with hundreds of inds floating so high, they couldnt be seen from thends below.


    Cascading rainbow-coloured lights brimming with stars, monsters that dwarfed mountains and much more, appeared to Alex


    Yet, certain images kept repeating: cities much like Generasi, but bigger, filled with towers of steel and ss. Their light filled the air both day and night, and their sounds were endless.


    Within one city he saw a small apartment within a giant towerand he felt a strange nostalgia.


    He was drawn to itpulled toward it


    And then the images were gone and he was visible again.


    Hearing the sound ofbat.


    There you are! Ripp shouted, blurring through the stout legs of a powerfully built pazuzite. Where were you?


    Wha-What?Alex murmured, confusion creasing his brow.


    Above him, the swiftling raced from door to door, shing demons streaming into the chamber. Kyembe fought by the front entrance with the fierceness of a demon himself, his hellfire-sheathed sword cutting through, andbusting monsters with each stroke.


    Alex blinked repeatedly.


    What happened? Hed been facing <em>away</em> from the front doorway.


    Now, he was facing it.


    Where had he gone?


    He shook his head.


    He didnt have time to consider any of that now.


    Lets get out of here! he shouted, holding his prize close and flying up to join Ripp and Kyembe. All around the chamber, trophies protected in disy cases floated: some were of great value, while othersheld little worth beyond sentiment.


    But, all were secured in their cases: most likely trapped.


    He would have liked to raid the chamber for everything it had to offer, but there was no time for that. Better to leave right now with their prize and lives, than stay and lose everything.


    With that thought in mind, he put the artefact in his satchel for safekeeping then raced to support his allies. He conjured air elementals, sending them at Kaz-Mowangs guards, lighting sparking, wind blowing them off bridges and into theva below.


    Many devils were immune to the fires bitebut the demons were not.


    Shrieking, they sank into molten rock.


    Nodding at each other in satisfaction, Alex and Ripp flew to Kyembe, supporting the Spirit Killer as he burned and shed his way through the remaining demon guards. When he was done, he spat on the fiends.


    None escaped. Kyembe wiped sweat from his brow. The path is clear. But I am puzzled, where did you go, Alex? One minute you were here, the next you were gone.


    II dont know, the young wizard admitted. The instant the trophy touched my hand, I started seeing and hearing all these strange sights and sounds. I couldnt make heads or tails of any of it, then suddenly, I was back here and you and Ripp were fighting those guards. I really dont know what happened. But, here, let me make us invisible again, and we can get out of here while you tell me what happened with those demons.


    Ripp shook his head. We had a bit of rotten luck as it turned out: a patrol came by with one of those thousand-eyed bastards and it spotted us. Next thing ya know, theyre all over us, some rushed in to keep us from leaving by the front entrance, others went for the other doors. There were enough of them that I guess they thought they could handle us, so they didnt go for extra help.


    The vile, arrogant things were busy chanting about how they would be taking glory for themselves, and of the rewards they would receive from their master. So they were in no hurry to seek help or raise rms. A bad choice: we had swifter rewards for them. The Spirit Killer wiped demon blood from his de.


    Alex had to admit, he was warming to the man. A lot.


    Well, I guess its time for <em>our</em> rewards, he said as they vanished. He dismissed the elementals and the trio began flying along the corridor. Well meet up with Thundar and the others, then get the hell out of here.


    Aye, just keep your ears and eyes sharp, Ripp said. When you think youve won is often when youre in the most danger.


    It only took thirty heartbeats for the swiftlings words to be proven true.


    Initially, things looked bright.


    They passed tiashivas racing through the halls, on high alert, but none of the many-eyed giants that could see through their illusions.


    Butjust as they rounded a corneranother troop of tiashivas entered the same hall they were flying through. Alex held his breath at the sight of them: they were apanied by a creature hed never seen before; a hulking demon with red rimmed pig-like eyes, a long snout, and scales covering most of its body.


    Malice and surliness oozed from its beady eyes as it glowered at atiashiva


    Oh, no Alex whispered, his eyes falling on the familiar tiashiva, who had stopped dead in the hall. No, no notheres no way Im <em>that</em> unlucky.


    As it turned out: he <em>was </em>that unlucky.


    Wait! Burn-Saw pointed his weapon in Alexs direction. There! Hannar-cims power! It red before, but its growing stronger now! Her servant hides near us!


    What the hells? Ripp whispered.


    Such things can happen, Kyembe said. Do we run or fight?


    Alexs mind whirled, trying to find the best solution.


    The choice was abruptly made for him.


    As the giant demon squinted in their direction, its nostrils ring, Alex watched as a wave of stones arced toward the fiends back.


    A storm of cracks.


    shes of light.


    And a host of muffled explosions echoed through the hall.


    The pig-faced demon squealed as its back blew open, catapulting the massive creature forward, it dropped on surprised tiashivas, turning them to paste.


    It struggled to stand.


    As smoke drifted along the hall, growls from deep within a dozen beasts vibrated through the air. Ezeraks painted monsters surged through the smog, leaping on the guards, shredding and tearing at them with abandon.


    A trio of Thundars charged through the smoke, a battlecry to his ancestors filling the air. Two swung maces, adding to the confusion, while the third leapt on the pinned demon. With a grunt, the minotaur raised his mace above its skull, then his arms fell, the weapon struck home over and over until


    a loud crack came.


    The monster squealed as Ripp appeared, his knives carving the demons thick neck.


    A heartbeatter Kyembe shimmered into being, his sword sweeping through demons like wheat.


    Alex wasnt watching them; the battle was well in hand.


    His focus was fully on Burn-Saw.


    Orecas Fall Ind yed over in his head like it happened yesterday.


    The tiashiva stumbled away from his allies, grinding his teeth in rage.


    He was not the only one consumed by wrath.


    Alexs cloak of invisibility faded.


    Hey! Do youhave <em>any</em> idea how much trouble you caused me, you slippery<strong></strong>bastard? he was gripping his staff so hard, his knuckles turned white. He could feel the touch of mania on his mind. All the months of summoning, searching futilely. Every frustration. Every disappointment.


    It all came back in a tidal wave.


    And he raised his staff.


    Youre not getting away, this time. Do you remember trying to kill me and killing a bunch of people on a beach in Generasi? You scarred me, remember that? And you tried to kill people close to me. Then you ran, but youre not getting another chance to run.


    And so Alex began summoning.


    Though his summons werent as numerous as Ezeraks horde, he conjured an army of his own.


    Burn-Saws three eyes grew wide as a horde of hellhounds, hell-boars and air elementals came for him. The contemptuous tiashiva was snarling as he met them head-on, powerful swings sting away summoned monsters, sending them back to their home nes.


    But, for each one he banished, Alex conjured two more.


    The monsters crawled all over him.


    His strikes became less powerful and more frantic.


    Battlecries changed in pitch from fierce to desperate.


    Until atst, he was overwhelmed.


    Lightning struck from all sides, paralysing him. A hell-boar mmed into his gut, knocking his breath out and toppling the scarred demon. He was trampled and gored. The tiashiva fought desperately to crawl to his feet


    but an army of hellhounds surrounded him, jaws dripping.


    Then they lunged from all directions. He had no chance to flee.<strong></strong>Screaming beneath the weight and jaws of swarms of summoned monsters, Alexs elusive quarryat longststopped screaming.


    It was even more satisfying than he could have hoped it would be.

 Chapter 526: A Dish Best Served Twice

    Chapter 526: A Dish Best Served Twice


    While Thundar, Kyembe and Ripp stomped the tiashivas and their master, Guntile and Ezerak emerged from the smoke.


    The half-orc cracked her knuckles. Well, that was a good little fight, she said, turning to Thundar as the minotaur cleaned his mace. That was a good idea you had. Waiting for those demons to catch up to the others really gave us an edge.


    Wait, <em>what?</em> Alex demanded, snapping out of his revenge-fuelled joy. What does she mean by, waiting for those demons to catch up to the others?


    Oh, uh Thundar coughed awkwardly. Well you see, the thing about that iswhat you oughta knowokay, look it worked, right? We nked them and now theyre dead. I <em>wanted</em> to get to you faster butyknow, sometimes ya need to think like a general.


    ...well talk about this strategy of yourster, Alex said grumpily, even though he would have done the same thing in the minotaurs shoesor hooves.


    But there were more important things to think about at the momentlike escaping.


    Alright, everyone. Great job. He looked at the mercenaries. Im d youre part of my team. Now, lets make sure we get back home so you can collect the rest of your well-deserved pay.


    Aye, thanks, boss. Ripp said. Lets get ourselves out of


    I see. I finally see noooooow. A menacing voice stopped Ripp''s words.


    Yantrahpretayethe greater demon of iron and steam was nowhere to be seen, yet his words echoed from floor to ceiling. Metal wall sconces rattled, a bristling energylike pressure shifting in a lightning stormcharged the air.


    Being invisible didnt stop the hairs on Alexs body from crackling.


    Without a word, thepanions formed a circle, backing each other, searching the hall.


    Kyembes sword was ready.


    Ezerak raised his de, his army of monsters ringing the Troupe of the Gargoyle


    Guntile growled a warning, baring her tusks.


    Ripps daggers shed.


    The trio of Thundars pounded maces against his palms.


    Alex held his staff high, his summons<strong></strong>circling him.


    Where was that damn bucket of wires and bolts hiding?


    Sphincters tightenin up over here, Alex, Thundar whispered.


    Youre not alone.


    Kaz-Mowang should have ordered you to kill each other as I told him! Yantrahpretayes voice struck. Thieves! Spies! Opportunists! Abusers of his hospitality. but I can ignore that and offer you a chance to live.


    A scraping noise raked the passageway.


    Smoke billowed from a distant hall. Fire? Did Baelins battle set this ce on fire?


    What kind of chance? Alex asked cautiously.


    Steam hissed. I am as a brother to Kaz-Mowang, but things are never simple. Jarethas politics are bingplicated. And under the right circumstances, Yantrahpretaye could be the Abyssal Knight of this city.


    Some brother Thundar muttered.


    <em>Silence mortal!</em> the demons voice swelled. For it is I who speaks. Now, tell me what you are doing here. Stealing trophies, no doubt? You will hand them and your weapons over to me immediately.


    Alex nced at Kyembe and Ezerak, their eyes werebing the hallway.


    The former kings expression was grim.


    Kyembes stern.


    Alex scowled.


    Smoke continued billowing into the hall.


    You will also join me in a n to kill Kaz-Mowang, the demons voicemanded. In return, you can leave here with your <em>lives.</em>


    Alex swallowed, his grip tightening on the aeld staff. Where was that damn demon?


    Maybe, we could negotiate he started.


    There will be no negotiation. My offer is my offer and it is final: any more questions and one of you will have to kill at least one other member of your little band of thieves if you expect my mercy.


    Alex scoffed. Who the hell would take an offer like that?


    Smart mortals. Mortals who wish to survive.


    The young wizards frown deepened. Where was he? Why didnt


    The smoke! Kyembe snarled, pointing to the smoke cloud billowing into the hallway. Something evil hides inside!


    What? Alex squinted.


    His eyes grew wide.


    Therewithin the billowing ck clouda twisted face leered at them.


    Oh, shit! Everyone, st the smoke! Alex instructed the air elementals next. Use your wind! Blow it away!


    Guntile pitched a wave of stones, while Kyembe raised his burning ring. A beam of hellfirenced the half-orcs stones, bursting them in an explosion that rocked the corridor.


    Air elementals circled the smoke, dispersing it in swirling gusts.


    Yantrahpretayes howl was terrible You dare? When I return Kaz-Mowangs trophy to him atop your shattered bones, he will owe me a favour, and that will be enough, for now.


    In a breath, the smoke scattered, revealing the demons powerful form. Steam leaked from every joint as its body moved, grinding when rusty ws reached for the Troupe of the Gargoyle.


    It formed a fist, then squeezed.


    Waves of power rippled through the air, and suddenly Kyembe, Ezerak, Ripp and Thundar were fighting to keep hold of their weapons.


    What the Alex gasped when he felt a sharp pain raking his waist through his greater force armour. He looked down in disbelief: his utility knife was piercing his protective spells.


    Maism! Watch out, its attracted to certain metals! he warned hispanions.


    Ripp suddenly screamed, whirling away as his daggers slipped from their sheathes. They swarmed like a line of hos, stabbing at the swiftling as he sped through the hall, moving faster than the des, just saving himself from being gutted.


    Alex conjured forceshields with his staff, deflecting his knife and Ripps daggers.


    Kill the bastard! he shouted. Guntile, get your stones, ready!


    The metal demonughed. You will not get that chance, mortal. I did note alone. Oh, and I can see you, little wizard.


    I can see you too. Alexs heartbeat rose as a familiar, female voice reached him from behind.


    Well, well, well, the toys are ying, Zonon-Inughed.


    The towering she-demon stepped into the passage on the side opposite from Yantrahpretaye, nking the group. Sickening mouth tentacles danced between her lips.


    She was apanied by a battalion of pazuzites and tiashivas.


    She extended her ws, crab-like pincers snapping.


    Alexs mind reeled, fighting panic from the mania-field and the sight of her with the other greater demon. But maybe there was a chancea <em>chance</em>that maybe Zonon-In might help them if she could also eliminate one of her rivals in the process.


    Or, she could simply just kill them on a whim in all of this chaos.


    He knew he couldnt trust her, and that they couldnt face two greater demons and escape. Not without casualties.


    Time for the emergency reserves.


    ring at the iron demon, Alex took to the air, flying straight forZonon-In. He met her gaze, his eyes fierce as he activated Baelins magic.


    ygon! he said mentally. I need you. Get into a fighting stance, position your spear, make sure youre ready to use it, and get your fire-beams ready. Listen to me carefully.


    This was Zonon-Ins hour.


    She grinned in glee as theical jester flew toward with such an adorable look of rage. It was almost adorable enough to make her want to spare him. And if the mood is right? She just might.


    After all, things were going incredibly well.


    Outside the pce, the city of Jaretha burned. She had watched Ezaliels battle alongside Kaz-Mowang, his servants, and his other guests while inwardly cheering as the archwizards devastated her master and his allies.


    Kaz-Mowang could only gawk like a fool while his guests trembled in fear.


    Beyond the bull-headed fools walls, the entire city was burning and turning into a storm of blood and death. Abyssal knights had fallen like leaves. Greater demons had been snuffed out like candle me, and even the citys titans were no longer guarding the gates because theyd been torn to shreds by cosmic magic, lovely tentacles, and beautiful dragon ws.


    In short? Things were going even better than she could have ever hoped for.


    When shed decided to help Baelin, her n had been simple, yetyered.


    She knew the archwizard wanted her master dead, and she had beenrgely disgraced in his court as a result of her recent defeat. Others were making ns to outmanoeuvre and destroy her.


    So she had destroyed them first.


    Two greater demonssome of Ezaliels most prized lieutenantskilled, which was enough to ensure her position was secure. But that was the beauty of her n: this result was only the beginning.


    If Baelin eliminated Jarethas master, then there would be a ce in his ranks. One of his lieutenantsor any other greater demoncould rise to the position of abyssal knight, as long as they proved cunning and stronger than theirpatriots.


    With some of her rivals dead, him dead and his court broken, the path would be open for her to make a y.


    But, now? Sheughed inwardly.


    Ezaliel had called his many allies, only to get them killed like flies.


    And with that many abyssal knights dead, it would be childs y to snap one of their fiefdoms up, since she now had few rivals left in Jaretha from the look of the wizards destruction rampaging through the city.


    The game was to y just the right cards to make sure hering advantages would be maximised.


    And fortunately, an opportunity had presented itself.


    Not long after the apocalyptic battle started, Kaz-Mowang had shown his true colours: the mighty, prideful demon had taken up his trident and bravelyled his guests away from the city and to a safehouse far from the disaster.


    Vain Kaz-Mowang was, but foolish, he was not. Zonon-In could already see his n: hed retreated from the city, protecting his guests andmore importantlythe bulk of his armies.


    Once the raging battle ended, he would return to the city as a conquering saviour, ready to assume his reign in the oing chaos. Of course, she had not followed him.


    She had other ns.


    Already, her own forces waited outside the city, poised and ready to strike before Kaz-Mowang could summon up enough spine to return. She would strike down the remaining greater demons left in the city while they tried to recover andby the time the bull-headed coward returnedshe would have gathered enough power for what was left of Jaretha to see her as its new master.


    And then let him try to destroy her as she rebuilt the city in her image!


    Of course, there had been one wrinkle: Yantrahpretaye.


    That wily old bastard was clever, fierce and decisive. She would have preferred to see him removed from y. But, how fortunate it had been for her when he appeared in that smokey form he travelled in and whispered to her about the strangest thing that had urred in the ballroom.


    A renegade tiashiva.


    Shouting usations that enemies were in Kaz-Mowangs pce.


    Shed taken it as an opportunity to either gain a favour, or cripple a rival.


    And so she had dly epted,ing to this battle to aid himor at least, that is what she had said.


    Ill participate in the battle, alright, she thought, grinning as the entertainerswho shed known were actually thieves struggled with their weapons.


    Her grin widened when one of them cast a handful of exploding stones into Yantrahpretayes face, sting her rival and extracting a steam and smoke-tinged curse that echoed through the pce walls.


    Ill put in a minor effort, and let you all rip each other apart, Zonon-In thought. Then Ill ughter the weakened victor and take whatever it is that Baelin sought from the corpses. It will be so sad when I tell him that his team was killed in battle! But by good fortune, I was able to retrieve what he wanted. Then he will owe me another favour. The wizard will kill my other rivals and pave the path for me to take not only <em>this</em> fiefdom, but others as well.


    A mouth tentacle licked her lips as she watched the jesters approach.


    And perhaps in another few millennia, I will have gathered enough power to obtain a lordship. Yes, it all begins toda Her thoughts paused, narrowing on the jester.


    His voicethe way he flew.


    Something about him seemed so, so familiar.


    What was it?


    Where had she seen hi


    She bared her teeth.


    Of course! The swamp! He was the mortal who controlled that golem The one who stole her war-spear! How could she not recognise him?


    Good! Let the preye to the hunter! I will y him until I get my weapon back and he tells me where hispanions are. Then, he will die a slow death, one befitting of such a wretch. But waitwhere was the golem?


    The wizard was close now, he raised a hand, pointing beside her.


    The air shimmered.


    Something appeared.


    The golem was suddenly beside herits face was snarling and its body was no longer y, instead, it was white stone. It posed in a fighting stance, two of its hands were aiming at her.


    Terrible pain gripped her chest.


    In shock, she slowly looked down; her own war-spear was buried in her breast. The stroke was clean. Precise.


    It had skewered her heartpletely.


    No she choked on ck blood as her weaponreturned to her as shed wanteddrank her life force. Thismyhour


    With those choking words, Zonon-In slumped to the ground like a fallen tree.


    Schemes and ns flitted away.


    With thest of her withering life, her eyes found ygons face.


    Andfixed on the golemshe died.


    In the space of minutes, Alex Roth had gained revenge twice.


    And he was in the mood for more.

 Chapter 527: Iron, Smoke and Flame

    Chapter 527: Iron, Smoke and me


    In the Crymlyn, Zonon-In had vowed that as long as she lived, Alex would never be free of her, and neither would his closest friends. She could have appeared anywhere, and at any time in their lives. If they ever grewfortable, let their guard down, or forgot about her, she could have killed them on a whim. Her threat would have hung over them until they were dead.


    But, in a wonderful twist, she was the one who was dead.


    And ygon celebrated.


    <em>Igot herfather!</em> his speakerbox boomed, gems red, already pointing at Yantrahpretaye.


    The beamsnced through the hallway.


    Zonon-In! the iron demon roared. You useless deadArgh!


    Fire-beams struck home, but their me dimmed as they washed over the demons metal shell.


    He must be resistant to magic, like Zonon-In was, Alex thought.


    But still, the attack had some impact; the demons control of their weapons was lessening. His utility knife floundered around with little direction, not stabbing as aggressively as before.


    Realisation hit him. Everyone, pay attention to that iron bastard! Keep him off bnce! He needs all of his concentration to affect our weapons!


    Ezerak growled in acknowledgement, his sword pointed at the towering fiend. Lets give him something to keep him busy then!


    A wave of painted monsters charged the smoke-spewing fiend, ws, hooves and paws thundering across stone. More shimmered into being, leaping from the former kings flesh. Lions, griffons, wolves and more swarmed the iron monster from all sidesbut they had little effect. Creatures that had earlier savaged the demonic monkeys at the portal crossroads couldnt even break this monsters iron hide.


    They couldn''t damage, or kill it, but at least they were distracting it.


    Which meant that Alexs summoned creatures couldnt hurt it either.


    The greater demon kept fighting, billowing scalding steam, sweeping dagger sharp ws through the painted creatures like they were mist.


    Alexs jaw clenched.


    Two greater demons were dead, but theyd been caught by surprise. Yantrahpretaye<strong></strong>had been ready and was at his full power; he wouldnt make things easy for them.


    He also had allies


    Zenon-Ins horde had recovered from the shock of her death and were screaming how they would make the mortals pay; they came charging at the Troupe of the Gargoyle with a vengeance. But, in turn, Alex, Thundar, ygon and the mercenaries werent about to make things easy for her minions, and met them with stiff and fatal resistance.


    Bone cracked, and flesh pulped as Celsus stepped from beside ygon, his mace swinging, he waded into the sea of demons,ying them out in broken heaps.


    Alex assessed the battle, quickly making a n.


    Ezerak, keep your monsters on top of that iron demon, Alex said. Weve got to keep him off-bnce. Guntile, keep firing on the horde, dont let up on them. Blow them to another hell if you can. Thundar, you and Ripp confuse that thing and keep up the pressure on the rest! ygon. Kyembe. Youre with me. Were going to kill that metal bastard. Celsus!


    He looked at the towering warrior. Justkeep doing what youre doing.


    The armoured mercenary grunted in acknowledgement, whirling his mace like windmill des. Demons fell like wheat.


    Alex called out to his summons, nodding toward Celsus before flying at Yantrahpretaye<strong>.</strong> Help him fight the demons however you can! And, keep them away from us!


    Guntile and Ripp faced the horde of fiends, hitting them with explosive stones, and flying des.


    Here we go! Good luck, Alex! Thundar cried, rapid-fire force bolts streaked for the demons ranks ahead of him. The tide of monsters slowed, but more wereing.


    Zonon-In hadnt brought a mere handful of fiends, shed brought an army.


    Alex and hispanions would need to work fast.


    Kyembe, can that burning sword of yours cut iron? Alex asked.


    As a knife splits rotten fruit. The Spirit Killers de zed with hellfire.


    Good. ygon, use your war-spear and try skewering him. We need him pinned down. Alex raised his staff, drawing out more haste magic. Lets get this done!


    He poured haste magic onto Kyembe and ygon, then waved the staff at Ezeraks monsters, granting them<strong></strong>enhanced speed.


    The Spirit Killer and golem blurred at the greater demon, but the creature coughed out a cloud of steam, his voice mocking. That trick is a pale imitation used by mortal kind. You seek haste? I will show you true haste.


    A whine of steam came from deep within the demon. Its joints glowed red, then its speed elerated.


    Blowsalready swift and precisefell unseen on Ezeraks minions as they seemed to die away unaided. Alex conjured more haste magic and greater force armour, pouring it on the painted monsters.


    Hurry! the former king shouted, moving behind Kyembe. My armies are not endless!


    Trying! Alex shouted, conjuring forceballs and force Hands, sending them at the demonic foe.


    Kyembe and ygon reached Yantrahpretaye at the same time the force constructs surrounded him, crawling over him in swarms of disorienting lights and barriers.


    The golem thrust the war-spear at the greater demon; he batted it aside with a powerful iron arm. ygon twisted the weapon, sliding the de along the fiends body, digging a channel deep in its forearm.


    Yantrahpretayes howl was like the scream of metal on metal andas sparks rained downKyembe ran in, his sword high.


    The Spirit Killer thrust the de at him, but seemed to misjudge the range of his push cut, it fell short of its target.


    Your aim is poor! the demon called.


    But the Spirit Killer wasnt finished.


    He pulled on the swords grip in either direction andwith a surge of powerthe ivory hilt lengthened, bing the white haft of a sword-staff, shooting the extended de deep into the demons leg.


    Hellfire zed white hot, Yantrahpretayes iron began to glow orange around the wound, sending the monster into howls.


    Did I miss you, demon? Kyembe asked. Then let me try again.


    His fury in, the Spirit Killer leapt at the giant, sweeping the burning weapon at its legs, while ygon struck its arms. The war-spear shed deep into iron arms, rupturing metal, spraying clouds of steam over his stone surface.


    Yantrahpretaye screeched, steam hissed as he whirled on ygon, shing at the golem with his steel ws.


    The pitched shriek of metal on stone cut the air.


    ygon floated backwards, three jagged lines marked him.


    <em>Iam alrightfather </em>he said in Alexs mind. <em>My stone is harder than my y wasI will not fall.</em>


    He punctuated those words by sting Yantrahpretayes face with all three fire-beams.


    Alex glowered at the demon. Just be careful, ygon, he said, pointing his staff at the fiend, and in rapid session, shot Elder Blodeuwedds mana draining symbols at him. The glyphs covered the demons form, power drained away.


    You! he whirled, burning eyes boring in Alexs direction. What have you done to me? You will regArgh!


    Kyembe leapt, ming sword blurred, slicing metal repeatedly. Smoke and steam billowed as molten iron streamed down the monsters legs.


    The greater demon was shrieking, backing away, but the summoned creatures and constructs blocked its line of sight, holding it off bnce. Alex had learned much from fighting Zonon-In in the Crymlyn swamp.


    In truth, Yantrahpretayeeven with enhanced speedwasnt as fast as she was, and he was also <em>severely</em>outnumbered. Ezeraks army, and Alexs tide of monsters were far more distracting than the witches few trees were.


    ygon was faster, stronger, and tougher now, and Zonon-Ins own war-spear was his. Kyembe was fearsome, and his hellfire did its work with every stroke.


    And Alex, armed with his aeld staff, had more options than in the Crymlyn. Draining their enemys power was one of them. They also had to keep the demon busy and stop him from having too much time to think.


    Burning wounds were spreading across its body from Kyembes sword-staff, while ygons war-spear was biting deeper and deeper into Yantrahpretayes metal. His mana was draining, and he was slowing.


    Any time now, Alex thought. We finish him off and


    Mana suddenly surged. The demons eyes red, steam leaking from his joints.


    His metallic gut yawned open, exposing a chamber of whirring gears, wires, and spinning mechanisms.


    Behind those?


    The light of me grew.


    Heat billowed as the air scorched. Alex gasped, his eyes tearing. Everyone back, hes gonna


    <em>Father</em>! ygon shot in front of Alex.


    Kyembe leapt back


    but toote.


    Yantrahpretayes core exploded, his joints spraying the hallway in me. Alex screamed, the hall ignited, his clothes caught as he hid behind ygon.


    Somewhere below, Kyembe screamed and the aeld staff screamed with him.


    Thundar shouted in the distance.


    Alexs eyes stung from light and heat.


    And then the me was gone.


    Shuddering, Alex fought for air, the scent of burning cloth filling his nose.


    <em>Father!</em> ygon cried, his head turning. <em>You are burning!</em>


    I know! Alex shouted, channelling mana from the smoking staff.


    The young aeld staff emanated waves of pain and terror as he used it to call a water elemental. Bubbles appeared, gurgling in surprise.


    Put out the fire! he cried.


    The water elemental gurgled, spraying cold water, dousing his smouldering clothing and staff. Relief spiked from the aeld.


    Thank the Traveller, youre alright, he murmured, trembling at how close hede to death.


    But what about the others? How were they?


    He peered through a rising plume of smoke in a panic.


    The summoned monsters were gone, some of Ezeraks beasts were now nothing but greasy stains on the stone.


    There was no sign of Kyembe at aNo.


    No, that wasnt true.


    There, in the smoke, a body burned, gripping a sword-staff still covered in hellfire.


    Down the hall, the st had hit the others.


    Ezerak was pulling himself to his feet, burns ran<strong></strong>over his flesh, though his magical tattoos had protected him from the worst. Guntile was desperately pping at herself, snuffing out burning clothing. Thundar looked like hednded in a bonfire butstill chanting affirmationshe fought on. Ripp had ducked behind the demon horde and was spared the worst of the explosion, he now chopped through them, des flying.


    At his side, the inhumanly tough Celsus fought on as though nothing had happened. His armour steamed, but he had not slowed. Nor paused.


    Groaning, Ezerak was raising his sword and striding toward the fiends, monsters leaping off his skin.


    He was buying the team more time against the demonic horde; some of them had burned, but not all, many were protected by their natural resistance to me.


    demons?


    Alexs eyes widened.


    Where was Yantrahpretaye?


    His eyes desperately searched the hall; the greater demon had vanished.


    Where the hells was h


    The whoosh of air saved him.


    On instinct, he shot forward, shouting as pain burned across his back. Another impact struck him from behind, sting the air from his lungs.


    He flinched as something in his side broke, pain exploded through him from head to foot when he hit the ground floor full force: the aeld staff and Bubbles flew from his hands.


    <em>Father!</em> ygon shouted, flying toward Alex.


    The young wizards vision swam: he was dazed and everything hurt.


    Watchout! his mind screamed a warning.


    Behind ygon, the greater demon emerged from the smoke.


    Yantrahpretayes ws were raised, poised to strike the golem. But, ygons head abruptly swivelled one hundred and eighty degrees, unleashing a fire-beam directly into the demons face.


    It howled, shing at ygon, leaving deep gouges before kicking him away. The demon floated through the air, ringed in me. Its mana had weakened, but what was left still raged like a stormstruck sea.


    And it looked right at Alex. I can smell your heat, mortal. Invisibility will not save you.


    A rope of me coiled around his hand.


    Stones cracked in his damaged face, exploding where they struck.


    Get away from him, you bastard! Guntile growled, her hands whipped stones like hail. Hes not dying until we get paid!


    The demon glowered down at her. Youre next


    There was a terrible ng of stone on metal.


    ygon rammed Yantrahpretaye from the sidedriving the war-spear deep shearing the demons metal body.


    The two giants spun through the air, crashing to the ground, shattering stone.


    Alex flew away, floating toward his staff, his movements unsteady as the titans grappled on the fractured floor.


    The weakened wizard reached his staff, barely able to raise it. He blinked rapidly, clearing his vision, searching for Guntile.


    Throw me a stone! he choked.


    What? she cried. If it hits you itll explode!


    Ill catch it


    But


    Trust me! Just throw it!


    The half-orc drew her arm back and whipped a stone at Alex. He marked its arc, using the mark andthough his side screamed with painhe snatched it from the air, then raised the frightened staff, drawing out the power of Call Through Ice. He fixed his eyes on the metal demon.


    That strange power rose inside him.


    Something felt different now.


    Deeper.


    More urgent.

 Chapter 528: Terrible Tearing of Metal

    Chapter 528: Terrible Tearing of Metal


    The hidden<strong></strong>power intensified, begging to be used.


    Its energy was more potent than ever, ring in his gut like a lump of burning coal.


    Alex called on Call Through Ice, casting Guntiles stone through the gateway into the elemental ne of cold. Icy wind raked his face from the<strong></strong>open portal, and as his inner power sang, he could <em>feel</em> the exact path of the stone travelling through the nes.


    He kept his eyes fixed on its destination: the two titans wrestled before him, shredding stone tiles like paper. As Yantrahpretaye grappled with the golemtaking repeated fire-sts to his facea steam-shrouded gap in the demons metal tes caught Alexs attention.


    An elbow joint hissed, releasing steam.


    His timing had to be precise as he teleported the explosive stone into the gap.


    Yantrahpretaye shifted his grip on ygon.


    The space<strong></strong>mmed shut, crushing Guntiles stone between metal tes, shattering it.


    The explosion rolled through the hallway.


    Yantrahpretaye screamed as a hole tore open in his arm, billowing smoke and whistling steam. Shrapnel whined through the air, cracking on the corridors walls, punching deep into a nearby statue of Kaz-Mowang.


    Fragments struck ygonsome buried in his polished surfacebut he never flinched.


    They could wait, after all, he had a demon to kill.


    Straddling the enormous fiends chest, the golem stabbed Yantrahpretayes side with his war-spear, pinning him to the ground.


    Two of his hands rose, balling into fists.


    The demon whined,<strong></strong>eyes flickering<strong></strong>in shock.


    ygons fists fell.


    He hammered Yantrahpretaye in a storm of thunderous blows, denting metal and caving in armoured tes. If hed been flesh, his bones would be ground to dust and his bulk would be now smeared across the stone.


    But, Yantrahpretaye was made of sterner stuff.


    Even as his tes buckled under ygons assault, he fought like a cornered animal. Hissing steam, the metal demons jaws cracked open, vomiting a cloud of smoke and sparks into the golems face, blocking his vision.


    Yantrahpretaye drove a blow into ygons core, throwing him off andwith shocking agilityleapt to his feet, whirling on Alex.


    The young wizard was channelling blood magic, working to soothe his wounds.


    Burning eyes shed in the demons metal skull as he favoured his damaged arm. You cracked my arm, little filth. Bathe in the blood of a thousand horrors. Yantrahpretaye spat a cloud of steam.


    Alex clenched his will.


    Something mmed into his mind like a bone-charger barrelling into a wall. Hundreds of blood-curdling screams ran rampant in his mind, threatening to drive him to terror and mania, but he pushed back, mental affirmations fighting through the demons magic.


    The fiendish power died, abruptly freeing his thoughts.


    His heart leapt.


    The demon loomed before him, ws raised, ready to deliver its deadly stroke. Alex tried diving to the side, but the ws had already swung at his head.


    A noise reached his ears. The sound of me hissing and metal breaking rang out.


    The iron demon screamed; a deburning in white hellfireseared his lower leg.


    The wound gaped, as did Alex, looking ahead with unbelieving eyes.


    Behind the demon Kyembe stood his ground, burns covered his lean body, and his teeth clenched.


    Crimson eyes burned as he twisted the haft of his sword-staff, parting hot metal, forcing the wound wider. I still live, wretch. His face contorted in an expression that was half-snarl and half-smile. You will not say the same.


    Another scrape of melting metal as Kyembe wrenched the de from the demons leg, molten iron gushed.


    The Spirit Killer struck in a flurry spurred by fury, his weapon shredding the demon, iron shards and boiling metal flew with every stroke. Yantrahpretaye reeled back, his ws iling as Kyembe chased him, tearing ever deepening wounds into their enemy.


    Alex had thought the mercenary deadhow couldnt he be dead after bearing the impact of that explosion? But, however hed survived, the young wizard was very, very grateful that he had.


    But how long could hest with those devastating burns?


    Alex considered what to do.


    His eyes darted to Celsus, Ripp, Thundar and Guntile fighting the tide of demons, hitting them hard. Yet, their numbers still seemed endless; despite Ezerak bringing his army as well his sword against the horde of fiends.


    Itll be me and ygon, then, Alex reached out to his golem. ygon! Focus on the demons joints with your spear. Ill try and drain more of his mana. But if things get bad, take a chaos bomb from your satchel, prime it and toss it down the hall. Then get Thundar and the others and get out of here as fast as you can.


    A wave of anxiety emanated from the golem. <em>Are yousure?</em>


    Thats only if we have to, Alex thought, flying toward Kyembe. <em>Only </em>if we have to.


    Yantrahpretaye swiped at the Spirit Killer who danced through the demons attacks like a bird on the wing, his burning de shing its metal shell. Steam spurted from its wounds, burning Kyembe, but he didnt waver. The demon was slowing; the jarring noise of his gears grinding as steam sputtered from his body when he moved, was a wee sound.


    His mana was draining.


    Wretches! he howled. I


    ygon hit him again, his war-spear digging a trench deep in the metal. Yantrahpretaye wheezed a great cloud of smoke as Alex flew behind Kyembe, casting Mana to Blood. He pressed his hand to the lean mans back. Youve got him! Alex shouted. And Ive got <em>you! </em>Keep it up!


    I was not nning to stop and let him gut me, my friend! Kyembe barked a sound between a cough and augh.


    The Spirit Killer swung the sword-staff in a deep draw cut, chopping Yantrahpretayes leg, as his strength returned.


    me hissed.


    Yantrahpretaye bellowed.


    Kyembes de sheared the iron demons leg, severing most of his calf and foot. The body parts hit the floor, spewing molten metal as gears inside ground to an abrupt halt.


    <em>Goodwork!</em> ygon shouted, focusing his war-spear on the demons damaged elbow.


    Then he twisted.


    Metal on metal sheared another limb, spinning it away, it ttered to the floor, whirring then falling still.


    You mortals are a gue! Yantrahpretaye hissed in rage. The air shimmered with heat. I will not tolerate you further!


    The demon reached its hand toward Alexs allies fighting the horde in the hallway.


    An unseen wave of power struck the air.


    Hes going for our metal! Alex cried, shooting into the air. Watch him!


    No, not <em>our</em> metal, the demon taunted as ygon ground his spear into his hide. Just <em>one</em> of you.


    Something heavy hurtled through the air.


    Celsus'' fully-armoured form struck Kyembe with bone-shattering force, knocking the Spirit Killer from his feet. The two men tumbled, rolling to a stop in a pile of limbs.


    Kyembe groaned, spitting blood, struggling to get to his feet; his breath came ragged, and his eyes were dazed.


    Celsus kipped up to his feet in one move, no worse for the wear.


    With a sweep of his mace, the warrior charged the greater demon.


    But, its attention was now on ygon.


    The golem pushed the demon to the ground with full force, but Yantrahpretayes eyes were focused on his war-spear. His power clenched, and suddenly, the golem was in a struggle to keep hold of the weapon. The war-spear fought him, trying to fly free.


    He grappled with it as Yantrahpretaye levelled his stump at him; with a hiss, molten iron belched out, drenching the golem.


    Cooling steam sted ygon, solidifying melted iron to his stone form.


    Get away from him! Alex roared, conjuring a pack of ice elementals with the aeld staff. They materialised beside the iron demon, drenching him in frigid energies, but he twitched his neck to one side.


    Maic power washed over the metal partly covering ygon, shooting him high into the air, then driving him downward like a falling star.


    Oh shit! Alex leapt aside.


    His golemnded atop the ice elementals, sending them back to their home ne. ygon tried to rise into the air, but the demons power kept him pinned to the ground.


    In the struggle, Celsus reached the fight.


    The armoured mercenary jumped,nding on ygon and charging up his side like he was ascending a ramp, then he sprang directly onto the demon.


    His mace swung; there came a series of cracks from the demons body. Celsus smashed the enormous weapon into Yantrahpretayes face, splintering it.


    Get away! The demon breathed a cloud of scalding steam into the warriors facebut Celsus did not flinch.


    Again and again that mace came down, caving in Yantrahpretayes face.


    Get off me fiend! the demon screamed.


    Maic energy pulsed.


    Flesh tore.


    Oh no Alex cried, climbing to his feet.


    Spikesboth outside and ingrew, covering and lining Celsus armour tes. Terrible metal barbs, extended, driving into the warriors flesh.


    Yet, Celsus did not cry out.


    He simply kept crashing his mace into the demon, blow after blow.


    Die! Yantrahpretaye roared. Just <em>die, curse you!</em>


    Another wave of maic energy swept the air. The spikes grew longer. Blood spurted from the warriors visor. Still, he did not falter. His will was impossible: any mortal should have been dead. Yet, Celsus continued to pound his mace into Yantrahpretaye.


    There came a crunch and spray of me. The demon screamed as the towering warrior crushed one of its burning eyes. With his remaining hand, the demon swiped at Celsus in desperation, driving his metal ws through the mercenarys armour and into the flesh below.


    Blood flowed, yet he fought on, punishing the demon even as he weakened; red leaked from his armour and his weapon shook in his hand. He swung again, dealing a crushing blow.


    Yantrahpretaye shrieked.


    Maic power poured through the air, iming much of his waning mana.


    Celsus armour imploded, crushing the man within. The mercenarys body stiffened, then went still, his mace dropped from his fingers, hitting the demons face onest time.


    Slowly, the warriors still form slid off the demon as Alex sprang forward to catch him.


    His mind reeled as heid Celsus on the stone.


    First he was struck with shock.


    Then sadness.


    Then rage.


    Deep abiding rage.


    Growling from deep within himself like a caged beast, he flew toward ygons satchel. Im teleporting a chaos bomb right into this piece of filths damn guts, Mark or no Mark! he thought.


    He neared the golem, then his world stopped, drowning him in a river of scalding steam, it washed over him in waves. Alex screamed, dropping to the ground, pain covering him, nerve endings in agony, his skin burning even through his force armour.


    Creaking with effort, Yantrahpretaye rose, hovering over ygon as the golem struggled against his maic power.


    <em>Fathermove!</em> the golem screamed.


    No. No escaping. Youdienext Yantrahpretaye whistled steam. Raising his ws, he charged the Fool.


    Alex tried to move, but the burns were anguish; he felt like his skin was on fire every time he moved.


    He met the iron demons burning eye with a hatred of his own, fear and desperation rising in his chest.


    A scheme yed in his mind.


    One thatif it failedcould kill him.


    But he was in a corner, and he had to do everything he could to get out of it. He began muttering words of power, words that were seared into his memory.


    As he called upon his mana, the power within him rose, eager to join his efforts. The Mark screamed, flooding him with every failure it could, but the power pushed against it even as his concentration wavered, helping toplete the magic circuit.


    Power raged.


    Yantrahpretayes ws swept downward. Their points raced for his face, looking to shred him like ribbons.


    He could feel the wind cooling his skin as he spoke the final words of the spell.


    nar Doorway.


    Then, he was gone.


    He rushed through a thousand ces across the nes.


    Then reappeared somewhere dark and steaming; the sound of grinding gears surrounding him. The heat from screeching metal and demonic mana scraped his skin. His eyes watered.


    And he knew where he was.


    His n was to cast the chaos bomb into the demons gut, and that was where hed appeared, staff and all: inside the jumble of parts inside Yantrahpretayes iron core.


    Rage still filled him, stoking a hunger for vengeance as he filled the demons core. He was wounded, but not dead.


    And right now? Mark or no Mark, he couldnt miss.


    Gripping his staff, he poured a body enhancement spell into his physical form, muscles throbbed with power. Thenby the light of the aelds crystal bloomshe reached up, grabbing one of the tangle of wires within the greater metal demon.


    His teeth bared. Time to die, you rusty piece of shit.


    And he pulled hard.

 Chapter 529: To Rip and Tear...Until it is Done

    Chapter 529: To Rip and Tear...Until it is Done


    The Mark screamed, battering his thoughts with every failure hed ever had.


    But, it wasnt the only one screaming.


    Fuelled by rage, Alex Roth yanked the wire free, tossing it aside as Yantrahpretayes shrill cry echoed through the ironpartment hed teleported into.


    Thats right, he growled, seizing a gear inside the monsters core, and with a surge of power, ripped it from its axle. Go on, scream! Now its your turn to scream!


    Alexs head pounded, but he grabbed pipes. He grabbed wires. He grabbed gears.


    He yanked on parts he could not even name.


    Andone by onehe tore them away.


    The Mark poured its displeasure into him, hammering him until his eyes burned, screaming at him to stop. Soon, he was almost blind as failure after failure rampaged through his mind, clouding both his eyesight and will.


    So, he felt around, using his hands, grabbing any wire his fingers touched, dragging it out. With every bit of strength and leverage he could muster, he <em>gutted</em> the steel-bodied demon like a fish. Its insides were now a sputtering debris field.


    Stop! Yantrahpretaye screamed. Stop! What are you doing?


    Im ripping you apart with my bare hands! Better you than us!


    The Mark reacted, Alex felt like his head was splitting. Failures shed, repeating everything hed ever done wrong, every mistake hed ever made. Images appeared in a constant stream, tormenting him, but the metal demon had to be stopped.


    Yantrahpretaye channelled mana from his dwindling pool.


    Alex couldnt let him use that maism again, especially not after the horror hed inflicted on Celsus.


    Through the Marks assault, he hunted for the aeld staff, grabbing it in a trembling hand then channelling its energies, painting the greater demons core in mana draining symbols.


    The staffs energies were weakening, but he pushed it for whatever help it could give him. He summoned four ice elementals to surround him.


    Keep it cool in here and freeze whatever starts heating up, his voice was weak, seeming to echo in his head as he pulled another wire loose.


    Yantrahpretayes cries grew panicked.


    The temperature in the demons belly began to rise, but a shot of icy power stopped it, pushing it down. The greater demons ebbing mana could do nothing to raise it.


    Alex heard a worried voice calling to him.


    <em>Father!</em><em>Father whereare you? </em>ygon cried.


    Im inside this demons belly, he thought. Can you move?


    <em>Yesnow I can!</em>


    Good. Do me a favour and rip his other arm off.


    <em>Right awayfather! </em>ygons voice thrummed with anger.


    The young wizard yanked on another wire, the demons gut swung open and Alex dragged himself up, making his way to the demons chest. Metal scraped metal as Yantrahpretayes ws raked his lower gut, reaching for Alex, but the Fool was far from his reach.


    Suddenly, stone crunched steel.


    Two of ygons hands wrapped around Yantrahpretayes arm.


    Then pulled.


    The fiends elbow separated, severing the joint in half.


    The demon howled, but the sound was weaker; Alex ripped at its insides, the Mark punished him, the images sped up to a dizzying rate. The young wizard had to keep going, he had a shot at stopping him, no matter what it cost. Nausea gripped him, he mmed his eyes shut, dry-heaving. His arms were shaking, but they still stripped Yantrahpretayes insides bare. The demon was hissing, it was shuddering. The odour of rust filled the air, reaching Alexs nostrils even through the Marks brutal onught. Then, like a tower falling, the greater demon reeled, toppling to the ground.


    With a high pitched whistle, steam escaped its core, hissing softly until it stilled.


    Abruptly, the Marks interference stopped: after all, Alex had no reason to keep attacking the demonit was dead. Exhausted, and with his head throbbing, Alex slid from within Yantrahpretayes chest, and copsed on Kaz-Mowangs pce floor, his breath ragged. At least, he could see again.


    He trembled: he was burnt, blood leaked from the wound in his side, every breath hurt, the skin on his hands was in shreds. Machine-grease covered the ruins of his jesters costume, it was torn in patches.


    But, their opponent was dead.


    And he wasnt.


    He sat up slowly, scowling at the horde of demons still filling the hall.


    Their numbers were fewer, and their assault had paused; they gaped at himhe was drenched in Yantrahpretayes ck life bloodas he red at them from beside the ruins of one of their great masters.


    Alex licked at oil running down the corner of his mouth, spitting it on Yantrahpretayes mangled corpse.


    Then he stood and cracked his neck, taking a step toward the demons.


    They backed away.


    He took another step. An explosion rocked the pce andfor a momentit seemed like his footfall was the cause.


    And that was enough.


    Their nerve snapped like a burning thread, and they turned, shrieking and wing at each other, pushing their brethren aside to escape the Troupe of the Gargoyle. The horde scattered down side hallways, mania spiking, driving their panic, leaving the Troupe alone with the ruins of dead demonsand their own dead ally.


    Blood trickled from a wound on Guntiles head as she limped toward Celsus body. Agh, poor Celsus. You fought hard to the end. I wish you could have had a better deat


    Another explosion shook the hall, this one more intense than thest.


    Alex and hispanions fought to keep their feet, swaying to stay upright.


    They had all been through a hard fight, and it showed.


    Scratches ran along Ezeraks torso, and a w wound gaped open just below his throat.


    Ripp was bleeding from a cut on one of his long ears and he had a stab wound in his side, which he was carefully wrapping. ygon had scratches all through his stone surface, and was still partly coated in iron.


    Thundars fur was matted with bloodthe red was his, the ck was the demonshis mace was gripped in one hand.


    Alex nodded to him. You okay?


    Am now, Thundar grunted. Nearly lost my life twice in just heartbeats. That was <em>bad. </em>But never mind all that. He frowned, his eyes falling on Alexs shoulder. You killed that demon, waitdid you <em>teleport?</em>


    Yeah, Alex groaned. Somethings changed, and I need answers. He patted the satchel. But we dont have time to talk about that now. Were in rough shape and we need to get out of here or were all gonna die. Hell, Id be dead if it wasnt forshit, wheres Kyembe?


    Alex turned, looking for the mercenary whod saved his life.


    The man was on the ground, wounded and shaking, dead demons and rubble partially covering him. One of his hands glowed with golden light and was pressed to his chest.


    Ilive The Spirit Killer choked out, his grin was more grimace than smile. Thoughthat might changemomentarily. Stillour enemy lies dead. And that is good. That is good.


    And youre not dying with him, Alex looked at ygon. ygon, could you pick up Kyembeand maybe get Celsus body? He doesnt deserve to have his final resting ce be down here in the hells. He shoulde back with us.


    <em>Yesfather.</em> The golem started to turn away.


    Hold on, I need something from you. Alex flew to him, reached into his satchel and took out a single<strong></strong>chaos bomb.


    Alright, heres what were going to do. Ill get us out of here: the nar Doorway spell has a range of about a hair over a thousand feet. I can get us back to the Outer Labyrinths.


    Are you sure? Thundar blinked. Thatsthats a big distance and theres a lot of us. How many of us can you take at a time?


    Enough, Alex said. Ill run mana regeneration to keep my mana flowing. I <em>will</em> get us out of here. Now.


    He looked at the wounded Kyembe and ygon. The Spirit Killer was in a bad way, but his wounds were beginning to heal. He looked better. Guntile, ygon, Ripp and Ezerak you hold the fort for a minute. Ill take Thundar out first and be right back.


    You sure? Thundar asked. I


    Alex ced a hand on the minotaurs shoulder andspoke the words of powercasting nar Doorway. The Mark protested andstill feeling residual effects from its earlier onughthe nearly dropped to his knees.


    But the power inside him pushed back,bining with his will, getting him through the spell array.


    Remembering a hall near the front of the pce, he cast himself and Thundar through the nes, materialising in the deserted hallway.


    Holy hell, Thundar murmured. This is incredible.


    Itll be more incredible when were out of here.


    Uttering another incantation, Alex teleported them deep into the gardens, then again into the sky above Kaz-Mowangs maze.


    Andfor the first timethey witnessed the destruction that Baelins cabal had brought to Jaretha.


    By my ancestors, the minotaur swore, dancing me reflected in his eyes.


    Below them, Jaretha burned, roiling in utter chaos.


    In the distance, a dragonbigger than any mountain hed ever seenbattled a horde of demonic titans. Demonic titans that were dwarfed by their opponent; the great wyrms wings zed as he swatted his foes like flies, searing them, knocking them blocks away.


    His maw spat magic with the power to unmake things, even from this distance.


    Beyond the dragon, was amuch smallercreature that hurt the eyes to look upon for too long. Alex made out tentacles that looked more like strings from where he and Thundar were; they wereshing out, ying the creatures opponents.


    He couldn''t see anyone else, but he could <em>feel</em> them: Baelins towering power, mana surging from thousands of lesser mages.


    Yeeeeah, maybe lets not go anywhere near there. Thundar wisely suggested.


    Agreed. Not for all the magic in the world. Alex turned away from the war. Lets keep going.


    Quietly, the two wizards teleported again and again, climbing higher into the skies of Jaretha. They closed on the city walls, unnoticed; all eyes were on the apocalyptic battle being fought deeper in the city. Alex doubted anyone would be paying any attention to two more wounded mortals desperately trying to escape the chaos.


    And so he continued casting nar Doorway, each spell drawing enormous mana, but his pool was deep and already regenerating.


    He would have more than enough to get everyone to the edge of the maze. Orat least thats what he hoped.


    There it is! Thundar cried.


    Just a little more, Alex said.


    Concentrating, he continued teleporting them through the sky unttst they reached a quiet edge of the maze. From within thebyrinth came sounds of screaming and wailing: the citizens of the demon city were retreating through the maze in a panic.


    But, at least for now, the spot he and Thundar had reached was free of traffic.


    I''ll be back in a sh, Alex said. I wanted to get you out of there; no way Im letting what happened to Celsus happen to you. Next, Ill bring ygon. With his size, I dont think I''d be able to bring more than him and Kyembe.


    You shouldnt worry about me so much, Thundar grunted.


    I have to, Alex shook his head, remembering a ruined, armoured body. Look what happened to Celsus. One wrong move, and that could have been you or me. If Isolde and Khalik had been down here, it could have been one of them.


    But it wasnt. Thundar looked at him sternly.  Think about the bad shitter. Right now? Our allies need out.


    Yeah, Alex said. Youre right.


    With a deep breath, he cast nar Doorway again.


    On the trip back, he began to feel the strain of his mana pool draining, but he triggered Hsiekus technique, pouring mana from his fibres. Youre not failing yet, he told himself, pushing on.


    As hed told Thundar, he brought ygon and Kyembe next, teleporting them through Jaretha and out to the edge of the maze.


    He went back for Guntile, Ripp, Ezerak, and Celsus body on thest trip.


    But he wasnt about to leave Kaz-Mowangs pce without leaving him a parting gift.


    He deserved a big surprise.


    Ripp, Alex handed the bomb to the swiftling. Could you turn this dial for me, itll activate this messenger construct? Then, point it down the hallway and let it go. The second you release it, we leave.


    Ripp looked at the device like he was looking at a live cobra. What is it?


    An explosive, Alex said. A nice powerful one. So, dont forget, point it toward the hall.


    Will do, boss. The swiftling took the device gingerly, wound it up, then released it.


    Spreading its wings, the construct flew away, carrying the chaos bomb through the hallway.


    Alex cast nar Doorway, teleporting his team from the passage.


    He teleported them out of the pce and into the sky, recasting his spell repeatedly. The Marks interference was as fierce as the power within him wasforting, but he had no time to slow, at any second


    The explosion ripped the air.


    A terrible st echoed through a vast wing of Kaz-Mowangs pce, immting it in me, chaos, and pure power. Solid stone crumbled to dust. Precious gold liquified.


    The fire breathed, expanding through the pce grounds.


    Thats quite the st, Guntile murmured, Too bad my stones cant do that.


    I hope that arrogant bastard enjoys rubble, Alex said. Let him worry about the mess while we get away.


    With those words, he teleported hispanions over the wall and out of the city.


    Behind them, the apocalypse continued.


    His thoughts were elsewhere.


    He was tired of waiting.


    As soon as he got the chance, he would examine the Travellers artefact: getting his hands on it had been brutal, nearly costing all their lives.


    But now, he had it, and it was time for some answers.

 Chapter 530: The Screen

    Chapter 530: The Screen


    Baelin tore the abyssal knights soul from its body.


    The demon was youngunashamedly draped in arrogancewith too little power to back its pitiful ambitions. The archwizard glowered at the creature, holding its squirming essence in his grip.


    G-give it back! the demon choked. Damn you, mortal, give it back!


    The ancient wizard red at the squirming, wretched thing in his hand.


    No, he said.


    With a squeeze, he crushed the demons soul.


    The abyssal knight stiffened, his eyes going nk, flickering with loss for the briefest of moments. Then the light died in that gaze, and the demons body plummeted from the sky.


    You are running out of meat shields, Ezaliel. Baelin was irritated, he red at the chaos around him, hunting for his opponent.


    His exasperatingly elusive opponent. Smoke drifted from the fiery ruin of Jarethas centre, now ttened by the catastrophic battle between Baelins cabal and Ezaliels allies.


    Bodies of hordes of the demons allies littered the ground, but more took their ce, crawling from portals ripping open in space. Baelins lip curled with displeasure; there was a reason he often cursed the Hells for being endless.


    He watched as an abyssal knightall serpentine features and scorpion stingsflew at Magun-Obu in the distance. The four-armed wizard shook his head and spoke a word of power, shifting the air. He vanished, slipping into the space between seconds, then reappearing behind the serpent.


    His aryered in burning star-essencenow protruded through the creatures chest.


    The archwizard looked at his cabal mate. They are persistent, old friend, I hope you scheduled properly; this might take days. Without turning, Magun-Obu spoke a word of power, raising his hand.


    Down below, the ground rumbled as if in warning to Jarethas denizens.


    Then, it erupted.


    A fortress of ck stone burst from the ground, rising from the earth, like a sprout. Spikes extended from its towers and runes scrolled along the stone.


    Here is a temporary fortification should we need a breather. Magun-Obu rumbled. But prepare for the long haul, I suspect we shall be here for a time.


    Baelin growled. I hope you are wrong, old friend.


    The chancellors face was as dark as the smoke around him. Where have you skittered away to, Ezaliel? If you do not face us, you can be sure I will hunt you across the nes. You only dy the inevitable. But, have it your waycowardly rabbitif hiding is your game


    The chancellor nced in the direction of Kaz-Mowangs pce. Through the smoke, there was no question that it was in ruin. mes belched from a wing that had been annihted, fire spreading across the grounds.


    And the energies he sensed from it?


    The power of a chaos bomb.


    Then Alex and hispany have likely escaped, Baelin thought. And since the rat has proven remarkably elusive, perhaps its time for the next part of the n. though I had hoped this business would be at an end by now.


    With a wave of his hand, Baelin chanted an incantation toward Jarethas skies, channelling his ancient power. A ward manifested, crystalizing into a dome that shrouded the demon city.


    You are sealed in with us, Ezaliel, the archwizard said quietly, but his voice rolled over the city as though the words he spoke were being bellowed by a titan. I feel your energies lurking somewhere, and I am certain you will not abandon your domain easily. But, I also know your list of allies grows thin. Eventually, it might ur to you that flight would be your better option: to escape and strike at me in the material world at a time of your own choosing.


    He shook a finger in chastisement. That will not be the way of things. You, your allies, my cabal, myself and any other sorry soul still in this city are now sealed within it. There is no escape. You may call as many allies as you wish, but you can no longer creep, walk, fly, teleport or cross nes to escape this ward. Your allies may enter, if theyre foolish enough to do so, but they cannot leave. The ruins of your city will be your tombstone, whether you like it or not. So show yourself. Do not waste my time.


    You are arrogant, mortal wizard. Ezaliels voice boiled from somewhere nearby. I am master of this entire realm. I have yet to bring its full power against you.


    Then you are incredibly patient and masochistic, Baelin sniffed. Your city is in ruins and you will take untold years to recover from this blow, and lets not forget your dead allies. Your demon lord will not be pleased that you have caused so many of his servants to be killed.


    He will avenge their losses.


    Then why is he not here now? Baelin called. Why is he not avenging you?


    He shall.


    Really? I think not. Your ipetence has caused the ruination of your capital and great damage to the domain. Many of your lords servants have been brought into a fight that is personal to you. And trust me, if demon lords challenged me each time I slew one of their servants? There would be far more dead demon lords in the cosmos.


    You will wear yourself down eventually, wizard. And then. Then we will see how easily your tongue ps.


    Oh, by this battles end I will indeed not be speaking to you. After all, it is only folly to speak with corpses.


    As he uttered those words, more portals tore open around him, greater demons and abyssal knightsbringing armiesswarmed into Jaretha.


    And so Baelin turned back to the fray.


    In the back of his mind, he hoped that Alex and hispany were long away.


    Hows that feeling? Alex asked, pouring mana into Kyembes shrinking burns.


    As though army ants chew my skin. The Spirit Killer said, still cradled in ygons grip as the group moved through thebyrinth. But I am nearly strong enough to move on my own power.


    Good, Alex said. Can you fight?


    Kyembe clenched his teeth, pressing his handglowing in golden lightto his wound. In a few minutes time, I think. I used much of my eldritch energies, but I will be strong enough to swing my de.


    Good. Alex shook his wrists, flexing his fingers. Because my manas running low and the fibres are starting to scream.


    The Spirit Killer gave him a puzzled look.


    Myuheldritch energies are running low, Alex said.


    Fair. Then preserve them. I shall be back on my feet soon.


    Good, andseriously, I owe you for saving my life. The wizard patted the mans shoulder. You went above and beyond.


    The Spirit Killer gave him a pained grin. Whether by pay or purpose, we are united in battle; I would be a foul worm, indeed, were I to leave you to pain and death.


    Well not everyones like that, Alex said. Ill try and return the favour as best I can. He patted Kyembes shoulder again before looking up at ygon.


    How are you doing, buddy? he asked mentally.


    <em>I am fine, father. Thedemonscratched me, but he did no true damageImfine, </em>ygon thought. <em>My body is much stronger now. AndI am happyI killed Zonon-In.</em>


    Yeah, thats one hell of an aplishment, Alex thought. If you could drink, Id buy you an ale or ten He squinted at the iron encasing ygons form. Does that stuff hurt at all?


    <em>NoI feel no painbut it slows me down a little </em>The golem thought.


    Ill get it off when we get home, Alex thought.


    <em>When will we be getting home? Everyonelooks tired.</em>


    Alex and his golem gazed over the group around them; Ezerak marched at the front of the line, nked by two of his beasts. The former king wavered from time to time, most of his tattoos had faded to grey.


    Guntil brought up the rear, chewing her lip as she marched: shed developed a noticeable limp and was favouring one leg as they moved along the passage.


    Rippscouting aheadwas moving slowly, his skin was pale and his face grim. Thundar was panting, looking tenser the farther they went in the maze. His eyes darted every which way. Alex was tired too, and he came to a decision for the good of everyone: moving ahead without rest would only wear them down even more, making it easier for folks to make mistakes.


    And they were definitely not out of the woodsor maze, as the case may be.


    The sound of blood-curdling screams kept reaching them; if the cries were from wild demons that lived in thebyrinth, or demons escaping the city, it didn''t matter, whatever was screaming like that was best avoided. There were also sounds of vicious conflicts between monsters. The encounters were often quick, fatal, and ended in silence for a time.


    On asion, they had passed demons fleeing from the devastation in the city. So far, none had harassed them, only ncing at them cautiously while keeping to their own business.


    Ezerak warned that things would not always be that way.


    Their kingdom just fell, he had said. Theyre going to get desperate. Angry. The mania-field will enter their minds and the mortals will get hungry. Ive seen kingdoms fall before: the aftermath is always bloody.


    Alex frowned. Its going to take some time before my fibres recover. He thought. So no teleporting for a while. Not until we can rest and recover a bit: we really dont want to find ourselves teleporting blindly into a nest of wild demons. We need time to recuperate. And were still about a day away from the portal. I hope


    He winced as stone ground on stone, setting everyones teeth on edge.


    A massive rock slid across another.


    Above, the sky suddenly darkened, the maze folded on itself, scooping up an unseen traveller who had tried to fly above its walls, carrying them away.


    This was the third time that had happened andeach time the maze movedits passageways shifted, changing direction. It was clear; the winding roads were already altering from Baelins map. In time, theyout would bepletely different.


    But when they recovered, one of them could climb the walls, peer over the ramparts and see where they were in the maze from a higher position.


    They needed their stamina back.


    Alright, Alex said, his attention on a side passage in the western wall. It ran for about a hundred paces before terminating in a dead end. Well go another fifty paces or so then make camp just before that crossroads up ahead. He nodded to a junction down the path. Well rest up then head out in a few hours.


    Aye, good thinking, Ripp groaned. But I dont think we should start any fires, though. Its warm enough here, and we dont want anyone seeing the smoke.


    No shit, Guntile grunted. Things are scuffed enough as is. We dont need them tracking us by some line of damned smoke.


    The group stopped before the crossroads and Alex searched ygons satchel, fetching bedrolls and dried provisions. Kyembe had almost fully recovered, and was ready to join the others in a meal.


    They were famished, eating in silence for the better part while the golem kept watch. Celsus bodyy by his side, wrapped in a nket. Most avoided looking at the dead warrior''s shroud.


    When theyd eaten their fill, the order of how theyd take watch was decided: ygon would keep watch throughout their rest time, and someone else would join him, then alternate with whoever was next in line.


    Kyembe volunteered to take first watch, but was quickly overruled.


    In the end, Thundar took first watch beside ygon, letting the others get some sleep.


    And that suited Alex just fine.


    He had something he needed to do.


    Where are you going? Thundar hissed.


    The minotaur was at his post, which meant he was leaning against ygon with his mace in hand, eyes fixed on the crossroads. Youre heading back the way we came from, he frowned.


    Alex shouldered his satchel, patting it. Im going to take a look at the Travellers stuff.


    ygons head swivelled toward his father.


    Thundar stared at him. Wait, like right now?


    Right now. Alex tiptoed past the sleeping mercenaries. I need to know, and I need to know now. Things could get bad if were down here for too long, and if something happens to me, I want to die <em>knowing</em> what it is we came down here for. Besides. He tapped his chest. Touching the artefact sharpened that power inside me. Maybe theres something else buried in there that can help us.


    Yeah, maybe Thundar murmured, nodding to the dead end passage. You just going down there?


    I dont want to be interrupted. Who knows what Ill find, so I dont want to take the risk that the others will see me. Alex started to move away from the group.


    <em>Areyou sure, father?</em> ygon whispered.


    Im sure. Ill tell you both what I find.


    Walking quietly, he reached into the satchel. When he turned the corner down the side passage, he took two objects out: the Travellers book and her rectangr artefact.


    The symbols on each caught his eye, while the power resonated with his own. He sat on the ground at the dead end, cing the book beside him, scrutinising the rectangle. His fingertips traced the side of the object, running along symbols etched into it.


    He felt no power in thembut did feel a strange protrusion on the side.


    A button? he murmured, slowly pressing it and reaching out with his mana.


    Yet, what touched him was not mana as he understood itit was that strange power that had taken hold within him.


    It coursed through the artefact.


    And then the side lit up.

 Chapter 531: Heroes Across Time and Space

    Chapter 531: Heroes Across Time and Space


    Blue light shed along the objects side, startling Alex, it glowed almost the same shade of blue as Isoldes lightning bolts. He fumbled the metal and ss rectangle, almost dropping itrelieved when it didnt hit the ground.


    He held on tighter, That was clo Suddenly, an odd buzzing from the device, and a strong tremor shook his hand, startling him again, but this time, the artefact went into free fall,nding in hisp and not on the parched ground. Thank the Traveller, he whispered. Would it have broken? He wasnt sure, but it <em>was</em> made of ss and felt fragile, so he wasnt taking any chances. Besides, it might be something that exploded on impact, he wasnt sure about that either, so better safe than dead in the afterworld blown to tiny pieces.


    He picked up the object, this time holding it closer to hisp, if it fell again, it wouldnt have far to fall. Alex nced around the dead-end passage, checking for unwantedpany. He was alone.


    His attention went back to the blue light.


    except, it was no longer a blue light.


    The side of the artefact had transformed into what looked like a small painting in the likeness of a young woman who was hugging another young woman around the shoulders. Both were smiling: one was dark haired, with a round face and chubby cheeks. Her smile was broad and she looked like her ancestry could be traced back to Tarim-Lung or one of the other countries in that part of the world.


    The other woman had sharp facial features, she was holding a staff inscribed with glyphs. Green hair fell down her shoulders.


    But Alexs eyes lingered on the first woman.


    Something about herseemed familiar.


    He called on the Mark, focusing it on recalling certain human facial features: especially, bone-structure. Vivid memories of the Travellers desated body came back to him.


    The bone structures of the two women were almost identical.


    Alexs breath caught. This must be of Hannar-Cim when she was young


    As soon as those words left his mouth, the image vanished, reced by a lock. Panic struck.


    What just happened?


    Had he activated some sort of defence?


    He examined the image of the lock


    and inhaled.


    There was a tiny<strong></strong>activation button inside the artefacthe could feel itlike on a device that worked by mana maniption. Except, this had one key difference. Mana wouldnt activate it.


    The lock called for the strange power within himand by now, hed learned enough to recognise what was inside him for what it actually was: the Travellers power. He no longer doubted that.


    Alex stretched his hand out, cing a finger against the symbol of the lock, then he reached out. Inside, the energy shifted, and the lock flew open with an audible click.


    Without warning, the image of the two young women appearedthree symbols floated before them. The first showed a device thatunsurprisinglyhed never seen before: it was shaped like a rectangle, but it had a telescopes lens in the centre, pointing directly at him.


    The second was a map of an unknown region of some world.


    But the third was the one Alex found most interesting: it was a square containing a series of symbols<strong></strong>floating inside, and it was constantly moving. Out of all of the characters, he recognized just three.


    One looked like a character from one of the tongues of demons hed studied. Another was from anguage of the elemental ne of earth.


    Thest?


    Alex turned to the Travellers book, excitedly opening it to the first page. There it is there it is! I think theyre the same symbols as in the book!


    He was almost giddy.


    This could be it. He could finally get some of the answers hed been looking for!


    He pressed the symbols in the square. Instantly, the image was reced by a series of glyphs floating over a painting of a swirling sea.


    Alex frowned, examining each letter carefully. Some were clearly from the samenguage that was in the Travellers book, but others were new. He called on the Mark, focusing it on every tongue hed learned or studied in the past two years.


    It gave him nothing useful.


    There was nonguage that hede across so far that was even remotely simr to the characters in front of him.


    Hmmm he murmured. What does this mean? Okay, lets seelook for any charactersany that might be helpfulhold on a minute now. He was getting excited as he examined the bottom of the screen: there, hidden in the bottom right corner were symbols from the elemental tongue of earth, a celestialnguage, and a lot more.


    Holding his breath, Alex gently pressed the symbol for the elemental tongue.


    Most of the unfamiliar symbols vanished, leaving only the Travellers symbols on the rightand on the left


    He stifled a gasp as he read:


    <em>Wee to Hannahs Trantion Book, powered by Hannah-OS! What would you like to trante, Hannah?</em>


    His hands shook, he scanned the rest of the text: <em>To Trante to Private Language, please enter</em>


    <em>To switchnguages, check the symbols below</em>


    <em>To program a newnguage, please</em>


    This is getting overwhelming, he thought, then his eyes stopped on a line of text: <em>To Trante Text by Sight, please press Camera-Trantion and point the optical lens.</em>


    Whats this now? What the hells a camera? Alex focused on the words Camera-Trantion. With the utmost care, he pressed them.


    The painting disappeared.


    Wait, no, no, no! Whatd I do? Go back! Turn back! he cried.


    But the words didnt return, instead, the<strong></strong>ss disyed an image of t stones.


    Oh no, dont tell me I broke it! I broke it, didnt I? He rotated the device, his eyes wide. The image of the stones shifted as he turned it. He raised it, aiming the back at a brightly burning maze wall.


    The ming wall appeared across the artefacts surface.


    Wait He waved a hand behind it.


    His hand waved back and forth in the painting. Turning the artefact around, he examined the back bit by bitnoticing a tiny lens hidden in the upper right corner, like the lens of a picoscope or miniature spyss.


    Alex remembered the symbol of the rectangle from earlier, the one with a lens in its centre. Maybe thats what a camera is...


    Trante using the camera, eh? Maybe


    He turned the artefact toward the Travellers book


    and his joy soared<strong>. </strong>Yes! Yes! Yes! The young wizard screamed inside.


    The book was disyed, butin ce of that unfamiliarnguagethe characters across the book changed, transforming into the elemental tongue of earth.


    Sess, at longst, he could finally read the Travellers book.


    Alex looked up to the burning skies. Thank you, he prayed quietly. Thank you for leading me to thisplease lead me to more answers.


    As he closed the book, he felt a sensation like he was being watched, if only for a moment. Another look around assured him that he was still alone.


    He stood up and peered down the pathway, finding nothing.


    Settling back down, Alex aimed the camera at the symbols on the front cover of the Travellers book:


    <em>The Secret Portal Journal of Hannah Kim the Traveller.</em>


    <em>Do Not Read if you are not Hannah Kim.</em>


    He promptly ignored the warning: he hade too far, so he turned to the first page, wondering what secret portal journal meant.


    Though, he was starting to develop a theory.


    The camera faced the first page, the symbols transformed into words he could understand.


    Alex began to read:


    <em>Well, Toto, I guess Im not in Kansas anymore.</em>


    <em>Ive been in Ktonia for about Three Months now, and I decided its time to start writing things down. You know, just in case I go crazy and this is my only link back home.</em>


    <em>At least this journal can help me organise my thoughts. Dad would be so proud to see me finally journaling. If I ever see him again, that is.</em>


    <em>Alright, Hannah.</em>


    <em>Theres no way around it.</em>


    <em>Youve been Isekaid before youre even sixteen.</em>


    <em>And that is bullshit.</em>


    What the hell does isekai mean? Alex murmured, reading along.


    <em>March 23rd was when I went to sleep, I think. And I was in my bed in Toronto. The only medieval building I saw irl before was like that church three blocks away. Thats medieval, right?</em>


    <em>Well, right now? Im in a castle.</em>


    <em>Finally.</em>


    <em>That stupid dumbass summoner nearly got me killed.</em>


    Alex read on as Hannah wrote about a strange journey, piecing it together from her entries, which varied wildly in detail.


    As far as he could tell, she was from a ce she called Eartha strange namefrom a city called Toronto. This Earth had beings that seemed normal to him, but who Hannah seemed to find special.


    The name of these people caught his attention.


    <em>Its weird, </em>Hannah had written. <em>Im picking up thenguage here way too fast, thanks to the court magicians spells but certain things dont seem to trante. Back home we had superheroes around the world since</em>


    A pause.


    <em>I should have paid more attention in history. But were called Heroes, here. That word trantes. But the word superhero doesnt. Thats really weird. Well, I always did want superpowers sothis is kind of a W?</em>


    She didnt exin what these superheroes were directly, andunfortunatelyshe was not around for Alex to ask her any questions.


    As he read on, he pieced together more of her story.


    Soit seems this really confirms itthe Many-Spheres Theory is right. Alex shook his head, his mind reeling from the sheer amount of information being dumped into his brain. So she gets summoned from Earth by this kingdom to fight one of their enemies, but the summoner messed up his divine miracle and she ended up appearing in a random forest instead. She fought hard to survive for about a month before they found herat fifteen? Thats only a little older than Selina.


    He shook his head. Poor kid


    He read on, but a question was growing in his mind.


    Hannah recorded battles against demons and a demon king. She talked about her training in magic and about still having a trace of that power that summoned her across worlds.


    She spoke of nurturing it, mastering it in a way the others summoned from Earth hadnt been able to do.


    But the strange thing washe found no mention of Thamnd, Alric, or the Raveneror any other ce hed ever heard of.


    Though he did find one very interesting entry:


    <em>Close call.</em>


    <em>Royal guards nearly found my journal. Dont trust them. Starting to think were prisoners here. Some of the other Heroes keep trying to look over my shoulder too. Cant trust them either. Will only trust Val and Chris. They seem solid. Going to have to trante this book into code, even if I have to invent my ownnguage to do it.</em>


    <em>Hey, it worked for Tolkien, and he didnt have ess to </em><em><strong>actual magic.</strong></em>


    <em>Will stop writing here until thenguage is finished.</em>


    Tolkien Alex murmured. Another strange name


    His eyes moved to the next entry.


    <em>Done! Language invention: sess. Thank Ikanale and Tabitun-Abu for magic</em>


    Whore they? Alex whispered, reading along.


    <em>It took awhile, but I transcribed my old book just fine then I burned it. Now no one in the universe can read my journal, except me. ButI have to say, thatnguage magic was very handy. I wonder if I can do something with my old phone?</em>


    <em>Its basically just been a piece of junk since the battery ran out, but with Vals crafting power and some of my knowledgewe might be able to make something.</em>


    An entryter:


    <em>Sess! Got the phone running on my power. Val couldnt believe it: she cant even feel a trace of the energy that brought us here anymore. But mines growing stronger every day.</em>


    <em>No one else knows.</em>


    <em>Demon king? Regr king? Let them try and put me in a cage.</em>


    <em>Im going to be able to teleport!</em>


    Alex paused, impressed with her ingenuity. Mastering a power no one expected you to do anything withshe and I probably would have gotten along real well. But where the hell is Thamnd?


    In a few more pages, he got closer to his answer.


    Her entries grew darker as she described an apocalyptic war against this demon king and his conjured armies from the hells. As battles went on, the kingdom started pushing their young Heroes harder.


    Battles got more deadly.


    And then:


    <em>Lost my trantor to that summoned bull-headed freak!</em>


    <em>All my pictures were in there! The ones of Val and Chris and me! The ones from home! </em><em><strong>Real home!</strong></em><em> My maps! Val says I should be happy I got away alive, but I want it back!</em>


    <em>That was my life! That was home!</em>


    <em><strong>Give it back!</strong></em>


    Alex continued reading as the entries turned angrier. Shorter. More clipped. The battles got worse, and Hannah grew more ruthless. Shed put all her rage into her training, growing more dangerous with her inner power and the strange magics shed learned in the<strong></strong>kingdom she was in.


    It wasnt long before the other Heroes began to follow her as she led them from crushing victory to crushing victory.


    Until, finally:


    <em>Victory. We won. The Demon Kings dead. Kingdoms celebrating. Vals dead. Chris is dead. Only the assholes are alive.</em>


    <em>This kingdom and this can go straight to hell.</em>


    <em>Im gone.</em>


    <em>I am </em><em><strong>gone.</strong></em>

 Chapter 532: Passing Things to Needy Souls

    Chapter 532: Passing Things to Needy Souls


    <em>Ive learned enough about the teleportation power.</em>


    <em>Right now? I can go anywhere I want.</em>


    <em>I learned enough magic to protect myself.</em>


    <em>Ive gotten the divine protection of Ikanale and Tabitun-Abuthe only two deities in this damned world that are worth anythingand I know how to use weapons.</em>


    <em>I dont care about this kingdom.</em>


    <em>I dont care about its people.</em>


    <em>I dont care.</em>


    <em>I can go anywhere I want. I can explore the stars.</em>


    <em>Im gone.</em>


    Alex paused. Explore the stars? he muttered. So she mustve learned about Many-Spheres Theory early in her life.


    As he kept reading Hannahs journal, he learned about her adventures in different worlds and on different nes. Some were pleasant. Some awful. Some dangerous. As she travelled around, she would write about what she liked and what she didnt, about her home, and being unsure if she should return.


    She wrote about wanting to find a new home.


    And then one day


    There it is Alex murmured in amazement. Home.


    <em>Journal, its my seventeenth birthday in three days.</em>


    <em>And for my birthday gift, Im giving myself a home.</em>


    <em>I came to this world about a month ago and I actually really like it here. The air is clean. Thends pretty peaceful. The people are friendly. The church is </em><em><strong>actually</strong></em><em> helpful!? Can you believe that?</em>


    <em>When I got summoned to Ktonia, the church there didnt do shit. Just kept their donation tins out. Im not saying all deities are bad, I mean I worship two of them, but that church left a bad taste in my mouth.</em>


    <em>But this ce?</em>


    <em>Thamnd?</em>


    <em>They actually teach people real things!</em>


    <em>I mean, not just things about Uldar but actually mathematics! Geography! Sciencewell, what passes for science here! Its incredible.</em>


    <em>This ce is medieval but, who cares? Im no super knowledgeable sorcerer, but I know enough magic to keep myselffortable. Im going to rx. Maybe I wont stay forever. But I can start a life here.</em>


    <em>A peaceful one.</em>


    Uh-oh Alex murmured, cringing inwardly. She is not going to like being marked.


    The journal entries continued, detailing her new life in Alric. Atst all the talk about the Travellering from a far away ce made sense. Hannah seemed to adapt well to the life of the town: though she kept her distance at firstnot even giving anyone her name, only telling them that she was a travelleruntil she eventually warmed up to the people. And they warmed up to her.


    A lot.


    It was a year filled with festivals, helping townsfolk while they helped her in turn, and with building a life in Alric. She hunted, protected people from wild monsters, gardened andwith the gold shed hoarded from previous adventuresshe even built a small cottage a little way out of town.


    Alex wondered what that must have been like: a foreign womaning from seemingly nowhere and doing all sorts of wonderful things. Even though she hid most of her talents, it was impossible for someone like hersomeone with amand of wizardry, divinity from her two goddesses, and the pure raw magic of teleportation that shed mastered<em>not </em>to stand out.


    As the people embraced her, he noticed her entries turned more and more affectionate toward Thamnd.


    At times though, he found that there was a growing doubt in her notes.


    <em>I keep hearing word of this Ravener thing. It sounds an awful lot like the Demon King. Except its weird. Instead of a tall guy with horns, its likea ck ball? Whats up with that?</em>


    Well, itsdangerous, Alex muttered, sounding a bit defensive. Sorry, but not every apocalyptic doom bringer can be a tall guy with horns.


    <em>They say that five Heroes are chosen to defeat this Ravenerbut at least they dont pull innocent people from other worlds. Heck, these people dont even know there are other worlds out there.</em>


    <em>And honestly?</em>


    <em>I kinda dont want to tell them.</em>


    <em>Anyway, if this Raveneres up</em>


    <em>should I run away?</em>


    <em>I could.</em>


    The next entry:


    <em>No. I wont run away. I beat the demon king. I can help people if this Raveneres back while Im here. Alrics treated me well. Ill do what I can to protect it. Ive got these powers: I want to protect the people here, and I want to use my skills for people I actually like.</em>


    <em>Not people that some kidnapping shitty king tells me I have a duty to protect.</em>


    <em>Its my choice.</em>


    <em>And besides, its not like Im going to be Marked. Its only eighteen year old Thameish people that get these marks.</em>


    <em>So its going to be my choice: Ill help out in my own way.</em>


    Oh boy, Alex said as he turned the page.


    The next entry:


    <em>TWICE. I WAS CHOSEN AS SOME HERO </em><em><strong>TWICE. </strong></em><em>WHAT ARE THE ODDS? WHAT THE HELL! THIS IS BULLSHIT! NOW SOME CHURCH PEOPLE ARE TELLING ME ABOUT DUTY AND HERE WE GO AGAIN.</em>


    <em>Maybe I should just leave.</em>


    Alexs eyes were racing down the page.


    <em>I decided not to leave, journal. Because Im stupid, and because I like it here.</em>


    <em>Im going to help people how I can as the Saint. Whats weird isI dont worship Uldar. I feel a connection to </em><em><strong>something</strong></em><em> but theres no heavenly choir or voices telling me how to channel this new divinityits weird.</em>


    <em>But the power is nice. My divinites are stronger than ever.</em>


    <em>I hope you dont mind, my goddesses.</em>


    <em>but just in case, I dont think Im going to reveal all my powers. Especially not my ability to teleport. They say the priests have wards set up to keep the monsters in Thamnd, and also alert them if Heroes try to leave. Something about that rubs me the wrong way.</em>


    <em>I should keep some things to myself.</em>


    Alex was racing through the words now:


    <em>The other Heroes are good people, thank goddesses. But theyre a bit mean to one of them: Kelda of n McCallum. The Fool. She is kinda snippy, but apparently she was a warrior for her n before she got Marked as the Fool. Now she can never fight again.</em>


    <em>Id be pissy too.</em>


    <em>Im going to keep trying to talk to her.</em>


    Alex read through the next few entries with rising excitement. This is it. If theres clues to be had, this is where he should find them.


    Hannahs entries hadnt revealed any clues so far in her story of the Heroes fight against the Ravener. Apparently, there was tension between her and the Chosen. He was a young knight who had received the Mark of Uldars greatest, and hed taken that role of leadership very seriously.


    Butfor all the power the Mark had given himHannah had already fought in a brutal war. She was more experienced than he was, and stronger in many ways. The rivalry was rough.


    But even as the rift between her and the Chosen grew, she grew closer to the Fool of her time:


    <em>Kelda and I talk the most out of any of the Heroes. Shes pricklybut shes really nice once you get to know her. Shes been trying to adjust to her role, but she </em><em><strong>is</strong></em><em> a warrior. You cant throw out years of effort because of some god.</em>


    <em>The priests following us dont seem sympathetic, though.</em>


    <em>I mean, I hear that a lot of the Fools in the past have been useless, evil or cowardsbut is that any reason to freeze her out so much?</em>


    <em>Not going to lie, the vibes are starting to get bad.</em>


    <em>Maybe Ill try to talk to them after we raid the next dungeon. Im going to try and give Kelda some spotlight. Maybe figure out a way to make her look better.</em>


    Alex turned the page quickly, his breath hissing at what he saw next.


    <em><strong>Something is wrong. Is it all lies?</strong></em>


    <em>Okay. Okay. Organise your thoughts, Hannah.</em>


    <em>Write it down. Make it all make sense.</em>


    <em>So we went into the dungeon, and it was a tough one. One that was probably there since the Ravener came back. It was really established. A lot of monsters. And it fought smart.</em>


    <em>Kelda and I got separated from the others because of a cave-in it triggered. We had no idea if the others were alive, but we pushed forward. Found the dungeon core. Killed all the monsters.</em>


    <em>And then, I decided to try and help Kelda learn how to destroy a core. If she could do that, then the others would </em><em><strong>have</strong></em><em>to look at her better, right? And the dungeon cores break with powerful divinity.</em>


    <em>The Marks are divinity or something like that right?</em>


    <em>I thought maybe the Fool could figure out a way to break it.</em>


    <em>but she actually </em><em><strong>controlled it.</strong></em>


    Alexs blood ran cold. She <em>knew</em>? he hissed. If she knew, why doesnt anyone else know?


    <em>We were trying to figure out what happened when some of the priests found us. And those assholes thought she must have </em><em><strong>joined the bad guys!</strong></em>


    <em>They tried to kill her and get me to kill her!</em>


    <em>I tried to talk them down</em>


    <em>butwellit didnt work.</em>


    <em>So I teleported thembut only parts of them. Their heads, mostly.</em>


    Holy shit, she could do that? he muttered. Can I do that?


    <em>Kelda was panicking, but we didnt have time for that.</em>


    <em>So I told her Id exinter, and I teleported her out of Thamnd. Then I sted the cave with the biggest fireball I could.</em>


    <em>When the other Heroes showed up? I told them the dungeon core got us and destroyed the priests and Kelda. They believed me.</em>


    <em>I teleported Kelda to an old hollow in Coille forest. I teleported to her after the Heroes and I made camp. We talked. I told her everything: shes mad I kept a secret but shes mostly overwhelmed.</em>


    <em>Im overwhelmed too.</em>


    <em>II need time to think about this.</em>


    <em>Did they lie to us? Do they deserve our help?</em>


    Oh by the Traveller, he said, feeling another pulse of power inside. Oh by the Traveller. What now? He looked at the next entry.


    <em>Things are getting bad. Very bad. </em><em><strong>Very </strong></em><em>bad.</em>


    <em>Alright, where to beginI cant control the dungeon cores. I think its because I dont worship Uldar. Maybe. I dont know. All I know is that the dungeon cores have gone nuts. Theyre pumping out more monsters than ever, and now theyre really trying to kill us.</em>


    <em>Some wed Ravener-Spawn Ive never heard of before tried to kill Kelda.</em>


    <em>She made traps to protect herselfthough they werent lethalbut if I hadnt gotten back there, she would have been killed.</em>


    <em>I checked church records.</em>


    <em>Theres </em><em><strong>no</strong></em><strong></strong><em>record of humans controlling dungeons.</em>


    <em>I dont know whats going on, but this has to stop.</em>


    <em>Im pulling out everything I have except for the teleportation. Were going to kill this Ravener. Then were going to figure things out.</em>


    The next few entries were records of short, brutal fights between the Heroes and Ravener-spawn. They killed their way through dungeon after dungeon, then fought the Ravener.


    In the end, the Champion and Sage died but Hannah and the Chosen lived:


    <em>Theyre making me the patron Saint of Alric now. I still havent given out my name to many people, so theyre going to call me The Traveller. I dont really care, to be honest.</em>


    <em>I met up with Kelda after thest battle and we decided that we have to figure out what the hell happened. One problem: with the Ravener dead, theres no more dungeon cores to examine.</em>


    <em>So weve got to find some kind of information.</em>


    <em>Were going to teleport around the world and see if we can find </em><em><strong>anything.</strong></em>


    <em>Hopefully, well get to the bottom of this.</em>


    Alexs hands shook. Yesohe on, please have found answers, he muttered. Please. I need something. Anything.


    However, a sinking feeling was building in the depths of his stomach.


    If the Traveller had gone out in search of the same answers he was searching forif shed found them, she probably wouldnt have kept them to herself.


    Ive got a bad feeling about this, he whispered.


    He continued flipping through the entries.


    What followed was a long series of ounts, detailing Hannah and Keldas search for clues across different ces in the world. Both were driven, but it had turned to an obsession for Kelda.


    <em>She said to me today: I am a warrior. And now I have a fight again. Ill fight this to the end.</em>


    <em>Well, if she wants to be a warriorIve got to give her some kind of sword.</em>


    Whatd she mean by that? Alex wondered, turning the page. What isoh.


    He jumped up, nearly dropping the artefact on the stones.


    Barely believing his eyes, he read the words one more time, exactly as they appeared on the painting.


    They were clear.


    <em>It was a sess: I managed to share my power with Kelda.</em>


    <em>I got my power to recognise her Mark.</em>


    <em>Now the Fool is armed.</em>

 Chapter 533: A Rituals Unexpected Side Effect

    Chapter 533: A Ritual''s Unexpected Side Effect


    <em>You know, the Mark of the Fool is really unfair.</em>


    <em>Keldas had my power for less than a month, and shes already nearly as good as me.</em>


    <em>It took me </em><em><strong>five years</strong></em><strong></strong><em>to learn how to grow and channel it.</em>


    <em>Im happy, bute on, its not even remotely fair.</em>


    Yeah, well it wasnt fair that you got super teleportation either, but we all take what we can get, Alex murmured, looking down at his right shoulder. That must be how I got some of her power.


    He looked at his fingers, recalling events in the Cave of the Traveller.


    There was a momenta brief momentwhen hed touched her power. He remembered how hed been trying to get the dungeons mana to touch her energy to break the core<strong></strong>andas the dungeon core was shatteringhed touched that unique energy that was a part of her.


    It was onlyter that hed begun to notice his sudden gift for summoning and magic rted to teleportation.


    Her poweror what was left in her bodymust have recognised my Mark, Alex said excitedly. It must have thought I was Kelda and shared itself with me. Holy shit. <em>Holy shit!</em> This is huge!


    He frowned, thinking about the power. It doesnt feel like I have all of it, though. Her notes said she could teleport without spells. <em>Her</em> power enhances my teleportation and summoning spells, but thats about it. Maybe I didnt get the whole thing because she was already dead. I cant even imagine what her full power mustve been like.


    He felt the energy within him. It definitely got stronger after I came in contact with this object of hersmaybe theres somece else I can draw more power frowait a minute. If she and Kelda were teleporting around<em>wait a minute!</em>


    Alex raced through the entries, finding a passage he just knew should be there:


    <em>Kelda broke into Generasi University.</em>


    <em>Because shes insane.</em>


    <em>By now, shes better than me with my own power. She can get through wards so easily. She can teleport thingsin pieceswith such precision that its shocking. She makes me want to work harder.</em>


    <em>I wont lose.</em>


    The next entry:


    <em>We might have found a clue. There was a book in Generasis library: said that some of those wed monsters that attacked Kelda were seen in the Irtyshenan Empire.</em>


    <em>So were going to divide and conquer.</em>


    <em>Im going to settle back in Alric and build a sanctum. Somewhere I can research. I think I need to go to the source: if Uldarites can control dungeon cores, then Uldar has to know whats going on.</em>


    <em>Kelda wants to work on other Fools who might have escaped Thamnd, research her Mark, and see if anyone else has a clue about whats going on. Well divide and conquer.</em>


    The next entries were optimistic.


    Hannah detailed how shed built a sanctum in Alric, while Kelda developed some sort of organisation elsewhere in the world, one that Hannah wanted to know as little about as possible. It didnt sound exactlylegal.


    Theyd stayed focused on their quest and worked well together, but maintained secrecy:


    <em>In the event that one of us is captured, weve taken to keeping some of our activities secret from each other. It seems someones been moving against us. We dont know who or the exact details.</em>


    <em>But just in case, Im going to be a bit more careful with what I write. Maybe Im just being paranoid, but it feels like Im being watched. My secretnguage is private, but Kelda knows it.</em>


    <em>And if shes captured, she couldif they did things to hershow them how to read my notes, and then theyll know everything.</em>


    <em>Maybe I am paranoideven though I know we can escape everythingbut if theres anything I learned from Ktonia, its that some gods cant be trusted. And in other worlds, deities are </em><em><strong>very</strong></em><em> active. Every record Ive seen shows that Uldar has been mostly silent, only speaking to his people through everyday life.</em>


    <em>But I cant ignore the possibility that hell interfere directly if we get too close.</em>


    <em>Well be careful.</em>


    Alex swallowed, feeling the dread in her words.


    As time went on, she wrote less and less frequently as she aged.


    Years passed between entries sometimes, and they became more and more bleak.


    <em>Another year. No progress. No dungeon cores to examine. No link to Uldar. Hips hurt now. Back hurts too. Starting to wonder if I should pass on my work. But who would I trust?</em>


    <em>Kelda and I dont contact each other much these days. We visit less.</em>


    <em>Shes changed. Obsessed with her Mark. She feels time creeping up on her.</em>


    <em>We both do.</em>


    He read further, then gasped at another entry.


    <em>Kelda thinks she might have figured out something about her Mark. Im going to examine itter today. She said it was based on something Id once told her about home.</em>


    Desperate with excitement, he read the next entry:


    <em>Shes right. By my goddesses, shes right.</em>


    <em>Were going to see if we can reverse it.</em>


    Alex flipped to the next page. Reverse what? Reverse <em>what?</em>


    His heart sank at the next entry.


    <em>We made a mistake.</em>


    <em>The process went wrong.</em>


    <em>Kelda is gone.</em>


    <em>Down to the very soul.</em>


    <em>I am alone.</em>


    Shit! Alex swore. Shit, shit, shit! What happened? What did you do?


    He flipped pages frantically.


    There were only a few more entries.


    In desperation he read through her final entries about her journey to find Uldar.


    He reached the second tost one:


    <em>I have one hope left. I know where I made my mistake.</em>


    <em>Since wed destroyed the Ravener, I decided to get rid of every potential sample. All dungeon core pieces. Im beginning to wonder if thats why the Ravener and the dungeon cores turn to dust when its defeated, so no one can study it too closely.</em>


    <em>So I will wait. Another cycle ising soon.</em>


    <em>I will wait, and I will go through the next cycle one final time. I visited earth again. So much has changed. Everything hurts these days. Everything is so hard. But thats life. Ive lived a long life and a good one.</em>


    <em>I hope with myst act, I can finally solve this mystery.</em>


    Alexs heart was in his throat as he flipped to thest entry.


    <em>Failed.</em>


    <em>Ive failed again.</em>


    <em>A dungeon core appeared right in my damn sanctum.</em>


    <em>So I went after the Ravener-spawn and core first. The fight was tough. The dungeon core was very aggressivelike I expected. I fought hard: changed the signature of my teleportation power to destroy every Ravener-spawn it touched. Didnt want them escaping.</em>


    <em>Some of the portals went wrong. Pure chaos now.</em>


    <em>Need to shut them down. But weak.</em>


    <em>Fought the dungeons most powerful monsters.</em>


    <em>But I was slow. Old. Tired.</em>


    <em>I broke them but my body is broken too.</em>


    <em>My souls too close to the afterworld for divinity to bring me back. Bodys mostly repaired but my soul is already going on. Too weak to move.</em>


    <em>Teleporting the ink into my book to write thest entry.</em>


    <em>Cant move my hands now.</em>


    <em>Kelda. Youre gone. Your souls gone but I hope theres a piece of you out there.</em>


    <em>I hope that we meet again.</em>


    <em>If somehow anyone finds this. Anyone that knows thenguage I taught Kelda. Ive hidden a shard of memory. Managed to figure out how to teleport a thought into the pommel of my old sword.</em>


    <em>Same process as when I was fiddling with my phone. But clumsy.</em>


    <em>It will have a warning for anyone that finds this.</em>


    <em>A warning for friendly eyes.</em>


    <em>And maybe a path forward.</em>


    <em>The following is a ritual that will summon my de back to the location of this book. It will act like a beacon.</em>


    From there, she had described a ritual simr to a spell. All one needed was the book, something linked to the Travellers soulshe assumed her body would be usedand her name.


    The ritual wasnt even really a spell array, more like an advanced way to call her magic from across the gulf ofsky? Stars? Space? Alex was still trying to wrap his head around it all.


    Once hed memorised the ritual, his eyes focused on her final words:


    <em>To anyone that finds this, please keep my secrets as best you can.</em>


    <em>Alric is my home. My true home.</em>


    <em>If word gets out about what I am and what I seek, the people could suffer. Dont let them suffer. People have suffered enou</em>


    And that was it.


    The thought cut off, thest perfectly formed letter written in teleported ink.


    And nothing followed.


    Alex sniffedslightly choked upand closed the book.


    The sound was unnervingly final.


    You led a hard life, didnt you? He whispered. And yet thest thing you wrote is about protecting my home. By the Tra he paused, feeling the power within him pulse as he said her name<strong></strong>I should say, by <em>you</em>, Hannah Kim. Another pulse. I wish I could have met you. The world would probably be a lot better ce if you were still in it. You tried, and not a lot of people can say that. You gave your whole life to trying to solve this mystery.


    He patted the book. Im sure Kelda would be proud of you. And Im sorry Alric will never know just what you tried to do for all of us. Well, maybe one day. Maybe one day when this is all over. Still, I gotta say, I wish youd written down whatever it was that Kelda discovered about the Mark.


    Alex nced at his shoulder. Even if things went wrong, Id really like to know what you both thought youd found. Well, maybe your <em>shard of memory</em><em><strong></strong></em>will exin it.


    He put his hands together in prayer, then began setting up the ritual. Surprisingly, it really wasnt difficult to do. A piece of chalk from his satchel drew what was effectively a summoning circle on the stones.


    He drew symbols in the Travellersnguage inside the circle, taking care to be meticulous with the symbols.


    When he was finished that part, he positioned the book and artefact in the middle of the circle: they werent her body, but they were dear to her, and the artefact held a power that had flowed through her very soul.


    He hoped that counted.


    Alex sat before the objects and bowed his head, reciting the words in her book: Hannah Kim. Hannah Kim. Hannah Kim. I call upon your power. I call your power to this location. Let what you held dear in life act as a beacon. In all the worlds and all the nes, let this call bring your power here. Come, hear my cry. Hear my cry, wherever you may be: the power of Hannah Kim, known through many worlds asThe Traveller.


    What happened next, Alex knew he would remember for all the days of his life, even if he lived for ten thousand more.


    The power within him pulsed.


    The power within the artefact pulsed.


    And both awakened with the ferocity of a zing forest.


    The Travellers energy spread out in a wave, transcending space and nar barriers, reaching out across a distance so vast that even if it could be quantified, it would be meaningless to Alex.


    He felt the energy of the ritual join with his inner power and that of the artefact, spreading wider. It felt like he was sending the universes most powerful smoke signal.


    And he was rewarded with a response.


    then shocked when something <em>else</em> answered.


    Two? Alex was stunned. But she only hid one item!


    He scratched the back of his head, puzzled. He could vaguely feel where both responses wereing from. From the first, he felt somewhere cold and dark: an infinite frightening void where no light had ever touched.


    But it was the second that truly frightened him.


    It felt as though he had toucheda wall. No, a door. A door that should never have been touched by any living being. Terrible yearning seeped through the signal: followed by a raw emotion that stifled the endless want.


    Confusion.


    A mind filled with confusion answered his call.


    Something wasing. Two somethings.


    Alex reached for his staff, butbefore his fingers could touch itpowerful teleportation magic raged around him, so ferocious that it overwhelmed his senses, sending his thoughts reeling.


    Even the greatest teleportation magic hed ever felt Baelin cast<em> was a shadow </empared to this.


    Reality shifted.


    An object appeared before him.


    A sword: fine ded and made of an unfamiliar metal. Runes ran down the side, the pommel was a copper wire wrapping around a piece of silicon.


    But before he could examine it, something elsesheathed in zing white lightmanifested. Alex squinted, hiding his eyes with a raised arm, trying to temper the brightness.


    Once again, that terrible feeling touched him, leaving him with the impression that hed made contact with somece he never should have. The feeling lingered for a breath, then fled, reced by a web of confusion, calm, and warmth.


    As the light began to lessen in intensity, apprehension grew.


    Just what had he summoned?


    Had the Traveller hidden a guardian to


    His heart stopped.


    His mind stopped.


    His senses stopped.


    Floating before himtransparent like mistwas someone hed longed to meet.


    A young woman. A young woman who might have been chubby at one time, but who''d been hardened by tough battles over a period of years. Her face was striking in the same way that a painting of a goddess might be.


    Her dark hair was long, hanging over familiar robes.


    Robes that had shrouded a corpse in a cave hed passed through back in his homnd.


    Slowly, the womanor spirit or whatever she wasopened her eyes. Confusion filled them as she looked around. Howis this possible? her voice was low and rasping, yet clear above the roar of thebyrinths me.


    Alexs heart sang.


    Floating before him in the blossom of her youth


    was Hannah Kim, the Traveller.


    He had gotten his wish.

 Chapter 534: The Traveller

    Chapter 534: The Traveller


    Was she really there?


    For a time, Alexs mind seemed to freeze.


    The battle had stressed it. The Marks punishment had pushed his nerves to the limit. Everything hed just learned from her book had filled his mind, bringing it close to beingpletely overwhelmed.


    And now, this Alex sat cross-legged in the middle of a ritualistic circle, in a domain of the Endless Hells with the Saint of Alrica woman he prayed tofloating before him.


    A woman whod died over three hundred years ago.


    It was too much, and he wondered if his sanity had finally fled.


    For her part, Hannah Kim looked just as confused as he did. She took in her surroundings like someone awakening from a long dream and spoke a single word hed never heard before as her eyes traced the circle below.


    The symbols at the circles edge was what she seemed most focused on before her attention turned to Alex.


    The woman startled.


    And the young wizards mouth opened and closed like a beached fish. It cant beyoure dead. Baelin said nothing could bring back the dead. He said aloud, talking more to himself than to her.


    Bewilderment clouded the Saint of Alrics expression. Her brow creased, and as her form flickered, dread fell over him again. And just for a moment, that feeling of something being close to him that shouldnt be, returned. He opened his mouth to speak.


    But she spoke first, andthis timeher words were in themon tongue. Who are you? Where am I?


    Silence.


    Alex cleared his throat. Well, um, Im Alex Roth from Thamnd. From, uh, Alric actually. You are Hannah Kim, the Traveller, arent you?


    More silence.


    Alric? she frowned at the burning walls around them, distrust clear on her face. These are the hells.


    I know, I know, but things are a bitplicated. He pointed to the circle. See? We took your artefact from Kaz-Mowangs pce.


    The Saint of Alric looked down, gasping when she saw her belongings. Her hands flew to her cheeks. Oh my goddesses, you found my phone!


    Yeah, Iyour what now?


    My phone. I thought Id never see it again, even if I <em>did</em> manage toe back. I cant believe this! Oh! She looked at Alex again, lowering her head and giving him a little curtsy. Im the Travelleroh wait, you used my name. Well, Im Hannah the Traveller. Thank you so much for finding my phone andfor bringing me back for a bit. You did what I have been trying to do forforhow long have I been dead?


    About three hundred years, Alex told her. Were in another cycle.


    Ohthat longIve been struggling for that long?


    Struggling with what? Alex asked. I dont even know how this is possible, you tell


    Suddenly, that dread spiked again. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end. Hannahs form flickered briefly, but a wave of divine calm flowed from her spirit, banishing all<strong></strong>uneasiness.


    My time will be limited, so we have to work fast. She gave him a warm smile. Im dead, so my questions dont matter as much as yours do, child of Alric. If you summoned my sword, that means you went through a lot of trouble to read my book. You know what it contains, and Im sure you have a lot of questions.


    Yeah, but Alex paused. Okay, tell me this. How are you here?


    His mind raced. Her spirit was back from the dead. Did that mean he could see his parents again? Could Selina?


    The Traveller looked at him for a long moment, as though she was gazing through his soul. She sighed. If you read my book, you know about my power. I could go anywhere with it in life. When I woke upon the other side, I still had my power. It was part of my soul. So Ive been trying to use it to leave the afterworld. It never seemed to workbut somethings changedtely. My spirits been growing stronger, different. Thest few attempts I made to travel beyond the afterworld nearly worked, and then when you lit the beaconwait


    Her breath hissed. <em>You</em> have my power! You must have formed a bridge between me and the world of the living!


    Rightsince I have your power, the beacon mustve been a lot stronger than you intended


    Why do you have my power?


    Alex paused.


    Alright, Ill try to be quick, because its a long story.


    And Alex told his story: getting Marked as the Fool, leaving Alric, their encounter in the Cave of the Traveller, finding her book and touching her power with his own. He talked about how Alric had changed and how the Generasians hade to aid Thamnd.


    He talked of his search for answers about dungeon cores and having unknowingly taken up her quest.


    Im worshipped in Alric? she said, her tone was amazed. Thatsthats something I never imagined. Butmaybe that exins a few things. Many deities gain power from faith, and now people are praying to me. But I only felt strong changes very recently.


    Something struck Alex like a thunderbolt. Hannah, theres been a few of us that havepletely stopped praying to Uldar. My girlfriend and I pray to you directly: youre getting all of <em>our</em> faith. You deserve it a hell of a lot more than Uldar does, I have to say.


    Hannahs cheeks reddened slightly. Thats probably why I feel so much stronger. Im gaining divinity.


    Yeah, maybe, Alex said. I dont know how any of this wor


    Another pulse of dread.


    Hannah grimaced. Its pulling.


    Whats pulling? Alex asked, a chill running down his spine.


    The afterworld, she said. Im not supposed to be here and its pulling me back hard. My time is short.


    Hannah locked eyes with him. If youre taking on my quest, then I need to warn you about something. Youll find it in my memory shard, but its better if I just exin it to you right now. Her face was grim. The church is working against you.


    I know, theyre keeping secrets


    Thats right, thats what I meant, she pushed on. Kelda and I had a theory: theres a reason why you dont really see sessful Fools in the history books. When we were investigating the dungeon cores, there were people watching us and anyone else who was working with us. They moved in the shadows. Spycraft, that kind of thing.


    Her jaw clenched. Theres a secret arm of the church, we think. We could never confirm it for sure, but we had a <em>lot</em> of evidence that convinced us that what the church says, <em>isnt </em>actually the way things are. One time, we were attacked by a group of people that were <em>really</em> well trained in divinity, stealthcraft,<strong></strong>andbat.


    Alex shuddered: he remembered seeing someone with the Thameish delegation who surprisingly, had perfect control of his bodynguage. The man had given him the impression that hed been reading the people around him. II think youre right. By the Traveller


    Hannahs radiance red as he used her name. She blinked in surprise, looking down at her hand. ...huh.


    What happened there? Alex asked.


    You used my name in the way you would a deitys, like you were invoking itI felt power for a second. Just a tiny, tiny bit of powerbut I felt it.


    Alex filed that away forter. Interesting, but what I was <em>going</em> to say is that we also came across someone that was probably from that secret arm of the church. Do you know where to find them?


    She shook her head. Wherever they are, theyre very good at hiding and their agents take their own lives when theyre captured. We never were able to track them down.


    Wow, theyre reallymitted to their cause, if theyre taking their own lives thats still a good lead, Alex mused. I wonder if the Saint knows anything. I might be able to get the other Heroes to ask him on the sly.


    She looked at Alex sharply. You mean the other Heroes know about this?


    Yes, Alex said. All of them except the Saint.


    And theyre on your side?


    Yes.


    Then youre already doing a lot better than we were. Kelda and I didnt have many allies, and none who knew exactly what we were looking forsometimes I regret all the secrets. But, you should look at the church closely. Try and find out if theres <em>anywhere</em> specific they could be hiding. Theyd need space to train warriors as elite as the ones we faced.


    Right Alex nodded. I might be able to look for the


    Another wave of dread.


    The Traveller grimaced. The pulls getting stronger.


    He looked at her with concern. Wait, waitplease. He sped his hands in prayer. Traveller, I ask you, please do not depart yet. I pray to you.


    Her radiance shed again, and that dread diminished.


    By my goddesses, that feels <em>weird,</em> she shuddered. But Ill take it. Quick! Whatever questions you have, I want to help you. I dont want you to fail like I did.


    Alex swallowed, looking down at her book. You said in your journal that you realised something about the Mark of the Fool. What was it?


    Her eyes turned sad.


    But Alex pushed on. I read what happened to Kelda, and I cant imagine what that was like for you. I can imagine what she went through though, being a warrior and having all that taken away because of her Mark. I get the desperation she mustve felt because Ive been there too. And with what happened to her, I know you might not want to tell <em>me</em> but please, I need to know.


    He jabbed a finger at his marked shoulder. This thing makes no sense. Uldar made all the Marks to be effective with no weaknesses. Why does this one have so many constraints on it? How many lives has it ruined? How many Fools died because monsters, or even the damned church tried to kill them, and they couldnt even defend themselves? I just had the fight of my life, trying to defend mypanions and this Mark tried to destroy my mind for it. <em>Why?</em> I have to know what you know, <em>please.</em>


    For a long silent moment, the Traveller stared down at Alex.


    Emotions warred on her face: regret, guilt, hope, grief, fearand finally resignation.


    Fine. Dont make the same mistake as Kelda did, but you deserve to know. All the Fools did. She took a deep breath. How should I exin this Hannah touched the sleeve of her robe, pinching the fabric.


    Tell medo you know what a patch is?


    Alex frowned. Like on a piece of old clothing?


    Something like that. I couldnt remember if I wrote about that in my book She took a deep breath. In my old world, theres something we use called programs. Theyre a bit like spells, except theyre made by a central, um,pany. Uh, ce. Then users of these programs use them, but they cant change them.


    Okay Alex said slowly. But, whats that got to do with the Mark?


    She frowned, looking as though she was sorting through her thoughts. Well, when apany puts out a program and they want to change it, they release something thats called a patch. Its new codeuh, a new piece of a spell that goes over top of the old spell and changes it.


    Alex could have been blown over by a stiff breeze. So youre saying that somebodychanged the Mark? That it was different before?


    She nodded. After Kelda heard about patches, she spent a long time examining her Mark: the very fibres of magic it was made of.


    You can break it down? Alex asked. Even archwizards havent been able to do that.


    She had the Mark, she had my knowledge, and she had to build some <em>very</em> specialised equipment using materials you cant even get in your world. But she built them and used the Mark to get good enough at using them to examine her Mark and mine.


    She tapped the Mark of the Saint, which still shone on her soul. Mine is oneplete piece of magic: the original version is the one that existed in my time and I imagine still exists today. But hers and yours? Theres signs that theyve been patched. Someone changed the Mark of the Fool after it was originally made, Alex. Its been altered.


    <em>What?</em> Alex cried, jumping to his feet. Someone tampered with it? You mean it wasnt always so restrictive?


    We didnt find that out. Hannah shook her head. All I can tell you is that it was changed <em>after</em> it was originally made.


    But who could have tampered with it?


    The Travellers expression turned grim. Thats the thing about patches, Alex. They almost alwayse from the person orpany who created the program in the first ce.


    So, Uldar. Uldar himself likely changed it? Alex was stunned. But why?


    And that''s the right question you have to ask. Go seek the answer to that very question.


    Wait, but, from the sound of it thenKelda found a way to remove the patch?


    ...the process obliterated her soul.


    But did it work? Alex asked.


    The Traveller took a deep breath. Swear to me you wont go looking.


    Im not swearing to anything! Please. Ive got to know.


    She sighed.


    ...for a moment, Keldas Mark began changing. She looked so happy. But, yes, if you want it put simply, it worked. We were able to remove the patch for the briefest of momentsthen, the very worst happened. Her soul was destroyed.

 Chapter 535: Hannah Kim, the Patron Saint of Alric (END OF BOOK 6!!!)

    Chapter 535: Hannah Kim, the Patron Saint of Alric (END OF BOOK 6!!!)


    Hope. Though Keldas story was tragic and filled Alex with a simmering rage, it also gave him hope.


    His thoughts raced.


    So, youre saying theres a chance? his voice trembled.


    No. We failed, she said firmly. We utterly failed. Kelda and I spent years putting together everything that wed learned and we still failed.


    But you <em>seeded</em>. Alex insisted. You undid Uldars tampering.


    And who knows if that would have made things better, she countered. Its a dead path and itll only lead to your pain.


    Hannah, thats bullshit, and youre smart enough to know that. Alexs eyes zed. You said that we learn something that passed for science in Thamnd. I take it this earth that youre from, and Katalonia, had higher science, right? More understanding of methodology?


    Her face hardened. Katalonia? That was some dark ages stuff. But earth had a lot of science. Super science, even.


    Okay! Okay! Alex spread his hands. So! Think about it like this. Science is a line of failures with each researcher learning from thest ones mistakes. Lets say you develop a form for some super-potion or something. Then lose the form. Well, you <em>still</em> have the researchers that made it and you still have the result.


    He pinched his fingers in front of his eyes like he was narrowing his view through a lens. So the next generation of researchers would have a <em>much</em> better idea of how to proceed! Theyd have the building blocks of failure <em>and</em> sess.


    Alex jabbed a finger toward his Mark. <em>Thats</em> how this works! Every sess and failure from previous experiences helps you learn <em>how</em> to proceed! All of your prior sesses are the building blocks to the ultimate triumphs, but failures can teach you even more!


    The cost is too high. The Traveller said grimly, raising her chin. This is <em>obliteration</em> were talking about. Its your soul disappearing. It means no afterworld. Nothing at all. If what happened to Kelda happens to you, youre just gone, and theres no turning back. The cost is way too high.


    Let me be the judge of that. And, I agree in part, Alex pushed on. But. You started a map. I have ess to one of the greatest bodies of knowledge in my world, and I <em>could</em> have ess to wherever you worked on the Mark. We have <em>years</em> of your work to guide us. We could <em>do </em>this. Think about it, Hannah, my patron saint. We could make it so that no other Fool has to go through what Iwhat Keldahas gone through! Even if we end the cycle of the Ravener forever, its possible that I could end up with this Mark limiting me for my entire life. If we fail, then the next Fool will suffer too. Please.


    He sped his hands before him. I am <em>praying</em> to you. Tell me more. Tell me where your equipment is. You didnt destroy it, did you?


    The Travellers light red at his prayer, and the spirits face froze in indecision. She finally spoke. We didnt destroy it. But I cant tell you where it is.


    Alexs frustration red. You


    Hold on, Im not saying I <em>wont</em> tell you: Im dead, she said. Its not right for the dead to rob choices from the living. I was kidnapped by kings and deities: Im thest person who should be denying you a choice. But the problem is that <em>I dont know where the equipment is.</em>


    Alex froze. What do you mean? Your notes said you werewait Realisation struck him. OhKelda never told you where it was, did she?


    No. Hannah shook her head. And after she was destroyed, I didnt try to find it. If the church had ever taken me, it was better that I didnt know. But, there is something. Theres a portal in my cavern that we keyed our Marks to. No one elseincluding other Heroescan use it.


    Alexs heart dropped. Oh nothe Sage from this cycle tried entering a portal below your cave and it mmed shut when it recognised her Mark!


    ...thats not good, because now its permanently closed, she said, deep in thought. I can tell you that Kelda said it was really cold where she was staying.


    Rightthe Empire maybe? You think her sanctum could be there? Somewhere in the Irtyshenan Empire? Alex asked.


    Its a guess, she said, reluctantly. But even then, its a thin onebut we did spend a lot of time there in our search for clues, though we didnt find any. If there had been somebody there who knew what was going on, all traces of them were long gone.


    But the cold is still helpful, Alex said. I came to the hells on less. And this? This is my life. And the lives of others.


    Hannah paused for a long moment. The church.


    What do you mean, the church?


    Find their secret arm. That would be my suggestion, she said. I built my sanctum to try and break into Uldars realm, but I spent too much time <em>hiding</em> from the official church. I looked, but I couldnt find the secret side, I could have looked harder. They might have information about <em>what</em> exactly this patch wasand failing thatyou should try to find the ascension point.


    What? What do you mean? Alex asked. What ascension point?


    The dread was building in the air again, growing stronger, impossible to hold back.


    Uldar ascended to another realm, she said. He ascended to full divinity from the mortal world. You know how in some ces in the material world you can travel to other nes more easily?


    Yeah, Alex said. You saying that wed have an easier time transporting ourselves to Uldars realm from wherever he ascended?


    I think so. If its a path thats been used once, it can be used again, she said. Find that, and you might find Uldar. The church<em> might</em> know more about what the patch was and <em>why</em> the Mark of the Fool was changed. Uldar would definitely know, and I would bet a lot of money that the church knows <em>where</em> he ascended from. Maybe if you find that information, it can help you avoid the same fate that Kelda suffered.


    ThatswiseIll try and do both, Alex said. This isIm so d I found your phone. Im so d I found it and you. <em>Thank</em> you, Hannah. So, what happens to you now?


    Idont know. The Travellers radiance flickered. Dread rose in the air. One thing I do know for sure is, Im confused, Alex. Really confusedyour voice has been familiar to me since we started talking. And its been growing more familiar the longer weve talked. Im in the world of the living again. I learnedall these different things. I cant even wrap my head around it all.


    The dread built.


    Im going back to the afterworld, she said. Butmaybe I can bring myself back sometime. With your prayers, I think somethings changing in my spirit. My teleportation is growing stronger. Her eyes shed. And if I came back oncemaybe I cane back again.


    Maybe youre changing because of the faith were showing you. Maybe youre gaining divinity yourself. My mentor, Baelin, says that faith is a powerful force, maybe it can even help the dead. Alex suggested.


    Maybe. Maybe. Her radiance faded further. well, what will happen will happen. Just so you know, I think I canwait, thats why your voice sounds familiar. When I dream, I hear your prayers! Youre the voice in my mind!


    Really? Alex blinked. The dead sleep?


    We dream. She smiled warmly. And sometimes the dreams are so sweet.


    The dread pulsed again.


    Hannah Kims image diminished as it did, she drew herself up to her full height, floating toward him. Im going to start talking like a Tolkien character for a bit.


    A what character? Whos


    Alex Roth of Alric! her voice boomed from every stone, rising, shaking the sky, even though she hadnt raised it at all. Her radiance was blinding. Thank you for doing so much for the descendents of those I love. Thank you, child of Alric. Of Thamnd. IHannah Kim the Travellerswear to answer your prayers if its in my power, and to do what I can for you from wherever I am. It is my hope that we shall meet again in this world or the one after.


    She raised a finger, and it red like the brightest star. Youwho have gained some of my giftI reward you now. For your courage. For your faith. And for your willingness to face the darkness that I could never defeat.


    cing her finger against his forehead, she poured a river of power into him.


    The Travellers energy swelled within him, growing ever stronger. Transforming, bing moreplete.


    And then the river sputtered dry.


    She gazed at him with affection. I have shared more of my energy with you. In time, I see you mastering it in the same way that Kelda of n McCallum once did. Without spellcraft, it is my hope that you will travel the universe and sees and look upon the realms of gods. To see the nes as they are.


    Alex bowed his head. Thank you. Thank you so much for the giftno, the blessing. I <em>will</em> keep praying to you, and I hope that my faith, my sisters and my partnersand whoever else sees you as their saviour, can make you stronger. Maybe you can gain enough faith to get out of the afterworld. And maybeyou could bring others with you?


    Hannahs gaze turned sad. Its a miracle that I was able to leave at all. As for others? Lets just sayits not possible.


    Why not? Alex asked.


    Some things can only be experienced to be understood. She smiled. Death is one of them.


    Then Alex took a breath. Can you deliver a message to my parents? Theyre already there.


    I will try.


    Tell them that Im alright. Tears came to his eyes. That Selinas alright. That Theresas alright and so are Mr. and Mrs. Lu. And that Im going to work hard to make sure we all <em>stay</em> alright. Tell them we love them and we miss them.


    I will, the Traveller said, her presence fading. Her voice grew quieter. I will Then her smile zed. And if I return again, then I will give you their answer.


    A lump formed in his throat. Thank you. Thank you <em>so much.</em> If Isummon you again, do you think itll work?


    She shook her head. That ritual was made to only work once to summon my sword, and I should not even be herebut obviously I know less about this power than I thought I did. I will promise you that I will strive and struggle to find my way back to protect you and my town. And perhaps others.


    I hope you manage toe back, Alex said. And I might try and summon you again.


    Let the dead worry about the paths of the dead. You must worry about the path of the living.


    Ithink I understand.


    Her form was now as sheer as a delicate veil, almost ethereal.


    But her smile was radiant. And a bit mischievous. I sounded pretty awesome, just now, didnt I? Like a real superhero or epic king. Not bad for a little bit of roleying, wouldnt you say?


    And with those words, he felt a door closing.


    The radiance faded.


    And the Traveller was gone.


    Alex sat in the circle for some time, simply taking in what had happened. So much had been revealed. Some questions were answered. Some were raised. A pair of paths formed.


    And he had a new power to explore.


    What could he do if he was able to travel anywhere in the world? He could explore Thamnd <em>and</em> the Irtyshenan Empire in the same day.


    He nced at the shoulder where the Mark of the Fooly hidden beneath Thundars illusion. Just what secrets did it hold?


    What would it be in its original form?


    He would find out.


    Hopeful, Alex performed the Travellers ritual one more timebut felt nothing. No response. He sighed, but he understood.


    Until we meet again, he said aloud, clearing away the ritual and gathering up his belongings. He tied the sword to a rope and slung it over his shoulder. Fight on, Hannah. Fight on. Ill be fighting too.


    With a small smile, Alex Roth turned and began walking back to hispanions.


    It was time to get back to them.


    It was time to escape the Hells.


    It was time to find this secret arm of the church.


    One way or another, there would be a reckoning.


    Impossible Kaz-Mowang raged in his hidden grotto, deep within the outerbyrinth. <em>Impossible.</em> That energyit cant be!


    Nearby, his insect-like archivist gurgled among the remnants of the pce and the milling guests who had taken shelter within the greater demons hidden sanctum. Many were the worst for wear. Many look frightened.


    All burned with a fury that was just waiting to be unleashed.


    What is it, most glorious master? the archivist asked.


    Hannar-Cim the bull-headed demon leapt to his feet. I felt her energy. I <em>felt </em>it! Steam billowed from his nostrils. This cannot be a coincidence. That wretched mortal must have had some part in this <em>disaster</em>.


    Several members of his household growled, gnashing their teeth.


    His archivist gurgled with excitement, spitting a line of mucus along the floor. My most glorious master, what will you do? Will I have the chance to see your glory directly?


    You will. Kaz-Mowangs hooves ground against the stone beneath his hulking throne. Warriors! Prepare for a sortie! We must seek an enemy. An old one who thinks to strike me in the back like a coward. She ran from me once.


    He smiled. She should have kept running.


    Within the Ravener, a terrible process was taking ce.


    Where once it had conjured a single Petrifier, now it was crafting three.


    Three to destroy three usurpers, and bring the cycle back into bnce.


    It was the manoeuvre dictated by protocol: an ancient esction of violence that was built into it long ago. The Raveners mind was bent toward the process, working on nothing else.


    Even when the usurpers had escaped its first petrifier, it did not break concentration. It simply performed steps as was decreed.


    But, now, something disturbed it.


    A strange energy had pulsed from somewhere so distant, it could not identify where the location was. But it knew <em>what</em>it was: a usurper. A usurper joined with a strange power it had only encountered once, many cycles before.


    An unexpected development.


    What was the usurper doing?


    What was the usurper plotting?


    Factors were drifting further out of control. Still, its instructions had not changed. Protocol remained protocol.


    and <em>yet</em>


    A disturbance formed in the Raveners mind: a thought of what-if?. What if more unexpected patterns came to be? What if new threats arose. What if the instructions did not anticipate shifting variables.


    And the orb of darkness floated in its chamber for a time, contemting this.


    Until, atst, it made a decision.


    It broke protocol.


    This was a step that it was only to take if the number of usurpers had risen to five or morebut things were shifting beyond prediction. Better to act now.


    With this thought, its vast mind reached out across the distance.


    Reached out and made contact.


    Deep inside an escarpmentin a holy chamberUldars First Apostle raised his head. Something had touched his mind.


    I hear you, the ancient voice spoke in the dark. Tell me, fellow child. What must be done to make the first sacrifice still bear fruit? What must be done in Uldars name?


    Within the darkness, a golden light glowed.


    And then went out.

 Chapter 536: Fires of Past and Present

    Chapter 536: Fires of Past and Present


    Alex awoke to the crackle of me.


    The fires warmth tickled his face as his small form snuggled beneath a thick nket. The scent of venison roasting and cookies baking reached his nostrils, inviting him to wake up.


    Hm? The young boy raised his head, squinting at the firece. It warmed the room, burning brightly behind an iron screen that kept sparking embers at bay.


    Well, someone finally woke up, a mans deep voice came from near Alexs bed.


    He startled at the familiar words, quickly turning to find a man sitting nearby.


    He was lean and tallAlex hoped hed match his height when he was growncorded muscle hardened from years of splitting wood and hauling kegs, defined his arms. His light brown eyes shone with mischief and he wore his chestnut brown hair cropped close to his scalp.


    Calloused hands yed with tiny building blocks, showing them to the babbling bundle sitting on hisp; Selina was a toddler, rambling on in a sing-song voice as she reached for the blocks her father was holding, sharing them with him and doing what she loved best, putting them together in unique ways.


    But herrge green eyes werent always on the blocks: much of the time they were fixed on the fire, absorbed in the dancing me.


    Whats wrong, Alex? You''re going to start drooling soon, Mr. Rothughed.


    It dawned on the boy that hed been staring at his father and baby sister with his mouth hanging open. I was yawning, thats all, he said quickly, trying to recover.


    Uhuh, Mr. Roth grinned knowingly.


    Something about that smile disturbed young Alex.


    A feeling that something was off crept down his spine. <em>Something</em> wasnt right. Apprehension stirred in the back of his mind, he felt like hed forgotten something incredibly important.


    It was unsettling


    Alex frowned. How old was he again? For some reason, he couldnt quite remember. Maybe he was still really sleepy.


    Well, I guess it wasnt too thrilling of a tale, eh? his father nodded toward something near his pillow. I think you had a few minutes with it before you were fast asleep. You looked like some of the regrs in the alehouse when its long past midnight.


    Hm? Alex looked at the object his father was grinning at; a story book hed borrowed from the schools libraryfilled with illustrationsabout a wise wizard whod used his tricks and spells to defeat a hungry ogress.


    Hed been quite enjoying the book. I like this one! he insisted, snatching it up. Its really good!


    Uhuh, Mr. Roth chuckled. If its that good, then Id love to see how quick the bad ones put you to sleep.


    Oh, dont make fun of him so much, a warm voicewith all the promise of spring and summerdrifted from the kitchen.


    A spike of yearning struck Alexs heart at the same moment the apprehension returned. Frowning, he looked toward the kitchen where a smiling woman wasing toward them.


    His mother had beenno, why was he thinking of her in the past tense? His mom was usually a cheery soul whowas quick with a song and even quicker with her smilewinked at him. Her auburn hair was caught up in a loose braid that bounced as she walked, and her green eyes shone with amusement.


    In one oven mitt covered hand, she held a tray filled with cookies. A delightful smell was drifting through the air. They smelled absolutely delicious.


    So why was that wonderful aroma painful?


    What was going on?


    Alex had a busy day today, Sean, and he needed that nap. She ced the tray on the nearby dining table. Im sure that book is <em>thrilling </em>if he says it is.


    It is, Alex said, d to be defended. Its the best one Ive read in a year!


    I thought the best one you read in a year was the one about that frog? Mr. Roth wondered aloud, scratching the stubble on his chin. His gaze had fallen on the cookies with undisguised greed.


    Well, that one was good, but this ones a lot better! Alex insisted, also eyeing the cookies.


    Uh-uh, Mrs. Roth said without looking at either of them. Supper first, then dessert.


    Right, best check on the roast then. Mr. Roth said, barely hiding his disappointment. He picked up Selina. Would you take her for a bit, honey?


    I might not let her go. Mrs. Roth took the cooing toddler with a dreamy smile. Since when did I get such a cutie pie?


    Im right here, you know, Alex said, tucking the book under his arm.


    I remember a young man saying Im not cute, Im cool! no more than three days ago, Mrs. Roth rocked Selina in her arms. I wonder who that young man was?


    Hah! Mr. Roth chuckled as he headed into the kitchen And you say <em>I </em>should stop making fun of him?


    Left alone with his mother and little sister, Alex stared up at them. Again, that apprehension coiled around himleaving him feeling that he was looking at something that shouldnt be.


    Your teacher said that you did very well on yourst arithmetic test, Alex. Mrs. Roth looked at her son, her eyes twinkling. She was very proud of you, and so am I. And I believe good boys deserve rewards.


    She looked at the cookies meaningfully and whispered. Dont let your father hear you.


    Alexs face lit up, as he wasted no time in tip-toeing to the tray and choosing the biggest cookie in the pile to stuff into his mouth. It tasted the way he imagined food from one of the heavens would.


    Crumbs and all were long gone by the time his father returned with a pan heaping with bs of roasted venison and root vegetables, drenched in steaming gravy. He ced it on the table beside the cookies andluckilydidnt seem to notice that the biggest one was missing.


    I heard you and Mum talking about your test, he said, taking a seat at the head of the table. Well done, son. With the mind you have for numbers, you could handle the books for a business. Maybe work for a magistrate. Maybe even be a magistrate yourself one dayjust dont be a tax collector, Id never live it down.


    Oh please, Alex will take over the alehouse one day, his mother said warmly, putting Selina in a high chair beside her own seat. Wont you, Alex?


    The little boy avoided her gaze, looking instead at the book he was holding in his hands. On the cover, the bearded wizard faced down the giant ogress.


    He looked so brave.


    So magnificent.


    Actually Alex murmured. I want to be a wizard.


    Silence filled the room.


    Itd be grand! Alex started talking fast. Id be able to do magic to help the people around Alric! I could keep the countryside safe from monsters plus I could help you with the alehouse. Wouldnt it be nice to have all the cooking and cleaning done with spells instead of by hand?


    More silence.


    Again, that apprehension ran through him.


    Wellwouldnt that be a mighty fine thing? Mr. Roth finally chuckled. Imagine that, a wizard in the family?


    Well thatd be the most important thing that my familys ever done, his motherughed. And its cute. Youd be dealing with fairies, and pixies and the like.


    Aye, and turning people you dont like into newts.


    And turning frogs into princesses and princes!


    Mum! Dad! Alexined. Its more serious than that! Its not just cuteness and fairies! Its very important work!


    We know. Mrs. Roth smiled. Something about her smile wasodd. But whatever you choose, were proud of you.


    Youre going to be a big, important man someday. Mr. Roth put Selina in Alexs arms. When did he take her out of her high chair?


    Why was it so warm?


    Be well, Alex, Mr. Roth said.


    The crackle of me roared through the alehouse.


    Alex whirled on the firece and screamed.


    me poured from it, spraying through the room. Fire, like hungry demons, engulfed the alehouse, filling the air with thick smoke. The sweet scent of cookies and theirst meal together, was reced by the acrid stench of smoke and ash.


    Mum! Dad! Weve got to leave! Alex screamed.


    Selinas eyes were wide as she both screamed and giggled at the scene around them.


    Mum! Alex screamed. Dad!


    The me was everywhere. Smoke had smothered everything. He could no longer see his parents or his home.


    There was only the crackle of me.


    The crackle of me.


    The crackle of


    Someone was gripping his shoulder.


    Alex woke up with Thundar shaking him.


    Alex! Alex! the minotaur hissed. Alex, youre having a nightmare! Wake up, ground yourself, man. The mania fields getting inside your head!


    Alex awoke to the mania field rampaging through him: fear, longing, anger and loss screaming in his head.


    What thThundar? he muttered, trying to ground himself. His mind shifted to the present, marking the feeling of his clothing against his body, the sight of Thundars snout before him and


    fire crackling?


    He shot up, wondering where he was.


    And then it came to him.


    He was still in the maze of Cretalikon with Thundar and the mercenaries hed hired. They were trying to escape to the material world. The crackling hed heard wasnting from a firece in an alehouse, but from burning walls around them, and the ming sky above.


    Alex shook his head, trying to erase thest traces of his dream.


    Meeting the Travellers spiritsomething he could hardly believe happenedmust have triggered the dream. It had seemed so real, even though he had no memory of those specific events ever happening when he was small.


    Initially, the dream had felt strange andforting, and very real, yet in reality,<strong></strong>he hadnt left the maze, he hadnt been with his family.


    Im fine now, Alex pped Thundar on the shoulder, forcing himself to his feet. Nearby, the aeld staff was emitting waves of concern while ygons was reaching through their link.


    <em>Fatherare you well?</em> he asked, his body still partly encased in iron.


    At the golems feety the dead body of Celsus, shrouded in a nket coated in frost. Alex had conjured a pair of ice elementals to freeze the warriors body just before hed nodded off.


    It wouldnt do to have him sumb to decay before they even got him back home.


    Yeah, Im well, Alex said. Hows everyone else?


    Were good. Thundar stretched. The nap did me some major good.


    Around them, the mercenaries were breaking camp. Ezerak was shouldering a heavy pack, while Guntile gathered her gear.


    Ripp was already scouting the path up ahead and


    Wheres Kyembe? Alex asked.


    Guntile nodded toward the top of a wall. He should be down any second.


    Alex followed her eyes to the closest wall, spotting the Spirit Killer descending the burning stone with the agility of a spider. His de was back on his hip and his skin was unmarred, free from burns.


    He seemed no worse for wear when he dropped thest dozen feet,nding silently on the stone tiles. I have news, but ites with a dreaded question: is it the bad news you wish to hear first, or the worst?


    Alex grimaced. Lets start with the bad news and work our way up to the worst.


    Alright, then the battle in Jaretha shows no sign of ending soon. The Spirit Killer was moving quickly, grabbing his pack from the centre of camp. In one way, this is good: our allies are not dead, which is always a good thing. Of course, that also means our hope of reinforcement from them is somewhat thin. We will have to rely on ourselves for our escape.


    Alright, thats not so bad. What about the worst news?


    The worst news colours things. Kyembe cleared his throat. While we rested, many with less sense than mobility sought to escape by flying out of the mazewhich of course ended in deathbut also caused thebyrinth to shift as though in some frenzied dance.


    Oh Alexs blood chilled. So the maze is shifting faster than we thought?


    Yes, many of the pathways we originally used have already twisted and changed, Kyembe said. Sooner thanter, we will find ourselves lost in unfamiliar passageways.


    Then wed better get a move on. Alex looked at the others. Alright everyone, lets make for the portal. Ill use nar Doorway to try and keep us moving as fast as possible. I want us out of here before we end up lost. Were almost home, so lets not fumble on the way out.


    As Alex shouldered his pack, remembering the images of his family.


    A dull ache settled in his chest: even though hed met the Traveller, he knew that the chances<strong></strong>of him meeting his own parents before<strong></strong>he passed on was low.


    And while he wanted that meeting, he didn''t want it yet.


    Perhaps one day.


    But not yet.


    Taking up his staff, Alex prepared to cast nar Doorway.


    Forward! Kaz-Mowangs voice boomed through the maze. Hannar-Cim awaits us! She will not escape me again!


    With a crack of his wings, the greater demon marched toward the spot where that unique energy shed used to fight him hade from.


    His long tongue flicked across his lips.


    Around him, a demon army marched as one.


    Their footsteps were thunder.


    Though, not the only source of thunder in the realm.

 Chapter 537: Teleportation Tactics

    Chapter 537: Teleportation Tactics


    In the distance, Baelin and his cabal still battled abyssal knights, greater demons, and their servants, sounding like an earthquake and a tornado brawling in a test of wills.


    While a typhoon did thementary of the struggle.


    The loudest explosionswithout doubt the loudest soundsthat Alex had ever heard crashed in the offing, shaking the walls around them, lighting the sky like a dozen suns had suddenly sparked to life.


    At times, it fell into a depth of darkness so endless, that all light disappeared from it as though an infinite void had swallowed it whole. Alex kept his eyes ahead and his nar Doorways flowing.


    Within him, Hannahs gift burned, fuelling his teleportation spells as he took his team through thebyrinths winding halls. nar Doorwaya spell hed just learnedwas as easy for him as his forceball spell.


    In some ways even easier.


    Each time he spoke the incantation, the Mark would rise, trying to drown his mind in failures, but the Travellers power rose up against it like divine protection driving away a devil.


    Her magic helped so much in constructing the spell array, that he had little to do.


    In a way, it gave him a taste of what it must be like to be a regr wizardone not limited and obstructed by the Fools Mark, one who didnt have to struggle with the Mark to cast a spell. Yet, it was still there in the background, always trying to interfere.


    Hopefully, it wouldnt always be so, hopefully, one day hed be able to wield powerful magic as naturally as breathing.


    But, today wasnt that day.


    Today?


    They had a hell to escape.


    Alex teleported hispanions through the maze, hopping hundreds of feet along the long, winding corridors. The journey was tense, and they stayed quiet for the most part, but all around, they heard demons making their own way deeper into thebyrinth. Many were also quiet, simply looking out for themselves.


    Others?


    The mania had hold of them.


    Grisly sounds of demons ripping and tearing each others flesh werent umon.


    Sounds awful, Thundar whispered, noting the screams of <em>something</em> suffering nearby. I almost feel bad for em.


    Dont, Ezerak said, his curved sword drawn and held before him. We know that they would do the same to us without a drop of mercy.


    With smiles on their faces. Kyembe added darkly.


    Agreed, Alex said, ncing at the Spirit Killer. He felt his power beginning to ebb. Alright, lets walk for a while. I need to recover.


    That was a lot of hops, Thundar said. A lot more than when we were leaving Kaz-Mowangs ce.


    Alex threw him a meaningful look. Well talkter, he mouthed.


    The minotaur gave him a nod before turning his attention to the path ahead. In the distance, Ripp was scouting the corridors. Hey Ripp, we on the right path?


    Peeking around a corner, the swiftlings expression was dark as he zipped back to the party. Well, it sorta looks like it, but the paths are changin almost faster than my hearts beatin. And believe me, thats real fast.


    Then we shall need our bearings once more. Kyembe sheathed his sword. Wait here.


    With a running leap, he jumped to the wall, gripping the stone surface as though it was a securedder, scaling it at speed. Soon, the Spirit Killer was at the top, peering over, and looking around.


    Nodding to himself, he mbered back down,nding on the balls of his feet as quiet as a cat. It seems we must take a left, then another left, then a right through the next corridors. That will take us to paths that look familiar, at least they do for now.


    You sure? Guntile asked.


    As sure as I am that Kaz-Mowang is a filthy bastards son, he said simply.


    Good enough for me, Alex said. Lead the way, Ripp.


    They started up again, moving at a brisk pace. ygons thunderous footfalls echoed down the corridor as Alexs attention fell on the Spirit Killer. How is it that you dont burn, Kyembe? he asked. I dont feel any fire magic protection spells on you.


    In reply, the mercenary grinned, holding up his hand with the ring that shot hellfire. I am used to far greater fires, my friend, and my mother hails from the dark elves far in the nortnds where they live beneath the earth. They dwell in the burning light of under-suns: the heat from even this me is nothing to them.


    Under-suns? Alex asked. Whatre those?


    From the stories, they are much as they sound: small suns beneath the crust of the earth. Or something simr. I have not seen them myself yet, though one day I would like to.


    They sound like an incredible sight, Alex said.


    The world holds many such wonders. Kyembe ran his hand along the burning wall. As do the outer nes.


    That they do, Thundar grumbled. Id just like to see more amazing sights when somethings <em>not</em> trying to kill us for a change.


    Wouldnt that be nice. Alex smiled, thinking about the Travellers book in his satchel.


    In it, shed written about all the incredible sights shed seenboth strange and wonderfulon dozens of worlds that shed visited. Her experiences almost came alive on those pages<strong>,</strong> calling him to explore the<strong></strong>wonders of the universe and the mysteries thaty on far away worlds much like his own, one day.


    He vowed that some day, when he mastered her power, he would do just that. Of course, there were the remaining mysteries surrounding Thamnd, and the Ravener and Uldar to be solved before he could.


    His thoughts returned to his immediate future and ns he needed to make.


    Im going to have to get good enough with this power to either transport myself across the sea in one jump, or learn to cast a full teleportation spell, he thought. If Im going to explore both Thamnd and the Irtyshenan Empire, I <em>need</em> to be able to teleport. Things wont work out if I have to rely on Baelin to be my teleportation-gond.


    Still, there were other things he could work on, both in his own life andfor someone he owed a lot to.


    Hannah is probably gaining divinity through faith, he thought. And the stronger she gets, the more of a chance she has of permanently travelling back from the afterworld as a minor deity. And hells, Ive heard of gods and goddesses whore a lot less deserving of worship than she is. She needs more worshippers. But how


    As his mind worked on the problem, Ripp suddenly shouted from ahead. Hey, back you bastards! Back!


    The swiftling was looking around a corner.


    Alex touched ygon, teleporting them beside the swiftling; his face screwed up in an absolute image of wrath.


    Around the corner, a pack of mortalswealthy ones judging by their damaged silken clothingwere stalking toward Ripp with weapons in hand and mania gleaming in their eyes. Symbols of Ezaliel adorned torn garments, their expressions as fierce as a starving dogs.


    They froze in ce when the hulking wizard and his towering golem suddenly appeared beside the swiftling.


    Whatre you doing? Alexs voice boomed, his eyes cooly scanning the threat before them.


    As hed assumed earlier, most were of the patrician ss and were apanied by their personal guards. Warriors of broad shoulders and vicious looking des ringed them, shielding their masters against threats from all sides.


    They watched Alex fearfully.


    Were hungry! a skinny man cried from the midst of Kaz-Mowangs desperate guests. His arrogant tone and bejewelled robes of silk and fur, gave Alex the impression that he was the leaderor someone who thought of himself as their leader. We wont trouble you as long as you share any food you have with us!


    In moments, the rest of Alexspanions were beside him, Ripp, and ygon. The demeanour of the cultistsor whoever they wereabruptly changed. They didnt seem as menacing; their eyes shone with anxiety, hunger and mania.


    But the mania was what pushed them on.


    Food please, now, the man said, though his tone was more demanding than requesting. Share with us and youll be on your way and well be on ours. No trouble. No problems. He nodded toward a bearded man near him, one sheathed in mana. Algernon here is a battle mage. Even with that golem, a fight against us would be costly, I sugges


    Alex began casting before the man had even finished his sentence.


    He was trying something inspired by the Traveller.


    And if a fight was going to happen? It paid to strike first.


    The spell array for nar Doorwaypleted before the attackers knew what had happened. Alex jumped through a whirling tunnel in space across the nes, materialising behind the battle mage and pping a hand over his mouth.


    He immediately cast nar Doorway again even as he channelled flight magic from the aeld staff. The battle mage struggled in his grip, but Alex held firm,pleting the spell again.


    Teleportation magic red, reaching out for the battle mage as well. His will rose, pushing outward to banish the spell, but the Travellers power red in Alexs core, wrapping itself around the mage, holding him tight like the coils of a massive serpent.


    His will broke beneath the magic and the mage was yanked through the nar Doorway with Alex gripping him like an iron manacle.


    They materialised in mid-air, just below the top of the maze walls.


    Alex held on, twisted his body, andunched the battle mage through the air like a ball, sending him soaring high above the maze.


    With a choked cry, he shot through the air, spinning end over end, causing the sky to vanish as thebyrinth folded on itself with a shudder and snatched the terrified wizard up, carrying him well away from where he just was.


    Alex red down at the cultistsor what was left of the cultists.


    As soon as hed grabbed the mage, hispanions were on them, hitting them hard before they could retaliate. Most were now dead and the living were in full flight, running down the passageway.


    With a grim smile, he slowly floated down to join his party. Well done.


    Im through with bullshit, Ripp grunted. Im d we jumped them first.


    Yeah, Thundar was staring at the sky. Neat trick with that teleportation. I thought it was really hard to take someone with you against their will using nar Doorway.


    Normally It is, Alex winked at his friend. But I think Ive got a bit of aknack for travelling, lets say. And on that note, I think my manas recovered enough to keep us going. Everyone grab on.


    The young wizard teleported hispanions through the passages using a number of nar Doorway spells. Each time they teleported, their surroundings grew more familiar.


    And then


    Thundar sniffed the air as they appeared at a junction. I smell something rotting. He sniffed again. And monkey fur.


    Then were almost out, Alex sounded relieved.


    Hold now. Kyembe raised his hand, cocking his head and pointed-ear toward the nearest wall. His eyes narrowed as he listened intently. Do you hear that?


    Hear what? Guntile asked.


    It sounds like a group, the Spirit Killer mused. Like an army on the movebut what is strange is that they are trying to move with the stealth of sneak thieves, but there are too many of them to make such a silent approach with sess, at least to my ears.


    Alex frowned, listening and soon hearing what Kyembe had: the sound of scores of feet creeping through the maze in rtive quiet. It sounded like there were a lot of them.


    Lets not stay to find out who they are, he suggested. Grab on.


    Again, he cast nar Doorway, bringing them through the winding pathways of the maze, ever closer to the portal. The sound of the army grew louder and closer.


    Yeah, theyre definitelying our way, Ripp said darkly, drawing his des.


    Be ready for a fight just in case, Alex warned. But lets try and make it to the portal, Id rather not start boxing an army if we dont have to.


    They kept going, atst reaching the crossroads.


    Alex was about to cast nar Doorway again when


    <em>Fatherwatch out!</em>


    An arrow cut the air, ttering on ygons stone torso as he stepped between it and Alex.


    A horde of demons poured Into the portals crossroads.


    Kaz-Mowang was in the lead, his footsteps grinding stone beneath them, his eyes filled with hungry wrath.


    He levelled his gaze on the group. Where is Hannar-CiWaitI know you! The Troupe of the Gargoyle!


    The demon raised his trident.

 Chapter 538: Aggressive Recruitment

    Chapter 538: Aggressive Recruitment


    A broad grinrevealing row upon row of demonic fangsspread across Kaz-Mowangs face, malice gleamed in his eyes like a cruel child who''d just received a new toy to break.


    But beneath that smile? An incalcble ageless rage simmered.


    Well, well, what treachery is this? he snarled.


    Alexs eyes were fixed on the portal, measuring distance, tuning out Kaz-Mowangs arrogant voice.


    Tell me, is Hannar-Cim with you now? Or is she hiding elsewhere? The bull-headed demon nced around. Or maybe


    Everyone grab on! Alex shouted.


    Hispanions reached for him.


    Kaz-Mowangs expression dropped.


    And his tridents tines red with golden lightning. Bolts of power danced between the prongs.


    Before Alex could utter the second syble of his incantation, lightning tore toward them with a hungry crackle, raising the hairs on their bodies.


    ygon moved, jumping between them and the bolt.


    Iron still covered him.


    No! ygon! Get


    The lightning bolt struck, arcing through his iron coating, current arcing through ygons stone form. Alex <em>felt</em> havoc rage through the golems mana pathways as shock waves streaked through their link.


    Lightning shedusing the iron like a nodehungry magic curved outward, rushing through theirpanions.


    And in that moment, searing pain was all Alex knew.


    His body stiffened, turnedpletely rigid, and every muscle locked. Heat burned him to the core and his saliva steamed, his hair sparked, rising straight up.


    Beside him, choking noises escaped Thundars throat and Ezeraks growls were anguished


    but the others were unharmed.


    Ripp, Guntile, and Kyembe had jumped clear before the lightning hit, and wereing for Kaz-Mowang. Ripps knives were out as he surged forward, Kyembes ring built power, and Guntiles hand blurred into her bag, whipping a flurry of stones at the looming monster blocking their escape.


    His self-satisfied grin turned to a scowl as the stones found their target, detonating like pops of thunder exploding against his hide<strong>.</strong> The greater demon stumbled back and as the lightning sputtered, Alex, Thundar, and Ezeraks limp bodies dropped to the ground.


    ygon was struggling to free himself, and havoc still raged through his mana pathways, he shuddered like a wind-caught leaf. Alexs mana twitched and twisted: something in the tridents lightning attacked mana,pletely disrupting it.


    Kyembe snarled, poised to unleash the power of hellfire, but Kaz-Mowangs voice suddenly boomed: Wait!


    His hoof pounded the ground beneath him. I meant you no harm mortals, I was simply getting your attention. You would be corpses if I actually wanted you dead. Lets talk, shall we?


    His army ringed the portal as he spoke, forming a wall that promised death.


    He then tapped his trident against the ground rhythmically, demonic warriors abruptly stepped <em>through </em>the portal and into the world beyond.


    There now, theyll be waiting to wee the first of you to go through your little portal, he said, his voice disturbingly cheery. Now no one will flee my glorious presence toosoon. We have business to attend to! Much to discuss!


    Celpahophon, Kaz-Mowangs enormous, fly-headed archivist, buzzed up beside his master and took out a quillsomething that looked suspiciously like a human bone with a sharpened tipand an inkwell of red liquid from the folds of his pig-like body.


    Gleefully, he captured his masters every word.


    The only thing we want to talk about is you and your goons moving aside, Guntile snorted, holding her stones high. Before we kill you.


    Her words were strong, but a note of feary in her voice. The half-orcs eyes were scanning the massive army ringing the portalstanding between them and freedomand Alex knew she hade to the same conclusion he had: they were in trouble.


    Breaking through the demon army would be tough on such open groundhis team would be surrounded in a heartbeat since more monsters waited <em>beyond</em> the portal. Ezerak, him, and Thundar were still suffering the effects of the lightning strike, and ygon still fought to recover, his frustration bleeding through their link. The aeld staffs mana was shuddering and sparking frantically.


    Things were grim.


    And from the smug look on Kaz-Mowangs face, he knew it too. Lets not be too hasty with the killing. After all, I have no interest in killing you. His grin widened. I only want information.


    He looked at ygon holding Celsus body. Even a drooling fool could see that you came to my residence for <em>more</em>than mere entertainment. Clouds of steam puffed from his nostrils. Did Zonon-In bring you here for her own purposes? What are you, assassins? Thieves?


    His eyes narrowed as he slowly took their measure. You know, another guest spoke of an invasion, but I was more focused on my guests and housestaff getting to safety, were they referring to you, mortals?


    He nodded toward the explosions in distant Jaretha. Hmmm, it cant be a coincidence that an attack on the city coincided with you attacking my household, can it? But I dont feel Hannar-Cim thereand her energy


    His eyes fell on Alex who was struggling to get to his feet. ...ising from you! Are you her agent? Is this her doing? Tell me, where is she, and where are Zonon-in and Yantrahpretaye?


    Dead, Alex growled. By our hands. We already killed <em>two greater demons</em> who were as mighty as you. You might want to think about that.


    Yeah, and we could make it a third, Thundar grunted.


    Ezeraks tattoos rippled.


    Guntiles grip tightened on her stones.


    Kyembes ring<strong></strong>flickered.


    ygon pounded his foot on the ground, shaking the earth.


    Peace! Peace, I say! Kaz-Mowang held up a hand, his voice jovial. First off, do not presume that they were as mighty as me.


    They did not approach Kaz-Mowangs glory! Celpahophon cried. Dont be insulting, their power paledpared to my masters. It was far weaker than his. Neither could ever match his wisdom, or his glory!


    That is truecurrently. Kyembe shrugged. After all, corpses are not known for wisdom, power or glory. I would question your standard for such things, fly.


    Alex snickered.


    The archivist gurgled.


    You all have spark. Kaz-Mowang grinned in delight. Which is why I dont want you dead. I want you <em>working for me</em>.


    Wait, what now? Alex said.


    Its onlymon sense:mon sense most demons forget. But, I was mortal once. I know the value of <em>good</em>servants. Good mercenaries. Good soldiers. He waved a hand at the iron coating ygons form. I recognise Yantrahpretayes work all over that golem, so I have no doubt you fought him, and since you are alive, I can assume he is truly dead. He was not one to retreat andoh! Oh my! <em>Thats</em> Zonon-Ins war-spear isnt it? She had <emined</em>about wretchedher word not minemortals who stole it from her! Was that you?


    In the flesh, Alex said, feeling his mana calm.


    Keep him talking, he thought. Form a n.


    Well, well, <em>well!</em> Even more impressive! Kaz-Mowang threw his head back, boomingughter rolled through the maze. Even more reason that I <em>have</em> to have you. Yourepetent. Youre entertaining. You know how to tter. Only an idiot would rather turn you into corpses than have you at his side. I pay very well, and I will ensure your lives in the material world are filled with glory.


    He waved his hand through the air as though showing off a prize. Ill make sure you have jewels as big as your heads. Youll have pces the size of mortal cities. Pleasures of the flesh, fine foods from across your world and other such wonders.


    Sounds good. Too good to be true, Alexs cynicism was in, he kept his eyes off the portal.


    ygon, can you move properly? he thought.


    <em>I amregainingcontrol.</em> The golem said through their link, giving off waves of anger and frustration. <em>Iam sorryI didnt protect you.</em>


    Dont worry about it, Alex thought. Well get him. Ill keep him talking.


    Trust me, you saw my home, Kaz-Mowang said. You see the loyalty of my servants and how well I treat them.


    What of the mortals in your cages? Kyembe challenged him, his frown deep and his voice hard with wrath. Do you treat them well?


    The demon waved his hand dismissively as though there was nothing of importance to talk about. Those are ves. Thats different. You would be treasured servants. Come now, work for me, tell me where Hannar-Cim is hiding and what you sought from my pce. I wont be angry. I promise. Just


    He spread his leathery wings.e work under me.


    Alex shifted in ce, rxing his shoulders. I dont know about that. I think any mortal or demon in their right mind would be <em>pretty</em> mad at us right now. More likely youre going to make us tell you where Hannar-Cim is, then you knowput us through some kind of circuit of death and torment and being shoved in a cage screaming and


    You made your point! Kaz-Mowang boomed. Simple enough, we could make a pact. One that says that I will not harm you. Come now, you are obviously a wizard of some skill. You know how <em>binding</em> pact magic can be! What do you say?


    Alex felt his mana finally settle and stabilise. He was ready to fight.


    <em>I am readyfather </em>ygon said through their link.


    The aeld staff gave off a wave of spite and desire for vengeance so strong that Alex beamed with pride inside.


    Ezeraks tattoos had stopped shuddering and Thundar was gripping his weapon with conviction.


    The Thameish wizards mercenaries looked at him over their shoulders, waiting for instructions: any signal to attack.


    Alex caught Kyembes eye, and his nod to the Spirit Killer was barely perceptible.


    But those sharp crimson eyes hardened.


    The half-dark elf turned back to Kaz-Mowang, his shoulders going ck.


    Around the demon, his army bristled with a mix of hunger, anticipation and disappointment: the oue they wanted was clear. Peaceful solutions were <em>not</em> on their minds.


    Celpahophon gurgled. You would be wise to take my masters offer! His glory knows no bounds and in the shade of such glory, you can only prosper! Come! Be a part of his chronicle! His voice bubbled with something akin to worship. You will not regret it.


    Do you truly mean this? Kyembe asked, taking a hesitant step forward. His eyes shone, he rubbed his hands together greedily. You shall make us wealthy beyond our wildest dreams?


    Kyembe? Alex whirled on the mercenary, his voice shocked. What are you doing? We have a deal!


    Indeed, and how much are you paying me again? the Spirit Killer looked at him pointedly. Enough to face down an entire army? I think wealth beyond our wildest dreams is a little more enticing. Come now, join me. We need not die for foolishness.


    Alex looked at him carefully: not long ago such words would have meant the mans end. Buteven though his bodynguage wasn''t easy to readhed found trust in the mercenary; he<em> had </em>half-burned himself to death to save him from Yantrahpretaye, hadnt he?


    That tended to do a lot for ones trust in another.


    However, Kaz-Mowang didnt need to know that.


    Alex scowled at the lean man as though in disgust. The others were catching on to the ruse, shifting ufortably, while their eyes measured the enemy ranks for weaknesses.


    The young wizard himself<strong></strong>prepared to call on the Travellers power.


    You know, Kyembe, Alex growled. You can be a real bastard.


    You would be wise to listen to your subordinate, Celpahophon suggested. Do not throw your life away over nothing.


    I Alex made a show of looking at hispanions with a mask of emotional agony, as though he was being torn apart by internal turmoil.


    Kaz-Mowangs smile positively dripped glee.


    Meanwhile, Kyembes ringfacing away from the demonswas slowly starting to glow. Eldritch power poured into it. Burns crept up his arm.


    Alex tensed.


    I do have one question, Kyembe slowly turned back to the demon. How would


    He cut his own sentence off.


    His ring-hand snapped up.


    White hellfire zed brighter than before, and<strong></strong>even more burns seared his arm from the extra power pouring into the ring. Even from his distance, heat washed over Alex, he mmed his eyes shut, tears running freely as he spoke the incantation for nar Doorway.


    The white beam screamed from Kyembes ring with a crackle of bursting bone, arcing straight for Kaz-Mowangs sneering face.


    His wings snapped outhe shot awayws grabbing the fawning archivist.


    Master? Celpahophon shrieked, the greater demons powerful hand gripped him as they ascended. Whatre youNo! No please! I must record your gloryAaaaargh!


    His adored master threw the screaming, fly-headed demon in the path of the beam streaking toward him. Blinding light shed, the archivist erupted in a cloud of ash, hungry hellfire ran wild, seeking the ranks of Kaz-Mowangs army, turning row upon row of pazuzites into boiling metal and ash.


    But the fly-headed demons sacrifice had given his master what hed sought, the chance to escape the hellfire zing below.


    Kyembe cursed.


    Oh shit! Thundar lifted his mace. Were in for it now.


    Above them, Kaz-Mowangs wings beat the air, but his expression hadnt changed: even with his archivists death, he exuded utter confidence, levelling his trident at his enemies.


    Fall on them with all the wrath of Jaretha! he roared. But do not kill them: I want them alive. His eyes lit up. You will work for me, mortals, even if you have to lose a limb or two before you realise it! Attack, my minions!


    And the final battle to escape Cretalikon began.

 Chapter 539: A Shining Finger

    Chapter 539: A Shining Finger


    Clear a path to the portal! Alex shouted to hispanions, touching ygon on his shoulder as his feet lifted from the stones. Disrupt their ranks and dont get surrounded!


    Right, boss! Ripp acted first.


    In a blur of shing steel and death, the swifting rushed across the portals crossroads, slipping between pazuzites and tiashivas, his knives shing at their legs. Demons howled as the des slit both hamstrings and heel tendons like butter, bringing monsters down by the number. They copsed on anything near, crushing their smaller fellows under their bulk.


    The other team members were quick to follow.


    Alex finished the incantation for nar Doorway, and grabbing ygon, covered them in flight magic then teleported across the battlefield, appearing above the clutch of demons blocking the portal.


    ygons fire-beams rained death, sting their ranks apart.


    Guntile whipped detonating stones, and wherever theynded, something died, while Ezeraks monsters flowed from his tattoosand by hismandleapt on the demon army with zeal.


    His horde was far reduced from its original numbers, but enough remained to attack the enemy with the viciousness of double their number.


    Kyembehealing his burning armcharged into the battle beside Thundar. The minotaurs illusionary duplicates fanned out, three images entered the demons ranks, confusing and harassing them while they swung their weapons at air. The real Thundar answered with a very real mace, breaking heads and pulping demons, smashing them to the ground in heaps.


    The Spirit Killer moved forward with his sword-staff, sweeping the de wide, clearing a path of ruin through the fiends.


    In seconds, they were met with terrible violence.


    But violence was in their very essence; they responded quickly.


    As one, they charged Alex and hispanions, hellbent on maiming and capturing them as their mastermanded.


    Higher ranked demons called on deadly magics, and so, it was these who Alex targeted.


    ygon showered any demon gathering mana with me and Alex raised his staff, ready to conjure summoned servants when a bolt of energy sent shockwaves through him.


    The Travellers power raged as he called on summoning magic; his connection to any ne he reached out to was now stronger than it had ever been. He summoned swarms of elemental beetles to hound the magic users with little effort. His face lit up. I think I could get used to this.


    His summons overran the demons, pincers finding every soft bit on their bodies, crawling into mouths and ears, sending them into frenzied attacks on their own bodies. Alex summoned with an ease hed never known before, calling on a half dozen air elementals. Lightning raked demonic hides, the creatures fell, spasming.


    Next, he called on a pack of flicker dogs, they appeared in heartbeats.


    Within seconds, hed conjured hordes of monsters, flooding the battlefield with them. Without the Travellers power, hed still be summoning, but her gift had changed that and now he had quickly given his team an edge. The feeling of using<strong></strong>his staffs summoning magic so effortlessly was incredible, he never thought it could happen as long as he was Marked by Uldar.


    Alex watched his teammates and the tide of summoned monsterse together, devastating the enemy. The summons harassed, ran interference, and kept Kaz-Mowangs army off-bnce, while Thundar and the mercenaries went in for the kill; shing, shocking, and pummeling fiends with weapons and terrible magics.


    Guntile was inflicting a massive amount of damage, blurring hands kept pelting a hail of stones at Kaz-Mowangs servants, thinning their numbers, ensuring attempts to capture their team were pipe dreams.


    Each barrage blew monsters to bits by the dozens.


    The battle was going well, but a troubling thought nicked at the young wizards mind as he cast haste magic on himself.


    Alex scanned the chaos of battle unfolding below him.


    Where was Kaz-Mowang? The enormous demon was suddenly nowhere to be found after hed taken to the air and given hismand to capture them. Whered he go? He just seemed to disappea


    Shadows shifted, warning Alex.


    ygon! Dive to your left! he thought, while uttering the words for nar Doorway.


    In a blink he was gone, teleporting some twenty feet above as golden lightning shot through the space where he and ygon had been.


    The whoosh of wind on leathery wings followed, and Alex spun away as Kaz-Mowang swept by.


    Stop ying hard to get, the bull-headed demon grinned. I <em>am</em> bringing you home with me. Theres no stopping it. Youre only going to end up hurting yourselves, and make me dock your first pay for killing so many of my other valuable minions.


    Emphasising his point, he lunged, trident crackling with golden lightning, striking in a blurring attack. The young wizard reeled, darting from the tridents reach with haste-enhanced reflexes.


    He held up his staff, conjuring air elementals in shes of summoning magic. The creatures appeared around him, forming a shield as Kaz-Mowangs trident swept through their bodies, sending them hurtling back to their home nes.


    Alex was grateful for the precious inches his monsters had bought him, barely missing the demons mana-disrupting lightning as it crackled along the tridents prongs.


    Alright, enough dancing, Mr. jester. Kaz-Mowang suddenly grinned.


    A fountain of power preceded a wave of absolute darkness spraying from his hand in a cone. Alex nearly weaved clear of its path, but the hungry energies clipped him and overwhelming fatigue struck: draining energy from his muscles, recing it with a feeling of listlessness.


    He felt like his very life force had been siphoned away.


    Kaz-Mowangs eyes lit up with newfound power.


    Ahhh, your life force is strong. With just a hint of life enforcement, the greater demon snorted in satisfaction, licking his bovine lips. DeliciouArgh!


    Suddenly burns raked his nk as ygon strafed him with two fire-beams, but his innate magical resistance buffered most of the damage.


    Oooo, I <em>like</em> you! Heughed, touching his side. Youre feisty and strong.


    <em>And you greater demonstalk too much!</em> ygons voice box roared as he unleashed another st of me, but this time, Kaz-Mowang was ready, sweeping aside the beam with the crackling energy of his trident. All mes winked out.


    Alex swallowed.


    He had summoned enough monsters to fight the horde of demons, but they were never the greatest threat, it had always been Kaz-Mowang.


    Weve got to stop him before he does as much damage as hes capable of.


    His trident red as if hed heard Alexs thoughts. Youre the leader, so its only right that you should be captured first.


    Golden electricity yed about the weapons prongs.


    Using haste magic, Alex sped through the incantation for nar Doorway, teleporting out of lightning range. Thunder boomed around them, splitting the air as he appeared high above Kaz-Mowangs head, burning pain raked his back though he was covered in greater force armour.


    Below, the greater demon looked up at him cidly, extending his ws while bone spikes sprouted from his palm. Suddenly, they streaked toward Alex in volleys.


    The young wizard spun, diving away, dodging the onught.


    I can feel Hannar-Cims energy from you, jester, Kaz-Mowangs confidence was suffocating. Your teleportation tricks wont


    An explosion stopped his words, and the bull-headed demons bellow stung Alexs ear drums. Guntiles stones had detonated on the enormous demons nk, charring a wide swath of flesh.


    Now, you stop that, he levelled his palm at her.


    She snarled, raising another handful of stones, Make me, you cow-headed worm!


    Kaz-Mowang snorted. Bone spears shot from his hand, aiming right for her.


    Guntile tensed, ready to spring away.


    But she bumped into a tiashiva that had escaped the fray against Alexs otherpanions. Bleeding from a dozen cuts, it tried to tackle the swift mercenary.


    She leapt aside, but the movement made her stumble.


    A bone spear came down.


    There was a ripping noise.


    And Guntile howled.


    Alexs jaw dropped as the world seemed to slow down. One of Kaz-Mowangs spears hit her with such force that it cleaved her forearm clean away, bringing her to her knees. Her other arm reached for the fountaining wound, her face a mix of pain and disbelief. Alex looked on in horror as her handstill gripping the stones, met the ground.


    She saw it toote to spring aside, and the rocks cracked, beginning to glow.


    With an act of pure will, she tore the pouch from her waist and hurled it at Kaz-Mowang, giving him the middle finger as the bag soared toward him.


    The rocks at her feet exploded.


    Guntile vanished in a sh of light and me, taking every demon close by with her. The concussion knocked Ripp from his feet, he rolled and bounced back up in a somersault.


    Guntile! he shouted, his voice pained.


    But her final act was notplete yet.


    The pouch flew true, sailing at the demon, ring with mana and a pulsing glow.


    Kaz-Mowangs eyes flew wide, he tried to sweep it aside with his trident.


    But he was toote.


    The explosion was like a miniature sun being born.


    Light, me and thunder ripped the air, drowning even Kaz-Mowangs agonised cry. The greater demon was ejected by the st, bouncing off the stone, wounded, but not yet dead. A deep burn gaped in his chest, the skin had peeled away revealing charred muscle beneath. He almost smelled like an inviting beef roast, but his rotten nature eclipsed any pleasantness. He was hurt and yet


    Heughed.


    And keptughing as he leapt to his feet. st it! I lost one, but if you others have the same spunk as <em>she</em> did! Hah! Im going to have the best soldiers when I take over new territory in Jaretha!


    Alexs jaw hardened.


    One of hispanions just died, and this piece of trash could onlyugh?


    Kaz-Mowang keptughing as he raised his trident. Alright, no more mana for you.


    He levelled the weapon at Ezerak as he fought, leading his minions through the demon horde. Some of his painted monsters had fallen, but the area around the portal was almost cleared.


    His jewelled sword shed tiashivas, until Kaz-Mowangs lightning tore into him <em>through </em>the ranks of the demon''s own army. The bolt struck Ezeraks back, and the former king went down, groaning in agony, his body shuddering.


    Three fire-beams struck from above: ygon strafed the fiends, sting their ranks with lines of me, then he turned the ze on Kaz-Mowang. me bathed the demons wounds as he gritted his teeth while the golems magic seared his already scorched hide.


    His attention turned to ygon and he levelled his trident, then suddenly startled. A scowl took his face, frowning at a half dozen shallow woundpliments of Rippcriss crossing his legs as the swiftling sped around his hooves, shing him from all sides.


    Kaz-Mowang snorted with amusement. Ill be with you in a moment.


    He turned his attention back to ygon. Alex raised his staff, poised to conjure monsters between his golem and that disrupting electricity, but Ripp changed course.


    With a running leap, he catapulted onto Kaz-Mowang, sinking his daggers into the greater demons wounds like he was carving a roast.


    Kaz-Mowang only had time to flinch once as Ripp scaled his torso, leaping up and nting himself on the greater demons shoulder. With a wave of his staff, Alex poured his haste magic into the little mercenary; the blurring swiftling became a sh of light.


    Hooked knives sliced the most vulnerable spots on the demons facecheeks, lips, nostrils and eyelids as he barely managed to shut themck blood poured from a web of wounds.


    The greater demon grabbed at Ripp, but the swiftling slipped away, dancing along Kaz-Mowangs massive shoulders, cutting the demon at will. Wounds sprang up. Tongue. Neck. Jawline. Ear. All dealt with precision.


    Even as the greater demon whipped his head around, taking to the sky, rolling end over end, trying to escape his tormentor, Ripp held on, shing at the demon from every angle.


    Alex watched the attack, raising his staff and conjuring a swarm of air elementals around the struggling demonic giant to harass him further and support Ripp. He quickly took in the battlefield.


    ygon was in front of the portal, sweeping his war-spear in great arcs. Demons came at him, but he chopped them down like dry grass.


    Thundar battled his way to ygons sidesurrounded by illusionary duplicatesandyed about himself with force magic and mace.


    Kyembe was fierce. Cutting a path of ruin through the horde, hed made his way to Ezeraks side. A swift sweep of his sword-stafftrailing hellfirehad blown pazuzites apart as they were taking hold of the former king and raising him above their heads for Kaz-Mowang. The Spirit Killer caught him before he hit the ground.


    Now he fought back the hordes that moved to capture them, protecting Ezerak while he recovered. Dozens of cuts marked Kyembe as the enemy surged at him, surrounding them.


    Alexs eyes narrowed, falling on the Spirit Killers ring hand.


    Kaz-Mowang had absorbed ygons fire-beams without worry.


    But, hed sacrificed his archivist to make sure he avoided Kyembes hellfire.


    With a n forming in his mind, Alex conjured a squad of air elementals to support Ripp, then shot toward Kyembe.


    Calling on the power within him, he focused his mind.


    Kaz-Mowang was going to wish hed never hunted them.

 Chapter 540: Taking the Bull By His Horns

    Chapter 540: Taking the Bull By His Horns


    Kyembe! Alex called, floating above the Spirit Killer.


    Ah, my friend! You are just in time for what is <em>not</em> myst stand! the warrior stabbed a zing sword through a tiashiva, blowing it to bits.


    Alex raised his staff, conjuring a wave of hell-boars to keep the demons back, giving his ally some breathing room. They appeared instantly, rolling over the enemy, trampling as many as they could before they were cut down by pazuzites.


    But the precious moments they''d bought Alex, served him well.


    I have a n. If I buy you some time, could you charge up your ring? Alex asked Kyembe. I mean the <em>big</em> charge, like the one you used on his archivist.


    I was just considering that. he red up at Kaz-Mowang as he skewered another tiashiva like an overripe fruit. What is your n?


    Alex nodded to a spot between ygon and the Spirit Killer. Charge your ring and aim it right there when I tell you.


    Kyembe nced at ygon, then gave Alex a grin <em>dripping </em>with malicious glee. Simply say the word, my friend.


    The young wizard nodded, conjuring another horde of monsters. By now, he could feel the staffs energies beginning to wane, but he wouldnt need them for much longer.


    As hellhounds and taraneas joined with Ezeraks remaining painted monsters, they rampaged through the enemy, buying Kyembe precious seconds.


    Alex flew up, hovering over his golem. ygon, he called through their link. Prepare a st of fire.


    <em>Yes</em>father the golem answered, punting a tiashiva across the battlefield.


    Alex turned his attention back to Kaz-Mowang.


    Overhead, the greater demon still struggled with Ripp as air elementals zapped his nks with lightning bolts. The swiftling sped around his shoulders, using his daggers like spikes while rolling away from Kaz-Mowangs trident and outstretched ws.


    Alex flew toward them, nning to take advantage of Ripps distractionwhen a huge mana shift fanned out.


    Abruptly, the greater demon lit up like a burning pine tree, encased wholly in golden lightning.


    Ripp screamed as bolts of electricity ran through him.


    Ripp! Alex cried, sending air elementals forward.


    But the enormous demon swept them away with a volley of sharpened spurs from his palm. He reached up, plucking Ripp from his shoulder as though he was simply removing a burr from his cloak.


    Heres a lesson for you, jester. As your little friend can feel, my trident isnt the source of my power, the bull-headed demon was all confidence. It merely conducts: the power is all mine, and I can release it as I please, which is unfortunate for your friend here.


    Fixing his eyes on Alex, he spread his jaws


    and mped down on Ripps thigh.


    Bone crunched, and the stunned mercenary howled, blood running down his leg, pooling on the stone below.


    Let him go! Alex shouted, conjuring more elementals, sending them at the demon. Leave him be!


    Kaz-Mowang simply nodded. A voice spoke in Alexs mind. <em>As you wish.</em>


    He shook Ripp about like a dog with a toy, then flung him away with a toss of his head.


    No! Alex shouted, shooting toward Ripp, waving his staff and conjuring another cluster of air elementals below the plummeting swiftling.


    Get him! he shouted in a tongue of air elementals. Catch hi!


    A pazuzite reacted,unching itself between the air elementals and Ripp.


    Golden lighting shot straight at Alex, preventing him from helping hispanion.


    Calm yourself. Kaz-Mowang snorted, rolling his eyes. Remember, Im trying to <em>capture</em> you, not <em>kill</em> you. What happened with your orc friend was unfortunate, as most idents are, his eyes were focused on the swiftling cradled under the pazuzites arm.


    Ripp was in rough shape, his leg hung down, mangled with the thigh bone shattered.


    Hisplexion paled as his lifeblood ran free.


    Without aid, hed have minutes at most.


    Stop fighting! Kaz-Mowang roared. Ill see to it that your friend is given the proper healing he needs <em>if</em> you throw down your weapons ande back with me. Now. If not, my servant will tear open his wound further and hell be dead in heartbeats. Come now, Im trying to be reasonable!


    Reasonable, <em>this,</em> Thundars voice boomed.


    The minotaur suddenly leapt at the pazuzite hovering a half dozen feet above the battle, his mace swinging.


    The creature whirled, an arm raised to defend itself.


    but it never saw the force bolt the <em>real</em> Thundar fired through a copy of himself.


    The minotaurs image shattered, as the bolt drove through the pazuzites skull. Ripp slipped from limp hands, and the air elementals were there, catching him on cushions of wind.


    The mercenary was safe, but bleeding heavily.


    Alex needed to be quick.


    Kyembe, now! he cried.


    You need not even ask, the Spirit Killers power zed, his ring shining on his hand.


    Alex flew right for Kaz-Mowang, sending instructions to ygon. Charge your fire-beams buddy, well need your power. Aim for the spot in front of the portal!


    <em>Yesfather!</em> The golems excitement bled through their link, and the young wizard felt his power gathering.


    Now it was Alexs turn.


    Kaz-Mowangbleeding from dozens of wounds on his facesmirked down at him with a rxed slouch to his shoulders. It was as though he was sure he was inplete control, yet Alex saw his gaze flick to Kyembe and noticed slight tension in his shoulders and trunk.


    He was preparing to dodge the hellfire.


    But Alex had other ns for him.


    Hey, why the hell would you think wed work for you if youd throw away your own subordinate to keep yourself alive? he called, drawing on his staffs ebbing energies to conjure a flight of air elementals around him.


    Because you have sense. Kaz-Mowang casually raised the trident, golden lightning ying along its prongs. His other hand was levelled at the Thameish wizard, and barbs were already springing up from his palm. Of course I would prioritise my life over my servants, what emperor wouldnt? But yourepetent enough not to need to worry about that, no? Im sure you wouldnt have let yourself be caught by hellfire so easily. Youre sododgy, after all! Case in point!


    The demon fired a lightning spear, the young wizards skin tingled as he rolled past it. With a wide grin spreading over his bloody face, Kaz-Mowang unleashed a torrent of bone spikes, trying<strong></strong>to lead him<strong></strong>as the young wizard ducked and rolled through the air.


    Alexs hair sparked, lightning crackled around him, missing him by breaths. Spikes whizzed by his head, the aeld staff pulsed in fear as one narrowly missed setting it aze.


    The young wizards heart thundered in his chest: Kaz-Mowangs life draining magic was hitting him hard, fatigue was building, threatening to force him from the fight. His lungs burned.


    His muscles were weakening, but he pushed on, getting closer to the bull-headed fiend.


    Moving ever closer.


    Forcing Kaz-Mowang to take his eyes off of Kyembe. His bloodied ears twitched, ring nostrils blowing ck tinged puffs of air.


    Alex appraised him from up close. Hes waiting for me to teleport, the young wizard thought. He wants me to teleport, then he ns on sting me where I appear. But, Ive got a surprise for him.


    Tucking and rolling past another volley, Alex reached into his satchel.


    Using thest of his staffs magic, he grabbed a piece of<strong></strong>waybread from the bag, then cast invisibility on himself and muttered the incantation for Call Through Ice.


    Pain shot through his side; the Marks interference rose, breaking his concentration for an instant when a bone spike scraped along his torso.


    But, what hed nned to do was done.


    The staff pulsed.


    The Travellers power pulsed.


    And the bread vanished in the same instant he did.


    Aha! Kaz-Mowang grinned, feeling the Travellers power. Nice try, my new jester!


    Convinced that Alex had teleported through the nes, the bull-headed fiend raised his trident, spun around andshed his lightning at


    a piece of bread that appeared behind him.


    Wha? the surprised demon muttered.


    And Alex appearedhed already been whispering the incantation for nar Doorwayand his hand touched his enemys back. The Travellers power rose, pushing through The Marks interference, joining with his spell array and iron will.


    Energy flooded out, meeting Kaz-Mowangs natural resistance to magic and ancient will of steel. For a terrible moment Alex found himself in a contest within a mind that might have been older than his entire kingdom.


    His training, determination, and distaste for the monster shed against the ageless willpower of a thing that had watched realms turn to dust. And his will was wanting. He could feel Kaz-Mowang beginning to shake off his magic, and Alex clenched his teeth, pouring more mana into the struggle.


    Then Hannahs power was with him, pushing against Kaz-Mowangs with a vengeance that Alex could only describe as <em>personal</em>. With a torrent of energy like a bursting dam, it shattered both the demons will and his resistance to magic, shing out to wrap around the massive form.


    And then, wizard and demon vanished.


    They tumbled through space between space, Alex felt Kaz-Mowangs power gathering. The young mans hair prickled on his scalp: lightning wasing.


    Come on, Alexs mind screamed. Come on!


    He appeared a breath before the demon,nding right beside the portal.


    Now! he shouted, rocketing into the sky.


    An instantter, Kaz-Mowang appeared where Alex had been. Golden lightning erupted all over the demons skin, as confusion marked his bloody face.


    Waithow he murmured.


    Then his world turned to me.


    ygons three fire-beams struck his side, washing over him in a wave. Burning. Robbing the monster of sight.


    He tried waving the golems me away with his trident, but suddenly stiffened: realising he was <em>between</em> ygon and Kyembe.


    And as the fire raysshed into him from one side


    a deadly beam of hellfire streaked from the other.


    Its crackle was hungry, striking the hulking demons nk, burrowing into his flesh. Pinned between ygons fire magic and Kyembes hellfire, the arrogant greater demon could do nothing but scream, once.


    Fire magic and hellfire wove together, roiling with a life of its own; demons around their master burst into me. Stone beneath his feet melted, bubbling likeva, his trident wilted like a flower hit by the first frost, metal dripping like candle wax.


    Even from his distance, high above, Alex felt like he was choking.


    For an instant, his mind shed back to the alehouse.


    Watching it burn, struggling in Mr. Lus grip, desperately fighting to get to his parents.


    But this was not the same fire.


    <em>This </em>fire had reduced an enormous demona ver and tormenter of mortals from across the nesto a column of ash. His army gaped as the ash blew away on the wind, leaving nothing of their master but hoofprints in the molten rock.


    Thats right! Thundar roared, holding up a broken tiashiva beside a victorious ygon. Your great master is dead! If you dont want any of this he gestured to the golem and Kyembe. then get the hells gone, before we get <em>real</em>nasty!


    The demons looked around, unsure.


    They briefly watched the cloud of ash that was once their invincible master drift away. Then they looked at their dead, lying in mounds around Thundar, ygon and Kyembe. Lastly, their eyes fell on the dozens of summoned monsters and Ezeraks painted beasts hungrily watching them.


    As they hesitated, the former king rose, his jaw clenching.


    Someone cleared their throat.


    All eyes turned to Kyembe, his ring still zed, his face lit up. The Spirit Killer grinned, the light of barely restrained hellfire reflecting across his white teeth and crimson eyes.


    Boo, was all he said.


    It was more than enough.


    The mania field flooded into the fiends minds, and they fled as one, screaming back into the depths of the maze.


    And so passed Kaz-Mowang, greater demon, and one of the most powerful of Ezaliels many servants.


    There would be a turf war over the ruins of Jaretha in theing days.


    A certain bull-headed demon would not be participating in it.

 Chapter 541: The Last Rabbit in Hiding

    Chapter 541: The Last Rabbit in Hiding


    Hold on, Ripp, just hold on, Alex called on Mana to Life, applying pressure to the leg wound as the swiftlings lips moved silently.


    The wee mercenary had lost a lot of blood. His teeth were chattering and his small frame shook as though chilled to the bone, his head had lolled to one side, resting against Thundars hand.


    Alexs Mana to Life spell poured life energy into him, encouraging his body to heal. While the young wizard knelt beside Ripps right side, Kyembe was on his left, his handsheathed in golden lightpouring healing magic into the mercenary.


    ygon watched, concern running through his link with Alex. <em>Will he be alright?</em> the golem asked, his voice now that of a frightened child. It was the tenth time hed asked that question.


    II still dont know, Alex whispered, watching a cold sweat bead on the swiftlings brow. The breaks a bad one. His thigh bone was mostly shattered. Honestly, he should already be dead.


    He nodded to the Spirit Killer, his eyes fixed on the golden light around his hand. Truthfully, if Kyembe wasnt here, I think hed already be in the afterworld.


    My healing magics have some power to them: they slough burns, knit flesh and can replenish blood. The Spirit Killer shook his head. But they cannot mend bones.


    Theyre helping right now, Alexs voice was low. The right divinity should be able to do the rest. We just need to keep him alive.


    Oi, dont go killing me off yet, Ripp suddenly groaned, shuddering against the pain in his leg. His voice was weak. Or, maybe you should do just that..I feel like that great big cow tore my body in two. no offence.


    None taken! Thundar cried. Just d youre alive!


    Oh, thank the Traveller, Alex said. Thank the Traveller, I honestly thought youd had it.


    Aye, that was about as bad as any wound Ive ever taken, Rippsplexion was still pale, but no longer grey. Probably by about twice over.


    You are made of stern stuff to survive the demons bite for so long, friend, Kyembe nodded, moving his hand away from the wound. There is iron in your blood and bones. Perhaps even steel.


    Well, thanks for that. Ripp winced, his teeth still chattering, Im sorry to tell ya this, boss, but I dont think I can walk.


    Oh no, after what you did? Alex waved over some air elementals. Youre being carried.


    I appreciate it, Ripp grunted. As long as theyll be carrying me out of this hellscape and not into the afterworld.


    Yeah, I second that. Thundar took in the field littered with death around them. I can honestly say Ive had enough of Cretalikon tost me more than a lifetime. This ce sucks!


    As the minotaur looked over the fallen demons, he watched Ezerak striding through the mounds of dead fiends. The former king was none too respectful of the mangled bodies, notably kicking some out of the way as he made his way back to hispanions. His face was grim.


    This is all I could find of Guntile, he said quietly, holding a scrap of fabric. It was a piece of the half-orcs sack she carried her magical stones in. Its too bad. She deserved better.


    Yeah, she did. Alex agreed.


    She died well, though, Thundar said. Went out giving the finger to her killer. Thats not a bad way to go at all.


    I would not know about all that, Kyembe sighed. Death on the battlefield is glorified a bit too much, in my mind. I would rather die in bed, preferably with a lover at my side.


    You know what? Thundar paused. Thats pretty good, too. I like the way you think.


    I do as well, though I must admit, I am somewhat biased. The Spirit Killer gave the minotaur a grim smile before turning his attention back to the scrap of cloth in Ezeraks hand. Stillshe had her vengeance and scored the first true wound on Kaz-Mowang. That is indeed glorious.


    No, no, I like the other way better, Alex said. You know, allfy in bed. Anyway, we can debate it some moreter. Lets get out of here before something else shows up.


    Thepanions got ready to leave the demon realm, nning for those waiting on the other side of the portal. Alex summoned a flock of aervespertillos and a few swarms of elemental beetles, sending the bat-like creatures through the portal first, instructing them to unleash their sonic shrieks the instant they passed through the portal. The elemental beetles followed soon after, attacking demons, cultists or any other unfriendly monster waiting in ambush. ygon was the third to go through the portal, he was the cleanup crew. He stomped to the portal and vanished.


    Aex and likely more than one other member of his team, waited with their breath held.


    Minutes passed, the golems head suddenly poked through the swirling portal. <em>All thedemons are dead. </em>He announced.


    Good, now lets go home,


    With a collective sigh of relief, thepanions stepped into the portal, moving through nes, soon reentering the material world. Rain was falling, the scent of wet earth and blood reached Alexs nose as he emerged from Cretalikon.


    All around him an ancient forest, thick with trees that must have been half a thousand feet in height, stood. Broad, ancient trunks towered like Jarethas titans, their sweeping canopies caught the rain on rounded leaves, quieting the downpour that soaked the bloodied dell below.


    The portal floated within a clearing, filled with mangled tiashiva and pazuzite corpses. Steam drifted from many on the fire-ckened earth; above, Alexs beetle swarms, the aervespertillos, and ygon hovered like clouds.


    The golem watched the bat-like monsters, emitting waves of curiosity through his and Alexs link. Rain pinged the iron covering much of his body. <em>We havemade itfather</em>


    Yes, yes we have, buddy.


    Alex took a deep breath of cool, damp air as hispanions came through the portal.


    Thundar sighed, relieved to be back in the material world.


    Kyembes stretch was long and unhindered, like a lioness after running down her prey.


    Ezerak cracked his shoulders; most of his tattoos were greyed now, but colour was returning to some. Celsus floated beside him, his body supported by air and ice elementals.


    And Ripp, cradled by air elementals,<strong></strong>simply took a deep, trembling breath of fresh air. Makes you appreciate being alive, times like these do.


    Yeah, Alex agreed, adjusting the Travellers sword hanging from his back. Yeah, they sure do.


    The mercenaries had given the weapon little more than a nce of curiosity, though Alex could tell that Guntile had wanted to ask him about it. But she hadnt, shed remained professional to the end. He owed her and Celsus a debt, more of a debt than gold<strong></strong>could ever repay.


    They had numbered eight when they entered the Hells.


    With Celsus and Guntile dead, only six returned. Both died protecting the party from the enemy and had given their killers onest shot before falling in battle. Alex silently asked the Traveller to look out for them as he turned to the portal and spoke a single word.


    It shudderedits energies ripplingthen the tear in reality mmed shut with finality. There would be no demons following them into the material world.


    With the growing fatigue that oftenes from relief, thepanions moved through the woods, passing an invisible ward that Baelin had conjured to keep demons from escaping into the forest.


    Evidence of its grisly worky strewn on the ground at the wards border: the ckened corpses of some sort of hells-dwelling residents, struck down when they touched it.


    Passing by with only a quick nce, Alex led his party through another one of Baelins wards, this one was hidden in a clearing. Within it, a camp waited, well-stocked with food, supplies, firewood, waterproof tents and even a covered firepit that Baelin had constructed with a single spell.


    The encampment would have beenfortable enough for a party of at least twenty adventurers.


    For six whod made it through the hells alive? It was utter luxury.


    So now we wait for your friend to arrive? Ezerak asked.


    Yeah, thats the n, so go ahead and pick any tent you want. Alex chose one for himself, setting his satchel on a bench near the tent p, and dropping into afortable seat beside it, allowing himself to simply enjoy the drizzle that seeped through the dome of Baelins ward. He should be here soon: I dont see him taking too much longer.


    And what are we to do if he does not rendezvous with us? Kyembe put his pack near another tent and drew his sword, taking a soft cloth from his bag. He methodically wiped the de. I do not recognise this forest.


    Alex gave him a wry smile; with all hed learned in thest while, he doubted <em>any</em> of them would have recognised the forest.


    Were probably on another world somewhere, he thought. Whirling around some distant sunIll have to ask Baelin when he gets here.


    I can tell you this, Alex said. Baelin will be along. Its not a matter of <em>if </em>hell be here. Its a matter of when.


    Chancellor Baelin rained fire down on the ruins of Jaretha.


    His incantation had conjured a swarm of enormous meteors, each ame, plunging to the ground at tremendous speed. Where they struck, the earth split, cracks spider webbing through the stone.


    Anaxadar had called a firestorm that showered a downpour of endless me on the remains of the city. Cra brought a deadly tempest, with winds far more powerful than any mortal storm. The hurricane stole the air from demon lungs and shredded flesh, stone, and even steel with countless pieces of<strong></strong>shrapnel. Saniis tiny constructs filled the air with whirling beams of red light, each capable of burning through tungsten.


    And Magun-Obu had shaken thend as his hands reached to the sky, birthing a half-dozen volcanoes from the earth of Jaretha. He snapped his fingers and one by one, each erupted, spewingva on Ezaliels allies. Those few abyssal knights remaining in the ruins of Jeretha, vanished in a blink with the dregs of their armies in tow. Earth boiled, fierce winds carriedva across thend.


    Only Magun-Obus obsidian tower was untouched by the deluge.


    Hopefully, soon all that would be left to do would be to salt the earththats once they smoked the final rabbit from its burrow.


    Baelin scanned the fiery spectacle raging below, searching for Ezaliel.


    It has been <em>three</em> days, Ezaliel, the chancellor was clearly annoyed. Your cowardice has turned this encounter from justice, to amusement, to futility and now, into the hell-realm of <em>tedium.</em> You know as well as I that we <em>will</em> find you: you cannot escape. You are running out of allies.


    Heughed. Even <em>if </em>I let you go, your demon lords wrath will fall upon you. Stop wasting my time. You are done, now show yourself.


    Baelins goat-like eyes watched the inferno below as he reached out with his mana senses. There was no sign of Ezaliel, and the ancient archwizard suspected that he was hiding in the spaces between spaces.


    He felt the air for any sign of dimensional magics, butso farhe hadnt detected any. It would only be a matter of ti


    Baelin paused, feeling a slight pull on his mind.


    He nced down, noting Magun-Obu subtly pointing his staff at smouldering ruins in the distance. There, the debris of Kaz-Mowangs pcey. Earlier, Baelin had felt his portal to the material world close deep within the maze, and only Thundar and Alex knew the word to close it.


    With his students gone, he and his cabal had no reason to hold back: the greater demons pce was now rubble atop more rubble that was once Jaretha. Magun-Obu seemed to be indicating that something was hiding there. Baelin reached out with his senses, feeling for hidden rabbits in the spaces between spaces.


    He smiled. A bolt of satisfaction struck the ancient wizard, lighting up his eyes like a child whos long-anticipated treat is finally before them.


    Found you, Baelin whispered.

 Chapter 542: The Light of Darukesh

    Chapter 542: The Light of Darukesh


    Baelin reached out, grasping the air before him and speaking words of power.


    His mana spread, moving around the ruins of Kaz-Mowangs pce, probing points in spacepoints that an abyssal knight could hide between. It grabbed something that tried to escape, wriggling like a fish caught in a, but his magics held it in ce and pulled.


    Ezaliel was drawn from what seemed to be no more than empty air; the abyssal knight struggled, thrashing with his ying beams. The faces trapped in his crystalline facets screamed in agony and terror.


    But for all of Ezaliels struggles, Baelin''s magic did not flinch.


    The demon was exhausted, his strength spent, he had no hope of escaping the wizards grip, yet he still resisted. Was it pride, arrogance, delusion, utter conviction that he could never lose, or all four? Whatever it was had kept him from conceding to the very end.


    And Baelin could almost respect him for that.


    Almost.


    Well, here we are, Ezaliel. The chancellor glowered. His cabal appeared, nking him on both sides, while watching the doomed abyssal knight dispassionately. Well now, it seems power has strived against power, and yours was found wanting. Your threats were hollow. Your allies are dead. And all of your servants are either destroyed or have fled.


    He gestured to Jaretha. Keep in mind that all of this destruction? It was your fault. From the moment you stuck your nose into my world, my school, and my domain, your life was forfeit.


    Ezaliel made a noise dripping with hatred, and unfortunately for the demona hint of fear.


    The sound was like a soothing balm to the wizard. You have only yourself to me for your current circumstances. He said.


    Leave me be. Ezaliel hissed. You have made your point. I am defeated.


    Ezaliel, Baelin said. Come now, this is merely the beginning of your judgement day: after all that you have wrought upon my school, I am nowhere near finished making my point yet.


    Sound reverberated in the air in a sonic assault, particles vibrating as one, reaching a frequency high enough to rupture mortal ears and flesh.


    As for Ezaliel?


    ss hummed as though a wet finger ran along the rim of a fine crystal ss.


    Then came a crack.


    One that spread.


    Spread until the abyssal knight was shrieking, parts of his crystalline form fractured, raining down on his burning city in shards.


    That was merely my opening salvo for one as remorseless as you. Baelin flexed his hand, calling a vial of ink-ck liquid to him. So, now that I have your full attention, sonic destruction is too clean for the likes of you. Perhaps we should engage in something moreexotic. Tell me, are you familiar with The Hungry Light of Darukesh?


    Ezaliel shrieks kept him from forming intelligible words.


    I do not think he can give you an answer right now, Magun-Obu said.


    Astute observation. Baelin held up the bottle. Perhaps Ill tell him a story then. Once, there was a very powerful and now very dead archwizard. She sought to study the great void between stars. The deepest darkest reaches of space. And do you know what she found? Light: lonely lightpletely divorced from any other. Light that was tinged by madness. <em>Hungry</em> light.


    He moved the bottle toward Ezaliel, who was now still. Of course, she brought it back with her to her world. A grave mistake, you see, for light is not an easy thing to trap, and in her haste, she had not researched the proper containment for it. As a result, she was quickly reduced to a soulless husk after it consumed her essence. Now the odd thing is that it can <em>normally</em> only feed on souls through their <em>reflection</em>, which it does by entering a reflective surface instead of bouncing off like most light would. It seeps inside the reflection, establishes a link with its victims soul and simply consumes it. I understand the process is quite painful.


    Baelins gaze took in Ezaliel, his nostrils ring. I do wonder, however, what would happen were the light to find its way <em>into </em>a crystalline creature? One abundant in reflections and a world of ces for light to pass through and focus itself? Would you like to find out?


    With a single word, he conjured a ward of darkness around Ezaliel, himself, and his cabal. As one, the five archwizards sheathed themselves in invisibility, leaving no chance for them to cast any reflection.


    Then Baelin unstoppered the bottle and the dark ward lit up like high noon. A stream of light spilled out, darting through the air then pausing, hovering around Ezaliel in eerie silence.


    Its radiance red with yearning, suddenly shooting forward, entering Ezaliels crystallines surface without a single ripple. The abyssals knight''s shattered body clinked like broken crystal, then a scream erupted from him that seemed like it would never end.


    The Hungry Light of Darukesh raged, reflecting endlessly within his internal facets. The soul devouring light feasted on his essence andwith each pass through his internal facetsanother twisted face vanished from the crystalline surface.


    His cries weakened. His mana dimmed.


    The abyssal knights power flickered like a dying candle, and with barely a sound, Ezaliel was no more.


    Baelin uttered amand, awakening the vials magics, they drew the hungry light back in as the demon crumbled to sand. It returned to its prison, the stopper closed the bottles mouth, sealing it shut.


    The ward of darkness fled, leaving the ruin of the abyssal knight to join the ruins of his once glorious city. It was poetic, in a sense, though Baelin would have savoured the moment more if a gnawing annoyance wasnt growing in his gut.


    Why do they always run? he sniffed, banishing the vial back to its extranar vault. Why? It only dys the inevitable and wastes everyones time.


    Its only natural to try and preserve your own life, Baelin, even in the face of unstoppable odds, Magun-Obu materialised in the air at his side, looking over the rubble that was once Jaretha. What a terrible waste. He shook his head sadly. Such fine architecture ispletely unrecognisable. It truly is a cosmic shame: I feel like some barbarian who crushed a priceless relic just because he found it disagreeable.


    Tens of thousands dead and you worry about stone and steel. Cra materialised, licking her lips as she eyed the body of a fallen demonic titan. These priorities of yours are why you struggle to speak to your son, old friend.


    Magun-Obu shot her a re. I do not want to hear that from you. Baelin, perhaps. But not you.


    Come now, I have had many young apprentices. In Gergorixs kingdom alone I was worshipped!


    And it fell didn''t it? As do many of your apprentices, Magun-Obu fired back.


    Details, detaiHey! Cra suddenly cried. I saw that first! She pointed at the broken titan corpse.


    Near it, their enormous dragon cabal mate had appeared. Anaxadars jaws parted, ready to take a bite of titan nk. You did not call this meal, Cra, and as they say, the faster falcon gets the dove!


    Falcon? You are a slippery serpent who by sheer treachery, took my feast while I was upied.


    Anaxadar paused. ...then the faster serpent gets the mouse?


    Baelin burst outughing. He got you there, Cra.


    The ancient witch was ready to protest when Sanii spoke. The Wizard of Steels mini constructs returned to her in a cloud of grey. <em>I suggest we move this to Magun-Obus tower. There is no reason to debrief here whenfort awaits you organics.</em>


    How very kind of you to say that, Baelin said. Shall we retire before we part ways?<strong></strong>


    The clink of tinum goblets echoed through the lounge.


    Together, the five ancient archwizards toasted their victory, though Saniis cup wasin factempty.


    To victory and the destruction of enemies! Anaxadar boomed, now back to his human form.


    To victory and the destruction of enemies! the others echoed before copsing on floating couches covered in silk and stuffed with phoenix feathers.


    Baelin stretched, enjoying the symphony of joints popping all over his body. I really do have to thank you for your support. Were I alone, I likely could not have contained Ezaliel and his allies so easily.


    That is what a cabal is for. Magun-Obu sat ramrod straight, cross-legged on his couch. Baelin could barely resist the urge tough.


    <em>It is what we always do. This is not the most difficult task we have undertaken to this point.</em> Sanii reclined on her couch, though the position was just for show.


    Speaking of that, now that our business is done, Anaxadar drained the goblet and ced it on a side table floating near him. What will each of you do now?


    Well, I am still feeling a littlefrisky. Cra sucked back her wine. The ancient womans throat wriggled unnaturally as she gulped it down. There is a phantom king on an astral ne who has been making a nuisance of himself conquering other astral domains. Hes very quick to anger so Ive been thinking that visiting him would make for a very fun fight. Youre all wee to join me.


    As interesting as that sounds, I will have to pass, Anaxadar said. Three days is long for an emperor to be away from his throne, even by dragon reckoning. I must go back to ensure that my ns are progressing along.


    As for me, there is a contract Ive entered into with a pantheon of water that I am close to beingte in fulfilling, Magun-Obu said. PerhapsI should stop by and see my son on the way there.


    Baelin gave him a nod of encouragement. The team that went into the pce of Kaz-Mowang is no doubt waiting for me. As soon as we are done here, I must go and connect with them.


    <em>Rivennams empire grows rapidly.</em> Sanii reported. <em>Its borders are approaching worlds I have interests in, which means its time for me to pay them a visit.</em>


    Ah, fair enough. I should really check in on my apprentice to see how hes progressing. Its been a while since I looked in on him. He must be quite old now and is likely running out of time. Cra said, looking at her longtimepanions. But as usual, this has been fun, and we should do it againand soon.


    <em>Agreed. But we have always said the same during thest three hundred and forty two times we have met, </em>Sanii said, a note of mncholy in her synthetic voice. <em>We never make time to get together.</em>


    Indeed, we really should be less busy at our age, Baelin sighed. But at least you four will be seeing <em>me</em> quite a bit, individually, over the next year. I do have this favour to repay.


    That is a silver lining. You have been too distant, old goat. Magun-Obu smiled. When we depart, I will inquire from my sources about Ezaliels master. Knowing his personality, he would probably thank us for pruning a weak subject, but one never knows.


    Fair enough. Baelin finished his wine. Then until we meet again, my old friends. Farewell, until then.


    The camp, fortunately, was mostly as Baelin had left it. His wards had not been pierced, and no weather systems had sent uprooted trees tumbling onto his work.


    Even better, he found the camp now upied.


    Alex was sitting by the fire, roasting wild game, from the smell of it. Ezerak and Thundar were splitting wood on the other side of the camp, while Kyembe tended a very injured looking Ripp. ygon stood guard at the camps edge


    Baelin frowned.


    Celsus and Guntile were nowhere to be seen, and ygon was coated in iron, marring much of the golems body.


    For a heartbeat, tension spiked when the group spied himing through the brushhe saw most hands quickly reach for weaponsbefore they recognised him.


    Their relief was audible.


    You made it! Alex said cheerily. I thought we might be here for a week.


    No, the quarry proved both stubborn and elusive, but we brought it down before it could waste <em>that</em> much of our time, Baelin said, a note of satisfaction in his voice. Now, then, tell mewere you all sessful?


    We absolutely were, Alex said.


    Brilliant! Then let us return to the Whetstone tavern. I do believe payments are in order before we part ways.


    Aye, and Id like to be taken to a priest. One with powerful divinities.


    You deserve that and more, Ripp, Alex said emphatically. Then once thats all done, you and I have a lot to discuss, Baelin. A <em>lot</em> to discuss. But first


    Alex looked at Kyembe, Ripp and Ezerak. lets get you back to the tavern and get you paid.


    Ah yes. The word payment. Kyembe smiled. No matter how many times it is said, I never tire of hearing it.

 Mark of the Fool Book 3 Published!

    Mark of the Fool Book 3 Published!


    Heeeeeey everyone! That''s right, atst, Mark of the Fool Book 3 hasunched <strong>on </strong><strong>Amazon and Audible</strong>, with the audiobook narrated by <strong>Travis Baldree!</strong><strong></strong>


    With this I can say I sessfully published a <strong>trio</strong> of novels! I always wanted to publish a <strong>trilogy</strong>, and the fact that I''ve managed to put out the first three novels in a series of nine is incredible to me.


    But we''re here.


    Together we made this happen, and it''s just damned lovely.


    The links to the book are /amazon/B0BRJRD65K /pd/Mark-of-the-Fool-3-Audiobook/B0BX4KRJGZ


    <strong>If you''d like to help me out, I could use a bit of aid. Leaving a rating on amazon would be super helpful. If you have KU, downloading the book can be a big help too. Andstly, could I get some upvotes for these posts? </strong>


    1. /r/ProgressionFantasyments/12jmqrd/mark_of_the_fool_3_out_on_kindle_audible/


    2. /r/litrpgments/12jmqqx/mark_of_the_fool_3_out_on_kindle_audible/


    As always, helping out is<strong></strong><strong>your choice</strong><strong>. </strong>Y''all already do a LOT for me. :)


    Wish me luck today! Chapter right after this!<strong></strong>

 Chapter 543: Those that Fought and Drank Together

    Chapter 543: Those that Fought and Drank Together


    Listen, I dont know how else to say this except to simply say it. You have my eternal gratitude. Alex lifted three heavy sacks of jewels. If it werent for you three, wed all be dead in Cretalikon. But, the skills, power and fearlessness you brought to the mission, let us seed, and thats a fact.


    Its a shame Guntile and Celsus arent here to hear you say that, Ezerak grunted, a touch of emotion in his voice. They would have appreciated it.


    In truth, we all fought well, but without their sacrifices, I doubt we would have escaped in one piece, Kyembe sighed, mncholy touching his eyes. The Spirit Killer took a long swig from a wineskin, then poured some onto the soil at his feet to toast Celsus and Guntile .


    Aye. Ripp nodded. Celsus just wouldnt fall would he?and Guntiles exploding gift to that demon was nothing short of inspired. Heughed. I can still see her middle finger sticking straight up at old Kaz. Its too bad I didnt get to know the two of em better.


    <em>Yesthey were goodpanions,</em> ygon said sadly.


    Maybe someday well get that chance in the afterworld, Thundar added. Ill make sure to look em up when I get there.


    Yeah, Alex said. Two more waiting for us to find them. He looked toward the rising sun, his expression was grim. Two more.


    Thepanionswho days before<strong></strong>had quested to Jaretha, were now gathered near the peak of a mountain in some vast range that Alex had never seen or heard of before. Squat houses, in arge dwarven town rested on its slopes, with chimneys spitting ck smoke into the sky. Atop the mountain, the Whetstone Tavern stood, now wearing the appearance of a building that had been crafted by dwarven hands from a single b of stone long ago.


    Laughter and song drifted from its shuttered windows, and Alex wondered just where its patrons hade from. Perhaps many were visitors froms spread among the sea of stars. Since he now knew there were other worlds in the universe filled with life, it wouldnt surprise him if travellers who passed through the taverns doors came from among the stars.


    The possibility seemed so obvious now that he wondered why the idea hadnt taken root in his mind before. Maybe, there was magic connected to the tavern that helped such questions slip from a curious mind.


    Whether or not that should bother him, Alex didnt know, but it was something to considerter. For now, he would relish the first breaths of a morning amongpanions forged by blood and coin, far away from demon realms,


    You know, Im starting to think it might be time to get out of the life, Ripp said, lightly flexing his now healed leg as though checking to make sure it was still there, and in one piece. Lots of close calls on this job, someday one o thems gonna be <em>too </em>close. If it wasnt for Baelin, I dont think Id be ever walking proper again. If at all.


    The chancellor, before bringing them to Whetstone, had teleported Ripp to a temple in Generasi where a hefty donation to their coffers had encouraged the high priest to realise that the swiftlings soul deserved divine attention.


    One powerful miracleter, Ripps leg was as good as new.


    Alex was cynical about the priests motivation.


    But what he thought really didnt matter: Ripp was walking, and that was good enough.


    I have given that notion some thought as well: maybe leave the mercenary life behind, Ezerak rumbled. I dont want to think about what would have happened if Kaz-Mowang had captured us. The idea of being a demons trained pet holds no appeal.


    He certainly would not have been kind, Kyembe said grimly. I have heard the promises of demons before. Their whispers are sweet, but their true promise is but scorpions venom. Our time with him would have left scars and of course, death.


    Well, that didnt happen, Alex offered a bag of gems to Ripp, Kyembe and Ezerak. Instead, youre alive, and here getting your well-deserved pay.


    And that is what matters. Kyembe epted the payment, a frown growing on his brow. Have you made a mistakeI believe this feels heavier than it should.


    I divided Guntile and Celsus payment among the three of you, Alex said. You deserve it.


    Well, you wont catch me arguing with that. Ripp happily took his pay. Im going to toast the two of them and get as drunk as awell, as a drunk. Then Im going to sleep for a week. After that, Ill figure out what to do with the rest.


    As for me, I n on living like a king for a while, Ezerak rumbled. I confess, I miss my old life at times, and this will give me back that life for a time. He hefted the bag. What about you, Kyembe?


    The Spirit Killer was considering the bag of gems, a troubled look marking his face.


    Dont tell me its not enough, Alex wondered, until the Spirit Killer answered the former king.


    It does not feel right to me. To take all of this. Did Guntile and Celsus have family? Celsus body should beid to rest in his homnd and his gems should go to his family. We hadno body to retrieve in Guntiles case, but her family should take in death what she earned in life.


    Guilt shed across Ripps face.


    Ezerak nodded at the Spirit Killer with respect, then shook his head. As far as I know, they had no family. Guntile never had children and her n is long dead. Her father and mother too. She was thest of her line. As for Celsus, he had no children either, and he left his people because he hated them: I could never get the full story from him, but what bits he did tell were dark enough to steal all joy from the heart. No, he has no homnd that he would want to return to: Perhaps Ill see him cremated and spread his ashes across the realms I walk. He travelled in life, so its fitting that he should also travel in death.


    Kyembe pondered this. A fine solution, my friend. Then, I shall take these gems and have a drink in their memory.


    Fair enough, and I think I''ll get started on that. Ezerak extended arge hand to Alex. Go with honour,mander.


    You too. Alex shook the former kings hand. A part of him had wanted to ask just <em>how</em> hed be a <em>former</em> monarch, but there hadnt been time. And listen, working with you was an honour. If we meet again, Id like to hear the story of how you became a former king, if you wouldnt mind telling it. Thanks, for your help, Ezerak, and Id hire you again in a heartbeat. All three of you.


    And I would take you up on that, Alex, Ezerak said.


    The young wizard raised an eyebrow. I think thats the first time Ive heard you use my first name.


    Ezerak nodded. The job is done, and we are parting ways so you are no longer mymander. Now we are peers, until you are mymander again. He eyed the sack in his hand, then looked at Alex, Ripp, Kyembe and Thundar. Or until I am yours. Someday, I will go and reim my kingdom. When that dayes, I will need strong arms and quick minds, if youre interested.


    The Spirit Killer smiled. Well, my arm is strong, my mind is quicker than that of a snail with rheumatism, and my purse, unfortunately, is often light, so I might take you up on that.


    I wouldnt mind helping out either, Ezerak. Alex sped the mans forearm firmly. When we meet again.


    When we meet again. The former king patted the young wizard on the shoulder, turning and striding up the mountain toward the Whetstone tavern.


    There was grace in his stride.


    I should make my departure as well, Kyembe said, his rich tone filling the morning air. He tossed his bag of gems from hand to hand. These, I must decide what to do with. He gave the tavern a wry smile. While I was staying at Whetstone, I discovered something curious. Did you know it <em>always</em> returns to the exact ce it found you? In my case, that is not so convenient: as I have not forgotten that an entire army wants my head, spine, or heart.


    The Spirit Killer frowned. Or perhaps all three, it is hard to keep track of <em>all</em> the threats in your wake when you are trying to put distance between you and them.


    Thundar burst outughing. I guess that makes sense. They all just kinda blend together. You ever notice that all those greater demons kinda sound simr?


    Kyembe raised an eyebrow. Do you mean arrogant, enraged when thwarted, violent and dripping in false promises? Why no, I never did notice, he chuckled.


    Hah! I thought I was the only one whod noticed. Alex smiledbut his smile soon faded. Listen, man, I owe you an apology.


    Kyembe cocked his head at him. Whatever for? The half-dark elf lifted the sack of gems, shaking it. Once I am in a position to collect these from wherever I stow them, you will have made me richfor a time, at least. Wealth never seems to stay with me. But, my point remains: there is nothing to apologise for.


    Alex shifted his feet. Look, I gotta admit, I didnt trust youpletely when we first met. There were enemies after me, and I thought you might have been a nt or something.


    A tree, at least?


    Eh?


    You said I looked as a nt does, so I would hope to be a tree: there is some majesty in that. A yam might be insulting.


    No! Alex said. Not a literal nt


    Oh, I am aware. Kyembe smiled broadly, his red eyes twinkling. I stumbled into your pathsupposedly a man in needand one perfectly equipped for your expedition. And His smile faded. the features of my motherit would not be the first time someone has assumed they mean I have ties to the demonic.


    Alex looked at him sheepishly. Yeah, but I was wrong,you saved me from being ripped in two by that iron demon. You fought hard for us against Kaz-Mowang, and you didnt stab me in the back. You nearly <em>died</em>, man, I feel like shit for ever thinking you were a traitor.


    Kyembe spread his arms, shrugging easily. Did you attack me or try to cast me away? Did you not bother toe to my aid? Did you deny me my rightful share of gems?


    Uh, no, Alex admitted.


    Then your suspicions were those of the mind, and they did not taint your actions. My master, Archwizard Kmark, once told me that one cannot control their thoughtspletely: the control lies in how those thoughts are used. I believe the lesson he was teaching me was to cure me of some impulsivenesswhich failed utterly, by the waybut they are wise words, all the same.


    He chuckled. I prattle like an elder sitting by a fire, but all of that was to say I take no offence. We slew demons together, we spit in the teeth of tyrants, and we returned to drink in our camp. My only regret is that we do not have time to get good and properly drunk: an after-battle celebration is notplete unless one wakes up in a ditch or someones bed.


    Hah! Good point, Thundarughed. Well have to catch up next time.


    If paths cross once more, I will hold you all to that. Kyembe grinned. Now, I shall seek out Ezerak and find out if <em>he</em> is up for some good and proper drinking.


    Good idea, and I wish I could join you, Alex chuckled. What aboutyou being on the run? You need any help with that?


    Oh, bah! Kyembe waved a hand. I have escaped guards clumsy pawing up until now, and my trail will have long grown cold. I can see my way out of their empire. Though His expression turned thoughtful. I might ask one favour of you.


    Depends on what it is Alex said. As long as youre not asking for my soul, Id be pretty inclined to say yes.


    It <em>is</em> for your soul. Kyembes face turned grim. You were right not to trust me. Silence fell over the mountaintopbefore being shattered by the Spirit Killers roaringughter. Hah! You should have seen your faces! Oh, that will bringughter to me in cold times for many nights!


    You almost gave me a heart attack, Ripp breathed out.


    <em>Iwas shocked</em> ygon admitted.


    As you were meant to be! But no, the favour is something far simpler. Kyembe dug a pair of gems out of the sack, then held the rest toward Alex. Could you hold onto these for me?


    The Thameish wizard looked at him in surprise. What, why?


    Becauseas you knowI am on the run back in my world. he said simply. It is better to travel light. These two gems will be enough to keep me while I flee, but not enough to be an endless tragedy if they were lost. One day, when my position is lesspromised, I wille for the rest.


    Iare you sure? Alex took the bag. We might never see each other again.


    Oh, please, we promised to drink together. Kyembe pped the young wizard on the shoulder. Such oaths are not easily broken between folk of honour. You will find me, or I will find you.


    Alex pped Kyembe on the shoulder in return. You take care, man. I really will take you up on that drink. And Ill hand you the rest of your share when youre ready for it.


    You had better. A twinkle entered the Spirit Killers crimson eyes. He extended his fist toward Alex. Or by the stars, I will be disappointed. So, until we drink together again! Kyembes voice heldughter. That goes for you too! He looked at ygon


    The golem gave a grunt of surprise. <em>Icannot imbibe liquids.</em>


    That changes nothing!


    With fist bumps to Ripp, ygon and Thundar, he turned and followed Ezerak up the mountain.


    Alex watched the knife-lean swordsman ascend the path with smooth, confident steps. His form shrank into the distance until it was a shadow standing before the door of Whetstone.


    That tiny form gave a final wave.


    In the distance, Alex caught the glint of his ring in the light of the morning sun.


    Atst, Kyembe slipped through the door of the tavern.


    Odd thing he said, Ripp wondered out loud. He said that Whetstone dumps you back into your own world. Think hes talking metaphorically, or is he one of those Many Orbs Believers or whatever?


    Alex froze, giving Thundar a startled look.


    His mind started racing, thinking on how fast he could run up the mountain and find out exactly what Kyembe knew.


    But, when he looked back to the summit


    the Whetstone Tavern was gone.


    Leaving no trace on the mountaintop.

 Announcement: You all wanted to know my other stories on RR?

    Announcement: You all wanted to know my other stories on RR?


    So...some people having been asking me about my other stories for a long time. Well, <strong>Kyembe</strong> is actually one of the protagonists of some of my other stories :)


    Some of you already knew, but many of you have been asking <strong>very</strong> patiently asking. Well, now that he has departed from Fool it''s time for the reveal.


    These are my <strong>other</strong> stories on royal road, written under what once was a different /fiction/26141/the-dreaming-sceptrepleted


    Kyembe has also appeared in a couple of short stories, one called the <em>Curse of Wine, </em>printed in this /amazon/B0B5Z8VV6R


    The stories are a bit different from Fool: they''re in the action fantasy vein with quicker pacing, more blood and guts and darker viins. There are <em>elements</em> of progression, but they''re rtively light. If you think you''d like that? Give it a shot. Or not, the choiceas alwaysis <strong>yours.</strong>


    Now in terms of reading order, all of the above stories are written to be consumed separately so you can kinda just pick up any one of them and enjoy it. However, if you''re really interested in chronology, <em>The Dreaming Sceptre </em>takes ce just before <em>Ogre''s Pendant.</em> That said, most people read <em>Ogre''s Pendant</em><strong>first</strong>. <em>The Dreaming Sceptre</em> picks up a little bit after Kyembe''s appearance in Fool.


    <em>Curse of Wine </em>is technically before the others, but I''d definitely pick up Ogre''s or Dreaming first. <em>


    </em>


    Also, I''m working on the sequel for Ogre''s Pendant as we speak. :)


    <em></em>


    Another fun fact, Celsus is actually from another of my settings, which I''ve run D&D in and written some stories in. That setting will likely be shown after Fool is done. :)


    As always, thank you for reading my stuff!

 Chapter 544: Spreading Word of the Traveller

    Chapter 544: Spreading Word of the Traveller


    Well, it does not get more private than this, now does it? Baelin said, trodding through the mountain pass. His voice echoed across rock peaks rising on both sides of the valley, each like stone hands reaching for blue skies.


    The air was cold and unnaturally quiet: and not a speck of life could be found. Neither animal, insect, or nt.


    Even toadstools and lichens were absent.


    The stillness made Alex feel like he and Baelin were the only living things in the entire world.


    These are called the Dead Peaks, the chancellor pointed to the stone peaks. There was a fairly active dwarven empire here oncebut the slow degradation caused by time and a magical phenomena, stripped them of life long ago. Ultimately, they will recover, but it will take many centuries for that to happen. In all likelihood, right now, we are the only forms of life in the entire range.


    Is this ce dangerous? Alex asked, watching the barren rock uncertainly.


    Oh my no, not with the magical protections I cast upon us after we said our goodbyes to Thundar, ygon and Ripp, the Archwizard smiled. Without those protections though, even a brief stroll would prove quite fatal. In any case, you asked for utter privacy, and I felt the need for natural skies above me after the grimness of Ezaliels realm, and in this secluded ce, we can have both.


    Thats a good way to do it the younger wizard kicked a stone, an awkward feeling churned in his belly.


    Sotheres a lot I wanted to talk to you about.


    Wonderful, Baelin said, his eyes shining with barely contained fascination. I take it that you discovered new information about the ever elusive Hannar-cim?


    Ill say. Alex pointed<strong></strong>to the sword on his back, then felt around in his satchel for Hannahs phone. First, I have a question for you.


    Of course. Just ask away. The chancellor cocked his head.


    Where are we, really? Which world are we in? the young wizards eyes searched the heavens, his eyes looking for unseen constetions in the blue beyond the clouds. He wondered if theyd bepletely alien to the stars he grew up under. And by where are we, I mean <em>what world?</em>


    Baelin paused, staring at him for a long moment. Before I answer you, what brings about this question?


    Alex took the Travellers book from his bag. HannarI mean, Hannahs artefact was like a key, it let me unlock the words in her book. Shes actually from another world, Baelin. One Ive never heard of. Shes also travelled to many others. And her name is actually Hannah Kim, not Hannar-Cim, like<strong></strong>that demon<strong></strong>Burn-Saw called her.


    The chancellor was silent for a long moment, his eyes burning with an intensity that kept Alexs attention riveted to his face.<strong></strong>As the heartbeats passed, he started to wonder if with one wave of a hand, Baelin was nning on wiping all knowledge of other worlds from his mind as easily as dirt from a cloak.


    So you know, then, the ancient archwizard said solemnly. Then let me wee you to a <em>very</em> exclusive club, Alex. There are not many in our world who know the <em>true</em> nature of the stars above. Many have suspicions, but they are difficult to confirm. Only by the most <em>powerful</em> of teleportation magics can one traverse the stars, though a few clever souls have crafted and piloted vessels that have done so. But for now, at least, these things remain secret and inessible to the majority of beings.


    Relief spread over Alexs face: he was hoping that Baelin wouldnt deny it, but hed also expected him to do so.


    I ask, the chancellor continued. That you keep this information to yourself, though.


    Why, out of curiosity? Alex said. Im not exactly nning on screaming it from every rooftop, but why the secrecy?


    For a number of reasons. Baelin looked ahead, his goat-like eyes falling on the stone valley stretching into the distance. Our world is on a path, at the moment, that would eventually bring it to the stars. Yet, while the gulf of space <em>appears</em> vast, you would be surprised how small it can be in fact. There are resources in other worlds, the likes of which you could only dream of, Alex. At the same time, there are <em>dangers</em> up there that make Ezaliel appear no more threatening than the average housecat.


    He sucked his teeth in displeasure. The gulf of stars is something for a Proper Wizard to engage with: one who has trulye into their own powerearning their way to it by way of study, experimentation andbatone ready for the responsibilities thate with such exploration. They would know how to coexist with other archwizards, whether by keeping out of their way, or working in mutual coboration. They would know what resources to harvest, and what would be best left alone. They would also know what they should avoid at all costs.


    I think I get it. Alex watched the sky. If you tell every wizard that theres an entire universe of resources to explore, thered be a mad scramble to find a way to get up there and get their hands on some. I could see a bunch of dumbasses tramping around up there and taking everything in sight, or waking up something even <em>more</em> powerful than Ezaliel that could follow them back to our world.


    Precisely, Baelin said. One day, I must remember to tell you the story of the Light of Darukesh, which is a perfect example of what you just said. Ido wonder, though You seem to be taking it well.


    Taking what well?


    The news that our entire world is nothing more than a mote of dust in a vastlyperhaps infinitetitanic sea. Even archwizards have reacted poorly to the change in perspective.


    Alex gave Baelin a long look. You know, I grew up in a kingdom where I was told that once every hundred years an apocalypse happens. Its supposed to be so dire, so life-ending, that only five Heroes chosen by our god can stop it. I honestly believe that type of conflict is about as central to our culture as you can get. But then, I stepped through a portal into the Rhinean Empire one day. And do you know what I saw?


    What did you see?


    No one cared. The Thameish wizardughed bitterly. In the port of Mausarr, people were more concerned about the price of fish balls than what was going on in Thamnd. In Generasi, they cared even less. I mean sure, theres collection tes and hang-wringing for somebut most folk in the city only started seeing the Raveners attack as a big deal when <em>they</em> could benefit from it. Then, the more I learned about the nes, about magical events in other kingdoms and history, I realised thathow can I put this


    He struggled to find the right words. ...everyones got their own issues and lives. They have things in their heads that are life and death to <em>them,</em> but probably wouldnt mean much to me. Whats a world-ending event to Thamnd, is nothing to Generasi. At the same time, when Ezaliel invaded the city, people in Thamnd didnt care: they had their own Ravener to fight. So, ites down to perspective, and with those things in mind, learning that theres more in the universe than just us, isnt such a big adjustment. My realms just a part of the world, and now our world is just a part of the cosmos. That fact doesnt make what <em>I</em> worry about less important to me.


    Baelin smiled fondly at the young man. Spoken like a Proper Wizard, indeed! Ah, my heart brims with pride. That is a proper way to handle such matters. When the mountaineer finds out that the tallest mountain they have summited is nothing more than a hill, they do not despair, they take pride in what they have done and prepare for the next summit.


    Id just teleport to the top of the mountain.


    Practical, yet boring, Alex. Practical, yet boring


    Fair enough, but boring isn''t so bad.


    In some cases, no. Baelin looked at him intently. You and I must finish our discussion about not speaking to others concerning what youve learned, but for now, my curiosity about the Traveller grows.


    Yeah, and let me tell you whats<em> not </em>boring: finding out that the Traveller knew most of what we know about the dungeon cores. <em>And</em> she and the Fool of her timea warrior named Keldafigured out <em>why</em> my Mark is the only one that inhibits actions, while the other Heroes get free power. They had a theory as to why, at least.


    Truly? Baelin took a deep breath in anticipation. Tell me everything.


    And so Alexunched into the story: how he and hispanions had made their way to Kaz-Mowangs pce, his encounter with the foul archivist, and their rescue of the Travellers artefact. He went into as much detail as he could about the phonerecounting some of Hannahs journey from her worldas Baelin stared at the device,pletely fascinated.


    You know, one of my cabal members has shown me objects that were <em>somewhat</em> simr, though muchrger. Baelin ran his hand down his beard-braids. Fascinating. And it functions by the Travellers power?


    Yeah, watch this. Alex said, channelling his energies into the device. Teleportation magic coursed through it, bringing the hidden paintings to life. Baelin watched over his shoulder as Alex guided him through the different functions.


    For instance, this thing can store paintings on it. Here, let me show you that image from the initial disy. He went through images of Katalonia stored on the device. Her friends, Val and Chris, were in different poses, and Alex pointed out Hannah standing in front of tons ofndmarks.


    He also discovered earlier images of what he assumed was her old world. Both he and Baelin went through them in fascination, wondering at buildings of steel and ss, reaching far into the sky. The roads were wide and looked like theyd been painted with ck paint for some curious reason. They seemed to be almost as wide as Generasis, perhaps even wider in some caseswith strange, magical wagons of painted metal sitting atop them and no beasts of burden to pull them anywhere in sight.


    Other images included ships with no sails, flying constructs crafted of steel, and strangely costumed individuals performing all sorts of fantastical feats.


    One image in particr caught their attention. In it a towering woman held a steel and ss buildingat least twice the size of Noarcs towerhigh above her head, seemingly unaided.


    Absolutely fascinating, Baelin mused. They must have <em>incredibly</em> high ambient mana to produce so many magical devices of such size.


    Actually, the book said that this earth has less ambient mana than Katalonia, Alex said. I have no idea if it has less than our world.


    Hmmm, then perhaps some very advanced engineering is the answer. The chancellor licked his lips. Such things are more the purview of a member of my cabal: I have not delved into such matters myself. Not yet, at least. The arcane mysteries of the universe always held more interest to me.


    Yeah, me too, Alex agreed. But its mind-boggling, isnt it? And wait, theres even more!


    He showed Baelin the artefacts trantion function. This trantes <em>tons </em>ofnguages, and she made the device do that all by herself. Honestly, Hannah was a damn genius: she took hold of the power that transported her between worlds andsomehowlearned how to cultivate it into her own strength. All she had to work with were dregs and left overs, but she managed to both grow and master it, and turned it into apletely spellcraft-free form of teleportation magic. I dont even know if you can call it <em>mana</em>: its simr, but still different. Id <em>think</em> it was divinity, but I cant use divinity, so its got to be something else.


    Perhaps she had a natural affinity or something of that sort, the ancient wizard theorised. We do not know everyw in the universe, nor its many mysteries.


    Yeah, and even taking all that into ount, she took this mysterious power and made it bend to her. And thats not all: she actually made up her ownnguage. She said that she used a lot ofnguage magic to do it, but Id give her skills lots of credit, I dont think thats something just anybody could do.


    Indeed, it sounds like she had ingenuity. You and she likely would have gotten along very well.


    Alex coughed awkwardly. Webout thatactually, wait Im getting ahead of myself. Here, let me show you the book.


    He turned pages, demonstrating the trantion function.


    And that solves the mystery of why no one in my cabal could decipher thenguage: it only existed in Hannah Kims mind and book. Hah, very clever. Very clever indeed. But one thing confuses me.


    He pointed to the sword strapped to Alexs back. Where did <em>that</em>e from?


    Oh, theres a ritual in the back of the book here. Alex flipped pages, finding the passage at the end. It was writtenjust before she died. A dull ache grew in his chest. She really went to hell and back to try and fix Thamnd. As a matter of fact, she spent most of her life on it.


    He exined how a shard of her memories was stored in the swords silicon pommel. Baelins eyes stayed on the de, watching it longingly. Ah, good, that means we have more than just the journal she left behind. A shard of memory can be a very telling thing. So, what did it tell you?


    Honestly? I took a look at it in camp. It told me a bit about the church and Kelda, but nothing more than I already knew. Nothing that I hadnt gotten straight from Hannah, Alex exined.


    Ah yes. Baelin nodded. Some shards of memory mimic a person in lifeWaitwhat do you mean, <em>already</em> knew? You phrased that as though you had spoken with her <em>before</em> you essed the shard of memory.


    Yeah, and I dont mean figuratively. Alex stopped walking to face Baelin. Im going to ask you a direct question. You once told me that theres no way to bring people back from the dead<strong></strong>properly. Is that really true?

 Chapter 545: The Gestation of Divinity

    Chapter 545: The Gestation of Divinity


    The chancellor paused, tension lining his face. Why?


    Can you answer me first? Alex held firm. You didnt tell me that there are other worlds out therefor reasons I agree withso I wouldnt put it past you to outright lie about the possibility of bringing people back from the dead for the same reasons.


    A fair assumption to make: someone else might be cross that you would imply that they are a liar, but it is true that I would indeed alter my telling of a truth, if it served the right purposethat said. He gave Alex a stern look. I would rather know your reasoning for asking me <em>this</em> question before I answer. Forgive me, but I have had students ask me such things in the past. The questions were seemingly innocent. The results? Less so.


    Well, its because Alex took a deep breath. It was only for a moment. Just brieflybut I summoned Hannah back from the afterworld.


    You <em>what? </em>Baelin stared down at Alex, his eyes zing. Alex, have you been dabbling in the more wretched aspects of necromancy? Is this some misguided y at lichdom in the future?


    What? No, no! Alex shook his head. I performed the ritual she left and she just <em>appeared</em> out of the blue along with this sword!


    I beg your pardon? Baelin frowned. Let me see this ritual.


    Alex passed the chancellor both the book and the trantion device, and watched as Baelinbed through the ritual with the eye of a jeweller examining a suspicious gem.


    His body was utterly still, almost stone-like, as he examined the ceremony.


    Something is wrong. Baelin looked at Alex incredulously. There is no mechanism here for summoning<em>anything</em>, let alone the dead. What did you do?


    Well, heres the thing, Baelin. Before I did the ritual, I was praying to Hannah for guidance and I felt the power in me respond to my prayers


    The goat beastman took in a sharp breath.


    And after that, her spirit appeared to me.


    Baelin took a step back, andfor the first timeAlex saw the chancellor look truly astonished. Alexwhat are you telling me?


    My theory? The young wizard took a deep breath. Weand by we, I mean the people of Alricare creating a deity. It seems like the Travellers bing a goddess.


    <em>What?</em> the archwizard hissed. Thatthat is <em>very</em> unlikely.


    Why? Alex asked.


    Faith is a source of power, and faith can be power in and of itself, Baelin said. It <em>can</em> spawn deities with enough belief in a single concept, religion or philosophy, but the amount of faith needed is astronomical! Otherwise, every single tribal totem would spawn a deity! Unless


    Baelin frowned. You said that Hannah Kim was your patron saint?


    Yes, for all of Alric, Alex said. We pray to her. Almost every town prays to a saint from the past, except for the youngest and smallest viges. Merzhin will probably have a town that prays to him eventually. Anyway, the Traveller was our patron saint.


    And has been for centuries, Baelin mused. But that should nottell me more, Alex.


    Well, Hannah said that shes been trying to use her power to leave the afterworld for a long time now, the young wizard exined. So her <em>soul</em> still holds her teleportation power. In life, she used both magic and divinity.


    Right, and those who wield divinity in life are more likely to develop their ownbut still, the chances are low. hmmm you said that she was attempting to leave the afterworld by way of using her teleportation power?


    Thats right, but it hadnt worked up until I called her in Cretalikon with that ritual. Alex tapped the pommel of the sword on his back. She told me that she felt the connection grow stronger recently and that the ritual was like a beacon.


    I <em>see</em>. Baelins frown was deepening. His eyes darted left to right as though he was reading unseen texts scrolling through the air. That means that her power served to create a path <em>between</em> this world and the afterworld.


    ording to her book, her power used to let her travel <em>anywhere.</em> Alex supplied. Or at least anywhere she tried to go to. She went to lots of different worlds, Baelin, and she used it to travel across nes as easily as I step out of my front door. This power does <em>not</em> mess around.


    Right, so let us assume it was strong enough to leave some sort of connection between her and the world of the livingbut there must be something more here The chancellor began to pace back and forth, his hands sped behind his back. Now, you said that your power responded to your prayers to her, correct?


    Yeah, and it kinda felt like something was watching me too, Alex said. As a matter of fact, Hannah said she could <em>hear</em> my prayers in the afterworld.


    Oh by all the heavens and hells in the universeits a <em>conduit</em>! Baelin eximed, his voice carrying over the mountains.


    What? What do you mean? the young wizard asked. Wait<em>wait, I think I get it !</em> Its a pathway! Teleportation magic creates a bridge across space: which forms a connection over the nes or tremendous distances. So her teleportation powersome of its still in the world of the living. He looked up sharply. As a matter of fact, a massive amount of it is right <em>beside Alric!</em>


    The Cave of the Traveller, <em>yes!</em> Baelin was nodding, his pacing growing more excited. A nexus of the Travellers power lies just outside the greatest centre of her faith. This would require experimentation, but I can hypothesise that peoples faith in her was likely channelled through the cave, directly across the nes and into her soul. Shes been<em>directly </em>absorbing faith for centuries<em>.</em>


    Just drinking up all that good stuff and funnelling it right into her soul, Alex murmured, nodding along. And she has a lot of experience managing bits of power that touch her soul.


    Yeeeeessss Baelins eyes were shining. But one thing remains unclearwhy did this ritual work now if she had been trying to forge a connection across the world of the living and that of the dead for centuries. It might have been that she amassed enough divine energy to make the journey, but it seems coincidental.


    Ithink I can answer that, the young wizard said slowly, running a hand through his hair. When a phenomenon changes, you look at what surrounding variables might have changed in a corrted manner, right?


    Of course, it helps generate hypotheses, even if they areter proven incorrect.


    Wefter we found out that Uldar likely knew whats been going on with the dungeon cores, Alex sighed. This is a bit private, but I stopped praying to him. And honestly, my prayers to him had been waning for a while.


    As they should, Baelin scoffed. You are growing into quite a Proper Wizard. You are a man with power. Your faith is not something that parasitic deities deserve.


    Heat rose in Alexs chest. Id agree with you for certain gods, like Oreca and Uldarbecause theyre bastards


    Something deep within Alexsomething that had been nurtured by eighteen years of education from the churchcurdled at speaking of Uldar<strong></strong>with such open disrespect. Another part of him relished it. but I think other deities deserve worship. Like the Traveller: Hannah really went to hell and back for my kingdom, and her power has helped me personally.


    ...I see. Baelins eyes narrowed. So you mean to say that you stopped praying to Uldar and began praying to her <em>directly?</em>


    Yeah and Theresa has too.


    And <em>you</em> have a great mass of her power focusing<strong></strong>your faith as it is channeled to her soul, though it resides in the afterworld. Alex, I believe your prayers and faith are helping to feed her on her ascension to divinity. You areeffectivelygestating a new god.


    Yeah, I was thinking that too, but it sounds pretty damn stunning when it''s said out loud. Anyway, thats why I wanted to know if its possible to bring people back from the dead, <em>properly</em>: I was wondering if this was something unique.


    I see Baelin nodded. I apologise for thinking that the question might have been nefarious. But I have been down this path with students before, unfortunately. To answer your question, I will tell you the truth of it: to my knowledge and understanding, it is indeed impossible to bring back individuals from the dead properly. That saidas this conversation has made clearI do not know all possibilities within the universe. And this? This was unforeseen. So, now what will you do?


    Hm? What do you mean?


    Understand that if you continue channeling your faith into Hannahs soul, she will continue her transformation into divinity. Will you support that? I would warn youno, I will not warn you against it. Ive made no secret of my feelings toward deities and my own biases speak for themselves, so I should not push them upon you, if you are aware of what you are doing. And besides, I personally know of certain demigods that arenot kind, but friendly to me.


    Thanks for that, Baelin. And honestly? Im going to see what I can do to help her get out of the afterworld. She deserves it for all she did for me, for Thamnd, and if half of the things in that journal of hers is true, for all of that too. Alex rose to his full height. But, now that weve got all that established, let me tell you what she told me.


    Alex ryed the conversation with Hannah, telling Baelin about Keldas attempts to get rid of the Fools Mark, about the secret church, and everything else that he remembered.


    The chancellors frown seemed to deepen with every word. In a way, its a shame that she did not know the exact location of Keldasir, nor where this secret arm of the church hides. Perhaps the Heroes might know something of thetter.


    I hope so, Alex said. Im going to ask Cedric and the others if they know anything as soon as I see them: Im also going to tell them about Hannah. She deserves for others to know that <em>someone</em> wasand isactually trying to look out for us and that she can hear us.


    Perhaps that might create more worshippers for her, Baelin pointed out.


    If thats the case? All the better, Alex said. Im not thinking about going around shoving her down peoples throats, but shes done a lot for me. Just like <em>youve</em> done a lot for me, Baelin. I sing your praises, so why wouldnt I sing hers? And if my singing your praises results in more wizards going to Generasi? Great. If my singing her praises results in her growing stronger and people getting divine protection from a goddess, that honestly seems pretty damn cool? Yeah, thats alright too.


    As I said, it is your own affair, Baelin said. And speaking of your affairs, investigation must be done into both Keldasir and this churchbut unfortunately, I likely will not be able to get too involved with this. I owe my cabal members a favour, and that repayment will take up much of my time for a good period in the near future. Which leaves me with little room for activities outside of the expedition and my duties as chancellor. The timing is poor, sadly, but I will enjoy seeing them more. We hardly get together these days, and almost never for anything truly as much fun as that battle in Jaretha.


    He sighed wistfully. Treasure this time you have with your friends, Alex, for as you grow older, you will see them less. Cherish what you have now.


    Alex wondered how causing an apocalypse was truly fun, but decided not to mention it. Perhaps wisely.


    So, while I am upied, what will you do? Investigate the church? Baelin asked.


    No. Alex tapped his chest. Not quite yet. The Traveller granted me more of her power, and judging from her journal, if I learn to master it, Ill be able to teleport like she and Kelda did:pletely without spellcraft. Ill also need to power up my staff and learn some new spells to protect myself. Once I get Hannahs power figured out, Ill be able to travel between Thamnd, Generasi and anywhere else I need to be in an instant.


    A fair n.


    I uh Alex scratched the side of his head. I also need to put more time into my businesses. The trip to Cretalikon was, uh, expensive.


    Hah! Baelinughed. Then you must rebuild your coffers.


    Yeah, and besides Alex smirked. McHarris built himself a little castle from abusing his employees. Im going to be a very good boss instead. And with that? Ill build an empire.


    You will never let go of that bakers abuse, will you?


    Of course not, I n on rubbing my sess in his face one day. Hes gonna know that I beat him at his own game without being shitty, like him.


    Spoken like a Proper Wizard.


    Or a Proper Baker.


    Why not both?


    Hehe, I guess theres nothing stopping one from being the other.

 Chapter 546: Moving Up in the World

    Chapter 546: Moving Up in the World


    After what felt like months, Alex Roth stepped onto the streets of Generasi. The noise and bustle of the city exploded, bringing back memories of Jarethas chaos. Powerful demons had ruled there, Ezaliel had once attacked Generasi, Burn-Saw had wanted Alex dead, Kaz-Mowang had fought to the death to enve him and hispanions; those attacks were still fresh in his mind and he almost expected another onebut reason told him that another demon attack was unlikely.


    Not from the former inhabitants of the ruins of Jaretha, in any case.


    Kaz-Mowang, Burn-Saw, Yantrahpretaye, Zonon-In and even their mighty leader, Ezaliel, were all dead and wouldnt be attacking anyone in the mortal world in this lifetime.


    Some of Kaz-Mowangs subordinates still lived, but they would, without a doubt, be busy picking over the ruins of their fallen masters empire and fighting for scraps for leadership.


    Alex took a deep breath, shouldering the sword on his back and touching Hannahs precious artefact in his satchel. Were home, he whispered, stepping into the crowd. And I need a good, long rest.


    There would be much to do soon: catching up on sses hed missedwhich thankfully would be easymaking the preparations hed told Baelin about, hunting for both Keldasir, and the secret wing of the church of Uldar.


    But right now?


    Hed earned the right to rx a little.


    With a spring in his step, he made his way through the busy boulevards and toward home. It felt good walking through the crowds without that jesters costume on. Getting lots of attention because of ygon and the minor fame theyd earned from the Games of Roal, was something hed gotten used to, and drawing that type of attention was one thing, but having folk stare at him because of a wretched costume that felt way too close to his secret, was quite another.


    If he had his way, hed never wear anything like it again.


    With this happy thought, he strolled down his street, eager to get home and into bed. ygon would likely be waiting for himunless hed gone to campus to see Selina.


    It was the middle of the day, which meant thatif ygon wasnt homethen the only person there would be Troy, who was experimenting with some new recipes Alex had given him.


    The young wizard would have been happy to see his family right awayhe had a lot to tell them after allbut a little time to himself was also good.


    Ive had enough excitement for one day, Alex said, climbing the steps to the bakerys front porch and pulling the door handle. Troy, where are you? Im back, is ygon here?


    Alex reached out with his mind, but didnt feel his golems presence as he walked through the eating area. Maybe he was with Selena, after all.


    Wee back, boss! Troys voice came from the kitchen. A momentter, the bakers assistant poked his head out from the back, his apron covered in flour and bits of dough. I only saw him for a minute, then he went off to the campus.


    Alright. Alex started for the stairs. Then Im going for a bit of a nap. Its been a rough few days.


    Right, boss, Ill keep going through those recipes. I should have butter bread and hot almondine pastries waiting for you if you wake up in the next hour or two.


    Oh that sounds like heaven! Alex said enthusiastically, making his way up the stairs.


    Oh! Before you go, though, there was someone that stopped by looking for you.


    Alex paused.


    For a wild moment, he imagined a horde of angry demons casually asking Troy where his boss was. He shook away the delusion. Was it Toraka?


    No, a woman by the name of Lucia. Troy wiped his hands on his apron. She said youd know her?


    Alex stopped cold.


    His mind went back to the morning he, Ripp, ygon and Thundar were heading out of Generasi, on their way to Cretalikon. He remembered seeing a woman that looked a lot like Lucia strolling down the streets<strong></strong>of the city.


    Was that her? If it was, shed seemed so different: Luciathe sky-gond driverwas always dour, closed off, definitely no barrel ofughs, and looked like she was dragging herself along lifes bumpy road. The woman hed seen almost seemed radiant.


    Alex shook himself, realising that Troy was waiting for him to answer. Uh, yeah, I know her. Whatd she want?


    She said that she wanted to meet with you as soon as you could make it, and that you could find her at the Royal Griffon. Shes staying there for the rest of the week, apparently. Youve got some rich friends, boss.


    Wait, what, rich? Alex blinked. Lucia?


    Yeah, the Royal Griffons one of the best hotels in the district. Pretty much the only people who can afford to stay there are rich merchants, and nobles visiting the city.


    Alex blinked again. And you said her name was <em>Lucia?</em>


    Yes, boss, she gave me her name as clear as the sunrise.


    And shes staying in a fancy hotel?


    Thats what she said; she was dressed real nice tooWait, is she a scammer or something? Or someoneing to curse our business? You look like youve seen a ghost, if you dont mind me saying.


    No, quite the opposite, Alex muttered, turning around and heading back to the front door. Sleep would have to wait, he <em>had</em> to know what was going on. Thisll be the second person Ive seen whose back from the dead in thest week. Now, where is this hotel?


    ###


    The Royal Griffon was less hotel and more pce.


    It was immense, taking up half a block of space in a district wherend was at a premium. White sto walls were capped by a red tile roof, and trimmed with paint in shades of royal purple and gold. Evenly spaced towers rose several stories high, each bearing a purple banner with a golden griffon emzoned across it.


    The vast structure thrummed with magic, and Alex noted tiny summoned elementals, and nearly invisible constructs darting over it like busy bees in a hive, cleaning every inch of it. The building was immacte,pletely free of road dust.


    Wonderful aromas of fine foods and even finer wines drifted through open windows and a giant pair of doors wide enough to admit a wagon capable of seating eightfortably, or even a sizable group of Grimlochs. As Alex gawked, four of the hotels well dressed guests came through the doorway, wearing the finest silks dyed in colours affordable only to the very wealthy.


    Before hed started his partnership with Toraka, he couldnt have afforded to even <em>look</em> at this ce for too long, let alone <em>stay</em> here. Not without touching his and Selinas inheritance, at least.


    So how in the name of burning Jaretha can <em>Lucia</em> afford to stay here for a single night, never mind a whole week? he wondered. Did the sky-gondpany give her the worlds greatest parting wage? Unless


    Alexs grip tightened on his staff.


    Maybe it wasnt Lucia staying here: maybe it was a mana vampirewhod assumed her formthat he and Troy had seen. Or maybe a shapeshifting Ravener-spawn, trying to get at him through someone he knew.


    No, that doesnt make sense, he muttered to himself as he entered the hotel lobby. If a shapeshifter was after me, then why would it pick Lucia? Why not Khalik? Or Isolde?


    He took in the lobby at a nce, noting marble columns, statuary and a fountain spraying<em>was that wine!?</em>


    For one thing, Khalik and Isolde could actually afford this ce, he muttered, heading for the front counter and passing curious staff members and guests. He took them in as he walked by, noting their bodynguage and ticks.


    So far, no one seemed to be hiding anything. No one wore the sinister air of an assassin. No one was looking at him with anything above mild curiosity, the same curiosity that a man dressed in a crisp uniform in the hotels colours disyed when Alex stopped in front of his desk.


    Good day sir, the older man said, his ent very posh, well cultivated andif Alex was hearing correctlyslightly fake. Might I help you?


    Well, I think so, Alex said, growing more bewildered. My name is Alex Roth and Im here to see a guest of yours named Lucia. His eyes narrowed slightly, remembering that he didnt know herst name. Is someone by that name staying here?


    Ah yes, Miss Lucia. The desk clerk nodded, his eyes falling on an open book of names in front of him on the desk. She informed us that we should expect your visit. Someone will take you up to her suite, Mr. Roth.


    O-okay, then, Alex said awkwardly.


    Soon, the young wizard was being escorted to a floating stone pad that conveyed him and a porter to the third floor of the hotel. The young woman led him to a room in one of the towersnot on the topmost floorbut high enough to provide an incredible view of the district.


    The porter knocked once. Miss Lucia? Mr. Alex Roth to see you.


    Come in, said a warm voice, one that sent shock running down Alexs spine.


    That was definitely Lucias voicecalling on the Mark quickly confirmed itbut the tone? The tone sounded like it belonged to apletely different woman. His grip tightened on the staff.


    The door swung open silently.


    And there, standing before him, was Lucia the sky-gondolier.


    Her transformation was startling.


    Alex had to fight doing<strong></strong>an obvious double take.


    Her figure was fuller, for oneshe looked healthier, like shed been eating regrly, and spending time taking care of herself. She was wearing a bright yellow top, a calf length blue sarong skirt, and jewel-studded sandals. Lucias formerly dead eyes sparkled with an amused, mischievous energy, and the coy smile on her once dead looking mouth, spoke volumes.


    She looked healthy, confident and energetic as she approached him with an outstretched hand. It was like shed changed in both body and personality, which started rm bells screaming in his head.


    Alex took a step back, focusing on her bodynguage for any sign of threat. A sense ofcalm drifted from his staff. His eyes shifted to its glowing blooms: there was no distrust or fearing from them, only curiosity.


    The young wizard tried to keep all the scepticism hed been feeling from his face, instead, his smile appeared surprised and easy.


    Luciahello.


    Hello to you too, she said with the same warm tone as earlier, gesturing for him to enter her suite. Come in, have a seat.


    While the young wizard walked in, looking around, she took a coin purse and removed a hefty five gold pieces for the porter. The young woman smiled broadly, bowing to Lucia. Generous as always, Miss Lucia, her face lit up. Will you be needing anything else?


    Ill ring if I do.


    Of course, enjoy your visit. The woman bowed one final time, shutting the door behind her.


    Alex was looking around the sitting room: it screamed wealth, with intricately carved furniture, silken fabrics, and handwoven carpets filling a space that was definitely much showier than even his new home.


    So, first things first, I am <em>not</em> a mana vampire, Luciaughed, sinking into plump cushions on one of two couches. So you <em>can</em> sit down, I wont bite.


    Alex flinched inside, but maintained a rxed expression.


    Youll have to forgive me, but for a minute, I did think that you might be a shapeshifter, he said, taking a seat on another couch across from her. Because uh, you seemdifferent.


    Different from this, right? her voice immediately went t, losing all animation. Her smile died and her eyes took on that dead fish gaze she was known for. Shoulders slumped. Posture wilted. In breaths, Luciathe half-dead, overworked sky gondolierwas back.


    The transformation was so startling, Alex scarcely believed it. Yeah, not to be rude, but thats <em>almost</em> the Lucia I remember. He took in the room again. Your fortunes must have changed. Like a lot.


    Yes, yes they have. She sat up again, her face softening. And I have you and your friend Khalik to thank for that, as well as your other friends Thundar, Isolde, Theresa<strong>, </strong>your golem


    She lowered her head. I have a <em>lot</em> to thank you for, Alex.


    Iwe only gave you like thirty gold for ferrying us to the Barrens, Alex said, confused. I dont think that really counts as being a <em>lot</em> to thank me for.


    No, you dont understand, your help didnt stop there, even if you dont know it, Lucia''s eyes shone. You helped me again and againwell, you helped me help myself.


    Alexbed through his memories, looking for any evidence that hed helped her in the past year. Nothing came to mind: he hadnt seen her since that fateful mana vampire night.


    His suspicion grew: what was she talking about? Was she making things up? Maybe it really was a shapeshifter and


    Lucia shifted on the couch, the action moved the neckline of her top. There. There was the scar, still reaching to the top of her chest. Unconsciously, she adjusted her clothing, hiding it again.


    It didnt seem shed noticed him looking at the old wound.


    Itll be clear to you after I tell you what happened over the past year, Lucia said. Would you like a drink? Its a bit of a story. And when Im finished? Id like to make you an offer.


    Oh? Alex cocked his head. What sort of offer?


    A business offer.

 Chapter 547: Lucias Story

    Chapter 547: Lucia''s Story


    The coin you and your friend, Khalik, gave me was the most Id had in a long time. Lucia sipped a cup of coffee that smelled of something a little stronger. Back then, I managed to avoid debt, but I could never save much either.


    Yeah, with how much it costs to live in <em>this</em> city? Im not surprised. Alex sipped a cup of tea, loaded with heaps of sugar.


    You dont know the half of it, Lucia growled, her eyes growing dead. When youre just making ends meet, expensespound. Food is rtively cheap in Generasi, but rent isnt. Not even for a tiny box of a room in a rooming house.


    A bitter expression took her face. With andy thatwell, lets not go there. Wed be here all day


    She was a bully?


    Yes! Lucia said emphatically.


    Trust me, I know the type.


    Yes, well, she was awful, but the rent she charged was even worse. And because the rent was so high, you dont eat as often as you should. Because of that, you get sick easier. And that means medicine, which is more coinyou get my point. I didnt get into debt, but my savings could have fit in the palm of my hand. Until


    She traced the cups rim with a single finger. you gave me that coin.


    Yeah, but, Alex looked around the room again. All this is worth a lot more than thirty gold.


    That coin was just the beginning, Lucia sighed dreamily, looking lost in memories. When I got home, I thought about all the things I could do with that much coin: proper meals, maybe a better ce to live for a bitbut She shook her head. But, that would have been only temporary. I even thought about leaving the city, but no matter where I went, thirty gold would be gone like dust in the wind. So I decided to hold on to it until I figured out what to do.


    She looked at Alex. And then one day, I saw you with your golem. ygon, isnt it?


    Yeah, he said.


    And that inspired me: you took a mana vampire into the university. And a littleter, you had a fully operational war-golem. I might be a dropout, but I took enough alchemy sses to guess what youd done. You <em>did</em> drain that mana vampire for your golem, right? After you pumped it full of raw energy from the mana vents?


    Alex cleared his throat. Well, no point in trying to be coy, cuzyknowyou were <em>right</em> there. Yeah, thats what I did.


    She snapped her fingers. I knew it! And I found that inspiring.


    Alex blinked. Lots of people would have found it horrifying, I thinkwell, maybe less than I thought. He remembered Baelins endlessughter at what hed done to the mana vampire.


    Others might find it horrifying, but I found it inspiring: you took a terrible situation and turned it into gold. So, I decided to try and do the same. I had that seed money, and never wanted to be poor again.


    Alex nodded. I can understand that. Boy can I <em>ever</em> understand that. Sothen whatd you do with your coin? Invest it? Start funding a business? Thirty gold isnt much to do that with.


    I know. She smiled wickedly. And thats why I gambled with it. On you.


    Silence fell. What? Gambled on me? How?


    Well, I was sitting on that coin for a good few months Lucia said. And then imagine my surprise when I found out that some peoplesome people who defeated a mana vampire in their first year, and who also put down a monster incursion in the countrysidewere going to enter the Games of Roal.


    Oh<em>oh! Oooooooh! </em>Alex sat up straight. You bet on us?


    With every coin you gave me. It seemed poetic, she chuckled, taking a long triumphant sip of her coffee. There were lots of good teams in the Gamesst year. I didnt usually pay much attention to them before, but when I heard that some students Id taken to the Barrens one interesting night would be in them, things changed.


    Her eyes brimmed with malicious glee. And you know what? They were almost all <em>first</em> years. The odds were against you for most of your events, despite the mana vampire and the incident in the countryside, but Id seen just what you did to that mana vampire. So, I took those thirty gold coins and put everything on Khalik in the Duel by Proxy, and when he won, I won!


    Lucias smile grew wider. And then I took what Id won, and put it on you in your Duel by Proxy. And I won. I bet on your big shark friend in the Great Water Hunt. And won again. I <em>didnt</em> bet on you in the Great Land Hunt, though. I didnt bet on anybody in that event.


    Alex looked at her in surprise. Yeah, we lost that onelucky you didnt bet. But why didnt you?


    Because Id ferried Wolud Ranier a couple of times before, she said. One time, he and his friends were going back to campus after a night of drinking in town. On the way back, one of them said hed lost his coin purse somewhere between the tavern and my boat. Ranier had me turn the boat around so he could go back and look for it. He actually found it in under five minutes. I dont know how he did it, but that gave me enough doubt not to ce the bet.


    Good read, Alex said, a little impressed. It seemed that Lucia had fairly good judgement.


    I was lucky, Lucia admitted. But I did put everything on your friends for the Grand Melee and I won again.


    Alex winced. Diddid you bet on us in the Grand Battle?


    Lucia paused, almost in embarrassment. No.


    Damn good call, but why didnt you bet on us?


    I was there for your fight with Tyris Goldtooth. Vesuvius is a monster and I knew shed be looking for you. The other teams also saw you as a threat, and if they ganged up I didnt know if you<strong></strong>had it in you to<strong></strong>beat them back then. So I didnt bet.


    Thats a relief! Alex pped. Youve got damned good judgement.


    Maybe. I think it was more luck: I made a lot of money and got out. Havent gambled since, she said. Your thirty gold coin grew a couple of extra zeros behind it in a few days. But, that still wouldnt have gone far in Generasi. So I left. Quit my job and went to the Rhinean Empire where funds go farther. A lot farther.


    Alex couldnt help but admire her initiative, he was impressed. Then you turned what you already had into a fortune, right?


    Not at first. I took about a month to myself. Ate well, stayed in nice inns, went to beachesId been living like a corpse. I needed to live again. After that, though? It was time to start making money. And thats when you inspired me again.


    How?


    You and your friends faced those demons on Orecas Fall like some warriors out of legend. Everyone in the tournament did. So I decided to start facing my demons too. I was good at alchemy before the incident at the university and vowed Id never touch it again. But what happens if we let out demons just stop our lives? AndSorry, this is the first time Im telling this story, do you mind?


    No, not at all, this is crazy, keep going! Alex said.


    Lucia winced. You know, I spent every year in that gond wishing that everyone around me would just shut up. Now Im the one that wont shut up. Life is strange. Anyway, it took me a bit, but I managed to get a good alchemy set together and push through my fear enough to make some of the more simple potions I knew from school, once I got the rust off. And then I travelled, offering my services to ces in the Empire that didnt have ess to an alchemist: the very rural areas. I worked cheap and built my reputation, once word got around, I charged more.


    She looked up at a painting of a caravel on rough seas hanging above a firece. I hired assistants and we increased production, but I really hit it when I started working with your people: the Thameish folk living in the Empire. They needed services, and they had coin to spend. There were plenty of other merchants around, but not <em>that</em> many alchemists. And thats when I realised something else. Lots of the Thameish wanted goods from Generasiand I knew a little something about getting people and products from one ce to the other. Id already set up shipping for my own goods, so it was simple to create a merchantne right from Generasi to the Thameish in the northern part of the Rhinean Empire.


    Lucia spread her hands. And boom, business just exploded. Ive added another zero to my fortune, and in a year or two, I hope to add another one.


    Thatsthats great! Alex was excited for her. Im so happy you managed to turn your life around. Seriously, I meanyou justtransformed yourself. Thats pretty incredible!


    Sheughed, surprising him. Even with her transformation, it still felt strange seeing herugh. Thank you, I think its incredible too. But I discovered one thing about myself: I like making coin more than I like making potions.


    Fair enough, coin spends betterand uh, tends to be less vtile.


    Depends on how you spend it, she said, leaning forward. Which brings me to why I wanted to meet with you. In a nutshell, you built a golem out of a mana vampire in your first year. Anyone with half a brain can see that youre going to be a brilliant alchemist: are you nning to go into business? I heard you work for Shale in some high position now, <em>and</em> you bought that old bakery and started turning it around. Youve obviously been making some money, are you thinking about crafting magical items for the market?


    Alex couldnt fight the smile that bloomed on his face. You couldsay that.


    Good. Well, I want to work with you to bring them to people, she said simply. I talked with your employee, Troy. He seemed very happy working for you, so I think youd be good to work with. The arrangement would be simple: you make whatever you want and sell it, or let me sell it. In return, I be your exclusive shippingpany. Ive already purchased a caravel and Im alchemically treating it to cut through the water as fast as anything.


    Lowering friction?


    Right. I also have routes, employees and guards that go right from the Thameish area in the Rhinean Empire, down to Port Mausarr. I have one warehouse, and Im working on another. Business is growing, and I think mywork would help you. In return for exclusivity, Id lower my price. By a lot.


    It almost sounds too good to be true.


    I brought contracts as proof to confirm everything I told you, and I came back to Generasi on <em>my</em> ship. My staff are in other rooms here in the hotel. Well give you more proof than youll know what to do with.


    Rightso you want me to make stuff, and you would bring it to buyers?


    To people <em>outside</em> of Generasi. Theres an entire world out there that would benefit from alchemical items. Its very rare that people can get their hands on things of that sort: in ces with low ambient mana, you need a powerful wizard. But, what if we bring what people want directly to their homes?


    It sounds like youre talking about building an empire. Alex leaned forward.


    Yes. Yes I am, she said with growing excitement. There are a few other merchant houses that ship Generasian products, but very few have a connection with an alchemist as proficient as you. If we do this, we could make a killing.


    A lot of killings. Alex stroked his chin, giving her proposal deep thought.


    A part of him realised thatin some wayswhat she was offering wouldnt be necessary once he mastered the Travellers power: he could simply teleport his goods wherever he wanted.


    But, on closer consideration, there was more value here than it appeared on the surface.


    A n began to form in his mind.


    He could already hear stacks of gold clinking together.

 Chapter 548: The Seeds of an Empire

    Chapter 548: The Seeds of an Empire


    There was a limit to the number of things one could do on their own.


    Alexbeing a summonerprobably knew this better than most. Being able to conjure a small army of minions hadpletely changed things for him. In times of peace, he had ready assistants and workers to help with tasks at home.


    In battle, he could erase a numerical disadvantage with a few spells, and overwhelm enemies with a tide of bodies.


    Baelins Art of the Wizard in Combat course always emphasised the importance of cooperation, teamwork and group dynamics. Even the ancient wizard himself had called on his own cabal when he wanted to besiege Jaretha, and <em>he</em> was the most powerful being Alex had ever known.


    Numbers helped, in most situations.


    And numbers were what Lucia was <em>really</em> offering.


    In one year, shed already built up staff and the beginnings of a sessful business operation. She had awork ready to go, and <em>that</em> was valuable. Even if Alex could teleport his magical items anywhere he wanted to, he still couldnt be in multiple ces at once.


    Having staff to organise shipping and travelling, find more potential buyers, and run different branches of a business, would be just prime. Even having a single staff member, Troy, had been a big help to him.


    With what Lucia was offering?


    He could grow faster than hed expected to.


    His own alchemy, Shales support, Hannahs power and Luciaswork would be massive inbination. Then there was Lucia herself: while shed told him her story, hed carefully watched her bodynguage, analysing her mannerisms formon signs of deceit.


    Hed found none.


    Shede to him honestly andif her story waspletely trueshed revealed one of her major resources that she hadnt mentioned in her pitch: herself.


    Without putting her greatest assether own abilitiesinto words, Alex saw them. Lucia had shown drive, good judgement, risk assessment and analysis throughout her journey, all key traits for both a wizard and a merchant. They were also qualities that weresadlyrarer than they should be in far too many people.


    So allowing someone with those qualities to just walk away? That would mean he wasnt much of a Proper Wizard, Proper Baker, or Proper Businessman if he was to let that happen.


    Then there were other avenues<strong></strong>to consider as well.


    Lucia he said, making certain mental calctions. If. If we did this. What would you say to me enhancing your business?


    She pursed her lips. Go on.


    Alex leaned over the low table between them, cing his hands on it.<strong></strong>You have a lot of resources, staff and awork thats growing. Thats fine. But other merchant empires have these things, right?


    Right.


    But what ifyour workforce was enhanced by something that never tires, never grows bored, and never sleeps?


    Her eyebrows rose. Are you talking about golems?


    I am absolutely talking about golems. Alex grinned. Not every golem has to be an expensive, unstoppable war-machine. They can be made human-sized, or any size, for that matter. You can make small messenger golems; youre an alchemist, you know that. What if some of your warehouses had golembourers to support your shipping staff with certain things, like lifting and carrying? What if your merchant caravans and ships had powerful guardian constructs to drive off bandits and monsters? What if you had messenger constructs tomunicate across long distances?


    That sounds like every merchants dream.


    It does, doesnt it? Alex chuckled, his eyes shining. We could up efficiency while giving yourno, <em>our</em>workers time to themselves. Wed have ultimate productivity while <em>not</em> killing our workforce.


    Hmmmm. Lucia drummed her fingernails on her knees. That almost sounds too good to be true. Golems are incredibly expensive. Even small ones. Hiringbourers would be much cheaper.


    On the surface? Absolutely. Alex rubbed his hands together. But thats the thing about a golem: even a human sized construct can have the strength of ten men. They never tire, they can be extremely flexibleand one of them could do the work of more than onebourer. One single golemeven one thats, say, only six or seven feet tall -- could do the work of five times as many of the strongest men. Add the fact that a golem never needs to eat or sleep, and you have an infinite productivity machine. Then, theres the fact that a well-designed golem can do more than one job, to take into ount.


    Alex began counting on his fingers. A versatile golem can work as abourer, guard a caravan or a warehouse, it can help tinkers repair equipment, it can help with setting sails and holding riggingtheres few limits to what a well-designed golem can do, as long as theres at least one sapient being around to direct it. And then! Theres the advertising that naturallyes along with them.


    Lucias eyes shone. Yesyeswho wouldnt want to use a shippingpany that owns an immortal force of workers, guardians, andbourers.


    Exactly. Even with one or two golems per ship or caravan, that still beats thepetitions <em>none.</em>


    Hmmmhmmmm Lucia looked off in the distance as though she was thinking over what hed just said. Its a very attractive idea. But I see two problems.


    Well, lets see if I cant give you two solutions.


    She smiled at that, then raised a single finger. First, theres the initial cost. Well need at least ten to twenty golems to begin with, and while I<em> have</em> done well for myself, I haven''t done <em>that</em> well.


    SImplicity in itself. Alex spread his hands. I can sell them to you on credit, at a very attractive rate of interest. You get the golems with a rtively small upfront costif youre currently buying ships, you should be able to afford a fairly small expensethen you settle the full cost on a payment n. I can offer youlets say two at no charge in return for a small percentage of thepany. Nothing too big, maybe saytwenty percent or something like that.


    Alexs mind sparked at the idea of future profits: crafting a small force of golems would be expensive at first, even with a few ideas he had in mind to keep costs lower,<strong></strong>but in return for a share of a growing mercantile enterprise?


    It would be more than worth it.


    Hmmmm, that seems reasonable, Lucia paused. Twenty percent isnt a controlling interest, and you would be contracted exclusively with us for your shipping needs, unless you handle any through your own magic. But that takes me to the second issue.


    Oversight. Who willmand these golems? If we let just anyone do it, they could cause them to rampage if they made a mistake. We could be taking a big chance.


    Not if the golems are programmed properly, Alex said. I could make it so that all golems only ept orders from those registered to do so, like you, me, and a limited number of trusted officers. Every golem would be connected to me, so I could shut them down from a distance.


    How far of a distance? Youll be mostly in Generasi or elsewhere.


    And Im <em>also</em> learning teleportation. Alex countered. If a golem starts rampaging, itll be programmed so I feel it through the connection He recalled ygonmunicating with him across the great distance of maze-scape between the gate in Cretalikon, and the heart of Jaretha. then shut it down remotely. I could probably design the golems to connect with <em>you</em> as well, so you also have the ability to shut them down from a distance if need be. Your staff can then take care of things until I arrive to determine the cause of the malfunction. In time, we could also entrust a few trusted managers with that level of control. Theyd have to have mana, of course.


    He kept his bodynguage open, honest and enthusiastic; every inflection, tone, and expression was designed to set Lucia at ease. I think it could work well.


    And golems would draw more attention to our business, which would encourage more customers to pick us for their shipping needs. Lucias eyes were alight with possibilities. Im liking thisI think itll be big.


    Itll be a new path for business. Alex grinned. One forged by joining alchemy, a little thing called crazy spending, and enterprise. The young wizard was already thinking of more ways to lower both costs, and the amount of time it would take to craft the golems.


    Its sounding <em>very</em> lucrative. Lucia grinned back. But, Ill need some time to think about it.


    Yeah, thats fair, and I want to consult certain people too He paused. Do you have anything I can take with me? Nothing proprietary, but documents that prove your business financial position, and value up to this point?


    Absolutely, Ive made copies for you to take with you. Lucia stood and made her way to an open door in the suite. Ill get them for you.


    Good. How long will you be in Generasi? Alex asked.


    Another week. Ill be looking at some other avenues for expansion.


    Good, Ill get back to you before then. Ive got some people to talk to.


    ###


    I dont know if a shippingwork would be needed, Alex, even if it were supported by golems. Toraka frowned, flipping the pages of his proposal.


    They were in her office, the afternoon sun streamed through a tall window as she looked over the proposal hed quickly put together from Lucias documents.


    Everyone needs shipping, Toraka, Alex leaned back in his chair. We have products, and we need to get those products to others.


    But our products are specialty items. Toraka looked at him over the pages. Theyre only bought by the very wealthy. And the very wealthy can afford to send a ship to collect their brand new golem when itspleted.


    Sure they can, Alex said. But that means they need to send a ship and servants to collect the golem. That takes resources. Depending on distance, sending a ship to collect a golem could tie up their own resources. Imagine if <em>we</em>could deliver their golems right to their front door? Itd make things a lot easier for a client. It would also give our business a farther reach.


    Maybe, but then wed need to assume responsibility for golems lost in transit, Toraka mused. And sometimes, we just pay to have the golems teleported if the client pays enough.


    Alexs eyes narrowed at that. Solets say you had someone on staff that could teleport. Thatd save on costs, wouldnt it?


    Yesit wouldwhy? She peered at him. Wizards whove chosen to work as teleporters make too much coin in frence, and besides, wed use them too infrequently to justify the expense.


    But what if <em>I</em> could teleport? Alex asked. You could pay <em>me</em> less than you would some frencer.


    Toraka paused. Youre not anywhere <em>near</em> fifth-tier spells yet, are you?


    Third-tier isn''t<em> that </em>far off, Alex said. And Im very very good at short range teleportation and summoning spells. You could say that I He couldnt resist. have a gift for it.


    Hmmm, well in that case, Toraka said easily. If you manage to figure out teleportation, then yes, you could handle the rush deliveriesactuallyhold on now.


    She took another look at Alexs proposal. You know what, theres something you missed.


    Whats that? The young wizard nced at the papers.


    Raw materials, she said. Sure it might not make much sense to employ an exclusive shippingpany for my golems, but for transporting raw materialswell that might make a lot of sense. Here.


    She opened her desk drawer, pulling out a map of the Prinean sea and surrounding territories. There were red markings on certain areas of Generasi, and in the countries north and south of the sea.


    These areas are the sources for most of our raw materials. Shale pointed. Stone, iron, wood and moree from several quarries, mines, and logging operations here, here, here and here, for example. She pointed to the different areas. Now, heres the thing. Raw materials from Generasi cost more, but because of the shorter distance, they also have low transportation costs. Raw materials from elsewhere are a lot cheaper, but also mean greater costs for shipping.


    Alex bit his upper lip. But if those shipping costs were loweredsay because of an exclusive contract with a shippingpany


    Toraka smiled. Youre learning. For your business, it makes sense. For mine? You had it backwards. Its not the final product that Id use your friends service for, its for raw materials. But that said, I want to see how she works with <em>you</em>first. If she proves herself in the next six months or so, then Ill meet with her directly. I have some shipping contracts that areing to an end soon.


    I dont think youll regret signing with her, Alex rubbed his hands together. And now


    <em>Fatherare you home? </em>ygons voice startled Alex as it suddenly came through their link. <em>Im bringing our friendshome. They wantto see you.</em>


    Tell them Ill be right there, Alex thought.


    He looked at Shale. Can we pick this up when we work on the golem tonight? I need to catch up with some friends. A lot of things are changing, and Alex nced at the proposal again. ...I think theyll be changing for them too.

 Chapter 549: Seeds of an Imperial Court

    Chapter 549: Seeds of an Imperial Court


    You were <em>inside</em> the demon? Theresa choked, her hand squeezing Alexs so hard, that it actually hurt.


    By the sapphire sea. Prince Khalik almost spat out his drink.


    Alex, that is insanity, Isolde gaped.


    In retrospect, but it worked, and results were all that mattered then, Alex continued regaling his friends with stories of Jaretha. If it werent for ygon, Thundar, Ripp and the other mercenaries, I would have been dead like five times over: desperate measures were needed after a while.


    Ill say. Thundar threw back a shot of whiskey. At one point, this demon filled the hall with fire, it was like the whole ce was a furnace, I thought I was a goner for sure. He reached for a ss of water. We have Celsus to thank for us still being here. I swear, Im gonna keep praying for my ancestors to guide him to the afterworld. Him and Guntile both. For at least a year.


    Oh, no, Guntile died too? Selina asked sadly. She sounded cool.


    Yeah, she was, Alex paused. But, Ill get to all of that. Theres a lot that happened.


    <em>It hasbeen eventful, </em>ygon agreed.


    That it has, buddy, that it has. Taking a deep breath, he continued the story.


    Alexs cabal, along with ygon, Theresa and Selina, had gathered in the bakerys apartment. The early evening reunion was intense: so far, theyd shared moments ofughter, tears, relief, and a lot of joy.


    Later, thered be mounds of food to look forward to, and the drinks would keep flowing.


    But for now?


    Alex needed to catch his friends up on certain developments.


    He continued his tale, recounting how theyd escaped from Jaretha, the apocalypse Baelin and his cabal had unleashed on Ezaliels domain, then he slowed right down when it came time to tell them about the Traveller.


    Alex nced at Selina, remembering what hed promised Baelin. He wasnt supposed to tell anyone except his cabal and closest friends what hed discovered about there being other worlds in the universe. But, that shouldnt apply to Selina, he knew he could trust herpletely. Shed never told anyone about Uldars Mark, so why would she tell anyone about this, especially if she knew she wasnt supposed to.


    The Travellers from another world, he blurted out.


    Jaws dropped and eyes grew wide.


    The word what?, seemed to echo through the room.


    Shes from another world? Selina repeated, ncing out a nearby window.


    The Travellera more fitting name than I thought. Khalik nodded.


    The theory is correct! Isolde cried. By the elements!


    Yeah, but Baelin says we cant tell anyone that. And you cant tell anyone about this next part either, Alex continued.


    Theresa nearly fell from her chair when he revealed that the Traveller had returned to the world of the living, and how shed blessed him with both power, and knowledge. Prince Khalik spilled his drink on his shirt. Isolde choked on hers.


    Selinas eyes were very, very wide. If she cane back from the dead she started, her voice thrumming with excitement.


    NoIm sorry, Selina, Alex said, pain in his eyes when he looked at her. It doesnt work like that. The reason the Traveller was able toe back was because of her power, <em>and</em> because of our prayers to her. Both needed toe together. She cant bring others back either, not as far as I know. Im sorry.


    Selina blinked, anguish gripping her face. Then, as quickly as it appeared, it was gone. Her jaw hardened and she nodded without saying another word.


    Alex reached over and took her hand.


    His sister tensed for a moment, looking like she would pull it away, then she sighed, rxing her hand in his. Her brother squeezed it, while Theresa squeezed his other hand, and he continued with thest parts of his story.


    He finished to the sound of breathing, oveying utter silence. No one spoke.


    Thundar was nodding knowingly.


    Then Alex abruptly broke the stillness.


    And when I got home, thats when Lucia, the sky-gondolier, came out of nowhere with a lot of coin from betting on us in the Games of Roal. Shes rich now, Alex announced dramatically.


    <em>What?</em> Thundar cried. No, youre lying.


    Truly? Khalik stared at the minotaur. That is what you react to? Not the demigoddess returning from death, but to the sky-gondolier getting rich?


    Well, I was kinda <em>there</em> for the returning from death part, I didnt know about Lucias coin multiplying like a bunch of ants in spring! Thundar shouted. I couldve bet on us, ugh! I could be rich now!


    What she didwhile impressivewas an incredible risk, Isolde said primly. Any factor shifting slightly could have ruined our chances of victory, and cast her right back into pauperdom. Gambling is a bad habit. But I am shocked that she made that much from gambling on our sesses. She is <em>rich,</em> you say?


    Yeah, but she didnt get there through gambling alone. Gambling gave her seed money. This is why you shouldnt gamble, Selina, Alex said.


    Alex, all that you have said so far has been a ringing endorsement of gambling, Khalik pointed out.


    Alex waved him off dismissively, watching his sisters reaction. It was muted, her face was still tinged with disappointment. Hed have to talk with herter.


    He went on to exin everything else that he and Lucia had talked about, he also told them about his conversation with Toraka Shale.


    Well, thats pretty much everything, Alex finished. Its been a crazy few days.


    I can see that. Isolde shook her head. I must truly grow my power: some of what you went through in Jarethawould have been the end of me.


    <strong></strong>So, the churchs secrets, as well as Hannah and Keldas legacy lie before us. And you have new power that needs mastering, Khalik said.


    Yes, Alex said. With what lies ahead? We have concrete information now, so its time to build up our strength and knowledge. We have some direction, thanks to Hannah, but maybe going after the church or trying to go to the Irtyshenan Empire right away, might be too soon.


    Indeed. We have to build on our foundationyour teleportation will be most useful, Khalik thumbed his beard. Ill seek spells topliment it. So, what do we do now, do we simply work with the expedition for the time being?


    Not quite. Alex looked at Thundar. Im going to talk to the Heroes next time I see them, and bring them up to speed about what we know. For now, we have to keep gathering strength. In the meanwhileThundar, how would you like to make a lot of coin?


    The minotaur blinked. What kinda question is that? Coin can be exchanged for goods and services, and I love me some goods and services.


    Perfect. Alex rubbed his hands together. Ill be needing some help: Ive got to focus on building this power for a while, so I probably wont have a lot of time to go to Thamnd regrly to get dungeon cores for new projects at Shales. Which got me wondering if maybe youd be interested in going to get them with ygon, and maybe Ripp and He looked at Theresa. you, honey.


    Go on, Theresa looked at him closely.


    You, Thundar and ygonif you want buddycan get a share of my profits from any golems that you provide the dungeon core substance for. To put it bluntly, Im getting rich, and you all should be rich too.


    I do not hear you offering to make <em>me</em> rich. Khalik glowered.


    Nor me, Isolde folded her arms across her chest.


    Alex gave his two richest friends an icy look. Listen. Listen. Thest thing you two need is more coin.


    This is discrimination. Isolde shook her head, a mocking look in her blue eyes.


    So sue me. Alex fired back. Aaaaanyway, Thundar, ygon, and Theresa: Id go with you sometimes, but if I cant be there, Id like to leave getting the cores up to you. If you need coin to hire extra hunters, just let me know. So, what do you say?


    Well, Ive been taking hunting contracts here in Generasi. Theresa shrugged. So this would basically be the same thing, except Id be helping Thamnd, it pays better, and Id be helping my partners business.


    Yeah, itd be good training too, Thundar agreed. Without ygon, Id say we wouldnt have the muscle for it, but with the big guy? He nodded at the golem. Wed have a solid chance, if we fight smart. What do you think?


    <em>Iwould like to helpdestroy Thamnds enemies </em>ygon said. <em>Raiding dungeons would be good practise </em>There was a ng as he tapped the iron still covering him. <em>I was notable to stopYantrahpretaye.I needmore skill</em>


    Thats a good attitude. And dont worry, buddy, Ill be getting all that iron off of you soon, Alex said.


    <em>No.</em>


    Wait, what?


    <em>Do not takeall of it off</em> ygon said. <em>I want to leave someas a reminderof what happened</em>


    Alex scratched his chin, peering at the metal. Well, if thats what you want. Ill at least take some of it off so that it <em>looks</em> better. Ill treat it too: I dont think youll be looking your best with a bunch of rusty iron attached to you.


    <em>Thank youfather</em>


    No problem, buddy, no problem The young wizard peered at the golem, already mentally nning which parts of the iron to cut away and which parts to leave for the sake of aesthetics.


    Id like to be rich too, Selina said quietly.


    Alex watched her face, carefully. Why?


    Why not? The young girl looked at her brother like hed asked the most ridiculous question ever uttered by mortal lips. Im not rich like Isolde and Khalik.


    Youre also eleven.


    Almost twelve.


    If Im rich, so are you, Selina. Youre my little sister.


    Her jaw tightened.


    I tell you what, if youe up with an ideathats not dangerousto make yourself some coin, and you really want to do it and it wont interfere with school, then Ill help you all I can. Deal?


    Deal. Selina brightened, squeezing his hand.


    Theresa squeezed his other hand, and winked at Selina.


    Alex turned back to his friends..


    Listen. I think Lucias onto something. With a properwork and proper products? Dungeon core substance? He looked at an open window, gesturing to the city beyond.<strong></strong>Give me a hundred years and Ill own half the city.


    He grinned at Thundar and Theresa. You two will own the other half.


    This is ambitious, Alex, his partner said. And its going to be a lot on you.


    And I have to do it, the Thameish wizard said. Listen, were going up against the church next, and Im not stupidmost of the time, that is. The more we look into the church, the more its likely theyll start looking into us. Into me. I told you about that spy that came to the encampment: I dont think hell be thest, and all itll take for my secret to get out is for some ordained priest to walk past me with a holy symbol in his pocket.


    He held up one finger. One second, and Im gone, its all gone. The best way to counter that? Coin and power. Alex nodded to Khalik. Lets say it was you that was marked, and priests wanted you, do you think Generasi is going to send a prince off like amon criminal?


    It would be war with Tekezash. Khalik nodded approvingly. But, if you are an indispensable cog in Generasis economic machine, they would be reluctant to send you <em>anywhere</em>.


    Exactly, Alex said. So were back to gathering wealth and building power. That sound good?


    Isolde sighed. A part of me will miss the trips to the Hells.


    Is that because youll see Cedric less? Selina asked innocently.


    The young noblewoman turned as red as Cedrics hair. Itrainingit is important to keep ones skills up!


    And the thing about that is, were still going to be training with the Heroes, Thundar assured her. Dont worry, youll still get to spend time with your big hunk of man meat.


    I hate you. I hate you. I hate you all. You sicken me! Isolde cried.


    Just give up, Isolde, Theresa said. You know they have you cornered.


    Hmph!


    Alright, Alex said. Ill tell Lucia we have a deal for a trial period. Its time to make some golems and some more deals. Andlots of coin.


    Hmmmmm, coin. Khaliks eyes shone. You know what urs to me?


    Whats that? Alex asked.


    We did quite well for ourselves in thest Games of Roal, Khalik mused. How well would we do this time? Prize money? Fame? Perhaps the right bets ced by others who are notpetingbut who are also our friends?


    Alex brightened. Now theres an idea I can get behind. Theres one hell of an idea, Khalik.

 Chapter 550: Searching for Inner Power

    Chapter 550: Searching for Inner Power


    Alex wondered where the days had gone. A week ago, he was in the Hells fighting demons, rescuing the Travellers artefact, and meeting her in person. It was a lot to think about. Now, he was back to his life in Generasi with an evolving te of things to do.


    It was odd seeing the new Lucia; knowing how much shed transformed from the sullen sky-gondolier shed been a short year before, to an open, confident, entrepreneur who wanted to partner with him.


    Hed hired a local shipbuilder for an afternoon to give Lucias ship a thorough inspection before signing anything and he was thrilled when the shipwright gave her caravel a ringing endorsement. With that out of the way, he and Lucia had spent the rest of the afternoon discussing details of their ns, and after shed agreed to the trial agreement that Alex had wanted, shed returned to her headquarters in the Rhinean empire, and he had returned to his work at Shales, his tasks with the expedition, preparing the bakery for its grand opening and, of course, school.


    sses wereactually a nice break from everything hed been through recently. At the university, some of his fellow students were moaning and looking ready to w their own faces off as exams loomed on the horizon. The workload was high, with no sign of decreasing. The more advanced the coursework, the more work the professors piled on.


    Professor Jules was taking particr pleasure in designing a project so devilish that Hobb would have been proud.


    Your assignment is to craft a wand, she had said during ab one day. And while this has been a group project in previous years, it will be a solo project this year.


    Groans of misery rippled through the entireb, to which Professor Jules had only rolled her eyes. Dontin, shed said, not hiding her glee. If youve been studying and reviewing yourbsas I have <em>heavily instructed you to</em>then you should be fine. Now, your wand will have to produce the following effects


    Shed then gone through a list of things that the wand was expected to do, as well as a boatload of things that the wand should <em>not</em> be able to do. Crafting the wand would require a lot of precise engineering, and depending on a students fondness for minute detail, most softly muttered about how Jules was inclined toward torturing her students, and about being driven mad by the woman


    but not Alex.


    Hed already crafted a staff, so this wand assignment should be childs y; he was actually looking forward to it, and was expecting to have it finished in a night or two. Then hed have two magic tools: his staff, and the wand to give to a cabal-mateor possibly someone else.


    His magic lore and summoning courses were painless as well, and he was always prepared for ss since It didnt take him long to read the material. Summoning? Well, because he had such a knack for it, he loved that ss. The Travellers power was stronger than everand the edge it gave him had grown. But now, he also felt a connection to Hannah whenever he walked into his summoning ss.


    That magic was almost as natural to him as breathingdespite the Mark. A handful of ssmates kept up with him, but he was squarely one of the top three students in the entire ss, even in the practical part of the course. Something else to thank the Traveller for.


    The Mark had made studying magic lore so simple that at times he was tempted to skip the rest of those lectures. If he didnt show up in person, hed only miss the odd fact that the professor quoted that wasnt in the textbook. But since he could speed read and process information so well when he used the Mark, a few minutes going through supplementary papers in the library would easily fill any gaps, and even give him information that wasnt in the ss materials.


    Of course, an alternative would have been to ask a ssmate to trade notes. Most would have dly given him their lecture notes in exchange for his.


    But, he couldnt skip. His sense of responsibility kept him going to ss; the professors spent a lot of time preparing proper lectures and if Selina saw him skipping ss, shed think it was a good idea, and also, it wasnt like he <em>needed</em>the extra time. These days, sswork was the least time consuming thing in his life.


    A lot of it was spent expanding the bakerys business n, working with Shale, the expedition, or practising the power that was a part of him.


    This evening was dedicated to thetter.


    Night found Alex on the roof of his home, floating cross legged in midair under the power of a flight spell. Many of his practise sessions found him there, and this night was no different.


    For the moment, he was alone: Selina was asleep; Brutus and Theresa were out on a hunt with Thundar and ygon, and the neighbourhood was quiet. An excellent night for the exploration of unknown powers.


    In one hand, Alex clutched the Travellers artefact, feeling her power flow through its inner workings. Its energy would serve as a beacon as he began exploring her legacy.


    Here goes nothing, he took a deep breath, falling into his meditation techniques.


    He disengaged his mind from his surroundings, counting his breaths as he slowly drew in cool, night air, then exhaled. Alex noted the feeling of his clothing against his skin. The pulse of mana through his pool. The scent of newly sprouted herbs in the rooftop potion garden. The sounds of activitying from Shales workshop across the road.


    There were<strong></strong>no thoughts in his mind: he became simply an observer in a sea of sensation, letting the world and all his tiny judgments fall away. His mind stilled, and there was peace.


    For a time, he stayed in that state, letting the sensations wash over him.


    Then he directed his attention, diving inward, searching for Hannahs power within him.


    It was tricky, what he was trying to do, since he only truly felt the Travellers power when he cast teleportation and summoning spells. Lately, though, when he prayed to Hannah, he felt a spark of her energy in his chestbut he had no idea of how to actively find it<strong>.</strong>


    Slowly, he examined his body and soulwhere the power seemed to resideseeking out the teleportation power. He felt his heart beating. He felt himself breathing. He felt his mana coursing through his mana pool and pathways.


    Yet, he couldnt feel what he was seeking; the Travellers power within himself.


    He slowly moved his senses<strong></strong>through his body again, searching for the energy, but finding nothing.


    Alright, time for the next step, Alex whispered, closing his eyes.


    Quietly, he whispered a prayer to the Traveller: Please, guide me to your power.


    There was a spark within his chest as the power coursed through his being. Instantly, he reached for it, trying to grasp the energybut it vanished before he could touch it.


    He reached for it again, unsurprised that a power based on transporting someone from one ce to another in an instant, was difficult to grasp. Again and again he tried, but there was no map to guide him on how, or where to begin, and Hannah hadnt had the time or chance to exin even the beginnings of how her power worked.


    Kelda had used the Mark to master Hannahs power, mastering it even faster than Hannah had been able to, but shed also had one on one instruction from the Traveller herself. A definite advantage. For Alex? It felt like he was trying to learn how to fly when hed never had wings before.


    He didnt even know how to <em>find</em> those wings, in this case.


    But, at least he could cheat.


    After a lot of wasted time fumbling around within himself, he called on the Mark, expecting lots of images of what hed done right.


    But, the images were sparse: the power would re when he said a prayer to the Traveller. And then nothing. Shit, I hardly did anything right, Alex opened his eyes again. Alright, let me try something different.


    This time he tried moving his mana in the direction of his power, while praying to the Traveller. He tried to connect the mana to the power. Yet again, the power proved elusive.


    He called on the Mark once more, looking for guidance. Again, no images came to aid him.


    Whats going on? Alex wondered out loud. The poweres to me when I cast the right spells, but I cant seem to <em>grasp</em> it. Why


    He paused.


    The power sparked, reacting, but he wasnt praying.


    Curious, Alex uncrossed his legs and floated downstairs into his apartment. Silently gliding down the hall, he felt the power within growing in intensity.


    He stopped, pausing down the hall from Selinas room, cocking his ear toward her door; from within came the quiet whisper of a young girl in prayer. He smiled: she must have been praying to the Traveller when the power reacted in his chest.


    Alex wasnt going to stay and listen to his sisters private prayers, so he turned and began floating back upstairs to return to his rooftop perch.


    With power sparking from his sisters prayers, he kept searching long after those sparks faded.


    Huh, he murmured muchter, trying to apply his mana maniption techniques to the power directly. For a breath, he did touch <em>something, </em>but it quickly slipped away.


    Still, he wasnt discouraged. Its a startIm <em>starting</em> to find a wing.


    Calling on the Mark, it began showing him images of what he had done right. Each time he tried using mana maniption techniques on the power directly, the Mark showed him an image of that attempt.


    He was finally on the right roadthough something still troubled him.


    Theres something missing, Alex frowned. Im not doing something <em>quite </em>right. Maybe I need to modify the technique, this isnt mana, after all.


    He nced at the position of the moon, yawning. Well, Ive taken a step forward. And thats good for one night.


    Lowering his head, he uttered another prayer to the Traveller, letting her energy re inside him. He hoped his faith would empower her as she had empowered him.


    He hadnt found the power he was seeking that evening, but he''d taken a few steps forward.


    ###


    The divine servant had spoken in the First Apostles mind, granting him revtion of threats on the horizon, and knowledge that servants of Uldar would being to their aid.


    He had meditated on it for a time, but now he must call on Izas.


    He would need the Third Apostles faith.


    ###


    May my faith be your sour, Third Apostle Izas prayed. May my life be your nectar. May my soul serve you in this life and the next. In Uldars name, I pray.


    The elderly man lifted his head from his sped hands, letting himself fall out of his trance. With a deep breath, he allowed his senses to turn outward once more, bathing himself in the incense and quiet wind chimes within the chapel of Uldar.


    He pushed himself to his feet and it was only then that he noticed a strange change in the rooms shadows.


    Eldin, have you been here long? he asked, turning to find the squat, powerfully built priest kneeling just within the doorway.


    I arrived after your hymn had begun, Third Apostle, Eldin said. I did not see fit to disturb your prayers.


    Thank you for respecting my sacred time with Uldar, Izas lowered his head. How might this humble servant of our god help you?


    The First Apostle has called for you, Eldin said. He wishes to speak to you urgently.


    ###


    As Eldin closed the door in the First Apostles sanctum, Izas was left in the dark. Ahead, he could feel the presence of the most holy member of his church within his alcove.


    Yet he could not see him in the dark.


    Third Apostle Izas, came the First Apostles voice. What are you willing to give to Uldar?


    Everything, the Third Apostle said without hesitation. He fought and sacrificed for us; it is our duty to do so in turn.


    You are utterly convicted in this?


    Yes.


    Swear it on your faith.


    I swear it on my faith.


    Swear it on your name.


    I swear on my name.


    Swear it on your soul.


    I swear it on my soul.


    Swear it on the life of our god.


    Izas startled, looking around the ck alcove in shock. First Apostle! That is sphemy!


    It is not, the First Apostles voice was stern. If you are true of heart and soul, then Uldar will have nothing to fear. There will be no falsehoods in your oath and thus no sphemy. Unless you doubt your faith.


    I do not doubt my faith. I The Third Apostle muttered. I swear it on the life of our god.


    Silence followed.


    Good, the First Apostle said. You were gifted The Third Truth upon gaining<strong></strong>your position. The truth that the cycle must continue. Nowyou are ready for The Second Truth.


    But that is only given to you and the Second Apostle.


    Normally, yes, the First Apostle said. But these are abnormal times. And I have received a revtion from a divine servant.

 Chapter 551: The Parable of Worship

    Chapter 551: The Parable of Worship


    What sort of revtion, First Apostle? Izas asked, unable to hide the thrill within his soul. He had not imagined thattodayhe would grow closer to his god.


    What wondrous secrets would be ced upon his shoulders?


    What holy knowledge would be poured into his mind?


    There are covert enemies that we must seek out, the First Apostle said. And to do this, we must work with servants of Uldar that bear a foul guise. You remember well the Parable of Cullen, do you not?


    Yes, of course, the Third Apostle said.


    Recite it for me. I enjoy hearing Uldars servants speak on our gods holy works.


    Izas lowered his head, drawing upon deeply seated memories from lessons hed had as a boy. Cullen was walking home from the nearby pond, for he fished for his suppers. He was a fine fisherman, but the fisherman must depend on the fish andon that daythe fish did not bite. And so he walked home empty handed and hungry.


    He looked up, imagining a forest path in his mind with Cullen the fisherman walking down it in dejection. And at the nearby crossroads, he came upon a foul man. The man had few teeth. He was dirty. He smelled. And his habits were that of a vermin. And this man asked for aid.


    Izas imagined the foul man with his hands out, grinning through ckened stumps. Most had turned the man away, but Cullen knew that one must help another Thameishman. For we are all Uldars children. But this man tried Cullens patience. He went home with Cullen and insulted his dwelling. He leered at his wife and ignored his children. He made a mess at the table. Altogether, he was a deeply unpleasant guest.


    Izas imagined the beggar defiling the fishermans home. But Cullen met his foulness with the quiet patience of one who waits for fish to bite. He assured his wife that the man might appear foul, but had done no harm, for he had noticed the good the man had done. For while he made a mess, he cleaned his dishes. While insulting the dwelling, he pointed out ws in its construction that might have led its roof to copse in winter. While he ignored the children, he also did not curse them and collected their tes. And so Cullen knew he was a good man.


    He took a breath. That night the moon rose high, and bandits came to Cullens dwelling. Butas the fisherman climbed out of bed to find his speara light arose from the cottage. And who did stride out to meet the bandits? The beggar, transformed into who he really was. Uldar himself.


    Izas smiled like a young child. And with terrible anger, our god smote the bandits and rewarded Cullen for his hospitality by pronouncing that he would find as many fish in his pond as he needed every day until the day of his death. And from this we know that fair and holy things can take on foul guises, and not to be seduced by empty beauty.


    I do love that story, the First Apostles voice was warm. And now you will be tested by the moral of that parable.


    Many of our numbere from pasts most would find foul, Izas said. I am ready for any servant of Uldar.


    Not these, I think, the First Apostles tone was grave. In dire times of the past, we have been called to work with servants of Uldar who wear forms that even we would find foul: the forms of our greatest enemies.


    Izas thought carefully. Do you mean that these servants wear the forms of Ravener-spawn?


    I do, the First Apostle said grimly. And the time for such dire circumstances wille upon us soon, I fear.


    What sort of circumstances? Izas asked. Is it the foreigners? Have their experiments triggered something disastrous?


    I do not know, the First Apostle said. The enemy remains cloaked. But our lords servants will guide us to them.


    Izas fists closed on his robe. What must I do?


    First you are to send some of our agents to a ce called the Cave of the Traveller. They are to inspect it and all goings on there. The Saint of that time came under our suspicion in the past, and it is time to investigate her sanctum. We must see if she plotted against us. You will also send a team to Greymoor, one without priests among them for now. They are to observe the actions of these foreigners and determine if they have be a threat.


    Yes, First Apostle, Izas pledged. I will craft these teams myself. What can I tell them?


    To trust that Uldars servants wear foul forms. That is all I can say, for now, until another revtiones, the First Apostle pronounced. Within theing seasons, the servants will appear before us. Soon, you will meet them and they will guide you to our enemies.


    Yes, I understand, First Apostle. Izas bowed his head. I will be ready for our gods servants, no matter their forms. I will begin building the teams. They will seek out the Cave of the Traveller as you have instructed, and we will again see if our enemies gather in Greymoor.


    Drestrasughter boomed over the moors of Greymoor.


    Alex froze in horror, wondering if the pressures from the Hells had caught up with him and hed cracked. Slowly, he turned, catching the confused and stunned expressions of Cedric, Isolde, ygon, Hart and Theresa. They were looking at the spot where Thundar was teaching the Sage a new illusionary spell.


    The minotaur was chuckling as the Hero of Uldar bent at the waist,ughing so hard that tears were dripping from her draconic eyes. Thundars face straddled the line between amused andpletely bewildered.


    What the hell did he say to her? Alex murmured.


    Ive never seen erugh like that, Cedric added, watching Drestra as though hed seen a ghost.


    Herughing like a maniac is actually more freaky than when she turned into a dragon, Hart agreed, taking arge step away from the Sage and the minotaur as though they were chaos bombs ready to detonate.


    Weve got to find out what he said. Theresa watched, her expression amused.


    As Drestra stood, supporting herself on Thundars arm, something struck Alex like a thunderbolt. He exchanged a look with the huntress, whose eyes had grown wide with her own realisation. She nced at him.


    Weve <em>got</em> to talkter, he mouthed, a sly look on his face.


    Right, then, back tpractise, I suppose, the Chosen said. Now that weve gone an shaved a dozen years off mlife.


    All our lives, Isolde said, turning her attention back to Cedric, while squinting against the sunlight framing him.


    It was a rare sunny morning in Greymoor a few weeks after Alex had returned from Cretalikon. Atst, the Heroes were there to exchange information and train up their skills at the Generasians Research Castle. The ce was a bustle of activity.


    Spring had begun in Thamnd, with winters chill making way for the wet, damp weather heralding the return of life. Icicles thawed on nearby trees, dripping onto mounds of snow shrinking on the moors, melting into the sea of mud that the realm became with theing of spring.


    With winters end, the research expedition had entered a new stage of activity. There would be more teams sent out to harvest dungeon cores, more fortifications and defences built across Greymoor, and more research into new applications for dungeon core substance.


    Time was ticking on Alexs monopoly on dungeon core development, and he nned to take advantage of it before others gained ess. A rush wasing, even if it would only be from the nobles of Thamnd, and those tied to the expeditioning to stake their ims.


    It was a rush he nned to beat.


    Looks like well be gettin a bit of a break. Cedric looked on as a band of heavily armed warriors left to survey the moors for the season. From a distance, Alex could see the tiny form of Ripp among them.


    The swiftling had healed well from his injuries, and was back to his alert self.


    Alex would have to speak to him soon.


    Wit all o yous headin out in big groups now, theres gonna be lots o dungeons smashed before we gots tstep in. Cedric nodded approvingly. We was talkin about it an we think the best thing for us tdo would be tstart goin for the biggest, nastiest dungeons. Old ones with lotsa monsters nstrong cores.


    Yup, Hart agreed, swinging his sword over his head. The man was even faster than when Alexst saw him: he could imagine the Champion of Uldar in a fight against Ezerak, Ripp and Kyembe at the same time, but he couldn''t begin to guess who would win. But, one thing he knew for sure was that itd be a contest for the ages. Well knock out the toughest and leave the easier ones for you. You get more core stuff, were not as worked to the bone, and dungeons still get dead.


    Yes. Drestra stretched her arms; her fingers flexing like ws. Well tear them to pieces, even <em>if</em> theye after us with everything they have. Itll also free us for She gave the others a meaningful look, her voice dropping low. <em>Other</em>tasks.


    Yeah. Alex nced at the column of surveyors. Yeah, and speaking of that. He caught the Heroes eyes. We should chat a bit. Catch up, since theres lots to talk about. We could go out for a bit of a walk into the moors, somece quiet.


    The Heroes caught his meaning.


    Aye, wouldnt mind a nice wee walk through the mud. Spring air always gets msoul happy.


    Mine too, Alex said, touching his chest. And I think that what we have to talk about will make your soul even happier. Either that, or drive you to the afterworld.


    I feel like mbrains about t melt outta mears, Cedric leaned against a tree, squinting up at Alex in disbelief. Secret church


    Not so loud, Hartsrge eyes were scanning the surrounding hills.


    Alex and his friends had taken a walk deep into the moors with the Heroes, far from the Research Castles survey teams and fortifications.


    How can ybe so calm? the Chosens voice dropped to a hiss. Yhear what he just tol us? Secret churchmakin a bloody goddessstrange powersces of ascensionpeoplein back from thdead, its mind-stin.


    Im not calm, Hart grunted. But Im professional.


    Were going to need professional. Drestras crackling voiceughed behind her veil. Because this feels like it just got much trickierbut it also exins some things. When the witches went to war against the church, theyd sometimes hit us quietly and vanish into the night. If they have an entire secret arm


    ...then that would make sense, Thundar added.


    An ya sure we should blookin for the ce where Uldar ascended? Cedric asked Alex. Thats where this secret churchll be?


    Maybe, the young wizard said. But I do know that itll be easier to find Uldars realm if we find the ce where he left the world from. I cant look for it as easily as you can.


    Aye, easilys a bit rtive there, wouldnt ya say? Cedric said. Its still gonna be hard for usthough well definitely do it. We have to.


    And I want to, Anger turned Drestra''s voice hard. If we have the chance to find the head of the snake and cut it off, we should.


    But we might be fighting a god, Hart grunted. If Uldars behind this whole thingand it kinda feels like he isthen he wont be too happy with us. Kinda weird he hasnt already shown up to smite us like he smote those bandits in that fisherman story.


    Well, better we dont give him<strong></strong>the chance to, Theresa said. And well just need to find him when Baelins around.


    Wait, the old goats not about? Cedric asked.


    He''ll be tied up with his cabal for months, Alex said.


    Well, damn, this jus keeps gettin better an better, dont it? the Chosen shook his head. Well, I gotta say, I wouldnt mind rippin a piece outta anyone who set all this up. Theres lots theyve gotta pay for. Even if its Uldar.


    I agree, Drestras voice crackled. This has to stop, and I dont care if our deitys in front of us or behind us.


    The Sage and Chosen nodded at each other, looking at the third member of the Heroes.


    But the Champion didnt say a word. The towering warrior had paused, deep in thought. Then he looked at Alex.


    You said that the Travellers bing a goddess? he asked him.


    Ya. The reasons are hypothetical andplicated, but it seems thats whats happening.


    Shes the one that blessed you and shes the one that fought against all this garbage three hundred years ago.


    His words were less a question and more of a statement, but Alex answered anyway. Yes.


    Good. The Champion stood a little taller, his gaze meeting Alexs. You think shes taking new worshippers?

 Chapter 552: Those That Are Silent and Those That Are Not

    Chapter 552: Those That Are Silent and Those That Are Not


    Silence spread over the surrounding hills, broken on asion by distant birdsong, and a brisk spring wind cutting across Greymoors muddy terrain.


    Whatre yserious? Cedric looked at the Champion like his shoulders had suddenly sprung twelve heads.


    Yeah. Theres probably very few things in my life that Ive been more serious about. The Champion grunted.


    Hope bloomed in Alexs chest. Hells ya, shes taking new worshippers! All along shes been Alrics patron saint, but that didnt stop her from fighting for all of Thamndand a lot of other people too. I dont think shed say no to your prayers, Hart.


    Good. Because shes going to get em. Hart settled his cloak on his shoulders. She got a holy symbol or something I need?


    Cedric stared at him. Youre gonna start worshippin a goddess yjust heard of?


    Hell yeah, Hart said. I worshipped a god that didnt do a thing for me and probably <em>made</em> the war were fighting in. So why not?


    He pointed to Alex. This one says his goddess hands out blessings and tries to fight that god. Let me put it this way, Cedric. Hart looked down at the Chosen. If theres two women at a bar, and one of them ignores and curses you no matter what you do, while the others been buying rounds of drinks for the bar? You would go for the second one, right? Im thinking the same thing applies to deities.


    I Drestra paused. Thatmakes some sense.


    He jus said worshippin deities is the same as pickin up people at a bloody bar! Cedric said.


    Yeah, but hes kinda making sense. Thundar said.


    You <em>would</em> say that. Isolde rolled her eyes. Then again, there is <em>some </em>reason in what he says, even if I do not approve of his example.


    Im certainly not going to argue with you! Alexughed. Hannah would definitely buy drinks for everyone in a bar.Highly rmend. Would worship again.


    Badass, consider me a convert. You said that worshipping her would grow her strength, right? Better to be powering her up than letting my prayers go nowhere. Or to bloody Uldar.


    I cant see myself doing the same, Drestra said. Not now. Maybe in time.


    Aye, stoo much. I mightve stopped prayin tUldar but that dont mean Im gonna start prayin to the next goddess I hear about. Still, sgood knowin <em>someones </em>lookin out for us.


    Yes, Drestra agreed. Thatsforting. Maybe well get some <em>actual</em> divine guidance while were looking for this secret church. And speaking of that She frowned, looking around the moors. We might want to be careful. If they moved against Hannah like you said, then theyll probably start moving against us.


    I was just about to bring that up. Alex nced skyward, keeping his voice low, remembering flocks of innocent looking birds<strong></strong>that<strong></strong>blue annis hags called to spy on Greymoor. If you start poking around and asking questions, then I bet you theyre going to start poking right back. Well have to be a little more subtle with our conversations. He looked toward the hills. Maybe its time we start taking precautions, like moving anything important we need to talk about into the Research Castle.


    We could use the room we tutor Cedric and Drestra in, Isolde suggested. It is quiet and separate from most other rooms in the castle. Wed be safe from prying eyes and ears should anyone unwee steal their way into Greymoor.


    Good idea, Alex said. Well keep our important conversations indoors and secret, but well still practise outdoors. That sound reasonable?


    Aye, sounds fair tme, Cedric said quietly. Searchin for a bloody secret churchll be hard enough as it is, we dont need tbe announcin it: like, hey, guess what everyone? The three of us are searchin for a secret bloody church!


    They might find out anyway, Drestra warned. We will have to see if Merzhin knows anything. She looked to the north. If hell talk to us.


    What do you mean? Theresa asked.


    He never <em>really</em> got along well with the rest of us, Hart said. And us disappearing to train with you every few weeks hasnt been helping. Guys been getting even strangerespecially since we made friends with all of you. Hart looked at Alex and hispanions. Hopefully, hes made some friends too.


    <em>And let your light guide us when we are in the dark. Walk with us when we are alone. May our bonds be strong and may our enemies'' bonds shatter, </em>Merzhin pronounced, channelling his gods divine power.


    Thest dungeon chamber shook around him, dust raining from the cavernous ceiling in the face of Uldars power. Ravener-spawnthat had just been springing on the Generasian and Thameish forces with abandonstopped their attacks.


    Chitterers lost reason, wing at the air, their own bodies, and their fellows.


    <em>Let the weight of the path alone fall upon your heads, </em>Merzhins voice boomed.


    The monsters screeched.


    <em>And let the weight of your loneliness seal your fate. In Uldars name, I pray.</em>


    Merzhins divinity froze Ravener-spawn as still as statues, every muscle tensing like strings pulled too tight. The creatures remained in ce, shuddering, choking, mumbling, until one by one, they imploded.


    Carey stared at the sight from the midst of the column while everyst monster copsed on itself, melting into crumpled bits of flesh. With a single prayer, Uldars enemy was eliminated.


    It was an awesome disy of Merzhins power.


    Of Uldars might.


    Of the god of Thamnds divine majesty.


    And yet, she felt nothing.


    It was as though she wasnt present, like she was far away, watching the battle through a distant lens. As vesuvius roared and bathed the dungeon core in me, she watched the orb of darkness shatter then burn to dust.


    Its my faith thats burning, she thought as cheers of victory erupted around her. With every passing day its crumbling, and the only thing Im left with is dust and ash.


    Her voice was hollow as she raised it in her own cry of victory, shouting her anger at the Ravener, and all the lies shed been told. In her mind, a private prayer began, asking that whoever was responsible for those lies would be given justice.


    But she stopped.


    After all, who was actually listening?


    And now I shall lead us in a prayer of victory, Merzhin called, his body outlined in white light. The Saint spread his hands, calling the Thameish knights and priests to service. We will give thanks to Uldar for our triumph, and beseech him for many more.


    Like children called to sermon, the Thameish gathered around him while the Generasians respectfully moved aside, preparing to get to work harvesting dungeon core remains and monster parts.


    Watcher Hill called them to order as Tyris patted Vesuvius shell and joined the other expedition members as they began their work. For a long while Carey looked between the two groups, then slowly joined the Thameish in their prayer.


    She bowed her head.


    She repeated the words, but could not close her eyes, and could not force her heart<strong></strong>into those words.


    Merzhins eyes fell on her as he led the prayer.


    And they did not leave her for a long time.


    Are you troubled? the Saints voice asked from behind her.


    Carey looked up from the chitterer organs she was collecting; Merzhin was near, his face a mask of concern. Holy light still bled from him, illuminating the cavern in a ten foot circle around his slight form.


    I am a tad troubled, she sighed, cing a spleen in a jar. The Ravener-spawn are an unnerving lot, after all.


    They are gue in both the world and in our thoughts, he said, nodding sagely. Something about his expression grated on her nerves. I understand finding them unholy.


    How unholy can they be if only those who worship Uldar can control them? Carey wondered, biting back the words.


    She turned back to her work. It would be ever so helpful of our god if he would show himself and destroy these foul creatures, as he did when the Ravener first attacked. Many lives would be spared. Carey gave the Saint a pointed look. One sometimes wonders why he doesnt.


    Her voice held more heat than shed intended.


    She looked away again, hoping that Merzhin would leave. Instead, she heard the slender young man approaching with gentle steps. His holy light grew stronger as he knelt beside her, reaching for a chitterers crushed organ.


    Carey was about to snap at him, but caught herself. He was simply trying to help her, after all, andup until recentlyshe had been so much like him. Instead of snapping, she caught his hand with hers. I wouldnt touch that, not without gloves.


    Merzhin stared at the hand touching his, and kept looking at his hand after she let go.


    It took her clearing her throat to get his attention. She held out a pair of gloves. Here, have my spares. They should be of a simr size.


    OhI dont need them, he said, seeming to finallye out of his shock. My divinity cloaks and protects me from contamination.


    But you could contaminate the samples, so if you would be ever so kind, put on the gloves and follow my instructions. Ill tell you what to pick up, she said, forcing some softness into her voice.


    Merzhin stared at the gloves before finally taking them. Carey and the Saint gathered chitterer organs quietly, with Merzhin following her instructions carefully and dutifully.


    As he learned the work, she needed to direct him less and less until the point came where they both could work in silence. For a time, they simply knelt by each other, collecting Ravener-spawn parts and listening to the sounds of the expedition around them.


    Carey found her thoughts finally calming.


    Until Merzhin suddenly spoke.


    Many have asked why Uldar does not return, he said quietly, almost apologetically. But I have learned that Uldars mysteries strengthen faith in him, which strengthens him. And that in turn, strengthens us.


    Carey fought a pulse of outrage. And what if we are in need of him here and now?


    We are his shepherds: the inheritors of his earthly kingdom, Merzhin answered. And it is the shepherds duty to protect the flock from the wolf.


    Her anger grew. And is it the shepherds duty to protect the flock from another farmers hounds? She could not say what she was actually thinking; that the hounds might belong to the very farmer in question, though she so very much wanted to.


    Badly.


    Yes. The hounds are the Ravener-spawn and the other farmer is the Ravener. We must protect the flock either way.


    And what if the hounds belong to the sheep farmer himself? She couldnt bite it back any longer. What then?


    He paused, looking at her in surprise.


    If the sheep farmer doesnte and shoot the hounds with a crossbow, even after they kill the sheep and the shepherds, then hes protecting the beasts, isnt he? She frowned. Its basically the same result.


    Merzhin looked at her for a long time, then sighed. It is understandable, your anger. I have heard many cry out against our circumstances. To them, I always say the same: Uldar watches. He protects us. He grants us Heroes and divinity to save us. He <em>is</em> wielding the crossbow, Carey, just in ways we cannot understand.


    She looked into his eyesso filled with earnest sincerityand in that moment, she could not find it in herself to be angry with him. In the end, he was only using the tools hed been giventhe same tools shed used, until recently.


    The same tools thatif she was honestshe dreadfully missed.


    Suddenly, his eyes went wide. CareyIif I misspoke Something like panic filled his voice.


    It took a tear wetting the ground before her for her to realise that shed started crying.


    Her lips tightened, forming a t line. Iexcuse me. She collected the sample bottles and stood. I should really get these to our forcedisks.


    Before he could say anything else, she walked away.


    Merzhin watched Carey as she rejoined the Generasians, his heart aching. Even in his short life, he had seen others in her exact state: questioning, lost, their faith shaking in the face of lifes cruelty.


    He hated that.


    The world should be kinder, he stood, his holy light shining across the bodies of dead Ravener-spawn. There should be no Ravener. No monsters to gue us. Anyone would search for something to me in times like theseand not everyone has faith as strong as mine.


    He looked up to the dungeons ceiling. I still feel your embrace, Uldar, even in your silence. I pray to you that your lost shepherdCarey Londonregains her faith. I pray that you bless her, for the world is lonely enough without you. And after all


    Merzhin, the Saints, eyes fell on Careys back again. Everyone deserves the blessing of a kind deity, he whispered.


    Carey turned over on the low bunk in her tent, trying to force herself to sleep.


    Every night for as long as she could remember, she had prayed to Uldar. But now the words did nothing for her.


    And it was wreaking havoc on her ability to sleep.


    St. Avelyn of Wrexiff, she whispered, trying to guide her prayers elsewhere. I ask that you bless me and heal my soul. I ask that you protect me and my family


    She paused.


    St. Avelyn was a servant of Uldar but even prayers to <em>him</em> felt hollow.


    Suddenly, she remembered something: a conversation with Alex in the castle, just before the invisible, petrifying Ravener-spawn had attacked the encampment.


    Hed talked of praying to his hometowns patron saintone that the holy books only called the Traveller. Alex had spoken so fondly of her.


    Well, its worth a try, she whispered, closing her eyes. Traveller. Patron Saint of Alric. I pray to you. I ask that you bless me and heal my soul. I ask that you protect me and my family in these dark times. And for all our days.


    She paused.


    Somehowsomehow the words felt significant, like they had weight. Maybe it was her memory of Alexs enthusiasm. Maybe it was something else.


    But for a moment, after her prayer was done?


    She felt warm.


    And that warmth carried her to sleep.


    Alex nearly caught hold of the Travellers power within his soul.


    Hed been struggling with it for half the night when it suddenly red with new life. It startled him, and by the time he reached for it, it had slipped away.


    But, at least, hed touched it.


    Only for a moment, but it was a start.


    And it felt strongereven warmer.


    He smiled to himself, I wonder if Hart was praying.

 Chapter 553: A Demonstration of Growth

    Chapter 553: A Demonstration of Growth


    The end of second year loomed like a titanic hell beast, and the cabal prepared for battle.


    It was ate spring dayuncharacteristically brisk and cloudy in Generasi which found them in the stadium along with scores of other students all bent on a single task: preparing for their practical exams.


    All around, the stadium floor was filled with wizards both young and oldfrom first year to graduate scholl slinging magics at practise dummies, summoned monsters that served as moving targets, and even each other. The battlemages in particr were a rowdy lot, challenging one another to endless mock duels where they unleashed absolute hell.


    They knocked one another around, sted each other to the ground, even drawing blood with spells designed to destroy an enemy.


    And if anyone was watching Alexs cabal, they could have easily mistaken them for battlemages.


    Exceedingly <em>confident </em>battlemages.


    Alex was proud of himself and his mates; he was sure theyd all do well in the uing exams. After all, they found magic lore interesting, but not difficult, credits for the Art of the Wizard in Combat and the research expedition were pretty well assured.


    All they had to focus on were the exams for their individual courses.


    And they would be ready.


    Alex floated in mid-air, hands raised as though he was conducting an ancient ritual. Before him, the ground shimmered in a circle as his lips moved, pronouncing a powerful summoning incantation. The Travellers power red in his chest, reaching across the nes to touch the celestial realms; he felt Hannahs energies grasp a being while it guided him through the Marks interference.


    The spell arraypleted.


    The magic circuit fired.


    And the being was pulled toward the material world.


    The shimmering circle twisted as space copsed on itself, and something<strong></strong>materialised within its confines. Towering and muscr, the celestial appeared bending on one knee, his sword poised before him like a knight making an oath to their king. He was humanoid in shape, with the head of a hound: a hound engeli, as they were called informally.


    With ancient eyes, he looked up at Alex. This marks the seventh time you have summoned me this hour. What is yourmand? Do you have hidden motives? his tone was confused and suspicious.


    There is nomand, as I said thest six times, Alex said lightly. Just trust me, its as I told you earlier: Im just practising andafter Im dheres a bottle of blessed wine waiting for you. Think of it as the start of a rtionship.


    Those ancient, hound-like eyes continued to stare at him with misgivings. Understood. As you will, summoner.


    Alex waved a hand, dismissing the celestial back to his home ne, then he prepared to cast the third tier summoning spell, Summon Hound Engeli, again. He paused for a moment, reaching inside for the Travellers magic, but it had faded when hedpleted the spell. Week by week, hed felt her power growing, and hed felt closer to seizing it with<strong></strong>each day he practised.


    And even though he hadnt been able to take hold of it yet, the growing power was already giving him benefits. Summoning spells were bing easier and faster, promising to be helpful for his uing summoning practical.


    Mangals final test seemed deceptively simple at first, considering it was for a third year summoning course:


    Much of what we have learned together has focused on theory, to prepare you for Binding Contract and Rtional Contract summoning, the professor had said during one of her evening sses in the summoning tower. So remember, it is important to make sure your practical skills remain sharp. As such, during the exam, you will be expected to conjure the most powerful being that you can safely summon through a Subjugation type summoning spell. Then, youll have tomunicate with it in its native tongue and negotiate with it as though you wish to make a pact for service. Then, you must have your summoned beingplete a list of tasks that I will reveal to you at exam time. You will also be required tomunicate <em>precisely</em> how it must go about these duties.


    She gestured to her lips. You will be graded based on the power and type of summoned monster, your pronunciation whenmunicating with it, and your skills in negotiating with it. Keep this in mind, I would advise that you consider conjuring a creature you have conjured in the past, from a ne that has anguage you arefortablemunicating in. Pushing your limits is good, but conjuring an unfamiliar, powerful monster only to fail inmunicating with it, will dreadfully impact your grade.


    At the time, Alex had paid strict attention to her wordshis Wizards Hands taking them down to the letterand hed been nning on ying it safe by conjuring a hell-boar, a creature hed summoned many times before.


    But, as the Travellers power grew inside of him, so did his ambition.


    And how would Professor Mangal react if he reached <em>and</em> mastered a fourth-tier summoning spell by the time her exam came along?


    He aimed to find out, and so hed spent day after day summoning the same hound engeli to build his skills. He wanted to break through to fourth tier and conjure a three-tailed celestial foxwhich was in the same family of celestials as hound engelisfor the exam.


    But, if he failed to get to fourth-tier in time?


    Well, he would <em>still </em>have a powerful third-tier summoned monster to go through the exam with, and practising as much as he was wouldnt be a waste since it would help him reach one of his <em>future</em> summoning goals.


    And looking around, it was clear that he wasnt the only cabal member practising for not only a practical exam, but future trials<strong></strong>as well.


    Thunder boomed as Isolde channelled a potent fourth tier lightning spell. She raised her handsthe incantation tumbling from her lipsa deadly cloud coalesced before her, spitting lightning in all directions, thunder rumbled above.


    The energy around her was charged, like a miniature thunderstorm that flew by hermand, and shot lightning bolts by her will.


    On its own, it was an impressive bit of spellcraft, but Isolde was using other means to make it more lethal. Retrieving a wand of water creationgifted to her by Alex from his alchemy project for Professor Julesshe spoke another incantation and raised one hand high into the air. A driving wall of wind arose, circling on itself in an endless stream.


    A quick flick of her wrist, and water sprayed from the wand, droplets filling the wind until a sizable rainstorm formed.


    Strike, was all she said.


    There came a deafening crack and a blinding sh. Lightning shot from the roiling thunderstorm, striking the churning water and wind. Electricity arced between droplets, bringing an electric wall to life, making the hair on Alexs arms stand from a distance away.


    The disy of power and ingenuity was impressive, yet Isolde only shook her head in displeasure, then dismissed the wall and thundercloud.


    Drestra is faster with her elemental tornadoes, she muttered. And so I must be faster too; this is good enough for the exam, but not for me.


    As she raised her hands to spellcast again, an eagles sharp cry prated the air. Najyah circled high above with wings spread, her piercing gaze tracking Prince Khalik below, his eyes closed in concentration.


    Alex knew that the princes exam involved transforming sand into another mineral and then back again.


    But Khalik had mastered that weeks ago.


    Now, he was learning to flourish with it.


    With a quick word of power, he thrust his hand out, shooting a column of sand from his palm that would have knocked a charging warrior over with its sheer force. Alex felt Khaliks mana shift, suddenly the column changed course, fountaining from Najyahs chest instead of the princes palm, raining down, sting the arena floor with grit.


    Khalik focused again, calling another spell, his mana reached into the column<strong></strong>of sand as his familiar hovered in ce. Like a sculptor, he turned the sand to stone, shaping the falling grit at his will.


    Alex watched the earth mage work, creating something solid with the sand: it bore broad shoulders, bulky arms, and a barrel-like chest.


    Oh for the elements sake! Isolde cried as she realised what he was doing.


    Khalik simply grinned as he finished his spell, thenwith a swipe of his handcut the column.


    On the arena floor, a mound of grit surrounded the sand hed changed into stone; whichwith impable timinghed then used to craft a statue.


    A statue of himselfshirtless, flexing and posinga wide smile on its face. The details were a little crude, but without doubt, it was an amazing disy of timing and precision.


    And now the arena has been beautified! the prince put his hands on his hips,ughing uproariously.


    You do realise, Khalik, that stone will revert back to sand? Isolde asked, shaking her head. It will crumble away just as all disys of arrogance should!


    That means it is too beautiful for this world. The princes eyes twinkled. And so it must fade as a passing sun shower would. Would you like a statue as well?


    Isolde scoffed, unamused.


    However, a cheer came from the stands in a familiar voice: Do not listen to her! It looks wonderful, my mighty oak blossom! Sinope called, the dryad cupping her hands around her mouth as she cheered her partner.


    Khalik watched her, his smile broad and his bow to her theatricalbut Alex noticed something pass over his face briefly. A quick sh of what seemed to be difort, subtle enough that hed only caught it because of his practised reading of peoples bodynguage.


    Was there trouble with them?


    If anything, it seemed theyd grown closer since hed returned from the Hells; they seemed to be together <em>more </em>than ever now.


    So what was going on?


    Maybe


    Yes! Finally! Thundar shouted with pure excitement, drawing Alexs attention.


    The minotaur stood near a practice dummy surrounded by illusionary duplicates. They all circled Thundar, each lookeddifferent. They still resembled themanding young minotaur, though each bore an indistinct, shadowy aspect around their edges.


    In a way, they looked <em>less</em> realistic than before.


    But it wasnt how they looked, but what they were <em>doing</em> that was causing Thundar to celebrate.


    On the ground beside their hooves,y a line of Najyahs feathers that Thundars duplicates had taken turns trying to pick up. Theyd been at it for more than an hour, the feathers kept slipping through illusionary fingers.


    But now, one of them stood, grasping an eagle feather between his fingertips.


    Yeees! Thundar cried. Do you see this? Do you all see this? The shadow substanceits working!


    The minotaurs practical exam in illusion magic involved the infusion of shadow substance into illusionary images, giving them the beginnings of solid form. It was a gateway to some of the deadliest magics avable to an illusionist. Their illusions would feel real to the touch, bear weight to a certain extentand even wound a wizards enemies, as long as the opponent believed the illusions were real.


    The idea of Thundar being able to conjure a small battalion of copies like thosethough they paled inparison to the real minotaurmade Alex shudder. There was no way hed want to face an army of Thundars on any battlefield, especially wielding powers of illusion like that.


    And judging by the looksing from nearby students, neither would they.


    Battlemages in proximity to the cabal mates had actually paused their own practise to watch what they were doing, noting their skill and creativity in spellcraft. Alex recognized faces fromst year''s Games of Roal. Some werent looking toofortable, maybe imagining their ambitions for this years Games flying away.


    Well, go fight for your life against an apocalyptic orb of death and armies of demons, and youd probably be as good as we are, he thought, letting his feet touch the stone.


    He apuded his cabal members. Well done, everybody. I think weve earned ourselves a break.


    Alex gestured to ygon whod been standing nearby, watching the cabal practising. And I have a little present for all of you. But, in return? You get to be myb rats.

 Chapter 554: Planning for a Return to the Games

    Chapter 554: nning for a Return to the Games


    Lab rats? That sounds terribly ominous. Isoldes frown confirmed her misgivings.


    <em>There isnothing to worry about.</em> ygon said, his footsteps thundering across the arena floor. <em>It willbe a treatfor you. probably.</em>


    Ah, the probably word: enough to arouse suspicion, but just vague enough to inspire fear! Khalik said, turning to Isolde and Thundar. Let us get away before Alex dissects us, shall we?


    Vivisects, Isolde said.


    Pardon?


    He will probably dissect us while we are still alive, therefore the correct term would be <em>vivi</em>section, she said.


    You know, I dont think I care much either way, Thundar said. Lets get the hell out of here.


    Oh for the sake of the Traveller, Alex said, feeling a small pulse of power as he invoked her name. Im not <em>that</em> crazy! Its food! Im giving you food!


    Is the food poisoned? Khalik asked.


    Bah! Just sit down before I <em>actually</em> vivisect the three of you! Alex snorted, walking to the stands and flopping down. He shook his head at his grinning friends, I swear, youre all so abusive.


    Oh you give as good as you get, so noining now! Thundar waved a hand dismissively as he sat beside Alex.


    Isolde joined them, followed by Khalik; Sinope scooted down from a bench above and settled beside her mighty oak blossom. The dryad leaned into his shoulder and he smiled down at her, kissing her forehead, all signs of that fleeting expression now gone.


    If shed noticed it, she didnt say, her eyes left Khalik to fall on ygon. I still cant believe how much hes changed, she said, remarking on his new appearance.


    <em>It marksthe battleswe fought,</em> ygons voice boomed, this time taking on the melodious tones of a female vocalist. <em>I amproud of it.</em>


    Even in the grey light<strong></strong>of the day, ygons new look caught the eye.


    For the better part of a week after theyd gotten out of Cretalikon, Alex and ygon had spent hours in the basementb, working on the iron covering the golems body.


    Using heat, a maiser, a rust wand, a bottle of acid and a good measure of time, patience, and Mark-driven skill, Alex had cut most of the metal away, keeping the scraps for future projects. Once hed removed the bulk of it, hed taken to working on what was left on ygon, moulding the iron surface, sculpting and inserting it into the filigree he and Selina had carved into the golems body.


    When he was through, the young wizard had treated the iron with an alchemical polish, giving it a nice sheen and protecting it from rusting. The results were glorious. ygons white marble contrasted with the iron now shining between the mural-like carvings across his body.


    As far as Alex was concerned, hed always been a work of art, but now his shine drew even more attention, highlighting his imposing form.


    But, at this particr moment, shining metal and white marble weren''t what drew everyones attention as ygon approached them. What they were focused on was the basket sitting in the palm of one of his enormous lower hands.


    What is in the basket? Isolde asked.


    Lunch, Alex grinned. Lunch, my littleb rat.


    She gave him a withering look.


    You know, it says something that the contents of that basket are more frightening than our uing exams, Khalik said.


    Hey! Alex said. I feed you all well.


    Yes, but the termb rat is more than a little frightening and suspicious, the prince chuckled, then pursed his lips in thought. You know, all jokes aside, exams do not feel as terrifying as they used to. At this timest year, I remember considering making a deal with the gods to guarantee my sess, but now? Things do not seem so dire.


    Oddly enoughand I am aware that such a thing sounds strangeing from mebut they do not worry me nearly as much, either, Isolde frowned, deep in thought. Yet, the works intensity only rises.


    Yeah, butpared toyknowhaving a different perspective? It makes you think about how circumstances can change perspective. I mean weve fought cultists, Ravener-spawn, even <em>actual demons</em> for a while now. Maybe next to all that? Exams might feel kinda easy, wouldnt they? Alex suggested.


    Speak for yourself, exams still scare the hell out of me, Thundar scoffed.


    Well, these might help you feel better, Alex opened the basket, revealing an entire buffet of baked goods.


    It was a good thing hed invested in a <em>very</em> big basket.


    Spread out on a crisp linen lining,y seemingly endless rows of plump breads, cream filled eirs, fruit tarts, a few dozen meat tarts, and individualyered cakes. A warming disk tucked in a corner of the basket kept the breads toasty like theyd juste out of the oven, and the rest of the goodies were kept fresh with a disk bakers used for cooling.


    The disks were expensive and necessary, butthanks to Thundar, Theresa and ygon sourcing dungeon core substanceAlex had enough coining in from Toraka, with even moreing, once shepleted the sale of the first golem theyd crafted for the market.


    A number of serious buyers had met with her, drooling over the unique golem, and the prestige of owning the first one. Shed actually rubbed her hands together with glee while telling Alex about the potential bidding war that was brewing.


    He wasnt exactly a <em>fan</em> of war, but any war with bidding in front of it, was fine by him. Especially when the bidding was on <em>his</em> goods.


    These look incredible, Sinope said, veritably drooling. Khalik, you need to make fun of Alex less, he brings us ambrosia.


    Do not say that, such words will immediately go to his head and we will have to avoid him for days, Khalik chuckled, taking a pair of eirs and passing one to Sinope. So, when you said that we areb rats...


    You are officially the testers for the Roth Family Bakerys<strong></strong>first<strong></strong>creations, Alex said with delight: hed modelled the bakerys name on how his parents had named the alehouse, and Theresas parents had named their inn. Carrying on the tradition gave him a really good feeling. We n on selling these at our grand opening, so Im canvassing for opinions.


    Ahhhh, now this is someb rat shit I can get behind, Thundar grinned, taking arge butter tart and hunk of warm butter bread.


    Indeed, far more preferable to vivisection. Isolde took a fruit tart.


    She was about to take the first bite when Najyah came screeching from the sky, her beak spread wide in protest. The enormous eaglended beside Alex, ring at him with cold, offended eyes, feathers puffed up like she was totally put out.


    Hold on girl, he said, taking a small meat tart from the basket. Dont act like that, I didnt forget you! He put the tart down in front of her, quickly snatching his hand away and stepping back. Alright everyone, eat up. And that goes for all of you! I want to hear your honest opinions. Trust me, dont worry about offending me. I dont want any of you being nice now, but insincere, because that doesn''t really help, it only makes business tougherter.


    ncing at one another, his friends inhaled the delicious aromas wafting into their nostrils, and bit down in unison.


    Alex clenched his jaw: though he was confident in his baking skills, and more than a year with the Mark growing those skills had helped turn him into a veritable master chef. But, he was still nervous.


    These baked goods were special, and he wondered how theyd be received.


    He held his breath.


    These are so good they should be criminal, Khalik said almost dreamily. My friend, you will make me fat, and then Sinope will leave me and I will have you exe He froze, remembering he was in public. I will execute you. With my fists.


    I would never leave you, my mighty oak blossom. Sionope patted Khaliks side. Besides you are beautiful now, but you would be cute were you fat. She smiled at Alex. These are amazing, by the way.


    Again, that look crossed Khaliks face, then fled in a heartbeat.


    Yeah, I agree with Khalik and Sinope, Thundar echoed, licking his fingers. That was damn good. You keep topping yourself, man. Makes me wish my folks back home cooked like you.


    Indeed, this tart is absolutely delightful, Isolde said. Although, as Thundar said, such things are expected from you. You are an excellent baker.


    Well, I am, but I didnt make these. Alex grinned. Troy did.


    His cabal members looked astonished.


    A chuckle rumbled from ygons voice box. <em>Iwilltell Troyof their reactionhe will beamused.</em>


    Alex looked at his golem with pride; the big guy was starting to have more social interactions with people outside of his little family, making Alex pleased and proud. It was healthy for his mind.


    Wait, Troy made these? Thundar looked at his pastry and the others in the basket in shock. These are great! And hes talented as hell!


    He sure is, Alex said, tapping his right shoulder. And I used a little help to teach him, and worked on a bunch of new recipes to share with him.


    They will serve you well in your bakery, Isolde nodded. Havingpetent staff is crucial to ones sess in many things. Only the elements know how much Hogarth and Svenia have helped me over the course of my university career. Even now, they are off taking care of affairs for me in the city. Good staff are worth their weight in diamonds.


    On that, we agree, Alex said. And hopefully Ill pick up some more people if the grand opening goes well. Ill need someone for the Games of Roal.


    Isolde raised an eyebrow. What do you mean?


    Alex rubbed his hands together. Im nning on setting up a stall at the Games, selling baked goods under my bakerys banner: think of it as a way to make some side-coin, and get lots of advertising. Selinas been helping me design the booth.


    Smart thinking, Khalik said. Are you certain that you will get a booth? Space seemed to be at a premium.


    Baelins putting in a good word for me, Alex said. And apparently the fact that we helped so much against those demonsst year is working in my favour. So, I should be able to get one, no problem.


    Very good, Khalik said, reaching for another eir. He threw a nervous look at his waistline. Speaking of the Games, has everyone given thought to what events theyllpete in? I know for sure I''ll be returning to the Duel by Proxy with Najyah, though I do wonder if thepetition will belight. We are much stronger thanst year, after all.


    Theres always Kybas to worry about, Thundar pointed out. He gave you a <em>big</em> run for your coinst year.


    Ahhhh, but you fail to take one important thing into ount! Khalik wagged his finger at Thundar. Harmless is now much too big for the lightweight division. I think he will be in the middleweight division by now. Stronger monsters there, but Kybas is a good strategist and Harmless has been looking very <em>healthy</em>, let us say. I would be lying if I said I was sad that he is now too big to fight Najyah.


    He smiled at his familiar, who was too busy feasting on pie to pay him any mind.


    <em>I am hoping toenterthe Duel by Proxyagain </em>ygon said. <em>I am strongerand I can thinkso I would love showing my skillsnow that I canexperience it.</em>


    And Im more than willing to let you show off. Alex grinned, patting ygons leg. Youre going to kick so much ass. We all will. I hear Grimlochs doing the Great Water Hunt again, and Id like to do the Great Land Hunt. Raniers going to be too advanced topete again, but his strategy gave me an idea.


    I guess were doing the Grand Melee again, Thundar said. Since we won once, makes sense to have a second go around.


    We would be foolish not to enter, Khalik agreed.


    And of course, there is the Grand Battle, Isolde said. I have mastered fourth-tier spells, and the likelihood of me being able topete again is slim. So, this year shall be my final hurrah.


    And what a hurrah itll be, Alex said slyly, ncing around. He leaned forward, his voice dropping low. Our friend Lucia gave me an idea so Im getting a little help from Kybas: how would you all like to make a little extra coin on the side. Through ways that are most definitely within the rules.


    He paused.


    ...technically.


    Thundar was the first to lean forward.

 Chapter 555: When Enemies are Unaware

    Chapter 555: When Enemies are Unaware


    Sopetitors aren''t allowed to bet, right? Alexs eyes were locked on hispanions, noting their rapt attention.


    Indeed, it is against the rules, Isolde said.


    Betting? Sinope asked, cocking her head to the side. You mean gambling? How is it against the rules?


    Competitors cannotlegallybet on events in which they are participating, Isolde exined. For example, I could have bet on the Duel by Proxyst yearnot that I wouldthough I waspeting in the Grand Battle. But, if I were to bet on the Grand Battle, I would have been disqualified if my actions were discovered.


    Why is that? Sinope asked. <strong></strong>It seems reasonable to put coin on yourself: battle without risk is no battle at all.


    Ah, there are some who say that such activities are against the spirit of sportsmanship, Khalik said, smiling. Of course, those opinions are usually held by folk most likely to make mountains of coin from sport, while keeping their teams, diators andpetitors poor, but surely their positions have no relevance to their opinions.


    Sinope smiled. Of course not.


    Of course not, Khalik echoed with a wink. But in this case, there is some historical precedent for disallowing bets.There was one notorious year where disaster struck because arge number ofpetitors had the brilliant idea of betting on their opponents in various events. Then, they would lose the event on purpose and win arge pool of coin. Apparently, what they were doing was ridiculously obvious, withpetitors stumbling over themselvessometimes literallyto lose fast and decisively. Theycked all subtletyit seems, the princeughed, shaking his head. So, its no surprise that a ban onpetitors betting on their own events was instituted, starting in the following year. These days, such an offence sees one disqualified and banned from future Games for three years.


    Exactly, exactly. Alex smiled. Unless somebody has a <em>friend</em> hold their coin and ce bets for them.


    Oh,e on, the Watchers would <em>have</em> thought of that, wouldnt they? Thundar asked.


    Oh, they did, but its very hard to police, Alex said. Usually people get caught because one person decides to keep all the coin, so the others get mad and turn their <em>friend </em>in to the Watchers. Another way is if a strange or obvious pattern shows up in the betting.


    The young man shrugged. No one can stop a friend from betting on their friends sess, but lets say Isolde bets on someone beating me and ygon in the Duel by Proxy and then we lose, in spite of beingst years champions. And then that happens in another event. And another. People would start asking questions.


    But if I bet on you winning your event, its just one friend getting involved with another friends events. Its part of the fun! Thundar suggested.


    You got it. Alex tapped the side of his nose. Which is whythe other dayI went to say hi to Kybas.


    And Kybas is someone we trust, yet he will not bepeting in any of our team events. Khalik smiled broadly.


    <em>Exactly</em>. And he was <em>very</em> enthusiastic about borrowing some coin from his friends, and then passing that borrowed coin back to said friends after the bets turn out to be winners<strong>,</strong> Alex said excitedly. Im not one to gamble, but were strong, were going to try our hardest to win our events, right? So, why not get a little extra reward for us?


    Because gambling is a foul habit that leads to addiction and ruin, Isolde said.


    Not if you just do it once. Thundar rubbed his chin. Ive been putting away the coin Alexs been paying us for dungeon core hunting: Im not the kinda guy thats gonna waste all his winnings in ten minutes, and then go back to the betting pool looking for more.


    My grandfather says that gamblers do not gamble for the coin, they do it for the thrill. That is where the deadliness of addiction lies, Isolde warned.


    Look, I get enough thrills fighting for my life every other week against demons and monsters. Thundar shrugged. Dont think Im gonna need more from the betting grounds, Isolde.


    Yeah, its just going to be for a bit of a financial windfall, and then were done, Alex said. Okay, well maybe a <em>big</em>financial windfall.


    That is what they all say, Isolde sniffed. Count me out.


    Alex shrugged, looking at the others. Are all of you in?


    Yes, Khalik, Sinope and Thundar said in unison.


    Isolde made a noise of disgust. Then I hope we all lose.


    You are not embracing team spirit. Khalik rolled his eyes. So what will Kybas get out of this?


    Alex held up two fingers. Two things. First, we give him a small cut of our winnings, and amission whether we win or lose. Second, we take <em>his</em> money and bet it for him. Then were all good to go.


    Sounds like a win-win situation to me. Thundar rubbed his hands together. Ie to Generasi and meet two rich friends, then the third one gets rich too. Looks like now its my turn to shine.


    Exactly, exactly, Alex said. Same here: between this and the bakerys grand opening, things are looking prosperous.


    Right, about thatAlex, youre not really hard up for the coin, right? From the bakery or the Games? I mean, ygon, Brutus, Theresa and me have been getting you dungeon core substance. Aint that <em>more</em> than enough coin for you? Is it because you still need to make back all you spent on the hells trip?


    Actually, Ive made almost all of that back, and when Toraka lines up more buyers for our golems? Alex exined. Ill have a ton of gold to throw around, but Ill still need every coin I can get my hands on to do what I promised to do for Lucias shippingpany: funds going in now will get me a lot moreter.


    Alright, so I could see that justifying betting The minotaur scratched his head. But why open the bakery? I mean, youre gonna make a hell of a lot more making alchemical shit than youre ever gonna make slinging bread and pastries, even if they are super tasty.


    Oh that? Alex grinned, his eyes shining with malice. Part of that is about the principle of the matter.


    And what principle would that be? Isolde groaned.


    Hehehe, listen. Every night that I work on the bakery, I go to bed, pray to the Traveller, lie down and then you know what I do? I imagine the look on McHarris face when I build myself an empire that could buy his little shop a hundred times over. No, a <em>thousand</em> times over. And Ill do it with the skills <em>he</em> prides himself on having.


    McHarriOh, I think I remember this man, Sinope said. He was your old boss from your home country, wasnt he?


    Exactly, and Im going to <em>destroy</em> him at his own game. Alex chuckled darkly, imagining his former boss, writhing in defeat.


    Isolde frowned. Alex, you do realise that this man is likely in the Rhinean Empire, praying to Uldar that his bakery still stands at the end of the war. He will not even know that you are doing any of this.


    Until I show him one day! Alexsughter erupted, attracting attention from students nearby. Ill be able to <em>teleport</em>Isolde. I can drag him acrossnd and sea to <em>show him</em> what Ive done. And <em>then</em> hell know real despair!


    But will he even care? By the elements, Alex, this feels at least slightly unhinged.


    Theresa and Selina told me that too. But whats a little unhinging in the face of some good old, delicious, vengeance. You got your revenge on Derek, you should understand.


    She blushed slightly. True, I can well understand obsessing over such thoughts, even if they dock rationality. And in the end, running a sessful business will benefit you. It just seemswell, it does not seem to be a fair contest, does it? This man is a simple baker,pletely unaware that youa wizardare plotting to shake him to his very foundation.


    Well, thats the best part, isnt it? Alex drew himself up to his full height. He puffed out his chest and tried to mimic Baelins deep, ancient voice. After all, A Proper Wizard can gain great advantage if their enemies are not even aware that they are there.


    ###


    The tower rose on a lonely hill within the moors.


    Below it, dozens of wizards, engineers andbourers gathered, swarming over the muck like bees building their hive. It waste evening, folk were tired. Many wished to go home. Many bellies rumbled. But the outpost, while close topletion, needed one final push to finish it.


    And so they werepleting the work in the dying light of day, while guards watched the hills around them. Watchers and mercenariesincluding Ripppaced the hillsides, alert for any movement from the surrounding grounds.


    They remembered spying birds well, and so they turned suspicious eyes toward birds above; no one could forget the tale of the blue annis hags watching them in secret for months. Now every animal was suspect if they lingered too long.


    And so Ripp watched a herd of deer in the distance, chomping on new shoots springing from wet earth. The herds had appeared in droves this spring, wary of the Generasians, but drawn by theck of other predators, as most had been driven away by the survey teamsst year.


    An absence of carnivores, along with an abundance of new, green growth had brought several herds in force, and the expedition team were treated to nature''s disy of fawns, does and bucks feasting after a cold, sparse winter.


    But deer were not the only creatures drawn this spring.


    Their presence had brought other things<strong>.</strong>


    Ripp had been watching the herd<strong></strong>for hours as they drifted along the moors, and hed noted a tension among their number that seemed to cover all of them. They moved quickly, often ncing over their shoulders, grazing only briefly before checking the surrounding terrain.


    Their skittish behaviour had then set the swiftling on guard, so hed warned the other mercenaries: in his day hed hunted enough deer to recognise how the animals acted when a predator was on their trail.


    Come on, show yourself, ya sneaky bastard, Ripp muttered, his sharp eyes scanning the hills. If it was merely a beast, then there was little to worry about. If it was a wild monster or Ravener-spawn, though


    Suddenly, he caught eyes shing in the early evening light, and a buck raised his head.


    The deer stilled.


    There came an explosion of movement.


    The herd was running now, panic spreading, spurring them into motion. Guards gathered around Ripp, workers paused, watching themotion.


    The source soon became apparent.


    Eyes were revealed first, gleaming in the evening light. Then lean, loping forms. Then shining teeth.


    Wolves hade to Greymoor, chasing herds that were there looking for an easy feast. And now the safe terrain proved to be the preys undoing. As panicked deer sprinted away, their hooves sank into Greymoors thick mud, slowing their escape.


    But wolf paws were broad, letting them glide over snow, ice orindeedmud. As the herd sought to flee, fighting through muck, an old doe struggled, quickly growing exhausted.


    She stumbled once.


    The wolves closed in.


    She stumbled twice.


    The wolves closed in.


    And then they were on her. The kill was mercifully short, as far as wolves went, and Ripp sighed in relief as the pack circled their meal. It wasnt a very big packperhaps no more than sevenand they were lean, likely from the hard winter.


    Well, alls well that ends well, a mercenary said from nearby. Circle of life and all that.


    Aye, Ripp agreed, turning away. Let them eat.


    The lupine creatures were too busy pulling their kill away from the outpostsome already tearing at itto pay the guards much heed. They seemed no more than natural predators, having gotten lucky.


    Yet, as the expeditions attention turned from them, some of their number looked up, eyes glowing in the failing light. To a casual observer, it looked like they were making sure the mortals were not going to challenge them for their food.


    But, a few of the pack turned their gaze away from the outpost, noting the next one perched on a hilltop no more than a mile away. And beyond that, another. And another.


    They did not watch the outposts for long though, instead, their muzzles returned to their kill, gorging their lean bodies on steaming meat. Hours passed as they feasted as any wolf would, long after those raising the tower had gone, and the night patrols had begun making their way through Greymoor.


    Watchersflying above the hills-inspected the pack as they flew by, the wolves flinched, drawing away as wolves would.


    And so the Generasians moved on.


    Atst, the lupine beasts were alone.


    They looked at each other, something passing between them.


    Then the creatures turned, bounding over the moors. For miles, they loped through muck and spring growth until they reached the borders of Greymoor. From there, they sprang into the forest, loping deep into the woods, drawing further away from the wizards prying eyes.


    Atst, they were deep in the woodwhere the canopy was so thick that there was little light belowtheir pace slowed, trotting between tree trunks until they reached a clearing.


    In that clearing sat a boulder smoothed by time, seeming as though it had been there since Uldar walked Thameish soil. The beasts dropped to their haunches at the base of the boulder, forming a perfect half circle, watching the rock


    it began to shimmer.


    A squat, solid form emerged; the priest Eldin stepped into the night air, standing atop the boulder and looking down upon the pack.


    Speak, he said. Tell me what you have seen.


    And the wolves forms began to shimmer.

 Chapter 556: Canine Operatives

    Chapter 556: Canine Operatives


    Canine forms shimmered, preparing to transform.


    Solid shapes rippled like a pond''s surface on a windswept day. Wolven bodies yielded their shape. Snouts copsed. Long fur ttened, twisting together, weaving into dark cloth.


    Hair of varied textures and colours appeared on mortal forms.


    Where seven grey wolves once sat on lean haunchesseven mortals now kneeled before the stone, heads bowed in deference to the imposing priest.


    The woman in the centre of the half-circle slowly looked up, grey eyes meeting the clear ones of hermander. Their defences strengthen, Holy Eldin. At present, it appears they are erecting awork of towers and increasing their patrols,mander. We were still able to blend with the native environment by assuming the bodies of wolves, but by doing so, we killed and consumed raw flesh. She did not flinch at the confession.


    Your sacrifices will be rewarded, Eldin sped his hands before him. Did you hear anything else? It has been weeks since we arrived.


    The Generasians are cautious, the spies leader said grimly. It will be difficult to avoid being noticed forever, and their forces rarely leave Greymoor by road. She drew a line across the soil. It is not often that their expeditions leave the castle by travelling ovend. They mostly use the fae roads and underground tunnels. So, what little we overhear of their conversations has not revealed much. They seem to have escted their hunts for samples and have been returning to their base with more dungeon core remains and monster partstely.


    I see. Eldin stilled, his head lowering, deep in thought. Have you seen any signs of hostility? Any mustering of forces for an attack on us?


    The spy leader shook her head. None, Holy Commander. They turn inward, tending their own affairs and nning raids on dungeons. That seems to be all they are doing, but these wizards also seem adept at hiding their activities. We cannot know the full extent of their will for now.


    Then we must gather more information while we canbut change our strategy. Eldin squinted at the tree canopy for a moment. A small animal scurried through the branches, unseen. He heard movement, but could not find it. If we cannot learn their motivations here, then we must learn them from elsewhere. We will start observing the teams that hunt dungeons.


    He looked back down, pointing to two spies furthest to the right. You will go north to our Third Encampment. Tell Sn to send an agent to join the Heroes party: they have been growing closer to these Generasians, and may have heard something, even if they do not realise its import. I wish for our agent to stay with the Heroes party even when the Holy Chosen, Holy Champion and Holy Sage are here in Greymoor. Perhaps the Holy Saint, when alone, will be able to shed light on the mysteries before us.


    Yes, Holy Commander. The two spies bowed their heads.


    As for the rest of you. Eldins clear eyes fixed on the other agents. I want your focus firmly on the Heroes and their activities when they are in Greymoor. Note who they interact with in this expedition and how.


    Yes, Holy Commander, the spies said, taking holy tonics from pouches on their belts. As one, they drank, closing their eyes while divinity cloaked them.


    Just as Uldar had taken forms that were not his own, the holy tonic warped the spies'' own bodies, changing them once more. It was not a wolfs shape that took them this time. Instead, foreheads rippled, antlers sprang from transforming skulls. Fingers and toes fused, forming hooves. Smooth coats of tawny fur covered them.


    When the spies transformation wasplete, seven deer stood before themanding priest looking down upon them. Gracefully, their long necks inclined toward him, then they turned and bounded from the clearing. Five trotted toward Greymoor, and two turned north, making for the Third Encampment.


    As their hoofbeats faded, Eldin stood on his rock, reflecting for a time. He turned to silent prayer.


    Give me guidance, holy father. Clear my eyes so that I may see <em>your</em> enemies, as you cleared them so I might see <em>my </em>foes for so many years, he thought.


    Silence answered though he listened closely, hearing only the rustle of trees around him. Suddenly, the wind picked up, and the forests whispers grew to a creaking groan as though the woods were speaking.


    After a minute or two, the wind died.


    And Eldin knew Uldar had spoken.


    It was his gods way of speaking, using the subtle sounds of nature, and the groaning of hisnd.


    By your will, he whispered, closing his eyes and letting his favourite miracle fall over his body.


    His form shifted, he felt it sinking into the rock, bing one with the cold, hard, unyielding stone. It gave himfort, as it always had, and always would.


    Soon, the stone reached his shoulders.


    Then his neck.


    Then it covered the crown of his head, he became one with it. Eldin let himself glide through the earth below, adjusting his form each time he encountered pockets of minerals and various elements in the soil.


    The priest knew it would be a long time before he could rest.


    His own tasks awaited first.


    All around the stone, the forest was silent, save for the wind. The breeze slowly brushed the canopy, making the forest whisper. At times, the gentle breeze would gust, changing those whispers to a creaking groan, sounding like the entire wood was speaking in one strong voice.


    After a time, the breeze would naturally die away, leaving only familiar forest sounds in their wake. Above the clearing, there came a sound from the canopy, like a small animal moving through the branches, unseen.


    At least, thats what it seemed like, at first.


    If one knew the old ways of the woodsthe oldest waysthey might have known that there was something different about the noise. It was far too rhythmic to be the random scampering of a squirrel or chipmunk, though the sound tried to disguise itself as such.


    <em>If </em>one knew the old ways, they might have realisedif their mind wasnt distracted by other thingsthat there was an odd undertone to the sound. Metalliclike the chiming of bells.


    And if one who knew the old ways had listened just long enough, they might have noticed something else: that there were strangely few animals about, like they were hiding from some unseen predator.


    Those things might have been enough to allow one to pierce the auditory illusion.


    There was no squirrel, chipmunk, or other small animal in the canopy above the clearing. Instead, a short figure sat astride a branch. Mistletoe, blood-red holly, and more Sigmus nts were braided throughout his snow-white beard and scarlet clothing. A satchelbursting with shining golden scrollshung from his side.


    He had an otherworldly cast to his skin, like frostbite mingled with blueberry stains. His faded grey eyes were alive with mirth.


    Well, well, said the fae known as the Guide, who some called the Stalker. Isnt this a curious feast thats cooking,


    The end of Alexs second year came before he knew it.


    Exams hade and gone, leaving behind new hopes and shattered dreams for the students of Generasi. Most importantly, though, it meant the beginning of the summer break for exhausted schrs, both student and professor alike.


    Of course, for one student named Alex Roth, there was little rest.


    This morning found him on the roof, as was his habittely, trying to control the Travellers power. He felt it even more nowa warmth hidden deep in his chestin a way that he hadnt been able to feel it when hed first returned from Cretalikon. But it was still distant, like a candle flickering across the room on a cold winters night.


    He reached for that warmth, concentrating, wanting to hold it.


    He dove deep within, using a new modified mana maniption technique that hed slowly developed to helptch on to the Travellers magic within his soul.


    The Mark had saved him months of work modifying the technique, which had given him a tool to better attack the problem of trying to grasp the elusive power. Yet, it still kept slipping away. Whenever he reached for it, it seemed to fade away.


    Alex sighed. Youre not going to make this easy for me, are you?


    Of course, the power didnt answer, staying out of reach, but remaining a quiet warmth in his chest and soul.


    Perhaps if he made it re, he might get a better hold on it.


    Raising his hands, he began chanting an incantation, one hed recently taught himself. The power bloomed in his soul, seizing the spell and helping him despite the Marks interference. The barrage of failures the Mark seemed to love inflicting felt almost trivial against the warm, kind presence of the Travellers power, as it grew warmer and warmer while the spell reached across the nes, touching a now familiar presence.


    Come on,e to me, he whispered, speaking a name in a celestial tongue.


    A being rushed to him, drawn across the nes by the spell and the Travellers power.


    The air in the summoning circle wavered, then abruptly tore apart, pealing like a ringing bell, announcing a graceful creature of red and gold. It was long and lean, with sleek fur covering its body, and sapphire eyes bright with ancient wisdom and mischief. It licked its long snout, stretching on ck paws, three tails waving behind a vulpine body.


    A three-tailed celestial fox stood before him: the very first creature Alex had called forth using a fourth-tier summoning spell.


    His smile spread wide, weing the beautiful creature, recalling Professor Mangals face when hed first summoned it in herb. There had been at least a full five seconds where shed only stared at the fox in shock before recovering her wits enough to tell him to proceed.


    Hed thenmunicated with the engelias he had many times in the Cells before the summoning examswitching between five dialects of celestial tongues to show mastery of thenguage.


    Mangal then handed him an instruction sheet, and being very specifiched exined the task he wanted his new vulpine friend to perform: find several marbles hidden throughout the chamber and arrange them in a specific pattern in the centre of the room. The professor had seemed like she was trying to stay neutral by keeping all emotion off her face, but in the end, shed lost the battle and broke into a delighted grin that stayed with her for the rest of the exam.


    Alex received top marks on his summoning practical, giving him a new summons, and a clean sweep of his final exams. A grand way to end second year.


    And thankfully, he wasnt alone.


    His friends had crushed their practical and theory-based exams, appearing among the top five students in every one of their sses.


    Thundar, in particr, had imed the top spot in his illusion ss: an achievement hed seemed almost embarrassed about.


    Jeez, look at that, hed scratched his head, squinting at the board. Hardly feel like I deserve it: I could have sworn Id do a lot worsemaybe even fail.


    Thundar Isolde had said sadly. There wille a day when you stop underestimating your own intelligence, proficiency as a schr and your skill in the wizardly arts. And on that day, every tree in the world will wither, the ocean will turn yellow, and the sun will explode.


    The minotaur had snorted. Now Im gonna have to prove you wrong, and youre gonna be responsible for the sun exploding.


    Alex looked up at the blue sky, noting the morning sun climbing over the horizon. So far, it hadnt exploded and thankfully, it looked like it was going to be a beautiful, sunny day.


    Which was a very good thing, since today was a most <em>important</em> day.


    Alex? the celestial fox asked, cocking her head to one side. Are you summoning me for practise again?


    Yes, Alex said. You dont have to do anything at all.


    Those are the best summonings, she said in a warm voice, stretching her body andying down in the circle. As she was about to close her eyes, she nced at him curiously. Did something good happen? I sense warm feelingsing from you.


    Well, its a big day today, after all he began.


    He heard the front doorbell ring, which meant Troy was announcing his arrival before letting himself in with his key.


    The young wizard took a deep breath.


    Despite how easy his exams had been, a greater test was about to begin.


    For today?


    Today was the grand opening of the Roth Family Bakery.

 Chapter 557: The Grand Opening

    Chapter 557: The Grand Opening


    A loud gasp reached Alex from downstairs, sending him into action. He waved a hand, dismissing the celestial fox and using a flight spell, shot toward the sound.


    In the bakerys dining area, he found Troy and his wife rooted in ce, looking like some monster had leapt from the shadows and now loomed over them in the early morning light. ygon stood in the centre of the room, towering above them like an old oak, his head swivelling toward Alex. <em>Goodmorningfather.</em>


    Well, hello to you too the young wizard murmured in surprise, taking in the room.


    Overnight, the dining area had transformed.


    Every chair and table was ready for customerseach freshly polished, shining in the early morning light pouring through the bakerys windows. The floor sparkled from a fresh scrubbing, and disy cases below the counter were gleaming, free of dust and fingerprints.


    Alex looked up at ygon. Did you do all thisst night?


    <em>Iwasexcitedfor the day,</em> the golem said. <em>AndI have no need for sleep, so it waseasy. the outdoor eating area is also ready for diners.</em>


    The young wizard took a look out the front windows: the chairs and tables theyd stacked beside the doorst night were now in front of the bakery, waiting for customers who preferred a meal outdoors while enjoying what promised to be a lovely sunny day.


    By the Traveller, ygon, thank you. He floated up to his golem, patting him on the shoulder.


    Yeah, you have my thanks too. Troy wiped a finger along a tabletop. You really saved us a lot of time this morning by taking care of everything like you did.


    <em>What cost me nothing would haveleft you tired andcost you timeit is nothing.</em> ygon said, his voice its usual rumbling self.


    Well, youll still get gratitude from me, LorraineTroys wifesaid. Well be able to get the stoves and ovens roaring and our cooking started a lot faster with all those extra chores out of the way.


    Yeah. Alex looked at the couple. How are you two feeling?


    Troy blew out a breath of air, his cheeks puffing up. Well, to be honest, I feel a little wild around the edges, boss. If you told me at the start of the year that Id be standing in this bakerynot a sliver of vermin aroundwith proper ingredients waiting in the kitchen and a spring in my step, I would haveughed at you while wondering if you were a madman. It feels like Im in a dream that Im afraid is gonna end. Gods, for nights now Ive been having nightmares about something going wrong.


    And thats why Im here to help out on your big day. Lorraine squeezed Troys arm. Youll all be fine: I tell you true, I havent seen Troy this happy and confident since Beerensteyn Senior was still with us, may the gods see him rest in the afterworld.


    Oh, Lorraine, you dont have to say that much. Troy said, blushing. How about you boss, howre you feeling this morning?


    Oh, steady as a rock, of course, Alex said, raising a hand to make his point.


    The hand was shaking like a trembling leaf in a windstorm.


    Oh boy, Troy flinched, then burst outughing when he saw Alexs smile.


    The young wizards hand abruptly stopped shaking. You know, I <em>am</em> nervous, no question about it, but I know we can do this. Beerensteyn Jr. did a lot of damage to this ces reputation, so I dont expect were going to get everyone in the city at our front door today, but all Im looking for is a start: just that little seed to get word out.


    Yeah, thats healthy, Troy said. AndOh, morning!


    The baker was looking up the stairs when Alex heard wood creak. Theresa, Selina and Brutus were on their way down, gawking at the inviting-looking eating area.


    Imorning, Troy, Lorrainewe <em>were</em>ing to help set things up, but Theresa stared at the room while Brutus bounded down thest few steps and began sniffing the floor. looks like all our work is done.


    <em>I had timedo not worry,</em> ygon said.


    Aw, thank you, ygon. Youre the best. Selina ran up to the golem, wrapping her arms around one of his stone legs.


    Yeah, he really is. Alex floated over to Theresa, greeting her with a morning kiss. Thanks for volunteering to help out today. You too, Selina.


    I wouldnt miss this for anything. His sister grinned. A lot of my friends said theyd being, and I want to show off the Roth Family Bakery.


    Alex burst outughing. You really <em>are</em> my sister. He looked at his family with pride, hardly believing what was happening. It seemed strange, but he almost felt more nervous than he had in Cretalikon fighting demons, or even negotiating with Toraka.


    The stakes were lower today: even if he failed to sell a single loaf of bread, his ie was secure and there wasnt any threat of him being torn limb from limb by raging monsters.


    And yet, in some ways, it felt more important, more personal.


    And that was enough for him to give the bakery his all and see it seed.


    Alright, everyone, now that were all here, I just wanted to say something before we got started. Thank you. Thank you for helping out today and for all the time youve been pitching in thesest few months. The clean up, the baking, the recipe testingall of that is going to bear fruit today. I know it will. All we need is one final push. Alex squared his shoulders. And I believe we can do it. If anyone has any questions or needs help, juste to me and Ill try and solve any thing thates up. So, roll call time: does everyone know what theyre doing? Troy?


    Aye aye, boss, Ill be in the back keeping the goodies flowing. Troy saluted Alex as though he was his captain.


    Perfect. Lorraine? Alex turned to Troys wife.


    Ill be Troys helper in the kitchen for the dayearning the pay that you <em>insisted</em> I takeand Ill also take orders at the counter, and take food to tables, and do anything else that needs doing.


    Perfect. And listen, Lorraine, I know you offered to be here because you wanted to help Troy, but Im not the kind of man whos going to take advantage of that. Simple rule: you work for me? You deserve to get paid. Unless youre family. Im more than willing to take advantage of family. He grinned at Theresa, Selina and ygon, chuckling as the two young women rolled their eyes. What about you, Selina?


    I Selina started.


    Wheres your salute?


    Ill salute you alright, she shook her fist at him.


    Alright, alright! Alex chuckled.


    Ill be outside offering people free samples, she said.


    Ill be doing the same, Theresa said.


    <em>Aswill I</em> ygon echoed.


    Good, and I will be holding down the counter and serving customers, Alex said. Then, since we all know our roles. He saluted everyone as though he was in the Thameish army. Alright, folks. Its time. Theresa? Selina? Get some breakfast and then, its showtime. May the Traveller guide us and bring us good fortune on this special day. Lets go.


    Together, the employees and family of the Roth Family Bakery sprang into action.


    Troy, Lorraine, and Alex headed into the kitchen, fetching supplies they kept cool in a preservation chamber, and got to baking. The kitchen was soon a storm of flour, Wizards Hands, butter and me, as they transformed dough, cream, custard, meat and fruit, into a variety of warm, sulent breads, pastries and pies.


    These were the recipes that Alexs friends had given thumbs up to, approving them for a hungry and curious public.


    As Alex worked alongside Troy, he rarely had to call on the Mark for help. The experienced baker could stand on his own, and since Lorraine knew him so well, she usually anticipated what he needed before he could even ask for it. Everything was moving along fine. Alex knew things would be in good hands with the couple staffing the ovens.


    Troy paused for a moment, watching as Alex juggled five dishes at a time, mixing sugar and cream in one bowl, while Wizards Hands added yeast to warm water, whipped custard in another bowl, ground dried and candied fruit, and put baking sheets in one of the ovens.


    The older man shook his head. You know, sometimes I forget that youre actually as young as you are. The way you move around a kitchenit seems like youve been baking twice as long as youve been alive.


    Alexusing the Mark even now to streamline his baking processwinked at Troy. Lets just say I know how topact a <em>lot</em> of life experience into a small amount of time. Living in the moment, and all that.


    If you say so, boss. Troy carried cookies to the disy cases for Lorraine and him to put on silver trays.


    Soon, Brutus came bounding back downstairs, licking stray bits of food from his chops, while a well-fed Theresa and Selina followed close behind. They were dressed and ready to hand out samples to passersby.


    Remember, these arent for you, Alex warned his little sister, watching herself closely. So control yourself.


    Selina smiled sweetly. Is it really me you should be watching, big brother? she asked innocently.


    Whatre you talking abou<em>Theresa!</em> he gasped, catching his girlfriend stuffing a cookie in her mouth. Come on, we havent even started yet.


    That''s for that crack about exploiting family, she said, swallowing, then sticking her tongue out at him. Im getting paid one way or another.


    Ugh, what did I do to deserve such a treacherous<em>little sister?</em> He heard a suspicious crunch, whirling as a walnut tart disappeared into Selinas mouth. What the hells?


    Im getting paid too, she grinned, showing off a mouth full of mashed up tart.


    Ugggggh, he groaned, handing four trays of baked goods to ygon.


    <em>Do not worry fatherI wont eat your stock </em>he said.


    Yeah, see! Alex gestured to his golem. Now <em>this</em> is a proper family memWait, ygon, you <em>cant</em> eat.


    <em>And even if I could, I wouldnt take even a morsel off these trays</em> the golems voice sounded like a heroic, young knights.


    Aha, and you see,Theresa and Selinathats why ygon is my favouri


    <em>Probably.</em>


    Eh?


    <em>Iprobably wouldnt eat any of your stockfather.</em> The golems voice shifted to that of a mischievous little boy.


    Traitors! Alex cried, throwing his hands up. Traitors, all of you! Out! Out!


    He ushered theughing Theresa, Selina and ygon through the front door, holding it open as Brutus loped after them. And stop eating my stock!


    Shaking his head, he closed the door and took a final look around the dining area. Lots of food was on disy. Tables and chairs were ready. Free samples were outside, and Troy and Lorraine were cooking up a delicious smelling storm.


    Alright, here goes nothing.


    Alex walked to the sign in the window, slowly flipping it so the open side faced the street. Outside, Grand Opening signs disying the menu and prices, stood near the door.


    Hed use the Markalong with Selinas creative talentsto create signs that were inviting, and bore images of steaming goodies atpetitive prices. Too high, and passersby would haveughed in his face. Too low, and most would wonder if something was wrong with the food, especially with the unsavoury reputation the bakery had when Beerensteyn junior owned it.<strong></strong>Doing anything that man had done would have been the perfect way to kill a brand new food business in one day.


    And so the prices Alex offered were a little lower than hispetitors, which he could afford since his general costs were lower; his ingredients were premium, making for the finest treats, everyone received a discount on opening day, which built a sense of exclusivity and excitement designed to bring customers through the door.


    Hopefully, thatll be enough, he whispered as he stepped behind the counter.


    Outside, he could already hear the bustle of people heading for work, looking for a quick bite of breakfast. Selina and ygons muffled voices came through the morning air, inviting potential guests toe sample their wares.


    From where the pair were standing, Alex couldnt quite see them through the windows, so he really had no idea if their bait was hooking any fish. Come on,e on, he muttered.


    And he waited.


    And he waited.


    Every minute seemed like an hour as he stood behind the counter, listening to Troy and Lorraine bustle about the kitchen, while city sounds seeped in from outside. The street grew louder as more folk left their homes for their days workyet still, no no one stepped through the door.


    He began to worry.


    Come on, Beerensteyn isnt here anymore, he whispered. Give it a trydont let the old reputation keep you


    Before he could finish, the front door chimed.


    His heart leapt.


    Good morning and wee to the Roth Family Bakery! he called, using a customer-service voice hed perfected using the Mark over weeks of experimenting. What can I


    He paused.


    oh, its <em>you.</em>

 Chapter 558: The First Customers and The Wells that Dry

    Chapter 558: The First Customers and The Wells that Dry


    Yup, its meeeeeee. Grimlochs singsong voice didnt quite match the grin that exposed row upon row of sparkling, deadly, white teeth. The sharkmans smile seemed fixed, never reaching those doll-like ck eyes, giving his face an almost sinister look. Im here to eat all your food. He growled.


    Oh, by the Traveller, no. Alex whispered as though the Ravener itself had walked through the door.


    Grimloch! a familiar voice cried from behind the sharkman. Nua-Oge poked her head from behind her brother. Morning, Alex! Forgive my brother, Im going to try to control him.


    Try, Grimloch supplied.


    And <em>seed!</em> she snapped. Our friend is having a big day today, dont ruin it for him!


    Im not ruining anything. Im being <em>all </em>his customers. The free samples were good. Im here for the rest.


    Oh by Ek-u-Dari, stop it! Nua-Oge demanded. Alex, these are my friends.


    She introduced four students Alex had never met before, and he greeted them with his best customer service smile.


    One of the young women looked him up and down appreciatively. Nua-Oge said you were a big man and you ran a bakery, so I imagined someone very differentI didnt think you were <em>this kind</em> of big.


    Well, Id love to say I got these muscles from my baked goods. He smiled professionally, ncing at the window to see if Theresa was listening. She had very good ears. But thatd be a lie. And I dont need lies to sell you the best bread and pastries in the city. Come in, wee to the Roth family bakery, can I take your orders?


    Grimloch, Nua-Oge and her friends gathered around the counter like goldfish when foods being dropped in their pond. Of course, he was smart enough not to make thatparison outloud, so he simply kept that thought to himself, just serving everyone with friendly, courteous, professionalism.


    The big sharkman ordered nearly every one of Alexs meat pies, and would have grabbed the rest if Nua-Oge hadnt stopped him. As for the others, they decided on a mixture of meat pies for breakfast, and various pastries for dessert.


    After all their orders were ced, Alex touched the aeld staff leaning against the back wall and conjured an army of Wizards Hands that swarmed the dishes in the disy cases, and delivered the feast to his guests table.


    Smells good, Grimloch grunted. Better taste good too.


    Grimloch! Nua-Oge shook her head, handing Alex a small stack of coins. Youre terrible! Mind your manners!


    No.


    Guh!


    As brother and sister walked to their table, Alex stared at the coins in his palm. They werent a lot,pared to the fortune he was making with Toraka Shale, or even what hed made over the years working at McHarris, but something about those few shining coins made him feel warm inside.


    It was the very first payment he would ever receive as the owner of his own bakery, on the very first day he opened that bakery. Alex was strongly considering framing them and putting them on the wall.


    But, before he could consider the thought any further, the doors bell sounded again.


    Morning Alex, I still cant believe this is the same ce, a familiar voice said. You really turned it around.


    Through the doorway came Toraka Shale followed by a small crowd. The entire morning shift was with her, including Sim, all crowding into the bakery in their work clothes with rumbling bellies and hungry eyes, looking over the menu and the goodies in the disy cases.


    Lagor was also there, though he rarely worked mornings.


    I just had toe see how my assistant was doing with his side business, the orc said, rubbing his hands together. And Toraka wont stop talking about your cooking so, here I am, ready to taste it for myself.


    Uhhi Alex said to everyone, a little stunned. In an instant, the number of guests had gone from six to over thirty. He snapped to work. Wee to the Roth family bakery, Ill be happy to take your ord


    By Ek-u-dari! Nua-Oge suddenly cried from across the room. The schar wizard stared down at a forkful of pie. Thisthis is some of the best pie Ive ever had. The cooks on campus are amazing and I <em>know</em> you make good food, Alex, butthis tastes like Ek-u-daris holy bounty in my mouth! Congrattions!


    With a gusto that almost rivalled her brothers, she dug into her meal as herpanions made happy sounds of appreciation around her, alternating between shoving pastry in their mouths as fast as possible, to pausing and letting the delectable vours saturate their taste buds.


    Torakas employees watched them for a long while before turning back to Alex.


    Sim raised his hand. I think Ill have what theyre having.


    And so the dining area exploded in a storm of activity. Alex touched his staff again, conjuring a host of Wizards Hands that ted the order for his customers before he could even jump in himself.


    With a nce toward the kitchen, he called to Troy: Well need the next batch soon! He showed his co-workers their seats. Some preferred the outdoor tables, since it was such a beautiful day.<strong></strong>Everyone soon settled down and tucked in, the dining areas went quiet.


    Lagor gasped. By my ancestors, boy, whatd you do with this pie? This is apple, right? What in all the heavens did you do, go raiding a gods garden or something?


    Thats a trade secret, Alex grinned, cing a<strong></strong>pitcher of fresh fruit juice in the centre of the table. But lets just say I had a little divine guidance when I came up with the recipe.


    Ill say, Lagor said. Well, mypliments toyou. Thameish worship Uldar, right?


    The Traveller, Alex corrected him with a contented smile on his face. I worship the patron saint of my hometown, so direct any praise to her. And my staff and family, of course. None of this would have been possible without them.


    Well, then mypliments to you and yours, and the Traveller! Lagor held up a forkful of pie as though raising a toast. You keep cooking like this, and youll be famous.


    Here, here! Sim agreed, raising his own fork from across the room.


    And dont forget some praise for me! Toraka called. It was <em>my</em> money that bought this ce!


    Alexughed, and the mirth spread through the room. Inside his chest, he could feel Hannahs power tugging at him.


    But, he didnt have time to bask in it.


    Troy and Lorraine came from the kitchen with the next batch of baked goods steaming on hot trays, and Alex scurried away to get things set up. The minute that more food was ready, his customers pounced.


    Lagors hand shot up. Hey, Ill take a meat pie to go! And one of those croissants! A chocte one!


    Make that two! Toraka called.


    Ill take ten, Grimloch said.


    And with that, a swarm of orders were ced, and a smiling Alex rushed around filling them. Old memories of running around trying to get orders ready for McHarris customers during the breakfast rush came back. Theyd been times that were nothing but misery for him and his co-workers.


    But today?


    Today, he couldn''t keep the smile off his face as he handed his guests their takeaway orders and epted their payments. Seeing all those satisfied smiles filled his heart, while their coin filled his strong box.


    It was a win-win situation.


    He waved as Toraka departed with the morning shift, most promising theyd be back again. Grimloch, Nua-Oge and her friends left a littleter, most looking dreamy, like theyd fallen in love with the food.


    As the door closed behind them, he turned to Troy, who grinned and gave him a thumbs up.


    Now, this feels like old times, when old Master Beerensteyn ran the ce. His eyes shone with tears. Im sure his spirit would be tickled to see this. Shame that his son couldnt have been the one to do it, but <em>Im</em> happy you bought the bakery. Anyway, Id better get back to it: that rush almost wiped out our stock, so well need a lot more if this keeps up! He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, leaving them ringed in flour, then went back to the kitchen to start baking again.


    As Troy got back to work, Alexs smile faded.


    <em>If</em> it keeps up, he whispered, moving back behind the counter.


    The early morning had been intense, but Alex noticed that everyone hed served so far were either people he knew, or friends, or friends of a friend, and while he was serving them, no other clients hade in. Not one.


    If only friends show up, I wont be able to call this a sessful business, Alex murmured. So maybe its too early to celebrate.


    No sooner had the words left his mouth, than amotion began outside.


    Peering through the window, he saw folk gathered in the street, watching Toraka and her staff with strange looks on their faces. Some were pointing at the bakery, and asking Toraka something.


    She said something that Alex couldnt hear, then walked toward the golemworks. The folk whod spoken to her looked at each other, then startled as ygon called to them. Alex watched them, his heart leaping into his throat as they approached the bakery.


    Words were exchanged between them, Selina, Theresa and his golem, but he could only hear a snippet:


    under new management, his golem said.


    Then nothing.


    Alex shifted from one foot to the other.


    Heartbeats passed in silence.


    Then ygon moved to the side, giving Alex a clear view of what was happening. A passerby was gingerly taking a sample from Selinas tray, sniffing it and looking at it with suspicion.


    The others standing around were shaking their heads, mouthing the words no.


    Come on Alex whispered. Take a bite.


    Theresa leaned toward the stranger, saying something quietly. The man nced up at her, thenas though he was handling a hot pepperhe slowly raised the pastry to his lips and bit down.


    His eyes widened, he started chewing and nodding his head, quickly shoving the rest of the sample in his mouth. He was pointing at the trays and gesturing to hispanions. His enthusiasm was met with suspicious looks, but they cautiously picked up samples from the trays.


    They took bites.


    Eyes went wide.


    Someone swore in shock, as others whispered to each other. Alex took a deep breath to steady his nerves as the group hustled to the bakerys entrance.


    The bell rang.


    The door opened.


    Alex put on his biggest smile.


    Hello, and wee to the Roth Family Bakerys grand opening! he said, filling his voice with warmth. We have discounts and plenty of goodies to fill your bellies. What can I get for you?


    Like a herd of nervous deer, the skittish customers slowly edged their way toward the counter, gawking at the decor.


    One of themthe first to try Selinas sampleran his hand over his shaved scalp. Is this really Beerensteyns old ce?


    It was, Alex said simply. But now were taking the ce in a new direction: hopefully one that can make old Beerensteyn Sr. proud.


    Under new management, is what they said outside, the bald man said. I used to eat here everyday for years before the ce went badand your breads about as good as it was at the bakerys peak. Maybe even better. Howd your boss manage to pull that off?


    Oh, <em>Im</em> the new owner, actually. Alex patted his chest. And honestly? I had plenty of help and a lot of dedication to making good, hearty food. Thats all there is to it. Would you like to try some more?


    The bald man nodded, a nostalgic look in his eyes. You have any breakfast pies? They used to be the best.


    Alexs smile grew. Oh, do we ever. And plenty of other goodies, too. The menus on the board. Alex pointed above his head. So when youre ready, tell me what youd like.


    Soon after, the young baker cheerily served the first customers that werent friends, selling them six breakfast pies, five eirs, and a mince tart to go. They stayed and chatted for a time, reminiscing about the old bakery and Beerensteyn Sr. before going on their way.


    Alex was proud: hed done it, hed finally sold his creations toplete strangers. Hed crossed a hurdle, now things would get rolling. As more people came in, it would encourage others toe in.


    He could already imagine McHarris curled up in a ball crying.


    He waited for his next customers.


    Heartbeats passed.


    Then minutes.


    Then hours.


    For much of thete morning, Alex waited at the counter, eager for the next rush.


    But no one came.


    No more guests crossed the threshold of his bakery.


    Nerves wed at his belly. Whats going on? he whispered. Did something


    The door banged open, and Alex looked up in relief, ready to wee the next customer. But that relief soon died away.


    Theresa stood there, with her full death stalker face on disy.


    Theres trouble, Alex, she said. Big trouble.

 Chapter 559: Sabotage

    Chapter 559: Sabotage


    Alex asked Lorraine to take over the counter for a while, then marched out the front door and into the crowded street nked by Theresa. From near and far, passersby were eyeing the bakery, a mix of trepidation and disgust on their faces.


    He even heard someone mutter, throw a pretty dress on a pig, and its still a pig.


    Outside, ygon was frozen stone-still while Selina looked absolutely panicked. Alex! she cried. Its terrible!


    Whats happening? he asked, looking from her to ygon Whats


    He paused, listening to the sounds of the city.


    From down the street, he heard some sort ofmotion: a mans voicein full distressshouting something that wasnt clear.


    Youd bettere with me, Theresa said, her jaw clenching and unclenching. I might need you to hold me back.


    With that, the huntress turned and strode down the sidewalk, with Alex close behind. Brutus gave three quick barks and ran after them. Together, the fierce huntress, enormous cerberus and hulking wizard stalked the city street, people parted before them after one look at Theresas face.


    The ruckus grew louder and the mans words more distinct as the trio drew near. Alex cocked his ear, only catching a snippet here and there.


    And then, the words became clear.


    The voice sounded horrified.


    Then angry.


    What the hell? Alex stomped forward with Theresa and Brutus by his side, pushing through the crowd until he reached the corner. His hands balled into fists, and Theresas growl was nearly as deep as Brutus.


    On the street corner was a man who was doubled over, skinny, and dressed in fine garments that looked like theyd been made by a master tailor. They were by no means gaudy or ostentatious like some aristocrats, but clearly cost more than one or two gold, making the puke staining the front of his shirt even more obvious.


    He had copsed against a nearby bench, retchingthough no vomit was being expelledand shaking. A sheen of sweat coated his reddened face, and his breaths heaved, like hed run for miles.


    Or, like hed been poisoned.


    And yet, he still seemed to have plenty of strength to shout.


    Ive been poisoned! he cried. I ate something from that new Roth bakery, and it feels like they fed me ss! My stomach hurts! Their foods off!


    Blood boiled in Alexs veins as he red down at the man. More than one part of his story stank. First, the vomit stains on his shirt looked like theyd been smeared on hours or days before. Secondly, there was no vomit anywhere on the ground near him or the bench he was hanging onto for dear life; if this man was truly food poisoned by Alexs cooking, then where was the puke that should be by the bench he was copsed on?


    Andstlybut most importantlyAlex had never seen the man before in his life. Hed never taken a single samplefrom what Theresa saidentered the bakery, ordered a damn thing, or even passed in front of the ce for that matter.


    The man shudderedas if in agonythen reached out imploringly to a passerby. Dont make the same mistake I did! Dont go anywhere near there!


    With a growl, Theresa took a threatening step toward him.


    Alex caught her by the shoulder. Dont do it, he snarled, forcing <em>himself</em> to hold back. Someones doing this on purpose, and if we start yelling or pounding on that guy, well be ying right into their hands: well just look like unscrupulous merchants trying to intimidate a customer that we already harmed.


    I <em>know</em>, she growled. Thats why I want you to hold me back before I <em>really</em> give him something to throw up about.


    I gotcha, and Im having a hard time stopping myself, but weve got to think about this rationally. With the lousy reputation our bakery <em>had</em>, an incident like this on opening day could be-


    Alex! a familiar voice cried from down the street.


    The young wizard, the huntress, and her hound whirled toward the voice: Thundar wasing down the street, his hands balled into fists.


    He looked <em>pissed.</em>


    Can you believe this? he yelled, his fur bristling and his eyes bloodshot. Alex almost expected him to start scraping a hoof along the ground like a rampaging bull.


    Believe what? Alex ran up to him, followed by Brutus and Theresa. You mean him? he nodded to the food poisoned man.


    No, not <em>hi</em>Wait! Thundar looked at the man as though he was seeing the scene, but not for the first time. Theres <em>another</em> one?


    What? Theresa demanded. What do you mean another one?


    Thundar gestured down the street, his arms iling wildly. Listen, I wasing to the grand opening with <em>most</em> of our Cleansing Movements ss behind me. Id convinced most of them toe try your shit, but then we ran into some woman whos by the side of the road carrying on like shed just swallowed spiders! Shes just a few streets away! He threw his hands up. She was screaming about how your bakery gave her food poisoning to everyone passing by! And people were believing her!


    The minotaur snorted two clouds of steam from his nose. And those damned traitors from our ss got scared! Talked about eating somewhere else even though theyve seen you in ss dozens of times! And a bunch of people were looking like demons were attacking again!


    Theresa suddenly caught Alex by the arm. Hey. Dont.


    Dont wha He paused, realising hed taken steps toward the fraud who was trying to ruin his business. His hands were clenching and unclenching, as he trembled with rage.


    The young wizard hadnt even noticed that hed moved.


    He took a deep breath, acknowledging the rage and letting it pass over him as thoughts of McHarris came back. That dirty bag of scum would have tried something like thisbut of course, McHarris wasnt here in Generasi.


    But another bag of scum was.


    And Alex had a feeling he was the one who was pulling off this <em>obvious</em> act of sabotage.


    Govert Beerensteyn, he whispered, naming the man from whom hed gotten the bakery at a steal. He should have known that a bastard like him wouldnt take being bested lying down.


    Him? Theresa snapped. We have to find him. If we cut the head off the snake, we can end this sabotage before it gets worse.


    First we have to stop it, Alex said. Who knows how many of these actors hes paid to be out here? And every minute theyre out, any <em>one of them,</em> or even <em>more</em>, could destroy our reputation. It could take months to recover. Maybe years, if <em>ever.</em> And we


    Alex! Khaliks voice called from down the road.


    The prince was walking along, holding hands with Sinope, surrounded by a toon of beautiful dryadsNajyah circled abovewho were looking at the city sights with a detached curiosity. He recognized some from Patrizia DePaolos ball, as they drew every eye from men and women alike.


    But the prince was paying no attention to those people: the look on his face was grim, and his attention was fully focused on his friends.


    He spoke in whispers. Alex, you are being sabotaged. There is a woman and a child screaming about how they were given food poisoning by your food. They are shouting it to every passerbyOh. Hed finally noticed the man dry-heaving by the bench, sobbing about Alexs bakery.


    Yeaaah, the Thameish wizard hissed. You dont know the half of it.


    As the dryads huddled around Theresa, Brutus and Thundar, Alex told Khalik what hed learned from Thundar, and his theory on who was behind this disaster.


    By the sapphire sea, the prince swore. Some snakes dont know that they are already dead. What shall we do?


    Well, first of all Alex paused, looking at the dryads. Waityou all ran into someone screaming about food poisoning, and yet you came anyway?


    One of the dryads frowned. Why would we care about what mara-vitarI mean, humans, say? I do not trust unknown humans. She nodded to Sinope. I trust Sinope, my kinswoman, and her mate, who both say your cooking is delicious. And I trust you, who fought monsters in the same battlefield as we did. And you as well. She nodded to Theresa. The weight of your words and deeds are worth more than the mewling of strange humans.


    Alex smiled with joy at her words. He hoped to the Traveller that <em>everyones</em> reactions would be as positive if or when they found out that he was the Fool who was hiding from the Thameish priests.


    Dont just trust us, Theresa said. Trust the food.


    Yeah,e on, Alex said. Try it for yourselves.


    Leading his growing party back to the bakery, Alexs mind began working on a n. Eyes were on the group, eyes drawn by the beauty and rare appearance of the dryads.


    The beginnings of an idea percted in his mind, and he began adjusting his bodynguage, swinging his arms, extending his stride and lifting his chest.


    It was just enough to attract attention to himself, and attention was exactly what he wanted. The crowds were watching his group as they approached the bakery, and eyebrows shot up when they stopped in front of a worried Selina and ygon.


    Whats happening? his little sister asked. Everyones been giving us dirty looks. ygon and Ive been trying to get people to taste the food, but no ones interested. Is that awful man still saying were selling bad food?


    Yes, but I have an idea, Alex said.


    <em>I coulddestroy this man </em>ygon offered. <em>I am jokingprobably.</em> Alex could hear the anger in the golems voice. It was also pouring through his link with Alex, and there was nothing he probably wanted to do more than march down the street and pound the liar into a grease smear.


    Its going to be alright, Alex said with more confidence than he actually felt. For now, could you two offer Sinopes friends some treats?


    Hm, yes, yes, of course, Selina said, turning to the dryads and lifting her tray. She tried to put on a friendly customer service smile. P-please try some of our goodies, with ourpliments.


    The dryads reached out, taking apple tart samples from her tray. Together, they bit down.


    Mmmm! This is incredible! one of them cried. Its lovely!


    Like blossom petals in early spring! another shouted, her musical voice attracting eyes from up and down the street.


    Alex noted how much attention the dryads were attracting from curious folk nearby. Some slowed to watch. Murmurs spread through the crowds.


    A dryad looked at the rest of her tart with something resembling wrath. Alex was terrified, wondering if she hated it, but her anger was directed down the street where the fraudster was still faking his suffering. I despise liars. Is this what this great city has to offer? Filth and liars?


    The other dryads joined in; it seemed that the trickiness of humans struck something in them.


    Which was even better than Alex had hoped for.


    Sinope he turned to Khaliks lover.


    Alex Sinope turned to him at the same time.


    Both paused.


    You first, Alex said.


    What is happening to you is not right, and it should be made right. Truth should drink the light of the sun while lies must be snuffed out by the canopy above like filthy fungus. My kinswomen and I will go outlike leaves on the windand find where these liars skulk and tell everyone the truth.


    That was my idea too, Alex said. Listen, since you got here, every single eyes been on all of you.


    Youre all beautiful, Theresa said.


    Yes, Sinope agreed simply. But what does thatAh yes. Humans are entranced by such things.


    Exactly. So heres what Ill do, Alex said. Ill give each of you trays of food. Samples to offer passersby, like how ygon and Selina are offering samples here. You can say how much you love the food: I get the feeling that people are going to pay a lot more attention to beautiful dryads, than to random humans. In return? You all eat for free today, as much as you want.


    Sinope frowned. The honour of shedding sunlight on the truth is good enough. We dont need to deprive you of your livelihood.


    You wont be denying me of my livelihood. Youll be making my livelihood even more secure, trust me. Giving you free food is the least I can do.


    ...very well, she said. I will tell my kin. I have no doubt they will agree.


    Good. Alex rubbed his hands together. And if we counter these liars, I bet theyll either give up, or try even harder to get people to believe them. And if they do? Well be ready to spring.


    He smiled evilly. And if we push hard enough? I get the feeling whoever hired them will poke his filthy head out from whatever rat hole hes hiding in.


    And so the Roth Family Bakerys counter-offensive began.

 Chapter 560: The Roth Family Bakery Counter-Offensive

    Chapter 560: The Roth Family Bakery Counter-Offensive


    The dryads took to the idea like bees to flower nectar in the springtime.


    Alex fetched trays from the kitchen, piled them high with his best samples and gave them to the beautiful forest dwellers to hand out. Using the Mark, he noted their reactions, altering his approach as needed, and in minutes, hed taught them the best words to describe the bakery, and how much they sincerely loved the food.


    The dryads were quick and eager learners, and soon, they were fanning out over the city, tracking down as many sham customers as they could find. And, it was no surprise that they found lots of them: whoever wanted to shut him downwhether it was Govert Beerensteyn or someone elsehad spared no expense.


    They counted at least a dozen paid fakers spread throughout the district, all sewing seeds of ruin against the Roth Family Bakery. But, since they were grifters, and not prophets, they wouldnt have expected that mystical forest dryads would appear with samples, park their alluring selves real close to them and start singing the praises of Alexs bakery.


    Crowds began to form: after all, a morning spectacle tended to draw the eye of both the bored, and the curious.


    And it was quite the spectacle, people iming to be sick from a bakerys wrongdoings stood on one side of the road, whileon the otherbeautiful dryads praising the food of that same bakery. Even in a city as vibrant as Generasi, these things didnt ur every day.


    Instead of rushing by the nauseated in disgust, people slowed, taking in what had be a battle of public opinion all over the district. Rumours began to fly.


    Some thought the dryads presence was just a desperate ploy to distract from distressed customers, but those opinions were few. Most began to think the entire thing was some sort of clever publicity stunt: an act of gueri marketing by a new and hungry business.


    And that small kernel of rumour was enough to stoke curiosity andeventuallybravery.


    Some, even those who simply wanted an excuse to talk to a pretty dryad, came over, asking questions.


    Whats with that man across the street? someone would ask. He says your stores goods made him sick.


    And the dryads simply spoke the truth. Ive never seen that man before in my life, and the food is good. Here, look, and they would take a bite of one of the samples, clearly enjoying the wonderful vours.


    Soon people began mustering the courage to try a few small bites. The very first was a young worker out on his break, egged on by his mates to chat up a beautiful dryad.


    One bite, and he was a convert. Listen, youve got to try this, boys. Its like a party in my mouth!


    All across the district, the same story unfolded, with different people stepping up to try a sample or two, then excitedly proiming how good they were. Some folk werent keen on them, but the vast majority werepletely taken.


    As the tide was turning in the Roth familys favour, those iming to be food poisoned began ramping up their distress, retching even louder, but still not having the desired effect. The crowd now seemed to be leaning in the direction that all the drama was some big show of clever marketing.


    Which meant?


    That the tasty food and all the excitement had aroused enough curiosity that people started heading to the bakery to find out for themselves.


    And that was how a massive crowd now filled the street in front of the Roth Family Bakery in thete-morning sun. A fine looking facadea far cry from the rundown vermin pce that had been there for yearsgreeted them.


    Out front, a beautiful dryad, a muscr young wizard with an enormous eagle on his shoulder, a minotaur, a towering golem, a young girl, a powerful human female, and a cerberus stood before the refurbished building, offering samples to passersby and inviting them to stop in for a bite.


    Alex watched from beside the door, measuring the growing crowd. By now, even neighbours in adjacent buildings were opening their windows, wondering about themotion in the street below.


    Yet, no one seemed brave enough to actually go inside.


    But, they were starting to waver, and all it would take was one push to send the curious, risk-takers in the crowd stampeding straight into his grasp.


    Eventually, an old woman stepped from the milling crowd and walked up to Selina. Well, hello, youngdy. You seem to have a big job.


    Selina smiled up at her. Wee to the Roth Family Bakery, Mrs. Would you like a free sample?


    Well, I would, if the foods good. But, you see, I worry because I brought my son here some time ago, and the food he had made him terribly sick. You wouldnt be trying to trick an olddy into getting terribly sick, would you? She smiled uncertainly.


    Selina shook her head. The man who did that is long gone. We only sell good food here. Wont you try some?


    And so the old woman reached out.


    And it was all over from there.


    By the gods, its just as it used to be. No, even better! she cried, turning to folk she knew in the crowd. You <em>have</em> to try it.


    Someone else came forward.


    Then another.


    Soon, dozens were streaming toward the sample trays andas each one eximed their delightmore were convinced to give the food a taste.


    But just as they were ready to step across the threshold and into the bakery, a hysterical voice cried out. Poisoner! I demand my gold back!


    Alex saw the crowd part around a man in a vomit-stained shirt. He was wet with sweat and shaking like a newborn calf. You poisoned me! Dont let them fool you! Their samples might be good, but whats inside is foul! Rat droppings and roaches everywhere!


    And thats exactly what Alex had been waiting for.


    ygon stepped in front of the menu, blocking it from view.


    The young bakery owner moved in, making sure to spread his arms and attract as much attention as he could, while giving the distressed man a broad smile.


    My friend, I am so sorry for any inconvenience we might have subjected you to, he called. If any food youve eaten here was foul, Id be happy to give you back your coin and even a bit more.


    That wont be


    What did you have?


    ...what?


    I asked what you had? Alex gave him that broad smile tinged with innocence again, while he watched his mannerisms.


    The signs of a liar appeared as in as day: a slight wilting of bodynguage, the darting eyes, the shifting of weight. All told the story of a man snared, desperate to recover before his lies were exposed to all.


    Youre probably going to pick something from one of those trays, Alex thought. We didnt advertise the menu before the Grand Opening, so theres no way you had time to make up a story earlier. Go on, try it now


    The mans eyes fell on a piece of almond pastry. His mouth opened and Alex struck.


    Oh, right, when did you say you came in? he asked innocently. Just for my records. <em>If</em> I did sell you bad food, Ill need to know which supplier those ingredients came from.


    The man froze.


    Just as he began to answer the first question, Alex hit him with a second. The man dripped sweat. A vein on his forehead throbbedno doubt his pay was on the linehe was already off-bnce and now, he had to answer another question before hed had time to process the first.


    It was clearly enough to rattle the scammer.


    If he was telling the truth, he would have answered both questions then told Alex to piss off for badgering him.


    But if he was lying, his mind would be spinning, leaving him grasping for words.


    Well, it was the man stuttered. I


    He was struggling, and now the crowd was taking notice.


    Alex moved in for the kill.


    Oh by the way, that vomit on your shirt looks bone dry, Alex said. So you would have had toe in a <em>long</em> time ago. You wouldve been one of our first customers, considering this is our opening day... Yeah, you had to be one of the first; your shirt needed enough time for all that stuff to dry on it.


    He chuckled, pointing at the stains. I notice it doesnt even smell anymore. Must have been<em> real</em> early this morning.


    More and more people were frowning, turning on the man, their eyes looking increasingly suspicious.


    Now that Alex was punching holes in his story, people were noticing inconsistencies. His growing panic certainly wasnt doing him any favours either.


    Well, just he started.


    Hey, another member of the crowd shouted. You know what, you were supposed to be copsed on that bench, heaving your guts outbut I didnt see any vomit on the ground, <em>or</em> on the bench now that I think about it.


    The man paled.


    Murmurs swept through the crowd in a wave.


    His story was copsing, and another one was forming in the imaginations of the onlookers: one of sabotage. Alex could hear it on peoples tongues as they whispered to each other.


    And with that new scenario worming into their minds?


    All it needed was a viin.


    You know, I dont know how much Govert paid you, but he really should have coached you better, Alex sighed.


    The man froze, stunned, and the crowd looked from him to Alex.


    The young wizard continued. Oh, right, I guess a lot of you wouldnt know, but <em>Govert</em> was the owner of this ce after his father died. He cheaped out and re-used ingredients. An absolutely disgusting man who ruined this ce. So, I got the bakery from him at a price thatlets say he wasnt too pleased with the deal.


    And with one statement, Alex had provided both a motive and a viin. And what was perfect about this viin was that he wasnt around to defend himself.


    And his hirelings sputtering had already given away much of the tale.


    Well, I the man stuttered, but even he could see that the crowd had turned on him. After all, who would they be more likely to believe? A sweaty, untrustworthy fellow who looked like everyone had just found out he was a liar?


    Or the young baker whod just fed a lot of happy guests free samples, and whod also just provided a usible exnation as to the truth of the situation in a clear, calm voice. Speaking with confidence went a long way to convincing people of a point.


    Alexs opponent had lots of things: fake vomit, a fake story and whatever coin hed been paid for the jobbut right now, he was <em>dearly</em>cking in confidence.


    Ilook, Ive never heard of this Govert before! the man insisted, I have no idea who youre talking about, all I know is that you gave me food poisoning!


    <em>Whatgave you food poisoning? </em>ygons voice boomed, as fierce as Yantrahpretayes. <em>When did you get thisfood poisoning? Tell us!</em>


    The demonic voicepletely shocked the man, and as his eyes met the towering golems, his line of thought fled.


    The crowd now started doing Alexs work for him.


    When did you get the food, mate? someone asked. Look, Im in the alchemy business, and I recognise mercantile sabotage when I see it, when did you get the food?


    Im trying to answer, I was at the bakery early


    Hes lying! a voice shouted from above.


    The crowd turned, looking up at Toraka Shale calling down from an office window. Windows along the upper floors of the golemworks were wide open, and the entire morning shift was leaning out, ring down at the treacherous man.


    We were all in that bakery almost as soon as it opened and the food was perfect! Do any of us look like were dying of food poisoning? Shale shouted, pointing at the man. And I didnt see <em>you</em> there! Not once!


    The muttering of the crowd grew louder.


    Folk turned angry, suspecting theyd been tricked.


    Others grew excited at the public spectacle.


    Still others began tough at the situation.


    But one thing they all had inmon; control of everyones opinion had shifted away from the liar.


    And he seemed to realise it.


    His mouth opened and closed, his eyes darted back and forth, he stumbled over the few words he managed to form.


    Around him, people grew louder.


    I was food poisoned too! someone shouted from down the road.


    A woman was approaching, vomit staining the front of her dress. The Roth Family Bakery


    I saw her a few streets away! someone else shouted. She was telling the same story as this man, here, but she didnt have any vomit anywhere on her bench either! These liars didnt even bother changing their story!


    Snickers went through the crowd, and the woman paused.


    Things cant get any worse for you, Alex thought.


    Until they did.


    Whats going on here? a new voice demanded from above.


    Gasps went through the crowd, and they looked skyward.


    Floating down was the Chancellor of Generasi, nked by four wizards in robes that looked to be worth more than Alexs entire building. One of them was a woman with six arms.


    I was justing to support a young friend, bringing some friends from the citys ruling council to have a bit of a meal, but what is all this, I wonder? His stony gaze swept across the crowd. Comints? Treachery? Lies? Who is responsible for this?


    Without hesitation, Alex jerked a thumb to the man and woman whod been paid to discredit him.


    Baelin slowly turned to them.


    They gulped loudly.

 Chapter 561: Its Strange When It Happens Twice

    Chapter 561: It''s Strange When It Happens Twice


    After a long absence, Baelin was back.


    His timing couldn''t have been better.


    Well, for Alex, at least.


    For the saboteurs trying to sink Alexs business, things probably looked very different. Both the man and woman looked like someone had just signed their death warrants. The pair shrank back as the universitys chancellor stalked toward them, nked by puzzled and amused city councillors.


    Whatwhatswhatre <em>you</em> the man muttered.


    Doing here? Baelin finished the sentence for him. What am I doing here? Well, it is as I said. These young folk are mentees of mine, and I would not miss this little opening of one of their projects for the world.


    Oh gods, the man muttered.


    The womanhis ally who had arrived to lend her supportwas already in full flight down the street.


    Baelin nced at the six-armed councillor. Tell me, Kartika, what was the fine for Defamation Against a Business again? I am so old that it seems to have slipped my mind.


    The woman called Kartika looked incredibly amused as she rattled off the punishment from memory. The first time offence for Defamation Against a Business will be no less than one thousand gold plus an appropriate and fair percentage in proportion to revenue lost by the business by cause of the defamation, as determined by an investigative ounting team.


    She paused, tapping her chin in thought. Of course, in pursuant of justice, a criminal conspirator who reveals the identities of fellow conspirators will be granted a measure of amnesty by the High Court of Generasi.


    The mans eyes lit up like those of a shipwrecked sailor whod just spotted a rescue ship. TheI was paid to do this! he cried. Go-govert Beerensteyn said I could make a hundred gold if we pretended that we got food poisoning from that bakery! I swear, we didnt mean anything else by it! It was just for the gold. G-govert Beerensteyn! Hes the one you want! He came up with the whole idea!


    Murmurs from the crowd turned to loud exmations.


    Guards! A crime has beenmitted! Baelin called.


    Several city guards now hovered at the edge of the crowd, making sure no one gathered in the road broke the peace. On Baelins usation, they surged forward.


    The man didnt even try to resist as they grabbed him. He was already naming names and where each of Goverts agents could be found as they dragged him off.


    And the crowd actually cheered.


    Well, then. Baelin looked at Alex. I promised my friends a fine meal. Are you ready to provide?


    Absolutely! Alex said, his voice booming over the street. Now that <em>thats</em> been resolved, what say some of you folke in for a bite! Its our Grand Opening, after all, and everythings discounted. Come on, Ill show you <em>why</em> Govert felt he needed to resort to dirty tactics to stop us.


    With that, Alex walked into the bakery.


    A secondter, he heard Baelin behind him with the members of the city council.


    Then the rush began.


    All hesitation vanished. The crowd poured inside, filling the bakery with curious customers.


    Troy! Lorraine! Alex called. Get ready, this is going to be a <em>rush.</em>


    And a rush it was.


    It seemed the spectacle had brought half the district to the door, and soon orders wereing in so fast that he considered using haste magic just to keep up. The inside dining area filled. The outside soon after.


    But, Alex hadnt forgotten his promise and had reserved tables for the stars of the day.


    Sinope came in with her kin and Alex made good on his promise to feed all of them at no charge. He pushed the tables together and in no time, it sounded like a party as the dryads tried nearly everything on the menu, and between bites, theyughed, teased each other, and went on about how good the food was.


    And they werent alone.


    Words like; heavenly, delicious, oh, by every god, better than my mothers cooking, and more floated through the air, and soon, a long line was forming down the street. Alex cast haste magic on Troy and Lorraine, while Thundar, Selina and Theresa joined them in the kitchen, lending a hand in any way they could.


    As the line grew, it attracted even more curious passersby, stopping to inquire about the earliermotion. A wild story was told: one of sabotage, betrayal, a trial of public opinion, and even an arrest right there on the street.


    It didnt take long for the story to be repeated throughout the district as Goverts saboteurs were rounded up. More folk streamed in from all over, drawn by the wild tale surrounding the bakerys opening.


    The rush seemed never ending.


    Even after Baelin had finished, congratted Alex, and leftwith his councillor friends promising to return and tell their friends and family about the foodthe line just kept growing.


    Alex had to use the aeld staff to put haste magic on his helpers so they could keep up.


    ygon served tables as friends stopped by.


    Isolde came for lunch, with Hogarth and Svenia.


    Kybas followed with the growing Harmless.


    Of course Grimloch returned, devastating their supply of meat pies.


    And even Professor Jules arrived in the afternoon.


    Congrattions, Mr. Roth, she said after handing over her payment. I just hope this will not detract from your studies.


    Hey, in some ways, baking is just its own form of alchemy, right? he joked. So Im studying, in my own way!


    Shed simply sighed and headed for the door.


    Within minutes, Troy came from the kitchen. Boss, were all out! he announced. Everythings gone for the day!


    A wave of groans went through the crowd waiting at the counter, but Alex raised his hands.


    Im so sorry everyone. I didnt expect this much support from so many people from the district. But, I''ll tell you what. He paused for effect, using his voice to grab their attention. If youe back tomorrow? Ill <em>keep</em> our Grand Opening prices! So, if you didnt get a chance to try what you wanted today, youll have another chance before full prices begin!


    There was still some grumbling from the line, but between using the Mark and his training handling annoyed customersthere were more than a few at McHarrishe calmed most people down with his sincerity and a guarantee that hed honour the discounted prices the next day. He also made sure to connect with them; shaking their hands, introducing himself, asking their names and using the Mark to remember those names, so next visit when he called them by name, theyd feel wee.


    Some still grumbled, but that didnt necessarily mean they wouldnt be back to give the food a trytime would tell.


    Alex stood outside the bakery, watching the line disperse and grinning evilly. If he had a moustache, he could see himself twirling it like some viin in a y.


    Govert had tried to get revenge, nning on ruining his business from day one. But, so much had gone wrong for the man that he <em>almost, but not really, </em>felt sorry for him. Instead of destroying his chances for a sessful opening, hed gained more profit, and more advertising in a single day, than he could have in <em>months, </em>even if hed nned it.


    And the irony was almost as delicious as the food theyd served today.


    Humming to himself, he picked up the grand opening signs, folded them and was just preparing to take them insidewhen a ruckus broke out down the street. Squads of Generasis guards had rounded up a fair number of people.


    Whats this now? He scrutinised them, looking at each one carefully. Huhwill you look at that. he thought, noticing that all of themexcept onehad dried stains covering the front of their clothing.


    Unhand me! Govert Beerensteyn cried. Unhand me, you fools! I did nothing wrong! Im not the one serving rotten food! Im not!


    But, unfortunately for him, his lies werent working. The ruse was up.


    The guards continued dragging the protesting man down the streetin the midst of his guilty looking helpersuntil they all disappeared around the corner. Even then, Alex could still hear his cries of protesting from the direction of the districts nearest guard house, growing dimmer until they died. Alex grinned. Huh, maybe one day when hes settled into a nice prison routine Ill pay him a visit with some mince tarts to thank him for all his helpeven if he didnt mean to help. His grin almost spread from ear to ear.


    His face suddenly lit up. You know, thats the <em>second</em> corrupt baker that I got the guards onto. He shook his head,ughing. I cant believe thats actually happened <em>twice.</em>


    Alex, a soft voice called out.


    A familiar figure had emerged from the crowd and was hurrying toward him. She looked tense.


    Carey? he said, surprised. What brings you down here?


    I so wanted to make your grand opening, but it looks like Im toote, the young woman pointed at the signs he was holding then stopped to catch her breath. It appeared shed been running. I had sses all morning. She looked down at the signs. I started to jog when I saw you packing up. Are you closed? It seems rather early.


    It does, doesnt it? Alex beamed. We sold out. Completely. It was absolutely wild.


    Oh. Her face dropped.


    Buuuut, Im sure I could fit in one more customer. Come on in, lets make sure we get you fed.


    She gave him a wan smile. Thank you.


    Together, they went inside, and Alex shut the door behind them, ending the first official day of business for the Roth Family Bakery, even though the grand opening wasnt <em>technically </em>over yet. And what an eventful grand opening it had been, so much had happened in just half a day.


    Word was already spreading about Goverts manufactured drama. It was the perfect story,plete with viins, ups and downs, and a thrilling climax.


    The good guys had even won in the end.


    And along with the story, there was also the nostalgic feeling people who knew Beerensteyn<strong></strong>Sr. had, but the true stand out of the day had been the food. Some people had left the bakery believing the entire incident as it had yed out, while others thought that it had all been a massive stunt for publicity: a true superstar in the business of gueri marketing.


    But whether peoplepletely believed the days events or not, no one questioned the quality of the food. It was good, very good, and most raved about it as they told others the story.


    It was the one constant among all the exaggerations, rumours and theories.


    If it hadnt been good, Goverts n would have worked. No question. Because, with the frightening reputation the bakery had when hed owned it, no sane person would have doubted the stories about rampant food poisonings, but Alexs samples, and the early customers whod tasted them, proved the saboteurs were lying.


    The Roth Family Bakerys food quality had let it thrive under pressure, and that news spread through the district like wildfire.


    And beyond.


    It would take time for many to understand the full extent of what had just happened, and merchants would be analysing the event for weeks after.


    Thanks to Govert, the story of the Roth Family Bakerys beginnings was one that could be legend.


    And nearly every known empire had a legend surrounding its origins.


    ###


    So, first of all, Alex said, a ss of bubbling wine in his hand. I want to thank <em>everyone</em> here for all you did today.


    Grinning, he watched his audience: Troy, Lorraine, Khalik, Najyah the dryads, his family andin a corner by herselfCarey. Everyoneexcluding Brutus, Selina, ygon and Najyahhad a ss of their ownand wore the sort of dreamy smile one might wear at a favourite loved ones wedding. Carey looked down at her cup of tea.


    There are a lot of things I want to say, but Im going to keep it simple because theres a <em>lot</em> to do for tomorrow, he said. So, Ill just say thank you. Troy? Lorraine? Youre getting full pay today, plus a bonus. You know what? Lets make that double-pay! heughed.


    Eh? Troy rose from his chair. Wait, why? We were only open for part of the day!


    Because you put in more than double the work you had to, Alex said. And today was a special day. A very special day. You both helped make it so, and everyone should be rewarded. And speaking of that.


    He looked at Khalik and dryads. All of you get to eat here for free for the next <em>month.</em> Limit one meal per day! Alexughed. Cuz I <em>know</em>, youll try to bankrupt me, Khalik.


    Curses, you know me too well, the princemented, and Sinope giggled.


    Alex went to Selina, Theresa and ygon and caught them in a hug. And thanks, all of youwe did it. We did it together.


    Mum and dad would be happyI think, Selina said softly.


    Im sure they would be, Alex agreed.


    My mother and father would be proud too, Theresa squeezed Alexs waist.


    ygon patted Alex on the shoulder. <em>Todaywas a good day. A very good day.</em>


    As the young wizard hugged his family, his eyes rested on Careys face as she sat at her table. The young woman was looking down, and her expression was one of the loneliest hed ever seen.


    Hed need to talk to her.

 Chapter 562: The Lantern against Loneliness

    Chapter 562: The Lantern against Loneliness


    Carey beat Alex to the punch.


    After his speech thanking everyone and the celebration that followed; once the bubbling winehoneyed milk in Selinas casewas done, Khalik and the dryads, Thundar, Isolde, Svenia and Hogarth went on their way, and the others got to work preparing for the next day. After all, there were discounts to honour.


    Alex joined Troy and Lorraine in the kitchen and with help from a small army of Wizards Hands, the baking began. Carey had ordered a couple of apple tartssaying they reminded her of home in better timesso in no time, he put baking sheets in the oven then went to give her an update on how long it would be before her tarts were ready. The dining area was all abuzz, ygon, Theresa, and Selina were busy getting it back to as sparkling as it was mere hours before.


    Carey came toward him with the same forlorn look on her face and cleared her throat. Alex, might we speak a little in private. I was hoping to have a bit of a chat.


    I was about to ask you the same thing, he said.


    Truly? She looked surprised.


    Yeah, you had this look on your face. It seemed like you might want to talk about something.


    Well, youre not wrong on that ount.


    Do you want to talk here or upstairs?


    Here is fine, just in a little corner of the room, perhaps? she said.


    Of course. Alex gestured for her to follow him to a seat by the front window.


    On the way, he threw Theresa a meaningful nce, and she nodded in return.


    He pulled a chair from the table and offered Carey a seat, then sat across from her. The young woman from Wrexiff shifted ufortably. Ioh this seems silly, now that I bring it up.


    Hey, you thought it was important enough to bring it to me, so Ill listen, Alex said.


    Well, first of allI must ask about the bakery. I heard the most curious of rumours on the way here.


    Oh, that. Alex snorted. Well, lets just say we had a wild opening.


    For a time, they talked about simple things. Alex told her what had happened that morning: the opening, Goverts attempted sabotage, all of it. She nodded along, more than a little surprised.


    Then anger entered her eyes. Those that spread falsehoods are the ultimate form of wretch, she said with heat. Im d he met justice.


    From there, the subject shifted to the expedition: they spoke of their roles, and uing experiments nned for the dungeon cores.


    I suspect Professor Jules has something in mind for live dungeon core testing, she whispered. You must have seen the facility being built north of the castle? It looks ever so much like a prison, and I suspect that is exactly what it is: a vast holding cell for a live dungeon core.


    Alex nodded, remembering the building. Its probably either for that, or maybe live Ravener-spawn, he said. Maybe both. If thats her n, though, she hasnt said anything to <em>me </em>about it<em>.</em>


    Truly? Carey appeared surprised. You two seem so terribly close: I would have thought youd be the first to know.


    Oh no, we <em>are</em> close, I guess you could say, but Professor Jules is still all about protocol. If shes got something nned for live dungeon cores, Ill find out when procedure dictates I should find out and not a moment sooner.


    Indeed she said, smiling wryly. I simply thoughtwell, you seem to be closer to her is all. Forgive me, if that was presumptuous on my part. You seem to make friends so easily, after all


    She paused, for a moment.


    At first, Alex didnt know quite what to say. He didnt consider himself <em>that</em> good at making friends: there were plenty of school mates back in Alric that disliked him. Hed never been a favourite of McHarris, or even liked for that matter, andwhile many students in his sses knew him by reputationhe wasnt exactly friends with everyone he met.


    Then again, he<em> had</em> put plenty of effort into making connections with people that mattered: it had been a survival tactic back in Alric. He supposed that <em>could</em> look like a natural ability to win friends to someone looking in from the outside.


    Alex opened his mouth toment, but Carey spoke first. AlexI was wonderingcould you tell me more about the Traveller: Alrics patron saint?


    The young wizard sucked on his lip for a moment,pletely caught off-guard. Uhm, I meansure, no problem, but what brought that on?


    I simplywell, I simply would like to know more. I know you said in the past that you were nning to pray to her in Uldars stead. Did you ever do so? I have heard you use her name to swear by, and in casual conversation, so I did wonder if you happened to also worship her as you said you would.


    Truthfully, yes, I have been, Alex said. Shes been looking out for me, in more ways than one.


    I seeand did you find thatforting? Do you find itforting? Do you find she is a good recement for Uldar? she whispered, desperation in her voice.


    Alex blinked. He hadnt expected things to get so heavy so quickly. Well he said slowly, choosing his words carefully. There was no possible way he could tell her arge part of the truth: his faith in Uldar had started to fade shortly after hed been Marked as the Fool.


    But, there were aspects of the truth he <em>could</em> talk about.


    Ill be honest, Carey, Uldar wasnt ever a major part of my life, he said. I mean, I prayed to himespecially at my parents gravesand I went to church up until the time the Ravener attacked. But I was never the guy that made him the <em>central</em> part of his life, not in the way you did.


    He took a deep breath. So, its not so much that the Traveller <em>reced</em> him. With Uldar, I prayed to him because Iwell I never thought about it. Its just what I always did. But the Traveller? I honestly pray to her because I think she deserves my prayers and respect because she protects me, my family and my friends.


    Silence hung in the air.


    Isee she said slowly, her head hanging. I was hoping


    Whats been happening, Carey? Alex asked.


    When she looked at him again, tears shone in her eyes. I just feel so terribly lonely.


    You mean, without Uldar?


    Oh, its so much more than that now, Alex. Ive been awfully isted since I found out about the dungeon cores, and its only grown worse. Her hands balled into fists. When I came to the university, it was for Uldar and Thamnd, andif I ampletely honestit was more for Uldar and Thamnd than it was for me. I truly thought that the most noble thing I could do in my lifefor my god and countrywas use my mana to defeat our ultimate enemy.


    She scowled. Then I came to find out that the wolf that has been taking sheep, is most likely the hound that belongs to the very farmer I shepherd for. Its taken all thefort out of going to chapel. Im sure its no surprise to anyone that all of my friends were from Campus for Uldar. But I havent been able to bring myself to go anywhere near there.


    The young woman swallowed. Now, I believe they are shunning me, somewhat. One of them actually said that I lost the dedication that drew them to me in the first ce: and theyre right. But, byUl she paused. But by I-dont-know-what, I thought they were truly my friends.


    I he shifted ufortably, somewhat at a loss as to what to say. Im sorry to hear that, Carey. What about Derek? I know you two were hanging out, and he was no Uldarite.


    He spoke the words cautiously, wondering if the young man was getting ready to take advantage of her, much as hed taken advantage of Isolde.


    But Carey simply shook her head. I havent seen him in months. He was in a spot of academic troublest year, and had to withdraw to focus on his studies as best he could, though he seemed rather cross about it. Sometimes I question whether he even likes it at the university. But that really is none of my business: we met for tea a couple of times in thest month or two and the silence between us was terribly awkward. We just hadlittle to talk about. Sometimes I wonder if I truly ever had friends at all.


    Alex winced. Well, theres us?


    Carey gave him an incredulous look, then immediately copsed into helpless, bitterughter.


    What? he asked. Whatd I say? Whats so funny?


    Come now, Alex, are we truly friends? she asked. Its not lost on me that you used to go to <em>terrible</em> lengths to avoid me.


    The young wizard froze, a wave of guilt forming in his chest. Well, uh he paused, trying to think of what to say.


    She waved a hand, dismissing his words. Its alright, Alex; even I realised it, after a time. You were very polite, and I do appreciate that, but it always felt like you were a deer trying to escape from a trap. And, to be honest, if your rtionship with Uldar was socking, I can see why. My speeches about him must have been absolutely torturous. II apologise for that.


    Carey, Carey, its okay, he said quickly, his guilt feeling like a lead ball in his core.


    He wasnt going to lie and say that her early attempts to drag him into Campus for Uldar werent irritating; theyd annoyed the hell out of him at the time, that much was true, but a lot of the reason for his irritation came from the fact he was Marked.


    Without knowing it, every attempt shed made to get him inside a church of Uldar in Generasi, would have put him in danger of discovery and ultimately, capture. She didnt know that. She couldnt know that.


    And there was no way he could tell her that.


    Alex knew Carey, that much was true, but she was in a crisis at the moment. How <em>would</em> she react if he told her he was the Fool? His friends had pretty much epted the information calmlyexcept for Cedricbut he didnt know Carey <em>that</em> well, andwhile she seemed to be moving away from Uldarhed seen people return to toxic rtionships because of fear of being alone.


    And right now?


    Carey was very much alone.


    He sighed. Look, Im sorry if I wasstandoffish before, or distant. Its like you said, I was going through my own thing with Uldar. AndI didnt think going to Campus for Uldar was what I wanted at the time. But look, now we have something inmon: we both controlled dungeon cores, and weve both had to question our own gods motives because of that.


    Alex pointed to himself. So if you ever need someone to talk toabout that or <em>anything </em>else, I can be that guy. Youre a good person, Carey. And youre a damned brave one: most people would have quit the expedition after the castle was attackedafter you and I were targeted.


    Well, thank you, I supposeI still want to serve Thamnd, even if its not for Uldars sake she said slowly. Im still willing to give anything for the cause: whether the Ravener is some wild wolf or Uldars hound, it must be vanquished forever. And I am willing to do anything to see that happenbut I simply wish that there was less of a hole where myfort from Uldar once was.


    Well, lets see about filling that hole again: are you looking to pray to the Traveller? he asked. I thought you were thinking of praying to St. Avelyn.


    She blushed. Well, to tell you the truth, AlexI tried to pray to St. Avelyn. But I felt nothing, just as when I prayed to Uldar. So, I tried calling on the TravellerandI had just the warmest feeling. Like a nket wrapped around me.


    Alex couldnt even hide his glee.


    Hannah was reaching out in her own way. Still trying. Still fighting. Still protecting. And in one fell swoop, he knew he could offer Carey somefort, while bringing more power to Hannah.


    With an enthusiastic smile, he leaned forward. Listen, Im about to be a giant hypocrite. Because now <em>Im</em> going to be the one going on about who <em>I</em> worship. Ill tell you as much as I can He knew he couldnt tell her about the Travellers true origins. about who the Traveller was, and what she did for Thamnd. In some ways, she was like you, she gave everything she could.


    And so he told her about Hannah and all the things shed done for Alric, for Thamnd, and for the future. He couldn''t go into every detail, but he could speak of her life after her battle against the Ravener, and how <em>she too</em> had wanted to bring the cycles<strong></strong>to an end.


    And he told Carey of howin the endshe had given her very life in her quest to end the cycles.


    For her part, she listened like an enraptured child going to sermon for the first time, hanging on Alexs every word. He was already wondering if Hannah just might have a new convert.


    By the end of his tale, Careys eyes had grown warm.


    Lighty in them.


    Her face softened.


    Before his very eyes, her loneliness seemed to fade away.

 Chapter 563: To Keep Good Company

    Chapter 563: To Keep Good Company


    In the weeks since shed visited Alexs bakery, Carey London dreamed.


    Every night, she would offer up her prayers as shed always done. Yet, her recent dreams were different from her past ones.


    For it was not to Uldar that she now prayed.


    It was not even to St. Avelyn.


    Now, she would call on the Saint of Alric. The story Alex had told was a wonderful one to hearas glorious as any of the parables shed heard growing upand she recognised the simrities between the life path she aspired to, and the life that the Traveller had lived.


    In many ways, she felt at peace, reminding her of her younger days when she felt alone or afraid and how Uldars tales would bring herfort.


    The first night shed prayed to the Traveller after her conversation with Alex, shed dreamt of shiningnterns and distantnds. And for nights after, the dream had repeated.


    She couldnt say that she worshipped the Traveller with the same intensity as she once did Uldar, but her prayers to the Patron Saint of Alric provided her with a peace and contentment she hadnt felt in a long time.


    And it was this peace and contentment that had her humming by the fire this evening.


    Winter had fled thend and it was well into springtime, and the Thameish and Generasi war-party were camped beside a road on the way to another dungeon, after an earlier victory. Spirits were high, and bonds had formed between the groups.


    Knights of Thamndughed alongside Watchers of Roal.


    Soldiers drank with wizards.


    Priests sang with Generasian mercenaries.


    Even the new group of reinforcements sent by the churchable-bodied scouts that could move through the woods with as much ease as any forest creaturehad settled in with the war-party.


    As fires crackled, the sweet scent of woodsmoke mixing with that of newly bloomed wildflowers, Carey could only think of one thing:


    A good night, she said quietly.


    I think so too, a familiar voice said from behind her.


    She looked up, catching sight of Merzhin scurrying to the fire with a cup of steaming barley soup in each hand. Good evening Carey, he sighed as he took a seat beside her, offering her a cup. Did you already eat?


    I did, she said apologetically.


    Ah, well, I suppose theres soup enough for me to have two cups, by Uldars grace. Merzhin gave her a tight smile, sipping from one. The supply lines have flowed well, and the Rhineans have been generous. The harvest from the military farms has been blessed by Uldar as well, so I would have to say that we have not been forgotten.


    May they<strong></strong>continue to feed us, Carey said, looking back at the fire.


    Shed noticed Merzhin seemed to no longer get on her nerves quite as much, these days. She was d for that: it made nights like these far more pleasant.


    Did something good happen? he asked, taking another long sip of soup. Your mood has improved. I was giving you some space for a time, as you seemedagitated.


    Ah, nerves, I suppose, she said. Its ever so easy to question why all of this happens to us.


    I see, I see. Merzhin nodded, awkwardly. These questions are natural: the fog rises across thend by its own will, but Uldars light will guide us.


    Carey thought ofntern lights and far distantnds. Indeed, we <em>can</em> be guided.


    Mhm! Merzhin said enthusiastically. And its afort. He is warmth when there is no fire. He ispanionship when one is alone.


    She looked at him as he drank his soup, wondering just what went through his mind. Then again, shed once been quite simr to him: she could probably guess the kinds of thoughts that passed through that mind on any given day.


    But still, she found herself curioussomething about that,panionship when one is alone, struck a chord in her.


    Have you been lonely, Merzhin? she asked directly.


    To her horror, her question quite nearly killed the Saint of Uldar.


    Merzhin startled, aspirating soup, his eyes flew wide as he doubled over, coughing. The Saint turned as red as one of the nearby spring flowers as a panicked Carey pounded his back.


    Im sorry! Im so sorry! she cried, turning to call the priests.


    But he stopped her, holding up a hand while he cleared his throat and jumped to his feet, tears running down his face. By some miracle, he hadnt spilled the soup. I am fine! I am fine! he said, raising his voice and giving Carey a weak smile. You nearly did what thousands of Ravener-spawn couldnt do in thest two years.


    Im ever so sorry, she apologised, looking concerned, but sheepish. Are you sure youre alright?


    I think so, he coughed again. Your question surprised me. And, at the risk of boring you, Carey, I have been lonely, as ashamed as I am to admit it. Though, Uldar has been a greatfort. With my faith in him, I have never felt alone. Not truly: all moments of loneliness have been just that, moments.


    She looked at him closely, as though trying to look through him. I have felt that way in the past, and I do wonder if Uldar is enough at times. The church brought many of my friends to me, but circumstances made them drift away.


    That soundsdifficult, Merzhin said, a moment of difort crossing his face. Circumstances can be punishing. That is why the gains of the material world are fleeting, while Uldar is eternal and undying. He will always be there. We can feel him in all things, especially when wee together in worship.


    Come together, Carey muttered, thinking on his words carefully. Yes,e together


    Most of her friends <em>had </eme from her faith in Uldar. How many of her childhoodpanions had she met in the church school, or during times of worship? Nearly all of them, if she was honest.


    Her parents friends were all people theyd met through the church as well.


    Themunity held gatherings all the time, some organised by the local priestess and others held at the church, but nned by themunity. Now that she gave it some thought, she couldnt help but wonder how many people were drawn to the faith <em>for</em> themunity surrounding it.


    After all, it was onceforting to her, being around people that she knew were united by the same values and faith. How many other people were drawn to Uldar by thatmunity alone? How many would stay with the faith without it?


    As though reading her mind, Merzhin spoke again. In life, its a fine thing to have the church and others around you, but with Uldar, one is truly never alone. Thats why I know my own feelings in the past were mere bumps in my path. Uldar is with me, and so I am never alone.


    Is Uldar enough? she asked. You can say that in all honesty? Is just having him alone enough?


    Merzhin looked away from her at those words, staring into the fire instead. He took a deep breath and exhaled. I must confess, I have sometimes wondered. There are times when I feel distant from those around me. Even those I am supposed to be close to. He smiled sadly. The Heroes should be united as one, in the face of Udars enemy. I know we are merelyat minimumsupposed to be yers of Ravener-spawn. We are the ones appointed to destroy the enemies of Uldars peoplebut


    But what? Carey asked.


    ...but I recall legends of friendships forming among Heroes. I knowI know I am not the easiest to get along with. He looked at her seriously. Uldar is my life, and few people can equal my dedication. Many think my love for my god is an unhealthy obsession. The other Heroesthe Holy Sage in particris distant from me, and does not understand such matters. Lately, as the Heroes form bonds with the people of Generasi, I feel the distance between us growing. Sometimes, I think on the legends of how past Heroes became lifelongpanions and friends. Some, I dare say, even grew to be lovers.


    He shook his head. It is a mortal weakness to yearn for such thingsbut I am but a mortal man. I cannot be perfection, even if I try to live as a mirror for my gods divine wisdom. Because that is good. That is right. And in the end, he cannot be among us, but our people deserve to have his glory and blessings sown<strong></strong>through our lives. To cleave together under the light of his divinity, but yet, he cannot be here in person to do this. So it falls to the priests, the Heroesand to me.


    Merzhin smiled. Do you recall the tale of Lord Manaeus.


    Carey frowned. A little. He was a Chosen, I believe.


    He was indeed a Chosen from six cycles ago, Merzhin smiled warmly. Originally, he was a humble cobbler. He made shoes, you see, but he rose to be the Chosen of Uldar.


    RightI think I remember that part.


    But did you know that he was one of the most pious of all the Heroes in thest thousand years? He took Uldars blessing to be a favour that he had to return ten-fold. And so he dedicated his life to the faith, long after the Ravener of his time was in. He was named Lord of Fellendale, but he did not let earthly matters twist him in his divine purpose. Up until his seclusion and sickness, he lived his every moment in Uldars light, and he made the world a better ce for it. I cannot be as Uldar was, but I can be like some of his greatest servants.


    Carey thought of what Alex had told her: how the Traveller had spent her entire life in the pursuit of a holy task of her own. She wondered if Merzhin would have thought of her as a worthy role model.


    Mortal need tests my faith, Carey, as it tests all of us. The Saint raised his head. But I must be better than that, with utmost effort. After all, it is upon meand the other Heroesthat the greatest task has fallen. If <em>I</em> do not burn away my weaknesses, then others suffer.


    That sounds hard, Merzhin. And cold, too, she said, feeling pity for the young man. Surely you deserve warmth and a little mortal reward for your efforts. In the Parable of ludus, Uldar restored sight, and gave wealth to the blind beggars of Asban. He said that they deserved reward in this life for the goodness of their hearts.


    A sickening thought crossed her mind: that this young man in front of her might burn away everything for the dream and purpose of a master who did not care for him at all. She could understand suffering and sacrifice for a good causebut what did such things matter if they were for a god who hid the truth from his people? Perhaps even conspired against them?


    So she asked one final question.


    What ifit could all end? What if this cycle was thest? What if, this timewhen we defeat the Ravenerit was vanquished for all time. What then?


    Merzhin gave her a gentle smile. From your mouth to Uldars ears, Carey, and I have faith thatone daywe shall have such a sweet victory. But such things are for Uldar to decide, not for us. One day, his glory shall return, and we will be rid of the Ravener forever. I trust in this. And such a dream can motivate me to burn away my mortal weakness. He paused, Ah, the soups cooled.


    The Saint quickly gulped both cups of barley soup, and let out a pleased sigh. Well, I must lead the evening prayers. Will you be joining us, this time? Even if Uldar is enough for me, I understand if youd like to spend time with others. Come, itll be fun.


    Carey smiled at him a bit sadly, once again seeing her old self in his enthusiastic eyes. The nostalgia didnt hurt so much anymore. She didnt need Uldar anymore.


    Not in the way she once needed a deity.


    Ill be fine, I have some more work to do before I tuck in for the night. Andfor what its worthyou should be easier on yourself, Merzhin.


    He smiled again. That is not for you or I to decide, Carey. My duty is clear.


    Once more, he stood, stepping away from the fire. As she watched him go, she wondered how he would react to what she knew about the dungeon coresbut she dismissed the thought.


    She doubted he was ready to learn what she hadand what it could mean. Shed barely been ready, and Merzhin was more devout than shed been.


    One day, she whispered. Well get the cycles to end. Were closer than you think. And I dont believe you about mortal weakness. If you dont want to be alone, you shouldnt be.


    Her whispers were quiet enough she could barely hear her own voice.


    The words seemed to disappear in the crackle of me.


    Which was one reason why she did not consider that anyone could hear her; one reason why she didnt notice the gazes that fell on her from across the camp. Gazes from men and women who had newly joined the war-party as skilled wilderness scouts.


    Men and women who seemed to have heard her every word.

 Chapter 564: Chasing the Travellers Lantern

    Chapter 564: Chasing the Traveller''s Lantern


    It was nearly summer when Alex finally caught the Travellers power.


    For weeks, he had been chasing it, closing the distance with every long night spent on the bakery''s roof. Every bit of time and effort hed devoted to chasing it meant it was easier to track, and no matter how long it took to catch it, it would be worth it.


    Her power kept growing in him; if it had been like wavering candlelight before, it was like kindling me now, giving life to a bonfire. And as the power grew and he kept chasing it, it came nearer to his grasp.


    At times, Alex felt like he was trying to seize a single grain of sand, and even using all the precision and dexterity he could manage, grasping a grain of sand would never be easy.


    But as the power grew, it also couldnt slip away as easily.


    So, on one warm Generasi night, he caught it, not knowing what hed done at first. He was so shocked, he nearly let it go, but through will, desperation, reflex, or all three, he clenched down, gripping the power, not letting it get away. His heart was pounding like a drum; but he had it, he finally had it. By the Traveller, heughed, the energy ring at the sound of her name. Its beautiful.


    And it truly was.


    For the first time, Alex could examine the power passed onto him by Hannah Kim, the woman who had travelled worlds and saved untold lives. And he found it beautiful.


    It was warm and inviting. If mana was simr to electricity, then this was a warm fire that filled the cold spaces between nes and worlds. It felt wondrous.


    I dont think its divinity, he murmured, ncing at his left shoulder. The Marks not giving me any troublebut I wonder if this is how priests and miracle workers feel when their deities pass divine power through their soul.


    Waves of warmth spread through his body, filling him with a tingling, yetforting feeling.


    Near him, emotions offort and curiosity rose from the aeld staff, likely feeling the wondrous power coursing through his soul. He smiled and reached for it, conjuring a pair of Wizards Hands.


    The spells flew to a waiting notebook, flipping open before him.


    It was time for some notes.


    Alex began dictating, and his pen began note taking:


    <strong>Time, roughly three hours before sunrise.</strong>


    <strong>Have grasped the Travellers power. The following is an observation of it.</strong>


    <strong>Travellers power seems to be pure magic: not mana, or divinity, but another form of supernatural force. Thats not surprising to me: theres lots of magic out there in the world.</strong>


    <strong>The power doesnt seem to function like mana at all: theres no pool, pathways or fuel. As far as I can tell, it is essentially a static energy that just..</strong>


    He paused, unsure how to finish the sentence.


    <strong>It just works, is the closest I can tell.</strong>


    <strong>When I use a summoning or teleportation spell, I can feel the power reach out across distance. The power could work almost like a rope? Could maybe reach across distance and pull things.</strong>


    Ugh, youre just guessing now, Alex muttered, holding onto the power. The only way to understand more about how it works is to actually try using it.


    Concentrating, he focused on a point in space across from him on the roof.


    Having no solid idea of what to do, he first imagined himself teleporting across the roof. Nothing happened. Then he imagined himself disappearing and then reappearing in a space that was closer.


    Again, nothing.


    He thought of simply reaching out with the power: each time it had helped him with a summoning or teleportation spell before, hed felt it reach out across the nes.


    Slowly, he tried moulding the power into the shape of an arm, reaching across the roof.


    Something changed.


    He could feel the energy swirling, changing shape and ring


    Only to flicker and die.


    No, dammit! he cursed as it slipped away.


    He tried to grasp it again, butno matter what he didhe couldnt get it back.


    Dammit, he muttered. Well, at least reaching out with it did <em>something</em>. Ill try that again next time.


    He was ready to start again, when the sound of a key unlocking the front door caught his attention.


    Troy must be there.


    Which meant the line-up would be gathering soon.


    Alex hoped his new hires would arrive before then.


    One of the most hrious things about Govert Beerensteyns attempt at sabotage was how it had theplete opposite result to what the man had wanted. Instead of destroying Alexs chances at sess and spreading poisonous news about the Roth Family Bakery to the public, he''d managed to draw attention to it in a host of positive ways that no marketing campaign Alex came up with ever could have. The man was an idental marketing geniusbut for his enemy.


    Every single day, the bakery would open to long lines of customers. In about ten minutes, the dining area would be full, and the line would keep forming outside the door. Within a week, Alex had had to hire more staff, and thankfully, Troy had a few suggestions to fill the positions.


    I know some of my former coworkersBeerensteyn Sr.s old staffhad to find other work in the city, hed said one morning. I also know some of them arent <em>too</em> happy with their current jobs. Just say the word, boss, and Ill get you more help than you know what to do with.


    And that was how many of the bakerys former stafffrom its golden agecame to work there again. They were a good-natured lot, with a work ethic and talent for baking much like Troys; it hadnt taken Alex long to get them trained in making his new recipes, and the Roth Family Bakerys way of doing things.


    They werent hired a minute too soon, either; with such a big demand, had it not been for them, Alexs time would have mostly been spent running the front counter instead of going to ss, or working on the Travellers power.


    Sure, paying sries increased his overhead, but with more customers, he was also making more gold. It more than bnced out.


    They were selling out daily, well before closing, even with increasing the amount of food they made. Meals made with the expertise of him and his bakersespecially since he could perfect every recipe with the Mark of the Foolgave the bakery an edge even the finest bakeries in the district didnt have.


    The profits were piling up.


    And there was even more coin flowing Alexs way.


    Thundar, ygon, and Theresa now had a rhythm when it came to harvesting dungeon cores: once every couple of weeks they would disappear into Thamnd, then reappear with a new batch of dungeon core substance for his golem crafting operation with Toraka.


    Shale definitely wasntining either: the first golem shed sold went in a bidding war between a powerful Sultan, a high priestess, and an archwizard from Generasis countryside. The sultan won by andslide, generating a massive amount of coin for his and Shales little operation.


    To make things even better, the losers of that auction had gotten into another bidding war for the next golem, with the archwizard beating out the high priestess. That was enough to convince Shale that shed set the initial prices for the constructs far too low, so the high priestess had then paid a fine premium for the third golem that Toraka and Alex finished.


    The extra profitsing to Alex had been more than enough to let him start fulfilling his promise to Lucia. Using hisboratory in the basement of the bakery, Alex got to work, designing, crafting and engineering economical stone golems for the former sky gondoliers shippingpany.


    By stripping out a few luxuries, he had the process refined down to an art, crafting seven foot stone golems with the strength of twenty strong men who never tired, and had better agility than any regrbourer.


    They still cost some pretty coin, but the look on Lucias face when he introduced her to the newest members of her workforce had been <em>more</em> than worth it. In return, it was on her first caravel that the dungeon core-forged iron golem travelled to its buyer across the sea.


    The influx of coin from <em>that</em> venture was enough to let Lucia look into purchasing another ship. Each of his business ventures was growing at a healthy rate, andas the coin piled upAlex wondered if hed be looking for a second building soon.


    One Roth Family Bakery is fantastic, he said to himself, looking over the city in satisfaction. Two would be even better. But <em>ten</em>, better still.


    He paused, then burst outughing. If anyone had been watching from a nearby window, they would have thought hed gone mad.


    But, despite risking his reputation, he couldnt stopughing.


    A little over two years ago, hede to Generasi with his family, his hopes, dreams, and the inheritance that summed up his parents entire financial life. He had hoped to buy a home for himself, Theresa, Selina and Brutus.


    Instead, hed learnedto his shock and disappointmentthat the entire earthly sum of his parents wealth was hardly enough to pay for their room and board at the school for the four years of his education. But now, here he was, honestly wondering how much of the city he could buy before he either revealed that he was the Fool to the world, or someone else revealed it for him.


    And, to make things even better, he wasnt the only one getting rich.


    Isolde and Khalik wereas alwaysstupidly wealthy, but Theresa and Thundar had rtively little coin to their names. Now, every time they returned with a harvested dungeon core, Alex would make it rain gold on their heads.


    once, quite literally, until theyd angrily made him stop.


    Spreading the wealth that time had involved a surprisea bucket of gold and several Wizards Hands. Unfortunately, gold was heavy, and tended to leave welts when it was tossed and gathered speed.


    Since then, hed stuck to making it <em>figuratively</em> rain gold on his lover and his friend. Each time they brought a dungeon core home, hed hand them a chest filled with five thousand gold a piece.


    To him, ten thousand gold wasnt too much, considering the risks they were taking, and the profits from each iron golem sold, but even then, Theresa had tried to give it back, saying it was too much.


    Listen, hed said. You guys are risking life and limb to help us get rich. You deserve everyst coin and more.


    But Alex Theresa had stared down at the heavy chest in her hands. What am I supposed to do with all this?


    Alex shrugged. Buy some nice armour. Maybe something else that youve been wanting, or how about all the des you want? Your own house? Go nuts.


    Look, dont try and talk him into giving us less, Theresa, Thundar had said quickly. The first thing Im going to do is take as much of this as I can and double it in the Games. Hed winked at them.


    Theresa had just sighed and taken the coin to the bank, since Alex had insisted she get herself a bank ount.


    Within a couple of days, hed noticed Brutus wearing three <em>very</em> nice enchanted cors, each capable of projecting a greater force armour effect around his body.


    Mama was going to take care of her pup.


    Alex paused, ncing at his blood magic textbooks sitting in a pile nearby as Brutus came to mind. There was something he was working on for Theresaan ultimate present, one hed mentioned some time ago.


    He was getting closer to making it work, and


    <em>Father. </em>ygons voice came through their link.


    Yes? Alex cried in surprise. Where are you buddy?


    <em>Iamin town</em><em>I was out walkingI am only three streets away. Could yoe here?</em>


    Alex grabbed his staff. ygons tone sounded serious.


    Whats wrong? Alex thought.


    <em>It isKhalik</em><em>He is with Thundarand he looks veryupset. He wishes to speak to you right away.</em>


    Im on my way, Alex said.

 Chapter 565: The Princes Request

    Chapter 565: The Prince''s Request


    In the time that Alex had known Prince Khalik Behr-Medr, one of his closest friends, it was rare that he had seen him appear in public looking anything but impably dressed, groomed and poised. His beard was always perfectly sculpted like hed used a ruler to measure every angle. His its were always perfectly braided, and his clothes were rarely anything but immacte, perfectly clean, washed, and pressed.


    The only time Khalik had ever looked worseunless he was in the middle of a battle or a long campaignwas when he was really hungover or exhausted from long nights of studying, or training.


    But even then, hed <em>never</em> looked quite this terrible.


    Who the hell is this? Alex wondered as he floated down,nding on the sidewalk beside ygon, Thundar, Khalik and Najyah.


    The prince was sitting on a bench with his face in his hands. His hair was dishevelled, his clothes rumpled, and he looked like he hadnt slept in a week.


    His eyes were bloodshot when he looked up at Alex.


    Khalik? Youokay? Alex asked.


    Even Najyah, who usually teased her master, was nuzzling the princes side as though he might drop dead at any second.


    He simply groaned.


    Whats wrong with him? Alex asked Thundar.


    The minotaur shrugged uneasily. Look, I went to pick him up for an early workout and he opened the door looking like this. Havent been able to get two coherent words out of him. Just that he wanted us to get you and Isolde. Thats basically it.


    Suddenly, Khalik cursed in Tekish, his bloodshot eyes squeezing shut and his body shuddering as though in great pain. Thundar, ygon and Alex rushed to his side.


    Hey, hey talk to us, man, Alex urged. Whats going on? Are you hurt?


    Wait Khalik groaned, his voice cracking. Justwaitwait for Isolde.


    Alex looked at Thundar again. Is she on her way?


    Yeah, she was out this morning, but we ran into Svenia, the minotaur scratched his head, looking down at Khalik in utter bewilderment. I dont think itll take her long to get here. Svenia said that shed already gone to the Cells early this morning, but shed go get her.


    Does she know to meet us here? Alex asked.


    I


    Suddenly Khalik bent over the side of the bench, retching his guts out over the paving stones.


    What the hells! Thundar cried. Whats going on, man? Are you sick?


    No, Khalik groaned. He tapped the side of his head. Listen, it is all up here.


    Is something attacking your mind? Alex demanded, looking around the street and nearby rooftops. It was still early morning, and hardly anyone was out.


    There were no signs of attackers anywhere nearby.


    I am not under attack, Khalik insisted. Icannot


    Alex and Thundar looked at each other, dumbfounded.


    Nothing in Khaliks bodynguage gave any clues as to what he was going through, only that he seemed to be suffering from a high level of anxiety.


    The young man looked like hed just attended his own funeral.


    Khalik! Isoldes voice called.


    Alex looked up, catching sight of the young noblewoman flying over the rooftops, then descending toward them. I came as quickly as I couldSvenia told me you would all be at Alexs bakery.


    Yeah, well we never made it there, said Thundar, snorting twin clouds of steam. Somethings really wrong with Khalik.


    I can see that, Isolde said. What is the matterare you and Sinope having troubles?


    Khalik looked up at her sharply.


    Suddenly, certain memories of the past few months returned to Alex: Khalik and Sinope were spending a lot of happy days together, but now and then, a troubled look would cross the princes face when he was around her.


    They would only appear for the briefest of momentstoo brief for him to truly find a pattern in themso hed never thought they were serious enough for him to pry into his friends deepest affairs.


    Now, he regretted that he hadnt.


    Khalik, if this is about you or Sinope, you can tell us whats happening, he said quickly.


    The princes face looked stricken for a moment, but then he shook it off.


    With a growl, he pushed himself to his feet and pulled a kerchief from his shirt to wipe his face. He ran his fingers through his beard, straightened his hair, then smoothed his rumpled clothing.


    A glint sparked in his eyes as he rose to his full height.


    Alexs breath caught.


    In that moment, the person standing before them wasnt the wreck of a man hed found there minutes before. Nor was it his friend, Khalik, rtable, always ready with a joke, friendly encouragement, or a ss of the strong stuff.


    No, the person now standing before the cabal was none other than Prince Khalik Behr-Medr, The Raptor of Tekezash, Lord of the Sapphire Sea and second son of King Aksuma Behr-Medr and Queen Ishtar Behr-Medr.


    Even Najyah pped away for a momenttaken abackbefore returning to perch on his shoulder. She too rose to her full height, preening her feathers, but ready to serve her master.


    My friends. Mypanions. My cabal members, Khalik addressed the others like a king addressing his greatest lords before the battle of a lifetime. I do not often ask favours from you. I pride myself on the ability to stand under my own power. I have lived a privileged life, and to demand favours of others without the principle of reciprocity would be the height of entitlement.


    He drew a deep breath, his broad chest expanding. But this morning, I must beg for your help as though I was not even capable of feeding myself. You are free to refuse me, free to decline, but know that I need you <em>now</em> more than at any other time, thus far.


    Thundar, Isolde, Alex and ygon looked at each other.


    Determination filled their eyes.


    I shall do anything you ask, Khalik, Isolde said, with all the pride of a Rhinean noble.


    By my ancestors, Ill be your shield, your sword and your friend, Thundar agreed.


    Ill have your back, Alex stepped up. No matter what it is. Ill be there. No matter who the enemy is? Ill break them.


    <em>You havemy spearand my voice. You have been goodto fatherand me, </em>ygons voice thundered. <em>I will begood to you.</em>


    Khalik lowered his head. I thank you, my friends and greatestpanions. What I ask of you now will be simple, but in return: you cannot ask me any questions. Do not try to pry details from me and do not whisper what I am about to ask of you to any other. I will have your word on this. Your oath or nothing at all.


    Even as Alex swore beside his friends, he wondered just what in the world Khalik had gotten himself involved in.


    As each of them swore on life, honour and ancestors, relief entered the princes eyes, as though a terrible burden had begun to lift away. But those eyes hardened again. Quickly.


    This evening, I ask only this of you: go to the Brass Grapes and obtain a table for five. Wait there for me until midnight. That strange look crossed his face again. If Ie to you tonight, then I ask one thing of you: console me. Buy me drinks. Tell me tales of wonder and happy memories. Console me.


    I Isolde opened her mouth, a question on her lips. But she quickly shut it. Alright.


    Whatever you need, Thundar said.


    Yeah, well have you, Alex said.


    Good. That is a relief, Khalik said, smiling sadly. If I do not arrive tonight, then I ask that you return here for three more nights, keep a vigil for me in that time. Thetest I wille to you is on the third night. If I dothen just listen to what I have to say. And if I do not appear on the third night?


    His jaw clenched. Thene and find me. Do not look for me before then, but if I do not appear in three days, then my situation will be even more dire than it is now. Look for me then.


    Alex reeled at Khaliks words, each one spoken with the strength of flint.


    He desperately wanted to ask his friend what was going on, and whybut a single look from the prince silenced all questions. He trusted Khalik, and swore he would do as he was asked.


    And he was asked to not ask questions.


    He respectedand trustedhis friend too much to break that pact.


    But he needed <em>one</em> question answered.


    Are you going to be alright? Alex asked.


    Khalik looked at him sharply. His shoulders slumped. Either way? I will live. In what state, I am not sure yet. The uing events are not entirely for me to decide. In the end, I can only ce my fate in the hands of myself, and in the hands of others. Including you.


    He smiled wanly at his friends. My friends, I thank you for supporting me. Hopefully, our next meeting will be a happy one. Suddenly, Khalik stepped forward and hugged each of his friends in turn. I will return.


    With that, the prince turned and walked away, heading down the street with Najyah on his shoulder.


    His head was held high. Do not follow me, was all he said.


    An hour to midnight now, Thundar said nervously, ncing at the door of the Brass Grapes.


    The crowd was light tonight, with most students having already gone home for the summer. Only a few had stayed behind: there was a group drinking after a project gone wrong, a couple on a date at the bar


    and the cabal.


    Alex sat with Isolde and Thundar at a table with a good view of the door.


    ygon had been standing beside their table all night, his eyes never leaving the door.


    <em>Nothingyet</em> the golem said.


    You know, I dont know if Im nervous that hes not here, or happy that he hasnt gotten here yet, Alex said.


    Isolde took a long sip of hot wine. He said that if he were toe tonight, we would need to console him. So him not arriving is a good thing. I think.


    Jeez, I cant believe hes keeping us in the dark like this, Thundar grunted, throwing back half a stein of beer. Its not like him.


    It isnt, Alex agreed.


    You dont think hes off doing something stupid, do you? the minotaur asked.


    Khalik is one of the wisest among us, Isolde said. I would be shocked if this was something dangerous he decided to face alone out of misced pride.


    But what in all hells <em>could</em> it be? the minotaur demanded. We could help him with almost anything in his life.


    It doesnt matter, Alex said, gulping a shot of whiskey. Hell tell us when hes ready. Im sure of it. I trust him. Well be here for him.


    We will, Thundar agreed. I just wish I knew what all of this was about.


    Time will tell, Isolde said. And we will know soon.


    For better or for worse, Khalik did not appear that night.


    Hour until midnight, Thundar reported on the second evening. Im ready to jump out of my skin here.


    Yeah, Theresa and Selina are worried too, Alex said.


    <em>Iam also worried </em>ygon said. <em>What ifhe went to do somethingand a hidden enemygot him</em>


    The memory of the mana vampire returned; how it had attacked them<strong></strong>in that dark alleyway in the city, but Alex shook the memory away.


    Isolde grunted, uncharacteristically. You know, perhaps he thought of engaging in something that he knew he could handle on his own, but had the potential to be moreplicated and dangerous. But for the life of me, I cannot begin to guess what that could be.


    Yeah, Ive got no idea either, Thundar said.


    Alex frowned, but said nothing.


    <em>Father?</em> ygon asked. <em>Is there somethingwrong?</em>


    I dont know, Alex admitted. I just dont know.


    Again, the prince of Tekezash failed to appear that night.


    One hour until midnight, Thundar reported, pacing back and forth by their table.


    Waves of tension emanated from ygon.


    Isoldes lips were a tight line.


    Alex was flexing and unflexing his hands.


    None of them had had anything to drink that night.


    Thundars mace was in his belt loop at his side, Alexs staff leaned against the side of the booth, and Isoldes dagger shone in its sheath.


    The party was prepared for war.


    We should have broken our pact, Isolde said. He will note tonight, and if anything has happened to him, it will be our fault.


    It wont be, Alex said.


    His life is more valuable than our word, Isolde said. It will be our fault for not investigating when we should have.


    No, we trusted Khalikbut that doesnt mean I wont me myself if something has happened to him. But we listened as he asked us to, because we respect him: all we can do is go looking for him if he doesnt show up.


    Well find him, Thundar promised.


    No one replied.


    The minutes ticked by in the bar, each one feeling like a lifetime. Slowly, other groups left for the night, leaving the cabal alone.


    Last call approached.


    Midnight approached.


    Alexsst nerve was fraying.


    And then


    <em>He ising</em> ygon announced.


    Everyone scrambled from their seats as the prince finally appeared with Najyah on his shoulder.


    He looked different.


    He had changed, and his hands were wrapped in white gauze.


    And that gauze was stained with blood.

 Chapter 566: A Sacred Bond

    Chapter 566: A Sacred Bond


    The prince was d in clothing of green, woven from leaves of what looked to be scores of trees. Wreaths of summer berries were entwined throughout his beard, and vibrant red vines were twisted through his its.


    A gand of dried fruity around his neck and a crown of blossoms encircled his brow. Even Najyah had been adorned with wide cuffs of ivy just above her talons.


    The prince looked as though lightning had just struck him.


    His eyes were unfocused, and though he walked with purpose, it almost seemed like he didnt quite know where he was going.


    As one, his cabal rushed to meet him, with ygons footsteps shaking the floor.


    Khalik! Alex said, seizing his friend by the shoulders. Youre alive.


    The prince looked at him. Iam.


    What in the worlds happening? Thundar demanded. You look likeI dont know.


    Why do you have blood on your hands? Isolde asked.


    I am fine, Khalik said, as though just waking from a dream. First things first. Your reward. He raised his hand toward the bartender. Barkeep, my friend, open a tab under the name of Khalik.


    The barkeep gave him an incredulous look. We only have a few more minutes untilst call.


    Not a problem. The prince spread both arms. Broach a mini-kegno, make that three mini-kegs of oat and apple honey mead. Also bring three bottles of ardenian fortified wine to our table. A twenty year vintage, if you have it. Then some dwarven fire vodka. I will not only settle with you immediately, but tip you <em>handsomely.</em>


    Iyoure the boss! the barkeep sprang into action, reaching for a bottle of wine from one of the higher shelves.


    What is <em>happening</em>, Khalik? Isolde demanded. We were worried sick. I was ready to go to war with half of Generasi if you did not walk through that door.


    Khalik looked at her in surprise. Truly?


    Yes! ygon, Alex, Isolde and Thundar yelled at the same time.


    Najyah pecked at her masters head.


    Well, that is touching, but no war is necessary, he smiled. Ande, I owe you all an exnation.


    Leading the bewildered group back to their own table, Khalik threw himself into a chair and let out a groan as though all the worlds weight was sliding off him. Najyah hopped from his shoulder and perched on the edge of the table.


    As the others settled in around him, the prince suddenly burst outughing.


    Whats so funny? Alex demanded. Have youpletely lost it?


    Yesnoperhaps, Khalik said. Alright, I am sure you are wondering where I was and what I was doing. First, I must thank you for your patience and trust. What I had to do, I had to do alone.


    And what the hell was that? Thundar demanded. What did you do, go fight some evil tree for the dryads or something?


    No, Khalik said. I asked Sinope to marry me.


    Dead silence filled the Brass Grapes, only broken by the bartender scrambling to grab thest of their drinks.


    What? Alex murmured.


    Did I hear you correctly? Isolde asked.


    I think I had something in my ear. Thundars jaw dropped.


    <em>Congrattions</em> ygon said.


    Yes, that is what this was about, Khalik said. And why I had to do it alone. I would not


    Never mind that! Whatd she say? Alex demanded.


    Khalik gave him a look. If I had returned on the first night, I would have needed consoling. I do not need consoling.


    Holy shit, congrattions! Alex shouted, pping him on the shoulder.


    You almost killed us, but yeah, man, I didnt think you two were already there, Thundar said.


    II am shocked, but most happy for you, though I do wonder Isolde shifted awkwardly. Considering who you are, would this noplicate things?


    It will, the prince said. And sooner than I had expected. Truly, I have been thinking of this since our sojourns to the hells: what life might bring. How long it might be. How short. And who I wished to spend that life with. Sinope makes me happy, and I her, thankfully. So I did as needed.


    He looked at Thundar. As for what you said, I thought about that. In many ces, those of noble and royal blood are made to marry those they have only met a handful of times, with no opportunity for courting. Sinope and I have had something of a year now, and I wished to make my intentions known. True, that is short by some standards, but I chose to act. If my decision proves wrongter, so be it, but I believe it is not.


    Well, thatsspoken with conviction, Alexughed as the barkeep ced the beginnings of Khaliks order down on the table. Well, uh, shitwhatre we doing? We should be buying you drinks!


    No, you waited for me and supported me. And so I am buying for you. Khalik smiled. But there is more to tell. The dryads have an engagement ritual for those seeking to wed into their kinship. One<strong></strong>must survive in the forest by their own wits, harvest from thend to feed themself, climb the greatest oak in all their forest, while harming no tree. Lastly


    He raised his hands. cuts are made along the palms of the pair who wish to be wed and they join their palms together, then make their oath of engagement beneath the tree the dryad is bonded to. That is where I made my oath with Sinope. We are to be wed in a years passing on the same day that we took our oath. The year allows time for lovers to learn more about each other with full knowledge of theirmitment as it grows like a tree from the earth.


    Khalik smiled, as though realisation had just struck him. She said yes. She said <em>yes!</em>


    He suddenly leapt from his seat, punching his fists above his head. Najyah shrieked with him in victory, and ygon suddenly roared as the barkeep ducked for cover. In moments, Alex, Isolde and Thundar were cheering too, just as they had some two years ago when together, theyd in a bone drinker for the very first time.


    With augh that shook his whole body, Khalik threw himself back into his chair and broached the mini-keg. Tonight, my friends, we drink to victory, love, bright futures and flower-filled fields. And to other such things that would make even the most syrupy poet sick to his stomach!


    Thundarughed. I hear that, he said, grabbing Isolde and Alexs cups and holding them under the kegs tap. Tomorrow, we wont be able to move. As it should be.


    I, for one, will practise decorum and restraint. I have things to do tomorrow. Isolde said.


    I can cure hangovers nowwithin reason, Alex reminded her, eagerly watching Thundar fill their cups.


    Not if you are too drunk to use blood magic, Isolde pointed out.


    Ah, details. Alex waved a hand, licking his lips as he took his overflowing stein. So, have you always nned to propose now? Why now? I know you said that the hells got you thinking, but was there something special about this particr time? And listen, whyd you look like someone had tried to kill you when we met up near the bakery?


    Because I had partly convinced myself that I was being incredibly foolish, the prince said.


    Why? Isolde asked. The worst she could have said was no.


    Thundar looked at Alex, and both young men burst outughing.


    Hahahaha, holy shit, that was good, IsolOh wait, you were serious, Thundar paused, taking an awkward sip of his drink and moving on. Since you were afraid shed get freaked out or something, what made you do it now?


    The prince gave him a grave look. Well, to be honest, I was originally nning to make my proposal toward the end of summer, butmy hand had to move quicker than Id nned.


    Really? Why? Alex asked, taking a swig of his drink.


    So, I have some more news for youmy parents will be arriving in Generasi during the Games of Roal.


    It took every drop of self control to keep Alex from spitting his drink all over the table, and Khalik.


    Thundar actually choked and was sputtering.


    What? Isolde demanded. The ki her voice cut off, and she looked around the nearly empty bar before dropping her tone to a whisper. The king and queen of Tekezash will being here?


    Indeed, Khalik said. It seems that my time of anonymity in this city will being to an end. I am lucky that it hassted these near two-years. Sinope knows, of course, but I wanted thingsdone before anyplications arose.


    Yeah, I can see that, Alex said, trying to imagine the faraway royals. The idea of meeting a king and queen made him nervous, which was odd, when he thought about it.


    Baelin was arguably more powerful than any monarch in the world, and he called the ancient goatman by his first name. Khalika princewas one of his best friendsbut there was still a part of him, the part that was <em>still</em> themoner from a small town, that shuddered at the idea of meeting kings and queens in person.


    He tried to imagine the encounter. Would there be lots of guards? Bards with brass horns to announce them? War golems to serve as bodyguards? Battle wizards and war priests ready to rain hell down on any would be assassin?


    That would be something to see.


    He wondered how they would get to Generasi.


    His imagination conjured a ship of gold sailing into the Generasi harbour.


    Thats ridiculous, he chastised himself.


    Hm? Khalik looked at him, puzzled.


    Oh, its nothing.


    Aaaaahhh. Khalik wagged a finger at him. Oh no, my friend, anyone who says its nothing definitely means its something, but I am too nervous or embarrassed to speak of it. We are all friends here. Speak, friend, and have no fear.


    Okay, okay. Its really not a big deal. I was wondering how theyd get to Generasi. I imagined a golden ship. Like one made out of gold. Seems like something you crazy rich folk would have.


    Alex, it would sink.


    Thats why I said it was ridiculous, but you wanted to know!


    Khalik nearly choked on his mead. Alright, alright. Fair enough. Well, since you are so curious: they hired a wizard skilled in teleportation, one who has travelled between Tekezash and Generasi. ording to my brother, the wizard in question was not avable until recently.


    Couldnt they have just hired another teleporter?


    Aaaaah, but there are few who would be suited to such a job. Khalik tapped the side of his nose. You see, not just any teleporter is bonded to work with royalty and other great powers of the world. To be selected for such positions, they must be bound by oath, have an impable record of service, great discretion, and an unquestionable rtionship with security. Sometimes, they work with lesser nobles for decades before their names are even put forward to work with royals in any kingdom. Sometimes, even magically<strong></strong>enforced oaths<strong></strong>are<strong></strong>involved. After all, the rtionship is significant with much at stake, since one willingly travels with a teleporter and puts their lifepletely in their hands.


    Yeah, that actually makes a lot of sense, Alex said, thinking of all the times Baelin had teleported them. The ancient wizard <em>could</em> have easily teleported them to the bottom of the ocean, if he wanted to. Hed never really given much thought to just how much trust hed been putting in the chancellor right from the beginning.


    He paused, thinking of his own future.


    The Travellers power burned inside him andif he mastered it as Hannah and Kelda hadhed be one of the most skilled teleporters in the world. Perhaps in many worlds. And, he already had a connection to royalty.


    Teleporting folk could be another career for him down the road.


    How much do these trusted teleporters get paid? Alex asked.


    You do not want to know. It is a fortune. Hiring a ship would be <em>far</em> more reasonable, Khalik admitted. And they are in <em>very</em> high demand from various monarchs, high priests, and the wealthiest powers in the world. It is one of the reasons why <em>I</em> travelled to Generasi the hard way.


    He paused, giving a little shrug. Also, my parents thought the journey would build my character. They thought that seeing more of the worldwhile apanied by a contingent of guardswould be good for developing it.


    Well, you have enough character for everybody, my friend, Alex said, pping him on the shoulder.


    Thank you, my friend. The prince smiled contentedly.


    Thats why Im sure, youre going to make Sinope happy, she just better make you happy. Alex drained his tankard. Or <em>else.</em>


    Khalik, Thundar and ygon burst outughing, though the golems mirth sounded stilted. <em>Threatsnow that is a joke I understand.</em>


    However, Isolde was notughing. Instead, she looked troubled. Very troubled.


    KhalikI am happy for you, but was your timing wise? she asked. Your parentscould they not demand an end to your engagement if they disapprove? I worry that would break Sinopes heart.


    Solving that is simple, Isolde. Khalik took a long sip from his tankard. I would simply tell them no.

 Chapter 567: A Decision a Long Time Coming

    Chapter 567: A Decision a Long Time Coming


    Under no circumstances would I make that choice, Khalik dered. I would forsake my position first.


    Silence hung over the table.


    Butwhat if they do not give you a choice? Isolde asked. We both know what it means from birth to have more duties than choice.


    There is always a choice, Khalik said firmly. It is true that kings and queens have great burdens ced on them by birthright, but they also have choices. A monarch might choose not to be ruler, if that is truly not what he or she wants.


    But what of the responsibilities and turmoil? Isolde asked, looking mortified. There are consequences when monarchs leave the throne.


    Not in all cases, and keep in mind that I am the second born in my family. Leaving my duties would not cause a great burden in the court, while I myself would gain much personally. It is a trade I would happily make.


    That isvery sweet. Isolde blushed. Sinope is lucky.


    It is not so sweet. I am a wizard and will be a graduate of Generasi. Even under my own power, I would need to utterly change my life path to ever be without resources. Under my own power, I would always attain wealth. Besides, Alex would offer me a job, would you not? He smiled.


    Yeah, Alexughed a little distractedly. In a heartbeat


    The young man felt a little odd listening to his close friends thoughts. Without any hesitation and with utter ease, the prince had dered he would leave his revered background and wealth behind to walk the path he wanted. Alex didnt detect the slightest doubt in his bodynguage or voice: if Khalik had doubts at one time, hed obviously worked them out and Alex could apud his willbut he also felt a pang of guilt. This was the first time hed realised just <em>how much </em>in love his friend was with Sinope. Looking back, the way Khalik had been feeling about her was more and more apparent from the way he would look at her, and how he was with her, but Alex hadnt really been paying enough attention to recognise just how serious theyd grown.


    Some friend, I am, he thought, shaking his head as Thundar pped Khaliks shoulder.


    Tell you what, the minotaur grinned, draining his third drink. What you just said is one of the manliest things Ive ever heard, but if you decide to give up all your wealth and power and all that good shit, just pass it on to me! I promise Ill take good care of it!


    Khalik smiled, pping Thundar on the shoulder in turn. My friend, just for you? He leaned in close. I will make sure to acquire as many debts as I can. I will take loans from the worst scum, be an utter degenerate and make terrible investments. And then I will pass everyst one of those debts on to you.


    Thundar cursed him loudly, pouring another drink<strong></strong>and downing it. Youre a bastard.


    As are you, Khalik chuckled.


    <em>Ermexcuse me, I have a question for you and Isolde,</em> ygon said.


    Hed been so silent that some members of the cabal had actually forgotten he was there: both Isolde and Thundar startled when he spoke.


    <em>ording to what I have heardand readthe average age of marriage or at least engagement for nobility, aristocracy, and royalsis roughly 16.2 years, depending on region and gender.</em> He looked at Isolde and Khalik. <em>Should you two not have already been engagedbeforeing to Generasi?</em>


    ygon, what the hell kinda books have you been reading? Alex asked, surprised.


    <em>Informative onesfather,</em> his golem said with enthusiasm.


    Iyeah, okay fair enough. Alex shrugged, taking a long sip of his drink.


    It is actually a fine question. Isolde took a longer sip of hers, as though steeling herself. Many of my friends back home are currently engaged. One is married and bore her first daughterst summer. However, those who go away to seek higher education at one of the worlds wizarding universities are given more freedom to decide when they marry. Sometimes even to <em>whom</em> they marry.


    She refilled her ss. In the end, a political alliance by way of marriage is of high importance for any bloodline, but the value of ensuring that a wizard is fully educated, outweighs that for all, save the most empty-headed of noble families. Actually. She smiled, andughter danced in her blue eyes. My grandfather hoped that I would meet a wizard of power and influence during my studies. He considered such a candidate far more suitable for my marriage than


    Isolde suddenly broke into giggles, her face reddening. ...and I <em>quote</em> him: the quasi-inbred country nobles your mother is considering setting you up with.


    Alex spat out his drink, coughing until he recovered his voice. No, he <em>didnt </em>actually say that, did he?


    He <em>did!</em> she insisted, her giggles bing full peals ofughter. The argument between him and my mothersted at least three weeks. By the elements, you would have thought a winter war had been dered in our household. The temperatures as it were, could have frozen the sun, while the arguments were hot enough to melt stone! But, when all was done, grandfather and I got our way. I am happy <em>and </em>relieved that he trusts my judgement as much as he does.


    And to think, Thundar snickered. You <em>almost</em> rewarded his trust by bringing home Derek!


    Now it was Khaliks turn to choke on his drink.


    Alexs drink sprayed through his nose.


    But Isoldes face was stone. She red at Thundar with eyes that were pools of undisguised malice, murder, and the hatred of a horde of demons. Her hand slowly reached for the stiletto dagger at her waist. Then paused. Nevermind. Your death is not worth my expulsion.


    Oh, of course. Of course! Thundar snorted. Of course you would focus on expulsion more than going to jail for murder, or being executed for murder, oryknomiting <em>murder</em>.


    You are rapidlying closer to making it worth <em>all</em> of those things, Son of Gulbiff.


    Khalik was nowughing so hard, tears were dripping off the greenery woven into his beard.


    Alright, Isolde, enough making fun of you...for now, The minotaur raised his hands in surrender. Lets make fun of <em>you</em> instead!


    Whatd I do? Alex demanded, his friends eyes boring into him.


    Its what you <em>didnt</em> do. Thundar smirked. Look, here. Listen, listen, listen. Listen to your ol pal Thundar.


    I already dont want to listen to my ol pal Thundar. Whore you again?


    Thundar put an arm around the Thameish wizards broad shoulders. Dont act like that man, Im trying to help you. Look at this guy. He nodded to Khalik. Been with the girl he loves for a <em>year</em> and now hes asked her to marry him. And youve been with Theresa for how long? Our princely friends gonna make you look <em>real</em> bad.


    Oh dear, Isolde said, covering her mouth with her hand.


    Alex turned a shade of red so bright, that he was sure most tomatoes would have paled inparison.


    Ooooh deeear, Khalik echoed.


    Look, look! Alex said quickly. Weve only been together like two years


    I have been with Sinope for one, Khalik pointed out.


    <em>The marriage records for non aristocratsacross the world areless reliableand less readily avablebut most indicate an average age of 18.6 years, depending on region and gender,</em> ygon reported, his voice that of a helpful senior librarian. A helpful senior librarian that Alex wanted to strangle. <em>FatherI have to tell youyour current age is three months from twenty years old</em>


    Basically a fossil, Thundar said helpfully.


    <em>and so you would be ofmore than the average marriageable age.</em>


    I got it, ygon, I got it, you traitor! Alex groaned. Whatever books youve been reading, stop it! Look, one step at a time, okay? Weve been going down to the hells and Ive been starting businesses! One step at a time!


    ygon, Isolde, Thundar. Khalik held up his hands. Leave him alone. Think of it this way: he knew Theresa for eighteen years and it took them that long to get together in the first ce. Therefore, it will take until he is <em>thirty six </em>for him to propose, unless Theresa takes matters into her own hands.


    Khalik wasughing even harder now, but an odd look crossed Isoldes face.


    Thundar looked at her, ready to say something wicked, but paused, then returned to his drink.


    But, the now very merry Khalik mistook the minotaurs expression for something else and leaned forward, cing a hand on his shoulder. What about you, Thundar? You make fun of Alex alongside me, but what of you?


    Thundar snorted. Kinda need a girlfriend for that sorta thing, right?


    You know what? I do believe you are right! But luckily, you seem to be on the right path.


    Ugh, thest girl I had a crush on well, we all know how that ended. Right path, my hoof.


    I do not speak of her, my friend, Khaliks grin grew broad. I speak of Drestra, of course.


    Silence fell over the table as all eyes cut to the minotaur.


    He lookedpletely baffled. What about Drestra? he asked. Her trainings going fine.


    Isoldes expression grew more incredulous by the heartbeat. Are you serious? Tell me you are not serious!


    Thundar looked more confused, his eyes darting between his fellow cabal mates and ygon. I dont knowwhat youre talking about?


    Isolde, Khalik and Alex looked at each other.


    Thundar, you are <em>entirely</em> hopeless. The young noblewoman shook her head, raising an eyebrow and taking a <em>very</em>long sip of mead. <em>Entirely</em> hopeless.


    How am I hopeless? he demanded, growing more animated. In some ways, he even looked panicked. No, seriously, what are you talking about? You gotta level with me here, did someone tell you something? Was it Cedric? Hart? Whats going on?


    Khalik waved a hand while shaking his head, Just drink, my friend.


    Look, I the minotaur started, then abruptly stopped and returned to his keg.


    As Isolde asked Khalik for more details of his and Sinopes engagement ceremony, Alexs mind drifted away from the Brass Grapesand to other matters.


    His thoughts turned to their earlier conversation about him proposing to Theresa. And he explored the thought deeplyand hard.


    Two things were true: he and Theresa were together, and he wanted it to stay that way for the rest of theirhopefully very longlives, if she wanted the same. But he hadnt even proposed to her, and thinking about it, he felt a little guilty now.


    He had promised Mr. Lu that his attentions were real, and he hadnt lied about that, but he also hadnt really given much thought to making things formal, to nning their future together like he should have.


    But why not, why hadnt he?


    Been focused on the end of Thamnd, the treachery of my god, the resurrection of Hannah, the wrath of the hells, a secretive church, building an empire and everything else. Thatsyeah, thats a lot, its been a lot, he thought, taking a long swig of mead. But Khaliks right: with all the dangerous shit going on around us, our lives could end as suddenly as mums and dads did. I want to be beside Theresa for however long we live, whether thats minutes or years. I sure dont know what the future holds, but I do know that I love her and she loves me.


    Suddenly Alex snickered with a hint of bitterness in hisugh. Besides, I dont want to be like those guys in the stories. The ones that say <em>Well do so and so right after this battle,</em> then <em>immediately</em> get smashed to paste. I should do it before I never get the chance to. Yeahyeah Ill do it. I have a good financial future. Werefortable here in Generasi. Theres danger in our lives, but it brings us closer and even makes us stronger. I think I make her happy, she sure as all hells makes me happy. Selina and ygon love her... Yeah, its about time.


    And so he made his decision right there and then.


    He would ask Theresa Lu to marry him during the Games of Roal.


    What better time than after an epic triumph across battlefields? Theyd gotten together during a deadly battle, and so it felt fitting to ask her to marry him after a <em>non</em> deadly one.


    The non deadly part was real important.


    She was a warrior. He could imagine her loving the situation, and there were few people in the world who knew her as well as he did.


    This means Ive got to step up the pace of that present Im making for her. He chugged his drink. After all, I have the perfect asion to give it to her now. Andspeaking of presents.


    He nodded, all smiles,ing to another decision.


    Selinas birthdaysing up. This year, Im gonna give her something shell never expect.

 Chapter 568: Rite of Passage

    Chapter 568: Rite of Passage


    Selina Roth knocked on the door of her brothersboratory on the evening she turned twelve years old.


    The day had been amazing, even by the high standards set by every birthday shed ever had in her young life. For most of her birthday celebrations, Alex and the Lus had all but harnessed the stars for her when that special day arrived.


    From the time hed started working at McHarris bakery back in Alric, her brother would bake heaps of wonderful treats for her and her friends, and Mr. Lu would always build her a toy that she would cherish. The Lu family inn would look like a minor festival with music and activities that drew half the children in Alric to it.


    As fantastic as those days were, birthdays in Generasi were on a whole other level of amazing; like she was living in a fairy tale.


    Last year, she and everyone closest to her spent the day at the magical attraction called Noarcs tower. Shed seen so many things that she loved; like fantastical architecture, and magic the likes of which shed never seen before, even though shed lived in Generasi for almost a year back then. She and her friends spent a lot of the day with wide eyes and ck jaws, amazed at what Noarc had created, and the messenger construct that Alex had given her was still one of her most favourite things in the whole world.


    A lot had happened from the time shed left Alric and throughout the past year after shed turned eleven. In many ways, the year had been one of the most eventful of her young life.


    Shed seen and lived through a demon attack where people died in the stadium at the Games of Roal. Mr. and Mrs. Lu were there for her birthday and had given her the very first knife she ever had, and Theresa had taught her how to use it. She was tired of demons and monsters threatening their lives, so shed started carrying it to protect herself, and her family from the filthy creatures.


    But, thered also been plenty of happy times, like when she began learning magical theory in school, starting her on her path to bing a wizard. The story Alex told of the battle hed fought in Thamnd in that burning windmill had sparked her imagination, and sent her asking questions about fire and heat and how they worked in the world, which had made her think about getting cold from me. Something shed been dreaming of doing.


    Selina knew that certain things that had already touched her life would affect it forever. In important ways, her life hadnt been like Abues or her other friends lives. Shed seen and lived things that hopefully, they never would. For a time, some of those things had confused her, and she hadnt known how to feel about them.


    But, shed started asking questions, shed gotten to know Shiani whod taught her that sometimes good cane from bad. Her eleventh year of life had been a big one, and to cap it off, Alex had given her the party of parties today, on her twelfth birthday.


    There wasnt any visit to Noarcs Tower this year: but, there was a big surprise grand tour of Generasi and the coast on a flying ship just for her and her best friends on the morning of her birthday. The world seemed so small from that high up, and even a city as huge as Generasi, looked as small as one of her building sets from back home.


    Someday, shed like to design and create buildings as beautiful as Generasis, maybe build an entire enve where everyone she cared about could live near each other.


    When the tour ended, the party continued at her familys bakery, which was closed for the day to celebrate her twelfth in style. Alex, Troy and the rest of the bakery''s staff had made Selinas favourite savoury treatsfollowed by an endless line of deserts, and a birthday cake that was the exact replica of Noarcs tower.


    A bard performed while everyone ate and enjoyed each otherspany, and an ancient storyteller and illusionist captivated the guests with strange and mystifying scenes from Generasi legends and around the world. There was even a parchment pinata filled with treats made in the image of McHarriswhich Alex had insisted on even though Theresa had reminded him that it wasnt <em>his</em> birthday.


    There wasughter, dancing, magic and joy enough to fill a dozen birthday partiesas the hours passed, though, Selina noticed that something was different this year. There was wonderful food, joyful music, tales, and lots to do, but the party hadnt been as rambunctious as any shed had in the past.


    She and her guests were still happy, but she realised they werent running around, or chasing each other, or giggling hysterically like during her other birthday parties.


    Selina had told Theresa about what shed noticed as they sat together watching the illusionist create shooting stars throughout the ceiling: and the huntress had patted her shoulder and given her a small, ironic smile. Thats all part of growing up, Selina, shed said. Things change.


    Right there and then, Selina had reached a conclusion: there definitely were some downsides to growing up. The thought abruptly vanished when the birthday cake and a table piled high with a mound of presents were brought in.


    Each cakeyer was a different colour of the rainbow and Selina kept saying it was way too pretty to eateach time she took a big, delicious bite.


    She attacked the mountain of gifts next.


    Theresa gave her a small hunting bow. Just for you to learn with, the huntress had said. You never know if youll have to shoot your dinner before you be a powerful wizard.


    Khalik had given hera bag of gold. You said you wanted to be rich, the prince had grinned, as her brother made choking noises. This will get you started.


    Alex had made her promise to let him help her keep track of her spending.


    Shed grumbled, but made the promise, knowing he was only looking out for her.


    Isolde had given her a pair of soft, but strong<strong></strong>muupkara<strong></strong>skin gloves and a tin of buffing polish for her knife, and Thundar had bought her a model flying ship. Hey, since I know you like building things, hed said, a bit awkwardly. I got you this kit from an alchemy shop: youve gotta build it from scratch, but once it''s all put together, it can fly up to twenty feet high and you can control it with your voice. Not sure if thats your thing, but if it isnt, I could get you something elOof!


    Her hug had stopped his words.


    There were more gifts from her friends, including a smallpact of rouge for her cheeks from Abue, that she didnt quite know how she felt about as Alex had looked at with a frown and a raised eyebrow.


    Surprisingly, he hadnt given her a present at the party, like he normally would, but as gift-opening was about to end, hed leaned down. I didnt forget your present, he whispered. Come down to theb this evening, and Ill have it ready for you. But you cant talk about it with anyone for a while, maybe only ygon and Theresa for now. Its a surprise.


    And now Selina was standing at theboratory door, curious about what this special surprise might be.


    I hope its another construct, she whispered, knocking on the door again.


    This time Alexs voice called out. Come in!


    There came a click of the lock and the door was pulled open by a pair of glowing crimson Wizards Hands. Music drifted up the staircase, and step by step, she slowly descended into the depths of her brothersb.


    She hadnt been down there much since hed gotten it set up the way he wanted, so she was stunned at what she found. The basementboratory was now a ce of wonder. On one side, aplexwork of ss tubes, bulbs, beakers and sks towered, many were sitting on burners and other heat sources.


    Half a dozen potions were being distilled at the same time, fumes drifting into the fume hood above. Scores of Wizards Hands swarmed through the chamber, tasked with turning bottles, swirling different coloured liquids in sks, mixing ingredients, and assembling golem parts. The crimson glow of the Hands blended with thebs light sources, giving the room a mystical luminescence.


    In the back of the chamber, a partlypleted stone golem stood, with Wizards Hands attaching and fusing itsponents together. Some of the Hands hovered near a massive bookshelf, taking down tomes and flipping through them before bringing them to Alex.


    Her brother was bent over a work table near the centre of the room, pouring liquid into a pot of soil. In the pot, was the aeld staff, its glowing blooms adding to the rooms multi-hued light.


    His beak-like mask bobbed as he poured andclose behind himygon stood, watching over him and filling the room with orchestral sound from his voice box.


    The air bore the scent of fresh earth and herbs,pleting the scene for her: it was like shed stepped into a wizards tower straight from a storybook. Even after being in Generasi for two years now, she could hardly believe it was her brother who was under all that strange gear. She almost expected a storybook wizard with a long white beard to pop out from under the mask.


    There you go, theres nothing dangerous in the air right now, but better safe than sorry, so I want you to put on that mask over there, Alexs voice sounded nasally through the beak-like protrusion, as he pointed to a set of smaller gear hanging on hooks near the stairs.


    Okay, she said quietly, going for the mask, gloves and apron.


    The aeld staff gave off warmth and weing feelings as she came near. One dayshe vowedwhen she got older, she would have her own beautiful, customised aeld staff to do magic with.


    Maybe thats what he was going to give her? A staff of her own?


    No wait, wait, Alex held up a hand.


    The staffs blooms glowed brightly, lighting up his eyes inside the masks lenses. Nevermind, the processpleted faster than I expected. No need for the mask, we can just grab a seat at the desk.


    He nodded toward a sturdy looking mahogany desk carved with dozens of mystical glyphs that Selina was only just beginning to understand. There were two chairs in front of it.


    As Alex headed toward it with ygon behind him, he took the mask and gloves off. Looking at him, she expected the image shed had in her mind of that powerful white bearded wizard in his sanctum to shatter the instant her brothers goofy face appeared.


    But, she was actually a little surprised, there was something different about him when the mask came off. If she really thought about it, thoughhed been kinda different since he came back from the Hells thatst time.


    Hed seemed more grounded. Maybe a little older and more serious.


    She wasnt sure how she felt about that.


    Alright, lets talk about your present, Selina, Alex sat at the desk with her. I didnt want to talk about it in front of the others.


    His green eyes bore into her in a way she didnt like; it felt less like her goofy, familiar brother looking at her, and more like some wise old prophet from an old tale doing so.


    In some ways, his gaze reminded her of Baelins.


    Youre acting weird, Alex, she said, Whyre you being so serious?


    Because what I want to talk to you about is serious. <em>Very</em> serious, he reached over to the desk, picked up a brown folder and flipped it open, showing her what was inside. Does this look familiar?


    Her belly flip-flopped in surprise. Yeah, thats myst magical theory assignment.


    Youre right, and Ive seen the two you wrote before this one, he said, his tone somber as he flipped through the sheets. You got really high marks on all three assignments.


    Yeah, I did, she said cautiously, wondering where this was going. Shed gotten the highest mark in the whole ss for her magic theory assignments, and for each one, hed been so proud of her, that it honestly became a little embarrassing.


    So, why was he acting so strange now?


    Did she do something wrong?


    She didnt remember doing anything wrong.


    Sure, shed asked her teachers lots of questions about magic and how heat worked, but theyd never seemed to mind.


    So what was this all about, and why was he bringing up school assignments on her birthday? School work was thest thing she wanted to think about today.


    Whats this about, Alex? she asked, getting nervous.


    Well, your magic theory teacher<strong></strong>wanted to talk to me after she marked yourst assignment, Alex said. She actually asked if I helped you with it. Or if I did it for you.


    What? an irate Selina demanded.


    ygon made a sound like grinding rocks from his speaker box.


    Does she think I cheated? She was clearly offended. Why would she think that! I did it all by myself!


    <em>Iwas with herfather </em>ygon agreed. <em>Selina did the assignment on her ownshe has been working hard.</em>


    Yeah! Selina cried. Why would


    Hold on, hold on. Alex held up a hand to stop her. Thats exactly what I told her. I know how hard you work. Youre not in trouble.


    Hmph, Selina huffed. So why does she think Im cheating? Im not stupid! I can do the work.


    Well its not about you being stupid. I know youre not stupid. You know youre not stupid. Your teachers know youre not stupid. But theres not being stupidand then theres this


    He took a sheet from the folder, turning it toward her.


    You recognize this?

 Chapter 569: The First Spell of a New Generation

    Chapter 569: The First Spell of a New Generation


    Thatsa magic circuit I drew, Selina said suspiciously. It was for my assignment. Whats wrong with it?


    Well thats the thing, Selina. Theres <em>nothing</em> wrong with it. He said, pointing to the diagram. Honestly, theres <em>suspiciously</em> nothing wrong with it. Your teacher told me thatthere <em>have</em> been eleven year olds that have drawn magic circuits this urate. But theyve been few and far between. And honestly? Most of those had cheated.


    Oh she said, not sure how to feel about that. Well, I didnt.


    And I convinced her of that, Alex assured her. Honestly, Im <em>super</em> impressed. I couldnt draw a magic circuit this urate at your age.


    Okay she said, carefully. Whats this all about, then?


    Well, your teacher also said youve been asking more questions about heat and how it moves.


    Selina paused. And?


    And I noticed that the magic circuit you chose to draw for this assignment was a Spark spell.


    The young girl swallowed, her heart pounding. Old feelings of guilt rose in her. Is that okay?


    Are you kidding me? Its great! Alexs voice echoed through theb. You said that you wanted to get more used to fire, didnt you? Well it sounds like youre really working toward that.


    She swallowed as the guilt rose inside of her. A part of her wanted to tell Alex the truth: that she loved fire, and how much that made her wonder about herself. What kind of person would love the thing that killed their parents? But there was another part of her that screamed: <em>not yet!</em>


    Her brothers eyes were so serious right now. What would she do if they suddenly clouded over from rage? Or hate?


    She kept silent.


    For an instant, Alexs gaze seemed to sharpenas though he was looking right through her, seeing everything that was going on in her mindbut as quickly as that feeling came, it left; his eyes softened again.


    Listen, theres something else about this thats important: its not <em>just</em> about you drawing a spell array or a mana circuit. Anyone with a penand like, at least a <em>little</em> bit of drawing skillcan trace a spell array from a book, he exined, tracing his fingers along the mana pathways of her diagram. But you took a description of a spell, what it did, and how the mana flowed through the circuit and you were able to <em>urately</em> draft a diagram from that. You know what thats like? Thats like walking through a house, and being able to urately draw its schematics after a few measurements.


    So? Selina asked. I drew the inns floorn when I was a lot younger.


    Thats the thing: not everyone can do that. You always had a talent for building things, and it looks like that talent crosses over into understanding mana structures, he said carefully.


    She felt a bit of pride over that, and beamed at ygon, whod been with her every time shed done her homework. All those hours pouring over her books sounded like theyd paid off. Still, she could only wonder what all of this had to do with her birthday.


    The golem nodded at her. <em>You have workedvery hardand you can still teach me. You arevery smart, Selina.</em>


    Thanks! she grinned, before looking back at Alex.


    Her smile died.


    Again, her older brother was looking down at her with that same piercing gaze, like he was looking inside her mind and taking apart her thoughts.


    Hmm, he mused. So, I bet youre wondering what this has to do with your birthday?


    A chill went through her. Y-yeah, howd you know?


    Well, Id be wondering the same thing if I were in your shoes, he said. Solisten, I was going to bring this up when you got older, but honestly? I think youre ready now.


    Her brother nced at the bookshelf.


    Instantly, a crimson glowing Wizards Hand flew up to the book shelf and fetched a thin volume off of a shelf. Something about the book looked very familiar as the glowing spell floated down and ced it in Alexs hand.


    Listen, its not <em>technically</em> rmended that you start learning actual spells now, Alex said. Remember when you started learning about magic in school? Remember that I asked you to promise never to start learning spells on your own?


    Yes she said, as a desperate hope began burning in her chest.


    Isis this what I think it is?! she thought excitedly.


    Technically, the junior school wont teach you spells. Not for years, but I think youre more advanced and more mature than I was at your age, Alex said. And I started teaching myself magic when I was only a little older than you, andwhen I look backthat was probably one of the stupidest and most dangerous things I could have done. But hey, thankfully, it worked out.


    Okayyeah it did, she said slowly, almost afraid that if she said too much, hed second-guess what she thought he was about to do.


    Honestly, Selina. Alex tapped the book in thought. You know a lot more magic than I did at your age, and I didnt have a teacher. And I think you deserve one. Notter. Now. He flipped the book toward her, and she caught it, finally recognising it: a spell-guide for Forceball. Thats the spell I started with, and theres few spells I know more inside and out, than Forceball. Sofor your birthday giftId like to start teaching you magic using the same spell I started with years ago. Youve earned it, Selina. When you start toOof!


    Selina had leapt from her chair and nearly hug-tackled him out of his, almost sending them both flying to the floor. Thank you, Alex! she cried. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Yes, thatd be the best gift <em>ever!</em>


    <em>Goodfor youSelina</em> ygon congratted her.


    Listen, Alex, you wont regret this, Ill do my very best!


    I expect you too, he said, seriously. If were going to do this, were going to do it right. You have to follow <em>everything</em>I say. All my instructions. You can never try casting spells without me there to supervise you. You cant show off to anyone else, or tell anyonebesides our family and the cabalthat youre learning spells. If you break any rules, Ill stop teaching you, put the book away, and we wont try it again until the school starts teaching you years from now. Okay?


    Okay, okay! I promise! she said quickly.


    Im putting a lot of trust in you, Selina. He patted her on the back. Dont make me regret that: its too dangerous for you not to listen to me.


    I got it, I got it! But wait She leaned away from him. You do your own thing with magic all the time. Selina pointed out. Professor Jules always gets mad at you, you said.


    Look, Selina, Im not stupid. Alex took her by the shoulders, looking her in the eyes. I know thateventuallyyoure probably going to do the exact same kinda stuff I did. zing your own path, doing crazy things.but thats not going to be how you <em>start</em>. Im going to teach you properly, safely and thoroughly. That way, if you want to explore the wilder parts of wizardryter, youre going to have a very stable foundation. And all good houses need good foundations, right?


    Yes, she agreed.


    Good. Stick with me, and by the time youre my age? I bet youll be twice the wizard I am. Well, maybe not twice the <em>alchemist</em> or <em>summoner</em> I am, but for certain spells? I guarantee youll be better. But thatll only work if you do <em>exactly</em>as I say. If you dont? You could destroy your ability to work mana.


    Right, she said, imagining herself as a mighty wizard, building wonders and saving people from demons and fire. Ill pay attention, and Ill be an awesome wizard.


    Thats the spirit! Alexughed, picking up his little sister and hugging her tightly. Youre gonna be an awesome wizard! Happy birthday, Selina!


    She giggled as her brother twirled her around,ughing as ygon watched them both in silence. But as Alex spun with her, she saw part of the room that had been previously blocked by the bookshelf.


    And the strangest thing hung from the stone wall.


    There was a massive sheet of parchment therrge enough to cover the entirety of a big tableand on it was a diagram of a familiar shape. It looked like anwhat did her brother call them?


    Anatomical diagrams?


    Shed seen them in his blood magic textbooks: they were drawings of people and animals, with all the bones, organs and other internal stuff drawn andbelled in great detail.


    This drawing looked like those, but instead of organs and bones beingbelled, Alex had drawn a series of strange pathways which werebelled lifeforce. She had no clue what those pathways meant, but there were some things about the drawing that made her pause.


    For one, it was canine in shape.


    For another, it had three heads.


    Is that Brutus? she asked.


    Alex looked at the diagram. I cant say.


    What is it?


    He smiled. Oh, youll find out soon enough. Before summers end.


    Atst the snows of winter and the rains of spring had passed in Greymoor, leaving summers warmth in their wake.


    The days were still cloudy, but the air had finally lost that briskness of winters final chill. Summer was high, and the bugs were out in force, only driven away and picked off by Alexs swarms of elemental beetles.


    Hills around the Research Castle were dotted with watchtowers, outposts and other fortifications that would make future invasion a nightmare for Ravener-spawning ovend. Each tower was topped by a ballista with a mighty enchantment on it, capable ofunching entire storms of spears with one pull of a trigger. They would devastate all creatures attacking by air, while other defences were readied against attack from beneath the earth.


    Every tunnel was now iid with glyphs that would suppress mana seeking to warp the earth around them, and magic to detect the presence of dungeon cores within a one mile radius.


    The researchers had now quantified enough of the cores energies to be able to detect them at far distances with the right equipment, which made both early detection, and hunting them far easier than before.


    Now, as soon as a dungeon core was detected by the wards, high tier summoning circles would be activated, conjuring elder earth elementals to dive into the earth and crush both Ravener-spawn and their cores before a dungeon could establish itself.


    Teams of Watchers were now always on stand-by, ready to use nar Doorway and Earth Glide spells to strike deep into the earth. In addition, each outpost had additional dwarven-crafted fortifications beneath their surfaces, serving as waypoints, mustering grounds, and healing centres.


    If Ravener-spawn attacked, the expedition would be more than ready this time.


    In addition, the Generasians lead more and more strike forces out into the wild, hunting for samples. Within the Research Castle, analysis had progressed to the point of active experimentation with dungeon core substances.


    There had been exciting chattering about a possible breakthrough inmunications devices and other wondersas well as lots of talk of the innovative golems that Toraka Shale was starting to produce.


    The golem crafter hadnt advertised what went into her new, cutting-edge constructs, but it didnt take a genius to make the connection: Alex Roth, one of the main figures of the expedition, worked closely with Toraka and it was an open secret that he and his friends regrly went into the wilds to harvest dungeon cores.


    Spurred by the goals of glory and coin, more expedition members had begun putting together their own private teams to go in search of their own fortunes. Meanwhile, those Thameish nobles who paid attention to the expeditions works and movements, quickly realised what a proverbial tinum mine their country was sitting on.


    In short order, they had arranged their own private forces out of their vassals to join with Generasiansor act on their ownto harvest the Raveners prized orbs.


    It was the summer of the second year of the cycle when The Dungeon Core rush began, and it was already showing signs of spreading through much of Thamnd.


    Of course, to otherslike the Heroes of Thamndsuch activity meant less work for them, and more time to train for the real battle that was toe.


    And that was what they were doing on this cloudy summer day.


    The Games of Roal loomed close for Alex and his cabal, so they trained whenever they could.


    On the moors, Theresa, and Grimloch tested their skill against the mightiest opponent they could find.


    Hart Redfletcher, the Champion of Uldar.


    While Alex searched for the Travellers power, and ygon practised forms with his spear, and Thundar taught Drestra more illusion magic; the three warriors prepared for an epic mock battle.

 Chapter 570: A Hint

    Chapter 570: A Hint


    I want to see you break down and cry, Grimloch grinned, his jagged teeth shining as brightly as his enchanted armour. He gripped his spike maul in both hands, his dull, ck eyes seeming to drink in the grey light of day.


    Funny, I was going to say the same to you, Hartsrge eyes pierced the sharkman. He was holding the Hive-queen w de lightly in one hand, as he moved with terrifying, predatory grace.


    Every shift of his muscles promised speed and explosive power, poised to strike his opponents before they could blink even once.


    Theresa wielded the twinde, circling the Champion of Uldar alongside Grimloch. Her breath was calm, enhanced lifeforce flowing through her. She studied the towering mercenary for any sign of weakness, openings, or gaps in his guard.


    She found none, and wasnt surprised.


    Untold generations of warriorsall their prowess and experiencelived in Harts Mark. She could have imagined no fiercer opponent.


    And <em>then</em> Alex had gone and made the Champion deadlier by enhancing his physical power.


    She cracked her neck.


    Though shed fought tough battles in the hells, trained hard with the Watchers and Grimloch<em>this</em> fight would be a bigger test.


    And she had no intention of shaming herself.


    The huntress threw a nce at the sharkman, whose grin fled like a bloody tide, reced with the nk stare of a hunting shark. Together, the two life enforcement practitioners began stalking toward the towering mercenary.


    Harts confident expression faded.


    He took his de in both hands, raising it into high guard.


    Hisrge eyes watched them, every muscle sliding into a perfect stance.


    Theresa and Grimloch edged closer.


    One step.


    Another.


    And then, both exploded forward.


    Grimlochs long strides ate the distance between him and Hart as he lunged for his prey. His armour nked, his footsteps shook the earth. His maul blurred in both hands, whipping around with such speed that as Alex watched, he kneweven under the power of haste magicit would have been near impossible for him to avoid its blows.


    But as fast as the sharkman was, Theresa was faster.


    She had refined the lifeforce inside of her, it filled her with supernatural power. If Grimloch was a blur of motion, then she was a sh of light as the sun gleamed off the metal of her twinde.


    The huntress raced to Harts side, aiming to nk and bury him in a flurry of attacks from two sides.


    But he was unfazed.


    And faster than both of them.


    As they came near, he exploded in a storm of motion. His de swept out in a deadly arc, shing with Grimlochs maul, stopping the giants charge dead in its tracks, sending him stumbling back. Without slowing, the de kept momentum, swinging for Theresa, she <em>just</em> barely managed to dive below it.


    The hive-queen w gave her shbacks of the fight in the Cave of the Traveller as it cut the air mere inches from her head. Even wrapped with thick cloth to dull its bite, the sword would have cracked at least a few ribs if it had connected.


    But, that knowledge only pushed her on.


    Leaping to her feet, she ducked behind Hart as Grimloch closed in again, his maul falling like an avnche. Theresa dove at the Champions back, her des whirling.


    A tremendous blow exploded as the Heros sword locked with the sharkmans spiked maul. Sparks showered the ground. Theresas twinde whipped at Harts back, but he slid to the side, dancing away.


    The huntress struck again, but his de instantly parried the twindes stroke. Her swords screamed in rage and bloodlust, but she nearly dropped them from the impact. Parrying Harts blows was like trying to stop an oing behemoth with a twig.


    Her hands numbed, but she clenched her teeth and went harder, drawing on the power within.


    Faster! she thought. Go faster!


    The twinde danced around Harts guard, trying to strike through his defences while Grimlochs maul swung in time with her swords. But each time they made a gap, Hart closed it. Every strike was parried. Every swing missed.


    He leaned around their attacks with the ease and experience of hundreds of masters.


    And then, he struck back.


    His speed brought him toward them like a raging storm, Grimloch and Theresa were forced on the defensive.


    Each time they struck, Hart struck twice, quickly burying them<strong></strong>with his assault. With one massive blow, he sent Grimloch reeling, then knocked Theresa aside with a blurring back hand. The blow struck her enchanted chain armour, but she felt like shed taken a tree trunk to the side.


    Shaken, she managed to leap aside as his sword carved a trench in the earth. Grimloch growled, throwing himself at the Champion again, maul raised at his skull.


    But Harts de whipped around, knocking both warriors off-bnce.


    As Theresa stumbled, the Champion lunged at the sharkman, focusing on him.


    Ready to die? Hart called.


    I aint so easy to kill, Grimloch gave a low, growlingugh.


    Then he struck, but not at the Champion.


    At the ground.


    His maul wed the earth, spikes raking grass and earth, flinging debris at Harts face. The Hero paused as soil swept toward his eyes. He mped them shut, giving Grimloch the moment he needed.


    With a madugh, the sharkman brought his hammer down, looking to smash the Champion to the ground. If itnded, the blow would be tremendousone that could easily shatter rockand it was racing right for Harts shoulder.


    Theresa leapt at his back, taking advantage of Grimlochs strike.


    Youll live, Grimloch growled at Hart.


    Then came a crash of de meeting hammer that echoed across the moors.


    The Champion had stopped the sharkmans blow. Youre right. Ill live just fine.


    Hartughed as his sword blurred, sweeping into the sharkmans guard and pushing against the mauls haft. With a single twist, the spiked maul spun end over end until it buried itself in the earth.


    Grimloch didnt hesitate, he reached for Harts de, looking to pull it from his grip, but the Champion shot a kick at the giants midriff. A heavy ng, and Grimloch went flying like a trebuchet stone.


    Hart whirled on Theresa as she charged at him.


    Well, shit, she swore.


    Exactly. He lunged.


    What followed was one of the tensest moments of Theresas life. Shed faced scores of tough opponents in recent years. Some were powerful warriors. Some were clever wizards. Many were demons, and even more were monsters.


    But nothing shed fought so far had prepared her for the full might of the Champion of Uldar, empowered by her partners blood magic.


    His strikes were like a lightning storm, charging the air around her with de and death. She scrambled back, trying to find a path to disengage, but he wasnt stopping. Her des screamed, thirsting to strike him down, but it was all she could do to keep dodging those endless strikes.


    Her muscles cramped. Her bones creaked. Her eyes teared from the wind raised by Harts sword. But she pushed on, desperate to get at least one good strike in. One single cut against his armour before he knocked her to the ground.


    She red at him, not seeing the Hero in that moment, but instead, she saw the Hive-queen, the wed monsters that attacked the patrizias ball, Zonon-In, and even Uldar himself.


    Faster, she thought.


    His de was a storm.


    <em>Faster.</em>


    His cuts came closer.


    <em>Faster!</em>


    The twinde screamed.


    She ducked his strike, but the de reversed, swinging back toward her. She couldnt dodge. She couldnt duck.


    Desperately, she raised the twindes like a barriercrossing them before herlocking her body behind them, trying to blunt the force of that attack.


    Again, his de twisted mid-swing.


    Falling from above, ready to send her to the ground.


    She watched in slow motion.


    He was too fast.


    She couldnt block in ti


    Suddenly, there was a scream of metal.


    A sh like the sun ring off her des.


    Then silence.


    Hart was staring at her, dumbfounded.


    She was staring at him, dumbfounded.


    In the space between the huntress and Hero, her swords were locked together, blocking his attack. Her jaw dropped as she exchanged a bewildered look with him.


    Youwhatd you just do? the Champion of Uldar murmured. I couldnt follow it. I <em>know </em>I had you dead.


    I she stammered. I dont know. One minute you were about to smash me to the ground, and the next, I was parrying your sword. It doesnt make any sense. Whatd <em>you </em>see?


    Me? If you dont know what you did, then how the hells would I know what you did? Hart stepped back, looking at her swords like they were venomous snakes. All I know is your sword shed, and suddenly you blocked me. It was crazy. You sure you didnt shine the sun in my eyes or something?


    No way, Theresa stared down at the des, turning them over. They looked the same as they always had.


    I She looked up at Hart.


    Her face dropped.


    A shadow loomed over the Hero.


    Whats wroOoof! He grunted as a b of metal and flesh mmed into his head.


    The Champion dropped so hard, falling face first into the ground, that his face would likely leave an exact copy of his features in the soil. Standing above him, all smiles, was Grimloch, one big fist cocked above his head, having smashed Hart from behind.


    I win, the sharkman said. Distraction kills.


    Well done! Alex called out, pping from his perch in midair. Solid performance, Grimloch. No honour, all smashing. I give it a ten out of ten.


    Theresas partner was grinning at them, giving them a hand as the Champion slowly pried his face from the soil.


    Well, by the Traveller, I nearly got my teeth knocked down my throat, Hart grunted, his neck making an ominous cracking noise as he stretched it. Maybe I deserved that. Well done, you big bastard.


    I know, was all Grimloch said as he went to retrieve his maul.


    Theresas attention was back on her swords, examining them, trying to see if there was something shed missed.


    Theresaare you alright? Alex asked, worry in his voice. Are you hurt? Did you chip your des?


    No Theresa murmured. I justdid you see anything just now?


    No, I didnt, Alex peered at her. But, Ive got to admit, I was in a pretty deep trance just now, working onstuff.


    Theresa knew that stuff probably meant the Travellers power.


    Okay, so you didnt see anything at all?


    No, sorry, I was really deep in focus. Is everything okay?


    Yeah, Theresa said, ncing at Thundar and Drestra. Im fine, I think.


    The minotaur and Sage were in the middle of illusion training. If theyd seen anything outside of their lesson, they gave no sign; they werent even looking up.


    She looked at ygon.


    The golem was staring at her. <em>Ididntsee anything either</em> he admitted. <em>Sorry</em>


    Yeah, okay, she said. No need to be sorry.


    You sure youre alright? Alex said, floating toward her.


    Yeah, Im fine, Im fine she insisted.


    For a moment he gave her a long look, with something odd in his eyes. Was that nerves?


    Now it was her turn. Are <em>you </em>okay? she asked.


    Alex nced over to where Brutus was stretched out beside a hill. Yeah, Im finejust stuff on my mind.


    Like what?


    You know, <em>stuff</em>, Alex said, looking back at her seriously.


    I think Im about to hit a breakthrough.

 Chapter 571: What is Here and There

    Chapter 571: What is Here and There


    Alex couldnt quite figure out what was happening.


    Moments ago, hed been in a deep trance, searching for the Travellers power. Hed managed to touch it a few timeseven gripped and changed its shapebut he still couldnt do anything practical with it.


    Hed held it and manipted its shape in different ways, desperate to learn how to use it properly. If he could at least <em>partially</em> master it by the time the Games of Roal started, his team would have a major advantage.


    Unfortunately, wishing for something and making it a reality, were two entirely different things.


    Some things had been going in his favour though, making him a bit more hopeful.


    As the weeks had passed, the power had increased within his soul, bing easier for him to grasp. And as it grew, it also became easier to shape. In thest few days, something had changed with it: when he tried to use it, hed started feeling<em>something</em> in the air around him.


    At first it was subtle, bing more noticeable the more he experimented. As he moulded the power to his will, he also felt a growing awareness of the space around him, almost like his sense of touch was expanding incrementally.


    The feeling of being on the cusp of reaching a new level hung near, dangling just out of sightbut to get there, he needed something, maybe an extra push to touch it.


    As usual, the Mark had kept interfering while he focused on casting another summoning spell to take a look at how the power bolstered his spells, when suddenly, he was pulled from his trance by a dull thud.


    He looked up to where Theresa, Grimloch, and Hart were practising in time to see Grimloch drop Hart with a single blow from behind, nting the Champion face first in the dirt. The Hero had fallen like a dead tree.


    After calling congrattions to the victors, he noticed Theresas distracted mood. She asked him if hed noticed anything odd.


    But hed been so busy searching intently for the Traveller''s power, hed been nearly dead to the world around him until Grimlochs fist had met Harts head.


    After that, his mind had gone to the Games of Rond what he nned to ask Theresa. The time would soon be there, though he felt nowhere near ready.


    He must have been staring at her for too long, because shed suddenly started staring back at him and said, Are <em>you </em>okay?


    Since his thoughts had run awayas they often didto the future and his ns for her engagement gift, he looked suspicious.


    Hed also inadvertently let his eyes drift over to Brutus who was asleep by a nearby hill, which also drew even more scrutiny from the woman who knew him best. He cursed himself.


    Dont give anything away! his mind screamed.


    Yeah, Im finejust stuff on my mind, hed said quickly.


    Like what?


    You know, <em>stuff</em>, Alex said, looking at her earnestly.


    I think Im about to make a breakthrough, he said quickly, trying desperately to change the subject.


    Really? She looked at him sharply, How close?


    Very close. I think I just need to figure out one final thing, and Ill have it. I was just about to try something when I saw your fight end.


    Sorry, then, she said, looking down at her swords. Ill let you get back to it.


    Again, she gave her des a puzzled look, worrying him.


    Are you sure something didnt happen? Alex asked.


    Its okayfor now, she said, giving him a look that said, well talkter.


    With that she turned and went back to Grimloch and Hart so they could debrief about their battle. Alex watched her for a while before turning away.


    They would indeed talkter, as shed said.


    He looked up at the sky, thinking about birds that once spied on all of Greymoor without the expedition knowing they were being watched.


    Better safe than sorry, he thought, preparing to start his summoning spell again.


    As his mouth opened to begin the incantation, Thundars words broke his concentration.


    Not bad, Drestra, not bad at all, the minotaur was saying.


    On a hill nearby, he was pacing back and forth in front of what appeared to be <em>five </em>Drestras standing in a row, all acting casual. He was examining them as a general would examine his officers, or a baker his pies.


    Hmmmmm, he mused, scanning each Drestra, before reaching out. He leaned in, carefully looking at each of five faces before tapping the fourth Drestra from the right on the shoulder. Here you are, he said. This is the real you.


    With a loud groan, Drestra spoke a single word of power, dismissing her illusionary duplicates, they faded away. How did you know? I was sure they were perfect.


    Honestly, they nearly were, Thundar congratted her, taking his hand away from her shoulder. The thing is, you probably would have fooled almost any first year wizard, and you definitely would have fooled like a single monster. Justone tiny problem.


    He tapped his brow. The eyes dont lie.


    What do you mean? she asked.


    Well, its not a big deal. Probably just means you need to be more careful with your visualisation when youre chanting the spell. Remember what I said? Illusion is <em>all</em> about the image you have in your head. The less detailed you imagine your image, the more easily someone can see through it?


    Okay, but what do you mean about the eyes? What was it about my eyes that gave me away? her voice crackled with annoyance.


    Well, your image was real solid, but the light from the sun was dull in your copies eyes. He pointed to the clouds above. You probably didnt think you needed to take care of that detail because its a cloudy day, but heres the thing: the sunlight was dull in your illusions eyes, but it shone real bright in the eyes of the real you. Always remember that.


    He paused, not noticing how silent his surroundings had be. Come to think of it, your eyes are really unique. Almost like jewels or pools of gold: theyd sure as hell catch the moonlight too, so you gotta pay attention to that at night. Got it?


    Thundar looked down at Drestra, who was staring up at the minotaur. Her bodynguage had gonepletely stiff, and Alex could see the beginnings of a blush creeping up and over her veil.


    She quickly looked away. Is that so, her voice crackled, this time with something entirely different from annoyance. IIll be sure to remember that. Imgoing to practise what you said over there, behind that hill for a while.


    You sure? Thundar asked.


    Yes! her voice sounded high. Id like to figure out these illusions before I show you them again.


    I dunno, maybe I could give you some critique while youre doin it.


    Justlet me do this, she nearly pleaded.


    Well, well, arent we eager! Thundarughed. Fine, then, take all the time you need! Ill wait here while you perfect your images! Ill be watching you closely!


    Drestra made a strangling sound, then quickly cast flight magic and flew behind the hill. Likelyin Alexs estimationto have a small meltdown.


    Hed first noticed the Sage of Uldars growing crush on hisrge friend after shed revealed her true form in Tenebrama. It had only be more obvious as the months passed.


    Of course, Thundar hadnt noticed.


    At all.


    Or maybe he had.


    As Grimloch, Theresa, Hart, Alex and even ygon stared at him, the minotaur scratched the fur on his skull, looking in Drestras direction.


    A frown etched his face, and bewilderment his bodynguage.


    Had he finally noticed? Was he finally going to say something?


    The minotaur opened his mouth,ing closer to his friends.


    Huh, you guys think I was too hard on her? he asked in quiet tones. She mightve been pissed off at the end there.


    Theresas jaw dropped.


    Alex stared at the minotaur as though he suddenly had more heads than Brutus.


    Hart looked up at Alex. Your friends an idiot.


    I know, right? both Alex and Theresa said as one.


    What? Thundar spread his arms. What? Whatd I say?


    Grimloch shrugged. I didnt see you do anything wrong.


    <em>I didntsee anythingeither</em> ygon said.


    Of course you two wouldnt! Alex cried.


    Grimloch shrugged, turning back to Hart and Theresa. Wanna go again?


    Sure, I could do with a little revenge, the Champion said, raising his sword.


    Yeah, Im ready too, Theresa agreed, lifting the twinde.


    As the warriors squared off again, Thundar sidled up beside Alex. Listen, you gotta tell me what you guys are talking about. I mean, you dont think she likes me, do you? I meanshes an all powerful archwitch in the making and


    Thundar, Alex said seriously. As good as you are at seeing through illusions, is as <em>bad</em> as you are at seeing yourse


    Hey Traveller, Harts voice boomed. Bless me with a crushing victory.


    Suck up, Grimloch used.


    Alexs words died.


    Again, the Travellers power red in his soul. Hold on for a second man, Ive got to deal with something. He said.


    Falling into himself before the minotaur could reply, Alex reached into his soul before the energys re could pass. He grasped it quickly, feeling Hannahs energies coursing through him.


    It was stronger than thest few times hed caught it, and he wanted nothing more than to master it right there and then. But he slowed down, examining it, holding it, not wanting to let it go.


    He began to think methodically: not wanting to distort its shape and send it fading away again. Alex considered what to do: ways to shape the power and get it to finally do what he wanted it to.


    Again that spatial awareness sharpened andfor an instantit was like he could feel every de of grass around him. Was that a clue? What did it mean?


    Think, adapt. Think, adapt, he thought to himself. Eliminate what youve already tried. You reached out with the power like an armthat didnt work. All it did was make the energy slip away. Extending it out like a bridge didnt work either. Another failure. Trying to make the energyteleport out of my body failed. Thinkwhat are you missing? I can feel it inside myself, and more spatial awareness around me. Do I have to spread it out like a field? Maybe its like a, and I can teleport to anywhere within the.


    He cast the idea aside. No, Hannah teleported to others, how the hell would this power reach out and make a wide enough to reach other worlds? No, that makes no sense. Alright, think about the summoning spells and nar Doorway. You can feel her power reinforce the spells. And how? Its a connection. It makes a connection: I can feel the power touch other nes. What kind of shape can do that? Connectionsconnectionswhat shape can reach across nes?


    Alex strained his mind, trying to link everything together. Distantly, he was aware of Theresa and Grimloch battling Hart as the twinde nged against the Champions titanic swor


    His thoughts froze.


    The twinde wasn''t two weapons.


    It was <em>one</em> weapon in two physical objects, but still connected.


    Connection he thought. <em>Connection.</em>


    Atst it hit him: all this time, hed been fundamentally misunderstanding the power. Hed been thinking too much like a wizard, and how mana would form circuits, connections, and paths toplete a spell.


    But this had nothing to do with mana or magic circuitry.


    It wasnt divinity.


    It wasnt alchemy.


    It was pure magic.


    And how did Hannah describe her power? Did she talk about shapes, connections andplex forme? No, she simply talked about going from one ce to another. She said nothing about <em>reaching</em> out to that ce.


    Even now, her power was fuelling both her phone and the energy inside him, and that was across a barrier that wasto all methods he had ess to besides Hannahs powerimprable.


    Yet, whenever he imagined himself appearing in a new spot, nothing happenedbecause hed been only thinking of <em>half</em> of the equation. The twinde was the clue: one weapon in <em>two </em>separate forms.


    One for each hand.


    And when someone was travellingeven in teleportationthere were two points of space that were most important: the origin <em>and</em> the destination. He didnt need a bridge, but he needed to focus on both where he was, <em>and</em> where he was going.


    Please work, he whispered, falling into himself.


    His grip tightened on the power, andthis timehe imagined himself appearing in another point in space, around ten feet in front of him. He focused on the power in his body and that power at his destination at the same time.


    The instant he focused on both ces


    the energy zed bright.


    And he felt the world shift.


    Several hills away, a spy from the churchwearing the shape of amon molewatched the Heroes and young wizards practising in the distance.


    Suddenly, the one floating in mid-air was gone.

 Chapter 572: The Countryside after a Year

    Chapter 572: The Countryside after a Year


    Guards long trained in protecting those entrusted to them readied their weapons as interlopers abruptly appeared in the courtyard.


    The sentries duty was clear; patrol the rampart day and night, inspect the vi and be prepared for attacks from ground and air. This morning, as a matter of routine, they had once againbed the surroundings as the sun crested the horizon. These were men and women drawn from the finest of their kingdoms army, forged by the sort of training and experience that would make even a veteran warrior envious, and granted arms and armour of the finest castle forged steel, iid with golden scrollwork.


    Their helms were plumed with feathers of terror birdsdyed redand lioness pelts cloaked their forms.


    These were soldiers feared by warriors and monsters both, their discipline rivalled that found in the highest of crafted golems. But today, they were in unfamiliar surroundings, plucked from their homnd by magic, and dropped in this strangend while still charged with a single duty: guarding what was most precious to them and their people against unknown monsters, and unseen dangers.


    Their task would have stretched the nerves of even a local contingent of high level guards, but in these new surroundings, the tension was doubled. They tensed, poised to unleash a storm of arrows on the neers without a word of warning.


    The intruders certainly looked like theyde for war.


    It was a group of seven:<strong></strong>a tall powerfully built man materialised first, immediately followed by two more men, a tall darkhaired woman with a sinister cast, and another muscr ck haired woman wearing two des at her waist. She had a hand resting on one of three heads of a vicious-looking hound the size of a pony. Looming above them all, a war-golem of white stone with a savage grin carved into its face, stood, and at its side


    a child?


    The guards paused, not unleashing their arrows yet, taking measure of the group, knowing that few war parties would ever bring a young girl on a raid.


    Suddenly, a sentry cried out an apology in Tekish. Forgive us my prince! And the pce guards of Tekezash realised the fatal error they had almost made, forin the midst of these interlopersstood the figure of the second prince of their realm.


    Prince Khalik Behr-Medr, held up his hands as though his palms would shield against their steel-tipped arrows.


    As one, the guards bowed at the waist, their hands sped together before them with fingers interlocked around their longbows. The pose made them look as though they were praying to a deity, or begging for the mercy of their lord, then in unison, they cried out a salute:


    This humble servant greets His Royal Highness, Raptor of Tekezash, Lord of the Sapphire Sea! every sentry shouted in Tekish, their voices booming over the Generasi countryside.


    As you were, honourable warriors! Prince Khalik called back. As you were!


    Yes, your Royal Highness! the guards spoke as one, rising to their full heightsclicking their heels together. Most returned to patrolling, some still throwing quick nces at the princespanions.


    Two moved toward the front stairs.


    We will escort you, your Highness.


    Do not, Prince Khalik said, his eyes following a trio of soldiers on the wall who whispered to each other before jogging toward a side entrance to the vi.


    ...as youmand, Royal Highness! the two guards abruptly halted, their faces a mask, though their eyes quickly flicked to hispanions before they turned and marched back to their posts.


    Prince Khalik sighed, shaking his head and turning to his friends with an apologetic look. Forgive my servants. They are loyal, eager and zealous when ites to protecting my family, but unfortunately, that can also result inplicated matters like nearly skewering my friends with arrows on such a beautiful morning.


    Alex released a breath he hadnt realised hed been holding, discovering the others had been doing the same.


    Thundars shoulders slumped. My man, I thought I was about to be turned into leather. Can you imagine that? My as He caught himself, looking down at Selina. my butt survives Cretalikon, Kaz-Mowang and the wrath of like ten thousand demons only to get skewered by your guards? What a rough way to die.


    Yes, that would be rather unfortunate, Isolde said, the colour slowly returning to her face. Though I suppose it is <em>one</em>way to remove the cobwebs on a groggy morning.


    Id take a cup of hot coffee over that, Alex said grimly.


    Or a quick morning run, Theresa added.


    Id just want to go back to bed, Selina said nervously.


    <em>A wisedecision,</em> ygon said, his voice simr to that of the bard whod performed at Selinas birthday party. <em>Arrow skeweringcan make one go back to sleeplikely forever.</em>


    He let out another stilted, uncannyugh, and Brutus whimpered.


    Aahhhh, this morning is starting off even worse than Id imagined, and that is something of a challenge, Khalik grumbled nodding toward the vi. Come, let us go and try not to be killed on the way to the front doors. No doubt my mother and father already know we are here, if those guards running to the side door were any clue.


    With a nce at the skywhere Najyah was circling and spiralling through the air, her high pitched call reaching himthe prince directed them to follow him toward the polished stone vi looming ahead, rising three stories in the air. The red tile roof looked new, like it had been reced recently, and formal gardenssurrounding a wide gazebo of marble bricks and whitewashed woodwere immacte.


    While the estate wasnt quite as big as Patrizia DePaolos, it was in impable condition, looking even more pristine than the fine residence owned by Isoldes cousin. Of course, there was a reason for such an extra level of care.


    Is all of this actually for rent? Selina asked, marvelling at the vis columns towering over its porch; they were sculpted in the shapes of dryads, unicorns and griffins. People really dont live here all the time?


    They do not, Isolde exined. There are wizards and members of the Generasi aristocracy who keep property in the countryside while living in the city proper. Some use their country homes as getaways and hunting lodges, but the most enterprising keep them well-maintained and avable for short-term rental. Of course, such amodations are only avable to the most wealthy who visit Generasi, such as archwizards, merchant princes


    or royalty, Prince Khalik added, a somewhat apologetic tone in his voice.


    Indeed, or royalty, Isolde confirmed.


    Thats really cool, having two homes. Selina craned her neck as they passed a fountain shooting jets of water high in the air.


    Seems wasteful if you ask me, Theresa grunted. To leave an entire vi empty for most of the year until someonees along to use it as an innsomething about that makes my head spin.


    Id probably be spinning tooif I wasnt so <em>insanely</em> jealous right now, Thundar said, his hooves clopping along gstones on the veranda. The air cooled as they entered the shade. Not gonna lie, if I had like five houses? Id do something like this in a heartbeat.


    Well thats one way to drive up the price of vis in Generasi, Alex said, chuckling to himself.


    It was strange having a conversation like this. Very strange.


    A year ago, when theyd firste out here to visit Patrizia DePaolos vi, such ideas would have seemed as fantastical as imagining the sun turning blue. It was stunning. Things were so different back then, if he really thought about it. For one, their trip to Isoldes cousin''s estate had been a longand somewhat priceyjourney from campus by sky-gond.


    The ride, while scenic and rxingexcept from poor Brutus point of view, since hed spent much of his time trying not to look downhad taken a good bit of time.


    But, this morning,ing out to the countryside was as quick and easy as having everyone gather at Alexs apartment in the ins, where hed cast nar Doorway in a long chain from campus, to the countryside. Between him and the aeld staffhed infused nar Doorway into its coretheyd only needed a few brief pauses along the way to allow him and the staff to recover their mana.


    Then, theyd teleported again, making the rest of the trip in another quick chain of jumps.


    Travel time had dropped by an order of magnitude, and travelling from ce to ce would get even faster when he mastered more teleportation spells, and the Travellers power. Of course, there was that one awkward hitch when they were nearly killed by Khaliks guards when theyd suddenly appeared in the courtyard, but he hadnt expected they would get there so early.


    And if Alex had wanted to use it, he had a <em>new</em> method to transport them out of thereone he was just exploring.


    Its ironic, he thought as they approached the double doors ahead of them. Last year, as pretty as it was out here, was also as dangerous as it was out here. Most folk out here and in the city were worrying about the mana vampire, andeven after we killed <em>it</em>the Raveners wed monsters were still lurking about out here.


    Alex tried to put himself back in the headspace he was in at the time, rememberinging out to the countryside with the threat of monsters lurking in the shadows, and behind every tree. Back then, most of his friends were in first year, and almost all the fighting they were doing was in the Barrens of Kravernus under Baelins protection, supervision, and guidance.


    Hed remembered the fear that lived in the back of his mind thenbut now?


    Now here they were, standing before a set of doors that Khaliks parents likely waited behind. They were either ready to enter third year, or their fourth year of university. Some of them could cast fourth-tier spells, while the rest of the cabal could cast third-tier.


    Theresa had grown as a warrior, she was devastating against opponents, at times, she was even beating veteran Watchers of Roal when they faced her in pairs. ygon had evolved; he now wielded a war-spear pried from the dead ws of a greater demon.


    Together, theyd all fought in the hells, and were readier than ever for anything the world could throw at them.


    Ironic, Alex thought as Khalik neared the door. Last year we <em>needed</em> a safe way to navigate the countryside and didnt have ess to one. Now, theres very few monsters living out here that we wouldnt be able to handlebut yet, we can easily get around with teleportation, <em>and </em>the countryside''s so much safer. Maybe ironic isnt the right word, maybe I should say its just in crazy how much life has changed for us. and now were about to meet a real king and queen like its just another day.


    Prince Khalik smoothed his clothes, looking at his friends. How do I look?


    Fine, as you have thest fourteen times you asked that question, Isolde said. You must be more secure in yourself.


    Alright, then. Well, let us


    One minute, how do I look? Isolde said, smoothing her hair and calf-length silk dress. From her satchel she took out a mirror, quickly checking her teeth. You are fine, Khalik, <em>we</em> are the ones who will be meeting visiting royalty for the first time. How do <em>we</em> look? Are there any aspects of decorum that we should be aware of? Is there


    Isolde, please, just be yourself, address my mother or father as Your Majesty, do not insult them, and speak with respect. If you do not trust a joke you are about to make, then do not make it. You will be fine. He smiled. There is a reason I brought you all with me today.


    Your mother and father wont cut off our heads if we make them mad, will they? Selina asked.


    Of course not! Khalik looked mortified. They are not bloodthirsty warlords, young one. They raised me with kindness, and they <em>will</em> treat my friends with the same kindness as well. I guarantee that is the way they treated my friends in Tekezash.


    Your friends who are probably nobles, Alex pointed out. And not an untrustworthy, alchemist,moner and his war-golem


    a big, hulking minotaur Thundar added.


    a random hunter from a backwater town, Theresa jumped in.


    and me, Selina finished.


    Listen, listen, my parents will not judge you, Khalik said. You are my closest friends here, and I dont have such poor judgement to form bonds with untrustworthy brigands. You will not embarrass yourselves or me, and my parentsif they trust my judgement in choosing peers as they always havewill not mistreat you.


    And is that why you didnt bring Sinope and Grimloch? Thundars voice dropped to a whisper.


    As I said, Sinope will have her own meeting with them on another day <em>after</em> I have told them what is between us. As for Grimloch? An ufortable look crossed his face. Well, better my parents have warning first. Now, enough talk, if we stand out here any longer, I will begin to set roots in the earth.


    With that, he turned and raised his hand toward the door knocker.


    The sturdy doors flew open before he could use it.

 Chapter 573: The Prince

    Chapter 573: The Prince


    This humble servant greets His Royal Highness, Raptor of Tekezash, Lord of the Sapphire Sea! a woman in silk robes cried in Tekish, mirroring the salute offered by the guards outside.


    This humble servant greets His Royal Highness, Raptor of Tekezash, Lord of the Sapphire Sea! shouted a small army of servants filling the entrance hall, each bowing with hands sped before them in supplication.


    The servants, who were ringed by guardsbowed in salute to their princeall were d in high-cored silken robes or gowns in muted tones. Alex realised that everyst one of them wore finer clothing than the magistrate or richest citizens in Alric.


    He was suddenly a little numb. Even when Khalik had first told him about his background, or even when hed seen the guards reaction outside, it hadnt hit him this hard.


    His friend, Khalik, was <em>royalty, </em>and everything that the title meant.


    He wasnt just some rich man, or powerful wizard, but a lord descended from a bloodline of monarchs. Alex had never considered what that truly <em>meant </em>before: that most people, and an entire countrypletely deferred to Khalik.


    Something about the thought made him feel a little strange as he acknowledged that there was a lot about his close friends life that he didnt know, never would know, or even understand.


    Judging by Thundars stiff stance, and Theresa and Selinas guarded bodynguage, it seemed theyd alsoe to the same conclusions. Isolde, however, simply stood in thevish space as proud and poised as ever.


    The prince, on the other hand, looked anything butfortable.


    He waved a hand at the servants with a mix of weariness and tension, and the nce he threw at his friends almost seemed a little awkward. This Prince greets you and beseeches you to be as you were, he said to the servants, his voicemanding. Have my parents arrived yet,Tiz?


    As one the servants rose from their bowed positions and scattered, returning to their duties asmanded. Only the doorwomanTizand a<strong></strong>couple of guards remained with the prince.


    The former lowered her head. My apologies my prince, but their Majesties have not yet arrived, though we expect them within the hour. Shall we escort you and your guests to the parlour for refreshments and music while you wait? It is quite cold here, so I can have the servants start a fire for you if you wish; Beauteous Maraki is in residence already and her skill with krar has improved to be even loftier than before you departed for your studies, my lord.


    Where will my parents be arriving?


    In the courtyard, sir. Her majesty wanted to arrive when the sun was still high.


    Mother has definitely not changed, then. Khalik smiled, squinting up at the clear sky. As much as I look forward to Marakis song, I think some fresh air will do me good. We will wait in the gazebo.


    Yes, sir, the woman nodded. Then I will have an honour guard apany you to the garden.


    Khalik quickly held up his hand. That will not be necessary, Tiz. There are more guards on the walls than there are stones in the courtyard.


    An expression of surprise briefly crossed the servants facealong with a slight widening of her eyes, a stiffening of her cheeks, and a nce at those behind himbefore she lowered her head. As you say, Your Highness. Some servants to attend to your needs, then?


    No, thank you, Tiz.


    She paused. As you will, my princePerhaps a pair of attendants to warm or cool you with hot stones or fans?


    No, thank you, Khaliks refusal was firmer.


    Shouldrefreshments be brought outside, sir?


    N Khalik was about to decline, when he turned to his friends. Do <em>you</em> want anything?


    I would be most grateful for your hospitality, your Royal Highness, Isolde said, drawing a mournful look from the prince.


    Yeah, its gonna be a hot one, so thanks, Thundar agreed.


    Isolde and the servant both gave him a sharp look, catching the fact that he hadnt used the proper honourfic when hed addressed the prince, but neither pointed out thepse.


    Then some drinks, and other refreshmentsbut no music for now, Khalik said. Well be in the garden.


    The servant bowed in salute once more. Might I again humbly suggest an honour guard of perhaps ten, Your Royal Highness? the doorwoman said, giving Khalikspanions a quick once over.


    No, no honour guard, Tiz,  Khaliks tone was final as he stepped away from the door. Just the refreshments.


    As you will it, Your Royal Highness.


    Before the servant could offer anything else, the prince turned, took long strides away from the door and sprinted away from the veranda and toward the gazebo. His friends followed, giving each other curious looks.


    Isolde red at Thundar. You let your formality slip, Son of Gulbiff. Your decorum to royalty is <em>incredibly </em>wanting.


    Look, Ill talk all formal and proper to Khaliks parents, the minotaur fired back. But my friend Khalik once asked us to treat him like we always did. And he <em>didnt</em> ask us to change that today, so Im gonna honour what he wants.


    Gratitude, Khalik said with relief. I will ask the same of you Isolde: you are my <em>friends</em>, not my subjects. I came to you in Generasi as an equal, and I would see that we still treat each other as such.


    The young noblewoman gave him a scandalised look, as though hed just asked her to stand on her head in her pyjamas in the middle of campus. But, after a moments consideration, she nodded. As you will it, Khalik.


    Alex burst outughing, while the prince red at her.


    Truly? A joke at my expense? <em>Now</em>? he scowled.


    I normally do so, do I not? I am simply acting as I normally do, she said, her blue eyes widening as though she was the most innocent person in the world.


    Alexughed harder.


    Khalik muttered to himself as he stomped into the gazebo.


    Wrought iron benches and single chairs that everyone, except ygon and Khalik threw themselves into, wereid out, surrounding a marble table. ygon took a position by the entrance, all four arms crossed, standing on guard like their personal sentry.


    The guards of Tekezash watched him and their prince with equal measure. Even as his friends rxed around him, the prince paced back and forth with his hands sped behind his back, covering the length of the gazebo. He kept mumbling in Tekish, watching the middle of the courtyard.


    Alex had seen mice that were less nervous in the face of a barnyard full of cats.


    Come and sit, man. He leaned forwardhe was wedgedfortably between Selina and Theresapointing to a chair at the table. Seriously, man, youre making your guards dizzy with all that pacing,<em> and </em>you''re making <em>me</em> dizzy!


    What if they do not like Sinope? The prince looked directly at him, tension in his face. She is the most wonderful woman in the world to me, but what if they do not see it? What if they do not understand the ways of her and her people?


    Itll be Alex started.


    What if they reveal my identity? Khaliks anxious mind went to another subject like a flitting bird. They could, you know, entirely by ident. Then, the next thing you know, the entire city knows that I am a prince of a grand realm who then finds himself drowning in toadies and sycophants!


    I Isolde was about to speak, then paused. I would say not to worry about such things, but my position attracted<em>Derek</em>as well as a veritable menagerie of other losers. She sniffed.


    Theresa looked at her sharply. I havent seen people begging you for favours.


    That is because I drove the chaff off in my first year, in no uncertain terms. They were far too cowardly to withstand even the weakest of verbal barbs.


    Hear that, Khalik? Thundar grinned. Thats the solution: just start being really nasty to everyone you meet.


    Hmph, just the chaff, Thundar. Isolde insisted.


    Well, I would be far happier <em>not</em> having to drive anyone off every few steps, Khalik scoffed. Thenthere is the matter of Greymoorand the dangers there. People are talking about it.


    At this, the group fell into a grim silence.


    Look, I wouldnt worry about that, Thundar said. Those guys were idiotseveryst one of themthey seemed to think what we do is easy. I feel bad for em, sure, butlook, they knew the risks and they got bit. Badly.


    Yes, but will my parents see a difference? Khalik asked.


    Your parents were the ones who sent you to Generasi to build character, Khalik, Alex said. I dont think theyd suddenly hold you back just because of some isted danger.


    I am not so sure... Khalik mused. I do not think they would simplymand me toe home like a childand I would refuse if they didbut I do think that there is a chance they would worry. Perhaps wrongly. Perhaps rightfully. I do not consider throwing myself against the legions of the hells abnormal anymore, so I am not sure if my judgement issound.


    Whatre you guys talking about? Selina asked, frowning. What happened?


    Oh, rightI guess I didnt tell you about that, Alex said. A bunch of wizards have been going to Thamnd to get dungeon cores. But He paused. Most of them werent as prepared as they needed to be.


    I guess from where they were standing, harvesting cores looked easy. It seems they thought that since we got them, they could do it too. Theresas expression darkened. But, its not easy. And they found that out the hard way.


    <em>Manydied,</em> ygon added.


    Oh! Oh no. Selina went pale. Those poor people.


    Some of them, I do mourn, Isolde said. But others were profiteers who heard about the cores and their value and simply rushed ahead without preparation. I will also say that if I shed tears for every individual who lost their lives to monsters because they made the choice to act while unprepared, I would be crying eternally.


    Youre like ice, Isolde, Thundar said.


    I am merely practical.


    Well, let us not speak <em>too</em> much on the subject when my parents arrive, shall we? Khalik pleaded. I do not wish to give them reason to panic.


    Listen, Khalik, Alex pushed. Im sure itll be fine. Come on, man, at this rate, youre going to drop dead of a heart attack before they even get here.


    And what empirical evidence do you have that things will be fine? Isolde asked.


    Thanks, Isolde, thanks. He red at her. Lets make my reassurances <em>less</em> assuring.


    The truth is important.


    Not if it kills him, Thundar said.


    You do look like you <em>are </em>ready to dig a grave for yourself. Theresa looked at the cold sweat beading on Khaliks brow.


    I assure you that I am not, the prince insisted. For one, I would need a shovel. No wait, I am an earth mage. Problem solved! I shall start the gravesite right away.


    <em>Yourparentswill not kill you.</em> ygon pointed out. <em>The graveyou wont need it. But, you would be tired from using.magic to dig the grave.</em>


    The prince stared at ygon. You know whatyoure right. They will not kill me.


    <em>Im dyouvee to that conclusion.</em> The golem peered into the sky. <em>Najyahlooks excitedperhaps you should follow her lead.</em>


    In the blue sky, Najyah swooped through the air, drawing circles and figure eights through the sky as she had all morning. She cried out again and again, frightening birds out of nearby trees.


    Khalik gave her a flinty look. Ill tell you something about my father. He spoils her unrelentingly, he said distastefully. She is not excited to see my parents, she is excited for <em>treats</em>, that treacherous, gluttonous bird!


    He spoils her? Alex asked, thinking back to the prank Najyah had pulled on her master when theyd first met him in the beastarium. The eagle had pretended to be lost in the forest, then when he and Khalik had gone searching for her, theyd found her lying on the ground, not moving, like she was dead. Then, when they got closer and were panicked enough, shed suddenly shot up, screeching and pping, scaring both Khalik and him out of ten years of life.


    He shook his head. The whole spoils her thing exins a lot.


    As they watched Najyah celebrate her impending fooda, servants began streaming from the vi, pulling silver cartsden with carafes of wine, cheeses, tbreads stuffed with different fillings, golden bowls of sliced fruit chilled in ice, and fresh tartare. Apanying the food, were half a dozen guards who <em>imed</em> to be guarding the food under Tizs orders, but were clearly there to ensure the safety of their prince.


    At this, Khalik merely sighed and allowed it, too defeated to argue.


    Najyah swooped down, gorging on a bowl of tartare while attendants quickly began serving Khalik and his friends before they could help themselves.


    The food was delicious, melting in Alexs mouth with every bite. Whoever the royal chef was, they had hispliments: his taste buds were happy that Khalik had said yes to refreshments.


    Selina stared, wide eyed at the sheer opulence of everything, shocked as an attendant stood near, continually refilling her ss with citrus punch the instant she took more than three sips.


    Do you live like this all the time in Tekezash? she asked Khalik.


    He smiled wryly. Yes, this is my other life. It has strengths and wondersbut my life here with all of you has strengths and wonders too. And on the upside, it lets me put limits on a certain greedy chicken. He red as Najyah continued gorging on raw meat. Bird, I swear, if you grow too fat to fly, then I shall sell you at the market with a smile on my face. And I will not insist on too high a price


    Something tingled in Alexs senses.


    It wasing from the centre of the courtyard. Guys, I feel teleportation magic.


    The prince took a deep breath. So it begins. Alright, my friends, get somest bites for now. You are about to meet the king and queen of Tekezash.


    With a cry, Najyah took to the air, soaring and diving, circling in excitement. Khalik glowered up at her.


    Treacherous bird. My father arrives, and so its out of sight, out of mind for me.

 Chapter 574: The Royals

    Chapter 574: The Royals


    As Alex spent more time with Hannahs power, he also found that his senses for teleportation magic grew ever sharper.


    Where he could feel when someone was using teleportation spells before, and guess roughly where they would appear, now, he could also sense where they wereing from.


    He felt waves of heat drifting from the middle of the courtyard as if a window had been opened leading from a much hotter ce. Vague floral scents, aromas of spices, incense and sea water tickled his nostrils, and the image of a grand room somewhere distant briefly shed in his vision.


    He sensed that the teleportation magic originated from somewhere far south, andwith more practisehe might even be able to guess how far away an origin point was.


    The magic peaked and something drew closer, travelling across the nes.


    Nine figures suddenly materialised in the courtyard.


    The first was a tall andnky wizard suffused in teleportation magic, he was apanied by eight guards. Striking white dreadlocks flowed down narrow shoulders, bushy brows protruded from a smooth forehead, and his snow white robes nearly matched his locks. Only the colour of his slippers stood in bold contrast to his garb and hairdeep golden and sparklingas they hovered above the earth while the wizard floated a few inches above it.


    Teleportation magic red again as he muttered the words of his spell and vanished, leaving the guards behind.


    Without hesitating and with practised discipline, the warriors spread out, moving to establish a perimeter around the centre of the courtyard. These wererge men and women, who moved with the smoothness of graceful fighters. Alex felt mana emanating from each piece of armour and weaponry they carried, some wielded long polearms that looked to be a cross between a knife-edged spear, and a wizards staff.


    These guards were likely the king and queens battle mages, and beside them stood warriors whose armour bore the holy symbols of Tekezashs pantheon.


    War priests.


    Alex let out a low whistle. Sinceing to Generasi, hed seen more warriors, war mages, and warrior priests than the average Thamnder would ever see in their entire life, but he still marvelled at how impressive and intimidating these royal protectors looked.


    It wasnt surprising that the finest security apanied the monarchs, and proof of that came when the wizard appeared and disappeared four more times, transporting a total of forty elite warriors to the courtyard. They joined the other guards, spreading out, taking strategic positions until they formed a ring of enchanted steel and death. They watched Khaliks group approaching, remaining as still as statues.


    In their midst, the teleporter drew a deep breath, his voice booming. Heralding their majesties, King Aksuma Behr-Medr and Queen Ishtar Behr-Medr!


    He abruptly vanished.


    Here we go, Khalik whispered, drawing himself up to his full height.


    Alex imagined what the princes parents might look like. Would his father simply be arger, older version of Khalik, impossibly more muscr and imposing? He could imagine that his mother must be a beauty: a queen that one read or heard about in fairy tales and bards tales, where queens and princesses were <em>always</em> the most beautiful woman in the world.


    The teleportation magic red again, interrupting Alexs thoughts, and the objects of his imaginings appeared in the courtyard a heartbeatter, nking the wizardandpletely surprising the young Thameish wizard.


    Both were tall and leanwhich hed presumed that they would be considering Khaliks heightwith the princes mother being as tall as Isolde and having a willowy build, while his father nearly matched Khaliks height. But thats where the physical simrities ended. Unlike his son, King Aksuma didnt look like he spent too much time, if any, sculpting his body. He was a thin man who looked like hed be far more at home handling books, than heavy weights.


    Their physiques had already shattered Alexs preconceived ideas, but their clothing then dashed any notions hed conjured in his mind of how the monarchs would be dressed. In his imaginationthe king and queenwere wearing clothing of spun gold, with gems dripping from every inch of fabric. Hed also thought theyd have golden crowns on their heads that were so big, thatwell, theyd probably snap the necks of anyone wearing them.


    The king and queen were actually dressed far more inly. While tinum bracers encircled their forearms, their clothing was muted and spun from fabrics like linen or cotton, not gold threads. At first nce, they looked like the sort of garb that any traveller would wear, but a closer look showed something more; their clothes were tailored with precision, with better detailing than the custom tailored clothing Baelin or the city counsellors who frequented his bakery, wore.


    Selina gasped softly, interrupting his train of thought.


    He followed her gaze to Queen Ishtar, focusing on her face. A long scar ran from the left side of her chin, stretching all the way down her neck.


    It looked like a burn.


    Thats odd, he thought. The kind of healing miracles that any king or queen would have ess to could <em>easily</em> fix a scar like that. Maybe she wants to keep itI wonder why?


    Before he could dwell further, prince Khalik stepped forward and bowed, giving his parents the same salute the servants had given him. Isolde curtsied deeply, and the othersas though pulled from a trancebowed and curtsied in deference. King Aksuma and Queen Ishtar! the royal guards shouted in unison. Long may they reign!


    My son. It is so good to see you. Queen Isthar stepped forward, her smile lighting up her face. Alex found himself mentally apologising to the bards who kept calling every queen the most beautiful woman in the world; because when Khaliks mother smiled, it was like the sun hade out.


    And it has been too long. She pulled her son from his bow, wrapping him in a tight hug and kissing his forehead. Much, much too long.


    It has, mother. Khalik hugged her back. Indeed it has.


    King Aksuma pped a hand on his sons shoulder. The first words out of his mouth were: Have you been feeding Najyah well?


    With a wry smile, Khalik emerged from his mothers hug. Najyah would not have it any other way, father.


    The queen rolled her eyes. Truly, Akkie? You ask about the bird before you greet your own son properly?


    Look at him. He squeezed Khaliks shoulder. The man is an ox: I can <em>see</em> he is eating well. So I ask about Najyah, and now that I know, we can go back home and away from this icy weather, as far as I am concerned, the king joked, wrapping himself in his cloak and shuddering. It has been some time since I have ventured so far north. I had actually forgotten how devilishly <em>cold</em> the gods made these climes.


    Alexs eyebrows rose. I wonder what hed think of the weather in Thamnd.


    With respect, father. Khalik nced up at Najyah, who was flying toward them as though all the world depended on her arrival. You are spoiled, and you have ruined Najyah as well. Remember that <em>I</em> will have to deal with her gluttonous nature when you depart. You do not make life easy for me.


    And I also spoil Sembrouthes'' familiar, and when he is wed, I will do the same to his children. King Aksuma smiled proudly. And when I am finished ruining your elder brothers heirs, I will do the same to you when <em>you</em> are wed and have children of your own, as is my right as king <em>and</em> grandfather.


    For a moment, an ufortable look passed over Khaliks face, but his father didnt seem to notice; he was too busy smiling up at a certain diving eagle.


    The queen however, was watching Khalik closely, and raised an eyebrow.


    As though punctuating the kings point, Najyah fluttered from the sky andnded on Khaliks shoulder<strong>,</strong> nuzzling her head in the kings waiting hand. The scowl of dismay on the princes face was so obvious, that Alex almost burst outughing.


    See this? Khalik gestured to his familiar. Here she is, using <em>me</em> as a perch while she nuzzles <em>you.</em>


    Because she misses <em>me,</em> King Aksuma said proudly, reaching into his belt pouch and feeding Najyah bits of meat. And you are built like a mountain, so she might as well use <em>you</em> as a perch instead of breaking one of my poor shoulders.


    Aha! So you <em>admit</em> that she can be overly round, like she was on her way to being before we left home! Khalik gestured to the bird. ThenI beg of youfather, please dont spoil her while you are here.


    I cannot promise you anything.


    Khalik. Queen Ishtars gaze had shifted from her son to the group behind him. Did you remove your manners from your memory to make room for your many lessons in magic? Introduce us to your friends!


    Apologies, mother, I was trying to stop father from <em>ruining my familiar.</em> The prince gestured to hispanions. These are the members of my cabalAlex Roth, Thundar, Son of Gulbiff; Lady Isolde von Anmutand my friends Selina Roth, ygon, Theresa Lu and her protector, Brutus.


    Again, Alex and hispanions bowed, with Isolde, Theresa and Selina curtseying; the young noblewoman had reminded everyoneexcept Khalik, of coursehow to properly bow and curtsey to royalty.


    King Aksuma took in all of Khaliks friendsand then immediately shifted his attention to Brutus. By the gods, this is a most handsome beast. Absolutely fabulous! He kneeled downmuch to Najyahs protestsand offered him some of her meat. The eagle protested even louder.


    He nced at Theresa. May I?


    She cleared her throat. Er, yes, your majesty.


    The cerberus gave the familiar a look that Alex thought seemed to taunt her, then immediately padded over to the king as though theyd been best friends all their lives.


    With a touch of bitterness, Alex remembered how long it had taken the hound to even give him the time of day.


    He and Najyah exchanged a look.


    Thank you, your majesty, I think hes fabulous too, the huntress bowed her head.


    Yes indeed: I can see he is well loved and well cared for. He looked at Theresa closely. Would he happen to be your familiar.


    She shifted her weight. No, your Majesty.


    Alex looked away, concentrating on keeping his face nk.


    Ah, a pity. King Aksuma turned back to Brutus.


    The queen sighed. I apologise for my husband: keeping and taming beasts is something between a hobby and an obsession with him. He has no less than three familiars back home.


    Who I did <em>not</em> bring, he said defensively, petting two of the cerberus heads. I would not divide my attention from Najyah <em>that </em>way since I have not seen her for so long. He smiled up at the eagle. Your mother is well, by the way.


    Najyah made a soft, cooing sound.


    Khalik made a choking noise. Again? Did youe to visit me, or Najyah, father?


    Why not both? the king said innocently. A king must love all of his people: can he not love his son, and his sons familiar? I watched you both grow up, after all.


    The queen rolled her eyes, giving Khaliks friends another apologetic look. I swear, he <em>can</em> be serious. I swear it.


    Animal husbandry is a fine hobby, your majesties, Isolde said.


    No, do not say that, it will go to his head, which will make it much too swollen for his crown, the queen said.


    Alex wasnt sure ifughing at the kings head was grounds for beheading, so he simply smiled.


    Yeah, your m-majesties, I uh, wellI Stammered a tongue-tied Thundar.


    Oh my, the queenughed. Well arent you positively adorable?


    Beneath his fur, Alex was sure Thundar had turned redder than a cranberry.


    Mercifullyfor the minotaurthe queen shifted her attention, looking down at Selina. She gave the young girl another sunny smile. Well, I can see, here is one with a spark. If I remember correctly, Roth has a Rhinenean origin, meaning red. Like flowers or me or the sun. Selina, I believe, has something to do with the heavens, brightness, and serenity. You have a beautiful name, my child. Like a heavenly me.


    Selina stammered. T-thanks, your majesty, she quickly looked down.


    Alex inwardly cringed.


    Khalik looked stricken, talking fast. Let us go inside, shall we? The day is cold.


    Yes, that is an excellent idea! King Aksuma said, drawing his cloak tighter around himself.


    The queen looked at Selina for a long moment. Come, let us go in. I have a great need to know <em>all</em> the things you have been up to, Khalik. As well as news of the uing Games of Roal.


    Her eyes finally left Selina as everyone followed the royals inside.

 Chapter 575: Another Beginning to the Games

    Chapter 575: Another Beginning to the Games


    I have to tell you, it has been far too long since we have seen the Games of Roal. King Aksuma said, feeding Najyah. Thest time we saw them was when Sembrouthes was here attending the universitywhat a spectacr sight they were. I was so impressed by them that we started an annual contest for our young people to test their strength against each other. It truly helps the young ones build hardiness.


    He paused, as if lost in a memory before continuing. I remember there were a great many unique beasts on disy at those Games. Heughed. But, there is one particrly fond memory I have of a colourful fellow who folk paid to wrestle bear-mammoths.


    You mean Mad Stan, your majesty? Alex asked.


    The king snapped his fingers. Mad Stan, yes! How could I forget his name? Is he still a fixture at the Games?


    Well, your majesty, he was therest year and people were still paying him to wrestle his bear-mammoths.


    Ah, that is delightful! His event alone is well worth the visit! the kingughed.


    A servant knocked on the door, entering when the queen granted permission to enter.


    The group was in a sitting room, rxing on thick, down-stuffed couches, and enjoying light refreshments.


    As Tiz entered, she gave a deep bow.


    Your majesties, the meal will be ready shortly, she announced.


    Wonderful! Queen Ishtar pped once. You and your friends will be joining us, of course. She looked at Khalik, who looked at the others and they quickly agreed.


    Alex wasnt about to say no to stuffing himself on more food prepared by the royal chef, while also supporting his good friend. It was a win-win, no matter how he looked at it.


    Your majesties, Isolde said. How long will you be staying in Generasi?


    You are a very well-mannered, youngdy, my dear, the queenplimented her. We will be staying until the end of the Games. She gave Khalik a pointed look. And you will <em>not </em>be ignoring us while we are here, Khalik.


    I would not dream of it, mother, the prince said.


    Mhmmm, she sniffed. We have heard that before, my son. When we visited Sembrouthes, he spent more time with his friends than he did with the parents who he hadnt seen in over a year. He also said he would not ignore us, but this time, we came prepared.


    We have a powerful weapon to thwart any notion of, <em>I am much too busy for mother and father today,</em> that might take over your mind. Khaliks mother smiled like sunlight breaking through the clouds after a storm ended. His father grinned, seeming to be enjoying himself as he watched his son.


    His name is Roba, she continued. He is the very skilled and discrete teleportation wizard who brought us here from Tekezash. Fortunately for us <em>and</em> for you, Khalik, his time is ours for the duration of our visit, so we can move around as freely as we desire. As his wife spoke, King Aksuma seemed to be fightingughter. Which means that even though we are staying out here in the countryside, we can easily visit you. And we will A lot. After all, we have two years to make up for, and at least another two where we will hardly see you while you continue your studies.


    Khalik smiled helplessly. Well, that is good mother, but remember that I will have things to do


    Two years, Khalik. She looked at him with very wide eyes. You would not abandon your mother, would you?


    His father instantly turned away, his body almost vibrating as he tried to stifle hisughter.


    II wouldnt dream of it, he said, then paused.


    He nced at his friends, as though drawing on their presence for strength, and then he looked back at his mother. Actually, I have someone I wish for you to meet. She lives in the Generasi countryside.


    His mother raised an eyebrow. She?


    Isolde exchanged a look with Khalik, Alex saw Queen Ishtar catch that look.


    Alex couldnt help but think there was fire in those eyes.


    ###


    The Games of Roals opening ceremony began just before noon, theyd been favoured with weather equally as perfect asst years.


    A teeming crowd gathered in the schools stadium, overflowing into seats outside. Teams of wizards floated in the air, creating giant illusions to disy the opening ceremony for those outside the arena.


    This year, though, there werent as many undercover guards blending in with the crowd as there had been during the previous Games. Overall, there were still plenty of Watchers and Generasi guards patrolling on foot and through the skies, but less than in the days of Leopold and the chaos hed unleashed on Generasi. Watchers hovered over the stadium, but this year they werent hunting a demon summoner, though they were ready for whatever came.


    The mood in the air was freer, a wee change fromst year when the tension in the crowd was so high. Folk were more rxed, yet a mncholy tinged the excitement in the air.


    Alex sat with his own memories ofst years Games.


    He was in the stadium<strong></strong>with most of his friends: Thundar, Theresa, Selina, ygon and Isolde. Khalik and Sinope were noticeably missing, but Kybas was sitting nearby.


    The <em>actual </em>little goblinnot Selinawas throwing the asional nce in his direction.


    Everyones attention turned to the stadium floor as horns suddenly trumpeted, announcing the beginning of the opening ceremony.


    A line of Watchers of Roal walked along a long red carpet, bearing a longsword lying in the centre of a litter, its de shining in the sunlight; the scabbard beside it looked to be crafted of gleaming fish scales.


    Theresa shook her head.


    What is it? Alex whispered.


    Roals sword, Theresa whispered back. When they brought it outst year it looked like the most powerful sword in the world. But, honestly? Now, I think the Twinde could give it a run for its coin. Thats the thing, Alex: I <em>have</em> swords as powerful as hers.


    Yeah, you do, he said with pride. It really changes your perspective, doesnt it?


    The precious sword was taken to a central tformthat had been erected in the middle of the arenawhere a tall ss cauldron filled with seawaterording to the announcement describing the opening eventsrose.


    A Watcher raised the sword high above his head, speaking the solemn words.


    And so we open these Games of Roal, celebrating our founders life and her victory over the invading sea-demigod Oreca! His voice boomed over the crowds.


    A circle of Watchers surrounding the central stage drew their swords, then drove their staves into the stones in a slow rhythm.


    In her name, The Watcher holding Roals sword roared. We celebrate theing together of magic, might and skill to battle the worlds dangers! The sword?


    A weapon! the Watchers roared in unison.


    The spell?


    A weapon! they roared again.


    With that, the warrior on stage turned the sword, plunging the de into the seawater. It slipped into the liquid without a ssh. He released the hilt andby magicthe water clung, holding it firmly in ce, hilt facing the sky.


    For the five days of these Games, the water will embrace Roals sword! He dered. Enjoyment to all spectators! And best fortune to allpetitors! And honour to those who fellst year!


    Cheers rose from the crowd as they had the previous year, but seemed more subdued than Alex had remembered.


    Another Watcher floated above the central tform: Gemini, the Leader of the Watchers. She looked grimly over the crowd from a single eye, her other eye socket obscured by a cerulean eyepatch, the image of a golden sword and staff embroidered in its centre.


    Taking a deep breath, her enhanced voice boomed over the stadium. The Games of Roal have always been a time for celebration of Roals triumph over Oreca, freeing the people of Generasi from his divine tyranny. But we do not pay enough homage to the many who sacrificed their lives assuring that Roal had a clear path to duel Oreca; those who lost their lives battling his remaining priests after his fall, and those who helped to rebuild afterward.


    She pointed to illusions high above, they transformed, bing moving depictions of those whod lost their lives to the demon attack. We will not make that same mistake again: this year, and for every year toe, we will remember. Today, we begin a new tradition and will start the Games of Roal with a moment of silence for those who lost their livesst year. May their names live on forever.


    Silently, she lowered her head.


    The Watchers followed her example.


    A hush fell over the crowd.


    Alex said a mental prayer to the Traveller. Please guide the fallen, if you can, just as you guide me, and as you guided Kelda.


    His mind returned to the previous year and he looked around,bing through the crowds, almost expecting to see the figures of Amir, Leopold, Donovan and Urs lurking among them.


    Thankfully, such a thing was impossible.


    Leopold had cloaked himself in friendliness, but hed really been a rabid cultist in league with Ezaliel. Now both he and his abyssal knight master were dead. For his misced aid to his friend, Amir now rotted behind prison walls, and would remain there for years toe. When he was finally freed, hed be exiled from Generasi and could go where he wanted, if that meant journeying into the world to try and make something of the remainder of his life, so be it.


    Alex saw no sign of Urs and Donovan among the crowd, butif he was in their shoesfor as long as he drew breath, hed nevere to the Games again.


    He shook those thoughts away: better to turn his mind to those whod tried to save lives, than the one whod cost them.


    Hannah, again, help those who died during the battle with the demons, he thought. And if you can, help those who are fighting the good fight wherever they are. Help those who sacrificed for whats rightI know you know something about that. And uhalso please help us too. Were going to give our all this year.


    With that slightly selfish addition to his prayer, the moment of silence ended, and his thoughts turned to the Games ahead.


    He looked up at the VIP box, noting a conspicuous absence: Baelins seat was empty. He hadnt seen much of the chancellor since theirst quest into the Hells. For the time being, Baelin was too busy repaying favours to his cabal members.


    Alex nced up to the sky, wondering where among the stars the archwizard might be.


    Was he battling some ancient entity?


    Forging a new grand artefact?


    Dealing with pantheons from worlds so far that Alex couldnt even see their stars in the night sky? Such thoughts were humbling, but also startling, in a sense.


    One day, Ill master Hannahs power, and one day well finally put the Ravener downthen I want to explore the stars, just like Baelin does. And just like Hannah did, he thought. It makes everything feelso small.


    He imagined being as old as Baelin, dealing with gods and entities older than worlds, all while running a school for young wizards and caring for some of them like they were his own grandchildren.


    How does he do it? How does he manage to look at someone like Alexwhose lifespan was less than a mayflyspared to the ages hes livedand feel that his problems mattered? Was it like a child finding an ant struggling to drag a grain of food to their hill, then deciding to help it along?


    Would that be how <em>he</em> looked at the world one day, when he was old enough and powerful enough to travel from star to star as easily as most people go from their bedroom to their kitchen?


    Hannah also travelled from world to world, he thought. But in the endwhat was important to her wasnt all those many worlds with all of their wonders and magic and monstersit was a tiny, average town called Alric.


    Alric didnt have the shining towers of her home world. It didnt have the great magics of Generasi or any of the magnificent worlds shed written about in her journal.


    Yet, shed looked at that small town, and its people, and decided that they were worth her spending the rest of her lifethat she could have used to travel anywhere across the nesto fight for.


    In the end, Thamnds problems dont really matter much to the people of Generasi, he thought. But they matter to me, Theresa, Selina and those I care about, and those who care about me. I suppose, what you choose to care about is what you choose to care about. Even if thats prizes for winningpetitionsand my friends time with his parents.


    Though Baelin was absent from the VIP box, Khalik and his parents were there, sitting among the richest and most highly ced of Generasis citizens. Sinope sat beside her partner, looking as regal as Khaliks parents.


    He hadnt seen much of the prince since his parents had arrived, so he hadnt had the chance to get details about how their first meeting with Sinope went.


    The curiosity was killing him, but he couldnt do anything about that but be patient and wait.


    But when the time came, hed be grilling Khalik like Officers Ferrero and Gustavo had grilled him when they were looking for the demon summoner.


    For now, though, it was time to take a look at the prizes up for offer.

 Chapter 576: Coins in Question

    Chapter 576: Coins in Question


    Alex and his friends moved from disy to disy, taking a look at the coveted prizes for the Games of Roal.


    On a raised tformbehind magically reinforced ss guarded by squads of Watcherswere wonders that glittered in the morning light.


    Or at least, what had <em>seemed</em> to be wonders.


    There were multiple suits of full te armour iid with gold and precious jewels on disy as prizes forbat events; like the sky-joust and the grand melee. There were swords with jewelled hilts, weapons bearing glyphs with strongand deadlyenchantments on full disy. Magical items like cloaks that kept one protected from harsh elements, and boots infused with glyphs of running enhancement, were there to be presented to the winners.


    Crowds moved around the tformaudience members andpetitors aliketrying to catch a good glimpse of what the winners would be taking home this year. Their eyes shone with excitement and hopeand Alex was sure that hed looked the samest year.


    Now, though?


    Is it just me or do these look a little less Theresa looked around, lowering her voice. You know


    Spectacr? Alex offered.


    Yes, thats it. Its not that they look like theyre of lesser quality. But, I remember thinkingst year that what we could win were like treasures that dragons hoarded in their caves in legends and songs.


    And now they seem unimpressive to you? Isolde gave her a knowing look. They seem about the same to <em>me.</em>


    It was true:st year, Isolde and Khalik had been <em>very</em> unimpressed with the selection:


    <em>Oh holy shit, I am so d I entered these Games, </em>Alex had said, barely resisting the urge to press himself against the ss.


    <em>Hm,</em> Khalik had said.<em> I thought there would be more. Some prize purses in the past have been much greater.</em>


    <em>Truly, </em>Isolde had sniffed.<em> Evenst year the prizes were superior.</em>


    Thundar and Alex had looked at each other.


    <em>You two really need a better idea of what average wealth is, </em>the minotaur had snorted,<em> This is a hell of a lot. Like a hell of a lot.</em>


    <em>Agreed,</em> Theresa had gaped.


    <em>Yeeeeah, </em>Alex had muttered.


    Alex cringed at the irony of the memory.


    Now, <em>he</em> was the one with a better idea of what great wealth was, which had changed how the prizes looked in his eyes; each of the items on disy were well-crafted and radiated magic, to be sure, but by no means were they legendary artefacts that belonged in a dragons hoard.


    He remembered the first time hed stepped into the Whetstone Tavern and experienced the blinding auras of power surrounding the items in the barroom. Kyembes sword and hellfire-spewing ring, Ezeraks curved de and Guntiles stones had all zed brighter than most prizes here put together.


    Then there were the weapons his friends owned. ygons war-spear, imed from a greater demon and heldfortably in one hand as he examined a set of armour through the ss disywas far more deadly than any weapon on offer here. Theresas Twinde definitely outssed all the prizes here.


    Alex shook his head, eyes drifting to cornucopias spilling rare magical fruits, herbs and minerals. Last year, hed thought those ingredients were worth a small fortune to alchemistsand they were, in a sense, but now, the emphasis would have to be on the word <em>small</em>.


    The cornucopias contents were rare, but he suspected that even the smallest sample of shattered dungeon core could buy all the rare ingredients here.


    Twice over.


    Then there were the prize purses, each was filled with what he used to think was a lot of gold: he remembered rushing to the section where the prizes for the Proxy Battles were.


    <em>See that, ygon? </em>He had pointed them out to the golem. <em>Thats what were going to be trying to win.</em>


    Hed been so excited, gawking at all the coin.


    Now, it was ygon who was striding over to the Duel by Proxy prize purses to point them out to him.


    <em>Are thesewhat we arepeting for, father?</em> He pointed. <em>Three hundred andfifty gold pieces for the light-weight division. Five hundred gold pieces for themedium-weight division.</em><em>One thousand for theheavy-weight, andfifteen hundred gold pieces for the super-heavy weight division. Is thata lot of coin?</em>


    Uhin a sense, yes, and it also depends, Alex said quietly, well aware of the excitement among the otherpetitors. He couldnt me them: for most of the students, monster hunters and others here, it <em>was</em> a lot of coin.


    For the Alex Roth fromst year, it was a fortune.


    For the Alex Roth from today, it was basically pocket change.


    Still, there was no reason to <em>say</em> that; it wouldnt be right to start scoffing at the prize purses, like some rich snobby bastard from a bad y. The sort of character who always seemed to have more coin than most lords, and sneered at impoverished orphans who got into wizarding schools.


    Its weird how often those characterse up in different ys, Alex thought. And they always seem to be sneering, dont they? Whod do that? Just spend all day sneering. I wouldnt sneer at anyone! Unless they deserved sneering at. Like McHarris. He definitely deserves sneering at. Id sneer at him like it was apetitive sport. Wait nowdo I actually hate this random baker from Alric more than the Ravener? By the Traveller, I really <em>do</em> have issues.


    Alex Theresa whispered. Am I getting out of touch?


    He burst outughing. Thats what I was thinking about myself, earlier!


    What? Its not funny! she said. These prizes are more than my family makes in about ten years, and here I am wondering if it was worth entering the tournament again this year. I feel ungrateful.


    Now you are starting to see my perspective. Isolde smiled, her smugness palpable. These prizes are fine for what they are: offerings for events that centre on fun, glory and entertainment, but they are hardly any life changing amounts of coin hereWhat is it? Why are you looking at me like that?


    Isoldea couple of handfuls of gold coin changed Lucias life, Alex pointed out. Completely.


    True, but that is different. She exined. They were the <em>seeds </em>to a fortune, but it was her decisions and luck that utterly changed her life. Folk look at these prizes as though they are the fortune themselves. For many, they are. In my view? They might be the seedor even less. I imagine thatfor Khalikthe disparity is even more pronounced.


    Yeah, thats actually a good point, Alex agreed.


    Thundar snorted, shaking his head. I swear, Im also thinking the same way: Im turning into you and Khalik. All this stuff is impressing me a hell of a lot less than it didst year.


    Indeed, Isolde said. Coin begets coin: you three are now rowing in a river of gold. She nodded with approval. With the way Alex is spending his coin building his businesses, it will likely be that the river will grow into an ocean of wealth with time.


    Her eyes fell on a massive chest filled with gold; the prize for the Grand Battle. Even that sum seems unimpressive now, does it not?


    The sign below it showed the amount of coin in the chest.


    22,500 gold pieces, a fraction of his regr ie. He remembered asking if such an amount would have been enough to buy a castlest yearnow, he was almost a little embarrassed hed asked that question in the first ce, but only a little. He was growing; hede to Generasi to learn, build his magic, power and fortuneafter allbut hed been <em>very</em> naive back then.


    Khalik and Isolde had said it would barely be enough to afford a townhouse in Generasi, but nowbeing an owner of a townhouse in Generasihe knew they were absolutely right: hed only gotten his ce at the low price that he had by way of ckmail and outwitting a bastard.


    Last year, hed told himself that he had to focus on acquiring the kind of wealth that the Watchers had on disy here to impress the Generasi authorities. The more taken they were with himand the more prominent of a figure he wasthe less likely theyd toss him in a ship hold if his secret came out.


    Now hed actually outstripped what hed hoped for, and even the tournaments grand prize wasnt impressive to him any more. Sometimes, he even wondered ifalreadysome folk in the city would step forward to defend him if the Thameish church demanded that he be returned to Thamnd against his will.


    But it paid to be cautious, at times, and he wasnt quite ready to be exposed as the Fool of Thamnd.


    On a shelf above all the other prizes, was another chest holding fifteen thousand gold pieces. Rising from its centre was a wizards staff. The haft was pure tinum covered in glyphs, with a massive ruby, as big as one of Selinas fists, fixed in a scrolling setting sitting on top. Alex examined the glyphs, finding enchantments for Fireball spells, Lightning Bolt, Cone of Frost, Wall of Stone, me Wall and me Scythe spells all built into them.


    It was an expensive object, without question, costing more than the grand prize from the previous year, but it still didn''t match an aeld staff made from the living enchanted branch the aeld tree had granted him. His staff was custom and customisable, and would bloom and grow well into the future.


    Hey Theresa, whats the top prize for the Grand Land Hunt? he asked her.


    Pretty much the same asst year: a quiver that never runs out of arrows and a hunting horn that can only be heard by people you want to hear it, to everyone else, its silent. And whoever hears it sees a clear image of whatever the person blowing the horn sees.


    Thats actually not bad, he said quietly, that''s something worth getting, even if we dont win this year.


    She gave him a fierce look. We <em>will</em> win.


    Yeah, with all the practical training we get, youre right. We will winand Ive got a n for Wolud this year, his eyes sparked.


    You know whats real funny? Thundar whispered. Kybas is going to help us make more coin than these prizes are even close to being worth.


    Isolde rolled her eyes, but Theresa shook her head, astounded. Its incredible how much things can change in a year.


    Yeah, you got that right, Alex said, thinking about their deal with Kybas.


    Hed staked twenty thousand gold for betting, a sum that would hurta littleif he lost it, but could potentially explode into a fortune if he won. It was worth taking the chance. With enough winnings, hed be able to advance his ns for the shipping business, and speed up the timetable for buying another building.


    Hed wanted to stake more, but twenty thousand was the betting limit for each event. Khalik had definitely grumbled about not being able to bet more, but Thundar and Theresa were nervous about losing that sum, so theyd only bet ten thousand gold apiece.


    This year''s Games would be a nice way to go out.


    Thisll probably be thest year well bepeting, he thought. Next summer, Isolde will have graduated and the rest of us will be getting ready to go into fourth year. Ill probably be looking for information in the Irtyshenan Empire and well be even more focused on the Ravener: so I doubt well have time for the Games. And if we did enter and won, wed be taking prizes from people who theyd mean a lot more to. Besides, its better if gambling doesnt be a habit. Do it once? We probably wont get caught. Do it again? People might start asking a lot of questions.


    Well, I shall enjoy seeing the lot of us take a win. Truly, to me, thepetition and honour will be worth more than the gold at this point, Isolde said. Winning the Grand Battle will be a most glorious crown jewel to my final summer as an undergraduate. So,e, let us enjoy some of the grounds before we meet up with Khalik.


    Can we go see our stall first? Selina asked. You kept saying it was a surprise, Alex.


    Yeah, thats because it is. He grinned. Its spectacr, and I didnt want to ruin the surprise by revealing it before it was ready.

 Chapter 577: Mad Stans Fear

    Chapter 577: Mad Stan''s Fear


    To reach Alexs little surprise, he and hispanions travelled through an ocean of pavilions and stands covering the tournament grounds. They squeezed through gathering crowds to get there under the bright, early morning sunshine. The Roth Family Bakerys tent stood in an alley of food vendorsin a coveted spot near the centre of the festival.


    Merchants from Generasi and far beyond hurried to organise their carts, pavilions, and stalls, calling to one another in dozens ofnguages that rang through the air, mixing with the aromas of grilling, frying, baking, and roasting foods. Alex caught snippets of conversation: the previous year, hed promised to learn as many of those tongues as he could.


    Now, he understood almost every word being spoken, and in times like this, he could only be thankful for the Mark.


    He looked to a sky swarming with sky-ships, flying beasts, and sky-gonds.


    Can you believe Lucia used to drive one of them? He pointed at the small boats.


    Still can''t believe she isnt driving one anymore, Thundar snorted. Everythings changed a lot, hasnt it?


    Indeed. Isolde gazed upon the fairground. Both with us, and our surroundings: it seems that people are giving their all this year.


    Yeah. Selina watched a moving painting on the side of a vendors stand. Last year, most of the stalls looked amazing. Some were decorated so beautifully but I think they look even better this year. She looked up at Alex. Will our bakerys booth stand out?


    He grinned at ygon. You could say that.


    Confusion bled through the link with his golem. <em>Whatis itfather?</em>


    Youll seeeee, Alex sang, rounding the corner of a thoroughfare.


    Wow! Selina cried as their tent met her eyes.


    ygon stopped, shock flooding through their link. <em>I cant believe it.</em>


    It seemed fitting, Alex said softly.


    The Roth Family Bakerys pavilion was painted in bright reds and forest greenslike summer and fall dancing togetherdecorated with murals of pastries that looked real enough to leap into a passerbys mouth.


    Using the Mark, Alex had spent nights surrounded by a swarm of Wizards Hands, all holding palettes and paint brushes, creating the delectable looking images with delicate strokes.


    Yet, as spectacr as those images were, they werent what caught the most attention. High above the booth, illusionsasrge as they could be within the rules and bws of the Generasian Fairs and Festivals Commissiondepicted a certain golem in triumph.


    ygon flexed on top of a podium in the middle of an arena. Another depicted the golem battling Vesuvius duringst years finals. And another showed ygon juggling iron golems like they weighed no more than feathers.


    In each image, one of the mighty golems four arms stuffed his face with pastries as he triumphed over his foes. But, the biggest illusion of all featured him holding huge baskets overflowing with hot, steaming bread in the palms of his lower arms.


    His upper hands held a sign that read: <em>Roth Family Bakery, </em>and already, the lineup stretched down the alley, spilling over into line-ups for other stalls.


    Does the line for gyros start here? someone would ask.


    No, no Im waiting for the bakery, someone would answer.


    Have you already been served? a meatball fryer asked a family in front of his stand.


    No, sorry, were not in line for here, were waiting for the bakery, a mother apologised.


    If looks could kill, many in the alley would be dead; vendors stalked through their stands, hovering over food like irritated gargoyles, throwing Troy dirty looks as he and his team took goodies from portable ovens as soon as they were ready and ted them for hungry clients.


    By the Traveller, that smells so good, Selina sniffed the delicious aromaing from their booth.


    Wait, didnt you just eat? Thundar pointed out.


    His belly growled.


    Selina looked at it smugly. Didnt you?


    The minotaur shrugged, rubbing his belly, Im bigger than you, I need more food.


    And Im still growing. Selina smiled, rubbing her belly in turn.


    Well, well, well, Isoldes smile was both pleased and cat-like as she strolled toward the stand. Are <em>we</em> intent on making enemies today, Alex?


    We are, he said simply, enjoying the whispers of the crowd as they parted before him and ygon. You cant build an empire without annoying somebody along the way.


    His grin widened as another vendor muttered curses at him in her mother tongue.


    Or, yknow, driving people into a murderous rage.


    <em>Whydid you usemy image for the boothfather?</em> ygon asked.


    Because youre supremely cool. The Thameish wizard pped his golem on the arm. And you make a great sales-mascot. Honestly, I thought about putting some of Sinopes friends on the sign, but it felt a little


    Exploitive? Theresa offered.


    Yeah, thats the word. Besides, ygon is much cooler than any dryad. But, dont tell Khalik I said that.


    Huh, well would you look at that? Theresa peered at the line in front of their booth.


    Oh, hes right there, isnt he?


    No, no. Look. Its an old friend. The huntress nodded toward a familiar figure.


    Mad Stanthe bear wranglerhadnt changed much since the previous year, and Alex had a sneaking suspicion that he probably hadnt changed much in a very, <em>very </em>long time.


    He still gave off the impression thatwell, that he was a little off.


    Which was why it almost hurt a little when he looked up as they approached, with a look of panic on his face.


    H-hello there! he hailed them, waving anxiously. I-its good to see you back in the tournament!


    You remember us! Selina called cheerily.


    As they approached, folk began to whisper. Wide-eyed children pointed at ygon and Brutus.


    Warriors eyed Theresa and Thundar.


    Students whispered, watching Isolde.


    And most watched Alex.


    How could I <em>not </em>remember you? Mad Stan said. A lot of these vendorsve been goin on about you sincest night!


    The young Thameish wizard cocked his head to the side. Really?


    Yeah, what the heck have you been doing this past year? he demanded. Folk talked up your bakery like some Divine Chef had descended from the heavens with blessed baked goods for the masses. People were gossiping about how lots of goodsing into Generasi are handled by a newpany that you have something to do with, and thats been using golems forbour. Then I hear folk sayin that somethings going on in Thamnd, of all ces, where some of you are from.


    He scratched his head. Its like all of you are suddenly at the centre of a lot of things. So, I thought Ide see for myself if at least the bakery rumour was true.


    It is, Alex said confidently. As youll find out soon enough. Hey, howre the bear-mammoths doing?


    That panicked look crossed Stans face again. Theyrefine he said slowly, looking around as though monsters were about to leap out from nearby corners. Say, is that big sharkman friend of yoursing back to wrassle?


    Alex and Thundar burst outughing.


    Probably not, the minotaur grinned. I think hes moved on.


    Yeah, moved on to<em>bigger fish,</em> Alex doubled over withughter. Thundar joined him.


    Selina, Theresa and Isolde gave them disgusted looks, but they didnt seem to care.


    Well, better bigger fish than my bear-mammoths. Mad Stan wiped his forehead.


    Speaking of them, Alex finally managed to stopughing long enough to speak. Are youpeting again, Stan? I remember you were in the light-weight and super-heavyweight divisionsst year.


    Yep, Impeting again, he said, looking at ygon. Even though I dont like my chances against your golem. He squinted, looking discouraged. Aw, heck, hes evolved hasnt he?


    <em>Ihave.</em>


    Gah! Stan recoiled as though a mana vampire just flew at him. You can <em>talk</em> now?


    <em>Ican talkI have a mind. I cant waitto experience the duelsnow that Iam aware of things, </em>the golem told him.


    Oh great, so you evolved from y to stone, and you can think too. Im <em>dead</em> in the super-heavyweightpetition! Dead! he sighed. "And with that damned rules change too."


    "What rules change?" Selina asked.


    "Oh did I not tell you?" Alex said. "Apparently, there was a big lobby afterst year to try and get the rules evened out between proxies that are familiars and ones that are not. Something about ''rampaging turtles'' and such. So, now this yearfor the first time evereveryone''s allowed to cast spells <em>on</em> their fighters. We just can''t cast spells on our opponents'' fighters unless our proxy is a familiar. Then we can cast through them."


    "<em>It means...father can cast spells on me..."</em> ygon said.


    "That''s great" Selina cried.


    "For your brother, maybe," Stan said mournfully. "Makes us familiar-slingers lose an advantage. S''unfair if''y''ask me, but I''m biased. And I don''t make the rules! Well, super-heavyweight''s done for me." A hopeful look crossed his face.


    But theres still the lightweight, at least! His eyes took on a sly twinkle. I taught Yo-boo a few new tricks sincest year: hes smarter than the average bear-mammoth, afterall! Say, is your friend with the fancy birding back to duel this year?


    Oh yes, Alex said. And hes taught the fancy bird a few new tricks too.


    Khalik <em>did</em> have new tricks, and Alex had a pretty good feeling thepetition wouldnt be prepared for skills honed against hordes from hell. The Thameish wizard was sitting in the stands, waiting for the Duel by Proxy to start with Thundar, Theresa, Brutus, Selina, ygon, Isolde, Hogarth and Svenia.


    A VIP box was nearby where Khaliks parents, Roba and Sinope sat, along with a small number of important members of the Generasi upper ss. Tekezashi royal guards, wearing inclothes sat around them, blending in with the rest of the audience.


    They watched the crowd like hawks, thoughmuch likest yearthere were quite a few empty seats throughout the stands. No matter how much the Generasi council and the Watchers marketed lighter weight challengers facing each other in the Duel by Proxy, those fights were never as popr as the heavier weights. To many spectators, a contest of small monsters wasnt as exciting as a bombastic duel between titans.


    Alex nced at ygon, speaking to him mentally. So, buddy, do you have any memories of this ce fromst year? Anything at all?


    His link was silent for a moment, before the golems words finally came through. <em>It feels familiarbut the memoryI cant ce it. I dont have any images or sounds that make me remember this cebut I still feel something.</em>


    Thats alright buddy, Alex thought. Youll make new memories this year then, and hopefully, theyll be good ones. Speaking of good things, you sure youre not ufortable?


    The golem crouched in a manner simr to how Alex had seen Tarim-Lungite students squat when taking a break, perfectly bnced and perfectly still.


    <em>Ido not feel physical difortfather,</em> ygon assured him. <em>Im made of stone. Even when I crack, I dontfeel painWhich isgood. You have to suffer with pain I wish youand our friendsdidnt have to.</em>


    Sometimes pain tells us something that other things cant, but its a nice thought, ygon, Alex replied. And Im d youre aware of everything this year. Lets give you some memories. Good ones.


    Ahead, the illusionary screens shifted away from the battlefield to focus on the announcer rising into the air. Alex recognised him, he was the same one fromst year: a broad fellow wearing a long cape and bright clothing. He inhaled a deep breath, and roared a greeting, his voice magically augmented to reach the entire crowd.


    Gentlefolk! Today we bring you a death defying event! A battle of beasts, magic, and the wit of wizard versus wizard! In ancient times, archmages would often resolve disputes by duelling each other through proxies! Chosen champions, summoned spirits, golems, bewitched beasts and more, would engage each other in viciousbat as stand-ins for mighty wizards who could tear entire realms asunder in a dispute! Today, we bring you this ancient contest by way of sport and spectacle! Lets hear your cheers for the champions you see before you, and their chosenpanions!


    It begins. Queen Ishtar pped. Do you think he will win again?


    I dont doubt him, Sinope said. Khalik is mighty.


    He is, King Aksuma agreed, as is his familiar.


    Very good, very good! Stay ready people, its going to be quite the show! the announcer shouted. Thebatants in this elimination tournament are hungry for victory, glory and the waiting prize! These are the rules! There will be three rounds in each match!


    He held up three fingers.


    In each round, eachpetitor is awarded a maximum of ten points by three judges. Most rounds will likely end in a score of 10 to 9, with the advantage going to the more dominant duelist. Each time abatant is knocked down, they lose a point for that round. For each time they are pinned, they lose two points for that round! If a contestant is knocked out, or if someone surrenders, the battle ends! If both contestants make it to the end of all three rounds, then the one with the highest score at the end of all three rounds takes the battle! No spells or potions can be used on a familiar outside of a round. For those who cast spells through their familiars, any ongoing spells must be dismissed at the end of each round. Make sure to preserve that mana!


    He took another deep breath. And now we begin with a rematch of rematches! A former champion! I call Khalik Behr-Medr!


    Alex gripped his seat, remembering the coin hed bet on his friend, hoping the power and skill the prince had gained over thest year was enough to score another win. But, even he had no idea of the level of hell that was awaiting his friends challengers.

 Chapter 578: Khaliks First Match

    Chapter 578: Khalik''s First Match


    Khalik stood on his side of the arena with Najyah perched on his arm. As hed done the previous year, he stood confident, waving to the crowd like he was on his way to a coronation. Najyah looked poised today, like a symbol atop a kingdoms banner with all traces of her usual mischievousness gone.


    She looked at King Aksuma as Khalik looked at Sinope and his mother.


    He blew his partner a kiss before turning to his opponent.


    Once again, he faced the second year wizard, Leia, and her falcon familiar, Solo. The pair had been his final opponents in first year and they looked resolved, determined, and with every intention of unseating him and Najyah to im an early victory.


    And a measure of vengeance.


    By the hard look on Leias face, Alex could see shede prepared to do both.


    Solo was swiftst year, but now she moved through the air with more grace. She was also faster on the wing, turned quicker and flew with more confidence than before.


    It was clear the falcon had gained a fair amount of experience since thest Games, as her master had, from the look of it.


    Doesnt matter how much experience you have now, Alex thought. Youd better lose! Ive got a lot of coin riding on my friend!


    The announcer raised his hand. Who wille out on top? Lets find out! Ready? Set! Begin!


    Leia immediately cast haste magic on Solo, the bird shot forward like an arrow in flight. The falcons speed was monstrous.


    Khalik merely smiled.


    Najyah shrieked, soaring upward, her wings spread.


    The prince whispered a single spell.


    A wave of sand sted from the eagle''s chest in a wide cone, spraying the air,shing solo mid-flight. With another quick spell, Khalik transformed the<strong></strong>ying grit, congealing it into stone shackles around Solos wings and ankles.


    She shrieked and plummeted.


    Najyah didnt waste an instant.


    One beat of her wings sent her forward, talons grabbing Solo mid-fall.


    Leia began uttering an ice spell, but Khalik spoke his incantation with greater speed and precision. A wave of sand erupted from Najyahs chest, battering the falcon she had in her grip, andwith another spellKhalik transformed the sand to y. It hardened on the raptors body.


    Najyah shrieked, releasing her.


    The smaller bird hit the groundonly saved from disaster by the magics cloaking the arenastruggling against her bonds. But, she was going nowhere.


    Najyah pounced, posing victoriously on her back for the pin.


    Leia bit her lip as the announcer called pin after pin while Najyah kept the weighted familiar in ce. Covered in stone, y, and grit, there was no way for Solo to continue.


    The second year wizards face reddened. Iyield, she said, between clenched teeth.


    Cheers erupted.


    And the winner by way of submission, Khalik Behr-Medr and his Harpax eagle familiar, Najyah! the announcers voice boomed across the stadium.


    Yeah! Go Khalik! Go Najyah! Selina shouted, as his other friends cheered.


    Alex let out an immense sigh of relief.


    This is way too stressful, he thought. I dont know how people gamble for <em>fun.</em> But, after these Games, Im never gambling again.


    Sitting in the VIP box, Aksuma and Ishtar pped politely, smiling, pleased at their son''s victory.


    Sinope looked at them for a moment, raised an eyebrow, then leapt from her seat.


    Goooo Khalik! she shouted, you were wonderful, my mighty oak blossom!


    Alex froze: he could never imagine calling his partner mighty oak blossom in front of her parents, but the dryad showed no hint of embarrassment. Others in the VIP box reacted; some smiled, some cheered, some did both, while some raised their eyebrows, giving her measured looks as she apuded enthusiastically. She didnt seem to care, and just celebrated her partners triumph.


    Her cheering only grew louder as thepetition went on.


    After duelling Leia and Solo, Khalik and Najyah devastated the rest of their opponents.


    Najyah covered Yo-boo in rock until Stan surrendered, cursing and muttering to himself. They shifted the soil beneath a small golems feet, burying it in the arenas packed, dry earth. Against a summoned demon, the prince had Najyah pour sand and rock down, before finally encasing the monster in a y and stone shell.


    Their opponents fought hard, determined to win, but Khaliks swift spellcasting and tacticshoned to an edge against demons in the hellbined with steady coordination with his familiar, demolished allpetition.


    As the final round approached, Alex began cheering as loudly as Sinopewhich he told himself wasnt because of all the coin Khalik was about to win him.


    That certainly couldnt have anything to do with it.


    When Sinope showed enthusiastic support for her partner though, some in the box eyed her, looking more and more scandalised as if they found her enthusiasm unseemly.


    Khaliks parents, however, seemed not to care either way.


    His father continued pping and politely cheering his son and Najyah, as did his wife. The queen, however, seemed to be dividing her attention between watching thepetition and her sons partner.


    Looks like shes forming her own opinion, Alex thought. Makes sense, seems the kings more focused on Najyahhuh.


    It was then that he noticed something about Khaliks father.


    King Aksuma continued pping, <em>appearing</em> to be only focused on the beasts below. He was chattering on and on about what sort of creatures they were, seemingly fascinated by everyst one.


    But, his bodynguage told a different story.


    A <em>very</em> subtle story.


    Alex noticed the slight tilt of his shoulders and how he held his head at an angle. His eyeswhich looked to be scanning the arenawere actually centred slightly to his left.


    Which allowed him to watch Sinope, <em>and</em> Alexs group from the corner of his eye. For all the world, he looked to be a simple man who had a great preupation with beasts and monsters. But, all the while, he was observing his sons partner and friends in the same way Alex read bodynguage when he was studying people.


    Huhhe smiled to himself. It seems the kings a far shrewder man than he lets on.


    Alex decided to watch him in turn, subtly reading his bodynguage as the final match of the Duel by Proxy: Lightweight Division was announced.


    And now we have a couple of familiar faces stepping into the final match in the light-weight division! the announcer boomed. We wee them back! Khalik Behr-Medr and his Harpax eagle, Najyah, have shown incredible experience inbat, fantastic coordination, and power! The wizard and his familiar have been vanquishing theirpetition all day, showing no sign of slowing down! But, will their reignreign supreme? He bellyughed at his own joke. It might be that their tyranny ends here!


    Tyranny, pfeh. King Aksuma frowned.


    The announcer continued. Their opponents have also had a devastating winning streak that brings them here to the finals! Lets hear it fora talented third year studentJasminerepresented by her familiar, the firestorm pseudo-drake, Terris! One pair of thesepetitors will walk away with a prize today, and the other will reach the epilogue of their journey! Who wille out on top?


    Gooo Khalik! Sinope cried. I believe in you!


    Alex shouted too. Yeaaaah, Khalik! You got this!


    The othersincluding ygon whod shifted his voice, now sounding like the announcerscreamed their support.


    Ready? the announcer called, raising an eyebrow at ygon. Begin!


    The contest was vicious.


    Terris was a powerful familiar, having his own innate magics of fire and lightning. Jasmine was a fierce opponent with a lot of power to throw around, who wasnt afraid to use it.


    They began with a blistering assault, zing with lightning and me spells, trying to utterly overwhelm their opponents. But what they had in power, theycked in experience. The instant the match began, Najyah shot away, flying inplex patterns, making herself an elusive target.


    While Terris and Jasmine focused on power, Khalik focused on protecting Najyah and increasing her speed. He conjured sand storms that sprayed from her wings as she flew,ying down a screen of grit that threw their opponents aim off.


    Najyah had dodged crimson lightning from hell-beasts and demons; avoiding magic from inexperienced challengers was no contest.


    Alex watched the contest, remembering a particr bar fight at the Lu family inn.


    Back then, a traveller hade through town and found himself in an argument with a group of local farm hands. They were big, young men with fists the size of cksmiths hammers, and the temperaments of bulls in mating season.


    He was half their size and twice their age, but was meaner, more experienced andmost importantlyhad hit first. After he sucker punched the first man, Alex watched in awe as he ducked and weaved, avoiding the farm hands brutish, clumsy swings.


    Using a bottle like a cudgel, hed battered down two more with graceright up until the fourth came in from the side and hit him so hard that the floor ended up with more of his teeth than his mouth did.


    The kicking theyd given him had been so awful, that Mr. Lu booted everyone from the inn and called the guardswhen Alexst saw the manhe was hobbling away from town on crutches with more bandages covering him than skin showing.


    Still, in those earlier moments of the fight, his experience had truly shown its worth.


    Mr. Lu had told himin no uncertain termsthat he was never to fight like that when he grew up.


    How time makes fools of us all, he thought, watching Khalik and Najyah take apart their opponents.


    As the arena floor swirled with floating sand, the prince abruptly transformed it to stone, turning the grit into solid images of bloodthirsty demons. One could almost hear soul-tearing growlsing from them, and they looked so life-like that Terris and Jasmine flinched away.


    Najyah vanished in the dust.


    Alex smiled, remembering Ikarrashs three demonic, jackal-headed sons.


    The element of surprise and his teams trickery had brought their terror to an end.


    This was no different.


    Terris snapped at the false demons, neither he nor his master saw the stone shards Khalik had sent cascading from Najyahs beak.


    They streaked through the sand, pummelling the drakedriving him to the ground. He tumbled along the stadium floor like a ball. Najyah was already iming victory, soaring overhead, spraying the drake with y that quickly coated him.


    Sand hardened, forming stone shackles, trapping Terris; y smothered his me and the stone grounded his lightning. Jasmine needed a quick and decisive response, instead, she showed her inexperience: in past matches, Terris had easily destroyed theirpetition with his superior power.


    Hed never been pinned, not once.


    Now, they were in danger of losing, and the third year student panicked.


    Terris, try She started. No wait She stammered an incantation, but changed her mind and cancelled it, giving Khalik all the time he needed to take the match.


    Najyah dropped a barrage of earth magic, burying Terris in so much y and stone, the drake could barely move.


    Jasmine hung her head. Iyield. Was all she said.


    The announcer beamed. Gentlefolk, the winner of the Duel By Proxy Lightweight Division for the second year, is Khalik Behr-Medr and his Harpax eagle familiar, Najyah!


    As the audience cheered, Alex and hispanions jumped up and down and cheered with themthough no one cheered louder than Sinope.


    Khalik and Najyah were awarded the golden medallion and the purse of 350 gold in the ceremony following the match. Alex and Thundar were dancing in the stands andughing hysterically as the prince took his first ce prize while also securing some nice winnings for everyone from the bets theyd ced. Theyd won far more gold than the prize for winning the contest had beenby a wide margin.


    Theresa grabbed Alexs arm, kissing his cheek. Were rich!


    He smiled, kissing her twice. Were rich<em>er.</em>


    Thats true, she giggled. By the Traveller, I cant wait to buy my parents the most amazing birthday gifts theyve ever had. And for ygon and Selina tooplus, Ill be able to spoil you plenty for your birthday.


    Yeah, Alex said. And I can spoil you too.


    Again, the proposal bloomed in his mind, he shook away a surge of nerves.


    His eyes fell on Brutus, the cerberus was whimpering with excitement.


    The young wizards project was progressing nicely, and would be finished soon.


    The results were going to be life-changing.

 Chapter 579: The Real Winnings

    Chapter 579: The Real Winnings


    Selina watched the firestorm drake, Terris, lick his masters hand as master and familiar received the silver metal.


    There was me on the drakes tongue, but Jasmine didnt wince or pull away from its touch. She just smiled at Terris, scratching his ear, as though his fire was as gentle on her skin as a warm breeze.


    A me that didn''t hurt.


    Selinas eyes never left the me, drawn to the creatures burning scales; even from the distance between her seat and the arena floor, she could feel its warm touch.


    I must be imagining things, she thought. Like I was a few nights back.


    As hed promised on her birthday, Alex had started teaching her magic, and even though the lessons were new, she was loving every bit of them. So much of what shed learned at school was now being put into practise by learning the spell array for forceball.


    Though Alex didnt let her cast the spell on her own, shed begun to feel changes inside. As she studied the basics of mana maniption, shed started to sense mana in the airas well as other things she wasnt used to sensing.


    The other evening when she was in her room, shed suddenly felt warmth when Theresa lit the firece downstairs, though at the time, shed told herself shed only imagined it. Now, she seemed to be feeling the drakes warm me, and as she watched the familiar lick and nuzzle his master, she understood what she was really seeing.


    The flickering fire was retreating from the drakes tongue as he licked Jasmine; it wasnt only that his fire wasnt hurting her, he was suppressing the heat as he licked her skin.


    Selina still felt some difort with her rtionship with fire, but not guilt; shed been learning to ept her fascination with me. Shiani had told her all the wonderful things fire could do. Alex and her teachers had hinted at ways cold coulde from fire.


    And shed seen fire spells stop demons and other monsters, and without them, friends and family would have died.


    Fire was a part of ygon, and she loved him with all her heart.


    But there was a conflicted part, deep inside of her that still felt it was wrong, and sometimes she wished she could ask her parents what they thought. Maybe if she prayed to the Traveller hard enough, then the patron saint of Alric would ask them for her.


    At least, Shiani was near, and she could talk to her soon.


    As she thought about meand other spectators stood to leave the arenashe had the sensation that someone was watching her. She looked around, but didnt see anyone focused on her.


    I was so busy looking at the firestorm drake, I was a million miles away, she thought, standing as her eye caught the VIP box near them.


    And thats when she realised who was watching her.


    Queen Ishtar was standing with her family, looking at Selina with a gentle smile. Something about her drew Selinas eye to her, like there was an invisible thread connecting them.


    But what that thread was, she had no idea.


    And the queen had offered no answers.


    Only a mysterious smile.


    The same smile she was wearing now.


    ###


    We are ri Kybas began to scream.


    Down, down! Alex nced around. Keep it down!


    Oh, right, right. Were rich! Were rich! the little goblin hissed, jumping up and down.


    The wind picked up, blowing through the copse of trees that he and Alex crouched in, surrounded by Thundar, Khalik and Theresa. Outside, Selina was ying with Brutus and Najyah.


    and also keeping watch in case anyone came too near.


    We must hurry, Khalik whispered. So that we can teleport back to the grounds. I am not sure how long I amfortable leaving Sinope alone with my parents; they are still getting used to each other. And we also do not wish to raise suspicion by disappearing as a group for too long.


    Well be quick, well be quick, Kybas promised. I dont want to bete for mypetitionbut we should still celebrate. Weve all won thousands! <em>Thousands!</em>


    Alex could almost see the coin scrolling through his eyes.


    The odds were one-to-two in Khaliks favour, he said. So we each get one coin for every two we staked.


    Theresa and Thundar looked at each other sharply. Thatsfive thousand gold for each of us, she murmured. Minus Kybas fee.


    And then ten thousand for Khalik and me, minus Kybas fee. Alex muttered. Holy hells!


    Indeed, the prince chuckled. Though it makes me regret not betting on myselfst year. As an unknown, the odds would have been against me, and my victory might have seen double or triple the return. Perhaps even ten times or more.


    Yeah, thats true. Alex felt a pang of regret. You know, thats probably how Lucia multiplied her gold. We were all neers, and the odds against us were likely even higher. Remember, there were events we lostst year, so the odds might still be against us for those.


    Which means more coin, Thundar grinned.


    If we win, Khalik said.


    We <em>will</em>, Theresa insisted.


    The entire time, Kybas had a mysterious smile on his face. Hm hm, well I have my eye on a nice bit of war-gear for Harmless. Hehe, itll be in reach soon!


    Hmmmm. Alex tapped his chin in thought. Kybas, have you ever thought about investing? In a sessful, growing business venture, I mean. Trust me, youre about to have a lot of gold and youll make your hoard grow with the right investments.


    I see, I see! the goblin nodded vigorously. I like the sound of growing things but uhI dont know what that has to do with vests. I guess if its a very nice vest, Id be curious to see it!


    Not vests, in<em>vest</em>men Alex paused. Never mind, Ill exinter.


    Thundarughed. Alright, enough about vests and making coin multiplylets just talk about making coin multiply! Im gonna bet everyst one of my fifteen thousand gold on Kybas for the middleweight bout, which Ill be doing as soon as we get back to the arena. If you want, Ill take any coin you want ced on yourself, Kybas.


    The goblin stared at the minotaur. What? Why?


    Because I believe in you.


    Waityou believe in me?


    I just said that, didnt I?


    I will be betting on you as well. Khalik patted the goblin on the shoulder. Harmless is at the very limit for the middle weightpetition, I believe?


    Yep! Yep! Kybas said proudly. Right around a pound under. If hed grown even a little bit more, he would have had to be a heavy-weight!


    Good. That will be an advantage, then. And you quite nearly defeated mest year: I will admit this to you, I was relieved when I learned I would not be facing you this time.


    Yes, because I would have won this time! the goblin insisted. And Harmless would agreeif he wasnt sunning himself right now to get ready for thepetition!


    Hah! That is the spirit, the prince said, the golden medallion gleaming on his neck. In any case, you are experienced and Harmless is powerful. To me, that is where the smart coin lies.


    Are you sure? Are you sure? The betting people dont agree. The odds are against me.


    Now Khaliks eyes lit up. How <em>much</em> against you?


    I didnt ce in the lightweightst yearsofive-to-one.


    <em>Five to one?</em> Theresa eximed. If Iif I put fifteen thousand on youoh<em>oh.</em> Are we allowed to bet that much?


    The maximum is twenty thousand. Kybas shrugged. You can bet that much.


    By the ancestorsIm <em>definitely</em> betting on you! Just so you know though, if you lose, then Ill be poor.


    Alex shot the minotaur a look. Thundaryou get paid a <em>fortune</em>, youre <em>not</em> going to be poor.


    Poor<em>er</em>.


    Alex rolled his eyes. Im putting my coin on you too, Kybas. I believe in you.


    Youre nearly as ferocious a hunter as Grimloch, Theresa agreed. So betting on you is where the smart coin is: Khalik and the others are right.


    Kybas beamed, then his look turned sly. And thats why you should have bet on Grimloch. The odds were three-to-one against him when he raced Hanuman in the footracebut Grimloch beat him.


    What? Alex demanded. He outran that slippery bastard?


    The goblin nodded excitedly. He did! Hes been training a lot for the Games this year! Lots of fighting, lots of running and lots of that mystic meditating stuff that makes him crazy strong.


    HuhI knew hed been training hard, but I thought he just wanted to beat Hart, Theresa said. Hanumans more experienced with life enforcement, but Grimloch has a <em>much</em> longer strideso since our friend <em>really</em> focused on his training


    Thats why he took the win, and holy crap, three-to-one? Alex looked at Kybas in shock. So how much did you make?


    A <em>lot!</em> the goblin giggled. But Im not telling you how much. You should have believed in Grimloch and bet on him. Thats why <em>I </em>am the greatest of friends and you should learn from me!


    Alex made a face, one that was mirrored by Khalik.


    Though strangely enough, Thundar and Theresa didnt look upset about missing out.


    If anything, they looked a bit smug


    You two bet on him, didnt you? Alex asked suspiciously.


    I did. Theresa smiled innocently. I didnt know about Thundar.


    Thats because I didnt talk about it. The minotaur shrugged. Seemed like a good idea to me, but Hanuman did beat himst year so I didnt want to drag anyone down with me if it was a bad bet.


    Ithats logical, but Im still mad. Alex frowned.


    You should have bet yourself and put more faith in Grimloch! Learn from Kybas, the greatest of friends! Kybas posed with his hands on his hips. And greatest parent of crocodiles!


    By the gods, I cannot let you meet my father. Khalik winced. He might adopt you and make you heir. In any case, let us get back to the tournament grounds.


    Wait, wait, wait. Alex looked at Khalik sternly. You cant just cut us off like that. This is the first time weve seen you for more than five minutes since that day at the vi. How did things go with your parents and Sinope?


    Yeah, yeah, tell us! Thundar demanded.


    Khalik went silent, looking up at the sky as the others stared at him expectantly. ItI do not know.


    What? What do you mean you dont know? Theresa asked.


    Khalik sighed. She met my parents and it was very polite; they were warm to her. Butwhen we told them of our engagement, they went silent for a moment. That moment spoke the same as a thousand chastising speechesand yet said nothing at all. After that, they continued on as though nothing had happened.


    You meanwhat exactly do you mean by that? Theresa said.


    Khalik shrugged, the frustration clear in his expression and bodynguage. They simply said something along the lines of I see, we are happy you feel so strongly and we will speak more on thister. And then they moved on and said no more on the subject.


    Thatthat sounds cruel, Alex said.


    It is their way: not of cruelty, but caution, the prince sighed. They are not ones to make decisions as the kite would, flitting from one ce to the other. They contemte as an albatross on the wing would: slowly and with specific intention. I think they are taking time to assess and discuss.


    The memory of King Aksuma silently watching Sinope and the rest of his sons friends returned. Yeah, that seems to follow, Alex said. How does Sinope feel?


    And that is the frustrating point! Khalik raised his hands. When my parents moved on, she moved on as wellshe had assumed that it was their culture to simply ept the marriage withoutint and move on. Then I told her what was actually happening and she simply said I see, and <em>acted as though nothing was happening!</em> But I am not blind: something is happening, even if I cant tell what it is yet.


    And Sinope wont talk with you? Theresa asked.


    She said that an oaks patience is needed and told me she would speak to me during the Games, Khalik said. I <em>think</em>she is assessing them as they are assessing her, but I dont know what either she, or my parents are thinking.


    Wellfrom their bodynguage, your parents are <em>very</em> good at hiding their intentions: some of the best at it Ive ever met, Alex said. Dont me yourself if you cant figure them out.


    I am not, but it is frustrating. I feel like I am waiting for an explosion, the princeined.


    Its the actions of others, Alex said. Sometimes, we cant do anything about that, whether that leads to good timesor bad.

 Chapter 580: The Trash thats About to be Taken Out

    Chapter 580: The Trash that''s About to be Taken Out


    Alex had been right about one thing.


    The actions of others had indeed led to bad times. In this case, the actions of Kybas of the n Chulu had led to bad times for every singlepetitor he went up against in the medium-weight division of the Duel by Proxy.


    Already, the first bout had turned into a ughter.


    Never had the name Harmless ever been so unfitting.


    Their opponent was a tall, graceful hellhound summoned by a familiar face: Victor, a student from one of Alexs blood magic sses. The young man hadnt changed much since the Thameish wizard hadst seen him.


    The aspiring blood mage still dressed all in ck, with polished spikes rising from the shoulders of his coat. His hair looked like thest time it had seen water was around the time Baelin was born, yet hed strutted into the arena with the towering confidence reserved for triumphing demigods of war.


    When Victors name was announced, Alex shed back to the times the pale young man had tried to exin Professor Haks own lesson to her in the middle of ss. The resulting cringe had been so powerful Alexs whole body had wilted on itself like a prune. It seemed to be happening again and Theresa grabbed his shoulder to steady him.


    Are you having a fit? she asked him in concern. Did someone poison you? Is your soul being drained by a demon?


    <em>FatherI sensegreat mental anguishing from youalong with images ofthat person in the arena who was in your ss</em> ygon said. <em>You are remembering your ssmates looking at each otheras Victor went into a fifteen minute speech right before ss was due to endfather? Father, you are falling from your chair.</em>


    After Alex had barely managed to cling to life and sanity, he looked up to realise that Kybas had already been announced and Victor had already conjured hispanion: a hellhound.


    Because of course it was a hellhound.


    So, erm. The announcer looked at his cue card awkwardly. I think there might be a mistake here: we dont have any name listed for yourpanion. Whats the name of your hellhound, Victor?


    Heh, the aspiring blood mage sneered at Kybas. I dont need to reveal the name of my summoned devil to the trash Im about to take out! He pointed dramatically across the field. Get ready! If it werent for the magic blunting our pets attacks, yours would be leaving the arena as a new pair of boots! Big ones!


    Some in the crowd fell silent, othersughed weakly.


    Again, Alex had to battle an urge not to cringe to death.


    Um, brother. Selina tugged Alexs sleeve. She pointed at Victor. Is that man real? Is this some weird dream?


    Heshes real, SelinaI know youll probably go through weird phases as you get to be a teenager, but dont be like him. Trust me, youll thank yourself when youre all grown up.


    A-alright then, the announcer said. Then we have a secretpanion to surprise and delight you with!


    The secret is death, Victor spat at Harmless, attempting an intimidating re.


    Kybas was the man who had stood beside Professor Salinger, helping the magical botany teacher to fend off an entire horde of demons. He also hung out with Grimloch, and was raising a death-machine. It would take a little more than the words of a creepy-eyed second year student to frighten the proud member of n Chulu into submission.


    Especially, with the new and improved Harmless at his side.


    Murmurs drifted through the crowd when the crocodile appeared beside Kybas. All signs of the tiny reptile that Alex had met in first year alchemy were long gone, reced by a monster of nine feet long, who weighed four hundred and ny-nine pounds.


    A careful diet, supplemented by mushrooms and potions throughout Harmless growth, had seen him explode in size, with scales that were thickening into solid armour tes sheathing a body corded with Grimloch-like muscle.


    Even Victors sneer had turned limp when he got a closer look at the beast.


    It wilted even further as soon as the announcer started the round.


    The aspiring blood mage had begun casting body enhancement on his hellhound, but Harmless had lunged for the devilish dog before hed gotten two sybles out of his mouth. Victor had panicked, bitten his tongue, and watched as the crocodile seized his summoned monster in crushing jaws, bashing the beast against the cage before pinning it to the ground for the count.


    Then hed flung the fiend halfway across the arena, making the crowd explode, though none cheered louder than King Aksuma. Khaliks father cheered Harmless on as though his son were in the ring again, gripping the princes shoulder and pointing to the devastating reptile.


    What a magnificent beast! he cried. Hes not even fully grown yet, you say? Hell be the size of a dragon when he reaches his full size!


    Queen Ishtar only watched with half-interest, shaking her head at her husband.


    Khalik, meanwhile, exchanged a nervous nce with Najyah. Indeed, and I thank the gods that Harmless grew toorge for my division.


    I think you and Najyah could still defeat him, my mighty oak flower, Sinope smiled like a spring morning, full of all sorts of cheery promises.


    As soon as the words left her mouth, the hellhound suddenly screamed.


    Harmless was chasing the beast around the arenawhile Victor tried desperately to pile on body enhancement spells to give it a fighting chancewhen the crocodileshed his tail into the arena floor,unching himself forward like the worlds scaliest and toothiest ballista-bolt.


    Thats right! Kybasughed, not having had to cast a single spell on his familiar. Bring on the croc-apocalypse!


    Harmless deadly fangs bit down on one of the fiends scrabbling legs, and Kybas horrifyingughter filled the stadium as the crocodile went into his death roll.


    And he calls him Harmless, by the Traveller. Never have I heard so great a lie. Alex gaped at the croc-apocalypse as he sat beside Theresa, Selina, Thundar, Grimloch, ygon, Brutus and Isolde, most of whom were looking at each other with a mixture of pride, and pure and utter horror.


    Should this be allowed? Isolde whispered.


    Yeessssssss. Grimloch grinned, licking his chops and drawing nervous nces from spectators nearby.


    The stadium had filled since the fights in thest division andthough it wasnt overflowing like for the super-heavyweight matchesst yearthere was still plenty of enthusiasm to go around.


    It spreadsomewhatto a particr magical botany professor.


    Professor Salinger sat on the opposite side of the arena, beside his very shocked looking wife and children. The professor himself was an entire garden of emotions: shock, awe, fascination, confusion, and more.


    But, he just couldnt look away.


    He hardly blinked as Harmless pinned the hellhound again, dragging him along the bars of the cage then thrashing him into the ground.


    Keep out his range, Daemonshade, burn him with your fire! Victor began to scream, revealing hispanions name to the trash he was about to take out.


    He did <em>not</em> just call him Daemonshade? Theresa winced.


    I think its a pretty cool name, Alex said.


    You <em>would.</em>


    Daemonshade breathed fire, bounding away from the <em>extremely</em> harmful crocodile named Harmless, as Kybas bounced up and down like a deranged toddler, giggling. With a victorious grin, he cast a spell of fire protection on Harmless, blunting some of the mes effects.


    The goblin wizard didnt even bother to give orders, he just let the crocodile rampage as he liked. And rampage he did.


    Victor tried funnelling mana to life into Daemonshade, pouring energy into the hellhoundbut a fly with all the energy in the world could do little to stop a dragon.


    The reptile savaged the now-cowering devil dog, simply taking the beasts fire-breath as though it was a light breeze. Cheers rose from the crowd: feet stomped, fists pounded on armrests, and voices thundered.


    Grimloch, meanwhile, did not say a word. He didnt cheer. He didnt shout. He didnt whoop. He only pped, his massive palmsing together like a deep-bellied drum.


    He didn''t stop pping until two rounds of the Daemonshade-crushing bout had finished.


    Victory goes to Kybas and Harmless, by way of decision!! the announcer cried. The point gap is now so wide that Victor and Daemonshade cannot im enough points to achieve victory! Lets hear cheers for Kybas and Harmless, and cheers for Victor and Daemonshade, who never gave up until the bitter end!


    Ky-bas! Ky-bas! Ky-bas! Harm-less! Harm-les! Harm-less! the excited crowds roar was deafening.


    Both Khalik and his father pumped their fists, shouting the goblins name.


    Grimloch simply continued pping.


    But his grin was knowing. This is only going to get worse, he rumbled. You just watch.


    As if they heard him, Victor and Daemonshade quickly fled.


    The matches passed quickly as summoned monsters, familiars and man-sized golems faced each other in battle. There were some powerfulpetitorsespecially a duo consisting of a wizard and a nt-like monsterbut no one had provided a more devastating performance than Harmless.


    As the battles stretched on, Kybas next match loomed closer and closer, and the crowd waited with building anticipation.


    Until finally


    And now for their second match, lets wee Kybas of the n Chulu and Harmless! The announcer roared. Defeated before they could ce inst years lightweight division, this year, Kybas has shown us how hungry he is for vengeance in the middleweight division, folks! And his familiar is hungry for <em>everything else!</em>


    The crowd roared in response.


    The goblin beamed. Thats right! He eats anything! Especially mushrooms and lots of other concoctions! And fish! And meat! and everything else! So what I said the first time, he eats everything!


    Grimloch burst outughing. Of course he does! Hes got ss! the sharkman bellowed.


    Across the arena Professor Salinger lowered his head, pinching the bridge of his nose.


    But we have a challengeing for this harmful duo in the uing match! the announcer shouted. This time, they face Boris and hispanion, the deadlythe viciousthe venomousSknce!


    A muscr wizard strode to the arena beside a monstrous, distinctive, creature.


    Oh holy crap, thats a vespara! Alex cried.


    I remember you showed me drawings of them in one of your textbooks, Selina said, you, Theresa, ygon and Brutus, fought onest year in the countryside!


    <em>Wedid</em> ygon said. <em>Irememberbuzzingbut nothing else.</em>


    A, thats too bad, Theresa said. That was a fantastic fight and an epic date. We should do that again, Alex.


    Yeah, we should. He leaned down and kissed her. But I think wed need something a little nastier than a vespara to get a challenge these days.


    Youre right, she said. Wed probably have it dead as soon as we found it. I think this ones smaller than the one we faced.


    Yeah. Alex peered at Sknce as she was let into the arena cage. I dont think shes quite as big. She also doesnt have any wasps tomand.


    Easy win for Kybas, then? Selina asked.


    The Thameish wizard frowned. Im not so sure, Selina. Vesparas are really fast and they''re also natural flyers. Their stingers are like spikes, and Id bet a good chunk of coin that the first thing this Boris does is summon wasps from another ne for Sknce to control. Id sure as heck do that.


    I suppose thats true she said. And that monster can fly. Harmless cant.


    Well, I bet you the first thing Kybas does is cast a flight spell on Harmless, Alex pointed out.


    <em>IthinkHarmless will do well,</em> ygon added. <em>Skncedidnt crush herst opponentas much as Harmless crushed the hellhound that was not supposed to be namedbut was suddenly namedwhy are you allughing?</em>


    Thundar, Alex and even Theresa had doubled over.


    Never mind, buddy, Alex said. Youre too funny, and you dont even know it!


    <em>HmmmHarmless will still win</em> ygon said.


    Of course he will. Grimlochs smile turned terrifying. Hes going to serve that wasp monster its own stinger.


    Well, well see, Alex said. I think hell win, but I dont think its going to be as one-sided as hisst match.


    Alright! the announcer cried. Are we ready? Who wille out on top? Begin!


    His hand came down.


    This onell give you some trouble, Kybas, Alex thought. But I know you can do it.


    It quickly became apparent that one half of that thought was very, very wrong.

 Chapter 581: The Middleweight Terror

    Chapter 581: The Middleweight Terror


    You can do it, Harmless! Kybas cried. Swat that bug!


    He chanted a flight spell, and the deadly reptileterror ofnd and surf became a terror of the wide blue yonder.


    Harmlessunched into the air like a raptor, jaws snapping, tail whipping like he was driving his body through the deep. His opponent, the Vespara, moved a half step faster, buzzing above Harmless, circling the crocodile; gleaming insectile eyes fixed on him.


    Boris cast a haste spell and Sknce became a buzzing blur.


    Kybas cast his own haste spell, Harmless shot after the vespara, hissing through the air, spinning as if in a death roll, barreling at the stinging creature like a corkscrew. Sknce, zipped by, dodging rows of fangs.


    The goblin wizard watched his familiar chase their opponent,rge eyes traced the vesparas movements, simply watching, he uttered no spells or directions, he just let the pursuit go on.


    Hmm, I wonder if hes trying to exhaust Sknce? Theresa wondered out loud. Shes flying faster because of Boris haste spell, but shes still flying under her own power. Harmless, who isnt a flyer, is flying and speeding around because of Kybas spells; shes using a lot more energy than he is, especially doing all the buzzing shes doing. Shell get tired, then hell catch her.


    You could be right, Alex said, feeling a twinge of summoning magic in the air.


    The stench of brimstone and heat of a hell domain hit him.


    I think this fights about to change. A lot.


    Boris raised his voice and hands to the sky in a disy of high dramadrawing ooos from the crowdconjuring a swarm of infernal wasps. The devilish insects were the size of a grown mans hand, with gleaming bodies banded in red and ck, the buzzing sounds were like the growls of starving fiends.


    The vespara uttered a keening noise, sending the swarm at the crocodile,ncing stingers poised.


    Kybas reacted, Spin, Harmless! he gave his firstmand to his familiar then cast a spell: a suit of armour crafted from ntlife with alchemically hardened bark oveyed with writhing vines, fanned out over the crocodiles scales. Wasps swarmed him, vinesshed the air like whips, clipping the bugs, sending them back to their home ne by the number.


    Across the arena, Alex could see Salinger beaming with pride at what his student and the graceful but deadly nts could do.


    But, as lethal as the vines were, they couldnt stop the entire swarm and some clung to the spinning crocodile, testing areas to sink their stingers into.


    Kybas, however, was not finished.


    The goblin wizard raised his hands to the sky and uttered a spell that sounded


    Wait, doesnt that spell sound familiar? Alex frowned, looking at Thundar and Isolde.


    It does. The young noblewomans brows knit together.


    It <em>should,</em> Grimloch grinned. My sis taught him that one.


    As Kybas finished the spell, Alex realised why it had sounded so familiar: Nua-Oge would cast it when theyd hunted monsters in the Barrens of Kravernus.


    It was the spell for Shield of Darkwater that the Selechar wizard used to protect herself and her brother from the dry air, and burning sun of the Barrens.


    Now, Kybas was using it to protect his familiar, but not from the sun. A sheath of water enveloped Harmless, shimmering like a coat of armour that rippled with dense liquid and shadow. Every conjured wasp crawling on Harmless was soon thrashing and iling beneath ayer of water.


    In desperation, they tried stinging him through the liquid, seeking softer parts on the crocodiles body, but darkwater, nt-armour, and hardened scales, stopped their stingers.


    As they thrashed about, vines swatted them like flies, sending them back to the hell they were summoned from.


    Boris scowled.


    Kybas grinned across the cage, a broad smile full of gleaming sharp teeth. Me and Harmless fought swarms of demons beside the very brave Professor Salinger! He shouted. He would be a great ally to the honourable n Chulu! Swarms of little devil bugs are no match for us!


    The goblin wizard proudly pointed at the magical botany professor, whose face flushed bright red as he sank down in his chair. Multiple audience membersincluding his own familystared at him with curiosity.


    His wife patted him on the shoulder, Alex was pretty sure he read the words mighty warrior forming on her lips when she spoke to him.


    Professor Salinger turned even redder, sinking even lower.


    Boris also turned red, but for different reasons. The young man scowled. Dont get cocky! he shouted. Youve scored no points!


    No points! No points! Kybas chanted. No points for <em>you!</em> And you spent all this time running away!


    He turned to Grimloch in the crowd. Big, brave wizard, isnt he?


    No, the sharkman rumbled, his voice booming over the crowd.


    Cheers and jeers rose from the audience; someughed at Kybas taunts, others booedmostly folk whod bet on Boris, no doubtyet others bood the goblins rival for only using<em> a strategy of fleeing </em>since the match began.


    Stop running and fight! someone shouted, seeming to agitate Boris further.


    He growled like an angry beast and began casting body enhancement spells on Sknce.


    Strength enhancement. Agility Enhancement.


    Then force armour.


    Kybas, however, didnt cast a single spell. The goblins grin faded, and he simply watched the creature zip around the arena like lightning strikes through a stormy sky.


    He knew the vespara would attack soon.


    And, attack it did.


    Mouth and eyes, Sknce! Boris shouted. Attack!


    Her buzzing turned frenzied, then she threw herself at the flying crocodile.<strong></strong>Her<strong></strong>stingeras long as any daggergleamed as venom dripped from its tip. Harmless snapped at her as she buzzed by and jabbed her stinger in his side.


    Or tried to.


    She used all of her enhanced strength to strike, the stinger sank through darkwater, piercing armour of bark and vinebut stopping dead at Harmless scales.


    Boris victorious grin twisted, turning to shock.


    Alexs jaw dropped. Kybas, you absolute madman, you.


    Sknce flew back as Harmless snapped again, and zipped around his side, dipping below him. She spun in the air, stinger blurring as she stabbed at Harmless belly over and over.


    Water parted.


    Bark and vine cracked.


    But, his scales held strong, as though the vespara was stabbing steel; her stinger left not a scratch. She shrieked, barely getting out of reach, as Harmless jaws snapped inches from her head.


    Whats happening? Selina gasped. Is Kybas protecting Harmless with a spell?


    No, Alex murmured. Hes been feeding him so many potions and mushrooms thatwell, you see the size of himbut its more than that. All of those potions Kybas pumps into him everyday probably hardened his entire body, including his scales. You saw how thick they were: thats not natural.


    You know how its really hard to hurt Brutus through his hide? Theresa leaned forward, looking at Selina. Kybas fed Harmless so many magic potions that his scales became hard like that. Maybe even tougher.


    Ohthen what can Sknce do to win? Selina asked.


    Well, Alex said, a knock-downs going to be hard to get with Harmless outweighing her by so much. A pins going to be even harder. I think she could try and poison him by going for a soft body partbut Harmless is protecting his eyes and mouth, and shes not really fast enough to get him by surprise.


    He tapped his chin, watching the vespara retreat from the crocodile. I dont think theres much she can do, honestly. If she was Boris familiar, instead of only a summons, he could cast spells through her to try and bring Harmless downbut as it is, shes not going to get very far.


    The crowd began to chant, Harm-less! Harm-less! Harm-less! as the crocodile closed in on the vespara.


    Truthfully, unless Borises up with something at thest second, I dont think hes got much of a chance. Hes really just dying the inevitable at this point. Alex said.


    Oh, now whyd you have to go and say something like that? You cursed Kybas! Thundar cried. You know how it is in all the stories: as soon as someone says hey, unless theye up with something at thest second, theyre gonna lose thats when theye up with something at thest second and win.


    Yeah, thats true, Alex! Selina said.


    Oh, by the elements? Isolde rolled her eyes. Not everything is a terrible novel or y. Superstition is unbing.


    And sometimes superstition is super right! Thundar said defensively.


    Just watch, Grimloch said. Superstition or not, Harmless is gonna harm.


    And he was right.


    While Boris shoutedmands at Sknce, straining to find a way to stop the flying croc-apocalypse, he only managed to buy them a bit more time and lots more jeers from the crowd as Harmless circled, getting closer and closer to the vespara.


    And Alexs earlier prediction was starting toe true.


    Look, shes slowing down, he said. Shes getting tired, while the only thing that Harmless is getting is hungry. Its just a matter of time until


    Suddenly the crowd roared.


    and there it is.


    While Kybas maniacalughter soared through the air; his familiars jaws crunched down on one of Sknces buzzing wings. She was struggling, but she might as well have been trying to heave a mountain off her body.


    The crowds roar boomed louder.


    Here ites,dies and gentlemen! the announcer shouted. The <em>death</em><em>roll!</em>


    Harmless rolled through the air, spinning Sknce while Boris shoutedmands.


    Do what you have to do! he screamed. Just get out of there! Resist him! Sting him!


    The vespara screeched, driving her stinger at the crocodiles body, but it bounced off his natural armour. Harmless darted to the sidestill rollingmoving past the cage bars.


    The sound of chitin hitting metal echoed through the arena as Sknce was battered on the bars over and over, smashing to the floor each time the repile rolled.


    The crowd went wild.


    Kyb-as! Ky-bas! Ky-bas! they chanted. Harm-less brings harm! Harm-less brings harm! Harm-less brings harm! Harm-less brings harm!


    Chairs rattled.


    Salinger forgot all notions of keeping up appearances and screamed at the top of his lungs.


    Yes! Khalik cried, as Alex and his other friends shouted.


    <em>Fatherhe is amazing!</em> ygon shouted. <em>So mighty!</em>


    Yeah, he sure is! Goooo Kybas! Whooo-hooo! Youre doing it!


    Grimloch simply pped, his palms forming that ominous drumbeat.


    The thrashing Harmless gave Sknce had beaten thest of her energy out of her and knocked her senseless<strong>.</strong> Now all Kybas and Harmless had to do was get as many knock-downs and pins as they needed to win the match.


    When round two started, Sknce could barely manage to put up much of a fight as the crocodile threw her around like a paper doll.


    Part way through the round, Boris began shaking, he sighed then spoke the fateful words he likely never expected to be saying: I concede.


    The crowd jumped up, roaring and stomping their feet. It was like the sound of thunder.


    And with that concession, we have our winner! the announcer shouted. Boris and Sknce surrender! Harmless and Kybas of n Chulu take their second match! Can nothing stop this scaled juggernaut? This weapon of war forged by magic and nature? We! Shall! See!


    Kybas cheered, pumping his fists and hopping up and down like a happy toddler. Yes, Harmless! Best crocodile! Best crocodile!


    Best crocodile! Best crocodile! Best crocodile! the crowd chanted with him.


    Best crocodile, Grimloch agreed.


    Hm, I must admit, Best Crocodile is a toweringly, lofty title, but that young man and his familiar <em>do </em>make a strong argument. King Aksuma nodded in approval. I wonder if one of my familiars could battle himno, I should wait to see him fully grown.


    Akie, do not bully studentsis what I would say, but you will likely embarrass yourself, so do not let students bully you, Queen Ishtar said.


    Khalik participates in these battles!


    He is a student here, Akie.


    You do not need to be a student to participate. You know what? Perhaps next year, I will


    Akie, Sembrouthes begged you not to do this thest time this idea sank its ws into your head.


    But he is not here to stop me, the King grinned.


    And I shall not stop you, father, Khalik said. I would thrash you with a smile on my face.


    Aksuma raised an eyebrow. Are you challenging me, youngling?


    Youngling? Only one of us standing here at the moment is a champion, and it is not <em>you </em>father.


    The kings eyes narrowed, and he turned away, clearly plotting.


    Below, Kybas walked with Harmless, heading beneath the arena.


    Alex cheered their ted friend and his triumphant crocodile until they disappeared into the bowels of the stadium.


    So far, it looked like they had a good chance of winning a crushing victory this year.


    Kybas believed they would, and so did he.

 Chapter 582: Kybas Final Match

    Chapter 582: Kybas'' Final Match


    Kybas and Harmless stacked one defeat after another against every opponent they faced.


    In some of the other matches fought between familiars, monsters, or pets, their masters used tactics to their best ability: their partners circled, feinted,unched fire magic, struck quickly and used wrestling moves, but Harmless duels hadnt been about finesse, theyd been about simply running over his adversaries like a speeding turnip cart would over an unfortunate mouse.


    All of the effort, training, love and magical potions Kybas had poured into Harmless had paid off: nothing could match his strength, speed and endurance. Attacks bounced off his scales, while he threw monsters around like sacks of feathers.


    You know, its not just his size thats so devastating, Alex murmured, watchingpletely fascinated as the crocodile whipped his tail into a squat, man-sized brass golem. Despite the metal construct''s weight, it went catapulting through the air for at least a dozen feet before crashing to the arena floor in a heap. His bodys even stronger than it looks: all those mushrooms must have <em>really </em>enhanced his muscles. The way hes tossing things around, it looks like hes got the strength of a heavyweight, more than a middleweight.


    Its sort of like were watching a life enforcement practitioner, except in beast form, Theresa gaped, This is crazymaybe you need to get him for our dungeon core hunting missions, Alex, Theresa suggested. Even if its just to support us as extra back up. Harmless could turn those chitterers into ground Ravener-spawn, and I bet hed be able to take down a silence-spider or two. If he keeps progressing at the same rate, hell be tearing apart bone-chargers in a year.


    YeahI hear you. Alex nodded, listening to the unwholesome grinding noise of Harmless teeth against the golems metal body. Theres safety in numbers, and that croc is devastating. But, honestly, its Kybas himself Im <em>really</em> paying attention to.


    He has a good head on his shoulders, she agreed.


    You dont know the half of it: how many spells has he cast in this entire tournament? he asked.


    Um, maybe five, maybe six at most? she said. He cast most of them in their fight against Sknce and he hasnt really used any magic since.


    <em>Exactly.</em> Alex punched his palm with his fist. Last year, one of the reasons he lost against Khalik was because he was running low on mana. He was also casting slowerand no offence to Kybas, but Khaliks just really fastand he was also a bit too aggressive for him to keep up with at times.


    He nodded toward the goblin who was simply watching the fight with a serene smile.


    Dont let all the hopping up and down fool you, Alex said. Hes been ying it smart in their division this entire time: he <em>knows</em> his crocodiles the biggest, meanest fighter here, so hes letting him act<strong></strong>on his own and just stepping in when he <em>needs</em> to: hes saving his mana for the finals.


    Hes a smart fighter, Selinaplimented Kybas. He has good fighting tactics, doesnt he? Was he in Baelins ss?


    Nope. Alex shook his head.


    Doesnt need to be, Grimloch growled. Talk to him about his background, and youll find out his tribes all warriors. Him and me talked about strategies and I told him all the stuff I learned from Baelin. And now, no ones gonna stop him.


    Good for you, Kybas. Alex murmured, smiling as the crocodile flung his golem opponent through the air. May you crush your enemies uncontested.


    But as the matches went on, Alex noticed one opponent who might give Harmless some trouble.


    And the winner is Vinte and its master Warren of Geljar! the announcer called the end of a match.


    The duel was one-sided: the monster familiar crushed a summoned engeli like a bad memory.


    That nt-bug thing looks tough, Thundar said. Ive been noticing that some of the middleweightpetitors arentreally up to scratch, but, this guys the real deal.


    Vinte was arge creature Alex had learned about in Salingers magical botany ss: a thorncap. It looked like an enormous insect with six armoured legs sprouting from the sides of a thick, rounded shell. From gaps in its chitin, hundreds of thorny vines emerged, with what looked like arge mushroom growing on top of its shell.


    Its jaws were serrated like a saw de, and its beady ck eyes glowed, watching Kybas and Harmless, disying intellect and power.


    The creature was equipped with a range of weapons that it used in each of its matches: spiked thorns, razor-edged jaws, a powerful bite, noxious venom, and another ability that gave one pause. In thest match Vinte had gathered power from the sun, then released a devastating beam from its maw that forced its opponent into submission, stopping the fight cold. Its master was as lethal as his familiar, and far higher in skill level than otherpetitors. In the middleweight division, amon trait Alex had observed in many of thepetitors was that theycked experience.


    The lightweightpetitors worked with small monsters, andpensated for size by strategizing, showing off their abilities and pride in their skills to the smaller audience that watched their contests.


    Meanwhile,petitors in the super-heavyweight contest had extraordinarily powerful monsters, experience, a nice cash prize topete for, and lots of attention from an overflowing, enthusiastic, adoring audience.


    The super-heavyweight division came with super powerful monsters and skilled wizards, offering more appeal than a middleweight division consisting ofpetitors who didnt push themselves nearly as hard. Even most of the lightweight participants seemed more experienced.


    For a seasoned audience who was really engaged with the battles, it made for <em>very</em> one-sided contests, especially for those who took the fights seriously.


    Kybas was one who took them seriously, but unfortunatelyin his uing opponents caseit was clear that this Warren did too. He was a fast spellcaster and had kept a cool head during his matches. From themands he gave and how he gave them, it was obvious that hed seen real battle at some point in his life.


    A bite of nerves reached down into the pit of Alexs gut as the semifinals ended.


    And then


    Weve had an excellent afternoon, folks! the announcer boomed. An astounding showing for the middleweight division today! Both neers and veterans alike showed off their skills and thrilled us with their abilitiesbut now its time to see who has the greatest skills of all! Let the final match begin!


    He gestured to his right. On this side we have a devastating duo: Kybas of the n Chulu and Harmless! With a clean sweep throughout the tournament and without a single match lost, this croc-apocalypse has proven to be a terror among terrors! A dragon of the sea! They bite! They bash! They sh and gash! Give it up fooooor Kybas and Harmless!


    The crowds roar seemed to shake the stadium down to its foundations.


    And to my left, we have a veteran of the middleweight division! Back after a three year hiatus, yet racing to the top like hed never been absent, we have Warren of Gelvar and Vinte! These two contenders also remained undefeated in every round today, showing that their skills have not turned rusty! Instead, theyve made their opponents dusty! They bring the light! They bring the pain! And theyre here to win this game! A round of cheers fooooor Warren and Vinte!


    The sky echoed as the crowd pounded their feet against the arena floor and hooted.


    Below, Kybas raised his hands, calling out to his n Chulu ancestors. Ancestors! Witness me take victory! Ill wipe away my shame fromst year and take home a golden prize for me and for Harmless! Chuluuuuu!


    The crowd roared. Ky-bas! Ky-bas! Ky-bas! Chu-lu! Chu-lu! Chu-lu! Harm-less! Harm-less! Harm-less!


    Harmless raised his head in pride, his fangswell-brushed and polished by his loving mastergleamed in the sunlight.


    He opened his jaws as though grinning at the audience, then snapped them shut.


    The crowd cheered.


    On the other side of the arena, his opponent pped politely, though his lips were curved in a wry smile. I can feel the love between you and your familiar, Warren shouted, his eyes twinkling as though hed been told a private joke. But love doesnt win battles, and sometimes its the duty of us old timers to teach the young a lesson!


    He pointed to his chest. And that lesson is not yet! his voice swelled. You all have had your time while I was away! But the middleweight division belongs to Warren and Vinte and Im here to im it!


    As he shouted those words, his thorncap raised its head and unleashed a beam of concentrated sunlight into the sky.


    Alexs ears rang from the crowds answering cheers.


    Here we go, he murmured.


    Hannah, help my friend Kybas, he thought. Guide his mind and Harmless jaws.


    The goblin wizard squared off against his opponent, all signs of mirth gone. Now, he was watching, waiting, assessing.


    Like a true warrior.


    Warren only smiled, his hands folded behind his back.


    Harmless hissed from the right of the arena.


    Vinte gnashed its jaws.


    And the announcer raised his hand. Let the final match begin! Warren versus Kybas! Vinte versus Harmless! Who wille out on top! Lets find out! Fight!


    His arm came down.


    The battle began.


    And Kybas wasted no time: he was no longer holding back mana and he cast a flight spell on Harmless, pointing above his head. To the sky! hemanded. With a hiss and a flick of his tail, the crocodile took to the air, his body undting like a snakes.


    Warren cast a spell that Alex didnt know, making Vintes form shimmer. A sound like a boulder cracking ripped the air, and much of the familiars shell darkened to a te coloured shade of grey.


    Rockskin. Isolde frowned. A difficult fourth-tier spell. It gives one resistance to physical trauma simr to stone.


    <em>Soundslike a good spell</em> ygon lifted one of his stone arms. <em>It will makeVinte much tougher.</em>


    Fourth-tier, Alex thought. Warrens got skills. Kybas better watch himself.


    Evidently, the little goblin hade to the same conclusion.


    Instead of letting Harmless rampage through this opponent, or ordering him torampage through his opponent, the little wizard took a different approach.


    Stay back! Kybas shouted, keep moving Harmless. Ive got this!


    He began delivering a torrent of spells through his familiar.


    Firebolts and acid arrows rained from Harmless underbelly as the crocodile circled his opponent, each zed against the thorncaps vines, and sizzled or melted on its shell.


    Yet Vinte stood firm, nting both legs into the arena floor and whipping its vines at the flying reptile. The green tendrils stretched, turning to long cracking switches that whipped at the crocodile, but Harmless soared higher, staying well out of reach.


    Warren followed up with another spell Alex didnt know.


    Switches doubled in length, striking at Harmless from all sides. Kybas wasnt idle. The instant the vines lengthened, he spoke another spell and Harmless armour of bark and vines unfolded, covering the crocodiles form.


    Sharp, snapping noises cracked through the stadium as whips struck Harmless armour.


    Bark cracked.


    Kybas vines sheared away.


    What the hell spell is that? Thundar demanded. Doubling your reach out of nowhere isplete horseshi he paused, ncing at Selina. Ah, horseshins.


    Isolde raised an eyebrow at him. That is Aberrant Limb: a very rare first-tier transformation spell. It can double the size of any limbbut it tends to have unfortunate, lingering side effects when used on creatures with a skeleton.


    Oh. <em>Oh. </em>What kinda side effects?<em></em>


    Dislocation. Joint destruction. That sort of thing.


    I can see why its not popr, then, Theresa said, watching Kybasyer greater force armour over his familiar. Vintes thorny whips crashed against the spell, but the goblins magic held.


    For now.


    Kybas frowned, uttering a new spell.


    This time, a spray of acid erupted from Harmless belly, washing over the thorncaps limbs. The creature pulled backcrying outand the crocodile hissed, diving straight for Vinte like an arrow, snapping its whips between his jaws.


    Force armour blunted the vines thorns from piercing the crocodiles mouth, and he held on, trying to drag the thorncap into the air.


    But the creatures insectile legs dug in, burrowing into the arena floor.


    The monster didnt budge.


    Whats this? the announcer cried. Do we actually have an opponent that can challenge Harmless incredible strength? This is a game-changer, folks!


    The crowd pounded their armrests.


    Professor Salinger leaned forward.


    Alex held his breath.


    Warrens an experienced spellcaster, he thought. Hes going to have a deeper mana pool. Watch yourself, Kybas andwait, oh shit!


    Harmless, get out of there! he shouted, but the crowds roar drowned out his voice.


    It was already toote.


    Warren smiled like a cat whod caught the mouse it was hunting.


    Vintes mouth glowed with ever growing sun power. Vines Harmless had been tearing at suddenly twisted, snaking around his snout.


    They tightened.


    Kybasrge eyes flew wide.


    Then Vinte unleashed a beam of zing sr luminescence.

 Chapter 583: Kybas War

    Chapter 583: Kybas'' War


    Alex leapt to his feet, No! He screamed at Vinte.


    The bright yellow ray arced toward Harmless, silent but mighty. The croc struggled, trying to free himself from vines holding him in ce. Some slid away, but not quick enough.


    Kybas wide eyes narrowed. Death roll! he shouted.


    The crowd gasped, recoiling and shading their eyes from the extreme bright light.


    Damn, that buys him a little time, but now hes all tangled up! Thundar cried.


    Trust, Grimloch growled. Trust Harmless. Trust Kybas.


    The crocodile struggled with vines now wrapped around his body, writhing in their grip as more whipped out to restrain him. Another bolt of power gathered within Vintes jaws.


    Did you know that a crocodiles mouth has enormous strength when it bites down? Warren asked, turning to the audience. But the same jaw muscles leave much to be desired when the beast tries to open its mouth? Heughed at the irony in what he was saying. Im no strongman, but even <em>I</em> could hold a crocodiles mouth shut.


    Harmless isnt going to be able to dodge again, Theresa said.


    Trust, Grimloch repeated.


    Another beam of light sted from Vintes mouth, arcing for the struggling crocodile. This time, he was too tangled in vines to roll anywhere.


    Fish in a barrel, Warren said.


    The beam struck Harmless in a blinding sh of power.


    Folk screamed.


    No! Khalik shouted.


    Professor Salinger yelled something from across the arena.


    Light enveloped the thrashing crocodile, and even Kybas was forced to close hisrge eyes against it. But even as he squinted against the blinding radiance, Alex saw something ying on his lips.


    Beneath those squinting eyesthe goblin unexpectedly smiled.


    Vinte shrieked.


    Harmless shot through the blinding lighthis eyes shut against the beamand dove at the thorncap.


    Oh shi Warren stopped himself from swearing.


    The young crocodile struck, mming with full force into Vintes side. The long, insect-like monster flew, tumbling through the air,nding in a great heap half a dozen feet away, legs scrabbling.


    Your puny beams cant hurt Harmless! Kybas cried. All you did was blind yourself and hide what he was doing! Now its pain time! Death Roll!


    Death roll! Death roll! Death roll! the crowd chanted as Harmless climbed back into the air, starting his spin.


    Vinte! Let go! Warren shouted.


    The thorncaps vines slithered free of the crocodiles long body, but tendrils wedged inside his mouth could only thrash wildly, struggling to get free.


    Kybas ears twitched happily. No, no, no friend! he grinned. You said it yourself! Crocodiles have trouble opening their mouths, so you can hold their jaws shut! But they bite down good, so good luck trying to get them open! Especially when I do this!


    He cast a strength enhancing spell on his familiar, who was now spinning like a corkscrew in the middle of the arena, building speed. His grip tightened on Vintes tendrils, only growing stronger, soon the thorncap was dragged from the left of the stadium.


    Harmless spun, whipping Vinte around like a il, then letting go. The thorncap soared through the air, mming into the cage and bouncing off, plummeting to the arena floor.


    And theres our second knockdown, taking two points away from Vinte! the announcer cried.


    And the crowd screamed.


    Across the arena, Professor Salinger pumped his fists, drawing shocked looks from his family.


    Warrens expression grew troubled.


    What in the name of the elementsHarmless just took on the beam? Isolde said. Every other opponent that ray struck was at least dazed, blinded, dibobted, and stunned! If it were not for the arenas magic blunting the lethality of the contest, I am quite sure it would have ended several lives already.


    Trust, Grimloch said.


    Trust, but that doesnt mean Im not shocked too, though it makes sense, Alex said, watching the crocodile in amazement. Harmless is stronger and tougher than he lookswe saw that earlierbut I think hes even tougher than most of us thought. He can take a <em>lot</em> of punishment.


    But he dodged the first beam. Selina pointed out.


    <em>Atrick</em> ygon said. <em>Kybas wastrying to make it look like the beam could hurt Harmlesswhich let him catch Vinteby surprise since Warrenthought hed gotten in a good hit.</em>


    Yeah, that made him overy his hand, Alex said, And now Warrens behind on points. Well done, Kybas.


    Hes a warrior, Grimloch said with pride.


    And like a warrior, Kybas wasted no time in following up on his advantage.


    The crocodile swooped down, jaws open, ready to pin the thorncap.


    Warren uttered a familiar spell.


    Oh no! Thundar shouted.


    Vintes form shimmered, suddenly splitting into four illusionary duplicates.


    Harmless snapped his jaws on a thorncap, which simply vanished. The <em>real</em> Vinte sprang,nding on the crocodiles back, wrapping its legs and vines around him.


    Warren uttered a body enhancement spell, increasing the thorncaps strength. Vinte held on, struggling with Harmless, straining against him, but soon secured the pin for a full count of ten.


    Agh, he closed the lead! Selina cried.


    Before the crocodile could surge away, the round ended.


    What a wild one, folks! The judges are getting their scores inand yes, its tied 8-8 from all judges! the announcer shouted. What a contest: youth and vigour versus experience! What will happen next is anyones guess!


    <em>Thisis excitingbut I wish Kybas had won already</em> ygon said.


    Yeah, I know its more exciting when theres a back and forth, but Id trade an exciting contest for Kybas just crushing his enemies and seeing them driven before him, Alex said.


    No arguments there, Thundar agreed. Wouldve been nice if Warren justid down and gave up. Still, I think Kybas is gonna take it.


    Yeah, I think so too, Alex said. Hes got tricks up his sleeve: Warrens got experience on him, like the announcer said, but Kybas defended Professor Salinger from bloodthirsty demons that are probably older than all of usbined. Experience really helps, but that also depends on who youre up against.


    Struth, Grimloch growled. And Harmless is better than that overgrown weed.


    Alex snorted. Professor Salinger would kill you if he heard you say that.


    The sharkman shrugged. Dunno. He aint rooting for the weed right now, is he?


    To Alexs surprise, the professor was leaning forwardalmost falling out of his seatshouting advice at Kybas, though his instructions were lost in the din. His wife frowned, looking at her husband like she was wondering where the man shed married had gotten to.


    She shook her head, the crowds voice swelled, and Harmless and Vinte squared off.


    Round 2! the announcers voice boomed over the arena. Lets go! Begin!


    The crowd noise was so deafening that Alex could hardly hear Kybas voicemagically augmented by the illusionistsas he empowered Harmless with flight magic and greater force armour.


    Hissing, the crocodile took to the air, jaws parted and poised to mp down on Vinte. He dove for the nt-monster, fangs gleaming.


    Warren watched the crocodile for a moment, then cast a spell on his familiar.


    Earth glide? Prince Khalik cried in Tekish. No! Harmless, get it before it


    Before his sentence could finish, the thorncap dove into the arena floor like an earth elemental sliding into rock. Stone rippled, thorny vines whipped out, weaving through the air at the crocodile.


    Its jaws rose from the stone, gathering power before unleashing beams of sr light at Harmless. The crocodile, ignoring both vines and the sts striking his scales, swooped low, looking to rip Vinte from the ground.


    But, the thorncap slipped away, sliding beneath the earth before Harmless could reach it, vines striking the crocodiles nks. Beams hit scales in rapid bursts, determined to wear him down.


    Harmless seemed not to care.


    Kybas shouted another spell, once again bark armour sheathed the reptiles body, vines writhing.


    Go after him, Harmless! the goblin wizard shouted. Get on the ground and chase him down!


    The crocodileshed his tail, diving to the arena floor among Vintes tendrils.


    What will Warren do? the announcer called. Neither he nor Harmless have a lead from thest round! This game of keepaway keeps Vinte safe, but no knockdowns and no pins means no points! And how will Harmless score against an opponent he cant reach!


    Warren watched the crocodile closely, looking for any sign of weakness, while Kybas eyed the thorncaps iling tendrils.


    The older wizard spat amand. Wrap him up! Pin him then let go! Stay away from those jaws!


    Vintes head rose from the arena floor, firing a beam into Harmless face, snaking its tendrils in from the side.


    A blinding sh of light released.


    And the vines reached for the crocodile.


    Harmless jaws snapped open, mping on writhing shoots.


    Kybas grinned. Hey Warren, I cast Shield of Darkwater on Harmless right before that beam hit! Cuts down on sunlight! No blinding for Harmless! No escape for you or your pet!


    Vines on Harmless bark armour tangled with Vintes tendrils, knitting together as the thorncap fought to tear them off. The crocodile shot toward the sky, tugging on the vines.


    Vinte struggled against him, andno matter how hard it tried to match Harmless strengththe reptile pulled it from the earth. The thorncap floundered, dragged skyward, struggling in the air until Warren spat another spell.


    Lightning shed through Vinte, running along its tendrils, coursing across Harmless bark armour. The crocodile shuddered, his muscles contracting, forcing him to let go.


    Vinte dropped like a stone, seeking to bore into the ground.


    Kybas cast Haste Magic.


    Harmless blurred, suddenly shooting downward at the thorncap, grabbing vines in his jaws before it could flee into the earth. He dragged Vinte back into the air, whipping it around like an out of control windmill.


    Kybas, you clever, clever man, Alex said.


    Why? What happened? Selina asked.


    He didnt use Haste Magic before, right? her older brother pointed out. Warren wouldnt know what spells Kybas could cast: so by waiting until the right moment, he caught him by surprise.


    The crowd chanted, Harm-less, Harm-less! Harm-less! as the crocodile mmed the thorncap into the arena floor with tremendous force.


    Vinte let out a chittering groan, rolling along the ground in a daze.


    Harmless wasted no time in pouncing.


    And Harmless gets the pin! the announcer cried. Here we go! Count with me! wo


    The crowd joined in.


    Meanwhile, Warren cast his spell that sent electricity coursing through Vinte again, shocking Harmless. The crocodile trembled, contracting, butthis timehe wasnt letting go.


    And ten! the announcer shouted. Harmless gets a pin, and the lead!


    Warrens face fell, turning to a deep scowl.


    The older wizard cast another spell.


    Solid Mist, Alex said, It conjures a fog as thick as quicksand and just as hard to move through. Cant see through it eitherbut thorncaps can sense tremors in the air. Damn, hell still be able to sense Harmless, but Harmless wont be able to see him.


    The thorncap disappeared in the fog, and the crocodile hissed, trying to swim through the thick mist. Whips struck from all directions, aiming for Harmless eyes and snout.


    Hide from this, Kybas challenged Vinte, grinning and raising his hands, he cast a familiar spell.


    Whats this one? Selina asked.


    Fireball, Alex said.


    A bead of orange light emerged from Harmless maw, driving into the thick fog.


    There came a sh and a roar of me as an explosion ruptured the mist.


    Vinte shrieked, its form outlined by a shimmering ze.


    Harmless went in for the kill: instead of fleeing the mist, he moved through it.


    Dive! Warren shouted.


    But, it was toote.


    The crocodile tackled the thorncap, seizing it in his jaws, keeping it from burrowing into the earth. Vinte thrashed, struggled and fought to get free while Warren sent lightning coursing through its form.


    Harmless jaws clenched, his body spasmed, his bite locked, and the count of ten ended with another pin for the crocodile.


    Hes ahead by four points! Alex cried. Now, he just needs to bring it home!

 Chapter 584: Not so Harmless

    Chapter 584: Not so Harmless


    Lets go, Harmless, Kybas shouted, We''re ahead by four points, now lets bring it home. Go high! the goblin pointed to the sky and his familiar shot from the fog like a ballista bolt.


    Harmless soared back to Kybas side of the arena, climbing to the top of the cage.


    After him, Vinte! Warren shouted. Be careful, dont do anything reckless!


    Aaaaahhh, a mistake, I am afraid, Aksuma sighed, smiling. Perhaps it is the folly of the elderly.


    Sinope looked at him curiously, then nced at Khalik who was already nodding.


    What does he mean, my mighty oak flower? she asked.


    Queen Ishtar twitched.


    It is simple, King Aksuma said. In games of strategy, when one is beginning to lose, it is quite natural to recoil and be cautious. That is not the correct way: after all, when one is losing, they cannot win by caution alone, so it is better to push into calcted risks instead. Warren has been surprised by Kybas, and now knows Harmless strength. He is unsure if a risk will simply open him up to another pin. But look.


    He nodded at the battlefield.


    Warren had cast flight magic on Vinte and sent the thorncap after Harmless, but the nt-monster was ying it safe. Rather than pushing forward and trying to bind Harmless, it wasshing out with its vines, sting beams of sunlight from a distance.


    Harmless simply took the beams head on.


    Each time the crocodile turned, ready to charge the thorncap, Vinte retreated, raising its vines defensively.


    See? The king gestured toward the battle. By flinching away, Vinte defends itself from losing pointsand cing itself further behind for the next roundbut caution will not close the gap and erase the disadvantage. And in the end, a loss by four points or six points is still a loss. As you can see.


    And that ends the round! the announcer cried. With two pins, lets see what the judges say! Aaaaandyes! The decisions are in. 10-6, 10-6, 10-6 for Harmless! Thats one round in favour of the young goblin and even younger crocodile!


    Most folk in the arena stomped their feet, screaming, and whooping, swept up in the action.


    But some were none too pleased, booing, hissing and jeering at Warren, cursing the man thoroughly.


    Alex wondered how many of them had ced bets on him.


    I guess Khaliksrtive, Thundar said carefully. Was right. Caution kinda bit him in the you know what there. He looked at Selina, editing hisnguage. He tied up the first round but Kybas won the second. Our boys got the lead now.


    And all Kybas has to do is keep it, Alex said. Warrens losing, so I bet hes going to be a lot more aggressive in this final round. Harmless just needs to keep flying around and avoiding him, then boom: victory.


    Hah, Grimloch scoffed. Kybas wouldnt do that. Hes a warrior. Hes a predator. Harmless too. Theyre not gonna just stand around or run away like prey. The sharkmans grin was monstrous as he watched Kybas and Warren square off again. And the fights gonna be all the better for it.


    Its the final round of this exciting match between former champion, and young challenger! Kybas and Harmless are ahead for now, but will they keep their lead? the announcer shouted. Not if Warren has anything to say about it! But can he stop the unstoppable croc-apocalypse? Theres only one way to find out! And thats to get to fighting! Final round of the middleweight division of the duel by proxy beginsright <em>now!</em>


    Kybas immediately sheathed Harmless in flight and haste magic, and the crocodile threw himself across the arena.


    Grimloch was right, there would be no waiting around buying time until the round ended.


    No, Kybas and Harmless were going to fight until the end, giving it their all.


    But, it seemed Warren wasnt about to go down without a fight either.


    With a powerful incantation, the skilled wizard raised his hands.


    Air shimmered, followed by a burst of me; a firewall erupted across the middle of the arena, zing between Harmless and Vinte. But Warren wasnt finished.


    The instant thest syble of his spell left his mouth, he unleashed another.


    Tornado st, Alex murmured. Oh crap.


    A gust of hurricane-force wind rushed from Vinte, striking the me wall.


    The crowd gasped.


    Wind fuelled the ze, blowing it forward, filling half the arena floor in a wave of fire. Burning wind battered Harmless, shoving the crocodile back as Warren uttered another illusionary duplicate spell.


    Vinte multiplied, the illusions weaving between each other in a confusing clot of bodies. Even if Harmless fought through both fire and wind, hed have to eliminate illusions to find which one was his real opponent.


    Kybas shouted. Harmless, hold on! Just hold on!


    Beams streaked through the firewall.


    Sr energy struck, strafing Harmless through wind and me, bent on wearing him down.


    So thats his n, Alex thought. Pull out the big spells to make sure Harmless ispletely spent, then go for as many pins as he needs for the win. Hows Kybas going to get out of this one?


    The goblin cast fireball again, shooting a bead of me<strong></strong>from Harmless mouth as he flew through the firewall.


    But, Warren was ready.


    The older wizards head was tilted to the side, one ear cocked, listening intently for Kybas spellcasting. He smiled, catching the spell for fireball tumbling from the goblins mouth, and shouted a warning.


    Vinte! Move to the right!


    The thorncap and its duplicates skittered to the side, ducking away as the fireball exploded.


    Ooooo! the crowd cried.


    Warren seems to be pulling out every tool in his spellbox, folks! the announcer shouted. Two rounds down and one to go in the final match of the middleweight division of the Duel by Proxy, so ourpetitors have no reason to hold back! Prepare for a nail-biter! A tear-jerker! A heart-pounder! AWait, whats this? Kybas is chanting a spell!


    The little goblin wizard was indeed chanting a spell, his mana ring.


    Warren waited, listening for the words of Kybas spell, then shouted amand at Vinte.


    Jump!


    Another fireball flew through the wall of wind and me, striking the ground where the nt monster had just stood.


    Ooooh! Another fireball and another miss! the announcer cried. Kybas will have to change his strategy to


    He already has, Alex whispered, watching the little wizard.


    As the fireball explodedfilling the air with a crackling me that merged with the roar of Warrens tornado stKybas voice dropped, barely a whisper, soft enough for his words to hide beneath the raging noise of the inferno.


    Despite the magic used to raise the volume of thepetitors voices, Warren could no longer hear what Kybas was saying.


    The older wizard paled and began whispering his own incantationbut he was a step toote.


    Kybas finished casting his spell first.


    The goblin pointed his fingers in the direction hedst heard the thorncaps movementsing from. Air wavered, magic reached for Vinte and as Warrens rockskin enwrapped his familiars form, Kybas spell seized the nt monster.


    Insectile legs scrambled, reaching for the ground.


    The thorncap and its illusionary duplicates rose.


    And the crowd gasped.


    Aggressive Levitation, Alex murmured. Thats a tricky spell. I didnt know Kybas had learned that one.


    Yeah, well it doesntst long, Thundar grunted. Its really only good for making an opponent lose its feet for a few seconds.


    Yeah, I know its not a great spell, Alex admitted. But, whatwait, he''s still casting!


    Kybas cast again, masking his words under wind, me and the mour of spectators.


    Warren began casting flight magic on Vinte butby the time he was done, Kybas spell wasplete.


    Another fireball shot through the wall of wind and me, sailing past Vinte, exploding behind the thorncap as it tried to right itself in mid-air.


    The backst propelled it forward.


    No! Warren cried.


    Vinte spun into the wall of wind and me, screaming, shooting forward.


    Kybas grinned. Now, Harmless!


    The thorncaps body iled, only stopping when it struck a gaping object.


    Harmless waiting jaws.


    The crowd leapt from their seats as he turned, mming Vinte against the bars.


    Warren was swearing, cancelling his spells, but Vinte was between Harmless jaws, and the croc was already barreling toward the arena floor. He hit the ground, momentum dragging Vinte along, thenshearing a piece of mushroom from its shellpressed the familiar to the earth.


    A count of ten found Vinte winded, barely able to resist Harmless.


    Another pin.


    The crocodile edged away from his opponent, while Warren bristled.


    Alright, Vinte, were behind, but


    His eyes went wide.


    Wait, no!


    Warren realised his error. His strategy had been sound, butas King Aksuma had pointed outit had also been too cautious. And nowthough the crocodiles mouth hung open from fatigueHarmless was ahead and Warren couldnt save himself and Vinte.


    The round was ending.


    No! the former champion cried.


    <em>Ding!</em> The bell rang.


    Theeeeere it is, folks! the announcer roared. A pin seconds before the round ended! And now we look to the judges for confirmationand yes, the pin is good! 10-8, 10-8, 10-8 for Kybas! Which means, gentlefolk, Kybas of the n Chulu and Harmless are this years winners of the middleweight division of the Duel by Proxy!


    Alex and friends leapt from their seats, shouting until their voices were hoarse. Everyone, except Grimloch, was shouting.


    He simply pped his hands in that steady drumbeat of a p, but his grin was worth all the cheers in the stadium.


    As for Kybas, between jumping up and down, hugging Harmless, andughing madly because hed erased his loss fromst year, he pumped his arms in the air, celebrating on the stadium floor as his friends and the rest of the cheering crowd did in the stands.


    Hed triumphed in the Games of Roal.


    Hed crushed his enemies.


    Hed driven them before him.


    The goblin wizard had won first ce in the middleweight division of the Duel by Proxy, taking a golden medallion, the prize purse, and a fortune from the bet hed ced on himself by proxy.


    For all these things, he only had one thing to say.


    Pumping his fists high, the goblin wizard raised his face to the sky and cried out the name of his tribe: Chuuuuuluuuuu!


    And the crowd shouted it with him.


    ####


    Well, that was badass. Thundar pped the goblin on the back, nearly sending him tumbling off a bench. You killed out there.


    <em>Harmless </em>killed out there! Kybas insisted. He was wonderful! He was perfect! He stomped that nt monster to pieces!


    Grimloch chuckled as he leaned over the bench in the dining area of the tournament grounds. People were everywhere, milling about, sharing meals together,ughing and talking about the Duel by Proxy.


    After thepetition, Kybas had been mobbed by admirers and lots of folk asking for advice on how to raise their own familiars. Theyd taken his answer of with love and a <em>lot</em> of mushrooms at face value at first, before marked confusion had appeared on their faces.


    The goblin wizard looked ufortable answering so many questionsthe admiring crowd had overwhelmed himso he was very relieved when Alex, Grimloch, Thundar, ygon and his other friends had rescued him, parting the crowd and shoving food into his hands for him and Harmless.


    This is the best day, the goblin said dreamily. Best day! A good day to go out on!


    Go out on? Alex asked. What do you mean?


    Kybas pat his familiars back, lovingly rubbing his scales. This is thest Duel by Proxy for Harmless and me. At least for a couple of years, and Ill be graduated then.


    Wait, why arent youpeting next year? Alex asked.


    Yeah, you killed it this year, man, Thundar agreed.


    <em>Harmless was powerfulpeople will look forward to his return. I know I will,</em> ygon jumped in.


    Well, the thing about that isHarmless will be too big for the middleweight division next year, Kybas said.


    It would seem like a simple matter to enrol in the heavyweight division instead, Isolde said.


    No, Harmless would lose, I think, Kybas admitted. Hes at the limit for the middleweight division <em>this</em> year. But the heavyweight division goes up to four thousand pounds. Thats a lot, and I dont think Harmless will grow to be big enough topete with such big ones in a year. So I want to let him grow until hes <em>huge!</em>


    He spread his arms out. But that will take maybe two years. And I dont know if well be around, then. Lots of stuff to think aboutand besides. This fighting is good. But not enough blood! Not enough guts! Harmless was so disappointed that he didnt get to eat Vintes mushroom!


    The crocodile hissed sadly.


    So, I want fights that will actually be fun for Harmless. Fights where he gets to kill and eat his opponents!


    Hmmmm. Alex scratched his chin, exchanging a look with Theresa. Maybe we could have a chat about that after the Games, Kybas. Theres something you can do with Harmless that would make you a lot of coin, give him all the fights he wants, and get rid of a bunch of monsters for a good cause.


    I like the sound of that! Kybas cried.


    <em>It would be goodfor you to be with us</em> ygon agreed.


    Yes, yes! Id like to fight by your side, ygon! And you too, Grimloch! Oh, and what about ygons fightingare you ready for your duels tomorrow? Kybas asked.


    <em>Iam</em> the golem said. <em>Father and Iwill face whatever we face. And like you? We will crush it.</em>

 Chapter 585: One Punch Golem

    Chapter 585: One Punch Golem


    Artists and poets often waxed poetic when they captured the majesty of a grand battle.


    Bards would spend night upon night by campfires, painting duels and deaths with colourful words, speaking of Heroes who rose and fell, proiming their victories for all to hear.


    When it came time to tell tales of loss and defeat, storytellers would drop their voices low, speaking with the reverence of one giving a eulogy at a loved ones graveside.


    Many words and rhymes were spent on these realm-shaking battles.


    But sometimes, one could find poetry in a single punch.


    A fantastic blow delivered by a grandmaster martial artist could carry the same majesty and beauty of a summer storm capped by a rainbow.


    ygons first punch in the super-heavyweight division of the duel by proxy had no such beauty.


    It was not a <em>beautiful</em> punch, as poets<strong></strong>and warriors<strong></strong>would describe one.


    There was no heavenly grace like that found in a strike by a sublime martial artist. There was no poise and no refinement in it. It was simply a powerful punch delivered by a titanic golem, with all his weight and strength behind it.


    Driven directly into the face of Ozzie the bear-mammoth.


    The stone fist collided with the giant beasts snout, sounding like a thunderp splitting the sky, the noise was almost matched by Stans very loud and colourful cursing, and the shocked shrieks running through the crowd. Ozzie sailed through the air, hurtling across the arena like a limp sack of meat, spinning end over and crashing into the cage bars in front of her master.


    The entire arena seemed to rattle.


    There was a moment of silence as Ozzieeven with the stadiums magic protecting hey syed out against the bars as though shed just gone into hibernation.


    Then the crowd exploded.


    And so did the announcer. What a <em>wild </em>first blow! The champion ygones in with a massive punch that would cave in a dragons skull! Devastating! Invigorating! And definitely a knockdown as far as the judges are concerned! How will Stan respond?


    Alex watched, gaping at ygon while Stan hopped around behind his biggest bear-mammoth.


    Girl! Yalright? Mad Stan cried.


    Ozzie gave a dazed moan.


    Ysound like ygot your soul punched out! The hell with this! he raised his hands. We know when were beat, we give up! Were out!


    Cheers boomed as Alex gawked, slowly turning to face his friends in the stands.


    Everyone was back in their seats, cheering him and ygon on. King Aksuma gaped, whispering to Khalik, who was grinning and nodding at his fathers words.


    Well <em>there you have it, gentlefolk!</em> the announcer shouted. A stunning victory achieved with one punch! By way of surrender, ygon and Alex Roth win the first round of the Duel by Proxy: Super-heavy Weight Division, defeating Mad Stan Ernesto and Ozzie! Can we get a cheer for our victors?


    y-gon! y-gon! y-gon! the crowd chanted. Roth! Roth! Roth! Roth!


    <em>Fatherare they really chanting our names? </em>ygon asked, his head swivelling, taking in the entire stadium. <em>Do they love us thatmuch?</em>


    Yeah, ygon, Alex said, waving to the spectators. Right now? They do. It isnt so bad, having people cheer your name, is it?


    <em>Ilike ita little.</em> ygon turned and waved to the adoring fans. <em>It feelsstrange, though.</em>


    Well, just enjoy the moment, buddy. Alex grinned. Its your moment, and Im d you can finally experience it. Its too bad you missed outst year.


    <em>This yearwill be better thanst year, then,</em> ygon said, making his way out of the cage.


    You know it, buddy. Alex pped the golem on the arm. Well make it that way. Nowe on, we should clear the area before we get in the way.


    As the crowd continued cheering, they made their way toward a tunnel that led beneath the stadium. Behind them, bright sunlight and endless apuse faded to a dim glow and receding murmurs as they made their way deeper underground.


    On the way there, they crossed paths with Stan and a still-dazed Ozzie, who was stumbling along beside her master.


    Good match, eh? Stan said, offering Alex and ygon a hand each.


    Both shook his hands.


    <em>Sorryit ended so fast</em> the golem apologised.


    Look, sometimes <em>real</em> monsters enter thepetition, and you just gotta ept defeat. This is one of them days, Stan admitted. Ozzie had fun, didnt you?


    She groaned, shaking her head.


    Ahhh, dont be spoiled! Ycant win all the time. The bear wrangler shrugged. Well, golem andd, Ill see yboth on the tournament grounds. But donte bear wrasslin, though. Itll be real bad for business.


    Alexughed, bidding Stan farewell as he and ygon headed back to wherepetitors waited. Stan and Ozzie followed andwith final goodbyesheaded out the door and back to the bear wrestling enclosure. Competition hopefuls and their duellingpanions filled the waiting area, quietly sizing one another up, or chatting in low tones.


    The room went silent as Alex and ygon entered.


    Whispers started.


    Tyris, taking up an entire corner of the chamber with Vesuvius, nodded at him.


    That was fast. You lose already? she asked lightly, stretching against Vesuvius shell with her legs crossed.


    You see Stan still here? Alexs tone was also light.


    Guess that means you won, she said.


    <em>Yes.I finished Ozziein one punch. I am very proud of that.</em>


    Vesuvius let out a rumbling note of approval while Tyris pped. Well, well, so, how does your first victory feel?


    <em>Goodvery good</em> ygon rumbled in return, his voice dropping low to mimic Vesuvius. <em>Iwantmore.</em>


    And youll <em>get</em> more! Tyris grinned, her gold tooth shining in her smile. You need to make sure you dont get defeated before our rematch.


    Oh, well work on it, Alex chuckled.


    Youd better!


    As theyughed, others around the room watched them.


    Friends nervously whispered to each other, speaking softly about the two titans among them. ygon and Vesuvius: afterst year''s match, a fewpetitors were salivating at the thought of taking them on, measuring their own mettle against the best.


    Most everyone else appeared to dread, hoping that someone would eliminate the two giants before they had to face either of them.


    But, onepetitor wasnt engaging in the chatter.


    A man sat alone, away from the rest with no familiar by his side. His cowl was pulled high and a dark mask covered his face. One might charitably call him suspicious looking, and he had not given the others his name.


    Naturally, he wasn''t the firstpetitor to enter a tournament shrouded in secrecy, and he wouldnt be thest.


    But, he certainly drew lots of attention.


    And, like others waiting their turn, he watched Alex and ygon closely.


    His eyes lingered as though he knew them.


    ##


    The chimaera paced beside the cage bars, its sinewy body gliding<strong> over </strong>with every step. Leonine eyes shed, a goats head thrashedcurving horns cut the airand its third head, the serpentine one, hissed at ygon. The creature and its master, Quint, had been at the Gamesst year: Simbariel had faced ygon and was soundly beaten by the golem.


    And now they were


    back for revenge! the announcer shouted. Will Alex and ygon be able to achieve another definitive victory in this their second match? Or will their longing for victory turn to defeat in their teeth? Lets find out, gentlefolk!


    Alex watched Simbariel closely.


    ygon lifted his war-spear.


    The chimaera growled, ready tono wait.


    Did he just flinch? Alex thought, looking at the beast closely.


    Its stance was low, as though it was poised to pounce and maul its adversarybut now that he really lookedmaybe it was actually cringing?


    ygon, lift that spear up again, Alex thought.


    The golem raised his war-spear. The crowd roared their appreciation. Quint scowled.


    And Simbariel took a small step


    backward.


    Yeah, hes definitely scared, Alex thought. Is his master scared too?


    Alex looked at the wizard whomanded the chimaera. The thin shouldered man was cracking his knuckles and frowning across the arena.


    He drew his thumb across his throat in a Im gonna kill you gesture.


    Nope, nope, definitely not sacred, the young wizard sighed. If anything, the beast is smarter than the man.


    Alright, ready? Who wille out on top? Begin! the announcer roared.


    The bell rang.


    The match began.


    In Alexs hand, the aeld staff gave off a wave of excitement as he channelled Flight and Haste magic on ygon even before his opponent had finished the first few sybles of a rockskin spell.


    He was nowhere near finished the spell when the golem sped across the arena.


    The chimaeras jaws dropped.


    ygons fist cocked back.


    The crowd rose in their seats.


    And then came another terrible crash of stone against a magically protected face as ygons massive hook spun the giant beast. Simbarieldespite weighing well over two tonunched across the arena like a sack of broken twigs, hitting the floor, bouncing like a rock skipping over the surface of ake.


    He came to an abrupt halt against the bars, all three heads limp, all three tongues lolling out.


    Oooooo! the crowd screamed as one.


    What a monstrous blow from ygon! the announcer shouted. A devastating, bone-breaking, boulder-busting blow that would bring anything to their knees! This is what we like to see in the super-heavyweight division! How will Simbariel respond?


    Get up! the chimaeras master shouted. Get up, you must get up!


    Simbariel did not move.


    Stop ying dead! Quint cried. I see you breathing and one of your eyes is open! The magic protected you! Get up! Youre fine! We can do this!


    Simbariel kept ying dead.


    His master sighed, head hanging low to his chest. Fine, if youre going to be like that. Im afraid we have no choice but to surrender. Mypanion cannot continue! He called, disappointment in his voice.


    And another match finishes by way of submission with one <em>single punch</em>! Alex Roth and ygon take their second match! the announcer bellowed. Two wins for the devastating duo!


    y-gon! y-gon! y-gon! the crowd chanted. Roth! Roth! Roth! Roth!


    Feet pounded. Hands pped.


    Alex could feel a wave of joy from his golem.


    <em>Father</em> his voice came through their connection. <em>I read aboutpit fighters duelling inpetitions all over the wordIt said that lots of them did it for the thrill of the crowd chanting their name. I did not understand beforebut now I am starting to understandI like it.</em>


    Im d you do, buddy, Alex thought. But dont get toofortable. Im sure the next match will give us troublehuh.


    <em>What is itfather?</em> ygon asked mentally.


    Oh its nothing, its just that Alex chuckled. I just realised I had a simr thoughtst year.


    <em>And did we have troublst year?</em>


    N-not really. Only when we fought Tyris.


    <em>ThenI will look forward to facing Vesuvius this year. It will be a battle torememberand this timeI am going to remember it.</em>


    ###


    So Tyris raised an eyebrow as Alex and ygon sat beside her and her familiar. Youre back fast. Real fast.


    <em>We won</em> ygon said proudly. <em>I cant waituntil my next match.</em>


    Around them, potential opponents flinched.


    The divisionspetitors had decreased by half since Alex and ygons previous match. Those still there had gone up for their matches, disappearing into the arena for great lengths of time as the crowd screamed with excitement.


    Some had returned in defeat, some had returned with pride in their steps and smiles on their faces. But smiles quickly faded when they saw Alex and ygone back to sit beside Tyris and Vesuvius, victorious after only moments in the arena.


    Some seemed to be calcting the odds of beating the metal d stone golem, but it seemed their calctions were definitely not positive as they shifted in their seats, looking more and more nervous as the matches went on.


    Look at them, Tyris whispered. Soooo many cowards. Theyre not folk that could give us a proper match.


    Vesuvius growled in agreement.


    Alex flinched, looking around. No one seemed to hear Tyris words, and he was d: he had no desire to get into some confrontation with a bunch of iratepetitors yelling at them for lousy sportsmanship.


    You might want to cut that kind of talk, he warned, ncing around. Theyre not going to take kindly to it.


    <em>Youmighthurt their pride</em> ygon whispered, his voice that of a young boys.


    Tyris scoffed. Whats going to hurt their pride? The truth? Look at all of them: they take one look at us and start shaking in their boots. Can you imagine any of them in Thamnd? I bet you theyre the types thatd get themselves gutted trying to snatch dungeon cores for themselves, <em>if</em> they even had the spine to try. Imagine needing to rely on people like that when that invisible, petrifying Ravener-spawn attacked the castle?


    Alex flinched. You might not be telling lies, but those are the kind of words that could make people start swinging. Whats got you so hard on them anyway?


    She snorted. Maybe Im justparing them to a better example. One that caught me off guard.


    Tyris gave Alex a meaningful look. I mean your friend, Carey. Youd be surprised at how much spine shes gottentely.

 Chapter 586: The Nature of Bravery

    Chapter 586: The Nature of Bravery


    There were a lot of things that Alex wasnt shocked by anymore since hede to the university of Generasi.


    Monsters? Hed started growing numb to them from his early experiences in the Art of the Wizard inbat and day to day life in Generasi. Mind-bending magic? Simply being around Baelin ensured that it became fairly normal, though he still marvelled at what the heights of true wizardly power could do. Even blood and death didnt paralyse him with fear like they once might have; hed lived through enough to understand that they were part of living in a dangerous world.


    But what had just shocked him was hearing Tyris Goldtooth say the words, how much spine shes gottentely in a sentence referring to, <em>Carey London</em>.


    Carey? Did you say Carey London? Really? Alex whispered, cocking his head. I mean, shes determined, yeah, and bravenot like how a warriors brave, of course, but in her own way. I cant see her grabbing something sharp and sticking monsters with it, or throwing fireballs around. So, whats changed, whats she been up totely?


    Well, heres the thing: she <em>has</em> been throwing fireballs around, Tyris said, in the pridefilled voice of a mother talking about her aplished daughter. I dont know when she learned the spells, but shes usingbat magic.


    <em>Really?</em> Alex was having a hard time processing the news. Carey Londonsa battlemage?


    Oh gods, no, Tyris giggled. Definitely not that extreme. Shescking a certain She licked her upper lip. Bloodthirstiness that people like you, me, your girlfriend, and Redfletcher have.


    What? Bloodthirsty? Me? Alex scoffed. I am <em>not</em> bloodthirsty!


    <em>FatherI think that what Tyris is saying is not blood thirst literally. She is not saying that you are thirsting for blood like a vampire. She means that you areeager to shed blood. And by shed bloodI dont mean literallyI mean</em>


    Yeah, yeah, I get it, Alex grumbled. Still doesnt match me.


    <em>Yousay you are a vengeance enthusiastyou take delight in killing enemies. You seekbat</em>


    Not for the hell of it.


    <em>Fatheryou kill when you need to. You celebrate your killsand then you congratte me on my kills</em>


    Yeah not going to lie, that <em>does </em>sounds preeeetty bloodthirsty to me, Tyris chuckled. You trained your body to get yourself looking like a berserker didnt you? Face it, youre basically a monster butcher. Hold your head high! Embrace it!


    Alex rolled his eyes. Look, theres nuance here that I <em>suspect</em> youre both purposefully ignoring to make it look like Im the sort of person who likes to chop up people in a secretb, but were not talking about me, were talking about Carey!


    Fine, fine, Ill stop teasing you, dont have a heart attack. Tyris rolled her eyes. But right, Careys not bloodthirsty. She doesnt really go looking for fights, but shes started preparing for them. No more hesitating when we find monsters, shes still got some fearfrom the look in her eyebut shes started hitting back and even hitting first.


    Wow, good for her, Alex said.


    I wonder if her new boyfriends influencing her. Tyris tapped her chin yfully.


    Wait, new boyfriend? What new boyfriend? Alex asked, imagining Derek returning to Careys life like some massive disease.


    A certain Saint of Uldar.


    The Thameish wizard fought the urge to flinch. Oh reallyare you serious? He kept his tone neutral.


    No! Tyris cackled. But Im surprised you didnt have a stronger reaction! I thought youd be shocked.


    Well, if Carey wants to get together with Merzhin, then thats her choice. Alex shrugged.


    Boo. Youre no fun. Tyris crossed her arms. Anyway, Im just messing with you. It doesnt look like theyre anything more than friendsno spark, you know? But theyre getting to besomething like friends. They talk a lot, just about every night when were sitting around the campfire. Its good: those two are lonely.


    Yeah Alex said slowly. Well, not everyones lucky enough to have good friends andpanions. I know I definitely am.


    Me too. Tyris patted Vesuvius shell. And youre right. Well, hopefully they''ll make some friends. It feelsno, nevermind.


    No, you cant just say that and then cut yourself off. You trying to kill me? Ill die of curiosity, so give. Alex said.


    Well a troubled look crossed theva wizards face. Merzhins pretty much what youd expect from a super-priest: ultra fanatical, driven and honestly a bit much. Hes likeif we made school our <em>only</em> purpose in life, you know? No drinking, no feasting, no family, no friends, no making love, no hobbies, no dreamsjust <em>one</em> purpose. Its unnatural: even animals live for more than one thing.


    <em>Itis truemy purpose isto protect my father </em>ygon said. <em>He made methat waybut there is more that I want to do. More I will do</em>


    Well, then you might be more human than Merzhin, and he might be more golem than you, Tyris said. You gotta wonder what makes someone be like that. Eh, I guess the worlds full of all kinds. But I tell you, theres a good reason I talk about Carey being worth more than all the ones cringing and cowering here.


    She gave Alex a serious look. Listen, she learned battle magic to contribute, she pushes hard to help your country, andwhen we get back after an expeditionshes already in theb while the rest of us are rxing. Shes almost got as much energy as I do andlook, sometimes I get the feeling that theres <em>nothing</em> that girl wont do, you know?


    I kindaget what youre talking about. Shes pretty intent on doing whatever she can for Thamnd, Alex said. And to be honest, Im willing to do a lot for it too.


    Yeah, but shes changed. Ive met people that say Ill do anything for whatever, Tyris said, her voice uncharacteristically grim. Im sure a lot of the ones here said something like, Ill do anything to win the grand prize. But as soon as they see either of using, they start cowering. Ive had friends say theyll do anything to stay in school, then they flunk out because that anything meant the bare minimum. Ive had boyfriends tell me theyll do anything for me, until ites time to <em>prove</em> that theyll do anything for me. So, lets just say I learned along the way that people say anything a lot easier than they do anything. But, Carey?


    She shook her head. I think shes the real deal. That girl will do anything to get rid of this RavenerIm just hoping she gets more life for herself when this is all done.


    Alex paused, considering Hannah for a moment. You knowsome people just choose to live their lives for one thing. Could be a quest, a family, a goal, or whatever. Some people dedicate their whole lives to something, and thats fine, unless the goal is be the biggest piece of shit imaginable. Heughed.


    He remembered a conversation hed had with Thundar a while back. You know, a friend of mine was talking about howin his culturea good death in battle, protecting kin and kith, is something to be proud of. Now, let me just say this upfront, I want death toe for me about a thousand years from nowif everwhen Im a veryfortable, ancient wizard. But, I dunno, if someones got what they believe is the right cause, then living their whole life for it is kinda noble. It wouldnt be the way Id do things, but Im not everybody.


    I dont get it, Tyris snorted. Fightings fun when youre winning, but when youre getting killed for it, its not exactly fun. Dont get me wrong: I like to fight and Im no snivelling coward, but fightings a hell of a lot more interesting to me when it involves melting a monster down with a nice big spray of magma. Its a hobby, and I dont really fancy the idea of meeting my end lying in the dirt somewhere with my guts hanging out of a great big hole in my side. And I dont think Carey deserves that either, and neither does Merzhin, the poor guy. <em>None</em> of the Heroes do: I just hope we can get this Ravener-thing solved before any of us meet a nasty end.


    Alex smiled soberly, thinking about how Hannahs life had been dedicated to doing that very thing. Youre right. Thamnd keeps going through all these never-ending cycles of death and destruction that does nothing but eat lives.


    Theva wizard patted her familiars shell. Youre right on that one. Even though Im starting to think it might not be such a bad thing if something kills me: I just started my first year of grad school and it feels like my professors have this goal of burying us alive in a Vesuvius-size mountain of work. Might be an easier death if some monster gets me first!


    She raised her hand. Anyway, here we are talking about all this heartbreaking shit. Lets get back to what were here for, Vesuvius and ygon beating each other up in an awesome contest of skill and power!


    Yeah! Alex agreed, high-fiving Tyris. To awesome contests of skill and power! To fights that dont involve people lying dead on the dirty ground. His smile faded, remembering those whod died in the demon ambushst year.


    He remembered Hannah and Kelda.


    He also remembered what he was working toward: uncovering the churchs secrets, going to the Irtyshenan Empire, and finding Uldars realm.


    One of those tasks was getting closer.


    He swallowed. You know, maybe we really <em>should</em> enjoy these Games while we can. Might be thest time we get to just rx. You never know.


    Tyris snorted. Now youre the one talking all the depressing shit.


    The fires of a burning alehouse returned to Alexs mind. Dark days arent polite enough to warn you when theyreing.


    There was a time when Alex Roth was obsessed with teaching ygon to juggle.


    It had all started one quiet evening when hed passed a young busker on a street corner who was bnced on a ball while juggling wooden pins for coin tossed into a bucket beside him.


    At first, Alex had to get rid of strong feelings of contempt at the thought of juggling: since getting Marked, juggling had been something hed decided never to have anything to do with. He knew why the activity felt very <em>foolish</em> to him, like hed be admitting defeat to Uldars demands if he learned the skill.


    Hed firmly stuck to his decision for a long timedespite being around jugglers at Patrizia dePaolos ball and other celebrations and festivals. But that was up until the very first time hed fought alongside Guntile. The mercenary was a badass through and through, watching her juggle her explosive stones made Alex forget his prejudice against juggling.


    Suddenly, he was able to see the skill in a whole new light andsoon after he got back to Generasihed decided to give it a try and by using the Mark, hed learned how to juggle three balls in less than a few hours.


    Within a few days, hed be as good as the professional jugglers at Patrizia dePaolos ball. But he wanted more: he wanted to do something more meaningful with his newfound skill. Maybe use it as a stress reliever while he juggled school, business, the possible betrayal of his old god, and trying to empower a new god.


    And then hed decided to teach ygon to juggle.


    Youll be great at it! hed promised, shoving somerge discs into his golems hands. Youve got <em>four</em> arms! <em>Four!</em>


    <em>FatherI am nomaster of dexterity</em> The golem had looked at the discs reluctantly. <em>Dontbother wastingyour time!</em>


    Nonsense, buddy! Alex had chuckled, nowpletely obsessed with a four-armed ygon that could juggle. Juggling is not only about dexterity. Theres some coordination, sure, but its more about practise and patience! And you have loads of both!


    <em>lrightI will try.father</em> The golem had said with very little enthusiasm.


    It had taken a whileespecially since Alex couldnt dedicate too much time to teaching ygonbut hed eventually picked it up. He wasnt the most skilled juggler in the world, even with four arms, but he still managed to rotate the discs from hand to hand, while tossing them in the air.


    In short, that was how ygon was able to know how to juggle his opponent in his third match.


    <em>Fatherlook!</em> the golem said proudly, <em>only twohands!</em>


    His top pair of limbs were busily juggling a several ton iron golem as though it weighed no more than a few waterskins.


    You know, that line only sounds impressive when itsing from someone like you, Alex murmured as the crowds roars ofughter echoed through the arena.


    ygon and Alexs third match was off to a rousing start.

 Chapter 587: Soon

    Chapter 587: Soon


    And the match is off to a rousing start! the announcer thundered. Let me tell you, gentlefolk, Ive seen a lot of things in the many years Ive been calling these exciting matches! But, nothing like this! We have a golem juggling another golem! ygon juggling Ultrasteel! <em>Literally </em>juggling, notbat-juggling! Today were seeing a level of showmanship that I must say is unprecedented in my rather long lifetime!


    The crowdughed and chanted ygons name.


    The iron golemUltrasteeltried to swing at ygon, but the stone golem was juggling his opponent too quickly for it to be able to hit him. Ultrasteels mastera bald, grey bearded wizard named Obadiahstared in horror beforeing to his senses and shoutingmands at his golem.


    This only made ygon juggle Ultrasteel faster.


    Alex couldnt stop a cat-like grin from spreading across his face, and a quick nce at the crowd confirmed he wasnt the only one looking like a cat whod gotten the cream.


    Toraka Shalesitting beside her son, Simwas all smiles as she pointed something out to a number of potential clients who were garbed in fine clothing adorned with sparkling gems that loudly proimed their wealth. They watched ygon with rapt attention and calcting interest.


    Even when youre out enjoying an event, youre selling, Alex thought. But what better way to make a sale than by seeing a stone golempletely dominate an iron one?


    You know, folks,bat-juggling<strong></strong>is a difficult thing, the announcerughed. For those of you who dont know, thats when abatant uses a certainbination of blows to knock their opponent into the air and <em>keep </em>them there. But, juggling where apetitor tosses their opponent around and around in the air like a series of balls is unheard of! How will Obadiah respond?


    The bald wizard threw an undisguised venomden re at the announcer, before turning back to the fight. His face was washing red and his hands were shaking.


    Ultrasteel! Keep iling your fists! Just hit him when he goes to catch you! Obadiah screamed.


    <em>Heshould not have said that out loud </em>ygon thought.


    Before the iron golem could begin any iling, the four-armed golem caught therger construct and hurled it straight in the air with full force.


    Ultrasteel blurred, tossed like a whirling projectile, striking bars looming above the arena. The cage groaned from impact, sending the crowd into a frenzy.


    Since what goes up muste down, the iron golem slowed, then began its rapid descent, plummeting toward the cage floor.


    No! Obadiah screamed.


    ygon watched the falling golem, and ever so casually, stepped to the side.


    A deafening crash reverberated through the arena as the iling Ultrasteel hit the ground.


    Oooo, well thats a knockdown if I ever saw one! the announcer shouted. ygons on fire! Can Ultrasteel catch up?


    Grab him! Obadiah cried. Use your weight and grapple him!


    With painstaking effort, the iron golem climbed back to its feet.


    Until now, gentlefolk, Ultrasteel has used its titanic strength and impossible toughness to batter and pin its other opponents to the ground! the announcer dered. But how can it manage against the first foe that has it thoroughly licked in the strength department! What tricks does Obadiah have waiting to show us?


    The older wizard winced, his shoulders slumping and his face turning even redder.


    Alex raised an eyebrow.


    ygon, I dont think Ultrasteels master has a lot in his bag of tricks, he sent the thought through their link. Unless hes a really good actor, it looks like hes at aplete loss as to what to do next. I bet you he only entered thepetition to show off his golem: Im not sure hes much of a fighter.


    <em>Thank you father </em>ygon watched the iron golem lumber toward him. <em>I will keep my focus on Ultrasteelthenyou watch the master.</em>


    And thats whats called teamwork. Alex grinned.


    The iron golem shambled toward ygon, its arms raised and fingers flexing, ready to grab its smaller opponent.


    <em>You aretoo slow.</em> ygon sidestepped Ultrasteel again, casually thrusting the haft of his war-spear between the iron golems feet. There came the grinding shriek of metal on metal as Ultrasteels feet and the weapons handle became entangled.


    Oh,e on! Obadiah screamed.


    His golem hit the ground like an overturned farm cart.


    Moreughter ran through the crowd.


    Another knockdown! the announcer shouted. This is turning into an unmistakable example of crushing might and skill! Ultrasteel cant catch a break!


    Try again! Obadiah shouted. Get up! Just grab him!


    The iron golem surged onto its feet.


    This time, the bald wizard had the presence of mind to cast a body enhancement spell on his construct. The golem now moved with greater agility and power, grabbing ygons shoulders.


    Of course, the sess of this action was likely due to the smaller golem not bothering to move. At all.


    Yes! We have him! Hes ours! Obadiah grinned, yelling in triumph.


    The grin abruptly faded.


    <em>Tooweak.</em> The stone golem reached up and grabbed Ultrasteels hands, peeling therger golems fingers off of his shoulders and getting himself free. An rming creak of metal tore the air as he pressed therger golem to the ground, pinning it in a grip that no amount of resistance could break.


    A pin! the announcer bellowed. Ultrasteels in trouble, folks! Can he recover? Who wille out on top?


    I think its pretty obvious at this point, Alex whispered gleefully, already mentally counting the coin he was going to win from the bet Kybas had made for him. Are you smart enough to realise it, Obadiah?


    Either he wasnt smart enough, or he was too stubborn; but, whichever it was, Obadiah spent the next two and a half rounds sending Ultrasteel at ygon again and again. Now and then, he tried a new spell or a newpoorly thought outstrategy to try and close the point gapbut nothing worked.


    By the end


    ygon wins the final round with a score of 10-0, 10-0 and 10-0! Its been a long time since weve witnessed <em>such</em> a crushing defeat, folks! the announcer called. Or to put it another way, such an overwhelming victory by a one man, one golem wrecking crew! Who else will they terrorise? Hold onto your hats, folks! The end of ourpetition is almost here!


    Wait for me, Tyris, he whispered. I think we might get our duel in the finals, after all.


    Up in the stands, Toraka was all smiles as Obadiah cursed and tugged at his beard.


    Ultrasteel was <em>not</em> a golem made by her workshop, after all.


    And Alex knew there were few things more thrilling than watching apetitor humiliated in defeat.


    The semi finals are upon us! the announcers voice rumbled as he floated high above the arena. Another exciting match awaits us, one featuring <em>two</em> monsters among monsters! On my left, we have ygon! The titan! The devastator! The wrecker! With Alex Roth giving himmands, casting spells or just standing back and letting him do his thing!


    He gestured to the stone golem and his master, drawing earth-shaking apuse from the crowd.


    All day, the audience seemed to grow louder with each dramatic win ygon scored. Alex was also getting swept up in the excitement, and had to fight the urge to scream and whoop any time his golem threw one of his devastating punches.


    Unfortunately, this wasnt the time for such things.


    It was time to focus; he didnt particrly like the look of their opponents.


    On my right, we havePhoenix and Jace! the announcer called.


    The spectators voices swelled like a wave filling the stadium.


    Jace was a red haired mansquat, powerfully built, who watched ygon with the sort of gaze that would wither all but the bravest of hearts. He looked to be only a few years older than Alex, but his face was a mask of ferocity and confidence.


    And the Thameish wizard only needed one look at the beast hemanded to find the source of that confidence.


    The creature was taller than ygon, covered in feathers of red and green, with a long snakes tail writhing behind it. Curving talons bit stone as it pawed and scratched the ground, spreading its short, flightless wings.


    A crest rising above its skull was the colour of blood, and its beak looked like it could shred a bone-chargers tough hide. But the most unnerving thing about its appearance was its two reptilian eyes, their te grey pupils were slit horizontally, expanding and contracting seemingly at will.


    Some of the spectators were pointing, making clucking sounds and mocking the creature''s appearance; from a distance, it <em>did </em>resemble a massive, oversized, mutated rooster.


    But Alex knew there was more to it.


    Its a bloody cockatrice, he muttered. Who would think thered be a damned cockatrice in thepetition?


    <em>What isa cockatricefather?</em> ygons question echoed through Alexs mind.


    Its a powerful magical beast, the Thameish wizard answered mentally. Its <em>incredibly</em> dangerous. Looking into its eyes can strike supernatural fear into you, but things be much bigger problems when it channels its inner mana into its gaze.


    <em>Whathappens then?</em>


    Alex swallowed, remembering the petrifying Ravener spawn rampaging through the Research Castle. The image of ygon cracking when the invisible creature skewered him with its beam was seared into his mind, along with the memory of Watcher Shaw turning to stone, then shattering like ss.


    Remember folks, Phoenix wasted no time in turning his opponents to stone within seconds of the start of his previous rounds! the announcer cried. Even the arenas protections cant stop such powerful magics, but rest assured, our wizards stand ready with Rock to Flesh spells to reverse petrification!


    Thats what happens, ygon. It petrifies its opponents Alex thought. It turns them to stone.


    <em>ButI am already stone </em>ygon thought.


    Yes, thats true, but a cockatrices gaze can even turn earth elementals into rock statues, Alex thought. Just dead hunks of rock. I dont want that happening to you.


    <em>It will notI am stone, </em>ygon assured him stubbornly. <em>And even if it does happenI will not be a coward like the ones you and Tyris talked aboutI will fight. If I turn to sthose wizards will turn me back. I want to be one that does anything...not says anything.</em>


    Alex flinched, not having realised that his conversation with Tyris had made such an impression on ygon. Something about that didnt quite sit right with him.


    We can talk about thatter, ygon, he thought. For now, try not to meet Phoenixs gaze. Fight as best you can while looking awayGet ready, the match is about to begin.


    <em>Iwill be finefather </em>ygon said.


    Across the arena, Phoenix scratched the ground, its eyes fixed on the golem.


    ygon versus Phoenix! the announcer bellowed. Who wille out on top? Lets find out! Begin!


    The bell rang.


    Phoenix darted forward.


    Before ygon could turn away or Alex could give amand, the cockatrice met the golems gazeand then its eyes red bright green. Alex could feel its power billowing, focusing through dted pupils, burrowing into his golem.


    No! he shouted.


    Across the arena, Jace grinned.


    Ooooo, an unlucky break! the announcer said. ygon catches the cockatrices gaze! How willOh? Whats this?


    ygon was staring right back at the cockatrice. His stone form was not changing. The metal on his body wasnt petrifying. The light in his fire-gems continued to shine.


    One red.


    And a beam of menced from ygons third eye, striking the cockatrice dead in its forehead. The creature reared back, shrieking in pain.


    Youre alright! Alex shouted at ygon.


    <em>Itold youI would be</em> came the reply.


    Alex sighed in relief, thinking back, remembering <em>how</em> ygon had evolved into a stone golem.


    Hes been petrified before, Alex thought. Maybe hes resistant or immune to that kinda crap now.


    What a wild turn of events! ygon appears to be unaffected by Jace and Phoenixs main strategy! This is quite unexpected, gentlefolk! the announcer crowed. How will Jace and Phoenix cope?


    Jace might have been capable of many things in his life.


    Copingat least in this situationdidnt appear to be one of them.


    Phoenixuhjust he stammered.


    ygon took the opportunity to st the cockatrice over and over again with all three fire-beams. Phoenixunlike its namesakedid not rise from the mes, instead, it pped about in panic as ygon bathed it in fire.


    UhPhoenixuh, his master mumbled.


    Jace cast haste magic on his pet,manding it to circle and strike ygon from behind. The cockatrice sped around the golem in a blur, leaping,nding on his back, trying to topple him from his feet.


    ygon did not budge.


    Jace went pale.


    ygon grabbed the screeching Phoenix.


    Jace went paler.


    The stone golem bashed the cockatrice into the ground over and over again, like he was trying to dig a pit.


    The hard way.


    Hahaha the announcerughed nervously.


    The crowd cheered, though some simply stared, ck-jawed.


    II give up, Jace muttered quietly.


    Whats that you say? Youll have to speak up so we can be sure of what you said, my friend. the announcer said to the muttering man.


    We give up! Jace screamed, sounding a touch hysterical.


    There you have it! the announcer cried. A quick end to our first semifinal match! Alex Roth and ygone out on top!


    In the stands, several people were tearing pieces of paper to shreds, their faces like thunderclouds as they stomped for the exits. Alex wondered how much coin theyd lost betting.


    He grinned. Looks like Tyris and I are going to be duelling each other soon enough!


    Below the arena, a man in a mask waited for his semifinal match with Tyris Goldtooth.


    He heard the cheer of the crowd above, knowing thatlikelyRoth and that monster had won again.


    One of his hands flexed, the finger joints popping.


    Soon.

 Chapter 588: A Change in the Program

    Chapter 588: A Change in the Program


    Soon itll be us against Tyris and Vesuvius. Alex rubbed his hands together. Are you excited, buddy?


    The young Thameish wizard and the golem descended from the arena, chatting excitedly about their uing match. Theirst opponentsdefeated and shamedwere trailing far behind them. Phoenixs head was hanging low.


    The way Jace was looking at his pet could have peeled paint, and Alex could have sworn hed heard the man utter cauldron of chicken stew beneath his breath.


    <em>I amveryexcited,</em> ygons voice rumbled. <em>This will bea battle to remember. Do you thinkwe will win, father?</em>


    Oh, yeah! Easily! Alex cheerfully pped his golem on the arm. His emphasis on the word easily drew a displeased grunt from Jace, along with more irritated muttering.


    Tyris and Vesuvius were our toughest fightsst yearand they were <em>really</em> toughbut we still beat them. They gave us their best and we defeated them anyway. And were <em>stronger</em> than we werest year. A lot stronger. Alex raised his staff for emphasis. A wave of excitement washed over him from the aeld branch, and ygon looked at it.


    Nervousness and eptance trickled through the link. <em>I am surethey are stronger tooand Tyris can cast spells through her familiarbut you can only cast spells </em><em><strong>on</strong></em><em> me. They willhave an advantage</em> ygon reached out, rubbing his hand along the wall as they walked. <em>Butthat is alrightI am ready to ept defeat.</em>


    Oh man, dont say that, Alex said. Were going to win, and were going to take home that prize. Dont worry about anything, buddy. And


    The light from thepetitors chamber was now pouring into the passage.


    Well, lets chat about this a bitter, while were waiting for Tyris to finish off her opponent, Alex said.


    <em>Yesfather,</em> ygon agreed.


    More angry muttering and the word rotisserie came from Jace.


    Alex and his golem walked in to find thepetitors chamber nearly empty. Only Tyris and Vesuvius, along with the lone masked man were left by themselves in the waiting area, sitting on opposite sides of the room and keeping to themselves.


    Tyris was all smiles when Alex and ygon walked toward them, leaving Phoenix and Jace to drag themselves to the exit.


    I knew youd do it. She grinned, her gold tooth shining in her mouth. Were looking forward to facing you two.


    The chamber shook as Vesuvius mmed an enormous foot down, grinding it into the floor like a massive bull getting ready to charge.


    ygon matched his disy by giving his war-spear a quick spin in his hand, then mming the butt end into the ground.


    Whatd the floor ever do to the two of you? Alex thought.


    Were looking forward to facing you too. At least, once you finish your semifinal, he said, ncing at the masked man. Hey, you! Id watch yourself around these two He jerked his thumb toward Tyris and Vesuvius. Theyre not going to make things easy for you.


    The man looked up at Alex, then at Tyris.


    Then he dropped his head back down without a word.


    Well thats rude, Alex muttered.


    Oh dont worry about him, Tyris waved a hand dismissively. You usually get one or two people thate in all masked and dramatic. They tend to get eliminated early, but if this guy has made it to the semis, then he deserves his drama.


    Tyris Goldtooth! Magnus Ekavir! a Watcher called, stepping into the waiting area. Your match is uing, prepare yourselves!


    Well, thats me. Tyris cracked her knuckles as Magnus stood up, making his way toward the passage leading to the arena. He wore a calf-length cloak secured at the throat, draping his shoulders, arms and much of his lower body.


    Ill be back, then we can give ygon and Vesuvius their ydate, she rubbed her hands together, grinning broadly. Again, her gold tooth shed.


    Ill make sure we dont stomp you guys <em>too</em> hard, Alex said.


    Pffft, doesnt matter if I win or lose against you, Im still going to give you a thrashing. but just so you know, Vesuvius and I <em>will</em> win.


    Oho, youll <em>try,</em> Tyris, he smirked. Youll <em>try</em>.


    No, <em>youll</em> try. She grinned back. But you wont seed.


    No <em>youll</em> try, Alex fired back.


    No, <em>youll </em>try.


    No, <em>youll</em> try!


    No, <em>you</em> will!


    No, <em>you</em>


    Okay, okay, Magnus is waiting and Im sure everyone is going to do their best in the semifinals, the Watcher called. But we should probably get to it before sunset, you know.


    Heh, true. Ill be back, big guys. She winked at ygon and Alex. Keep the seat warm for me.


    Together with her familiar, theva mage strolled out of the waiting area and into the passage leading above. It took a long time for Vesuvius thunderous footfalls to fade.


    Alex threw himself down on the closest seat, stretching out. Well, this is it. Ourst wait before the final.


    <em>Yes</em> ygon said. <em>I hope that othepetitor doesnt beat her.</em>


    Well, Tyris is <em>really </em>tough, Alex said. And Vesuvius is a juggernaut. I think thered be very few people that could take them. And if they could? Well, most of them would have bigger fish to fry thanpeting in this tournament.


    <em>True</em> ygon said. <em>But stillI hope Vesuvius wins</em>


    It didnt take long for a tremendousmotion to shake the arena above. The room trembled as what sounded like a wrestling match between thunder and an earthquake exploded through the arena far above.


    Alex listened to the sounds as though it was a drum concert.


    It begins he said, imagining the epic fight between Tyris and the mysterious man. He frowned for a moment as he thought about the young womans gold tooth and red hair, lit up by her familiarsva.


    Hmmmm, sayygon.


    <em>Yesfather?</em> his golem asked.


    Do you think Tyris has any Thameish rtives? Sayamong n Duncan, where Cedrics from?


    There was a moment of silence.


    Do you think itd be rude to ask her? Alex asked.


    <em>Ido not know if such a question would be rude or notI havent had intelligence long enough for me to know for surefather. Youwould know much better than me. Are youwondering if shes rted to the Chosen of Uldar?</em>


    Look, <em>two </em>redheads with gold teeth? Alex scratched his hair. Like, what are the odds? Theyve <em>got </em>to be rted or something.


    The golem cocked his head, and a sense of confusion emanated through their shared link. <em>Fatheras far as I knowgold teeth are not passed on through bloodlinesand there are many people of unrted families that have red hair. I thinkthis is a coincidence.</em>


    No,e on, man, Alex said. Theyve got to be rted. It has to be.


    <em>If you meta dark haired woman with two swordswould you ask if they are rted to Theresa?</em>


    Well, no, but I meana pair of swords arent passed down through her family line, Alex said.


    <em>...fatherneither is a gold tooth, and Theresas swords are actually passed down through her family, </em>ygon said.


    Alex flinched, his face washing red. Okay, look, thats different! I tell you, man, its weird. I mean Tyrisits like some creator deity made two people look like each other. Like they made Cedric, then forgot what Cedric looked like and made Tyris.


    <em>Fatherthat is illogical.</em> ygon said. <em>A creator deity did not make all people in the worldand if they didTyris is older than Cedric. So he would look like hernot the other way around, as you suggest.</em>


    But I <em>met</em> Cedric first


    ...<em>what?</em>


    Nevermind, just nevermind. Alex crossed his arms. Its still weird, finding two people that look like that.


    ygon scratched his stone chin, mimicking one of his fathers habits.. <em>I do not know about thatgold teeth are used for decorative and practical purposes in corrective dentistrywe have seen people in Generasi with gold teeth and red hairfather, I am not sure if pursuing this line of questioning is productive.</em>


    The thing is, its still weird! Alexined.


    <em>It is notbut asking her that question might be weird.</em>


    Alex rolled his eyes. Enh, youre probably right. Ill still ask her after the final, when we beat her.


    Another earth shattering boom shook the arena floor.


    Which sounds like itll probably be soon. Alex crossed his arms, letting his head lean against the wall behind his seat.


    More sounds like the rumble of thunder shook the stadium as two colossal forces shed above the waiting chamber.


    Huh, well, Magnus is putting up a good fight against her. Alex nodded. All of her other opponents lost a hell of a lot faster. He must actually know what hes doingits odd, though.


    <em>What isodd?</em> ygon asked.


    Alex squinted at the ceiling. Well, he didnt have a familiar or pet or a servant with him in the waiting area, which means hes probably a summonerbut I havent felt even the slightest bit of summoning magic. Nothing at all. So wheres his proxypanion? Invisible, maybe?


    The Thameish wizard frowned, thinking about knights and warriors who entered tournaments in the old tales. In almost every one where the knight arrived at apetition with their visor down and sporting a nickname instead of a real one, theyd always end up demolishing all of the challengers then go on to face the hero as their greatest rival.


    Alex rolled his eyes. This wasnt some old folk tale or bardic story; this was real life. Last year hed looked at himselfa towering hulking young man with a towering, hulking golem at his sideand realised hed be the sort of man whod always lose to the hero in those sorts of tales.


    And yet, hed won.


    And so would Tyris.


    Wait, what do you mean, you lost? Alex choked.


    Tyris shrugged, her expression a mix of disappointment, bewilderment and respect. He boomed us. We fought as hard as we couldbut seriously, that guys a monster. You watch out for him. His constructs a nightmare to deal with.


    Alex gaped, looking from her, to a disappointed Vesuvius, to the masked man whod returned to the chamber and was now staring at Alex.


    <em>We will face themhead on</em> ygon said. <em>Andit does not matter if we win or losewe had fun</em>


    Alex squirmed a little, trying not to think about the small fortune he and his friends bet on them. There was no sense ruining ygons fun.


    Well, Im gonna bet on us, the Thameish wizard said, aware of the irony of his statement. Well win.


    From across the chamber, Magnus eyes bored holes into Alex with anl intensity that made a chill go down the young mans spine. The Thameish wizard stared back into that mask, looking the man up and down.


    Something about his gait and stance were familiarthere was a militaristic quality to them that hed seen before.


    He couldnt quite ce where.


    I suppose Ill find out soon enough, he thought.


    And here we are! The final showdown of the Duel by Proxy: Super Heavyweight Division is aboooout to start! the announcers voice echoed across the stadium and beyond. Were finally here, ready to celebrate theing together of two juggernauts! Two titans! Two demolishers and destroyers! And their mighty masters!


    The announcer pped his hands together. Lets give it up! To the left stand the mighty ygon and Alex Roth! One is an evolved stone golem, and the other is simply built like one! These two towers have been terrorising even the most talented teams in thepetition all day! And now, here they are hovering on the precipice of victory, ready to take the championship for a second year in a row!


    Cheers swept the stadium, and Alex waved to the crowds, throwing his friends a nce.


    They werent cheering with much enthusiasm.


    Instead, they were busy whispering to each other and pointing at Alexs opponent, standing on the opposite side of the arena.


    Isolde had gone stark white.


    But, they now face two great and terrible challengers, the announcer gestured to his right. The mysterious Magnus Ekavir has been a storm alongside his force construct! Prime!


    The crowd roared at the mention of their names. Magnus! Magnus! Magnus! Prime! Prime! Prime!


    Well thats a damned ominous sounding name, Alex muttered, squinting at the masked man. And what the hells a force construct? Shales never talked about that befoOh. Oh.


    Realisation hit him like a catapult stone.


    The militaristic stance.


    The warriors gait.


    The precision in the way the man moved.


    ygon! Alex said. Were in big trouble.

 Chapter 589: The Terror of Advancement

    Chapter 589: The Terror of Advancement


    Alex and ygon could be in trouble. Isolde gripped the arms of her seat. I have never seen a construct like that before in my life. Nor have I heard of one.


    Thundar squinted at Magnus. Did you <em>see</em> what Prime did to everyone it went up against? By my ancestors, Vesuvius was the only opponent that could challenge it.


    II am aware, Isolde said. I know ygon is powerful, but this Prime


    Hes got tricks that will be hard for ygon to deal with. Theresas jaw clenched. Where did this guye from anyway?


    That is a puzzle, but I cannot help but feel there is something familiar about the manthough I cannot say where I know him from. Isoldes grip on her armrests tightened. Is he an expedition member, perhaps?


    Not one <em>I</em> know, Thundar grunted. Having Prime around wouldve been pretty damn helpful when that petrifying Ravener-spawn showed up trying to kill everyone. I think I wouldve noticed a construct like that before.


    Me too, Theresa muttered. It couldnt be someone from the hells, could it? Someone looking for revenge.


    Thundar looked at her sharply.


    Selina gasped. Oh no, do you really think so?


    I dunno, we <em>did</em> irritate a lot of demons and their allies when we went down there, Thundar growled. But most of them are too dead toe looking for vengeance. And I dont remember anything that looked likethat force construct thing trying to kill us down there.


    I also do not believe that it is a cultistwhy would a cultist enter a contest at random? Isolde raised an eyebrow at the masked man, then looked at Professor Salinger, seated across the arena.


    The Professor was shaking his head at the maskedpetitor, and rolling his eyes.


    I wonder if he knows himOh dear. Realisation struck the young nobleman. I believe I know who he is. This isnot optimal.


    Is Alex in danger? Selina asked. Who is that masked man?


    No, he is not in danger, Isolde said. If my assumption is correct, at leastbut some folk might be on the verge of losing a lot of coin.


    Thundar swallowed. How uhhow real do you think that danger is?


    Unfortunately, quite real. I believe Alex faces


    ###


    Magnus Ekavir! Alex Roth!  the announcer called. Prepare your proxies!


    ygon nodded at his father, raising his war-spear. <em>We willdefeat this threat together, father.</em>


    Alex swallowed. Well give it everything weve got.


    A wave of anxiety washed over himcoupled with images of therge amount coin he and his friends had bet on his match as it sprouted wings and flew awaybut all he could do was acknowledge his anxiety and let it pass. He didnt want ygon sensing his fear, and he also needed <em>all</em> of his faculties to face this opponent.


    Magnus raised his gloved hands then began casting a spell using a stato, clipped, rhythm and precise sybles.


    Mana gathered around him and the hairs on Alexs neck began to rise.


    Thats a huge amount of power, he thought. Maybe a sixth or seventh-tier spell?


    The mans voicelow, gruff and clearly disguised with wizardrycontinued to rise in volume, until it reverberated off the walls of the arena. With hushed breaths, the audience waited in anticipation.


    Within the arena, the air shimmered as though the day had turned scorching hot. Power pooled unseen, wavering within the cage like the desert heat.


    A nebulous shape began taking form.


    ck force magic congealed, creating a towering figure that loomed at least half again ygons height, and twice his width. A head shaped like a giants axe-de emerged above hulking shoulders that materialised with a pair of force-magic ballista mounted atop them. A wide torso formed, bearing a pair of arms as thick as old oaks, each ending with a fist the size of Alexs torso.


    Six broad, spear-like legs protruded from a humanoid torso, but instead of a bottom half that resembled a centaurs, the lower body was that of a silence spider or other insectile monster. Each leg twitched, scraping their sharp tips along the ground.


    The stone screamed.


    A long tail ending in a scythe-like de that could have cut Alex in half with a single stroke,zily flicked back and forth.


    <em>Primeis incredibleI can see how it defeated Vesuvius</em> ygon said with admiration.


    Thank you, Magnus politely acknowledged thepliment in that same clipped tone.


    Yeah, buddy. Alex studied the construct, noting the ink-ck colour of the force magic. His suspicions were all but confirmed. Yeah, now I understand why Vesuvius lost, especially when you know whos controlling Prime.


    <em>Whois it?</em>


    Alex answered mentally. Someone in disguise, buddy. Im not going to out him, but Im gonna let him know that I know who he is. Im not going to y along like a fool.


    The Thameish wizard red at Magnus. Hey, were punching down a little, arent we? Whats someone like you doing in apetition like this?


    Magnus met Alexs gaze with a forceful intensity. Prime is capable of much more than punching. From the rumours and reports I hear, your ygon is capable of much more than punching as well. I hope I wont be disappointed.


    <em>Whoare you?</em> the golem asked. <em>Father said thatyou are in disguise. Iwant to know who I will actually be fighting.</em>


    Alex winced.


    Its rude to out an opponent who wishes topete incognito, Mr. Roth, Magnus said.


    Im not the one who called you out, <em>Magnus</em>! Alex fired back.


    The announcer and audience had gone silent, eagerly watching the drama y out.


    <em>Father said that he would not reveal who you are </em>ygon said slowly. <em>But I am notfather, and I want to know who Im fighting.</em>


    I Alex was about to say something to his golem, then bit it back. I cant say I me you there, buddy.


    Hmph, its still uncouthbut, ygon is a warrior and only new to the world, after all, so I will indulge him, Magnus said. Fine, if its my name you want, then you can have it, brave golem. You are facing my proxy, Prime, and as for meI am


    Magnus Ekavir threw back his cloak, revealing arms sheathed in long ck gloves reaching to his shoulders. With his left hand, he peeled the glove from the right arm.


    The audience held their breaths, then in concert, they gasped.


    Where one would expect to see an arm of flesh, blood and bone, a prosthetic force construct was revealed.


    Shit, Alex swore as the man removed the mask covering his face.


    A darkplexioned face, with a chin edged in a thick ck beard, stared back at him.


    It was a face he knew well, right down to the disciplined, no-nonsense expression.


    Ive been fighting under a moniker, he proimed, But this brave golem has asked for my true identity, so I shall share it with all of you. My name is Professor Harsha Ram.


    Gasps swept through the audience.


    Some swore.


    Others leaned forward in excitement.


    And thats exactly what I was afraid of Alex muttered. A full-on professor who specialises inbat magic. Hes got to be capable of seventhmaybe eighth tier magic. Yeah, as I said. Were in trouble.


    <em>Thank youfor giving me your name, </em>ygon gave Ram a slight bow. <em>May we havea good contest.</em>


    You have fine manners, Ramplimented him.


    <em>Can wewin, father?</em> ygon asked mentally.


    Honestly? I dont know, Alex thought. Just because youre a university professor at a magic school doesnt necessarily mean youre abat monster, but it <em>does</em> mean that youve mastered magic in a way that most wizards can only dream of. Seventh-tier spells, eighth-tier, possibly even ninth-tier. And the thing about Ram isfrom everything I know about himthe man is a professor <em>and</em> abat powerhouse.


    <em>We havebeaten foes stronger than usmany times. Remember Zonon-In. Remember the demons. Remember Kaz-Mowang.</em> ygon thought.


    True, but in those situations, we had strategy, surprise, numbers and coordination on our side. Now we only have you and me against a wizard with at least three to five times my experienceactually, no wait.


    Alexs eyes narrowed on Prime. Were not strictly facing Ram are we? were facing his proxy. And <em>youre also</em> a state of the art powerhouse, ygon. You know what, forget my nerves. We can do this.


    <em>We willdo it. We will do it.</em>


    Well, this is quite the surprise, folks! the announcer shouted. No wonder our intrepid challenger has been destroying thepetition! A professor of the university is indeed a very skilled wizard! So, tell the audience, what made someone aspowerful as you choose to grace our humblepetition?


    Ram smiled. There has been much talktely about new constructs and advancements in alchemy. Butin the face of new trendsmany fail to remember that other disciplines make advancements as well.


    The professor gestured to Prime. Prime is the result of a spell prototype that I created. For millennia, wizards have had to rely on expensive or dangerous golem craft, unreliable summoning magic, or the lengthy process of familiar-binding in order to create loyal and powerful servants.


    Rams pride in his construct was obvious. Well, to that, I say no more! The domain of the wizard is the spell. And modern spellcraft can do anything if pushed properly: here, youre seeing a construct produced by a single powerful spell! No lengthy alchemy, no bargaining with an otherworldly entityjust pure magic and imagination. That is the future, unbound by beakers and summoning circles! I intend to prove that today: Prime will face and defeat ygon, who isording to manythe epitome of golem-craft. You can call our contest a proof of concept, if you will.


    For science it is, then! the announcer shouted. Two cutting-edge advances in magical study, facing each other in our arena today, folks! This is not just an epic match-up! This is history in the making!


    The crowd roared their enthusiasm.


    Witness something that has never been seen before! the announcers voice echoed through the venue, but even his words couldnt drown out the internal screams gripping Alex.


    He looked up at Torakasitting in the VIP boxsurrounded by potential clients. Her lips had ttened to a hard line and her bodynguage was stiff like lightning coursed through her body.


    The potential buyers were whispering to each other, pointing between Prime and ygon.


    Shitshit, shit<em>shit.</em> Alex muttered.


    This is bad, colossally bad.


    If Prime beats ygon, that could damage the image we want our new golems to haveor even golems in general. Rams spell could devastate the Golem Works <em>and</em> my business ventures with Toraka and Lucia.


    A cold sweat rose on his skin.


    There was no possible way topete with learn a spell and make all the constructs you want anytime or any ce. He had to prove that ygons quality and value far exceeded Primes.


    And even then, itd be an uphill battle.


    Hes crushed all kinds of monsters and adversaries to get here, Alex thought. For me to <em>prove</em> that our golems are worth the coin, we cant just beat Primewe have to <em>crush</em> it. Humiliate it. Annihte it.


    <em>Ihear youfather </em>ygon raised his war-spear.


    Give it your all! Rams voice rumbled. I will not ept anything save for your best!


    And thats what were here to see! the announcer shouted. Wizards and their proxies giving their all! And now that all is revealed, we have kept youour wonderful audiencewaiting long enough! And so, get ready for Prime and Harsha Ram vs. ygon and Alex Roth! Who wille out on top?


    Alex tensed.


    ygons stance shifted.


    Primes fists opened and closed like the snapping jaws of a ferocious beast.


    A smile curved Rams lips.


    Lets find out! the announcer shouted. Begin!


    The bell rang.


    And Ram wasted no time.


    The ballistae on Primes shoulders immediately released a torrent of bolts at ygon. They expanded, blurring through the air until they were the size of the golems war-spear, driving into his chest before he could even move.


    A tremendous explosion rocked the air as he was pushed back by unrelenting force.


    Rams expression twitched.


    And the golem stumbled.


    Alex lifted his staff, calling on its power, pouring flight magic into ygon who was able to steady himself before he fell backwards.


    And we have a devastating opening salvo from Prime! the announcer called. How will Alex and ygon respond?


    Like this, Alex said.


    <em>Likethis,</em> his golem said in tandem.


    And power poured into his fire-gems.

 Chapter 590: Roth vs. Ram

    Chapter 590: Roth vs. Ram


    Power filled ygons fire-gems, flooding them with searing heat and light. Towering high above the floating golem loomed Rams construct, Prime, unleashing a storm of force bolts the size of ygons war-spear.


    In mid-flight, the golem braced himself against the onught battering his stone body. He did not move. His gaze did not shift. His gems red.


    Three beams of fire magced through the air with hungry crackles.


    They raced for Primes torso.


    No, Ram said.


    And the force construct dissolved.


    Its hulking form shimmered and its left arm shifted and red, transforming to an enormous half-spherical shield that blocked the trio of beams. Orange me washed over ck force, overrunning its edges with the roar of a waterfall.


    The barrage of ballistae ceased.


    The audience screamed.


    Ram flinched. Well done, ygon. Those beams of yours felt like fourth or fifth-tier spells.


    Felt, Alex thought, analysing the battle. ygon, he said that he felt the power of your gems. Maybe hes sensing their mana, but he reacted like he actually felt their impact. Makes me wonder if theres some kind of feedback between him and Prime.


    <em>So that meanshe might feelwhat I do to Prime? Goodthats a weakness we should know about </em>ygon unleashed another wave of fire magic while he charged therger construct.


    Alex raised his staff, the aelds crystalline blooms shone, pouring haste magic into ygon. The golems flight speed doubled and he shot toward Prime with his war-spear lowered like a knight wielding ance.


    Rams eyes narrowed.


    He watched the golem race toward his construct as the audience went still, seeming to hold their breaths.


    War-spear struck force shield.


    Alex could only describe the sound of enchanted metal biting magical force as a cross between a shriek of steel on ss, the grinding of rock, and the cracking of stone.


    Ram watched.


    Prime was pushed back in the face of ygons power, drawing screams of delight, and thunderous apuse from the enthusiastic crowd. The force constructs spear-shaped legs scraped across the arena floor like nails on an<strong></strong>obsidian board.


    Behind him, the cage bars inched closer.


    One of Rams eyes twitched.


    And Prime exploded.


    <em>What?</em> ygon cried.


    The crowd winced, as the force construct ruptured in an amorphous cloud of ck force that flowed around ygons spear, hitting the golem in waves of dreadful power. Spectators grabbed their ears to escape the deafening noise of the blow that propelled the stone golem skyward, spinning him through the air like a maple seed, then plunging him to the ground.


    He scraped along the arena floorthe metal ovey on his body shedding sparksuntil he finally righted himself and soared away.


    Knoooockdooooown! the announcer cried. We have our first knockdown and it goes to Prime! A harsh beginning from <em>Harsha Ram!</em>


    The roar of the crowd was thunderous; pping hands, stomping feet and bellowing voices drowned all else.


    But, Alex remained calm, eyes tracking<em></em>Primes mass as it flew around the arena at blurring speeds.


    <em>Fire-beams, father?</em> the golem thought, a current of agitation in his voice.


    Use all three to cut off his escape points, Alex thought. Youre a one golem battery of archers. Cage him in.


    <em>Yesfather.</em>


    The light of ygons ring gems reflected off the steely iys on his body, ring to a blinding radiance as three fire beams sliced the air.


    Alex watched as the amorphous Prime sped around the beams, flitting through the air with shocking agility considering his massive sizenono that wasnt right


    It has no mass, Alex thought. Its all force. No inertia to hinder it. Nothing. So, its not only fast and nimble, but it can shift direction without pausing. ygon, stop firing your central beam.


    <em>Yesfather</em>


    Alex eyed Rams construct intently as it weaved through another storm of fire-beams. Prime dodged and darted with decisive, trained efficiency.


    The Thameish wizards eyes narrowed.


    Suspicion grew.


    Its not sending any more force bolts at you, ygon, Alex thought. listen, I want you to aim a firebeam at the arena floor directly in front of Ram.


    <em>Are you surefather?</em>


    Do it, Alex said out loud.


    Rams eyes briefly flicked toward him.


    Then ygon turned a hand and released a beam of fire from his palm, aiming at the floor tiles directly in front of Ram. The audience gasped. A column of me erupted, ring against the cage bars.


    The professors full attention turned back to the fight, his eyes squinting, one hand raised to shield against the intense mes.


    Now, hit Prime with your central gem! Alex thought.


    <em>Understoodfather</em>


    His fire-gem red, sting through the air.


    Prime tried to dodgebut, it was a breath toote.


    The beam struck the amorphous constructs nk, knocking it to the bars. Rams eyes narrowed.


    Prime boiled in the golems fire, then pushed itself from the beam and disengaged, streaking for the top of the cage.


    I dont think it can split itself, Alex said to ygon. It can change shape, but it seems it cant split in two.


    <em>What about thebolts it shoots?</em> ygon asked, continuing to fire beams at the flying construct.


    I think it needs the ballistae on its shoulders for that, but thats a good point If it cant split in twothen its probably not shooting pieces of itself out of those ballistas: it must be forming the bolts as it fires them. But where are theying from? It doesnt have an internal power source or magical items embedded in it, so the power has toe from look out!


    Prime abruptly dove at ygon, transforming into long, thick chains of ck force. The chains wrapped him like a snake constricting a helpless mouse. Each chain tightened, coiling around the golems arms.


    ygon! Alex thought. You should


    <em>Ihave thisfather.</em>


    The golem flexed against the chains even as they went taut around his stone and metal limbs. The restraints shuddered, struggling to contain the powerful golem, but they might as well have been lengths of twine trying to tie down a charging bull.


    Another scream of stone and metal on congealed force rang out.


    A link shattered.


    The crowd cheered.


    ygon seized the ck chains as they ruptured, tossing them to the arena floor.


    Theynded in tatters.


    Alex nced at the judges as they marked their score cards. One by one, each one held up a score.


    Its an orthodox one, but we have a knockdown! the announcer shouted. Bringing the score to 9-9! This is one heck of a riveting match, gentlefolk! Wouldnt you agree?


    The spectators went wild.


    I must say, ygon, you are definitely stronger than you werest year, Ram said. I studied your matches extensively, and saw that you struggled against Vesuvius power, which led me to design those chains to match and exceed his force. I knew they would hold him up well against him, yet, you were able to shatter them with ease. Commendable.


    <em>Fatherbuilt me well,</em> ygon said, watching Prime return to his original form.


    And you learned well, too buddy. Alex was smiling as heplimented his golem.


    Well, shall we see if such learning and construction can hold back the force of progress? Ram asked.


    His eyes narrowed again.


    Alex took note of the reaction as Prime leapt,ing at ygon with impossible speed. It bore down on the stone golem with its four front legs, each thrusting like a javelin. The flurry came too fast for him to dodge out of the way; so he parried, blocking the assault with his war-spear and forearms.


    Force magic screamed against metal and stone, casting sparks with every blow. The smaller stone construct braced himself in mid-air. Prime brought its fists to bear, increasing its devastating strikes, adding to the ferocious assault.


    Still, ygon remained unmoved, unflinching.


    Prime added its scythe-tipped tail to the offensive, shing at the golems trunk. Every impact was like a wall copsing, but ygon still did not move. Suddenly, Prime cocked an arm back.


    The fist swelled to twice its size.


    And drove into ygons guard.


    The golem flew at least a dozen feet before catching himself and diving back into the fray. He defended with his war-spear and all four arms, not giving an inch, circling therger construct, looking for an opening in its flurry of blows.


    Alex monitored ygon as he fought.


    He saw other fighters in the way the golem moved; his guards, cuts, thrusts and parries were a part of Theresa, Thundar, and Grimlochs fighting styles: the three warriors closest to the golem.


    As he dodged and weaved around the much faster constructs blows, Alex could see hints of the dance hed learned from Fan-Dor and Gel-Dor, the dance hed taught ygon.


    Meanwhile, Primes movementswere erratic.


    Pride swelled inside him.


    Some of its attacks were like a trained warriors, while others seemed like the ilings of something wild, somethingcking finesse. As the audience chanted for more, Alex noted patterns in the force constructs attacks.


    When it uses its legs and tail, it moves sloppily, with little control, like it has no training, yet when it uses its fists, it looks coordinated and well-trainedstill theres something off. Alex scrutinised their opponents arms further. Attacks with its legs and tail look like how something cornered would react: wild, desperate, untrained.


    The Thameish wizard kept watching Prime. Im missing something


    As he considered Rams construct, he poured greater force armour over ygon with his staff.


    Ram chuckled. Im surprised you can cast greater force armour, Mr. Roth. It seems you were capable of a lot more than you showed in my ss, perhaps you should have stuck with my sses. Imagine how much more you could have learned.


    I prefer the alchemical solution. Alex waved the aeld staff above his head, it red with pride.


    Foolish, young wizard, Ram said, punctuating his point with another immense blow from Prime that drove ygon back. Increasingly, Primes attacks were slipping through the slower constructs guard. Reliance on outside tools: weapons, potions, staffs, golemswill spell your end. Where I am from, we learn to fight with our bodies first.


    His eyes did not leave the sh between ygon and Prime.


    Therger construct smashed the golem with a tremendous right hook that sent him spinning into the cage bars.


    Primes getting faster, Alex told ygon. I think hes getting stronger too.


    <em>I am learninghow he fightshe favours one side</em> ygon thought.


    Right, Alex thought.


    Professor, weapons and tools are what let us sapient beings elevate ourselves above the beasts, Alex said. Whats a mortal without tools and weapons? Lacking, thats what they are.


    Our fingers can be arrows. The arms, iron. The feet, spears. Ram growled as ygon slipped a fist through Primes guard, knocking the force construct a few dozen feet back before it hit the barsto the roar of the audiencethen darted back into the fray. Force magic can be any weapon, and you always have your spells as long as you have your tongue. As long as youre not dead, you have a body you can fight with if youve trained it. Weapons and other things, can be


    Prime abruptly turned into chains again, wrapping around ygons war-spear.


    taken away.


    The chains suddenly jerked with immense force.


    The war-spear tuggedbut ygon held tight, keeping it firmly in his grip.


    <em>NoPrime,</em> the golem said. <em>This is mine</em>


    Rams eyebrows rose. You truly are a mighty force. Those chains of force would bind a dragon, you do realise that? At least, the average dragon of a certain age. From my calctions, I can tell you thatst year, Prime would have held ygon long enough to achieve the pin. Mypliments to both of you.


    He tipped his head at Alex, though his eyes did not leave the fight. Its regrettable: if you had tried as hard with force magic as you obviously did when building your golem, you would likely be quite the master of the discipline by now. You really should have applied yourself better, Mr Roth.


    Alex frowned. Everyone has their talents. And everyone has their limits.


    Hmph. Ram grunted. Limits are meant to be shattered, through intellect, force and willpower. Case in point.


    Prime suddenly rushed ygon, charging into the smaller golem like bull trying to break through a sagging fence. The golem was being pushed back by the force, but swung his war-spear at the same time.


    The weapon hit the force construct, its form crumpled butbefore Prime could be catapulted awayit warped into a wave of force, sting ygon.


    This time, the golem was ready. He raked it with fire-beams, nting his war-spear into the ground to steady himself, as it poured over him.


    Ram frowned, then his face changed, taking on a self-satisfied smile.


    Primes form distorted further, wrapping around ygon like a shroud.


    It constricted.


    But, Alex wasnt watching Prime and ygon.


    His attention was on Ram. I think Im starting to figure out your weaknesses.

 Chapter 591: The Tool of the Mind in War

    Chapter 591: The Tool of the Mind in War


    In the past two plus years, Alex had learned a lot aboutbat. Over time, hede to see and take note of how different fighters embraced their own ways of battle, using what best suited them, yet sharing the same goal; winning.


    A fighter like Grimloch relied on the might of their physique and natural talent to devastate, crush, and stop an opponent in their tracks. Incredible strength. Insurmountable speed. Titanic mass. Overwhelming magical power. Towering natural talent all came together.


    With such abilities, abatant could easily bury an adversary with crushing blows, or a hurricane of swift strikes and spells that left them in a broken heap sprawled in the dirt in their wake.


    Another way was through hard practise and honing skills through thousands of hours of training. Combat formsperfected by cultures over milleniaoften triumphed over those less practised and less proficient, as a master musician would perfect a song through long days of practise.


    A third way was through analysis and by noting patterns in their opponents fighting style, using the agility of a keen mind to spot details.


    By canvassing the terrain for anything that could be used to ones advantage.


    Searching an opponents form for weaknesses.


    A keen mind was Alex Roths ultimate tool in battle; as someone who was prevented by the Mark from even throwing a punch at someone or something bent on taking his life, his brain was the greatest tool he had to protect himself and those fighting beside him. Though his time was most often spent with dangerouspanions, a war-golem and a staff that wielded fantastic magics, his mind was still his greatest weapon and shield.


    Nowin this contest against a man with far greater years ofbat experience than himhed been using that mind with the precision of a scalpel


    probing for any weaknesses in Prime and Harsha Ram.


    And as the fight continued, he believed hed uncovered one.


    In the arena, Prime wrapped around ygon like a ck death shroud, wresting the golem from the sky and down toward the ground.


    <em>Father!</em> ygon cried in Alexs mind. <em>Primes moving around melike water! I cantfight my way outIll try my war-spear!</em>


    Prime transfigured as something stabbed it, parting the construct around the tip of ygons de like tall grass separating as the war-spear poked through the struggling mass of ck force.


    Then the force constructs shifting form closed on the war-spears haft.


    <em>It hasmy spear! Father!</em> the golem shouted.


    Dont give up, ygon, Alex thought. Keep struggling; Im noticing something about Ram. I think he has to control Prime <em>directly</em>, like he would a cart or a wagon. I dont think it can function on its ownand I believe theres a strong connection between the two of them. Primes like a cloud, so start sting it with your fire-beams, full power; theyre causing <em>some</em> kind of difort to Ram.


    <em>I willfather </em>ygon thought.


    And Prime grapples ygon, wrapping around him like an evil nket of force! the announcer shouted. The mighty golem is struggling, but Prime literally has him surrounded! This is unprecedented folks! Only at events like these can you expect to see such life-or-death struggles, such death-defying feats, and such fantabulous feints without risking your life to watchwaitwhats this?


    Ram glowered at ygon, his brow furrowing as Prime suddenly expanded.


    Crackling explosions raged within the force construct. ygon sted his opponent again and again, bathing Prime with me. Across the arena, Rams face hardened, a line of sweat dripped down his temple.


    Prime constricted, binding the struggling golem, enduring explosion after explosion.


    The audience gasped and cheered.


    In the VIP box, Shale watched with the same grim expression as one attending a loved ones funeral. Around her, the potential clients were watching the battle with unnerving interest.


    Alex bit the inside of his cheek, watching Rams expression and bodynguage.


    The well disciplined Professor was standing tall and straight-backedbut wore tension in his body and a stiffening of his shoulders like an unwee cloak.


    Yes Alex thought. Were going to corner you, Professor Ram.


    Yet, within the arena, Prime was the one gaining the lead.


    Despite ygons fire and mighty strength, the force construct was slowly pulling its prey to the ground. Both constructs touched the arena floor, the golem firmly constricted by Primes cloud-like form.


    A wave of shock pulsed through the link. <em>Are we onthe floorfather?</em>


    Yes. Its going to pin you, ygon, Alex thought, watching his former professor. And I dont think theres any way were going to stop that.


    He quickly checked the timer. Dont panic but, were going to lose this round.


    <em>No </em>ygon said.


    Trust me, were <em>not</em> going to lose the match. All you need to do is struggle as hard as you can for the rest of the round; make sure you put everything youve got into making Prime work for this victory. Dont prioritise pins and knockdowns, just throw as many attacks into it as you can.


    <em>Understoodfather</em> ygon thought.


    And pin! the announcer cried as the count finished. The score is 9-7 in favour of Harsha Ram and Prime!


    Roaring cheers spread through the audience as fans pped and chanted in unison. Prime! Prime! Prime! Prime!


    Prime disengaged from ygon, but the golem immediately whirled, bathing the force construct in me. He shot after Prime, war-spear thrusting and fires zing.


    He swung the de in broad strokes, shing Prime even as he reformed. The force construct moulded, returning to itsbat form and drilling ygon with an earth-shattering blow, driving him across the arena, rattling the cage bars.


    <em>You needto hit harder </em>the golem said.


    ygon flew back into the melee, leading with war-spear and fire-beams, shing therger construct with his de, pounding his massive fist into Primes core. The force creature spun through the air, mming into the bars.


    A great tremor ripped through the cage.


    And as ygon was about to move in for the kill


    the bell rang.


    And the first round goes to Priiiime! What a devastating contest, folks! And a great showing from bothbatants! Truly, Prime has been a monstrously powerful foe, but what a truly destructive disy wed be witnessing if it wasnt for the arenas protective magics!


    Yeah, it would be, wouldnt it Alex muttered, observing Ram.


    His former force magic professor watched the crowd distantly, lowering his head politely as they cheered his name. His body appeared still, calm and serenebut Alex could see past that.


    There was ack of focus deep in his eyesso subtle that most might not notice it lurking therebut it could not escape the notice of the Fool of Thamnd.


    <em>Fatherwe lost</em> ygon groaned, floating down in front of Alex. <em>This fightis frustratinglike fighting mist that can punch you</em>


    Its okay, Alex responded mentally, watching the timer. Were going to get him soon. How strong is Prime?


    <em>Very strongas strong as a golem</em>


    As strong as one of the new golems that we make at Shales? Alex asked.


    <em>Iits hard to answer father </em>ygon said, a troubled note in his voice.


    More suspicions grew in Alexs mind. What makes you say that?


    <em>Sometimes it feels weakersometimes it feels as strong as I wasst yearsometimes it feels almost as strong as meor even strongerthen it feels weaker again</em>


    So its strength is fluctuating, Alex considered. That makes sense


    <em>Whatare you thinkingfather?</em>


    Ive got a hypothesis. Rams created this truly badass spell, and dont get me wrong, but theres no spell that I know of that could possibly create infinite energy. When force armour shatters, you need to reform it. When you fire force bolts, you need to power those force bolts with manaso I have to ask myself, how is Prime putting out so much power without any power source?


    <em>You areright fatherall firesneed fuel</em> ygon looked at the fire-gems in his palms.


    Exactly. Alex thought. Primes firing force bolts, changing shape and increasing and decreasing its strengthsome spells are self-sustaining, but were not talking about a static wall of force. And if you crack a wall of force, the wizard who cast it has to cast the spell again to repair it.


    <em>Then whats Primes fuel?</em> ygon thought.


    Alex nced at the force professor who was examining Prime carefully. Ram is, I think. I think the spells continuously drawing from his mana pool. Whenever Primes strength spikes? Its probably because Rams poured more mana into it.


    <em>ThenRam is powering itand controlling itthats why Prime favours its right side.</em>


    Alex nced at the professors arms. Because Ram would fight with his force prosthetic, that makes sense!


    <em>So then whats the n? </em>ygon asked.


    We snuff out the pool. Rams got to have an immense pool of mana, and hes the kind of wizard who would <em>definitely</em>learn mana regeneration techniques, but that still doesnt mean his pool is infinite. Its probably taking a lot to keep powering the spell, and every adjustment he makes is only going to draw even <em>more</em> power from him.


    <em>Yesso we can drain himby hitting Prime over and over.</em> ygon thought.


    Yeah, thats what Im thinking, Alex thought. Itd probably be easier outside of this arenathen we could do some <em>real</em>damagebut lets wear him down. And I think we should pull out one of my trump cardsandhuh.


    <em>What is it, father?</em> ygon asked.


    Alex peered at Prime. He cant cast any spells on Prime. Since the new rules came into effect this year, every wizard in the tournament has been casting spells to power up their proxies. But he hasnt done that, not at allmakes me wonder if he can.


    <em>Thenthat is more advantageto us</em> ygon thought.


    Which is a good thing. Alex looked up at Torakas prospective clients. Those buyers are looking at Prime with a lot of hunger in their eyes.


    <em>Do not worry father</em> ygon said. <em>We will ughter yourpetition</em>


    <em></em>ygon, we cant, thats murder


    ...<em>ughter them in business. In business.</em>


    Alex wasntpletely sure if ygon <em>actually</em> meant in business.


    Round twos beginning, folks! Our first round went to Prime, but will round two go as swimmingly for Harsha Ram and Prime? the announcer shouted.


    ygon Alex thought. I have a n


    Ram watched ygon intently. In the arena, Prime skittered into position, scraping its legs against the arena floor. Its fists clenched and unclenched.


    May the best construct win, Ram said. Can you stand in the way of progress?


    Its not progress until all the bugs are worked out, but you already knew that.


    True, your data will be valuable to my advancement, Ram said.


    Funny, I was about to say the same thing to you.


    A battle between warriors! Between wizards! Between scientists! Who will win? What exciting new ventures will be born from this match?


    ygon and Prime tensed.


    Begin! the announcer shouted.


    Alex flicked his staff, pouring flight and haste magic into ygon.


    Prime charged, its tail sweeping out to knock him to the arena floor, but the golem parried with his war-spear. Prime came in hard, using a flurry of measured attacks that came from all sides.


    Rams training and experience shone through his force construct, and its speed heightened with every strike. Soon ygon was being pounded beneath a hurricane of blows, each slipping through his guard.


    Alex thanked the Traveller that Prime wasnt a familiar; theyd have no chance if Ram was able to cast his own devastating spells through the construct.


    And for that, Alex was grateful.


    Fire your central gem, ygon Alex thought. But dont break away from the fight. Keep Prime in melee. At the same time, st the cage in front of Ram.


    <em>Yes father</em> ygon thought, gems ring.


    Beams of menced out, striking Prime in its axe-shaped skull, while another beam flew across the cage, hitting the bars in front of Ram. The Professor didnt flinch.


    But Prime did.


    Alex grinned.


    ygon drove his war-spear into the creature, raking it with fire from his central gem. Prime responded with bolts of force from its ballista, but it was clearly firing blind.


    The golem mmed therger construct to the floor.


    Knockdoooown! the announcer bellowed.


    10-9 in ygons favour from all three judges.


    One point down, Alex thought. But points dont matter.


    Ram stepped out from behind the mes.


    His face twitched.


    Suddenly Prime was diving forward.


    The axe-de struck ygon on the shoulder, driving the golem to the ground.


    A knock-down from Prime! the announcer screamed.


    9-9 from the judges.


    Alex didnt flinch.


    ygon raised both arms, firing his fire-beams right into Primes chest.


    Andas predictedthe construct dissolved into a cloud of force, sweeping over ygon, trying to constrict him again.


    Alex smiled.


    Got you, he said, raising his staff. It was time for the first of his new trump cards.


    He poured power into the staff.


    The aeld blooms red.


    And ygon vanished.


    What? Ram cried.

 Chapter 592: Rams Pride

    Chapter 592: Ram''s Pride


    Harsha Ram was a warrior.


    A man who had long realised that there was a governingw that decided everything epassing ones life: force.


    As a boy, his closest friend drew other children to him by possessing an athletic body, a decisive manner, and a mesmerising personality. The adults in his vige achieved security and peace through force;bining their peoples martial arts, weapons arts and tactics to vanquish bandits, monsters and would-be conquerors.


    As a young man, an invading army had decimated everything his people had built through force, leaving countless dead in their wake. As an older man, hed used force in the form of his own body to exact terrible retribution for his dead people.


    That act <em>had</em> cost him an arm.


    As time passed, the man matured in strength and wisdom, but above all else, in mana, awakening him to an inescapable truth; that a bounty of mana raged within him, that it called him to the world he seemed to be born for: wizardry, and the only discipline of spellcraft that would suit a man like him.


    Force.


    To master force was to master the very governingw that decided the tides of the world, fate, and destiny. Self-studying as many force spells as he could, hed surrendered to force magic, breathing it, loving it, embodying it. After years of travelling through the world, using force spells to set wrongs right, he hade to Generasi to study wizardry in the formal setting of the university.


    In time, hed graduated as the most proficient user of force magic the university had seen in a decade, and eventually, Harsha Ram had joined the schools faculty as one of its powerful, dedicated, and well experienced professors.


    It had been a fine retirement for a warrior: researching the mysteries of force magic while introducing young minds to the established properties of force and wizardry.


    Then, years into afortable career, Alex Roth hade along.


    In his first year of force magic, the young man had been a puzzle: one whodpletely mystified his teacher. At first, hed thought that the aspiring wizard had the makings of an excellent force mage. Though his spellcasting was surprisingly slowit was like his mind wouldpse when he tried to cast the most basic force spellhe had shown an extraordinary proficiency with forceball.


    The young mans grasp on the theory of force magic overwhelmingly outstripped that of his ssmates, making him a regr topic of conversation among them. Ram would often hear about the prodigious abilities of the first year student named Alex Roth from his other professors.


    And thenone daythe young man had just reached a standstill.


    It wasnt the first time Professor Harsha Ram had seen a studente up against a wall in their studies, but each time, he had helped them break through that wall by force of will and concerted effort, or by directing their attention elsewhere.


    Yet, no matter what hed tried, Alex Roth had remained stuck, growing to be a more perplexing puzzle.


    The young man <em>knew</em> how force worked and how spellcraft worked; he well understood the theory. Yet for some reason, he was far too slow in spellcasting and couldnt cast even the simplest force missile spells to a satisfactory degree.


    Usually, such a situation unfolded<strong></strong>in the<strong></strong>opposite manner; a student could fire force missiles well enough, but usually fell down when it came to the theory behind advanced aspects of force magic.


    A problem like that would normally be solved through extra study time, tutoring, remedial writing assignments and research. Either the student would apply themselves properly and bring out theirtent ability, or they would not.


    Or perhaps could not.


    In the end, students in that situation would wash out from his ss, and that would be the end of that.


    But, the more Ram had tried to get to the bottom of Roths issues with force magic, the more he could only conclude that the young man was simply choosing not to apply himself. In every other ss that he was enrolled in, hed obviously performed exceptionally well. In alchemy, ording to Vernia, hed quickly be known as a prodigy.


    In the staff room, Professor ValRok never stopped talking about the young mans mastery of mana maniption. Yet, in his force magic ss, the very same student had shown a troublingly erratic effort, and his grade had always leaned toward the mediocre side.


    For a time, he''d considered the possibility that his teaching ability was the reason why he couldnt reach such an obviously bright studentbut hed eventually put that thought aside.


    If that boy does not think force magic worthy enough of his full attention, there is nothing to be done. One only receives what one puts in. Harsha Ram had concluded at the time.


    He had honestly believed he would only cross paths with the young student on the rare asion from then on.


    At leastthat was what hed thought <em>before</em> hed made his own breakthrough.


    Force Construct.


    A seventh-tier spell that would generate a soldier of force, designed to protect powerful wizards for generations. All that was needed to confirm its value was to test it under the right conditions, both as a demonstration of its power, and to test for limits on its further development.


    He couldnt think of a better opponent to test againstespecially in real timethan a state of the art construct with an unmatched level of force that had been taking the universitymunity by storm.


    ygon.


    Without doubt, it would have been embarrassingly crude for an experienced professor of the university to openly challenge a second year student, so he had assumed a pseudonym and a disguise.


    Despite his effort to remain anonymous, hed been unmasked, so to speak, though his unmasking hadnt stopped the contest from thrilling everyone watching.


    The first round was tense, requiring the force wizard to pour an immense amount of mana into Prime to keep his construct from rupturing under the stone golems fists.


    So far, his force construct along with his experience in battle had been carrying the daybut, he was already seeing significant problems in Primes design.


    The feedback mechanism hed designed as the control system made him experience every impact Prime took to its body, like phantom pains; if it wasnt for his disciplined mind, he likely would have copsed from strain by now.


    Even though he was still on his feet, the greater effort he needed to keep Prime functioning was costing him as his mana kept draining faster than he could regenerate it.


    And as he noticed his spells wshe also noticed his opponents strengths.


    Prime was by far the faster construct, butin the endit was still just a mindless creature that required ongoing input from its master to direct its attacks, draining his mana, while leaving both of them vulnerable to whatever ygon dished out. Meanwhile, the golem was sentient, a living warrior; a creature with his own mind, one that could think on his own and had obviously trained forbat.


    When he swung those massive fists, even though the action might have appeared a little inelegant, it also showed his ability as a seasoned, practised warrior. The golems experience and independence freed his masterAlex Rothto act as a second pair of eyes, a second mind, and a strategist throughout the duel.


    Now, it seemed that theyd figured out how he controlled Prime; twice now, ygon had used a fire-beam to obstruct his view of the fight so he could create openings in his constructs guard.


    He had to admit it, his respect for Roth was growing; his analysis was the mark of a warrior, and a scientist.


    And Harsha Ram respected both.


    He had gone into round two knowing that he had to act quickly, so hed opened the floodgates to his mana pool and poured as much energy as he could into Prime.


    His n was to hit ygon fast, achieve a few knockdowns and pins, then carry the second round. From the way the golem was fighting, it was obvious that theyd realised what Primes power source was, and even Ram himself doubted his mana polready taxed from the duel with Vesuviuscould withstand the stone golems full power for much longer.


    At first it had seemed everything would go well


    right up until the moment Alex Roth raised his staff.


    And ygon suddenly disappeared.


    What? Ram cried.


    nar Doorwaythe one spell Roth likely cast on ygonrequired one to touch a subject to teleport them. So was itnoperhaps invisibility?


    Concentrating, Ram flooded Prime with mana.


    The ballistae on the constructs shoulders swivelledas the professor felt the movement deep in his own shouldersbolts of force fired in a wide arc.


    A fire-beam<strong></strong>struck Prime through a blind spot.


    Professor Ram felt heat wash over him, he set his jaw. His consciousness connected to Prime, spinning the construct around to attack ygon


    only to discover that, once again, the golem was gone.


    A war-spear shot out from empty air, tearing into Primes nk, drawing a torrent of energy from Rams mana pool, then a stone fist hammered the force constructs back. Rather than go for the knock down, ygon pressed his advantage, pummeling Prime with a flurry of blows and an endless stream of fiery beams from his central eye.


    Ram clenched his jaw, pouring more mana into Prime, deflecting ygons ferocious blows, then transforming the construct into a wave of force. He nned to let the racing cloud of force envelop their foe, but Alex Roth waved his staff.


    The golem vanished again.


    Rams eyebrows rose.


    He now understoodfrom the way the mana flowedthat the young wizard <em>was</em> using nar Doorway. But how?


    ygon was beside Prime, driving another terrible spear-blow into the construct. Ram grunted as the sensation drilled into his side; it wasnt quite the same sensation as pain, but it also wasnt benign. Every impact drained his mana.


    This is wild, people! the announcer cried from above. ygon is teleporting around the arena likelikesome kind of teleporter! What a development! This is indeed the peak, my friends!


    The atmosphere in the stadium was nearly rabid, folks were frenzied, pointing around the arena, loudly guessing where ygon would appear next.


    Well done! Harsha called to Alex. Tell me, how are you teleporting your golem without touching him?


    Youre not the only one who''s been developing their spellcasting! Alex said cheerily. And Ive got to tell you, you made one hell of a spell thereseventh tier?


    Good observation, Ram said, trying to concentrate on defence. Prime enveloped itself in a shell of force, guarding against ygons attacks.


    nar Doorway was a fourth-tier spell, which would tax a second year wizard. Casting it over and over againeven through a staffwould make Alexs mana run dry long before his did.


    When that happened, he would finish ygon.


    Is that why you cant cast spells on Prime? Alex asked.


    Ram watched the fight closely. The golem reappeared beside Prime,ying into the construct at close range with his fire-beams, war-spear strikes, heavy punches, and even stone-breaking kicks.


    Youre, without doubt, the most powerful wizard in this tournament, and the recent rules-change should <em>super </em>benefit you, professor! Alex called from across the arena. You could probably st me into itty bitty giblets with a snap of your fingers; I can only imagine what your body enhancement and defensive spells must be likeno wait, I dont have to imagine them. You taught me some.


    Alex waved his staff and greater force armour formed around ygon, protecting the golem in an invisible barrier.


    Thats a really useful spell, the Thameish wizard said. Even my lesser version of it is, so I know youve got <em>deadly</em>enhancement spells. Come on, lets see some, how do you think Prime would perform with haste on?


    Ram frowned. It wouldnt be a proper test if he had Prime simply stand around in the arena like a boulder, ygon would eventually batter its defenses down. The force construct unfolded from its defensive ball, morphing to a mass of force magic.


    It dove at its opponent, but in a blink, the golem vanished.


    ygon reappeared, using Rams blind spot for cover, but the warrior-wizard was ready. Prime swung a massive fist, striking ygon square atop his head.


    The golem hit the ground.


    Knooockdoooown! the announcer roared.


    ygon disappeared, instantly reappearing, a fist throwing an uppercut, driving the blow into the bottom of Primes axe-like skull.


    The construct was knocked skyward, straight into the cage dome.


    Ram thought he heard his teeth rattle.


    The first thing I shall do when I return to the Cells is find a better feedback system, he muttered.


    His mana was draining rapidly.


    You <em>cant</em> cast spells on Prime since its actually a spell, can you? Alex said point nk. Seems to me that would be a bit of a disadvantage, wouldnt it? Which is too bad.


    Ram said nothing, trying to keep strict concentration on his defenses. ygon was teleporting around his construct, but the professor was beginning to track his patterns. He was learning to guard his blindspots.


    Youre watching your blindspots a bit better, Alex said. Mypliments on your fighting prowess by the way.


    <em>Youfavour your right side</em> ygon called. <em>I am fighting younot Primeand you are a true warrior</em>


    Thank you, Ram said.


    He was not so prideless to deny truths spoken so inly.


    <em>Youre</em> powering Prime, arent you? Alex asked. Which makes sense since spells need to be powered by their wizards, and for a spell as potent as yours? Only a wizard with your level of power could energise it for this long.


    Your ttery will not help you, Mr. Roth, though, I appreciate your sportsmanship. Ram grimaced as Prime took another blow from ygon.


    He looked at Alex. The young wizard seemed to be no closer to running out of mana than he had been before hed first made ygon disappear.


    But Rams energies were drainingthere was only one thing for it.


    Hed joined this contest to test his new spell, not spread lies or win tournaments. While winning would be nice, it would only be a bonus.


    You have done well in analysing force magic, though you always were good at that, Harsha said. He cracked his neck. However, I am a warrior. I prefer a more practical approach to magic. And as a warrior, I will reward you for how well you have done. You deserve my and Primes full power.


    With that, the professor poured everything he had into the spell.


    Hed either finish the match instantly.


    Or he would lose with honour.

 Chapter 593: Prime Time

    Chapter 593: Prime Time


    The timer was ticking down.


    The match was nearing its end.


    And so was the time for Prime.


    Professor Rams mana flooded into his spell like an undammed river swamping the countryside. The force construct shuddered, engulfed by its masters power, growing to twice its original size.


    Prime now loomed three times ygons height, with its long tail stretching most of the length of the arena.


    Roth looked like he was unable to believe his eyes.


    The audience gasped.


    And the announcer screamed. What have we here? Prime has suddenly doubled in size! What a shocking turn of events! But, rememberdies and gents, size isnt everything! Will a stronger, heavier and slower prime be able to handle ygons teleportation tactics?


    You mean stronger and <em>faster</em>, Ram said.


    Primes tail whipped out as the golem appeared behind him.


    It connected, knocking ygon to the ground with an ear-splitting boom.


    Ooooooh! the crowd leapt to their feet, grabbing their ears.


    Prime was a blur, dropping a colossal fist down on ygon, drilling him into the ground.


    wo the announcer started the countdown.


    The stone golem vanished, instantly reappearing above Prime, driving his fist toward the force constructs skull. Massive knuckles of pure force energy shot up quicker than a lightning bolt, the impact hurled ygon against the cage bars.


    The crowd roared.


    Ram clenched his teeth, sucking in a breath.


    Not good, he thought. Its draining too fast, even faster than when I used full power in the Cells. Its costing me more energy to attack ygon full force


    Aaaaaaaarrrgh! A terrible burning sensation drove a scream from Rams throat.


    His left arm felt like it was on fire, and his mana now drained even faster.


    The crowd gasped.


    The announcer looked at the professor with shock at the same time his young opponent asked him


    Are you alright? Roth called, concern in his voice.


    Fine. Ram faced his pain with honed discipline, even as he tried to work out what had just happened.


    The answer came to him.


    Im a fool. He thought. By increasing Primes power Ive also enhanced its size, strength and speedwhich means the sensitivity of the feedback system has also increased dramatically. I expected that to happen, because it happened during testing, but not like this, not with such intensity. Nothing I hit Prime with at the time came close to the force of Roth''s golemsno!


    He was deep in thought, analysing why hed felt such burning in his arm, when Roth chose to capitalise on hispse in focus, teleporting ygon out of Primes reach.


    A sharp pain hit Rams side, feeling like his flesh had been pierced; the golem appeared, stabbing his war-spear into the constructs torso. Harsha could <em>feel</em> the blow that seemed to shift his organs to one side to let the tip of that terrible weapon skewer his insides.


    If this is how it feels when Prime is protected by the arenas magic, Ram thought. Then how would it feel when


    Something struck him in the side of his head; he stumbled, his vision wavering.


    The golem slugged Primes skull with full force, whipping the constructs head to one side.


    Sir? the announcer called. Sir, are you alright?


    Im fine. Ram grunted.


    Prime drove another blow into ygon, sending the golem careening into the arena floor. The force constructs and professors lead in points was increasing. The timer was ticking down.


    If he could just keep pushingjust keep that point lead going before he ran out of mana, or some phantom impact drove him out of the fight


    Then hed have his sess.


    Ram eyed Roth standing across the arena.


    The young wizard continued teleporting his golem around Prime.


    He showed no sign of exertion or worry. How much mana did he and that staff have, anyway?


    Ram swallowed as Prime struck ygon again.


    He had to push even harder.


    Or he would be in major trouble.


    Were in trouble, Alex thought.


    The aeld staffs energies had ebbed a while ago, and hed been quietly drawing on his own mana pool for some time now. He hid that fact, keeping the movements of his lips so muted, that they appeared still from a distance, but the truth was, he couldnt keep this up for much longer.


    <em>Father!</em> ygon cried in his mind, sting Prime with his forehead beam. <em>I cannot bring it down! The ns not working.</em>


    It has to work, Alex thought. Rams pouring everything hes got into Prime, and every blow youre giving that oversized construct of his is hurting him. Weve got to keep going.


    <em>Butfather</em> the golem said, right before a giant ballista bolt struck him in the chest, knocking him to the ground. <em>Fatherhow much longer can youst? He hasmore mana than you</em>


    His energys fading, and mines still high, hes using more mana and youre wrecking his concentration, Alex thought. We have to keep this up. He has to believe well oust him. If he stops pushing, were done. The point gaps too wide for us catch up now. So, we have to make him drain his mana.


    <em>Fatherthe rounds going to end soon </em>ygon pleaded. <em>We dont have to win</em>


    But I want to win, Alex thought. And you deserve to win. And all those salivating bastardslooking at Rams iplete prototypeneed to be shown his spells limits.


    <em>Alright, fatherI will give my all </em>ygon unleashed his fire-beams at Prime.


    Rams growl was that of a wounded beast, but he still would not falter.


    Come on Alex thought, drawing on his reserves. Come on!


    Harsha Rams knees were close to buckling.


    One of ygonsst blows had nearly knocked him unconscious. His body hadnt been physically attacked, but his mind was convinced that hed been stabbed, bashed in the head, and stomped.


    His rigid stance was gone, reced by a slump in his shoulders as he stood beside the cage, his body shaking and his breath ragged.


    Just a little more, Prime Ram thought. A little more and well have them


    He nced at the timer.


    A little less than ten seconds remaining.


    Run out of mana! he willed the towering young wizard.


    But Alex would not fall. His expression never changed and his spellcasting never slowed. While ygon teleported around the arena, Ram reacted, turning Prime into a cloud of force energy.


    We have enough of a lead, he thought. Ill keep Prime moving now. Keep him out of ygons reach and let the timer run out. That will guarantee me the win.


    Ram concentrated on his force construct, manoeuvring it around the arena in dizzying patterns. He thought of reducing his mana flow, but he would need all of Primes speed to avoid ygons teleporting attacks.


    He just needed tost a little longer


    The cloud of dark force energy darted around the cage,pressing in mass, shrinking to stop providing an immense target for its rival. ygon fired his fire-beams at the retreating force construct, but Primes nebulous form wove through the air, escaping them.


    Less than seven seconds, Ram thought.


    Prime spiralled around the edge of the arena.


    Less than fiv


    He suddenly screamed.


    While Ram had been busy staying clear of the teleporting golems beams, ygon had thrown his war-spear.


    The force professor was caught by surprise andto avoid the dehe had Prime duck and spinright into the path of a fire-beam. Pain raged through his bodyas ygon approached, flying to the force constructs frozen form.


    Two of the golems fists were cocked back.


    Three the announcer counted.


    They drove into Primes shapeless form.


    Two


    It was too much.


    But he just needed tost a little longer


    Ram fell to one knee.


    Come on he thought. Count!


    But there was no more counting.


    The announcer was silent.


    The crowd was silent.


    The arena was silent.


    Ram looked up.


    No! he growled.


    Hovering near the arenas dome, ygon floated like a god of war and me, grasping his war-spear in one hand.


    MeanwhilePrimePrime was


    Prime has shattered! the announcer cried.


    Then Ram saw them: dissipating wisps of force magic. There was no mana left to feed the force construct, and ygon had atst shattered it with those final, devastating blows.


    Were witnessing a very rare event, folks! the announcer cried. Prime has not been pinned nor has he surrendered, instead, he has been destroyed! Lets turn to the judges, the decision is theirs!


    The judges were scribbling notes on their cards, looking at the cage.


    One rose and gave a signal to the announcer.


    In the event that onepetitor is unable to continue due to a knockout or in this caseapparent destructionthe match is forfeit! the announcer cried. There we have it! At only two seconds away from the bell ringing and ensuring victory, Prime is annihted! The winner of the Super-Heavyweight Division of the Duel by Proxy isygon and his master, Alex Roth!


    An explosion of noise ripped through the stadium and beyond its walls as the audience screamed, most leaping from their seats as one.


    The sound was almost deafening.


    People hooted, cheered, pped, and sped each others hands. Some held up betting tickets with delighted smiles stered across their faces, while others swore, ripping theirs to bits, their obscene curse words drowning under the crowds roar.


    Ram paused, thinking about the match.


    In the endthings had not gone the way hed hoped, though hed known the risks when hed signed up for this event. Prime was powerfulbut that power came at a price, one that he had been unable to pay.


    Its not ready, he said quietly. Not for realbat.


    Hed grown confident after defeating the other participants in the Duel by Proxyeven the ferocious Vesuviusbut he could see now that those early results had left him arrogant and <em>over</em>confident.


    And revealed his spells greatest ws.


    Prime drew too much energy. The connection that allowed him to operate Prime so well had turned against him. A seventh-tier spell was out of reach for all save the most powerful wizards. Primes durabilitywhile technically robustdrew too much from its master.


    The entire fight had taken ce under powerful magics that robbed blows of their most lethal capacities, yeteven thena wizard of his power could not keep Prime in the fight.


    What would have happened if this battle was outside the arena? he asked himself, rising to his feet. It would have taken even more energy to keep his form intact. What would happen if an archwizard cast Prime and was ambushed by something that threw streams of blows as powerful as ygons?


    Then theres the fact that I cannot cast spells on Primea major disadvantage.


    He squared his shoulders, looking at his former student.


    It had been a clean defeat: he had stepped into the arena with a powerful weaponbut onecking in crucial areas. And for that? He had been punished. And, if he was honest, he deserved the loss.


    He had no doubt thatin timeforce constructs would be a devastating tool in a powerful wizards arsenal, but today was too soon, there was more work to do, but, in his excitement, hed acted prematurely.


    Perhaps I am getting old. Impatient, he murmured, watching Alex Roth across the arena. When a student at least a third my age can thwart me so easilybah, well, I cant exactly me age for my defeat. That would take away the victory and credit from two who deserve it. Young Mr. Roth and ygon fought a good fightBaelin truly has created a monster, whoin turncreated another monster.


    The force professor gave Alex a deep nod of respect. Let these young ones find their own devastating path to victory.


    He smiled. For now. One day, it will be Primes time.


    Alex fought exhaustion as he waved to the crowd, his relief nearly buckling him at the knees.


    Two seconds, he murmured. Two more seconds and that could have been a disaster. But we did it. <em>You</em> did it, ygon.


    <em>Asdid youfather</em> the golem said aloud, floating down to stand in front of Alex. <em>Wetriumphed over a terribleenemy.</em>


    Well, thats what we do, Alexughed ruefully. We meet terrible enemies, we fight them and we beat them: sometimes with consequences and sometimes without.


    He nodded to the VIP box. And this time, it looks like its without.


    While a couple of Shales potential buyers still looked at Ram with interest, most hadpletely turned to face Toraka, pointing at ygon excitedly. The golemworks master was listening intently. From his distance, Alex could almost see the sparkle in her eye.


    A sparkle that Alex would recognise; the sparkle of one about to make a <em>lot</em> of coin. His relief was palpable. The golemworks was not about to lose its buyers to some new spell technology, so hed have time to make his fortune.


    This definitely tells me something, though: Ive already got the bakery, and my deal with Lucia going, but I should diversify more in the future. But, for right now, lets just bask in our victory.


    He looked up at the sky. If only all victories could be as bloodless.

 Chapter 594: Flim Flam

    Chapter 594: Flim m


    There was blood in the water for a moment there. Shale shook her head. Because people are idiots. Now, drink up.


    Toraka, you still havent told me what the hell happened up there. Alex took a long sip of his beer, the second one bought for him by his business partner.


    Thats because when you nearly get ughtered in business, you drink first, and talkter. Were like soldiers on the battlefield. Its just that the blood we shed is gold instead of red. Toraka guzzled a foaming stein of beer.


    She and Alex were hunkered down, sitting in a corner of a beer tent near the Duel by Proxys arena, with their hoods pulled up, and their cloaks wrapped tight. In a way, they looked secretive, like two unimaginative thieves meeting in a dim tavern just before a caper, thoughin this casethe hooded and cloaked look was less for cliche mystery and more for a practical need for some privacy since fans and admirers had clung like cobwebs after the match was finished.


    His and ygons victory in the Duel by Proxy had left the audience wanting more, and they hadnt had a second to themselves long after the match was done.


    Ram had quietly departed before Alex could even speak to him, and thenas soon as he and ygon had stepped outsidean excited mob of admirers had surrounded the two of them. He and yton had been bombarded with questions ranging from what sort of golem ygon was, to how hed gained intelligence and evolved, to what kind of training he had, and even if he ate.


    There were offers from businesses looking to coborate on sponsorships, people asking for interviews for the local gazette,<strong></strong>and even a fewmore racier invitations.


    Hed basked in the attention for a time, using the opportunity to reintroduce the crowd to ygon.


    And drum up some business.


    ygons state of the art. Alex had sped the golems arm. Completely unique, butif anyone wants a <em>simr</em>golemthen Shales workshop is putting a new line into production. Youll never have to worry about security again with one of our new golems protecting you, or your loved ones, or valuables. You saw what ygon did to hispetition in the arena. Even an experienced battle wizard with a state of the art construct couldnt bring him down. Now, imagine what hed do to a burr, assassin, or a hungry monster?


    The word james to mind, a teenage boy had said, drawing a ring ofughter from Alex and some of the others in the crowd.


    Yeah it does, doesnt it. And speaking of jam, Alex had said, smiling at the young man. He was surprised when the boy flinched and looked away, like a nervous fan meeting his idol. The Roth Family Bakery <em>is</em> operating on the tournament grounds. If you liked what you saw today, why dont you stop by the Vendors Alley. You cant miss it: our stand is the one with all the illusionary ygons above it. Buy enough bread and cookies, and I <em>might</em> be able to afford some new polish for ygon!


    Moreughter had spread through the crowd while his golem struck poses from the signs. <em>We makethe best foodthough I cant taste itso go andtaste it for me! </em>ygon said, his voice that of an enthusiastic young man.


    And that enthusiasm had been infectious.


    By the time Alexs friends and familywhod been standing at the side, chatting with Shale and Khaliks parentsdragged him from the crowd, there was an eager tide of hungry customers heading in the direction of the bakery stand.


    That was when Torakas hand had fallen on his shoulder. Come on partner, your friends have agreed to let me borrow you for a bit. Lets grab a drink and talk.


    And now they were settledfortably in the beer tent, with Alex sipping his second mug of ale while Toraka had downed three in the same span of time.


    So, she finally said, wiping her lips with a handkerchief. I take it you saw my panic?


    Yeah, Alex said. Those buyers looked ready to jump ship.


    Idiots. Toraka grumbled. They took one look at Prime and all they could think of was, free golem!


    Alex scoffed. Free golem? A halfplete seventh-tier spell cast by one of the most powerful battlemages at the university does not equal free golem...but I could see why they would have gotten so excited. I meana lot of our clients are archwizards, right? The way Prime looked in the beginning of the match, it seemed like all someone had to do was pick up a spell-guide, learn Force Construct and bam


    they get a construct without having to hand over a pile of coin, its a powerful construct, it can change shape, and goes away when its not needed. Toraka rolled her eyes. So, you can see why some of the non-wizard buyers were looking at Prime and salivating. You know what one of them asked me?


    Whats that? Alex leaned in, taking a long drink of ale.


    The woman actually said, if she could get a golem for free, then what use was I? Toraka snorted. And I get it: Im a businesswoman. The idea of free or easy supplies,bour or product is what I <em>dream</em> about, but listen to this: the one who asked me that? She was a <em>merchant, not a wizard!</em> She couldnt even cast a first-tier spell!


    Alex burst outughing. So instead of making a one-time payment for a golem that she owns forever, instead she pays a wizard to conjure a force construct whenever she needs one, <em>and </em>stick around to feed it mana? She might save coin in the beginning, buteventuallykeeping a powerful wizard on staff is going to cost her a <em>lot</em> more than just buying a golem outright.


    Thats what I said, and let me tell you, I was nearly impolite when I told her that, but I kept things professional. But that idiot almost had most of the other buyers convinced. Hells, <em>I</em> was nearly convinced after the first round! She shook her head, finishing her drink and ordering another one. Visions of financial ruin were crawling through my mind.


    Well, I cant me you, Alex said darkly. Listen, if I were you, Id either start funding Professor Rams research as a sponsor, or developing something that canpete with Prime. We saw what limitations the spell has right now, but Id bet you a lot of coin that Professor Ram went right back to the Cells and started working on ironing out those problems. What if he manages to up the efficiency of the spell and simplifies the spell-circuit? What if he manages to cut down on the feedback issues or somehow make the force construct autonomous? Then we really <em>would</em> be dead.


    At those words, Shale gave him a startled look.


    Then she burst outughing, starting first with low giggles that eventually grew into silent, body-trembling, fits ofughter with the asional short creeping in.


    Alex watched her, dumbfounded. Whats so funny? I dont think its funny: weve got to be ready for advancements in magical knowledge, or were going to be pushed out of the golem business.


    Sorry, I shouldntugh, Toraka chuckled. Its just thatwell, sometimes, I forget how young you are. Listen here, Alex, youre right to a certain extent, but you dont have to be as wary as you think. Every year, some wizardes along, iming that they have, or are about to overturn everything we know about magic, and that theyre going to set the world on fire with some new revolutionary spell. But heres the thing: most of the time, what theyre saying isplete and total garbage.


    She snickered. We call them flim-m masters. Here, let me tell you a story. About five yearsno waitit was longer than that. Toraka pondered for a moment. This would have been about twenty-five years ago.


    Right, so before I was born, Alex said.


    Toraka froze, giving him a pained look. Do me a favour, partner. Please dont remind me that I am hurtling toward bing decrepit? I mean, I am, but you dont have to remind me of it.


    Fine, fine, Alex said. So what about this person from twenty-five years ago?


    Well, there was this wizard who imed that they had achieved the miraculous and had managed to rework the efficiency of fireballs spell array. I told you before about young wizards iming that theyd made the most revolutionary discoveries, well, this storys different.


    Itd be okay if you already told me the story. I know the elderly tend to repeat themselves, Alex said.


    Toraka glowered. Gods, I wish I could still fire you.


    Fine, fine, sorry.


    I know youre not sorry, but Ill move on anyway. I think<strong></strong>his name wasLiznoOliveramaybe? I dont remember, and honestly, the names not important. What <em>is</em> important is that he<strong></strong>imed to have so thoroughly reworked the spell array, that hed transformed fireball into a first-tier spell. With no loss in power, and no loss in control.


    Alex whistled. Thats He considered fireballs spell array. It wasnt a spell hed studied in great detail, but hed taken a look at it when he was in the library thinking of ways he could help Selina with fire magic in the future.


    <strong></strong>Naturally, everyone ignored him at first, but then came the demonstrations.


    Toraka suddenly flung her hands in the air as though mimicking an explosion. He set up this booth in<strong></strong>various cesalways far from the universityand began throwing fireballs. Boom! Pow! Kaboom! They were some of the biggest fireballs people had ever seen. Just absolutely spectacr stuff,<strong></strong>and<strong></strong>everyone observing could see that they were first-tier spells. He even showed off the magic circuits. Well, that got people more interestedand then the buyers started showing up.


    Again her hands flew up. Boom! Boom! Boom! Young wizards all over Generasi were suddenly throwing around fireballs using his unique first-tier spell. Naturally, a lot of people were now rushing in to buy it. But, the more experienced people smelled something fishy: if a spell is third-tier, then its third-tier for a reason. Sometimes, youll get some sort of advancement in wizardry that changes our paradigms. But those are few and far between. If the world changed paradigms every five minutes, then everything would be a sea of chaos. Up would be down and left would be right from one day to the next. Nobreakthroughs are costly, and spells that are third-tier do not suddenly be first-tier. Sleight of hand.


    Wait, what? Why did the phrase, sleight of hand juste out of nowhere? Alex said.


    I mean the whole thing was sleight of hand, she said. The wizard and his customersall of whom were hired nts, by the waywere casting a simple first-tier spark spell that created a moderate burst of me. Effective for starting fires, but not a fireball. So, what they were<em> actually </em>doing was throwing out a tiny, butvery concentratedalchemical explosive that was hidden in the spells fire-bead. It would rupture and ignite, causing the resulting me from the spell to appear <em>much</em>rger than it really was.


    Oooooh, thats bloody clever, but they mustve gotten caught pretty quick, Alex said.


    No. He was actually smart about it. Hed tell people his supply of spell-guides were rare first-printings that one could only get by going to his office and cing an order. These guides would then be delivered right to peoples homes. Toraka chuckled. I almost admire the brilliance in the attention to detail in the scheme. By making it so that people received their spell-guides individually, it took longer for recipients to startparing notes when, obviously, the spells failed to produce the expected results. In addition, hed designed the spell array for his fake spell to be finicky, so even for more experienced buyers, learning it would take time.


    She shook her head. It took about a day for the first buyers to realise theyd been scammed and a few more before news really spread. By the time people realised what had happened, he was long gone. My point is, you sounded a bit like those flim-m masters, saying thattomorrowa spell thats seventh-tier and requires an advanced battle mage to even operate it, would soon be ready for public consumption.


    Toraka raised her ss. One day, Im sure Ram will crack it. But we have time. Andas our new, <em>actual</em> revolution gets under way, well look into new frontiers. Thats what business is all about.


    Ill drink to that, Alex said, finishing his beer. So basically, some of these buyers were thinking that the spell might be essible tomorrow.


    Exactly. A promising prototype is only a promising prototype until the final tests are done. Youve got to hunt for and perfect the next step before you can reap the rewardsmmm, speaking of hunts. Youre in the Grand Land Hunt, arent you?


    Alex smiled. Thats right: Theresa, ygon and I are entering again. And were going to win this time.


    Confident talk. I remember that Ranier<strong></strong>took first cest year with ease.


    Well, lets just say Ill have a little surprise waiting for him this time around.

 Chapter 595: Heels

    Chapter 595: Heels


    You sure this surprise youve got in mind for ourpetition is going to be enough? Theresa asked Alex while walking alongside him, Brutus and ygon.


    I cant say that Im a hundred percent certain, cos thatd be a lie, but Im real hopeful. Alex strode beside her, gripping the aeld staff tightly. His mind was going through the different steps of his n. Every part of it had to be executed to perfection if he wanted them to win the Great Land Hunt. This year, thepetition was fierce.


    All around, the woods and countryside were alive with activity as other hunting teams took their positions. A mix of skilled rangers, practised wizards and monster hunters spread out in groups. Some were apanied by hounds and other beasts, while others had flying constructs or summoned monsters supporting their teams.


    Most of the hunters looked anxious, ncing around with suspicion, tools and weapons held close.


    Anyone that was herest year, probably thinks that what happenedst year might happen again. Theresamented on the hunters looking twitchy. No one wants Ranier beating the rest of us in two seconds like he didst year. So, how sure are you that this will work?


    Like I said, I cant be positive, but I know itll be the best chance weve got against him, Alex said.


    <em>Wewill win</em> ygon said. <em>Grimloch won the Great Water Huntand you wonthe archerypetitionTheresa</em>


    The huntress cheeks turned red as she smiled. Wellthose archers from the Divine Wind werent there this year, so that made it a lot easier.


    Yeah, but youre also better than you werest year, Alex said. I dont think you should minimise your victory. You should bask in it, like Grimloch did.


    Theresa gave him a look.


    ...okay, maybe not <em>exactly</em> like Grimloch did, Alex said sheepishly.


    The sharkman had won the Great Water Hunt again<strong></strong>this year, but naturally, he hadnt done so with even the tiniest bit of grace.


    Even before the event had started, the towering sharkman had strutted around the starting boat, posing and grinning with glee as the otherpetitors red daggers at him. Of course, he didnt mind that at all, simply waving them over like a drunken brawler looking to start a fight in a tavern.


    His antics had made the audience go crazy, some outright booed the sharkman, while others roared their approval and chanted his name, holding up handmade signs that featured a grinning sharks head.


    Your brother has be the perfect heel, Isolde had said.


    I know Nua-Oge had buried her face in her hands, shaking it in embarrassment.


    Whats a heel? Selina had asked.


    It can mean a few different things, but in this context, Isolde had exined. It means a viinouspetitor, one who is antagonistic without outright viting the rules of sportsmanshipthough sometimes crossing those lines slightly.


    Oh no! Selina had said. Then people wont like Grimlochwait. She frowned, looking around at the crowds signs. Some even had little hearts drawn above Grimlochs winking face. Why do people look like they love him, then?


    Isolde had given Theresa and Nua-Oge a look, then sighed. Some people <em>like</em> viins.


    Yeah, Thundar had said, looking at Alex. I heard that the monster most wizards learn summoning for is the subus, aint that right? Dont get much badder than them.


    Ah, lets talk about that some other time, Alex had said, though Thundar was actually right. But, he didnt want Selina learning about subi and what all of that meant until she was older. Much older.


    The point of the matter is that viins in sport can be exceedingly popr, Isolde had said. Many people want to root for the bad guy as it were.


    Well, if bad guys were as nice as Grimloch, Id root for them too, Selina had said.


    My little brother? Nice? Nua-Oge had turned to Selina in shock. Ill have to tell him you said that. It might embarrass himbut for now, I think hes about to try his hardest to prove you wrong.


    And Grimloch had done exactly that.


    The sharkman had leapt into the water like a falling meteor the instant the starting bell had rung, rocketing after the colourful fish thepetitors were supposed to catch.


    Grimlochspetition had been ready for the sharkmansaggressive tacticsand most had prepared ordingly. Some drank body enhancement potions, summoned ocean-diving beasts and wore protective armour to protect themselves from the giant beastman.


    Unfortunately for them, the Grimloch from this year was <em>not</em> the same one as the Grimloch fromst year.


    Last year he was strong.


    This year, hed outdone himself; bing tougher, faster and far more ferocious than ever before.


    His bubblingughter had filled the water as he clotheslined, head-butted and body checked hispetition into floating, unconscious heaps. By the time the event was almost done, the remaining opponents were spending more time running from <em>him,</em> than looking for fish.


    The audience had gone wild, boos and cheers filling the skies as he hoisted up his trophy and his new belt of strength enhancement. His top prize win had sent a grin exploding across his face that sparkled like sunlight striking the oceans surface. His victory dance was bold, boorish, confident, rude and utterlycking in sportsmanship. It was like he was the championof the world.


    If the events officials had a problem with any of it, they never said so, at least not to his face.


    Theresas contest, on the other hand, had been far more reserved.


    Archers had assembled on the field, preparing to strike their targets. Like in the previous year, contestants from all walks of life hade to test their skills in one of the greatest contests of marksmanship that was held anywhere around the Prinean sea.


    There had been tall, long limbed bowmen that looked like theyd been training with warbows since they could stand. Swift-fingered elven archers clutched enchanted hunting bows, polished with runic script. Dwarves had handled strange contraptions made of steel and pulleys that looked more like machines than bows, and horse archers held bows with the skill of veterans whod lived through a dozen wars.


    Then, of course, Theresa had been therelooking every inch the huntress she washandling her cherished bow strung with the glowing string shed wonst year.


    Her weapon thrummed with power.


    The bow Alex had gifted her for her birthday, had received upgradesat one of Generasis finest weapons-workshopsenchanting its limbs with powerful magics that enhanced the distance that her arrows flew, the might of the bows shots, and the strength of its limbs.


    Much like the transformation that had let her be a stronger, faster version of herself over the past year, her bow had grown deadlier and served as a fittingpanion to the Twinde.


    And she had put it to good use.


    The firstpetition was where both power and precision were tested: the line of archers had to strike their targets, which would then recede to the next station one hundred feet away, and stay there for the next shot. This repeated, moving by one hundred feet, station after station, testing the archers skills.


    The previous year, Theresa had ced sixth after the first round, striking the outer ring of the bullseye at nine hundred feet. Shed lost points, which meant that thered been five contestants narrowly ahead of her in points, at that stage.


    This time, things were different.


    A better bow and another year perfecting her skills in bothbat and life enforcement had transformed her from a deadly huntress, to a supernatural one. Again and again, shed hit the bullseye,unching precise shots with only a nce, a quick pull of the bowstring, and a heavy twang from the enchanted weapon.


    Each arrowas thick as three fingershad pounded into her targets with the crack of a ballista bolt striking a tree, shaking them with each shot.


    Selina, Alex and ygon had chanted her name as she drove the target back, finishing the first round in second ce; an elven archer had struck the bullseye at a thousand paces, his arrownding in the second ring from the centre.


    Yet, despite the elfs slight lead, shed remained calm.


    Poised.


    Ready to take down her prey.


    Alexs eyes were riveted to her in that moment, the sight of that death-stalker face had turned up his heartbeat.


    The second contest had been a test of speed, challenging thepetitors to hit as many moving targets as they could within a time limit.


    Last year, this round had been the one that saw Theresa close the gap between her and thepetition.


    It was no different this year.


    The round had quickly be a duel, pitting her and the elven archer, who''d bested her in the first round, against each other. The contest was tight, they''d loosed arrows so quickly, that each one blurred across the field, barely visible. The stato impact of projectiles hitting their targets had been like a frenzied, drum beat, andby the end of the roundthe pair had released more arrows than an entire hunting party chasing a herd.


    When the dust settled, Theresa had pulled ahead.


    The final round was a test of power.


    The goal was to fire an arrow through a stack of targets, testing how many it could pierce at one time.


    Last year, the centaurs of the Divine Wind had run away with the round, their arrows crashing through five targets at a time.


    Though the team was absent this year, there were lots of neers who could easily have challenged their supremacy in the power round.


    Giant beastmen, and thick limbed-archers had sliced through four and five targets at a time. A couple of the stockier dwarves shots had punctured half a dozen targets in a row.


    But none matched the powerhouse force behind Theresas arrows; the huntress shots sted through targets like catapult stones through a wooden door, spiralling through seven and eight bullseyes at a time.


    The elven archerher closestpetitor, whod only managed to pierce the thickness of two targetscould only gape in awe as she unleashed what sounded like blows with the potency of a giants fist into the row of targets before her.


    By the contest''s end, not only had she taken the lead, but shed retained it, winning top prize: the enchanted hunting horn was handed to her by a grinning announcer.


    After the match was at an end and the prizes were handed out, shed turned to her opponents, bowing her head to them in a sign of respect.


    Yet, despite her show of good sportsmanship, Alex overheard some frightened looking audience members hissing the words heel and viiness to describe her; it seemed that good sportsmanship and respect had done nothing to quiet the pure terror that her death-stalker face caused some people.


    It was the same face she now wore as Wolud Ranier and his party stepped through a gap in the treeline up ahead.


    There they are, she whispered, looking the illusion mage up and down.


    For his part, he was happily chatting away with his teammates, oblivious to the death-re burrowing into his back as he stepped back into the trees, making conversation with his teammates as they made their way to their starting position.


    Brutus let out a low growl.


    Steady, Alex said, save that energy for when the contest begins.


    After another minute or so of walking, Alex, Theresa, Brutus and ygon arrived at their starting position in the woods. They were deep within the shadow of the trees, surrounded by the thickets that blocked them from view.


    This is a good ce to start a huntor it would be if we werent pressed for time, Theresa said. We need to move fast if we want a chance at catching that spirit rolok. Its fast, so as soon as it can, itll go still, then turn invisible.


    <em>Wewill be fine, Theresabelieve in fathers n </em>ygon said, looking down at Alex. <em>Itwont be long before the contest starts, father</em>


    Well, I think therell be enough time if I start right now, Alex said. Alright, Theresa, its time for operation hoodwink Ranier.


    With that, Alex lifted his aeld staffit let out a giddy wave of gleethen brought it down, dramatically driving its butt into the earth.


    Last year, Alex thought, using his and the Travellers power to reach across the nes, You summoned a swarm of wizards eyes to find your quarry before anyone else could move, Ranier. Well, friend-o, lets just say that two can y that game.


    And so Alex Roth began to summon.


    With terrifying speed, an entire army of summons materialised around him: hellhounds, air elements, Aervespertillos, hound engeli and every other hunting monster he could conjure.


    Then, he conjured the final piece to his little n.


    The air shimmered as his soul connected with the outer nes.


    There was a tinkle of bells.


    A swish of tails in the wind.


    And a celestial fox appeared before him, gazing on his conjured minions with a look of surprise and amusement. My, my, this is quite the assembly. What are we doing?


    Alex gave her an evil smile. Hunting. And if you get the quarry? Theres some fine sweets in it for you.


    My, my, my, my. The celestial fox stretched. Then we had better get started.

 Chapter 596: Hunting Sparks

    Chapter 596: Hunting Sparks


    Contestants! Wee to the Great Land Hunt! an illusion of the announcer cried, his voice rumbling through the forest. Today youll be tasked with finding a most elusive and charming creature, one some of you will be familiar with if you participated in the Land Huntst year!


    An illusion of a rolok covered in short, glossy, white fur materialised high above. Spirit roloks are fast and quite evasive, the announcer exined. These gentle creatures wield innate illusion magic that allows them to be barely visible if they stay perfectly still! But when theyre on the move, watch out! The little monsters can achieve top speeds that could leave even the fastest horse in their dust! You hunters will have to make use of your wits, endurance and cleverness to catch the rolok, so be prepared for a challenging, perhaps, even lengthy hunt. The Watchers will release her somewhere in the beautiful Generasi countryside between the four starting points. Hunters can hunt alone, as part of your registered team, ore together as arger groupbut remember, there is only one rolok to capture! The two teams, or individual hunters closest to the roloks location when shes finally captured, will take second and third ce respectively, depending on who''s closest! Ready yourselves, and remember, harming the rolok is, without exception, strictly forbidden! A hunting horn will signal the start of the contest, and another will signal the end!


    With a shimmer, the illusion of the announcer winked out.


    Here we go, Wolud said. Get yourselves ready.


    Wolud Raniergraduate student and master illusionist in the makingcrouched in a bush with his small team of close friends: the same group whod formed his teamst year.


    There was tall Otis, portly Garflied andnky John, all hidden with him, sporting overly rxed expressions on their faces.


    I dont know why youre telling <em>us</em> to get ready, Otis yawned. <em>Youre</em> the one whos going to find the bloody rolok in about ten seconds using your Wizards Eyes and illusionary screens, so what exactly are we supposed to get ready forwalking out of the woods?


    Might be five seconds this time. John leaned against a tree. How many Eyes can you send out now?


    Ten. Wolud focused on his illusionary viewing screens, making sure they disyed the images the Eyes were seeing in real time. All visuals were clear and precise.


    Pfffft. Garfield blew out a breath, taking a bite from a square of coldsagna retrieved from a knapsack strapped to his back. Then were going to be fine. Youll prate the roloks invisibility, grab the little monster, and well be at a food tent having lunch before we know it.


    Otis nced at him. I thought <em>that</em> was lunch.


    Theres second lunch to think about, Garfield said.


    John rolled his eyes.


    What? Its the best way to start off the beginning of the week. I hate the first day of the week. Garfield bit off another hunk of food.


    At least the smell of all that garlic should keep vampires away! John said.


    Quiet, Ill do all the work, but let me concentrate, Would eyed his illusionary screens carefully. The horns going to blow any second


    A deep powerful note from a brass horn soared through the forest, shaking the trees and signalling the start of the hunt.


    All around, the forest came alive as hunters crashed through brush and slipped between trunks, forming groups and spreading out.


    Hurry! someone called in the distance. Theres not much time until Ranier makes his move!


    Less time than you think. Wolud smirked, sending out his invisible Wizards Eyes.


    His viewing screens came to life as his spells glided between flora, giving him a clear line of sight of ten areas at once. Woluds smile grew.


    We love you, man, Garfield mumbled, his mouth stuffed with pasta. Get that prize for us.


    Just give me a second, the illusionist said, watching his screens with rapt attention. Im checking different areas: I should get a bead onWait, what in all hells?


    Suddenly, the entire forest exploded with cries of rm and confusion.


    Across his screens, pictures of chaos unfolded, images of hunters stumbling about in shock as packs of monsters raced through the forest; barking hellhounds ran free, air elementals spit lightning, zig zagging between trees, aervespetillos unleashed stunning sonic screeches.


    Whats going on? Raniers brow wrinkled in confusion. TheresOh. Oh this must be that tricky Roths doing!


    One of his screens went dark.


    Whats happening, Wolud? Otis bounded over.


    Something took out one of my Wizards Eyes


    Another screen went dark.


    And the others began to shine with blinding red and gold light.


    Thats celestial fox light! John cried. Someone must have summoned one. I heard they can smell magic: maybe theyre smelling your Wizards Eyes!


    If its Roth, hes using those summons to blind me and search the forest. Wolud red. Well


    Before the sentence was finished, a single note red from a hunting horn, catching everyones attention.


    Commotion exploded all around them as scores of hunters emerged from the trees with a mix of emotions on their faces. Confusion, annoyance, scepticism, and amusement, were the most prominent ones.


    Attention hunters! the announcers voice echoed through the wilderness. The spirit rolok has been captured! The winners of the Great Land Hunt have been decided!


    Woluds jaw dropped.


    They had already lost.


    Who the hell got that rolok so fast? Garfield asked.


    I bet I can make a good guess, Wolud said grimly. Roths gotten really good at summoning, from what I hear. And teleportation too.


    Oh Otis murmured. You mean that second year, right? Well, I guess almost third nowhes the one with that big, looming golem.


    He beat Professor <em>Hardass Ram</em> in the Duel by Proxy. John gulped. And badly too. He was toughst year, but I guess working on the expedition made him even tougher.


    Hes on the expedition to Deatnd? Garfield asked.


    Whats Deatnd? Wolud raised an eyebrow.


    Oh, you didnt hear? A bunch of people went to that Thamnd ce to get some of that new substance thats got the alchemy department going crazy


    I knew that part.


    well, did you hear that a bunch of folk got themselves killed running into caves full of monsters? The way I heard it, Thamnds got these caves in the wilds that have these ck balls in them, aye?


    Dungeon cores, theyre called: my girlfriends friend talked about them, but she wouldnt say much more than theyre this new, revolutionary discovery. Wolud said.


    Yeah, well did she tell you that these ck balls can make tons of monsters out of thin air? Garfield asked. Anyway, people went into those caves looking for a big pay-day figuring theyd get their hands on some of that substance and sell it, but they got themselves ripped apart like shredded meat instead. Some of the students have been calling the ce Deatnd ever since.


    Wolud glowered at the screens. Well, if Roths trained up in a ce called Deatnd, maybe we need to have some meetings. Make some alliancesI think were going to need allies if we expect to stand a chance in the Grand Battle.


    They didnt stand a chance, Thundarughed, pping Alex and Theresa on the back. You shouldve seen the look on Woluds face, all blown up on the big screen like that. He had this cocky smirk on his face, like the contest was already over, then all of a sudden, his face just kinda melted.


    The minotaur put on a look of shock and horror, drawing giggles from Selina.


    I would have given a lot to have seen that. Theresa smiled, rubbing her partners thick bicep. You know, this revenge thing actually feels pretty good: I think youre onto something with how much you go on about it.


    Yeeeeah, it feels good dont it! Alex stretched, grinning broadly. His fingers popped as heced them together above his head. You know, we should do a little mid-tournament celebration. Go to a restaurant or something, and have ourselves a good ol fashioned feast. Lets call it a post-victory celebrationbined with a pre-Grand Battle meal.


    Id like that, Selina said, looking around. Are we going to go to one of the booths? Or to the city? Maybe we could go somece a little more private.


    Theirrge group was walking through the tournament grounds, drawing eyes from passersby. People whispered and pointed at the grinning Grimloch, watched Khalik and Kybas with looks of admiration, and stared at Selinas big brother with awe.


    Children regrly ran up to ygon and Brutus, trying to talk to the golem and pat the cerberus, while their smiling parents watched.


    All of this attention wasweird, to Selina.


    At some point in their time in Generasi, shed started to realise that the brother shed thought of as regr and goofy, had somehow be famous; her ssmates and friends often asked questions about him in the weeks before the semester had ended, and people always pointed and talked about ygon when they walked down the streets of Generasi together.


    She wasnt sure if she minded that, buttoday with so many people paying attention to themshe knew she didnt like the idea of eating where random strangers could just interrupt their meal at any time.


    The solution is simplicity in itself, King Aksuma said, his voice smooth and rich like his sons. We can retire to our vi in the countryside: there will be few ces more private than that.


    Yes, I would like that, Queen Ishtar squinted at the crowd. All of this bustle is a bit much: a break would be lovely.


    Selinas eyes fell on the graceful form of Khaliks mother, gliding through the crowd among her royal guards. There was something about the woman that drew the young girls eyesome hidden force that often seemed to draw her gaze.


    Since the tournament began, Selina had noticed that the queen gave her special attention; she was always kind to her, as though she was a favourite niece of hers. Sometimes, Selina would catch Queen Ishtar watching her when she didnt think she was looking.


    And when she did catch her, the queen simply smiled and said nothing.


    If most adults behaved like that, Selina would have probably found it awkward or creepy and asked ygon to crush thembut there was something about Khaliks mother that felt oddly familiar.


    Comforting.


    Fascinating.


    Yet, she couldnt put into words why.


    So when Khaliks father offered to take the entire group back to their vi, Selina felt a mix of both nervousness and tion; she wanted to find out more about this mysterious woman, whose burn scar seemed to cause her no self-consciousness.


    She couldnt imagine having an obvious burn scar like that and not feeling ufortable about it.


    She was deep in thought when she spotted Shianiughing and talking with friends of hers a little ways ahead along the path they were taking through the tournament grounds.


    Ah! the young girl cried. Theres Shiani! She turned to King Aksuma, not trusting herself to meet Queen Isthars gaze. Er, sir she said slowly, ufortable at addressing a kingeven if he was pretending to not be a king.


    What is it, my child? he asked, his smile as kindly as Baelins could be. It was the sort of smile she imagined Uldar might wear, back when thoughts of Thamnds god still brought herfort.


    Um Selina said slowly. Our friend is over there. She pointed at Shiani. Would youwould you mind if we invited her?


    One of the guards cleared her throat. Maybe we should


    Oh dear. King Aksuma put his hand to his cheek in mock shock, interrupting his bodyguard. Ishtar, did you hear that? Well have another mouth to feed! What shall we do? I think it might strain Khaliks inheritance by half!


    Oh yes, Aksuma. Queen Ishtar said, wiping an invisible tear from her cheek. We will have to allow it to make our guests happy, but we will no doubt go hungry. She winked at Selina. Of course, young one, you can invite a friend if you wish. It would not do to break up our sons social group.


    Motherfatheryou are embarrassing me. Khalik pressed two fingers to his temple.


    Good. King Aksuma patted his son on the back. You need to keep humble, son.


    My mighty oak flower is humble and delightful, Sinope said proudly.


    Khalik groaned.


    Alexughed. This is a <em>great</em> day and thank you for inviting us over. Lets stop by our booth and pick up some sweets for dessert, Alex said to Khaliks parents. And I also promised someone some goodies for their help during the Land Hunt. Yeah, itll be a nice way to spend some of our day.


    Yeah, I think so too, Selina smiled, shyly looking at Queen Ishtar again.


    Within her, something sparked.

 Chapter 597: The Spark

    Chapter 597: The Spark


    The spark filled Selina with an unusual sensation of warmth. A feeling that arose within her core, unlike any warmth shed encountered before. It felt as though something had been stirred up within hersurprising her, making her gasp.


    What is this? she wondered, as the spark pulsed. It feels likea small melike embers burningbut where is it? What is it?


    Frowning, she looked away from Queen Ishtar and pulled her brothers sleeve. Im going to ask Shiani if she wants toe eat with us, okay?


    Sure, that sounds great, Alex said.


    She turned away, but he caught her shoulder, holding her attention.


    He was looking down at her with a gaze that seemed to pierce her, like he was looking right through her. You alright?


    Y-yes, Im fine, she said quietly.


    Before he could ask any more, she slipped free of his grip, d to get away so easily. It surprised hersince she knew how strong he washow smoothly shed managed to do it, but maybe he hadnt tried to keep her there for fear of embarrassing her by asking her a bunch of questions in front of everyone else.


    Alright, if you need to talk about anything, Im right here, he leaned down, speaking softly.


    Selina nodded, keeping her face neutral and turning away before an expression of worry could betray her.


    Heading toward Shiani, she pushed through the crowd, thinking about that strange spark shed been feeling. It was still there, still pulling her toward the queen even as she walked away from her.


    What is it she wondered.


    She remembered something.


    <em>When youre learning how to use Forceball, </em>Alex had said, one quiet evening in theboratory in the basement of the bakery. <em>You want to feel around inside yourself and find your mana. Knowing how to do thatll be real useful for all spells, but youre really going to need it for controlling Forceball: mana maniptions key for directing it. And the first thing you need to know when youre manipting mana is how to find your mana pool. First, check this out</em>


    Alex had ced his hand on her back and carefully instructed her over the next several nights. At first, her mana pool was hard to find, it was like trying to pick up a needle in a massive, dark room.


    But her brother was always there, slowly guiding her with his words, an encouraging voice in the darkness.


    And in time, Selina had found that needle.


    <em>Wow!</em> shed cried one evening, looking up at her brother with wide eyes. <em>I feel somethingit feels warmand kinda tingly.</em>


    <em>Youve got it!</em> Hed patted her shoulder, he was all smiles. <em>And you found it a lot faster than I ever did. I guess thats what happens when you have a teacher as smart, brilliant, clever, strong and devilishly good looking as I am</em>


    <em>Please dont ruin this, Alex,</em> Selina had begged him.


    <em>Right, right! Well what you want to do nextoh, I wish I had a painting or something to save this moment forevoh by the Traveller!</em>


    <em>What? What is it? </em>Shed asked.


    <em>Dont move. Just dooont move. Stay right there.</em>


    Alex had taken the Travellers artefact, pointed it at the two of them, then clicked a button and the small machine had made a noise. The grin on his face as he stared at the artefacts screen spread from ear to ear.


    <em>Well, well</em> hed said. <em>This looks even better than I imagi</em>


    <em>Alex! </em>Selina had reminded him she was still there and not moving. <em>The manas getting harder to feel!</em>


    <em>Oh no, sorry sorry! Here, its</em>


    Her brother had guided her through searching out her mana pool, learning where it was found in her soul, and how to know when it was full, and when it was empty. Shed been so excited that shed wanted to just start casting spells right away, but Alex wasnt ready for her to try casting on her own, at least not yet.


    But, she <em>was </em>allowed to practise locating her mana on her own.


    She walked slowly as she approached Shiani, identally bumping into someones bag as she walked past them while focused on reaching deep within herself.


    Sorry! she apologised, dividing her attention between finding her mana and watching where she was going.


    She centred her thoughts, and found her mana, feeling its tingling warmth rooted in her soul, like a ball of heat. And within her mana pool, she found the spark, it was pulling her back toward the queen.


    Selina frowned, her eyes flew wide.


    I think I know what it isI think it has something to do with my mana. The spark feels hot now. Maybe its my fire affinity? I wonder how the queen got that burn scarI wonder if she has some hidden fire magic too? But wouldnt that make her afraid of fire because she got burned? Hmmmm or maybe shes got a fire affin


    Selina! a happy voice called from ahead.


    The girl left those thoughts, bringing her focus back to her surroundings where a smiling Shiani was waving at her.


    I havent seen you since the opening ceremony of the Games. The fire mage gave her a hug. Did you see your brother and the others win the Great Land Hunt? sheughed.


    I sure did, Selina said, keeping her concerns from her face. Maybe we can talk about that over lunch? Are you doing anything?


    I havent made up my mind yet, some of my friends are going to a restaurant in town and I was thinking about joining them, Shiani said.


    Maybee with us insteadits going to be a really good lunch.


    Oh? Shiani cocked her head.


    Yeah, Selina said, remembering the food at Khaliks parents vi. <em>Really</em> good.


    Selina, you were not lying! Shiani eximed. This food is amazing.


    King Aksuma let out a deepugh. I must give the chef yourplimentssince I think he might be a little too busy toe out of his kitchen to appreciate your kind words.


    He gave a sidelong nce down toward the end of the long table that was set up in the vis dining hall, where a certain giant sharkman was inhaling food as though it would be thest morsels that heor anyone in the worldever ate.


    Foods good. Grimloch said, scooping up a trio of swordfish steaks and dropping them in his mouth like he was snacking on grapes. Not the best Ive had but good. Pretty hard for food to be bad anyway.


    Khalik cleared his throat. I believe what Grimloch <em>meant</em> to say is


    Foods good. Not the best Ive had but good. Pretty hard for food to be bad anyway, Grimloch repeated, his ck, doll-like eyes falling on Khalik. He swallowed loudly. Crowd gets loud during events, but that shouldnt have made you deaf.


    Kybas<strong></strong>started nodding.


    In every corner of the room, in clothed guards tensed, eyeing the giant sharkman with daggers in their eyes.


    Grimloch cared about as much as a giant bull would about some buzzing flies on his back.


    His reaction seemed to make Khalik cringe as much as it seemed to amuse King Aksuma. The queen, however, was pointedly ignoring the enormous sharkman. Their initial meeting had been soured by Grimloch simply responding to her many conversational questions about himself, his friends, and his victories with little more than shrugs, grunts and questions about when the food would be ready.


    Isolde, Khalik, Theresa, Shiani, Alex and even Thundar tried to smooth the situation, but the sharkman was having none of it. Selina even heard the minotaur whispering to the prince.


    Hey, your parents arent the executing type, are they? Thundar had said softly.


    Khalik had merely returned a pained smile beneath dead eyes. We will find out, I suppose.


    Wee to try. Grimloch had rumbled, his sharp earshoned through life enforcementeasily picking up their words.


    Try what? King Aksuma had asked.


    The food! Khalik said quicklyalmost desperatelyas hed guided the conversation away from a potential international incident.


    Luckily for him, at that moment, servants had entered the dining hall with tters of steaming delicacies, and Grimlochs mouth had be too busy to offhandedly offend any monarchs.


    Now the entire table was rxed, tucking into their meals while an entire cart of fruit tarts from the Roth Family bakery waited at the side of the chamber, kept warm by magical hottes bearing symbols for fire magic.


    Selinas eyes had rested there for a time.


    Fire Magic.


    Sparks.


    Affinities.


    That spark in her mana pool had not faded, leaving her with growing questions.


    She nced at Queen Ishtar, who was deep in conversation with Shiani about the food, the events and the younger womans studies. The queen seemed <em>very</em> interested as she and Shiani discussed her advanced curriculum in fire magic courses, and how they resonated with her peoples teachings.


    Selina was quiet, still not trusting herself to speak while trying to piece together what the feeling within her was.


    At her side, her brother told a story.


    What is a flimm? King Aksuma asked, sipping a goblet of honey coloured tej. The drink was a kind of mead, and Alex had been very clear that Selina was not to try any of the alcoholic beverage for at least a dozen years.


    Flimm apparently means deceptive nonsense. Alex was saying in a merry tone, pouring back his goblet of tej. A number of cups of the delightful drink had been emptied by him and Theresa as they celebrated their victory in the Great Land Hunt. My business partner was telling me this story about a scammer who came to Generasi a while back to do what scammers doscam people.


    A scammer, hm? Aksumas face turned cold. We jail scammers in Tekezash. For a very, very long time.


    Well apparently, this one got away with murder. And by murder, I mean scams, not actually murder, he said. Turn of phrase


    I do believe he understands, Isolde said quickly.


    The young noblewoman shot Theresa a quick re: the huntress was red in the face, giggling at her boyfriendsments. There was no helping from her.


    Yeah, right, right. Got it. Understandpletely, Alex said, saluting Isolde as though he was a Thameish soldier.


    Ugh! his cabal mate rolled her eyes.


    But King Aksuma simply chuckled. It is good to see that Khalik has made such easy going friends. Come, continue your story.


    Right, so this guy tried to Alex told the story of the man whode to town to convince the wizards of Generasi that hed changed the fireball spell so utterly, that even a young child could cast it.


    He went into detail about how the man had fooled dozens of wizards through a mix of lies, showmanship, and alchemy.


    Selina was almost disappointed to hear that; the idea of a fireball spell that was easy enough for a child to cast set off a yearning inside her that shed only just begun to explore.


    No! she scolded herself. I only want to learn fire magic so I can use it to make cold out of fireprobably. At least I could use it to put out other fires, like Alex did at that windmill.


    But even as she thought the words, she knew deep inside, a part of herwas interested in fire for different reasons.


    No, dont think about that, she thought. You wouldnt hug the Ravenerso you shouldnt think about hugging the thing that killed mum and da


    Her train of thought ground to a halt when she noticed something.


    King Aksuma had grown quiet, throwing nces at his wife.


    Actually, much of the room was quiet.


    Shiani and Queen Ishtar had stopped talking, and both had turned and were listening to Alex tell his story.


    Selina flinched at the expression of utter fury that now covered the queens face. It was so stark, that it actually frightened her. The intensity zing from her demeanour made it seem like she was ready to choke someone; at times, shed seen a simr expression on Alexs face when he talked about the Ravener or Zonon-In.


    Her brother trailed off, looking at the queen. Er, Im sorrydid I say something to offend?


    You said nothing problematic. The offence does not lie with you, Queen Ishtar said. Finish your story.


    Alex threw a look at Khalik, who subtly nodded.


    Her brother shrugged. Well, theres not much more to it, unfortunately, or fortunately, as the case may be. The flimmmer got away with his scam, taking off into the Generasi countryside before anyone could grab him. ording to Toraka, he was never caught.


    Ah, that is indeed an unpleasant ending, King Aksuma said. Im sure many in the city would have liked to see such a man captured and rightfully jailed. Such schemes seem victimless, but in fact, they cause real harm. When I was a boy, a famine devastated Tekezash due to drought, and though my father had several archwizards call for rain, the weather changes were temporary. The drought persisted.


    He frowned. Then came the merchants, bringing their supposed miracles from the east to offer my country a miracle crop. They said this crop would grow at any elevation, in any weather, and need little, if any water. In desperation, many viges traded everything they had for these marchants seeds. And, the crop grewbut unfortunately, though the nt was hardy, it was also poisonous. And, also quite predatory: the reason for its hardiness was because it was a nt <em>monster</em>. They grew quickly, killed many, and took us the better part of a decade to rid ourselves of their infestation. Such a scam imed many lives.


    And worse, the queens voice was like ice. This manthis<em> creature,</em> used his trickery around the subject of fire. Fire is a precious thing. A very precious thing.


    Finally, Selina couldnt take it any more. Why do you say that? she had to know. Why do you think its so precious?


    The queen looked down at her in surprise. Because fire is a part of all of us.


    She pointed at her scar. It is certainly a part of me.


    Across the table, Khalik looked at his mother with worry.

 Chapter 598: The Light of Creation

    Chapter 598: The Light of Creation


    Mother, Khalik sounded worried, as he threw a nervous nce at Selina. Perhaps we should speak of this at another time. He gestured to the window. The sun is high, the day is beautiful. Theres no need to darken our lunch with topics that might invite dread.


    Id like to hear what she has to say, Shiani said, her expression uncharacteristically irate. She clenched her jaw. This man disrespected holy fire. I would also have a lot to say on that, but your mother spoke first.


    The queen smiled appreciatively. But any cheer shed just shown withered as quickly as it had appeared. The fires of creation burn in us allsparks leftover from the great heat that started all things, whether<strong></strong>mortal or god. The fact that this corrupt creature disrespected such a sacred thing is beyond offensive.


    Something about her wordsthe sureness in her tone, made Selina ufortable.


    Even angry.


    Maybe fire deserves to be offended, she said.


    Her words were meant to be a whisperso quiet that only she would hear thembut shed misjudged<strong></strong>the depth of the heat in her and the quiet of the room around her.


    Every head turned in her direction.


    The queen raised an eyebrow. Those are hard words, my child.


    They need to be, Selina said, that spark growing inside her. Whatever it was that was drawing her to the queenwas also stoking her irritation. Her anger. Fire doesnt deserve to be defended like that.


    Selina. Shiani gasped. Ive never heard you talk like this before. We have spoken of fire. What it can meanbutI understand where your angeres from.


    Imaybe not <em>every</em> fire is bad, but why are you defending it so much? Selina met the queens gaze, and in that moment, the fact that this was an older woman she was talking to, Khaliks mother, and the monarch of a nation, fled.


    Now, there was only fire.


    Selina. Alex quickly put a hand on her shoulder. This is probably a hard topic for you, maybe we can talk about itter.


    The young girls hands balled over her dress.


    She didnt want to talk about itter.


    She didnt want to talk about it at all.


    The spark red, and all the anger boiled to the surface. All her frustrations. The old hatred. The old shame.


    Andher weariness.


    She was tired. She was tired of fire being the thing that killed her parents, she was tired of the guilt she felt, she was tired of feeling spikes of shame each time it urred to her that her hatred for fire was fading. She was tired of having to carry a piece of her parents killer within herself.


    She was tired of that evil intrusive thought, tired of the nightmares she used to have, and the guilt she felt when they finally faded.


    All of that came out in a flood.


    How could you like it so much? She looked at Queen Ishtar. It burnt your face. You should <em>hate</em> it!


    Selina! Alex squeezed her shoulder. Come on, thats enough.


    You can use fire for good things, Selina continued, undeterred. Thats true. Shiani told me about all the good things to thank fire for, but it also does terrible things. Fire hurt you. You should understand.


    Sel Alex started.


    Did fire hurt you? Queen Isthar asked, her voice dropping to the lowest and gentlest of tones. Did it hurt you, my child?


    Fire killed mom and dad, her voice turned to flint. A suspicion rose in her mind. It burnt down our home and took our parents away. It can be a good thing, but


    The spark in her red, and she hated it.


    ...what did you do to me? she demanded, ring at the queen. Her small hands pressed to her torso, touching the area where she felt the spark. You put something in me, didnt you? Did you cast a spell on me? It feels like theres a cinder in my mana pool!


    Oh. Shianis hands rose to her face. Fire-kissed.


    What?


    Now Alex was looking at Queen Ishtar, his eyes narrowed. Then realisation dawned, and he shot a look at Khalik.


    Whats going on? Selina demanded, staring at the queen. What


    Then one of her earlier suspicions came back, and suddenly she was so sure of it, that it seemed ridiculous that she hadnt realised it earlier.


    Do youdo you have a fire affinity? she asked in a tiny voice, pausing, then forcing out the next word. ...too?


    Queen Ishtars smile was as warm as the morning sun; if Selinas earlier outburst had angered her, she gave no sign. I do. And I feel the same spark drawing me to you as well. Our affinities are pulled to the fire within one another, I am so d that you know!


    Your mom has a fire affinity? Alex asked Khalik, his jaw hanging open.


    The prince looked at his mother for a moment, then sighed. It is nota public thingand she is as zealous about it as a priest bowing<strong></strong>before their godbut yes. Yes, she does.


    You said that your parents were in in a fire? King Aksuma<strong></strong>spoke, staring at Selina and Alex as though seeing them for the first time. I am so sorry to hear that. I cannot imagine what that would have done to you at such a young age. To be forced to bear such a terrible burden.


    Queen Ishtars warm smile faded, her eyes closing for a moment. For an instant, her expression became one of pain. And then to have a fire affinity yourselfthat is an agony I know well.


    A little shock went through Selina. What do you mean?


    Queen Ishtar frowned. I thinkperhaps we should talk a little more privately. Would you like that?


    Questions whirled in the young girls mind as she stared at the queen. As far as she knew, the queen was the first person with a fire affinity that shed ever met andunlike her ssmates with elemental affinitiesshed been scarred by her element.


    Just like shed been, in her own way.


    II would like to talk, she said in a tiny voice.


    The queen nodded, standing and drawing herself up to her full height. Aki, entertain our guests.


    Of course, Ishtar, the king said.


    Next, the queen looked at Khalik. Son,e with me. It was clear from her tone that it was not a request. You too, Alex, if you wish. Would you be alright with your brothering with us, Selina?


    Yes, please! Selina said. Andcan ygon and Shianie too? Shianis been telling me a lot about fire magic; shes helped me a lot.


    The young woman froze, then quickly nodded. Id like toe along, if its alright.


    <em>Sowould I,</em> ygon said.


    Yes, I think that would be appropriate. The queen looked at the servants. Prepare the study for us. Well be there shortly.


    The vis study was an inviting room at the rear of the house,fortably furnished with overstuffed velvet armchairs, low tables, and tall bookshelves lined with heavy, leather bound tomes. A table stood beside one of many lofty windows overlooking formal back gardens bursting with flowering hibiscus in shades of coral and red.


    A stone firece yawned open in the nearby wall, though the heat of the day dissuaded anyone from lighting any fire within it.


    Selina held a cup of cold mint tea while she sat facing the firece. She could almost see the me that would dance in the hearth on a cool Generasi night.


    Sitting across from her was the queen of Tekezash, while Alex, Shiani and Khalik sat nearby. ygon stood over them all, his gaze never leaving Selina.


    Theyd been silent since the servants had left them alone, lost in their own thoughts, seemingly waiting for Selina to speak first.


    She felt unsettled in the heavy silence, and for a time, she wanted nothing more than to run from the room, go home, fling herself into her pillow and cry herself to sleep.


    Instead, she inhaled slowly. I was in the Cave of the Traveller with silence-spiders everywhere and that awful hive-queen trying to kill us. I shouldnt be afraid of a conversation.


    She exhaled. Did you know I had a fire affinity right away?


    I suspected it, the queen smiled. From the moment we first met. I could feel the fire in you: and its a bright and beautiful fire, the kind that burns evil away and warms civilizations. But I wasnt sure if you knew yourself, and I didnt think it would be right for me to bring it up.


    Okay Selina said slowly. And you have a fire affinity too?


    I do, the queen made a face. Unfortunately, I dont have much talent for magic. My husband is a far better wizard than I will ever beexcept when ites to fire spells. There are few in Tekezash who can match me in conjuring the beauty of me.


    Selina nced at Shiani, who was eyeing the queen withawe, and maybe a little envy.


    For the first time, it urred to her that <em>Shiani </em>probably would have given a lot to have been born with a fire affinity.


    Its crazy, she thought. I dont like fire, and I get a fire affinity. Shiani loves it and she doesnt. The worlds nasty sometimes. I hate when its like that.


    I hope the queen said slowly. I hope you dont dislike yourself for who you are, my child. Such a thing isnt healthy.


    Selina flinched. Its weird. I dont like that I have a fire affinitybut I guess Im not as mad about it as I used to be.


    That is good. Very good. The queen smiled. Fire is a gift. Its a beautiful thing.


    Alex shifted in his chair.


    Khalik cleared his throat, and threw a look at his mother.


    Shiani winced.


    Only ygon was silent, still watching Selina.


    Selina ignored them, her eyes falling again on the queens scar. She swallowed. Howcan I ask you another question?


    Certainly, Queen Ishtar said gently.


    Howhow did you get that scar?


    Khalik stiffened, and Alex looked nervously at the queen, but neither spoke. Shiani was watching the older woman intently.


    The queen gave a sad smile. It was the foolish mistake of a young girl who decided to run before she could walk. Her eyes drifted to the window, as though watching a scene ying out. When I first found my fire affinityI wasted. Beyond words, really; it was like I had met a piece of myself that was always out there somewhere, but I never knew I was missing.


    Her fingernail traced the rim of her tea cup. I had always loved fire when I was a child. My parents told me that I used to stare at the candles and fireces around our home. Once I nearly put my hand in an open me. I was drawn to it as it seemed to be drawn to me. When I was five, I tried starting<strong></strong>my own fire andcame close to nearly burning our familys home down, she paused, watching Selina. Is this story too much for you?


    No, Selina said, wide eyed. Except for the trying to set her own fire part, the queens story felt like a mirror turned on her own life: the fascination with me since she could remembertheir experiences were the same. No, I would like to hear more.


    Alright, well, my parents were at a loss as to why I did these things. They loved mebut they thought I wasdisturbed, the queen continued. I thought I was sick too, to be truthful. But when I discovered that the fire was born with me, that it was an innate part of me? She smiled. Everything became clear. I was not broken, or damaged, my inner fire was calling me to me. My young self was like a tadpole seeking water without knowing why, and then, I finally knew.


    Her smile faded. Butmy excitement punished me. I loved fire, but it must be respected. She touched the scar on herface. And I learned that the hard way. You see, once my mana was discovered, my parents sought a teacher to help me learn how to harvest my talentbut his lessons were boring. I didnt care for instructions on magic theory, they were dull, and his bnced approach to magic drove me crazy. It was me that I craved, not history lessons!


    The queens expression darkened. And one night, I decided to just get it.

 Chapter 599: Fire-Kissed

    Chapter 599: Fire-Kissed


    I waited until the hush of night, just as it turned midnight, the queen said, her voice grim. It was during the time of drought and famine in Tekezash, and, for most, it was a truly terrible time. My familys food stores were holding well enoughwe were not feasting, but we were not without most meals either. Though, I wish I could say the same for those who lived in the countryside: everything, even the lowliest weed was dead. The people were growing hungrier. Desperate. My father led patrols across ournds almost daily, because in lean times, bandits multiply. These were desperate folk leaving fallow fields and useless farm tools to pick up the spear or the bow and shield. Tension was high, and my mother had instructed our guards to keep a strict watch on the outer walls of our home.


    She<strong></strong>sighed. Ournds were attacked and some med my fathers decisions for the drought and the famine that followed. He asked the king and queen<strong></strong>for aid, because the gue of nt monsters brought to our kingdom by those swindlers was spreading, but the army was stretched too thin. We were all afraid, and almost every eye in our home was watching the countryside.


    That sounds awful, Selina shook her head, trying to imagine what that time must have been like. But she couldnt; there was never a time in her life when she didnt have food to eat, either in Alric or Generasi. Mr. and Mrs. Lu had talked about bad years with bad harvests when they were young, but the rains had always been kind in Thamnd for as long as she could remember. If her stomach grumbled, she could always find a snack for herself in the kitchen or therder, or could simply wait for Mr. and Mrs. Lu to prepare the next meal. It was the same for everyone she knew back home: no one ever talked about going hungry, and in Generasi, food was even more delicious, more plentiful, and easier to get than in Alric. There were so many different kinds of fruit trees growing wild, that getting something to eat was as simple as reaching up and picking something off a branch.


    If she actually thought about it, shed never known anyone whod gone hungry; famines were terrible things from dark stories, or bleak history lessons from the church school. Never in real life. The thought of hiding at home, hungry, and knowing that starving people were roaming around outside desperate for any scrap of foodreminded her of those demons that had attacked the Gamesst year, the thought was probably just as terrifying.


    So what did you do next? Selina was on the edge of her seat.


    I snuck out of my room and into the hallwaythankfully, no one was about and I quietly made my way to the library. My mother and father were not wizards, but my teacher had brought many books for me to study from; different spell-guides and books on magic lore that hed ced high up on the shelves, she said. And as quiet as a mouse, I took a chair, climbed up on it, and took the spell-guide for Hands of Fire down. Then I went back to my room.


    Selina swallowed as the queen continued.


    I was so curious that I quickly opened the spell-guide, though I didnt think I would be able to use it. The queen continued. My teacher had only taught me the simplest of spells, yeteven if this spell was more advancedI could cast it. It was actually easy. The magic seemed to want toe to me.


    Something about those words excited Selina; the thought of magic <em>wanting</em> toe to herbut she shook off the feeling.


    Im going to <em>use</em> fire, she thought. Im going to use fire to kill fire. I shouldnt be happy about that.


    But even as the thought entered her mind, the spark grew brighter and warmer, yearning for me.


    What happened next? Selinas excitement was getting away from her. Did the spell go wrong? Did you have a she paused, trying to remember what Alex called it. A mana reversal?


    No. Queen Ishtar smiled dreamily. The fire came to me without a bit trouble. As much as I had struggled with my general lessons in magic, this magic came freely, naturally. I knew without the slightest doubt that the fire was born to me, and it wanted toe to me. It almost felt like the spell was casting itself as I muttered the words.


    Hm, Alex mused, but said no more.


    In the end, it came quickly, Queen Ishtar said. Too readily. And too powerfully. mes shot from my hands, spraying over my bedchamber; and my bed and desk began to burn.


    Selina gasped, her hands trembling.


    But the queen continued. Of course, I started to panic and though I was trying desperately to put out the mes with the pitchers of water and curtains that were in my roomit zed even brighter. And thats when it kissed me. She touched the scar on the side of her face. I had never felt pain like that before in my young life, and all I could do was scream and cry while the house guards ran to my aid. It took much time to snuff the mes, but they managed to keep them from spreading.


    Khalik winced. I do not like when you tell this story, mother. You were hurt and it frightens me to think what might have happened to you The prince froze, looking at Alex and Selina, pain taking his face.


    Its okay, the young girl said.


    Her older brother waved him off. Yeah, dont worry about it, I get it. I get it better than most people would.


    ...thank you, Khalik said slowly.


    What happened after that? Didnt you hate fire? Selina asked.


    She knew that if shed done what the queen had, then <em>she</em> would have hated fire. And maybe even herself.


    No Ishtars handresting on the tablecurled into a ball. My parents and teacher berated me and I took my well-deserved punishment; I was not allowed to touch fire magicor even light a candle by myselffor two years. Those were some of the worst days of my life.


    But why? Selina demanded. Fire hurt you! Why didnt you hate it? Why dont you let someone take that scar away?


    The queen smiled sadly. Fire is like an unruly chil she paused, looking at Selina closely. No..that is not right. That exnation is not right for you. She thought for a moment, looking outside, squinting against the sunlight. Tell me, Selina. Do you hate the sun?


    There was silence.


    What? the young girl asked, exchanging a confused nce with Shiani.


    Do you hate the sun? the queen repeated her question.


    N-no Selina said, her confusion growing.


    Have you ever been too hot on a summers day?


    Yes, the young girl said slowly. The first hot day this summer was really ufortable. I put on a dress that was too heavy and I felt sweaty and gross the whole day. My hair looked like matted dog fur.


    The queenughed, a warm sound. And you were annoyed that day, were you not?


    Ya


    Were you angry at the sun?


    No, that doesnt make sense. Selina frowned.


    What about the wind? It gets cold where you are from, and the wind must make it worse. Do you be angry at the wind? Do you hate it?


    No! Thatd be weird.


    Fire is the same, the queen said. Shiani told me of the spirit of fire that her people worship.<strong></strong>We both told you of the magic of fire and its warmth. There are deities of fire that govern heat and me throughout the world. But what of fire itself? What is it? Well, I will tell you: it is like the sun, the wind, the rain and the heat. It is like lightning and earthquakes and the tide. It is like sand, the cold and the earth. Fire has no mind, Selina. Not even a beasts mind.


    She smiled. There is beauty in that, I find. Fire does not scheme. It does not hunger. It does not hunt. It simply is. And it helps us, like the rain and the water and the wind and the sunbut it can hurt us too, just like they can. So when the fire burnt me, I did not me it, for who was there to me? Fire did not <em>want</em> to hurt me. Fire <em>did</em> not hurt me.


    The queen pointed to the firece. Fire cannot <em>want</em>. It cannot <em>do </em>anything with intention. Fire only <em>is</em>, and it is other things that direct fire, such as fuel, wind, rain and people. She caressed her scar. Fire was the tool that burnt me. But who really did burn me? <em>I</em> did. I was careless with it, and so I kept this scar to remind me <em>never</em> to be so careless again. And now you know my journey to me.


    Selina only realised shed begun to cry when the first tears ran down her cheeks.


    Her brother was out of his seat in an instant, with a handkerchief in hand, but she spoke before he could touch her.


    If <em>you</em> burnt yourself She jumped out of her chair. if <em>you </em>did that to yourself and <em>youre the one whose fault it is</em>, then what about me! Selina pressed her hands to her chest. Did I burn my parents to death? Was that me? I was too small to know or remember anything when they died! Was that me? Did the firee out of me and burn up our whole lives? Was that me?


    Alex stopped, his face turning as white as a sheet.


    A small part of Selina regretted her words; shed never told him what she suspected. For fear he might hate her. In case he might try to hide the truth by protecting her. All this time, shed been too afraid to ask <em>anyone.</em>


    But nowin front of someone else with a fire affinityshe couldnt hold the words back anymore.


    She had to know.


    Thats impossible, Shiani said, her hands to her mouth. By the mes, is that what youve been thinking this entire time?


    <em>Ohno</em> ygon said quietly.


    By the Sapphire Sea, Selina Khalik had half-risen from his chair.


    Selina Alex said, his voice shaking as he came toward her.


    She raised her hand. <em>No!</em> If he hugged her, she wouldnt be able to think anymore. This spark inside herthis little ember of me and anger that gave her enough strength to finally ask that questionwould die if he hugged her now.


    She would go back to cowering and wondering.


    And right now? She was done with cowering.


    What you think is not possible, the queen said, her tone as gentle as a low wind. But it is a question asked by many with our affinity. And the answer is that its not possible.


    Youre lying. Tears poured down Selinas face as her voice broke. Youre lying, arent you?


    She couldnt allow herself to hope. She couldnt.


    The queen paused, weighing her words carefully. I am not, nor would I. Ask yourself this question Selina: you have mana in you but have you ever made magic? Have you ever identally cast a spell or used power before anyone taught you to?


    well...no, the young girl admitted. But, fire could be different. You said it was inside me, so it coulde out!


    Thats like saying that because a baby has hands, she could wield a sword, the queen said gently. The world is full of many wonderful things that I will never understand. But I know fire. And I know affinities. And I tell you that what you fear is what many fearbut it is impossible. It cannot be.


    But what if it is! Selina insisted.


    Its not, Alex said. But even if it were, then you couldnt me yourself. Itd be like ming a baby for crying. You were too young to know any different, even if it <em>were</em> possible. But, Selinaand I mean thisits not possible. You didnt do it, and you shouldnt me yourself for it. Itwas an ident. A horrible, horrible ident. Andsometimes thats what happens in life.


    He frowned. Sometimeswe just lose something, and theres nothing we can do about it.


    The queen rose from the table. He is right, Selina. It is not your doing. There is no fault. It was just fire being fire. Andhate it, reject it or love itfire is a part of you.


    But what ifI dont know if I want it to be part of me? she asked.


    Queen Ishtar rounded the table, looking down at her. Sometimes, as were growing, we hurt ourselves. But we cannot reject that part of ourselves any more than one can cut out their own soul. Instead, we must master it. That is the way I see it. So tell me, how do you see it?


    Selina paused for a moment, looking at the firece.


    All her life, shed been yearning for firebut since her parents died shed been running from it.


    She wanted to make cold from firebut even if she did, that would mean learning about fire. <em>Mastering</em> fire.


    Selina looked at her big brother.


    Hed been Marked with something that nearly ruined their lives, something that could have destroyed his.


    But, what had he done? Hed mastered it.


    What would she do?


    She sniffled. How could she use fire to make coldor for anything else if she didnt face it?


    Her hands clenched into fists.


    Umyou said you learned that fire spell really fast? she asked the queen. Could you teach me one? Could you teach me a fire spellright now?

 Chapter 600: Arc of Fire

    Chapter 600: Arc of Fire


    What? Alexs jaw dropped. You cant do that!


    I need to. She looked Alex directly in the eye, her gaze not wavering. Fire is a part of me, just like its a part of Khaliks mom. If I dont do this now, then Ill never do it. Please, Alex. Just let me do this.


    Her brother watched her closely for a moment, his expression drifting between concern and fear.


    Selina, he started. Maybe we can save this for another time. Maybe we should think about all of this and discuss it then maybe


    Please, Alex, she begged. Youll be right here, you can watch me and check to see if Im doing anything wrong. You can stop me whenever you want, just let me try. Ive been doing well in school and with <em>all </em>my lessons, right?


    She meant the forceball lessons he was giving her in secret, bringing them up seemed to strike a chord in him. His broad shoulders liftedas though he was preparing to brace himself against an invisible weightthen he looked at the queen.


    I dont like this he began to say.


    Selina took a step toward him. Alex, please!


    Now, hold on. He held up a hand. Let me finish. Lady Behr-MedrI dont like thisbut Id be willing to let her try, if youre willing to do this with her. If you dont, Id understand: you came to see Khalik and rx, you didnte here for this. But, um


    The young man paused, searching for his words. Look, Ill speak in: people with fire affinity arentmonand I think youre the only person with one that I know of among our group of friends and family. And, likeUgh, Im rambling.


    He drew up his chest, and hardened his jaw, then lowered his head. I dont have a fire affinity: I can teach Selina all the wizardry I know, but Im never going to really understand fire the way you do and the way she will. Its not in me. So, I think youd be a better person to teach her her first fire spell. Andfor something as delicate as this, I dont think I want to trust something so important to a stranger. I trust Khalik, and you raised him, and you raised him with honour, so I trust you. More importantly, Selina trusts youSoplease.


    His head dropped even lower. If you do this, Ill make it up to you.


    Yes, mother. Prince Khalik rose from his chair, bowing his head to her. I think you want to do this, but I will still ask that you do it as a favour to me. You taught me many things as I grew up; I can think of no one better to do this. You would be good for her


    Stop, stop, by the gods, stop! The queens hands rose to her cheeks. All this begging is unbing of both of you, though I understand the sentiment. I was going to do it from the moment young Selina asked me; guiding fire to its proper ce is something that brings me joy. I will be happy to guide her fire.


    She turned to Selina. But, are you sure you feel ready for this, my child? It is a big step. You can stop at any timebut I tell you this from experience; fire is a part of you and once you begin, you will not want to stop anymore than you would want to stop walking once youve tasted the freedom of taking your first steps. So, are you sure?


    And for a moment, Selina was not so sure.


    Regret yed inside her, dulling the spark in her mana pool. She began wishing shed never brought any of this up, she considered dropping it, pretending it never happened. She could apologise to everyone shed dragged into this room and then go back to lunch.


    She could force herself to smile andugh, tears couldeter, when she was alone tonight. Then tomorrow, she would make sure her smile andughter was real.


    The thought was tempting, growing in her mind, and as it grew, the spark dulled as she came closer to turning away from the fiery precipice thaty before her.


    Then, her eyes fell on ygon.


    The golems head was cocked slightly to the side. His hands were raised, and he was staring at his fire-gems. Then, he reached up and touched the gem sitting in his forehead.


    And she knew.


    If she ran away now, not only would she be running away from a part of herselfbut she might be putting her own fears and guilt onto ygon.


    Im not a baby, and I shouldnt act like one, she thought, both hands forming fists. If I do that to me and him, then that makes me as bad as that fire. She caught herself, suddenly remembering what Queen Ishtar had said. No, Id actually be worse. She was right: fire just <em>is</em>. Mom and dad died because that fire was just being <em>fire</em>. Just like wind is wind and water is water. If Generasi had a big flood and people died, I wouldnt me water for being water. So, if I run away, it wont help me or ygonit''ll be because Im just being scared. And Im not going to do that either of us.


    Selina looked up at her brother, her jaw tightening. Alex, could you go get Theresa? Ishouldve asked her toe. I want her to be here for this. She turned to Queen Ishtar. I want to do this, she said. Im ready.


    I will not teach you the same spell that I started with, Queen Ishtar said, sitting across the table from Selina. As she spoke, a pair of Wizards Hands floated beside hereach burning in a bright orange radianceeach one drawing a spell array onto a piece of parchment. Lets begin with the spell that I wish I had started with: Create me.


    Nearby, Khalik sat beside Shiani. Alex hadnt returned with Theresa yet, and Selina fought the urge to keep looking at the closed door.


    She couldnt wait for them to get there; she knewif she stopped nowshe might still lose her nerve.


    And she couldnt let that happen.


    Thats a good spell to start with, Shiani said with approval, keeping her voice low.


    What does it do? Selina asked.


    Just what its name says, the queen exined. It creates a floating me in your palm, and you can control it. You can hold it and use it for light, like a torch. You can use it as a weapon and throw it at anyoneing to attack you. Or you can simply use it to start a fire in your firece. Which is what well be doing.


    She nodded to the hearth, ygon was putting kindling and foot-long logs inside.


    Selina swallowed, then breathed deeply.


    She didnt know what she was more afraid of: the fact that she was about to literally handle fireor just how excited that thought made her.


    ShouId I be worried about setting the room on fire? she asked nervously.


    The queen reached across the table and squeezed her hand, her smile reassuring. I have already cast Control Fire, it allows me to regte the intensity or movements of a fire source. Ill make sure your me doesnt get away from us.


    Im d youre here, Selina said softly, her eyes falling on the parchment.


    Queen Ishtars Wizards Hands finished jotting down the spell array, then put their pens aside and slid the parchment across the table to Selina.


    Her hands shook as she examined the spell array and the incantation above it. There were areas of the magic circuitry she recognised from forceball: certain parts responsible for calling and controlling mana were simr.


    There was also another section that was familiar to her: it was the part responsible for the spells mana maniption.


    Can I control fire like I could a forceball? Selina asked.


    Not quite, the queen said. But you can control your mes intensity with mana maniption. Are you good at that? Its a difficult skill that I, even at my age and experience, still struggle with.


    Me too, Shiani admitted.


    It is not as easy as Alex makes it look, Khalik said. It is alright if you have not developed that skill quite yet, Selina.


    No, no, I can do <em>some</em> mana maniptionbut, Alex is a lot better at it, Selinas eyes were fixed on the sections of the spell array that she didnt recognise.


    Her inner spark red when she spotted them, letting her know that they had to be rted to fire.


    Suddenly, fear gripped her, making her flinch, screaming she should give up and do something else. Screaming she should stop.


    But, she didnt stop, instead, she looked back at Queen Ishtar. Will you teach me the words of the spell?


    Of course, the queen said. That is why we are here together.


    In slow, patient tones, Khaliks mother sounded out the words, making sure that every syble was clear. She had Selina repeat each word after her, correcting her pronunciation as they went.


    But, there were very few corrections for her to make; the words rolled off Selinas tongue as smooth as cream, as though shed been saying them her whole life.


    Within seconds, Queen Ishtar was nodding. Now you know the words of the spell, take your time and review the array.


    I Selina said slowly. I think I already know it.


    Oh? Ishtar raised an eyebrow.


    Her affinity is very strong, Shiani reminded her.


    Ah, of course, that would make sense then. the queen nodded. Perhaps you <em>would </em>learn it so easily since the fire in you is so bright. Well then, are you ready? Ill be here to help you.


    Selina swallowed, looking at the door.


    No sign of Alex or Theresa.


    <em>Ibelieve you arereadySelina, </em>ygon said, <em>you are ready.</em>


    thanks, ygon. She took a deep breath and picked up the parchment.


    She exhaled then took another deep breath, focusing her mind as Alex had taught her over those many nights training in hisb.


    Andfor the very first timeSelina Roth began speaking the words of a fire spell.


    Her inner spark bloomed, seeming to rejoice as it burst into a bright, zing me.


    Her spirit sang as something missing from her soul finally united, andbefore she knew itthe words of the spell were flowing unbroken from her lips as though shed always known them.


    Across the room, the door swung open.


    Alex and Theresa rushed in, stopping dead in their tracks mere inches beyond the threshold.


    By the Traveller! Alex gasped.


    Within Selina, her mana sped onward, filling the magic circuit as it assembled itself. Magic zed,ing to life, eager to do what it was meant to.


    And in that moment, all of the young girl''s fears were forgotten.


    All the trepidation. The reluctance. The shame.


    In that one breath, they all burned away as wonder ignited within her.


    She almost missed the moment shepleted the spell and the magic circuit red.


    Suddenly, in the palm of her hand, a small point of orange light sat.


    Andwith a triumphant roarfire erupted,ing to life.


    By the gods! the queen gasped.


    A towering ze hovered above Selinas hand, rising into the air to nearly half her height. Yet, this was no unruly, spitting fire.


    It was bright and obedient, like a loyal pet simply waiting for her.


    And, it was the most beautiful thing the young girl had ever seen. All the wonders of Generasi paledpared to that cheery fire created by her own mana and her own hand.


    She felt like she could watch it forever.


    But, some of her tion began to crack.


    She remembered what this was, it all came rushing back: the thing that killed her parents. That ruined her and her brothers lives.


    Shame rose in her, but the queens words silenced it.


    Fire doesnt <em>do</em>, she thought.<em></em>It just <em>is. I do.</em>


    She carefully rose from her chair, watching the me closely. Im going to the firece.


    I will help you keep control, if you need me, the queen said, though her words sounded like they wereing from a dozen miles away.


    Are you helping me control it now? Selina asked, thoughdeep downshe already knew the answer.


    No, I am not. Your control is extraordinaryI cannot believe this is your first time casting fire. Go. Bring the me to the hearth.


    You can do it, Selina, her brothers voice came to her. Im proud of you.


    Me too, Theresa said. You can do this.


    You were meant for this, fire-kissed, Shianis voice was filled with pride.


    <em>Itsbeautiful</em> ygon said.


    Wonders upon wonders, Khalik murmured.


    Their words hardened Selinas resolve.


    The young girl strode across the room, her steps measured and even. Standing before the firece, she turned her hand toward it, then pressed the me to the wood.


    Instantly, the kindling caught, a dazzling ze roared to life around the logs. Selina stepped back, watching the fire dance in the once-cold hearth.


    There.


    Fire created by her.


    Not runaway fire that burned and killed.


    Her fire.


    And in that moment, she knew she had a choice.


    She could step away from the me, and just learn the fire magic she needed to resolve her dream of moving heat. Oror she could embrace the me, using it as it was meant to be used.


    Selina paused, looking at Alexs right shoulder.


    And she smiled.


    Was fear why she hadn''t seen it before?


    Alex was given the Mark of the Fool, he couldve run away and lived his own life with his family, or he could have served Thamnds needs and fought alongside the Heroes to defeat the Ravener.


    But, he hadnt really chosen either, had he?


    Hed left Thamnd for Generasi, but hed also gone back, stronger and better prepared.


    Hed done both.


    And she could do the same.


    I did it, everyone! she cried.


    Tears ran down her face, both happy and sad.


    They could be both.


    I did it!

 Chapter 601: The Flames Journey

    Chapter 601: The me''s Journey


    She did it, Alex sat staring into the countryside. She actually did it. His tone was a mixture of awe and disbelief. I dont know if I want to apud, high-five her, or scream.


    She looks happy, Theresa craned her neck, looking back at the vi.


    An hour had passed since Alex watched his little sister bring a shaft of me to life in the palm of her hand, and even now, he got goosebumps when he thought about it. It had been beautiful, yet terrifying.


    The sight of the me dancing in her handthe power radiating from itand the reflection of it sparkling in her eyesall seemed like he was looking at someone else.


    At that moment, his little sister was gone, reced by the image of someone, who in the course of time, would be a fearsome archwizard, controlling me like she would her own breath.


    In her, he now saw the seeds of someone who could wield a power that would make other mages and enemies tremble. Hed always looked at Selina as just his baby sister, though shed grown a little taller, and a little wise. Even as he taught her magic in the quiet of hisb, hed merely seen her as his little sister who was safely taking in the lessons he was giving her while following his timeframe.


    But today?


    Today had shown him a prelude of what could be: a <em>powerful</em> woman destined to be a great wizard with devastating powers of me.


    And he wasnt quite sure how he felt about that.


    She looks <em>really</em> happy, Theresa said. Come on, look for yourself.


    Wincing, Alex turned to peer through a window looking into the vis study. Brilliant fire light flickered in the room, glowing red and orange. After Selinain her first tryhad mastered the Create me spell, Queen Ishtar had wanted to teach her first-tier Control me. Used together, the two spells would let her conjure fire, andmand it like a forceball.


    <em>But the spell requires great concentration,</em> the queen had said. <em>If you do not</em><em>mind, I will teach Selina this spell alone. It is best if she has no distractions while she learns it, especially since her affinity is so strong.</em>


    Alex had expected his sister to tell her that she wanted her family and friends to stay with her.


    But, he was wrong.


    Shedpletely surprised him.


    <em>Its okay, </em>shed said to everyone. <em>I dont want to hurt any of you, so I should do this by myself. I need to be able to control my fire properly.</em>


    <em>You dont have to do this right now,</em> Alex had told her.


    But shed simply shaken her head.


    <em>I do. And I really want to do it now. When Im done, Ill be able to make and control fire. And I have to be able to control it if I can create it,</em> shed said.


    And how could Alex <em>not</em> agree? She was right.


    Watching her now, he knew it was the right choice; she looked delighted, standing there while she suspended a small ball of me between her palms.


    Queen Ishtars lips were moving, watching Selina closely as she made the ball of fire slowly drift back and forth between her hands.


    She really does look happy, Alex sighed, watching her bodynguage closely. Tensiony in her shoulders. But


    He let the word hang.


    But youre not happy about that? Theresa said, one of her hands falling on his.


    Its not that Im not happy, Im just worried.


    About what? she asked softly.


    Well, is she really ready? he said. What if she was caught up in the momentthis whole thing came out of nowhere, Theresa. I had a n for teaching her magic. It was safeit was slowit was perfect.


    Maybe not for her? Theresa pointed out. Not perfect for her, I mean.


    How do you mean? He gave her a puzzled look. Was I doing something wrong? Was she telling you that I was messing up her lessons or something?


    No, nothing like that Theresa said, searching her thoughts. Her ebony hair glistened in the afternoon sun. Listen, Alex. Do you remember what we talked about before we went into the Cave of the Traveller? Back when we first left Alric?


    Which part? And what about it?


    Remember you wanted to go into the cave by yourself, to protect Selina? And I told you that she would fight to get back to you? She wouldnt just ept some excuse and go with me to the ships: shed sneak off and try to find her brother, remember? Theresas voice was filled with a fierce sort of pride. And I still believe I was right. So, what did you do next? You gave her the choice of going into the Cave with you, me, and Brutus, or taking another route. And she chose the Cave, even knowing that there couldve been silence-spiders in there. Alex, that was less than a day after one of them <em>nearly killed her.</em>


    Yeah, shes brave, I get it, Alex said. I always knew that, and I know shes growing up, but


    Im sorry, but you dont <em>really</em> get it. Theresa pressed her hands to his cheeks, turning his face toward her. Listen to me, Alex, people might call us <em>all</em> braveor crazyfor going into that cave, but think about it. I wasnt a fraction of the warrior I am now, but I was <em>still</em> a warrior. We had Brutus, and hed hunted bears before.


    At the sound of his name, the cerberus let out a low groan as he sunned himself on the vis wall behind them.


    Yes, youre a very good and brave boy, Theresa told him. Then there was you. You were basically defenceless, and you went in


    Now hold on, dont go calling me brave, he interrupted her. I was desperate, thats what I was. I <em>had</em> to go in there if I wanted a chance at my own life outside of being Uldars stooge. That doesnt make me <em>that</em> brave.


    Doesnt it? Theresa asked. You <em>could</em> have given up and hidden in the woods, but were not talking about you. Were talking about Selina. She <em>chose</em> to go with you. She knew she could have left and gone to the ships with me, butinsteadshe walked into a cave of silence-spiders and who knew what else, at the time, when she was only <em>ten years old</em>. Alex, thats crazy brave. Its strong and its decisive. Shes more ready than you think she is. She just needed to realise it herself.


    Alex paused, thinking for a moment.


    Yeahwhen you put it that way, I get it. But stillit feels a bit, I dunno, lonely? Maybe<strong></strong>even more so if she <em>is actually</em>ready<strong></strong>for this. So, okay, Theresa, just look at it this way for a moment.


    He began listing off points on his fingers. Selinas really smart, and shes got a <em>great</em> head for geometry and architecture. Thats going toe in real handy for understanding spell arrays. He listed his second point. Shes also starting magic <em>really</em> early. He listed a third point. Her affinity is <em>nuts</em>. Like, shes going to be picking up fire spells <em>super</em> fast. Honestly, Im probably going to be spending most of our lessons teaching her restraint, judgement, and different forms of magic <em>other</em> than fire. Shes not going to need me to teach her how to channel me magic beyond just introducing her to some of the basics.


    Alex shook his head. Shes probably going to hit a wall because of the size of her mana pool and because shes still a kid, butby the time she enrols in the university, I bet you shell probably have learned fourth-tier fire spells. Shes going to be a <em>monster.</em>


    Uhmyou meanlike the rest of us? Theresa pointed out.


    Well, yeah, butI dont knowmaybe she could just be a kid for a little longer?


    Alex, youre overthinking this. Shes still your sister and nothings going to change that: just because she learned some fire magic doesnt mean shes not going to need you anymore. If anything, shell need you more than ever now. I mean, sure, when I was fourteen I was running off into the woods all the time and I got into a lot of fights with mom and dad, but I stayed with them and I got along with some of my brothers. Mostly. She loves you, Alex. She always will.


    I hope so, Alex grumbled. Remember that travelling<strong></strong>skald that came to Alric four summers ago? Remember he told a story about how this jarls son became some super powerful sorcerer, then turned all arrogant and evil, and how it all ended with everyone dying?


    Theresa raised an eyebrow. Alex, do you really think shes going to turn arrogant and evil?


    Well, no but


    So many buts, sheughed. Too many buts. Just rx. Theres going to be dark days ahead, and you shouldnt be spending your happy ones worrying about things that probably wont happen.


    He gave her a long look, before sighing. His shoulders slumped.


    You know, youre probably riNo, I know youre right. You are. A lot, he said, putting his arm around her and kissing her gently.


    Its one of the reasons why I wanna marry you, he thought.


    I know, she said, holding him close. And listen, if you want to prove to her that she still needs her big brother around? Wed better kick some ass in the Grand Battle.


    Hah, thats the n, he said.


    Wed better have a n. I bet you a stack of coin that every teams going to being for us.


    No doubt, but Ill have a surprise waiting for them. Alex smiled. Ill show Selina that her big brothers still got a few tricks up his sleeve.


    ###


    <em>I wanted totell you that Im sorry,</em> ygon said, his head and arms hanging low as though he was a marite with his strings cut.<em> If you wantI wont use my fire anymore.</em>


    What? Selina cried, herrge eyes blinking in shock.


    It had taken over an hour of practise before Queen Ishtar was satisfied that the young girl had gained proper mastery over her two spells.


    Shed made fire dance, snuffed it out and made it ze brighter each time, doing it with ease, as if shed learned the spells from the moment she could talk.


    Shed hugged the queen like she didnt want to let go when they were done, then rushed out of the room to find Alex and her friends.


    Yet, it had been ygon that shed found first, standing just down the hall.


    Hed called out to her and


    Why are you apologising? Selina demanded. You didnt do anything wrong!


    <em>I was using fire all this timeit was hurting and scaring youwasnt it? </em>ygon asked.


    ygon, its okay! Selina went to the golem, wrapping her hands around one of his enormous, stone fingers. Its okay.


    <em>It is notI am here to protect youand father,</em> he said. <em>If I am hurting youI am not fulfilling my purpose, Selina.</em>


    ygon, you used your fire to protect us and youre part of our family, youre not just here to fulfil a purpose! Selina cried. And its okay, it was scary when I first saw them butyour fire is beautiful. It burns demons and monsters, and thats a great thing. You dont have to apologise!


    ygon looked down at her in utter silence before speaking again.<em> Are you sure?</em>


    She wrapped her arms partly around his waist. Im sure. Im really sure. Your fire is awesome. Youre awesome, and you dont have to apologise to anyone for using it.


    <em>okayyou are sure?</em>


    Im sure! Your fire-gems are a part of you, like fires a part of me, she insisted. Its okay. Now,e on, lets go find Alex and the others, okay?


    Okay ygon said slowly.


    Together, the young fire mage and the golem walked down the hand with ygons finger clutched in Selinas gripthey went searching for their loved ones.


    ###


    As the pair turned the corner, Queen Ishtar stepped from the doorway of the study, listening to the golems thundering footsteps receding in the distance.


    Shell be great, one day, Ishtar whispered, remembering her early days of mastering fire. Shell be better than meam I getting old? Maybe I should start practising again.


    The Queen of Tekezash shook her head. Come now, Ishtar, you have no need to keep up with the young and talented. Let them have their time. Thats what father would say. Its time for them to have their time.


    Smiling to herself, she slipped down the hallway.


    ###


    Wee to the final and most spectacr event of The Games of Roal! Gemini shouted. The Grand Battle!


    The crowd screamed and whistled, a sea of bodies in the stands.


    This is the most prized event in all The Games! The Watcher continued. One that tests prowess and spell, teamwork and instinct: the culmination of every event in The Games, and the ultimate disy of prowess!


    Suddenly, from a doorway in the middle of the stadium, brass constructs resembling cylinders with stick-thin arms floated, each held a unique banner. The constructs circled the teams on the field in a cluster, stopping, then separating and shooting toward an individual team,ing to rest beside it. Banners fluttered in the breeze. The g waving beside Alexs team was a deep orange with a ck star in the centre.


    Here we go again, Alex whispered, standing strong among his team.


    The final event of the tournament had arrived.


    The excitement in the arena was alive.


    And atst, the Grand Battle was set to begin.

 Chapter 602: Prelude to the Second Grand Battle

    Chapter 602: Prelude to the Second Grand Battle


    Days of intensepetition had built to this moment, capping them with an event that all of Generasi longed for, the most anticipated test in the Games of Roal: The Grand Battle.


    Gemini floated in the air, pointing to the illusion of a low, t-topped mountain sitting high above her. Hermanding voice gave thepetitors their instructions. For reaching the central point of the ind, a total of sixty points will be awarded. For holding that positionand preventing other teams from reaching itthe sessful team will receive ny points for each hour its held under their control. The Grand Battle shall run for the duration of four hours, or, until only three teams are left standing! Remember, if an entire team is eliminated, it doesnt matter how many points theyve umted, all points will be forfeited and that team will suffer defeat. Now, with that being said, I wish you all good luck, and may the greatest warriors of weapon and spell triumph! And please, we expect no less from you than to act with integrity. No dishonesty, underhandedness, or duplicitousness will be tolerated. Monitors are watching the ind from above.


    Toraka Shale was seated in a VIP box in the stands with Sim, pointing ygon out to a new crop of investors. Richly d, and leaning forward, they watched the golem with marked interest.


    Near them, King Aksuma and Queen Ishtar sat with Sinope, surrounded by a squad of alert inclothes Tekazashi honour guards, blending in with the crowd. The royals apuse remained polite, but not quite as subdued as it had been, it seemed the dryads enthusiasm had infected them over the course of the tournament. Their cheering was animated, far more than when they watched Khalik and Najyahpete in the Duel by Proxy, especially in Queen Ishtars case.


    For his parther husband seemed to actually be paying attention to people for once, and not just the bea


    Huhwait...


    Alex squinted, looking closer, realising that the kings attention was on Vesuvius as much as it was on his son and his team. His eyes were lit with delight as he admired the enormous beast.


    The young wizard could only smile and shake his head. Everyones got their hobby, I guess, he thought, looking for Selina in the crowd.


    He found her looking rxed and a lot more at ease than hed seen her for a while. That subtle tension that yed in her bodynguage since the demon attackst year, was mostly gone.


    She looked excited.


    Happy.


    Content.


    Watching her, he felt relieved, knowing that shed started to heal. Her journey wasnt over, it was just beginning, butat least for nowshede to a good ce inside herself. She was sitting beside Kybas,ughing at something he was saying and waving around a card covered with figures representing her brothers entire Grand Battle team. The young fire mage was cheering like she was about to burst with excitement as Kybas whooped and jumped up and down, holding up his own card ofwhat looked to be Harmless and Grimloch eating thepetitors.


    Well, at least his hearts in the right ce, Alex smiled to himself. I wonder who else is here?


    He looked around, spotting Carey seated high in the stands, surrounded by members of the expedition team as she made short work of what looked like a fried pastry, her eyes rarely left Alexs and Tyris teams.


    She <em>did </em>look different; her expression was harder, more confident, surer than before. Alex remembered what Tyris had said between matches during the Duel by Proxyabout Carey changinghe could see what shed meant, the difference in the young womans manner was pretty stark.


    She was talking to a few people near her with a self-assurance he hadnt seen in her since he first met her back in first year when she was trying to get him to join Campus for Uldar.


    Looks like maybe shes making friends, Alex thought. Which reminds meI guess Baelins still with his.


    He looked back at the VIP box, noting one conspicuously empty seat.


    The chancellor was nowhere to be seen during this year''s Games. Alex hadnt seen him at a single event, and now, he wasnt even at the most important one of allThe Grand Battle.


    He wasnt gonna lie, it made himnervous.


    His thoughts went back to the demon attack and how much chaos it had caused almost exactly one year ago. He knew how crucial having the chancellor around had been to stemming the amount of destruction and death those demons had brought to Generasi.


    Knowing that Baelin was still absent made Alex feel like something was missing; in lots of the most dangerous moments in the past two years of his life, the chancellor had been there, if not right there, then at least within teleportation distance. Lately, Baelin had been off among the stars <em>somewhere</em> with his own cabal mates.


    Hed been spending very little time at the university recently, only returning to take care of duties needing his personal attention, then leaving for days or even weeks at a time.


    If demons were to attack


    Alex shook his head.


    Youre being paranoid, he thought. Were going to have a nice, safe, clean Grand Battle. Were going to win, and no demons are showing up to try to kill usthough, maybe thepetition might.


    All around,peting teams seemed to be watching Alex and hispanions, sizing them up, making their ns.


    Wolud Ranier was whispering to his teammates, eyes fixed on Alexs team. Tyris was grinning at them, wearing a smile almost as shark-like as Grimlochs. Even her own team looked unnerved, keeping a respectful distance from her and Vesuvius, who was eyeing ygon with his tongue poking out.


    The Ursa-Lupine brotherhood, d in their traditional green shirts, were ring at Alexs team openly. One even ran a finger along his throat that sent Grimloch and Thundar into hysterics.


    Some of the brotherhood were exchanging knowing nces with the Hydra Companions as they clustered together in their customary blue shirts. This year, none of the Hydras had sought to join forces with Alexs team like they hadst year, if anything, they seemed to have aligned with their rivalsthe Ursa-Lupines.


    They must have had their reasons.


    Weve grown a lot this past year, he thought about his fight at the windmill in Greymoor, training sessions with the Heroes, trips to the Hells with Baelin, harvesting dungeon cores. Throw in ygons evolution, and its pretty clear that were the biggest threat.


    His attention fell on Hanumans team. The Grand Melee had only helped to confirm that.


    The life enforcement practitioner was standing in the middle of hisrades, arms crossed as he stared at Thundar, Theresa and Grimloch. His eyes were hard, his face twisted in a scowl, in no way trying to hide how much he resented losing to them. The sting of defeat was still ying through the tenseness of his muscles, the guardedness of his stance, and the tightness in his jaw.


    Now and then, he would rub the side of his face as though feeling the pain of the final blow hed taken in the Grand Melee.


    This year''s event had started off simrlymostlytost years. The one difference was a slight rules change; after ygon''s and Vesuvius'' performance in the Grant Battlest year, folk had petitioned to allow beasts and servants to participate in the melee, aside from mounts, to spice up thepetition.


    Now the field was deadlier than ever.


    Likest year, Theresa, Grimloch, Thundar and Brutus had formed their own team to take on all contenders, thepetition had been stiff; proud knights d in full te armour, warrior-monkssome martial artists, and some life enforcement practitionershorse archers, giant beastmen, monster wranglers and more, were vying for first ce.


    The pack was fierce, ready for anythingexcept Theresa, Grimloch, Thundar and Brutus.


    Over thest year, theyd all transformed, gaining might from every challenge theyd faced facing Ravener-spawn and demons didnt provide a lot of different oues.


    It was either grow, or die.


    And theyd quickly shown their adversaries in the Melee that they were far from dead.


    Last year, their n had been to fight by making quick decisions, and to use skill and strategy to sweep thepetition.


    This year, their strategy was much simpler.


    Come out swinging.


    And dominate.


    Theyd formed two teams, Theresa was with Brutus, and Grimloch was with Thundarand theyd attacked likelike


    well, like Grimloch at an open buffet.


    Even without the Twinde, the huntress speed, skill and strengthhoned against foes like Zonon-In, and trained against the impossible might and skill of Hart Redfletcherwas unstoppable. Shed blurred among the warriors, every strike taking down another opponent as her dulled tournament des gleamed in the daylight.


    Brutus hardly had anything to do, he simply trotted behind her, jumping on anyone whod slipped past the des and circled around to his mothers back.


    In truth, it looked like he was having trouble keeping up with her at times.


    <em>He </em>was still young and energetic, but shed grown to the point of outpacing him from time to time. Alex had noticed the concern on her face when she slowed her attacks to wait for him to catch up.


    Brutus didnt seem to mind, but Alex could clearly see the fear on his partners face; the gap between her and her beloved hunting hound was growing. Therede a day when the cerberus wouldnt be able to adventure with her anymore.


    And as time passed, shed grow stronger with life enforcement, while Brutus would do what mostpanions did, grow older.


    Until finally


    Alex had shaken his head. Im going to do something about that.


    Hed turned his attention to the other devastating duo, and watched as Grimloch crushed entire groups of warriors with broad swings of his stone-headed maul.


    Thundarhoweverwasnt just content to trot behind the sharkman and deal with strays like Brutus had. Hed leapt into the fray, mace dancing in his hands.


    Even without using illusion magic,bat spells, or his<strong></strong>magical mace, he became master over a host of fighters on the field. Maybe he didnt have the supernatural strength and speed that Theresa did, or the titanic force and mass of Grimloch, but what he <em>did</em> have was untold hours of training with the <em>two </em>of them, and testing himself against towering, demonic foes like Kaz-Mowang, and Yantrahpretaye.


    Compared to that? The average knight or mercenary was just a bit more meat to be tenderised.


    At the start of the Grand Melee, Alex had noticed that his friends werent the only ones showing increased strength and skills. The warrior-wizard Hanuman was faster and stronger thanst year, and seemed intent on wiping the shame of losing the foot race to Grimloch away.


    Unfortunately for him, wanting to defeat the sharkman was not the same as <em>actually</em> defeating him.


    Hanuman and Grimloch hade together in an epic sh of strength, speed and power. Their weapons had blurred, lips pulled back, baring gleaming teeth as their eyes burned with intensity and a deep desire to win.


    Well, Hanumans had been burning.


    Grimlochs eyes still held the same dead, doll-like stare as he drove his maul through his rivals defences. Poor Hanuman fought back with everything he had, butas skilled as he washe was like a toddlerpared to the heroic force that Grimloch often faced in practiseHart Redfletcherand the sharkman crushed the smaller warrior like a fly.


    Once Hanuman was soundly beaten, his team scattered, seeking advantage and ralling the otherpetitors, forming a small army that bore down on Theresa and Grimlochs teams, intending to swarm the four warriors.


    But, they shouldnt have wasted time joining forces.


    Together, the fearsome four had upped their n of domination and handily stomped their opponents with power, speed, and sheer brute force, leading to amanding lead, and a first ce win in the Grand Melee for the second year in a row.


    Every team present had been witness to just how dangerous members of Alexs team had be.


    His eyes swept over the entire field ofpetitors, locking eyes with those looking to intimidate him. Only their former ssmates from the Art of the Wizard in Combat seemed to <em>not</em> be focusing on them, instead talking among themselves.


    Malcolm, Rhea, Angr, Caramiyus, Eyvinder and a few others Alex didnt recognise were paying attention to their own g, intent on keeping it safe.


    Their strategy looked simple, yet practical. Let others take the risks first.


    Theyll let us take on the alliance of doom thats uniting against us, while theyand any other team thats smartfocuses on protecting themselves and scoring a few points, he reasoned. While we, being super gracious, wipe out theirpetition. Well, thats alright. Well<strong></strong>carry you to second, or third ce.


    He smiled, gripping his aeld staff tightly and nodding his head to theirpetitors.


    The entire tournament had been leading up to this moment.


    All of his friends nning, training and hard work.


    By now, theyd all made a ton of coin thanks to Kybas bets, so this final victory would be the very plump cherry on the top of the cake.


    We didnt winst year, he thought. So the odds arent in our favour. Well either make a killingor lose it all.


    He took a deep breath, his eyes on Brutus.


    Hed pulled an all-nighter to make his n happen, but his gift was ready. No matter what, he was going to ask Theresa to marry him.


    After the Grand Battle ends, my real battle begins, he thought. So, lets just finish these Games with a bang.

 Chapter 603: The Unstoppable Juggernauts

    Chapter 603: The Unstoppable Juggernauts


    And without further dy, let the Grand Battle begin! The lead Watcher cried.


    Magical machineryeach piece resembling a circle of six golden orbs the size of human heads floating above brass tformsbegan to hum. Spell-marks appeared on every contestant''s hands, ready to whisk them away before any grave injuries could ur during the battle.


    Ill save your ces, Alex said, drawing the gazes of his teammates. Lets go wreck shit!


    Lets wreck shit! they echoed, save for Isolde, who looked on as wizards floating above cast teleportation magic.


    Let us achieve an undisputable final victory, she said.


    And then, Alex was gone.


    He hurtled through space, cloaked in the warmth of teleportation magic that transported him to the sky above a sandy beach. The ocean crashed against the shore to his left, while shes of teleportation magic sparked throughout the ind to his right.


    Alex felt where each team came fromand where they were appearing. Wasting no time, he closed his eyes and raised his staff, focusing on those shing sparks, calling on summoning magic awaiting in the staff.


    As he felt his teammates appear around him, a trusted celestial fox, swarms of elemental beetles and several air elementals were already waiting with him. These air elementals were new to his spellcasting, their girth was broad, each one as wide across as Alex was stall.


    They were the results of the newest fourth-tier summoning magics that hed learned and enhanced the aeld staff with: Conjure Medium Air Elemental.


    Each crackled hungrily.


    Whats the situation? Theresa asked, drawing her swords.


    Weve got three teams within five hundred yards of us, he reported, as his teammates surveyed the beach. Two to the north and one to the east.


    ygon and Grimloch, why dont you take care of the one to the east? Khalik suggested, raising his arm,unching Najyah to the skies.


    She soared away, circling the sky as the sharkman cracked his knuckles and ygon banged the butt of his spear on the sand.


    <em>that is a good idea</em> ygon said.


    Consider them dead, Grimloch growled.


    You mean eliminated, of course, Isolde corrected him as Hogarth and Svenia took position on either side of her.


    I know what I said.


    Isolde sighed. How did I find myself involved with such a gang of hooligans?


    Youre at least half-hooligan. Thundar twirled his mace.


    Right then, well, lets start hooliganing, Alex said. Weve got destruction to deal before whoevers allying against us gets together. Lets thin the pack.


    He conjured a few more air elementals, then pointed his staff north. Isolde, Khalik, get flight spells on Brutus and Theresa. Thundar, you look for any illusions or invisible opponents around us. Grimloch and ygon? Ill get you to your prey.


    Question? the celestial fox said.


    Yes?


    Will there be more of those divine sweets waiting for me? She batted her eyelids.


    Absolutely.


    My, my, then, Ill need to try my best.


    Alex smiled, and with a wave of his staff, covered ygon and Grimloch in flight magic, concentrating on the location of the group to the east.


    Everyone hang onto your butts, then, he teleported his team into battle.


    Ram could only shake his head as Alex Roth, ygon and that horrible sharkman manifested in the centre of<strong></strong>a circle of surprisedpetitors made up of eager students and hired mercenaries.


    The confident team was huddled together, discussing a n of attack whenwithin seconds of arriving on Orecas Fall Indchallengers appeared out of the blue.


    Students froze, eyes wide with shock while the mercenaries raised their weapons to defend them.


    Before they could strike a single blow, the battle was over.


    ygons fire-beams and war-spear swept the astounded students aside, while Grimlochs maul smashed the mercenaries straight to oblivion.


    In the space of three of Rams heartbeats, no one was left, every member of that team had been whisked to the healing station on the ind.


    Alex Roth was nodding his approval at mes dancing through the spot where the opposing team once huddled, looking like a warlord watching his army sack a city. He reached out and imed the defeated teams g. With a wave of his staff, he, Grimloch, and ygon were gone.


    Baelins a bad influence on the young, Professor Salingers voice said from above. The magical botany professor floated down from a higher altitude, shaking his head. Hes turning a perfectly good gardener into a crazed conqueror.


    Hm, theres not too much wrong with that, Harsha said, watching the golem, sharkman, and hulking wizard appear further up the beach.


    Roths aeld staff glinted in the sunlight, and suddenly, he and several members of his team disappeared. Abruptly, an explosion rocked the forest to the north, and the Thameish wizard reappeared, joining his remaining team members on the beach.


    He vanished again, taking three of them with him. Another<strong></strong>foursome disappeared.


    More sts echoed over the ind from the forest to the north.


    He reappeared in heartbeats, transporting the rest into battle.


    Scry and Die tactics? Really? Ram raised an eyebrow. From a second year student?


    Come now, youre being overdramatic, Harsha, Professor Salinger squinted to the east, scanning the quiet forests in that part of Orecas Fall. Scry Image is a tricky spell, and it takes a crystal ball or some other


    Its an <em>expression</em>, Holden, Ram said,<strong></strong>watching the explosions fade in the north. It means somehow theyre locating opponents and teleporting in on top of them.


    Dont patronise me, Harsha. I may not be a force-headed battlebrain like you, you crazy bastardentering the Duel by Proxy at <em>your</em> age and skill levelbut I know enough aboutbat magic to understand what it means.


    I dont think you get it Ram started to say.


    Another explosion tore through the forest, this time a few hundred yards to the east. Harsha gestured in that direction, one eyebrow raised at his colleague. You see that, Holden? Something unusuals happening: Roths team is locating their rivals like they already know where theyre going to turn up, or like they have a spy, or spies, flying above the ind.


    Maybe Khaliks eagleI dont remember her nameis acting as their spotter? Holden suggested. But, exactly whatre you saying, Ram? Dont tell me youre going to use them of cheating?


    No, I dont think thats what it is Ram said. Im not sensing any fifth-level spells and Im certain the deployment map wasntpromised. Butits uncanny. How would they know where their opponents are so fast?


    Holden threw his hands up. I dont know, Harsha? Luck? Fairy Allies? I dunno, there could be a dozen reasons. I dont know what youre so worried about.


    Its not cheating, but Ram said.


    Another explosion ripped through the trees, this time a few hundred yards south of thest. Rothspanions had found another team, and were wiping them out like a swarm of locusts attacking a cottage garden.


    When youre a warrior, anything on the battlefield that you can''t exin or ount for raises your curiosity, Ram said slowly. The fingers on his prosthetic arm twitched as he remembered the battle between Prime and ygon.


    You mean it makes you nervous, dont you? Holden grinned, patting the taller wizard on his shoulder. Youre getting old, friend. Thats all. You should stick to gardening, like me!


    Quiet, you!


    Hah! Youre afraid! I knew it. Holdenughed so hard, he doubled over in mid-air, pping his knee. Just stop making a big deal out of nothing, youre not going to be reced yet: Roths not being particrly smart.


    What do you mean? Ram asked.


    He pushed his staff to the limit teleporting ygon around in the battle with that oversized prototype of yours, right? Holden pointed out. Well, now hes teleporting an entire team around. By the time he actually meets any of their true threats, hell already have burned away most of his staffs mana. His teams going to lose at this rate.


    Holden nodded to a field in the centre of the ind. Especially since everyone else is joining together to get rid of them.


    Harsha followed his friends gaze.


    There, in the centre of the ind, rival teams gathered like a storm cloud forming. Tyris Goldtooths squad, led by the titanic Vesuvius, flew over the field toward the sprinting forms of Hanuman and hispanions.


    The Hydras and Ursa-Lupines emerged from the trees alongside several other teams. Wolud Raniers group popped out of the tall grass like raptors, invisibility magic bleeding from them.


    Roths teams going to burn through their resources, then everyones going to attack them at once. Itll be a bloody ughter: they likely wont even get third ce<strong></strong>this year, Holden sighed. The young are often prone to rushing in too fast at times. So have no fear, you wont be reced quite yet, old frieoh! Hold on, sixth-tier spell to the south. Lets go take care of that, shall we?


    Yes, Ram said, thinking on Holdens words.


    On the surface, they were true: Roth <em>did</em> seem to be burning his mana far too quickly. By the time his team met that devastating alliance forming against them, he probably will have spent all the energy in his staff, and personal mana pool.


    It was the only logical conclusion, considering the rate he was using mana at.


    So then why do I still feel like Ive missed something? Ram thought.


    Even as he teleported south to apprehend the cheaters, his warriors instincts screamed at him:


    There was more going on here than met the eye.


    n fast! Wolud called, paying close attention to his screens. Theyre going reach us in a few minutes.


    Already? Hanuman demanded incredulously, staring over Woluds shoulder at his illusionary screens. How


    The question died on his lips.


    The doom squad that was Grimlochs team was teleporting from ce to ce, destroying every single team in their path. Alex Rothalong with Khalik Behr-Medracted as their leaders and tacticians.


    Other teams had been moving through the wilderness cautiously, readying ambushes or fighting another team when Roth would suddenly appear among their ranks between Grimloch and the golem, ygon.


    A couple more teleportation spellster would bring the rest of his team into the skirmish, and they would unleash such devastation that all opponents would be wiped out before they could resist.


    They were a team of unstoppable juggernauts...


    Meanwhile, Roths summoned monsters were spreading through the wilderness in every direction, rooting out enemy teams trying to stay hidden among the brush. If they found anything that wasnt a forest creature, theyd quickly alert, flying into the sky, howling or giving some other signal, bringing Roth with his death squad in tow.


    How many fourth-tier spells is that? one of the Ursa-Lupines asked nervously.


    Too many, a Hydra Companion answered. We shouldve allied with them again this year.


    Less chatting. More nning. Wolud said through clenched teeth. A stream of curse words rolled off his tongue as a screen was suddenly obscured by red and gold light. That bloody celestial fox of his is disrupting my Wizards Eyes! Well bepletely blind soon if it doesnt stop!


    Calm down, calm down. You get way too excited about things, Ranier! Tyris grin was broad, and her gold tooth sparkled. Behind her, Vesuvius ground brush under his massive feet, turning it to paste.


    All eyes turned to the redheaded battle mage as she casually strode up beside Wolud, looking at his screens.


    Goldtooth, you fight beside these people in Thamnd, right? Hanuman asked. Do you have a way to beat them?


    Easily? No. She pursed her lips. ygons too powerful, Theresas too fast, Grimlochs too strong, and the rest of them are some of the most coordinated battle wizards Ive ever seen. But, there is a chance.


    She pointed to a screen showing Roth from a distance, standing between his golem and Grimloch. Look at how hes taking down the other teams: he teleports those two towering monsters in with him first, then goes back to get his teammates. I know hes a bit slow when ites to spellcasting. You ever notice he doesnt use spells very often inbat?


    Yeah, now that you mention it, Wolud said.


    So its simple. Some of us wait out here as bait. Alex teleports in, and we hit him with everything weve got. Wolud, you make sure Hanumans invisible. Hanuman, you grab his staff then hit him with it hard enough to eliminate him. Then, their mobilitys gone.


    Hanuman was nodding, rightrightthen what? he asked.


    We eliminate Grimloch Tyris continued.


    I like the sound of that. Hanuman cracked his knuckles.


    Even if we lose some people when were getting rid of those two, itll be worth it. Then me and Vesuvius slow ygon down, and we all escape. The golem will be separated from the rest of his team, and they would have lost most of their mobility. Then, we find the rest of them, blow them all away, and go our separate ways.


    Solid n, Wolud was nodding enthusiastically.


    Mhm, and theyll be low on mana while well be fresh, Hanuman said. Youve given us the victory, Tyris.


    Ive given us a chance, she corrected. Trust me, these bastards are probably going to have something else up their sleeves.


    Well, well see what hes got left when I get his staff, Hanuman said.


    Hello folks, Alex grinned, teleporting above a field with ygon and a grinning Grimloch nking him.


    Swarms of elemental beetles were flying through the sky above,bing the air for invisible threats. Below them gaped a group of stunned Ursa-Lupines and Hydra Companions.


    Bad luck, Im afraid, he said lightly. Better luck next year.


    The Ursa-Lupines and Hydras gasped as ygon aimed his fire-gems at them.


    Girmloch grinned, diving toward his prey. Feeding frenzy! he roared.


    Alex smiled, lifting his staff, preparing to go collect the rest of the team.


    Then an elemental beetle began buzzing loudly.


    To his left, it sat perched in mid-air, resting on something invisible.


    His eyes flew wide.


    Ambu he began.


    Something unseen grabbed his staff.


    What th Alex cried as Hanuman materialised in front of him, the warriors muscles bulging as he strained against Alex.


    <em>Father!</em> ygon cried, as a stream ofva washed over him, followed by a series of ice bolts that struck the molten rock, turning it solid.


    Hello, Alex, Tyris appeared about forty feet above him, standing on the head of a flying Vesuvius. She grinned broadly, gold tooth and green eyes shining with malice. Wee to the trap.


    Thanks, he grunted between clenched teeth.


    With a growl, Hanumanhis muscles powered by life enforcementbarely managed to twist the staff from Alexs hand. Heughed at the Thameish wizard as he pointed the aeld branchit gave off waves of indignationlike a spear.


    The aelds staffs power built in retribution, but the battle wizard quickly aimed it.


    Goodbye, Hanuman said politely, thrusting it at Alexs chest.


    It was a solid, perfectly executed blow, the kind that would have easily sent the Thameish wizard to the healing camp and eliminated him from the Grand Battle.


    He had no time for spellcasting.


    No time to draw a weapon.


    And all Alex could do


    was smile.


    Andwithout his staff, or uttering a single syble of a spellhe disappeared.


    What? Hanuman cried, his head swivelling left and right. Where did he go


    Arge hand fell on his shoulder from behind.


    Ive been waiting for this, Alex said lightly. This is the reason why you dont reveal <em>all</em> your trump cards. Now lets go on a trip, shall we?


    Wai Hanuman started.


    Then they both disappeared.

 Chapter 604: The Second Trump Card

    Chapter 604: The Second Trump Card


    Alex Roth hade to the Games of Roal with two trump cards up his sleeve, each born from realising that for him to understand the Travellers power, hed had to recognise that destination point, and origin point, were key.


    Knowing those two things, hed been able to make Hannahs energy re inside him, letting him control it as naturally as he could his own mana. The first time, he was shocked to find himself teleported ten feet across a hill in Greymoor. The second time, hed gone eleven feet.


    Hed immersed himself in the days and weeks leading up to the Games, exploring the new ability hed finally grasped, learning how to manipte and tie it to spellcasting.


    Every bit of effort had paid off when hed gained what felt like a wondrous pair of gifts.


    The first one was revealed during his fight with Ram; hed discovered he no longer needed to touch someone to use nar Doorway on them. All he had to do was focus on where they were as the origin point, and where he wanted them to be as the destination point, to teleport<strong></strong>them without everying a hand on them.


    Hed practised for days after hed first discovered what he could do, transporting objects across his room, repeating the process over and over again, but never touching a single object.


    Practising had borne fruit against Harsha Ram and Prime in the arenabut it was the <em>second</em> thing that hed gained that had been the most exciting, something he and his teammates had taken great pains to hide from everyone else around themuntil the time was right.


    Which was, right now.


    Reaching deep within himself, hed found he was able to touch the Travellers power.


    And with it?


    He could teleport without spell or alchemy.


    And no one had seen thating.


    Not even Hanuman.


    Whats going on? the life enforcement practitioner cried, as he and Alex appeared inches beside Vesuvius beak.


    Boo! Alex shouted.


    The massive familiar startled, swinging his head to the side, still spewingva.


    No! Tyris cried.


    Toote, Alex said, as he vanished, taking his staff from Hanuman.


    The life enforcement practitionernow at aplete loss as to what was happening, stared in confusion andwas suddenly drenched in Vesuviusva.


    Whats going on? Tyris cried, looking around. Hes not casting spe


    Alex appeared in front of her.


    Argh! she cried.


    Argh? He took her by the hand. As far asst words go, Argh is pretty shit.


    They vanished together, with Alexughing madly as he and the cursing battlemage hurtled through the space between nes.


    They materialised on the ground.


    Directly in front of Grimloch, whose maul was raised. His lips pulled back in a predatory grin.


    Last chance to pick something else as ast word, Alex said lightly.


    Tyris stared up at the sharkman. Shit.


    The word was punctuated by a terrible crash, and theva mage vanished beneath the sharkmans maul.


    Well, its not creative, but at least its a ssic. He smiled at the gaping Ursa-Lupine Brothers. I knew that was a trap, by the way: didnt know the details, but I know bait when I see it. Anyway, Ill be right back.


    He reached inside himself, focusing on both where hed left his other teammates, and where he was, floating a few inches above the grass.


    Hannahs power sang within him.


    And he vanished.


    An instantter, he was beside Theresa, Thundar and Brutus. Trump cards out in the open, but Tyris and Hanuman are gone. Whos up for some exercise?


    Oh, me, me! Thundar shouted, his grin wide and his eyes shining. Never had such an easy battle, I could get used to this!


    Hah! I hear you! Alex said, still high on pulling out his trump card.


    He grinned at Theresa. Honey, want to go fight ava turtle?


    She gave him the smile of a predator. I thought youd never ask.


    Brutus barked.


    Well, then, off we go! All aboard the Good Ship Roth! Alexughed.


    Theresa, Thundar and Brutus touched him andtogether they vanished.


    Half a heartbeatter, he appeared in the grass, then his friends materialised around him.


    All remaining Ursa-Lupines and Hydras gaped.


    Dont know why you all look so shocked, I told you Id be back, he said lightly.


    Brutus? Theresa red at the allied wizards.


    His six ears perked up.


    Walkies, fetchies, and bities!


    The cerberus let out a happy bark as he, Grimloch and Thundar charged their retreating opponents.


    Alright, brace up, honey, Alex said, touching Theresas shoulder.


    They vanished once more, appearing just above Vesuvius head. The familiar who was looking around for his master, froze when a pair of leather bootsnded on his head.


    Hi Vesuvius, its nice to see you, Theresa said, her deathstalker face on.


    The beast let out a groan.


    Say hi to your mommy! Alex saluted him, before teleporting back to the rest of his team.


    The travellers power still zed in him; and as he called upon it, he could feel some of its energy lessening. But he had more than enough for what he wanted to do.


    He reappeared in front of Khalik, Isolde, Najyah, Hogarth and Svenia. Were winning!


    As expected, Isolde said, lightning crackling around her fingers. Shall we clean up, Khalik?


    Like we were sweeping the floor clean of debris, the prince grinned.


    With a gleefulugh, Alex hugged his friends, teleporting them into the fray.


    The ambush was a disaster.


    Cursing to himself, an invisible Wolud Ranier flew between the trees as fast as he possibly could, eyes on the battle unfolding through one of his Wizards Eyes.


    Shit, shit, shit! was all the distraught mage could say.


    The field burned, sweeping up wizards and mercenaries. That golem was sting everyone and their summoned monsters to oblivion. Isolde von Anmut, her bodyguardswhose names he didnt care to knowThundar, son of Gulbiff, and Khalik Behr-Medr and his familiar were raining destruction down from all directions.


    Brutus the Cerberus had joined that sharkman, Grimloch, and the two of them were tearing through panicking allies who were desperately trying to escape.


    Above, Theresa was floating down from the sky, her des shining in both hands. There was no sign of Vesuvius anywhere.


    Meanwhile, Alex Roth was teleporting around the battlefield as easily as he might casually walk across a room. The hulking wizard was making him dizzy, vanishing in one heartbeat, and appearing beside one of his allies in another, then teleporting them into the path of one of his friends.


    When elemental beetlesnded on invisiblepetitors, Roth would teleport beside them, grab them and transport them to who knows where. But, wherever that was, they definitely werenting back.


    Never seen anything like it, Wolud muttered. Never seen anyone teleport so fast. And thats without even casting spells! How in zes is he doing it? Wolud Ranier took a breath. Okay, stop panicking. Youve got to get out of here. Got to find somewhere to hide and survive.


    His n was simple.


    By now, Wolud knew very well that there was no way he was going be winning first ce. His team had been all but annihted, andif there was anyone left besides himtheyd be scattered to the four winds.


    There was no way he was going to beat an entire team by himself, let alone seed at challenging Roths group to take first ce.


    No, this is the perfect time to find a ce to hold up, wait for the storm thats Roths team to pass, and then slip out. Cloaked in invisibility magic, I can use my illusions to hunt down individual members of other teams.


    He could capture their gs and get points from all over the ind.


    If he moved carefully, he could squeeze out a third ce win.


    Maybe even second.


    Ugh, if only I could use fifth-tier spells, he grumbled. Oh well, no sense in crying over that. Just need to hide for a bit, and then


    Hide from who? Little old me, perhaps? a female voice came from behind him.


    Wolud whirled, hand raised and mouth open, ready to cast a spell.


    His eyes darted around, scanning the trees for any sign of a pursuer. But, he could find no one.


    Try up here, the voice called again.


    His eyes slowly rose, locking onto a celestial fox sitting on a tree branch, her three tails slowly wagging back and forth. Hello, I can smell you, you know.


    Shi Wolud began casting.


    The celestial fox raised her head, letting out a horrific, vulpine shriek that echoed through the trees. Her snout pointed downward, straight at the invisible illusionist, eyes burrowing into him.


    Her screams continued echoing through the wilderness.


    Hairs on the back of Woluds neck stood up.


    He desperately tried finishing his spell.


    A hand fell on his shoulder.


    Fingers clenched with a grip of steel.


    Where ya going, Wolud? Alex Roth asked him, his voice dripping with malice.


    Ranier finished his spell, casting nar Doorway. He vanished through the nes, images of different worlds blurring by him, until he reappeared in a meadow about eight hundred feet to the south.


    Took you long enough to get here, Alex said, his hand falling on Woluds shoulder again.


    What th Ranier cried, as he was dragged back into the space between nes.


    Disoriented, he hurtled along like a ball through a narrow tunnel, and when he reappeared in a burning field, his equilibrium waspletely off, leaving him struggling to stop his head from spinning. He felt sick.


    Present for you, Thundar. Alex took his hand off Woluds shoulder.


    His world turning, Ranier slowly looked up, finding a towering, grinning minotaur beside him, his mace raised high, ready to fall on his head.


    Oh, this is bullshi he protested, as Thundars weapon came crashing down.


    The next thing he knew, he was standing in a circle on a beach, being swarmed by medical staff. His eyes were darting back and forth like he was in REM sleep.


    You too, huh? Tyris called from nearby, sitting atop Vesvuius shell.


    Yeah Wolud grunted. Yeah


    Right then and there, he vowed to never enter the Grand Battle again if Roth and his team of monsters were in it.


    Oh, the inhumanity! the announcer screamed. The mortality! The devastation! The anti-Golem-team alliance is destroyed! The remaining team members are being hunted down one by one like muupkaras in the Barrens<strong></strong>when the bone drinkers are hungry! The crowd is loooooving iiiit!


    His cry rose over the stadium, echoing through the stands as the audience roared.


    Goodness, this is loud. Carey winced. Is it always like this?


    Not always! Owenanother member of the expedition teamcried. People rightfully have a lot of energy this year, considering what happenedst year!


    Right! Carey shouted, her voice barely audible above the crowds screams.


    On the illusionary screens, Alex and his friends were tearing through the ind with the efficiency of an iron golem grinding up beast-goblins.


    He teleported around the battlefield, scouting alongside Najyah while directing his team. Thest members left of the alliance that had formed to stop them had been hunted down, and now his team was eliminating every other team they came across.


    By now, the gs floating behind them looked like a small armada as they moved through thepetition with efficiency.


    Carey let out a self-conscious snort.


    Here I am thinking that Ive be something of a fighter for Thamnd, she thought. But my friends and colleagues are what real fighters look like. Well, at least I can still handle myself in the field, and thats what matters most.


    Gently, she reached for a pendant hidden beneath the neckline of the colourful, floral dress she was wearing.


    And this <em>is </em>rather marvellous, I must say. I get to see my friends achieve a victory they clearly deserve. Yes, Cary, just enjoy yourself. It''s not time to be self-critical, let your mind leave your troubles behind for the day.


    Having the Grand Battle as a distraction was a wee thing for her. Lately, her trips to Thamnd had bplicated.


    It was bing harder and harder to hide her rejection of having any faith in Uldar, as well as her growing interest in another deity. Yet, she wasnt ready to reveal any of that to Merzhin.


    Not yet.


    Not until she came to grips with where she truly stood, which deity she would worship, or if she would even worship any at all.


    Unfortunately, hiding all this from him had left her dreadfully anxious, perhaps even a little paranoid.


    Lately, when she went out on an expedition, she couldnt shake the feeling that something was watching her.


    Najyah reports no other teams near us, Khalik said, his smile broad and his arms folded across his chest.


    He pointed to the mountaintop. Why not take the peak now? We can wait there for anyone who wants toe after us.


    Why bother? Thundar said. Weve basically won already.


    Dont say that, youre just asking for someone toe out of nowhere and wipe us out, Alex said, looking up at the mountain.


    Do not be superstitious, Alex. Isolde smiled. We have destroyed our greatestpetition, while suffering no losses. In the end, victory is ours. And you ask why bother, Thundar? Because, we have won, effectively. Last year we were defeated on the foothills of this mountain. Would it not be poetic to finish the Battle on the summit?


    I like that idea, Theresa said.


    <em>Iagree</em> ygon said.


    Alright, Alex said. Lets get up there.


    Together, the team made their way toward the peak of Orecas Fall Ind and took their ce at the top. Still alert, they set up watches and a perimeter, and camped out on the peak of the mountain.


    At thats where they waited, looking down at small skirmishes between the remaining teams. Thepetition fought each other fiercely, determined to capture as many points as they could for the coveted second and third ce spotsbut no one tried to scale the mountain.


    When the bell<strong></strong>sounded, announcing the end of The Grand Battle, Alex''s team celebrated, hugging each other after having spent the rest of their time on the mountain peak, unassailed, and unchallenged.


    You were right, Isolde, Alex finally agreed. This was poetic.


    Everyone almost looked a little teary-eyed.


    And look at us, we did it, well be taking first ce in the Grand Battle of the Games of Roal.


    Congrattions to us!

 Chapter 605: Victory, Spoils and Celebrations

    Chapter 605: Victory, Spoils and Celebrations


    Serving a crushing and total victory to every team who opposed them! Leaving devastation in their wake! Here are our first ce victors in the Grand Battle! The Team of Terror! The Masters of Mayhem! The Destroyers of Dreams! The team of Alex Roth; Isolde von Anmut, Khalik Behr-Medr, Thundar, son of Gulbiff, Hogarth of the Rhinean Empire, Svenia of the Rhinean Empire, Grimloch, Najyah, Brutus aaaaand aaaaaygooooon! the announcer screamed, his voice rumbling through the air.


    The crowds roars seemed almost loud enough to shatter the sky, and Alex felt like he was ready to drop as he stood on the centre podium with the rest of his team.


    In one stroke, they had wiped out their closest rivals fromst year with a victory so decisive that their point total was quite nearly an order of magnitude higher than that of the second ce team.


    Meanwhile, the team to his right whod imed second ce, was the very team Alex thought would do so; their ted friends from first year of the Art of the Wizard in Combat <em>had</em> taken second ce


    and theyd done it by using a strategy Baelin would have likely encouraged; picking their battles, destroying remaining members of any team that Alexs wrecking crew had already rolled over, and making short work of those weakened teamslike a proper, opportunistic wizard would.


    Malcolm, Rhea and Eyvinder looked particrly smug, and the fire wielding elven wizard gave Alexs group a wink, while Malcolm mimed buying them a drink.


    Alex and Khalik caught each other''s eye, bursting intoughter as officials approached them with gold medals and congrattions ready to drape on them.


    Well, we did it. The prince grinned through his beard.


    We sure did! Alex cried.


    We will have to drink to thister, Khalik pped him on the shoulder.


    Maybe until we burst, Alex agreed, high on victory.


    Their teamfilled with giddy energyfell silent as the announcer continued.


    And now, lets wee Geminileader of the Watchers of Roalto offer a few final words summing up the Grand Battle!


    As he drifted down, Gemini floated up, meeting him in mid-air, her single eye fixed on the crowd like an eagle.


    And so this concludes the Grand Battle, the final event in the Games of Roal, she said, raising her hands to quiet the crowd. All around, the audiences voices lowered, soon falling to a rapt silence.


    She nodded in the stillness. Thanks to each one of you foring out to support our Games and helping to make them, and our final test of skillthe Grand Battlea rousing sess. As all good things muste to an end, its time to turn our attention to the closing ceremony for the Grand Battle, but I have a few words to say, if I may.


    Gemini gestured to an illusion of Orecas Fall floating above her. The Games of Roal are both fun, and gamesliterally, as it states in the name. But now, more than ever, we cannot forget what the Grand Battle represents: an exciting mock battle between wizards, theirpanions, guards and minions. In the course of the Battle, we may be fortunate enough to witness great victories, the likes of which we saw today.


    Above her, the image shifted away from an aerial view of Orecas Fall to a close up of the monument to the fallen whod fought and lost their lives repelling demons the previous year.


    But we can never forget that, though there are glorious victories in warthere are also crushing losses. Or often victories that cost lives. The warriors path has a price, and even for those who do not take the sword, spear and battle-spell into their arsenal, they can also be part of the price that is paid. Keep this in mind, youngpetitors. We must always pay attention to those who fell yesterday to help to preserve the lives of those living today.


    She bowed her head. Their sacrifices are the greatest gifts that they could give, and that we could receive. May they know peace.


    She looked back at the crowd. But today is not a day of losstoday is a day of victory! Let us celebrate and enjoy the fruits of the fine disys of arms, might and skill that we witnessed. Heres to the victors of the Grand Battle! She bowed her head to the podium where the winners were assembled.


    To the victors! the crowd roared.


    The audiences voices and apuse thundered through the air, and Alex beamed as he drank in their appreciation.


    Well, if you have a mind to grab me and bring me back to Thamnd, oh hidden church, I think youre going to get some pushback from folks who object, he thought to himself.


    Alex closed his eyes, listening to the sound of the audience cheering his teams names.


    It was the most beautiful sound hed heard in a long time.


    So, we made hundreds of thousands, Kybas whispered, making the crowds roar the <em>second</em> most beautiful sound Alex had heard, at least today. If we total our winnings from all the bets we made, then its well into the hundreds of thousands. This is a <em>lot</em> better than winning the Games grand prize! I was sad I didnt enter enough events, but who cares!


    Thundar and Alex gaped at the small goblin, mouths hanging open like they were weing flies as the group gathered in a forest some distance from the stadium grounds. Isolde kept looking around, making sure they hadnt been followed; since after the closing ceremony, a massive crowd had formed around them, asking for autographs, demanding interviews and trying to involve them in all sorts of ventures.


    It took thebined intimidation factor and might of Grimloch and ygon, to help them get through the crowd and make their escape. After meeting up with Selina and Kybas, Khalik had greeted his parents and Sinope before gathering around Alex and the other wagerers so they could teleport across campus in a series of short bursts of teleportation.


    Now, they were surrounding the goblin, waiting for news of their winnings.


    And the news he had?


    Was fantastic.


    Kybas, are you telling me Im rich? Thundar gaped. Likeswimming in gold rich?


    Youre up over a hundred thousand after everything! Kybas voice was filled with awe. Its amazing. Really, really amazing!


    Thats uhthats one way to put it, the minotaur leaned against a tree, barely holding himself up. I never thought Id have so much gold.


    Me neither, Theresa said in a dreamy voice. She pinched herself on the cheek. I should start talking all posh and wearing silk gloves. HahhahaBut seriously, Im going to buy my parents the biggest house


    Theyd like that, Selina said. Im d everyone got what they wanted from so much evil, illegal gambling.


    Everyone looked at her in shock, until Isolde erupted inughter. Yes, Selina. That was exactly how I told you to say it. You are a very wise youngdy.


    Isolde, you traitor! Theresa cried mournfully.


    Someone has to stop the young from falling into degeneracy, the noblewoman sniffed.


    No. Grimloch rumbled. Degeneracys called for. We should rent a hall. Drink our faces off andugh.


    I like the sound of that. Id say thats one of your better ideas. Thundar agreed.


    My better ideas involve eating, lets do that too. Grimloch added.


    True, so lets be degenerates then, lets drink, stuff our faces and celebrate. We can talk about what we all did, especially that crazy teleporting you did, Alexcuz likeI didnt know youd gotten <em>that</em> good with it. The minotaurughed.


    Yeah, Alex! Selina cried. That was amazing, youve gotta tell me what you did!


    Well, lets see if we can get a hall rented. Oh wait, uh.probably not going to happen. I bet you every restaurant and beer hall in the cityspletely booked up. Alex said, scratching his head.


    Khaliks eyes twinkled. Let my mother and father worry about that.


    Oh? Kybas blinked at the prince. They can get us a reservation?


    Let us just say that they arewell connected.


    Alex had visited a number of nice restaurants and bars sinceing to Generasi, but the Golden Dragon was far more than just<em> nice.</em>


    It sat on a hilltop in one of the wealthiest areas in all of Generasi, the building was massive, resembling a small castle of white stone with hulking golden towers.


    Curving through the restaurants spires was an immense dragon statue, ted in gold, looking ready tounch into the sky. Its eyesseeming to watch all who entered the groundsgleamed like rubies the size of Selinas head.


    The interior was ptial, crafted<strong></strong>of marble, mahogany, crystal and brass. Its walls were lined with fine oil paintings. Fountains, standing in the middle of multiple dining rooms, sprayed water the colour of the sea into the air, then cascading down in waterfalls, water sprites dancing through the falls.


    The ce was built forfort and awe.


    Every seat was as soft as a cloud.


    Literally.


    Each seat was an actual conjured cloud, every chair back was woven in the shape of a curveglowing with inner lightinviting guests to sink right in. While sitting on them, it was easy to imagine what it must feel like to rx on the softest, lightest, cushions from the heavens.


    And they well suited the ambience.


    The tables were forged of brass and carven elfwood, alive and pulsing with calming auras.


    In a corner of each dining room stood arge podium, on which a series of tiny constructsnorger than ones thumbstood, ying magical instruments wrought of wood and tinum.


    Their tinkling tunes filled the air, brightening the faces of even the king and queens dour bodyguards, who were paying little attention to either food or drink as they carefully scanned the room, doorways, and everyone who came through them.


    The watchful guards, whose tables were positioned around the central one, were solemn, but the boisterousness of the central table more than made up for that.


    Everyone was there.


    The king and queen were sitting at the top of a long table beside their son and Sinope. Further down, sat Alex and Theresa with Selina on her brothers right side, while ygon stood behind them, chatting with the dryad.


    Their friends were spread out on both sides of the table.


    Thundar passed a bowl of gravy to Isolde, who sat between Svenia and Hogarth.


    Grimloch was practically inhaling an entire basket of lobsters, shell and all. Kybas was happily sucking out the sweet flesh from a blue crabs shell.


    Their other friends were there too, joining in the celebration.


    Toraka Shale and Sim sat across from Lucia, whod been in the stands for the Grand Battle, though Alex hadnt seen her. Friends theyd made in first year Art of the Wizard in Combat, including Nua-Oge and Shiani were celebrating, though, the fire mage seemed somewhat distracted by all of the opulence around them.


    And finally, Carey, who Alex had spotted in the stadium.


    The air was filled with warmth and cheer, as well as the excitement of victory.


    Alex, was grinning, exining to Selina just <em>how</em> theyd achieved that victory.


    You remember that thing Ive been working on? he asked her, pulling out a pendant, forged in the shape of antern. The Travellers symbol sparkled at the end of a chain.


    Yeah, she said, taking a pendant with a simr symbol from the neckline of her blouse. But likehow did you teleport around like that? I didnt even see you casting spells! And you did it so many times!


    Hah! I know, right? he said excitedly. Well, you know what I figured out? Using it is a bit like using a muscle. Each time I practised with it and pushed it a little further toward its limit, the more that limit expanded. Its been taking less energy to use, and Ive been able to teleport further and further each time Ive practised with it.


    So thats why youve been hiding out in yourb? Theresa asked. Practising?


    Yes, Alex said. Ive been trying to explore the power. If I manage it, then Ill be able to get to the empire pretty soon.


    Great, thats great news, Theresa beamed.


    Yeah He looked at her sidelong. It is.


    The young man thought about Brutus, Harmless and Najyah, who were, no doubt, being spoiled in a room designated for familiars.


    In the next day or two, he thought. Ill propose and give her my engagement present. Then after that? Its Irtsyhenan Empire time.


    Sinope, I just want to say that you have been wonderful during the tournament, Queen Ishtar said softly, drawing Alexs attention. Meeting someone who has supported my son so well, someone who makes him smile as much as he does, and who brings her own wisdom to your partnership, has been a joy.


    Khalik suddenly looked embarrassed.


    You are good for our son, the king agreed, And I hope you will always take care of him. We were always going to give your pairing our blessing, unless you proved to benot who you seemed.


    Aksuma looked at Sinope closely, almost as though he was seeing through her, and something clicked in Alex. The whole time, Khaliks parents had been watching her, seeing if she was genuine, looking to see if she was sincere.


    Theyd been cautious, measuring her, quietly observant, trying to see if her intentions toward their son were honest.


    Sinope beamed, kissing Khaliks cheek. You are both wonderful as well; fine trees to my mighty oak flower. Though, I will tell you that even if you had said no, I would have never let him go.


    We know, Ishtar said. We know that well, and thats one of the reasons why we epted you.


    Khaliks shoulders shook. Thank you, mother and father. Thank you!


    His relief touched Alex to the core. What a momentby the Traveller, I wish I could preserve it foreverHuhmaybe I can!


    Digging into his pouch, he retrieved Hannahs artefact. Listen up everyone, theres something I want us to do together!


    With her phone, he could capture this moment forever.


    Though he had no way of knowing just how important that decision would be.

 Chapter 606: To the Beach of Before

    Chapter 606: To the Beach of Before


    Alright, I need you all to squeeze in a <em>little</em> closer, Alex said, viewing the scene through the phones screen.


    Like this? Thundar asked, suddenly body checking Isolde.


    Oof! He certainly could not mean that, you ruffian! sheined.


    Somethings poking me. Selina looked behind her.


    Oh, sorry thats the hilt of my dagger, Theresa apologised.


    How amusing! King Aksumaughed. I cannot wait to see what wonder you are creating!


    If were not all crushed to death first. Khalik winced as ygon pressed against his back. My friend, you are not light, and your body is swallowing mine.


    <em>Sorryfathersaidto get closer</em> the golem apologised, taking a step back.


    No, no, no! Alex cried. Dont step back, ygon! Come on, this is supposed to take less than thirty seconds!


    We might not be alive in thirty seconds, Toraka muttered.


    I heard you!


    You were meant to! she fired back.


    Alex sighed, peering into the artefacts screen. Why did I even bother?


    The party had moved to a balcony at the King and Queen of Tekezashs direction, just outside the dining room. The outdoor space was essed through a bank of ss doors overlooking the Prinean Sea, providing a view that stretched for miles from the castle-like restaurant.


    It could make the perfect backdrop for a painting


    or one of the curious images captured and stored on Hannahs device.


    Alex aimed the artefacts camera lens toward his assembled family and friendsBrutus, Harmless and Najyah were at the fronttrying to get the unruly lot together for a group portrait.


    He wanted the perfect memento of this day<em>if </em>he could get everyone to fit into the image.


    Grimloch, bend down a little, Alex said. Ive met shorter mountains. Your face isnt in the image.


    No, Grimloch said. I do what I want.


    Ill get your sister.


    Grimloch stared at Alex for a long time. You wouldnt.


    Im right here and I can hear the two of you! Nua-Oge reminded them.


    I would, so dont test me, Ive done worse!


    Im right here! Nua-Oge repeated.


    Come on, Grimloch. Kybas looked up at the giant sharkman with huge eyes. Harmless wants to be in the portrait with you.


    The sharkman growled and slowly bent down, allowing his face and enormous dorsal fin to fit in the image. Fine.


    Oh, so you listen to him? Grimlochs big sister rolled her eyes.


    Perfect! Alex said, before Grimloch could change his mind.


    Everyone was in view now, pressed together like a great big, happy family that somehow included enormous, evolving stone golems, eagles, crocodiles, sharkmen and cerberi.


    Finally, he could


    He paused, rolling his eyes as he caught something in the corner of the screen. Oh,e on, Carey! We dont have the<strong></strong>waking sickness! Join us! I cant see you in the shot!


    Oh, dont worry about little old me, Carey said modestly. I dont know everyone here that well, and I wouldnt want to get in the way.


    Bah, thats nonsense! Thundar boomed. Youre one of us. You fought alongside us in the expedition, and youre trying to rip the Ravener in two. Come a little closer.


    Yeah, squeeze in, Carey, Theresa said.


    If youre notfortable, you dont have to be in the portrait; but, wed love to have you, though. I mean, Im letting Khalik in


    Hey! the prince cried.


    Queen Ishtarughed.


    so you should join us, too, Alex said.


    I Carey paused.


    Come on, you should be with the rest of us, Selina said.


    <em>PleaseI would be happyif you joined us.</em> ygon said, his voice sounding like a sad childs.


    Carey looked at ygon and the otherseven those who didnt know her personallyas they waited for her toe closer. She sighed then squeezed in beside Shiani.


    There we go! Alex cried. Perfect! Now give me some big smiles. No, not you, ygon, youre always smiling. Kind of. Ugh, Grimloch, that smile of yours is the stuff of nightmares.


    Deal with it, the sharkman said simply. You wanted me in the portrait.


    Truealrightand click, snap! Alex pressed a button on the device.


    And there.


    The artefact made a loud lick and an image froze on its surface. There, on the screen were his friends, all close together and smiling with the backdrop of the sea and blue skies behind them.


    Well? Show us! Toraka demanded.


    Alex quickly went over, showing the image to everyone.


    Gasps, shocked whistles, and exmations of surprise filled the air.


    What is this? Sim eximed. Its like an auto-portrait, but the detailsare astounding. Can I see it?


    Where in the world did you get that thing? Toraka asked, looking at the Travellers artefact with curiosity.


    Its a trade secret.well thats not quite right. Lets just say I found it, Alex said.


    Oh, is this the item that allowed you to teleport around the ind like you did? she asked as others crowded around, trying to see the image up close.


    Lets just say the two things are rtedbut less rted than youd think, Alex said.


    So thats what that was! Selina said. I remember you pointing it at us one night: you were making a portrait, werent you? You never showed it to me!


    Dont worry about it, Alex said. Im still figuring out how this thing works, and I dont know how to get images off of it yet. I wanted to show it to you when I figured that out, butthis moment was too perfect. I had to capture it.


    Its wonderful, Carey said contentedly. You can see someones face, whenever you want to. No matter where they are.


    Yeah, pretty great, isnt it? Alex smiled, looking at Theresa as the huntress admired the image. Weve got to keep our precious moments. We really have to. Theyre special for a reason.


    As the Thameish wizard spoke, a certain location came to mind.


    sometimes they could be even more special.


    What is all this? Theresaughed as Alex lifted a huge basket. What a surprise!


    Yeah, wellnice surprises are a good thing, right? He cleared his throat, trying to calm his hammering heart.


    Today was the day.


    He was going to ask Theresa to marry him.


    And everything had to be perfect.


    A day and a half had passed since the celebration at the Golden Dragon, and Alex was getting ready for his date with Theresa. Yesterday was busy. Hed spent it in a whirlwind of get-togethers with different people.


    The day had started early.


    First, hed arranged an excursion to the countryside with Selina, ygon, Khalik and Sinope, before heading to Khaliks parents'' vi for a goodbye brunch before they returned to Tekezash. His afternoon was then spent scarfing down a massive lunch Kybas had insisted on buying him as a thank you for all the opportunities hed given him.


    That evening, hed had a meeting with Lucia and Toraka to discuss business, and then he and Thundar had gone ale, and spirits sampling well into the night. Meanwhile, hed been subtly arranging certain matters so everything would be perfect for his n involving Theresa and Brutus.


    Finally, when he and Thundar had returned to the bakery from their night of drinking and hed used blood magic on both of them to escape the pain of a hangover from mixing, beer and spirits, hed wished the minotaur a good night, grabbed a couple of hours sleep, then loaded certain supplies into his massive pic basket. Food wasnt the only thing hed be bringing along when they went on their pic.


    All in all, yesterday had been quite the day.


    This morning, shortly after dawn, he helped Troy with the early morning breakfast rushnow even busier since the tournamentthen asked Theresa if she and Brutus wanted to go on a pic to rx and spend some time together, since they hadnt had much time for datestely.


    He needed her loyal hound to apany them so that he could give her his engagement present.


    Now, finally, everything was ready to go. All he had left to do was to make it through his n without passing out, or worse, chickening out.


    Dont panic, dont panic, Alex thought. Shes probably not going to say no, but if she does, then the beach is right there.<strong></strong>You can just throw yourself in the ocean and be done with it. Isnt that a convenie


    Alex? Alex! Theresa pped her hands to his cheeks. Are you alright?


    Of course Im alright! he said, his voice shrill. Never been better! I am so alright, that I basically dont have a left hand! Or foot!


    ...what?


    Because, er. He picked up his right foot and held his right hand in front of her face. Im all right. No left, get it?


    Theresa looked like her brain was on the verge of abandoning ship. Alex,e on. Whats going on? You should be happy. We should all be happy. Things are going well. But you look terrified, like youre ready to copse.


    No, no Im fine. Everythings fine! he insisted. A little fresh air is all I need, I swear. Come on, lets get going. I could only book the gazebo for a few hours and I dont want us to miss out.


    She gave him a piercing look, then sighed. Alright, but if youre sick, dont go through with this surprise, okay? Dates are niceand its been a while since weve gone on onebut I dont want you copsing over it.


    Im fine, Im not going to copse. Right, Brutus? he asked the cerberus.


    The three headed hound looked up from his bed, sniffing the airzily.


    Thanks for the support, Alex said sarcastically. Anyway, he walked to Brutus, cing a hand on his back, then reached for Theresa. Take my hand?


    She raised an eyebrow. Youre not bringing your staff.


    Dont need it. The trump card already did what it was supposed to do at the tournament. So why dont we give Hannahs power a bit of a work out.


    Theresa smirked. Were going on a date, and youre already mentioning other women. She took his hand. What a bad man, you are.


    The baddest, he said, not even convincing himself.


    He cast flight magic on himself, Brutus and Theresa, then nced out the window, choosing an empty bit of sky. Calling upon the power inside, he catapulted the three of them across the gulf between nes, covering nearly a thousand feet in an instant, appearing in the midst of the sky.


    All around, sky-gonds and flying beasts drifted past. People pointed as they suddenly appeared.


    Teleportation wasnt <em>rare</em> in Generasi, but it was still powerful magic; even in a sky full of flying ships and beasts, they drew attention. But, they didnt linger long.


    Turning his focus toward campus, Alex took them across the city in measured hops,<strong></strong>appearing above the campus gates, then toward green spaces dotting the school grounds.


    They materialised over the ins, and thenafter a few more hops appeared above the beach.


    Oh my goodness, Alex, by the Traveller! Theresa eximed. This is where we had our first date!


    Yep, he said, trying to keep the shakiness from his voice. And thats exactly where I thought we should spend the day!


    Barking happily, Brutus dove from the sky,nding on the sand and immediately began chasing seagulls along the seaside. Giggling, Theresanded beside Alex, watching her cerberus with a contented smile.


    Yes, this is nice, she said, kissing him softly. The huntress looked up at the sky, letting the suns rays fall on her face and ebon hair.


    As Alex had felt more times than he could count, he was struck by just howlucky he was; lucky that the woman there with him loved him enough to call him her partner. And had agreed to be his.


    Id be crazy not to want this tost forever, Alex thought. Absolutely crazy.


    Shall we set up for our little pic? Theresa asked with a dreamy smile.


    Yeah, definitely, Alex abruptly pulled himself from deep in his own thoughts.


    Together, they floated to the gazebo with the sound of gentle wavespping against the shore, and unpacked their pic basket,ying out a spread of hot meats, roasted potatoes, different cheeses, crusty breads and pastries. Nothing fancy, but


    Theyre all my favourites! Theresa eximed. Youre really going all out with this!


    Yeahyeah you could say that, Alex said. Come one, lets dig in.


    They sat together, enjoying their pic,ughing at Alexs jokes, and feeding each other morsels of goodies. Brutus sniffed the air and bounded over, leaving the seagulls alone in favour of food he didnt have to chase and had little chance of catching.


    Time passed with only their rxed conversation, the call of seabirds, and the sound of waves washing against the beach, touching the peace around them.


    Alex enjoyed the moment.


    Theresa was enjoying the moment, herughter drifting over the sand.


    But no moment couldst forever.


    Its time, he whispered.


    She looked up, a puzzled look on her face as she buttered a hunk of warm bread. Time for what?


    He stood, offering her a hand then pointing to the sky. Come up there with me for a moment.


    Alex Roth took a deep breath, as probably the most important question he would ever ask in his entire life yed in his mind.


    He just prayed he was ready to say the words.

 Chapter 607: A Simple Proposal

    Chapter 607: A Simple Proposal


    What does forever mean to you, Theresa? Alex Roth asked Theresa Lu as they floated away, hovering above sand and crashing surf.


    Thats a strange question. The huntress said, cocking her head to the right, while pulling her raven hair back as it tumbled down her shoulder. What does it mean to you?


    They flew higher, the scent of brine wafting in the breeze. Below them, Brutus picked up where hed left off, chasing screeching gulls along the shoreline, blissfully unaware of life-changing events unfolding above.


    I asked you first, Alex smiled, still holding Theresas hand, taking her higher. No fair, you cant answer a question with a question.


    Baelin does.


    Baelin<em> can</em>, hes a super ancient wizard.


    Theresa chuckled, ncing across the sea. The sun lit up the distant water, lighting the surface like a thousand torches were floating beneath the waves. She smiled contentedly. Well then, I guess Id have to say it means being able to see and experience thingsfor all time. Or whatever all time means to us.


    When the couple stopped their ascent, they were high enough that the gazebo looked like arge dollhouse, and Brutus a three-headed squirrel snapping at giant flying ants far below them.


    I think well die one day, she said, though her voice wasnt grim. Or at least I will. Life enforcement extends life, but only for so long. Even if my body looks strong, my internal energies will diminish one day, ording to Professor Kabbot-Xin. So even if I look like Im thirty when I reach a thousand, I wont feel anywhere near that young, and in time, my life energies will shrink away until I pass on.


    She sighed wistfully. Thats the way It happened for great-grandfather, and Im sure itll be the same for me. Maybe your magic can let us live longer, but A frown took her face. The thought of my parents never seeing my face in the after-worldor my brothersmakes me feel a bit lonely. I dont think I could be like Baelin and stay in this world forev She paused. For all eternity.


    Theres a difference? Alex asked softly, thinking about her words. They were true: if he decided that immortality was what he wantedlike Baelin seemed to have chosenthat would mean hed never see his parents again, or meet Hannah in the afterworld. Anyone he cared about who didnt want a life thatsted forever, would die long before him. And, if he chose to live for all eternitythats if he even couldhed never be with them, never see them, again.


    The thoughtmade him feel lonely too.


    It suddenly dawned on him why Baelin seemed so mncholy at times.


    There is a difference, if I think about it, she said. When I first started life enforcement, I remember thinking that it was like finding a new forest to explore. When I was younger, the Coille seemed endlessbut one day, I suddenly found Id explored almost all of it. Life enforcement also felt endless in the beginning. But its not. One day Ill stop increasing the power of my lifeforce and Ill hit a wall, and thatll be as far as I can go. Itll be the end, she slowly breathed in. But I believe that there <em>are</em> certain things that are truly eternal.


    She looked into the sky. Time, maybe. Some deities might be. Demons, engeli, other spirits all live for eternitybut thats different from what forever means to me. Eternity will go on after Im gone. Maybe forever means She paused again. I guess it means for the rest of my life. Like if I decided to explore the world foreveritd be until I got too sick or old to do it anymore. Thats what my personal forever is.


    Alex smiled at that. Theres a bit of philosophy in thinking that way. A bit of romance too, I think.


    Really? sheughed at herself. I dont know, now that Ive said all that, it feels a bit silly. Like, I bet if you told any of your fancy professors what I just said, theyd justugh at me.


    No, I dont think so, Alex said. I dont think Baelin would, andyou know what? I think I agree with you. Eternity means all time but my forever means for as long as I stay in this world. That fits, somehow. It really does.


    She looked at him sidelong, her hand squeezing his. Youre not making fun of me, are you? she asked quietly.


    No, of course not! he cried. I wouldnt. Not for something like this. I just agree with you.


    Oh. She blushed, looking away.


    For a time, they floated there in the sky, surrounded by a warm wind and the scent of the sea. Brutus barked below. Waves crashed. The sun was warm.


    It was perfect.


    It couldnt get any more perfect.


    And Alex couldnt let this moment pass.


    He took a deep breath to steady his pounding heart and the blood rushing through his ears. Theresa


    He paused.


    Yes? she answered, still looking across the Prinean.


    If I asked you to be mine foreverwhat would you say? his voice hovered just above a whisper. Iin return, I would be yours. Forever. For all eternity if thats how long I live.


    Silence.


    The breath after hed said those words felt like an eon passing over the world. All seemed to slow to a crawl as sound fell away like the world was disappearing around him. There was no ground. No clouds. No sky.


    Only sun.


    His breath.


    And her.


    Time stopped until finally, she turned to him. Never had he seen her so quiet. Cloaked in utter stillness. Her eyes were wide and shining. Her face glowed.


    Her free hand slipped across her mouth. The other one never let go of his. What do you mean? she whispered.


    In mid-air, Alex Roth dropped to one knee.


    Theresa Lu gasped.


    Theresa, whether its for my forever or all eternity, theres no one Id rather spend the rest of my life with than you. His green eyes locked on her brown ones. No matter where we are, or even when we are. What we face, or who we face, I want you to be there. Even if we have to part physically, I want us to always be together. If I live as long as Baelin, I want you by my side in one, or even fifty millennia from now.


    He stood and wrapped both arms around her. The world might be different. The universe might be differentbut even if it is, I want us to be the same<strong></strong>to each other. No matter what changes, I just want one thing: for us to be husband and wife.


    He took her hands in his. I want you to share my life with meto marry me, Theresa. I think Ive always known that.


    Silence washed over the beach like fresh rain.


    And Alex looked into Theresas eyes; not daring to look away lest he catch sight of her bodynguage. He didnt want to see a no reflected in her mannerisms, or the way she held her body, he didnt think he could take it.


    He didnt want to know.


    Not that way. Whether she told him yes or no, he had to hear the wordse from her mouth.


    He stood before her as her expression crumbled, emotion iming her face, her lip quivered as her eyes held his. Tears came next, silently running down her cheeks as the salt air blew them away.


    Her voice caught.


    Then she was a blur.


    And in his arms, kissing him, whispering. Yes, yes, Ill marry you! Finally! Then she started giggling. You remember the first time you told me you loved me? We were at Isoldes cousins ball, remember? Well, your proposal <em>might </em>be just a teeny bit more romantic than that was! She squeezed her thumb and index finger together, giggling and crying at the same time.


    In Alexs state of mind, all he could do wasugh helplessly.


    She said, yes!


    He could hardly believe it.


    He was as giddy as a small child whod been spinning like a top, and couldnt stopughing.


    You had to bring that up, didnt you? He hugged her fiercely. You know you just ruined the moment, right? What the hells wrong with you?


    And they keptughing and kissing and holding each other in the sky.


    until a cold wetness pped them across their faces.


    Gah! Alex cried,ing face to face with Brutus as the cerberus floated beside them, whining and staring at them worriedly from three sets of eyes.


    Brutuuuus! Theresaughed. Come on boy, dont worry, mommy and daddy are okay. These are happy tears. The happiest tears!


    She kissed one of the giant pups cheeks.


    The stupidly happiest, Alex was ready to burst,ughing with joy and patting Brutus on a head that kept swivelling back and forth from Theresa to him, and back again. A grin spread across the young wizards face. Actually, Brutus, your timings kinda perfect. Youre right in time for Theresas engagement present.


    Alex beamed at the two of them, chuckling as the huntress and hound tilted four heads in total at him.


    What present? she asked.


    Thats ridiculously cute, he whispered, tilting his head in turn.


    She blushed. Stop it. Now whats this about a gift?


    Its important, Alex beamed. Very important and I think youre going to love it.


    What? Alex, I dont need a gift. <em>Youre</em> the gift. She hugged him tighter.


    Trust me, when you see the gift, youll change your mind. He pat Brutus on his centre head. Stay here.


    With a pulse of the Travellers power, he teleported to the gazebo, picked up the pic basket and teleported back beside Theresa and Brutus. I packed a bit more than food.


    Looking like his hands were trembling, he took a leather bound booklet from the basket, and handed it to Theresa. Go on, open it. I didnt want to give it to you earlier and have you start thinking that I was trying to bribe you into epting my proposal.


    Alex, I would never have said no, she said, opening the book. What is this? A book on travel or some Her eyes grew wide, turning to Alex. What <em>is</em> this?


    Written at the top of the very first page were the words: Operation Brutus Forever.


    Below them was a neat, detailed diagram, showing all the paths of life force that ran through the cerberus, including pressure points where energy would flow in and outif the right rituals were applied.


    Turn the page, Alex encouraged her excitedly.


    Okay she said, slowly turning the page then gasping. Is this me?


    On the second page was an iplete diagram of Theresa: and sketched within her silhouette, were a series of life pathways as they appeared in most humans that hed drawn in graphite which could be erased as<strong></strong>needed.


    It''s getting there, Alex said. I couldnt study you without making you suspicious, so the diagram is only temporary: we can finish the real one with a bit of an examinationter. Butturn to the next page.


    She flipped the page. Her jaw fell open.


    There were two diagrams: one of Brutus and one of her, as well as a pathway of lifeforce linking the two of them together. Below them, hed written instructions and a list of ingredients.


    Rememberst year when you and I talked about something called a blood familiar? He asked. Remember it meant making a familiar through blood magic? he continued. Which means we would basically set up a deep blood connection between you and Brutus, binding your lifeforces together. His lifeforce would flow through you, and yours through him: in other words, that meansif you die, hell die. And if <em>he</em> dies, then itll <em>greatly</em> damage your lifeforce. In return, though He paused. Your lifeforces will resonate together, andbecause hes a beast, and a lot closer to nature than we sapient mortalsyour reinforced life energy will flow into him, reinforcing <em>his.</em>


    Her eyes grew wide. You mean? Brutus will live as long as I will?


    He absolutely will, Alex said, petting the hounds head once more.


    And! And! Hell be a <em>lot</em> stronger, faster and healthier. His skin will get tougher andheck, there might be additional mutations as your nature-empowered lifeforce interacts with his bestial nature. Kinda like He paused. ...its a <em>little</em>like golem evolution, but a <em>lot</em> less drastic. My point is, the transformation might have additional pluses for good ol Brutus here. And uhI know some men give their wives jewellery, houses, horses and stuff like that for engagement or anniversary gifts. But, this felt right.


    He smiled warmly. If you want, Brutus will be part of our forever too. As long as you live.


    Aleeeex! Theresa screamed, jumping on him and hugging him so hard that his spine cracked dangerously. You are the most thoughtful, amazing boyfrieNo, the most thoughtful, amazing <em>fiance</em> in the world! Do you hear me?


    She threw her head back. <em>Im the luckiest woman in the world!</em>


    Her voice boomed across the ocean, echoing through campus.


    Now that? <em>That </em>was the most beautiful sound hed ever heard.


    Can we start right away? she asked him excitedly. Id love to get started right now.


    Yeah, he said. Ill just need to examine your life force through blood magicand then we can finish lunch, go back home and do the ritual.


    This is the best day of my life! Theresa cried.


    Brutus cocked his heads, then gave them both a thick, sloppy lick.

 Chapter 608: Prelude to the Ritual

    Chapter 608: Prelude to the Ritual


    The predator stalked its prey. Cunning, silent, deadly.


    Fangs gnashed. Low growls rumbled from the beasts throats, sounding like stone grinding deep in the earths core. Rippling haunches catapulted the creature through the underbrush.


    or at least, thats what was probably going through Brutus minds as he dreamt, curled up in Alexsb beside a piece of equipment that slowly brewed potions. Every now and then, his growls were followed by snarling, twitching and high pitched whining, nearly drowning out the sound of bubbling liquid drifting from the potion-brewer in the background.


    As the cerberus hunted his dream-prey, Theresa watched him, her brow creased and her expression thoughtful. Her frown seemed to hold all the troubles of the world, and a very nervous Alex wondered what was going through her mind as he ground blood lilies in hisb.


    Oh, by the Traveller, dont tell me shes sorry she said yes, he worried, almost not wanting to ask. I did surprise her, after all; maybe shes had time to think about it and decide shes not ready.


    He continued watching her while she stared at Brutus, noting the nerves and reluctance ying through her body.


    He took a deep breath, unable to stand the tension anymore. Heyis everything alright? he blurted.


    Theresa didnt answer him for a time, then finally sighed. Im not sure if I want to go through with this.


    Alex felt like a catapult stone had hit him.


    This ritual I mean. I was really excited at first. She nodded to her dreaming cerberus. But now, Im not sure its the right thing to do.


    Words couldnt describe the oceans of relief that washed over Alex, though hed never admit what hed been thinking to Theresa.


    Yeah, I guess its gotten a lot more real, hasnt it? he said, looking around theboratory.


    Everything was ready, the results of weeks of study and preparation.


    ygon had cleared a space in the centre of the room, where Alex had drawn tworge magical circles across the floor. They glowed, tinged with the same hue as fresh blood, each<strong></strong>inked with an alchemically preserved pigment of iron, mana-treated water, and sterilised monster blood. Blood magic symbols rippled within each circle, which in turn surrounded images of Theresa and Brutus sketched in the same glowing pigment.


    The diagrams had been perfectly reproduced from Alexs notebook, with one notable change; the lifepaths within Theresas form were now urate since hed had an opportunity to examine her lifeforce earlier.


    Hed drawn red symbols across the huntress skin, visible on her neck and below the sleeves of the gown she was wearing. Lifepaths were in the same crimson pigment as those on the floor, and glyphs marked each channels intersection.


    When the ritual began, the glyphs would support her life energy, while the tonic readied her and Brutus lifeforces for the joining.


    Beside the sleeping cerberus, the slow-brewer was almost finished heating a tonic, and when the blood lilies were ground to a smooth paste, Alex would paint it on the aeld staff. He had imbued the branch with all the magics he needed to conduct the ritual, and the blood lilies would be the final step. As he pulverised the flower petals, the staff leaned against the wall, giving off feelings of anticipation and bathing in the crimson light of theboratory.


    Red, alchemical me, positioned at theboratorys edges like the points of a crimson star, flickered in five floating braziers, lighting the space. If anyone suddenly walked into the room, they might think he was conjuring a demon, since the preparations for the ritual looked so sinister.


    Theresa looked at Alex, her eyes reflecting the unnatural light. Something doesnt feel right about this.


    Well, Ive got to admit the ritual is a bit creepy, he joked nervously. But blood magic tends to be like that: a lot less aesthetically pleasing than magical botany is, for example. Id be having second thoughts too, I suppose.


    She bit her lip.


    Sorry, sorry. He put the pestle down on the table beside the mortar and turned his chair to face hers, taking her hand. Whats got you worried? It <em>is</em> a big step.


    It took a few moments for Theresa to speak again. Well, I dont know if Brutus would want this, she said quietly. I know you said that hed weaken butwhat does that mean exactly?


    Of course it would be just like you to worry about that part and not what happens to <em>you</em> if <em>he</em> dies, he said, smiling. Thats the caring spirit in you talking as usual.


    She wore a faint smile though she was still frowning. <em>Am </em>I so caring, so kind? This is selfish. I mean Im putting Brutus atNo, no. First, tell me what <em>exactly</em> happens to him if I die?


    Well, ording to what Ive read about the ritual: the exact same thing that would happen to <em>you</em> if <em>he</em> dies, which is the reason why you dont see a lot of blood familiars everywhere, he exined. See, what were doing essentially is building a permanent bridge between your life forces. Itll make both of you more resilient while the other one is healthy, and he''ll benefit from your life enforcement. Since your life force is connected to hima creature of naturethen it should advance <em>your</em> life enforcement training too. But...


    He made a chopping motion with his hand. It also means that your life forces are united: if one of you dies, itd be just like if I lost an arm and a leg at the same time. Id bleed from the wounds; in the same way, if one of you dies, the other one will bleed life force. Now, the wound will close fairly quickly, but the injury to your life force would be critical and you would still have lost a lot of energy; youd be <em>very</em> sick. You might even die.


    Theresa gasped. Then


    No wait, let me finish, he said, holding up a hand. But you could also recover, especially if youre treated with mana to life, or divine healing miracles. The trouble is, even if the survivor recovers, their life force will be diminished. Like I said, its like having an arm and a leg torn off your body; you can live, but something will be lessened. Imagine it like thissay you were to suddenly age really fast: youll still live, but youll be weaker than before. That applies to both of you, but theres something else to consider with Brutus.


    He pointed to a glyph on the back of Theresas hand. Remember, the power of life enforcementes from <em>you.</em> If you die, he loses the benefit of that. So, with that whole weakening thing I talked aboutTraveller forbidif you die in a year from now, hed go back to his regr self. But if, lets say, you died <em>a hundred</em> years from now, since thatd be way beyond Brutus natural lifespan, hed die almost immediately after your life enforcement left him, probably within seconds.


    Alex sighed. Or at least, thats how its <em>supposed</em> to work. Ive never done this before, but all the<strong></strong>tomes basically say thats what would happen. I should also mention that since youre a life enforcement practitioner, youll probably make a <em>full</em> recovery if he diesat least ording to the bookssince the power of life enforcementes from you. But, recovering your full strength would take a <em>very</em> long time.


    Theresa shook her head. Im not worried about myself.


    I get that, I do, I just thought that you should have <em>all</em> the information since you''re having second thoughts, Alex said. Also, I just want to let you know that this is <em>your</em> decision: dont feel you have to do it because I set it up. He pointed to the circles. Say the word and Ill wipe everything away, youre the one who has to befortable with all of this, right now, and in the future.


    She smiled, squeezing his hand. Thanksbut do <em>you</em> think its a good idea? Im still not sure. The huntress looked down at Brutus. He cant tell me whether or not hed want this, and even if I tried to exin it to himhes a dog, hed never understand. So, Ive got to be a good mother, and make the right decision for him: not for myself.


    Yeah, if I was in your shoes, Id be thinking the same way. His fingers traced the skin on her palm. But like I said, I cant make this decision: it has to be you. Youre Brutus mom and you know him better than anyone does. Anyone in the world.


    I know, she said. I guessits hard for me to see the entire situation clearly. I want this. I really, really want this. I want to live for a thousand years with you and Brutus and ygon, but thats what <em>I</em> want. The thing is, Alex, I live a dangerous life. I could die a thousand years from now. I could die five thousand years from nowor I could die tomorrow with some monsters w through my chest.


    Alex stiffened. That wont happen.


    But it could, couldnt it? she pointed out. And if I did die tomorrow, theneven if Brutus recovershell be like an old dog. I would take his youth from him. Id hurt him.


    Theresa Alex said gently. Youd also hurt him if you died, even if we didnt do this. If anything happened to you, hed pine, and hed pine hard. Remember three seasons ago, when that shepherd, Philip, disappeared back in Alric? His sheepdog wouldnt eat. Hardly slept. Hardly moved. Well, if you died, I think thatd be Brutus. You dying would hurt him either way; he doesnt like to be separated from you for too long. Hes an independent pup, but hes been glued to you since you found him all alone in the woods.


    She smiled at the memory. Its true. Weve always loved to hunt together. I remember that first time we went, <em>he</em>snapped the rope tying him to his doghouse and scented me until he found me in the woods. And now we always hunt together, everywhere Theresa paused, her smile fading. ...and things hunt us everywhere.


    What do you mean? Alex asked.


    She looked at him soberly. Do you remember when Baelin <em>strongly</em> suggested that Selina join us in the Art of the Wizard in Combat?


    He shuddered. How could I forget?


    At the time, he hadnt even liked the <em>thought </em>of the idea, afraid of exposing his little sister to so much violence. It was astonishing how much had changed in so little time.


    Baelin said that because wizards gain a lot of powerno matter whatsomebody or somethings going to challenge them eventually, whether thats another wizard, monsters, dragons, demons, some warlord or whatever. Theylle looking for you, even if you try to live the most peaceful life in the world. Just because you have power and they want it, theylle for you. Power attracts trouble.


    He thought about the chancellors reasoning. I remember him saying thateven if someone close to you doesnt have powerthey could still end up dead if an enemy attacked you. He said Selina should learn ways to defend herself just in case, because enemies arent inclined toward leaving your family aloneeven if theyre just children


    ...or a beloved dog, Theresa finished. I want Brutus to be able to defend himself.


    Alex looked at the pony-sized cerberus. I think he can.


    From bandits and bears, maybe, Theresa said. But you remember how Zonon-In fought? How she moved? What she was capable of?


    Oh I remember, Alex said darkly. That was a rough fight.


    It really was, she said. And what if someone like that came to our home one day? If Brutus was just his regr self, hed just die.


    Trust me, Im already looking into extra defences for this ce, Alex said. And if we move, Im making sure our next homes going to be more secure than your average fortress.


    But still, hed be in trouble. If he got hurt, or worse, Id never forgive myself, she said.


    And yeah, enemies will go after family, like I said, Alex said.


    And Brutus <em>is</em> family, Theresa said, her voice like flint. You know, now that I think about it. What would happen to him if I died by some enemys hand? Where would he go?


    Id take care of him. You know that.


    Alex, that still has the same problem. Youd be looking after an ageing, pining cerberus. But what if y<em>ou</em> died too? Selina would probably take him, but she doesnt like huntingand giving him to anyone elseeven if they didnt have enemieswould be like giving away family.


    Alex winced. Brutus would never understand that.


    Yes she said, frowning. AndAlex do you ever get bad feelings about things?


    Yeah, but what do you mean specifically?


    She took both of his hands. Well, were nning on getting married and that feels too good to be true, and were also going up against whatevers going on with the church, right? We might even be facing a god. I just get the feeling that maybe its time to make sure Brutus can better protect himself.


    A bell sounded.


    Oh, hold on, the tonics are done. Alex got up, looking at the potion slow- brewer. Brutus hadnt woken up. You know, maybe I have a way to help you make your decision.

 Chapter 609: Blood Ritual

    Chapter 609: Blood Ritual


    Alex eyed the finished tonics as he searched for the right words.


    He knew that Theresa was having doubts and feeling uncertain, so he didnt want to push, or influence her in either direction.


    Last year, he said. In one of my magic theory sses, we learned that a good way to make decisions is to make a list of the pros and cons of whatever it is that youre considering, then summarise the situation, then choose whichever has the most advantages.


    Theresa raised an eyebrow. How does that have anything to do with magic?


    We sometimes learn logic and different life skills in magic theory, Alex said. Professor Jules told us during one of herbs once that, he cleared his throat, mimicking her speech pattern, There are few things more dangerous than an impractical wizard: magics impractical enough as it is, you dont need your brain to be impractical too, or something to that effect.


    Okayso what about this list? Do I just list what would be the good points of each decision, and what would be the bad ones? she asked.


    Yes, thats right, he said.


    Okay, she agreed. Sounds reasonable, Ill start with the bad then. So, if we do this She looked at Brutus. First off, if anything happens to me, it hurts him even more than it already would under normal circumstances. Hed go from only being sad and pining, to also being weakened. Maybe even dying. Second, Id suffer the same consequences if he died. Itd hurt <em>me</em> even more too.


    Right, and what about the cons for <em>not</em> doing it? Alex asked.


    She listed them off on her fingers. One, hed die a lot earlier in life. Cerberi live longer than an average dog, but they only live for about twenty years, if theyre lucky. Two, he wouldnt be protected: if anything nasty attacked our home and we werent around and he needed to defend himself, he couldnt. Not against something <em>very</em> powerful like a greater demon. Three, hed have to stay home most of the time: were fighting tougher and tougher opponents: he couldnt do that for much longer, which means wed be spending less time together, and hed be miserable being stuck at home.


    Alright, and what are the pros? Alex asked.


    Well, if we didnt do it, <em>his</em> lifeforce wouldnt be damaged if I got killed, and <em>mine</em> wouldnt be damaged if <em>he</em> got killed. Wed <em>just</em> be heartbroken forever, she said, her tone grim. The pros of doing it is thatonehe could protect himself if our home gets attacked. Two, hed be able to keep up with me in battle which means we could keep spending lots of time together: we could protect each other. Three, hed live as long as I would. Four, hed be healthier and stronger for his whole life: and as <em>I</em> got stronger, hed get stronger. Five, hed be with his family for a lot longer. AndI think thats it.


    Right, Alex started. And


    Wait, theres one more, Theresa interrupted him. Six: if he keeps fighting beside me, hell learn more about how to fight different opponents, which will make him safer when hes alone.


    Okay, thats a lot of reasons both for and against, Alex said, replicating how his teachers walked their sses through decision-making exercises. Do you find things look any clearer?


    Yes, actually, Theresa admitted. Honestly, theres a lot more reasons to do it than there are <em>not</em> to do itand I n on getting stronger to protect him. Which would make <em>him</em> stronger too, and let him protect himself, as well as our whole family. And, honestly, the one thing that stopped us from getting killed in a lot of situations was having a strong team that worked better together than our enemies did. Our teams gotten us through a lot.


    Yeah, I agree with that, he said. And by making Brutus more powerful, it would also make our whole team more powerful.


    Alright, then as his mother. Theresa nodded decisively. I think we should do it. Itll make him stronger, healthier and happier.


    And Ill protect you both. Alex said, putting the tonics on the table.


    No. Theresa stood, kissing him on the lips. Ill protect <em>you</em> both.


    Alex almost wrapped his arms around her, but remembered how much smudging that would mean for the sigils and glyphs hed painted on her body. Maybe we should just protect each other, then.


    Yeah, she said. So, are you ready to begin?


    Absolutely, we just need to wake up Brutus and


    Hes already awake.


    Alex looked over to find the cerberus stretching, three mouths yawning wide. Giving himself a shake from his tail to his heads, he straightened up and padded over to Theresa, sniffing her, begging for attention.


    I see you boy, I see you. She scritched his ears, dont you worry, were going to take good care of you. Are you ready for the ritual?


    Brutus cocked his heads at her.


    Alex chuckled. I dont think hes suddenly going to say He made his voice sound like a<em> talking-dogs</em>. <em>res reresa, Im reary for the ritual! I hope rou give me Rutus snacks!</em>


    Oh, by the Traveller, Alex. She rolled her eyes. I love you lots, but you are a silly, silly man.


    Hey, youre the one talking to a dog, he said, rubbing his hands together. Now lets get Brutus ready. Keep him still for me.


    The cerberus watched in curiosity as Alex picked up<strong></strong>a bowl of pigment and a brush with a blood magic glyph etched into its handle, from the nearby table.


    Its okay, boy, its not a bath. Theresa promised, kneeling down beside him. Just keep still for your dad, okay?


    Alex bent down beside the curious hound, dipping the brush in the crimson pigment and slowly brushing it across his fur. One of Brutus heads turned, wanting to sniff the brush, but Theresa gently turned it back.


    Keep still, boy, she said.


    And he kept his eyes on her, panting and watching her withrge, inquisitive eyes.


    Once the first symbols wereplete, Alex conjured Wizards Hands and had them join him, taking up brushes waiting in bowls of pigment on a nearby table. Together, they swarmed over the hound from top to bottom, painting symbols and red lines along his entire body.


    Soon, the diagrams and symbols covered him from tail to noses, glowing in the red light of alchemical me.


    Alright, Alex said. The symbols are ready. While I prepare the staff, why dont you two drink your tonics. Theres a bowl there for Brutus to drink from. Make sure he drinks every drop of his tonic.


    The Thameish wizard began painting his staff with the extracted red lily dye, each symbol burned with power onpletion, siphoning the dye through the aelds inner magics. When hed finished preparing the staff, its crystalline blooms boiled blood red.


    Alright, were ready. Are you both?


    Brutus waspping up the dregs of tonic in his bowl, as Theresa ced her empty bottle on the table.


    Were done, she said.


    Okay, then step into the circles and rx, stay very still, Alex said. The process wont hurt, but youll be paralysed while the ritual is beingpleted. Dont panic. Its all part of the magic.


    Okay, she said a little uneasily. I love you.


    Love you too, he said as she and Brutus stepped into their circles.


    After some coaxing from Theresa, the cerberusid down on his image,<strong></strong>then the huntress did the same. She exhaled deeply. Ready whenever you are.


    Then, its showtime, Alex said, stepping in front of the circles.


    Concentrating, he poured his mana into the staff, manipting the inner magics. Crimson light red from the crystalline blooms as the braziers simultaneously red, bathing the room in ruddy light.


    And so we begin, Alex said, his voice booming through theboratory. Blood binding to blood. Soul touching soul. Two bodies as one. Fate intertwined.


    The mes zed higher at his words.


    Brutus whimpered, one head cocked as the circles<strong></strong>red with power.


    Let the magic take you, Alexs voice rose, resonating in the room. It sounded ancient, low, boundless.


    The hairs on the back of his neck began rising as magic<em>old</em> magicjoined with the aeld staffs, and his own power. He felt like a first year student again, watching Professor Jules conjure a shoggoth deep within the Cells.


    Let the power fall upon you, keeping you still. Let the power take you and make you more, he intoned.


    The staff struck the ground two times, each impact rumbling like thunder.


    Brutus and Theresas forms slowly rxed. Their muscles grew limp. Their breaths lighter.


    Their eyes flickered, slowly closing.


    The rings surrounding them glowed even brighter.


    By the oldest of magic, I call the lives of these two forth. One greater in mind. One lesser in mind. One greater in body. One lesser in body. One of sapience. One of nature. He held his staff high. But stronger together.


    Alex continued to manipte the mana within the aeld, and power pulsed from the burning braziers, striking the staff from five directions. Instantly, a red, five pointed star pulsed into being, connecting the staff to the me at each tip.


    Power, in a growing tidal wave of life blood, swelled around the young wizard.


    He could feel the lifeforce pulsing through Theresa and Brutus, made more malleable by the tonic coursing through them.


    Ready to be moulded as easily as y.


    By the power of blood and lifeborn at the dawn of creation andsting until the end of lightI now join these two beings together as master and familiar. Two lives joined not by mana, but by blood and life. Two halves. One stronger whole.


    He charged the mana within his staff.


    The aelds blooms were like blinding red suns.


    His hair was tossed about in a gusting wind.


    Let these two beings be bound! By my power and their life! Two as one!


    These final words crescendoed, echoing through theboratoryand gripping his staff with both handshe drove it into the stone floor, rattling the chambers walls<strong>.</strong>


    Without a sound, Brutus and Theresa floated from the ground, gradually rising into the air.


    Higher and higher, they hoveredheld in the grip of blood and powertheir bodies twisting until they were posed in the exact image of their diagrams within the circles. Red lines running across their flesh burned with bright light, and glyphs across their skin rippled like water.


    Their mouths opened.


    Two streams of lifeforce poured forth, writhing through the air like serpents reaching out for each other. The flow of life pouring from Theresa glowed brighter and thicker than that streaming from Brutus, yet, without hesitating, each moved toward the other. They drifted along, forming a red bridge between the two circles.


    Pulses, sounding like hearts beating, thrummed through the air as the life energies intertwined, wrapping around each other, joining like cords forming a single rope. Red lightning crackled from the braziers as Alex guided the mana through his staff and the ritual.


    He could feel the lifeforces of Brutus and Theresa, winding together, ready for the final step that would join them as one.


    Alex closed his eyes, guiding the mana through thest steps.


    His staff pulsed again, and the red symbols across it shed bright, immediately consumed by crimson me. Beams of red lightnced from the aelds blooms, striking conjoined cords of connective lifeforce, sealing them<strong></strong>together like fire magic would a pair of steel rods.


    For a moment, the cords of<strong></strong>lifeforce shed a blinding white. Joining. linking two lives as one, bing master and familiar.


    Slowly and steadily, Theresa and Brutus floated down, settling in the centre of each circle. The tide of blood magic began to ebb, as the staffs energies ran low.


    Alex was spent, feeling like hed run a dozen miles as the crimson mes dimmed to a flicker, sending theb into a ruddy gloom. The aelds blooms flickered softly, returning to their natural hue, and the cord of life tethering Theresa and Brutus, faded from view.


    For several breaths, all was silent.


    Then the huntress sat up, covered in sweat.


    Howre you feeling? Alex knelt beside her.


    Tired, she said. Andah!not so loud.


    Alex paused, confused. But, Im talking quietly.


    Really? she groaned, squeezing her eyes shut. It sounds like youre yelling, and by the Traveller, you smell like chemicwait


    She slowly opened her eyes. I can see better, and hear better. A lot better. And, Brutus! she cried, whirling toward her cerberus. I can feel him, somethings different!


    In his circle, Brutus growled, slowly climbing to his feet.


    He shook himself once.


    Then twice.


    Thencame the dry sound of bone shiftingand he began to change.

 Chapter 610: Metamorphosis

    Chapter 610: Metamorphosis


    Flesh rippled.


    Bone cracked.


    The cerberus was gripped by a terrible change.


    He growled and snarled, eyes shut tightevery muscle tensedas Theresas enhanced lifeforce poured through him, empowering and transforming his form.


    Whats happening to Brutus? Theresa tried to rise, her voice filled with rm. She managed to partly stand before stumbling, still weak from the ritual.


    Its okay! Its okay! Alex caught her, holding her up. Its normalprobably.


    Probably? Theresa demanded.


    Everything Ive read said that a reaction like this could happen from the ritual, he exined. Butsince Ive never done this before


    Brutus continued snarling, shaking himself as red light moved beneath his skin like worms tunnelling through loose dirt.


    His skin began to split.


    His shoulders, haunches, lower legs, paws and tail, sprouted thick tes of bonelike those of a silence-spider or bone-chargerdripping with a honey- coloured liquid as the armoured tes covered those parts of his body.


    His tail lengthened, a sheath of bone-armour forming over it as it cut the air, whipping back and forth.


    Suddenly, his growls stilled.


    No, that wasnt right.


    <em>Everything</em> about the cerberus stilled, from the sound of his nails scraping against the stone floor, to the snap his tail had made as it whipped back and forth. Even the tearing noise of mutating flesh had ceased. He moved, but made no sound.


    What in the Travellers name? Theresa gasped. I canI can feel something. I can feel our link. Theres no pain, but what is


    Brutus jaws opened.


    The huntress eyes flew wide.


    Alex, down!


    Shit! He shouted as they tumbled to the ground.


    Silence fled, sound returned to the cerberus.


    With a vengeance.


    From three fanged mouths, undting waves of sonic power shot out as howlsnced through theb. Waves attacked the wall they were aimed toward, cracking it, bursting it with pure force.


    Sonic howls punched through the earth<strong></strong>beyond the wall like force magic, until atst, Brutus was spent. From three newly formed holes in a wall of Alexsboratory, bits of stone, debris, and rock dust flowed.


    Yet, nothing else was damaged.


    Not a single ss beaker had so much as shuddered while Brutus howls tore apart earth and stone.


    Alexs mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening, but before he could.


    Whatre you doing, boy? Theresa said to Brutus.


    What is it? Alex asked.


    Theressomethingit feels like a knot of power inside him, she said. Italmost feels like an organ somewhere in his body. I dont think it was there before, and now hes making it do something, but I dont know what!


    Before she could finish, his body shed red. The sound of flesh shifting soon followed, as the cerberus reached into the pulsing knot of power.


    His body began to grow.


    Already bearing the height and bulk of a small pony, the hound grew beyond that. Bone elongated, thickening. Fangs tapered. Muscles bulged.


    Soon, he was the size of a draft horseperhaps bigger.


    More bone armour emerged.


    te after te erupted from his skin, sheathing his entire body in a suit of dense bone. Every inch of him was growing armour, even surrounding his mouths with thin slits that also encircled his noses and eyes.


    The bone armour spread, covering his fangs and ws, lengthening and protecting them, turning them to serrated, merciless, des. A thick bulb of ossein swelled over the tip of his tail, transforming it from a bone-sheathed whip, to a deadly il.


    The armour was strategically peppered with spikes, it started with the bone-club capping his tail, transforming it into the head of a spiked mace. Barbs now covered his body armour like porcupine quills, and when atst this secondary transformation had ended, Brutus was enormous, protected in a spiked covering of ted bone armour,plete with deadly natural weapons. His hulking formthick with powerful muscturehad transformed into an engine of destruction, radiating vitality and power.


    He let out three low growls, each rumbling through theboratory like boulders grinding to dust.


    His eyes glowed blood red, and the air rippled around his jaws with every breath he took.


    Brutus? Theresa asked. Is thatare you alright?


    The cerberus whirled, releasing three ear-shattering barks and bounded toward her, a giant wall of charging spikes.


    Oh gods, the spikes! Alex screamed.


    Wait, wait, boy! Calm down! Calm down! she cried. You dont want to hurt mommy with those barbs, do you?


    Brutus abruptly stoppedarmoured nails scraping trenches in the floorpausing a single pace away, looming over them. He cocked his enormous heads.


    He let out three quiet barks.


    Then went silent.


    Again, sheathed in that eerie, silence-spider-like stillness, Brutus began to shrink. The spikes withdrew into his bone tes, and they in turn melted back into his skin, leaving only flesh and soft fur.


    Only the tes that had initially formed over his shoulders, haunches, lower legs, paws and tail remained, now free from deadly barbs. Thest of his new powers to gothe crimson glow in his eyesdimmed, and died.


    Aside from the remaining tes, he was his old self again, happily bounding to Theresa and bowling her over.


    Agh! Brutus, youre so strong now! she cried,ughing. Oh by the Traveller, look at you!


    What just happened? Alex asked. Did the transformation partially undo itself?


    No, she said. Its like theres a well of power inside him. She was giggling as three enormous tongues licked her face. He can draw from it to transform and then change back, only those bits of armour stay.


    Theresaughed. Its amazing. He took to my power so well! Look at how strong he is!


    Yeah, Ill say. Alex murmured, staring at Brutus, then quickly going to his desk, he began recording what had happened. Ive got to get this down before I forget any of it!


    Always the schr, arent you? sheughed as Brutus continued to slobber on her with sloppy kisses. Well tell me this, Mr. Genius. Why did Brutus change the way he did? The armour and silenceit reminds me of silence-spiders.


    Alex paused his writing, squinting at the friendlynow semi-immortal canineand scratched his head. Well, Im not going to lie and say I <em>know</em> what just happened. All I can tell you are some theoriesno, theyre hypothesesIll be honest, theyre more like guesses. Educated guesses, but guesses.


    Theresa giggled. Well, tell me your educated guesses, Mr. Educated Genius.


    Well, he said. First of all, the first monster Brutus ever killed was a silence-spider, right? Same with you. Before that, all you two had ever killed were forest animals you were hunting. Maybe that left an impression on him, and thats how his new power manifested. To be honest, theresnot a lot of science to this kind of magic. Its <em>old</em> and terrifying, and even modern wizards dont quite understand the causes of its different effects. Some things weve figured out, but others


    He paused. Though, you know what? he continued. Im wondering if maybe <em>you</em> have something to do with it.


    Oh? She raised an eyebrow, using Brutus to pull herself to her feet before Alex could get there to help her. Oh, stay there, stay there. Im just tired, not dead. And Im already feeling like Im recovering. Anyway, what do I have to do with it?


    Well, our life energies reflect us to a certain degree, Alex began.


    Alex, Im a life enforcement practitioner. I know that, she said. Our emotions, personalities, reflect us and our souls.


    Exactly. And you <em>really</em> wanted Brutus to be able to keep up with you and also protect himself, Alex said. So what happened? He developed arger, more powerful body. That way, he can fight the kinds of enemies you fight in melee these days. You wanted him protected, so he developed armour with thorns thatd make any enemy think twice about hitting him. You use your arrows a lot, so he developed an attack at range to strike your enemies with you. You and he are hunters, so he developed silence to better sneak up on prey. What else


    He looked at the bone tes. Actually, you know what? Im thinking about only half of this. Brutus isnt sapient, but hes got wants and wishes too. His lifeforce would reflect that. And maybe the silence-spider made an impression on him. He couldnt bite through its armour when it attacked us back in the Coille, and he was helpless against the hive-queen. So, maybe he copied them, because he remembered how sessfully they fought him.


    Alex scratched his head again<strong>.</strong> But honestly, this is the same kind of magic that came out of a world where wizards only got power by making blood sacrifices, and calling on demons to make bargains for power. This is the stuff of souls, and genie wishes, and fairy curses. The most advanced archwizards of our day dont <em>quite</em> understand that old magic the way we do most things, so I can only guess.


    Well your guesses are good enough for me, she said, smiling and kissing her cerberus. Alex, this iswithout a doubtthe greatest gift anyone has ever given to either Brutus or me. You know that? Seriously, nothing elsepares.


    Alex put down his notebook, leaning back against the desk and blushing a little. Well, uh, I put a lot of thought into it. I really wanted it to be special.


    Theresa scritched Brutus ear. Well, it is. It really is. Now why dont you go thank your dad for the wonderful gift, Brutus?


    Barking enthusiastically, the cerberus bounded across theb and leapt onto Alex, licking him mercilessly.


    Agh! Not the face! Not the face! he cried.


    Yes, the face! Theresamanded mercilessly. Dont leave him alone!


    Arrrrgh! Alex screamed in defeat as Theresa giggled.


    A vicious look sparkled in the huntress eye. You know what? I feel like some exercise. Do you feel like some exercise, Alex?


    How do you mean? the Thameish wizard asked between sloppy cerberus kisses.


    Well. She flexed her fingers, making a tight fist. What do you say we go to Thamnd and maybe find ourselves a dungeon to raid? I feel stronger than ever. I can smell so many things in this roomI can hear so much better. I think Im faster too. And I want to see Brutus in action.


    The cerberus barked.


    See! And he wants exercise too! Theresa said, leaning on the desk. Why dont we tear apart some bone-chargers? Maybe even a behemoth or two? I feel my strengthing back.


    Oh no, Alex said. None of that. What you two are going to do is rest for the day, while I feed you and give you plenty of fluids. In a few days we can talk about exercise.


    What? Ohe ooooon, the huntress whined. We have to go to Thamnd. We just have to! We have so much power now, we <em>have</em> to test it out. I might only be slightly stronger and faster, but Brutus is going to be a juggernaut now:pletely unstoppable, I just know it! Come on, lets gooooo.


    No, no, no, Alex said. No you dont. Like I said, this ritual is old magic, and every book Ive read says both master and familiar need to be monitored for a few days after the ritual isplete, just in case theresplications that dont show up initially.


    Come on, were fine. I can feel my strength returning and I can feel Brutus, oh Theresa looked sharply at the cerberus.


    Suddenly, the hound stopped licking Alex and yawned, tottering back to his mother. He gave her a big lick, then turned in a circle and copsed at her feet in a ball.


    In no time, he was fast asleep.


    Theresa red at him as though he was the biggest traitor in all of Thameish history.


    See? Alex said. The process takes a lot out of you, and you two wont be at your best for at least a couple of days. You <em>feel</em> strong, but exerting yourselves will be too much. Come on, I made a fantastic dessert for usfrozen vani cake covered with whipped cream, and roasted chestnut sliversand you and Brutus can just rx until Selina and ygon get back. Khaliks parents are leaving in a couple of days. And after that? We can go and have some fun.


    A, but I want to try out this new power right now, Theresa said, disappointed. Come on, future husbandOh whats the use? Youre being annoyingly reasonable.


    I know, I know. Alex walked over and hugged her around the waist. He kissed her forehead. But well get a chance to try it out. Im sure the enemies in Thamnd will be there <em>after</em> youve recovered. Then, we can have at all the bone chargers we want: or hells, maybe some other type of Ravener spawn. Any kind we want. Who knows what well find waiting when we get back to Thamnd.


    Uldars servants will be here tomorrow, Eldin said, his whispering voice mixing with the sounds of the woods.


    His agents watched him with eyes burning with fervour.


    Then we can begin our holy task as given me by the Third Apostle. The priests smile was serene. And we will bring together all those who threaten Uldars great n. And like festering wounds, they will be cut away by our hand.

 Chapter 611: Uldars "Servants"

    Chapter 611: Uldar''s "Servants"


    The early morning sun trickled through the forest, filtering down beneath the lush canopy.


    Are you certain, holy leader? one of Eldins agents whispered, rm in her tone. The young womanshockingly youngwatched the clearing through the dappled light.


    Ahead, figures emerged from the trees.


    Monstrous figures.


    Do you mean if I am certain that these creatures are agents of our god? he asked calmly.


    Around him, the twenty agents under Eldinsmand tensed, their hands smoothly reaching toward implements of war. Chain links clinked<strong></strong>beneath clothing of brown and green, and the tingle of Uldars power danced around weapons hidden among their clothing.


    Their nerves were wound tight, and the only thing staying their hands was their boundless faith in their leader.


    Steady, Eldrin warned, watching more humanoid figures leave cover of the dense woods, as he noted subtle movement within the trees. Something massive and silent remained concealed, keeping well out of view.


    His nerves were also winding tighter by the heartbeat.


    But his faith was strong in Izas and the First Apostle.


    And even stronger in Uldar.


    Third Apostle Izas has said to be not afraid, that though these servants of Uldar wear forms that we would find foul, do not shrink away from them. Let this be a test of faith for you: the scriptures say that Uldar once moved among the people in guises folk would not expect. This is the same.


    Yesyes holy leader, the agent whispered, though no tension left her<strong></strong>voice.


    The other followers of Uldar moved their hands away from their weapons.


    But, not <em>too far away.</em>


    And looking at the monsters gathering before them, Eldin prayed, calling on Uldar for greater strength.


    More humanoid Ravener-spawn poured from the forest, rare beasts, of a kind very few had ever heard of. They were seldom called to serve, often not seen for many cycles, making them a rare sight within the wilds of Thamnd.


    No official records ever<strong></strong>stated why they appeared, but every ount highlighted their matchless levels of stealth, and their deadliness against foes. Countless Thameish lives had been lost to these unrivalled Ravener-spawn, but Eldin knew that<strong></strong>Uldar must have had his reasons to sheathe these servants in such foul guises.


    Slowly, the Ravener-spawn leading its fellows raised a hand in greeting.


    Our enemy lies before us, spreading the gue of the soul, the creatures hideous mouth formed its words in an unnervingly human voice.


    Eldins agents whispered to each other,menting on that fact; he would discipline themter for breaking focus, but for now, they needed their wits, not idlementary.


    Eldin raised his hand in return. And so our enemies will fall before us, and will beid low, the hidden priest said.


    Yes, priest, you have offered the words as was foretold,, the monsters human voice struck Eldins nerves, making it hard to believe that this creature was truly a servant of Uldar.


    Ah, ye of little faith, he chastised himself. There was a time when most would have scoffed at <em>you</em> being a servant of Uldar. You should be better.


    Thats right, holy servant of our god, Eldin replied. It is good that we are here, united in this task. But I must know something.


    He looked into the trees. Are there others with you? Something waits within those trees, and I must know if they are with you.


    The monster looked at him in surprise. You are astute, holy servant of Uldar, it said.


    Yes he is, a voice came from within the trees, this one was monstrous.


    There was the sound of wood cracking, and another shape emerged from the woods.


    no.


    Three towering shapes.


    A trio of imposing creaturesgrey-shelled, long-legged, bearing eye-stalks that swivelled above oblong bodiesmaterialised as though stepping through a<strong></strong>curtain of liquid.


    With the appearance of these three, his agents held their tongues, but Eldin could feel their tension.


    You could sense us, the monster in the centre spoke. You have gifts which<strong></strong>are rare among mortalkind.


    Spittle dripped from its mouth.


    Eldin closed his eyes briefly, reminding himself that the abominations before him were holy servants of his god. It was the only thing that stopped him from striking out with full divine fury. He had to be an example for his agents.


    Uldar gifted you with fearsome forms, he said. Which will better serve our lord.


    <em>To serve,</em> each monster said as one.


    You are aware of what must be done? one of the three titans asked.


    ...before we continue, Eldin said. What do I call you?


    The monster paused, its eyestalks<strong></strong>swivelling toward itspanions. Even the humanoid Ravener-spawn below it looked around in confusion.


    Call us? We do not have names like mortals, the titan said, seemingly puzzled. They are unnecessary for servants such as us. We know who we are. And our enemies do not need names for us.


    Hmmm, but among us mortals, the practise of naming is important. It serves to avoid confusion, Eldin said.


    ...if names are important to youthen call us what will be easy for you, the creature said.


    Eldins eyebrows rose, the situation striking him as familiar. In the time beforeing to Uldars service, hed often thought of aliases for those who worked with him.


    Those were pleasurable days.


    Bloody days.


    But now, he shed blood for a higher purpose.


    Respect, then, servants of Uldar, Eldin said. If it is you He looked from the three titans to the lead humanoid.<strong></strong>that will be working with us directly, then you will need names.


    His eyes settled on the towering creature to his left.


    Something about the situation left him feeling oddly whimsical, even if he was naming monsters and not new recruits. In the end, these were servants of Uldar, not true Ravener-spawn.


    He was sure Uldar could understand a degree of whimsy, judging by his use of parables.


    Ill call you Butcher, he said to the titan that had spoken the most. And youll be Baker. He pointed to the one on the left. And youll be Miller. He nodded to the one to the right.


    And you... His attention turned to the lead humanoid. You have a human voice, so you should be Singer.


    The monsters didnt react.


    If that helps you identify us for our task, Singer said. Then so be it.


    Now, what do you know of what must be done? Butcher asked.


    I know that there is a special threat to the natural order of Uldar and Thamnd, he said. And I know that we must unite against that threat, and I was told that I would be given more information when we met.


    Then you know the beginnings, Butcher said. I will exin the rest.


    The giant monsters eyestalks twitched. There are three mortals plotting to destroy all that Uldar has built, the creature said. We must y them to stop them spreading their taint to others.


    Yes, Eldin said. My orders are to capture these great enemies of Uldar and bring them before the First Apostle. He will learn the true extent of their evil before they are killed. But three


    The priest frowned. Three will be difficult to find within the vast reaches of Thamnd.


    That is of no issue, Baker spoke. We will be able to track these enemies easily. We can find them, andtogethereliminate them.


    It is well that Uldar has blessed you with such gifts, Eldin said. But, when you lead us to them, we will decide what must be done to bring them before the First Apostle.


    So be it, Miller said. But know this: these enemies will take guises that may surprise you. We must eliminate them.


    Yes, of course, Eldin touched the symbol of Uldar hanging around his neck. My faith in Uldar is absolute. My own motherthough she now rests in Uldars gracecould be one of those threats, and I would still eliminate her without hesitation.


    Good, Butcher said. Thene. Our forces have already found two. They are near.


    Lead the way, Eldin said.


    Uldars servants growled at each other, and began moving into the trees at speed. Eldin followed, his form shimmering as he transformed into a massive bull elk and galloped after the monsters that served Uldar, hooves springing over the forest floor.


    Behind him, the agents of Uldar bowed their heads before transforming.


    Wearing the guise of wolves, they too loped after Uldars servants.


    Together, those who served the god of Thamnd, and those that served its greatest enemy, disappeared into the woods.


    This cannot be the agent of Uldar whispered as she stared into the spyss.


    Hold your tongue, Eldin said, watching through his own spyss.


    But, holy leader. One of them is the Sage


    I said, hold your tongue. Discipline and faith. Channel them through you, Eldinmanded.


    It is true Millers voice said from somewhere above them. The monstrous servant of Uldar clung to the mountainside, invisible to the eye. Nearby, the unseen forms of Butcher and Baker were tucked discreetly within the crags of the peak.


    Eldins agents were under cover on a bluff, while the humanoid Ravener-spawn were nestled among the rocks below them.


    Together, they watched the war-party camped in a valley below.


    The mortals were familiar: Eldin had sent agents among them some time ago andthey had reported odd things.


    Strange things


    This was the war-party of the Heroes, and unexpected urrences were taking ce among Uldars greatest warriors.


    The Champion, Sage and Chosen were regrly leaving their sacred duty to mix with the Generasians in their enve, creating a rift between them and Uldars holy Saint, ording to reports from the churchs spies.


    This news by itself, would not have troubled Eldin at all.


    Oftentimes, there were personal conflicts between Heroes of the past. There had been one generation where the Fo sailorhad beenpletely dismissed by the Sage of his time.


    But what was noteworthy in this situation, was how <em>three</em> of the Heroes seemed to be moving in secrecy. They had been seeking ess to different church archives from towns and viges they passed through, often taking counsel by themselves, away from all others.


    Including the Saint.


    Eldin had witnessed simr secretive behaviour before. It reminded him less of interpersonal conflicts, and more of <em>dangerous</em> undertakings.


    Like sedition.


    Or treachery.


    And the Heroes werent the only ones who had been acting suspiciously.


    The Saint had been spending too much of his time with a young Thameish woman, a member of the Generasian expedition; one Carey London of Wrexiff was not a remarkable individual, or at least she should not have been.


    Digging into her family background had revealed little to raise rm: a proper family line with many members of it taking up local leadership, or the clergy, a proper record of attendance at her local church, and little else of note.


    But, the conversations shed been having with the Saint had not been those that should have passed through the lips of a faithful member of Uldars flock. Her surface actions indicated that she was dedicated to the destruction of the Ravener, as was right and proper.


    So why did she refuse to join the prayer circles led by the Saint? Why did she speak to him in a questioning manner, spreading hidden seeds of doubt designed to eat away at any child of Uldars resolve and faith?


    Why did she show little interest in visiting churches of towns freed from Ravener-spawn influence.


    Now, much was made clear.


    ording to Miller, there were <em>two</em> great threats to Uldars n in this group.


    The first was Carey London.


    And the second was the Holy Sage herself, Drestra of Crymlyn Swamp.


    I see why you warned us to trust our faith, Eldin said, his voice filled with irony as he pointed his spyss from Carey to Drestra. Even now, the Sage was preparing to step through a fae gate with the Champion and Chosen. Evil wears forms that are familiar and fair. Allies wear forms unknown and foul. This is no surprise to me.


    Good that you understand, Butcher said from nearby. United, we can attack, capture then kill.


    What of the third threat? Eldin asked.


    There was a pause.


    You have had trouble locating that one, havent you? the monster said.


    Yes, they are probably appearing in Thamndthen disappearing. When did youst locate them?


    They werein the ce where those outsiders<strong></strong>are, Miller said.


    I see, that means that these threats are conspiringbut if one continues to disappear, then trying to capture all three will be difficult. They might be able to teleporthmmm Eldin calcted the quickest path to victory. It would be best if we could strike them away from the protection of potential allies in the Generasian encampment. Make theme to an area of <em>our</em> choosing.


    A trap. That seemsvaluable, Butcher said.


    Good, but we will need one thing for this to work. Something to lure all members of this conspiracy. Eldins eye narrowed through the spyss.


    What is it? What is it? Miller asked.


    The spyss lens filled with the image of Carey London, speaking in low tones to Merzhin, the Holy Saint.


    And Eldin uttered one word:


    Bait.

 Chapter 612: Leaving in the Face of Storms

    Chapter 612: Leaving in the Face of Storms


    This weather isnt what I would have expected in Generasi. Im truly surprised. King Aksuma shook his head, watching the outdoors through a windowshed by rain. People travel to thisnd for its beautiful sunny skies, not gloomy pelting rains.


    Outside, the world was wracked by wind and driving rain.


    Thunder boomed in the distance.


    Through the torrent of rain stretching beyond the horizon, lightning shed, striking the Prinean Sea.


    Flower beds bursting with blooms that had hours before stood tall, now drooped in the dirt, weighed down by the deluge. Puddles swirled along the courtyard as the rain streamed against ss, wood and stone, sounding like erratic war drums. Even the Tekish royal guardsdisciplined and stronglooked dejected as they maintained their duty on the vis walls.


    Fortunately for them, that duty would soon end.


    I know why the sky has opened so intensely, Khalik said from across the room. It weeps because you and mother will soon depart Generasi. It is as heartbroken to see you go as I am.


    My mighty oak flower, arent the weather wizards releasing the rains from the spells that held them away during the Games? Sinope asked. That is what you said happenedst year.


    The prince winced. Sinope


    What? She cocked her head at him.


    Queen Ishtar, standing near a wardrobe, burst outughing at her sons cringing as her battalion of servants piled luggageincluding plenty of souvenirsin the centre of the entrance hall, Nice try, son, she said. You are too kind for your own goodperhaps try friendly lies that are at least a <em>little</em> believable next time.


    Well someone just got told, Thundar grinned, sitting at a table piled with treats and snacking on a sugar-coated strawberry. Uh, your majestiesare you sure its okay for me to be eating in here just before you leave? I dont wanna leave you with a mess.


    One would normally ask that question <em>before</em> making the mess. Isolde gave his sugar spattered cemat an icy re.


    Shut up, Isolde, he rolled his eyes.


    It is of no consequence. King Aksuma finally turned from the window. Some of the staff will remain here to take care of clean up and other loose ends. They will return home tomorrow, leaving the vi cleaner than when we found it. After all, thats the best way to be a guest.


    He smiled, looking at the group seated at the table. Khalik, Sinope, Alex, Theresa, Selina, ygon,Thundar and Isolde were all there to say their good-byes. ygon was standing at a tall window, watching as rain coursed down the ss. Brutus was curled up behind Theresas chair, his bone-sheathed tail swishing back and forth as he slept, while Najyah stood on a jewel studded percha gift the king had brought her from Tekezashby the window he was standing at.


    Aksuma had been feeding her like it was herst meal.


    And the others were being treated simrly.


    Earlier, when they arrived to Khaliks parents farewell, a feast was waiting for them, soon followed by endless trays of snacks that kept appearing while they waited for the king and queens servants to finish packing for their departure.


    Alex felt like hed eaten enough for ten, but it seemed whenever he tried to politely refuse any more food, another servant would arrive with a tray.


    When Isolde had then tried to decline the seemingly endless tters of food, pleading that she didnt wish to burden them further, King Aksuma simply waved away her concerns.


    Are you sure you dont want toe back with us for a time? the king asked his son. You are on summer holiday, after all. Why not return home for a week or four? You are greatly missed at court, you know.


    Khalik shook his head. My ce is here, father. I have things that I must get to. Affairs to arrange, and spells to practise. Besides, I know you only want to see Najyah for longerand you likely only want to spend more time with Brutus.


    The king threw a look at the cerberus, curiosity burning in his eyes. Can I not simply want to spend more time with my son? Is that so difficult to believe? he scoffed. But, of course, your friends would be wee as well, including Theresa and Brutus.


    I knew it! the prince threw up his hands.


    Oh, calm yourself, son, you know how your father is, Queen Ishtar said. But he is correct: you are <em>all</em> wee to visit Tekezash. In fact, I insist on it. As soon as you can, I want to see you and host you as you have so graciously hosted us in your realm.


    <em>It wasa pleasure to meet you</em> ygon said.


    Yes, and indeed a rare pleasure to meet you too, ygon, King Aksuma smiled. It was a pleasure to meet all of you, though our time together was too short, and I am sorry we could not have spent more time together. The Games were delightful, but you must join us in Tekezash when there is more time to just socialise.


    He looked at Alex and Theresa. We should hunt together. I am sure you would find hunting in my kingdom thrilling.


    And before we speak too much about further trips, my husband and I wish to offer you our warmest congrattions, the queen said. You two make a lovely couple. When is the wedding, my dears?


    Alex nced at Khalik, his expression saying: You told them?


    Khaliks smile simply said: Why would I not?


    We havent decided yet. Theresa took Alexs hand. There is a lot we have to do, still, and Alex is still a student. Were thinking of waiting until after he graduates.


    And not long after either, Alex squeezed her hand.


    She looked into his eyes, a dreamy grin crossing her face.


    Ugh, if you two are going to be this gross all the time, I want to move out, Selina said.


    Oh please, youre going to be <em>disgusting</em> to be around when you get your first crush, Thundar said. Trust me: Ive got a lot of younger cousins. They all lost their heads as soon as they got a boyfriend or girlfriend.


    No, thats not going to be me, Selina insisted.


    Ten gold says it is. Thundar grinned.


    Thundar, dont teach children to gamble. Isolde shot a look at him. Even if you will win.


    Hey! Selina said.


    Queen Ishtarsugh was knowing. Young love is its own fire, my child. Youll learn that soon enough.


    No, Im going to be sensible and normal and not gross if I fall in love. Selina raised her chin.


    Mhm, King Aksuma said, feeding another bite to Najyah. Well, you will find out sooner orter.


    Your majesties. Tiz swept into the room, bowing deeply. Thest of your luggage is packed and Roba has arrived. Everything is ready for your departure whenever you wish.


    Thank you, Tiz, Queen Ishtar said, her expression sad as she looked first at her son, then at her husband. Well, Aki, do you think its time?


    If I wait any longer, Ill simply convince myself to stay, the king said, patting Najyah on her head before stepping away. And the work waiting at home will be more of a mountain, than I have no doubt, it is now.


    The king and queen of Tekezash approached the stacks of luggage in the centre of the chamber as their guests rose from the table.


    Come for a hug, my son, Queen Isthar said. And you too, Sinope.


    The dryad and the prince hugged the queen and king tightly as Roba the teleportation wizard and their honour guard entered the room.


    You have <em>two</em> weddings to look forward to now. The king pped a hand on Khalik''s broad shoulder. Make sure you tell us what your ns are after your engagement has passed. You muste home so we can throw you a ceremony to end all ceremonies.


    We will speak more about the detailster, father, Khalikughed. Be well and take care of Najyahs mother.


    I always do.


    The eagle flew from across the room tond on her masters shoulder, nuzzling up to the king one final time.


    As the others formed a half circle around the royal family, Selina stepped forward.


    Um, she started, looking at Queen Ishtar.


    What is it, my child? Khaliks mother asked.


    Um, I just wanted to thank you for telling me everything you did and showing me all that you did. Imhappier now, she said, her voice was confident. And I hope I can see you again.


    Of course, you are my sons friend and a fellow fire-kissed child. We will meet again. Hopefully sooner, rather thanter, the queen said gently. Have care<strong></strong>for yourself and listen to your brother. He seems to be a sensible wizard.


    Ill take care of her, your majesty, and thank you for showing her something that I never could have, Alex bowed his head.


    Please, it was my pleasure. I just hope to see you all again soon.


    You will have toe back, Khalik said. It is unfortunate that Baelin was not here this time. He has been incredibly busytely.


    Oh? King Aksuma raised an eyebrow. And you know the chancellor well? I thought he was a professor of yours?


    He is more of a mentor to all of us, especially Alex. The prince gestured to his friend. It is too bad you could not have met him on this visit: he is one of the most interesting people you could ever meet, and I guarantee that.


    I am sure he is quite busy, a man like that, and our visit was not announced in advance, Queen Ishtar said.


    Still, I think he wouldve liked to have met you, Alex said. But the timing was bad. Hes been travelling all over the ce, and Im not sure <em>when</em> were going to be seeing him again regrly.


    Well, perhaps he will be free next time we return, the king said. Now, I do understand that you all live lives of danger, but, such is the path of magic, and we know this well.


    But for the sake of yourselves and us, take care. The queen took her husbands hand. Especially you, Khalik and Sinope. You will both be in our prayers and spirits.


    Be well mother and father, Khalik and Sinope bowed.


    May the summer flowers be sweet to you, the dryad said.


    And to you, as well, the king replied. Eat well and be well. You may stay in the vi as long as you like until the servants depart.


    He nced out the window.


    Take shelter. The storm seems like it is only going to get worse.


    Indeed. Farewell for now, until we meet again, the queen turned to the nearby who stood nearby. Roba?


    Of course, your majesties, Roba bowed.


    He began to cast a spell.


    Alex could feel teleportation magic building.


    Farewell, Queen Ishtar said.


    Farewell, King Aksuma said.


    Goodbye, mother and father! Khalik waved.


    And then Roba finished his spell.


    In a heartbeat, Khaliks parents vanished.


    Tiz stepped into the empty space in the centre of the entrance hall. You may stay here and wait out the weather while we go about our duties. If you need anything, simply ask.


    We will, Tiz, Khalik said, offering Sinope a seat at the table before sitting down himself.


    The servant bowed, then left the room.


    Thundar crossed his arms, looking through the window.


    Well, we might be here for a while, the minotaur grunted. That storm doesnt look like itll be letting up any time soon. Can you teleport us all the way back to your ce, Alex?


    Well, I can travel even farther than I could during the Grand Battle, but all the way back to the city? No, not yet, Alex admitted, pulling out Selina and Theresas chairs. But, Im working on it. Its getting easier to make longer jumps. Soon, maybe in a week or so, I should be able to reach the city from here with the way things are going.


    A marvellously convenient power, Isolde said. Has anyone been asking you questions? You raised quite themotion during our battle.


    Oh yeah, lots of people have been asking me how I did what I did. Alex crossed his arms. I just said I was developing some new magic, which is true, and that I wouldnt be talking about it for a while.


    Thats good, Thundar said. I was scared they were going to use us of cheating.


    Wasnt a fifth-tier spell. Alex shrugged. So no problem there.


    Good! Itll be amazing when you can teleport us really far, Selina said. We could see so many things, just like the Traveller did.


    Yeah, we could, couldnt we? Alex said. We should be doing that, one day.


    When do you think well be able to?


    The Thameish wizard thought about it, looking out at the storm. I cant say for sure, but Ive got faith itll sooner thanter.


    Selina watched the storm as well.


    She touched the Travellers symbol around her neck. Then I have faith too.


    In Thamnd, under a clear sky, Merzhin the Saint stared at his symbol of Uldar. The white hand of his god seemed to ze bright in the sliver of morning light peeking through his tent p.


    Hed been staring at it for a good hour now.


    But he had neither felt divine revtion.


    Or heard his god speak.


    Atst, he sighed.


    I must follow your will, he said. At all times. And I have put this off for too long. Do not worry, my God. I will do what must be done.


    With those words, he left his tent.


    And the Saint of Uldar went in search of Carey London.

 Book 4 launches today in e-book and paperback! (Chapter right after this!)

    Book 4unches today in e-book and paperback! (Chapter right after this!)


    Heeeeyyyyy everybody!


    Here I am again with a hot new track...that you''ve read already, lmao.


    I want to thank everybody for their support in getting me and Fool here to this point.


    You folks are incredible. It''s been nice seeing Fool grow and looking at those beautiful covers ascend as each book gets published. And it''s thanks to you. :)


    Your support helped bring this dream into reality.


    That said, I could <strong>use a little help today</strong>.


    If you have <strong>kindle unlimited</strong>, then a <strong>download</strong> of the e-book would help me out quite a bit. Amazon''s been acting up in the past couple of days, so I''d appreciate it!


    <strong>Find the book through this link:</strong> https://geni.us/markofthefool4


    If you have reddit, then upvotes on <strong>these posts</strong> would also help me out /r/ProgressionFantasyments/153v1df/mark_of_the_fool_4_is_out_on_kindle/


    /r/litrpgments/153v1e6/mark_of_the_fool_4_is_out_on_kindle/


    <strong>P.S. </strong>The audiobook is being worked on! <strong>I will let you know when it''s done! :)</strong>


    <strong>Today''s Chapter Iing in about a minute!</strong>

 Chapter 613: Broken Glass

    Chapter 613: Broken ss


    If I might have a word, Merzhins voice came inches from behind Carey.


    The young woman yelped, the specimen jar in her hands slipped to the rocky ground at her feet.


    ss shattered, gleaming like crystals as she whirled, finding herself face to face with an apologetic Saint of Uldar.


    Oh, I am so sorry! he bent down, quickly picking up shards of ss.


    No, no, stop! she cried. You need gloves, youll cut yourseAh.


    A line of red ran from one of Merzhins fingers.


    Its alright, he said, not looking up at her or even pausing, continuing to gather ss despite the red dripping on the ground. I have this. I can fix this.


    No, youll hurt yourself! she crouched before him, picking up jagged fragments of ss with the sturdy alchemists gloves shed been wearing to pack her specimen containers, tools, and ingredients shed be needing to conduct experiments in the field.


    I am Uldars Holy Saint: I can fix such wounds with ease, once the job is done, he said. Uldars glory blesses me. it blesses us all.


    There was an odd quality to his voice as he uttered those words, but Carey couldnt quite grasp what it was.


    It almost sounds like hes in pain, she thought, before dismissing it. Oh, dont be silly, Carey, of course hes in pain. He cut himself.


    What are you doing? she asked as he scooped up thest bits of ss.


    He held his hand over the ss, then spoke: <em>Holy Uldar,</em><em>as you relieved your flock of the Great Drought, please wash away the blood on this field.</em>


    His hand glowed with divine light, and water rained from his fingers, washing away the red.


    There, all clean, he said, still not meeting her gaze.


    Really? Youre going to wash away blood from broken ss before healing your own wounds? Merzhin, you really must take better care of yourself, she chided him.


    Ah, priorities. I must fix the problem, then fix the perpetrator, he said, divine light now ying over the wound on his hand. In seconds, it was gone.


    Perpetrator? Carey scoffed. Merzhin, its only a bit of ss. We have more specimen jars than I can count. If Id been carrying the ingredients for todays experiment, then yes, you definitely would be justified in apologising to me <em>and </em>Professor Jules: theyre too expensive <em>and</em> vtile to be dropping. But, fortunately, everythings all safely in my pack, since Im responsible for running the experiment today: ahthe joys of heading into third year. But anyway, about this jar.


    She took the broken ss to the portable sharp-disposal bin.


    One jar wont be missed, she said, dropping the pieces into the bin. Youvemitted no major crimes, she teased him.


    I was careless, and needed to take responsibility for that, he said, still not looking at Carey.


    Really now, its only a piece of ss, Merzhin. You shouldnt beat yourself so thoroughly, butoh, will you look at me? Youre making me feel like some stern school mistress with your head hanging low like that.


    Sheepishly, the Saint raised his head. Iapologise for scaring you.


    Something about the way he looked at herhisrge eyes widetickled at her spirit.


    She began to shudder. Then giggle. Then finally broke into a low, rollingugh.


    What? Whats wrong? he asked, his boyish features twisted with worry.


    Nothing is the matter, Merzhin! She raised her hands as though asking for mercy. I think its just simply so absurd. Ive never seen you so shame-faced, and yet its over such a trivial thing. she keptughing. Now what is it you wanted to talk about?


    First, let me apologise for the broken ss, he insisted.


    She rolled her eyes. Fine, then. I forgive you, Merzhin, Saint of Uldar. Is that what you wished to hear?


    The relief on his face was so earnest that it actually caught Carey by surprise. His slight shoulders visibly rxed. That is good. Thats a relief. In any case he paused, as though each word he uttered would decide the fate of Thamnd. I want to discuss a matter of faith with you, Carey.


    Instantly, her heart dropped.


    Thest thing I want to hear is you praising Uldar right now, she thought, looking around the camp hoping to find someone to save her. Unfortunately, no salvation was near. The expedition members were in the middle of nning the days excursion, preparing their gear and reconnecting after some time apart.


    Many of the invisible barriers between the Thameish army and the Generasians had melted away, and folk now chatted, catching up like old friends.


    No one looked like they were on the verge of leaving, or of needing her attention.


    She knew that Tyris was away, out scouting surrounding mountains with Vesuvius, Watchers of Roal, and Thameish rangers.


    No help would be forting.


    Well, it looks like Ill just have to swallow my medicine as early asright now, whether I nned to do so or not, she thought grimly.


    Well, I cannot say I am surprised, she said gently, trying to bury her displeasure. Carey was definitely not looking forward to some big lecture on Uldar, and all the hiding of her true feelings that would require. She exhaled slowly, steeling herself. You are St. Merzhin, after all. What is it about Uldar you wish to discuss?


    It is not about Uldar, his voice rose, and his eyes suddenly burned with zeal. It is about you, Carey. I have reason to believefrom how youve been speakingtelythat you have wandered away from Uldars guiding hand. Am I right?


    Carey Londons thoughts stopped.


    Of all the conversations she thought she would be having with Merzhin, this was among the veryst.


    Her mind whirled, panic seizing it, trying to find some lie or excuse to get out of the conversation.


    But her silence seemed to spur him on.


    I knew it! Carey, you muste back to Uldars love, Merzhin said, stepping toward her. His expression was like that of a forlorn child. II would like to think that over the months we have fought beside each other that we


    He paused again, searching for the right words. ...I would like to think that weve be something like His voice trembled. ...friends. And I do not want friends to lose their way.


    Silence followed.


    Carey noticed eyes falling on them from nearby.


    Some of the priests, whod been nning the days journey with Watcher Hill, looked at the Saint in curiosity.


    She cursed beneath her breath.


    Must we have this conversation now, Merzhin? she whispered.


    Yes, I really think we should, I think weve already waited much too long, he said. Matters of the soul cannot wait.


    She sighed, looking at the surrounding wilderness. There were copses of trees among the boulders and ridges rising above either side of the valley, which the scouting teams had swept bothst evening and this morning.


    There was no sign of Ravener-spawn for at least a mile, ording to the Watchers and Thameish rangers.


    Fine, she said. Then if we are to have this conversation, perhaps we should go elsewhere? She looked meaningfully at the ridges.


    He followed her gaze. Yes, of course, privacy. Merzhinughed bitterly. My fellow Heroes leave for the wilderness to have their secret meetings often enough. I should enjoy the same privilege as well. The Saint nodded. It was wrong of me to start such a personal conversation in the presence of others. You are right, we<em> should</em> move our talk elsewhere.


    Mhmmm. Carey nodded to a nearby ridge. Over there?


    Yes, he agreed. And dont worry about Ravener-spawn, I shall protect you.


    She rolled her eyes. Theres no monsters for at least a mile.


    Merzhin shrugged. One never knows.


    Carey paused. ...I suppose youre right, at that. Give me a moment.


    Quickly, the young woman went to fetch a few extra items from the supply cache, adding them to the gear in her pack.


    A few more daggers.


    More oil for herntern.


    Some rations.


    These joined what was already in her pack: alchemical supplies, rations, water, some potions of body enhancement


    and the vital item for todays experiment.


    Something she would have to be extra cautious with.


    Alright, Im ready, she said, strapping the pack to her back and returning to Merzhin. Ill lead, you follow.


    Together, the young woman and the Saint left camp, greeted the posted guards and made their way up the rocky terrain above the valley.


    So, you wanted to talk to me about my faith? Carey asked, sitting down on a smooth boulder.


    Merzhin and Carey hadnt ventured far from the encampment; only about fifty yards to the west, and some twenty or thirty yards up the mountain side. Theyd settled into a little crag shielded by boulders and a series of trees.


    She watched the trees from the rock.


    Memories of the invisible monster that attacked the castle returned, but the Watchers had scanned the immediate area, searching for anything lurking there and had found nothing. The mountains were quiet, save for bird calls and the buzzing of insects.


    The spot was far enough for their talk, yet close enough to call for help should they need it.


    Now, as far as Carey was concerned, it was just a matter of getting this talk over with.


    Pacing in the middle of the copse of trees, the Saint of Uldar mulled over his words. The more we talk, the more Im convinced that you have left the faith. You speak of Uldar not with any glowing awe, as befits him, but with something akin to dismissal. You speak of the cycle with bitterness and distrust. I havee to believe that you have lost your faith in Uldar. Is this true?


    Carey thought of how exactly to answer him.


    A part of her wanted to just lie and get this over withbut she knew it would never work; Merzhin already felt her distrust for Uldar. Perhaps if she was as good at hiding her feelings as Alex was, she might be able to lie her way out of this.


    But, she was not Alex Roth, who carried the knowledge of Uldars possible betrayal seemingly without burden. She was Carey London, and the burden of that knowledge hadin heavy on her. Heavy enough for Merzhin to notice her shoulders bowed beneath it.


    She sighed.


    The truth is, Merzhin She chose her words carefully. A part of her wanted to trust the Saint; he <em>seemed</em> so earnest, after all. But so had so many of the priests shed ever known. A partial truth would be needed here. ...I wonder where Uldar is. I wonder why he is not back to help us.


    Many have asked that he began.


    Hold now, I am not done, she said. Is he truly worthy of our worship, Merzhin? Truly?


    His face nched. Is our godworthy? Carey, it is <em>us</em> who must be worthy of <em>him.</em>


    That goes both ways. Uldar helps us by granting his priests spells and giving us the Heroes, she said.


    Exactly, his gifts are


    Im still not done, Merzhin. So, where is <em>he?</em> You and I have heard the Initial Parables. Uldar used to walk <em>among us, </em>helping directly. His powers were great and his kindness unending; sometimes his love would be harsh, but no harsher than any parents love toward their children. He was not cruel to us. He fought our enemies alongside us. He united and protected thesends, taming the weather and helping the earth yield great bounty. So, where is he now?


    He has ascended, Carey, he said. And left proxies for us.


    But his proxies have been fighting the Ravener for <em>how</em> many cycles? Do we truly know? How many times have we fought over and over again, praying to Uldar in fear?


    Anger boiled in her now.


    How many times must we go through this? How much pain? How much death? How much is enough?


    Merzhins face began to grow red. Carey, do not disrespect the deity who has protected us for all those cycles.


    No. Youre wrong, she said. <em>You</em> protected us for all those cycles.


    He paused. Pardon?


    You, as in, you Heroes. She pointed at him. People like St. Avelyn, like St. Merzhin, like the Traveller. A warmth spread through her as she uttered the Saint of Alrics title. Like Cedric, Hart, Drestra and all the other Heroes of the past, including the Fool. And where is Uldar, Merzhin?


    He watches us, guiding us from his throne, he insisted.


    And yet he does not speak to us? Why doesnt he send more Heroes? she asked. Armies of spirits, of engeli? Nothing? Not even counsel? Let me ask you this. How does it feel when you pray to Uldarbegging for guidanceand all you get back is silence?


    The young man recoiled as though shed struck him. He speaks to us subtly.


    But why? she demanded, pulling a chain from beneath the neckline of her blouse. There was a tiny symbol of antern attached to it. The symbol of the Traveller. The Saints of the past aided us directly. They provided guidance. They fought for us. The Saint of Alric dedicated her life to battling the Ravener and working to save our people. She fought in one cycle just to lose her life in the next


    Carey swallowed. I am not sure where I am spiritually, Merzhin. But I can tell you this, when I think of a Saint that gave her life and everything for our peoplepraying to her brings me warmth. But when I pray to Uldar? It brings me nothing.


    We see his works, Carey, his voice sounded frantic. His works are mysterious, but they work. Look, he even brought us your friends! Youre all looking into the Ravener, seeking to <em>end</em> the cycle. <em>That</em> is Uldars n.


    He turned his back on her. Youre my friend. I dont want sorrow to crush you, Carey. Uldars faith has blessed me with great power. It has kept me warm. His church has fed me. Taught me. It taught you, and all of us. I understand anger, that is only natural, buteven if you were angry at your mother and fathersurely forgiveness and union is better than abandonment of bonds. You have fought with friends, and made up, have you not? Anger is natural, but I dont want that to turn into something that drives you away from divine protection. No one deserves thatespecially my friend.


    It took every ounce of her will to stop herself from screaming at him.


    She wanted to tell him everything; about the evidence that those who believed in Uldar could control dungeon cores. That faith in their god brought control over something that was supposedly his greatest enemyand that hed failed to tell his people that.


    But she knew she couldnt.


    She could only hope thatin timeall would be clear, and Merzhin could know a little more about what was <em>really </em>rotting in the centre of Thamnd.


    Taking a deep breath, she opened her mouth to speak to him calmly.


    To offerfort.


    She never got the chance.


    Arge, calloused hand mped over her mouth.


    And a powerful force began dragging a struggling Carey into the stone.

 Chapter 614: Taken

    Chapter 614: Taken


    Merzhin, the Saint of Uldar was troubled.


    Careys words yed through his mind, biting<strong></strong>at him, gnawing at his resolve. There was a kernel of terrible truth in what she had said, echoing doubts hed left unspoken, even in his own mind.


    All of his life, there had been only silence.


    Faith had filled his spirit, but he had never been graced by Uldars words, or the majesty of his revtion. No wisdom had evere from his god. No guidance. Nothing save for what was written in ancient books, and tranted by mortal hands and tongues.


    He knew well that the whispers of Uldar were subtle.


    But, the sounds of a struggle behind him were anything but.


    Fear struck Uldars Saint like a thunderbolt, freezing his blood in horror. Carey! he cried, spinning around.


    The young woman was wing at a pair of powerfnd very humanarms dragging her down into the boulder shed been sitting on. Scarred, calloused hands clutched her mouth, her eyes were wide with fear.


    Her outstretched hand reached for the Saint, pleading for help.


    And Merzhin answered.


    Begone, foul cultist! he shouted, his high pitched tone piercing the air. Uldars power flowed through the divine gate in his soul. His wrath grew. You dare enter thesends to corrupt Uldars children! his voice boomed, loud enough to reach the encampment below.


    But no one seemed to notice.


    He began channelling Uldars power.


    Abruptly, his words stopped.


    As did his actions.


    What? Merzhin whispered.


    A ward was closing around the copse of trees; he felt its divine energy smothering sound, preventing it from reaching the valley.


    What is this? he gasped in confusion, feeling divine energy from the barrier. It was as clear as the midday sun, and as mighty. Whywhy has our lords power manifested like this?


    His lip trembled, his mind was in shock.


    MerMerzhin! Carey had bitten the heel of a hand holding her mouth, and called out to the Saint. She began speaking the words of a spell, but the hand mped harder. She tried biting it again, but it would not budge, fixed in ce like stone.


    She was sinking into the rock.


    Carey! Merzhin shouted, raising his hands. <em>Holy Uldar! Guide my power! Let memand this</em>


    Before he could finish, the grip on Carey tightened.


    Thick arms flexed, muscles bulged, pulling hard.


    Merz she screamed.


    And slipped away.


    His prayer stuttered.


    No! Merzhins voice broke as he ran to the boulder.


    His hands felt along its surface, but it was solid. There were no hidden entrances or trap doors concealed by illusion.


    Whatwhat is happening? He sensed the presence of the ward, it still remained. My lord Uldar, why are you hiding our cries for aid? No, no. There must be a mistake. II have to call the others, we need their help!


    He raised his hand, calling upon Uldars power to pierce the barrier.


    When it was destroyed, he would bring to bear the wrath of every priest and member of the Thameish army under hismand, and every Generasian ally down upon the sphemous creature that took Carey. Together, they would scour the mountains until they found her, then punish the one whod mimicked Uldars power and abducted her. Holy Uldar was


    Peace, Holy Saint, a grizzled voice spoke from behind him.


    Merzhin whirled, holy lightning ying about his hands; his eyes zed.


    His arms rose, but stopped in mid-air.


    Standing atop a boulder before him, was an old man, squat, muscr and bearing shoulders that would put a cksmiths to shame. Despite the grey in his beard, his eyes had a youthful shine.


    Andwithinrge, calloused handshe held


    Uldars symbol.


    What treachery is this? lightning danced between Merzhins fingers. What are you doing in ournds, cultist? Remove that ward and tell me where my friend is, or I swear on Uldars name, I will destroy you!


    Please Holy Saint, there is much here beyond what there seems to be at first nce, the man said, lowering his head. I am but a humble priest of our god, and I am here to bring peace to your heart and tell you to trust in our gods n. I heard your words earlier: youve been carrying a great burden, havent you? But you know Uldar works in divine mysteries, not mundane words.


    You are not answering me Merzhin said, though some of the certainty had left his voice. A priest? The man did have a holy symbol of Uldar, but anyone could have


    no


    Merzhin looked at him more closely, opening his divine senses.


    What he felt shook him to his core.


    The man was sheathed in more objects bearing Uldars power than even the Heroes had the privilege of wielding. His clothing was blessed with it, items about his person glowed with it, his cloak was swathed in it, and unseen wards yed about his person, zing with it.


    How was it possible that a cultist could possess so many artefacts of Uldars power? And that symbol Merzhins eyes fell on the symbol of Uldar dangling from the mans beefy hand.


    His gods power flowed around it.


    You seem to doubt my words, Holy Saint. I cannot fault your scepticism, but, observe, The old man jerked his chin toward a pine cone lying on the ground. May I?


    Merzhins mind was racing. Something buried in the back of his thoughts screamed at him to shove this old man aside; every moment wasted put Carey in more danger.


    But the mystery before him tugged at his thoughts, tearing them apart.


    Was this a test of faith?


    He needed to know what was happening.


    He needed to know what trial or boon Uldar had ced before him.


    Go ahead, the Saint said evenly.


    Eldin nodded, I will act slowly, to show that Im not trying to deceive you.


    His words rang with sincerity, quiet with apologetic tones as he carefully made his way to the pine cone. Slowlyalmost gingerlyhe bent down, scooping earth between his rough palms.


    He buried the fruit of the pine tree, taking his time, patting the mound of soil, then holding his hands mere inches above it. <em>And Uldar came forth to smile upon the wicked,</em> he intoned, his words ringing with holy conviction.


    Merzhin startled as he felt Uldars divine embrace.


    <em>And he cleansed their hearts and their fallow fields, so that they came unto him and gave their thanks</em> he continued.


    Merzhins patience was thin, he didnt trust this man, he was too much of a puzzle. He had no time for puzzles, but he forced himself not to demand that the old man finish his prayer. He remembered how Drestra would grow annoyed when he took too long to call upon Uldars will.


    He, better than most, understood that these deeds took time, and if sessful, would confirm or deny the righteousness of the mans actions.


    It would illuminate what was happening.


    <em>They wiped away their greed and gave themselves over to worship. In return? He made their fields fallow no more.</em>The old man finished.


    A surge of Uldars divine power poured into the earth covering the pine cone.


    Suddenly, a green shoot wriggled free from the soil, reaching toward the sunlight, delicate branches spreading out as though in praise of Uldars glory.


    Merzhins jaw fell.


    This was no ordinary divinity; it was rare, only channelled by those very high in the churchs order.


    No random cultist would know it.


    Which could only mean.


    You <em>are</em> a priest, Merzhins voice shook. Holy man, what is happening? Why have you taken my friend?


    Hmmm, it seems you are troubled, my child, the priest said, slowly walking toward Merzhin. His shoulders rxed, and the gentle smile on his lips reminded the Saint of the kindly priests whod raised him.


    Whod brought him into Uldars glory.


    I am troubled because you took my friend! Merzhin snapped. Where is she?


    I suppose I owe you an exnation, young child of Uldar, the old man scratched his chin. I took her because she needed protection.


    That gave Merzhin pause. Protection? From what? She is surrounded by friends.


    Is she? Are they really friends? the old man countered. Tell me, how have things between you and the Heroes been ofte? Have you not noticed a distance between you and them? A growing distance?


    Merzhin blinked rapidly. Howhow do you know that? Who are you?


    The old mans tone grew quieter. Tender, soothing.


    As gentle as the Saint imagined Uldars voice would be in his dreams.


    I am a servant. My name is not important beneath Uldars glory, the priest said, with eyes as kind as his voice. And I know of these things because it is my duty to preserve Uldars flock. My task is to bestow upon you a test.


    Atest? Merzhin asked.


    Yes. The old mans smile faded. Ask yourself, Holy Saint, Merzhin. Ask yourself what has happened to you! Your entire life has been spent at Uldars bosom, warm in his embrace. The church fed you. Your faith guided you. It led you to that Mark of Uldar on your body! But, you have been sufferingtely, have you not?


    The Saint bit his lip.


    Oh how you have suffered my child: loneliness in the face of the Heroes. Secrets among you where there should only be union against the Ravener. Pain and mental anguish. The argument between you and your friend, just now. Tell me, didnt this turmoil only begin when the Heroes began leaving you behind, departing for Greymoor? I have seen what they do there.


    What? Merzhin said. What do they do?


    The old priest sighed deeply. They train. They plot. They exclude you. Falsehoods are swarming among them like verminamong us all like insects in the mist. They hide our true<strong></strong>path from us.


    Justjust as the mists hid the path of Uldars pilgrims when they sought the sea<strong></strong>during the eleventh cycle? Merzhin asked.


    As it was then, is as it is now. More things in life are circr than you might think. When you grow old, you will see lifes repetitions. You will recognise them, just as I recognise what is happening to your friend, Carey, the man said softly.


    What is it? the Saint choked.


    She has been caught in a deadly maelstrom that threatens all of us. That threatens you, and the other Heroes. That threatens Uldars great n, just as surely as any Fools betrayal, or any interloper can, the old man pronounced. We are protecting her and luring out those who wish to do her, and all others belonging to Uldar, harm.


    Who? Who works against us? Merzhin demanded.


    The same threat that<strong></strong>turns the other Heroes against you. The same one<strong></strong>that<strong></strong>brings doubt and fear, the old priest said. Come, Merzhin. Take calm. Have faith. Trust in Uldar.


    The mans voice lowered. He is speaking to you.


    And Merzhin desperately wanted that.


    Desperately wanted to hear him.


    AndCarey will be safe afterward? he asked.


    She will. Once the evil influence is lifted from thesends. Your friend will be back in Uldars embrace, the old man promised.


    But what do you need from me? Merzhin asked.


    The Story of Cromwell. How long do you take to recite it? the old man asked.


    ...about a quarter of an hour, why? the Saint said.


    Recite it to yourself. Here. On your knees. It will provide you with rity. And, afterwardwhen the others asksimply say that Carey was lost. We will take care of the rest. If you pass this test, Uldar will reward you, the old man instructed.


    Iand she will not be harmed? Merzhin asked.


    She will not.


    II understand...


    Good, then may the story give you rity. May our paths cross again. The old man stepped backward.


    No, wait! <em>Wait!</em> the Saint suddenly cried. I wish toe with you.


    And the man paused. What?


    I wish toe with you. You say you are helping her. I know her, and I am the Saint of Uldar. There is none whose holy power matches mine. Notpletely. I can help, and I can help protect Carey.


    You are needed here, among the Heroes, the old man reminded him.


    They seem fine without me, Merzhin said sadly. And if speaking to Carey is more likely to reveal what is trying to twist them, then I wish to be there to help. Please. My faith is strong.


    The priest stared at him for a time.


    Fine, do you know the crossroads to the west? The one below Owl Rock?


    Yes, Merzhin said.


    Finish your prayer, then meet us there. If you areing with us, do not wait for the expedition. Simplye to us on your own.


    Iunderstand.


    Now, recite the parable of Cromwell, the old man said.


    Yes. Merzhin fell to his knees. I will see you soon.


    You will. The old priest went to the nearest boulder and melded into the stone.


    For a time, Merzhin could only sit with a seed of doubt still swimming in his mind.


    rity, he thought. I need rity.


    And he settled down on his knees.


    And prayed.


    Eldin emerged from a rough, stone wall into a cavern, thanking Uldar that none of his agents were still there. Theyre already on their way. Good. He looked over his shoulder toward the Saints direction. Things growplicated.


    He must send Uldars monsters away before meeting up with the Saint. The young man would not understand.


    For a moment, Eldin was tempted to simply let him wait at the crossroad while he fulfilled his dutybut he knew doing so would be unwise.


    If the Saint thought he had been betrayed, there was no predicting what he would do. He could very well inform the Generasians of <em>everything</em> hed seen.


    The risk could not be abided.


    Should I kill him? he wondered aloud. Nowe need our Heroes, and if they can be savedthenoh


    A thought brewed in his mind.


    Perhaps the Saint was being tested by Uldar.


    Perhaps it was time for him to be initiated into the greater secrets of the faith.


    Eldin could see how troubled Merzhin was, but he could also see his deep resolve, and strength of his belief in Uldar. Those were seeds that if properly tended, would yield strong recruits to the secret order.


    And besides, he whispered. This young Saint wouldnt be the first Hero to join our ranks.


    Eldin slipped into the rock he was standing near, moving through it like water, making his way back to Uldars other servants.


    Meanwhile, where two once stood in the cavern, only one now remained in the shadows, one who had been observing the old priest for a while.


    Huh the Guide whispered. The game grows more and more interesting. If this keeps up, Ill be holding some fine quarry in my hands soon enough. I just know it.

 Chapter 615: The Falling Dark

    Chapter 615: The Falling Dark


    Come, we must keep moving, Eldin said, emerging from the cave wall about a mile from where hed left the Saint.


    Several of his agents startled, hands reaching for holy weapons and only rxing when they realised it was him who had spoken. They formed a circle in the wide tunnel, filling the space theyd been led to by Uldars monsters, ready to defend not only against attacks from the rear and front, but also from the walls.


    Just as Eldin had taught them.


    He nodded, well pleased.


    In the centre of the formation, two agents held a litter between them, bearing the still form of Carey Londondeep in slumber from Uldars divinitywhile a circle of defenders surrounded them.


    If the first lines of defence were breached, their precious cargo would still be protected.


    You are here, Millers voice came from further down the cavern. Therebeyond the white radiance of holy light held within orbs of sanctified crystallurked Uldars monstrous minions. The humanoid monsters, whose scabby flesh blended with the dark rock around them, eyed Carey with ill-intent.


    Some twitched like beasts straining against an unseen chain.


    But none approached as Eldin joined his agents.


    Yes, I wish there had been no dys, but, I am finally here, the old priest sighed. But do not stop on my ount. I kept the Saint upied for as long as I could; and I see you have made good use of the time, advancing as far as you did.


    Yes, Holy Leader, an agent said. We moved as quickly as we could, as you instructed. Tell ushow did you distract the Saint? Did you learn more about our enemies?


    I will tell you as we go. There is often much to learn in Uldars service. Now,e, we must be away before the expedition is alerted, he said.


    The old priest began walking, recounting his conversation with Merzhin as they pressed ahead through the tunnels. Uldars monsters led the way. When Eldins tale was done, a younger agent bowed her head in deference.


    That was masterful, she almost crowed.


    Eldin sighed heavily. There is no mastery in confusing an already confused child. I only had to speak the words he wished to hear. It was simple. The greater learning is not in the maniption, but in the research: learning about, and observing the Saint allowed me to say what I needed to say. Keep this lesson in mind.


    Yes, Holy leader, the agent said. So, what do we do now?


    Now, we deliver the bait to the First Apostle. He looked down at the sleeping form of Carey London. Her breathing was light.


    I instructed the Holy Saint to spend time contemting our lords parable of the Story of Cromwell to gain rity, and when he finishes his reflection, leave without word to either the Heroes or Generasians, and meet me at the western crossroads below Owl Rock, he said. Once the foreigners realise that both he and theirpanion are gone, they will go searching for them, but, by that time, we will have our captive far from their grasp. I told him I will return to him, and I shall, which will leave him none the wiser to my true intentions. But for the moment, I must speak to ourpanions.


    Butcher, Miller, Singer and Baker! he called through the tunnel, amused at his mundane names for such dangerous servants of Uldar.


    Many sets of eyes turned to him from amongst the monstrous horde, raising the hackles of his agents.


    Singer slowed, falling back and nodding to Eldin.


    What is it, child of Uldar? the humanoid monster asked.


    I will need you and yourpanions to part from us for a time, the old man said. With respect, servant of our god, the Saint will be joining us, and if he sees youhe will misunderstand.


    What of the n? Singer asked.


    It will work even better now, Eldin said. To Uldars enemies, it will appear that the Holy Saint and our prisoner have disappeared together, making them likely to panic and deliver themselves into our hands all the quicker. And when they do, you know precisely what to do next.


    Yes, Singer said. Our task is simple, we are to capture any usurper whoes looking for this human, and destroy all other mortals with them.


    Precisely, and when your part is at an end, we meet where we met in the woods earlier, and together, bring the prisoners to our sanctum for questioning, and disposal, Eldin said.


    Yessssss, Singer hissed. Death to those who threaten the great works that must be done!


    Umm, forgive my intrusion, Holy Leader. One of the agents cleared his throat. But, may I speak freely?


    You may, Eldin said. What is it?


    Its about the Holy Saint, he said. What if he provesunprepared for the truth of our order?


    I believe he is ready, Eldin said. He is confused, but his faith is strong. Having a new truth to cling to will do him good and bring him to us. AndI admit, I feel somewhat sorry for the boy. He is abandoned, alone and struggling. Better he stride with us than chase the backs of Heroes who are leaving him behind for their own purposes.


    That is noble of you, Holy Leader, the agent said.


    Nobility is a privilege, Eldin said grimly. One we only have becausefor the momentwe are winning. If we lose that privilege, or it bes clear that the Saints loyalties will developdifferentlythen our duty is to do away with him.


    No outcry of protest rose from his agents.


    No cry of confusion or reluctance.


    Instead, just a single phrase was spoken, uttered with determination and union of purpose.


    Yes, Holy leader.


    Eldin could not help but smile.


    His agents were a blessing and he was proud of their dedication.


    He only hoped that Uldar would look upon them and smile too.


    A Hero will be near a Usurper, the petrifier named Miller said.


    The pack of Ravener-spawn had separated from the humans some hours ago, and were now travelling ovend at speed, heading south to their objective: the mortal enve of Greymoor.


    Yes, Baker said, the creatures long legs propelling it<strong></strong>through the wilderness. Positioned carefully in its maw, the Raveners Hunters were well concealed, poised to act. The monster moved its jaws with care, to avoid crushing them.What if the Saint hinders our ns? What if they are ruined? What if the Hero interferes?


    Then we will deal with him, Butcher growled. He is a small cog in the Raveners great n, if he must be sacrificed to achieve our goal, then so be it. Our masters n is solid, and when set in motion, the Usurpers will be destroyed. Bnce will return to the cycle as it should. But, for now, save your breath. We have the bait. The trap must be readied.


    Loud pounding on the bakery door drove Alex from a peaceful sleep.


    What? he grunted, shaking away the cobwebs and unfolding his body from a chair in hisb.


    He checked the time.


    Only thirty minutes had passed since hed fallen asleep, hoping to catch a restoring couple of hours of rest. It was still the middle of the night.


    Who in all hells is that? Alex muttered, pulling on his boots.


    Thundering footsteps echoed from upstairs.


    ygon was moving.


    Who is that, ygon? Alex asked, making his way to the stairs. He fought back a yawn. Is it another customer who doesnt understand what opening and closing hours me


    <em>FatherVesuvius is outside. I can see the glow of hisva from the window.</em>


    What? Alex was now fully awake. Vesuvius should be in Thamnd with Tyris.


    The young wizard took the stairs two at a time, reaching theb door and pulling it open.


    Orange light poured through the bakery windows.


    A familiar voice was yelling at the front door.


    Alex! Alex, open up, its me, Tyris!


    Whats going on? he rushed to the door, flinging it wide.


    Tyris Goldtooth stood in front of her enormous familiar, looking like she hadnt slept in days.


    What''s wrong? Come i


    I dont have time, she said. Im only here because Professor Jules told me to tell you. Careys gone.


    Alexs heart froze.


    He heard ygons thunderous footfalls pause on the stairs.


    What are you talking about? the young man murmured.


    Exactly what I said, shes gone! she snapped. Look, Ive got to get back to the portal so I can keep searching, but this morning, she went for a walk with Merzhin and never came back!


    What? Alexs heart pounded in his chest. What about Merzhin, doesnt he know


    Hes gone too, she said through a clenched jaw. Her gold tooth gleamed when she spoke. Hepletely disappeared! No one knows whats happened to him, and the priests are losing their shit. The rest of us are out looking for Carey


    ygon thundered down the steps.


    <em>How long has shebeen missing? </em>the golem asked.


    Over twelve hours now, the battle mage<strong></strong>said. Jules is organising searches with Watcher Hill. The Heroes have been searching for them, but they said we needed to bring you in.


    Why didnt you tell me earlier? he demanded.


    Tyris green eyes shed. Because. I was looking for Carey. Watcher Hill said that every minute that passed counted, and weve been turning the world upside down for every single one of those minutes. I didnt have time toe get you until they made me, and I still dont. Now, Ive got to get back. The professor and the Heroes want you there right now.


    She turned.


    But, wait, what about Baelin? Alex asked.


    The battlemage growled. No one knows where he is. Were on our own. No, weve got each other. Careys on her ownno, shes got Merzhin.


    Alex grimaced.


    He desperately hoped that having Merzhin was a good thing.


    And why were these tunnels not located earlier? Professor Jules shouted as Alex opened the door. Weve lost almost an entire day! Had we known about theOh, Mr. Roth. Good. Youre here. And ygon too.


    Yeah, Im here, he said, his eyes scanning the room.


    The map room in the Research Castle was filled with Watchers bent over the central map with Professor Jules.


    She looked up at them. Leave us for now, but this conversation is not over. And someone go find the Heroes. We need to assemble.


    The Watchers looked at each other grimly before bowing to the alchemy professor and filing out to the room. Behind them, the sharp click of the door sounded final.


    What was that about? Alex asked.


    <em>Yesyou soundedangry</em> ygons voice was soothing.


    Tunnels, Mr. Roth, she grunted, jamming a finger against a spot on the map. These grey rises and bumps<strong></strong>represent Finnegans Crags, a mountainous region in northern Thamnd. Its where Carey and Merzhin disappeared, and where our earth mages found tunnels <em>hundreds</em> of yards below the ground around there. They''d been recently copsed.


    Alex flinched. The same way dungeons make tunnels under Greymoor.


    Exactly, which is why I am disappointed that no one thought to have earth mages <em>check</em> for them until <em>hours</em> after Ms. London disappeared, she growled. What or whoever took her, could have killed her by now, for all we know. And Merzhin too, for that matter. This is a nightmare!


    She turned from the map in disgust, pacing back and forth.


    You should have sent for me earlier, Alex said. I can teleport. I could have searched


    In truth, neither you<em> nor </em>Miss London should have been here! she snapped.


    Alex took a step back. Professor?


    I warned that old goat! she snarled. What you discovered about the dungeon cores is an unknown among unknowns. And <em>unknowns</em> can be fraught with danger. The castle was attacked by monsters targeting you and Carey <em>specifically.</em> It was a sign that you should have stayed away! Done research in the safety of Generasi! But, no! You all needed to buy into this madness and get yourselves intowhat? Conspiracies involving gods and monsters? And now Miss London could be <em>dead!</em>


    Alexs stomach dropped.


    <em>This isnotfathers fault.</em> ygon said, his tone defensive. <em>Pleasedont be angryat him</em>


    Im not angry at Mr. Roth, ygon, she said. Im enraged at myself and that old goat bastard! She looked at Alex. You are children. Not even twenty yet! Its the responsibility of us older wizards to guide you safely. But what did I do? I let that half-crazy ancient <em>sorcerer</em> convince me to let Miss London have free-rein! I even rewarded her, letting her lead the experiment that we were to run today. And now, even those dangerous <em>materials</em> are missing!


    What materials? Alex asked, his mind racing. Wait, does she have a dungeon core?


    No, she said. She has.


    The door burst open.


    Hart Redfletcher strode in, eyes zing. Jules, he nodded curtly, then looked at Alex. Come on. Weve got to go.


    What? Alex asked. Did you find Carey?


    No, Hart said. But someone <em>did</em> see one of those wed monsters that were hunting you two at the Castle. Lets get out of here, theres no time to lose.

 Chapter 616: Terrifying Solutions

    Chapter 616: Terrifying Solutions


    What? Professor Jules cried, grabbing Harts arm. You mean one of those creatures that took so many lives at the Research Castle?


    Ya, the Champion of Uldar said. It was spotted to the north.


    Was it seen near where Carey was lost? she asked, dread in her voice.


    Weve gotta go, I dont have time to be standing around giving anyone long exnations right now, Hart pulled away. Cmon Alex, Ill brief you on the way.


    Professor Jules looked as though she was ready to scream, but exhaled instead, making her way to the door. You can exin to me as well while youre on your way, Mr. Redfletcher.


    What? Alex said, following his professor. You dont mean toe with us do you?


    Of course not. As Ive said before, Im of little use on the battlefield, Jules reminded him, hurrying down the hallway. I need something from my office. Come along gentlemen, its on your way.


    Maybe we should speed things up a little then, Alex raised his staff. nar Doorway should do nicely.


    Fair enough, the professor said, reaching toward him.


    The teleportation magic awakened, joining with the Travellers power, and in a blink, the map room was gone and Professor Jules office was before them.


    The white-haired alchemist blinked, surprise in her eyes.


    I should have known; I heard that you were teleporting ygon all over the arena at the Games without even touching him. Youll have to tell me how youve been able to do that sometime, she said absently, unlocking her office door and stepping inside.


    Momentster she emerged, clutching two runed stones in the palm of her hand, giving one to Alex.


    This is an improved model of the far-speaker I showed youst year. You can use it formunicating from a distance, much like the devices weve been experimenting with on campus, she said. Except, these are prototypes, they have better range, and can function outside of mana rich environments like Generasi. Keep in mind that there are only five of these avable at the moment, so, please, handle it with care, Mr. Roth.


    As she pressed the device into Alexs hand, she continued. Ill be listening in while you search. Press this rune to activate it and keep me informed as much as you can. She pointed to an oval shaped rune<strong></strong>then slid<strong></strong>her finger down to a yellow<strong></strong> one below. This glyph cuts the connection, but fair warning, dont you dare do that! I swear, if you shut me out, I will singe your eyebrows off, Mr. Roth. Now, go. She turned to Hart. You can exin what youve learned to Mr. Roth, ygon <em>and</em> I. I must be kept informed.


    Understood, Alex said, gripping the far-speaker. Wellwell find Carey, Professor.


    <em>Wewill</em> ygon assured her.


    You had better. Now go! Professor Jules said. Oh, and Mr. Roth?


    Yeah?


    Keep yourself safe. You as well, ygon, and you Mr. Redfletcher, she said primly. I understand that all of your unique talents make you qualified for this search, and even if I had kept you back in Generasi, Mr. Roth, I know the instant you heard, you would have started a search of your own, anyway. But for the sake of yourself and my sanity, please be careful.


    Her lips tightened to a single line.


    I dont need any more young people turning up missingor dead.


    Wheres Theresa and the others? Hart asked over the wind.


    The Champion of Uldar, the Fool and his golem flew through the breezy summer night.


    Moonlight was dim.


    The cloud cover heavy.


    And not surprisingly, it felt unnaturally cold.


    Shes on her way, Alex said. She had to take my sister over to one of her friends houses for the nightmaybe even a few daysthen go get the others. They should all be here soon.


    Ill tell you when they arrive, Professor Jules said through the far-seeker. Now, give us the details, Mr. Redfletcher. What did these sightings involve?


    Mr. Redfletchernever gonna get used to that. Hart shook his head. And its just the one sighting for now, his deep voice rumbled. Thick fingers coiled around the hilt of his sword, hisrge eyes scanned the moors as they flew above them. Some of the rangers were scouting around Nevington, which is about two days ride north of here. They met a troop of soldiers and were asking them if theyd seen Carey and Merzhin or anything else strange in the area. No one had seen Carey or Merzhin, but one of them had spotted Ravener-spawn in the distance about six hours ago.


    His jaw clenched. The way he described the thing, it sounded like one of those hunting things fromst year with those wicked looking ws.


    Alex swallowed, a lump of anger and fear lodging in his throat.


    If one of those things took Carey, then shes Professor Jules started.


    Now hold on, dont jump to that yet. Something weirds happening here, Hart said. Drestra figures that, first of all; it doesnt seem like monsters are what took Carey and Merzhin. We know Merzhins not the most fun guy to be around, but hes not going to take shit from some monster either. Even if he got captured or killed, he woulda lit up half the mountain resisting. Theres no way he went quietly. No way.


    Yeah, that makes sense Alex frowned, his mind working. Look, weve been thinking that theres some secret arm of the church, right? Would Merzhin have trusted a priest from some secret order?


    Hard to say for sure, Hart rumbled. But he trusts priests: they raised him.


    So, what are you thinking, Mr. Roth? Professor Jules'' voice came through the far-seeker as clear as day.


    Honestly? Alex frowned, looking up at ygon as the golem flew at his side. Im not sure. The thing isweve been expecting the church to make a move at <em>some</em> point. But, this is surprisingly early: we havent really done anything against it yet, also how did they know that Carey needed to be targeted? His frown deepened. And at the same time, these Ravener-spawn just happen to appear? Right now? Im thinking somethings off.


    Silence followed.


    Mr. Rothyou might have a point, Professor Jules voice crackled through the far-speaker. That would make for a very strange coincidence, wouldnt it? Normally, I would disapprove of generating a hypothesis from a simple coincidence. But this seems like much more than simply an odd converging of events.


    Yeah, those particr Ravener-spawn can track anyone who tampered with the dungeon cores, Hart said. And at the same time, the church grabs Carey? Yeah, something does stink.


    It does, Alexs tone and mood darkened. Somethings changed, and I think were a step behind whatever that is. Something about this also smells like a trap.


    More silence.


    <em>We willdestroy any trap</em> ygon said. <em>Do youhave a nfather?</em>


    Working on it, Alex said. Anyway, you got anything else to tell us, Hart?


    No, thats it, the Champion said.


    Then lets speed this up, Alex said. How far is the nearest fae gate thatll get us there fastest?


    About ten more minutes, Hart said.


    Lets make that about one. Alex raised his hands. Grab on to me.


    Hart and ygon took the Thameish wizard by the sleeves, and instantly teleported through the night, leaping forward a thousand yards with each jump.


    Soon, they arrived at a circle of mushrooms tucked under the shadow of a boulder.


    Through here, Hart said. Cedric and Drestra are waiting for us.


    Ya made it! Cedric called as the young wizard stepped through the fae gate. Dont ybe worryin, therere no priests close by.


    d to hear that, Alex said, looking around the forest.


    The woods were hushed and dim, with the only lighting from the blue-white glow of a miracle ying around Cedrics hand, and the sliver of moonlight peeking through the canopy.


    Alex, Drestra nodded, stepping from the darkness, her reptilian eyes shing. Did Hart tell you everything?


    Yeah, he growled, scratching the back of his head. And I dont like it. Where did this soldier<strong></strong>see that wed monster?


    Just a few minutes from here, she said. But we havent been able to find its trail. I tried asking the fae if theyve seen anything, but they said they hadnt, so theyre either lying to me, not feeling particrly helpful, or they really didnt know anything.


    Great, Alex said, his tone simmering with anger. Just great. I hate being behind anyone, especially the enemy.


    Ygot any n? Cedric asked.


    Working on it, he said.


    <em>I </em>might have a n. Professor Jules voice emerged from the far-speaker.


    Both Cedric and Drestra yelped, taken by surprise.


    Dont scare me like that! the Sage hissed, her voice crackling. I thought we were being ambushed.


    Sorry, Professor Jules said quickly. But, listen up, I just finished speaking with the Watchers and learned that there was another sighting of one of those wed monsters, about half a days ride south of where you are.


    Drestra and Alex looked at each other.


    Theyre heading southtoward Greymoor, he murmured. This feels coordinated, which makes it <em>really</em> feel like a trap.


    I agree, Drestra said.


    I knowbut this trap might give us the key to finding Miss London, Professor Jules said.


    <em>How?</em> ygon asked.


    Its quite simple. We know these Ravener-spawn can track people like Carey, Drestra, and Alex: people whove controlled dungeon cores. Or at least, we have very strong evidence to indicate that.


    Right, Alex said. Thats why these monsters can find us, we can say that much.


    <em>If</em>, Jules said. <em>If </em>I had the proper specimen, I might be able to iste the organ that <em>allows</em> them to track you, and either reverse-engineer it, or even remove it from the creature to use as a type of tracking device.


    Professor, thats brilliant! Alex cried. But wait, we have specimens of those things at the Castle. Cant you use one of them?


    No, she said. The specimens we currently have are problematic for two reasons: first of all, they have been brutalised. Secondly, they are dead. In order to properly study one of these organs, I will need one alive.


    A hint of burning steel entered her voice. I usually <em>abhor</em> vivisection, but this is one case where these monsters deserve it, and Miss London cannot afford for me to be squeamish.


    Alex swallowed, nodding grimly. If thats what you need, well make sure we get you a living specimen. Ive got some sleeping potions in my bag. Theyll do the trick.


    There is one potential w with the n, Professor Jules said. I suspect these hunter Ravener-spawn will be apanied by the petrifying ones again, as they were before. Remember, they have the ability to self-destruct, and if they do so, any specimen were hoping for would be destroyed.


    Hmmmm, Alex said, deep in thought. I should be able to teleport one of them away if that happWaithold on a minute.


    He thought back to the petrifying monster that attacked the Research Castle during the winter. He remembered feeling something deep within the petrifiera mana-charged organthat allowed it to self-destruct.


    if that organ was removed...


    A memory of a conversation hed had with Baelin a long time ago returned to him.


    <em>I found myself working as a hunter of these assassins for a time,</em> Baelin had said.<em> Of course, by the time monarchs had seen the wisdom in hiring wizards and priests to guard them against such magical threats, any assassin with foresight had concluded which way the wind was blowing and either retired, or moved on to different methods. Still, some of the younger, less experienced ones tried to keep the trend alive.</em>


    The ancient wizard had burst outughing.<em> I swear, Alex, you do not knowedy until you see a young mandressed all in ck leather in the summertimeconfidently saunter across a crowded ballroom with a smug expression on his face and a knife in his hand, convinced that no one can see him. Ooooh the look on his face when my first disintegration spell hit him.</em>


    Alexs eyebrows had risen.<em> So, one moment hes walking across the ballroom, and the next hes dust?</em>


    <em>Hah! Well, at least a part of him was! You see, if you be very adept, you can gain a certain finesse with a disintegration spell: you can actually choose which parts of something you want to turn to dust, and which parts you want to remain intact. With enough practice, you can use it with the precision of a sculptor.</em>


    Alex had swallowed. He hadnt been sure hed liked where the conversation was going. <em>Sothis young assassinwhat did you do to him?</em>


    <em>Hah, I disintegrated his skeleton and left the rest! Youve never seen a human body lose all of its skeletal integrity just like that, have you? Ploop!</em> Baelin had snapped his fingers for emphasis then made a motion with his hand like paste sttering on the ground. <em>It bes no more than a mewling pile of meat!</em>


    Alex remembered something else: there was someone in Generasi called a deleo whose job was to punish the guilty by specific means. They were wizards with mastery of the spell Disintegration, who carried out the courts will by executing criminals whodmitted capital crimes.


    Professor, Alex said. Do deleos have pinpoint mastery over Disintegration?


    There was a pause. Why? she asked. Theyre notbat mages.


    Doesnt matter. Do they? he repeated.


    Some do, she said.


    Excellent, he said. Then I need you to do me a favour: I think I can stop the self-destruction problem. But to do it, Ill need one of Generasis executioners. Can you make that happen?


    I can certainly try. Gemini might be able tomission one, considering the emergency.


    Please ask her, Professor, Alex said. With a deleo? We can make your n happen.


    Understood, and good hunting Alex.


    Her voice faded from the far-speaker.


    Alex looked up to find the Heroes staring at him.


    Whats uhwhats vivisection? Cedric asked.


    Its like dissecting a body, Alex exined. With the difference being, the subjects still alive at the time.


    Cedric paled. Thats kinda sick. Aye, the Ravener-spawn deserve itbut cant believe youre not even hesitatin over doin somethin like that.


    It has to be done, Alex said inly. These bastards crossed a line. So well make them wish they never did.


    <em>Yesfather </em>ygon echoed.


    You can be a dangerous bastard when you want to be, Hart said. Its almost like youve done something like this before.


    I have. The Fool of Thamnd looked at his golem. You shouldve seen what I did to a mana vampire to make ygon. Now,e on. Weve got monsters to capture. The professors scalpels are waiting.


    His hands balled into fists. And lets pray to the Traveller, Merzhin and Carey still are.

 Chapter 617: Shadow over Luthering

    Chapter 617: Shadow over Luthering


    Sir Sean Swift had been awake for so long that he could mark the number of nights since hedst seen his bed on most of the fingers of one hand. Sunrise after sunrise had found him sleepless, and worried.


    But, that was the way of thingstely.


    Sir Swift, you must have your rest, the soldiers voice couldnt hide her concern.


    Not until this is done! The<strong></strong>knight barked, his irritation in.


    Chewing on the inside of his cheek, he forced his wavering eyes to focus on the forest path ahead. Morning light bled through the canopy as the third sunrise since hedst slept slowly rose on the horizon.


    The shadows were deep.


    But the hunt couldnt wait.


    In every report of a sighting of these wed monsters we hear that theyre getting closer to Luthering, he said. Foreign battle mages are stationed in a town that lies under my protection, so, how can I sleep if others are pushing so hard?


    His hands tightened on the reins. How can I sleep when the Saint of Uldar is missing?


    Nearly three days had passed since St. Merzhin had disappeared alongside a young Thameish woman who was working with the Generasians.


    The entire realm had been turned upside down, with every able-bodied man and womanfrom the lowliest soldier to the king himselfmobilised to find the missing Hero.


    Sir Swift was no exception; for days now, northern battalions had reported sightings of strange, wed Ravener-spawn. Unnervingly humanoid creatures, never before seen in any bestiary that the knight knew of.


    Hed been told that identical creatures had attacked the Generasians Research Castle in the northst winter.


    A Fool is expendable, Father McDowell, one of Sir Swifts closest spiritual advisors, said. But a Saint? A Saint is the Heroes greatest healer. Chances of past Hero parties surviving was always much lower if their Saint was injured or killed.


    We know, Sir Swift said. And that is why he must be found. If there are strange monsters heading toward Luthering? I wont rest until Iy my eyes, and my de on them.


    Sir Swift, we wont be much good to anyone if you copse, one of his rangers said. You must rest.


    The scouts are due to return soon, themander said, pushing aside a branch hanging over the path. If we


    A woman suddenly shouted from ahead.


    Commander! Theres something over here! she called. Follow my voice!


    The knight recognised his scout-captains voice.


    Forward! he ordered, drawing his sword and spurring his mount ahead.


    The charger thundered through the woods, leading the column of soldiers behind him.


    Albas voice continued calling through the trees, bringing the warriors to a clearing of thick brush and undergrowth.


    And nothing more.


    No sign of Alba. No sign of the scouts who were with her. No sign of anything but a clearing dotted with vegetation.


    Whats going on? Sean murmured, bringing his horse up short, skidding to a halt.


    Standing in the clearing, soldiers on horsebackand three mounted priestsformed a circle around him, eyes scanning the surrounding trees, hands hovering over weapons. Wide eyed horses snorted nervously, steam rising from ring nostrils.


    I couldve sworn her voice wasing from here, Father McDowell said, gripping his nged mace. Sweat trickled down the priests deeply, lined face.


    Alba, where are you? Swift called, squinting through the early dawn light. He guided his horse forward at a slow pace. Alb


    A squelching noise came from the forest floor as the horse trod on something wet.


    Its ears flicked back and forth.


    Sir Swift looked down.


    Beneath the mounts hoof, glistening remains belonging to his scout-captain oozed. Part of a gauntlet was all that identified her.


    His heart thundered.


    Ambu-


    But the word came toote.


    A dark shape sprang at the party,nding squarely in McDowells saddle. The Hunters head shot forward, bared fangs mping on the shocked mans neck, throwing him to the ground. The priest''s strangled cries turned to gurgling, then stillness.


    In a blur, the monsters talons struck out on either side of the priests mount, splitting the faces of the two priests that once nked the elderly cleric.


    The tang of iron rose through the early morning air and within heartbeats, Sir Swifts priests were dead.


    Then the other monsters came.


    They moved through the undergrowth like phantoms.


    Some leapt from the trees.


    All bore ws that shed like des.


    The exhausted knight tried to fight back<strong>, </strong>but the ambush came too fast, and these monstrous opponents were too vicious to stop. ws split muscle. Envenomed teeth punctured flesh. Heavy fists smashed bone though it was covered in muscle and chainmail.


    Panicked cries, both human and equine, tore the air as the Thameish troops fought to live.


    All vestiges of Sir Swifts exhaustion fled, and the knight fought with the fury of a rabid wolf. His sword swiped all around, delivering strokes that in past, had ended scores of Ravener-spawn.


    But these creatures were made of sterner stuff.


    The edge of his de recoiled from hardened hide, or missed the nimble creatures as they darted by, killing with impunity.


    Damn all of you! he screamed, gripping the reins of his rearing steed. For Luthering!


    The knight readied for what would be hisst stand against the enemy of his realm and god.


    His horse, however, had other ideas.


    The terrified beast squealed as ws shed its nk, then reared and bolted from the clearing, galloping for dear life. Other mounts followed, hooves churning bloodied soil, eyes wide with terror. Their ridersthose who still livedcould only cling to their reins, praying for escape.


    Back! Sir Swift demanded. Turn back!


    But the frightened beast kept running, no matter how hard themander tugged its reins. The knight looked back, watching as his warriors were ughtered at the fangs and ws of these creatures that only dispensed death.


    With eyes facing his dying troops, Sean never saw the tree branch hanging over the path. The back of his helmet struck it with such force, that his neck nearly snapped.


    Consciousness fled, and thest thing he heard was the churning of hooves, and the screams of the dying.


    The Hunter, known as Singer, swallowed a hunk of flesh from the leg of a human whod been in minutes before.


    It licked its lips, watching other humans flee into the trees on the backs of beasts of burden. The monster made no effort to give chase, instead it snarled, mimicking a grin and facing a nearby tree. It is done, leader.


    There came a tremendous racket, like something enormous shifting through the branches as Butcher appeared, dissolving its invisibility while it eyed the fleeing humans. The trap is set. So, where are the Usurpers?


    Close, Singer said. I feel two close by. They wille to investigate and then they will die.


    Good, all is going well then, Butcher said, satisfied. I will meet with the others and wait. When the time is rightwe strike.


    A sighting in Luthering? A troubled Professor Jules repeated.


    Yes, professor, the Watcher said. A band of Sean Swifts troops were annihted this morning. We had Watchersbing the forest, but there was no sign of any Ravener-spawn.


    It appears the creatures are waiting for their real targets. Professor Jules took the far-speaker from her robe and pressed the activation rune. Mr. Roth, can you hear me?


    There was a crackle, then the young wizards voice came through. I can hear you, professor. Any updates?


    Yes, she said. The soldiers in Luthering were attacked. After all the sightings, the enemy has finally made their move.


    So, the jaws of the trap open. Alexs voice was clear, sounding older. Is the deleo at the Research Castle yet?


    Yes, Professor Jules said. She arrived about an hour ago.


    Good. Then its time for a trap of our own.


    It waste afternoon by the time they were ready.


    Alex had gathered everyone back at the Research Castle to fill them in on the details of the n. The deleo from Generasia towering woman in ck robes and an iron mask who went by the alias of Reaperwas key to his n, and hed exined her role very carefully.


    So, youre saying I must be ready to shoot at the exact coordinates you indicate? shed asked.


    Yes, hed confirmed, and you cant afford to miss, or well have a huge explosion on our hands.


    I dont miss, shed assured him from behind her mask.


    Theyd met with his full team: Khalik, Isolde, Thundar, Theresa, ygon, Grimloch, Brutus, Hogarth, Svenia<strong>,</strong> Hart, Drestra, Cedric, a half dozen Watchers of Roal, and Tyris and Vesuvius.


    A devastating force was assembled and ready: the experienced team had enough powerful members to fight and cover each others backs, while being a small enough force to be teleported with ease to where they needed to be.


    Once everyone was ready, Alex transported them from the Research Castle in a series of jumps, taking them across Greymoor in groups of five or more at a time.


    They took position in the hills outside the forests near Luthering, far enough not to be discovered by anyone lurking in the trees, but close enough to be ready for the next stage of their n.


    From there, hed teleported Drestra and himself, the two flying through the skies above the woods<strong>.</strong>


    Alone.


    Youre handy with that, the Sage said, letting go of his hand and eyeing the forest below. The power that lets you teleport, I mean.


    The Sage and the Fool floated a hundred feet above the tallest trees.


    Im getting better at it too, he said grimly, raising his staff. But I wish I was better. Were going to need every resource, tool, and ounce of power we can muster: whatevers happening right now, is big.


    Well, the enemy finally made their move, her voice crackled.


    Alexs aeld staff began to glow.


    Ya, they took the initiative, he said, conjuring a flock of aervespertillos. And we have to take it back.


    He sent the summoned monsters out over the trees, their screeching calls echoing through the sky. If there were any Ravener-spawn hiding in the woodsor under invisibilitythey would find them.


    Five of them, Drestra said, counting his monsters.


    Enough to scout around us, he said. But not enough to drive the enemy away. If we brought an entire army


    they might not attack us, she finished. I know, I know, you already exined your reasoning, and I agree, its sound.


    Sorry. I know, but I guess Im just nervous, he said, moving forward. His eyessharpened by a sensory enhancement potionscanned the forest below. Im not worried about me, but if we dont figure this out fast, Carey and Merzhin could be dead. Maybe they already are. And I dont want anything happening to you, either.


    What about you? she asked.


    Im worried about me too, butwell he paused, trying to control a tremor in his voice. Im too mad to think about myself much. Anyway, lets focus up. What were doing is risky, so we need to be on high alert.


    He took in the woods from above.


    If Im right, theyre already watching us.


    Baker watched the Usurpers through a tree canopy, its mouth open and drooling with anticipation.


    It had worked. Two Usurpers were now within grasp.


    I see the Sage, Miller said from nearby. But who is the other?


    I dont know, Baker answered. I have not seen that one before, butdo you feel that?


    <em>I </em>do, Butcher growled. There is a power in hima familiar one. One that causesworry.


    Yesssss, it is familiar somehow, Miller growled. We will have to strike swiftly.


    But, do we kill them? Butcher asked. This is a ripe opportunitythey came without many reinforcements. Those small monsters are few, and can be easily eliminated.


    But their cries Millers eyes followed the aervespertillos. There is something about them, something simr to our own voices.


    We should be wary of them, but the Usurpers must be captured, Butcher growled. No. The Sage will be captured. The other? The other will be turned to stone and shattered. That power feels strange. We must lower our risks.


    Yes, Baker said. We


    Suddenly, one of the small creatures released a different cry.


    There you are! the male Usurper shouted, pointing his staff downward.


    He conjured swarms of flying insect-like creatures, sending them into the trees.


    The Sage cast a spell and suddenly multiplied, bing nine copies of herself, circling one another in the air.


    They see ust! Butcher cried. Activate the dungeon core!


    Miller hissed, concentrating on the dungeon theyd formed below ground.


    The earth rumbled, ground churned, then split apart.


    Hundreds of blood-draks swarmed from hidden tunnels, soaring into the air.


    Alex watched the ground rupture with a cold detachment.


    Just as expected, he said. Looks like theyre using simr tactics to what they used at the Research Castle. Those Hunters and petrifying things will probably try and kill the two of us in all the confusionBut, well see who kills who. Cmon, it''s time to get the others.


    He touched Drestra andtogetherthey disappeared.

 Chapter 618: Vivisection

    Chapter 618: Vivisection


    What? Butcher said. What happened?


    Track them! Baker snarled, turning to a Hunter looking skyward. Where have they gone?


    It frowned in confusion.


    They are not farbut are also not moving. I cannot tell where they went! the Hunter cried.


    The sky suddenly shimmered.


    Earth shattering roars split the heavens.


    The male Usurper had returned, and he was not alone.


    Beside him floated a tortoise the size of a hillside, a giant man of metal and stone, and


    a line of winged creatures growling in warning.


    Impossible!


    The Sage of Uldarand her many imageshad returned.


    But she was no longer a small human woman.


    Not at all.


    A Usurpers energy emanated from the enormous body of a ck-scaled, sinewy beast. A powerful creature that had given even the greatest of the Raveners spawn pause in the past: a dragon.


    Kill the blood-draks, Alex instructed ygon, Drestra, and Vesuvius. Thin them out while I go back for the others.


    <em>Yesfather</em> ygons voice was low and rumbling like an angry beasts.


    Vesuvius roared.


    Drestra hissed, me pouring from her jaws.


    Tyris, mounted on her familiars shell, raised her hands. Burningva dripped from her fingers. For Carey, she snarled.


    And the four monsters flew into the pack of Ravener-spawn, prepared to obliterate them.


    Alex nced sideways. Ready?


    Theresas disembodied voice answered. Very. WelI find them.


    Brutus three growls rumbled, his massive body invisible.


    Good luck, the huntress said. Alex felt her lips brush his cheek. Stay safe.


    He felt a rush of air as they dove into the forest.


    Hunt well, he whispered, teleporting back to the hills.


    Waiting for him were the rest of the strike force, armedand sheathed in defensive and enhancement spellsready to take on whoever had captured Carey and Merzhin.


    Theresa and Brutus are on their way, he nodded toward the woods. Keep your attacks focused on the blood-draks, but watch the forest. We dont know if theres a petrifier or something else hiding in there. Grimloch, Cedric, Hart. Youre next.


    Gooood The sharkman cracked his knuckles then ced one hand on Alexs shoulder.


    Lets crack some bloody skulls, Cedric said.


    He and Hart reached for Alexs back, and suddenly, they were over the forest.


    By the time the Chosen, Champion, and a very bloodthirsty Grimloch leapt into the swarm of blood-draks, Alex had already teleported back to the rest of the team.


    Isolde, Khalik, Thundar, youre next, he said.


    His cabal gave him grim nods.


    It took two more trips to transport the rest of the strike team to the battle. Reaper remained behind.


    Alright, be ready, he told her, The instant Ie back for you, I need you ready with Disintegration.


    I guarantee you Ill be ready. One cannot hesitate when one does what I do, I would pose too great a risk to the security of Generasi, she said, giving him a grim nod.


    He nodded and teleported back to the battle, this time to stay. With one hand, he reached into his bag for booby trapped-flight potions, and with the other, raised his staff, calling on its power.


    Elementals shimmered into being around him.


    Alright, Theresa, he said softly. The next parts up to you.


    Clenching his jaw, he unleashed hell on the Ravener-spawn.


    The sky was an apocalyptic scene.


    Ravener-spawn shed with battle wizards, summoned monsters, a massive dragon and her identical copies, and a volcanic tortoise the size of a hill. me filled the air. The Heroes tore through the monsters ranks like fire through dried leaves.


    Alex floated in their midst like the general of a bloodthirsty war god, heralding the end times. With a sweep of his staff, he conjured troops of flying monsters that swarmed blood-draks. His free handunched potions in twos and threes, sending the flying Ravener-spawn careening into disaster, striking each other at speed, cracking bone while pulping flesh.


    At his side, ygon raked the creatures with beams of me, his war-spear slicing through swaths of winged monsters.


    Alexs cabal attacked withbinations of magics, and the Watchers of Roal sted the creatures with force jets, lightning, and me.


    But below, the real battle was yet to begin.


    Theresa Lu crept between trees with Brutus at her side, both sniffed the air, searching for any sign of their quarry. Though the young huntress could neither see nor hear her cerberus, she felt him through their blood connection.


    She felt what he felt.


    She knew when he wanted her attention.


    When he found something.


    And the instant he did just that.


    Following close behind her blood familiar as he broke into a runnow silent from the power hed gain from her<strong></strong>lifeforcethe huntress moved between trees in near silence.


    The pair dodged broken blood-drak bodies as they fell from the sky, plummeting through the canopy, crushing whatever they struck.


    Closer, and closer they crept to their prey, until atst, Brutus stopped.


    Theresa saw why.


    Ahead, a wed monster crouched: one of the Raveners bloodhounds.


    It huddled among the brush, looking up, watching the battle with hate filled eyes.


    No doubt waiting for its opportunity to strike, maybe drag a wizard to the ground if they flew too low. Or maybe it was waiting to pounce on the back of a blood-drak and soar into battle.


    Her nostrils red, sniffing the air, taking in the creatures foul odour.


    It could be waiting for some petrifier to paralyse our team members then get them when they drop, she thought, easing the twinde from its sheaths.


    I smell something that stinks even worse than that Hunter does.


    Her sense of smell had sharpened since the ritual joining her and Brutus; something disgusting filled the air, unlike anything shed ever smelled beforebut she knew Brutus had. His nostrils were ring, scenting a foul odour he would have smelled in the Research Castles courtyard. The snowy ground had been littered with the dead, both mortal and monster alike..including a single petrifying Ravener-spawn.


    I get it now, she thought. Petrifiers are the size of titans, but fight like ambush predators...and also have their own unique stench.


    Her swords rose. You wait until the <em>exact</em> right moment, then you jump whoever youre after. Well, too bad for you. You waited too long. Theresa grinned.


    nting the tip of her sword in the earth, she took potion bottles filled with sparkling, purple liquid from her belt.


    She cocked her arm back. We may not have Baelins spells to make you visible, but theres more than one way to find an invisible monster. Thanks, Alex.


    Sheunched the vials, and as they flew, she retrieved her nted sword in one fluid motion.


    Then she and Brutus lunged.


    The potions blurred through the forest, striking <em>something</em> unseen hiding there.


    There came a screech of surprise as glittering mist filled the air. Tiny, sparkling droplets enveloped everything they touched, clinging and outlining all in brilliant purple light.


    Theresa swore.


    Three titanic shapes materialised among the trees, eye-stalks whipping in her and Brutus direction.


    And before the trio could blink, she and Brutus were on them.


    The cerberus barreled into a set of towering legs, his invisibility fading. A pair of jaws mped down, puncturing a monsters chitinous shell like melting butter.


    His other heads swivelled toward the creatures other leg.


    Two mouths spread wide.


    Howls erupted, pouring from Brutus maws in concentrated cones of sonic energy. They split the monsters shell, shattering it even as his third head shredded the creatures remaining leg. He spun,shing out with the spiked bone mace at the tip of his tail.


    It battered the broken limb, crushing it in a single swing.


    The petrifier shrieked, copsing against the trees as Brutus jumped, tearing at its eye-stalks.


    The other two petrifiers pivoted toward the three headed beast, poised to turn the cerberus to stone.


    But they had miscalcted.


    There wasnt one monster attacking them.


    There were two.


    Miller had been taken down in seconds by the three-headed beast and could only il in agony as it tore away its eye-stalks.


    The other two petrifiers levelled their gazes<strong></strong>at the creature, but Butcher suddenly shrieked, sounding tortured. Even as it turned its eye-stalks at Millers bone-armoured assant,<strong></strong>several of its eyes were abruptly blinded.


    A human materialised atop Butcher, swords chopping away its vision. Protective chitin that should have turned aside blows from the strongest human, was split with ease. In a whirlwind of motion, the petrifiers eyesight was taken as every eye-stalk was severed.


    It could only scream, as blinded and bleeding, it writhed, trying to dislodge the human.


    The Raveners Hunters sprang at the attackers, desperate to rescue their masters, but were shredded in a blur. Using all three heads, the beast grabbed any Hunter in its path, crushing humanoid bodies to paste.


    Its sonic howls tracked Millers remaining eye-stalks, rupturing them with sound. It plowed its spiked and armoured form into Ravener-spawn, impaling them, rupturing chitin.


    The human, however, wasnt done.


    Her des whipped around with precision. Each time they connected, they avoided vital parts, instead, seeking the Hunters limbs, cutting them away with quick strokes, working to immobilise the monsters.


    In less than a heartbeat, three of the Raveners Hunterscreatures that had torn through a horde of human fighters with easefell to the bloody ground.


    Each limb was gone, leaving them with no means of killing anyone.


    This cant be! Baker screeched, levelling one of its petrifying eyes toward the human. It was beyond taking steps to avoid hitting its Hunters, now all it wanted was to be rid of this assant; it unleashed a volley of paralysing beams.


    The woman leapt clearher body weaving through the aircatching a ray with the t of her sword and reflecting it back, freezing Baker for an instant.


    Just for an instant.


    But it was enough.


    You dont need those eyes, look at the harm you do with them, a male voice said from behind Baker.


    An eye-stalk swivelled.


    It found the male Usurper, his hand firmly nted on the shoulder of Uldars Champion. Therger man swung his massive sword.


    Bakers vision washed red<strong></strong>as the giant of a man severed the eye-stalk with two swings of his sword.


    An instantter, it felt its legs carved away by more strokes from a de. Its trunk crashed to the forest floor, blind, helpless and in agony. Humiliation burned within the Raveners petrifying monster; even the humans the Hunters had massacred had not suffered such a shameful state.


    Wewe have to atone for our failures! it called to its fellows.We have much to be ashamed for and the Usurpers must still die!


    Though it could not see, it could <em>feel</em> the energies of self-destruction begin to burn within Miller and Butcher. Baker called upon its inner power, starting the events that would obliterate it, leaving no trace.


    But something shifted.


    Suddenly, the male Usurper vanished.


    A heartbeatter, he reappeared.


    Good! Baker thought. Stay! Die with us as you should!


    There, the human said. Right where Im pointingprecisely five feet below the shell.


    What is he doing? Baker thought. What is happening?


    Suddenly, Butcher shrieked with such intensity, that the forest shook beneath its sonic cry. If any mortal had been paralysed and their body was near, they would have been turned to dust, but the three petrifiers had been dealt with before they could act.


    There were no petrified bodies waiting to be shattered.


    Baker felt Butchers self-destructive energies vanish.


    It was as if a me had been snuffed out with one quick breath.


    One moment it was there, the next, it was simply gone.


    Six feet to the left, five feet deep, the male Usurper spoke again.


    Another scream, this timeing from Miller; its self-destructive energy disappearing.


    Something terrible was happening around them.


    In growing panic, Baker tried elerating the self-destruct energy, needing to make the organ burn faster.


    The Usurper spoke again. Four feet deep from our position. Just where Im pointing.


    Somethingnced Bakers side, a searing power burrowed down into its body like a hot de. Within the monster, its organ of self-destructionits veryst hope of atonement in this bodyvanished in a white hot sun of agony.


    Baker screamed, less from pain and more from despair.


    It had failed.


    They had all failed the Ravener.


    They had gone against these Usurpers and been outmanoeuvred in every way. Now, here they were, captured, helpless.


    Professor? the Usurpers voice came from nearby.


    If only it could <em>see!</em>


    Alex! a womans voice said. Is everyone alright?


    More than alright. You wanted one sample? We got you a few more than that. Three petrifiers and Traveller-knows how many Hunters. Prepare your operating tables, professor.


    Baker coughed up a foul looking liquid.


    Hold on, dont go dying yet, the Usurper said. My friend heres gonna try to patch you up before you bleed to death. And thenwell, I dont even want to think about what Professor Jules is going to do to you. Never seen her so angry. You should<em> never </em>have taken our friend. He hissed.


    In frustration, Baker screamed.


    Oh, stop it, the Usurper said.


    There was a crack of ss and more mist enveloped the Raveners servant.


    Suddenly, a weariness fell over it. Its consciousness began to fail even as it struggled to resist.


    You might want to save your strength, the Usurpers words were cold as Baker lost consciousness. After all, you have a whole lot of surgery waiting for you.

 Chapter 619: In the Belly of the Beast

    Chapter 619: In the Belly of the Beast


    Wake up, my child, an ancient voice called to her.


    Careys eyes flew open. What?


    Dont worry, youre safe now, the soothing voice said again. No harm wille to you. You will be well taken care of among us.


    The young wizards mind raced.


    Whats happening to me? she thought. Why is it so dark? Am Iam I still in theforest?


    Thest thing she remembered was talking to Merzhin. Theyd been in Finnegans Crags. But it was morning then. Had night fallen so quickly? What in the world was happe


    Her breath caught in her throat.


    Now she remembered.


    A rough hand reaching from behind her. A grip she couldnt break. Sinking, feeling cold stone sliding around and through her body.


    Panic. Struggling.


    Then being pulled from the stone and into a ce lit byntern light. Shed been surrounded by strangers. One had said something she couldnt quite hear.


    Oblivion had followed.


    Now she was awake, in a dark ce, hearing a strange voice, and never feeling more afraid in her life.


    Wh where are you? she stammered. What do you want? Please dont hurt me. Why is it so dark? Am I trapped inside the stone?


    Her voice broke. She fought back tears.


    No, child, the gentle voice said. There is no rock except the walls and floor of this holy chamber. I would tell you again not to fear, but Im sure it would be futile.


    Were you the man who kidnapped me? Why is it so dark? Carey asked.


    Her eyes began to adjust to the darkness, detecting dim shapes around her. A hint of light was seeping into the chamber, allowing her to see the outline of a massive object nearby. There was a familiarity to it, but try as she might, she couldnt quite tell what it was.


    Ah yes, light. I should have provided that. Forgive me, I often find the darkforting when I am in prayer and contemtion, the voice said.


    Prayer? Carey thought, her heart began beating faster. Was she


    A blue-white light suddenly burned into being just below a ceiling dozens of feet above her. Carey squinted against the radiancetrying to shield her eyes with her handas her vision gradually adjusted.


    She slowly lowered her arm, rubbing her eyes.


    Ohoh my goodness, she murmured.


    She was in a church.


    Or what <em>looked </em>like a church.


    Carey was on her back on the floor of arge chamber with no windows, no light could enter from outside; the only exit appeared to be a massive metal door behind her, and stone pews filled the space on either side of her. Candbras stood against smooth walls holding unlit candles.


    And smiling serenely at the front of the vast room?


    Uldar.


    Or at least the most lifelike statue of the deity Carey had ever seen in her young life. He looked down with unseeing eyes, a gentle expression gracing his bearded face.


    At his feet, a man crouched with his head bowed in prayer.


    Carey struggled to stand.


    Careful, the priest said. You do not have your bnce yet.


    Please Carey choked out, stumbling then catching herself on the back of a pew. Please, let me go.


    We will speak of such thingster, child, the man rose and turned.


    He was quite tall, rail thin and very, very old. His face was deeply lined, and every hair of his long beard was as white as snow, yet his back was unbent, and he moved with the agility of a man only a few years older than her.


    A symbol of Uldar hung from his neck.


    I am sure you have many questions, he said, his voice taking on a gentle, calming tone. But we also have many. Many, many questions. Well, to be precise my dear, my superior has many questions. I am simply here to make sure you arefortable.


    She swallowed. What is this ce?


    You are in the holiest ce in all of Thamnddeep within the core of Uldars Escarpment. His eyes seemed to twinkle. Congrattions: very few outside of my order have visited the site of our gods ascension. Rejoice, child; this is a rare privilege.


    Careys blood ran so cold, it might have turned to ice in her veins.


    This was it.


    The ce Alex had talked about. Hed been right. His theory about a secret order of priestswas actually true.


    And now they had her. She was at their mercy.


    But, what did they know? What did they want with her? Were they going to take her to Uldar? Did they know her hearther change of faithwould they rip out her soul as punishment for losing faith in Uldar?


    She had to fight.


    Trying not to make any sudden movements, she considered the best spell to cast to save herself.


    The man frowned at her, taking one quick step forward. I wouldnt be doing any spellcasting if I were you. I might be old, but dont let my age deceive you, I suspect Ivee through more conflicts than you. Remember that.


    All words died before leaving Careys mouth.


    A note had entered the ancient mans voice.


    One that was as threatening as any de.


    Save your strength, she told herself. Youre in this dark ce with the Traveller knows what waiting outside the door. Save your strength forter.


    Swallowing her fear, she asked a question that had been burning in her mind. Where is Merzhin?


    Also safe, he said simply. He is a guest here, and you shall see him very soon. For now, though, I am Third Apostle Izas. His eyes bore into her. And I have many questions for you.


    Carey gulped. II am ever so tired, I dont want to talk at the moment.


    And you can rest, Izas said gently. But rest cannote until certain important matters are dealt with. The glory of Uldars kingdom depends on it.


    I


    How far have you seeded in your experiments with dungeon cores? he asked.


    W-what? she stammered.


    Do not mistake me, I am something of a wizard myself. He gave her a broad smile. With a groan, he slowly eased himself into a pew at the front of the chamber, stretching his back like a cat. In that moment, he seemed no more noteworthy than any old country priest tending to his chapel. The thrill of discovery is a great thing; dont think that Im some stodgy old priest who looks at arcane magic and mana like its an affront to Uldar. Even he himself took an interest in magic. However


    Izas looked at Carey closely. it is important to be sure that we do not make missteps that ruin things for future generations, and our Thameish siblings. So, tell me, exactly what have you done with the dungeon cores youve been harvesting?


    I


    Were you able to get a living core to work for you? he asked without warning.


    Carey gasped, then desperately tried to hide her reaction, but the priest was already smiling.


    Ah, I see, he said. So you have found that little quirk about them, have you?


    Youyou <em>know</em>? she demanded, heat sparking in her. You know that Uldars children cancontrol them?


    Indeed, I do, Izas said calmly. And how many of you have managed this feat? There are three of you, are there not?


    Careys heart thundered in her chest. Her breath quickened.


    How does he know? she thought. How in the Travellers name does he know? What else does he know?


    What are you doing? she demanded, taking a step forward. If you know that <em>we</em> can control dungeon cores, why do you keep it a secret? How could Uldar possibly allow


    Careful. He held up a hand, his smile fading. I will not tolerate sphemy in Uldars most holy ce.


    But <em>how </em>do you know? she pushed him for an answer. Have you controlled them yourself? Do you use them? Why are you hiding that information?


    Another man suddenly spoke. I might answer those questions, young one.


    A chill ran down Careys spine.


    Izas froze.


    This new voice was deep, powerful and aged. It reminded her of Baelins in some waysand Cedrics in others. It was a voice that she could easily believe belonged to Uldar himself.


    Izas quickly scrambled from his seat, bowing deeply as Carey slowly turned.


    The figure standing at the chamber doorwas not what she would have ever expected...not at all. Shed imagined it would be Uldar standing there, looking like his statue, or even another old priest.


    Instead, she saw a young man, perhaps only a few years older than herself.


    His broad shoulders filled out his drab priests robe, and he probably stood over a head taller than her. Even the towering Alex would have been shorter than thisman, by inches. He wore his dark hair cropped close to his scalp, and his chiselled jaw was razored smooth.


    Butthere was something about his eyes that didnt fit.


    While the man might have looked like a young warrior, cut from the same cloth as Cedric, his eyes seemed to be from a time long ago, reminding her of Baelins in many waysandand


    She nced up in horror at the statue filling the front of the room.


    A terrible possibility hit her.


    U-uldar? she whispered.


    sphemy, child! Izas barked. Apologies, First Apostle. This child does not know what she speaks of.


    Firstapost She cut the question off, looking back at the young man.


    Ah, if only I could im that so glorious a name was indeed mine. The First Apostle pressed a hand to his chest. But I am but a humble servant of Uldar, and nothing more.


    And nothing more? she doubted his sincerity.


    The man radiated power. There was no way he was no more than a humble servant.


    Well. His eyes drifted up toward his bushy, ck eyebrows. I must admitamong the living servants of UldarI would hold the highest spiritual authority in the entirety of the church, save for that wielded by St. Merzhin himself. And in terms of church administration, there are none closer to Uldar than I. My word is as close to his as you will find in this world.


    He gave her a grave look. Which is whymy lostmbyou must take what I say <em>very</em> seriously.


    Carey did not trust herself to speak. She merely eyed the door behind the young priest.


    First Apostle. Izas rose from his bow. Should you not be in seclusion? In contemtion in the darkness of<strong></strong>your bower?


    The First Apostle sighed deeply. It was the sigh of one who bears an entire world of responsibilities. I was in contemtion, but sadly, the situation has only grown more dire. It would seem that Uldars holy servants have been defeated.


    What? Izas gasped. Three of them wore the forms of the creature that stopped thest Second Apostle. They were supposed to be fearsome champions of our god!


    That might all be true, but I have been informed that they have been lost, the First Apostle said softly. Now we must rely on ourselves to defeat our new enemies. I fear they are rapidly growing in power, andif left uncheckedthe cycle will be permanently sent into chaos and remain off-bnce.


    This Izas started.


    Off-bnce? Carey demanded. What do you mean, off-bnce? Theres no bnce in the fight with the Ravener, we want to defea She paused, her mind suddenly making a connection.


    You her voice dropped to a whisper. You <em>want</em> the cycle to continue, dont you?


    Silencey heavily upon the chamber.


    Perhaps we should have this conversation away from our guest? Izas suggested.


    No. I think this young one deserves some exnation. The First Apostle took a step toward Carey.


    The young woman stepped back. Donte any closer!


    He stopped. Very well. We honestly mean you no harm. I simply wish to tell you the truth.


    Truth? she asked. Youre obviously secretive. Why tell me anything?


    Because, young one, you are never leaving this ce, he said sadly. We will not kill you unless the holy purposemands that we do so, or you force us to. But youve uncovered an aspect of the dungeon cores that cannot be shared outside of this sanctum: the moment you did, your life as you knew it was forfeit. You will either join us as a priestess, or one who lives among us, acting only for Uldars glory and basking in his light, or you will spend the rest of your life here in solitude. Or die, if you resist us.


    He pronounced her fate with the same matter-of-fact tone as someone discussing how their garden was growing.


    She fought back tears.


    In return for this, you will be shown as much truth as I can share with you, he said. First of all, the cycle must continue. The safety of all Thamnd is dependent on this. The destruction of the cycle would mean the destruction of life as we know it.


    What are you talking about? The cycle kills so many! she screamed. How can you not care, these are Thameish people dying! The children of your god!


    The First Apostles eyebrows rose. <em>My</em> god. Not <em>our</em>? Even if you do not show Uldar love, he still loves you, young one. As for the cycle killing many? How should I say thisperhaps before I go further, you should know why the world cannot know that Uldars children can control dungeon cores.


    His eyes met hers. Let me tell you a story that you will not find in any priests sermon. It is the story of the twenty-first individual to bear the title of the Fool of Uldar. It is a story of betrayal, and one we call: <em>The Generals Folly.</em>

 Chapter 620: Folly

    Chapter 620: Folly


    The Generals Folly is something of a parable only taught in our holy order, the First Apostle sat in a pew near the back of the chamber.


    A seat very near the door, Carey noticed.


    He gestured for her to sit, giving her a kindly nod.


    She exchanged a look with Izas; the old man had returned to his pew, looking tense. Nervous.


    Reluctantly, she forced herself to sit.


    The First Apostle sped his hands in hisp. You should understand something about the Marks, young one. They often attempt to choose those children of Uldar who are best suited for their roles. Champions arise from those whoif they are not outright warriorspossess a will to fight. Sages are sought from our brothers and sisters with strong inner mana. Saints are drawn from those who possess an especially strong dedication to Uldar. Chosen He paused.


    The Chosen arises from Thameish youth gifted with courage, the potential for leadership, strong faith, physical capability and deep mana. As they are the greatest of Uldars Heroes, they are not merelymonce individuals. The same cannot be said of the Fool.


    The First Apostle sped his hands in prayer. Uldars wisdom is as boundless as his love for the people who worship him, and in this wisdom, he foresaw that the Heroes would need a force to bind them, or bring unity to them in all ways; whether that was to ready their equipment, resolve disputes, or serve as the heart of their group. In other words, apanion to offer support from behind. While Uldars wisdom is boundless, those who his Marks choose, at times


    He paused, searching for words. ...are not the wisest. They do not understand<strong></strong>their role, like the one who is the subject of our story. That Fool was a young knight named Cain, who came from a country household. In his holy pursuit to serve his kingdom, he had trained both his skill as a warrior, and learned rudimentary miracles through his faith. He was not the most talented of individuals, but he did seem to have a bright future ahead of him. And then, his future brightened further when he was blessed with the Mark of the Fool.


    Carey couldnt help herself. She grimaced. How did his future brighten further? The Mark would have taken away the skills he was proud of and made his future darker, not brighter.


    The First Apostle shook his head. No, my child, that is narrow thinking. Too often do children of Uldar discount the Fool. In Uldars wisdom, he determined that the Heroes needed someone in that role. The Fool serves as their hearta body cannot live without a heart, can it? Past Fools have been able to help their Heroicpanions destroy the Ravener, then go on to live quiet, but sessful lives afterward. That is reward enough.


    Carey shifted ufortably in the pew.


    There was a time when she would have strongly agreed with him. But now, she couldnt help but question <em>every </em>word shed been told by Alrichs priests.


    When a child is born, the First Apostle said. It dreams all the time, both at night and during the day. Peasant children dream of being knights. Children of knights dream of being lords. Young lordlings imagine kingdoms of their own. Such dreams are harmless. His look turned stern. But as one bes an adult, one must put away childish dreams. Peasant children are, in fact, often needed on the farm, and do not have the necessary skills to be good knights. A child from a knights household must serve their lords in battle, or serve their king in some other way, perhaps through the priesthood. The children of lords must grow up to rule their vassals, and not turn their des against their monarchs. It is mature to ept what one can change, and what one cannot. In adulthood, one must ept responsibility and duty. But, unfortunately, Cain could not leave his childish dreams aside. He refused to wake up.


    The First Apostle made a chopping motion with his hand. At first, he tried forcing himself into the role of abatant, putting hispanions at constant risk when they were made to rescue him. Soon, he felt the need to take on the responsibility of leader, usurping the Chosens divine role. When neither way worked, he rebelled, rather than ept the gifts and life path Uldar had handed him.


    The sound of teeth grinding came from the pew as the high priests jaw flexed. We do not know if low cunning or an unhappy ident led him to the knowledge that dungeon cores could be controlled by Uldars followers, but he somehow discovered it and used the information to build an army of monsters, then went about his business carving out his own kingdom within Uldars divine kingdom. Bandits and other neer-do-wells joined his banner and he styled himself as a sort of general of this personal army of his. It was folly.


    But why can Carey started.


    The First Apostle held up a hand. Allow me to finish, young one. Many lives were lost in the ensuing struggle. The Sage of that cycle died in battle and it cost five long years or suffering for the Ravener to be finally destroyed, and it was all due to the Fools folly and selfishness. By the time the mad dog was defeated, Thamnd had lost more than in the entirety of the prior three cycles. His actions were shameful. He went quiet, breathing steadily. Dungeon cores can be ground to powder and used to make different items, which are valuable to the Heroes. Those are the spoils of war which Uldar has blessed us with. But to use the enemys armies for ones own gain? That can only spawn tyrants, tyrants worthy of death. Our branch of the church has worked tirelessly for generations to prevent such tragedies. We are not always sessful, but we have been able to hide such terrible knowledge from Uldars kingdom. And so we keep his children safe.


    But why <em>can</em> we control dungeon cores? Carey was determined to get an answer. And why only those of us who worship Uldar? What possible reason could there be for that?


    That is a divine mystery, the First Apostle said. We know, from our oldest scriptures, that the practise was forbidden, but Uldars word on the subject has been lost. For the first time, a look of utter sorrow crossed his face. Records from the first half dozen cycles have been lost to time, and sadly, details are near impossible toe by from those earlier days. I can tell you that for many reasons, I regret this, not the least of which is because I cannot offer you Uldars words to satisfy your curiosity and soothe your anxieties. But, we have seen why such things harm humanity.


    Oh, please, you must think me quite stupid if you believe that Id be satisfied with your non-answer! she said, her hands balling into fists. My peopleour people have suffered for untold generations, and youre telling me that no one has questioned why <em>we</em> can control the ultimate tools of our gods greatest enemies? And please, spare me lectures about how Uldar speaks through silence, and how his word lies in mystery. Too many people have suffered because of that. You cannot tell me thatin your heart of heartsyou have never questioned why we can control dungeon cores!


    I have, child, Izas suddenly said. In my younger dayswhen I first learned the truth, I questioned. But I also looked at the evidence: every time a child of Uldar had taken up the weapon of the enemy, things had ended in disaster for all. I also wondered if lost records had offered more exnation, or even if there was some sinister plot that past priests had undertaken. But, in the end, the knowledge we have is enough. Uldar protects us.


    He lowered his head. And we must continue to feed him our faith, and show him our gratitude. Which leads me to this question, when we took you away from the influence of those foreigners, you were wearing the symbol of Alrics Saint. Why would that be? Why put your faith in a Saint when that saint follows a god?


    Carey flinched, reaching for her chain. The symbol of the Traveller was gone, along with her other possessions.


    Where is my bag? she asked nervously, thinking of what Professor Jules had assigned to her. If they started fiddling with it Where are my belongings?


    All of your possessions are safe, my child, Izas said.


    But where are they? she pressed. Something told her not to tell them <em>exactly</em> what was in her bag. The more information she kept to herself, the better.


    How can you do any of this? You say I dont put my faith in Uldar, but you are kidnapping and hurting people! And you have all of these terrible secrets!


    She stood up. How? How can you justify yourself? This isnt supposed to be Uldars way: its not what we were taught.


    Oh, young one, the First Apostle sighed. Our order is meant to be secret. We are the guardians of the cycle. We move in shadow so that others can live in Uldars light. We act out of Uldars will, just as the Heroes do. But where they fight under the sun, we fight under the darkest of nights.


    How can you be so sure of what he wishes? she demanded.


    Because he tells me his wishes, the First Apostle said calmly.


    Silence followed.


    Hehe speaks to you? she stammered.


    The First Apostle has a holy privilege that no other can enjoy, Izas said. Through the greatest of his servants, Uldar speaks to him, as he has for generations. While <em>we</em> must listen to the whispers of the world to hear Uldars wordto the First Apostle, he speaks a little clearer.


    And it is his will that the cycle continues, the First Apostle said. You asked how we could let such a thing go on? I will tell you. Thamnds cycles of battling against the enemy not only strengthens our people, but also empowers our gods divine purpose. He promised us thatone daythe cycles<strong></strong><em>will</em> end. But, if we, his servants, make them end by way of random circumstance?


    The young man shook his head. Catastrophe will befall each and every one of us. Thend will wither and die. All will be destroyed. This is what was told to the First Apostle<strong></strong>who came before me. And it was then told to me. That is why we must do everything for Uldar.


    Carey shuddered at those words.


    She had once promised to give <em>everything</em> she could to end the cycles. To save her people. Now these priests were iming they must give everything to continue the cycles of suffering.


    It was almost like hearing her own past words repeated to her through a monstrous mirror.


    She couldnt stand it.


    Is that why you have kidnappers working for you? she sniffed. And murderers? You n to kill me if I dont cooperate with you?


    We do, the First Apostle said. Our hands are not sinless, but anyone can do Uldars will if they believe. AndsometimesUldars duties require unpleasant sacrifices. Just as one cannot win a war without death, one cannot serve their gods divine purpose without sacrifice, even if its simply by way of prayer and faith to empower our god. And that is not without its rewards.


    The First Apostle raised his hand.


    A soft blue light with a gentle warmth began radiating from it.


    At one time, the sight of that light would have filled Carey withfort.


    Now, it only made her skin crawl.


    He blesses his priests with miracles, he continued. He gives us a fine, fertilend. He grants us this ce for our home and church, a ce hidden from the eyes of most. His people are wealthy and well cared for. Is that not enough? He paused for some time before speaking again.


    Now, young one, dont you think its time you answered some of our questions? Tell me, how many people know of the dungeon cores?


    Carey bristled, opening her mouth to scream at him.


    Not many, the words leapt from her mouth. Baelin knows, and Professor Jules, and a few others.


    Her heart hammered.


    What? she cried, her hands mping over her lips.


    Do the Holy Chosen and the Holy Champion know as well? the First Apostle asked.


    Ye Her treacherous lips moved. She pressed her fingers against them firmer, but they also betrayed her, peeling away on their own. es. They do. What is happening?


    The First Apostle raised his glowing hand. Uldar grants me many gifts because of my abiding love for him. This divinity is the Light of Truth. Under its glow, all in Thamnd must speak the truth. You will answer me.


    NoYes, I will answer you, she contradicted herself.


    Panicking, Carey tried to leave, but felt a sudden surge of mana.


    Glowing chains formed around her, enwrapping her body, forcing her to stay in ce.


    Im afraid I cant let you do that, Izas said. Weve answered so many of your questions, now you must answer ours.


    No, let me go! she cried.


    Give us the names of all those who know that followers of Uldar can control dungeon cores, the First Apostle said.


    ICarey London, she stammered. Alex Roth, Drestra of Crymlyn Swamp.


    No! Stop! she cried, trying to seal her lips, bite her tongue, or do anything to stop from speaking. SomeoneTraveller please! If you can hear this! Please help me! Save me!


    A steadying warmth filled her chest.


    What? the First Apostle shouted. How are you doing that?


    Careys mouth stilled.


    The warmth of Uldars light shifted, as though funnelled to a far distant ce.


    What have you done? Izas demanded. <em>What have you done?</em>

 Chapter 621: Faith

    Chapter 621: Faith


    The First Apostles face reddened, and he raised his hand higher.


    Uldars divine light red brighter, but Carey still felt none of its unwee warmth from earlier.


    What is happening? Izas demanded again.


    Wait, Izas, the First Apostle said. I feel somethingit feels much like a divine presence.


    Who do you worship, child? The Traveller? Izas asked. If so, why? She is nothing more than a dead mortal.


    Faith has power, even when directed at nothing, let alone the dead, the First Apostle said. Something strange has urred. This is He paused. The Traveller lived during the time of another who controlled a dungeon core. That one hunted for us. PerhapsI should consult the archives, this could be aplication. Izas, take the young one to her quarters. We will try this again with more knowledge. And bring the holy symbol of the Traveller to me. Something odd is going on here.


    Yes, First Apostle, Izas said.


    Carey felt a surge of mana behind her, and then a great weariness fell upon her mind.


    The world quickly disappeared beneath the ckness of slumber.


    Not again, Carey groaned, waking up in another strange ce.


    This time, she found herselfying on a soft bed with sunlight streaming down on her face from a small window carved in a smooth wall of stone. Thick iron barsy across it, each marked with glyphs she recognised, there to disperse any mana if she began spellcasting.


    No escape, she said bitterly, looking around the room.


    It was sparsely furnished butfortable; containing in wooden furniture that included a small dining table, a sitting area, and a narrow bookshelf filled with sacred tomes.


    Her <em>hosts</em> had arranged for a tter of warm, buttered bread, vegetables, and a cup of what looked like weak wine to be left on the table for her. She looked at the meal and her surroundings with distaste, How quaint, as if some serviceable furniture and a half decent meal would make a prison cell anything more than what it really is, Carey muttered to herself.


    Of course their treatment of her had been nothing but gentle, so far.


    They wanted something. She had no illusions as to how quickly that could all change if they wanted it to.


    I have to get out of here, she said, staring up at the bars. That terrible apostle is going to search his records and then set upon me so terribly. I She bowed her head in prayer. Traveller, thank you for protecting me in my time of needbut I know that you are still gathering your strength. I thank you, and know that I cant expect you to just take me out of here. Butwhat did you do earlier? Did you grant me a divinity?


    She swallowed. Do you want me to be one of your priestesses?


    Carey didnt know how she felt about that; after so many years serving a god who turned out to be using and betraying his people, she was reluctant to join with another one so deeply and so quickly.


    But, if the Traveller was offering her help


    should she not take it?


    A gentle knock on the door drew her from her thoughts.


    Carey? a small voice came through the door. Are you alright?


    Merzhin? Merzhin! she rushed to the door.


    It was crafted of thick bs of wood reinforced with ck iron,pletely solid except for a small barred window just above eye level.


    I wish I was just a little bit taller, she thought, standing at the door on tiptoe. Merzhin was in the hallway, looking very ufortable.


    And he wasnt alone.


    nking him were two women with dangerous eyes and swords at their hips


    and behind him stood another ancient priest, this one was built like a bull, all muscle.


    She gasped.


    His face was one she recognised from the cavern, shed seen him after she was dragged through the rock. She shuddered at the memory.


    Merzhin, run, hes the one who kidnapped us! she cried.


    The man stared at her with the impassiveness of stone; the deadness in his eyes sent chills up her spine. He wore the robes of a priest, but looked at her in the same way the demons had when theyd attacked the Campus for Uldar Rally.


    Carey, dont worry, its not what it looks like,  Merzhin said quickly. Ive been talking to them and arguing for you. His small hands reached up, gripping the bars. They said youve been led astray. That someone has filled your head with lies against us and Uldar.


    Wait, what did he mean by <em>us</em>? Was he part of this? Was he one of them?


    She stared at him in disbelief.


    Was that how <em>she</em> used to sound not that long ago?


    Listen, its not toote, he pleaded. Theyre trying to save you. Theyre


    Merzhin, we have to get out of here, she cut him off. These people. Theyre evil, they want to keep the cycle going for Traveller-knows


    Uldar knows, he said with confidence.


    I dont bloody care who knows! she screamed. They want to keep the cycle going! They hurt people! Thameish people! We have to get away.


    Its not true, he said. Carey, you should look out your window. Did you know that this ce is where Uldar ascended into full divinity? It is the closest ce to his divine realm in all the material ne! And it shows! Ive seen it, Carey: this valley is peaceful, its inhabitants kind. Uldar protects those who do his will. He will protect you, too.


    What are you talking about? Is that what they told you, and you actually believed them? I dont know if you were part of this before, but it certainly seems youre part of it now!


    You dont have to worry about anything, Carey. Evil has seduced the Heroes and your Thameish friends from that wizard school, but well take care of that


    Merzhin. Listen to me! They. Want. To. Keep. The. Cycle. Going, she hissed, ncing at the old priest behind him.


    The broad-shouldered man did not move. His mouth didnt twitch. He did not smile, nor frown. He simply seemed as unconcerned as a fisherman standing beside a pond on a peaceful summer morning.


    Theyve been exining things to me over the past few days, Merzhin said, his voice dropping low. I dont quite understand all of it yet, but they spoke of Uldars n. Ive met a holy man who seems even more blessed than any priest. Hes called the first Apostle: and he told me that he <em>hears</em> Uldars voice! Do you hear me, Carey? Uldar speaks to us through him,<strong></strong>and he loves us!


    Carey took a step away from the door.


    The depth of yearning in Merzhins voice.


    The pleading and relief in his eyes.


    And she understood.


    She saw it as clear as day.


    For months shed been gued by doubts and fears. The entire time, all shed wanted was for Uldar toe and exin himself. And now Merzhin had the next best thing: a powerful, secret priest of Uldar who imed to speak to the gods greatest divine servants.


    A holy man who knew his sacred will.


    How would she have reacted if shed met the First Apostle months ago? Back when all shed wanted was for someone to reassure her: to exin how the path shed always walked was still the right one.


    To tell her that the god shed loved and dedicated her life to hadnt abandoned her.


    If I had heard that back then, she thought. I would have epted it. I longed for it and would have embraced it with my entire being.


    That was why these viinsthese thugs in priests robesdidnt look worried. Theyd already told Merzhin what hed desperately wanted to hear.


    And hed believed them.


    Carey? Merzhin said. Youre


    Tears trickled down Careys face. Despair gnawed at her. Fear threatened to tear her apart.


    What hope was there? The Traveller had protected herbut the First Apostle was strong. Terribly strong. The only reason hed stopped interrogating her was to research his enemy.


    She knew the tactic well; the expedition memberswhen they encountered a new enemywould pause and learn more about what they were facing. But once theyd done the research?


    They would strike with a vengeance.


    And she knew the First Apostle would do the same.


    Could the Traveller keep protecting her?


    She swallowed. At different times in her life, when her fears were almost drowning hershe would turn to her faith in Uldar for support. But now, Uldar and faith in him were the very things that threatened to drown her, her friends, and all shede to believe in.


    So what could she do?


    What could she believe in?


    She swallowed.


    A clinking noise suddenly came from above, startling her, catching her attention.


    Carey looked up. Hanging from the ceiling was arge ssntern framed in iron, suspended from the end of long links of chain. It was the rooms only light source. It hung low enough so she could reach up and touch itif she stood on a chairyet high enough to clear the top of someones head who was of average height.


    A brisk breeze had suddenly churned up out of nowhere, rattling the chain while<strong></strong>sunlight reflected off the ss, lending the fixture the illusion of water shimmering over soft, soothing light.


    She sped her hands together.


    Thats rightits not over yet, she thought. I can have faith in the Traveller, but not just her. I can also have faith in my friends. My teachers. And myself


    She turned back to the door, her eyes shining.


    ...and even in him. Besides, I vowed Id give <em>everything</em> to save Thamnd. So what do I have to fear?


    She stepped back to the door and gripped the bars, her eyes looking into Merzhins with such ferocity, that he startled.


    The old priest uncrossed his arms.


    What is it, Carey? the Saint asked.


    Wolves, Merzhin, she said.


    What? he said.


    I remember when we talked about Thamnd; how we were shepherds defending our flock from the wolves, she said. And we talked about what would happen if the <em>wolves</em> turned out to be the hounds of the very sheep farmer we were guarding the flock for.


    She nodded to the priest behind Merzhin. We found the hounds, Merzhin.


    Alright, thats enough, the old man growled.


    How much blood? How much Thameish blood have they shed to make their own sick little slice of paradise? she demanded. You wish to serve Uldar, Merzhin? Tell me, are you <em>really</em> serving him and his people right now? Her eyes settled on Eldin. Are these his people, or are they hounds? .


    Thats enough! the priest stepped forward.


    Watch them, Merzhin, she said. You are the most holy living man in all of Thamnd. You get to say what is divine will. Not them.


    I the Saint stammered.


    You are tired, the old man said. I think this visit is over. Do not let her corrupt your mind as I cautioned you about earlier.


    Yesyes Merzhin said, turning from the door. I hope yousee the truth Carey.


    You too, Merzhin, she called back, you too.


    As Merzhin the Saint walked down the hall, he fought the urge to look back.


    Do not doubt, he said to himself. Have faith. You have finally met people who know Uldars will. Carey just needs to see the truthshe just needs to see the truth


    Even as he told himself this, a seed was being nted deep in his heart. One nestled within fertile soil that had been prepared during those long conversations with his friend.


    A seed of doubt.


    Hes wavering, Eldin thought. Was I mistaken?


    The old man kept his eyes on the Saint as the young man walked ahead of him. Instincts within the old assassin screamed he should kill the boy now, eliminate a risk.


    Remove risks: that was what hed been tasked with in service of Uldar, after all.


    But this is the Saint of Uldar, he thought. A most powerful tool in our order. If you are wrong He pushed aside conflicted feelings. Just wait and trust, Eldin. Have faith. Hell see the truth of our mission.


    Even as he thought this, a seed had been nted in his heart.


    A seed of doubt.


    Alexander Roth squinted against the wind, scanning Finnegans Crags far below him as he gripped his staff in one hand. A battalion of air elementals searched every nook, crack and stone they could find.


    His breathing was slow and steady.


    His shoulders slumped and rxed.


    His mind was calming his body, using every meditation skill hed ever learned.


    But yet, his heart still thundered with barely suppressed anger and fear.


    Where are you? he whispered.


    Ten days had passed since Careys disappearance, and hed spent every waking moment searching for her and Merzhin. He and hispanions had searched Finnegans Crag, the forests near Luthering, Greymoor and anywhere else they could think to search.


    Theyd found nothing.


    Less than nothing.


    If anything, they had gone backwards.


    Trails had grown colder and leads were disappearing.


    As was the case with information theyd received about a group of rangers.


    The Watchers of Roal had learned that Thameish rangers whod been scouring the area for Carey and Merzhinrangers whod recently joined the expeditionhad disappeared.


    Theyd been checking the woods, thenpletely vanished, leaving neither sign nor trail.


    Alex had remembered a young man whod apanied the Heroes to the encampment in the early days of the expedition; a young man who had moved as though hed been well taught how to conceal his bodynguage.


    And with that memory, more pieces had fallen into ce.


    Whoever had taken Carey and Merzhin had been preparing for some time.


    Every moment they had them was another moment they could be dead. Even with half the kingdom looking for them, it seemed they were no closer to being found.


    Come on, Professors, Alex thought, watching his summoned elementalsbing thend below. In a way, he wished hed brought ygon and the othersbut better they search different areas and cast a wider. Baelin, pleasee back soon. Professor Jules, we need answers. We need something.


    Questioning the Ravener-spawn hadnt gone well either; no matter which creature, or how theyd tried to get them to talk, the monsters had said nothing. Hed learned that interrogators from the city were brought to the Research Castle to trycertain high level magical techniques that loosened the tongue, even though they damaged the mind.


    But even with that intensity of questioning, theyd learned nothing; the monsters resisted every method used to probe their minds.


    Which left only one option.


    Professor Jules.

 Chapter 622: Three Eyes to Find

    Chapter 622: Three Eyes to Find


    Interrogations were useless with obstinate creatures like the ones Professor Jules had in herb. They would neither bend, yield, nor crack, so shed taken a different tack, locking herself in herb with her assistants, the single-minded Ravener-spawn, and leaving strict orders for everyone else to keep out. ording to the Watcher team standing guardthe soundsing through the sealed doors were the stuff of nightmares.


    Whether day or night, howls, explosions, long drawn out shrieking and worse, emanated from Professor Julesboratory.


    Soon, one assistant emerged, looking stunned and grey.


    Then another.


    And another.


    Until only the most hardened remained.


    Alexs only wish was to be there with them.


    But, she had stopped him.


    Listen, Jules had said. Each one of us is needed where we can be most useful. Im most useful with alchemy, but you can do much more. Go and find her. Ill crack these monsters from here.


    And so Alex had been tasked with searching for clues day and night, though hed found nothing.


    But, one good thing that dide from scouring the realm for Carey, was how much hed improved with the Travellers power in the past weeks. Now, he could jump longer distances with ease.


    When hed first discovered how the power worked, he could barely move ten feet. Even during the tournament, he only made jumps of a few hundred feet.


    But now, after days of teleporting from ce to ce hunting for Carey and Merzhin, he could teleport himself and anyone he touched over two miles at a time, and the distances were increasing.


    If only I had somewhere to go, he thought, watching his summons search thend. If only I had more clues to work withandwhy do I have this damn creepy feeling all the time!


    Alex spun in mid-air, eyeing thendscape, finding nothing but greenery and rock down below him.


    Hed been feeling like he was being watched since theyd trapped the Ravener-spawn for Professor Jules. Every time they went out to the wilderness, that uneasy feeling trailed him, like piercing eyes were tracking his every move.


    Yet no one, not even his mass of summoned monsters, could find anything or anyone lurking around.


    It was enough to make him wonder if he was going slightly mad.


    Just keep focused, Alex thought. Dont let your mind conjure phantoms. And


    The far-speaker suddenly crackled in his satchel.


    Mr. Roth! Come back to theb! Professor Jules sounded ted. Ive done it! Five dead specimenster, but Ive done it!


    What? he cried, fishing the far-speaker from his bag. Done what, professor, done what? Did you find Carey?


    No, but now we have a way forward! she cried, he could hear the smile in her voice. I isted internal organs that the creatures use to track anyone who made a connection with a living dungeon core; I took<strong></strong>the monsters apart and modified the tracking organs so we could take control and use them to find Carey. So,e back at once, we have testing to do!


    By the Traveller! he shouted. Professor, I could kiss you! Ill get the others and well head to a fae gate. We should be back at the Castle in under an hour!


    Hurry! her voice called.


    The far-speaker went silent.


    Alright, hold on, Carey. Wereing. I feel sorry for whoever took you, he said, his voice gruff with anger. No, actually, I dont, I dont feel sorry for them at all.


    With that, he closed his eyes.


    And vanished.


    Far below, the eyes that were watching him blinked.


    A blue hand ran stubby fingers through a snow white beard.


    Bells tinkled.


    And the fae some called the Stalker pondered aloud. <em>He</em> is a determined hunter, and one who is still growing. Truehe has power that can let him escape; but the chase will be more interesting. He has magic to fight back; the chase will be more thrilling. He has a mind to plot and n; the chase will be more challenging. Yeshe will definitely make good prey.


    Bells jingled on his mounts antlers.


    But, I will need new hounds, he said mournfully. And I must also petition my lord. Thetter will be no troublebut the former? Myst hounds are long mouldering. Hmmm, ohoh!


    He grinned, revealing sharp teeth. Yes, yes that would be delightfully ironic! This will be your test, my prey: if you survive, you will <em>make</em> hounds for me. If you do not? Well then you will have proven yourself to be unworthy quarry, anyway. Yes, this is good. Soon, I will have a new trophy to show off at the lodge.


    The fae moved back into the fae roads, licking his lips.


    He rode toward an escarpment.


    One that most mortalkind in thesends had long forgotten.


    But the Stalker had a feeling it would not be forgotten for much longer.


    In the war room, a tense group was gathered.


    Alex and his cabal were there, huddled with ygon, Tyris, Brutus, Theresa, Grimloch, Svenia, Hogarth, Watcher Hill, and the Heroes of Thamnd.<strong></strong>Vesuvius was waiting in the courtyard


    And then there was Professor Jules.


    She looked like shed aged a dozen years in half as many days. Dark circles ringed her eyes. Her white hair was wild, her robes dishevelled, but a look of triumph burned in her eyes as she stared at a device.


    On the map table, a tankard-sized crystal jar ribbed in steel, with runes of blood magic running up the sides<strong>, </strongy upon it. Within the jar, three eyes suspended in a thick clear were floating.


    One of the eyes watched Drestra and another Alex, ck pupils bore into them. The third bobbed listlessly in the jar of mana-infused water and viscera, swivelling in different directions. Behind each eye, sinewy cords of flesh connected to a pulsating, erratically shaped knot of organs. They throbbed in time with each other like hearts beating as one.


    What in every hell is that? It looks gross. Thundar said.


    My thoughts exactly, Hart muttered.


    This device is going to help us find Carey, judging from the way two of those eyes are fixed on Drestra and Alex, Jules said confidently. Through a great deal of trial and error, I found the tracking organs deep in the Ravener-spawn you captured, and linked them together in a suspension powered by blood magic. The Eye-Finder is what Ive called it. Perhaps its not the best name, but I wont quibble about that now. Naming it isnt important. What matters is that <em>this</em>device could be our key. I attuned an eye to the individual who controlled a dungeon core in the past, using remains each one handled.


    Whats the range on it? Alex asked.


    Im not sure, she said. We were able to amplify the organs natural capacity for detection, so they should have a longer range than they did in their original hosts. But, I dont quite understand <em>how</em> the detection worksit seems to send out some sort of ping, like a bat would using echolocation, but She shook her head. It doesnt really matter. Whats most important for our purposes is that you can use it to find Carey.


    Good. Thank the Traveller, Theresa sounded anxious. We should get going and try it out. We''ve already lost days.


    Aye, Cedric said. I doubt thingsre gonna be gettin any safer for Merzhin an Carey, so lets do itbut where dwe start? The thing sniffs out Carey like a bloodhound, right? So wherere we gonna start? Finnegans Crags?


    Thats our only lead at this point, Alex said. Carey and Merzhin disappeared from there and we found monstersing to Greymoor from that direction. Lets start there and hope this thing has the rangeit might be ourst hope.


    It will work, Professor Jules said. It has to. She took a deep trembling breath. Careys parents have been informed that shes disappeared and theyre making their way from the Rhinean empire to Generasi. We want her back safely for them, for her, and for us.


    Then lets go find out if this works, Alex said, the mood in the room was sombre. Okay, everyone,e with me. Were heading to Finnegans Crags. Hopefully, we''ll have Carey and Merzhin back home by morning.


    At this, Prince Khalik gave Alex a look, but said nothing.


    Please work, Tyris said as the group stepped through the fae gate. It has to work.


    It will, Isolde said. There are few alchemists in the world who can equal Professor Jules abilities. It will work.


    Well, were about to find out, Alex said, keeping his eye on the jar.


    So far, thered been no response from the third eye.


    Im going to teleport to the spot Carey disappeared from. You all stay put. Ille get you if I find anything, Alex said.


    Um, might Ie with you? Khalik asked. Najyah might see something we missed earlier.


    He shot Alex a meaningful look.


    The Thameish wizard nodded. Alright, he said, looking at the others. Well be right back.


    <em>Be safefather</em> ygon said.


    We will. Alex touched Khalik and Najyahperched on her masters shoulderand the three of them disappeared.


    A couple of jumps brought them to where Carey wasst seen.


    Come on. Alex held the Eye-Finder. Come on


    Alex, there is something we must speak of, Khalik said, looking at his close friend with concern.


    Yeah, I had a feeling you wanted to talk about something. Alex waved the jar around. The first eye pointed at him, the second toward where theyd left Drestra, and the third still bobbed listlessly in the liquid. He bit down on rising agitation. Whats going on?


    Listen, once we locate Carey, the prince said. If you wish, the rest of us can rescue her while you return to the Castle. Im sure you have thought of this butif we find Carey, we will likely find Merzhin. And if we find Merzhin


    His symbols going to start singing, Alex said. And then my secretes out, right?


    He continued waving the jar around, his frown deepening.


    Exactly, Khalik said. But, by now, you have no doubt realised this.


    Yeah, Alex said. I have, butlook. Im not just going to let you guys run into what might be the biggest nest of Ravener-spawn that weve evere up against, <em>or</em> some order of kidnapping, murderous priests whove been hiding Uldars secrets for Traveller-knows how many thousands of years, without me.


    Do not fear for us, Khalik said. We can handle ourselves.


    You can, but Im the only one who can teleport, Alex said. And finding another wizard to teleport all of you is going to take time, and thats something we dont have. Plus, we fight better together. If anything goes wrong, I can get you guys out of danger. I can grab Carey and Merzhin and teleport us away in a secondtheres lots of ways I can be useful.


    I knowand that is true. Khaliks eyes dropped. You do know this will mean that <em>at</em> the very least, Merzhin will know your secret.


    At this point? Weve obviously drawn the attention of <em>someone</em> powerful. Alexs irritation grew. Still no response from the third eye. People might being for us<strong></strong>anyway. And let me tell you? The mood Im in? If some priest tells me Ive got toe back and help Thamnd in the way <em>they</em> want me to? Ill tell them exactly which hell they can go to. Weve been to a few. Theres lots of options.


    What if they try to take you? Khalik asked. Not that we would let them just do so.


    Thanks man, but I dont know if Generasi will simply hand me over, Alex said. Theres a few contracts that Shales been working on thatlets say the citys ruling council would be pretty upset if the guy who can actually make advanced golems is taken captive by another realm. And if they try to force the issue? At this point, Khalik? If Baelin was here, Id be up for fighting Uldar himself. Im tired of all of this. So, if Merzhin demands that I go along and do Uldars bidding after Ive <em>rescued</em> his ass? I dont care what the Mark does. Ill find <em>some</em> way to punch hiOh for Travellers sake!


    What is it? Khalik asked.


    Theres no response from this damn thing! Alex floated higher, waving the jar like a madman. He glided around the campsitefrom where Carey and Merzhin had disappearedin wider and wider circles.


    Come on, this <em>has</em> to work! he snapped. Professor Jules is a damned good alchemist. Youre telling me she cant reverse engineer something some shitty Ravener-spawn can do? Dont make meugh!


    He resisted the urge to shake the jar in case it flew from his hands.


    Work! he shouted at the device. Just worOh, by the Traveller. <em>By the</em><em>Traveller!</em>


    Alex stopped dead, floating a few dozen feet over a copse of trees on a bluff above the abandoned campsite.


    Inside the jar


    the third eye had suddenly snapped into focus, pointing southeast.


    Khalik! Alex cried. Khalik, we found her! We finally have her trail!

 Chapter 623: If We Happen to Die

    Chapter 623: If We Happen to Die


    This was it.


    They had a direction.


    Floating freely in the jar, the third eye was fixed on the southeastAlex had ced the Eye-Finder<strong></strong>down on the peak of a mountainits vision piercing hills, distance, and woonds. Somewhere to the southeast, Carey waited along with one of the greatest trials of their lives.


    Alex could only pray that he was ready.


    We need a n, Watcher Hill said, standing near the peak.


    The other Watchers, Alexs cabal, and everybody whode searching for Carey stood on the mountain<strong>,</strong> looking southeast. A gusting wind licked at their clothing.


    Determination filled their hearts.


    Doubt yed in their minds.


    We have no idea what well find when we get to wherever Carey is, Watcher Hill said. But whatevers waiting, its best to assume that its not just going to give her or Merzhin up without a fight.


    We dont know what state shes in either, another Watcher added. She could be


    Shes not dead, Professor Jules voice was like flint through the far-speaker. I examined the organs Ravener-spawn use to track people whove controlled dungeon cores, and they bear simrities to the lifesense organs of aether drakes.


    Aether drakes? What are those? Drestra asked, her interest piquing at the word drake.


    Dragons, close in size to horses. They can sense living things within a certain distance, Hart rumbled. But,<strong></strong>theycant sense anything dead, or undead for that matter.<strong></strong>They gotta rely on their eyes, ears or noses for dead things, so smelling a rotting zombies real easy for them..or anything else with a nose. He grinned.


    Thatis correct, Professor Jules said, surprise in her voice. How did you know that? Are you a schr, Mr. Redfletcher?


    No. The Ash Ravens killed their share of wizards along the way: youd be surprised at what kinda beasts wizards keep locked up in their towers as guard dogs. No offence, he said.


    None taken. And Id be less surprised than you might think. But Mr. Redfletcher does have the right of it: the sensing organs in Ravener-spawn seem to only pick up prey if they are alive, thats if they work simrly to the organs of aether drakes, as they seem to. Which means, Careys most likely still alive.


    Though we cant be sure how long thats going tost, Alex said, his tone dark. So yes, Watcher Hill. Whats your n: youve got the mostbat experience of anyone here.


    I say we go crack some heads open an take our people back, Cedric cut in. Like ysaid, Alex, the time we spend here jawin, could be takin Carey and Merzhin another second closer tdyin. We need tbring em home.


    He flexed the quicksilver gauntlet sheathing his arm. Be they mortal or beast, whichever it is, they dered war when they started kidnappin people. So maybe we should jus kick their shit in!


    Theyll kill Carey if we do, Drestras voice crackled.


    And Merzhin too, Hart rumbled.


    Exactly, Watcher Hill said. Theres a strong likelihood that theyll use them against us. She looked at Alex and Drestra. Theres also a good possibility that theyre using Carey as bait to lure you two, considering what Professor Jules told me you three can do with dungeon cores. The moment you show up, their usefulness expires and the kidnappers could end both of them without a thought. That being saidI wouldnt be able to convince the two of you to stay behind, could I?


    Well need every hand on deck, Alex said, feeling a bit weird knowing that some of the Watchers had been told what he, Carey and Drestra could do with dungeon cores. But, he supposed in this case, some secrets had to be sacrificed. Drestras too powerful to leave behind, and Im our best bet for extraction. But, I agree that I shouldnt go in at first: the best ce for me is at a distance, somewhere where I can grab people fast in an emergency.


    Then well make use of you. First: since you move faster than any of us, take the Eye-Finder and locate where Carey and Merzhin are being kept. Once you find them, figure out where the closest fae gate is, then return here with your information, Watcher Hill said. The next thing will be to teleport an infiltration team of Watcherslead by meto the location, while the others travel over the fae roads. Once everyones gathered at our target, my team scouts the area, then goes in and gets our people. I understand that you can sense teleportation magic quite acutely, Mr. Roth?


    Thats right, Alex said.


    When we find<strong></strong>Carey and Merzhin, one of us will cast a Call Through Fire spell as a signal, then you can teleport to our position and extract both the hostages and us. When everyones safe, we return and hit them, neutralising, punishing, and investigating these kidnappers. We can modify the n as needed once we actually see the location. Any questions?


    Ive got one, Cedric said. Whos gonna be on that stealth team, an whatre the rest of us gonna be doin?


    Watcher Hill pointed to the other Watchers under hermand. I hate to even say this, but under my watch, Ive allowed enough young people to be captured, so the infiltration team will be solely made up of my own people. She looked at everyone else gathered around her. The rest of you will form the core of what is to be the second wave.


    She made a chopping motion with her hand. Your jobs will be to adopt an extremely aggressive approach if our infiltration ispromised.


    So the n is basically for you and your Watchers to rescue our people andif something goes wrongthe rest of us hit the enemy while youplete the rescue? Is that right? Prince Khalik asked.


    You have it, the Watcher replied. I know a lot of you will want to rush straight in, but please dont, just be patient.


    You will not have to worry about us acting foolishly or prematurely, Isolde said. Chancellor Baelin has trained us well on tactics and priorities; we all want Carey and Merzhin returned, and taking any foolish risks that could put them in further danger is not what we have learned to do. Your n is rational, and we will stick to it.


    Cedric suddenly agreed, words like, <em>we should jus kick their shit in!</em> gone like theyd never left his lips minutes before. Aye, better tgo crackin skulls after we get our people back, Cedric said thoughtfully, sneaking a quick nce at Isolde. There was a time when I mightve gone ahead witout thinkin too hard, but if that ruins<strong></strong>our chances, then Ill not be doin it. Ive learned too much ttry that kinda shite anymore, knowin whats at stake if I did any o that kinda silliness.


    Isolde stared at Cedric, looking so proud and taken with him at that moment thatif things were less tenseshe mightve run right into his arms. He gave her a sidelong look and a small crooked smile, almost as if asking: Did I do good?


    She took a step toward him before catching herself and blushing furiously.


    Thankfully, Watcher Hill saw none of that; being too busy looking southeast to pay any attention to the two of them. Time to get moving. We have our preliminary n; so whats left to do now is find our people. We can finish our assessments once we know exactly what were dealing with.


    Right, Alex looked at the jar. I was thinking I should take Thundar and Drestra with me. Theyre powerful, know illusion magic, I can move across thend faster than anyone else, and with them watching my back, chances of sess increases if anything goes wrong.


    <em>What aboutmefather?</em> ygon asked.


    Yeah, you know what? Youe too, Alex said. Everyone else? If you could go back to the Research Castle through the fae roads and round up <em>any</em>body you can for our strikeforce? Thatd be great. Bring them here to the mountain to meet up.


    Sounds good, Grimloch rumbled. This is gonna be a battle to remember. We want people with us.


    His demeanour surprised Theresa. Whats the matter, Grimloch? Wheres your excitement? Youre always excited before a tough fight.


    The sharkman growled. Somethings different. Any predator in the seas gotta know when the tides changed. And the tides changed.


    His growl deepened as his ck, doll-like eyes took in thend.


    Theres blood in the water.


    So Thundar rumbled, his deep voice carrying over the high, summer wind. The minotaur was invisible as he, Alex, ygon and Drestra flew above the countryside. Forests, rivers and fields sailed by far below. Is the eye still pointing southeast?


    Like iron drawn to a ma, Alex said, looking at the jar. Hed been holding the Eye-Finder when Drestra had cast invisibility magic on them, which made him the only one who could see the third eye and the direction it faced. Directly southeast, and be ready to jump, I''ve almost recovered enough to go again.


    <em>Yesfather,</em> ygon said.


    The group of four had been travelling for some time now, alternating between flying and using Alexs inner power to move them through space, eating away the miles. His strategy was to push forward until he burned away nearly half of his energies, then stop, letting them replenish before starting again.


    He could have pressed himself harder, but that might have meant reaching Carey and Merzhin too drained to teleport anyone.


    <em>Fatherdo you knowif were getting close?</em> ygon asked.


    Its hard to tell, Alex said. Professor Jules device can tell us what direction Careys in, but not how <em>far</em> she is. I just hope we get there soon.


    Better we find her when theres still plenty of light to work with, Drestras voice crackled. I can see in the dark, but many of our allies cant.


    Yeah, Thundar said. And we dont have a clue if whatever were about to pick a fight with can see in the dark or not.


    Silence hung for a moment.


    HeyDrestra, can I ask you something? Thundar said, his voice growing quieter. Its something Ive been wondering about.


    Another moment of silence.


    ...go ahead, the Sage said after a pause.


    You let people see your true form at Luthering, right? he said. I mean, all of us who were in Tenebrama with you already knew, but the Watchers werent there. Neither was Tyris. The deleo Alex brought from Generasi Even the Ravener-spawn saw. So, I was surprised you decided to show your true self to everyone.


    The wind blowing past them was the only sound they heard at the moment.


    The situation were in is urgent, Drestras voice crackled. We need to do everything we can to get our people back. I dont know Carey very well, but she seems to have a good heart and can control dungeon cores, and even if I didnt care for her, no good could evere from letting some enemy use her to make an army for them, or find a way to make dungeon cores more dangerous by experimenting on them. Andtruth is, I dont like Merzhin, but he doesnt deserve to die somewhere alone.


    So you decided to use your full power? Thundar said.


    Yes. And Im probably going to use it on whoever took them anyway, so better I did it early and make our lives easier.


    Yeah, Thundar said. Makes sense. Id do the same thing, if I was you. As a matter of fact, if I was a dragon, I dont think Id keep it a secret, no matter how much sense it made. Id be a dragon every waking second or every day. Its cool as hell and I couldnt resist it. As a matter of fact, Id use illusionary duplicates all the time just to show off my dragoness.


    After a startled moment, Drestras cracklingughter came from thin air. Even at a time like this, you know what to say to make meugh, Thundar.


    Yeah the minotaur said. Yeah


    Another few heartbeats of silence.


    Listen, theres something else I want to ask you, if you dont mind, the minotaur said.


    What is it? Drestra asked.


    Look, I dont know whats about to happen, Thundar rumbled. Maybe Grimlochs just got me nervous butit kinda does feel like the winds are changing. So, I dunno, best to just put yourself out there before anything happens that you cant recover fromand uhdo you like festivals?


    ...pardon? Drestra asked.


    I meanuhexactly what I said, do you like going to festivals? the minotaur asked.


    We dont have many festivals in the Crymlynwe do celebrate the spirits and the passing of winter to spring with a festival. I like those, but why?


    Well, Generasi has a bunch of festivals, the minotaur said. Yknow, theyve got likegood foodmusic and stuff like that. Some can be really good. Uh, I was wondering, ifif were all in one piece after thisif maybe we could, I dunno, go to a festival together or something. Just you and me?


    ...Thundar, are you asking me to step out with you? Drestra asked.


    Well, uh, I meanyeah, I guess. Look, youre smart and youve got a good heart and I like your voice and youve got the most interesting eyes Ive ever seen and I like the way you tell stories andI dunnomaybe we could likesee how much time wed like to spend together alone andyou know what? Im gonna cringe myself to death if I keep talking


    No, dont stop talking, the Sage said. I like listening to your voice too. Ever since yousupported me in TenebramaIve always liked listening to your voice. Idlove to listen to it at a festival with you.


    Good, uh, its a date, then, Thundar said awkwardly. Once we make it out of thiswhich is what everybody whos about to die in all the stories always says.


    You owe me some time stepping out together, Drestra said firmly. Ill make sure you dont die.


    I think they say that too Thundar rumbled.


    Suddenly, the third eye turned downward, looking toward an expanse of forest they were over.


    Hold up! Alex hissed. The eyes shifting. We must be getting close!


    As he said those words, a wave of emotion surged from the aeld staff strapped to his back.


    <em>Fatherthe staff</em> ygon said. <em>It saysthis forest is familiarthis is where it came frombefore the blue annis hags minions took it to Greymoor.</em>


    What? the young wizard eximed. Then weve


    He felt something pass through his mind.


    I dunno, Alex, Thundar grunted. Im thinking maybe youre misreading the eye.


    Yes, Drestra said, a note of irritation in her voice. Were wasting time. Look. Theres nothing down there.


    Alex had the same thoughts that they did.


    But he knew enough, having experienced the Mark for more than two years, to recognise interference.


    Those thoughts<strong></strong>were definitely not his own.

 Chapter 624: The Coming Storm

    Chapter 624: The Coming Storm


    It was subtle.


    So subtle that most folk wouldnt have noticed it.


    From deep within Alexs mind, an<strong></strong>intruding urge and an insistent whisper sprouted.


    <em>Theres nothing down there,</em> it said.


    <em>Im wasting time here, </em>it whispered.


    <em>Spending time here will only dy us, I need to stay away from there,</em> it murmured.


    Each thought followed deep feelings of aversion; a range of emotions bubbled inside of him. That sense of difort, of growing fear, a persistent urge to be away, and even irritation, all slowly simmered in his mind, surging, demanding not to be ignored when his attention stayed too long on the forest below.


    At the same time, his mind rationalised those feelings, working to justify them:


    Its just a forest. An empty one at that. Theres no way Carey would be down there. Maybe someone, or somethings influencing Professor Jules device. Thats what Id do. Id find a way to stop Carey from being tracked. Id find a way to hide my location from any magic that could track her. Theres no way a regr-looking bit of woond has Carey and Merzhin hidden in it. I dont feel any mana or dungeon core magic down there. Times precious, we cant spare any wasting it on this ce.


    The more Alex tried focusing on the woods below them, the more insistent his thoughts encouraging him to leave became.


    He had to anchor himself.


    Illusion, he heard Thundar suddenly say. Though he couldnt see him, he could hear the strain in his friends voice. Listen to your own voice, Thundar, the minotaur said to himself. Ground yourself. Let it go. Its just like in the hells: intruding thoughts worming their way into your head. Let them pass. Let it pass.


    Yes, Drestras voice crackled. Just like in Tenebrama. Just like the hells. Weve dealt with this before. Its not new. Let it go.


    Together the three wizards took on the power invading their minds, letting it pass over them while acknowledging the interfering thoughts as something not their own.


    <em>What ishappening?</em> ygon asked.


    Slowly, Alex felt the aversion begin quieting, loosening its hold on his mind, never fully dying, but by being mindful of its presence, he could sort through it to anchor to his own thoughts.


    Momentster, Drestra and Thundars breathing returned to a calm, even pace.


    Were alright now, ygon, Alex said. I think weve got things under control.


    Damn, that was rough, Thundar growled. It felt like we were right back in the hells again. I could see shit like that happening in the hells, but not out here in Thamnd, and it came right outta the blue too. No warning, no nothing.


    I find anything controlling someone elses mind is beyond any line that should <em>ever</em> be crossed. the Sage of Uldars voice crackled with heat. What was it? I didnt feel any mana, and I dont know of any dungeon capable of doing something like that.


    Mightve been a divinity, Alex focused on the forest. I havent studied divine power much, so I cant say for sure, but


    ...itd exin a lot, Thundar finished. Would pretty much confirm that it was the church that took Merzhin and Carey, wouldnt it?


    Yes, and that would exin why Merzhin disappeared without a fight; if some priest told him to follow, he might have gone willingly She paused. which means, we might have to fight him tooWait, hold on. What about the Ravener-spawn? Those petrifying monsters couldnt be a coincidence. If the church took Merzhin and Carey, does that mean theyre working with the Ravener?


    At this point, Id believe just about anything. Alex muttered, his jaw tensing. I wouldygon!


    The Thameish wizard suddenly remembered what the golem had said. Did you say that the aeld branch remembers this ce, or did I imagine that? I still feel like someone was trying to turn my mind into scrambled eggs.


    <em>You didntimagine itfather</em> ygon said. <em>Thestaffrememberssince its connected to the treeit remembers this ce.</em>


    What does it remember? Alex asked, What does it remember before it was taken by the hags?


    <em>Itremembersgrowing in this ceundisturbedbut always sensing great power nearby</em> ygon said slowly.


    Alex could feel waves of emotion and thought passing between the staff and the golem.


    <em>There was always powernear. But it never saw whothe power belonged tothenone dayhumans came</em> he continued.


    Whatd they say? Who were they? Thundar asked.


    <em>Itdoesntknowthings are too foggybuthumans intended to dig the tree uptake it. It knew their heartsit knew they were selfishbut also not.</em>


    Is that a riddle? Drestra asked.


    Maybe not, Alex thought carefully. Selfish and not selfishmaybe they meant to take the tree for someone else. A god, for instance.


    Well thatd fit with the theme of the day, Thundar said.


    Yeah, Alex said, feeling a mix of growing excitement and dread as his mind fought the aversion that was still trying to control it.


    He checked the third eye, it was fixed on a point somewhere below them.


    But when he followed its gaze, all he saw was the vast forest.


    The trees were unusually tabnormally so for Thamnd, in factand thickbut there was no sign of any mortal activity. As a matter of fact


    the forest was strangely quiet even from where he and hispanions floated.


    Theres no sign of birds anywhere, Alex pointed out. I dont hear a single peep, or see any flying around where the eyes pointing to.


    Therere some quite a ways in the distance, Drestra pointed. I can see thembut youre right, there arent any directly below us or closeby. Another illusion, maybe?


    Well, if it <em>is</em> an illusion, its one of the best Ive ever seen, Thundar said. Theres nothing that gives it away if it is one, because it moves with the wind, the trees are rustling, the sunlights dappling the leaves properly. So, if it <em>is </em>an illusion, its basically perfect.


    A feeling of dread was moving along Alexs spine.


    The Traveller said to find where Uldar ascended fromand she also told me to look for the hidden church. He watched the mysterious forest below with its strange features. Something tells me we found it


    <em>Irony</em>


    Hm? What is it, ygon?


    <em>I readabout irony in a book on humourit can meana kind of surprise, or a contradiction between what someone expects to happen, and what actually happens</em> the golems voice was quiet. <em>People from the churchused Carey to try to find usnow we used what they didto find them. After thousands of yearswe found them. The firstonesto do it</em>


    Thank the Traveller for that, Drestra said.


    As she invoked Hannah, Alex felt the feelings of aversion lessensomething drew him to the forest. Like a beacon.


    I dunno about that ygon, Thundar said. Thing is, this ce is damned hard to find unless you got something guiding you here like Professor Jules invention, right? And if you stumbled across it by ident, with those thoughts taking over your mind and making you want to get away from here, most folk probably left without giving it a second thought. But would <em>everybody </em>have left? I dont know if Professor Jules or Baelin would buy that. What I <em>would</em> buy is that even if just one person got around their magic and got insidewell, I doubt they woulda been in any position to tell anybody much of anything afterward.


    Well, all of that stops today, Drestras voice crackled.


    Im with you on that one Alex said, pulling the far-speaker from his belt. Lets get everyone together, if theyve gone to so much trouble to hide for all this time, Id bet my life they have wards up to detect outsiders. Damn, thisd be so much easier with Baelin around. Buthe warned us that he wouldnt always be there. Now, we just have to think for ourselves and adapt.


    He activated the far-speaker. Professor? I think we found them. Get everyone together. Tell them to get ready, its going to be rough. Were on our way back.


    The valley was idyllic.


    In fact, it strangely matched Merzhins most private imaginings of what the after-world at Uldars side might be like. Surrounded by lush forests and greenery on all sides, thend of the hidden church was built in a depression carved deep into the earth.


    Perhaps it was less of a natural valley and more of a crater; Merzhin did not know enough about such things to tell.


    What he could easily tell, though, was that those who lived here were some of the happiest people hed ever known in his young life. In the centre of the valley rose an enormous escarpment of stoneUldars Risetaller than the tallest trees he could have ever imagined.


    An outer wall of stone surrounded farm houses built of granite quarried from mines below the escarpment, the same stone had also been used to craft countless statues of Uldar. They lined the roads in the vige. They stood outside nearly every door.


    They rose from bountiful fieldsfilled with an abundance of thriving vegetables, fruit trees, golden wheat, and the promise of a fine harvestwatching over all with his wondrous smile.


    Everyone herefrom the oldest to the youngestwere trained warriors of Uldar, performing the gods most special tasks. Merzhin watched childreneasily half his agetraining on an extensive course built solely for that purpose.


    Weapons that bled Uldars divine power hung from nearly every hipyet these contented people did not have the foul look of Hart Redfletcher, or the haunted one of a veteran from Thamnds army.


    Rather, they appeared innocent to the ways of the world; like hardship had never touched them. As thoughbeneath the shimmering half-sphere barrier that defended the areathey were unscathed<strong></strong>by all of the evils consuming Thamnd and beyond.


    Yet, despite this idyllic atmosphere, a deep frown creased Merzhins brow.


    So why did he


    look troubled? Third Apostle Izas asked.


    Im sorry, what was that, Third Apostle? Merzhin asked. Young children giggled as they ran past him, caught up in a game of tag. The Saint watched them with mncholy; when was thest time hed seen a child. Two years now?


    Two long years of constant war against the Ravener.


    The Third Apostle gave the young man a kindly smile. Behind them, Eldin and a pair of guards followed closely. For a fleeting moment, their eyes reminded Merzhin of a loyal bloodhounds.


    I asked if you knew that you looked troubled, Izas said gently. I can see that something weighs on you. What is it, my child?


    Was it so obvious? Apologies, Third Apostle, I should be more disciplined, Merzhin responded sheepishly.


    Think nothing of it. We all have thoughts that gue us. Unburden yourself.


    I Merzhin looked up at Uldars Rise, at the top of the escarpment. It was the veryst ce on this earth that had been graced by Uldars feet before hed ascended to full divinity, never to touch Thamnds soil again. Never to walk among its people. Never to fight along their side.


    The Saint looked around at those who lived here in idyllic bliss.


    He remembered the eyes of the soldiers killed in Uldars name, battling the Ravener. The dead eyes. And the entire time, these lively childrenand these unburdened warriors had been living here in peace.


    Is it alright for those in this ce to enjoy sucfort, Third Apostle? he asked. Is that truly Uldars will. Many suffer to defend Thamnd and save Uldars kingdom. And yet these warriors


    Are among the best in all of Thamnd, Eldin said proudly. Few can serve Uldars will so well.


    Merzhin paused at that, trying to gather his thoughts. He questioned his thoughts. His feelings. He desperately tried to avoid temptation and sphemy. He desperately tried to stamp down that seed of doubt in his mind.


    YesI imagine so, he stammered. But then why not go out and fight the Ravener? Should each of us not focus on the enemy? Iunderstand that the cycle has a purpose we do not know, and it would harm us all if it ended. I do not doubt Uldars word, but surely making sure the Ravener is defeated quickly would lessen harm while serving his will, would it not?


    Hm. Izas nodded. A fair point and also a definite point of theological debate. To this, I ask you, have you everid an ambush for Ravener-spawn?


    Yes, Merzhin said.


    And was it effective?


    Yes.


    But, why?


    Because they did not know we were there.


    Precisely, my child, Izas extended his hands before him. He spoke a short incantation, conjuring a ball of fire in one hand, then spoke a short prayer. The Saint felt a pulse of divinity as another ball of me was conjured. Both orbs reached up, swirling around each other in a helix.


    Merzhin was captivated by the sight. Beautiful.


    It is, isn''t it? Izas chuckled. The blending of divinity and spellcraft is something that the First Apostle has mastered in a way few have. It is an art practised by very few in Thamnd, save for Uldars Chosen and a few others, though many who live with us here learn it. His eyes drifted to the training course before continuing. Yet another of our surprises. Much like an ambush, our skills and our very existence rely on secrecy to be effective. None of Uldars foes would think to watch for us becauseto themwe do not exist. To support Uldars will, that secret requires sacrifices.


    And we do sacrifice, Eldin rumbled. We give up our lives in the outside world for this. In exchange, we have safety and power.


    Isee Merzhin said.


    It makes sense, he told himself. Priests give up much of their secr choices to serve Uldar, just as I have, and in return, they have their livelihood andfort provided for by the church. So whydoes this feel? He looked around at the vige one more time. Decadent.


    Come, its time to go inside, Izas said, ncing at the sky. These old bones are hurting and theres darkness in the offing. A storms definitely on its way.


    Third Apostle, before we goCareys and mypanions will be looking for us. If theye, their wrath could be terrible. Will you be able to exin to them your divine purpose? he asked.


    Worry not, Merzhin. We will not be found unless we wish to be found. For millennia, Uldars Rise has remained safe and hidden from outsiders. Others have searched to no avail,bing thend for us, and have never found us. There is no reason to trouble yourself; we live inplete safety here.


    Something twisted in Merzhins belly; that confidence from Izas. That quiet demeanour, as though he was separate from the world. It did not feel right. It did not feel holy.


    But he bit his tongue.


    Yes, yes Third Apostle, Merzhin said, turning toward Uldars Rise.


    He resolved to see Carey again.


    Hopefully, without an escort.


    Uldar, guide me, he thought.


    Of course, Uldar didnt answer.


    If anything, here in this valley, his silence somehow seemed more deafening than usual.

 Chapter 625: Explosion

    Chapter 625: Explosion


    The song was driving Carey nearer to madness.


    When shed first found herself in this prison that her kidnappers were much too fond of calling her room, her thoughts had been jumbled, her mind too full of questions to notice much of anything but them. Now, she couldnt shut the grating song out. It was all she could think about; that, and getting out of there. Even rain pounding on the vige rooftops beneath the darkening clouds of an evening skycouldnt drown it out.


    It was an endless hymn to Uldar, repeating, constantly drifting through the walls.


    Sometimes the voices changed.


    Sometimes the words changed.


    But the song itself never did, droning on and on in a loop, seemingly designed to drive her to madness.


    To her, it felt like these priests were giving her a preview of her funeral dirge.


    The young woman was pacing the roomher <em>cell</em>, in facttrying to find a way out.


    I am such a fool, she criticised herself. Spending all my time at school in prayer, alchemy, and my other studies, while Alex and his friends were off challenging monsters from all over the nes.


    She muttered under her breath. I could use some of their resourcefulness ever so much right now. By the Traveller, how did damsels escape their prisons in the old tales?


    As far as she could remember, most didnt.


    They normally waited for some charming and beautiful knight to ride up to their prison on an impossibly swift and mighty charger, ready to y all witches, dragons or Ravener-spawn that had captured them, then whisk them back to the safety of their homes, churches, or marriage beds, depending on how bawdy the tale was.


    On asion, they would escape on their own, but that was usually thanks to hidden skills the storytellers would cleverly reveal at thest moment.


    <em>The evil wizard thought</em><em>hed captured a defensive fawn, but hed stolen a mighty sorceress instead! And his magic was no match for hers!</em> she remembered one such story told on her tenth birthday, right after shed told her parents that she wanted to be a wizard in her own right.


    There were other such tales where the helpless damsels revealed themselves as clever warriors in disguise, or masked thieves who slew, or lock-picked their way out of trouble.


    Other age-old tales had Uldar descending from the heavens to smite a dragon, or bless the captive with enough fantastic, supernatural strength to snap a witchs back.


    Unfortunately, Carey was neither warrior or rogue, Uldar was nowhere to be found, nor would he likely be too sympathetic to her plight.


    As for her magic?


    The glyphs on the bars stopped mana from flowing through her, the same way they did in Generasi. It was obvious that these viins had experience capturing and imprisoning wizards.


    Which left her with one option.


    You need your bag, she whispered. You need it, Carey. If you can get She paused, quickly ncing around. Uldar songs travelled through the stone walls of this ce as clear as a bell, so why wouldnt her voice?


    Maybe there was a spy sitting just down the hallwayout of sight eavesdropping on anything she said.


    Get your bag, she thought. Professor Jules assigned you with testing a chaos bomb on a live dungeon in the wild to see how the explosion would react with the mana of an untouched living dungeon core and its unique mana. The timers attached, theres a winged construct with it to deploy, if you could get to it, you could set it, blow these horribly, nasty people to bits, then be on your way home!


    She smiled at the thought. Wouldnt that be terribly exciting? You could strike a blow against these enemies and be off to the Research Castle in time fortime fortime for what, Carey?


    Her enthusiasm began to fade. Where exactly <em>are</em> you? Where is this ce? You know youre in some natural stone setting, the woods outside the vige <em>look</em> like youre probably still in Thamndbut where? Youve only learned the beginnings ofbat magic. Youd simply get lost and die.


    She shook her head. No, Carey! Stop being the miserable coward that you are! Think: you <em>know</em> somebat magic, youve studied maps of Thamnd and learned at least one flight spell. You know how to get on in the wilderness since you spend so much time there with the expedition, and youre a wizard! A<em> wizard!</em> And the Traveller went out of her way to protect you. If you get out of here, you <em>will</em> find a way home! You simply must! Now, how do I escape from


    A gentle tapping came from the door.


    Carey? Merzhins hoarse whisper called her name.


    Gasping, she hurried over, finding the Saint peering through the bars.


    Carey, are you alright? he said softly. Have they treated you well?


    No, Merzhin, they have not treated me bloody well! she snapped. If they had treated me well, wouldnt I be free and not locked up in here like someb specimen? Or maybe we should just call me what I am, a prisoner!


    He winced. Theyre not all bad, you know.


    Really? She raised an eyebrow. Why dont you tell that to the bloody goons standing behind you, they might let me out.


    She paused.


    There <em>were</em> no goons behind him.


    That dangerous looking old manthe one whod pulled her through solid stonewas nowhere to be seen, and the hard-eyed women whod nked him weren''t there either. She craned her neck, peering down the hallway as far as she could, but found no one lurking there. The only sound that met her ears were the voices raised in song, repeating their praise to Uldar.


    Where are you shadows? she asked, her suspicion obvious.


    I said I needed to be alone for a time, he said quickly, ncing down the hallway on either side of himself. It had been a warm day, but the sweat running down his wan face was excessive. He had a wild look around his eyes. His breathing came shallow and quick. I told them I needed time for contemtion andwell, to get my thoughts in order, then I used the chance to slip away.


    Andthere were no guards about? she asked, her suspicions growing.


    None, he said. There werent any when I was down here the first time either. This ce is holy, Carey, it isnt a prison from a fairy tale. There arent any jailers here with more keys on their iron rings than teeth in their heads.


    Really? Carey said. And you werent followed?


    I checked many times, he said. Eldin can glide through stone like water, but I prayed to Uldar to warn me if there were any threats around.


    And do you think Uldar would consider <em>him</em> a threat? she asked archly.


    Ilisten, I just needed to see you alone; Carey, I need your help, he begged.


    You need my help? she scoffed. Merzhin, Im the one in a prison cell while you totter about freeand unguarded. One of us <em>does</em> need help, and its me! Im the one who needs it!


    He winced. Maybe I deserve that, he whispered. But I cant sort my thoughts out. Youve seen this ce through your window, havent you? Surely you cant deny how wondrous it is!


    Im sorry, the <em>iron bars</em> spoil the view ever so slightly, she muttered.


    But Merzhin hardly seemed to notice. Butis it right that those blessed to live in this ce, enjoying Uldars grace, never leave to help our soldiers and others suffering out there. Carey, when Uldar walked the earth, he helped us. He aided his people.


    Merzhin she said, her anger fading.


    And even when he left, he gave usthe Heroes! He gave his priests power and told them to protect and guide thend. He had us build schools in our churches: he gave us priests to teach us: he wanted his people to <em>read</em> and learn how to do<em> sums</em> and thrive<em>!</em> He wanted us to have bountiful harvests and forests filled with game. He gave all of that to us, he gave so much to us, and <em>I</em> have given so much in his name. But these peoplethey give too, in their own wayand they say their secret duty is important, but couldnt they at least help our people in secret?


    Carey couldnt speak.


    The words had died on her lips.


    She could see it in his eyes; the same horrified struggle shed felt as her faith was shaken.


    Uldar is grand and perfect, he continued. Butpeople are wed. What if these people are deeply wed? What ifwhat if theyre not following Uldar properly? Remember the Parable of the Greedy Priest? The one who took tithes and simply used them to live like a false king? He was struck down for his sin! Could these people not be the same? Carey, youre my friendmaybe my <em>only</em> friend in this world! Uldars not answering me, even here; please, help me!


    Carey London swallowed, ncing at the window.


    Judging by the light, she figured there was about two or three more hours of light before twilight fell.


    Merzhin, I cant help you. Not from this cell. She gripped the bars. We need to get out of here. We need to think and contemte away from this ce. We need to leave.


    Imaybe, he said. I could ask them if they would ce you under my protection, then we could go


    Merzhin, do you know what they said to me when I first woke up? she looked deep in his eyes. They told me I will never leave this ce alive.


    He startled, his hand covering his mouth. They said that?


    They said they would either kill me if I didnt cooperate, or I would join their order after they learned my truths, she said. Do those sound like the words of good people?


    Dont ask me that! He recoiled. I have too many thoughts going through my mind right now! I dont know what to think, Carey, I just dont! They talk about Uldars divine wind to serve that is to serve our ultimate purpose. If they need to protect Uldar, then


    Do you know that? She pressed her forehead to the bars. Merzhin, look at me.


    He looked away.


    Will you just bloody well look at me! she snapped.


    Sheepishly, the young mans eyes met hers.


    Merzhin. You are the holiest man in all of Thamnd. Even the First Apostle said that in some ways, you are even closer to Uldar than <em>he</em> is.


    H-he said that?


    He did. So <em>you</em> get to decide if this feels right to you. There is no scripture that says that these people are doing Uldars will. The First Apostle says that he talks to Uldar, but how do you know that? Have <em>you</em> heard Uldars voice here? What does <em>Merzhin</em> think of this ce? What do <em>you</em> think of whats happened? What do you feel? Search your heart. Pray to Uldar if thats what you want. Pray to any Saints of the past. Find what your soul is telling you. What do<em>you </em>think?


    With that, shed ced her trust in him.


    She knew that Merzhin was good.


    He was a good person.


    And she was betting their lives on that inner goodness.


    The slight young man was silent, staring at his feet, andin that momenthe looked so much like a lost child that she wished someone<strong></strong>could just wrap their arms around him. At the same time, though, she watched the shadows, looking for any movement in the growing dark.


    She couldnt deny the possibility that someone had followed him. Or, that he was working with the First Apostle and Izas to get her to say things that she didnt want to.


    But for now, there was nothing else she could do but pray to the Traveller that Merzhin was still on her side.


    Finally, he looked up.


    Even if I wanted to give us some time away from these people, he said slowly. I dont have the key to let you out.


    She actuallyughed. Merzhin. Youre the Saint of Uldar. Do you mean to tell me that Behemoths and Blood-Hydras cant stop youbut a locked door can?


    He winced, turning red. II could do away with the door! But Im not keen on using Uldars gifts before Im sure whether his will lies with these people or not.


    I''ll tell you what, she said. If you choose wrong? May he strike me down instead. Come now, we need to get away from here.


    He nodded slowly. Alright.


    His mouth opened, ready to say something else.


    Shadows moved behind him.


    Something in the stone. Something fast.


    His eyes grew wide. He began to turn.


    Carey began to scream.


    But it was toote.


    There was a glint of steel and


    The entire escarpment of Uldars Rise suddenly groaned, shuddering down through its core. A deafening st erupted, shattering peace in the once tranquil vige as a darkening day lit up like noontime.


    The shadow froze.


    Thunderous roars rolled through the air around him, chilling souls like an angry gods wrath.


    Attack! a voice screamed. Were under attack!


    Another st confirmed those words.

 Chapter 626: War Comes

    Chapter 626: War Comes


    Eldin froze mid-knife stroke while the world trembled as though a titan was shaking it apart.


    Monsters roared from outside.


    People shouted.


    Steps away, the Saint began to turn.


    Knowing his chance was lost, the holy leader plunged back into the stone.


    More pressing things now called him.


    Earlier, when the Saint had asked for time alone, Eldin suspected the young mans faith was being tested. As the day went on, hed seemed more troubled. Distracted. Hed been more distracted from the time hed spoken to the captive. When Merzhin had asked to be excused from sharing in Uldars bounty in the dining hall, saying he needed time apart for contemtion, Eldin feared that her influence was too strong, and was making the Saint question.


    Izas had smiled, first nodding to Merzhin, then subtly to Eldin.


    And the old killer had gone into the walls.


    Hed followed at a distance; the young man had set a ward around himself, but Eldin had sensed it and stayed well out of range. Deep in the stone, hed listened to the conversation between the young man and young woman.


    Hed hoped Merzhin would make the right decision and hold firm to Uldars path.


    But the boy hadnt, confirming what he had to do.


    The old priests knife-stroke hade quick and perfect.


    Had itnded, red would have run from the Saints throat; his heart rate<strong></strong>would have plummeted, taking him near unconsciousness. In the brief time before his heartbeat stopped, Eldin would have partly healed the wound, then taken him down into the bowels of Uldars Rise where the First Apostle would have decided his fate.


    But none of that was to be.


    The quake that shook the escarpment seemed suspiciously timed. It had ruined both his de-stroke and concentration, and allowed time for the Saints ward to warn him.


    And while he was confident in his abilities, he wasnt given to enough arrogance to have any grand illusions about his chances against a Hero of Uldar, especially a Saint who was warned and ready to fight. Not by himself, in any case.


    And so, Eldin had quickly slid back into the stone.


    Another quake shook the valley.


    The old priest scowled.


    Overtime, theyd growncent. Their n had been a simple one; once the First Apostle had gathered the information hed been seeking about the Travellerinformation to determine if a new threat to Uldar was underwaythen theyd nned to extract what they needed from Carey London and remove her from Uldars Rise.


    They would have used her to set an ambush somewhere out in the countryside, then obliterate her and those searching for her, and quietly disappear back to the safety of Uldars Rise.


    But before they could do any of that, it was now clear that they had been discovered.


    The worst had happened.


    Their secret enve had been uncovered.


    Now war had been brought to their doorstep.


    Just as when Ravener-spawn had in the Second Apostle.


    He shook away those thoughts as he slipped through the stone. This was a time for action, not regrets.


    Eldin emerged near one of the cloisters where a group of his soldiers were gathering.


    Where is the Third Apostle? he asked the closest.


    She looked up, startled. He went to the battlements. We were just about to join him.


    Later, I need you toe with me now, Eldin said. We need reinforcements for


    Again, the ground rumbled.


    A great beast roared from outside Uldars Rise.


    What is happening? he demanded.


    His agents face was grim as she reported the troubling events to him.


    Some time earlier, an armed force had gathered beneath the rainy evening sky.


    Watchers of Roal, mercenaries, and wizards had stepped from a fae gate near the ce Carey was being held; girded for war and ready for whatever came. Armour clinked. Weapons bounced against hips. Folk looked grim.


    And Alex Roth prayed.


    Traveller, the Fool of Thamnd whispered, standing under a tree with his hands sped together. If you can hear me, Hannah, give us any blessings you can sparecuz I figure were going to need them.


    Around him, friends andpanions prepared in their own way for what promised to be one of the greatest battles of their lives.


    Some looked over spell books and made strategies.


    Others checked weapons and stretched.


    Somelike ygonsimply stood among the trees, gazing in the direction of Careys captorsir. Raindrops dripped down the golems marble and metal surface.


    Water vapour sizzled on Vesuvius shell as Tyris familiar stood beside the golem.


    His master, however, had left him in the golemspany as she talked quietly with Hart Redfletcher, seemingly catching up, perhaps wondering if this would be thest time they might be with each other. Whether they were having a conversation simr to the one Thundar and Drestra had had about stepping out together, Alex didnt know, but right now, he had far graver things to upy his thoughts.


    The Sage and Thundar had left some time ago, shortly after shed detailed a n that would give their strike force an extra edge while making it even more lethal. She was off making final preparations for the n even now.


    Watcher Hill and her hand-picked infiltration unit had gathered in the centre of the growing formation. She and six other Watchers would be entering the target area; hopefully, finding Carey and Merzhin<strong></strong>quickly, then Alex would teleport them out, bringing them all to safety.


    Knowing the Saints symbol would be a problem when it started singing, Drestra had suggested a n; Alex was to teleport in under invisibility with Cedric, andusing his staffteleport everyone out without touching them. When Merzhinss symbol began singing and the Saint started protestingwhich he wouldCedric would simply slug the Saint unconscious, and Alex could then bring everyone out without dy.


    They would deal with Merzhinter.


    That part of the n wasnt exactly heavy on subtlety, but it was effective.


    As for any other priests nearby?


    Even if there were any around whose symbols started singing when Alex teleported into their midst, hed be long gone well before they knew what was happening.


    At least, I <em>should </em>be long gone, Traveller willing, he thought.


    Please, he whispered. Help us finish what you started, Hannah.


    A warmth spread through his chest, fighting the aversion that was still eager to settle in his mind. He could see the strain of fighting it on other faces, but if they were lucky, that would be the hardest battle theyd have today.


    But somehow, he doubted it.


    Yready there, boy? Cedric emerged from the woods, cracking his neck. Feelin butterflies in your belly yet?


    More like my skins gonna jump off, Alex said, looking toward the direction Carey was being held. He was feeling a chill as rain continued falling, running down his face and hair and onto his cloak; no one dared cast any wind and rain shields, or any other spell that glowed.


    Aye, Im feelin a wee touch o thnerves mself, Cedric said, with a small ufortable grin. Funny how I dont feel no way about goin chargin through an army o Ravener-spawn, or right down a dungeons throatbut thisthis is givin me the willies.


    Yeah, same here, Alex said. If we <em>are</em> facing the churchthere might be noing back from this. Theyve been secreted away for Traveller-knows how long.


    Aye, Cedric said. We could end up fightin Uldar.


    I dont think hes there, Alex said. He wouldnt need to resort to kidnapping and luring. But lets say he is there, Id almost wee it; Im tired of running around like a chicken with my head cut off. I want some answers.


    Aye, we all do, at that. Cedrics morphic weapon transformed into a<strong></strong>ive. Bloody hell, but cha know what? I almos gots as much excitement in me as nerves. We may be about tdo somethin that no ones done in the history of the Raveners cycle. And


    Everybody! Listen up, were ready! Watcher Hill called.


    I guess well be talkin about this after the battle, Cedric said, his face looking tense. Thats if things dont end badly.


    Silence fell.


    Without exception, everyone turned to Watcher Hill and the rest of the infiltration team nking her. They were geared in light armour, staves and swords at the ready. Every face was like stone.


    First, she looked over the entire group, mentally appraising them; with the addition of the expeditions mercenaries and Watchers from Generasi, their number had swollen to half a hundred, and that didnt include summoned monsters and the other forces fromcontingency ns.


    Watcher Hill looked to the fae gate next, no more forces wereing through.


    Seems were all assembled, she said. So I wont waste any more time. Wed like to get this done before nightfall. All of you: I want you to stay here and be ready for anything. If anyone finds you, hold and interrogate them. Otherwise, remain here and stay alert. Alex Roth will be waiting for my signal should we find Carey and Merzhin withoutplication. But, If were discovered, well send up a red re. Thatll be time for the rest of you to join us in battle. Are we all clear on this?


    Murmurs, nods, and exmations in the affirmative rippled through the gathered strike force.


    She gave them a curt nod. Then I wont waste any more of Carey and Merzhins time on speeches and chit chat. None of you have my permission to die or be captured. Is that clear? May you have Roals strength. May we all.


    With that, she and her infiltration team took to the air, sheathing themselves in invisibility spells, then silently glided through the foliage toward their target.


    Alex exchanged a look with Cedric. And so it begins.


    Aye, an so it begins, the Chosen pped the Fool on the shoulder. Ill go make sure Drestras ready.


    Ill go<strong></strong>watch for Hill and her team, Alex said, casting invisibility on himself with his staff.


    He began floating through the canopy in the pounding rain, focusing on their target in the distance. He watched for signs of Watcher Hill and found none.


    Closing his eyes, he reached out with his mana senses.


    Still nothing.


    The Watchers were moving through the forest as silently as the gentlest breeze.


    Come on he whispered. Come on


    He had no idea how long he waited and watched, praying thatat any momenthed feel the tingle of teleportation magic. There was nothing to tell him how the infiltration team was doing; they were avoiding anymunication since they had no idea what the enemies capabilities were.


    And no desire to test them unnecessarily.


    So, Alex waited and watched.


    Below, the rest of the strike force also waited, poised, silent, and ready for anything. The day turned darker. The rain fell harder.


    And then


    A sh in the distance, burning bright red.


    The re seemed to materialise from nowhere, soaring up and over the forest, abruptly rupturing, zing in the sky.


    Red! Alex cried. The teams in trouble! Were going in!


    He flew down into the trees. Drestra! You know what to do! ygon, Vesuvius, Tyris, Hart! Youre the first ones in! Get ready!


    The four came together as Alex dispelled the invisibility magic on himself. He touched them.


    Then activated the Travellers power.


    For a second, he felt resistance: a ward of untold power brushed against the divine power of Hannah.


    But, only for a breath.


    In another breath, he was through.


    And what greeted them almost made them freeze in ce as they craned their necks looking up.


    Towering high above all else, a titanic stone escarpment rose high into the sky, in the centre of a vige nestled within a crater. Vigers swarmed like a dungeon teeming with Ravener-spawn; rushing toward a small group defending themselves under cover of a massive overturned statue of Uldar that was lying in a field just outside the vige.


    Watcher Hill and the infiltration team<strong></strong>crouched behind the statue, firing spells at oing foes, but these adversarieswere no wild horde of monsters. They moved with the deadly precision of trained warriors, wielding crossbows and bolts of divine power.


    They seemed like a match for the Watchersand far outnumbered Hills team.


    <em>I willeven the odds!</em> ygon shouted, flying at the warriors as Alex swooped down beside Hill.


    Things were bad.


    One of the Watchers was dead, and two were wounded, bleeding heavily.


    What in all hells happened? Alex cried.


    Watcher Hill swore,unching a fireball at the enemy. We made it through two wards and thought that was the end of them! But the tricky bastards had a third one hidden almost on top of the second! It tore apart our invisibility spells and next thing you know, werepletely exposedlook out!


    Alex saw a bolt of divine fire arc from the vige, whistling as it plunged toward the ground.


    With a deep roar, and several earth-shaking steps, Vesuvius lumbered into its path. The holy me burst,nding harmlessly, rippling across his shell. He responded, streaming jets ofva aimed at the vige.


    Ill get the wounded to safety! Hold tight, Ill bring the others! Alex cried.


    Picking up the two wounded Watchers, Alex teleported back to the staging area. The strike force was already moving. Watchers were casting nar Doorway, bringing their teams to the battle. More fighters were soaring toward the target.


    Alex delivered the Watchers to a group of blood mages and turned to leave.


    Help them! Im going back! he shouted.


    Raising his staff, he cast nar Doorway, teleporting more strike force members<strong></strong>to the battle.


    Ahead, an earth-shattering roar met his ears.


    Drestra, in her true form, crashed through the invisible barrier. Thundar was perched between her wings, waving his mace above his horned head.


    And behind them?


    The contingency n Drestra had told the strike force about. Shed brought it through the fae roads from the dungeon theyd found in Luthering. Insurance she nned to use against the enemy now that shed mastered the dungeon core the petrifiers had so graciously left behind.


    They flew behind her; an army of blood-draks, all created and controlled by the Sage of Uldar, followed closely.


    Alex never thought hed ever say he was d to see Ravener-spawn, but here it was, he was not only d, but thrilled to see them, particrly since theyd help eliminate sinister priests.


    As Drestra cast an earth spell that rocked the very foundations below them, the Fool of Thamnd teleported into battle.


    It was time for these priests to finally meet Uldars fifth Hero.

 Chapter 627: A Living Legacy

    Chapter 627: A Living Legacy


    Alex returned to the vige after leaving the injured Watchers in the care of a blood mage team, and was met by the aftermath of Drestras first<strong></strong>attack against members of the secret church.


    Shed dipped into her vast mana pool,bining dragon power with the power of the Sageand cast an earth spell that had raised a rampart around the strike force and Watcher Hills besieged infiltration team. Khalik had cast his own earth spells, providing added cover in the form of merlonssolid projectionsthat sat atop Drestras rampart; spacing them evenly. The rescue force flew to the top of the wall, returning fire with arrows, crossbow bolts, and spells.


    Blood mages were already tending the wounded alongside Cedric. The strike force was taking fire from the vige ahead, and the wall behind, andeven as the Watchers raised wards to protect theirpanionsthe wounded still multiplied.


    The same was true for their adversaries. Neither side was being spared.


    Drestra rampaged, using explosive wing beats to soar above the vige, strafing it with cones of dragon fire.


    Crops burned in her wake. Stone cracked. Iron weathervanes liquefied.


    Seated low on her back, Thundarunched beams of force that pierced Uldars warriors like javelins.


    Isolde hovered in the sky, waving the wand Alex had made her, using it to turn raindrops to mist, then sending balls of lightning through the vapour, electrocuting everyone it touched. Svenia and Hogarth crouched behind merlons,unching arrows in quick session. The pair had long been outssed by their mistress in power, but they showed no sign of retreating from these new foes, facing them with grim determination and rapid fire bowstrings.


    Vesuvius spoutedva like a fountain, while Tyrisunched sheets of ice, magma, and fire, casting devastating spells that Alex had never seen her use before.


    Wheres Carey, you bastards? she roared, burying her foes in ice and heat. Bring her out or Ill kill everyst one of you!


    Grimloch and Hart moved forward side by side, veritable juggernauts of physical power, tearing into foes with supernatural strength and skill. The path behind them was littered with broken bodies.


    ygon unleashed beams of fire while swinging his war-spear in wide arcs, cutting down anyone unlucky enough to be in its path<strong>.</strong> Ahead, Theresa blurred through warriors, the Twinde flicking out around her, shing both weapons, and opponents. Brutus had sheathed himself in bone armour, releasing sonic howls that devastated challengers, then tearing apart any left standing with his massive fangs.


    Above, blood-draks swarmed the enemy, spraying boiling blood while shredding Uldars devoted with fangs that gleamed like polished stone.


    Though the strike force was caught in a crossfire, they struck back, hard.


    Alex looked over the battle, feeling hopeful, until his eyes fell upon children.


    The adults had responded the instant theyd realised they were under attack, taking their positions, reacting as though theyd prepared every day of their lives for thisso when the rm had sounded, they were ready. Some ran to do battle, others to the viges children, gathering them in pairs and rushing toward a solid looking iron and wooden gate at the base of the escarpment. Alex could see no more children around, but with his enhanced vision, he saw the terror on the faces of the young ones running to escape.


    And in that instant, he felt guilty.


    And he understood.


    Baelin often talked about wizards being drawn into conflicts of questionable morality. Professor Jules had suggested that wizardryand much of societyin different ways, had a tinge of what many would call evil permeating within it.


    At one time, those notions had felt removed from Alexs day to day life.


    Abstract.


    But, now?


    A vige burned as a dragon set it ame with a horned warrior astride her back. Monsters and Ravener-spawn rampaged. Wizards rained death.


    He felt the heavy weight of guilt in his chest for a moment.


    But, only for a moment.


    The illusion that these people were defenceless vigers was shattered quickly. Very quickly. Their warriors moved with the same skill and precision of any Watcher of Roalor perhaps more sowhile fighting with the fervour of cornered Ravener-spawn.


    They had quickly girded themselves in protective divinities and enhanced their bodies, thenid into other beingsmortal and monster alikewith weapons that zed with holy light. Drestras army of Ravener-spawn was wilting under a hail of divine bolts, arrows and


    Alex heard the loud rumble of heavy wheels and groaning wooding from the escarpment.


    From a hidden parapet near the top of the rise, catapults had been rolled into ceeach with prayers to Uldar carved across their frames: abruptly their arms snapped uunching boulders the size of ygon.


    Stones zed with blinding, white light as they rocketed toward hordes of Ravener-spawn winging their way through the sky then detonating among them like fireballs. Shrapnel ripped through the monsters, they dropped to the ground in pieces.


    The Watchers wards protected the strike force from bits of debris, but some found targets, breaking bone and slicing flesh.


    Blood mages scrambled, trying to make their way to the mounting wounded.


    But their enemies had an edge.


    Warriors of Uldar prayed for each other, divine energy auras surrounding them, healing their allies nearby. Foes whod been brutally wounded and battered in their encounters with Theresa, Grimloch, Hart, ygon or Brutus, were suddenly able to kip up to their feet, jumping back into battle, wounds gone as though theyd never been.


    Alex swallowed.


    They were outnumbered, fighting people who were equally skilled, or more so, who held the advantage of being on their own territory, and used divinity as easy as breathing. Only the transcendent powers of each Hero, ygon, Vesuvius, andto a lesser degreeTheresa, Grimloch and Brutus were allowing the strike force to hold on.


    The young Thameish wizard scowled, muttering to himself.


    Id give my left arm to have Baelin here right now. Or Kyembe, Ripp and Ezerak, he whispered.


    Even as he acknowledged those words, the scar on his left armthe one given to him by Burn-Sawthrobbed. I wonder what other scars this battles gonna leave me with? he thought.


    They had to move, and move fast.


    Alex teleported, appearing at Watcher Hills side.


    Hows your team doing! he shouted over the explosions.


    Before she could answer, a red-faced Cedric growled.


    I got em patched up, his tone was as hard as rock. The ones I could save, mind. The Chosen of Uldars face was beet-red with rage.


    But Watcher Hill seemed calm. We can move, she said. Where does the Eye-Finder say Carey is at present?


    Alex reached into his satchel, retrieving the device from among his potions.


    The third eye looked directly at the escarpment.


    Over there, he pointed, but I cant take us right to her. I dont have a clear view of where she is. But, I <em>could </em>get us to the balconies.


    Do it! Hill cried. Well get in and get out. Hold here until we extract her, well give you the signalwaitwhats that noise?


    Through the din of battle, the notes of a song drifted through the air.


    A song, and the steady rhythm of marching feet.


    Alex recognised it; one he hadnt heard since hed been in the Cave of the Traveller.


    Priests! Drestra roared. A whole army of them are heading this way!


    Cursing, Alex teleported above the rampart, spotting a column of Uldars warpriestsing from the escarpment, girded in armour bearing symbols of holy power that zed with light. Each holy-man held a shield, a two-handed weapon, and a crossbow of divine power.


    Their holy symbols sang as they tramped toward the strike force, sanctified light billowing around them. As their auras touched the vigers, wounds healed and mended bodies became filled with supernatural vigour.


    In the midst of the priests formation, a tall, elderly man with a snow white beard, marched. Divinity zed around one of his hands and mana the other.


    Though hed never met him before, Alexs blood ran cold.


    The mans gaze fixed on him.


    He spoke.


    The Fool, he said, and despite the distance, his voice seemed to echo from all sides. And now the source of this treachery is revealed.


    His column of priests strode past a statue of Uldar.


    And another.


    Alex suddenly realised how numerous they were.


    The statue that the Watchers used for cover was only one of many. They seemed to be everywhere. Dozens. Scores. Maybe more. Towering ones. Small ones.


    All were carved from stone, and with such detail, they looked unnervingly life-like. Alex shuddered.


    Power gathered around the old priests hands. The rain abruptly stopped.


    Defend us from this treachery! he cried.


    A wave ofbined divinity and mana sted from his sped hands, draping Uldars likenesses in power.


    Stillness fell over the battlefield, followed by the cracking of stone.


    Andas oneevery statue of Uldar began moving, stepping from their pedestals, stony faces twisting in divine wrath, fists forming clubs of granite.


    Shit! Alex teleported to the strike team.


    A crash of metal on stone broke the stillness.


    The statue of Uldar theyd used as cover was getting to its feet, but Cedric leapt,nding on its torso; his weapon formed a<strong></strong>greathammer that began smashing the statue to gravel.


    Hill! Lets go, We should teleport right now! Alex cried.


    He touched the Watcher, and the remaining infiltration team members touched him.


    Alex reached out, focusing on where he was, and where he wanted to be. The Travellers power surged inside him.


    And then


    <em>No.</em>


    A low-pitched voice thundered through the valley, sounding like it was birthed in the belly of a dungeon.


    And just like that, Alex could no longer feel where he wanted to teleport to. The escarpment shimmered as a ward sprang into being around it.


    A man floated from the stone, hands sped behind his back.


    He was d in white, and wreathed in divine power.


    The solitary word hed spoken reverberated through the vige.


    First Apostle! the warriors of Uldar cried. First Apostle!


    The manhis ck hair contrasting stark white clothinglooked down on the strike force. His eyes rested on Alex. I have spent many days and nights researching St. Hannah.


    Alex froze.


    What in every bloody hells happenin? Cedric cried, at longst smashing the statue to dust.


    Even beyond the grave she interferes, the First Apostles voice reached every ear near and far. I cannot say how yet, but we will learn; even as I speak, I am thinking on the beginnings of countermeasures against her. Ive spent much time pouring over the research of my predecessors. Understand this, all of you, the ward around our valley has solidified; so neither through her power, nor your own magic will you ever leave here.


    He raised his hands. Surrender, and I will show you Uldars mercy.


    Below him, every holy warrior and priest stopped moving.


    They simply stopped.


    The statues froze in ce.


    What do you say to my offer? he said. You cannot leave, so resist us, and things will be worse for you. I would not see the Sage, the Champion and the Chosen killed. That wouldplicate matters. I would also not see the Fool of Uldar in, not after hes finally been recovered.


    Alex set his jaw, noting how hed been referred to like some object.


    Divine light red around the First Apostle. Cedric winced.


    Mana burned within the priest like a star. The wizards recoiled.


    C-cedric? Alex whispered. How much divine power is he giving off?


    Feels like Im starin at the sun. The mans a monster, probably in more ways than one, the Chosen of Uldar said. But we gots tfight em. We needs to.


    Agreed, Hill said.


    The First Apostles gaze switched from Alex to Cedric. Holy Chosen, I am deeply disappointed in you. Why would youthe rightful leader of the Heroesbetray your god?


    Betray my god? Cedric was incredulous, his rage boiling over. Casting a flight spell on himself, he soared into the air. Alex followed, ready to teleport the Chosen away if things got away from him.


    Blood-draks flew at the First Apostlescreeching and hissingbut the mans eyes never left Cedric. Divine light zed from his body in an aura, any Ravener-spawn that touched it, erupted in holy me, smouldering as they plummeted to the ground.


    Alex was reminded of Baelin.


    Animal panic began to build.


    Youre the one betrayin folk! Kidnappin Merzhin an Carey! Sneakin about! Hiding shite about the dungeon cores from people! Cedric screamed.


    Drestras voice crackled. You hide here while we fight and suffer! How righteous is that?


    Looks pretty bad for you! Hart shouted. Youre going against the Heroes of Uldar, thats treasonst I heard!


    You are the ones embracing treason! the First Apostle snapped, touching his forehead. For five hundred years, I have served Uldar, and have never seen Heroes as disgraceful as you. In my time, Heroes were better. <em>We</em> were better.


    We? Alex whispered.


    When I discovered this sacred ce, I was open to the truth of Uldars glory and chose to serve him in an even greater capacity than before, the First Apostles voice sounded like it wasing from the depths of the valley. Mana pulsed around his hand as he touched his forehead once more.


    Illusion magic peeled away.


    Oh <em>shit!</em> Alex cried.


    The strike force collectively<strong></strong>gasped.


    Life enforcement keeps my body strong so I might serve my god to the utmost of my ability, and until the end of his need for me, the mans voice rose.


    Light glowed from a symbol on his forehead.


    No Drestra moaned.


    Oh this is <em>bad</em>, Hart said.


    Alex prayed to the Traveller that they survived whatever wasing next.


    The symbol shining on the First Apostles forehead?


    Was of a gleaming<strong></strong>set of scales.


    Many cycles ago, I served Thamnd as its Chosen, he confessed. I have seen Heroes rise. I have seen them fall. I am your senior.


    Light zed around his hands.


    And all of you are in need of discipline.

 Chapter 628: Desperation

    Chapter 628: Desperation


    The world stood still.


    Silence crowned<strong></strong>the vige, broken by trembling breaths, the clink of metal, and creaking of leather.


    The rain had stopped.


    The battle paused.


    And the First Apostle stared down on all below him.


    The tension in the air was too thick to yield to even the sharpest de.


    Silence built.


    Until everything exploded.


    Alex raised his staff, reaching out to the heavens, calling forth celestial legions. Brilliant columns of light erupted around him, each summoning a hound engeli gripping a greatsword. Celestials appeared, bowed down on one knee, but rose to stand with battlelust and a yearning for justice burning in their eyes.


    Holy light now bathed <em>both</em> sides of the battlefield, sending shock running through the servants of Uldar.


    The First Apostle watched Alex as though the young man had suddenly morphed into a devil. The Foolusingspellcraft?


    Impossible! the old manthe one who had led the column of priests from the escarpmentrecoiled as though pped. This is sphemy!


    Around him, his holy legion gawked at the young wizard while their amulets sang, disbelief taking them for the briefest moment.


    Just for a moment.


    Yet, for one as deadly as the Champion of Uldar, a moment was more than enough.


    Hart blurred across the battlefield, his armoured form collided with the nearest formation like a catapult stone crushing a nest of ants. His enchanted sword, forged from a hive-queens massive w, shed the column of warpriests like stalks of grain, sending entire ranks to their deaths, at the same time, causing a spark that rekindled the battle.


    The First Apostle gave hismand in a voice that was heard near and wide. Izas! The statues! I will deal with these so-called Heroes, you eliminate the rest!


    Reaching up to the sky, the elder Chosen of Uldar grasped what seemed to be thin air.


    Thunder rumbled.


    Lightning split the sky, erupting from storm clouds to strike the First Apostles outstretched hand. Blinding shes of light and smoke followed andwhen the smoke cleareda shining sword glowed in the ancient Heros hand, bleeding bolts of holy energy.


    His eyes fixed on one Hero after the other, then he swooped down like a falcon, sword pointing downward.


    Hart cursed, leaping back.


    Thunder boomed as the First Apostlended on wet earthrocking the entire battlefieldhis sword skewering the ground where the Champion had just stood.


    Youre gooArgh! Hart cried midpliment.


    Lighting whipped from the de, licking across the giant Heros armour, his hair stood on end. Through clenched teeth, Hart forced himself to move, swinging his enormous weapon at the First Apostles head.


    The smaller man parried the blow, his sword in one hand as he looked up at the Champion with sadness in his eyes.


    Repent child, there is still time for you, he urged, sounding desperate.


    Repent <em>this!</em> Hart smashed his helmeted head into the mans face.


    Holy light red around the ancient Chosen, though he never flinched.


    Oh no Hart murmured.


    So be it.


    The First Apostles fist struck the Champions jawsounding like an alchemical explosionsending blood and teeth flying.


    Hart stumbled, his head whipping to the side.


    The First Apostle pounced, sword poised to skewer the Hero through the chest.


    Metal ground against metallightning crackledHart spun away, the sword scraping a deep trench along his armour. He was still off-bnce when the next de stroke came, aiming straight for his gut.


    A wall sprang up between the two warriors, catching the First Apostles de in a rampart of stone.


    Well get him together, Hart! Hold on! Drestra shouted from above, dropping low under the power of draconic wing beats.


    The exchange of blows between Champion and former Chosen had taken mere heartbeats.


    Combatants began moving, targeting opponents.


    Effigies to our god, ris Izas began crying out, his words cut short when Alex unexpectedly appeared before him, surrounded by hound engeli.


    Oh no you dont, Alex said, grabbing the Third Apostle by the shoulder. Youreing with me.


    He called on the Travellers power, reaching out to teleport away. Alexs will crashed against Izas. The Travellers power surged against the old mans divine strength.


    And the Fool could not move him.


    Isazs will towered, unyielding, unbending, forged through the fires of zeal.


    A will Alex could not ovee.


    No, child, I am not going anywhere. Izas raised his hand.


    A double helix of me sparked in his palm.


    Alex vanished as it sted toward him, mana coiling around divinity, sizzling grass hissing beneath the burning spiral, cutting through a hound engeli then striking trees that erupted in me.


    Forward, Uldars children! the Third Apostlemanded.


    And as one, the statues of Uldar awakened.


    The battle escted.


    Hart shed with the First Apostle, while Drestra belched dragon fire at the former Chosen. Cursing up a blue streak, Cedric joined them while Theresa, Grimloch, Brutus and ygon faced the statues of Uldar. The Watchers of Roal, blood-draks, and mercenaries, took on priests and holy servants of Uldar.


    Alex teleported across the battlefield, summoning hound engeli to support his allies, while his mind tried to unravel the deadly trap theyd found themselves in. He kept throwing his will against the escarpment, trying to break through the divine protection ced on it by the First Apostle.


    So far, hed found no spot that he could breach.


    The shimmering barrier felt as imprable as a castle wall standing against a dagger wielding child.


    Alex examined it closely, looking for ws in its energies.


    He moulded the Travellers energies within himself, trying to find a way to ovee the barrier.


    Hannah could go anywhere in the universe, he thought. There has to be a way to breach that barrier, theres got to be!


    He continued searching with no sess.


    Meanwhile, the battle grew bloodier.


    As the Heroes piled on the First Apostletrying to bury him with magic, arms, and divinityhe fought against the trio swarming him. He moved like liquid, countering Harts heavy blows with a blur of parries from his crackling<strong></strong>sword, shocking the Champion at each turn. Shielded in light, he blocked magic, miracles, and Cedrics morphic weapon equally.


    With prayers to Uldar constantly pouring from his mouth, he defended himself and the other priests, from Drestra and Thundars spells, and her dragon fire.


    He wasnt tiring, seeming to only grow more dangerous.


    He fought on,ying blessings on himself, enhancing his speed, power, endurance, and divine armour. Cuts increased on Cedric and Harts bodies.


    Nearby, Theresa, Brutus, ygon, Vesuvius and Grimloch faced the oing horde of Uldarite statues. Stone fists came at them like thunderbolts, striking armour, and parrying weapons.


    Brutus sonic howls cracked stone, but never obliterated it, the sculptures kepting, surrounding the warriors from every side. Grimlochs maul, ygons war-spear, and Vesuvius massive tail did damage, but more pressed forward.


    Theresas swords split stone, leaving deep gashes.


    Vesuvius sprayed magma, drenching Uldars likenesses; Tyris followed with ice spells, freezing theva, encasing them in solid stone.


    But still more came, testing their defences.


    Vesuvius suddenly shrieked in pain as stone fingers wed at his side.


    Leave him be! Tyris cried.


    Grimloch grunted as a massive fist hit him from the side, sending teeth flying like spears.


    Theresa and Brutus dodged and ducked, but the attacks never let up.


    The statues came together, forming a clot, striking at ygon repeatedly, jarring the stone golem.


    Get away from him! Alex shouted, conjuring more monsters to help.


    Hound engeli swarmed across the battlefield; some positioning themselves between the statues feet, sending them lurching to the ground. More attacked the priests and holy warriors, slowing them, while others surged at the First Apostle, bent on disrupting his attacks.


    Watchers also came together, conjuring powerful magics, slowing Uldars statues and priests with bursts of lightning, fire, and force.


    We can win this, Alex whispered, throwing booby-trapped flight potions in the midst of the priests. We can win this!


    Abruptly, the cavernous voice of the First Apostle reached across the battlefield.


    <em>Enough,</em> he said. <em>This sorcery ends now. With the power invested in me by Uldar, I speak</em>


    The world seemed to hold its breath.


    Strain gripped the First Apostles voice.


    <em>...this interdiction: no mortal, who is not a priest of Uldar shall channel mana within this barrier. Let mana no longer heed theirmands.</em>


    A jolt passed through Alexs body, like hed been plunged in a sea of ice water.


    Flight magic failed him. All connections with his aeld staff fell away.


    Below, Vesuviusva sputtered.


    Tyris ice faded.


    Watchers incantations fell silent.


    Alexs cabals magic failed.


    Drestras fire breath flickered.


    Cedrics magical protections faded, slowing him.


    Then, the First Apostle struck.


    He shed his powered sword across the Chosens chest; splitting flesh, cutting Cedrics Mark in two. The redheaded man screamed, the sound of anguish filling the valley.


    I cannot remove your power, the First Apostle said, parrying one of Harts strikes. But I will leave you with a Mark of my own that crosses yours. Let this scar remind you of who you must be grateful to.


    With Cedric reeling, the priest spun, uttering an incantation that battered Hart in a wave of zing white force.


    The Champions armour tore apart.


    Massive contusions reced healthy skin.


    His body catapulted across the battlefield, spinning end over end, finallying to rest against Drestras rampart with full force.


    Hart slid down the wall, spitting blood, trying to gain his footing.


    Hm. You have obviously been enhanced further, the First Apostles disapproval was clear. No doubt due to something not of Uldar. Does this treachery know no bounds?


    He shot into the air, soaring toward Drestra. The dragons illusionary images had long faded, but she roared at him in challenge.


    Ill protect you as best I can! Thundar shouted. Try to stay alive!


    The First Apostle never slowed. He crashed into the dragon with the force of a missile, flinging her like a leaf.


    Blood spurted.


    Drestra screamed, hurtling through the sky. Thundar held on for dear life.


    Meanwhile, Alex was dropping toward the ground, desperately reaching into himself, clutching at the Travellers power, and teleporting before his body could strike the earth. Hended upright, avoiding the bone-crushing impact.


    I canI can still use Hannahs power, he muttered, shaking.


    In one hand, he held the screaming aeld staff, but couldnt touch its power.


    This is bad he muttered, watching priests decimate the remaining blood-draks and banishing his summoned engeli. Must adapt. Think! Think like a leader!


    He looked for his friends, finding them overwhelmed by statues. Without Tyris and Vesuvius magic, they would be overrun


    Wait.


    me. Beams of menced from ygons fire-gems as he fought the statues with everything he had. Theresa, Brutus and Grimloch battled by his side, giving him support.


    Realisation hit Alex like a boulder.


    Holy hells! ygons not mortal! <em>Hes not mortal!</em> he shouted.


    There was a chance.


    A slim chance they could turn things around.


    Alex teleported beside a statue of Uldar.


    Touching it, he let the Travellers power re and felt a tugging sensation.


    Instantly, he and the statue vanished, reappearing a thousand feet away with the enormous construct head down in the dirt.


    Yes! he cried, teleporting back to the battle.


    He wanted nothing more than to just drop them and let them smash to the ground, but he couldntnot without triggering the Markbut, he <em>could </em>still teleport them away!


    Alex reappeared among his friends. Ill handle these statues! he shouted. ygon! st the First Apostle, youre the only one who can! Grimloch, Theresa, Brutus, Tyris, Vesuvius! You support our friends on the wall! Ill get you there!


    Alex, you Theresa started.


    Theres no time!


    He looked back at the rampart.


    The Watchers had drawn their swords, as did Khalik, Svenia, HogarthIsolde had her dagger outall were fighting to defend the ramparts against priests and holy warriors. Most of the mercenaries had already fallen, and of the mass of blood-draks, few remained.


    Just leave this to me! Alex cried.


    Above, Drestra screamed again.


    The dragon shed at the First Apostle with curved ws and fangs, while Thundar shot crossbow bolts from atop her back, but the ancient Chosen wasnt stopping, shing deeper into her body with each de stroke.


    He dodged and deflected their attacks with divine might, praying as he fought.


    His white clothing was sttered red with dragon blood.


    ygon, Drestra needs you! Alex shouted. Get up there before he kills her!


    <em>Yesfather! </em>the golem said, lowering his shoulder. He charged through the statues of Uldar, enduring their blows.


    It was then that Alex saw the condition he was in; his marble was cracked and his metal tes had buckled. This was taking a toll.


    Cold sweat stood on the young wizards skin as he teleported statues farther and farther away from the battle, as far as he could take them before the barrier stopped him.


    His scar burned.


    Hannah, he whispered. Give us strength.


    He teleported back to the struggle they were facing.


    Within him, a growing fear mounted; they might not make it through this.


    If they did


    The price would be high.

 Chapter 629: Everything.

    Chapter 629: Everything.


    You have to let me out! Carey cried.


    Standing on her bed, the young woman gripped the bars on the window, transfixed by the carnage outside. In the vige, all traces of idyllic peace were gone, reced by a bloody deluge of death.


    Panic surged through Carey, guilt followed soon after.


    She knew why her friends hade; they were there to rescue her.


    And because of her, they could all die.


    She had to get out, so they could get away.


    Our friends are here and these evil, wicked fiends are going to kill them! Merzhin you have to let me out of here!


    The Saint of Uldar was staring at her in shock, his eyes unfocused. Therewhat isI dont understandUldar


    Suddenly, his holy symbol began singing. Whatthethe Fool?


    Carey had heard what the First Apostle had said outside. The revtion that Alex was the Fool. In other circumstances, she might have been shocked. She might possibly have felt betrayed.


    Now, she didnt have the luxury of time for any of that. And neither did the Saint. Merzhin! Carey cried. Focus! Our friends are going to die!


    In the distance, the tiny form of Alex teleported from ce to ce, moving statues of Uldar away from the battle, and taking his friends to positions where they could deal the most damage.


    He touched Cedric, teleporting him to the injured<strong></strong>Champion then shouted something, teleported to the wall and grabbed two priests, then disappeared with them.


    Through some miracle, he could still teleport around, despite the First Apostle blocking everyones mana except the priests. Carey couldnt feel her own magical energies, so then how was Alex able to trave


    Like a me springing to life in a dark room, she suddenly saw it.


    Travelling.


    It must be the Traveller!


    There was hope!


    Carey leapt off the bed and rushed to the cell door, seizing the bars and shaking them. Merzhin! Let me out! We <em>have</em>to go!


    Butfightingthe Heroesfightingwhat is happeningFirst ApostleChosen He raked his fingers through his hair, squeezing his eyes shut. Uldar, help me.


    Merzhin! Carey snapped. Are you not a Hero of Thamnd?


    He winced, looking up at her. What?


    Are you not a Hero of Thamnd? she demanded again. I wont ask you to choose sides, but you must admit this ughter is monstrous! You can stop it, Merzhin! Go out there and bring peace, for the sake of Thamnd, dont let the Heroes die. Build bonds, like Uldar did! Please!


    Another explosion rocked the vige.


    Please, we have to go! she begged, praying to the Traveller that she could believe in Merzhin.


    The Saint shook, swallowing hard.


    Finally, he squared his narrow shoulders. If I am wrong, then Uldar forgive me. He pressed his hands to the door. Step back!


    In a blink, Carey fled from the door.


    Uldar, I call upon your divine fury! As you smote down the rebel fortress of Calvinar, smite this barrier so that we may go forward!


    There came a thrumming sound and a glow from beyond the door that was immediately followed by the cracking of rupturing wood. Metal shards and splintered wood exploded, shooting across the room, striking the opposite wall.


    Carey suddenly found herself very d indeed that she hadnt been standing beside it.


    She rushed through the smoking hole where the door once stood, and into the hallway where a paler than normal Merzhin stood shaking.


    TheI know where the closest exit is, he stammered, staring at the mounds of debris scattered across Careys cell floor. It might be guarded, but I think we can get through.


    Wait, wait! I need to fetch my bag before we go! she said. It has something very dangerous in it that we cant just leave lying around.


    What? Merzhin asked. How dangerous?


    Carey flung her arms up. Boom! <em>Thats how</em> dangerous! We mustn''t leave it here, we absolutely mustn''t!


    How big of a boom? Merzhin asked.


    It could annihte this ce! she shouted. Merzhin, people are dying, we have to hurry!


    Rightright His eyes darted around. They um he paused. Our things are actually in my room. Come on. I had no idea I was sleeping beside anything so dangerous.


    Carey was stunned, watching him for a moment, before following him. You had our things this entire time and you didnt tell me?


    Theythey let me have them after they looked through everything.


    Careys blood went cold; then they were lucky that they werent all dead. The thought of some ignorant priests pawing through the dungeon core substance and chaos essence sent a chill through her. If theydbined the samples by ident


    She shuddered as they ran along the halls of Uldars Rise. The escarpment shook; the death and destruction happening outside seemed to be intensifying.


    We have to move faster, Carey whispered.


    <em>Uldar, please lend us speed so that we may save those who follow you,</em> Merzhin prayed.


    Strength flooded her limbs, and she stumbled, pushing forward as her speed suddenly doubled.


    She regained her bnce, staying close behind the Saint as they sped down a staircase in Uldars Rise two at a time. So far, theyd been lucky; not a single guard or priest patrolled the halls.


    All must have answered the call to defend their home.


    Carey Merzhins voice was heavy with regret. Carey, I am so sorry for this. I shouldnt have I shouldnt have followed Eldin; if I hadnt, none of our friends would in this situation. Maybe I could have stayed back, exined to the others that you were safebut you werent safe were you?


    His voice wheezed, his words sputtering with every step. You were never safe here. I dont know whats happening anymore. His chest heaved.


    Carey prayed to the Traveller for guidance, and searched within herself. All I know, Merzhin, is that you and I are the only ones who can stop this without more bloodshed. That has to be a good thing. May the Traveller guide us.


    At this, the Saint said nothing.


    Inside herself, Carey reached out, trying to pray to the Traveller, trying to feel that sense offort that came with her prayers.


    She felt nothing.


    And yet, she did not feel <em>alone.</em>


    You tried to help me before, Hannah, she thought. You tried to protect me. Now Ill do what I can for you, for my friends, and for Thamnd. Carey took a deep breath to steady herself.


    She had promised shed give everything, if she had to.


    And she needed to keep that promise.


    Here! Merzhin cried, skidding to a halt on anding. The stairs continued into the depths of the escarpment with a hallway that branched off to the right. My room is near here: we go down this hall, then take a left, and its the third door on the right. He pointed down. At the end of these stairs theres a window we can climb through to get outside. Well have to jump, but I can shield us from harm from that great of a height.


    Another explosion shook thend.


    Carey winced. They didnt have time to get the chaos essence <em>and</em> have Merzhin stop the fighting.


    She had an idea.


    Merzhin, <em>you</em> go outside and stop this madness, people are dying, she ced a hand on his shoulder. Ill go and get our belongings.


    What? he gasped. You cannot


    We really dont have any time to spare, look at whats happening out there. We need to do both as quickly as possible, she pleaded. Ill join you so my friends can see Im alive as soon as I get my things.


    She didnt mention the other thought burning in her mind: bybining the dungeon core substance and chaos essence, she could attach them to the construct and destroy these cold-hearted priests and their foul vige.


    Or perhaps she could st a hole in the barrier around Uldars Rise, letting her friends escape.


    Either wayif Merzhin failed to stop the fightingshe <em>needed</em> that bomb.


    But, you the Saint stammered.


    Merzhin. Both hands were holding his shoulders. We <em>have</em> to stop this. We must. Whatever the cost.


    Ialright, he said, cing his hand on one of hers. Uldar, protect my friend with your holy light. May you deflect all things that could causeCarey, look out!


    He pushed her away as a dagger bleeding divine power flew from below, shing his hand then burying its tip in the stone where Carey had been standing.


    She stared in horror as Merzhins miracle wrapped around her.


    Had he not pushed her, the de would have buried itself in her throat, not the stairwell wall.


    Saint Merzhin. Eldin spoke from the stone above. You are being corrupted, holy Saint, we can no longer afford the privilege of ying games.


    From the stairs above, a mob of holy warriors came, weapons in hand.


    The Saints eyes hardened.


    Carey, go, he whispered. Ill lead them outside. Get what you need and get out.


    But Merzhi


    Go! he screamed, pushing her into the hall.


    Two knives struck his side, he screamed in pain.


    With a battlecry, the holy warriors of Uldar charged down the steps.


    Whispering prayers, Merzhin raised his hands, raising a wall of light between Carey and the staircase.


    She screamed as he took two more knives.


    He conjured a shield of light around his body, zing so intensely, that no mortal eye could look upon its radiance.


    In Uldars name, I dere ye apostate! the Saint bellowed, his voice booming through air, rock, and stone. His form grew, as divine power filled him. His wounds healed. I shall go and end this shameful conflict, follow if you dare! He nced at the stone around him. Uldar forgive me!


    With a quick prayer he directed a wave of holy light at a stone wall nearbyone painted with an image of priests kneeling before an altarand shattered it.


    sphemy! Eldin cried.


    I strike stone and mortalkind! Merzhins voice boomed. You have strayed from Uldars protection, and you must be stopped!


    There was a tremendous sh of light as the Saint brought Uldars wrath to bear, holy warriors cried out. With their attention now fully levelled on him, Merzhin turned and fled down the stairs, singing a hymn in Uldars name.


    Stop him! Eldin bellowed, sending Carey into action.


    She turned and ran, sprinting down the hall toward Merzhins quarters. In the distance, she could hear sounds of the warrior priests pursuing the Saint, but his miracles of protection surrounded him as he put distance between himself and them.<strong></strong>He was giving her time; time she needed to get the bomb.


    She kept running, moving down the hall, trying to remember Merzhins directions as his blessing flowed through her. Down the hall to the rightno wait, left!


    Carey ran until shed reached the third door on the right.


    No lock barred it, she noted bitterly.


    You certainly got better treatment than I did, she whispered. But, Im d you did, since it now works very nicely in my favour, her face lit up as she pulled the door wide open and rushed inside, looking around the sparsely appointed room: her bag wasnt on the cot, nor nearby writing desk. Maybe


    She opened the chest. Yes! she cried.


    There it is.


    Stop! she heard Merzhin''smanding from outside.


    Even as she opened the bag, she was moving to the window.


    He made it! she whispered, looking down.


    Everyone still looked so small; I must be really high up in the escarpment.


    She examined the window. Its not barred, she noted. But its too small for me to fit through


    ...but the messenger construct can! she cried. I could set it up, send it to the barrier, and


    She looked in the bag, quickly searching for everything she needed to set the bomb, then scowled.


    The two sample jars were intactbut the same couldnt be said for the messenger construct. Whoever had examined it must have done so with a metal club and a severeck of brains.


    Its metal wings were bent, and its inner workings had been taken apart and the pieces thrown back in the bottom of her bag.


    No, no, no! she cried, taking the jars of chaos essence and dungeon core remains out. You absolute fools! The construct is ruined!


    She nced outside, almost in despair.


    Merzhin was fighting off the holy warriors, while pleading with anyone that would hear him to stop. The Generasians were fighting desperately, but more and more of them were falling.


    I the young woman started. What can I


    A thought urred to her.


    One that should have been obvious from the start.


    She had gotten her friends into this mess


    Carey removed the lids from the jars.


    now she would get them out.


    Traveller, she whispered. If you can hear me


    She cant.


    Burning pain pierced her back and chest.


    Carey gasped.


    The front of her shirt washed red, a long de protruding from the centre of it.


    Ah, I missed the heart, Edlins voice whispered, his hot breath on her ear. You can thank the misguided Saints protections for that. They threw my aim off."


    She turned.


    Eldin faced her, behind him, a half dozen holy warriors stood.


    Blood trickled from her mouth.


    I knew the Saint was beyond help, just as you are, the old priest whispered. But dont worry about that now, child. Just sleep. Sleep in Uldars embrace.


    Carey''s limbs were growing cold.


    Weak.


    But she was calm.


    Oh, so very calm.


    Even now.


    After all, she remembered what shed resolved to do.


    What more did she have to fear? She prayed to the Traveller for strength.


    Holding the jars, words choked out through blood. For Thamnd...I give <em>everything.</em>


    She poured the dungeon core remains into the chaos essence.


    The reaction was immediate.


    The heat of a star burned in her hands.


    The world was light.


    Sound faded away: cries of battle, the shouts of surprise from behind her, all faded.


    All was warm, like a nket coiling around the world.


    She felt Eldin move away.


    Her knees were buckling, her body began to fall, her hands burnt away.


    Then the detonation.


    Light ruptured, a brightness unlike no other.


    In an instant, her body was gone. Her spirit catapulted through the light, whirling end over end through what felt like a thousand realms. Hot and cold blended into one.


    She was everything.


    She was nothing.


    Carey London felt herself travelling further and further


    and in the distance, she heard something crack.


    A vast warmth enveloped her. A familiar warmth.


    And then a hand wrapped around hers and she found herself looking into kind eyes as she hurtled toward the after-world.


    Whowho are you? her voice stammered.


    A dark haired woman smiled. I am St. Hannah Kim, the Traveller the voice was like a warm nket. Death is just another path... One that we all must take. And now I have an offer for you. I cant give you back your life as youve known it, but youve given me and your friends so much.


    Her smile deepened.


    And now its my turn to give to all of you.

 Chapter 630: Everything and More

    Chapter 630: Everything and More


    Earlier, an arrow scraped through Alexs greater force armour, a throbbing line of pain had seared his body, burning flesh on his right side like a firece poker had been rammed into it.


    Stone fists like cudgels rushed past his ears; Uldars statues missed his head by mere inches, any of those blows could have turned it into a red slurry.


    Most folk would have fled, screaming.


    But Alex was not most folk.


    Come on! he taunted, dancing around a blow before teleporting through a swarm of arrows. You stupid bastards, stop trying to hit me and <em>hit me!</em>


    Another fist shot past his face, missing it by breaths; he reached up, grabbing the offending arm, teleporting Uldars likeness hundreds of feet away, leaving it upside down on the rain-soaked earth.


    He returned to the fight, drawing on more of Hannahs power, though doing so was bing harder.


    He had never called on it repeatedly<strong></strong>before, but, for this battle, it seemed he was calling on it about as often as his heart beat in an hour, pushing himself to the limit, and at times, well beyond it.


    Hed been using the Mark each time, squeezing as much as he could from his remaining power, even as he threw his energies against the barrier around the escarpment.


    Slowly, he felt the power adapting to the First Apostles barrier, finding weaknesses. With timeand the Marks helphe knew he could break through it.


    But, considering the situation, time was one thing he had very little of.


    Things had worsened on the battlefield and they now looked desperate.


    Theresa, Vesuvius, Grimloch and Brutus were pushing back<strong>, </strong>but more Watchers were falling. Some were dead, some grievously wounded.


    The four of them had been fighting like demigods, trying to hold back what looked like the end of the world as Uldars most devout wielded divinity, des, and zeal, with abandon. But, as mighty as the strike team was, tearing into the enemy with a ferocity out of legend, they were fighting a gruelling, perhaps even, losing<em></em>battle.


    Grimloch roared in pain as divine me sprayed over him, heating his armour, drying his skin. His breath wheezed from between blood coated lips, pink froth running down his chin.


    Theresa bled from awork of wounds that criss-crossed her body; her teeth were clenched in determination, staining red; life enforcement steeled her, otherwise she would be long dead. But, she fought on, the Twinde blurring as it carved through allers. Brutus howls ripped the air as a white lightnced into his armour, he returned the favour, severing the offending hand from the wrist of the priest who had cast it.


    Vesuvius shell had cracked, red trickled from it, the familiar bellowed in pain as much as rage. Tyris held a long de, swinging it, trying to protect her familiar.


    Hogarth and Svenia desperately defended Isolde, bleeding badly, yet staying by her side. Khaliks forehead bore a jagged wound that ran along his eyebrow, dripping blood into his right eye, threatening to partially blind him. Najyah attacked Uldars servants with her talons and beak.


    Watcher Hills<strong></strong>left armstruck by a heavy macehung uselessly from her shoulder.


    Every blood-drak was dead.


    All hound engeli banished.


    And the Heroes battle was hardly going any better.


    The First Apostle was a Chosen of Uldar with over five centuries of life enforcement flowing through him.


    Baelin might have swatted him like a fly.


    But, there was no Baelin here to swat anything.


    Burning with divine blessings, hed shattered one of Drestras wings, forcing the dragon from the sky. Shed plummeted through the air, picking up momentum,ing close to impalement, but Alex came to her aid, teleporting her away from the ancient Chosen.


    Now, with her injured wing held close to her body, she seethed with rage,<strong></strong>fighting desperately alongside Thundar, Cedric, Hart and ygon, trying to bring<strong></strong>this monster<strong></strong>down<strong>.</strong>


    If they looked battered to anyone observing, it was because they undeniably were; their clothing was slick with their own lifeblood, and if it werent for Alexs teleportation and Cedrics healing miracles, the Ravener might be celebrating its victory as the Chosen, Sage, Champion and possibly the Fool,y dead in this secret valley at the hands of the First Apostle and his followers.


    ygon was in an even worse state.


    His stone had cracked and was peeling away in clouds of white dust. Metal iys had been torn apart. Through crevices running along the golems chest, Alex watched the glowing light of his core.


    He had to get him out of there.


    But, as he prepared to teleport him away, ygon spoke in his mind.


    <em>Fatherstay back!</em> he cried. <em>I haveto do thislet me fight! Hes too dangerous for you to go near!</em>


    But Alex started.


    A sudden flood of heat came from behind him, warning him, making the young wizard jump to the<strong></strong>left<strong></strong>and vanish as a double-helix of fire pierced the air where he had been.


    Surrender, Holy Fool, Izas said, hovering<strong></strong>above Alex, surrounded by a nimbus of magic. There was no expression of triumph on his face. No hatred. Justa look of pity and sadness.


    Which sent Alex into a rage.


    We dont need your pity asshole! Save it for yourself! You want to give us something? Maybe stop trying to kill us! he reached into his bag, teleporting around Izas then tossing booby trapped potions at him from all angles.


    A wall of wind rose around the Third Apostle, crushing the bottles, dispersing the mist.


    Alex cursed.


    As much as he hated to admit it, this Izas was a <em>very</em> skilled wizard.


    How is it you are still able to teleport, holy Fool? the old man asked. Does it involve Hannah Kim?


    Go to every hell! Alex teleported behind him, pulling off his cloak and flinging it at the priests head, trying to blind him, then vanishing as a gout of fire sprayed from Isazs hand, consuming the cloak.


    Uncooperative. Perhaps an example must be made. The Third Apostle turned his hand toward Alex as the power of me red in his palm.


    It abruptly changed direction.


    And fired.


    Before the young wizard could react, me<strong></strong>spiralled into ygons back, dissolving stone, melting metal.


    The golem stumbled.


    And the First Apostle appeared, driving a fist sheathed in divine power into the pit of his gut.


    Stone burst.


    A massive hole blew open in ygons trunk.


    Alex screamed, teleporting to him, but he was already gone.


    The First Apostle was too fast, sting the golem,unching him at the escarpment, right in the midst of a horde of Uldarite statues. He grabbed at Alexs shirt.


    The young wizard vanished, staying clear of the priest.


    Hmm, troubling, the First Apostle acknowledged, as he casually defended himself from Harts strikes. This action will draw much of Uldars energy through my soul, butneeds must. <em>I here now speak another interdic</em>


    Wait! a high voice cried, the word carrying<strong></strong>over the battlefield.


    All paused.


    All turned.


    There,unching himself from a window in the escarpment, was Saint Merzhin.


    He was just as Hart and the others had described him. Small. Child-like in features and stature, with the air of someone trying to shoulder a burden that would have buckled most men.


    Floating down in a column of light, he cried out with desperation. Stop fighting! In Uldars name, there must be peace!


    Landing lightly, he suddenly stiffened, screaming as crossbow bolts pierced his side, driving the breath from him. He still kept moving, one hand pressed to his side as the other ripped the bolts free, letting his wounds heal.


    Holy warriors came through the window after him, divinity cushioning their fall.


    First Apostle! My friends! We must stop this bloodshed! Merzhin shouted, running past ygon and the statues of Uldar. He approached the First Apostle. Every death here is another victory for the Ravener! For evil! We are all Uldars children! We must stop this!


    He passed near more statues of Uldar.


    Whatre ydoing? Cedric demanded.


    Get back! Hart screamed.


    Wheres Carey? Drestra roared.


    Why isnt she with you! Alex shouted.


    The First Apostle sighed. I would have thought that you, of all these Heroes, would have understood, Merzhin. We are all Uldars children, yes. But sometimeselder children must bring their disobedient siblings to heel.


    A statue began to move.


    One near the Saint.


    Look out! Alex yelled, teleporting to the Saint whose holy symbol sang like a choir of voices.


    The statue of Uldar<strong></strong>clipped<strong></strong>the rail thin man, drawing a scream of pain as Alex disappeared with him.


    They crashed to the ground a hundred feet away. Wheres Carey? Alex grabbed the Saint by the shirt.


    Merzhin coughed. Sheshe saidshe needed her bagneeded something in itstayed behindwill follow.


    Needed something from her Alex started.


    Then his blood turned cold like the coldest of winter days.


    No, no, no


    He looked up at the escarpment, then he felt it.


    That terrible power.


    A sh came.


    He looked at ygon, so near the escarpment, trapped by the statues of Uldar.


    He reached for him.


    Then the world turned to heat and me.


    There came a popping sound and Alex heard no more. Brilliant light burned his eyes. The scent of singed hair reached his nostrils. A jolt consumed the vige, the shockwavebarely blunted by the holy stone and barrier of Uldars Risecatapulted him backward.


    His ears were suddenly ringing.


    The world felt like it was upside down.


    The ground shook as though Uldar himself was punishing thend.


    And then.nothing.


    No! No! What have you done! Distant screams and the sound of wailing came through the ringing in his ears.


    Our holy ce! Uldars home on earth! someone else screamed.


    Though his senses still spun, Alex turned, looking up at Uldars Rise.


    Shock gripped him deep within his core.


    At least a quarter of it was no more,pletely incinerated.


    It was as though a titanic rock-eater had taken a bite out of the upper part of the stony rise, leaving a boiling, gaping wound ofva in its side.


    The children! someone screamed in despair.


    Theyre in the chambers beneath the escarpment! someone else shouted. We have to go to them before the fire spreads!


    Fire? a dazed Alex murmured.


    Then he saw it.


    The entire vige was engulfed in a column of me, burning hot enough to melt stone.


    A terrible truth hit him.


    Carey was dead, she couldnt have survived an explosion like that, no one could


    Not even ygon.


    He felt like he was choking. His chest hurt.


    You he forced himself to his feet, his teeth clenching so hard, they couldve cracked.


    The First Apostle was on his feet, but his eyes were fixed on the escarpment, his face looked lifeless.


    He stood there, pointing at the ruins of his home.


    Youyou<em>you..</em> Alexs voice was barely a whisper.


    Rage consumed him, mixing with grief and pain, until all fear fled his mind, reced by naked hatred, like a hunger that must be fed.


    Hed never felt a hate so strong.


    Or felt a stronger need to make someone pay. To cause pain like him and the rest of them had caused. To take away what they valued. And not care one bit <em>what</em> the Mark did to him.


    Silently, Alex reached deep inside himself, grasping at the dregs of the Travellers power, teleporting himself to the First Apostles side.


    Still in shock, the ancient Hero froze when Alex appeared near his shoulder and seized the arm pointing at the escarpment.


    He knew that the First Apostle would resist teleportation, but what if teleporting <em>all </em>of him wasnt the goal, what if he only wanted to take just a piece of him, something he valued, something he used to bring pain. The young wizard made his decision.


    Concentrating all his energy on the mans arm, he felt the Mark scream in his mind, crushing him with every failure it could muster.


    His mind felt like it was being ripped apart from the inside to the top of his skull.


    His eyes throbbed.


    He felt like he was suffocating.


    His head thundered.


    Blood dripped from his nose.


    But he didnt care.


    With a howl of exertion, Alex dropped his full weight on the First Apostles shoulder, twisting the arm at the joint, yanking it like a wishbone, then, he vanished.


    <em>With</em> the arm.


    And <em>nothing else.</em>


    Two howls of anguish pierced the twilight sky.


    Alex howled, crashing to the earth on his hands and knees, his body wracked with spasms as his mind exploded. The arm twitched beside his hand. The Mark rampaged through him in a way it never had before. He retched and heaved, vomiting on the ground. His every nerve was aze.


    But through his suffering, he could dimly hear the First Apostle.


    The priest howled in agony. Why? Why? Why? Was all he kept saying, repeating the single word over and over as blood spurted, washing his side and the ground below him red from the raw wound that spurted at his shoulder. How can I channArgh!


    Hart shed at him, hitting him across the back, preventing him from stemming the blood flow with divinities as he barely managed to roll with the blow, stopping himself from being skewered.


    Cedric stormed in, smashing the elder Chosen across the face with his greathammer.


    You killed my friend, ya piecea shit! Thundars crossbow bolt pierced the First Apostles leg.


    Drestras w<strong></strong>tore at the mans other arm.


    Now, <em>he</em> was the one fighting for his life.


    Fool! You are no Hero! You and your ilk were a mistake! Look at how youve destroyed this most sacred ce and harmed our holiest of leaders, no other in Thamnd can match him! Izas screamed. Alex suddenly felt his presence close to him, channelling that fire.


    And there was nothing he could do.


    Alex! Theresa screamed in the distance.


    I love the young wizard murmured.


    The Mark raged through his mind, pinning him to the ground.


    Isazsnce of me came down.


    Then Alex was gone.


    Embraced in warmth.


    Tingling arms held him.


    I have you, Alex, a gentle, posh voice said.


    What? he stammered. Its impossible.


    He looked up, eyes resting on a figure of light. A figure who wore the hazy remnants of a familiar face.


    Carey London smiled down at him. Only one of us<strong></strong>dying today, or thatd make my sacrifice ever so pointless, wouldnt it? I dont have much time, so we have to work quickly. Merzhin will help us.


    Mer-Merzhin? Alex stammered, looking at the battlefield where the Saint was rising to his feet. But he


    Have a little faith, she patted his shoulder.


    Yours is the folly of man! You have grown away from Uldar, the Saints voice spread over the battlefield.


    What are you doing? Izas demanded.


    You all have! Tears poured down Merzhins face as his eyes hardened, watching Izas with utter rage. You im that the First Apostle was the holiest man in Thamnd. That is wrong!


    His voice echoed with the wrath of a god.


    He himself said that I am closer to Uldar! I am Uldars living Saint! he shouted. And though I am not as skilled with his divinity as you, I dont need skill for what I must do! Just strength and authority! With the authority ced in me, by holy Uldar, I <em>revoke this interdiction! Let my will be heard!</em>


    There was a wave of power that swept through the valley.


    No! the First Apostle shouted.


    Alex felt it.


    Magic returned.


    Priests were caught off-guard when the Generasians and Heroes struck like cobras, burying them in an avnche of spells. The aeld staff screamed with joy, strapped on Alexs back.


    Izas howled, You sphemers! Holy Saint, none have betrayed Uldar so thoroughly since the Generals Folly! You


    <em>Bequiet!</em> a gravelly voice said.


    The war-spear that was once Zonon-Ins, shot from the me burning over the vige.


    The de flew, severing Izas arm.


    The priest called out for Uldar, but he didnt seem to answer as the arm catapulted through the air.


    <em>Nowyou matchyour master </em>The voice boomed from the fire.


    nking sounds grew louder. Something immense was approaching.


    It.it cant be, Alex thought. Is itis that you ygon?


    <em>I havereturned father</em> The voice reverberated through the mes. <em>I wasborn from y through a dungeon cores power</em>


    A four-armed silhouette appeared in the column of me.


    <em>Througha Ravener-spawns powermy y hardened to stone</em>


    Fire-gems burned in the silhouettes head and hands.


    <em>And nowthrough a dungeon cores mestone is tempered.</em>


    ygon emerged from the fire.


    Light reflected off his body.


    A body that was now all iron.

 Chapter 631: The Stone Prison

    Chapter 631: The Stone Prison


    The iron golem strode through me, light dancing across his reflective form. His fire-gems glowed like embers while his metallic fingers flexed and rxed, metal groaning each time he tensed them. All damage to his body was gone; the massive hole in his torso dealt by the First Apostle was a bad memory. ygon was whole, the surface of his body smooth, and his iron teeth shed in the firelight.


    He raised his hands, fire-gems gathering power.


    Energy built slowlyas it had before hed transformed to stonebut Alex felt something different, a change, it felt new, yet the magic still<strong></strong>felt familiar.


    It felt momentous, like chaos essencebining with dungeon core remains.


    The air shimmered with heat; ygons fire-gems red, significantly brighter than before, and he aimed all three at groups of statues, and the nearest group of holy warriors.


    Beams burnedfar thicker noncing out, striking the centre of his targets.


    Night turned to day.


    Explosions, feeling like the one that had broken Uldars Rise, ripped through the valley, shaking it to its foundations.


    Holy protections were obliterated.


    Blessed stone crumbled to dust.


    Death came to the once secreted priests of Uldar.


    Confusion reigned.


    Panic spread through the holy warriors of Uldar; in heartbeats, their home was shattered, the Saint of Uldar had turned against them and now their enemies were striking them with the fury of vengeful gods.


    Muster! Izasmanded, pressing a glowing hand to his stump. Hold fast!


    The priests responded, sending divine bolts of light at the intruders.


    Hannah has you, Careys soul whispered gently, still cradling Alex in that warm embrace. The Traveller will protect youwhile she can. The barrier the First Apostle used<strong></strong>was broken.


    Her spirit red.


    All at once, every bolt of divine power, every arrow, and every weapon that had been seeking to devastate the strike forcevanished, teleporting behind Uldars holy warriors, striking the very priests who had sent them, letting them taste their own fury.


    What is this? Izas cried out, jumping away.


    Alex groaned, and using his meditation techniques, he began gently guiding his consciousness through the Marks interference. The onught wracking his body began fading.


    Weve been praying to Hannah, Alex whispered, taking the aeld staff off of his back. And youyou prayed to her before you died, didnt you?


    Yes, Carey said softly. My sacrifice left her awash<strong></strong>with power for now. Enough to let her act through my soul because I just departed this world, but she wont be able to for long, so you have to finish this, Alex.


    I intend to, he exhaled, then took a steadying breath and raised his staff.


    The aeld tree gathered its energies.


    And the young wizard began casting nar Doorway.


    He teleported priests, throwing their numbers into chaos, scattering them over the battlefield. Already in disarray, it didnt take long for their fragile<strong></strong>formation topletely fall apart.


    They cried out, begging for Uldars mercy.


    And as usual, he didnt answer.


    Perhaps he wasnt listening.


    But the Traveller was.


    And <em>she</em> answered.


    Every attack the priests tried was turned against them, punishing their own ranks.


    Their numbers were withering.


    Their morale, fading.


    Doom wasing.


    Holy Uldar, guide us, the First Apostle whispered, desperately defending himself from the vengeful Heroes.


    Let im guide y tyer grave, ybastard! Cedric spit at him.


    His weapon shifted in his hand, as he shed the First Apostles forehead; it might have cleaved his skull in two if it wasnt for the holy protections around him.


    Theres a wee scar fer ya too, ybastard! the Chosen roared. Now we bloody well match!


    I want his other arm, Hart growled, his sword dancing in dizzying patterns as he closed on the Apostle.


    The holy priest dodged in desperation, but still got caught by a gout of me and force from Drestra and that infernal minotaur perched on her back.


    He grit his teeth against the pain.


    but it was fading.


    Blood flowed freely from his shoulder even as his divinely enhanced body was failing from blood loss. His strength ebbed. His movements slowed.


    There was no time to heal or stem the flow of blood; the corrupt Heroes and the faithless with them were on him like persistent gnats.


    He knew it was just a matter of time before they took him.


    Beyond the Heroes, he glimpsed Izas; the Third Apostle had healed himself, but the loss of blood had weakened him.


    All around, their forces were breaking.


    Their nerve hung by a thread.


    The First Apostle swallowed.


    His heart and his intentions told him that this battle could still be won.


    But facts and evidence told him otherwise.


    If they fell now, Uldar would lose everyone who had done his will in secret for so long. His duty was clear, and as much as it pained him, he must leave his important work in this sanctum and save the poor wretches who served him.


    The First Apostle took a final look at Uldars Rise.


    He gathered his will, reaching deep into the well of his divinity.


    Homes could be rebuilt. Relics remade. Books rewritten. But the faithful here could not be reced.


    And so he turned his will to the heavens.


    <em>Holy Uldar! Recall us to safety! Save us! Bring us away from destruction!</em> he cried.


    The clouds shook with his power, lightning shed, thunder rolledthen every drop of rain that had been held back, poured from the clouds in a tidal wave.


    No! The young spirit of Carey London and the Fool of Thamnd raised their hands, channelling the power of that treacherous dead Saint, teleporting the flood of rain around the strike force.


    All looked to the sky, buying the servants of Uldar several precious heartbeats.


    Divine power flowed through the First Apostles soulthreatening to crack itand washed out around him in a wave.


    Above, the skies rumbled.


    Curtains of lightning fell as a mass of bolts flowed from the heavens, finding each remaining servant of Uldars hidden church, touching them, transforming them from flesh to crackling bolts of electricity.


    The First Apostle, Izas, all of Uldars followers who still breathed, transformed as one, coiling into a vast sphere<strong></strong>of crackling light.


    From within it, the First Apostle looked down on the spirit of Carey London, and the form of the Fool of Thamnd.


    All of this loss was because of them.


    He would not forget them.


    And his vengeance would be divine.


    As that thoughtforted him, the crackling sphere sailed into the sky, hurtling across Thamnd like a shooting star.


    Hundreds of miles passed in an instant as Uldars faithful soared through the night sky as a stream of lightning. They travelled over mountain, forest and glen, until atst, they passed above the ocean, continuing north, finallying to rest in the centre of a small ind in the seas north of Thamnd.


    There came a sh of all-consuming light.


    When it faded, those few hundred members of Uldars secret church, were on bended knees atop the bare stone and long wild grasses on the ind.


    As the First Apostle regained his physical form, he tried to stand, and with a growl of pain, pressed his hand to the oozing shoulder,<strong></strong>calling on Uldars divine power.


    Agony plunged through his body as healing energies suffused his flesh; the limb would regrow, but it would take time.


    First Apostle Izas stumbled toward him, his beard still damp with rain. Our homeits gone. Its gone!


    Peacechild the ancient Chosen rasped. And strength. It is always darkest before dawn. Our people need us to be leaders. They need all the leadership we can muster.


    He paused. Tell me, Izaswhere is Eldin?


    No! Dont leave me! Eldin screamed.


    Or he would have if he could.


    If he had a mouth.


    In the brief moments before Carey London had blown herself to nothingness, the holy leader had leapt into surrounding stone to preserve his life, and was gliding away to safety when the rock had exploded.


    He had felt no painonly mounting horror as hed felt his body break apart within the rock. Now, his form was in particles, scattered everywhere, still within the stone of Uldars Rise.


    Bits were in the rubble.


    Some had been ground to fine grit.


    Much had been vaporised.


    His consciousness remained within a small mass of stones that had been propelled away from the escarpment,nding in wet grass near the forest.


    He was barely aware of his surroundings, but he <em>had</em> felt the First Apostles lightning spread over the valley, carrying all of Uldars faithful away.


    But hed been left behind.


    What did that mean?


    Could it not touch him because he was in the stone?


    Did it not notice him?


    Was he even alive?


    He couldnt move.


    He feared leaving the stone; what would happen if he was to take his true form; a great deal of the stone his body was in was shattered, scattered, or had been turned to dust.


    Would he simply die?


    Would he live for a few painful instants as a mewling pile of flesh before passing?


    He didnt know; despite all of the lives that ended at his hands, including those hed left to die within the darkness of stone, he had no idea what would happen to him.


    Uldarplease save me! he pleaded, though the rock had no voice. I have served you, havent I? Ive repented for past sins, havent I? Please, Uldar! Save me!


    But, there was no answer.


    Uldar did not reach out to him.


    His servants did note to carry him to safety.


    Only cold silence answered his pleas.


    Come now, Eldin, he said to himself. Youyou are a dead man. Let go. Join Uldar. Let go. Join him.


    And he tried.


    He tried willing himself to leave every bit of rock and debris he was in and let his natural fate carry him to Uldars side in the after-world.


    But he could not.


    He would not.


    Come on, Eldin! he screamed at himself. You served Uldar in life! You will serve him death! Let go!


    And yet, each time he tried to draw on the divinity to leave the rock and let death take himhe could not. Fear gripped him.


    It held him tight.


    Despite himself, he had no desire to die, to leave this world and all it held.


    He thought of the young woman hed stabbed, narrowly missing her heartperhaps that was an omenshed taken her own life to save all she loved. It was the ultimate sacrifice, an actmitted by someone who was likely less than a third his age.


    The highest price paid by a soft-willed,fortable student.


    Surely, he could do the same? He had spent years walking this earth and had known death woulde for him in time. He was a warrior, ready to die in Uldars service. He was a killer, used to dispatching Uldars foes.


    His will was iron


    so then why could he not let go?


    Again and again, he tried to convince himself to leave the stone.


    To let himself leave this world and meet the god hed prayed to for so many years of his life.


    But fear held him in ce. Despite all he believed of Uldars blessings, he could not summon the will to let go.


    And so Eldin screamed.


    Within the stone, he screamed and begged and he cried for life.


    How long he screamed, no one would know, for no one could hear him.


    And so the rocky, forgotten, on the outskirts of the forest.


    No one would ever know whether or not his consciousness still lived within it.


    And, in the endto mostit would not matter, anyway.


    The old killer would never trouble anyone again.


    And if he still screamed long after the battle for Uldars Rise had ended?


    Well, he would be the only one who would hear it.


    For even his god would not answer him.


    As dust cleared and night fell fully on the valley of Uldars Rise, the strike force gathered beside the dying embers of what was once a thriving vige.


    They had achieved victory over the hidden church of Uldar.


    But the cost had been high.


    Countless bodiesy in a row on the grass, each covered with cloaks, shawls, and shrouds; anything they could find to cover them. The rain slowed over thend, and had already washed away much of the blood and ash.


    Together, the survivors huddled around a glowing figure.


    A familiar figure.


    The spiritual figure of Carey London.


    In death, her radiance was bright.but it was already beginning to fade.


    Around her, her friends wept.


    Tyris sobbed, burying her face in the side of her familiars warm neck.


    Merzhin, prostrate with grief,y before her spirit. Forgive meforgive meforgive me he whispered repeatedly.


    The other HeroesAlex, the Fool; Cedric, the Chosen; Hart, the Champion; and Drestra, the Sageall gathered around him, their eyes lowered.


    In her human form, Drestra trembled, though not because of the rain.


    Atst, all five Heroes were together.


    Under circumstances that pierced their hearts.


    Im sorry, Alex muttered. If I hadntfound that first dungeon corethen maybe you wouldnt


    Oh, pshah, Careys spirit said. I am rather cross with you for not telling me that you are the Foolbut such things seem ever so unimportant now.


    I apologise, Watcher Hill stepped forward, eyeing the spirit with sadness and confusion. The woman looked like she didnt quite know what she was looking at. I should have protected you. Then she looked down at the draped bodies lying nearby. All of you.


    I Carey started to say, but her form wavered.


    She was beginning to fade.


    st it, we dont have time for this! She looked at her friends. Listen to me, the Traveller is sharing her power with me so I can protect you while Im still in this worldtheres a purpose for mefor usbut it will take time. I cant stay long, at least for now.


    Carey looked at Alex. I have limitsbut you know her power well, dont you? Alex, while I can still protect and help you, look for it.


    Look for what? he said.


    The entrance, Carey whispered.


    And he knew exactly what she meant.


    As the others looked on, he took a deep breath and reached out with the Travellers power.


    He searched. And he searched.


    And searched.


    And found it.


    A weakness between worlds.


    Slowly, his eyes drifted to the top of Uldars Rise.


    I think the entrance is up there, he said. I believe thats where Uldar ascendedI think <em>thats</em> the only ce in this world where you can ess his sanctum.


    He looked at Carey. Will you help me?


    Yes, she said.


    He squared his shoulders.


    Grief and anger burned in him, and in that moment, he just wanted answers.


    Everyone, step back, he said. Carey and I are going to open the door to Uldars realm.

 Chapter 632: The Five Heroes

    Chapter 632: The Five Heroes


    Alexander Roth looked at the top of Uldars Rise while the night deepened, feeling as though he was standing on the edge of a cliff.


    Thererising before himthe ce hed sought since hed turned eighteen and Uldar, the god of his homnd, had left his mark on his life. Two long years; a blink for an ancient like Baelin, but an eternity for a young wizard, especially one in his situation.


    Alex had grown in many ways.


    Hed certainly changed.


    Those around him had grown and changed as well.


    Thamnd was different.


    As was Generasi.


    A great many things had turned for the better over the course of this cycle; discovering the wonders dungeon cores could be useful for could revolutionise magic, the Heroes were fighting not only to stop the Ravener and end this cycle, but to end all cycles and destroy the Ravener <em>forever</em>, the Travellers legacy was growing, blooming into something beautiful and far more powerful.


    Viins had fallen.


    Demons had died.


    But, thered been high costs to pay as well.


    People had died when the Raveners hunters hade seeking his life. Wizards had lost their lives in the attack at the Games of Roal. The expedition had bled <em>hard</em> when the petrifier came calling at the Castle in Greymoor.


    Carey had lost her faith, as had Theresa, Selina, most of the Heroes, and Alex himself.


    And now?


    Carey was gone, her life lost because of Uldars servants.


    Her death didnt seem quite real yet, after all, her spirit was still there, close enough to touch.


    And yet, he couldnt sit with her over a cup of wine and a pastry at the bakery, or enjoy a delicious meal among a crowd of friends at a fancy restaurant, or even just pat her on the shoulder in acknowledgement of a job well done. He would never see her in school again, or puttering around the halls of the Research Castle. Shed never join another expedition, or have another debate with Merzhin.


    Professor Jules time with her in theb had ended.


    Her spirit was with them at the momentthrough the concentrated divine power of the Traveller and the young womans own faithbut that moment would soon pass.


    Then?


    Shed be gone


    along with countless other folk whod died in Thamnd in cycle after cycle, while those living in peace in Uldars Rise had apparently simply looked on.


    How many soldiers had been maimed?


    How many families had lost their homes?


    How many Fools, their lives? How many other Heroes, theirs?


    The numbers were uncounted and even uncountable, and all of that suffering and loss had happened under Uldars silent watch.


    And now? Now it was time for the god to answer some questions.


    Since I dont have a living body anymore, Carey said, the note of sadness in her voice warring with resignation and determination. Uldar shouldnt be able to harm me, so, I can go and get us the answers we need.


    Uldar? Merzhin looked up, his eyes shining. You can let us meet Uldar, Carey?


    What are you people talking about? Watcher Hill asked.


    But Alex was already on his way to the top of the Rise. He doubted even Baelin could stop him now.


    Careys spirit was floating after him.


    Wait for us! Theresa cried.


    No way youre leavin us behind, Cedric added.


    <em>FatherI am ready</em> ygon said.


    I can bring us there, Carey called out, raising her hands.


    Alex felt the Travellers power gushing from her like a waterfall, and suddenly, her flickering soul was beside him, the two stood on the ruins of Uldars Rise.


    A heartbeatter, the others appeared.


    Ah, I wont be doing that too many more times, she winced. It likely cost me some of my time here.


    Carey! Merzhin cried, you cannot


    I can and I must, <em>we</em> must act now. She looked at Alex. Hannahs power is our best chance at getting the door open. I already feel her knowledge moving through my soulits astounding quite how much she learned about passing through the barrier between nes! But, enough of that


    you want to join forces,bine your power with mine and give us the best chance, right? Alex asked, looking at what seemed to be empty air.


    Within that space, he could feel the weakness in the barrier between nes.


    We should wait for Baelin to return, this could be beyond us, Watcher Hill said.


    Normally, Id say the same thing, Alex said. But we dont know when hesing back. In the meantime, wed have to defend this ce; the hidden church is still out there somewhere, and theyll be looking for ways to take their home back. We dont know what other weapons they have or what other allies they might have, either.


    That was what he said to the Watcher, and while true, he hadnt voiced his deeper desires; in truth, he was tired of waiting for answers. He needed them. That need had <em>burned</em> in his chest for much too long. The source with the answers was right here.


    He <em>needed</em> to question this absent god that had cost, and ruined, countless lives.


    And to get those answers, welldamn the consequences.


    But youre talking about entering the realm of a god! Watcher Hill looked wild around the eyes. Andeven though Roal did y a demigod, the fact is, we are not Roal.


    Thats why Ill be going through the portal, to find out what lies on the other side, Carey said. To be blunt, I am already dead. I can explore his realm safely.


    Besides, Hart said, his voice a low growl. If this useless piece of shit we call a god was going to get off his useless ass, then he wouldve done it by now.


    Hart! Merzhin cried. Your sphemy


    Shut the hell up, Merzhin, Hart growled. Listen, its taking everything I have not to punch your face in until theres nothing left but a bloody smear. Uldars useless! Youre useless!


    Hey, hey, Cedric said. Merzhin turned things around fer us, right in the end there.


    Yeah, in the end. Hart red daggers at the Saint. You couldve broken outta here, Merzhin. Maybe you even came here of your own free will, didnt you? Now Careys dead because of you, and a lot of other people are too, and its because of you!<strong></strong>Well, you, and Uldar. I mean look at this ce He gestured to the ruins of the valley. dont you damn well think thatif he really gave a shit about ushe wouldve shown up to help his people out? Were standing on his front door step, arent we? He couldve walked right through it whenever he liked. But, no he abandoned everybody.


    The Saint muttered something under his breath.


    Merzhin, no, Careys spirit said.


    Whatd you say? Hart demanded, taking a step forward. Go on, say it again!


    Leave it, Hart, the Chosen warned.


    No, I want to hear this, Drestras voice crackled.


    I said that <em>you and Uldar have much inmon!</em> Merzhin screamed, his voice echoing over the valley. If he is an abandoner, then so are you, how dare you judge him, you self-righteous hypocrite! You abandoned <em>me</em> for <em>months!</em> I know you did not care for me, but was I so evil? Was I so monstrous that you decided to cut me out and bury me in silence! You left me <em>alone!</em> How are you any better than the sin you use your <em>god</em> of?


    Really, Merzhin? Drestras voice crackled with heat. You put this on him? Dont me us. You choose to argue for Uldar even after all youve seen? And how were we supposed to tell you <em>anything</em>? Uldars church is the enemy! Look at how youre reacting right now. Can you me us for not saying anything to you?


    Ideserved <em>something!</em> he cried. I tried to help you all! To help all of Thamnd! Even a kind word


    You refused to even use my name, the Sage fired back.


    and <em>you</em> were always looking for an excuse to try and leave ournds war to save your own skinor should I say <em>scales!</em> Merzhin snapped. You were a dragon, and you held that back from us? Such power could have saved many lives when we were fighting the Ravener-spawn, you selfish


    Hey! Thundar shouted, stepping beside Drestra.


    Oi! Enough of that! Cedric said. Lets leave it.


    We dont have time Careys spirit started.


    Oh, quiet! Merzhin suddenly shouted at Cedric. Look at you, the grand Chosen of Uldar, always trying to sew peace between us while keeping your own secrets and choosing your own sides.


    Cedrics face turned red.


    I hardly think thats fair, Isolde started.


    I dont even know who <em>you</em> are! Merzhin shrieked, turning to Alex. Perhaps you are with the Fool, who has been hiding for Uldar knows


    Alex held up one hand. No, his voice was as still as death, the Mark guiding it to a tone that clearly left no room for questions. All of you, stop it. Now! Ya, weve got a lot to talk about. Weve got anger. Weve got questions. Weve got tears. But we also have to leave all of that forter; right now, we only have Carey with us for a little while, and shewho just gave us our damn liveswants to help us get answers from Uldar himself. Lets not waste her gift. Alright?


    The Heroes flinched at his words.


    Merzhin looked as though he would say something else, but a nce at Carey finally sealed his lips.


    Well said, Alex, Carey floated forward. Now lets hurry, we have a door to open.


    We do, Alex said. Lets get some damn answers.


    Together, the two wizards channelled the Travellers power and reached out, Carey Londons spirit and Alexander Roth, touched Hannah Kims power.


    A warmth filled Alexs chest as her energies red inside.


    <em>Yesatst</em> he heard her voice whisper. <em>Three hundred years after my deathwe have finally found you, Uldar.</em>


    He felt the Travellers energy pour from Careys soul, uniting with his own.


    Together, they imagined Uldar, thinking of statues carved in his likeness.


    They felt the weakness in the barrier between worlds.


    And reached forward with Hannahs strength.


    There was a muffled crack, like ss breaking beneath water.


    Then came a louder sound like something crunching.


    Cracks spiralled through empty air, aze with white light.


    Alex roared.


    Carey screamed.


    The Travellers power flowed.


    Andwith a sound like a mountain breakingthe door burst open.


    A portal appeared in space, expanding like the maw of a gaping beast. Holy light spilled into the night. A choirs song filled the air,posed of celestial voices. When the door had fully opened, the group was standing before a staircase of white stone, wide enough for even Drestra, in her true form, to pass through many times over.


    The walls were as white as snow.


    The floors, the same.


    Orbs of sacred lighthovering below the towering ceilingshed holy radiance.


    Uldars sanctum spread before them.


    There for them to enter.


    Wewe did it Carey said, her voice faint. Her form flickered. Ill hurry through


    Suddenly, there came a surge of mana.


    <em>Hello, children,</em> an ancient voice spoke. Deep. As powerful as the bones of the world, yet softer than any cloud. <em>Wee to the sanctum. Come forth, and receive my guidance.</em>


    Uldar! Merzhin screamed. I hear him, I hear his voice!


    With a wail, the Saint charged through the portal and up the stairs.


    Bloody hell, yfool,e back! Cedric cried, racing after him.


    Feeding frenzy! Never ate a god before! Grimloch grinned, charging up the steps. You owe me some blood!


    What are you all doing? Khalik cried.


    There was a ng as ygons iron foot stepped onto Uldars stone steps. <em>Iwill protect themfather</em>


    The golem charged up the stairs after the others, taking three at a time.


    Aw, hells. Alex took a deep breath.


    He wanted answers.


    He needed them.


    Before he could rethink it, he was charging up the stairs after ygon.


    Ill watch your back, Theresa yelled, swords in hand. Be ready to teleport us out of there if things go wrong!


    Brutus barked beside her, bounding up the stone steps.


    There came a thunderous footfall on the stairs behind them. Drestra had returned to her true form, and Khalik, Isolde, Hogarth, Svenia, Cedric, and Thundar were on her back.


    The dragon shot up the steps, wings pressed to her sides, gliding toward Uldar. Najyah soared above her.


    Behind them, Hart and Tyrismounted on Vesuviusthe battlemage had enchanted him with a flight spellfloated after them.


    Protect the students, Watchers! For Roal! Watcher Hill shouted.


    The guards of Generasi followed.


    Left alone, Carey looked around the empty space, then up the stairs in shock.


    st it! her soul cried. I did <em>not</em> die for this!


    She flew after them.


    Uldar, I aming! Merzhin called to his god from ahead, racing up the stairs in front of Cedric.


    The Chosen followed closely, not even pretending to be trying to catch him anymore.


    As one, the group moved deeper into Uldars sanctum, desperate for answers.


    The staircase spiralled endlessly, unadorned except for the asional statue of Uldar, or his imposing angelic servants. As they made their way through the sanctum, the celestial song grew louder.


    I can feel your power, Uldar! Merzhin sounded like he was near tears.


    Is he attacking? Theresa shouted cautiously.


    No, sjust what he means. This ce is <em>full</em> odivine power, Cedric marvelled. Makes that First Apostle feel like a bloody ant. I think mknees are gonna buckle.


    It is the fulcrum of all of our faith! Merzhin shouted. Its so beautiful, it alles from here! Look at the walls, the glory of Uldar isid bare!


    Alex nced to the side, startling.


    Though stark white, the walls had been carved with murals on either side of the stairs. Each one was a scene of a group of Heroes battling the Ravener; every generations Heroes were chiselled in stone by a loving hand.


    They were the perfect artistic record, stretching back for cycles; Chosens, Fools, Saints, Sages and Champions, facing armies of Ravener-spawn over different battlefields across time.


    Each Hero was different. Sometimes the Champion was a gant knight. Other times, a hulking barbarian. Sometimes the Fool was a jester or a sailor, other times a merchant.


    Butacross different muralsall five Heroes were shown battling together, beneath each of their images was a carved inscription, stating which Hero they were and their given name.


    Alex cursed himself; if these were in chronological order, then hed already gone past the Travellers image, it mustve been in a lower mural, closer to the bottom of the stairs.


    How many cycles Merzhin said in wonder. How many.cycwhat is this?


    The Saint came to a dead stop.


    Cedric nearly tripped over him. Oi, watch it! Whats wrong witch ya?


    Thisthis cannot be right Merzhin slowly approached a mural on the left side.


    Everyone stopped, some catching their breath.


    Whats wrong? Careys spirit soared to Merzhins side.


    Alex slowly followed.


    This mural is odd, the Saint said. I see the Saint, Chosen, Champion and Sagebut there is no Fool.


    Did e die that cycle, maybe? Cedric asked.


    No, you dont understand. Theres <em>another</em> Mark here, Merzhin sounded confused. Theres no Fool, but there<em> is</em> a fifth Hero, and they bear a strange Mark, one Ive never seen before


    Alexs heart skipped a beat.


    The inscription below them says Merzhin peered at the words. What in Uldars name is the Mark of the <em>General?</em>

 Chapter 633: Watching the Throne

    Chapter 633: Watching the Throne


    <em>Tell medo you know what a patch is?</em> Hannah had asked on that fateful day Alex had summoned her to the hell of Cretalikon.


    Hed frowned. <em>Like on a piece of old clothing?</em>


    <em>Something like that. I couldnt remember if I wrote about that in my book </em>She had taken a deep breath. <em>In my old world, theres something we used to call</em><em><strong></strong></em><em>programs. Theyre a bit like spells, except theyre made by a central, um,pany. Uh, ce. Then users of these programs use them, but they cant change them.</em>


    <em>Okay </em>Alex had said slowly. <em>But, whats that got to do with the Mark?</em>


    She had frowned, looking as though she was sorting through her thoughts. <em>Well, when apany puts out a program and they want to change it, they release something thats called a patch. Its new codeuh, a new piece of a spell that goes over top of the old spell and changes it.</em>


    Alex could have been blown over by a stiff breeze.<em> So youre saying that somebodychanged the Mark? That it was different before?</em>


    She had nodded. <em>After Kelda heard about patches, she spent a long time examining her Mark: the very fibres of magic it was made of.</em>


    <em>You can break it down?</em> Alex had asked. <em>Even archwizards havent been able to do that.</em>


    <em>She had the Mark, she had my knowledge, and she had to build some very specialised equipment using materials you cant even get in your world. But she built them and used the Mark to get good enough at using them to examine her Mark and mine.</em>


    Hannah had tapped the Mark of the Saint, which still shone on her soul. <em>Mine is oneplete piece of magic: the original version is the one that existed in my time and I imagine still exists today. But hers and yours? Theres signs that theyve been patched. Someone changed the Mark of the Fool after it was originally made, Alex. Its been altered.</em>


    <em>What? </em>Alex had cried, jumping to his feet.<em> Someone tampered with it? You mean it wasnt always so restrictive?</em>


    <em>We didnt find that out. </em>Hannah had shaken her head. <em>All I can tell you is that it was changed after it was originally made.</em>


    The Travellers words reached out from Alexs memories, his heart began pounding as he stared at the mural, especially at the Hero with the words: <em>The Mark of the General</em>, beneath it<em>.</em>


    Everyone was doing much the same, examining the scene and the figures carved in it. Watchers muttered to one another in curiosity, while Alexs cabal simply stared, looking too stunned to speak.


    As for those whose roots were Thameish?


    It was like their whole world<strong></strong>had been undone.


    Cant be righthow many bloody lies did they tell us? Cedric murmured, his fingers running along the strange Heros image.


    The figure was tall, wearing heavy armour and bearing a spear in one hand. The other hand zed with magic, as a halo of light yed about their head.


    As the Chosen of Uldarwielding an axe in one hand, lightning in the other, and with a holy halo of divinity encircling their headled the other three Heroes toward the Ravener on the ground, this General floated above them all, with their sword extended forward.


    Its like the Chosens leading from the front, Drestras voice crackled, an enormous w touching the image of the Chosen. While this Generals leading from above.


    And Fools are always shown behind the other Heroes, Carey said, fascinated. But here we dont see an actual Fool, instead, theres this fifth Hero flying <em>above</em> the others.


    Its in the title, isnt it? Hart rumbled. The Generals the leader.


    Och, what a way tfind out thChosens meant tbe second, Cedric shook his head. Alex, what dya make outta all this?


    But, Alex could hardly speak.


    He was transfixed by the symbol on the <em>Generals</em> forearm.


    The Chosens symbol was a set of scales, representing the bnce ofbat, divinity and spellcraft, as well as the bnce in Thamnd, which the Heroes were meant to restore.


    The Saints symbol was a simple upraised handthe holy symbol of Uldar himselfrepresenting their connection to the deity.


    The Sages was a staff, representing their deep mastery over magic.


    The Champions was a horned helmet, representing mastery over arms,bat, and their physical power.


    And, of course, the Fools was a grinning jesters face, representing the entertainment and joy they were supposed to bring to the other Heroes with their ownical failings, and even buffoonery.


    So, what did the Generals symbol actually represent?


    In the mural, it was a sword atop an open scroll, with the des pommel splitting like the peaks of a crown. Could that mean knowledge? Battle? Knowledge in battle? And the crownrulership? Or


    Alex took a closer look at the swords pommel.


    If the rest of the sword was removed, leaving only the pommel, then youd have a symbol that looked like a head wearing a crown. But what if the crowns points were<strong></strong>higher?


    Exaggerated?


    Floppy, instead of standing tall.


    Wouldnt that be simr to what a jesters head looked like?


    Wouldnt that be oddly reminiscent of the Mark of the Fool.


    Alex was sure he had it; <em>the Mark on the forearm of this General </em>was the one that existed before the patch. This Mark of the General must have been altered and turned into the Mark of the Fool


    but why change itwhat happened?


    <em>Why</em> would Uldar obliterate the Heroes leader?


    Or had something else interfered.


    Alex nced down the stairs; if the murals <em>were</em> etched in chronological order, growing older the higher one went, then maybe the next one down might contain a clue.


    Unless it was nk.


    And, it was.


    Look at this. Alex pointed to empty space along the white stone. I wonder what happened; theres no record there. Nothing. Its like it was erased.


    Beneath the nk space was another detailed mural, but <em>that</em> one contained the Fool.


    And that isnt the only thing that has been erased, Careys spirit said grimly, pointing to the inscription beneath the general. Theres no name under it. Its just gone.


    Uh Thundar rumbled. Ever get the feeling youre looking at something you really arent supposed to be looking at? Because thats exactly the feeling Im getting.


    We all have many questions, Merzhin said. And we will have them answered at Uldars side. Come. Come!


    Alex s eyes were fixed on the mural, but he could no more gain answers from it, thanmand the stone to speak. Thats another question for Uldar. he said, as they resumed their ascent, heading toward Uldar and answers. They walked and floated up the stairs in silence, watching the murals slip by.


    The choirs voices grew louder.


    Each mural showed scenes of the Saint, Sage, Chosen and Champion led into battle by this mysterious General. But, the Generals name was always obscured. The image remained, rendered in glorious detail.


    Am I imagining it, or are there more Ravener-spawn in those murals where this general appears? Khalik asked.


    I thought I was also imagining that, Isolde said. I wondermaybe we arewe would have to look at the lower murals. Or perhaps up aheaOh.


    They passed five more murals, and on reaching the sixth, the content abruptly changed.


    Now, there were no Heroes in themonly Uldar.


    These must be a record of his time in Thamnd, Merzhin mused. Before he ascended from the physical ne. What a blessing it is to see him. Look! There he is giving food to the people.


    Each showed Uldar travelling thend, performing different miracles. Sometimes he caused crops to grow from fallow fields. Other times, he was shown using lightning and stone to kill threatening beasts.


    In some he raised fish from the sea, giving them to the hungry.


    He changed the weather.


    Destroyed bandits.


    Shattered, or conjured storms.


    And in nearly every image, the people showed him their love; hundreds or thousands of tiny Thameish folk all worshipping at his knee.


    What is <em>that</em>? Carey asked, floating before a mural that had caught her eye. Its like one of the images of the Heroes fighting the Ravener, butbut


    Thats not like any Ravener Ive ever heard of, Cedric murmured.


    In the scene, Uldar faced a creature twice his height.


    The thing looked monstrous, snail-like, with a familiar orb serving as its shell.


    That shell looks like the Ravener, Alex noted, looking at the creatures body. Where a snails head would have been, it had been reced by a humanoid shape, reaching toward Uldar with a mass of arms that terminated in stingers.


    Beneath bulging eyes, itsmprey-like mouth was wide open, as though screaming and lunging at Uldar. The god gazed upon it, looking regal, yet unyielding.


    That thing reminds me of the Ravener in certain waysbutdifferent Drestras w reached for it.


    We have to move, Careys spirit wavered. I cantstay much longerneed toprotect you


    Yes! Please! No more looking at dead images when our living god is so near! We can almost talk with him! Merzhin cried. Come, he is just ahead. I feel his divinity!


    Together, they moved up the stairs, unttstthey came to a vast hall. White benches lined the walls on either side, built between statues of Uldar looking down on them serenely, smiling with only kindness in his eyes.


    The ceiling must have been a hundred feet high, as were double doorsfashioned of white sthat loomed above them at the end of the hallway. Images of engeli blowing trumpets and singing, surrounded a powerfully built Uldar etched in the centre of the doors.


    His hands were spread in wee.


    Egocentric, much? Alex thought. Id start to worry if I had this many images of myself everywhere I looked.


    Huh, sounds to me like that singingsing from those doors, Hart noted. Those engeli statues, the ones that look like theyre singing? It seems they are.


    Alex felt another massive surge of mana.


    <em>Wee, children,</em> the kindly voice called to them from beyond the doors. <em>You must have many things to ask of me. Your guidance awaits. Come, see me.</em>


    There was a tremendous grinding noise.


    And the doors began to part.


    Alex winced; he was about to meet the god of his realm. How many wished they could say that?


    If only the circumstances were different.


    I will teleport everyone out with thest of my energies if he tries anything, Carey said. Dont worry, the Traveller will protect us.


    As the doors swung open, they were bathed in a blinding white light.


    Uldar! Merzhin screamed, running into the radiance.


    Wait! Cedric shouted. Stop runnin ahead, we cant see a damned


    Suddenly, an agonised scream came from ahead.


    Sod it! the Chosen charged, raising his weapon.


    The others ran after them, andno sooner had they crossed the thresholdthan the light began to fade. It paled. It dimmed.


    Until, atst, they could see.


    The room was immense, crowned by cavernous ceilings that met walls of smooth white stone. A shimmering carpet of golden thread ran down its centre, Merzhin hunched there, copsed on his hands and knees.


    Nono! <em>No!</em> the pallid Hero screamed, pounding his fists on the floor, tears streaming from his eyes.


    Slowly, the others looked away, turning their attention to another part of the room.


    Thereseated on his titanic thronewas Uldar, the god of Thamnd. He was much like his statues; white bearded, sharp-eyed and bearing a majestic cast to his face.


    Oh shite, Cedric moaned. Oh <em>shite!</em>


    By the spirits Drestras voice crackled.


    Oh, we are <em>in the shit now!</em> Hart rumbled.


    Uldars mostly white robes were draped over him, like curtains spun of light itself. Peeking out from under his sleeves, emaciated hands gripped the armrests of his throne.


    Brutus whimpered.


    Careys spirit made a choking sound.


    <em>ThisisI do not understand</em> ygon rumbled.


    By the sapphire sea, Khalik swore.


    By my ancestors, Thundar swore.


    By the elements, Isolde, Hogarth and Svenia said as one.


    A thin chest was exposed, showing immacte skin below Uldars long white beard. His shoulders were broad, beyond majestic.


    Alexs knees buckled as he tried to make sense of what was before him.


    He fought his mind, wanting it to understand what he was seeing; the ck, dried ichor that must have once run from a great wound in Uldars side, staining his robes, his throne, and the floor beside him.


    Alex began to make sense of the gods distant expression.


    His silence.


    His inertia.


    And it was on that momentous day in Uldars sanctum, the Fool of Thamnd learned three things about his god.


    Uldar was majestic.


    Uldar was peaceful.


    And, most importantly


    Uldar was dead.


    By the Traveller! Theresa gasped. What do we do now?


    And try as he might to answer her, only two words came to Alexs stricken mind.


    Oh fu


    <strong>END OF BOOK 7</strong>

 Chapter 634: The Wail for the Dead (Beginning of book 8)

    Chapter 634: The Wail for the Dead (Beginning of book 8)


    There was an ancient saying in the realm of Thamnd, one that hadrgely fallen away as the centuries wore on.


    A simple phrase of gratitude, spoken during harvests, weddings and births: <em>Our plentyes from Uldar.</em>


    For thousands of years, the phrase was spoken in churches, fields, and by hearths. Every Sigmus. Every harvest moon.


    <em>Our plentyes from Uldar.</em>


    Those words were ingrained in the very stones of Thamnd, and spoken even as thenguage of thend transformed, influenced by its peoples contact with those beyond the sea.


    But time is a powerful thing andwith enough of it passingeven stone can turn to dust. Centuries passed in the realm, with more folk giving gratitude to Uldar in more subtle ways. Those words were said less. Some of the people began forgetting to thank Uldar, instead giving credit and gratitude to their own hard work, and cleverness.


    So the words were heard less.


    Eventually, other phrases and expressions reced them until there was no corner of Thamnd where they were ever spoken, or heard.


    Save one.


    In this one ce, the words of gratitude to Uldar were heard daily.


    Without end.


    In a hidden valleymore of a crater, reallythere stood an escarpment called Uldars Rise, and within its stone walls, a never-ending song could be heard. The songs voices would change with time, but its words never did.


    In its refrain, the words, <em>Our plentyes from Uldar, </em>lived on, sung with passion for thousands of years.


    Not once did it ever stop echoing through the rock of Uldars Rise, not since the god himself had ascended from the top of the escarpment in ancient days.


    Not once did the song stop


    until now, until tonight.


    Now the only sounds in Uldars Rise came from the rain, and a distant wailing echoing across the valley. The cry was heavy with pain. Full of grief. Filled with sorrow.


    To any passing fae slipping through the tall grasses, such screams were not unexpected; after all, the battle that had been fought a short while ago was the kind that birthed a thousand widows.


    Grief, pain and sorrow were never far behind such battles.


    Where there had once been a peaceful, idyllic vige, now there was only a ruin of melted rock, and ckened earth. Fields and boulevards that had hosted children ying, were now soaked with ckened blood.


    Bodiesy on wet earth, some collected and covered with shrouds, while others were simply left to rot on the soggy ground. A massive b of Uldars Rise was gone, revealing a ckened, ragged hole of melted stone broad enough for a dragon to fly through.


    No priests or holy servants were about.


    The scent of death hung in the air.


    And the wailing continued.


    Floating just above the top of Uldars Rise was a portal, opening to the bottom of an enormous staircase. Running up the walls of these white stairs were murals and statues of the god Uldar, etched in the stone, silent for thousands of years.


    Much like Uldars Rise itself, the songs of Uldarsung for millenniahad echoed through this divine sanctum.


    But, for the first time in untold centuries, the song was interrupted, joining with a sound of heart wrenching grief, then ending.


    The screams spread down the staircase, echoing from a wide open set<strong></strong>of double doors leading to a throne room.


    And within this chamber was a scene that would make <em>any</em> priest of Uldar lose their hold on reason. Arge group, made up of folk native to Thamnd and beyond, were gathered by the massive doorway.


    Most were Watchers of Roal, warriors from the university who stood guard, watching for threats from the room before them, and the long stairway below them.


    Grimloch, the sharkman stared at the throne with doll-like ck eyes, his face was mostly impassive, as he muttered one barely audible phrase beneath his breath repeatedly. Blood in the water.


    Prince Khalik Behr-Medr, the second prince of Tekezash, appeared dumbstruck, watching the scene unfolding before him in horror, as his familiarNajyahperched on his shoulder. He had gone silent. Still. His brow furrowed in deep, and troubled thought.


    Thundar, son of Gulbiffs shoulders sagged, his tall, muscr frame gone ck. His mouth would open and close without a single sound escaping it, his eyes looked unfocused. Lady Isolde von Anmut gripped her dagger so tightly, that her leather gloves creaked upon its hilt. Her attendants, Hogarth and Svenia, prayed to the elements in hushed tones.


    Tyris Goldtooths jaw had dropped, her eyes wide and her face pale. The confident battlemage looked as though she was ready to faint, slipping down from the back of her enormous familiar, Vesuvius. The vulcanchelonevolcanic tortoise, as they were called in the southgave a low groan of concern for his mistress.


    Though his link with her granted him a sharper mind, he couldnt grasp the gravity of whaty before them, and perhaps, that was for the better.


    Theresa Lu certainly could, though a part of her wished she couldnt.


    The young womanThameish by birthunderstood all too well the full gravity of what they were seeing. Traveller protect us all she murmured, as Brutus, her blood-bonded cerberus, nuzzled her shoulder, whimpering.


    <em>Travellerprotect us</em> rumbled ygon the iron golem, newly evolved in a bombardment of arcane fire. <em>May weprotect ourselves</em>


    YeahTraveller protect us is right, said Hart Redfletcher, his low voice cracking. The giant of a manChampion of Uldarwho had faced down beasts, wizards, demons and Heroes with a brave and steady heart, now shrank back like a frightened child from what was before him.


    Drestra of Crymlyn Swamp, the Sage of Uldar, towered over all the others in her true form, that of a red dragon. Yetdespite her reptilian featuresher expression of shock was clear, as was the touch of relief ying in her eyes.


    Cedric of n Duncan, the Chosen of Uldar, looked at the throne with bulging eyes that appeared ready to roll from his head. He seemed shaken, and steps away from copsing to the ground.


    ck! Alex finished, the Fool of Uldar had dropped to one knee as his mind recoiled.


    Ahead of him, the fading spirit of Carey Londonwhose life was lost in the Battle of Uldars Risefloated, held to the physical world by the power of St. Hannah Kim, the Traveller. Careys soul was dimming, wanting to leave this ne for its rightful ce in the after-world, but she was fighting to remain a little longer to help her friends. Her translucentfeatures were stricken with horror.


    Her words came soft, quiet. How longhow long did we pray to <em>this?</em> Now I know why he was silent


    Shock and horror had washed through the group, but none felt the weight of the mystifying revtion more than St. Merzhin, the Saint of Uldar.


    The young man crouched on his hands and knees, heaving, being violently ill. He spewed on the golden carpet he knelt upon, sweat beading on his slight frame, turning his skin cold and mmy as he shook like a leaf in the wind.


    Nonono was all he said, over and over again, trying to make sense of what was before him: for what was frozen on the opposite side of the throne room, seemed unreal, like a bad dream he couldnt wake from.


    Only a handful of mortals had everid eyes on a sight such as this.


    A sight Merzhin wished he could unsee.


    The sight of a god.


    A dead god.


    His god.


    The Thameish god.


    There was no denying UldarGod and protector of Thamndwas dead. From a distance, one might have thought he was simply resting on his throne. After all, there was no stench of rot. No flies or vermin.


    His fleshthough palelooked healthier than that of a hearty mortal man. There were no blemishes or scarssave for the wound. For it was this ugly, gaping thing that had eaten away at Uldars side and revealed the truth.


    It was jagged, as though a ragged spear had pierced the gods body, impaling him deep inside, but rather than red blood spilling on his white throne, ck ichor had. The wound had festered, its edges necrosed as though


    Poison, Theresa murmured. His wound looks like it was poisoned


    What in all bleedin hells could poison a bloody god? Cedric muttered. Dont think no hemlock or nightshades gonna do that bloody trick.


    This is impossible! Merzhin screamed. Its not possible! How can Uldar be dead? We still receive the power of his divinity! This must be a trick, yes, a ti


    Its not, Alex muttered. It <em>is</em> possible.


    What? the Saint whirled on him.


    Baelina very old and powerful wizardonce told me something, the Fool said. He said thathow did he put it? He called on the Mark, focusing it on the task of remembering Baelins exact words:


    <em>Faith is a source of power, and faith can be power in and of itself,</em> Alex repeated the chancellors words, spoken to him in a quiet mountain range on some faraway. <em>It can spawn deities with enough belief in a single concept, religion or philosophy, but the amount of faith needed is astronomical. Otherwise, every single tribal totem would spawn a deity.</em>


    What are you talking about? asked the Saint.


    We were talking about the Traveller bing a goddessbut the first parts the important part. You said you felt divinitying from this room, right? Alex asked.


    Merzhin trembled, sniffling back tears. Yes?


    Where is iting from? Alex asked. Where exactly?


    From Uldar of Merzhin paused, squinting at the dead god. Nonow that I think of itno! No! Its noting from Uldar. He looked around the room. Its justfilling the space. The whole room is filled with the power of faith. And its all focusedon the throne, He blinked in astonishment. Yes, the divinity is actuallying from the throne!


    That makes sense, Khalik mused.


    All eyes turned to him.


    What do you mean? Carey asked, her voice quieter. She floated down slowly, hovering beside Merzhin, looking at him withplete sadness.


    Think of this: your people have continued praying to Uldar for thousands of years. Many thousands of years. Such a concentration of faith is power, and that power had to go <em>somewhere</em>. But, Uldar himself was deadso who were you actually praying to? In reality, you were praying to the divine, and your faith gathered here, in the ultimate symbol of that faith: in Uldars throne room, the ce where his body was.


    That sounds correct to me, Isolde noted. My people worship the elements, but our faith concentrates in our sacred elemental mountains.


    And this is why Uldar stopped helping us, Carey said. Our faith was there to empower our priests, but Uldar never reached out to us again, because he was dead.


    But, hold on! Merzhin cried. YouCareythe Traveller is reaching out from the after-world to help you! A-and you! He pointed at Alex. You said that thiswizard talked of faith spawning deities! Then, surely ourbined power can resurrect Uldar!


    Its not that simple, Alex said. The Traveller had a unique magic to her: she could travel <em>anywhere</em>. And I mean <em>anywhere.</em> Her power is probably serving as a conduit, guiding faith in her to<strong></strong>the after-world. That faith is transforming her into a goddess.


    It is, Carey said. Shes grown much stronger since you spoke with her, Alex. Soon she should


    This cant be. How could none of us know? Merzhin wept. Howour lifeour peopleall to help Uldarall that silence! He was supposed to speak in mysterious ways! How could no one know about this!


    Priests can draw power even from a dead demigod for a time, Watcher Hill said. Many lost their lives battling Orecas remaining priests after his fall.


    I remember Gemini saying something about that at the opening of the Games this year, Thundar noted.


    Whos Oreca? Merzhin asked.


    She Hill started.


    Oh shite! Shite! <em>Shite!</em><em></em>Cedric suddenly cried, going ghost white. Damn it all!


    What? Hart and Drestra asked.


    Bloody hells, it was right there! Cedric cursed. Hart! Drestra! Think othis. <em>Someone</em> knew that Uldar was dead!


    What? Hart asked. Whooh. Oh!


    Drestra began speaking, repeating words theyd heard long ago. <em>The path you walk now is unlike any other, and it is not one you walk alone, his voice was thunder and me. Like any path that departs from the known trail through the woods, you now step into peril. Fell things watch you. Allies quake. Whispers slip through the dark. Your post is abandoned and you are wanting. Every step you walk now will bring forth doom again, and we will meet again when you see the ck ichor on the chair. In your desperate hour. Farewell, Heroes of the Prophet God, walk your path towardpletion. Walk your path toward doom.</em>


    What? Alex demanded. ckichoron an empty chairwho said that to you?


    Aenflynn, she said grimly. The fae lord <em>knew</em> that Uldar was dead.

 Chapter 635: A Parent

    Chapter 635: A Parent


    Merzhins despair had quietened.


    The choir was silent.


    Stillness hung heavy in the dead gods throne room as hardly a breath was heard.


    <em>More</em> secrets? the Saint suddenly cried, shattering the silence. More hidden truths! More lies! Were you ever nning to share <em>this </em>information with me<em>?</em><em>Were</em> you?


    Oi, bloody use your damned noggin, Merzhin. Cedric shot him a fierce look. What dya think we coulda done? Bloody walked up tya, an said, Oi. Merzhin, we just talked tAenflynn an e went on wid some weird shite about a chair an the end o the world or somethin, so we guess Uldars dead? That dont make no sense!


    II suppose youre rightbut the Saint backed down, his shoulders sagging as he looked at Uldars corpse.


    Silence.


    And then


    Socan I eat that? Grimloch asked.


    No! Everyone yelled.


    Fine. No need to shout, the sharkman growled, licking his lips while staring at the dead god.


    Carey looked at him for a long moment, before her image flickered. Ughthe pull is getting stronger.


    Then wed better start looking around. Thundar nodded toward the left of the throne room. Look, theres a doorway over there. We might wanna check this ce out.


    No, not yet. Carey floated toward the doorway. Listen, theres a chance thatwhatever She threw an ufortable look at the throne. ...killed Uldar is still in here. Let me have a look around. You all <em>stay</em> here until I tell you its safe. Understand?


    The look she gave them was that of a stern school teacher. And no rushing in this time like all your good sense is gone, alright?


    Sheepish looks passed between everyone there.


    Alright, Alex said. Be safe.


    Im already dead, Alex, she said, throwing another nce at Uldars corpse. A bitter look crossed her face. I dont have much more to worry about. Let me do this.


    Bebe careful, Merzhin said slowly.


    I will, came her soft reply.


    Then she was gone, floating across the throne room and through the doorway.


    The light emanating from her spirit faded down the passage.


    Silence returned to the chamber.


    An ufortable silence.


    Once again, all eyes fell on Uldars corpse.


    Should weexamine it? Isolde asked. I do not know what to do.


    I say we wait for Baelin, Watcher Hill said, her eyes darting around. Miss London is right: if whatever <em>killed a god</em> is still around here, then wed be better off having the chancellor here to help us.


    We cannot leave this ce unguarded, Prince Khalik reminded her. If this hidden churches to reim it, then suppose they find something they shouldnt?


    Maybe finding this ce and Uldar will break their backs, Thundar suggested. Take the fight out of em: finding out your gods dead is a hell of a thing. I didnt even worship him and my knees get kinda shaky every time I look at that thing. He nodded to Uldars body.


    Excuse me, but that <em>thing</em>, Merzhin said, with heat. Is my <em>god</em>. He is the god of Thamnd!


    He <em>was</em> the god of Thamnd, Drestra corrected him.


    There was a surge of magic, and the dragon began to shrink. Scales faded, turning to flesh. Her snout contracted,<strong></strong>and her horns vanished beneath a mop of dark hair.


    Soon, she was back to her human form, draconic eyes still fixed on the throne. Hes just a body now. Nothing more.


    Do not say that, Merzhin pleaded.


    Shes right, Hart rumbled, hisrge eyes tracing the path of ichor. Look, whether or not Uldar wanted to help or harm usis kinda pointless now. Hes dead. Gone. Hes not going to attack us, but hes not going to make our lives easier either. He <em>was</em> the god of Thamnd, Merzhin. But now?


    The Champion grimaced. Were on our ownor maybe not. Maybe the Travellers going to help us.


    You dont need a god to help you, Watcher Hill said. Through magic, study and force of arms, Generasi has kept itself free and independent.


    Aye, but this aint Generasi, Cedric said. We aint got no endless army o wizards an fancy magics tfend off He looked at Uldars remains. ...any god killers. A bloody god would be nice. Right about now. An if the Travellers gettin tbe a goddess? Then we should give er som help gettin there. We need somethin. Anythin.


    The Chosen eased his body onto the floor, groaning as though he was five times his age. My heads spinnin wit so many bloody thoughts I cant even hear mself think right now.


    Hearthats it, hear! Merzhin suddenly cried, looking around excitedly. In Uldars name: we heard his voice! We all heard it! Perhaps his spirit is still in these halls! Maybe we can reach him with enough faith ororsome trick of wizardry! Perhaps he can still hear us!


    As Alex watched Merzhin, pity stabbed at his core.


    The young waiflike<strong></strong>man looked so lost. So confused. Like a child whod lost his parents, his anchor. In some ways, he reminded Alex of that little boy whose parents had been guiding his life, then suddenly and tragically gone, leaving him without his anchor.


    He swallowed, looking at Uldars throne.


    In a way, <em>all</em> of Thamnd was now like him and Selina; children whod lost their anchor. Thankfully, for him, he and Selina had Mr. and Mrs. Lu to turn to, their kindness had meant they could thrive until Alex was old enough, and strong enough to face the world on his own.


    It was just another way Thamnd was like his little sister and himself; people of the realm also had a Mr. and Mrs. Lu in the form of: Hannah Kim, the Traveller. If she was given enough power, then <em>she</em> could protect thend that she loved until the Thameish were strong enough to stand on their own.


    And they would need her.


    Alex remembered something hed been worried about a while ago: back when he and hispanions were first considering that Uldar could be behind the Ravener, hed wondered if a truth with such great significance could ever be revealed to the citizens of Thamnd. After all, the church was the<strong></strong>backbone of the realm.


    It was her<strong></strong>guardian.


    Her teachers.


    Schrs.


    In many ways, her warriors.


    People from the church tended to folk in times of sickness, they healed the injured and fed the hungry. Their monasteries and convents received the orphaned. Their preachers counselled the uncertain.


    Alex couldntin all honestysay that the church hadnt <em>greatly</em> benefited Thamnd; if it werent for them, he and nearly everyone else would probably be illiterate, and have no knowledge of the world beyond a days ride from Alric.


    Folk across the realm, from sea to sea, had been blessed by the churchs efforts. At the time, hed thought long and hard about the fate of his people if the church was to fall. It looked bleak.


    And that was when he was only thinking that Uldars biggest crime was acting like something of a bastard to everyone who worshipped him.


    But now, he knew different.


    Now he knew that things were far worse than his worst nightmare.


    Now he knew that the god wasnt just ignoring them, or just being evil, now he knewhe could see it with his own two eyesthat he was actually dead.


    What was going to happen when the realmand every priest within itlearned that theyd spent untold years praying to a dead god?


    Therell be chaos, Alex thought. Despair. Infighting. Revolution. The royal family rules by divine right: a line of kings and queens empowered to rule byws that <em>Uldar</em> dictated. With him dead, is there anything stopping a random duchess from iming that <em>she</em> has more merit to rule? Hells, she could even be rightbut the amount of blood that would be shed


    The cold hand of fear gripped Alexs spine as the full gravity of Uldars death hit him. Merzhin was just the beginning; how many more would be lost, just like him?


    Would thend copse as the church crumbled?


    Those dire possibilities meant Alex and hispanions had a major decision to make.


    Do we tell anyone? he wondered. Do we keep this information to ourselves? Allow things to continue as they are foreverwe cant, butdo we tell folk <em>eventually?</em> Give them time? Is this even our secret to keep? Maybe Thamnd would be fine without the churchor with a new one.


    As indecision tore at him, Merzhin continued calling out for Uldar.


    Andwith a deep sighhe knew he had to share what he was thinking. First, he opened his mana senses: whenever theyd heard Uldars voice, hed felt a surge of mana.


    He suspected that


    Ah.


    Alex spotted arge glyph carved into the ceiling.


    There it was; his confirmation.


    UhmMerzhin he said slowly. I think when we heard Uldars voice, we were only hearing a recording. I think his voice was infused into a magical device. He pointed to the ceiling. See that? Thats a glyph for sound projection. ygons voice box uses very simr magic.


    As the young Thameish wizard cast flight magic on himself, the Saint fell silent. A pleading look in his eyes.


    Sound projection? he murmured, sounding as though he was partially dreaming.


    Yeah. Alex floated to the glyph.


    <em>Yes.</em> ygons metal face turned to the ceiling. <em>It feelsfamiliar. Itfeels likeme.</em>


    It does, Alex said, pressing his hand to the ceiling.


    Careful! Watcher Hill called out.


    Ill be alright, he assured her, passing his mana into the glyph. Yeah, its what I thought, sound projection magi


    His voice trailed off.


    Alex! Theresa cried. Are you alright?


    Yeah, its just he whistled. If Uldar made this, he must have been one incredible alchemist. The inner workings in this thingare so beautifully crafted, its actually like a work of art. Its rare for an alchemist to see magical items as gracefully made as this, I think itd even impress Professor Jules, or even Toraka Shale. This glyphs quite the masterpiece! Anyway, sorry, Im losing the point.


    He passed his mana into the wondrous inner workings of the glyph. As he felt through its magic, he found the section that would activate sound projectionbut there was something else.


    Something deeper.


    <em>Much</em> deeper.


    Sharpening his mana senses so thoroughly over time had helped him notice subtlety in the device. He could examine that in detailter.


    For now


    He activated the glyph.


    Mana surged again, and


    <em>Wee, children, </em>a kindly voice called from the glyph. <em>You must have many things to ask of me. Your guidance awaits. Come, see me.</em>


    It was the same voice that had beckoned them into the throne room.


    Merzhin winced as though someone had physically struck him. Thatit cant bethats it? All my life I have served Uldar dutifully. With everything Ive ever had. All the lessons Ive learned. Everything Ive tried to embodyand it all leads to this?


    He pointed at the glyph and the corpse of Uldar. A recorded voice in a magic trick and a dead body? Thats all?


    He whimpered, hugging himself, his fingers digging into his arms. Everything for nothing. Everything for nothing. Everything for nothing. The young man began to sob, shaking like a leaf. Everythingfor nothing


    Cedric looked up at Alex, something passed between them.


    The Fool nodded.


    And the Chosen turned to the Saint.


    Look, Cedric said gently, moving toward Merzhin. I know this is hard fer ya


    You <em>know</em>? the Saint looked at him in horror. Holy ChCedric. You do not understand. My whole life was a lie. All the times Ive wondered why Uldar has not given me guidancewas because he was <em>dead!</em> What have I been doing?


    Salright, Cedric sighed. Slike yhad the rug pulled ou


    No. Cedric, its not alright. It is not. I <em>followed</em> Eldin into this valley because I thought it was Uldars will, Merzhins voice wavered. I followed him because I thought it was what Uldar <em>wished!</em> I <em>let him take Carey because I thought it was in Uldars n!</em> And for what? Cedric, I let Carey <em>die</em> because I was following the whim of a corpseor of nothing! I might as well have killed her myself!


    His sobs grew louder. In one dayI lost my god and what might be my only friend. I


    Suddenly, Cedric hugged him. Its okay. Its okay. Let er out.


    Whatre you doing? Merzhin shook, heartbroken.


    Grandda used tdo this for me when I was ad, an I was tearin up. Let it out. Therere days when you gots tbe hard. But right now? No.


    Y-youre treating me like a child, the Saint whimpered.


    Aye, Cedric said. Today, were all wee. An we just lost our da. Dont matter who e was, its still gonna put us in our feelins. Let the tears flow while ycan. We wont have time fer emter.


    And Merzhinafter a long momentdid let them flow. He hugged the Chosen back, continuing to cry like a heartsick child. What do we do? he whispered. What do we do?


    You need to explore this ce, Careys soul floated from the doorway.


    Her image was fading, delicate like gossamer<strong>.</strong> Her voice, faint. Her form flickering.


    Theres no danger here, from what I could tellbut I cant go with you any further, she said. As much as I would like to give more, and see what you seefor now, I have to go.

 Chapter 636: Weep Not For Me

    Chapter 636: Weep Not For Me


    <em>It is time for me to go.</em>


    Those words hit Alex deep in his core.


    Before him, Careys spirit was fading. Her voice was. Her image more indistinct. Soon, her spirit would be gone, gone to the after-world and there was nothing he could do. Nothing any of them could do to stop it.


    Until now, hed had no time to let the full gravity of her death sink in, no time to reflect on it.


    Uldar sitting dead in his throne room had much to do with that.


    Alex knew in his mind that Careys mortal life had ended, and what was left of her in this world was her unembodied soul, held to the material ne<strong></strong>by the will and power of an emerging demigod.


    But Hannah was by no means an almighty deity andas far as Alex knewnot even the most powerful of gods and goddesses could defeat death. Notpletely. Not without sacrifice of something precious, corruption, or transformation.


    Careys sacrifice had bought her timebut now that time was spent.


    And she would soon be truly gone.


    Merzhin made a sound that said more than any words could say as he pulled away from Cedric and dropped to his knees, burying his face in his hands.


    Tyris slid off of Vesuvius neck. Tears shone in her eyes. There has to be something we can do, Carey. It cant just end like this.


    It has to, Carey said, her voice wavering. It always has to, for us mortals.


    Bullshit! Tyris snapped. Baelins immortal. Theres other immortal wizards, there are liches, and therestheres


    Tyris. Carey smiled gently. I lived as a mortal woman. I died as a mortal woman. I want to live, by the Traveller, I dobut I cant. I know I cant. And you know that as well. The life that was Carey London is over.


    II cant bear this Tyris turned away.


    I want to thank you, Tyris, for helping and protecting me. And you too, Vesuvius! Your power kept me alive when we fought Ravener-spawn. Your confidence made me smile when we stopped and camped. Your <em>horrifying</em> lust for Hart made meugh


    Carey! Tyris gasped.


    what, it was obvious. Wasnt it? Youre always so forward, Tyris, but you never went all the way with that one. Consider this my final gift to you: a little nudge, like all those little pushes you gave us all.


    Tyris face was as ming red as her hair. Therethe right time


    Is now. Trust me, my friend, you cant know whats going to happen tomorrow, Carey said softly. I would know.


    She looked at the Champion. Im not so naive to say you two take care of each other as though youre destined lovers. I know what you two are about; so let me just sayhave fun, alright?


    Ookay. Hart cleared his throat, turning away from the others. Got something in my eye.


    Carey turned to Drestra. Listen, I want to thank you for carrying this burdenof holding power over the dungeon coreswith Alex and me. The road was a lot less lonely knowing that you were walking it with me. Take care of yourself.


    The Sage swallowed, closing her eyes. I will.


    Next, she looked at the Chosen. I cannot think of a better man to be the Chosen of Uldar. You might not be as clean-cut as the Chosens Id always imagined when I was a little girl, but youre a better man than any I could have imagined. Dont let Uldars death bring you down. Dont let it distract you. Do what youve always done, Cedric: be a Hero. As you were meant to be.


    Cedric looked at her as though lightning had struck him. Then he sniffed back tears. AyeIll kill them bastards that did this to yous all good an thorough.


    Thank you, she said, turning to Alexs cabal and Theresa. Iwould have liked to get to know you all better. I would have liked it if we could have be fast friends; I envy the friendship you all have, I must admit. Cherish yourselves and each other.


    IIm sorry we did not get to know each other better, Isolde said, teary-eyed.


    Me, as well. You are nothing like how Derek described you, Carey said. Graduate well, Isolde.


    She looked next to Grimloch. You terrified me in life.


    Good, Grimloch said. You died well.


    Good. She turned next to Watcher Hill. Dont me yourself for any of this. What happened to me was not your fault. I know you will likely me yourself for not protecting me, but what is done is done. You cannot change my death. I cannot change it, and I dont think there was anything you could have done to stop it.


    But the Watcher started.


    No buts. This is politepany, Carey smiled at her, before turning to Alex.


    Silence passed between them.


    Then he sighed. LookIm sorry I didnt tell you I was the Fool. I wont say that I was wrong for not telling you when we first metI had my reasonsbut after we found out about the dungeon cores, maybemaybe I should have let you know.


    His head sank. AndIm sorry I didnt get here in time. Im sorry I didnt find you fast enough. Im sorry I failed you.


    Alex Carey looked at him intently. I truly do wish you had told me who you were when I was still alive. Not when we first met, of courseI was too much a part of Uldars flock, thenbut perhaps after we learned of the dungeon cores secret. It makes me fe little lonely to know that you did not trust me with such a secret, but there is nothing to be done about that now. Instead, I ask that you find <em>Uldars</em> secrets. Reveal what our god hid away.<strong></strong>For me. For Hannah. For Thamnd. For all of us.


    Alex bowed to her. I will, Carey. I swear.


    Finally, Carey turned to Merzhin, who was sobbing, sounding like his heart would break.


    Look at me, Merzhin, she said.


    The Saint buried his face deeper in his hands.


    Do not do that. You owe me that much, Merzhin, she said.


    With a sob, the Saint looked up. IIm so sorry. Forforgive me for being so naivefor my stupidityIm aboutmy foolishnessIm sorry CareyI let you die. I let you di


    No, Merzhin, Carey said. You tried to save us all. I wont lie to you: if you hadnt let Eldin take me thenyesI <em>would</em>likely be alive. But, we also wouldnt have found the way to Uldars Rise. We wouldnt have found his sanctum. Uldar was called the prophet-god...but I dont know if he could read the future. I dont know if <em>anyone</em> can see what lies ahead of us. At one time, I would have believed sobut now? I dont know. But I do know this.


    She looked at him solemnly. If there is such a thing as destiny and fate, then perhaps <em>that</em> was what brought us all to this ce. Truly, without me being taken by Eldin, who knows when or even <em>if </em>we would have found it. In the end, that wretched priest bringing me to this valley is what led us to Uldar. And remember, my life was ended by my own hand to save us. It was my sacrifice to make. My choice.


    But still! the Saint cried. I deserve punishment. If it werent for me, you wouldnt have died!


    Carey was silent for a time. It istrue. If you hadnt let Eldin take me, then I probably would be alive. I dont know if what you did was for the greater good or not, but your actions did cause my death.


    Merzhin whimpered. Whatwhat can I do?


    Do you want me to answer honestly?


    Yes! the Saint cried. What can I do to make amends?


    I will not ask you to renounce Uldar, as I did. But I want you to look at him and everything hes done through your own two eyes. Not through the eyes of The Saint of Uldar but through the eyes of Merzhin. Judge what he has done properly and determine whether or not he is worthy of your servicebut no matter what you decide, I want you to focus on ending the cycles. Destroy the Ravener once and for all. Do not let my death be in vain.


    After a moment of silence, Merzhin nodded weakly. II will try. With all my power, I will try.


    Good. Thank you, my friend.


    The spirit of Carey London began to glow brighter even as her form grew more indistinct. She floated higher into the air, rising toward the ceiling of Uldars throne room. Dont weep for me, my friends; I wished to give everything to Thamnd, and that is what I did. When my family asks after me, tell them that I gave everything for our home, and it was my choice. I would do it again.


    Radiance fanned outward as her form grew hazier. Please tell Professor Jules and Baelin not to be too harsh on themselves. I came to Generasi to learn to be a wizard, so that I could free Thamnd from the Ravenver. I knew wizardry was dangerous, and I burnt out my life trying to achieve my dream. Again, it was my choice: do not let them despair or fight among themselves. There is too much to do for that.


    Wait! Merzhin cried. Will I see you in the after-world?


    By now, Careys form was an outline of light in the young womans shape.


    But, her smile was still dazzling. Sooner than that, I think.


    What? Alex asked. What do you mean?


    I feel the Travellers will, Careys voice echoed through the throne room. And I feel her power. She has a n for me and shes channelling her strength into me to aplish it. I feel myselfchangingeven now. Transforming.


    Into what? Merzhin asked.


    Into something wonderful, I do think. Her light was dimming. Her voice, fading. Carey London, the mortal is dead. Nothing can change that. But something will be born in her ce. And I will help you all, again.


    Her voice was a whisper.


    Bewell


    Her light vanished.


    Thest echoes of her voice faded to nothingness.


    And, atst, she was gone.


    Never again, would Carey London, child of Uldar and Thamnd walk the world.


    Alex wiped his eyes. Come on, then, he said, his voice shaking. She told us to look through Uldars things and find out what he was up to. Lets get started. Well stay here and do what we can until morning. After that


    He sighed. ...well have to go back to Greymoor. Professor Jules needs to know.


    Aye, Cedric said, shaking his head. An we gots tbury our dead.


    I wish we had something of Carey<strong></strong>to bury, Merzhin murmured.


    We all do, Hart rumbled. But, cmon, wed better get going. Weve got final wishes to honour.


    He went to Tyris and ced his hand on the battlemages shoulder. She looked up at the giant of a man,ying her cheek on his hand as he gently caressed her face and nodded. Together, they began leading the way to the side doors of Uldars throne room to explore his sanctum.


    One by one, in pairs and threes, what remained of the strike force followed the Champion and battlemage. Merzhin shuffled after them like a man still in anguish, his eyes moving between Uldars corpse, and the spot where Carey hadst been.


    As the others followed, Alex took a deep breath, swallowing the lump in his throat.


    Carey was gone, and her death was likely the biggest reason they were still alive.


    <em>Ievolvedthanks to Carey</em> ygon rumbled. <em>I didntknow what to say to herwhen she was still hereIll letwhat I dospeak for me.</em>


    His metallic footsteps followed theirpanions.


    Alex was left alone in the throne room with Vesuvius, who was too big to fit through the side doorway. Theyde back for him.


    The young, Thameish wizard sighed, looking at Uldar.


    Well fix this, Carey. Well fix it.


    Silently, he pulled out the Travellers artefact, flipping through its captured images until he reached the one he was looking for: the image of a group of smiling people with the sea behind them as their backdrop.


    It was taken at a celebratory dinner, right after the Games of Roal had ended.


    Alex smiled bitterly; that dinner party was just a short while agoalthough it felt like hed aged a lifetime since then.


    And theres Carey, he thought, this is thest image of


    He paused squinting at it.


    What was it?


    Something about the image looked strange.


    Alex squinted, zooming in on her.


    Something was different. What was


    then it came to him.


    When Carey was with them, as they all clustered together, her neck had been bare.


    But, now?


    Carey Londonsmiling radiantlywas now wearing a delicate silver chain around her neck: the symbol of the Traveller hung from it.


    Alex took a deep breath to steady himself, looking up at the corpse of Uldar. Well end this, Carey. I promise you, well end it.

 Chapter 637: The Waiting Meal

    Chapter 637: The Waiting Meal


    Footsteps echoed through ominously quiet corridors of white stone.


    Within the sanctum, the group moved cautiously, searching Uldars hallways, eyes constantly scanning for traps or guardians.


    Though they had been<strong></strong>assured that the ce was secure<strong></strong>by the spirit of their fallen friend, they took no chances; these were the halls of a dead god, his home, after all, and they were trespassers in them.


    ygons head swivelled in all directions as his great, iron bulk moved along the hallways. His war-spear was held low and at the ready. Brutussheathed in bone armoursniffed the air, three pairs of eyes watching.


    Theresa and Grimloch listened for the softest sound, their hands hovering near their weapons.


    Their other friends and allies were tense, expecting an attack from any side.


    But nothing came.


    They were expecting engeli or other celestial servants to emerge from the shadows, railing against mortal sphemy, but neither divine wards, nor divine guardians appeared to strike them with holy lightning. No ghost of Uldar suddenly sprang from the walls, smiting them or turning them to dust in his towering wrath.


    No threats came.


    No divine spirits cried out in grief.


    Not a single soul was watching them in silence.


    This feels less like a sanctuary and more like a tomb, Svenia grunted, her grip tightening on her halberd.


    Yeah, Hogarth muttered. The tomb of a godif anyone ever told me when I was ad that Id be somewhere like this one day, tracking muddy boot prints across white stone floors, Id have called them His words stopped as he nced behind them. Huh? Uh, Lady von Anmut?


    What is it, Hogarth? Isolde looked at him.


    Its our tracks, theyre uh, disappearing.


    As one, everyone turned.


    To their rear, boot and foot printscaked with muck from the rain soaked ground outsidemarked their trail along the hall for a good twenty pacesthen beyond that, the floor was clean.


    Alex looked at ygon as mud gradually melted away from the golems colossal iron feet like ice on a warm spring day, and within seconds, his feet werepletely clean, muddy footprints wiped from the floor. Everyones tracks were vanishing in much the same way, soon the floors would be as clean as before they stampeded inside through the portal.


    Alex frowned, looking around. You know, now that I think of ittheres no dust in here. Not a speck of dirt, not even a stray hair. Nothing. This ce is immacte.


    Watcher Hill nodded. It seems theres still power at y here. We should be especially careful.


    And how exactly are we gonna be especially careful if the phantom of a pissed off, dead godes out of a wall? Thundar asked.


    Carey said its safe, Merzhin said quietly. And I believe her. Andeven if we were to be He paused, before uttering the next word. ...<em>blessed</em> by the presence of Uldars holy spirit, I am with you as are the rest of his Heroes. He would not harmus


    The Saintsst words were spoken with such uncertainty, that it seemed even <em>he</em> didnt quite believe them.


    Either way, Watcher Hill said. We wanted to explore this ce, so let''s get on with it. This hall has to end at <em>some</em>point.


    As it turned out, they were only a few dozen paces from the end of the hallway, which was around a corner just ahead of them. Short steps down another corridor, they came to a doorway framed on each side by statues of two tall barbarian women d in animal furs and bearing a basket of grain in one hand, and a spear, with its tip pointing toward the ceiling, in the other.


    Beyond the barbarian statues, the space opened to arge hall, furnished with long tables of white stone.


    It was reminiscent of an old Thameish mead hall, straight from earlier times, though formed of white stone rather than dark earth, timber and thatch, like mead halls of old once were. In the centre of the chamber stood a towering fountain shaped in Uldars formrising twice ygons heightholding a cornucopia above his head.


    A stream of gold coloured liquid flowed from the cornucopia, and even from their distance near the doorway, the scent of sweet wine reached their nostrils. It cascaded downward, running into a basin at the foot of the statue that was deep enough to wade indespite being constantly fed by the statueit wasnt overflowing.


    Golden goblets wereid out around the rim of the fountain, while carved stone benches ringed its perimeter. Alex could easily imagine folkhosted by Uldarseated on those benches, casually chatting while dipping golden goblets into the fountain whenever thirst struck them.


    Incredible, Khalik murmured, slowly making his way to the statue. He looked up at the cornucopia. I have heard of decanters of infinite water, but never a fountain of endless wine. He leaned toward the basin, using his hand to waft some of the vintages scent toward him. Hm. What an aroma. It smells absolutelywell, divine, I suppose.


    Divinehow appropriate, considering where we are. Isolde stepped up beside Khalik, wafting the scent to her nostrils. And you are right, it smells quite lovely.


    Tastes pretty good, too, another voice rumbled.


    Yes, that is right, Grimloch. Though we will need to be careful, in case it is poisoned She paused, slowly looking at the sharkman.


    The others followed her gaze.


    Grimloch was holding a goblet between two fingers, pouring its contents down his throat. Yeah, thats the best Ive ever had. I could drink this stuff all damn day, and I dont even like wine.


    Cedric burst outughing. Well, don let no one use yof bein a coward, Grimloch.


    Id eat em if they did.


    AyeI don doubt ywould too. Still, aint this a surprise. Looks like ol Uldar was ready tentertain folksan a lot of em. The Chosen took in the hall, pointing to the long, white tables dotting the space. Looks like theres room enough tseat an feed a hundred or two, by my reckonin. An that fountain''d keep em in wine fever.


    Merzhin sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging. To think that at one time, we could havee here and supped with Uldar. If only I was born earlier. Now, that opportunity is lost forever.


    Theresa scoffed. At this point, I wouldnt eat with him if I was starving and he was thest being that had any food in the world.


    Merzhin shot her a heated look, ring at the huntress.


    He opened his mouth, as though to say something, but seemed to think better of it and stayed quiet.


    An awkward moment of silence followed, suddenly broken by Brutus barking.


    The cerberus padded deeper into the hall, his noses pointing toward a table at the back of the room.


    Huh, Alex murmured, noticing what had gotten Brutus so excited.


    At the end of the farthest tablea spread of food wasid out. The meal was one that hunters in Thamnds earlier days would have eaten: tters of roasted venison and wild boar, tes of steamed mushrooms, sweetpeas and beans, burdock, onions, leeks and heaps of wild garlic.


    Huuuuuh. Alex murmured again as the group approached the food. Those vegetables look like they were just picked and cooked.


    And all that foods still steaming hot. Grimloch licked his lips.


    Ayeit looks like it came outta the kitchen jusa wee bit afore we walked in here. Cedric lifted his morphic weapon, it snapped into the shape of a spear. The Chosen looked around like he expected something to spring from under the tables. The colour drained from his face. Oi, ifn that foods still hotanyone thinkin maybe Uldar <em>just</em> died? Maybe hes been dead fonly a few <em>minutes.</em> His voice had dropped to a whisper.


    Silence gripped the room as Merzhin quickly shook his head.


    The foods hot, but that doesnt mean anything. The Saint pointed to the fountain. That fountain spouts wine by Uldars divine will and holy decree: I can feel the divinity from it. He could have easily had the food remain hot and fresh with his divine power; the meal could have been set out <em>centuries</em> ago.


    But wait, hes dead. Shouldnt everything be cold, rotten and mummified if its so old? Grimloch asked.


    That doesn''t matter, Merzhin said without borating.


    Alex frowned, wondering exactly what he meant.


    The Saint nodded to the food. We arent focusing on what <em>really</em> matters. Look, there are <em>two</em> ces set. Two goblets, two tes, though only a single fork, one knife and one spoon. Uldar expected to dine <em>with</em> someone else. But who?


    Maybe some divine servant o his? Cedric proposed.


    Thats weird. Alex scratched his head. Im no expert on gods, but everything Ive read says they usually either have <em>no</em> divine servants, or a <em>lot</em> of divine servants. Having only one seems a bitodd.


    How so? Hart asked.


    Some deities enlist a number of divine servants. They can be heralds, bodyguards, generals, champions, or attendants. Watcher Hill joined in. Or even sycophants. Oreca kept dozens of powerful water elementals and high priests around to back him in battle, though he didnt <em>truly</em> need them, even as a demigod; for most threats in the world, his power was enough. Any threat that would have been a challenge to his power would be far stronger than his servants could handle. They would have been torn apart like wet parchment.


    So he kept them around to stroke his own ego? Theresa guessed.


    Exactly, and to send a message, Watcher Hill said. Oreca wanted to put an image out to the world that he not only <em>was</em> power, but he was also <em>surrounded</em> by power that bowed to him. Many deities are like that, keeping servants for egotistical reasons: a full-on deity who has ascended from the material ne <em>usually</em> has to expend a lot of energy to return to it, even temporarily. Divine servants can act as their hands in their absence.


    And many hands make for light work: a deity who has lots of divine servants can have them represent his or her interests across the material ne at once, Khalik added. But, some deities do not bother with servants. They simply have so much confidence in their own power that they act on their own. After all The prince gestured around the hall. Uldar would have needed no servants to keep this ce clean, or itsrder stocked. His divinity could manage such mundane things with ease. And he had the church to take care of his interests on the material ne. Soto have one single servant here with him would not make much sense. Young deities and demigods who are ascending might have just a single divine servant or two, butif they wanted to cultivate a household of attendantsone or two would be just a start. As they grew older and more powerful, they would gather and create their fullplement of vassals. And since Uldar was already millennia old


    Hed probably have a <em>bunch</em> of servants whod be trying to beat the shit out of us for trespassing, Hart said. Or hed have none. Am I getting that right?


    Yes, Merzhin said. Which is why a feast for <em>two</em> seems strange.


    <em>WasUldarmarried?</em> ygon asked. <em>Did hehave alover?</em>


    The Saint shook his head. Nothing in the holy scriptures indicates that Uldar ever had a wife or divine family.


    Aye, but them holy scriptures seem like they left a lotothings out, now dont they? Cedric pointed out. Didnt say a damned thing about him bein dead, for one.


    Still. Merzhin gestured in the direction of the throne room. Weve seen a great deal of statues since entering his sanctum: all are either of Uldar, engeli, or ancient Heroes. Weve seen no carvings of a wife or children.


    <em>Maybe</em> ygon rumbled. <em>He wasexpecting a guest? Maybeanotheranother god or goddess? Maybe someone else?</em>


    Hm, that seems pretty likely, actually, Alex mused. Deities dont <em>need</em> to eat, so maybe he was putting out this food because he was going to be entertaining someone.


    Perhaps this guest was the one responsible for our gods death, the Saint said with a note of flint in his voice.


    Its too early to know for sure. Alex shrugged.


    Then we should move on. Watcher Hill nodded to the other side of the hall. There are two more doors that lead out of here. Lets see whats behind them.

 Special Announcement: New Book on Royal Road (No, this will not slow down Fool lol)

    Special Announcement: New Book on Royal Road (No, this will not slow down Fool lol)


    <strong>NEW STORY, SUMMED UP BY MEME AND EXPANDED ON AFTER MEME</strong>


    Hey everybody!


    I just wanted to tell you that I am releasing a new project on royal road that was co-written by me and my good friend <strong>CJ Thompson.</strong> It''s not rted to Fool, it''s new and it''s something we really enjoyed working on.


    We will be releasing it onto amazon, but I figured I would serialise it on RR for anyone that wants to read! It will be updating<strong></strong><strong>Sunday-Friday.</strong>


    It''s a litRPG progression fantasy. As for what it''s about, well, I''ll let the cover and blurb do my talking for me <strong>(seriously the cover is sick, even if you ain''t interested in reading it, check out the cover).</strong>


    Now, don''t feel obligated to read this but if you''re naturally interested? I think you''ll like it. :) Here is the link below! /fiction/73095/rune-seeker-a-progression-fantasy-litrpg


    <strong>P.S. This will not interfere with Fool''s scheduled updates at all. Fool will still continue to update Tues-Sat as usual. :)</strong>

 Chapter 638: Windows into a Lower World

    Chapter 638: Windows into a Lower World


    Two closed doors.


    Two closed doors led from Uldars mead hall; their surfaces werepletely smooth andcked keyholes. The first door frameon the leftwas carved with painstaking detail, recreating a gand of delicate branches heavy with leaves and ripened fruit, trailing toward the floor.


    The second door frame was also sculpted, but this image was of waves that ran together, each so highly detailed, it seemed they could flow from the doorway and ssh across the floor.


    So Thundar said. Which door first?


    Ive got a suggestion, Alexs voice was t. How about we do literally <em>anything</em> but split up?


    There was swift and unanimous agreement.


    Emphatically, unanimous agreement.


    Meh, lets start with the left, Hart suggested.


    Drestra looked at him sharply. Why left?


    He shrugged. Im standing closer to it.


    She gave him a withering look. Really, thats your logic?


    Hart simply shrugged.


    <em>Left isokay with me</em> ygon said, his iron feet thundering across the stone. Alex wondered how much he weighed now. <em>I will open the dooreveryone be readyin casesomething bad is waitinginside.</em>


    Watchers, form up behind the golem, Watcher Hillmanded, her voice curt. The warriors formed a column behind ygon, staves levelled at the door.


    The others gathered behind them, ready to defend with spell, arrow, weapon, fangs, fists and miracles.


    <em>Ready?</em> ygon<strong></strong>said. <em>Im goingto open itstay out hereuntil I say its okay</em>


    He flung the door wide.


    A deafening bang came like an explosion as it struck a stone wall; ygon strode in, war-spear held high. Alex looked past him, spotting clusters of lightin various colours and shadesglowing throughout the chamber.


    He swallowed; noting how much they reminded him of the Travellers sanctum.


    Was this Uldars teleportation chamber?


    He felt no such magic, but his question would be answered soon enough.


    <em>Everyone</em> ygon said slowly, his voice filled with surprise and awe. <em>Come insideyou must see this</em>


    Exchanging nervous nces, the group of interlopers slowly filed through the door, their eyes widening with each step.


    Some gasped.


    Others swore.


    Holy hells Alex muttered.


    The chamber was vast, farrger than Uldars mead hall. The walls, floor and ceiling were crafted from hundreds of broad windows, each fitted together like bricks on a building, though there was no mortar between them.


    And through each window?


    A scene in Thamnd.


    Vast tracts of the realm.


    Through every pane of ss, a different part of the realm was revealed. Some windows showed peaceful meadows at nightime, tall grass swaying in the moonlight. In others; rain fell from dark clouds, while in others, the moon shone in a clear sky. A small herd of deer slept peacefully in a meadow, as glowing faeries danced beneath the moonlight in another.


    Other windows captured babbling brooks, flowing streams,zy rivers and roaring waterfalls. Some were of country roads at nightfall, most free of travellers, while lonely wanderers moved stealthily along others in the dark. There were sleeping towns and viges. There were empty fields.


    There were even cities.


    Oi! Cedric pointed at a particrly dreary looking scene.


    Through a pane of ss, the scene of a city was disyed from above; buildings of stone and wood, a few towers and massive structures rose above rooftops. Some structures had been patched, though still partly ckenedfrom fire, magic or bothvery few were untouched. The streets were empty with the exception of a few guards marching along dirty cobblestones.


    A cathedral rose high in the distance.


    Thats Ussex, aint it? Cedric said. Looks jus like when we went there to get trained by them priests!


    By the spiritswould you look at that! Drestra cried, pointing to the familiar scene of a marsh in the summertime. In the distance, sat a magical looking vige in the shade of a long dead aeld tree. Thats my home! Thats the Crymlyn! What is this?


    Here. Merzhin looked down at a window beneath his feet. This is Uldars Riseand its exactly as we just left it. The Saint looked up, gazing at the windows with wonder. These windows must show Thamnd as it is now. And look there.


    He pointed to the centre of the room where afortable looking, overstuffed, cowhide chair had been ced. It was the perfect size for Uldar.


    I wonder if this is where Uldar viewed all of Thamnd, Alex said, leaning down to tap a few panes of ss on the floor. They felt as solid as stone. If ygon could walk across them with his massive bulk and great iron feet and not crash through them, then everyone else should be fine. I wonder if he came here often?


    Who knows, Drestra said, eyeing the window showing the Crymlyn swamp. It makes my skin crawl thinking he was watching my home, even though he was probably dead by the time I was born. I wonder if heAlex, do you feel any teleportation magic in here? Im wondering if these windows might be portals.


    The young wizard closed his eyes, feeling out the energies around him. No, I dont feel any.


    I feel no divinity that would allow one to travel across great distances either, Merzhin said. Certain churches have a viewing chamber where one can gaze across parts of thendscape in Thamnd and contemte Uldars majesty. This room reminds me of that: a viewing chamber.


    Or an observatory, Khalik said.


    Yes, I have heard of those. Merzhins shoulders sagged. Butto think Uldar was watching Thamnd as one would a garden through a window, and yet none of our prayers were ever answered for centuries! He could see us, why did he not help us?


    Maybe he was too dead, Grimloch suggested. That kinda gets in the way of the helping bitwell, Carey was pretty helpful


    Grimloch! Theresa chided him.


    What? Well, she was.


    Uh. Drestra cleared her throat. Look at that. Look familiar?


    Cedric and Merzhin followed her gaze.


    Oh shite, the Chosen swore.


    Why is the window looking at <em>that</em>? Merzhin asked.


    Huh, Hart grunted. Well, dont that justplicate things.


    Through the window, a forest abruptly ended, like it was severed with mathematical precision. Well tended flowers of a dozen colours bloomed where the woods ended, stretching out over a field. From that field a mound taller than the rest of thendscape rose, and on it, a small stone cottage that one might find anywhere in the Thameish countryside, sat.


    But, the longer Alex looked at it, the more it seemed anything but ordinary.


    Its thatched roof was woven together with what looked like threads of spun gold. Stained ss windows seemed to shift colour every time he blinked. Smoke puffing from the top of the stone chimney billowed skyward in neat, singr clouds that formed animal shapes, rising and swelling, joining a mass of clouds high above the cottage.


    Where is that ce? Theresa asked.


    And is there something wrong? Isolde was looking at the Heroes. You look as though you just met a devil.


    That. Cedric jabbed his finger toward the window. Is the bloody cottage where we used to meet Aenflynn when we went ta talk to im. The shark-toothed bastardno offence


    You didnt say nothing offensive. You justplimented whoever this Aenflynn is, so, none taken, Grimloch said, looking puzzled.


    but, yeah, the bastard spewed prophecies at us like e was some kinda seer or somethin, Cedric scowled. Im startin twonder if e jus bloody <em>knew</em> Uldar was dead all along.


    How much <em>did</em> he know Merzhin mused. That extra ce set in the mead hallyou dont think


    I think hes been ying us, Drestra growled, orange light blooming behind her veil. We should ask him.


    She cracked her knuckles.


    Yeah, hes someone were going to have to look at more closely, Alex said. But I dont know about confronting him.


    Why not? Drestra frowned.


    Alex called on the Mark, focusing on remembering the prophecy:


    <em>The path you walk now is unlike any other, and it is not one you walk alone. Like any path that departs from the known trail through the woods, you now step into peril. Fell things watch you. Allies quake. Whispers slip through the dark. Your post is abandoned and you are wanting. Every step you walk now will bring forth doom again, and we will meet again when you see the ck ichor on the chair. In your desperate hour. Farewell, Heroes of the Prophet God, walk your path towardpletion. Walk your path toward doom.</em>


    Fell things watch youallies quakewhispers slip through the darkyour post is abandonedand we will meet again, he muttered. I dont like the sound of that. I dont like it one bit.


    Why, what are you thinking? Theresa asked.


    <em>We will meet again,</em> Is what he said. Sounds to me like he <em>wants</em> us to confront him: or at least the Heroes. Look, whether he <em>can</em> see the futuresomehowor if he just <em>knew</em> Uldar was dead, he basically said that you would go back and confront him once you found out. You will meet again. Did you part on good terms?


    Drestra had tricked him, kinda, Hart said. She used her brain and outsmarted a fae lord, which made him kind of pissy.


    Thats the Drestra I know, Thundar said admiringly.


    The Sage looked at the minotaur for a long momentsomething shifting beneath her veilbefore turning back to Alex. You could be righthe could be counting on using back to him when were desperate.


    Exactly. Alex looked at the door. And I dont know about the rest of you, but Im tired of being someones puppet. Lets get out of here and see what thatst door has behind it. We know Uldar was watching Thamnd. Lets see what else we can learn about him.


    He led the group from the viewing chamber, ncing over his shoulder onest time.


    His eyes scanned the windows for a single image.


    That of a ck orb.


    But he saw no sign of the Ravener through any of the ss panes.


    Damn, he swore. If only it was that easy.


    The next doorframed by white stone carved like wavesled to Uldars sleeping chamber. A long white robey on a lounge chair.


    I thought gods didnt need sleep, Thundar said quietly as the group entered the room.


    It seems this one did. Or at least chose to, Khalik nodded to the centre of the room. It seems that a normal bed wasnt to this fallen gods liking.


    The middle of the chamber was dominated by arge stone pool sunken into the floor, roughly the size of an enormous bed that could easily sleep four. Stone columns stood at each corner of the pool, hung with curtains woven of silver thread.


    Through spaces between the fabric panels, water could be seen gently rippling in the pool.


    An odd scent wafted into the air from the ripples, one that made Alexs nose wrinkle.


    The water smells like different medicines, Isolde peered beyond the curtains before looking at the walls. And it seems these are what he chose<strong></strong>to look at when he was in his most private bower.


    Attached to the walls were<strong></strong>several pieces of art. They were of varying styles, shapes and ages, and done in different mediums; some were ancient, etched into stone bs from a dark cave wall with images of spear-wielding hunters challenging gigantic marine animals carved into them.


    Another was a painting done in oil paints on arge canvas, it disyed a bearded man, flexing bulging muscles as he wrestled a leviathan.


    Another showed a smiling young woman wearing ancient clothing: little more than furs and undyed linens hanging loosely on her sturdy frame.


    Others were various images of Thamnd: some showed weddings celebrated in ancient glens, others of fae capering in the woonds. One was of Uldar himselfyoung, but still white beardedhelping a horde of barbaric Thameishbourers raise megalithic stones on a small hill.


    While most of the barbarians used ropes and teams of strainingbourers to raise the rocks, Uldar was pushing one into ce unaided. His muscles bulged from great strain and effort, and his face


    was different.


    Every depiction of Uldar throughout the sanctum had always shown the god in his full glory, paternal and majestic.


    In this painting, his face was red and straining, simr to otherbourers shown. He did not look at all majestic, he simply looked


    mortal


    If it werent for the fact that he stood two heads taller than the nextrgest man in the painting, one might mistake him for a simple human.


    Hey, Tyris said, her eyes drifting from painting to painting. So far, the entire valleys been full of representations of Uldarbut hes hardly in the paintings in this room. Look around, theres portraits of all kinds of people, but none of him.


    And when he <em>is</em> in a painting, he is shown as wed and as human as anyone else, Prince Khalik said quietly. If the rest of the sanctum is a tribute to Uldar the godthen in his bedroom, he chose to see himself as Uldar the <em>man</em>.


    In his most private bower, he looks to forget his divinity? Merzhin went to an easel standing near the wall crafted of white stone. On it was an unfinished canvas, waiting to bepleted.


    In truth, it was less unfinished and more, barely started.


    It was the beginning of a painting of a raven with nothing else on the canvas.


    I wonder why a raven? Merzhin said.


    Ravens mean death in some cultures, Tyris said.


    Hey, over here, Watcher Hill called, having moved to the other side of the sleeping pool. That medicine smell wasnting from the water, it wasing from over here. Look, at this table, its full of empty medicine bottles, and theres also a bunch of white towels on the floorall of them are covered with ck stains like the stuff that leaked out of Uldars side.

 Chapter 639: The Poisonous Ichor

    Chapter 639: The Poisonous Ichor


    The longer Alex and hispanions explored Uldars sanctum, the more he learned about the god of Thamnd.


    First, it was clear that Uldar surrounded himself with reminders of past glories, both his own, and his Heroes in battle. Second, his sanctum was a ce where he spent time entertaining visitors, judging from the vast mead hallid out with tters of steaming food on long white tables. The room also featured a towering fountain where wine flowed without end. Third, hed spent his time watching Thamnd from a room built entirely of windows.


    And fourth, the god had been meticulous, <em>extremely</em> neat and <em>extremely</em> organised. The sanctum was spotlessly clean, a space madepletely of white stone, free of dirt, dust, and divinely empowered so even the slightest scuff or blemish on his floors or white halls was erased. His furnishings were opulent, yet perfectly symmetrical, positioned uniformly.


    The golden goblets that sat on the lip of the fountains basin had been organised at equidistant points, while the spread of food in the mead hall had been neatly arranged on the serving tters.


    There wasnt the slightest bit of disorder or chaos anywhere in the sanctum


    except for here, where they were now standing.


    A white table near the sleeping pool was littered with empty vials and bottles, coloured residue had dried at the bottom of some. Corks were tossed aside haphazardly, liquid had dripped on the tabletop, staining the surface. The mess stood out like a sore thumb, considering the orderliness of the other rooms, though the table wasnt the only spot covered in clutter.


    Dozens of white towels were strewn on the floor, smeared with dried ck ichor. Near the pool, ss buckets sat, filled with the same ck substance; numbers had been etched along the side of each one, recording the volume of the contents.


    Isolde sniffed the air near the bottles. You were right, Watcher Hill, that strong scent of medicine ising from these, not the waterand look at the stains on the table and floor. They appear to be from that foul ichor.


    Thats weird, Alex said. This ce has been cleaning up every bit of dirt we leave behindwhy wouldnt it clean up that stuff? And why wouldnt Uldar clean up those bottles and towels? Everything else in this ce is pretty much bordering on <em>obsessively</em> neat and clean.


    Brutus growled at the towels, taking a step toward them.


    No, Brutus. Theresa grabbed one of his bone spikes, pulling him back. Stay away from there.


    Yeah, good call, Grimloch growled. The stuff in those buckets smellsfamiliar.


    All eyes turned to him.


    Familiar, how? Cedric asked. Whered yever smell somethin like that?


    Couldnt smell it off the dried stuff, but those buckets? They stink kinda like he paused, his ck doll-like eyes fixed on the substance. When my sister and I were really young, we were out ying on the reef. Well, she was ying. I was stuffing my face.


    His voice dropped lower, a deeper growl entering it. Deep in the oceantheres no light; her race and mine can see in the dark, so its fine but he paused again.


    Alex couldnt remember thest time Grimloch had strung so many words together in a row.


    Or any time when his voice had sounded so troubled.


    ...I swam around a corner, chasing a fish; then I saw light. Big glowing light, he growled. Maybe a hundred and fifty feet in front of me and up. Any of you ever heard of a Sea Banshee? Thats what yound folk call them.


    Khalik swore. By the Sapphire Sea!


    Whats that? Hart asked, looking between them.


    Its a kinda jellyfish. Grimloch exined. Theyre huge, enormous, with bodies as big as Vesuvius and tiny tentacles no wider than a thread, but theyre stronger than steel, and nearly a thousand feet long. They carry venom in those tentacles that can kill just about anything that moves. The one we saw that daybefore my sister pulled me awayhad a bunch of mermaids, some tuna and a whale shark in its tentacles. Ill <em>never </em>forget the smell of that venom.


    He nodded to the buckets. And that stuff there? Smells close enough. I bet you a bucket of it could kill everyone in here thats not ygon.


    Silence washed over the group.


    Venom Merzhin muttered. Does that mean somebody poisoned Uldar? Did a disease take his life? What could make a god sick?


    I dunno Thundar grunted, looking around the room. I dont know much of anything right now. I mean, every room we walk into, I just end up with more questions. How did he die? How long did he live? <em>When</em> did he die? Who was he expecting?


    He scratched his head. This feels like one of those whodunnit ys, except theres no butler to me stuff on. Its always the damned butler, in those.


    His guest could have done it, Merzhin suggested. ButUldar was so mighty. How does this even happen?


    I dunno, the minotaur repeated. And I dont think were gonna learn the reason from anything weve seen in this ce so far. He snorted. Did anyone notice any other rooms? Anything we missed?


    They looked at each other.


    No, Watcher Hill said. I saw nothing.


    Murmurs of agreement followed.


    But this doesnt make sense, Tyris frowned. Merzhin, this Uldar was a warrior, wasnt he?


    Yes, he was, Merzhin said. He fought a great many beasts and enemies of Thamnd in his young days. He defeated all of them, as well as the very first incarnation of the Ravener.


    Then where are his weapons? the battlemage wondered.


    What?


    Where are his weapons? Tyris repeated. Listen, my father was a warrior when he was young, and he still keeps his weapons disyed in our house. Hes got a room full of them: polished swords, spears, shields, his kit for his horse, hisnceseverything. Its like a shrine to his younger days.


    The man sounds awesome. I see where you get it from, Hart said.


    Tyris gave him a look. Bigplimenting from someone like you.


    Yeah, well


    Can you not flirt now? Drestra interrupted. Really. Try to hold back a little. I know were all high on having survived the battle, and I bet theres at least eight people here whod like nothing better than to climb each other like trees


    Theresa and Alex, as well as Isolde and Cedric threw each other quick nces that immediately turned to ming red cheeks.


    Thundar burst outughing.


    and that includes <em>me</em> Drestra said.


    Thundar choked on his own spit.


    but nows not the time. Go on, Tyris, go on with what you were saying. I think you had a good point.


    The battlemage didnt look the slightest bit embarrassed. Nor did the Champion.


    Theres a right time for everything, Tyris grinned. But my point is, if Uldar was a warrior, then where did he keep his weapons?


    A god does not need weapons, Merzhin said. ...necessarily. But Lord Uldar did portray himself holding weapons in his paintings.


    Exactly, Tyris continued. So what happened to them? Did he throw them away? He should have a trophy room or an armoury or<em>something!</em>


    And weapons are not the only thing that is missing. Isolde frowned at the medicine bottles. Where is his library and hisboratory?


    What do you mean? Alex said.


    These medicines were crafted through alchemy. Or at least they seem to be, Isolde said. How did he make them if there is nob?


    I follow you, but let me just challenge that for a moment, Alex said. Maybe he just<em>willed</em> the potions into existence? We have no idea what the limits of his powers were.


    True, and that <em>could</em> exin the potions. But what of the glyphs in the throne room? Her blue eyes shed. You said they were very intricately crafted and that delicate alchemy went into them; why bother with that at all if he could just will miracles into existence? It seems to me that Uldar was <em>something</em> of a wizard. He most likely practised alchemy.


    Which means theres got to be an alchemyb somewhere. Alex mmed his fist into his palm. Well, probably. We cant jump to conclusions yet, but I think youre onto something.


    Maybe not. A god would not need something so mundane as an alchemyboratory, Merzhin countered. Even magic items can be created by the gods through their divine powerwithin limits.


    That is true, Isolde said. But again, why bother crafting glyphs? I could see him willing a sword or a piece of armour into existence for battle: those are portable. But this entire sanctum is filled with Uldars divine power, ording to you. Why not make voice recordings that simply activate through his divinity instead of bothering with glyphs?


    Merzhin fell silent, frowning.


    Well, look, were not going to get much more information out of his sleeping chamber. I want to check those murals along the stairwell, Thundar said. They show all the Heroes, maybe well get a clue about whats going on through them. Weve already figured out that there used to be a secret Mark of the General.


    Yes, and I wonder if the Travellers mural would be near the bottom of the stairs, Theresa said. She was looking for Uldar in her time, and judging from his viewing room,<strong></strong>he would probably have known thatthatsif he was alive then.


    Yeah, I was thinking the same thing, Alex said. Lets take a look at what the mural from <em>her</em> cycle looked like.


    Shoulda bloody known itd be somethin like this. Are we even near the bottom o these stairs? Cedric asked.


    Were not even close, Watcher Hill said.


    Well, now I know why it took so long for us to notice these murals in the first ce. Alex rubbed his hand along a nk wall.


    The group had returned to the staircase that led to the sanctum from Uldars Rise. Tyris had reunited with her massive tortoise, and everyone was heading downstairs, examining the murals as they went along until they reached a spot where they abruptly stopped. The rest of the way down, the walls werepletely nk.


    Merzhin swallowed loudly. Anyone think Uldar died before he couldplete more of these murals?


    That <em>is</em> the most likely exnation, Isolde said. And if that is the case, then Uldar has been dead for a long time. A very <em>long</em> time.


    Her words left a chill running down Alexs spine. How long have we been just ying out the same fight against the Ravener over and over again, thinking that Uldar was there watching over us. Helping us. When the only thing watching over us was a damned corpse?


    We could find out by counting the murals above us, Khalik suggested. At least that could provide us with a good estimate.


    Excellent idea, Watcher Hill said. That nk space will throw things off somewhat, but the murals should still give us a reasonable idea as to <em>when</em> he died.


    Slowly, they made their way back up the stairs, counting murals.


    <em>wothreefive</em> ygon counted out loud.


    They kept going.


    <em>Tentwelvefourteen</em> the golem continued.


    They wereing closer to the uppernding.


    <em>Neen</em>


    They reached the nk space on the wall.


    <em>There aresix more cycle muralsafter the nk space</em> ygon said. <em>If the murals stopped when Uldar diedthen he died roughly </em>He paused. <em>How many years between cycles again?</em>


    Merzhin was as pale as a ghost. A hundred years between each cycle. That means, our god died twenty five hundred years into the Ravener cycles.<strong></strong>


    dyou know how many cycles thereve been, Merzhin? Alex asked nervously.


    The Saint took a deep breath. The church does not have <emplete</em> records for each cycle. Some cycles are very bad, but most estimates suggest that thereve been just over sixty cycles in Thamnds history.


    Silence.


    The church school didnt tell us that, Theresa said quietly. They said that its hard to know for sure.


    Yes. Merzhin said. That is true, but estimates indicate that sixty is likely the most urate number.


    Oi, oi, oi, Cedric said. Ymean ttell me thatthis shite has been goin on fsomethin like six <em>thousand</em> years an bloody Uldar might''ve been dead frover half ov em?


    Thirty-five hundred years, Isolde murmured. The same scene has been repeated for thirty five hundred years since he died.


    This is. This Merzhin sat down on the steps, putting his face in his hands. This cannot be. He has been dead for so long? We have been alone for <em>so</em> long?


    Thundar grunted, shaking his head. Damn hard to take. By my ancestors.


    Well, now we have an idea of when he died, Khalik said. But perhaps there is more we can learn. Come now, might there not be a secret doorway hidden in the sanctum? Somewhere we missed? Actuall


    The prince paused.


    I think I know where we should check next.


    Where? Alex asked. Did you think of something?


    Many royal leaders have hidden passages that lead from their castles to safety. Do you know where those passages tend to be?


    Where?


    Khaliks eyes shed, his expression sinister.


    Either beneath, or behind the throne.


    Oh dear, Isolde said.

 Chapter 640: The Dark beneath the Throne

    Chapter 640: The Dark beneath the Throne


    The throne loomed ahead, rising at the other end of the chamber.


    Uldars body slumped to the side just as it had when theyd first found him.


    As it had for thirty-five hundred years.


    He was silent.


    He was still.


    And they were about to desecrate him.


    Some didnt think too highly of the idea.


    We cannot disturb our dead god! Merzhins voice rose. It is vile! You would not dig up the body of a loved one from a graveyard, would you?


    I would in an instant if the fate of a kingdom was on the line, Khalik said, leading the group toward Uldars throne.


    Others hesitated, held back by their own aversion to desecrating the dead, along with long held beliefs<strong></strong>about disrespecting the upant of a throne.


    Only Khalik, ygon, and Grimloch seemed unconcerned.


    The prince moved like someone whose bloodline was used to sitting on a throne;fortable and at ease. Where the others saw the throne as a symbol of authority, Khalik saw it for what it was:


    Arge chair.


    ygon had no context for what disrespecting royalty or divinity meant; the golem understood protecting, and would dly punch deities and monarchs, if it meant safeguarding his father and family.


    As for Grimloch?


    He just didnt care.


    We should not be doing this, Merzhin said, wringing his hands. Oh, Uldar forgive me.


    Several Watchers, as well as Tyris, Theresa, and Thundar shot the Saint annoyed nces; tired of his shaky protests and increasingly losing patience with him.


    Alex looked at him, then focused on the Mark; it showed him images of Carey talking, her words, her rhythm and diction.


    Memories of herst wishes came to him.


    And he used them.


    Merzhin, Alex said gently, speaking before anyone could voice their <em>own</em> objections. The Mark helped him alter his tone and diction, taking a <em>fraction</em> of histe friends way of speaking and infusing it with his own. But, not enough to be obvious.


    Carey wanted us to do what we have to to find out what we can, didnt she? That was herst wish, Alex said quietly. Uldar is gone, his sanctum shows us how much he loved Thamnd and his people. He would want us to help them, dont you think? Both he and Carey would want us to do everything we can to help the people. Lets not disappoint them, alright?


    The Saint of r looked at Alex for a moment, a whirlwind of emotions passing over his face. Resentment. Anger. Shock. Hurt. Sadness. Pain. Fear. Uncertainty.


    And finally, resignation.


    Can all of you help me move Uldar from his throne? He said, his voice sounded pained. His body should be moved respectfully before we examine his things.


    Thats reasonable, Alex said, looking at the corpse of the god. Well take care of him.


    Thank you the Saint said. You and I still have your desertion to discuss, but that can beter. For now, we are brothers.


    Alex simply nodded, not trusting himself to say anything.


    As they reached the throne, the young wizard took a closer look at Uldars body. The god was <em>very</em> tallsurprisingly tall for a human, though his features were humanand at one time, he would have been the perfect image of sculpted physical power.


    In death, his broad shoulders still retained their resemnce to statues of the powerfully built god; but, his trunk had narrowed, and his muscles had wasted away.


    Alex eyed the dried ck ichor.


    He remembered what Grimloch had said.


    I would like our Thameish brothers and sisters to bear his body, the Saint said quietly. Better he be carried by his people rather than strangers from other realms.


    Aye, seems fittin, Cedric said. Well, Alex, Hart, Drestra, Theresa. Its time y the old man down.


    Together, the five Heroes of Thamndand Theresa Luarranged themselves around the throne and raised Uldar up, firmly gripping his robes. His body wasnt rigidas most dead bodies would have beenthough the chill of death was in.


    Alex was struck by how smooth his skin looked, and the peaceful expression on his face as the six pallbearers gently bore the god from his throne, andid him near it. The young wizard watched Merzhin looking upon Uldar, anguish filling his face as he ced Uldars hands on his chest and began chanting funeral rites over his body.


    How many people in the world have ever had this experience? Alex wondered. To carry the body of their own god? You could probably count them on two handsand most of them are right here in this room.


    Careful, Thundar, Isolde said from behind Alex. This throne is likely where faith in Uldar collects. Remember, it is the focus. If his throne is damaged or broken, Cedric and Merzhin would probably lose their divinities.


    Alex turned, realising hispanions werent wasting any time. Theyd already begun going over the now empty throne.


    His cabal was carefully examining it, keeping clear of the stainssearching for panels or hidden catches that could expose a secret passage.


    Behind them, the Watchers were testing the wall behind the throne.


    You all didnt waste any time, did you? Hart said. Thats not a criticism, just acknowledging a fact.


    I tire of the runaround weve been given. Khalik examined the unsoiled hand rest. So far there has been a secret church keeping secrets, Uldar himself keeping secrets, that fae lord you made your deal with has been keeping secrets. All of this secretiveness wears on one. I, for one, am through with secrets. I want answers, lots of them.


    He looked at his cabal mate. Isolde, do you see anything that looks like a switch?


    No. She said, examining the back of the throne. Thundar, do you?


    Hm? The minotaur was looking at the thrones base. No switch or pressure tes down here. Alex, why dont you have a look, youre good at searchi


    Wait, hold on. Theresa squinted at the throne. Uldar wouldnt need a switch to move his throne. She looked at Cedric. Hey, Chosen of Uldar, try praying that the throne moves. Focus your divinity on it.


    The Chosen frowned. Might be thatd work; the divinity in here trickles down to us anyway, an your ideas loads smarter than tryin tsmash the throne or somethin. Alright, everyone stand back, jus in case.


    As the cabal moved away from Uldars throne, Cedric lifted a hand toward it and closed his eyes. <em>Oh holy Uldar, please part the way for us so that we might pass and do your will.</em>


    Silence followed.


    It lingered.


    Cedric shrugged. Well, ya had a good tho


    A deep grinding noise suddenly buried his words.


    Holy Uldar! Cedric shouted.


    The gods throne was sliding aside, revealing a staircase leading down to a passageway. Though the rest of the sanctum was filled with white light, this corridor was shrouded in shadow, turning toplete darkness the deeper it went.


    Everyone peered into the dark.


    Yeah, well, that doesnt look ominous, Thundar said, his tone a pit of sarcasm. Not ominous at all.


    We are about to pry into a dead gods hidden chambers. The prince gave him a look. What did you expect?


    I dont know <em>what</em> I expected, frankly, Thundar grunted.


    Isolde conjured an electric blue forceball. Let us hope that <em>this </em>area has no traps waiting. Come, time to see what Uldar had hidden away from the rest of his sanctum.


    Merzhin finished the final words of his funerary chant, then joined them as they descended into the gloom below Uldars throne. Very quickly, the passageway fell into utter darkness, with their only source of light, the electric blue forceball that hovered just in front of them.


    The young noblewoman let the ball drift back and forth, examining the tunnel for tripwires, pressure tes or other hidden traps. Alexusing the Marksearched the path ahead, looking for hidden seams or switches along the white stone walls.


    They found no traps, but did find two doors at the end of the dim hallway.


    One rose in front of them, surrounded by a in door frame, while the other was on the left, framed with carvings of swords, spears and shields, all intertwined.


    White light poured through the gaps between the doors and their frames.


    I think its a safe bet that ones the armoury. Tyris pointed at the door framed with carved weapons, then took a look at the other one. Im guessing thats hisb.


    <em>Onlyone wayto find out</em> ygon rumbled. <em>Be readyfor anything</em>


    The golem stomped forward and gripped the door handle.


    He nodded, once the others were ready, then slowly pushed the door open.


    Bright, white light flooded out, cutting through the darkness in the hallway, blinding everyone momentarily.


    Alex gasped as his eyes adjusted to the light.


    There it was, just as theyd hoped: a huge, well-equipped alchemyb


    if one was using standards set millenia ago.


    The room was filled with archaic alchemical equipment that hed read about in the early chapters of his first year alchemy textbook.


    In the centre of the space sat an enormous cauldron, covered with glyphs of power. It lookedrge enough for ygon, Grimloch and Brutusin his battle-formto fit inside and still have room to move around. Inside, was a giant tool shaped like a spoon, made of glyph-inscribed aeld wood, from the look of it.


    Multiple ovens yawned open in the walls with mounds of coal inside; chimneys rose above themwhere they vented to.Alex had no idea, which was fine since he had no intentions of firing up Uldars ovens.


    Unsurprisingly, shelves holding ss beakers, sks and bottles ced beside archaic tools, were well organised.


    There was nothing in the room as advanced as even the simplest of mana conductors; which meant that any alchemy that took ce in this chamber would have had more inmon with an ancient witchs ceremony from the old legends, than a modern crafting process that one would find taking ce behind Generasis walls.


    Everything was thoroughly organised.


    Tools were ced in proper rows, arranged for easy ess.


    Ingredients were on another shelf; herbs for medicines, monster parts for experiments and


    Oh holy shit, Alex muttered.


    There was an obsidian chalkboard near the cauldron, and on it, a detailed anatomical diagram was drawn.


    An anatomical diagram of a familiar creature standing on three legs, its many eyes at the end of long stalks.


    Its a bloody petrifier! Alex said.


    Oi, was he studyin petrifiers? Cedric asked. Maybe he was tryin ta figure out how Ravener-spawn worked?


    Maybe Alex said, stepping further into theboratory, taking everything in. What do you think of this ce, Isolde?


    It is obviously archaic, but very well-equipped she said. Some of his tools seem to be ahead of their time. If Uldar died thirty-five hundred years ago, then he must have created some of his own tools that were invented independently muchter. Some of these devicesparticrly the items for golem craftingwere invented well after thirty-five hundred years ago.


    She ran her fingers along a mortar and pestle. They seem well-maintained, though most of the supplies for potion making are not as well sorted as the golem crafting supplies.


    Yeah, Alex said. His golem crafting tools look pristine, like they were especially well taken care of. It seems he focused on golem crafting, but, there arent any golems in his sanctum, so what


    Something struck the young wizard.


    Dungeon cores and golem cores were simr.


    Oh shit.


    What is Isolde started to ask.


    Her words were cut off by Khaliks exmation in Tekish.


    The prince was in front of a desk in a corner of the room, staring at two objects in his hands.


    In his left, he held arge bottle full of roiling chaos essence, kept preserved by glyphs inscribed on the ss.


    In his right handwhich was shakinghe held an open book.


    What do you have there? Drestra asked.


    Its a book of alchemical diagrams Khaliks voice was unsteady. But, by the Sapphire Sea...


    He slowly turned the book toward hispanions.


    Gasps escaped them.


    Filling the page was a detailed diagram, heavy with as many specifications as one would need to craft a typical golem.


    But, there was nothing typical about the design on the page as it wasnt for a typical construct.


    It featured a familiar ck orb.


    A dungeon core. Alex whispered. Theirposition resembles a golems because theyre both constructs


    Alex, this is not a n for a dungeon core, Khalik said grimly. Look closer, the heading says its a diagram for


    He paused.


    ...the Ravener.

 Chapter 641: Are You With Us?

    Chapter 641: Are You With Us?


    After two years of gathering information and knowledge.


    After a year of Ravener-spawn, and dungeon core hunting.


    After months of alchemical examinations of dungeon cores and hunting for hidden churches and truths in Thamnd, theyd discovered what most sane folk would think was the ultimate sphemy.


    It had been UldarThamnds own godwho had created the Ravener.


    That truth red from the pages of the notebook Khalik was holding.


    Alex and those close to him had learned that there could be a connection<strong></strong>between Uldar and the Ravener; something linking the worshippers of the god with the dungeon cores.


    But now, theyd found absolute proof, a revtion that allowed several puzzle pieces to slot into ce in Alexs mind.


    What reason did the Ravener have for attacking Thamnd, and only Thamnd? Because Uldar wanted it to. Why did Uldars Heroes never defeat it permanently? Because Uldar didnt want them to. Why did dungeon cores resemble golems?


    Because they were the constructs of a god.


    Had Thamnds entire struggle beennothing but a lie? A single, neverending show put on by an absentand now deadpuppet master.


    Why?


    Why in the name of all the deities, mortals and worlds in all the universe had he done this? And was that the reason he was killed? Had someone discovered what hed done and killed him?


    But if so, why not expose him, why not tell others what hed done?


    Alexs heart pounded, a chill creeping across his skin.


    Theresa had turned pale, one hand rested on Brutus to steady herself as the cerberus licked her arm in worry.


    Hart was as still and grim as a stone gargoyle.


    Cedric was mumbling a string of curse words peppered with descriptions of what he would like to do to the god if someone else hadnt killed him first. His face was like a thundercloud.


    Drestra leaned against a table. All the fightingall the death and struggle, the sleepless nights, the cold, the hunger, so many deadpanions. And all this time, we were fighting something<em> he </em>made?


    <em>The cycle must continue,</em> Merzhin muttered, his voice as small as a frightened childs. Thats what the first apostle told me: he said the cycle must continue because Uldar said our fate depended on it. Now, we learn that <em>he</em><em>created</em> the Ravener. Did he also craft the cycle? Are we


    The Saint paused.


    Are we He gagged and suddenly pitched over, throwing up on theboratory floor.


    Well, thats that, I guess, Thundar said, his expression dark. Uldar made the Ravener. Hes been behind everything from the beginning.


    It would<em> seem </em>that way. Khalik flipped through the books pages. I recognise <em>some</em> of these alchemical symbols, but many I dont. Come over here, Alex. See what you can make of them.


    Alex shook his mind free of his racing thoughts and took the book from Khalik, slowly flipping pages, eyes scanning hundreds of tiny symbols scrawled across page after page.


    This is crazy he muttered, calling on the Mark of the Fool.


    Instantly, memories of every alchemy course and textbook hed ever spent time on appeared, every moment hed spent working on golems, and every conversation hed had on the subject of golem crafting.


    The Mark condensed all of his experiences for one purpose: understanding the diagrams for the Ravener.


    yet, Alex found he could only understand somemaybe a third at best.


    Its definitely golem work, he muttered. But, I gotta say that in spite of everything hes done, I could never say Uldar wasnt a genius. These alchemical blueprints are more advanced than some Ive seen at Shales. I cant even begin to understand <em>half</em> of what he was doing here, and even less of <em>how</em> he was doing it.


    Alex couldnt hide the awe in his voice, but his admiration was soon reced with<strong></strong>bitterness. Theres one thing Im definitely sure of though: this diagram <em>is</em> the Ravener. Uldar even notes the process it uses to create more dungeon cores out ofmana and something else. I dont understand what these symbols mean. He pointed to the page.


    Why? Khalik frowned, sounding puzzled. Does it say <em>why</em> he created this monster?


    Alex flipped through the book, speed reading and scanning every page, searching for an exnation. He searched for passages that mentioned the constructs purpose, its motivations, or even what <em>Uldars</em> motivations were.


    By the time he reached the end of the book, hed found nothing.


    Biting his lower lip, he turned to Khalik. You find any more notebooks, or anything else?


    I did, actually, Khalik said. The one youre holding has the ck orb on the cover and was on the desk, right beside that bottle of chaos essence, but there were more notebooks in his desk drawers. Come, some of you help us look through them.


    The team went through Uldars notebooks like a pack of hounds at mealtimescouring some twenty booksas quickly as they could. They found forms for potions, but most were medicinal. They ranged frommon antitoxins anyone could buy in anyrge city from a proper alchemist, to rare draughts made with the type of ingredients that were legendary among alchemists.


    But in all of that, they found no clear answers.


    No whats.


    No whens.


    No <em>whys.</em>


    By the time thest Watcher had shaken her head, putting the final notebook on the desk, everyone had descended into deep contemtion.


    So, what do we do now? Tyris finally asked. We have confirmation that Uldar made the Ravener. And we know hes dead. Do we tell anyone? Do we keep it to ourselves?


    This is beyond my pay grade, Watcher Hill admitted. Maybe Gemini wouldNo, not even her. Baelin should know what to do.


    He would most likely tell us to shout that Uldar is dead from every corner of Thamnd. Isolde gave the notebooks a grim look. Her blue eyes were like ice. He has no love for gods, especially ones who make monsters that hunt their own people. Whether the god is living or dead.


    I dont know. I wouldnt be so sure about that, Alex said. Baelin hates the divine, but hes also not impractical. If he thinks that shouting it to the world would make an entire nation fall apart, then I think hed hesitate. Maybe. Im not sure. Im not sure about much right now.


    Well, we do know that Uldars evil, Drestras voice crackled with hatred. He made the thing thats been killing us for thousands of years. And he hid it from us, then let us fight on our own until he finally damn well <em>died</em>. What kind of god does that? Ive fought nicer demons.


    She looked at Merzhin. Even you must be tired of this dead gods legacy. You have to be. Think of all the pain weve been through. All the people weve lost, like Carey. How much better off would Thamnd be if Uldar had never lived?


    Never lived, Merzhin whispered.


    His eyes snapped into focus.


    Drestras own reptilian orbs rolled in her head. Dont start to defend him, Merzhin: he made the Ravener. How <em>can</em> you defend <em>that?</em>


    But there is something about all of this that doesnt make any sense, Drestra, he said. Something doesnt make any sense at all. <em>Why</em> did he make the Ravener?


    Does it matter? Hart asked him.


    Yes! Of course it matters! The Saint cried, looking stricken. Uldar has He paused, cringing. <em>had</em> much exining to do, but to call him fully evil is being too hasty.


    I think its pretty settled, Thundar said.


    Truly? Well, I do not agree, Merzhin continued. Weve learned that he built the Ravener, and we know the Ravener kills Uldars people. That is true. But <em>why?</em> Why was he building it? Why is it killing us? Tell me, wizards of Generasi, can constructs not go rogue and act on their own? Can they not rebel against their masters wishes?


    Alex sucked his teeth. Sometimes that happens. Sometimes they follow an order, but dont quite understand their masters intentions. Thats caused some to go berserk in the past.


    Thats really going to be your excuse for him, Merzhin? Hart sounded annoyed, frowning at the Saint. Youre going to say that Uldar built the Ravener to help us, but some stupid order of his made it kill us for six thousand years? Uldar was alive for a bunch of that time: why didnt he stop it?


    I dont know. And if you say that you could never forgive Uldar for that, then I will understand, Merzhin said. But think about this: Uldar has many murals right here in this sanctum. Ones home is ones most precious ce offort and peace, and what images did he choose to have around him? His own statues, of course, but also his Heroes and him helping the people of Thamnd.


    He pointed at the tunnel from the throne room. In his very sleeping chamber we saw paintings of him aiding the early Thameish people in their daily lives. We have history books that <em>confirm</em> he aided us in his early days. He <em>helped</em> us. He helped pull us out of barbarism, he fought our enemies and turned thend fertile.


    Merzhin threw his hands up. So then<em> why</em> craft a construct to torture us after doing so much good? There is no sense to it! Why would he create a wonderful kingdom for his people, then punish them eternally with a spawning golem that endlessly brings nothing but death!


    In times of fear, people call on, and cling to their faith, right? Theresa pointed out. Maybe he wanted us to be always praying to him.


    Perhaps, but <em>why?</em> Merzhin demanded. He had ascended to full godhood. He had an entire nation that loved him. Why go to all the trouble of building a golem that generates fear instead of continuing to perform miracles to help us? He <em>had</em> our love! He <em>still</em> has it! Why would he need our fear?


    Many gods control their people through fear. Watcher Hill pointed out. Maybe he wanted both.


    Then why not just be a tyrant when he first began shaping our kingdom with his own two hands? Merzhin argued. He could have made himself into a divine warlord! He could have let those who were bloodthirsty love him, and all the rest fear him!


    Maybe he wanted to act the hero, while letting the Ravener y the viin, Khalik suggested.


    Thamnd had enemies that hed defeated before. He was already steeped in divine power; if deities could expand their strength so easily by conjuring their own nemeses to defeat, wouldnt other gods everywhere do that? Wouldnt that be a constant problem in other parts of the world? And besides


    Again, he gestured down the passage. what about those murals? Why focus so much on the Heroes triumphs and his own in <em>helping</em> Thamnd. If the snail-like creature in one of those murals upstairs was the Ravener, then why did it look so different? Its shell looks the way the Ravener does in modern times, but everything else is different. And, then theres this Mark of the General.


    He looked around at everyone. And what about the nk space along the stairs? What about his room: his most private retreat. Think about what he chose to surround himself with? Images of humans. Not just him helping humans, but them helping themselves, and smiling, and partaking in joy. Whats clear to me is that Uldar was kind. His actions to Thamnd were benevolent.


    Merzhin snapped his fingers. So what could change such kindness, such generosity? Why did he change? What led him down such a cruel path? Who was his guest? Why is he dead and just as importantlywhat killed him?


    Silence followed.


    Alex spoke first. Youre right, he said. I dont know if he was fully evilthough his actions seem to bebut I do know that we dont have the full story yet. Theres nothing weve uncovered that really exins <em>anything</em> about his motives. So far, we have part of the story, but were missing key pieces. We need to find out what those are.


    He looked down at the notebook dedicated to creating the Ravener. But, weve already gained something valuable. His finger tapped the cover. These forms are beyond advanced, and its going to take time and a bunch of alchemists for us to get an idea about how they work. Well need Professor Jules and probably the entire alchemy team for that.


    An why dya want tfigure out how they work? Cedric asked.


    Because, in the end, Uldars motives are important. Who he was is important. Thatll help us figure out <em>why</em> this cycle exists. Alex took a deep breath. Well keep looking around and see if we dig out any secrets we might have missed, but Ill tell you something weve already learned: the Ravener regenerates. Every hundred years ites back, yet no one has ever figured out why or how.


    He tapped the book. But if we can understand how it was <em>made,</em> we can understand how it can be <em>unmade</em>.


    His fingers tightened on the books leather spine. If we can understand how it can be unmade, then we can kill it for good this time. No more regeneration. No more cycles. If we do this right, the Raveners gone forever. Now, lets finish exploring theb then take and look at that armoury. Uldar set this thing on us, either on purpose or by ident. The least he can do is provide us with some damn weapons to put it down.

 Chapter 642: The Call of the North

    Chapter 642: The Call of the North


    Damn Uldar to every hell and back! Alex thought.


    Why would he design and make something like the Ravener? Why? The young wizard now had another shocking revtion about the god to consider, another revtion that was as far from good as one could get.<strong></strong>His thoughts were reeling. He knew that even though Uldar was dead, he was still the architect behind Thamnd being destroyed, the reason why people fled their homes, the reason why those who stayed behind to fight were dying. The attacks on his homnd were repeated every hundred years because of Uldars Ravener project, its spawn, and its dungeon cores. Everything was right there in his notebook, in his ownboratory, in his own sanctum. It all seemed so sinister, that Alex felt sick remembering that not so long ago, he used to pray to him.


    Finding the notebook was helpful in a lot of ways, though. Certain things were settled in his mind. He understood why Uldars followers were the only people who could control dungeon cores, why the Ravener only existed in Thamnd, and why it<strong></strong>only attacked his realm.


    He also understood why the god hadnt been seen fighting alongside his people for thousands of years. Him being dead exined that.


    In the end, thoughfor every question the revtion answeredit spawned more.


    Why had Uldar made the Ravener? Had hee to hate his people? Was he trying to keep them terrified? Did he want to strengthen Thameish faith, or shatter it?


    All of those questions swirled in Alexs mind, begging for answers.


    But, it was the answer to just one question that truly mattered: how to destroy his creation.


    And if they could decode the forme Uldar had left behind, <em>it </em>would give them the most important answer of all.


    The Heroes looked at the book with determination burning in their eyes.


    Lets go get us some weapons, Cedric said, cracking his neck.


    The team went forward, heading for the armoury as Isolde moved closer to Alex. I remembered that you said the Travellers device could be used for trantion, she whispered. Could it not trante Uldars notes?


    Unfortunately, not, He shook his head. The problem isnt that his notes are in anothernguage, its that I cant understand some of the forme he used, it seems sometimes he even made up his own terminology.


    Alex turned the book toward her. Look at this: he pretty much discovered a lot of alchemy future generations would go on to discover long after him, which they did. But he came at alchemy from different perspectives and used different terms. Theres sections in here where I <em>think</em> he just used divinity, which makes things even moreplicated than just tranting some alchemy terms.


    I see, Isolde said. What do you think we should do now?


    Im thinking about that, Alex said. Lets talk about ns once we raid his armoury.


    The second door at the end of the hall wasindeedUldars armoury.


    And the god had been well-equipped.


    The room wasnt overlyrge, but it contained weapons and armour that <em>zed</em> with both mana, and divinity. Though the designs were archaicthere was no te armour to be seen anywhere, or even anything as advanced as a crossbowtheir inner magics would have more than made up for it.


    On one wall, a bow carved from the bones of some ancient beast was disyed. Its frame was as thick around as a grown mans forearm, and strung with what looked to be preserved fibres tightly woven together.


    Hart took it downhis eyes alightand tried to draw the string back. It wouldnt budge. He tried again, clenching his teeth and bearing down until the string inched back a little. His arm was shaking from the effort as his face turned red.


    Damn, he exhaled loudly, releasing the string. That bastard was <em>strong.</em> Ill need to build up to this.


    Aye, he was a bigun too. Cedric picked up some chainmail, whichon the Chosenwould have looked more like a mid length dress. But, we can still make som othis work.


    Drestras interest was on a line of heavy daggers disyed in the centre of a wall, each was carved from the tusks of varied beasts. Nearby, axes forged of iron were hanging beside long spears, and rune-inscribed clubs.


    All in all, it wasnt an armoury that was set up to equip an army.


    It was one meant to equip a single god for battle, leaving him with plenty of choice when it came to crushing<strong></strong>his enemies.


    Alex looked around, admiring the weapons, knowing that thanks to Uldar, the Mark would punish him the instant he raised one; he couldnt use them, not yet, at least, which made knowing that the god made the Ravener all the more infuriating.


    He stood among hispanions, watching them catalogue Uldars armoury, his mind returning to: the Mark of the General.


    Nothing theyd found so far exined anything about it.


    What were its powers?


    What were its limits?


    Did it have limits?


    Had Keldae close to finding it again?


    The Fool of Hannahs time had destroyed her soul trying to revert her Mark to its original form; which probably meant, the Mark of the General. The only mark, as far as they could tell, that Uldar had obliterated then reced with another one, one that was altered and weakened in key ways.


    In the two years since hed been marked as the Fool, Alex had managed to find ways around it when he could, hed aplished a lot, but it still limited him.


    He watched Hart lifting an immense swordone evenrger than his own de which was crafted from a Hive queens wdown off the wall. Khalik was testing a short-sword, swinging it through the air, while Isolde examined a wooden staff.


    This staff is infused with some rather deadly battlemagic, she murmured.


    Deadly battlemagic.


    Alex frowned. How much would he be capable of if he could use spells properly, especially spells that could destroy his enemies? He thought back to the battle against the First Apostle and the servants of the secret church.


    His jaw tightened.


    I wasnt useless in that fight, but how much more could I have done if I was able to just fireball those priests formation? He flexed his arms. That Third Apostle wasnt just a deadly mage, he also wielded powerful divinity, but I bet I couldve cracked his skull with one good punch. I built my body up so my strengths far beyond human limitsyet, I cant even use it like I want to. Ive got magic that can help my friends, but Im limited in what I can do with it.


    His fingers squeezed Uldars notebook. The Raveners been esctingtely; sending out monsters no ones ever seen before. Its working with Uldars hidden church, ying a deadlier game, and I cant even y by the same rules.


    He looked at Theresa and Brutus.


    The huntress was examining another chain shirt, testing the strength of its silvered links as they glinted in the white light. Brutus watched her.


    Alex slowly shook his head.


    If that First Apostle had attacked her, could I have stopped him? He tore through my summoned monsters like nothing, and he fought the Heroes to a damn standstill! Can I honestly say I could have stopped him if hed tried to <em>kill</em> Theresa? Fear spread through his chest like water freezing. No. I couldnt. When I tore his arm off, one second Im upright, the next, Im on the ground weeping blood. If it hadnt been for Carey and Hannah, Id be dead. That fight alone shows how much tougher our battles are bing.


    He touched his shoulder, and nodded, knowing what his next move had to be.


    Make ready, people, Watcher Hill said. Pack up. Well make one more sweep of the sanctum before we leave. A squad will stay behind to secure the entrance, and the rest of us will return to the Research Castle. Theres obviously a lot to discuss, a lot to n, and a lot to report.


    Aye, Cedric said. We gots tbe thinkin about what well be needin tdo next. I say we hunt them secretive bastards down. Theyve been hidin away like rats frway too long as it is. I think its time texpose em tthe light. We dont need emin outta the woodwork an surprisint us.


    I agree, Hart said.


    Im not sure if we can hunt them down by ourselves, Drestras voice crackled. The Ravener seems to be getting more aggressive; the four of us should deal with Ravener-spawn while our Generasi friends figure out how to kill Uldars filthy ck orb once and for all.


    Thats true. Hart swung one of Uldars axes through the air. Theres something else our friends from the south need to do too.


    An whats that? Cedric asked.


    <em>Find</em> the Ravener. Harts knuckles cracked. Every cycle ends with the Heroes finding it and destroying it; if were going to break it so badly it neveres back, weve got to find it first.


    True. Drestra hissed. It always appears somewhere different every single cycle: it wont be easy to find.


    We will need all of our resources, Merzhin said, looking at Alex. Which brings us to a point that I think we should deal with now, rather thanter: will you be with us in our quest? Five Heroes will be needed and


    His eyes turned to ygon, the golems war-spear, then Alexs staff.


    ...youve obviously gathered powerful resources, I think you will be an asset at our side.


    I cante with you, Alex said. Not yet.


    Yeah, Alex has sses, yknow, Thundar said, eyeing a heavy shield on Uldars wall.


    sses? You would truly choose <em>school</em> over taking on the great burden thatys upon us? I do not know why you ran from your duties in the beginning, but you dont seem to be the selfish type, Merzhin acknowledged, with no hint of insincerity in his tone.


    sses teach me magic. Magic helps me get stronger. Alexs voice was granite. But its not my sswork that Im thinking about. Theres something else Ive got to do. Something urgent.


    The room grew quiet at his words, his teammates faced him.


    What do you mean? Theresa asked. Do you mean researching Uldars notes?


    That too. Alex lifted the book. But, I think I have a lead on the General. I need to follow it.


    What are you talking about? What do you mean you have a lead on the Mark of the General? Merzhin asked.


    Alex gave him a look that seemed to pierce him to the core. Youre asking me an important question, so before we go any further, I have one for you. Are you with us?


    The Saint frowned. What do you mean?


    I mean just that. Listen, what were about to do? What weve already done? He gestured around the armoury. No ones ever done in the entire history of Thamnd. Were cleaning out Uldars armoury and well be leaving people behind to dig through the rest of the sanctum. Every nook and cranny. Then theres the Ravener: theres a chance that destroying it for all time means going against Uldars wishes.


    Merzhin fell silent, his eyes looking down.


    If were going to do this, Alex said. Any of it, we need to know that youre on our side, fully on our side: which means no joining the First Apostle or


    I would never do that! Merzhin snapped, sounding offended. Not after what that monster has done! He is perverting Uldars will!


    Maybe he is, maybe he isnt, Alex countered. We wont know for sure until we find out <em>why</em> Uldar made the Ravener, <em>if </em>we even can. But its not only him: youll have to keep this information from the rest of the church. Well need to move quickly and decisively, and we dont know <em>who</em> in the church could be working with its secret arm.


    Aye, an we also gots no clue whatll happen if them other priests find out Uldars dead, Cedric said. I cant believe Im the one sayin this, but we gotta hold things tourselves til we figure out what in all hells were gonna do.


    If the church finds out, Alex continued. It could send Thamnd into a civil war before we even get the chance to stop the Ravener. We need to n, and we cant risk those ns leaking to enemies, or possible enemies. So. Are you with usor not?


    Not a sound was heard as everyone watched the Saint of Uldar.


    Looking even smaller as he shifted from one foot to the other, Merzhin nced skyward, muttering beneath his breath in prayer. Atst, he answered. Uldar forgive me, but I am with you. I cant be sure of what Uldar would want. Im not really sure of much anymore. But, one thing I do know for certain is that the Ravener is killing Thameish people. Uldars people. It must be stopped forever, and those who caused Careys death must be brought low. I dont know what we will do with what weve learned here, but, above all else, the Ravener and its cycles must end forever. So in this, I am with you.


    Alex watched Merzhin closely, studying his bodynguage for the slightest whisper of a lie.


    He found none and sighed with relief, nodding to the others.


    Alright, so now thats settled, here''s my n. First, I think whats been said here is true: we need to put our focus on killing the Ravener for good, and we can assume its going to fight back with everything its got. Things have gotten bad, and theyll be worse before the end. Which means, we need a lot of two things: knowledge and power.


    The book creaked in his hand. Professor Jules and I will work on deciphering this book. Hopefully, Baelin will be back to help us. The Heroes will focus on Ravener-spawn, while the Generasians harvest dungeon cores.<strong></strong>Were going to need some really heavy<strong></strong>weapons. Probably more chaos bombs. Anything we can use.


    And what about you? Theresa asked.


    Me? Alex said. Theres that lead I was talking about. Three hundred years ago, one of those wed hunters was spotted in the forests of Kymnd near the border with the most western portions of the Irtyshenan empire. The empire wraps over the top of Kymnd, so they share a border on three sides.


    He pointed to his shoulder. At the same time, Kelda, the Fool of Hannahs cycle, was trying to change her Mark back to what it used to be before Uldar altered it. She didnt know what hed changed it from, but I think its a safe bet it was this Mark of the General. Anyway, Keldas research ended in tragedy, but maybe with ess to Uldars notes, I might get some better insight than what she had about how the Marks were made. If this wed creature from three hundred years ago was on its way to the Irtyshenan Empire searching for her because shed controlled a dungeon corethen in all likelihood, Keldas base is there somewhere. If I can find it, and ess her equipment then change the Mark of the Fool back, then we can face the Ravener with all five <em>proper</em> Heroes. I can support you other Heroes properly. But, to do that? Ill need to really push the teleportation power Hannah granted me. If I can master it, then there wont be anywhere I cant be in the blink of an eye when I need to be.


    He mmed his fist into his palm. And nowhere the First Apostle <em>or</em> the Ravener can run to.

 Chapter 643: The Hero, Gabrian

    Chapter 643: The Hero, Gabrian


    There once was a man named Gabrian.


    Well, more urately, a <em>boy</em> named Gabrian.


    His birth was an ordinary one, urring in early summer as the trees filled with leaves and the flowers bloomed. There were no zing lights in his parents cottage when he came screaming into the world.


    No sts from horns.


    No engeli descending from the heavens to announce his birth.


    But to Gabrians father and mother, he wasas many children are to their parentsspecial. And special was what the childs exhausted mother said when the local priest handed her the squalling baby with a knowing and gentle smile.


    He had heard most mothers call their children special.


    And they were, to those parents.


    Gabrian was a good boy, and he grew up well; obedient, gentle yet determined, if a little shy. He did not make friends easily, though he did have some, but he mostly preferred to help his father in the smithy.


    As the vige cksmiths son, he helped his dear father forge horseshoes, shovels, pots and whatever the vige needed. His body grew strong, his heart calm, and his mind patient thanks to the endless rise and fall of his hammer pounding iron and steel in the smithy.


    He attended the church school as did his peers, but showed no great aptitude for his studies. Far from being dull-witted, though no genius either, he more than made up for<strong></strong>his failings with a good heart, and a deep dedication to Uldar.


    As he grew, so did his poprity.


    His strength saw him excel in every game and sport the vige boys got up to. His athletic body and deep, calm voice caught the eyes and ears of the vige girls. Gabrian epted their attention evenly and humbly, as he floundered through the ups and downs of youth.


    He often found himself in trouble for sneaking away to the woods after dark. When he was very young, it was with his male friends who dared one another to spend the night in the forest. When he got older and his eye wandered to the vige girls, it was forother reasons.


    Sometimes, he would fight with his friends then make up, the fight soon forgotten.


    Sometimes, he would step out with a girl until an argument ended things.


    Sometimes he would be rowdy at festivals.


    Andthrough all of thisworking in the smithy with his father, the church school, and worship every week, were always there.


    All in all, he was no different that most young men growing up in Thamnds countryside, and his father had a fine nid out for the young mans future; they would expand the smithy, and together with Gabrians brothers, the family would continue forging horseshoes, shovels, pots and everything else the vige needed until Uldar was ready to call them home.


    Gabrian was content with this n; hed met a girl who he wanted for his wife, he enjoyed his work at the smithy, and loved life in the vige.


    He was ready to live that lifewalking the path nned for himuntil the natural end of his days.


    But, Uldar had his own ns.


    On his eighteenth birthday, the young man fell to the floor of his bedroomjust as he had risen from bedwith terrible pains throbbing through his skull. Memories and strange feelings took over his being.


    Whenwhat could only be described as some sort of attackpassed, he stumbled from his room; a golden set of scales shining on his forehead.


    Gabrian had be Uldars Chosen, destined to lead the Heroes into battle.


    And lead them he did.


    He left his old life behind, walking the path of war with fourpanions at his side. The Chosen nned to dedicate everything he had to defeating Uldars greatest enemy, destroying every Ravener-spawn in thend.


    Unfortunately, he had been dealt a bad hand by chance.


    In an early, disastrous battle, both the Saint and Fool lost their lives.


    Shortly, the Sage and Champion followed.


    In the space of a year, Gabrian was the only Hero left in Thamnd, and the only one standing between the realm and its destruction by the Ravener.


    He vowed not to let his homnd fall.


    He was a Hero dedicated to Uldar and Thamnd, after all andeven if he had to sacrifice his very lifehe would defeat the Ravener doing so.


    And so he trained.


    To spellcraft, he dedicated countless hours in the armys campsites.


    In divinity, he prayed without fail, consulting with the priests of the realm.


    Inbat, he drilled and trained endlessly, growing both strength and experience.


    Years passed as he fought the Ravener in vain, fighting the endless battle. Then one day, he was blessed with luck and divine providence. He met a mercenary from the continent, one who disyed shocking physical power.


    He was a man who practised an art called life enforcement: a form of divinity that needed no deities and drew power from nature. Impressed with what he saw, Gabrian asked if he would teach him his art andthough it was challenginghe was initiated into the practice.


    His life force transformed.


    His body transformed.


    And he fought the Ravener with new found determination and power.


    With time, he destroyed Uldars enemy, defeating it for a cycle.


    The people celebrated on their safe return to Thamnds shores, and the army lionised him.


    Yetafter five long years of warthe Chosen found himself adrift, a man changed in more ways than one. Remembering his deadpanions haunted his dreams. A noise as innocent as a twig snapping underfoot, stirred images of stalking Ravener-spawn inside of him.


    His past desire to forge horseshoes, shovels, pots or anything else the vige needed, died. He no longer wished to marry his fiancee and father children that his enhanced lifeforce would ensure he would outlive.


    And so, he decided to dedicate his long life to Uldar and to Thamnd, setting out to explore thend from its highest mountaintop, to its deepest pit.


    And it was during these travelsthat by luck and Uldars blessingshe encountered a hidden valley. Through sheer force of will, he overcame the divine enchantment that kept outsiders away, then he made his way to Uldars Rise.


    He found peace there; atst, hed found his ce.


    The hidden priesthood weed him, inviting him to stay if he chose to; they cared for him in those early days. His nightmares grew fewer. His heart was less troubled.


    His mind was calmer.


    Decades passed peacefully after<strong></strong>he joined the priesthood and was initiated into its secrets. He made a home in the escarpment of Uldars Rise. He made a life. With time, his dedication and leadership elevated him to the position of First Apostle.


    And he learned many things in that role.


    He learned how tomunicate with Uldars secret servants.


    He learned how to meditate on the destiny of Thamnd.


    He learned thatfor Thamnds safetyUldar had decreed that the Ravener cycles continue until a certain event came to pass. Gabrian foundfort in this: his friends, rather than having died for nothing, he now concluded that they had died as part of Uldars great n for the realm.


    Embracing thefort of having deep faith, the Chosen of Uldar knew peace.


    And in humility, he had finally proven his mothers words to be true; he <em>was</em> special.


    Among even past First Apostles, he was remarkable. He was the first to ever practise life enforcement. He was the first Hero to serve in the role.


    And


    he was also the first to ever lose Uldars Rise to an enemy.


    And, it was on this failure that Gabrian prayed.


    The First Apostle, Chosen of Uldar, was stripped naked and prostrated within a hidden grotto away from the other disced folk of Uldars Rise. His dark hair was coated with rainwater, his knees and elbows pressed into rough stone.


    The arm severed by the Fool of Thamnd had regrown, but he was not used to his new appendage. It would take time for him to adjust to the new arm, and for Izas to adjust to his as well.


    And these were not the only freshly healed wounds that his people would need time to recover from.


    He had failed them, he could not deny this.


    Their generational home had been taken from them, robbed from them by violent interlopers. Families had been crushed. Children, orphaned. The priesthood, devastated.


    All because he had let a serpent into their home, and hadnt acted until it had bitten everyone.


    Uldar, he prayed. A curse upon the ungrateful child of Thamnd, Carey London. A curse upon her.


    It had not taken him long to put together what had happened.


    Hed had reports of the Generasians explosive experiments, she must have somehow set one off inside Uldars Rise.


    May you catch her soul, the First Apostle prayed. May you punish it forevermore, may you cast it into the lowest pits in all the hells to be fodder for demons. May she scream and weep and regret. regretif only she could feel a fraction of the regret that had rained down upon your chosen people!


    Gabrian shuddered, regret rising in him, making him wish he had simply killed her when hed firstid eyes on her in Uldars Rise. Part of hima wisdom gained from half a millenia of lifetold him that he had been right to keep her alive to gather information.


    Hed been righteous in his desire to bring her back to the fold.


    Hed been wise to keep her alive so the Saint of Uldar would not turn his back on his god.


    The error happened because of her ungratefulness to Uldar, the treacherousness of the Saint and the other Heroes, the filthy foreign invaders and


    the Fool.


    All too often the Fool had caused problems for the other Heroes and Thamnd.


    But Gabrian could recall no cycleeven the Generals Follywhere the Fool had done so much harm. With Uldars Rise damaged and held by foreigners, only the god of Thamnd himself could predict what was going to happen next.


    The invading enemies must be purged if the cycle was to be righted, if it even could be righted.


    And for that?


    The Fool must die.


    He has gathered the favour of the Traveller, and he had a role of leadership in our battle. The Heroes have spent too much time with him, training togetheryes, he is a source of many problems, the First Apostle said. But there are other issues to deal with as well.


    The Generasians must be driven from Thamnds shores.


    Completely.


    He knew he could not aplish this by force.


    Izas had reported that an ancient wizard served as leader of the foreigners: Baelin. Any wizard so old and powerful could not be vanquished through sheer force of arms. Not without an even higher cost to them.


    The situation called for subtle solutions.


    The First Apostle knew that the king had given Generasi permission to buy Greymoor.


    If that permission could be revoked, perhaps because they hadmitted a crime against the throne


    But such an operation would take time to set up.


    The first thing that must be done was raise morale; bringing their enemies to justice would do this.


    Let the Fool die, the First Apostle prayed. Oh holy Uldar, steady my hand and give me the chance to find and destroy your great enemy. Show me the way to bring the Fools life to a quick end.


    Ahhh, mayhaps Uldars searching on your behalf, my young friend, a new voice said in the grotto.


    The First Apostle was on his feet in a blink, whirling and dropping to a fighting stance with no regard for his nakedness.


    A majestic bull moose stood before him, his nostrils puffing, expelling golden steam. Bells tinkled on his branching antlers, and their merry sound mingled with the low chuckle of the creatures rider. The man astride the beasts back had an otherworldly cast to his skin, like frostbite mixed with blueberry stains.


    Mistletoe, blood-red holly, and other Sigmus nts were braided through his snow-white beard and scarlet clothing, a satchelbursting with shining golden scrollshung from his side. No saddle adorned the mooses back.


    A wide grin bloomed across the riders face and his faded grey eyes danced with mirth. Hello Hero and friend! Many fine mornings to you!


    Who are you? Gabrian demanded. How did you get here and what do you want? Speak quickly or I shall strike you down!


    No need for any striking, servant of Uldar. Im here to help. Ive brought food and tents for your people. And Ive also brought an offer for you. As for who I am? Im known by many names throughout many times and in many roles, all of them important! the fae said, puffing out his broad chest. Some, some call me the Guide. As for you? For our purposes, I think the best name for <em>you</em> to call me.


    His smile bloomed with malice.


    Is the Stalker.

 Chapter 644: An Ominous Providence

    Chapter 644: An Ominous Providence


    The Stalker.


    An ominous name for a seemingly innocent fae.


    Or at least, he might have <em>seemed</em> innocent to the untrained eye; to the First Apostles well trained one, he looked anything but.


    To most, the blue-skinned fellow looked quite harmless, even jolly, much like any simple dwarven-like fae with a stark white beard and blue skin. But to Gabrianhis bodynguage told a different story; it bled a primal menace that could make even a predator tremble with terror.


    The faes true nature was carefully masked: hed mastered his bodynguage so well, that his guise of innocence appeared near perfect. Even many of Eldins agents, with their finely trained powers of observation, would have missed the imperfections, by Gabrians reckoning. He caught brief shes of the faes true nature, peeking from the veil he hid behind: the perfect bnce of weight on the balls of his feet, and a chilling gaze boring into the priests eyes.


    With the stillness of an owl regarding a rodent, the Stalker stared down at the First Apostle from the back of his moose. The beast was well-groomed and tended, and there was a quiet intelligence burning in its bestial eyes.


    But the Hero of Uldars heart did not quake.


    His mind did not recoil.


    His body did not flinch.


    He had faced utter annihtion in the face of the Ravener and now, the destruction of his home; it would take more than a suspicious fae to worry him.


    The question was: how did this mysterious faee to be before him in this hidden grotto on a hidden ind.


    And why was he here?


    Good! Good! The stocky fae shook with rollingughter. Youre not frightened of me! Thats good: the ones who dont have much iron in their guts dontst too long on the hunt. At least, not the kind of hunt that <em>I</em> lead.


    You speak in riddles, which is not umon for your kind, Gabrian said quietly. He did not move to attack, but he did hold himself tense and ready to strike; in all likelihood, the fae was here for no good purpose.


    You are the one who guides the Heroes through the fae roads, are you not? the First Apostle asked. I would think that you would be by their side, not mine.


    Aye, Im to guide the Heroes, but youre a Hero yourself! The Stalker once again shook withughter as though hed just pulled a very clever prank. Id be derelict in my duties if I werent guiding you too, wouldnt I?


    While the First Apostles face was a mask of a calm, inwardly he grimaced; the fae were known for twisting words and engaging in strange humours and whimsy. He was not in the mood for such things. Speak inly, Stalker or Guide. As you have no doubt seen, we are in mourning, and here you are bringing shelter and food when we are suffering? I have never known your kind to be so generous.


    Ho ho! Then you know less than I thought you did, my human friend! the Stalker grinned, tapping the side of his mounts neck. With a snort of golden steam, the hulking cervid backed into the wall of the grotto, vanishing through the stone much as Eldin had.


    The First Apostles heart stung; there had been no sign of young Eldin among the survivors. When Gabrian had called down the lightning to rescue his people, the holy leader had not been carried to safety with them.


    No matter where he, Izas and the other priests had searched on the ind, there had been no sign of the man.


    It could only mean that he was dead.


    A terrible pity, that was; he had been one of Uldars greatest agents, as well as a man that Gabrian had personally liked.


    The First Apostle would miss him dearly, and watching this fae disappear into the stone, was a sad reminder of the fallen priest.


    An instant after the antlers had melted away, the First Apostle heard a jollyugh from outside the cavern. Both fae and moose reappeared, standing on the grass outside the grottos mouth as though that is where they had always been.


    Why dont we take this outside? You can see my supplies, and know that I speak in good faith. Come on! I dont have viins waiting outside to set upon you! Dont think of me as somemon bandit, now!


    Gabrian fixed his eyes on the fae, while muttering a prayer to Uldar. His raging divinity glowed through his soul, spreading over thend, searching for foes who were there unseen.


    He found none.


    Cautiously, the First Apostle walked toward the mouth of the grotto, collecting the clothing hed ced on a stone shelf just inside the entrance; they were still rain soaked when he dressed and stepped outside.


    There, neatlyid out on the grass, were folded tents of multicoloured fabric, and chests overflowing with fresh fruit and dried meats. It looked to be quite the feast, enough to make a starving mans belly growl.


    But, the First Apostle simply looked upon the offerings distantly.


    What is your price? his deep voice said.


    Ah, so you know, then. The fae grinned in delight.


    The fae are governed by manyws, including those around reciprocity. Deals are to be honoured and gifts are to be returned, the First Apostle said. Which means these gifts will be expected to be reciprocated. So I ask you: what do you want?


    Well thats the beauty of it, the Stalker said. What I want is what <em>you</em> want. You were muttering about hunting down the man known as Alex Roth, the Fool of Thamnd?


    I was.


    Well, I want to hunt him too. And I want you and your warriors to join with me, as my huntsmen. As my <em>hounds.</em>


    What? Garbian looked at him sharply. What quarrel do you have with the Fool of Thamnd?


    Now the Stalker let out an explosiveugh that echoed over the hills. Maybe youre more naive than I thought. How adorable you humans are, no matter how old you get! Ill answer you with some questions. Does the wolf have a quarrel with the sheep? Does the snake have a quarrel with the mouse? Does a human hunter have a quarrel with the fine buck he wants to bring home for his supper, and his trophy? There is no quarrel here.


    You seek to hunt him for sport? the First Apostle asked.


    Exactly! the Stalker snapped his fingers. I knew you were a clever one! A lot more clever than the Heroes of today, I have to say!


    Why him? Gabrian raised an eyebrow.


    Because the perfect quarry is so rare! The Stalkers eyes gleamed with greed. Listen here, boyo, because Ill make my story quick and easy for you: Ive been many things. For every name I havewhich I collect in the same way you folk collect coinsI have been something different. Ive been a Soldier, a Guide, a Crafter, a Dealmaker, a Witch, a Jolly Old Elf, a Giver, a Taker, a Maker, and a Destroyer. The name changed each time I took on something new that struck my fancy! But, listen here, the thing Ive been the longest? Is a hunter!


    He licked his lips. And, oh my, if you could only see the hunts Ive led! Ive hunted mortals, beasts, monsters, fae, spirits, demons: if it has a name, Ive hunted something like it! I was never very picky when I was a youngn, like youbut, bah! Time makes fools of us all, doesnt it! After a time, bucks, does, children, warriors, beasts, dragonsnone of them were satisfying anymore! And you cant have a good hunt without good quarry <em>to </em>hunt, friend, trust me. It just doesnt work. You can have everything else lined up perfectly, be it weapons, a hunting party, good terrain


    The fae sighed wistfully, then his gaze turned bitter. He spat on the ground. But, Ill tell you this, none of that piles up to a hill of toadstools if the quarrys no good!


    And what makes for good quarry? the First Apostle asked, watching the old faes bodynguage, searching for any guarded secrets that the Stalkers movements might betray.


    Oh, a lot of things! It actually gets soplicated that I could be here lecturing you all day on what makes for good quarry. He rubbed his hands together. But the basics of it? <em>Challenge.</em> And Im not one of those suicidal hunters wholl pick a fight with the biggest, baddest beastie out there. No, no thats what I call stupid! Why would a fox go trying to hunt a leviathan, thats silly!


    He winked. And thats why I never hunted your god when he walked the world, Im not hunting any of the fae lords, and I am <em>not</em> hunting that old, goat-monster that those wizards from the south brought with them. Thatd be a great way to get killed, and Im not interested in that. But at the same time, I dont want to be hunting squirrels and chipmunks! Quarry needs to have <em>some</em> kinda way to bite back, or what would be the point? If theres no danger theres no thrill, and if theres no thrill, theres no fun. So, theyve got to have enough power to hurt or kill you, but not enough to do it as simply as breathing.


    The fae tapped the side of his skull. And the quarrys got to be smart. Theyve got to be able to run and squirm out of traps! Theyve got to be able to build traps of their own, and trick you if youre being dull orzy. Theyve got to keep you sharp! Now, all of thats a bit of a tall order when youre as old and jaded as I am, but this Fool of Thamnd of yours? Hes <em>perfect</em>. Hard-willed. Clever. He can teleport around to get away, which is always interesting in quarry. Its all grand! Hes perfect, and I want to hunt him, but for that, I need hounds!


    Gabrian frowned deeply. By hounds I take it you mean hunting partners to flush out your quarry? Butsince you are faeyou use derogatory terms because your hunting hounds are, most likely, sapient mortals.


    Aye! Aye! the Stalker cried. And now you might be wondering why I am telling you


    You are telling me this because you want to be open, which will increase the chances of me trusting you. You are handing us these gifts so that I am obligated to aid you in hunting the Fool. You are hunting the Fool for your own amusement, and you need others to join you because only a fool hunts dangerous prey alone. Butsince you wish for this to be your own gloryyou want hounds, not hunting partners. Am I correct? Gabrian folded his hands behind his back.


    Iyoure a sharp one. The Stalkers cheer faded. He regarded the First Apostle with rising caution. Then, if you know all that, are you gonna help me?


    No, we shall help each other, Gabrian said simply.


    You trust me? the Stalker asked.


    No, but I trust Uldar. It is no ident thatin our time of needone who has the same desires as we does bearing gifts and wishes for help in doing something we already wish to aplish. The First Apostle looked at the fae evenly. I cannot help but see divine providence in this chance: you can move through the fae roads, letting us hunt our quarry even if he teleports away from us. We would hunt him by choice, which you also desire; our service would be returned for a gift, leaving us even. There are few reasons to refuse this.


    Ah, I see theres sense in you! the Stalkerughed. Youll make a fine hound for the hunt!


    Call me whatever you wish: I am Uldars servant, and that will not change, no matter what word you use for me. What matters is the task. I will not bother threatening you: you seem well-informed enough to know my actions if you betray my people. Gabrian gestured to the supplies. We will talk, n and organise together. And then, as you wish, we will hunt.


    Hah! the Stalkerughed. Now, this will be a hunt to remember!

 Chapter 645: The Grieving Guardian

    Chapter 645: The Grieving Guardian


    Alexander Roth had lived a good part of his young life with swords hanging over his head.


    After his parents died, he worked hard in McHarris bakery, saving every coin to help the Lu Family afford his and his sisters keep. Everyday, the man would abuse him, and everyday the spectre of being fired loomed above him like a deadly sword, ready to fall and split his head in two.


    After hed been Marked, a sword still swung above his head, waiting to strike if his secrets came out: if the church or the Thameish authorities learned that he was one of Uldars Heroes, and what hed done with an orb in the Cave of the Traveller. Now,<em> several</em> swords were closer to striking him than ever before.


    And all he could do was try to find ways to get out from underneath them before they started dropping.


    Alex walked along the road in the fae wilds, thinking about everything that had happened and leading the strikeforce away from Uldars Rise. Theyd left a number of Watchers behind whod been charged with keeping the curious andmore importantlyany surviving members of Uldars secret church away from the portal.


    The weary group would be back at the Research Castle soon, then Professor Jules could assign arger contingent to guard Uldars Rise.


    She had a lot to do with some of the swords currently hanging over the Fool of Thamnds head. Soon, shed know everything that had happened since shedst seen them: the battle at UIdars Rise, Careys death, the hidden church, the First Apostle, Merzhins apparent defection from Uldars forces, that Thamnds god was dead and mightve betrayed the realm.


    It was a lot to put on anyone, and for more than one reason, he was worried about her reaction.


    there was also something personal he had to tell her.


    He nced over his shoulder at the mercenaries and Watchers talking to each other as they moved along the fae road.


    His jaw clenched and released.


    Everyone had heard the priests derations, and the song of their holy symbols during the battle: there was no hiding the truth, no hiding the fact that he was the missing Fool of Thamnd. No one had said anything so far; they were all tired and preupied, other revtions fromst night were so stunning, that his Mark wasnt really a big priority. Understandably, finding a god lying dead on his throne, after all, was enough to drive all thoughts from most minds.


    But, Alex knew that at some point, at least <em>some</em> of themwould begin to talk. Then, it was just a matter of time before his secret started spreadingand stopped being a secret. And from there, <em>someone</em> in Thamnd would eventually find out.


    But, even ifsomehownone of the Generasians talked about it with anyone else, he was willing to put a lot of coin on the First Apostle making sure the crown and priesthood knew. Thats definitely what <em>hed</em> do.


    Like it or not, it was only a matter of time before the priests and Thamnd knew who he was. <em>What</em> he was.


    One of the worst parts of this is that I have no idea how much time I have, Alex thought. Information takes time to travelI might have monthsor maybe weeks. Hells, it could even be days. Either way, the grains of sand are running through the hourss. I have to be ready when thest grain falls.


    But, the first thing he had to do before that happened?


    Was tell Professor Jules who he was.


    Things would look a lot worse if she found out from someone else, and guaranteed, she <em>was </em>going to find out. She might be angry, <em>or</em> she might take the news well; either way, she had to hear it from him.


    After that, hed have to take care of his business ns.


    Shale would need more golems, and hed promised Lucia some constructs. He was nning on buying another property and opening another branch of the Roth Family Bakery; business kept growing and Troy was telling him that people who didnt live or work nearby were asking about ns for other locations around the city.


    My names been spreading, but I have to keep it growing before thatst sword falls on me, he thought. I cant rely on Baelin being around to keep the wolves away, so, the best chance I have of keeping myself from being shipped back to Thamnd, is if enough people in the city, government, and school <em>dont want me shipped off.</em> So far, Ive done a pretty good job making sure Im valuable to Generasi, but I need my position to be rock solid. He sighed. But, first things first.


    Alex reached into a pocket of his satchel, taking the far-speaker out. He looked down at the device as his sense of dread grew; once he hit that rune, thered be no going back.


    Are we in range to contact Professor Jules? Watcher Hill asked, noticing him holding the device.


    Alex nodded. I guess wed better let her know were on our way and getcertain permissions.


    He nced at Merzhin, who was walking between Hart and Cedric. The Saint of Uldar looked dejected. Conflicted. Sick. He looked lost,pletely oblivious to the fact that hed soon be in Greymoor, a ce no priest had ever been before. That was, if Professor Jules went against Baelins orders and allowed him to set foot on university property.


    Taking a deep breath, Alex pressed the rune.


    Themunicator buzzed.


    Professor Jules voice crackled from it. Hello? Hello? Mr. Roth, is that you? Are you there? Ive been awake all night! How did the operation go? Is Carey there? Let me speak to her!


    Dead silence.


    Alex swallowed. Uhmprofessor, Im calling to ask you for permission to bring Saint Merzhin to the Research Castle for the debrief.


    Now it was the far-speaker that went silent.


    What? Professor Jules sounded confused. Baelin expressly forbade priests froming here. He wouldnt like it at all. Why would you want to bring a priest here?


    Let me. Watcher Hill reached for the far-speaker, which Alex dly handed to her. Professor Jules, can you hear me?


    Yes, I can, Watcher Hill, the professors voice came across clearly. Whats this about bringing the Saint to the Research Castle? Baelin would never agree to this.


    I understand, but by way of the emergency authority invested in me during this rescue operation, I hereby give special dispensation for the Saint to be allowed into the Research Castle. As the second most senior member of the expedition, you have the authority to co-authorise it. Will you?


    Im not sure Professor Jules said, her voice unsteady.


    Its critical, professor, Watcher Hill said. I wouldnt ask otherwise.


    For a time, silence was the only answer from the far-speaker. And then


    I willow it, but whats happened? Jules voice held a note of foreboding. How did the rescue operation go?


    A lot has happened, professor. A lot, Watcher Hill said. It would be better if we tell you everything in person.


    Alex heard something through the far-speaker.


    A broken intake of breath.


    I understand, Professor Jules voice wavered. In her tone, Alex knew there was a question she was too afraid to ask. I will see you all soon. Come straight to the map room. Ill be waiting


    The far-speaker went dead.


    Watcher Hill and Alex looked at each other.


    They knew that the hard part was just beginning


    ###


    Professor Jules looked like the world had just opened beneath her feet to swallow her whole.


    Her face was pale.


    Dark circles sat beneath eyelids that were puffy and ringed in red, her white hair seemed whiter. The aged alchemist seemed worn out, like shed been carrying the weight of the world on her narrow shoulders.


    She was slumped in a chair, staring at her feet, her shoulders drooped. Her fingers gripped the sides of her head as her slight frame shook.


    Miss London is dead? She whispered again, more a statement than a question, as if acknowledging the news to herself. Watcher Hill, please confirm this.


    The map rooms upantsygon, Theresa, Brutus, Alexs cabal, the Heroes, Grimloch, Tyris and Watcher Hillwere silent.


    Alex spoke first. Carey died protecting us and Thamnd; she His voice broke. ...wanted me to tell you not to be too harsh with yourself and Baelin. She said she came to Generasi to learn to be a wizard so she could free Thamnd from the Ravener. She knew wizardry was dangerous, and she was willing to give everything to achieve that goal. It was her choice, professor, and she didnt want you to despair or for us to fight among ourselves, ming each other. Theres too much to do for that.


    Professor Jules was silent for a long time. This is my fault.


    Professor Alex started.


    No, dont, Mr. Roth. She slowly sat up, tears staining her face. It was my responsibility to keep Miss London safe, as it was Baelins. I told him this could happen. When we discovered what we did about dungeon cores, I warned him this could end badly. I warned him that this could put you and Miss London in danger, not to mention Drestra. And what did I do?


    Her hands gripped the arms of her chair tighter. I let that crazed old monster have his way. I let a man who came from a time of spears and mammothsa time where folk <em>needed</em> to hunt wild beasts to eatdictate what the boundaries of safety should be for all of you. I should have insisted that you were returned to safety, back in Generasi. If I had, thenin all likelihoodCarey would still be alive.


    Professor, if I may Watcher Hill started.


    Jules cut her off.


    Miss Londons family will arrive sometime this week. Ive already had to tell so many families that their loved ones died after the attack on the Research Castle, but this? I <em>knew</em> better. I knew Carey was being targeted and yet I let her walk into the jaws of death. I let the old goat convince me. How do I look into her parents eyes and say that I am sorry their daughter died? How do I tell them we did what we could when I <em>knew</em> there were specific dangers targeting her, and that I let her be exposed to them?


    Erm, Professor Jules, is it? a small voice spoke up.


    The professor looked to where Merzhin was standing. Hed never looked so small as his eyes drifted down to her feet, not meeting her gaze. Most of the fault lies with me. I am the one who could have stopped her from being taken. I am the one who could have saved her. I


    No, Tyris interrupted him, her voice like flint. You dont get to do that. You know whose fault this is? The damn monsters who kidnapped her. And theyre still out there, needing vengeance and justice rained down on their heads. Listen to Careysst words: we can me ourselvester. I know I will. Right now, we have to focus on whates next.


    What do you mean? Professor Jules asked, her voice weak. What else has happene She paused. Hold on now, how <em>did</em> you all know herst words? You said she died before you could reach her.


    Its a long story, Professor, Alex said. Juststrap yourself in. Its going to be a lot.


    And so they told her everything.


    They recounted the battle, and detailed who theyd faced. They told her of Careys sacrifice, as well as her resurrection. They told her of the Travellers increasing divinity. They told her of the First Apostle and how he and the other faithful had escaped. They told her of Uldar, his sanctum, his death and that hed made the Ravener.


    Alex showed her the book the god had recorded his processes in. Were going to need your help figuring this stuff out, as well as Baelins, but we dont know when hesing back.


    Professor Jules stared at Uldars notebook. You mean to tell me you found the god of Thamnds cadaver? Andoh my goodnessI was not prepared for this. You left his sanctum under guard?


    Yes, we did. Watcher Hill said.


    Then, Ill have to send more Watchers to reinforce your guards. And well have to think about how to handle this? Do we tell the king? This could be an international incidentyou know what? Well need time to sleep on this and process all of it. All of you, go get yourselves some rest. I need to think, Professor Jules said.


    Um, before I go, Alex said. I need to talk to you, professor. Alone.

 Chapter 646: The Alchemist and the Fool

    Chapter 646: The Alchemist and the Fool


    Professor Jules looked at Alex like the only thing she wanted more than a strong drink was to simply crawl away.


    I take it this is urgent, Mr. Roth? she said reluctantly.


    A part of the young wizard wanted to scream that it wasnt and scurry away. That part wanted to present her with a long string of excuses and stall the conversation so he could hide for just a bit longer.


    It desperately wanted things to remain the same: for his secret to stay with only his family, his close friends, and Baelin.


    But he knew it was toote for that.


    His secret was out.


    It was time to face it<strong>.</strong>


    Yes, its urgent, Alex said.


    Professor Jules sighed, then nodded to the others. Alright, clear out and get some rest. Mr. Roth and I need to chat.


    Those closest to Alex gave him a long look before saying their goodbyes and moving toward the door, leaving him alone with the professor. Most looked dead on their feet; theyd earned their rest. Theresa reached out, squeezing his hand, and giving him a small smile and a nod of encouragement.


    The smile he returned was weak as she turned to go, shutting the door behind herself and Brutus.


    Professor Jules eyes lingered on the door for a while before looking at Alex, her face barely hiding a frown. Forgive me, Mr. Roth, she said. But I am a little overloaded on bad news. Youll have to excuse me if I seem hesitant. Its been a long few weeks.


    I get it, Alex leaned forward in his chair. His elbows rested on his thighs and he cupped his chin in his hands. Im pretty through with bad news myself. Butthis news iswell, its still badish. Its actually moreplicated than bad, really.


    Oh good. Because <em>more</em><emplicated</em> is exactly what we need, Professor Jules groaned. So what is it? Mr. Roth? What do you have to tell me?


    Alex sighed, slowly ucing his shirt.


    Professor Jules eyes bulged. Mr. Roth, dont tell me you have some terrible injury you hid from the others.


    No, its something else, he admitted, pulling back his shirt, revealing his right shoulder. Listen, just let me show this to you first. Process it. Then Ill answer any questions you have. I think youll probably have a lot.


    Alright, she said, peering at him, her expression a mixture of curiosity, confusion, and dread.


    Inhaling like he was taking hisst breath, Alex dismissed the illusion on his shoulder.


    The golden glow of the Mark of the Fool began to shine; first the jesters floppy hat appeared, then his wide grin, and finally, his pointy chin. In less than a second, the Mark of the Fool was there, grinning in his full glory, revealed to Professor Jules, no longer a secret.


    For a while, she squinted at it with tired eyes. A tattoo? Why on earth


    She trailed off.


    Her eyes narrowed further, then bulged as she gasped: You is that what I think it is?


    Alex slowly nodded. Yes.


    By the gods! she cried, gripping her temples. I swear, life wont be satisfied until I have a stroke today! <em>You</em> are the Fool of Thamnd? The <em>missing</em> Fool of Thamnd?


    Never missing. Alex shook his head. Just hidden.


    And this Mark She frowned, searching her memories. You cannot fight, perform spellcraft or divinity, but it enhances learning in all other fields, if I remember correctly?


    Yes.


    She shook her head. This exins so much. Professor Ram was driving himself to distraction trying to reach you: he thought you were simply unengaged with his subject! Ive had professors who train battle mages wonder why you never took one of their courses, instead, you took <em>Baelins</em> insane curriculum! And your skill in alchemy!


    Professor Jules pped her forehead. Of course! You absorbed knowledge and techniques like you were born to them, but yet you showed deficiencies in your spellcraft! By all the deities in the world! <em>Its so</em><em>obvious!</em>


    Alex winced, praying she wouldnt consider his gifts cheating. Professor


    She held up a hand, stopping his words. No. You said you would let me process, and then I could ask questions. Well, it is time I begin asking questions. I do not want to hear another word from you until you answer them. Is that understood?


    Yes!


    Good!


    Professor Jules stared at him for a long moment before moving on. First, how do you cast spells? Then I want you to tell me who else knows. Then tell me everything about your journey to Generasi. I have the feeling that I am missing some <em>key</em> information in those departments.


    Yes, professor.


    Once again, Alex started talking, telling her everything.


    By now, he could recite his story without thought, detailing his journey to the Rhinean Empire and Generasi, how he coped with the Mark as well as he did, why he chose the courses he had, his love of alchemy, and who else knew.


    As he went on, Professor Jules expression grew darker and darker, like a thundercloud brewing on the horizon.


    And when he finally finished, she looked ready to spring from her chair and strangle someone with her bare hands.


    Alex thought his time hade.


    And that is all of it? she asked.


    Yes, he lied. Hed purposely left out the part where hed used herb equipment behind her back. That was something he never, ever wanted to tell her, possibly even under penalty of death. Thats all of it.


    Professor Jules let out a low growl like a wounded beast. Mr. Roth, I am absolutely livid.


    Professor, Im sorry


    For what?


    Well, because youre angry with me


    No, Im not.


    What?


    I am not angry with <em>you</em>, she insisted. I would be very immature if I were.


    Alexs jaw dropped. I, I dont understand.


    Mr. Roth, look at me. She met his gaze. What is the primary thing that I teach in all of my alchemy courses? The very <em>first</em> thing I teach to any new alchemist?


    Safety? he offered.


    Exactly. Because I do not believe that the barbaric practices of oldwhich have imed countless livesshould be allowed to im any more. I believe in safety standards, Mr. Roth. I believe in peer review. I believe in letting peopleespecially young peopleonly handle dangerous situations when they are equipped with knowledge and gear that will ensure their lives are not needlessly lost to idents and carelessness.


    She looked out the window. Its your church that angers me andto a lesser degreeyour god. Why would either of them think that its a <em>good</em> idea to send unprepared eighteen year olds into battle to face death with an entire kingdoms responsibilities on their shoulders. You are all so young. The lot of you.


    Who? Alex asked.


    You Heroes. It might be easy to forget that Hart is not even twenty yet, but the poor boy lived his childhood on battlefields from what I understand. If that wouldnt age someone beyond their years, I dont know what would. Look at Merzhin: I only met him today, but it <em>hurt</em> to look at him, Mr. Roth.


    Alex winced. Because of his grief? He took Careys death even harder than the rest of us.


    She shook her head. Because he looks even younger than the rest of you, except for his eyes. He has the face of a child, Mr. Roth, but the eyes of a tired, broken old man. Its terrible. And your situation is even worse: the church would have sent you into battle <em>defenceless.</em> Its monstrous! I know my thinking might be considered naive by those who take to war either by choice or need, but I <em>do</em> think we should do better for the next generation. And thats why I me your church even more than your god.


    Again, she growled. Uldar was an ancient being, by all standards. Of course his ways would be barbaric to us. But your church has existed for millenia: theyve had time to learn and be better. Your priests are schrs, and yet they dly send defenceless children to their deaths every hundred years. Its no better than frightened kings sending their second and third progeny to be devoured by dragons. Its a terrible thing to do to children.


    It is, Alex agreed, sighing with relief. Its cold-blooded, thats why I want to see these damn cycles end.


    The professor sat in silence, quietly shaking her head.


    Of course you do, Mr. Roth, but I must say something. I am rather hurt by your secrecy.


    He flinched. Really?


    Disappointed actually: it seems you trusted your cabal and Baelin, yet you thought you couldnt trust me with this? she asked. Am I really so untrustworthy a mentor? perhaps I am.


    Tears welled up in her eyes. What kind of mentor <em>am</em> I? Amir gives aid to a demon-summoning monster. Miss London dies under my care. Then I find you did not trust me with your life-altering secret. Perhaps I need a sabbatical. Or retirement. I seem to be failing my pupils in crucial waystely.


    Listen, please dont think that for a moment, professor, Alex said. Im sorry I didnt tell you, but I just wanted as few people to know as possible. I had no idea when or how my secret might affect my friends and loved ones, so I only told people I had to. Butyou were always watching out for me and I should have let you know. Youve done a lot for me, and I wouldnt be here without you, he said, feeling a stab of guilt. I really just wanted to keep the number of people who knew as small as possible, but you had my life in your hands during the expedition. Youve only helped and tried to keep me safe and I didnt give you all the information you needed. And for that, Im sorry.


    Indeed, she said. And Mr. Roth, answer truthfully: do you believe the attacks on the Research Castle and Miss London had anything to do with your secret?


    No, he said confidently. Controlling dungeon cores seems to be what triggered those attacks against us.


    I see. She nodded. I believe that makes sense since Miss London had no such Mark and was not only attacked, but ultimately kidnapped. But, I will tell you this, Mr. Roth; you should be thanking every deity you pray to that these tragedies didnt stem from you keeping that secret. If they did, we would be having an <em>entirely</em> different conversation. In the endas far as it seemsyour secret hurt no one. And


    The alchemist pointed at his shoulder. telling others about <em>that</em> could have hurt you, your family, and your other loved ones. I dont think you were right to keep it from me, but I can see why you would want to keep such a secret from most.


    Again, Im sorry, professor, Alex said, even as his his mind focused on her words:


    <em>And telling others about that could have hurt you, your family and your other loved ones.</em>


    What exactly would be gained by him confessing that hed used her equipment behind her back. In a way, he might gain a clearer conscience by unburdening himself. He could absolve himself if he told her everything right now.


    But would that help, or hurt.


    it would hurt her and her trust in him, whileplicating things for the expedition. They needed to be a team going forward. He wasnt sure if holding back was the ethical thing to do, but hed have to live with his decision, and once again, he resolved hed be keeping that secret to the grave.


    Now, I suppose you told me this because your secrets been exposed? Professor Jules asked.


    Yes, Alex said. Both the strikeforce and the hidden church know. Its only a matter of time before <em>someone</em> in the church or nobility finds out.


    And Baelins not here. Damn that old goat. Professor Jules muttered. Of course he has to be away at such a crucial time! <em>Of</em><em>course</em> he does! The board has been leading the university, but we need him back. Dead gods and ancient legacies are his strengths, not mine.


    I know, Alex said. I wish he was here too. But, I understand he has to do what he has to do.


    Yes, but he should have left a way for us to contact him! That damned old goat! she cursed Baelin again. Traipsing off to who knows where. Only the stars can reach him now!


    Yeah, I Alex paused, studying Jules carefully.


    <em>Only the stars can reach him now.</em>


    Why those words?


    Why <em>those</em> words?


    Alex decided to take a gamble.


    Yeah, he said. Who knows what world hes on now.


    Of course! she moaned. Whichever world it the professor trailed off, looking shocked. Wait. Mr. Roth, do you mean to tell me that you know


    She was choosing her words carefully.


    He decided to finish her sentence for her. that there are other worlds popted like ours is? Ya, Ive been to a couple. Have you?


    Yes, she admitted. Does Baelin know you know?


    Yesdoes Baelin know <em>you</em> know?


    ...yes, she said slowly.


    So we both knowand Baelin knows we know. But he didnt tell either of us that the other one knows, he reasoned out.


    Jules was silent for a very long time. Then she stood up and went toward a cab. I need a drink. How about you, Mr. Roth?


    Just give me the whole damn bottle.

 Chapter 647: The Secrets of the Stars

    Chapter 647: The Secrets of the Stars


    Alex rarely had drinks with his professors. As a matter of fact, he could probably count the number of times hed done so on half the fingers on a single hand. Raising a few ssesor more than a few, was normally reserved for enjoying time with his friends, especially his cabalmates. But today, here he was throwing back drinks with Professor Jules.


    He remembered the very first time hed seen her. It was the day he, Selina, Theresa and Brutus had arrived on campus; theyd watched her soar overhead on her flying disk on the way to an explosion in the Cells. Little did he know that one day, hed be sitting in the office of that same professor sharing dwarven whisky and conversation with her. In a way, he couldnt believe it. But, there were lots of things that had happened in thest little while that hed found hard to believe. Hed heard that some of the older members of the research expedition went out for drinks with their professorsespecially after a big project, or a particrly challenging semesterand hed even heard that some of those profs could really hold their liquor.


    Alex used to think that one day, hed be sitting down for a drink with certain professors; like Baelin, ValRok, Mangal or even Professor Hak.


    But, even though hed had tea with Professor Jules, drinking strong liquor with her had never crossed his mind.


    Yet, there she was, sitting in front of him, hunched over a <em>very</em>rge tumbler of dwarven fire spirits, tossing it back like water. He had to admit, he was impressed; the liquor burned his tongue and went down his throat like liquid fire; it was all he could do to stifle a fit of coughing that was fighting to get out.


    Professor Jules, however, didnt flinch as she drained her ss, quickly pouring herself another one. I dont think Ive drunk like this since <em>I</em> was a studentor maybe since Toraka and I got together for her birthday. Goodness, what a disgrace Ive be, letting one of my mentees see me like this.


    The alchemist looked older.


    And tired.


    So very tired.


    So. She put the bottle down on the floor beside her. How did <em>you</em> find out that there were other worlds among the stars?


    Alex nced at her. Would you believe that it was a<strong></strongbination of a tavern, and a half-goddess ghost?


    At this point? Yes. But, do go on.


    And so Alex told her about hisst trip to the hells, the ying of Ezaliel, Kaz-Mowang, Yantrahpretaye, Zonon-In and the fall of Cretalikon. He spoke of the strange wonders in the Whetstone tavern, the heroism of his mercenariesEzerak, Guntile, Ripp, Celsus and Kyembe the Spirit Killerandstly, he told the tale of the Traveller and her journey across the universe.


    And now Hannahs bing a goddess, Alex finished. It was a lot to wrap my head around, so I brought it up to Baelin. Thats when he admitted that there was a whole universe out there, but he asked me not to tell anyone except those closest to me.


    Of course, Professor Jules chuckled. Mr. Roth, I hope you understand how <em>deeply</em> Baelins fondness for you goes; Ive seen others discover secrets that the old goat hoards to himself, and he reacted much less kindly to them than he did to you.


    Alex swallowed. What do you mean?


    You do not want to know. She took another drink.


    Fair, he agreed. Alex had seen <em>enough</em> nightmare-horrors in thest twenty- four hours. He didnt need anymore in his head. How about you? How did <em>you</em> find out that there were other worlds?


    Professor Jules shook her head. My story is not nearly as grand: it all happened on a sunny afternoon about oh She paused for a moment. ...must have been fifty years ago now. By the gods, I am old.


    The alchemist took another drink. I had obtained some material from a fallen meteorite: a hunk of starmetal. Very powerful stuff; some of the greatest weapons that have ever been forged by alchemy or divinity have been made of starmetals of one kind or another. Its both expensive and rare, so I was eager to examine it.


    The smile she gave him was self-mocking. As I was analysing itsposition, I noticed something quite strange about it; there were signs that it had been alloyed by a sapient hand. Thepositions were just a <em>touch</em> too precise, andwhen I discovered thatI also realised that its shape was oddly specific.


    How do you mean? Alex asked.


    She spread her arms. Long, and expanding at both ends. Like a shovel oras Iter came to realisean axe with arge club attached to its other side. Naturally, this intrigued me, so I picked it apart over the course of a year, examining it through poscopes and everything else I could use. Its surface was melted and scored, probably due to atmospheric entry and exposure to <em>some</em> terrible source of heat in space. Inside of it were plenty of signs that the object was no hunk of natural metal, though. It was machined. And thats when the truth struck me: I wasnt looking at one object, I was looking at <em>two</em> that had been fused together through temperatures that could only be achieved through the highest forms of magic.


    What kind of objects were they? Alex took a long drink, leaning forward in his chair.


    At first, I wasn''t sure, but over time it became clear that what I had was an enormous axe and a metal handlike the hand of a constructgripping it. Inside of the hand was circuitry and mechanics that I could not even begin to understand. And the strangest thing of all? There were no signs of mana pathways. Not one. The construct arm must have been powered by electricity orsomething else. But no magic.


    Thats fascinating! Alex said with the excitement of a child. Could it have been divinely powered? Or maybe powered through some other form of magic?


    I couldnt tell, the alchemist said. But likely not, ording to all the analysis that Id done. In the end, I could only conclude that the object had originated from a civilization that was unknown, which led me to hypothesise that such a civilization would likely be from a ce with next to no ambient mana. Which would exin why their building techniques seemed purely technological. Gods, how I wish the item had been in better condition; I could tell what it was, but it was too damaged to let me know anything else about it.


    I dont know, Alex said darkly. He thought of the explosion that had ripped apart Uldars Rise. Maybe this world isnt ready for whatever wonders you could create with whatever that construct hand was.


    Sheughed bitterly. You sound just like the chancellor; as soon as I had generated my hypothesis, I went to the old goat with what I had. I figured with his magical prowess, we might be able to begin researching a reliable way to reach the stars and try to find more samples. And that was when he simplyughed, congratted me on finding the answer and told me everything.


    Her face reddened. I felt like a fool; understandback thenI was somewhat simr to you. I was a prodigy, Mr. Roth, and I thought myself at least ten times more clever than I actually was. Id believed I was on the path to bing as legendary a wizard as Milnos Thniel, Baelin, Noarc and others.


    She raised her hand, swiping sideways as though presenting text on a sign. Vernia Jules! The woman who <em>proved</em>Many-Spheres Theory! But, instead, I found out I was just a child who had stumbled onto the world of adults for the first time. And of course, Baelin swore me to secrecy, and he didnt even do me the courtesy of letting me tell <em>anyone</em>. Which is just like that old goat.


    So he just let both of us think we were the only ones who knew beside him. Alex shook his head. Wow.


    Its just like him, Alex. She gave him a warning look. Listen, I am going to give you a bit of advice that you most certainly wont listen to: be careful around Baelin. He seems friendly, kind, caring and jovial, but understand, he is an ancient <em>monster</em> who has more secrets than most kings have coins. He likely didn''t bother telling either of us that the other knew so he could more effectively guard his secret: if we didnt chat, thered be less chance for things to leak out.


    I guess thats true, Alex said, not knowing quite how to feel. It makes sense, but it feels kinda


    ...like how I felt when I found out you couldnt trust me with your secret?


    Alex winced. Sorry.


    Apology epted. She took another long swallow. Understand something, Alex, Baelin is a creature of logic and whim in equal measure; he might <em>like</em> you, but that doesnt mean you will understand all of his actions. Ive known him longer than youve been alive and I still dont understand him. By some measures of morality, hed even be considered evil.


    We all would, wouldnt we? Alex pointed out.


    True, but him especially. Just keep that in mind. That is not to say you cannot like or confide in him; hes an incredible ally. But do not be him; you and he already have simr traits. Dont be an old monster.


    Ill, uh, Ill try, the young Thameish wizard took another drink.


    Gods, the worst part about this is thatwhen hes off-worldtheres no damn way tomunicate with the bastard, Jules growled.


    Really? Alex raised an eyebrow. But hemunicates with his cabal all the time, I would think.


    Im not sure how often he does, Professor Jules said. But I <em>do</em> know that the magic required tomunicate across the stars is <em>far</em> beyond the capabilities of almost every living wizard. Baelin can manage it, of course, and maybe a few other archwizards in the world, but no one else in Generasi has the sheer power or skill required to manage such a feat.


    Well, youd think, hed have some magic item that could do it, Alex suggested.


    He does. Professor Jules gave him a look. And yet we dont have ess to it; why do you think that is?


    Alex made a face. Because he doesnt want others examining how it works and potentially figuring out that there are other worlds among the sea of stars.


    Exactly! Professor Jules said, her face flushing. Andwhen <em>I</em> asked for such a device tomunicate with himdo you know what he told me?


    What?


    She took another long drink. He told me, and I quote: <em>you are very intelligent, Vernia, and so I do not doubt that you would be able to figure out how such an item is crafted in short order. With the right alchemical techniques and perhaps a summoned entity, you might even be able forge a simr device yourself. That would give you the ability to contact the stars before you had the power to stand against anything that you might identally alert. A Proper Wizard has the power to face foes that they might draw to themselves. And you are not ready for the foes that you might draw to our world.</em>


    Jules let out a bitterugh. The condescending old bastard was right, unfortunately! I am terrible in a fight, and I couldnt take responsibility for any monsters I drew to us.


    She sighed wearily. And that is how it is with him, Mr. Roth: because we are not ready to face the stars, we cannot contact the mighty chancellor.


    But what if something attacks the school, like Ezaliel did? Alex asked. Shouldnt we be able to call him back?


    The school is protected, she assured him. You have no idea the things that Baelin left behind to make sure the school survives. Registrar Hobb is one of them; I tell you, Im convinced hes a retired archdevil or <em>something</em> simr. But for expeditions? Were on our own. Baelin wouldnt want us to get soft, now would he?


    No he would not, Alex said. I bet you thatin his own wayhe would be proud of what Carey did. She made a tactical decision that saved our lives and destroyed the enemy. When she was cornered, she eliminated her foes. I bet you he might even say she died in glory.


    Professor Jules yawned, leaning back in her chair and putting the empty tumbler on the ground. You are right, Mr.Roth, which might mean that his absence is a blessing in disguise: Im likely the better choice to inform Miss Londons parents of her death rather than Baelin.


    Im sorry that burden has to fall on you. Alex drained his ss.


    She yawned again, her voice growing weaker, though her words never slurred. It is my job, Mr. Roth. I will do it because I have to.


    Well. Alex leaned back in his chair, staring up at the ceiling. We have Uldars notebook, and thatll be a good way to avenge her at least. When do you want to start working on i


    Professor Jules breathing had grown quiet and rhythmic.


    He looked back at her; the weary alchemist was asleep in her chair, slumped to the side and breathing quietly.


    Alex gave her a gentle smile as he slowly and quietly made his way to the door. Rest well, professor. Youve earned itand we have a lot ahead of us.


    Silently, he left the room, shutting the door behind him.

 Chapter 648: Claygons Path

    Chapter 648: ygon''s Path


    The massive xyrthak called across the Barrens of Kravernus, its mournful cry striking terror into every creature that heard it.


    Roaming through the sun-sted ground below, muupkaras and gorgers abruptly fled at the sound of its voice and the creature hunting them below.


    A dune worm.


    The monster swam through the earth, its mouth open, ready to swallow them whole.


    Yet the xyrthak was unfazed.


    He was king of the sky, after all. What did he have to fear from anything that walked or crawled<strong></strong>on the ground in this world?


    Soaring past the doomed gorgers and muupkaras, he rode the air currents toward the border of the Barrens. The mana in the air was less potent there, but he would brave it for a chance at his favourite meal.


    Humanoids.


    The little humanoids from beyond the well-guarded wall were a rare delicacy; it wasnt often that they left the safety of their greennd to enter his domain, and he was not so careless as to fly over the wall and into the path of deadly magic wielders guarding it.


    He was a patient beast, and would always wait for those rare individuals who crossed the wall to hunt in the Barrens.


    And then <em>he</em> would show them what a true hunter was.


    Today, an opportunity had appeared.


    Far below, a small group of humanoid adventurers were moving across the Barrens. They were armed and wore garments to protect against the power of the sun, but neither their weapons or other protections would save them from his jaws.


    With another cry, he swooped toward his prey.


    From his great height in the sky, he would have appeared as a mere dot to those poor-sighted humanoids, perhaps a crow or some other scavenger, until it was much toote for them to save themselves.


    His mana destroying call would ruin any magic wielders among them. Next woulde his force ray, firing from thence on his skull just before he drove thence through their cowering forms, letting the vibrating force grind his prey to paste.


    Then, atst, he would feast!


    His tongue flicked across his fangs, anticipating his meal.


    He swooped closer.


    And closer.


    Mana surged behind him.


    He spun with a cry of rm at finding a four-armed humanoid hovering above him. The creature was sheathed in metal armour from head to toe, it gleamed in the sunlight.


    Worrying energies were gathering in the palm of one of its hands.


    The xyrthak roared his challenge, beating his wings andunching toward his challenger.


    Why did they always underestimate his might, thinking their puny magic could harm him?


    One mana-destroying cry, and he


    Suddenly, a gem in the humanoids palm red so brightly, it blinded the hulking xyrthak. A beam of light erupted.


    The xyrthak snarled; his scales were tougher than metal or stone! He weed every bit of magic this four-armed creature could throw his way, it was useless, but he was patient. In time, he would be feasting.


    Patient or not though, that was the veryst thought the xyrthak ever had.


    ygons<strong></strong>chaos<strong></strong>beam struck him full in the chest, breaking flesh and shattering scales. The energies of dungeon core and chaos essence whirled in the gaping wound.


    An explosion sparked, turning the sky to every zing colour of fall.


    In an instant, the xyrthak was gone, vapourized, without a single cry.


    To the adventurers far below, it appeared as though a second sun had suddenly bloomed in the sky. The thunder caused by the explosion would be the xyrthaks final legacy in the Barrens of Kravernus.


    ###


    ygon watched the explosion bloom and fade away. Though the ground was far below, the force of the st blew the adventurers from their feet as a shockwave kicked up a cloud of dust that choked the air around them.


    The golem watched the explosion as it quickly unfolded and died.


    He was still not satisfied.


    <em>It isslow</em> ygon rumbled, his voice that of a tired old man. <em>I need tobefasterto protectfatherbutI cannot</em>


    The twice-evolved iron golem was strong, he knew that much. His many battles had proved this. He was a little over a year old, and yet hed fought in more life-and-death struggles than most mortal warriors would experience in a lifetime.


    He had fought monsters here in Generasi.


    Hed crushed Ravener-spawn in Thamnd.


    Hed duelled demons in the hells.


    And hed even faced the forces of the hidden church at Uldars Rise.


    His father had equipped him well; his golem core was strong, and provided boundless energy. A miracle of design. His body was crafted for strength, power and resiliency; he was fast, though not the fastest warrior on the battlefield, but a ncing blow from one of his fists could turn even a bone-charger to red paste.


    The war-spear hed imed from Zonon-In was an additional weapon in his arsenal, it had the ability to pierce all but the strongest armour and hide, drain the life from most foes, and split demons like ripe fruit.


    His fire-gems brought burning death to any enemy that looked to harm his family, and theyd improved since hed evolved again. ygon was keen to test his new limits


    He, his father and theirpanions had returned to Generasi just a couple of days ago, and Alex had wasted no time in preparing for what was toe. The golems father had been working away in a frenzy in Shales workshop, building as many golems as he could. When he wasnt in the workshop working on golems, he was busy working on expanding the bakery. He wanted everything in ce and settled should the church or Thameish monarchy challenge him.


    And starting today?


    ygon would be starting new training sessions in the Barrens.


    The Irtyshenan Empire has some of the biggestndmass of any realm on the, Alex had told ygon when they first set foot in the Barrens earlier. And I only have one lead to find someone who lived three hundred years ago, and spent their time trying hard not to be found.


    <em>You willhave to covera lot ofdistance</em> the golem had said.


    Yeah, more than that. Alex frowned. Putting teleportation magic in my staff will let me travel long distances, but I cant rely on a staff <em>or</em> a spell for teleportation.


    <em>Whynot?</em> the golem had asked. <em>Becauseit would usetoo much mana?</em>


    Thats part of it. Alex had raised the aeld staff affectionately. The staff has a lot of mana, but I want to be able to travel far distances as fast as possible, even if I were to lose itbut just as importantly is the threat of the First Apostle.


    The expression had darkened on ygons fathers face. I dont know if he can manage the interdiction he used to cut off spellcasting<strong></strong>outside of Thamnd, butif he canand he corners me here in Generasi or the Empire, then Hannahs power is going to be the only weapon I can use against him. And he might already be trying to find a way to counter it.


    His hand had balled into a fist. I want to train this power until I can cross half the damn empire with a thought. And we also need to test out your new abilities.


    <em>Why dont youpractise your teleportation firstfather?</em> ygon had suggested. <em>You canput a flight spell on me...I can do some testingmyself. Then we can do more tests togetheter.</em>


    Good idea! Then we can both be getting stuff done at the same time. Ill be back. Alex had cast flight magic on ygon. Be careful. Ille find you when Im done.


    Concentrating, the young man had vanished, reappearing in the distance and then disappearing again. His silhouette shrank with each teleportation until ygon couldnt see him any longer.


    <em>Training</em> ygon said, looking down at the fire-gem in his right palm. <em>It helpsfatherbut training cannothelp me much</em>


    For all of the golems incredible power, he was not like his father.


    Alex was a mortal and could expand his mana, strength, and skill by training.


    But ygon was a golem; training would improve his skills, his reactions and his knowledge, but it could not make him stronger. It could not make his mana flow faster. It could not make his fire-beams, or his explosive new chaos fire-beams strike any quicker.


    In many wayshe was static.


    <em>But I guessI should say that I am also luckyin many ways,</em> ygon said. His iron fist clenched. <em>I began as simple yand then became stoneand now Im iron. I havegrown stronger twiceby my evolutions. Most golemsdont get that.</em>


    And histest evolution had grown his abilities to even greater heights.


    His iron body was far tougher than his stone one. When he was alone a few days ago, hed tried driving his war-spear into his arm, but the weaponwhich at one time had cut his y body like it was carving fleshhadnt left a scratch.


    He was stronger now, he could easily pull a dune worm from the earth and throw it hundreds of feet through the air.


    His movements were faster, more precise; hed be nearly as agile as a human now.


    The magic in his fire-gems conducted even faster, and now he could charge their magic with energies from his golem core, mimicking the explosions from joining dungeon core remains and chaos essence.


    He was a devastating golem.


    And a beautiful one as well.


    Youve even more beautiful now, Selinas eyes had gone big when she saw his new form. Her face had lit up and shed rubbed his side affectionately. Youre wonderful, and that hasnt changed one bit.


    Her reaction had left gyon conflicted; he could feel her love and pride in his new form, but her enthusiasm was more muted than it had been when hed turned from y to stone.


    She hadnt bounded up to him, all smiles and giggles.


    His fathers sisterand ygons co-creatorwas changing just as he was, slowly turning into an adult like Alex and his friends.


    But as someone whod evolved twice, he couldnt help but be happy for <em>her</em> evolution. Still, he did miss parts of those earlier days.


    What he <em>didnt</em> miss was Shale examining him like he was some prizedb specimen.


    This is incredible! Shale had cried, squinting at him through a pair of magical goggles. His mana flows a tidal wave now! Alex, you <em>have</em> to let me watch some of your field tests with him. You absolutely <em>must!</em>


    At the time, ygon was very d that his facial expression couldnt change; he doubted he wouldve been able to look at the golem crafter with any expression but a scowl.


    Even though hed evolved twice, she still looked at him like a tool rather than a sapient creature. It was something hed gotten used to, but he preferred not to spend more time around her than was necessary, whether she <em>was</em> fathers business partner and one of his closest allies, or not.


    Besides, her treating him like a tool was a painful reminder that he <em>was</em> basically different from his father, or his fathers friends.


    And that difference had birthed a fear deep inside him.


    He remembered the battle at Uldars Rise. It was a terrible day; a lot of people he knew had diedeven if he didn''t know them wend he <em>still</em> remembered the terrible force of Uldars statues striking his body.


    Cracking it.


    He could still remember the Third Apostles magic boring into him.


    Fracturing him.


    And he <em>still</em> remembered the might of the First Apostles divinely empowered blows hammering his body.


    Shattering it.


    Even though hed fought hard, he hadnt been a match for the evil priest. The First Apostle had been so much faster, and hed wielded hundreds of years of deadly power and experience against ygon.


    For all of his strength, he might as well have been a small child in the face of the ancient warrior. If Carey hadnt sacrificed herself and the explosion hadnt triggered his evolution, there was no doubt he would have been destroyed.


    The swarm of statues would have smashed him into gravel, leaving the First Apostle free to kill his father. He would have died, disgraced, having failed to do what hed been initially created forprotecting life.


    It would have made a mockery of his entire existence.


    <em>I must get more powerful</em> the golem said. <em>We will facedangers in the Empireand danger from the First Apostle againand from the Ravener itself</em>


    They would all be fierce opponents.


    Without doubt, his iron body was strongperhaps stronger than any other golem in the worldbut would that be enough? Would training his skill truly be enough to let him face any opponent on any battlefield, and protect his father?


    What if he came across an opponent more experienced, faster or stronger than he was?


    <em>Twice I have evolved in battleand saved father</em> the golem said. <em>Butno golem has evolved past ironI cannot count on evolving anymorewhat can I do?</em>


    ygon paused.


    No golem <em>had </em>evolved past iron that he knew of.


    But, was he like other golems?


    No.


    His father had built him to be more powerful.


    His father had built him to think faster.


    His father had built him to be <em>unique.</em>


    And if he was uniquethen


    <em>...could I find another evolution? An evolutiopletely my own?</em> ygon wondered. <em>Not simply ystone or irona different material. Something better.something uniquelike me.</em>


    The golem stared up at the sky and knew then what he wanted.


    <em>Yesanother evolution. One of my ownI will find it.</em>

 Chapter 649: Going for Distance and a Memorial Creation

    Chapter 649: Going for Distance and a Memorial Creation


    Ten miles this time, Alex Roth muttered, lost in thought.


    Reaching into the energies of his soul, he called on the power of the Traveller, disappearing from the zing hot sky, then reappearing miles ahead.


    He looked down, using thendmarks hed set to measure distance.


    Lets see, that sword-shaped rock is over there Which means His mind did some quick calctions. ...eleven miles. Good stuff. Im breaking my records. Ill keep going and try for twelve miles this time.


    Concentrating, Alex focused on his inner energies, keeping track with the Mark of what hed done right in each one of his hundred jumps through the Barrens of Kravernus. He examined how the energy flowed, how hed formed an image in his thoughts of his start point and destinationgathering that information and carefully analysing it were key to understanding the magic.


    Making some simple adjustments, he got ready again.


    Here we go, Alex pictured the starting point and destination in his mind then vanished, teleporting back across the Barrens, instantly materialising some distance away. He looked forndmarks.


    Okay, so theres the empty gorger cavefourteen miles. Thats good, he muttered. But, not good enough. Not anywhere near good enough.


    Alex and ygon had been in the Barrens of Kravernus sincete morning, testing Alexs<strong></strong>limits with Hannahs power, while ygon was elsewhere trying out his new form. On Uldars Rise, Alex had pushed Hannahs power constantly. Fighting Uldars covert arm of the church in that battle had meant teleporting almost as often as he took a breath, but that had grown his strength with the power, and made teleporting easier, faster and smoother than before. Now, he was reaping the benefits, turning every bit of hard earned experience into results; travelling further distances with each teleportation. It was like training to run a race by practising, building strength, doing sprints, and working on ones form.


    Ill have to teleport hundreds of miles at a time to have any hope of making it to the Irtyhsenan Empire, he said to himself. From Generasi to the closest imperial border is about sixteen hundred miles, so at my present limit, itd take me a bit under a hundred and fifteen teleportations to get there. Possible, but risky and inefficient.


    He looked down at the Barrens. Pushing to travel longer distances takes more power. I was nearly at my limit after less than a hundred teleportations at Uldars Rise, and I was only moving maybe ten to a hundred feet at a time then. Ill need time to increase my limits and get used to the increase so I dont spend all my energies just <em>getting</em> to the<strong></strong>empire. Especially if I take anyone else with me.


    Reaching deep inside, Alex examined his energies again. Maybe Im doing something wrong. Ive been picturing where I am in space and where Im going to teleport to, creating solid images in my mindbut if I think about it, that cant be exactly how Hannahs power worked. Notpletely.


    He looked up at the sky.<strong></strong>Not if she did <em>half</em> the things she wrote about in her journal.


    Hannahs power was astounding, granting her the ability to teleport to different worlds, across unimaginable distances with a single thought. In a heartbeat, she could leave her home in Alric and be in this faraway earth that was her birth, or suddenly appear in worlds most mortals couldnt even imagine.


    Butmore importantlyto worlds she''d never been to before.


    If she could take herself to ces shed never seen before, that means she did it without building a true image of where she wanted to go, Alex reasoned. So whats the key here? What did she use instead of an image of her destination? If I can figure <em>that</em> out, then I''ll have the answer to teleporting to and across the empire, or anywhere else.


    He sucked his teeth while turning the thought over in his mind. Anyway, lets leave that for now. My focus is mostly on distance right now, so lets see how much more I can squeeze out for the day.


    Alex concentrated, pushing his limits.


    But, as he continued practising, reaching for greater distances, he found he wasnt making as many gains; his inner energies were waning. By the time he decided to take a break, his maximum distance had only increased by a little over fifteen miles.


    Alright, recovery and assessment time. Ill see where I am, do some reflection, and see if I can find weaknesses to eliminate, or strengths to improve on.


    Alex couldnt help but feel some bitterness at his situation.


    Here he was, having this amazing power that would one day let him travel to anywhere he could think of in less than a breathand yet he wasnt free to do so. He couldnt use it to travel to Tekezash, or Thundars home, or to explore other sights across the world. Instead, here he was in the Barrens training to go to one of the coldest realms on earth where hed have to try and blend in with a people who believed that all outsiders were lesser beings.


    Ill be real d when this is over, Alex said in the Irtyshenannguage, practising his pronunciation; hed been focusing on learning the tongue, hoping to be fluent by the time he went there. He shook his head, centering his thoughts. I need to keep my focus on the rewards: the Mark of the General. If I can free myself from every restriction Im under because of the Mark of the Fool, well have a better shot at killing the Ravener anding out of all of this alivenot to mention getting revenge for what it cost Carey.


    He smiled, briefly thinking of the First Apostleletting a few of the horrors he had in mind for the man y outbefore teleporting across the Barrens and back to ygon.


    His golem wasnt hard to find; the explosions levelled by his fire-gems were like beacons calling to Alex. They were so powerful, he could hear and see them from miles away. Theyd need that level of power for the Ravener, but for the Irtyshenan Empire, a more subtle approach would have to be used. But, before he could go there, there were more preparations to take care of; for his trip and more.


    Careys parents would soon be arriving and there was something he had in mind for them.


    The fire crackled in the hearth, throwing flickering light and shadows across the room.


    It was strange to see me in a firece at this time of year, and at this time of day; the sun was high in the sky and thete summer temperatures in Generasi were far from cold. Even stranger was the fact that the fire danced in the hearth of one Alexander Roth, an aplished young wizard.


    WIth a wave of his staff, he could have easily conjured light.


    With the press of a glyph on one of his heat sources, he could have had all the heat he wanted.


    Alex had a very good reason for working by firelight though; what he was creating would likely be viewed, not by light from magic and spells, but by light from nature: sunlight, moonlight, or firelight.


    And Alex wanted it to <em>shine</em> under those lights.


    Concentrating, he directed a horde of Wizards Hands to a massive canvas set up in his bedroom. It was broad enough to take up much of the wall, and nearly half his height. Its dimensions would allow for the amount of detail he wanted.


    He leaned forward in his chair, tapping a brush against a painters palette, blending paint to match the colour of Grimlochs dorsal fin. Surrounding him were the swarm of Wizards Hands, eachying down various shapes on different parts of the canvas, while a single Hand held up the Travellers phone.


    The image of a smiling group was disyed, taken the day Alex had shared a feast with friends and family, celebrating time together and a sessful Games of Roal: thest image of Carey in life in this world.


    That was how he wanted to remember her; alive, happy and among friends.


    And he wanted to share that memory with her family.


    Hed tried for hours to puzzle out how to get the image from the Travellers artefact, but with no luck. He assumed that there must have been a way to share images with other people in Hannahs old world, but try as he might, with the magic avable to him, he just couldnt find it.


    So, the only thing left to do was to use the old intensive way, with paint brushes and paint; creating a portrait of vibrant colours that looked true to life under sunlight, moonlight or candlelight.


    Hed considered infusing magic into the painting, making the figures move, or letting them speak, or maybe having the canvas release aromas of the different foods, and the scent of the ocean breezes theyd enjoyed that day.


    But, in the end, hed decided to keep things simple; the painting would capture everyone in the image in detail, showing them in that authentic moment of joy.


    Her family could have a bit offort, knowing that Carey had found some happiness before her end.


    And he would


    It looks beautiful, Theresas voice suddenly came from behind him.


    The Fool of Thamnd startled, letting out a sigh of relief when he realised he hadnt smudged the brush strokes.


    Theresa, you scared the hells out of me, he said. Youre even quieter than you used to be.


    Sorry. She blushed. I didnt ruin the painting, did I?


    No, Alex assured her, resting his brush beside the palette. The swarm of Wizards Hands stopped painting. You didnt. He paused, looking at the partly finished portrait. Do you think theyll like it?


    Theresa came closer. I dont know, she answered honestly. If any of my family died, Id appreciate something like this to remember them by; something that shows them with their friends. Something that shows they were loved and werent alone. She peered at Carey. The only thing I might want different is for Carey to maybe be more prominent?


    Yeah, I thought of that, Alex said, ncing at the image in the artefact. Carey was somewhat off to the side among the sea of friends and family. But I didnt want to hand them a lie; they wouldnt know the difference, but I would. And so would Carey.


    Theresa squinted at the image of theirte friend. Wouldnt want to hand them a lie?


    What? he asked. Whats wrong?


    She checked the phone. Theres somethings missing.


    Alex winced, knowing exactly where she was going.


    While he wanted the painting to be a true representation, hed left out a significant detail on purpose:


    In the original image, Carey proudly wore the symbol of the Traveller around her neck, her new faith proudly disyed for all to see. Yetin the portrait Alex was paintingher neck was bare.


    I was going to paint her wearing her ne, Alex said. But Careys family are still staunch followers of Uldar. No ones about to tell them that priests were responsible for kidnapping and causing her death, for obvious reasons. So, theyd be wondering why I painted the symbol of the Saint of Alric around her neck then start asking a bunch of questions they wouldnt be prepared to hear the answers to, all things considered.


    Theresa groaned. That feels a bit wrong to me, though. She died holding onto her faith in the Traveller, and her faith in her friends, loved ones and Thamnd. To just erase her chain like thatisnt that like erasing a part of her?


    Yeah, butpainting it would just make her family ask a lot of questions; itd bring them <em>less</em> peace, not more. Besides, Carey wasnt wearing the ne when she died. It appeared <em>after</em> she went to the after-world.


    Isnt that <em>more</em> reason to add it? Theresa asked. In death, she wanted her new faith on disy.


    Well Alex muttered, feeling guilty. I still think itd just cause her family more stress. Maybe we should just let the symbol be our secret.


    His fiancee<strong></strong>shrugged. Its your painting, and you knew her better than I didbut, I still think youre making a mistake.


    ...I dont know, he admitted. Im just trying my best.


    I know. She rested her hand on his shoulder, leaning over and kissing him. Its your gift, in the end. Do what you think is best. Im sure itll turn out alright. How much more time do you have to finish it?


    Around three days, ording to Professor Jules, Alex said. Careys parents arrive then.


    Have you thought about what youre going to say to them? Theresa asked.


    Aside from passing on her words? Alex shook his head. I have no idea. Im not sure any of us really know what were going to say.

 Chapter 650: Convergent Development

    Chapter 650: Convergent Development


    Grey.


    The perfect word for the day.


    Summers heat was waning.


    Autumn rains wereing.


    But this day didnt find Alex preparing for his new sses. He wasnt in the library or any study area around campus. Nor was he in the city working on his businesses.


    He was in the office of his rather unconventional mana maniption professor. Professor ValRok was one of those people who never seemed to change, except today his scales seemed a lot shinier. His excitable nature was on full disy when he flung open his office door and found Alex standing before it.


    Mr. Roth! he cried enthusiastically, licking his eyes in excitement. It <em>has</em> been some time since Ive seen you in my little office, or anywhere else,e to think of it.


    Alex paused, more than a little startled by his enthusiasm. Erm, hello, professor. Im surprised youre so d to see me.


    Of course I am,e on in, my boy! ValRok beckoned him into the office.


    A fire zed in his hearth, filling the room with flickering light and a pleasant warmth on thete summer day.


    Dozens of devices lined the spacebig, small and in-betweeneach designed for one purpose, training young wizards in mana maniption. No two were alike; rows of ss tubes, brass spiders, silver hands, dried simian paws, and ropes knotted so intricately that they mystified the eye.


    On this visit, ValRok had no students in his office to gleefully terrorise, so Alex found himself alone with the lizardfolk wizard.


    Well, almost alone.


    Ah, professor, whats that? Alex pointed to the instructors desk.


    Upon it sat arge bowl filled with worms, beetles, wingless flies and more. Most of the insects were still, though some were still twitching, while others were actively trying to escape the container.


    Insect sd. ValRok beamed, pping his belly. Ive been trying to watch my paunch so I decided to do a little meal prepping on the weekends. Helps me build more discipline!


    His tongue suddenlyshed out, striking arge beetle that had nearly made it across the rim of the bowl and dragging it into his mouth. Alex winced at the wet crunching soundsing from between ValRoks teeth.


    The lizardfolk wizard made a face. Yech, Ive got to tell you, Alex, I miss sauces already. A little jelly or aioli sauce makes the whole thing wake up. Oh, and some butter? MmmNo, no! ValRok suddenly shouted, chiding himself. Its a <em>mind</em> transformation, not a body transformation you greedy old reptile! Calm yourself! This is your new life!


    I-is this a bad time, professor? Alex took a step back toward the door.


    What? No, no! Couldnt be better. Itll be nice to chat with another mana maniption prodigy while I have my lunch. Sit, sit. Have you eaten?


    <em>Yes!</em> Alex said, putting more emphasis on the word than hed meant to. He took a seat in afortable looking chair in front of ValRoks desk.


    Ah, well that''s a pity. So, tell me, what can I do for you today? he asked. Are you looking for another mana regeneration technique? Remember, Ive already warned you about jumping ahead <em>too</em> quickly before you <em>truly</em> master your foundation. You wouldnt want to get messed up, would you?


    Im not actually looking for a mana regeneration technique right nowthough Ill definitelye for a more advanced one when Im readyIm more looking forhow can I put thisgeneral mana maniption knowledge?


    Oh? You could just go to the library for general knowledge, ValRoks tongue whipped out, striking a glow worm and pulling it into his mouth. Mm, now thats better. Nice and juicy! You dont mind if I keep eating, right?


    Oh, not at all, youre not bothering me, Alex lied. Okay, so general knowledge isnt right. Not exactly. Im more looking for an experts opinion on a certain text that I found.


    Oh? the older wizard cocked his head.


    Yeah, I came across this really old one, Alex chose his words carefully. But a lot of the mana maniption notations seemed odd to me. I couldnt make much of them, so I thought Ide to you.


    Alex pulled out a carefully copiedand very ipleteduplicate of Uldars notes, passing them to the mana maniption professor. I was wondering if you could figure this out.


    Hmmmm. The lizardfolksrge reptilian eyes narrowed while his pupils expanded. Well, lets hope I dont disappoint you. Sometimes the mana maniption techniques one finds in old tomesin dubious bazaars, for exampleoften amount to nothing. Either theyre fake, or simply dead end research sold in some wizards estate sale. As for thisI


    His words trailed off.


    His eyes began darting across the page.


    Alex gripped the armrests of his chair.


    Hede to Professor ValRok hoping to get some answers from the wizard since he was an expert in mana maniption with a mountain of experience and knowledge to draw from. Professor Jules had made detailed copies of Uldars notes for Alex, Watcher Hill and the Heroes, though the Heroes copy was kept at the Research Castle.


    It wouldnt do to have the priests find this in your camp, Jules had said. Or the fae, for that matter.<strong></strong>We should assume that this secret church and Aenflynns spies are everywhere, so Ill be taking measures to make sure the Castle is warded against <em>any</em> intrusions, but we still have to assume that any information that you take to your war-camp <em>will</em>bepromised.


    She had looked at Alex. I am trusting you with a copy, Mr. Roth, but be careful with it. I hope that the church and Aenflynns agents cant spy on us here in Generasi, but one never knows. Other than that, make sure any steps you take arent discovered, and do what you can to help solve this puzzle.


    And so, Alex hade to ValRok, hoping that the professor could shed some light on their mystery.


    Huh, ValRok mused. Where...did you get this?


    A ruin in Thamnd, Alex said, his words carefully chosen again. But thats not exactly for public knowledge.


    Understood, understood, this will stay between us, but ValRok whistled. You have found something <em>very</em>interesting. This could be an incredible artefact.


    Alex leaned forward. Is there some new technique in there? Something that could advance mana maniption?


    Hmmmm, possibly, ValRok said. I wont know for sure until I run a few experimentsbut I think you might have found an example of Convergent Development.


    Whats that? Alex said excitedly.


    Ah they didnt teach you that in magic lore, yeOh right, youre not even in your third year yet. Well, youll learn about it soon enough, but heres a little preview in the meantime. ValRok flipped through the papers, an absent note in his voice.


    When one studies history, especially the history of technological or magical development, he began. It can be tempting to see it as a linear pattern of discovery that eventually culminates in modern knowledge. Millennia ago, mortals used sticks and stones to hunt beasts for meat. Then one day, someone develops bronze, which spreads, and soon, everyone is using bronze. We had no boats, then one day someone invents a boat, the knowledge spreads, then everyone has boats.


    He looked at Alex. We have no mana maniption techniques until someone invents them, then we have mana maniption techniques. Your textbooks are filled with that way of viewing knowledge: they all start with: <em>this particr dead wizard discovered this particr technique, and heres how their discoveries</em>h, h, h.


    Huh, they do word things that way, dont they? Alex mused.


    And for good reason, Professor ValRok said. Listen, the act of crediting researchers, schrs or even artists is rtively new. In the past, no one credited inventors: we have no idea who discovered the original first-tier spell, who invented the wheel, or the first water pump. None. People did things to make their own lives easier, then others would copy them and that would be that. Now, we try to credit discoverers. There is, however, a problem with this.


    ValRok put the notes down. It creates a false perception of history. Thats why historiographywhich is the study of historical ountsis so important. Did you ever hear of King Ivanuil in your studies?


    Yeah, he was an ancient Irtyshenan king, Alex said. He was credited with being a grand sponsor of one of the first teams of court alchemists in history, and he pretty much poprised that practice among a lot more monarchs.


    ValRok chuckled. And thats what your <em>modern</em> textbook says.


    And what did they say before that? Alex raised his eyebrows.


    Three centuries ago, the textbooks reported that King Ivaniul was an incredibly monstrous tyrant who kept a ve chamber of sorceresses and sorcerers, all of whom he had his way with, and who were made to work on alchemy for him and his glory until the day they dropped dead.


    Ohoh! Alex clued in. I take it that the old textbooks used a false source, while the new ones are written using more reliable sources?


    Exactly! ValRok eximed. The original ounts came from a trusted historian of the time, <em>but</em>! The lizardfolk raised a wed finger. That trusted historian was paid by one of King Ivanuils political adversariesin whats now the core of the empireto make up an ount that would historically embarrass the king. When this political opponent overthrew Ivanuil, this ount was spread, which made it into older textbooks.


    Right, right Alex said. And then another source was found?


    Yes, there was an archeological discovery made two centuries agomemoirs from several of the surviving alchemists of Ivanuils courtwhich painted him as a kind and ambitious sponsor. Of course, more investigations wereunched, including confirmations made through several long-lived individuals whod been present at court<strong></strong>at the time. And lo and behold! Something thatwe hopeis closer to the truth came out. So you see, history as we know it isnt a linear series of discovery and other events: its the chronicle of winners.


    He picked up a wingless fly from the dish. If this fly could speak, what would it say about us? I imagine that to this lovely little morsel, I would be the cruel monster consuming it and all of its friends in sheer gluttony, while it was just a poor innocent creature. To me, its a mild pest and moderately nd source of food, and Im simply a hungry professor.


    With a crunch, ValRok bit down on the fly, quickly swallowing it. And now? He tapped his belly. Now Im the <em>only</em> one who gets to tell the story! And forevermore, the fly is a mild pest and I am simply a hungry professor.


    Alex thought about all the historical ounts of Thamnd that the church had provided, and the number of omissions hed be aware of. Having that context in mind, ValRoks points made <em>too</em> much sense to the young wizard. So whats this have to do with those notes?


    Well, the thing about discovery is that its not linear. It appears so when looking back, but its not. Take boats for instance. Its likely that boats werent invented by one person and then spread, its more likely that boats were invented all across the worlpletely separatelyby different cultures. Someone from every civilization near water probably looked at the sea at some point and said, <em>huh, how do I cross that?</em>


    So different people tried to solve the same problem and came up with simr answers, but only the most popr answers got recorded in textbooks?


    Precisely! ValRok pped. For simplicitys sake, you see, thats not really taught in first or second year, and only <em>touched</em> upon in fourth year. Students need to learn the foundations of modern wizardry before they begin exploring simr, often half-finished methods that were condemned to the graveyard of history.


    And those mana maniption techniques Alex squinted at the notes. You think theyre <em>simr</em> to some of our modern techniques, but approach problems slightly differently?


    Exactly, Professor ValRok said. At least thats my theory from just a cursory examination: most of the symbols in this method seem to have been invented by the alchemist who crafted it, so I cant be one hundred percent certain. But thats what it looks like to me. The problem with techniques like these is that they use a slightly different methodology to aplish simr goals, but modern alchemy is built on the methods that we already know well. Therefore, most advanced mana maniption techniques would bergely ipatible with an old, dead-end theory such as this.


    Alexs heartbeat suddenly sounded like a drum beating in his ears.


    Kelda.


    Professorwhat would happen if someone tried to, I dont know, recreate a magical artefact. But, they only had ess to our modern alchemical techniques, while the magical artefact was created by an old convergently developed technique like in those notes?


    ValRoks face turned grim. If there are enough ipatibilities between the two? The results could be catastrophic. Quite catastrophic.


    Alex suddenly had a disturbing idea that could exin why Keldas soul was obliterated when shed tried to change her Mark.

 Chapter 651: The Slap

    Chapter 651: The p


    Convergent development.


    A phenomena where two different individuals or groups craft a simrbut differentsolution to try to solve the same problem.


    Two cultures who live nearrge bodies of water might produce slightly different designs for boats.


    On the surface, the vessels might appear simrboth would be made of wood, concave in shape, and able to floatbut the differences could be very important.


    A boat developed by folk from a riverside vige might have a t bottom so it could be easily poled through shallow waters near river banks. A society living near the sea would needrger boats with deep hulls and keels to let them move through the ocean waves. On one level, they would both be boats, but they were developed using slightly different principles for the same purpose, while serving simr, yet different needs.


    The deep-hulled boat would run aground if ced in a shallow river, while a t-bottomed boat would quickly capsize on a wave-wracked sea. And, adding to their designs wouldnt solve those issues: putting sails on a t-bottomed vessel could never make it any less likely to capsize.


    In a way, Kelda probably tried to add sails to a t-bottomed boat, he thought. Uldar made the Marks, and any methods of alchemy or divinity he used were his own invention. Kelda didnt have ess to his notes; so whatever ns she came up with to fix her Mark, wouldve been based on modern techniques, which would be different from Uldars. It seems that she tried to add sails to a t-bottomed boat then take it out to sea.


    His heart stung for a moment, if he was right, then Kelda destroyed her soul without understanding that she was missing something crucial. Whatever method she could have evere with would <em>never</em> have worked without Uldars original notes. Every bit of magical knowledge shed have ess to would have been ipatible.


    Despite trying her best, she never had a chance.


    Alex paused, looking back on his life, thinking how fortunate hed been in many ways.


    Sure, thered been lots of times hed considered himself the unluckiest man in Thamnd; his parents had died without warning, and hed been working for one of the nastiest men in all of Alric. And as soon as the opportunity hed been wanting for for most of his life hade alongan opportunity that meant freedom and the chance to immerse himself in a world of magiched been Marked as Uldars Fool.


    Back then, it had felt like bad luck was shadowing his every footstep.


    Yet, in other ways? His good fortune had been remarkable.


    If he hadnt run into Cedric in Coille forest, he most likely would have reached the coast, been immediately grabbed, and be now rotting away in some Ravener-spawn nest somewhere in the Thameish countryside. If Cedric hadnt left the priests behind and headed out on his own and cleared the Cave of the Traveller of silence-spider soldiers, then he, Theresa, Selina and Brutus wouldn''t have been able to use it.


    The hive-queens attack had seemed like terrible luck at the time, but if they hadnte across her, then he would have never discovered the secret of the dungeon cores.


    When Carey was kidnapped by those priests, he couldnt have imagined anything positiveing from such evil actions, yet, it was because of them that they found the hidden arm of the church, Uldars Rise, the sanctum of the dead god, and Carey found her way to Hannah.


    And without that?


    He wouldnt have known about the Mark of the General.


    They would never have known about Uldars notes.


    And without those, he wouldnt have any hope of transforming his Mark.


    Do you think you could figure out <em>how</em> the mana maniption technique works, professor? Alex asked. Well enough for me to practise it, I mean.


    Whatever for? ValRok said. Itll be worth recreating for the historical value, but the likelihood of it advancing the art of mana maniption is low, Alex. The best ce for these documents are in someones collection, a specialty museum, or the school library.


    Youre right, youre right, but you never know what you might learn from a different perspective, Alex pointed out.


    You might be right, but remember, judging from the notations on these pages about the technique, its probably millennia old. Theres thousands of years of mana maniption development that would be ipatible with this, and even if you did gain some new insights, the likelihood of them improving your mana regeneration is low. Youd be better off leaving studying these old techniques to old men like me, you should be working on new techniques that you can actually get something out of. At your skill level, Id suggest


    Professor, Alex interrupted him, thinking quickly. Its a Thameish technique from whats probably a lost branch of alchemy; learning how some long dead countryman of mine manipted mana would be fascinating. Besides, if we discover any more knowledge from simr ruins, then well be able to better understand their value.


    ValRok thumbed his chin in thought. Hmmmm, I suppose that could be a good use of your time, but, just make sure you keep on your current academic path; we dont want you turning into the archaeologist of wizardry, now! Trust me, theres no funding in it.


    Alex was about to reply when the sound of a heart-rending scream tore through Val-Roks door, sounding like they wereing from downstairs.


    rmed, both wizards rushed to the door, the professor flung it open and they raced down the steps to the hallway below. Most of the office doors on the lower floor were open, professors and graduate students alike were peeking through their doorways.


    All eyes were looking down the corridor at a closed door where a womans anguished cries and a mans deep voice alternated between sobbing and enraged yelling from behind it.


    Oh no, oh no, no, no, Professor ValRok moaned when he understood which door the sounds wereing from. So it was today, then.


    What? Alex nced at him. Thats Professor Jules office.


    Yes, ValRok said grimly. Todays the day she was to inform Miss Londons parents of her death.


    The younger wizard gasped. I thought they werent supposed to be here for another day or two.


    Vernia arranged for a teleporter to fetch them the rest of the way; storms are forecasted over the Prinean for the next week, and their ship would have been dyed. She thought it would be cruel to leave the poor things in the dark about their child even longer.


    Alex shuddered. Well, shes suffering for it.


    Now the womanCareys mother, Alex assumedhad joined the man in his outrage.


    What manner of school is this? she demanded. We were told you kept your students <em>safe!</em>


    We took every precaution Professor Jules began.


    Every precaution? Careys father roared. Our daughter is dead, and you <em>dare</em> speak to us of precautions? Thamnd was evacuated for a <em>reason</em>, what was Carey doing in a <em>warzone</em>?


    Did she not tell you that shed joined the Thameish expedition? Professor Jules asked.


    Of course she told us! Careys mother screamed. Dont besmirch our daughters name by implying she would keep such an important matter a secret from us!


    We did not approve, but we thought that a scho schos reputable as yours would <em>keep your students alive!</em>


    I knew we shouldnt have sent her here! her mother wailed. Uldar is punishing us! Forgive us, father of Thamnd, we tried ever so hard!


    Heat burned in Alexs chest. Uldar was dead and even if he was alive, it was not <em>his</em> ce to forgive <em>anyone</em>. He was the one responsible for Careys death, him and his followers.


    All he wanted to do was walk into Jules office and tell them the truthbut he couldnt.


    Not yet.


    Depending on what the future held, maybe not ever.


    And that stung.


    Do not bring Uldar into this! her father railed at his wife. This is because of this schools negligence that


    We should have kept her home. This is <em>your</em> fault! Careys mother cried.


    What, Gloria, what are you


    Matthias, simply because she had mana did not necessitate her bing a wizard! She could have stayed home and learned Wrexiffs politicalndscape. She might have been a mayor or


    Gloria, do not let tragedy turn you from the light of Uldar and the warmth of family, Matthias said, his voice softening. Uldar tests us and our faith, and this is the sort of deviltry that would break lesser followers of his grace! We must stand firm. This is not our fault or Uldars. This is the fault of this damnable school! I wish to speak to the chancellor, Professor Jules! I wish to speak to him at once!


    Silence followed.


    Hes away, at the moment, she said quietly. The school will be having a public funeral for Miss London and the other members of the Thameish expedition who lost their lives in that attack. We will


    Hes away? Careys mother cried. Our daughter was in dangeramong Ravener-spawnand he was away?


    Bring him here! Matthias shouted. I shall not stand to have him hiding away after our daughters death! He must take responsibility!


    I cant contact him, Professor Jules said. ImIm sure the chancellor would be distraught if he were here, and he would phrase this better than I. ButIm sorry. Im sorry this has happened to you. Miss London was well-loved at the school and she will be dearly missed by all of us. I cant begin to understand the pain that you must be


    That is right! You do <em>not</em> understand, Glorias voice was like ice. Uldar, give me strength. We will be having a funeral for our daughter at home, there is no need for yours.


    Please, Mrs. London, Professor Jules said quickly. A chair scraped in her office. All of us at the university, including her friends, wish to say goodbye. Will you not allow them to say goodbye?


    Another pause.


    Gloriawe should let them have something. The administration in this school obviously all need sacking, but the students are not to me. Lets let her friends say farewell to her. I am sure that is what she would have wanted.


    O-ohohoh! suddenly Gloria cried. Have you identified her properly?


    Pardon? Professor Jules said, her voice dropping.


    Oh no, not this, ValRok groaned under his breath.


    Wha Alex started, but Glorias voice continued.


    Where is her body! Could it be possible that our baby was misidentified? We must see her body at once! It might not be her! the womans voice pleaded.


    Oh by the Traveller, Alex swore softly.


    I am afraidthat her body was in no state for recovery, Professor Jules said, reluctance chilling her voice. The nature ofher death made it impossible.


    Alex winced.


    What are you saying? Careys mother demanded.


    More silence.


    There came the abrupt sound of a p.


    Professor Jules gasped.


    Alex was already moving toward the door when Professor ValRok grabbed his shoulder. Dont, he warned. Youll only make things worse.


    Part of him wanted to pull away, but another part knew he was right.


    He <em>would</em> only make things worse if he rushed in there.


    Gloria was wailing again.


    I apologise for my wife, she should not have struck you, Matthias said, coldly. Our way is to let Uldar punish those who wrong us. And he will, madam. He will. And you can assure your chancellor that this is not finished.


    Chairs scraped along the floor.


    Everyone in the hallway scattered, quietly closing their office doors behind them. Alex and ValRok rushed back upstairs, peeking down from thending. Soon, Professor Jules door opened and two pairs of footsteps echoed through the hall.


    A man sniffled.


    A woman sobbed like her heart was breaking.


    Their steps receded, heading from the hallway and down a flight of stairs.


    Soon, the sound of footsteps were gone.


    Alex and ValRok looked at each other, then quietly made their way from thending and into the corridor leading to Professor Jules office.


    The door was still open, and they found her sitting at her desk, staring at nothing. A red mark marred her cheek.


    She hardly nced at them when they entered the doorway. I deserved that, she said. I did.


    I dont ValRok started.


    Dont. I know you want tofort me, but that is not what I need. It would only make me feel worse.


    What <em>do</em> you need? Alex asked.


    She looked at them, tears shining in her eyes. Right now, I would hate to be alone. Absolutely hate to be alone. I have to finish nning Miss Londons memorial service andoh, I could dearly use friends right now.


    And so Alex and ValRok entered the alchemy professors office and kept herpany for a time.


    It was only when Professor Jules tears dried that he found out when Careys funeral was to be.


    And it was to fall on a strangely auspicious day.

 Chapter 652: The Temple of Death

    Chapter 652: The Temple of Death


    Happy bted birthday, honey, Alex said.


    The twenty-year old huntress stopped untangling her hair in front of the mirror on her dressing table, pausing part way through a section of her ck locks. Her clothing was of the deepest ebony, and to Alex, tangled hair or not, she was beautiful.


    Theresa turned, her face looking confused until she suddenly raised her eyebrows.


    Oh, by the Traveller, youre right! she gasped. I <em>am</em> twenty. My birthday passed and I didnt even notice.


    Yeah, no wonder. Alex handed her a velvet box. ...it was the day before we found Uldars Rise.


    We had a lot on our minds then, she said quietly, opening the box.


    Inside, gleaming on a strip of ck silk fabric, was a pendant fashioned of silver and tinum, with the design of a shield in the centre.


    Its a protective amulet that should go well with the ring Elder Bloddeuwedd gave us. Itll cover your chain shirt with greater force armour, conjure a forceshield, and create gusts of wind thatll deflect projectiles. It, uh, also looks nice.


    Theresa beamed. Thank you Alex, thank you so much! she jumped up and wrapped her arms around him, pressing her lips to his. My turn.


    She went to her closet, taking a long bundle from inside, and with a contented smile, handed it to him.


    Happy birthday, she said softly.


    The now twenty year old wizard unwrapped his gift, finding a scabbard of scarlet leather, iid with gold.


    Its beautiful! he gasped, though he looked puzzled.


    I know what youre thinking: why a scabbard? Theresa folded her hands over his. Well, I think youre going to solve the Mark one day, and when you do, youll want to carry a sword as a backup weapon; trust me, theyre handy. Ill teach you how to use one when the timees.


    Thats a great idea, but why a scabbard instead of a sworOh! He examined it closely. Is this meant to fit Hannahs sword?


    It sure is, she grinned. Its magical and I think shed want you to have something to hold her sword in.


    This is awesome, Theresa! Youre awesome! He hugged her, lifting her off the floor. Im going to look so cool with this Alex<strong></strong>sighed, smiling.


    But, his smile soon faded.


    I feel kinda guiltyughing and enjoying myself when today iswell he paused.


    Careys and the others memorial service, Theresa finished. Youre allowed to smile andugh on your birthday, Alex. Even ifsomething sad is on the same day.


    Yeah, he said. I suppose


    It seemed as if pure rotten luck had conspired to make the two events fall on the same day, but thats the way it was: Careys service was to be held on the day Alex Roth was born some twenty years ago.


    On the second year anniversary of him being Marked as the Fool.


    He didnt know exactly how to feel about that; conflicted was probably the best word for it, a mixture of mncholy, sadness, happiness and hope.


    It was always going to be a memorable day that would stay with him forever.


    He looked down at his clothingall ck, trimmed simply. His long hair was tied back, and the symbol of the Traveller hanging from a silver chain around his neck would give him a stronger tie to his fallen friend.


    In the end, he wished he could have told her the truth about himself while she still lived.


    But, that wasnt meant to be.


    Is the painting ready? Theresa asked.


    It sure is, he said. Ill leave it here and if Careys parents show up, Ill teleport back and bring it to them. If they dont, then, I might try to find themter.


    Are you nervous?


    Yes, he said tly.


    Do you feel guilty?


    Yes.


    Me too...but, its not our fault, what happened, Theresa said, though her tone said otherwise, like she didnt quite believe her own words.


    I knowit still feels like it is though, Alex said. Come on, lets get Selina and ygon. Do you think Brutus will be alright here?


    Hell be fine, she said. We can pick him upter.


    Sounds good, He took a deep breath, looking at himself in the mirror. Lets get going.


    ###


    Alex, Theresa, Selina and ygon teleported, appearing at the entry to a templededicated to the concepts of death and the after-worldstretching high above the city centre. It was an enormous ck and white stone structure, ented with gargoyles representing spirits of death from a number of nes, and crowned with massive domes.


    Soft music drifted from inside; organ, flute, zither and drum, weing them through doors that were wide open to the public. A in ck rug led past the double doors to a vast room lit by flickering torches and forceballs.


    Im sorry I didnt get to know Carey better, Selina said softly, as they entered the building.


    <em>I wish I had too.</em> ygon said, his voice quiet. <em>I really do.</em>


    Alex and Theresa simply exchanged nces, each taking one of Selinas hands, and hand in hand, they made their way deeper into the temple.


    A soaring chamber greeted them, looking like any number of church halls back in Alric. Row after row of metal benches were ced horizontally throughout the space, each bench framed by braziers burning sweet-smelling herbs.


    The room was mostly empty. A few family members of the fallen sat up front, and towering high above them, was a stone obelisk etched with the names of those who had died on Uldars Rise.


    Framing the obelisk, were lines of coffins carved from dark wood. Careys empty one sat in the centre, and standing beside it, were two familiar faces.


    Watcher Hill and Professor Jules were talking quietly when they spotted Alex and his family.


    The smaller woman waved at them, inviting them to join her and the Watcher.


    Mr. Roth, Professor Jules called. Miss Roth, Ms. Lu, ygon. I am so d you were able to be here.


    We wouldnt have missed it for the world, Theresa said, reaching the two women.


    I know, but I still feel I should voice my appreciation. Professor Jules took Alexs hand. Happy Birthday, Mr. Roth. Again, Im sorry that the dates happened to fall so


    Alex held up a hand. Ill have more birthdays. Well only have one public service for Carey and everyone else we lost. Id be pretty selfish if I stood hereining.


    She gave him a weak smile. You really are a good man. Now, you and your family go and pay your respects then find a seat, well want to get ourselves oriented before everyone else arrives.


    Got it, Alex said. Good luck, professor, and if either of you need me for anything, just ask.


    Thank you, Mr. Roth.


    Alex looked down at Careys coffin, and gentlyid his hand on it. Until we meet again, Carey.


    Theresa ced a hand beside his. Until we meet again.


    ygon and Selina rested their hands on either side of Alexs and Theresas. Until we meet again.


    With those final words, they went to the side of the temple, taking seats on a bench near the front of the room. The golem stood beside them, hands sped solemnly behind his back in the same way that Baelin would have.


    Selina nestled into the arm of the bench, reaching up to touch ygons arm. Alex and Theresa leaned into each other.


    Everyone was quiet for a time.


    Alex felt a lump in his throat.


    The hall, the music, the memoriesall hammered home the finality of the moment; Carey was dead. She might return to the world one dayin another form.


    But, Carey London, the flesh and blood human being, would forevermore be gone.


    And every reminder of that truth filled Alex with grief, guilt, and a terrible anger.


    He wanted the Mark of the Fool ripped from his shoulder so he could hammer his fist clean <em>through</em> the First Apostles filthy face.


    Alex, look, Theresa suddenly said, surprise and rm in her voice.


    What? Is it Careys parenoh his voice trailed off.


    A line of mourners were filing into the temple, one of them had bright red hair, making him stand out from the rest.


    It wasnt Tyris Goldtooh whod arrived to mourn her friend.


    No, it was someone Alex had thought hed either never see again, or maybe only in passing.


    Derek? he whispered.


    Derek Warrenwho had befriended Carey shortly after shed joined Campus for Uldarlooked surprisingly good. His face looked healthier than thest time Alex hadid eyes on him, though he still had that too-tired look of a student who spent much of their time desperately scrambling to keep up with their studies.


    He nced around, looking nervousawkward, like he didnt belongthen said something to a student beside him. The red haired man was with some of Careys friends from Campus for Uldarseeing them left a bitter taste in Alexs mouth.


    When Carey''s doubts surfaced and she began questioning her faith in Uldar, those supposed friends quickly distanced themselves from her. She was left alone, with no one to talk to while she went through the greatest spiritual crisis of her life. Now, here they were, ready to weep, mourn, and wring their hands in front of her coffin.


    Something about that set Alexs teeth on edge and he wished he could grab the lot of them, teleport them to Uldars sanctum and drop them inches from his throne. If seeing his corpse didnt shake them, nothing would.


    He smiled, and without a word, began turning toward the front of the temple when Derek caught his eye.


    The Rhinean noble winced, but began walking to the front of the temple alongside hispanions.


    When he reached Alexs row, he stopped, looking like he wanted to crawl out of his skin.


    Roth he said quietly.


    Alex looked at him evenly. Derek.


    Uhmwas shewas Carey happy before the end? the noble asked. When Ist saw her, she seemed so troubled. Is thatthat isnt the way she died, is it?


    Alex wanted to scream at him; this fair-weather friend who hadfor all intents and purposesabandoned Carey when she needed friends the most.


    But, he bit back his anger, stopping himself from making a scene.


    He didnt know how he felt about Derek showing up after Carey was gone, but it wasnt <em>his</em> memorial service, nor that of any of his family members. If a scene was to be made, it wasnt up to him to make it.


    Still, the malicious part of him was tempted to just lie and feed the guilt that Derek seemed to be struggling with.


    But, he knew better than to do something that petty right now.


    When hed first met Derek Warren, he seemed like the perfect viin; a man who had nearly ruined Isoldes academic life, and was always on the lookout for ways to slip through school with the least amount of effort.


    But, after two years of life and death battles, facing demons and losing people to them, cultists, monsters, deadly divine mysteries, and even finding the corpse of his former godDerek just seemed so insignificant right now.


    He knew he would never like the man, but would he lie about Carey just to punish him?


    No.


    No, he would not.


    She died doing exactly what she wanted to do, Alex said simply. She died for Thamnd. She died for her friends. She died for her family. And it was by her own choice and will. Thats better than most can say. And I thinkshe had peace, in the end.


    II see, Derek said, looking at the floor. My father and mother would say she died well, then. I He paused, biting back his words, probably thinking theyd be better left unsaid. Nevermind. Take care of yourself, Roth. And thanks for answering me.


    With that, he turned, squared his shoulders and walked toward Careys coffin.


    Derek and Professor Jules looked at each other for a long moment, then he bowed his head to her.


    She nodded.


    And he moved on to pay his respects to Carey, seemingly at peace.


    As Professor Jules looked away from him, her eyes went to the back of the chamber then widened, her expression abruptly changing, adopting a look of grim resolve.


    Alex didnt have to look behind him to know: Careys parents had arrived.

 Chapter 653: Five Birthdays and a Funeral

    Chapter 653: Five Birthdays and a Funeral


    Careys parents werefrom all appearancesjust an average middle aged couple walking into the temple, and most in attendance reacted to them as such. There was no grand fanfare, no announcements, no one jumped to their feet, or bowed.


    Yet, those who knew them by sight paused when they entered.


    Professor Jules and Watcher Hill stared at them for a moment, subtly whispering to each other. The professors face showed resolve, and tension, much like a first year student taking their very first exam.


    Alexs family took note of them when he told them who they were.


    Soon, even those whod never seen them before, were turning around, wondering who they were until their eyes fell on Careys mother. Carey had been the image of her mother; blond haired, petite, and chubby cheeked with a touch of her fathers features thrown in for good measure; his blue<strong></strong>eyes, button nose and soft chin.


    She was stamped with their likenesses, and their features told everyone who the couple that just entered the temple were.


    Some mourners nodded to them, acknowledging them quietly as they were led toward the front of the temple by an usher. Others, like members of Campus for Uldar, scurried from their seats, intercepting them.


    You must be Mr. and Mrs Londom, Im so sorry for one started.


    I was great friends with Carey, right until the end said another.


    I am so sorry for what happened to her, she was truly the best of


    The grieving mother and father were assaulted by a storm of condolences, some genuine, and othersAlex had the suspicionnot so much.


    He had seen such nonsense before, at other memorial services, and even his own parents funeral. People who hardly knew, or rarely had anything to do with the deceased would suddenly appear, pushing themselves to the forefront, proiming how close they had been to one another. Then the weeping and wailing would start, and soon, all attention would turn to them while the actual bereaved were leftforting them.


    I must have cried every night since I learned of Careys death, sobbed one of Careys former friends who Alex had probably seen all of two times. I think I might have had feelings for


    Whenever I go out, I miss having Carey beside me. Everyday I look out across the sea and imagine shes still here a young woman eximed, her voice rising.


    Attention-seeking snakes, Theresa growled under her breath.


    What? Selina said, her voice a whisper. How are they snakes?


    The huntress shook her head. Ive never seen those people before. They remind me of some of the ones at your parents funeral.


    Selina looked at her sharply. What do you mean?


    Theresas face hardened. There was this man who showed up, screaming and crying about how much he missed your mother and father. Father asked him to leave twice, but he wouldnt go until the priest strongly told him to.


    Yeah, Alex said. I remember that. But I didnt know why your father was so mad untilter.


    Why was Mr. Lu mad? Selina asked.


    Now ygon was leaning in.


    The Thameish wizard snorted. Apparently, the man and dad hated each other: they were both soft on mum when they were school boys, and the guy wouldnt stoping on to her, even after mum and dad got married. He even tried to ambush dad with some of his mates one night, and if Mr. Lu hadnt been there, it wouldve been bad.


    Thats why father found him after the funeral andid him out with a smile on his face, Theresa smiled with satisfaction. He was making a terrible time even worse, all for a bit of attention.


    Thats disgusting, Selinas voice was t. And you think those people are like that? She nodded toward the small crowd surrounding Careys parents.


    Alexs frown deepened. At mom and dads funeral a bunch of people surrounded <em>me</em> just like that. It felt strange and real ufortable when they started talking about how broken up they were by what happened; the problem was, mum and dad had never mentioned them before, and I had no idea who most of them were. Then, when I got olderand needed a jobI didnt see any of theming around to help me.


    He red at the crowd gathering around Careys parents. Funny how that works, isnt it?


    Alex had a good mind to get up and break through the circle; those poor people didnt need a bunch of fawning hypocrites drowning them in horse dung right now. He could go over, simply offer her parents his condolences for now, then let the usher show them to their seats, and talk to themter


    Oi, why don you lot leave em alone? a familiar voice rumbled from the doorway.


    The fawners gasped, looking toward themanding voice.


    Silence followed.


    Alexs head turned, followed by ygons, Theresas, then Selinas, she gasped.


    Therestanding in a rowwere four very familiar figures, beside a bunch more very familiar ones.


    A small crowd stood at the entrance to the building: Grimloch, Thundar, Isolde, Hogarth, Svenia, Khalik<strong>,</strong> Sinope, Nua-Oge, Kybas, Tyris


    and four of the five Heroes of Thamnd.


    Alex did a double take at the sight of the Heroes, wondering if he might be hallucinating, or if grief and anger had robbed him of reason. He closed his eyes then opened them againto the exact same scene.


    d all in ck, the Heroes of Thamnd walked down the centre aisle.


    Hart Redflether was hand in hand with Tyris Goldtooth.


    Drestra of Crymlyn Swamp walked with her arm linked through the arm of a nervous looking Thundar.


    Cedric strode beside Isolde. He was even wearing a shirt.


    And Merzhinthe Saint of Uldar walked a little apart, head held low and cheeks burning red.


    His expression turned to one of pure rm when he spotted Careys parents.


    The Heroes! Careys father gasped, the sycophants and vultures around himpletely forgotten. Thamnds Heroes are here?


    Peace unto you, Mr. and Mrs. London...your daughter fell in battle at our side, Merzhin said, his voice small. Low. Agonised. The warriors and wizards of Generasi fought like heroes themselves to save her. And it is with the greatest shame that we now must attend her memorial. I


    He looked up at them, tears brimming in his eyes. ...I am sorry.


    Alexs heart ached; Careys parents couldnt know how deep the pain behind Merzhins apology ran. They couldnt know the full extent of <em>why</em> he was apologising. Perhaps, they never would.


    With a choked cry, Gloria London dropped to her knees before the Saint, clutching his ck robe. Bless your heart ever so much, Saint of Uldar. O-Our Carey loved Uldar with her whole heart, just as he loves us! She turned to the other Heroes. Holy Chosen, Holy Sage, Holy Champion. Thank you for this honour! Im sure our daughter must be crying tears of joy from the after-world.


    One look at Merzhins face told Alex that guilt didnt kill, not directly, because if it did; the Saint of Uldar would be lying dead on the ground. The small man trembled, his boyish face contorting in agony.


    Only a few knew the depths of his pain, and none would be revealing it.


    Hart looked at Careys parents. Dont worry, well make sure the bastards that did this pay.


    Thank you. Thank you! Careys father gave the Heroes a deep bow.


    Now we should be lettin everyone get t their seats. Cedric nodded at Professor Jules. Im sure its more than time tget started. So ifn you folks would kindly step out of the way. He raised his eyebrow meaningfully at those surrounding the couple.


    They looked at the Heroeswell, with Hero worship, then reluctantly, but wisely, stepped aside so that Careys parents and her friends could pay respects to the fallen. One by one, the group approached the coffins, kneeling beside each one with their heads bowed in quiet prayer. The Heroes rested a hand on each coffin with the reverence they would give to an old friend.


    When they reached Careys casket, Merzhin spoke softly, his slight frame seeming to shrink further. Goodbye Carey, thank you for being my friend, was all he could say.


    And with that, everyone moved aside, leaving her parents beside their daughters coffin.


    May Uldar guide you to your reward in the after-world, my daughter, Mr. London said. You served him well in life.


    May he embrace you in death, Mrs. London said quietly. And may St. Avelin guide you to his side.


    Alex fought a wave of nausea churning in the pit of his gut as he pictured Uldars notes about his creation. His mind went back to his parents graves in Alric; at their funeral, the priest of Uldar gave his benediction, then the townsfolk prayed to both the Traveller, and their god for his parents immortal souls.


    He wished he could go back in time and demand that they not defile his parents memory by speaking the dead gods name.


    But, such wishes were pointless; if he could go back in time, there wouldnt be a need for a memorial service today.


    Carey would still be with them, flesh and blood and alive and well.


    He banished those thoughts as the usher guided Mr. And Mrs. London to their seats at the very front of the temple near the loved ones of the others whod fallen. The Heroes and Alexs other friends took seats on a long bench in front of the young wizard, the huntress, Selina and ygon.


    Cedric turned around. Alex, Theresa, ygon. He nodded, before spotting Selina. Oi, little onewait, yaint so little no more. Been a bit.


    Cedric. Selina smiled. Im d to see youbut I wish it was at a better time.


    Aye, I hear ya.


    Oh, and happy birthday. You too, Drestra, Hart and Merzhin.


    All four of the Heroes paused in surprise before answering.


    Damn, I actually forgot, Hart rumbled.


    As did I, Merzhin said.


    Things have been too eventfultely, Drestra agreed. And thank you, sweet child.


    Well talkter, Alex whispered as more mourners came through the temples entrance, looking to pay their respects to the departed.


    Soon, the chamber was full<strong></strong>to standing; a great many people had died, and they had left a great many loved ones behind. Alex wondered how many more services he would find himself attending before the nightmare Uldar had created was finally dead and gone for good.


    The distant ringing of a bell announced the start of the ceremony, signalling the hall to silence.


    A city offici steward of deathstepped to the podium wearing robes of deepest ck, ented on either shoulder by strange pauldrons iid with miniature braziers burning frankincense.


    He sniffed. Loved ones. Friends. Honoured living. Today we gather togetherunder the watch of many deities, spirits and ancestorsto both mourn and celebrate. We mourn the passing of those we cherished in life, and celebrate them reaching their final destinations in the after-world. May they know peace, and may the lives they lived providefort for their immortal souls. Now we


    The official gave an eloquent, passionate speech about sacrifice and the burdens of the living as they bid farewell to the dead. He spoke of the privilege of not only living as one chose, but dying as one chose, he also peppered his inspiring words with a brimstone-tinged speech about how monsters should<strong></strong>be punished for their ravening ughter.


    Alex found the words moving, he noticed others nodding their heads in agreement with the man as his voice rose, warming to his subject.


    When he finished, he ceded the podium to Watcher Hill.


    Alex noted the sudden/abrupt shift in Careys parents bodies.


    Today I speak for fallen warriors who died giving their lives for a cause, and for the lives of others, she said. They fought a terrible battle against monstrous foes


    Monstrous is an understatement, Alex thought, recalling the First Apostle.


    and their loss granted others victory, she continued. For that, I am as proud of them as I am ashamed of myself. They


    She continued, speaking on their bravery, strength, and iron will.


    At the end, she finished with a promise of terrible vengeance against the enemies that had cut them down.


    Down with the Ravener! a member of Campus for Uldar cried, and his words were echoed by half a dozen others.


    Alex noticed a slight nod of approval from Mr. London.


    When Watcher Hill was ready to leave the podium, she announced who the next speaker would be, yet, it remained empty for a time.


    Alex soon realised why; Professor Jules stood stark still, staring at it, looking as though she would rather walk off a cliff. Her eyes flicked across the crowd, pausing for a few moments, and Alex craned his neck, spotting an older man and a young family near the rear of the temple.


    They were all small framed, andexcept for the manbore a clear resemnce to Professor Jules. They were nodding their heads, seeming to convey their support for her through their bodynguage.


    Alex was also noddingthough she wasnt looking his wayoffering her his wordless encouragement.


    Atst, the alchemy professor squared her shoulders, took a deep breath, and strode to the podium.


    Mr. and Mrs. Londons faces were as set, and as cold, as ice.

 Chapter 654: Painted Memories

    Chapter 654: Painted Memories


    Suddenly, the air felt charged as the temple went still. Not even an errant cough broke the stillness.


    Everyones eyes rested on the professor. Whether they watched her seekingfort from the words she was about to deliver, orin the case of the Londons and other grieving familieswith judgement, only time would tell. She moved to the podium.


    If you knew the alchemy professor, you could tell that her usual self-assurance was absent. Gone was her matter-of-fact manner, and that challenging look she normally fixed her students with, they had been reced by the grimness of a prisoner ready to face the executioner. Yet, her dignity was on full disy as she stood at the podium, looking out over those in attendance, meeting the gaze of Alex and his friends. Her eyes fell on her fellow professors, then her own family.


    The alchemist took a long breath, steadying herself.


    Then she began. I would like to start by saying that Im not sure I deserve to be up here, Professor Jules said, her eyes low. But, by not being here, I would be denying a perspective on the life of a young woman I came to know over thest two years. Many lost their lives in the realm of Thamnd, and I grieve for all of them, particrly for the lives of my young students. Today, my desire to hide cannot bepared to my wish to celebrate their lives, and those of the many who died.


    She swallowed. Many are gone, and sadly, I didnt know most of them well, to my great misfortune. I did, however, have the pleasure of knowing Carey London and teaching her alchemy for the past two years. I had the pleasure of working with her in theboratory in Greymoor as a colleague, and I also had the honour of seeing her grow as both an alchemist, and a dedicated wizard.


    Her eyes began to shine. We are jewels, we mortals; gems with many facets that we show to different people. I can say honestly that the very first facet Miss London showed me was one of pure dedication to her country. In the very first alchemy ss of mine that she attended in her first year, she asked if Generasi had ever researched the threat of dungeon cores or an entity called the Ravener that gued her homnd This remarkable young womanat a time when the world of most young wizards is strictly about their studies, parties and friendswas focused on something higher; on helping her homnd in any way she could. I cannot stress enough how rare such a dedication is. I know that in Thamnd, those called Heroes are people who bear a specific Mark, chosen by their god. But though Carey bore no such Mark, she is who I will first think of when I hear the word Hero. She was an ordinary young womangifted with mana, that is true, and a talent for alchemy, and a remarkable intellectbut she was no Hero chosen by divine decree.


    Professor Jules smiled. Yet that ordinary nature is what made her <em>extraordinary.</em> She had no divine powers, she was neither a warrior nor a great champion chosen by her kingdom. She was simply a young Thameish woman who chose to use her natural gifts for her friends, her loved ones, and for the sake of her realm. She''s a lesson<strong></strong>for all of us to learn. I only hope that I, for one, can live up to her example and do everything in my power to help destroy the gue on her homnd foreverand I will dedicate myself to that task, just as she did. I owe that to her, at the very least, and it will be done in her name and her memory. And just like the facets of a jewel, Carey shone in the darkness by offering the light of openness to everyone she met.


    Professor Jules then spoke of the things she was privileged to witness as Carey grew in alchemy.


    She told stories about Carey in her first and second year. They painted a picture of a young, earnest, dedicated womanwho could be a bit socially clumsy at timeswho had been a model student and a help to both Professor Jules, and the schoolmunity.


    Some were stories Alex had never known, and they struck him with a sharp pang of guilt.


    I spent an entire year and then some avoiding Carey, Alex thought. And now shes gone; I really should have gotten to know her bettermaybe seen some of those other sides that Professor Jules sawbut the truth is, thats not my fault, is it? Its Uldars.


    His guilt quickly shifted to anger.


    I <em>had</em> good reasons to avoid Carey; she was so dedicated to Uldar back then, that she would have definitely reported me to the priests. I lost the opportunity to make another good friend because of some dead gods stupid bullshit, Alex thought.


    He looked at Careys parents at the front of the temple.


    Mr. and Mrs. London were listening to Professor Jules attentively. Waves of anger were still bleeding from their bodynguagedirected at the professor, Baelin, and the school, no doubtbut some of it seemed to have softened after they met the Heroes.


    Now that Professor Jules was sharing her memories of their daughter, their anger seemed to calm a little more. Alex knew any road to forgiveness would be long for them, and that was,<em> if</em> they ever forgave the targets of their rage; the professor, the chancellor, and the university.


    After all, to them, it was the school whod let their daughter die.


    His jaw clenched as his eyes fell on the symbols of Uldar hanging from their necks.


    He wished more than anything he could tell them what theyd found in the sanctum, that he could teleport them there and show them the gods corpse then let them see the ns hed designed for the Ravener. But, it was too early for that. And besides, sometimes when people believe something, theyll be so dedicated to that belief, that they deny anything to the contrary that you tell them, no matter how much proof you show them.


    Still, its too bad, he thought. They give their dedication to the god and church responsible for her daughters death, while ming the very people that helped her. One day. One day, when this is all done, Ill tell them the truth. They deserve to know.


    ###


    The rest of the memorial service had been peaceful, informative, and for many, tough.


    There were lots of folk who stood at the podium, remembering those whod passed on, leaving huge holes in lives theyd once filled. A weeping man rose from his seat, making his way to the podium only topletely break down, turn around, and return to his seat, his head hanging low.


    Careys parents didnt speak at the service, they sat quietly, holding each others hand.


    Whether they were too grief strickenor didnt trust themselves to remain civilAlex had no way of knowing, but whatever the case, they chose silence.


    When the service ended and a temple official announced the start of a reception in therge gathering room beneath the main hall, they made their way downstairs and found a table. Soft music filled the space. Colourful canvases, stained ss panels, and calligraphy depicting gates in the celestial nes along with artists renditions imagining what the after-world could look like, hung from stone walls, illuminated by row upon row of forceballs.


    Along one wall, stood a buffet tabledened with in china and silverware for simple, butforting fare; the focus here was not on fancy decor, borate meals, or music. It was meant to be on peopleing together and sharing memories of their loved ones.


    And that is what Mr. and Mrs. London did.


    At their table, they told tales of Carey to anyone who was near. Through their words, the young woman lived again.


    Although


    It feels surreal, and a little ufortable listening to their stories about Carey, Khalik whispered, leaning toward Alex. So many involve the church, whichconsidering


    Yeah, I know what you mean, Alex said.


    Aye, makes it a tad awkward, Cedric said, his elbows on the table. Dont know how tbe feelin about all of it, ifn Im honest.


    Well, its good that youre here, Theresa said. Im surprised you four could get away.


    We told the priests that we had a friend whose memorial we needed to attend, Drestras voice crackled. They respected that. Not all of them are likeyou know who, I suppose.


    How long are you staying for? Selina asked.


    Only for a few more hours, Hart said. We took the fae roads to Greymoor, and then used the teleportation circle. We gotta get back. Lots of fires to put out, and lots left to do.


    Well, maybe we can show you around a bit before you leave town, Thundar offered.


    Id like that. Drestra looked up at Thundar.


    We could go to the Golden Dragon, Khalik suggested. We had a wonderful meal there after the Games of Roal, and Carey was with us then. The memory would benice.


    Then let me do something before we go. Alex got up. Ill be back.


    The Thameish wizard began walking across the chamber and toward Careys parents, his head held high and face set with resolve.


    As he reached the crowd around Mr. and Mrs. Londons table and excused himself, the mourners parted, whispering to each other while opening a path to her parents.


    Most of the students knew that hed known Carey, and stepped aside to let him speak to her mother and father.


    As he came closer, Gloria London looked up.


    He lowered his head. Hello Mrs. London, Im Careys friend, my name is Alex. I just wanted to tell you that Im going to miss her a lot, I already do, and I cant even begin to imagine what losing her must be like for <em>you.</em>


    Oh! Mrs. London cried. AlexAlex Roth? Carey wrote about you in her letters home. She said that you were from Thamnd, and I believe she said that you and she were on the research team together, is that correct?


    Mr. Londonfinishing a storyturned to Alex. Thats right, she mentioned you in some of hertest letters, and told us how well you and she worked together.


    I tried, Alex said. She was myb partner in first year too, and with time, she became my friend. Again, Im sorry for your lossfor all of our losses.


    Bless your heart, child. Mrs. London reached out and squeezed Alexs hand.


    He smiled. Um, if you dont mind, I would like to give you both something. Imade something to remember Carey by, and I was hoping that youd ept it. I dont want to take attention away from Carey or anyone else.


    Thats alright, my boy, Mr. London said. Thank you for thinking about that, and well happily ept your gift. What is it?


    Its uh, a painting, Alex said. I made a portrait of us to remember a time when a bunch of us were all celebrating together recently. She was there. And she looked happy, and since it was thest time we were all together having a good time, I thought you might like it. If you dont, I get it.


    The pair of bereaved parents looked at each other. We would love to see it, ever so much, said Mrs. London. Do you have it here?


    I will in just a moment, Alex said, looking around. Would you mind making some space? Its not exactly small.


    The group around Careys parents cleared a space for him.


    Picturing his room, the Thameish wizard teleported back home, touching the painting then teleporting itand the easelback to the reception hall. Gasps ran through the crowd as he reappeared, presenting the painting to Careys parents.


    Her mother gasped, her hands pressed to her mouth.


    Tears sprang to her fathers eyes.


    A group of smiling faces painted with care, met their eyes.


    All of Careys friends who had celebrated with her after the Games of Roalmany who hade to rescue her at Uldars Risewere there smiling beside her.


    She seemed to glow with happiness in the painting, her eyes bright and her smile content.


    Gloria Londons tears flowed.


    Matthias London joined her, tears running down his face.


    Alex felt a lump in his throat.


    Thank you. Careys father wiped his tears away. She looks so alive. We will cherish this forever. Wethis is how we want to remember her. Happy. Loved. Surrounded by friends.


    It was the least I could do, Alex said. Maymay it bring you somefort.


    For a time, he stayed with the Londons, talking about Carey. Theyughed. They cried. And thenatstit was time to go.


    As the reception came to an end, Alex offered to teleport Careys parents back to their lodgings so they wouldnt have to struggle with therge painting.


    He helped them set it up in their room, then bid them farewell before returning to his friends and family. This was a day to spend together, sharing a meal at the Golden Dragon as they had on a rather special day with Khaliks parents and Carey. They would toast and remember her.


    After that, it would be back to preparing.


    After that, it would be back to research.


    After that, it would be back to war.


    But, while they were gathered together cherishing each otherspany, Careys parents had one more surprise in store for them.


    ###


    Matthias, Gloria paused, staring at the painting. She had just returned from the water closet and was in their sitting room, preparing to snuff out the candles for the night.


    Candlelight illuminated the painting and its beautiful image of their daughter.


    Yes, dear? Matthias walked out of the bedroom.


    Was that therearound Careys neck earlier? Gloria pointed to the painting.


    Her husband startled, his eyes falling on what she was pointing to. Noit definitely wasnt. I remember seeing something simr recently, but I cant ce it. do you think theres magic here?


    No, I thinkI do believe this is different, I have this feeling of warmth when I look at it. Gloria resisted the urge to touch the painting. It feelsdivine.


    Careys parents fell silent, looking at the gift from the young Thameish wizard.


    At the image of their smiling daughter.


    And at the golden chainbearing the symbol of anternwhich had mysteriously appeared around her neck.

 Chapter 655: The Castle of Wonders

    Chapter 655: The Castle of Wonders


    Clouds of white and grey hid the castles highest towers.


    Below them, on the peak of a lofty mountain, the castle rose from a forest of gold and scarlet, filling the horizon. An irregr facade of silver stones glittered in the moonlight, highlighting walls, roofs, and a host of towers spun from autumn leaves stronger than steel.


    In the courtyards, fountains flowed with cider and mead, and every garden was abundant with luscious fruit, near bursting with magical juices. Stables and kennels housed war-horses, war-deer, coursing-hounds and other beasts that could race the wind.


    At the end of a bridge, towering front gates forged of green copper with ivy wrapping around them, spanned a river that flowed up the mountain, into the castle, then into a reverse waterfall that surged upward into the endless sky, forming fluffy clouds of grey and white.


    It was at the foot of this bridge that the fae known to many as the Guide, to some as the Stalker, and by other names to many more, was astride his mount, watching it snort golden clouds of steam from its snout.


    The bells tinkled on the moose antlers and its cloven hooves pawed the bridges obsidian cobblestones.


    Thats right boy, the Guide patted the steeds neck. Youll be seeing all of your siblings in Lord Aenflynns stable soon, so, you just wait for a moment. I dont get toe to his big house as often as Id like, so Ill just bask a little, if its all the same to you.


    And the Stalker did bask, taking in the wonders of the lords castle: the faeries flitting about the walls, and the tamed beasts and birds flying between the towers. He listened to the rushing river, ears attuned to fish jumping through foaming water, and theughter of otters chasing them. His nostrils red as they caught the delicate scent of wildflowers drifting from behind Aenflynns high walls.


    Ah, by all the fae lords, I missed this ce. The Stalker grinned. Come, then, friend. Lets go see him.


    With that, the Stalker tapped his heels to the sides of his mount, trotted over the bridge, and toward the titanic gates.


    High above, heads poked from windows in a gatehouse, and a pair of Aenflynns soldiers fluttered down to the bridge on gossamer dragonfly wings. Their armour was woven of brown wood and green ivy, hugging their bodies like silk, but the Stalker knew their protection was sturdy enough to turn away most des.


    But not his.


    This he knew from experience; he hadnt always been so wee in Lord Aenflyyns halls.


    The two guards clutched spears of living wood capped with bronze tips, and it was with the greatest delight that the Stalker noticed their weapons quivering in their hands.


    Good.


    They were still frightened.


    It was with these same spears that they now barred the Stalkers way, crossing them in front of his mount.


    Greetings, the guard on the left called, trying to hide the tremor in his voice. That fear was music to the shorter faes ears. What business have you at Castle stonrock?


    Oh, dont be like that, old friend! The Stalker threw his arms out, as though preparing to embrace the young guard. He was rewarded with a grimace. Lord Aenflynn expects me, and I havent caused any ruckus here in over a thousand years! You cant be a day over three hundred; Ive never done anything to you. Were all friends now!


    He let out a jollyugh.


    The other guard took a step back.


    The Stalkerughed harder.


    W-we will have to confirm with Lord Aenflynn the first guard started.


    <em>That will not be necessary,</em> said a voice that was not a voice,bining the roar of water, whisper of wind, and crackle of fire. It could only havee from the lord of the castle. <em>The Guide is expected.</em>


    At that, the ivy around the gates writhed into life, pulling them apart. Green barricades slid open in eerie silence, making a dull thud when they struck the walls of the gatehouse.


    Through the gateway was the first of Aenflynns many courtyards, a vastndscape filled with wildflowers in full summer bloom.


    The Stalker offered the guardswho had quickly made way for himan overly polite smile and nod. You two do good work, but dont let yourselves get too buried in duties; you never know when one of those duties might be yourst.


    Their naked fear sent him into glee filledughter, and he went on his way toward the castle, leaving them looking shaken.


    After entrusting a waiting attendant with his moose, the Guide began climbing stairs through the many courtyards, bridges and walkways that made up the exterior of the fae lords citadel.


    The short fae sighed, smiling nostalgically; in past adventuresduring times when hed found himself fleeing this ce under less than ideal circumstancesthese passages and courtyards had been far more confusing.


    They used to contort around him in an ever changing maze, like the castle hade to life and was trying to stop him from escaping.


    Mostly because it had.


    It was a wonderfully entertaining puzzle, one hed taken great delight in solving as he ughtered any guard silly, or misguidedly brave enough to bar his way.


    Oh, how fun those days were!


    It was a pity that the castle was so depressinglypliant now, letting him pass with no trouble at all. Any old grudges between him and Aenflynn were long buried, every debt was paid, and the two were on boringly pleasant terms.


    The sad thing was that the Stalker wasfortable enough with those terms to not cause any trouble, not even for the fun of it.


    He gave a deep, sad sigh as he mounted a castle wall halfway up the towering citadel and began walking along a bridge of glowing ss leading to a tower separate from the main castle.


    I am getting old, he chastised himself. A younger me wouldve been cracking heads for chuckles. Bah! Ah well: youth for the young, they say. And wisdom for the wise.


    <em>A shame that you are neither,</em> Lord Aenflynns voice whispered along the wind.


    The Stalker resisted the urge to shake his fist at the empty air as he finally reached the tower at the end of the bridge. It was a curious structureeven by fae standardsmade of carved emeraldfloating in the air seemingly unsupported.


    Strange shadows moved in the green jewels facets, each seeming to whisper long dead secrets.


    The Guide was reaching for the tower door, when it opened.


    Inside, there stood a table of in stone with two seats pushed against it, and a pair of cups sitting on it. Both were filled with a fine honey-wine that Aenflynn often drank andfrustratinglyrefused to either share its name, or its source.


    Long ago, the Stalker had promised hed get that information out of him one day, one day still hadnte yet.


    So, you called for me, my lord? he said, all smiles.


    YesI did. Aenflynn answered, distantly.


    He was tall, but as lean as a young willow branch. His face was touched by an unearthly beauty, and aurel of ivy crowned his brow, sitting just above his pointed ears. His eyes were pools of silver light, seeming both ancient and shrewd, and were fixed on movement within the wall and ceiling.


    The chambers interior was crafted from the same emerald as the rest of the tower, and inside each jewelled facet, a hazy image swam. With much difficulty, the Stalker recognised that he was seeing certain sights and scenes from across Aenflynns domain in the fae wild, along with the mortal realm of Thamnd.


    In all of his many yearsing here, hed never seen anything clearly, everything was always hazy, fog shrouded shadows, and silhouettes within the facets. Though, they had grown marginally clearer as the years passed.


    From his understanding, where he saw only shadows, Lord Aenflynn saw clear images. And it was upon one of those images that the lord''s gaze was now fixed.


    The hour growste, the fae lord said. Veryte. The sun and moon move quickly over this realm of Och Fir Nog.


    Ooo a game of riddles! The Stalker rubbed his hands together. What fun! Mind if I have a seat?


    We would be pleased if you did.


    Good, good. The small fae scuttled into the seat across from the lord and took a sip of honey-wine. Mmm! Thats still mighty good, by bark and solstice! Ah! Feel like a little bet? How about if I win this game of riddles, you have to tell me the name of this wonderful


    No, said Lord Aenflynn, his gaze fixed on the image.


    Oh, bah! The Guideined. Thats no fun! Alright, the sun and moon grow quickly. The hour growste: aye, youre saying that time is running out for something. And time is running out faster than you thoughtyoure saying, days and nights are passing quicklyis that right?


    Fie, Lord Aenflynn sighed, looking away from the facet. You are less fun than you used to be. No puzzling nor struggling.


    I am old and wise now, mlord, the Stalker said. So what can I do for you? Need help speeding up ns.


    You cannot do anything for me yet, Lord Aenflynn said. But we will need a certain service from you soon; for now, we seek information from you. How goes your quest to gain new hounds? How goes your hunt?


    The Stalker grinned, rolling his eyes. Of course you would know about that. Well, so far, the hounds are motivated and the quarrys good. The Fool of Thamnd seems to be a wily one, gifted with strange powers. Im sure hell be a fine challenge.


    Good, we are pleased by this. You have our full blessing, and so we must ask this of you now.


    You just said I couldnt do anything for you right now. The Stalker raised an eyebrow.


    That is true, but we arent asking you to do something. We are about to ask you to <em>not</em> do something. Lord Aenflynn grinned, revealing sharp teeth.


    Bah! Cheap y on words.


    What is cheaper, the y on words or the mind that fails to see through them? We know the answer, Lord Aenflynn chuckled. What you will <em>not</em> do is appear before the Sage, Chosen or Champion of Thamnd for a time. Not until we say so.


    The Stalker paused in surprise. Oh? That wouldnt cause me any problemsI havent sworn to be by their side, Ive just been helping them on your order. If your orders change, so be it. But wouldnt that cause you to break an oath with them?


    Lord Aenflynn grinned, beginning to recite his exact oath. <em>One hundred and twenty of your monsters, to be given once per moon in groups of thirty or more, not less. In return, you will have the service of one of my fae warriors for every three monsters you provide me. In addition, you Heroes will have full ess to the fae gates, letting you cross the five highways of my realm and quickening your travels across Thamnd. Your armies will have use of the same, though you will all be under faew while travelling through the fae wild. If any of you vite ourws, you will be subject to our punishments.</em>


    He then mimicked the Chosen of Thamnd. <em>Aye, got all that. An if we betray you, then you willmand your fae warriors to set on us and rip us to shreds. If ya betray us, then any Ravener-spawn weve gifted t ya will make things nasty for ya. Well also have folk ready tcare fer yer elderly changelings in two moons time.</em>


    Aenflynns grin widened. Those are the words of the pact spoken between us.


    AhhhhI see, the Stalker said. Betraying youah, that can have so many interpretations and the Heroes are subject to faew in thisnd.


    Indeed, Lord Aenflynn said. We are bound to give them and their armies ess to the fae gates, let them cross the five highways of my realm and quicken their travels across Thamnd. Your guiding them was a bonus.


    Which you can take away at any time.


    Exactly, which frees you up for your own tasks, Lord Aenflynn said. When your hunt is over, would you take up another one?


    The Stalker raised an eyebrow. Who would I be hunting?


    The Saint of Thamnd.

 Chapter 656: An Open Seat

    Chapter 656: An Open Seat


    The Saint of Thamnd, eh? The Stalker sat pondering his lords words.


    Surprising words. Strange words.


    As far as he knew, there was no enmity between the fae lord and the holy Hero of Uldar. Had the young man said something to offend Aenflynn?


    He was easily offended, after all.


    And what of his oath to the Heroes? Merzhin hadnt broken anyw of the fae wild, <em>or</em> betrayed either the lord, nor the realm of Och Fir Nog. So what was this all about, wouldnt Aenflynn be breaking his own oath if he was to work against the Saint?


    He presented his concerns to the taller fae, who simplyughed.


    Our oath specified the word <em>you </em>in my conversation with the Heroes, and at that time, we were only speaking with three of them; the Sage, the Champion and the Chosen, Aenflynn said. The Fool and the Saint arepletely unbound by any oath to us, for better and for worse. They have full freedom to act, so it would be better if they were taken out of the situation, so to speak.


    Fine by me, but its going to be a pretty boring hunt; the boy was close to being a broken shell when Ist saw him.


    Oh? You were at the Battle at Uldars Rise? Aenflynn asked.


    I was close enough to nearly singe my beard, mlord. The Stalker gave him a grim smile. If you were there, you wouldve seen explosions as bright and as hot as dragonfire, or even the suns breath. Life and death. Oaths given and wills shattered. All in all, it was good, bloody fun, Id say; made me crave hunting the Fool even more. And you? You watched as well?


    Indeed, Lord Aenflynn said. The mortals secrets are not as secret as they might think; I have known of Uldars secret enve for as long as it has existed.


    Right, and is it something that happened there that made you want to go against poor St. Merzhin?


    No and yes. Aenflynn looked up at the ceiling again. There is an opportunitying, my friend. An opportunity so grand and so sulent, that any number of fae lords, wizards, and mortal kings of the world would give their first bornto take advantage of it. Yet, we are fortunate enough to have that opportunity simply fall at <em>our</em> feet, we only have to bend down and pick it upwe would be fools to let anything or anyone get in our way.


    Aye, alright, Ill take care of im, said the Stalker. No two hunts are equal, after all. Im sure the Fools hunt will more than make up for the Saints humdrum one. what would be the payment for Merzhins life?


    Aenflynn smiled and took a deep sip from his goblet. You have been asking me for longer than I can remember where you mighty your very capable hands on this vintage So, how about this? If you kill the Saint when you finish your hunt of the Fool, then you shall not only know its name, but where you can get it as well. Further, I will supply you with a centurys worth.


    The Stalker lit up like a human child on Sigmus morning. I wont let you take that back, my lord!


    We have no interest in taking anything back. Lord Aenflynn raised his goblet. You do this for us, and you will deserve your reward.


    Hah! I knew there was a reason I stopped killin your warriors! The Stalker toasted his lord. Heres to opportunities!


    To opportunities. Aenflynn drank deeply.


    The stalker put his drink down. Mm, speaking of that, you mind telling me what this opportunity you mentioned is about?


    And spoil the surprise? Absolutely not! Aenflynn chastised him.


    Ohe on, dont tease me like that! the Stalker said. You have me all curious now!


    Hm. The fae lord looked at him evenly. Fine, then. We will grant you a small piece of the puzzle. If you can put the rest together, you will have the knowledge you seek.


    Goody, more riddles! The Stalker rubbed his hands together like a<strong></strong>greedy fly.


    The lord set his goblet aside, looking back at the ceiling. Long ago, a friend of ours missed an important date. It was the kind of date that one does not miss unless one is indisposed. And that friend was in a position to <em>be</em>indisposed. So I went to the deepest wells of my realm, where its power is greatest, and sought to read the winds of fate.


    He gestured to the shadowy images dancing in the emerald. But they were more obscure to me then than these images are to you now. It was as though we were seeing far distant shapes through a milky fog; but, with what we suspected was likely to ur, we sensed that we would get our chance.


    A chance at what, mlord? the Stalker asked.


    I will answer you this way; let us say you walked into this chamber. Aenflynn said. And you were handed a ss of wine. But, <em>better</em> wine was being served only to those seated at this table.


    How much better.


    Let us say that you are more than satisfied with the wine you were handed. You think it is delicious. But the wine at this table? You <em>know</em> it is even more delicious, even though you have never tasted it.


    Well, Id be curious about this mysterious wine, to be sure, mlord.


    Of course, so would anyone with blood in their veins, Aenflynn said smoothly. But, s, every seat at the table is full. What then?


    Am I looking to make enemies of those at the table? Can I just take the wine?


    No, and no.


    Hmmmm. The Stalker puzzled. Well, I like my own wine. So Id keep drinking that. Maybe Id get the chance to drink the other wine at another time.


    Of course you would. Your life is long, and opportunities await. No sense in starting a fight with someone filling a seatbut let us saysomeone were to <em>leave</em> the table.


    Ooooohohoho, now things are getting spicy! I can taste the cinnamon already. The Stalker pped. And am I invited to the table?


    No. Aenflynns eyes red brightly. In fact, no one is. But someone might just sit in that chair. <em>Or</em> the chair could be removedpletely, leaving one less seat at the table. What would you do then?


    Of course, Id grab the seat before anyone else could get to the table, or before it was taken away! the Stalker said.


    Now Lord Aenflynns smile became sly. Indeed. Of course that is what one would dowhen there is an empty chair. Keep your ears open my friend, for my riddle is easy to solve. With the right information, the answer will fall into ce. Now, go and see your hounds. We have kept you from your hunt long enough.


    Aye, true, true, mlord. The Stalker stood up, stretching. Say, could I get you to send your guards after me on the way out? I miss the chases of old.


    Fie, begone with our blessing. We shall have no clownery in my castle today.


    Bah, youre no sport, I swear.


    Well, well, well, the Stalker said. Youve certainly been busy, havent you?


    The short, stocky fae looked around, taking in squat stone houses carved from the inds rocky surface. Crops were springing up in plots and gardens around them, and the beginnings of a road was being cut into the earth.


    Uldars disced servants were hard at work, transforming their barren refuge into a new home and fortress that would provide them with protection against the elements, and enemies.


    Tall stone walls had been raised around the settlement, and the Stalker sensed a powerful divine ward sheathing the small ind. In a nearbygoon, a number of priests were working away, catching fish, cleaning and drying some on t rocks, and smoking others over low me.


    Others were carving boats from the inds sparse trees.


    Standing at the centre of their new settlement, was a rough-hewn church dedicated to Uldar, the very first structure that theyd raised.


    The white hand of Uldar seemed to wave at the Stalker as he took in thebour of his hounds.


    We have indeed been busy, Third Apostle Izas answered the faes question, standing at his side while viewing themunity with pride. Hard work and holy toil are excellent balms for grief, and they have the added benefit of providing us with shelter, food, and drink while also preparing us to dispense retribution.


    Aye, it seems Ive picked some real good ones to hunt with! The Stalker rubbed his hands together. And speaking of that, we should be ready for the hunt soon. Where might your fearless leader be?


    The First Apostle is in seclusion, contemting Uldars will and what needs to be done so we may serve him, the Third Apostle said. Hes instructed me to meet with you and speak with his full authority. We are to discuss the hunt.


    Ah, of course. So, when will you all be ready? the Stalker asked.


    In half a months time, we will bepletely secure, and the seeds of destruction will be growing<strong></strong>throughout Thamnd, Izas said matter-of-factly.


    Oho? Care to tell me what it is you mean? No wait, tell it to me as a riddle! I love riddles!


    I will speak inly.


    Ah, boo!


    We have sent a few agents back to the maind to begin spreading word of the Fools identity, the Third Apostle said. But their number is small, and since there are so few of us now, they must move slowly and with caution to avoid discovery. Without holy leader Eldin here to coordinate those activities, things are harder.


    A sorrowful look crossed his face, followed by one of pure rage.


    With a single breath, he banished all emotion.


    The Stalker filed the reaction away forter. It always paid a kennelmaster to know how to motivate their hounds.


    We will have to learn to live without Eldin, the Third Apostle sighed. But as followers of Uldar, we are focused and must be used to loss. But, forgive me, I am rambling. Those we sent out were to meet agents already embedded across Thamnd. Even as we speak, the information is spreading. I estimate thatwithin a week or soit would have reached well ced lords of the realm, and highly positioned members of the church. Within a couple of weeks, High Priest Tobias Jay and King Athelstan Merciex will know. Then? The Fool will be made to return home. And he will be ripe for our hunting.


    Ahhhh a solid n, a solid n. The Stalker ran a hand through his beard. Better to hunt him here than in his faraway city.


    We could not hunt him in Generasi, the Third Apostle said.


    Oh?


    Isaz shook his head. Sadly, our order has been badly wounded: we cannot risk the wrath of an entire city of powerful wizards. Not while our strength has been robbed from us. Even were we at full strength, opponents like them should not be trifled with. If such a battle was to be brought to Uldars shores, that would be one thing; we would defend his realm as any of his servants should. But to attack mindlessly, would visit apocalyptic wrath down on his already wounded people when there are other ways. We cannot afford to be short-sighted, arrogant, sphemous and unwise.


    Hmmmm, a fair point. We dont want to be going up against anything we cant fight proper. Thats not a hunt, thats more like inefficient suicide.


    Yes, agreed the Third Apostle. Once the Fool returns to Thamnd, thoughor leaves the protection of his citywe will track him and quickly y him.


    Good, good, so the hunt should begin proper in about a month or so? The Stalker frowned. Right, thatll let me get my magics all good and ready; then hell never be able to get away from us.


    What <em>will</em> be your n to track him? The Third Apostle asked. We have learned he is wily, and prone to use different methods of escape.


    Aaaaaahhhh, dont you worry, my friend. We fae have been hunting since long before you mortals knew how to form mouth-grunts into real speech; our wild hunts are something fierce to see, and weve got ways of tracking quarry that would make any mortal hunter swoon with envy.


    Speak inly. The Third Apostle said tly.


    Bah! No fun to be had from anyely! the Stalker whined. Ah, fine. in it is. We fae have the magics of oath and name forged in ways thatd melt your mind, my young the fae touched the aged mortals long beard. friend.


    He raised his face to the sky, howling his words like a wolf. Alex Roth the Fool of Thamnd! Names have power if a person answers to them,<strong></strong>and since I know his names. I have power over him.


    The Stalker chuckled darkly. He could hide behind the moon for all the good itd do, and Id still find him.


    In the distance, a ship crashed through the waves.


    Hunting.


    Looking for pirates or cultists to collect bounties on.


    Through a spyss, its first mate peered at the ind. It appeared he was looking at a rocky wastnd. I told you, Captain, theres nothing there.


    Damn it, I thought that fishermans tip was worth something, Fan-Dor, captain of the Red Siren, swore, his thick fingers clinging to the taffrail. The hells with this, the summers getting on, the weathers getting cooler, and there hasnt been a good haul since we took that pirate-scowst month. Maybe we should go back to Generasi for a while. Might be good business down there.


    The captains dark eyes shone.


    And more excitement than this, with any hope.

 Chapter 657: An Exciting Day

    Chapter 657: An Exciting Day


    Well, this is going to be an exciting day, a smiling Lucia said, stepping off the gangnk of her gship. The heel of her boots clicked as they touched the stone wharf in Generasis harbour.


    At her back, her crew had begun unloading cargo brought all the way from the soutnds; crates and chests loaded with fragrant spices, alchemical reagents, and wondrous magical items crafted in far away realms.


    A stream of merchants were already waiting on the pier, eyeing her cargo with big expectations.


    My, my. Lucia pped a hand to her mouth, hiding a smirk. Look at all of you; I bet none of you would have spared me a single pleasant word back when I was driving a sky-gond. Now, look at you, drooling like starving dogs over my merchandise. I wonder what youd do if you saw the wonders I have <em>below</em> deck?


    Deep in the confines of her gship, a strongroom forged of steel had been built, it was enchanted with enough wards to turn an entire band of would-be thieves into whimpering babes.


    The vault was protected by magic that slowed ones mana flow.


    Magic that forcibly ejected mana.


    An enchantment to strike the mind with sleeping magic, while another one stole the strength from a would-be-thiefs muscles, sending them into a state of rxation so deep, theyd flounder around like a wingless fly in a vat of spirits.


    Thest line of warding magic was set to overload the senses, making even the touch of ones own clothing feel like a full body massage with a curryb of thistles.


    Naturally, the strongroom had been the brainchild of none other than Alexander Roth.


    If thieves try to break in, the wards wont kill them, hed exined to her while engraving thest security glyph on the inside of the strongrooms<strong></strong>door. But theyll definitely mess them up; I designed the lock so itd be tough to pick, even for master lockpickerswell, most masters, anyway.


    Hed shuddered. I heard about this lockpicking barrister thatoh, never mind. The point is, the locks hard to pick, and the steels got so many enchantments on it, that a thief would have to spray dragonfire, or maybe smash it with a titans fist to even the slightest prayer of opening it by force. Andif anyone tries to damage it, or puts anything in the lock that isnt the right key, its set to st them with enough magic to turn them into a drooling wreck. So, you dont have to worry about being robbed, Lucia, but if on the off-chance you are: after everything the thieves will go through, lets just say theyll deserve the golem.


    The strongroom was built to hold golems that Lucia was shipping to their buyers, a job she had just finished. Shed delivered a golem to a southwestern Rajah to serve as a bodyguard for his sons and daughters.


    The job had been quite the adventure.


    After shedpleted the sale and went to her lodgings for the night, assassins hired to eliminate the ruler and his heirs to the throne, had appeared at the pce, courtesy of his brother. They were skilled men, as quiet and as quick as shadows, with great mastery of their tulwars.


    Unfortunately for them, their timing couldnt have been worse,<strong></strong>good steel was of little help against a ten foot tall iron guardian with an advanced golem core burning in its chest.


    ording to the Rajahwhen hed recounted the story to her the next day, and thanked her profuselya half-dozen assassins, each having in at least five of his childrens elite guard, were now not much more than red paste, thanks to thetest member of his household.


    In gratitude, hed provided Lucia with a generous bonus to top the price of the golem shed delivered, and the strongroom was now filled with enough gold, rubies, pearls, yellow sapphires and other gemstones to buy ten warships from her share alone.


    Toraka Shale and Alex Roth were about to be even richer.


    Of course, that would make the day exciting for <em>them.</em>


    What was about to make the day exciting for <em>her,</em> was not only picking up a pair of iron golems to deliver to a couple of <em>very</em> wealthy clients to the east, she was also looking forward to getting an entirely new crew to guard her ships and cargoes.


    When I get those new guards on board, Id actually wee thieves, what a great way to advertise the business. Crooks and brigandsll wish theyd never set foot on my ships, or ever heard my name, she whispered, heading to a chartered sky-gond.


    Wee, madam, were ready to transport you to Shales Workshop, at your pleasure, said a rather dignified<strong></strong>looking sky-gondolier, a man who looked more like a butler whod be working for the very wealthy in the Generasi countryside, than a sky-gond<strong></strong>pilot. Shall we go?


    With a smile, she drew several tinum pieces from her pouch, pressing them into the gondoliers hand as he helped her into the boat. Of course, Alfred.


    The boatman failed to hide his boggling eyes at the payment. You are too kind, Madam Lucia!


    No, she said. I just know what its like to be sitting where you are.


    Alex, you lookstressed, Lucia said.


    The hulking Thameish wizardwho looked even bigger, or was she imagining thingspaused mid-handshake.


    Well, thats a nice way to greet someone, the mage withdrew his hand. Why dont you just tell me that I look like trash.


    Oh, dont be so dramatic, Toraka said, shaking Lucias hand. You <em>do</em> look stressed. You <em>are</em> stressed. Youve been in theb more than youve been home,tely, and it shows. Youre also back in school on top of everything else! You should take some time to rx.


    Alex, looking wild around the eyes, shook his head rapidly. No rest for me. Ive got goals to meet. Targets to hit, and besides, I only need like two hours sleep a night. Ill be fine. Its fine. Im fine.


    <em>Fatheryou really should rest, though</em>.<em></em>Lucia heard a familiar voice speaking over the sound of a thunderous, metallic footfall.


    She turned as the door to Shales office opened, revealing


    ygon? Lucia blinked in surprise. Is that you? Youve changedyoure iron now!


    <em>I amI havebeen through a lot of changestely.</em>


    Well, its all for the better, Lucia smiled, looking the construct up and down. You look fantastic; Alex and his sisters craftsmanship really stand out on polished iron.


    Oh wow, so <em>you</em> tell me I look stressed and lousy, and you tell him he looks fantastic, the young wizard said tly. Great. Just what I wanted to hear when I got up today.


    He crossed his arms.


    Lucia and Toraka looked at each other.


    Alex looked out the window, refusing to meet their eyes. Sunlight shone across his long hair, which now fell past his shoulders. I know what youre thinking, but this isnt what it looks like.


    It looks like youa grown exhausted adultare pouting, Toraka said.


    ...okay, so its <em>exactly</em> what it looks like! He threw up his hands. Alright, so lets just go down stairs. A shimmer of excitement suddenly sparked in his eyes, erasing his grumpy mood. Ive got some nice things to show you, Lucia.


    Together, the golem crafter, the Thameish wizard, the golem and Lucia left Torakas office, heading to the main chamber of the golemworks. The ce was bustling with activity; it had been busy the first time Lucia had been there, but now it seemed even busier. It appeared that the number of staff had doubled; things looked chaotic, but the chaos seemed controlled. New golems were being built for the market with the efficiency and precision of a well oiled machine.


    Lucia looked up toward the ceiling.


    A whole new floor had been added, recing the space that was once just a soaring ceiling.


    The golemworks had grown, with the addition of another storyand from what Toraka had mentioned, they had ns to add another one.


    Soon, the business would tower above much of the district, dominating the skyline.


    You <em>have</em> been busy, Lucia remarked. You really have been expanding.


    We had to, Shale said with pride. From the time Alex demonstrated ygons might, and we revealed some of our new iron golem models, the citys been infected with golem fever; a fever I can happily say seems to be contagious. She looked proud. New orders keeping in on a daily basis: people want new constructs built, they want us to modify old ones, repair damaged ones, and even upgrade some that people bought from us years ago.


    Lucia whistled. Sounds like business is good!


    Overflowing. Toraka grinned. Im looking to buy a quarry soon; at the rate things are going, itll make more sense to simply mine my own supplies rather than getting them from others, even at wholesale prices. Plus, golems are an item for the <em>very</em> wealthy and powerful. I want to look into expanding our market.


    Thats where Ie in. Alex smiled. Theres a quaint little magic item crafting studio in the southend of town. The owners getting on in years and looking to retire and spend her time doing whatever she wants out in the countryside; shes ready for something beside the daily grind of making potions, wands, and enchanted jewellery. Ill be helping her make her dreame true by buying the business.


    Oooooh, a magic item studio? That sounds wonderful, Lucia said.


    Mhm, and Ill be sourcing my supplies from Toraka, whichll help both of us. In a decade, were going to own a quarter of the city. Each. He grinned evilly.


    Oh, listen to this one. Toraka rolled her eyes as they reached stairs<strong></strong>leading to a passageway that looped into the basementb. What happened to that cute crafters assistant I hired not so long ago?


    You taught him too well, Alex replied smoothly.


    Now youre just making me look bad, Shale shot back.


    Truthfully, this is all really impressive, Lucia said sincerely. I just bought some more ships and I thought <em>that</em> was remarkable


    Oh, right! Alex interrupted. Finish your thought, then I want to talk to you about your ships.


    got it, now where was I? Lucia paused. Oh, yes. I thought you were already busy running your bakery


    Bakeri<em>es.</em>


    What? Lucia asked, her voice dropping into that familiar, monotone deadpan tone of hers for a moment. Did you say, bakeries, like bakery, but with an, i e s instead of a y?


    Yes, I did. I bought two more around the city, Alex grinned. Honestly, I had to. The lineups were getting so out of hand that poor Troy was actually starting to panic. Hiring extra staff helped for a bit; but the problem was that there were too many peopleing from across the city. So, in order to properly serve them, I bought a couple more buildings, set them up the way we needed, and there we are...three Roth Family Bakeries to feed the masses. It was a lot of work, and thats a fact, but its taken much of the pressure off the original bakery and the staff, and as a bonus, profits already up. Theyll pay for themselves in no time.


    Lucia blinked. I havent been away from Generasi <em>that </em>long, how in the world did you set up two more bakeries so fast?


    Alex shrugged, with a twinkle in his eye. I learn fastits a hell of a lot easier to do something the second and third timeand this time around I didnt have any buildings to renovate.


    It still sounds impossible. Lucia shook her head. I work hard. I like working hard, but even Im starting to feel exhausted just listening to you. So, youre saying that youre running <em>multiple</em> bakeries, building golems, getting supplies, going to ss? Can you really spend time on another business?


    I have to, he said with a note of conviction in his voice. Theres a lot I need to do, and I dont have a lot of time to do it. Also, lets just say that travel time is basically no longer a problem for me. You remember that teleportation trick I used in the tournament?


    Yes? Lucia asked.


    Well, I can teleport about twenty-five miles in one jump now.


    Thats so unfair, she groaned. Youll put every shippingpany out of business.


    As long as I put every shippingpany out of business except yourspartnerthats fine with me. But enough business talk.


    Theyd reached the end of the corridor and entered the basementboratory.


    Instead, lets talk about business. He grinned at his own joke as forceball lights zed into life.


    Lucia gasped; four new iron golemseach powered by the new golem coreswere standing silently, waiting for her. They were polished to perfection.


    <em>Beautifrent they</em> ygon said, a note of mncholy in the voice he was currently using, that of a young man whod smoked too much pipe-herbs. <em>Father andTorakareally make the best golems.</em>


    Ill say, and they do it fast too, Lucia agreed. I expected to only be picking up two today.


    We have another potential buyer, Alex said. A bit of a gamble, but if this new contract works out, then what weve done so far will seem like nothing more than pocket change. But the real exciting part begins now.


    He gestured to the other side of theb.


    There, twenty figures stood in utter stillnesseach covered with a ck tarp. From their shape, it was clear that they were humanoid, but Lucia could tell little else.


    Its time to meet your new crew. Alex smiled. Just as promised.


    Lucia gasped.


    Goodness me, I knew this would be an exciting day, the former sky-gondolier pped her hands in anticipation.

 Chapter 658: The Silent Crew and the New Deal

    Chapter 658: The Silent Crew and the New Deal


    Behold! Alexander Roth announced in a voice booming with the majesty of a king as he seized the edge of a tarp. A wonder of wonders! Majesty beyond majesty! The birth of a legend! The


    Will you just show her the goods, partner? Toraka rolled her eyes.


    Fine, fine! the young wizard said grudgingly. <em>Some</em> people have no respect for showmanship.


    With theatrical ir, Alex yanked the tarp away, revealing a golem.


    The first word that came to mind was magnificent.


    The construct was female; crafted of pure, shining, polished metal, standing close to seven feettaller than alexwith a sturdiness and surprising grace to its form. It was forged in the image of a schar with a dancers build and joints so subtle, they seemed to disappear<strong></strong>at a distance, andthough crafted of steelits face appeared touched by life with eyes that appeared to hold a spark of sapience. Had those eyes been ck like those of the schar people, Lucia might have thought the golem was a living being.


    It looks so life-like, even the hair looks like individual strands, but its really forged as a single piece, Alex said, tapping the golems hair that had been sculpted in a tight bun. I could have made individual strands, but that would have added extra time and cost for no reason.


    He pulled the tarp from another golem, this one was sculpted in the image of a human malewith the agile, muscr physique of a dancer.


    I made their bodies to look as close to humanoid as I could get them, except without nipples, butt cracks and other naughty bits, if you get my meaning his voice dropped in a conspiratorial tone. but theyll look like grey humanoids from a distance, which should have the psychological effect of making people morefortable around them. Still, I didnt want to make them look <em>so</em> life-like that theyd start to look creepy.


    They are incredibly beautiful, Alex, Lucia said, sounding awestruck. Im surprised you made them with so muchdetail, but without the naughty bits, <em>and </em>you left them naked?


    I thought you could dress them, if you wanted. Alex tapped his right temple. If I just gave you golems that looked like armoured hulks, or featureless dolls, youd have to go through all kinds of trouble customising them to get them the way you want. But, this way, you can dress them to look however you prefertheyrerge because I had to make sure they had enough bulk for heavy liftingbut a bit of custom tailored clothing should work nicely. Then youll have options to dress them in any cultures style, doll them up for royalty, dress them down so they blend in with your crew, put armour on them so they look intimidating to bandits and other shady characters, or anything.


    Well thought out. Lucia nodded, tapping her chin. I was considering a uniform for my crew when thepany grew bigger.


    Thatll be perfect, then! Alex pped. Whip up the right clothes with the right symbols, and your golems will look just as at home as any other staff-member of yourpany.


    So, what abilities do they have? Lucia asked.


    He smirked. Testing indicated reflexes higher than those of the average humanoidthough average is a little weird to say since agility can vary a lot across different raceslets just say that theyre more agile and dexterous than the average human. They wont tire, of course, and theyre capable of repeating any task on their own that you show them first.


    Alex rubbed his hands together. Their golem coresre advanced enough for them to understandplex tasks. As for strength?


    He held up all ten fingers.


    Lucia frowned. What does that mean?


    He grinned. Tons.


    She took a step back. Wait, are you telling me that together the twenty of them can lift <em>ten</em> tons?


    Now it was Shale who burst outughing. As if wed be making golems as weak as that. No, no. Ten tons <em>each</em>.


    Lucias jaw dropped. What youve done here really isrevolutionary!


    And <em>very</em> expensive, Alex said. Youre lucky. Just o<em>ne</em> costs about ten times more than any ship youd be putting them on. Which reminds me. He pointed to a desk across the room. Remember I asked you to remind me of something? Well, Ive been thinking about trying to see if I could modify some of your ships. Itll be a big expense, but Im thinking I could work in some enchantments to do a few things like; reduce friction between their hulls and the sea, make it so their sails self inte and dete, and maybe erect a wind and rain shield over an entire vessel.


    Lucias eyebrows shot up. That <em>does</em> sound expensive.


    Thats whyif youd like the modificationsI could do them at a discount. Now, we wont be able to get <em>every</em> ship modified right away, but with a bit of time and some coin, I should be able to improve a couple, which means that those ships couldplete a voyage in half the time it normally takesmaybe less.


    Lucias eyes sparkled at the thought of increased profits. Wellwell definitely talk. Oh, that reminds me of a question. The golems are heavy since theyre made of metal, right? If a mortal crew-member falls overboard, they would float, but wouldnt these constructs just sink to the bottom of the ocean?


    Aha! I thought of that. Alex assured her, pping a golems midriff. Theres a buoyancy device in each of them right below their core. Its loosely based on flight magic, but even though I didnt have enough time to spend on reverse-engineering flight magic, this works well. If a golem does fall into the water and breaks its surface, the device kicks in, letting them float rather than plunge straight down to the bottom of the sea.


    He frowned for a moment, scratching his hair. Honestly, what I really wanted was to make a device that lets them walk on snow, quicksand or even water, but I couldnt quite get it worked out; the prototypes had the golems floating away like bubbles.


    Thats why we should have gone with full flight capabilities, Shaleined. The golem core would have powered it just fine.


    And I keep telling <em>you</em> that it would have driven up both the time and expense for each one. Even if the forging process wasnt increased by <em>that</em> much, we wouldve needed to build in proper controls and bnces for three dimensional movement in various wind conditions. If wed gone with what you wanted, we wouldnt have twenty golems standing there right now, wed only have two. Maybe three.


    But flying golems would have been incredibly cool, Shale said wistfully.


    Order one from me and Ill build it for you. Alex crossed his arms. But these golems are meant to be sailors,bourers and guards, not flyers.


    I think theyll suit my needs just fine. Lucias eyes sparked. Flying golems to deliver time-sensitive cargo might not be a bad idea, but that can wait.


    Ugh, neither of you are any fun, Torakained. Roth, youre the one who took so much time building ygon, wanting him to be the best. I understand Luciashe just wants to get her crew now, notterbut you? Whats got you in such a rush? Youve been building like youre not going to live to see tomorrow.


    Alex paused, exchanging a quick nce with ygon.


    His expression looked strained for an instant. Lets just say I have goals. Strong goals. And a self-imposed deadline.


    We have enough deadlines without your self-imposed madness, Toraka said. I still think promising four instead of two was a bad idea.


    Whats this? Lucia asked.


    Alex gave her a nervous smile. We have a potential client who contacted us through one of<strong></strong>Torakas connections. A <em>very</em> important client. If we get the contract and can fulfil it, itll open up an entire new world to us; new connections, great future work, you name it. Those connections will be a big help for you too, Lucia.


    Oh? And who is this mysterious potential client?


    We cant say yet. Toraka shook her head. Theyve asked for confidentiality until theyre ready to announce the venture themselves. Ill just echo what Alex said: if it all works out, its going to be of great benefit to all of us.


    Sounds interesting, but be careful. Lucia looked at both Alex and Toraka. Take it from someone who once worked long hours at a job that killed her spirit; you do <em>not</em> want to overwork yourselves. I cant have my business associates dropping dead or disappearing on me, now can I?


    Yeah, disappearing. Alex gave her a weak smile. Well, were working on that.


    And you are sure that you can have four of these new golems finished in time to meet our timetable? Kartika, a councillor on Generasis governing council said, her six hands holding up pages of Alex and Torakas quote and proposed schedule. We only asked for two; though four would be excellent, but if quality will be sacrificed, we would prefer to be reasonable and wait for anyrger order to bepleted at ater date.


    The name Shale has always stood for quality, as well as quick and steady service, Toraka Shale said.


    And the name of Roth means an equally superior level of reliability and quantity, without ever sacrificing quality, Alex followed up, subtly providing confidence with his words.


    He <em>needed</em> this to work.


    If he pulled it off, his futureand his familyswould take a giant leap toward security for decades.


    That was,<em> if</em> he pulled it off.


    He and Toraka were seated in avish meeting room. Every stick of furniture bled magic; leather chairs were supernaturallyfortable, feeling like clouds swaddling ones body, every desk and table sat atop opulently carved legs that shifted from time to timeready to relocate where they were needed at a moments noticewhile a ss cab at the far end of the room was stocked with a supply of wines and liquors chilled to different temperatures.


    To the left, a window filling the entire length of the room, looked out over the city and sea beyond. It was a remarkable view, like one from aboard a sky-ship looking down on Generasi from high in the clouds. The view was neither surprising, nor unexpected, considering they were in the personal meeting room of one of the councillors of the city: a person who represented the potential client theyd mentioned to Lucia: the city of Generasi.


    Kartikarepresenting the wizard-councilhad written to Toraka asking for a quote on two new iron golems which were to provide extra security within city hall. ording to the letter, the citys security budget had increased significantly after the demon attacks, and even more after word of Toraka and Alexs improved golems began spreading near and wide, coupled with ygons annihtion of Rams force construct at the Games of Roal. Approval had been given to contact the golem crafters and ce an order with them.


    To Alex, it was the opportunity hed been waiting for.


    If we manage to impress the city officials, he thought. Well be getting a client with both a need, and very, <em>very</em> deep pockets. Any ongoing golem contracts with the city could mean years, or even <em>decades</em> of revenue.


    He breathed through the tension passing through his body. In case something bad happens to me, I could build enough golems to set Theresa and Selina up for a lifetime, and then some, andif I have strong ties to the city His mind went to the hidden church. that gives me some real powerful allies when people start mouring for me to be sent back to Thamnd. This has <em>got</em> to work.


    Think of this as a test for us, Alex said smoothly. Like we said, Torakas name means something in this city, and I want mine to mean something too. If we can show you that ourpany can produce quality golems twice as fast as you require for your timetable, then youll be able to see what were capable of.


    which will also increase your chances of securing further contracts, or perhaps something ongoing. Kartika looked at him, her lips curling in amusement. Baelin told me how shrewd you are, and I can see he wasnt lying.


    Alex swallowed. Baelin was talking about me?


    Kartika smiled. Indeed he was. And he hasnt been the only one. A lot of people have been watching you recently, Mr. Roth, as well as a certain shippingpany with roots to Generasi.


    She set the proposal for the Golem Operation ns on the desk.


    How about if I were to share what people have been saying about the name Rothtely?

 Chapter 659: The Name ‘Roth’

    Chapter 659: The Name ¡®Roth¡¯


    Did you know that most members of our wizard-council have been regr customers of yours for months now? Kartika, a councillor in the city of Generasi, asked Alex.


    He raised an eyebrow. No, I didnt know that


    Alex remembered Kartika well; she and some of her fellow councillors were with Baelin the day of the grand opening of the Roth Family Bakery. The six-armed wizard had been partly responsible for Govert Beerensteyns arrest after hed bungled his sabotage n.


    He remembered her and herpanions enjoying a meal with the chancellor at the bakery, enthusiasticallyplementing the food, which was why Alex was a little surprised when he''d never seen her there again.


    Hed assumed that she and the other councillors already had favourite ces around the city to visit, and were spoiled for choice considering how long theyd been on the wizard-council. Truthfully, he hadn''t really spent that much time thinking about it since the bakery had attracted a lot of loyal customers from the hundreds employed by the city.


    You look a little confused, Kartika said. Surprised you didnt see us again?


    Well, I didnt really think about it too much. I just assumed you already had your preferred restaurants, Alex said. Or probably had servants at home to make your meals.


    Hah! Kartikaughed. If only my kitchen staff could make a custard as delicate as yours. It has a certain vour that always leaves me wanting more, but happily, I havent had to deny myself more. Thats one of the perks of having an intern. She smiled, stretching like a contented house cat.


    Ooooh, well that makes sense. Alex said, remembering regrs who came in every work day to pick up big orders to takeaway. Hed thought they were buying for themselves and their co-workers, it hadnt urred to him they were buying meals for the wizard-council.


    Im d you enjoy the food, he said smoothly. If Id known, I would have brought some treats for our meeting today.


    Ah, well thats too bad, but dont worry, my intern is never far away. Sheughed. And besides, all treats would be more than wee in any future meetings we have.


    Thats a good sign, Alex thought.


    Well, Im happy to hear that positive news about my bakery''s been spreading, he chuckled.


    Words been spreading about more than your baking, Mr. Roth, Kartika said. To be honest, our department ofmerce is rather interested in your progress within the city. The fact that you are so young, havee from a war-torn country, and are already starting different, and so far, rather sessful businesses before youve even graduated from the university, is something thats being watched with great interest. Andmerce is not alone. Research and development has samples of dungeon core essence that has theirb staff simply buzzing with excitement at the thought of having the opportunity to examine your golems. Preferably, ygon, but any one of them would do.


    Alex blushed, embarrassed, but excited. Really, now?


    Of course. Then theres the shippingpany youre presently associated with. That business is much like you, if youll allow the analoging out of nowhere with few if any referrals, and bing a sess on its own merit without letters of introduction from any established merchant houses. Its quite remarkable.


    Im d you think so. Alex said, pleased with the direction the conversation had taken.


    Absolutely, she assured him. Yourewhat, twenty one? Twenty two?


    Just turned twenty.


    She whistled. Even more reason for people to pay attention to you. Baelin has told me all about your aplishments at the university and on the research team in Thamnd; he isnt a man who often exaggerates, but I still had a spot of trouble believing half of what he was telling me about you. But, after your victories at the Games of Roal, and how sessful youve been in establishing two rapidly expanding businesses, I couldnt help but be a believer and see that your future looks very bright. You should give some thought to working for the wizard-council once you graduate, young manwith your aplishmentsyoull likely have a spot ready-made for you.


    Toraka raised an eyebrow. Are you trying to poach my business partner?


    Maybe, Kartika said. I would not mind having him among my staff, it seems hes very good at handling multiple careers at once.


    Well, Im very ttered, Alex said, lowering his head slightly. It was important to show humility; from what he understood, the average age of the wizards on council wasancient. They wouldnt allow foolishness and arrogance in the younger members among them, especially those with exceptional talents.


    At the same time, he couldnt show <em>false</em> humility. No doubt, lots of people had tried that before, hoping to look like something they weren''t.


    Thank you for the kind words, Im <em>very very</em> ttered, he continued. But I feel its too early for me to talk about employment yet. I have another two years before I finish my undergrad, in spite of everything Ive done so far. nning what Id like to do after I get my degree is important, but who knows what could happen between now and then, and I wouldnt want to be so arrogant as to think youd still be interested in me if my fortunes suddenly changed.


    Of course, Kartika paused. Wisely said; what is the highest spell tier you can presently cast?


    I can cast up to fourth tier-spells right now, Alex said. But, I think Im getting closer to casting a fifth-tier summoning spell.


    Very good, you have nearly mastered the tier most university students have mastered when they graduate and youre still two years away from that; I look forward to hearing more about your growth and progress, Mr. Roth. But, Ive let us get distracted. She looked over the operations budget proposed by him and Toraka. Your price is high.


    Our golems are worth every copper coin, Toraka assured her. Trust me, once you begin using one, youll never have the need, or dare I say desire, to patronise other golemworks ever again.


    You may very well be right, from what Ive seen. If you can meet the proposed timetableand of course, the golems are of the expected qualitythen we will be most pleased to develop a longsting rtionship with yourpany, Kartika smiled. Shall we sign?


    Im more than fine with that. Shale grinned.


    Hope rose in Alexs chest.


    He was another step further from being dragged home in chains.


    So am I, he said, fighting the urge to snatch up the pen. Youll have your golems faster than you can blink.


    Kartika blinked.


    ...okay, maybe not literally, Alex said quickly.


    Uh, its quitting time partner, Shale called from the other side of theb. The golem crafter yawned, her eyes bloodshot. Weve been working a lot of overtime anyway.


    You go ahead, Toraka, Alex said, connecting a mana vacuum to a crucible. I want to see if I can forge another pair of legs before leaving.


    Really? She frowned. Alex its not night its morning; three hours past midnight.


    I know, I know, he said gently. Ill be alright.


    Dont you have an early morning ss?


    I only need two hours of sleep, anyway, Alex said. I can finish these up, teleport myself and ygon home, get some rest, grab my supplies, say hello to Selina and Theresa, teleport them to campus, then get to ss.


    That sounds like a lot, Toraka said. Even if you only need a little sleep, youre piling on stress and strain, my young partner. You should quit for the night.


    Its okay, if I finish the legs now, well shave a day off the timetable, Alex said. Not only would we finish the order for the city, we might save enough time to take on another order before the end of the month.


    <em>Another</em> order? Toraka gaped. Alex, youre going to overwork yourself.


    He smiled gently, heating up the crucible. Itll only be temporary, isnt that right, ygon?


    The golem, who had been reading a book on the other side of theb, looked up. I will stop father before he bes ill.


    Toraka sighed. Alright, well, Ill leave you two to lock up. Goodnight then!


    Night! Alex called, slipping his mask on. And say hello to Sim for me, if hes awake!


    I will! Shale said, closing the door behind her.


    Alex was left to work in theboratory, operating the massive, mana-infused crucible as ygon read his book. The machinenearly as big as the entire kitchen at the bakeryallowed for precise metallurgy by using abination of internal mas, mana charges, and tiny constructed internal hands to shape metal with precision.


    While watching the process through the window of hardened crystal, Alex could control the shape andposition of any raw metals inserted into the crucible by holding two mana conductive spheres which allowed him to operate the machine through pure, precise mana maniption.


    The process drew akes worth of mana from his pool, but he had more than enough to spare.


    Alright, another pair of legsing up, Alex said, calling on the Mark. Lets see if I can refine the process; make it just a little more efficient.


    <em>Fatherwhat Toraka saidis rightyou should take more time to rest</em> ygon warned Alex.


    I will. The young wizard said, pouring his mana into the machine. Through the window, liquified iron ran into a waiting vessel. From the inner walls of the machine, hundreds of tiny tungsten hands emerged.


    <em>Whenfather?</em> ygon asked. <em>You trainand workall the timeSelinaand Theresa.hardly see you.</em>


    I know, I know, Alex said. But its only temporary. I <em>need</em> that order for the city finished. We <em>need</em> their golems in their hands, let them really appreciate them, then we need them to approach us for another contract.


    The tiny hands reached into the liquified iron, running a mana current through it. Some of the hands added little blocks of pure carbon, mixing it into the metal. Numbers shed on a screen beside the window, disying the irons carbon content.


    Theres going to be a fight over me when who I ames out, Alex said. And I need as many powerful people as possible to have a deep interest in keeping me here, especially with Baelin off somewhere helping his cabal among the stars.


    <em>Youare rightbut if you do get takenI woulde with you father</em> ygon said. <em>Andif you are takenSelina would not be happy that you are not here</em>


    Oh, Im not going anywhere, Alex said. No way Im letting them drag me back in chains. With Hannahs power, let them try to catch me. One problem is that they could make it <em>very</em> hard toplete school. With enough pressure from Thamnd, the city might even officially say that I cant stay herelike a mini-exileunless Im <em>too</em> useful for them to boot me out.


    <em>Even if you escapedSelinawould not see youfor a long time</em> ygon said.


    And thatd hurt, Alex agreed. Traveller knows how much itd hurt, but the best way for me to make sure that doesnt happen is to be too important for Generasi to let me go when the fight begins.


    <em>Isee </em>ygon said. <em>Whendo you thinkthe fight will happen? I will protect you.</em>


    Within the crucible, the dozens of tiny hands began stirring the liquid, separating it into two parts within the internal vessel. They then set about shaping them into what would be a pair of powerful legs for a new iron golem.


    It could happen tomorrow, it could happen next year Alex said. But I think its going to be sooner, notter. Our enemies are<strong></strong>going to regroup, and after that? Theyre going toe after us in a way that hurts.


    <em>Iseewellpleasetake care of yourselfit is already a couple of weeks into the semesterand you are already working so hardfather</em>


    Like I said, its temporary, ygon. Soon, I think Ill be ready for when the fightes. And besides, tomorrow I wont being to theb untilte at night.


    <em>Oh?</em> ygon paused. <em>Are you going to restafter ss?</em>


    No. Alex looked at the golem. Im going to the Cells. Im getting better with the Travellers power, but Ive been putting less effort into my spellcasting than I should.


    The young wizard set his jaw. Its time I break through to fifth-tier summoning, then fourth-tier in my other spells. Ill need every bit of power for whatsing.

 Chapter 660: Daily Teleportation

    Chapter 660: Daily Teleportation


    Alex, when are we going to learn about fire magic again? Selina said, yawning as she came downstairs to the dining room. I know youre busy, but if you have time, Id love to learn some more.


    Oh, we will. Alex heaped steaming links of breakfast sausage onto a tter in the middle of the table. Nearby, Brutus was drooling, watching the food.


    When? she asked, sitting down.


    Soon, he said. Theresa! Breakfast time! He called upstairs, joining his sister for breakfast. I promise.


    How soon is soon? Selina pressed. We were making really good progress when Khaliks parents were here, and Im ready for some new spells. Learning spells, especially fire spells, makes me want to learn even more.


    I wish I could be teaching you right <em>now</em>, Selina, Alex said honestly. Its a crunch period for me; you know why Ive had to do the work Ive been doing, but remember, its only temporary.


    I know, and I still have that magic lore to look up, Selina said quietly. I just miss hanging


    I overslept! Theresa came down the stairs two at a time, looking frantic. She headed to the magically-cooled pantry, pulled out a b of meat, pped it in Brutus bowl, then plopped down at the table with Alex and Selina, quickly piling sausage links on her te. Im so hungry, she mumbled, wolfing them down. Sorry about this, I went to bed way tootest night.


    I told you not to wait up for Alex, Selina said.


    Alex looked at Theresa. You were waiting up for me?


    Right until I feel asleep, she said, her mouth full. Sorry.


    No, no, Im the one who should be sorry. Or, well He thought for a moment. Lets say we just share the sorry.


    He looked at Theresa and Selina in earnest. look, I know Ive been away a lotI dont like it eitherbut Im trying to make it as temporary as possible. I swear, thingsll go back to normal soon.


    Theresa gave him a gentle smile, reaching out and squeezing his hand. Alex, I understand. I get it. Youre doing what you have to do for us, just like how Im hunting dungeon cores with ygon, Grimloch, Thundar, Ripp and the others. I miss you a lot, but we have to do what we have to do. And thats the way it is. But, once were done, we owe ourselves a <em>long</em> vacation.


    Heh, yeah, Alexughed. Preferably one thatsts for a few <em>years.</em>


    Theresa giggled, while Selina remained quiet; her eyes fixed on her food, barely looking up at either the wizard or huntress.


    I get it too, Alex, his sister said softly. I dont like it, but I get it. I just hope its over soon.


    It will be, the young wizard said. Ill make sure it is.


    After breakfast was finished, Alex teleported around the kitchen, enlisting an army of Wizards Hands to wash and dry the dishes as he gathered his cloak, satchel and staff.


    Selina and Theresa grabbed their bags, and joined Alex, Brutus and ygon, in the centre of the dining room.


    Alright, everybody ready? he asked.


    Yes, Theresa said.


    Selina grinned. This parts fun.


    <em>A lot of fun</em> ygon agreed.


    Brutus simply panted, all three heads nuzzling Theresa, Alex, and Selina, while he wrapped his bone-sheathed tail around one of ygons lower hands.


    Yeah, it sure is a hell of a lot of fun, isnt it? Alex grinned, and closing his eyes, then touching hispanions, he called on both the Travellers power and the Mark of the Fool.


    Hannahs energy came as easily as breathing, while the Mark showed him a cascade of images of every sess hed ever had with the power<strong>, </strong>no matter how small.


    He imagined the space he was standing in with his family, then the junior schools front gates, and making some minor adjustments to his energy flow


    The Travellers power red.


    And the Roth family vanished.


    A heartbeatter, Alex opened his eyes, finding the five of them in front of the junior school.


    Apart from a few students whose parents teleported them to school every morning, hardly anyone else was there.


    Love you Alex,  Selina said, giving him a hug.


    Love you too. You sure your friends dont want me to pick them up? It would literally take seconds, and theyd be here the same time as you every morning, Alex offered.


    Selina shook her head, adjusting her book bag and walking toward the massive front doors. Abu likes walking through campus and most of my other friends are probably still getting ready, but thanks for the offer anyway. Have a good day, Alex! Theresa! See youter, Brutus! Bye, ygon, love you!


    With that, the young girl turned and hurried into the building.


    You know, I dont remember thest time she threw love you around so much, Alex muttered. Feels good.


    <em>Maybebecauseshe misses you</em> ygon suggested.


    Yeah, thats probably it, Alex said.


    Maybe its also because she loves you, you fool. Theresa shook her head, giving him a wide grin.


    An unlikely hypothesis, but eptable, Alex said, putting on his best Professor Jules impression. Alright, lets get you three to the portal.


    In a heartbeat, the junior school disappeared, and they were suddenly in front of the expeditions portal building.


    See youter on, Alex said, hugging the huntress. You want me to wait with you until Grimloch gets here?


    No, itll be fine. Ill think Ill just head to the Castle and prepare for the hunt, she said.


    I wish I could teleport you all the way there.


    How far can you teleport, now? Theresa asked him.


    Thirty-five miles, give or take, he said, subconsciously puffing out his chest; he couldnt help but be a little proud.


    Thats even better than before. The huntress rubbed his arm.


    <em>Fathersprogresshas beenimpressive </em>ygon said.


    Yours too, ygon, Theresa said. Your forms getting better all the time; it wont be long before youre using that war-spear as well as Zonon-In did.


    <em>Better. I want to bebetterthan she was</em> ygon said, in a voice that sounded like a determined young mans, or a heroic squire in some epic fable.


    Thats the spirit, buddy. Alex pped him on the arm, it rang with a metallic ng.


    Anyway, wed better let you go, Theresa said, kissing him goodbye. Come on Brutus. Lets go, ygon. We might be able to spar in the courtyard for a while before Grimloch arrives. Just dont crush me, okay?


    <em>Iwill not</em> ygon promised.


    The golem and the huntress waved at Alex as they made their way toward the teleportation building. Brutus scampered after them, his bone-sheathed tail whipping back and forth.


    Alright, just a few more things to do, Alex said.


    The Travellers power red, and he teleported back to the city to make the rounds, visiting his bakeries, checking-in with Troy and the other managers of the two new locations.


    Lines were already forming outside of them, making Alex a little giddy.


    His next stop was at histest venture, the Roth Family Magic Item Shop and Studio. The building was a squat and sturdy onereinforced against magical explosionswith several floors and lots of windows. The floors above ground would disy items for customers to purchase, and samples for custom orders. The light in the building had an interesting quality to it. The windows were frosted, giving the space a murky look, much like a mysterious grotto where witches peddled potions. A work crew was busy cleaning and recingfrankly ancientpieces of equipment the previous owner had used.


    Alex was happy with the daily progress he was seeing, he figured he could open as soon as he crafted enough magical items. Potions could be made quickly and he knew he could guarantee that they would be in stock from day one, but he wasnt sure other magic items would be avable on opening day. But, for now, that was ater problem.


    After his morning inspections were all done, he teleported back to school, appearing in the middle of the campus green. He could have teleported right to Magic Lore IIIhis first ss of the morningbut walking across school grounds was rxing, and with his insane schedule, hed take every bit of rxing he could get.


    Walking along campusnow a third year studenthe found himself feeling a bit nostalgic.


    Youthful faces were everywhere, reminding him of himself and his cabal mates not so long ago. In some ways, it seemed like a lifetime had passed since he was in first year.


    I probably looked a lot like them, he whispered, noting the excitement on their faces and how they were looking every which way, taking in the wonders of a university hed grown ustomed to.


    Look! Theyre flying! cried a pudgy young man, pointing at a trio of Watchers soaring through the air on their stone disks. The young mans friends also pointed and gawked,pletely awestricken.


    Alex chuckled as he passed them. If you think thats a sight, wait until you see Baelin when hes mad.


    He left the path and entered the school, taking the stairs two at a time, moving past huge auditoriums where first year Magic Lore sses were held, then up the stairs to smaller ssrooms on the upper floors.


    The higher he climbed, the more students he knewboth third and fourth yearwho greeted him by name as he approached.


    The third year wizard stopped for a while, chatting about how summer break had seemed to fly by; the Games of Roal, and what sses people were taking this semester, before continuing on to Magic Lore. Alex had a sobering moment when he realised how<em> few </em>second year students had made it to third year; the attrition rate between second and third year was depressing.


    Another grim reality wormed its way into his mind. I wonder what Carey would think of going into third year?


    He sighed, shaking his head to ground himself, focusing on his breath.


    Dont dwell. Acknowledge it and let it pass.


    With that, Alex entered his first ss of the dayMagic Lore III.


    The ssroom was tinypared to the massive auditoriums where first year lectures took ce; his first year ss would have held hundreds of students, this room had enough seats for maybe forty.


    And one of the forty was waving at him.


    Hey, Alex, wee. Khalik gestured to an empty seat beside him. Thundar is not here yet, but he should be on his way.


    Youre here way too early, Alex took the seat beside Khalik.


    Someone has to keep youpany, the prince said easily, petting Najyah who was nestled on his shoulder, fast asleep. So, my friend, how are you finding your sses so far?


    Honestly? Easy at this point, Alex said, listing them, Third Year Blood Magics interesting, but therell be a lot of repetition for me; I had to learn a <em>lot</em> of it because of the ritual I used for Brutus and Theresa, but ording to the sybus, a lot of that stuffll be covered in the course this year. Then theres alchemy. Well be forging magical rings at first, but thats something I learned how to do from self-study. Ill be getting my Art of the Wizard in Combat credit from the expedition, so thats done. Mangals fourth year Summoning should be <em>very</em> interesting though. Were finally getting into full Binding and Rtional Contract Summoning, which means well have to make a pact with a spiritual entity as our final project.


    I still cannot believe you are in fourth year summoning.


    Professor Mangal insisted.


    So you have told me, and I still hardly believe it. Do you think you will master fifth-tier summoning spells soon?


    Ill be working on thatter, Alex said.


    Good, Khalik mused. You are working hard, friend.


    So are you, Alex said. All the spell practise, the training and the studying that you, Isolde and Thundar are doing; its even making <em>me</em> feel tired.


    Well, we cannot be left behind, Khalik said. We simply cannot let you leap ahead of us so quickly.


    Well, well all need to be ready for whatsing, Alex agreed, looking around the mostly empty ss. Is it just me, or does this all seem kinda


    Quaint? the prince offered.


    Yeah, thats the right word, Alex said. I remember when I used to walk to ss from the ins, or take a sky-gond around the city. Well, this morning I actually teleported to five different ces!


    I hear you; I remember those days in the ins. Now, Im living in afortable vi in the city where I can spend time with Sinope, and make connections, the prince said. Sometimes, I yearn for those simpler days. Things seemed different before what happened to Carey.


    More innocent somehow, Alex added. And that was when we were fighting demons. By the Traveller, is this what getting old looks like?


    Khalik looked stricken. I am not ready for grey hair.


    Neither am I! Alex agreed.

 Chapter 661: Fifth

    Chapter 661: Fifth


    While contemting his rapid descent into old age, Alex walked downstairs, on his way to the Cells.


    All around, first year students scurried about, searching for Cells theyd been assigned<strong></strong>to for first semesterb work.


    By the Traveller, I still cant believe how young they look, he thought, shaking his head as he reached the administration desk at the bottom of the building.


    Waving to the administrator sitting there, he greeted her. Hi there, would I be able to use one of the summoning Cells please?


    Ah yes, Mr. Roth, wee back, said the administrator. How long will you need the Cell for?


    Alex raised an eyebrow. "Im sorry, have we met?


    Not officially, she said, drawing a schedule from her desk. But, I did see youpete at the Games of Roal, but more importantly, your bakery has been responsible for destroying my waistline. Sheughed easily, patting her stomach.


    Oh, uh, sorry? Alex offered.


    Dont be, it was worth it, she said, looking down at the schedule. Would Cell 314 work for you?


    Absolutely, Alex said. Ive got my student card to unlock the door right here in my bag.


    Good, oh, and I just wanted to thank you for everything you didst year, it wont be forgotten.


    Pardon? he said.


    My younger brotherpeted inst year''s Games, she exined. If it wasnt for you brave people on the beach, he would have died; hes nobat mage, he just entered for fun. So, thank you, Mr. Roth. You kept our family from suffering a loss like so many others did that day.


    We all did what we had to do, but thank you for your kind words. Hearing them means a lot; Ill be sure to pass them along to my friends. Whats your name? he asked.


    Carmen.


    Well, Ill tell them, Carmen, and thanks again.


    He gave her a little wave as he teleported back to the stairs, and up to Cell 314.


    Alex swiped his card above the door lock and entered the room. He locked the door behind him and dropped his satchel on the floor near a desk. Time to get to work. The aeld staff gave off little waves of curiosity as he leaned it against a wall and took a pair of spell-guides from his bag.


    Wondering what Im doing? He said to the staff. Well, Ill be trying to summon morepanions like Bubbles and our foxy friend. Sometime soon, well be heading to and<strong></strong>that could be pretty dangerous, especially since well be far away from everyone we know, except for ygon.


    Alex summoned Bubbles. We dont want to risk getting caught there by something nasty without any backup.


    The aeld staff gave off another wave of curiosity before its attention turned to Bubbles who was, well, bubbling at it.


    Smiling, Alex went to the summoning circle in the centre of the room andid the two spell-guides before him. The first one contained a fifth-tier summoning spell that conjured an evil spirit called a hellchainera monstrous creature that drew energy from pain, pleasure and mania. Creatures like those were favourites of evil wizards, and theyd use them to interrogate and torture their enemies.


    The problem was that they tended to delight more in the suffering itself, than in actually extracting<strong></strong>any practical information from their victims.


    Of course, Alex had no interest in torturing peopleprobably.


    Truth is, if I got my hands on that First Apostle, I dont think letting a hellchainer have a few hours alone with him would be such a bad idea, the young wizard thought. But, Id be more summoning one of them for the challenge, than anything elsetheyre tricky spirits to call. Option twos even more challenging though, but lessdangerous.


    Alex looked at the second spell-guide in front of him, one meant to summon an Asnti celestial.


    ording to the books on lore, they were a prideful celestial race that wielded great magical might, and only worked with the most driven of mages. Legends even said that they were once a race of mortals who escaped some long ago catastrophe by ascending to a higher ne.


    Of course, the Asnti refused to answer questions about their peoples past, and no history book ever recorded any kingdom of a simr name that once existed.


    After what hed learned from Baelin about others, Alex was convinced they were from another world altogether.


    I wonder if Ill find out. He cracked his knuckles, picking up the hellchainer spell-guide. But lets deal with the evil one first.


    Alex looked over the spell-array carefully; it was an intimidating thing, requiring five conjoined magic circuits all functioning in tandem.


    I can see why most wizards never reach fifth-tier, he murmured, admiring the diagram. I assumed this would be a challenge; it seems I was right. He touched his midriff. My mana pool should be more than big enough to contain the magic circuitry, now its just a matter of not making any mistakes. At fifth-tier, if I screw up the summoning, Ill conjure something <em>awful.</em>


    His mind ran free for a while, imagining some tentacled horror breaking out of the protective circle in the centre of the floordragging him, Bubbles and his staff into eternal doomhe shuddered, quickly shaking away the image.


    Hed been doing this long enough to avoid catastropheshe hoped.


    Alex studied the spell array carefully, making note of individual parts of the magic circuitry that were familiar to him, then nodded, satisfied. He conjured a Wizards Hand.


    The Marks interference hit hard, shaking him to the core as he fought to guide himself through it, frustration quickly rising.<strong></strong>As the crimson Hand appeared, Alex frowned, remembering the Mark of the General in Uldars sanctum.


    If that Mark is just the Fool but without the interference, Im going to be so damned mad, he scowled. And since thats <em>probably</em> what it is? Im already mad just thinking about it. Here I am, about to try casting a fifth-tier spell and I still have to wrestle with the Mark of the Fool just to conjure some first-tier Wizards Hand spell.


    He thought about what had happened when hed relieved the First Apostle of his arm. Hed ended up on the ground, helpless, hammered and punished by a Mark from a dead god. Punished for wanting to avenge his friend. For wanting to save his other friends.


    For wanting to stand against a monster.


    Alexs jaw clenched and unclenched as a surge of anger dropped on him with a weight it hadnt in a long time, not since his early struggles with the Mark in Rams force magic ss.


    He took some deep breaths, making himself calm down, using his grounding techniques, letting go of his rage with each breath.


    If only I could change this Mark right now, he whispered, returning his focus to the spell array.


    There was nothing to be done about that right now.


    For the time being, hed work and prepare for the day he could change it.


    And for the next half hour, he studied the spell in minute detail, tracing diagrams hed made of the array, using the Mark, correcting even the slightest mistake hed made in his drawings. Then, he said each syble of the incantation aloud, sounding them out, making sure his pronunciation was wless.


    When it was time to make notes, he flipped open his notebook and began:


    <strong>Summon Hellchainer. 1st attempt. Progress:</strong>


    The level of progress was left nk for now as he began spell casting, at the same time, calling on the Travellers power.


    This spell was a new one, but at this point, hed had a lot of experience with fourth-tier summoning magic; his goal was ambitious, he was hoping to have 30% of the spell array mastered by the time he finished practising for the day.


    Alex closed his eyes, feeling the Travellers power as he slowly spoke the incantation. It joined with his mana, pushing against the Marks interference.


    He felt the conjoined magic circuit manifesting, unfolding like a bloom and as he began losing himself, caught between the roaring seas that were the Mark of the Fool, and the power of the Traveller. One tried to steer him off course, dragging him down. The other held him gently like a ray of sunlight,<strong></strong>guiding him through the spell, keeping him on track.


    He let both flow, focusing on saying those precious sybles precisely.


    A circuit formed.


    Then another.


    Then a third.


    A fourth.


    Before he realised what was happening, the Travellers power was guiding his mana into a fifth circuit that linked with the others. The entire spell red to life.


    Alexs eyes flew wide as he felt a connection form with the lower nes.


    The groan of chains, the sound of screams, and of dripping liquid seemed to echo through his ears as something otherwordly was pulled across the nes.


    Air shimmered within the summoning circle.


    Chains clinked.


    Space tore apart.


    And something humanoidshort and gauntstepped through, appearing in the material world. It might have chilled the blood of even the bravest soul, with its six fingers, two pairs of elbow and knee joints, and spear-shaped ears. The creature was a thing of nightmares; yet, it almost looked human.


    <em>Almost</em> human.


    Piercing its pale grey flesh were scores of hooks, iron rings and long nails. Spiked chains wrapped its entire body in an unnerving parody of a robe, wound tightly enough to squeeze every angle on its emaciated form.


    A dark fluid ran from the corners of lips that snarled in what seemed a hideous grin.


    Its eyes were stitched shut, but it faced Alex, seeming to watch him nheless.


    An aura of palpable pain and menace surrounded the hellchainer.


    We have such sights to show you, the creature croaked suddenly, its voice gurgling.


    The aeld staff gave off waves of terror.


    Bubbles bubbled in fright.


    And Alexs jaw dropped, his mind whirling.


    Hed hit fifth-tier.


    On his first try with a new spell.


    It was stunning.


    Numbly, he wrote a number in the notebook:


    <strong>Summon Hellchainer. 1st attempt. Progress: 100%.</strong>


    What agonies do you wish for me to bestow, oh pained one? the creature gurgled. This one desires flesh.


    Not right now. I wished to simply greet you, Alex said carefully, using the Mark to alter his voice. He made it higher. Cold. Infused with a note of indifference, sounding every inch the cruel wizard ready to unleash his demon armies on the unsuspecting.


    In the future, there will be much pain for us to inflict, Alex said, thinking of the hidden church of Uldar. For now, though. A gift.


    With that, Alex looked at Bubbles. Could you do me a favour He paused, eyeing the innocent water elemental, then grabbed his staff. On second thought, never mind.


    Raising the nervous aeld branch high, he conjured a hellhound near the summoning circle.


    The hound appeared, panting brimstone as it looked up at Alex, recognising him.


    Could you do me a favour and bite him please? The young wizard raised his chin toward the hellchainer. There. On his leg, where there arent any nails or spikes sticking out.


    The hound cocked his head momentarily before bounding to the hellchainer and mping its jaws on its flesh.


    Writhing in ecstasy, the evil spirit released an unsavoury moan. Yessss, sweet pain! A reward, but nobour. Master is kind.


    Master is also cruel, Alex said. I will call you again.


    Goood, this one will be waiting the monster moaned.


    With a shudder, Alex dismissed both the hellchainer and the hellhound.


    Bubbles burbled nervously.


    Yeah, I dont think Ill be summoning that thing too often, Alex leaned the staff against the wall then took a look at the second spell-guide.


    Was that a fluke, I wonder? Only one way to find out


    For another half hour, he studied the spell-guide for Summon Asnti Celestial before trying the spell.


    Again the Mark interfered.


    Again the Travellers power helped him.


    And again, hepleted the spell on his first try.


    A tall, imperious looking malewith skin like shining pearlstood before him, dressed in robes of flowing mist. He stared at Alex with clear, grey eyes.


    I see thee, sorcerer, as one who wields great power. Thou art wise to summon me, though thou shall need to prove thyself, the celestials voice echoed. Art thou worthy?


    I am, Alex said, his voice ringing with confidence. Arrogance, even. You will serve me because I possess power grand enough to stand beside you as a fellow master of arcane might.


    And how shall you prove this to me? the celestial asked.


    Alex swallowed. Cold sweat rose on his skin as his mind tried piecing together what was happening.


    Okay, the Traveller''s powerIve been using it, he thought. As it grows stronger in me, its offering me more support for summoning spells. Which means Its time to get greedy.


    Alex looked into the Asntis eyes. I will prove it by showing you that I can call one greater than you. I will show you by conjuring you again andright in front of your eyesI will show you the kind of magic that will surprise even you.


    The Asnti smiled. I look forward to it.


    Until then, Alex dismissed the celestial.


    He looked at Bubbles. Guard my things for a minute, Bubbles.


    The water elemental gurgled in reply, moving beside Alexs bag.


    Then, teleporting out of the Cell and up to the halfway in front of Professor Mangals office, the young wizard rubbed his hands together in anticipation.


    Alright, Roth, he said to himself. Time to push your luck.


    He knocked on the door.

 Chapter 662: Greed

    Chapter 662: Greed


    Come in, Professor Mangals voice called through the door.


    Good, she doesn''t have a ss, Alex thought with relief as he stepped into her office.


    She looked up from a notebook she was sketching in at her desk.


    Ah, Alex, pleasure to see you, she smiled at him warmly. How can I help you? I doubt youre here for extra help since youve been mastering our lessons in ss so far.


    Professor. He marched to her desk like a knight about to challenge a dragon. I would like ess to a sixth-tier spell-guide.


    She startled, raising an eyebrow. Sixth-tier? Do you wish to read ahead? I know how skilled you are, Alex, but I assure you, fifth-tier spells will beplex enough; students are expected to <em>graduate</em> having mastered fifth-tier spells. And you are only starting your third year. Patience, my ambitious young friend.


    With a chuckle, Mangal looked back down at her notebook, picking up her pen.


    Professor, he said quietly. Ive already mastered fifth-tier summoning spells.


    The professor paused, slowly looking up at him. Pardon me?


    I just summoned a hellchainer and an Asnti celestial. Right now, in the Cells. I could do it again right here. Right now.


    She put the pen down. Truly?


    Truly, Alex said with conviction.


    Show me the Asnti celestial then. Mangal leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms over her chest. A dark eyebrow rose. That is one of the most challenging of the fifth-tier summoning spells. So show me.


    Alex took a deep breath, casting the spell.


    Again, the Mark''s interference rose to stop him.


    Again, the Travellers power came to help him.


    Withplete precision, he pronounced each syble.


    The magic circuit formed in his mana pool.


    A connection built between the material world and the celestial nes.


    The air beside him parted, and an ethereal form shimmered into being in front of the professors desk.


    Ah, thou art calling me again this soon, young master of the arcane? The celestial said, looking at Alex imperiously. Dost thou seek to introduce me to another sorcerer. I sense greater power from her than from thee.


    Mangals jaw had gone ck.


    Her eyes flicked between Alex and the celestial. What. She said tly.


    Ta-daaaa, the young wizard gestured to the celestial.


    It appears I am to be part of some chicanery and buffoonery, it sounded displeased.


    With respect, Vaunted One. The Professor stood up. We are simplying to grips with certain changes, much as your people did during your transmigration.


    The celestials expression softened slightly. So, thou knoweth of us. Good. I hath noted thy respect.


    Yes, ancient one, Alex said. I will call you again,ter.


    With that, he dismissed the celestial.


    Mangals face was the image of disbelief. Alex, do you know what youve done?


    Yes. Summoned one of the most difficult-to-conjure spirits that can be conjured by fifth-tier magic. Alex smiled, without a shred of false humility.


    Yes! Mangal cried. I recognise your exceptional affinity for summoning spells, but this is beyond my wildest imaginings. All things considered, you were still slow with the actual spellcasting, but it was done steadily and with excellent control.


    She shook her head. What youve done today is remarkable, but Im still not certain about allowing you to try sixth-tier magic. It goes without saying that casting at such high levels is daunting, there are very good reasons why one attempts such magic during graduate studies, and not before. Countless wizards <em>never</em> reach that level. Ever. Not even after a century. Sixth-tier isnt quite the barrier that seventh-tier is, but it is by no means easy.


    I know, professor, Alex said. But I believe Im up to the challenge. I think if you handed me a sixth-tier summoning spell right now, I could cast it. It might take me a few tries, but I know I could do it.


    Her eyes narrowed, watching him carefully, then she scoffed at herself. I suppose its not surprising that I somehow find myself on the cusp of believing you. Give me a moment to think.


    Mangal turned away, looking out the window with her brow furrowed in thought and her lips moving silently.


    Alex, stay here for a moment. Do not touch anything, she said suddenly.


    With that, Professor Mangal cast a teleportation spellher magic forming a connection in the direction of the libraryand vanished.


    His mind whirling, Alex waited in silence as the minutes seemed to drag by, before she returned. Teleportation magic warned him, and she reappeared, holding three spell-guides.


    Alright, if you wish to do this, then youll do it under my direct supervision. I have no sses for the next two hours and had nned on spending the time working on a personal project, but now youve piqued my curiosity, so that can wait for now.


    If you want to take care of your project, this can wait, professor. Alex said.


    Believe me, I do not wish for this to wait, Professor Mangal assured him, pressing the three spell-guides into his hands. I do have some doubts that you will manage to cast sixth-tier, butif you doyou and I will have much to discuss. Better that we do this sooner thanter.


    Alright, Alex said. Whatever you say.


    Good, now which Cell were you working in? she asked.


    314, Alex said.


    Very good, if your time isnt up, Ill teleport there with you, she said.


    Actually, I can get back myself, so Ill just meet you there, Alex said.


    Concentrating, he teleported back to the hall in front of Cell 314, passing his student card over the door to open it and a heartbeat or twoter, Professor Mangal appeared beside him.


    You really <em>did</em> teleport here by yourself, she said. One day you must exin to me how you do that; I saw you use it in the Grand Battle and the malicious side of me very much enjoyed watching you confuse yourpetition, she smiled at the memory. Most wizards tend to keep the secrets of their unique gifts to themselves, but if you are willing to share, I would love to know more.


    One day, I promise Ill exin, Alex said. But for now, Im eager to get started, if you dont mind.


    Of course, Professor Mangal said, following Alex into the room.


    She greeted Bubbles politely before nodding to the spell-guides shed handed him. Take a look at those.


    Alex noted the title of each book.


    The first was a guide for the sixth-tier spell: Summon Celestial Dire Tiger.


    The second was a guide for Summon Shadow Demon.


    And thest was for the sixth-tier spell, Summon Greater Water Elemental.


    Interesting choices, Alex said.


    They range from fairly easy for their level, to quite difficult; summoning a shadow demon will be easiest, they love to be summoned to torment mortals. Then the greater water elementalthey are powerful entities and are indifferent to mortals. Celestial dire tigerwill be the hardest of the three to conjure. While good-hearted, they are also quite prideful and resistant to being summoned onmand.


    Just like the Asnti celestial, Alex said, handing two spell-guides to two Wizards Hand hed conjured earlier, then flipping open the guide to Summon Shadow Demon. I guess Ill be working my way up to the others, so how many tries do I have with each spell?


    Professor Mangals eyes flicked to a timekeeper on the wall. I will need a half hour to prepare for ss. So you have an hour and a half. Take as many tries as you need.


    Perfect. Alex started reading the spell-guide.


    His heart sank briefly<strong>.</strong>


    The spell array and magic circuit were <em>far</em> moreplex than hed imagined. Six magic circuits were interconnected, forming the conjoined circuit that would power such fearsome magic, and from the looks of it, it was definitely a mana <em>guzzler.</em> Naturally, the circuitry wasplex, but the way the circuits joined together was not onlyplex, but maddening.


    Alex instantly understood why most wizards never cast sixth-tier spells.


    No, dont get discouraged, he thought, his finger tracing the circuit. Itsplex, but its made up of smaller parts. You have experience with a lot of them, so just break the spell array down to itsponents and youll be able to do this.


    And so he got to work.


    For over a half hour, he copied the magic circuits schematics into his notebook over and over again, using the Mark to avoid any mistakes he might make. By doing things in such minute detail, he was learning the spell arrays structure down to its basics.


    He then moved on, practising the incantation syble by syble for another fifteen minutes, and when that was done, he was ready.


    Alright, he said to Professor Mangal. Im either about to blow apart my mana pool, or summon some super demon lord, so if things go wrong, please save me.


    I will try. She cocked her head, looking down at his diagrams. You have a very unique way of learning spells.


    Hey, it works, he said, turning to the summoning circle. Here we go.


    He wrote a new entry in his notebook:


    <strong>Summon Shadow Demon. 1st attempt. Progress:</strong>


    Alex began chanting the incantation and knew he was in for a struggle; the sheer amount of mana being channelled by the sixth-tier spell felt like a raging ocean in his grip. He remembered watching a horse farmer in Alric trying to break a stallion; a massive, proud, wild beast whod wanted nothing to do with either the farmer, or his reins. The horse had bucked with everything it had, determined to catapult the man from off his back and into the weeds, dirt or creek, whichever came first; the horse didnt care. At the time, Alex felt a lot of sympathy for the horse, suddenly, he felt a lot of sympathy for the man.


    The magic raged under his control as he tried guiding it into its magic circuit. All the while, the Mark raged as well, as though the idea of the Fool even <em>trying</em> to wield this level of magic was a great insult.


    But standing against its resistance, was the power of the Traveller, grasping his mana, helping him reach the hells.


    His mind felt like it would fracture, like it was on the verge of splitting apart.


    Why the hell is this so hard? he thought, trying to guide his thoughts through the torrent of past failures. It feels worse than its ever felt before, like its trying to break my mind! It feels like


    Realisation struck him like ice water.


    He wasnt <em>imagining</em> that the Mark was resisting harder than ever before; it <em>was</em> resisting harder than ever before.


    Panting hard, he stopped the spell.


    I warned you it would be difficult, Mangal said gently. We should stop for now and


    He held up a hand. You said that I had an hour and a half to try, right? Which means I have about forty-five minutes left, dont I?


    That is true, the professor said, I did indeed say that.


    Right, so let me try again, Alex said. I dont want to give up yet, not without giving it everything I can.


    She shrugged easily. It is your time, Alex. I gave it to you. Use it as you wish.


    Thanks, he said and turning to his notebook, he jotted down a number.


    <strong>Summon Shadow Demon. 1st attempt. Progress: 2%</strong>


    Alex examined the spell array as he rubbed his right shoulder.


    After all this time, he was still learning things about his Mark.


    Degrees, he thought. Its about degrees.


    He remembered when hed picked up a sword on the deck of the <em>Red Siren</em> with Theresa. The Mark had rebelled, making him lose bnce and flop oafishly on the deck.


    But, when hed torn Yantrahpretaye to pieces, the Marks reaction had been different, a lot more intense, and when hed killed him, it had resisted so violently that he was sick afterward.


    And while that reaction had been bad, it was nowhere near as bad as when hed attacked the First Apostle and ripped the mans arm off.


    Picking up a weapon meant a small amount of resistance... Killing a demon meant morebut the monster was made of metal. Maybe the Mark didnt consider Yantrahpretaye an actual living being? Like how I can kill bugs. But when I pulled Uldars priests arm off, it almost fried my brain and broke me in two, he thought.


    He studied the sixth-tier spell. What if its the same for spells? A certain level of resistance for most spellsbut as soon as I get to the <em>really</em> powerful stuff, the Fools Mark fights me even harder. Like the difference between picking up a weapon and tearing off someones arm.


    An icy feeling began growing in his gut, spreading through the rest of his body.


    The Travellers powerI think it s been shielding me from the worst of it since fourth-tier, he thought. But now that the spells are way more powerful, the Mark <em>really</em> doesnt want me using them. I think I could probably manage sixth-tier spells, but seventh-tierwho knows. Eighth-tier? Ninth-tier? There may be a <em>hard</em> limit to the level of spell I can cast until I find a way to beat this Mark permanently.


    He shook his head. But, I believe I can cast sixth-tier spells, and I can do it now. With time, Ill figure out whats going on with higher tiers, but thats ater problem. Right now? The Marks not stopping me from summoning a damn shadow demon, if I have anything to say about it.

 Chapter 663: Limits

    Chapter 663: Limits


    The spell array seemed to loom off the page like a monstrous demon lord.


    Every twist in the diagram resembled ws, clenched to tear Alexs mind apart. Every sharp curve was like salivating fangs gaping wide to devour him whole. And the centre of the diagram?


    Seemed to grin like the Face of the Fool, smirking and mocking him in silent malice.


    Alex rubbed his eyes, trying to banish the illusions...if thats what they were. Was he seeing them because he was running himself ragged? He couldnt tell.


    What he did know with certainty was that he had faced <em>real</em> beasts and demons. Hundreds of them. No spell array was going to frighten him.


    And so Alex stood tall and cracked his neck.


    His knuckles came next.


    Then, he dove into the spell once again.


    He pushed through days of mental strain and the Marks persistent interference, guiding himself through scores of images. His mind wasnt spared, it was attacked from all sides, but he pushed back, iron will, meditation techniques, and the power of the Traveller keeping him focused.


    Fight though he might, his mana still ran wild, flying out of control, his teeth clenching as he struggled in vain to control it. He cut the spell. Time to record his progress.


    <strong>Summon Shadow Demon. 2nd attempt. Progress: 5%.</strong>


    Alex sat for a moment, simply visualising the spell array; mentally tracing the magic circuitry, noting sections where hed made mistakes.


    After taking stock, he tried again.


    <strong>Summon Shadow Demon 3rd attempt. Progress: 8%.</strong>


    He pulled back, his heart pounding in his chest, ncing at Professor Mangal. The older wizard was giving him a puzzled look, but he turned away.


    I know I can do this, he thought, mentally tracing every conjoined magic circuit. And if I break through to sixth-tier right now, Professor Mangal will <em>really</em> put in a good word for me when the church tries to take me. I have to do this.


    Inside, a part of him knew that wasnt his entire reason; there was pride urging him on for sure, as well as desperation.


    But mostly?


    It was because he knew he was capable of it.


    He could do it.


    With some more effort.


    The determined young wizard took a deep breath, grounded himself, and tried again.


    This time he went further, anticipating less familiar sections of the magic circuits. It was like learning where the pitfalls and hazards of an unfamiliar forest traily, he was remembering them, starting topensate for them.


    All the while, the Travellers power supported him, and he drew on it. Thanks to Hannahs energy, sections of the array were actually easy to move through now.


    Though, the Mark was still resisting with everything it had.


    Alex steeled himself, vowing it wouldnt win and pushed harder, moving through the spell array in increments, pushing out his mana until suddenly, he lost control and cut the spell. That was better.


    <strong>Summon Shadow Demon 4th attempt. Progress: 17%</strong>


    Ive got to be careful when I reach the section linking the first and second magic circuits, that parts tricky, he thought, writing down a few potential tactics. Hed learned a lot from the Mark so far; a lot about what <em>not</em> to do.


    Alright, here we go.


    He plunged into the storm again, straining his will as the Mark bombarded him. It was taking its toll on his mind, and if that continued much longer, hed get sloppy and lose concentration.


    He had to keep pushing, looking for that breakthrough. Suddenly, his perseverance was rewarded and he hit a section of the circuit that the Travellers power finished on its own. His progress suddenly leapt forward. Behind him, Professor Mangal gasped.


    Alex rapidly finished the second circuit.


    Then the third.


    At the fourth, he felt the spell array begin to fray; he couldnt keep a handle on it if he kept pushing, so with a growl of frustration, he dropped the spell.


    <strong>Summon Shadow Demon 5th attempt. Progress: 64%.</strong>


    He took a quick nce at the timekeeper.


    Half an hour more.


    Come on, Alex, you can do this, he encouraged himself, writing down more strategies to get past the Marks pitfalls. You have this. You can get through it. 31% after five tries is fantastic. Now, lets try again.


    Again, he fought the Mark, guiding himself through the spell.


    Youve almost got the spell arrays, now focus on the connections between, he decided.


    The strain was wearing on him. He was pouring sweat. His hands were shaking. His mouth felt as dry as the Barrens of Kravernus.


    Its worth it, he murmured as he finished the fifthponent circuit.


    Once again, he cut the spell.


    <strong>Summon Shadow Demon 6th attempt. Progress: 87%</strong>


    His seventh attempt was a disaster, he abruptly stopped the spell when a mistake hed made almost triggered a mana reversal and wrecked his mana pool.


    Time was ticking by. Professor Mangal would have to go soon.


    His hands were shaking, but he tried again.


    <strong>Summon Shadow Demon 8th attempt. Progress: 94%</strong>


    Better, he said out loud. You can do this. You <em>can</em> do this.


    His head was throbbing, it felt like someone had spent the better part of thest 90 minutes pounding on it with a bat.


    But he was close.


    So close.


    Alex, Professor Mangal started.


    He nced at the time. Ten minutes left.


    Just a bit more, he said, throwing himself back into the spell.


    It was gruelling; his entire body was shaking. His head felt like it was being used as a drum.


    But, he pressed forward, pushing past where hedst stopped.


    More of the magic circuit formed


    until


    the circuitry burned to life.


    Magic reached from the material world, contacting the Hells.


    Space ruptured within the summoning circle.


    Light seemed to dim.


    And a horned, demonic blot of darkness unfolded from a point in space within the summoning circle, a creature that frayed the nerve from merely gazing at it was revealed. Two eyes that seemed to burn like embers looked out on the room from the demons face as it silently red at the one who had summoned it.


    Panting, Alex copsed on all fours, fighting the urge to empty his stomach of his most recent meals.


    Im seeing this, but I cant believe it Professor Mangal murmured, taking a step toward the summoning circle. Yet there it is in the flesh, a shadow demon, right here in its full glory. It shows no sign of fleeing to its home ne, no sign of breaking free of your spell, or having the ability to leave the circle without yourmand.


    Alex was silent, except for the wheezing he was doing trying to catch his breath.


    He looked at the timekeeper on the wall and grimaced.


    A single minute remained.


    He knew he was in no condition to try the other two spells.


    ProfessorIm sorryI failed his voice rasped.


    Failed? Mangal looked bewildered. What are you saying? You have done what many wizards cannot do even after graduation, or ever.


    But, the other twospells, he choked out.


    She waved him off. I am not so cruel as to not give you credit after youve tried so hard...and seeded, with <em>even one</em> sixth-tier spell. Do you still wish to try the other two?


    <em>Yes,</em> he said emphatically.


    Wonderful, I have always admired your spirit. But I am not going to let a student destroy themselves just because their body and mind cannot keep up with their will. You get some rest. Do you have ssester?


    He shook his head. No.


    Then I would like you to meet me in this Cell at ten oclock, after myst ss. Then<em>if you are in a proper state</em>I will allow you to try your hand at the other two spells. You will have until an hour past midnight. Does that sound fair?


    Ill need torearrange some things with my business partner, but yes, that sounds fair, Alexs voice was weak.


    Good. Professor Hak tells me you have improved your slumber with blood magic. Use it; that is the only reason I am letting you try this tonight. And, I will not have youing to me in any condition other than perfectly rested and healthy. Understand?


    Ido, Alex said, finally feeling his mind and body settling.


    Very good, she said, picking up the three spell-guides. Rest. I will see you back here at ten oclock.


    With that, she uttered a teleportation spell and vanished.


    Groaning, Alex let himself fall onto his back, catching his breath on the stone floor. By the Traveller, if that was the easiest spell of the three, then Hannah help me, he said out loud.


    Nearby, Bubbles sloshed up to him and gently sprayed his face with mist.


    TThanks little guy, he muttered weakly. Alright. Alright. I need to think about this


    Slowly, he pushed himself up until he was seated cross-legged on the floor, reflecting on what had just happened.


    A sinking feeling stirred in his belly.


    Thisthis is my limit, he spoke the words aloud, acknowledging them as fact, the hard truth of them stinging him.


    But, he couldnt hide from them.


    Through thest two years, hed adapted, learning how to make use of the Mark, how to exploit it to be a better and more precise wizard. He would have never believed hed ever say this the night he turned eighteen, but he gained a lot from it, even though it also brought devastating frustrations for him to deal with.


    After guiding himself through so many tiers of spellsespecially summoning spells with help from the Travellers powerhed thought he could progress all the way to ninth-tier with meditation techniques, experience, and enough willpower.


    However, hed expected thered always be certain things he wouldnt be able to do.


    He had no experience with divinity, and had no interest in trying it; the Mark might break something in his mind, or he might do something that would damage his very soul, like Kelda had. Then there wasbat; no matter how much hate or willpower coursed through him, he couldnt react violently or even aggressively to either man or monster. Not without consequences so devastating, hed be left helpless; perfect prey for any enemy to quickly pick off.


    These were the hard limitations that hed epted long ago.


    But all the while, hed takenfort in one thing; no matter how hard it was, he still had his spellcraft. True, the Mark would help him with alchemy, allowing him to make and use all manner of wonderful magical itemsbut when he first imagined himself as a wizard, hed imagined himself casting spells.


    And hed been able to cast spells in ways even wizards decades older than him had trouble with. With the Travellers power, hed be an extraordinary summoner.


    But, he was now facing a wall far different from all the others hed ovee in his journey through spellcraft.


    The way the Mark resisted was as devastating as when hed taken the First Apostles arm; no amount of wishing, hoping or willpower would be able to ovee it when it was pushing back <em>that</em> desperately.


    Which could mean only one thing.


    I might be able to get better with sixth-tier spells, but theyre going to leave me half-broken when I use them, Alex voiced his deepest fears. I wont be able to use them inbator for most things. Im going to confirm that after I get some rest and try those two other spells tonightbut if sixth-tier is this hard, then seventh-tier is definitely beyond reach.


    He imagined what it must have been like for Keldaa warriorto realise she would never hold a sword again. Never be able to use the skill shed spent her young life developing. Never be able to defend herself.


    Now Im in the same boat, he said.


    He thought about the vast, staggering power wielded by Baelin and his cabal in Cretalikon. Theirs was the magic that made <em>true</em> legends and changed the course of history. Alex had thought thatone daysuch power would belong to him.


    He still had alchemy; he did have power.


    But, that power would alwayseat least for the better partfrom tools. And tools could always be taken from him, lost, or destroyed.


    And how the hell am I to face the Ravener with my friends if I have to keep dealing with this? He gestured to the Mark in frustration. Alright. I really have to find a way to undo thissome way


    For a moment, a terrible thought urred to him.


    What if he was wrong about the Irtyshenan Empire?


    What if everyone was? What if Keldas hidden stronghold was elsewhere in the universe, forever lost now that her soul was gone. What if he wandered the empire for months just to find nothing?


    Then when the final battle came, if his staff was taken and his potions broken


    no matter how long he lived, he would know that he would always have an anchor weighing him down.


    Ill find Keldas stronghold, he promised himself. Ill find a way, no matter what it takes. But, for now, Ive got to give up on 7th-tier. Lets see if I can manage those other two spells for sixth.

 Chapter 664: The Barred Gate of Spellcraft

    Chapter 664: The Barred Gate of Spellcraft


    Alexs mind was under attack.


    The Mark wanted control, and wanted to bury it under failure after failure.


    His mana was like an eel, slipping from his control.


    But he fought both the spell and the Mark.


    Determined, Alex set his jaw like a warrior and marched into the storm, continuing to wrestle with the spell. Distantly, he heard Professor Mangal encouraging him as he finished the final syble.


    Then came the rushing sound of water.


    And a torrent of liquid gushed into the material world, filling the summoning circle, introducing an enormous clot of clear liquid into the room. It loomed above him. Streams of bubbles rippled through its surface while it swayed back and forth like a charmed snake.


    A Greater Water Elemental.


    The most powerful monster Alex had ever summoned.


    It reared up like a wave cresting in the ocean, looking down on him from its vast height. If Bubbles was a cute, young, yful spirit, then this elemental was an old, proud entity. It gazed down with the patience and silent power of a stilled sea.


    Not a sound came from it, and Alex lowered his head in respect.


    Greetings, one who floats with the tides, the young wizard said in one of the elemental tongues of water, using an ancient title for more powerful water elementals. I call you here to greet you.


    It let out a deep gurgle in response as Alex took several potions from his bag.


    I offer you these so that you may know I mean you no ill will when I summon you in future. It is my hope that we can work together. Let us take care of each other; I will give you potions andif you need anything from this wizardyou can ask it of me. If the favour is reasonable, Ill try andply.


    His words were sincere as he extended the potions.


    The enormous water elemental silently studied Alex before reaching for the potion bottles. It gurgled loudly as it sucked back their contents, absorbing the liquid into its form, then gently cing the empty vials on the floor.


    Thank you for treating with me, one who floats with the tides, the young wizard said, exhaustion taking over.


    He doubled over.


    Very good, Professor Mangal said. Here, have something cool to drink before you try the next one.


    Thanks, Alex wheezed, as Mangal poured him a cup of lemon tea from a frost covered pitcher. Ugh, that was <em>not</em> easy.


    Sixth-tier spells never are, she said. But they grow easier with time.


    Yeah, The young wizard drank deeply from the cup of tea, blotting his lips afterward. Is seventh-tier much harder?


    <em>Much, much,</em> harder, the professor emphasised. Reaching seventh-tier from sixth, is an even greater jump than going from fifth to sixth. I myself have only reached eight-tier in summoning spells, and have never cast anything higher than sixth-tier in other spell disciplines.


    Alex grimaced at her words. Great.


    It is alright, you have talent and time. Let yourself get used to sixth-tier before seventh even begins to matter to you.


    I understand, Alex said.


    He looked at the water elemental in the summoning circle. As it was, it would make a powerful ally, though not only as a summon, but also to build into his staff. Ingredients to replicate a sixth-tier spell were pricey, and hed rather not start dipping into the fund hed been setting aside for Theresa and Selina, but he had to add to his staff before he went to the Empire. While it wouldve been nice to simply cast the spell himself, thered be nothing <em>simple</em> about him casting it for the aeld staff, or anything else for that matter.


    He shook his head; there was no use in agonising over a fact he couldnt do anything about, at least for now.


    Alex waved a hand, dismissing the elemental back to its home ne.


    Very good, Alex, Mangal said. Rest for a moment, and then we can move on to thest spell. It is only eleven oclock. You still have time.


    Alright he said quietly.


    For a moment Professor Mangal watched him.


    Alex, is this about guilt?


    Pardon? he startled, looking at her sharply.


    I heard what happened to your friend. Having someone close to us die is never easy, and now I see you pushing yourself in a way that most wizards would never even attempt. So, I wonder if this is out of guilt.


    No, it actually isnt, Alex said. But, my friends deathlets just say it puts things into context. I want to be ready for future challenges, for if, or even when, something tries to take my life or the life of a loved one.


    You do not need to face such struggles alone, Alex. You have an entire university here supporting you in your endeavour to free your home from the monstrosity that grips it, Mangal reassured him.


    Alex smiled weakly. Thank you for saying that, but I also know that sometimes challengese along that only you can face. Sometimes enemies surprise you or life gives you a burden that only you can bear. Ive got to be able to carry that weight.


    Mangal grimaced. You do not sound like most twenty year olds I have known, and I have known a great many over my years of teaching. You sound more like a man with a family, one with many more years behind you than you have actually lived, as well as a difficult life shadowing you.


    I cant say I know what thats like, professor, all I know is that I have responsibilities, Alex said, standing up. I guess its time for thest spell.


    Without a word, she handed him the spell guide for Summon Celestial Dire Tiger.


    Alex focused his energies, another struggle was waiting. For over an hour he repeatedly threw himself at the spell array. The Mark hindered and Hannahs power helped, until atst, thest word of the incantation left his mouth and a connection formed between the material world and the celestial nes.


    A glorious roar echoed from the summoning circlestinging Alexs ear drumsand a majestic tiger manifested. The beasts fur was golden, striped with the deepest ck bands, and its silver eyes glowed like miniature moons. They held an ancient wisdom and a great power, emanating from its entire being with a promise of the terrible force it could unleash.


    It growled, pawing the floor, ws raking the stones.


    Coming from within its rumbling throat, Alex heard words mixed with the beasts snarl. Who summons me? Who asks? Who <em>dares?</em>


    The voice was that of one who wields authority.


    I do, oh tiger ruler, oh heavenly khan. I thank you foring down from your divine realm to my summoning circle, Alex said in a celestial tongue. You, who sagely rules your great territory in the celestial rainforests, does me a service with your presence.


    The demeanour of the beast suddenly changed, it looked at Alex more agreeably. In its growl, Alex heard more words. You show surprising respect for a mortal; considering you seek to subjugate me with your spell.


    But that is no reason to disrespect one such as you, Alex said.


    What if your very existence disrespects me? the celestial dire tiger asked. You subjugate me, do you not?


    The existence of an earthly monarch does not disrespect the heavens, Alex said. And a mortal lord may share a territory or evenmand a tiger in his realmbut in the wilds, it is known that the tiger rules.


    Hah! You understand things, mortal! the tiger roared.


    I try. If we work together, I will see that you grow stronger. If we find ways to increase your power, you can better stand against those rivals who covet your territory.


    I regard your words as true, wizard. The celestial dire tigers tone was calmer. I smell no lies on your breath, so I will hold you to your words. Let us work together.


    Very good, heavenly khan.


    Alex allowed himself a breathless chuckle before copsing on the stone floor, sitting with his legs syed out in front of him.


    You know, professor, you were right about the rest. I had two solid hours of sleep before meeting you, and if I hadnt, I might be a corpse who died trying to cast those spells, he chuckled feebly.


    Rested or not, I can hardly believe you managed it, Mangal was shaking her head in awe. This is most impressive.


    Right, well I dont feel too impressive right now. And I cant imagine that I <em>look</em> too impressive sprawled out on the floor either. But thanks anyway. Just hold on for a bit, Ive got one more thing to do.


    He slowly turned, sat up, and began summoning again.


    Next to the hell hed put himself through for over two solid hours, casting a fifth-tier summoning spell almost felt as easy as breathing. A connection with the celestial nes formed and soon, a familiar Asnti celestial manifested beside the summoning circle.


    Thou hath summoned me once more, young master of the arcane, the Asnti celestial said. Show thy proof that thou art indeed worthy of my service; tis true that I cannot resist thy binding summoning magic even tho thou might be unworthy. I shall still fulfil thymands, but with less than enthusias


    He paused, spotting the celestial dire tiger in the summoning circle. Didst thou summon this grand and majestic denizen of the higher nes?


    I did, Alex said.


    Then thou hath proven thyself worthy of my service. Know now that anymand thou bringeth to me shall bepleted with utmost certainty and dedication. The Asnti bowed before the wizard. I will serve thee faithfully.


    Thank you, Alex said. I will call on youter. RIght now, I need rest.


    With a wave of his hand, Alex dismissed both celestials back to their nes.


    Exhausted, he turned to Professor Mangal. Well? Did I meet your standards, professor?


    Mangal was deep in thought. Lets go to my office. We have much to discuss.


    Do you enjoy summoning magic, Alex? Professor Mangal asked.


    The two wizards had finished their work in Cell 314, gathered their belongings, and teleported directly to the professors office. Shed brewed steaming cups of chai for the two of them then settled behind her desk, letting him sip his tea for a time before shed asked her question.


    I do, Alex said. Very much.


    Do not misunderstand,she said. I am not asking you if you are simply good at it. I am asking you if you like it.


    The young wizard really didnt have to think too hard on his answer as he remembered all the creatures hed summoned. He recalled the rush ofmanding an army, the warm feeling whenever he saw Bubbles happily drinking a potion, and the attachment hed felt with some of his summons, like a certain celestial fox.


    He nodded enthusiastically.


    Im not just good at it, I really like it. It might be my favourite discipline of spellcraft, actually. Alchemys great too, but I think summoning spells are fascinating. Theyre some of my favourite spells to study.


    Would you enjoy crafting new summoning magic? Magic that can reach into new nes, conjuring creatures hardly ever seen in the material world? she asked.


    Yeah, I would, Alex said. I once watched Professor Jules conjure a lesser shoggoth during a ritual. It was horrifyingbut the thought of being able to control something like that, or make a pact with it...theres a thrill in that. A huge one.


    I see, she said. Then have you given any thought to doing graduate studies?


    I actually have, Alex said. I think I might like studying more magic at the university.


    Very good, Alex, and can you guess why I am asking you these questions?


    He felt hope rise in him. You want me to do graduate studies with you?


    I truly would, Professor Mangal said. But I also ask these questions because I want to know how interested you would be in such studies. Interest, not obligation. Sometimes talent proves to be a chain that binds us to life choices we might not necessarily want to make. A man might find he is good with a sword, so he ends up on a battlefield when he would much rather harvest honey from kept beehives.


    She sighed heavily. I have seen many graduate students bear such chains; young folk who think that because they are skilled with a certain discipline of magic, they are obligated to study it at the graduate level. This could not be further from the truth, and consequently, they make terrible graduate students.


    How would they be terrible? Alex asked. If they have the talent, wouldnt they still make good grad students?


    Ah, you fundamentally misunderstand what graduate studies are for, but most undergraduate students make the same mistake as you. The Professor held up her hands and squeezed the air as though she was kneading a sponge. When you are in undergraduate studies, your job is tofor the most partabsorb knowledge. You are a dry sponge meant to absorb as much water as you can in your four years here. When your studies are finished, you should be full and dripping with knowledge.


    She wagged her index finger back and forth. But when you enter graduate studies, you are not meant to be a sponge. We professors have no use for graduate students who are sponges; your job, at the graduate level, is to create knowledge. You will take on your own projects and produce new spells, new understandings of a magical discipline, or discover new uses of mana. You will also aid your supervising professor in their work. That is the nature of graduate studies.


    Sounds fun, Alex said sincerely.


    Good, because some graduate students look to enter not simply because it sounds like fun, but because some obligation forces them to do so. They make for poor colleagues for the simple reason that if one has no <em>passion</em> for the pool of knowledge they are trying to expand, then what use will they be? Graduate work is gruelling, requiring many hours and much sacrifice. To someone who is only making that sacrifice out of obligation, the cost will only breed resentment and a desire to be free of the program as quickly as possible.


    She shook her head. These are not the graduate students I desire or that <em>most</em> professors desire. We want talent <em>and</em> passion, and you exhibit both. That is why I wanted you to learn three difficult spells in a row; to test your will <em>and </em>your passion. If you had given up, I would have seen that you were not ready for what I might offer you.


    And whats that? Alex said, growing more excited.


    Honestly, I think its quite clear that undergraduate summoning is no longer a challenge for you, and even an entire <em>fourth</em> year course will prove to be a waste of your time. Instead, I would like you to Challenge the Exam for Credit, working with me toplete your first Binding Contract and Rtional Contract Summonings. After that, I would like you to apprentice to me. I will provide you with pre-graduate knowledge that prepares you for your own projects as a graduate student. I will also have you start assisting me with some of my personal academic work. In the future, you will be ready for graduate studies in the summoning arts, should you choose to go in that direction.


    She looked at him solemnly. It is a good opportunity, and by the time you graduate, you might even have mastered seventh-tier summoning spells.


    Thatthat would be an honour, Alex said, pushing down a wave of anxiety.


    You just need to find Keldas sanctum, he thought. Then you can fix the Mark and cast all the summoning spells you want.


    I think that sounds great, he said.


    Good! Professor Mangal rubbed her hands together. We will teach you the habits of an independent learner. Honestly, expect my supervision to be minimal. Oftentimes, I will simply give you a problem to solve, an exercise to perform, or a spell to master. This should not be a challenge for you; at your stage, I even suspect that if you snuck into the library on your own, you could teach <em>yourself</em> seventh-tier spells!


    I would never do that! Alex insisted.


    I merely joke, Alex, but do not be afraid of starting to look for resources outside of our library to teach yourself. I think a curriculum will only hold you back at this stage. She smiled. Wee to studying with me, my apprentice. Soon, you will be summoning the kinds of monsters that could be the stuff of legends.


    I look forward to it. Alex smiled back


    He imagined the First Apostle cowering before some towering monster hed conjured.


    Ill be ready for anything.


    And youre sure of this? the priestess asked, squinting into the night by way ofntern light.


    The riderexhausted from his long journeyhanded her a letter. Its been confirmed.


    Swallowing, the priestess took the letter with a shaking hand. Ill send a rider to the capital tonight. The High Priest must know about our change in fortune. He must know that the Fool has been found. This She nced at the letter. ...errantmb, Alex Roth, must be brought home.

 Chapter 665: The Message

    Chapter 665: The Message


    The church messenger rode through the night surrounded by an honour guard of Thameish soldiers. There was a fog that eveningas thick as a witchs brewand a full moon that cast the entire countryside in an eerie light.


    Her heart pounded in her chest as gnarled branches reached from the fog, seeming like Ravener-spawn ws grasping for her throat. All she wished for was to return home and find safety by the fire.


    But the message in her satchel was too important.


    The Fool, apparently, had been found.


    She knew no details, and even the fact that the Fool had been found had reached her ears through gossip in the lonely church.


    A Thameish boy shed heard low voices whisper in the church halls. one that went to the city of wizards in the south.


    Alexander Roth, apparently, was his name.


    How did he pierce the barrier?


    How did he escape?


    He must be brought back.


    It was unlike the churchs priests to gossip so readily, but she was d for it; better that she know the importance of the secret message she carried. Now, she would not only guard it with her life, but with her very soul.


    Or at least, that is what she would doif she could bloody well see.


    We should slow down, one of the soldiers to her back hissed, his breath misting before him. The chill of autumn wasing, and had already gripped Thamnds nights. We dont want a horse throwing a shoeor worsebreaking a leg.


    This message is holy. The messenger gripped her mounts reins. It must be delivered as quickly as we can manage.


    But what if there are Ravener-spawn about? By riding so fast we could stumble into a pack before we the soldier started.


    We have to ride like demons are behind us, the messenger insisted. Like the Ravener itself wants our heads. Uldar will guide us.


    As they rode on, the mist seemed to get thicker and thicker until even she grew nervous.


    Perhaps their pace <em>was</em> foolhardy?


    And what was that tinkling noise off in the trees? Some sort of bell? Or something else?


    The messengers nerves tightened andfor a momentshe considered calling for the group to slow their pace.


    But suddenly, the wind picked up.


    The fog around them began dispersing like salt in warm water. As one, the horses skidded to a halt, sending their riders lurching forward while gripping their reins tighter.


    Mist bled away, unveiling a crossroads under the light of the full moon.


    The roads in all directions were clearly visible, fog rolling through the woods, disappearing in the gloom.


    Its the crossroads to Ussex! a soldier cried. The path is clear!


    A miracle, another murmured.


    Uldar blesses us this night, whispered a third.


    Thank you my lord. The messenger cast her eyes to the heavens, then bowed her head in prayer and gratitude. I will ensure your message reaches the ones who need to hear it most. She turned to her escort. Lets ride!


    Again, they started off, galloping through the moonlight, their pace even quicker than before. The road was clear of all mist, and the moon lit their way. Soon, thick forests faded to single trees and copses dotting wild fields, and then to farnd thick with wheat.


    Soldiers patrolling the fieldsalert for Ravener-spawn and hungry beasts roaming the nightpaused to watch the party riding by.


    After mounting a hill, the citys walls were in sight, their massive gates shut tight.


    Weve made it, said the messenger. Uldar be praised. Come, only a little further.


    Together, the messenger and her escort rode to the capital, praising Uldars mercy for lifting the fog that had shrouded their way.


    ###


    Ahhh, but youre praising the wrong bearded fellow, little human, the Stalker whispered, peering out from between stalks of wheat. Twas little old me that let you get through that fog. Cant let anything like a spot of uncooperative weather ruin the hunts preparations, can we?


    With a dark chuckle, he slipped back into the wilderness and the fae roads, riding ahead of the soldiers and messenger.


    He was eager to see how his hounds schemes would y out.


    ###


    Blessed Uldar, you know I am a righteous man. High Priest Tobias Jay knelt beside his bed in his opulent quarters, hands sped before him; the old man was deep in prayer. Of thisnds virtue you, I, and your people can be justly proud. But I ask you for guidance.


    He turned his eyes to the stained ss window depicting Uldar surrounded by Chosen of past cycles, all defending the god like the deadliest of honour guards. Many of them, along with the other Heroes, nowy beneath the cathedral, interred in eternal rest. Their images crafted in multi-hued ss in the window wore brave expressions, but Tobiasat this momentdid not share their courage.


    Holy Uldar, what can we do to rid ourselves of this gue? he pleaded. Over two years have passed since this cycle began, and your greatest enemyThe Ravenerhas only grown more aggressive and foul with each passing moon. I am fearful that your people will have to stay away from your holynd for too long, how many lives will be lost defending it, and what will they return to when this war is finally at an end.


    He shut his eyes. I see the soldiers tire and my heart breaks for them. What ill winds blow our way to make us suffer so? Can you aid us in dispelling them? I know you wanted independence in your people, but this burden will break many of your followers. I would seek to spare them the worst. Tell me, what can this old man do? What can be done?


    No sooner had he uttered those words than a disturbance came from the hallway. The sound of chainmail clinking and voices seeped through his door.


    High Priest Tobias slowly pushed himself to his feet, cursing the feebleness of old age.


    He called out before he even heard the knock. Who is it?


    Its Cyris, my lord, said one of his guards. A messenger has arrived with news. They''ve brought a report of the highest confidentiality for your eyes only.


    Tobias nced at the stained ss window, lit up by the light of the full moon.


    He doubted this could be a coincidence.


    I will dress and be right down. Have the messenger brought to my study.


    ###


    <em>High Priest Tobias Jay.</em>


    <em>It is with utmost joy that I write to you. We have had several reports that the Fool has been found. His name is Alexander Roth, from the town of Alric and he currently is working with the Generasians in Greymoor.</em>


    <em>The ounts showing this proof include.</em>


    <em> That of Mother Murphy, in the Barony of Riverwine, who heard her holy symbol sing in the forest near her church. Upon investigating, she discovered a young man searching for the Saint and a woman by the name of Carey London</em>


    <em> That of a ranger by the name of And in the west who, while apanying a priest named Szarwho himself is afflicted with deafnessheard the song of Szars holy symbol. Upon looking up, he saw a young man matching the description of Alex Roth flying above.</em>


    More ounts were listed in the letter, mostly from priests in the wilds; each had encountered this Alex Roth and heard the song of their holy symbols. It all built a strong case.


    But Tobiasdespite the hope in his heart and the shaking in his handscould not help but feel that something was questionable about what was being reported.


    This Alex Roth, what do we know of him? Tobias deep voice filled his study. In the hearth, a fire burned, casting flickering shadows over the chamber. His bookcases, heavy cherrywood desk, couches and holy statuary, all took on sinister casts in that light.


    The messenger sat across from him at a low table, sipping hot wine that hed served her, while several of his closest advisorsall priests and monks of the highest wisdomsat around them.


    An older priesta man by the name of Ralphonzespoke first. I do not know much of him, only that he is reportedly close with the Heroes, as was Carey London of Wrexiff, may Uldar hold her soul in rest.


    There came an abrupt cracking sound, startling everyone.


    A firece log had split.


    And this young man. Tobias looked away from the fire. He casts spells. He is a wizard, is he not? If he is working with the Generasians


    He is a student at the university, an old woman said. ording to what we know.


    At the university of wizards? Tobias asked, his brow creased.


    Precisely.


    The high priest looked sceptical. Then we have only a series of false usations or mistakes. This would not be the first time we have received rumours that proved to hold no truth.


    I believe this is a sign, Father Lee. He was by far the youngest of Tobias personal advisors, a man just past forty-five, yet his counsel brought some of the greatest wisdoms in all of Tobias private council.


    The others looked at the younger man, some with fascination, some with envy.


    Speak freely, Father Lee, Tobias encouraged him.


    Thank you, Holy One, the younger priest lowered his head in deference. We are meant to serve Uldar, andin returnhe speaks to us through subtle signs and through the whispers of fate and the world. In recent times, we have faced great tribtion. The Saint disappeared. There is disharmony among the Heroes. The Ravener-spawn grow ever more ravenous. Yet, nowin these dark timeswe receive a ray of hope. Finally, the errant Fool has been found, and we learn this by way of trustworthy reports.


    But what of his spells? Ralphonze asked. The Fool cannot cast spells; therefore he cannot be the Fool. In addition, how did he escape through the barrier?


    Hmmm, hold now, I think I might be able to answer thetter with a theory, said Mother Charity, looking at an immense map of Thamnd on Tobias wall. She uttered a quick prayer to Uldar and a point of light appeared on the map. Thank you for lighting the way, Holy Uldar. Look at the spot that Uldars divine miracle has illuminated. That is Alric, where this Alex Roth hails from. And that is also where we found the phenomenon in the Cave of Alrics saint, the Traveller. Could he not have escaped through there?


    Silence followed, only broken by the crackle of fire.


    You raise a fine point, Mother Charity, said Father Ralphonze. But the fact still remains that the Fool cannot perform spellcraft; we know this from Uldars teachings and our own historical records both.


    All the more reason to investigate, Father Lee countered. This cycle has been rife with strange and destructive phenomena. Absolutely rife with it. Then there is the Cave of the Traveller; a sanctum of powerful magic hidden from all of our gazes. The Fool cannot cast spells, that is true, but this cycle has witnessed a host of unprecedented events. If this Fool has crafted some way to avoid Uldars holy n, then we must set it right.


    Hmmmm, Ralphonze said, his brow furrowed. That seems like a waste of resources. We are already stretched to our limit. Do we have time to chase phantoms?


    The timing of this report <em>is</em> noteworthy, Mother Charity said. In our time of need, the final Hero has been located. If Uldars n is being made a mockery of, perhaps setting it right is the task we mustplete for the cycle to be set right and the Ravener to be defeated.


    It is true, Father Lee said. We have had no fortune in <em>finding</em> the enemy, and the Heroes are in disharmony. The Fool has served as both a tracker and peacemaker in cycles past. Perhaps this is what Uldar wants.


    Mightmight I have permission to speak, Holy ones?


    All eyes turned to the messenger.


    You may, Tobias said.


    While I travelled with my escort, a fog cloaked the road, she said. But when we had our greatest need, the fog miraculously lifted! It must have been Uldars will speaking through the wind and night. Please, I think that this is all a sign of Uldars will. You must bring the Fool home!


    With all eyes on the messenger, none noticed Mother Charity and Father Lee exchanging a nce.


    They did not notice the subtle twitches in their hands and fingers.


    Tiny gestures.


    Tiny gestures thatmunicated great meaning.

 Chapter 666: A Devilish Deserter and Coward

    Chapter 666: A Devilish Deserter and Coward


    So <em>that</em> is what I saw! Mother Charity suddenly cried, half-rising from her seat. Surprising strength seemed toy in her aged body, as her eyes shone with a sudden revtion. Holy one She turned to High Priest Tobias. I was attending to my duties in my study earlier when my attention was called to the window. Outside, among the trees, a great fog bank that had covered the forest all evening suddenly began moving aside like it was being parted by some unseen hand. At the time, it seemed an act of divine will, but now, Im quite convinced that it truly was. Our dutiful messenger is right, this is likely a divine sign from Uldar himself.


    I am not so sure that this is a sign. Or, at least, I am not certain, Father Lee cut in, his expression sceptical. Fog banks can shift


    Were you not the one pointing to signs earlier? Ralphonze raised an eyebrow at him.


    Well, yesI suppose, he said. But while the discovery of the Fool at this time seems to be providence, I am not sure if a weather event holds the same gravity.


    Uldar has sent many signs through the weather, Ralphonze argued.


    You agree with me, then? The messenger looked from Mother Charity to Ralphonze.


    Ralphonze paused, falling into deep thought. His brow furrowed as he tapped one of the arms of his chair with a plump finger. Its true, I was the one arguing against it, but if the weather did clear, allowing you to deliver this messagemaybe it is providence. Perhaps I might be wise to change my mind, Holy One. We should investigate.


    Father Lee you cant ept<strong></strong>one sign but ignore the other, Mother Charity chided the young priest.


    Well, I wouldnt say I dismissed it outright, he said slowly. I suppose it does add credence to the usations and simply reinforces my earlier point, that this is worth investigating.


    Hmmm, High Priest Tobias mused. I cannot deny that this does all seem auspiciously timed: both the odd behaviour of the fog, <em>and</em> the timing of these Fool sightings. Fine, I will inform the king in the morning.


    Not now, Holy One? Mother Charity asked.


    No, His and Her majesties have been working themselves to the bone, he said. Let them rest; if this usation proves false, then they would be awakened for nothing. And Uldar knows, they need as much sleep as they can get. Especially the queen, considering


    He let the words hang, and his advisors remained quiet, knowing full well their meaning.


    The messenger kept her eyes down, knowing better than to pry.


    Then it is settled. I will inform the king in the morning and advise him that an investigation should be taken, Tobias said. In the end, the decision will be his and mine to make. Perhaps Court-Wizard Errol can shed some light on whether or not the Fool <em>could</em> find a way to cast spells.


    Wisely spoken, Ralphonze said.


    Only because of the wisdom of Uldar and my advisors. The high priest rose from his seat. Thank you for your time tonight and may Uldar bless you all. He kissed his holy symbol and made the sign of Uldar.


    Now, go, have your rest, Tobias said. Depending on the kings decision, we might have much work ahead of us. He looked at the messenger. Stay until the morning, you have served our kingdom well. You and your escort must take some refreshments after your long ride.


    Thank you, Holy one, the messenger bowed.


    Once again, no one caught the subtle look that passed between Mother Charity and Father Lee, nor had anyone noticed just how masterfully the two members of the hidden church had manipted the situation.


    Mother Charitys stance had been one of great enthusiasm, while Father Lee had changed his position to one more suited to a naive novice; everyone in that room knew well that Uldars signs included changes in the weather.


    Ralphonze, of course, had corrected the younger priest, taking a position aligned with Mother Charitys. After that, it only took the messengers enthusiasm to help the old priest shift his position enough to no longer resist an investigation, then it was just a matter of time before High Priest Tobias reached the decision they had wanted him to.


    And just like that, the goal of the two hidden priestsembedded in the cathedral of Ussex many years agohad seeded. Now, Tobias would handle the rest.


    Unwittingly, as always.


    Your majesty, High Priest Tobias and Court-Wizard Errol rose from their seats in the meeting room, bowing as the king emerged from the royal apartment.


    Good morning, gentlemen. King Athelstan Merciex moved from the chamber with royal grace. May Uldar smile on us all.


    On us all, the two older men echoed.


    How is the queens health? the court-wizard asked.


    Well enough. You must forgive her for not attending this meeting, the king sat in one of many armchairs surrounding a low table in the meeting room. His slippered feet pressed into a thick bearskin rug sitting beneath the table legs. She is feeling a little under the weather this morning so her handmaidens are caring for her.


    I seeand the royal heir? High Priest Tobias asked carefully.


    Athelstan gave a grim smile. The little one grows well. Im told that they will likelye before winter does.


    This is glorious news, my king, Errol said, bowing his head. Have the midwives determined what the childs sex is?


    They have not, the king replied. Likely, we will not know until he or she is born.


    He looked out the window, taking in the grey skies above his kingdom. Mncholy surfaced in his heart; below those grey skies, the city of Ussex bore the wounds of Ravener-spawn attacks that only seemed to worsen over time.


    How long until I look out this window to see this entire city ame? he wondered.


    I had thought this war would be over by the time our child was born, the king said quietly. Instead, it shows no sign of ending.


    Have you discussed what your n will be? Court-Mage Errol asked. If the realm is still at war when the childes?


    Most likely, my queen and child will travel to the Rhinean Empire by way of the Cave of the Traveller, King Athelstan said. They will have to wait out the war there in unwee exile until thesends are safe enough for a child to grow up here in health and happiness.


    He looked at High Priest Tobias. That is why I <em>pray</em> that you bring good tidings this morning, Holy One. We are in dire need of good news these days. Has the Ravener been found?


    No, sadly, the High Priest said. It has not. We have teams of delvers exploring the caves beneath the Pinepeak Mountains; our soldiers reported strong Ravener-spawn activity there, and with any hope, that will lead to us finding the enemy.


    Another thin hope, the king said bitterly. At least the Generasians aid us in the hunt for dungeons, were it not for them, this realm would likely be overrun by now.


    Your vassals gather dungeon cores for their own purposes as well, your majesty, Errol said. As does the royal house; we will need to offer the deepest thanks to the Generasians for their discovery. After the war is at an end, the sale or development of the remains will refill the royal treasury quite quickly.


    May it be so, the king said gravely. The wars cost in lives and coin reaches troubling heights each passing day. I would truly like to have a few of those chaos bombs in our armoury, though. Such powerful weaponshurled by trebuchetwould surely devastate any Ravener-spawn horde that attacks the city. They would ensure that my child <em>has</em> a city to grow up in.


    He looked at the High Priest. Is there something troubling you, Holy One. You asked for this meeting but yet you do not speak, and look as grim as a gravedigger.


    High Priest Tobias leaned forward. I might have information that could help us, but your mention of the Generasians has reminded me that the situation could bplex.


    King Athelstan raised an eyebrow. As I said, I had hoped for <em>good </em>tidings.


    They well might be, your majesty. They well might be.


    And High Priest Tobias ryed everything he had learned from the messenger the night before, as well his own theories, and those of his advisors. He exined his thoughts on how finding the Fool might be Uldars will, while he also counselled caution.


    There seem to be signs that this is in Uldars n, but we do not know for certain, your majesty, the old priest suggested. Therefore, the decision is in your hands.


    The Fool of Thamndin Generasi the king considered those words. Could it be He recalled his meeting with the terrifying wizard, Chancellor Baelin. Something about the goatman had sent a chill down every inch of his spine. ...that the Generasians forbid priests from approaching Greymoor to shield the Fool from us?


    Such a thought had urred to me, the High priest said. I did wonder <em>how</em> it was that such a far off realm had obtained dungeon core remains and information about their properties. This Alexander Roth being the Fool could answer certain questions, while raising more.


    Which questions are answered and which are raised? the king asked.


    A certain timeline is suggested. The Fool is from Alric, so what if he used the portals in the Cave of the Traveller to escape Thamnd? That would answer the question as to how the Fool avoided the barrier around the realm. That cave was a dungeon, as well; perhaps some happenstance caused its core to be destroyed. It would not be the first time that a dungeon core was destroyed by a beast or natural phenomenon.


    And if the Fool obtained the dungeon core remains and sold them to the Generasians Court-Wizard Errol added. That would exin why they came to Thamnd. Still, I have heard that the chancellor of their university is ungodly, and despises all things divine. Perhaps the barring of priests from Greymoor was simply an unhappy coincidenceorthey <em>were</em> protecting the Fool.


    Indeed, the High Priest said. Either is possible. In either case, there is something that still bothers me, Errol. How is it that a Fool can cast spells?


    Hmmmm, Errol mused. I received a report about the Generasiansbat wizards some time back. I was assessing their level of threat should they turn on our realm; if I recall, the wizard Alex Roth uses a staff. The Mark of the Fool prevents spellcraft, but not the use of magic items.


    Hmmmm, I see the High Priest nodded. I suppose a Fool <em>could</em> use magical items and simply pretend to be a wizard. It is unheard of and deviousbut deviousness is amon trait among those who bear that Mark.


    Indeed. The wizard Errol sped his hands before his body. A rather clever serpent; such a disguise would have allowed him to more easily hide his Mark. After all, who would expect a wizard to be bearing the Fools Mark?


    Indeed. I thank you for that information, the High Priest said, turning to the king. Your majesty, what is yourmand?


    The king sighed. As ever, we must all do our duties, just as Uldar decrees. That includes one as unnecessary for the war as the Fool; though I am quite surprised that the Mark would pick someone ofpetence. Usually, those bearing the jesters face arefools.


    Your majesty, not to contradict, but there have been past Fools who have exhibited a great deal of low cunning, and even cleverness, High Priest Tobias said. Perhaps this time, it picked an exceedingly devious, but quick witted individual.


    A sound theory, the king said. But a theory nheless. In any case, here is what we shall do. A rider will be dispatched to Alric to confirm this young mans birthday; if he shares the date with the other Heroes, I will take that as strong evidence. From there, a decree will be made that Alexander Roth must return to Thamnd, beyond the bounds of Greymoor and submit himself to the scrutiny of our priests.


    He drew up his chin. If their holy symbols sing, then we will have him brought before us, either willingly or in chains. Whether he agrees or not, he <em>will </em>serve beside the other Heroes as Uldar decreed.


    His eyes went to the window. With any hope, that will bring an end to the warand my child will not<strong></strong>be born into and of fire and blood.


    What if the Generasians resist? Court-wizard Errol asked. They provide quite the benefit to the realm.


    I doubt they will, King Athelstan said. After all, it is only the Fool; a Hero in name, but a coward and buffoon in practise. What use would he be to them? And what foreign stranger would sympathise with a devilish deserter and coward?

 Chapter 667: The Fools Story

    Chapter 667: The Fool''s Story


    Good morning, young miss. A voice called. Could you do something for an olddy and please tell her what this Fool business is about?


    Theresa Lu froze, slowly turning around, squinting in the early morning sunlight. Brutus, who had been sniffing a barrel of<strong></strong>fletching nearbylooked up, suddenly alertone head watching the old woman, sensing his masters distress through their blood link.


    And Theresa was <em>very</em> distressed.


    The huntress face was set in its customary deathstalker maskas Alex called itwhile lookingpletely calm. Inside though, her heart was pounding like a war-drum.


    Her expression remained neutral. Pardon? she said.


    The woman whod caught her attention was getting on in yearsher hair was greyer than not, her face weather-beaten by the Generasi sun, and her eyes were framed by fine lines when she smiled at the huntressand did not look like she belonged in the store.


    Theresa was at The Arcane Archery, a workshop of wizards, fletchers and bowyers. She was, at longst, ready to get the bow Alex had given her for her neenth birthday enhanced with some lethal magics, but presently, she was standing beside a disy of enchanted arrows looking at fletching.


    It was at that moment the womanone of a few others visiting the bowyer that morningspoke to her. Theresa had noticed her staring earlier, but hadnt really given it much thought; between moving through the city with an enhanced cerberus by her side, being recognised for her skills in the Games and standing against demons on Orecas Fall, and teleporting around with a wizard who looked like he could wrestle several bears at once, shed gotten used to the stares.


    Maybe I should be paying better attention, she thought.


    Oh, Im sorry, youngdy, I was so curious I couldnt hold back any longer, the older woman smiled sweetly. YoureTheresa Lu, right? You won the Grand Melee and Grand Battle this year.


    Yeah the huntress said slowly, her proverbial hackles rising. She was used to the attention, but that didnt mean it wasnt unnerving at times, especially when it was this bold.


    And that was Alex Roth who teleported you here, right? I thought I recognised him, the woman continued.


    Other customers in the shop were now watching them, paying close attention.


    Yeah, that was my fiance? Theresa started, wishingnot for the first timethat she had her fiances quick social skills.


    Oh, where are my manners? My name is Maria, just Maria of Generasi, I dont have any fancy surname or anything like that. The old womans eyes sparkled. She copsed her hands together. Wait, fiance? Oh, how wonderful! You two are to be married. Its good that youre getting married young: I didnt meet my husband until I was nearly thirty and I still mourn all of those lost years of marital bliss we could have shared. He was a guard for the city, you knowso stern, but the sweetest man youd ever meet, my Federico was! Ah, how I still miss him.


    Oh um, nice to meet you Maria? Theresas heart beat faster.


    A stream of thoughts raced through her mind like a storm of crossbow bolts. She could barely sort through them.


    What is this? Did this woman just ask me about the Fool? Was I hearing things? Should I ask her? What if she didnt and you open that door? Wait Fear spread in her chest. What if shes someone from the church? Its been months since Uldars Rise, so they <em>would</em> have had more than enough time to send agents to Generasi.


    It wasnt like Theresa to let so many thoughts run loose in her head like this.


    She was calm by natureher mental control and patience had developed over years of silently tracking prey through the Coille forest, then sharpened through life enforcement meditationbut for some reason, right now, she just couldnt get rid of the torrent of anxiety whirling around inside her.


    Well, um, he sounds like he was a wonderful manumyour Federico, I mean, she said cautiously, deciding not to address the Foolment, if there actually <em>was</em> ament. She was wondering if shed imagined it since shed been so nervoustely, expecting agents from the hidden church to spring from the shadows at any moment.


    Ya, she probably was hearing things.


    Yes, he <em>is</em> a wonderful man, and my son and daughter are good people too. My son went into mercenary work, but Federico never approved. I never agreed with my husband though, it wasnt his ce to decide our boys choices, or his life for that matter. Oh dearie me, sorry Im chattering on like a brainless bird, but what<em> is </em>all of this Fool business about, anyway? she said without hesitation.


    No, it seemed Theresa hadnt been hearing things.


    But wasnt she just referring to her husband in the past tense? Theresa thought. Now shes referring to him in the present? Whats going on?


    Whatwhat do you mean? the huntress said, immediately wondering if shed made a mistake. Maybe it wouldve been better to end the conversation and leave, even if she seemed rude.


    Alex, Khalik and Isolde were much better at handling these situations, they would have known exactly what to do. Even Grimloch would have shut her down, whether it seemed rude or not, but it was toote now.


    Maria hadtched onto the topic like a leech on a swimmer in a bog. There was no stopping her.


    Well, my son, Giovannihes the mercenary, you seefought beside you when that girl died. Terrible thing, though he said hed been witness to a miracle.


    What? Theresas eyebrow rose.


    Oh yes, but we can get to that in a bit. I heard that your boyfrieOops! Sorry, I mean fiance was the Fool of Thamnd? Thats one of Uldars Heroes, isnt it?


    How do you know about Uldar? Theresa asked. Most people here dont know anything about Thamnd?


    Well, I <em>didnt</em>! Mariaughed. This old thing didnt have much use for any goings on beyond the Prineanfarthest Ive ever been from home is Mausarr in the Rhinean for our honeymoonbut after all this dungeon core business, the name Thamnd is going around faster than a head cold through a nursery. Thamnd this, Dungeon Core that, Magical Revolution this. Its everywhere, especially with your fiance opening so many shops recently, and your team winning the Games of Roal! Youre the talk of the town, youngdy!


    Theresas mind reeled.


    She knew Alex had been working to spread his name across Generasi, and so many of his venturesfrom entering the Games to starting the first bakerywere part of that n.


    But she had no idea his strategy was working out so well.


    But yes, my son said he heard that your fiance was the Fool; since I can read, being a merchants daughter and all, I went to the closest public library and looked Thamnd up. No offence, but what I read was pretty shocking. Id seen cruelty, but making a young person defenceless and then sending them off to their deaths? Bah, reminds me of old dead Oreca.


    Yeaha dead god Theresa murmured.


    But the woman didnt react to the words dead god; maybe her son hadnt told her Uldar was dead.


    Cruel things, them deities can be. But well, your fiance seems to be quite the wizard! How did he do it? Good for him, I say. Oh, and whats all this about ghosts, speaking of gods? My son said that this young Carey woman came back from the dead and saved your lives with some miracle! sheughed, though it sounded unsettled. And now, all of a sudden hes talking about this Traveller goddess. He never had much to do with deities before, but suddenly, hes a sted zealot! He made himself his own symbols and shrine, and hes even been preaching to his sister whenever he gets the chance. Ill say this though, this Traveller <em>sounds</em> nice enoughas far as goddesses gobut its just so strange. Our familys never been much for religion...so I guess Im askingdid all of that business really happen?


    Yes. Theresa found herself saying. Carey saved us, and so did the Traveller. Shes also helped Alex a lotI dont think he would have gotten as far into his studies without her help.


    Really? Well thats nice, then. Its good when deities actually help and dont just sit there, waiting for goats to be sacrificed in their temples. I tell you, its a cruel shame, that practise is. Goat milk is good and goats are good eating! Better they be on someones farm or in someones belly than burning to ash on some altar in a smoky temple somewhere.


    Yeah, I guess, goats do taste good Theresas emotions ran wildpanic, confusion, shock, awe, curiosity, fearall hit her so hard, she wondered howe wasnt screaming.


    Alex had warned her that people would start talking.


    She and the other expedition members had sworn an oath before Watcher Hill and Professor Jules to keep certain things about Uldars Rise secret; the fact that Uldar was dead, the location of his sanctum, even the existence of the hidden church.


    But that oath hadnt included Alex being the Fool, or what had happened with Carey.


    If anything, Alex <em>wanted </em>news of the Traveller to spreadand his identity as the Fool was going to get out no matter what. Even if the mercenaries or Watchers hadnt spread it, the church would have.


    And better to have people whod seen Alex fight for his friends and use great power tell the story, rather than some Uldarite priest. In the end, it was the lesser of two evils.


    Now that the story was out, Theresa had no idea <em>what</em> would happen next.


    Well, you tell him he has my sympathies. The sympathies of some chatty, old, woman! sheughed. But anyway, Ive talked your ear off. So, it was the Traveller who made it so that he did well at the university, even with all those nasty limits?


    No, Theresa said defensively, realising shed given this woman the wrong impression. She helped him, she really did, but most of his sess was from his own efforts. Alex is one of the smartest, most iron willed, most decent men around. Hes a <em>Hero</em> in every sense of the word, the huntress continued. Passion boiled inside her, negating those feelings of confusion and panic. If people were going to know about her fiance, then they were going to know that he was greatby his own effortsnot from the blessing of any deity.


    Not even one as wonderful as Hannah.


    Alex studies hard and works so much She felt a twinge in her chest. ...he works so much that I hardly ever see himtely. And its all for our family. Hes a great brother too. The Traveller helped him, sure, but most of what he did was on his own.


    Silence filled The Arcane Archery, peoples heads turned toward the huntress. If her conversation with Maria hadnt caught their attention, then her impassioned words certainly had.


    Theresa felt the heat of a blush washing over her face.


    Oh, dont get all shy, youngdy. Maria grinned. Its good to love your man so much. I used to talk about Federico all the time. I still do! her grin turned intoughter. And its wonderful to hear that your future husbands going to be a self-made man. Yes, its so good to hear that. Youre a very lucky young woman, from the sound of it.


    The older woman nced out the window, noting the position of the sun. But here I am, going on and on and on. You came here for business, no doubt, not for me to talk your ear off. Would you believe I came here for crossbow bolts! So many monstrous pests keep getting into our gardens out in the countryside, you see! Pests! Stray beast-goblins, always lurking around, trying to raid the chicken coop, but shoot a couple, and the rest go running! Anyway, Ill let you go about your business, my dear. Just say hello to your fiance for me. Oh, and to that handsome Khalik friend of his, haha!


    Before Theresa could get another word out, Maria had swept over to the counter where she made an order for twenty crossbow bolts. The clerk bundled them up for her, while the huntress pretended to be looking at enchanted arrows.


    She took several deep breaths, practising her meditation techniques, calming her mind, feeling rational thought return.


    Suspicion returned too, as did the instincts of a huntress.


    Was this woman truly the mother of one of the mercenaries whod been at Uldars Rise?


    Wouldnt that be an odd coincidence that they both just happened to be in the same shop at the same time? And what about all those questions? Was she just gossiping or was she digging for information. She wasnt subtle, but maybe that was part of the role she was ying, trying to make herself seem harmless?


    If Theresa confronted and threatened her.would she cry out in fear and call for the guards? Or would those friendly eyes turn hard.


    And would Uldars name suddenly fly from her lips?


    As those thoughts brewed in her mind, Theresa continued browsing the arrow disy, conscious of the stares still lingering on her and Brutus while Mariapleted her purchase.


    When she finally left the shop after briefly chatting with another customer, Theresa still continued looking at arrowheads.


    She counted to twenty in her head.


    Then casually slipped through the front door of The Arcane Archery, her enhanced senses picking out the womans silhouette in the crowd.


    Brutus stood beside her, three noses sniffing the air, knowing what his master wanted.


    After quickly ncing around, the huntress and her hound began following Maria.

 Chapter 668: Paranoia

    Chapter 668: Paranoia


    When stalking prey, maintaining proper distance was important.


    If one followed too closely, they risked scaring it away. Deer would startle and flee. Squirrels would race up nearby trees. Foxes and rabbits would disappear in the brush.


    And people?


    People would ask awkward questions or throw around usations.


    But if one followed at too big a distance?


    They risked losing their prey, whether they were in Coille forest, or the metropolis that was Generasi.


    Once the prey vanished from sight, unless the hunter could keep the scent, chances were slim theyd find it again.


    In Theresas case, life enforcement and her blood magic bond with Brutus gave her senses she could have only dreamt about back when she was still hunting in the Coille.


    Her nose caught scents like a hounds.


    Her eyes pierced the distance like the gaze of a hawk.


    Her ears captured sound as readily as a bats.


    And then there was Brutus beside her, with his heightened canine senses; his three noses could probably smell a single drop of blood from a mile off.


    With every sense elevated, the huntress and hound could follow Maria from blocks away, hiding among the morning crowd while still keeping her scent.


    Meanwhile, the old woman had no chance of catching sight of her pursuers.


    Unless, of course, she <em>was</em> a member of the hidden church; Theresa had learned at the Battle of Uldars Rise just how capable their warriors and agents were.


    Does she look familiar? the huntress wondered, continuing to stalk their prey through the streets. Did I see her at Uldars Rise? Would I even recognise her? Everything was moving so fast and I was just focused on keeping everyone alive.


    The battle at Uldars Rise had been tougher than the Ravener-spawn attack at the Research Castle. While they were in the tunnels under the moorsshe had uncovered the power sleeping in the Twinde.


    But, thered been no big reveal at Uldars Rise, just the struggle against the church, fighting to stay alive. She clearly remembered the sting of arrows and des across her body. The whoosh of air as Uldars statues struck at her, missing by finger-widths. Desperate prayers were screamed to Uldar as her swords cut his sinister followers down.


    Thered been fervour in their eyes as priests revived the wounded.


    Warriors shed cut down and left for dead had sprang back up with renewed vigour as divine magic knitted their wounds, letting them throw themselves at her and herpanions again and again. Theyd been skilledobviously trained over yearsand were filled with divine strength from Uldars miracles.


    There was also the sad fact that they had been her countryfolk.


    Theresa Lu had learned to take life at an early age.


    The first creatures to die at her hands were chickens shed helped her parents kill for meals; she hadnt shed any tears, though shed felt for them. Even at her young age, shed understood that theyd been raised for eggs and foodand shed seen enough hens peck worms, bugs, or even the asional mouse to deathto ever believe fowl<strong></strong>stayed alive<strong></strong>and thrived on air and water alone.


    She was drawn to hunting young pheasants in the outskirts of Coille forest, next. As a youngster, she could hardly believe it when her arrow found its mark, and she would always say a prayer of thanks to Uldar while harvesting the bird.


    As she grew older, so had the size of the beasts shed hunted. First, squirrels and rabbits, then full grown pheasants and quail. Then foxes, beavers and badgers. Eventually, shed stalked deer, boar, andvery rarelywolves through the Coille. Shed even learned to hunt bears over time.


    Of course, there came the time when they were fleeing Thamndand shed taken down a Hive-queen, a monster, one shed never seen or heard of beforeand shed liked it.


    Coming to Generasi had given her new opportunities to hunt more monsters, killing them in the Barrens, in Thamnd and wherever she found them. Shed fought and bested demons. Shed in Ravener-spawn.


    Eventually, shed even raised her bow and Twinde against other humans.


    Ezaliels cultists were the first mortals shed ever killedthough to herit had only felt like she was killing more monsters. They were demon-worshippers and murderers, after all.


    But something about killing the worshippers of Uldardespite knowing what theyd donehad made something deep inside her recoil. They wore the symbol of the god shed worshipped for more than eighteen years of her life, and that her family still worshipped.


    So many of the priests shed cut down looked like her teachers at the church school.


    It unnerved her, but she hadnt hesitated when she had to raise her des against them when the time came.


    Theresa and Brutus had followed Mariaby scent, and sometimes by sightnear to the district in Generasi where many of the churches and temples were located.


    Was she going there to report to the priests of Uldar?


    Theresa found her gloved hands drifting to her swords; her mind wondered how she could take this kill without others noticing. Should she strike first? Maybe she could climb on a rooftop, conceal herself behind a chimney, and shoot an arrow into the womans back.


    No, there were too many sky-gonds around.


    The huntress thoughts increasingly turned to assassination.


    A preemptive strike.


    To protect her family.


    Something caught her attention.


    Maria turned from the road, stepping into a building.


    Was this where she was meeting agents of the church? Theresa quickened her step, then paused, noting the type of building Maria had gone into: a public stable.


    Minutestershe emerged on the back of an older mare and rode to the nearest city gate.


    Theresa picked her pace up. Moving faster. With purpose. Folk passing by took a look at the huntress stern expressionand the enormous cerberus beside herand quickly got out of their way. A city gate loomed ahead, Maria passed through it, kicking her heels against her horses sides, cantering down the road.


    Cursing quietly, Theresa took off, racing through the crowd.


    Brutus bounded beside her.


    The huntress weaved through clots of people, leaping over a wagon that barred her way, sprinting to the gate. Her cerberus followed behind his masters heels until they left the city.


    She paused again.


    The cover from Generasis thick morning crowds was now gone; fewer travellers littered the road, making it easier to spot a lone woman and a three-headed cerberus.


    She slowed, giving Maria time to increase the distance between them until she could barely see the horse.


    Then, Theresa broke into a run.


    Brutus bounded beside her, silent though excited, all three tongues hanging out.


    Maria was far enough now that Theresa, and even the massive cerberus would only look like two indistinct shapes in the distance. Still, they left the road, using the cover of trees dotting fields beside the road.


    They moved from copse to copse, keeping a good distance from their quarry.


    Soon, Theresa thought, drawing her des. She was now convinced that this woman was an agent of the church; and when she met her contacts, Theresa and Brutus would be ready.


    Their quarry began to slow.


    Her horse dropped to a trot, then a walk, when they reached a tiny hamlet at the base of a hill by the river. Before ity a crossroadsone that Theresa, Alex, ygon and Brutus had taken when theyd gone to the countryside to hunt the vesparaand behind it was a small forest.


    It was to this forest that Theresa headed, using the surrounding hills as cover, until she and Brutus melted into the trees. Moving to the edge of the woods, she watched Maria stop at a small stone cottage. Outside the building, a fenced-in yard contained a vegetable garden, a chicken coop, and a few fruit trees.


    There you are, Theresa snarled. Now, lets see who youre meeting.


    And the huntress waited.


    She waited as Maria tied her horse in a small stable, opened the cottage door, and went inside.


    She waited as smoke began drifting from the chimney.


    She waited as the scent of stew reached her on the wind.


    Maria finally came outside.


    Theresa tensed, crouching low.


    The old woman carried a crossbow and some bolts. She headed in the direction of a wooden target set up beside the edge of the fence.


    Is she one of their informants? she whispered.


    She paused.


    Someone was leaving another cottage anding toward Marias home, a pair of fish in hand. They looked cleaned and freshly caught. Was this all a front? And who was this bringing


    wait.


    That man looked familiar.


    He was a mercenary whod fought beside her at Uldars Rise. The dour looking man even bore a long, angry, red scar running down his cheek; Theresa remembered a nge from a priests mace catching him there, and a blood mage saving his cheek and pretty much half his face.


    Hed taken the blow saving one of the Watchers.


    A chill came over her, deepening as the man rounded Marias cottage and let himself into the yard.


    Mum, I brought you some fish! he called.


    Oh, Gio! she startled, nearly dropping her crossbow. You shouldnt scare an old woman like that! Ah, those fish look beautiful, so I forgive you. You cleaned them well.


    You have enough work to do, why would I give you fish you need to clean and cut up? he said. You want me to put them in therder?


    Oh, Gio, just put them in the kitchen. Well have them for lunch. Oh! Youre wearing that symbol around your neck.


    Theresas stomach churned when she saw what was dangling from Marias sons neck.


    Not the white hand of Uldar, which would have revealed him as an agent of the church.


    Instead, he wore the holyntern of the Traveller.


    Youll never guess who I met today! Maria said. Believe it or not, it was that young woman you talked about, the one with those fancy swords, you know the one I mean. She and her team won the Grand Melee this year. Theresa Lus her name.


    Mother, dont tell me you bothered her, Giovannai groaned.


    I did not, but let me tell you I Maria began gossipping, just as she had earlier.


    Theresas hand flew to her mouth, barely keeping herself from being sick.


    What am I doing? she whispered. I followed a stranger home, intending to <em>kill </em>her.


    Shed let paranoia and fear of the church get to her. Was she out of her mind? What would have happened if she <em>had</em> taken the first strike like shed wanted to? She imagined Mariaan innocent womanlying limp in some alleyway.


    Eyes ssy and staring.


    Blood coating Twinde Lus weapon.


    The huntress gagged, dry heaving.


    Shed almost done something so terrible, so monstrous, she could never have forgiven herself.


    I was acting like one of those fanatics who work for that damn First Apostle, she whispered, moving deeper into the trees. Whimpering quietly while licking her gloved hand, Brutus moved to deeper cover<strong></strong>with her.


    When they were further in the treeline, well out of earshot of mother and son, she hugged Brutus like her life depended on it. I nearly became another monster. Thank the Traveller. Thank the Traveller I didnt.


    She could never let herself do this again.


    Family was one thing, but if she started killing innocent people just out of fear?


    She shuddered.


    Cant let this happen again, she whispered. Traveller, please help me. Guide me. Make sure that my des and arrows only strike the enemies of our family, just as Carey struck them down.


    She felt a spark of warmth grow in her chest as she said those words.


    The wind suddenly shifted.


    The odour of beast-goblins hit her.


    Lots of beast-goblins.


    Theresa let go of Brutus, clenching her teeth.


    His heads turned toward the scent, letting out a deep growl.


    Thats a lot of monsters, she whispered, raising her swords. Maria said she was killing stragglersbut theres more around here than just a few stragglers. If they evere around in force, one crossbows not going to cut it.


    She knew what she had to do and gave Brutus a grim smile.


    Come on, lets go kill some <em>actual</em> monsters and keep her safe. The huntress whispered.


    With that, she and her blood-familiar moved away from the hamlet. She would tell Alex what had happened.<strong></strong>Word was spreading, and with that woulde new challenges.


    When that happened, she would face those challenges at his side.


    Shed nearly be a lethal weapon just now for his sake.


    With her great grandfathers weapons <em>joined with her,</em> she would protect him, Selina, Brutus, and ygon.


    So focused was she on protecting her family, that she failed to notice the Twinde shudder in her grip ever so slightly when she had that thought.

 Chapter 669: Teleportation Practice and the Arrival at Greymoor

    Chapter 669: Teleportation Practice and the Arrival at Greymoor


    One instant Alexander Roth was hovering high above the sun-sted wastnd known as the Barrens of Kravernus.


    The next, he was gone, appearing in clear skies high above sun-kissed waves rolling along the Prinean sea.


    Holy hells, he whispered. <em>That</em> was far. I think Im nearly ready.


    In the months since Careys death, the Fool of Thamnd kept practising, preparing for the Irtyshenan Empire.


    Weeks earlier, hed broken through to fifth, then sixth-tier spells, leading Professor Mangal to offer to work with him one on one, and soon, hed be ready<strong></strong>to conjure his first entities using binding contract and rtional contract style summoning.


    When he aplished that, hed be ready to write the Exam for Credit for fourth year summoning, and if he passed, the n was to work directly with Professor Mangal from then on. It was an exciting, hectic time that he wished he could have just taken some time to slow down and enjoy.


    But that didnt happen. Not really.


    He had a lot to do, though some of itlike breaking through to fifth and sixth-tier spellswas behind him, all of it was necessary. He had to be ready for whatever came, but he also knew he couldnt burn himself out. What good would it do if he pushed himself to breaking, achieved most of what he needed to, only to crack in the process, unable to enjoy or appreciate his sesses. So, hed begun taking breaks while keeping them to a minimum, trying to strike a bnce, not knowing when or where the church would strike.


    He would have loved a nice long break, but there was only one of him, and much to be done that only he could do.


    Like upgrading his staff.


    More nights than he could remember had found him in hisb, infusing new summoning magics and other enchantments into his staff.


    Hed added a magic that shifted earth and shaped stone so he could dig for Keldas sanctum or anything else, if he needed to. Hed infused magic into the aeld staff to warp ice, changing the shape of both snow and ice.


    Inbination, the magics would allow him to alter hostile terrain in the wilderness of the Empire so he could build shelter if he needed to. The Travellers magic <em>should</em> be able to let him vanish if he found himself in trouble, but there were lots of different magics in the world that he knew nothing about, and he wasnt so naive to assume that he did. If he went to such a hostile realmone of the coldest ces on thewithout insurance, that would definitely mean he deserved to be called a fool.


    Topensate for the frigid temperatures there, hed infused his staff with magic that could change the temperature of an area from well below freezing, to the warmth of a summers day, or turn an already cold night to a temperature so frigid, any enemy without shelter or a counter-spell, would be an ice block within minutes.


    Hed also added magic that raised walls of force, providing excellent defence.


    Everything hed done, had seen the aeld staff grow immensely, both in both power, and versatility, and it was all worth the amount of time and coin it had cost him.


    His businesses had been thriving, which meant coin wasnt an issue. He and Toraka had fulfilled the citys golem contract in impressive time, generating a dragons hoard of profit. His new bakeries were popr and profitable, so much so that he was already considering opening one in another quarter of the city.


    The magic item studio wasnt open yet, but the list of potential customers was growing. Folk were already contacting him, seeking both personal, businessmissions, supplies, and more.


    When the previous owner had retired, shed left a hole where customers were once able to get unique magical items, Alex was all too eager to fill it.


    He was getting supplies, crafting stock for the shop, some he and Selina, like bird-like messenger constructs, had worked on together. They couldnt fill the entire ce themselves considering all the items he wanted to carry, so he was looking at hiring some crafters to move things along; even with the Mark and his Wizards Hands, there was only so much time he could spare, especially since he needed to dedicate so much of it to his teleportation.


    And that was progressing in leaps and bounds.


    Alex looked up at the suns position, noting the clouds in the sky and the Generasi coast in the distance; he did some mental calctions.


    Aboutfifty five miles, Id say, he said in the Irtyshenan tongue, practising thenguage. The longest jump yet. I <em>could</em> get to the Irtyshenan Empire, but it would take me using a whole lot of jumps, more than Id befortable withwhich means I need to keep improving the distance Im teleporting to preserve my energy.


    He was thinking that if all went well, in another month or so, he should be able to reach the Empire in ten jumps or less. Not ideal, but ten jumps would still leave him with plenty of energy to travel the breadth of the cold, northern realm.


    In another month, hed also have theirnguage perfected.


    Alex was fluent in the Irtyshenannguage now, but he had to be more than just fluent; to travel through the reclusivend where looking down on, and being suspicious of foreigners was asmon as snow, he couldnt speak with even the slightest hint of an ent not of the Empire.


    That had been his focus for thest while, perfecting his ent so that he sounded like he was born there. Hed started taking meals in bars, taverns, and restaurants that served Irtyshenan cuisine or liquors from surrounding countries.


    He kept to himself while he was there.


    Speaking little.


    But listening a lot.


    He would focus on all the conversations around him, especially those in the Irtyshenan tongue. He picked out ents from different regions, slowly learning intonations ced on the same words.


    Hed also started learning the bodynguage of the Irtyshenans, though he could only go so far. Any former imperials were mostly folk whod fled the Empire long ago, and had been living in the city of wizards for many years or even decades, so their mannerisms and speech had long been mixing with the peculiarities of their adopted home.


    Still, if Alex could mimic <em>enough</em> of their ents and mannerisms to get by, he could then immerse himself in the Empire and finish his training.


    Or, at least, that was the n.


    Alex nced to the northeast, toward the<strong></strong>direction of the Empire.


    Then to the northwest, in the direction of his homnd.


    When are you going to strike he muttered, thinking of the hidden church. I know youre nning something. But when, what, and how?


    As the weeks had gone by, hed grown decidedly paranoid.


    In the wee hours of the morning, he expected to wake up and find some church-sent assassin standing over his bed.


    But none hade, so far.


    How long? he wondered. I know you bastards are going to do something.


    On one hand, the longer they took, the more time he had to prepare, and establish himself in the city. To keep himself and his family secure. But on the other hand, he just wanted the threat over with.


    They woulde, of that he was sure, and he would face the battle hed been preparing for for thest two years of his twenty years of life.


    He just wanted it to end.


    But, he shook his head. I cant get impatient: the more time I have, the better. By the Traveller, Im starting to lose my mind; maybe I should talk to Theresa. Shes usually so grounded. I think she should be back from The Arcane Archery by now. Maybe Ill teleport home and surprise her. Yeah, thats what Ill do.


    Concentrating, Alex focused the Travellers power, teleporting to the living area of the bakery.


    He saw Brutus first, gently nuzzling the person he saw second; his fiancee, leaning over the dining room table with her face buried in her hands. Her body was shaking.


    Theresa? Alex called her name, rmed.


    The huntress shot up, the Twinde in her hands in a heartbeat. Her expression was fierce, her lips drawn back in a snarlbut her eyes


    They were troubled, her expression melted a momentter, eyes growing wide.


    She rushed into his arms, dropping the swords on the floor. I almost did something terrible!


    What? Its okay, its okay, talk to me, he said, holding her.


    And so Theresa told him everything: meeting Maria, following her, the thoughts shed had, and what shed wanted to do.


    Brutus and I killed those beast-goblins, everyst one of them, she said, sitting at the table. Alex had brewed a hot cup of pine needle tea for her. Even now, as she sipped it, she was still shaking though his arm was around her. At least, thatll help her, but I still feel awful, Alex.


    You didnt actually go through with it, he said.


    But I was thinking about it. I just wanted to protect you, and I was so convincedso convinced she was from the church.


    Honestly, I would have been suspicious too. He kissed her cheek. But you didnt do anything you have to regret. Weve all had bad thoughts.


    I stalked her, like some weirdo.


    Look, I get it. Was it the best thing to do? I wont lie and say yes, but living with the church hanging over our heads like some sword, of course thatd make us do extreme things. We just have to be better next time.


    You really think that? she looked at him, her face flushed. You really think it wasnt so bad?


    If youd attacked her, wellyeah that would have been a different thing.


    But I might have, if her son hadnt shown up.


    Alex shrugged. Look, were all acting a little crazytely. We found our god dead on his throne, and learned that his church is conspiring against us. Thatthats a lot to handle. Truth is, Ive been getting pretty paranoid myself, honestly.


    How do you deal with it? she asked.


    Part of its not giving myself enough time to dwell on things; I just prepare.


    Rightwell, Ill never do that again. Not ever, Theresa promised herself.


    Thats key. Theres a reason I want to marry youwell, a lot of reasons, but thats one of them, he said softly.


    She gave him a thin smile. Thank you, Alex, hearing that makes me feel betterbut, right, speaking of hearing things. That Fool stuffits getting around.


    It is? Alex said, his stomach flip flopping as he thought about it. Well, better it happen like this than for the church to be the ones putting the story out. Maybe the rumours could even helpbut its still a damned frightening thing in many ways. A relief, but frightening all the same. Weve been carrying this secret for a long time, now itsing out.


    I know, she said. I dont know how to feel either. Its not even my secret.


    Well, well deal with it togetherand the real challenge ising, he said. The church is likely going to make a move soon, I just know it. But who knows if itll be against me, the other Heroes, or all of us. But theyre definitely not going to stay silent. That bloody nose we gave them <em>will</em> stop dripping, and theylle after us.


    But we cant let that make us treat everyone like suspects, Theresa said, partly to herself. We just cant.


    Yeah, I agree, he tightened his arm<strong></strong>around<strong></strong>her shoulders. But, as much as I wish <em>you</em> didnt have to go through this, at least we wont be going through it alone. He looked out the window. The day when everyone knows who I am ising, and Im d well be facing it together.


    Me too Theresa said, resting her head on his arm. Me toohold me for a while?


    Of course, Alex said, putting his other arm around her.


    Together, the young couple sat in silence, takingfort in each others warmth.


    That warmth would be needed for the storm that was brewing.


    It was raining when they arrived in Greymoor.


    A small army of the crowns soldiers, surrounding a mounted delegation, rode through the moors. They huddled beneath thick cloaks with hoods pulled high, hiding neither weapons nor armour. Swords were sheathed and bows unstrung, but they were a party ready for war if war came looking for them. They rode past the wizards outposts, horses hooves churning water, grass and muck, their breaths misting in the mid-autumn air.


    Greymoors Research Castle loomed ahead and the procession stopped at a tall gate built into the Castles outer wall.


    Who goes there? a Watcher called from the gatehouse.


    A single rider urged their mount ahead of the procession.


    We are here in the name of King Athelstan Merciex! she called. We seek the Thameish citizen, Alexander Roth. By order of the king, he is to be turned over to us immediately!

 Chapter 670: Professor Jules Confrontation

    Chapter 670: Professor Jules'' Confrontation


    There were only four<strong></strong>times in the life of Professor Vernia Jules that shed wished she was more like Chancellor Baelin.


    For the most part, she found the barbaric and likely insaneby modern standardscolleague fascinating, highly intelligent, and filled with an abundance of wisdom.


    But, he was also a monster.


    His casual disregard for the safety of young wizards, and his alien view on justice often unnerved her, and she also found his warmongering and thirst for blood a terrible influence on young minds. She did have great respect for him, but she wanted to follow the modern path of wizardry; the goatman had wed his way from a barbaric era of sword and sorcery, where mist and fear ruled an age undreamed of. An era where blood sacrifice was asmon as grass, and wizards secluded themselves in dark towers, contracting with demons, fae, devils and worse.


    Such an age should be left behind.


    But, there had been times in her life when even she felt that demons, violence, and blood might not be so terrible.


    The first time was long ago, when a colleague had wronged her in a way that was truly unforgivable.


    They were both young ambitious students, students working together on an important project for the better part of two years. Night upon night, during graduate school, would find them ving away in the Cells, conducting experiments that showed great promise.


    They were in the final stages of replicating their results, thest step before publishing a paper she was sure would have <em>made</em> their names in the alchemistsmunity.


    that was until her colleague had underhandedly published their results under his name alone.


    What followed was more than six months of university tribunals, usations of fraud, giarism, arguments and the eventual revtion that the reason their findings had looked so promising, was because her partner had <em>faked</em> his numbers.


    By the time the trial was over, hed been expelled, while her reputation had suffered a blow that took <em>years</em> to recover from.


    During that trying time, Baelin had casually suggested she simply conjure a shoggoth in herboratory and contract with it tomake things right, as it were.


    Like a Proper Wizard would, hed said those words as off-handedly as if he were rmending cheese for breakfast.


    And, shed actually been tempted.


    Strongly.


    Only her values and tight self control had stopped her from crossing a line she would have regretted crossing for the rest of her days. As wretched as her colleagues actions had been; taking his life would have been a step too far. Hed paid a huge price since he was ruined academically, professionally and personally, and she made herself a promise to never entertain such vengeful thoughts again.


    until decadester. One sunny day, her son-inw had vanished, running off to greener pastures with the couples savings, and a young woman he worked with, leaving her daughter and their three children coinless, and devastated.


    For the longest time, she would have a repeating daydream where she found the bastard, shoved him in a cage, and zapped him with lightning three times a day for thebined number of years her daughter and grandchildren had been alive when hed run off, something Baelin had enthusiastically encouraged.


    Butin the endshe chose the way of civilization by not resorting to cages and lightning, eventually learning, with a great deal of satisfaction, that the bastards life had disintegrated from a series of bad, midlife crises inspired decisions that resulted in him being t broke, and his young lover abandoning him for much richer pastures.


    Seeing him on her daughters doorstep, begging for another chance had made her smile, and oh, how shed grinned as his expression plummeted when her daughter cursed him with the most colourfulnguage she knew. But the cherry on top of the situation came when she personally chased the randy dog away on the back of her skeletal steed, which made her cackle like the witches of old.


    And so the years had gone by without her having any reason to wish she was more like Baelin


    until Carey London died.


    For nights, the Professor of alchemy had considered reaching out to Professor Mangal and getting her help with conjuring the kind of demon that would rampage through this entire, filthy realm.


    But, shed resisted those dark urges.


    Now, though?


    They were back.


    In force.


    And for the fourth time, she wished she was more like Baelin.


    Watcher Hill, the alchemist growled, stalking through a hallway of the Research Castle. She took a sip of scalding coffee as she squinted against moonlight glowing through windows lining the walls. Please remind me why I shouldnt blow everyone in that room intoponent atoms.


    You are not a battle wizard professor, Watcher Hill said stoically, marching at the head of a column of six Watchers.


    Remind me why I shouldnt have you blow everyone in that room intoponent atoms, Professor Jules growled.


    That would be outside our mandate, professor, as tempting as it would be, Watcher Hills words were clipped as they rounded a corner, on their way to the map room at the end of the hall.


    Pity. Professor Jules snarled.


    She opened the doors, resisting the urge to fling them wide, letting their handles smash against the stone walls.


    Inside the map room, a group of Thameish delegates and soldiers waited, some stood and some sat. Several looked at the map in curiosity, while others examined the volumes in the bookcases, still others sat fidgeting, or nervously murmuring to one another.


    Several Watchers attended the guests, watching them closely.


    Every eye flicked to the opening doors.


    What is this I hear about you wanting to take one of my students? Professor Jules demanded.


    She marched into the room, with Watcher Hill and a lower-ranking soldier shutting the doors behind them.


    An awkward silence hung.


    Until an imperious looking manthe sort who looked like they enjoyed wielding power that was in no way their ownimmediately jumped to his feet and unrolled a <em>very</em> official looking document.


    It bore the seal of the king.


    Good day, madam. He said curtly. We are here seeking a Thameish citizen, one Alexander Roth. By order of the king, he is to be turned over to us immediately! his voice boomed through the room. Where is he, schoolteacher?


    Audible gasps filled the air.


    Jules pointed at the man. Get out!


    The man baulked. What do you mean, get out, by the power invested in me by the king


    Greymoor, within the Barony of Devon has been acquired by the city-state of Generasi by way ofwful purchase as cosigned by Chancellor Baelin, City Councillor Kartika, and King Athelstan Merciex! Watcher Hill barked, her words sharp. Thesends are subject to both thews of Generasi, and the University of Generasis regtions. You are showing disrespect to a university professor. You may remove yourself to the courtyard, or I can throw you there myself.


    How<em> dare</em> you! the man cried.


    That is enough! a man with thick, white mutton chops cried from near the map table. As a higher ranking member of this delegation, I <em>order</em> you to go out to the courtyard. Greymoor is effectively a foreign embassy; do not embarrass us any further, you half-wit!


    But Lord Reginald, the king the man turned red in the face.


    Only gave you the authority to <em>read a bloody message! </em>Not start an international incident! Now get out before I see you flogged! Lord Reginald roared.


    The man wilted, his teeth grinding. The king will hear of this!


    With that, he turned, stalking to the doors; before he could fling one open, two Watchers opened them, giving him looks of stone. Sniffing, he marched into the hallway, muttering to himself.


    Terribly sorry about that, Professor Jules, Lord Reginald rounded the table, drawing a handkerchief and blotting his brow. This has been a stressful time and we are all a <em>littl</em>e wound up. There are some folk who take a bit of power, then try to squeeze it for all its worth, as though they were some farmer, harassing their poor dairy cow!


    Professor Jules was silent for a moment, brows rising at his odd reference to farmers and dairy cows.


    His attitude was most unpleasant, Professor Jules said, giving Lord Reginald a flinty gaze. Some of the delegation scoffed at her expression. But Ill ask the same question that I asked earlier, because no one has given me an answer yet: what is this Im hearing about you wanting to steal one of my students?


    Well. Lord Reginald cleared his throat. It is not quite so simple, you see. His throat clearing turned into full on coughing, as he pressed his handkerchief to his mouth. It appears that there is some evidence that this Alexander Roth is the Fool of Thamnd, whom we of the nobility, the church, and the kings army, have been searching for over the course of two long years and more.


    He grimaced. The rtionship between your researchers and this delegation has been positive, and you have done a great service to both yourselves and Thamnd atrge. We value that and understand our position is as awkward as yours. Hopefully, we can resolve this situation peaceably, quickly, and allow you to return to our mutually lucrative business.


    Professor Jules resisted the urge to spit at his feet.


    She nced at the members of the delegation who were sittingin the very same chairs that the strike force had been sitting in only months earlier, while everyoneincluding Alexhad desperately searched for Carey.


    They had been blindly searching while the same church that these people held in such high regard, were the ones responsible for Careys kidnapping, and her ultimate death.


    Now those very chairs were being upied by people who wanted to kidnap <em>another</em> one of her students.


    The sight made her want to throw up.


    Know that I do not ask that Alex Rothone of your helpersbe given to us lightly; it feels wrong to be trying to give ultimatums to someone who has done as well by us as you, Professor Jules, Lord Reginald continued, blotting more sweat from his brow. But this is a duty handed to us by the throne and the High Priest of Uldar, Tobias Jay. Thus, it must be done.


    Someone cleared their throat.


    It was a skinny man wearing robes that looked like theyd been wrinkled from long travel, his bushy eyebrows knit together across a furrowed brow. She knew him as the representative of the court wizard of Thamnd. Forgive me professor, he began, But I must confess to being quite confused. Im trying to understand what service this Alex Roth could possibly offer you, since the Fool cannot cast spells. If he is a student, he must not be a very good one; I apologise for any inconvenience our errant Hero has caused you. <em>If</em> he is the Fool.


    Jules blood reached boiling point.


    Of course, it could be that he is not the Fool, but we must verify! Lord Reginald said.


    Professor Jules shot the man a hard look. Tell me, Reginald, do you remember a young man who helped you put your mask on before the chaos bomb demonstration?


    Reginald squinted. I do believeI recall a muscr young man, yes. Nice fellow.


    That young man was Alex, Professor Jules said. He is a valued member of our expedition.


    The court wizards representative gawked. <em>That</em> ox?


    Yes, and I wont be handing him over, the alchemy professors tone was t and upromising.


    Erm, I am afraid this is not a request, Lord Reginald said, almost apologetically. As I said, our actions are under the order of King Athelstan Merciex and High Priest Tobias Jay. Do be reasonable.


    Am I a citizen of Thamnd? Professor Jules asked him.


    Lord Reginalds eyes narrowed. I mustare you baiting me into stating the obviousthat you are not, so that you can thensh me with words to the effect of: then you need not follow the king and High Priests orders?


    There was a pause.


    Yes, Jules said, feeling somewhat childish.


    Reginald sighed. I had a sinking feeling that you would say that. Is there no way I can get you to reconsider? It would be much easier for us all if this was resolved quickly.


    No, there isnt, Professor Jules said decidedly.


    This only serves to confirm that this Alex Roth is the Fool, another noble joined in.


    Maybe its simply that I dont want to see a young man dragged away like amon ouw, Professor Jules said. Youre already speaking of my student with so much disrespect, and you dont even know <em>if</em> hes this Fool or not. How am I to trust that hes going to be treated properly in your care? Plus, hes a free, young manFool or notand if he doesnt want to go with you, he doesnt have to.


    Lord Reginald sighed again. Then this situation is officially above us. Professor Jules, could I ask you if you would consider meeting with one of our priestesses in the vige of Luthering. She is an advisor to High Priest Tobias, perhaps together, the two of you can sort this matter out.


    He smiled. She is a kindly woman and she might be able to reassure you. Mother Charity is her name.

 Chapter 671: Secrets in Luthering

    Chapter 671: Secrets in Luthering


    Mother Charity.


    The irony of the name made Professor Jules sick to the core.


    It implied goodwill, mercy, and other kindly virtues; virtues attached topassionate deities, mortals, and rulers. Did this Mother Charity represent any of those qualities, or did she represent a monstrous god who dly sent<em> children</em> to fight monsters of his own making?


    Professor Jules wanted to show Lord Reginalrdand every other member of this delegation<em>exactly</em> what she thought of Uldars charity.


    Instead, she held strong.


    She was a modern wizard, after all, and wasnt about to let herself give into barbarism, especially when her students needed her to protect them.


    I failed Carey, she thought. I will not fail Alex too.


    Ill meet with this priestess, if thats what your procedure requires, Professor Jules said primly.


    Good, good, Lord Reginald looked relieved. There is no need to create bad blood between two great realms; such a thing would only spoil lucrative partnerships and ruin trade. I am sure that both reason and faith will win the day!


    Reason is already winning the day, and I dont have much use for faith at this moment, Jules said quietly.


    Delegation members murmured their disapproval and sent more than a few res her way. She returned them without hesitation. In her long life, shed faced shoggoths, demons, and other creatures well beyond mortal understanding; it was going to take a lot more than some dead gods agitated pawns to make <em>her</em> flinch.


    Your words about faith are somewhat disrespectful, one of the delegation membersa woman of middle age with blonde hair turning greysaid, her voice like steel.


    Tell that to Carey London, Jules said tly.


    The woman raised an eyebrow in confusion. And who would that be?


    Professor Jules red at her. <em>Exactly!</em> This meeting is done. Well provide you with a messenger construct to inform your priestess well being and to be ready; Ill meet her in the morning.


    We could travel together, Lord Reginald offered.


    No, be our guests here, Professor Jules said quickly, dreading the thought of spending more time in these peoples presence than she had to. You must be tired from your journey. Rest. We will find our <em>own </em>way.


    ###


    The morning light found Professor Jules once again sipping scalding coffee.


    This time, she wasnt striding through the halls of the Research Castle in Greymoor; instead, she sat astride her skeletal steed, flying high above forests and hills below them.


    At her side flew Watcher Hill, leading a column of troops ready for battle, whether battle took the form of words, or des.


    Could I convince you to blow up this priest if she gives us trouble? Jules asked.


    Again, as tempting as that would be, its beyond our mandate, Watcher Hill said. I will admit, professor, it is<em> very</em> tempting; after the treatment we received at Uldars Rise, Id like nothing more than to send some of these ursed priests to the after-world to meet their dead god. As much as it pains me, though, I dont think blowing them up would be a tactical solution at this time.


    Jules teeth ground so hard, her jaw hurt. I cant believe theyre doing this. Its not enough for them to kidnap one of my students, now theyre looking to take another one.


    Ill support you no matter what you do, Professor, Watcher Hill said, flight magic carrying her through the morning air. I wouldnt advise starting a war, but the Watchers will defend you.


    Thanks, Professor Jules said sincerely. Theyre just very, very lucky that Baelin isnt here; if he was, I could see most of that delegation being dust by now. But, Ill try my best to fill part of the gap he left, even if I <em>cant </em>st them toponent atoms.


    Falling silent, she and the Watchers soared through the skies over Greymoor untilfinallythey passed thest outpost marking the border between theirnds and the rest of the Barony of Devon.


    Waving to guards stationed on the watchtower, they kept going, moving through the wilderness until Luterhing was in sight. If Jules had to choose just one word to describe the vige, it would be rundown. Clearly, Uldars war had had a devastating effect on much of Thamnd.


    By the gates, several armoured figures waited, watching both the road and skies, and as Professor Jules and her entourage got near, she recognised the familiar figure of Sir Sean Swift. The knight and his troops looked to be in one piece since Alex, hispanions, the Heroes of Thamnd, and the deleo had avenged them against the Raveners monsters.


    They were the lucky ones.


    The wizards slowed, dropping altitude, flying straight for the vige gates and Sean. His knights began scrambling, raising crossbows, assuming they were under attack from flying Ravener-spawn. Watcher Hills troops halted and hovered in ce, weapons pointing down, not moving until the Thameish soldiers finally recognised them as allies.


    Whether or not they remained allies would depend on how Jules meeting with Mother Charity went.


    Hail, Sir Sean raised a hand, greeting the wizards whodnded before him.


    Hail, Jules dismounted from her skeletal steed,manding it to stay. Have you recovered from your wounds, Sir Sean?


    The tall, ageing knight gave her a grim nod. The priests patched me up, by Uldars grace. I only wish I could say as much for my soldiers.


    Weve all lostrades, Watcher Hill said, walking up beside Professor Jules. The other Watchers nked the two women, staring impassively at the knight; Hill had made a point of choosing thergest warrior-mages to apany them; making for quite an intimidating sight.


    Come then, Im to escort you to the church, Sir Sean said, ncing at the Watchers. Shall we be on our way?


    An escort? Professor Jules said, raising an eyebrow. Are we about to be arrested, Sir Swift?


    No, nothing like that, and if things were to turn so grim, theyd need another knight to do that dirty deed; Im in your debt. his armour clinked, boots sinking into muddy ground. He looked at a plot ofnd on their right where Professor Jules remembered an old dpidated building once standing.


    It was gone nowlikely salvaged for walls and fortificationsa new graveyard reced it. Most of the grave sights were fresh.


    You slew the great, dirty Ravener-spawn that killed my soldiers. The knights voice was as grim as the graveyard. I want you to know Ill always be grateful for what you did. No matter what happens, I dont want any bad blood between my house and your people.


    Jules watched him for a moment.


    Your peoplee to us, looking to kidnap a twenty year old studentyet everyone keeps talking about not wanting bad blood, Professor Jules discreetly shook her head. Sir Sean has always seemed to be a steady man. Hes probably as caught up in all this mess as we are. She nced at the sky. How many damn people did you sweep into your of selfishness, Uldar? So pointless.


    But she didnt say that, what she actually said was, Theres no bad blood between us, Sir Sean.


    Good, he said. And for what its worth, Im sorry to hear what happened to that young woman you were searching for. I know you moved the heavens to try and save her.


    Youre not as sorry as I am, Sir Sean. Not as sorry as I am.


    He gave her a long, knowing look. Fair enough. Ive lost men and women under mymand; no one can know what thats really like unless theyve gone through it. The knight saluted soldiers walking past them, pressing a gauntleted fist to his breastte.


    They saluted in kind.


    These soldiers trust me, and sometimes I fail them. It never gets any easier.


    I feel for you, sir knight, the professor said. But Miss London was a student, not a soldier under mymand.


    She <em>did</em> die like a warrior, though, Watcher Hill said, her voice sounding caught between sadness, pride, and admiration.


    Thats littlefort, Professor Jules thought. We deserve to die in our beds, surrounded by those who love us, with all of our lifes achievements at our backs, not young and screaming on some dirty battlefield.


    But she knew better than to voice those words; it was neither the right time, nor the rightpany.


    I hope that young womans at peace, then, Sir Sean said, lowering his head.


    I hope so too. Professor Jules felt a lump forming in her throat.


    May Uldar take her into his embrace and guide her to the after-world, Sean prayed.


    A de of white hot rage stabbed the alchemist.


    Her face flushed red.


    But she kept silent.


    Uldar guiding Carey to the after-world? That was rich. The professor had <em>been</em> to Uldars Rise, had gone into the dead gods sanctum and seen his corpse. Shed even taken a sample of the dried, ck ichor on his bodya body that was about as impressive as any other cadaver shed dissected over her long alchemy career.


    It certainly wasnt anything worth dying for.


    Her jaw clenched. She found herself wishing she could dissect Uldars corpse for materials, like any other specimenlike his very own Ravener-spawn.


    Hed actually be of some bloody use then, she thought.


    But, since she couldnt voice those thoughts either, she just walked beside the knight and Watchers in silence, the vige squareand churchgrowing closer.


    Sir Sean suddenly cleared his throat. Forgive me, but Ive got to ask you something. He gave her a piercing look. Did you always know that the Fool was hiding among your ranks? Did you know it when<strong></strong>I first met you?


    Professor Jules recalled the conversation he was referring to. It had taken ce the first time the expedition hade to Thamnd:


    <em>Ohand just one more thing. If you should happen to find anyone hiding on yournds, it would do me a great favour if you search them thoroughly and hold them, or bring them here to our priests.</em>


    Sir Swift had drawn a piece of parchment from a case on his belt, unrolled it and presented it to the expedition. On the scroll was a detailed drawing of a grinning jesters face. <em>If you should find anyone with this symbol on their bodies, capture them. This symbol is The Mark of the Fool. It glows gold and marks the body of a missing member of Uldars Heroes. Theyre most likely long dead, but if they happen to be hiding in some hole out there in the moors while others fight and die in their stead, then I ask that you submit them to my custody: theyre wanted by the king of Thamnd and the Holy Church of Uldar.</em>


    His eyes had been like steel.<em> If theyre not dead, then its more than time they started doing their duty. After all, who are they to deny Uldars n?</em>


    I thought the church wanted to test Alex to see if he <em>is </em>the Fool? the professor asked.


    The knights jaw shifted. Listen, Im not stupid; the church is sure hes the Fool or they wouldnt be going through so much effort. Mother Charity is convinced hes the Fool, she told us they checked his towns birth records and found that he was born the same day as the other Heroes. The letter your metal flying thing brought to Mother Charityst night made it clear that you wouldnt hand him over, but you were willing to talk to our priests. That pretty well confirmed it. Why would you be giving us so much trouble if you didnt know he was the Fool?


    Jules face turned sour.


    She should have expected this; any talk of wanting to test Alex had been nothing but smoke and lies. The hidden church <em>knew</em> who he was.


    I only found out recently, she snorted in disgust, irritation rising at Alex. The logical part of her mind knew why he hadnt told her, but that didnt stop her from being more than a little annoyed at him.


    Sir Sean looked at her and sighed. Sorry, I was a bit forward with my question, but I just had to know. I believe you. And Im sorry you were fooled by himI apologise on behalf of all of Thamnd. The Fool deceived all of us, and Ill be d when that bastard fugitive is dragged back home.


    If thats what you think, youve obviously taken too many blows to the helmet, sir knight, she growled at him.


    Watcher Hill looked at her in surprise.


    Sir Sean stopped dead, his face going pale. I beg your pardon?


    You dont get to beg me for anything. You talked about having gratitude? she asked. Then youll be quiet. Youll listen, and Ill tell you the truth about the Fool.

 Announcement! Mark of the Fool Book 5 out on Amazon!

    Announcement! Mark of the Fool Book 5 out on Amazon!


    Hey hey everybody!


    We''re back with book 5! Absolutely wild, ain''t it? Like over a year since book 1unched and folks are already on book 5 with the polished amazon version. As always, thank you for reading the webmovel version. Could not be here without you :)


    As it has been in the past,<strong> I could use a little bit of help.</strong>


    If you have <strong>kindle unlimited</strong>, then a <strong>download</strong> of the e-book would help me out quite a bit. Amazon''s been acting up in the past couple of days, so I''d appreciate it!


    <strong>Find the book through this link: </strong><strong>https://geni.us/markofthefool5</strong>


    If you have reddit, then upvotes on <strong>this post</strong> would also help me out /r/litrpgments/173tu3i/mark_of_the_fool_5_is_out_on_kindle/


    <strong>Again, you do not have to do this! It is your choice.</strong>

 Chapter 672: Mother Charity

    Chapter 672: Mother Charity


    You spoke of your soldiers being avenged. Professor Vernia Jules advanced on Sir Sean Swift. You said that we destroyed the monsters whod killed them. Well, would you care to know how that came to be? It was because of


    Her finger formed quotation marks.


    that fool you people keep referring tolike he was the vilest, lowest form of life ever born. It was Alex Roth who did that. <em>He</em> worked with me to organise a strikeforce to find Carey London. He fought beside our warriors and Thamnds, risking his own life. He was instrumental in avenging <em>your</em> soldiers. <em>He</em> was the one who uncovered so many hidden secrets about dungeon cores. If it wasnt for him, what chance do you think there''d be of ending these wars permanently?


    I the knight started to speak.


    Dont interrupt me, she cut him off, her expression hard enough to cut stone. Listen to me carefully, Sir Sean, the same young man you insist on calling Fool, has probably eliminated more Ravener-spawn than you and every soldier youve evermandedbined. And thats just <em>him</em> alone, never mind hispanions and everyone else hes led into battle. She gestured toward the rundown vige around them. This ceyour fiefis safer because of him. Greymoor was cleared of monsters thanks to events he helped set in motion. Would I say hes the most important person to ever walk your realm, or the greatest wizard who ever graced our organisation; exaggerations like that would be a disservice.


    She glowered at the knight. But, I can say with every confidence that his contributions to magic and to your realm will be remembered for generations. And that <em>his</em> name will be remembered for generations, not that derogatory title. The Fools name, Sir Sean, is Alexander Roth. And we all owe him a great deal.


    The knight sputtered, his jaw tensing. Maybe we are both wrong, then.


    Are you calling me a liar, Sir Sean?


    No, of course not, professor, he said respectfully, though his voice was stiff. But if this Alexander Roth is truly such a great young man, then he <em>cant</em> be the Fool. The Fool cant cast spells, he cant do magiche cant even throw a punch, let alone kill Ravener-spawn like how you tell it. Perhaps the priests have made a mistake and weve got the wrong man. Perhaps youre mistaken about him too; you wouldnt understand, because youre not Thameish. The Fools a necessary part of the Heroes, but the role means theyre the <em>least</em> of the Heroes. They can help and support the others, but thats it. They can never be great on their own, we <em>know</em> this. Maybe weve got a case of using the wrong man, but I <em>know</em> Mother Charity will sort this


    Professor Jules interrupted him with a bitterugh that echoed through the vige. Sir Sean, with all due respect, she said. You could fill the skies with all the things you <em>dont</em> know.


    The knight snorted, turning away. No need to be rude. Youll see. The Fool cant do any of the things youre talking about. If Alexander Roth is so capable, then he can''t possibly be the Fool.


    Fill those skies, Sir Sean. Professor Jules rolled her eyes. Fill those skies.


    With those words, they reached the centre of the vige where the church and arge tavern stood. The church was tallperhaps three floors highand the onlypletely stone<strong></strong>structure in the vige.


    The white hand of Uldar was painted above the entrance and<strong></strong>another one marked the side of the building where a fenced in graveyardy, likely the final resting ce of the priests of Uldar.


    While the rest of the vige looked like it had seen better days, Jules noted how well maintained the church was; its roof had been newly patched and the front doors were smooth and polished. Priorities, she thought, looking at Uldars white hand with increasing resentment.


    Sean opened the doors, revealing rows of pews and a spotless entrance leading to the altar. Fresh candles burned in tall golden candlesticks at the front of the church and a soldier was atop adder, busily polishing a stained ss window bearing the image of Uldar smiling down in benediction.


    The morning light filtered through the window, shining on a group of people standing around the pulpit.


    Warriors wearing tabards bearing the symbol of their god, looked up, eyeing the Watchers and Professor Jules as they entered the church. They were surrounding priests and a tall, straight-backed priestess, whose white robes were trimmed in gold.


    The priestess looked up, eyes falling on Professor Jules with a gentle gaze, as Jules watched her warily, knowing that within the church of Uldar, innocent lookingmbs could just as easily be wolves.


    Vernia was ready.


    Greetings, the womans voice was calm and soothing. Wee to the church of Uldar at Luthering. I hope that Uldar eased your journey here.


    We had ways of easing it ourselves, Professor Jules said, walking up to the priestess and her guards. I take it you are Mother Charity? I am Professor Vernia Jules.


    I surmised as much. Mother Charity lowered her head in greeting, then looked up at the Watchers. Will your armed escort be necessary?


    Professor Jules looked at the churchs warriors, armed with des and d in armour and tabards. Will yours? I think itd be better if all of our witnesses stay right where they are.


    Mother Charity raised an eyebrow. You seem tense, Vernia. May I call you that?


    You may call me Professor Jules.


    The priestess expression did not change one bit, though several of her warriors bristled.


    A young priesta man at most half a decade older than Alexturned beet red, stepping forward. Mother Charity is treating you with Uldars kindness and respect. Could we ask the same courtesy of you?


    This<em> is</em> a courtesy, is what Professor Jules thought. What I <em>really</em> want is for the Watchers to st your skeletons from your bodies; Im actually being positively <em>kind</em> right now.


    I do believe we are here in a professional capacity, Professor Jules said. Therefore, I feel the most respectful way to proceed would be to use our professional titles.


    I see Well, that is a pity, Mother Charity sighed, as though she wasmenting all the evils of the world. The young priest looked at her with the kind of fawning admiration the educator had seen on the faces of impressionable students in the presence of charismatic mentors.


    The professors tension grew.


    Theyre all bloody fanatics, she thought. I have to be careful since I have no idea what theyll do. If any of them are from the hidden church, theyll likely have some scheme theyll be wanting to satisfy.


    She didnt pretend to have any special gifts for seeing through schemes; in the end, though she was a leader, a wizard, an alchemist, an academic, a mother, and a grandmother, none of which qualified her as some clever spy or rogue from a bards tale who could see through devious plots.


    <em>She</em> was the woman, after all, whod been tricked by ab partner over a two year period; so, she had no illusions about being a master maniptor.


    And that left her keenly aware of what she and Watcher Hill had discussedst night; not giving these bastards anything to work with.


    Then lets move on to those professional reasons we are both here, Mother Charity said. Your letter stated that you would be refusing themand of the king and high priest of Uldar? That you were not open to presenting the fugitive known as Alex Roth before us?


    I thought you didnt know whether or not Alex was the Fool? Jules said. Why are you already calling him <em>the fugitive</em>?


    We <em>know</em> as surely as we know Uldar watches over us, Mother Charity said.


    He hasnt for thousands of years, has he? Jules thought bitterly.


    Why have you not handed him to us? the<strong></strong>young priest jumped in.


    Because we do not have to, Jules stated matter of factly. Alex Roth is a student. I am not about to hand over one of my students to anyone.


    Mother Charity raised an eyebrow. Will you really do this? This is an order directly from our king and High Priest.


    Which does not matter to me, Jules said decidedly.


    You disrespect the thrones of our king and god! the young priest shouted.


    Edward, calm yourself, the priestessmanded him.


    Watcher Hill moved a step closer to the professor.


    You know what? I dont see the need to continue this conversation any longer, Professor Jules said. Unless, I can convince you to give this course of action up. Alex Roth might be this Fool, but he is a fine and heroic young man.


    He is a deserter and a liar, Mother Charity corrected. And his absence is sphemy. I am afraid I must insist we take him into our care.


    And what will you do if I say no? Professor Jules tone was even.


    Mother Charitys eyes narrowed. We might have to take you into our protectionif the Fool is manipting you.


    Watcher Hill burst outughing. I dont think so.


    Do you threaten Mother Charity? Edward growled, stepping forward.


    As one, the churchs soldiers reached for the hilts of their swords.


    Were not going to fight you, Watcher Hill said. If you attack us, well simply leave. This is your holy ground and were outside Greymoor; dont think for a moment that Im going to give you an excuse to capture us.


    Edward flinched, surprise and irritation in on his face.


    Professor Jules kept her eyes fixed on Watcher Hill.


    Is this why theyd set up this meeting?


    This matter involves the <em>kingdoms</em> future, Mother Charity insisted. The king and High Priest will not take this well. You could see the rights to Greymoor revoked.


    Then that is a matter beyond both of us, Professor Jules said. You can run back to your king and High Priest, and tell them that they can meet with Councillor<strong></strong>Kartika.


    For a long silent moment, Mother Charity watched Professor Jules intently.


    I ask that we do not escte this. There is no reason for our king to be burdened with meeting the leaders of your city and university.


    A sh of annoyance erupted in Jules as she cursed Baelin for not being there.


    We can resolve this now, the priestess continued. We will not back down. This must happenthe Fool muste back to Thamndand I ask that you return him to us.


    The final answer is no, Professor Jules growled. And neither you nor I have the authority to resolve this ourselves, so well be leaving now. And I warn youif you show us even the slightest threatwe will see that as an act of aggression by your kingdom. Alex is noting to you; Im well aware of your history and how many Fools end up dead. Your god doesnt need defenceless children to fight his battles.


    Mother Charitys expression did not change as Professor Jules turned to walk away. That is sad to hear, the priestess sighed. I will return to Ussex with your disappointing answer.


    You do that! Professor Jules called back.


    Her eyes fell on Sir Sean who looked back with a mix of regret, confusion and irritation.


    She shook her head, walking from the church and out to the square.


    The Watchers fanned out around her then tensed, looking out over a sea of soldiers.


    Every warrior under Sir Seansmandand more from the churchstood at attention, watching the wizards with menace like barely contained guard dogs. Their faces looked tired. Angry. Desperate.


    Were leaving, professor, Watcher Hill whispered, casting flight magic on the professor as she and another Watcher took the alchemists arms and soared high above Luthering, the vige shrank below them.


    Watcher Hill, look, a warrior-mage nodded toward the forest around the vige. Theres steel glinting in those trees.


    Hill cast a sensory enhancement spell on herself, then swore. So that was their game.


    What? Professor Jules said.


    The entire thing was a trap, but not for us, she said. It looks like they expected Alex to be with us or following somewhere nearby, maybe trying to listen in on our conversation in the church. They were probably going to grab him in the trees or the vige. Thats why they brought so many soldiers.


    Bastards, Professor Jules cursed, mentally calling her skeletal steed to her.


    And now it makes sense for them to have brought that hot-headed priest with them, Hill surmised. They were looking to start a fight and goad us into striking first, thenif Alex was hiding somewhere; theyd arrest him when he appeared.


    Well, it didnt work out like that for them, now did it? Professor Jules smile held no joy. Im d Alex wasnt here. Hopefully, the amount of time it takes for that Mother Charity to return to the capital, inform her king, and for him to respond, gives us time to prepare for those arrogant bastards. I need to speak to Alex and Councillor Kartika.


    I took the liberty of contacting them, Hill said.


    Professor Jules looked at her with gratitude.


    Edward looked at Mother Charity in agitation.<strong></strong>The trap failed. Our entire n failed. We neither caught him, nor gained anything. This was all for nothing!


    They stood in the doorway of the church, watching the wizards shrink in the distance.


    I wouldnt say we gained nothing, Mother Charity said. Did you notice Jules annoyance when I mentioned the chancellor of their university?


    NoI am not as adept at seeing through people as you are, the younger priest said.


    The priestess smiled. It is alright. These thingse with experience. What is more important is that it seems something has happened to make the ancient wizard unavableor perhaps there has been a schism among their ranks. A very interesting development. A very interesting one indeed.

 Chapter 673: Shoulders that Bear

    Chapter 673: Shoulders that Bear


    Alex had to be meticulous, checking a diagram for the summoning circle he was drawing.


    It <em>had</em> to be perfect.


    The afternoon had found the young wizard in hisboratory, bent over his desk, sketching a magical circle for a new fifth-tier spell


    Summon nar Ally, the very first rtional contract summoning spell he would ever cast. And he was almost ready to cast it. Professor Mangal had worked with him, helping him prepare for this nextvery important stepas a summoner.


    Until nowthe method he used to call allies was subjugation style summoning magic, making sure to treat the summons with respect. Not that he would have ever treated his summons with anything but respect, but if it ever happened and they wanted to get away from him, there was no danger of them escaping his control, as long as the spells were cast correctly. Those types of spells had a downside though; anything he summoned was limited in power.


    The most powerful entities he could conjure were greater elementals, celestial dire tigers, and other monsters of a simr strength. While they were still mighty creatures, and would likely devastate many Ravener-spawn


    they would also fall short when it came to standing against powerful priests or warriors of the hidden church. Even against certain Ravener-spawn,<strong></strong>his summoned monsters were often torn apart with ease, nevermind the churchs human monsters.


    If he wanted allies that could do more than just serve as a brief shield against monstrosities like the First and Third Apostles, hed need some with a lot more power.


    Both Binding Style and Rtional Style Contract Summoning would give him allies with that level of power, but creatures like that would also bring a certain amount of risk with them. Those spells, by their very nature, allowed greater freedom to any ally he summoned. And if the entity wasnt boundwillinglywith a rtional contract, or tied unwillingly, in a binding one, the end result could be chaos.


    Before such bargains or bindings were struck, anything he called would have to be contained within a perfect summoning circle; the slightest w could mean a very angry, <em>very</em> powerful monster escaping, taking vengeance on the summonerhim.


    So, thats where the need for perfection came in.


    Almost done, he told himself, calling on the Mark. I think this construction is about as strong as I can make it He paused, noting an image the Mark was showing him. ah, the left side of the circle was more symmetricalst time. Id better draw it again


    Suddenly, he heard a knock at the door.


    Alex! Selina called. Theres a message for you!


    Coming! he called back, teleporting to the top of the stairs and unlocking the door. His sister stood there, holding a butterfly-shaped messenger construct.


    Thanks, he said. Huh, that must be from Professor Jules. She really loves her butterflies doesnt she? He looked at Selina with a raised eyebrow. You didnt open the message, did you?


    She rolled her eyes. Youve been spending too much time locked away down there. Im not about to start opening your letters, Alex, she said, taking the folded parchment from the construct and handing it to her brother.


    Thanks, Selina. Alex unfolded the letter.


    Whats it say? she asked.


    His breath caught when he read what was written by Watcher Hill on behalf of herself and Professor Jules.


    <em>Come to Professor Jules office at the University. Do not attempt to go to Greymoor. Theyve made their move.</em>


    <em>Signed, Watcher Hill and Professor Jules.</em>


    He swallowed. Selina, whatre your ns for the day?


    Um, I was going to go to Abus house. Why?


    You can go, but get ygon to go with you, Alex said. Theresa should be back soon. I need you to tell her that <em>they</em> might being.


    Selina gasped. You mean She mouthed the words. <em>the church?</em>


    Yes, Alex said. Im not going to lie to you, Selina; youre old enough to know whatsing for me. For us. Im going to try andOof!


    She jumped on him, holding on like shed never see him again. I know you have to go, but be careful. Be careful.


    I will, he promised, hugging her while mentally contacting his golem.


    <em>ygon, I have to go to Jules office. The church made their move. I dont have any details yet, but protect Selina.</em>


    There was a pause.


    <em>MaybeI should protect youfather </em>The golems thoughts came through their link.


    <em>No, ygon, Im alright,</em> Alex thought. <em>I can defend myself if something happens. I need you to protect Selina. Okay? Promise you will.</em>


    Another pause. <em>Yesfather</em>


    <em>Ill be back soon,</em> Alex thought, looking down at Selina. He kissed her forehead. I love you, Ill be back.


    She hugged him tighter. Youd better be. Just be careful.


    I will.


    He teleported to his room, grabbed his staff, and vanished, reappearing in the hallway outside of Jules office. The door was open.


    Inside, the alchemist paced back and forth, muttering to herself.


    Professor? he called, startling her.


    Mr. Roth! Atst,e in and close the door.


    Alex quickly went in, shutting the door behind him.


    May every god and spirit in all of creation bless Watcher Hill, the professor gestured for him to take a seat, sitting down at her desk. That woman anticipated things wouldnt go well, and she was right. Im d she sent you that message when she did. But, to the point. The kings delegation came to Greymoor today under the guise of easing tensions.


    Alex swallowed.


    When in fact, a military force now upies Luthering, she said grimly. The church demanded that I hand you over to them.


    She filled Alex in on everything that had happened since the night beforethe delegations arrival, the conversation, the presence of Mother Charityand what had happened afterward.


    Watcher Hill has contacted Councillor Kartika, but we dont know when she will reply. It could be days, with her schedule, the professor said grimly. An increasing number of the expedition team now knows about you and this Fool business, she looked disgusted as she said the word. Rumours have been spreading through the Castle like fire through a chemical bath. Those who were on the<strong></strong>strike forcethose who hadnt shared what they knew until noware speaking out about your heroics to save Miss London.


    So this is it, Alex said. This is their move. Theyre going to focus on me first. Maybe they think Im the most dangeroustheres a lot of bias against the Fool, and I think thats got <em>something</em> to do with Uldar changing the Mark.


    Yes, but theyll likely strike at the other Heroes one way or another. Professor Jules rubbed her temples. Ive sent Miss Goldtooth to warn them. We should have <em>some</em> time, though; even if the delegation uses the fae roads to return to Ussex, itll likely be days before anyone<strong></stronges back to Greymoor. Im going to stall them as best I can.


    Right Alex said, his mind racing. Whats been the expeditions reaction to me?


    So far, its been overwhelmingly positive, Jules said with no small amount of relief. At least from what the Watchers and I have heard. There are a few asking if you were the reason the petrifier attacked the Research Castle, but others also pointed out that the enemy targeted Miss London as well. There are plenty of folk whose lives youve saved on the battlefield, Alex, and theyre actively vouching for you, as is the entirety of the research team. Believe me, youre not going to get a wave of your allies trying to cast you away.


    Good, he sighed. Thats good. Thats something at least. He shook his head. I cant tell you the number of times and ways I imagined this daying. I thought maybe Id identally let it slip, or a priest would pass me here in Generasiback when there were actually a good number of Uldars priests aroundor that someone from Alric would check records. And now, here we are


    He shook his head, eyes unfocused. ...yet, it somehow doesn''t feel real.


    Nerves and terror slowly crawled through him, pushing rational thought away.


    He imagined himself and his family being dragged away in chains, being cast down deep into a dungeon under Ussex, or executed for desertion or aiding a deserter.


    He shivered, shaking the thoughts away, taking a deep grounding breath.


    Thats not going to happen, he thought. This is real. But that thought? Thats not real.


    Its alright to be scared, you know, Professor Jules said suddenly.


    What? Alex startled.


    She looked at him with sadness. I remember when I first met you, you were this skinny, enthusiastic young man. It seemed all there was in your head was curiosity, alchemyand that brilliant mind of yours. Her eyes drifted to his shoulders. Your shoulders are so broad now, in many senses of the word; your burdens have been heavy. And all because some dead god wanted children to fight his battles.


    She looked at Alex. Its alright to be scared.


    Ive prepared for this, professor, Alex said.


    Its alright to be scared.


    I cant be, Ive got too much to do, I


    Its alright to be scared.


    Im not scared, Im angry, if anything! Alexs voice rose. I mean, who do they think they are, calling you out? Demanding that Ie with them like somemon ouw? Im very angry!


    Its okay, Jules said softly, and at that moment, she seemed less like a professor of alchemyand more like a kindly grandmother. Alex, its okay to be scared.


    I His voice broke.


    He remembered the endless hours hed spent trying to make himself so important to Generasi, that they wouldnt just send him away. Hed spent nearly every waking moment preparing, gathering power, growing his reputation.


    Even before that, hed already been pushing hard in his studies, entering the Games of Roal, trying to get his name out there. In many ways, hed done it out of anger; hed never wanted to ever feel like he had when he was being interrogated by those two Generasi investigators during the demon summoner attacks.


    But, theres more to this, isnt there? he thought<strong>.</strong> What about Theresas family in the Rhinean Empire. What if the church decided to threaten them, and put pressure on them?


    He swallowed as Professor Jules watched him with a gentle gaze.


    Y-youre right, he said, his voice shaking. For a moment, he allowed his bodynguage to rx. He allowed his mask to shatter. Professor, Im bloody terrified. But Ive done my best to prepare for this. Ive done everything I can.


    Of course you have, she said.


    But Im still bloody scared. What if nothing Ive done works? What if the city council decides Im too much trouble. I could leave, but I dont want to. I shouldnt <em>have</em> to. What about Selinas life here? What about Theresas? And what about her family? Whats going to happen to them?


    Professor Jules nodded. Theres a lot on your shouldersyou, your friends, the Heroes. I dont envy you. The worst thing I had to worry about at your age was final exam results. I cant imagine what this must be like for you.


    Itsits hard, but Ive got to keep going, dont I? Alexs voice shook. But bloody, hell, why cant they just leave me alone?


    I know. I know. Professor Jules got up and rounded the desk. She spread her arms. Come here, Mr. Roth.


    Alex looked at her for a long moment, before getting up and hugging his professor.


    Thats it, she said. Were going to fight with you. Together. The university of Generasi is not in the habit of giving up its students.


    Alex couldnt help butugh; a little while ago, hed been hugging Selina andforting her. Now professor Jules was doing the same for him.


    What do you thinks going to happen now? he said.


    We wait for Councillor Kartika to meet with me, Professor Jules said. Then Im going to do my damnedest to make sure the council doesnt do anything stupid. But what do you <em>want</em> to do? If you want, we will handle this until we cant. You can continue being a student.


    No, Alex said, pulling away from the hug. If I can get my own meeting with Councillor Kartika, I will. And Im going to talk to my friends and were going to


    He paused, a thought urred to him.


    ...did you say Councillor Kartika might meet with the king and the High Priest?


    Yes, Professor Jules said.


    His jaw clenched. Any chance <em>I</em> could be at the meeting?

 Chapter 674: Desiring a Confrontation

    Chapter 674: Desiring a Confrontation


    In turn, I have a question for you, Professor Jules said, stepping away from Alex and meeting his eyes. Could you answer mine first?


    Of course, Alex agreed readily.


    <em>Have you taken leave of what little sense you have left?</em> she shouted, startling him. I swear that old goat haspletely ruined your mind, Mr. Roth! In all the long and miserable history of terrible ideas, this is quite possibly one of the worst Ive ever heardand trust methat is a <em>feat.</em>


    Oh jeez, well, why dont you tell me how you <em>really</em> feel, professor, Alexs tone bled sarcasm. I think its a good idea.


    On what<em>?</em> she demanded, her voice dropping low. On <em>what ne</em>, the ne of foolhardy jackasses?


    Okay, okay, I think thats going a little far, now, he huffed.


    Is it? Is it <em>truly</em>, Mr. Roth? she said. Have I not mentioned the <em>army</em> that was waiting in ambush to <em>drag you away in chains?</em>


    You did


    Then why are you asking if you can attend that meeting? she said. Listen, to me; they feel <em>entitled </em>to you. They feel as entitled to your life as I do to a-a She stuttered, searching for a word. as I do my own shoes! They just want to walk over you and not give a single damn as to what <em>you</em> want. They dont care about your life, your responsibilities, your family, the great things you do, all they care about is that stupid, <em>nonsensical,</em> dogmatic n of a treacherous, <em>dead </em>god!


    Her wordsspoken with rising volumedropped to a whisper when she mentioned Uldar, and in those whispered tones, she continued, sounding like a hissing, angry serpent. Theyre not going to y fair, no matter what boundaries we put on the meeting; after all, what are the needs of mortalspared to thews and deranged ns of their precious deity? Listen, if they find an opportunity to grab you, they will. We cannot trust them; those priests might be acting as diplomats, but they have no interest in rational diplomacy.


    The professors face zed bright red, and her passion zed equally as hot, surprising Alex. He could count few asions where hed seen his alchemy professor so angry.


    To them: you have a duty, and that duty is one that trumps all words, actions ormitments, she finished. So no. I do not think you should be at the meeting.


    Alex swallowed. I hear you, professor, I honestly do; you want to keep me safe. Youve given me a lot of freedom in the expedition, but you dont want me to walk into such an obvious trap. Is that right?


    He shifted his voice so that it was soft, slow, and less threatening. He bent his knees ever so slightly, slumped down and rounded his shoulders, releasing some of the air from his chest.


    The hulking wizard, Alex Roth, visibly shrunk, disying a calm, even demeanour to his professor, rxing her.


    Yes, Mr. Roth. That is exactly right. But, if you are astute enough to grasp the reason for my words so thoroughly, then why would you even suggest such an action?


    Because I want to plead my case in person, Alex said slowly, putting all the sincerity he could into his voice, pain tinged his tone. Professor, for over two years, Ive been waiting for this sword to drop on my head. Everyday, its been hanging there, and now its finallying down. I want the chance to say my piece: Im tired of other people <em>telling</em> me what the Fool is. Uldar, the crown, the church, my peopleall of them act like they know <em>what</em> I am. And I use what on purpose. Because they see me as a what. Not a who.


    He straightened back up to his full height, shoulders expanding, chest swelling. The young Hero of Thamnd pressed a palm over his heart. Because thats the problem: they all see me as a what. Im half-convinced Uldar saw <em>all</em> of us as a what. I know I have plenty of people here who support me: you, Baelin, my cabal, Mr. and Mrs. Lu, my friends, my familythey all know the who of Alexander Roth. But for once? I want those bastards who want to put me in chains to know who the hells<em> I</em> am.


    Words spilled from Alexs mouth, words he didnt even know he had in him. I have nothing against the king, andhellseven most of the priests of Uldar Ive met arent <em>evil</em>, theyre just misguided. I want the chance to tell them what Ive done for the war effort, and how valuable I am to it.


    The misguided can still harm, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said, her voice growing strained. You know who was also misguided? Amir. Yet he caused more harm to Generasi in mere monthsby helping his filthy, demon worshipping friendthan most of our citys enemies had in entire lifetimes. One could say even his demon summoning scummy friend was misguided in his own way. But he still harmed others, all the same. These misguided priests will harm <em>you;</em> you need not be the one to save them.


    Suddenly, Alex began tough.


    Hisughter rolled from his lips, growing in volume until it echoed through the office. He doubled over, hands on his knees, barely supporting himself.


    Professor Jules looked at him like hed gonepletely mad.


    Alex held up a hand, shaking his head. Givemea second


    When hisughter finally died, he looked at her with a broad smile. Oh, I <em>know</em> that, professor. Ive got no interest in saving them He paused, thinking over his next words. The young man examined his own thoughts and emotions. actually, I do want them saved. The true bastard in all of this is Uldar, not themreally. Another monster is that First Apostlebasically the entire hidden church. Theyre all pure evil, everyst one of them, but I think the rest might deserve some guidance, at least. But Im not the one who should be interested in guiding themnot when theyre trying to get me killed. No, what Im suggesting is for me. I want to exin my aplishments. I want to exin what theyll be losing for the war effort and the future, if they chain me up like a dog.


    Professor Jules sighed. Ive already exined that to them, Mr. Roth. Its no use.


    He shook his head. It ll have more impact if ites from <em>me.</em>


    The professor raised an eyebrow.


    Let me exin; they see me as this cowardly deserter. They see me as this useless Fool who ran from his rightful duty in order to save himself. They see me as someone <em>afraid</em> to face them, right? Well, what happens when I <em>do</em> face them? When I walk up to themhead held highand tell them from my own lips, <em>who</em> I am. Thats not exactly the move of a cowardly deserter. And even if High Priest Tobias doesnt change his mind about me? Then maybe the king will. If not him, then maybe his nobles. Maybe the court wizard. Or the soldiers. As long as I can nt some seeds of doubt in their minds, we could see their perception shift in <em>our</em> favour. And that can only help us.


    Professor Jules eyebrows knitted together. That is not even a hypothesis, Mr. Roth. Thats just supposition.


    Its experience. Alex tapped his right shoulder. For one: the Mark of the Fool has taught me a lot about how to change peoples minds and how to read them. Look at Merzhin: he was about as fanatical as fanaticse. If you or I had told him about the churchs nasty secrets, he wouldnt have believed us. But you know what changed his mind?


    Alex pointed to a painting on Jules wall depicting a beautiful garden filled with butterflies. <em>Seeing</em> the difference between what was real, and what was no more than an image in his mind; he couldnt deny what the hidden priests did to Carey. And because of that? The image of the churchthe one in his minpletely changed because of their actions. What if the Fool appears before the king and priests and <em>he</em> breaks the image they have in their minds. I think its worth a try; anything that might get them to change their minds, even a little. The more we make them question, the less likely they are toe after me, andwith any hopetheyll have a better chance of seeing things differently, making it easier for everyone when they eventually find out the truth about Uldarwell, <em>if</em> they do.


    They will capture you anyway, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules warned. No matter what you say to them.


    Then Ill just teleport away. As many times as I have to. To illustrate his point he teleported across Professor Jules office and back, startling the alchemist. Itll be a disy of power, one thatll show the king and the High Priest how futile trying to catch me would be.


    And what if the hidden church is there? Professor Jules pointed out. The First Apostle sounds very old and dangerous. I would be shocked if he is not currently trying to create a way to pen you inteleportation or not.


    Thats not as easy as it sounds; Hannahs power iswell, powerful. And more importantly. He rubbed his hands together like he was anticipating a delicious meal. If we bring along a powerful enough force with us, then well be able to stop them; try to capture me and get crushed right then and there.


    If only we would be so lucky, Professor Jules said grimly. Hmmmm, a powerful forcethe First Apostle and Third Aposte alone sound like monstrous opponents with well-trained strike forcespossible Ravener-spawn support. We would need to have our own <em>exceptionally </em>powerful force, or risk casualties in any battle that they would dly me us for. Hmmmm, that means a sizable force of Watchers. Maybe Gemini herselfperhaps Professor Mangal could summon something nasty. Hm, if only Baelin were here; this would be so simple. He would be our most powerful resource. Nothing elsees clo


    She paused, a deep frown crossing her features.


    Alex could see her thinking long and hard.


    What do you have in mind? Alex asked.


    A thought, but it could be nothing, she said.


    Anything I could help with? he asked.


    No, actually. Trust me: it would be better if youre not involved. It would be better if as few people as possible were involvedbut, it could work. I am going to try something, Mr. Roth, and if it works, we will have a shocking amount of strength with which to crush the hidden church or anyone fond of ambushes. Seeing as Im not sure whether or not it can be done, Ill keep the idea to myself for the moment.


    Alex was about to say something else, but the words died on his lips. He knew better. Fine, Im going to trust you.


    She smiled weakly. Thank you, Mr. Roth. Fine, then, I shall trust you as well. If you want toe to the meeting, then do so. But pleaseyou must be careful.


    I promise I will, professor, Alex said.


    No, listen to me. She looked at him solemnly. You must take care of yourself, Mr. Roth. Dont be another Miss London; I could not stand it. So, please, dont do that to me. Are we clear?


    Yes, were clear, Alex said. And I wont do that to you, professor.


    Good, then Ill arrange the meeting with Councillor Kartika as quickly as possible, she said. What will you do?


    I have to tell my friends whats happened, he said. They deserve to know and well have to get ready for whateversing.


    She looked at him gravely. Tell them to take care of themselves as well. I do not want any of their lives on my conscience.


    Ill tell them, professor. He lowered his head. Ill tell them. Ill see if I can meet up with them at Khaliks ce


    Good; keep me informed of where you are so I can send you a message as the situation develops. Now, if youll excuse me, I must go preparepossibly for war.

 Chapter 675: The Cabals Gathering with the Fool

    Chapter 675: The Cabal''s Gathering with the Fool


    Prince Khalik Behr-Medrs vi suited him perfectly.


    Peeking from behind a stone wall was an older grey building situated near the southern wall, standing at the end of a quiet boulevard on a hill, offering its upant a fine view of much of the district. A copper rooflong turned greencapped rough walls thick with ivy.


    Alex stepped through the open gate and was greeted by gardens abundant with shrubs, grapevines, fruit trees, patches of fragrant herbs, and flowers. A magical fountain sprayed jets of water high in the air, twisting it into a whirling column of droplets that swirled back into the basin, and repeated.


    Every nt in the garden was perfect, not a blemish anywhere to be seen. The young wizard paused, recognising Professor Salingers techniques from the look andposition of the soil, techniques he wasnt sure hed be using anytime soon, but for an earth mage like Khalik, they were key.


    Hummingbirds flitted from bloom to bloom, dipping long beaks into nectar, as a trio of frogs croaked below the fountains edge. Alex made his way to a courtyard ringed by a low inner wall enclosing outbuildings, more gardens, and the main house. He looked behind him. Lining the top of the outer wall like a row of gargoyles, a flock of crows had gathered, giving the peaceful scene an ominous turn.


    Omens of doom and gloom are kinda fitting right now, Alex muttered to himself, his hand reaching for the door knocker.


    A piercing screech startled him.


    Something blurred by, striking the ground.


    He yelped, instinctively raising his staff.


    Had the church found him? Did they send an assassin? Were they here to ambush him in front of his friends house?


    No.


    The only assassin around was Najyah, here killing his already tightly wound nerves. She clutched a freshly caught hare in her ws, keeping it pinned to the ground as it struggled to get away. The eagle turned her head to re at Alex as if daring him to approach her meal. Her back arched as she fixed him with a cold gaze, then abruptly turned away, totally disinterested.


    Bloody bird, the young wizard swore, you scared me


    Suddenly, the front doors burst open, revealing a certain muscr prince standing in the entranceway. He looked bewildered. Alex, I did not expect you to be here so soon. I heard someone scream and thought Najyah was chasing off some intruder. Thank the gods it was you. Come in. Come in.


    The prince waved him inside, barring the door behind him.


    You will have to forgive me; I would have gotten some proper food, but this meeting happened so suddenly. Khalik pointed to a spread of fresh fruit, vegetables and cheeses on the table. This is all I had time to prepare.


    Hey, man, it feels wild to me that Im about to eat <em>anything</em> prepared by a prince. Alex took a seat at the table, noting it was set for four.


    It is a privilege few will ever experience. Khalik grinned, sitting across from him. But, in truth, few royals in Tekezash can actually cook. Heughed, but theughter did not reach his eyes.


    It soon faded. Isolde and Thundar should be here shortly.


    Thats good, Alex said.


    Do you wish to talk before they arrive? Are you well? the prince said.


    No, man, not at all, Alex said grimly, reaching for some grapes. Im bloody tired. Part of me wishes I could teleport to Thamnd right now and p those bastards in their nasty faces. Another part wishes I had more time. Im trying to hold it together, butugh, my minds all over the ce.


    Mine would be too, the prince started to say. When I


    There was a knock at the door.


    Both young men slowly looked at it.


    Oi! Its Thundar! Isoldes right behind meshes paying the sky- gondolierlet us in, the minotaurs deep voice boomed.


    The prince and wizard breathed a sigh of relief, and Khalik stood up, going to the door.


    Alex fought a moment of panic, remembering how the wed hunters mimicked voices. He was already standing up when the prince unlocked the door, revealing a very worried looking minotaur on the other side.


    Behind him, Isolde had left the sky-gondolier just beyond Khaliks outer gate, she was jogging toward the minotaur.


    We are here, she said, giving Thundar a stern look. You <em>could</em> have contributed to the gondoliers fee.


    Youre rich, the minotaur fired back.


    Yes, well now so are you, cheap son of Gulbiff! Isolde snapped, stepping inside. Khalik closed the door behind them, barring it.


    Not as rich as you, Thundar said simply, taking a seat at the table. But uh, you know what, Ill get you next time. Besides, Alex shouldve just teleported us here, aint that right, Alex?


    The minotaur grinned at the young, Thameish wizard.


    But Alexs smile was tight. Forced.


    Thundars grin quickly vanished as Isolde took her seat at the table.


    The cabal was together again.


    Silence fell.


    Isolde nced at Thundar, then cleared her throat. Your message, Alexwouldyou care to give us more details.


    And so he did, telling them everything Professor Jules had told him, her concerns about all of it, and what they were nning.


    The cabal took it all in, silently, grimly.


    None of them took even a sliver of food from the table, only listening as Alex exined what the church had nned to do, and what Professor Jules and his response was going to be.


    He also told them about wanting to meet with Kartika, and how that meeting would likely decide his fate.


    When he was through, Khalik nodded gravely. So, atst, it hase to this. He looked at Alex. When you first told me your secret, I knew that a day woulde when we would need to defend that secret. Defend it, <em>and</em> you.


    And now that time hase, Isolde said, shaking her head. At the time you told me, it seemed like such a small distant, thing. She gave a bitterugh. The thing that I was most focused on then was how the Mark affected your ability in your studies. I was relieved when I learned that you had not simply overtaken me in terms of intelligence and work ethic. Now? Such thoughts seem irrelevant.


    I hear you, Alex said. Honestly, marks, tests, assignmentsthat all feels so small now.


    Which is ironic, since theyre gonna affect our future, Thundar added.


    I would not be so sure, Isolde said. My grandfather told me that the reason to achieve high marks is twofold: one for pride and prestige in school, and the other to demonstrate that you have properly absorbed the material. Wizardry is too dangerous to learn in half measures. We must know it well and cold. But She winced. and I cannot believe <em>I</em> am the one stating this, but he admitted that individual marks achieved during our university career will not help us much in life. How did he put it


    She drew herself up, her voice dropping low and deep. <em>Isolde, the number on any paper you achieve will seem like the end of the world to you. Exceptional sess will feel like life, while moderate sess will feel like crushing failure. But, Isolde, in even as short a time span as five years after youplete your final studiesgraduate level, of course, you are a Von Amnutyou will not even remember those numbers and sometimes you might catch yourself wondering why you worried about them at all. After all, no monarch will be interested in what your grade was in Magic Theory when they are selecting a court wizard. Any army you join will not demand your grade for your third year assignment in battle magic, and no entity that you conjure will ask for your final grade in your summoning assignment.</em>


    Isolde took a deep breath, tapping the side of her head. Then he tapped his temple and finished with: <em>However, that king will ask you to demonstrate your mightiest magics, and if you wreck yourself with a mana reversal, then it will be the end of your path through magic. An army will demand your greatest battle magics andif you do not know them wellyou will ensure that soldiers fighting on your side die. And die terribly. Andstly, while a demon or devil will have no interest in your final summoning grade, they will be very interested in the ws introduced into your summoning circle by sloppy work. In short,petence, confidence, and knowledge gained from your training will matter all your life. The numbers on a piece of parchment? They will be worth less than the ink used to write them.</em>


    Thundar gaped at Isolde. Are youfeeling okay, there?


    Have you taken ill? Khalik asked.


    Do you need to lie down? Alex said. Are you a mana vampire pretendingbadlythat youre Isolde?


    Honestly, I feel the same as you; at the time, my grandfathers words seemedpletely misguided. I had thought them out of touch and that marks were of the utmost importance. But are they? she said. I am not so sure. Look at what Alex has achieved: in your businesses, have any of your prospective clients asked you about your marks?


    No, Alex admitted.


    My potential academic supervisors for my graduate studies are interested in my markswhich are still essentially perfect, I might add, she sniffed. But they show more interest in my <em>interests</em>, the research I have performed on the expedition, my battle experience, my rtionship with Baelin, and even my connection to my grandfathermy marks seem almost secondary. And now, here we are, speaking of the apocalypticing of the church of a dead god. It makes all talk of marks seem rather frivolous.


    I hear you, Prince Khalik said.


    Yeah, Alex agreed. At this point, if it wasnt for the Marks downsides, I might be able to challenge the Exam for Credit for every single ss I have, then graduate at the same time as Isolde.


    Show off, Thundar grunted.


    Thundar, my brother, your girlfriend is a <em>dragon</em>, Prince Khalik said pointedly. You do not get to call <em>anyone</em> a show off. Ever again.


    A dragon yer, Isolde said. But without the s.


    Isolde! Thundar gasped. Look, weve been on <em>one</em> date! We e on, dont make this weird! Andwait, how are <em>you</em> the one making that joke?


    Her smile was evil. Thundar. Remember all of the hell you and everyone else gave me over Cedric? Cold blue eyes turned toward Alex and Khalik. You will all feel my wrath in time. But, we are getting distracted. Alex, tell us your thoughts.


    The young, Thameish wizard blew his breath out. Look, thanks for lightening the situation up. I kinda needed to hear some normal conversation right now, and well, Im worried about the future, to be honest. Things <em>should</em> be alright, but who knows how Councillor Kartika will react. And <em>shes</em> a big deal; if she decides I need to be handed over to preserve rtions with Thamnd, then thats it for me.


    I would hope not, Khalik said. But I could see it. Monarchs and nobles wit timescapture fugitives from outside their realm, if they are important enough; surrendering them to their pursuers can mean<strong></strong>having a debt owed to them. Perhaps Generasi will want Thamnd to owe them.


    Thamnd already owes Generasi a lot, Alex said. Butugh, yeah, maybe the council will want to give me up in return for exclusive harvesting rights to dungeon cores.


    Yeah, specially if people here start turning against you, Thundar growled. They might me you for shit you never did. Like, you know, for all those people who died trying to harvest dungeon cores in Thamnd? Maybe theyll me you for that.


    Really? WhyOh, Alex groaned, catching the minotaurs logic. If I hadnt discovered the dungeon core essence, or never showed it to Baelin and Professor Jules, then there never would have been a dungeon core rush. Those folk would still be alive. In a twisted way, I get it.


    Even my cousin might take issue with you, Isolde said grimly. The attack on his vi was by Ravener-spawn, after all. I could see how he might me you for putting his family and guests in danger. Come to think of it, his guests might me you as well.


    Alex felt something wither inside himself.


    He slowly met Isoldes gaze. And what about you? Do you me me for the attack?


    Isolde looked at him carefully, then sighed, blowing ck bangs away from her eyes. I shall be honest with you. Under slightly different circumstances? Yes. Yes I absolutely would.

 Chapter 676: The Cabals Fellowship

    Chapter 676: The Cabal''s Fellowship


    Alexs question for Isolde didnte easy. In a way, hed never wanted to ask it, too frightened of what her answer might be. It was a question hed even avoided asking himself for the longest time, but eventually he had, finding peace with himself. The attack on Patrizia DePaolos ballwhich felt like a lifetime agowas what hed wrestled with, wondering if he was to me. He knew for certain that the attack never would have happened if he hadnt left Thamnds shores. That was a fact, just as it was a fact that he had no way of knowing what <em>would</em> have happened<strong></strong>if<strong></strong>hed epted his duties and simply served the other Heroes as the Fool.


    But, he could make some pretty good guesses, most involving him lying dead in a cave somewhere, his corpse now nothing but bones.


    He also knew that Uldars secrets wouldnt have been revealed.


    The power of dungeon core essence would never have been uncovered.


    Untold numbers of dead demons would still be alive, roaming free to torment mortals.


    Hannah might have never developed a stronger connection with the material world.


    The hidden church wouldnt have been exposed.


    Andwhen the Heroes eventually defeat the Ravenerthe cycle would have just continued century after century, destroying innocent Thameish lives. More lives would continue to be shattered, including endless streams of Chosens, Champions, Sages, Saints and Fools, fighting the futile wars of a dead god.


    Another cost if he''d followed that <em>duty</em>? His sister would no longer have a brother, Theresa would have lost her best friend, and there would be no ygon.


    For all the good that his leaving Thamnd had brought, there were also lives taken that likely would not have been lost had he just quietly epted his fate.


    Carey would still be walking the halls of Generasi, in all likelihood, researching alchemy, looking for a permanent solution to the Ravener, still happily hosting meetings with members of Campus for Uldar.


    People whod died after the Ravener became more aggressive would likely still be alive, including those whod died on the expedition.


    For that matter, thered be no expedition between Thamnd and Generasi.


    He vividly remembered the attack on Patrizia DePaolos ball, and would for the rest of his days.


    If hed been in Thamnd, Uldars Ravener-spawn wouldnt have been there, leading a horde of monsters into a moonlit garden. Everyone who''d been maimed, traumatised, or killed, would be well, reliving wonderful memories of a magical evening spent dining, drinking, dancing and sharing time together.


    For the longest time, part of him would wonder if Isolde med him for what had happened, but hed been too afraid to voice the question.


    Now, hed finally said the words, and shed answered with:


    <em>I shall be honest with you. Under slightly different circumstances? Yes. Yes I absolutely would have.</em>


    He had to know what that meant.


    Khalik and Thundar were silent, exchanging nervous nces.


    What circumstances, Isolde? Alex asked.


    Her answer came quickly and decisively. If you had <em>known</em> that you were being hunted by these wed beaststhat they had tracked you all the way from Thamndand that you were the target of their violence while you walked around the school and then my cousins ball without telling anyone?


    Her lips pressed together in a thin line. If you had risked so many peoples lives simply because you wanted to have fun? Then yes, I would have med you. I would have done <em>more</em> than simply med you. But you did not know.


    No Alex said. But from the moment I picked up the dungeon core and found out that mortals could link with them, I knew that someone or something would likelye after me.


    Yes, but did you know that with certainty, or were you <em>guessing?</em> Isolde raised an eyebrow. If you did not know, then you did not know. It is as simple as that. How could I judge you for it? I am a noble and the granddaughter of one of the most powerful wizards in all the Rhinean Empire. Naturally, I was the target of all manner of plots when I was younger. Including kidnap and assassination plots.


    As was I, Khalik admitted.


    And we could only guess as to whether or not we would be targeted in Generasi. In fact, you had less evidence and experience to suggest you would be a target than either myself or Khalik. She sniffed. And, Alex, you have studied too long to conte guesses with actual knowledge. You only had guesses and the vaguest of guesses, at that. There was no evidence to make you believe that you were actively cing yourself or anyone else in danger by going to my cousins ball, she paused. I will tell you something. If nothing else could have convinced me that you did not know, this alone would have... You brought your young sister and Theresa with you, and I know you well enough to be certain that you would never risk them, no matter what. So, my answer? I do not me you. I me your filthy, dead god.


    She snatched a grape from the tter, angrily grinding it between her teeth. That is one very good reason why we worship the elements in the Rhinean Empire; the elements can be cruel, unwavering, and destructive. But they do not connive. They do not lie.


    Yeah, that sounds kinda nice, Alex said, with some bitterness. Anduh, thank you. Hearing what you think means a lot. And, for what its worth, I wish Id known for sure that I was being hunted; I definitely wouldve stayed away from your cousins party. I would have made a <em>lot</em> of different choices.


    I wish that we all had more information, Isolde said, her eyes dropping and shoulders slumping. If we had, then we could have saved many from harm at my cousins vibut the trouble is not what information we had or did not have, but what folk will<em> perceive </em>that we had.


    Her blue eyes bored into Alexs. I will not lie to you, though, this will not look good from Giuseppes perspective. When your secret reaches him, all he will see is that a disguised Thameish fugitive came to his ball, and a pack of Thameish monsters attacked his guests, causing a lot of harm. I promise to try and convince himand those in his circlethat none of us knew there could be the possibility of an attack, but he will already know that we kept one secret from him. So why would he not suspect us of keeping more?


    And besides, the truth might not matter, Khalik said. People will look for someone to me, and you will be an easy target, Alex. What of you, though, Isolde? Do you think this will cause a rift in your rtionship with Giuseppe?


    I surely hope not, but I suspect that it will. If he learns I kept Alexs secret from him, then he might me me anyway, she said sadly. I do not want any trouble with him, but the choice is not mine to make.


    It would be a pity for him to turn against kin over Uldars crimesand then there is Sinope to think of as well. Khalik nced through the window at the garden outside. The dryads have had good rtions with your cousin; I would not wish for our conflict to spill over to her people.


    Well, thats the problem with conflict. Thundar scooped up a handful of cheese, stuffing it in his mouth. Sometimes it just starts swinging at you when you werent even doing anything. Hell, sometimes it hurts people who werent involved with it <em>more</em> than it does the ones who started it. Back home, I remember seeing a couple of young warriors get into this brawldont know what it was even aboutwell, they were swinging at each other, locking horns, pounding the ground with their hooves when one of their fists went wide and smashed into this fellow who was just passing by. The poor guy dropped like a rock while the two fighting assholes just kept at it like nothing happened.


    Alex growled. Uldar started all this, and we have to suffer for his choicesmeanwhile, hes too damned dead to face a single consequence. Its maddening, and Im sick of this bullshit.


    Then better to have this situation resolved as quickly as possible, Isolde leaned forward in her chair. Have you and Professor Jules made progress with his notes?


    Alex raised his hand, teetering it back and forth. Weve been working on them, but havent really made a lot of progress. We have to go through his notes line by line, then test all of his secret forme to see how they coordinate with modern alchemy. It basically means that every time we find a new formand theres a <em>lot</em> of them in that bookwe have to extrapte what it might be, run experiments using the form, then see if we can reverse engineer what its equivalent is in modern alchemy. The process is bloody slow, and its not like weve had a ton of timetely.


    That is understandable. Isolde leaned back. Perhaps I can be of assistance then. Admittedly, Ick Professor Jules experience, and you have the Mark to enhance your proficiency and knowledge, but I am a good alchemist. A very good alchemist. If you give me ess to yourboratory, then I can run my own experiments. Or maybe, I can ask Professor Jules for ess to one of hersyes, I think that will work better.


    You dont have to do that, Isolde. Alex waved a hand. Look, youre in your final year; those arent exactly easy courses youre taking, and youre still on the expedition.


    And I shall excel at my studies, the expedition, and this, she said. Butas we knowthe situation is dire, and sometimes there are things more important than studies.


    Khalik and Thundar looked at each other.


    Nope, I cannot take it! the prince cried. Once was enough, but saying something like that twice? I feel faint!


    He copsed from the table while the minotaur flopped on the ground, tugging at his horns.


    The world is ending! Thundar cried. Flee! Flee for your liv


    The world will truly be endingbut just for the two of youif you do not stopughing at me this instant! the young noblewoman cried.


    Laughing, the prince and minotaur got back in their chairs.


    Alex called on every bit of training and every fibre of his will to not crack a smile.


    By the Traveller, I love these people, he thought.


    Alright! Thundar pped. Lets focus up, again. Were a cabal, and one of our members is in trouble. Lets figure out what we can do next. Alex, do you want us to spread what we saw at Uldars Rise? Tell our own stories about the great stuff you did?


    No, I think youre too close to me for that. the Thameish wizard shook his head. Remember when Govert Berensteyn tried to shut down the bakery the day we opened? Well, the reason his n failed was because it was obvious. We were only open for a few <em>hours</em> and all of a sudden, theres all these people on every street corner iming our food poisoned them? I mean, sure, if we hadnt caught the scam, it could have workedit <em>was</em> working for a whilebut imagine if hed been subtle, patient and waited? What if hed had his agents talk about being poisoned over a period of days, weeks or even months? You know, just telling friends, letting those friends tell other friends, allowing the news to spread from person to person. His scheme would have been a lot harder to detect andby the time I figured out that something fishy was going onthe damage would have been done.


    In a nod to Isoldes grandfathers wisdom, he tapped the side of his skull. Weve got to be smarter than that.


    The young noblewoman smiled at the tribute.


    We wont make Goverts mistakes, Alex continued. We have to let the rumours about me travel naturally. Theyre already starting to spread, so all we have to do is <em>let</em> them.


    Well, we cant just sit on our butts and do nothing, Thundar rumbled.


    Agreed, Khalik said.


    Absolutely not, Isolde added.


    You wont be doing nothing, Alex promised. Youll be listening. Gathering information and telling me if you hear anyone talking about the Fool, and what kind of talk youre hearing. Thatll help me get an idea of what the wizard-councils response <em>might</em> be: if public opinion is bad, then itll be easy for them to make me someone elses problem.


    Thats easy: wed be listening anyway! So, how about this? When you go confront your king? Well be right there with you. Thundar grinned.


    My experience with nobility might help in this situation, Isolde drew herself up to her full height, her chin rising. The von Anmut family has engaged in many matters of diplomacy.


    And Ive had my share of speaking to kings, Khalikughed. If worstes to worstif he is a monarch who has no interest in discussions withmonersI can have my title announced and speak to him on your behalf.


    Alex startled. Youd do that for me?


    In a heartbeat! Khalik sped him by the shoulder. What sort of friend would I be if I did not?


    Thundar cracked his knuckles. I wont have any fancy words or titles to help you with, but hells, if anything goes wrong, then Im gonna bust some damned heads.


    Alex felt a lump in his throat.


    Listen to me, a lot of things have gone right and wrong in my lifebut meeting the three of you was one of therightest things that has ever happened to me, the young wizard said, his voice shaking. No one in the world has friends like mine. No one in the world.


    You are wrong, Khalik said. We do. Because we have each other, and you are our friend.


    The young Thameish wizard choked up, remembering a day long agowhen hed followed a prince into the woods, looking for arge eagle.


    Thank youthank you was all he could say.

 Chapter 677: The Storm before the Storm

    Chapter 677: The Storm before the Storm


    Speaking of friends, Thundar said. What about the Heroes? Do they know whats happening? I think theyd have something to say about all this.


    Professor Jules sent Tyris to tell them, Alex said. But they havent answered her yet. Im wondering how theyll react.


    I can tell you that Cedric will be very unimpressed, Isolde said.


    Drestra even less impressed, Thundar said.


    But what will they do? Alex said. A message like thatll be pretty shocking to hear, but, whatever happens, I dont expect them to start a rebellion against the realm or anything.


    As the words left his lips, a gentle tapping came from the window. Everyone startled, spotting a butterfly-shaped construct on the window ledge.


    Its one of Professor Jules messenger constructs, he said, as Khalik hurried to the window.


    The construct fluttered inside, settling on the table with a note tied to its bronze leg.


    Jules neat handwriting said:


    <em>Spoke with Councillor Kartika.</em>


    <em>She said she cannot resolve this on her own.</em>


    <em>You and I will meet with the Wizard Council of Generasi in one week from today, at noon.</em>


    Alexs jaw dropped. Oh, by the Traveller


    What is it? Khalik asked.


    I have to present myself before the entire ruling council of wizards, he swallowed. Im expected to argue my case before them.


    ###


    The wind whipped Alex Roths soggy cloak.


    In the distance, lightning struck the Prinean sea, illuminating the<strong></strong>storm. ck clouds roiled overhead as a cold rainshed him and the crimson wind and rain shield above him.


    Despite the chill, the young wizard didnt seem to mind.


    He was soaring through the skythe city of Generasi far belowweaving through the storm with an Orb of Air covering his head. His eyes were fixed on his destination, his breath was even, his heartbeat steady. He felt like he was riding the storm as he teleported through the elements.


    Lightning shed above the raging ocean as Alex counted the seconds. Teneleventwelve


    Thunder rolled, and exploded.


    The young wizard vanished.


    In one breath, he was hovering above the city, the next, he was over the raging sea. Thunder rumbled on the horizon while Alex peered through the storm, searching for the faint blue glow of Generasis lighthouse.


    Hard to know where I am, he muttered, teleporting to the Barrens of Kravernus with its blistering sun and terrible heat. In the distance, the storm cloud hungdark and threateninglooming over the city and ocean beyond it.


    I shot past the storm, Alex said, pleased with the distance hed travelled. Lets see how far I can go this time.


    The young wizard vanished from the Barrens, reappearing beneath the storm clouds, icy rain battering him.


    The good news is, I can teleport through the storm no problem, the bad news is, visibility is low.


    He scanned the sea, knowing <em>roughly</em> where he was from many hours practising there in good weather, but with fierce winds pushing him off course, he couldnt be precise. Every familiarnd or seamark was impossible to find in the storm.


    Itd be easy to get lost in this kind of weather, he noted. So, maybe to be on the safe side, if a storm catches me by surprise in the empire, Ill have to teleport back to a ce Ive already been to since I wont be able to rely on my sight for navigation. Not thatOh shit!


    A blinding sh of light split the sky, illuminating the world as lightning struck the sea.


    Yeeeeeah, maybe nows a good time to start the next test.


    Concentrating, Alex formed an image in his mind: a view of the storm from where hed been, deep in the Barrens of Kravernusseventy miles away. He thought of ck clouds


    and blue skies above them.


    Fixing the image in his mind, he touched a glyph on his belt buckle.


    The heat glyph flickered to life, surrounding him in warmth.


    In an instant, he was gone, teleporting above the clouds, jumping over twelve miles.


    Inky cloud cover and crashing waves vanished, and in a blink, he was floating in the vast blue sky with the sun and barely visible stars high above him.


    Far below, the storm kept raging; ck clouds were streaked by bolts of blue-white lightning. Thunder rumbled belowyet, it all seemed so small from his vantage point.


    From where he floated, he was so far above the storm, it could no longer touch him. The lofty view made him feel like he had all the power in the world, looking down on it like a god.


    So this is what its like to be above it allor nearly all Alex whispered, looking up at the muted stars. Baelins view must be even more spectacr. I wonder how it feels, floating in the gulf between worlds, seeing stars up close while looking down on our?


    A twinge of envy hit him.


    I wish I could take his ce for a while, he muttered, watching the tempest below.


    Beneath that storm, another one brewed: one crafted for him alone.


    In less than twenty-four hours, he would meet with the ruling wizard council of Generasi; the most politically powerful force in the city of wizards. The rulers andmanders of the city.


    Each wizard was powerful in their own right, wielding seventh-tier spells and above, but it was the strength of their words that mattered to him, not the strength of their magic. Tomorrow, they would decide his fate. If he argued his case well, he could continue living in Generasi, working with the expedition to destroy the Ravener. The city would serve as his base as he explored the Irtyshenan Empire.


    He could continue growing his businesses


    all would be well, or at least as well as it could be living with the threat of an entitled organisation dedicated to destroying him hanging over his head.


    But, if the council decreed that he must be sent back to Thamnd?


    Hed have to disappear.


    There would be no life in Generasi for the foreseeable future, not until the Ravener was destroyed, and perhaps not even then.


    Alex had to face the real possibility that his lifeas he knew itwould end tomorrow.


    Just like when I got Marked, he whispered, considering his future. But maybe Ill be able to adapt again. I adapted to the Mark, after allI adapted to mum and dad dyingI adapted to McHarris...


    His jaw clenched and he raised his head to the sky.


    Im <em>tired</em> of adapting! he shouted. Cant I just keep this? Cant I just <em>have</em> this? I dont want to leave Generasi! Dont I deserve this?


    If the Travelleror any other deitywas listening, they did not answer.


    His face flushed red with frustration. Well, nice going, Alex; here you are screaming at the sky like some maniac. Ugh. Come on, keep it together. Youve done everything you can. You can do this. You can make your case.


    He thought about the preparations hed made: growing his reputation, solidifying his name, making himself indispensableall in the service of making it hard to just toss him away like a piece of trash.


    He considered his meetings with Professor Jules; he and she had spent hours preparing for the meeting, but, how do you <em>truly</em> prepare for the unknown.


    Ive, uh, never appeared before the wizard council before, Professor Jules had admitted nervously. Ive <em>met</em> some of thembut never in such a formal capacity. Im not sure how much help I will be, Mr. Roth. But I will try.


    And hopefully, their efforts would be enough.


    They <em>had</em> to be.


    Maybe after this, life will stop throwing storms at me, he said quietly, looking down at the clouds. He wrapped his arms around himself. At least for a little while.


    He was shivering.


    By the Traveller, its bloody cold up here! His teeth chattered. <em>Concords Guide to the Sky </em>said high altitudes have little air and temperatures <em>well</em> below freezing, but I didnt think itd be this cold.


    The biting cold seeped through his wet clothing in spite of the warming glyph. His breath misted in the Orb of Air.


    Maybe I should get back, he said. The others are probably worried.


    Theresa, ygon, and Selina hadnt wanted him practising teleportation in such bad weather, but hed argued that a storm was an opportunity he should take advantage of.


    When Im in the Irtyshenan Empire, there wont always be good weather, hed said. Therell be blizzards, ice storms, and Traveller knows what else for me to deal with; apparently whiteouts aremon there. I need to test how extreme weather affects me when I teleport; if itll throw my aim off, or how itll affect my ability to navigate.


    His words, while true, were also an excuse to be alone for a while.


    Over the past week, hed been feeling like his nerves were on the verge of snapping, so hed just wanted to get away for a while, to be distracted, and the storm was the perfect distraction.


    Alright, down below the clouds onest time, he said. Then, Id better get back home. The lightning seems to have moved off a bit.


    Concentrating, Alex teleported below the clouds.


    The roaring sea was now below him, and the raging clouds above.


    No problems teleporting below the clouds eitherand Im already warming up. Well He looked around. I still cant see anything, though


    He went quiet, squinting at the sea.


    What <em>is</em> that?


    He saw something.


    Roughly a thousand feet belowa tiny orange light bobbed on the crashing waves.


    Was there a ship burning down there?


    Is some sea monster, luring unsuspecting seafarers.


    He had to find out.


    Alex teleported toward the light, aiming for a space in the sky roughly a hundred feet above it; he materialised, hovering over a ship struggling on the waves, antern burned in its crows nest. Most of its sails were furled in the high windskeeping them from tearing from their masts. The only sails still flying were the topsail and headsail, barely keeping the ship from pitching over.


    The boat moved through the rough waters at an angle, its crew desperate to keep it upright.


    Alex spotted tiny figures staggering across the deck; most gripped ropes, pulleys, and rails to save themselves from being tossed overboard, but some careened across the deck, fighting to tighten loose rigging and tackle.


    Holy shit! he gasped.


    The storm hade on fast, it seemed the crew had gotten caught before they could secure the ship.


    He concentrated, poised to teleport and offer help, when a sailor suddenly lost bnce, flying through the air as the hull hit a surging wave. The young mans cry was drowned by raging winds as he tumbled overboardilinginto the sea.


    Shit! Alex teleported above the water, searching for the fallen sailor, blinded by the darkness. Quickly materialising in hisb, he grabbed the aeld staff, an instantter, he was back, raising it high, drawing on its power, conjuring a swarm of forceballs.


    With a wave of his hand, he sent the balls of light through the storm, illuminating the sea.


    The sailor was nowhere to be seen.


    Come on! Come on! he shouted, frantically looking around. He must be underwater! Hes gonna drown!


    Alex called on the power of his staff, drawing on a well of mana to summon a sixth-tier spell.


    The air shimmered and a greater water elementalthe same one hed conjured when hed broken through to sixth-tierappeared.


    It sshed into the churning waves, raising a translucent tentacle.


    Theres a mortal under the water! Alex shouted in an elemental tongue of water. Please find him!


    With a deep gurgle, the elemental dove.


    Oi! A deep voice suddenly yelled from above. Whos that down there?


    Alex looked up, craning his neck at a selechar leaning over the side of the shippositioned to leap over the railinggaping at him from above.


    Gel-Dor? the young wizard shouted at the first-mate of the<em> Red Siren, </em>shocked at finding the crew of the ship that had brought him to Generasi, fighting their way through the Prinean in the middle of a storm.

 Chapter 678: The Fool and the Siren against the Storm

    Chapter 678: The Fool and the Siren against the Storm


    Alex didnt know which was the bigger shock; finding Gel-Dor in the middle of a storm at sea, or seeing the crewman wash overboard. Whichever it was, the lost sailor took priority.


    One of your crew fell overboard! he shouted, immediately feeling stupid.


    Of course he knows that, you fool! he thought. Why else would he be half- way over the side?


    I sent him some help! he shouted again. But I dont know how fast itll find him!


    Gel-Dor peered through the storm at the crimson-illuminated wizard. WaitAlex? he cried. What are you doing her


    A massive waterspout erupted; the ocean swelled as the greater water elemental surfaced with the sailor wrapped in its tentacles. Forceballs drifted to the pair, shining on the mans face.


    He wasnt moving.


    I dont think hes breathing! the young wizard cried, teleporting to the water elemental, quickly touching it and the sailor. In a blink, they were behind Gel-Dor on the deck of the <em>Red Siren.</em>


    Alexhis flight magic stopping him from pitching over the railingwatched the greater water elemental wrap tentacles around a mast, securing itself to the rolling deck.


    Lay him down, but hold him in ce! he called, startling Gel-Dor. The first mate whirled, gaping at the young wizard. you were just His eyes shifted from Alex to the sailor. Nevermind! Fan-Dor! Bemirs not breathing!


    The first mate crouched by the sailors side, as a loud voice came from the ship''s stern.


    Captain Fan-Dorshirtless and with every thick muscle bulginggripped the helm for dear life. His voice was strained. I cant let go, brother! He roared over the storm. This windll take the ship and well <em>all</em> be in the drink before


    Pausing, he noticed the neers.


    What th he shouted. Arms up! We haveWait


    Brother, its Alex Roth! Gel-Dor was on his knees, rocking back and forth beside the crewmans still form.


    Have you lost your mind? How could Alex possibly be out here in this storm? Anyway, nevermind that for now, I cant let go of the helm! the captain ordered. Youll have to help Bemir as best you can!


    By the ckest trench! Gel-Dor pressed both hands to the mans chest. Dont you die on me!


    Hold on! Alex knelt beside the sailors. I might be able to help! He spoke to the greater water elemental. Can you suck the sea water out of his lungs? Not the other liquids in his body, just the salt water in his lungs. We just need his airway cleared!


    The elemental gurgled, reaching out with a tentacle, sliding it into Bemirs nose and mouth. Letting out another gurgle, the tentacle expanded, swelling in size as it syphoned ocean water from the unconscious sailors chest.


    Whats it doing? Gel-Dor shouted above the wind. I caught some of your wordsthey were from an elemental water tongue, right? I understood something about water and body!


    Yeah, Alex watched Bemirs chest closely. Im having my friend here suck the water out of his lungs to revive himthere, all done!


    The tentacle slid from the sailors still face.


    Dammit! Check his heart, see if its beating!


    Gel-Dor leaned forward, pressing his ear to the crewmans chest. His face fell. I dont hear anything


    A loud boom exploded, the ship struck a wave, sea water cascaded over the deck, nearly sweeping Alex, Gel-Dor, and Bemir into the sea. The greater water elemental gripped the unconscious sailor, holding him down as the ship strained. Alex raised his staff, calling a lesser air elemental.


    I need your help. Can you blow fresh air into his lungs? The young wizard pointed the aeld at the sailor, feeling his power surge, blood magic connecting them as his mana entered Bemirs motionless form.


    With Mana to Life, Alex shared his energy with the sailor while the lesser elemental gently eased air into his nose and throat.


    All around them the wind screamed and sheets of rain pounded the deck.


    Bemiry stone still


    Until


    He took a deep rasping breath.


    His face contorted and his chest heaved.


    What happened? he croaked, wing at the lesser water elemental.


    Bemir! Gel-Dor shouted, taking hold of the frantic man.<strong></strong>Youre alive!


    Alex sighed. Thank the Traveller, now weve got to keep him and the rest of you that way!


    ck clouds swirled above the ship, moving faster.


    Hed been outside the storm; hed seen how bad it was. He knew there was little chance of it ending soon. If anything, the wind seemed to be picking up.


    Time was short<strong>, </strong>he had to act now.


    Were gonna ride out this storm! Fan-Dors voice boomed across the ship. No storm has ever sunk the <em>Red Siren</em> yet, and this one wont be the end of her or us! Hold tight! Were gonna make it!


    Another wave crashed across the deck, battering the ship.


    Alex didnt know if Fan-Dor was righthe was the experienced sailor, after allbut the young wizard decided to increase the odds that he would be. Raising his staff, he called on its internal energies, connecting to the elemental ne of air.


    Mana raged through him as he thrust the aeld to the skylightning cracked across the sea at his backand the air began to ripple.


    Four hulking greater air elementalsshaped like cumulonimbus clouds appeared in quick session, crackling with their own internal lightning, swimming through the air around him, murmuring in voices of wind.


    <em>What do you wish of us?</em>


    <em>Why have you called us?</em>


    <em>What a wondrous storm!</em>


    <em>The wind is howling with us!</em>


    Elemental kindred! he called. Those who Sweep Across the Sky, heed my call. Surround this ship with a current of winds to ease the burden on its sails! Help it sail to where I guide you!


    The greater air elementals whispered.


    <em>It will be done,</em> they said together, rising through the air, encircling the ship.


    As one, they seemed to exhale, releasing a tremendous breath, blowing gusts into the storms teethlessening the impact of the gale battering the<em> Red Siren.</em>


    By Ek-u-Dari! Captain Fan-Dor sounded amazed. I cant believe this! Theres much less pressure on the helm!


    Alex spoke to the greater water elemental. My friend, I need you to go beneath the ship and control the keel. Hold it steady, keep it pointing forward.


    The greater air elemental gurgled in acknowledgement.


    I know you wont be able to do it by yourself, but you wont be alone! Ill be right back!


    <em>Buddy, Iming to get you. Were going to have a lot of work to do in about five seconds! </em>Alex informed ygon through their link.


    <em>YesfatherI will be ready</em> the golem answered.


    The greater water elemental released Bemir<strong></strong>and slid toward the ships port side.


    Wait Gel-Dor began, but Alex was already gone.


    He appeared in the kitchen, startling Selina, who was doing her homework at the table.


    ygon was already marching toward him.


    Outside, thunder boomed as rainshed the windows.


    Alex! You scared me! his sister cried. Whats going on? ygon said you wereing to get him?


    Captain Fan-Dor and Gel-Dor are out in that storm! the young wizard told her. Ill be back!


    O-okay! her eyes went wide as her brother cast flight magic on ygon then reached for his arm.


    Instantly, they vanished.


    By Ek-u-Dari! Gel-Dor jumped when they reappeared. Whats happening?


    Were getting you out of this storm, thats whats happening! Alex called back.


    The ship was already steadier; the elementals were doing their work.


    Buddy, were going to get this ship to safety, he said. Im going need you to pull it. You think you can do that?


    ygon looked down at the ship for a long moment.


    <em>FatherI could have done it one evolution ago</em>


    Perfect, Ill get you something to pull it with. Come on, lets get to the front of the ship! Alex led the golem toward the <em>Red Sirens</em> forecastle.


    The fronts called the bow! Gel-Dor informed them.


    We can take a bow <em>after</em> were out of this storm! Alex called back.


    No, thatswait, was that on purpose? the first mate demanded, but the wizard was already focused on the monster he was conjuring.


    His inner powebined with the aeld staffs energiesreached down to the lower nes, calling a familiar evil spirit.


    There came a sound of metal clinking against metal, and suddenly, the hellchainer sprang onto the forecastle, hissing at Alex.


    <em>What do you desire?</em>


    I need you to conjure a chain! the wizard shouted over the storm. As thick as you can make it!


    The hellchainer raised its arms and a massive chain burst from metal links enveloping its body, thick enough to anchor the<em> Siren</em>. Alex cast body enhancement magic on himself then wrapped the chain around the ships nearest mast.


    His muscles strained with effort.


    ygon took a hold of the chain and flew straight ahead,<em></em>keeping the links taut.


    Alex concentrated, reaching for thest ce hed teleported to. He thrust the staff in that direction, toward home.


    That way, ygon.


    <em>Yesfather!</em>


    And he pulled, taking the ship toward Generasi, adjusting direction as it crashed through churning waves.


    The <em>Red Siren </em>stabilised, rocking quieted, the sound of groaning and straining nks grew faint. The ship was an ind of calm in a terrible storm, being pulled by ygon, protected by greater air elementals, and stabilised by the greater water elemental below the sea.


    Captain Fan-Dorughed, his muscles rxing as the helm eased in his hands. It feels like were sailing through a light wind right now! What a difference! This is incredible!


    It wontst forever! Alex called back. Im going to keep the summoned monsters here as long as I can, but my staffs eventually going to run out of power.


    Cant be having that! the captain barked, eyeing the air elementals. Can those pet clouds of yours blow wind into our sails?


    Sure! Alex floated to the main mast. I can summon another one and have it blow air directly into the sails, if thats what you need?


    Wed be much obliged if you did! The captain suddenly glowered, noticing his crew still clinging to ropes, railings and rigging. Well dont just stand there you limp armed bastards! Unless your name is Bemir, and you just nearly drowned, I want you up and unfurling those sails! Weve got ourselves a private wind, and by Ek-u-Dari, were not wasting it! Up, youzy bastards, up!


    Get to work! Gel-Dor roared, helping Bemir below deck. Or Ill make sure you <em>wished </em>the storm took ya!


    Shoulder to shoulder, the crew of the <em>Red Siren</em> sprang to life, rushing around, unfurling storm sails, raising them up the masts until they were wide and billowing in the wind.


    As promised, Alex conjured a fifth greater air elemental, instructing it to fill the sails with wind so the ship could cut through the Prinean faster. With ygons tremendous strength, the five greater air elementals wind power, and the water elementals guidance below the surface, the<em> Red Siren</em> skimmed the waves, riding them toward Generasi and safety.


    They sailed along with Alex repeatedly calling on fresh allies to help as others disappeared back to their home nes. He offered his strength where it was needed, flying from crewman to crewman, helping with rigging, pulleys and sails, helping the ship and its crew get to shore.


    In a voice that was like music to everyones ears, a sailor announced: There! In the distance! I see the lighthouse! Were almost to shore!


    That weing beacon; the blue light of Generasis lighthouse beckoned to them, calling them tond.


    ygon, Alex, and his summoned monsters took the<em> Red Siren</em> through the worst of the storm, its peak lessening the closer they came to shore. Throughshing rain, the lighthouses light grew ever brighter, untilfinally, the shadow of Generasis walls rose on the horizon.


    Shore neared.


    Safetyy ahead.


    When, atst, the <em>Red Siren</em> reached the port of the city of wizards, Captain Fan-Dor heaved a heavy sigh of relief. Brother, the next time you hear me say I want to go back to Generasi for some excitement? Remind me of this. This wasnt exactly the kind of excitement I was thinking about!

 Chapter 679: The Sirens Gratitude

    Chapter 679: The Siren''s Gratitude


    Were in your debt! Fan-Dor leaned across the table in the portside taproom as a tall hearth cast flickering light across the selechars face. The ships captain slid a foaming tankard of ale to Alex. Three cheers, for Alex Roth! The best wizard that ever set foot on the <em>Red Siren!</em>


    A roar of approval erupted from a grateful crew now filling the taproom to bursting.


    Uh, Alex muttered. Thanks!


    Uh, thanks, he says? Gel-Dorughed. The hero of the hour says uh thanks? Thats all?


    Humble man! Fan-Dor said. Lets see if we cant get this humble man so drunk, he wont be able to walk again!


    Another cheer ran through the tavern, one so infectious, its few patrons and the barkeep grinned, seeming ready to join in.


    After the harrowing trip through the stormstruck Prinean, Captain Fan-Dor with help from ygon, and Alexs summoned monsters, managed to dock the<em> Red Siren</em> in Generasis port. Waves battered the ship during the docking, preventing Fan-Dor from dropping the gangnk, so Alex obliged the crew by taking them ashore in threes and fours until everyone was safely onnd.


    A very grateful Fan-Dor had thrown his arms around the broad-shouldered wizard and half-dragged, half-carried him to the nearest dockside tavern.


    And thats wherestill high on living through their wild battle with the stormthe crew of the<em> Red Siren</em> celebrated, seemingly intent on emptying every cask in the ce.


    Alex nursed his beer, his mind still mulling over everything that had happened.


    There hed been, alone in the sky, practising teleportation while mentally preparing for his appointment with the wizard council. The next moment, he was on the <em>Red Siren</em> with first mate Gel-Dor and Captain Fan-Dortwo people he hadnt seen in agesfighting an angry lightning and thunder storm.


    Through magic, might, ygons power, and everyones willtheyd beaten it. He was still excited when hed teleported ygon back home to tell Theresa and Selina what happened, and even now, sitting around the table with the <em>Red Sirens</em> crew, he felt ready to burst with pride.


    <em>This</em> is magic! he thought, taking a long sip of ale.


    All around him, the crew whooped and cheered his name as the beer flowed.


    <em>This is what being a wizard is all about!</em><em>I saved people and beat a bloody storm! How amazing!</em>


    His chest and shoulders began shaking with giddyughter as he reyed the events in his mind: the lightning, the wind, the summoned monsters, the magicygon.


    It was all straight out of tales that bards told about wizards, the type of stories he used to love as a boy.


    But now?


    <em>He</em> was the wizard doing incredible deeds.


    It felt good.


    If he was going to be pushed out of the city tomorrow, and this was hisst act in Generasiwell, it was an act he was proud of.


    You did well! Fan-Dorughed. You saved all our lives! And our livelihoods too!


    Oh,e on, Alex said, being humble. Im sure youve run into storms before.


    We have, said the schar captain. But every single time was a trial right from Ek-u-Dari,<strong></strong>herself. Before I owned the <em>Siren</em>, there were two other vessels I sailed on that sank in bad weather. Weve even had close calls on the <em>Red Siren. </em>We probably wouldnt have wrecked,<em></em>but I doubt we woulda made it out of that storm without damage. And Im not too keen on a word like probably when were talking about the health of my ship and crew. So, there you have it!


    His calloused ham of a hand pped on Alexs shoulder. You and your fancy magic saved us in my book, which means, my friend, its time to <em>drink!</em>


    Another cheer spread through the bar, followed by guzzling noises as dozens of sailors chugged back steins of foaming ale. Alex drank, mming his empty tankard on the table.


    You can really put it away, Gel-Dor pped him on the back. Pretty impressive for some fancy wizard.


    And hes still a student to boot! Fan-Dor roared withughter, waving at the barkeep. Another beer for our friend here! Didnt know they taught <em>drinking</em> in that damned university, but if he needs extra lessons, lets make sure hes got the right teachers!


    The barkeep nodded.


    Alexughed. My good captain, of course the university of Generasi doesnt teach us how to drinkbut how in all hells do you think we rx between sses?


    Hah! Fair enough! Whats that old expression? Work hard and y hard? the schar captain said.


    Something like that.


    Well, we can see you have the working hard part down. The first mate said, moving aside so the barkeep could drop another sloshing tankard in front of Alex before hurrying back behind the counter. Gel-Dor snorted. I remember the first time we took you and your family aboard the<em> Siren. </em>That was a bit more than two years ago now, wasnt it? You were this gangly young fe with two left flippers and a little bit of magic.


    Thanks, Gel-Dor, Alex said sarcastically. That makes me feel great.


    Well, it should! Captain Fan-Dor gestured at him. Look at ya now. Youvepletely changed! Its like youre a different man! You look like you could lift a great white shark like it was nothing Fan-Dor flexed his own arm. youre as sure of yourself as any admiral, just from the way you threw around all that magic. You didnt even hesitate!


    It was <em>something,</em> Gel-Dor agreed. You were flying around like some sted seabird, you saved our mans life, and you had those monsters doing what you needed like a general from an old sea tale.


    Alex felt his face flush as red crept up his cheeks. He was getting used to being praised, but hearing it from Fan-Dor and Gel-Dorthe two adventurous, experienced sailors whod taught him the the Spear-and-Oar Dancemade him feel a little self-conscious.


    I look up to these two, he thought. They pretty much took us under their wings on the <em>Red Siren, </em>especially when that mana vampire tried to kill me. And here they are, treating <em>me</em> like Im some conquering hero. Its wild.


    He smiled, draining another half a beer while looking around the taproom.


    His thoughts drifted to tomorrow and what the day could mean, what the council could say.


    Now hold on, why do you look like a seaside widow all of a sudden? Captain Fan-Dor said. You got a look on your face as deep and dark as that stormand it came on faster, by Ek-u-Dari! I wont have it! The hero of the hour cant be down or <em>Im</em> gonna be down, and theres no sense in being down when someone just saved your life!


    Sorry, Alex said. Its just


    He paused, looking at the first mate, the captain and their crew.


    Most were leaning forward, foreheads creased with curiosity.


    The hells with it, he thought. My secrets gonna spread soon enough, so I might as well be the one that tells it.


    And he did.


    Taking a deep, steadying breath, Alex told his story.


    He told them of the Ravener, the Mark and his destiny as decided by the god of his peoplehe left out the part about that god being dead. He shared what his familys life was like in Generasi; he spoke of the friends hed made, the challenges hed faced, and the battles hed won and lost.


    Almost unconsciously, he channelled the Mark, using it to improve his storytelling; it guided his voice, tone, and volume, helping him reveal his tale so grandly, that he actually felt like a bard holding an audience spellbound with a story. His friends, mentors, family and cabal mates became as captivating as any legendary figure told of by bards whod travelled through Alric when he was younger.


    He told of the Traveller, singing her praises in a voice that echoed through the rafters. From Hannahs story, he revealed how shed dedicated her life to ending a cycle of endless violence. It was the joining of myth and truth; it was a tale worthy of a goddess, and he told it not just with words, but with his heart, his body and his soul.


    The sailors seemed spellbound, their attention held to the end of his story when he spoke of the battle thaty before him:


    and so, at noon tomorrow, itll all be decided: theyll tell me whether Im allowed to stay in Generasi, or have to leave to go fight Ravener-spawn. I wont be doing that, no matter what, even if I have to teleport jump by jump to the ends of the earth. And if I have to run again? I wont stop trying to end the Ravener forever. Something like that doesn''t belong in the world.


    As hisst words rang through the bar, Fan-Dor abruptly tossed back another tankard of ale, mming down the empty mug, then pointing at Alex. His hand shook. Now <em>that</em> was a story, my friend! But, tell me, was it all true?


    Every word, the young wizard nodded, hardly believing it himself. Every word was true, yet felt like somebody elses life. In many ways, the tale seemed like it couldn''t be his; the story of an orphaned bakers assistant from Alric, and the incredible people hed shared journeys, battles, magical studies and more with.


    And yet, Alex, the bakers assistant from AlricAlexander Rothwas exactly who it was about.


    He shook his head, his thoughts wandering. I can hardly believe it now that Ive told the whole storyfront to back. But the question isnt whether you or I believe it, the real question is whether or not the ruling council of wizards will believe it, and will they value me enough not to try to turn me over to priests.


    Well, theyre gonna hear from me! Captain Fan-Dor suddenly shouted, tankards of ale making his volume rise. Theres no way that my bloody saviours gonna be cast out of his home like some flotsam after a storm. No bloody way! Ill tell your story to every tavern rat, scow sailor, and fancy captain all over the docks.


    In the rear of the bar, the silent barkeep was nodding in approval.


    It seemed that even <em>he</em> had been pulled into Alexs tale.


    The telling wont be as good as yoursbut, well tell it all the same! Fan-Dor dered.


    Gel-Dor rolled his eyes. Brother, the meetings tomorrow at noon. Even if we went around all day and all night, theres no way our storys going to make a differencebut maybe what we could do is go to city hall and submit a petition to speak up on your behalf, Alex. If the wizard council are the ones deciding your fate, they should know what you did for all of us. A man shouldnt save as many lives as you did and not have that recognised!


    Here! Here! Fan-Dor cried, raising another ss. I mean, that way of doing things is more stodgy than Id like, but probably more useful. I hate you when youre right, brother.


    Then you must hate me every moment youre awake, Gel-Dor said evenly. And when youre asleep too.


    Hah! Cheeky bastard! Fan-Dor grinned, pping his brother on the shoulder before turning to the rest of their crew. Looks like were going to the fancy city hall, right?


    Aye, aye, captain! the crew agreed as one.


    Alex put a hand on his chest, moved by the sailors support. IIm touched, I truly am. Normally, Id say something like you dont have to do all of that for me, buthonestlyI think I need all the help I can get.


    And get it you shall! Fan-Dor cried. Now, then. Enough talk. Weve got a lot of drinking to do, followed by a lot of petition The captain paused, his eyes narrowing. wait, it wont look too good showing up at city hall drunk. Maybe, this calls for a change of ns then! One more round for us, and then we go make sure that Alexander Roth is a name that <em>stays</em> in Generasi!


    Alex! Alex! Alex! the crew of the <em>Red</em><em>Siren </em>chanted the young wizards name.


    He stood up, going around the bar, shaking hands with every single person there in appreciation; recognising that even at this dark time, he was lucky. Feeling more hopeful, he returned to his seat, sipping hisst beer for the evening with the crew of the <em>Red Siren,</em> exchanging stories andughter before going their different ways.


    There were sailors whod asked him to tell them more about the Traveller and her miracles.


    Even First Mate Gel-Dor was curious. Listen, my loyalty will always be to Ek-u-Dari, but if theres another goddess of trav kind one who we can pray to as well? Damned if I wont include her in my prayers and sacrifices.


    The Travellers followers grew in number that evening.


    All in all, the day had actually turned out to be a good one for Alex. Hed learned how to teleport through a raging thunderstorm, practised fifth and sixth-tier summoning spells and directed the conjured entities, saved lives, spent time with old friends, and gained allies eager to speak on his behalf. He would be better armed than hed expected to be for his battle at noon the next day; for the next storm hed be facing.


    But that stormand his trialwas going to begin earlier than he expected.


    And in ways he had not ounted for.

 Chapter 680: The First Battle for the Fool

    Chapter 680: The First Battle for the Fool


    Alex Roth had been in his bakerys kitchen since well before sunrise, preparing for the day. Truthfully, he wasnt needed, there was no emergency and Troy and the rest of his staff were more than capable, but this morning, hed been d to be busy. Hed made it a point to hire staff who were creative, eager and willing to learn.


    He was no McHarris, who used to simply grab any enthusiastic, job seeking, desperate, young person who came through his door, then crush them with towering expectations, and an endless tide of abuse. Alex had taken the opposite tact, training teams of apprentices, shaping them into bakers that bakeries around the world would admire.


    For those apprentices who showed talent, he had challenged them, honing their skills.


    For those who showed average talent but great enthusiasm, hed moulded them into chefs assistants whose jobs were to help where they were needed, and to make sure that the kitchen ran smoothly and efficiently.


    Not everyone he hiredsted though, there were always Dereks in every field, folk who started off acting like they had all the enthusiasm in the world, but soon dropped the act, cruising through the work day while everyone else did their work. Through hard work and intuition, Alex had built strong teams of bakers, servers, hosts, and assistants, who supported each other, took pride in their work, and helped the business reputation spread.


    In return, hed made sure that his staff were well paid and well treated, keeping employees happy working for him.


    The atmosphere in the bakery was always weing, customers noticed andmented, saying it was always a pleasure being there. Even if Alex wasnt there, he knew that the quality of food would be excellent; he had confidence in his staff, their training, and their skills in producing mouth watering dishes that kept hungry folking back for more. Working for McHarris had meant one either sank or swam, and Alex had swam, teaching himself how to be a proper chef. After getting the Mark, hed fine tuned his skills in the kitchen to a supernatural level of expertise, letting him produce baked goods that the Roth Family Bakery had be famous for. While the staff didnt have his Mark-honed edge, theyd been personally trained by him and always produced some of the finest food in Generasi.


    And this morning?


    It had found him working in the kitchen before his staff arrived, teleporting from ce to ce, surrounded by an army of Wizards Hands, while challenging himself to make some of the best baked goods hed ever made.


    Today was the day, after all, that could be his swan song; the final day he might ever set foot in his own bakery. Hed wanted to savour the time before he had to leave for city hall.


    Troy and the rest of the staff had arrived in the early hours of the morning, surprised, but d to find their boss in the kitchen, and got straight to work. The mood was light as they joked around, preparing for the morning rush. Not a single one of them knew what was awaiting Alex at noon that day, and in a way, he was d they didnt; he could forget for a while, enjoy theirughter, enjoy what was possibly hisst normal morning in Generasi.


    Keeping busy had carried him through the morning preparations, andby the time the bakery openedenough dishes were ready tost them for a few days.


    Delectable scents drifted from the kitchen, wafting upstairs, bringing Selina, Theresa and Brutus down for breakfast. ygon followed, his attention was fixed on Alex as the young wizard brought a tter of quiche and meat pies to his familys table.


    They were all subduedworry draping them like a dark cloudbut Theresa and Selina had smiled, quietly showing him their support.


    ygon had ced a hand on his fathers shoulder, his iron palm patting the young wizard while Selina had caught his eye, looking as though she wanted to say somethingbut, instead, had turned away.


    No words were really needed, he already knew what she was thinking; she had an exam at school, but wanted to be with him, ygon, Theresa, and Professor Jules at city hall.


    She couldnt, and she knew it, but that didnt mean it wasnt bothering her.


    Alex was about tofort herjust as their first customers of the day wereing through the bakery doors, ready for breakfastwhen a familiar song chilled him to the bone.


    Theresas eyes flew wide, she was on her feet before he could take a breath. Her hands were at her waist, reaching for hilts that werent there, for des that werent there.


    The back of her chair hit the floor, startling Selina, drawing all eyes to the Roth familys table. ygons hands nged as metal fingers snapped into deadly fists. His head turned toward the door.


    Brutus growled, three heads facing the door.


    Alexs voice was low. Selina, I need you to go upstairs.


    What? Why? she demanded, getting to her feet.


    The young wizards face was a thundercloud.


    So this is how its going to be? he thought.


    Selina, I want you upstairs, he said again, his voice like ice. I dont know whats about to happen, and I want you far from here.


    Her green eyes hardened like emeralds. No.


    Selina he started, strongly considering teleporting her upstairs and grabbing his aeld staff.


    Outside, amotion was starting.


    Hey, watch it! someone shouted. Budge up, you! Theres a line for this ce! Hey,e back here! Who do you think you are?


    The door was flung wide.


    Standing within its frame?


    An elderly womanher back bent by the toll of yearsheld a gnarled cane in one handwhile a symbol of Uldar sang on her neck. White priests robes, as pristine as a newly draped death shroud, covered her, and stern eyes scanned the bakery as she hobbled inside.


    Behind her came an armysuch as it was.


    Many Alex recognised from Careys funeral and campus; Campus for Uldar were there in force, apanied by a clot of Uldarite worshippers.


    Everyst one of them had the white hand of Uldar dangling from their necks. Irate customers glowered as the stream of worshippers pushed their way to the front of the bakery. All eyes flicked from them to Alex, while the symbol of Uldar continued singing around the old priestess neck.


    She silenced it with a hand, closing a gnarled fist around the symbol.


    Knuckles popped.


    Her hand shook.


    The Fool of Uldar, she hissed, her voice filled with venom. Every word was a contrast in tone; a mixture of disappointment, anger, derision and evena touch of relief. So, this is where you hide!


    You leave my brother alone! Selina spoke up, her eyes like flint. This is our home, not yours. Get out! Her hand was on her dagger.


    The old womans eyes went to the young girl.


    Hush, child


    Do not tell her to hush in our home, Theresa snarled, taking a silent step forward, putting herself between the Uldarites and her fiance. And while youre at it, get out.


    <em>Unlessyou are nningto buy something</em> ygon''s voice was low, crackling with a threat. A demons voice.


    The horde of Uldarites stepped back.


    Brutus growled.


    They took another step backwards.


    But, the priestess of Uldar stood firm: her lined face fixed like carved rock. Is this how it will be, Holy Fool? Will you do violence unto our flock? Unto those who follow Uldar, those you were born to protect?


    A murderous rage sprang to life inside Alexfor a momentthe urge to tell ygon to st everyst one of these obnoxious, zealots to atoms consumed him.


    This was <em>his</em> home.


    This was <em>his</em> family.


    How dare theye <em>here?</em>


    His teeth ground as he clenched his jaw.


    But he fought, controlling his ire;shing out now, even with words alone, could hurt his case with the council. They might not see him as someone who was defending himself and his family, they might see him as some hothead who chose to attack an old woman instead of talking to her. He didnt need them thinking he was some violent maniac, easily provoked into attacking people in order to preserve his own interests.


    If he struck out now, even <em>he</em> wouldnt me the wizard-council for pping him in chains and sending him back to Thamnd by way of the first wizard who could teleport him there.


    Butif he showed decorum and self controlmaybe he could turn the situation in his favour.


    Soa few hours before his battle in the chambers of the ruling council of Generasi was set to beginAlexander Roth opened his mouth


    ready to fight his first battle of the day, for his home, his family and his life.


    His eyes fell on ygon, his solid, steady golem, and he took a long breath, focusing his senses.


    He inhaled for a count of four.


    Held his breath for a count of three.


    And exhaled for a count of eight.


    In that time, he allowed every sight in the room, every sound, and every smell to pass through his mind, drowning allthoughts and his spiking rage. Ovepping sounds reached him, murmuring customers, tes ttering in the kitchen, Brutus growling.


    But, the sounds that came loudest were the pounding of his own heart, and the thundering of his own breath.


    His eyes caught every movement and expression the Uldarites madefrowns, wide eyes, squared shoulders, slumped ones, knitted brows, clenched jawsand among his customersck jaws, darting eyes, cocked heads, silently moving, whispering lipsas the scene unfolded before him.


    But towering above all of that was his family, standing before him like living shields.


    He detected various scents in the air: the sweet aromas of baking, the foul stench of morning breath and unwashed bodies drifting from certain customers, even the medicinal smell of a poultice of pain relieving herbs that the priestess was wearing.


    But, the most powerful smell that reached him wasing from the meal on his familys table; forgotten, and growing cold.


    His taste buds remembered all that hed tasted as hed baked that morning, pleasant residues lingering behind his lips.


    He felt the weight of his clothing on his body, the grip of his boots and the floor beneath them.


    It all washed over him; all the sensations that made up a life.


    His life.


    And they washed away his rage.


    Alex Roth acknowledged his anger, his fear, his irritation and disgust.


    Each fell away, one, by one, until his mind was a calm pool of crystal clear water.


    He levelled his gaze on his enemies. He was now ready to do battle.


    But he would do so strategically.


    His mind began to work. What do I want out of this? he thought. What are my win conditions? Their win conditions are simple: either I go with them and get on the first boat back to Thamnd, or they show Generasi that I am what they say I am: a dangerous, useless coward who belongs under the heels of the other Heroes.


    Alex met the hardened gaze of the priestess. My win conditions are: getting them out of my bakery, resolving the situation quickly, taking care of my customers, and using this as an opportunity to improve my reputation in the city. That means I cant be too aggressive: thatll just turn people against me. I also cant lie: itd be an easy lie to disprove, and Ive already been keeping secrets from people. What I need now is truthand calm words.


    He looked around his bakery, his mind working quickly. Remember: these Uldarites<strong></strong>are the aggressors. To my customers, they look like some horde of hooligans burst into theirhopefullyfavourite bakery to start acting like thugs. Most folk in Generasi have an indifferent attitude toward religion, so all their zeals just going to drive sympathy toward <em>me</em>Ill need to capitalise on that sympathy. I need to make them show themselves as the bad guys in this. And in order to do thatokay, Ive got it.


    Alex stepped forward, adjusting his bodynguage; his back straightened, his shoulders slumped and his frame rxed. His arms spread wide, his face took on a look of concern.


    A good morning would have been a better greeting, I think, he said to Uldars priestess, carefully adjusting his tone; loud enough to bemanding, but not loud enough to be threatening. He wanted to convey control over the situation, putting his customers at ease while disying one important fact.


    He had done nothing wrong.


    The priestess frowned, her expression as dark as a stormcloud. Holy Fool, we speak of your duty to Uldar, and you respond with flippancy? she growled.


    More whispers ran through the crowd of customers, like birds flitting from tree to tree in the woods. He could already see bodynguage rxing, and irritation turning toward the priestess.


    Hed shown control over himself, and established that folk were safe.


    Hed established himself as the one who belonged.


    Meanwhile, the priestess had responded with anger, drawing on religious words and throwing them in his face, alienating herself from the gathered customers who were simply there to grab some food before they went to work. He could already see increasing numbers of his regrs glowering at the Uldarites.


    He could capitalise on their displeasure.

 Chapter 681: An Argument for an Audience

    Chapter 681: An Argument for an Audience


    Erm, Im not being flippant, its just He gestured to the customers standing in line. these people are buying breakfast before they have to get to work; a lot of them dont have extra time, so I was simply thinking that we could stop interrupting their morning.


    There.


    A reminder that many of his customers were on their way to work, and didnt have time to waste on religious zealots taking up their morning, making themte for work, or having to leave without getting something to eat.


    More irritated looks drilled into the Uldarites.


    Holy FoolEr, Alex. One of the Campus for Uldar members stepped forward. Youre talking about someones day being interrupted while Uldars people struggle and die back home? Look at this ce! You live infort while the other Heroes risk their lives every day! His voice began to rise. Youre a coward and


    Hold on. Alex raised a hand. Youre going to scare my sister with all that yelling, and we also have other children waiting in line here for their breakfast He nced at the customers, some of whom had their families with them. so could you


    He kept his voice steady and even, choosing two of his next words on purpose.


    Not to defuse, but to infuriate.


    <em>...please</em> calm down? he finished, using words he knew <em>never</em> to use during an argument. There were few phrases <em>less</em>likely to calm someone down than demanding that someone calm down.


    Predictably, the Campus for Uldar member did not calm down.


    Youre not taking this seriously at all! he shouted. Our people fight and die, while you live here in luxury!


    No, he doesnt! Selinas voice stopped him. Fire burned in her eyes. I hardly see Alex anymore. Hes always working on magic and golems and stuff to help our home and people like <em>you!</em>


    The young girl pointed at the university student, who took a step back in surprise.


    Shed taken everyone by surprise with her forceful words.


    Hes always away on the expedition <em>back</em> to Thamnd, fighting Ravener-spawn! she cried. Him, and our friends are always there, fighting for <em>everyone</em>! Every time he leaves, I get so worried that hes not going toe back. Hes not living infort here! Hes fighting hard for all of us!


    Alex looked down at Selina, bursting with pride.


    The old priestess eyes rested on the young girl and she smiled sadly. My child, you know little of what you speak. Uldars n says that the Fool<em> must</em> fight alongside the Heroes


    He has been, Theresa took over from where Selina left off, looking at the priestess closely. He, ygon, and I have been fighting alongside the Heroes for months. Weve been making sure that the army has fewer dungeons to deal with, and less Ravener-spawn in the fields and forests of our homnd. Alex, Cedric, Drestra, Hart and Merzhin have fought together. Ive been there beside them. Ive seen it.


    Good job, Selina and Theresa! Alex wanted to shout.


    A number of Uldarites were looking at each other, their difort in as they whispered to one another, suddenly faced with a revtion that now shook their assumptionsone that made their point seem less about life and death, and more about their allegiance to what they thought they knew.


    Alex was close to smiling, but stifled it. They must have learned about me from rumours going around Generasi, not from the secret church. Seems they dont have much information and just showed up here without a n. This is getting better and better.


    I dont know what kind of twisted truth youre telling, but theres only one thing that matters: you should not be here, said a Campus for Uldar member who stood next to the priestess. She was a young blonde with harsh grey eyes and a vicious sneer. If what you say is true, then you should be even more ashamed of yourself. Fighting alongside the Heroes should be your life; they dont get toe back to afortable bakery. I imagine that theyre out in the wilderness right now, living rough, constantly at risk of Ravener-spawn attacks! You get toe back here to afortable bed andand


    The young womans harsh expression crumbled as tears sprang to her eyes.


    She pointed a shaking finger at Alex. While youre <em>here</em>, good people like Carey London die at the ws of Ravener-spawn! I was at her funeral, She sobbed, ...and I saw you thereyou should be ashamed of yourself for even attending her service while you were here in Generasi cowering and running from your holy duties!


    Thats right! cried another Campus for Uldar member, Alex recognised him from his magic lore ss. Ive seen you on campus, but I didnt take you for a coward, pushing your duties on others! You slink around campusughing, drinking, taking sseswhile people like Carey give their lives!


    The rage was back, mming into Alex like a demons burning hammer.


    Laughing? Drinking? he thought. Who do you think has been trying to preserve Careys memory. And you''re dead wrong if you think Ravener-spawn were what killed Carey! No, it was the same bloody church shed dedicated most of her life to! A life shed spent on the very thing that killed her!


    Alex seethed, fighting to keep his mouth from blurting out the truth, from spilling every secret hed vowed to keep.


    But, ygon spoke first.


    <em>You wereat Careys funeral </em>his voice changed to that of a kindly woman. It was a voice well suited to a priestess of Uldar. <em>I saw youthereI was there too</em>


    Exactly! the teary-eyed Campus for Uldar member sobbed. I


    <em>Yesbut wherewere you? Where were youwhen Carey needed you?</em>


    From the silence that followed, it seemed as though everyone had stopped breathing. In that stillness, Uldarites seemed to shrink, casting their eyes down, exchanging guilty or confused looks. Customers were also exchanging nces. Some red in annoyance, while others smirked at what had gone from being a quick stop to grab a meal, to high drama; entertainment that was spicing up their morning and feeding the daily gossip.


    What do you mean? the crying woman demanded. I said I was there, at the funeral! Uldar should strike you down for


    <em>No,</em> the golem cut her off. <em>That isnot what I meant. Careywas deadat the funeralthats not when she needed youshe needed everyone when she was alive. But you all shunned her. When she was riskingher lifeI wastherewhen she fought ourenemies. Yourenemies. I was therefightingbeside her. I was almost destroyed byour enemies. I was therehelping herI was thereand Theresa was therewe were therewhen she died</em>


    ygon took a step forward. <em>Andso was father. Fatheralmost died trying to save her too. He was therebut itsodd. You said you were there when Carey needed youbut I do not remember seeing you at her side when she was fightingI do not remember seeing you there when she diedwhere were you?</em>


    Dead silence.


    With every word, the Uldarites visibly shrank further, growing paler as ygon spoke.


    Could you leave? a customer suddenly said, an older man with a receding hairline. Listen, this bakerys had enough problems; first someone tries to sabotage it on the day it opens, and now <em>this?</em> Look, all of this has been fine gossip. It made my morning, but now its getting irritating. Coward? Fool? I dont know whats going on, but what I do know is that Alexander Roth fought on Orecas Fall, and he and his team saved a <em>lot</em> of lives. They helped people in the countryside when they were attacked, and theyre even helping your own countrymen apparently. Why dont you all either buy something or go home. And if youre going to buy something, get to the back of the line, which is outside!


    He pointed at the door.


    Cheers of agreement rose from the other customers; the majority looked as though they wanted the confrontation to just end, and for these troublemakers to vanish.


    The old priestess looked around the room, her expression growing darker and darker.


    Should I call the guards? Troy suddenly called, sticking his head around the kitchen door. Alex wondered how long hed been listening.


    Thats not necessary, the priestess nearly spat. We will return; the Fool must fulfil his duty, butobviously this is not the time.


    Oh, before you go! Alex said, teleporting to his room, grabbing his staff, and teleporting beside the old woman.


    Those in the dining area startled at his sudden disappearance and reappearance.


    Let me just do one thing, he said, looking at her solemnly and raising the aeld staff.


    He began channelling his mana.


    What are you doing? the old priestess demanded, her eyes bulging as the aelds crystalline blooms red with both power and light.


    She backed away, wobbling on her cane, several Uldarites cried out in rm. Someone call the guard! Hes attacking her!


    But Alex paid their hysterics no mind, drawing on the magic of


    Mana to Life.


    Pointing his staff at the priestess, he transformed his mana into life force, pouring it into the old womans body, watching as vigour washed over her.


    What? Whats happened to memy pain is gone she murmured.


    Those poultices youre wearing are to stop pain and help with healing arent they? Alex asked her.


    Howhow did you know that? she said slowly.


    I can smell them. I recognise some of the herbs from magical botany. Alex said. I dont know why you havent healed yourself with your miracles, or asked Uldar to heal you, but I couldnt just let someone of your age keep suffering in pain. Even if you <em>did</em>e here to see me put in chains.


    His voice was calm, but firm.


    Youthis minor injury was not worthy of Uldars attention, she snapped. I was fine. I had no reason to waste one of his precious miracles on so minor a thing.


    Thats up to you, Alex said. But, Im d I spent my mana on something, that was apparently, <em>beneath</em> Uldar.


    He let a hint of his contempt for the dead god slip into his voice.


    She red at him, but the damage to her cause was<strong></strongplete.


    He had healed her with his own powera woman who had, by her deeds, dered herself his enemyyet hed shown her kindness in the process.


    It was the final nail in the Uldarites coffin.


    In the end, hed appeared calm, brave and kindall the things theyd imed that he wasnt.


    Bored children in line began making rude noises, making it obvious that the waiting Generasians were now done with the show.


    I say, if <em>someone</em> doesnt call the guards, then <em>I </em>will! cried a customer with thick mutton chops. Out, out I say, and let good, honest people go about their day! Save your preaching for your church!


    The Uldarites began slinking away like lurking serpents suddenly exposed in tall grass. The priestess eyes narrowed. This is not over, Holy Fool. I will see that the city knows a fugitive of Thamnd hides within its walls.


    Imitted no crime, so go talk to them if thats what you feel you need to do, Alex said simply.


    The crime is against Uldar himself, the priestess cried. And he <em>will</em> have you.


    Youd be surprised, he thought.


    Turning her back on him, she walked through her crowd of followers as they moved aside to let her pass. Some threw Alex nasty looksthough others looked almost apologetic. As one, they left the Roth Family Bakery, its door mming behind them.


    Bastards, Theresa whispered.


    Alex turned to the crowd of customers and gave them an apologetic smile.


    Im sorry. His hands were spread helplessly. Youve all been very patient, and I thank you for that. For everyone whos been waiting in line? Well be throwing in aplimentary croissant with your order, and my best wishes and hopes that the rest of your day is less exciting than mines been so far. Heughed modestly.


    Folk thanked him, some offered their sympathies, while others asked what in the world a Fool was.


    With help from the Mark, he answered, giving them an abridged version of a veryplex story, carefully worded to avoid certain details, like Uldar being dead. In a turn of irony, as the Mark was helping Alex tell his story in the most sympathetic way, it was also letting people see the Fool as valuable, not as some useless menace like the Uldarites had imed.


    Just happy no one punched me in the face this time, he thought, rubbing his jaw at a memory.


    Cedric had a pretty mean hook!

 Chapter 682: The Hall of Roths Fate

    Chapter 682: The Hall of Roth''s Fate


    Relief ran through the breakfast crowd as they watched the backs of the annoying Uldarites go through the bakery door. Customers could finally rx, and they did; some wereughing, some murmuring to one another, others were busy thanking Troy, Alex and the mutton-chopped patron for pushing the irritants to use the door. Some made a point of offering the young wizard their sympathies, while others wanted to know all about this Fool business.


    Alex answered, satisfying the crowds curiosity while allowing the bakery to return to the normal, busy morning flurry, before he and his family went upstairs to talk about the invading Uldarites.


    I cant believe theyre saying those nasty things about you! Living infort? <em>Theyre</em> the ones living here infort while youre risking everything going back to Thamnd to help our people. Selina said.


    Bunch of hypocrites! Theresa growled. I wanted to p the poultice right off that old priestess. Youre a better person than I am, Alex; taking her pain away wouldve been the <emst</em> thing I would have done to her.


    I know, but helping her made her look bad, and thats exactly what I needed," Alex said. Shes probably on her way to city hall to petition them to send me back to Thamnd. I cant stop her, but at least I can get more of the public on my side, in spite of her.


    <em>Theyareon your side</em> ygon said. <em>Peoplein the bakerylooked likethey werefather</em>


    Hopefully theyll talk and spread positive stuff about me around Generasi, Alex paused, thinking about Councillor Kartika. It wouldve been nice if this had happened a few days agobut some of the councillors send their interns here to pick up breakfast. Maybe, some of them were here and saw what happened then went back to their bosses and colleagues with some juicy gossip to share.


    We can always hope, Theresa said grimly. Thatd be one silver lining in this situation. Her death stalker expression was on full disy. The more help you can get with city hall, the better; if that priestess goes down there stirring up trouble, if you have people speaking up for you, it can only help you, right? I mean, thank the Traveller for people like Captain Fan-Dor, and Gel-Dor and their crew.


    At this point, all we can do is hope, Alex said. Anyway, its time to get you to school, Selina.


    His sister frowned, then voiced the words shed held back earlier. Uhmcan I miss school today? I want to go with you.


    He shook his head. No, Selina. You shouldnt miss school over this. The young man kneeled down in front of her, cing his hands on her shoulders. Listen, things are going to be okay. No matter what happens, things are going to be okay. What I need you to do for me is to go to school, write your test, and do well. Alright?


    But what if you donte back? Her eyes were filled with fear. I want toe with you. I can argue for you, Alex. I dont want them to send you away!


    And I want <em>you</em> to go to school, he said, his hands gently holding her shoulders. Listen, youre one of the strongest people I know, and thats a fact. Its not fair that youve <em>had </em>to be so strong all your life, butjust for todayIm going to ask you to be strong for a little longer, alright? So, please, go to school, do your exam, pay attention to your teachers and I promise, Ill work this out. Its just like when we went through the Cave of the Traveller together. I just need you to be brave like you were back then.


    She looked at him for a long, silent moment then nodded, lightly punching him in the chest. You just make sure they let you stay, okay. But, if they done backand say goodbye to me.


    Her lip trembled and he wrapped her in a tight hug. I promise Ill do my best, but if thats not enough? I promise Ille say goodbyeand if I have to leave the city? Ill be back. When the Ravener is destroyed and all of this ends, I swear Ill be back.


    Selina simply breathed into his shoulder, fighting tears. Okay. Ill wait for you, no matter what, but please be careful, promise me.


    I will. I promise, I will.


    ###


    The sun was bright over Generasi, slowly rising to its noontime peak.


    It shone down on a group standing in the centre of the city.


    There was Alexander Rothbroad shouldered and long hairedhand in hand, with his fiancee, Theresa Lu. The young couples expressions were grim as they waited in the shadow of ygons polished four-armed form. Beside them, gripping a satchel of documents, was Professor Julesthe alchemists white bun was wrapped as tight as her face looked.


    They stood looking up at the looming structure waiting for them to enter, like dwarves eyeing a titan.


    The City Hall of Generasiseat of the ruling council of wizards and its vast bureaucracywas enormous, a monument to the power and advanced state of the City at the Center of Creation. The citys great wealth and majesty was concentrated right here, andto Alexeven more magnificent than Uldars sanctum.


    Rising hundreds of feet in the air, the main domecarved from a single b of marble magically conjuredspread far and wide, covering the distance of an entire city block. Around the dome, standing equidistant to one another, were four hulking square columns where four massive dragon statues looked down on their surroundings. On the column to the north, a four-legged ck-scaled, horned dragon sat, its bat-like wings were unfurled. To the east, a short-legged, golden, serpentine monster bearing long whiskers and horns like a crown, looked down. Coiled around the southern column was the form of an elongated legless serpent, feathered wings extending from its back.


    The western dragon resembled a great hunting cat with scales of gold, the antlers of an elk, and a long, snaking tail.


    Below the dome, the building spread for blocks. Messenger constructs flew to and from small windows in a swarm of shimmering metal, while wizardson sky-gonds, sky-boats, flying carpets, brooms or simply flying along on their own powerentered the building through a great stone docking bay, protected from the elements by an overhang with a host of gargoyles clinging to its sides.


    No gargoyle seemed nearly as fearsome as the majestic dragons guarding the dome.


    Though each wyrm differed from thestfacing a different directionAlex felt as if he was being watched by their stony gaze.


    He imagined them springing from their perches, swooping down, clutching him in their ws and carrying him off to do the churchs will in Thamnd. He knew that his imagination was running wild, as it often didbut knowing so didnt make it any easier to shake those images.


    <em>Herewe are</em> ygon said. <em>If all goes wellyou wont have toworry about leavinganymore father</em>


    <em>If</em> all goes well, Professor Jules said solemnly. Ive been considering every possibility I could think of, but I just cant generate a decent hypothesis on how theyll decide.


    Theyd better let him stay, Theresas tone mimicked what her hand said as it moved to the hilt of a sword. Or Ill have something to say.


    Then youd better not say it with <em>those,</em> Professor Jules looked pointedly at the twinde. The ruling councils members hold their ce by nature of their wisdom, knowledge and popritymostly. Butmake no mistakethey are <em>also</em> elected for their power; among the twelve members of the ruling council of Generasi, very few are battle mages, but youll find few wizards as potent anywhere, and thats no exaggeration.


    As potent as Baelin? Alex asked<strong>.</strong>


    Professor Jules snorted. Theyre not on that mad old goats level of magnitudebut they are powerful enough so the difference between Baelin and them wouldrgely be irrelevant to wizards like us. My point, Miss Lu, is that those swords of yours are basically toothpicks hereeven at your level of skill.


    Yes, I know the huntress said, her hand moving from the sword. Its instinct. When I know a fightsing, I dont feelplete without a weapon in my hand. But Ill be saneI wont let anger and worry make me do something stupid.


    We know, professor, Alex said. The only weapons well be relying on today are wordsnot spells, or steel.


    And well use those words as best we can, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules promised. Now,e, lets get in there before werete.


    The interior of city hall was much as Alex remembered.


    He looked up.


    A ceiling mural of wizards sitting in a circle; facing a centre painted to resemble the sun with the alchemical symbol for mana in the middle, greeted them in the atrium.


    Towering walls disyed scenes of triumph from throughout Generasis history, including a mural of Noarc conjuring sheets of rain that ended the drought centuries ago. A host of differentnguages filled the air.


    Though some words in particrspoken in themon tongue by familiar voicescaught his attention the most.


    We will pass your petition regarding Mr. Alex Roth through the appropriate channels, a bored sounding clerk was saying, Are all signatures listed beside the corresponding printed names?


    Yes, Troy said, standing at the head of a line of staff from the Roth Family Bakery. They were cued in front of a city bureaucrats desk. Well sign twice if we need to.


    That will not be necessary, the clerk said. Your documentation is all in order, so it will be processed appropriately. Is there anything else I can help you with


    Alex gaped as he and hispanions walked through the main hall, his eyes on Troys group standing at the clerks desk. He would have stoppedbut thought better of it, the meeting with the council was scheduled to start soon, beingte was not an option.


    I cant believe this, he murmured. They came all the way down here on their lunch breakI had no idea.


    <em>They must havedecided to help you after what happened withthat priestess</em>ygon said.


    Listen, I swear if you dont give them a raise, I will, Theresa said, with gratitude on her face.


    Are you kidding? Ill build personal golems for them if I get through this, Alex said, shocked. I really do have the best staff in the city.


    Part of me cant help but view their actions with a degree of cynicismyour staff could also be eager to protect their jobs, after allbut its just as likely that they truly care for you, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said as they neared a floating tform at the end of the hallway.


    On the tformbut off to the sidea uniformed attendant stood erect, with the disciplined bearing of a soldier.


    Lets hope their efforts help, the alchemist said, stepping onto the tform and looking at the attendant. Top floor. Council chamber, please.


    The woman studied the short alchemist with a calcting eye. Alex noticed a wand sitting in a holster on her hip; powerful magics were emanating from it. Names and appointment time? she asked curtly.


    Alex Roth, the young wizard announced himself.


    Professor Vernia Jules, Head of the Alchemy Department at the University, the alchemist followed.


    Theresa Lu, the huntress said.


    <em>ygon</em>


    The city employee quickly drew her wand, andwith a flick of her wristdisyed an image of the days schedule.


    Alex had an idea that schedules werent the only magic it was capable of.


    The attendant''s eyes snapped back to them. Only Alexander Roth and Professor Vernia Jules are listed here as having a noontime appointment with the council. Anyone apanying them must wait in the waiting room. No weapons are allowed. Understood?


    <em>...Yes</em>


    Yes, Theresa said reluctantly.


    Good, then we will proceed to the top floor. Professor Jules, Mr. Roth, you are ten minutes and The woman took a timekeeper from her pocket. thirty four seconds early for your meeting, which is preferred. Better early thante. Her tone was harsh. I will take you to the top floor.


    Alex was d they hadnt stopped to talk to Troy and the others. From her tone, it sounded like beingte was an act punishable by death.


    She pointed her wand at the floating tform, and a humming noise began as it lifted off the ground, hovering in ce. Please keep all limbs within the radius of the disk as its moving. Do not attempt to dismount until we havee to a full andplete stop: invisible force walls are erected when the disk is in flight for your safety.


    The attendant pointed the wand toward the ceiling and the disk began rising, elerating as it did.


    Entering a stone shaft, it moved upward, rising to the top floors of the building, passing floor after floorhall after hallclimbing hundreds of feet in the air. Just when Alex thought their ascent would never endthe disk began slowing, stopping before a shining pair of sealed brass doors emzoned with the image of a circle of wizards. Each one held a staff pointing toward a capital letter G centred in the circle.


    Without warning, the doors began opening in an eerie silence on their own power.


    Behind them, a small army of well-armed wizard-warriors d in shining te armour zing with magic, waited. Some wore glowing swords through their belt loops, and crystal shields on their backs.


    Others bore crossbows nocked with bolts of light.


    And among them stood two iron golems.


    Two iron golems Alex recognised.


    Two iron golems hed recently built for the city in Shales Golem Workshop.

 MARK OF THE FOOL BOOK 4 AUDIO HAS LAUUUUNCHED!

    MARK OF THE FOOL BOOK 4 AUDIO HAS LAUUUUNCHED!


    Hello everybody!


    Well, folks have been asking about this for a time and the time has arrived.


    <strong>MARK OF THE FOOL BOOK 4''S AUDIOBOOK HAS HIT AUDIBLE, NARRATED BY TRAVIS BALDREE.</strong>


    Lots and lots of folk have been asking about this, and I''m so happy it''s here.


    You can find it through this link:


    <strong>Link: /pd/Mark-of-the-Fool-4-Audiobook/B0CK8XBNVL</strong><strong></strong>


    <strong>Thank you for your patience. Y''all are wonderful. :) Enjoy the battle of the windmill in Travis'' dulcet tones! </strong>


    <strong>ENJOY! Now for Fool update in like...5 seconds!</strong>

 Chapter 683: The Chamber at the Center of Creation

    Chapter 683: The Chamber at the Center of Creation


    Alex already felt like a criminal.


    The army of wizard-warriors eyes were fixed on them as the young wizard and hispanions stepped from the floating disk. Alex could almost <em>feel</em> suspicion emanating from them as their eyes followed him.


    The two iron golems watched ygon and Theresa, titanic iron fists clenching and unclenching in preparation to protect the wizard-council.


    Around them, enough wizard-warriors to stop an army of demons, stood at the ready.


    This feels like when I was in that interrogation room with those two officers when Leopold set those demons loose in Generasi. Alex thought, as a broad shouldered warrior stepped in front of him.


    The young wizard tilted his head back, looking up.


    Looking way up.


    Actually, this is much worse than when I was being interrogated, he thought.


    The warrior towering before him was a lion-beastman, taller than Thundar and even broader of shoulder. A jagged scar ran down his right cheek and his leonine eyes seemed to look first through Alex, then Theresa.


    His nostrils red.


    ck lips twitched, revealing gleaming, dagger-like fangs.


    Alexander Roth? the beastman growled, his voice reverberating through Alexs chest.


    Yes. The young wizard said, meeting the beastmans eyes.


    They stared at each other.


    There used to be a time when the mere presence of the lion man would have sent him into fits of terror.


    But now?


    Hed faced worse things than lion-men. Ravener-spawn, unholy champions of dead gods, monsters, greater demons, and hed even witnessed that dead gods corpse lying draped across his throne. Hed fought alongside Baelin and his cabal, Drestra the dragon, ygon and


    Grimloch. Just Grimloch alone.


    Compared to any one of them, this beastmanwhose bodynguage spoke of lethal skillseemed to pale inparison when Alex looked at him closely.


    Come to think of it, I think Theresa could probably take him, he said to himself.


    The lion man abruptly broke off eye contact, looking at Professor Jules instead. And you are Professor Vernia Jules?


    Yes, I am, she said. Mr. Roth and I have been called to present ourselves before the council.


    You are notte. Good. They get into a bad mood when yourete, the lion man growled, looking back over his shoulder.


    Beyond the receiving room, iron golems, and army of wizard-warriors, Alex noticed a hallway running from left to right. Across from that hallway was a pair of light coloured metal doors.


    While the doors Alex and hispanions had passed through were crafted of brass, these double doors looked to be tinum. The same circle of wizards was repeated in the centre of these doors, except the wizards were surrounded by carvings representing the four dragon statues perched on the columns outside.


    Glyphs of protectionand lethal magical trapszed with power along the door frame; Alex couldnt imagine anyone breaching those doorsexcept for Baelin. He swallowed his mounting tension.


    The council is presently with another petitioner, the leonine wizard-warrior said. Theyll be with you shortly. He looked at Theresa and ygon. You are?


    The huntress and the golem identified themselves.


    ck lips twitched.


    The lion mans fangs gleamed behind them. You wont be permitted in the council chamber, but if you''d like, you can either wait downstairs or in the waiting area to your right. And for security, you must surrender all weapons while youre here.


    Theresa looked ready to protest, but slowly drew the Twinde instead and handed it to the beastman. He took a good long look at the swords<strong>.</strong>


    Magnificent workmanship. They look very well maintained. You clearly treat them well.


    Theresas eyebrows rose in surprise. T-thank you.


    But the lion man made no reply, only stepping aside and pointing to an iron construct. That golem will escort you to the waiting area. He then addressed Professor Jules and Alex. You may wait here.


    Theresa turned to Alex, paused, then wrapped her arms around him, squeezing the breath from her yelping fiance as she lifted him from the ground and pulled his face to hers for a long deep kiss.


    Good luck,  she whispered, stepping back. I love you, Alex. May the Traveller protect you.


    She walked away.


    ygon was next.


    Oh no, Alex groaned, rubbing his aching ribs, but the golem was already reaching for him, lifting him off his feet, trapping him in another bear hug.


    Four iron arms held him like they would never let go.


    <em>Fatherif you need me, just callbe wellI love you and pleaseremember that Im close by</em> the golem said, putting Alex down.


    He turned from the young wizard, joining the huntress and their escort as they left the receiving room.


    I love you both! Alex called after them. Ill see you soon!


    His golem and fiancee gave him onest look of support before going down the hall and disappearing from view with their escort striding ahead of them.


    You are a very fortunate man, the lion man said to Alex.


    I know, the young wizard said. I know.


    Lets hope your fortune holds, Professor Jules said, nodding to rows of seats on either side of the receiving room. Come on.


    The alchemist and Thameish wizard sat beside each other, watching a timekeeper on the wall.


    It slowly ticked toward salvationor doom.


    Mr. Roth, remember what we spoke of. How we will handle this situation? she asked him.


    I remember. I take it you do, too? he asked.


    Of course.


    Silence.


    The timekeeper ticked closer and closer to noon.


    The doors to the council chamber suddenly opened, and a wail of despair swept through the hall.


    No, please! Mercy! Have mercy, I beg you! a man d all in white pleaded. His wrists and ankles were shackled.


    He wailed like a distraught baby as tears ran down his face.


    A squad of officers dragged the struggling man through the receiving area toward the doors leading to the floating disk. A barristergarbed in ck robes with her head lowshuffled behind them like she was in a funeral procession. The doors shut behind them with a very final sounding ng.


    Two wizard-warriors whispered to each other, one pressed a pair of coins into the other ones palm<strong>.</strong>


    What was that all about? Alex said.


    The lion-warrior crossed his arms across his chest. That mans a good example of why crime doesnt pay in Generasi. It seems he thought he could kill his partner, make it look like an ident, steal the mans share of their business and get away with it. Today was hisst appeal for mercy, which obviously failed and now hes facing: execution by the deleo in three weeks time. I guess you could say, things didnt go well for him. He said it all rather matter of factly.


    Alex swallowed. Do they usually go well?


    The lion man looked at him carefully. Do you want an honest answer?


    Yes.


    Not usually, the wizard-warrior said. The city runs on magic, ethics, logic, costs and benefits. Its rare that an emotional appeal works on the council.


    Alex swallowed. ...right.


    The lion man nodded at him before turning away.


    Professor Jules threw him a worried look. Mr. Roth, I


    The council is ready to receive the next appointment! a woman bellowed, stepping from the council chamber. She wore yellow silken robes, and a scroll was floating beside her bald head. Mr. Alexander Roth and Professor Vernia Jules, pleasee in! Officers Ferrero and Gustavo of the Generasi Investigative Unit, pleasee in as well!


    Alexs blood ran cold.


    He knew those names.


    He remembered them in a stark white room, interrogating him about having a role in the demon summoner attacks.


    What were <em>they</em> doing here?


    Professor Jules stood, looking up at Alex in rm. Mr. Roth, who is that?


    Alex told her quickly.


    The more he said, the paler she went. What would they


    Youd better go in, the lion man said. The officers will be entering from the waiting area.


    The professor and student looked at one another, nodded, then walked toward the open tinum doors. From the entryway burned an imprable wall of white light.


    Ready? Professor Jules asked.


    As ready as Ill ever be, Alex replied.


    And together, they stepped into the light.


    It took time for his eyes to adjustthe sunlight was brilliantyet there was a cool breeze caressing his skin, and fresh air filling his nostrils.


    His eyes slowly adjusted to the bright light, leaving him stunned.


    Inside the chamber where meetings of the ruling council of Generasi took cehed expected to find a disy ofvish wealth and opulence.


    Instead, he and Professor Jules were surrounded by nature, standing in what seemed to be an endless field of rippling grass gently swaying beneath a cloudless blue sky. The sun had reached its peak, beaming down on all while the breeze drifted across the field.


    Behind them, a doorway floatedwhite light no longer obscured their view, allowing them to see the receiving room beyondand nking them were two lines of wizard-warriors on either side of a gleaming white stone pathway.


    And ahead?


    The ruling council of Generasi hovered.


    The twelve wizards were seated on silken cushions attached to white marble thrones floating a dozen feet in the air, facing each other in a circle. Below them were dozens of seats forming another circle of clerks, secretaries, aides, and bureaucrats.


    An enormous scrolleasily as wide as ygon was tallfloated just outside the circles, and a quill was busily scrawling notes along the parchment.


    The yellow robed wizard entered the chamber after Alex and Professor Jules and made an announcement: Professor Jules and Mr. Roth may approach the council.


    Yes, dont be shy. Lets get on with our meeting, shall we? Councillor Kartika called from her throne, her six arms resting on six armrests.


    As one the two wizards walked along the white path, approaching the council. Alex took in each ruling wizard.


    He recognised Kartika immediately, but some of the otherslooked interchangeable to him. Six of the council membersancient human men and womengreatly resembled each other, all with sharp eyes and distant expressions. The opulent robes they wore ranged from brightly coloured, to more muted silks, though all werevishly embroidered. Their staves rested in stands carved into the sides of their chairs.


    The other council memberswhile also opulently dressedwere far more unique in appearance.


    A beastwoman, with owl-like features whoserge eyes were shielded from the magical sun floating in the sky behind a pair of dark monocles, looked down at them. Her graceful wings were folded behind her.


    Another councillor was an elf with hair like spun gold and a deceptively youthful face free of even the finest lines; he was familiar, and it took Alex a bit to ce him. In the courtyard of the universitys main castle there stood two enormous statues: one was of an elderly human woman with its running past her shoulders, while the other was a tall, stately elven man.


    This elf resembled the elven statue; a brother or cousin, perhaps?


    Sitting across from the elf was an elephantine beastman, his wrinkles looked as deep as crags in parched soil.


    Beside him was an entrancing looking woman with a hairless head, curving ram-like horns, and aplexion the colour of raspberries. Demon or devil-blooded, by Alexs guess. Beside her was a man with hair like spun silver, wings of blinding white feathers, olive skin, and a neatly trimmed beard.


    A halo of power shone behind his head.


    Engeli-blooded, maybe, Alex thought as he entered the circle.


    Before himin the centre of the circlethe pathways white stones angled upward, forming a floating staircase, and a tform of white stone appeared in front of them.


    Two chairs popped into being on the tform, facing away from the tinum doors leading into the council chamber.


    The owl beastwoman gestured to the chairs. Have a seat.


    The councils floating thrones shifted position, breaking the circle, forming a line before the floating tform, bringing them face to face with Alex and Professor Jules.


    Keeping their expressions rxed, the alchemists took the offered seatsfacing the ruling council of the City at the Center of Creation.


    Today, the engeli-blooded man announced. We will be hearing from Mr. Alexander Roth of Thamnd, and Professor Vernia Jules of Generasi. Councillor Kartika, if you would provide the details of this case.


    Certainly, Councillor Sris, Kartika said. My fellow council members, we have entered a lucrative alliance with the Kingdom of Thamnd to the northwest. Through this alliance, we have gained ess to dungeon cores, which is a revolutionary material that we are still studying.


    Its quite remarkable, an ancient looking wizardwith a clean shaven head, and a white beard that fell to his feetsaid. My experiments with the substance have proven fruitful.


    Thank you for that, Councillor Ebenhad, Kartika said. And for that reason, having ess to the dungeon cores of Thamnd is a boon to the city. To that point, King Athelstan Merciex and High Priest Tobias Jay have requested that Alexander Roth be exiled from Generasi, arrested, and turned over to their custody.


    May we have the reasons for this repeated, for the record? said another ancient wizard with short, stark white hair, and eyes that zed with green fire looking out from a deeply lined face.


    Of course, Councillor Calliope, Kartika said. It is for religious and military duty. They use Mr. Roth of being an apostate and a deserter. Today, we will decide if that is true andif it iswhether or not agreeing to extradite Mr. Roth will be in the citys best interests.


    She looked down at Alex. Today, we decide if it is Mr. Roths fate to remain in our city.

 Chapter 684: The Ruling Council of Generasi

    Chapter 684: The Ruling Council of Generasi


    The council of wizards looked down from their floating thrones, considering the young wizard with eyes that held deep wisdom and great power.


    Meeting those eyes wasnt quite as intimidating as holding Baelins gaze especially if you didnt know himbut it was ufortably close.


    The Fool of Thamnd tried reading their bodynguage, looking for clues on how they felt toward him.


    He called on the Mark, watching them closely, and


    got little in return.


    They were unreadable, statue still, calm, rxed, almost emotionless. Each breath they took was even, controlled, andfortable. Only the vaguest of curiosity marked their faces.


    I shouldve known, the young wizard thought. Theyre centuries old, theyve been ruling this city foreverany of them who couldnt keep their intentions hidden wouldnt havested this long. Im sure they only show you what they want you to see.


    Before we begin, the elephant man spoke, I would like to hear from Officers Ferrero and Gustavo, it seems they had a prior interaction with Mr. Roth in a legal capacity regarding criminal acts beingmitted in the cityst year. Hearing from them could be useful in gathering information about his historyperhaps they might offer a perspective that wasnt included in their report.


    Very well, Councillor Bwanatembo, Kartika said, looking down and nodding at the yellow robed wizard.


    The bald woman closed her eyes and muttered a quick incantation.


    Suddenly, a doorway appeared on the stone tform; Alex felt a pulse of teleportation magic as air parted, revealing a hallway within city hall where the two officers whod interrogated him over a year ago were standing.


    The pair looked just as stern as he remembered.


    Stepping through the portal, and giving him only the slightest of nces, they turned and faced the wizard-council.


    I am Officer Ferrero, said the older of the two, bowing. Alex recognised his balding, greying hair, and pencil thin moustache.


    And I am Officer Gustavo, the younger, bulkier man introduced himself in a gravelly voice.


    Wee. For purposes rting to this meeting, Ive learned that you officers questioned Mr. Roth on the matter of the demon summoner? Could you expand on that interaction for us? the councillor asked.


    Certainly, Ferrero stepped forward. At the time, we were looking for anyone who might be involved in demon summoning for nefarious purposes here in the city, and Mr. Roth came to our attention under suspicious circumstances. It seems he had left his homnd to attend school here and avoid the Ravener upheaval that gues his countrymen.


    But, Officer Gustavos gravelly voice cut in. We had information indicating that hed already had an incident with a mana vampire before arriving in the city. Our report said that the creature was dispatched aboard the <em>Red Siren</em> The timing of that event and his movements raised questions for us, since it would have been impossible for him to get to Generasi as fast as he did after leaving Thamnd. Not without being teleported by someone, or teleporting himself, which wasnt the case.


    I see, and what was the exnation you received from Mr. Roth? Councillor Sris asked.


    That he left as soon as he received his letter of eptance to the university, and so he wasI assumesupposedly travelling well before thisRavener arose in his homnd, Officer Ferrero said.


    And you believed this? Councillor Bwanatembo asked.


    We did, Gustavo said. Im trained to read people, Honoured Councillor, and he showed no signs of lying on that score. But, we still kept him as a potential<strong></strong>suspect for a time.


    Alex remembered those dark days; having in-clothes officers following him around, being questioned like some criminal, and vowing to make a name for himself so hed never be subjected to that kind of treatment again. Today might tell him how sessful hed been.


    I see, Councillor Bwanatembo said. And, of course, Mr. Roth had nothing to do with the demon summoner?


    Thats correct. The only time he had anything to do with demons was when he saved innocent lives from them on Orecas Fall Ind<strong></strong>during the Games of Roal, Ferrero said. He was someone who was instrumental in keeping the number of casualties from being worse in that attack.


    I see. Councillor Sris looked at Alex. And when <em>did</em> you leave Thamnd, Mr. Roth?


    Alex paused, ncing at Professor Jules who silently nodded.


    The day after I received my letter from the universitywhich was around the time the Ravener returned.


    During his and Professor Jules frantic preparations for this meeting, the two wizards had decided that one thing would stand firm.


    They would not lie to the council.


    Mr. Roth, you are obviously excellent at keeping secrets, Professor Jules had said while they huddled around her desk in her office. But now, we must avoid deception at all costs. Better for you to tell the truth and receive their final decision, than be caught in a lieter. Trust me, it will be much worse if you attempt to deceive them.


    Alex had wholeheartedly agreed.


    He wasnt about to volunteer information about the secret order inside the church, or the fact that Uldar was long dead, since the fallout from having those things exposed without careful thought and discussion could be devastating for the people of Thamnd.


    But beyond keeping that information to himself, he wasnt going to lie to the council.


    And so, Alex told what he had held back from the two investigating officers


    and his words were met with a stunningck of reaction.


    Not a single councillor showed any interest in his revtion, nor did the two investigators.


    I see, Councillor Bwanatembo said. And how did you get to Generasi so quickly?


    I was able to use a portal in the Cave of the Traveller, Alex said. The Chosen of Uldar, Cedric of n Duncan, had gotten rid of most of the Ravener-spawn in a dungeon that had sprung up there, and my family and I managed to get rid of the stragglers.


    I see, Bwanatembo said, ncing at the floating scroll.


    The quill was blurring across the parchment.


    Are there any other reports that the officers wish to give us? Any other information that would be pertinent to this meeting? Councillor Bwanatembo asked.


    None, the two officers said in unison.


    Is the rest of the council satisfied? the elephantine wizard asked his colleagues. Are we free to move on?


    For the first time, Alex caught a tinge of emotion in his voice.


    Was thatirritation? Agitation?


    Councillor after councillor replied in the negative. Then the council is finished with your statements. You officers may go, the elephant-like councillor said. If you wish to learn the oue of this meeting, you can return to the waiting area.


    Thank you, we will, Ferrero replied quickly.


    Very well then, Bwanatembo nodded to the yellow-robed wizard.


    She nodded in turn, waving her hand at the floating tform and muttering an incantation.


    Another surge of teleportation magic.


    The air parted beside the two officers, and they followed each other into the hallway.


    With a soft hum, the portal closed behind them.


    Now, then, Kartika said. Weve received a breadth of petitions from interested parties concerning this matter. The king of Thamnd and his High Priest haveof coursepetitioned for Mr. Roth to be banned from Generasi, as did one Priestess Alice of Thamnd earlier this morning. Hers was co-signed by members of her congregation.


    Alex fought the urge to twitch.


    Weve also been petitioned by quite a few groups arguing for Mr. Roth to stay in Generasi; the interested parties are staff members from the Roth Family Bakery, the captain and crew of the good ship, <em>Red Siren</em>, the alchemy department and Thameish Expedition at the University, and a final one from Toraka Shale and her staff.


    Has Chancellor Baelin made his opinion known, Councillor Kartika? the elven councillor asked.


    He has not, Councillor Eleniel, Kartika replied. He, as of yet, has not returned to the university.


    Eleniel, Alex thought. His names simr to thest name of the chancellor before Baelin.


    A pity, Eleniel mused. My cousins sessors opinion would be valuable here. In any case, proceed. Are there any other petitions to take into ount?


    None, Councillor Kartika said. Now that they have been entered into the record, we may proceed with the arguments. Professor Jules, Mr. Roth, which of you will speak first.


    I will. Jules got to her feet and cleared her throat.


    You have the floor, the owl-like beastfolk said.


    Thank you, Councillor Tsgililuga, Professor Jules bowed her head, then began addressing the wizard-council. Honoured members of the ruling council, I am here to argue on behalf of Mr. Alex Roth so that he can remain in Generasi. I can speak to his character, his achievements and his bright future. Its my sincere belief that we can truly benefit from his continued presence in our city, and that his exile would harm Generasis future.


    And she borated; speaking to Alexs aplishments in his time at the university, listing them from his first project in her ssroom, through his academic achievements in different departments, his innovations in alchemy, his understanding of dungeon cores, and his acts of heroism during the expedition.


    I think Mr. Roths heroism must be taken into ount, Professor Jules continued. We have a host of brilliant alchemists here in our enlightened city, including myself and members of this esteemed council, but we have rtively few who have, at such a young age, demonstrated the ethical character, bravery and dedication to this city <em>and</em> hispatriots as Mr. Roth has.


    Her eyes rested on Alex for a time, then she smiled. I can truly say that it has been an honour to teach and mentor him, and thatjudging by the ways in which he has distinguished<strong></strong>himselfhe will be a benefit to the city. He has shown that not only has he been blessed with great insight, but that he will turn that insight to the good of Generasi and those around him. While it was designed to be a great burden and a hindrance, The Mark of the Fool, in the hands of a rare few such as Mr. Roth, can actually be an incredible gift. As I am sure you have all been briefed, Mr. Roth has used it well for both our country and his own. With him in this city, I have no doubt that magic will take a fantastic leap forward, and Generasi will benefit from having a hero as great as heand hispanionson our side.


    Professor Jules looked from one councillor to the next. Thamnd has shown itself all too willing to spurn heroes of Mr. Roths calibre, and sadly, that is to their own detriment. Lets show them that we are better.


    As herst words rang out, the councillors watched her impassively.


    Are you done? asked the demonic-looking woman.


    Er, yes, I am, Councillor Firenza, Professor Jules said quickly.


    Very well, the horned woman said, her voice crackling with heat andsomething else. Something that seemed to be quietly trying to worm its way into Alexs brain. Does the council have any questions for Professor Jules?


    None, the wizards said as one.


    Then, you have our thanks and may return to your seat, professor, the demonic councillor said.


    Jules and Alex exchanged confused looks.


    Where were the questions? Theyd expected at least a few.


    Maybe even more than a few.


    Alexs stomach began to sink.


    Had they made their decision already?


    Should he get ready to teleport?


    Mr. Roth, you may speak now, Councillor Kartika said. Stand, and say your piece.


    Alexs mind began racing, he took two deep breaths, held them and slowly released them, calming himself. He called on the Mark to guide his bodynguage and help him disy calm and confidence.


    Honoured councillors: Councillor Kartika, Councillor Bwanatembo, Councillor Ebenhad, Councillor Sris, Councillor Firenza, Councillor Eleniel, Councillor Tsgililuga He named each councillor who had named themselves over the course of the meeting. But, he didnt stop there. Councillor Calliope, Councillor Esposito, Councillor Striga, Councillor Maldici, Councillor Bianchi.


    He named all twelve wizard-councillors, demonstrating that hede prepared by doing his own research, that he respected them, and that he was engaged.


    I am not going to stand before you today and talk about how much it means to me to be herethough it <em>does</em> mean a lot. Ive built a life for myself, and my family here. I feel a connection to the university <em>and </em>to the city it stands in, but those things are personal to me, he said. I doubt they would matter much to you or for the reasons that were here today. So, Ill leave all of that aside and talk about numbers and projections.


    And he did; informing the council in his own words about his businesses, about what hed aplished from the time hed opened his first one, revealing how hed grown them in themunity, how theyd touched the lives of his customers and those hed been able to employ. He talked of ns for the future, for innovations in industry and magical science.


    Alex argued for his life using tactics he knew well; using merit to justify his very existence in Generasi.


    He was driven by a single goal: convincing those who held his fate in their hands that he was worth defying Thamnd for.


    Convincing them that he was worth the diplomatic problems that refusing Thamnd could cause.


    That <em>he</em> was worth keeping around at all costs.


    He poured all he had into his words. All he could think of that might be relevant to these ancient wizards.


    Then he paused, looking directly at them, ending his remarks with, I dont know if any of what Ive just said will convince you, but I assure you, honoured members of the council, that I will contribute to the city for years and decades toe. If youd just let me stay.


    With those final words, he fell silent.


    And then


    Can we not end this farce, already? Tsgililuga sighed, sounding irritated.


    I agree, Councillor Bwanatembo echoed emphatically, looking to his left and right. My opinion was reached before I even stepped foot in here this morning, and I have to say, Ive heard nothing to change that. If anything, Im more firmly in my position and see no need to waste time over this matter any longer.


    I am in full agreement, Councillor Bwanatembo, Kartika said. Is everyone alright with putting this to a vote at this time, or should we ask more questions of Mr. Roth?


    I have weighed the scales: a country against one individual, Councillor Sris said. And my scale remains in the position it started in. Lets put an end to this.


    W-Wai Alex began.


    Then I say we vote and be done with all of this. If we vote now, we can enjoy an extended lunch, Councillor Ebenhad said, his<strong></strong>eyes twinkling.


    Indeed, said Councillor Calliope. Lets take a vote on the matter, and move on.

 Chapter 685: Citizen Roth

    Chapter 685: Citizen Roth


    Alex fought the panic rising in his chest.


    His face remained a mask of calm, but dread stalked through every fibre of his being.


    The council had asked no questions.


    Not one.


    Hed had no opportunity to defend himself, exin his position, or even try to bargain.


    They were ready to decide his fate, and from the way they were acting, it was clear which direction they were leaning toward. In desperation, he prayed to the Traveller, watching each member of the council, trying to pierce their masks, searching for any hint of their true feelings.


    Of course, he found nothing. They were masters at concealing what they were thinking and he was a novicepared to these ancient wizards.


    Professor Jules suddenly leapt from her seat. Councillors! she cried. Councillor Kartika! Shouldnt we discuss this


    The councillor held up two of six hands. My fellow honourable councillors have the right of it, she said grimly. We have considered the evidence youve brought before us, the petitions on Mr. Roths behalfas well as those against himour rtionship with Thamnd, our need for dungeon cores, and the development of Generasi in the future. This hearing was more of a courtesy, than anything; to see if you or Mr. Roth had new information that would shift our opinions.


    But we have heard nothing to make us do so, Councillor Sris said, his voice as deep as the crack of doom. The information you brought before us today was either already known to the council, or only served to enhance what we knew. The matter is settled, now our will can be done.


    But Alex started.


    The wizard-council of Generasis rulings are absolute in this city, Mr. Roth, Councillor Ebenhad said. As you are about to learn. Listen to our verdict with dignity, at least.


    Before Alex could continue, Councillor Firenza raised her hand.


    We will now vote on the following issue: Is the Thameish wizard known as Alexander Roth, also known as the Fool of Thamnd or the Fool of Uldar, to be extradited to the custody of the crown of Thamnd and the church of Uldar? she asked. Or will he be allowed to stay in the City of Generasi. Is the question understood?


    It is, the council echoed.


    Rage burned hot in Alex like boilingva, eating away his earlier fear and panic.


    After everything hed done.


    After all hed sacrificed.


    This was how it was going to end?


    Everything hed done to get to Generasi, the battles hed fought within its walls, all the time hed spent researching, finding solutionsin the end, was this all it was worth? Was hedespite everything hed given to this city, his name, his reputationstill nothing more than a useless Fool?


    A tool of a dead god?


    No.


    It was not going to end this way.


    Not if he could help it.


    If he teleported away, he could grab some supplies from home and be in the Rhinean Empire in no time.


    Then let us cast our votes, Councillor Firenza said. All those in favour of extraditing Alex Roth to Thamnd, voice your vote.


    Guards tensed below the tform.


    Alex reached for the Travellers power in his soul


    The council chamber was silent.


    It remained so.


    What was


    Very well, all those in favour of allowing Mr. Roth to remain in Generasi? Councillor Firenza said.


    Aye! the wizards said as one.


    Alex gaped, stunned into silence.


    Before his mind could catch up, several councillors raised their hands.


    Councillor Sris was first. He smiled. I put forth the motion that Alex Rothand his sapient family membersbe offered immediate citizenship to our wonderful city.


    A few other councillors shot him hard looks, and said nothing, slowly putting their hands down.


    Councillor Calliope, the engeli-blooded man turned to the ancient councillor, looking directly into her zing green eyes. Might I trust your department to elerate the citizenship process?


    Why yes, she said, in light of Mr. Roths achievements and service to the cityas well as the services provided by ygon and Ms. LuI believe we could have them swearing oaths to the council and the city by the end of the week.


    Excellent, then does anyone oppose citizenship for the Roth family? Councillor Sris asked.


    Kartika red at him.


    Nay! the council replied.


    Very well, then the motion passes. Alex Roth will not be extradited to Thamnd against his wind furthermorehe and his family will enjoy the full protections, privileges and responsibilities of a citizen of our fine city, Sris pronounced. Let this be recorded.


    It is done, the yellow robed wizard said.


    And with that, Bwanatembo smiled at Alex and Professor Jules. I do believe it is lunchtime. You two must be stressed, why dont you join us for our repast? We have a private dining hall at the very top of this building with an absolutely marvelous view. Theres nothing like a little food, a little conversationand a bit of midday wine or cocktails if were feeling naughty, to de-stress. Go, summon your family from the waiting room, and we can all enjoy a nice meal together.


    Alex, still gaping, looked at Professor Jules. What just happened? he whispered.


    She gaped back at him. We wonother than that? I have no idea?


    ###


    I have a quaint little seaside vi on the southern coast of the ind, beyond the Barrens, Councillor Bwanatembo was saying, smiling at a very surprised Alex and a very shocked Theresa. The estate is a fine one, and from the tallest tower, one can actually see the coast of the soutnds on a clear day. I keep plenty of game stocked in my preservebeasts and monsters from all over the worldand wine? He smacked his lips. You really shoulde down. I actually have some security gaps, I think one of your golems would nicely resolve


    Soon he found himself standing with another councillor in the dining hall.


    You know, Councillor Calliope said, her green eyes burning. I have a great-great grandson about your younger sisters age. I think they would get along famously, and you would love my great-granddaughters family; they have apound on an ind off the eastern coast, and the fishing there is something I think would make even <em>your </em>taste buds sing. Why dont you join us one day? We might be able to work out a little contract, perhaps my family could supply some seafood for one of your restaurants.


    Oh, er, I run bakeries, for now, Alex had said.


    Ah, but you could expand into seafood, couldnt you? Its very lucrative. Roth Family Fin and Flounder has a nice ring for an eatery, doesnt it? You know, I have the perfect lot that would suit such a venture. I think a partnership


    Other council members joined in with their own pitches.


    Citizenship was my idea, you know, Councillor Sris said, with Councillor Firenza at his side. I looked into thisFool of Uldar business.


    Absolute, barbaric nonsense, Firenza said. It reminds me of when those of demonic blood were persecuted. I couldnt let such a thing happen to you.


    <em>We </em>couldnt, Sris agreed. You know, though, speaking of not letting certain things happen, it just so happens that Im in charge of research and development for Generasis navy, and itse to my attention that youve been doing wonders for a certain shippingpanys nautical endeavours. Perhaps we could have a little chat?


    Only after <em>my</em> chat, Firenza chuckled, her eyes shing. Again, Alex noted the hypnotic quality of both her face and her voice, a voice that again seemed to worm its way into his mind. I have been making forays into some personal blood magic research, and was quite amazed to learn that you were able to forge the bond of the blood familiar Her eyes flicked to Theresa. and I wonder if you both would meet with me under more private circumstances topare notes. If we put our heads together


    More conversations.


    More offers.


    More councillors trying to forge connections between Alex and their own interests.


    It was overwhelming, and the Thameish wizardssoon also Generasian wizardsreeling brain could barely keep up.


    Things had moved so quickly, Alex was still stunned.


    After the verdict, Theresa and ygon had joined him, Professor Jules and the twelve councillors for a leisurely lunch in the private dining hall overlooking the city on the top floor of the building. ss walls allowed for a perfect view of the city, the Prinean, and the countryside. Comfortable chairsgilded, silken, and stuffedinvited one to sink down in them and never leave. At the very centre of the room stood a graceful fountain carved in the shapes of the four dragon statues outside.


    They were all seated around ovr tables, enjoying a lunch of grilled seafood, wild rice, ckened red peppers, and smoked root vegetables.


    The food was excellent, of course, the city had standards to uphold, after all, but the richest part of the meal wasnt the food, it was the lively interaction between various councillors, Alex, Theresa, and ygon. Business offers flew throughout the meal. After introducing themselves, these wizards quickly revealed what they were truly after, a connection with the Roth family and new opportunities and partnerships. Many eyed ygon, their admiration in. They grilled Theresa about hunting dungeon cores, and building security teams. They asked Alex about dungeon core essence and applications for it, about aeld trees and his staff. All of the attention almost made Alexs knees buckle.


    For the better part of an hour, hed barely managed to exchange a word with Theresa, ygon or Professor Jules, butfinallyhe managed to slip away and get Councillor Kartika alone.


    What happened? he choked out, bewildered. Theresa and ygon were near the fountain surrounded by the rest of the council. I thought you were going to send me away?


    Really? Kartikas eyebrows rose in surprise. Whatever for?


    Because you saidthatyou all weighed the weight of a kingdom against an individual or something like that. You talked about the dungeon coresI was even told to listen to your verdict with dignity! Alex hissed.


    Kartikaughed quietly. We did weigh the possibilities, and we found the value of yourself as an individual far outweighed the value of your kingdom.


    Alex flinched, not knowing whether to be insulted on behalf of his people, or to feelplimented.


    Kartika continued. I mean this with no offence, butaside from the dungeon coresThamnd has little to offer us. Nothing, actually, Mr. Roth. Its far less advanced than we are in magic and in many other areas, their natural resourcesagain, aside from the dungeon coresare not unique. While the realm does have excellent farnd, we do not need new sources of food in the cityin short, if your king loses his temper with us, we lose little of value.


    But what about the dungeon cores? Alex asked.


    She chuckled darkly. We have the right to harvest them under our treaty, and that contract says <em>nothing</em> about needing to extradite a Fool of Thamnd to preserve it. If your king tries to block us from our research or harvest, he will be in direct vition of our agreement, and all the funding we have been sending his way will dry up. We have been feeding and armouring Thamnds soldiers, keeping King Athelstans treasury full, and providing equipment for his vassals. If he wants to financially devastate Thamnd, he is free to go against us. Further, if he <em>tries</em> to block us from our activitieswell


    The councillors smile was decidedly evil. We would be authorised to use our military might to protect our own interests. And naturally, we have analysed that scenario; Thamnd loses all military conflict with Generasi about ny-nine times out of one hundred. upying theirnd would invite unruly actions like gueri warfare against usbut crushing a few armies that are trying to block us from harvesting dungeons? Childs y.


    She ced two hands on his shoulder. But you, Mr. Roth? You have value. You have a <em>lot</em> of value. Your businesses are improving Generasis culinary culture andin timemight prove to be a fine point for tourism across the Prinean. Not to mention must of us get our breakfasts from you each morning. She winked, giving him a broad smile. Youve seeded in making significant alchemical breakthroughs


    The councillor gestured to ygon. and theyve already proven that they could change the course of history. You have developed new golems, an exceptionally fine staff, and even new developments in nautical travel. Andif I understand this Mark of the Fool correctlythats only the beginning. You are progressing your talent at this early stage of your life. But once you fullye into your own and have finished your training in alchemy? Your situation will only improve. We have great expectations for you, Mr. Roth; we can see that youand your cabre talents worth having around. Your young sisters potential for fire magic could prove a great boon to our cityletting such a family go would be absolutely foolish. And since we are all too old to be that foolish, we were never going to let you go. That wily bastard Sris even decided to suggest your citizenship firstwhich was my idea, by the wayto get you to owe him something.


    Alex could barely understand the depth of what had happened, it was far more than hed ever expected. Him, a bakers assistant from Alric, had more value than his entire realm to one of the most powerful ruling councils in the world.


    Was he dreaming?


    Had he hit his head on something?


    After hed been interrogated by Ferrero and Gustavost year, hed vowed to build his reputation in Generasi to have value to the city, but was he worth this much? So much that his entire country could be cast aside as no more than a bump on the road to dungeon cores?


    Whenwhen did you decide all this? Alex asked.


    Two days after I sent you the letter inviting you to council, she chuckled. This was mostly a formality; and thats why you were told to have dignity. If we are going to have connections with you, we cant have you breaking down in the middle of council.


    She extended two hands toward Alex to shake his. So, wee to Generasi, new citizen. Im sure well be able to help each other a great deal. Oh, and on that point, I have a wonderful property in the city with a fantastic view. It was an investment property, but Id be willing to part with it at a reasonable price, in exchange for a golem or two. Perhaps even a trade would work. Oh, and by the way, well need to get your citizenship finalised before any meetings with King Athelstan take ce.


    Alex stared at her, hardly hearing her words.


    He should be ecstatic.


    Hed won.


    But, what if he hadnt developed the worth that the council found so desirable.


    Would he have been dragged off in chains?


    As conflict touched his spirit, he could only wonder.

 Chapter 686: A Mixed Taste

    Chapter 686: A Mixed Taste


    Well, we won, Theresa smiled, taking Alex by the hand.


    I guessso, he said, squeezing her hand in his. I guess we actually won.


    The huntress and wizard stood together, looking through a window in the ruling councils dining hall.


    The twelve wizards had already departed, after finishing their extended lunch, theyd returned to their duties.


    Theyd left the Roth family and Professor Jules behind.


    Unfortunately, were short on time, but feel free to stay and enjoy some dessert, the elven Councillor Eleniel had said. It might not be quite as fine as the fair you serve, Mr. Roth, but our chef is offering a gto sweet cream with freshly baked tiramisu today. I think youll all enjoy it. Ill be sending you a messenger construct in the next few weeks; you ought to have tea at my vacation home, north of the Rhinean Empire. This time of year, the snows have alreadye, and thendscape is as fresh and lovely as you''ll find anywhere.


    And so the council had left Alex with the run of their dining hand both a growing sense of relief and a deep bitterness brewing in his chest.


    You know, Kartika told me theyd made their decision days ago. That theyd pretty much only held this meeting as a formalityand I guess so that Id kinda be in their debt?


    I could believe that, Theresa said. Ive never had so many invitations to so many fancy ces in my life.


    I know, Alex said. And I just keep thinking aboutwhat if I was <em>still</em> just Alex from Alric?


    You were never just Alex to me, Theresa said.


    I know, he smiled at her. But to most people, thats who I was.


    So, whatre you saying? she asked.


    Well, you saw that guy that got dragged away before our meeting started, right? He frowned. The guard captain was saying how upromising the ruling council is. I think if Id still been just Alex, right now Id be in some jail cell somewhere being prepared to be sent back to Thamnd on the first ship heading there. Unless they sprang for someone to teleport me there, I guess.


    He looked over the crashing sea. I know this doesnt soundlike it makes any sense, but the fact that the only reason I wasnt sent home was because they thought I was more valuable than our <em>entire</em> countryjust doesnt feel great. Like thats a bigpliment, but am I <em>really</em> worth so much? Is our realm worth so little?


    Well, when you put it that way Theresa said quietly. It doesnt sound real great, does it?


    No, but this is what I wanted, isnt it? he looked at her, his eyes haunted. I mean, Ive spent so much time and effort trying to make myself as important as possible in Generasi; to make myself so important, that they couldnt get rid of me very easily. And I aplished what Id set out to do. Im important enough that theyre giving us all citizenshipif we want it


    I definitely want it, Theresa said quickly. Even if I want to travel the worldhaving this as my home? Bringing my familyour familyhere? Thatd be such a dream.


    Yeah, I agree, he said. I want that too. I mean, our lives are so much better than they were back home, but if I wasnt so <em>useful</em> to them, they wouldnt give two shits about any of us. They wouldnt care that you and I have a life here, they wouldnt care that I am working hard with my professors, they wouldnt care that youre a beautiful, awesome hunter whos going to be my wife


    One of the councillors actually offered us their vi as a wedding venue, Theresa said, looking shocked.


    <em>Really?</em> Alex sputtered. Holy hells, theyre trying hard, but thats just it! They wouldnt care about any of us if I wasnt Alex Rothbusinessman, golem crafter, wizard, researcher.


    Dont forget Hero, Theresa threw in. A lot of those councillors were telling me and ygon that we were Heroes to Generasi. They even talked about us speaking to some of their soldiers


    Wow. He shook his head. Thats something. But yeah, thats it, thats the only reason why theyre trying so hard for us. Its the reason theyll defy our kingbut at the same time, if Thamnd was worth more to them, then <em>Id </em>be on the first ship back home.


    Yeah Theresa agreed. And youre sore about that?


    I shouldnt be, Alex admitted. But something about that doesnt feel real good.


    Its the nature of things, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules voice came from behind them, her mouth sounded full.


    The alchemist and ygon were leaving the dessert table. Naturally, ygon had nothing in his hand, but Jules seemed to be eating enough for both of them; shed piled enough gto and tiramisu on a te to feed a family of four.


    And she was shovelling the dessert down with a vengeance. Weve talked about this before, Mr. Roth. Keep in mind that its the nature of the world: often those who have no means, but great need, receive no help. But those who have means, talent, resources or powerwhether they have need or notare the ones who have an abundance of aid rained down on them likewell, rain.


    <em>Doesitreallywork that way? </em>ygon asked.


    It does, Professor Jules replied. Ive told Mr. Roth in the past that even <em>I</em> am guilty of such behaviour. In the end, I have only limited time and resources to go around. Who should I spend my time helping? Someone who is barely putting in an effort and has only the barest spark of talent? Or someone who is already excelling, but could go much further if their full potential was fed?


    She sighed. In the former case, I would get an average student. In thetter, I might get someone like Mr. Rotha major credit to my department and an incredible resource to the entirety of the study of alchemy.


    <em>Ithinkthe firststudent you talked aboutwould be gratefuleven if they didnt go far in life</em> ygon said.


    Very true, perhaps. Professor Jules shrugged. Or they might only be taken to the level of average and hold the belief that I wasnt trying hard enough to ess their true talents...but, in reality, theyve already exhausted the limit of their natural gifts for alchemy. Help is not guaranteed to be rewarded with gratitude.


    She nced at the dining hall behind them. Then we have the ruling council of Generasi. Here are the most politically savvy wizards in the entire realm, who had to be sharpand at times ruthlessto gain their positions. Do you think they would pour their resources into causes of the heart, unless such causes were of personal interest to them? Mr. Roth shines brightly among the new generation of wizards at the university, as does his entire cabal. The council is doing whats logical.


    Professor Jules looked at Alex, Theresa and ygon. In a decade, I think your family will be well-known in Generasi. In two, you might be one of the most powerful economic and magical forces in the city. By the time Selina is old enough to be a grandmother, I suspect you will wield the sort of power and authority that would directly influence the councils decisions. They know this, and are building rtionships and ties with you now that youre young. As I said, Mr. Roth, its the way of things.


    Butthat way kind of sucks, doesnt it? Alex asked. Like, I get it, I totally do, and this is what I wanted butnow that Im here, it feels almost


    Oily? Slimy? Jules asked.


    Yes, Alex said.


    To that, all I can say is that we did not make the world or the way power works, Mr. Roth. We were simply born into it. Perhaps Baelin is old enough to have shaped the very rules of civilization and even certain aspects of naturalw, but you and I are not. We simply suffer or benefit from what is reality. You have suffered a lot in your earlier life, Mr. Roth. But, now you are benefiting, andin my bookyou deserve it. If you disagree, then use any influence you gain from these old councillors to help those you love and people you believe in. Im no sage, but I see no other way.


    Alex looked at her, then at Theresa and ygon.


    The huntress looked back with empathy.


    He could feel his golems relief and determination emanating through their link.


    To them, today was a victory.


    Even if he felt conflicted, he should embrace that.


    Taking a breath, he let go of his ambivalence.


    In the end, he <em>wasnt</em> just Alex from Alric. He hadnt been for a long time, if he was truly honest. Now, the choices hed made, the work hed put in, the people who cared about him, and his own dumb luck wereing together to help him and his family.


    Perhaps, he should recognise and appreciate that.


    Alright, he said. I dont know what the future holds butIm going to have to get better at reading people if Im going to have dealings with those councillors. Theyre next level. But, thats ater problem.


    He looked at Professor Jules. I guess Im about to be a subject of Generasidoes that mean this whole thing ends? The king cant demand a citizen of another country be brought to him riWell, actually.


    Alex gave that some thought. Im still a subject of Thamnd, I guess, even if Im also a citizen of Generasi. And in the kings mind, Ivemitted the crime of desertion, so he could still ask for me. But, I think hes got less of a leg to stand on than before.


    Indeed, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said. Andif he were to order his soldiers to attack you, he would be attacking one of his subjectsbut also someone who is a citizen of Generasi. He would be wise to think twice before harming you.


    I dont think thats going to stop the hidden church, though, Theresa said. Theyre only answering to Uldar.


    <em>Maybeit willslow them down?</em> ygon asked.


    Only one way to find out. Alex smiled for the first time in hours. I guess its time to prepare for our meeting with the king.


    That it is, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said. This will be your final battle for freedom from your gods disgusting destiny for you.


    Yeah, Alex said. And I cant wait to fight it. Its time to be done with this. Its time to be free.


    ###


    When King Athelstan Merciex rode out from his capital, he did so equipped for war.


    His glittering te armourcovered in enchantmentssheathed his form as he sat astride a charger, the pride of the royal stables. The shield of the ruling housepassed down for generations since the days Uldar walked thendwas strapped to his saddle, while the royal sword hung in a scabbard at his waist.


    The kings honour guard surrounded him, their polished armour gleaming, reflecting the morning sun. Lances were held high, their shields at the ready. Bannersboth their own and those of the House of Merciexfluttered on the tips of theirnces, as did crimson plumes flowing from their helmets.


    Ringing the circle of knights were priests and soldiers sworn to the church of Uldar, with the white hand of their god emzoned on their tabards.


    Beyond them a smaller army of knights, soldiers and rangers rode. Thetter scouted ahead and behind, ensuring the countryside was free of Ravener-spawn.


    The safety of their charges mattered above all else, for beside the king, rode the Court Wizard Errol, the High Priest Tobias Jay, and his holy council.


    The very crown jewel of ruling power within the boundaries of Thamnd was riding out that morning, and should they meet with ambush and massacre, it would mean the devastation of the realm.


    But, their purpose was divine and in the service of Uldar, so none could stay behind.


    For it was on this morning that they rode out to unite the five Heroes of their god.


    Today, they would meet with a delegation from Generasi.


    Today, they would bring the Fool home.


    So intent were they on that purpose, that they did not notice two members of their councilMother Charity and Father Lemunicating with subtle hand gestures as they gripped the reins of their horses.


    Nor did they notice the sly nces the two council members threw toward ruins and distant trees dotting the fields around the road.


    Nor did they notice the other members of the hidden church, who had long infiltrated the armys ranks.

 Chapter 687: Rockmoot

    Chapter 687: Rockmoot


    Its way too early for this, Thundar grumbled, flying effortlessly through the early morning sky over Thamnd. Way too early.


    The earlier the better, Prince Khalik replied, Najyah was beside him. The sooner thises to an end, the sooner I shall be able to breathe easier.


    You and me both, brother, Alex said. You and me both.


    Morning had found the delegation from Generasi leaving their castle in Greymoor as the sun barely crested the horizon and the nights frost still clung to the fields.


    The air was still, and the sky uncharacteristically clear. Despite a slight chill in the air that promised theing of winter, the suns growing warmth seemed at odds with the time of year.


    Its light beat down on the forests, fields, and rotting bodies scattered throughout them.


    Ravener-spawn carcasses dotted Greymoors forests, strewn across fields and woonds well past Generasi borders. Corpsestorn asunder by spell and steelwere left to rot where they fell.


    The number of dead monsters scattered about the wilderness counted in the hundredsbut the sight of that much death was not unexpected. Ravener-spawn attacks were increasing, growing worse since the battle at Uldars Rise.


    The monsters were ravaging Thamnd, attacking soldiers and priests travelling across thend; Greymoor now seemed to be a favourite target. Hardly a day went by without the vicious creatures piercing its borders, only to be beaten back, or killed by Watchers of Roal and mercenaries manning Generasis outposts.


    Yet, the attacks still persisted.


    It was clear that <em>something</em> had happened to cause the Ravener to escte.


    But, Alex hoped that his peoples resolve would hold.


    Maybe well be able to put our differences aside today, the young wizard whispered, looking at the formation of flying wizards. That is, <em>if</em> today doesnt end with violencebut if it does, at least were prepared.


    Alex understood how understated his words were, considering that most members of the Generasi delegation around him didnt only look like they were prepared for violence.


    They looked more like they were prepared for outright war.


    The young wizard was in the centre of a formation nked by Professor Jules on one side, and Councillor Kartika on the other. The councilor was along as representative of the city council, while the alchemy professor represented Chancellor Baelin and the university.


    Above them flew Alexs cabal; Prince Khalik had Najyah beside him, with Isolde and Thundar on either side. His three cabal mates were armed and armoured for battle.


    Below Alex was Theresa, ygon and Brutus, the cerberusdespite having flight magic cast on himwas crouched on the iron golems broad back, refusing to look down.


    Grimloch, d in his powerful armour and gripping his deadly maul in one hand, soared behind.


    I wish we could have brought some of Uldars gear from his armoury, Alex thought, looking at his friends equipment. Everyone here has good weapons and armour, but nothing like what we found in his sanctum, that stuff was unique. But that also means itd be easy to recognise by any priest whos seen drawings of it in old records, and since we dont need them asking a bunch of questions we dont want to answer, maybe its better if it remains hidden, at least for now.


    He looked at the Watchers of Roal; dozens flew in a swarm, surrounding the delegation, their eyes constantly watching the ground. Among them were wizard-warriors, including an iron golem, and the leonine captain from city hall.


    All were poised and ready for what mighte, whether it be an attack from Ravener-spawn


    or anything else.


    Thest member of their delegation was someone Professor Jues had insisted apany them.


    If we cant have Baelin with us, then it is best we take another of the schools more dangerous resources, she had said to Alex and Kartika the night before. He is sworn to protect the school and its students, butmake no mistake, he is <em>very</em>dangerous.


    If someone didnt know much about the university, they might have assumed Professor Jules was referring to a dragon or war golem that was attached to the school.


    But, Alex knew better; there was only one entity she could have meant.


    He remembered a conversation hed had with Baelin when he was offered a ce on the expedition.


    The chancellors goat-like eyes had twinkled, then hed snapped his fingers. <em>Now, theres some paperwork I need to go through quickly, then Ill need to get some signatures from you. If I do not, then I am fairly sure Hobb will kill me.</em>


    Alex had snorted. <em>Like Hobb could kill you.</em>


    Baelin had paused. <em>Let us just say that it is a good thing for the city that we have no reason to fight.</em>


    He recalled the chill that had run down his spine as hed imagined an apocalyptic battle between the ancient wizard and devil.


    And now, that ancient devil was right there with them as they made their way to meet the king of Thamnd


    The blue-skinned, horned devilhis clothes perfectly pressed and straightenedflew a little to the side, his monocle gleaming in the early morning sunlight. Registrar Hobbs expression was a mask of calm,pletely imprable.


    From time to time, Alex watched him with concern; if Baelin was with them rather than Hobb and things turned bad with the Thameish delegation, he was fairly confident that Baelin would show them mercyprobably.


    He had no such illusions about Hobb.


    At the moment, his strongest memory of the registrar kept ying through his mindthe time hed turned those demons that had invaded university property into a small mountain of ground meat.


    If things went wrong with the Thameish delegation this morning, he hoped that the devil would show some restraint. Even<em>if </em>the king <em>did</em> want him in chains, <em>he</em> didnt want to see the king filleted.


    And there were a lot of ways that things could go wrong.


    By the Traveller, I cant wait for this to be over, Alex thought, squinting ahead.


    The fields and forests of his homnd spread out before them as he watched for a specifdmark; a circle of megalithic stones that had been used as a meeting ce from the most ancient days of Thamnd.


    Rockmoot.


    It was an area considered neutral ground by both partieshalfway between Greymoor and the capital of Ussexwith wide open skies and clear fields for miles around. With no forests to hide in, thered be nowhere for assassins or armies to conceal themselves, minimising any chances of treachery.


    Yet, Alex wasnt naive enough to think that the day would pass by without at least one scheme being hatched.


    The hidden church had been surprisingly quiet.


    Too quiet.


    And if he was the First Apostle, this meeting would be too tempting not to take advantage of, considering it was taking ce so far from Greymoor.


    Hed be stunned if the secret church didnt try <em>something.</em>


    Either way, well find out soon enough, he thought.


    Theresa pointed head. There! Rockmoots just over there!


    Ahead, the woods fell away to a sea of green grass stretching out for miles. The terrain was t, contrasting the rest of the hilly and forestedndscape; the contrast was striking, even unnatural in some ways.


    From what hed learned about Rockmootwhen he was preparing for the meetingthe ancient Thameish chiefs had ordered their people to clear and excavate the nearby hills, resulting innd that was as t as the surface of a tranquil sea.


    At one time, the area would have been littered with tree stumps where the forest once stoodbut now, there was only tall grass, perennial herbs and other nts swaying in the morning light.


    A hill ascended from the sea of grass, and from that hill rose the megalithic stones marking Rockmoot; enormous rocks formed a circle on the hilltop, sitting like a stony crown atop its surface.


    A painting in Uldars sanctum came to Alexs mind, it depicted the god helping his people raise stones in what looked like the same formation.


    Rockmoot wasnt the only ce in Thamnd where a stone circle could be found, but he still wondered if this was the spot where Uldar had helped his followers all those centuries ago.


    I might never know for certain, he thought as they approached the hill.


    Fan out! Watcher Hill barked, leading her warriors at the head of the wizards formation. Check the fields! I want to know if anythings in that tall grass that shouldnt be there. It seems weve arrived first, lets not waste the advantage!


    Guardians of the Hall, Councillor Kartika said, her voice carrying to every ear within the wizards group. Support the Watchers.


    Come, let us join them, Khalik said.


    Yeah, Ill help Alex started to say.


    I think not, Isolde cut him off. You are likely the primary target of any enemiesying in wait. So, please, do not make their jobs any easier, Alex.


    Shes right, you should stay with the Councillor, Registrar Hobb, and me, Professor Jules said.


    <em>Do not worry father </em>ygon said. <em>Ill watch out for everyone who is scouting the area.</em>


    Same, Grimloch rumbled.


    Just sit tight, Alex, Theresa said.


    The young wizard sighed. I suppose that makes sense.


    The formation separated; most Watchers, wizard-warriors, and Alexspanions spread out andnded,bing the area for signs of an ambush.


    Thundar and six Watchers soon returned to the sky.


    We didnt find anything out there, the minotaur shouted, looking down. I caught the stench of Ravener-spawn, but its old. Nothing living, except for maybe a few animals, has been around here in a long time.


    Good to hear, said Watcher Hill. Lets get to the stones.


    Professor Jules,<strong></strong>Councillor Kartika, Hobb, Alex and a heavy guard of wizard-warriors and Watchersnded in the centre of the stone circle.


    You can see for miles from here, Kartika observed, folding her six arms behind her back while gazing around thendscape.


    Its defensible, Watcher Hill said. Anyone with bad intentions would have a hard time reaching this ce with <em>any</em>sizable force without us seeing them.


    In other words, a very good ce for a meeting, Alexmented.


    Hmmmm, Hobb suddenly said, both hands sped behind his back. The horned devil examined the standing stones. I see.


    He didnt borate.


    Registrar, do you detect mana underground, below the hill? Professor Jules asked. Anything that might indicate a dungeon? It would likely be mana thats thick and unpleasant.


    Hobb cocked his head, raising an eyebrow.


    Aside from the mana staining everything in thisndwhich I assume belongs to this Ravenerthere is nothing below us, he announced. Will the Thameish delegation arrive soon? I have paperwork waiting for me at school.


    Professor Jules checked the position of the sun. They should be here soon.


    Ill go up and watch for them, Theresa offered, flying to the top of a standing stone.


    Najyah will join you, Prince Khalik said.


    Ruffling her feathers, his familiar spread her wings and soared into the sky, circling higher and higher above the hilltop.


    An abrupt gust of wind filled the air with a sudden chill.


    Alex gripped his staff as the aeld emanated apprehension.


    Dont worry, he whispered. Well be okay.


    Of course, he couldnt know that for sure.


    But, he was hopeful.


    Time passed, the Generasians waited, taking up positions against the stones. Hobb conjured somefortable chairs, arranging them in the centre of the circle, and the Councillor, humming softly to herself, dly took a seat.


    The others were much too tense to consider sitting down.


    <em>Are youreadyfather? </em>ygon asked in Alexs mind.


    Maybe? he replied. Its not everyday you meet your king.


    <em>Buthe is only partly your king now </em>ygon thought. <em>Did youremember your proof of citizenshipfather?</em>


    Its right here, Alex tapped his satchel.


    The bag contained a waxed leather container that held a document stating that he was now a legal citizen of Generasi, with all of the rights, responsibilities and protections that entailed.


    He could hardly believe it.


    There were a number of benefits that came with citizenshipmost he hadnt had time to consider yet, but for the time being, the key one he was interested in was that he could show King Merciex thathe was not entirely his subject any longer.


    The full legal ramifications of this new situation weren''t clear yet, butfor nowhe hoped the document would restrain King Merciex from being too eager to im him.


    I have it, Alex thought.


    Be ready! Khalik suddenly shouted, startling the delegation. His eyes were unfocused. Najyah sees an armying this way with banners flying high, some bear the symbol of Uldar. She also sees a man with a crown among them.


    This is it then, Professor Jules said solemnly.


    Hold now, the prince paused. She seesoh. The Heroes are with the king.

 Chapter 688: The Fool and the King

    Chapter 688: The Fool and the King


    The Heroes are with the king.


    Prince Khaliks words stunned the group waiting at Rockmoot, stopping all conversation for a time.


    What? Alex wondered. No one said theyd be here. They werent even mentioned.


    Are you sure its them? Theresa looked at Khalik sharply before turning back to their surroundings. I dont see anything.


    Najyah is sure, Khalik said grimly. Drestra, Cedric, Hart and Merzhin all ride at the kings side.


    Alex and Professor Jules looked at each other. Did you hear anything about them being here? he asked her.


    Not a word. Did you? she asked.


    No. And Im not sure I like it. Maybe itll be finebut, I dont know about this.


    Since Careys funeral, Alex had neither seen nor heard from his fellow Heroes. Much of their time would have been taken up fighting the increasing number of Ravener-spawn threats throughout Thamnd as well as trying to root out the Ravener.


    With new dungeons springing up like mushrooms in a forest, the Sage, Saint, Champion and Chosen were barely able to keep up with themtely.


    Alex was surprised that theyd even have time to be at this meeting.


    Yet, not only <em>were</em> they here, but they were beside the man who wanted him in chains.


    His thoughts ran wild.


    They might have beenpelled by the king and the High Priest, Alex thought. Maybe they were busy fighting dungeons and hunting the Ravener, then he ordered them to apany him. Or maybe Merzhin turned on us, or the hidden church got to them. Maybe the secret church has miracles that can control a persons mind.


    That possibility made the hairs on the back of Alexs neck stand up.


    Maybe the First Apostle can control them through one of his interdictions, he thought. Or maybemaybe it has nothing to do with the hidden church. Maybe theyre here to help me, but then whye <em>with </em>the king? Not to mention that being at this meeting puts them in a bad position.


    What happens if ites out that the Heroes <em>knew</em> I was the Fool for months? Would they be threatened with chains too? Will I have to try to help them?


    Alex shook his head.


    Too many possibilities and too little information; he couldnt work any of it out.


    He shared some of what hed been considering with hispanions, keeping anything about the hidden church to himself.


    We have no idea why the Heroes are here, Alex said to the others. But theyre our friends, theyve shown us that, so lets just assume that theyre on our side.


    The paranoidand cautiouspart of him wondered if something had changed their positions.


    Maybe he didnt know them as well as he thought he did.


    He pushed the thought aside.


    Trust them, he thought. Theyre your friendswell, except for


    I suggest that we watch Merzhin closely, Prince Khalik suggested. As far as he said, he is on our side, but we do not know how true that is. <em>This </em>will be his test. The others, I have trusted with my life; I know they would not betray us.


    The confidence and conviction in Khaliks voice sent a spike of shame through Alex; he couldnt believe hed had doubts about Cedric, Hart and Drestra.


    Fear, desperation and paranoia could do strange things to ones mind.


    Theresa had learned that the hard way.


    They exchanged a look and a nod, likely thinking the same thing.


    <em>Itwill be okayfather</em> ygon spoke in his mind.


    Yeah, it will be, Alex said.


    The group fell into an uneasy silence as the kings party came closer.


    Okay, I see them now, Theresa said.


    Me too, Grimloch announced momentster.


    Alex squinted in the direction they were facing, only seeing a vague mass in the distance. It gradually changed to a sh of steel in the sunlight, and finally, the army began materialising.


    Khalik wasnt exaggerating.


    King Athelstan had brought an army.


    There must be half a thousand of them, Theresa said quietly, standing on a megalithic stone. She began stringing her bow.


    Well, we came ready for war, Councillor Kartika said lightly. And it appears so did they.


    Theyre serious about this, Professor Jules said.


    And, so am I, Alex added.


    The Generasians fell into a resolved silence as the kings army made their way to Rockmoot. The closer they came, the more knights, soldiers and war priests Alex saw, all riding in tight formation. Ahead and behind them, alert rangers scouted the grass, eyeing the Generasi sentries with distrust.


    In the centre of the formation rode the Heroes.


    A single nce at their bodynguage calmed many of Alexs earlier fears; he saw no signs of betrayal when they<strong></strong>looked up at the hilltop. Their bodynguage showed nervousness, some confusion, but openness. When theyd spotted Theresa on the stone, theyd waved to her unguardedly.


    There was no closing up of demeanour, no tension, no anger.


    It seemed that most of the Heroes hadnte to Rockmoot with any intention to betray.


    But Merzhin?


    His bodynguage screamed tension.


    The slight Saint of Uldar eyes darted around like he was expecting Uldars corpse to spring from the tall grass. He was constantly throwing anxious nces at the king and the High Priest of Uldar while gripping his horses reins hard enough to make his hands tremble.


    Maybe hes having second thoughts about who he should be supporting, Alex thought. I hope not, though. I hope hes still with us.


    The kings army fanned out around the Generasians, encircling themand the hill in a deep ring of steel. It was argely useless disy; the wizards could easily fly out of the encirclement, but their options would be reduced.


    And judging by the number of priests holding crossbows, they were ready for battle against even opponents with flight magic.


    Alex looked at the priests and soldiers with suspicion.


    Itd be hard for them to ambush us since theres so much open space around the hill, he thought. But it wouldn''t be hard for secret church members to embed themselves in such a massive force of bodies.


    No sooner had that thought crossed his mind, than the song began.


    Cries of surprise swept through the priests of Uldar as their holy symbols began to sing. Surprise quickly turned to alertness, and then


    There! a priest pointed in Alexs direction.


    The Fool! another shouted.


    Atst! cried another.


    Murmurs, shouts and prayers of thanks to Uldar ran through the army andfor a momentit looked like they would rush up the hill to try and capture Alex. Emphasis on <em>try.</em>


    King Athelstan raised his hand, eyes fixed on the Fool. Order, hemanded.


    And immediately, there was order.


    With a single word, he quieted the zeal of his entire army.


    Alexs eyebrows rose. Thats a form of power I havent seen before.


    As he was considering the kings power, a man rode to the front of the army and approached the hill.


    Announcing King Athelstan Merciex! The ruling monarch of Thamnd, possessing the divine right of rulership as so granted by Holy Uldar himself! the herald cried.


    Alex swallowed.


    The king of Thamnd was younger than hed imagined, but his eyes were old and his expression.


    He was nked by a cluster of knights, priests, and two old men in fine robes, as his horse cantered up the hill to Rockmoot. The Heroes followed close behind.


    When Athelstan reached the hilltop, his herald dismounted, quickly taking the kings reins before the monarch dropped from the saddle, his armour lightly clinking when his boots touched the ground. Everyone in his party followed his lead as the monarch led the way into Rockmoot.


    Councillor Kartika rose from her chair. We meet again, King Athelstan.


    Greetings, Councillor Kartika, the king said, his voice low. He looked over the gathered Generasians. I see you havee in force.


    She looked at his army. So have you.


    Mm, but this is my realm, the king said.


    And our delegation is in a dangerous, monster-infested wilderness, Councillor Kartika said. We felt the need to protect ourselves.


    Of course, said Athelstan.


    For a time, the king and councillor exchanged greetings and pleasantries, giving Alex time to examine his bodynguage and that of his twopanions. He recognised the pair from Kartikas description of them, since shed met them before.


    The older oneHigh Priest Tobias Jayhad quieted his holy symbol, but was watching Alex closely...looking somewhat surprised. The other manCourt Wizard Errolseemed unsurprised, though his eyes barely strayed from Alexs staff.


    Cedric was looking at Alex with an apologetic expression on his face.


    The Fool of Thamnd nodded to the Chosen, but said nothing.


    So, you are the Fool of Uldar, the king suddenly said.


    Alex pulled himself from his thoughts and looked directly at the king. The older mans eyes were searching; probing to discover what kind of man this fifth Hero was.


    The young wizard bowed his head, searching the kings bodynguage. He seemed confident, authoritative anddesperate?


    I am the Alex Roth of Alric, your majesty, he said, his tone respectful and gracious. Some call me the Fool of Thamnd, though others see me otherwise.


    Excellent, the king said, nodding to Tobias Jay. Youve given us the runaround for quite some time.


    I was


    No, I do not think you need to speak. The king held up his hand. You deserted your people in their time of need, but no more. From today, you will do your duty. Understand, you will be punished for your desertion but that can wait until the war is over. Depending on how you support the other Heroes, you <em>may</em> be granted leniency. Nowe, it is time to submit yourself to our custody.


    Cedric opened his mouth to speak, but Alex spoke first.


    With the greatest respect and honour, your majesty, the Fool of Thamnd bowed once more. Im afraid I cant do that.


    Murmuring, which quickly swelled to jeers and insults, ran through the Thameish contingent.


    Coward! someone called.


    Deserter! shouted another.


    Treasonous cur! cried a knight standing behind the king. You may be a Hero, but you are the least of them! The woman spat. You are also amoner and a subject of both the throne and your divine liege. Fall to your knees now and beg for forgiveness!


    No, my lord, Alexs tone was forthright. I cannot do that.


    The king looked the Fool up and down, his lip twitching. You might be frightened, boy, but master your fear and retain your dignity. You cannot defy your duty.


    Who says that? Alex asked.


    Pardon?


    Who says that I cannot defy that duty, <em>or </em>that I have not been doing it? He pointed to his chest. Your majesty, I have been doing everything in my power to end this war. Ive been fighting dungeons, battling Ravener-spawn and researching ways to end the Raveners reign of terror. The duty you speak of would have me dead, your majesty. But by following it my way, I can be of far more use to our people.


    That is not for you to decide, the king said simply. And I am sorry it hase to this.


    The king looked at Councillor Kartika. Councillor, I am afraid I will have to use force to obtain my subject.


    And Im afraid that we will need to use force if a foreign power attempts to capture one of our citizens, she said evenly.


    The king paused. What?


    Mr. Roth has a copy of a document in his possession which he and his family have received from us, she said. It states that by authority of the ruling council of Generasi, they are now citizens of our realm due to their valuable contributions to our city, which also takes into consideration their <em>future </em>contributions to Generasi. At present, they enjoy all rights, responsibilities and protections citizenship provides them.


    You had no right to do that, High Priest Tobias said.


    We did, actually, Councillor Kartika replied. We have offered citizenship to those who have migrated to our wonderful city on many asions. They are not the first, nor will they be thest.


    But he is a subject of my realm, the king said.


    And he is also a subject of Generasi, Councillor Kartika insisted. He is both your subject and our citizenunless of course you wish to let him go. Well dly ept him.


    Behind the king, Drestra pressed a hand to her veil, stifling what might have beenughter.


    I have no intention of letting go the Fool of Thamnd, the king sounded offended. I do not know what is happening here, but while this does not vite our agreement, it does sour rtions between us.


    And I am sure we can work that out, Councillor Kartika said smoothly. After all, my understanding is that the Fool is the least valued of your Heroes. Surely, with the proper incentive, you could be persuaded to let him go.


    If I may, my king? the High Priest spoke up.


    You may, King Athelstan said.


    This goes beyond thews and citizenship requirements of both realms. This is a divine decree that we must fulfil. That is above thews of mortals, Tobias Jay took a step toward Alex. Even if we must capture a citizen of Generasi, Uldars will must be fulfilled andWait, who are you?


    Hobb had stepped between the High Priest and the Fool.


    I am afraid I cannot let you do such a thing, the devil said, looking into the eyes of the holy man. Not under the pacts by which I am bound. Your divinew means nothing to me. After all, devils have little use for the so-called divine.

 Chapter 689: Heroes, Devils and a King

    Chapter 689: Heroes, Devils and a King


    Under the Regtions of the University of Generasi, all students of the school will have the freedom to attendas long as they are of sound mind, pay tuition and follow both university regtions and Generasianwuntil such time as they graduate or withdraw under their own will. Your god is not a Generasian authority, and therefore your forcible removal of a student from their studies not only breaks university regtion


    Hobb took a step toward the High Priest.


    The scent of brimstone rose into the air.


    The devils eyes glowed like hellfire. ...but, would shatter it. And Ias the Registrar of the University of Generasi per the pact between myself and one Chancellor Baelinwill not allow anyone to ruin my ledger.


    Knights surrounding the king bristled, as many hands reached for sword des.


    Registrar! Professor Jules cried. There is no need for threats.


    It is important to establish the parameters of any negotiation, the registrar said. Otherwise, one might get the impression that certain things are negotiablethat are not. For example, say that you decided to offer Alex Roth to King Athelstan in order to quickly broker peace. If Alex did not consent to this, then I would be forced to step in. The deal you made would be nullified by my need to fulfil the bargain struck between me and the chancellor, which would cause unnecessary grief to both you, and this king.


    Then you do not bargain in good faith! the High Priest shouted.


    Neither do you, Alex countered. Your excellency, you came to bargain with another state, but if youre just going to cite divinew as an excuse to do whatever you want, then this isnt really bargaining, is it?


    Ah, from the mouths of babes, Councillor Kartika said lightly. He is correct. I think we both came here with no intention of letting go of what we want.


    It would seem that way, the king sighed, pressing his fingers to his temples. He squeezed his eyes shut. I do not want to do battle with Generasi.


    And I dont want to do battle with Thamnd, the councillor agreed.


    So then, how are we to resolve this? King Athelstan asked. This devil will not let Mr. Rothe to us unless he consents to surrendering himself. Our god will not allow us to simply overlook the Fools desertion.


    WIth respect, your majesty, Prince Khalik suddenly said. You are bound by thew of the divine, but you also have the divine right of rulership; in the absence of Uldar, you are his delegate. Your word isw in his eyes, by my understanding. If this were not the case, then no monarch who rules by nature of divine right could make any decisions unless they ask permission from their deity. Your deity has not spoken or given any sign on this matter, so you would have freedom to decide as you wish in rtion to Alex. And, he is not necessary for the other Heroes to seed in their task.


    Your majesty, the Heroes of Thamnd have in the Ravener without the Fool in the past, have they not? Isolde added. Is Alexs presence truly necessary for your victory? I ask this with respect.


    The king looked at them both. You two speak as though you have dealt with matters of this scale beforewhich makes me wonder just <em>who</em> you all are. But, there is also precedent to consider. It is true that other Heroes have defeated the Ravener without the Fool by way of necessity. Their Fool had either died or disappeared, unable to be recovered. I cannot just let the Fool go when he is standing in front of me; in future cycles, what message would that send? No, he must fulfil Uldars divine duty.


    Your majesty, Alex said, moving beside Hobb. I <em>am</em> fulfilling my duty. I fight Ravener-spawn, delve dungeons and research the Raveners end. I support my kingdom; I havent run off just to drink wine and eat grapes all day. But, I did things in my own way, sire. I am most useful where I am.


    The kingnow forced to listen to Alexlooked at him with more consideration.


    Tension hung heavy in the airthe young wizard doubted that most in the kings delegation had expected him to be present, or for the Generasians to put up such a fight to keep himand the threat of violence seemed close.


    He watched the soldiers eyeing ygon, the other iron golem, and Grimloch, as though considering their chances against them.


    From their demeanour, the answer seemed to be that they <em>would</em> fight, but they wouldnt like it. Alex could sympathise; he wouldnt want to fight them either.


    Your majesty, Court Wizard Errol suddenly said. You could always have the other Heroes bring the Fool home.


    Surely our young Heroes would make short work of this devil, the High Priest said derisively.


    I am not so certain that things would be that easy, Errol looked at Hobb closely.


    The devil simply smiled back.


    But, I do know this, he looked at Professor Jules and Councillor Kartika. We have good rtions with each other, and I am sure you want to preserve those rtions in the current state. I know, I certainly do. I wont pretend to be a master of devil summoning, but I know enough to recognise just how <em>powerful</em> that individual with you is. But our Heroes are also powerful, and theyve been working with your expedition to grow stronger. If wee to blows, a <em>lot</em> of people, on both sides, will die.


    His focus turned to Alex. If you are as dedicated to Thamnd as you say you are, young Holy Fool, then you wille with us willingly. You are both a subject of Thamnd and Generasi; <em>both</em> sides have reason toe to blows over you. If that happens, then it is likely that many of usincluding the people who havee here to argue on your behalfwill die. Some of the Heroes could die as well.


    Preposterous! High Priest Tobias said.


    Tobias, it<em> is</em> possible. There are devils around who can be devastating even to Uldars Heroes. But I do not think this devil is so powerful that such a fight would be free of casualtiesespecially now that we know of the <em>secret</em> the Sage was keeping.


    The court wizard nced at Drestra, who refused to look at him.


    Ive been talking for too long: Alexander, you muste with us, willingly, the court wizard said. If you do not, then the battle that results could not only cost you your life, but also the lives of those willing to protect you.


    King Athelstan looked at Errol, his eyebrows rising in respect. Impressive.


    Alex red at the old wizard, his teeth grinding.


    It was a threat, and not a terrible one.


    Butno matter what happenedhe could not allow himself to be taken. Not now. Not after all hed gone throughunless


    I could go with them, he thought. And simply teleport away. Then theyll only have reason to me me, not Generasi. Butwhat happens if therere secret church members hidden among them? If that Third Apostle is with the kings army then I could be dead before we even lose sight of the hill. No, Ill need another n


    Before he could say anything, Cedric cleared his throat.


    Ah, jus one wee problem wit your fancy n there, Errol, the Chosen said, stepping forward to stand beside the court wizard. He held up his left handcovered in the morphic weapon in gauntlet formand wiggled his fingers. I sure as shite aint battlin Alex.


    Hah! I was wondering when we were going to jump in. Hart stepped forward to stand beside Cedric. Too much standing around; so Ill just make what I say simple and quick. Im not fighting the Fool, king. No way.


    That goes for me as well, Drestra walked up beside the Champion and Chosen. You invited us here to support you, but the only reason I fight in this war is to destroy the Ravener. I will not throw spells at the very people whove been helping us.


    Her reptilian eyes outright red at Tobias. Those whove been helping us more than any priest has at home.


    How dare you? Tobias cried, looking at Merzhin. What does the Holy Saint have to say?


    Every eye fell on Merzhin.


    This was his moment of truth.


    The smallest Hero looked around anxiously, biting his lip. His arms hugged himself, and he resembled a drowning sailor desperately seeking a raft to cling to.


    He shifted his weight back and forth from foot to foot.


    Then, with a groan, he looked skyward.


    Guide me, he whispered,ing up beside the other Heroes. He bowed to the king and the High Priest. Forgive us, your excellency and your majesty. I do not believe that capturing the Holy Foo he paused. that capturing Alex would be in our, or Thamnds best interest.


    Merzhin looked at Alex. Hes been doing good work in Generasi, generating knowledge that will help end this war forevermore. We cannot risk him by taking him into battle. With his research lost, we could lose our chance to defeat our great enemy permanently.


    Aye, hes been aidin us. Cedric pped Merzhin on the shoulder. He didn tell no lies about helpin us.


    In a way, hes already fulfilling his holy duty in a manner more useful than if we had taken him with us into the field, the Saint said. I beseech you, kind king, let him continue. Maybe this path is the one that will truly save us.


    And maybe this was Uldars will, Drestra said, knowing better<strong>.</strong>


    I the court wizard began speaking.


    Hold now. King Athelstan held up his hand. You speak as though you have known of Alex Roths true identity for some time.


    Silence followed.


    The kings eyes bore into the Heroes. Did you know of him?


    Aye, Cedric finally said.


    The kings eyes hardened. How long?


    Long enough, Hart said.


    What does that mean? When exactly did you learn of him?


    We knew when we needed to know, Harts voice rumbled. Your majesty, he added after a bit.


    Its as they say, your majesty, Alex bowed his head. Ive been working with them in my own way, and Im going to disagree a bit with Merzhin; I can now protect myself on the battlefield. Ive had to work hard to find ways to defeat my enemies, but I found them. But, your majesty, I need to be able to research and do battle against the Ravener-spawn. I cant just follow the Heroes around, setting up camps for them and cooking their food. Ive made myself into more than what people like Galloway and others think the Fool is. Please, let me be <em>more. </em>Thats the thing, I never did desert Thamnd; I retreated to find my own way to fight. My own battle to fight. He pressed a hand to his chest. And now I have found that way. Im going to continue fighting that way until the Ravener is destroyed.


    He looked at the court wizard next. Court wizard, why fight for something thats worse than what you already have? I am helping out in the war effort. I am already helping the Heroes, and I am serving my purposenot in the way that everyone else has said I shouldbut in a <em>better </em>way. Even if the Heroes agreed to fight me, would you throw away so many lives just to have me be <em>less </em>useful to Thamnd? Im not some vige durd who Uldar stamped with a jesters face. Im not a coward or a sneak thief. Im not some piece of trash.


    The divine n of Uldar dictates you must be with the Heroes Tobias Jay insisted, though Alex could see something shifting in his bodynguage; the old priest was wavering.


    The change had started the moment the Saint spoke, now the words of the Heroes seemed to be pressing uncertainty into his mind.


    It does, Alex said. And am I not <em>with</em> the Heroes? I have fought beside them on the battlefield as well as supporting them in my role at the university and the Research Castle. My friends and I have shed blood and bled to help Thamnd. How can I be any closer to the Heroes than this? And what would Uldar h the young wizard paused,ing close to referring to the god in the past tense. what would Uldar want? Hed want to end the war, wouldnt he? Hed want the Ravener gone forever.


    Alex looked at the king. So what do you say, your majesty? Youre the vassal of Uldar and the ruler of his kingdom. What will you do?

 Chapter 690: Harmony

    Chapter 690: Harmony


    Father, what does harmony mean? Prince Athelstan asked.


    Harmony is the music of civilization, his father said. It is the melody that binds mortals together under divinew and social contract.


    It had been a cold winter night some decades ago.


    Athelstan had been in his bedroom.


    He remembered the fire crackling in his hearth.


    Its flickering light. The crack of burning wood. Its smell.


    Even after all these years, that memory was as clear as the sun.


    Andwhile the fire burnedhis father had spoken of harmony.


    Where did you hear that word? the king had asked his son. Strangely, his image wasvague in Athelstans mind. Like an impression of his father, seen through a murky piece of ss.


    In Father Tobias sermon this morning, Prince Athelstan said. He talked about harmony between Uldars people, and bringing folk like the ns and the witches in harmony with everyone else. Whats that mean?


    Hmm, let me see now, the king had frowned.


    Athelstan remembered his fathers expression.


    That look of confusion in his eyes. Like he was lost for a moment.


    Ah yes, I remember. The kings eyes had then lit up. I suppose my earlier exnation was poetic, but a little useless. Harmony is when folk get along, working toward the same purposeor simr purposesin peace with one another. When your mother and I make the same ruling on something, then we are in harmony. When the lords are happy and listen to each other, they are in harmony.


    When my friends and I fight were not in harmony, and when we y together, were in harmony? Athelstan asked.


    His father smiled, ruffling his sons hair. Of course, you are. Of course you are. Then that smile had faded. When you are grown up and married, it will likely be the time that the Ravener returns. By then, I will be old but will still be king. You and I will have to work with the Heroes of Uldar to ensure that Thamnds safe for all people in ournd. Together, we must work in harmony.


    Of course, his father had only been half right.


    Decadester, the Ravener did return, but Athelstans father was long dead, taken by a disease of the brain that had begun even when Athelstan was a boy. And now, he was king.


    And the king pondered the word harmony once again.


    I had heard that the Heroes were in disharmony, he thought, looking at the Sage, the Saint, the Champion, the Chosenand the Fool. But are they truly in disharmony? I would have to say not. They are in harmony with each other, but not with me.


    He looked to the sky. Does that mean I am picking the wrong side? Am I going against Uldars will by sewing disharmony among his Heroes? Am I here to confirm that the Heroes are on the right path? Or is it the oppositehave they all strayed? Has the Fool been misguided, along with the others?


    His hand rose to the holy symbol of UIdar around his neck. What are they to do? What am I to do? They wish to end this war forever, and I only wish for the same thing: an end to this cycle of ever-returning devastation. But is this righteous? Is their way right? Or are they going against Uldars n? What is the correct choice? What will bring harmony?


    Suddenly, there was a cry from behind him.


    Treachery! a man shouted. The Fool means to kill the king! Strike him down!


    Bows twanged.


    War cries filled the air.


    And King Athelstans heart plummeted.


    ###


    It happened so fast.


    One moment, the king was silently considering the situation.


    The next, a flurry of activity came from his army. A group of soldiers and priests had unslung bows and crossbows, aiming them directly at Alex. They were fast. Trained. Ready.


    And it was clear that someone had signalled them.


    Priests cried prayers to Uldar as they and the soldiers loosed a volley of bolts and arrows. The missiles burned with white lightdivine energy pouring into themswerving toward Alex like hungry snakes.


    He teleported out of the circle, away from hispanions.


    But the volley continued sweeping toward him.


    Fine, lets see you catch me when Im fifty miles away, he thought.


    He was ready to teleport again...


    When a devils word struck the air.


    <em>Halt,</em> Hobb said, his hands still sped behind his back.


    An immense power smote the volley, freezing the arrows and bolts mid-flight. The missiles shuddered in the grip of Hobbs devilish powerand Uldars blessing bled away.


    Alex tensed, expecting a second volley.


    But it never came.


    He stopped where he was, looking over the Thameish army. By the Traveller! he said.


    Every member of the army whod struck out at him was frozen, as still as statues. Their faces contorted, they fought to move, but could not even make a single finger twitch. Nearly a hundred attackers were neutralised by a single word.


    Hobb spoke again.


    <em>Fall,</em> hemanded.


    There was an impact with no sound.


    The missiles shining light faded, and the volley dropped to the ground like rain drops. Steel points and wooden shafts soundlessly struck the standing stones, quietly rolling into the grass.


    Soldiers fell; each attacker buckled, tumbling from their saddles and hitting the earth as silently as snowkes. None cried out. None groaned.


    They simply could not rise, nor move, as though a great weight pressed down on them.


    I will waste no time on grandiose speeches, said Hobb. But know this: you cannot win.


    I think they can see that, Alex muttered.


    Let our people go, devil! Tobias barked.


    I have not hurt them, which is a mercy, Hobb looked back at him evenly. I would suggest you keep better control of your subordinates.


    You dare


    Tobias! Errol warned. Be careful! What would you have us do, your majesty?


    Hold! Hold! the king ordered, ring at his army. I swear I will have the next one of you who draws a weapon drawn and quartered! He looked at Hobb. Release them.


    Your majesty, one of his knights spoke up. Someone said that they saw him with a weapon.


    Then they need their eyes checked, I saw no such thing! the king snapped back. Devil, release them.


    Hobb smiled sweetly. Very well, as long as they respect your authority this time. But I warn you, the next time they make me do my duty, I will be less gentle. He looked at those hed paralysed. <em>You may move.</em>


    And they did.


    The immobilised Thameish attackers suddenly rxed, flopping on the grass like dying fish. Exhaustion was clear in their bodynguage.


    This is an affront. Councillor Kartika red at the soldiers. I understand that your soldiers would be dedicated to your safety, but shooting at shadows endangered us. They also attacked a citizen of Generasi and threatened the life of a councillor. This is duplicitous and wars have been started over less!


    King Athelstan red at her, his face shining with sweat. You knew that Alex Roth was the Fool and you chose not only to show ack of cooperation with my kingdom, but you actively protected him by granting him citizenship. You are protecting a deserter of Thamnd. A Hero of Thamnd who fled his realm. These actions could mean war.


    With respect, your majesty, I didnt know or care what a Fool of Thamnd was until recently. And I didnt know this Fool was Alex Roth until even more recently, she said, crossing her uppermost pair of arms. And even then, he is a citizen of Generasi. He hasmitted no crime under Generasianw and thatas far as I am concernedthis is a private matter between you and him. I will not extradite him, and will protect him as a Generasian citizen.


    He is also my subject and a subject of Uldar, the king pointed out.


    And since he is both of our subjects, until we can resolve this by way of diplomacy, then any act against him is an act of aggression against a proud citizen of our city. And just to warn youwhile you may decide to pursue this and him within your bordersany attempt to send a military force or espionage unit into our city <em>will</em> be viewed as a direct act of aggression.


    King Athelstans face turned red and his eyes hardened.


    We have been nothing but cooperative with you in our joint endeavour, your majesty, Professor Jules said. We have been helpful and our coffers have kept your treasury full and your people fed. Our research has helped you in your battle against the Ravener. Will <em>you</em> turn this rtionship sour over one man, King Athelstan?


    I am willing to overlook the attack on our delegation if you cause no further harm to our people, the councillor added.


    Please, your majesty, Alex said, teleporting beside the Heroes. I am on your side. Please dont do this. I am trying my best for us all.


    The king frowned.


    ###


    The kings soldiers had only acted with his best interest in mind.


    But this was still a terrible embarrassment.


    Some jumpy scout must have thought the Fool had a weapon in hand, even when it was obvious he did not. Perhaps his staff might have proven dangerousbut Alex Roth had not shown a single action of aggression.


    He had shown harmony.


    But what of King Athelstan; his warriors and priests had acted without his word, making them seem churlish and undisciplined. To Councillor Kartika, it would have seemed like he hardly had control over his own subjects.


    The Heroes had chosen the Fool.


    His troops had acted without his orders, jumping at shadows.


    he was not in an enviable position.


    But could he step away? Could he let the Fool act as he wished? What message would that send?


    Your majesty, if I may, High Priest Tobias said. Perhapsthis is part of Uldars n.


    What do you mean, Tobias? the king asked.


    The Fool and the Heroes seemed to be alignedperhaps it is <em>we </em>who were wrong, he said quietly. Uldar works in mysterious ways, and the troubles we have seen in Thamnd, perhaps they are not because we did not have the Fool at our side, but because we failed to recognise that he was already by our side. If even the Holy Saint speaks of the Fool supporting the other Heroes, then I cannot think that Uldar is against him. Perhaps, this is the way it was meant to be.


    I see King Athelstan said. And you, Errol?


    The court wizard frowned, then looked at Councillor Kartika. Youin some waystook a subject from our king. Wouldpensation be on the table?


    Kartika smiled. I thought youd never ask. We could see that King Athelstan is fairlypensated for the fact that we granted citizenship to one of his subjects.


    The court wizard looked at the king. I think this is the path of least resistance, your majesty.


    Now King Athelstan looked at Alex Roth.


    He truly looked at him.


    And he saw not a Foolbut a Hero.


    Swear that you will continue to find a solution to the Ravener, the king said. Swear that you will apply your skills and knowledge against our great enemy to see it destroyed.


    I swear it, Alex said. Ive wanted to do that since the day I was branded with the Mark.


    And do you ept this? He looked at the other Heroes.


    Aye, we do, Cedric said.


    The others echoed his words.


    The king sighed.


    Harmony.


    Who was he to destroy it?


    Very well! King Athelstans voice carried over Rockmoot. Then let it be known. On this day, I dere that the Fool of Uldar, Alex Roth, is hereby pardoned for the crime of desertion and flight from his dutyfor it seems that he never left his duty. As the Heroes are in harmony with each other, I will not see their union shattered. Alex Roth will have the freedom to research and battle as he and the other Heroes see fit. We are done here.


    ###


    Alexs heart leapt.


    A heavy weight lifted from his shoulders.


    His spirit soared.


    Atst, after two years of hiding, he no longer had the threat of bing a prisoner in his own realm to fear.


    The hidden church would still want him dead.


    The Ravener would still want him destroyed.


    But right now?


    He couldnt care less.


    Right now, in many important ways, he was finally free.


    And that opened the door to new possibilities.


    He would celebrate this day.


    He would return home.


    Then he could finish his training in teleportation.


    And finally get to unlock the secrets of the Mark of the General.


    ###


    Odd, Hobb whispered to himself, watching relief spread through the Generasi delegation. He looked up at the sky, tasting the Raveners poisonous mana.


    It was familiar to him.


    He felt no need to share that.


    After all, whispering such knowledge did not fall into his pact or his duties.


    And it would be more amusing to watch these mortals discover it themselves.


    Come, lets go home now, said Professor Jules.

 Chapter 691: The State of the Empire and Journey’s Preparations

    Chapter 691: The State of the Empire and Journey¡¯s Preparations


    Several weeks had passed since the king of Thamnd had pardoned the Fool. Several weeks had passed since Alex Roth was freed from the threat of chains, Thameish priests, and kings.


    But he hadnt spent that time resting, contemting, or celebrating.


    Hed spent it training.


    By day, hed attended ss and studied with Professor Mangal in her tower, preparing for his first rtional contract summoning. By night, his time was spent teleporting across the Prinean, the Barrens of Kravernus, or building golems with Toraka Shale.


    It became his steady routine until he was finally ready to travel to the Irtyshenan Empire.


    Andon the morning of the first weekend after midtermshe prepared for his first journey to find Keldas sanctum.


    Waterproof sleeping roll, check. Magical fire producer, check. Back up flint and tinder, check. Magical water purifier, check. Self-erecting tent, check. Potions, check. Alex stood in front of his kitchen table, taking careful inventory of his supplies. Enchanted rope, check. Weeks worth of rations, check. Cleansing supplies, check. Portable timekeeper, check. Mapping kit, check. Snow Blindness-Reducing goggles, check. Alright, I think this should do it. Oh right, and I cant forget you.


    He picked up the aeld staff that hed leaned against the table, its many crystalline blooms glowing. A new one would blossom each time Alex introduced new magics into it and much like its wielder, it had grown considerably.


    The aeld staff was giving off waves of anticipation, seeming eager for this new adventure, almost as eager as he was.


    But not everyone was as eager about the journey as he was.


    Are you really not taking me with you? Selina asked. Ill be helpful, Alex. I really will. I mean, look!


    His sister was sitting at the head of the tablethe only ce not taken over by his supplieswatching him pack as Brutus rested one of his heads in herp.


    The young girl raised a hand and spoke words of power.


    Alex felt a tingling warmth as fire-tinged mana surged.


    An orb of me burst into life, floating above her palm. It was a simple first-tier spell, but he felt sheer <em>power</em> and heat emanating from it. The me shone with a bright light that was barely flickering; it was unnaturally uniform and controlled.


    See, I mastered Orb of Fire, she smirked.


    I was there when you mastered it, he smirked back.


    Yes, but its even stronger now. Look, the orb is bigger and its flickering less, she pointed out. Ive got better control of its heat.


    Alex nodded. That you certainly do. He looked at his sister closely. Youve grown a lot havent you?


    And she had.


    Months had passed since her twelfth birthday party and during that time, Selina Roth had entered a growth spurt. She was eating twice as much as she used to, and was looking noticeably taller each month. Her voice was more mature, her face more angr, and she was starting to embrace <em>most </em>of these new touches of maturity.


    Her shape was changing, andto her horrortreacherous pimples had started to erupt on her face like weeds in a flower bed. Luckily for her, Alexs alchemy skills let him craft potions that kept her face from being aplete crater of angry, unwee, pus spewing bumps.


    I <em>am</em> growing, she said. Thats why I can be helpful. The empires cold, right? My fire can keep us warm.


    He frowned. I know we should be spending more time together, Selina, but I dont think the Irtyshenan Empires the right ce for that. Its dangerous, from everything Ive learned.


    But youre not going into the Empire today, right? she said, pointing to a map spread over the table. Youre going to She frowned. Kymnd, right?


    And Kymnds bordered by the Irythsenan Empire on three sides, he said. Its also the most forested realm in the entire continent, and those forests are full of monsters.


    He paused, recalling a passage from a book Baelin had quoted from over a year ago:


    <em>We tracked the rune-marked, and within the Western Borders of Kymnd, with all of its foul and treacherous barbarians and savage monsters, we lost sight of the light of Mount Titarsios and we slipped from the gaze of The Virtuous Gods within the vile trees, </em>the chancellor had read. <em>For days we wandered, battling the hordes of barbaric elves, savage forest humanity and even the foreign firbolgs. We were tired and our guards were down. Our guideone of the Bloodwalkerscaught the movement before the rest of us. The beast was unknown to us: humanoidas though its form were mocking usstinger-toothed, and with great ws on its fingers. Its hide was like thousands of scabs and turned away good imperial steel. We lost Agreus, Zevchen and Bolg in the first few seconds. Our Bloodwalker went after it, and thanks to her enhancements, she managed to finish the beast off. She did take a mortal wound, and we had to retreat with her before the trolls came: they always arrive at the scent of blood.</em>


    If the passage was to be believed, then


    Kymnd is full of monsters, Selina, andif Kelda was therethen she probably left traps or other things to stop the hidden church. Its too dangerous to take you there right now, not until I see things for myself, he said.


    Aw, she made a face. ygon gets to go.


    Yeah, well, hes over ten feet tall, made of metal and can probably pick up and throw this entire building. He can handle Kymnd, heughed. Speaking of ygon


    Alex reached out mentally. <em>Did you and Theresa find our guests, yet?</em>


    <em>I did, fatherwe are on our wayhomewe should be theresoon, ygon </em>said in his mind.


    And youre sure they dont want me to just teleport them here?<em></em>Alex asked mentally.


    <em>Nofatherthey said they are finewithing therethe old fashioned way, </em>ygon replied.


    He looked at Selina. He said hell be here soon. Which means, we should be ready to go in an hour or two. Me, him, Theresa and Brutus. He said pointedly.


    Ugh, I cant believe everyone gets to go but me. Selina rolled her eyes.


    Its not so bad, Alex chuckled. Its only a day trip, really. He traced his finger along the map. I can teleport a hundred and twenty miles at a time now, so thats about sixteen jumps to get there using maximum power. That should leave me with plenty of power to get back hometer.


    Then why do you have all this camping stuff? Selina asked.


    Alex sighed. Because you never know, Selina. You never know.


    Before she could answer, sounds of a door opening, followed by hushed voices and massive, metal feeting upstairs reached them. Ah, there they are. Wee everyone!


    <em>Hellofather</em> ygon said, stepping into the dining room.


    Behind him was Theresa, Captain Fan-Dor, First Mate Gel-Dor and Lucia. The shippingpany head and the captain were already deep in discussion despiteas far as Alex knewhaving met only an hour ago.


    Good.


    With the pair getting along so well, his n would be easier.


    Wee, sit down! Sit down! he gestured to the table, then paused, remembering his pile of supplies. Ooops, just give me a moment, folks.


    Holding up his staff, he summoned a swarm of Wizards Hands, and in no time, they gathered the camping gear, moving every piece of it out of the way.


    Theresa giggled. Now that the tables avable, make yourselves at home, she said to the two schar and the former sky-gondolier.


    Thanks so much, Lucia said, sitting across from the captain and first mate. And thank you for introducing us! She gestured to the twins. Ive learned much about nautical travel in thest hour that I never knew.


    And Ive learned a lot about negotiations, pricing and currency exchange! Fan-Dor said, cracking his knuckles and rubbing his hands together. You really know your stuff, Lucia.


    She does, doesnt she, Alex said slyly. But well get to that in a bit. Lets get to the first reason I wanted you all toe here. Fan-Dor, Gel-Dor, while I get you all something to drink, can you tell me more about the current situation in the Empire? Youve been there recently, right?


    The schar twins quickly nced at each other.


    Well, weve mostly been pirate hunting in Thameish waters for about a year, but before that wed sailed to the Empire on quite a few asions, Fan-Dor said cautiously. Theresa said you were heading there, today?


    Oh yes, Alex said. Were going to be looking for certain artefacts and information. If you have any insight you could share with us on the state of things there thatd be real helpful.


    Fan-Dor said. Its the least we could do since we still owe you for saving the <em>Siren</em>, after all. Right, so the Empire. Basically, what you need to know is wars brewing. The new emperors looking to flex his muscles and show that his spines nice and sturdy, their godsup in that big mountain of theirsare looking for more worshippers, plus the lords anddies of the realm, as well as the governors are keen to prove themselves to the new rulership by expanding.


    Kymnds resisted being conquered for thousands of years, and Im willing to bet<strong></strong>the Empires<strong></strong>keen to bring that realm back into their territory, permanently. Gel-Dor added. Which means, the Guilds getting aggressive.


    The guild? What is that? Selina asked.


    Oh, thats what we call it, Fan-Dor said. Its full name is the Guild of the Red Mouse. Its uh, a thieves guild.


    Why would thieves need a guild? Selina said.


    To organise themselves, Gel-Dor exined. Theyre not so much thieves as they are an organised group who want to obtain and trade goods that might not be exactlylegal. Theyve stolen from one noble and sold to another, they offer protection, but theymost importantlysmuggle weapons. Word has it that theyre getting aggressive, trying to smuggle as many weapons in and out of the Empire as possible before the borders tighten even more. I suspect the guilds going to be in Kymnd.


    Right, Ill keep that in mind. Alex prepared cups of hot cider for everyone. Well, heres where were starting, he pointed to the map. Right here, in the town of Tursinki; its near where were going to begin our search.


    Ah yeah, thats on the western border of Kymnd and the western part of the Empire, Fan-Dor said. Careful. Theyre a port town, so theyll be used to some outsiders, but war will make them more cautious.


    Thanks for that. Alex passed out the cups of cider. Now, for the other reason I invited you here. Lucia, I would like to rmend that Captain Fan-Dor join yourpany


    Oh! Lucia said. We already discussed hiring the <em>Red Siren.</em>


    theyre an experienced, brave crew, whove sailed just about every sea there is Alex continued,unching into the speech hed prepared.


    Yeah, if she wasnt going to offer, I was gonna ask, Captain Fan-Dor said. Her operations sound like they could work great for us, and itll be steady work.


    and Luciaspany is one of the best in the region, you wont be able to do better. I think together Alex kept going.


    We were already working out a verbal contract and pretty much all we have left to do is get everything down in writing then sign on the dotted line, Gel-Dor added.


    then youll be unrivalled on the Prinean and beyond. And Alex finally stopped. Wait, you already made an agreement?


    Yeah, I mean we <em>are</em> adults, after all, Fan-Dor pointed out.


    O-oh. I wasI was nning this big pitch, Alex said. I thought, it could be likea thank you for how much youve helped me in the past couple of years


    Silence fell on the room.


    Im sure they appreciate the thought, Theresa stifled herughter.


    Stop, Alex groaned, his cheeks zing.


    You should continue with your big speech, Alex, it was fun to listen to, Selina grinned.


    Somebody, please kill me, the young wizard groaned, looking sheepish.


    ###


    Alright, are we all ready? Alex asked, looking at Theresa, Brutus and ygon.


    They were standing on the roof of the bakery, sheathed in protective magics and flight spells. Behind them, Selina was seeing them off.


    <em>Iam readyfather</em> ygon said.


    Me too, Theresa said.


    Brutus licked his hand.


    Be careful, okay? Selina warned.


    We will, Alex promised. And well be back by nightfall. If we dont, get a sky-gond and go to Khaliks.


    With that, the young wizard looked up at the clear, blue sky and called on the power of the Traveller


    then the wizard, the huntress, the golem and the cerberus vanished.


    The journey to find Keldas sanctum was starting.

 Chapter 692: Kymiland from the Sky

    Chapter 692: Kymnd from the Sky


    Flocks of birds startled, scattering to the four winds as four figures materialised in the sky beside them.


    A hulking wizard was first to appear.


    He was soon followed by a lean huntress beside a fearsome cerberus, as big as a workhorse and sheathed in bone armour.


    A four-armed iron golem wielding a massive war-spear towered over the trio.


    They floated in mid-airheld aloft by flight magicin a blue cloudless sky, with the sun high above them.


    And below?


    Oh, by the Traveller! Theresa cried, staring down at Generasi with bulging eyes. It looks so small!


    <em>It does!</em> ygon agreed. <em>I cannoteven seethe buildingsfrom hereeverything looks so tiny! Eventhe sea!</em>


    Below, the great city seemed more like a spreading grey splotch surrounded by green patches of countryside and the blue Prinean Sea. To the south, the sand-sted Barrens stretched out, while to the north, east, and west, the endless seay, dotted by barely perceptible inds.


    Wee to an absolutely divine view, Alex said. Were over thirty thousand feet in the air, and ording to my calctions, we can see about two hundred and twenty five miles from this height.


    Wow, how incredible, Theresa murmured. The world seems so small.


    Hah, you think this is impressive? Remember how it took us about a week to travel from Maussar to Generasi? Watch this. Alex grinned.


    Touching hispanions, he drew on the power of the Travellerallowing it to flood his bodythen teleporting over a hundred miles north. Briefly, the Prinean surrounded them on all sides, and just as quickly, it was gone as they teleported away.


    Alex paused, nodding toward the north. See there? he pointed. Thats Maussar.


    In three heartbeats, they had travelled across the sea. The southern shore of the continent spread before them from horizon to horizongreen, dotted with whitewith a splotch of grey in its centre.


    <em>Thats</em> Mausarr? Theresa said. But we justwe were only


    Alex smiled, a twinkle in his eye. Hey, I said Id take you to see the world, right? Think of this as a preview of the real thing toe. Now, hang on to me everyone. Its just under ten jumps to Tursinki, unless I get lost, that is. Which I hope doesnt happen.


    Theresa, ygon and Brutus reached outthe cerberus mped down on Alexs cloakand they vanished from above the sea, crossing vast swatches of the Rhinean Empire a hundred miles at a timemaintaining a constant altitude.


    Lakes became ponds, rivers seemed like trickling streams below them.


    Cities resembled grey dots from above, while the Empires immense forests looked like mounds of grass. Only the majestic Peaks of the Elementsone burning, one stony and studded with gem deposits, one covered with waterfalls, and thest floating above the earthwere significant from such lofty heights.


    The Four Elements remained impressive, no matter where they were viewed from, even thousands of feet in the air.


    Theyre spectacr! Theresa said.


    <em>Theyare</em> ygon agreed. <em>Theymustbeimmense</em>


    That they are, Alex said. But, Mount Tisarios in the Irtyshenan Empire is even bigger than the four elemental peaks. We might even get to see itfrom a distance. But, since the Irtyshenan gods live on it, I dont think we should risk getting too close and catching their eye.


    Makes sense to me, Theresa agreed. I don''t think we want anything to do with gods right now.


    <em>Yes</em> ygon echoed. <em>I lookforward toKymnd</em>


    Well, well be there soon, Alex said.


    He teleported again, taking hispanions abovend, forests, fields and mountain ranges. From time to time he paused, consulting his map, notingndmarks that would help him keep his bearings in their journey north.


    As they teleported, thend changed, leaving greenery behind and turning white. Late autumn snows had fallen, now clinging to mountains, valleys and great swaths of the northern wilderness. The air grew colder the further north they went, and Alex felt its bite even through his warming spell. The wind whipped at their bodies, increasing in force.


    The young wizard slowed teleporting, pausing often, checking his bearings as they passed through the northernmost reaches of the Rhinean Empire. He changed course, avoiding gathering ck storm cloudsand passing beyond its borders.


    In the span of seconds, theyd whisked past a half dozen minor kingdoms that crowded together, gnawing at each other fornd. Soon, even those were behind them. In a blink, all signs of civilizationtowns, keeps and citiesdisappeared from thendscape, leaving only an unbroken wilderness for miles in every direction.


    And finally


    Look at that forest! Theresa gasped. It seems to go on forever!


    A woond, covered in newly fallen snow, and stretching farther than the eye could see, spread out before them. From horizon to horizon, an endless sea of trees, only broken by the asional meadow or field, seemed to go on for miles.


    The air was cold and unforgiving, the wind sharp, roaring in Alexs ears.


    A single nce at thends below told of their harsh nature, butfrom the w-shapedke down thereAlex knew they had reached their destination.


    Here we are. Were now at the southern boundaries<strong></strong>of Kymnd, he announced. Its where that Hunter was spotted, probably searching for Kelda.


    Theyd arrived at their first lead.


    But how good of a lead was it? All they had was a three centuries old biased, unverified, ount to go on.


    Where do we begin? Theresa asked.


    There aremunities of elves in Kymnd, Alex said. And firbolgs, or giants as theyre also known, who came from Thamnd thousands of years ago; theyre long-lived races. If we could find someone who was around at the time that Hunter was here, we might get some help with where to begin.


    <em>Thatseems like a good idea father</em> ygon said.


    So do we go right to the forest, then? And start looking for elves? Theresa asked.


    Well probably have a better chance with the firbolgs, Alex said. Since they''re originally from Thamnd, they might be more open to talking to us than the elves are. Either way, well have to stop in Turksini to get the lead we need on where to begin looking.


    That makes sense, Theresa said. You think theyll talk to us, us being outsiders and all?


    Its a port town, Alex said. I think its worth the risk. But if things get bad, we can teleport away. So, lets make sure everyone stays close together, okay?


    <em>Yesfather</em> his golem said.


    With that, Alex teleported over the forests of Kymnd, using the map andndmarks below them as a guide. He dropped altitude as they went, gaining a better view of the ground.


    From there, he began calcting their exact location, moving closer to Turksini. But as they drifted nearer to the treetops


    I smell blood on the wind. Thereve been battles here recently, Theresa drew her swords, her nostrils ring.


    <em>Maybemonsters?</em> ygon suggested.


    Im not so sure, ygon, Theresa said. Im not sure.


    They soon hovered about a thousand feet above the forest when the sounds of metal ws raking flesh, eliciting screams of agony, reached them.


    What in the world''s that? Alex asked.


    Whatever it is, itsing from the north. Theresa frowned.


    Ill put invisibility magic on us, then we can get closer without being seen, he said.


    Casting invisibility, Alex teleported closer to the sounds. In a few jumps, they found the fight.


    Within a clearingtwo groups shed in a struggle of blood, metal and death.


    The first group appeared to be human barbarians. Most were fur d, and wielded two-handed axes and swords while screaming battlecries. They werent very remarkable in appearance, no more so than any wild bandit living among the treesexcept for one feature.


    Marks, Alex thought, quickly swallowing a potion of sight enhancement. His eyes honed in on symbols on the barbarians bodies that burned with red light. No, not Marks. Runes.


    On the skin of each barbarian at least one crimson rune burned like firelight.


    Some wore two.


    Some three.


    Each burned brightly, either on exposed skin, or glowing through thick furs. The barbarians fought their opponents with the berserk frenzy of demons, shing against them with powerful swings and hurled curses.


    Behind the barbarian lines sat a figure who must have been the leader.


    A menacing individual in pitch-ck armour, sat astride a mount that appeared more demon than horse. From the mans size, he would have towered above even Thundar or Baelin; in his armour, he must have weighed at least half a ton. The sword hanging from his back looked capable of splitting a mature tree trunk in two.


    His body was covered in crimson runes that zed through ck armour, burning brighter than those of his subordinates.


    His runes look like tally marks, Theresa whispered. Like how a hunter would tally killson their body. What do you think, Alex?


    The rune-marked are chosen warriors of a god, a bit like us Heroes, Alex said, recalling Baelins exnation. Red runes appear on their skin, telling of their deeds in battle. Each rune<strong></strong>grants them power.


    From which god? Theresa asked.


    No one knows for sure, Alex said. Or at least, no one whos written books about them back in Generasi knew for sure. All I know, is that the runes grant each of them greater strength, or new powers, as long as they keep killing. The Empires been fighting rune-marked warriors forwell no one really knows exactly how long.


    Theresa blew out a breath. These rune-marked sound simr to Thamnds Ravener.


    <em>I amwondering if many ces in the worldhave their own Ravener </em>ygon said. <em>And the peoplethese rune-marked are fightingare they from the Empire?</em>


    Yeah, judging from those suits of armourthey would be.


    Alex watched as the rune-markeds opponents took on their assault like a rocky shore withstanding the tide. Heavily armoured warriors formed a shield wall, and behind them were soldiers with short bows andnces. The front line was taking on the barbarians'' assault, while the back line attacked with pole arms and bows.


    Behind them, three towering figures fought another force of barbarians assailing the Irtyshenans nks.


    The trio resembled steel golems, their bodies looked to be covered in fine armour trimmed with gilded edges and detailed silver lines. They were taller than ygonand even broaderand fought with the skill and speed of veteran warriors.


    Upon their helmets were broad nges, ring out like wide brimmed conical hats, forged entirely of steel; Alex guessed the sections were meant to block volleys of arrowsing from above. Metal hands gripped thick hafted maces and swords that crushed and cut down barbarians with every swing.


    Alex watched a rune-marked warrior chanting a spell. Her rune red, a tongue of crimson lightningunched from her sword, striking the golem-armour. The magic bled away like water sliding off an oiled cloak, leaving the armour unblemished. An instantter, the golem-warriors foot shot out, crushing the barbarian with a well-aimed kick.


    <em>Father</em> ygon asked. <em>What are they?</em>


    Alex remembered a conversation with Professor Jules. Shed described an old way of crafting golemsby binding trapped elementals in their formswhich left a golem that was


    <em>highly resistant to magic, </em>shed exined.


    Alex had paused<em>. Pardon?</em>


    <em>You see, a binding circles purpose is to form a barrier so that a creature caught within cannot exit nor use its magic outside, </em>shed said. <em>When it was inside a golems body, it was not so much a circle as it was a binding knot. The elemental thenpletely filled that knot, raging within its prison.</em>


    Shed paused, adding water to a nearby beaker until it was filled to the brim. <em>Take this cup, for example. It is filled with water, isnt it?</em>


    <em>Thats rightthough there could be contaminants in there besides water, since that isnt distilled water,</em> hed said.<em> Plus with the ambient mana around, theres going to be mana in there too. We cant know for sure whats in there unless we test it, but for the sake of your question, I think we can say that it is.</em>


    Alex remembered seeing a smile reach Jules eyes through her mask. <em>Good, Mr. Roth, I am pleased to see you were paying attention during my ss. And indeed, for our argument, it ispletely filled with water. So, to add anything else to the beaker, you would need to disce some of the water. Well, an elemental filling one of these golems was like the water in this ss: shoving away any magic that tried to touch the circle.</em>


    So those golems have enved elementals in them? Theresa asked.


    No, they have people in them, Alex warned. Thats why they move so well. Weve just seen three Irtyshenan Knights who use golem armourand there could be even more. Somethings going on.

 Chapter 693: The Greasy "Merchant"

    Chapter 693: The Greasy "Merchant"


    <em>What about the Irtyshenan Empire? </em>Alex had asked Professor Jules. <em>You said they still bind elementals to use in golems?</em>


    Professor Jules had sighed. <em>In a sensetheir wizards devised a means to effectively destroy an elementals mind upon its binding, like if one had simply injected acid through the skull and into the brain. With the mind destroyed, the elemental spirit is still there to power the golem, but it has no mind to resist, or actually move the body and process instructions. So, through some very clever design, those alchemists constructed a control system within the golem itself. An individual must sit inside the golems body to move and control it, which still provides a powerful, magically resistant body.</em>


    Alex had blinked, considering what professor Jules had said. <em>That sounds awfulbut great for whoevers controlling thisgolem, or I guess mechanized suit of armour. Theyd be dangerous, while being safe inside a magically hardened bodyempowered by an elementalthat''s resistant to magic. And, the golems body would be directly controlled by a sapient intellect. Thatthatd be pretty terrifying on the battlefield.</em>


    It is, Jules had said.<em> Which is why the Empire continues to make themout of the best materials, using their best crafterseven if the process is very long, expensive, involved, and cruel. I understand that knightly houses there are built upon being able to field these elemental war suits, just as the houses of knights in other realms are built around being able to afford armour and warhorses. It is why they enjoy the privilege ofnd, title and serfs.</em>


    Alex had frowned<em>. Thisthis Empire doesnt sound like a very nice ce.</em>


    His professor had given him a look. <em>There are few ces that are, Mr. Roth. Especially if you look long enough.</em>


    Alex had learned that the hard way, even about his own homnd.


    Here, he neither had to look long nor hard to see that <em>this</em> was not a pleasant ce.


    Die now, barbaric vermin! one of the knights shouted, her voice exploding from her armour and carrying over the forest.


    She punctuated her words by cracking a deadly whip of barbed steel andshing her enemies with it. Rune-marked shrieked as the weapon cut them to the bone, dropping them to the reddening snow.


    Barbarians surged toward hercrying out for blood and vengeanceas their axes did their own terrible work. Runes red on flesh as the fighters met the line of shield bearing Irtyshenansgrowing arm muscles and sheathing weapons in crackling red powerdriving barbarian warriors into the shield wall.


    Metal screamed on metal.


    Iron buckled.


    Impacts shuddered through shields, shattering limbs<strong>.</strong>


    With barely a sound, a dozen Irtyshenans fell, barbarians quickly cleaving them to pieces.


    But the golem knightshed out againher whip screaming through the airying rune-marked like filleting fish. Dying bodies met the cold ground.


    <em>Itpletecarnage </em>ygons voice echoed in Alexs mind.


    <em>Youre right, buddy,</em> he thought.


    There came a snort as the rune-marked leader spurred his demonic steed forward. The beast reared, releasing a sound: part whinny, part wolfs howl, and part human scream. It sprang forward with all the power of a stampeding herd.


    Its master unslung a two-handed axecrusted with red-zing runes. He charged for a golem knight, taking a path that took him right through the Irtyshenans shield wall, his steeds hooves trampling warriors to paste. He rose in the stirrups, his axe raised high.


    The towering golem knight barked a challenge. I will turn you to pulp, you red branded scum!


    He raised his halberd, swinging at the rune-marked.


    The de met the rune-encrusted axe, spraying sparks like fireworks. A screech came. The rune-marked warrior twisted his axes haft, the enormous halberd went wide.


    Demonic hooves churned fresh snow, bringing the rune-marked into the knights guard.


    The golem-knight released the haft of his weapon with a single hand, striking out with a colossal, iron fist. The rune-marked leapt from the saddle as the fist connected with the mount.


    Iron feet carved a trench in the snow as the golem-knight was driven back, his fists impact bursting the mounts form like ss.


    The dying beasts master leapt forward, the axe chopping a chunk out of the knights helmet, but shattering the weapon.


    The rune-markednded behind the knight. The golem slowly turned.


    Both towering warriors red at each other for a few long moments.


    Then the rune-marked raised the ruins of his weapon. Retreat! he roared.


    The barbarian horde paused, and backed away from the Irtyshenans, soon joined by their ck armoured leader. Arrows and crossbow bolts chased them as they quickly melted into the trees.


    Sounds of movement echoed through the forest.


    Theresa swore. Listen. Theres a lot of them, she whispered. There were probably hundreds.


    <em>Yet, they stillretreatedwhy?</em> ygons voice was soft.


    They were outmatched, Alex whispered. They killed lots of soldiers, but they couldnt even touch those three knights; their leader sacrificed his steed and weapon, but the only damage he did was to a helmet. They could have lost their entire force trying to stop those knights.


    <em>Isee</em> the golems voice dropped to a low growl, like a beast trying to mimic mortal words. <em>Theyare strong</em>


    Notpared to you, though, Alex said. But theyre faster than you, and look like theyre more experienced. Anyway, were not here to pick a fight with them.


    <em>It is stillgoodto preparesincethey seem to bepatrolling the forestand we mightrun into them</em>


    Youre right, Alex agreed. But the bigger problems those rune-marked. If there were hundreds of them in that warband, then how many <em>are</em> in this forest?


    He watched as the Irtyshenans gathered the dead in two rowstheir own fallen, and those of their enemiesbefore looting all of the corpses. They worked silently and with practised movements, stripping every piece of gear from the dead.


    When the grizzly task was finished, they backed away, letting the three golem- knightse forward.


    The whip wielder stood to the left.


    The halberdier to the right.


    And between them was a golem-knight standing a full head taller than the pair, her golem armour was inscribed with an abundance of golden filigree throughout. She bore two weapons in hand. The first was a unique crossbow, strung with pure light and force energy, and topped with a bolt of force magic upon it. The second, an intimidating spiked il covered in magical glyphs that increased its impact, while thinning an enemys blood so they would quickly bleed out. The ball on the weapon was enormous, fully capable of bringing down a castle portcullis.


    The knight in the centre spoke. We have lived. We have died. We have spilled the blood of our lessers, yet lost the blood of those from the true civilization. We thank the gods for their mercy in our victory. We pray that we hunt down our enemies for vengeance. And we curse those who struck us down, and curse our own weakness. For the Empire!


    For the Empire! soldiers and the two other knights shouted as one.


    Burn them, the leadermanded.


    A battle mage stepped forward, setting ame both pyres while speaking quiet words of power. The bodies erupted in unnatural me, zing in a column while the survivors prepared to move on.


    Bonus coin to any warrior who brings me a rune-marked head, their leader snarled, leading her troops into the trees. Too much of our blood has been spilled. The barbarians must pay tenfold.


    There was only silence in response, but it was clear that theyd heard her loud and clear.


    We should go, Alex said. The quicker we take care of our own business in this forest, the better. Something nastys brewing here.


    ###


    The town of Turksini loomed on the south side of an icy sea. It was a grim ce with thick grey walls capped by sharp spikes rising from atop them. A dark wooden gate, shod in iron and guarded by half a dozen warriors wearing thick furs over their armour, barred the unweed from entry.


    Two rangy guards stood above the others, d in finely forged te bearing symbols that Alex recognised; a mountain with a halo burning overhead. The symbol of Mount Tisarios.


    The symbol of the Empires jealous gods.


    Alex couldnt help but feel a bitterness in his chest when he looked at it. I wonder if their gods still help the people, or are they lying dead in their pces?


    He didnt voice his thoughts, as he and two of hispanions carefully approached the gate.


    After the warriors had moved on, Alex had teleported his threepanions away, searching until they found the town of Turksini. Theyd materialised in the nearby wilderness, buried ygon in the snowand left the aeld staff with himuntil: Ille and get you once we finish in Turksini, buddy, Alex had said as theyd buried the golem. Its better that I dont walk into town with a war golem and glowing staff.


    <em>Understoodfather</em> the golem had said as snow covered him.


    Now, they were approaching the town, seeking information from the townsfolk about the forest and monsters that dwelled there. Alex could also test hisnguage skills using the Low Irtyshenan tongue.


    The guards are looking at us, Theresa whispered.


    Let me do the talking, Alex said. If they say anything to you in themon tongue, stick to our story.


    Got it.


    Halt,manded a guard in Low Irtyshenan, stepping into their path. State your business here, travellers.


    Afternoon, Alex said, spreading his arms with exaggerated enthusiasm; in that moment he appeared every inch like a travelling trader. He carefully infused a light Generasian ent into his Irtyshenan. This is Turksini, yes? Mypanions and I are here to hunt; I am told the forest is full of monsters, which can be taken apart for rare alchemical goodies! He grinned, winked, and leaned over, whispering loudly. I know of a mushroom-like creature that grows in this forest, and if its spores are treated just rightoh my! It brings just the right kind of stamina, yes? The men I know will pay a lot for it.


    Hed quickly crafted a personality; open, yet crude.


    With a reason for being there crafted; reasonable, yet greasy.


    His bodynguage crafted; familiar, yet obvious.


    The effect? He could already see the guards suspicion and curiosity draining away from mistrustful eyes.


    It is nearly winter, foreigner, the man said. We do not get many foreigners here this time of year. Our Irtyshenan winter isnot merciful to foreign barbarians.


    His tone for the word barbarian...held condescension, but not direct disdain, like he was simply stating a well known fact.


    I know, I know, Alex said. But if people are too unmanly toe here when the winter bites, then that is more of a haul for me, right?


    The man looked at him again before sighing. Well, foreigner, so be it. The forest is full of savage beasts and filthy barbarians, and well not be out there looking for you when you dont return.


    Ah, I have survived many scrapes and scraps before! It is alright Alex paused, letting a flicker of feigned fear pass over his face. The guard noticed and smiled.


    Yes? the man said.


    Well, it is justperhaps, it would be good to hear <em>where</em> some of these savage beasts and forest barbarians are located in the woods, no? Is there anyone I could asknot that I am afraid, mind you he paused, letting a clear case of nerves reach his voice. But I think that it would be good if I knew where the barbarians and beasts lie, just ton my hunt ordingly, you know?


    The guard smirked openly now, just as Alex had hoped; in the smirking mans eyes, the young wizard looked like some muscle-headed, overconfident young adventurer. He was someone to be looked down upon, not suspected.


    Youll want to ask at the trading post, the guard said. Maybe Old Illiana can talk some sense into you. Trust me, boy, you will want to take yourpanions and go back down the road where you came from. Or maybe catch a ship and go hunting on the ice flows up north. Theyre more forgiving than this bastard of a forest.


    As though on cue, a scream ripped the air, sounding like some animal being ughtered. The shrieks peaked, splitting the silence and distant crashing of the icy sea.


    The guard smiled. See? To those unprepared, this ce is a hell.


    Alex nced at Theresa, but they managed to keep from smiling.


    After all, theyd both spent time down in the <em>actual </em>hells.

 Chapter 694: The Treacherous Trading Post

    Chapter 694: The Treacherous Trading Post


    <em>Thats </em>what you want, big man? Youre asking where the monsters are? Are you crazy, barbarian? Were set for war with barbarians and beasts of the forest; you think Im just going to show every greasy foreigner who walks in here a map? Old Illiana scowled at Alex from across the trading posts counter.


    Women and men, d in heavy furs with well-used weapons and vicious-looking traps hanging from their belts, red at Alex and hispanions from every corner of the smoky room. Every twitch of their bodies spoke of mistrust and disdain. Hands moved toward weapons, even as curses and prayers were muttered.


    Alex heard the words wild beasts uttered in an errant whisper, and knew full well they werent only referring to Brutus.


    Bloody rude bastards, he thought, as he kept a friendly, sincere smile frozen on his face. The time for battles mighte, but not quite yet.


    Though, from the daggers shooting from Theresas eyes, it seemed she was ready right now. Her hands werent far from the hilts of the twinde.


    I wouldnt dream of asking you for a map! Alex grinned with feigned unease. He let out a littleugh, letting his voice crack as he nced around the room. The odour in the trading post reeked of old oil and tanning furs, as animal hides hung from rough-hewn walls. I just thought you couldwell, that I could be pointed in the right direction. Im looking for Darkroot Walking Mushrooms, you know the ones that can improve, er He looked around conspiratorially. special energy?


    Ugh, another one wanting to make the pervert potion, the old woman scowled.


    I wouldnt exactly call it pervert potion, Id more say itswell, its a potion that helps couples, uhhave fun! He grinned. But, nevermind who its for or whatw abiding people call it. The point is that Ive got a demand for it, but Id like to avoid hungry trolls, firbolgs, elves, and other barbarians and beasts. And then theres the rune-marked to think about; definitely dont want to run into their kind! Come on, wont you help me out? And anything we hunt thats not going into my alchemical cauldron? Ill sell it here! Hows that?


    Ten gold coins.


    Wait, what now?


    Pfeh, you heard me! The old woman drew a gold coin from her apron with the image of a mountain pressed into one side, and the face of a glowering man on the other. Alex assumed he was the realms emperor. Ten of these, not that useless foreign junk either!


    Alex frowned. You drive a hard bargain!


    Better I state my terms now, since I cant get coin from your corpse when its in the belly of a trollter, now can I?


    He sighed dramatically. Fair point. With a flick of his wrist, Alex reached into his coin pouch and pulled out ten gold coins, rolling them in his palm. As he did, the gold in the bagand there was a lot of gold fresh from the currency exchange in the Bank of Generasiclinked together, briefly catching the light. Ten gold, was it? Listen, Ive got clients who could <em>really</em> use some pepping up, if you know what I mean. Those mushrooms are worth a lot to me and I hope us doing business togetherll be worthwhile to you too.


    Old Illiana paused, her eyes narrowing.


    <em>Easy coin for me, </em>is what youre thinking, I bet? Alex thought.


    Ilianna snatched the coins, her face splitting into a greasy smile. Well, well, well, why didnt you open with that, my foreign friend? Turksinis a lot more open to people who know how to give something to get something. No free rides here; only the strong survive our forests dangers. Isnt that right, boys and girls?


    Life to Turksini! Life to the Empire! the trappers cheered, their hard eyes lingering on the coins in Iliannas hand.


    And subtly, Alex noticed those gazes and the hunger in them.


    Speaking of those dangers. The old woman gave Alex, Theresa and Brutus a long look. Im not sure if a pair of hunters will be safe in the woods with only a hound by their sideeven one as frightening as him. Her gaze fell on Brutus, lingering on his hide. If you want some true advice, avoid the forest altogether. Or, if you need something for your trouble, go up river and trap beaver for the season. Their pelts sell well enough.


    Alexughed ufortably. I need something a little moreexotic for my clients. It has to be the mushrooms.


    Then maybe ask some trappers to guide you? she offered, nodding toward a group of rough looking men wrapped in furs with vicious des strapped to their hips.


    The young wizard maintained his calm demeanour, smiling politely. Im used to working with who I know.


    Smart, smart. Aaaah, then you will need to be quick and careful. Illianna looked left and right, before leaning forward. Her voice dropped to the lowest of whispers. The rune-marked roam the forest in big numbers. They can sense violence in thesends, you know? Or at least thats what my old mummo used to say. Beasts and cannibals of the wood are striking good, honest trappers, so our brave soldiersll be clearing the woods of them soon enough. Nasty things! Bloodll fill the trees before long, and the rune-marked can taste it. And theye, looking to be in the fight. Youd best move quickly and quietly; avoid beasts, and understand one thing, any blood you draw calls the branded filth to you like moths to me.


    And what about local beasts? Are there any wed need to worry about?


    Winter wargs are about, and theyll be hungry. Youre lucky that none of the pointy ears are this far west sote in the season, and that the frost drakes have moved north. But there are the cannibal wendigo from across the ice cap to the north; theyll w your body as quick as your mind. Some of those Darkroot Mushrooms youre so interested in gather in the north, but youd be better served to avoid that direction. Mmmm, but for the next closest territory for your mushroomsyes, wargs are the biggest threat. Them, and the firbolgs, trolls and hill giants. The firbolgs have magics you should be wary of, and the trolls have their own sorceries; they fear nothing but me and acid.


    Alexs eyes narrowed. Trolls and hill giants werent long-lived races; there likely wouldnt be anyone among them who wouldve been alive three centuries ago. Theyd have nothing of any use to share about Kelda or the Hunter that stalked the woods looking for her around here. But the firbolgs? Their kind could live for hundreds of years. They might have elders who are still alive who could have memories that could be useful.


    Trolls and firbolgsand where do theyir? Alex asked. And how do I get my mushrooms?


    For the mushrooms you''ll want to leave by the eastern gate out of town, and take the old woodcutters route northwest. After three hours of walkingwhen youe to a tree that looks like an old withered manveer somewhat east for an hour. Do not keep going north, not unless you want to be troll food. If youre good with directions, then youlle to a boulder in the shape of an axede after another four hours. Veer north again, not south. Thats where the firbolgs tend to be. Oh, and when you get there, if you hear singing, dont trust it. Those wily old giants have certain illusions that trick travellers into their cauldrons! Beware! But after a days travel, youll find the territory of your walking mushrooms.


    Alex bowed his head. Thank you for the advice and information. I know where we need to go now.


    ###


    What a nasty ce, Theresa grumbled, pulling her cloak tight.


    A cold wind rustled the trees, eerie creaking drowning all sounds of the huntress boots crunching the snow.


    She nced over her shoulder. Through the tree line, Turksini shrank away, slowly disappearing behind bare foliage. How miserable, she said. And did you notice the way they were looking at us? I felt like Id turned into some giant cockroach in that trading post.


    The Empires got their people thinking that every outsiders some uncivilised barbarian, Alex grumbled. They tolerated us, because wed be bringing them business, but I think thats it. I suspectif we get out of the forest alive, and with goods to tradetheyd take more interest in us, for better and for worse.


    Ugh, they remind me of Uldar, except on arger scale, the huntress grunted, stepping around a scraggly tree lying across the path. Ahead, Brutus padded through the snow, his six eyes methodically scanning the trees. All six ears were perked up. He told the church all this garbage about the Foolor maybe someone in the church told everyone else all that garbage about the Fond now everyone thinks that youre nothing but trash to be sacrificed. This ce is even worse; they look at all outsiders like trash.


    Yeah, Alex grunted. Lets just say I think the sooner we get our job done here, the better. He cursed under his breath. I just wish the town had been more helpful. If wed gotten a map of the forestor better directions besides walk for some hours then turn at the rocks then I could probably teleport us pretty close to the firbolgs territory. As it is, were going to have to walk or fly at least part of the way. I almost wish wed gone right to the woods and just avoided that ce altogether.


    Hey, we got <em>some </em>directions, which is better than no directions at all, right? Theresa said.


    Yeah, I suppose youre right, he sighed. But lets just hope that the firbolgs are more useful. The Empires an enormous ce; even if I teleport and search the entire territory, its going to take a <em>long</em> time if we dont have any leads to go on. The firbolgs have to know something, or the elvesor somebody.


    And the more they know, the better for us, Theresa agreed, ducking under a low hanging branch. Whats our next move if we dont find anything here?


    He sighed. Something I wont like.


    She looked at him sharply. What?


    His sigh sounded like the beginnings of a groan. Well, you know how I told you that Kelda teleported right into Generasi''s library? To research anything that could help her change the Fools Mark, or give her clues about the hidden church?


    Ya, she said slowly.


    This Empire has its own universities of wizardry, including one that could rival Generasis. Its called the Brightfire University, and supposedly, its better than Generasis, ording to the Empires own<em>very </em>biasedopinion. I figure if Kelda could break into Generasi, then I can break into Brightfire. Hopefully, theyll have records that could point us in the right direction. It''ll be dangerous, but weve literally fought across like three hells sodangerous is kinda rtive, I suppose.


    Yeah, somehow, giants and trolls dont seem like that big of a deal to me anymore, Theresa said. Its hard to believe I used to be so concerned about wolves and bears back in the Coille. Now the only thing that really shakes me is that First Apostle bastard.


    Yeaaah, Alex said. He was way too tough, way too fast and he threw around way too much power. I hope well be stronger before we meet him againand lets hope that he doesnt decide to go on some training journey that brings him more enlightenment, or something along those lines that make him even stronger.


    Theresa shuddered. Dont even joke about that. If he reaches a higher level of enlightenment before I do, Im going to be pissedand probably dead.


    Youre going to be stronger than you were when youst faced him. You already are, Alex said


    The huntress let out a low groan, tapping the hilts of the twinde. Theres something Im missing with my weapon. I thought Id unlocked all their secrets, butI dont know. A while back something big happened while I was sparring with Hart and Grimlochthe same day you figured out teleportation with the Travellers powerbut I havent been able to replicate it.


    Well, Im sure youll figure it out. Sometimes these things take time, Alex said. I have faith in you.


    Yeah, but I need it sooner, notter, the huntress growled. With the secret church involved, were going to have some hard fights ahead of us, and if we arent at full power, then


    Brutus suddenly growled, the sound rumbling from his chest, his heads whipping around.


    The cerberus paws gripped the snow.


    His tailshed back and forth.


    Whats wrong? Alex asked.


    Theresa drew her swords, cocking one ear to the path behind them.


    Her expression was death. Were being followed.


    Alex smiled. Finally.

 Chapter 695: A Lesson on Terminal Velocity...and Lying

    Chapter 695: A Lesson on Terminal Velocity...and Lying


    Alex Roth had entered the trading post of Turksini, knowing two things were guaranteed.


    The first was that any locals he met there would be hardened frontier folk who would see him as a foreignwhich meant badgreedy, young merchant hunter who was way out of his depth in theirnd.


    So, hed reinforced that image by sounding greedy, desperate, nervous and inept the entire time he was in the trading post, inviting disdain. His act had drawn scorn from Old Illianaand the hunters and trappersright up until the moment hed pulled out his gold.


    That was where the second guarantee came in:


    Basic mortal greed.


    When hed paid Old Illiana, hed made it a point to sh his coin pouch, giving a glimpse of its contents to every ruffian and hunter in the ce. Hungry looks started immediately, and the old woman had be very interested in seeing Alex, Theresa and Brutus join some of the local hunters.


    When hed refused her suggestion, he knew that when they left the trading post, theyd be tracked.


    And sure enough, hed been right.


    He smiled, looking back at the obvious tracks theyd conveniently left in the snow. Looks like they took the bait.


    Bait? Theresa asked.


    Alex quickly exined. now we have a better chance of getting some proper directions. How far are they behind us? he whispered.


    Theresas eyes narrowed. About three hundred paces. Theyre moving slow and quietI cant see them yet. Theyre using the trees for cover.


    Right, Alex said. Lets lure them a bit further away from town. Tell me if they start closing the distance.


    I will, she promised.


    The young wizard mentally reached out to ygon. Buddy, were about to have trouble. Be ready, and make sure youve got a good grip on my staff.


    <em>Yesfather</em>


    Theresa, Alex and Brutus continued walking along the snowy trail, their boots crunching through drifts. Trees creaked, frigid winds blew, and the calls of beastsand other creaturesechoed through the woods.


    Theresa was silent, her head slightly cocked.


    One of Brutus heads looked behind, his nostrils ring.


    Alex reached for the power within.


    An hour passed.


    Theyre closing, Theresa said. Theyre probably trying to manoeuvre themselves into bow shot.


    Righttell me when theyre a hundred paces away.


    The huntress listened intently.


    Trees thinned. Snow-filled meadows broke the treeline. ckened pinesseared by past forest firesloomed, leaving clear spots for an archer.


    Ahead, he spotted a treerger than the rest, resembling a withered old man.


    A hundred paces, Theresa said.


    Where are they exactly? Alex pretended to stretch, ncing back toward the treeline.


    He saw no one.


    Third tree to the right of the woodcutters path, the one with all the lichen, Theresa whispered. Her lips hardly moved. Two there, the other three are hidden and spread out.


    Got it, be right back.


    Should I shoot them?


    Not all.


    Got it. Her hand reached for her bow.


    Alex teleported, the forest disappeared.


    A rocky outcropping beside a fjord manifested; a snowpile rose before him, revealing ygon.


    <em>Ready, father </em>The golem handed the young wizard his staff.


    Good. Alex touched his chest, finding it surprisingly warm.


    Suddenly, he was surrounded by cries of pain and cursing voices. Nearby, five living hunters had been reduced to three; two syed on the ground with arrows protruding from their throats.


    A third desperately grappled with the now horse-sized and bone-sheathed Brutus.


    The bandit was not winning that fight.


    Screaming, thest two were trying to escape.


    Ones bow was drawn; she fumbled with an arrow.


    The other was panicking, trying to string his bow.


    <em>Crush the one trying to shoot Theresa,</em> Alex thought.


    The golem took a step forward.


    His fist swung out, striking the hunter.


    Both the woman and tree she hid behind were fused together.


    The hard way.


    A grinning Alex materialised beside the man struggling with his bowstring. Lets talk, shall we?


    He teleported a mile.


    Straight up.


    Grasping the screaming mans wrist, he floated far above the forest, keeping the hunter at arms length.


    Agh! Whats happening? Whats happening? The mans eyes rolled in panic.


    Ill make this short, Alex said, his voice as cold and hard as steel. You tried to kill my fiancee, which makes me <em>really, really</em> want to drop you.


    The would-be bandit trembled while the powerful wizard eyed the forest floor. Ah, I can see youre finding it a bit chilly up here; well youre certainly well dressed for the season, but the colds got a stronger bite this high up


    As he spoke, a sudden gust of wind blew. well, will you look at that, it seems the winds stronger, too! Huh, I dont think youllst too long up here, friend.


    P-please, the mans teeth were chattering. S-spare me, t-take me back down! I beg of you.


    Oh, so you can kill us and rob our dead bodies of our coin? Alex wagged a finger in front of the mans face. I dontwhoa!


    The man scrambled for the knife on his belt, fumbling it free of its sheath.


    Oh dear, Alex said lightly.


    With a strangled cry, the hunter swung the de.


    The aeld staff red.


    Call Through Ice took form, the portal opening in front of the de. Yelping as his hand passed through the gateway, the man jerked it back, dropping the knife.


    A second portal opened behind the young wizard, and the de fell through, plunging toward the ground.


    Alex whistled, shaking his head. None of that. If you threaten me again, Ill drop you.


    To emphasize his point, he unwrapped his pinkie and ring fingers from the hunters wrist.


    The bandit screamed. No, no please, dont!


    You know, that knife is going to hit terminal velocity from this height, right? Alex said quietly. Like you. Do you know what terminal velocity is? He didnt wait for an answer. When something falls, it eleratesfalling faster and fasteruntil it hits a maximum speed. For a man your size, taking into ount air resistance, I think youd take ohmaybe fifteen hundred feet to reach it. Thats about twelve seconds.


    P-please, the man moaned, his teeth chattering faster, eyes looking wild.


    And at that velocity? You pick up a <em>lot</em> of energy. Which means that when you hit the ground, all that speed is going to instantly dropexcuse the wordto zero. All that energy will be transferred between you and the ground. Do you have any idea what an impact like that does to the human body?


    Alex peered at the ground clinically. The snow will absorb some of the energy, but at this heightwithout anything to protect youthats not going to matter much. Youll turn to paste, your heart will likely burst, and your bones? My friend, one would probably see piles of sand on a beach stronger than your ruptured skeleton after a fall from this height. And you might want to pray to your gods to make sure you die on impact, because if you dont.


    The young wizard cringed, pulling his lips back from his teeth and sucking in air. Well, lets just say I wouldnt want to go that wayah well, my hands getting tired


    No, no, no, no! Wait, wait, wait, wait! the hunter cried, squeezing his eyes shut. P-please spare me. Y-you cant!


    Technically, hes right, Alex thought sourly. As much as Id love to whip this bastard into the ground, Uldarin his infinite wisdomthinks that protecting myself from bandits and monsters shouldnt be something I can do. By the Traveller, I cant wait to fix thisbut, for nowhe doesnt know I cant hurt him, does he?


    Alex unwrapped his middle finger from around the mans wrist.


    Aggggh! No, no, no! the hunter shrieked, grabbing the wizards thick forearm with his other hand. Ill do anything! Ill give you anything!


    Okay, okay. Alex winced. Not so loud, youre going to rupture my eardrums. I tell you what: youve got a deal going with Old Illiana, right? She gets a cut of your spoils when you gut someone she tells you to?


    N-no! Thats not it! the hunter cried. Oh, by the gods, dont drop me!


    The faster you talk, the more likely my hand doesnt get numb. Oops, the feelings leaving my fiiiingeeeers.


    Illiana w-works with o-others! W-we justwe take what we can get, we work by ourselves! We hunt in these woods and take what we can g-get, even from barb-I mean, good foreigners like you!


    I see, fair enough. Which means that if you hunt the woods, you must know them real well, right? Tell me where we can find the elf and the firbolgmunities in the forest.


    And the man talked.


    His directions were much better than Old Illianas; he identified severalndmarks that would guide Alex to both the giant firbogls and elves.


    The young wizard smiled.


    With so much good information, teleporting there shouldnt be too hard at all, he thought.


    Alright, alright, thank you for all your woooonderful help. Alex shed a huge smile. His expression was that of a kindly teacher.


    The man met the young wizards gaze. His shoulders rxed. S-so you wont drop me?


    Alexs voice dripped honey. Of course Im not going to drop you. You told me what I needed to know.


    Mentally, he was already talking to ygon.


    Conversation passed through their mental link.


    Lets get you back down to the ground. You must be cold.  Alex said. Youve probably wet yourself and itll be a long way back to town. Best you get started on your journey.


    He teleported into the forest, some fifty paces from where the hunters had set up their ambush. The bandits eyes rolled with shock as his feet touched the snow, body shaking, legs buckling.


    T-thank you! he cried. I-I swear I wont tell anyone anything about you!


    I know you wont, the young wizards voice was ice. You tried to kill my fiancee. Why in every hell should you get to live?


    The mans eyes grew wide.


    Alex casually stepped to the side, one hand folded behind his back.


    Something crashed through the trees.


    ygons war-spear shot from bare brush, striking the bandit, pinning him to a trunk. A creaking sound followed as the tree toppled to the reddening snow.


    The wizards expression was sour as he looked at the dead hunter.


    There was a time when I would have balked at doing something like that. But, people like you never do, and people like me end up dead. Its time we stopped being the ones to die, he thought, turning his back on the corpse.


    He teleported back to find Theresa and ygon cleaning their weapons and fists.


    Alex could hear Brutus crunching on something behind a tree.


    Is everyone alright? he asked.


    Were fine, Theresa said. Those murderous bastards might have been good enough to kill some hapless travellers, but were not a bunch of poor unsuspecting travellers. They more than met their match, so were just fine. The only way theyd have a chance of scratching me is if I was asleep. Brutus is fine too.


    <em>Andso am Idid I get that bandit? </em>ygon asked.


    Your aim is better than ever, buddy, Alex confirmed. And speaking of aim; we got what I was aiming for. That bandit gave us <em>proper</em> directions to the firbolgs. We can stop walking, go invisible, and teleport.


    Sounds like a much better way to travel, Theresa smiled.


    <em>Agreedfather</em> ygon said.


    Brutus stepped out from behind the tree, licking three sets of lips.


    Casting invisibility and flight magic, Alex teleported himself and hispanions over the treetops, watching forndmarks the bandit had described.


    He soon caught sight of the first one, then continued on, teleporting to the nextndmark and the next. But as they travelled, he<strong></strong>noticed a problem.


    Wait, is it getting dark or am I going crazy? Alex asked.


    It <em>is</em> getting dark. Theresa squinted at the dimming horizon.


    Shit, Alex cursed. Were so far up north, the days end earlier. Nightfalls going to be here soon.


    What do you want to do? Theresa asked.


    Lets find the firbolg settlement, but we wont make contact today. Well save that for our next trip up here. Itll also give me a chance to research them.


    Sounds reasonable, Theresa said. Are you going to tell Professor Jules what we found?


    Yeah, Alex said, I can do that before meeting with Professor Mangal. She and I are going to really start working on Rtional Contract Summoning tomorrow.


    The rune-marked stood over the ruined corpses of the hunters.


    Some had been split apart. Others, crushed. One looked to have been impaled by an immense weapon; a weapon that was now gone.


    New violence their warleader whispered, his breath misting through his visor. New enemies to y.


    Shall we track them? a warrior asked, rifling through the clothing of a broken body.


    Later. For now, blood calls to us. Giant blood. The portents say that we must seek something.


    His voice was like two boulders grinding together. Something the firbolgs have.

 Chapter 696: Prototypes and Time

    Chapter 696: Prototypes and Time


    So you found the settlement? Professor Jules asked, stirring a spoonful of honey into a cup of tea. The amber liquids steam rose through the morning sunlight streaming through the map rooms window.


    Outside, Greymoor tasted the first snows ofte fall.


    A dusting for now, but the day was still young.


    We did. The young wizard eased into a chair, poised to set his hot cup down on the map. Khaliks re froze him partway, making him think better of it. We only saw it from a distance, but its the right location to be the firbolgs vige. Next time we go back, well approach them and see if we can find out if theres anyone there who was alive during the Hunter incident three hundred years ago.


    Lets hope so, I hunger for progress. Prince Khalik frowned, eyeing the map of Thamnd. All across its surface miniature red models of Ravener-spawn were positioned at the site of a Ravener-spawn attack that had urred in the past two weeks. The number of models covering the map were increasing, rmingly. Since we met with the king, the attacks have grown worse. I fear something bad ising. The sooner you are free of the Marks limits, the better. When do you n to return to the Empire?


    Thats what I wanted to talk about with all of you. Alex grimaced.


    There was a pause as Professor Jules, Khalik, Isolde and Thundar looked at each other.


    Can you make what you just said sound any more ominous? The minotaur moved a tiny wizard across the map, taking it from Greymoor and cing it farther north.


    Indeed Alex, you make things sound as though you are about to leave us and go off to sacrifice your life. Isolde squinted at the area where Uldars Rise was, taking notes.


    What is it, Mr. Roth? What seems to be the problem? Professor Jules asked.


    Its he took a deep breath. How do I phrase this?


    He paused, searching for the right words.


    I want to get back to the Empire as soon as possible. He took a sip of hot ciderletting the vours linger on his tongue before flowing down his throat. He exhaled, then leaned forward. The problem is, I think Im going to need more time to do this properly; Restful Slumbers taken me this far, buteven with only sleeping two hours a nightIm still running out of hours in the day.


    He looked at Professor Jules. I want to make the search for Keldas sanctum a priority; the Empires just about the biggest country in the whole world, andif we dont get luckyfinding it could literally take monthsor even years, if Im honest.


    Oh wow. Thundar sucked air through his teeth. But thats without using teleportation, right?


    Oh no, without teleportation, it could take decadesor even centuriesto search every single corner of the Empire. Thats why we need to find a lead as quick as possible. We need information<strong></strong>that points us in the right direction, but in order to get it as fast as we need it, Ill have to go there probably a few times a week.


    That makes sense, Isolde agreed. But you are making it sound as though doing it will be a problem.


    Well, it might be. Heres the thing: Im going to try to be back to Generasi every night, but between sses, my golem work at Torakas, researching Uldars notes, working with the dungeon cores, and


    He paused, searching for the right words.


    ...look, Ill juste right out and say it. Ive hit a wall when ites to learning spells, he said.


    Arent you at sixth-tier? Thundar asked. If thats a wall, then Im at whatlikea castle wall? A bigger wall? A mountain? Im not even at fifth-tier, yet, man.


    I can cast sixth-tier summoning spells because of Hannahs power, but even with that, the Marks really starting to increase its resistance; its taking me a <em>long</em> time to learn even a single one of those higher-tier spells. I justI need more time.


    What are you saying, Alex? Khalik asked.


    I dont think Ill be able toe to Greymoor as much, his shoulders slumped. I want to be here as much as I can, but we need to find Keldas sanctum.


    Thats true, Professor Jules said. From what youve told me of Hannahs story, Kelda had been researching her Mark and the hidden church for many years before she met her end. We could use that research dearly.


    Her lips thinned to a pale line, and she threw a venomous look at a locked drawer in her desk. Ive been examining Uldars notes every night for weeks, and its bing harder to wring any meaning from them; that damned, dead god was so obtuse with his notations that Im having to <em>guess </em>what some of his forme mean. And I am no fan of guessing.


    You and me both, Alex agreed sourly.


    Then all the more reason we need that Fools Mark changed. Thundar touched one of the Ravener-spawn miniatures on the map. The more time we take, the more people die, plus the more time the Ravener <em>and</em> the secret church have to cook up their next scheme.


    Indeed, Isolde said. If Kelda had learned enough about her Mark to create analbeit unsessfulprocess to reverse it, then that means her notes will quite likely give us insight into Uldars methods.


    And even if they do not, having you without limits would make you an even more powerful force against the enemy, Khalik noted. You would be able to research more freely and stand on the battlefield in a way you never have before. I say if that means you must spend more time in the Empire than Greymoor, then that is time well-spent.


    Agreed. Professor Jules looked at Alex grimly, taking a long sip from her steaming cup. Alex, if you need time away from the expedition, then that will be fine; your quest to find Keldas sanctum will be beneficial to us in many ways. Its worth devoting your time to. She nced at her desk. Its not the worst time for you to step back; with the dungeon cores properties now fully catalogued, and with all of our teams well into the prototyping stage of creating new magical devices, losing you now wont slow us down <em>that</em> much.


    She circled the rim of her cup with a fingernail. I would ask you to make an appearance at the Castle once per week, though. During that time, you could help the research teams test prototypes of the following Dungeon Core items: our Dungeon Core Portable Mana Generator, stwave Emitter and Conductive Wiring.


    Yeah, Ill make it workWait, hold on a second, Alex paused. I knew we were working on the Mana Generator and Wiringthey could revolutionise Generasi. But, I thought a general mana power grid was top prioritywhats this about a stwave Emitter? I didnt think we were moving on to weapons creation so quickly.


    Professor Jules sighed wearily. I wish we didnt have to, Alex; the truth is, both Counsellor Kartika and myself think that were going to need a new weapon. The first time a petrifier attacked Greymoor, there was only one of them. The next time, there were three. How many will there be next time? And the question that raises is; are they the Raveners most powerful soldiers? We dont know; its a construct designed by a god using what may be the most advanced alchemy Ive ever encountered. I doubt weve seen its limits, and <em>if </em>or <em>when</em> we do, we are going to need <em>something</em> extraordinary to deal with whatever it throws at us.


    Very true, Alex agreed. I can help with the design, but if its a weapontheres only so much I can do with it.


    All the more reason to be rid of the Marks limits, Professor Jules agreed. You have my permission to explore the Empire on behalf of the expedition, Mr. Roth...unofficially, of course. Ill see that you get your full Art of the Wizard in Combat credit, as well as full Alchemy credits for your efforts.


    Thank you so much, Professor, he said, then looked at his cabal. Are you guys all okay with this?


    You need not ask, Isolde sniffed. I am not so small minded not to recognise where your efforts need to be directed.


    Same, Thundar agreed. Well keep fighting Ravener-spawn, working with the Heroes and trying to track down the church from here, while you can work on finding Keldas ce.


    Agreed. Khalik tapped Uldars Rise. The secret church obviously tried to strike you down at Rockmoot, and likely only retreated in the face of Registrar Hobbs power. But we cannot assume they will be idle. As a matter of fact, I am surprised we have not seen them reappear yet. He swore in Tekish. If only I had the wisdom to see through their schemes. We could strike first.


    Yeah, Alex said, draining his cup then bncing it on his chairs armrest. Id like that too; truthfully, Ive been trying to feel good about what happened at Rockmoot. I mean, Im basically free now. No more worrying about the king or the churching for me. No more avoiding certain parts of Generasi because priests might be lurking around a corner. No more having to avoid every soldier in Thamnd while Im herebut


    His mind returned to the assassination attempt at the standing stones. but it feels like theres still <em>another</em> sword hanging over my damned head at this point. The hidden church isnt going to give up, but where are they going to strike? In Generasi? He blew out a breath. Im going to work on Rtional Contract Summoning with Professor Mangal after our meeting. Are they going to jump from behind a bush on campus and st me with their miracles? Am I going to look at my customers one day and see the First and Third Apostles standing among them, raising their spells to kill me? Am I going to get home from Shales and find theyve kidnapped Selina. Or hell


    He looked at his cabal with concern. Are they going to ambush one or all of you, or even Theresa, when youre searching for <em>them, </em>or maybe Kybas or Grimloch when theyre out harvesting dungeon cores? Is their attack going to happen here in Greymoor? Whens it going to happen?


    I confess to having asked myself the same questions, Khalik said. We will not be able to breathefortably until they are all destroyed, but the rats will note out of their nests. What do they wait for?


    I dont know, Khalik, Alex admitted. And thats whats driving me so damn crazy, I just dont know. Hopefully, I dont find out when they jump from behind some bushes on my way to Professor Mangals.


    ###


    I beg for your forgiveness, First Apostle, Third Apostle Izas bowed his head so low, that his long beard scraped the grottos floor. We have tried to seek another opportunity to y the Fool, but we have not found another one as golden as Rockmoot. The old man grimaced. Our failure there burns me, Holy One. Please, give me leave to punish agents Lee and Charity.


    Within the dark of the grotto, First Apostle Garbian meditated.


    His eyes were closed.


    The glowing scales of the Chosen burned on his forehead.


    I cannot grant you such permission. The First Apostles deep voice reverberated through the grotto. Their failure was unfortunate, but they were ill-equipped to face the power that the Generasians brought to Rockmoot. Had you and I been there personally, then perhaps we could have changed the ouebut the risk was too great.


    Eldin would have seen them punished anyway. The Third Apostle closed his eyes in pain. Only Uldar knew how much he missed the priests skill, judgement and loyalty.


    Eldins way served us well before the disaster at Uldars Rise, the First Apostle said. But now? Now our list of allies runs thin, like blood with snakes venom coursing through it. We cannot afford to burn away those few who remainand remember, the failure did note without benefits.


    The First Apostle opened his eyes. We now know more of the power the wizards bring to bear. This will help me when ites to praying for interdiction and miracles. It also means that it might be time to move onto our secondary targets. The Fool should die first, but if he is inessible, then we must


    Now, now, now, dont lose hope my young mortal friends, a familiar voice spoke from the dark.


    The Stalker stepped from the shadows, wearing a vicious grin bursting with delight.


    There you are, the First Apostle said. It has been some time since we have seen you.


    Aye, I was doing some hunting, watching, andthis and that, the Stalker rubbed his hands together. And something really wonderful happened yesterday while I was tracking our quarrys name. Hes been moving about a lot for the past few months, but hes always stayed close to either that city of wizards, or the wizards castle here in our lovely realm.


    His grin widened.


    That was until yesterday, friends. Yesterday, he moved far away. Far, far away from those that protect him.

 Chapter 697: Build me a Worthy Army

    Chapter 697: Build me a Worthy Army


    It was the strangest thing. The Stalker threw himself on the grottos stone floor, his plump legs syed out before him. From his sleeve, he produced a steaming silver cup of mulled wine, then paused. Aye, its cold outsidemy good mortal friendswhat say you join me in a cup of the good stuff?


    I must decline. The First Apostle rose from where he had been meditating.


    Ill have a cup, thank you, the Third Apostle said.


    One of Gabrians eyebrows rose while the Stalkerughed.


    It is indeed, quite cold, First Apostle, Izas said, his expression apologetic.


    Aye, that it is, that it is. The Stalker reached into his sleeve once more, withdrawing another hot cup of mulled wine, offering it to the white bearded mortal. And speaking of cold, the fae continued. Our quarry left his usual haunts and travelled far north, and when I say far, it was a way up north, even by reckoning of this chilly isle. No idea what he was doing, but whatever it was, it took him to a ce of ice and snow.


    Youve said you dont know what his purpose was? Gabrian asked. But, where exactly did he go?


    I believe you mortals would call it Kymnd, right around the area youd call the Irtyshenan Empire. I quite like the frosty ce; the fae there are nice and cold blooded. The Stalker sighed wistfully, remembering hunts of yesteryear.


    Or more specifically <em>yester-century,</em> realistically speaking.


    The Empire? Gabrian frowned. StrangeThamnds not had dealings with them.


    Not anymore, the Stalker said.


    Izas looked at him sharply. What do you mean not anymore?


    Oh? Aaaahhhh, you mortals have short memories, the fae chuckled. A long, long, <em>long</em> time agoback when your god walked the islethat Empires reach was far more southwest than it is now. The Irtyshenans came to these shores looking to conquer. Sadly, for them, your god drove em off.


    I was not aware of this, Gabrian marvelled. Truly, Uldar is great.


    Aye, gods tend to be, the Stalker agreed.


    They remained in silence for a moment before Izas spoke. One has to wonder what the Fool would be doing there? If we did not know of such an invasion, then he likely would not have either, Izas eyes lifted toward the grottos ceiling, his forehead wrinkling in thought.


    No idea my young friend, but it might be something for you tricky little mortals to look into. The Stalker suggested. As for me, Ill keep tracking him and start selecting the right paths on the fae roads to useand figure out what tolls need to be paidfor us to travel to the same ce he went, thats if he keeps going there.<strong></strong>A hunter should always keep in mind that if prey suddenly changes its habits, try to understand <em>why </em>before starting the hunt. If the Fools change in behaviour sticks, that means the Empires the right ce for us to hunt the mysterious Foolish fellow down.


    Glorious. Gabrian bowed his head. Uldar provides opportunity for us. And this time, we shall not waste it.


    He looked at Izas. If our next chance to strike the Fool presents itself when he is far from protection, then we cannot allow ourselves to fail. When the timees, we must ensure sess.


    The ancient Chosen cracked his neck.


    Personally.


    Indeed, it will be time for war, First Apostle, Izas agreed.


    Are you sure you want to begin with a war-spirit? Professor Mangals eyes seemed to burn as they peered at Alex through a cloud of incense. The summoning roomat the top of the Summoners Tower where the young wizard had taken his first summoning sswas heavy with the scent of fragrant smoke. Through the haze, the night sky appeared inky ck above the magical ceiling; stars were winking down at them. One wall of Professor Mangals seminar room was stered with star charts and diagrams of the various nes.


    A war-spirit is a <em>very</em> powerful entity to bind or bargain with, Alex. I would suggest you begin with something easier.


    Trust me, he said, looking at the spell-guide in his hand. You never know when a war is going toe looking for you. Besides, the bargaining part is the thing Im least worried about. I have to actually be able to cast the spell that calls the spirit to me first.


    Squinting, the young wizard brought the spell-book nearer to the light from the four braziers around the summoning circle in the centre of the chamber.


    The flickering glow illuminated the spell-guides forme and diagramsamong the mostplex of any spells hed ever studied.


    In fact, <em>the</em> mostplex spell hed ever tackled.


    Ive been building rtionships with every summons Ive ever conjured, the young wizard said. Negotiations, diplomacythose, I can handle. But this spell, professor, by the Traveller it makes my teeth ache thinking about how Im ever going to manage to cast it.


    His professor, seated on a cushion across the summoning circle from her student,ughed lightly. Incense burned at five points around her, the smoke billowing at herughter. Listen, my young friend, theplexities of rtional contract summoning spells are among the most challenging to master in all of the summoning arts. I must remind you that binding contract summoning is somewhat easier.


    She pointed to a spell-guide at her side. Bind nar Entity iswhile still incrediblyplexpared to the subjugation type summoning spells that you have masteredis<strong></strong>more straightforward than Conjure nar Ally. Using the framework<strong></strong>of pact magic, Bind nar Entity simply binds the being you call within its magics. Conjure nar Ally must seek a bnce by allowing the entity to preserve its free will, while still using its magic to reinforce the contract you make together and prevent the being from striking you down while you are negotiating with it. You would be better served mastering Bind nar Entity first.


    Alex suppressed a shudder before answering; the idea of binding another entity within a contract against its<strong></strong>will made him queasy. In a way, thatd make him no better than Uldar, whod unterally branded young folk to do his bidding without any say from them.


    It didnt matter whether they wanted the destiny of a Hero or not.


    Thats something I''d rather not do. Maybe if I have to do it to survive or save someones lifeI wouldbut if I can avoid it, Im going to. Besides


    I think Conjure nar Ally is the more logical choice, professor. Look, were going to make enemies as wizards, right? Alex asked. So, why am I going to make even more enemies by binding and pissing off a bunch of elementals and spirits? Id rather make allies instead; Ive got quite <em>enough</em> enemies, thank you very much.


    Ah, yes Professor Mangal said slowly. I haveheard of what the god of your homnd branded you with; your story has gone through campus like wildfire.


    Really? Alex looked up from his book.


    You didnt know? the professor cocked her head to one side. I expected someone would be stopping you every time you tried to make your way across campus; a great deal of people have been talking about you.


    Well, to be honest, I dont spend a lot of time on campus these days, he said. I have so much to do that I basically teleport from home straight to ss, then either go to the Barrens, or Shales Workshop or my other businesses.


    Ah, that would exin it; I have heard you are very busy. She looked at him with concern. Her eyes seemed to search him, looking for something. Are you sure you can proceed with future spells, considering this Mark that you bear? It is a miracle that you havee as far as you haveI saw how you struggled with breaking through to sixth-tier, and I do worry for your mind. What that Mark does to inhibit yousounds like incredible torture. Perhaps


    Professor, thanks for being worried about me. I mean that sincerely, but with time, Ivee to know my limits, considering Ive been pushing them for two years, andtrust meIm not the kind of person who keeps pushing until they hurt themselves. Permanently. I think I can handle this, but Im not going to know until I try. He locked eyes with her, his voice solemn. Im going to try, professor. I have to. And now that you know about my Mark and what it meansdo you see why Im reluctant to force a binding contract on anything?


    What about subjugation type summoning? Professor Mangal countered. You use that regrly, and you also made a golem for yourself. Does that not amount to the same thing?


    Maybe, Alex admitted. But when I call something to the material world with a subjugation-type summoning spell, I talk to them and work things out with them. My spells technically bind them, but Id like to think that Im treating them well; and that their service is only temporary. When the spell is finished, they go home; the whole thing doesnt take long. But with a binding contract summoning spell, Im luring an entity into a magical trap and basically forcing them to be imprisoned until they agree to a service against their will; and that service couldst days, weeks or even months. That doesnt sit right with me.


    I think that is still more simr to subjugation summoning spells than you think, Alex, Professor Mangal pointed out. When you summon your favourite water elemental, he is friendly to you, but you could still force him to undertake any demand you desire, regardless of his will. You are merely giving the illusion of free will; when your summons are subjugated by your magic, they must listen.


    To me, its still different, he said calmly. In the end, they spend a short amount of time with me doing a service, and Ive neverpelled any of my summons to do anything against their will, even if the magic would let me. But with binding type summoning spells<strong>,</strong> I basically have to force the contractI admit, its probably not as different from what Ive been doing as I think it is, but I still dont like it. Something about the idea of forced negotiationno, if theres another way thats not going to make enemies, Ill go that route. Besides, with subjugation type summoning spells, anything I summon gets sent back home if the power of the spell is severed, for example if theyre heavily injured. With binding type summoning spells, theyre just <em>here</em>. Theyre stuck until they finish whatever task Ive bound them to. Thats a <em>lot</em>different.


    He tapped the spell-guide for Conjure nar Ally. So that means specialising in rtional contract summoning. Dont get me wrong, if ites down to learning Bind nar Entity or letting myself or someone I love die, Ill do it. But it hasnte to that yet, so Ill make the choice that feels right and still gets me what I want.


    The professors face lit up. Ah, you always fill me with pride. Ethically, I agree with you, though logically I still think that subjugation and binding style summoning are akin to one another. But, I am not here to force you to do what you do not wish to do, I am here to guide you towards developing knowledge that will serve you and the summoning arts in the future.


    Of course, professor. Alex smiled. And thank you; if it werent for teachers like you, I wouldnt have made it this far. and speaking of teaching, could you summon the war-spirit one more time for me? I want to watch you do it; it might give me some clues on how to handle the spell array.


    Of course, Mangal said.


    She raised her hands, fixing her eyes on the circle.


    Her face seemed to take on the strength of steel.


    Then, she spoke a single word.


    When Alex was in his first summer semester and taking his first summoning ss, the professor had called the same war-spirit she was now summoning, sending the ss into different levels of fear. Hed been so awed by the mesmerising spirit that he hadnt focused on the professor, neither understanding nor clearly hearing what shed said. The only distinct sound he remembered hearing was the sound of pain, and metal grinding on metal.


    But now?


    Now, hed mastered narnguages to a degree he couldnt have dreamed of when hed walked into his first summoning ss the summer of his first year.


    Hed studied thenguages in detail, keeping in mind how important urate pronunciation was. Hed grasped what different words meant; he knew not to confuse them, to be specific, to be crystal clear.


    As he listened to her casting, he suddenly understood what she was saying as clearly as if she were speaking themon tongue. Shed actually said more than one word, but they were all spoken together in a single<strong></strong>pulse of magic:


    <em>Come, Then-Arus, sworn warrior of Akebo. Come and honour me with your fellowship.</em>


    A heartbeatter, the stone in the circle began to ripple violently.


    Alex reached out with the Travellers power, feeling the spells might, wanting to capture how it felt. If he could sense it, he could have one hell of a soldier to stand against the church, the empire, or any other enemy that came before him.


    His eyes narrowed.


    Huhanother<strong></strong>captain for a generals army, he thought.

 Chapter 698: The Ultimate Technique of Mana Regeneration

    Chapter 698: The Ultimate Technique of Mana Regeneration


    Thunder echoed through the room.


    Power flowed across the nes and Alex touched it with Hannahs energy. He felt for the mana as it reached out to a distant ne; a ne emitting the scent of fresh blood, a pulsing heat of me, and the sound of metal striking metal.


    The spells mana called, and something answered.


    Alex felt the war-spirit touch the flow of energy, riding it across the gulf between nes.


    A form rose within the summoning circle, at first it appeared that the floor tiles were swelling and shifting, like something was pushing them toward the ceiling. Alex remembered the first time hed seen the war-spirit manifest in this very room. He recalled how it had taken on the appearance of stone.


    It was stretching now, growing until its height was greater than either Thundars or Baelins. Stone warped, taking on definition; gleaming like metal.


    From a ce unknown and distant, Alex could hear the sound of iron pounding iron. Heat rose, as if from a forge.


    The war-spirit took form.


    Humanoid arms appeared.


    Two ded<strong></strong>legs extended from its lower body.


    A pair of outgrowths projected from a lean backfilling the space within the circlebing feathered wings glistening like polished steel. As its features unfoldedmetallic muscture, flesh, and haira ring of metal shimmered into being, encircling its human-like head in a halo.


    Spikes, like the thorns of a rosebush, extended from the steel surface.


    A gleaming, humanoid stretched its wings, looking around with an unreadable air, finally fixing its gaze on Professor Mangal.


    With every sound escaping the creature, an echo of metal striking metal and voices screaming in terror, reached Alexs ears. The scent of fresh blood filled his nostrils and the spirits every movement seemed to threaten violence.


    Despite the menace it was exuding, its face appeared calm and rxed.


    The first time Mangal had summoned this war-spirit for his ss, its appearance had sent shock and fear through the beginner summoners and beyond merely creating a feeling of fear, something else about it had felt deeply wrong to him.


    At the time, he could acknowledge its unique physical presence, yet there was an aspect of its being that he couldnt quite make sense of in his mind. It was as if one was looking around a familiar space, realising that something was out of ce, but having no idea what it was.


    But now, Alex understood <em>exactly</em> what it was hed found so unnerving back then; the war-spirit was an unapologetic confirmation of violence. If Tiashivas were empowered by violence, then war-spirits were born of it.


    They <em>were</em> violence in a very real sense, and their existence was like an assault on the material world. To look on one was to face the manifestation of pain and deathcapturing the innermost fears of most mortals.


    <em>Most</em>.


    But, Alexander Roth had changed, no longer fearful of what frightened<em> most </em>mortals.


    Ive killed greater demons and Ive seen a dead god, he thought, meeting the war-spirits gaze as the entity looked down at him. It takes a lot more than you to scare me.


    Then-Arus, Professor Mangal said, in words sounding like twisting metal and rushing liquid. You are not required to fight today, but for answering my call, I will lead you to a battle worthy of your existence.


    Then-Arus did not answer, merely looking at Professor Mangal calmly.


    His face wore a mask of tranquility, yet Alex could feel the ruthless satisfaction emanating from him.


    Are you quite satisfied, Alex? Professor Mangal asked. Was seeing me cast the spell helpful to you?


    Absolutely, Professor, he said. I felt the flow of powerand it helped me get a better understanding of how the spell works. I cant wait to get started, but- He paused, looking at Then-Arus closely, examining the spirits powerful form.


    Alex imagined his enemies facing this personification of violence.


    He could see them running and breaking, too ruined to ever trouble him or those he cared about again.


    He began to smile.


    Until the First Apostlethe ancient Chosen of Uldarand the mans speed crept into his mind. He remembered the power of his magic, the might of his divinity, the hard body forged through life enforcement, and the skills and strength hed used to overpower three Heroes of Uldar in one battle.


    His smile faded.


    I need something better. Bigger. Deadlier, he thought, looking at Professor Mangal.


    Can I ask Then-Arus a question, professor? he said.


    She nodded. Of course.


    He bowed his head to the war-spirit. Mighty Then-Arus, butcher of a thousand battlefields and terror of a hundred nes


    The professor raised an eyebrow.


    The war-spirit eyed him closely.


    Alex had used ancient titles for Then-Arus kind. Titles that were rarely known by mortals anymore.


    Hed done his research.


    I seek to ask a question of you, with the greatest respect, he said. You are bound to Professor Mangal by magic and fellowship, and that is a great union of magic, blood and death. I seek to forge a rtionship with one of your kind. I myself have dealt terrible violence. I am the wizard who yed Yantrahpretaye in Cretalikon. I was the general on the battlefield when my golem, ygon, and the warrior Kyembe the Spirit Killer yed the great Kaz-Mowang. My golem and my strategies destroyed the greater demon Zonon-In. I have many deeds of blood and violence to my credit, and I seek one who would join me in these endeavours. Would this please your kin?


    Silence hung between them, until Then-Arus spoke in Alexs mind, his voice like a thousand des slicing through multitudes. <em>We are violence. We would dly join with one who draws blood and death as you have done. We know violence. We know your deeds. What is your question?</em>


    Who among your kind would you fear to fight most? Alex asked.


    Silence followed.


    Mangal gasped.


    Then-Arus metal body began pulsing waves of heat. <em>I am a war-spirit of steel. I do not fear.</em>


    You speak true, Alex said. What you would call strategy, Ia mere mortalwould call fear. A fear not of violence and death, but of the end of it. You are violence, Then-Arus. You seek it endlessly, for that is what you are. But if you met an opponent, one so violentand so powerful that it would stop your endless quest for blood, then you would choose your battle against them with care, would you not? Forgive me if I am wrong, for I am a mere mortal.


    Silence.


    <em>You are correct.</em> Metal grated in Alexs mind.


    Thank you Then-Arus. Then who among your kind would be most formidable to face? Who among your kind has aplished the most glorious deeds of violence? Who among your kind would drive the rest of you to band together to face them on the battlefield? Who among your kind would make greater demons recoil in terror? Alex asked.


    More silence.


    Mangal looked at Alex, concern lining her face.


    <em>You ask who is the greatest among us, or who would be one most feared across the nes,</em>Then-Arus said. <em>Do not seek to conjure such a being, mortal. It will be too much for you.</em>


    It will be too much for my <em>enemies</em>, Alex countered. And I seek such an entity of my own free will. I am no mindless apprentice, out of their depth. You know my deeds and I wield great power. Grant me this information, please. I could search tomes for the name of such a being, but books created by mortals would note close to your knowledge of death and battle, Then-Arus.


    The war-spirit studied the young wizard carefully. <em>I sense some duality about you, mortal. You are a puzzle. A contradiction. You say that you deal death, and this much I know to be true. I can taste it </em>A spiked, metallic tongue emerged from the war-spirits face, tasting the air. <em>but something about you is antithetical to the very nature of violence. That trait disgusts me. I tolerate it; I have a partiality for mortals. But the one you conjure will see such a weakness as an affront. They will strike you down before you can speak.</em>


    Alex cursed Uldar.


    You let me worry about that, Then-Arus. I beseech you. Grant me a name. Grant me a name that I can call upon. A name that will terrify my enemies from its first syble, the young wizard said.


    <em>Then there is but one,</em> the war-spirits metal shuddered. <em>That nameis Asmaldestre, who my kin call The Unmaker.</em>


    Mangal drew in a sharp breath.


    Asmaldestre the Unmaker, Alex repeated the words. I willmit that name to memory.


    <em>That is unwise. The Unmaker is unruly beyond all mortal measure. She is destruction, metal and flesh. She is blood and iron and me.</em>


    Alex smiled with menace, imagining the First Apostles face twisted in horror. She sounds perfect.


    Ah, Professor Mangal warned. Such a war-spirit will wield <em>immense</em> power. I doubt that Conjure nar Ally would suffice to summon her.


    Alex looked at Mangal. Which tier?


    Pardon?


    Which spell-tier would suffice?


    The professor shook her head. It would be beyond even my power.


    What tier? Alex pressed.


    Ninth, she said grimly. Without a doubt. The spells would likely be Conjure Ultimate Ally or Conjure Grand Gate, both at ninth-tier. The former would ally you to conjure the most powerful of nar entities, while thetter creates a full portal between nes. Butvery few summoners can cast those spells, Alex.


    Goals, then, Alex said. Professor, I know what I want to do. Im going to master Conjure nar Ally. Thats going to be my next challengebut I bet you Ill be able to break through to ninth-tier summoning spells sooner rather thanter.


    You could hardly break through to sixth-tier, Alex, she pointed out.


    Lets just say I know my limits, he said evasively.


    At least, what they would be without the Marks interference, he thought. I broke through to fifth, then sixth-tier, one after the other, even with the Mark trying its damnedest to stop me. If it wasnt thereif there was no resistance in my way, thenbined with Hannahs power, and my own learning. I might get to ninth-tier summoning spells pretty damn quick. <em>Damn</em> quick.


    Professor Mangal shook her head again. Alex, even if you could develop the skill to cast a ninth-tier spell, you would need the mana reserves for it. Your mana poolI doubt could manage it.


    I have a <em>lot</em> of mana, Alex said.


    You would need a lot more, she warned.


    Alex frowned. Then thats going to be my next step.


    What do you mean? she asked.


    After we finish working on Conjure nar Ally, Ill go see Professor ValRok, he said. Ill make sure I have <em>plenty</em> of mana for upper tier spells.


    Within his chest, a determination like never before, burned.


    He was closer to shattering the limits Uldar had put on him, but to take full advantage of that freedom, he would need to be ready.


    Itll make no difference if I revert the Mark but dont have enough mana to power the kind of spells Ill be capable of learning, he thought. Its time to ask Professor ValRok a question.


    ###


    Professor, whats the most powerful mana regeneration technique you know of? Alex asked.


    Professor ValRok paused outside his office door, midway through unlocking it. In his mouth, a beetle struggled valiantly to escape. Well, good morning to you too, Alex. You look terrible.


    Sorry, Ive been uh, throwing myself against a wall, so to speak, Alex said, leaning against a wall for support.


    He had thrown himself against Conjure nar Ally for hours with Professor Mangal, trying repeatedly to master the spell.


    The Travellers power had guided him.


    His experience had directed him.


    Reversing the mistakes the Mark had weaponised had inspired him.


    But, the Mark of the Fools interference had proved to be a very determined foe. Half a nights effort had driven him to the brink; at times it felt like Uldars blessingor cursewas trying to destroy his mind.


    For all the work hed done, hed only progressed a measly two percent through the spellsplex array.


    Im not going to be able to cast the spell until I can change the Mark, Alex thought. But its worth working at it.


    It almost looks like youve been throwing yourself at a wall quite literally. Youll have to tell me about it, I have some time before morning sses begin; you say you want the most powerful technique that I know? Professor ValRok asked.


    Yes. And dont try to convince me otherwise Alex started.


    But the lizardfolk wizard merely grinned, crunching the beetle between his teeth. Oh no, absolutely not. Ive heard of your alchemical exploits, and Ive heard what thisMark of the Fool I believe its called? Ive heard what it doesI take it that it helps you with mana maniption?


    Yes, Alex said, looking ufortable. I hope you dont look at using it as cheating.


    Absolutely not, ValRok said. If anything, the fact that it augments you will put you in the right mindset; youll be far more prepared for the ultimate technique than most.


    How so? Alex asked, burning with curiosity.


    Because at the highest levels, Mana Regeneration is no longer about training your pool. Not anymore. The professor swallowed the beetle.


    Its about <em>modifying</em> your pool. Youre about to reach the limits of what your body has granted you. He chuckled darkly. But we can do better. Come inside, Ill teach you something that most would callunnatural.

 Chapter 699: Unnatural Power in the Most Natural Way

    Chapter 699: Unnatural Power in the Most Natural Way


    So, the thing about mana regeneration at the highest levels is ValRok began.


    Wait, professor, theres something important I need to ask you first, Alex said, easing into a chair and cing his hands on Professor ValRoks desk.


    The lizardfolk wizard was just gettingfortable behind his desk, and paused. What is it?


    Youve lost weight, havent you? He said, eyeing the professor. I remember thest time I saw you, you were on a diet. Looks like it worked.


    Ah, thank you! ValRok beamed, licking one of his eyes in delight. He lifted his arms, showing off his now trimmer frame. Yes, the diet has been going quite well. Ive thrown in a little more exercise too, hoping to get toned up. Is it really noticeable?


    Alex grinned and gave him a thumbs up. Your hard works paying off, professor. Its definitely showing.


    The lizardman made a happy little hiss. I knew there was a reason I liked you so much. Ah, if I could blush youd have me glowing. But, never mind my slimming journey for now, lets focus on horrifyingly unnatural magic instead.


    He sank into his chair, rubbing his hands together. So! I know youve had plenty of practise running currents of mana through your mana pool to stimte its fibres. The truth is, thats about as far as you can go relying on your natural mana pool; but, there are other techniques that can give you a more rapid mana regeneration rate, unfortunately


    The lizardfolk raised a scaly hand, tilting it back and forth. They can only help you so much. The next technique youd naturally learn would be how to vibrate all of your mana fibres at once to create a form of resonance that draws more power from them. But even that would only increase your mana regeneration rate by about ten percent. And thats about as good as it gets when you rely on what youre born with.


    He pped his hands, grinning and rubbing them together like a greedy fly. But if you <em>modify</em>your mana pool with certain ethereal constructions, then youll achieve far greater yields when ites to your regeneration. <em>And,</em> that also expands your mana pool. Does that sound good?


    Alex was nearly salivating at the thought. It sounds too good to be true, if Im being honest, professor.


    Well, thats because it <em>almost</em> is, ValRok said. The Manamorphic Augmentation Construct is a very dangerous process. It requires a steady hand, a steadier mind, a mastery of alchemy at a high level, and a mastery of mana maniption of the most<strong></strong>prodigious calibre. A loose understanding of blood magic is also helpful.


    Sounds like it was <em>made</em> for me, the young wizard said. What are the risks?


    In the very worst cases,plete destruction of ones mana pool, the professor confessed, bluntly. Or, failingplete destruction, damage to ones mana flow that could take decades to heal. Its very risky, to be honest, and very few people even attempt it.


    Have you? Alex asked.


    The lizard gave him a withering look. Of course I have! Ive seeded tooafter three earlier failures. Reptilian lips pulled back from sharp teeth in a grimace. And Ill be even more honest, thest failure was <em>bad</em>. Quite badIncredibly bad, as a matter of fact. As in, I wasnt sure if Id be able to continue being a wizard any longer kind of bad. But after about a decade, I healed, tried again andwell, lets just say that I have more mana to call on than any three or four of my colleagues.


    He grinned. It was well worth it. And judging by your skill levnd your previous augmentationI think you could achieve it without a single failure. Or maybe one. Two at most.


    Well, you certainly know how to fill someone with confidence, professor, Alex said sourly.


    Its not my job to fill you with confidence, its my job to fill you with knowledge. Awful, awful knowledge.


    So far, you havent filled me with any knowledge, professor! Alex countered. Youve only told me about how I could rip my mana to shreds and ruin my entire life if I fail at this.


    You wont, ValRok said. But I suppose I should tell you how it actually works. First though, I have a question for <em>you</em>: what is a mana pool?


    Its a form of an ethereal organ that both stores and generates mana in mortals, Alex said. Some monsters store and generate mana differently, butfor the most partif youre mortal and wield magic, you have a mana pool.


    Excellent, and where is the mana pool located in the body? What is it made of? ValRok asked.


    Now it was Alexs turn to give his professor a withering look. Im not some drooling first-year who skipped half his magic lore courses, youre going to have to try harder than that to trick me. Mana pools arent located in the body, theyre located between the body and the soul; thats why one can still call on their mana if theyve shed their physical form, like how some dead wizards ghosts can still call on their spells. As for what its made of? Mana fibres, which are themselves made of aposite of mana, ectosm and pure soul stuff.


    Correct! Professor ValRok pped. Now, then, how many arms does Professor Ram have?


    Alex winced. Umtwoif you count his force arm.


    Precisely, said the lizardfolk wizard. Our dear, grumpy Professor Ram would only have one arm if he didnt create a force construct prosthesis. Now, how many mana pools do we each have?


    One, Alex said.


    Why? Professor ValRok folded one hand over the other on his desk.


    Thats what were born with, the young wizard said slowly before trailing off. ...but what if we each had more than one?


    Precisely. ValRok grinned. In the end, a mana pool will always be that. <em>A</em> mana pool. Manamorphic Augmentation Construction is the act of forging an artificial mana pool then carefully attaching it to one''s natural mana pool through a form of ethereal surgery, as it were. Creating one is incredibly painful, incredibly difficult, and <em>very</em> prone to rejection.


    What do you mean, rejection? Alex asked.


    When one has something foreign in their body, what happens? ValRok asked. Well, the body expels it, doesnt it? If you have a splinter in your finger then the splinter will eventually work its way out. The soul is no different. Ones soul usually fights tooth and nail to reject and expel any artificially attached mana pools. But if one has a mindset that would ept something of that nature


    Then the souls less likely to reject it. Alex tapped his shoulder. And Im used to having something grafted to my soul.


    Exactly. ValRok reached down, unlocking his bottom drawer then pulling out a book and a bottle filled with a strange, cloudy substance. Heres the book of notes I made on how I built my artificial mana pools, and this bottle contains a small sample of ectosm. Whenbined with mana, youll find only one substance more suitableand thats the very stuff that souls are made of.


    And Im not going to be getting my hands on any of that any time soon, Alex shuddered.


    Yes you will, ValRok said.


    Wait, what now? the young wizard started dopily patting his clothing like he expected to find a vial or pouch of soul he didnt know was there.


    No, you silly man, ValRok leaned over his desk, pressing a finger to Alexs chest. Right there. From your <em>own</em> soul.


    Waitwhat? The Thameish wizard stared at him, remembering Hannahs story of Keldas death; how the young woman had obliterated her own soul. You want me to sacrifice my soul to


    No. The professor shook his head. Of course not. Thats not what I did. Tell me, what happens when you get a cut somewhere on your body?


    I bleed, Alex said.


    And after you bleed? Then what?


    A clot forms, then a scab, and then I heal.


    ValRok looked at him expectantly.


    Waitare you saying that if Icut my soul Alex paused. Or cut off small pieces of it, itll heal?


    Thats precisely what Im saying. The lizardfolk touched his tail. If I were to cut my tail off, it would eventually regrow. It would be a terrible, painful process, but it would regenerate. Souls can do the same; if they are damagedmildlythen they will heal, as good as new, as long as the wound is not severe. You regrow clipped nails and cut hair, right? If I scraped some skin from your body, youd certainly regenerate it; its the same with the soul. If you surgically separate very small pieces of itand I do mean <em>very</em> smat different times, you could save those pieces, wait for your soul to heal, then do it again. Its a slow process, a <em>very </em>slow process, but you could use it to generate the purest material you could ask for when ites to forging artificial mana pools. The material offers the most efficiency while being legal to obtain in Generasisince youre only tampering with your own sond its the least likely substance to be rejected, for the simple reason that it came from you.


    Alex swallowed. Soundspainful.


    It is, ValRok said gravely. But I think you have the mindset for it and the will to see it through. Am I wrong?


    The young wizard thought carefully.


    Something about tampering with my own soul sends chills through me, he thought. Even if I use a rtively safe way of doing it. Maybe I dont have to do something as drastic and should ask the professor for a technique thats a bit safer


    Then Alexs mind paused on one word.


    On one name.


    Kelda.


    Hannahs friend had destroyed her very soul trying to rid herself of the Mark of the Fool. He was now on the same path as shed been and was looking for her sanctum so he could find her research and try to refine her process.


    If Im going to revert the Mark of the Fool to the Mark of the GeneralIm going to have to alter my soul, he thought, throwing a nce at his shoulder. Im going to be interfering with a gods Mark on my spirit; so like it or not, I wont <em>have</em>a choice but to interfere with my own soul anyway.


    His hands balled into fists. And better I should get some real practice first.


    Alright, professor, Alex took the bottle and book. Tell me how I can start carving up my own soul for spare parts?


    The lizard wizard let out a very loudand very maugh. This is why I love teaching you! Here, you can borrow this.


    ValRok sprang from his chair and opened a cab in the back of his office. Inside was a sealed, steel box.


    He unlocked it with care, removing a strange-looking knifeextremely thin, fine, and nearly transparent. Its edges shimmered as though Alex was observing them through a haze.


    It was unnerving, and it felt <em>wrong.</em>


    What is that? the young wizard asked.


    A soul-scalpel, ValRok said, his mirth fading. He looked at it grimly. Dont ask me what its made of, but if you pour enough mana into it, you can use it to do what we were just discussing; perform surgery on your very soul.


    Thatd make a terrifying weapon, Alex murmured.


    The lizardman shook his head. Its mostly useless as a weapon; to get it to even work, you have to channel both mana and life energy into it to empower it, using a process thats quite finicky and takes about ten minutes to set up. The soul then needs to be in a state ofplete rxation; it must be calm, collected and at peace, or therell be too much turbulence for the de to handle. A turbulent soul could shatter a de as delicate as this one. Another thing is; it must contact bare skin, and you must handle it gently. The material is fragile.


    Whats it called? Alex asked.


    Bane, Mr. Roth; a very fitting name in my opinion. Its very, very rare in the material world. I am putting a lot of trust in you by letting you borrow this de, the professor said.


    I wont let you down, professorbut, wait. You say the material is fragile, but what about using it for assassinations? Alex asked. Couldnt you use it to slit someones soul when theyre sleeping? Their soul would be at rest, right, so youre not risking breaking the de on clothing or something harder, like armour.


    The lizardman paused. Are you going to make me regret giving this to you? Youre asking me some rather unnerving questions, even by my standards.


    No, no, Im not going to use it for any homicides. I promise. Im justcurious, thats all, Alex said.


    Well, you would be correct, the older wizard said. If onealbeit gentlystabs just the right spot on a sleeping or unconscious individual, then one could damage the soul to a point beyond its ability to heal. In some ancient societies, assassinations weremitted with daggers simr to this in the ultimate taboo; destroying the soul of a target. But, enough talk of such dark things; be sure to use this de well, use it with care.


    He ced it in Alexs waiting hands gently. The young wizard shuddered as it touched his skin. It wascold, in a way he couldnt quite put into words.


    Something within him recoiled.

 Chapter 700: Firbolgs in the Forest

    Chapter 700: Firbolgs in the Forest


    Within a forest clearing in Kymnd, arge elk sniffed the bark of a fir tree.


    He was an old beast, with fur long greyed; by now his body<strong></strong>should have been thick and full, ready for the scarcity of winter, instead, his curving rib bones stood out, stretching against sagging fur with each breath he drew. Slower than the rest, his herd had long left him behind, moving on, leaving him to fend for himself.


    His time was edging near,ing sooner rather thanter; there was little chance that the old elk would survive the long winter.


    But, the old beast had no way of knowing that he would never again see that harsh season, even for one day.


    A stone flew from the treessailing between trunksstriking the elks skull. The rock was bigger around than a human torso, thrown with terrible force and pinpoint uracy; the aged beast was dead before he even realised death was there to im him.


    Slumping to the ground, his form stilled, settling in the snow.


    Heartbeats passed.


    There came the sound of snow crunching; of a great weight being pressed into the ground.


    A hulking figure emerged from the woods.


    Eight or nine feet in height, powerful, with both crimson hair and beard, the firbolg scanned the forest for signs of dangera kill could bring hungry wolves, or worse, very quicklywhen none became apparent, he positioned the elk, drawing a sharp stone de from his bag.


    He prepped the stag with care, then draped its carcass over a shoulder, beginning the long journey back to his vige.


    For a moment, he paused, turning in ce, scanning the woods.


    Thought I heard something, he whispered beneath his breath, a voice deep and misting rose from his lips.


    He waited for a time, but no threat came.


    Shaking his head, the hunter turned, striding away, heavy footfalls leaving deep impressions in the snow.


    Hmph, he whispered. That bastard Birger was wrong. They wont attack today. Good, be a shame to bring bad news when I finally got myself a kill.


    Quietly, he disappeared into the trees.


    For a time, the woods creaked softly.


    Then without warning, a quiet voice broke the stillness,ing from what seemed to be empty air.


    Hes got good instincts, Theresa Lu said, floating just below the forests canopy. Invisibility magic sheathed her and herpanions: Alex, Brutus and ygon.


    <em>YesI thoughthe woulddiscover usfor a moment, </em>ygon whispered.


    Yeah, me too, Alex said. And that would have been awkward.


    To say the least. Theresa descended until she was inches above the snow, and touched the bloodstain. That was a perfect shot.


    Yeah, the firbolgs specialise in rock-throwing. Its a tradition they carried with them when they migrated from ancient Thamnd millennia ago, Alex searched his memory, reciting the information from a passage in a reference book hed borrowed from the university library: <em>Lore of Giants, Volume 13</em>. They throw hard, fast and with precision.


    I could see that, she whispered. No wonder they gave the Irtyshenans as much trouble as they did. So, did you learn what you needed to know?


    Yeah, Alex said. I was debating whether or not we should just try and sneak into their vigebut I think wed learn more if we actually made proper contact with them.


    Brutus growled, sniffing at the snow where the stag had been.


    I dont know if theyll be up for visitors, Theresa said.


    <em>Withall the dangersin this forestI dont think they would trust outsidersat all,</em> ygon agreed.


    Youre both right, Alex said. Which is the reason why were going to use some things I learned about them from that book on giants. When approaching firbolgs, its customary to bring a gift. Preferably something they need.


    The young wizard looked in the direction the giant had<strong></strong>gone. And judging by what that firbolg said<em>finally got a kill</em>I think they need food.


    And maybe other kinds of help, Alex said. The firbolg said something about an attack. Maybe theyve had trouble with the Irtyshenans. Either way, I think I know how to get on their good side. To start, were going to need your bow, Theresa.


    Then you have it, the huntress said. What do you need it for? Are we hunting those golem knights?


    <em>Ormaybethe rune-marked?</em> ygon asked.


    No, no, just deer, for now. Alex looked at the elks blood staining the snow, remembering how thin the stag was. A lot of deer.


    ###


    Hello, there! Alex called out in Neimheadhish, the tongue of the firbolgs. He pronounced the words with the exactness of a native speaker, while making sure to introduce a heavy Thameish ent to his speech.


    He was now visible, Theresa and Brutus walked beside him, nking him, all three were surrounded by a swarm of reinforced forcedisks, each disk bore the dressed and prepped body of a fat elk.


    They carried a total of twenty animals, harvested from throughout the woods.


    It was an impressive sight, one that immediately drew the attention of a pair of firbolg sentries.


    Ahead of Alex and his twopanionsygon was waiting in an abandoned bears den about a mile backwas the firbolg settlement.


    The firbolgs home was on a hillcleared with stone axeslooming from the forest. Upon that hill stretched an enormous long house, sized for those of giant stature.


    Several outbuildingssmall huts, sheds, a stable and a granarywere built on the sides of the snowy slope. Around the hills base was a wall of thick logs bound tightly together and carved with magical glyphs.


    The only entrance through the rampart was by way of a thick gate, guarded by four firbolg sentries.


    Four firbolg sentries who were now gaping at Alex, Therea, Brutusand their floating disksden with elk.


    The giants eyes looked ready to roll from their skulls.


    Ie bearing gifts! Alex called. I hope to speak with one of your elders!


    Stay back! a giant guard shouted, lifting an immense boulder with one equally immense hand. His bulging eyes had hardened with suspicion.


    Another sentry drew a horn from her belt, blowing three short notes, then levelling her spear at the intruders. The others repeated the same actions, lifting their spears and axes in warning.


    Alex held up a hand, signalling Theresa, Brutus and the disks to stop.


    With a sharp thrust, he nted the aeld staff in the snow and stepped back, raising both hands to shoulder height, rxing his demeanour, slowing all movement. We mean you no harm, we only wish to talk!


    Stay there, human! the first sentry shouted, lifting the stone higher. Dont move!


    Wouldnt dream of it Alex called back, ncing at Theresa.


    The huntress looked at him sidelong. This is going well so far, she said sourly.


    Give it a bit, he said, watching the giants settlement.


    The longhouse doors were suddenly thrown wide, and a dozen giants boiled from the entrance, strapping on hide and steel armour as they rushed down the slope toward the front gate.


    From nearly every outbuilding more giants came, grasping massive axes and clubs. Childrenwell, giant-sized childrenpoked their heads from stables and sheds, looking for the source of themotion.


    There was not a friendly face<strong></strong>to be seen as the giants opened their gates.


    Those whod rushed from the longhouseincluding the young firbolg hunter whod harvested the starvingemerged through the gates, shutting them behind them.


    A giant among giantsa firbolg a full head taller than the reststepped to the front of the group. Old scars were etched into his lined face like the weathering of an old carving, and straight-edged Irtyshenan daggers<strong></strong>were braided into a thick, long beard.


    He clutched a steel warhammer in one hand, his armour was reinforced by what looked to be the remains of a golem knights magical armour.


    His n folk looked on him with expressions of respect and deference as he moved to speak with the outsiders, his chest swelling.


    Who are you, humans? he called to Alexs party, his teeth pulling back in a snarl. Why have youe here?


    Alexs eyes scanned the settlements outer wall; parts of the rampart had been damaged, other parts newly repaired.


    Not to attack you, Alex said calmly. If that is what you ask. My name is Alex Roth, and these are mypanions, Theresa Lu and Brutus. Were here to bargain and seek knowledge. We are not rune-marked and were not from the Empire! We wish no quarrel with you.


    The giants frown deepened as he watched Alex, Theresa, and Brutus until his eyes fell on the deer, all trussed and resting on forcedisks, like tters for a feast.


    A guard whispered in the leaders ear.


    And the towering firbolg nodded at Alex. You said you came here looking to speak to an elder, and that you bear gifts. And while its clear you do bear many gifts, the question is why? We have human friends in the forest, but we do not know you. You are strangers to us.


    We hail from Thamnd, Alex said. Your ancestral home from acrossnd and sea, and I must speak to an elder of your people about a matter of incredible importance. I bring these gifts so that we may start our parley with the right stone thrown, Alex said, quoting an old firbolg expression. I seek nothing other than the knowledge of an elder. Might I have your name?


    The firbolgs expression had begun to soften a bit as Alex continued talking, the wizards calming tone and familiar words easing their suspicion.


    The leader appeared more rxed, his shoulders slumping and the grip on his weapon loosening. I am Chief f of n Fir  hAren, the protector of my n. What knowledge do you seek, stranger? And what price do you wish for those trays of elk meat?


    Caution stilly in his voice, but his tone had softened, somewhat.


    But, only somewhat.


    I wish to make inquiries of your ns oldest members, Alex said. There was an event that happened in Kymnd about three hundred years ago. And I would like to speak to someone who might remember it.


    Whispers passed among the firbolgs.


    And thats all you want in return for so many harvested elk? the chief asked, hard suspicion entering his voice.


    Yes, that''s <em>all </em>I want, Alex said. I will gift the meat to you now, but then you must tell me who among you has lived for over three centuries.


    Send him to Birger and his boy, chief, one of the firbolgs said. Hes the only one whos been alive for that long.


    Im hungry, mother, a firbolg child said, his voice loud enough to carry over the rampart. He stood in the snow, holding his mothers hand, standing midway up the slope of the hill.


    The chief frowned. I hear your words saying that all you<strong></strong>want<strong></strong>is to talk, but how do I know it is as you say and youre not a spy from the Empire?


    You dont, Alex admitted. But all I can do is give you my word that Im not. If you just let me speak to Birger, then Ill be gone before you know it.


    Hrm, as I dont know you, that gives me littlefort. And when youre gone and have left us with poisoned meat, how will that help us? We will check to see if these carcasses are poisoned by having you taste the meat, the chief insisted. And if they are, then know that well smash the three of you until youre thinner than running tree sap.


    Brutus growled, but Theresa put a hand on his shoulder.


    That wont be necessary; Ill hand over the meat now, we can eat some to show you that its not poisoned, which means youll also have us under your control and can make sure we werent trying to harm you and your kin. Is Birger in the longhouse on the hill? Alex asked.


    f snorted. No. He does not live among us. Neither him nor that boy of his. He spit in the snow. Youll find them in the nearby woods, and we will tell you where to go once youre finished here. Tell him Chief f will send food the day after tomorrow. And that the ward should stand strong.


    Alex frowned. I will, he said.


    Then we have a pact, stranger, Chief f said, striding toward him. Now, do you know these woods well?


    Not so much, Alex said.


    Thats alright, f said. If youre lucky, Birger will be singing. Hes always singing; that will lead you to him.


    The young wizards breath caught.


    <em>Veer north again, not south. Thats where the firbolgs tend to be. Oh, and when you get there, if you hear singing, dont trust it. Those wily old giants have certain illusions that trick travellers into their cauldrons! Beware!</em>


    Those were the words of Old Iliana.


    Well, I guess well see if this Birger will have his cauldron ready for us. Alex thought, looking at the gathered firbolgs. They didnt exactly sound friendly when they mentioned their two kinfolktheres probably an interesting reason why he and his son live apart from the others. A reason well learn soon enough, no doubt.

 Chapter 701: The Giants Cottage

    Chapter 701: The Giant''s Cottage


    I think Im hearing this Birgers song, Theresa whispered. Were getting closer.


    <em>Good </em>ygon whispered. <em>These woodsare strangeit isunsafe here</em>


    He floated above the group, sheathed in invisibility magic while Theresa, Brutus and Alex trudged the twisting woodcutters path through the forest.


    Strange symbols had been carved in the tree trunks.


    Some looked like glyphs in the firbolgs tongue.


    Others resembled half finished characters from a dozen othernguages.


    Some looked to be magical glyphs, while others appeared to be partially-finished copies of the symbols the rune-marked bore.


    These are interesting, Alex whispered. I wonder what they mean?


    His eyes scanned the trees as he felt for any flow of mana in the air.


    He found nothing that would give him any answers; symbols were etched in nearly every tree trunk they passed, their full meaning hidden from him. Bits of answers swarmed around, unconnected to each other, not in anynguage he could decipher, but in shapes. If they could be spoken aloud, there would be no recogniseable words, only sybles and noise.


    Yet, power emanated from the wood.


    As they made their way down the path, the air grew heavy and oppressive. Cold deepened. Wind grew more biting. Trees twisted and changed, taking on ominous shapes, towering like demonic sentries or menacing blue annis hags, all reaching toward the path to pluck Alexs head from his neck.


    It was as though the forest was intent on driving them out.


    Alex bit his lip. Theres power heresome kinda ward, he whispered.


    Theresas hands were gripping her sword hilts. What kind of ward? Is it trying to get rid of us?


    Brutus growled, three heads swivelling, noses sniffing the air.


    Alex shook his head. I think its trying to keep something else out, were just catching the edges of it. If it was targeting us, wed be having a much rougher time of it. I wonder


    Hold that thought, Theresa whispered, nodding toward the trees. Theres a cottage up ahead, through the treesI hear something else. Not sure what..


    How far? Alex asked.


    Maybe four hundred paces.


    Keep an eye out, he said, looking at the symbols with suspicion. Chief f didnt say that this Birger was dangerousor that his boy wasbut I doubt he told us everything. Be on your guard; welle in openly, but we should be prepared for anything.


    Right. She tightened her grip on her swords.


    Stay sharp, ygon. Be ready for anything, Alex warned the airborne golem.


    <em>Im readyfather</em>


    Together, they continued down the path, the song growing louder.


    It wasworldlessmore of a throaty hum than actual singing. The voice was older, deeper, gravelly, touched by the weight of time. Baelins voice held greater wisdom and majesty.


    But this one carried a weariness that someone as young as Alex could not begin toprehend.


    And it came from within the confines of the cottage in the middle of the clearing. The structure was wooden; faced with uneven stones, sealed with crumbling mortar and roofed with a thick thatch that was reinforced with wood.


    A single windowwith shutters closed tightlysat in a south facing wall that also held a towering door carved with the countenance of a demonic tree on the front of it.


    The cottage was built beside a frozen stream with a motionless water wheel protruding from the ice. From behind the cottage, they heard the faint sound of wood groaning and stone grinding through the trees, barely audible above the song.


    In the clearing around the cottage, small animal carcasses hung from wooden racks. Massive targetscarved mimicking humanoid shapeswere positioned in the snow, evenly spread out around the space.


    Deep gashesy in each one.


    Alexs eyes narrowed, focusing on the targets. Those cuts are real deep, he whispered. Each target looks about the size of a golem knight; the woods pretty solid. Youd need a lot of strength to cut that deep; more than Id expect a three hundred year old elderand a boy to have.


    <em>Whatever it isI will fight for youfather</em> ygon whispered.


    Thanks, buddy, Alex said, taking a deep breath, preparing to call out.


    Suddenly, the song stopped.


    A strained silence fell over the clearing; even the wind died, leaving leaves and branches still.


    Whos there? a grizzled voice called in themon tongue.


    It came from the cottage, but echoed from every tree around them.


    Mana pulsed in the air.


    The hairs on the back of Alexs neck rose.


    My name is Alex Roth, of Thamnd! With me are Brutus, and Theresa Lu, also of Thamnd! he called.


    And the one above you? The floating metal man? Or will you not introduce him? the gravelly voice said.


    The grinding from behind the cottage abruptly ended.


    Heavy footfallsvery heavy footfallspounded through the snow.


    Stop! the wizened voice called. I will deal with this.


    Alex and Theresa looked at each other, then he waved the aeld staff.


    Invisibility melted away from ygon.


    Is that aeld wood? the elders voice asked, surprise apparent in its tone.


    It is Alex said. And Chief f said to tell you that hell send food the day after tomorrow! And he also said to tell you that the ward should stand strong!


    Silence.


    So you have been to the vige, and yet you are now here. Why? the voice asked, its tone dropping lower. A rough note had entered it. Did f send you to do what hes been too cowardly to do himself? Is that why you brought that golem knight?


    <em>Iam nogolem knightI am a golemI am ygon...I amnot here to fight youmy fatherwants to learnfrom you</em>


    Learn what? a deep voice spoke from behind the cottage. It echoed with a ferocious challenge, but cracked part way through. It was deep, yet wavered between the boyish tones of an adolescent, and the deep, rough bass of an adult man. What do you want from my father?


    Again, there came the sound of a heavy footfall bounding through the snow.


    I said stay back, son! the elders voice cried. What is it you seek, stranger? Youre upsetting my son.


    Suspicion still filled the deep voice.


    Alex cursed under his breath; if anything, mentioning the firbolg chieftain had only made things worse. What had happened between this small family and the rest of their n?


    The young wizard decided to simply get to the reason they were there. Listen, friend, he called. I have something for you.


    In an instant, Alex teleported away, appearing within a snowy cavern where hed left two elk carcasses. Hoisting them onto his broad shoulders, he teleported back to the clearing.


    A surprised cry came from the cottage.


    Ie bearing these two elk stags, Alex said. They are not the fattest, but they should feed you for a time. They are our gift to you, in hopes that you can tell me about some events that urred here in Kymnd some three hundred years ago.


    Three hundred yearsyou say the voice sounded more suspicious. You are from Thamnd, you say? Do you call Uldar your master?


    The threat in the air spiked.


    Power seemed to crackle from every tree, as though the entire forest was poised to attack.


    Theresa tensed.


    Brutus growled.


    ygon lifted his spear.


    Alex paused.


    Why did he get so defensive when I brought up what happened three hundred years ago? he thought. And he again asked if I was from Thamnd, andwaitwait, wait, wait! Does he think Im from the church? And if he does, theres likely only one reason why hed care. Time to gamble.


    I am the present Fool of Thamnd! Alex announced.


    He dropped the deer carcasses in the snow, then threw off his cloak and rolled up his right sleeve. Dispelling the illusion on his shoulder, he revealed the Mark of the Fool.


    I was marked by Uldar and fated to fight and die in his name, but I chose not to! he said. I know that the church is treacherous, and I know that theyve had secrets for a very long time; Im looking for Keldas legacy! She was the Fool three centuries ago! And I think she came to thesends, along with those who hunted her! Do you know anything about that? Can you help me?


    Unexpectedly, the ominous air hanging over the forest fled.


    A racket came from inside the cottage, like a massive body moving at speed.


    The door flew open.


    In the doorway, framed by firelight, a firbolg stood, his fine features thatched by the lines of age. His face, though ancient, still bore some of the chiselled look of his youth behind a white beard.


    He stared at the strangers<strong>,</strong> blue eyes filled with shock. He was leaning on a heavy crutch that took the ce of his left leg.


    You He limped from the doorway, the crutch pressing into the snow. ...you know of Kelda?


    Father! the other voice called from behind the cottage. What is happening?


    A massive figureone that dwarfed every firbolg that Alex had seen in the vigestrode from around the cottage, kicking up a spray of snow as he charged.


    He stood taller and broader than ygon. His torso was enormous, as thick as an ancient oak, and his arms were corded with bulging muscle that looked big enough to rip a castle portcullis from its gatehouse.


    His hair flowed long and ck, the beginnings of a scraggly beard marked his face; a face that shared a strong resemnce to the firbolg elder before them, though his features were coarser.


    And younger.


    Much younger.


    If hed been of human blood, Alex wouldnt have figured him to be much older than sixteen.


    What caught the young wizards eye most, though, wasnt the young firbolgs face or stature.


    It was whaty on his chest.


    His bare chest.


    In the centre of his breastboneover his heartwas a crimson rune.


    One burning brightly.


    Oh shit, Theresa murmured.


    Yeah, Ill say, Alex whispered.


    Suddenly, things became clear.


    The giants that lived in the vige, the reason for their obvious hostility to the old firbolg and his son. The fact that the pair lived away from the rest of the n. The symbols on the trees, and how some resembled rune-marked runes.


    If this child is a rune-marked, and the rune-marked attack giants, Alex thought. The firbolgs probably hate these two. And rune-marked people are apparently prone to violence; so the n would probably see this boy as a danger.


    Bjorgrund! the old firbolg shouted at his son. I said I would deal with this!


    You sounded like you were in trouble, father, therger giant growled, his enormous hands balling into fists.


    Think before you act, son! the young giants father shouted. Now your secret is revealed to strangers! You must think; I am not dying yet, I have ways to protect myself!


    Bjorgrund looked as though he would say somethingbut fell silent, his eyes looking down. Imsorry, father.


    As long as you think. Use your mind and control yourself, son; you dont know when thoughtlessness will cause things that cannot be undone, the older giant said.


    He then turned to Alex, his expression desperate. Kelda, do you know her? Does she still live? I know there are humans who have extended their lives through magic and elixirs. Has she sent you here?


    Alex grimaced. Were you friends of hers?


    The firbolg winced as though someone had pped him. <em>Were?</em>


    Alex swallowed. Kelda lost her life three centuries ago, trying to He paused, wondering how much more he should reveal.


    ...trying to undo her Mark? the old giant asked.


    Alexs jaw dropped. If you know that much, you must have known her very well.


    II did, the firbolg elder closed his eyes, as though trying to endure a burning pain.


    She was indeed a friend. A very fine one; she saved my life when I was young and had not a thought in my skull. I owed her muchmuch that I can never repay.


    He sighed deeply, his shoulders slumped. His eyes grew distant. She just stopped visiting one dayId hoped shed simply left for distant partsbutnow you tell me she is dead. I knew, I suppose. Deep down, I knew.


    Alex took a step forward. Im sorry, he said Losing a friendwell, its hard to find the right words for that kind of pain Im sorry you never got the chance to say goodbye to her. He took a deep breath, considering his next words. Im trying to follow Keldas legacy. Im trying to alter the Mark, like she did. I also want to destroy the Ravener. It causes nothing but pain and destruction in my homnd. And He pointed to the Mark. ...I want to get my life back. All of it. HannahKeldas friendblessed me, and Im following in her footsteps too. I ask you, can you please tell medid Kelda have a sanctum here in the north? She learned things that could save many lives, including my own. Please, Im here to ask you to tell me where it is, if you know.


    Silence spread through the clearing.


    Theresa stared at Bjorgrund, who red back.


    ygon gripped his war-spear.


    Brutus growled.


    Alex held his breath.


    Then the old giant finally sighed. I dont know where her sanctum is. I know it existed, but she never told me where it was


    Hope shattered in Alexs chest like ss.


    His first lead, one that had seemed so promising, hade to nothing.


    The old giant continued talking.


    But, I do know how you might find it, the firbolg said, eyeing the cerberus, golem, and huntress. Are you all warriors?


    Hope rose in the young wizards soul. Yes, yes we are!


    The centuries old giant gave him an odd look. Alright, if thats sothen I have something I wish to ask of you. Do this for me, and I will tell you where you might go to find the path to Keldas sanctum. As you might have guessed, I am Birger.


    Please,e inside, we have much to talk about.


    He paused.


    And bring those deer with you.

 Chapter 702: A Carving Knife Through Bark

    Chapter 702: A Carving Knife Through Bark


    A fire roared in the river rock hearth that dominated the cottage wall.


    Inviting aromas of roasting venison seasoned with herbs drifted through the room.


    Birger was seated at the head of his great table, the old giant was polishing a smallby his reckoningtin cup. At his back, Bjorgrund tended the fire, the young giants head nearly scraped the gathering rooms ceiling when he stood upright.


    You must forgive me, Birgers ancient voice crackled like parchment. He polished the tin cup with a delicate touch before cing it beside one hed already buffed until it shone like a mirror. Next, he reached for a pitcher, cleaning its lid with a soft cloth. We dont get many guests these days, even from among the smaller folk weve called friend<strong>s </strong>for years.


    He looked at Alex and Theresa, sitting on a massive wooden bench to his left, their feet dangling above the<strong></strong>stone floor. Behind them ygon stood as still as a statue, his war-spear leaning against a wall beside the door. The golem watched Bjorgrund in silence.


    Brutus sat on his haunches beside Theresa, three sets of eyes flicking from the giants to the door. The cerberus was alert, ready for violence.


    Violence, though, did not seem to being.


    Not for the time being, at least.


    Bjorgrund was throwing suspicious<strong></strong>nces at his fathers guests, having said little since theyde through the cottage door, nor was he disying any threatening<strong></strong>behaviour. His difort was in for all to see.


    He fidgeted, shifting his weight from leg to leg as he turned the venison haunch on the spit.


    His eyes regrly drifted to a great, stone axe propped against a beam near him, but Alex noticed no sign of his muscles tensing, preparing to lunge for the axe.


    No hint of violence...not yet.


    Only suspicion.


    The guests that we do have to entertain arent exactlywell behaved. Birger pointed at the ceiling.


    Suspended from rough hewn beamsbetween braids of garlic and bunches of dried herbswere weapons, dozens of weapons. Some were finely crafted, engraved with detailed symbols and filigree. Others were crude, roughly made and looked like they were pounded into shape from pig iron. Some were sized for human hands. Others were too big for even ygon tofortably bear.


    I can see that youre ready, Alex said. The wardis that to keep these guests away?


    So you sensed my ward. Birger finished polishing the pitcher, tossed the rag into a nearby barrel, and pushed himself to standing, bncing on his only leg. Reaching for his crutch, he hobbled across the stone floor. Wait a moment. No sense in talking with a dry tongue.


    Bjorgrund looked at his father, watching the elderly firbolg fill the tin pitcher from a keg beside an oak counterden with dried herbs, bup sacks of grain, and cooking utensils.


    Therger giant reached for his fathers arm as the old firbolg hobbled back to the table, but a single re stayed his hand. The youth watched in silence as Birger poured two cups of mead, handing them to the guests.


    Birger took a tall golden goblet from a nearby hook and poured himself a generous portion, raising the goblet, gazing at the shuttered window, before finally speaking: To Kelda.


    Er, to Kelda, Theresa said.


    To Kelda, Alex said.


    Together, the two humans drank with the ancient firbolg.


    The mead possessed a spicy, herbal vour, lighting a fire on Alexs tongue. It tasted neither foul nor unpleasant, but definitely took some getting used to.


    I ced that ward over this part of the forest some time ago, Birger said, wiping foam from his beard. Maybe about He looked over his shoulder. How old are you again, son?


    Silence met the question.


    Sixteen winters in five months, Bjorgrund finally answered, his tone tinged with defensiveness.


    Alexs eyebrows rose. Fifteen? Hes even younger than I guessed.


    Then its been eleven years, Birger said. Eleven years ago, I raised this ward to keep our enemies out, but Im not the best wardmaker or magister around. I had to make it targeted to be strong which means that some othertypes of guests can find their way in. Ive had to take care of them, but, on the rare asion, theyve almost taken care of me for good.


    He patted his stump, before grimacing in ygons direction. Those golem knights are trouble. One of them took my leg and killed half a dozen of our kin before Chief f sent him to his grave. Now f wears whats left of that armour. Tell me, how<em> is </em>my miserable<strong></strong>great-nephew, anyway?


    Really? Youre rted? Theresa put down her cup. I dont see the resemnce.


    He takes after the other side of the family. The nastier side, by my biased reckoning. Birger gave her a disgusted grin. His teeth were surprisingly even and white, sparkling in the firelight.


    Uhm, he didnt seem too happy when he was talking about you, Alex said gently.


    He wouldnt be, Bjorgrund growled, stabbing at the venison with a cooking fork.


    Dont stab the roast so hard, son, youll let all the juices run out and itll get so dry Ill be coughing all through supper, Birger chided.


    Sorry, father. Bjorgrunds shoulders slumped slightly.


    Youll have to forgive my son. The old giant took another sip from his goblet. Hes the reason for the ward, you see. And that great-nephew of mine, the pig-headed fool, is the reason we live out here and not in the vige.


    Its because of this. Bjorgrund whirled, pointing to the red, glowing symbol on his chest. I didnt ask for it, but those bastar


    Language, son, Birger warned.


    those sons of


    <em>Son.</em>


    The young giant ground his teeth. our cruddy kinfolk, Bjorgrund seemed ready to spit. dont care that I didnt ask. They just look at me like Im some rabid animal. When I was ten, they wanted to put me in a pit like a dog.


    Brutus growled.


    My dog sleeps in a house, not some pit, Theresa said, her voice like flint. Well, he used to. Now, he sleeps inside.


    Well, you treat your dog better than they want to treat me, Bjorgrund snorted.


    Trust me, I know what its like to be branded with a Mark that you dont want, didnt ask for, and then get judged for. Alex thrust a finger at his right shoulder. This thing here? It controls what I can and cant do, making it so that I cant fight, do spellcraft or use divinity. So, then what does Thamnds god expect? For me to go through thend fighting endless monsters and their regenerating master.


    Bjorgrund stared at Alex for a moment, then looked between his father and the young wizard. He slowly pointed at the rune burning on his chest. Thisis almost the opposite, he said, his words mumbled and his tone awkward. It keeps making me want to fight. Makes me angry. Tries to make me kill. Keeps whispering promises to me of more runes and more power.


    Which is why we must have discipline and not let our emotions get ahead of us, isnt that right, son? Birger cocked an eyebrow at the younger giant.


    ...yes, father, Bjorgrund muttered, sounding dejected.


    That sounds like its own hell. Alex chewed his lip, imagining Bjorgrunds situation. In some ways it sounds even worse than my Markif you dont mind me asking, how did you get it?


    Most rune-marked make the choice themselves, Birger said. They need to make an offering to that violent god of theirssome sort of blood sacrifice and swear allegiance. But, sometimes their god just chooses someone. The old giant nodded to one of the weapons hanging from the ceiling. It was a ck-ded sword, long broken in two. Its pommel was forged in the shape of a grinning demons skull. Bjorgrund is not pure-blooded firbolg. His mothermay she restwas a mountain giant from the east, we met in my wanderings. Thingshappened, and I was left to raise my son on my own. He was mighty strong from even a babehis mothers blood and mine got on like wine and spicesand he grew quicker than most firbolgs. At five, he was bigger than you.


    Birgers eyes narrowed on the sword. A rune-marked warband came upon us in the woods when I was teaching him to fish and I couldnt drive them off. I wasnt young thenand I was also down to one leg. My magic was still strong, but they were quicker than this broken down body could handle. He sighed. When I was a young firbolgby the gods, I was quicker than the wind, you shouldve seen me. But thats all gone now. All gone.


    His jaw hardened under his beard. But, the rune-marked still decided to make sport of us. I fought, but their des were quick. He looked at Bjorgrund with pride. My son, at five years old, took up a rock bigger than his head and charged in to help me. The leader didnt expect that and his head got smashed tter than a pjackI suppose their god took that as some great deed, and my son was chosen. The rune burned itself into his young chest right there and then.


    Thats terrible. Theresa reached for Alexs hand.


    <em>Howmany godschoose people to serve themagainsttheir will? </em>ygon growled.


    Too many, Birgermented. Too many. Kelda suffered in the same way, he sighed. She came here, to this forest, three hundred years ago. First she had gone to the rune-marked, and thenwhen they proved not so talkativeshe turned to anyone in these woods who knew their lore. I was the skald for the n at the time, and a wanderer as well. I knew more about the rune-marked than most anyone in the entire wood. She found me, after a time, and we became good friends.


    Birger smiled thenand something in the firbolgs eyes hinted at them being more than just good friends.


    Why did she want to know about the rune-marked? Alex leaned forward.


    Because, she thoughtthat by studying themshe could find a way to change her own Mark. The Marks mightve been from different gods, but she wondered if there was something to be learned that could help her.


    And what <em>did</em> she learn? Alex asked.


    That, Im afraid, she never said, Birger said. Kelda had the sort of charisma that you onlye across once in a lifetimeeven in a lifetime as long as mine. She made friends here, recruited from among the humans in Kymnd, myself, some other firbolgs, some of the elves and others from across the Irtyshenan Empire. Fashioned herself quite the group.


    Thats incredible, Alex murmured. And did you all help her?


    We did, Birger said. Though not together. Not always.


    And what about her sanctum? Alex asked. You said you knew where to find the path to it.


    I do, Birger said. Or I <em>should.</em> It has been three hundred years, after all.


    Ill dly take any information I can get. Alex sped his hands, leaning over the table. You said you wanted us to do something for you, before you agreed to tell me. What is it that you want? But, just so you know up front, Im not giving you my soul.


    Alex nced at his satchel hanging from a hook by the door. ValRoks soulde was inside, he hadnt mustered up the courage to start using it on parts of his soul.


    Yet.


    Birger gave him a startled look, then burst outughing, surprising his son.


    Oh, by the gods, you have her sense of humour! the old giantughed. Of course, I dont want your soul. Im a giant, not some devil. No, what I want are your weapons and the arms that wield them.


    Alex and Theresa looked at each other.


    Who do you want us to kill? the huntress asked.


    ####


    The rune-marked were here earlier, chief, a firbolg hunter said, touching impressions in the snow. Behind him waited the n chief and his honour guard. The party was surrounded by trees etched with symbols belonging to Birgers ward. They passed this way less than an hour ago. It looks like they were trying to break through the ward.


    Which way did they go after their failure? Chief f asked, holding tightly to his axe handle. The honour guard eyed the trees as the hunter grunted in disgust.


    Toward the vige.


    Another attack. f blew mist from his nostrils. How many times must we endure these assaults for that old man and that beast hes raising? Come, we must return home and prepare our defences.


    Yes, chief! the honour guard chanted as one.


    Together, they all turned toward the vige.


    All except the young hunter who had found the tracks.


    He hung back for a time, eyeing the tracks.


    His frown deepened. His jaw clenched.


    And he drew his dagger.


    Drawing on the magic within him, he imparted power to the de, looked around


    then drove the knife into the symbol on the tree beside him.


    He felt it shift.


    The tiniest split in the ward. He twisted the de in the tree trunk, barely widening the crackonlywide enough for a potent force to wedge its way into.


    <em>How many times must we endure these assaults for that old man and that beast hes raising?</em>


    The chiefs words echoed in his mind.


    The young firbolg smiled, satisfied.


    How about no more, he whispered, stepping back from the tree to follow his kin back to the vige. They had to prepare for the rune-markeds attack.


    An attack that would nevere.

 Chapter 703: Runed Seekers

    Chapter 703: Runed Seekers


    What is this? the rune-marked scout whispered.


    She pushed her hand between two symbol-etched trees, flexing gauntleted fingers. Her arm tingled as she shoved harder, struggling against what <em>seemed</em> to be empty air.


    Seemed.


    But she knew better. The scout knew with all certainty that the giants wardy within this part of the forest, blocking her kin, denying them what their deity had desired. For many days, the rune-marked had sought this ce; but in spite of their efforts, the enchantment had confused them, sending them hunting through the winding pathways of the forest instead.


    Woods they knew as well as their own weapons seemed to have turned against them. But they had to keep searching, theyd beenmanded by their god to find their prize.


    The search had seemed futile, until atst, their fortune had changed, perhaps their god had extended his hand, leading them to this ce where trees carved with strange symbols stood.


    Their warleader had ordered them to go forward and y, to take as they always had always. But they found their path blocked; the trees warded against them by old magic.


    Giant magic.


    No weapon they had on hand could shatter the enchanted trunks, even the air between the trees felt as hard as stone. They tried piercing the barrier, searching for hidden paths to slip through, all to no avail.


    The warleaders rage grew and he turned his anger against the firbolg settlement nearby; their wards were weaker. It was an insult, seeming as though these giants had proimed the rune-marked were not the true masters of these woods; that those whose might was infused by blood and battle were less than those who grovelled and worshipped cowardly mountain-gods.


    The rune-marked had made the giants pay for their insult. Those attacks would precede theplete ughter the warriors would soon heap upon the impertinent bastardsor at least thats how things were supposed to go.


    But


    Things had changed.


    Somethings weakened the ward, the scout whispered, pushing through a space between the trees. The tingling on her skin were now sharp pains; magic stabbed at her, determined to drive her away.


    Its bite meant little, only drawing a bloody smile from cracked lips.


    I am rune-marked, she growled. Bearer of three runes, soon four.


    Pain gripped her.


    She pushed forward.


    I am battle. Pain is nothing!


    Snarling, she nted her feet and heaved against the barrier.


    Both pain and barrier faltered.


    Then yielded.


    Yesssss, she hissed, her eyes burning. The warleader must be told at once. Our prize will be soon in-hand. We will taste victory, andas the portents promiseour numbers will swell on this day!


    ###


    The rune-marked are who I want your help with, Birger said, tenting his fingers on the table before him. The firelight outlined the giant, giving him a demonic air. Every few years their god sends them a message that drives them into a frenzy. The ward keeps Bjorgrund from being detected by their magicsmost of the time, but sometimes, their god tells them right where we are, and to go and im him. Theres a warband thats been skulking around heretely, stalking at the borders of my ward, probing it for weaknesses, then attacking the vige.


    Its not the first time thats happened. Bjorgrund glowered. And every time, the n chief gets angrier. He mes us and wants us either dead or gone.


    Birger scoffed. And he thinks that my power is as endless as the sea, as though my ward could reach out and sheathe the vige too. But it takes most of my strength to simply ward the forest around our cottage. And besides, f and the others treat my son like a rabid beast. They deal with <em>real</em> rabid beasts, for all I care. If they beg for forgiveness from me and my sonwell then maybe we could talk.


    The young giant looked at his father, rage colouring his face. Let me go and fight, father. I can fight those rune-marked. I can take their power and kill them. Im not afraid. Ill break them until theyre nothing. Then the chief will know I can <em>help</em>the n; that Im not some rabid animal, looking to kill everyone. He might even treat us properly, father.


    Really, Bjorgrund? Is that what youre thinking? <em>I can fight those rune-marked. I can take their power and kill them. Break them until theyre nothing. </em>Do you think thats really going to make our kindredfortable? Birger asked. Is violence supposed to calm them down? Dont overestimate yourself, son. The rune-marked would kill you!


    No, they would not! Bjorgrund insisted. I killed one of their leaders when I was only five!


    You killed a distracted man with a big rock when he wasnt looking, the old firbolg chuckled darkly. Dont think yourself so mighty!


    I am mighty! Bjorgrund took a step toward his father. Ive been training for years. I know how to wield the weapons you used to! I can fight them!


    You want to fight them, I know you do. But ask yourself this question, son. Is that you talking? Birger asked. Or is it the rune?


    Bjorgrunds mouth opened and closed, but no words came out. His hands balled into fists and his face washed red.


    Thought so, Birger said. You might fight one day, but only when I say.


    Alex winced. He knew what it felt like to live with a deitys interference.


    You probably dont like being told what to do, the young wizard looked at Bjorgrund.


    Their eyes met.


    If I can help you, I will, he thought. The runes telling you to do one thing, just like my Mark tries to force me into a role. Your father wants another role for you, just like the church wants for me. Butwhat do <em>you</em> actually want?


    He studied the young giant, watching the frustration raging within his demeanour, and was reminded of Selina.


    Shed also been affected by something she hadnt wanted. An affinity for fire.


    But while hed rejected his roleSelina hade to ept hers, and even made it her own.


    Which way will you go? Alex thought. Maybe I can help guide you there.


    Birger turned to the young wizard and Theresa. This is why you must kill those bastards. Make it so that they never trouble us again.


    Alex frowned. What are the chances of their god marking us? I dont want that for Theresa, ygon or Brutus.


    Low. Very low. In all the centuries Ive learned about them, Ive only been aware of their god marking a champion against their will three times. Besides, do you have deities that you worship? That protect you?


    Theresa raised the chain around her neck; a smallntern pendant hung from it. The Traveller watches over us.


    The Traveyou mean, Keldas friend? Birger blinked. She used to talk about her, but we never met. Is she a goddess now?


    On her way to being one, Alex smiled. A lothas happened. Well give you the details over supper.


    Goodthen you should both be safe, Birger said. The rune-markeds god only marks those who havent been imed by another deity. I suppose that goes against its nature. Bjorgrund and I followed, and still follow no deitiesso he was vulnerable back then.


    So you want us to kill these rune-marked so you and Bjorgrund will be safe, Alex said.


    And so your son doesnt have to fight, and Chief f doesnt do anything rash? Theresa finished.


    You have the crux of it, Birger said. Do this for us, and you will have the knowledge I possess.


    I suppose you dont know how many there are, since you havent seen them, right?


    I <em>have </em>seen some near the wards, but I cant say if that was all of them.


    <em>Thats okaywell be ready for them </em>ygon said.


    Your deal sounds fair then Alex said slowly, his eyes falling on the younger giant, then the hearth and woodpile beside it. He fought a smile tugging at his lips. ...by the way, do you have an axe I could use He paused. or, a hatchet, I guess? Any axe sized for you would definitely be way too tall for someone my height.


    I dobut why do you need an axe? the elderly giant looked at him, puzzled.


    I see youre nearly out of firewood. Alex nodded to the few split logs sitting beside the hearth. We brought the venison, but you and Bjorgrund are doing all the cooking andwell, anyone who was a friend of Keldas is a friend of mine. Id like to split some wood for you andat the same timeget they of thend; there might be some good ces to ambush the rune-marked near the edges of your ward.


    Hmmm. Birger frowned, ncing at the woodpile. We <em>are</em> lowbut it does not sit right with me to have our guest splitting firewood for us.


    It doesnt feel right for me to let you host us and not pull my weight, Alex countered smoothly. Ill split some wood and be back in no time for supper; meanwhile, Theresa and ygon can tell you about our travels and whats been going on in Thamnd. Please, youve been very hospitable, but I cant just let you host us without helping out.


    Hmmmm, well, if thats what you want, Birger said, smiling wanly. Kelda would have done much the same, and wouldnt have settled until I let her have her way. I suppose it shouldnt surprise me that the Mark would choose someone simr.


    Ill take that as apliment; Kelda sounded like she was an incredible woman. Now, speaking of finding things, is your woodpile beside the cottage? I didnt see it when we first got here.


    Birger shook his head. Its a little down the path behind the cottage. We keep it a distance away because fishers love to make their dens among the logs and trees trunk around here. No one wants to be tangling with one of them little fiends on the front stoop in a blizzard. Here, let me take over the roast for a time. Bjorgrund, show our guest to the woodpile and help him split some logs. He can use your hatchet.


    Therger giant looked at his father, then at Theresa, ygon and Brutus.


    Yousure, father? I cane back after I show him the pile, he offered.


    Birger scoffed. And let a guest do our work? Id rot before I even touched the grave. Go, Ill


    He paused, a frown taking his features.


    Father? Bjorgrund asked. Is something wrong?


    No, itsnothing, but I thought for a momentno, I must be imagining things. I truly am getting old, Ill see you when you return, son.


    ###


    The rune-marked warleader cursed the Irtyshenan knights as he led his warband through the woond on foot. How he missed his steed. Behind him followed rank upon rank of rune-marked, bearing brutal weapons and scavenged steel armour.


    These were ferocious raidersforged by the forces of battletheir every deed carved into their flesh like badges of honour.


    He was filled with pride at the sight of themand soon, he would have a formidable new member among their ranks. The runes screamed on his flesh, demanding he follow the portents and bring the wayward warrior into the fold.


    Soon, that would be done.


    The barrier had finally been piercedhe would reward his scout for discovering a crack in its defencesand they were silently making their way deep into the woods. The ward still pushed against them, fighting to drive them back.


    But, they would not be denied.


    Today, blood would be drawn.


    Today, their ranks would grow, as intended.


    ###


    Do youever get used to that? Bjorgrund asked.


    Alexs hatchet came down, splitting a log. Gathering the pieces, he looked up at the giant who was staring at the Mark of the Fool on his shoulder.


    Staying warm from his magical gear, the young wizard had made it a point to remove his cloak and shirt before attacking the mound of wood piled in a shed about twenty paces from the cottage. His staff leaned against the pile, its crystalline blooms glowing softly.


    Alex had rightly assumed that the young giant would be curious about his Mark; he would have wagered a purse full of gold that Bjorgrund had never met anyone in a situation simr to his. Alex remembered how Selina had attached to Queen Ishtar; since both possessed a fire affinity.


    This young giant<strong></strong>was meeting someone who was like himself for the first timeand while curiosity had warred with mistrust within him, curiosity was winning out, for now.


    As Alex had hoped.


    It took a long time, to be honest, the muscr wizard said, picking up another log and standing it on its end. He raised the hatchet, and swung, splitting the log with a single blow. I had to go to war with it, though.


    War with it Bjorgrund touched the rune over his heart, staring at Alexs Mark. Father said that this Kelda woman had to war with hers too. I thought she might have beaten it.


    The giantid the trunk of a young tree in front of him, raised his axeone longer than Alex was tand brought it down.


    The crack of breaking wood echoed through the forest. Panicked birds screeched, fluttering away.


    She tried, Alex said quietly. I just wished it could have turned out differentlyas for me, Ive made peace with it. To a certain degree, at least. Right now, my n is to change it.


    Only change it? Why? Dont you want it gone? Bjorgrund asked, seeming shocked.


    Notpletely. Alex took up another log then cracked it in two. Its helped my life a lot in certain ways, to be honest. I just want it to suit my needs better; when life marks us, we have three choices. We can give in to itpletely, we can fight it, or we can change it and make it work for us. Sometimes, the Mark really helps me. I just want it to help me more and not hinder me. Does your rune help you?


    The giant looked troubled. All it does is make me want to fight.


    And do you? Alex said.


    Do what?


    Want to fight?


    I just said, the rune makes me


    No, I get that part. But what do <em>you</em> want? Do you want to go along with the rune? Do you want to fight with it or get rid of it? Or do you want to make it work for you?


    Bjorgrund gave Alex a stricken look, then nced at the cottage.


    The young wizard raised a hand. If thats too personal, Im sor


    A whizzing sound cut through the trees.


    Get down! Alex cried, leaning back.


    A barbed arrow split the air inches from his nose, embedding in a tree trunk.


    Red runes shed along its shaft.


    The arrow exploded.

 Chapter 704: The Marked, the Runed and the Bloody

    Chapter 704: The Marked, the Runed and the Bloody


    All sound died. Snow melted, turning to puddles around them.


    Swirling debris filled the air and Alex mmed his eyes shut, splintering wood piercing his torso as red dripped from burning flesh.


    His skin felt raw, stinging, blistering. His lungs screamed for air as he held his breath, setting his teeth, stopping himself from choking on the arrows acrid smoke.


    And through the haze, Bjorgrund bellowed in rm, the young giants voice reverberating through the trees, loud enough to be heard for miles around.


    Their opponents were much closer, they certainly heard his cries.


    Metal clinked on metal through smoke and steam. Heavy bodies charged through the trees, as war-cries were shouted in challenge. Alex opened his eyes to waves of power coursing all around them.


    His hair stood on end.


    Kill the human, a deep voice ordered. Kill all others and retrieve the rune-marked giant. He is of our own.


    For an instant, the world seemed to stand still.


    Its like the church, Alex thought. These rune-marked bastards areing for Bjorgrund the same way the church and king wanted to take me.


    His jaw clenched as rage burned in his chest.


    Alex nted his feet, grabbed his staff and raised it high. The aelds mana joined with his power and the Travellers.


    A connection formed.


    Magic shaped a strong bridge between nes.


    And the wind howled, announcing a greater air elemental shimmering into being before him; one of the wind spirits that had guided the <em>Red Siren</em> through the stormy Prinean Sea.


    Lord of Wind and Rain, Alex called. I ask you to clear this smoke away!


    The air elemental whirled, sweeping through smoke and steam, sucking all debris up in a vortex.


    Sight returned.


    His eyes flew wide. The wizard dodged, teleporting away from a volley of arrows racing for his chest, soaring through the air, sinking into trees behind him but not exploding.


    Runes glowed, running along their shafts, tips splitting evergreen bark and thick tree trunks.


    Shit! If I was still standing there, they wouldve gone right through me! he cursed, taking in his surroundings.


    Rune-marked were emerging from the woods like phantoms from the mist; fierce and numerous.


    The column of runed-warriors looked familiar.


    Barbarians poured from between trees, their warleader towered in their midst, ck-armoured, and menacing. He gestured toward Alex and Bjorgrund with a sword in one hand and his axe in the other.


    Barbarian warriors had moved across the snow with grace and power, closing the distance with their weapons poised for violence.


    Bjorgrund hesitated.


    The rune on his chest burned as bright as me.


    Alex looked at the young giant. Do what you have to! He called to him then raised his staff.


    Its blooms zed.


    Run or fight! Its your choice! the wizard shouted.


    A connection formed between him and the celestial nes.


    But whatever you do, do it now!


    The air elementalshed out, blowing smoke, steam and debris at the oing warband. Some stumbled. Some choked. Most kepting.


    They were close, misting breaths near enough to see.


    Bjorgrundhis rune-marked chest zing fiercelynced at the Fool of Thamnd. His eyes fell on the Mark as he touched his rune. His gaze rose to meet Alexs.


    Alex nodded.


    Bjorgrund set his jaw.


    The young giant roared. In my fathers name and mine!


    He swung his axe.


    Barbarians tried to slow, but the greater air elemental flew above them,shing them with powerful gusts of wind. Warriors stumbled.


    Bjorgrunds axe cut down four rune-marked without slowing.


    The snow washed red.


    Alex aimed his staff at the rest; a beasts roar ripped the air, announcing a celestial dire tigernding in the snow, teeth and ws shing. It wasted no time, snarling, tearing, wing at the barbarians in a whirlwind of power and fangs. But they did not shrink away, axes and des swinging at the summons, fighting to fend it off, while Bjorgrund did<strong></strong>merciless work with his axe.


    The giant was inexperiencecking the flowing moves of well skilled fighters like Hart, Theresa, Cedric, the First Apostle, Kyembe or Ezerakbut his training was obvious.


    What hecked in finesse, he made up for in speed and strength.


    The tiger attacked the rune-marked in a frenzy, biting, mauling them, defending the giant and wizard.


    But the barbarians had numbers on their side.


    They poured from the forest in droves, reminding Alex that Theresa had said thered been a great number of barbarians waiting in the forest when the warband had attacked the Irtyshenans.


    How many awaited in the trees here and now?


    <em>FatherIm on my way!</em> ygon shouted.


    Alex heard the cottage door burst open. Brutus barking, howling and growling grew louder as he bounded toward the fight.


    The young wizard fought to even the odds.


    Drawing on his pool of mana, he conjured monster after monster with sixth-tier magic.


    More celestial dire tigers.


    Greater elementals of water and ice.


    Fire elementals.


    He called on the monsters, using both his staff and mana to conjure a force of elite monsters that surrounded him and the young giant.


    Attack! he shouted.


    The water and ice elementals worked in tandem; the former sprayed the air with jets of water, while the ice elementals frosted the streams. Barbarians froze in ce by the dozens in mere moments, encased inyers of ice.


    Fire elementals sprayed cones of me over the approaching horde as dire tigers mangled rune-marked warriors.


    The disy was devastating to behold.


    And yet, the remaining barbarians did not pause; the violence spurred them on as they screamed battlecries,ughing in their work. They choppedpanions from the grip of ice, ran through mes with mad grins and burning flesh. They grappled with celestial dire tigers, showing no fear, spitting blood in the holy beasts eyes, whileshing out with weapons that ranged from hammers to des.


    They fought with as much, or more, ferocity as demons Alex had faced.


    Theyre endless! Bjorgrund shouted, booting a barbarian with a well-aimed kick. The rune-marked warrior sailed over the others,nding in a broken heap among the branches of a tree.


    Nothings endless, Alex said, teleporting past another volley of arrows. Theyll learn that the hard way.


    As he spoke, he conjured swarms of elemental beetles, sending them into the barbarians ranks. They swarmed over the ravening warriors, clinging, biting, blinding them, slowing their charge.


    But the rune-marked did not retreat, retaliating with a bloody fervour.


    A hulking warrior jabbed her rune-encrusted spear through a greater fire elemental. The burning entity redswelling with heat and lightstriking out with zing tentacles. Pressing her spear forward, the rune-marked warrior stoodpletely still, snarling against the mes.


    Herpanions came to her aid, swarming, their weapons striking at the elemental. The fire spirit burned brightercrackling with ragesweeping around with me.


    Rune-marked fell, but more fought on, weapons striking true unttstthe elemental vanished, returning home.


    Warriors surrounded the dire tigers; though every celestial beast had killed more than a dozen rune-marked warriors, more hade forward, looking to challenge the summoned spirits.


    These runed fighters moved sedately, with a timeless grace.


    Their bodies bore more runes, they carried weapons that thrummed with power, and with lightning fast strikes, drove them into striped hides.


    With ws shing and fangs bared, the celestials struck back. You dare strike at me? one demanded, its ws raking at the mortal before it. But, these warriors who had now joined the battle deflected de-like ws with thick shields, then closed in, attacking.


    Howling its fury, a celestial vanished, returning to the upper nes.


    The rune-marked took advantage, pushing into this new gap and working to surround the wizard and giant.


    Alex conjured a swarm of Wizards Hands rapidly, sending them to harass the rune-marked. They tugged at sword-hands, snagged feet, tripping and hindering the horde.


    Warriors fell, entangled in cursing heaps, reducing deadly blows to wild misses.


    Others pushed forward, eliminating summons even as the wizard conjured more.


    A screaming barbarian crashed through the snowhis face set and eyes wildcharging at Alex, swarmed by elemental beetles and being pulled back by over a dozen Wizards Hands.


    Alex was preparing to teleport away when a massive woodcutters axe met the rune-markeds skull, splitting the warrior in two.


    Bjorgrund gave Alex a quick nod, his red rune shining on his chest.


    Whirling sounds whistled through the air.


    Bsmetal balls linked by thick chainsspun toward the giant,unched by rune-marked warriors who resembled mortals less than they did living mounds of muscle and steel.


    Bjorgrund cried out as the bs struck him, binding his limbs.


    Yet, they barely slowed the giant.


    He thrashed around, striking at his attackers like a cornered wolf.


    Pin him! shouted the warleader, sending rune-encrusted veterans at the young giant, each holding steel man-catchers. They restrained his thick limbs, slowing him further.


    More rune-marked threw chains around him and pulled.


    The giants strength, though formidable, was held in check as the rune-marked swarmed, wrapping their chains around tree trunks, pulling at him with all of their collective strength.


    Nope, not today, Alex snarled, sending more Wizards Hands at Bjorgrunds captors. They blocked the warriors eyes, pulled at their wrists, trying to make them release the chains.


    With a wave of his staff, Alex conjured another celestial dire tiger, setting it on the chain-wielding barbarians, but it was soon swarmed, its path blocked.


    Arrows cut the air.


    The young wizard teleported around them.


    Retreat, little man, the rune-marked warleaders voice resonated through the forest, his words spoken in grim tones in themon tongue. We only want what is ours; you are a fine warrior with strange powers, but we will overwhelm your magic. Retreat now, or I promise, you will be in.


    Are you kidding me? Alexughed.


    ygon mentally touched the young wizards mind.


    I guess you dont know it, but youre not even fighting us at full strength. He grinned.


    There came a sound like wind rushing by.


    Then Theresa was leaping past with Brutus bounding ahead of her, fully armoured in bone te. They met the barbarians with full fury; Theresa was a blur, the Twinde shing around her. Her swords weaved through guards, leaving deep, double-cuts in barbarian flesh.


    Runed warriors fell around her like wheat.


    Brutus barreled in, his spiked body leaving ruin in its wake. He ripped and tore, leaving their attackers in shreds, ying them with his tail, shattering bones like dried twigs.


    Veteran warriors whod stood against the celestial dire tigers were ripped apart by the cerberus blood-familiar.


    The barbarians momentum wavered.


    And then came ygon.


    The golems iron footsteps echoed through the forest as he waded through the enemies ranks. He lifted his war-spear, the rune-markeds weapons nced off his body, and he swung the de in a deadly arc.


    It cut through groups of warriors, leaving them shattered like dried logs.


    Broken barbarians flew past Alex,nding in limp heaps as the war-spears deadly haft crushed them.


    Let go of my son! Birger shouted, limping out of the cottage<strong>.</strong> Bjorgrund!


    He took a stone from a bag hanging across his shoulderonerger than Alexs headand hurled it at the barbarians. It glowed, barrelling through the rune-marked, sending them toppling like falling stones.


    The warleader watched the battle.


    Mist boiled from his visor. Retreat, my warriors! he shouted. Regroup.


    The armoured hulkand his hordequickly turned, much as they had against the Irtyshenan knights and began melting back into the thick trees to disappear.


    But, Alex Roth wasnt about to let enemies get away only to return and menace Birger and Bjorgrund some other day.


    Not if he could help it.


    Drawing on the aelds remaining power, he conjured another dire tiger, sheathed himself in flight magic, then shouted. Hey, I thought you liked fighting, you lumbering coward!


    He called on the Travellers power. If youre going to run away, dont forget your parting gift!


    Touching the tigers nk, he teleported above the warleader.


    He grinned down at the armoured hulk. Hello there, was all he said.


    And thenunched a half ton of angry celestial tiger at him.

 Chapter 705: Heading off the Problem

    Chapter 705: Heading off the Problem


    The celestial dire tiger dropped, all half ton of him, straight for the rune-marked warleader.


    ws spread.


    Deadly jaws parted.


    The celestial vanished.


    With a blurring strike aimed at the plummeting spirit, the warleader swung his sword, cleaving the dire tiger, sending it back to the upper nes. He leapt up, aiming his axe at Alex.


    The young wizard teleported, behind the warleader, away from the weapons path, sheathing himself in haste magic. Turning in one smooth arc, the great, armoured warriorshed out with both weapons.


    The towering man was quick, but he was no First Apostle. Alex vanished, appearing again behind the warleader.


    Nice try, he said pleasantly.


    Lashing out, the warleader whirled.


    The wizard teleported, vanishing. Too slow, he grinned, reaching out to ygon. Get your fist ready to strike the air to your right when I give the signal!


    <em>Yesfather</em>


    The barbarian spun,shing out with both sword and axe as Alex teleported circles around him. Snow kicked up, spraying the young wizard as he winked in and out.


    Barbarians lunged, trying to grab him as he flickered across space.


    Stand still! the warleader snarled under his helm; bloodshot eyes glowering beneath the visor.


    A red rune red on his breastte.


    The warrior chief seemed to suddenly swell with power.


    Light washed over his armour; he focused on it


    just as Alex had hoped.


    His concentration turned from the young wizard and Alex vanished, appearing before his face.


    The armoured hulk froze.


    Alex reached out, grabbing his helmet in a death grip. Got you.


    The will of the Fool of Thamnd battled against the barbarians own, but Alex had forged himself against the Marks wrath.


    Hed pulled a greater demon through space, battling him with every step.


    This rune-marked was <em>no</em> greater demon.


    Hannahs power washed over them, and they were gone, teleporting across the snow.


    Barbarian warriors with weapons raised around themtrying to cut the Thameish wizard to piecesdisappeared.


    Trees vanished. Snow disappeared.


    Images across space whirled past the struggling warrior and wizard until Alex abruptly stopped, once again, materialising in the forest. He stared into the rune-markeds confused eyes.


    What happened? the warleader muttered.


    This! The young wizard teleported again.


    <em>Gripping</em> the warleaders helmet.


    <em>Now</em>, Alex sent the thought to ygon.


    The towering warriorhis face a scarred ruingaped at the Fool of Thamnd.


    His dull expression shifted, reced by a huge, iron fist.


    ygons backfist connected, mming into his right nkdriving into his face, shoulder and ribscrumpling steel armour. Only the warriors reflexes saved him from bing a smear on ygons knuckles as he turned with the blow.


    His body flew end over end, shooting through the forest, bouncing across snow, andnding in the giants woodpile. Stacked logs exploded, soaring high in the air.


    Blood ran, streaming from nostrils, mouth, ears and eyes, when the warleader forced himself to his feet, wavering in ce. His right arm hung uselessly at his side. His armour was ttened; red pouring between cracks and gaps.


    Yet, he still moved forward.


    I will notdie so easily He snarled, spitting blood and teeth as he took a shaky step. A dozen runes mark my body, proiming my deeds in battle for all to see.


    Runed warriors pped fists to their breasts as the leader advanced haltingly.


    <em>Herefatheryou might wantthis</em> ygon handed Alex his satchel.


    Thanks buddy, the young wizard opened the bag slowly and deliberately, his eyes fixed on the warleader.


    Your human magic is strange, but it cannot stop me, you are not worthy, he snarled, revealing bloodied teeth.


    Alex drew a potion from his bag.


    You cannot the rune-marked leader continued, as a small bottle spun through the air toward him.


    With a derisive snarl, he shed at the potion.


    ss cracked.


    Mist nketed him.


    What is this? A fog for you to hide in? You are only dying your death, the warleader growled.


    No, not fog, Alex smiled. Do you believe you can fly?


    What? Why would you grant me a gift of fliAaaargh! the rune-marked screamed suddenly.


    The booby-trapped flight potion gripped the warriors body, catapulting him wildly through the air. He shot upward, darted side to sidelimbs ilinghitting a tree trunk.


    Twice.


    His body bent, curving at the waist and his limbs twisted in odd shapes.


    Howling and twisting, the leader flew through the air while his troops gaped, stunned into silence.


    Striking another tree, his broken body dropped to the ground, his head going in another direction.


    The wide-eyed skull spun away, ncing off all in its path; while the rest of him struck logs, the woodshed, an asional boulder and the ground, eventuallying to rest in the snow.


    As one, the shocked barbarians cried out, staring at the twisted ruin of the warleaders body.


    Battle stilled.


    Away! Birger shouted. Youre overmatched!


    Nogiant a rune-marked grinned, seeming to suddenly awaken from a spell.


    The grin spread to other members of the warband.


    Yes! Now! True battle! he shouted. Yes! True warriors stand before us! Great deeds will be told of the one who ys them!


    The war-leader now stands at the side of our god! a rune-marked with a thick scar where an eye used to be, shouted. The glory to lead nowes


    An abrupt squishinging sound stopped his words.


    The rune-marked-who-would-be warleader dropped, his head rolling from his shoulders.


    At his side, arade brandished a bloody axe. A contest of deeds! We battle for leader!


    A loud roar sounded, and a frenzy of violence erupted.


    Rune-marked attacked, fighting each other, vying for leadership of the warband. They showed no mercy, hacking, stabbing, cutting to pieces all who they once fought beside.


    But others turned away, pointing at Alex, Theresa, ygon, Brutus and Bjorgrund. y them, but spare the promised prize! some screamed. More runes for us! More blood for the divine!


    And they charged.


    ygon strode toward them. <em>Should Ishoot themfather?</em>


    Alex teleported beside the iron golem, holding his staff high. No, we dont want to burn down the forest. Well have to do it the hard way.


    Itll take longer, but theres an upside ygon, itll be good practise for facing the church, Theresa said.


    Brutus bounded beside her, barking at the barbarians.


    Bjorgrund came up beside them. Hed shattered the rune-markeds chains, his axe was chipped, and he was bleeding from small cuts along his torso.


    Yet, his eyes were dancing as a big grin lit up his face. He looked determined. Focused. Im going to help too!


    Get back to the cottage, Bjorgrund! Birger shouted.


    No! the young giants reply was resolute. Im doing this because I want to, father! I fought to protect you when I was small! Now Im protecting you again!


    Well said, Theresa whispered, the Twinde raised.


    Together, the golem, huntress and cerberus charged into the oing horde. ygon was the battering ram that cleared the path, war-spear cutting down warriors.


    Brutus and Theresa followed behind.


    The huntress was a blur of steel and death, slicing into attackers in threes and fours, leaving them where they fell.


    Brutus ripped into barbarians, three sets of jaws mping down, tearing in all directions.


    In their wake came the young giant, swinging his axe, the rune on his chest burning ferociously.


    When Bjorgrunds axe finally shattered against a runed-warriors armour, he grabbed her, using her as a club,ying about himself with his new weapon until it too was broken. He then grabbed another.


    Alex stayed with Birger, conjuring Wizards Hands, tossing booby-trapped flight potions into the barbarians ranks, sending them careening, throwing their horde into further chaos. Greater elementals and celestial tigers threw themselves into battle, ripping, burning, tearing, freezing enemy bodies inyers of ice.


    Their numbers thinned, but the barbarians never fled. They never cowered or begged for their lives. As warriors they lived, and as warriors they died, fighting on, their runes zing until death.


    The horde was cleaved away, leaving Alex, hispanions and the young giant standing in the ruins of a mass of barbarian bodies.


    Theresa breathed deeply, mist rising from her lips.


    Alexs mana pool sputtered. The energies of the aeld staff waned.


    Brutus chest heaved.


    Bjorgrunds jaw hung down, his eyes wide, words failing.


    Birger glowered at the ruined corpses around his home, his bodynguage a storm of difort, confusion, relief and anger.


    Theyre done with, Alex scratched the back of his head, turning to the old giant. Sorry about the mess, Im sure you didnt want us fighting on your doorstep, but we cant always choose where our enemies fight us or how they fight us.


    that is true, Birger said, limping forward, leaning on his crutch for support.


    Father! Here, let me help! Bjorgrund rushed toward the older giant, offering his hand.


    Birger shook his head. Im fine! Im fine! Im not dead, yet, son. Therelle a time when I wont be able to walk at all without your help; let me get by on my own until then.


    Yesfather the young giant said, starting to turn away.


    Birger grabbed him by a thick arm. Look at me, son.


    Bjorgrund kept his eyes down, refusing to meet his fathers gaze.


    I said, look at me, the older giant pushed, his fingers gripping his boys arm.


    Father, I


    Just look at me.


    Bjorgrund grimaced, slowly turning his face to his father, but his eyes still lingered on the bloody snow at his feet.


    No, look into my eyes, son, Birger said, his voice falling to a low growl.


    The young giant looked up, meeting his fathers gaze.


    Birger took Bjorgrund by the chin, his gaze burning into the younger giants eyes, turning his head this way and that. Hmhow do you feel?


    I, uh the giant started.


    No lies. How do you really feel? Speak inly.


    Um, Im not hurt, father. They cut me a little, but my hides thick. These wounds are nothing that bother me.


    And what about your mind? Your heart? How are you feeling here? Birger pressed a finger to the crimson rune on Bjorgrunds chest.


    A little excitedfather. It was a rush, like I only feel when were hunting or when youre telling your old battle stories, he admitted.


    And fear?


    What?


    Did you feel afraid at all?


    N-n


    Dont lie, I said! Birger snapped. Answer honestly, did you feel fear?


    Yes, father! Bjorgrund finally shouted, his face washing red. I felt fear! Why did you have to make me say that in front of these strangers?


    The old giants shoulders rxed. Good. Good. You dont have the madness. He pointed to the broken bodies of the warband. When these rune-marked were overmatched, they turned on each other, looking for glory at all costs. Sometimes runed warriors get like that when the runes take them; they turn mad.


    Birger nodded to the headless corpse of the in warleader. That one has a better head on his shoulders


    Had, Alex whispered.


    What? Birger looked at the young wizard.


    What? Alex asked.


    Didnt you just say something?


    Oh, uh Alex said slowly. I said had.


    ...because hes dead, you mean? Birger asked.


    Theresa was already grimacing.


    No, I meanwell literally. Alex coughed awkwardly. I mean helost his head. Literally. He <em>had</em>a better head on his shoulders He paused. ...because hes now headless.


    Oh! Oh! Bjorgrund burst outughing. Thats good, actually!


    Birger stared at the Fool of Thamnd, but said nothing. My <em>point, son</em>, is that some rune-marked have better heads on their shoulders. They know when a battle is lost, when to order a retreat, when to use strategythey arent just crazed berserkers, drunk on power and glory. Seemsyou kept your head. I didnt want you to turn into some blood-drinking berserker.


    Is that what you were afraid of, father? Bjorgrund asked.


    I still fear it! Birger snapped. You dont know whatll happen when more of these He tapped the rune. get scrawled across your flesh. Butit seems your minds your own. And if your first battle didnt destroy you, then its a good sign. Its a very good sign.


    Bjorgrund looked at his father with eyes that shone.


    Wait, before we continue, I have a debt I owe these good wanderers, Birger said.


    The younger giant looked at Alex. <em>We</em> owe them a debt.


    Aye, Birger said. And now I aim to fulfil it. You slew the ones seeking my son, and for that I am thankful. So, now Ill tell you what I know; the beginning of the path to Keldas sanctum.


    He cleared his throat. Tell me, have you ever heard of the Guild of the Red Mouse?

 Chapter 706: The Coin of Silent Friends

    Chapter 706: The Coin of Silent Friends


    <em>Kymnds resisted being conquered for thousands of years, and Im willing to bet</em><em><strong></strong></em><em>the Empires</em><em>keen to bring that realm back into their territory, permanently. </em>Gel-Dor had said. <em>Which means, the Guilds getting aggressive.</em>


    Gel-Dor had said those words when Alex was entertaining him, his brother Fan-Dor, and Lucia in his dining room just before the young wizard, Theresa, Brutus and ygon had teleported to Kymnd for the first time. The schar sailors were sharing drinks and information, sitting around his dining table, telling stories of what they might find in the northernnds of the Irtyshenan Empire.


    Both wonders and dangers.


    Well, mostly the dangers.


    Almost exclusively, the dangers, truthfully.


    <em>The guild? What is that? </em>Selina had asked.


    <em>Oh, thats what we call it, </em>Fan-Dor had said.<em> Its full name is the Guild of the Red Mouse. Its uh, a thieves guild.</em>


    <em>Why would thieves need a guild? </em>Selina had wanted to know.


    <em>To organise themselves,</em> Gel-Dor exined.<em> Theyre not so much thieves as they are an organised group who want to obtain and trade goods that might not be exactlylegal. Theyve stolen from one noble and sold to another, they offer protection, but theymost importantlysmuggle weapons. Word has it that theyre getting aggressive, trying to smuggle as many weapons in and out of the Empire as possible before the borders tighten even more. I suspect the guilds going to be in Kymnd.</em>


    <em>I suspect the guilds going to be in Kymnd.</em>


    Gel-Dors words immediately returned to Alex.


    Yeah, the Guild of the Red Mousetheyre a thieves guild in the Irtyshenan Empire, right? Alex frowned. I heard they were running weapons while the Empire prepares for war, and that they might be here in Kymnd.


    Then you know more about what theyre currently doing than I do, Birger admitted. But what Im telling you now pertains not to what theyre involved with these daysbut to their origins. Do you know what colour Keldas hair was?


    Red, Alex said, remembering the image of her on Hannahs artefact. It was bright reOh. <em>Oh!</em> he suddenly cried. Was she involved with the guild? Was she a member?


    Now Birgerughed. Involved with it? Truly? No, my friend, she <em>started </em>it.


    What? Theresa said.


    Thats right. the giant smiled. When she came here to Kymnd to learn about the rune-marked, she needed information and resources. I helped her for a timealong with some other folkbut we were few. And even with her teleporting about as far and fast as she needed to, of course, she couldnt be in more than one ce at a time. So she needed help.


    Birgers smile grew wider. The Empires a big ce, as you might know, people here have a lot of wealth and powerbut theres also an underbelly to it; frommoners whose farms burned in<strong></strong>war, to nobles and knights who ended up on the losing side in fights over session, to foreigners who came here and couldnt leave for one reason or another. Those are the folk who got left behindtheyre the ones who needed to turn to rougher trades to get by: thievery, banditry, ck market trade and so on and so forth. But the Empire was never easy on ouws and still isnt; they torture criminals and dont think twice about burning them alive. Armies of guards, investigators and rangers get single minded when theyre after someone. Sometimes, theyll use bloodwalkers to go after them. Well, Kelda saw all of this and had an idea


    He raised a thick finger. ...what if they were organised? She said her Mark gave her a way of seeing through folk, of being able to persuade them and organise them. So, she got in with the right folk, trained them and showed them how to work together as a group so everyone benefitted; backstabbing was amon enemy to everyone, so they thrived. Birger paused, chuckling. She became quite the leader of her band of thieves, ruffians, and ouws. It took time, but she made herself a solid organisation here in the Empire. Thieves who joined had protection from the emperors justicereal and falsethey got into ces and stole things they could have only dreamed of before. In return


    Birger pointed to Alexs Mark. they helped her build her sanctum and research the rune-marked. They stole magic lore for her. She brought some of them into her close circle and they helped her when she needed help building her devices and magical machines for her experiments. I wasnt a part of the organisation, but I was friendly with them, many of them knew where her sanctum was. There were lots of different folk around her, some long lived ones too, so maybe there might be one or two still around, or someone with old records that could point you to where you need to go. If any existtheyll have them.


    <em>Thatisgreat!</em> ygon cried. <em>Wewill be able to findhersanctum.</em>


    Maybe. Alex tapped his chin, deep in thought. Theres a good chance theyll knowor maybe theyll have records left behind by people who diedbut youre talking about an organisation that was around three hundred years ago. Three centuries is a lot of time for things to change and just because they helped Kelda back then, doesnt mean theyd help me now.


    Oh, youre right about that, they wouldnt help you, they might even kill you. Birger shook his head. But she craftedws for the guild, and one of them is the Law of Silent Friends. Come, lets go inside. I have something to show you.


    ###


    I havent looked at this in almost a hundred years, the elderly firbolg pulled a small, bup wrapped object from a chest under his massive bed. I used it in the past, butwell, times change.


    His son helped him to stand, and he went to the table and unwrapped the bup, revealing a copper coin the size of one of his fingernails iid with the image of a red mouse in the centre.


    This is a Coin of Silent Friends, Birger said. Its a symbol that was handed out by the guild to those whod given aid to them; every member of Keldas inner circle had one, and they were only handed to a select few during my time knowing her.


    The craftsmanship is amazing, Alex said, eyeing the coin. The mouse looks real enough to jump right off the coin and run around your cottage.


    Funny you should say that; the coin is very mana conductive; its a copper and zinc alloy, the giant exined. Kelda wanted them to animate and do just what you just said, but in the end, she discarded the idea. It would make no sense to have the coins detectable by magic.


    So what does it do, then? Theresa asked.


    Bjorgrund stared at the coin. Yes, father, Ive never seen that before.


    The important question isnt what it does; its what it <em>is</em>. What it <em>symbolises;</em> anyone that carries a Coin of Silent Friends is considered a lifelong friend to the Guild of the Red Mouse. They can call for favours from the highest levels of the guild, hire guild members and have ess to theirwork for whatever delicate dealings they need handled.


    He frowned. I used this coin to try and get the guild to tell me where Kelda wasbut all they would say was that they didnt know. They acted nearly as confused as I was.


    And they didnt tell you where her sanctum was? Alex asked.


    Birger shook his head. No, they wouldnt tell me. They seemed hell bent on keeping their leaders secrets, and werent about to reveal them to me or anyone elsenot without her say so, or unless she did it herself. So, I didnt have any idea of where to go looking for her. He released a long sigh. But, I suppose things are different now. Its been three hundred years since shes been gone. A note of sorrow touched his voice. Now, <em>another</em> Foolse along walking the same path she was.


    The firbolg looked at Alex, You might be told what I was denied.


    Thats a big if, Alex said. But its the best lead we have. Do I just present the coin?


    Birger shook his head. When Ist spoke with a guild member, they had records of everyone who carried a Coin of Silent Friendship. They also had a firm rule that we cannot just pass our coins onto others, be they friends, family or lovers. Ill have to go with you and personally present the coin to them; theyll at least hear you out if Im with you. My reckoning is that theyll help you: but not without a price.


    Alex shrugged. Well, you asked us to y an entire band of rune-marked: so, whats another price?


    But, hold on, Theresa said. Where is this guild located? Are there members for us to go to here in Kymnd?


    Kelda made their base in a central spot, right in the capital of the Empire: Sorcovo. Likely, their headquarters are still there.


    <em>Thecapital?</em> ygon asked. <em>Dofirbolgs and other giantslive in the Empire? Are theycitizens?</em>


    No, Birger admitted.


    <em>Thenhow canyou go to the capital? They will saythat you arebarbariansand attack you.</em>


    Bjorgrund grinned at the golems words. Theres a trick of firbolg magic that my father taught me. Can I show them, father?


    Birger smiled. Go ahead.


    Therger giant stood to his full height and drew in a deep breath.


    Then he exhaled.


    His chest shrank.


    His shoulders slumped.


    He seemed smaller as the air he blew out flowed from him in a long stream.


    Alex paused. By the Traveller, he <em>is</em> getting smaller.


    The giant was shrinking before Alexs eyes, his massive bulk reducing, contracting, decreasing further and further. Soon his height matched ygons. Then his fathers.


    Then shorter still, shrinking until he was a few inches taller than Baelin or Thundar. The young giant now seemed no more than a muscr human man with coarse facial features and a broad form, standing in the room.


    Thats a neat trick, Alex marvelled. I remember reading about your ability, but seeing it is damn impressive. Id never know you were a firbolg if I didnt see you shrink like that with my own eyes.


    Birger exhaled, the breath seeming tost for minutes as his body shrank to nearly Theresas height. Where a giant had been standing, an old man in barbaric garb now stood, his eyes twinkling. Kelda and I travelled through many cities in the Empire like this when she was searching for anything that could help her on her road to be free of that Mark she had. Heh, back then, women in the Empire thought me quite the dish! Aaaaah, the stories I could tell you about my youth would set you on fire! But, of course there was Kelda, and she was a special one. Therell never be another woman quite like her, to my mind.


    He smiled briefly, relishing old memories. Bjorgrund and I will take you to the guilds headquarters, if they havent moved it, that is. Ill use my coin to get you in, and you can take care of things from there.


    Thank you, Alex said. I cant speak for her, but I think Kelda would be happy that youre helping me. He paused. Actually, that sounds a little arrogant now that I actually said it out loud.


    Oh, dont second guess yourself, youre right! Birgerughed warmly. She would be. I think she would be at that. Right, this means Bjorgrund and I will need to prepare for a journey! I take it you can teleport us where we need to go, if youve got Keldas talents?


    Alex nodded. Ill have to scout out the capital first, but after that? I can take us there whenever were ready. How long do you think youll need?


    Two days, probably, Birger said. Bjorgrund and I will have to set things right hereand well have to burn all those bodies out there. Theyll only start to stink and attract fishers and the like.


    Trash doesnt burn itself, Theresa said. I wish things were so convenient.


    Hmmmm, Bjorgrund rumbled, the sound was like rock grinding. How did those rune-marked get in here, anyway? What happened to your ward father?


    Birger frowned, his cheer vanishing. Thatsa fair question, son. Let me check. The old giant closed his eyes, Alex felt him reaching toward the ward hed set.


    Hm, st it, Im a fool, the firbolg muttered suddenly. I shouldnt have dismissed what I thought I felt earlier. The wards off. Somethings happened to it. Ill have to go take a look at it.


    Will it help if I teleport you around the forest? Alex asked. We could investigate together, and itd probably be a lot faster for me to take you to the trees you warded, instead of you walking from ce to ce.


    Birger made a face. Bah, I feel like a helpless old man, but fair enough. Maybe we should go after we eat. The meat might be a bit dry by now.


    Dry sounds good, Im hungry enough to eat a whole moose, bones and all! Bjorgrund said.


    Me too, friend, Alex admitted. Me too. But maybe we should check the ward before we sit down. If theres a weakness in it, the longer it stays, the worse itll be to redo.


    Birger snorted. Bah, your reasoning overrules my stomach. Fine, lets go take a look and see whats happened. Maybe a tree fell or


    ###


    this has been forced! Birger cursed, ring daggers at a tree. The giant, now grown to his normal height again, rubbed his hand along the bark.


    He squinted as the wind blew a spray of snow through the trees,yering all in a cold, white haze.


    The trunks symbol had been damaged by something with a sharp edge.


    Oh, hell, Alex swore, examining the symbol alongside the giant. It looks like it was tampered with.


    Damned right, it had to be done on purpose, but the rune-marked couldnt have done it. I might not be the best ward maker, but my power was focused against <em>them,</em> Birger exined. No, they must have had help. But who? The Irtyshenans? No, they dont work with the rune-marked. Maybe elves


    <em>Father</em> ygons voice spoke in Alexs mind, travelling through their link from the cottage. <em>Come backChief fand his warriorsare on the way here.</em>

 Chapter 707: Giants Confrontation

    Chapter 707: Giants'' Confrontation


    The wind was rising when Alex and Birger materialised before the giants cottage.


    And so was the tension.


    Waiting in front of the cottage door as high winds buffeted it against the door frame was Bjorgrund, his face slowly washing scarlet, anger turning it as menacing as the demonic image carved in it. His hands were shaking, clenching and unclenching at his sides. Theresa was to his right, her fingers poised above the Twinde, not yet touching their hilts.


    Not for now, at least.


    Brutussheathed in bone armourwas growling, three heads held low, a warning rumbling from his chest. He crouched before the huntress and young giant, ready to spring on attackers. ygon stood with all four arms crossed over his torso, his war-spears hilt was nted in a snowbank.


    Freshly fallen snowthickening to icy mistwas swirling through the clearing,yers settling on Birgers drying racks.


    ygon! Alex hissed. Whats happened? You said the chiefs here?


    He quickly nced around.


    Where is he?


    Theresa nodded ahead. Brutus can smell him, and I hear himing; hes not alone.


    How many are with him?


    She frowned, closing her eyes. Tenmaybe twelve.


    They must have heard the battle, Birger reasoned. But why are theying? Why now? The fights over.


    I have some ideas, Alexs eyes narrowed. But, honestly? I dont like any of them.


    Birger looked at Alex sharply, snarling. You think <em>they</em> sabotaged the ward? His grip tightened on his crutch.


    What? Somebody sabotaged the ward? yes it Bjorgrund growled. ...it makes sense, father. Its always this way with them; they dont care about us. He took a step forward. They must have heard the attack from the vige, and now that everythings quiet, theyreing to see what happened. Probably hoping were dead.


    We dont know that for sure, at least not yet Alex bit his lip. ...but theres a reason I dont like any of my ideas. ygon, you might want to go inside.


    <em>Butfather</em> the golem protested. <em>If they start a fightI should be herewith youto protect you</em>


    Alex shook his head. We dont know if its going toe to blood and blows,, but you look an awful lot like an Irtyshenan golem knight. If they see youespecially with your war-speartheyre going to start swinging before anyone gets a word out. Lets see <em>exactly</em> what they want, first. But, listen to whats happening and be readyjust in case.


    <em>...alrightfather</em> ygons voice dropped to a low snarl. <em>Can Igo insideBirger? Itsnot my home</em>


    By all means, the old firbolg said, his eyes not leaving the treeline.


    As the golem turned to leave, sounds of movement reached Alex from the forest. Footsteps crunching snow. Twigs snapping. Heavy breaths on the wind.


    By the time ygon had closed the door behind him, firbolg silhouettes were appearing in the distance. Theresa was right; there were twelve armed firbolgs aside from Chief f approachingAlex caught the glint of dagger des woven through his beard.


    The giants carried rough spun bags<strong></strong>weighed down with stones.


    Sharp swords.


    Massive axes.


    But they were movingcasuallyshowing no intent on making war, or trying to sneak onto Birgersnds, nor were they charging with spears high while shouting battle cries and nocking arrows onto bowstrings.


    They seemed peaceful, yet moved with caution, watching all directions, seemingly searching for something.


    There, chieftain! a firbolg pointed at the cottage.


    The giants pace quickened.


    Alex gripped the aeld staff tighter.


    Theresas fingers twitched. Bjorgrund and Brutus tensed.


    Birger drew a deep breath.


    Chief f emerged from the trees, entering the clearing, leading his band of giants.


    He paused.


    Emotions yed across the chieftains face: surprise, obvious from the widening of his eyes. Strain. And finally


    he exhaled, shoulders slumping.


    Is that relief? Alex wondered. Or disappointment.


    Without a word, the twelve giants fanned out, silently forming a half-circle around their chief, facing the cottage, staring across the clearing.


    Alex watched the neers stiff stances, furrowed brows, and unfriendly eyes.


    Yet, one held Alexs attention.


    A young firbolgrangy, lean, and barely beardedwas standing a little apart from the others. His body looked tense, as though lightning was running through it. Eyebrows were tight, raised toward his hairline. His jaw gaped. He looked bewildered.


    His gaze was focused on Bjorgrund and Birger, rarely leaving them.


    Seems you didnt expect to find them here, Alex thought, anger sparking in him. You thought theyd be dead now, didnt you? But why? Why were you so sure theyd be dead?


    Youre alive, great uncle, Chief f broke the silence. His lips parted in a smile that was more snarl than smile.


    Birger returned the expression. We are.


    We heard fighting and came to look in on you.


    The battles done, and our enemies are dead. But, as you can see, were not.


    More silence followed.


    The wind whipped, growing stronger. Trunks groaned around them. A creaking tree branch snapped, dropping to the ground with a thump.


    It might have been better if youde earlier, nephew, Birger said, nodding to the field behind his cottage. Theres almost a hundred rune-marked corpses back there. Maybe more. You could have gotten your vengeance; they attacked the vige, didnt they? Which meant they owed you a blood debt.


    We sure collected, Bjorgrund growled.


    The firbolgs turned their eyes to the young giant.


    Hands moved toward weapons.


    Theresas fingers yed along her sword-hilts.


    The rangy firbolg, though, never stopped looking at the father and son. Not for a moment. He didnt move, nor did his expression change. He only trembled, ever so slightly.


    Thank you for that, great uncle. Chief f blew twin streams of mist from his nose.


    How did they get through my ward, I wonder? Birger asked, taking a step forward, much of his weight on his crutch.


    Chief f bristled. Whatre you implying?


    One of my trees was damaged, Birger said, evenly. Someone put a dagger right through one of the symbols; it cracked the ward enough for the vermin to sneak in. The symbol smelled of our magic.


    Now the chief burst into barkingughter. We havent always seen eye to eye, great uncle, but you helped the n for centuries. Less than I would have liked, but enough that Im willing to overlook certain He nced at Bjorgrund. problems.


    The young giants breath hissed from between his teeth, his face turning redder.


    Now you use me of treachery? f snarled. You call my honour into question? On ount of your old age, I would let this passif you apologisebut dont ever insult me again.


    Birgers partly right, Alex spoke up, all eyes turning to him. A giant did sabotage his ward, but hes wrong about which giant did it. He raised his chin toward the nervous, rangy firbolg. Whyd you do it?


    The usation pped across the giants form like a whip, making him recoil. I-Wha


    Dont do that. Alex shook his head. Your dagger stinks of what you did; I could smell Birgers magic on it from a mile away, he lied, putting anger and confidence in his tone.


    He red as the giant flinched, fumbling for his knife. I-wha


    I bet if we looked at that knife of yours, thered be sawdust on it from the tree. The ward magics <em>bleeding </em>off of it, dont try to act like Im stupid. I <em>know</em> it was you. What I dont understand is why.


    He pushed on, his words punishing the already off-bnce giant. The firbolg whimpered like a guilty child chastised by their parents, now, every eye had turned to him.


    Erlic? Chief f said. Whats this?


    I-I, hes lying! he stammered. I-I was cleaning my knife on aa trunk! A little while ago! Thats all.


    Alexs smile was fierce; he knew that when pressed, liars often began panicking, offering up a stream of unnecessary details as they came up with excuses, looking to make a made up story sound solid. More believable.


    What that often did though, was reveal certain details the person questioning them hadnt known.


    Are you saying it was an ident? Birger snapped. That you nearly had me dead and my son taken because of an ident. No, I dont believe that! Youve had it out for Bjorgrund since he protected me all those years ago!


    I-I dont know what youre talking about! the giant shouted, anger entering his voice. And even if I did, so what? Rune-marked have been raiding our vige since that boy of yours got marked! How longs it going to be before he joins them? he snapped. Keeping him here only hurts the n!


    Thats enough! f barked, ring down at Erlic. You said this was an ident? he asked quickly.


    I


    An <em>ident?</em> the chief demanded.


    Y-yes, chief, Erlic stammered.


    Deer shit! Bjorgrund shouted. Pure deer shit!


    Language, son! Birger snapped.


    Muffle that <em>child</em> of yours, great uncle! f pointed at him, then snapped his gaze back to Erlic. Twoshes.


    What? I Erlic stammered.


    Only two? Bjorgrund cried.


    It was an <em>ident,</em> f said. Twoshes is more than enough. Erlic will remember to be more careful in future.


    That knife tore through my symbol on purpose, Birger said. And that bastard would have had us butchered


    I have spoken, the chief said. Twoshes for an ident. The rune-marked came and tried to kill you, true, but you are alive; these travellers helped you, didnt they? No life was lost, and thats that. You should count yourself lucky that I sent these folk to you. I send you food, I tolerate what your presence brings to the n. Let it go.


    Birger stared daggers at f, his voice as cold as a crypt. Son, will you hunt for us?


    Hm? Bjorgrund startled. Father, you wouldnt let me hunt. You said the blood could trigger another rune forming.


    Birger shook his head. If fighting those rune-marked didnt send you into a frenzy, then hunting deer wont set you off. Will you hunt for us?


    Bjorgrund smiled. dly!


    Birger nodded, and looked back at f. Im going to relieve you of your <em>burdens,</em> nephew. From this day forward you no longer have to send us food. Well take care of our own needs. I also ban all of you from ournd. If I see a single hair of any of you in our boundaries, then so help me, Ill make you regret it. Ill ward the forest to keep you all out. Youll have no need to worry about my son or I anymore! Begone. Get away from here. Now!


    What? f snapped. These are ournds! You cant ban me, Im the chief!


    This is <em>my</em>nd, Ive owned it longer than your father was alive, Birger scowled. Hed be so disappointed in you if he could see you now.


    Watch it, old fool! f pointed a finger at his great-uncle.


    And dont you ever ask me for a single thing! Birger howled. Not my knowledge, not my aid! Not anything! From this day on, you and I are <em>done!</em>


    Arrogant bastard! f shouted. I havent asked you for a single thing in years! You might have served the n once, but now youre nothing more than a doddering fool who dabbles with our enemies! Fine, have it your way! I will be no kinyer, and that bloody rune-carved beast has our blood running through him! But if I see him hunting on ournd, then Ill see to it that hes chained like the beast he is, and whipped until the forest is <em>red</em> with his blood. And when were done with him, Ill send him <em>mewling</em> back to you!


    Try it! Bjorgrund cracked his knuckles. Ive killed rune-marked today, by the dozen! I bet I could break your hands before you could even swing a whip!


    Animal! f spat in the snow. Fine, then! Ill leave you to your prison! Erlic! Noshes! Everyone, lets get ourselves gone!


    Just one moment, Alexs voice was calm. Theres something you should know before you go.


    He drew in a deep breath. I appreciate what you did for us, showing us to Birger and Bjorgrund. Theyre nice people. I like them. But you know who I dont like? You. You and your self-righteous bullshit, Im sick of hearing it! Im sick of bastards like you standing there like you own the world, telling everyone how things should be! Telling everyone their role!


    For a moment, it was as though the First Apostle and the giant chieftain had merged, bing the same person.


    I tell you what <em>Im</em> going to do; Im not as nice as Birger, and hes not as good with magic as we are. So, <em>Im </em>going to help him ward his forest. If anyone steps one foot inside the treeline that he, his son or I dont want there, our ward will crank their senses so high, that their own clothes rubbing against their skin will feel like someones scraping their flesh off! The sun will scorch their eyes, and even the slightest whisper will make their eardrums feel like theyre about to burst! And thats how theyll <em>keep </em>feeling, as long as my magic holds. And Ill let you in on a little secret, I have a helluva <em>lot</em> of magic.


    He raised his chin.


    Thats my promise, and Im dering it to you today, so if you ever set foot here again, dont say you werent warned. Now, leave! Alexs voice echoed over the trees. Or Im going to make you wish you had something as kind as a <em>whip</em>punishing you!


    He raised the aeld staff, its blooms zed with warning.


    His words held power.


    They held strength.


    And his enemies drew back like scalded dogs.


    Alexander Roth had not spoken like the Fool of Uldar, or even the fine student and capable businessman from Generasi.


    No.


    His words were those of amandermore like those of a general.


    And in the face of that intimidating tone?


    His foes turned and fled.

 Chapter 708: The March

    Chapter 708: The March


    Hah! Look at them run! Bjorgrundughed, sticking his tongue out, his blue eyes squeezing shut as he pointed at the tall figures disappearing in the blowing snow. A few words and they turn craven. Would you look at that, father! They call me the animal, but they act like scared little mice!


    Calm yourself, son, Birger said. His voice was t, but he couldnt hide the grim smile growing behind his beard. The more you provoke them, the more likely theyll try to do something to you.


    They wonte back here, no way. Bjorgrund grinned evilly, pping Alexs back with an enormous hand.


    The blow knocked the air from the young wizards lungs, nearly sending him sprawling face down in the snow.


    This one here, look how his words sh their fake bravery like knives! Theyre spineless, theyll be too scared toe back here! Not after a threat like that! Bjorgrund jumped in the air, pumping his fists. Thank you! He lowered his head to Alex. I owe you again, and Ill be happy to pay my debt!


    Youre wee the Thameish wizard gasped, catching his breath.


    Why do I keep making friends with giants that could break me in half with a single hand? he thought, looking down at his hulking body. And Im not <em>easy</em> to break in half!


    You have my thanks, too. Birger gave Alex a deep bow, bncing on his crutch, then looking at Bjorgrund. Dont start celebrating yet, son. They might not trespass on ournd anymore, but theyll be on the lookout for you. If you step off our territory for any reason, you can be sure theyll set upon you without hesitating.


    His expression darkened. They might even try to drive game away from our borders to force you to leave the protection of the ward.


    Im not afraid of them, Bjorgrund said, his voice firm.


    You should be. You are growing into a fine warrior, but f is a powerful foe to have. He will kill you if you two meet in battle, Birger said.


    Im wondering if you should strike first, Theresa said, ring in the direction the firbolgs went. If those warriors are going to do something as dirty as driving away your food so you starve, then better they be gone. Or dead.


    Birger shook his head. The vige needs its warriors to defend it from the rune-marked, the Irtyshenan army, and the beasts of these woods. Even if you help us strike first, well be dooming the old, the weak and the very young to slow deaths from starvation or more gruesome ones at the de of enemies, or the jaws of some beast.


    Hmmmm. Alex tapped his chin. What if you expanded the ward? They know where your borders are now, but theyll have a harder time driving away game if you expand your territory. Theyd have to figure out where the boundaries are, and if you make the ward big enough, they couldnt just blockade your whole territory; theres not enough of them for that.


    Birger shook his head. Im no expert at ward making, and I was already at my limits for the amount ofnd I could ward at one time.


    Hmmmmm. Alexs brow furrowed in thought. Weve got a couple of days until youre ready to go to the capital, right? Back in Generasi, I can try and cook up the kind of ward thatd stop a demon lord from getting to their own throne. And if I cant, Ill find someone who can. How does that sound?


    Thank you, Birger said.


    Dont mention it; Im not going to kick the hos nest and then leave you to deal with it. Then, everythings settled, Alex said. Theresa, ygon, Brutus and I will head back south. I can use the time getting the ward figured out, then when wee back here in a couple of days, we can set the new ward. Think you can hold out until then?


    Birger nodded. Ill repair the ward and change its focus to f and the rest of the n. By the time Im done, itll keep him, the rest of the n and the rune-marked out. Ill have trouble blocking the Irtyshenans too, but well have to live with that.


    When I get that ward, Ill make sure that it can block the Irtyshenans too, unless they bring out some <em>really</em> powerful magic, Alex said.


    Thank you. And now theres only one thing left to deal with.


    Whats that?


    The meal, the firbolgughed. That poor roast needs some loving Im sure, but it should still be fine eating, even if it is a bit on the dry side. Ill see you all fed before you go.


    Theresa grinned. I wouldnt say no to that.


    Me neither, Alex said.


    As Bjorgrund and Birger made their way inside the cottagea noticeable lightness about themTheresa tilted head and kissed Alex on the cheek.


    That was one of the most attractive things youve ever done, and thats saying something. She smiled. You really are a hero from legend.


    Hah! heughed, a blush spreading across his cheeks. I dont remember hearing any legends about me.


    Keep it up and you will.


    Thank you, thank you, Alex said. I just wish that I was <em>actually</em> half as threatening as I sounded. He looked down at the Mark. Im hoping I can change this jesters face soon; weve got enemies out there and I doubt theyve forgotten about us. We got rid of those rune-markedand well help burn their bodies before we gobut what if moree? Or if we find ourselves up against a bunch of golem knights? Or worse. Whateveres, Id be able to face it better as the General.


    Remember to stay on the road, my pretty little hounds! the Stalker called.


    Astride his moose, he kept an even pace along the grey road, the mounts bells jingling cheerily. This path aint exactly as friendly as what you might be used to!


    Behind the bearded fae came a column of mortals, all d in white robes, armoured and girded for war. Steel helms shone on most heads, and the banners many carried fluttered in the wind.


    The white hand of Uldar marked every robe, banner, shield and tabard, proiming loyalty to their god.


    Rain fell in sheets, turning the fae road to mud.


    Though muck clung to their boots, it did not cling to their spirits.


    A hymn rose, springing from faithful lips<em>Hail Uldar, Holy King</em>the song filling the grey, mist shrouded woods that ran along either side of the fae road. Holy melody wove together with the clinking of armour, the sound of wet boots against muddy ground, horse''s hooves that bore mounted priest-knights gripping weapons infused with Uldars divine power.


    Packhorses were not tasked with carrying holy warriors, but rather casks of soil instead, harvested from the ruins of Uldars Rise then twice blessed by the First and Third Apostles. Much of the hidden churchs remaining might were gathered together, marching to war in a bitterly cold and foreignnd.


    A war with one man who was their enemy.


    Gabrian and Izas marched at the head of the columns; their steel te inscribed with holy scripture, white surcoats emzoned with Uldars hand, and with eyes that were fixed on the path ahead.


    They nced neither backward at the warriors following faithfully at their backs, nor to the past that had brought them to this grim road.


    They joined the column in song, while bending their thoughts to war.


    The Stalker threw them a jaunty grin over his shoulder. Youre sprightly for mortals as old as you! he chuckled. Weve been marching for days, and you dont tire.


    Mighty are they who have Uldars grace, Izas said. We would march a thousand days into the fires of every hell with his divine backing.


    Ah yes, Uldar, Uldar, Uldar, the fae said. You know, I think Ive heard that name more in thest three months than I did in the three centuries before that.


    Praise is given to our god and saviour. The glowing scales, embedded on the former Chosens forehead, illuminated his face with brilliant light. He empowers us, and so we praise him.


    Using your divinities to give yourselves greater endurance and strength, eh? the Stalker reasoned. What good little hounds I have.


    Neither Third nor First Apostle replied to these words, simply falling back into song.


    For a time, the Stalker turned his eyes back to the road, watching the trees carefully. He had paid a great deal in what he preferred to call road tax to guarantee that he and his hounds were not osted on these roads, but he still had to remain cautious, they were now in foreign territories after all, far beyond Lord Aenflynns domain.


    They should be safebut one could never know for sure.


    We shouldnt be much longer in this perfectly named Grey Forest, the Stalker frowned. The Fields of Silvere next, then the Lake of Ever Ice. Past that, we should be near the area where our quarrys been poking about.


    He licked the air, tasting his preys name. Yesssshes there now, hopefully hell stay there; twice now, hes gone to that lovely cold ce, which makes me believe hell go back there, even if he leaves again for that wizard city he lives in.


    The fae looked at the casks of soil loaded across the backs of the packhorses and scrunched up his face in distaste. You know, wed be a lot farther along if you didnt have me sneaking about Uldars Riseavoiding those sharp eyed wizardsand gathering barrels of dirt. Why dyou need all that soil, anyhow?


    The First and Third Apostles looked at each other.


    Izas raised his eyebrows.


    Gabrian nodded.


    The Third Apostle exined. The Fool is supported by a power that lets him teleport great distances without chanting any spells or using any magical items; the same power that strengthened the treacherous Carey London. The same power that allowed her spirit toe back from the after-world.


    That power must not only be countered, Gabrian added. But it is one of the core reasons why the Fool must die first. He gestured to the forest. Your guidance and secret paths through your fae wilds allows us to cross vast distances at beyond mortal speeds. What would normally take weeks or months of travel across snow-lockednds and icy seas in the material world, can be done in days here.


    Youre wee, by the way, the Stalker said dryly.


    I was about to thank you, do not fret. Uldar would not have his First Apostleck gratitude. I thank you for your guidance, my friend, Gabrian said. But the fact remains that the Fool can travel hundreds of miles in mere moments, by your reckoning.


    Judging by how his name keeps jumping acrossnd and sea in a heartbeat, aye. Thats whats been happening, the Stalker said.


    Hes grown stronger sincest we shed, Izas says grimly. We must cut the weed down before it grows taller. Such power will aid <em>all</em> of Uldars enemies, allowing them to escape and strike at will.


    And such power would allow the Fool to elude our grasp wherever and whenever he wishes, Gabrian finished.


    Aye, Ive been thinking about that, the Stalker said with a merry chuckle. Its what makes him so delicious to hunt. Cant wait to have his head mounted on my wallOhe on, dont look so disgusted! he cried, noting the Apostles grimacing. Youre nning to cut his head off, arent you? Im just making sure it doesnt go to waste.


    Very charming, but what makes him a fine challenge for you, will also hurt our chances to bring the Fool low. Gabrian nced at the soil. Which is why I have been searching for solutions.


    Aye, what might those be?


    I have spent much time contemting the power that the Fool wields, which is the same power that was behind Carey London, the First Apostle said. I believe I have some understanding of it; so I will bar it with an interdiction.


    Aye, youre meaning the ability that gods grant their most powerful servants, aye? the stalker asked. Very dangerous stuff, that. But howre you nning on using an interdiction in a foreignnd against our quarry? Well not be in your gods divine realm, dont you know? Uldars not a god of the Irtyshenan Empire and wouldnt have the power to dere interdictions there.


    Izas eyes flicked to the packhorses. His power extends to ces that have known his touch and are sanctified in his name.


    Ohoh! the Stalker cried. I see! Clever, clever hounds! Buthold now, the ce were going has its own gods. And they wont take kindly to what youll be doing.


    Even a god as powerful as Uldar cannot sense every enemy within his realm or be in all ces at once. If so, he would need neither his church, us, or his holy Heroes to fight for him, Gabrian said. What we do will have to be done quickly; we cannot linger, nor can we engage the Fool in a pitched battle. We must strike from the fae roads, y him andif he proves too resilient to die quicklywe wound him, then retreat back to the fae wilds before we are located.


    Very clever, I like it. The Stalker grinned.


    I will like it once I see if the n works well, Gabrian said. We can only pray to Uldar for guidance. For strength. And for the Fools death.


    The hymn to their god continued echoing through the forest.


    The hidden church and the one known as the Stalker, moved forward, closing in on their quarry.

 Chapter 709: Operating on the Soul

    Chapter 709: Operating on the Soul


    It was in the early hours of the morning when Alexander Roth began experimenting on his soul.


    The sun had crept over the horizon in Generasi, lighting up the rooftops, peaks and towers of its vast skyline. Yet, Alex was not outside under the waking sun, thoughmere hours beforehe, Theresa, and ygon were burning bodies behind a giant s cottage thousands of miles to the north.


    Theyd returned home that evening, unwound with Selina, filling her in on what had happened in the ice-encrusted forests of Kymnd, then turned in for some rest.


    He was up a couple of hourster to creep down to hisboratory in the basement, bringing three things with him, one borrowed from Professor ValRok.


    A knife.


    One made of bane.


    A knife made to cut not flesh, but the soul.


    And it was that knife that was beside Alex.


    And as the hours passed, hed tried to meditatewith ygon standing silently near himhelping to calm his mind, body and spirit. It was no simple task tonight; he kept thinking about Keldas fate, not wanting to share it.


    Yet, here he was, walking the same path as hers, wanting desperately not to take it to the same conclusion she had.


    He had been trying to get himself ready to literally use a sharp de to cut away slivers of his soul, following the advice of a half-mad lizardman wizard whod promised it would grow back.


    Alex had faced many challenges so far; he could have lost anything from some coin, to something as precious as his life.


    Yet, hed never been in any situation where he risked losing his soul; even if hed died, there would have been an after-world waiting for him. But, if his soul was obliterated? From what he understoodthere would be nothing.


    With those thoughts rolling around in his head, he tried to meditate.


    Though, the Intrusive thoughts kept guing him.


    What if I cant calm myself? he wondered. What if the idea that Ill be experimenting with my own soul stops me from finding peace. What if I mess up? Oh, by the Traveller, what if the Mark thinks Im trying to fight <em>myself</em> and starts interfering? What if Uldar hid some kind of protection on the Mark that makes my head explode if I try to get rid of it? What if


    He shook his head, taking a deep breath, trying to let those swirling thoughts pass.


    As he had done for years.


    Yet, this time, nothing was working.


    His heart pounded in his chest.


    He could hear it in his ears.


    He fought his breathing, needing to keep it slow and steady.


    Calm down, Alex, he thought, knowing well that those words wouldnt help. You have to do this. Theres no question about it; you <em>have</em> to. People are relying on you to change the Mark. Youre relying on <em>yourself</em> to change the Mark, but you cant stretch your mana pool unless you calm down, so just calm the hells


    <em>Father?</em>


    Gah! Alex yelped.


    From beside him, ygons iron form loomed in the dimly lit room. <em>Are youokay? Your breathing isvery heavy</em>


    Yeah, Im nervous, buddy. I wont lie, The young wizard was on his back on a long table he used for harvesting monster parts for alchemical ingredientslying stark naked with only the symbol of the Traveller hanging from his neck.


    On a table beside him were three items; the first was a mana-ectosm solution-coated sk for capturing his soul particles, the second, a mana-ectosm solution-coated set of copper tweezers, andstly, the soul de.


    The bane knife gleamed in the low light, filling him with dread.


    <em>Do you need a breakfather?</em>


    Not yet, Alex said. But he looked at ygon. Could umwell, this is a little embarrassing


    <em>Anythingfather</em> ygon said, taking a step forward. <em>IfI can help youthen let me help!</em>


    Then, um, could you sing? Alex asked. I find it calming.


    There was a long pause.


    <em>Yesfather</em> ygon said warmly, his voice changing to a mature womans gentle, clear tones. <em>I willsing for you.</em>


    And ygon began to sing.


    His song was a simple onesung in Generasi during the fabouting harvests and restful days. He sang of bountiful sea life swimming through the ocean. Of peaceful sunrises and gentle chill<strong>.</strong> He sang of wine and foaming mugs of ale, hot food and family.


    ygon sang of peace and of rest.


    He sang of hope.


    The song was gentle, simple in melody, its beautying from its sincerity. Yet, it also touched the heart with sadness. Mncholy. Longing.


    And, Alex understood why.


    ygon sang of things he would never know.


    Not first hand, at least.


    The golem would never tire, never age and never need rest. The bountiful fish in the Prinean sea, the wine, the foaming ale and hot foodthey would never pass through his lips. Hed never know the pleasure of a hot meal on a warm tongue. He wouldnt know chill or heat the same way Alex would.


    ygon was a man of metalonce of y and stonenot flesh, and muscle, and bone.


    His personal world was different from Alexs own, and theforts of a mortal human were as physically alien to ygon, as magic was to the average mortal.


    Yet, there was onefort the golem hade to understand well.


    One word thatwhen he sang itcaused waves of warmth andfort to wash through their link.


    Family.


    ygon knew what family was. Hed experienced it every single day since hede into their lives. Not just any family either, but one that loved him and loved each other; a group of people linked beyond blood, but by caring and fellowship.


    That was hisfort.


    His feelings washed over Alex like a thick nket on a winters day, and the wizard no longer felt so afraid. Nothing material had actually changed; he was still about to cut away a part of his soul, but now he didnt feel alone, he felt safe.


    Taking a deep breath he smiled, feeling content, silently returning to his meditation as ygons soothing voice filled theboratory.


    In time, his heartbeat and breathing slowed.


    Warmth soothed him.


    Calm seeped through his body, muscles rxed, his mind drifted peacefully. Soon, there was only him and the song; all disquieting thoughts and fears melted away.


    Alex was ready, he sat up.


    Fingers curled around the knife handle, then the tweezers, both were shockingly cold on his skin. He took another deep breath, calming himself. His attention fell on his right foot, lingering on his toes. ValRok had suggested books in the advanced magic lore section of the library that talked of different aspects of the soul, including its shape.


    <em>The soul is a mirror of the idealised physical form, </em>wrote Siefried Stouffer, in volume I of <em>True Nature of the Soul and Its Uses in Magic.</em>


    <em>When freed of a vessel, it can change and shift into a more idealised form of what lies within the core of a mortal being. However, when trapped in a mortal, its shape is influenced by that body; much like a liquid, it will change shape to conform to its vessel to a certain degree. Its extremities will be the bodys extremities, while its heart will be the bodys heart.</em>


    Its extremities will be the bodys extremities, Alex whispered, wondering where he should cut. Maybe the little toe.


    He ced the bottle<strong></strong>by his foot, then bent toward it with the bane de in one hand and the tweezers in the other. Calmly, he guided the knife to the tip of his little toe, flinching as it broke the skin.


    No pain came. Not yet, at least. Only a sudden shock, as if hed dipped the toe in a vat of ice water. Breathing slowly, Alex waitedadjusting to the sensationcalling on the Mark to guide him.


    No images appeared; no past experiences were there to help him prepare for what he had to do.


    Nothing for it, then, he muttered, listening to ygons gentle song as the point of the knife slid deeper into his toe.


    The tweezers were poised and ready.


    The de touched something solid. Alex didnt hesitate.


    He went deeper.


    Carving away a bit of his soul with one quick precise motion.


    Agh!


    <em>Pain.</em>


    Unlike any hed ever felt in his life. It wasnt the greatest agony hed ever experienced; it wasnt the ragged stab of Burn-Saws de, or the excruciating wounds hed taken in battle.


    Nor did it feel like the searing mental anguish the Mark forced on his mind.


    It was lessbut deeper. It was the only description he could find for it. A shock tore through both his body and spirit when something that should never have been severed, was.


    Alex wanted to cry out, he wanted to fling the bane knife against a wall; but he held on, keeping his breathing even and his grip on the de steady, slowly drawing it from his body.


    The soul des tip was coated in a tiny mass of <em>blinding</em> radiance; like the sun had suddenly appeared in the windowless room.


    ygons song abruptly stopped.


    <em>That isbeautiful</em> the golem said. <em>Is thata soul?</em>


    A little piece of one, Alex said, using the tweezers to grip the substance; it was strange and uniqueboth liquid and solid at onceclinging together as Alex gently ced it in the bottle.


    Metal clinking on ss startled him; the tweezers rattled against the bottles mouth, as his hand began shaking, the tweezers ttering against the lip.


    He shook his head, slowly plucking the soul-substance from the rim, letting it slip from the tweezers to the bottom of the bottle and capping it, his eyes fixed on the radiance sparkling through the ss.


    Quietlyor as quietly as an iron golem could manageygon stepped closer, peering at the bottle. <em>A pieceof fathers soulhow incredible</em>


    It is, isnt it, Alex whispered, mesmerised. Its so brightbut I suppose I should have expected that. Careys soul was bright too, remember?


    <em>I remember</em> ygon sounded in awe. <em>Are you going to cutmore tonight</em>


    Alex shook his head. I should give myself some time to heal firstbut even if I wanted to keep going, I couldnt; my soul is <em>anything</em> but calm right now.


    <em>Its a startrightfather?</em>


    Yep, and its a process thatll take time, Alex looked at the bottle critically. Ill need to fill this bottle if Im going to make an artificial mana pool, and theres only so much soul substance I can harvest in a single night.


    <em>Hmmmwill you be able to study your soulso you canchange the Markwhen you find Keldassanctum?</em> ygon asked.


    Yes, Alex said. I should have plenty of time to study it in the time it takes for me to harvest enough for my mana pool. He tapped the ss, marvelling at the radiance within it.


    It held a beauty that was humbling to look upon.


    ###


    Mr. Roth, youre doing what with your what? Professor Jules gripped her temples as though battling a pressure headache that threatened to burst her skull. She leaned over her desk, her expression looking as though she was heartbeats away from popping a blood vessel, or strangling someone. Did I just hear you say that youre harvesting your soulto create an artificial mana pool? Or have I slipped intoplete madness?


    Thats right, Alex said, sitting in front of her desk. I meant the part about my mana pool is right, not the part about you slipping into madness.


    Ah, of course. Of course, you would be doing something like that! Why did I ever <em>try</em> to teach you anything about safety? Or <em>sense?</em> And I take it you were introduced to this insanity by that wretched ValRok?


    Yeah, howd you know? the young wizard asked.


    Because only he or that old goat would be insane enough to advise a student to start cutting up their soul like amon butcher, Professor Jules rolled her eyes. How?


    How what? Alex asked.


    How do you attract the <em>very</em> worst influences as mentors? she asked mournfully. Baelin, ValRok


    You.


    Pardon?


    Youre one of my mentors too, professor, he pointed out.


    Sheughed, throwing her head back andughing like she would never stop. Then why does mymon<em> sense</em> never rub off on you? Why is it that you absorb madness like a sponge, yet sense and restraint flee from you?


    Uh. His eyes darted back and forth. I


    Dont answer that. Even if the question werent rhetorical, I probably still wouldnt like the answer. A simple what have you been up today, Mr. Roth was met with, I was shearing my soul like amon sheep, so I <em>dread</em> the answer to why you seem to enjoy madness so much. In any case, Im prattling on. What is it, Alex? Do you need something <em>sane</em> from me?


    Do you know how to make a ward, professor? he asked. I need to help a pair of giants, before they take me to a thieves guild in the middle of the Irtyshenan Empire.


    Her eyes narrowed. That was on purpose.


    Wait, what now?


    You phrased it that way on purpose.


    ...yes.


    Mr. Roth, I swear if I dont kill you first, you are going to be the death of me.

 Chapter 710: Sorkovo

    Chapter 710: Sorkovo


    Hmmmmm, making the kind of ward youre talking about would be a tricky proposition, Professor Jules narrowed her eyes, tapping her desk in thought. Youd need it to specifically drive away three separate groupseach group being tied together by blood, faith, magic or professional associationyet allow animals like deer to enter. You also need it to cover a wide area.


    She blew out a breath. In some ways, thats even moreplex than the ward we built around the Research Castle after the petrifier attack. At least this particr one wont have to shield against threats looking toe from below, but still


    How long do you think itd take to build if we were working together? Alex asked.


    Whats your timetable?


    Aboutuha day and a half? Alex said gingerly.


    Professor Jules gave him a withering look. Mr. Rothwards of that level ofplexity are not <em>made</em> in a day and a half by a dabblerlike meand an amateur like you, even if you could develop expertise within a matter of days thanks to that<em>cheating </em>Mark of yours. Youll need an expert.


    Can I hire one? Alex asked, ignoring her facetious cheatingment.


    She raised an eyebrow. Technically yes, though their services donte cheap.


    Thats not a problem.


    She paused. Really? Are we bragging about our wealth now, Mr. Roth?


    What? No, no, no! the young wizard shook his head, rapidly waving his hands in front of him. No, its not that. I mean, Im already hiring a teleporter to bring Theresas family from the Rhinean Empire. Its just too bad I wont have time to meet up with them; Theresas going to go get them with the teleporter and bring them to Generasi. Ill be busy; theres a lot to do in the next couple of days and not a lot of time to do it. Anywayas I was sayingIm already going to be hiring a very expensive wizard, so what I meant was that Im used to the idea. Im not bragging about my wealth or anything.


    So, you just did a lot of fast talkingrambling on, maybe even outright <em>prattling</em>as it were, to tell me youre not bragging about your wealthby telling me that youre hiring <em>two</em> very expensive wizards. She narrowed her eyes.


    I, well, just so you knowthe thing about that is Alex mumbled desperately.


    Im joking with you, Mr. Roth. Professor Jules shook her head. No need to be nervous, I know what youre about. In any case, bringing Ms. Lus family here is very smart; they would be vulnerable by themselves in the Rhinean Empire.


    Exactly, Alex said. At the same time, Ill have the wizard I hire to ward Birgersnds craft a simr ward over our home. Generasis better defended than the area where the Thameish are located in the Rhinean Empire, but I dont want to take any chances.


    Id say youre being very wise. I can introduce you to some trustworthy experts for both your teleportation needs and for creating your wards, though youll probably find that the councillors of Generasi would know experts with more superior skills than I would.


    Yeah, but I trust your judgement more than I trust theirs, Alex said sincerely.


    Ugh, you and your sweet talking, Mr. Roth Professor Jules rolled her eyes, sighing heavily. Thats one reason why I let you have so much leeway. Whats wrong with me? Alright, Ill find the right experts for you She paused. So youre about to go to the capital of the Irtyshenan Empire, is that right?


    Thats the n, within the next couple of days, Ill be going there with Theresa, Brutus, ygon and our two new firbolg friends.


    I see. You must be careful there. Its a pit of snakes, from what Ive heard from some of my former Irtyshenan colleagues; the imperial court mimics the dynamic of their pantheon, and the Iryshenan gods regrly slip knives into each others backs, in the figurative sense. The bitter climate also makes life hard there; so, do be careful, Mr. Roth. And try to ensure that those you meet in your travels are trustworthy.


    Well, thatll be kinda difficult.


    ...why?


    BecauseIm going to a thieves guild.


    Get out, Mr. Roth.


    Father, I cant believe it! Were flying! Were actually flying! Bjorgrundughed over the wind. The giants cloak whipped about, his long ck hair flying free.


    Quiet, son! Birger hissed. Your voice carries far, you dont want folk knowing where we are!


    Were so far up it barely matters, Alexughed. But maybe we should be a little quieter.


    He checked thendmarks below. We should be getting close to the city.


    It was early morning on a windy day, and a certain young wizard was already travelling.


    With himsheathed in flight magic and wizardry that protected from icy temperatures and thin airwere Theresa, ygon, Brutus, Bjorgrund and Birger. They flew high above frozen forests and the wastes of the Empire, passing overkes of ice and fir trees stilled by frost.


    The wilderness was vast, but at times they woulde across a grand city, surrounded by high walls and even higher towers. Alex arced south, the cities and towns growing more abundant.


    As did signs of this realms bloody nature.


    In some ces snow had turned from white to redvisible even from their altitudein others, it was ck and grey, swirling not with snowkes, but ash.


    War was no stranger to thesends.


    Bjorgrunds cheer faded, and he grew cautious.


    Theresa pointed to the south. Is that it? she asked. Its the biggest city weve seen so far.


    Birger squinted. Yes, there it is. Sorkovo in all of its glory, with the Mieszmir River running through. Behold the grey city. Behold the city in the shadow of Mount Tisarios. You might see no mountain, but the city lies in its shadow all the same. His look turned dark. Trust me.


    Aheadand to the southa vast city spread, far greater in size than even Generasi. As Alex teleported closer, he began to pick out details of the Irtyshenan capital city.


    Its high, thick walls were broad enough to drive a pair of wagons atop them. At equidistant points, towers had been carved into the ramparts. All buildings beyond were a tired grey, and capped in te or ck tile. Most roofs were steep, sloped against the heavy snows that fell this far north.


    The streets were orderly, yet had a winding nature that spoke of a city sprouted from viges and towns knitting together over centuries or more.


    All rural features had long been erased.


    Reced, instead, by grand structures; this was now a city of temples.


    Scores of them rose above their surroundings, crafted to resemble great mountain peaks, surrounded by hosts of outbuildings. Some towers were capped by domes of bronze, the only shocks of colour that Alex could find.


    As the group teleported closer, there were no other hints of colour.


    Grey stone structures.


    Grey roads.


    All was dominated by that dour shade.


    Even a building they assumed to be the pce was a sea of grey, drabness only broken with peaks covered in red tile.


    Funny, Alex thought. That the only real colour around here are bronze and blood red.


    Business? the guard glowered, scrutinising the group before her.


    Alex, Theresa, Brutus, Birger, and Bjorgrund stood at the foot of the vast gates. ygon was waiting with the aeld staff just outside the city. The two firbolgs had shrunk down to the height of men.


    Still, Bjorgrunds size drew the guards eyes.


    The gates sentries were a bleak lot, scars marking their faces and exposed skin, while their eyes were as hard as the grey stones at their backs. They gripped halberds, swords hanging from their waists. Their steel helms were peaked and ck cloth cloaked much of their faces from the chill.


    We are here to buy diamonds, my fine friend. Alex grinned, speaking in Low Irtyshenan. Well, <em>Im</em> here to buy diamonds, to be precise. My friends here he gestured to Bjorgrund, Theresa and Brutus. are my guards. The old man is my local guide! He pped Birger on the shoulder, who threw him a look of disgust. He says the diamond market here is some of the best in the world.


    Hm, not a good time for barbarians toe to Sorkovo, the guard grunted, his voice flinty. War ising.


    All the more reason to buy diamonds now! Alex cried, overly enthusiastic, appearing for all to see like a brainless lump. Irtyshenan diamonds have a rity to them that arent seen elsewhere.


    I seea diamond merchant? the guard asked.


    A man who looks for opportunities. Alex smiled.


    The guard looked Alex over closely, then Birger.


    With a sigh, the old man leaned toward her, then waved her to the side. They moved away from the others.


    The old firbolg spoke in whisper, and Alex was d for the potion of sensory enhancement hed swallowed earlier.


    Listen, that hulking oaf thereI met him in my vige, and he asked me about diamonds as clear as water. He paid me enough for three cows if I would guide him here and through the markets. Birgers smile was nasty. Brother, I have never seen a diamond in my life. But I have seen gold.


    Coin clinked.


    Birger pressed a pair of polished Irtyshenan coins into the guards hand.


    The flinty guard smiled behind her face scarf. You run a fine scheme, my friend. I hope you get away before those barbarians find out.


    Birger winked. Ill be gone by morning.


    The guard pped Birger on the shoulder. Good work, old father. Take them for all theyre worth.


    When Birger returned, he was all smiles.


    You can pass, the guard said. Obey ourws and give respect to our gods at the shrine insidethe gatehouse.


    Its good of you, and my thanks to you! Thank you! Thank you! Birger bowed and scraped, his voice oozing a stream of sharine, bootlicking tones. Come young master, your diamonds await!


    Together, the party passed into the gatehouse, pausing briefly to mutter empty words to a shrine carved in the shape of a mountain; a shrine to deities they had no interest in.


    They quickly scurried into the city.


    Alexs eyes darted about, looking all around him, nostrils ring and ears perked to the sounds of the northern realm.


    Sorkovonow that they walked its streetsresembled Generasi in a few ways, but was very different in many others. The crowds milling about were as thick and numerous as those in the city of wizards, butcked the magic of the warm southern realm.


    In all ways.


    The wonders of wizardry were a constant sight on the streets of Generasi, but here there were hardly any signs of magic. Alex could feel the asional magic item concealed on someones body, but there were no flying ships, carpets or beings filling the air above the streets.


    There would be no sky-gonds here to take them from ce to ce; the aircked ambient mana. It was greater here than in Thamnd, but still thin, paling inparison to the thick, abundant energies rising from Generasis mana vents.


    Most of the folk around himcked magic: he felt no spells among the vast majority of them. Their clothing was finely cut, yet dull. Grey, ck and white were the norm here, with the sea of drab only broken by the asional shock of gold or sh of silver.


    Passersby never seemed to meet one another''s eyes, yet there was little sense of personal space; folk brushed by each other, pushing through crowds without hesitation.


    Laughter seemed rare; though on asionas the group walked deeper into the cityAlex saw folk standing in doorways, having long conversations with each other. Their bodies were as animated as their words, and they touched each other frequently: pping shoulders, grasping hands, and patting backs wasmon.


    Alex nodded; these open mannerisms were more what hed expected after observing the Irtyshenans in Generasi.


    Theyre friendly with folk close to them, he thought. But they seem grim to strangers. I guess it matches their architecture, cold and grey.


    Alex, look. Theresa pointed at nearby windows.


    The young wizard followed her gaze.


    Oh, so thats where they are, he whispered. Wee to the Irtyshenan Empire, I guess.


    The Stalker emerged from the fae gate, his moose carrying him into the shade of a frozen forest deep in the wilderness.


    He rubbed his hands together. Ho ho! Wee, my pretty hounds! he called to the church folk emerging behind him. Wee to what you mortals would call the Irtyshenan Empire.

 Chapter 711: The Knock on the Door

    Chapter 711: The Knock on the Door


    Seeing the capital of the EmpireSorkovofor the first time was quite a surprise to Alex. It looked nothingexcept for the mounds of snowlike hed imagined, leaving him wondering why the capital city of such a vast and powerful Empire would look so dull.


    Cobblestone streets and stone walls were a sea of grey, making the Irtyshenans seem to almost blend into their surroundings;<strong></strong>Alex was yet to find a single one who wasnt dressed in varying shades of grey. Birger had called Sorkovo the grey city, and the group now understood why the name fit so perfectly. Alex was convinced that the only colours that existed in this city, whose atmosphere resembled storm clouds, was in the bronze of its temples domes, and the red peaks of its pces towers.


    Bronze, blood-red and grey, the only three colours anywhere to be seen in this grim ce.


    Or, so hed thought.


    Theresa had pointed to high windows on tall houses on either side of the street where a stunning difference was revealed. Rooms on the main floor of these sober buildings featured walls and flooring of deep brown and ck, ented by bare grey stone.


    Yet, a world of warm and vibrant colour bloomed above. Upstairs, walls of deep blue, bright yellow, verdant green, and even fiery orange stood in sharp contrast to the drabness outside, and one floor below. Colours of springtime and hot summer days; of life,ughter and vigour filled the upper rooms in Sorkovos buildings.


    Alexs eyebrows rose, as he watched scenes ying out through the windows; peopleughing and touching each other as they shared steaming drinks. Music drifted from the upper floors, reaching the street through thick stone, giving passersby just a faint hint of its melody.


    So thats how these Sorkovans are, he thought. To strangers and in public, theyre reserved. But, at home, theyre warm, friendly and live surrounded by vibrant colours. Its much the same way they treat the so-called barbarians from outside their realm; cold and nasty to those beyond their borders, but warm andforting to each other in private.


    The more he thought about the idea, the more it seemed to make sense.


    He nced around at the tall, dour-looking people, pushing past each other through the cold and crowds of the morning, going about their business.


    Of course, they cant just act cold and t with each other; they live in a tough environment, theyd need to cooperate with their neighbours to survive, he thought. Theyd need help chopping wood and moving snow in the harsh winters up here; the environments the enemy that unites them. I guess all their hatred of the rune-marked would unite them as well.


    He remembered something that Baelin had said once:


    <em>Usually, officers spend a great deal of time painting the realms enemies as something less than people, </em>the ancient wizard had said.<em> There is a reason the Irtyshenans expound the view that only they possess true civilization while all others outside of their reach are considered barbarians or monsters. It aids in their lust for conquering.</em>


    A hard climate that they have to band together to deal withwhile seeing the rest of the world around them as barbarians and monsters, he thought. Makes these people cooperate with each other, and keeps them ready to fight threats from outside. I wonder if that philosophy was given to them by their gods, or was a natural part of their culture, or was created by their leaders?


    Hed likely never know its origins, but still, he took some hope from seeing that warm side of them. Maybe since he had a connection to Kelda, the Guild of the Red Mouse, might wee


    Ah, I see they havent stopped that old practice, Birger said suddenly, pulling Alex from his reverie. Thats what they do to thieves in these parts.


    He nodded toward a central square off in the distance.


    The group followed his gaze.


    Alex, Theresa, and Bjorgrund sharply inhaled the frigid air.


    Evenly spaced within the centre of the square, a line of ten gibbets, with iron cages suspended from the tall structures, were on disy for all to see. Ashen corpses d in ragged grey loin-cloths were frozen upright in each cage, the tight space too narrow for a human of average height to either stand or kneel in. Frost tinged their hair and had turned their skin blue.


    First, they chop off their hands, he whispered. Thats the penalty for thieving, and then theyre left to the elements for a stretch of three weeks. If they live, they get set freehandless, of coursebecause the way the Irtyshenans see it, their gods are offering these wayward thieves a second chance. If they die, they die, and their bodies are left out as a warning to all thieves, murderers and other criminals to not break thew here.


    Nice ce, Bjorgrund rumbled.


    Yeah Theresa echoed distantly. They execute people in Generasi, but they dont leave dead bodies around like that.


    So much for us getting a friendly wee from you know who, Alex muttered, eyeing the blue corpses.


    He was reminded of the caged humans at Kaz-Mowangs pce.


    This is the street, Birger whispered.


    The group had walked through the ancient city of Sorkovopassing many different districtsfinally reaching a quarter that was quieter than the rest. Most of the buildings theyd passed on the way here were old, but were well maintained. Theyd noticed evidence of repairs having been done to some facades, and they were also clean and free of grime. Along the way, theyde across crews ofbourershigh up on scaffoldingusing wire brushes and rough rags, polishing away built up soot, dirt, and bird droppings from structures and important looking statues.


    Yet here, in this quarter, there were no cleaning crews to be seen.


    The buildings were smaller, and the area felt and looked rural. There were no monuments lining these streets however, and jagged cracks seemed to be as much a part of the stonework, mortar and weather-beaten timbers, as ice was to these streets. Most roofs resembled patchwork quilts, with shingles missing here and there. More than a few structures had copsed on themselves, leaving their insides exposed to the wrath of the elements.


    Streets were narrow, winding and muddy, travelled by just a few folk who kept their heads down and hard eyes darting around, keeping their distance from each other.


    Alex heard littleughter, and what he did hear was low and gruff.


    Every window on any buildings with upper floors was shuttered.


    There was a distinct feeling of decay here, of <em>age</em> and a <em>decrepitness</em> that hung over the quarter, as though it was the weathered ancestor that in a time long past, had spawned the rest of the city.


    Perhaps it had.


    The street Birger had led them to was ancient; the buildings were of wood and stone, squat and single-storied. Some had the look of an old stable, some storehouses, others smithies and general stores.


    Alex could feel the spirit of an old vige here, one left behind long ago.


    At the end of the street stood a great, stone barn, looming above the other buildings.


    There? Alex whispered.


    No, they wouldnt be in a ce that stood out so much, Birger said. Come.


    The firbolg hobbled along, leading the group toward a small, indistinct, storehouse.


    Alexs eyebrows rose; the ce looked about the size of Birger and Bjorgrunds cottage. He doubted anyone could run an organisation asplex as a thieves guild from there.


    Careful, Theresa whispered. Dont look, but were being watched. People are in some of these old houses around here.


    Alex kept his eyes looking forward, calling on the energies of the Traveller, ready to get ygon and his staff should he need to.


    Father, do you need help? Bjorgrund asked, as the old firbolg limped up the wooden steps of the storehouse and onto its porch.


    I said, Im fine, boynow give me a moment. All of you, dont say anything, I have to try and remember he paused.


    The others looked at each other while Birger muttered to himself, standing before the dark, worn door. It must have been solid and well crafted at one time to havested through the years without shattering, but now, it seemed to be barely attached to its hinges.


    Alex imagined that it could easily fall with a good swift kick, and the cracks around the doorframe only confirmed that for him.


    Is this <em>really</em> where the guild is? he thought. Maybe theres a trapdoor in the floor or something, and the guilds operation is below ground?


    For a moment, he considered teleporting insidethough that could be a big problem if the ce was wardedwhen Birger suddenly drove his crutch into the floorboards.


    Thats it, he hissed. I remember now.


    Raising his left hand, he balled his fingers into a tight fist and gave the door three firm raps withhis knuckles.


    Then paused.


    He gave it another two knocks.


    Another pause.


    One more pause.


    A final knock.


    And he waited.


    Complete silence.


    Alex nced at Bjorgrund and Theresa, the pair shrugged.


    That was the knock, Birger whispered, trying to peek through a crack in the door. Im sure of it.


    He stepped back, his eyes slowly scanning the building. This is the ce, isnt it?


    I thought you knew where it was, father, Bjorgrund asked.


    I do, I dobut it has been <em>centuries</em> now the old giant pondered, ncing down the street. Perhaps I mixed up the buildingsor the streets


    Brutus heads and ears suddenly perked up. He sniffed the air, then whirled about, teeth bared. Theresa spun right after him, cursing.


    Alex, Bjorgrund and Birger turned around, freezing in ce.


    Where the street had been empty mere moments beforenow a group of five men and women, dressed in non-descript grey clothing, stood paces from the porch.


    They appeared unarmed, but their clothing was looseable to hide all manner of weapons instanding there with perfect bnce, as though they knew their way around a fight.


    You lost, old-timer? a pretty young woman asked, stepping from the middle of the group. You looking for the old shoemaker?


    Shoemaker? Bjorgrund said.


    You must be looking for the shoemaker that used to be here. The woman nodded to a pair of rusty hooks hammered into the overhang above the porch. Hes gone. He closed up shop. She nodded down the street. The nearest shoemaker is three streets away. Youll want to get moving.


    There was a note of warning in her voice, one that screamed her true words loud and clear.


    <em>You dont belong here, dont stay. Leave now, if you know whats good for you.</em>


    There was tension in her jawline and a hardness in her eyes.


    Theresas death-stalker face was on full disy, her gaze even, taking in the people in front of them. Brutus growl was low.


    The men and women watched the cerberus steadily.


    Damn, I mustve gotten things mixed up, Birger said, after taking a moment to recover. Do the grey geese stillnd in the stone pond? You know, the one by the rundown church on Iron Street.


    The ruffians looked at each other for a moment; Alex could see confusion flitting across their hardened faces.


    Birger watched them for a moment. Ah, maybe you dont know what Im talking about, he said slowly and gently. Its been a long, long time since Ive been here. A <em>long</em> time, and things have probably changed since Ist walked these streets.


    He narrowed his eyes. Im not actually looking for a shoemaker. I have a <em>funny</em> coin that someone gave me quite a while ago. Someone you might know; I was looking to find a money changer that might tell me where it was from. Never seen its like before, and I was hoping maybe the money changer could tell me its story.


    Eyebrows rose on the ruffians faces. Surprise. Confusion.


    The one whod taken the lead, watched, her eyes boring into them like daggers piercing flesh; her role earlier had been to intimidate, now, it was obvious she was assessing.


    Measuring.


    She looked at a tall, bald man roughly twice her age.


    Her index finger twitched.


    His index finger twitched back.


    We might know a moneychanger, old timer, will you follow us? He asked.


    If you could lead me to where they are nowadays, thatd help a man on his journey immensely, he said, smiling kindly.


    The bald man looked at Birger closely. Whenst were you here on this street, old father?


    Two or three hundred years, he said.


    And what is your name?


    Birger of Kymnd, he said.


    The bald mans eyebrows rose so high, Alex thought they would skitter over his bare scalp. Interesting. Yes, I think a money changer would be interested in talking to you.


    Quizzical looks were levelled at the bald man by his youngerpanions, but he paid them no mind.


    Follow me, he said, turning and walking toward an alley.


    Theresa looked at Alex.


    Be ready for anything, he whispered.


    Together, they followed the group of grey-d ruffians through the old quarter, moving along several alleys before reaching another rundown street. The bald man never spoke, but Alex noted his gaze flicking to nearby windows and doors as he led them to a small, one-story house on the side of an<strong></strong>old road.


    At one time, it might have been a shepherds huteven smaller than the building Birger had taken them tobut in worse condition.


    The young woman strode up to the door casually, giving it aplex series of knocks: first five, then two, then seven, then four, all interspersed with regr pauses.


    After a moment, there came a click.


    The door opened into a dark space.


    What th Alex muttered.


    Whats wrong? whispered Theresa.


    Theres something below us he hissed back. It feels likeit feels like a piece of Hannahs power.

 Chapter 712: Warder

    Chapter 712: Warder


    The door shut behind them with a click as final as a prison door.


    Faint light illuminated the space, peeking through dpidated shutters.


    The ruffians young leader nced at the bald man who watched Birger intently.


    I take it you have something to show me, old father? he asked.


    Will you be my moneychanger, then? Birger slowly dug the Red Mouses coin from his pocket, cing it in the palm of his hand.


    The grey-d Irtyshenans whistled.


    I can hardly believe it, the bald man said. Are you <em>really</em> Birger of Kymnd?


    Whos that? a squat thief asked.


    The bald man shook his head. The young dont pay much attention to their history. Thats why our heroes of the past die away, and their names are forgotten. Birger of Kymnd was here at the very <em>start</em> of it all; he worked with our founder, Kelda. The very first Red Mouse.


    Sounds like old things meant for old dusty books, another ruffian said. But, a Coin of Silent Friends is a Coin of Silent Friends, I suppose. So, what do we do? He looked at the young woman whod been leading them.


    Who are all of you? she asked, nodding to Alex, Theresa and Bjorgrund.


    Im Alexander Roth, the young wizard paused. Hed introduced himself by his full name, something he rarely did. He mostly used Alex, but there was something about this situationit felt like he shouldnt be so casual. This is my partner, Theresa Lu and her cerberus Brutus.


    And Im Bjorgrund, the young giant said, his ent thick as he spoke the Low Irtyshenan tongue.


    And who are they to you? she asked Birger.


    My son and mypanions; its on their behalf that Im here to ask for a favour.


    Right, she said. Ill have to check the old ledgers.


    Dont bother, the bald man said. Birger of Kymnds name is in there, hes one of the first five holders of a Coin of Silent Friends. Ill vouch for that.


    Suit yourself, as long as its not my skin on the line, she said. Come on then, follow me.


    Alex took a step forward before the leaders hand rose, stopping him in his tracks.


    <em>Just</em> the old man, she said. Hes the one holding the coin, not you three.


    Im not letting my father follow you alo


    Son, stay here, Ill be back soon, Birger said. Trust me.


    The young giant stared at his father for a moment. If you say so, he didn''t sound convinced.


    Birger turned to Alex. Ill be back.


    Well be waiting for you, the young wizard said.


    Together, the old firbolg followed the young leader<strong></strong>to the back of the hut, where she paused at a stone wall and pressed three rocks in rapid session. There came a grinding sound, and a section of wall shifted, sliding down into the floor, revealing a staircase.


    The woman stepped onto anding, leading the way as Birger limped behind her, her fourpanions remained behind<strong>.</strong>


    The wall slid back into ce with a soft click.


    Alex closed his eyes, concentrating, feeling for the energy below them hed felt earlier; that bit of Hannahs power.


    The power suddenly red<strong>.</strong>


    He reached out to it.


    A pair of images shed before his eyes.


    The first was of Birger and the ruffians young leader, standing at a sealed, stone door<strong>.</strong> When she touched it, the Travellers power surged, and she and Birger vanished.


    Another doorway abruptly appeared in Alexs mind, heavy with Hannahs powertheir destination reached out from a direction far south, well beyond the city walls, perhaps beyond the Empires borders.


    He couldnt know for sure, and as he was considering where it could be, the second image appeared, taking his focus.


    Birger and the young woman stood in a foyer with walls of stone painted blood red. Men and women lingered around the doorway theyde through. A breathter, the image was gone.


    Seems the guilds a good distance from the city, Alex thought. It might even be outside the Empire. That would exin why they havent been found by the authorities after all this timeKelda used Hannahs power to create gates in the city that leads to a base far away from here. Perhaps she did something simr with her sanctum; maybe the reason no ones found it is because it''s not located anywhere near here


    His eyes narrowed. Theres a doorway in Hannahs cave that we know<strong></strong>about, but maybe theres more


    Id offer you a chair, the bald man spoke up. But there arent any. You might as well find yourselves afortable piece of floor like the rest of us. We might be here awhile.


    ###


    It was well into the afternoon when Alex felt Hannahs power re again. Hed been sitting with his back against a wallleaning on Theresawhen the image of Birger shed in his mind,ing from a gate in thepany of a long,nky man.


    The stranger wore red from head to toe, the lower part of his face was hidden by a scarlet mask.


    Theyre back, Alex said, getting to his feet and helping Theresa to hers, while Brutus stretched.


    Bjorgrund jumped up, the grey-d ruffians followed.


    Birgers crutch echoed on the stone steps,ing closer until the wall suddenly slid away; the firbolgs face was a mask of concern when he entered the room with the man in red.


    They were not alone. Four figures dressed in grey followed close behind, broad-shouldered, with swords sheathed at their hips. Their appearance was quite ordinary, yet they moved with the silence of bandits, and the<strong></strong>stealth of seasoned warriors.


    Sharp eyes studied Alex andpany beneath rough spun woollen hoods, grey cloaks draped their lean forms.


    This is the man I spoke of, Birger said, raising his chin toward Alex. He needs your help to find Keldas sanctum.


    The man in reds eyes met Alexs above his face covering, catching the young wizard off guard.Heavy eyelids surrounded gems where irises should have been, faceted red jewels shaped like human eyes, glittered in the gloom of the dimly lit room.


    When he blinked, he neither flinched nor cried out, showing no sign of difort.


    I am Warder, he announced, his voice hovering barely above a whisper.


    I am Alexander. Alex nodded.


    And I understand you are thetest Fool of Thamnd? Warder asked.


    Yes, Alex said. Did Birger tell you why Im here and why he wanted to use the Coin of Silent Friends to help me?


    He did, Warder said, watching Alex through his shing eyes. Is it also true that you have inherited the founders ability to travel from ce to ce in an instant? With no use of spellcraft?


    Warders voice held a hungry note that he tried to conceal.


    The Fool of Thamnd drew himself up, adjusted his posture then vanished.


    Appearing on the opposite side of the room.


    The four ruffians stumbled back, swearing. Warders guards reached for their swords, but the masked man held up a hand.


    Is that proof enough for you? Alex asked.


    Yes. A smile touched Warders voice. Yes it is. He looked at Birger. Old father, what you said is true, it seems. An heir to our founders legacy hase.


    So you will help him, then? the old giant asked. You will tell him where Keldas sanctum is, if you know?


    Silence.


    Alex held his breath.


    He heard Theresas breath catch.


    This was it. If Warder said yes, then they could go to Keldas sanctum and discover what shed learned,<strong></strong>bringing him closer to the Mark of the General.


    Closer to true freedom, free from the Fools constraints.


    Warder spoke. I do not know where it isprecisely.


    Precisely? Alexs hope fell.


    Precisely, Warder repeated. We maintain archives containing much of our history from the early days, including maps and charts that could be helpful to you, since some indicate the general location of the founders sanctum. You can narrow your search to an area of only a handful of square miles. You should be able to find it within there.


    Hope, tinged with suspicion, rose in the young wizards chest.


    Wait, so why hasnt the guild gone there, since you know the area where the sanctum can be found? Alex asked.


    Weck the tools to reach the founders sanctum, Warder said. Her ways of hiding it were far beyond anything we have ever matched. But, if you share her power, you will be able to find it; she wrote that her power is the key to finding it.


    I see, Alex said.


    Why didnt your predecessors tell <em>me</em> this? Birger asked.


    Warder shook his head. Loyalty. All those who lived during our founders time were loyal to her wishes to a fault; she never told anyone the exact location of her sanctum, only its general location. And that general location was only shared with the guild. If she did not share it with you in life, they would not have wished to share it with you in death. but things have changed.


    Changed enough that youre going against Keldas wishes? Birger asked, a mix of emotions in his voice.


    The founder is history now. History that has long turned to dust, Warder said grimly. We respect her and her memorybut her memory cannot feed us. It cannot clothe us. It cannot make us strong or hide us away from the guards of the <strong>E</strong>mpire. It cannot fill our coffers or our treasuries.


    Something clicked in Alexs mind.


    But, <em>I</em> obviously can, he said sourly. The second thing you asked me is if I shared her power: the ability to teleport ces without using a spell. This is a transaction, isnt it? You want me to do something for yousomething that only someone with my power can.


    Warderughed, the sound was cruel and grating. Wisely deduced, Alexander, his eyes shed. Dedication to a founders memory is all good and fine, but the Guild of the Red Mouse is about business, not a hall to either honouror vitethe wishes of the dead. We know our trade well, and have earned our position by not freely handing out favours to those we owe nothing to.


    Whats happening? Theresa asked Alex in themon tongue. I dont understand what hes saying.


    Hes not giving us the location, the young wizard said. He wants us to do something for him first.


    Now hold on, Bjorgrund growled, pointing at the coin in his fathers hand. By your own rules, my father can call on your guild for a favour, isnt that the way its supposed to work?


    And he did, Warder said slyly, in themon tongue. And we granted him a favour by revealing ourselves to those of you not remotely involved with the Guild. Alex caught a glint in the red gems that were his eyes. You now know more about the Guild of the Red Mouse than most of its associates, young giant, and that would normally mean youd all be below six inches of river ice with your throats slit. Wevepromised our safety and our secrets to <emplete strangers.</em>


    He looked at Birgers coin. That is favour enough, old father. If you wish for another favour in the future,e back and ask. Though, next time, we might need something from you in return.


    Warder bowed deeply to the ancient firbolg, then turned to Alex. But the location of the founders sanctum is a well guarded secret, andwhile I would not be opposed to revealing it to her heir, so to speakI cannot do it and then receive nothing in return. The guild owes you nothing, Alexander, and we deal in trade, not charity.


    He pointed at Alexs heart. You have our founders gift; the most wondrous ability that any thief anywhere could wish for. Gods, what I could do with that he said, a yearning returning to his voice.


    Alex watched him closely, measuring the man. Well, I know what I can do with itso I gather you want me to go somewhere youd have trouble getting into.


    Warder gave a dark chuckle. Right again. We have a client who needs a difficult job done. Theres a certain scroll in the library of Brightfire University; weve been trying to ess it for months, but their security measures have made the taskdangerous. More dangerous than wed like it to be. But Kelda was able to go anywhere at any time; its said that <em>she</em>entered Brightfires most secret chambers undetected.


    Alex remembered that Kelda had been in the university of Generasis library. Shed written in a book there.


    Three hundred years ago shed entered the building without anyone knowing.


    So youre saying you want me to do what she did, Alexs voice was t.


    Precisely. Do it and the Guild will give you the location you desire.


    Alex shook his head. Oh no. Now, I expect more than just that. He nodded at Birgers hand. I want one of those coins.


    A pause.


    Thatcan be arranged, Warder said, after briefly considering the wizards demand.


    And one other thing, Alex said, thinking about the wealth of lore contained in ancient, magical librariesthe kinds of spells only found on the lower floors of Generasis library. Floors he didnt have ess to yet.


    Mighty spells and lore that could help him reverse the Mark could be waiting in the Irtyshenan libraryfor the taking.


    Anything I take beside your scroll? Is mine, mine and mine alone, Alex said.


    Warder paused, finally nodding. I think thats fair.


    Good. When do we begin?


    When can you start?

 Chapter 713: The Dark University of the North

    Chapter 713: The Dark University of the North


    The shadow of the northern university towered over Sorkovo like a massive hungry Gargoyle. Brightfireor B<em>l</em>ightfire, as most members of the guild called it, disparaging the school for its ostentatious, showiness that bordered on the obscene, spoiling the citys already grim skyline.


    Where the University of Generasi was built on the edge of a beautiful city that it had been named for, allowing it to spread over a vast area, Brightfire loomed in the centre of Sorkovo in a ustrophobic cluster of dark towers and squat, barracks-like lecture halls.


    Stone walls, thick and high, surrounded the schoolcapped with spear-tipped, iron spikeswith a gateway barred by tall steel gates of ck, glyph-inscribed wood. The symbols burned with a vicious magic promising a host of deadly consequences to all trespassers.


    As he studied it from the skyfrom invisible eyesAlexander Roth counted no less than three magical glyphs set to deter the uninvited with searing waves of lightning bolts.


    He examined the glyphs, noting how one was crafted to send lightning raining down from above, while another was fashioned to shoot lightning horizontally between evenly spaced sections of the gates, and the third would send ring streams of electricity boiling from the earth.


    Isolde would be proud, Alex thought of his lightning-wielding cabal-mate. Actually, she probably wouldnt, considering the other glyphs in that gate.


    His eyes scanned the other symbols: there was magic to wrap intruders in spiked chains, magic to summon lesser earth elementals that enjoyed pounding things to paste, magic that sucked the breath from someones lungs, magic to harvest skeletons from anyone caught in the trap, and other gruesome wizard workings


    No wonder the thieves couldnt break into this ce, Alex thought, recalling Warders words as they talked in the small, stone hut.


    <em>Brightfire is protected by many deadly magical traps, and all are set up in such a way that if you destroy or remove one, the others are tripped,</em> the masked bandit had exined, pointing to a detailed map of the campus hed pinned to the wall. <em>Those magics are meant to go off if anyone tries to get through the gates, dig under, or climb over the walls. You need a student card to get in. Otherwise, an rm goes off, creating quite the ruckus, and meaning you have five seconds to be good and gone.</em>


    <em>What happens after five seconds?</em> Alex had asked.


    <em>Youre dead. Several times over. In lots of disagreeable ways.</em>


    He wasnt exaggerating, the young wizard thought, writing the deadly symbols in his notebook. Some of them he wouldnt mind stealing to protect his own wizards tower, if he ever built one; the triple lightning trick was one.


    Though, for the moment, those lightning symbols were an obstacle; the walls around this school contained more deadly magics than all of Generasis campus.


    The outer walls werent Brightfires only defence either.


    <em>There is a ward around the university meant to stop anyone who tries to cast a teleportation spell to get in, </em>Warder had traced his finger along the walls on the map. <em>If you attempt to breach the perimeter and fail, which you would, the rms sound loud and clear. That ward tells every iron-watcher theres an intruder about.</em>


    <em>Whats an iron-watcher? </em>Alex had asked.


    <em>Go scout out the campus, youll soon understand what I mean.</em>


    Now that he was here, the young wizard could see <em>exactly</em> what Warder had meant.


    Patrolling the skies around the university were massive, chimeric, monstrosities that appeared to be forged from solid iron. Enormous things with batlike bodies and membranous wings covered inyers of gleaming, dagger-like scales. Both their top and lower bodies were armed; serpentine tails, tipped with bone-clubs, trailed behind them as they soared through the skies, mouths crowded with sword-like fangs, gaped open, seeming like their faces were frozen in permanent snarls.


    Iron-draks, they were called, bred from wild monsters for generations to serve as the mounts of the universitys private enforcement force.


    Atop the iron-draks backs sat fur-cloaked men and women with long spear-staffs clipped to leather saddles. Uniforms were visible beneath billowing cloaks, simr to those worn by the Watchers of Roal, but they rode iron-draks instead of flying disks that were favoured by the guardians of the southern university.


    Alex shook his head. Someones been cheating off others designs, he mused, scanning the campus grim buildings.


    Many were too simr in design to Generasis architecture to be a simple coincidence, though they wererger, blockier and conveyed an ominous strength and an exacting brutality.


    There was no truer example of the vicious design than Brightfires main castle.


    It dwarfed Generasisby perhaps three timesand was crafted of dark stone that seemed to suck in any hint of colour around it. Its towers looked ancient, spiralling into the air, covered in glyphs of protection, while its windows appeared new in contrast.


    To Alex, it resembled a fortress constructed with one goal in mind, repelling an apocalypse. He shuddered, imagining what learning might be like within those walls.


    The main castle wasnt what interested him, though; he was there for another building, Brightfires library, by far the schools tallest building.


    Generasis library was rtively squat, and built into the earthits many lower floors reaching deep into the groundBrightfires library, on the other hand, was monumental, oppressive and ck, a tower that rose hundreds of feet in the air.


    From what Warder had said, the only building taller in all of Sorkovo was the imperial pce; Alex could see it looming in the distance.


    Glyphs of protection encrusted the stones of the librarys facade, zing with deadlier magics than those on the walls. It was windowless, and its top was carved, taking the shape of an open, wing hand.


    Alex wouldnt have been surprised to see a zing eye thereringed in mehovering above, casting its gaze over Sorkovo and the countryside beyond.


    He remembered what Warder had said about the guild trying to breach the tower.


    <em>Getting into that tower is its own nightmare. It has protections against teleportation spells worse than the ones protecting the outer walls,</em> hed exined. <em>And theyve put wards over the whole ce that freezes anyone who enters the tower using invisibility magic. Disguises dont work: anyone stepping into that tower without either a student card, a staff card, or being apanied by a Brightfire professor, is instantly turned to ice. The same thing happens if you try going from floor to floor.</em>


    <em>Can you move around inside the library? Without an identification card, I mean?</em> Alex had asked.


    <em>ording to our sources, yes, </em>Warder had exined. <em>They allow guests to freely use the floor theyre on without being turned into an ice statue. But freely moving from floor to floor, isn''t possible.</em>


    <em>Did you try forging a card or maybe bribing a staff member?</em> Alex had asked.


    Warder had snorted. <em>Were not the Guild of the Ipetents, young wizard. Weve been in this business for a long while and have tried both ways. People are always caughtBrightfire staff regrly have their minds probed for signs of betrayal.</em>


    Alex had shuddered at that, d for the City of Wizards policies against mind magic.


    <em>And every forgery weve tried has been a failure,</em> Warder had said. <em>We thought wed cracked it at one pointone of our wizards was a student there and we tried to analyse her old cardbut something went wrong. Three of our agents tried to walk in, disguised and were sh-frozen the instant they stepped through the door.</em>


    <em>Charming,</em> Alex had said. <em>I can see why youd want Keldas power on your side.</em>


    <em>Exactly,</em> the gem-eyed man had said. <em>Go ahead and scout out the university. At midnight tomorrow, well assemble a team that will meet here. Together, youll go to the third, seventh, and ninth levels of the library for what were after.</em>


    <em>Sounds like a n,</em> Alex had said. <em>In the meantime, well scout the ce out.</em>


    He, Theresa and Brutusinvisible to the eyehade to the university to assess its defences. Alex had picked a vantage point in the sky, just outside the campus walls, and had remained there while Theresa and Brutus circled Brightfire.


    When they were through, they would return and


    A finger tapped him on the shoulder.


    Nearly sending him leaping out of his skin.


    Hey, Theresa whispered.


    Jeez, I think you cut ten years off my life, he hissed. By the Traveller.


    Sorry, she apologised as one of Brutusrge, invisible heads nuzzled his side. So, we found the iron-draks stable, more gates leading into the campus, and I believe we also found the iron-watchers training area


    She snorted.


    ...can you believe theyre calling themselves iron-watchers? she whispered, sounding offended. Theyre not even trying.


    I believe you. Its like they want to outdo Generasi, Alex said. Despite all the nasty rumours about this ce, lots of wizards consider Brightfire the second or maybe third best wizard-university in the world. I guess they want to show that they canpete with Generasi.


    Ugh, well lets just say Im d you didnt get an eptance letter to this grim ce, she whispered. But anyway, the iron-draks stable is beside the iron-watchers barracks and it looks like theyre about four hundred yards and two cross-streets away from the library.


    Alex nodded. Right. And how long do you think theyd take to get to the library if an rm went off?


    Hmmmm, Theresa muttered. I dont know. Id say maybe three to four minutes if they have to gear up, and more like ten if theyre scrambling to get out of bed. But, Im just guessing, to be honest.


    Hmmmm, Alex muttered. Alright, so well need to move fast. Very fast.


    Are we bringing ygon? Theresa asked.


    Oh yeah, the young wizard said. Ive been filling him in on what were about to do; if we get discovered, well need him.


    Yeah, I agree, she said. Somethings been bothering me toowhat if Brightfire has its own Baelin? If some archwizard shows up, well be wiped out in an instant.


    Alex snorted. Thankfully, Baelins dont grow on trees. ording to Warder, the Rector of Brightfire is powerful, but from what he described, shes no Baelin.


    What tier of spell can she cast? Theresa asked.


    He didnt know, but shes more of an administrator than a battle wizard, Alex said. The main person we need to worry about is someone named Ljubica Stormhammer, the leader of the iron-watchers. Apparently, shes a very experienced battle mage, and shees from a long line of golem-knights.


    Great, the huntress sighed. Do you think we can fight her?


    With ygon, yeah. We faced the First Apostle, and if we could do that? We can face her.


    Makes sensealright, so are we ready to go back home?


    Almost, Alex said. Theres one more thing I have to check.


    Whats that? she asked.


    Whether or not I can actually teleport on campus or is that going to be an issue. Alexs hand balled into a fist. And frankly? Id rather find out now rather thanter; I know Kelda teleported into Generasi, and I think she teleported into Brightfirejudging by how desperate she was to find anything that could help her get rid of her Markbut I dont have any way of knowing if things have changed.


    He took a deep breath. Maybe theyve improved their wards so they can detect Hannahs power now. Maybe they detected Keldas activities inside their library and found ways to expand their security. A lot could have happened over the past three hundred years, so Id rather find out now, rather than tomorrow night.


    ...alright, but be careful.


    Ill be as careful as I can when Im, you know, teleporting behind the walls of a dark, mysterious, deadly wizard school, Alex said, eyeing the glyphs on the library tower. By the traveller, this ce really would give you a deadly education.


    Closing his eyes, the Fool of Thamnd called on the Travellers power, focused on a mostly abandoned street on Brightfires campus and teleported.


    Images sailed past him.


    Snippets of a dozen nes and a dozen worlds.


    And then he was through.


    Alex appeared on Brightfires campus, still draped in invisibility magic, and froze.


    Tensed and waiting.


    No rm sounded.


    No mana gathered to strike him.


    He grinned giddily, his heart pounding.


    Alexs grin widened the longer he eyed the library tower. Soon, your secrets are going to be mine, you unfriendly looking thing, you.

 Chapter 714: The Dark Night of Brightfire

    Chapter 714: The Dark Night of Brightfire


    At midnight, the campus of Brightfire was a dark, sinister ce.


    With a new moon and a cloudy sky, no light of star or moon shone down, leaving much of the university in ckness. Certain streets and buildings were lit by firelight from braziers and hearths, glowing forceballs, and magicalmps, but these were only the most-travelled avenues and busiest centres of the campus. All else was in darkness.


    A campus bar called the Emperors Tavern was alive with activity.


    Unsurprisingly, the buildings exterior was dark and the structure was squat, but inside, it bloomed with life: a sea of bright colour, cheery music, loudughter, and drinking.


    Lots of drinking.


    Brightfire wasnt an easy ce to live in with its harsh climate, attitudes, and it was even harder to study in.


    A survival of the fittest attitude was built into the universitys core values, and that philosophy was so stark and vicious for most students to live under, that even Chancellor Baelin of Generasi might have given it pause.


    While the southern wizard school in the city at the centre of creation had high levels of attrition as students advanced through the years, <em>most </em>young wizards who left did so because they failed to achieve or maintain the standards needed to pass.


    Injury wasn''t unheard of, but safety policies prevented anyone from using barbaric magics from the past, keeping death among the schools young wizards from beingmonce.


    Brightfires philosophies considered such safety policiesapart from a fewto be weaknesses.


    Death is the reward of the ipetent, muttered Professor Yolvin as he stumbled drunkenly from the Emperors Tavern, his boots crunching slush and snow. Uw, my student, may you find less fire in the after-world, ipetence or not!


    The night had found the professoralong with many of his colleaguesdrowning their grief at the passing of more unfortunate students with goblet after goblet of fiery potato wine. The stresses of university life at Brightfire brought a constant stream of staff and students through the doors of the campus tavern, eager to toast surviving yet another day, or week at the brutal institution.


    Magic and discipline weremon in Brightfire.


    Healthy livers and old age were not.


    Bleary-eyed, the old professor stumbled down the street, pulling his wool coat tightly around him. A storm of thick white kes was falling, swirling past forceballs lighting the boulevards.


    He swayed from side to side at a crossroads, looking this way and that.


    Home? he choked out, immediately frowning; his wife had never liked what she called, the stink of vodka and shed likely open hell on him if he came stumbling through the door, reeking and


    He looked down, squinting at yellow bits of food and spittle clinging to the front of his coat.


    Now when did that happen? he muttered, slurring his words. Its no matter. A bath, the office, then some strong blood magic tonic to dull the aftereffects of all that beautiful vodka, then home in the morning. No smell? No hell.


    The professor turned to the rightthe opposite direction from homeand began staggering toward his office in the Tower of Beasts.


    Something flickered at the corner of his eye.


    He fell forward,nding in a mound of frigid slush. His eyes blinked rapidly beneath long grey eyebrows, his head and neck turning slowly, moving from side to side as if moving through cold mud.


    Hello! Hello? he called, sobering slightly. Itste and Im too drunk for your foolish pranks! Hello?


    He peered into the gloom. An alleyway, shrouded in darkness, yawned open beside him; flickering light from the main street reaching only a little ways down the sideroad.


    Squinting, and peering into the darkness for a time


    dread grew in his breast.


    I-if theres someone there, this is not funny! Show yourself, he slurred, his voice shakier than when hed first called out.


    No one replied.


    The hairs on the back of Yolvins neck rose, as his mind began conjuring monsters born of darkness. Brightfire was safe from the thieves and thugs of the city, but other dangers could roam the campus on a dark and snowy night.


    Demons had escaped summoning circles in Brightfire before, and monsters had slipped free of their breeding pens to stalk the night for food. Three short years before, a youthling, iron-drak had broken its cor and hunted on campus for four nights before being captured.


    Shuddering, the professor stumbled to his feet and turned away from the alley. He was nobat wizard, and was looking forward to a fat pension and azy retirement. He had no interest in throwing his life down the gullet of some escaped beast or demon.


    As he once again tottered through the snowtrying to quicken his paceunseen eyes watched him disappearing down the boulevard.


    Within the alleyway, several invisible figures hovered inches above the snow.


    Alex Roth, the Fool of Thamnd was in their midst, holding tightly to his aeld staff. Behind him loomed the invisible iron golem, ygon, while the young wizard was nked by Theresa and Brutus.


    Around them were four members of the Guild of the Red Mouse, folk they had met earlier that evening in the darkened storehouse in Sorkovo.


    The thieves had offered no names to identify themselves by, only these codewords: Mouse, Rat, Fox and Crow.


    Mouse was the smallest, a slight woman who spoke quietly and walked silently. Rat was anky man with vicious eyes and a belt full of knives. Fox was a red-haired youth with a long sword at his side and Crow was their mage, who carried a short staff in one hand.


    They wore ck from head to toe. Over their shoulders, hung sacks emitting an aura of transmutation magic.


    What their purpose was, Alex did not know.


    The young wizard carried an empty satchlong with another one holding his potionsand ygon had an enormous, empty pack strapped across one shoulder.


    Alex hade prepared to loot the library and fill the satchels with whatever useful<strong></strong>spell-guides he could get his hands on. There was no way he was leaving there empty handed.


    No rm, Mouse whispered, her voice barely audible above the wind. Good job, stranger.


    Congratte him <em>after</em> we get inside, Crow countered. Thatll be the hard part.


    Actually, the hard partll be getting <em>out</em> of the library with our skins intact, but meh, details, Alex said, his casual tone masking the rapid thumping of his heart.


    He nced up at the library, reminded ufortably of when he and the mercenaries hed hired infiltrated Kaz-Mowangs pce. Here he was, doing it again, prating some secure building with a group of folk who preferred to keep a good distance between them and thew.


    Alex remembered Kaz-Mowang and Yantrahpretaye.


    Traveller, please make it easier thanst time, he prayed.


    Alright, everyone, time to head to the library. I want all of you to touch my cloak and keep holding it. Dont move, dont let go, dont do anything unless I say so, got it? We dont want anyone getting left behind, he whispered.


    Are you sure you can get us in there? Crow asked. I dont much fancy bing an ice sculpture.


    Well be fine, Alex said, notpletely sure. Just do as I say.


    And Crow? Rat spoke up. Remember, no fire magic, okay?


    You dont need to tell me that again, Crow said testily. Same goes for you, Alexander. No fire.


    I wasnt going to use fire, becauseyou know, its a library, Alex said. But you sound especially nervous? Anything I should know about?


    The library has magic that counters firevery violent magic, Crow said grimly. Portals suck the air out of any floor that a fire is detected on, then ice magic sh-freezes everything.


    They sure like a lot of ice in that library, Alex grumbled.


    <em>Ifit beatsfirethenit would be goodfor a library</em> ygon said.


    Alex felt one of the thieves startle beside him.


    A talking golem, Rat grumbled. Never going to get used to that.


    <em>Thistalking golemmight saveyour life</em> ygon whispered.


    Lets hope it doesnte to us needing to save anybody elses life, Alex whispered. Nowas I said beforehold on tight.


    He felt hands quickly clutch his cloak, then he teleported closer to the library.


    They hovered in front of the massive building, watching from a distance. No guards were close to the tower, the only people around were a few bleary eyed students going through the front door.


    In the distance, iron-watchers circled, riding atop their deadly mounts, but none approached.


    Not yet, at least.


    Alex took in the tower, searching for windows, none were apparent.


    An extra bit of security, he thought. You cant teleport to where you cant see, at least most people cant.


    He looked down at the buildings front entrance.


    Time for the hard way, then.


    Teleporting in front of the towers front doors, the burrs hovered a few feet behind students cautiously making their way to the entrance. The doors were made of dark woodreinforced with ck stoneand carved with a fresco of a horde of golem knights being led by battle wizards to victory.


    Glyphs radiating a vast amount of power glowed around the doors frame, promising death and all manner of nasty fates, but didnt activate as the students got closer.


    Instead, the doors parted, revealing arge foyer andbeyond themiron doors painted ck.


    The entrance doors<strong></strong>began swinging shut<strong></strong>behind the students, while in front of them, the ck doors opened.


    Forceball light filled the foyer, shining on rows of books lining dark shelves: the first floor of Brightfires library.


    Now! Alex thought.


    Praying to the Traveller that rms wouldnt sound, he called on Hannahs power and teleported past the foyer, bypassing glyphs built in the door frames.


    The world disappeared.


    Lights from dozens ofnds flowed by.


    Then, they were in a dim ce that smelled of old parchment, wood and leather.


    Fear and excitement coursed through his body as one, he felt hispanions appear an instantter. They held their breaths; floating just beyond the entrance to the librarys first floor.


    No sound of rms exploding around them.


    No magic striking them, freezing them in ce.


    They were in.


    Before anyone could even whisper, Alex teleported them to the centre of the room, high above the students before anyone could discover them. He examined their surroundings closely; Brightfires library was extensive and borate, with soaring ceilings and wooden bridges that criss-crossed each other above. The first floor alone wasprobably five to six stories tan open space surrounded by looping walkways and bookshelves spiralling up the inner walls of the tower.


    Above, the ceiling was crafted from a single piece of ck stone, polished to a reflective sheen. The walkways led to doors carved in the ceiling, no doubt leading to the next level of the library.


    Alex teleported to the ceiling, eyeing a doorway leading to the next floor, he breathed a sigh of relief; the door was crystal clear, its ss etched with protective enchantments.


    Their power would be more than enough to bar most wizards from entering with conventional magic, but he had something more potent in mind.


    Everyone was silent as he teleported again, right past the crystal door, appearing on the second floor.


    They froze.


    Guarding the second floor was an iron golem-knight, it seemed to be staring right at the invisible party.


    Crow hissed a curse beneath his breath, Alex expected rms to start screaming.


    But none came.


    Theresa snickered behind him.


    Dont worry, even if he could see through our magic, it wouldnt matter, she whispered. Hes asleep, I can hear him snoring in his armour.


    More than one sigh of relief escaped the burrs.


    Well, lets hope the guards on the upper floors will be just as amodating, Alex whispered, examining the second floor.


    It was nearly an exact copy of the first, except its walls were higher and the ceiling door was protected by glyphs that were more powerful.


    Alex wasted no time, he teleported to the stairs and peeked through the next door, then vanished, taking everyone to the third floor of the Brightfire library.


    They appeared again, floating in the higher section of the tower, surrounded by hundreds of spell-guides.


    Here we are, Crow said. First stop. All of you, go get what we came for, I want us ready to meet in the centre of the room in under five minutes. Got it?


    Got it, the guild members said, releasing Alexs cloak.


    Five minutes, eh? the young wizard looked up at the next floor, a gleam in his eye. Alright, the third floor wont have much of any interest to us. Though soon? Soon, we can begin <em>our</em> own shopping.


    <em>Youmeanstealingfather,</em> ygon pointed out.


    Alex sighed. That was the joke, ygon. That was indeed the joke.

 Chapter 715: Shopping

    Chapter 715: ''Shopping''


    The thieves quickly found what theyde for.


    They moved through the librarys third level under invisibility magic, silent and experienced, mindful of those<strong></strong>studying in desk-alcoves on the bridges, and the golem-knight standing guard below.


    They plucked what they needed from various bookcases, slipping their prizes into invisible sacks, reaching for the next treasure on their list. Spell-guide after spell-guide disappeared from Brightfires third floor without a single rm being raised.


    The Fool of Thamnd waited, andwhen he was sure they were in the clearhe tapped ygons arm. Come on, buddy, lets see what spell-guides Brightfire has for us.


    Ill keep watch from here, Theresa whispered. Be careful, remember were not exactly at the market shopping for breakfast.


    <em>Illwatch out for father</em> ygon promised as he and Alex floated down to the stacks.


    And Ill watch ygon, Alex said, turning his attention to the closest bookshelf.


    A thrill pulsed through his veins; here he was, in the middle of a wizard schools prized library, about to help himself to as many spell-guides as he wanted.


    Third-tier spells arent all that exciting anymore, but maybe Brightfire has some useful ones that Generasi doesnt, he thought.


    He inspected titles on the backs of guides lining the shelves and...


    found himself unimpressed.


    Brightfires library <em>seemed</em> bigger than Generasis, and contained a greater number of books.


    But a lot of these are duplicates, he thought, picking up a spell-guide for Fireball, noticing no fewer than twenty copies beside the one he was holding. There was room beside them, meaning other copies must have already been borrowed. Generasi definitely has a better selection of books in their librarythis floor is actually pretty disappoint... Hold on now<em></em>


    His grip tightened on the fireball spell-guide. This is a <em>great</em> opportunity to grab some realbat spells; when I change the Fools Mark to the Generals, Ill be able to <em>learn and use them</em>!


    Grinning, he floated from shelf to shelf, filling ygons satchel with spell-guides forbat:


    Fireball, created a massive st of me, a ssic choice for any battlemage.


    Acid spray was a caustic and deadly spell that bathed enemies in a stream of corrosive liquid.


    Battering Force st, a spell thatunches dense, concentrated force missiles that explode on impact, shredding whatever they hit.


    Alex smiled, imagining the potential power of his arsenal.


    <em>Fatherwhats that section?</em> ygons voice whispered in Alexs mind. <em>The one to your right?</em>


    He nced at the Irtyshenan words; It says Mind magic, the young wizard thought, answering ygon. Its dangerous stuff, and its also illegal in Generasi.


    <em>Willyou take some of those guides?</em> ygon thought.


    Alex paused, considering the selection carefully. The trouble with using mind magic to control someone else is that its finicky. You wouldnt believe how many old stories there are about evil wizard-warlords controlling their enemies'' minds, turning them into mindless servants.


    <em>Thatsoundstroubling</em> ygon said. <em>What happensat the end of those stories?</em>


    Alex chuckled darkly through their link. Each and every damn time, one of the warlord''s mind controlled servants breaks free and stabs them in the back at thest second, usually when theyre on the brink of victory.


    He made a throat clearing sound, putting on his best Baelin impression. <em>A proper wizard never trusts their life to unreliably mind controlled minions, who could break free at any moment. What will you do when the guardian to which youve trusted your life suddenly breaks through your spell and decides to drive their sword through your heart? Better to have minions that serve loyally, willingly orat the leastprofessionally.</em>


    <em>Thatsounds smartfather</em>


    Still, though Alex paused, his eyes lingered on a particr mind magic spellbook. Ohwhats this?


    He floated to a bookcase, picking up the spell-guide.


    Its called; Mind-Scrambling Babble, he told ygon, flipping the thin book open, eyes widening as he read the spell''s effects. By the traveller!


    <em>What isitfather? </em>ygon thought.


    It sounds effective, but its not for me. It says the spell scrambles the thoughts of an enemy like chicken eggs and makes every coherent thought they have turn into chaos. It also says here that the victim bes paralysed with nausea and confusion, and that the controlling wizard can make them do pretty much anything they want. If someones into mind magic, theyd probably find this useful, but controlling peoples thoughtsisnt for me, and besides, getting arrested in Generasi isnt worth it.


    Alex shuddered, putting the spell-guide back where hed found it, then checked the time on the wall-mounted timekeeper beside them.


    Five minutes are nearly up, lets get back to Theresa, Alex thought.


    <em>Thisis going well, father</em> the golem thought.


    Lets not talk too soon, Alex said.


    He floated toward the centre of the room, pausing when Brutus rough tongue licked him.


    Agh, Brutus, no, he whispered. Everything okay, Theresa?


    Yes, she said. There arent a lot of students here, and that guard hasnt budged.


    Theyre probably not used to being robbed, Alex whispered, looking at the glyphs on the doors. Our invisibility spells would be cancelled if we tried to go through the doors, and teleportation spells arent an option. Theres glyphs on the walls thatd turn someone to paste if they tried tunnelling through the stone with a spelltheir securitys solid.


    Thats right, Crow said in themon tongue. This librarys rarely been robbed; were making history right now.


    Are we done on this floor? Rat asked.


    The thieves conferred with each other, using a secretnguage that involved code words.


    Good, said Fox, Were ahead of schedule. Next floor?


    The seventh, Alex said. Grab my cloak and stay close.


    He teleported through the door and up to the fourth floor.


    Two golem knights stood guard, both seemed more upied with a game of cardsyed usinghuge iron cardsthan the few students upying level four.


    The crystal door to the fifth floor was etched with far more aggressive glyphs than the lower floors. Alex read the symbols carefully, wondering what kind of mind would be capable of thinking up some of the glyphs effects.


    That one will literally turn you inside out, he thought to ygon. The one at the top of the door.


    <em>Will it affectus?</em> ygon asked.


    No, Alex thought. Because were not going anywhere near it.


    Concentrating, the young wizard quickly teleported the party to the sixth, then seventh level of the tower.


    Defences here were strongeryet, in another way, more rxed.


    A group of four golem knights were stationed at the bottom and top entrances to the chamber, situated where they had a clear view of the students moving around, and the floors above and below the seventh level through the ss doors.


    In the centre of the room was a teleportation circle, zing with potent magics. Alex gently reached out to it with the Travellers power, concentrating on where it led.


    An image shed in his mind of an armoury and a guard station where iron-watchers and their deadly mounts waited.


    Yet, despite having so many powerful deterrents in ce, security was surprisingly ckpared to the lower levels of the tower. The golem-knights knights had shed their armour, seatedfortably in plush armchairs around a card table, sipping spirits.


    Some had nodded off, as had the iron-watchers on duty through the teleportation circle.


    Really? Mouse whispered inmon. The higher we go, the more rxed those guards seem to be. The ones on the lower floors were alert, but theseIve seen more dedicated tavern bouncers.


    You said it yourselves, Theresa said. This librarys almost never been broken into, and since each floor is harder to reach than thest one, chances of a thief getting in here are pretty low, unless they can do what were doing. I have a feeling guarding these higher floors would be considered light duty.


    Well, let them keep enjoying their light duty. Its nice for them, but even better for us, Rat said. Spread out. Dont let them see stuff moving off the shelves, like its moving on its own. Theyll likely start screaming and hollering about ghosts. We have five minutes.


    Alex and ygon split from the others.


    The young wizard nced at the door leading down to the sixth floor. Theres spells down there I want to take before we search the seventh level.


    He and ygon teleported one level down, beginning a quick search of the sixth-tier level of the library, as Alex looked for specific spells.


    The first spell-guide he took was True Seeing.


    He thought back on Baelins exnation of the spell when hed led them and the Heroes through the Crymlyn Swamp.


    <em>A very handy sixth-tier spell. It cuts through most invisibility magic, illusions, and even shapeshifting to reveal the world as it actually is,</em> Baelin had said.<em> It can be defeated by mundane disguises and more powerful magics, but nheless, it is a spell I would rmend that no wizard of sufficient power be without. Keep in mind, it isnt infallible, but it will save your life time and time again.</em>


    Now, I finally have it, Alex thought, ncing at the golem knights. I thought theyd have wizards who could cast true seeing guarding their librarybut since no one tries to rob the ce, they probably dont consider it since their traps make invisibility uselessfor most people. Time for the other sixth-tier spell I wanted


    He picked up the spell-guide for Disintegration, a spell that would fire a beam of energy andpletely disrupt a physical object or creature down to the very smallest parts of its being. In an instant, almost anything would be reduced to fine dust.


    He remembered the Deleo whod helped them in the woods near Greymoor; she''d been able to locate and disintegrate those petrifiers self-destruction organs with precision.


    This spellll be good for crafting andbat, Alex thought. Definitely wouldnt want to leave here without grabbing it.


    He looked up at the ceiling.


    Okay buddy, now we go back to the next floor.


    On the seventh floor, Alex helped himself to a handful of other spell-guides, some deadly and some not, but all very useful.


    From one shelf, he took the spell-guide for Phantom st, which fired a cone of hungry, spiritual, ectosmic echoes that tore into enemies, peeling away their flesh and organs. Thete Watcher Shaw had used the spell against Ravener-spawn that attacked the Research Castlest winter.


    Alex stole Cage of Force next, it wrapped an enemy in a near-imprable cage of force magic.


    From a shelf of battlemagic spell-guides, he took Timed Fireball, a more powerful version of the third-tier fireball spell. This one wouldunch a huge ball of me that could be timed to explode a minute after the spell was cast. It was perfect for traps.


    Next, he grabbed Mass Invisibility, a spell that could veil an entire force of allies in invisibility magic.


    He then took a blood magic spell called Waves of Weariness, it was meant to siphon the fortitude and vitality from a group of foes in a wave, exhausting them, draining them of all energy.


    <em>Youfeel happyfather </em>There was a happy note in the golems thought.


    Im ecstatic! Alex replied, Im finding spells that I get to keep, and one day use! By the Traveller, Ill actually get to <em>cast them</em>! Its awesome, its what Ivedreamedabout


    He paused, his eyes widening,nding on a spell hed nearly overlooked, a spell that had captured his imagination from the time hed first visited a tower in Generasi.


    A spell that wasin his mindone of the truest symbols of being a great wizard.

 Chapter 716: Promises of Eight and Ninth

    Chapter 716: Promises of Eight and Ninth


    Control Weather.


    Magic Alex had always imagined, the true wonder of wizardry he always saw himself casting from the time he was small; images filling his mind of an ancient, powerful, bearded wizard wearing flowing robes and a wide-brimmed hat, holding his mighty staff aloft, raising it toward the heavens.


    The spell Noarc was most famous for had captivated him when theyd visited the wizards magical tower to celebrate Selinas eleventh birthday. With that one spell, he could call down rain, conjure storms, and even summon the sun from behind cloud cover. A true, legendary magical spell-guide was in reach of Alexs fingertips; all he had to do was take it. With a shaking hand, he picked up the book, running his fingers over the cover.


    Using this spell is a big responsibility, he thought. If you change the weather in one ce, itll cause ripple effects for hundreds or thousands of miles. Id have to be careful with ithell, I might never have any reason to use it, but, by the Traveller, I want to try it.


    He thought about the war back home. Maybe I could use it against the church or the Ravener-spawn. Yeah, maybe I could conjure waves of thick fog thatll cut visibility, or maybe summon a lightning storm and strike a whole bunch of monsters at onceno, <em>no!</em>


    A grin spread across his face. I got itmaybe I could conjure a rainstorm to <em>flood</em> a dungeon! And when all the Ravener-spawn drownI summon greater water elementals, they swim through the tunnels and get the core! Thats it, now I have an excuse to useI-I mean, a <em>proper and valid </em>reason to use the spell. Yep, proper and valid.


    He quickly stuffed the guide into ygons pack then went in search of more magic.


    The next spell to catch his eye was a powerful form of blood magic known as Curse Wound. He flipped the pages, speed-reading; with a pulse of mana, a wizard could disrupt the life force of an opponents body. This would cause their flesh to erupt anywhere the spellcaster chosethe chest, eyes, the ears, a limb and so onquickly turning foul with rot. The wound bes infected with an aggressive blood magic curse that resists all forms of healing.


    Thatd be perfect to use on the First and Third Apostles, Alex thought. Or any member of the hidden church, for that matter; theyre able to heal their wounds, but this could slow them downor better yetfinish them off. It says it takes a lot of mana and skill, soitd be hard to use inbat if youre new to it. Something to experiment with when I finally find Keldas sanctum and try to change the Mark.


    He dropped the spell-guide for Curse Wound into ygons bag. Another book caught his eye.


    What in all hells is Conjure Objects? he wondered, picking up the thin guide and quickly flipping to the spell description.


    Alexs heart began pounding. Does this conjure <em>any </em>object by using pure magic? Does such a miraculous spell really existah, of course it doesnt. You can only make an object that you already owne to you from anywhere in the world. Too bad, thats disappointwait. Waaaaaaiiiit. Thats still awesome! I could leave my staff in Generasi and call it to myself from anywhere, even here in the Empire. Holy hells! Thats going to work fantastically with the Travellers power. Okay, this spell is a definite must.


    He nced at a timekeeper. Two minutes before it was time to meet up with the others.


    The eighth floor door tempted him.


    Greed burned in his chest


    What do you think, should we head up to the next level? Alex asked ygon. Those four arent interested in going, so, Im thinking we could look through some of the shelves up there, snag a few spellbooks, and be back down before they even know we were gone.


    <em>That soundsriskyfather</em> ygon thought. <em>Who knowswhats up therebut then againI will be there to protect you </em>The golem paused for a moment. <em>If teleporting up therewill get us more powerand more ways for youto protect yourselfthen I am for it</em>


    Youre the best, buddy, Alex thought, touching his golems side. Lets go.


    They teleported through the crystal door and up to level eight.


    Security was no less impressive than on the seventh, with some additions. Three teleportation circles were positioned around the centre of the floor. Eight golem knights were present on this floor, with four guarding the door to the seventh and four guarding the door to the ninth. They seemed even less engaged.


    On the seventh floor, students had been few and far between, but, on the eight, there were none. The only sign of mortal life were the guards.


    Here, the bookshelves stood like grapevines, ripe with fruit that was waiting to be plucked. The atmosphere was quite lively for a library; the two intruders could hear guards snoring, while others were telling jokes,ughing and teasing each other.


    Jeez, Alex thought. I get that thieves have probably never made it this far, but dont stand and look around, do something!actually never mind, thatd be bad. Dont take your jobs seriously, just rx. Yeah, rx so I can help myself to what I want.


    He directed the Travellers power at the three teleportation circles, finding three staging areas with sleeping iron-watchers snuggledfortably in their cots, right beside their dozing mounts.


    <em>Itseems were safefather</em> ygon thought. <em>Theres no one hereyou cankeep stealing</em>


    Shopping, ygon. Im <em>shopping,</em> Alex thought.


    <em>Shopping involves the exchangeof coinand goodsfor other goods </em>the golem replied. <em>Whatare you exchanging for thesebooks you are taking?</em>


    Uh Alex paused. Well, Im


    <em>Then you are stealingfather</em>


    The young wizard red in ygons direction, though he couldnt see him. Deciding to concede the point, he went to back to his steali


    Shopping.


    He went back to his shopping.


    The first spell he found was at the end of an aisle.


    What the hells is Summon Construct? Alex quietly took the book off the shelf, looking through its contents. Teleport any construct to your side that you have created, even across nar boundariesoh! Oh! Thats amazing, you hear that, ygon?


    <em>Yesfather </em>ygon said, sounding excited. <em>You can call me from home to anywhere!</em>


    Thats right, Alex thought. Its perfect. Im keeping this. And what else do we have here? Wall of Lava, eh?


    The title was self-exnatory. The spell conjured a towering rampart ofva; a moveable wall of boiling stone that could be guided by a wizards will.


    Alright, this ising with meand whats thisFamine? That sounds terrible. Oh, oh by the Traveller! he thought, flipping through the book. This sucks the nutrients out of a living being, it wilts nts, withers animals, and monstersholy hells. No wait, not just a single living being, it can affect entire groups of living things! And the life force is transferred to the wizard who cast it? Damn, what a monstrous spell! Im definitely taking it.


    He floated past rows of bookshelves.


    Lets see, Famine sounds amazingWall of Roiling Manacreates a wall of mana that can disrupt and damage anyone with a mana poolthats not badIll take it He floated to another shelf. Curse of Eternal Nightcreates an environment of permanent night in arge areameh, that sounds kind of niche


    He continued floating along, moving at speed, eyeing rows of spellbooks.


    Then stopped.


    Wait, whats <em>Steel Body?</em> Alex opened the spell-guide. <em>A powerful transmutation and blood magic spell; it allows a wizard to use the iron present in the bloodstream as the catalyst to transform themselves into a being of pure steel, greatly enhancing physical strength, toughness and power at the cost of a loss of agility and a slowing of mana flow. It is an excellent tool for defensive measures</em>. Okay, yeah this ising with me. And what elseoops, times almost up.


    Alex teleported beside Theresa and Brutus; they were keeping watch on the seventh level.


    Any problems so far? he whispered.


    Nothing yet, she said. Im starting to get nervousthings never go this well


    I hear you, Alex agreed.


    Everyone here? Rat suddenly whispered.


    Were all here, Mouse said.


    Good, were nearly done, Rat whispered. I think this jobs giving me a stomach ulcer, I keep expecting rms to start ring.


    Dont curse us, Fox hissed. Now, let''s get to the ninth level. Thats ourst stop.


    Everyone hold on, were almost finished, Alex whispered.


    He teleported the team through the eighth, then appeared on the ninth level of Brightfires library.


    The floor was nearly silent, far smaller than the rest.


    It was only lit by a few glowing forceballs, with most of the light focused on the guard station at the rooms only entrance; the crystal door leading back down to the eighth level. A dozen golem knights sat at the guard station, most asleep and out of their armour.


    Like the floor below, not a single student or professor studied here, and dust coated every surface.


    Alex swallowed.


    The books here were much thicker than those below. Older, as well; with titles on their spines handwritten in flowing script, and bound in material that looked suspiciously like dried skin.


    Alright, this is thest stop before were outta here, Rat said. Move and move fast.


    Five minutes, Alex said, eager to go through the bookshelves.


    He flew to the battle magic section. This is the sort of magic Baelin might use in battleso let''s see what we have hereShred Magic? he thought, opening the guide.


    Shred Magicwill tear apart any spell or magic effect within a targeted area as long as the magic does not eclipse the casters own power. This spell creates disjunction, destroying any spell, magical item, or construct Hmm, I like the sound of that. He carefully ced the thick spell-guide into ygons bag while eyeing a spellbook bound in what looked like crimson dragonscale. Annihtion he tranted for Calygon. This spell will cause a mighty hurricane of me to ze across a battlefieldthe me isced withdisintegration magic? Holy shit! Thiscould level an entire army of Ravener-spawn!


    Alex added it to ygons rapidly filling bag.


    This one looks interesting, its called Meteor Fallit says itll conjure a meteor from the sky, thatll collide with an area at great speed. It says it also erects a barrier that keeps the destruction contained to that area, preventing continent-wide devastation, while keeping destruction targeted. Alexs jaw dropped. This is amazing! Reminds me a bit of a chaos bomb.


    He searched the shelves, findingTempest. A spell that conjures a concentrated swarm of lightning from even a clear sky, capable of burying vast areas in lightning bolts. Oh my yes! And theres something here calledWhite End


    Alex flipped open another spell bound in dragonscale. This spell will conjure a concentrated blizzard that can freeze an entire army in heartbeats. Now, thats power.


    He put the book in ygons bag with the others, then found another one that looked interesting.


    Tidal Wave summons a massive wave from the elemental ne of water, capable of washing away armies and forests. Okay, that should work super well with Tempest or White Endor wait, what if I used all three? Yeah, Id love to experiment with that


    The book quickly went into ygons bag, as he eagerly looked for more spells.


    In his enthusiastic search, something had escaped him.


    As hed moved from shelf to shelf, carefully collecting spellbooks, he hadnt noticed what the thieves were doing.


    One of them, working invisibly, had quickened the pace at which they were taking the precious bounty they were sent here to steal.


    Theyd quickly found the books their client was paying for, perhaps moving with too much haste and too little caution. On lower floors, they might have been able to get away with thatbut here, on the ninth level, books were rarely used as there were few wizards in Brightfireor the worldcapable of casting such mighty magics.


    Dust hadin heavy and undisturbed on most surfaces, growing thicker as time marched on.


    Dust that was now whirling through the air as the invisible thief raced back and forth, opening their loot bag, shoving spellbooks in, shedding minute particles as they went.


    Dust that was now moving through the librarys ninth level like the beginnings of a snowfall.


    And in such dim light, even Theresa hadnt noticed.

 Chapter 717: When Things Go Not so Smoothly

    Chapter 717: When Things Go Not so Smoothly


    Alex quickly slipped spell upon high-tiered spell into ygons bag.


    Cursed Land was described as a spell that inflicted wide swathes of terrain with a bloody curse. The earth would turn treacherous, the air stifling and shadows would grow deep. Where luck had once been neutral or good, it would abruptly turn ill, and all nt life would turn poisonous.


    A ssic witchs spell from legend, Alex thought, recalling the tale of a bewitched princess who was cursed to wander through a never ending maze of poisonous thorns.


    The next spell guide contained a much less sinister sounding spell; Army of Heroes.


    This spell will empower armies with valour, fearlessness, and strength, Alex read. Those under this spell will know greater strength, speed and agility, while fear dulls within their souls. Their bodies will be filled with vigour and stamina as their skin toughens harder than boiled leather. Their weapons will gain magicbut only temporarilyallowing them the ability to ovee any foes defences with greater certainty. By the Traveller, <em>yes! </em>He ced it in the satchel. Heres another one that sounds like it has something to do with armiesPhnx of Wood and Stone, its called.


    He read the spells description. This conjures a squadron of towering soldiers of living wood and stone, armed with diamond-tipped spears and stone shields. Their strength can almost match that of a stone golem, and they will serve the wizard faithfully for one hour before returning to the earth. <em>Yes.</em> Maybe this can work with Army of Heroes


    Alex put the book into ygons bag.


    Nowwhats this? Mass Corpse? This blood magic ces an army of corpses under a wizards power; the caster is then able to puppet them by blood magic. Note: control is crude. Now, <em>thats </em>quite the power! Alex thought. Sounds like it could be useful against the church <em>and </em>certain Ravener-spawn. Awesomeokay, so, whats next?


    He and ygon drifted along, checking bookshelves, looking for a few more ninth-tier spells.


    Mass Shatter, the young wizards eyes fixed on a guide bound in shards of shattered ss, though magically treated edges were smooth to the touch. Dust coated reflective surfaces. This spell will shatter any number of objects within an area of the casters choosing, the size of which is limited only by their mana and skill. The magic can be used to destroy weapons of an attacking horde, or the food supply of unruly peasants. Use wisely.


    Alex put the book in his bag, imagining its possibilities. If I get ambushed by the hidden churches warriors, I could disarm them with a spell like thisandoh my, whats this now?


    He carefully took another book from off the shelf, one bound in what looked like sand, though not a single grain fell as he held it. <em>Mass</em> disintegration? he thought to ygon. Can you believe this<em>?</em> What in every hell? This almost sounds like youre cheating!


    <em>Fatherdoes that meanyou can disintegrateentire groups of enemiesor objects?</em> ygon asked.


    Yes! It almost sounds too good to be true, doesnt it? Alex thought, flipping through the book. I mean, wouldnt this spell just be better than mass shatter.oh. Oh, I see. It can only affect up to ten objects or opponents at a time. Thats limitingbut still devastating, turning ten enemiesor their weaponsto dust at once


    A sudden sound, jarring and abrupt, shocked all on level nine.


    There was a sneeze echoing through the room, halting Alexs breath, freezing his blood.


    Please let that have been one of those knights, he pleaded, ncing at a time keeper. Please let that be one of the knights, please let that be one of the knights


    Deep down, though, he knew better.


    The sneeze hadnte from the guard station, but even more importantlythings had been going too smoothly. Theyd managed to break into a highly secure library filled with magic without being seen, heard, discovered, or attacked.


    Things never went that smoothly.


    Never.


    Hello? one of the knights called out in High Irtyshenan. Whos there? Did any of you hear that? Did you hear someone sneeze?


    I thought so but ...there shouldnt be anybody else up here but us, another knight said.


    There came the sound of scrambling feet and leather on metal.


    A hatch closed, iron creaked.


    The floor shook.


    Alex floated higher, peering over a bookcase.


    A golem-knight had donned his powered armour and was stalking along between rows of bookshelves. His helmet turned slowly, scanning the floor for signs of an intruder. Alex swore silently, flying back to Theresa with ygon right behind.


    He touched her shoulder, leaned in close, and whispered. Are they back yet?


    No, she whispered back.


    Alexs heart pounded hard.


    He checked a nearby timekeeper.


    Two minutes.


    Two minutes before they were supposed toe together.


    Come on, he thought, anxiouslye on!


    More knights climbed into their armour, sealing themselves in.


    Alex watched the timekeeper, feeling his sweat turning cold. Ny seconds.


    Out of the knights view, books were disappearing. Dust was rising in the air; Alex could almost feel the Guild members desperation.


    Hurry up, he thought.


    More knights were walking between the shelves now.


    Are you sure you heard something? Youve been drinking, one called, her armour a swarm of trident-shaped patterns.


    Drinking or not, I <em>did </em>hear something, said the one whod first geared up, his armour etched, disying a sea of des.


    I heard something too, another said, the shape of a bear forged across his metal chest.


    A fourth looked around, soaring eagles wings emzoned upon her chest. No intruder has ever made it up hereits been quiet all nighttheres no way anyones here, right? The glyphs havent sounded; if anyone came through the door, theyd have to be invisible, but if they tried to teleport, they would have been turned to ice. I dont see any ice, so it cant be, it She paused, looking at a bookshelf. ...when was thest time someone came in here and took out a book from this level?


    I cant remember a single time, replied the bear-knight.


    The eagle-knight swore. Someones in here! Theres books missing! A lot of them! Sound the rm!


    Alex swore.


    A knight at the guard stationrams horns built into his pauldronsturned, reaching for a glyph on a wall nearby.


    Alex teleported behind him, grabbing his helmet, he vanished. Holding the guardcatapulting across the neshe appeared in the wilderness a hundred miles away.


    What th the man began shouting.


    Alex was already gone, teleporting back to the tower.


    He reappeared on the ninth floorand the screaming of a ring horn mmed into his ears.


    Agh! he tried shaking off the deafening noise.


    Another knight had sounded the rm; others were rushing through the library floor.


    Pietr disappeared! the eagle-knight cried.


    Doesnt matter! the bear-knight called back. If we dont catch these thieves, our hides are cooked. Theyll y us to death! sh-dust the room! Now!


    Alex leapt on the bear-knight, taking him to another patch of wilderness dozens of miles outside the city, and still invisible, he teleported back.


    If I dont physically attack them, he thought. Ill stay invisible and


    Suddenly, glyphs began glowing on the library walls; flooding the room with glittering dust. Golden particles drifted from all directions, bouncing off most objectsbut clinging to Alexs skin.


    Throughout the room, the forms of his invisiblerades were now marked by the sh-dust clinging to any exposed skin.


    Shit, it must stick to living flesh! he thought.


    Thieves! the trident-knight shouted. Surrender now, or be destroyed!


    Hurry up! Crow shouted. Weve gotta go!


    In the centre of the chamber, teleportation circles red.


    Alex felt somethinging. A lot of somethings were on the way.


    Were about to have a lot morepany! he cried, leaping onto another knight, instantly appearing in the forest.


    When he reappeared, the crystal door leading from the eighth floor had opened and knights were charging through. Guards were making their way for the outlined thieves, iron clubs raised, poised to drop them on the intruders.


    Alex reached into his bag, grabbing booby-trapped sleeping potions from the satchel; ss shattered, potion mist dissipated.


    Dont go near the gas! he shouted at hisrades. Youll fall asleeOh shit!


    Golem knights charged through the gas as if it wasn''t there.


    Shit, they must have their own air supply! he realised.


    <em>Illhelp! ygon </em>shouted from across the room.


    Dont attack! Alex cried. You dont want to break your invisibility!


    <em>I am not attackingthem, </em>ygon said.


    Suddenly, a bookcase began creaking like old wood, rising high in the air then toppling sideways; mming into another one, falling atop the next in a cascade.


    Golem knights scrambled, trying to catch the shelves.


    Stop the shelves from falling! the sword-knight shouted. We cant let the books get damaged!


    Alex teleported to the centre of the room, tossing sleeping potions into the teleportation circles. Potion-mist filled the air as a hulking figure appeared in the circle. Mounted on the back of an iron-drak was a massive iron-watcher with hair the colour of ash.


    In one hand she held a hammer crackling with lightning. In the other, a spear-staff.


    Potion-mist swirled around her, kept at bay by orbs of air around hers and her mounts heads. She glowered across the room, raising her hammer, taking aim at a thief, she hurled it.


    It arced through the air like a lighting bolt.


    Alex teleported, and grabbing the thief, he vanished. The hammer struck the wall, sounding like an avnche as the floor shook.


    The guard raised her staff, chanting a spell.


    Alex teleported behind her.


    No, he touched her and her mount.


    The Travellers power surged as he threw his will against hers; she proved defiant, even more so than the ancient Kaz-Mowang.


    But her resistance was brief.


    Hannahs power surged, and he teleported away, taking the guard and her mount a hundred miles away, leaving them in an icy field, then teleporting back to the library.


    Freeze the floor! a knight shouted.


    We need to get out of here, now! Theresa cried.


    Gather up! Gather! Crow shouted. Doesnt matter if you have everything! Its time to go!


    Alex teleported to the centre of the room as the marked thieves flew toward Theresa. Golem-knights charged from all directions.


    Grab hold! Alex cried.


    ygon, Theresa, Brutus and the four Guild members reached for Alex from all sides.


    The golem-knights barreled toward them.


    More iron-watchers appeared through the potion-mist, the eyes of their mounts glowing.


    Alex threw everything he had into Hannahs power.


    His mind locked on the image of the safehouse.


    And Brightfires ninth floor was gone.


    They hurtled through time and space, moving past nesimages of a thousand realmssurging past them. Then darkness met them, and the only sound briefly heard in the safehouse were<strong></strong>the ragged breaths of the four Guild thieves.


    Are we out? Crow asked. By the gods, were out!


    Alex dispelled the invisibility magic on the party with his staff. Do you have everything you went there for? Did you get it all?


    Mouse, Rat, Crow and Fox looked at each other, and began rifling through their bags, speaking in code.


    Theresa touched Alexs face. Are you alright?


    Yeah, he said. Im okay.


    We have everything! Rat said, his voice tight with excitement. We got out!


    In the distancefrom the direction of Brightfirean rm began rising, growing louder, cutting clear across the city.


    We should go, Mouse said. We have what we need, and now theyll be looking for the ones that robbed them. We should get back to headquarters.


    Fox looked at Alex. Thank you, we couldnt have done it without you; I swear, if Warder doesnt give you a coin, then hes addled.


    Either way, youll find out soon enough. Rat opened the secret passage in the back wall. You shoulde with us.


    Alex raised an eyebrow. Youre letting use to your headquarters? he asked.


    Yes, if we seeded, Warder said to bring you with us, <em>if</em> we got a good feeling from you; you saved our lives tonight. Feelings dont get much better than that. Come, Ill pour you all some potato wine, and we can show you the way to the Founders sanctum. At leastthe part that we know of, I hope you can find the rest of the way yourselves.


    I hope so too, Alex said, patting ygons backpack. Well, at least tonights been a good night. A very good night.

 Chapter 718: Honour Among Red Mice

    Chapter 718: Honour Among Red Mice


    Things had not gone as they were supposed to.


    The n had abruptly changed when Mouse, Crow and Fox had stepped through the portal first, supposedly to tell Warder that they had returned and that Alexs group was going to apany them to the safehouse.


    Time had passed, then Crow came back, speaking to Rat quickly in their secret tongue before scurrying back to the portal.


    The lone thief looked stricken, then turned to Alex and the others.


    Erm, Im sorrybut, Warder said we cant bring you to the safehouse. Rat shifted his weight from one foot to the other. His eyes darted above his cowl, refusing to meet Alex, Theresa, ygon or even Brutus. In his hand, he clutched a bottle of potato wine and three small, silver cups. Uh, would you, uh, like to have that drink here?


    Theresa watched Alex, his jaw clenched, looking like steel. What did he say?


    Oh, uh, sorry, Rat apologised, switching tomon. I meant to say that Warderwould like to meet you all here instead of youing to the safehouse.


    Whats going on? Alex asked, suspicion growing. His eyes flicked to the walls and door, looking for signs of movement or anything else he might have missed. Was this a trap? One minute you tell us that were supposed toe with youthen your three friends He counted off Mouse, Crow and Fox on his fingers. go into the portal, disappear for ten minutes and now you tell us that we cante with you? I dont like the way this is looking. Warders going to give me what he owes, right?


    He is, he is, Rat promised. Its just thatwell, you can go anywhere with Keldas ability, right? So, you coulde back to our safehouse anytime you wanted, and we wouldnt be able to stop you. So he only wants to take precautions. Here, here, we should be drinking, not arguing.


    Alex watched the Guild member closely, reading his bodynguage. There was nervousness there; by the shifting of his weight, the twitches of difort in his face and a light trembling in his hands. The young wizard looked at the sses closely, watching the man pour.


    Before the thief could offer him or Theresa a ss, he reached out and took two, one for himself and one for his partner, watching Rats reaction all the while. The mans demeanour didnt change.


    You want me to drink first? Rat asked, taking a long sip from his ss. See? No poison.


    Alex took a small sip, watching the thiefs bodynguage


    The liquor burned the tongue.


    Harsh stuff, Theresa said.


    A smilehidden behind Rats cowl but visible in his eyessprang up on Rats face. See, its like I said, you saved us, so I wanted to share a drink with you. Enjoy it, its good stuff! Its harsh because it gets you good and drunk, which is what liquor is supposed to do, not


    The portal red below.


    An image of Warder leaving the doorway shed into Alexs mind.


    Your boss is here, the young wizard drained his drink.


    Rats nervousness instantly spiked.


    Alex leaned to the side, casually reaching for the aeld staff as Warder appeared in the secret passageway.


    Hello, Theresas voice was t


    Hello, Warder said, clutching a folded sheet of parchment under his arm. You did well.


    Indeed we did, boss, Rat said.


    Warders head tilted toward the direction of Brightfire, seeming to be listening to the sound of rms going off. You were not seen? Nor discovered?


    No, Rat assured him. They didnt see us at all.


    They got us with dust that outlines your form, Alex said. But we never broke invisibility. Theyll have no idea who any of you arenor any of us.


    Excellent, Warder said. And did you kill any of their guardians?


    No, Alex said. Some of them are going to have a long, tough journey back to the city, but no one died.


    It was a bloodless operation, Rat confirmed.


    Warder nodded. The Founder would be proud. He grinned behind his mask, his gem-eyes gleaming. She was not one for unnecessary bloodshed, not only for herselfforobvious reasons, He looked pointedly at Alex. but for the members of the Guild as well; she thought that killing made things messier.


    He chuckled darkly. I tend to have a different view. Killings might make things messy in the short term, but they also have a way of closing loops and tying loose ends. A dead enemy is one that can nevere looking for you, after all.


    And a dead ally is one you never have to pay, Alex thought, keeping his face a mask of neutrality. Is that what youre about to try to pull? With ygon standing here?


    As Warder reached down to his belt, Alex began drawing on the aeld staffs power. Just in case.


    The red-eyed man opened a pouch tied to his belt


    producing a single, copper and zinc coin with a red mouse stamped on its face.


    As agreed, I hereby award you the Coin of Silent Friends, the thief said, Making you a friend to the Guild. Congrattions.


    Alex slowly took the coin, turning it over between his fingers. It looked authentic.


    Thank you. The Thameish wizard showed Warder the coin. I take it you have an idea of what Ill be asking for?


    Warder bowed, his grin growing. Of course, and I am eager to oblige. He turned, unfolding the parchment, sticking it to the back wall as he had done with the one of Sorkovo and Brightfire. This map wasrger and much more detailed, showing the entire Irtyshenan country.


    Four circles, drawn in red ink, outlined four separate areas.


    The first was somewhere in a forest near Kymnd.


    The next was in a range of southern mountains.


    Anothery in the tundra to the north.


    Thest was a spot on an ind off the eastern coast of the Empire.


    Whats this? Theresa asked. Four circles?


    Yes, the Founders sanctum is in one of those four locations. Warder bowed. I must apologise for not being able to give you more precise directions, but the Guild of the Red Mouse was never granted the exact location. Members who lived in her time were aware that it does lie in one of these areasbut they never visited on their own ord since it was simpler for her to teleport them there.


    Alexs insides curdled.


    <em>Is thisa trickfather?</em> ygon asked. <em>I thoughtthey would have specific informationaboutwhere her sanctum was</em>


    The young wizard watched Warders bodynguage closely, looking for any sign of treachery. He found none. The masked thief seemed to be sincere, almost apologetic.


    So we went through robbing the library just to have things narrowed down tofour locations? Alex thought. somethings not right here. I think hes telling the truth, but I dont like the way this feels. His eyes scanned the four areas on the map circled in red, This gives us an idea of where to search, butwhy four ces? Why would Kelda not tell her own Guild the exact location, why give them four different ces where her sanctum could be. I think we need to talk to Birger about this.


    Are you satisfied? Warder asked. This map is a copy; you can take it with you when you leave the city.


    Thanks, I suppose Alex said, cautiously. And you have no other information?


    I wish the Founder had been less secretive with the early members of the Guild, Warder said. But Im afraid this is the best that can be done.


    Alex watched him for a long moment, then smiled, filling the smile with sinceritythough it did not touch his heart. Thank you for the map Warder, it should help us.


    Youre most wee, the gem-eyed thief said. I only hope youre able to find the Founders sanctum; it would be a boon to us all.


    Alexs smile remained fixed. Im sure it will. Well, lets get going. Weve got a sanctum to find. He said to ygon, Theresa and Brutus.


    ###


    A fire crackled in Birgers hearth.


    It cast long, flickering light across the cottages walls, extending the shadows of those sitting around the table.


    Birgers was long, bent and writhing as the old firbolg hunched over the table, his hands sped before him.


    Bjorgrunds and ygons were imposing, filling the end of the cottage with ominous shadows.


    Brutus looked threatening, all three heads grew and shrank like the forms of some possessed beast.


    Alexs and Theresas seemed to hesitate, wavering back and forth like two turbulent souls, matching the emotions stirring inside them.


    Spread across the table was the map that Warder had<strong></strong>given<strong></strong>Alex, the four locations marked for all to see.


    Why? Alex asked Birger. Why wouldnt Kelda just tell them <em>exactly</em> where her sanctum was? It doesnt feel right to me.


    Youd think shed tell the people she trusted, Bjorgrund said.


    Silence gripped the room for a moment, until Birger spoke, breaking it, his eyesing alive in the firelight. She was a woman of secretsbut this seems odd even for her. Why wouldnt she give the Guild only one location? Why four?


    Warder didnt seem to be lying, Alex said. And Im damn good at seeing through someones lies.


    So was Kelda, so that doesnt surprise me. Birger examined the map. Its odd to methoughunless


    Unless what? Theresa asked.


    Birger made a sour face. Listen to me, and you listen good. Kelda wasnt some ball of dirt; she was no bandit queen. She put together the Guild to help herself and in return, she could help the memberssure, she flouted thew, and spit on the will of tyrants, which meant there was a nobility to her. He gave Alex and Theresa a grave look. She wanted those noble values infused in the Guild, and that meant members must have the sense of honour, fairy and restraint that she did. I got no such senseing off that Warder. Not at all.


    So you think he lied? Theresa asked. About where the location is?


    I dont know, Birgers eyes were shing. But theres only one way to find out.


    He pointed to the forest near Kymnd. This location isnt that far from here. We could go and have a look aroundter tonight.


    Theresa looked at Alex. We still have time before we have to be back home. What do you think? she asked


    The young wizard frowned, deep in thought, considering the situation.


    He imagined his little sister, probably sound asleep by now. Even taking the time difference into ount, there were still hours before she would have to wake up for school. It might be best to use the time they had as efficiently as possible.


    If Warders trying something, Alex said. The longer we wait, the more time he has to do whatever it is hes up to. Maybe we should start looking tonight; if we find her sanctum, well have fantastic news for Selina, Professor Jules and everyone else back in Generasi. I have plenty of energy to teleport us there and backso, yeah, I say we do it.


    Might Ie with you? Birger asked, gripping his crutch. If we could find Keldas sanctumoh, Id be so grateful to see it again.


    Do you think itd be safe leaving your cottage thiste? Theresa asked.


    With the strength of the ward that we now have around our home, thanks to the wizard you hired, it should be just fine, Birger said. I always knew I was an amateur when it came to warding, but its stillits actually humbling seeing how he worked, and how much better this new one ispared to my old one.


    Alright, then its settled, well go to that first location on the map, search for a few hours and if we dont find the sanctum, we can bring you back then head home.


    Sounds exciting, Bjorgrund said.


    Indeed, I cannot wait to find her sanctum, Birger said.


    <em>If </em>we find it, Theresa said.


    Alright, then lets get ready. Alex stood up. Ill put flight magic on us, then teleport us ther


    He paused.


    Wavering shadows yed over a crossbeam running along the ceiling.


    For a moment, he thought hed seen something move. He stayedpletely still, looking up, squinting at every inch of the crossbeam, finding nothing but flickering shadows cast by sprigs of herbs hanging from the rafters.


    ###


    The forest was simr to Kymnds.


    Within those<strong></strong>woods, tree trunks were thick, gnarled and oldbut here, instead of leafless, bare canopies, most of the trees were of fir and cedar, tall, and dense with needles, some carpeting the snow beneath them.


    Alex and hispanions silently floated through the evergreen forest, the young wizard watched the map. They kept close to the ground, flying at a slow, steady pace, all eyes constantly scanning their surroundings, searching for any hint of Keldas sanctum.


    Though theyd been carefully looking for hours, theyd found nothing, no caves, or hidden doors.


    Does any of this look familiar, father? Bjorgrund asked.


    No, none of it does, son. Birger shook his head. I have not travelled much this way even in all my wanderings, and what little I remember of this ce has changed.


    <em>I wishWarderhad been more helpful </em>ygon said.


    Me too, Theresa agreed, looking at Alex. Youre frowning. Something on your mind? You look a little lost in thought.


    The young wizard shook his head. I just keep getting the feeling that were missing something. Why would there be four locations? Did she have more than one sanctum and just not tell anyone? If so, why would she have lied? Theres something odd here


    Suddenly, Brutus six ears perked up as his heads began looking in every direction, growling.


    What is it? Theresa asked. What is it boy?


    The cerberus barked, then floated to the ground, paws crunching snow. He pressed his noses to the ground sniffing and whining.


    Looks like he smells something! Theresa said excitedly, floating down beside him. She took in the spot he was sniffing. I think hes definitely found something. Look at the snow hereits been disturbed.


    Her head turned, eyes scanning. Yesits definitely been moved, it almost looks likewere in some sort of curve or maybe a circle?


    A circle? Alex frowned, checking the map. Careful, if its been recently disturbed, it might be something that Warder didbut that couldnt be, how would he get here so fast?


    The sound of digging grew faster as Brutus sniffed the earth, digging frantically.


    Well, this is strange, Theresa said.


    What? Alex asked.


    The snow should be deep around herebut where Brutus is digging its shallow, maybe a few inchesand the dirt underneath it isnt frozen. Its loose and visible. Like someone dumped a bunch of soil here then used snow to cover itmaybe someone buried a body here Tension grew in her voice. What in all hells is goingWait? Does anybody hear that? Somethings moving behind ushold on


    Theresa whirled. In front of us! All around us!


    Brutus snarled, baring his fangs.


    What? Alex looked around. Something was moving between worlds, but what


    In the name of our god, I sanctify this circle! a voice he would never forget cut through the trees.


    Alexs blood turned ice cold.


    He reached for the Travellers power.


    <em>In the name of Uldar: the power of the Traveller is null in his area of sanctity,</em> another foul voice cried.


    There came an impact with no sound.


    And what felt like a cksmiths hammer mmed into the Fool of Thamnds chest.

 Chapter 719: Pain

    Chapter 719: Pain


    Alexander Roth was no stranger to pain.


    His parents deaths had dealt him a wound that would always cut to his very soul. McHarris, the Baker, had hit him more times than he could remember. Burn-saws de left a deep scar on his flesh. Battles against greater demons in Cretalikon, and the Thameish church had wounded him in ways that went beyond physical pain.


    Then, there was the Mark, a symbol ced on his skin that sought to drive him mad with mental anguish if he tried to oppose its will.


    Alexander Roth was no stranger to pain.


    This pain, however, was different.


    Something was squeezing, wrapping around his soul, coils tightening. It reached down to his very essence, grasping Hannahs power, crushing it like an iron gauntlet around his throat.


    His knees buckled, lungs reflexively gasping for air.


    <em>Father!</em> ygon shouted. <em>Fatherare you alright?</em>


    The wizards mind reeled. He gasped for air.


    Theresa screamed, drawing her swords.


    Brutus bulk swelled as he encased himself in bone armour.


    Something blurred between the trees.


    Alexs eyes flew wide; a form d in te armour inscribed with holy scripture, and a white surcoat emzoned with Uldars hand, was there. In one gauntlet, it gripped a de zing with divine power. In the other, a shield, painted with two symbols; the first was Uldars white hand


    the second, the bnced scales of the Chosen.


    The First Apostle.


    And his sword was thrusting.


    Time seemed to slow.


    Alex watchedmoment by agonising momentas the des point drove at his heart. The Travellers power struggled within him; his body turned, rolling from the blowbut, oh so slow.


    Much too slow.


    The point was mere inches from his chest.


    Theresa struck, her des slipping into the divine weapons path, her lips parted in a scream, cinched hair whipping behind.


    Both swords of the Twinde struck the First Apostles steel, scraping its upper edge, narrowly keeping it from its goal.


    His de drove lower, pointing downward, away from Alexs heart


    plunging into his gut. A scream wrenched from the young wizards throat as steel sliced rock hard muscle, plunging deep into his body. The First Apostle grunted, twisting the de, tearing it from the side of Alexs belly.


    Agony and blood became the Fool of Thamnds world; his insides burned hot, yet seemed to freeze all at the same time. Snow turned from white to bright red where the wizard had copsed.


    Theresa was screaming. The twinde seemed to shriek with her.


    In a blur of fury and vengeance, the huntress leapt onto the First Apostle, swords shing. His single de matched hers blow for blow, his shield dancing in front of her strikes. Metal shed with metal. Snow sprayed through the air.


    sh marks crisscrossed Theresas body as the holy mans de struck through her guard. Wounds were dealt faster, deeper. The huntress clenched her teeth, but he was tearing her apart. Every strike came with blurring speed and divine strength; each blow rang like thunder, driving her back on her heels.


    Brutus roared in from the side, three sets of teeth shing.


    The First Apostles shield swung out, mming into a set of the cerberus jaws.


    There came a crack of metal on bone and the cerberus-familiars ws paws hugged the snow, anchoring his body, driving the full weight of his spiked bulk into the holy leaders armoured form.


    The Apostles sword snaked up, aiming for Brutus heads, but Theresa parried again, sending the de wide, yet deep into the cerberus side. Bone armour blunted the blow, though the de still connected, spraying red through the air.


    ygons war-spear thrust forward, but the holy warrior spun away, escaping the blow. Theresa slid along the snow to the First Apostles nk while Brutus circled his other side, then ygon, the huntress and cerberus leapt on the ancient Chosen of Uldar with full fury.


    Alex was growing colder, blood ran from the ragged hole in his body; fear reached into his spirit like tendrils.


    Hed witnessed this before.


    The Heroes, fighting against the First Apostle, closing on him from all sides. Harts might and speed, Cedrics power, Drestras draconic form aligned with Thundars magicyet things hadnt worked in their favour; theyd been no match for the ancient warrior of Uldar.


    Hed ripped them apart, and was now doing the same to Alexspanions.


    Theresa screamed as the First Apostle sliced a deep cut in her arm moments after leaving a gaping wound along the side of one of Brutus heads. It was only ygon that saved them.


    He was faster since hisst evolution, his body was stronger, sturdier. Unyielding. The First Apostles de and shield collided with the golems form, but they merely scratched the towering construct. There was a time when a single one of his blows had shattered ygons body.


    But now, the only damage that Uldars servant could manage to inflict was a scratch.


    <em>Die!</em> the golems wordsdistorted and frightening through his voice boxscreamed through the night. <em>Die! Diedie!</em>


    No, the First Apostle said, leaning away from the war-spears path. He ducked iron fists, blocked Brutus teeth with his shield, and took Theresas des on his armoured side, slicing her other arm.


    Hes going to kill them, Alexs mind screamed. Do something!


    His handsomething heavyy in it. Waves of horror, terror and grief were flooding from it, coursing through him. The thoughts wereing from outside; not from his own mind.


    His eyes drifted to his hand. The aeld staff. He was still holding it in his right hand, and it screamed in his mind.


    Have todo something he thought, his body growing colder, weaker. His vision blurred, like a fog descending on him. Something inside was shrieking, telling him to heal himself, preserve his own life.


    He drew on the staffs power.


    But, did not heal himself; he cast haste magic on Theresa, instead. The huntress speed doubled, and the Twinde became a whirlwind of steel. This slowed the wounds spreading across the huntress body, yet seemed to trouble the First Apostle as much as a fly buzzing around a dragon. Alex cast haste on ygon next, but the divine warriors steel slipped around the golems blows, though they wereing close to clipping him.


    The young wizard tried raising his staff, wanting to cast haste on Brutus, but his grip was failing.<strong></strong>He tried again, digging deeper, clenching his teeth, finally seeding. Now, those fighting the First Apostle could move at double speed, yet, the holy warrior still carved into Theresa and Brutus like he was slicing a Sigmus bird.


    Alex had bought them time, but only precious seconds.


    Suddenly, he was turned on his back.


    Hey! Hey! a familiar voice cried.


    Alex blinked; Birgers ancient, bearded face filled his sight. The firbolgs hot breath washed over his face. Giant hands pressed on the young wizards gaping wound.


    Get us out of here! the giant shouted. Bjorgrund cant hold them off for much longer!


    Hold who off?


    Alexs eyes turned, finding the young giant in a fight for his life.


    He stood above his father and Alex, protecting them, swinging his woodcutters axe with abandon. All around, warriors of the church attacked. The young giant bled from a mass of wounds, deep enough to im a humans life, but thankfully, he was not human, and kept fighting on.


    Holy warriors stabbed at him with their spears, struck his body with halberds, quickly scurrying from reach. He fought back, striking some,unching them through the air, breaking skin and bone, yet, they did not remain down for long. Their fellows quickly attended them.


    Healing divinity pressed into them, bringing them back to fighting form.


    At a distance, holy warriors shot volleys of arrows at the struggling giantor perhaps it was <em>Alex </em>they were aiming for, while Bjorgrund blocked them with his body; his back was resembling a porcupines.


    The young wizards eyes were fixed on two archers.


    One was the figure of the Third Apostle, with a beard as white as his surcoatthe other


    a majestic bull moose, nostrils puffing, releasing golden steam. Bells rang on his branching antlers, the merry sound mingling with the sounds of battle. The man astride the beasts back had an otherworldly cast to his skin, like frostbite and blueberry stains.


    Mistletoe, blood-red holly, and other Sigmus nts were braided through his snow-white beard and scarlet clothing. No saddle burdened the mooses back.


    A deep frown creased the riders face and his faded grey eyes gleamed in irritation. His bodynguage raised a primal fear in the young wizards core; the type of fear that took hold of a mouse the moment it caught a snakes eye.


    Instinctual terror on seeing its predator.


    Alex knew him; the Guide whod worked with the Heroes. The predatory fae whode to the Research Castle after the petrifier attack.


    The fae that Gwyin, the<strong></strong>asrai, had warned him about.


    Disappointing, the Guides lips formed the word.


    Focus! Birger shouted, drawing the wizards gaze back to him.


    Brutus yelped.


    Theresa shrieked in pain.


    <em>Stopit!</em> ygon shouted.


    We have to hurry, holy leader! the Third Apostle shouted. We are running out of time!


    Alex gripped the aeld staff, clenched his jaw, and grit his teeth. Keeppressureon my wound Ill try to teleport. His words to Birger were muffled.


    He reached for the Travellers power, struggling against the interdiction. It squeezed down on his soulbut the grip seemed looser. There were cracks in its defences; gaps where the Travellers power could squirm free.


    He called on the Mark as he pushed against the First Apostles power, looking for weaknesses. It guided him, showing him gaps in the interdictions defences as he tried and tried to squirm free of its hold.


    Agony erupted in his leg as an arrow nted itself deep in his leg. Only sheer force of will kept his mind focused on the Travellers power through his scream.


    The power flickered.


    A gap was in reach.


    Gnashing his teeth and centering his will, Alex forced Hannahs energy into the gap.


    The power red.


    With a growl of pain, he touched Bjorgrund as Birgers hands pressed the wound, he teleported to Theresa.


    or tried.


    Hed moved only a slight distanceperhaps a half footcloser to the First Apostles deadly melee.


    How is that possible? the Third Apostle cried.


    Yeeeeeess! the Guide shouted. Now <em>this</em> is the quarry I was hoping for! I might need to step inOof, or maybe not.


    The words of an incantation surged from behind the First Apostles visor, he fended off his three opponents.


    Alex tried teleporting again, determined to reach his family, but moved only a half pace closer.


    The First Apostlepleted the spell.


    A bead of orange light swept from the tip of his sword and arced toward Theresas face. The huntress flinched, sweeping her sword up, parrying the light with her Twinde. The bead shot past her shoulder, floating behind her.


    Her de was too high.


    Her enemys sword came down, shing her legs.


    Theresas scream travelled through the forest, ripping into Alexs soul, her trousers reddened, wicking fresh blood.


    Brutus leapt forward, jaws stopping a follow-up cut aimed at her neck. The cerberushis armour cracked and bleedingmped down on the First Apostles arm; ygon drove his war-spear at the Chosen of Uldar.


    st it! the First Apostle cursed, slipping under the golems blow, then kicking Theresa hard in the chest. Bone cracked, she sailed backward


    into the bead of me.


    It exploded.


    The huntress burned.


    For an instant, Theresas form was reced by a burning alehouse.


    Noooo! Alex screamed, throwing everything he had at the interdiction with the Travellers power.


    The First Apostle twisted from Brutus grip, rushing Alex.


    Hannahs power struggled against the divinity it was facing. He pushed, again teleporting with Bjorgrund and Birger, moving past the First Apostle, appearing just out of reach of Theresa.


    She writhed free of the flickering mes, teeth clenched, flesh scorched.


    And grabbed his hand.


    Alex teleported again. Grab onto meygon he thought.


    The golem turned away from the First Apostlethe holy warrior kept shing at his iron backgrabbed Brutus and touched Alex. Coughing blood and struggling to stay conscious, the Fool of Thamnd teleported again.


    This time a dozen paces away.


    With a growl of frustration, the First Apostle leapt after them.


    Alex teleported again, appearing twice the distance away.


    We must go, holy leader! the Third Apostle shouted. We cannot risk staying any longer!


    Retreat! The First Apostle ordered, but shoot them!


    Arrows cut through the air, deflecting off ygons iron body.


    Alex teleported again, trying desperately to save his family and newpanions.


    He felt the grip of the interdiction slip from his soul.


    Were pastthat circleof dirt Theresa choked, her skin smouldering.


    The Travellers power red again.


    Alex teleported well away from the ambush.


    Back to the fae gate, my lovely hounds! the Stalker called, a grin spreading across his lips. With a whistle, he nodded to the circle of Thameish earth. Sanctified soil shuddered, swarming from the snow, retreating through the fae gate with the holy warriors of Uldar.


    The dangerous fae, with an untold number of names, sat atop his moose and rubbed his hands together. That youngster slipped away from us. But, theres something Ill tell you fine hounds;<em> your Fool is my </em>type of quarry! Next time, I might even get a chance to step in, oh yes indeed!


    Together, he and the hidden members of Uldars church slipped away, disappearing back into the fae wilds.


    Leaving behind only disturbed, red snow, spent arrows, and a grain or two of loose soil. The only remnants of the terrible battle that had just taken ce.

 Chapter 720: The Blizzard and the Marks Attack

    Chapter 720: The Blizzard and the Mark''s Attack


    Alex was dying.


    Even as he and hispanions hurtled through space, he could feel blood leaking between Birgers fingers. His consciousness wavered. Warm frothy fluid, tasting of rust, dripped down his chin. Ashen skin turned mmy and cold.


    Yet, his mind was on Theresa.


    Burning.


    How deep were those burns? Had the searing heat reached her lungs?


    It was with these thoughts that Alex emerged back in the world a moment before hispanions, hitting the ground, spraying the snow red. A battering wind met him like a giants fist; a howling squall raged with snow so thick, his breath was swept away.


    A blizzard.


    Hed teleported them into a blizzard.


    Hispanions appeared around him. Theresa, her body and clothing still smouldering, copsed near him, embers flickering in the icy wind. Brutus wimpers sounded like his heart was breaking as he limped toward her, favouring one paw.


    His massive body trembled, chunks of flesh had been carved away along with bone armour.


    <em>Fatherfather!</em> ygon screamed, clutching the weakened Alex to his chest. Alex could hear Birger and Bjorgrund shouting nearby.


    Yet, he had one single thought fixed in his mind.


    Theresa.


    Burning.


    He couldnt let fire take her from him too, not another loved one.


    He couldnt.


    Bringme close started saying to ygon, but stopped.


    He was dying; if he hadnt transformed his body through blood magic, hed already be dead. There was no way he could use Blood to Life to help her while he was so heavily wounded; he would lose consciousness and be dead before he could ever heal her burns.


    Ambivalence gnawed at him when he realised what must be done.


    He would have to heal himself first.


    If he didnt, hed pass outand die, leaving her to follow. Theresa would keep burning until she was dead, Brutus would bleed out, then Bjorgrund and Birger woulde to a terrible end out here, wherever this ce was.


    He was the only one here who could heal.


    He was the only one among them that could get them out of the storm.


    But, to do that, he <em>had</em> to live.


    Alex fought the darkness drifting over him, the cold creeping into his body, as alluring warmth whispered to him, calling him, promising eternalfort if he would just let go.


    Voices called to him.


    Not yet! one shouted. You cante here yet, you just cant! If you do, we shall lose ever so much! Not! Yet!


    Careys voice was shouting, first from afar.


    Then closer.


    You cant let them win, another voice said. You cant let Uldar win. You cant let the cold corpse of a god win.


    Hannah was whispering from beyond.


    He could hear her and Carey clearly.


    Too clearly.


    I cant heal you, Hannahs voice rolled through Alexs mind. Im close; Im getting stronger, but I cant save you. Please, you have to help yourself! Donte here yet, dont let go!


    Alex drew a breath filled with more blood than air, and coughing, he forced his lips to move. Blood Magic. Blood Magic would save him. Choking out the words of his spell, his breath caught as the Mark rose against him.


    It came at him with a fury, with more strength than ever before. In his condition, even the fairly simple spell of Mana to Lifea spell hed cast many times even through the Marks interferencethreatened to fall apart.


    If you have a mana reversal, youll die, the thought ran through his mind. That cant happen. It mustnt.


    Alex tried guiding his way through the interference.


    Yet, even his mind and body betrayed him; a storm of emotion. Panic. Rage. Terror. Grief. Despair. All struggled in his mind and soul, threatening to overwhelm him with the Marks intrusions.


    He was bombarded with failure upon failure; in all areas of his life, even beyond spellcasting.


    It showed him a burning alehouse.


    How hed failed to save his parents, how hed struggled yet hadnt escaped Mr. Lus grip.


    The memory came to him with an image of himself on the ground, overwhelmed by the Fools Mark when hed torn the First Apostles arm from his bodyan arm that Uldars servant had clearly regrown.


    Even that act had been futile.


    Carey had saved his life then, but her spirit was too far to help him now.


    He kept seeing himself failing to save Theresa.


    He saw himselfying in the snow like a useless lump while his true loves essence <em>burned </em>to cinders, just as his parents had.


    Despair wed at him, chased by fear and doubt.


    What if it was toote? What if he couldnt save her? What if Brutus bled to death while she was burning, and because of their connection, she died too? What if they were already dead?


    His thoughts were erratic.


    The urge to let go grew stronger.


    He didnt much want to live in a universe without her.


    Maybemaybe if she was already dead, then it was better to drift away.


    Hannah and Careys cries, ygon calling him, begging him, and even the memory of the crackle of the First Apostles me grew more distant. He was growing colder. His mind had found a deep sense of calm.


    Yes, this was the way.


    Im tired, Alex thought. And Theresaif I cant save herthen shed be gone when I wake up. Better that I go first, to wait for her on the other side. Yes, then well be together. And maybe Ill meet Uldar in the after-world and pay him back for everything he cost us. Oh, who am I kidding, if Hannah didnt get him, then I doubt I will. At least Hannah and Carey will be there to greet us. And mom and dad too! Well all be at peace together. Yeahyeah


    Calm nketed his soul.


    Even the Marks interference was fading.


    But, an image abruptly dragged him back from his musings.


    Selina and ygon.


    If he died, their family would be mostly gone; hed go to meet their parents, leaving her and ygon alone in the world. The Lus would take care of them, maybe his cabal would help.


    Yet, what would be of them over time?


    ygon would lose his father.


    Selina was still so young.


    Shed be broken-hearted.


    If the warsted long enough, shed grow up as it went on, maybe the only reason shed go back to Thamnd was to fight Ravener-spawn. She might join with the Heroesfight a war that shouldnt have been hers to fight.


    A war that he would have left her to deal with.


    He couldnt let go, not yet, even though his life was fading, death luring him away. Even with the peace andfort of the after-world enticing him, even with


    with


    with


    His mind was at peace.


    He could barely sense the Mark with much of his consciousness dulled, as free from its opposition as hed felt since before he turned eighteen.


    Maybe he could save himself.


    He had to try.


    Alex pushed through the blood magic spell again, his lips were numb, his hearing weak, barely hearing the words he was speaking. Still, he spoke them, pushing each syble through bloodied lips. Hed cast the spell many times before.


    He could do it again.


    The Mark pushed back, struggling, fighting to stop him from spellcasting. It was like a desperate beast backed in a corner. Every bit of will he could gather was straining, knowing he had to win this battle. He called on every tool he had, every meditation technique he could use, letting all fading senses pass him by.


    Finally, his lips finished casting.


    Mana red. Blood magic connected his pool to his life force. Alex Roth poured power into his body, converting his mana to pure life energy. He began healing.


    Pain returned,ing back with a vengeance.


    Nerve endings screamed back to life as energy flowed through him, forcing wounds to begin closing. Sensation, sight, sound and taste returned. Agony imed his senses, but he continued, making his magic transform to life energy.


    Rolling onto his hands and knees as ygon supported him, the Fool of Thamnd spit blood in the snow, coughing, heaving, clearing his chest. The raw wound along his gut and side still gaped open, spasming, telling him his spell wasnt enough to heal it.


    The First Apostles divine de hadcerated his body so deeply, and thoroughlyAlex couldnt fix the wound. His lower abdomen had been skewered, the insides punctured. Feeling in parts of his had deadened, even as he retreated from the after-world.


    <em>Father</em> ygons voice grew louder in his mind. <em>Fathercan you hear me? Fatherare you going to be alright?</em>


    No, Alex thought, looking toward Theresa and Brutus.


    But, Ive got to help them.


    He squinted through the storm.


    The huntressy in a puddle of steaming snow; her skin had stopped burning. Much of her clothing had burned away, exposing raw ruined flesh. Her body resembled a map, with sections of bloodied red, and ckened patches. Shed curled up on her side, gasping for air, her eyes looked unfocused, she was shaking violently.


    Brutus had copsed beside her, panting heavily. One head nestled against Theresa, while the other twoy t on the ground.


    They didnt have much time.


    Alex still couldnt see the giants.


    If I cant save myself, he thought. Then I cant save them. I dont know if blood magic will be enough to heal her burns. I dont know if I can heal Brutusand if I stop healing myself, then I could pass out again. I need to get them to a more skilled healerget us all to one. But how?


    His mind raced.


    He didnt know where theyd teleported to, and the only healers he could think of that could help them were in Thamnd; Cedric and Merzhin.


    Itd take dozens of jumps to get there from wherever we are he thought. And even if I could make it in a single jump, I have no idea where Cedric and Merhzin are, and I <em>need</em> to imagine a destination when Im teleporting! Hells, I have no idea where <em>we</em> are! Weve never been herebefore


    His racing thoughts paused.


    He didnt recognise this blizzard-wrackednd. How <em>had</em> they gotten here? He''d always needed a firm location in his mind to teleport to. Kelda and Hannah hadnt <em>had</em> that limitation, but he wasnt as skilled with their power.


    Not yet.


    So how did I teleport here, to the middle of nowhere? he thought. Ive never done that before. So why now? If I can figure that out, I can figure out how to get to Cedric and Merzhin. Come on, man, think, whats different? How is this different? Is it because I was desperate? Did I just get better from practise? Come on, could I repeat what I did? What was different from every other time I teleported? Think about it. Think. Think, adapt! Think, adapt! Adapt! Youre dying, you fool, ada


    That train of thought stopped.


    That was the answer.


    Im dying, he remembered Hannah and Careys voices. Im barely being held together by blood magicand I was so close to the after-world that I could hear their voices. <em>Hannahs </em>voice. <em>Shes</em> the source of this power! If Im close to the after-world, that means Im close to her! To the source! That meansoh, by Traveller. Hannah, I pray that Im right. Help me, please. If Im wrong though


    He shook off his fears.


    Were dying, he whispered.


    Theresas breathing and shivering had grown quieter.


    Theres nothing else for it, he choked.


    Alex stopped pouring mana into his lifeforce.


    His blood loss immediately increased.


    <em>Fatherwhat are you doing?</em> ygon pleaded, sounding panicked.


    Savingus Alex coughed up a line of bright red blood, focusing on Hannahs power.


    Yesyes he could feel it now. It was so strong, like a river being fed by an ocean. Power rushed through him.


    His consciousness was fading.


    Onechance Blood bubbled from his lips.


    He closed his eyes.


    In his mind, he imagined not a cebut a person.


    Merzhin.


    Merzhin.


    Merzhin.


    No matter where he was, no matter what he was doing.


    He needed to get to Merzhin.


    With that final thought, Alex channelled his will into Hannahs power. The energy roared in his soul. In that moment, he felt connected toanywhere or even everywhere. All space was in his grasp. He had no need to touch it, to <em>touch </em>it.


    Reaching out around him with Hannahs power, he took hold of Brutus, Theresa, ygon and Bjorgrund. He could feel her breathing grow shallow. He could feel Brutus growing weaker. He could feel Bjorgrund now copsed on his side, bleeding badly. He seemed out of it, his eyes unfocused.


    He could feel ygon clutching his father to his iron form.


    He could feel Birger holding his son.


    Alex could also feel himself, hovering near death.


    More importantly


    he felt Merzhin.


    He felt the Saint of Thamnd, far to the west. An image touched his mindthe Saint was standing on Vesuvius back, healing the enormous familiar.


    The massive tortoise pouredva from the hole at the top of his shell.


    Merzhin shouted something.


    Seated on her familiars neck, Tyris Goldtooth shouted words Alex could not hear.


    Were they in battle?


    No matter.


    They were their only hope.


    The Fool of Thamnd reached out, touching the Saint with the Travellers power.


    A connection formed across space.


    Alex teleported.

 Chapter 721: A Short Lesson in Divinity

    Chapter 721: A Short Lesson in Divinity


    St. Merzhin used his divinity with a vengeance as he stood atop Vesuvius back.


    The battle had been long, tough, and important.


    All around him, a scene that resembled one hed imagined one would see in the hells, unfolded.


    The Heroes, Thameish knights and a group of allies from Generasi were defending a pass leading to the mountain city of nesam far in the western part of Thamnd.


    They had made a stand there.


    Behind them, a vast medical camp sprawled within this strategic city that provided aid to hundreds of wounded from across the region. A supply depot in nesam also fed thousands of soldiers who marched through thesends.


    nesam couldnt be allowed to be destroyed, though the Ravener-spawn were bent on doing just that.


    In front of the Heroes, a sea of the creatures filled the pass; bone-chargers, chitterers and skinned ones, gathered with theirmanders. Behemoths, scores of gibbering legions, and rampart-crushers lumbered into the pass, a hunger for death in their eyes. The Raveners minions pushed forward with a fury unseen before, throwing themselves at the Thameish shield wall with no care for their own lives.


    They were bent on ughter, driven only toplete the Raveners cause.


    Though now, stiff resistance met them.


    Stiff, and <em>fatal</em> resistance.


    With the Heroes and Generasians joining the fight, the tide was turning against them.


    Themnds Heroes, Generasis Watchers of Roal and Tyris Goldtooth with her familiar, Vesuvius, were tearing through them. Hart had taken a position in the centre of the shield wall, his enormous de chopping bloody swaths through the monsters.


    His speed had grown since Uldars Rise, and with that speed, he quickly cut down droves of monsters before they could advance further. At his side stood Cedric, wielding spells and his spear with equal ease.


    Drestras true form soared above, strafing monsters with torrents of me. On the dragons back sat Thundar, raining storms of force-enhanced bolts down from a magically-infused crossbow, with precision.


    Tyris weaved fire and stone through the enemy ranks perched on Vesuvius back whilebehind herMerzhin uttered a long, impassioned prayer to Uldar.


    Or rather, to his spirit.


    Even the deeply devout Saint wasnt able to reconcile his faith with Uldars actions, nor the fact that the god he so believed in, was dead.


    <em>And so the Holy lord of Thamnd went unto his peoples enemies, and he cursed them! He said unto them, Let the blood of those who wish to harm my people thin, for if the blood of the innocent means so little, then let theirs be as water! </em>he chanted.


    Divinity resonated within him, pouring free in a wave of invisible might.


    The power bathed the Ravener-spawn, leaving them shuddering in its grip.


    In numbers, bodies fell, contorting, blood thinning, changing, transforming to pure water. Shuddering became spasms, and spasms became death.


    The Thameish army, Heroes and their allies had, so far, cleared much of the pass, giving them reason to cheer. The joyful sound echoed through the air, yet Merzhin could not share in their cheer.


    His past inactiony heavy on his soul as he remembered Carey. His friend should still be here with them, but his naive and blind trust had cost her her life.


    It would take more than sess in a single battle to redeem him for that sin


    Without warning, they appeared.


    One moment, Merzhin stood watching the enemy armys decimation.


    The next, his vision was filled with a bloody form.


    What in Uldars name? he cried, recoiling.


    An instantter, Vesuvius groaned as a party of mangled bodies appeared from thin air,nding on his back.


    Vesuvius? Whats wrong Tyris turned, screaming at the scene behind her.


    Merzhin gasped, thinking his eyes were deceiving him.


    Atop Vesuvius shell, covered in caked blood and seemingly lifeless, were faces he had not seen since Careys funeral.


    Faces in ruin.


    He recognised Alex Roth, the Fool of Thamnd, whose gaping stomach wound was so deep, it was a miracle he still lived. His chest was covered in blood, but he was still breathing. In his arms was the huntress, Theresa.


    Her skin was seared, burns covered most of her body, raw, crimson, ckened; she was likely well past pain now, and horrifically wounded.


    Brutus, her cerberus,y beside them, battered and bleeding, his chest heaving.


    With them were two giants that Merzhin didnt know; one was wounded, though not nearly as badly as the others, the other was clutching the first to his chest.


    Hel Alex choked.


    W-what? Merzhin gasped.


    An iron hand seized his shoulder, squeezing tight, sending a shock of pain through the slight Hero. ygon floated above the others.


    <em>Healthem! </em>he bellowed, his voice echoing through the pass. <em>Fathermy familytheyre dying! Heal them!</em>


    Merzhin swallowed, turning back to the ruin of folk hed fought beside at Uldars Rise, and began doing what he was called to do.


    He set his jaw and got to work.


    A flurry of questions raced through his mind, but this was not the time for them.


    It was the time for miracles.


    Merzhin sped his hands, then extended them toward the broken bodies prostrate before him. They were slipping in and out of consciousness.


    <em>Oh mighty lord of Thamnd </em>he prayed. <em>Let those lying here before you find sce and sour in your divine light. Let those who fight bravely be cured of affliction. Let wounds gue them not!</em>


    Power rushed through the Saint of Thamnd, the might of the Uldarite faith coursing through the gateway in his soul, his hands bleeding holy light.


    <em>Free them from pain! Cure them! Release them from suffering!</em> his voice rose.


    Holy power poured through his soul, springing from his hands in a wave of blinding light, surrounding Alex, Theresa, Brutus, and the two giants, infusing them with healing divinity.


    Their bodies stiffened as their wounds healed.


    Alexs gaping wound knitted together; blood washed away, remnants of his shirt were ejected from the wound. Viscera healed, renewed to healthy skin, recing shredded flesh.


    The pallor of death retreated from Alexs face, healthy colour returned.


    Theresa shuddered from head to toe, charred flesh dissolved, hovering above her in a cloud. A fit of coughing gripped her, her body spasmed, dust rose from her nose and mouth, dissipating through the cold air.


    The huntress inhaled, drawing a deep, gasping breath like a newborn taking its first breath.


    Her lungs must have been burnt, Merzhin shook his head in horror.


    As Theresa healed, so did Brutus. The cerberus mended, cuts closing, bone armour restoring itself, bing as it was before meeting the First Apostles de.


    Arrows slid from the young giants body, his wounds were soon erased as though theyd never been. Relief filled the older giants voice.


    Son! he cried, wrapping his arms around the young giant<strong>.</strong> Youre healed! I thought I''d lost you! Oh thank the ancestors!


    As the light of Merzhins power faded, Alexs, Theresas, Brutus and the healed giants breathing came easy. Not a single wound or scar marred their bodies, and their eyelids began to flutter, opening slowly.


    ygon nodded, watching them, then patted Merzins head with a single, iron finger. <em>Thank you</em>


    The golem turned then, raising his hands, he flew toward the battle and fired on a clot of Ravener-spawn. Beamsunched into the horde, erupting like small chaos explosions. Behemoths disintegrated. Swaths of Ravener-spawn vanished.


    Merzhin blinked, watching the battle shift again.


    The Heroes and Generasians were watching him and what was happening on Vesuviuss back.


    What in all hells just happened? Thundar cried, his voice echoing through the pass as ygon destroyed Ravener-spawn.


    ###


    I want them to pay, Theresa growled, her knuckles white on the Twinde. I want <em>revenge</em>.


    Her swords gleamed in the brazier-light.


    <em>I do tooI want to find themand kill themkill them all</em> ygons voice held a promise of death.


    I cant me you, Drestras voice crackled, her reptilian eyes shining. That little fae beast betrayed us.


    Im mad I wasnt there. Thundars fingers squeezed the haft of his mace.


    Cedric and Harts jaws clenched, muscles tightening and releasing.


    Tyris demeanour radiated rage.


    Merzhin shook his head. Such powerhow did they<strong></strong>find<strong></strong> he muttered.


    Birger was speaking in low heated tones with his son a short distance away from everyone else.


    Deep rumbling sounds wereing from Brutus chest as he paced back and forth.


    And Alex?


    Alex was quiet.


    The Fool of Thamnd sat slightly apart from the others, staring at nothing. His brow was creased. He was breathing slowly. His mind was lost in thought.


    As it had been for some time; hed hardly spoken since the battle in the pass ended. Hed said little when the Heroes organised the army to make camp for the night. Hed helped them erect arge tent a short distance from the rest of the army, saying little, andwhen theyd settled init was Theresa whod told the story of the Guide and churchs ambush.


    Even now, while others spoke of vengeance and hate, he said nothing.


    So thats what theyve been bloody up to. Cedrics fingers flexed. Theyve been huntin, looks like. Whats the Gui


    Dont say his name, Alex said quickly, his eyes unfocused. There might be traps hidden in it; Gwyin warned me about that.


    Its true, you did say he might be someone to be wary of, Hart said. But working with that hidden church? I didnt think hed go that far. Never saw that oneing. If I ever get his skull between my hands, Ill crush it without a second thought.


    Its that First Apostles head <em>Id </em>want to get my sword on, Theresa said. He enjoyed what he did to us. He tried to burn me alive. He tortured Brutuswe could have all died!


    If it werent for him, Carey would still be alive, Merzhin muttered.


    He doesnt get to kill anymore of my friends, Thundar said.


    Um, excuse me, Bjorgrund suddenly spoke.


    The othersexcept for Alexturned to him.


    Um, could you heal my father? Bjorgrund asked.


    Dont waste these peoples time, Birger said with irritation. Ive learned to live with it. You cant regrow a leg.


    He healed such deep wounds, Bjorgrund countered, looking at Merzhin. And father, you said your aches and pains are gone. Please, I need to know, can you regrow my fathers leg?


    The Saint of Uldar looked around. Um, helloBjorgrund and Birger, was it?


    Aye, dont waste your time, I know you cant regrow a leg the old firbolg started.


    Actually, it should be possible. Perhaps.


    Silence fell.


    What? Birger asked, a yearning lit up his eyes. Truly?


    Uldar and some of the great Saints of old have regenerated limbs with divinity, Merzhin said. Though it can take anywhere from days to months, depending on the age of the wound and the power of the priest. Apparently, from what Theresa said, the First Apostle can.


    Cancan <em>you</em> do it? the old giant asked.


    II do not think so. Not yet, Merzhin said apologetically.


    Well, if that First Apostle regrew his arm, you should be able to do the same, right? Thundar asked. I mean youre more powerful than he is; you stopped that interdiction.


    Merzhin suddenlyughed, a rare sound. His high voice oozed with a bitterness so deep, it grated on the ear. There was no mirth in thatughter, though.


    Please understand, I wish I was more powerful than him. I dearly wish it were so, Merzhin said. Do you know how divinity works?


    Uh, cant say I do, I gotta admit, Thundar said. Is it like mana, where you just gotta practise to get better?


    No. Merzhin shook his head. Divinity is granted to us from our deityor from the throne he or she sits upon. Faith flows from a believer to what they worship: their deity, for example, and then that faith transforms into divinity. When a priest calls on that power, divinity flows to them so they might perform a miracle, but it requires a gate toe through. And that gate is ones soul.


    Merzhin held everyones attention.


    The soul acts as the gate that divinity flows throughbut a deitys strength is much greater than a single mortal soul; if one calls on too much of their holy god or goddess power, then, that would be like forcing a flood through a tiny gap in a weak dam. The dam would burst.


    Oh Theresa murmured. So that means the soul would break?


    Exactly, Merzhin exined. There is some skill needed when calling upon a miracle, but the strength of ones soul is the great limiter, rather than ones skill. As one uses more of their deitys divinity, the soul strengthens overtime like a muscle; that is why older, more experienced priests can perform greater miracles than, say, one who is first granted divinity.


    The small man made a sound of disgust. The Mark of the Saint grants me a deep, deep connection with Uldars power. One that is unrivalled. It strengthens my soul as well, but there are still limits. The First Apostle has the Mark of the Chosen. His Mark has a lesser, though simr gift to the Saints. But he has also had hundreds of years to strengthen his soul and practise his skills. He can call on far more power than I can; but, my authority in Uldars hierarchy is <em>still</em> greater, so I can counter his interdictionsbut, were I to try an interdiction myselfthis weak, unworthy soul of mine would shatter.


    He looked at Bjorgrund. To put it simply, I dont know if I can heal your father. He looked at Birger. But I would like to try. When there is time, I will try my best.


    Thank you, the old firbolg said. If we survive that longif these powerful enemies are tracking us somehow, then we might be dead before long. Wed already be dead if thatFirst Apostle, you called him? If he wasnt so focused on killing Alex, none of us would be here to tell what happened.


    Alex twitched.


    <em>Thats whywe should teleport back nowfind himand kill him!</em> ygon hissed.


    I want to go back too, Theresa said.


    Aye, Cedric jumped in. I wouldnt mind a rematch mself. I owe the damn bastard.


    No.


    Again, the atmosphere in the tent went quiet.


    All eyes turned to Alex.


    No, we cant do any of that, he said grimly. Ive been thinking about a lot of things. About who they focused on, about what that means, about how theyre targeting us.


    And what did youe up with? Theresa asked.


    Alex shook his head. Thats the thing; next to nothing. I dont know how they found us. I dont know where they are in the Empire, and I have no idea what their next move will be


    His mind turned to Selina.


    ...or who theyll target next to get to meor any of us.


    All the more reason to hunt them down, Theresa said.


    Alex shook his head. We dont know how to find them and tonight was sobering. We cant leave our loved ones unprotected; they could attack us from anywhere.


    <em>Do westop searching for the sanctum?</em> ygon asked.


    No. Alex shook his head. Now, we need even more answers. Answers that Keldas notes might give us, and the longer I have the Mark of the Fool, the more time theyll have to kill me while Im still vulnerable.


    Sowhat does that mean? Theresa asked.


    He looked at her grimly. It means that the best move is for me to not put our loved ones at risk. The best move is for me to move quickly and quietly to find the sanctum.


    Alex swallowed.


    The best move is for me to search for it alone.

 Chapter 722: An Argument for Departure

    Chapter 722: An Argument for Departure


    Evening had fallen, and for most folk outside the Heroes tent, the camp was still bustling with activity.


    Soldiers were busy with defences and logistics. Thameish priests healed the wounded, while strategists poured over maps, nning for the next day. Men and women drank. Some shared a meal. Some spoke of the battle theyd just been through. While others were already tucked in their sleeping rolls, looking for any peace they could get before another attack came.


    Outside the Heroes tent, the air was bustling, yet restrained.


    Though inside, one could hear even the smallest pop and crackle of brazier fires illuminating it.


    No one spoke.


    It was as though every breath had stopped.


    All eyes were on Alexander Roth, the Fool of Thamnd, and behind those eyes was the same question; what in the world was he saying?


    <em>The best move is for me to search for it alone.</em>


    With a single statement, hed dered hed be leaving them behind, going out on his own to likely face another ambush by the church, the ferocity and divinity of the First Apostle, and all other dangers he found himself caught in within the Irtyshenan Empire.


    He said nothing after that, only staying quiet again, eyes unfocused and forehead furrowed in thought.


    Theresa broke the silence.


    Have you lost your damn mind? she shouted.


    Others joined her, the abrupt uproar shattered the stillness.


    The blood loss must have drained away your brains! Thundar shouted. Im not letting you go back there by yourself. Whatre you thinking?


    <em>FatherIm hereto protect you </em>ygon said. <em>I cantlet youdo this by yourselfif the ambush had happened when you wereon your ownyou would be dead</em>


    Exactly! Theresa pointed at Alex with her sword. What are you even talking about? Listen, after you went to the Hells, we talked about this! she snapped. Im not made of ss, you dont have to leave me behind in case I get hurt. We face the enemy together.


    He shook his head. I know, I know. And I wont lie and say that Im not worried about that, but, you were burning, Theresa. Tears welled up in his eyes. Just like my parents. Ifif youd diedif youd died like <em>that</em>by the Traveller, there wouldnt be much left of me. But, this isnt about me trying to protect you. Its about Selina, Alex said. As well as your parents, brothers and Brutus.


    He looked at her grimly, then turned to ygon. Listen, we dont know how the hidden church tracked me. We have no information or any hope of getting any unless we somehow capture one of them. I might be able to guess how they found meand how they got to the Empire as fast as the did


    Ill bet you they used the fae roads, Drestra said, smoke rising behind her veil. If the Gui She caught herself. if that faes leading them, then theyre probably using the fae roads to travel on. Theyll be able to move fast, but thankfully, not as fast as you.


    How did they know where we were? Theresa asked.


    Alex shook his head. Thats the thing, I dont know. Maybe theyre following us somehow, invisibly. Maybe the Guild tipped them offI just dont know. We know nothing, and thats the very reason why we need you back in Generasi. Theres a chance they could go after Selinaor others that we love. Theyll need protection.


    He pointed to his right shoulder. At the same time, we cant stop searching for Keldas sanctum; the sooner we find it, the better.


    Alex looked at Cedric. Ravener-spawn attacks have gotten worse, havent they?


    Aye, Cedric said. What yous saw today? That there was a light bloody tappared twhats been goin on. Theyve been gettin a whole lot worsetely.


    Things <em>are</em> escting, Tyris said. Thats why Ive beening here more often to help out.


    Same, Thundar admitted. Isolde and Khalik have been here a lot more too.


    I have a feeling that the Ravener is building to something, Merzhin said. With what we learned from Uldars Rise, the Ravener will wish to keep the cycle going, and the hidden church is trying to ensure that the cycle does note to an end.


    But now, the cycles destabilising, Drestra said. Uldars Rise has been taken away from the hidden church, we have a fledgling demigoddess emerging in her power<strong>, </strong>and certain people can control dungeon cores, all of thats a threat to it


    ...so it makes sense that the Raveners not just going to sit there, Alex said. Time is passing, and theres somethinging. I cant just go back to Generasi and <em>not</em> find Keldas sanctum. So, we <em>have</em> to divide and conquer. Everyone thats here is needed here. We need people looking out for those we love at home.


    He pointed to his chest. Which means Im the one that has to go find Keldas sanctum, it needs to be myplete focus. The faster we find it, the better, so Ill have to stay in the Empire until its found.


    Alexs jaw clenched. I dont want toI dont want to disappear from Selinas life for who knows how long, I dont want to stop my studies with professor Mangal, I dont want to stop building golems and helping the expedition. I dont want to stop going to school and I dont want to be away from my friendsbut its only temporary, and it <em>has</em> to happen.


    His teeth loudly ground in his jaws. They wanted to kill <em>me.</em> They focused on <em>me.</em> If I go back to Generasi, thats just going to tell them hey,e to where I am and kill my family to get to me! If I stay in the Empire, thatll keep them there, with any hope. Meanwhile, Theresa, ygon and Brutus will be able to protect the people we care about back home. Or at least, give them a better chance.


    Thats a noble thought, Alex, Birger said. And its none of my business, but they nearly killed you all today; do you really think that ygon, Theresa and Brutus will be enough to protect who you love back in your city?


    Itsits better than letting them attack Selina when shes alone, Alex said. And again, if Im in the north, leading them around the Empire, that gives them a target thats <em>far</em><em>away</em> from my familyAnd maybe the safest ce for them to be right now, is back in the ins. I doubt the church and their fae ally would be insane enough to attack the campus, andUldar help them if they did, which he cant. Hobb and the Watchers will be right there. If they attack campus they risk harming students and the school. And I dont think theyd like what Hobb would do to them if that happened.


    Alex shuddered, then turned to Theresa. But this meansyou, Selina, ygon, Brutus, your parents and brothers, will have to leave our new home for a while, but He paused, words failing him. It has to be done. Youll need to stay on campus to protect Selina and the rest of our family. If the church tries anything, Hobb and the Watchers will have time to react. Hobb cant be everywhere at once, or Minervus would still be alive, and we wouldnt have lost anyone in the demon attacks. But, with the three of you there as extra protection from an ambush in Generasi, our family will be safer. The church needs a target thats far away from my family. And Im that target.


    Silence hung over the tent.


    Tears welled in Theresas eyes. Thisare you sure?


    Alex shook his head, smiling sadly. If you didnt think I was right, then youd still be telling me not to do it. This has to be the way, until the church is stoppedbut once I find Keldas sanctum


    Anger surged in him. Theyre going to regret ever touching us.


    He stood, looking at Theresa, ygon and Brutus. Come on, its time to take you back home.


    Hey! Thundar jumped up, and crossing the tent, he caught Alex in a bear hug. Im gonna miss you, man. Hurry up and find that damn sanctum.


    The young wizard hugged him back, lifting the minotaur off his feet. Im gonna find it, I promiseand Ill be bringing back the First Apostles head afterward.


    Cedric caught both the minotaur and Fool from the side, hoisting them off the ground in an even tighter hug.


    Ugh! Alex squawked. Cedricyoure crushingus


    Aye, been workin at it, the Chosenughed. Ybetter hurry it up, alright? I dont wanna hear nothin bout ynotin back for years or anythin like it.


    Drestra touched Alexs shoulder. I wish I could help you; I still owe you for all you did for my people. The best I can do is study, grow more powerful and defend our homnd while youre gone.


    Well keep the realm safe, Hart said. And you save some of that First Apostle for me. He owes me his skin. All them hidden church bastards do.


    Id just settle for them being dead, no matter what it takes, Tyris said.


    Imay you do whats best for Thamnd, Merzhin said, a haunted look in his eyes.


    Birger and Bjorgrund were looking at each other until Alex caught their eye.


    He knew they had a lot to talk about.


    ###


    Im not leaving my home, Birger growled, glowering at Alex under thete evening light. Youll have to drag me from my cottage in a corpse-collectors cart.


    Listen, you need to stay in my city for a while, Alex said. We dont know <em>what</em> our enemies know; they could have already found your home, and its my fault that you got dragged into thiswell, actually, its <em>their</em> fault for being bastards, but its <em>me </em>that theyre hunting. The point is that I have to take responsibility for you being involved in this; Im not going to leave you two out in the forest by yourselves.


    You had no idea they could find you in the Empire, Theresa said. Dont beat yourself up about thisits hard enough as it is.


    Something stung in the young wizards chest.


    Birger shook his head. Wouldve been nice to know that a death squad wasing after you, I wont lie. My son nearly died because of themand now they owe us a blood-debt. We should go back to collect.


    Alex shook his head. Out of the quest


    You cant tell us what to do, young man. Youre not our chief, and we only met you a short time ago. Birger frowned. Drop us off at home, Bjorgrund and I will stay in our ward and deal with them. If you really want to help, ward our home against them.


    You saw how powerful they are, Alex pointed out. I dont know how powerful of a ward wed need to keep them out.


    Too bad, then, I


    Father, listen to Alex, Bjorgrund suddenly cut in. You should stay far away from our home. Ill go with Alex and help him as much as I can.


    Alex, Theresa and Birger looked at the young giant in dismay.


    Son, youve lost your mind! the firbolg shouted.


    Birgers right, theres no way, Alex insisted.


    We nearly died, and youre so young, Theresa said. We cant let you do that.


    Bjorgrunds face turned bright red. My fathers old, but Im young. Im strong. Im a <em>warrior.</em> He looked at Birger and Alex, his jaw clenching. Both of you would be dead if it wasnt for me. I defended and bled for all of us. Im not some scared child who should stay home, but you are old, father. Youve grown so frail in thest while.


    The young giants lips tightened to a t line. Why should you die with your guts out in the snow somewhere? You should be at home, by a fire with a nket


    Son, you dont like it when I treat you like a child, do not treat <em>me</em> like one, Birger snapped. And what kind of parent would I be if I waited at home with a nket by the hearth while my own sonnot even fully grownwas out in the world, wandering the wilderness while assassins stalked hispanions. No, it will not happen.


    The firbolg looked at Alex. You wish to take responsibility, you say?


    Yes, the young wizard said.


    Then, its true, we probably wont be safe at home. Not anymore. Painy in Birgers words. Not until those holier-than-thou bastards are dead and buried. So, perhaps we shoulde with you.


    Alex scoffed. Then youd be at even greater risk.


    But wed be beside <em>you</em>, and you teleported us out of there, Birger said. Wed all be dead if you didnt use Keldas power the way you did.


    I Alex paused, frowning. Look, I dont know why I was able to beat the interdictionsomething about it didnt feelplete, like there were gaps in its defences. Our enemies arent stupid; theyre going to figure out that there was a w in that interdiction and theyre going to do their best to fix it. I wont be so lucky next time.


    Better than being in our cottage just waiting like trapped prey to be ughtered, Birger said. And besides, I am a free man, as is my son. You do notmand me, Alex. If you put us in Generasi, we could leave whenever we wanted. It would take time, but wed find our way back to the Empire. I <em>want</em> to go with you, I want to see Keldas sanctum with my own eyes. I need that, andI know theres no way my son will listen to me if I tell him to stay behind.


    No way. Bjorgrund shook his head, thick arms crossing his broad chest.


    Agh, stop being so stubborn! Alex snapped. Im trying to protect


    He paused, the words dying on his lips.


    What <em>was</em> he trying to do?


    Protect them?


    Tell them what to do?


    Who exactly was he to do that? Was he no better than the church, demanding that the Fool of Uldar sit back and y their foul role? He had no right to tell either Birger and Bjorgrund what they should and should not do.


    Andtheir words were true.


    Bjorgrund <em>had</em> protected him and Birger from a gruesome fate.


    And am I <em>so</em> confident I could survive another attack from the hidden church by myself? he considered. That ambush nearly killed all of us, and that was with ygon theremaybe theyre right. And since when have I acted like the First Apostle; they dont have family to protect. They are family, and if theyre choosing toe with me, then so be it. Baelin let <em>me</em> take risks, and I sure as all hells want to be more like Baelin than Uldar.


    Alex sighed in defeat. Are you both sure you want to do this?


    Father and son looked at each other, then Birger nodded. Yes, welle with you.


    Alright, Alex said, hearing a deep sigh from Theresa.


    He nced at her.


    Was thatrelief?


    She caught his eye, but said nothing.


    Then, with that settled, lets get you, Brutus and ygon back to Generasi, Alex said, thinking of his sister. The faster were back in the Empire, the less chance of me putting my family in harms way.


    Ill have to say goodbye to Selina, for a while, though.


    He took a deep breath. Thats not going to be easy.

 Chapter 723: Once Again, Preparing to Leave Home

    Chapter 723: Once Again, Preparing to Leave Home


    In a quiet neighbourhood in Generasiin the wee hours of the morningall was still. Golem crafting carried on in Shales workshop as it always did at all hours of the night, whilete night wanderers strolled down the magically lit street. Most windows were shuttered for the night, very few lights burned within the homes and small businesses in this part of the city.


    Even in the Roth Family Bakerywhere Troy and the other staff would soon arrive to make preparations for the daynearly every room was in darkness.


    All was still quiet.


    Alex Roth, Theresa Lu, ygon and Brutusapanied by Birger and Bjorgrundmaterialised in the dark dining area on the first floor. Aeld blooms glowed, giving off dim light from Alexs staff, until he conjured forceballs and Wizards Hands, illuminating the space.


    Crimson light deepened shadows on his face, making him appear like a grim gargoyle carved of shimmering red stone.


    Dammit, he swore quietly.


    Whats wrong? Theresa whispered, not wanting to awaken Selina.


    He shook his head. That powerthe connection I had with Hannah when I was so close to death, is gone. The Mark helped me The word tasted bitter, knowing how Uldars brand had nearly caused them to die. learn a bit about Hannahs power<strong></strong>from<strong></strong>how we teleported to Merzhin. Alex shook his head.


    He bit the inside of his cheek. And Im going to need a <em>lot</em> more power fast. Real fast. Anyway, lets leave that for now, Im just wasting time.


    Alex looked at Bjorgrund. Could you do me a favour?


    What is it? the giant asked, his eyes lingering on his surroundings in curiosity.


    Could you take ygons bag for me? It has the books we pilfered from Brightfire in it, and Ill want them when we find Keldas sanctum. AndIll also need to bring more supplies with us, and that bagll be too full for me to carry along with my other ones. Would you mind carrying that one?


    Of course, the young giant said, turning to the shorter golem.


    ygon looked at the giant for a long moment; Alex sensed a storm of emotions rushing through their link. Anger, confusion, resolve, guilt, grief, frustration, reluctanceall struggled against each other, one consuming the next.


    Slowly, he removed the bag of spellguides from his shoulder and handed it to the young giant, without a word.


    ygon Alex started.


    <em>Fatheryou wont take me with you? Toprotect you?</em> ygon turned to him.


    If I doand I want to, buddywhos going to protect Selina? the young wizard asked.


    A white hot spike of rage and guilt stabbed through their link, so strong that Alex actually winced.


    I he started.


    <em>We had better hurry</em> the golem said, in a voice that was ancient and stiff. <em>...if youre going to golike you said, fathertime is limited.</em>


    Alex shut his mouth.


    ygon was right, and nothing he could say would make him feel any better. Not now, anyway.


    Alright, I have to get some supplies from theb, Alex said.


    What about Selina? Theresa asked.


    The wizard cringed, ncing at the ceiling. Letslet her sleep for a bit longer.


    Without another word, he turned and walked toward hisb.


    Emotions took over, each step was heavier than thest. Rage and sadness were hispanions, bringing to mind a stomach churning familiarity.


    Alex quickly moved through theb, deciding what to take to the Empire, remembering a very simr time in his life. He saw himself in his room in the Lu Family Innhis home for most of his lifegoing through his possessions, trying to decide what hed need when he left for Generasi to attend wizard school...and escape the church.


    Just as hed done before, he was doing the same thing again, looking through his belongings, wanting to not bring anything that would be dead weight.


    Here he was again, escaping the church, leaving his home at a time not of his own choosing, and, against his will, sorting through his belongingsthe physical symbols of his life and his ce in the worldtrying to figure out what he would need.


    Being forced, once again, to leave the life hed built


    and, once again, the faulty solely with a filthy, selfish deity and his dogged servants.


    It made Alexs desire to smash Uldars corpse, his sanctum, the First Apostle and the rest of the secret churchs fanatics explode. He had no idea how long hed be away from his home. There was no way of knowing, no inkling of how long it would be: days, weeks, monthseven longer.


    The young wizard tried not to think about it, using his meditation techniques to let those thoughts pass as he acknowledged them. He tried not to let those techniques remind him of his peaceful meditation sessions in his rooftop garden, or on Generasis green campus.


    ces he might not see for a long timeor maybe ever again.


    I hate this.


    The faster I find Keldas sanctum, he thought. The faster I can get started on fixing the Mark, and the faster I can start trying to fix the Mark, the better chance I have of killing those rat bastards, and the faster I can kill them, the quicker I cane home. Then, we can concentrate on finding the Ravener, destroying it for good, and getting our lives back.


    Keeping those thoughts in mind, Alex selected everything he wanted to take with great care.


    The first thing he chose wassurprisinglya weapon.


    Hannahs sword.


    I didnt take it with me before, but it could be useful in Keldas sanctum. And He nced at the aeld staff. Even if I change the Mark from Fool to General, Ill still need to be ready if the church shows up again. What else do I need?


    My alchemy tools; anything portable and sturdy should being with me. Then some potion making materials, probably enough tost a month or so if I use them regrly, and supplies for other alchemical creations.


    Specifically


    Chaos essence and dungeon core remains, he thought, carefully removing two small, magically-reinforced jars of powder from a warded cab in the back of theb. Ill need enough for a bomb He paused, reconsidering, then taking enough for more chaos bombs. I cant use them yet, but if I fix the Mark, then I could bomb the ever-loving hells out of them.<strong></strong>Theyd die the same way Carey did; Im no poet, but theres gotta be something poetic in that.


    Once the chaos essence and dungeon core remains were safely packed away, he went through his supply bag, checking its contents.


    Waterproof sleeping roll, check. Magical fire producer, check. Back up flint and tinder, check. Magical water purifier, check. Self-erecting tent, check. Potions, check. Enchanted rope, check. Weeks worth of rations, checkno, Ill need a lot more of those. Hmmm, alright, well that should be about a months worth. Bathing supplies, check. Portable timekeeper, check. Mapping kit, check. Snow Blindness-Reduction goggles, check.


    He paused, then. Seems thats just about everything, except for the Irtyshenan coin in my chest, which should be enough tost me for a good while. Alright. Then Ill just


    Alex! Theresa called from upstairs, her voice loud enough to make the young wizard flinch.


    Yes? he called back, his stomach sinking.


    Selinas awake, she said.


    Oh, Hells, he muttered. Where are you?


    In the dining room, the upstairs dining room!


    Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath to steady himself and throwing the bag over his shoulder, teleported up to their dining room.


    Theresa, ygon and Selina were waiting there.


    The golem and the huntress seemed to have been packing a bag for him, filling it with rations, fresh food, water, canteens and other supplies. Selina stood at the bottom of the stairs, her hair mussed and nightdress rumpled from sleep.


    Her eyes werepletely alert, while her posture was stiff and her head darted from side to side.


    W-whats going on? she asked, looking from one of them to the next. Why are you all packing, you just got back?


    Tension gripped her voice.


    It was clear she knew something was wrong.


    Waitwhat happened to your clothes? she suddenly cried. What happened to you, ygon, youre all scratched up!


    Alex winced; with everything that had happened, hed forgotten the ragged state of their clothing. Merzhin had healed their injuries, but their clothes were still ripped and burnt. Theresa had changed her shirt since theyd arrived home, but her trousers were now a series of burn holes, where cloth should have been. Alexs shirt was bloodstained and frayed from top to bottom.


    Selina, youll understand soon, because I have something important to tell you and I need you to listen carefully, he said slowly, trying to soundpletely calm and in control. Okay?


    Alright, she sounded sceptical.


    Do you want to sit down?


    No, Im okay. Her fingers tightened on the railing. I thought you were doing everything you needed tost nightthe stuff for those people Kelda worked with? Did something go wrong?


    Welljust listen.


    He told her of the mission in Brightfire, of the four ces that Warder had directed them to in the Empire andfinally, about the attack in the wilderness. Alex stayed calm, trying not to frighten her, avoiding details that might scar her. He ended his story with them teleporting to Merzhin for healing.


    ...and thats why Im going to have to go away for a while, he said. They have some way of tracking me, and I don''t know what that is, so until theyre defeated, theres no way I can stay at home. I have to leave because I have to finish this.


    No.


    An ufortable silence hung over them.


    What? Alex asked.


    Youre not going anywhere, this is our home. She looked at him with fire in her eyes.


    Selinatheres a chance that theylle here looking for me, then theyll attack


    Its okay. She nodded. Were safe here. Youll be safer here, and we can fight them together.


    Selina, youve never fought anyone before, Theresa said gently.


    Its okay. Alex can teach me more fire magic, and


    Selina. Alex cut in. I cant. We nearly died; Ill be honest with you, I think the only people we know who could <emfortably</em> defeat themwithout any risk to themselvesare Baelinor Hobb, probably. Even if we had the entire cabal together, I dont think we could win that fight right now. If theye here looking for me, then they could hurt you, they could hurt Toraka, your friendsso many people we love. Im not going to let that happen.


    Then Ille with you. Well all go together.


    She forced a smile. Itll be like when we went into the Cave of the Traveller together, Alex. Just like then, Ille with you. Ill go get my


    Not this time, Theresa said. When we were leaving Alric I told Alex youd follow him if he went into the Cave by himself.


    Good. Selinas smile remained. Then Ill get my


    But this is different.


    The forced smile wavered. Slightly. Hows it different? Her tone was tense.


    Because youre older now, Theresa said. Because we <em>know</em> whats waiting for us in the Empire. Because Alex isnt going to a city of wizards this time. Because we dont know when hell be able toe back.


    What do you mean because Im older now? I can handle it, thats why I should Selina started.


    Theresa was shaking her head. Selina, youre older now; youre mature enough to know <em>why</em> you need to stay here. We can trust that you understand and know you wont try to follow Alex now. <em>Thats</em> why you can stay here. Thats why this is different from before.


    I dont <em>want</em> it to be different, then! the young girl cried. I want toe with you I Her voice rose. I dont want you to die! She faced Alex, tears running down her face. Youre my <em>only</em> brother! Mom and dad are dead, and now you want to go off by yourself? Alex, you could die, then what will I do?


    The young wizard forced down a surge of emotion. He had to be strong. He <em>had</em> to be. Youll live, Selina, he said. Youll live, and that could be very, very hard, but <em>I</em> did it. I had to do it, after mother and father died, and youre smarter than I was at your age. Youre stronger, youre braver, youre more determined. Youll do it, Selina. Please, I have to do this.


    Butwhat about our life? she asked, tears dropping on the floor. Were <em>happy</em> here! When are youing back?


    I He paused. I dont know. I just dont know.


    Trembling, Selina suddenly ran from the stairs, throwing her arms around her brother. Nodont leave menot like this


    Alex wrapped his arms around her, holding her tight. Its the best way for now, Selina. Its the only thing we can do.


    Silence fell between them.


    She buried her head against his torso; a torso thatmere hours agowas mangled and bloodied. Promise youll be back. Promise.

 Chapter 724: The Iron Child

    Chapter 724: The Iron Child


    The Roth siblings reluctantly broke their hug knowing that their time together was growing shorter.


    Alex stepped away from his sister, cing his hands on her shoulders. His eyes held hers. Youre one of the bravest people Ive ever known, Selina, and I want you to never forget that. Remember that when you think about me, and remember how much I love you. Ill miss you, and Ille back home. I promise.


    Selina sniffled, looking up at him with herrge, green eyes.


    Alex took a moment, taking in her face, <em>really</em> looking at her,mitting her to memory.


    Shed grown a lot over their two years in Generasi. She was taller and leaner. Her face was changing, shifting from round, pudgy and childlike, to the angr face of the young woman she would be. There was still more child there than adult, but that would change with time.


    He knew that if he was gone long enough, she might barely be recognisable when he got back.


    That thought stung. Deeply.


    Youre the bravest person I know, Alex, and Im d youre my brother, Selina told him. I love you, and thats why you have toe back. <em>Soon!</em>


    I will, Selina, I will, he promised again, stepping back.


    Sniffling, she walked to ygon, cuddling against the iron golem. A surge of emotion flooded their link as the golem ced a hand on her shoulder.


    Alex turned to Brutus who was sitting beside his master.


    Goodbye, boy, he said to the cerberus, wondering if the hound truly understood. He hugged the cerberus thick middle neck, then almostughed; two years ago, Brutus would have lunged at him if hed tried to touch him, never mind hug him. Theresa had been right, as she often was; a little respect had mended the bridge between them long ago.


    Brutus licked Alexs face, those big, brown eyes staring into the young wizards until Alexs gaze drifted away.


    He looked up at ygon.


    The golem was watching him intently.


    Anger seethed through their link, along with a deep well of sadness.


    <em>Iam hereto protect youfather</em> he said, his voice like that of a scared young child. <em>You and Selinamade me for that</em>


    Alex ced a hand on the golems arm. Thats true, but youre so much more than that, buddy. Youre a singer, youre my friend, youre a warrior, youre part of my family. Any father would be lucky to have you for a son. Youre so much more than a golem thats only there to protect me. Youre not my ve, youre not just my golem: youre ygon. You can choose to do what you want, beyond what you were made for.


    Smiling sadly, Alex tapped his Marked shoulder. Look at me, I was supposed to be a clown, a servant and counsellor for other people, for the Heroes and all of Thamnd. But here I am, doing things my way. You have to do things your way, buddy; you have to be <em>more</em> than my protector while I''m gone.


    <em>Yourewrong.</em>


    Wait, what now? What do you mean?


    <em>Yourewrongfather,</em> ygon said. Waves of sorrow poured through their link, tinged with anger. Anger that was directed at Alex. <em>I knowall of thatalready. I knowwhat I am. I knowwhat you made me forand I know that I can doas I want.</em>


    ygon looked directly into Alexs eyes andthough his were forged of ironthe young wizard could have sworn the golems eyes were alive. Truly alive. <em>I dontknowif I canresist youif you forced me to dosomething. We arelinkedand I have alwaysfollowed what youvetold me to doand I dont knowwhat would happenif I refused.</em>


    Huh, Alex said. I dont know either. Were still connected, but you have your own mind and your heart is made from a dungeon cores essence. Youve already evolved twice; honestly, ygon, I dont know <em>what</em>youre capable of. Thats one of the many, many reasons I say youre more than my protect


    <em>Yourewrongfather!</em> ygon suddenly shouted.


    Selina startled, recoiling from the golem, stumbling and falling. Ooof!


    Below, chair legs scraped across wood.


    Theresa startled.


    Brutus jumped to his feet, barking.


    Alex was stunned into silence.


    Burning anger poured through the link.


    <em>I am yourprotectornot becauseyou made me that way!</em> the golem shouted. <em>Youmade mebut I am my ownperson! And Iwant to protect you father! I choose youI choose to protect SelinaTheresaBrutusmy family. I choose to protectKhalikIsoldeThundarthe Heroesmy friends. Its what I choose to do. I am notsomeve that you have to set free...father. I amygon. I amyour buddyyourchild. I choose to protect youand thats whythis hurts so much. Because</em>


    The golem shook, his head tilting down.


    <em>Icannoe with youyou are right. If Ie with youthen Selinamight get hurt ordie.</em> Terror poured through the link at those words. <em>...if the churces here You goand I cannot follow. It doesnt hurt becauseI am some unthinking thingthat has to go with youit hurtsbecausebecause</em>


    His four hands balled into fists.


    <em>Because I wantto gowith you! I desperatelywantto go! ButI chooseto staybecause I have to. Andfatherit hurts so muchto think of youby yourselfwith those people hunting you</em>


    Suddenly, a bitterugh erupted from ygons voice box.


    Alex recoiled.


    The sound wasnt human, nor even mortal. It wasnt like any noise a living being could make. If iron couldugh, that would be its sound; cold, metal scraping together, creating a noise that was all edges and blood.


    A dreadful sound that chilled the heart.


    <em>Theyare living thingsborn things!</em> ygon raised his hands above his head. <em>Theyare born from mothersfrom fathers! They are mortals!</em>


    W-who? Selina asked.


    <em>The church! </em>ygons voice was still that terrible, grating, iron sound. <em>They are peoplenot constructs ofymetalor stone! They are flesh! They eatthey sleep! They do not wonderif they have a soul! They do notwonderwhat will be of themif they are destroyed! They know!</em>


    Heat and light red in the fire-gem in his forehead.


    <em>My bodyis a tool to destroyand to buildif I wish. Butit is not fleshwhat I can dois limited. I will livemaybeforever. ButI do not have the choicespeople do. There are thingsthey cannot dothat I canbut thingsthey can dothat I nevercould. Morethat they can doby my reckoning. They can choose somany things.</em>


    That metallic growl grew deeper. Darker.


    <em>Butthey do not choose!</em> he screamed, a tearing sound like iron armour crumpling. <em>Theydo notchoose anything! Theyserve! Onlyserve! No matterwhat that meansnot questioningnot thinkingonly hurting!</em>


    He suddenly pointed through the window, to Shales workshop. <em>Shaletreats her golemslike she treats her toolsbecause they aretools to her. They haveno minds. They cannot choosethey can only doorif she does not give them an orderjuststand in silence. They areonly tools to herbut how are these people of that hidden churchany different?</em>


    There was a terrible ng as he smashed one fist against the other. <em>ThepriestsI knowthey were our enemiesbecausethey were hunting my fatherbut they think! That hat served the kingTobias Jayhe thought! He lives a life of serviceto his kingand dead godbut he thought! He chose howand he chose whathe thought was right! The king serves his godand peoplebut he chose to let father goMerzhinchooses differentlyafter Careydied. The priestsI saw themdo goodin the Heroes campearlier. They chooseand they help. I thinkBaelin is wrong.</em>


    What? What do you mean? Theresa asked.


    <em>I amnot surenoI am sure. Not alldeities areparasitessome are badsome are goodsome areregr. Ive seenwhat Uldar didit is evilUldar also did goodmaybe for faith. I have read of deitiesthat do goodor thatdo as nature does. They do not seem evnd Hannah isnt evnd neither is Carey. Carey serves herbut she thinks for herself toobut nothats not right either</em>


    He paused, his emotions a whirling storm through their link.


    <em>Ihave met people that think deeplyI have met people that onlythink with their stomachs or instincts. Some peoplethinkothers do. But people do different thingsas they need tothey do notjust keep doing the same thinglike unthinking toolsexcept for those hate filledfollowersof the hidden church! They do not think! They do nothingbut only whattheir dead godoncetold themand dont adjusteven if that meansdoing terrible thingsthat they are not supposed to do! They are no better thanShales golemsor her tools! They are nobetter!</em>


    ygon screamed. <em>They were not madefrom steel, yor stone! They were born from fleshthey were born with mindsbut they actlike they have no minds at all! They actmindlessly! I hate themfor that! Look at meI am choosing to dowhat I dont want to dobecause it is the right thing! I am choosing againstthe purpose I have chosen for myselfbecause it is the right thing! And it hurtsso much But I am doingit! Merzhin didit! Why wont they? There would be so much less painif they didwhy wont they? If they didthen fatherwouldnt have to goto the northto the darkinto dangerby himself! So why. Wont. They!</em>


    His scream ripped through the air, breathless and filled with an unending fury.


    Through the link, Alex could feel an emotion that hed never truly felt from ygon before


    hate.


    True and utter hatred.


    It was like acid, burning, corroding.


    The young wizard swallowed; this was the hate of metal. Unending.


    Ornot?


    It began to fade, calming to a dull anger. A resentment. A sadness.


    <em>Dont worryfatherI will dowhat needs to be doneI willlet you goeven if it hurtsbut answer me</em> He looked at Alex. <em>Whydont they choose better?</em>


    The Thameish wizards mouth opened and closed.


    An old memory rose from the deepest mists of his mind.


    He was in the kitchen with his father early one morning, with the sunlight streaming through a foggy window. His father had been cutting carrots, and Alex clearly remembered the sound of the knife running along the cutting board.


    Hed looked up from the potatoes hed been peeling and asked his father. Why do people die?


    The knife had stopped moving. His father was still for a moment, and Alex hadnt understood why.


    Then, with a small smile, hed turned to him and said.


    It''s because we''re mortal, son, and sometimes that''s the only reason for anything.


    But why do mortals die, father?


    Here son, you''re doing a good job with those potatoes. How about a cookie?


    Oh, thanks Dad!


    Alex had devoured his cookie happily, quickly forgetting his questions about life and death; it was only now that he realised what his father had done.


    He distracted me, Dad never had a real answer, he thought. How could anyone? When he froze like that, he was probably panickingjust like I am now. Huh.


    In that moment, Alex felt like he understood his father better than he ever had before.


    ygon He paused, searching his thoughts. I don''t know why people do what they do. I don''t think even the deities and archwizards of the world know why some people choose hurt and some dont. If they did maybe this would be a better world.


    He sighed. Or maybe not. I dont know. I wish I could tell you why they kill for a dead god. Or even a living one; I mean, they do a lot of awful things He shook his head. I wish I could tell you why Uldar built the Ravenernot to help Thamnd, but to kill his people over and over againpeople who trust him, who believe in his goodnessbut Ill never understand. I''m not sure if I even want to.


    <em>I see maybe it''smorefortable for themthey don''t have to think. They don''t have to decidethey don''t have to feel the pain of decidinglike I do now </em>ygon said, his voice returning to that of a small child.


    Alex swallowed. Maybe you''re right, buddy, maybe you''re right. This decision hurts me too. It hurts me a lot.


    He took a step forward, his arms spreading to hug ygon.


    Somebody cleared their throat.


    Um, is this a bad time? Bjorgrund filled the doorway, eyes wide. I heard shouting and some kind of loud bang, and I thoughtwellthat you were in trouble? His eyes fell on Selina. Um, do you need a hand, small child?


    The young girl gaped at the giant, then slowly turned to her brother<strong>.</strong> Alex, who is this?


    Um, um, Im Bjorgrund, the young giant muttered. Uh, sorry for disturbing you all.


    I told you not to interfere! Birgers voice called from somewhere below. He sounded like he was standing at the bottom of the stairs.


    Selina''s eyebrows rose.


    Well, Selina, Alex cleared his throat. This is Bjorgrund and Birgerhis fatheris downstairs. Theyre, umnew friends we met in the Empire.


    Okaynew friendswe keep making thoseokay, the young girl said, though she looked a little wild around the eyes. She turned to the young giant at the door. Im Selinawee to our home.


    Gingerly, she reached for the giants hand.


    With a single swift yank, he helped her to her feet. Selina yelped. Yikes!


    Oh, sorry! I didn''t mean to hurt you! He recoiled. Its just, uh, I''ve never really met anyone so small beforeandyou know what? Im just going to go now.


    That''s okay, I


    Goodbye! The young giant quickly turned and fled, thundering down the steps, drawing a cry of rm from his father.


    By my ancestors, watch where you''re going, son! Birgers crutch thumped across the wood. You''re liable to crush me!


    Sorry, father!


    Don''t apologise, just shut the door! You left it open! st it, son, give these people their privacy!


    Yes, father!


    Bjorgrund scrambled back up stairs, bowed his head in apology, then with a heavy bang, the door mmed.


    Silence descended on the room, draining some of the tension away.


    Ah, he seems nice, the young girl gave a strained, confused smile, looking like she wished she was in bed.


    She suddenly frowned.


    Um, we have a problem If there''s people who coulde here to hurt me, then I can''t stay in our home. Not anymore.


    Thats why youll be going to our old apartment in the ins, Alex said.


    Selinas eyes hardened like emeralds. I cant go there either. Not ever.

 Chapter 725: The Lonely Departure

    Chapter 725: The Lonely Departure


    What do you mean you can''t stay here? And why are you saying you cant go to the ins? Alex looked around, eyes searching the room. Did something happen while we were gone? I knew leaving you overnight by yourself was a bad idea!


    I''m fine, I''m fine! Selina insisted, waving her hands in front of her. Nothing happened! There was a note of desperation in her voice; it <em>had</em> been her idea to stay the night at the bakery instead of with the Lus or at her friends house. It had been the source of a small argument between brother and sister; one she had only narrowly won. Im old enough to stay by myself for the night, Alexbut thats not what Im talking about. I''m not worried about myself, I''m worried about everyone else.


    Why, what do you mean? Theresa asked.


    Well If these people are so dangerous, then what happens if they attack the bakery? I might be okay with you, ygon and Brutus here, but what''s going to happen to Troy? To all the people that work here? What''s going to happen to our customers? What''ll happen to the people in the neighbourhood? They''re going to get really hurt, or worse. It''d be the same problem if I stayed on campus, other students and staff could get hurt or killed.


    Well, Hobb would be there, Alex countered. And so would the Watchers.


    She shook her head. Itd take them time to get there, wouldnt it?


    Her lips ttened to a thin line. I remember what happened at Isoldes cousin''s band when the demons attacked the Games. People died at the Games, even with Baelin, the Watchers <em>and</em> Hobb there. There was so much blood She shook her head. I don''t want to see that happen again because I''m hiding somece where others could get caught in some terrible attack.


    Oh, by the Traveller, you''re right Theresa murmured.


    Jeez, I didn''t even think of that! Alex pped the heel of his hand to his forehead.


    He''d been looking at things through a single lens.


    The one thought that had been burning in his mind had been keeping Selina and the rest of his family safe. He''s been so focused on drawing the hidden churchs attention to himself in the Empire, that he hadn''t considered what would happen if they <em>did</em>e to the bakery.


    But now, he could imagine it; the image was grim.


    He could see the bakery, busy, full of happy customers, the servers going from table to table, putting tters of freshly baked tarts and pastries before rxed patrons. There would be families waiting. Children. Employees from the nearby shops on their lunch breaks. Some of Torakas staff would be there as usual; he could see Lagor discussing a job with his assistants over hot buttered bread and freshly brewed coffee.


    Troy would be happily serving customers when the door would open. Hed look up, putting on a weing smile.


    That smile would quickly fade.


    Who would be standing in the doorway? The First Apostle. The ancient Chosen of Uldar would be wreathed in power, leading the Third Apostle and a squad of holy warriors, armed, armoured and looking for himor even worsehis loved ones.


    What would Troy do?


    What would any of the staff do?


    Would they have time to do anything before they were ughtered? Would they even have time to run?


    The hidden church had thought nothing of trying to kill Birger and Bjorgrund, who they had no quarrel with. Theyd think even less of killing poor, bakery workers, and their helpless customers.


    The same would happen to students and staff members on campus; until Hobbeventuallyarrived. Then, there would be hells to pay. Quite literally. The eventually part would be the problem, though. In the time that the registrar took to appear, how many students would be maimed or killed?


    There were entire families staying in the ins.


    Alex and Theresa had been considering bringing Theresa''s family there.


    Wouldn''t campus be one of the first ces the secret church would think to look, if they couldn''t find the Fools sister where he and his family lived?


    By the Traveller, I really didn''t think this one through, Alex admitted, a spike of shame rising in his chest. Gods, I nearly did what Isolde talked about.


    What was that? Theresa asked.


    He swallowed. She said that if we''d gone to her cousins ballknowing that we were being hunted by the Ravenerthen she could never have forgiven us. She said the attack would''ve been my fault, because I wouldve been too selfish to tell anyone what might have beening. I didnt know I was being hunted then, but I do now. So, what I was just suggesting would look like I was doing the same thing; being thoughtless, self-involved, and inconsiderate of other people. And because I actually know about the church now, and that theyre after me and anyone else involved with me, itd be true.


    Alex flinched. I can''t believe what I nearly did. That I didnt think about what might have happened to other people.


    I did the same thing, just focusing on one part of the problem with the church, Theresa said.


    <em>So didI</em> ygon said, his voice dropping low.<em> Butwhat do we do, then? Selina needs some cewhere she will be safeand where others will not be hurt.</em>


    And where my family will be safe too, Theresa growled. I know they really like it at the Royal Griffon, but its no fortress. She sighed. ygon, Brutus and I need to protect them too.


    Alex''s mind was spinning. He needed a ce where his family would be safe, and where others wouldn''t get pulled into a deadly battle between the church and his allies.


    It had to be remote, but defensible. There was also Selenas schooling to think about


    Wait a minute, Alex paused. What about school?


    Selina shook her head. I don''t think I can go back to school for now. I couldn''t forgive myself if anything happened to Ab or anyone else because of me. I won''t let that happen. Her jaw clenched. I don''t want to leave school, but you''re leaving home, Alex, and ygon''s making a choice that hurts him.


    She looked at Theresa. I''m sure it hurts you too.


    The huntress bit her lip, but said nothing.


    So I can''t be the only one who isnt making sacrifices, she said sadly. I''m going to miss school a lot, but I don''t want to go if it''s the wrong thing to do. I don''t want to be like those people that are hunting us, just making decisions without caring who gets hurt.


    A deep and terrible anger grew in Alexs chest.


    If the First Apostle was in front of him, he would do everything in his power to rip his head off, not just his arm this time, Mark or not.


    Well have to arrange something for you, Selina. I can''t let you sacrifice your education for this, even if we do have to make other adjustments and sacrifices. Maybe someone cane teach you and give you your tests at home. But where will that home be? His nostrils red as he considered different possibilities. We need somewhere that''s within reach of the university, is a good distance from other people, yet secure enough for even a king and queen.


    A king and queen? Selina asked, her eyes growing wide.


    Just an expression.


    No wait Alex, you''re a genius! the young girl cried.


    What are you talking about? the young wizard asked.


    King! And! Queen! Where did Khaliks parents stay? Selina said. Think about it, they were in that big vi in the countryside. They thought it was safe enough to be defensible for royalty, and their guards could see anyoneing. It was far away enough from the city thatif it got attackedno one else would get hurt! It''s perfect!


    Alex gasped. Im a genius? <em>You''re </em>the genius, Selina! I''m an idiot! Why didn''t I think of that? Its perfect! It''s also close enough for someone toe from the school to bring you your lessons orif they can''t send anyonewe could hire a tutor from the city!


    Theresa tapped her chin in thought. There aren''t many ces to hide around there eitherI could easily patrol the countryside in that area. Still, though If the church is using the fae roads to get from ce to ce, they could still ambush us there.


    Which is one reason why it''ll be good to be out there, where other people can''t get hurt, Selina said. If they do ambush us, no one else has to suffer.


    Ill need to hire guards. A lot of guards, Alex said, nning, thinking about one of his trips down to the hells. He remembered the mercenaries: skilled, fearless, tactical fighters. There might be one personor maybe <em>two</em> who could really help us out here. I could even ask Toraka for a few golems to protect the manoragh, no wait, I don''t have time to wait around for her to get to the golemworks.


    He continued, considering what to do. Still, I think this is the best solution. Theresa, would you befortable bringing your family out there?


    <em>I wouldprotect them too</em> ygon promised.


    Yeah, it''s the perfect ce for them. But, can we afford it? Especially since we dont know how long well be out there? Theresa asked.


    With the coin we''re making from the golems, we could probably rent that ce for a year before we started to feel it, he said. Which is handy, because I made a lot of golems for the business before we started going to the Empire. Ill still need to talk to Toraka and tell her what happenedor maybe you could talk to her, Theresa?


    <em>Father, I could talk to herrememberyou and I share a linkI can hear your thoughts, even if you''re in the EmpireI could tell her what happenedI could tell her your wordsI could ry them to her, as you tell them to me </em>ygon said.


    That''s perfect! It means you can let me know what''s going on in Generasi! Alex said, with relief.


    And you can tell us how you''re doing in the Empire through ygon! Theresas voice lost some of its tension.


    Thank the Traveller,  Alex said. I wanted to tell Professor Jules, Professor Val''Rok, and Professor Mangal that I was leaving; it wouldn''t be right just to disappear, especially when Mangal made so many exceptions for me, but I didn''t think I''d have time. Oh, and itd probably be better if I let Toraka know I had to go myself, things might get a little sticky there, and at the same time, I could arrange for those security golems from her. Youre making this easier, ygon. I could kiss you right now!


    I''m d we''re still going to be able to talk, Selina smiled. But it''s going to be hard not having you here with us.


    I know, Selina, I know, Alex said, some of his cheer fading.


    It''s going to be awful without you Theresas face fell. Alex, this will be the longest time we''ve ever been away from each other.


    Her eyes met his. We spent so much of our time together in Alricthen we came here on this journey together


    The huntress voice wavered. We''ve done so many things together. By the Traveller, I wouldn''t be half the woman I amor half the warriorwithout you.


    She bit her lip. Now you''re going, and I can''t be by your side. And you can''t be by mine.


    Alex was across the room in two strides.


    He took the huntress in his arms, squeezing her tight.


    She buried her head in his chest, and he could feel her trembling against him.


    He held her tighter.


    This hurt. It all hurt.


    I promise I''ll be back as soon as I can. I''m going to do everything I can to <em>get</em> these filthyfalse holy men. He bit back the urge to curse in front of his little sister. I''ll make them suffer for what they did to usfor what they did to you. I''ll make them wish theyd never heard of any of us.


    His voice turned dark. I''ll even make them wish they''d never heard the name Uldar.


    She held him so tightly it hurt. I don''t care about that. Not <em>that</em> much. It shouldnt be your priority. All I want is for you toe back to metoe back to <em>us</em>, so we can be a family again. Don''t go hurting yourself <em>just </em>to hurt them. Just do what you need to do, to protect yourself, to protect us, and thene back home. Then we can end the Ravener and put this whole neverending nightmare behind us. Behind all of us.


    Theresa looked up from his chest, her eyes glistening. Alex, kiss me.


    He leaned down, and their lips touched.


    They pressed against each other with desperation. They pressed against each other like it might be theirst kiss. When they partedthey paused, then dove back into each other, locking lips, clinging to each other hungrily.


    Atst, though, they had to let go. Alex looked around.


    His eyes took in his lover. They fell on their cerberus. On his sister. On ygon, his golem, who meant so much to him.


    And he smiled sadly.


    He was leaving them, and it tore him apart.


    Yet, they would be safe. He would take the fight to their enemies, and that was the only thing that let him swallow this.


    Alright, if I don''t go now, I''ll never leave. Let''s get downstairs, Alex said, taking up his bags and slinging them over his shoulder.


    In silence, the little family took the stairs down to the eating area of the bakery. As the giants rose from their seats at the table, growing back to full size, the young wizard took a final look at his business and home. A long look.


    He didn''t know when he might see them again.


    He wished he could capture the image and lookhe suddenly remembered something.


    Wait, Alex said. I need to get something.


    Teleporting to hisb, he got Hannahs phone, put it in his bag, and went back upstairs.


    It''s time to go, is it? Birger asked.


    Yes, it is, Alex sighed.


    Are you ready? Bjorgrund asked.


    No, Alex admitted. But I have to go, anyway.


    Theresa looked at the giants. Take care of him for me, okay?


    Please protect my brother, Selina looked at Bjorgrund.


    I will, the young giant promised.


    Brutus whimpered, sensing his masters pain.


    <em>Take care of yourselvestoo </em>ygon said.


    I''ll take care of both of them, Birger said. The old have to guard the young.


    I wish the First and Third Apostles thought the same way, Birger. I really wish they did. Alex turned to his family. Goodbye everyone, I''m going to try ande back to you as soon as I can, and as best as I can.


    He hugged each member of his family again, calling on the Travellers power, before he could lose his resolve.


    Take care, everyone, and well talk soon.


    The power red within him.


    He touched the two giants, taking onest look at his family. Memorising every detail of their faces and his home.


    And just like that, they were gone.

 Chapter 726: The Lake of Ever Ice

    Chapter 726: The Lake of Ever Ice


    The frostbitten wind whipped over the Lake of Ever Ice,shing a small cluster of buffeting tents. Theke spread from horizon to horizon: still, frozen, seeming to have neither banks nor shorelines, simply stretching out endlessly. From east to west, and north to south, ones gaze found only mile after mile of icy, frigidndscape glittering beneath the harsh white sun.


    In the distance, tiny frost-sheathed fairies beat blue crystal wings, fluttering through high winds,ughing and teasing each other in voices crackling likeyers of shifting ice.


    Their eyes flitted about, watching the odd encampment now settled on thekes frozen surface, built beside a crossroads marked by four spires carved with symbols so old, even most fae did not remember them.


    The encampment sheltered mortals who flew a strange symbol on their tent posts and banners, one these fae had never seen before: a white mortal hand emzoned across every tent and every waving banner at the camps borders.


    Yet, the tiny faeno matter how curious they might bewould not approach this ce. Though the campfires were cheery and called to them, and the scent of roasting meat was enticing, one within the camp struck fear in them much colder than the ice below.


    Beyond the tents and whipping banners, the Stalker rxed, gnawing a piece of red meat and gazing out across the barrenndscape. The meat was still warm, fresh and raw, its juices stained his beard as he licked his lips.


    Ah, another beautiful, cold day, he said. Shame my hounds can''t share in my cheer.


    Behind him, the camps atmosphere was as grim as fires were warm, and the ice was cold. Holy men and women crouched by altars to their god, praying with hands sped and cloaks thrashing in the wind; apologies were being whispered with desperate pleas for guidance.


    The Stalker looked at the grey cloud covered sky, wondering if old Uldar would bless them with a sign. If the ancient deity was feeling generous, though, he didn''t show it.


    Behind the short fae, came the sound of footfalls trying to approach quietly, but any hope of silence was ruined by ice shards crunching underfoot.


    How do you like the lovelyyer of frost? The Stalker asked, stomping his feet. The Lake of Ever Ice never thaws, you know. The surface never cracks, andlet me tell youif you leave the road and wander off, you''ll never find thekes end. Nond, nothing at all. He looked back at the sky. Yet the wind always blows bits of ice over its surface, thats the only thing that gives you any traction. Otherwise, we''d be slipping and sliding around like a piece of bacon, in a hot, fatty pan.


    Heughed. "The ice blowing in the wind stings the face, doesn''t it? But its only those pieces of ice that lets us walk in this ceand if I''m truthful, we should still be slipping and sliding around. Kind of makes you wonder if theke <em>wants</em>us to be walking on it, hmm? Blessings have a strange way of not looking like blessings sometimes, dont they?


    The Stalker turned.


    Gabrian stood behind him with Izas.


    I take it you want to talk about that little battle? the fae asked.


    We have failed, Izas said grimly. And this was our greatest chance to destroy our enemy. He will be better prepared next time.


    Every attack now will be more difficult than thest, Gabrian echoed. The Fool has a way of slipping out of his bonds. Uldar marked him with a holy purpose, yet he has escaped his divine destiny. Now, we have dered he must pay with his life, acting on Uldars will, and yet he has escaped thrice now. Once at Uldars Rise, the second time at Rockmoot and now, here, in this northern Empire, so far away from home.


    Aye, thatst one was a bit strange, the Stalker said in easy tones. I thought your little trick with your holy dirt would stop him from teleporting around; I mean, that''s why I went through all that trouble digging up your old home, isn''t it?


    Gabrian looked at Izas, the Third Apostle let out a long breath.


    The interdiction was not perfect, he said grimly. The circle of soil and my sanctification gave the area a taste of our gods power, but thisnd is not Thamnd, nor is it Uldars divine realm. His interdiction was naturally weaker in this ce, I''m simply thankful it worked at all.


    I curse my own ipetence, Gabrian said. I am the Chosen of Uldar, and one who has mastered the skill of life enforcement. I have trained with magic, divinity, and swordsmanship until few could be my match in all the world. In my time of servicewhen I was far less experiencedI slew the Ravener and hordes of its monsters. Yeteven with the Fool of Thamnd, this Alex Roth, caught off guard and at my mercyI was unable to finish him.


    Maybe you were having an off day, everyone has an off day now and then, the Stalker chuckled.


    That is no eptable excuse for failing in our holy purpose, the First Apostle said.


    The fault is mine, Izas said. Perhaps I called the retreat too early or was not strong enough to properly perform the sanctification. Even with the interdiction being weaker than it would be at home, he slipped from our grasp too quickly.


    Oh, don''t beat yourselves up! Well get him next time, I''m sure! The Stalkers eyes stared off, as though looking at something far away. Aaaah, already, I can sense his name, it seems our quarrys returning to the Empire.


    Then, there goes all hope that he did the decent thing and died from his wounds, Gabrian sighed.


    Oh, there was never any hope of that. The fae shook his head. Trust me, I have his name; if he were to die, I would know. Besides, it''s not your fault that he''s still alive, it''s mine. And I''m surprised you haven''t put the me squarely on my shoulders yet.


    Gabrian and Izas nced at each other.


    It is not your ce to help us eliminate him, the First Apostle said, eyes searching the sky. Uldar deemed that we take on this task, and he sent you to guide us to our enemy. But to demand that you fight our battles for us would be to disregard our holy duty; it is our task to eliminate this threat, not yours. I am merely thankful that you guided us to the Fool, and that Uldar sent you to us.


    Not that we would deny your assistance if you offered it," Izas said quickly.


    Once again, the Stalkerughed. I knew there was a reason I liked you! The problem with you mortals is that you''re too quick to call on things old and powerful to do things for you. He began counting on his fingers. Fae, deities, demons, devils, engelithere are more that I could name, but I''d have to use my other hand and I''m feelingzy right now.


    He chuckled. The pair of holy men did not.


    The Stalker shrugged, spreading his hands. You mortals sit there praying and summoning, then begging. You beg the old powers to kill this person, or fix that crop, or resurrect this son or daughter, or whatever. Especially you holy folk; if I had a piece of gold for each time a priest begged for their lives instead of saving themselves when facing the fang, axe or sword, wellby Lord AenflynnI''d be richer than everyst one of your rulers.


    His eyes lit up. You two are different though, aren''t you? You do things on your own, when you need to; you get in the guts of your kills. Ah, yes, mortals with spine! That''s why I chose you to help me with this little huntits my choices<strong></strong>you should be ming for this failure.


    What do you mean? Gabrian squinted down at the fae.


    The Stalker snapped his fingers, and a pipe carved of golden wood appeared in his hand. He stuck it between his lips, sucking back; embers ignited in the bowl, despite him not lighting them. The fae puffed a cloud of red smoke; a fragrance like roasting chestnuts sweetened the frigid air.


    I take great care when I choose my hounds, it makes no sense to hunt with those that can''t hunt for themselves, he suddenly grew serious. But I take greater care in choosing my quarry; just as a dragonyer wouldn''t waste time going on a great hunt for a hare, I wouldn''t chase prey that couldn''t offer me a challenge.


    He rubbed his hands together like a greedy fly. My prey has to put up a good fight, and get me winded when Im chasing them. Who wants boring prey? So that was your problem, it was the prey I chose who made that battle so tricky. I tell you, though, for a while there, I thought Id chosen badly!


    The Stalker wagged his finger, puffing on his pipe. When that boy went down so easyhis guts and blood spilling out like a stuck pigI thought Id picked the wrong quarry for sure, one with no fight in im at all!


    He chuckled<strong>.</strong> Then next thing ya know, hes back up and fighting and running for his life. He even managed to save that lovelydy of his! Well, maybe. Her wounds were just as bad as his were, even worse Id have to saybut I have no way of telling if she''s still among the living or not.


    The fae ran his fingers through his beard. Could we not send a hound or two down to that city of wizards? Be good to look in on our quarrys people, see if theres anything we could use to flush him out.


    Out of the question, Gabrians tone was firm. We are here to do Uldars will, not start wars that could devastate his holynd. Already our divine purpose hangs on a precipice; any interference noweven delicate interferencecould see us fail. A war with an entire city of wizards is no delicate matter.


    Perhaps we should not be so hasty, holy leader, Izas said suddenly. With the right mercenaries hired, we could gain a presence in Generasi without drawing their eyes to ournd.


    The First Apostle paused, his brow furrowing in thought. Perhapsbut only if the hour grows desperate. For now, we should focus on strategies that ensure the Fool dies when we next have him in our grip.


    Well, if thats how things must be, I think Ill be taking part the next time we find him, the Stalker said. Now that I know he''s a challenge, I can''t resist getting in on the festivities myself.


    Thank you for your assistance most wholeheartedly. May Uldars light shine upon your steps. Izas bowed his head.


    Oh, bah! No need to be so dramatic, Im just having a little funand speaking of fun He tapped the side of his nose. I heard some interesting details when I was tucked away inside the giants cottage. Some very, veeeery interesting details.


    Such as? Gabrian asked.


    Seems our quarry was up to a bit of mischief. Appears he was stealing from someone there in the Empire.


    A thief. Izas snorted. Of course the Fool is a thief.


    Ah, but his moral and criminal proclivities aren''t what interest me, my hounds. What interests me is what he stole, and who he stole it from. He rubbed his hands together, clenching the golden pipe between his teeth. And who he stole it <em>with</em>. Seems he didn''t trust someone he went thieving with, or at least thats what he told the giants.


    Oh? Gabrian looked at him with interest. You mean to say that he''s created more enemies for himself.


    Aye, and that his allies might not be soallied with him, shall we say? He licked his lips. In either case, his enemies, those who might hold a knife ready for his backthey might be our friends.


    More of your hounds, then? Izas asked, a slight note of distaste in his voice. A very slight note.


    You catch on quick, and that''s another reason why I like you two so muchoop!


    What''s wrong? Gabrian asked.


    Hes baaaaaaack, the Stalker grinned, fangs shing in the cold light. Hes too far for us to get to him quicklybut he''s back where we can get our hands on him. And now, the hunt begins again!


    Heughed in pure delight. En garde, my quarry, en garde!


    Alex and the two giants materialised in a frozen tundra in the northern reaches of the Empire. The wind was biting, thend deste, and the sky grey, and grim.


    Yet, despite the bleakness around him, he was home. This ce would be home for a while, and only the Traveller knew how long that might be. Though, likely even she didnt know.


    Alex exhaled, blowing twin puffs of steam in the frigid air. Alright, you zealous bastards. En garde!


    He looked at Birger and Bjorgrund. Come on, friends, we''ve got a sanctum to find.

 Chapter 727: The Hole Left Behind

    Chapter 727: The Hole Left Behind


    ygon, at this point in his young life, couldnt be considered ancient, old, or even aged, and as ridiculous as it sounded, he was still only a toddler, technically speaking. But, in his short life, the young golem had seen and experienced things that would inspire mortal legends for generations.


    Hed seen battles that had changed the face of realms.


    Hed seen magic and miracles.


    Hed seen life, death, and the very fires of the Hells.


    Hed even seen a soul pass through the gates of death, and return to help her friends in the world of the living.


    Yet, none of these profound events could have prepared him for the sight now before him. Three people were at a long tablethree powerful people with vastly different talentssitting where hed never expected to be a guest.


    An astonishing sight he wished his father could see.


    Toraka Shales drawing rooma ce of wonderwas vast, far bigger than the Roth familys entire apartment.


    The dining table, covered in ss and crafted of white jade iid with tinum frescoes of scores of golems, stood in the centre of the room. Some frescoes were images of golems fighting hordes of ravening monsters, beating them down with only their immense fists. While in others, constructs apanied masters, conveying entire carriages high above their heads. Thergest fresco was of an enormous metropolis being carried on the massive shoulders of a dozen fierce looking golems.


    Art covered Torakas walls, each piece a moving, living object; trees with leaves of varied shapes and sizes fluttered in a breeze, people sipped sses of red wine,ughing soundlessly, while animals groomed their fur beneath sunny summer skies. A huge painting, stretching across a south facing wall, depicted a dragon of polished iron breathing me, incinerating a goldenndscape as a soldier crafted of steel stood within the inferno, holding his sword aloft, his expression defiant.


    Wooden furniture was iid with gold, whilefortable chairs were covered with shimmering silks.


    Steam curled above three cups of piping hot tea ced before each woman at the table.


    Toraka Shale sat at its head, of course, her hair still damp from her morning bath. To her right was Professor Jules, blinking owlishly in the early morning light. Professor Mangal was across from her, looking as fresh and bright as a spring blossom. ygon had heard Jules mumbling about youth and morning people earlier.


    Her crustyments had abruptly ended<strong></strong>the minute he and Theresawho was beside him with Brutus and Selinahad revealed why theyd urgently requested a meeting with the powerful trio.


    It''s still early, so maybe I''m not hearing right. Toraka took a long, guzzling drink of tea, almost draining the cup. If the heat bothered her, she gave no sign. But, did you just tell me that Alex is gone?


    I can assure you, you havent misheard what was said, Toraka. Professor Jules buried her face in her hands. This sort of madness is quitemon with Mr. Roth.


    I don''t understand this, we were doing great work together, he and I, Professor Mangal jumped in. Why would he leave so suddenly, especially without a goodbye? I could see a sabbatical, but-


    Wait, wait, wait, I don''t care about any of that. Shale put the tea cup on the table with a trembling hand. He can go wherever he likes, I just want to know when he''ll be back. We <em>do</em> have a business to run, and a surge of new clients to satisfy.


    <em>Father does notknow when he''ll be back</em> ygon admitted.


    Well, that''s simply uneptable, he hasmitments. He and I have a contracta very lucrative contract that I would normally never sign with anyone, I might addthat is taking advantage of what might be a very limited window of opportunity to make an enormous amount of profit. Word is spreading of these golems, and demand is up. I need him in the factory now more than ever.


    Alex left so I''d be safe, Selina said, her voice small.


    Just where did Mr. Roth go? Professor Jules said, dread already apparent on her face.


    ygon reached across his link with his father who was far north of Generasi, asking him what to say, and telling him how the two professors and the business woman were reacting.


    Alexs words reached ygon from the Empire.


    <em>Are you sure, fatherdo I tell them that much?</em>


    They''re being dragged more and more into this, Alex replied. They deserve to know what we''re dealing with.


    <em>Are you alrightfather?</em>


    Im okay, ygon.


    The golem looked down at Theresa, Selina and Professor Jules, speaking softly. <em>Father saidwe can tell Professor Mangal and Toraka Shaleeverything thats happened</em>


    If he thinks we should, then we will, Theresa said.


    I would suggest being careful with whats said about a certain deceased individual, Professor Jules voice was low.


    <em>She likely means Uldar,</em> the golem thought.


    Other than the dead fellow, and because the situation has escted, Professor Mangal and Toraka should be brought up to speed. Jules finished.


    <em>Then we willtell the story</em> ygon said.


    The golem and huntress told of what had happened in the north, the search for Keldas sanctum, of the need to revert the Mark, and the situation with the hidden church, though no mention of Uldar being dead was made.


    <em>if this goes wellthen the Ravener will be destroyedforeverbut our enemies are tracking father, somehowand if he had stayed heremany people would have suffered if they had attacked him in Generasi</em> ygon finished.


    Professor Jules groaned. So his solution was to trap himself in a hostile Empire while marauders hunt him down? Is that right? She made a sound of disgust. I would find it unbelievable if I didn''t know Mr. Roth so well.


    This is a conspiracy of the highest order. Professor Mangals hands were over her mouth. A secret cult hunting studentsby the gods.


    Toraka''s mouth was a t line. Her brow creased. This does seem to be an emergency. One that''s very, very poorly timed. Your n is to move your family out to a vi in the countryside?


    Yes, where no one else would get hurt if something happens, Selina said.


    We wanted to buy golems from you to help with security, Theresa said. Alex left us ess to his ounts so we could


    Toraka raised her hand. Don''t even talk to me about coin; I''m not some shortsighted woman whod slit the throat of her golden sheep. Or let random wolves rip it out.


    Selina winced at those words.


    And I''m not going to let the sheep''s familye to harm either. The golem crafter smiled at Theresa, Selina and ygon. I was there when you opened your bakery, I was there when Alex bought that building and turned it into something worthy. I''ll be here for you now. Im going to lend you four iron golems for your use at the vi, each one was built with advanced sensory magical items imnted in their eyes. They''re equipped for war, of course. Now, they won''t be as impressive as you, ygon, but they''ll still be more than a match for most warriors of flesh and bone.


    Thank you. Theresa lowered her head. "My family and I are going to feel much safer having them there. I owe you.


    Toraka waved a hand dismissively. Alex is my business partner; of course I''m going to protect his family, if I can. Besides, you''re nice people. Anyway, <em>I''ll</em> feel much better when I know when Alex will be back."


    She frowned. I''m doing some mental mathsand he did build a <em>fairly</em> extensive supply of our advanced dungeon core-infused golems well before the situation he currently finds himself in urred; thank the gods hes someone who appreciates the value of contingencies. Hmmm, another question I have, though, is will our supply be enough to meet demand?


    The golem crafter ran the tip of her finger along the tabletop as though making a note. So, with how they''re sellingwe should have enough golems tost about a yearunless Oh! <em>Oh</em>!


    She snapped her fingers. If this Ravener gets destroyed, the supply of dungeon core essence will dry up sooner orter. Lets say a rumour gets out that these Thameish Heroes are getting closer to defeating ita rumour that''ll be supported by Alex''s absencethat would create a perception of scarcity; thered be a rush to buy, in which case, our supply could be depleted a lot faster. ygon, would you tell Alex that?


    The golem ryed Shales words and listened to his father''s reply.


    <em>Father saysthat he could try and think of a wayto craft golems in the Empire </em>ygon said. <em>He asks that you contact Luciato arrange for supplies Tell her toe and talk to me</em>


    The golem crafter raised an eyebrow. He has a workshop in the frozen wilderness? I doubt it, somehow, and I don''t want him making promises he can''t keep.


    He''ll think of something. Trust me, he always thinks of something, Theresa said.


    Well, there''s another problem well have to resolve. What about the dungeon core essence? If you and ygon are going to be here protecting little Selina, then who''s going to harvest dungeon cores?


    Surely Thundar or Kybas can''t go alone,<strong></strong> Professor Jules said.


    The huntress paled.


    I didn''t think of that, she admitted.


    Shale shrugged. Even if we could get most of the supplies to himas well as the equipment, if he finds a proper workshopwe will still <em>need</em> dungeon core essence to make the advanced golems with. Without that key ingredient, the entire venture is lost.


    I think there''s more important things going on here, Toraka, Professor Jules said archly. Such as the safety of our students.


    Theyre <em>your </em>students, Vernia, and I have a lot of employees, and a lot of families that need to be paid. This is still important. So. Toraka looked at Theresa. What will you do?


    The huntress bit her lip. I Her face washed from pale to red. We <em>need</em> that essence, and we <em>need</em> to keep killing dungeon cores.


    You should go, Selina said. Those priests are taking everything away from us, I don''t want them to take this away too.


    <em>Are you sureSelina? </em>ygon asked, rying the question both he and Alex had.


    Yes. She nodded, her eyes sparking like green fire. I''m positive.


    The young wizards words came through his and ygons link, and the golem then said aloud. <em>Father is notpletelyfortable with thisbut he saysthe church is tracking himif Theresaor Igo to Thamnd to destroy dungeon coresthen it should be alrightas long as he''s distracting them</em>


    Well, thats a huge relief, Shale sighed. You know what? I do believe Ill be sending you a fifth golem for your protection.


    Ill have a word with the essibility department at the junior school, Professor Jules said. We can send someone out to make sure you can keep up with your education, Selina. I wont see a young mind being robbed of what it needs because of filth.


    Thank you. Selina bowed her head. That means a lot to me.


    I simply wish that there was more I could do, unfortunately, this is a little beyond me. Unless Perhaps, I <em>can </em>help. I am in rtion with certain contracted spirits Professor Mangal said. I could ask some to attend<strong></strong>your new home in the countryside<strong></strong>and help guard it, and I can also request for others toe to the material world and try to locate these hunters wherever it is that they might be hiding.


    <em>You are doinga lot </em>ygon said.


    Mangal sniffed. I like to think of myself as a kind woman, but my motives are not a hundred percent pure. Alex has the makings of one of the greatest summoners of this generation. That Mark does help him, but his personality and proclivities give him a unique talent for the art that few share; I would not have the summoning arts robbed of such a brilliant practitioner.


    I don''t really care what your motives are, I just care that you''re helping us, Theresa said. This would be a lot harder without you.


    The three women looked at each other, quickly taking long sips from their tea cups.


    A blush crept up Professor Jules cheeks. Yes, well, on another note, it looks like I''m going to have an especially busy day ahead of me. The danger has clearly escted, so the ruling council should be informed of this new development immediately. Ill have to speak to Councillor Kartika.


    <em>AndThat''s what they said Father" </em>ygons voice came through their link.


    Alex floated above a bluff, his cloak pulled tightly around him, surveying thend below. Good, thank the Traveller we''ve got so many people that want to help us.


    He looked over his shoulder. Any sign of the church?


    Thankfully, no, Birger said, as he and Bjorgrund flew beside an ice-locked cliff.


    The frozen mountain peaks rose far above the young wizard and the two giants.


    Any sign of the sanctum? Bjorgrund called.


    Nothing yet, the young wizard called back. Come on, this is only the second location of four. We''ve got a lot of mountain crags to look at before we leave.


    Together the trio continuedbing the mountains.


    In the back of his mind, Alex wondered how the city council would react to Jules'' news.


    He hoped that they''d be calm.

 Chapter 728: A House Out Of Order

    Chapter 728: A House Out Of Order


    Get my house in order? You have a lot of nerveing here and speaking to me that way! How dare you address a monarch in such a fashion? King Athelstan Merciexs voice rose, filling the meeting room.


    On either side of him, High Priest Tobias Jay and court wizard Errol red at counsellor Kartika.


    The six armed womanher three pairs of hands sped before her on the tablered right back. Outside,te fall had given way to early winter, and the windows were coated in a thickyer of wet snow and ice. It had taken time for this meeting to be arrangedtoo much timeand the usually patient councillor had obviously not taken the wait well. The situation was too important.


    When a kings house is out of order, then that king must be told to get his house in order, she said, her voice t, sharp and cold, cutting like a knife. Especially when that disorder affects other rulers.


    If you are speaking of the incident at Rockmoot, then know that disciplinary measures were already taken. As we <em>informed you in our correspondence.</em> Tobias leaned forward. I find this attitude of yours vexing.


    Her eyes flicked to the high priest. And I find yourck of respect vexing, young man.


    The priests eyebrows rose. I have not been young for many winters.


    Compared to me, you''re still a child, the wizard said. And I''m not talking about Rockmoot, so you can stop with all of that <em>as per my previous letter,</em> nonsense. If it were only Rockmoot, then we would not be having this conversation; I have better things to do than hold grudges over dead issues.


    What do you mean? the king demanded. Have we been nothing but amodating? Our Heroes, priests, and knights are working with your forces, including the Fool! I was even told that the Fool teleported to our forces during the battle of nesam justst month, to receive healing and aid. No one of Thameish blood harassed him or tried to do anything untoward. I can assure you of that.


    The councillors face had be a mask of calm.


    Yet, the king knew better; he could see the tightness around her jaw and eyes. She was seething.


    I am not speaking of that battle. However, I will address that event. I know, and trust that you are honouring our diplomatic rtions by not attacking a citizen of our fair city. She leaned forward, the wooden table creaking under the increasing force of her three arms. How do you think he received those injuries?


    Are you using us of treachery? Errol blustered.


    Of course not. If you had betrayed us, I would be using you directly of treachery, not beating around the bush. I did not do that and that is not what I said; I said for you to <em>get your house in order.</em> Are you aware that you have renegades within your ranks, King Athelstan?


    The king frowned. Thameish discipline has been honed through thousands of years of conflict and our faith in Uldar. We suffer from banditry as any other nation does.


    Councillor Kartika shook her head. I am a busy woman, and you are a busy man, I would not waste our timeining to you about bandits. You have rot within your church and your army. Organised rot. I have been informed that the Fool of Thamnd has been attacked by a shadow organisation hiding within your ranks. I trust that <em>you</em> would not have ordered this attack?


    What are you saying, what shadow organisation? What fantasy is this? the king scoffed. The Thameish army is controlled by my vassals, who have sworn oaths of loyalty to me, and I have been vested with the authority of the divine right of rulership by Uldar himself. Imand here, and am unaware of any shadow organisation.


    I can only tell you what has been reported to me. And what has been reported to me is that a citizen of Generasi has been attacked by an organised, militaristic force that wears the symbol of your god, operating under his divine purpose. This is by their own admission.


    She red at High Priest Tobias. Is this your doing, priest? Or is your church so unruly that you have open rebellion right beneath your own nose?


    How dare you, the holy man bristled. The priests of Thamnd serve both our rulers throne in the material world, and our gods throne in his divine realm. They have utter loyalty. Our king has ordered no such attack, and if Uldar sent a sign that such a battle must be fought, then I would know of it. I am the highest holy authority in all thend, aside from the Saint. Clearly, this must be the work of brigands, looking to discredit us, if such an attack even took ce.


    The unfortunate event at Rockmoot was caused by heightened tensions and a single nervousmander, Errol sniffed. These issues have already been corrected. I do not know how things are in Generasi, but there is no secret, conspiratorial organisation here in Thamnd that works to subvert the kings oaths andmands.


    That you know about, Kartika finished for him, her tone t.


    Where is the evidence of this so-called secret organisation? You wizards of Generasi im to believe in hard evidence, so where is it? the court wizard asked. Produce it here.


    Investigate and you''ll find it, the councillor said.


    So you have no proof? Errol asked.


    Let''s just saythat if we did have proofI am doing you the courtesy of not sharing evidence withthose who are suspect.


    You''re using someone in this very room of treachery, then? the king asked.


    As I said, in the beginning, if I were using you of treachery, then I would have done it openly. However, when one is to engage in diplomacy with anotherwhose house is not in orderthen one must be careful with what one shares. If you find this treatment rude or unfair, then I have only one suggestion. Get. Your. House. In. Order.


    ...I do believe we are quite done here, the king said, his voice frosty. Let us retire before tensions rise further and someone says something they might regret.


    Very good, I have said my piece. Kartika rose from the table. My teleporter is waiting to take me back to Generasi, and I have a lot to do.


    She looked at King Athelstan directly, holding his eyes. And so do you, young king, so do you.


    ###


    The nerve of her! the Court Wizard sniffed, taking a long sip from a goblet of wine. I tell you, Tobias, these foreign wizards are bing much too arrogant on our shores.


    The insult was grave, Tobias said, his hands sped behind his back as he looked through the window. However, I can only partly me her for her rudeness. Our armys showing at Rockmoot was not their finest hour. One could conclude that we have a discipline issue after a scene like that.


    A minor discipline issue that has been dealt with. Errol took another sip from his goblet, this one even longer.


    Erm, you should slow down there, old friend, it''s still early in the day. Very early. High priest watched the court wizard with concern, eyeing both the goblet, and the rapidly falling level of liquid in the wine decanter.


    I need something if I''m going to get through another meeting with those overbearing wizards. And I need it to calmmyself after any such an encounter. Eroll sipped liberally. Rude! Uncouth! Disrespectfuldisrespectmy king?


    Hmmm? King Athelstan looked up from staring at the roaring fire in the hearth, his eyes focusing.


    With respect, my king, you look troubled, Errol said gently. Are that womans words bothering you? Is her rudeness angering you as it so angers me, my king?


    There was a long pause. A pause filled with meaning.


    Tobias sat down, his eyes suddenly alert.


    Sire, what are your thoughts? he asked.


    The king tapped a long finger against the arm of his chair, lips pursed, tongue pressed against the back of his front teeth. What do you truly think of her words? Not what we said in front of herbut what do you <em>truly</em> think?


    Sire, I think that all of Thamnd is united under your rule and Uldars divine will, Errol said quickly.


    And you, Tobias? What say you? Athelstan asked.


    Hmmmm. The high priests eyes had returned to the window. It is trueall of Thamnd should be well united beneath your rule. But


    But what? The king leaned toward Tobias, his chair shifting. Speak freely.


    The high priest closed his eyes for a momenta long momentbefore finally opening them. His eyes were still averted from his king.


    Forgive the seed of doubt, your majesty. I still cannot fully understand what happened at Rockmoot. A nervous officer giving amand, I could see; if any of us thought your life was threatened, we might act hastily as well. Yet, for so many of your soldiers to react without yourmandis troubling.


    You are overthinking things, Tobias; many of our soldiers would strike <em>immediately</em> if they thought the king was threatened. The exnation is simple: a nervous officer gave themand, and the army assumed that our king was on the verge of being attacked. They simply reacted, Errol said.


    Tobias finally looked away from the window, his eyes fixed on the court mages. Errol, you served with the army when you were younger, did you not?


    The mage winced. Briefly. Very briefly. A soldiers life did not agree with me; these hands are far more suited for pens than they are for swords or spears. I was a poor soldier, and I''m not sure who was more relieved at my discharge; me or mymanding officer.


    Yet you still served, even if it was only briefly. Tell me, would those soldiers reactions be so organised if they were caught off guard? The order to attack was toe from either the king or one of us, not from some panicked officer. Yet the soldiers didn''t hesitate; they struck in unison. I am no military man, but from where I stood, their coordination seemed perfect. Almost as though it were rehearsed.


    Errol paused. Soldiers drill, Tobias, it is their duty and their vocation. Just as you dont hesitate or stutter in your prayers, they don''t hesitate to strike when necessary.


    Not even one caught off guard? Tobias asked. They seemed <em>ready</em> to me, Errol.


    We were all ready for the Fool to strike.


    Yet he did <em>not</em> strike. Tobias pushed. I was standing as near to him, as I am to you. I saw no hostile motions. And supposedly a single panicked officer saw something from many times that distancegave an order that was not supposed to be given unless the king was under attack, or he himself ordered an attackyet not a single soldier hesitated?


    So what are you suggesting, Tobias? Errol threw his hands up. That theres a massive conspiracy within our ranks? Youre starting to sound like those foreigners; questioning us at every moment as though were ipetent backwater fools!


    I am suggesting no such thing. Tobias turned to his king. My king, are you aware of the strengths and weaknesses of deific silence?


    Athelstan shook his head, his eyes drifting to the high priest. I''m sorry, I must''ve skipped that lesson during my church school days.


    It is not a lesson taught to many outside of the priesthood. Tobias cleared his throat. Religious schrs around the world debate the strengths and weaknesses of deities who are highly active in their worshippers lives, as opposed to deities who take a distant stance. Some deities rule their people with an iron fist, at times, even manifesting in the physical world to lead them personally. They appear to prefer taking the role of a mortal king or queen rather than a being of a divine nature.


    He shook his head. Many deities who assume this approach often be no more than powerful tyrants. They control their people through faith, strength, andat timessheer terror. Many of these deities show no kindness, unlike our Uldar, and even those who offer kindnesswhile leading their mortal followers by the handcan create a faith ripe with sycophants. Much as a parent must let their child go so they might experience the world, a deity should allow their faithful to explore and havemand of themselves. Better to serve as a gentle guide and an arbiter of divinew, than an overprotective guardian.


    King Athelstan raised an eyebrow. Is this the reason that Uldar did not return after his ascension?


    Tobias smiled sadly. That is one of the theories: that our lord Uldar ascended and took a distant vigil over Thamnd so we would be free to grow into our own. It has been theorised that there is a cost to this action, however.


    And that cost is? the king asked.


    Unity and harmony. If a deity steps back and only guides gently or silently, then mortal minds and words can twist that deitysws to their own will. At times, even their own priests might begin to argue about interpretation of divinew. Schisms andsecret cells of dissidents can form.


    And you think this might''ve happened to us? King Athelstan asked.


    I am not sure, my king, I am not sure, Tobias said gravely.


    The king sat upright. I am not sure either Tobias, and that in and of itself is worrying to me. If Councilor Kartika is right, then something rotten lies within our kingdom of Thamnd. Perhaps it is time that we investigate; strange things have been urring this cycle, almost from the beginning. Perhaps we <em>do</em>need to get our house in order.

 Chapter 729: The Hunt for the Sanctum

    Chapter 729: The Hunt for the Sanctum


    From somewhere high above, something shifted, tumbling to the stone below, surprising the threepanions.


    Alex raised his staff, taking the first stance of the Spear-and-Oar dance as Birger reached for a rock from a heavy sack slung over his shoulder. Bjorgrund held his axe at the readythe de chipped from battle and biting throughyers of thick icegripping it hard.


    The trio didnt breathe.


    Alex reached for the Travellers power; listening for the sound of movement, eyes scanning the cave floor, searching for loose soil spread out in a circle.


    He found none.


    There was only debris, and chunks of ice.


    Yet, from above, loud cracking noises echoed all around them; ice shifting, dropping, tumbling, shattering on the stone floor. The trio stood poised to spring away, eyeing the ceiling, hearts pounding, breaths held, waiting.


    And as suddenly as it started, falling ice stopped. Three pairs of lungs gasped for air.


    Alex sent forceballs to scour the cave, searching for signs of the church and Stalker. Thankfully, neither were there. The vast cavern was now eerily silent, within were the ruins of an ancient, mountain cathedral. Alex couldnt know how old it was, he only knew that he didn''t recognize the time-worn holy symbols carved along its walls.


    The cathedral wasnt the domain of any deity he was familiar with, nor were there signs that worshipers, treasure hunters, or travellers had passed through it in centuries, or even longer. He, Birger and Bjorgrund were its first visitors in a very, very long time.


    And it appeared, they were alone.


    Thepanions sighed with relief, startling each other as the sound echoed through the cavern.


    Two weeks of this. Bjorgrund loosened his grip on his axe. Two weeks of this, and I''m getting tired of all of it. I almost <em>want</em> them to ambush us.


    Don''t say <em>that,</em> son. The old giant looked around the cavern, tension etched in his face. You just might get your wish.


    Wed better hurry, either way. Alex peered at the ceiling of thick ice held in ce by packed snow. Atop the ceilingy tons of snow, forming a rooftop that grew higher with each snowfall. One thing he definitely didnt want was an avnche, especially one triggered by a surprise attack. I hope this is the right ce this time.


    We have two more ces to check after this, from what the maps showing, Bjorgrunds voice was hopeful as he tramped through broken stone pews lining the cathedral, his heavy footsteps echoing like thunder.


    I''d rather we were already done. Birger floated above the stone. The sooner we find Keldas sanctum, the safer we''ll be.


    The young wizard said nothing, but his thoughts were matching the giants.


    Alex picked his way over the shattered idols of the past, calling on the Mark, examining every stone they passed. The Fools eyes scanned their surroundingslit only by forceballs and dim sunlight filtering throughyers of icewatching for evidence of a hidden passage.


    Come on, he thought. This is the perfect ce to hide a sanctum, Kelda, please let it be here.


    For two weeks, they had journeyed through these mountains, looking for her sanctum. In two weeks, they had found nothing. Their days were spentbing mountainsides, squeezing into tight, icy crevices. Their nights were spent huddled in small caveswarded by Birgerresting fitfully, fearing an attack that coulde at any time.


    In the mornings they rose early to start searching again.


    These mountains would make for a good hideaway. Alex stepped over the fractured head of a colossal statue. If Keldas sanctum was somewhere around here, that could exin why the Guild hasnt been able to find it after so much time. Hells, we nearly missed it.


    They were making their way through a crevice and had been floating up an icy ridge, when Birger noticed the strange way light was ying across a frozen mountainside.


    It was worth taking a look around, so theyd stopped. Bjorgrund had cut a small crack through the icedoing everything he could not to start an avnchethen Alex had teleported the three of them into what turned out to be the cave they were currently exploring.


    We were so close to leaving these mountains behind, he thought. Im d we didnt. Theres got to be something in that. Maybe Hannah''s guiding us.


    As the thought crossed his mind, something caught his eye.


    A section of stone in the cathedrals main chamber looked odd, calling on the Mark, he examined it.


    Like in the Cave of the Traveller, there was an area that wasnt quite the same as the rest of the stone; it was smoother, as if worn from time and contact.


    This could be it! Alex thought, trying not to let excitement take over.


    I found something, he whispered to the giants, climbing over the ruins to reach the wall. This could be it!


    Birger floated up behind him with Bjorgrund behind a heartbeatter.


    Is it a secret passage? the young giant asked.


    Oh, Kelda please let this be you He caught himself. Please let this be your home.


    Alex kept examining the stone with the Mark, finally carefully pressing his fingers to three spots where the rock appeared smoother. There came a shift and something clicked behind the wall, stone ground against stone.


    The wall slid away, slowly moving to the side with a grinding sound. Ancient mechanisms groaned, protesting years ofck of use. For a moment, Alex held his breath, expecting the mechanisms to seize, when suddenly, they did. All grinding stopped with a loud bang, the wall froze in ce.


    It had opened no wider than a crack, hardly enough for his hand to slip through.


    Shit! he swore.


    I''ve got this, Bjorgrund said, worming his fingers into the space. With a grunt, he began forcing the stone, using his great strength against it. In moments, the mechanisms started moving again, and slowly, the stone began to slide.


    Clouds of musty, smelling dust rushed from the chamber, enveloping Birger, Bjorgrund and Alex, sending them into coughing fits. The young wizard squinted, waving a hand before his face, trying to see through the gloom.


    Come on,e on! he pleaded.


    Rargh! Bjorgrund pushed again, the wall slid wide.


    On the other side, a wondrous sight greeted them.


    An ancient, mummified priestdressed in golden robeswasid out on an altar. Around him, a treasure that would have filled a dragon with envy, was piled high. Gold, silver, gems; statues and ancient artefacts.


    There was enough wealth for someone to live like royalty for at least a dozen years.


    The trios faces twisted with disappointment.


    This wasnt what they were there for.


    Alex scanned the back wall, hoping to find another secret passageway, but there was nothing there.


    Dammit! the young wizard grunted. I was sure wed found it this time!


    Birgers shoulders slumped. As was I.


    Bjorgrunds expression turned sour as stone dust drifted around him. Maybe we could


    He paused, looking up. Hey, is that dust acting funny or am I seeing things?


    There was enough dust wafting through the air that it looked like fresh snow falling. Most drifted along freely, though darker patches seemed to be reaching for each other, clinging to each other, as though they had a will of their own.


    As though they were


    Soil! Alex screamed, ncing at the temples ceiling. The soil floated around, slithering like a serpent, blending with the dust.


    Particles came together, forming a ring.


    Alex sprang for the giants.


    With the power invested in me, I sanctify The First Apostles voicemanded, loud enough to echo off every surface.


    The ceiling cracked.


    Ice shifted.


    Snow poured down.


    The Third Apostles voice caught. Just for a moment.


    Alex touched Birger and Bjorgrund.


    A wall suddenly ruptured. Standing there, wreathed in power, was the First Apostle, chanting a spell. Lightningshed from the tip of his sword like a whip.


    Alex called on the Travellers power, solidifying an image.


    The lightning reached for them.


    The trio vanished.


    Images swarmed around them.


    Next, they were on a mountainside, far to the northhundreds of miles awaydropping to their knees. Alex''s heart was pounding.


    His chest was heaving. If he didnt hesitate when he was sanctifying that room


    The cracking ice helped us. Birger gasped. If it wasnt for that, his lightning would''ve hit us.


    The younger giant growled, but said no more.


    Come on, Alex said. I still don''t know how they''re tracking us, but we should teleport a few more times and try to throw them off. He looked up at the sky; the sun was far in the west. It''ll be dark before long, we should also find a ce to camp for the night.


    The Stalker and hispanions stood on a mountainside far to the south, watching the avnche bury the ancient cavern.


    Well, better luck next time, I suppose, the Stalker said.


    Where are they now? Gabrian asked.


    Popping about, here and there, jumping hundreds of miles at a time, he said, pleasantly. They think that''ll throw us off.


    It will be dark soon enough, Izas said. We should pursue them.


    Not all of us. Gabrian pointed to a group of warriors, then to a tall peak nearby. We should build a camp there. We know that the Fool seeks something in this area, so we should leave a watch here in case he returns. The rest of us will take the fae roads, and begin our pursuit.


    The warriors bowed. Of course, First Apostle.


    Well, wed better get started, the Stalker said. Our wily quarry tends to set up camp hundreds of miles away from thest ce he camped. If we''re going to catch them tonight, we''ll need to start moving, and fast.


    We will run him down. Gabrians gauntlet gripped the hilt of his sword.


    The remains of their fire had died down in the small cave.


    A few floating embers drifted above the ckened wood; white smoke slowly rose from the cinders, passing through the cave mouth and into the night.


    Bjorgrund and Birgery with their backs to the wall.


    Alex was lying outside the cave mouth, peering into the night.


    The giants snoring echoed through the cave.


    Outside, the wind was still.


    Alex pulled the nket tighter around his shoulders; even his warming glyphs seem to be only a half measure against cold this deep. It was his turn to watch, his eyes had been scanning the dark for what seemed like hours.


    Beyond the cave mouth was a wide stretch of tundra, only broken by the asional, lone, pine tree. There was neither movement, nor moonlight.


    Nor were there signs of the church, at least for now.


    Alex nced at a dried twig set in a snow drift nearby; if Birgers ward was breached, the twig would snap with a pop of light. The n was that hed then grab the two giantswho were sleeping within arms reachand disappear.


    Once again, theyd be on the run.


    Dammit, he swore. I really thought wed found it.


    Me too, Bjorgrunds voice said softly.


    Alex jumped. Jeez, Bjorgrund, you nearly killed me!


    Sorry, the young giant said. I woke up. Is it time for my watch yet?


    I think so. Alex squinted at the sky. Hard to tell with the light, or theck of it, I guess.


    Quietly, the young giant crawled to the front of the cave mouth, keeping his back to the wall.


    Are you going to sleep? he asked.


    Alex shook his head, moving a bit further into the cave. He took ValRoks knife from his satchel.


    No, he said. I don''t need much sleep.


    So what''s that for? Bjorgrund nodded at the knife.


    Let''s just say, it''s to make preparations, Alex said, beginning to quiet his mind. We didn''t find the sanctum today. We might not find it tomorrow, but well find it soon. I have faith in that.


    How soon do you think?


    I cant say for sure, he said, taking off his boot, getting ready to shear away some of his soul when he finished talking to Bjorgrund and calmed his mind.


    With any luck, maybe well be home for Sigmus. I don''t want to miss that time with my family.

 Chapter 730: A Cold Spray

    Chapter 730: A Cold Spray


    Cold waves crashed against the rocky coast.


    Salt sprayed through the air.


    Merry bloody Sigmus, Alex grumbled, flying close to the surf. He red bitterly up at the moon, wiping droplets of salt water from his face, the closest hed been to a bath in weeks. Looking over his shoulder, he called to hispanions, the only two people he''d spent time with in more than a month. Do you see anything?


    Birger floated over the rocks on the beach: the giants form was silhouetted in the light of dusk. Alex could only see part of his face in the shadows, but his expression didnt look pleasant. I don''t see a sted thing, frustration was clear in a tone as hard as flint.


    That frustration had only grown in the past few weeks.


    Alex shouted up to Bjorgrund who was scanning a cliff further away. You see anything, big guy?


    There was a long silence. The young giants hulking form hovered in front of the cliff. He neither moved nor answered. As the silence stretched on, Alex allowed himself a small, growing spark of hope. Maybe hed found something on this hostile ind of sharp rock, slush and snow. Maybe hed found the sanctum at longst. Maybe they could get inside and he could finally change the Mark then stop the Stalker and the bloodthirsty secret church. Maybe theyd be able to go home.


    No, it was nothing. Bjorgrund matter-of-factly crushed Alexs hopes. I thought there might''ve been something up here, but it''s just an old birds nest.


    The young wizard barely resisted screaming.


    I-Im sure well find it soon. Weve almost searched the whole ind. The young giant offered; notes of apology and hope in his voice. There was an optimism in his tone that sounded more than a little forced.


    Son, we''ve searched this cursed ind three times already, Birger said. We''ve had to dodge that church twice as many times as that. Theyre more dogged than rabid wolves.


    But not every corner! We haven''t searched every corner! Bjorgrund insisted.


    I''m pretty sure we have, Alex muttered under his breath, then out loud, It''s getting darker and we don''t want to be around here when we cant see whats around us. The church keeps getting closer.


    Right, Birger muttered, floating over to Alex. I suppose its off to another cave, then.


    Father, son, and the Fool of Thamnd linked hands then teleported away.


    In the distance, a spyss surfaced from beneath icy waves, protruding from a strange underwater contraption. It was an object fashioned of steel and shaped like a long barrel, fitted with basts and magical glyphs inside to keep it afloat and circte clean air inside the strange vessel.


    Inside, a mans eye was fixed to the bottom of the curved spyss, watching Alex, Birger, and Bjorgrund. He spoke to a woman sitting at the controls of arge magical device. You can tell Warder they haven''t found it yet.


    ###


    How are our supplies holding out? Alex asked, crouching by a fire in a wooden<strong></strong>hollow. The group was camping in the hollow of a titanic, petrified tree, deep within an ancient forest.


    Birger made a face as sour as vinegar as he dug through the bags, dumping a pile of potatoes on the ground. Low. We''re going to be needing food soon.


    Alex sighed. Well have to make a quick food run for tomorrow morning.


    Oh? What are we stealing this time? Bjorgrund asked hopefully. That side of salt pork we hadst time was good.


    For the first four meals of it Alex slumped against the petrified wall, trying to find afortable position on the hard, uneven surface to rest against. It was futile, but hed been no stranger to futile endeavourstely.


    Try to get us some vegetables this time, I don''t want us getting scurvy before we find the sanctum, Birger said. <em>If</em> we find the sanctum.


    We will. I know we will. Bjorgrund peeled a potato, impaling it on a sharp skewer and setting it above the fire. He began peeling another one. Alex nced at their remaining potatoesa small pilepared to how many thered been a week agoand joined Bjorgrund in the tedious task.


    Birger took a potato from the pile.


    The trio worked in silence, the only sound in the hollow was their breathing and knives cutting away potato skins. Every now and then, theyd nce up at each other, not trusting themselves not to voice the thoughts brewing in their minds.


    The ancient firbolg broke the silence. Do you think Warder lied to you, Alex? Maybe he gave you a false map?


    Alexs sigh was deep and exhausted. I hope not, Birger, I just hope not. Im willing to call the ind a lost cause: I don''t think the sanctum''s there, which only leaves one more ce on the map for us to to check. Itll be there.


    How can you be sure? Maybe he just gave you a fake map to make you go away.


    I damn well hope not. Alex muttered. If the maps fake, that means we wasted a month and a half, and we''ll have to start all over again.


    So, what do we do if it is fake? Bjorgrund asked.


    I''d have to go find one of the guild members, and have a long, pointed conversation with them. Actually, conversation''s not the right word: I''d be doing a lot of asking, and theyd be doing a lot of answering, if they know what''s good for them. Alex said, almost hoping the map was fake. He knew his thoughts werent rational, but he really wanted to take his frustrations out on someone at this point.


    The young giant finished peeling potatoes, then leaned back, taking up his axe. It was brand new: the old woodcutters de he used to carry had broken weeks ago and Alex had stolen this new one for him from a golem-armour workshop.


    It was muchrger and heavier than the old one, it had a sturdier edge and was far better crafted. An enchantment of durability and precision had been ced on it.


    How are you liking the new axe? The Thameish wizard asked.


    It''s good! the young giant smiled. Cuts better, it''s heavierwhich feels good in my handsand it''s a lot better bnced. I almost feel bad for using such a nice weapon as a tool.


    Be thankful that all you need to cut with it is wood and ice, Birger said. When that axe has to taste blood, it''ll mean the church has caught up to us.


    That''s true, father. Bjorgrunds shoulders slumped.


    Alex was about to say something, but words failed him. After all, the old giant was right.


    Instead, he reached across his link with ygon. Theyd spoken early that morning, when theyd wished each other a Happy Sigmus. ygon had told him how things were going in Generasi, and the news had been bittersweet.


    His friends hunts for dungeon cores were going well, with Theresa, Grimloch, Kybas, and Thundar, regrly harvesting the valuable material. Selinas tutora grad student from Generasihad finished the lesson n for the fall semester, and she and Selina were getting along well, especially since she was a fire mage.


    Life in the countryside vi wasfortable, ording to ygon, though some days were easier than others. There were days when Selina, Theresa and the others were fine, and others when much of the day was spent missing and worrying about him.


    It was good having Theresas family there with them, and the cabal came by for regr visits. Today, they were celebrating Sigmus in the vi, andas much as it hurt him to miss thatAlex was d they were all together.


    Not all the news was good, though.


    Professor Mangal had summoned many powerful spirits to locate Alex''s pursuers. After shed sent them off into the world, the churchs attacks had decreased for a time. Yet, the spirits had never found them, no matter how long, or how far theyd searched. The church was as elusive as they were dogged.


    ygon had given him more bad news. Letting him know that Torakas supply of golems was rapidly decreasing.


    Rumours had spread that the Heroes of Thamnd were on the hunt for the Ravener, wanting to destroy it to end the cycle. The rumour had sent interested clients into a buying frenzy, wanting toy their hands on their very own golem infused with dungeon core essence, before they were gone from the market for good.


    The golems were selling at twice to three times the rate they were before Alex had left, which was filling both his and Shales coffers, but depleting their supply at a worrying rate.


    ording to what Toraka had told ygonif the golems continued selling as welltheir entire inventory would be gone in a little over six weeks or so.


    Of course, Alex hadnt found a safe workshop to make more golems in. Hede up with a n to transport them to Generasi from the Empire: when he finished crafting them, he would teleport them to a remote area of the wilderness in the Rhinean Empire. From there, members of Lucias crew would collect them, and transport them to Generasi and leave him the supplies he would need.


    The n wasntplicated, and through ygon, hed talked it over with Lucia and arranged the transportation and supply dropback when he thought he''d find the sanctum sooner, notter.


    Now, here he was, with a good n to transport golems, but no ce to make them. For a few desperate moments, hed considered breaking into a workshop in the Irtyshenan Empire and helping himself to every tool hed need to set up aboratory in the wilderness.


    But, he knew thered be a couple of problems with that idea.


    First, it would only get more hunters after them. The church and Stalker were hunting them with the single-mindedness of bloodhounds, but they werent the only onesbing the Empire, on the lookout for transgressors.


    The theft at Brightfire was no small thing; and of course, it hadnt been ignored by the authorities.


    Whenever the young wizard had gone to a town to either steal, or buy supplies, he often spotted imperial agents questioning the townsfolk, looking for information and suspects.


    So far, their searches hadnt turned up anyone, but Alex didn''t want to catch their attention. Already, stealing Bjorgrunds new axe hade with risks; but, stealing enough machinery and supplies to outfit an entire golem workshop, would bring far more attention than they could afford.


    Yet there was a bigger obstacle he had no hope of oveing.


    Time.


    To be able to craft a golem, he would have to stay in one ceworking day and night in aboratoryto finish it. In thest month, hed learned what staying in one ce meant. It meant the church would find him, as surely as if hed summoned them.


    Unless he found a secure ce and the church and Stalker were dealt with, he wouldnt be crafting golems anytime soon.


    If only I could figure out how theyre tracking me, he thought, his teeth clenching in frustration. I''ve tried everything I know to get away from them; magic, hiding, and nothings worked. They always find me. The <em>only</em> thing that sort of worked is staying on the move.


    He bit his lip.


    The only reason we''ve been able to keep ahead of them is because of the Travellers power. They have to use the fae roads to get around; which is faster than going ovend, but its a lot slower than teleporting. One day, though, we could make a mistake and theyll corner us. he thought. There''s already been too many close calls: thest time, if it werent for Birgers wards, wed be dead.


    He stared into the fire. There''s one more ce on the map that we have to check, and if Keldas sanctum isn''t thereby the Traveller, please just let it be there. I need to change this Mark. I need to be able to defend myself against the church, the Stalker, the Ravener...all of them. I want to go back home. I want my damn life back!


    With a growl he reached into his pack, taking out the soul de and the bottle. The container was closer to being full of soul stuff: ironically, thanks to the Mark, as well as time and practise, he was now much better at harvesting material from his soul. Hed had little time to make potions, and even less to practise spells, but he had had time to get very good at two things.


    Using the Travellers power, and excising bits on his own soul.


    By now, he could cross the entire Empire in a single jump. The young wizard was sure he was only weeks away from teleporting from the Empire to Generasi in one move.


    When its safe, Ill be able to go home with a single jump, and maybe by then, Ill have enough material for my artificial mana pool. But, none of that''s going to help me if we can''t find the sanctum, he thought. Soon, it''s got to be soon. Weve checked three ces so far, which means theres only one left. By this time next week, we should have found it. I''m sure of that. It has to be.

 Chapter 731: Just Out of Mind

    Chapter 731: Just Out of Mind


    Alexander Roth was many things.


    He was a wizard, alchemist, brother, a father, businessman, warrior, leader, friend, lover and prophesied Hero. The young man was also a baker, a hard worker, a schr, and a traveller. He''d been a counsellor, guide, healer, and a helper.


    Alexander Roth was many things.


    A quitter had never been one of them.


    He hadnt quit when McHarris abused him because he knew how much Alex needed the job.<strong></strong>He hadn''t given up when the Mark had seemingly stolen his future. He hadn''t given up when all hed really wanted to do was give in to the call of the after-world and bleed out in the snow, letting the peace of death take him.


    But now? For the first time in his life, he was strongly considering giving up.


    <em>Shalesays that our golemswill run out in three weeks </em>ygon said through their link. <em>She is askingif you will be returning soonfatheror, if you will be making more golemsto ship back home She isgetting worried</em>


    Alex''s stomach dropped. Tell her he paused. Tell her I''m working on it


    There was a moment of silence.


    <em>FatherI have told her thatevery time she has askedover the past month</em>, the golem thought.


    I''m still working on it, I''m working on it as hard as I can, Alex thought. Is everyone okay over there?


    <em>We miss youfatherbut we are okay </em>ygon said.


    I miss you too, Alex thought. I hope thisst ce I hope thisst ce is where the sanctum is. Ive gotta go for now, ygon. Goodbye.


    <em>Good luck, father</em> was hisst thought through their link.


    The young wizard sat for a time, staring at a wall in the snow cave he and the giants had tunnelled to use for their camp. He watched the early morning sun shining in the distance through the cave opening.


    He almost didn''t want to face the day.


    Over two months, he thought. Over two months searching for this sanctum, and the only thing we keep finding are snow, cold, and getting ambushed by<strong></strong>the damn church. They get closer while we get nowhere!


    He nearly kicked down a wall in the snow cave. And how in every hell do they know where we are? How are they finding me?


    The young wizard had no answers; he hadnt even had time to do any research to get some. And damn you, Kelda! Whyd you have to make your sanctum so damn hard to find! Couldnt you at least have told Hannah where it was?


    His grip tightened on the aeld staff as he leaned against their supplies, well away from the dried twig protruding from the snow. Snoring grated through the cave, father and son were sound asleep.


    Maybe if I could


    The twig snapped.


    Light shed.


    The young wizard didnt hesitate; his hand<strong>s</strong> whipped out, touching both giants. In an instant, they were gone. He, Birger, Bjorgrund, and the gear hed been resting on, appeared in a freezing tundra.


    By my ancestors, what? Birger shouted, jerking awake.


    What''s happening, what''s happening? His son cried, gripping his axe. The young giant had taken to sleeping with the weapon in hand.


    The stick snapped. Alex leapt to his feet, looking around. There was no sign of their pursuers; only a vast, t, emptyndscape of white beneath a blue sky and cold sun, spread out around them. The ward was breached, so we got out of there.


    Argh! Birger groaned in frustration. That''s the third time they found our camp in thest week! Theyre always getting closer to us, no matter how much sleep we lose!


    We should start hunting them! Bjorgrund stood, kicking the snow. White sprayed through the air. I''m tired of them attacking us whenever they want, we should take the fight to them!


    How, son? Birger pushed himself to his feet, leaning heavily on his crutch. He squinted against the cold, biting wind. We neither know how theyre tracking us, or where they are. They are somewhere in the fae roads, but exactly where? The fae roads are extensive. Do you know where they are, young boy? Is there something you have not told us?


    Bjorgrund sputtered, his face turning red. Well, we could find them. They keep finding us, why can''t we find them?


    I get your frustration, but we can''t do that. There''s only three of usmore, if you count my summoned monstersbut that''s not going to help us against a force as powerful and determined as the church. Right now, I can''t even fight them properly. I''ve done a lot of work finding ways to defend myself against monsters, demons, and other enemies, despite the Mark, but what Ive been able to do wouldnt be enough against that First Apostle.


    You beat the runemarked easily enough! Bjorgrund pointed out. When those people hunting us<strong></strong>caught us the first time, we didn''t know they wereing. They surprised us before we could really defend ourselves. But, now we know they''reing. We couldy traps for them: we could be ready!


    Alex shook his head. The First Apostle is too fast, too strong, and too powerful, especially with his divinity. The Third Apostle is almost as bad. And that fae that led them to us He didn''t even try to fight when they caught us. We have no idea what he''s capable of, and we don''t have Brutus, Theresa and ygon with us. What happens if it turns out he can just make our heads explode by snapping his fingers? We don''t have the information we need, and more importantly, we don''t have anywhere where we could set up an ambush. They coulde at us from anywhere out here in the wilderness, set that soil trap of theirs, and we couldnt escape. And <em>again</em> His teeth gnashed in frustration. my god saw fit to make sure that I couldn''t defend myself, even when filth wants to drag a knife across my throat! Were going to face them, but we can''t face them until were ready with all of our resources. That means, we have to find the sanctum


    Which we are making <em>great</em> progress with, Birger muttered.


    Alex red at him. Something on your mind?


    It''s grown very obvious to me that Warder took you all for a ride. He tricked you! He tricked all of us! All we have to prove that the sanctum is in any of those four ces is his word, and he didnt seem to be the most trustworthy. We''ve been searching for months now, and found nothing! Nothing! He snarled, baring teeth that had yellowed from months of rough travel. We should go back to Sorkovo, and rip the truth out of him!


    Alex shook his head. Before we do that, we should eliminate every possibility that it isnt in one of the four spots on the map. We dont need to be making more enemies, and getting more people hunting us, when maybe we just missed something. We haven''t explored the area in the tundra yet.


    And when we do? And still find nothing? The old firbolg raised an eyebrow.


    We don''t know if we''re going to find something or not, Birger, we could find it in the next hour, Alex pushed.


    Or we could waste another three months here in the snow, and die when one of those ambushes finally gets us, Birger said.


    So, you want us to go back to Sorkovo, then? Alex looked him in the eyes. How long will it take for us to find one of Warders thieves? If he <em>did</em> betray us, they''re going to do everything they can to avoid us. Theyll be scarcer than hens teeth. We only managed to find themno, wait, <em>they </em>found us. We went to one of their old safehouses, and they saw us and came up to us. How are we to find them?


    Well, if we look around the city long enough Bjorgrund started. No wait, if we''re in the capital for too long, the church will catch us there. A lot of people will die, not just us. There''s plenty of nasty people in the Empire who deserve that, but theres a lot who don''t. Like children. I saw a lot of them when we were walking through Sorkovo.


    And youre right, we''ll be among the dead, Alex said. The church will kill us, unless we can get an advantage. Wed take a lot of them down with us, but that''s not going to be of muchfort when were all dead. We have to focus on the sanctum.


    And if we don''t find it in the tundra? Birger asked.


    Alex gave him a long look. For a moment, angry words boiled inside him, threatening to spill over. He nearly snarled and cursed the old giantbut stopped himself, he knew better.


    His anger wasnt actually directed at Birger; both father and son had stayed with him all this time. Theyd left everything behind<strong></strong>to find the sanctum with him, andif it wasnt for themhed be alone. Even though the two of them couldnt go back to their cottage yet, they could have had him teleport them as far away from him, and any entanglements he had with the secret church as possible. They would have likely been safer, but, instead, theyd stayed.


    If anything, he was grateful that theywhod been little more than strangers to him just a few months agowere here with him. The young wizard was feeling the same frustration they were, and if heshed out, hed only be hurting the two people who least deserve it.


    They didn''t deserve his wrath, the hidden church did. So did Warder, if hed lied.


    So, when Alex spoke, his words were measured. If we don''t find it therewell, I just don''t know. Id probably want to go back to the other sites and check again.


    And if <em>that</em> doesn''t work? the firbolg pressed.


    Part of me just wants to give up. I''m homesick, and this is looking more and more futile. Everyday I wake up wondering if Keldas sanctum is even in the Empire. Maybe we were wrong, maybe it''s somewhere in the ice cap to the north. Maybe it''s somewhere in the ice cap in the south. Maybe it''s somewhere even farther! It could literally be anywhere. But


    He shook his head. Why would she build an organisation in this Empire, if she didn''t intend to have her base here? Im really good at reading people: maybe Warder lied to us, but it didn''t seem like he was lying. No, I get the feeling that the sanctum <em>is</em> in one of those four ces. But


    Alex bit his lower lip, now chapped and raw from weeks of endless cold. He picked at the side of his face, scratching the itchy whiskers growing there.


    At some pointwithout him really noticingthe beard had been resurrected.


    But what? Bjorgrund asked.


    I keep thinking were missing something. Alex frowned. People have been looking for Keldas sanctum for centuries. Your fathers wanted to find it, the <strong>G</strong>uilds wanted to find it, and I''m sure theyre not the only ones. Yet, no ones ever found it, as far as we know. Howd she hide it so well, that for more than three centuries, no ones ever found it, or even stumbled across it by chance?


    She was always wily, strong and wise, Birger said wistfully. Independent, too, maybe too independent. If she trusted more people, like me, then we''d be at the sanctum by now.


    Hmmm, if she trusted more peoplethere''s something Alex paused, considering what the ancient firbolg had said. I think there''s something in that. I think you just said something really importantbut I can''t put it all together.


    Suddenly, the wind rose.


    It''s cold bite sank into their flesh.


    We should get moving, Bjorgrund said. Everyone feeling better?


    No, but I apologise for my outburst earlier, Birger said. Im ten times older than the two of you. I shouldn''t have let my feelings get the best of me like that.


    Were cold, were frustrated, we''re all tiredand more than a little scared, if I''m honest. We didn''t do anything we can''t take back, we''re just agitated. Come on, we''ve been in one ce for too long anyway. Let''s search the rest of the tundra.


    With that, the trio teleported far to the north, to thest location marked on Warders map. With a newfound determination, they searched for the sanctum for the rest of the day.


    And for the next.


    And the next.


    The day after that, they barely escaped another ambush from the church.


    Afterying low for a day and a night, they returned to the tundra, scouring it again.


    Days passed.


    Those days became a week.


    A week of finding nothing.


    A nagging thought kept ying in Alexs mind. Hed been overlooking something.


    Something he could almost grasp.

 Chapter 732: Ever Moving

    Chapter 732: Ever Moving


    Three months.


    Three months had passed since Alex, Bjorgrund and Birger had begun their search for Keldas sanctum. Three long months of cold, danger, frustration, and disappointment.


    Time was running short.


    Only a few weeks remained until Toraka was out of golems.


    ording to ygon, her agitation was giving way to panic.


    That feeling was no stranger to either Alex or the two giantstely.


    It now felt like the church had be expert at tracking them. A night rarely passed without Birgers wards being breached, and hardly a day went by without the trio having to elude church<strong></strong>sentries lying in wait.


    It felt like a noose was tightening around their necks.


    Gradually, it would strangle the three of them.


    Theyd grown increasingly desperate, resting less so they could search more.


    The giants were staying awake longer and Alex was sleeping less, harvesting less, mindful of what a church ambush would mean while he was gathering his soul substance. The amount of time he could spend harvesting was limited, but hed been able to half fill the bottle ValRok had given him. Each day they teleported from location to location,bing through different areas obsessively. So far, theyd searched every circled spot on the map three times over, even while dodging dogged pursuers.


    And still, theyd found nothing that could lead them to what they sought.


    No sanctum.


    No hidden doors.


    Not even a single clue hinting at where it might be.


    Even using Restful Slumber, the Fool of Thamnd was having trouble sleeping for the two short hours he needed. His dreams were rarely peaceful, gued by endless tundras, sinister forests with twisting trees as tall as mountains, and mountain ranges that seemed to warp and twist around him, confusing his every path.


    And always, there was the church, hunting him, even in his dreams.


    During every waking momentwhen he and hispanions werent searchinghis thoughts were filled with a single problem.


    Tonight was no different.


    He and the two giants had camped in a makeshift snow cave dug in the side of a mountain pass. Bjorgrund and Birger were busy wolfing down a quick supper of dried salmon and porridge made from pilfered wheat cooked over a campfire, while Alex paced back-and-forth outside the burrow.


    His hands were sped behind his back as he muttered to himself, breath misting in the chill night air. What am I missing? What am I missing? What am I missing? What am I missing?


    He repeated the question over and over as he had day in and day out.


    Kelda wanted to hide her sanctum. She wanted to be sure that only she and whoever else she wanted, knew where no, that''s not right. He shook his head. She wanted to make sure that she was the only one who could enter the sanctum. She never told anyone where it was. She wasnt even specific about its whereabouts with members of her own organisation. She only told them it was located in one of four ces.


    He chewed his lower lip. Did she bury it underground? Uhmthat''s not likely. I had earth and ice elementals go deep into the earth, checkingyers of stone, soil, frozen dirt, ciers, everything below ground, and they found nothing, no matter how deep they went. Maybe they haven''t looked deep enough yet? Or maybe I didn''t send them to the right ces? Ugh. Im sure the Guild must have sent earth elementals looking underground at <em>some</em> point. Why wouldnt they? If <em>I </em>had that idea, then <em>somebody </em>else mustve had the same idea in thest three hundred years.


    The young wizard nced around the mountain pass, remembering the church, his nerves twitching. Maybe I should go back inside so Im near Bjorgrund, Birger and our supplies if they show up suddenly.


    But, he didnt go inside, he remained where he was, thinking. Just taking a few precious moments to be alone and think. To really think.


    Maybe Birgers right? Maybe the Guild <em>did </em>lie to usor, hells, maybe theyre just in wrong. Maybe they have no clue where her sanctum is, he wondered aloud. Okay stop, don''t focus on that, focus on what you knowwhich isnt much. He thought about what Birger had said a week or so ago, about who Kelda trusted. Over time, those words had yed in his mind over and over.


    They were significant, he felt that in his bones, but he couldnt put together why.


    Who Kelda trustedwho Kelda trusted he repeated. She was supposed to trust Birger and the Guild, but it seems not enough to share the location of her sanctum with them. So, I guess she couldn''t have trusted them that much. Maybe there was someone else she trusted more, someone whod helped her. Hannah had mentioned people helping her sowait! Oh wait!


    Alex thought back to the Cave of the Traveller and its lower chambers, particrly the one Drestra had found. The Sage had discovered a portal there. A portal thatwhen shed tried to go near ithad suddenly mmed shut, warning her away, blocking her from entering; a portal that didnt react well<strong></strong>to a Heros Mark.


    When Drestra approached and it sensed her Mark, it had shut her out before she could get closer. But, from what Hannah had said, <em>shed</em> been able to use it to visit Kelda in her sanctum.


    So she left a portal for Hannah, specifically for Hannah. Which means we know one thing for sure: the sanctum could be essed by a portal under the Cave of the Traveller, he said. And it could be essed using Hannahs power. That''s the only way that I <em>know</em> someone entered the sanctum besides Kelda. Dammit, if the portal was still there, wed have a solution to getting inside without all of this endless, futile searching. We could''ve been in there months ago.


    His eyes darted from side to side while he scratched his growing beard, deep in thought. She used the power to let Hannah in. Okay, fine. What if that''s the only way anyone can get in? What if theres no physical door? What if theres no secret entrance or tunnel? What if there''s a portal we need to find in order to get in? Exceptno, no no! If there had been a portal in any of the four locations, I would''ve sensed it like I sensed the portal the Guild used in Sorkovo. I''m still missing something. Let me see nowwhat would<em> I </em>do, if I wanted to hide a sanctum from prying eyes?


    It was a question hed asked himself for weeks, one he had yet to answer.


    Cursing, Alex crawled back inside the burrow, joining hispanions.


    Did you think of anything? Bjorgrund looked up from the remnants of his supper.


    No, Alex said. I think No, never mind. I just keep beating my head against the same wall.


    Maybe we should go find one of those Guild members. Maybe they''re the ones whose heads need beating against a wall to get us some proper answers, Birger suggested, as he had many times over the past month.


    At this point I''m almost ready to give <em>anything</em> a try, Alex said. Have either of you thought of anything we might''ve missed. Anything that could help us?


    If we had, I would''ve told you already. Birger stirred the embers in the fire as smoke rose, drifting through a hole in the ceiling. But I do have a suggestion.


    Whats that? Alex asked.


    You can teleport us whenever you want, right? he said, bags prominent under his eyes. I think maybe we should make camp in several ces.


    What do you mean? Alex asked.


    We can camp in one ce at the beginning of the night. He paused, fighting a yawn. Then, every hour or so, you teleport us somewhere else. It''d be a way of throwing off the ones chasing us, at least for a time.


    That''s not a bad idea, Alex said.


    It was my sons, Birger pointed.


    Bjorgrund shrugged. We spent a lot of years in the forest, hiding in one ce. But eventually, the runemarked found us anyway; the church finds us much faster, it only takes them hours to catch up to us. The only thing that''s been keeping them from actually grabbing us is because we keep moving. So what if we moved even more?


    Good thinking, Bjorgrund. I like that idea, Alex said, reaching up and tapping the giants shoulder. You''re right, if it takes them an hour or two to find us, then if we keep moving every hour or so, they''ll have a harder time trapping us. But, what about your sleep? Itll be constantly interrupted.


    Our sleeps already interrupted, Birger pointed out. Weve got to adapt; at least this way it''ll be interrupted because youre moving us, not because were under attack.


    Yeah, I suppose its the lesser of two evils, Alex said. If we just keep moving, it''ll make it a lot easier to keep them from finding u


    Alex''s words died on his lips.


    Wait, wait, wait he said, transfixed by an idea. Hold on a minute, something just hit me.


    What is it? Bjorgrund gnawed on a thick b of smoked fish.


    Alex leapt to his feet.


    Weve been hiding from the church by leaving. We keep moving because the longer we stay in one ce, the easier it is for them to find us. And how do we keep moving? We use the Travellers power. His eyes grew wide. This could be a longshotbut if I''m right


    Right about what? Birger asked, frowning.


    Bjorgrund said it; your family hid in the forest and you stayed in the same ce for a long time. But once the runemarked found you, they always knew where to look. He pointed around their campsite. But how have we been keeping from getting caught by the church? Weve been moving. We never stay in one ce for too long! And how have we been moving? By using the same power that Kelda had. The very <em>same</em>power!


    He was growing more excited. And that power canst for a really long time. I mean, I have to touch you both in order to teleport the three of us, but there''s so much more the power can do without being that limited.


    What do you mean? Bjorgrund asked.


    Think about it! The thieves travel to their Guild house through a portal, a portal Kelda set up, whathundreds of years ago? Longer? he said. There was also the portal in Hannahs cave;<strong></strong>that one was around until recently! If she could do that, what else could she do with that power?


    He bent down, poking four holes in the snow with his index finger. Keldas sanctum is supposed to be in one of four ces, right? Yet weand who knows how many other people over the centuries have been looking for ithave never found it.


    So, are you thinking it''s not in any of those four ces? Bjorgrund asked.


    No! Quite the opposite, I think it''s in <em>all</em> of those ces! Alex shouted. What if the sanctum <em>moves</em>?


    The giants looked at each other.


    Like a wagon? Birgers eyes narrowed.


    No, not like a wagon. What if it moves like <em>we</em> move? What if it moves by teleporting from ce to ce? One time it''s in the forest He pointed to the first indentation. His finger shifted to another. the next, it''s in the mountains, then on the tundra, and then it''s on the ind! It could move to another ce every time someone''s getting too close to it, or maybe it just moves constantly!


    Like a bird in flight, avoiding the eyes of the falcon, Bjorgrund murmured.


    Well said, son, well said Birger ran his fingers through his beard. Like an albatross does, spending most of its life on the move. Or all of its life on the move! But if what you say is right, then how do we find it?


    I can sense anything that uses the Travellers power, if its near, Alex said. But I didnt sense anything when we were searching the four spots on the map, individually.


    Maybe we were just unlucky, and it wasn''t there when we were. Or maybe it felt us and moved, Bjorgrund suggested.


    Or maybe it''s moving so constantly, that I just couldn''t feel it It''s harder to see something thats moving really fast, right? And with the Travellers power, you can be gone in an instant. In a heartbeat, it could be in a different ce in any one of those locations.


    How will you find it, then? Bjorgrund asked.


    Ill have to reach for it.


    Alex sat cross legged on the snow, his eyes closed. By feeling the four locations at once.


    He reached into himself, touching Hannah''s power, reaching across distances, spreading the power like the fingers of a hand. He teleportedfocusing on where he was and where he wanted to be. Alex focused on all four locations.


    His proficiency with Hannah''s power had grown; what would have been impossible three months ago, was easy now. He spread the power over the forest, feeling nothing. At the same time, he spread it over the ind, still feeling nothing. Then, over the tundra,stly, over the southern mountains, and


    Alex gasped.


    Touching the four spots on the map simultaneously, something reached back, moving so rapidly it felt as though it was in each location at onceand yet in none of them.


    Whatever was there was immensezing with the Travellers power. Hed never felt it so strongly before.


    I got it! he screamed.


    What? Birger cried.


    Grab the gear then touch me! Alex cried. I found it!


    The giants scrambled to break camp, gathering everything theyd unpacked, throwing it all back in their bags. Shouldering the packs, they nodded to each other and touched Alex''s broad shoulders.


    The young wizard took a deep breath, slowly exhaling.


    He vanished.


    The cold faded.


    The wind died.


    His eyes flicked open.


    Two pairs of burning red eyes watched him.

 Chapter 733: "Welcome Home, Kelda"

    Chapter 733: "Wee Home, Kelda"


    Four crimson eyes watched Alex, burning from two snarling faces carved of te-grey stone.


    All elsey in ckness; the vicious expressions were all he could see under the light of glowing red eyes flickering like embers. A chilling memory returned.


    One of fire, danger and death.


    One of lines of me streaking across stone, the scent of burning monsters, and the sound of bursting exoskeletons.


    Alex remembered a skinny young manwhod left his job as a simple bakers assistantclutching his family to his chest as rays of fire-magic erupted in an inferno behind them.


    He recalled heat radiating all around.


    And he knew exactly what he was looking at.


    The goddess statues.


    Their faces were the mirror of the goddess statues in the Cave of the Traveller,plete with fire gems inset in their eye sockets. The same statues had guarded Hannahs temple, unleashing fire-beams on anyone attempting to cross the temple floor.


    Those statues were once the deadliest things Alex had ever encountered in Thamnd.


    The two statues had also been shattered when hed manipted them into firing on each other, but the four gems had survived. One, theyd used to save their lives in their fight with the hive-queen, but theyd kept the other three, and nearly a yearter, had put them to good use.


    He and Selina had used them for ygon, setting two in the palm of the golems upper hands and the third in his forehead, serving him as weapons, just as they had for Hannahs goddess statues.


    Yet, somehow, the two statues were now before him, intact, identical red gems glowing in their eye sockets, ready to burn intruders to ashes. His mind couldnt grasp it.


    How are they back? he wondered, trying to make sense of what he was seeing. And how did <em>we</em> end up back in the Cave of the Traveller? And how


    Something moved beside him. What''s going on? Where are we? Bjorgrunds voice echoed in the dark.


    Stone ground on stone.


    The statues shifted.


    Dont move! Alex hissed.


    The young giant froze.


    The statues froze in ce.


    What''s happening? Birger asked, strain in his voice. What are those terrible faces?


    I think they''re a trap. The young wizard was still, his gaze fixed on the statues eyes. His heart pounded; he was poised, tense, waiting for the whoom sound of fire-gems gathering power, followed by the whoosh of their killing me. Ive seen a trap like this before.


    When? How? Bjorgrund asked.


    In Hannah''s cave, back in Thamnd, he said in grim tones. She had a pair of statues guarding her sanctum that looked exactly like those, they also had fire-gems for eyes that fried anything trying to cross the floor. He nced down in the darkness, but could see nothing. When someone or<em> something </em>stepped on a particr floor tile, the statues would turn and fire on them, killing them instantly. But, this is strange, I made those statues destroy each other.


    Then, how are they in front of us? Birger asked.


    Alex frowned, then his eyes went wide. By the Traveller, I thought we were back in the Cave of the Travellerthough, it wasn''t nearly this dark in there. There was a doorway to a clear blue sky that provided light and fresh air. This ce is different; I think were in Keldas sanctum, not Hannahs. They were really close friends; so it makes sense that theyd set up simr traps to defend their homes.


    He reached out with the Travellers power, sensing for her energy.


    It mmed into him from all sides.


    He was encircled in her power, zing from every direction. If it could be light, it would be blinding. If it could be sound, it would be deafening.


    This ce is awash with her power, the young wizard was awestruck.


    It seems we found it? Birger asked, excitement growing in his voice. If it


    Searing light erupted in the goddess eyes, zing like fire. The Travellers power surged, stirring like a great beasting to life, reacting to the energy within Alexs soul.


    Somethings happening! he cried.


    I could''ve told you that! Bjorgrund shouted as the ground began to tremble.


    Fist-sized portals opened like eyes in the dark.


    Light flooded the chamber, blinding everyone there.


    He cried out, shielding his eyes.


    Did the fire-gems shoot? Birger cried.


    Are we dead? Did we burn to death? Bjorgrund shouted.


    Neither stinging heat nor the stench of burning flesh reached Alexs nostrils. He was bathed, instead, by the warmth of soft light, and a cool, gentle breeze wafting around them. Heartbeats passed, as did the fear of immtion in an inferno created by the goddesses fire-gemshe slowly opened his eyes.


    By the Traveller, he murmured. Look at this ce!


    They were standing in a vast, stone hall that would have shamed even the grand chambers of Kaz-Mowangs pce, if the demons home still stood. Fist-sized portals hovered along the wallslike portholes in a shiplike windows to a ck sky filled with bright stars.


    Beautiful starlight winked in the sky, but paled inparison to what was hovering in the midst of the void. Through each portal shone a white sunvaried in sizeyet all burned so brightly, they stung the eye.


    Their heat trickled into the hall, but the voids frigid cold plunged the chambers temperature down to a biting chill. Other gatewayshovering at ceiling heightopened to cloudy skies, channelling fresh air into the chamber.


    Another portals sky looked threatening, dark clouds poured torrential rain down on the floor below. The wall behind the goddess statues was carved from a single piece of stone, its facade was much like the temple chamber in the Cave of the Traveller.


    Hundreds of wordswritten in the secretnguage Hannah had inventedwere etched into the wall. Each character was defined and precise, still legible after so many years.


    But what really drew Alexs eye, wasn''t the wall.


    It was a statue standing between, and behind, the two goddesses, hidden in the shadows.


    The tall, benevolent carved form of Uldar loomed there, his right hand held in the mirror-image of his holy symbol. His robes had been sculpted so perfectly, their folds appeared to be moving His hair was well defined, individual strands falling softly on his shoulders, looking real enough to move in a soft breeze.


    The stone sculpture of Uldar was wlessuntil Alexs eyes fell on his face. Uldars face was gone.


    It wasnt that it had never beenpleted: there were remnants of his smiling mouth and chin, but the rest had been gouged away, disfigured by a deliberate hand wielding a rough tool. It was clear that whoever had erased his face held only rage and contempt for the god of Thamnd.


    As Alex eyed the ruined image of Uldar, the goddess statues began shifting, their faces twisting and animating. On his shoulder, Alex felt the Mark of the Fool pulsing in time with the Travellers power in his soul and in the sanctum around them.


    Orange, fiery light in the goddesses eyes flickered and faded as their maws opened.


    Wee Kelda, they said in tandem. Wee back. Wee home.


    Silence hung over the chamber, only broken by the sound of rain pattering on the stone floor. The old giants jaw opened and closed, his eyes bulging.


    Tears shone in them. Were hereby my ancestors, were here! But I don''t understand. They said Kelda was here, but The giant looked around, clutching his crutch, forcing himself to his feet. you said she was gone, didn''t you?


    Alex touched his right shoulder. I think theyre sensing Hannahs power and the Fools Mark from methey think I''m Kelda.


    That exins why this ce started lighting up all of a sudden, Bjorgrund got to his feet, putting his hand on his fathers back. I''m sorry, father.


    Hmph, nothing to be sorry about. Just the foolish hope of a foolish old man, the old firbolg said, looking at the writing on the wall. But were here! We found it! Weve made it!


    We did it! Bjorgrunds shout echoed through the room.


    We <em>did!</em> Alex screamed. By the Traveller, we found it! We found her sanctum! I cant bloody believe it!


    The three men let out great cheers of relief, pumping their hands in the air. Bjorgrund and Alex linked hands, dancing a giddy jig in a circle while Birger pped beside them.


    We did it! We did it! We did it! the two young men screamed.


    Im not dreaming, right? Birger said. Ive had dreams like this for months now, please tell me this is real!


    Unless were all having the same bloody dream, its <em>real</em> Birger! Alex shouted. Its real!


    Never thought wed see this day, the old giant admitted.


    I knew wed do it. Bjorgrunds chest swelled. I knew it. Alex, are you going to tell ygon?


    Alex paused, some of his glee fading. Not quite yet He looked at the word-etched wall. I want to see Keldasb first. When we find thatand her notesthats when Ill tell them. Weve had enough disappointment over these past months: Im not giving them hope yet until Im sure this ce has what were looking for.


    Then lets get on with it! Birger nodded to the wall. What''re all those words up there? Theyre written in a tongue I''ve never seen before.


    Alex squinted at the characters etched in Hannah''s secretnguage. Ohoh.


    Can you read it? Birger asked.


    Yes, it''s a note from Kelda, Alex said. A pretty grim one. It says: <em>Hannah, I wrote this message just for you and had my assistant, Xs, enchant the wall so these words would only appear if I were to die. If youre reading this, I guess that means Im dead. If you find this message in time, then I ask that you find my assistants and get them out: it''s </em>very hard <em>to get in and out of here without your power. Please, dont weep for me, Hannah. I was born a fighter. I was trained to be a fighter. I lived as a fighter, even though my god tried to take that away from me. If Im dead, then I died fighting the Mark. I died fighting., and for a warrior, there couldnt be a better death. I only ask that you leave my body here, in myboratorythe battlefield where I challenged the Mark onest timeand let it be my tomb. Let your goddesses watch over me in death and let Uldarfaceless and ruinedstand witness to my final defiance. Hopefully, in death, my soul will be spared, and I will see you one day again in the afterworld. If not, then know that the greatest thing that ever happened in my life was meeting you and gaining your friendship. Live strong, my friend, live well, fight on.</em>


    Alex finished Keldas final words, letting them echo in the silence of the chamber. He lowered his head.


    Bjorgrund lowered his as well. She sounded like a true warrior.


    She was a great friend. Birger shook, battling tears, his voice breaking.


    She was a Hero, Alex said.


    But it''s strange, right? If she had assistants with her, then shouldn''t someone have known where her sanctum was? If they went out into the worldOh Bjorgrund paused. They didn''t make it out of here, did they?


    I don''t think so, Alex said.


    Ohso, how would <em>we</em> make it out of here? Bjorgrund looked around. I don''t see any doors. Do you think there''s hidden passages somewhere?


    Hold on now. Birger pointed at the wall. Before we get ahead of ourselves, there''s a lot of words on that wall, a lot more than what that note said..


    Uh Alex started. Well, thats


    What is it? the old giant asked.


    Kelda wrote a bunch of insults to Uldar, Alex said slowly. A whole <em>lot</em> of insults to Uldar, enough to fill a small book.


    Oh Birger said. I suppose you don''t have to read all that, then.


    No, wed be here for a while, Alex said. It''s funnyhow she hid a note in the wallwhich was only meant to appear if she died.


    He thought back to Uldars sanctum, to the emptiness of that space.


    He often wondered if there was anything hidden there. Anything that theyd missed.


    So how <em>do </em>we get out of here? Bjorgrund asked.


    Im not sure, Alex said, feeling around with the Travellers power. Thats something were going to need to figure out. And fast. We also dont know if the church can track us here.


    He looked around. There''s something different about this ce. It''s like there''s different pockets of Hannah''s power around us. I think I know what Kelda meant by it''s very hard to get in and out of here without Hannahs power.


    His eyes drifted up. I think the only way to move around in here is with her power, or some other form of teleportation. I should be able to use those pockets like beacons, teleporting to them without seeing where they are beforehand. But get ready, I have no idea whatll be waiting for us.


    The two giants took the young wizards hands, gripping them tightly as Alex reached for Hannah''s power. Bjorgrund raised his axe. Energy red within the wizard, then they were gone, reappearing in anotherrge chamber, where the walls were honebed with hundreds of cells.<strong></strong>Inside each hole was a thick, broad spearhead; ballista bolts waited, ready tounch at intruders.


    Yet, none fired.


    She didn''t scrimp on security, Alex noted. It seems these traps are set to activate if they sense an intruder. Im d they dont think were intruders. Come, let''s keep going.


    The young wizard and the two giants teleported from chamber to chamber, finding traps in every one. Everything from rusty saws to heavy axes were concealed in some, while the walls in others were partitioned, though Alex wasnt sure what these would do. One chamber had a ceiling that was filled with razor-sharp spikes.


    Another had pockets of Hannahs energy concealed there, connected to poisonouskes bubbling with acid, overflowing its banks, flooding the chamber when portals opened.


    As they moved on, discovering room after room of deadly traps, an idea began forming in Alexs mind. An idea that might free him and his family from a constant menace forever.


    But before that idea could fully form, the trio teleported to a chamber that was different, smaller, free of traps.


    It was filled withplex equipment and eleven bodies wereid out in a row, entombed in coffins of clear ss.


    In a ss casket in the centre of the ten others, was a young woman with bright red hair.


    Kelda of n MacCallum, with her hands sped across her breast,y in peaceful repose.

 Chapter 734: The Laboratory

    Chapter 734: The Laboratory


    Keldain deathlooked much as she had in life.


    The young woman was pale and still, yet showed no sign of withering or decay. In many ways, the state of her body reminded Alex of Uldars lying dead in his sanctum; both looked as though they might take a deep breath and open their eyes.


    But just like Uldar, it was clear that Kelda was long gone.


    As were her assistants.


    Ten men and womensome young and some oldwereid to rest around her, d in the robes and leather aprons of wizard-alchemists. Their skin was undamaged, free of wounding or mummification, but their expressions were t, almost haunted. Looking at their faces was unnerving, the peacefulness of death was absent; something looked wrong.


    Kelda, oh, Kelda, Birger groaned mournfully, stumbling forward. His crutch cked against the white tile, and he reached out with a shaking hand.


    Father, wait! Bjorgrund called. We don''t know if it''s safe!


    But Birger would not be stopped as his son ran after him.


    The young wizard doubted thered be any dangers, though, since the sanctum thought he was Kelda.


    Alex slowly followed hispanions across the chamber floor, gazing in wonder at the machinery around them. It was all old, of course, but of the highest quality three hundred years ago. Metal parts still shone brightly where the dust of time hadnt covered them.


    Alex recognized most of the devices.


    A hugeplex mana conductorconnected to what appeared to be an archaic mana generator and mana vacuumupied part of the room. Next to it stood a glyph-encrusted cauldronenchanted symbols of power were etched into the metalone Kelda would have used to disassemble alchemicalponents orbine them. There were devices made to test the mana conductivity of assorted substances, to heat or cool them to specific temperatures, or suspend them in various essences.


    He recognized a lot of the machinery from the history sections of his magic lore and alchemy textbooks. If hed been around three hundred years ago, he would''ve killed for ab as well equipped as this, and the devices in it were still useful for a modern day alchemist.


    However, he didnt recognise some of them.


    There was a massive, spider-like machine filled with test tubes and ss cylinders, a long ck one shaped like a tall metal tower, connected to


    Alex paused.


    Oh, by the Traveller He murmured.


    A sinister looking device loomed above him like a vast bronze and steel cage, each bar was etched with glyphs of powerful magic. The kind of magic designed to touch ones soul. Inside the cage stood a narrow table, much like the one hed strapped Hart Redfletcher to when hed enhanced the Champion with blood magic. Surrounding it were dozens of flexible arms made of brass and copper.


    A scalpel of bane tipped each arm.


    On either side of the tableat thigh heightwere two rounded, golden control-handles.


    This area looks like it was set up for someone to operate on their own soul. Most of those arms end with bane knives, instead of fingers, he noted with a shudder. It''s hard enough using a single knife on myself to harvest soul essence, what kind of willpower would I need to be able to stand having dozens of them cutting into my soul all together. Itd be fasterif I survived. And those bars


    The entire arrangement was blood chilling, especially the cage bars.


    Carved into them were glyphs for disintegration, death, blood magic, and life force. The cage-like machine was connected to a power source that filled one corner of the room. It radiated more mana than the power sources Shale used in the workshop, or those the Generasians used in the Research Castle.


    Much more.


    This must be the machine she used to try to change the Mark, Alex whispered. This must''ve been the machine that took her life. He went to the ss caskets. And the lives of the rest of her team.


    Birger had copsed against his old friends coffin. He was weeping like his heart would break, shaking with grief, as his son patted him on the back.


    I''m sorry Kelda, I''m sorry I wasn''t there for you. I''m sorry that you didn''t <em>let me</em> be here for you. Did I do something to make you distrust me? I''m sorry if I did, he groaned. I wish you would have let me help you.


    Father, if she did, you might''ve lost your life too, Bjorgrund said.


    And your son wouldn''t be here, Alex added.


    Or maybe I could''ve helped them all, Birger said. Maybe I could''ve stopped them!


    The old giant sobbed.


    Alex was about to say something, but closed his mouth. He knew what it was like to be consumed by grief, and he also knew better than to try and make Birgers grief disappear with a few words.


    I''ve never seen him like this, Bjorgrund said.


    Leave me be, Birger groaned. For pitys sake, just leave me be for a time.


    Alex and the young giant looked at each other, then the Fool of Thamndthetest in that long cyclenced toward the back of the chamber. Several doorways were there, not portals, but regr doorways still burning with Hannahs power.


    There were eleven in total, and Alex had a good idea what they might lead to.


    Come on, he said. Let''s leave your dad on his own for a bit, we have some things to explore.


    ###


    The young wizard and giant quickly learned whaty behind the eleven doors: living quarters for Kelda and her team. All were well equipped, but far from luxurious. The furniture was sturdy and well made, the beds were big enough for even thergest of them to stretch out, and each room had a mana-powered toileting and bathing chamber attached. The rooms werent fancy, there were no grand ornaments or magical luxuries, but they werefortable.


    Apart from a good-sized writing desk positioned beside a small bookcase, there was little to do in each room, except sleep or enjoy the view disyed in<strong></strong>portalssheathed in force magicthat opened to a view of a different scene somewhere in the world.


    Alex and Bjorgrund watched green meadows, forests, clear skies, snow capped mountains, and even fish swimming through the ocean, in the portals.


    What I wouldnt give for one of these in our cottage, Bjorgrund peered through a window, watching a school of eyeless fishwith glowing bodiesswimming along a ck ocean trench. Its sure different than looking at all those trees around our ce.


    It''s a nice thought, for sure. Alex thumbed through an old book hed taken from a bookshelf. Maybe this one


    Hm? What areargh, by the ancestors! Bjorgrund recoiled from the portal; an enormous shape had swum into view, scattering the school of glowing fish. An eyeballeasily as broad as Bjorgrund was tallhad filled the portal momentarily, seeming to stare into the room. As it turned away, long tree-trunk thick tentacles kicked up a storm of silt. What in the world? Did you see that?


    Yeah, those fish are something, the young wizard said absently, his eyes fixed on the book. With a grimace, he flipped to thest page, mmed it shut, and returned it to the bookcase.


    This isn''t it either, Alex said, shaking his head.


    Bjorgrund wildly gestured at the portal-window. You can''t tell me you didn''t seeugh, never mind. What has your attention over there, did you find something?


    Its what I didn''t find, Alex said.


    Whatre you looking for? the young giant asked, peering at the books.


    Something that hasn''t been in any of the rooms we''ve looked in so far, Alex said. I''m looking for her notes on the Mark, and on her process to try and change it. I thought thered be notes in one of these bedrooms, but theres been nothing so far.


    Well, we still haven''t checked Keldas room, the young giant pointed out.


    Alex shook his head. Bjorgrund, this <em>is</em> Keldas room.


    The giants eyes grew wide. It looks the same as the other sleeping rooms.


    Yeah, she lived just as they did. It says good things about her, I guess, Alex mused. But it doesn''t help us. He looked at Bjorgrund. Did you see any books back in theb?


    No, the young giant said. But I didn''t look too hard. Theres a lot to see. And I mean, <em>a lot.</em>


    Yeah, I know how seeing all this stuff for the first time can be Alex smiled, stepping toward the door, then pausing. Do you think your fathers okay?


    I don''t know, Bjorgrund stopped behind Alex. He might be, I don''t hear him crying anymore. I''ve never seen him like this, so I don''t know.


    Are <em>you</em> okay? Alex asked, cing his hand on the doortch.


    Me? The giant pointed to his chest. Oh yeah, I''m all right, I think. Maybe.


    You thinkmaybe? Alex faced him, raising an eyebrow.


    I don''t know; part of me thought we''d never find this ce. I was so happy earlier, but now fathers crying. And this is where we have to do all sorts of dangerous stuff, right? The young giant watched the door, shuddering. I mean, this is where you''re going to do all that stuff to try and change your Mark. You''re going to actually be messing with your soul. That''s what Kelda was doing, wasnt it? And it killed her and her whole team.


    Yeah, thats right, it did. Alex grimly reached into his satchel, pulling out Hannahs artefact, remembering her journal. ording to the Traveller, it didn''t just kill them: itpletely annihted their souls.


    You said that before, while we were searching for this ce, Bjorgrund said nervously. He shifted his weight back and forth on his feet. I''d fight and bleed against rune-marked or the nasty church filth. I''d even, uh, die A grimace briefly shed across his face. if I needed to, but hearing about souls being destroyedit makes me feel cold in a way that even the deepest winter doesnt. What exactly happens to you if your souls destroyed?


    Alex gave him a long, solemn look. My friend, I wish I knew. I don''t think you get an afterlife; Hannah never met Kelda in the afterworld. I think you just cease to be, maybe? I dont know.


    I wonder what that''s likejust turning to nothing. A shudder went through the giants body. What''s it like to be nothing? Is it just like floating in the dark forever? Or is it something elseI can''t even imagine it.


    I dont really want to find out, Alex said. That''s one reason why I want to find her notes: I don''t want to make the same mistakes she did.


    How do you know you won''t? Bjorgrund asked.


    I have something she didn''t. The original notes of the one who created the Marks. He tapped his satchel. With them, I''ll be working with more information than she ever had. I''ll be able to modify her methods, and ount for any mistakes she might''ve made. I hope.


    You hope? You mean you''re not sure?


    Honestly? No, no I''m not. All I know is that I need to try, Bjorgrund Alex bit the inside of its cheek. I don''t know if you know what it''s like to have so many people and monsters trying to kill you, and your family and friendsand not be able to do much about it.


    You''re a warrior: you beat an entire army of rune-marked, Bjorgrund pointed out.


    That''s not quite true. Notpletely, Alex said. I used my staff to summon monsters that fought them. I used potions that might or might not have hurt them. I infused my friends and family with magic to battle them.


    That was enough, wasn''t it? Bjorgrund asked.


    It was, then. But what about when the church attacked us? the young wizard clenched his teeth. They took us by surprise: the First Apostle nearly ripped my guts out and the only thing I could do was lie on the ground and bleed. What if I could''ve used blood magic to heal myself? I could''ve joined the fight.


    His lips ttened to a grim line. What if I could''ve cast a spell on those archers that were skewering you? Or blew them up with fire, or put them to sleep or buried them in ice or disintegrated them? You wouldn''t have had to protect me.


    He swallowed. Were about to go up against some of the most dangerous enemies I''ve ever encountered and, believe me, I''ve encountered some <em>dangerous</em> bastards. We''ll need every resource we can get if we''re going to do this properly. <strong>I</strong>don''t want to risk my soul, but to put an end to all of this, I''ll do it.


    The young giant opened his mouth to say something else, when his father''s voice came through the door.


    Son! Alex! I think I found something youll want to see! Birger called.


    The two young men looked at each other and rushed through the door.


    Birger wasposed now, and was standing in another part of theboratorya part that was hidden by some of therger devicesin front of a doorless stone cab.


    Books were stacked inside.


    Alex sprinted over to it, excitement surging through him.


    He quickly eyed the book titles, finding a leather bound one marked with words written in Hannahs secretnguage.


    <em>Patch Reversal, notebook I.</em>


    With a shaking hand, he reached for it, gingerly turning to the first page while blowing away ayer of dust.


    This is it his voice was barely a whisper. These are her notesthis is the process she used to try and change the Mark of the Fool.

 Chapter 735: The Fools Notes

    Chapter 735: The Fool''s Notes


    <em>Tell medo you know what a patch is?</em> Hannah Kims spirit had once asked.


    Her question hade when Alex was in a corner of the Hells, within the burning maze of Cretalikon.


    Hed frowned, answering her with a question,<em> Like on a piece of old clothing?</em>


    <em>Something like that. I couldnt remember if I wrote about that in my book </em>Shed taken a deep breath. <em>In my old world, theres something we use called programs. Theyre a bit like spells, except theyre made by a central, um,pany. Uh, ce. Then users of these programs use them, but they cant change them.</em>


    <em>Okay</em> Alex had said slowly.<em> But, whats that got to do with the Mark?</em>


    Shed considered the question, looking as though she was sorting through her thoughts. <em>Well, when apany puts out a program and they want to change it, they release something thats called a patch. Its new codeuh, a new piece of a spell that goes over top of the old spell and changes it.</em>


    Alex could have been blown over by a stiff breeze at those words.<em> So youre saying that somebodychanged the Mark? That it was different before?</em>


    Shed nodded. <em>After Kelda heard about patches, she spent a long time examining her Mark: the very fibres of magic it was made of.</em>


    <em>You can break it down? </em>Alex had asked. <em>Even archwizards havent been able to do that.</em>


    <em>She had the Mark, she had my knowledge, and she had to build some very specialised equipment using materials you cant even get in your world. But she built them and used the Mark to get good enough at using them to examine her Mark and mine.</em>


    The conversation had taken ce many months agothough it felt like a lifetimeand here he was, about to learn what Kelda had discovered.


    Alex ran his finger along the notebooks spine as Hannah''s words echoed in his mind. He read the title again:


    <em>Patch Reversal, notebook I.</em>


    Hannah had called the Mark of the Fool a patch.


    A fitting title, Alex said out loud.


    What''s it say? Birger asked.


    Alex nced at the cab filled with dozens of books, many were a series of numbered notebooks entitled: <em>Patch Reversal. </em>Twenty-two volumes starting with number one and ending at twenty-two.


    These books appear to be notes on reversing the Mark. Honestly, it''s going to take me a while to go through them all, the young wizard admitted. I''ll have to read, study and examine every word carefully. As for the other bookslooks like they''re on alchemy, religion, and philosophy regarding the soul. Theyre probably reference books she used to help with her research. I''ll have to read all of them, and when I finish looking through all the material


    He took a book from his satchel: a copy of Uldars notes ...I''ll have to cross-reference Uldars notes with Kelda''s to see if I can figure out where she went wrong. It could take a while.


    Sounds like it, Birger said.


    How long do you think itll take? Bjorgrund asked. The church is probably still tracking usif we stay in one ce too long


    I wouldn''t worry about that too much, son. Birger gave him a sad smile. Kelda knew how to hide this ce from the world for three centuries. And the only reason we were able to find it is because Alex has hers and Hannah''s power. I wouldnt think those fiends will ever be able to find us.


    Alex looked up sharply. Actually, I''m not so sure about that, Birger.


    What? Why do you have doubts? Think about it, it took <em>us</em> months to find this ce! The old giants tone was bordering on defensive. Do you really think they''re going to be able to just waltz in here right after us?


    Probably notbut I''m not a hundred percent sure, either, the young wizard said grimly. Look, we don''t know <em>how </em>they''re tracking us. No matter where we went, or how fast we teleported, they found us all over the Empire. And they''re getting better at it. I wish I knew what they were capable of and what their limits are, but I dont. This ce should make it a lot harder for them to find us, but the fact is, we just don''t have enough information to be certain.


    But even if they manage to find the sanctum, theyd need to teleport from room to room! Birger pointed out. Theyd need your power.


    Alex shook his head. I can think of two or three different ways to get from room to room without it, as long as you have someone capable of teleporting with you.


    How? the giant demanded.


    Alex looked around theboratory. These rooms are part of the same structure, separated by some very thick walls. I can sense where the other rooms are because of the Travellers power, but if someone can pierce one of the entrance wallsthrough magic or divinity they could get a clear line of sight to the next room, and just teleport there. That''s basically how I do it.


    Well, what about the traps? Birger asked, sounding frustrated.


    They aren''t active right now, Alex pointed out. And I dont know if they''d automatically turn on if somebody got in here. After all, you don''t have the Mark or the Travellers power, but they didn''t react to you because Im here. Im thinking it would make sense that the traps wouldn''t be active when Kelda was home. Think about it: if her assistants had to travel from room to room to do different tasks, itd be a big problem if the traps were constantly trying to kill them.


    Alex spread his hands. The other problem is we don''t know what the First and Third Apostles divinity actually makes them capable of. Im sure theyd find <em>some</em> way to use their gods power to move around in here.


    And even if the traps were on, I think theyd only slow them down; they dont seem like the type to let a few trapsor a few dead warriorsstop them, Bjorgrund added.


    A long moment of silence passed, then the old giant began cursing. Shit, shit, shit! I''m so tired of them! Do you mean to tell me that we have to run away after so long trying to find this ce?


    Alex shook his head. No. It''s actually the opposite.


    What do you mean? Birger looked puzzled.


    Look, it''s not all doom and gloom. Without the Travellers power, it would be a lot harder for a wizard to teleport here, even if that fae figures out where we are. The way the sanctum movesdoesnt make it easy. Most wizards would need to have been here before to have the slightest hope of teleporting to it; though by using a divine interdiction, they<em> might </eme up with a workaroundinterdictions allow wizards who use divinity to change a rule of reality to a certain point He paused. Though thankfully, even thats got its limitations, otherwise the only interdiction theyd ever have to proim is;<em> everyone in this area who doesn''t worship Uldar, die immediately! </em>In any case, wed be wise to assume they''re eventually going to find a way to get in here, even if it takes them a while. Which is actually a good thing.


    How is that a <em>good</em> thing? Bjorgrund frowned, looking at Alex like hed lost his mind.


    Well, I can''t think of a better ce to face them and finally put them down. If we can find a way to get the traps activated, they''ll lose a lot of their people trying to get to us, and waste time and lives going from room to room. If we engage them here, it won''t be us wholl be on their back foot, it''ll be them. And if Im no longer blocked by the Marks limits, wouldnt that be a nice surprise for them? Alex smiled. They wont see meing. I could fill these rooms with an entire army of summoned monsters and be ready for them in a ce of our choosing.


    His fingers coiled around the aeld staff. Its blooms glowed brighter. And if we strike down their leaders, then the rest of them won''t have any ce to run to. We''ll grind them to paste right here.


    That assumes we''ll have time for you to reverse the Mark, Birger said. As well as knowing for sure that it works<strong>. </strong>Keep in mind, if your souls destroyedand we survivethen Bjorgrund and I will die of hunger and thirst right here in this very sanctum, Alex.


    And that''s why I''m going to make you both an offer, Alex said. Birger, youve found your friends sanctum. Bjorgrund, both you and your father have helped me get here. As far as I''m concerned, the two of you have done enough. More than enough. If you want, Ill teleport you to wherever you want to go, right now. The church is hunting <em>me</em> and if you want to leave, Ipletely understand.


    No way. Bjorgrund snarled, gripping his axe. I want payback. That church nearly killed me and would have killed my father if they werent so busy trying to kill you and the rest of us. Because of them, we couldn''t even go back home. His rune shed through his tunic. I cant let them just get away with that.


    Well, I''m the <emst</em> person that could tell you not to want revenge, Alex said. But Birger, what about you? Do you want to take your son and go?


    Birger shook his head. I want them to suffer for what they did to Bjorgrund and the rest of youand pay for hunting us for all these months like we were animals People like them should be stopped. They should get a taste of their own medicine. And besides, Kelda would''ve wanted you to seed. You''re her legacy, and she''d be <em>damn</em> mad at me if I left you here to face our enemies by yourself.


    Thanks for that I''m d you''re still with me, Alex said sincerely. Thenthis is what Ill do, when I''m about to start the process with my MarkI''ll make a portal for the two of you to use if anything happens to me. Youll need to be out of the room when I try to change the Mark, too. I dont want you dying like Keldas assistants.


    I appreciate that, Birger said. Now, then, what do we do? the young wizard held up the notebook. First of all, I''ve got to start looking through these notes. If the two of you could start looking around theboratory; see if there''s anything that looks like a control station for the sanctum. Somece that Kelda would have used to activate or deactivate the traps. If you could find a map of this ce, thatd be really helpful too.


    Well get right on it, Bjorgrund said. You''re going to want to take a look at my rune at some point, right?


    Yes, but not yet, the young wizard said. I have a lot of reading to do first, thank the Traveller I learned how to speed read when I was in first year in university.


    Alright, then, Birger said. Were going to find this control thingthen I''ll see if theresundry facilities or a kitchen or anything like it. We might be here a while, and things are going to get a bit ufortable if we can''t cleanse ourselves, or eat. Well need to talk about how we''re going to get food and drink in here, too. If this ce had any food storestheyd probably be dust and rot by now.


    I don''t know about that, Alex said. With the amount of magic in here, I wouldn''t be surprised if the sanctum''s store room could have dried goods in it thatssted all these years, especially if there arent any vermin around. I agree though, well need that stuff. Im sure we already smell kinda ripe.


    Let''s get started, then. Bjorgrund stepped away, already looking around theboratory. If we don''t know when or if the churchs gonna show up, wed better hurry.


    Agreed, his father said, joining the younger giant.


    Good luck with the search, and before I get started with my reading, I have one more thing to do, the young wizard felt a re of excitement rising in his chest.


    He closed his eyes, reaching across the distance to Generasi, touching ygons mind. Buddy? Are you there?


    There was a pause.


    <em>I amherefather </em>ygons thoughts reached back through the link.<em></em>Alex could feel waves of relief and anxietying from him. <em>I am dto hear from youhow is the search goingare you safe?</em>


    ygon, I need you to contact Toraka and Lucia, Alex said, looking around the well-equippedb. We need to arrange to get some equipment and supplies for golem crafting.


    Excitement surged through their link. <em>You found somewhere safeto make golems?</em>


    Alex allowed a relieved smile to spread across his face, and loud, giddyughter to escape his lips. Oh we found more than that buddy. We found a hell of a lot more than that! Get Theresa and Selina: youll have some news to give them!


    We found Kelda''s sanctum buddy! We bloody found it!

 Chapter 736: A Cold Trail

    Chapter 736: A Cold Trail


    Has he found them? a question was asked.


    Did he find them? Someone asked the same question.


    <em>Has he found them yet?</em> the question was repeated.


    For hours, those words swarmed through the campsite on the Lake of Ever Ice, spoken from dozens of lips. Men and women huddled in their tents, sheltering from the icy wind, looking to each other and god for guidance.


    Other folk milled about, listlessly maintaining their camp with barely suppressed agitation.


    In the centre of the camp, First Apostle Gabrian ministered to a congregation of the hidden church. Folk prostrated themselves on the ice before the holy man as he told stories of their God helping during trying times, but two figures were conspicuously absent.


    Third Apostle Izas, and the Stalker were not in camp.


    Both man and fae were a short distance away, one pacing, one standing patiently nearby. The small, bearded hunter was pacing back-and-forthhands sped behind his backmuttering words the Apostle could not hear. Hispanion watched him silently, with growing worry and impatience.


    What in the name of Lord Aenflynn? the Stalker muttered, his eyes narrowed. Can''t be rightcan''t be right


    His expression was drawn and tight, as though hed swallowed some rotten morsel. It was a strange sight for Izas. In all the time hed known the fae, the Stalker had been irritatingly jolly; no matter the circumstanceeven in their growing frustration at the Fools elusivenessthe Stalker remained as unaffected as a mountain in a light snowfall.


    When an ambush failed, hed simply chuckle, snap his fingers and say: Our foxy quarry gave us the slip again! But we''ll get him next time! Hah, how exciting!


    When the hunt had stretched onand some of the hidden churchs members began to long for their homndthe Stalker had smiled and said: Well, if it were easy, then the hunt wouldn''t be worth it, would it? Just see it as a trial from your god!


    When the mood among the hunting party began to grow grim, the little fae had produced a set of pipes from his seemingly bottomless sack, then capered about, sharing wine and telling old stories.


    No matter the circumstance, no matter the setback, the Stalker would always be of good cheer while wearing a broad smile.


    Today was different.


    There was no smile on the faes face, no light turn of a phrase, no wine, music or lively jig.


    He paced across the ice like a caged beast, his expression that of a cornered wolf.


    Can''t be right, can''t be right, can''t be right, he whispered, licking his lips and tugging his snow white beard. Doesnt make sense.


    Izas cleared his throat. Is there any way that I might aid you?


    The Stalker did not reply, still pacing.


    Stalker, Izas repeated. You have been in your own mind for hours now. The others begin to worry, what has happened?


    What has happened is that I can''t find our quarry, the faes irritation was in.


    You have said as much for hours, Izas pointed out. You asked for time to concentrate, but you seem far more troubled.


    I''m troubled because there''s <em>trouble</em>.<em></em>The Stalker chewed his lip. In all my many years, I''ve hunted things that walk, swim, and fly. I''ve caught dragons in spider webs spun of moonlight. Iveshed sea serpents in typhoons. Skewered mortal champions on their own weapons. I rooted out an ice fairy hiding in a single snowke in the middle of a blizzard. I tracked a single mosquito from nymph-hood through a swamp, and I was there to pull its wings off just before it reached the end of its lifespan two monthster. If something lives, I can find it. If I can find it, I can kill it. Its as simple as that.


    He finally looked directly at Izas, his nostrils ring. Nothing can hide from me, my mortal friend. Not if I''ve got its name.


    Yet the Fool eludes you? Izas asked.


    He does and he doesnt. I still have his name, but its like it won''t stay in one ce, he said. He''s been moving about all this time, true, but this is different. Before, he kept popping about, going from ce to ce. Sure, it made him hard to catch, but it was just a matter of tracking and hedging him in when he stopped. Now things are different. He''s not just moving about and stopping, hes moving in the way that air movesthe same way light just flows. It''s like hes in a bunch of ces at once, and yet in none at the same time! It makes no sense!


    He snorted. This has never happened to me before, never once in my millennia of hunting prey!


    And you have no hope of locating him again? Izas asked.


    That''s it! I know where he is, but I don''t at the same time! Doesn''t make any sense! The Stalker threw up his hands.


    Then, why not ask for help? Izas asked. We are your hunting partners.


    Youre my <em>hounds!</em> the Stalker retorted. I am the one that leads the hunt, you''re the ones who flush out the quarry!


    Izas said nothing as the Stalker took deep breaths that shook his shoulders.


    The fae paused then, tilting his head in curiosity. Look, maybe frustrations putting me in a funny mood, but I''ve got a question for you.


    What is it? Izas asked.


    None of you ever get sore about me calling you hounds, though you mortals tend to get a little agitated by that after a while. Why is that? the Stalker asked.


    I know what I am. We all know who we are and who we serve. What you call us makes no difference to that. We are servants of Uldar: no more and no less. The titles that you give us are meaningless. Are you so petty that you will not ept aid from what you call mere hounds? Or do you wish to actually hunt?


    The Stalker stared at him for a long moment. Few have challenged me like that and escaped without punishment.


    And yet you do not punish me, Izas said simply. Does that mean you''re ready to put pride aside and let me help solve the problem?


    The fae gave a bitterugh. I''m a better tracker than all of you put together: if I cant find him, then you cant. But sure, let''s see what youe up with. You''ve got some magical divinity, maybe it might help us.


    Nothing so special, merely a suggestion and my two eyes, Izas said. Do you recall spies watching the sites the Fool visited?


    Aye, I noticed them when your scouts pointed them out. The Stalker ran a hand through his beard.


    We let them be because they were not relevant to our task. But now, we need a new path to our quarry. Why not see what they were doing at those sites? Izas suggested.


    ...well, that''s a terribly mundane solution the Stalker mused. But, sure why not. I''ll be pacing a trench in this iceke, at this rate.


    ###


    The Guild member of the Red Mouse crouched in a hidden trench, watching for any sign of the Fool of Thamnd. A spyss was pressed to her right eye. Behind her, her partner peeked through a gap in their shelter, his own spyss pointing toward a mountain peak.


    A cold wind blew through the trench, sending snow swirling by. The pair had lost track of just how long theyd been there, waiting, watching for the Fools return, while also keeping an eye on the group following the Fool.


    So intent were they on what was ahead, that they never noticed<strong></strong>the<strong></strong>figure rising from the snow behind them.


    The short figure with a white beard, and predatory eyes.


    ###


    Night had fallen.


    Snow covered mountains loomed under the deep, unbroken dark of a new moon. And the Stalker was humming. It was not a melodious sound, it was unpleasant, like the grinding of metal on ss. Most folk would have grimaced at the tune, but Izas and Gabrian showed no reaction.


    All others cringed, but were forced to listen.


    Two members of the Guild of the Red Mouse were bound with rope. The Stalker looked at them hungrily as he continued humming<strong></strong>with his hands sped behind his back.


    "I see that you''re watching for the Fool," he said. "And what would you be doing that for?


    None of your business, bastard! one of the thieves sneered. He nced at his partner with a steely jaw. Do you all think this is the first time someones tried a shake down on me? I''ve been in a Sorkovon prison, Ive had my nails pulled out, and hot iron pressed against my skin. You don''t scare me.


    Gabrian opened his mouth.


    The Stalker waved him off. I''m in a bad mood, let me do this.


    As you wish, the First Apostle said.


    What, good guard, bad guard? Is this really what you''re going to try? the female thiefughed.


    That stopped working on me by the time my nards dropped,ughed her male counterpart, his bravado growing.


    The Stalker looked at him evenly. You''ve got a stout heart, don''t you?


    Another sneer from the thief. What are youplimenting me for? Are you trying to get all swee


    Without another word, the fae plunged his hands into the man''s chest. Flesh rippled like water as the thief began to choke. His partner''s eyes widened; words died on her lips as the Stalker felt around inside the mans rib cage, as though he was searching for something hed lost.


    He smiled the moment he found what he was looking for, withdrawing his hands, cupping the mans beating heart in them.


    I don''t like being thwarted, the Stalker said. So I''m not going to y with you two. Not nicely.


    He squeezed the throbbing organ, watching it shudder like a frightened bird. The male thief choked, his face washing stark white.


    What are you doing? his partner screamed.


    I''m holding his heart in my hand. Look how stout it is, all full of nasty defiance. But that''s the thing about mortal hearts, one squeeze His grip tightened. The man whimpered like a suffering dog, ...and it''ll pop as easily as a water bubble. If I drop it, my power stops its connection with his chest. If I pitch it against a wallwell, you know what happens. Point is, he dies, heartless and choking. Now you mortals have a habit of getting self sacrifice-y and whatnot. If I ask him questionseven if he could speakhe still might not answer, just to spite me.


    He fixed his eye on the other thief. So, this is what I''m going to do. Ill give you one chance to save your partner. He can''t talk, so you''ll have to be his lips. And before you say anythingbecause you morals can be selfish tooif you keep your mouth shut, I''m going to do the same to you. But I won''t start with your heart. I''ll start with your kidneys. One then the next. Did you know you can live like that, at least for a bit? Not well though, it''s not a good way to die. So, Ill have mercy on you, and take one of your lungs next. If you arent talking<strong>,</strong> then you don''t need two. I can take your organs out of you one by one before I finally decide to take your heart. Now, Ive given you two incentives. Save your partner''s life, and save yourself a lot of pain.


    The fae leaned forward, baring his fanged teeth. So you''re going to tell me why you''re watching this ce, why you''re waiting for the Fool, and who put you up to this. Sound fair?


    The thief who''d been smirking andughing moments beforecould hardly breathe through her fear. Her wide eyes were fixed on the still beating-heart in the faes hand.


    What sort of sorceryoh by the gods, I''ll tell you whatever you need to know! she cried. We''re watching for the Fool to see if he finds an old sanctum! Our leader thinks there might be treasures waiting inside! We''re supposed to wait until he finds the entrance, and then get rid of him!


    And who is this leader? the Stalker asked.


    I don''t know his real name, but we call him Warder! I promise you, everything I said is true! Don''t hurt us! she begged. You''ll never find him by yourself, you need us alive!


    The Stalker gave her a look that was half smile and half feral snarl. My mortal friend You just told me his name He closed his eyes for a moment. I''ve already <em>found</em> him.


    W-What? she stammered.


    The Stalker looked at the First and Third Apostle. You don''t care what I do with these two, do you? Ive got a mighty frustration to work out.


    We have no stake in foreign thieves, Gabrian said.


    Wait, you said you wouldn''t hurt us if we talked! the thief screamed.


    He looked at her closely. You''re not very bright are you? I said what Id do to you if you didn''t talk. I never told you what Id do if you <em>did.</em>


    Before the thieves horrified eyes, he held up the throbbing heart as its beat quickened.


    His grip tightened.

 Chapter 737: Doing the Maths

    Chapter 737: Doing the Maths


    For three hundred years, Kelda of n McCallums sanctum had been silent. For three hundred years, herboratory had been dark. For all those many years, no living soul had walked its floors.


    But no more.


    In recent days, it had stirred,ing to life with activity.


    When Birger wasnt busy with other tasks, hed be cooking meals in the unremarkable, galley kitchen that was equipped with enough stoves, ovens, and hearths to make meals for eleven people at a time.


    Through a door at the end of the galley, was the panty; a narrow, deep room loaded with food supplies; dried beans, ground grains, rice, oatcakes, flour, salted meats, dried fish and an array of hard cheeses. A glyphemanating, preserving magicwas etched in the ceiling, letting the staplesst for all this time.


    A magical fountain provided water, continuously pumping and circting clean water into a barrel shaped vessel.


    Across from the fountain, stood Birger, towering over the stove, frying salt cod and beans for a simple, but filling breakfast. The kitchencked spicesexcept for pots of ground saltwhich meant meals were nd, but what theycked in vour, the giant made up for in quantity. No one would go hungry if he had anything to say about it.


    When hed finished his preparations, he scraped the meals onto three tin tters, picked them up, and floatedthanks to Alexs flight magicto a portal at the end of the galley, across from the pantry.


    He drifted through the portal, emerging in theboratory.


    Bjorgrund was there, hard at work.


    The young giant was moving across the floor, carrying heavy equipment from one end of theb to the other, cing it on a spot Alex had outlined in chalk.


    He exhaled, wiping his brow, looking up at his father and nodding. Breakfast time already?


    I thought you might be hungry by now, Birger said, looking over theb. This ce looks a lot different.


    Kelda''s machinerywhich had been thrown into disarray by the disaster that imed her soul and those of her assistantswas mostly rearranged. When the trio had first found the sanctum, theb was in chaos, frightening in some wayswith strange looking, mysterious devices scattered about, lying haphazardly around the roombut all of that had changed.


    As Alex went over Kelda''s notes, hed made up a floor n, and Bjorgrund rearranged everything ording to that n. Now, those strange devices were organisedwith plenty of room to manoeuvre around themeven for the giants. It definitely didn''t make the room feel homey, but it did make it feel less like a torture chamber.


    Theyd made other practical changes as well. Originally, the only doors leading from theb, led into the eleven bedrooms. Now, dozens of portals had been created in the walls, each one leading to a different room within the sanctum. One led to the entrance chamber, with its twin goddess statues and the defaced statue of Uldar. Another led to an armoury filled with leather and metal armour, but very few weapons, while others took them to various trapped rooms throughout the sanctum. The traps were still inactive, all were controlled from the same ce: an area where Alex now sat, reading and taking notes.


    The young wizard was bent over a desk crafted of thick stone, wide enough for three or four people to sit at. Numerous metal handles protruded from the stone, each onebelled in the Travellers secretnguage. By holding one of the handles and channelling Hannahs power into it, Alex could control how fast, where the sanctum moved in the world, the portals between theplexs many rooms, and whether or not the traps were active.


    There were maps of each floor of the sanctum built into the control desk. Three circles of light shone on the map on the deskindicating the three figures of Alex, Birger, and Bjorgrund in theb.


    The spot representing Alex hadn''t moved; the young wizard had been working at the desk for hours.


    Around him, a swarm of Wizards Hands were busy taking notes, recording the information on parchment as Alex muttered, mentally performing calctions. Finally, he sighed and took a deep breath, finishing thest of Kelda MacCallums notes.


    In front of him were two books: the first was a copy of Uldars notes, the second; notebook number twenty-two, the final notes Kelda had made describing her process. Hed taken his own notes and calctions as hed read, sometimes crossing things out, sometimes circling them.


    All across the pages were sketches of the Fools and the Generals Marks, with observations about names, the nature of the soul, and deities.


    The Fool of Thamnd paused, scratching his now thick beard, then continued his note taking.


    Do you think hell even hear us when we call him for breakfast? Birger asked his son.


    I doubt it, Bjorgrund said. Seems he''s in his own world.


    I can hear you just fine, Alex said, though his eyes never moved from the books. I''m just working on thest bit of the problem.


    What problem? Bjorgrund asked.


    Why Keldas process failed, Alex said.


    I suppose that''s indeed a great mystery, Birger sighed.


    Actually, it''s not, I think I know why she failed. <em>Exactly</em> why, and it''s a damn tragedy, the Fool said grimly.


    The giants looked at each other, then Birger quickly put the tray down and rushed to the young wizard.


    Wait, if you know why she failed the old giant paused. Does that mean her process can be fixed?


    Atst Alex looked up, sadly meeting Birgers gaze. I think Ive already fixed it. All I''m doing right now is trying different mathematical simtions, to see if I made any mistakes with my calctions. I''m not going to know for sure without trying the processbut things look really promising.


    What are you talking about? Mathematical what? Bjorgrund said.


    There''s an arithmetic when ites to some kinds of magic and alchemy, Alex said. Mana input and mana output. How a magical circuits engineered will usually let you predict what it does. It means that if you know enough of the variables, you can do some maths to try and figure out what a device might or might not do. Basically, I''m drawing schematics for her magical devices, doing some mental adjustments, and seeing what the result might be.


    That all went over my head, Birger admitted.


    It''s kind of like building a small model of a wagon before you build the full size one, so you can get a better idea of how it moves, but the ideas a little more obscure, I suppose. Just doing the maths is nowhere near as good as being able to do actual experiments, but we can''t really do that with something like this.


    Alright, whatever you sayI''ll trust that you know what all that meansso you think you fixed it? Birger asked. So fast? You fixed the thing that killed Kelda?


    Alex sighed sadly. Yes.


    Well, what was it that killed her, then?


    It''s a bit moreplicated than what I''m about to tell youbut these are the basics. He took a deep breath, preparing to exin what had destroyed the only Fool that nearly escaped the Mark. Let me just start by saying she was absolutely brilliant.


    He tapped on a pile of her notebooks in front of him. When she started, its obvious she didn''t really have much knowledge when it came to magic, divinity, or alchemy. The notes in her first bookhow can I put thiswere a bit basic. It was like seeing someone just starting a journey, and not having all the gear they need to make it all the way. Over time though, her notes got a lot moreplex with lots of interesting insights: she gathered together some brilliant minds around her, and also taught herself a lot of magical theory. The crazy thing is that she couldn''t cast a single spell: she didn''t have any magical background when she got the Mark<em>and</em> she didn''t have the mana pool needed for wizardryso she couldn''t use <em>any</em> spellcraft her entire life.


    Birger nodded. Shed often ask me to show her magic, because she couldn''t do it herself.


    And yet, she absorbed magic lore like a dry sponge sitting in a bowl of water. She learned certain theories about divinity, and different philosophies about the soul, she learned about alchemy as well as how her own power<em>Hannahs </em>power, could be used to its full potential.


    He pped a hand on his right shoulder. Combining the theories together with her research on the rune-marked, she came up with a pretty inspired solution to change the Mark. It''s actually shockingly simple if you break it down to its basicponents.


    Alex looked at a machine, the one resembling a cage that had a table, arms, and des inside it. What she figured out is that Uldar ces the Mark on a persons soul. The Heroes Marks are basically a fusion of magic and divinity that embeds in the soul. They change the soul, granting new powersor in the case of a Foolnew limitations. Kelda figured <em>that</em> out when she examined the rune-marked. He nodded at Bjorgrund. Your runes and my Mark work kind of simrly.


    Bjorgrund touched his chest. Maybe that''s why the runes glow through clothing. They''re on our soul, not just our flesh.


    Exactlyish. The runes seem to be designed to glow through clothing, they don''t just do that naturally. Thankfully, Uldar didn''t make his Marks do the same thingor I would''ve been in deep trouble. Anyway, that''s not the point, the point is, Kelda realised that in order to change the Mark, she had to separate it from her soul.


    He pointed at some of the other devices in theb. She got her hands on some very rare materialsthings I''ve never heard of beforeand when theye in contact with the soul, it enters an energised statekind of like running a current through a piece of wire. Now, since souls are a source of immense power, energising one would be very dangerous. When the soul has that much energy going through itording to her notesyou''re in great danger of it breaking down orcausing a kind of bacsh thatwell also creates a massive burst of energy that destroys souls, even those near it.


    Like what happened to Kelda and her assistants, Birger said solemnly, ncing at the ss coffins in the back of theboratory.


    Exactly. You might be wondering why she would need to energise her soul in the first ce. Normally, you wouldn''t be able to tell what''s the Mark and whats the soul if you''re examining itbut by energising the soul, it makes your natural spiritual essence resonate. And the soul resonates from Uldars Mark which allows you to actually see the difference.


    He pointed at the cage. Once you can see the difference, you can start to cut it away. It seems shed examined her Mark by energising her soul many times and figured out that it had been changed. With runes, though, each one is a single magicalobject. One solid piece. But with the Mark of a Foolit''s like a Mark stitched on top of another one. A patch. So what she tried to do was energise her soul so that the Mark would be visible inside her spiritual essence.


    Alex nodded toward the bane knives. She then nned on using those knives to release stitches on the Marks patch. Afterward, she was going to use the Travellers power to basically teleport the detached patch off of the original Mark, reverting it to what it once was.


    So, what went wrong? Birger asked.


    The young wizard held up two fingers. Two things stopped her. One, she didn''t have Uldars notes, which meant she basically had to guess which parts of her Mark were the new ones that had been stitched onto the old version. One small mistake would damage the whole framework, and start a chain-reaction thatwith her soul being energisedwell you might be able to guess what happened next. The second thing that got hermight have been even worse.


    His jaw clenched. Birger, Bjorgrundthe sad truth is that she never had a chance. When ites to souls and spiritsnames are critical. You have to know what something is called if you are to truly know it. The trouble is, she knew that the Mark of the Fool was patchedbut she didn''t know what the old version was called. As a result, she was basically transforming it into nothingso nothing is what she became. Without knowing what she would bethere was no hope of the process working. Not ever.


    It was all in vain Bjorgrund said sadly.


    No, she went down fighting, Birger said sternly. And sometimes that''s what counts. He looked at Alex. But still, it''s better if her sacrifice had helped. You sound like you have the things she didn''t have.


    I do, Alex said. Her process was nearly thereit didn''t take a lot of modification to turn it into something that I think will work.


    Thenwhat''s stopping us from doing it? Bjorgrund asked.


    Normally, Id tell you there has to be a whole bunch of safety proceduresthe need for experimentation to test the hypothesis before we went onto working with a human subject, and so on Alex said. But I am literally the only person in the world that could serve as an experimental subjectand I don''t know how much time we have for strict safety procedures and waiting.


    So that means Bjorgrund began. That we could start real soon?


    Now, preferably, said Alex. I''ve lived with this Mark for a long time; its been causing a lot of suffering for a lot of people, including taking Kelda''s life and soul, and the lives and souls of her assistants. We have bloodthirsty people hunting us, and the Mark of the Fool will just allow them to kill us because I can hardly defend us from them. It''s time for this to end. Get ready for soul-surgery, gentlemen, it''s time for the General of Uldar to return to the world.

 Chapter 738: The Foreboding Machine

    Chapter 738: The Foreboding Machine


    The time was near.


    Soon, Alex would be ready to take a step that would forever change his life.


    The young wizard crouched beside the CageKeldas well-named device used to operate on her soulcarefully altering glyphs designed to work in tandem to energise the mortal soul. While power within the glyphs increased, a rare material would discharge, adjusting the bane scalpels, causing them to resonate in time with a subjects spiritual essence. As they throbbed, they would touch the newly energised soul, letting it thrum in turn.


    The glyphs, while clever, needed modification; Alex was in the process of doing just that, taking into ount the way Uldar had<strong></strong>designed the Marks.


    With these modifications, the process will have a better chance of working since now, the bane knives should only cut specific sections of the Mark. he said aloud. Yeah, itll work. It has to work.


    He felt a range of emotions in his core: excitement, disbelief, anticipation, fear, and dread. He couldnt believe hede this far, so close to being rid of the Marks limits, though he couldnt just dismiss the grim possibility of failure.


    I only get one shot at this, he whispered, putting the finishing touches on the process. If I fail, Im dead and my souls destroyed. If I seedthe possibilities are endless.


    Trying to focus on the positive, Alex continued altering the machine.


    Nearby, the two giants assisted him with the preparations, following his instructions.


    Looks like thisthings ready, Bjorgrund called, staring at a huge device even taller and broader than he was. It whirred, hissed and rumbled. That little crystal light on the side went from purple to blue.


    Good, then throw the switch: the one Ibelled, Alex said.


    Will do, the young giant sounded unsure. There came a loud clunking noise as Bjorgrund pulled the switch. The machine whined then began rumbling, the noise sounded like it wasing from the bottom of a deep, metal drum. Uh-uh, did I break it? he cried in rm.


    No! Alex called back. Just give it a few secondsI think.


    The young wizard swallowed; from speed-reading Keldas notes, hed learned the purpose of, and how to operate every piece of equipment in theb.


    If shed recorded anything incorrectlyor if her notes were iplete, or the machines had degraded over timethere was a good possibility that something would go wrong. Catastrophically wrong.


    At worst, an intense burst of energy could kill them bypletely annihting their souls.


    Itll work. It has to work, Alex muttered again. Hed been saying that a lottely.


    What was that sound? Birger shouted over the rumbling noise.


    Nothing to worry about, Alex said quickly. How is that tonicing?


    The old giant stood in front of an enormous cauldron, stirring the brewing liquid while keeping a close eye on it. It''s been quite a while since I brewed a potionbut, right now, it''s a nice golden colour. Is that okay? Is it supposed to look like that?


    Does it smell like x seed, coal and old fish? Alex asked.


    Oh yes, its not the most pleasant scent. Birger wrinkled his nose.


    Then its fine, the young alchemist said. If it''s gold coloured and smells kinda nasty, it''s nearly finished. As soon as the liquid starts shooting little sparkslike hot iron under a smiths hammershut the heat down and press the glyph Ibelled on the cauldron.


    Okay. Birgers voice sounded tense. Are you sure this is going to work?


    Itll work. It has to work, Alex said again, finishing thest adjustment on the Cage.


    They were almost ready.


    Well, this is what the machine spat out. Bjorgrund handed Alex a shard of material looking like a glowing, red, salt crystal.


    Its perfect. The Fool of Thamnd took the crystal, and headed toward the Cage. It''s the same colour as my manathe size and consistency are rightits exactly as it should be, Bjorgrund.


    All I did was follow your instructions, the young giant said, modestly.


    You''d be surprised how difficult that is for some people. Alex opened a slot on the side of the Cages control panel, loaded in the crystal, then closed it. He pressed a series of buttons, and a crystalline panel on the device began glowing, emitting amber light. Alright, the materials the rightposition. Thats step one finished. Birger?


    The old firbolg was floating toward Alex, carrying a stoppered potion bottle full of golden liquid. I think it''s readyLike I said, I''m not sure if I knew what I was doing there.


    That''s okay, we''re going to test it, the young wizard said.


    Taking the potion, Alex moved to a table, where what looked to be a nk sheet of parchment was waiting. A slightly acidic scent was drifting from it. He picked up a copper needle and pricked his fingertip, drawing a bead of blood, dripping it on the paper.


    It immediately turned blue.


    He unstoppered the potion bottle next, dropping a dollop of the viscous fluid on his blood, turning it from blue to silver.


    Good sign, he said. Now, for one more test.


    He took another bottle from the deskthe bottle of soul-substance hed been harvesting over many monthsunstoppered it, and poured a droplet onto the silver mixture.


    It began glowing yellow, like a tiny star.


    That''swow! Bjorgrund pped his hands.


    Wow is right, Alex said. The tonics mixing well with both the blood and my soul stuff: good job, Birger.


    d to hear itI guess, but what''s the potion actually for? the old giant asked.


    It prepares my soul for the process. It''s a dye that''ll let me see the difference between the Mark, and my natural soul more clearly. It should also help protect my soul from the trauma of the process, he said. The crystal you made, Bjorgrund, is a concoction of engeli blood, dream sand, devil spit, and some other ingredients. It''ll act as a catalyst and help generate a visual to guide the soul operation.


    I know some of those words. Not many, but some, Bjorgrund said. So whates next?


    Now, you both leave. The young wizard put the potion bottles down, looking up at the giants.<strong></strong>It''s time for me to get inside that Cage and see where this all ends. I''ll make a portal in the kitchen that''ll take you to the southern border of the Empire. I''d rather send you to either Generasi or to Greymoor in Thamnd, but it looks like the sanctum can only open portals in certain cesor at least, it seems that way. I haven''t had time to examine the controls in depth.


    He paused for a moment, considering sending the giants to the Cave of the Traveller; a function on the controls would open a portal there, but within a heartbeat, hed discarded the idea; the Thameish army had control of the Cave, and it wouldnt be a surprise if members of the secret church had infiltrated their ranks.


    So, sending his new friends there wasnt an option.


    In any case, I''m going to close the portal that leads from theb to the kitchen once you leave me. Then, I want you to wait for an hour, he continued. My soul can only take the energised state of the process for so long: basically, if you dont see me in an hour or so, that means Imgone. At that point, just leave.


    I''ll wait for two hours, Bjorgrund said. And maybe you should leave the portal to the kitchen open so we cane help you if anything goes wrong.


    Alex gave him a grim smile. Listen, Bjorgrund, if this goes wrong, I don''t think a god would be able to help me. Besides, I don''t want to risk any bacsh hitting the two of you through the portal.


    Thats fairI suppose, the young giant said quietly.


    Anyway, I''m going to set your exit doorway to close in three hours: I don''t want anyone wandering in here. Especially not the church. If you''re not out by then, you''ll be trapped. And I damn well dont want that happening.


    He looked at the giants. Listen, I''m not going to pretend like thest few months were the easiest of my life or the most fun. I''m not going to pretend that we didn''t have hard timesbut seriously, thank you for sticking with me through all of those sleepless nights, those blizzards everything. If I don''te for you, be well and live well.


    Alex shook Birger and Bjorgrunds hands, squeezing them.


    You helped get rid of those that were hunting me, Bjorgrund said. If something happens to you, I vow on my honour that I''ll see your enemies in.


    I agree with my son that youll be avenged, I promise you that, Birger said. And I''ll sing you a dirge like no other.


    Let''s hope it doesn''te to thatbut thank you, Alex said.


    After a couple of pats on the back, the young wizard watched them leave theb. At the sanctum''s control panel, he poured power into opening a new portal to a remote location on the southern border of the Irtyshenan Empire.


    He set the portal to close in three hours, then shut the doorway leading<strong></strong>from theb to the kitchen.


    Alex was alone now, looking at the Cage, taking slow, deep breaths. Keldas impossible machine would either be his salvation, or his doom.


    It was time to discover which.


    He picked up the tonic Birger had brewed, and drank it down, grimacing at the taste all the while.


    Screwing up his face and wiping his lips, he set the bottle down then walked toward the Cage.


    Alexy naked on the operating table, the Cage bars glowing around him.


    He gripped the cool metal of the controls, his eyes fixed on the bane scalpels above, he tried to stay calm.


    The tonic warmed his belly, a tingling sensation spread through him. Nearby, the Cages mana generator hummed, growing increasingly louder. Bands of energy were running all along the Cage bars.


    The foreboding device was warming up, preparing itself to do what Kelda had created it to do.


    Closing his eyes, the Fool of Thamnd contemted his rtively short life to this point. He thought about his early years in Alric, when it was just him and his parents. He remembered when Selina was born, and their little family had grown a bit bigger and even happier.


    The alehouse fire had destroyed that happiness and cut their family by half.


    Then came the days of growing up in the Lu Family Inn. Days he spent ying with Theresa, helping Mr. and Mrs. Lu, and eventually, he remembered the dark times of working for McHarris.


    He remembered time passing and one day, going into the church schools library where hed found a strange, lean book. The spell-guide for forceball. He had no idea how many hours hed spent on that spell, learning it all on his own.


    It was strange thinking back on that now: years of learning spellcraft with a quiet mind, with no Mark to attack him.


    He''d forgotten what that felt like.


    If this workedhe''d experience it again: spellcraft without obstacles that created chaos in his mind, without the bombardment of failures that he had to guide himself through each time he tried to cast a spell.


    He almost cried, thinking about itand about all the things he''d be able to do for his friends and family.


    But, he couldnt ignore the other possibility: maybe the machine would turn on, and that would be it. He would be undone, bing an infinite nothing: no more than an empty shell sprawled on an operating table all alonelikely forever.


    Alex shook his head. Itll work. It has to work.


    As the mana generators hum reached a peak, he reached out toward ygon. Hed already told his golem what he was going to do today.


    Hed warned him.


    Now, there was only onest thing left.


    ygon are you there? he said.


    <em>I amhere, father,</em> the golem answered.


    It''s about time, buddy. I just wanted to tell you one more time that I love you, and if anything happens to me, tell Selina and Theresa again that I love them both, and I always will. Tell Khalik, Isolde and Thundar that theyre the greatest friends I could have ever wanted. Tell Professor Jules I wanted her to know that she''s the best teacher and mentor ever, and tell my other professors Im d that I knew them. When you see Baelin again, tell him I said thank you, and that I would never have been a Proper Wizard without him. Tell Toraka and Lucia I''m sorry I couldn''t finish our businesses together. Let the Heroes, Kybas, and Grimloch know that they meant a lot to me and I was d to have known them. Thank Mr. and Mrs. Lu for raising Selina and me, and that I want them to know I wouldnt have turned out to be who I am without themand


    The Cages controls suddenly sounded like a cross between a mechanical hum, a ringing bell, and a war horn.


    Alex swallowed. It''s time. The machines ready. With any hope, I''ll be talking to you in an hour, buddy.


    <em>I love you, fatherwell talk soon... </em>ygon said.


    Alex felt the connection die.


    All around him, glyph-etched bars shone.


    Energy peaked.


    Once more, Alex repeated those hopeful words: Itll work. It has to work.


    Curious energies flowed from Kelda''s machine, washing over him.


    A piercing scream abruptly tore through theb.

 Chapter 739: Dying Screams

    Chapter 739: Dying Screams


    Alex Roth was screaming.


    The energies of Kelda''s machine were boiling through him, piercing his very soul with sensations unlike any hed ever felt before. Hed known pain and pleasure, endured hunger, anger<strong></strong>and despair.


    Hed borne the shock of a bane knife carving away bits of his soul.


    But, what he was now experiencing was something else entirely.


    There was no word, emotion or sensation he could think of, in anynguage hed learned, to describe what was passing through his body; his soul felt as if it was on the brink ofbusting, smouldering, disintegrating. The sensation was beyond excruciating, deeper than anguish; like his entire being was on the verge of shattering.


    He felt little pain, yet, there was a deeper suffering coursing through him that went beyond the physical.


    He reached for every meditation technique hed ever learned, acknowledged that his soul felt like it was shattering. He was determined to let the sensation pass over him. It wasnt easy, but the stakes had never been higher; through a mix of will and utter calm, the Fool of Thamnd pushed through.


    Slowlyover what felt like hours, but couldn''t have been more than a few secondsAlex grew ustomed to the feeling. He began to rx, allowing himself to be taken by the energies.


    The incandescent light around him shifted, concentrating above his head. The light<strong></strong>shimmered, taking on the beginnings of a male form


    that suddenly came into clear focus.


    Alex had thought he was seeing a reflection of his body, but soon realised that wasnt the case.


    That''s not my reflection, he thought. It''s my own soul. Theressomething else there toooh, by the Traveller


    The young wizard<strong></strong>recognised the image looking back as the most enduring gift and curse hed been granted by Uldar on his eighteenth birthday; the Mark of the Fool.


    It had appeared on his right shoulder on the night hed turned eighteen: a glowing, mocking jester''s face. But his soul looked far different.


    The Mark hadpletely permeated and enveloped it, surrounding it like a shirt fitted too tightly. He could barely make out his own face in the soul-image, as it was mostly obscured beneath the grinning jesters face. Something else stood out, intermingled with the jester.


    Something older.


    Indistinct.


    A chill went through him as he now better understood why Kelda had failed.


    The Markspletely integrated with my soul. he realised. It''d be impossible to free it without damaging my essence. The patchthere''s no way to tell whats patch, what''s original Mark, or what''s actually my soul! If I start cutting blindly, Ill destroy myself like she did


    He gripped the controls.


    The scalpels twitched above him.


    Alex set his jaw, carefully examining what he was seeing high above. But I have an advantage, I know how Uldars designs work and because of that I can see it! Im seeing parts that are necessary for the Marks design and parts that are redundant! Those extra parts have got to be the patch! I can do this!


    Drawing on every bit of determination he could muster, he poured his power into the scalpels, slowly lowering the arms toward his body, watching as the des broke his skin. All the while, he observed illusionary versions of the scalpels touching his soul in the image above the operating table. Another wave of suffering ripped through him, but months of carving his soul with ValRoks bane knife steadied him, keeping him from making a slip that would destroy his soul. He neither faltered nor stopped, the desire to be free of Uldars Mark driving him.


    Fear could have taken over, stopping him, but he knew the church would never stop, no matter how much he ranuntil they finally caught him.


    So, he pushed on, carefully feeling around his soul, focusing on the image above him, watching as Birgers tonic and energies of the Cage altered the colours of his spiritual essence and the Marks.


    His soul now glowed bright silver, while the Mark shone like gold, yet he still could not differentiate between the patch, and the original Mark.


    At least, not by sight alone.


    But, from studying Uldars notes and harvesting bits of his soul


    There, he thought excitedly. That''s the first ce I should cut.


    Several scalpels entered his soul through his left leg, reaching deep, weaving through threads of what should have been the patch. He felt the Marks fibres grow taut against the charged bane knives.


    The Fool took a deep, steadying breath, then slowly snipped the fibres, sending a sudden wave of shock through his body. For an awful momenthe thought he was dead.


    Jarring, discordant waves pounded him.


    The first one brought feelings of relief, then triumph, then freedom, the next brought desperation, agony, and rage; another soon followed, sweeping over Alex, smothering him with swirling images; the foolish grinning face of the Fool snarled down at him, bearing undisguised hatred, announcing its wrath.


    Uldars wrath.


    A litany of failures hit like a tidal wave; every error hed ever made, crowded his consciousness with a fury the Mark had never unleashed before.


    Dizzying.


    Crushing images.


    Whirling through his mind.


    Turning his stomach.


    It''s defending itself! The thought screamed in Alexs mind. Maybe cutting that fibre triggered it? But how? The Marks only supposed to activate from<strong></strong>spellcraft,bat, andoh no.


    Divinity.


    He was interfering with a god''s work, encroaching directly on the divine while bathed in the machines multitude of energies, including mana and divinity.


    That must''ve been enough to provoke it! he realised. Andoh shit!


    More images struck. More failures. More horrors. But something was different now.


    Those cesthose<strong></strong>things! Ive never seen them before! Never experienced any of that! HowOh no, another realisation. The evening of my eighteenth birthday, when I first got the Mark, I had all these images of ces and things Id never seen before pour into my head. By cutting that thread, I probably reactivated whatever that was!


    He saw himself in tears, standing on battlefieldsbut, it wasnt actually him, not Alex Rothbut, it was still the Fool of Thamnd. Thousands of years of ridicule crashed down on him in a deluge. Fleeing from monsters. Shaming from other Heroes, whether Sage, Chosen, Saint or Champion, it didnt matter, most never hesitated in mocking the Fool.


    He saw himselfthe Fooltrying to guide hispanions on a ship.


    He saw himselfthe Foolleading an army of Ravener-spawn, wielding two dungeon coresonly to be destroyed by the Heroes, the church and the army of Thamnd.


    He saw himselfthe Foolstart a sessful business after the war had ended, only to be stabbed to death by a rivals hired thugs in an alleyway, unable to defend himselfbut, that time, it had been <em>herself.</em>


    The sense of repeated deaths enveloped him.


    The Fool had died starving in gutters. The Fool had died freezing in caves. In dungeons, ripped apart, then eaten by Ravener-spawn. Alex could feel every de, every pang of hunger, every Ravener-spawn fang.


    His mind began to break.


    He could barely form a coherent thought; his meditation techniques were all that stopped his sanity from bursting. He clung to consciousness, forcing his eyes back to the image above him.


    Distantly, he heard Hannah and Careys voices calling.


    The Fool was either going to die, or his soul would copse.


    He should stop, but he couldn''t, not now. Hed already damaged the patch; it would bombard him with his own failures, and the failures of every other Fool that it had ever insinuated itself on, right up until he came apart.


    All he could do was just keep going.


    Keep goingit''ll workmust work Thoughts were barely forming. Have totry tothinkadaptthinkadapt


    He focused on the image, gripping the Cages controls, pushing the bane scalpels toward the next section of the patch.


    There he thought, just managing to hook the cutting edges into the Fools fibres.


    He made another incision.


    More waves of discordance.


    Relief.


    Triumph.


    Complete hatred and pain.


    Andfor a brief timethe Marks tide of images<strong></strong>ceased.


    Alex Roth, the Fool of Thamnd, regained his bearings, looking for the next ce to cut. Not thereor therethat parts redundant too! <em>There</em>!


    He hooked the scalpels into the fibres


    The jesters face screamed silently, rage twisting it.


    A new tide of memories mmed into him, these even worse than thest. In the space of one single heartbeat, Alex was gutted, blinded, crushed, broken and dissected repeatedly, dozens upon dozens of times.


    He turned his head to the side and threw up.


    His brain screamed.


    But the scalpels were already hooked onto the fibres, they incised another one.


    Another shock ran through him, this one the most intense yet; his entire body locked up, spasming, gagging.


    New waves fell over him.


    Feelings of freedom and relief.


    Triumph and power.


    Desperate rage, hatred, disdain.


    But he could take no notice of them.


    Where to cut next he thought. I have to get the scalpels in before the Mark reacts again. Its attacks are getting worse! Where? Where? <em>There!</em>


    The scalpels pierced his left arm, right through the scar that Burn-Saw had given him. He was hooking the scalpels into the fibres


    the Mark struck.


    Despair gripped him.


    Streams of death and dying returned, bringing him to the depths of anguish. Failures, bothrge and small: imprisonment, despair, betrayll woven together in a perfect blending of torment designed to break his mind.


    He couldn''t take anymorehe couldnt


    I cant do this his thoughts slowed. But, I somethingsdifferent. Its changed! <em>Somethings changed!</em>


    The Marks attack came on, more brutal than before; the images increased, bing more personal. Yet, not as vivid, not as overwhelming as minutes before, they felt more distant, not nearly as fresh, like memories fading with time. He understood what was changing.


    It''s getting weaker! he thought. I cut enough fibres to weaken it!


    He immediately cut the next section.


    The waves came again.


    Freedom, ease and relief.


    Triumph, pride and power.


    Desperate rage, hatred, disdain, contemptand now, fear.


    In that moment, Alex realised what the waves signified.


    The feelings of freedom came from his soul, relieved as its bonds were slowly cut away. The feelings of triumphwereing from the original Mark, finally reawakening after all these millennia.


    And all of that desperate rage and fear?


    That was the patch. That was the Mark of the Fool. That was Uldars will, fighting to keep itself from being destroyed.


    I''m damaging it! he thought. If I''m hurting it, that means I''m doing the right thing! That means I can kill it!


    He found the next section well before the Marks next attack came, and was already cutting it when a new wave of painful memories hit. This time, the Mark tried to bury his mind in a hundred lifetimes of failures at once, all ying out at the same time. It was determined to stop him, overloading his mindwith failure and shame, forcing his brain toprehend millennia of memories in the space of an instant.


    Had the Mark attacked with these images when hed made his first cut, his mind would''ve brokenbut those centuries of memories were foggy now. Indistinct. They were present, but not as insistent upon his attention; they could be ignored, he could guide his mind past them.


    And he did, cutting the next thread.


    A familiar shock raged through him.


    Yet, his soul felt free.


    Uldars original Mark roared like a beast almost free from its chains.


    The Mark of the Fool looked down upon the Fool of Thamnd, the hate-filled grin no longer twisting its face, reced by an expression of sheer terror. The jesters image was unravelling, dissipating, splitting apart at the seams.


    This is it, he thought. The patchs outline, I can see the difference between it, and the original Mark now! I can cut thest of the fibres all at once!


    Bane scalpels slid into his body, hooking fibres on his soul. He felt them growing taut just before they were severed.


    Above the operating table, the jesters face screamed.


    A memory struck the young Fool of Thamnd.


    In the image heno, <em>she</em>was in this very machine. It was the final memory of Kelda of n McCallum, a former Fool of Thamnd. She was filled with anger and confusion as she tried to choose where to cut. Her assistants were watching through the bars surrounding her, they were all shouting.


    Her souls energies were copsing, rupturing.


    She felt a mind sensing hers in her agony. It was Hannah, connecting through their power.


    She felt Hannah reaching across space.


    The Fool felt her friend and could see hering from her cave.


    She knew Hannah could see her too as the Saint of Alric was teleporting to her sanctum. She knew her friend would not make it. Kelda looked up, feeling their connection, seeing Hannah.


    Their eyes locked across the gulf between space.


    The Fools face twisted. tion died, reced by anguish.


    There was nothing she could do.


    Rage, horror and despair filled the dying Fool of Thamndand beyond that?


    The deepest, clearest desire for vengeance.


    Vengeance on the Mark, Uldar and his designs.


    And like Kelda, Alex was something of a vengeance enthusiast.


    For a moment he thought of sayingof uttering a final, cold pronouncement as he killed the Mark. Instead, he was silent, watching the thing that had killed so many young people just like him, scream.


    He solidified the image of the original Mark in his mind, naming it: The Mark of the General.


    Then the Fool of Thamnd severed thest fibres.


    Another shock coursed through his body.


    Followed by a wave of extraordinary relief.


    Then a roar of exaltant triumph.


    And a single, forlorn, dying scream.


    With an expression of pure joy on his face, Alex watched the jesters face shatter as the patch frayed, beginning to drift apart. It copsed, gradually revealing more of his true soul, untilonly the jesters facecovered his own.


    It was disintegrating, passing away like rain before the zing sun, bing an indistinct mass. He reached into himself, touching the Travellers power, focusing on the ruined patch then teleporting it away, never to touch his soul again.


    A mass of energy appeared, twitching, covering the image above him.


    A heartbeatter, it was gone.


    Alex could finally see himself, joined with the original Mark.


    A crown burned atop his soul. In one hand, it gripped a sword. In the other, a scroll. The young wizard turned his head toward his right shoulder.


    The grinning jester''s face was gone, no longer there to gue him.


    Instead a glowing, golden Mark of a sword atop an unfurled scroll, with the des pommel split like the peaks of a crown, had reced it.


    He couldn''t believe it. He didnt dare to hope.


    Swallowing, he raised his hand, and touching the mana within himself, Alex spoke an incantation.


    It was short, but familiar.


    As familiar as his own name.


    The words of power meant to conjure forceball poured from his lips.


    He waited.


    Yet, no resistance came.


    For the first time since he''d been branded by the god of Thamnd, Alex uttered a spell without meeting interference, no failures clouded his mind, no resistance fought his will.


    Nothing.


    Just himself, and the oldest spell he knew.


    His voice broke as he uttered thest syble and raised his hand high, conjuring a forceball with a free and easy mind. It winked into being, appearing in a fraction of the time it would have taken with the Fools Mark hindering him.


    It glowed crimson and bright, perhaps the most beautiful magical sight he''d ever seen.


    Alex Roth wept with joy.


    And the Fool of Thamnd


    No.


    There was no more Fool of Thamnd.


    Alexander Roth of Alric, the General of Thamnd, had returned.


    He set his jaw.


    You couldn''t kill me when I could barely defend myself, he whispered, mind on the hidden church. Now, Im free, unshackled. Let''s see what I can do to <em>you. </em>Its time for the General to learn some spells.<em></em>


    In itsir, the Ravener screamed.

 Chapter 740: Questioning Protocol

    Chapter 740: Questioning Protocol


    Deep within itsir, the Ravener was screaming.


    Loose rock broke apart, rattling, shaking, raining from the ceiling. Its guardians yelped in fear, fleeing from what they feared was its rage.


    Yet, rage was not what gripped their leader.


    This time, it was not voicing its ragethis time it screamed in confusion, frustration, and horror. Its maker<strong></strong>had etched hundreds of protocols into the midnight-ck sphere. Every rule was amand and protocolid down to instruct the ck orb with the very framework and foundation of its mind.


    All decisions, its entire reason for being were to be dictated by them, it was meant to follow them precisely as different situations arose.


    Simple procedures, designed to guide it in every cycle of every millennia, past, present or future, wereid out for it to react with, ording to specific events determined in advance by Uldar.


    Despite the parameters set by the protocols, the ability to reason was still a part of the constructs makeup. It had been granted this resource by its maker. How it would execute those protocols was its own decision to make. Most of its daily activities centred on wreaking havoc throughout Thamnd and consistently testing the Heroes, while keeping the people in a constant state of fear.<strong></strong>It had its purpose and its protocols, and all that it needed to do was execute them in the appropriate way, reacting to given situations.


    The Ravener was not meant to question protocols, it was meant to execute them.


    Today, that changed.


    Today, it had a question.


    Deep within the construct was a protocol so ancientactivated just once beforethat the Ravener paused at the idea of using it. But the event that had urred was supposed to be impossible, and its response would have to be so drastic, that it was left questioning its creators intent.


    The Ravener would have to disrupt the current cycle in a way that even a hundred usurpers could not.


    Was the action that it was supposed to take what its creator truly intended?


    It seemed unlikely, even irrational.


    So, the Ravener wondered.


    It knew that the only way for a General to be among the Heroes would be if Uldar had changed his n. It had no desire to disrupt its makers ns.


    And sofor the first time in millenniathe Ravener chose not to obey its protocol. It could not perform the required actions unthinkingly and certainly, not yet.


    Not without confirmation that those actions were the creators true will.


    It understood that once it took the action dictated by this specific event


    there was no turning back.


    Things would be as they were millennia ago and the Ravener was not sure ifthis timethe Thameish people would recover. Not without the makers help.


    Would he help them this time?


    For so many cycles, Uldar had been silent.


    The Ravener had not been impacted by this.


    It was content to carry on; it had its in-depth instructions, its purpose and its protocols; all it had to do was follow them. Further input from its creator was not needed, and the construct contentedly followed its role as terrorizer and destroyer, fulfilling its purpose.


    It would be better to seek confirmation before acting.


    Only then would it act.


    As it had done over the millennia, on the rare times that the Ravener needed consultation with its maker, it reached out across its link to Uldars mind.


    It asked the god a simple question: <em>Are you sure this is what you wish for me to do?</em>


    Silence.


    Silence hung heavy, as it had for thousands of years, the god no longer replied.


    No matter.


    There were other ways.


    It knew its creator had retreated to his sanctum, and it also knew where to ess that sanctum from Thamnd. Yet, it could not go there, it could not leave itsir unbidden: this would be a task well-suited to the First Apostle.


    The human did not have all of the information, but he would know enough to be able to speak to Uldar, and have him reach out to answer the question. Sending a Ravener-spawn to act as a messenger to Uldars sanctum would risk giving too much away, if it were noticed by people outside the hidden church. It discounted that idea.


    It had grown anxious, something it rarely experienced before this current Fool, and it was reluctant to disturb its creator, but the protocol was too drastic to proceed without confirmation.


    It must be certain.


    The Ravener reached out for help from the First Apostle of its creator.


    Do you know what I don''t get about you mortals? the Stalker asked lightly, juggling two red gems. A misunderstanding of futility. Sometimes you all look at situations that can be resolved and think theyre futile. Other times, you look at situations that <em>are</em> futile and think<strong></strong>they can be resolved! It makes no sense!


    He shifted to juggling the gems one-handed. I told you that if you just speak, then all of this stops! You get your lung back, you get a kidney back, you get your leg bones, you get your liver backnot to mention these pretty, pretty eyes of yours! The Stalker grinned at the gems in his hand, his eyes returning to the crumbling form before him.


    The copsing form of Warder, the thief.


    What was still intact of the high ranking member of the Guild of the Red Mouse, was trembling. His body resembled a throbbing sack of flesh syed out on a stony beach, his eyes were no longer in their sockets, his breathing was shallow, almost absent, as he clutched his torso in agony.


    All around him were the still forms of his bodyguards.


    None bore a single wound on their bodies, but it was obvious that they had long passed from the world. Along the crashing surf, screeching gulls and skittering crabs feasted on their organs. More carcasses floated on the surface of the icy Irtyshenan sea, andfurther up the beachmembers of the secret church stoically watched their fae ally do his grim work.


    The Stalker juggled the gems faster.


    Warder shuddered, retching the scant contents of his gut, dribbling green bile down his chin and onto frigid rock. There was little left in the thief''s stomach but slime and air, it wasnt the first time hed vomited since the Stalker had gotten his hands on him.


    Disorienting, ain''t it? the fae said. You can still see out of your eyes, and here I am juggling them, giving them a view that no mortal was ever meant to see. Your sight must be bouncing around all over the ce, spinning about, shooting off in two different directions. Must be difficult. But, talking will end all your difort! Itll bring an end to your problems. It''s been <em>days, </em>hasnt it?<em></em>Why do you keep holding out?


    I Warder choked out with the breath from his one lung.


    Mmm? the Stalker leaned forward. What was that?


    I told youeverything the ruined man choked. Were looking for our founders sanctum. Someone camethat has her powerwe gave him thelocations where it should beso he could find it. We were gonna kill him when he did and takethe treasures inside


    The Stalker rolled his eyes. Please. You dumb bastard, I learned all that from the first one of you I gutted! You expect me to believe that''s all there is to this? His smiles andughter faded. Look, Im hunting a certain quarry, and you already offended me by looking to interfere with whats supposed to be <em>my</em> kill. I''m tired of these games.


    No games Warder gurgled. Would do anything for pain to stop.


    And you expect me to believe <em>that?</em> the Stalker snarled. When my hounds and I first took you from your bed, you tried putting up some grand fight! And, when that was beaten out of you, it was the silent treatment. You kept up that silent treatment when I took some of your innards, and you didn''t even budge when I got your bodyguards and started to pull them apart. Youre one cold bastard.


    He shook his head. It was only after the first couple of days that you finally started talkingand then all you told me were lies about knowing nothing. Do you even hear those words? Do you ever really think about their meaning? No one knows <em>nothing</em>, you idiot! Even squalling babes know something, even something so simple as that they need to drink their mothers milk! Your lies changed quick enough, and you spun all sorts of colourful tales.


    The Stalker reached toward several objects floating beside him. Warders organs and bones. He plucked a kidney from the air and began squeezing it. It was only when I crushed one of them kidneys of yours, that you finally started telling me something close to the truth. Its funny, but even the toughest of mortals start breaking when I begin doing some<em>permanent</em> damage. Yet, you still won''t tell me the whole story! I tell you, it''s futile!


    I told youevery Warder choked.


    You couldn''t have, the Stalker snarled. If you had, I''d know exactly where this sanctum is, or at least, how to get there. So stop. Being. So stubborn.


    Again, Stalkers hand squeezed the organ.


    Warder whimpered.


    Izas shook his head, watching the gruesome torture. What a waste of time. Our ally knows mortals, less than half as well as he thinks he does. I''ve witnessed Eldin conduct interrogations and have conducted my own; I know when questioning has crossed a line intomon butchery, and I know when a person has been broken and is telling the truth. This Warder broke days ago, the Stalker simply cannot ept it. Holy leader, I


    He looked at Gabrian, then paused. Holy leader?


    The First Apostle was gazing across the sea, his eyes unfocused, and his expression locked in concentration. He shook himself. I apologise, Izas, I was upied.


    With what, holy leader? Izas asked. Have you received some revtion?


    There was a yearning in the Third Apostles voice; he was desperate for any word from their god. Thisst year had been devastating for the holy church. They had lost their home, failed repeatedly to strike down their enemies, and now they were on an endless hunt, far from the holy kingdom they were meant to shepherd.


    Any sign that they were on the right paththat they had not forsaken their duties in some waywould have been a grand blessing.


    Izas disappointment was immeasurable when the First Apostle shook his head. No revtion, Gabrian said. A strange feeling hade over meas though there were thoughts just at the edge of my consciousness, demanding attention. I thought perhaps Uldar or a servant of his was trying tomunicate with mebut nothing followed.


    Then we will just have to be patient, Izas said.


    I sense patience growing thin within you, old friend, Gabrian said. You are troubled.


    Izas nodded toward the gruesome scene taking ce further along the beach. I am not one to shy away from blood or suffering, as long as it is in Uldars name, but this has grown senseless. We are no closer to destroying one of Uldars great enemies than we were months agoand yet for a time, I thought we had him. We were tightening the noose around his neck, and he just disappeared. I fear that we will have to return to Thamnd with more failure clinging to us. I do not like the feeling of failing our god, holy leader.


    Patience, Gabrian advised. The duties of our order have stretched for thousands of years, and when ites to such enduring duties, one only fails when one either gives up, loses faith, or dies. We have done none of these. We have not failed our god yet.


    Our enemy seems to have some infernal ability to adapt, and strengthen himself, Izas said. While we wait here, watching our ally engage in senseless butchery, he could be preparing for us even now.


    Yet, we are on the right path. He looked back over his shoulder to the ind behind him. It was far from where the Fool had searched for the missing sanctum. Deep within a cave a good distance from the beach, was a gateway left by Kelda of n McCallum and also used by the Guild of the Red Mouse. Warder had led them there, and the hidden church had taken the portal for their own. Even now, our priests work to understand how the gate works, even as we defend it from the thieves'' Guild. With time, when we are able to fully understand it, it will lead us to the Fool; I believe Uldar has seen fit to guide us to this ce. With the right miracle, we should find a way to this sanctum.


    I am sure we will, Izas said. I cannot help but feel that the situation is growing more dire.


    It is, but we shall rise to meet it, Gabrian said. Do not worry for Thamnd. Our realm is old and strong, with Uldars eye watching it, it will keep.


    Falling back into Silence, the two holy men watched the Stalker do his preferred work.


    Behind them, their priests worked to unlock the secrets of Kelda''s portal.


    The Ravener pulled away from the First Apostles mind.


    He was at too great a distancesomewhere to the eastfrom Thamnd for Uldars construct to reach him.


    So it would have to send a messenger.


    A Ravener-spawn would find the First Apostle by travelling over the roads provided by the Raveners newest ally.

 Chapter 741: The Best News and New Frontiers

    Chapter 741: The Best News and New Frontiers


    Are you dead? Bjorgrund called through the portal to the kitchen.


    Would I be able to open the portal if I was dead? Alex called backughing.


    The two giants were stooped low, moving through the portal at speed, eager to see the still living young wizard. Alex was not only very much alive, but he was all smiles, dressed, and waiting for them.


    Did it work? Birger asked. Or did you have to stop?


    Almost giddy withughter, Alex rolled up his right sleeve, revealing the glowing symbol of a golden crown-sword with a scroll beneath it. Oh, I think it really did!


    Ooooooh! Yes! Bjorgrund shouted, thundering over and pping Alex on the shoulder.


    The young wizard was nearly knocked over by the force.


    Birger stood for a long, silent moment, looking from Alex to Keldas ss coffin. So the Mark of the Fool is gone?


    I got rid of the patch, Alex said. If theres ever another cycleand my n is to kill the Ravener so there wont bebut if the worst happens and we dont kill it, who knows if the next Hero will be a Fool, or a General but in<em> my</em> case, this Fool is gone. Completely and totally gone! Heughed, patting his shoulder.


    Birger swallowed and limped over to his old friends casket, his flight magic now faded. You hear that, Kelda? the old giant said, choking up. You''ve been avenged. Notpletely yet, but partly, and thats a good start. Your work saved another. Can you hear me, my friend? You did it, Kelda, you did it. He ced a hand on the ss. You did it.


    Alex smiled gently, standing alongside Bjorgrund, watching the old giant. He slowly lowered his head, closing his eyes. Hannah? If you can hear me, I want you to know that your good friend did it. She got us ny percent of the way there, and I got us the final ten. The Fool is gone. You and your power were so important: thank you! Thank you from now till the end of time.


    As he prayed, a deep, warm sensation washed over him, he could have sworn he heard a woman''s happy voice in the distance.


    She was cheering.


    ###


    ygon? his father''s voice spoke in his mind.


    The golemwho''d been standing on the balcony of the vi Alex had rented for his family and watching Shales iron constructs patrol the courtyardnearly jumped in surprise.


    <em>Fatheris that you? </em>he asked, though he didn''t have to. He knew his father''s voice would be the only one speaking in his mind, but he wanted to hear him confirm that he was still alive. He wanted to hear his father say that it was him.


    It''s me, buddy, I''m okay, Alex said, calmly. Could you do me a favour? Could you get Theresa and Selina for me?


    <em>Yesfatheris theregood news? </em>ygon asked, hope burning inside him.


    Very good news, buddy, very very, good news, but I want to tell you when youre all together, his father said.


    If an iron golem could cry, ygon would have already been weeping with relief.


    ###


    The Roth family were gathered in the srium.


    ygon stood in the middle of the room, the sunlight shining on his iron form.


    In front of him were Selina and Theresa, both young women were tense, their expressions a mix of anticipation and dread. They didnt know why ygon had called them, only that he''d had news from the sanctum. Brutus sat whimpering beside the huntress, sensing her tension.


    What happened? Selina asked. Is Alex okay?


    I know he was in the sanctum, preparing Kelda''s machines, but what happened? Theresa asked. Is he about to start?


    ygon contacted his father. <em>Selina and Theresaare asking ifyou''re about to start.</em>


    The golem got a sense of surprise through their link. Wait, you didn''t tell them that I was starting?


    <em>Not yet</em> ygon said apologetically. <em>I was so worried, I couldn''t moveI have been standing on the balcony since you told me that you were starting the processI was there waiting for you to contact me since thenfather</em>


    Okay, well Id better stop keeping you all waiting, then, Alexughed. I wish I could tell you all this in person, I wish I could see your faces, but it''s not safe yet. So, youll have to ry my words, is that okay?


    <em>Yesfather</em>


    The golem listened as Alex spoke through their link, then repeated his words. <em>Father saysthat he finished Kelda''s processhe wants us to knowthat he''s not just alrighthe wants us to knowthat he did ithe changed the Markthe Mark of the Fool is goneand he has the Mark of the General</em>


    Several moments of silence passed in the sunny srium before ygon, Theresa and Selena began screaming with joy.


    He did it! The young girl jumped up and down. He did it! He did it! He did it! He did it!


    By the gods! By the Traveller! He''s free, he''s actually free! Theresa shouted.


    ygons cry of joy echoed through the vi, no doubt alerting the Lus that something good was happening. Theresa would soon be sharing that good news with them, grateful that it wasnt otherwise. Shed been afraidterrified of what ygon would say, of what shed have to tell her parents, brothers and friends, but now, she had the best news ever to share with them, and she was happy.


    So what happens now? she asked. What does the Mark of the General do?


    ygon asked his father the question.


    I don''t know what it does yet. But, I''ll be testing it soon, Alex said. I already cast forceball without any interference. It was amazing, I felt so free! So, next Ill be trying more spells. Lots and lots of spells. I want to see what this Mark can do.


    ###


    Alex was used to struggling. From the time he was a youngster, hed dealt with it.


    His parents had died tragically, hed worked for a tyrant in Thamnd, hed fought the Mark every time he wanted to cast a spell.


    Struggle was a regr part of his life, especially since hed been Marked as the Fool.


    No matter how far he''d advanced in wizardry, no matter what solutions hed been forced to find to be able to fight, and no matter how much hed grown in power, the Mark was<strong></strong>always<strong></strong>there.


    A constant obstacle that had both hindered and helped, though rarely in equal measure. It had brought good things and new skills to his life, while also bringing debilitating limits that at worst, could one day get him killed. Those limits were constantly there, making sure he never forgot that hed always be chained to Uldars will.


    Now, though?


    Now, they were gone.


    It felt strange.


    Oddly enough, like something was missing.


    Hed grown ustomed to expecting a bacsh when he tried to spellcast, like how a child would flinch at the sight of a cruel sibling.


    But, hed quickly learned there was no bacshing, he could freely cast spells.


    Alexander Roth, the General of Thamnd, stood in Kelda''s sanctumin one of its many empty, trapped roomscasting spells.


    He cast spell after spell without flinching or stopping.


    Is this what its been like for everyone else? Hisughter rolled through therge room. Has it really been this <em>easy? </em>Let''s try forcedisk!


    Speaking a rapid incantation, the spell arraypleted and the magic circuit formed.


    A perfect forcedisk appeared before him.


    Look at that! he cried. How long was thatdamn, I wish Id brought my old notebooks so I couldpare how fast I am now with my speed before! I think I did that in less than a heartbeat! Okay, whats next, maybe Wizards Hand!


    Alex uttered the incantation with ease, with no interference. Where the Mark of the Fool would have protested, the Mark of the General was silent.


    A beautifulfortable silence.


    Again, in less than a heartbeat, a force magic spell appeared before him. A crimson glowing Wizards Hand. Alex roared with giddyughter that echoed through the room.


    By the Traveller, that was so <em>easy!</em> he shouted. How the hells long did it take me to learn that spell? Weeks? And here I am casting it like nothing! Its almost as easy as breathing! Okay, another, another! Oh, I know what!


    He rubbed his hands together. Lets try a summoning spell: with the Travellers power I could summon pretty fast, even though I had the Mark of the Fool. How fast will I be <em>now?</em>


    Taking a deep breath, he picked a first-tier summoning spell: Summon Small Water Elemental.


    He began the incantation.


    The Travellers power red.


    He hadn''t finished all the words when the magic circuitpleted.


    Bubbles appeared suddenly. The little water elemental was frozen with surprisesurprised at being abruptly pulled from the elemental ne. It seemed to be trying to understand what had just happened.


    Hi there, Alex said softly. It''s me.


    Bubbles burbled.


    Been a while, hasn''t it? he said lightly. I hope you''re doing wellOh! You''re a little bigger aren''t you? My, my look at <em>you. </em>Soon I''ll need a second-tier spell to summon you.


    The water elemental rolled over to the young wizard, who reached into his bag for a haste potion, unstoppering it, and pouring it into Bubbles. The little elemental bubbled happily, drinking the potion down.


    Very good, very good! A potion for a growing elemental. I guess we''re both growing, though only figuratively for me, he grinned. Alrightwhats nextah!


    He remembered one of the spells that had been a big source of exasperation for him.


    Protective Force Weapon. It was one of the most difficult spells hed had to learn when he was in first year force magic in Professor Rams ss. The Mark had protested, not only because he was practising spellcraft, but the spell conjured weapons, even if they were only meant to deflect strikes, not hit anyone.


    To solve the problem, Alex had modified the spell array so it would conjure deflective force rectangles instead; they were a strange shapeand looked a bit ridiculousbut theyd gotten the job done.


    Now, would he be able to cast the spell properly? As it was <em>meant</em> to be cast?


    He thought back to the guide for Protective Force Weapon, focusing the Mark of the General on the task of remembering the words in the guide. He felt a rush of power from his new Mark, images appeared before him.


    Like before, he saw every sess hed had while memorising the spell


    but there was a notable difference.


    The Mark of the Fool would have shown his sesses, pointing out exactly what hed done right over his multiple attempts at learning Protective Force Weapon.


    However, the Mark of the General also showed him his <em>failures </em>when it was trying to help him.


    They were organised carefully in his mind, showing him exactly what he did wrong, and how to avoid it next time.


    Alex''s jaw dropped. He pumped his fists in excitement. This is even more powerful than the Fool was! You get all the benefits of focusing on your sesses, <em>and</em> all the benefits of learning from your failures! This is <em>incredible</em>!


    He thought about what hed just learned, thinking carefully. So <em>that''s</em> what you did, Uldar. To make the Mark of the Fool, you put a patch on the General to turn one of its benefits into an obstacle. Instead of failures being used to help teach, the Fool used someones failures to stop them from doing spellcraft,bat or divinity. Instead of adding a new limiter, you just had the patch change a function the General already had.


    The young wizard crossed his arms. I''d be impressed if I wasn''t so pissed off.


    He sighed. I have to admit it, the Mark of the General is beautifully designed<strong>.</strong> With it, you have to analyse both failure and sess to get better at something. If it''s all failures, you won''t know which direction you need to go in to improve. If it''s all sesses, then you don''t know where you made your mistake, and where you can still improve. Focusing only on failures leads to despair, but focusing only on sesses can lead to stagnation in time, unless you keep purposefully experimenting, like I do.


    Alex thought carefully. So the Mark of the General is an even better learning tool than the Mark of the Fool was; the Generals of the past must have mastered dozens of skills. Maybe hundredsthey shouldve been the schr-kings of their day. Yet, there''s no record of them in any history bookI bet Uldar had something to do with that. When this is done, I really need to go back to <em>his</em> sanctum and see if there''s anything we missed.


    The young wizard cracked his knuckles. Anyway, that''s ater problem. Right now, it''s time to cast Protective Force Weapon. After that, I''ll see how easy it is to cast spells Ive learned in every tier. Once Im done that


    He looked at the pile of spell-guides from Brightfire, and another object beside them:


    The Travellers sword.


    ...it''ll be time to try things I couldn''t dream of trying when I had the Mark of the Fool, and learn what the limits of the Mark of the General are.

 Chapter 742: Learning New Limits

    Chapter 742: Learning New Limits


    Bubbles burbled softly, watching its summoner work magic.


    Alex cast Protective Force Weapon as easily as he had Wizards Hand, and just like that, crimson swords appeared, rotating around him, shielding his body. He stood wide eyed, grinning, shocked at what hed just done.


    I cant believe this, I can actually make force construct weapons! his voice awestruck. I remember sitting in Rams ss, watching him cast this exact spell with a twitch of an eyebrow, thinking I was never gonna be able to do it. But here I am, doing the very same thing.


    Force construct swords shifted positions, seeming far more intimidating than his force rectangles ever had. I''ll start looking like a proper battle wizard, soon, heughed. Now, lets see what happens with higher-tier spells. I think Ill start with Call Through Ice since it was the very first second-tier spell I ever learned. Makes it kind of fitting.


    Alex spoke to the little water elemental, Ive got something for you, he said, taking a potion bottle from his satchel and casting Call through Ice: before the final syble had left his mouth, the potion had already teleported to the water elemental.


    Bubbles was happily gulping it down.


    Good, that was easy, Alex said. Maybe we should try a harder second-tier spell next, something like: Summon Elemental Beetle Swarm.


    Once againbefore the incantation was finishedthe Travellers power red; scores of buzzing elemental beetles surrounded him. He dismissed them.


    At this speed, I could summon monsters as fast as an opponent could swing a weapon once, Alexs mind was on fire with possibilities. I wonder if casting spells will be slower at higher-tiers?


    He focused on one of Isoldes favourite spells: one hed built into his staff.


    Time to fly, he whispered, casting flight magic on himself.


    With a few quick words, he felt his weight easein the blink of an eye, he was in the air.


    This is amazing! he cried, looping through the room. No staff, no potions! This is all me! I can''t believe I was missing out on this! Maybe I should trya third-tier summoning spell next. Why not? Yeah, lets just do it: it was the first creature I summoned at third-tierunfortunately.


    He uttered a few sybles.


    A floating orb of light appeared before him.


    Greetings, mortal! a voice like tinkling bells said. How are things with you? Is it daytime? It seems quite dark. Are we in a dungeon, mortal? Is this mortal nning to enve me? Do not do that, mortal


    Thentern celestial paused.


    Wait, me remember you! it cried in its celestial tongue. You is the stupid mortal! You is the one with stupid mind and badnguage! You will enve me


    With a thought, Alex banished thentern celestial back to the upper nes.


    Well, that was unpleasant. Seems things havent changed. He muttered, floating in the centre of the room. But, calling it so quickly, shows me that even third-tier summoning spells take no time for me to cast now. Wonder if greater force armour should be next, or should I just go right to fourth-tier spells? You know what? Id better try greater force armour to see if I can cast that one quickly. If I can, itll mean that if it breaks during a battleI could just recast it and keep fighting.


    Alex instantly cast the third-tier spell, sheathing himself in red force magic; the armour turned invisible a momentter.


    Yeah, I could definitely recast it mid-fight with this speed. Alright, on to fourth-tier.


    With a few sybles and a re of mana, he conjured a friendly, familiar, celestial fox.


    My, my. She appeared before him. It has been quite some time, my summoner.


    Alex had missed that cheeky purr. I agree, it<em> has</em> been a long time, hasn''t it?


    It most certainly has! Thest time you summoned me, I was stuffed with all kinds of goodies. She stretchednguidly, looking at him with a twinkle in her eye. <em>Please</em> tell me I''m here so you can feed me again. You look like you''re in high spirits: that means, youre going to stuff me with sweets, right?


    Alex chuckled. I wish I''d summon you for something fun; There <em>has</em> been a lot to celebratetelywell, not <emtely</em> exactly. Let''s just say things have been really bad, but now they''re really good. So, as soon as I get a chance, I''ll be giving you all the sweets you can eat.


    Hmmmm, I''ll hold you to that, my summoner. So what am I to do, then? she asked.


    You could just rx, I''m only testing spells right now. The fact you''re here is good enough, he said.


    Easiest duty I''ve had in a long time: fine by me. She moved beside Bubbles, yawned, stretched, andid down, curling into a ball.


    Alex made a mental note to feed her lots of goodies when he got back to Generasi, whenever that might be. The next summons likes treats that are a bit more exotic than baked goods. He shuddered.


    Summon Hellchainera fifth-tier spellwas no more difficult than conjuring the other monsters. With a few sybles, the chained dark spirit appeared, causing the celestial fox to sniff with disgust from where shey.


    Am I here to cause pain? the Hellchainer asked. What delicious pain will we inflict?


    Your presence is giving me pain, Alex heard the celestial fox mutter.


    If the Hellchainer cared, he gave no indication.


    Well, well be causing pain soon enough, the young wizard promised. But for now, Ill see you next time.


    I hope the next time you have pain waiting for me, the creature cooed, distastefully.


    Alex dismissed the monster, trying to keep his mind from dwelling on the unpleasant spirit. He considered the fifth-tier spell, mulling it over in his mind. Something was odd.


    The higher-tier spells are taking more mana than the lower-tier ones, but theyre not any harder to cast. Casting a fifth-tier summoning spell is just about as fast as a first-tier. I know higher tiers take longer for my friends to cast, so what''s going on? What does this mean?


    Was the Mark of the General helping him?


    He touched the new Mark on his right shoulder. I don''t feel anything unusualing from itbut I don''t know what its powers are. Maybe it makes spellcraft<strong></strong>easier in a way I havent noticed? He frowned, thinking about that. I don''t knowUldar designed each Mark with a purpose in mind, and he made it clear exactly how each Mark fulfilled that purpose. A hidden ability doesn''t really seem to be his thing.


    The young wizard frowned. I think I''m missing something, but for now, I''ll keep casting. Ill try sixth-tier, and after that, I can test out a couple of theories. Let''s see if sixth-tier is any harder.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    It was not.


    Effortlessly, a celestial dire tiger appeared before Alex. The powerful spell drained more mana than the fifth-tier had, but that was the only difference, casting the spell had been just as quick and easy.


    The celestial dire tiger was the same one hed originally conjured, it watched him, blinking in surprise. You have brought me here faster than in our first encounter. Much faster.


    True, I did, didn''t I? Alex said, deep in thought, his brow furrowed. That nagging feeling was growing. I''m definitely missing something here. Even with the Travellers power, I didnt think summoning such powerful spells would be <em>this</em>easy! Time to move to another test since I proved how easy it is for me to cast the different spell tiers


    Hed nned on seeing how long it would take to learn fireball next, but that nagging feeling wouldnt go away, instead, he decided to focus on it.


    Alright, Ill cast greater force armour to see if the Mark of the General will <em>help</em> me directly with spellcraft. He said.


    Alex focused the Mark on one task, casting the spell. He uttered the words.


    Nothing changed.


    It was still effortless, and the Mark didnt flood his mind with images of sesses and failures to help him with the magic.


    Force armour swirled around him, as it had before.


    So it doesn''t help with spellcraftwhich probably means it doesn''t help withbat or divinity either he said. Something still feels wrong, though. The Mark of the Fool never helped me with spellcraft either, but casting higher-tier spells seems tons easier and faster for me than it is for Khalik, Thundar, or even Isolde. And theyre not exactly weak wizardsthey''re great!


    Biting his lip in concentration, the General of Thamnd folded his hands behind his back, pacing back-and-forth. If the Generals Mark wasn''t supporting me somehow, then casting those spells shouldn''t be so easy. If anything, I should be a little worse at it than most other wizards because I learned my spells while fighting the MarkoftheFool


    He stopped dead in his tracks.


    For at least five heartbeats, Alex stood frozen in ce.


    His eyes finally moved, drifting to the ceiling, as a conversation with Baelin returned. Oh, by the Traveller he murmured.


    Hed gone to Baelin when hed first summoned Bubbles; it was the first time the Travellers power had helped him with a summoning spell, and conjuring the little water elemental had stunned him with how easy it had been.


    At the time, hed wondered if the Travellers power was entirely responsible for how easy it had been for him to cast the spell.


    An amused smile had crooked Baelins lips before hed responded with<strong>:</strong><em>No, I do not think so. Notpletely.</em>


    <em>Thenwhat is it? </em>Alex had asked.


    <em>Instead of answering, I will ask you these questions: what is the source of ingenuity? From what does creative thinking arise? Why are new roads of knowledge paved at all? Let me put it another way.</em> Baelin had nodded at ygon <em>Why did you decide to bet everything you had on building ygon? What spurred you to do that?</em>


    <em>Honestly?</em> Alex had said. <em>I needed to have a way to defend myself in case the Ravener or another mana vampire attacked me. Early in first year I was pretty defenceless, so I kinda needed a bodyguard.</em>


    <em>I see. </em>Baelin had stood a little taller, the twinkle of amusement growing in his eyes. <em>Would you say you would have built ygon had you not needed to defend yourself?</em>


    Alex thought about it. <em>NoI probably wouldnt have, actually, even if Id gotten the dungeon core substance under different circumstances. Uh, no offence, ygon. I kinda pushed to analyse it because I was worried about Thamndand myself. If I didnt have stuff hanging over me and Id found out about its properties, I probably wouldve used it to make something elseor maybe just waited until a higher year before using it.</em>


    <em>I see. </em>Baelin had nodded.<em> So you analysed the dungeon core specifically out of a need, and built ygon out of that same need. Due to those decisions, you sparked an expedition that might lead to a revolution of sorts. Now, analyse your sesses today. You had a personal revolution. What might have urredaside from the help you received from that powerthat would result in you having this breakthrough? What necessity and choices lead to this?</em>


    Necessity Alex muttered. Necessityinnovationstagnation


    He was close, he could feel it


    The young wizard remembered more of his conversation with the chancellor.


    <em>I thought about what I do differently from most wizards I knowmaybe Im wrong herebut I seem to pay a lot more attention to a magic circuits construction than other wizards do, </em>Alex had said to the ancient wizard, pulling out diagrams hed made as learning aids for himself: the drawings broke down magic circuits of different spells into their functionalponents. Hed cross-referenced thoseponents with other magic circuits that served simr functions.


    Among the diagrams were particr notes focusing on the sections of summoning spells responsible for reaching other nes.


    <em>And I take it that the notes your young friends take do not focus on such details of magic circuitry?</em> Baelin had asked.


    Young friends the General of Thamnd muttered. Other wizards


    <em>No, not so much, </em>Alex had answered.<em> Like, they do take notes on them, but theyre not this detailed. They dont need to be for them to learn new spells. Now, Isoldes notes doe close, and Thundar took some careful notes on the exact structure of Disguise Self when he wanted to modify it for me, but those are exceptions. Like I said, they dont have to go into as much detail to learn a spell as I do.</em>


    Hed paused.<em> You knowback when I was experimenting with the Mark, I discovered that it helped me train the efficiency of my breathing and running. Most folks know how to breathe and run, but by focusing on the detailswhich most people dont even considerthe Mark showed me how to breathe and run more efficiently.</em>


    <em>Youre nearly there, </em>Baelin had said, smiling proudly.


    And I''m nearly there again, Alex muttered to himself. It feels like that conversations guiding me now. As if what Baelin was trying to teach me then, also applies to the Mark of the General.


    Even nowafter being gone for so longthe ancient wizard was helping him.


    Helping him unlock the Marks secrets.

 Chapter 743: The Past Weaving into New paths

    Chapter 743: The Past Weaving into New paths


    Alex remembered more of his conversation with the ancient chancellor of Generasi.


    <em>So </em>hed said.<em> The Mark obstructs my thoughts when Im learning and casting spells, so I need to pay a lot more attention to every single detail of every spell I learn. Thats the necessity part you were talking about: the part that creates discoveries. The morefortable I am with every detail of my spells, the higher my chances are of casting them without a disaster happening. Most wizards dont have to do that, so Ive got a necessity that others dont.</em>


    <em>Keep going. </em>Baelin had run his hand through his beard braids, watching Alex intently.


    <em>And </em>The Thameish wizard had continued thinking his way toward a conclusion.<em> Because I have to focus on details since its so hard for me to learn new spells, Ive modified a bunch of the ones Ive already learned. Like forceball: I made it stronger by pouring more mana into it. Im guessing most wizards dont bother with that either?</em>


    <em>They do not,</em> the ancient wizard had said. <em>Time and energy spent modifying a spell like forceball can be more efficiently spent learning a more powerful spell that aplishes the same purpose, but to greater effect once your skill and mana have both grown enough to master it. Your modifications to forceball are impressive in a sense, but do not represent an improvement or a revolutionary change to wizardry. You did make forceball better in every way: but to strengthen it, you have to use more mana when casting the spell. For most wizards, such a use of extra mana would be considered a waste; they could instead channel that mana into a more powerful, effective spell. Thats the case for most wizards.</em>


    <em>But not for me,</em> Alex had said. <em>You know, back in first year Professor Jules said that alchemy wasnt as popr as other disciplines of wizardry because other disciplines aplish what alchemy can without all the expensive ingredients, equipment and careful training you need to be an alchemist. Just an example off the top of my head, its a lot easier and more efficient to learn spells of body enhancement rather than bothering to make potions of body enhancement.</em>


    <em>And wizards value power and efficiency, </em>Baelin had agreed.


    Power and efficiency. Alex said to himself, pacing back-and-forth in front of the celestial fox and Bubbles. They watched him curiously. The other Marks, <em>exemplify</em> power, and efficiency. The Champion increases strength, speed and toughness, while giving one all the previous battle skills of past Champions. The Sage increases the power of spells and gives one an enormous mana pool. The Saint grants a direct connection to Uldars divine power. And the Chosen is given lesser versions of all three of the other Marks gifts.


    Like Baelin, Alex ran his hand along his scraggly beard while thinking, making a mental note that he needed a shave. Theyre straightforward, powerful, efficient, and perfect for killing Ravener-spawn. That''s all there is to it, right? they make fighting monsters easywait


    Frowning, he shook his head. Somethings wrong hereI''m still missing something. Fighting Ravener-spawneasyeasyeasy


    Repeating the word reminded him of more of his conversation with Baelin.


    <em>But I cant take the easy way, so I had toe up with all these strategies and techniques to help me learn and cast spells while contending with the Mark. </em>Hed said at the time. <em>Sothen I get into summoning magic, which this power helps me out with. Suddenly, a big part of the magic circuits taken care of for me, which means I dont have to struggle with as much of the spell array as I normally would. So thenwhen I apply all the strategies I had toe up withI end up learning the spell faster than someone who didnt have to bother with learning all the nitty gritty details of magic circuits and spell arrays!</em>


    A grin had broken out on Baelins goat-like face. <em>And this is why I enjoy having you as a student, Alex. And yes, that is what my theory is. You have had to focus so much of your efforts on how to learn spellcraft in the face of adversity, that you are far more equipped for the learning process than the average wizard. A good examplehmmmhave you ever met someone who is blind, Alex?</em>


    The young man had shaken his head. <em>No, I havent.</em>


    <em>I have many times,</em> Baelin had said. <em>We humanoids are visual creatures: normally we process the world through our eyes. Our ears, nose, taste and sense of touch are all secondary to the information that our eyes grant us. If say Thundar were to describe Sir Sean Swift to you, he could likely speak of his height, the thinness of his build, the paleness of his skin, and the grey in his hair. If he did not mention how the man sounded, then you might not think anything of it, despite the fact that he left out an entire sense in describing him. If he described the mans scent, you might think your friend a little strange for noticing such thingsunless of course Sir Swift had a strong aversion to bathing.</em>


    <em>Well, Thundars got a really sharp nose. </em>Alex had tapped the side of his nose. <em>Because hes a minotaur. Now if Isolde started telling me how Sir Swift smelled, then I might start asking questions. ButI think I get what youre saying. We focus so much on sightbut what happens when we have to rely entirely on another sense to get most of our information about the world?</em>


    <em>The answer is that you pay more attention to that sense, </em>Baelin had said. <em>Without sight to distract one from sound, all of ones attention is focused upon what they hear. Aspects of voice, melody, and other bits of sound suddenly be far more obvious when one mostly has information of that nature to sift through. It is the same with you, you pay attention to aspects of spellcraft that most do not focus on because they do not have to.</em>


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    <em>Whereas without the Mark, all that time I spent learning how to learn, wouldve probably been spent memorising more spells,</em> Alex had said. <em>And on the other hand, the Mark cuts way down on the time I need to learn literally anything else</em>


    <em>and thus you have the time to focus on aspects of spellcraft that most other wizards do not. Thus, you have developed a skill and method of learning spells thatwhilebour intensive at firstlets you efficiently learn magic once you have mastered it.</em>


    <em>And, and! </em>Alex had said, growing more excited.<em> The more control I gave over to the power when I was casting Summon Small Water Elemental, the more I stopped ovepensating when I didnt need to! Cuz I exert too much control in order to counteract the Mark.</em>


    <em>Indeed. So, in situations where the Mark is not a factor, you can release some control, thus removing wasted effort and upping your efficiency,</em> Baelin finished.<em> It is not simply the power that helped you learn this spell so quickly, Alex. It is thebination of this powers aid, your hard work, and attention to aspects of spellcraft most take for granted, that afforded this breakthrough. You have a very interesting path ahead of you.</em>


    So the main reason why these spells are so easy now, is because I no longer have to ovepensate for the Fool, Alex said out loud. I needed to develop an excessive amount of control over creating a spell array topensate for the Markout of necessity


    He felt close to something. Very close.


    Another conversation came back to him.


    Not with Baelin, but a more recent one, with Professor ValRok.


    <em>When one studies history, especially the history of technological or magical development, </em>the lizard wizard began.<em> It can be tempting to see it as a linear pattern of discovery that eventually culminates in modern knowledge. Millennia ago, mortals used sticks and stones to hunt beasts for meat. Then one day, someone develops bronze, which spreads, and soon, everyone is using bronze. We had no boats, then one day someone invents a boat, the knowledge spreads, then everyone has boats.</em>


    Hed continued.


    <em>Well, the thing about discovery is that its not linear. It appears so when looking back, but its not. Take boats for instance. Its likely that boats werent invented by one person and then spread, its more likely that boats were invented all across the worlpletely separatelyby different cultures. Someone from every civilization near water probably looked at the sea at some point and said, huh, how do I cross that?</em>


    <em>So different people tried to solve the same problem and came up with simr answers, but only the most popr answers got recorded in textbooks?</em> Alex had asked.


    <em>Precisely! </em>ValRok had pped.<em> For simplicitys sake, you see, thats not really taught in first or second year, and only touched upon in fourth year. Students need to learn the foundations of modern wizardry before they begin exploring simr, often half-finished methods that were condemned to the graveyard of history.</em>


    <em>And those mana maniption techniques </em>Alex had squinted at Uldars notes. <em>You think theyre simr to some of our modern techniques, but approach problems slightly differently?</em>


    <em>Exactly, </em>the professor had said. <em>At least thats my theory from just a cursory examination: most of the symbols in this method seem to have been invented by the alchemist who crafted it, so I cant be one hundred percent certain. But thats what it looks like to me. The problem with techniques like these is that they use a slightly different methodology to aplish simr goals, but modern alchemy is built on the methods that we already know well. Therefore, most advanced mana maniption techniques would bergely ipatible with an old, dead-end theory such as this.</em>


    Alex pursed his lips in thought. So, when Uldar was making the Ravener, he ran into limits; alchemy had only advanced so far in his time. Topensate for that, he invented entirely new branches of alchemyfusing it with divinityand created processes that wouldn''t be discovered by other alchemists for thousands of years. So Uldar wasnt only a thinker: he was a leader, a problem solver, basically an innovator.


    The young wizard thought back to his years at the church school. He also valued knowledge: he called for his church to set up schools all over Thamnd and had his priests teach the poption how to read and write, do arithmetic, learn history, and other things. He clearly valued knowledge both for himself, and for his people.


    Alex could feel it. He could feel the answer, right on the tip of his brain.


    The other Marks are all straightforward, the Thameish wizard said. Or are theyand even if they are, what would Uldara god, who values knowledge, discovery, and problem-solvingwant from his General?


    As he spoke, he remembered something else.


    A memory from long ago.


    Something Baelin had said in the Art of the Wizard in Combat; before his ss first test to determine who would qualify for COMB-1000.


    <em>No, you will be safe from that threat. My expectation for you today is not to destroy every threat you meet, </em>Baelin had said. <em>It is to test your judgement and basic ability to adapt. Evaluate your obstacles. Cross difficult ground at speed using magic and wit. Defeat what you should. Avoid what you can. The challenge today is not easy, but not impossible. If you cannot ovee this, then there are other courses at the university that I might rmend before trying your hand at COMB-1000 again. This course is rigorous. Its learning curve is steep. Finding that you are not ready today is better than discovering it three months from now when the challenges are far more perilous.</em>


    The answer struck Alex like one of ygons fists.


    What had fuelled cultures to find a solution to how to build a boat? Need and necessity. What had forced him to learn to master the details of a spell array? Need and necessity.


    Need. Necessity.


    What would happen if people didn''t have a need to cross the water? Would anyone have invented boats? Would he have mastered the details of spell arrays, if he hadnt been limited by the Mark of the Fool?


    The answer is no, he said with certainty. Without the need topensate, I would''ve been just like every other wizard. And what''s the one thing I developed because of those limits?


    What had gotten him through his life when fire had taken his parents?


    It was the same thing that Baelin said was the basic requirement for those in the Art of the Wizard in Combat:


    Adaptability.


    Uldar adapted when alchemy wasn''t developed enough for his needs he thought. Maybe <em>that''s</em>what he wanted from his General. <em>Adaptability</em>.


    He thought about all of the Marks, including the Generals.


    Maybe <em>none</em> of them are as straightforward as I once thought His eyes widened. ...not when ites to reaching their full potential.


    If he was right, then the Mark of the General would help him with spellcraft andbatin a much more interesting way than hed anticipated.


    If he was right, he was finally understanding how the Heroes were <em>supposed</em> to work.


    Not individually, but


    Symbiotically.

 Chapter 744: Skills Outside Spellcraft

    Chapter 744: Skills Outside Spellcraft


    The Marks <em>aren''t</em> straightforward, they just <em>appear</em> that way! Alex Roth cried, his mind was aze, like he was reaching new levels of understanding hed never known before.


    Everything hed learned seemed to have been for this moment.


    This revtion.


    His mind began considering the Marks.


    Each Mark has a power that helps with its role, but there are <em>inefficient</em> ways to use them, and better ways to use them, ways that maximise their potential! he said out loud. If I look at them individually


    An image of the Championof Hart Redfletchercame to mind.


    The Champions Mark gives him supernatural strength, speed, and toughness, as well as equips him with the skills of all previous Champions: from the time he got that Mark he became a <em>supreme</em>warrior Alex mused. But if the Mark isnt filled with more techniques, the Champion stagnates! Hes better if hes not just content with using what previous Champions learned, he has to learn new techniques and skills in order to enhance the abilities of future Champions! If he doesnt, the next Champions wont be stronger in all ways! And that strength


    He thought about the blood magic ritual hed used to enhance Hart. Greater strength, toughness, and stamina means that a person can train their body to higher limits! The Mark made him stronger than he already was, but the process I used, enhanced his body furtherand he was able to endure the transformation because he was already so tough!


    Alex made a fist. The wrong way to use the Champion is to treat it like a static boost of power and skill; it''s actually a <em>foundation </em>that shows its true power, if you <em>build</em> on it! A Champion has to train and keep adding new techniques beyond what their Mark gives them! Alex paused, "Okay, so how does this apply to the Sage


    The image of Drestra of Crymlyn Swamp came to his mind.


    The Sage grants that Hero a vast mana pool and enhances the power of their spells, but it doesn''t <em>teach</em> them any spells! he said, growing more excited. Alex remembered fantasising about getting the Mark of the Sage back when he and his family visited Port Mausarr. Back then I could see myself casting an entire storm of forceballs, since I didn''t know <em>any other spells</em>! He shook his head. What a waste of the Sages Mark that would have been! The power of a Mark isnt meant to just enhance some basic spells you already know, it''s to grant the Hero the power and magical endurance to both learn new spells, and how to apply them in strategic ways!


    He pped his forehead. But the Sages Mark doesn''t <em>tell</em> you to do that! You''d have to figure that all out on your ownso what about the Saint, then. Does the same thing apply there?


    The image of the SaintMerzhincame to Alexs mind.


    The Saints Mark gives that Hero a direct connection to Uldar, granting them a massive amount of powerbut it doesn''t teach them about faith, the creative applications of divinity, or how to strengthen the soul! He returned to pacing back-and-forth, his hands gesticting wildly. I don''t know much about divinity, but Id guess that a Saint who explores how to use their miracles, would be a lot more effective than one who just mindlessly heals theirpanions! But what about Cedric? What about the Chosen?


    The image of Cedric of n Duncan came to mind.


    So the Chosens Mark gives him lesser versions of the other onesstrength and experience inbat, like the Champion, powerful mana like the Sage, and a connection to Uldar like the Saintmaking the recipient a pretty devastatingbatant He licked his lips. But the Chosens Mark doesn''t tell the bearer how to <embine</em> those disciplines effectively! There''s a big difference between a Chosen who just swings their sword and then stops to cast a spell, then stops again to use a miracleand one who uses their gifts to give themselves openings to use their spellcrafting to enhance their fighting ability while using divinity to heal and enhance their bodies.


    He licked his lips again. Its far more effective for a Chosen to use spellcraft, divinity, andbat synergistically, rather than individually.<em></em>But the Mark of the Chosen doesn''t teach how to do that! None of them teach the Heroes how to maximise their potentialso who or what is supposed to teach them?


    An answer instantly came to mind.


    The Heroes would need a leader, one who could not only teach them how to work together in battle, but also how to maximise their gifts. They would need a leader who could think creatively and adaptively. He reached for his right shoulder, touching the Mark of the General. A sword above a scrollbattle and knowledgeing togetherwhat if the General was supposed to teach the others how to think creatively and adaptively?


    He was so close, he could feel it.


    And how would it do that? Alex wondered out loud. If it simply showed you your own sess to improve spellcraft, divinity, andbatthen you could very easily fall into a rigid way of doing things; a General like that couldn''t effectively teach the other Heroes how to strategize and maximise their Marks. So, without a needwithout necessitythe General would have no reason to develop themselves <em>creatively!</em> I bet Uldar <em>created</em> that need, by making sure the Generals Mark doesn''t help <em>directly</em> withbat, spellcraft or divinity


    He paused, mulling over a question. So what''s the answer to that need? If the General doesn''t help <em>directly </em>with those three disciplinesoh, by the Traveller


    The answer came to him from an unpleasant memory.


    He remembered sitting in his room in Alric just after hed gotten the Fools Mark, reading a book he had little use for.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    <em>A History of Our Heroes and their Opposition of the Ravener, by Finnius Galloway.</em>


    And what was it Galloway had said?


    <em>The Mark of the Fool is a useful, but pitiful Mark. While The Champion is granted incredible strength, speed and the martial skill of all his predecessors, The Sages mana pool expands many times, and The Saint gains a divine connection to Uldar himself, the Fool gains no great gifts. In some ways, it is the opposite of the greatest mark: The Chosen. The mighty Chosen gains lesser versions of the three preceding marks and the ability to synergize them all, but The Fool gains nothing. In fact, the Mark of the Fool actively interferes with any action rted to Combat, Divinity or Spellcraft but in return, The Fool gains vastly elerated learning of any skill unrted to these areas. Thus, The Fool can be the Heroes guide through the wilderness, learn to operate watercraft, scout enemies, repair equipment (though they cannot craft great weapons), and take care of horses. Such things are needed on every adventure. Previous Fools have also be fine painters, jugglers, musicians and mastered other such skills.</em>


    <em>Unrted</em> to these areas, Alex whispered. But are they <em>truly</em> unrted? The Spear-and-Oar Dance has a lot of forms that could be applied tobatand learning about mana maniption, and the architecture of spells helped me with spellcraft. So what if the answer isnt to ask the General to help with spellcraft.


    He was almost vibrating. What if the answer is to ask the General to guide me in using skills from <em>outside</em> of spellcraft to enhance spellcasting?


    Alex had to test that question. Immediately.


    He scanned the room, thinking about what his first test should behis eyes fell on the celestial fox, who was curiously watching his ranting and revtions.


    The young wizard was only able tomunicate with her because hed mastered various celestial tongues. Hed absorbed entire books on vocabry, grammar, ents, musicality, tone and audio-prestidigitation in order to learn differentnguages of the nes.


    What if I applied that learning to spellcraft? he wondered out loud.


    Taking a deep breath, he decided to try.


    If he was right


    He began speaking the incantation for greater force armour once again, this time calling on the Mark of the General, focusing it on the task of applying his skills withnguages to incantations<strong>.</strong>


    There was a moment of silence.


    Then, the Mark flooded his mind with images.


    He saw himself practising different tonalities across many tonguesseeing the times hed seeded, and the times hed failedas the Mark showed him <em>exactly</em> which lessons would apply to spellcasting.


    From the images, he attempted pronunciation, repeating how a word was said, improving his pronunciation of the incantation,pressing the sybles by conveying the words of power with new ranges of tonality and auto-prestidigitation.


    The result: he was soon conjuring the spell faster than before.


    Greater force armour appeared, sheathing him like a glove.


    But, he wasnt through, yet.


    Just as hed always done with the Mark of the Fool, he didn''t let his first sess be hisst. Over and over again, the young wizard spoke the incantation, focusing the Mark on the same task.


    New mistakes appeared in his mind, things to be avoided.


    New sesses appeared as well, things to be built on.


    Each time he was able to learn more about how the aspects of narnguages could be applied directly to speaking incantations.


    It was addictive. He could keep repeating it all day.


    He got so caught up in identifying the constant improvements, trying something new, learning new lessons, that he lost track of how many times he actually cast the spell.


    It flowed from his lips faster.


    It was clearer on his tongue.


    Easier to say.


    Soon the words seemed unnecessary.


    As he continued, going deeper into the intricacies of hownguage could improve his spellcraft, he had a thought. Long ago he watched Professor Ram casting spells with only what appeared to be a twitch of his eyebrow.


    What if I bring <em>bodynguage</em> to spellcraft? he wondered. Was that how Ram just <em>twitched</em> those spells into existence?


    He focused the Mark on the force professor, analysing his bodynguage, and how it might apply to spells hed cast during that ss. Alexs mind exploded with knowledge, images and inspiration.


    What had looked like a simple twitch of an eyebrow at the time, now revealed hundreds of small movements throughout Rams body. A tiny shift of weight, a slight movement of his hand, a sway in his shoulders; all so subtle, that Alex hadpletely missed them.


    But those tiny movements were especially profound.


    Bodynguage couldmunicate a great deal; a simple crossing of the arms <em>could</em>municate more anger, defensiveness, or standoffishnessfrom the right people in the right situationsthan a dozen sentences.


    The same thing can apply to spellcraft! he cried, excitedly.


    Using the Mark, he joined what hed learned of bodynguage with his knowledge of nar tongues to enhance his incantations.


    The effect was immediate and profound.


    More sybles were reced by different tones and tiny shifts in his bodynguage.


    Separately, they meant<strong></strong>little.


    But together?


    They <em>made magic happen.</em>


    Breaths passed, followed by seconds, turning into minutes, perhaps longer. Over and over Alex cast greater force armour, only pausing to write down his results after realising hed forgotten to do so from the start. He repeated the spell, casting it over and over, when suddenly, his mana dried up, something that hadnt happened to him for a very long time. He was so intent on testing his idea that hed run out of mana from a basic third-tier spell; greater force armour.


    All this time, he hadn''t even thought about mana regeneration techniques.


    An ted Alex looked for the celestial fox and Bubbles, both had disappeared; their time on the material ne had passed and they''d been whisked back to their home nes.


    How long was I he started to ask.


    Um, Alex? a familiar voice called from behind him.


    Gah! the young wizard jumped, spinning around, finding Bjorgrund standing there.


    The young giant squinted at him curiously. Um, is everything okay? he asked. Father wanted to know what you wanted to eat; you''ve been in here for a long time. And What''s so funny?


    Alex wasughing.


    Laughing with pure joy.


    The young wizard had looked down at his notebook, taking in the numbers hed recorded.


    When hed first begun casting greater force armour earlier, he was able to cast it much faster than most of his friends. By the time he remembered to start recording his times and results, his speed had improved.


    Now, the results floored him. Damn, that was half my previous timeI just cast a spell in half the time it took when I first started writing down my resultsthis shows me the true power of the General: it teaches its bearer how to think adaptively, and <em>rewards</em> that adaptive thinking.


    That''snice? the giant said, confused.


    Hey, friend, are you feeling energetic? Alex looked at Bjorgrund sharply.


    About the same as usual, a little hungry I guess. The giant shrugged. Definitely would be up for something after I finish eating though. Theres not much to do around here.


    Then, after we eat, you wanna join me? Alex asked.


    Bjorgrund baulked, looking nervously at Alex''s books. I''m no fancy wizard


    Oh no, there wont be any spellcasting involved


    Alex grinned, looking at the Travellers sword leaning against the wall.


    I was thinking about something a bitdifferent.

 Chapter 745: Studying the Blade

    Chapter 745: Studying the de


    Are you sure you want to do this? Bjorgrund asked, hefting his greataxe. The enormous weaponbuilt to be wielded by golem knights for crushing through the hardest, thickest armourgleamed in the multi-hued light of the sanctums portals. This isnt how you normally fight, is it? And excuse me if that sounds insulting, but


    The young giant flexed his muscr arms. Im scared that if I make a mistake, I could smash you into oblivion, or cut you in half, or rip you to shreds, or split you down the middle, or


    I think I get it, Alex grunted through clenched teeth. And you''re right, this isn''t the way I''m mostfortable fightingactually, that''s an understatement: I''ve never fought like this before.


    So, why now? You''re more of a spell-caster, right? the giant looked at him in confusion.


    Alex, the General of Thamnd, looked at him evenly. You''re right, but a lot has changedtely. So, I have to adjust. I think it''s more than time I explore <em>all</em> my options.


    He looked down at what was in his hand.


    And I do mean <em>all</em> my options.


    Holding swords wasnt normal for Alex.


    Hed learned how true that was on the Red Sirens deck when he and Theresa were testing the Mark of the Fools limits. Theyd been using one of Twinde Lus swords and one of her hunting knives. Alex had swung both, testing when the Mark would punish him for disobeying one of Uldars nobat decrees.


    With the knife, he was able to take a few swings right up until he and Theresa simted a fight, then the Mark acted to stop him. From that, hed learned that a knife was both a weapon and a tool, so the Mark had only punished him when he used it directly forbat.


    A sword, though, had one purpose; it was a tool meant for conflict, whether that was sparring, or sword-fighting, even in self-defence: it wasnt a tool meant for peeling carrots or potatoes, it was meant for fighting. When hed held or carried Theresa''s sword, the Mark had allowed him to do that, but when it came to swinging it, even once, the Marks interference had put a stop to that.


    That was thest time hed attempted to use a sword, he hadnt even tried when he''d inherited one, knowing how futile that would have been.


    But today he was ready to try again, using the very same one hed received from Hannah, the one he was holding.


    He was no sword expert, but he could tell that the Travellers sword was well bnced. Most of its weight was toward the weapons hilt, the de was light and sharp. Its strikes wouldnt have the heavier cutting power of the Twinde, but it would slice cleanly and be manoeuvrable in the hand.


    Magic radiated from it: Hannah had used the sword for hiding memories, and it still had plenty of enchantments left in it.


    He recognized the pathways of mana coursing through it, allowing it to have precise cutting power, strength and flexibility.


    What made the sleek de most interesting to Alex, though, was how conductive it was.


    He could easily pass his mana through it, allowing him to conduct spells through the de, and there was a remnant of the Travellers power remaining inside. There wasn''t enough of her energy left for the sword to act on its own, but if he wanted to channel his own power through it


    I bet I could channel Hannah''s power through it then use teleportation on anything it hits. He spected. Then, Id be able to cut into somethings body, like a Ravener-spawn, and teleport the severed part away


    He thought about his fight with the First Apostle at Uldars Rise, where he managedthrough abination of brute force and Hannahs powerrip the man''s arm off.


    With this de, he could turn that from a desperation move into a regr tool in his arsenal.


    That thought excited


    Uh, Alex? Bjorgrund asked.


    Yeah? The young wizard startled.


    You''ve been staring at that sword for about a minute nowdo you still want to fight? the young giant asked.


    A bright, red blush washed over his cheeks, barely hidden by his scraggly beard. He found himself d he hadnt gotten around to that shave quite yet. Yeah, geez, I''ve been wasting your time here. Alright, let''s get started. Justcould you do me a favour?


    Bjorgrund smiled. Of course: I know what you''re going to say, already.


    Alex smiled back. And what''s that?


    You''re gonna ask me not to go easy on you: dont worry, with a warrior of your abilities and experience? I''d never <em>dream</em>of going easy on you! Don''t worry, mighty General. I''ll give you all I got!


    Alex''s smile quickly faded. What, are you out of your mind? You''repletely wrong! I''ve never used a sword beforefor the love of all that is good in the world, <em>go easy on me</em>! I''ve got no interest in being smashed into oblivion, or being cut in half, or being ripped to shreds, or being split down the middle, or


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    Alright, alright, you''ve made your point! the young giant cried, falling into a fighting stance. Let''s get started.


    Alex, for his part, fell into the first stance of the Spear-and-Oar dance. Let''s go.


    And he charged, the de held high.


    The young wizard was quick, and an expert at dodging the attacks of some of the deadliest foes across the nes. He literally danced around the young giants strikes, avoiding them with ease.


    Bjorgrund grunted, swinging his weapon with deceptive expertise, considering his youth, the axe de passing inches from Alex''s body.


    The young giant was good, but Alex had dealt with foes as deadly as the demon Kaz-Mowang; especially, since Bjorgrund was holding back, he could dodge the giants blows all day.


    But, this practice wasn''t about dodging.


    It was about testing newbat strategiesand Alex had never wielded a sword before.


    Instinct and experience told him that he should be holding his staff, peppering Bjorgrund with distracting spells so his summoned monsters or one of his friends could strike at the giant with a finishing blow.


    But, he was here alone, against the towering sparring partner, and the point of the entire exercise was to use his sword.


    So, after spinning around one of Bjorgrunds wide swings, Alex went for a strike with the t of the de, copying a move he''d seen Theresa use more times than he could count.


    It was a disaster.


    His perfected dance turned into a confused rush as he tried to club the young rune-marked in a move hed never used before.


    Bjorgrund easily backhanded him before he could make it into the young giants reach.


    It felt like an avnche had struck; the young wizardunched off his feet, soaring through the air, mming to the sanctum floor.


    Urrrhuhhhuhhhraaaaargh, he gurgled.


    Oh no! Are you all right? Bjorgrund cried, bounding over to him.


    I''m fffineee. Alex drooled on the floor. Just trying to put my skeleton back in my body.


    Sorry, I swung a little hard! the giant apologised. You were dodging so much, then you tried that clumsy rush, and I thought it was just a feint, and youd counter me!


    Ugh, so its not enough for you to break my body, you also have to break my spirit too Alex wheezed.


    No, it''s not like that, I


    Im joking.


    With a groan, Alex pushed himself off the floor, muttering Mana to Life. His practice with tonality and bodynguage was already making the spell work much faster. He could feel his bruises healing.


    You''re feeling better? the giant asked. Casting that spell seems easier for you now.


    Much easier, Alex agreed. And thank you by the way.


    I''m just saying what I see: you''re a lot faster


    No, no, I don''t mean forplimenting meI mean for smashing me like that. Alex cracked his neck.


    Uhokay? The young giant looked confused again.


    You''ve given me a baseline: very important in experimentation, the young wizard stretched. Now I know exactly how well I''ll do when ites to using a sword <em>before</em> I apply my new Mark. Time to see how fast I improve. Give me a second.


    He thought about the previous exchange with the giant, and focused the Mark of the General on the task of infusing his knowledge of different dances into swordy. He also had it draw on his experience with cooking and his knowledge of anatomy, focusing on using them to improve his strikes.


    Dozens of sesses and failures flowed into his mind, neatly ordered, showing him how the movements of dance could be used aggressively, how the edge alignment and knife-y of butchering meat could apply to his cuts with a sword, and how his knowledge on anatomy could teach him <em>where</em> to strike with the Travellers de.


    Alex smiled. This is going to be interesting. And


    He paused, feeling waves of emotion washing over him.


    What was that? He felt concern, irritation, annoyanceand also, envy? He looked at the floor where hed ced the spell guides, and his other gearincluding the aeld staff.


    It was leaning against the wall, its crystal blooms, zing. Alex could feel jealousy, all aimed at the sword in his hand.


    He grinned sheepishly at the aeld. Don''t worry, I''m not going to set you aside for a new weapon. I''m just practising with this to open my options.


    If a staff could go hmph'', his staff would have hmphed.


    Bjorgrund looked at Alex sidelong, his eyes darting between the young wizard and the staff. Are you talking to that piece of wood?


    Yes, Alex said simply.


    Uhdoes it respond?


    In a way. the young wizard fell back into a stance of the Spear-and-Oar dance.


    Uh, maybe we should take a break The giant lifted his axe again. Maybe you''ve been working too hard, it sounds like your mindOh shit!


    The young wizard charged, using the Mark of the General.


    Their exchange was far less disastrous this time.


    The Mark constantly guided Alexs body, drawing on his experiences in dance, cooking and anatomy, weaving them into his and Bjorgrunds battle. At first, the young wizard only dodged the giants strikes, calling on the Mark to use his knowledge of bodynguage to learn Bjorgrunds patterns when he fought.


    Dodging the giant grew easier as his subtle tells were revealed during their fight.


    Soon, the General found openings in his fighting style.


    Calling on the Mark, Alex darted back in for a strike.


    The Giants eyes widened.


    Where Alexs rush was a clumsy copy of one of Theresas deadly strikes before, now it was unique: a fusion of a strike from the Spear-and-Oar danceand the aggressive movements of many other dancesand the wizards powerful body <em>flowed</em> through the giants guard.


    Years of cookingsplitting meat and vegetablesguided his arm, joining with a swing of his body weight from the dances.


    Anatomy books whispered the target to him: a nerve running through the giants torso.


    The t of the de struck home with a loud p.


    Argh! Bjorgrund recoiled, stumbling back in surprise. What inhow did<em>ow!</em> He rubbed his side, looking down at it. Felt like you cut me there, did you really use the t?


    Yeah, Alex said, smiling. I really did.


    What in the names of all my ancestors, you moved differently! Alexs sparring partner cried. The first time you struck at me, you were like a drunk, clumsy animal, it was easy to hit you. Now It waspletely different, like youd be a different fighter!


    Now the wizard outright beamed. Did I really do that much better?


    I''ll sayand you wanted me to go easy on you! Bjorgrund huffed. Were you holding back?


    No, the Mark just helped me improve really fast. I think you''ll have to hold back less now. Alex grinned.


    Now Bjorgrund grinned back. His rune shed in the middle of his chest. <em>Now</em> we''ve got us a fight! I hope you''ll let mee at you with full strength, this is fun!


    Yeah, I can see why Theresa likes it so muchthough it definitely isn''t my preferred way of fightingbut still, it <em>is</em> fun.


    Oh yeah! So, we go again? Bjorgrund asked.


    You know it.


    Lifting their weapons, the wizard and rune-marked charged forward.

 Chapter 746: Fire and Steel

    Chapter 746: Fire and Steel


    Alex and Bjorgrund came at each other at least a dozen times in an hour, each time the giant was moving a little faster, reacting a bit more aggressively.


    Alex continued using the Mark of the General, seeing his speed andbativeness increase in bounds. Thest three years spent battling monstersdodging and foiling attacks with dance moves that tranted to fight positions, time spent learning anatomy, and even longer perfecting his abilities in the kitchen, all came together. Those skills blended, taking him to a new path of using offensive attacks, adding them to his well-honed defensive ones.


    A strong body that had grown ustomed to defending itself, was quickly learning how to take the fight to an opponent, and quicker than hed thought possiblethe sword felt more natural in his hand, like the natural extension of his own arm.


    The Mark of the General was helping him learn, and he was taking to the lessons well, continuing to read Bjorgrunds bodynguage, eagerly watching and predicting his moves. Openings were now easier for him to take advantage of.


    The General of Thamnd was creating a new fighting style all his own: onebining the flourish and agility of dance, the knowledge of different types of anatomy, and the precise strikes involved in carving a carcass.


    And, Alex Roth was feeling high from all of it.


    I can fight back! If Im attacked, I can finally fight back! he thought. I don''t have to only dodge, I can hit <em>back! </em>Now, <em>I</em>can be the one doing the attacking! And its about bloody time!<em></em>He screamed in his mind.


    Feeling of moving his body through the motions of battle felt good, like a natural extension of what he''d been doing all alongbut as the sparring went on, he was noticing something changing.


    The Mark was honing his fighting style each time he and Bjorgrund fought, and he was getting stronger and more precise with his strikesbut Bjorgrund was also improving.


    Hed stopped holding back, enthusiastically striking at Alex the faster and more aggressive the young wizard became, yet, the giants blows were bing harder to dodge, though Alex had met deadlier opponents before.


    The young giant was attacking with full force, but he was having trouble matching Alexs blows. Bjorgrunds smiles andughter abruptly stopped, his eyes fixed on his opponent.


    His rune began glowing.


    He soon began catching Alex, improving steadily.


    His strikes were faster, more exact. His bodynguage was harder to read. Tactics and responses began changing, the giants skills growing.


    He was using his natural advantages better; strength, toughness and reach more effectively. The giant turned offensiverune zingbearing down on the young wizard.


    Alex was still growing, but it was now harder to reach the giants vital points. The General was sweating, weaving around Bjorgrunds blows,ing closer to being hit. He danced around the massive axe, but the young giant used his reach to keep him away, backing him into a corner of the room.


    The two fighters grew together, but a problem still remained.


    For all the young wizards speed, grace and agility, the giant had trained in hand to handbat for many years and had a far greater reach that was at least twice or three times that of a humans: things that Alexcked.


    As Bjorgrund began to recognise Alex''s moves, it was harder for the wizard to close with him.


    He jumped back, calling for a time out.


    Hold on, hold on! Alex said. You''re getting <em>really</em> good, holy shit! He took a deep breath, sweat dripping down his face.


    The giants massive chest rose and fell; his eyes were shining as a grin spread across his face. I tell you, Alex, I haven''t had that much fun in a long time. Not since I reached a point where I could outpace my father.


    Yeah, I guess you haven''t had many sparring partners, Alex panted.


    Only father. So, what are we doing, stopping for the day or just taking a bit of a break? the giant asked. I''m good to keep going! You''ve gotten so much better and so have I! Id like to see where we can go!


    Yeah, progress is addictive, isn''t it? Alex said, frowning. But Ive got a problem. Your arms are too damn long.


    And?


    Look, I''m not going to be offensive here. Or at least I''m going to try not to be: you''re good Bjorgrund, very good, but the kind of foes we have to fight are on apletely different level, Alex said.


    The young giant made a face. Well, I''d be lying if I said I could keep up with that First Apostle guy, so, I see the problem: if you''re having trouble closing on me, you''re gonna have lots of problems with someone that much faster and more skilled than me


    Yeah, the young wizard said. Normally, I''d solve the problem by just using magic on myself like flying, or even teleporting. But He looked at the sword in his hand. the entire point of learning how to fight hand-to-hand is to be ready if all my regr tactics fail, and to have a surprise or two waiting for the enemy. If I go back to old tactics, then I''m not going to have an answer if the First Apostle gets through all my spells and defences. It''d be better if I could keep a distance even if he closes inand have a way to strike him through his guard.


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    He looked at Bjorgrunds long arms. It''s hard for me to get close and hit youyou kept striking me whenever I tried to get closer. If you were faster, itd be hard for the First Apostle to ever hit you with his much shorter reach. Hmmmma longer reach.


    He remembered the long-hafted weapons Cedric, ygon and the mercenary, Kyembe, used. Alex looked down at the Travellers sword in his hand. Im thinking a longer weapon would work better with the dance positions I use for fighting: after all, it''s called the <em>Spear</em>-and-Oar Dance, not the <em>Sword</em>-And-Oar Dance. I kind of wish that Hannah had used a spear or some kind of other pole weapon rather than a sword. Hells, I wish I''d gotten a chance to look at Kyembes weapon: with a simple pull of his hands, he could turn that sword of his into a long sword-staff.


    I never met that guy you just mentioned, but spears are pretty handy, Bjorgrund said. And turning a sword into a sword-staff sounds powerful. Too bad you can''t do that with your stuff.


    My stuff?


    I mean, the giant said, nodding to the aeld. You''ve got a swordand a staff. Too bad you can''t just stick one on top of the other to make a sword-staff!


    Alex blinked once.


    Then twice.


    Then he looked at the aeld staff and back to the sword. Oh by the Traveller and every single god or goddess in the worldBjorgrund, youre a genius.


    You keep telling me thatnot that Imining, the young giant grinned.


    You totally are! Alex grinned back, getting excited. The First Apostle isn''t gonna know what hit him! And Ive got a new alchemical project to tackleplus all the equipment I need to pull it off.


    Heughed evilly.


    The staff gave off waves of confusion and concern.


    I think I''m going to let this cook in my mind for a bit, but speaking of cooking He looked at his spell-guides. There''s onest thing I want to do before we quit for the day.


    What''s that?


    So far, with the Mark, Ive learned quite a bit about how to enhance my spellcasting, and Im learning how to defend myself in hand-to-handbat. Now, it''s time for somebat magic. Alex sheathed Hannahs sword and rubbed his hands together. I think it''s time for me to cast a fireball for the first time.


    Oh! Can I stay and watch? Bjorgrund asked.


    Sure, it''d be even better with an audience, Alex said, walking over to the books and picking up the third-tier spell guide. He ran a finger down its spine. This should be interesting.


    Big, fiery explosions do sound<em> real </em>interesting, Bjorgrundughed.


    No argument there, but, I mean because I''ve never learned abat spell before. Well, I guess learned force missile way back, but never really could cast it, and force missile''s certainly no fireball. Itll also be the first time Ill be learning a spell since I got rid of the Mark of the Fool, so I want to see how many tries it takes, He said, with a mixture of excitement and nerves.


    Cracking the book open, he ran his fingers over the diagram of the magic circuit. Unsurprisingly, it was very different from any other magic circuit hed ever learned. He had to focus, channelling mana in quick pulses, igniting mes from nothing.


    Alex checked every word of the incantation carefully, studying each one, quicklymitting it to memory.


    The spell-array is very different, but it looks simple enough. Its certainly a lot lessplicated than a sixth-tier summoning spell, he thought. Maybe thats because itssimple to learn? He shook his head. No, You shouldn''t give yourself false expectations, Alex. This is going to be your firstbat spell! Dont trivialise it!


    The young wizard conjured Wizards Hand with a few twitches and a single syble, and paused, appreciating how quickly the spell had formed.


    It''s gonna take me a while to get used to how easy spellcraft is now, he thought, willing the glowing Hand to pick up a notebook and flip it open. He conjured a few more Wizards Hands, had them take up a pen and begin recording a progress note.


    <strong>First Combat Spell Attempt.</strong>


    <strong>Fireball.</strong>


    <strong>Progress through spell array: 0%.</strong>


    <strong>Attempt 1.</strong>


    He speed-read the rest of the spell-guide, focused the Mark of the General on the task of memorising the words and diagrams in it, then faced an empty corner of therge room.


    Bjorgrund, you''re going to want to get behind me. I don''t know how this is going to go, Alex said, getting ready to teleport them away if the explosion was too big.


    The giant quickly stepped behind the wizard.


    For a moment, Alex thought about Selina. If I learn fire spells, I''ll be able to help her with them when I get back to Generasi. Whenever that is. His mind went to the First Apostle, the Ravener, and other enemies. Seeing them all dead will be worth the world to me andbat spells are going to help make that happen.


    Alex took a deep, steadying breath and, for the first time, began casting fireball.


    It felt strange, different from other spells. His mana had to flow in ways it never had before. The incantations sybles werergely unfamiliar.


    He focused on his skills withnguages, letting the Mark guide him through the pronunciation of each word of thebat spell.


    While the Mark <em>did</em> help, he soon realised he had no need to call on it.


    The spell was easy.


    It was unfamiliar, yet simple inparison to all magic hed ever cast before. Sybles were effortless to pronounce. The three magic circuits came together, with no difficulty. No interference from the Mark of the Fool, and the spell flowed; with no interruptions in crafting the spell array.


    The final details of the magic circuitspleted.


    Suddenly, magic zed to life.


    In the palm of Alexs right hand, a tiny bead of orange light appeared, flickering like a firefly.


    His jaw dropped.


    He could already feel the power in that tiny orb of light zing, churning, threatening to explode. The young wizard threw the bead across the roomfar from himself, Bjorgrund, and his supplies.


    Trailing orange light, it sailed through the air, bursting a safe distance away.


    A st of heat suddenly erupted in the corner, radiating searing light and crackling me, filling the air; the fireball exploded.


    Wow, that''s incredible! Bjorgrund cried. I wish I could do that, you made it look so easy!


    II suppose I did, didn''t I Alex murmured.


    He was numb, yet full of excitement.


    Again! the young wizard cried.


    He cast the spell again, focusing the Mark of the General on applying hisnguage skills to the new spell.


    Another fireball exploded on the other end of the room, this one forming faster.


    He cast it again.


    It appeared even faster, another fireball exploded.


    Then another, and another.


    In minutes, the new General of Thamnd was casting fireballs<strong></strong>with the twitch of an eyebrow, and a few quick sybles, watching them explode in a flurry across the room.


    He was able to cast a third-tierbat spell faster than some people could throw a punch.


    Alex weed the new power.


    He could use it to fight with.


    To improve with.


    To make it his own.

 Chapter 747: Training in the Rain

    Chapter 747: Training in the Rain


    Whoa! That''s incredible! Bjorgrund cried, shielding his eyes from the sts of heat. I can''t believe this!


    Me neither, Alex paused, I''ve got a n if you''d like to help me.


    What is it? Bjorgrund asked.


    I''m going to do something I think I should call Operation Aeld-Sword-Staff, he said.


    That doesn''t sound like a very good name, the giant said.


    I get that a lot. But anyway, while I''m doing that, I''ll also be learning a bunch ofbat spells, and He looked at his bottle of soul substance. Getting my mana pool ready for seventh, eighth and ninth-tier summoning spells. Alex looked at the giant. Every day, when I''m done working on those things, Im hoping you and I can do some sparring. We were both so much better just from today.


    No objections here, Id love to! the giant cried.


    Great, I''m hoping you and your father can help me with some battle strategies: The idea is to get every trap in the sanctum ready, he said.


    And then what?


    And then, my friend, Alex said. Its show time. Ill be turning myself into bait for those hunters by opening a portal, and stepping out of it for a bit so they know where I am. Were going to lure the hidden church, but it''ll be on <em>our</em> terms, for a change. Theyll be meeting you, me and a whole lot of my summoned monstersincluding one particr summons that''ll be a real nasty surprise for them.


    Then what? the giant asked.


    And then, we''re going to kill them.


    Theresa felt phantom pains throughout her body.


    Even though months had passed, she could still feel the bite of the First Apostles de cutting into her. She dreamt about it. She thought about it during the day. It was her first thought when she got up in the morning, and herst one when she went to bed at night.


    Everyday, she remembered the pain.


    She remembered the bloody ruin hed left of her body.


    She remembered gasping for breath, bleeding to death in the snows of the far north.


    She remembered that terrible moment when her dying body began turning warm again, and she remembered the exhaustion. The afterworld called to her, and shed nearly answered. Some nights, she would awake in the middle of the night, screaming, dreaming of shing des, metal gauntlets, and the freezing groundbined with that seductive, weing song of death.


    Shed been closer to dying than shed ever been in any battle since theyd left Thamnd. Merzhin had healed her physical body, but the scars and trauma still lived on in her mind, still needing to heal.


    And the worst part of the secret churchs attack on them?


    Was that the monster who had nearly taken her life was still out there, looking to finish what hed started. For now, all she could do was stew, and grow more frustrated. Ever since she, Brutus, Selina and Alex had left their sleepy hometown in the Thameish countryside, she had fought to protect her family.


    Without hesitating, she''d thrown herself at the very first silence-spider theyd been attacked by, determined to kill it with one of her great-grandfathers swords, regardless of how thick its shell was, but she hadnt been able to.


    Though shed hunted a range of beasts throughout the Coille forest, she hadn''t been able to fight the Ravener-spawn off on her own. At the time, she knew she had to do better, and she would.


    And, when theyd encountered the Hive-Queen in the Cave, shed struck the final blow, stopping her in that dungeon. Since then, shed grown, trained, and learned new skills, using them against monsters, cultists, even demons, and winning. She''d in many monsters, and left many battered. She had even gone against enemies as deadly and as powerful as greater demons like Zonon-In, or the hidden church at Uldars Rise, beating many of their opponents.


    Even against greater oddsor foes more powerful or more numerousshe had fought back and been able to walk away.


    until the First Apostle had bled her like he was butchering prey.


    She hadn''t felt so helpless since that first fight in the Cave of the Traveller. On top of the grim memories of the First Apostle and what hed cost them physically, she could still see him looking proud, righteously ravaging their entire lives, leaving her constantly worried for Alex, and filled with rage at her own helplessness as his memory curdled inside her.


    And her only way of coping was by training.


    Training.


    Something shed done every single day since Alex left.


    Even now.


    On the rainiest day Generasi had seen in months, the huntress was outsidein the courtyard of the vidrilling with the Twinde. Rain poured down her hair and facesoaking her clothingbut she couldn''t care less.


    Her death stalker face was on full disy. Her eyes were focused, her breathing even. Droplets of rain water ran down the shining steel of her weapon. She stood for a timestill, in a fighting stancefeeling the touch of the droplets on her skin.


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    The huntress imagined the First Apostle standing before her, his visor down his de raised.


    She clenched her jaw.


    And sprang.


    In silence, she threw herself at the imaginary holy warrior, the Twinde making twin cuts through the air with every slice. Rain droplets split in their path, steel gleamed in the grey light as her breath misted.


    In front of her, she imagined the image responding, striking back with its sword, throwing a blow with a gauntlet, casting spells through divinity. She parried the attacks, deflecting the magic, dodging the divinity, and striking at his de and fist.


    Faster, she whispered, her voice growling, He was faster. I have to be even faster.


    Drawing on her enhanced life force, she pushed herself to the limit. Then pushed to go beyond. Her swords blurred, des reflecting in the rain, firm footfalls sshing through water collecting on the cobblestones.


    Faster! she hissed through clenched teeth.


    Her body blurred, the Twinde hissed with her.


    Faster, faster!


    She remembered a day, many months ago, when shed sparred against Grimloch and Hart and had blocked a blow from Harts enormous sword, despite being in an impossible position to do so.


    To this day, she had no idea what shed donebut it was something much deeper, a deeper enlightenment, a new power that she could draw on


    And she wanted to find it. She had to.


    The First Apostle was even quicker than Hart was.


    Faster, faster, faster! she demanded.


    Her imaginary opponent fought with rising speed, Theresa fought back, forcing herself to match him. Her body flowed from one stance to another, and from one strike to the next; she improvised against his attacks, trying new moves, chasing that sliver of enlightenment.


    But, it remained elusive.


    Even as she moved faster, she found no hint of a new and waiting path.


    Slowly, she began falling behind the First Apostles speed.


    The phantom de cut into her flesh, making her old wounds burn.


    Growling, she fought back, pushing herself as hard as she could.


    And something shifted.


    Theresa felt her perception of space begin changing as a memory drifted through her thoughts. After the ambush, when she, Brutus, Birger, Bjorgrund and ygon were gripped in Alex''s power and teleporting to Merzhin for healing, she remembered being teleported at other times.


    Herself and the Twinde.


    Herself and her weapon.


    The pair moving as one.


    Something tugged at her mind, like a memory eluding her.


    It was close.


    But, it slipped.


    As did she.


    One instant she was pushing herself, forcing her body past its limit, the next, her boot slipped on the slick cobblestones, and she was off-bnce, tumbling to the ground, barely holding on to the Twinde.


    She looked up from the stones, rain running down her face, the imaginary First Apostle, standing victorious above her.


    The huntress imagined his de passing through her neck; had he been real, she would be dead.


    Dammit all! she swore, pounding the cobblestones with the pommel of her sword. It''s not good enough! I''m not good enough!


    A part of her screamed that her frustration was unreasonable; the First Apostle was a Chosen of Uldar with centuries of experience and life enforcement to empower him.


    Of course, he would be able to beat her.


    It made sense.


    But she didn''t have time for sense.


    I have to be ready if hees hereor if I get the chance to hunt him down. I can''t let myself be a liability ever again, she thought. It doesn''t matter how much stronger or faster or more experienced he is than me. We <em>have</em> to kill him. And I have to be readyafter all, if I can''t even fight <em>him</em>, then how in all the hells am I supposed to face the Ravenerand all of its monsterswith our friends? How am I supposed to face a fae lord if we have to fight this Aenflynn guy? I <em>have</em> to be better. I have to


    Theresa? a womans rmed voice called from inside the vi.


    Theresa looked up as her mother rushed outside.


    She was on her feet in an instant, looking sheepish. I''m fine, mother.


    No, you''re not, her mother said, throwing an oiled cloak around her daughter''s shoulders, wanting to keep the rain off of her, even though it was way toote for that.


    I am, Theresa insisted. I just have to keep practising. I''m not making any progress.


    Yes you are! Mrs. Lu protested. Come, under the overhang with me before you catch your death of cold.


    Mother, my lifeforce is enhanced, I''m not going to


    I don''t care, Theresa,e with me! She took her daughter by the arm and steered her to the overhang. Do you know Brutus has been wing at the door, trying toe to you? I had to get your father to hold him back.


    I''m d you did, the huntress said, stepping under one of the vis overhangs, near where an iron golem stood guard. I wouldn''t want him to get wet out here.


    But, its okay for you to be out here getting soaked? Theresa, you do this all the time, you eat less than you should, you sleep less than you shouldwe''re worried about you! her mother protested.


    I have to keep going, I''m not getting any closer to where


    That''s not the way it looks to me, yes, you are! the older woman said. I''ve been watching you when you spar against ygon or Grimloch, and when you practise out here by yourself, and you look so much faster and better than you did just a few months ago! I''m no swordswoman, but my eyes can hardly follow you now. You''ve gotten better, now you can rest and take care of yourself!


    Theresa shook her head. Mother, you don''t know the kind of monsters that wait for us. Maybe I <em>am</em> a little bit better than when I almost died


    Her mother winced at the words.


    but that''s nowhere near good enough! I have to keep pushing.


    Mrs. Lu shook her head. Theresa, you''re not thinking straight. You know that you have to rest. You''re not resting and I''m getting more and more worried about you!


    The hunteress tried to step away. I need to get back to training, mother.


    Her mother stepped in front of her, spreading her arms, blocking the way. You''re going to hurt yourself if you keep this up. And that will kill your father and me and your brothers.


    What else am I supposed to do, mother? Theresa raised her hands in frustration, feeling helpless. I can''t exactly sit down and rx.


    It''s not just your body that needs rest, it''s your mind. If you keep pushing yourself like this, one of those things will break, Mrs. Lu warned. You need to find a way to rest somehow. And I don''t mean for you to just sit inside reading a book or knitting. My daughter is not like that; when you were young, and something troubled you, you used to always go off to the Coille to hunt. It cleared your mind and healed your soul, even when you were most upset. Why dont you go for a hunt?


    You expect me to just drop everything and go out to the woods for a nice little hunt? Theresa asked.


    Maybe there''s prey around here that you can hunt and that would do some good. Something to make you feel useful while giving your mind a break, Mrs. Lu said.


    Theresa paused. You know whatyou might be right. Maybe it''s time I did switch things up a bit. Maybe its time I went hunting for something.


    Like what? her mother said cautiously.


    The Ravener, she said. I don''t mean for me to track it down and fight it alone, but after all these months, we still don''t know where it is. The Heroes have tried their bestbut like you said, I''m a hunter. Maybe I can try and figure out where it could be.


    What? How is that rest and anyway, where would you even begin? Theresa''s mother demanded.


    Ill start where its trail begins.


    Uldars Rise, the huntress thought. I''ll start there, maybe team up with the Watchers that are still there, and see if I can pick up a trail. That''s one way I can help Alex. That''s a way I can prepare for our next step.

 Chapter 748: Artificial

    Chapter 748: Artificial


    Alex pointed to an instrument resembling a temperature gauge filled with blue glowing liquid.


    I''ve put enough of Hannahs energy into the controls so youll be able to use them, Birger, he said to the giant. As long as the gauge has liquid in it, youll have enough energy to operate the sanctum without me. Keldas foresights really something to admire: she installed an energy storagepartment inside the controls that takes and holds Hannah''s energy for a while. I believe she put it in so her assistants could use the sanctums functions if she wasn''t around.


    Good on her, Birger said, his voice sounding well pleased. Of course shed think of something like that. Somy question is, what do you want me to do?


    Operate the traps. The General of Thamnd nodded to a swarm of small portals hovering above the controls, each a window to a different room in the sanctum. You''ll be able to see into every room through these portals, but youll have to learn which portal corresponds to which room. When you know that, Alex pointed to rows of buttons on the controls. You''ll be able to use these buttons to turn the traps on and off.


    The old giant raised an eyebrow. But why would I be turning the traps off? Shouldnt I just leave them on so that secret church lot gets ughtered?


    Alex shook his head. That''s what I was thinking at first: until I realised it wouldnt work. Not if our n is to get rid of all of them at once. If we want them dead, well have to lure them deep into the sanctum.


    And why is that? Birger asked. Seems to me that once you lure them here, you can just close the portals behind them and theyll be trapped. Doesn''t matter how many traps<strong></strong>they walk into. The old firbolg smiled viciously as he imagined their hunters being cut down like dying trees.


    The young wizard smiled weakly. I wish it was so simple: but there''s a problem with that. The first time my friends and I came up against the hidden churchback in Thamndthey escaped using some kind of miracle. The ones who we didnt kill became these pulses of light that streaked away through the sky, and just disappeared. If it wasnt for that, we probably could have finished them off.


    So you think they might be able to escape again? Birger asked.


    There''s a distinct possibility they could, Alex said grimly. And they''re smart: if we lure them into a trap, and they start taking losses early, they''ll retreat, and if they get away, they''ll be a lot more cautious in the future. They''ve been after us for months now andas far as they knowwere stillpletely vulnerable to them: so the moment they get a whiff of our trail, theylle running like the dinner bells ringing. But, if we only kill some of them, and the rest get away


    I doubt theyll take the bait a second time. Then if we ever want our lives back, well have to be the ones trying to hunt them down, Birger nodded. Makes sense. So you want to lure those rats as deep into the sanctum as we can get them before we start turning up the heat?


    Exactly, Alex smiled viciously. We want to make sure they''re well into the trap before we <em>really </em>spring it on them. To start off withah! Bjorgrund, youre back!


    The young giant stepped from a portal and into theb with an easy, excited swagger to his gait. Nice collection of traps in here. I looked over all of them, he said. You asked me which of them we should use first, right?


    Bjorgrund came up beside his father and Alex and pointed at one of the window-portals hovering above the controls. My first choice would be those goddess statues with the fire-beams, theyre what Id pick to use on the church first.


    Alex shook his head. I dont think so, because if we hit them with those fire-beams, whoever doesnt get fried, will immediately turn tail and run. We''ve got to lure them in, like we''re slow-boiling a frog.


    Bjorgrunds eyes went wide. Why would anyone slow boil a frog? That''s sick!


    It''s just an expressioneven though in some ces people actually eat frogs Alex shook his head. Nevermind! The point is, if we start with fire-beams and blow most of them up, the rest''ll just retreat right away. We''ve got to get them deep enough into the sanctum that we can kill all of them.


    The young giant sighed in disappointment. Alrightbut, I still wanna see those fire-beams in actionbut you''ve got a point. Then, I think that room theres a good choice. He pointed to another window-portal.


    Ah, is that the trap that shoots poisoned spears? Birger asked.


    Yeah! It''s deadly, and it''ll kill some of them, but probably not enough to make them anything but really mad. They''ll just keeping for us.


    Perfect, and then we can hit them with the deadlier traps, good thinking Bjorgrund, Alex said. So, keeping that in mindcould I get you two to n a route through the sanctum?


    Father and son looked at each other. A route? Birger asked. What do you mean by a route?


    Alex pointed at the map. We should gently guide them through the sanctum. By opening and closing portals to different rooms, we can herd them where we want them to go, and keep them away from ces we don''t want them in. So what youll need to do is look at the different traps and make a corridor through the sanctum. Don''t just choose one path, if we leave a couple of portals open, it wont seem like we''re purposely directing them to where we want them to go. It gives the <em>illusion</em> of choice, which is what we want them to believe.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Right Birger said. So they''ll go from room to room, running into traps along the way, which will gradually decrease their numbers.


    Exactly, Alex said. I''ll also leave some summoned monsters in every room to do more damage.


    And wheres this route going to end up? Bjorgrund asked. Where are we herding them to?


    To you and me, Alex said. Once their numbers are down enough, well be waiting with an army of summoned monsters to crush the rest of them.


    The young giant rubbed his hands together. I like the sound of that.


    I''m not so sure I do, Birger said. I''m worried about you two facing that First Apostle, no matter how big your army of summoned monsters is.


    Alex smiled. Not just any army, Birger. There''s something I have to do, but after that, Ill be learning some seventh, eighth andhopefullyninth-tier summoning spells. At those levels, I''ll be able to summon things thatll make even the First Apostle nervous. Well, at least, I hope so.


    Well have a whole army, Father, just like the one Alex used against the rune-marked, Bjorgrund said.


    The young wizard shook his head. Oh, we''ll have a lot more than what we faced the rune-marked with, and many of them will be a lot more powerful.


    It still makes me nervous Birger said.


    After you see some of my new monsters, maybe you''ll be less afraid, Alex offered.


    Maybe, Birger said. Can you summon some right now?


    Alex shook his head. Not yet. My mana pool isnt quite powerful enough for eighth and ninth-tier spells. Maybe only seventh for now.


    Then we can''t rely on them. It takes a long time for a wizard to build up their mana pool, Birger said. How long do you think it would take you to strengthen yours enough for ninth-tier spells?


    If I have my way? Alex said, taking a small bottle of glowing liquid from his satchel. About a day.


    That''s the bottle of soul stuff you''ve been collecting, right? Bjorgrund asked.


    That it is, Alex said. And now I finally have enough to imnt my artificial mana pool. That''s one reason I''d like you to spend the next little while nning out the trap route in the sanctum: while you''re doing that, I''ll be doing a bit more soul-surgery.


    The young wizard looked at Keldas equipment. Since I have this amazingb to use, I''ll probably be able to make it even better than I initially thought.


    ###


    Once again, Alexy naked inside the Cage.


    Hed modified the machine, preparing it to do more than simply cut threads on the soul, but surgically attach something new.


    First, hed have to construct the artificial mana pool.


    Above him the bane knife that ValRok had lent him hovered, gripped by a glowing Wizards Hand surrounded by the armstipped with banescalpelsattached to Keldas machine.


    Floating above him was a clear, magically treated basin, ready to hold his soul-stuff. Inside the vessel was where hed be constructing his artificial mana pool. His heart was pounding, but he breathed deeply, trying to rx.


    Remember, he thought. Thisll be a lot easier than removing the Marks patch. Much easier. Just follow the design you created, let the Mark of the General guide you, and get it done. No point in waiting.


    Another Wizards Hand floated to the basin, carrying the bottle of soul stuff, and poured the shining liquid. It ran into the waiting vessel freely. Then the scalpels began their work.


    The des cut, pierced and kneaded the soul stuff with Alex''s precise control. He called on the Mark of the General to guide him, producing images of his previous work harvesting pieces of his soul, as well as mana maniption.


    The substance was a formless liquid at first, Alex pressed a mana conductor to the bottom of the basin, sending careful pulses of energy into it, changing the liquid, turning it to a gel that was reacting to the mana and the des actions. Soon, what was once a runny liquid began forming into a thicker, syrupy substance.


    As the des continued kneading the mana charged soul stuff, it kept thickening, turning viscous. Thick liquid formed, settling into the precise pathways of an artificial mana pool. Artificial fibres, for mana generationeven more efficient than his natural oneswere shaped by the knivespreparing to begin creating the power for his spells.


    He shaped tiny threads of soul stuff to connect the fibres of his natural mana pool, to allow them to power each other. Finally, he carved the general structure of the pool so it would upy the exact space as his natural mana pool.


    It was a difficult concept to wrap one''s head around: from what he''d read, most wizards had simply imnted the artificial mana pool beside their natural one then connected the two.


    But a mana pool didn''t upy physical space, much like the soul.


    There was no reason he couldn''t position the artificial version around the original one through mana maniption techniques.


    Almost like a patch. He grinned, looking at the image of his mana pool that the Cage projected. Thanks for the help, Uldar. Your design inspired this concept. Connecting the pools together, side by side, would provide a lot more power, just as ValRok had said. Butying one atop the other would also create more efficiency, <em>and </em>allow them to support each other better. The power output should be <em>exponentially</em> greater.


    Atst, he was almost through, hed finished constructing the mana pool in the basin.


    It gleamed like a miniature sun, ready to generate even more power than his natural mana could. He couldn''t wait to see what it would do in conjunction with what he already had.


    With the greatest care, Alex let the bane knives hold the artificial mana like tongs, then lowered the construction into his being. He could feel it slide into him, burrowing into his essence and very soul, joining with them.


    Controlled with mana maniption the Cages arms set the artificial mana pool in ce, adhering it to his natural one. Bane des gently snipped the fibres of his pool, joining them with the strands of his new one.


    He took care, controlling his mana, keeping it flowing away from the new pool until it was fully connected. The work was slow, tedious, and had to be meticulous, as he attached each artificial strand to his natural fibres.


    Alex was dimly aware of the giants, breaking for supper, going off to bed while he continued his work.


    Atst, the finicky task was almost done.


    He connected thest strand to the final fibre of his mana pool, joining the two together.


    Then, taking a deep breath, he poured energy into the artificial pool.


    Its inner energies sparked.


    Alex felt like a new star hade to life deep within the pit of his core.

 Chapter 749: Seven and Eight

    Chapter 749: Seven and Eight


    Alexander Roth embraced the feeling burning inside him.


    As energy flowed from his natural mana pool to the artificial one, the new construct zed, filling him with more power than hed ever known. He felt like two fiery hearts were inside him, beating as one, pumping blood back-and-forth, supporting each other. The energy built, flooding his being with powerful mana, feeling more intense than ever before.


    It was intoxicating, he felt himself smiling,ughing, wanting to leap off the table and sprint through the Cage bars.


    I could get used to this!


    The artificial mana felt even better than Professor ValRok had promised: he felt energised, like he could cast spells without stoppingeven fifth-tier ones without fear of running low on mana. He could feel his mana charging, sparking, the two pools fusing together, giving him more than enough mana to cast theplex magic circuits of seventh, eighth and ninth-tier spells.


    A new door had finally opened for Alex, he was free of the Fool that had held him back, and now, his increased mana had brought him to the threshold of the most powerful levels of wizardry.


    And he was ready to step through.


    Alright, time to learn some new summoning spells. I want to try some seventh, eighth, and if I can cast thosethen ninth-tier spells. Ive got the mana, the higher-tier summoning guides from Brightfire, so I should have all that I need to give them a try.


    ###


    Alex was in one of the sanctum chambers, looking at a magic circle carved into the stone floor. Kelda had created a room specifically for safely summoning monsters,plete with a summoning circle that was as secure as any in the Cells. No doubt shed made it for her assistants to use.


    It was perfect for Alex''s purposes today.


    Birger and Bjorgrund were still in thebworking on routes to herd their enemies through the sanctum. The portal to the summoning chamber was temporarily shut down for the giants'' safety.


    If anything nasty escapes this summoning circle, he whispered, going through the summoning spell-guides. Then it won''t kill them: it''ll be trapped in here and I can teleport out of here. But, just to be extra careful, maybe I should only summon things that are less likely to be hostile.


    With that, he chose his first seventh-tier summoning spell.


    Summon Celestial Roc.


    Rocs were immense, house-sized birds of prey that looked like eagles covered in feathers as strong as steel. Their plumage was green with sshes of red, and those fiery coloured highlights were what had started legends of the creatures being distantly rted to phoenixes.


    As far as Alex knew, though, those tales had never been proven.


    They <em>were</em> dangerous, with thergest specimens being capable of swooping down on an elephant and carrying it away. But, the celestial kind wasn''t <em>overly</em> belligerent, and with their immense size, there would be little chance of one escaping the room.


    Im giving myself a safeguard by summoning the biggest creature I can, Alexughed, flipping open the book. Professor Jules would be proud. Or, the exact opposite of "proud.


    He examined the spell-guide closely, studying the intricacies of the spell array.


    Professor Mangal wasnt exaggerating: seventh-tier spells are on a whole different level from sixth-tier ones. The array wasplicated, generating a magic circuit that was extremelyplex. There were a lot of ces along the circuit where things could go wrong, and the bacsh from miscasting it would mean a mana reversal and worse.


    But in return, its magic was amazing and worth trying.


    It would take an enormous amount of mana, butin returnthe summoner would wield a titanic amount of power.


    He was almost salivating to try it out.


    Even without the Mark of the Fool''s interference, Alex mused. I''m going to have to be really careful with this. With so many ces for things to go wrong, it would stink if I got rid of the Fool only to destroy my mana pool through my own ipetence. Well, I guess <em>careful</em> should be my favourite word for the day.


    Alex flipped open a notebook, writing a new notation:


    <strong>Seventh-tier summoning spell: Summon Celestial Roc.</strong>


    <strong>Beginning Progress: 0%.</strong>


    <strong>Attempt 1 Progress:</strong>


    He cracked his knuckles. Seeing how much trouble this spell gives me should give me an idea of whether or not I should try to break through to ninth-tier before we go after the church. If seventh is really hard, that would likely mean ninth will be too dangerous to try, or at the very least, take more time than we could have. If it''s too much for me to cast, Ill just have to adjust my goals down to only trying for eighth-tier. He took a deep breath, then slowly released it. Alright, enough dying.


    Alex flipped open the spell-guide to the first page, speed-reading through the entirety of the thin book. He focused the Mark of the General on the task of memorization, learning all aspects of the spells incantation, spell array, and magic circuit.


    He marvelled at the amount of detail that made up the spell, then cracked his neck and prepared to cast it for the first time.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Taking another deep breath, heunched into his first seventh-tier spell.


    He could feel his mana risingalready surging from his mana pools like a stormrushing to form the beginnings of the magic circuit. Within him, the Travellers power rose, supporting the spell. He focused the Mark on pronunciation.


    No interference clouded his thoughts, his mind could concentrate on what it needed to.


    But, even without a torrent of failures crushing his mindalong with the Generals supporttrying to control the power was difficult. The sybles soon became jumbled in his mouth, sticking to his tongue, and the magic circuit began warping; making him cancel the spell.


    Phew! He blew out a breath. That was tricky.


    The young wizard recorded his first attempt, surprised at the number.


    <strong>Attempt 1 Progress: 20%.</strong>


    Twenty percent from my first try! He cried. That''s really good. A lot better than I expected: the Mark seems to really work well with Hannah''s power. And my mana


    The seventh-tier spell had taken a lot of energy to start forming the magic circuit, yet he hardly felt his reserves decrease. His artificial pool was working well. Very well indeed. He had to tell ValRok when he saw him again.


    I can repeat this spell as many times as I want, he said. Let''s go again.


    Calling on his reserves, Alex attempted the seventh-tier spell again and again. Each time he cast it, his progress was better, he waspleting another five, or even another ten percent of the spell array.


    The magic circuit wasplicated, but it felt more natural as he uttered the incantation.


    Eventually


    He felt itplete in his mana pool, ring to life. Alexs mana and Hannah''s power<strong></strong>sped from the material world, reaching across the boundaries between realms, worlds, and nes, touching the celestial realms high above.


    It reached out, nudging an ancient mind, one that was both old and proud, Alex felt something approaching him.


    Moving quickly.


    In less than a heartbeat, the summoning circle was filled with power.


    Air shimmered, then came a deafening cry from a birds beak, echoing through the room, a great wind swept through the chamber, announcing the presence of a massive creature, snapping into being before Alex.


    In an instant he was tilting his head back, looking up into the eyes of a great bird of prey.


    The roc was no smaller than Birger and Bjorgrunds cottage, its green and red feathers gleaming with a metallic sheen. Its aura was imposing, looking every bit like an apex predator.


    The raptor looked down at the wizard whod conjured it in silence.


    Alex looked back without fear, watching its eyes closely.


    Both froze.


    Heartbeats passed.


    The young wizard showed no fear, even as the roc puffed its feathers and scraped sword-sized talons across the stone. Atst, it lowered its head slightly.


    A corner of Alex''s lips crooked up. Wee to the material world my new friend. Im d youre herewait, what''s that wonderful scent? It smells like some type of food! Were youmaking something?


    The raptor gave a low cry.


    Oh, sorry to take you away, because whatever it is, it smells absolutely delicious! I hope Im not being rude, but it must be tricky for you to do with just those talons and no opposable thumbs. And, umm, while Im at it, please forgive me for this too, but uhmdo I know what the roc is cooking?


    For some reason, the bird gave him a withering look, though he wasnt sure exactly why.


    Well, you look like you''re going to be a good addition to my army, Alex grinned. The question is, what can I do for you? I know rocs like food. So, how about all the freshly caught Ravener-spawn you can eat? And since you like cooking, I can do some cooking for you too. How does that sound?


    The roc nodded.


    I like it when things are easy, Alex said. Alrighty, well, big guy you''re a littlebig, so I''m going to send you back now and summon you when it''s time to knock some headsor, you know, pick up some headsattached to some bodies, and drop them a thousand feet to their deaths.


    With a nod of thanks, he dismissed the roc, sending it back to the celestial nes.


    Time for eighth-tier. I could use a monster for my army that has a lot of different uses, and I know just what would work well in the sanctum.


    He picked up the spell guide for eighth-tier summon elder air elemental.


    You''ll be an interesting additionand for battles under the open sky, you and a flying creature as big as the celestial roc will make a great team. Yeah, you''ll do fine, and since you can squeeze through small spaces, you''ll also be a great fighter in the sanctum. He grinned. Elder air elementals are like mini tornadoes! We''ll see how the First Apostle likes that! Let''s see howohoh wow!


    Seventh-tier spells were extremelyplicated, but as Alex looked through the spell-guide for eighth-tier, he quickly realised how significantly lessplex than eighth-tier spells they actually were. The very act of tying eight magical circuits together was going to be as rough as herding cats: but he had to try.


    Well, nothing for it, Alex said. The magic isnt going to get any easier if I just sit here and wait, and besides, it only took me a little more than ten tries to get the seventh-tier spell. So, I might as well push on.


    He began speaking the incantation for Summon Elder Air Elemental, channelling the mountain of power within his body. The Travellers energy joined with the spell, calling out across the nes. There was something electrifying about the words of the incantation as he conjured a creature as old as the world: the type of monster that was the architect of storms, and the parent of whirlwinds.


    He managed to get through five percent of the spell before he had to cancel it.


    The words left a tingling on his tongue, leaving him eager to try again.


    Time after time, the General of Thamnd practised the spell, using the Mark, the Travellers power, and his focus honed from dealing with the Fools Mark. Minutes passed, bing hours.


    At each difficult point along the spell, he paused, studying it, recording the different aspects of the magic circuit and spell array. He learned the intricacies of the magic.


    The entire time, his mana pool continued zing with energy: even eighth-tier spells were barely touching it.


    Hepleted most of the magic circuit, it was taking hours.


    Atst, the summoning spell and the Travellers energy reached across the nes, touching the elemental ne of air, finding an enduring presence there. A wind as old as the continents poured from the summoning circle, it seemed to shake with the power of the entity within it.


    Lightning streaked through the circle.


    Thunder awoke and the wind howled.


    As the air shimmered, a hungry storm cloud appeared within the summoning circle, immense, vaster across than Bjorgrund was tall, sparking with primordial power.


    Lightning crackled as it hissed in an ancient tongue of elemental air.


    Its words were at once both a whisper, and the sound of thunder.


    The creature floating before the young wizard was one that would have given even greater demons pause, and yet, hed brought it to the material ne with his mana and the words of an incantation.


    Greetings, Alex said to the elder elemental. Wee to the material world. I''m the wizard who summoned you, and Im named Alex Roth. My hope is that you and I can work together: if you share your storms with me to destroy my enemies, I will share my magic with you to destroy yours. Together, we will be the storm clouds that split the sky asunder.


    The elder air elemental did not challenge him; it knew well that if he had the power to conjure an eighth-tier spell, then he would have the power tomand it as he wished.


    Instead, it whispered words of alliance to its summoner, and Alex nodded.


    Though his mind was already elsewhere.


    He nced at the ninth-tier summoning spell guides.


    Hed broken through to eighth-tier in a matter of hours.


    Now, he knew he had to keep going.


    There was no reason to stop. Hed done most of what hed set out to do and broken through to seventh and eighth-tier, he didnt have to adjust his n, he could move forward. He could try his hand at ninth-tier summoning spells


    the most powerful tier of spellcraft.

 Chapter 750: The Beginning of the Final Tier

    Chapter 750: The Beginning of the Final Tier


    <em>What tier?</em> Alex had pressed Professor Mangal.


    <em>Ninth,</em> shed told him grimly<em>. Without a doubt. The spells would likely be Conjure Ultimate Ally or Conjure Grand Gate, both at ninth-tier. The former would allow you to conjure the most powerful of nar entities, while thetter creates a full portal between nes. Butvery few summoners can cast those spells, Alex.</em>


    Ninth-tier.


    The pinnacle of spellcraft in wizardry.


    At least, as far as he knew.


    Deep down, he suspected that there were magics, rituals and other forms of power that could do things even ninth-tier spells could notBaelin likely had secrets that even wizards capable of ninth-tier magic would not understandbut for all practical purposes, ninth-tier spells were the ultimate in spellcrafting.


    Many considered any wizard who could cast ninth-tier spells worthy of the title: archwizard.


    And now Alex stood on the precipice of this milestone.


    With no small amount of reverence, the young wizard reached for a thick spell-guide. The name of the spell was inscribed on the spine in gold ink: Summon Astral Engeli.


    Astral engeli were powerful celestial beings. The mighty entitiesof a higher order than their lesser brethrenwould serve as another strategic addition to his summoned armies, butmore importantlythey would be a stepping stone to what he truly wished to summon.


    Something that could only be conjured through one of two ninth-tier spells: Conjure Ultimate Ally, and Conjure Grand Gate. Two spells used to summon the most powerful war-spirits from across the nes.


    Of the two spells, Alex had only managed to get his hands on one spell-guide; Conjure Ultimate Ally, but for his purposes, was much better suited than Conjure Grand Gate.


    Conjure Ultimate Ally is a more secure spell, he thought. Conjure Grand Gate literally makeswell, a grand gate between nes. But, you could get more than one monstering through it, if you''re not careful. Conjure Ultimate Ally summons exactly what a wizard wants it to, and its also better at holding the summoned creature back from mauling them before they even get a chance to establish a rtional contract with it. Either way, Ill try to break through to ninth-tier using Summon Astral Engeli, since it''ll be much safer to practise with.


    He examined the intimidating ninth-tier magic in excitement, carefully making note of itsplexity. There were aspects of the magic circuit that Alex had never seen before: little parts of the spell array to control mana, and weave magic in ways that werepletely new to him.


    If lower-tier spells used mana to bend reality to a wizards wis Hobb so proudly described on the first day Alex had registered at the universitythen ninth-tier spells broke reality in half and remade it in a wizards image.


    It was exciting, but nerve-wracking.


    A ninth-tier spell that''s left to run amok won''t just cause something like a mana reversal, Alex thought. It could tear holes in time and space, melt matter down to nothing, or even create an explosion that could rip most of this sanctum apart. I can''t go for speed with this one, I''m really going to have to take it slower and steadier for safetys sake.


    Alex was thinking and nning his strategy, when he felt ygon reaching out to him.


    <em>FatherI want to tell youfirst of are you doing well?</em> The golem asked.


    More than well, Alex thought excitedly. I just broke through to eighth-tier spells!


    <em>Really?</em> The golems surprise poured through their link. <em>That''s fantastews, father! Doesthat meanyoure almostreadyfor retaliation?</em>


    Not quite yet, buddy, the young wizard thought. Theres a few more things we need to do. But what''s up? Are you just contacting me to check in?


    <em>NoI wanted to tell youthatLuciawill be finished delivering the supplies for golem makingtomorrow </em>ygon thought.


    Alex pped. Perfect! Let me know when theyre all at the drop-off point: I''ll wait a few hours to give her people plenty of time to leave the area before I teleport there. I want them to be long gone in case the church goes poking around. If everythings clearthen Ill pick them up and be making golems in no time.


    <em>GoodI will tell Toraka this </em>ygon thought. <em>She''ll be veryrelieved.</em>


    Yes, I''m sure she will, Alex thought. Hows the family?


    <em>Selina is doingvery well in schoolthough she misses you,</em> the golem thought through their link. <em>Theresa hasbeen away a lot.</em>


    Hunting more dungeon cores? Alex asked.


    <em>Noshes been going to Uldars sanctum with Grimloch, </em>ygon thought. <em>They are looking for leadshoping to discoverwhere the Ravener might be.</em>


    Oh? Alex paused. Well, the sanctum is still being guarded by the Watchers, right?


    <em>Yes, it isTheresas mother, father and brothers are worried for her safetybut I reassure them that the Watchers have the area well-protectedand that the church is busy looking for youfather</em>


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Okay, that makes me feel better. Hopefully, they find some kind of lead. Maybe if he paused, thinking about his n to bargain with Asmaldestre.


    If he nned things just right, then maybe they could


    No, that''s a bad idea, he thought to himself. The quicker I do what I have to, the less time the church will have to do anything drastic.


    His heart hurt at the thought, but it was the best he could do.


    <em>Maybe if whatfather?</em>


    He turned his mind back to ygon. Nevermind for now, buddy. You''re doing okay?


    <em>I have been trainingfather </em>the golem thought.


    Good, is it going well?


    <em>Theresasays that it isbut I dont think its enough </em>he thought.


    You''re always your toughest critic, ygon, Alex thought. I''m sure you''re doing well. And things are going well with the bakeries?


    <em>Business is still growing</em> ygon thought. <em>Troy is suggesting opening another location</em>


    Great news! Well talk about it when I get back Alex thought. And speaking of getting back, Id better get back to this spelleven though I wish we could talk longer.


    <em>I miss youfather </em>the golem thought. <em>I hope we see each other soonBye for now.</em>


    I miss you too, buddy, I miss you too, the young wizard thought.


    Well talk soon.


    The wizard sighed, fighting off a pang of homesickness.


    He squared his shoulders. The faster I break through to ninth, the faster I get rid of the church, and the faster I can go home.


    Alex went back to the spell-guide, studying it from cover to cover. He called on the Mark of the General, letting it guide him through memorising the spells details.


    After that, he prepared to cast the incantation, shaking his head.


    Most wizards never reach sixth or even seventh, let alone <em>ninth</em>-tier, and here I am, trying to get there in a matter of hours, or maybe days. Professor Jules might be right, maybe I am crazy.


    He flipped open his notebook again, making a new note:


    <strong>Ninth-tier (holy crap!) summoning spell: Summon Astral Engeli.</strong>


    <strong>Beginning Progress: 0%.</strong>


    <strong>Attempt 1 Progress:</strong>


    He stretched, cracked his knuckles, and began the incantation.


    The instant the first syble left his lips, he felt like hed been pped between the eyes. This was the sort of power he felt when Baelin cast a spell, or when a chaos explosion ripped through the countryside. Cosmic forces were gathering around the words on his tongue, their power pulsing through the room.


    The very air seemed to shake around him and mana poured from his pool like a tidal wave, reminding him how necessary the artificial mana pool was: without it, the mana he needed for this spell would have drained his power well before hepleted it.


    But, it wasnt the time for<strong></strong>wandering<strong></strong>thoughts.


    He needed all of his focus.


    The spells force andplexity were pushing his concentration to its limits, and even with the Mark of the General helping him, ninth-tier magic felt like a herd of wild horses, kicking, lurching, trying to break free.


    Fighting.


    Trying to destroy him.


    He kept tight control as best he could, grappling with the magic, trying to tame the ultimate pinnacle of spellcraft. Mana circuitry formed in his pool, zing with power that threatened to buckle his knees.


    Cold sweat stood on his brow, soon drenching his face.


    The sybles continued pouring from his mouth, each more difficult than thest, untilfinallyhe cancelled the spell. The flood of mana dissipated, and Alex dropped to the ground, panting.


    Even having Hannah''s power and the Mark, this is one backbreaking spell, he gasped. Definitely need to take it slowbut


    He recorded his progress.


    <strong>Attempt 1 Progress: 3%.</strong>


    Not bad, he said. Let''s try that again.


    Find anything? Grimloch asked, chewing on a piece of jerky the size of a towel. It looked like half a cow had gone into its making.


    Nothing yet, the huntress said, looking through Uldarsb for what felt like the hundredth time. We all thought we picked this ce clean, but it feels like there should be something left. Something we missed, like a map that says where the Ravener will appear each time it reforms.


    Convenient, if it exists. The sharkman said, watching Brutus sniffing around Uldars ancient equipment. Don''t think we''re gonna find anything this time. Should leave,e back another day.


    The huntress let out a growl of frustration. I hate when you''re right. Brutus and I are tired, we''re not gonna find anything now.


    Grimloch shrugged. I''m right a lot.


    Theresa chose not to respond to that one, instead, calling Brutus to her side. Come on, boy. Let''s try again another day.


    Together, the trio left theboratory, walked down the hall past Uldars armourystill filled with his divine weaponry and armour, waiting for the final battle against the Ravenerthen continued through the hall until they reached the gods silent throne room where his corpsey beneath a shroud.


    They kept going, walking past it.


    Grimloch, Theresa and Brutus went down the stairs and left the sanctum, passing the Watchers guarding the entrance.


    The sanctum was left in silence once more.


    For all of five minutes.


    Within Uldars armoury, a broad shouldered young man appeared, gripping an aeld-staff that seemed much longer than it once was. Not only was it longer, but the upper third of its length was wrapped in cloth.


    He looked around, sighing in disappointment.


    Should''ve known I wouldn''t be that lucky, he whispered, walking through the armoury. With a few quick words and twitches, he conjured two elder earth elementals. Oh well, it''s probably for the best this way: I need to be quick, and if I ran into Theresa here, thest thing Id be would be quick.


    Going silent, he looked through Uldars divine weaponry and armour. Most pieces were outsized, built specifically for the immense god. They were still spread around the armoury, left by the Expedition team for now, not wanting to raise questions by appearing with an armoury of weapons from the gods days in the material world.


    They weren''t ready for those questions. At least, not yet.


    Fortunately, the reasons didnt matter for the purposes Alex had in mind


    I''ll take this one first, he said, pointing to thergest two-handed axe in the armoury. Would you mind grabbing that? He asked one of the elder earth elementals.


    He selected several other weapons from among thergest: an immense trident, a curved sword, a massive hammer, andstly, a spiked mace with a ball the size of a bulls head.


    The elder earth elementals carried each one as though it was as light as air.


    Good, he said. Oh, wait now, could you get that too?


    He pointed to a thick, broad, archaic breastte: thergest piece of armour in the sanctum.


    Let''s take that piece of armour along too, he said as one of his earth elementals picked it up. Alright, on to the next spot.


    In a remote region of the wilderness, on the southern boundary of Kymnd, several immense crates waited among the trees. Among them were a few small boxes, all magically sealed, bearing the sigil of Lucia''spany.


    There were signs of wagon tracks leading away, heading back southward.


    Perched in a nearby tree, a messenger construct watched.


    No one was nearby.


    Until suddenly, someone was.


    Alex and the elder earth elementals appeared. The hulking stone beings carried a collection of massive, divine weapons and armour.


    Let''s move! he said, conjuring more elementals. We''ve got to get those boxes and be gone from here. Theres no time to linger.


    Together, the young wizard and the summoned elementals loaded up the crates of golem-making materials.


    Alex touched each one, then teleported everything back to the sanctum.


    Though he could not hear the exasperated sounddeep within the fae wildsa certain bearded hunter howled in frustration.

 Chapter 751: An Engeli Summoner

    Chapter 751: An Engeli Summoner


    I had him! The Stalkers scream echoed over the Lake of Ever Ice. He pulled his beard, gnashing his teeth. The squat fae stomped on the frozen surface, kicking at frost like a child throwing a tantrum. Below him, the ice rippled and writhed from his wrath.


    Nearby, his mount pawed the ground as though preparing to charge, its hoof scraping the ice-packed snow. Bells rang in disharmony throughout his antlers.


    Behind the moose, the hidden churchs forces had paused at their tasksfrozen part way through preparations to leavewatching the fae throw his tantrum.


    The First and Third Apostles stood together.


    What has happened? Gabrian asked.


    I have no idea, Izas said. One moment we were scrambling to leave because he said hed found the Fool, and the nextthis!


    st it, Gabrian said, striding to their faepanion. What has happened?


    The impossible! I lost him! Somehow, I lost the filthy mortal! The Stalker cursed his quarry. He finally left wherever he wasthis sanctumand reappeared in Thamnd!


    In Thamnd? Izas strode up beside them. Where, precisely?


    Somece near your old home, but he wasnt there for long


    Hold now, you said he went near our old home? Near Uldars Rise? Gabrian demanded.


    Yes, yes he did! the Stalker growled. But he was there for just a few moments, then he disappeared and reappeared near the southern borders of Kymnd, as you mortals call it.


    The First and Third Apostles looked at each other. Strange, Izas said. And then he simply disappeared?


    Probably back to that sanctum, if that''s where hes gone the Stalker red at a tent in the middle of the encampment. curse that stupid mortal, Warder. Reflexively, he took the red gems from his pouch, rolling the pair of eyes in his palm. If his mind hadn''t snapped so quickly, he might''ve given us more information.


    If the Fool has returned to the sanctum, then we are right back where we started, Izas said. But this is worryingwhy would he return to Uldars Rise, even if only briefly?


    It <em>is</em> worrying Garbrian echoed. Perhaps it is a distraction, one meant to frighten us into returning home.


    Izas shook his head. Then why go to Kymnd after Uldars rise? We are missing something, holy leader.


    Agreed Gabrian said. Izas, I am going to set up the miracle of recall. Things are now moving beyond our knowledge, I think we would be wise to secure our retreat and future should things go awry. I will count on you to continue working on the door that Warder spoke of.


    Izas frowned. But without returning to Thamnd to set another location, the only ce the miracle of recall can bring us back to is Uldars Rise, and our home is now guarded by the foreigners. We can go back to the ind, but there is no point in that.


    If we are driven from our quest, we shouldwhen we can kill all the foreignersretake our home. But we will need divine intervention for that, Gabrian said firmly. But I am only considering that n as a precaution. I know we shall not fail in our quest. We will not be driven from it. We will kill the Fool, and only then return to Thamnd.


    Of course, holy leader, Izas said as the Stalker continued unleashing a stream of profanities against the Fool, Warder, and anyone else whod confounded his hunt. I will go to the door, then. Stalker, will you guide me back there?


    Yes, yes of course! The sooner the better! the fae spat, his spittle freezing on the ice coveredke. We''ve been wasting too much time as it is. Damn this Fool for giving me false hope! By my Lord Aenflynn, I can''t wait to see his wretched head mounted on my wall!


    In the material worldin a hidden spot among the inds off the eastern coast of the Irtyshenan Empirethe Stalker, Izas, and a guard of warrior-priests stepped out of the fae roads and onto an isle of grey rock.


    Together, they travelled from the inds centre to a hidden cove on the southern shore, descending a staircase of coral and rough stone. Their location was many miles from where the Fool of Thamnd had once searched for Keldas sanctum.


    At the bottom of the steps, a cave was carved into the rock. Through a tunnel in that cave hovered a portal. It was tall, broad and zing with the Travellers power, andat one timeit served as a secret doorway for the Guild of the Red Mouse.


    Once one of their most well-guarded secrets, known only to a few.


    One of those few, had been Warder.


    For days, the guild leader had refused to break beneath the Stalkers torments. Yet, there was a limit to how much willpower he could muster, and how much suffering his mind and body could endure.


    After close to a week of interrogation, hed finally broken, shattering like ss.


    Hed sung many of the guilds secrets to his tormentor, betraying a number of his fellow guild members in the process. Most of what hed revealed had been of little use to the Stalker and his hounds, but the location and workings of Keldas ancient portals were of much interest.


    The hunters had found the doorway, and imed it. Theyd defended it from the Guilds repeated attempts to reim it, allowing Izas and the other priests to begin their work.


    Channelling divinityand using the Third Apostles vast knowledge of spellcrafttheyd begun trying to pick apart the workings of the Travellers power. Those energies were a mystery, but theyd still hoped thatin timethey could unlock the powers secrets to im it and teleport directly to the Fools hiding ce.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    Progress in their endeavour had been scant, but Izas had faith that they would eventually prevail, even though<strong></strong>a growing dread had begun filling the Third Apostle to his core, eating away at confidence granted by his faith.


    Stalker, he said to the fae as he prepared to<strong></strong>examine<strong></strong>the glowing portal before them. Have you ever known a quarry that has proven so difficult?


    In many ways, more difficult, but not so frustrating! the Stalker snarled. He''s like a burr you can''t quite scratch out: not dangerous, but irritating! We should be able to snap him in half like a bear would a rabbit, but hes so elusive! I have half a mind to go down to where his family lives, find them, and kill everyst one of them. That would draw him out!


    And ce the entire quest and our purpose in jeopardy, Izas said.


    I know, I know, the Stalker said. I''m just spitting smoke right now. He gave the mortal a quizzical look. Why do you ask, though? Something making you nervous again? You''ve been a bit jitterytely, my hound.


    I cannot help but feel that we have missed something, Izas said. What if he has found some weapon in this sanctum?


    Then he would''ve used it on us by now, the Stalker pointed out.


    Maybe, Izas said. I just cannot help but feel thatno, never mind


    What is it? the fae asked.


    It is as though the jaws of a great beast are closing around our necks, Izas shuddered.


    You must be imagining that: were the great beasts, and hes the prey! The fae cried. I have many names, my hound, but quarry or victim are not among them! <em>We </em>are the hunters, and he is the prey.


    IndeedI am losing focus, Izas turned his attention to the portal.


    Still, the wizard-priest could not shake that feeling of dread.


    Whaaat is thiiiis? Bjorgrund gasped, gaping at the magnificent axe in his hands. Its length was as great as the golem axe Alex had stolen for him in the Irtyshenan Empire, but it zed with divine power. Is this really for me?


    It sure is, Alex smiled.


    The energiesing from itby my ancestors, theyre something else! Birger murmured. Where in the world did you get this from?


    Lets just say the owner wasn''t using it anymore, Alex said. You probably won''t find an axe as powerful in most ces in the world: it''s a gift, along with the armour He pointed to Uldars breastte, still held by the earth elemental. so youll be better protected for the uing fight.


    The giant gaped at Uldars armour, then spun the axe, giving it a few test swings. This is some kind of weapon. I cant believe how well-bnced and light in the hand it is, yet it has so much heft when I swing it. Look how easy it is to manoeuvre, like it''s moving where I''m <em>willing</em> it to go!


    d to hear it, Alex beamed.


    But what are all those other weapons for? Birger asked. Theyre all too big for you, and Bjorgrund only has two arms. He looked at the crates of materials Alex had teleported to the sanctum. Are they for the golems you''re going to make?


    Alex let out a loudugh. Not really. It''d be a waste to give weapons like that to constructs that dont have the spark of reasoning. I could give them to ygon, but he <em>really</em> likes his war-spear. No, these weapons are for a <em>different</em> purpose.


    What sort of purpose? Bjorgrund asked, taking the armour from the elemental.


    Alex smiled. You''ll see. I''ll talk to you after I break through to ninth-tier.


    The giants looked at each other.


    Birger shook his head. You say that so casually: ninth-tier spells are the stuff of legends, and you''re talking about breaking through to ninth like you''re going down to the brook to fetch a bucket of water. I shouldn''t be surprised, though. He looked between the General and his son. Over thest few days, I''ve witnessed the two of you grow by leaps and bounds when ites to meleebat. Its stunning how different you are nowpared to when we got here. Especially <em>you</em>, Alex.


    He nodded toward Bjorgrunds rune. I''ve trained Bjorgrund in the ways of fighting since he was a young boy, and he''s also rune-marked: Id expect him to grow quickly when ites to battle. But, you Alex, youve never held a weapon for fighting withording to what you told usand now, here you are, fighting as though youve had one in your hands for years. You move like a dancer with it, fast, graceful and precise!


    Thanks, Alex said. I''m d to hear it. I''ve got someone to impress.


    Well, I think the church is going to be impressedthen dead, Bjorgrund swung his axe in a figure eight.


    Oh, I''m not talking about the church, Alex said.


    The young giant cocked his head to one side.


    Wait until ninth-tier, the young wizard grinned.


    You know, you''ve got no reason to be mysterious about what youre doing. The old firbolg frowned.


    Alex shrugged. I''m preparing for the fight of my life, let me have a little fun. Besides, you probably won''t have to wait long: at the rate I''m going, I''ll probably break through to ninth-tier today.


    He looked at his open notebook sitting on a table.


    Written across the pages were notes hed taken keeping track of each attempt at Summon Astral Engeli hed made.


    Thest one read:


    <strong>Attempt 73 Progress: 89%.</strong>


    ###


    Within the summoning chamber in Keldas sanctum, Alex channelled the power of a ninth-tier spell.


    This was his eightieth attempt at Summon Astral Engeli.


    He was so close to seeding.


    A magic circuit of staggeringplexity burned in his mana pool,posed of eight, interconnected smaller circuits.


    They worked in tandem, channelling great power.


    Hannah''s power flooded the circuit, joining together with the young wizards spell.


    As the Mark of the General guided him, it showed him images meant to perfect his pronunciation and concentration.


    The ninth, and final interconnected circuit was forming.


    The spell array waspleting.


    Alexs mouth felt dry from hours of incanting.


    He was tired, he was hungry, and had a pounding headache. He could feel his mana pool decreasing. But he was nearly thereso very close.


    Focusing his thoughts, joining them with the Mark and the Travellers power, he pushed on, painstakingly moving through thest of the spell arrayuntil


    Atst, it was done, hed broken through.


    The spell hadpleted.


    The magic circuit formed.


    All shook around him as Alex roared in triumph.


    The power of the spell, and the Travellers power reached across nes, touching the celestial realms.


    Calling down an engeli.


    The creature appeared in the summoning circle in a sh of burning light, materialising as a formidable winged being of astounding beauty. Hovering above its head was a burning haloa wheel ringed with rows of piercing eyes.


    From a face that was androgynous by natureat once both young and old, the engeli looked upon its summonera powerful looking young wizardand gazed down with eyes that seemed to look through to Alexs soul.


    The engeli bowed, lowering its head. I see your soul, and you are true of heart, archwizard. How may I serve?


    <em>Archwizard.</em>


    Alex had risen to a realm of power that hed never dreamed he ever would when he wore the Mark of the Fool.


    He stood on the road to being a mage whose name would live a thousand years or more.


    Cosmic secrets, paths to immortality, and overwhelming power were now at his fingertips.


    But, he was not finished yet.


    Greetings, he said. Celestial champion. Together, we''re going to wipe a great evil from this world. Not immediately, but soon.


    A fine purpose, the engeli said. Shall I give you my name, then? So that you may call me when the battlees.


    Yes, Alex said, then paused.


    Names.


    A name so he could call his newest soldier.


    Something about the word yed in his mind.


    But, he would have to reflect on itter.<strong></strong>

 Chapter 752: The Unmaker

    Chapter 752: The Unmaker


    Congrattions on ninth-tier! Bjorgrund pped Alex on the back, nearly knocking the young wizard over. The giants strength had grown from their daily training together, while his rune now zed brighter, glowing under the divine new breastte Alex had given him. The armour was a bit snug, but the protection it provided <strong>him </strong>was worth a little difort, hed said.


    That''s quite the aplishment, Alex! Birger said. Congrattions!


    Thank you, the young wizardughed, still stunned. I can barely believe it myselfI mean, this time, not so long ago, the only thing I could cast was a Forceball!


    What''s a Forceball? Bjorgrund asked.


    Its an easy first-tier spell, Birger exined.


    Yeah, thats right, and it was all I could do. Now Iwow Alex shook his head.


    I''d be stunned too, Birger gave Alex a gentle smile. Take your time, boy.


    But, after you finish taking your time, let''s beat the ever living crap out of those church guys, Bjorgrund grinned, looking around. So whatd you cast? I didn''t hear any explosions so I had no idea you''d done it! Don''t ninth-tier spells involve a lot of explosions?


    Alex shook his head. Not necessarily, not all of them. The one I cast summoned a powerful engeli, no fuss or explosions involved.


    Aw, I wanted explosions, the giantined.


    Some of the most powerful and dangerous magics dont involve explosions, son, Birger said.


    Yeah, but that''s not as much fun, Bjorgrund grunted. Anyway, so, if you summoned something, where is it? You called us here to show it to us, right?


    The giant looked around again, noticing the empty summoning circle.


    I sent him back, Alex said. We had a little chat, and introduced ourselves, and then he gave me his name.


    That''s it? Bjorgrund asked.


    That''s it, Alex said.


    What''s the point of him just giving you his name and you sending him away? the young giant asked.


    Son, names have power, Birger said. I don''t know much about summoning, but I do know that if you want to summon a specific entity, you need its name.


    Huh, Bjorgrund said, looking at Alex. That means you can just call them from wherever you want?


    I can call them from wherever they are across the nes, Alex said.


    Well, thank the ancestors that the church can''t do that, Bjorgrund said. Otherwise, if they knew our names, they could just call us right to them and gut us whenever they wanted to.


    That''s not quite how summoning works, Alex said. You can''t summon something from the same ne you''re on. Andas far as I knowsummoning spells don''t work on mortals from the material world. For example, I couldn''t just go to the Hells, then summon you from the sanctum because I have your name.


    Well, who can really say, right? Bjorgrund shrugged. I mean, you wouldn''t even tell us the name of that fae that''s with the church. You said you got warned that he might have traps in his name or something? However that works, if he can put traps in his own damn name, then who knows what else he''s capable of: maybe he could summon us from ten feet in front of him. Not that he''d have to do that since wed be only ten feet in front of himthat was kind of a stupid exampAlex, are you okay?


    The General of Thamnd was holding his breath.


    Hed stopped moving.


    Hed stopped blinking.


    In that moment, he resembled a statue draped in flesh.


    Oh, by the Traveller, Bjorgrund, you really <em>are</em> a genius! he cried. I think thats how hes been tracking us! How he''s been tracking <em>me</em>!


    What? Birger asked. What do you mean?


    <em>My name.</em> You said names have power, and I know names are important to the fae. They''re important to all sorts of spirits: and like Bjorgrund said, if that fae has power over names then, what if he''s tracking us through some kind of magic using my name! He cried, pping his forehead. I must''ve been asleep for the past few months! It makes so much sense!


    Hmmm, Birger mused. So if that''strue, it would exin a lot. No matter where we went, they always seemed to turn up shortly after. If that fae has power over names, that would make a lot of sense!


    I wish I could stomp him until he''s jam! Bjorgrund snarled. Nasty little thing! I can''t believe that''s what that sneaky wretch was doing to find us, if its true.


    I bet you it is, Alex said, remembering Gwyins warning about the Guides names.


    The trouble is, there''s nothing we could have done about it, Birger said. Short of changing your name, giving yourself time to get used to not answering to Alex or Alexanderand then getting ustomed to thinking of <em>yourself</em> by another namethere would have been no way of stopping them from finding you, unless we knew exactly <em>how </em>the magic worked and how to dismantle it.


    Anyway, I still feel better understanding how they''re tracking me. The good news is that we <em>don''t</em> have to stop them from tracking me. Once we''re finished with our preparations, well <em>want</em> them to find us. I think having this information will help us, because it''ll make it easier for <em>us</em> to bait them.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    He patted Bjorgrund on the arm. Either way, good job, big guy. Now let''s get to the real reason why I brought you here. So, I''ll be casting a ninth-tier spell again: this time it could involve explosions or worse. Ill need you to help me set it up.


    What do we need to do? Bjorgrund asked.


    It calls for a lot of iron as well as some blood, Alex said. You know, the sort of thing that war-spirits are interested in.


    ###


    For the next few hours, Alex carefully constructed a new summoning circle: created specifically for Asmaldestre the Unmaker. He used the sanctums summoning circle as a base, thenid iron filings over the new circle in a precise formation.


    Inside the circle, he included numerous glyphs of protection and conjuration written in iron filingstaken from the golem-making suppliesensuring the summoning circle was sealed tight. He wasnt taking any chances, making sure that the protection magic would have both a ceiling and floor. One thing he definitely couldnt afford to have happen, was for one of the most feared war-spirits in all the nes to simply leap over the top of the circle and be free.


    When hed finishedying down the protection barrier, he ced seven candles from Keldas summoning supplies at equidistant points along the edge of the circle.


    They were infused with mana and blood magic, and were used for a host of magic spells and processes, including the summoning arts.


    After lighting them, Alex turned to his twopanions.


    Now for the next part, the young wizard said, reaching for a knife. The spell needs blood from the summoner, but I think adding a bit of blood from a rune-marked would help to reinforce it.


    The giant looked at his father, who peered at Alex.


    I have trust in you, but this is my son youll be involving, so I need to ask, are there risks to Bjorgrund in this? the old firbolg asked.


    Alex shook his head. The only one at risk is me.


    Oh is <em>that</em> all? Birger shook his head. Well, I leave the decision to you then son.


    Ill do it, if it helps, Bjorgrund said. It''s the least I can for this fancy armour and axe you gave me.


    The giant went to Alex, extending his arm above a silver chalice.


    Using the tip of the de on Bjorgrunds outstretched arm that was suspended just outside the circle, Alex ran it along the young giants tough skin. It resisted, only yielding to the knifes edge after three tries.


    Red ran down to the chalice below in a steady stream.


    Once the cup was half-filled, Alex cast Mana to Life, healing Bjorgrunds wound.


    He rolled up his own sleeve next to repeat the process.


    The vicious looking scar spreading along his left arm was a reminder of Burn-saw.


    Alex raised the de.


    Blood from an old wound, he said, and reopened the scar.


    His blood ran freely, joining Bjorgrunds, mixing together.


    The air felt charged the instant their blood touched.


    Power rose, poised to converge in the summoning circle.


    The young wizard cast blood magic again, closing his wound. Make sure the other four weapons are on disy, Alex said, referring to Uldars trident, hammer, curved sword and mace. I want her to see them right away.


    Theyre propped up on the table behind us, Bjorgrund said. Right there for anyone to see.


    Good. Now, you both had better step back: especially since I''ve never called her before. Get near that portal leading out of here, just to be on the safe side, the young wizard warned.


    Father and son moved to the opening.


    Alex faced the summoning circle, and opened the spell-guide for Conjure Ultimate Ally, which he''d already read a dozen times. He remembered being in the Cells when Professor Jules and her assistants had conjured a beinghed considered to be of great power at the timea creature that had chilled his blood.


    Now, here he was a few yearster, conjuring something even greater on his own.


    He set the spell-guide aside, and raised his hand toward the circle.


    Asmaldestre the Unmaker! Lady of Battle, Terror of the nes, ughterer of the Infinite! I call upon you! he roared, his voice echoing through the chamber.


    He began casting the ninth-tier spell.


    Eclipsing what hed felt earlier when hed cast Summon Astral Engeli, a transcendent feeling, like he was touching cosmic forces older than time, washed over him.


    Mana rushed out like a waterfall, and the energies building within the circle answered.


    The incantation poured from his lips, the Travellers power joined it, reinforcing the spell.


    The room trembled.


    The seven candles zed, then dimmed, only to re again.


    A scent of blood and iron stung Alex''s nostrils as he chanted the war-spirits name. Sounds of shing weapons scraping against shields reached him, wet sounds of flesh tearing, crackling mes, and screams from fires burning through armies soon followed.


    A sensation, throbbing with pure violence, crawled across his skin.


    The magic circuitpleted within his mana pool.


    The General felt his magic and the Travellers power reach out across the nes; from battlefield to battlefield, calling out to something.


    For a time, the spell hung, like a fishing lure dangling above the sea.


    Unanswered.


    He began to wonder if something had gone wrong.


    Then, the lure jerked.


    S<em>omething</em> had caught it.


    A chill ran down Alexs spine.


    Something wasinga creature of immense power was speeding through the nes.


    The energies approaching were much stronger than those of the greater demons Zonon-In, Kaz-Mowang and Yantrahpretaye. If those monsters still lived, they might have wisely quaked in the face of such power.


    Perhaps, even the self-assured Ezaliel might have knelt before what was now nearing.


    Do you feel that, father? Bjorgrund cried. It feels incredible!


    Incredible? It feels horrible! Birger shouted. We should


    Then, it appeared.


    Iron filingsand glyphs of ironzed red as though engulfed in a forges me. Unseen war drums pounded. Blood and fire erupted, staining the air.


    Within the summoning circle, the air ruptured.


    A being stepped through.


    One wlike a dragons with scales of steeltouched the ground. Another followed. A silhouette of flesh and steel materialised as an entity formed, wavering like rippling me and blood.


    Alex hissed; the creatures countenance and bearing stung the eye, but he couldn''t turn away.


    He could not show fear.


    The young wizard squinted as though peering at the sun, taking in the form of what hed summoned. Asmaldestre looked simr to a centaur in shape: with a humanoid upper body, emerging from a bestial lower half.


    But, that was where the simrities ended.


    The war-spirits lower body was unlike any horse Alex had ever seen, instead, it was draconic, though wingless and formed of steel. Metal scales ringed in serrated edges wept boiling, bubbling blood. Behind its dragon form trailed a tail like a snakecoated in spikesending in a de teeming with lethal symbols of war. They red intermittently, zing with red light. ws flexed and rxed, seemingly readying to rend the sanctum walls like parchment.


    A humanoid torso bore six arms, three on either side, each gripping a weapon: des, spears, and others Alex could not name. Some reminded him of Shales Gale Force Cannon Mk. I Prototype, which they had test-fired in her basement long ago.


    The war-spirit stood unmoving, her body radiating pure power.


    Her presence and spirit radiating her desire for violence.


    The crimson skin covering her torso was etched with more ragged scars than Alex could count, hundreds of tiny des were woven through flowing, ink ck hair. The terrible beauty of her face could bepared to a sword: a weapon incarnate.


    Her three eyes suddenly opened.


    One boiled like a ball of molten steel.


    The other resembled an orb of rippling blood.


    The third, a burning blue star.


    Her broad lips opened, revealing dozens of metallic fangs.


    <em>Speak. </em>was all she said.


    The word struck like a blow; even her voice was violence.


    But, the wizard was undeterred.


    I am Alexander Roth, known also as the General of Thamnd, he said. Wee. I have called you here to recruit you to my army.

 Chapter 753: Armys Completion

    Chapter 753: Army''s Completion


    Oh hells! Birger hissed, frozen in ce like a mouse before a snake.


    Beautiful his rune-marked son murmured, his voice a mix of awe and fear.


    The mighty war-spirita creature of honed flesh and metallooked at the giants, then back to Alex. Every single twitch of her bodynguage spoke of violence.


    Eyes of blood, molten metal and blue fire looked back at the young wizard. For the second time since he''d summoned a monster with a ninth-tier spell, he felt like an otherworldly entity was looking through his very soul.


    <em>Blood. Battle, </em>she pronounced, looking at him closely.


    Her tone was hard to read, but Alex could sense no derision toward him. He remembered how Professor Mangals war-spirit had sensed something in him that was counter to violence, and had resented him for it.


    He was very d that he no longer had the Mark of the Fool.


    <em>Bargain, archwizard, </em>she said.


    I present you with these, he said, pointing to Uldars weapons on the table behind him. I seek to lead you into at least two battles. The first will be here, against opponents who are mighty, wielding the sort of violence that would make an entire army tremble. They wille here, bringing war to us.


    His jaw flexed. I wish to show them what war truly is. The second battle will be greater: it will be fought against an ancient opponent, one that has caused endless war for thousands of years. Our battle against it will be the stuff of legends, and it will redefine the fate of a kingdom and an age of the world. I would not presume to call on your mighty talents for battles that are beneath you, and I believe these will match your appetite for destruction. I would also not presume to ask you to join me without payment: I am not some arrogant mortal who seeks to make a being as old as you bend the knee to him. I seek to establish a rtion with you, one that could be of mutual benefit for a thousand years or more. To prove this, I would like to present you with these four gifts.


    He pointed to the divine weapons on the table behind him.


    Asmaldestres eyes snapped to them.


    These arms were forged by a god Alex started.


    Behind him, Bjorgrund sputtered. <em>What? </em>he gasped, looking at his new axe.


    to be borne into battle as his personal weapons


    Now it was Birgers turn to cough. <em>You stole weapons from a god?</em>


    Alex continued. but he no longer needs them. There is no reason for such weapons to lie useless in an armoury, I would see them in <em>your </em>capable hands. I only ask in return for your alliance, your friendship, and your loyalty. I offer the same in return. If you join me, then we will fight on each other''s behalf. I will lead you into the great battles that I will no doubt fight over my lifetime. You will fight along my sidereaping blood and glorywhile I will fight beside yours.


    The young wizards voice took on a quality of intimidating confidence: the same tone hed used to terrify the giants of the firbolg vige in Kymnd. I have in greater demons, ughtered monsters and destroyed armies: though I know, I am only an infantpared to the violence that you have created. Still, I believe we can serve each otherand I wouldwee your teaching me the true nature of war, for I am a General. So, Ie to you with both pride and humility to propose an alliance.


    The war-spirit looked upon him, her eyes burning. <em>You have great pride in yourself and your prowess, mortal, </em>she said, her words mming into him. The spirit watched him closely for signs of weakness, for any sign of him flinching back from the violence in her voice.


    He showed none.


    <em>Few are the archwizards that dare to summon me. Fewer are those that still live, </em>she pronounced.


    Birger made a strangling noise.


    Asmaldestre looked at the summoning circle around her, eyeing the gifts carefully. Her eyes shifted from the iron filingsglowing even nowto the blood in the chalice, which had begun to boil.


    <em>Some wizards make mistakes in the spell, freeing me to ughter them for their arrogance and ipetence. You have made none. Some seek toe to me, and elevate themselves as master, turning me into their ve. They wish for me to bend my knee to them. </em>She ground her teeth, metal scraping on metal. <em>Mortal arrogance. They think they know mastery and violence. They do not know the beginnings of such things, not in the way I do.</em>


    A metallic talon scraped along the stone. <em>These masters I shatter. Otherse to me with sickening humbleness, begging and grovelling like soul-worms in devils soil. They forget one thing: I am no engeli. What would mortal weakness instil in me, save disgust? Others give pittances in the form of payment, or think battle is payment enough: but to battle constantly, why would I serve or ally to do something that I would do already? Others seek me for tasks beneath me. For violence suited for lesser things: an insult. Youe with none of these things.</em>


    She looked at Alex closely. <em>You bring proper payment. You offer an alliance, not very. You do not call yourself master, yet you do not grovel in a sickening manner like you mortals disgustingly do. You speak of battles that promise to be worth my attention, and I smell blood on you. The blood of many lives takenincluding</em>


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    She tilted her head to the side, the des in her hair grinding against each other. <em>a death that took ce in your own soulcuriousYou have done things correctly. Which is why you are not dead. But, why should I ally with a mortal? A bag of rotting, ageing flesh destined to be reaped by time. Dust that does not yet know that it is dust.</em>


    A demonstration, then, Alex said. To prove my prowess. His thumb jerked toward Bjorgrund, as he then walked to a nearby wall and picked up his staff. Its top half was still wrapped in cloth. I will spar with this rune-marked to show you my prowess for battle, and his.


    Ohoooooh Bjorgrund murmured.


    Alex looked at Asmaldestre. It''s my hope that I can show you why you would want to ally with thiswhat did you call us? Dust that doesn''t know its dust yet.


    <em>eptable. The rune-marked are an admirable creation. I would see how you do in battle against this one.</em>


    Alright, you''re up Bjorgrund, Alex said, spinning the staff in one hand and strolling to an empty part of the room. Let''s fight.


    The giant looked at the war-spirit, then back to the General of Thamnd. Fair enough. I think I see what''s going on here. Let''s give a proper show.


    With a roar, the rune-marked charged.


    The wizard and the giant surge forward, weapons blurring in hand.


    Alex muttered a haste spell beneath his breath, the world slowing around him, as he met Bjorgrunds rush.


    The aeld staff danced in his hand as he weaved around the giant.


    Bjorgrunds axe chased him, the weapon a blur of speed and crushing power. He danced beneath the giants strikes, spinning under Bjorgrunds reach and moving into his guard.


    But, the giant had learned his tricks, and slid back with an easy grace that hed not disyed when theyd first begun sparring together. Still, Alex followed, and the two opponents whirled with massive strikes, swift dodges and quick steps.


    They moved like liquid, attacks shing between them.


    Bjorgrunds axe hissed through the air while Alexs aeld staff crashed against Uldars breastte. The giant was a wave of terrible force: a swift mountain that crushed all opponents before it. The General of Thamnd was a flowing river, moving and dancing between his opponents blows.


    Alex ducked one of Bjorgrunds swings, snapping his staff across the metal of the giants breastte. Bjorgrund''s hand, releasing the haft of his axe, whipped out and grabbed Alex by the shirt, throwing the young wizard across the room.


    Wind whistled in Alex''s ears as he flew at horrifying speed, the wall of the chamber growing closer and closer. He reached into his soul, grasping the Travellers power and teleported behind his opponent, staff snapping against the giants leg.


    With a grunt, Bjorgrund turned, his fist swinging. The young wizard teleported into the giants blindspot, striking at him. Bjorgrund became a blur of flowing blows, his axe carving figure-eights through the air. Alex teleported away faster than a heartbeat, appearing again and again in the giants blindspots, striking hisrger opponent from all angles. The staff thrust from above, swung from below and struck from the side.


    Even as the rune-marked weaved a storm of metal around himself, Alex responded, unleashing a hail of blows from his staff, connecting from all sides.


    A swifter opponent might have been able to respond, but Bjorgrund was too slow to keep up with the Generals teleporting. He took dozens of blows, which turned to scores, then to hundreds.


    His rune zed, and he pushed himself, moving faster, but the young wizard adjusted, teleporting into his reach through his guard. None of Alex''s blows were hard enough to actually hurt the giantespecially through Uldars armourbut they were enough to show one thing, and show it well.


    In just a short whilebybining his dances, the preciseness of carving, his knowledge of anatomy, his augmenting spells and teleportationhed grown into the General, a deadly warrior, the Hero he was always meant to be.


    By my ancestors Birger murmured. Incredible.


    <em>Enough</em>, Asmaldestre said.


    The single word stopped the fight as both Alex and Bjorgrund froze, the war-spirits voice striking them like a blow.


    Alex looked at the summoned being, his gaze levelled. Before you say anything, I just want you to know that I didn''t use most of the spells Im capable of. If I could use all of the spells I''ve learned over thest few years, or even thebat spells I''ve learned over thest few daysthis fight would''ve been very different.


    He''s right, Bjorgrund said. I saw him destroy an entire band of rune-marked, and he was a lot weaker then. Mighty war-spirit, he will make a good ally for you.


    Her eyes snapped to the giant. <em>You are a whelp of a rune-marked, with only one rune. But you have a good foundation. You will make a terrifying warrior one day, and as for you</em> She looked at Alex. <em>you are skilled in the art of violence. If you had unsheathed that weapon, your opponent would now be devastated.</em>


    I have a lot of room to grow. I''m new at this kind of fighting. But I intend to keep learning and grow even more, the young wizard said. Which brings me to a final point. If you ever n on betraying me, then we should probably end this negotiation, and go our separate ways.


    He pointed to his chest. I try to be fair, loyal, and kind to friends,panions, and allies. That said, Im no doormat: I don''t tolerate betrayal, and I''ve got something of a knack for vengeance. I may not have your skill with weapons, at least not now. I may not have your experience in battle, but I have taken the lives of enemies both ancient and strong. If you ever betray me, or harm mypanions, then I won''t rest until I find some way to make you wish that youd died on a battlefield somewhere.


    <em>Arrogance? Now, you would threaten one such as I? </em>Asmaldestre asked.


    The giants were making choking noises.


    Not arrogance. A promise. Everything I have stated is fact, nothing more nothing less. I was beginning to get a little annoyed that you were referring to us as whelps and dust. I also dont want you to have the wrong impression.


    <em>What wrong impression?</em> her words struck.


    Thatyou could take advantage of usand even have a <em>prayer</em> of walking away from that betrayal alive, he said, looking into her eyes.


    The war-spirit watched him for a time.


    Then her body began to shake.


    She threw her head back,ughter tinged by fire spraying from her lips, exploded.


    <em>Well done! I am amused and impressed, mortal! If your deeds are as strong as your words, then this will be a most pleasing alliance.</em>


    Alexs eyebrows raised. Then that means


    <em>I am Asmaldestre the Unmaker.</em> She mmed one of her front ws into the stone. <em>By the binding magic of this spell, I swear an oath and form an alliance with the archwizard, Alexander Roth. As long as our alliance is not broken by either party, I will follow you into battle as you might follow me.</em>


    She grinned. <em>Hand me those weapons. And I will show your enemies a violence that they could never hope to understand.</em>


    We will, Alex said. <em>We</em> will show them a violence they can never hope to understand.


    And with that, Alexs army wasplete.


    They were ready.

 Chapter 754: Hidden Icons (Final Chapter of Book 8)

    Chapter 754: Hidden Icons (Final Chapter of Book 8)


    You know, I thought we were going to die, Birger shook his head, seeming shocked that they were still alive. He raised his arms toward the ceiling, stretching his aching back as the trio entered theb. You went through all the trouble of making us stay out of the summoning room when you were conjuring simple elementals, big birds, and engeli. But you keep us right there with you when you call the <em>ughterer of the Infinite</em>, literally, something called the ughterer of the Infinite! Then you try and antagonise it?


    Bjorgrund shuddered. When you started talking about revenge near the end there, I was sure she was going to leap out of the summoning circle and start butchering us!


    I wasn''t worried, not even for one second! Alex said loudly, like someone lying about not being worried. His hands shook. The only thing I felt was the sweet thrill of victory!


    The giants looked at each other, then back to the young wizard sceptically.


    Alexs grin cracked. Okay, I''m lying. I was actually shaking in my boots. For a moment there, I wasnt sure how offended shed be, but I also had to show her that I wasnt afraid of her. She made it pretty clear that she had no respect for weakness. But yeah, I wouldn''t have had you with me if I didn''t need you. Bjorgund and I needed to do that demonstration, and I didn''t think you''d want to leave your son alone with me and something like her, Birger, and besides, if shed started going berserk, I would have grabbed you two and teleported the hells out of there before she could get out of the summoning circle.


    Well, you thought right. I''m just d she seemed to admire you showing her some backbone, Birger said. So, does this mean were all ready, then?


    Just about, Alex nodded to the control panel for the sanctum. Did you finish mapping a route for our guests?


    Birger gave him a nasty smile. Why don''t you take a look? We wrote everything down in that book over there.


    The old firbolg pointed to the notebook lying open beside the controls.


    Alex eagerly picked it up, reading each notation carefully, his smile growing wider at everything he saw. Laid out across the pages, was a detailed route through the sanctum, beginning at the entrance chamber with the goddess statues, and leading through a number of rooms. The trap in each area was highlighted, along with which pathways would go to the next room along the giants diabolical route.


    Every room had two exits, each one leading to a different branch along the passageway, giving the hidden church the illusion of choice. They would be drawn in, believing that they were moving through the sanctum of their own choosing, while in fact, they would be led along a set path to death.


    Alex nodded in approval. This is vicious, he said admiringly. Well done. Now, they can get a taste of what being ambushed feels like.


    And it never leads to anywhere we don''t want them to go: no summoning chamber and nob. But you know what the best part is? Bjorgrund pointed at the end of the route, all smiles. Look where they end up.


    Alexs eyes went to the end of the route, then he burst outughing. Right back to the goddess statues! Oh, that''s evil!


    I''ll be sitting at the controls, turning traps on and off, Birger grinned. If they look confident, then all the traps will be on in every room they go to. If they look like they''re starting to get nervous, I''ll turn off a few trapsgive them a bit of hopeand keep luring them in. Once they getfortable again, then we start hitting them with the good stuff. I think the best part is when they first get to the entrance chamber, the statues will be off. We won''t be so kind when they find themselves back in that same room at the end of it all.


    Excellent, just what I like to hear. The young wizard rubbed his hands together. And by the time they get back there, the summoned monsters waiting for them, as well as the traps, will have whittled their numbers down so much that very few will be left. And if that sneaky fae, any priests or those two Apostles <em>are </em>left, theyll get a taste of whats waiting in that room. That''s when we hit them with my most powerful summoned monsters, including our new ally.


    My thoughts exactly, Birger said, looking at his son. You understand you don''t have to be involved in thest part of this fight if you don''t want to be, Bjorgrund?


    Thats absolutely true, you''ve done more than enough for me, Alex agreed.


    Bjorgrund snorted. You''re gonna have me do all that training with you, and then not let me take part in the best part? No way. I want a piece of them myself, you didn''t give me this axe and armour so I could just sit around and admire them.


    I thought you''d say something like that, Birger said. Just make sure you don''t let them best you, son.


    Therger giant patted his father on the back. I won''t, father. None of your stories end that way, so how could I let that happen?


    Alex and Birger looked at each other in confusion.


    What do you mean? the firbolg asked his son.


    The young giant grinned. What, you didn''t figure it out yet? This is just like one of your stories! You know, the ones about the young farm boys?


    Alex raised a brow in amusement. What farmer stories?


    Oh, <em>those</em> ones,  Birger said, suddenlyughing. I see what you mean, son!


    Okay, now I feel like youre sharing a joke that I don''t know the punchline to. The young wizard looked around suspiciously. What<em> are </em>you two talking about?


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    Well, there wasn''t much to do to pass the time in the woods, Bjorgrund exined. So when I was little, father would sing and tell me all sorts of stories at night. A lot of them were about young, human farm boys whod always get chosen for some great destiny. Usually, theyd get some sort of mark or something like it that shows their greatness


    Clearly works of wild fantasy, Alex said dryly.


    and they''d always be raised by grumpy grandfathers, aunts or uncles, the young giant continued.


    Not too grumpy, Birger said, sounding offended.


    Anyway, they would live on these farms, or in the middle of the woods, until one day a wizardes to them. Usually they''d be old men, but sometimes, they''d be beautiful women Bjorgrund trailed off, his eyes shifting to Alex.


    Why are you looking at me like I''m some merchant who just gave you a bad deal? Alex asked, squinting at the young giant.


    I don''t know, why aren''t you some beautiful sorceress? the giant shot back.


    Yeah, fair enough. I''d be kind of pissed too, Alex said. Well, at least I''m not an old man.


    Youre oldpared to me.


    Alex shuddered, imagining grey already recing brown hair. Don''t make me wish I left you back at that cottage.


    It''s okay, it''s okay! I''m joking! Bjorgrundughed. Point is, this wizard would sweep these farm boys up on these grand journeys of adventure, and would mentor and <em>train</em> them for some great destiny of theirs. I mean, things are a little different with our situation, but I did get marked with a rune when I was younger, and then a wizard <em>did</em> show up at my door to take me on a grand adventure, and I <em>did</em> get trained by that wizard.


    Alex burst outughing. I know those stories! By the Traveller, howe I didnt see it myself? That''s too funny! He paused. Wait, doesn''t the mentor usually die in those stories?


    Uh Bjorgrund went quiet.


    Well, as you said, works of wild fantasy Birger said, shifting ufortably.


    They better be, because I ain''t dying, Alex said. Not to the church. He paused, thinking of Carey.


    Talk of friends dying, and the church, brought her to mind, leaving him wondering if she was alright, and growing stronger by Hannahs<strong></strong>side. He wondered how her parents were, and if they ever tookfort in the painting hed made of Careys final celebration with her friends.


    The young wizard paused again.


    A final picture.


    He reached into his satchel, feeling around.


    Hey, before we give our guests their invitation, would you mind if we do something? He pulled out Hannahs phone. It''d be great if we could take an instant portrait togetherI mean, this device will immortalise an image of the three of us. Think of it as making a realistic painting really fast as a keepsake in casethings don''t go right.


    Birger looked grimly at Kelda,ying at rest in her ss coffin.


    Aye, seems like a proper thing to do, the old firbolg said. How do we do it?


    Well, the easiest thing to do would be to have a Wizards Hand take ithold on for a bit, let me fiddle with it for a second, let me try something.


    He began looking through the menus slowly.


    I dont know whats all in here, so there might be hidden functionsah, heres a menu Ive never seen beforethere''s all these unique looking icons in here The young wizard tinkered with the artefact, scrolling through different characters.


    Maybe thiswait, what''s this?


    He touched a symbol that disyed another menu, then pressed an arrow.


    Music red through the room.


    Gah! Alex cried.


    What is that? Bjorgrund shouted, lifting his axe. Are we under attack?


    I''ve got to get to the controls! Birger shouted.


    Meanwhile, Alex was fumbling with the phone, juggling it in both hands, trying desperately not to drop it.


    The melody rising from the artefact changed as a singer with a clear, climbing voice joined in, adding lyrics to the melody that soared through the air. By the time the young wizard caught the phone and secured it, the singer had reached a chorus.


    <em>We are the chaaaaampioooons, weee are the champions! No time for losers, cause we are the champions of the world</em> the vocalist repeated the lyrics.


    At least, that is what the sounds sounded like, though Alex did not know their meaning.


    It''s okay, we''re not under attack, thatsing from the phoneI mean the artefactI mean the thing in my hand! Alex quickly shouted.


    Sounds like music! Good music from the sound of it. I like the melody, though I don''t know what the words mean! Bjorgrund cried.


    "We ar tha champeeons?" Alex asked, enjoying the music now that he realised the phone wasn''t about to explode. "Birger do you know?"


    No, but it''s a very good use of melody, Birger said. And the singer is fantastic. The voice is a little too high for my tastes, but it''s nice and clear. Does it say who the performers are?


    Alex shook his head. I cant tell, I dont know what all of this says. There''s an image of a creepy-looking bald thing here, but I don''t know anything about it. It looks kind of like a ghoul.


    Ghouls that sing like kings, wonder of wonders, Birger said. I can''t believe such a thing was hidden in there.


    Yeah, me neither. It must have been important to Hannah if she had it on here, maybe she can tell me the words in themon tongue if I see her again," Alex chuckled. It seems all sorts of things could be hidden in a device like this. I mean it can record information, images, music and Traveller knows what else, so why wouldnt it have all sorts ofotherfunctions


    Alex suddenly gasped.


    What is it? Is it exploding? Bjorgrund said, looking ready to run for a portal.


    Something just urred to me the wizard said. I don''t have any hard evidence to support this, so it''s only a hunch but


    A hunch about what? Bjorgrund asked.


    About where someone might hide information the young wizard said.


    Alex was thinking about Uldars sanctum, to the mostly empty rooms. The god had immortalised so much of his life in that sanctumthrough notes, carvings etched into the walls of the staircasebut there was also so much that seemed to be missing. In his throne room, the expedition had found a scene that looked to be right out of a murder story.


    A dead body.


    Mysterious ck ichor.


    A ce setting for a guest whod never arrived for their meal.


    But Uldar had left no recordings or diaries anywhere.


    Or had he?


    Perhaps they simply hadnt found any.


    Perhaps they hadnt looked in the right ces.


    Alex considered the throne room where Uldar once sat looking upon the entirety of his kingdom, watching moving images that surrounded him on all sides.


    The god had recorded his voice to greet guestswhat if hed recorded something else elsewhere?


    What if, just like the music on Hannahs phone, there were secrets hidden in the chamber of images in his sanctum?


    He had to contact ygonit was only a hunch, right now, but if he was right, it could be the first lead theyd had in months. Theresa should know so she could tell their allies.


    I wouldnt mind taking a look around myself, he thought. And even if I''m wrong, maybe I can find a way to take control of that room now that I''ve unlocked the Mark of the General. We could look for the Ravener in more than one ce at a time. But, in order to be free to head back to Thamnd, I need to get rid of those people hunting me.


    He balled his right hand into a fist.


    Were ready now. First, we take the hidden church, then we put an end to the Ravener for good; no more cycles, no more spawn, no moreing back killing people, creating chaos, making five young people fight it every hundred. It has to end forever, Alex thought.


    In the background, while a clear voiced singer sang of champions, the General of Thamnd got ready to take a picture of himself and his twopanions.


    After that, it would be time to lure their enemies.


    Time for the final battles in the endless cycle of Thamnds wars.

 Chapter 755: The Legend of the Last Fool (: of Book 9: the final Book)

    Chapter 755: The Legend of the Last Fool (: of Book 9: the final Book)


    Gather around fine folk, and let me tell you a marvelous tale on this fine evening! the bard called to patrons across the tavern.


    He was a tubby man, his balding scalp was barely hidden by a hastyb-over peeking from arge floppy hat with feathers through its band. His clothes were as brightly coloured as a peacock, though his face was rather in; he wore a brilliant smile awash with sparkling white teeth.


    Iron sconces and flickering candbras bathed him in the warmth of their dancing golden light.


    He strummed a lyre and hummed a jaunty tune as eyessome sceptical and some already interestedturned to him.


    And what tale would this be? Someone jeered from a nearby table. Not another sillyedy, is it? I don''t want to hear another tale of drunken sailors: you''ve told one of those every night for the past week!


    Well, if you''ve been drinking here every night this week and heard my tales, then maybe you have more inmon with those drunken sailors than youd care to admit! The bard called, strumming his lyre.


    A chorus ofughter erupted across the tavern. The hecklers face turned beet red.


    Now thats out-of-the-way, why don''t we get to what I want to tell you about on this fine evening. My tale isnt about drunken sailorsnor is it one about a single scoundrel, wizard, or warriorand yet, Id have to say it''s about all three of those very sorts of folk all rolled into one. Today, my tale is of a Fond a Traveller.


    All murmuring died away. The legs of a rickety table in the back of the room began creaking as folk seated around it propped their forearms and elbows on top, leaning forward in anticipation of the bards tale. Some of these young folk were hidden in the shadow of an alcove, watching the storyteller intently.


    So, before I begin in earnest, there''s something we need to clear up first: the worlds always changing, He began strumming his lyre as though apanying an ancient text he was reciting from. Its not an umon thing, the world changing, that is. Its tempting for folk to view the wide world like its a static thing like rock, only changing through great moments recorded in books. Or sung about by bards like me.


    He smiled, strumming his lyre. Great moments from some grand discovery.


    He strummed his lyre. A realm-shattering war.


    He strummed his lyre. A new age of magic. These are what folk think of when they talk about what changes the world!


    He waggled his finger, clicking his tongue. The truthand wise-folk know this wellis that the world is no great lump of unchanging rock. Its all aflux,plete with tiny little changes that make it different from moment to moment. Yes, wise-folk know this! But <em>truly</em> wise-folk He pointed to himself. such as yours truly, know even more. They know that the little events are tied to, and often herald the big ones. So, let''s look at one of those heralding little events shall we? Lets look at the birth and life of a man named Alex Roth.


    His strumming grew more rhythmic. As far as most folk can tell, he was born in a backwater named Alric, which is in a slightly bigger backwater named Thamnd. In his early life, tragedy found the youngster when a hungry fire imed his fine parents, and since toil was no stranger to those fine folk in Alric, the youngdter found work assisting a cantankerous baker with his baking. Ill emphasise the point again, life spent toiling was no stranger to the folk of Alric since they were ordinary, salt of the earth types. Yet, the young Alex was somewhat different; he had mana, and he longed to be a wizard. But, as life is inclined to do at times, it ignores a persons longings, and in this case, a specific event proved that, heralding, something much bigger.


    The bard smiled, pausing both his strumming and his story to take in the reaction of his audience. They were hanging on his every word.


    He knew he had them.


    The lyre strummed. He was Marked as a Fool by his god, and was destined to fight and die in a war that Thamnd foughtas a regr customagainst a monster called the Ravager He paused. Or was it the Ravener? Yes, that must be it. Certainly can''t be the Rampager, or I would''ve remembered that. In any case, he decidedinstead of fighting and dying in this wartoe here to our lovely city of Generasi, and be a wizard! What a fine show of willpower and determination! No doubt most of you have heard his name by now? He was a hero at Orecas Fall! He saved the good ship, the Red Siren, from destruction at sea! He''s made magical discoveries, and his bakeries fill many of our bellies every morning. But thats only part of the story, isn''t it?


    He peered into the audience, then waggled his finger again. Whats this Im seeing? Some of you good folk of Generasinaturally mistrustful of deitieswearing a holy symbol around your necks! Yes, there it is, thentern! The Sainted Travellers symbol!


    His strumming grew more frenzied. An ancient saint from an ancientnd, a kind demigoddess here to lend a hand! Hardly a day goes by that you don''t hear of her miracles, kind deeds done for you and me, that melt the heart of even we jaded Generasians! Some say, they see her, some say, they simply hear of her deeds. But, I will tell you a story of how the Fool and her spirit saved an entire floti of ships from a krakens wrath!


    The bard then spun his talpletely fictionbout how Alex and the Traveller had rescued a fleet of sailing ships, transporting the passengers to safety. He told of the Travellers power and kindness, and of the Fools cleverness and strength.


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    Eight of the Foolspanions were given special mention: four Heroes of Thamnd, a deadly huntress, a powerful wizard from the south, a schrly wizard from the Rhinean Empire, and a resourceful and loyal minotaur mage.


    The bard had no idea that some of those hed just mentioned were in fact part of his audience.


    At that table in the back, hidden by the shadowy alcove, sat Theresa, Grimloch, and Alexs cabal.


    Their meals were already eaten.


    Well, that''s a pretty wild tale, Thundar said lightly. Do any of <em>you</em> remember fighting a kraken?


    No. Too bad. They''re good eating. Grimloch licked his teeth. We should find one when we have time to go hunting.


    You can be my guest, Thundar said dryly. Still, it''s wild to me that they''re making up stories about us.


    That is not a bad thing. Prince Khalik hoisted his tankard, the powerful young man watching the bard. Alexs name is spreading, and so is that of the Traveller. As more people acknowledge Hannah, her power will grow.


    We could use that, Isolde sipped her wine, puffy bags beneath the young noblewoman''s eyes. We could use all of the help we can get.


    Things not going great with you-know-whos notes? Thundar asked.


    Actually, we have made progress: Professor Jules and I, Isolde said. We have a few strong hypotheses as to how to end the menace forever. Of course, we cannot exactly experimentbut we can start narrowing things down through mathematical simtion.


    We still need to find it, Theresa said darkly. Alex told me something this morningwell, actually, he told ygon, who told me. He said it was possible that you-know-who might''ve hidden a message inside that room where he watched Thamnd from, the one with all the moving images in it.


    An interesting idea, Isolde said. We have had teams of wizards examine that roomand they have found nothing new. Of course with Alex''s gifts, especially now that they have beenenhancedhe might be able to find something where others could not.


    Im real d things worked out for him, but its too bad we can''t see him for the time being, Thundar said. I think hed get a kick outta this, hearing his name spreadingactually, I think hed be happier to hear Hannahs name spreading.


    Thats true, Theresa said.


    When will he challenge those fiends that hunt him? Khalik asked. If they are defeated, then we will see him sooner thanter.


    The huntress gave the cabal a tense look. ording to what he told ygon? Today or tomorrow.


    Truly? Khalik sputtered. Is there any way that we can go and help him? I owe this hidden church as well, and I would not see him facing enemies alone.


    Thankfully, he isn''t alone, Theresa said. But I wish I could be there too.


    Then, why don''t we Thundar started.


    We all have tasks to do, we have other things that need taking care of to help him, Theresa said. Thundar, you and Khalik have to keep training and working with the Heroes. Isolde, you have to keep researching, and Grimloch and I have to keep hunting for leads to find the Ravener.


    You''re right, of course, Khalik said. Though, it is still frustrating.


    We need to make preparations, because any battle against the Ravener will be for keeps, and when ites, everything weve been doing will count. Theresa said. Alex is getting ready, and what were all doing will help with that.


    Her attention was now only partly on the bards tale, the huntress was thinking about returning to Uldars sanctum with Grimloch and Brutus. She hoped theyd find a lead this time.


    Her thoughts went to the Traveller, asking her to bring Alex through his battle against the secret church, and keep him safe from a repeat of what happened when they were ambushed.


    I hope you''re ready, she whispered.


    Far from Generasi, where a bard spun a fictional tale of the Fool of Thamnds battles, Alexander Roth prepared for a real one.


    If the bard had heard of it, hed be salivating at the idea of a new and glorious tale in the Fools chroniclethough he would be confused by something.


    The Fool of Thamnd was no more.


    The General of Thamnd had returned.


    Gone were the restrictions on spellcraft,bat, and divinity. Gone was the grinning jesters face on Alexs right shoulder, now reced by a glowing swordits pommel in the shape of a crownpiercing a scroll.


    Gone where his limits.


    The cleanly shaven, though long haired, young wizard floated, cross-legged in the middle of a room within the sanctum of a long dead Fool of Thamnd: Kelda of n McCallum.


    Alex was barely recognisable now. Gone was the gangly young man whod been Marked in Alric. His frame was now solid and muscr, capable of overturning a farm wagon by pure strength alone. His breathing came easy, even, and his body moved as gracefully as a schars moving through the Spear and Oar dance. His staffy across his thighs, longer than it had been before, its upper third remained wrapped in cloth.


    Though his bodynguage spoke of a state ofplete peace, his lips moved constantly, as the asional twitch rippled across his form.


    He was preparing, casting spells in a stream, all the while performing his meditation techniques. Not that long ago, he would struggle to cast a single spell, now the General could cast spells with the twitch of a brow.


    Forceballs, Wizards Hands, protective spells appeared and disappeared around him.


    He summoned monsters in a single breath, then dismissed them with a twitch of a brow. Hed call creatures from across the nes, then have them perform deeds as he watched in approval: Astral engeli drew zing swords, sweeping the burning des through the air; elder air elementals would blow flensing winds over the stones of the sanctum, while elder earth elements swam through stone floors, then rose and crashed their limbs together.


    Beings that could raze entire towns to the ground, or destroy entire battalions, were<strong></strong>his to call, his to dismiss, until he was ready to call them again.


    He would detonate fireballs around the room, then conjure protective spells around himself. He peppered the walls with force missiles, each enhanced with deadly modifications to their spell arrays. He practised as hed never been able to before, feeling ready.


    Atst, his eyes opened, his gaze fixed on a cube of iron sitting below him. He levelled a finger at it, imagining it was the First Apostle.


    He spoke a single syble.


    And cast a sixth-tier spell: disintegration.


    The spell struck the cube, sting it to dust.


    Alexander Roth nodded to himself.


    Are you ready? a deep voice said.


    Stepping through a portal into the room, were his twopanions.


    First came Birger, the ancient firbolgs weight braced against his crutch. He was followed by Bjorgrund. The young giants torso was wrapped in the archaic breastte that once belonged to Uldar, and in his hand, the immense axe forged for and by the god himself.


    On his chest, his red rune burned as though it hade to life.


    Alex looked at his twopanions, theyd apanied him through all the months of searching for the sanctum. They had been there when hed freed himself from the Fool.


    Theyd vowed to be there when they freed each other from those who were hunting them.


    I''m ready, Alex said. Are you?


    Birger and Bjorgrund nodded.


    Alex clutched his staff.


    Once he was free from the church hunting him, he could examine Uldars sanctum to see if he was right: to see if the god had hidden a message in his viewing room.


    Birger, Bjorgrund, the General of Thamnd said. Let''s lure the enemy.

 Chapter 756: The Strange Messenger

    Chapter 756: The Strange Messenger


    So what''s the n? Birger asked as he, Alex, and Bjorgrund strode into theboratory. How exactly are we going to get them here?


    Im sure they''re going crazy trying to find us, Alex grinned. Theyre probably turning over every rock around every spot they tracked us to, but truthfully, I don''t really care what theyve been doing: what matters to me is that they havent been able to find us, which means theyre probably as tired and desperate as we were.


    His smile widened. Kind of appropriate, if you ask me. And what that means is that theyll be more inclined to make mistakes when I act as bait.


    What do you mean? Bjorgrund asked.


    I''m going to leave the sanctum, and act like I''m looking for something.


    Anything in particr? the giant asked.


    Alex frowned, thinking carefully. That''s what I''m trying to figureoh! <em>Oh.</em> I have an idea, he said. Remember that old cave we found up in the mountains? The one with the mummified priest?


    Yeah, the cave where they nearly caught us? Bjorgrund asked. I remember that. Wed busted a hole in the temple wall and found that dead priest with a bunch of treasureid out around him. I dont think Ill ever forget it.


    Its true that the church nearly caught us there, Birger said.


    Thats right, Alex said. I wouldnt be surprised if they''re watching that ce like hawks: but in case theyre notif I''m right about that fae tracking me by my name, if I show up there, he''ll know, right?


    Yeah and that''s something I wanted to bring up, Bjorgrund said. Tracking you by your name using magic, can''t you do the same thing? You''re a wizard, and my father has magic.


    Alex shook his head. Honestly, I have no idea how hes doing it: my best guess is through some kind of strange fae magic, but I''m no expert on strange fae magic. My mentor, Baelin, would probably know how he''s doing it: he knows almost everything, but I wouldn''t even begin to be able to figure it out.


    Neither would I, Birger said.


    That''s too bad, Bjorgrund shook his head. It''d be nice to turn the tables and track them for once.


    We won''t have to. Alex smiled. Like I said, we''re going to bring them to us. The n is for me to appear in that temple with some summoned monsters.


    Like those elder elementals? the young giant asked. Theyre powerful and you could use them to start smashing the church the second they find you. Actually, wait, that''d be stupid. If you start smashing them, they''ll know somethings different with you.


    Exactly, Alex pointed at himself. I''ll have to stick to monsters I could summon <em>before</em> we got to the sanctum. Ill be acting like Im gathering the priests treasures, and taking them to the sanctum.


    Good n, Birger said. All those treasures in thereit makes sense wed want them.


    Thats right, Alex said. And when they show up, I''ll act like I''m not surprised to see them, and that I expected them since Ill have my monsters there to slow them down. Itll give them plenty of time to see the portal.


    What portal? Bjorgrund asked.


    The one leading to the sanctum, Alex said. The thing is, they have no idea how we got here. So they''ll have no idea that I can just teleport here whenever I want. If they see a portal thats leading to the sanctum, there''s a good chance theyll assume that''s my doorway in and out of here, and that I <em>have</em> to take it to get in.


    They''ll try to stop you with that holy soil, Birger pointed out.


    Im sure they will, Alex said. But I''m going to go through the portal before they can use their interdictions.


    They won''t use their interdiction to shut down your teleportation, they''ll use it to keep the portal open, thinking youre nning on closing it, Birger reasoned.


    Alex snapped his fingers and grinned. Smart man! There''s the wisdom of the ages for you.


    ThanksI think Birger said dryly.


    Bjorgrund chuckled until a re from his father silenced him.


    The other thing thatll lure them in is that I''ll make the doorway to the sanctum big enough for them to get a good look at the disfigured statue of Uldar in the entrance. If the desire to catch me doesn''t bring them, then, seeing Uldars face all hacked up certainly will. Their bloodll start boiling and theyll be after me in no time.


    Then we can finally get rid of those pests, Birger said. The traps will be ready for them.


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    And I''ll be waiting, ready to fight, Bjorgrund said.


    Remember, hit and run tactics, Alex said. Your route has multiple pathways: if we could divide them by you hitting them, then sprinting away through one of the portals, all the better.


    Divide and conquer, Birger said.


    Thats the name of the game, Alex said. Alright, let''s get into position. I''ve got tons of mana and lots of monsters to summon. After thats done, I''ll ring the dinner bell for our guests.


    The breakfast bell tolled outside Gabrians tent, it rustled in the frigid breeze blowing across the Lake of Ever Ice.


    Inside, the First Apostle knelt naked on the ice, enduring the painful bite of the frozenke on his skin. Suffering brought discipline.


    They needed discipline more than ever,tely.


    For a time, the churchs hunt for the Fool had looked as though it would be a quick and easy affair. They had ambushed him and hispanions in the middle of an icy forest, and nearly in him in the snow. Hed barely escaped with his life and, at the time, it had seemed like his end would be swift and inevitable.


    Some of the devoted had even suggested that the Fool would be dead, and they would be home by Sigmus.


    Yet, time had made fools of them all.


    It had not been so kind.


    For months, they had chased him, slowly tightening the around him. At one point, it appeared they were mere days from catching him as he fled from ce to ce within the Irtyshenan Empire.


    Then, without warning, hed utterly disappeared.


    Even the Stalker, the fae who could track him by name alone, had been stumped, unable to know his whereabouts. They had searched in vain, then watched the ces where the Fool had searched for the sanctum of another, long dead Fool, named Kelda, and found nothing.


    So theyd turned to other means of tracking him.


    They had captured members of a thieves guildthe Guild of the Red Mouseand the Stalker had tortured them. None were spared, and eventually one revealed what the Fool was looking for, along with the location of portals that Kelda had left around the Empire.


    From there, theyd set some of their most gifted and wisest priestsincluding Izas, the Third Apostle, and Gabrian, the First Apostleto the task of forcing the portal to lead them to the sanctum.


    They had engaged every bit of spellcraft and divinity they knew, but no progress was ever made. The portal had remained stubborn, much like the Fool, defying them as surely as he had.


    All that was left to do was employ another interdiction


    but both Izas and Gabrian had been reluctant.


    They were in a foreignnd, one ruled by foreign deities, and if they attracted their attention, their wrath would soon follow.


    The holy quest would fail.


    Uldar did not reward the foolhardy, he rewarded the wise and strong.


    Wisdom would suggest that they only use an interdiction when they were sure they had the Fool in hand. Butwithin the rankswisdom was starting to give way to impatience and doubt.


    More and more of their number were openly wondering whether Uldar had turned his face from their quest. They questioned thepetence of the fae who was leading them. Some had suggested that they must have angered their god in some way, and he was now denying them his blessing.


    Izas and Gabrian had met this sort of talk with a mix of stern words and calming sermons. They pointed out the tales of Ferrus, Ilsar, and Jarn; three hunters whod cast aside their faith in Uldar, and the god had sent a storm to flood the valley where they hunted. The hunters drowned, their prey lived.


    Kinder tales told of the endurance of Annawho had kept her faith during a pestilence that destroyed and wreaked havoc throughout her vige. While her neighbours shook their fists at the sky and cursed Uldar, she prayed with respect and an open heart. The god had rewarded her, filling the brook near her cottage with a bounty of fish for her to sup upon.


    Her faithless neighbours starved.


    Still, though the holy warriors of the hidden church polished their armour and weaponry and prayed every morning and night, whispers of doubt continued. Even as they spoke their uneasy words with shame, they could not quite banish thoughts whispering that they had done something to anger their god.


    Gabrian could only hope that they found their prey sooner, rather thanter.


    Forgive them, my God. They know not what they say: they are so young, so unused to the trials of the world. They have grown up and lived in the shadow of your escapement, shielded from much of the evils of mortalkind. They are young: I have lived for centuries in your grace, and know your ways. I know when you withdraw your favour, and I know when you are simply telling us to abide, to keep faith, and endure.


    He lowered his head toward his sped hands. This is a time to cling to thetter, but many of our followers are too inexperienced to see the difference. Please do not judge them too harshly, simplyy your judgement at my feet. I am the sheep herder, meant to guide and lead your flock. If they wander, then the w is not with the sheep, but with their guide. If punishment must be given, deal that punishment to me.


    His eyes turned toward the roof of his tent and the heavens hidden beyond it. But this humble servant asks of you, do not strike me down before I exact your justice upon the errant Fool. I beg of you, do not close my eyes before I see his shut. Let me see him in, and the debt repaid for the destruction that he and his ilk have reaped upon your chosen people. Or perhaps


    He shook his head, with a wry smile. Perhaps I am not as old and wise as I think. Perhaps I should not pray for you to see him destroyed, or for your aid in breaking his body and spirit. Perhaps I should pray for a gentler solution: holy Uldar, reach out to this Fool, allow him to open his heart to you, and show him the error of his ways so he may return to your side. May the Heroes have their jolly Fool once more, and let the cycle continue as you will it.


    Gabrian fell silent, listening for any sign that Uldar had heard him.


    Suddenly, the sound of amotion reached him from outside, a mour racing through the camp. The hidden priests were calling to each other, and holy warriors began blowing horns. Clinking armour and weapons being girded for war, announced preparations for battle.


    Prayers of supplication rose in the air.


    The First Apostle knew then that something had happened.


    Thank you! he called to his god and leapt onto furs covering some of the ice-covered surface hed been kneeling on. He quickly threw on his clothes, then called his armour to him using a single short prayer. Divine power saw his te armour leave its stand and sheath him in an instant.


    He belted the sword hed used to fight the Ravener of his time to his waist.


    He strapped on his shield as the tent p was pulled open.


    Holy leader! a priest called.


    Has the Fool been found? Gabrian asked.


    No, holy leader, the priest said, his face looking bewildered. A Ravener-spawn has appeared at the western border of the camp, and ims it brings a message from a servant of Uldar!

 Chapter 757: The Crossroads

    Chapter 757: The Crossroads


    The Ravener-spawn waited a bit away from the hidden churchs encampment.


    Gabrian had seen these sorts of creatures before, with their humanoid shape, long ws, and scab-like, hardened skin.


    This one, unlike any hed ever seen before, was mounted, sitting astride arge, formidable beast the likes of which hed also never seen before. The mount had a grey, serpentine form, from which protruded six legs that wed the ice. Its spade-shaped head bore a brutal horn rising from the tip of its snout.


    Though Gabrian found the creatures forms somewhat foul, who was he to judge servants of Uldars appearance, especially one sent to speak to his people?


    The weary members of the hidden church had prayed for a revtion from their god, and Gabrian was well-pleased that their deity had seen fit to bless them with one.


    He went out to meet the creature, nked by a holy warrior on his left, and Izas on his right. The Third Apostle was wiping sleep from his eyes and straightening his beard, looking upon the Ravener-spawn with relief<strong>.</strong>


    Gabrian could not help but smile wryly: if any outside the hidden church saw a holy man lookingwith such reliefat a creature spawned by Thamnds greatest enemy, they would have cried foul.


    But, they did not know the truth.


    Such was the privilege of only those so closely connected to Uldars will.


    This is fortuitous, Izas whispered to Gabrian. Our God has atst blessed us with new insights. I must confess, holy leader, I had reached a point where I was beginning to think that Uldar was testing us and would keep withholding his guiding hand until we passed a trial of his choosing.


    Perhaps we have now passed that trial, the First Apostle smiled. Remember, endurance and keeping faith in times of tribtion is valued by Uldar. We have preached this in sermons that weve given in our darkest hours, and have also shown both of these attributes in this very endeavour. Now, we are being rewarded.


    Indeed, Izas said, ncing about. This is strange, have you seen our fae ally this morning?


    I was only roused from my tent when the horns began blowing, the First Apostle admitted. I was in contemtion and prayer: thest I saw of him wasst night when he went off to y with that broken doll of his. He let out a pitying sigh. There is no more knowledge to squeeze from that thief, now he is just practising cruelty. It is most distasteful.


    He is not mortal, and I suppose we all have ways of relieving our frustrations. Still, the fact that he is not here nowseems odd to me Izas said.


    Perhaps there is a good reason for it, Gabrian said. But for now, let us focus on what Uldar has to tell us. The First Apostle nodded to the Ravener-spawn when they reached it. Greetings, servant of Uldar, what news have you for his humble servants.


    The Hunters mount leered at the humans, licking its lips. Its master ced a wed hand on its back, calming it. I bear a message from my master asking that you fulfil a task.


    Murmurs ran through the group of holy warriors standing near.


    The First Apostle bowed. And what might this message be? We are here to serve.


    You are to go to the realm of the one above all in ournd. Things have shifted. Strange tidings. Things have transpired that should not have. Ancient challenges that should long have been resolved, have arisen once more. These events are out of line with what should be, so, you must engage directly with him so we might know how to proceed, the Ravener-spawn said.


    Murmurs turned to gasps.


    Are you misspeaking? Izas demanded. Are you asking us to go to Uldar in person? Such a thing is not possible! He has ascended beyond the material world and now speaks to us through the whispers of the wind, the rumble of the earth, and signs hidden in the happenings of the world. One day he might open his door to us and let us ascend to be by his side, but that day is not now!


    The Ravener-spawn shook its head. Not so. The door is open.


    Silence gripped the hidden churchs warriors.


    What do you mean? the First Apostle asked.


    In thend that you once called home, others have imed the tall rock. Above the tall rock is an open doorway they now guard, the Hunters voice was human, but raspy. Through the portal, you will find the one above all, though we cannot enter, you can. You must go there, take the door, and speak to him for rification.


    Horrified cries of rm and anger came from the holy warriors.


    Impossible! arge, armoured man cried.


    sphemy! a priestess added.


    How could outsiders open a door that we have never seen? an older man said, sounding bewildered.


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    Izas was at a loss for words.


    The First Apostle was almost speechless. This is true?


    I speak no lies, the Hunter assured him.


    Then we must regain it immediately! Izas cried. We cannot allow those who would undo our good works to hold Uldars threshold! He will curse us! If we had not allowed ourselves to be driven from our home, this would never have happened!


    You are correct, Gabrian said, filled with outrage. Break camp, we must be gone quickly! Someone find


    I found him! a familiar voice shouted, echoing across the ice.


    Bells jingled in the cold wind.


    The Stalker appeared in the distance, galloping toward the encampment on the back of his mount. His eyes were shining, his face twisted in a wide grin. Atst I found him, he''s finally within reach! Hes left that sanctum he mustve been hiding in but hes been out for a while! We have to move now so we dont lose him again!


    More cries of confusion and dismay rose from the holy warriors as the fae drew his moose up in front of them. We have to go!


    The hidden church members looked at each other, then to their leadership for guidance. Even three hundred years of experience could not steady Gabrians racing heart.


    Why now? he wondered. It has taken months to find the Fool, and nowwhen we have been told to return homewe suddenly have an opportunity to destroy him? What trial do you send us, my god? What test must be passed now?


    Well, what are you all waiting for? the Stalker cried. I mean, he could be gone at any momentOh, hello. He nodded to the Ravener-spawn.


    Greetings, it nodded back.


    What are you doing here? the fae asked.


    The Ravener-spawn paused, scrutinising him from head to toe before answering.


    I have brought a message, it finally said.


    Well, whatever it was will have to wait. My hounds, and I the fae started.


    Did you know? Izas took a step toward the Stalker.


    Did I know what? the fae sounded irritated.


    The Third Apostle ground his teeth. Did you know that a door had been opened to Uldar? Did you know that it was taken by our enemies?


    What are you talking about? the Stalker demanded. Doors? Uldar?


    We sent you to Uldars Rise to gather sanctified soil so we would be well armed for our hunt, the priest growled. When you were there, did you not see the outsiders guarding a door?


    Hm? Of course I did, I''m not blind! the Stalker snapped. But why are we wasting our time with this? Even now, our quarry could be getting away!


    So it is true, and you did not inform us, Izas said. Outsiders have taken the doorway to our god!


    Doorway to your godwaitthat portal leads to Uldar? But no ones heard from him in thousands of years! the Stalker shouted.


    It does not matter, strange things are happening this cycle, and now we must return home to take what is ours. To retake what belongs to our god! Izas cried.


    A roar arose from the hidden churchs warriors.


    Wait! the First Apostle raised his voice. Calm yourselves, brothers and sisters, calm yourselves! Do you not see what is in front of you? He red at them, his steely eyes cowing them into silence. Uldar works through the signs of the world, does he not? Does he not?


    The question hung in the air.


    Of course he does, Izas said.


    Do you not see the sign that is before us now? Look! We have been pursuing one of Uldars great enemies, andatstan opportunity is presented for us to fulfil our quest! All of you who have hung on for so long in the face of this seemingly endless hunt, are about to be rewarded, the First Apostle met every eye. And at the same time, a messenger of Uldares telling us we must go <em>home</em>. Go home and <em>fail</em> our quest. To go home, as so many of you have been tempted to! I do not know what this all means yet, but what we do deserves consideration, not blind action.


    The outcry from the warriors became murmurs of doubt and confusion.


    Holy leader, I must disagree. A worried Izas looked at the Ravener-spawn, and the Stalker, his brow creased. Our first duty is to serve Uldar, and we cannot allow outsiders to hold the keys to him. We cannot allow such sphemy to continue.


    Perhaps, the First Apostle said, then looked at the Hunter. Tell me, messenger, does the quest to destroy Usurpers still stand? Or is that no longer a priority?


    It is of incredible importance, the Hunter said. I sensed one near, and it is taking all of my will to not go and seek it out for destruction.


    When you are finished with your task here, will you go and strike him down? Gabrian asked.


    Immediately, the Ravener-spawn hissed.


    Hold now, hold now! the Stalker shouted, sliding off his mount. Don''t let this rangy monster turn you from <em>your</em> task, my hounds. We are here to destroy our prey, aren''t we? Don''t let yourselves get distracted.


    This is not a distraction, Izas said. It is our purpose.


    It might be a temptation; it might be a test, Gabrian said. I have never known Uldar tomunicate so openly, and yet suddenly, a door is open to him, just in time to call us home and let our quarry escape?


    He shook his head. It does not sit right with me. It requires more thought.


    Perhaps it does not, Izas pressed. Uldar has given us amand, and we should simply follow it. We must return home: we must set aside our pride and our mortal hunger for vengeance to protect him.


    He does not need our protection, Gabrian said. Our secret church was created not to be Uldars bodyguards, but to be his hidden hands. Our purpose is to go out into the world and perform the tasks that most would find distasteful. We are to perform them in secret, and we are to perform them both quickly and adeptly. In the history of our order, we have eschewedfort and distraction. We have been singr in purpose. This situation threatens to divide us, I cannot believe it is coincidental!


    It might even be a ploy! the Stalker offered. Maybe this is some wizards trick to lure you away, to lure you back home so they can kill you, my lovely hounds! It all stinks to me!


    You are not without me here, Izas said. If you had told us about the door


    Then what, my lovely hound? the Stalker asked. If I had told you about a random portalguarded by wizards, and leading to an unknown destinationwhat would you have done? Would you have charged in in a foolhardy fashion? Would you have given up our hunt? Or would it have changed nothing? In the end, it was just a distraction, and I didn''t see the point in mentioning it! Look, it''s already distracting us! Our prey could disappear at any heartbeat!


    Izas looked at the Hunter, ignoring the fae. Tell us, ording to Uldar, which takes more priority: the death of a Usurper, ormuning with our god?


    The Ravener-spawn frowned. This onedoes not knowboth are important.


    See? It''s like your lead hound was saying, its a test! the Stalker cried.


    Izas shook his head. Holy leader, I think we should return home. However, I am not the shepherd of this order. You are. Under your leadership, we have prospered. Your wisdom has been the rudder in a stormy sea. I will trust it. What say you? Do we seek the Fools life and then return to Uldars rise? Or do we go home immediately?


    The First Apostle frowned.


    He knew in his soul that this would be one of the most, if not <em>the</em> most, important decisions of his long life.

 Book 6 launches today in e-book and paperback!

    Book 6unches today in e-book and paperback!


    Yo folks!


    IT''S BOOK 6 TIME!


    So we''re here today, with book 6unching on amazon! It''s been a long journey here, and I''m so thankful to you all for walking it with me so far. :) My time as an author has been a good one so far.


    So before I give the link for book 6, I want to say that I am <strong>not sure when audiobook 5</strong> wille out. It''s in Travis'' court, and he''s very busy, but I hope I get an update soon. When I do, I will tell you.


    Alrighty, then book 6! Now edited and in its final version. As always, I could use some help<strong>.</strong>


    <strong></strong>


    If you have <strong>kindle unlimited</strong>, then a <strong>download</strong> of the e-book would help me out quite a bit.


    <strong>Find the book through this link: </strong><strong>https://geni.us/markofthefool6</strong><strong></strong>


    <strong>If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.</strong>


    If you have reddit, then upvotes on <strong>these posts</strong> would also help me out too:


    /r/litrpgments/1al3xtc/mark_of_the_fool_6_is_out_on_kindle/


    <strong>You do not have to do this! It is your choice. </strong>I don''t want y''all to feel obligated. Alrighty, now the chapter is iing!

 Chapter 758: A Great Decision

    Chapter 758: A Great Decision


    For the first time in many yearsmany centuries in truththe First Apostle was divided.


    When hed least expected it, a crossroads had appeared before him. For months, his only purpose had been to hunt down the Fool while keeping his followers focused. Their order had survived by being of singr purpose, always serving their gods will, not questioning or wavering along the path.


    Gabrian was a contemtive man by nature, leaving the philosophical questions of interpreting the signs of the world to other members of the clergy. He would let folk like Tobias Jay sit and debate whether or not the turn of a leaf was a sign that Uldar would grant a good crop year, or a bad one in any given year.


    It was not his job to question, but merely to serve and guide.


    To that point, his task had always been easy to remain true to. The First Apostle had spent most of his time in contemtion within Uldars Rise, giving orders to those that followed him, directing them to serve their deitys will.


    This had left him free to seek spiritual perfection, growing closer to the divine.


    Even now, during this terrible time where their home had been assailedand taken from themhe was free to be of singr purpose. All he had to do was keep the faith and guide others to do the same.


    Things though, were different now.


    A crossroads stretched out before him, one he could not ignore. Down one pathy salvation and the fulfilment of Uldars will, while down the other, destruction awaited.


    For a time, he considered dividing his forces, seeking both the death of the Fool and the protection of Uldars doorway.


    He quickly dismissed the notion.


    Although he had often dispatched numerous agents to aplish varied tasks in the past, in a time as dire as this, Uldars followers had to stay together, united. At another time, one not so long ago, there were a multitude of agents to fulfil Uldars will. Now, those numbers had withered.


    Many of their best agentslike Eldinwere either dead, or deeply embedded in various institutions within the realm.


    Gabrian simply did not have the numbers to divide his forces and still expect toplete both tasks well: he and Izas would both be needed to destroy the Fool.


    The First Apostles speed, power, and might were necessary to chop the head off the snake; the Fool was wily, he was full of vicious tricks, and had gathered allies of not insignificant power.


    While Uldar had granted his followers many gifts, Gabrian was no fool; the ancient Chosen knew well thathad he not been personally involved in the ambush of the Fool, the woman, the two giants, the cerberus, and the golemthe attack might have ended disastrously for the hidden church.


    He also had little doubt that the Fool had amassed even more tricks now, making it necessary for him to be present to ensure the man''s death.


    Izas could not be spared either.


    The Third Apostle would be needed to perform the interdiction to stop the Fool from escaping using the infernal Travellers power he was so fond of.


    He and Izas must remain together to destroy their enemy.


    Would they also not need their full strength to shatter the guards that held Uldars doorway? To have leadership focused on the Fool, and send only the rank and file to defeat the interlopers that now defiled Uldars Rise, was to invite ruin.


    Such an ill-conceived decision would wee failure in both tasks.


    The First Apostle was epting this truth, there was no way around it: he would have to keep his people together, guiding them down a single pathway of the crossroads at a time.


    The Chosen of Uldar lifted his eyes to the sky, seeking final signs to guide his decision. No whispered truths came on the wind. No hidden messages in the water below its frozen surface.


    Uldar was determined not to make things easy.


    Gabrian was certain he was facing a trial, one no doubt, sent by their god to test both his faith and wisdom.


    And what would the wise and faithful choose? he whispered.


    On the one hand, allowing outsiders to hold the doorway to their god was the ultimate sphemy. Every moment they were there was an affront to all of Thameish blood and Uldarite faith.


    On the other hand, there was the Fool. A dangerous man, a contagious evil, spreading faithlessness and insubordination to the Heroes and others. He was also more than that: a herald, bringing outsiders in to strengthen the enemies of Uldar, a serpent, one abiding among the des of grasshidden from righteous eyesuntil he was ready to strike, when he could wreak the most havoc.


    Every heartbeat he remained alive increased the danger to their holy purpose.


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    He must be stopped.


    The question was, which task was of the most immediacy? Which task was closer to their holy purpose?


    It was difficult to know what his god wished for him to do.


    The word temptation yed in his mind. It was tempting to go home, to meet with his god at longst, to destroy those spitting on his holynd. It was tempting to return home, to thefort and familiarity of Uldars Rise. It was tempting to embrace Uldars Light and rebuild what their enemies had so thoroughly destroyed.


    What was <em>not</em> tempting was to stay here in this cold, foreignnd.


    What was <em>not</em> tempting was to be perpetually hiding from the prying eyes of foreign deities.


    What was <em>not</em> tempting, was to prolong their time away from home in order to hunt one single, filthy, Fool.


    But, were these things not an answer in themselves?


    He thought of his own earlier words.


    His order was not to be the guardians of Uldar. Their god was mighty, wise, sage, and the arbiter of justice. Why would he tolerate outsiders holding his doorway unless he wanted it to be that way?


    He was a god who had calmed natural disasters, wiped the first Ravener from the world, and struck fear in all of Thamnds enemies. Had he wanted to, he could have destroyed the Ravener forever if his holy will were not to continue the cycle until his mysterious n reached its end.


    Uldar needed no protector; to assume that mere mortals could protect their god from anything he could not destroy himself, was ultimate arrogance.


    Yes, no foreign wizards would escape Uldars wrath, unless he wished for them to do so.


    To return and im to protect him now, grovelling before him empty-handed while the Fool still ran amok throughout the worldyes, <em>that </em>would be the path that led to destruction


    <em>That</em> was the trap!


    To rush to Uldars side would not be to fulfil his purpose: it would be the act of a child returning to their father, seekingfort. And they were <em>not</em> children. They were initiated. They were tied to Uldars hidden purposes.


    And to abandon one of those purposes now: <em>that</em> would indeed be sphemy!


    Atst, Gabrian had his answer: he knew what he was meant to do.


    Children of Uldar! he called. Let not the temptation offort and aid destroy your strength of purpose! Nor the desire for the warmth of home and Uldars light dissuade you frompleting the task that was longid out for us!


    He cast a flight spell on himself, rising high above the dedicated.


    A nimbus of divine power surrounded him, drawing every eye in the encampment to the First Apostles glowing form.


    His people looked up at him, seeking his guidance, his wisdom.


    We have been given a trial today, one that we came very close to failing! We are being called home, but do not hear this song offort and think that returning to Uldars Rise would be anything but a selfish choice, he said sternly. Our god is more than capable of protecting his interests, and if outsiders currently stand before his doorway, then he must be allowing them to do so! We would return to his side only to be reprimanded like disobedient children, for we would have left his enemy to run wild In the world while we gathered ourselves to his bosom!


    He shook his head. We should return and greet him only with victory singing from our lips, not with excuses, not with begging and failure! That is not our way! It has never been the way of our order! He gestured to the Ravener-spawn. Our gods messenger has stated that we must return tomune with Uldar, but also that our quarry must not be left free! Both tasks are necessary! And we are on the cusp of fulfilling the one we havemitted ourselves to for so long, why would we abandon it now? On the day we kill the Fool of Thamnd, then and only then will we return tomune with our god and retake our home!


    It is a sign! a holy warrior cried. Our living god has brought the Fool to us! Our holy leader is right! Let''s return to his bosom in victory!


    In his name! For his glory! the hidden church members chanted.


    The First Apostle floated down to the ice, his attention on Uldars messenger. Is this eptable?


    The creature looked confused. Both tasks are importantthis one does not know which should be done first. The Usurper is closer to this ce than our homnd, so perhaps this makes sense.


    You hear that? the Stalkerughed, returning to his jolly self. The messenger of Uldar says it makes sense! Is that good enough for your purposes, my hounds? Now, hurry up before our prey gets away!


    Be patient, like we have been, Gabrian said, his heart light atst. If the Fool has remained in one ce since we began our deliberation, then that means he will be there longer. Uldar has provided us with this opportunity, he would not take it away so quickly. Is that not right, Izas?


    Yes the Third Apostle said hesitating, his voice low and his face troubled.


    What is the matter? the First Apostle asked.


    You are sure of this, holy leader? the bearded man asked, looking older and tireder.


    I am, Gabrian said.


    And you are a better man than I, Izas said. Within me, doubt still screams. Doubt stemming from my own past misdeeds. Holy leader, I remember when I first heard of these outsiders entering our realm: I had spoken with you and Eldin about them, and it was decided that we should not drive them out.


    He sucked a breath through his teeth. Not a night goes by that I do not regret that decision. Had I counselled you and ordered Eldin to disrupt them, perhaps we would have found the Fool earlier. Perhaps he would be dead now, or have rejoined Uldars ranks. The lostmb, Carey London, would not be dead, our home would not be destroyed, and we would be by our gods side even now. Now, something new has emergedand once again, we find ourselves ignoring it to put our minds to another task.


    We are not ignoring it Izas, but rather prioritising our holy work <em>first</em>, the First Apostle said.


    I know, and that is why you are a better man than I. I cannot see my own path ahead of me, not past my earlier failures. I will trust in your decision, even as I dissuade myself from doubting, he said. But I am only an old man, holy leader, and I am tired, and I am worried, and I am fearful. I only pray that we are doing the right thing.


    We are, Gabrian assured him. We are. We are avoiding a trap, and stepping onto the right path.


    Izas gave the First Apostle a startled look. He threw his head back andughed; his mirth was bitter.


    Gabrian''s eyebrows rose in surprise. What''s this?


    Nevermind, holy leader, the bearded old man said. You reminded me of something, is all.


    And what is that?


    Something Eldin used to say. By Uldar, I miss him, he smiled wryly. He often said that in his old work, people wouldy traps as a means to an end. There were deadly traps, and traps meant to merely capture. There were traps of all sorts, but he said that only one thing separated a good trap from a bad one.


    What was that? the Stalker asked, suddenly interested.


    Well, Izas said. Only one simple thing: a bad trap was a trap one could see. A good trap was one its target never recognized until it was much toote to avoid.


    Well, then that portal at the top of Uldars Rise was a bad trap, seeing as how I recognised it and all, the fae said simply.


    Perhaps it was, Izas said softly. Perhaps it was.

 Chapter 759: The Trap

    Chapter 759: The Trap


    In a southern mountain range within the Irtyshenan Empire, a cold wind whistled across the towering peaks. Strong, intermittently gale force winds blew across the mountains from the north, bringing their endless chill from the world''s ice cap, driving most of the mountains residents into hiding.


    Bears escaped the bitter cold, hibernating deep in their dens.


    Birds clutched tree branches. Rabbits, foxes and ermine retreated to snow covered burrows, huddling together against the howling wind.


    Only creatures that were truly one with the frozen world: ice trolls, frost drakes, and frost giants, were out and about, roaming thend. Most warm-blooded mortals had fled to their mountain viges, securing the shutters of their homes and barring their doors.


    <em>Most,</em> warm-blooded mortals, that is.


    On a mountain, a group of mortals intently watched a cave.


    The members of the hidden churchleft behind to keep watch for the Fool of Thamndremained in ce, d in white, blending with the snow. At another time, members of the Guild of the Red Mouse were who waited in these mountains; but, the thieves were either long dead, or had fled thanks to the holy warriors of Uldar.


    The Uldarites were the only ones left to observethrough narrow holes carved in the roof of a cavernthe Fool of Thamnd, moving about in the ancient ruins below them.


    A scout had been quickly dispatched to report his presence to their leaders, unaware that those same leaders were already informed and on the way.


    The Uldarite guards awaited them eagerly, confident that the Fool of Thamnd was oblivious to their eyes watching him.


    But, the General of Thamnds every movement was made with them in mind. He made a great show of picking up treasures surrounding the mummified priest, having his summoned monsters and Wizards Hands collect the jewels, gold and more, and setting them on the floor of the ancient cathedral. He then spent time meticulously cataloguing every artefactseemingly appraising thembefore having small earth elementals take the items to the portal nearby.


    The portal to Kelda of n McCallums sanctum wasrgebroad enough for an entire wagon to fit throughand bright enough to be seen from a distance.


    It was there as an escape route for the wizard should he be attacked.


    A benign looking opening, should he be attacked.


    Alex had made sure to situate it so hiding spies wouldnt miss it.


    Now, hed made himself look busy, painstakingly cataloguing, yet, looking around from time to time.


    Lets see, this looks like its at least a few centuries oldjudging by theyer of dust on itunknown culturewriting unknownpre-Imperial, maybe, he said, using the Mark of the General to put as much sincerity in his voice as he could. Thisll be real useful for the alchemical machines in the sanctum.


    He talked out loud, but not so loud to appear suspicious.


    Come on he thought, looking at his staff leaning against a pile of stone fragments. I''m here, you''ve been hunting for me for months, and now I''m right in front of you. Get over here!


    He took a long look around the priests tomb. It''ll look suspicious if I keep sticking around here long after Im done raiding this tomb. Theyd better hurry up and get here,e on! What''s taking you so


    Suddenly, the winds changed.


    The gale blowing <em>past</em> the crevice that served as the caves mouth, shifted, blowing into the cave.


    Alex could feel it rustling his cloak.


    He kept his facial expression neutral, fighting down a smile.


    That was the signal.


    Before entering the cave through the portal, Alex had summoned a small air elemental and released it from the sanctum through a tiny portal leading to the outside. The entity had been camouged by the high wind, blending in with whirling snow while serving as a sentry.


    Hed instructed it to send a gust of wind through the cave if anyone appeared among the churchs spies. The sudden sharp breeze could mean only one thing.


    They''re here, he thought. This is it.


    Months of hunting for Keldas sanctum.


    Months of being stalked by the hidden church and the fae, would all end today.


    The major wounds theyd sufferedwould be avenged today.


    Careys death.


    The time hade for the secret church to know what it felt like to have the tables turned on them.


    He was the bait, and the bait was ready to spring the trap. The ambush would only work with the element of surprise on his side. Only if they didnt realise they were being lured until it was far toote. Now, he just had to increase his acting.


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    Alex continued his task, gathering the precious treasures in the priests tomb.


    His eyes darted around the ruins as though he were tense, alert for signs of attack. All the while, he made sure he was near the portal.


    Near enough so they wouldn''t miss it.


    ###


    So <em>that''s</em> how he''s been getting in and out! The Stalker hissed through the wind, peering down through a hole in the caverns icy ceiling. Clever little quarry! I bet he can open doors to that sanctum hes been hiding in wherever he wants to!


    I see, Gabrian said, watching Alex from another hole. Around him, the secret churchs forces were ready. It was all he could do to keep from ordering an all out attack right away. We must stop him from fleeing through that portal.


    I should be able to close it with an interdiction, Izas said. Butthings could be difficult.


    What is it? Gabrian asked.


    If our strike fails and he has time to flee through the portal, then we will be forced to pursue him, Izas said.


    That''s right, the Stalker agreed. If we let him get back to that sanctum, I don''t know <em>when</em> well get another chance to get our hands on him. We must end him now.


    Yes, we would have to enter the portal after him and make sure his safe haven is safe no more, the First Apostle said.


    The trouble is, he might close the portal, Izas said. Unless


    You have a thought? the First Apostle asked.


    The Third Apostle looked to their faepanion. You said that you can''t track him when he''s inside the sanctum, is that correct?


    That''s right. The Stalker snarled. I can''t pin him down. It''s like that sanctum is in more than one ce at onceall at the same timeand then nowhere at all.


    And it is not a part of the Empire? the Third Apostle asked.


    No, the Stalker said. It''s somewhere differentsort of. Its hard to exin.


    No doubt some trick of the Travellers power, the First Apostle said. Please, continue with your thoughts, Izas.


    It is simple, the Third Apostle said. We have been limited by the fact that we cannot manage a pitched battle here within these foreignnds while using an interdiction. Not without attracting the attention of this realms deities. But the sanctum seems impossible to find, and not <em>truly</em> in this realm


    Does that mean we will have more time to strike him down? the First Apostle asked. If so, brilliant.


    Yes, the Third Apostle said. So here is my n: we attempt to encircle the Fool in consecrated soil, and you try to strike him down before he realises we are hereThough, unfortunately, he has grown more cautious. He will likely flee before we can get our hands on him. To counter that, I will use an interdiction to keep his portal open. Our forces will enter, pursue him into the sanctum, then we call the blessed soil through the portal and seal the opening behind us with another interdiction.


    And then? the Stalker asked eagerly.


    We spread the soil throughout the sanctum, and use the holymand to seal him in with us. Then we can take as much time as we needwithout outside interferenceto finish him.


    A good n, but how do we get out of there and away afterwards? the Stalker asked.


    I have already prepared the miracle of recall, Izas said smoothly. With the strength of my soul, and Uldars power, it could bring us home even across nar boundaries. We follow the Fool, kill him and any minions with him, then use the miracle of recall to return to Uldars Rise and step through its doorway victorious.


    Wonderful, Gabrian said, sounding delighted. He was suddenly struck by a thought. Ah, something urs to me. Perhaps the Fool means to trap us. He could lure us through that portal, seal the door behind us and flee through another portal, leaving us at the mercy of starvation and thirst. But, with your n, Izas, even if we were not able to destroy himwhich we of course willwe could still return to our home<strong>.</strong>


    What was it you two said earlier? the Stalker chuckled. A bad trap is one your target recognizes before stepping in? If hesying a trap, then it''s a bad one!


    Yes Izas said slowly. Perhaps it isAlright then, it appears we are ready to move on yourmand, holy leader.


    Take us down there, the First Apostle said to the Stalker. Let us be done with this trial.


    The Stalker giggled. You ran long and well, little rabbit. But in the end, your head is going to be on my wall anyway.


    ###


    Here theye Alex thought.


    The small air elemental was blowing more wind through the crevice. He could hear the sound of something sounding like grit or grains grinding through the air. The enemy was on their way.


    Steady now, the young wizard thought, pretending to appraise the priests artefacts. Don''t rx and start looking like you''ve suddenly gone brainless. If you don''t keep acting like you''re being cautious, they''ll think something fishys going on.


    Alright, this gem looks like Alex suddenly paused, falling silent. He made a great show of looking around the cathedral, acting like hed heard something. Holding up one hand, the elementals and Wizards Hands went still.


    Cocking his ear, listening to his surroundings, Alex held his breath.


    His eyes narrowed.


    He slowly tip-toed across the cathedral floor and picked up his staffits top third was still wrapped in cloth. How hed ced it against the pieces of broken stone made it difficult to see from the cathedral''s ceiling.


    Hopefully, his hunters hadn''t noticed that it was longer than it used to be.


    The young wizard walked to the centre of the ruined chamber, holding his staff cautiously.


    The deciding moment was here.


    He had to stay long enough to give them a chance to begin their ambush. But, he also had to make sure he wasn''t chopped in half by the First Apostle while he was waiting. There was no room for mistakes.


    It would be a treacherous bnce to walk.


    Alex called on the Mark of the General, letting it guide his movements, focusing on stealth and looking cautious. He turned in the centre of the room.


    The sound of shifting grains of soil were clearer and closer now, he knew it was preparing to encircle him. His eyes fell on a hole in the wall from which the First Apostle had attacked them weeks earlier.


    Would the first strikee from there again?


    Or would it


    There came a flutter of movement behind him, so quiet he barely caught it.


    He teleported to the side as a small hand reached out, grasping the air where he once stood.


    Alex whirled, finding the Guide grinning at him.


    You shouldn''t be watching <em>me,</em> the fae said.


    Another movement behind.


    He teleported just in time, avoiding the First Apostles strike; his de sliced through air where hed been a heartbeat before.


    The Third Apostles voice rose, chanting. <em>In the name of Uldar</em>


    Arrows filled the middle of the cathedral floor, flying from all directions.


    Protect me! Alex shouted to the elementals near him.


    They surged at his enemies while the First Apostle and the Guide blurred toward him. The holy man came from his left, and the fae from his right; the little brute moved even faster than the ancient Chosen of Uldar did.


    Cursing loudly, the General of Thamnd teleported through the portal, raising his hand to close it. The Guide waved his own hand, sending soillike a swarm of angry beesracing after him from all directions.


    It surrounded the portal.


    <em>In Uldars name! This doorway shall not close!</em> the Third Apostle shouted.


    There was an impact with no sound.


    The portal to the sanctum gaped wide.


    Alexs face twisted, looking convincingly terrified.


    The Guide grinned, rushing for the portal, Got you!


    Alex fought a snarl of satisfaction that threatened to spread across his face. Funny, I was just thinking the same thing.

 Chapter 760: Into the Portal Maze

    Chapter 760: Into the Portal Maze


    Watching themthrough the portalthe Fools face twisted in shock and terror.


    Shit! he shouted in mock surprise, turning and fleeing deeper into the sanctum.


    After him! the First Apostle bellowed, pointing his sword at the escaping Fool. We mustWhat? What sphemy is this?


    Through the open portal, Gabrian could see three towering statues: two women with fanged faces who he took little notice of as they were beneath the holy mans interest.


    But, what was <em>not</em> beneath his interest was the statue in the middle of the pair.


    The unmistakable, glorious form of Uldar loomed above the other two statues; it had been despoiled. Instead of his smooth, glorious countenancelooking down sternly or smiling in benedictiona ruin of gouges had been raked across his face, in for all to see.


    It was as though someone had taken an axeor some other rock-shearing deand shredded Uldars face in a fit of hatred. Looking upon it filled the First Apostles chest with pain.


    sphemy! he roared. Youmit sphemy of the highest order, Fool! Why must youpound your unholy act so?


    Upon seeing the ruined image of Uldar, the holy warriors of the hidden church joined their leader in outrage; screaming, calling for blood and for justice.


    They called for the Fools head.


    And as one, they charged ahead, rushing toward the portal, uttering prayers to their god and brandishing their weapons above their heads.


    With glee, the Stalker led them alongside Gabrian.


    Quickly now! the Third Apostle cried. We must get through the portal so I can close it! Already, I can feel the foreign deities searching for us!


    The column charged through the doorway to Keldas sanctum, still crying out for blood. Even Uldars messengerthe Hunter astride his mountsurged in with them.


    Izas was to be thest one through, ensuring that the churchs forces were safely inside. Hearing no shrieks, explosions or other sounds of battle, he entered the portal.


    Now! he shouted at the Stalker.


    The fae waved a hand, calling the soil to him through the portal.


    He pursed his lips and whistled and the dirt responded, circling the doorway <em>within</em> the sanctum.


    Izas drew more power from Uldars divine throne through the gate in his soul. <em>By the power invested in me, by Uldar himself, I close this portal!</em>


    He felt divine energy flow from his being, rushing through space, performing his holy will.


    The portal closed behind them.


    Now, the Fool would be trapped.


    Or at least, Izas hoped so. He turned, findingto his surprisethe holy warriors paused in the chamber.


    Where is the Fool? one priestess asked. I saw him enter the portal on the left!


    I saw him go through the portal on the right! another cried.


    What in the Izas murmured.


    They were standing in a vast, stone hall that would have shamed even the grand chambers of most pces. Fist-sized portals hovered along the wallslike portholes in a shiplike windows to a ck sky filled with bright stars.


    Starlight winked in that sky, but it paled inparison to what hovered in the midst of the void. Through each portal, a white sun ranging in size, shone, burning so brightly, they stung the eye.


    Intermittent waves of heat drifted into the hall, though the voids frigid cold would then plunge the chambers temperature down to a biting cold. Other gatewayshovering at ceiling heightopened to cloudy skies, channelling fresh air into that part of the room.


    One portals sky was filled with dark clouds, pouring torrential rain on the floor below.


    Between the two female statues, loomed the stone statue of Uldar, tall and benevolent, his right hand posed in the mirror-image of his holy symbol. His robes looked like theyd been stitched from soft cloth rather than sculpted from stone. The bottom seemed to sway, as though the folds moved in a gentle wind. Sections of his sculpted hair fell across his shoulders like individual strands.


    Uldars image was wless in all ways aside from his face, a face that was marred by a deliberate hand that had wielded a rough tool. Whoever cut his face away, clearly held no love or warm feelings for the god of Thamnd, nothing but rage and contempt screamed from that act.


    Izas own rage boiled at the sight, but he could not dwell on it now.


    The Fool would be punished in time.


    Tworger portals were open on either side of the statues of the women.


    From what he could see, each led to other vast chambers.


    There, turn to the left! one of the holy warriors shouted.


    No, to the right! another cried.


    Calm yourselves, you fools! the Stalker shouted. I can sense his name, remember? Hes in the right chamber, and he''s getting away!


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    Then we go right. Onwards! the First Apostle ordered.


    As he did, Izas caught sight of the Fool, fleeing down the chamber through the right portal, he was raising his staff and summoning a swarm of small monsters to confound them.


    The army of small entities rushed the holy warriors charging after the Fool.


    Izas spirit was troubled; they were so near their goal that he could not help but fear that <em>something</em> would snatch victory away at any moment.


    Shaking his head to free his mind of doubts, he tried to keep focused on his n. The Third Apostle had thought to spread the soil through the sanctum quickly, keeping the Fool from teleporting away. It would be trickier until he had a better idea of the size of this ursed ce they were in.


    Uldar guide us, he whispered, joining the pursuit. In the back of his mind, a nagging thought kept ying. Why is the Fool fleeing before us? Why isn''t he simply teleporting away?


    They didnt separate, Alex whispered. Disappointing, but you can''t have everything. He teleported through a portal in the chamber hed gone into, smiling as his hunters followed. Have fun, Birger.


    They went to the right, the ancient firbolg rubbed his hands together in front of the controls, watching the holy warriors flood the room. Id hoped they''d go left. But, thats alright, well take what we can get.


    He held his finger above a button on the controls, ncing back at Keldas casket. Doesn''t matter I suppose, in the end, theyll end up dead all the same. Well, Kelda, don''t know if you tested your traps before, but, if you didn''t? Well


    He pressed the button.


    our guests will do it for you.


    The hidden church surged into the next room like an angry tide. They brandished their weapons, calling on miracles to enhance their bodies, between hurling curses at the fleeing Fool.


    At the head of the column, the First Apostle shouted the incantation for a fireball, casting the spell at their quarry. It shot through the nearest portal, explodingthreatening to engulf Alex Rothbut he teleported away before it even had a chance to.


    The Stalker was whistling from the back of his mount, sending soil whirling toward the different portals.


    Wait! the First Apostle shouted. We do not know theyout here, so send the soil directly after the Fool! We must trap him instead of putting the whole area under our interdiction!


    Hey, its your n! You''ve got the right to change it if you want to, I''m just d we''ll be able to run him down! the fae shouted.


    Izas noted unease in their voices.


    They seemed to be having the same questions as he was: if the Fool could teleport wherever he wanted, why would he continue fleeing just ahead of them, remaining within range of their spells?


    It was as though he was


    Before Izas could finish his thought, a sharp click, like a tree branch snapping, echoed through the chamber.


    What was that? someone shouted.


    Holes abruptly appeared in the stone walls, opening like hungry mouths.


    Look out! the Third Apostle cried.


    The warning came toote.


    Javelins burst from the holes in the chamber walls, whistling through the air.


    The Stalker raised his hand, stopping those heading for him in mid-flight. They hung suspended, quivering in the air, and dropped, ttering uselessly to the floor.


    The First Apostless quick reflexes were on full disy as he raised his shield, knocking javelins away. His sword instantly swept out, striking down more.


    Izas called a miracle, raising a barrier of light before himself. Several struck, ncing off the shield, falling away, but others were still flying from different angles, straight for the bodies of a host of holy warriors. They struck true, impacting on every side. Javelin tips broke on steel armour, and some pierced flesh, bringing screams rising through the booby-trapped chamber. Warriors quickly raised shields, catching the onught, while others dove away, escaping death as even more of their fellows fell to the ground, wailing above the constant stato of steel tips striking metal, stone, and divine barriers.


    Javelins slipped between narrow slits of helmet visors, dropping a few unlucky warriors instantly, stilling them permanently.


    The barrage abruptly ended, those whod survived quickly tended the wounded, calling miracles to heal them. Izas and Gabrian chanted prayers, and waves of divine light swept out, touching their injured brothers and sisters, mending wounds in an instant.


    So that''s the game! the Stalker shouted. Our quarry means to lead us through a little maze of traps!


    This means he intends this to be a final stand, the First Apostle said. He ns on eliminating us here and now, but we are children of Uldar and we will not be destroyed!


    Holy leader, Izas shouted. We cannot allow ourselves to fall into his field of traps! We have to do something!


    Can you ess the fae roads from here? the First Apostle asked the Stalker.


    No, the small fae frowned. I dont know whats happening, but were in the strangest ce Ive ever been in. It feels like we''re spinning, or shifting about, or something. I cantlook out!


    From the other portal, small air elementals rushed in, raking the hidden church with sheets of lightning. The sts were too weak to do any real harm, but they werent meant to, between them and the howling winds the elementals would assault the churchs forces with, they would distract.


    Distract long enough so that when Bjorgrund came charging through the other portal surrounded by hordes of small water and ice elementals, theyd be upied. Frigid water and shards of ice hit the left nk of the church in waves. The young giant leapt, swinging his axe in an arc, cutting through the enemy.


    The de cleaved armour, flesh and bone; splitting bodies in two.


    When the arc wasplete, Bjorgrund was gone, speeding back through the portalthe opposite of the one the Fool had taken.


    The Stalker cursed, his eyes falling on his hounds. What''s the matter with you all? Why are you staring like youre addled?


    The members of the hidden churchespecially the Apostlesstood frozen in shock. That axe Gabrian murmured.


    The armour Izas gasped. Theyre Uldars! He wore it to protect himself against the venom of the ocean serpent in the third chronicle!


    He used that axe to cleave the demon tree of Auchterbal in two! Gabrian added. How could some nameless giant have them? <em>Why </em>would he have them?


    We must get them back! a holy warrior cried. We cannot allow that thief to keep Uldars possessions!


    The portal Izas considered. Maybe it does lead to Uldar but then how would they gain his equipment unless he allowed them to have it? Perhaps they found it in an old ruin that we havent ounted for


    Suddenly, a group of small earth elementals surged from the floor, striking at the hidden church followers, swinging stone fists, shattering ankles and knees.


    The church responded with their weapons, sending some back to their home nes, while others escaped, diving back into the ground.


    Theyre not giving us even one moment to think! a priestess shouted.


    Aye, theyll keep harassing us for sure if we stay put! their fae ally bellowed. We have to catch our quarry!


    Hurry, the Usurper flees! the Ravener-spawn pointed to the portal the Fool had gone through. The Hunter was already at the other end of the next chamber, diving through a portal.


    The distance between <em>prey</em> and predator was growing.


    We must destroy the Fool and his ally and take back what belongs to Uldar! the First Apostle shouted, his voice filled with passion. Well have to split up! Half of our forces must destroy the giant, while the other half wrings the life-breath from the Fool! Stalker, hedge the Fool in with holy soil! Izas, you go with Uldars messenger and pursue the giant, <em>I</em> will call upon the interdiction to trap the Fool! For Uldars glory, go!


    No, I am only here for the Usurper! Uldars messenger roared, spurring his mount into the next room after the Fool. He must be destroyed!


    A group of hidden church warriors broke from their formation, following Uldars messenger in holy duty.


    Wait! Izas shouted.


    Toote. Birger grinned at the controls, watching as men, women and spawn poured into the next room.


    He pressed the button, activating the waiting trap.

 Chapter 761: The Darkest Humour

    Chapter 761: The Darkest Humour


    A loud click alerted the young wizard.


    Alex looked<strong></strong>over his shoulder.


    Slots slid open in gaps between every stone in the chamber; floor, walls and even ceiling. Gleaming falchion des emerged, slicing at the unprepared Ravener-spawn, his mount, and the holy warriors.


    The des began slowly spinning, picking up speed, blurring in their slots, the falchion des cutting everything near them. Terrified cries and red spray rose through the air.


    Holy warriors were cut down from below, falling on the des.


    The Ravener-spawns mount howled as its legs turned to a red slurry, while the Hunter leapt up, brieflynding on its back.


    The humanoid monsters muscles tensed, preparing to spring away.


    With a single twitch, the messengerunched through the air as the mount copsed; the Hunters needle-like ws extended, mouth snarling, baring<strong></strong>fangs dripping venom below eyes that burned with hatred. In one leap, the messenger cleared a wide distance, sailing into the portal andnding in the room that Alex was in.


    Atst I have you, Usurper! The creature rushed forward, its ws scraping the stone. Its form was a blur, closing on him in heartbeats.


    Alex vanished, teleporting into a portal leading to another room.


    The Raveners messenger sprang after him, moving along on all fours.


    Another click greeted it.


    Something whooshed from above.


    The creature froze in ce, looking up, then shrieked.


    No!


    Dozens of stone bsweighing tonswere dropping from the ceiling, falling straight toward it.


    No, no, no! the monster tried to flee to another portal.


    A boulder cracked against the floor with an ear-shattering bang, missing it by inches. It soared away from another b thatnded by its heels, stone chips peppering its back.


    The Hunter neared the portals opening, as plunging stones shook the room all around. It reached out for its salvation.


    A wet crunch answered instead.


    Blood-curdling screams echoed through the chamber as it whipped its head around. Looming behind it and pinning itsright leg to the ground, teetered a carriage-sized stone. The Ravener-spawn howled and wed at the ground, trying to get free.


    Mustnot failUsurper is


    It had no chance to finish that sentence; a shadow tumbled closer.


    It looked up.


    A stone b dropped squarely on its head.


    Itsst words died. The Raveners Hunter was smashed to paste.


    Alex smiled. Didn''t expect to see one of them here, nice bonus.


    No! an armoured priest cried.


    In the room of spinning falchion des, the trap had taken a terrible toll.


    A few members of the hidden church whod tried to follow the messenger had survived, but only because theyd reached the middle of the floor, avoiding the spinning des. The rest had been sliced to ribbons, or cut to bits by the desing from the floor.


    Ten had immediately died in that room, though others still lived, but were barely alive, stuck, caught by des jammed into their armour.


    The First Apostle nearly wept when he saw what had happened to his people in that room, but he had topose himself; calling on his divine energies, he flew into the de chamber, touching neither floor nor walls, retrieving and healing the few whod survived.


    He whisked them back to their ranks, calling out an incantation, pointing his sword at the chamber and channelling waves of force energy that washed over all remaining spinning des, shattering them and clearing a path through the room.


    Stay close to me! hemanded his followers. I will protect you, and we <em>will</em> prevail!


    With unshaken fervour, about half of them followed.


    Looking behind, he shouted instructions to the Third Apostle, Protect our faithful, Izas! Take back what belongs to Uldar!


    Yes, holy leader! Izas said, leading the rest away.


    Youve got some nasty tricks there, quarry! The Stalker shouted. But you''ll have to do better than that to get rid of us!


    Alex whispered under his breath, watching them through the nearby portal, where they could clearly see him. You''re assuming that we''re already giving you our best, but thats a bad assumption; besides, you''re splitting up, which is exactly what we wanted. And thats going to cost you.


    The General of Thamnds face creased with worry, faking an expression of fear, he kept fleeing; leading the hidden church toward their graveyard.


    Bjorgrund, Birger, give them hell, he whispered.


    This is more fun than it has any right to be, the old firbolg watched the sanctums invaders through his small portal-windows. Too bad the rocks only got one of you, but we can make up for that.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    He watched the group chasing Alex, and those swarming after his son.


    We can definitely make up for that.


    He pressed two buttons at once.


    Bjorgrund leapt through the portal as a sharp click sounded its warning in the room behind him.


    A dozen trap doors hidden in floor tiles yawned open, revealing deep pits lined with shing des. Half a dozen holy warriors immediately plunged straight down into the holes, while another six stumbled, falling in momentster.


    Screams were quickly cut off.


    Hold still! the Third Apostle shouted.I will


    Two dozen waiting aervespertillossummoned by Alex earlierswarmed through the rooms other portal, their screeching voices stunning the enemy. A cluster of celestial taraneasrubbing their spider-like legs togethercrowded around the other portal, shooting lines of webbing at the intruders.


    The ends of the sticky webbing caught stunned holy warriors, and the creatures worked together, dragging them into the pits.


    Izas shouted a spell, raising his hands and raking both the bat-like creatures and the celestial taraneas with sheets of lightning enhanced by holy power.


    He cast another spell, waving his hand over his followers.


    Holy Uldar, allow this magic to affect all of your children around me! he prayed.


    Thebination of spells and divinity empowered the holy warriors around him.


    As one, the warriors began rising through the air.


    Get him! Izasmanded, pointing at the giant.


    Several aimed crossbows and bows, shooting bolts and arrows at Bjrgrund, who turned, leading them to where he wanted them to be.


    The projectiles cracked off his divine breastteeliciting cries of rage from his pursuersas he charged through another portal, all the while considering which traps to lead them to.


    Theyre flying now, so none of the floor trapsll work Oh, I know! he thought, leading them like sheep. Get them, father.


    Another click sounded.


    The room behind Alex began rapidly filling with poisonous gas.


    Oh no, you don''t! the Guide shouted, holding up his hands, gathering the gas in a sphere above the pursuing church members. His face brightened as he pointed at the portal, giving Alex a nasty smile. Get him! he cried.


    Gas streamed through the portal, drifting toward the young wizard.


    Alex responded, raising his staff, conjuring more small air elementalsto blow the gassending it back through the portal toward the hidden church members.


    Uldar protect me! a holy warrior cried as the gas touched him, seeping through his visor. He began coughing blood. Only the Stalker, waving the gas away with a quick hand and the First Apostlesending a wave of healing magic over the stricken mansaved him.


    Uttering words of power and a divine prayer, the First Apostle conjured Orbs of Air around the heads of his dwindling forces, then levelled his sword at Alex. Strike him down!


    Heunched a beam of light through the portal, so quick it was nearly on the General of Thamnd before he could blink. Had he been as he once was before hed found Keldas sanctum, the powerful energy would have burned through his torso, ending him instantly.


    But things had changed.


    His reflexeshoned from training with Bjorgrundresponded.


    He teleported away from the beam, it cracked the wall behind him, opening a gaping hole in it. Stone dust and rock fragments spilled onto the floor. Alex met the First Apostles gaze with disdain, then wiped the debris from his shoulders.


    Try harder, he said, in the most infuriating tone he could manage, then turned and continued to flee.


    This is not working, the First Apostle growled. He is moving too fast: were I to race ahead on my own, I would leave all of our followers to die by his traps.


    Not to mention, maybe falling into one yourself, the Stalker muttered, eyeing the walls.


    No, the First Apostle said. A simple trap would not defeat me; he looked at his followers. I cannot say the same for Uldars other children: theyck my experience, and were never trained in how to deal with fiendish traps!


    Not many are, even<em> I </em>don''t have that much experience with such things, The Stalker said, his voice tinged with excitement. What an exciting hunt this ioop!


    Fire elementals burst into the room.


    He sends more of his tiresome summoned monsters at us! one of the church members snarled. They can never defeat us!


    Down, you fools! the Stalker shouted. His moose copsed on the ground, shielding its master with its neck.


    A fire elemental spat a gout of me toward the gas.


    The First Apostle raised his shield. Uldar, protect us!


    A light-barrier spread from his raised shield.


    me met gas.


    With a whump, it erupted.


    The st mmed through the ranks of the hidden church, the force knocking warriors down as though they were des of wet grass. Neither Alex Roth, nor the fire elementals wasted a moment; the burning spirits leapt upon the fallen warriors, bathing them with me, heating armour and driving fire through gaps in their te and chain.


    With a wave of his staff, the General of Thamnd conjured more air elementals, sending them back through the portal to attack. The spirits fed wind to fire, sending it climbing higher and zing brighter.


    Begone! The First Apostle shouted, his heels digging into the stone. Uldar let your lightsh them!


    Radiance coated his de, extending from it like a whip, which he cracked through the air. Thesh of light cut through elementals, banishing them to their home nes with every stroke.


    The Stalkers mount stood, its masterughing on its back. That''s the way! That''s the way a hunt should be: that''s what I expected from you, my quarry!


    Cease yourughter! the First Apostle shouted. He watched grimly as his fellow church members tended the fallen: some could be saved, but others were well past that, burnt to death in their armour. We are taking great losses, how can you find humour in that? The children of Uldar die, while our enemy toys with us!


    Doesn''t feel good to be made into sport, does it? Alex called through the portal, his eyes zing. It''s no fun when you''re the quarry, is it? It''s not much fun when yourpanions are butchered, is it? Is it satisfying? Watching your friends die at the hands of your enemies? I can tell you it sure wasnt satisfying for me when Carey died.


    It was her choice! the First Apostle fired back, healing his brethren as best he could. She chose to die!


    And who pushed her there? Alex snarled. Who captured her and kept her prisoner, caged up like some animal? Who tried to kill her friends? Who tried to corner her? You bastards have been making people suffer for only the gods know how long, and now when it''s turned against you, you''re suddenly acting like it''s the greatest crime evermitted in the history of the world? You know, all this time I thought you were at least acting out of conviction: now I see you don''t even have that.


    Save me your sanctimony! the First Apostle shouted. You go against your deityyour protector and rulerthen act as though you are on the path of righteousness! You are nothing more than a mad dog that has slipped its chain, running loose andstopughing!


    I can''t help it! the Stalker cried. This is just too much fun! Besides, have you never been on a real hunt before? Even when mortals hunt bears, they lose a few hounds sometimes. Did you really think this would be easy? I told you before that I picked quarry that would give us a challenge: am I supposed to be upset now that he''syou knowgiving us a challenge? You know what I''m about!


    The First Apostle made a disgusted noise in his throat.


    Oh, don''t be so cross, it''s not like we''ve lost already! the Stalker said with easy grace. But I suppose there is some merit in you hounds being a little sore with me. I''ve just been here having fun, after all!


    The small fae stepped away from the group of holy warriors and approached the nearest wall. From portals, elementals poured into the room, attacking with me, lightning, and ice. As the hidden churchs meagre forces struck back with weapons, miracles and arrows, the First Apostle raised his shield, chanting a prayer.


    A nimbus of light billowed from his form, expanding outward until it covered his followers in a glowing, protective shield.


    All the while, Alex Roth watched.


    The Stalker ced his hand on the wall. I''ve been letting the hounds do most of the workbut whats the point of a fun hunt unless the hunter gets involved?


    As he finished his deration, he began to whistle, emitting high pitched sounds. Their pitch kept rising, climbing higher and higher until none could hear them.


    Then, the wall began to shake.

 Chapter 762: Sanctified Storm

    Chapter 762: Sanctified Storm


    Stones rattled against the Stalkers hand like an impending earthquakeing near.


    Spiderweb cracks climbed the wall, spreading through the stone.


    The young wizard frowned. Now, he whispered in a tongue of elemental earth.


    Dozens of small earth elementals emerged, swarming toward the Stalker with stone limbs raised, poised to smash the small fae to paste.


    The fae lifted his other hand, waving a single finger with the precision of a sword, shing at the oing elementals. Those closestperhaps a stride or two awaywere cut down as though an unseen de sliced through their stone forms, sending them hurtling back to the elemental ne of earth. The rest kepting.


    Stay out of this, you great lumps of dirt, the Stalkerughed, cracks still spreading through the wall until it was covered in them. I''m not here for you bags of dirt, so go home!


    The hand touching the wall flexed.


    The wall flexed with it.


    Then ruptured.


    Ayer of rock sheared from the walls surface, exploding outward in a torrent of jagged, grey, rock chips and dust that didn''t fall, but paused around the Stalker in mid-air. The cloud of debris settled around him, hovering like a grey mist.


    Here we go, heres something else for you and your little friends, he grinned at Alex. Let''s try this again, shall we?


    With a flick of the hand, the debris swirled, whipping into a storm of shrapnel. Another flick sent it sweeping through the swarm of elementals like a cloak, surrounding them, shredding them like parchment, sending them home.


    The jagged rock glowed with inner power: air elementals and those made of fire were not spared from the debris bite.


    With a slight wiggle of a finger, he waved the sanctified soil from Uldars Rise into the storm of shrapnel.


    Try this on, he said to Alex.


    The storm drove toward the young wizard, followed by the Stalker atop his mooses back,ughing hysterically over the sound of stone grating on stone.


    I see the game now, the First Apostle growled, lifting his de. Holy Uldar, let none who touch this storm of sacred soil and hungry stone escape it by teleportation of any means!


    There was an impact with no sound as the deitys will was enacted on the whirlwind of shrapnel and sanctified earth.


    Oh shit! Alex cried, teleporting ahead of the storm.


    Look, the <em>Fool</em> runs from us! a holy warrior cried. He means to lead us into more of his devilish traps!


    Then pin him down! the First Apostlemanded. Forward, children of Uldar! He thinks he can tear us down with traps and tricks, but it is in this that he makes himself vulnerable! Use his hubris, kill him before he turns more craven and escapes! He pointed his sword toward their enemy. Know this, <em>Fool of Thamnd</em>, if you do not finish this here and nowshould you escape from usthen, no more will we engage in this filthy chase! We will return to Thamnd, find those that you love, and destroy them!


    The <em>Fool </em>teleported through the chamber ahead, his face both panicked and angered as he tried desperately to dodge the hungry stone swarm threatening to engulf him and y the flesh from his bones.


    Cowards! You im<em> Im </em>your enemy, so why threaten people I care about? Is your solution to doing what you im your god wants always to kidnap and hurt people? Is that the only way you can get your filthy hands on me, by murdering people whove never done a single thing to you? he shouted.


    It is the nature of sacrifice: even if distasteful actions must be taken, the will of the divine must be served, the First Apostle said. But that matters little: why am I wasting precious time exining loyalty to a walking corpse? Kill him!


    Once again, the church began advancing.


    Alex affected an expression of surprise as he teleported away from the fae and divinity crafted storm. Holy-warriors released glowing arrowsenhanced by divine miraclesentwining stone and soil and turning the brew deadlier.


    The First Apostle chanted spell upon spell,unching great gouts of fire and icy explosions after Alex, while the Stalker continuedughing gleefully, chasing the young wizard with the storm.


    To all, the wizard appeared frustrated, fighting to get away.


    They had no way of knowing that inside, he was as calm as a still pond.


    Their arrows, spells, and even the faes strange powers were not the threat they once would have been: his struggle was all show, a performance for his hunters. A performance they were unknowingly a big part of.


    That''s right, the young wizard thought, watching the Stalker. Show us more of your tricks. Thest thing I want is to get you all lined up for the killing blow, then you do something that Birger, Bjorgrund or I hadnt ounted for. I don''t want <em>any </em>of you persistent bastards escaping what weve got nned for you, so lets see what you''ve got up your sleeves. But in the meanwhile, you need some more traps.


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    He considered the church members morale.


    They were stilling at him hard; if anything, they seemed <em>more</em> determined than before to catch him. Judging by that threat the First Apostle had just made against people close to himwhich Alex nned to make him pay forit didnt look like they wanted him to run.


    They seemed more than willing to deal with his traps as long as it meant they''d have a better chance of killing him.


    There would be no retreat from them yet, if at all.


    No need to ease off of the traps, Birger, Alex thought. Not yet, at least. I doubt you could <em>drag</em> them from here, at this point.


    ###


    As Izas and the holy warriors continued pursuing the young giant, the old priest began giving thought to retreating.


    He was still able to protect his followers with his spells and divine power, but even thenthey were taking casualties. And those casualties were mounting.


    From one room to another, the giant had fled, each chamber had held a trap more deadly than thest.


    In one room, webbing made of steel wire hadunched at terrible speeds, covering them like cocoons, slicing through armour and flesh of those unfortunate enough to be caught in them. Steel armour had offered protection to some, butwhere the wire had slipped between gapsholy warriors were dissected, with no hope of escaping.


    Another room had opened portals on one side of it, gushing a torrent of frigid water with enough force, to break even armoured bodies.


    In a third, a magical trap had dropped bars of force, caging his slower brothers and sisters like wild beasts, trapping them with flicking and dancing des of magic that easily did their grim work.


    And as Izas considered his options


    Look out! a priest cried.


    Spearsunched from the walls of the chamber they were crouching in, trying to slip through; many bounced off the magical protection hed raised, though some got past, puncturing steel te. Those who could, tried to heal themselvesbut they stumbled back falling to the ground, foam running under their helmets and down their chins, limbs twitching.


    Poison! Izas cried. Uldar, please channel your pow


    The prayer stopped.


    Before he could bring his deitys power to bear, the injured warriors went still: the poison had worked devilishly quick.


    More monsters!! one of the remaining warriors shouted.


    Through a portal, a pack of snarling hellhounds with gnashing teeth, padded. Their breaths were pure fire when they sprang,nding on church members, mauling them.


    Hold the line! Izas shouted. Hold the line!


    His eyes took in Uldars followers withpassion as he chanted a spell to strike down these new monsters. Suddenly, the giant charged back into the room, roaring something in a barbaric tongue.


    He swung his axe at the Third Apostle, looking to cut the holy man in two, but warriors nearby stopped the blow with their bodies, pushing the old man aside, taking the blow for him. When Izas scrambled to his feet, the giant was already gone, disappearing into the next room


    The holy man watched as his followers slew thest of the hellhounds.


    Things were looking bad.


    Incredibly bad.


    More than half of his holy warriors were dead, and of those who remained, most were clearly exhausted. The priests had called upon Uldars power over and over, risking rupturing their souls.


    This is impossible, he whispered. We should''ve caught him!


    When Izas had firstid eyes on the giant when theyd nearly killed the Fool, he showed a measure of skill butin the endhe hardly been any real threat. But now, not only was he wearing <em>and</em> wielding Uldars own equipment, his skill and speed were worrying.


    Before, a simple volley of arrows had been enough to pin him down while holy-warriors darted in and out of his reach as they worked to bleed him dry. What had happened, how was he so fast that he was now more than a match for any but the most skilled in the hidden church? His long legs were allowing him to easily outdistance them as well.


    If the giant would only stay and fight them head on, Izas was sure that his miracles and spells would be enough to destroy the overgrown menace, but he was <em>not</em> staying still.


    He kept leading them along a path filled with death traps that were quickly cutting away their numbers, while wearing down their stamina.


    At this rate, it was just a matter of time before there would be very few of them lefteven the Third Apostle himself hade close to being cut in two by that surprise attack. He looked down at the prostrate women and men who had given their lives to preserve his.


    It disturbed him deeply.


    Good young folk, followers of Uldar, sacrificing themselves so that hean old mancould keep living. How many more of these young lives would have to be spent to take back Uldars weapon and armour?


    How many more sacrifices would they have to make?


    How many holy servants would die herein this sanctum of their enemyand never touch their home soil again?


    And in the end, would their sacrifices be in vain? They had made no progress in catching the giant, and at this rate, they would find a trap so deadly, that even he would not be able to protect them. Or they would be distracted enough so that Uldars very own axe would cut him in half.


    But, to make matters worse


    If this giant has be so deadly in so short a time, has the Fool also changed to our ruin? What deadly tricks do they still have waiting for us? he wondered.


    That was when he made his decision.


    They could not keep doing this: they would abandon pursuing the giant for now, and join up with the First Apostles force. If they did not, then they would lose everything.


    Retreat! he shouted. We must rejoin the others! We have no choice but to unite with our brethren!


    But Uldars equipment! a follower shouted, as an attacking swarm of elementals rose from the floor. We must take it back!


    We must be alive to do that! Izas said, casting a spell that sent waves of force and light into the elementals, sending them back to where theyde from. He is leading us around by our noses, making us spend ourselves against their infernal traps! Come! I should be able to trace the path we took to get here through the portals! This is whats best. We must retreat and head back the way we came to unite with the First Apostle. Then, we can deal with the giant and what is rightfully Uldars!


    Yes, Third Apostle! the dwindling number of warriors shouted.


    Inside, Izas gut twisted with guilt: the thought of those weapons being used against themeven for another heartbeatsickened him. But more and more, hed be convinced thating to this ce had been a terrible mistake.


    Follow me! he called, leading them back through the portal.


    The path back to the room with Uldars statue would be safer: the traps there would already be spent. From there, he could use a miracle to find his way to the First Apostle.


    And then, perhaps we should use the miracle of recall and return home, he thought. This is not the right battlefieldno Izas, do not be cowardly. Have faith. Uldar will ensure that you will be where you are meant to be.


    With that thought, he led his soldiers away.


    Behind him, Bjorgrund watched. Looks like we''re building up to the finale, he chuckled darkly.


    The giant turned, taking another path.


    One that would get him to the room with the goddess statues quicker than the church.


    There he would wait.


    For the final step in their n.


    For their enemies to be unmade.

 Chapter 763: The Return of the General

    Chapter 763: The Return of the General


    Birger was all smiles as he stood at the controls, watching the Third Apostle and his weakening forces retreat, heading back to the entrance where the three statues were. To say that their numbers were gging would be an understatement. To say that their demeanour screamed of inner turmoil was not an understatement. They seemed like the ghosts of the men and women whod first burst into the sanctum<strong></strong>after<strong></strong>Alex. They had seemed proud, sure, filled with righteous anger in their shining te, bright coloured tabards, and soaring spirits.


    Now, that had all withered.


    Their armour was dented, their tabards soiled from battle and blood, their high spirits seemed shaken, and they moved with the weariness of defeat. Had it not been for their miracles, even more of them would be dead now.


    Their divinity couldnt help their brothers and sisters who theyd been forced to leave behind, lying broken and dead in pools of their own blood.


    Birger almost felt sorry for them, almost. He could never forget the sight of Bjorgrund, with arrows piercing his young body, shot into him by those very same sad-looking people whod thought little of skewering him like he was nothing more than prey.


    Rot in the hells, you bastards, he growled, turning his attention to another portal-window where the First Apostles troops were still chasing Alex. They were faring better than their counterparts, though theyd also taken their fair share of casualties.


    Soldiers were fighting Alex''s host of summoned monsters as they harassed them from all sides. Their holy leaders attention was split between attacking Alex, and saving his followers.


    The fae was attacking the young wizard,ughing all the while.


    Birger had already released trap after trap against them, watching as they cut down their numbers, killing many, though less than he would have liked. Now that the Third Apostle had decided to retreat, it was time to finish everyst one of them off.


    It was time to give the signal.


    Birger leaned toward the window-portal leading to the room where Alex was dodging the Stalkers stormhe began to sing.


    The room around him was a whirlwind of stone shards, dust, sanctified soil, and arrows.


    Spells and divine miracles shot through the storm.


    The Stalkers mockingughter filled the air.


    Alex Roth''s face was a mask of fear, dismay and rage.


    But, inside, he was having the time of his life. Training with Bjorgrund had honed his reflexes to levels he''d never known; where once he would dodge and think of clever ways to fight and keep himself and hispanions from dying, now he felt good going head-on against that fae and those deadly church monsters.


    Hells, he doubted he could have survived this whirlwind of knife-edged rock fragments, grit, and consecrated earth before.


    The Fool of Thamnd had barely survived a mana vampire attack when they were aboard<em> The Red Siren </em>not all that long ago. The Fool of Thamnd had desperately danced on a beach, moving around Burn-Saws attacks, taking a deep scar on his left arm in the process, anding close to being shredded to bits by the demon.


    But, as the <em>General</em> of Thamnd, avoiding these attacks was like child''s y. He continued gasping and cringing away from the storm of chaos, feeding what they believed to be true about him; that he was weak, that he was nearly helpless, that he was the <em>Fool</em>.


    Look at me! he thought. They aren''t even touching me!


    Yet, a cautious voice inside kept whispering, warning him not to get overconfident. So far, the First Apostle hadnt been able to put all of his attention to killing him.


    Andjudging by his jollyughterneither had the Guide. He was still enjoying himself, much like he was at a Summer festival ying games of skill and chance. The ancient Chosen of Uldar had been able to protect many of his followers with a golden shield of light that wrapped around them, protecting more of them than Alex would have liked from Keldas traps.


    Their numbers had suffered, getting reduced by summoned monsters and death traps; together, theyd taken a significant toll on the secret church. When it finally looked as if the Third Apostles group was in trouble, it


    Suddenly, singing came from a small portal at the side of the room, Birgers song reached Alex.


    Okay, there it is, thats the signal, he thought. Things must be looking shaky for the Third Apostle. It''s time.


    Throwing a sly nce at his enemies, Alex teleported away, appearing where the Stalker would expect him to.


    A storm of stone whirled at him, whipping the hem of his cloak, shredding it before he gasped and teleported away.


    Almost had you there! the Guide chuckled. You''re getting a bit sloppy, my fine quarry!


    Alex cursed at him, then teleported to the nearest portal.


    He began flying, moving quickly. Shit! They''re gaining on me, if we don''t get them with the next few traps, weve gotta get out of here! he shouted, loud enough for his pursuers to hear.


    He sounded tense.


    His enemies took the bait.


    Oh, so you think you''re gonna make us all desperate and shredded on your traps, huh? the fae shouted. Well, you won''t, and that arrogance is going to cost you!


    I warned you before, errant <em>Fool</em>, if you leave this ce, we shall sweep over your people like a gue and strike them all down! None will escape! the First Apostle bellowed, his voice echoing through the sanctum. Our battle ends here. If you have even the slightest speck of honour or decency, you will stand against us here and now and not force us to make your loved ones pay for your crimes. So, if you possess any love for anyone but yourself, stay here, do not flee like you fled the great battle for Thamnd! You called us cowards, yet <em>you</em> were the one who left the other Heroes and the good soldiers of our army to fight <em>your</em> battles! Striking that filthy head from your shoulders is more mercy than you deserve!


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    Anger surged in Alex.<strong></strong>He was tired of the sanctimony, the threats, and this murderer pping his jaws like some brainless dog.


    No, not a dog, that would be an insult to Brutus.


    He was garbage that talked.


    Alex wanted nothing more than to toss this garbage into the river.


    Patience, he told himself. Wait until the rats are all together before you exterminate any.


    He, Birger and Bjorgrund had weakened their forces, theyd gotten them to overmit.


    They''d made them overconfident.


    They''d made them reveal some of their secrets.


    And now, they would use what theyd learned, making their counterattack devastating.


    Soon.


    The fish were taking the bait, it was almost time to reel them in. He couldnt wait to show them what he was truly capable of.


    For now, he would keep the chase going, flying and teleporting ahead of them through the sanctum. He cursed at them, luring them in, staying close enough to let them think they could touch him.<strong></strong>Deadly traps sprang,shing the hidden church with fire, acid, weapons, and magic.


    Gabrians shield held, protecting most, but not all.


    And, they followed, stoking themselves into a greater fervour.


    Behind their leader, holy warriors flung taunts and curses at Alex. They called him cowardly. They called him an apostate. They called him a fool.


    He didnt answer, just letting them say what they would.


    The more they mocked him, the better it was.


    It would make what was toe all the sweeter.


    Gabrian tried to force down the doubts that were rising in him.


    He told himself that this choice was the right one. He told himself that this was Uldars will. Yet, every instinct still screamed that he might be wrong.


    Hundreds of years agowhen he had been a young Chosen of Uldar, struggling against the Ravener alongside the other Heroes of his timehe recalled how certain dungeons made his gut clench and his skin crawl.


    He remembered the feeling he would get whenever they entered a dungeon far more dangerous and sinister than theyd expected. A dungeon with elements that were veiled and teeming with more life than they knew. A ce where monsters somehow knew to expect them, and were prepared for them.


    In those dungeons, disaster would usually strike. Ravener-spawn would be ready, waiting, iming the life of one of hispanions or some of the soldiers following them.


    He felt that same way now.


    We guessed that the <em>Fool</em> was attempting to trap us, he thought. Have we seen everything that he''s prepared? Are we following him into our doom?


    As he defended his followers from springing traps, he kept focused on the <em>Fool</em>.


    It does not matter, he thought. We will destroy any trap he brings against us, and crush any allies here with him. No matter what he brings, he will still die.


    Gabrians eyes narrowed. When he is convinced that he has won, that will be the time we strike. My attention has been divided, focused on protecting the children of Uldar, and ying his enemy, but when the <em>Fool</em> finally reveals where he expects this chase of his to end, thats when I will turn every ounce of my power against him to strike him down. He will die just when he believes he has triumphed, then we can leave this ce to be with Uldar.


    This room is familiar! a holy warrior shouted. We''re near the entrance! I think this is where we left the First Apostle!


    The group paused, forming a small defensive perimeter around Izas. Oh, holy Uldar, he called. Find the path! Reveal the way to your greatest Apostle!


    He lifted his hands to the heavens, and between his palms, an orb of light formed. The sphere shimmered, transforming into an arrow that pointed toward


    What? he muttered.


    The glowing arrow was pointing to the room where the statues were. Toward the entrance chamber.


    Yet, the First Apostle had left by the portal <em>opposite</em> that one.


    Izas looked at the arrow carefully. Is this some trick? Why would he be back at the entrance?


    His instincts screamed for him to move.


    We must go quickly! he cried. Something is wrong! Forward!


    Both Apostle and followers charged into the entrance chamber,ing to a halt beneath the ruined statue of Uldar. Only one other portal led from the room.


    The arrow pointed to the other portal.


    This couldnt be a trick, he whispered. The miracle is meant to find those with a strong and direct connection to Uldar. It cant be deceived or interfered with, so why would


    Suddenly, the <em>Fool </em>teleported into the room, looking at them in surprise.


    He was closely followed by a tornado of stone dust, soil, and shrapnel that tore inside the room right after him, whipping about, looking to block him from all directions as he teleported around it, flickering from ce to ce.


    Heartbeatster, the Stalker emerged from the portal, hisughter echoing through the air.


    Thatughter paused when he saw Izas.


    The First Apostle and his followers came next,ing to an abrupt halt when they saw their brethren waiting there. Their numbers had been whittled down as well.


    What is Izas murmured.


    Realisation struck him.


    This is what it had been all about.


    Theyd been led through those death traps merely to weaken them.


    Now, they''d all been herded into a single ce, like sheep surrounded by wolves.


    Holy leader! Izas shouted. We


    The statues, my hounds, watch yourselves! the Stalker warned, pointing behind Izas.


    The Third Apostle turned.


    A <em>whoooom</em> sound built within the statues as power gathered in their eyes.


    Horror ran through him down to his very bones; he knew the sound, it was familiar, it was the same as the fire-gems in the Fools golem. Heat and a blinding light was growing.


    Uldar, protect us! He called on this divine power, strengthening the shield around his followers.


    Outside of that shield, the world turned to me.


    This was his chance.


    The statues on other side of the ruined image of Uldar were unleashing their fury. Fire-beamsshed at the protective aura of Uldars divinity. Floating above them was the Fool, he was smiling.


    So this was your trap, Gabrian thought. It will also be your undoing!


    He called upon his reserves of strength, empowering himself with divine might, and putting haste magic on himself. He sprang at their hated enemy, blurring in divine light, metal and the promise of death.


    His sword was raised: poised to cut the <em>Fool </em>down with the same weapon hed in the Ravener with so long ago.


    He was beside his quarry in the blink of an eye, the sword dropping before the <em>Fool</em> could even think, or teleport away.


    Alex Roth turned, but there was something wrong.


    His eyes were steady and calm.


    His lips were moving.


    He raised his staff and Gabrians sword met the end wrapped in cloth, metal rang on metal.


    The <em>Fool</em> twisted his staff, turning aside the First Apostles blow.


    The cloth fell away, revealing what hed been concealing; the de of a sword. A sword was fused to the end of the staffcreating a stabbing weapon.


    Gabrians heart nearly stopped.


    In a blur, his enemy swung the sword-staff upward, driving it into the pit of his shield-arm. Searing pain spiked through the First Apostles body as chain-links split, and flesh parted.


    Impossible, you cannot wield a weapon, you are the <em>Fool!</em> he cried in shock and pain.


    Not anymore, Alex said coldly. I remember at Uldars Rise you only had one arm, I think you looked better that way.


    Energy poured down the sword-staffs de, releasing a sh.


    Searing pain became an explosion of agony.


    Blood fountained from Gabrians shoulder.


    Once again, his arm was gone.


    Impossible! he shrieked, clutching at his shoulder.


    If you think that was impossible, Alex said. Watch this.


    He looked the First Apostle dead in the eye, doing something the man knew no <em>Fool</em> should be capable ofnot without punishing effort.


    Yet, somehow, the <em>Fool </em>of Thamnd seemed to be casting a spell.

 Chapter 764: Boom

    Chapter 764: Boom


    Disappointed.


    Alex had to admit, he was disappointed.


    For days, hed been looking forward to one particr moment: the moment he would watch Gabrians shocked face change. Hed yed that image over and over in his mind, imagining it time and time again. He could see it in detail; the look on the First Apostles stunned face as he watched him spellcasting, watched him pick up a weapon, easily using it, using it specifically on <em>him</em>. For weeks hed fantasised about how the mans face would be, how his expression would shift, how it would turn from utter confidence and resolve, to shock and horror. Alex wanted to see that, to savour it, but hed been denied. Except for his eyes peering through the visor, the mans face waspletely hidden by his helmet.


    The young wizard would''ve loved to relish Gabrians horrified expression, remembering it from this moment to his dying breath, even if he lived for ten thousand years. Since he couldnt have that moment to treasure though, hed take what he could get; the First Apostle realising he was no longer the Fool, his screams of fear and pain, the look of shock as his eyes widened behind that visor.


    Oh, and the satisfaction of taking his arm, again.


    That was pretty good, he decided.


    He would''ve loved to have done more to him, like some of the things<em> hed </em>done to Theresa, Brutus, Bjorgrund and him, but he knew his enemys will was strong, and that allowing him even the slightest time to recover would be a mistake. He wasnt done with him yet though, not by a longshot.


    With a twitch of an eyebrow, he began speaking the words of a sixth-tier spell. Energies gathered around his sword-staff, instantly pouring from the tip of its de.


    Disintegration magic arced toward the First Apostles breastte, it struck the servant of Uldar, attacking him, seeking to split the screaming priest in two. His will, abundant life-force, and divine protections warred with the General of Thamnds spell.


    Fighting to stop it from doing its worst, but failing. Armour cracked, the energies within it exploded, searing light engulfed him.


    The First Apostlehis skin raw and smoulderingsailed across the room, striking a wall with a wet crunch.


    His body sprayed red, covering the tattered remnants of his armour and clothing as he dropped to the floor.


    His followers screamed.


    It cannot be! one cried.


    Impossible! another shrieked.


    The Fool cannothe cannot another stammered as mes licked the golden barrier surrounding the holy warriors.


    Uldars beard! the Third Apostle swore. It was in <em>his</em> face that Alex finally got what he wanted.


    The old man was watching him as though he were a demon crawling from the hells. Hisplexion looked green, he seemed breaths from either fainting, or soiling himself.


    But, Alex had more to do, he couldnt just stand there basking in their shock: every moment counted.


    Channelling mana into his staff, he conjured dozens of forceballs, surrounding himself with the glowing orbs. Meanwhile, he cast a spell,unching a fireball across the room, it flew straight for the injured First Apostle.


    An alert foe reacted, sweeping the storm of shrapnel around the holy leader, forming a solid shield that saved him. The fireball struck then ruptured, erupting in an inferno that sted the ancient Chosen in waves of heat.


    Well, well, will ya look at that? Don''t <em>you </em>have quite the bite for a supposed <em>Fool</em>! the Guide shouted from atop the back of his mount. That was a surprise! I see I wasnt wrong about you giving us a great huntArgh!


    Alex cut him off, sweeping his sword-staff down, conjuring Wizards Hands to surround the fae. Their attack was vicious, pulling skin, yanking his beard, shoving glowing fingers in his mouth, poking at his eyes.


    The fae pped at them as though he was fighting off wasps.


    With a twitch of a brow and a single syble, Alex cast a fireball at him. The faes moose bellowed, tensing to spring away as the ball of me hit the wall behind them. It ruptured. Beast and master shrieked, singed by the heat.


    I''m not interested in your stupid prattling, Guide, Alex said, watching the beams ebb in the goddesses fire-gems. They would need time to recharge, and the church was already seething, readying themselves to attack. You like tough, it seems? Do you want to have some more fun? Try this. Alex said to the Stalker.


    Drawing on Hannah''s power, he opened a dozen portals throughout the chamber, leading to different areas of the sanctum.


    Hah! The fae burst intoughter, ripping Alex''s Wizards Hands apart with a wave of his hand. Your wee elemental friends aren''t going toBy the fae lords!


    Alexs army came through the portals.


    These were not the lower level summoned monsters he''d been using to harass the church earlier; those entities had been the spirits hed first learned to conjure when he was the Fool, well before hed erased that Mark.


    They''d been the perfect distraction, a key part of the strategy to lure these hunters where he and the giants wanted them to be.


    The creatures now emerging from the portals were Alexs<em> true</em> army.


    Scores of sixth-tier celestial dire tigers.


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    Elder air elementals floated from portals like storm clouds, their lightning growling within them. Elder earth elementals floated from the stone beneath where the hidden churchs warriors were standing, rising like mountains from below. Elder fire elementalsliving infernoscrackled, entering the chamber, each of them a ze of heat and blinding light. Elder water elementals rushed forward like the oing tide of an angry sea. Elder ice elementals, much like walking ciers, followed, air crackling around them as they moved through the portal.


    Each was a powerful, ancient spirit, representing one of the great elements.


    They waited in imposing numbers.


    The hidden church members had fallen into stunned silence, while even the Stalker could only gape.


    But, the army was still notplete.


    Its greatest members were only now joining the rest, taking up their positions.


    The sound of a choir swelled, filling the chamber as several portals glowed with holy light. Winged forms floated from them, their beauty and song announcing astral engelis. The eyes ringing their halos burned, fixing upon Alexs enemies, and in their hands, swords, warhammers, and spears, zed. Their weapons were bathed in flickering, holy me; its light dancing in their eyes as they looked down on the hidden church with disdain and pity.


    Through another portal came Bjorgrund, his rune zing through his breastte. The giant red at their enemies.


    The hidden churchs reactions were mixed.


    Some members had turned pale, eyes lifting to the ceiling as prayers tumbled from trembling lips.


    Others looked on the summons with hardened eyes, clenching their weapons, ready to fight. While some looked to the Third Apostle for direction.


    Another portal opened, this one muchrger than the rest.


    Through it walked Asmaldestre the Unmaker.


    Alexs champion.


    The war-spirits ws dug into stone, her de of energy burned at the tip of her tail. des ited into her hair scraped each other with every movement she made.


    But, it was the weapons in four of her six hands that drew the offended eyes of Uldars followers.


    sphemy! the Third Apostle recoiled. More of Uldars holy-weapons! How did you get them? What is this foul creature that you allow to defile them?


    In a liquid movement and without a single word, Asmaldestre the Unmaker raised a weapon, one resembling Toraka Shales prototype.


    Before Izas even finished his sentence, she pulled the trigger.


    A sound like the crack of a whip exploded through the air.


    Light shed.


    A section of wall on the opposite end of the chamberon the other side of the church warriorsexploded. Dust clouds erupted, spouting rock into the air, high above a cavernous tunnel extending through the wall leading to the next room.


    The shield of golden light surrounding the Third Apostles followers, protecting them, abruptly vanished.


    Holy warriors, in front of and behind the old priest, looked down.


    Limbs were gone, holes the size of a mans head gaped in torsos. Uldars followers stared at their fellows, right before they crumpled to the ground.


    The Third Apostle stared too, seemingly unable to move.


    The Stalker gaped at war-spirits weapon.


    Behind him, the stone shield hed covered Gabrian with, fell away, revealing the partly stripped body of the First Apostle. Some of his wounds were healed, his skin had renewedfor the better partbut his shield arm was still gone, tattered cloth was all that remained.


    Uldars ancient Heros eyes were unblinking beneath the glowing symbol of the scales on his forehead.


    Suddenly, a strangled sound escaped him, seeming toe from deep within his soul.


    Izas! he moaned, his voice breaking at the gaping hole in the Third Apostles trunk...what was left of the Third Apostles trunk.


    The weapon had sheared him nearly in two, leaving his white clothing and silver armour drenched in red. He coughed, choking up blood, yet his head turned, seeking the eyes of his leader.


    Save them he gurgled. Run


    Alex was beside him.


    Few noticed the General of Thamnd teleporting to the Third Apostle.


    But, <em>all</em> noticed the General of Thamnd slide his sword-staff into what was left of the priests chest. Alex looked up, holding the First Apostles eyes as he uttered the words of his spell.


    Power red.


    Mana flowed.


    A disintegration spell poured down the de.


    The Third Apostles strength was failing, Alex had no need to be either quick or kind, so he gave Izas the time hed given Theresa; slowly disintegrating the secret churchs second inmand, bit by bit.


    He started on his skin, working his way in from there, controlling the spells destructive power.


    Holy warriors wailed, crying out, pleading for the <em>Fool</em> to stop, as the Third Apostlethe second most powerful man in all of their churchwas reduced, peeled away like an anatomical specimen in a Generasian blood magicb.


    In heartbeats, Izas was dust, gone.


    Alex teleported high above, ring down with disgust. Before you get any ideas about surrendering, forget it. You dont deserve mercy, you never gave anyone else any. You took my friend, Carey, youre the ones who drove her to her death. She should be here, living her life, being with friends and her parents. She got no mercy from you monsters, so you wont be getting any from me. Maybe, if I believed that you were misguided, things might be different. His jaw hardened. But I know thats not true. You''re all so sure of yourselves that you''ll never stop. Everyonest one of you believes that you have some secret mission, that it gives you the right to do whatever you want to people, as long as it serves some silent god of yours. And oh, by the way, I can guarantee you one thing: he doesnt begin to care even in the slightest about any of you, or the suffering you''re inflicting on others.


    The young wizard paused for a moment, considering his next words carefully.


    Then he made his decision.


    None of them were leaving here alive, andafter what theyd done to him, and his loved oneshe wanted to shake their world.


    He had one more thing for them before he unleashed his armys full wrath.


    While you''re standing there, gaping ck-jawed that your friends dead, I have a little something to tell you, he growled. Do you know why Im so sure that Uldar doesn''t even <em>begin</em> to care about you, or what you do? Its because he''s dead. He paused, watching them. Thats right, dead. I''ve actually seen his withered corpse sprawled out on his throne, and you know what? It looks the same as any other dead body. You''ve been killing people for a <em>corpse!</em>


    Gasps swept through the hidden church members.


    Horrified eyes fell on Udars armour that the giant was wearing, and then on the weapons he and the spirit were holding.


    Warriors shook their heads in disbelief.


    Others screamed words of denial, shouting insults at the <em>Fool</em>.


    For some, though?


    He could see despair and understanding creep across their faces. Atst, they understood how he could have taken weapons wielded by their god and not suffered his punishment.


    It makes sense a holy warrior sank to her knees His silencethe unpunished sphemy she murmured.


    Hold yourselves strong! Hold onto your faith, children of Uldar! the First Apostle limped away from the wall. Nearby, the Stalkers eyes were darting back-and-forth, all signs of his earlier amusement gone.


    The First Apostle red at Alex with pure hatred. You killed Izas, you killed my dearest friend in this world, you self-righteous hypocrite! Uldar will see you struck down!


    Alexughed then, a cold sound. There''s definitely a self-righteous hypocrite here, and it isnt me. And do me a favour, stop threatening me with a corpse, because that''s one difference between you and me. I pray to a goddess who actually gives a shit about people, you stammer out phrases to a piece of carrion.


    He looked around at the First Apostles followers. Looks like I gave some of you something to think about, and that''s good enough for me. As for the rest of you? It''s fine if you don''t believe me. You will when you get to the after-world. Hows about I give you a headstart with getting to his side?


    The General pointed his sword-staff at his enemies.


    Then he spoke two words in different elemental tongues.


    Kill them.

 Chapter 765: The Unmaking

    Chapter 765: The Unmaking


    The army of monsters came on like a tidal wave of death.


    Celestial dire tigersnow well outnumbering the remaining church membersleapt for the resolved warriors, ws tearing and powerful jaws crunching armour.


    Elder fire elementals, charged forward, showering Alexs enemies in cleansing me. Elder earth elementals thundered ahead, boulder-sized fists sweeping out, crushing priests and holy warriors with every swing. Elder water elementals engulfed fighters inside their liquid forms, stealing their breaths, keeping them trapped as the fluid was sucked from them, leaving only mummified bodies drifting inside the massive spirits. Elder ice elementalsshed out, freezing mortal forms in ce, then shattering them like icicles.


    Astral engeli dove like falcons, ming weapons swinging in blurring arcs. In a storm of holy light and ming steel, the enemy was reduced further.


    Behind them, Bjorgrund charged, unleashing his full power, hacking through their hunters like a ship cutting through rough seas, leaving a path of ruined bodies in his wake.


    The Unmaker was like a phantom.


    In one heartbeat, she had been standing and merely observing. In the next, she was gone,nding among the enemy. No onenot even Alexhad seen her move.


    She embodied destruction.


    Her six arms were a blur, weapons flickering around on all sides. Holy warriors fell like frost stricken leaves in a hurricane wind. One moment they were charging at, the next, they were mangled on the ground.


    Her tail flicked out,shing side to side, breaking bodies, its ded tip shearing metal, flesh and bone like air. Skilled priests and other warriors of the secret churchwarriors whod tried with every divinity and prayer they could call on to stop herdied at her hands as easily as snuffed candlelight.


    Alex had been watching the carnage ying out before him, he raised the aeld, levelling it at the First Apostles chest and twitching his brow.


    Sybles tumbled from his lips. Disintegrating energy streaked for the ancient Chosen, surrounded by a swarm of forceballs seeking to contain<strong></strong>him.


    The world seemed to slow to a crawl.


    Gabrian looked on in disbelief. How was any of what was before him even possible? He could not understand how he had lived so long only to see such dark times, only to see his peoplee to ruin under his leadership.


    Yet, it was true.


    For hundreds of years, he had led the entirety of Uldars hidden church with a kind and even hand. He had cared for the people withpassion and understanding, making sure they lived in harmony with theirnd, preparing them to fulfil the duties that their god saw fit for them to face.


    He had inherited the secret orderone that had existed for thousands of yearsafter he was weed into the fold and given direction. For a time, and a long time at that, they had thrived under his stewardship. He had expanded their training, making them greater warriors than they had ever been in the history of the order.


    Hed cared for them, spiritually, ensuring that their faith remained strong, and that their hearts remained true. In some ways, he felt as though hed helped to raise them. He remembered every face herethrough every stage of their liveshaving watched them grow from squalling babes, to youths, and then grown servants of Uldar.


    Now their lives were evaporating like droplets of rain under a hot sun. Warriors he had helped shape from childhood were being threshed apart, burned and drowned as they called out for their god to save them.


    But, as always, Uldar was silent.


    Even when Izasone of his greatest servantswas punctured then peeled apart like pieces of rotten fruit, he had note down to avenge him. When his own holy weaponsnow clutched in the hands of a heathen giant and an evil spirit of warwere turned on his people, he did not snatch them away with his divine will, and then smite down those who had despoiled them.


    Even when his ultimatemands were vitedthe <em>Fool </em>casting spells and doing violencehe had not intervened.


    And Gabrian could not understand why.


    As he watched a swarm of forceballs racing toward him, surrounding a beam of disintegration magic, he felt lost, unable toprehend what it was all for. Had his god turned his back on him? Had he been so ipetent, so unworthy, so foolish, that Uldar could only be driven to disgust and not save his most precious children from such terrible deaths.


    After all, who could me him?


    Gabrian had taken an order that had existed for thousands of years, andin his arrogancethought he had improved and perfected it. In truth, all he had done was bring it to ruin. Under his stewardship, they had first lost their home, and now their lives. He felt tears burning in his eyes.


    The order still had a number of members buried within the ranks of the Thameish army and other groups, but the core membersthe backbone who had dwelled in Uldars Risehad followed him to their ruin.


    And the worst of it?


    It had seemingly all been for nothing. This moment was no epic sacrifice to destroy one of their deity''s greatest enemies.


    At this momentit seemed that an errant <em>Fool </em>had caused every bit of this destruction, and would simply win, leaving their order as nothing more than a soon to be forgotten memory.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    But, that must never happen. He was Uldars ancient Chosen and his First Apostle, he could not give up.


    He could not give up until hed taken the life of this murderer.


    His mind snapped into focus.


    His arm had been taken and his armour ruined, but he still had his sword and much of his power.


    He raised the de, nning his attack, challenging the <em>Fool</em>, defying the blight on the Heroes. He would cut down those forceballs, slip past the beam then unleash his full magical and divine might against Uldars enemies.


    He tensed, preparing to act when something struck him from the side, knocking him away as the beam hit the wall where hed just been, disintegrating it.


    Gabrian raised his sword again, poised to smite his attacker, but found the Stalker crouched beside him.


    The small fae had moved with shocking speed to save him.


    What are you doing? he demanded, looking wild eyed. Get us out of here!


    What? Ilook out! the First Apostle shouted, calling on his empowered lifeforce, dodging a fireball that hade for him within a barrage of harassing Wizards Hands. Air elementals were appearing,shing out with wind and lightning.


    Electricity crackled along Gabrians form as the wind stoked embers to me, scorching his healing skin.


    The Stalker pointed at Alexregretting his choice of quarryand swept the swarm of stone and blessed soil toward him from all directions, sending him teleporting away. With a twist of his hand, a cloud of debris broke from the rest, surrounding him and the First Apostle in a shield of dust and stone, swirling around them, even as the<em> Fool</em> began pelting them with fireballs.


    Beyond the shield, it looked like me was raining from above.


    What''s this? Alex Roth said. Being prey isnt a lot of fun, is it? Dont you feel likeughing some more?


    He summoned more monsters to swarm them, keeping focused on the pair. Even as he<em></em>dodged and teleported away from the swarm of debris chasing him, his assault on the Apostle and Stalker continued.


    You know, you''re only dying the inevitable. Alex called. I think youve got about five seconds before my army finishes turning yours into ground meat, and then the Unmaker, or Bjorgrund, or any one of the elementals you see around you, are going to turn the two of you into a cross betweendust and paste. Keeping this up wont save you, so why not just stop? The <em>Fools</em> eyes were as hard as steel.


    You''re enjoying this! The First Apostle used, as he and the Stalker darted through the room, avoiding the barrage from summoned monsters and endless spells. How was the <em>Fool</em> casting so quickly? It seemed like his spells would never end! You like seeing us suffer!


    Thest of his followers were desperately trying to resist the enemy. Almost all were now dead. Gabrian wanted nothing more than to help them, but it was all he could do to keep <em>himself</em> alive.


    Youre right, I <em>am</em> enjoying this, Alex said. I like revenge, and I''ve been waiting a long time for it.


    Focus! the Stalker shouted. Stop trying to y Hero, use that miracle to get us out of here!


    What? Gabrian demanded. Retreat? And make this all for nothing?


    You see his army? You see that multi-armed thing that has four divine weapons? You see what a monster that teleporting bastards be? the Stalker screamed, his eyes aze. The hunts turned against us, and it''s turned hard! If we don''t leave now, there''s noing back! No avenging your followers, getting new hounds, no new hunts, nothing! Just a one-way trip to the afterworld for both of us! Get us out of here!


    But we cannot Gabrian started.


    Think of Izas! the faes voice was shrill. A fireball exploded close enough to singe the faes beard. Gabrian noticed that the Stalker was somehow, suddenly mounted on his mooses back. He hadn''t seen the beast approach; it was as though it had materialised from thin air. He had no time to consider it.


    The Stalker continued shouting. Your friend set up that miracle just for a situation like this, so our lives could be preserved! So that <em>yours </em>could be preserved! He''s dead, but don''t let what he''s done be in vain! We can''t win this!


    Part of Gabrian wanted to curse at the fae.


    Another part knew the wisdom of his words.


    But there was no time to weigh what to do, he needed to move.


    He whispered. Strike at the<em> Fool </em>on my signal.


    What signal, you the Stalker started.


    Don''t argue! You''ll know it when you see it, the First Apostle hissed.


    He raised his only hand, beginning the words of an incantation. The power of the Chosen flowed through him, lending him speed and power. Below, thest few of Uldars holy warriors were falling, bloodied and broken.


    By the time his spell wasplete, there would be none left.


    But, he would avenge them.


    He would avenge them if it was thest thing he ever did.


    Even as the <em>Fools</em> spells continued tosh out, he finished his incantation. Waves of power exploded in all directions, weaving into the chambers walls, floor and ceiling.


    Stone rattled.


    A quake began rumbling through the walls.


    Cracks snaked along them.


    Rock rained from the ceiling. Dust billowed in clouds.


    This ce wille to ruin! the First Apostle shouted, his voice a promise.


    What in all the Hells is he doing? Has he finally gone mad? Birger cried, as all around him Keldasb shook.


    ss instruments rattled.


    Metal machines nged together.


    Dust wafted from the ceiling.


    It felt like the giants teeth were ttering in his head.


    Through every portal-window, Birger could see the sanctum vibrating with the First Apostles power. His energies were rampaging through the sanctum, and the destruction kept spreading.


    Stop it! Burger shouted, though he knew the leader of the hidden church would not hear him, or care if he did. You''re going to bring the whole sanctum down on all our heads! You''re going to destroy everything! Dammit! the old giant looked desperately at the controls.


    He activated the goddess statues, trying to fire on the First Apostle and fae, but they were too fast.


    Much too fast.


    What do I do? Birger looked back at Keldas body.


    His old friendy in silence within her ss coffin, so well-preserved, it looked as though she would sit up at any moment, wearing<strong></strong>that easy smile of hers. If she could sit up, he knew she wouldnt be smiling now, shed be incensed at these invaders inside her home. He could imagine her leaping to the controls, revealing some hidden function of her sanctum that would turn these interlopers to dust.


    But she never would: they were on their own.


    Have you lost your mind? Alex shouted at Gabrian as the sanctum shook.


    He could feel frustration growing.


    They were close.


    So very close.


    But the fae and Apostle were so fast: just as they couldn''t pin him down, the same was true for them. The holy man had conjured an earthquake spell that was going to bury everyone<strong></strong>in the sanctum.


    Or maybe he only wanted to bury Alexs army, and give himself and the fae cover to escape.


    Either way, he had to stop them.


    He turned his attention to the earth elementals as rock and dust flew, blocking his vision. Go into the stone! he shouted. Use your power over the earth to quiet the rock until his spell passes. I want you to


    Suddenly, Alex felt a sharp sting on his arm and raised it, examining the skin.


    A gash, with grains of soil clinging to a jagged wound, was there.


    Alex knew in an instant.


    This was not good.


    Small bits of rock and grit with sanctified soil embedded in it, had caught him, breaking through his greater force armour and the skin beneath.


    Oh shi he started.


    The interdiction mmed into him.

 Chapter 766: The Few Who Survive

    Chapter 766: The Few Who Survive


    The divine interdiction coiled around his soul, much like it had in the forest in the Irtyshenan Empire, squeezing itself around the Travellers power.


    Alex clenched his teeth as his teleportation failed.


    Inside, Hannah''s energy warred with the divine might, but he still could not ess her power. Snarling, he raised his staff, waiting for the First Apostle and Guides next attacks.


    He looked for them, squinting through falling dust and debris, flying from ce to ce, snaking away from the Stalkers swirling shrapnel. The General expected the First Apostle toe at him with full fury.


    Butneither the man nor the fae moved toward himinstead, they moved away.


    He then understood what the First Apostle was doing.


    Asmaldestre! Bjorgrund! Stop them! Alex shouted.


    What did you do that for? the Stalker shouted, ring at Gabrian through the falling debris. Now we won''t be able to


    There was a crack.


    The swirling shield of stone and debris ruptured.


    A massive hole gaped in the Stalkers chest.


    He gasped.


    The Unmaker had found her target with that strange projectile weapon.


    His moose bellowed.


    But the First Apostle could pay them no mind. He''d have less than a heartbeat to do what he needed to.


    <em>Uldar!</em> He whispered. <em>Take us home.</em>


    His gods power flowed through his soul even as a sharp pain ripped through his belly.


    The war-spirit had shot him too.


    He choked, coughing up blood.


    Glowing orange light approached him.


    A fireball erupted, just as the fire-beams from the two statues raked across his body.


    Searing pain consumed him, his torso was mutted.


    But Uldars power was with him.


    Him, the Stalker, and the faes mount transformed, turning to beams of scattered light, shooting through the room, and like a spear, they<strong></strong>punched through the barrier separating the sanctum from the outside world. Just like that, they were gone. They re-appeared as scattered fragments of light, feeling like they were in more than a single ce at once. The fragments of light clustered together, uniting as shimmering forms of the First Apostle, fae, and mount, flying up from the earth and into the sky of the Irtyshenan Empire.


    They soared acrossnd and sea at dizzying speeds as beams of light.


    The Empire disappeared behind them, soon the countries of the west were also left behind. Then, they were over the sea, and finally, above the shores of Thamnd. All went by in a blur.


    The three beams of light settled on the ground at the bottom of a familiar escarpment, and Gabrian, the Stalker and his mount re-appeared. The Stalker and First Apostle fell to the ground, steps from death, needing every ounce of will Gabrian could find to remain conscious.


    The moose licked his masters face, trying to wake him.


    The First Apostle called to Uldar, praying he would hear his need.


    Clenching his teeth, he whispered. <em>Heal us.</em>


    An immense wave of divinity swept out, as he pressed his only hand to the Stalkers wounds, the faey trembling on the ground. Life was ebbing, though the Apostle kept praying, pleading for Uldar to heal themthen like seeds taking root, new energy sprouted.


    It mended the faes destroyed chest.


    It mended the ruins of Gabrians torso, even closing the raw flesh of his shoulder. He copsed, exhausted. For the first time, the First Apostle wished that this great healing miracle were one and the same with the divinity that regenerated limbs. He did not normally question his deitys wisdom, but being able to regrow his arm, without the weeks-long process involved, would have been


    divine.


    He could have used that arm even now.


    Theyy copsed on the ground, waiting for their breathing to calm.


    By the fae lords the Stalkers chest heaved. We nearly died there.


    The <em>Fool </em>has be a devil, the First Apostle said, forcing himself to his feet, cing his weight on his sword. That devil needs to be destroyed.


    He''s mightier than most devils Ive faced, the Stalker said, grimly. So, what was that? Why did you make the earthquake instead of just taking us away?


    The First Apostle shook his head, stopping as the world started spinning. If<strong></strong>he knew where we were going, he could use the Travellers power to follow us with ease. I had to strike him with the sanctified soil to put him under the interdiction. The earthquake was really more of a distraction to hide the soil.


    Clever the Stalker admitted. You kept us alive.


    True, but we must go now. This ce is guarded, and our arrival would''ve been noticed. Gabrian peered up at Uldars Rise. In truth, I do not know if the interdiction can hold him. The Travellers power seems <em>remarkably</em> unruly, and he has somehow managed to remove Uldars restrictions on the <em>Fool.</em> We must contact other members of the church then go to ground and n


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    His voice trailed off as he stared up at Uldars Rise.


    What''s wrong? the Stalker asked, following his gaze. What''s the matterOh.


    The message, Gabrian said.


    Hovering above Uldars Rise, was the portal.


    All shaking in the sanctum slowed, calming as elder earth elementals soothed the stone.


    But, there was nothing that could calm Alex Roths rage.


    Damn them, damn them all! he shouted.


    Did they get away? Bjorgrund choked on stone dust. The giants stood among the grisly ruins of what once was the hidden churchs army. I couldnt see what happened!


    Yes, they got away! Alex snarled. But they won''t get away for long.


    Well, let''s get after them! the giant shouted.


    They hit me with that bloody interdiction! Alex snarled. I can''t use Hannah''s power. Not now, at least.


    He could feel the power struggling inside him.


    The interdiction didnt feel as strong as it had thest time theyd used it on him. He was also stronger with Hannah''s energy than before.


    He had no doubt he''d be able to break free, but the question was, how long would it take?


    Do we even know where they''re going? the young giant asked. Haven''t we lost them? They could be anywhere in the world by now!


    I don''t think so, Alex said. I don''t know much about miracles, but if they could just teleport wherever they wanted, they would''ve hunted us down long ago. I bet it can only take them to certain ces.


    Like where? Bjorgrund wondered. Where would they go?


    I have a hunch.


    And that is?


    When someone retreats from a battle, they usually go to their home base, if they can, the young wizard said. And I just told the First Apostle that his god was dead. I''d bet a lot of coin they went back to Uldars Rise. And once they see the portal, theyll<em> want</em> to check it out.


    His mind froze.


    Oh, by the Traveller, no! he suddenly shouted.


    What''s wrong? Bjorgrund asked.


    We wounded them, but the First Apostle should be able to fix them with his divinity! he said. Maybe even fix that arm, I cant be sure what his full capabilities are! There''s Watchers guarding the portal buteven with one armhe and that fae will tear through them like parchment! Thenoh Hannah and Carey, please don''t let us be so unlucky


    The wizard reached out to ygon.


    Are you there, buddy? he called frantically.


    <em>I amwhat is wrongfather?</em> the golem answered. ygon sounded surprised and worried.


    ygon, please tell me that Theresas at home. If she isn''t, then <em>please</em> tell me she went hunting dungeon cores! he cried through their link.


    <em>No</em> the golem told him. <em>She, Brutusand Grimlochwent to explore the sanctum earlier today.</em>


    Oh no! Alex shouted.


    Then he turned his power inward.


    He had to hurry.


    He <em>had</em> to break the interdiction.


    The First Apostle and Stalker moved quickly.


    The Watchers of Roal were powerful warriors.


    They were experienced mages.


    But the First Apostle and Stalker were capable of things nightmares were made of.


    Flying to the top of Uldars Rise just as the Watchers were preparing to investigate the sh of light theyd seen at the bottom of the escarpment, the two remaining members of the hunt for the <em>Fool,</em> fell on the Watchers like starving wolves on unsuspecting prey. Gabrian was an instrument of violent vengeance, and his every sword swing told of his grief and rage. At his side, the Stalker cut down the Generasians; a quiet predator of brutal efficiency.


    Though the warriors of Generasi were well trained, experienced and dangerous, their opponents struck too quickly and viciously for them to bring their full power to bear. In less than a dozen heartbeats, the portals guards were dead.


    A Watcher triedunching a re in warning, but the Stalker swung one finger in her direction, splitting her in half.


    The fae bristled, eyeing the forest around Uldars Rise. Those won''t be the only ones guarding this ce. When I was here, I spotted patrols going through the forest. They likely saw the sh of light too and could already be on their way here. If we want to meet your god, wed better move fast. Or leave fast. To be honest with you, I don''t care which.


    Gabriel stood frozen before the portal, just staring at it.


    Is this truly Uldars sanctum? he whispered. Is this what his messenger spoke of? I have read textseach of them so old that the oil from one''s fingers would destroy their pagesthat described Uldar building his sanctum. They described white stairs. And here they are.


    He shook his head. But why would he allow foreigners to hold it? Where are his servants? Why is he not representing his interests?


    The Stalker frowned, watching the forest around Uldars Rise. Well, our quarry did say that he was


    Do not utter that sphemy! Gabrian hissed. He lied, and we shall prove it.


    Well, let''s stop standing around and prove it quick, then! the Stalker said. And lets get in there before others call for help, or our quarry figures out how to follow us.


    Consideration must be taken Gabrian murmured. Am I even worthy to step into these holy halls? And you do not need to follow me. If you wish to leave, you can.


    At this point? I''m bloody curious, myself, the Stalker admitted. And maybe, we can get some help from your god, if he''s willing to help us.


    Perhaps, Gabrian said. Perhaps.


    Suddenly, the First Apostles eyes grew unfocused.


    For several heartbeats, he stood as still as a statue while the Stalker watched him as though hed lost his mind.


    What''s going on? the fae demanded. Did something happen, did something break inside you?


    No Gabrian murmured. I am inmunication with a servant of Uldar.


    Are they willing to help us with our quarry problem? the Stalker said. You know, the one that could be c<em>oming here at any moment?</em> he added with an acidic hiss.


    No, they cannot aid us, they simply wish us to meet with Uldar, he said. I have spoken with the servant before, and they were making contact now that I am nearer to them.


    Shouldn''t this servant know more about Uldar than you do? the Stalker asked, frowning. Come on, my hound, we have to decide if we''re going in or out. He sucked his teeth, You know what?


    Without fanfare, the fae stepped onto the first step.


    Gabrian gasped. What are you doing? To simply set foot on the holiest of ground so casually


    Do you see me being struck down? the Stalker demanded, spreading his arms. Lightning or holy fire reducing me to a bunch of little ashes? Its not happening, is it? Look, I can read you as easy as any book, you''re dying! We''ve got an army that could be teleporting here at any second, we''re on the threshold of a god thats supposed to be on your side, a god that <em>you</em> worship, and you''re wasting time here, talking about preparations andmunications, and all kinds of stupid shite! Truth is, you''re worried about what our quarry said, aren''t you? You <em>don''t </em>want to know!


    The First Apostle bristled.


    The Stalkers moose growled at him.


    Do not propose to lecture me on my faith, Gabrian snapped. Do not propose to treat me like a child. I have lived for


    I''m going to be real with you, my hound. I don''t give a rotten acorn about your faith. I don''t give half an apples worm about how long you''ve lived, you''re still a childpared to me! You can tell yourself all the little lies you want about how you''re not questioning what he said to you, but in the end, all of those doubts swirling around in your head are stopping us from getting help! And I can''t stop that army of monsters, can you? We got lucky during thatst battle, damn lucky, or maybe it was a blessing from your god, but all I know is that you''re wasting an opportunity because youre scared!


    He pointed up the stairs. So I''m going up there to see if your deity is going to help the two of us sort this out. If you want toe, you can, if not, go wherever you want! And if your god is dead, I''ll tell you on the way back to <em>my</em> fae lord!


    With that, the fae began marching up the stairs.


    After a moment, the First Apostle followed.


    Neither of them knew that others were already in the sanctum.


    And those who were there, were not aware that others wereing.

 Chapter 767: The Apostles Misery

    Chapter 767: The Apostle''s Misery


    Do you hear something? Grimloch asked.


    No, why? Theresa peered up at the moving images in Uldars viewing room.


    Thought I did, the sharkman said, his ck doll-like eyes peering at the rooms entrance. Not the first time one of us thought we heard something, though.


    I think it''s just wishful thinking at this point, Theresa said, looking at the sharkman sympathetically. We''re getting more desperate for a clue. Any clue. Her eyes turned back to the images around them. But, there''s nothing here. I''m starting to wonder if this ce even <em>has</em> any more secrets to give up.


    She and the sharkman were standing in Uldars viewing room, watching the towering walls filled with moving images from all over Thamnd. There were scenes of the countryside, the woods, mountainous valleys, and even the coast.


    Some areas showed the battles that were going on across Thamnd; soldiers, priests and knights struggling against armies of Ravener-spawn across a dozen different scenes.


    The huntress let out a growl of frustration as she watched.


    Everyones out there, fighting to get rid of those monsters, while we''re hereprobably wasting our time, she said. I thought we would''ve found some clue by now, something, anything.


    No clues. Grimloch touched an image of a plump doe and her fawns foraging in a meadow. He licked his lips. Nothing around. Nothing I smelled. Nothing we saw.


    Theresa threw her hands up. There''s all these images from all over Thamnd, yet none of them suggest even one single ce where the Ravener might be. None of them! Youd think one would hint at something: even if it''s just a cave where a bunch of Ravener-spawn and dungeon cores are. Or youd think Uldar would have left notes somewhere saying where the Ravener spawns when ites back. Or <em>how</em> it spawns.


    His notes say how it was made. Grimloch walked over to Uldars chair, bending down to check if there was anything underneath it. It mustve been the fiftieth time hed done so. Maybe that''s all he wrote down.


    Itd better not be, we need to find <em>something,</em> she sounded frustrated. Alex is ready to have the fight of his life, and we''re here walking around these empty halls! Im the one who wanted to starting here to see if we could find a way to help him, the Heroes, and everyone else! But, were not finding anything and Im just feelingpletely useless!


    The sharkman shrugged. Theres nothing wrong with trying to find a trail. Sometimes ones hard to find. Sometimes there isnt one. Sometimes you''re looking in the wrong ce. Hard to know, unless you actually look. And thats what we''re doing looking.


    But maybe we''ve been doing too much looking around and not enough <em>getting things done,</em> she said. Maybe I''m just searching this ce to make myself feel better and just wasting our time, maybe Im only tricking myself into believing I''m being useful.


    The sharkman shrugged again. Don''t know. Do know its the one ce where there might be a trail. That''s it.


    I don''t think it''s as simple as that, she sighed. But thanks for trying to make it look that way.


    It <em>is </em>simple. Grimloch walked over to another image, watching it closely. People make thingsplicated. Life is simple. Simple is good. Lots of images here, we haven''t looked at all of them. We still need to do that.


    Fair enough, Theresa said. I guess it''s gonna take us a while to look at all of them. Thanks a lot, you made me feel betterI was getting way too frustrated.


    Wasn''t trying, he said.


    Thanks, Grimloch, she said dryly.


    Suddenly, Brutus began growling.


    The cerberus was across the room sniffing the moving images. Two heads were focused on a particr one: a pine forest with a circle of mushrooms in its midsts.


    Nearby, a pack of bone-chargers marched through the woods, moving in an endless tide. A fairy emerged from the circle of mushrooms, pausing when it saw the Ravener-spawn, then waved and flitted away.


    Brutus kept growling.


    Oh, don''t worry about them, boy, Theresa said. Theyre probably working for that fae lord Drestra gave a bunch of Ravener-spawn to. Maybe thats why the fairy seems friendly with them. His growls grew deeper. Waitare you growling at the fairy? No, no, Brutus you dont eat fairies.


    Hey, heres a thought, Grimloch said. That fae lord knows something, right? Maybe we could go ask him.


    Theresa frowned. Maybe. Maybe not. If hes an enemy, we don''t want to poke that hos nest until Alex, Isolde, and the others learn more about how to stop the Ravener.


    Should still ask, Grimloch growled. Or should ask that fae that was guiding the Heroes around, if we see him again. Tasty-looking ones, they are, him and his moose. All, fat and juicy.


    I just told Brutus not to eat fairies, don''t set a bad example, she said.


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    Just doing whats natural, he said. Not my fault they look good. Anyway, don''t have to worry. Don''t know if we''re ever gonna see those two again.


    Moving in near-silence, the Stalker, and the First Apostle crept up the stairs to Uldars sanctum.


    The pair edged up the stairs slowly and carefully, ears cocked for signs of interlopers anywhere near. They had no idea if the foreigners were inside, butif none werethey didn''t know if theyd be disturbing Uldar or his servants.


    Without exchanging a word, the pair kept going.<strong></strong>The Stalkers ears were perked up, his predatory eyes scanned their surroundingshis moose sniffed the air, hooves and bells unnaturally silent.


    Gabrian looked this way, and that, not searching for enemies, but rather gaping at murals and the architecture of Uldars sanctum. Tears swan in his eyes as his heart was filled with ecstasy at all he was seeing. With every step, he knew he wasing closer to his god.


    Closer to speaking with him.


    To hearing his words from his own voice.


    No more would hemunicate through signs that he had to interpret, but rather through real and direct speech. No longer would Uldars word be a metaphor for him to ponder, nor would it be confined to ancient texts written long before even his father''s, father''s, father was born.


    He would speak to his god, he would receive his benediction.


    At least, so he hoped, for deep within himself, his spirit was in turmoil.


    The Fools words were guing his thoughts.


    Steady yourself, Gabrian, he thought. Do not let lies burden your mind. Your god will see your heart, he will know that you doubt him. Do not let your first meeting with Uldar fill him with disappointment. He lives, his servant asked you toe and speak with him and you will soon hear his own words.


    He frowned. Then you can tell him of the sins of this cycles Fool, his wrath will surely fall upon him!


    Yet, no matter how many times he repeated that to himself, questions still burned in his mind.


    Again, he asked himself how the<em> Fool </em>hadid his hands on Uldars divine equipment. Again, he asked himself how the <em>Fool </em>could break Uldars holymandments that prevented him from doing spellcraft or violence. Again, he asked himself how interlopers were allowed to hold the very doorway to his gods sanctum.


    Especially, when those interlopers had caused his children, those from the holiest branch of his church, endless suffering and so much pain, and had caused the ughter of so many.


    If Uldar was truly waiting on his divine throne at the end of these stairs, then, why would he tolerate the presence of such sphemers and demons?


    A single dreaded answer kepting to him, but he kept pushing it away.


    Remember when you first learned that the order was to always keep the Raveners cycle going? he asked himself, silently mounting each step. He was awestruck, taking in murals of Heroes from the ancient past, though he felt a bit disappointed that his chronicle was not among theirs.


    Perhaps Uldar was simply waiting for one of his servants to extend the mural.


    He shook his head, refocusing his mind.


    He was letting himself be distracted.


    Remember how concerned you were when you were told that the hidden churchs holy missionone of its manywas to ensure that the cycle did not end until Uldar decreed it so. he reminded himself. You were shocked, filled with confusion, and even a great deal of anger. Those were the emotions of the young, of those who did not understand the full breadth of Uldars n. Even now, you do not know his will. But the difference is that now, you are old enough to understand you are not meant to, you are mere mortal: a child desperately trying to know the actions<strong></strong>of his father-god. You will never know them, notpletely. Do not question, for it would be the same as a child questioning why his beloved parents must go out and till the fields, or why snow falls after the harvest season has ended.


    The First Apostle nodded to himself, growing more confident. Yes, if you could grow to ept that Uldars n needed the Raveners cycle to continue, then could you not also understand that his n <em>might</em> involve these interlopers holding the door to his sanctum? If anything, this new revtion is less upsetting.


    He took deep breaths, just as he did when practising the art of life enforcement. Consider your situation, Gabrian. You have lost one of your closest friends, you have lost members of those you would call family. You have seen the ruin of folk that you watched grow from infancy. You are strong, Chosen of Uldar, but there is a limit to your strength. You are simply grieving, and are not thinking clearly. The <em>Fool</em> told you lies, for that is what he is, a liar, and yet here you are allowing your sorrow to cloud your judgement. Do not do so. Look forward with your head held high, for you are about to meet your god, and look upon his wondrous countenance. This will be, without doubt, the happiest moment of your life. Do not allow worry to turn good to ash on your tongue, or to poison in your veins. For Izas, for Eldin, and for every servant of the hidden church, meet your god with a smile. Smile, even though your heart has broken.


    He continued up the steps, wiping tears from his eyes and fixing his face with a smile.


    Together, he and the Stalker moved forward as he imagined what his god would say to him. Would he show him mercy and kindness for his losses? Would he congratte him on how well he had led the hidden church? He grimaced. Or would he chastise him for allowing such ruin toe to his people?


    As he imagined what awaited at the top of the stairs, he spotted a mural on the left that gave him pause: an image of the Heroes, floating together, battling the Ravener.


    But, strangely, there was no Fool among them, instead, there was another Hero in their ceone he had never heard mentioned before.


    What is this? he murmured to himself.


    Shh! the Stalker hissed as the First Apostle approached the mural, looking at the words below it.


    The Mark of the General? he wondered. What is that? The Generals folly? But that wasmitted by a Fool notwhatever <em>this</em> iswhat in Uldars name does this mean?


    I said shh! Were nearly at the top of the stairs, the Stalker hissed again.


    Gabrian turned, taking the stairs quicker.


    Too many questions now swirled in his head.


    He needed to speak to his god.


    The first Apostle reached thest step and, at longst, his eyes fell on Uldars throne. The white throne had been somehow stained with a ck substance, and there was no sign of his god sitting there. But, what was that tall form draped in a shroud lying before the throne?


    His blood stilled.


    No the word caught in his throat, he fought to calm his heaving breath as his worst fears coursed through his mind.


    Shut up! the Stalker whispered. I smell something


    Gabrian ignored the fae words and fled, running across the throne room at a sprint, only stopping beside the shrouded form. His hand shook as it gripped his swords hilt, then sheathed it, and in dread, raised the top of the shroud, uncovering whaty beneath.


    For a breath, his mind teetered.


    Then cracked.


    The First Apostle of Uldar began to wail as if his heart was broken, he screamed with the anguish of a<strong></strong>tormented soul. No! Noooooooo!


    Shut up! the Stalker shouted.


    Grimloch and Theresa looked at each other.


    Okay, I <em>know</em> you heard that, he said.


    Nearby, Brutus growled louder.


    The huntress drew the Twinde. Yes, I definitely heard that. Come on.


    Together, the trio moved toward the door.

 Chapter 768: The Death of Purpose

    Chapter 768: The Death of Purpose


    Gabrian kept screaming.


    Screaming until his lungs hurt. He screamed until it felt like his throat was bleeding. He screamed until the echoes of his voice felt as though they would drive him to madness.


    Over and over, his mind tried to reason, trying to understand what was before him. Trying to deny the body at his feet, trying to pretend he was dreaming, or that there was some mistake.


    He could not.


    He had dedicated most of his life in the service of Uldar.


    A life that spanned many average lifetimes.


    One that had endured in unwavering faith.


    A life where hed always known that one day, he would bow at the feet of his god.


    A lifetime of waiting, only to learn that Uldar was dead.


    Stop screaming, you idiot! the Stalker shouted.


    His moose pawed the stone, his hoof scraping the ground.


    This cannot be! the First Apostle shouted. How can our god be dead? What happened? Did these interlopers murder him?


    You''re not making any sense! Get a hold of yourself! The fae rushed over and pped the man across the face.


    The First Apostle barely flinched. This must be some lieit must beit must be a lie


    Focus! the Stalker snapped. Listen, it won''t be long before our quarry finds <em>us! </em>I don''t need a wreck, I need a warrior! I need a <em>hound! </em>I picked you to hunt with me because I knew you had skill and a strong will, was I <em>wrong</em>?


    The holy man could only sob in reply, looking at the Stalker helplessly, gesturing to the body.


    Get a hold of yourself or I''m leaving you here! the fae shouted. If you''re going to act like this, I''d be better off on my own! Youve seen a dead bodyan important dead body, but your whingeing and moaning wont bring it back to life! Its just a corpse and an empty chair is all the Stalker paused. His eyes flew wide as though a memory had struck him. <em>when there is an empty chair!</em> So that was the answer to his riddle! By the fae lords!


    I the First Apostle sobbed.


    A voice spoke in his mind; a familiar presence, renewing contact with him.


    <em>Servant of the god of thisnd, </em>the voice spoke, and Gabrian knew it to be the servant of Uldar that had contacted him before. <em>Have you met with our master? Things have changed, and we must know how to proceed.</em>


    The First Apostle trembled.


    When he answered, it was both out loud <em>and</em> in his mind.


    Hes dead, he whispered, barely breathing.


    There was silence.


    Who are you talking to? the Stalker demanded, but Gabrian wasnt answering him.


    Did you know? he demanded from the one whod spoken in his mind. Did you know he was dead? Was this some trick? Some game to destroy me? Are you even a servant of Uldar? He rose to his feet, shaking in grief and rage. Are you some devil or trickster fae trying to make a fool of me? Is this some demonic game?


    The silence continued in his mind.


    Then the voice spoke.


    <em>The creatoris dead? </em>the servant asked.


    Yes, he is dead! Gabrian screamed, spittle flying from his mouth. How long? You must''ve known: I worked with Ravener-spawn under your orders because I thought you were inmunication with our god! Were they really servants of his? Where are they in these halls? Where are you? <em>Who are you?</em>


    More silence, and then.


    <em>The creator is dead, </em> the voice said the words tly. <em>Is this a lie?</em>


    No, it isnt a lie! Gabrian screamed. I would never lie about something like this! I led my people to their deaths, to their deaths, so they might be embraced by our god! But he is cold, and unmoving. He cannot embrace us. And his nswe were to continue the cycle until such time as he gave leave for it to end. Insteadhe cannot give leave for anything! Are we then trapped in this cycle forever? He is gone! Gone!


    He could feel his mind breaking further. How can this be? he howled. All for nothingfor nothing Faces of old friends rose in his mind. ...all of this was for nothing!


    The voice spoke in his mind again. <em>You speak the truth. The silence is exined. Protocolsnone exist for this eventnone</em>


    Gabrian felt another wave of grief pass over him, quickly realising it was not his own. It wasing from the presence speaking in his mind; it was the grief of a child, mourning the death of its father.


    <em>Contact will cease. Consideration must be given, </em>the presence stated.


    Wait, what am I to do? Gabrian asked, forgetting his usations. Tell me what to do!


    <em>The creator must be immortalised. Yet the creator is dead. It is unknown. All is unknown.</em>


    Contact abruptly stopped.


    The First Apostle was just about to shout after the presence.


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    Watch out behind you! the Stalker cried, pushing him to the side.


    An arrow mmed into Gabrians side, driving a scream of pain from his throat. Had the fae not shoved him, the arrow would have found his heart.


    Turning, he looked across the roomtoward a passageway in the wand his eyebrows rose.


    A young womanapanion of the <em>Fool</em>stood there beside a sharkman he recognised from the battle at Uldars Rise. Between them was the cerberus that had also been there, tensed, sheathed in bone armour, with its three heads lowered, fangs bared, and low growls rumbling from its throats.


    Wake up! That''s the second time Ive had to save you by pushing you aside, the squat fae screamed, his moose stepping up behind him, growling at the cerberus. Will youShit!


    Before he could finish, the huntress loosed arrows at them like rain.


    Gabrian was staring at her as though he was a man just waking from a sleep that hadsted months. He lifted his sword mechanically, blocking an arrowing for his face, yet he did not move though more pierced his gut and chest.


    In seconds, five shafts protruded from his torso.


    You he whispered. Youyouyou


    Get a grip! The Stalker shouted as the sharkman and cerberus stalked forward.


    Gabrian gestured to Uldars body, his hand shaking. Another arrow struck. Did you do this? his voice was pleading.


    Theresa responded with an arrow to his chest, missing his heart by inches as he turned by reflex, barely flinching. Did you do this? he gasped out again.


    Hold on now, everyone stop! the Stalker shouted, holding up his hands. Why don''t we all calm down and talk about this a bit! We just came across the body of a dead god, and thats something most dont see everyday, mypanions not doing so well! Remember,st time we met, you didn''t fare too well in that exchange! Let''s figure this all out!


    He was a far cry from his usual, confident self; there was a wildness to his eyes and a tightness to his jaw. He kept ncing between Gabrian and the doorway to the stairs.


    Without a word, Grimloch sauntered ahead, putting himself between the fae and the stairwell.


    The Stalker made a sour face. Well, that''s just not very mature.


    My sister would agree with you, Grimloch said. Don''t care either way.


    You should, the fae snarled. We just had a bit of a rough time, but were more than enough to deal with the three of you.


    Don''t like it when lunch talks so much Grimloch walked toward the stalker, his eyes pits of darkness.


    Oh, for the love of He turned back to Gabrian. By the fae lords!


    Arrowsy on the floor at the First Apostles feet, deflected from his heart and head by his sword. The rest of the womans arrows were firmly embedded in his flesh.


    The huntress barrage had stopped when her quiver was empty.


    Do something! the fae snapped. Or say something!


    There''s no need for words, Theresa growled, dropping her bow. She drew the Twinde. You hurt people close to meand you tried to kill my dog. She nodded at Uldars body. You''ll soon be joining that corpse, I promise.


    Her words made Gabrian react more than any of her arrows had. His face had turned red, his mind was a storm, and his grief was quickly giving way to rage.


    Corpse? his words squeaked from a strangled throat. You would call our god that?


    <em>Our</em> god? Theresa paused, looking at him closely. Our god is dead. Can''t you understand that?


    No, no, no, no! He will greet me in the after-world! Tears sprang to his eyes, trickling down his face. He is waiting in the after-world, with Izas, Eldinthe othersif he is not He paused. All would have been for nothing. All would''ve been futile. That cannot be. It is not true. It cannot be true!


    At this, the huntress shook her head, watching him, her face grimacing with disgust and pity. It <em>was</em> for nothing, she said grimly. I don''t have time to coddle you: how does a person do so much evil for a dead body that didn''t even care about you? The decent thing for you to do right now, would be to drop to one knee and let me take your head.


    She pointed with one of her swords. You''ve done too much for me to let you live, but you could at least die with honour. Merzhin saw this body, he despaired, but you know what he did? He did better. He chose to be better, are you going to do the same?


    Some deal that is: death or death, the Stalker grumbled, but his eyes were still darting around, looking for a way out. He was tense, as was his moose.


    Don''t concern you. Grimloch kept his focus on them.


    Wheres Alex? the huntress asked. What happened to him? The fact that you''re talking about all your dead means he probably devastated you. She smiled. Where is he? Her smile faded. Did you harm him? How did you get here?


    Yesthe <em>Fool</em> Gabrian suddenly stiffened. With a single sweep of his sword, he sheared the shafts of every arrow sticking out of his body. Blood ran down his torso, but he hardly noticed; his lifeforce was deep, old and powerful.


    A strange light entered his eyes. The<em> Fool </em>lives. His voice dropped to a whisper. He does. He looked at the huntress intently, tears and blood staining his face. His mind roiled with emotion. You speak of death and honour. You speak of letting you take my head. There is one thing that we both agree upon. I <em>do</em> deserve death.


    What? the Stalker demanded. What madness is


    Silence! Gabrian shouted. The scales of the Chosen burned on his brow. I <em>will</em> speak! He looked at the huntress. Imitted a great sin today. I was faced with a choice: a choice to return here to Uldars side, or to pursue the <em>Fool</em>. I chose to pursue the <em>Fool</em>, which was a poor choice. Had Ie here, my people would still be alive. We would have seenwhat our god hade to. Together, we would have learned what had befallen him, and decided on our vengeance.


    He shook his head. Then we would have taken it, and chosen what to do with ourselves afterward, but no longer can we make those decisions. It was all for nothing: I led my people to their deaths for nothing, and had I chosen differently, they would be alive now. I do not deserve to live for this transgression: I made my decision out of arrogance, and narrowed vision. I deserve to pay for that sin. But


    The First Apostle spit on the ground. I will not allow my head to be taken by the enemies of Uldar. <em>I </em>will punish them. He looked at the Stalker. Mypanion helped us, and I will not allow you to kill him either, nor will I allow the <em>Fool</em> to win. I will dump your lifeless bodies at his feet and watch his despair. Then I will melt into the shadows, and hunt down everyst one of your loved ones. Your family, his family, the treacherous Heroesall of them. If Uldar lies dead, I will not allow you to live and smirk at his corpse. After youre dead, and only after youre dead, will I seek death to atone and to join my brethren in the after-world to apologise. But, have no illusions that you will not precede me!


    You''ve lost your mind. Theresa fell into a fighting stance. You''re not even half the man Merzhin is.


    Perhaps. The First Apostle sobbed. But I am too broken to care. Come, I will rip you to shreds. Stalker, flee from this ce when you can!


    He muttered a quick word, and his wounds suddenly healed, pushing out the arrow heads. With the cry of an enraged beast, he charged Theresa.


    She snarled, going for him with Brutus at her side.


    The twin de swept up, his holy sword swept down.


    Metal shed on metal.


    Feeding frenzy! Grimloch shouted, going for the Stalker.


    Shit! the fae snapped. Help our hound! After words like that, I''d be no real fae if I just let him get butchered!


    The Stalker dove out of the way of Grimlochs swinging maul, as it cracked against stone. His mount charged the cerberus, Brutus turned, going to nk Gabrian.


    The creatures antlers attacked his bone armour as three heads whirled in response, jaws snapping. One maw opened, sting out a cone of deadly sonic energy. The bull moose shrieked.


    Theresa and Gabrian were a blur of steel and death.


    The First Apostle snarled at her. Now it is my turn! Give up, and I will make your death painless. You and I have shed before, and you were no match for me


    His words were cut off by a gasp.


    The huntress left sword shed his side, leaving twin cuts in his flesh.


    He gaped at the wound in surprise. You were able to strike me?


    She gave him something that was half-snarl and half-smile. You''re missing an arm: no more shitty shield for you to fend me off with. Besides, I''ve been training for you: I''m not the same fighter you ambushed a few months ago.


    With those words, she went for his throat.

 Chapter 769: The Fusion

    Chapter 769: The Fusion


    How''s iting? Bjorgrund asked, pacing back-and-forth.


    It''sing, Alex growled. But you have to let me focus. This is <em>not</em> easy.


    Within him, two powerful energies warred. Hannahs power struggled against the interdiction as it remained coiled around it like a snake. The holymand was constricting her energy.


    Over and over, Alex tried to free her power, using the Mark to learn from his previous attempts. Both sesses and failures were helping him find weaker sections of the interdiction.


    Bit by bit, the Travellers power was being freed, so far he couldnt move anything heavier than a pen, but very quickly and with each attempt, the mass of what he could teleport was increasing. Hed be able to teleport out of the sanctum soon, but until then, he could only worry about what the First Apostle was doing, and if he and the Stalker had found Theresa, Brutus and Grimloch there.


    Alex prayed that they hadn''t.


    Steel shed with steel.


    Boots scraped across white stone.


    Jaws snapped.


    Antlers raked bone te armour.


    Six beings fought for their lives within Uldars throne room.


    Grimloch lunged, springing at the Stalker, his maul raised and his jaws wide open disying hundreds of knife-like teeth. The spiked hammer dropped with a whoosh, crunching stone, missing its target and striking the floor.


    In a blur, the fae moved, snarling at the sharkman.


    The smaller warrior tried darting around to the hulking beast mans side, but Grimloch spun after him, sweeping the hammer sideways.


    Oh the fae ducked low.


    A shadow fell over him.


    He looked up, finding Grimlochs enormous jaws closing in.


    He flitted back with a yelp; the jaws snapping shut where hed just been. By the fae lords, youre quicker than you look!


    Grimloch did not answer, intent on stalking the faehis armoured form salivated as his maul swung down again.


    White stone exploded, raining chips.


    Away with you! The Stalker extended a finger, swinging it at the sharkman.


    Grimlochs arm rose to block.


    The scream of metal shearing was followed by red spraying from his forearm as the faes power bit into his magical armour, slicing a deep line through it.The sharkman growled.


    Oi, isn''t this a little unfair? the fae asked, putting his hands on his hips. You''re a bigun, and you should be slow and lumbering. Instead, you''re quick, strong, and tougher than rock. He suddenly grinned. Maybe I should''ve been hunting <em>you</em> this whole time!


    Quiet, lunch, Grimloch siad, lunging at him.


    The Stalker extended both index fingers, swinging them at Grimloch, but the sharkman had learned. With shocking speed, he dodged away, escaping the faes invisible, cutting magic.


    Deep gouges appeared on the white floor shere he had been.


    The air split.


    Grimloch dashed around the small creature, circling him like a sharks dorsal fin around a meal, all the while swinging his maul and snapping at his opponent, but missing the scurrying fae.


    The two predators kept their eyes fixed on each other, at a stalemate.


    There was no stalemate between Theresa and Gabrian, however. Their battle was not going the way the huntress wanted. Theresa fought better than she ever had before; she moved like liquid, her swords extensions of her arms, and her footwork both swift and grounded. <strong>ONE ARM</strong>


    The Twinde hissed through the air, singing a song of death as she weaved a steel cage around her opponent. Push cuts opened red lines on his arm. Draw cuts split his skin along his torso and thighs.


    Red pooled on white stone from blood leaking from his wounds.


    Yet, she was still being bested.


    If Theresas skills were those of a well-honed machine, then Gabrians were those of a cornered animal: berserk, ferocious. With one breath, he cursed at her in a tirade of vile words, the next, he would utter short prayers to Uldar and close the wounds shed dealt him.


    Though he was left with only one arm, he moved like shadow, striking Theresa as quickly as light against shadow, using all hed learned over hundreds of years. His de blocked hers repeatedlyher arms shook as metal shed on metalwhile his return blows hit with the force of a falling tree.


    Each time she parried a strike, the Twinde woulde close to flying from her hands.


    Andwhenever she started gaining groundhe would cast a spell, forcing her to duck waves of fire, dodge tongues of lightning, or parry beams of deadly light that she would deflect back to him.


    The beams kept missing as he dodged every spell she sent back at him. He would close on her, speaking another quick incantation, moving faster, his blows hitting harder.


    With each strike, she felt shed soon be cut in two.


    He soon began opening cuts on her body.


    A sh to the leg. A cut to the arm. A deeper wound along her side. She parried or rolled with his blows, lessening their force; she''d be long dead, if she didnt.


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    This couldnt go on; all of the training shed done over the past months had helped to close the gap between them, but not enough. Even with the holy mans wounds and crumbling mind, hed been enhanced with the Mark of the Chosen and been practising swordsmanship, life enforcement, divinity, and magic for far longer than she''d been alive.


    Added training or not, she was having trouble. If hed had two hands to fight with, she might be lying dead on the ground in a pool of blood.


    She hated this man.


    There has to be a gap in his defences, she thought. I have to end this fight or he''s going to kill me! There''s got to be someway


    Her thoughts were interrupted by a deep scream from across the room.


    Brutus was there, making sport of the Stalkers mount.


    The moose was biggerthough not by muchbutcked the bulk, speed, might, and armour of her blood familiar.


    The faes mount lowered its antlers and charged, trying to knock the cerberus from his feet. Its hooves ground against stone, picking up speed, butting Brutus full force; the hound skidded backwards, his ws scraping the floor.


    The cerberus momentum slowed to a stop, andno matter how hard the moose pushedhe did not move. Two of his headstched onto the fae, crushing its antlers and the bells attached to them in his jaws.


    A loud crack, and the antlers shattered.


    Both moose and Stalker bellowed with pain.


    Brutus grabbed his opponent in all three sets of his jaws, shaking the bulky creature like a ragdoll. Wet ripping sounds came from the beasts body as the cerberus savaged the Stalkers mount. With a twist of his necks, Brutus threw the moose, then unleashed three cones of sonic power into the creature''s body, pulping meat.


    The fae shrieked in pain, scurrying out of Grimlochs reach, throwing up his hands. Right, that tears it! He reached toward his mount. Join! he shouted.


    Suddenly, the moose melted away, bing a boiling mound of flesh and bone, pouring from Brutus jaws. The mass shot through the air, pouring into the Stalkers open mouth.


    He swallowed, then belched.


    He began to change.


    His skin was rippling as though worms were crawling beneath it. His bones cracked. Icicles formed on his beard.


    He began to grow.


    His pudgy body stretched, turning leaner as his height climbed like a young tree. He became Theresas height, then grew taller than Alex, then Baelin, then Grimloch.


    He kept growing, reaching a height greater than Bjorgrunds.


    The sharkman''s doll-like eyes watched, measuring the fae as he kept growing, reaching nearly twice his height. His joints and bones creaked and groaned, his bulky muscles rippled as they adjusted to his new form. There came a sound like bone crunching from the top of his skull as a pair of antlers erupted from the sides of his head.


    The short, squat creature from before was now gone, reced by a towering monster.


    It stood nearly twice Grimlochs height with elk-like legs, and from its shoulders, dangled long, odd looking arms whose length were out of bnce to the rest of its body. They ended with fingers capped by icicle-shaped ws. Frost coated the monstrositys beard, jingling bells were woven throughout it. Their ringing could never be called merry; sinister would have been a much better word. His clothing had grown with his body, the were rich and trimmed with furs, a contrast to the vicious, primal expression on his face.


    Below his antlers gleamed the hungry eyes of a predator.


    The fae snarled, looking down at Brutus. I was trying to keep things as pleasant as possible, considering youre a pup and all, but you woke up the beast in me, so now youre <em>all </em>going to pay for it His voice was ringed with the deep, rumbling, growl of a beast.


    Grimloch shrugged. Bigger lunch I guess.


    He charged the looming Stalker, clearing the distance in heartbeats. The fae swung his ws out, theyd blurred with the movement, shing deep into the sharkman''s breastte like it was paper.


    Grimloch kepting, swinging his maul at the Stalkers legs.


    The faes hoof swept out, kicking the sharkman away, then he bounded at Brutus. With a bark, the cerberus unleashed cones of destructive sonic power, which slowed the faeripping his skinbut the Stalker kepting.


    Get away from them! Theresa cried.


    A sudden movement came from beside her.


    She ducked, Gabrians holy sword shed away a chunk of her hair.


    Your eyes should be on me as they should have been on Uldar, sinner, he growled. You have much to repent for! Howling his wrath, he lunged.


    Steel rang as she <em>barely</em> parried a crushing blow at the same instant the Stalker reached Brutus.


    All teeth and snapping jaws, the hound pounced, meeting the Stalkers swiping ws.


    Bone armour cracked, flesh tore, blood spurted.


    Brutus yelped in pain as Theresa grimaced.


    Leave him be! she shouted again.


    No! an ugly grin spread across his face as he reached for Brutus.


    Grimloch charged from behind, sharp teeth bared.


    At thest instant, the fae turned on one hoof, lowered his antlers, and butted the sharkman, gouging armour, finding flesh.


    Brutusy howling, gripped with pain from long, ragged shes to his side.


    No! Theresa cried.


    The Stalker swung his head toward the ceiling, lifting the twitching sharkman, tossing him across the room at horrifying speed. Grimloch collided with the wall,nding with a dull thud, sliding down it. The faes finger shed the air twice. Deep trenches appeared in the sharkmans armour.


    Red sprayed.


    Grimloch went still.


    Theresa screamed; there was no sign of life in his ck, doll-like eyes.


    Come on, pup, your turn next! the Stalkerughed. Then I can go help my angry friend over there grind your master to dust! Well be hunting the rest of you next. No quarry bests me! By the time were done, our preyll wish wed killed him back in the Empire!


    The huntress mind screamed with panic, desperately wishing she could get away from the First Apostle and get to Brutus.


    Brutus growled and snapped at the Stalker, trying to keep him away. He unleashed his cones of destructive sound, but he was wounded now. Slower. The fae slipped around the sonic sts, stalking closer.


    But she couldnt get to him, Gabrian wouldnt let up. The more she bled and began to slow, the harder he fought. With growing intensity, fire, energy, all fuelled by rage.


    They would all die.


    First, the fae would kill Brutus.


    Then, her lifeforce would crumble without him, and the Stalker and Gabrian would finish her off and be free to hunt everyone else.


    Thats not how you want to die, gutted by some scum! she screamed inside, parrying another heavy blow. She nearly dropped the Twinde. Thats not what you want for Brutus!


    But what could she do?


    The First Apostle was too strong and too fast.


    The Twinde was powerfultwo swords as onebut his sword could match it. His skills were still greater than hers. His strength, greater. He could heal his wounds in an instant.


    Maybe if she and Brutusconnected as they werecould take him on together, then


    No, that still wouldn''t be enough, she realised. We''d have to truly fight as one, like how the Stalker joined the two pieces of himself together, making himself as powerful as he is now! Its like hes a living weapon: one warrio


    Something dawned on her.


    An answer to a mystery she hadnt been able to unravel, to fully grasp, or wrap her mind around. Something that had left her iplete from the time shed gotten the second part of the Twinde.


    Theresa suddenly saw the world around her slow as the answer unfolded, as she began to understand.


    She could see spittle flying from Gabrian''s mouth, hanging in the air. She could see the Stalker bearing down on Brutus; the snarls on her dogs faces, the grin on the faes.


    Her attention was also drawn to The Twinde.


    The two swords in her hand.


    Two swords, that were one weapon.


    but was that actually right?


    Connected together she thought. Two swords as onebut is that it? Nonot two as one<em>three as one.</em>


    Twinde Lu.


    That was her great grandfather''s name, his alias.


    Shed always thought he was called that because of the weapon he carried, the weapon that had defined him.


    But she''d been wrong.


    He wasnt called Twinde Lu for the weapon he used


    he was called that because that was who <em>he </em>was. That was the secret to<strong></strong>the swords.


    He was not just a man who wielded a weapon.


    He <em>was</em> a weapon.


    The Twinde is made of three parts.


    Sword.


    Sword.


    and wielder.


    Alling together as <em>one</em> weapon.


    <em>Three as one,</em> she realised.


    It felt like a key turning in a lock.


    The Twinde transformed.

 Chapter 770: Three as One and Prey

    Chapter 770: Three as One and Prey


    Power, flowing from her swords, raced through Theresa''s veins.


    Energies churned throughout her being, uniting with her reinforced lifeforce. They shone with the essence of life and divinity.


    Gabrian shrank back. What is this? he cried.


    The world continued slowing around the huntress, filling her every muscle fibre with newfound strength. Her heart thundered, her bones hardened, her senses sharpened, growing clearer.


    Power surged inside her core, linking her training, energy and will. It flowed through the link between her and Brutus, fuelling the connection, strengthening it. Together, their power grew, flowing between them, concentrating in the des and the cerberus form.


    Their energies grew to overflowing, spilling over, finally splitting.


    As Theresa raised her swords, the des shone with a strange witch-light that theyd never had before, it drifted off them, replicating their shape in phantom replicas around her.


    The phantom des hovered in the air as she held the swords higher, raising them above her head. Two shimmering des of life energy hung suspended in the air on either side of her body, forming six des in all; four phantom and two of solid steel. Three on either side. Three, like the number of heads Brutus had. Theresa felt giddy, ted.<strong></strong>She was smiling. This was your secret all along, great-grandfather, this was it.


    I don''t care about you or anyone rted to you, Gabrian snarled. Everyst one of you is going to diebut youll be the first.


    He lunged suddenly, his sword swinging down.


    She blurred away, now a perfect union with the Twindeher swords a natural extension of her body, as united with her as her fingers and toes. The phantom des trailed after her sword at first, then began striking from different angles.


    Two flew up, joining together, locking onto Gabrians de, deflecting it to the side. The First Apostle tried to free it, but the phantom des<strong></strong>slid down the metal weapon, catching it by the crossguard.


    They tangled with it, while their master struck.


    She shed long draw cuts along his torso, opening deep wounds. He screamed, then muttered a prayer of healing, freeing his sword and springing away. Instantly, two phantom des circled behind him, shing the back of his thighs and calves. Arrrgh! he cried out, then began healing himself.


    No sooner than his flesh had stitched together, the des were on him again, carving his body like hed done to Theresa in that snowy forest months earlier.


    He became a blur of motion, but was being nked on all sides. A pair of phantom des appeared on either side of him, shing his legs. Two more were behind him, cutting him from behind, and the huntress was in front of him, striking at his face.


    <em>He</em> was now the one taking dozens of wounds, and though he was healing them, he was clearly off-bnce.


    Off-bnce, but still dangerous.


    Enough! he shouted, swinging at her side.


    The sword came on in a blur. While she struck high; her swords arcing downwardshing his back and sideshis foot drove up, aiming for her thigh.


    But, she was already gone.


    His foot passed through empty air, his sword found no physical weapons waiting, but they did find a pair of phantom des in her ce.


    Had she made more?


    Where had she gone?


    His mind was racing, trying to understand what had happened when two deep gashes pierced his flesh, cutting him down to the bone.


    He shrieked, quickly healing his wounds and spinning around, his eyes frantic.


    The huntress was there, but how had she gotten behind him?


    The pair of phantom des on either side of him moved to one side, shing at his right leg.


    Is this more ursed teleportation from you too? he grunted, thrusting his de at her face.


    She parried with one sword, struck him with the otherthen disappeared mid-swing. Where she and her physical swords had just been, only a pair of phantom des remained.


    To his right, where there had been one pair of phantom des, now theyd been reced by an enraged warrior, cutting deep into his ribs.


    He hissed in agony, swinging at her, but she disappeared again.


    Another deep cut split the flesh on his back, soon followed by shallow cuts from the phantom des.


    An answer came to him.


    You <em>are</em> teleporting! You''re switching ces with those illusionary swords! He was so confident.


    She shook her head. No, priest. You''re wrong.


    The huntress came at him with a fury then, burying him in a flurry of strikes from all sides. He was on his back foot, stumbling away, his sword twirling in his hand. The First Apostle was still faster and stronger, but the gap between them had lessened, and now he wasnt only fighting off two des, but six, with a single arm.


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    The phantom des hit nowhere near as hard as the huntress could, but they cut deep, he couldn''t ignore them. He prayed to Uldarfeeling the umted divine power in the chamber flowing to himhe had to keep using it, healing his wounds; if he paused, he''d be dead.


    You are unworthy! he shouted. You are just some impudent whelp! The <em>Fool </em>conjured those hideous beasts and tricked me with his ill-gotten magic, but you are some yearling warrior! Youre green! I got the better of three Heroes just outside this very sanctum! You cannotpare to me!


    Maybe, she said, twisting her sword and shing deep into his arm, nearly taking it off; his reflexes saved him. You had <em>two</em> arms back then. Last time we met, you had your shield and armour. Both times, you seemed to be in your right mind. You seem off now, devoted servant of a dead god. If you weren''t, you''d realise what''s actually happening. I''m not switching ces with illusionary des, as you called them.


    The huntress brandished the Twinde and the phantom swords spun around him. These swords are a part of me. Both the steel ones in my hands, and their siblings around you. They''re all me, and Im one with them. It doesnt matter if my hands are holding


    She raised the Twinde. these


    She vanished, appearing at his side where a pair of phantom des had hovered. Those des emerged where she had been a moment before. those


    She vanished again,<strong></strong>as the other set of phantom des that had been behind him appeared in her ce. The huntress shed at his back.. or that pairwere all one. It might <em>look</em> like were switching ces, to ayperson, but you practise life enforcement; you should know better. The fact that you think I''m <em>just</em> switchingtells me just how off you are, but considering what youve done, youve always been off. She shook her head and rushed him. Her assault was furious.


    His world was a flurry of shing swords as she moved around him with the Twindes phantoms.


    She was cutting him to ribbons.


    Blood poured from a deep gash along his forehead, filling his eyes, blinding him. He fled, uttering a Flight spell and shooting toward the sanctums ceiling, his chest heaving as he called on his divinity to heal his wounds. The phantom des hovered around ten feet away from the huntress, straining to chase him, but he was too far from the swords.


    She red at him.


    Coward, she muttered, turning toward Brutus, rushing to help him. The cerberus was on his feet, hed been empowered by the Twindes energies and was stronger, bigger, and moving faster. He was speeding around the monstrous looking fae, snapping at his legs from all sides.


    Stop it, damn you! the fae hunter cursed the hound, grabbing at him, trying to snatch him up with his ws. Keep still, you He looked up, seeing Theresa and the phantom desing for him. Uh oh.


    Fire suddenly rained down from above.


    Theresa skidded to a halt when mesnded in front of her, forming a straight line, erupting in a wall of roaring me.


    She red up at the First Apostle, he was looking down on her. You are right, I am not in my right mind. Both my mind and soul are wounded, but while I cannot best you with my sword now, I can still wield divine miracles. Uldars might is always with me!


    Chanting a powerful incantation, he sprayed a cone of energy at her, forcing her back. At the same time, holy fire encased his deextending from it like a whishing at her.


    In seconds, the huntress was dodging spells and fighting for her life.


    Here, puppy, puppy, puppy, the Stalker whispered, stalking toward the three-headed hound.


    The infernal beast was darting around his legs, rushing in to bite him, then moving out of reach. Howd he get so much faster all of a sudden? So much bigger and stronger? It seemed hed changedwhen his master changed Theyd transformed somehow


    Whatever it was that had happened to them, the three-headed beast was more dangerous now, and he was having trouble catching him. Especially with those infernal sonic sts.


    You know, this ain''t rightfully fair, he growled at the dog. I don''t rejoin the other half of my body every day, so I''m still getting used to all this, to being in my true body. It''s like putting on a shirt you haven''t worn for a while and finding its not fitting quite asfortable as you remember. It seems to me youre just taking advantage of that: I don''t know how you''re managing to adjust towhatever it was that happened to you so quick.


    He watched the hound closely, trying to keep control of his mind. A range of bestial urges were rampaging through his thoughts, distracting him, telling him to drop down on all fours and rush after the hound like a ravening monster.


    But that wouldnt do, thatd be a losing game: he''d be acting like an animal, looking to face an animal on its own terms.


    He needed to think like a fae. Think like a hunter.


    Think like he thought when he was hunting their quarrywait, that was it!


    He grinned at his prey, pursing his lips and whistling.


    Much of Uldars white floors had been chewed up by spells and maul-blows. The gods body was lying still on a patch of untouched floor, like a calm ind in the middle of a storm-wracked sea.


    The Stalker could make use of the ruined stone.


    As he whistled, a cloud of stone chips and debris suddenly rose into the air like a swarm of wasps. With a flick of his finger, he swept the shrapnel toward the cerberus, surrounding him in a cloud of shredded stone.


    Most of the chips bounced off his bone armour, but some cut into the hounds wound and struck his eyes, noses and mouths. He bucked and shook, snapping at the air,shing out with his sonic stsand was blind to the Stalkers headlong rush.


    The fae swept the cerberus onto his antlers and charged, bending down, running straight at a wall.


    Bone crunched and the cerberus howled, yelping in agony. The Stalker wasughing again, grinding his hooves against the stone, pinning his prey between the floor and Uldars wall, crushing him and driving the breath from the creature''s lungs. He reached down, shing at the hounds wound with his ws.


    Either a crushed carcass or a butchered one, the Stalker said lightly. Either way works for me.


    Brutus! Theresa screamed, panic surging through her. She tried to get away to help him, but the First Apostles storm of magic kept raining down on her.


    It was all she could do to save herself from the me.


    The Stalkers antlers pinned Brutus between the floor and wall, ramming his bone armour without mercy. A shadow appeared above the transformed fae, growing, descending over the Stalker and cerberus.


    Theresas mind shed to a sparring match between herself, Hart, and Grimloch.


    She remembered how it had ended.


    What the? the Stalker muttered as a shadow fell over him.


    He nced to his left.


    His eyes flew wide.


    The sharkman was there, leaning over. The decidedly not dead sharkman.


    The sharkman whose jaws were wide open.


    Before the fae could spring away, his world turned dark.


    Those enormous jaws closed on his head and much of his torso.


    They bit down, powered by bone crushing force.


    The Stalker panicked, struggling to get free, butbent over as he washe had little leverage. His cloven hooves scraped uselessly against the stone floor.


    No! He screamed, wing at the monster that had him in its jaws. A powerful hand grabbed one of his overly long arms, three sets of fangs grabbed the other one.


    Let go of me! he shrieked, sounding like he was in a cave as the sharkmans jaws continued to bite down. He felt his bones begin to pop. Row after row of razor-sharp teeth shredded his tough hide. Not like this! His words sounded muffled. Im the hunter, not the prey! Gabrian, help me, my hound! Come to me! I''m the hunter! I''m


    A single wordgrunted by the sharkman biting down on himreached his ears.


    Lunch.


    His body gave way.


    Flesh shredded.


    Bone copsed.


    Agonising pain gripped his skull, an impossible pressure built until


    pop.


    The Stalker knew no more.

 Chapter 771: A Life Without Meaning

    Chapter 771: A Life Without Meaning


    Inside, Alex could feel the energies of the divine interdiction dying a slow death. Hannah''s own powerthe otherworldly strength hed been granted by a burgeoning demigoddess, pushed against the will of a dead god.


    Slowly, Uldars will was giving way.


    It was like slipping free of a chain: each time he tried, he managed to wriggle free a bit more.


    Bjorgrund, Birger, and Asmaldestre were near, waiting in anticipation. His other summoned creatures had long disappeared as their time in the material world had ended.


    The older giant was sitting against a wall.


    The younger one was pacing.


    The war spirit was utterly still, staring at the archwizard, radiating power. Alex had the feeling that somehow, she could see the battle inside him. That wouldnt have surprised him at all.


    Hannah''s energieshad been trickling through the interdictionthey abruptly began flowing.


    I''ve almost got it! Alex cried. Im almost there!


    The giants turned their full attention to him.


    The war-spirit s face shifted in what looked like a smile, one that also resembled gleaming daggers.


    It''s not a hundred percent free yet, he said. So, I doubt I can teleport all four of us right now. Probably only meand maybe one other person for now. If I had more time, I could release more of the energy, but


    Who knows what those two are up to or if they''vepletely disappeared, Birger said. It''s already been long enough as it is.


    Too long, Bjorgrund grumbled. You should take the Unmaker and go. Get them.


    The war-spirit looked down at Alex. <em>Can you bear my burden?</em>


    Her words struck him as they always had, and he didn''t know how to answer. It was true what shed said, she was much bigger than Bjorgrundboth physically and spiritually, and just like moving a pebble was easier than moving ygon, shed be harder to teleport than the young giant right now.


    Lets see. He flew down, gingerly touching her shoulder. He was prepared for the feel of her skinit looked smoothyet felt simr to barbed wire against his hand.


    Clenching his teeth, he tried to teleport the two of them from the sanctum.


    The strain was too much.


    If his energies had been fully free, it would''ve been simple, butwith his power still partially boundhe couldn''t do it. Hed need more time.


    I can''t do it, he admitted. So, here''s what well have to do. Bjorgrund, I know you want to finish this fight, right?


    The giant cracked his knuckles. More than right.


    Alright, then here''s the n, Alex said. First, Ill send you back across the nes, Asmaldestre. Then, I''ll teleport myself and Bjorgrund to Uldars Rise: it shouldnt take me more than a few jumps, and when we get there, I''ll summon you again, and we can catch the two of them off-guard. If they''re not there, Ill summon some monsters to help track them.


    Sounds like a n, Bjorgrund said, resting his axe on his shoulder.


    The war-spirit looked at Alex. <em>eptable.</em>


    The wizard took a deep breath and waved his hand, sending her back across the nes.


    He flew to Bjorgrund next, cing a hand on his shoulder. Alright, let''s finish this fight.


    Be careful, Birger said.


    We will, father, Bjorgrund said.


    With those words, the rune-marked, and the General of Thamnd disappeared.


    Gabrian would never have thought that it was possible, but his heart dropped lower.


    Hisst ally was gone.


    Dead.


    He was alone.


    Hed tried to kill that infernal huntress with many of the battle spells he learned over his lifetime, but shed proved herself to be devilishly quick and persistent. Even though hed kept her from reaching his ally, he could not end her, no matter how much of his power hed brought against her.


    Hed kept her pinned in ce so the Stalker could finish her hound.


    Yet, it was the Stalkers life that had ended.


    Hed watched with horrified eyes as the sharkman had bitten his ancient fae ally in two like a chicken bone. The beastmans jaws had made short work of his body, shaking his head back and forth.


    He could still hear the ripping sound, the dreadful noise when his lower body had been torn from his trunk. It nowy on the other side of Uldars throne room in a heap, like so much trash. They were twitching slightly. The sharkman had swallowed the top of the faes body, like he was at a banquet.


    Now he stood there, licking his bloody mouth like he had not a care in the world.


    The Stalker had dealt the hound a number of wounds, but sadly, none of them looked serious enough to be fatal.


    The beast was panting, spitting blood and shaking himself as though he were someones pet dog justing in from the rain. He suddenly stopped what he was doing and looked up, ring at the First Apostle with six bloodshot eyes, and began limping in his direction.


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    The sharkman was also gazing at the floating holy warrior with those ck, lifeless doll-like eyes.


    He began licking his bloody jaws enthusiastically.


    Nodo <em>not</em> look at me like that! the First Apostle screamed at them, turning his sword tosh them with holy fire. He would not be looked upon as some <em>morsel</em> by a pair of beasts! Especially, not here, not within the holy realm of his god.


    The sharkman smiled, then looked down at Uldars body, licking his teeth. That ones tastier looking anyway.


    Gabrians heart froze in horror while white-hot rage pumped through his veins. He looked at the body of his god, he looked so peacefs though he would get up at any moment.


    You would defile his body? the First Apostle shouted, even though uttering the word body stung his soul. In many ways, he <em>still</em> could not believe what he was seeing. He was still processing ithe would probably still be doing so even if he lived for another thousand years.


    For now, his spirit was neither settled nor peaceful enough to contemte it.


    Too much rage was surging through him.


    I will destroy you! he promised, raising his hand to cast a spell. I will end you! You will not


    There was a whooshing sound from behind.


    He whirled around.


    Where was she? Hed been so distracted that he hadnt seen


    Two swords were protruding from his body.


    her throw her weapons.


    He groaned, beginning to cast a healing miracle on himself, finding her ring up at him from below. You have no weapons now! Now you


    She vanished, he suddenly felt a weight pulling the sword-hilts downward, ripping four deep gouges through his torso. Shed disappeared, then reappeared, holding her two des.


    I told you, she said from in front of him, the phantom swords reappearing beside her. My weapon and I are one and the same. I might not be able to send the phantom des after you, but I <em>can</em> throw the Twinde at you, then rejoin it.


    With that, the phantom des surrounded the First Apostle and began cutting him like parchment. He parried the floating swords, desperately trying to defend himself from the onught, while frantically returning to the ground. If hed stayed in the air, her weight would have dragged the des right <em>through</em> his body.


    He knew he could never have healed fast enough; she would never have left him in peace long enough.


    He was also tired.


    So very tired.


    He dropped, uttering prayers of healing and kicking her away from his body.


    The swords slid free.


    The wounded sharkman and cerberus were moving to his nk, he backed away, desperate to heal.


    His wounds were closing, but he could feel his limit nearing.


    He pushed his body, fighting for his life against his three opponents andwith every movementhis exhaustion grew. His mana poolseemingly endless at one timewas running low. Hed forced so much divine power through his soul that it felt like it might shatter.


    If he didnt do something desperate, this would be his end.


    Hisst act.


    I cannot fail, he whispered as his enemies closed on him. I have failed so many times, do not let me fail in this one thing. Let me send some of these enemies to the after-world. Let me send all


    He stumbled over something hed backed into.


    Gabrian quickly nced back.


    Uldars bodyy behind him, looking as peaceful and graceful as he had in the faces of his many images.


    He looked like he would spring up at any moment to save his child; a child who had burned away many lifetimes in his service. In service to a <em>god</em>, not a corpse.


    It couldnt all have been for nothing.


    It couldnt all <em>be </em>for nothing.


    Perhapsperhaps this was a test!


    Save me! he hissed at Uldar, swinging his de at his enemies. Show me a sign that you are there! Save me!


    He threw himself at his attackers.


    A crushing stroke sent the huntress stumbling away.


    He shed the cerberus across a wound through his bone armour.


    He cut the sharkman through a gap beneath his breastte.


    Snarling, with spittle hanging from his lips, he cursed his enemies beneath his breath. He could still win. With thest of his mana, his strength and the power flowing through his very soul, he could smite the enemies of the


    A shadow loomed beside him.


    Had the huntress somehow appeared beside him again?


    Damn you! he cursed her, swinging his de around.


    Then froze.


    What faced him was no huntressbut himself.


    Himself, reflected in a surface as clear as mirrored ss.


    He looked haggard, as though hed aged three hundred years in the span of minutes. His eyes were wild beneath the symbol of the scales on his brow, and his expression was feral.


    Behind him,y Uldars body.


    Yet, those reflections were not what held him in ce.


    He was transfixed by what the surface where the reflections wereing from was: a breastte that belonged to Uldar. Clean, polished, and shining with his divine glory.


    It now reflected the First Apostles image.


    Gabrian could not bring himself to strike it.


    That was a mistake.


    Uldars axe came down, severing his arm at the shoulder. He screamed, and tried to utter a prayer that would close the spurting wound.


    A crimson, glowing Wizards Hand shoved its fingers down his throat, choking him, cutting off his words.


    A sword slid into his back, impaling him from back to front.


    The huntress thrust her swordsboth steel des and their phantom likenessesthrough his heart. Blood gurgled in his throat, frothing on his lips.


    A familiar voice spoke in his ear from behind.


    Die like your god, Alex Roth said.


    Then he felt something slide through him.


    The world took a strange turn.


    Suddenly, Gabrian was looking at it sidewaysbut when had heid down on his side?


    The scene before him made no sense.


    He was looking at Alex Roth and the huntress, Theresa Lu. They had impaled a ruined body. What was even odder was that the battered body looked somewhat familiarbut he couldnt quite ce it.


    Where had he seen it before?


    And why in all the worldby Uldar, was it growing so hard for him to thinkwas that body headless?


    Troubled, the First Apostle could only watch as the huntress tore the body apart with her swords and phantom des while the giantwearing Uldars armour and wielding his axedrove his weapon into it, over and over.


    The cerberus savaged the remains while the sharkman began to pound it with his maul.


    It was barely recognisable after mere momentsthen, strangely, the man who should have been the <em>Fool</em> cast a disintegration spell on it, turning it to dust.


    Banishing it forevermore.


    That poor man, Gabrian thought, they destroyed him so thoroughly despite him not even having a head. How sad. Ah, these lostmbs are filled with too much hatred. I should minister to them.


    He tried to get up, but found he could not.


    He could not feel anything below his neck.


    How odd.


    He looked down


    and could not find his body.


    It struck Gabrian like an avnche; the body theyd mutted and banished was his.


    He was likely only still alive because of centuries practising life enforcement.


    And that could only bolster him for so long.


    The world was growing dark.


    Cold.


    He looked around, desperate for any salvation, even as memories from hundreds of years of life washed over him. His eyes clung to an image nearby.


    Uldars body, peaceful, silent.


    Uncaring.


    Uldars corpse did not care that his First Apostle was dying.


    It did not care that the hidden church had been nearly eliminated.


    It did not care that Uldars enemies were living on to triumph and destroy his n.


    but then again, what <em>could</em> a corpse care about?


    As Gabrians life faded, he found that his concerns were falling away, no matter how he tried to hold onto them.


    What would the material world mean to him when he was dead?


    What would it have meant to Uldarand how long ago had his god died?


    Had he even been alive when Gabrian was born? A young man from a vige whod long ago been branded with a symbol from a dead god.


    That man had lived his life, trying to follow that gods will.


    But if that god was deadthen would that not mean that whatever Gabrian had done, did not matter?


    Had anything mattered in his entire life?


    Had <em>he</em> mattered?


    Questionsand growing despairfollowed the First Apostle into death.


    It could never be known whether he regretted his actions in life.


    Those that lived on would likely care little.


    His god certainly cared not in the least.

 Chapter 772: Opening the Journal

    Chapter 772: Opening the Journal


    Uldars throne room was quiet at longst.


    The only sounds one could hear were theboured breathing of Theresa, Grimloch, and Brutus. All eyes were fixed on the dust on the floor at<strong></strong>their feet, the First Apostles body was now nothing more than ashesthe body of a man who had killed one of their friends and terrorised them for far too long.


    After months of being hunted, of his life being interfered with, Alex had watched the man die.


    There was no more First Apostle to lead the hidden church. The Third Apostle was also dust, and their army crushed. Any threat theyd posed to his family and friends was gone. The threat to him, and everything that that had meant, was gone. The fear that the First Apostle and his followers would have done anything, no matter how desperate and vile to stop them from destroying Uldars evil legacy, was no longer there.


    Nothing like what they had cost Carey, was ever going to happen again. Shed been avenged.


    Now


    Alex? a weed voice spoke his name.


    He tore his eyes away from the dust at his feet.


    There, standing in front of him, was his fiance, Theresa, his best friend who hed missed with all of his being. He''d been so focused on what killing the First Apostle meant, that hed been lost in those thoughts.


    But she was there, like a breaking dawn.


    TheresaTheresa! he cried, dropping his staff, and rushing to take her in his arms.


    With one smooth motion, she sheathed the Twinde, and jumped into his waiting arms, folding into him. Thank the Traveller, youre here! You''re alright!


    They squeeze each other, holding one another close, her head on his chest and him resting his chin on the top of he head. She looked up, grabbed the back of his head and pulled his face down to hers for a deep kiss.


    They clung to each other for a long time.


    Until they heard someone clearing their throat.


    Uh, my names Bjorgrund. Alex heard the giant say awkwardly. Son of Birger.


    Grimloch, the sharkman replied. Nice axe.


    Thanks.


    Alex and Theresa reluctantly separated.


    The young giant was looking at them nervously, while the sharkman was eyeing the First Apostles bodiless head.


    Brutus limped over to Alex, whining, licking at the young man''s hand.


    Oh, by the Traveller, Alex cried, Look what they did to you! Well, they wont be around to hurt anyone else. Come on, lets get you healed up. Raising his hands, he ced his palms on Theresa and Brutus, then cast Mana to Life.


    The huntress gave a sharp intake of breath, her hands going to her mouth. You make that look so easy nowlook at how fast were healing


    The wizard was pouring his energy into her and the cerberus, watching their wounds close. Yeah, no more interference, and not going to lie, it''s pretty damn amazing, he said. He eyed the phantom des hovering nearby. And speaking of not being able to believe things, what are those?


    She smiled proudly, cing her hands on her sword hilts. I figured it out, the secret to the Twinde, I mean. The true secret: great-grandfathers weapon and I are actually one and the same.


    That''s awesome! Alex said. So it makes phantom swords now?


    Among other things! she beamed. I can''t wait to tell you about it!


    Congrattions you two, Grimloch said.


    Healing the sharkman was next. While he did so, Theresa told him what had happened in Uldars sanctum.


    She talked about the fight against both the Stalker and the First Apostle, as well as her evolution, Grimloch and Brutus'' bravery, and how the fae had met his end.


    He sighed with relief when he heard thatst part. He transformed? I''m almost sorry I missed it. Almost, he said, looking at the remains of the fae. Oh geez, Asmaldestres gonna be kind of mad she missed that fight. I''ll have to tell her that its all over.


    Who''s this Asmaldestre? Grimloch asked.


    Then it was Alex''s turn to catch the sharkman and Theresa up on everything that had happened in Keldas sanctum, especially the battle.


    Bjrgrund jumped in excitedly, telling them about how he led the secret churchs army through the maze of traps, and helped to finish them off in the end.


    Relief was clear in every voice and face in the room.


    I can''t believe it''s actually over, Alex said, grimly. I honestly almost expected them to be hunting me forever.


    Well, they''re not, and I hope they suffer in the after-world, Theresa said fiercely. I''m d that the First Apostle got to see his god dead before he joined him.


    Me too, Grimloch agreed.


    Right Alex said, looking at Uldar, remembering the theory hede up with when he found the music hidden on Hannah''s phone. Now that you mention Uldar, I think I might have an idea where he might have hidden some more information. Would anybody mind if we go to that viewing room of his? If you want to take a break instead, I get it.


    Theresa''s eyebrows rose in surprise. I thought you''d want to go back to Generasi. That you''d want to rest up and see everyone before we did anything else.


    Alex shook his head. Were right here, and curiositys going to eat me from the inside if I don''t check it out immediately. I''d rather go back to Generasi <em>with </em>new information if theres a chance we could get our hands on some.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Sounds fair, Bjorgrund said. But, could you go get my father too? I don''t want him sitting in Keldas sanctum all by himself.


    Good idea, Alex said.


    Wait, what happened to the guards outside? Theresa said. We should check and see if theyre


    Alex shook his head. We teleported to the top of Uldars Rise when we first got here, and unfortunately, they were already dead His jaw clenched. I don''t know if therere any out patrolling the area, so I think Ill go take a look around before we go to the viewing room. If I find any one; Ill let them know what happened so they can deal with the fallout. They should also know that the First and Third Apostles and their troops are dead.


    Thats true, Theresa said. All right, hurry back then. Well meet you in Uldars viewing room.


    She went on tiptoe to kiss him goodbye.


    I''ll be back soon, he said.


    Then off he went to get Birger


    <em>You finished the battle, </em>Asmaldestre the Unmaker said, her every word striking the air within Uldars viewing room. There was no usation in them, but Birger, Bjorgrund, and even Theresa and Brutus flinched under the words.


    Grimloch just watched.


    We did, Alex said. When we got here, one enemy was already dead; and in truth, I did not want the other to leave this world without knowing his life was being taken in his dead gods own throne room by one that he called the<em> Fool</em>. Watching him die was personal to me, and not as worthy of your attention. I assure you, Unmaker, he pointed to Ravener spawn in multiple images in the viewing room. There will be more battles, many far more worthy of your might.


    She looked around the room carefully, her three eyes tracing the images ying out on the walls, ceiling and floor. <em>eptable. Summon me when those battles are at hand. I will wield these weapons that you have gifted me and destroy those enemies who stand before me. I shall go now, for there is more ughter awaiting me across the nes.</em>


    Of course, I will see you when blood must be spilled, he nodded to her, andwith a wave of his handsent her to find other battles to fight.


    When her essence had faded from the viewing room, breaths returned they hadn''t realised theyd been holding.


    Theresa whistled, What a nightmare <em>shed</em> be in a fight!


    Yeah, you shoulda seen her. She ripped apart most of those maniacs from the secret church, Bjorgrund said. Almost killed the Third Apostle, but Alex jumped in and finished him off. She probably would''ve killed the First Apostle and that fae too, if they hadn''t run so fast.


    So, that''s what you can conjure with ninth-tier spells? Theresa shook her head in amazement. Incredible. Im d shes on our side!


    Yeah, Alex said. And I''m d well have power like hers for future battles. Im sure we''ll be needing it.


    <em>If</em> we can even <em>find</em> that damn Ravener, Theresa said. We need to know where it is first to be able to kill it. But, nevermind that for now She looked at the two giants. what are your ns now?


    Huh, what do you mean? Bjorgrund asked.


    Well, we beat our enemies together, Alex said. The First Apostle andpany tried to kill you, but now theyre dead. They wont be a threat to either of you anymore, thank the Traveller. And with the hidden church out of the way, we only have the Ravener and its spawn left to deal with.


    There''s probably <em>some</em> members of the hidden church left out there, Theresa pointed out. They do like their spying, after all, but the threat that affected you is finally gone. So yeah, we do have more battles ahead of us, but none are <em>your</em>battles.


    I wasnt even thinking about that stuff, Bjorgrund said, looking at his father, disappointment in his eyes. I guess we could go back home, couldn''t we, father?


    We could Birger said, frowning. He looked at his son closely. butyou don''t want to, do you?


    No, father, Bjorgrund shook his head. Alex and Theresa are our friends now. I wanted to help them with their battles and I really don''t want to miss the most important one.


    Even if it would risk both of our lives? the old firbolg asked.


    I want you to be safe, father, Bjorgrund said. But as for me, I''m a much better warrior now than I was before we met Alex, Theresa, ygon and Brutus. Alex trained me, and I don''t want to see him fight these battles by himselfand I can take care of <em>myself </em>much better now. I know that you don''t want me to stay, father, but


    Thats not what I was going to say, Birger said. I was going to say that I''m proud of you, son.


    What?


    I''m proud of you, is that so hard to hear? Birger said. Maybe I don''t say it enough. I''m proud you want to do the right thing, and I agree with you; you''ve grown so much over thest while. You''re a better warrior now than I was in my prime, far better. I don''t want to see you hurtbut I know that if I made you sit this out, that in itself would hurt you almost as much as any physical wound. Youd be looking at me and wondering what was the point of training just to stay home and hide. Besidesmaybe this is just my own selfishness talking, but I think Kelda would want us to finish this. For you, and for her, I think we should stay and finish this fightif Alexll have us, that is.


    The young wizard smiled, spreading his arms wide. The more the merrier! Honestly, I think we''re gonna need all the help we can get!


    Then it''s settled! Bjorgrund cried. Well keep fighting by your side!


    Perfect, Birger said.


    I''m d you''ll be with us, Theresa said.


    Me too, Alex said.


    The huntress and the wizard looked at Grimloch, who shrugged. I just met them, so His words were cut off by a gut, shaking belch that ejected a slimy antler from his throat.


    Itnded on Uldars floor.


    The others stared at it.


    Oh good, a toothpick, the sharkman picked the antler up, beginning to pick his rows of teeth.


    Bjorgrund burst outughing, his face turning red.


    Grimloch looked at him. Were gonna be friends.


    We are? the giant asked.


    Yes.


    There was a moment of silence.


    Okay, Bjorgrund shrugged.


    Good, the sharkman said, grinding the antler through his teeth.


    Alex shuddered, looking at the slimy antler. Well, that was horrible. He turned to the images shifting along the rooms surfaces. By the way, I found a Watcher patrol and teleported them to the gate; I told them what happened, and that the First Apostle and Stalker are the ones who killed their fellow Watchers. Also told them that those two are dead. Theyre taking care of theirrades bodies and watching the gate, so we should be fine here. Alright. The young wizard cracked his knuckles. Now remember, I could just be going down some dead end, but if I''m right


    He walked toward the images, then paused, turning instead to the cowhide chair that Uldar would sit in to watch scenes of Thamnd. I bet you if theres something<em></em>hidden here, it has something to do with his chair.


    He sat down where the god had sat, cing his hands on the armrests.


    The young wizard closed his eyes.


    Calling on the Mark of the General, he pushed his mana senses into the chair.


    This might be a longshot, he said. But, I''m seeing if he had any hidden threads of mana in his chairthough truthfully, its probably more likely that he used divinity. Then again, he used alchemy when he created the Ravenerand the patch on the Mark was abination of magic and divinityso let''s see what we can see. If I can''t find anything, then we''re gonna have to get Merzhin.


    Reaching deeper into the chair, Alex felt around for even the lightest threads of mana, but found nothing.


    Nothing at all.


    For a moment, he considered giving up for nowit was just an idea after allbut a thought urred to him. He focused the Mark of the General on the task of finding any mana structures that were simr to Uldars subtle designs of the Mark.


    He tried once.


    Then again as the Mark guided him.


    On the third try, he felt something subtle, lying deep within the chair.


    Alex gasped. There''s something here!


    Theresa took a step toward him. Even Grimloch held his breath.


    Over and over he explored the inner workings of the chair; the threads were barely noticeable.


    Uldar truly had been an incredibly gifted alchemist; he could even hide the thin mana threads of his work to make an item appearpletely mundane. But thanks to the Mark, Alex was able to find what he was looking for.


    And how to activate it.


    A wave of power zed through the chair and the images of Thamnd were reced by a blinding white light.


    Everyone gasped, shielding their eyes.


    The light immediately faded.


    A new image formedone so massive that it stretched across every window in the roomall of it was of Uldar; an Uldar who was both very much alive, and looked vigorous.


    He looked down with an air of regalness.


    The god took a deep breath.


    Then spoke.


    Living journal, entry one, he said. I might be dying, so I have decided it would be wise to record a chronicle of my life.

 Chapter 773: The Early Entries in the Journal of a Dying God

    Chapter 773: The Early Entries in the Journal of a Dying God


    By the Traveller! Theresa screamed.


    By my ancestors, what? Birger stumbled into his son.


    Bjorgrund backpedalled, stumbling into Grimloch.


    Brutus began barking.


    Holy shit! Alex cried, so surprised by the giant image of Uldar


    he identally turned off the recording.


    Uldars image had vanished, reced by the views across Thamnd.


    Theresa panicked. What happened? Where did he go?


    I don''t know, it just turned off! Alex cried


    We have to get it back! the huntress said.


    I''m trying! Hold on a minute! the young wizard was panicking, trying to reactivate Uldars device.


    Thankfully, since hed found it once, he knew he could find the control again, and with a bit of searching around, he found it, along with several more near the one that turned the recording on. Alright, I''ll turn it back on, but there''s some other things hereone second. Uh, everyone close your eyes, this time.


    Again, the same bright sh erupted and the images of Thamnd disappeared, reced by the regal form of Uldar.


    Living journal, entry one, he said. I might be dying, and have decided it would be wise to record a chronicle of my life.


    Hold on, let me try some of these other controls, Alex said, reading the flow of energy through the chair, guessing at some of the functions in it. Alright, I bet you this one is


    He activated something in the chair, and the image of Uldar froze mid-word.


    He was silent.


    What happened now? Theresa asked.


    I paused the recording, Alex said, frowning in concentration.


    Just like you did with the Travellers device, Birger said, pushing himself off his son and putting his weight back on his crutch.


    Exactly, Alex said. And if I''m not mistaken


    He used another control, and suddenly Uldars image began to speak without sound, his lips were moving ten times faster than they had before. Another control made the image move faster, but in reverse, bringing the recording back to an earlier ce in what hed been saying.


    Alright, Alex said. Thest control probably records more images and soundI think thats it, yeah, so we can go on now.


    Good thinking, I can''t believe you were so right, Bjorgrund said. Andpletely right too! There actually<em> was</em> a recording hidden here!


    After all these months of searching, Theresa shook her head. And it was here, right under all our noses. I can''t believe it! Do you think his recording will tell us where the Ravener is? Maybe give us a clue?


    Maybe, Alex said. I hope so, but at the very least? It might give us some clues about what this is all about, and maybe help guide us with shutting down the Ravener forever. Anyway, getfortable, people. I get the feeling there''s going to be a lot of information on there.


    The others looked at each other and began finding ces on the floor to sit down.


    Here I am, an old man sitting on the floor while you get the only chair. Birger grunted as he eased himself down beside his son.


    I''ve got to control things, Alex shrugged helplessly. If I had my waynot gonna lie, I''d give the chair to Theresa, but you''d be next in line!


    Thanks sweetie. The huntress leaned against Brutus, whod made his bone armour disappear. Everyone ready?


    Yup, Grimloch said.


    Yes, Birger and Bjorgrund said as one.


    Alex took a deep breath, swallowing both his uneasiness and excitement. Im ready too. Let''s start.


    He activated the control again, restarting the recording.


    The image of Uldartowering above them allbegan to speak and move, his movements were regal. His frame was well-muscled and powerful. His chin was covered in a beard as white as newly fallen snow, his chiselled nose was straight, looking almost sculpted, and his deep blue eyes seemed to pierce through everyone watching. He was d in a white robe that fell around his body like it had been carved of marble. Yet, Alex noticed a dark spot staining ita dark spot thaty where the wound on Uldars corpse in the throne room was.


    Living journal, entry one, the god said. I might be dying, so I have decided it would be wise to record a chronicle of my life. My efforts to rid myself of the poison so far, have been futile. I have made progress, only for that progress to evaporate like water under a summer sun. I still hold much of my power, but already it is diminished, and I can only imagine that this will continue into the future.


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    He pointed to his temple. My mind has begun to cloud on some days, and so I cannot trust my memories to remain organised as time passes. As a result, this journal will serve as a reference for myself. It is for my eyes only, and it is to remind me of my former glory, to motivate me to seek that glory once again, and to make sure that the vast knowledge I have umted over my lifetime is not lost if my memories begin deserting me in earnest.


    The god gave a wan smile. I will defeat this, I know I shall. Now, then. Let me begin at the beginning, for it is my earliest memories that have begun fading most.


    He took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts.


    Then he spoke.


    I was mortal once, and though I have contemted endlessly as to whether I <em>always</em> held the seed of godhoodor whether I developed it through my effortsterI do not know. What I do know is that the world was barbaric in the time I was born. It was a world of petty, evil sorcerers and endless struggle. A world where mortals suffered under the whims of inclement weather, fickle deities, and demons that were too uncouth to stay in the hells where they belonged. A world, where tyrants struggled against tyrants, grinding others beneath their heels. This is the world I was born to, but I quickly found that I was different from the others of my tribe.


    He smiled fondly at a thought. I remember my mother and father, simple folk who were content to cultivate rudimentary fields, and hunt beasts that dwelled around our vige. Contentthat was a good word for those who surrounded me. Despite the endlessly difficulty of the life that we suffered under, they lived in simple contentment with thend around them.


    His smile faded. I was many things, but content was not one of them. Fortunately, life had gifted me the fundamentals to feed my ambition. My body was strong: far stronger, faster, and with more endurance than my fellow tribesfolk. My mind was also quick: while others struggled to grasp higher thought, and used unfounded fears and superstition to exin the world around them, I found that I quickly mastered any skill I set my mind to. I possessed a logical curiosity that allowed me toprehend the world in ways my family could not even begin to hope to match. Even as a young manbetween hunting the deadliest beasts around us and tilling our fields with the strength of five oxenI would also contemte the higher mysteries of the world. On rock and y, I jotted down rudimentary mathematics, and was able to easilyprehend them. I asked philosophical questions of the sky and wind. But, I quickly grew frustrated at my own limits.


    He sighed deeply. The mindeven the quickest mindis only as<strong></strong>useful as good, rich earth. It is a bosom capable of fostering life and growth, but without seed, nothing will ever rise from it. Andin my tribeI was unable to find any nurturing seed to feed my mind with. So, I began to speak to my people. Fortunately, I was gifted with the ability to use words in a way that few were, and I found my tribe hanging on my every syble. It did not take me long to find a ce of leadership among them, despite my youth. Quickly, they began to see me as a prophet of sorts.


    Uldar gave a low, wry chuckle. I''d liken it to a child believing that their father and mother are able to do anything. When a child is very young, the simple act of hiding ones face from their gaze seems like the highest form of wizardry. They do not know that their parent has not disappeared, for they have not yet the object permanence to understand that they have not vanished. It was the same with my people: they were the children of the world, and to my advanced mind, they were simple. I understood things in ways they were not even capable of imagining.


    The god gestured, conjuring a miniature storm with a single hand. It hovered in the darkness around him. So when I could do things, such as predict the movement of the herds around us, or use various natural factors to see what the weather would be in theing days and months, they thought that I possessed the gift of foresight. They called me a prophet! A prophet!


    Another wry chuckle. Some people or ces are strong with the winds of fate, and the knowledge gained from these ces and people<em>that</em> knowledge I would call prophecy. I was no prophet, especially back then. But the title was useful: it gave me control in the tribe that no elder or chief had ever enjoyed. It was not long before my word was unchallenged among my people, and I became the highest authority among them. That was when I knew it was time for the next stage of my n


    So much for the prophet god, Theresa muttered bitterly.


    What was that? Alex paused the recording.


    I said so much for the prophet god, she growled. In the church school, we were taught that Uldar had the gift of prophecy. Now I find out that he was justreally smart. That''s impressive, I guess, but it shows that he was always a liar, doesn''t it?


    To those around him, did it make a difference? Birger asked. I''m wondering what was the source of his strength and sharp mind. Maybe he was just giftedmaybe his father or mother was a god and he didn''t know it. Doesn''t matter in the end, I guess. But it''s curious.


    I''m more interested in this n of his, Alex said. He sounded like he kind of looked down on his people, and that he craved knowledge. Yet, he decided to stay and be a leader to them instead of leaving. I''ll turn the recording back on.


    Sounds good to me, Theresa said.


    Alex reversed it for a few seconds, then started it up again.


    That was when I knew it was time for the next stage of my n; migration, Uldar said. Back then, I felt a great responsibility to my people. I was better than them, but I did not think it right that I should abandon them just to gain the knowledge I needed to feed my growing mind. I would not leave them alone to the cold, hungry world; if I were to advance myself, I would want it to benefit them as well. So, once my word wasw to my fellow tribesfolk, I told them of a prophecy that dictated that we must migrate. In order to survive, we would have to be nomadic for a time, and I would lead them from ce to ce in the world. Eventually, if they followed this prophecy, I promised they woulde to a wondrous new existence. This was<strong></strong>not untrue, and so I feel no guilt over it. In the end, though the journey would be hard on them, they would be led to better lives. By me.


    He took another deep breath. Thus I began my journey across the worldleading my peopleto where I sought knowledge, in all forms. In the south, I found those who had abandoned small viges and hunting camps, to erect great cities and civilizations of stone. In the east, I found those who had learned to harvest the divinity of nature and cultivate it in their own bodies and souls. In the north, I found mighty warriors, those who had forged weapons of bronze and steel and used them to cow the beasts around them. In the west, I found those who had begun to master the arts and sciences of wizardry and alchemy.


    Uldar chuckled. I find myself thankful that I was born in a time where mana was moremon in the material world: those times were barbaric, but at least I did not live in a time when the only sources of magic came from bargains with strange demons and fae. Of course, as I have mentioned fae, I should speak of the meeting between myself, and one of my longest and closest friends.


    He smiled sadly. I would not in any way wish to forget the first meeting between myself and Aenflynn, no matter how much the poison affects me.

 Chapter 774: The Meeting of Old Friends and the Beginnings of Thameland

    Chapter 774: The Meeting of Old Friends and the Beginnings of Thamnd


    At the mention of the fae lord, Alex and Theresa looked at each other. Neither said a word: not wanting to interrupt what Uldar said next.


    The god looked wistful. One of my greatest regrets is that I did not record the passing of my years in those early days. Now all I can do is wish I could remember how old I was when I first met my dear friend, for I no longer recall the <em>exact</em>year. I do know that my journey with my people continued for some time: but by then, both my father and mother had been dead for many seasons. Those who had been children when I was a young man, had long since passed from the world, and it was their grandchildren who served me by that point.


    He paused, then, frowning. Already my memory betrays me somewhat: serve is not the right word. Worship would be the right word. I do not know exactly when my people had stopped simply looking upon me as a prophet, and had instead began to see me as a god, but I do know that by the time I met Aenflynn, they already viewed me as divine.


    His frown deepened. That is where one of the great mysteries of my life lies. I truly think that by this point, I was indeed at least a demigod. I hade to divine power, my body had be stronger, more enduring and swifter than ever, and I had stopped ageing. At first, I had simply attributed those changes to my study of life enforcement, but when I began to work miracles by my own will, without any need for prayer to a higher power, I knew that my strength came from within. The great mystery I often ponder is when exactly I had made this transition. I''ve studied myself, poured over my own memorieswhen they were much clearer


    A look of pain crossed his face. but even then, I could not find the exact point in my life when I became deified. In the end, I suppose, it matters little now. And back then, it mattered little to Aenflynn.


    The gods face took on a wistful smile. This was before he became a fae lord, and was only a princeling of Och Tir Nog. A rebellious one at that: he did not simply wile away his time in courtgetting involved with the great, venomous politics of his realminstead, he explored the material world, expressing a deep curiosity for mortals and beasts. This often got him into trouble: he had note into the full strength of his magic then, and often relied on trickery and opportunity to feed and clothe himself. Under such circumstances, we met. He was attempting to trick one of my shepherds into giving him several of his sheep. I, of course, caught him, but found myself impressed by his quick tongue and wit. He offered to make rpense for his attempt to steal from my people, which I dly took, andin returnhe showed me around thends that we''de to.


    That wistful smile grew into something as warm as a noonday sun. As much as Alex had contempt for the god, he couldnt deny the sheer joy and fatherly warmth radiating from his face. That is how I came to love Thamnd. I had been so focused on my own journey of enlightenment, that I had not paid attention to my surroundings in quite some time. Aenflynn showed me the beauty of thends around me, he showed me the happiness of my people in this location. He showed me the bounty of thisnd. That is when I knew we would settle here. For too long had I turned my people into vagabonds just to nourish my own growth: they had benefited from my learning and protection, but the world had changed. More and more, people were building viges, towns and cities; the time of simply wandering from ce to ce, following herds of game, wasing to a close for many civilizations. The Irtyshenans


    Uldars face turned sour, and Alex wondered what the god''s rtionship with that old empire was. had already begun their Empire building. The Rhineans were harvesting the elements. I knew that I could not allow my people to fall behind, and an ind kingdom, firmly under my protection, seemed to be the perfect cradle in which to raise them to their full potential. Just as they had allowed me to grow into my full strength, I would aid them in achieving theirs. I think this is where I will end entry one. The work in myboratory calls to me.


    With that, the windows went dark.


    No mention of the Ravener yet, Alex said. But since he seems to be only covering the earliest days of his story right now, he probably mentions thatter.


    I want to know what this poisoning thing was about, and if that''s why his memories were fading, Theresa said.


    Maybe something happened to his mind. Birger pointed out. I remember when you first told us that he was dead, and that hed made the Ravener. I could hardly believe it. Doesn''t make sense to me that he made a monster to kill his people when he seemed to care so much about them.


    I don''t know if he cared, Bjorgrund wondered. He talked about helping them out, but he made them wander the earth for generations while he learned more about the world. Sounds like his people made a lot of sacrifices for him. And did you notice how he talked about getting into power? He didn''t outright say it, but it sounded like he almost looked down on them. All that talk about object-whatever-it-was and children thinking their parents were magic.


    I remember when <em>you</em> thought<em> I </em>was magic, Birger sighed wistfully.


    Father, you <em>are</em> magic, Bjorgrund said. Anyway, the point is that he was looking down on them, so I''m not sure how much he really cared about them.


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    Youll understand when you''re a parent, Birger said. What he said was a little condescending, but I got the impression he really loved them.


    If what hes done to us is love, then we don''t need it, Theresa said.


    Im inclined to agree, Alex said. I would never talk about ygon so disrespectfully. Anyway, let''s continue. Entry two should be


    He activated a control in the chair.


    Uldars image returned, it was obvious that this was a different time: hed adjusted his robes and clipped his hair somewhat.


    Living journal, entry two. It urs to me that I skipped part of my story when I began my narration, Uldar said. Entry one is iplete. I will go into more detail about my peoples wanderings before we reached Thamnd. The knowledge that I umted in those years must be ced in this record in the event that my mind declines and my memories are lost.


    How many entries are there, Alex? Theresa asked.


    Judging by what I''m feeling in the chaira lot. Hundreds. Maybe thousands. Alex grimaced. I''ll need to skip a lot of them to find whats relevant. There''s going to be a lot of interesting history here, but we aren''t historians and dont have time for all those extra details: thatll be for another time. What we need now is information on the Ravener, the Marks, and why all this is happening. I think maybe I should start skipping ahead.


    Alex began skimming the entries, starting the recordings at the beginninggetting an idea of what they were aboutthen skipping to the end, if they werent relevant.


    In the process, they learned a number of things, though.


    How Uldar had helped the people in their early days. They learned how he''d guided them to transition from a nomadic life, to building towns and cities of their own.


    They also learned of his troubles.


    No matter what I did, Uldar said in entry twenty-three. I could not force the development of more ambient mana in Thamnd. Experiments to try and create mana vents repeatedly proved to be a failure: I should have known better, truly. Other pantheons from around the world rulends that vary in mana: if it was so easy to force a realm to be rich in ambient mana, then most deities would''ve done so for their own kingdoms. I was left with a grim decision: would I lead my people to a new home? Or would I adjust how I was developing them? In the end, I decided to have them stay where they were. What this realmcked in mana, it more than made up for in plenty of natural resources and its strong connection with the fae wild. Instead of having my people develop into wizards, I decided to simply share my power with them freely, and teach my priesthood to channel it in varied ways. There were some who were resistant to this:munities of witches and barbarians around the islesome native to thesends, here before my people arrived, and some who splintered from my followersthat simply chose to engage in their old ways.


    His face took on a grim expression. But I am not an intolerant or jealous god. As long as they did not quarrel with my people, thisnd would provide for them just as it does for us. At this point, my next task was to begin erecting standing stones at different points for


    Tolerance and ease, eh? Birger frowned. Doesn''t seem like the type to make a Ravener.


    We''re only getting his word for things, Alex pointed out.


    True, Birger said.


    Alright, it seems he''s going into a bunch of detail on stonemasonry, time to move on.


    They continued watching and listening for quite some time, until Theresa pointed out something when they reached entry eighty-four.


    He keeps changing, she said. Sometimes he looks thin, sometimes he looks muscr. Sometimes he''s really pale, other times hisplexion looks much healthier.


    You''re right, Alex said. I thought I''d noticed that too, but I wasn''t sure if I was imagining things.


    I''ve seen something like it in folk fighting a long-term sickness, Birger said. At times, they look healthier than at others. Therell be seasons when the illness is kind to them, or is even fading away. But theres also those times when ites back in full force, and steals their strength. Thats the way he looks, like whatevers going on with him is waxing and waning.


    Yeah, Alex said. Good point. There''s some entries, where he seems to be struggling with his thoughts more than others, too. Probably that poison and whatever else hes fightingit seems he makes progress with it, then it gets worse again. Oh, hold on now, this looks interesting!


    Uldar was talking about Aenflynn again. For several entries, hed detailed his battles against various beasts, monsters, and demons that had repeatedly invaded Thamnd again and again.


    He''d also talked about troubles in Och Tir Nog.


    Aenflynn had the throne for quite some time at that point, and wed both struggled with war. While I dealt with different monsters and beasts to protect my people, he had to battle the incursions of other fae lords, looking to take his realm. My friend is very good at performancehe conveys strengthand it took me some time to understand that his realm was not a strong one among the fae. It was invaded often, and his armies would take many casualties. Unfortunately, my people had suffered casualties as well while I defended them from the dangers of the world.


    His eyes twinkled. Aenflynn had too many mouths to feed, and my people had too many orphans. So he and I spoke of the old fae practice of changelings, except more formalised between him and I. We would switch our peoples. My people would take in some of Och Tir Nogs elderly fae, while I would provide Aenflynn with mortal orphans. Mere orphans who would be destined to either die, ornguish unwanted in some poorhouse until they were grown: firmly on the path to banditry, criminality or worse. If anything, he was doing me a service. Of course, my people would likely never understand this: the kidnapping of children had been a problem of the old daysand remained quitemon in some parts of the worldso our arrangement would be kept secret between him and I. A secret that would benefit both my kingdom and his. It was good work between us. His armies grew strong again, while my people had less mouths to feed. As an interesting side effect, the disappearance of some children caused superstitious fears to grow among my people. That fear meant more prayers, more faith, and thus more power for me. Yet, I still protected them well


    He ground his teeth, then touched the wound on his side. and I still would be doing sopersonallywere it not for that damned demon lord.

 Chapter 775: The Theft

    Chapter 775: The Theft


    So that''s why Aenflynn wanted those children! Alex cried, pausing the recording.


    Whyd you stop? Theresa demanded. It sounded like we were about to learn something really important!


    We just did, the young wizard said. Remember, what Cedric, Destra, and Hart told us? About when they first went to Aenflynnremember he said he wanted children for his armies? I thought it was just a fae thing, but he was trying to work the same deal he had with Uldar.


    That scum was giving children away to be soldiers! Theresa said.


    It''s not umon, Birger said. Lots of realms send their orphans to the military.


    We don''t do that here, Theresas tone was hard. Most of our orphans end up with the church.


    You mean the same people that kept trying to kill us? Bjorgrund asked. The same ones with an army of maniacs?


    I don''t know about the hidden church, Alex said. But what I do know, is that Aenflynn had some sort of military problem back when Uldar was alive: he needed fast-growing soldiers. I guess, maybe hes still having those same problems: and that''s why he epted Ravener-spawn when Drestra suggested it. They grow even faster than human children and, in the end, I guess it wouldn''t matter to him as long as he got enough bodies to fight for him.


    The young wizard looked at the others. When we finish here, we should go right to the Heroes, and find out as much as we can about their conversation with him. We should also see if Drestra knows anything about what he''s done with those Ravener-spawn she gave him.


    Do you think he''s involved with these cycles? Theresa asked.


    Alex frowned. He strongly hinted that he knew Uldar was dead. He had a deal with Uldar when he was alive. Im sure he knows more than he''s let on. A lot more.


    You''re probably right, Theresa said. We should talk to the Heroes for sure. Hopefully, they''ll have time for us. When you were in the sanctum, the Raveners attacks started ramping up and bing more vicious. Our friends hardly have time to do anything but fight.


    We''ll have to get them some help soon, then, Alex said. Alright, in that case, let''s stop wasting time and see what happened to Uldar. Let''s see what demon lord hes talking abo


    A sudden cry reached them from outside the room.


    Hello! a deep voice called. Is anyone there? Ms. Lu? Grimloch? Are you alright? AnswerOh, by the gods!


    Footsteps rapidly approached Uldars viewing room.


    Huh, Grimloch said. Must be a Watcher. Thought you found a patrol and told them what happened?


    Alex was already leaping from the chair, leaving the image of Uldar frozen on the windows before them. He snatched up his staff. I did. They should know where we are. Somethings wrong.


    The group looked at each other, then leapt to their feet, grabbing their weapons. Theresa drew the Twinde, a pair of phantom swords appearing on either side of her, floating in mid-air.


    Bjorgrund helped Birger to his feet. Stay here, father. The giant rushed for the door with the others.


    Alex threw open the door to Uldars viewing room, nearly crashing into three Watchers on the other side. They looked tense.


    The young wizard frowned; none were from the patrol hed brought to the gate.


    Alex Roth? one cried, his eyes widening in shock. He was an older man, with a long, jagged scar running along his cheek. The other two Watchers looked like they were at a loss for words, their eyes were wide. I thought you were away! Are Ms. Lu and


    Were alright. Theresa came up behind Alex, with Grimloch, Brutus and Bjorgrund close behind. Is something wrong?


    Did you talk to the patrol outside the gate? Alex asked, his heart sinking. Had they been attacked? Were there more members of the hidden church around there?


    Everyone outside the gates dead! the scarred Watcher said. Both the gate guards and Vincenzos patrol group! What happened in the throne room? Was there a battle?


    Something was wrong. Very wrong.


    Alex had seen Watchers in crisis before; they were some of the most disciplined people, no matter how dangerous the circumstance. Hed never seen any of them looking outrightpanicked before.


    He grew suspicious. Were they imposters? He began channelling mana from his aeld staff.


    The First Apostle was killed in the throne room, Theresa exined cautiously. And so was his fae ally. The hidden churchs leadership is destroyed.


    The scarred Watcher shook his head. We found the First Apostles head, the bottom half of another body, but wheres Uldars body?


    Alexs thoughts stopped. What do you mean?


    Uldars body and throne, the scarred Watcher continued. Theyre gone!


    Gone? Theresa cried.


    Alex was already teleporting to the throne room.


    He choked at what he saw.


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    The Watcher was right. While the First Apostles head was still therealong with the rest of the Guide


    both the stained throne and the body of the god of Thamnd were nowhere in sight. All that remained of Uldar was his white shroud, lying on the floor, stained with what looked like the same muddy tracks that were throughout the white floors of the throne room.


    Ravener-spawn tracks.


    Shit! Alex cursed as Theresa and the others rushed into the room.


    By the Traveller! she cried.


    Wha Bjorgrund started.


    Thats bad. Grimloch gripped his maul.


    We need to move! Alex said, his mind racing. He extended his hand to the others. If we hurry, we might find whoever took them! Come on!


    Hispanions and the Watchers ced their hands on his arms, and he teleported everyone downstairs. With every jump, Alex kept hoping theyd find the Ravener-spawn.


    But, all they found were more tracks leading down the stairs.


    Cursing to himself, he teleported outside to look around.


    Oh no, Theresa murmured.


    The Watchers that had been killed by the First Apostle wereid out in a row a little ways from the gate, their bodies covered by their cloaks. Theirs were not the only bodies outside the gate.


    Scattered in front of the glowing portal were the mutted corpses of Vincenzos patrol. When Alex hadst seen them, theyd been tending to their fallen and guarding the entrance to Uldars sanctum.


    Now, theyd been ripped limb from limb.


    He could barely recognise them as humanbut he <em>did</em> recognize the muddy Ravener-spawn tracks all around them. The young wizard looked around frantically. There was no sign of the monsters.


    Nothing but their footprints.


    Shit. He cursed again, turning to Theresa. Can you track these prints?


    She fell to one knee beside the tracks, while Grimloch and Brutus sniffed the air.


    The sharkman and huntress said the same words at the same time. They scattered.


    What? Alex demanded.


    The cerberus was turning in all directions, his snouts pointing this way, and that. His three heads lifted as he began to howl.


    What do we do? Bjorgrund asked.


    We start searching, Alex said.


    The young wizard began conjuring monsters that were adept at tracking. First, he summoned a flock of celestial rocs, instructing them to fly above Uldars Rise and search for Ravener-spawn going through the woods.


    Next, he conjured packs of hellhounds, sending them racing through the woods. He summoned celestial dire tigers, with their strong sense of smell and stronger sense of hearing, they could apany the hellhounds.


    After considering which other entities he could call on that had a well developed sense of smell; he summoned small herds of hellboars to join in the search. He also conjured two pairs of astral engeli, sending them out in four different directions; they could sense divine energy and might be able to track the throne and Uldars body.


    Lasty, he summoned elder elementals, sending them boring through the earth below Uldars Rise in search of any tunnels the Ravener-spawn might''ve used.


    Once he was finished summoning his army, he turned to Theresa, she was gaping at how hed so easily conjured so many different monsters for the search. Come on, we should look for them too, he said. Let''s see if we can find them fastwe have no idea how long its been since they took the body and throne.


    What would they even want with it? Bjorgrund asked.


    All we know for sure is that the Ravener serves Uldar, Alex said. There''s a connection there, but beyond that? I have no idea. Let''s just make sure that it doesn''t get its hands on either of them. Take my hand.


    Thepanions teleported away from the stone tower, into the woods around Uldars Rise. Joining the summoned armies, they searched high and low for their quarry; wherever they went, the scent of Ravener-spawn was strong, and the creatures tracks were sunk deep in the earthyet there was no sight of them.


    There were a <em>lot</em> of them, Bjorgrundmented, looking at the tracks as they teleported through the trees. How did they sneak up on this ce?


    And how did they get the drop on the Watchers? Theresa asked a secondter, falling to one knee and checking tracks in a clearing theyd teleported to. And what about the other patrols?


    I have a bad feeling about them, Alex said, his lips a t line. This feels organisedlike the Ravener-spawn were <em>waiting.</em> But how did the Ravener know to strike <em>now?</em><em></em>Anger boiled inside him. And where did that damned army of monsters disappear to?


    They continued teleporting, hopeful, then disappointed, searching among the trees, their canopy, and the forest floor, but there wasnt a trace of the beasts anywhere. Even Alexs summoned army came up empty. They found no tunnels, no Ravener-spawn, no blood-draks soaring away through the skiesor no sign of Uldars body or his throne.


    All that they had were cold tracks in the earth.


    Until, even those were gone.


    The prints suddenly stop! Bjorgrund cried.


    They were in a clearing, following the Ravener-spawn trackswhen the trail abruptly ended. There were signs of the beasts climbing trees, and signs of them burrowing into the earth. But the earth elementals found no sign of deep tunnels, and the celestial rocs encountered nothing mbering through the trees, or flying above the canopy.


    They teleported through the woods, circling them, and finding no trail.


    Even the monsters scent had vanished.


    The young wizard teleported them beyond the boundaries of the forest around Uldars Rise, but even in the fields beyond, they could find nothing.


    What in all the hells is even happening? Alex said, pausing on a hill, surrounded by slushy fields. A road leading to a crossroads went off to the south. How did that many creatures just disappear?


    Can''t even smell them now, Grimloch confirmed, sounding disappointed.


    Alex. Theresa turned to him. Maybe they were dungeons under Uldars Rise. We know dungeon cores can move the earth around them, maybe there were dungeons below us, and the cores just moved the dungeons.?


    I don''t know, Alex admitted. We haven''t seen that behaviour from dungeons before, they just seem to stay put once they''re established. But this cycle has been strangeande to think of it He paused. No one really knows how dungeon cores get from the Ravener to wherever they''re going to make dungeons. We don''t even know where the damn Ravener is!


    And now that they''ve taken a gods body and his throne Theresa said grimly. How bad do you think this is, Alex?


    I he paused. I don''t know. I don''t know why the Ravener would want those things, what it wants to do with them, or what it <em>could </em>even do with them! I meanin a powerful alchemists hands, a god''s body would be worth half the gold in the world, especially if they knew their way around divinity. But the Ravener? Maybe it''s about loyaltyor somethingoh, by the Traveller, I really cant even begin to guess!


    Well have to assume the worst, Birger said.


    We don''t even know what the worst is! Alex said.


    No, but I could guess one thing, Birgers voice was dark. If the Ravener has Uldars bodythen that means it will know its creator is dead.


    Couldn''t that be a good thing? Bjorgrund asked. I mean this whole cycle thing was for Uldar, right? Maybe it''ll juststop. Shutdown, or something.


    Birger shook his head. I don''t think we''ll be that lucky, son. Alex, tell me something. If you got killed, what would ygon do?


    The young wizard shuddered. Just thinking about that sends a chill down my spine. He''s grown a lot, maybe he could handle it now like I handle the death of my parentsbut there was a time when he tried to kill anyone that even <em>looked</em> at me funny.


    Exactly, Birger said. This could be apocalyptic.


    We need more information, Alex shuddered. And we need to bring more people into this. Well have to try and figure out what could be done with Uldars bodythrough divinity. And we need to tell those we trust, that someone, and probably someone not too friendly, has his corpse and throne. Let''s go find the Heroes and Professor Jules.


    He looked across the countryside, his eyes falling on the crossroads.


    I think youre right Birger, I think things are gonna get real bad.

 Chapter 776: Returning to the Homefront

    Chapter 776: Returning to the Homefront


    Cedric of n Duncan was tired.


    Tired in ways he didn''t know were even possible.


    Around the time his fellow Heroand friendAlex Roth had gone, looking for the sanctum of that ancient Fool as well as trying to keep the threat of the secret church away from all that was dear to him in Generasi and Thamnd, things had grown more desperate with every day that had passed.


    As the Chosen, he, his fellow Heroes and the Thameish army were constantly on the move, fighting Ravener-spawn day and night.


    For some reason, the monsters had turned more aggressive, were better organised and even more powerful. There was a time when the fiercer leaders of their hordescreatures like behemoths, hive-queens and gibbering legionswerent seen very often, usually waiting in dungeons, guarding their cores.


    Things were different now, it seemed that every pack of Ravener-spawn was always apanied by two or three of the more powerful beasts, and they acted strategically, striking at specific targets. They werent just waiting in the wilderness anymore, slowly building their numbers until they were ready tounch attacks on Thamnds armies. Nowadays, dungeon cores seemed to be springing up almost as fast as mushrooms in the fall, and growing entire hordes of monsters in mere hours.


    These armies of monsters werent just content to simply rampage haphazardly through the countryside; now they were also purposeful in their actions, attacking supply lines, seeking out the injured and the vulnerable. They were setting ambushes at river crossings, burning bridges and even attacking water supplies.


    But more importantly, they werent stopping.


    There were no more quiet periods; every waking moment saw Ravener-spawn testing the armys defences or descending on their camps. Cedrics days were now a constant waking blur of blood and battle, punctuated by sleepless nights filled with more blood and battle.


    He doubted this night would be any different.


    Under the light of the full moon, the Heroes and their soldiers had made camp in the ruin of an old fort at the top of Aldershots Cliff. On one side of the fort, a dark forest of snow covered pines stood; the ground beneath the canopy was wet and mucky, suggesting the first promise of spring.


    Ravener-spawn tracks were everywhere.


    On the other side of the fort was the cliffs edge leading to a sheer drop of at least two hundred feet into a river and hillyndscape below. Cedric currently stood atop that cliff, gripping his weaponformed into a spearfighting to keep his eyes open as he stood guard, watching the countryside from above.


    Spread across the fields below him, were the ruins of thousands of dead Ravener-spawn, staining the snows ck and red. Great fires zed among the dead, as priests and soldiers went about the business of gathering up the monsters bodies, and burning them on massive pyres.


    In silence, Cedric watched the mes dancing above the snow.


    The woods were quiet behind him, with most of the campincluding Drestra and Merzhingetting some rest for as long as they could. Hart was out somewhere in the woods, patrolling.


    He hardly slept these days, but seemed no worse for wear.


    Gotta keep up, Cedric told himself. Don''t want tbe fallin behind everyone else. Ach, can''t wait til Alex gets back, hope, hell be bringin some good news.


    I cannot wait either, a familiar voice said from behind him.


    His heart skipped a beat as he turned to find the beautiful Isolde floating down from the forts wall.


    Evenin, he said, when shended near him. Didn'' expect yto be up sote.


    I fell asleep early, she said, looking over the cliff. The trouble I have these days is <em>staying</em> asleep. The young noblewoman looked at him closely. How are you? We did not have a chance to talk when I arrived earlier. You look tired.


    Aye, sbecause Im tired. He smiled weakly. Been a drudge,tely.


    I have heard it has be quite terrible on the front lines. Some of the soldiers were telling stories while you were out earlier. It appears things are far worse than I could have ever imagined, she said.


    Snot been no bed o roses, Ill give ythat, Cedric admitted. But whod want to sleep on roses, anyway? Theyre all full o thorns.


    She smiled at that, which made him very happy indeed. I suppose you are right. It seems the beds we lie in are <em>all</em> thornstely, considering how destructive the monsters are these days.


    How goes the material gatherin anyway? Cedric asked. And whatre ygathering? By the time I got back from patrolling, you and Professor Jules had already turned in. I was curious.


    Her brow creased. We are presently seeking more samples of Ravener-spawn and living dungeon cores. So far, we have deciphered enough of Uldars notes to determine certain things about the Ravener, but in order to test certain hypotheses we have developed, we need more dungeon cores.


    An what hipophypehippie Cedric stuttered.


    Hypothesis? Isolde asked, her tone warm.


    Aye, that big, fat word! he said.


    She gave him a sweetugh. Well, what we are thinking is that Uldars construct can somehow take pure mana and certain other energies, and use them to create matter from nothing. To create <em>living</em> matter from nothing; that is a feat of wizardry and alchemy that very few can aplish. Usually, it is the domain of deities alonewe think that ability might have something to do with how the Ravener can reconstitute itself from nothing. Making matter from nothing, reconstituting ones self from nothing. Those things are not that different.


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    I''ll take yer word fer it, Cedric said. So ya need tget a better look at more livin dungeon coresan do more tests. He smiled. By the Traveller, youre smart.


    She blushed. I get that quite a bit The young woman paused, then winced. I did not mean that arrogantly, it is simply that I perform well academicallymy intelligence is amonly known traitbut that is not to brag, or to insinuate that your mind is in anyway dull


    Aye, I know Im as sharp as the smoothest rock at the bottom of a river, he said.


    Yeswait, smooth rocks are not in the least bit sharp, she said, looking puzzled.


    Aye, that was the jest.


    Oh, stop that! she said. You are far brighter than you admit, Cedric.


    Aye, bout as bright as a muddy footprint at midnight when theres no moon.


    Yes, er no! Cedric! she protested.


    Heughed, then. He didn''t remember thest time hed had a good longugh. Im just makin sport wit ya, dont cha worry at all. Besides, I know me own strengths an weaknesses. Yerself, Alex, Khalik, Thundarall oya got these big fancy minds, full o big fancy thoughts, filled wit big fancy book learnin from yer big fancy school. He smiled, his eyes lit up under the moonlight. Isolde took a long slow breath, and exhaled, touching her lips.


    That ain''t me, an we both know it. Cedric continued. Swhy I miss Alex, were doin all this fightin, an lots o the soldiers want me tdo the leadin an thinkin...but that aint what Im best at. Sjust a fact.


    Cedric, knowing your own strengths and weaknesses makes you smarter than half the people I have met at that big fancy school, she scoffed. It is a ce full of those who puff themselves up beyond their station, trying to shout to the world that they are brilliant and have talents that they in no way have. Instead, they have the meanest, most cur-like of ambition. And, little to back it.


    Maybe thats so, but I wouldn'' mind havin someone else tthink o ns an helpin tguide us, Cedric said. What were doin aint workin, its like were just treadin water on some days. Itd be nice thave Alex ttalk wit about all this. An Baelin too.


    Is there no one? Isolde asked. Is there no one to advise you?


    Cedric tilted his head, thinking about that. Eh, advise is a bit of a strange word to use. The priests give <em>advice,</em> but they aren''t our <em>guides.</em> Sdifferent, yknow? Theyre no mentors or equals. Wish we had that now. Instead, theyre lookin tme fer leadership, butI dunno, leadin so many feels like a coat thats shrunktoo tight round the shoulders, and not fittin quite right.


    Alex is a good leader, she said.


    An a good friend, Cedric said. All o yous are. Big regret o mine is that we didn get thchance to know each other better. Be nice just tbe together yknow. All o yous. Specially you, though.


    I wish we could spend more time together as well, she said softly. Perhaps, when all of this is done


    Aye, butbefore that He looked at Isolde closely. There''s something I gots ttell you. I


    Something snapped in the trees.


    Isolde and Cedric turned toward the woods. Dont like the soun o that.


    Me neither, she said. On the other side


    Suddenly a bell began ringing.


    Ravener-spawn! To your posts! a guards voice joined the nging bell.


    Grey beams of lightnced out from the trees, cutting through the darkness. The rm abruptly stopped.


    Petrifiers! Isolde cursed. They must have bypassed Harts patrol!


    Cedric set his jaw. Theyll be after Drestra. Go an make sure shes awake, Merzhin an the Professor too! I''ll hold em off!


    Alone? Isolde asked.


    He grinned at her, his golden tooth shining. I might not be all that good at thinkin, or leadin, but Is the Chosen. Protectins somethin I''m damn good at!


    He cast flight magic on himself and soared over the ruin. Isolde watched him fly away, then turned, flying off to make sure the others were awake.


    Cedric reached the trees, cursing.


    The entire forest was alive with Ravener-spawn.


    Twitching chitterers. Powerful bone-chargers. Hulking Skinless ones, and rising from their ranks, a host of more powerful monsters: behemoths, gibbering legions and even a gruesome-looking, multi-tentacled rampart crusher. Dozens of the Raveners Hunters dotted the enemy ranks andthough he could not see themCedric knew petrifiers had to be leading them.


    Right, Cedric, he said, casting defensive magics over himself. Remember, yjust got ta hold them beasties off fer maybe a minute or twoby yourselfnot a problem. He drew in a deep breath. Alright, Ravener-spawn, lets da


    Suddenly a monster dropped from the sky.


    A creature with a draconic lower body, and six arms that wielded as many weapons,nded on a behemoth, crushing it in the mud. In a blur, sheshed out with a glowing, ded tail, and the weapons she was holding. She pointed a strange device at the rampart crusher, there came an ear-shattering crack and a barrel sized hole blew through the beast.


    All around, masses of Ravener-spawn were dying in heartbeats.


    Soon, more monsters, looking nothing like Ravener-spawn, appeared.


    Hulking earth elementals rose from the ground, and storming air elementals floated from the sky. Winged humanoidszing with holy lighnded among the Hunters, cutting them down with ming weapons.


    In minutes, the Ravener-spawns ambush had be a ughter.


    A ughter of Ravener-spawn.


    Volleys of fireballs flew from the sky, exploding among the enemy. Hunters were turned to ash, andmore importantlypetrifiers were now outlined in me, glowing like living targets announcing their positions.


    The new monsters did not hesitate.


    The towering six-armed woman levelled her weapon, releasing booming projectiles that punched massive holes through a petrifier, ripping through a line of trees behind it.


    Earth elementals swarmed over the legs of another petrifier, dragging it deep into the ground as air elementals fried it with lightning. The winged beings fell on thest one, mangling it with holynces and ming swords.


    Cedric stood, stunned, gaping at what was going on around him.


    You looked like you could use a hand, a voice said from beside him.


    He spun around, looking into the green eyes of a familiar, sorely missed friend. Alex? he cried.


    The young wizard was floating beside him, with Theresa, Brutus, Grimloch and the two giants hed met from that northern Empire.


    In the flesh, Alexughed. I''m back.


    Do ygot Baelin witcha? Cedric asked, amazed at the destruction dealt by the army of summoned monsters. Where in zes did all these beastiese from?


    Theyre with me, Alex said, pointing a finger at a Hunter, trying to escape the chaos. With a twitch of his brow, and a few muttered words, the young wizard struck the creature with a beam of magic.


    It screamed, instantly turning to dust, particles floating through the air.


    The Chosens eyes were close to bulging from his head. Did you justthat spelldoes that mean


    Yup, Alex grinned. There is no more Fool, my friend. The Generals back.


    Then, why do y''all look so grim? Cedric asked.


    Well exinter, Theresa said. We should tell everyone together. Are Drestra and Merzhin here?


    Aye, an Isolde, an Professor Jules an some Watchers are here too. Harts out patrollin, but after all the hells yjust raised, Im sure hes well on his way back.


    Good. Thatll save time, Grimloch said.


    Yeah, Alex said, then reached to shake Cedrics hand. It''s good to see you again. Come on, weve got information to share and some nning to do.


    At the word nning, the Chosen let out a relievedugh. By the Traveller, did I ever miss ya!

 Chapter 777: The General and the Heroes

    Chapter 777: The General and the Heroes


    Do my eyes deceive me? Professor Jules called into the night, her eyes wide. Isolde was beside her. Is that you, Mr. Roth? Please tell me you''re not some apparition created as a result of one of your more foolhardy adventures!


    Alex, Theresa, Cedric and the othersnded in the rubble of the courtyard, among the tents. Priests, knights and soldiers wereing from tents and passageways in the ruined fortmost were wearing armour that was in different states of being strapped on.


    Among them, Drestra and Merzhin had been moving toward the forest, but had stopped dead when they saw Alex andpany approaching.


    It''s me, the General of Thamnd smiled at Professor Jules before turning to his other friends. I''m finally back. And the monsters that were out there are dead.


    Hed dismissed his summons for now.


    At thisespecially the monsters being dead partthe Thameish soldiers began cheering and asking questions, like; what did he just say, and howre they dead so fast?


    The Fools back! And he brought reinforcements! a knight cried.


    Long live Thamnd! another soldier cheered.


    In Uldars name we thank our god for our allys return, a priest said.


    Alex had to fight down bile rising in his throat as Professor Jules, Drestra, Merzhin and Isolde rushed toward them.


    You''re alive, Alex. Thank the elements! Isolde cried. Is it finished? Did you do it?


    Professor Jules and Drestra looked at his shoulder, while Merzhin had a perplexed look on his face.


    Yes, Alex said. I did. I actually did it.


    Congrattions! Isolde shouted.


    Finally, Professor Jules let out a sigh of relief.


    Good for you. Good for all of us, Drestras voice crackled.


    Concongrattions Merzhin said quietly. But did you avenge her?


    Alex looked at Merzhin, and knew he was talking about Carey.


    He nodded silently.


    The relief that went through the Saints body was palpable; his shoulders rxed, the tension drained from his face. Oh thank he paused, his words failing. Thank Uldar, he finished in much quieter tones.


    Alexs face twisted at the gods name, but he looked away at Professor Jules and the Heroes. Is there somewhere we can talk around here? Privately, I mean. Theressome stuff I have to tell you. Well, theres a <em>lot</em> of stuff I have to tell you, but he looked at the ruined forts gateway and the forest on its other side. We should wait for Hart to get back.


    Sounds serious, Professor Jules said.


    It is serious, he confirmed. We have a <em>lot</em> to talk about.


    Gone? Merzhin screamed, his voice echoing through stone walls around them. What do you mean <em>gone?</em>


    I think he was pretty bloody clear! Cedric shouted.


    Drestra red at them both. Will you two keep it down? she hissed. Do you want the entire camp to hear you?


    I cant me them, Harts deep voice rumbled from a dark corner of the forts jail hall. This is badeven if I dont know why its bad, I know it cant be good.


    Alex and hispanions had waited for the Champions return, then gone to a damaged hallway in the old fort leading to the dpidated buildings jail hall. It was a short, narrow passage with jail cells on either side. The space was cramped with all thirteen of them crammed into iteven with the giants shrinking in sizebut it was the most private spot they could find.


    The soldiers and priests were outside, collecting more Ravener-spawn bodies for the pyres, while Alex told his story from the time hed left for the Empire with Bjorgrund and Birger, to the disappearance of Uldars body and throne.


    It was the disappearance that had made Merzhin and Cedric react so intensely.


    The others were quieter, but the shocking fact had clearly disturbed everyone, especially the two Heroes.


    Hart was tapping his foot nervously, while Drestra had her arms wrapped around herself, her fingernails digging into her skin.


    Isoldes jaw hung open in silence, while Professor Jules had gone almost as pale as fresh snow. The alchemy professor was muttering under her breath.


    This is a horrifying development, Professor Jules said. And a very poorly timed one at that. You were on the cusp of getting information that could be <em>vital</em> against the Ravenerthen you have that interrupted by <em>this? </em>Never mind <em>what</em>horrors the Ravener could be nning for Uldars body and throne<em></em>


    Thats what I wanted to ask you about, Professor, Alex said. What <em>could</em> the Ravener do with his body?


    She shook her head. Its hard to say. As far as we know, the Ravener is no alchemist, so the most well-known alchemical applications that would likely apply to divine blood and flesh, can be ruled out. Then again, we have no clue as to what this Ravener is <em>truly</em> capable of, not to mention the ring fact that Im no expert on divinity.


    The professor looked at Merzhin. Do you have any idea what it could want with Uldars body and throne, Merzhin?


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    Silence dragged on before the Saint finally answered; for more than a few heartbeats he simply stared ahead with unfocused eyes and a nk expression. II really dont know. My training did not involve learning what could be done with my own gods bodywhat sort of depravity have wee to?


    Seems none of us can rightly say, Cedric said. But we gots tput a stop twhatever it is. We needs tbe findin the bloody Ravener I jus wish findin it was as easy as talkin about findin it. Thatd be the way tsolve all this.


    Not until we find out how to stop it from reviving in a hundred years, Drestras voice crackled. Even if we find and destroy it, it will juste back in a century. Your descendants will have to deal with it, and <em>Ill</em> be alive in a hundred years to fight its monsters all over again. I have no interest in that!


    That is true, Professor Jules confirmed. Even if we did find itwith no way to shut it down permanently, thenengaging in battle with it would be somewhat pointless. Still, I''ll try to discreetly consult with some of my colleaguesones who have academic knowledge in divinityregarding what one could do with the body of a god. Any information we can gather could give us some pre-warning as to what might being.


    I can tell you one thing thats probablying, Hart said.


    Everyone turned to him.


    The Raveners been getting nastiertelywhen it finds out that its creators dead


    Yeah, we''ve been talking about that, Alex said, looking around. It''lle for us. Probably all of us. Or, at least, that''s the assumption we have to make.


    Oh, well thats jus bloody great, Cedric rolled his eyes. Were all hangin on by a bloody thread, an you''re thinkin it''s gonna get even <em>nastier?</em>


    We won''t be able to contain the Ravener-spawn ourselves, Drestra said grimly. Not if it gets even more aggressive.


    We''re going to need help, Alex said. And I want us to have as much of it as we can get. Unlocking, the General has given me some ideas.


    Well, I fer one would appreciate more help <em>and </em>some ideas, Cedric said. I''m all ears. But wait, before we keep goin, show us that bloody Mark oyours. We''ve been here, talkin all sorts of doom and gloom, an haven''t even gotten to the good news stuff!


    After all of this waiting and so many difficulties, Im also very curious, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules added.


    Alex looked around; the othersexcept Birger and Bjorgrundwere staring at his shoulder expectantly.


    Alright, Ill need to take my shirt offbutI guess if seeing someone shirtless offended any of you, youd never be able to be around Cedric, heughed.


    Hey! The Chosen frowned. Ach, yer not wrong, though. Its jus that I find shirts so bloodyconstrainin, is all!


    They really are, aren''t they? Bjorgrund agreed.


    Aye, Im bloody shocked nobody else talks about it! Cedric said.


    Oh no Isolde murmured.


    Alex unfastened his cloak and pulled off his shirt, while the Chosen and giant discussed the intricate tyrannies of being clothed around the torso. Alex revealed the Mark of the General to hispanions; the crowned sword, hovering above the scroll, shone in all its glory in ce of the Fools Mark.


    d I don''t have to hide my Mark under Thundars illusion anymore, Alex rubbed his shoulder.


    So thats what it looks like on flesh. Drestra eyed it. The others crowded around his shoulder beside her. Even Merzhin was examining it. It looks a lot better than the Fools Mark did.


    You might want to consider concealing it, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said. No one outside of our inner circle even knows that Mark exists. Otherwise, it will raise a lot of questionsand perhaps we should be ready to answer them.


    Thatsa good call, professor, Alex said. Which actually brings up something I wanted


    Wait, wait, Hart said. I can <em>see</em> that the Marks look different, but is this one <em>really</em> different? Can you fight now?


    Alex responded by punching Cedric in the jaw.


    Gah! the Chosen reeled back. Hey! Whyd ydo that?


    Payback, Alex said simply. Remember, when you sent me flying when you found out I was the Fool? Well, I only gave you a little love tap on the jawmostly out of consideration for Isolde


    The noblewoman turned bright red, sputtering like a teapot.


    and considering you tried to knock the soul out of my body, I''d say I was pretty merciful. Alex grinned like an evil cat.


    Love tap my arse, it still hurts! Cedric said, rubbing his jaw. By the Traveller, you really <em>are </em>holdin a grudge!


    Yeah, Alex said, turning to Hart. Hows that? Does that show you I can actually fight now?


    Hart was doubled over, his shoulders were shaking with silentughter. Since he couldn''t speak, he simply gave Alex a thumbs up.


    Bloody traitor, the Chosen grumbled. Right, then. Anyone have any more questions? Well, if ydo, don ask em. Don''t want im demonstratin anythin else on me. Now, Mr. love tap, what were ygoin tbring up before ywent an decided tgive me more gold teeth?


    The young wizards smile faded, and he sighed.


    Listen, he said. A <em>lots</em> happened. The hidden churchs members are just about dead, except for the ones that were embedded outside of Uldars Rise. We know Uldars dead, but now his body''s been taken by who knows who, for who knows what reasons. The Fools gone, and the Generals backa <em>lot</em> has happened. Do we keep it all to ourselves?


    He looked at the others. With the hidden church gone, a lot of our need for secrecy is out the window, and things are probably going to get really bad before they get better. I''m wondering if we should tell anyone aboutany of what''s happened? About anything that''s changed?


    We cannot tell anyone that our god has passed! Merzhin said, with passion. Already, morale is being stretched thin. In the past three months, I have had to convince at least three separate groups within our forces, not to desert our cause. If they hear that Uldar is dead, there will be a mass exodus.


    Aye, but dwe even got the right tkeep that news tourselves at this point? Cedric asked. Powerful enemies are deadand it don''t feel right to keep Uldars crimes tourselves.


    The body being takens a big problem, Hart said. What if the Ravener turns it into some kind of zombie and has it appear and tell everyone that we should all be killed or something? He shrugged. I don''t know much about spellcasting, but Ive fought the undead. Who knows, maybe the Ravener can do that sorta thing, then next thing ya know, our people are fighting <em>us.</em>


    Good point, Alex agreed. I didn''t even think of the possibility of the Ravener trying to turn the people against us. The young wizard frowned. I don''t want to have to deal with that shit. It''s been nice going through my own country without having to be worried about being captured at any moment. The way it was for me before sucked, period, and I don''t want any of you to have to go through that.


    How would one stop that, though? Isolde asked. <em>If</em> that is the Raveners n and I do mean <em>if, </em>since we have no idea as to <em>what</em> is truly going on.


    We should get ahead of it, Alex said.


    Perhaps we should tell the king.


    Everyone looked at Merzhin.


    Really? Cedric asked.


    The Saint looked around. Why not? He is the highest authority in thendandhow do I put this? He thought carefully. When I saw the corpse of my god, I knew that I needed to take other actions. The death of my friend, Carey, and the death of my god meant that I needed another path in my life. Yet, when the First Apostle saw Uldars body, you said that he reacted by only going further into ugliness. He could not adjust. I think, however, that the king can.


    Merzhin pointed at Alex. We were able to convince him to not take you. I do believe he would be open-minded enough to hear the truth, and help us when he hears it.


    The others looked at each other.


    I don''t know about that, Alex said. I remember when his army tried to kill me: it''s probably still infiltrated by members of the hidden church, and who knows how close they are to the king.


    The Heroes look at each other.


    About that, Drestra said. You heard about how that councillor from your city spoke to the king, right?


    Yeah Alex said. Councillor Kartika talked to him, that''s what Professor Jules told me. Why, has something happened since then?


    A lot, Cedric said. Feels like someone''s been tryin tsmoke the foxes out o the henhouse.

 Chapter 778: Smoking out the Foxes in the Henhouse

    Chapter 778: Smoking out the Foxes in the Henhouse


    What do you mean trying to smoke the foxes out of the henhouse? Alex asked. Has something been going on with the army?


    It started with transfers, Hart said. Officers transferring in from other battalions. People straight from Ussex; hard people. Knights with a lot of connections at the court, and nobles whod fought for the king before. We thought theyde here to keep a closer eye on us.


    I actually thought they might''ve been from the hidden church for a while, Drestra said. But if they were, they never made a move.


    Well, they did, Hart said. It just wasn''t against us. You see, theyd always be a little apart from everyone else, keeping their own council, as it were. That''s when some of the priests and other soldiers were transferred out and sent to other parts of the realm.


    Aye, Cedric said. The newest folk were the ones sent away most o the time. We didnt know what any of it meant, but


    I get what youre saying, Alex said. It does seem strange for all those people to randomly start appearing and sending soldiers away after Councillor Kartika talked to the king. Seems thatd be connected. And if the kings moving against the secret church, it should mean he''d be a good ally for us.


    Perhaps, but perhaps not, Isolde said. What you propose to tell him is that his god has been long dead. No one knows how he would react to such newsno one knows how <em>anyone</em> would react to that.


    I still think it''s the best solution, Merzhin said. As you said, it could be that the Ravener is nning to use Uldars body to turn all of Thamnd against us. I would not have our people fall into in-fighting, so this would be one of the best ways to counter such a possibility.


    With the highest authority in the country on our side Alex mused. Yeah, that could really help. Alright, then that''s one of the things we should do. I''m not sure how much we should tell him yet, but we <em>should</em> at least try and talk to him in private.


    Hold on, Birger said. How do we convince this king that Uldars dead, if we do give him such drastic news? Well, if <em>you</em>tell him that, I mean. I doubt I''m going be there for that meeting. Point is, you don''t have a body anymore. I don''t know if he''s going to just take your word for it.


    What about Uldars recording? Theresa asked. We <em>could</em> take King Athelstan to the recording. Uldar says right in it that he was getting sickand with the sanctum being empty, yet all of his stuff is still theremaybe the king will be convinced then?


    We should watch the rest of Uldars journal first, before we decide on that, Alex said. We dont know what else is in that record. Last thing we want is for us to show him the recording, just for Uldarsst entry to be I will never die, if anyone is showing you this then they have murdered me and you should kill them, immediately.


    That would be awkward, Bjorgrund said. So, youre saying we should watch the rest of the journal first?


    As much as Id like to say that we should go after Uldars body right now Merzin paused. Without having the slightest idea as to where it might be, we would simply be wasting precious time.


    The recordings are the only source of new information that we have, perhaps, we should go through them before we do anything else, Jules said. If were lucky, his journal will lead us in the right direction. Then we can get Uldars body and throne back and be closer to ending this menace.


    Something urs to me, Isolde said. Will we have continued support from Generasi in the future?


    What do you mean? Professor Jules asked.


    At Rockmoot, it becamemon knowledge that our intent is to end this bloody cycle once and for all, Isolde said. Councillor Kartika heard that as well. But if the Raveners destroyed, that would effectively end the supply of dungeon core essence forever. Would that not be against Generasis best interests?


    Silence fell over the group.


    That thought had urred to me too, Professor Jules said. But none of the council have said anything to me on the matter; no one hase to me directly to ask me anything about it, and if Councillor Kartika has any opinion on what we were trying to do, she has certainly been quiet on the point.


    There''s a relief, Cedric said.


    I wouldn''t be so sure, the alchemy professor countered. What Councillor Kartika heard were simply our intentionswe haven''t shown any real progress on ending the Ravener permanently, yet. And, remember, she''s a politician, Professor Jules emphasised. Considering what''s been going on back homewhich I''m sure is going to greatly displease Chancellor Baelinshe won''t be in the best political position to push back against us for trying to destroy the Ravener. Not yet, at least. When we start making true progress toward eliminating the Ravener forever, she might not be so quiet about it.


    Yeah, that sounds about right Alex mused. But wait, What do you mean what''s been going on back home? I mean, in Generasi. What<em> has</em> been going on there?


    Professor Jules looked at Alex. I suppose you weren''t here for that.


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    Here for what? the young wizard asked.


    Yeah, I''m curious about this too, Theresa said.


    Well, from what I have heard, word of your Saint and demigoddessthe Travelleris spreading. Rather quickly at that, she said.


    Theresa and Alex looked at each other, then at Isolde and the Heroes.


    None of them looked like they knew what she meant.


    My husband has a regr date for drinks with a few of the higher ranking members of our government; not the council members themselves, but some of their aides, Professor Jules said. Theres been a lot of buzz going on in the Wizard Council. Apparently, our city of wizards is bing a city of miracles. It seems it all started with some of the mercenaries who fought<strong></strong>at Uldars Rise when a number of them became devout followers of the Traveller.


    Theresa looked ufortable. This woman told me about her son, apparently he was one of those mercenaries, the huntress said. She said that all he ever talked about was this new faith hed found at Uldars Rise.


    Indeed. Few new converts are shy when they join a new religion. They tell everyone, Professor Jules said. But, I do understand why rumours are flying around the wizard council, you have to understand that much of the Generasi citizenrys disdain toward deities stems from three things.


    She held up a finger. First, being a city of wizards, we do not need the power of a deity to make reality morefortable for ourselves. Magic eliminates much of the need for the divine.


    She held up a second finger. The second stems from our history: the divine entity that ruled thends that would be Generasi was, of course, Oreca. He was a cruel deity, and selfish enough to try to destroy the poption when he could not get his way. They killed him, of course, and that fact is pressed into our blood and culture: Generasians are god-killers, not worshippers.


    Merzhin shifted ufortably.


    However, Generasis poption has grown over the centuries, Professor Jules continued. It swells with people who havee to the city at the centre of creation from all over the world. When folke, they bring new ideas, new philosophies, and new deities.


    But none of those deities ever caught on in Generasi, Alex said. Probably because Generasi doesn''t need miracles, and they have contempt for deities in the first ce.


    That''s true, Mr. Roth, but that leads me to the third reason why worship of deities has never caught on. She held up a third finger. Generasi is a city that runs a great deal onmerce and exchange. Not just in coin, but in favours and ideas.


    Makes sense, Alex said. You need to put something into magic to get something back out, even if thats just mana and time. You need to bargain with otherworldly entities to get them to serve you. With so many wizards in Generasi, the idea of bargains bing part of the culture just adds up.


    Indeed, Professor Jules said. And when Thameish priests came to Generasi, they never quite understood that. Theyd perform services for people, but wouldrgely keep to themselves and serve their followers first. They would stay in their own quarter, usually only stepping into the rest of Generasi society, to push their own faith.


    Or beg for donations, Theresa said. I remember seeing priests standing at the city gates asking for coin for the war effort.


    Precisely, Jules said. And to the average cynical citizen of our city-state, that would not trante into more faith for foreign deities. Most of our poption look at priests as somewhat untrustworthy. No offence, Saint Merzhin.


    I am not sure if I should be offended or not, Merzhin said. Let''s just say not, for now.


    Thank you, the professor continued. In any case, the favours that foreign priests did, supposedly for free, actually came with strings attached to them. They might feed the poor, but expect those they fed toe to their temple and pray. They might heal the sick, but then quickly extend their hand for donations. They might lead others to enlightenment, and speak of an aesthetic life, then retire to temples paved in gold.


    They couldn''t all have been hypocrites, Merzhin spoke up. Maybe I am bing somewhat offended now.


    No, not all of them were, Professor Jules said. But those that wereand there were many, historicallydid a lot of damage. In the end, priests in Generasi became associated with the idea of hidden costs. Meanwhile, much of what they could do was no more wondrous than what any Proper Wizard She grimaced. I hate that the chancellors words bleed into my vocabryor alchemist could do. And the nice thing about most Generasian wizards or alchemists, is that the costs are discussed <em>upfront</em>.


    Alex chuckled at that.


    Merzhin didn''t.


    So basically, the young wizard moved on quickly. The priests came, some of them were suspicious, and what they did was pretty mundanepared to what a lot of wizards could do. So they never caught on. The Generasians had a bias against priests in the first ce, they don''t serve any real role in that society, and they can''t do much more than what most Proper Wizards


    Jules groaned.


    can. So theres no need to worship at a temple to maybe get what you can by visiting your local magic shop. Is that about right?


    Very good, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said. Importantly, the power priests wield ismostlyreplicable and exinable in our city.


    But you said something different is going on now? Alex said.


    Because Professor Jules looked at Alex pointedly. what''s been happening <em>hasn''t</em> been exinable. ording to my husband''s friends in the bureaucracy, people are seeing their ailments healed. Illnesses have been disappearing like they were never there. People have been finding themselves saved from danger.


    That sounds like something Hannah would do, Alex said.


    Exactly, she said. There has been no direct cause for these events. No altruistic wizard someone can point to. No friendly priest that someone can exin. All that people know is that good deeds are being done without any apparent source, and they tend to ur around the people speaking the Travellers name. There was an incident where a young woman apparently spoke to one of the mercenaries from Uldars Rise who talked glowingly about the Traveller. This young womanughed off the encounter, then came home to find her sick pet suddenly cured of an ailment that had gued it for months. Thereve been other stories like that from all around the city, and it''s starting to make people take notice. <em>Really</em> take notice.


    Huh, Hannah''s doing good, and thats spreading her name, Alex beamed. Good for her!


    I was also told of simr things urring in the Rhinean Empire around the area where the Thameish are staying, Isolde said. In truth, I really did not think much of it at the time.


    An that exins the things thatve happened here, Cedric said. Soldiersve said they''ve been saved right from the jaws o Ravener-spawn! Monsterslle leapin at em, only tsuddenly be pulled away, or fer the attack tfall short.


    Hannah must be growing stronger Alex reasoned. Shes showing more power now. Shes gotta be closer to finding her way back to the material world.


    Aye, Cedric said. Well, all I knows is I prays ther.


    You know what Alex said. Maybe we can help her. We need to bring up something with the king, but first? Let''s go watch Uldars journal.

 Chapter 779: The First Ravener

    Chapter 779: The First Ravener


    When Alex returned with the others to Uldars Rise, there was nock of Watchers present.


    The area was secured, and a perimeter had been established, fortifying the gate. Watcher Hill was now there.


    They must''ve contacted Greymoor, Theresamented as they appeared among the warrior-wizards.


    Good to see all of you, Watcher Hill said, walking to them. Professor Jules, I must apologise. I imagine youve already been informed of the developments here?


    Yes, Jules sighed as she walked toward the portal.


    Watcher Hill lowered her head. Allowing this to happen is a blemish on our record. To say it was uneptable is an understatement and we should''ve done better. It should never have been allowed to happen.


    We''re all doing our best, Watcher Hill, Professor Jules continued. Your Warriorsid down their lives to stop those items from being taken. No one can ask for any more than that.


    Understood, the Watchermander said. We''ve fortified the area, and requested reinforcements from Generasi for both Greymoor and this area since it has beenpromised. She paused, looking at Alex. Wee back, by the way.


    Thanks, Alex said. I just wish we were meeting under better circumstances.


    It was Watcher Hill who looked exhausted now. I agree. These have been trying times for all of us.


    We''ll get through it, Alex said in earnest. The worst might being, I don''t know, but weve survived a lot up to now, and I''m not nning on letting that change anytime soon.


    We have some information to take a look at, Watcher Hill, I think you might want toe with us, Professor Jules said. Its information from some found records of Uldars that Mr. Roth discovered. They should be helpful.


    The Watchermander paused. Alright. I''ll inform my<strong></strong>lieutenant as to where Ill be, then Ill be with you.


    Perfect, Alex said, then paused. Actually, if everyone doesnt mind heading upstairs without me, I have to teleport to Greymoor for a moment.


    Is there something you have to do? Theresa asked.


    Yeah, get some chairs, he said. Doesn''t make sense for all of you to be sitting on the floor again.


    I just want to warn everyone right now that Uldar is <em>really</em> long-winded, Alex said as he sat in the gods overstuffed chair. The controls let me speed through some of his words, and I can reverse them in case we miss something, but a lot of this is just going to be sitting and letting him spew his story at us.


    It will not be the first time I have sat through a stuffy lecture, so to speak, Isolde said, looking quite rxed beside Cedric. It is not a problem for me.


    It feels strange, Merzhin said, his chair a little apart from the others. This timest year, I would''ve been inplete ecstasy at the thought of hearing Uldars words. To see his image, would''ve made me faint from emotion. Now, thoughI almost dread it.


    Are you sure you wanna be here for this? Alex asked him. I mean, if you can''t, you can''t. We could just tell you what he said after we''re done.


    The small man''s eyes turned hard. No. I think I need this, even if it <em>will</em> be like swallowing vile medicine.


    Well, if you need to step out, just tell me, Alex said, then looked to the others. The room was much fuller now. Anyone have any questions?


    Yeah, Hart said. If Uldar takes a long time, that''s gonna be a problem: itll be rough on the soldiers and priests if we''re gone for very long.


    Alex grinned at that. I left Asmaldestre with them. Trust me, she may not be able to heal wounds and cast spells, but after a bit of time with her, the Ravener-spawnll be <em>begging</em> for all of you toe back.


    Your army might be too, Birger added.


    Fair enough, Hart said. Alright then, let''s see what this blowhard has to say.


    With that, Alex reactivated the controls in the chair.


    The images of Thamnd all around the viewing room disappeared and Uldars image re-appearedstill looking sicklyas Alex advanced the journal to where theyd left off.


    By the Traveller! Cedric swore. So that''s what he looked likewhen he was livin...


    He looks awful, Drestra said. He almost looks dead.


    That wound at his side looks bad, like its oozing a lot, Hart said.


    Merzhin choked back a low sob, but showed no sign of needing to leave the room.


    Alright, let''s start again, Alex started the recording.


    Uldar ground his teeth, then touched his side. and I still would bepersonallywere it not for that damned demon lord. Suddenly, the god looked very weary. I tire. I shall continue thister.


    Uldar disappeared, and Alex went to the next entry.


    When the god reappeared on the windows before them, everyoneexcept Grimlochgasped. He looked far worse than he had in hisst entry. His skin was grey, his body much thinner, and the wound on his side had stained much of his robes, ck.


    He was shivering, and his eyes were haunted, the skin around them looked bruised.


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    When he spoke, his voice was weak.


    Living journal, entry eighty-five. Its been some time since I''ve been able to continue this record to myself. The poison burns my body badly as ofte, and my health diminishes far more than usual. I must speak to Aenflynn about more solutionsbut my mind has been growing more foggy. Days that I am clear grow fleeting. Fortunately, the next cycle is near. The next link in the chain is forming.


    Theresa and Alex looked at each other, but said nothing. No one wanted the recording to stop.


    I had hoped to rest, but my mind turns on itself with bitterness. This journal has done much to keep me sane over thestthestI do not know how long I''ve been recording it now. He looked disturbed at this. But I must try. I must admit that my reluctance to record this entry is due to reliving the pain. The pain of my fall.


    He took a deep breath.


    I remember the day clearly at this moment. Aenflynn and I had been working together for some time, my people were growing in both knowledge and might, and I had just achieved a great victory over a terrible sea serpent that had gued our coasts. His lip twitched. Those were good times. We celebrated often, then. Both Thamnd and Och Tir Nog were in times of plenty. Yet our enemies plotted against us, and they would strike in a way that we had not anticipated.


    His face grew stern. I have often wondered if things would have been different had I not spent the centuries I did helping Aenflynn directly. Not only was I sending children to him to swell his armies, but there were a great many battles where I personally led my honour guard at his side. Together, we were able to shatter the armies of his enemies. Unfortunately


    His hands clenched into trembling fists. Those enemies had noted my assistance in Aenflynns battles and had decided to take a two-pronged approach. With the help of an archwizard, they conjured a demon lord of poisons from one of the deepest pits of the hells. Even I cannot fathom the sheer amount of power they must have used to aplish such a feat, nor do I have such an evil mind toprehend the processes that were used to <em>change</em> the creature.


    His thin lips became a t line. What I do know about is the amount of chaos that resulted when they unleashed the beast upon my people. While they attacked Och Tir Nog with their armies, their mutant-demon ve attacked Thamnd. The suffering that resulted was unimaginable. Already, the demon lord had been a creature of venoms and poisons, but the enemy fae had altered its form to enhance those properties. Wherever it went, ournd was polluted. Mortals and beasts alike died from its venom; those that did not, were prey to the monsters it would shed from its form, just as a hound would shake off fleas.


    He snarled. Naturally, I could not abide this. In the span of days, my people were reduced to a fraction of their number. So I challenged this demon single-handedlythis creature called


    Alex and Theresa spoke the word at the same time as Uldar did.


    The Ravener.


    The god continued. We fought for thirty days without end. It was the most terrible yet wonderful battle I had ever fought. In many ways, the creature made me feel alive in ways I had long forgotten. I had no longer known the fear of having one''s life on the lhe rush of victory snatched from the jaws of death. And victory I did achieve. In my hands, I broke the beast, smiting it to its ruin. Thenin the throes of wrathI crossed into the fae wild and slew the armies besieging Och Tir Nog. The kingdoms around Aenflynns died in a span of days.


    Uldars expression grew sad then, and he touched the wound on his side. But our victory came at a terrible cost. Though Aenflynns enemies were wiped out, much of his poption had also been devastated. Decimated! Beyond decimated! Where he had once ruled a kingdom, now he had only a fraction of his people to rule. Enough to fill a vigeperhaps a town.


    The gods shoulders slumped. And I would soon know that pain well myself. When I returned to the material world, I found that the monsters the Ravener had shed had gutted my kingdom. The civilization that I had worked for thousands of years to build, was all but destroyed. Peaceful peopleisted from the world outsidegrowing into the finest form of themselves, most were wiped away because of the machinations and poisonous nature of a few evil minds. Many of the sages amongst my people were lost. So much knowledge! So much artistry! So much inspiration!


    His voice swelled. All gone! I had failed them. I had failed my people. And it was up to me to rebuildbut, of course, I failed to understand the true deviltry that had befallen me.


    He touched his wound again, his handing away wet. In thest throes of the Raveners life, it had struck me with a poisonous tentacle that pierced my side, injecting me with its deepest, most deadliest of venoms. At the time, I had feared it little: I was well into my godhood, then, and knew of no poisons that could bring a god low. We can recover, and live beyond most traumas. Sickness cannot bring us lowwe have no need to fear hunger and thirst.


    Uldar shook a finger at himself. But <em>this</em><em>poison </em>had <em>putrefied</em> in the body of a demon lord! A demon lord that had been enhanced through fae magics! Why did I not know that then? I would not have allowed it to fester. He shook his head. When I cure this, never again will I be so foolish. I stood, so very focused on rebuilding my kingdom with my peoplereteaching them the knowledge they had lostI hardly paid attention to the fact that all of my wounds from the battle had long healed by my inherent divine energies.


    He jammed a finger into his injury, wincing with pain. All except this one, where the beast had stung me and tore me open! For a time, it seemed to be healing, just as the others had. I felt no need to treat it beyond using my divinity. I assumed that due to the wounds severity, it would eventually heal, but would take time to do so. Instead, it festered. Most signs of it had faded from my skin, but within me, the poison was slowly rotting my insides like carrion. I had no warning, as I had no pain, until one day, my side ruptured, spewing out the ck corruption within me. I called on my most powerful divinities, but nothing stopped the poisons.


    Uldar grimaced. It was only then that I knew that if I did not seek outside aid, I would die. So I hid the wound from my people, and went to Aenflynnthe injury was beyond the skill of either him or his healersespecially since he too had suffered great losses in the war, and most of his sages had been killed. I knew that if I sought help from outside Thamnd, every deity, fae lord, wizard or tyrant would see my realm as ripe for the taking. I also needed to not be seen as weak before my people. And so I made a costly decision.


    He clenched his teeth. I retreated from the material world,ing to my sanctum where I could focus my divinity, continuing my ascension to higher realms of deific power. When I came more into my godhood, I thought that the poison would simply burn away. I ascended from what was once my home in the material world, trusting it to a secret order of the church. They would be the stewards of my material home, the only ones who knew from where I had ascended, and the ambassadors between myself and my people. They did not know that I was woundedI had no reason to tell them: I had thought that healing the venom would only take the passing of a few moonsbut that short amount of time, actually turned to years. Those years, to decades. Thanks to my growing understanding of my own essenceand different tonics that Aenflynn would bring memy health stabilised. Meanwhile, both Och Tir Nog and Thamnd were healing. The poptions were growingthough more slowly in the fae kingdom. They began to rediscover knowledge that had been lostthough some things were forever forgotten. Yet, they prospered.


    He closed his eyes for a long moment. I was happy. I thought that in peace, I would recover, and then rejoin my people. That was when my wound began to worsen. The poison coursed through my body, stealing my strength, and the rot spread further. At first, I did not know what was happening. I thought that perhaps I had underestimated the venom, or that some tonic my friend had given me had worsened it somehow. I wish to this day that it was that simple. If it were, my people would have suffered far less.


    The god swallowed, tears springing to his eyes. I discovered that my body was able to fight the poison off less effectively, because my divinity was diminishingless faith wasing to me from my people. By that point, I had been away from Thamnd for centuriesand my children, who I had raised for thousands of yearshad begun to forget me.

 Chapter 780: The Villain Behind the Curtain

    Chapter 780: The Viin Behind the Curtain


    Oh shit, Alex muttered beneath his breath, his stomach sinking. He could already tell where this was going.


    A god, desperate to survive, now being forgotten.


    It was easy to guess what had brought Thamnd to the situation they found themselves in every hundred years, but Alex still had more questions<strong>. </strong>Everyones eyes were fixed on Uldar: from the sour look on Birgers face, he''d already figured it out.


    He was grimacing and muttering under his breath: oh, by the ancestors, dont, don''t do it.


    Cedric was beet red.


    Oh, by the spirits, Drestras voice crackled.


    Bjorgrund, Professor Jules, Watcher Hill, Isolde and Theresa were still watching in rapt attention.


    Grimloch and Hart watched stoically, their expressions unreadable.


    No Merzhin moaned. Do not be so cruel


    Above them, the image of Uldar continued.


    I want there to be a record, so I will always know that I did not abandon my people when I left their side. I did not simply recede into my sanctum and leave them to their own devices. I did not leave them to the cold, dark world, to the predation of monsters and tyrants, or the machinations of foreign fae lords.


    He began to gesticte wildly. I sent oracles and revtions to my priests. I provided them with power to work miracles, and even worked miracles for them from a distance! I spoke to my people from afar: granting them counsel and support! And I did not show favouritism to my children either! Just as I cared for the kings and queens, I cared for the most struggling peasant! Even if I could not be physically beside them, I gave them everything any mortal could ask for and more!


    His eyes shone with white light. I spoiled them, that is the best way for me to put it! I used precious divine energies that could have been directed toward my own recovery to ensure they wanted for nothing, and yet, they <em>still forgot me! </em>Instead of showing me gratitude, they began to turn inward, thinking of themselves. Many returned to the old ways, some began showing reverence to deities from across the seas that they had been told of!


    The light in his eyes was so bright, Alex had to squint to keep his eyes on the gods face. Merzhin was partially standing. To the ungrateful, I was no longer their respected deity, I had be nothing more than a distant, rarely remembered ancestor! Many still respected me, but there was no worship! <em>The fools</em>!


    His image trembled as he roared thest two words. What more did I have to do to prove that I <em>existed</em>? To prove that I was worthy of their worship! And just what did they think would happen if they scattered their faith to the four winds, leaving their father to wither and die alone? They should have known that they would know the cold, hard dangers of the world! That they would know what death and fear and hunger actually was! But I did not want that for them. I never did! I loved them, even though they would not love me in return! Remember these things, Uldar, always remember those desperate centuries. Let them calm the guilt in your heart! Remember the panic and desperation as you tried to shower them with <em>more</em> miracles! As you tried to do everything in your power to prove that you <em>mattered! </em>That you were worthy of a few simple words spoken in prayer that you needed to<em> keep you alive! </em>Remember those yearsand more importantly<em></em>


    The light faded from his eyes. remember how none of it helped. The gods lips trembled. A deep indescribable sorrow was etched in his face. Remember how your miracles would only produce small surges of faith, as the people then turned right back to forgetting you. Remember how they took your kindness for granted! Remember how many of them cried out about you not being there for them to see you. Remember how some preached thateven if you were truly a godyou were a weak one, unworthy of their prayers.


    He touched his wound again, snarling. Remember the disgusting corruption that spread through you from this terrible wound as faith continued to dry up around you. Remember the terrible sickness, always threatening to bring you low. Always remember those times of darkness. Remember how they took you for granted, all while the infection kept spreading, continuing to eat away at your life-force. Then always remember the event that changed it all.


    Uldars shoulders shook, and he frowned as though searching deep in his mind. The year wasthe year was He struggled. I cannot recall. I used to know that year as well as I knew my own name, yet I cannot recall it now. I hope I canter, perhaps in a future entryI do remember, though, that it was in the summertime. That is one thing I hope I will never forget. I had watched Thamnd prosper from my viewing room: happy for the people, angry at them, sad for myself. One day, I witnessed invadersing to our soil. It was the Irtyshenanpeople, but the Empire had gone by a different name then


    He paused. Or perhaps they were a smaller kingdom or Empire that the Iryshenanster conquered. I do not remember. What I <em>do </em>remember is that I did not have the strength to drive them off. The faith flowing through my sanctum and into me, had fallen so low, that to drive the invaders from our shores, I would have had to sacrifice my very life. At that time, the rot had spread like roots through much of my body, and I was so weak that I found it taxing to even look after my smallest needs. All I could do was watch while my people suffered. My heart bled for thembut there was something extraordinary happening to me.


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    A look of guilt quickly passed across his face. The invaders showed little mercy to my people, ughtering them like beasts, and they were warriors, used to fighting, while the Thameish had grownfortable. I had always protected them, even from this sanctum, even while they were busy forgetting me. Their small army of fighters were all in by the enemys war golems. The invaders shattered our few magicians with deadly magics. Their ships sank oursthey burned our crops, and began putting many to the sword. I truly thought that was the end of both myself and my kingdom, for I still had not the strength to save them, and they had not the strength to save themselves. Yet, as they were once again facing extinction, my people did something they had not done in generations. They turned purely to prayer.


    Heughed bitterly. These children who had be so proud, so strongor so they thoughtnow pulled the ivy from my old shrines, and blew the dust away from my abandoned churches to throw themselves on the ground in prostration and beg me to save them! Even as their numbers dwindled away, their prayers turned more numerous, more frantic, and much stronger. More faith flooded to me in that time than in the previous five centuries altogether. I was awash with power, and my wound receded before my divine might, like shadows fleeing from the sun.


    The god clenched his fist. Invigorated, I struck down the invaders from where I stood in my sanctum, boiling the seas beneath their ships, raining lightning from the sky, tearing open the earth, and swallowing up their armies. When I was done, none remained, and my people rejoiced!


    Heughed again, a sound both bitter and joyful. I learned a valuable and terrible lesson in that moment. I had learned that infort, they would ignore me, but in times of fear, they would throw themselves down and call for my aid and mercy. After I had ended the threat of the invaders, my people screamed about the miracles that I had wrought. They spoke of their love for me, and how they would dedicate their lives to worshipping me. Statues were raised, and my churches were packed with survivors of the war! Power coursed through me, and I thought it would only be a matter of time before my wound would finally heal. If only that could''ve been the case. Uldar sighed. Within a centurya mere hundred yearsmany of my people had already forgotten. Mortal lives, are unfortunately, short, and though the generation that lived through the war still worshipped me to their dying breathstheir children thought of me lesstheir grandchildren even less, ignoring my churches as they went about their selfish livestheir great-grandchildren went a step further, tearing down my churches to build new homes for themselves, for the sacred buildings were now seen as no more than easy sources of stone. Even my secret church could not reverse the tide.


    A look of deep hatred creased lines across Uldars face. I cursed myself for what I did nextI cursed myself for what I <em>had</em> to do. I knew that the only way for me to survive and heal this putrefying wound was to do what would have been, at one time, the unthinkable. I had toin a waybetray the very people I had sworn to protect. I would need to keep stoking their fear so they would never forget me again. It would only be used as a temporary solution, of course, to be done away with once I healed. There was no other choiceto this day, there is still no other choice.


    By the Traveller Theresa swore.


    Horrible Merzhin gasped.


    For my people, and myself, I would have to keep the fear at a peak so that they might heal me, so that I might keep protecting them foreverand then one day I could rejoin them. But for this to happen, I would need an enemy for them to fear. One so terrifying, that they would flock to my churches again. And to this end, I took inspiration from the two greatest enemies that at one time had brought my kingdom to its knees: the invading Empire and the Ravener. I went to myboratory, took the shell that I had harvested from the ancient demon lord as a trophyand as an object of study to try and cure my poisoningand used it as a basis to create a construct. A construct so advanced, that it would make the golems of the time look as rudimentary as a wagon wheel.


    His chest swelled with pride. I invented entirely new forms of alchemy to create my most fearsome creature. Its power source was twofold: an advanced mana generator, and a vessel to absorb fear. I gave it much of the capabilities of its predecessor and focused on the original Raveners ability to create armies of monsters. I then infused it with a number of protocols and attached them to a mind that allowed it to make decisions within a broad context. It is my greatest creation, apart from Thamnd itself, that is, and I look upon the Ravener as my child as much as the people of Thamnd are. It is loyal, driven, and would never stop worshipping meif only I were able to infuse it with a true soul. Perhaps, then I could have created an entire army of constructs that simply exist to worship meunfortunately, though, the Raveners reverence did not transition into faith for myself. After all, it did not have a soul. So I needed to continue with my n.


    That bastard, Theresa swore. So that''s why he did it all.


    To survive, Merzhin said. At the expense of us all.


    Arrogance Alex said, feeling a mix of emotions.


    The others were quiet.


    Unfortunately, I would also need a counter to my peoples enemy, Uldar said. While the Ravener would serve as the object of fear to generate faith in me, such an enemy would be useless if it simply roamed through the realm, killing all who crossed its path. One problem with that, was that I would not be able to stop the Ravener myself. Striking it down with divine might would drain my own power, and allow the people to be less fearful since they would believe they could always count on me to save them from so dangerous a threat. The problem of them bingfortable and turning their backs on me would still persist.<strong></strong>After all, if I was able to stop it from my sanctum, then what reason would they have to fear it? Yet, if I allowed it to rampage long enough, they woulde to see my reluctance to stop it as neglecting them! They would stop worshipping me and even grow to hate me. And so, I had to find a better way to stop my Ravener.


    He smiled, then, a smile filled with pride. I had already crafted my viin, but I would need heroes to stop it. Heroes that fought in my name, and on my behalf. Heroes that would generate reverence for me, even as the Ravener generated fear and faith. And so, I found inspiration for these Heroes in the rune-marked of the north: I decided to automate a process where five heroes would be selected to battle the Ravener. While my little construct would forever be destined to be defeated by them; it would also be destined to reconstitute itself after every hundred yearsgiving the people enough time to rebuild, but not enough time to forget their father. New Heroes would be selected every hundred years to face the Ravener in <em>my</em> name. They would be called: the Champion, the Sage, the Saint, the Chosenand they would have a leader, strategist, and teacher who would be a second inmand to myself in times of war; The General.


    His smile faded rapidly. I had thought myself so brilliant at the time, but in reality I had already built a w in my processone that nearly cost me everythingthanks to the General.

 Chapter 781: To Make a Hero

    Chapter 781: To Make a Hero


    He''s finally gonna talk about us, Cedric whispered.


    Alex paused the record. It looks like itand there''s already a lot for us to digest.


    Now we find out why and how he made us, Drestra said. Or why and how he made our predecessors.


    I, for one, am very interested in knowing Professor Jules was so angry that she was shaking. why he thought he should create some horrible monsterin the image of another horrible monsterand make it fight five people so young, that they hadnt even seen twenty years of life yet, is beyond insanity. This is one of the worst vitions of alchemy I have <em>ever</em> heard of. How monstrous!


    But Merzhin paused. His eyes kept looking down and his face was shining with sweat. people stopped believing in himand he was going to die. Yet, he chose to punish, not only those he felt had wronged him, but every generation thereafter! How couldhow could he do this?


    I don''t know, Hart said. Fancy alchemy or magic or divine


    I mean morally! Merzhin shouted, looking at Alex. You said that in earlier recordings he spoke of our people with love.


    A condescending love, Alex replied.


    But it was still love! Merzhins voice was shrill. How could hee to <em>this?</em>


    You''d be surprised, Merzhin, Hart said grimly. I grew up on the battlefield. I''ve seen all sorts of people and beasts die, so much that death doesn''t really bother me anymore. But thats not the worst of it. The worst of it was seeing what people would do to survive. The simple truth is many would do anything: I''ve seen parents take arrows to protect their children. I''ve also seen others send their children before them into battle while <em>they</em> escaped. People are messed up, Merzhin. I guess gods can be messed up too.


    The Saint shuddered, trembling with a mix of pain and anger. He looked as though a loved one had just died. I suppose theres truth in what you sayand its uglyAlex, can we continue? Before I lose my nerve.


    We can, the young wizard said, turning the recording back on.


    Uldar continued, When I first designed the Heroes of Thamnd, I made sure to tailor their roles for two purposes. The first was for effectiveness: if they were to represent my will in the material world, they would have to be powerful, decisive and strong. Any feelings of guilt that I once had about choosing the age of eighteen for my Heroes, I now believe was misguided. Eighteen is in fact the perfect age. For mortal humans and many races of a simr lifespanit is the age where most physical development isplete.


    Oh, you dead pig, Professor Jules growled.


    Yet, it is also an age where a young persons mind is still malleable: the process to prepare one to be a Hero requiresoften unthinkingloyalty, passion and the ability to be influenced, whiches with being young. Uldar ran his hand through his white beard. An older individual might have already developed other belief systems, or have had life experiences that would make them resistant to a new role.


    The god tapped his heart. Most eighteen year olds, on the other hand, would easily ept and leap at the chance of having such power, and the importance thates with being a Hero. It would boost their sense of self and help to define their purpose in life. Young people often look to outside sources for identity, joining different organisations or groups in order to give themselves a sense of belonging, and to help define their role in this confusing world.


    I already had a purpose, Alex muttered, grinding his teeth.


    So did I. An orange light shone from behind Drestras veil.


    Oh Merzhin choked.


    Bloody Cedric muttered.


    Hart kept watching in silence.


    Older individuals would have more life experience, but they would also be more likely to have different attachments, such as a family of their own, Uldar continued, which would make them reluctant to ept their new role. A thirty or forty year-old might have children, or even grandchildren, farmsteads, businesses, attachments that they would be loathe to abandon. Even if they did ept the role of Hero, they might only do so while seething with resentment. That would not be inspiring, which brings me to the second reason why I chose that age. I must remember that a majorponent of the Heroes roles is to serve as inspiration. By acting as my representatives against the Ravener, they inspire others to great demonstrations of faith. The beauty, wonder, and vigour of youth is more inspiring than the physicalints, withered skin, and reluctance of the elderly. And Heroes who do not inspire, serve no purpose in my n.


    He sighed. I mourn the role of the General, it was a stroke of genius on my part. The Generalpleted the Heroes, making them the perfect representation of my will and might upon the material world. Each Hero was meant to symbolise something that I valued, or a role that I myself represented for my people.


    The god raised his index finger. Alex could tell he was enjoying himself, revisiting what hed done. The Champion represented my martial power. They would be gifted with vast physical capabilities, and the warrior traditions of all those that came before them. Just as the people grow stronger with every generationhoning the knowledge that I granted themso did the Champion.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Makes sense, Hart said. The Mark made me a much better warrior. He looked like he was about to say something else, but then went silent.


    But physical power, without magical might, is a poor representation of my legend in Thamnd. Next, Uldar raised his middle finger. The Sage was meant to be a demonstration of my power over magic: possessing a tremendous mana pool, just as I do.


    Yes, but without being given any knowledge? Drestra hissed. No proper training? And what if we want to use our mana for something else, not for fighting an enemy <em>you</em> made up?


    Of course, Uldars recording could not answer her questions. He continued on. The Saint represents my divinity, preventing any in Thamnd from forgetting my deific presence upon thend. Miracles and magic working together, just as I wielded them when I walked the material world.


    Merzhin whimpered but was otherwise quiet.


    Which brings me to the Chosen, the god raised his pinky finger, The second inmand of my Heroes. If the General is the head of the Heroes, then the Chosen would be their hands. The Chosen would fill in gaps, while being a deadly force of nature all by themselves.


    Dunno what teven say, Cedric said. Bloody messed up on that one; I''m nomander.


    Isolde ced her hand on Cedrics.


    Uldar finally raised his thumb. Then there is the General


    Everyone looked at Alex.


    The General is the ultimate portrayal of what made me strong, Uldar said. I was born with vast gifts, but had I allowed myself to rot in the wilderness with my primitive people, I would never have risen to the lofty heights upon which I stand. Instead, I chose to hone my mind, and absorb the skills of the world to <em>enhance</em> what I already had. Comcency was my enemy, and so it would be an enemy of the General.


    He pulled at his beard in frustration. I crafted that Mark to take disparate skills and turn them into power, to train them in critical thinking, strategy, and general knowledge. They were to be a tactician, an innovator, a teacher and a warrior, just as I was. Through their presence, the other Heroes would reach their full potential, and be ready to challenge the Ravener at its peak of power. I had taken such a beautiful path, the five original Heroes were my perfect team, representing me in Thamndbut sadly, they worked much <em>too</em> well.


    Alex leaned forward, hanging on Uldars every word.


    The first three cycles went so perfectly, the god said grimly. My Heroes fought both hard and well, destroying the Ravener, and causing a surge in faith that I had not felt in millenia. My wound began to recede, I healed, and my strength returned. It was gloriousbut it would notst. It was the fourth General who uncovered the true nature of the cycles.


    Alex, the Heroes and Theresa gasped.


    So someone else figured it out before, Bjorgrund said.


    I should have seen iting, Uldar continued. But I think the first three cycles had gone so well, that I became overly sure of myself and my process. Truly, had I been thinking rationally, I would have realised it was only a matter of time. Generals are trained to question, learn new things, and look for unorthodox solutions. The church and the kingdom provided them with vast stores of knowledge to feed them every cycle, they also shared the knowledge gathered by previous Generals. I had designed the Marks to specifically find those youths whose personalities would best match their roles. Champions would enjoy fighting, Sages would have mana and a talent for magic, Saints would be faithful, Chosens would be brave and Generals would be intelligent and analytical


    So were jus little dolls in little boxes thim, Cedric muttered. Little toys fer our little roles.


    Yet we suit those roles well Merzhin muttered. But, Alex was no Fool.


    Uldar continued. But, after three cycles of the Ravener regenerating, it was natural that the cunning General would gather all the previous information of his predecessors, and begin to look for ways to stop it from returning. It was the fourth General who discovered the w in my design for the dungeon cores; in order to ensure that Ravener-spawn would be able to use them, I''d designed them so they could be controlled by those who followed memy intent was for the spawn of the Ravener, myself, andin case of the unforeseenmy most loyal servants to do so.


    Alex, Professor Jules, Isolde and Drestra looked at one another.


    Uldar went on. As a result, I went with the easiest and most simple limitation for the dungeon cores: they could only be used by those that believed in, and served me. The General was able to unravel my n.


    The gods shoulders slumped. They deduced that I was behind the Ravener and quickly turned the other Heroes against me. It took much of my power, as well as the lives of many members of the hidden church to silence the General. My hidden church then needed to use the dungeon cores to turn the Raveners own spawn against it to end that cycle. It was nothing short of a disaster.


    So, seems e had somethin of a rebellion before, Cedric said.


    But, why haven''t we heard of that? Drestras voice crackled. There''s no trace of any history that mentions anything about that.


    Alex paused the recording.


    History is easy to change, Professor Jules said. Especially in an isted realm like Thamnd: if one changes the history books, thenonce enough generations and the most long-lived people have passedone can change what history is.


    Historys recorded by the winners, Hart added.


    But it still makes no sense, Drestra said. The witches of the Crymlyn would remember. They''d pass it on.


    Let''s find out how he did it. Maybe some sort of mind magic on a mass scale? Alex said, turning the recording back on.


    Uldar continued. Once the rebellion was ended, the Ravener was destroyed, and we moved on. The problem was that the next General uncovered my n toofound the hidden churchand wanted payment to keep what shed learned to herself. We had to silence her as well. When another General discovered the ws in my n, it was clear that it had failed, but it was toote to abandon it.


    He touched the wound again. The cycle, at that point, was self-sufficient: the Ravener would continue to reconstitute itself, and the Heroes would continue to be chosen, even without input from me. I needed it to function that way, in case I was ever too incapacitated to take care of the cycle myself. I was alsorgely dependent on the faith generated by the wars, simply destroying all that I had done and starting over from scratch, would have resulted in my death before I could have ever created something new. So I needed to fix what I had. And what I had was a problem that would not go away. I needed a reset, but too many would remember what hade before.


    The god clenched every muscle in his body like he was in agony. It was with a heavy heart that I did it, that I activated the Raveners final protocol. And in the next cycle, it turned the entirety of my kingdom into a mass grave. Together, my Ravener and I destroyed nearly everyone in Thamnd.

 Chapter 782: Harts Anger

    Chapter 782: Hart''s Anger


    Merzhin bolted from his seat and fled toward the hallway with one hand mped on his mouth. He shoved the door open, took three steps and heaved the meagre contents of his stomach onto the white floor.


    Alex cut the recording, shaking with rage.


    The rest of the room was in an uproar.


    You, filthy gue-spewin bastard! Cedric roared, turning and running after Merzhin. Are yalright? He called.


    The Saint stumbled further into the hallway.


    Drestra was up and out of her chair, her body ck with shock.


    Harts eyebrows had shot up.


    Jules was shaking her fist at the image of the God, cursing him with colourful words Alex had never heard before.


    Birgers hand was sped to his mouth.


    Theresa was grinding her teeth, shaking her head while ring at Uldar. Brutus was snarling at the image of the god, barking beside her.


    Bjorgrund had gone pale.


    How horrible! Isolde gasped.


    Alex went after Merzhin and Cedric, finding the two young men down the hall. Cedrics arm was around the Saints slight shoulders, as he sobbed against the wall.


    That''s what we worshipped! Merzhin choked. That monster is what I dedicated my life to! I trusted that, and if I hadntCarey would still be He gasped again. Her lifeshe wasted so much of her life on <em>that!</em>


    I ain''t gonna say salright, Cedric said, rubbing Merzhins back. But, the twove yave got good hearts. Don matter bout some dead monster


    But it does! Merzhin spun around, tears staining his face. It does!


    Alex reached them as Drestra and Hart came up behind him. The five Heroes were united.


    The five Heroes of a god who had ughtered his people, Alex thought, feeling a wave of nausea wash over him. A thought where he had no Mark, neither General, Fool, or any other, kept ying in his mind as he silently cursed the selfish, murderous god of Thamnd.


    Merzhins eyes turned to Alex, tears streaming from them. All of our lives were twisted by thatmonster! he choked. Your life was stolen, he sobbed. Then he looked at Drestra. You didn''t want any part of this quest, and <em>I </em>told you to serve UldarI told you to serve a god, a dead god whod killed most of his own people!<em></em>His own people! A god who believed that marking the young would make them easier to manipte!


    Drestra stood quietly, only trembling.


    Cedrics mouth opened and closed, but no words left it.


    Alex was speechless.


    Hart broke the silence. So what?


    The other Heroes collectively flinched.


    What do you mean, so what? Alex asked him.


    All of you need to pull yourselves together right now, the Champion continued. Look, he was a shitty monster. I cant even pretend that he wasnt. We served him for a lie. He changed the path of our lives including our futures. If he was here, I''d be happily caving in his bloody head without a second thought. But he isn''t, I don''t even have his dead body to kick around.


    His expression was fierce. But on the battlefield, sometimes your enemy sticks you with a spear. They hurt you. Do you cry and scream, and roll around on the ground bleeding? Maybe, but that''s a good way to get dead. What you should do is pull that spear out of your guts, and drive it right back into their face. Doesn''t matter; when you grab it, it''s yours.


    He pointed to each of their Marks. Those Marks we got? Theyre ours now. He''s too dead to make us do anything with them, except what <em>we </em>want. Theres nothing he can do about that, and thats good, right? We''ll take his power and break his n into pieces.


    But what about all the mistakes we''ve made? Merzhin asked. I have done so many terrible things in his name.


    So? Hart asked. By the time I was twelve, Id done things that would make all of you look at me like some monster. That''s the way of battle. Sometimes, you don''t fight for the right cause. Sometimes you don''t have a choice. Sometimes you don''t know better. But we know better now. So what matters is what we do next.


    He nodded at Merzhin. Careyid down her life for all of us, and now she''s with a deity that''s <em>not</em> some raging shithead. A deity thats trying to help all of us. It''d be nice if she was still alive, but she isn''t. We''ve gotta deal with that, she took her death and did a lot of good with it. When she died, she didn''t cry and scream and vomit: her soul came back to save us. That''s what a warrior is. Nah, I say we do the same. We get back in there, find out what else we can learn from that bastards image, then we go fight his spawn, train, get that fancy research stuff done, thenwe kill whatever hes left behind.


    Silence followed.


    Are you sure <em>you''re</em> not the General? Alex finally said. That was really well put. Harsh, but really well put.


    Hart shrugged. We''ve all got our moments. He looked at Merzhin. You good, or do you need some more time?


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    I The Saint took a trembling breath, choking back tears. I can do this. Let''s finish learning what we can from his record, so we dont have to hear his poisonous voice any longer. He paused, giving a bitterugh. High-pitched. Chilling. All my life, all I ever wanted was to hear his voice. Yet, even when I was foolishly in the hands of the hidden church, he wouldnt speak to me. Now, all I want is to never hear his voice again! Life is a wicked jester, isnt it?


    Sometimes you tell the joke, sometimes you''re the punchline, Alex said, patting Merzhin on the shoulder. All we can do isugh or get even. Right now? I feel like getting even.


    Yes, Drestra growled. He talked about the young having passion. Well let the mes of our passion burn down his legacy.


    Aye. Cedric stood to his full height. Well give his little creation what for! Now, let''s go back in there an see ifn his sins get worse.


    Yeah, Alex said. Then we undo what we can.


    When the Heroes returned to the viewing room together, they were quiet, with their heads held high. They looked united.


    The others watched them; Professor Jules eyes were full of pain.


    Are you sure you can continue? she asked.


    They made their way back to where theyd been sitting before Merzhin had fled the room.


    Alex sat in Uldars chair again. Im sure.


    Aye, Cedric said.


    Yes, Merzhin said.


    Of course, Drestra said.


    Always was, Hart said.


    Theresa mouthed are you okay? to Alex.


    He nodded. If everyone''s ready, let''s continue. I don''t wanna see his filthy face much longer.


    The General of Thamnd turned on the recording.


    Uldar made a great show of sorrow at his admission, but Alex couldn''t help but feel sick watching him.


    The guilt still eats me to this day, the god said. Yet, it had to be done. The continued disruptions by the General would have destroyed the cycle. The cycles end would have spelled my doom. And my doom would have meant the end of Thamnd; my people always needed their god, even if that meant pain in the short term.


    We were fine with you being dead, Alex muttered bitterly. We got on just fine.


    Uldar, of course, did not respond. And so the Ravener, during the next cycle, had all safety protocols lifted. With full ess to its power, and the fear generated by my people, it was easy for it to make its strongest monsters; hordes and hordes of them. They struck quickly before the Heroes were ever united. My heart broke watching as my people died in massive numbers. I had to watch their cities burn while their prayers went unanswered. It was one of the most difficult experiences<strong></strong>of my long existence, though the fear powered me deeply and let me enjoy greater health than I had in centuries. I spared the lives of a small portion of the poption: enough to be fruitful and make Thamnd whole again. Just as if I were culling a poption of deer, specimens had to be left intact to re-popte, like any herd.


    Theresa said something rude under her breath.


    When the cull was over, a small number of the lowest most isted peasantmunities remained. Robust people who would make good stock to replenish Thamnds numbers, simple folk who knew little outside their own closed off group. The perfect types with little knowledge or histories from hundreds of generations to pass along. They were pure, almost like nk tes. The Ravener eliminated a good portion of the hidden church as well, leaving the lower ranking members since they were not privy to the full details of my n. I then told them what they needed to know and no more. These agents, these young priests, worked with the peasant stock to shape the rebuilding of Thamnd.


    He smiled weakly. Again, I have to thank my own foresight for making my ind nation isted. I was able to do what had to be done without the world seeing or interfering. People were far less connected than they are now, and the nearlyplete destruction of one small kingdom could easily escape the notice of others. While the people worked with the hidden church to renew my kingdom, their faith grew. Combining with the dying prayers of those the Ravener had erased, the poison coursing through me ebbed away for a long period of time.


    His smile faded. However, I must also curse my own foresight. In my attempt to make the process of marking Heroes self-sufficient as well as to fit with the same time that the Ravener was reborn, I made the process <em>extremely </em>intricate. I could not simply eliminate the General without having to rebuild the entire process from the ground up. Nor did I have time to do that. Yet, it was necessary to ensure that never again would the leader of the Heroes be able to discover<strong></strong>my true intentions. So, although I could notpletely eliminate the GeneralI could modify the Mark. Where before I would have had a grand leader for the Heroes, one made in my image to coordinate the Heroes actions and lead them, now I had to change that role to one of Fool, someone who would not analyse the situation they were in. The Chosen could still be suitable to lead, while a greatly diminished General, now the Fool, would still be of use, providing relief, levity, andfort to the others.


    He opened his hand, a glowing symbol of the Generals Mark appeared above it. With a twist of his fingers, it transformed into the Mark of the Fool. I granted the remaining members of the hidden church a revtion that the General was an abomination, and that my true intentions would follow in the next cycle. They were tasked with ensuring that none of the poption spoke of the General again, and they themselves were to take any knowledge of their existence to their graves. They did so admirably.


    Uldar smiled weakly. To achieve my new goals, I added additional protocols so the Ravener would make the next cycle less challenging than past ones. The Thameish poption was far from abundant, and of course, this new Herothe Foolwould naturally hinder the Heroes: I did not wish for them to disy the same level of power that theyd had in past cycles. The results were even greater than I had hoped for. Though the Ravener acted with a good deal of restraint when it faced the new generation, they nearly lost the war, only achieving victory through great sacrifice. I sent another revtion to my priests, in it I told them that the Heroes sacrifice should be celebrated, and that word of this should be spread among the budding poption of Thamnd. Over time, all mention of a General disappeared both from history and memory. Soon even the faelong lived, but flighty andrgely unconcerned with the intricacies of mortal matterssaw that knowledge slip away too. All except Aenflynn, of course. Cycles passed, my kingdom rebuilt through generations, and we reached a new equilibrium. Unfortunately, the oddplication would arise.


    The god frowned. For one, I was unable to consistently alter the selection of my Fool. At times, the Mark would find its way to those who were analytical and clever. This problem forced me to manually<em></em>select the inept for my Fools when I learned who had been chosen in certain cycles. Yet, it did happen on one asion when I was indisposed and a cycle urred, that the Fools Mark found its way to one with an analytical mind and ambition; causing what the hidden church called the Generals Folly. A troublesome event where a Fool came to discover that they could control dungeon cores.


    Alex swallowed, looking at Drestra.


    Of course, Uldar continued. The name the hidden church chose for the eventThe Generals Follywas coincidental. They had no knowledge of the General, but for a frightened moment, I thought they had uncovered something. Luckily, it turned out the name was because the Fool wasmanding Ravener-spawn like a general. Thankfully, in that instance, the people of Thamnd were none the wiser and all went well. I will end this entry for now, the matters I was forced to remember here have been most distasteful, leaving me drained.


    With that, Uldar disappeared.


    Alex felt the chairs energies.


    There arent a lot of entries left, he said. It looks like we''re getting close to when he died.

 Chapter 783: Regret?

    Chapter 783: Regret?


    The next few entries were chaotic.


    It was clear that Uldar was growing more forgetful. While his body would sometimes look healthier than others, his mind seemed to be fully on the decline.


    I he paused during entry ny-two. He was blinking and frowning. IIIm not Ihard to order my mind these days. Poison is deep, deep in my essence. I He paused again. What was I talking about? Oh yes, good days are bing rarehave to record anyway. Right, where were we? Yes, right, how I met my friend Aenflynn


    He began telling the story hed told before about how he and the fae had met, but this time, there wererge parts of the narrative missing. Hed stumble on his words, and sometimes trail off into long silences.


    After his third silencefailing to remember what animal his people were herdinghe exploded, spewing a tirade of vile curses in a dozen differentnguages. He tore at his own beard and screamed.


    Then, he cut the recording.


    Hes dpensating, Isolde said gravely.


    Whats that mean? Cedric asked.


    It means hes losing his mind, Professor Jules said. Verbal repetition, poor memory, increased agitationit does not look good. And hes showing no sign of improvement.


    Lets hope we can get some more useful information out of him, then, Alex said. Theres not that much more recording left to go through.


    When they saw Uldar next, he looked physically healthier, but his mind seemed even more degraded.


    Ineed to work onmaintenance for Ravener he said. Fear absorptionneeds to be adjusted. Too strong. I


    The entry cut out.


    What was that about? Theresa asked.


    Something about the Ravener and absorbing fear, Alex said.


    We should make a note of that, Professor Jules scrawled a quick note on a small pad of parchment. This might be something to explore when we get back to Generasi. The fear-to-power system is not something we really understand yet.


    Yeah, maybe there''s something hidden there, Alex said. Something to take a look at together. But for now, here we gowe''re on to thest entry. Anyone need a break?


    Everyone looked around, but no one moved.


    Alright, I''m starting it then, Alex said, turning on the final recording.


    The windows throughout the room went ck, abruptly zing with brilliant white light. The radiance slowly faded and Uldars image towered above them all.


    What the hell, Alex muttered.


    The god looked healthier than he had in many entries. His robes were clean, his body vigorous, his beard and hair were groomed and his back was straight. His expression looked stern, but proud and powerful.


    He looks just like he did when we first found him on the throne Theresa whispered.


    How does he look so strong, now? Hart asked.


    He''s rallied, Merzhin said. I''ve seen it in the sick. A final rally before death takes them.


    Before Alex could say anything, Uldars lips parted.


    I havee to a decision, the god said. Though I will discuss it with Aenflynn before I carry it out. He clenched a fist before himself. This is the first truly lucid day I''ve had in a long time. Years, decades, maybe centuries. I''m not sure. But I must use this time to act.


    He began pacing back-and-forth. It has be clear that the cycleas it isis not enough to stop my condition. I had hoped that, in time, I would build up enough divine energies to heal myself for good. That has not happened, after thousands of years, that has <em>still</em> not happened. Thousands upon thousands of my people, dead over generations, and this wound will still not heal. I have tried every chemical remedy that I could think of, bending my mind toward the task, but the demon lord of poisons crafted a venom much too toxic for even me to conquer. I am the god of my people, and yet I am also the architect of their continued destructionfor nothing!


    Regret? Alex wondered.


    And what else was I supposed to do? Uldar wondered. When they arefortable, they stop believing in me; it is only <em>fear</em> that drives them. It is fear that heals me! I have triedoh, have I ever triednot to rule my people like some filthy tyrant would! Other gods, all over the world, are not so kind. I do not demand blood sacrifice, I do not call for people to give their first born to the church to swell my priesthood. I do not ask for great, back-breaking tithes, nor do I demand that my churches be elevated to grand hollow monuments of greed. I could! And yet I do not!


    He clenched his teeth, grinding them in his mouth. At times, I have gued my people with cruelty, true, but was it not me that also brought the light of civilization to them? Was it not me who built their society, and kept them protected from monsters and the elements? Was it not me who decided to educate all of them whenin most ces in the worldthe majority of them would never hope to receive the gift of reading and writing! I gave so much to them and all I ever asked in return is for a little prayer to keep me alive, and yet, they will not give it. So I ask myself, why?


    He spit on the floor. Why do I bother? Andin this moment of lucidityI find I cannot answer that question. I have decided to end things, once I speak with Aenflynn for council. I do believe I will ask the Ravener as well; my creation has its own mind, and it deserves a voice in such a crucial decision. If they agree, then I will go forward and bring this entire endeavour to an end.


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    He was going to end the cycle? Merzhin asked, surprised.


    I have determined that I gain my greatest spikes in faith when my people are in the grip of utter terror and despair. So, I will give them that. And in this uing cycle, I will remove all limits I have ced on the Ravenerjust as I did when thest General was present in Thamndand I will watch as it eradicates every member of my kingdom, apart from the chosen few among the hidden church, and the most innocent of children.


    He paused.


    Suddenly, the anger drained from his face.


    In aplete turnaround, the rage left, reced by utter grief.


    I apologise, my children! he screamed. I would have let you enjoy the wilds had I known where my leadership would bring you. Would bring <em>me</em>. The blissful ignorance that your ancestors enjoyed in the pastthat would have been better. It is <em>your </em>fault, in a way, as you are but mortals. You are children that know no better. I wish it did not have to be this waybut if you had <em>worshipped</em> me! If you repaid my kindness with <em>proper</em> kindness


    He paused, again. I suppose notI suppose to ask any better of you would be no He stopped talking, his eyes growing unfocused.


    The god shook his head, gathering his wits. No, perhaps it is not fair to me you. Perhapsthe fault is mine. I was the one who aided Aenflynn over and over again. Helping him made both me and all of you a target of his enemies. If I had not helped himwas friendship really worth a god''s life and the endless lives of a kingdom?


    His face became a thundercloud. Perhaps I should kill him when hees to sup with me tonight. Yes, he relies on me to open the gate to my sanctumI could simply wait until he enters and strike him down before he is aware. He is no match for the power of a god. Yes, had I not helped him, I would be healthy and my people would have had no reason to suffer. It is <em>his</em> faultyes, it is all his fault! I will y him!


    The gods expression was wild and filled with bloodlust.


    It quickly faded.


    Or perhaps the fault <em>is</em> mineperhaps I was both a poor friend and poor father. Perhaps that is why I am now in this position. Perhaps that is why my people now suffer. I Tears ran down his face. I truly did my best. There is no mentorship for deities, no book to study, no lessons to learn except those taught by life and the cruel passage of time. Did I learn them well? Was I truly a good father to my people? A good friend? A good protector? I betrayed themyet they betrayed me first, but should I have forgiven them? Perhaps I should have trusted them, told them of my condition, and we might have worked toward a solution together.


    He smiled wistfully. Would that not be the most wondrous thing? Meunited with the wise folk I trained in Thamndcuring me and together moving on hand in hand. What marvellous things we could have done His smile crumbled. But such wishes are for children and fools. In the end, I am the greatest of my people. I am their god. If I could not heal my wound, then they most certainly could not have. It had to be this way. Now? Nownow I''m not sure what to do.


    For the first time, Uldar looked so vulnerable that Alex almost felt sorry for him. Almost. He could never have imagined how disturbing seeing him look so lost would have been.


    I have made a n to save myself. I must travel in search of a solution to this poison within me. Most of my people must die so that I can do so. Those whom I spare will apany me in my travels, they will fuel my body and buy me time while I searchelsewhere. <em>Somewhere</em>. Like in times long past, we will journey together, and I will learn. They will benefit. Perhaps, that will be nice. Or perhaps Aenflynn will tell me to think differently. Or, perhaps I shall kill my old friend. I do not knowperhaps I knew very little all along.


    He pinched the bridge of his nose. Im tiredso tired. Aenflynn will not be here for a while yet. I have time to contemte what I should do. I think I should rest on my throne for a time. After that, when I awake, I will think on what to do next. I will askI don''t know. I''m just so tired. Until next time, my journal.


    With that, Uldarlooking more exhausted than he''d ever seemed even at his lowest points on his recordwaved his hand.


    His image vanished.


    Silence hung over the viewing room as images of Thamnd returned to the windows on the walls, ceiling and floor.


    The feeling in the room was grim.


    I don''t know what to say Alex said, breaking the silence. He was a cruel god, but he was also someone trying to do his utmost just to stay alive. The bastard did awful things to survive, though.


    Indeed he did, Professor Jules said. He overestimated himself and underestimated the mortals he raised. When I train my students, it''s not so that they can be little pets I''m making in my own image. I expect them to grow on their own, to exceed me. In return, when they make their own discoveries, I can learn from them. That''s how I raised my own children, and that''s how I teach my students.


    Same with my son, Birger added. I wanted to protect my boy, but I had to believe in him. Sometimes, you need to guide your child through tough lovebut hurting them to protect them is a sickness.


    He was sick, Merzhin said, his face dark. Even in hisst entry, he <em>appeared </em>healthy, but inside, he was nothing more than a breaking shell. I would like to have heard the words of an Uldar who <em>wasn''t</em> poisoned, who <em>wasn''t</em> desperate to save his own life


    Yreckon they''d be different? Cedric asked.


    I don''t know if it matters, Merzhin answered. Even if he was kind to his people in the early dayshe set up a murderous cycle to save his own life. Perhaps, if our people had continued to worship him in good times, none of this would have been necessary.


    The truth is Alex paused. <em>He </em>wasnt necessary. He''s been dead for a <em>long</em> time now. And we''ve gotten by without him.


    Children must get by without their parents, Birger said. At some point or another.


    I had to learn to do that fast, Alex said grimly. I think the rest of the kingdom would''ve learned to do it too.


    Don''t know, Hart said. We had his memory, and his legacy. His priests still use divine energy from his sanctum thates from prayers to him; what would we have done without the priesthood?


    I don''t know, Alex said. But, what I do know is that, in the end, he was going to cull our people again, just to keep himself alive for a little longer. And he was talking about killing his friend in a fit of rage. Maybe you''re right, Merzhin, and that was just the poison talking, but I don''t think that''s gonna matter much to all the people he killed. Or even his supposedly close friend who he was considering killing. In the end, I don''t think any of us would be here if he didn''t die on that throne.


    Silence filled the room again.


    We''re going to need time to discuss all of this, Alex said. We learned certain things, and gained more questions. One important thing, though, we''ve pretty much confirmed that Aenflynn is the only living being that knows the whole truth. And he''s never shared itthere''s some kind of game he''s ying.


    Aye, we should ask im, Cedric said. We have an agreement goin, an we haven''t broken any of his terms. We should try an find out what we can.


    I agree, Drestras voice crackled. I''ll see if we can get an audience with him.


    Speaking of audiences, Alex said. I think it''s time we talk to the king. One thing that we do know is that Uldar has some sort of culling protocol in the Ravener. And thest time it was activatedwas when a General was around.


    He looked at the others gravely.


    I think Thamnd had better prepare for the worst. We all have to.

 Chapter 784: The Kings Hunt

    Chapter 784: The King''s Hunt


    Alex was surprised at how easy getting an audience with the king had been.


    When theyd finished viewing Uldars journal, the group had split up.


    Isolde, Watcher Hill, Grimloch, Theresa, Brutus, Birger and Bjorgrund had gone to Greymoor, while Alex, Cedric, Drestra, Hart, Merzhin and Professor Jules, teleported straight to Ussex.


    It waste in the day when they arrived at the castle, and their sudden appearance had caused quite an uproar. Guards and soldiers were scrambling, falling over themselves when all five Heroes materialised in the snowy courtyard.


    Within minutes of Cedric announcing their need to speak with the king, they were being ushered into a meeting room in one of the highest towers of the castle. The Heroes and professor were quickly seated at a long table, and servants had hot wine in front of them while they waited.


    The wait wasnt long.


    Alex had finished only about a quarter of his goblet when the doors to the chamber had opened and a woman in fine ck robes trimmed with golden filigree, hade through them. Announcing his majesty, King Athelstan Merciex, wielder of the divine right to rule from Uldar, Lord of Ussex, King of Thamnd and ruler of Uldars earthly realm. Also announcing High Priest Tobias Jayprotector of Uldars divine will and leader of his churchand Court Wizard Errol of Ussex, master of mystic knowledge!


    As the herald stepped aside, the three men made their way into the room.


    Alex hadnt seen any of them since their meeting at Rockmoot many months before, and he found all three changed.


    The court wizard was looking at Alex with curiosity, suspicion, and interest. His scorn for the former Foolwhich had been in to see at the standing stonesseemed long gone, from what Alex could gather from his bodynguage.


    Tobias Jay, meanwhile, looked thinner. Older. More stressed and tired. He would quickly nce at the Heroes with an air of shame, but when his eyes fell on Alexwho he seemed to be actively trying to avoid making eye contact withhe would sheepishly look away.


    King Athelstan simply seemed exhausted. He too looked older. The bags beneath his eyes were deeper. When he looked at the Heroes, he seemed to almost do so reluctantly.


    His facial expression seemed to be shouting; What in the world is it <em>now?</em>


    But there was no hostility in his demeanour, just dread.


    The Heroes and Professor Jules immediately stood upDrestra was a little slower than the othersbowing to the king, high priest and court wizard as they made their way to seats across from them.


    Wee, King Athelstan said. A servant scurried over to pull his chair out for him, thenafter he was seatedthe sovereign gestured for his guests to do the same. Its been quite some time since we''ve seen each other.


    Aye, your majesty, aye, Cedric said. Not since Rockmoot.


    Errol visibly winced.


    That was a tense time. King Athelstan gave them a weary look. A servant poured him a cup of wine. But all times are tense as ofte. I take it youe bearing bad news?


    The Heroes looked at each other.


    Actually Alex began, drawing every eye in the room. We wanted to start, if you dont mind, with some questions for you.


    The kings eyebrows rose. What sort of questions?


    Uhmthey may not be suitable Alex nced at the servants and guards standing against the walls. For all ears.


    Athelstans eyebrows rose even higher. I see. Perhaps I might be able to guess what your questions are concerning. He looked at his guards and servants then. Please, leave us.


    The guards nodded to the king, then looked at the Heroes, but none protested. Both they, and the servants quickly headed for the door, silently closing it behind them.


    King Athelstan reassured the Heroes and professor. The walls in this room are cork lined; meaning that sound does not travel very far, so unless someone has concealed themselves directly outside these very high windows, then we may speak freely. Am I correct in assuming that you are about to refer to Councillor Kartikas concerns about individuals covertly working among our army, and within our kingdom?


    The Heroes looked at each other in surprise.


    Uh, yeah, Alex said. How did you know?


    The king looked at Cedric. We suspected you would''ve noticed our moves to clean our house, thene to ask questions.


    Aye the Chosen said. There was a bunch o folk bein transferred out, or suddenly disapperinan we had no idea where they went


    Our garden was infested with snakes, Tobias said, frankly. Snakes we never suspected were there. And we are still trying to clean the rest out.


    So you know about the hidden church? Alex asked.


    Indeed. The high priests expression darkened. Strange happenings have been urring this cycle, we thought we should do some investigating. I learned that two members of my council were vipers waiting to bite. A look of sorrow crossed his face. I have known them for decades, and didn''t suspect a thing.


    He looked at Alex. They were responsible for the attempt on your life at Rockmoot and are currently in our dungeons.


    Oh, Alexs anger spiked. Im d you caught them. How?


    We began scrutinising every member of our highmand, King Athelstan said. All of them. We kept our actions among only ourselves and those we could <em>personally verify</em>. Those of unknown, spotty, or mysterious backgrounds were examined thoroughly. Often it was those who had entered high positions, came into them through references from others who are well-trusted. Upon intense scrutiny, far too many of those references were shown to have problematic irregrities.


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    Like? Alex asked.


    The referees were often difficult to find, King Athelstan said. Or when we did find them, they were often long dead and buried in various cemeteries.


    I even sanctioned the exhumation of some of those gravesites, Tobias Jay said solemnly. Many were empty, indicating that there was a certain pattern to this fraudulent business: apparently, lower ranking officials or nobles were introduced to assistants by those they were familiar with, those who were either bribed, or ckmailed into making the introductions. These assistants would have glowing letters praising their achievements from people who were either difficult to reach or obscure, but their titles always sounded impressive, and unimpeachable.


    From there, Errol continued. These agents would make themselves indispensable to whomever they worked for, and through sheerpetence, they would rise up through the ranks. And because of their continued excellent performance, no one felt the need to question their origins.


    These things are not umon, Professor Jules said. Simr things have actually happened at the university. A time back, a new professor was hired based on letters of reference written by an archwizard from the Rhinean Empire who was a former graduate of our institution. The letter glowed with praise, and the individual in question showed an incredible talent for alchemy. There was an opening in the department at the time, and they were soon hired. But, two things brought them under scrutiny. First, their clearck of ethics. While their skills were first rate, they would often put students at riskrisks that were intolerable, even taking into ount the barbaric safety protocols in ce at the time. That was what made people question them initially. The second issue that brought them under further scrutiny, was the fact that the archwizard who had supposedly given them their letter of reference, had always been a major proponent of student safety in their time studying at the university a century earlier. Questions were asked, letters were written, and the deception was uncovered. He was removed from his position immediately but went on to hone his tendencies for illegal acts before he found himself before the courts and an appointment with a deleo, but I digress. It''s a fairlymon scheme.


    One that I am ashamed to admit, has infected much of the army, the church, and the court, Athelstan said. We found some of the higher ups first, since they were closest to us.


    But none would confess, Tobias Jay shook his head. None would talk, none that were connected to them talkednot a single one would cooperate. Not when they were asked, not when they were ordered, not even when they were tortured. No one said a word. Finding every treacherous worm has been an operation of searching for connections, and following the very scant trails of parchment.


    We''ve needed to work in secret, of course, King Athelstan said. We would''ve preferred to strike all of them down at once, but we came to realise that the corruption had seeped so deeply into our systems, that to wait to do anything about correcting things would have greatly increased the chances of a devastating betrayal urring.


    We have continued searching and had resolved to answer you truthfully if yourselves or Councillor Kartika came to inquire as to whether or not we had gotten our house in order, as it were, Court Wizard Errol said, looking embarrassed. He turned his attention to Alex. I must unreservedly offer you my apologies for that attack against you at Rockmoot. Some of my very own assistants were in collusion with the traitors.


    I wish to apologise as well, Tobias said.


    And I have to add that I am disappointed in my kingdom, the king said. We are united against the Ravener, under Uldar, and I cannot tolerate those who go against my word, or against his divine will.


    The Heroes and Professor Jules looked at each other ufortably.


    Alex spoke. There''sthere''s more, your majesty. Weve also learned a lot about them and their mission.


    Oh? he looked at Alex with interest.


    We fought them before, the young wizard continued. An explosion destroyed a lot of their records, but recently, we were able to eliminate their leader and his second inmand.


    The leader? Tobias asked. Tell us more.


    Alex, Professor Jules and the Heroes, filled them in on what they knew about the hidden church. They told them about the First Apostle, about Uldars Rise and the battle theyd fought there, about Careys sacrifice and even about the Traveller. Alex then told them an abridged version of how he and the others had finally ended the menace of the First and Third Apostles and their troops.


    The king listened with rapt attention, the high priest with mixed emotion, and the court wizard with shock.


    Truly? The king looked at Cedric. This is not some vast exaggeration?


    Aye, I wasn''t there for all of it, the Chosen said. But, I was there for the fight at Uldars Rise, an I did see the First Apostles head on the floor wit me own two eyes a few days back.


    Remarkable, the king mused. We must use this. Now that we know where the organisationes from, and the names of those who were at its head, we might be able to use the information to smoke out the rest of the rats. We will need to discuss this further.


    King Athelstan sighed deeply, smiling with relief. I must confess that I thought you were here to deliver more bad news, but instead, you have given us a great boon. I needed such good news, things have been growing too grimasof


    He paused, studying the faces of his six visitors.


    why do you all look as though someone has just died? he asked.


    Merzhin made a choking sound.


    Alex turned to hispanions, each one nodded at him.


    His eyes met the kings and held them. Your majesty, what we are about to tell youI dont have enough words to describe how earth shatteringly important it is to all of us. And how important it is that it does not leave this room unless we want it to. Are you sure no one can hear us, not even outside the door, or even in the hallway?


    The king suddenly looked very tired again. These rooms are secure, my personal guard has assured me of that. Why?


    Alex took a deep breath. My king, the ce where we first fought the secret church is where Uldar ascended from the material world. By using the Travellers power, we were able to open the door to his sanctum.


    One could have heard a fly cough.


    A wild-eyed Tobias Jay suddenly leapt out of his chair. Do you mean this? After these many thousands of years, the path to Uldars sanctum has been found? Are you telling us that you have been therethat you have seen him?


    Before anyone else could respond, Hart answered. Yes.


    Now, the king and the court wizard were also on their feet.


    Impossible! You mustyou kept this from us? Athelstan demanded. When?


    More importantly, hope burned in the kings eyes. If this is trueand by Uldar, after saying yes, it had better bethen you must have spoken with him! What did he tell you? What instructions did he give you? What is he doing? How is he?


    He''s dead, said Hart.


    Alex watched the three men closely. Hart, I was thinking we should tell the king alone.


    Meh, the Champion said. Faster this way.


    Its a lie, it must be! Tobias said. Why are you lying, Champion of Uldar?


    I''m afraid he isnt, high priest, Professor Jules said. And in fact, it might be better She caught herself. listen, I don''t expect you to simply believe us. Not out of hand. But we can prove what were saying is true. We would like you toe with us to the sanctumjust she paused, looking at the high priest and court wizard. just the three of you. No one else, no guards, no servants. Mr. Roth can teleport us there with ease.


    This is preposterous! Tobias Jay shouted. Iwhat do you gain from this lie? What do you


    We will go with you, King Athelstan broke in, his face ashen.


    What? My king the court wizard started.


    The monarch held up his hand. I do not want to hear it. What I do know is that Uldar has been silent for too long, and that any lie of such magnitude would be pointless. I trust the Heroes. Let us see what they have to show us.


    He looked very, very tired indeed.

 Chapter 785: A Major Crisis of Faith

    Chapter 785: A Major Crisis of Faith


    By Uldars beard Tobias Jay gasped.


    The high priest looked around the empty throne room of his god, his mouth agape and eyes wide. His breaths came quick and shallow, his eyes barely blinked. He was clutching the holy symbol of Uldar that he wore around his neck so tightly, it was leaving an impression in his flesh. This ce is filled with divine energy. Its zing with ityetit feels like some of it is draining awaydisappearing elsewhere.


    Tobias, is this ce really what they said it is? Errol called to him, still examining the murals along the stairwell. I cant believe it.


    You told us, when we were climbing the stairs, King Athelstan said to the Heroes and professor, his eyes on the mud-stained floor. That our gods body and throne were taken by Ravener-spawn? The monsters tracks are clear, but there is no evidence of either a body or a throne.


    Because they were stolen, Alex thought, but he had the restraint not to say that outloud.


    Instead, he said: Honestly, I know how things look, but this<em> is</em> Uldars sanctum. We can prove it to you.


    The king looked more ashen than earlier. Alex could imagine that much too much was happening far too quickly for him. I am eager to see this proof


    You''re taking things rather well, your Majesty, Professor Jules said.


    It is not for a king to show weakness, he must always be strong for his people, Athelstan said. I will say no more. I take it you are going to exin this Mark of the General business we saw among those murals?


    There''s a journal here that Uldar made, Alex said. He made it through abination of magic and divinity. We can show you the most relevant parts, since its days long; youll find a lot will be exined by it.


    Then let us get on with it: show us more of this proof, the king said wearily.


    Alex, the other Heroes and Professor Jules guided the Thameish monarch through the sanctum, starting first with Uldars armoury.


    The moment they stepped through the door, the high priests jaw fell open.


    Thisthese are Uldars holy weapons! the old man choked. I recognize them: their descriptions are in many of the churchs oldest chronicles! How did youNo, it seems that this <em>is</em> Uldars sanctum. Thats the only way to exin them being here.


    His tone sounded defeated, almost resolved, and Alex could understand why. If the holy man could have exposed this ce as some trick or scheme dreamed up by foreign wizards, then he could have shown them to be liars, and deceivers, allowing him to deny their story of his god being dead.


    The truth, however, was even grimmer than he knew, and would only get worse as more facts were revealed.


    King Athelstans eyes bulged. I recognise them too


    As do I the court wizard echoed.


    Show us more, the rulers voice was strained, his tone as taut as a ships mooring line. Show us everything.


    The three older men became increasingly agitated as they toured the sanctum, noting the signs of dis-use<strong></strong>and increasing evidence that this was the home of their god.


    King Athelstan snarled at the ichor stains in Uldars sleeping chamber. Poison? Was our god sick? Was he in through treachery and venom? What viin did this? Was it the Ravener?


    There were fewer times in Alex''s life where he felt more awkward. A nce at the faces of the other Heroes and Professor Jules mirrored his difort.


    That didnt include Harts.


    Hart looked just fine.


    Because of course he did.


    You all seem to be entirely too s about this! the king sputtered. Your reactions are muted: our god has been murdered, and you all seem to care very little!


    Listen, your majesty, Alex said. It''s all going to be exined in Uldars recordbutthis next parts probably going to be pretty hard for the three of you.


    It was incredibly difficult for me. Merzhin bowed his head. I still struggle with what I learned.


    I am growing quite annoyed with all of this cloak and dagger, the king said, veins standing out on his temples. You all continue to dodge around the truth, feeding it to us piecemeal. Out with it, I say!


    Honestly, yer majesty? Cedric looked apologetic. Better, we don''t tell it, ya needs thear it fyerselves. An we been givin ya the story in bits, causesa lot ttake in all at once.


    Let us proceed with the record then, your majesty, Tobias said. Let''s have the truth of all of this.


    Agreed, King Athelstan said. Let us see this record youve been speaking of.


    Alex guided everyone to the viewing room and took his seat in Uldars chair, readying specific entries from the journal. The first one he showed them was for context; it was of the god at the beginning of the journal, talking about why he was making the record.


    They were shocked for many reasons; seeing his image like he was there right before them, at how he looked, at the draining wound in his side. The high priest groaned softly when he heard his god speak.


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    Dying? King Athelstan echoed Uldars word from entry one. That woundhow did ite to be?


    He''ll tell you, Alex said.


    Next, he went to journal entries where Uldar spoke of establishing Thamnd.


    During one, the king looked to his two advisors. Could this be fakery? Some trick or illusion?


    I don''t think so, your majesty, Errol murmured. I am not the greatest at illusion, but this does not feel like that sort of magic.


    Tobias looked on Uldars image. I am firmly tuned to the winds of divinity, your majesty. And I have no doubt that we are seeing Uldar before us. Whatever this journal is about, he made it. Of this I am sure.


    Alex continued, showing them what Uldar had said about sending orphaned Thameish children to Lord Aenflynn to be soldiers in his armies. He showed them the entry where the god had spoken of being wounded. The three men were silent, seeming overwhelmed.


    Alex yed the part of the record where Uldar exined how hed gotten his wound, and his n to build the Ravener.


    What? Tobias screamed. The Ravener is Uldars creation? II


    This is a fake! Errol suddenly shouted, abandoning his earlier confidence.


    Tell me he is right, Tobias, King Athelstan said, almost <em>begging.</em> Tell me Errol speaks true!


    This isit is Uldars image Tobias looked at Merzhin. Holy Saint, do you feel it as well?


    I do, the Saint said, his voice dead. I know that these are Uldars true words. I sense their divine rightness.


    I gots tget better at sensin divinity, Cedric muttered.


    There''s more, Alex said.


    He then showed them Uldars exnation for why came up with the Heroesincluding the Genernd his decision to cull Thamnd.


    Tobias brokedown, openly sobbing.


    Merzhin ced a hand on the old man''s back. It''s alrightits alright.


    The young wizard almost felt guilty, but knew that showing them the recording had to be done.


    Finally, he showed them how the General had been transformed to the Fool, advancing the record until Uldarsst entry. He showed the gods declining mental state and his n to cull his people again, using the Ravener to save himself.


    After the god dered that he intended to go and rest, the journal came to an end. The king of Thamnd, high priest Tobias Jay, and court wizard Errol seemed lost. Alex paused the recording just before Uldar disappeared.


    Tobias copsed on his knees against Merzhin as the Saint held him to his chest, his aching sobs echoing through the viewing room. Court Wizard Errol looked like a doll whose strings had been cut: limp, ck and lifeless.


    King Athelstan had lowered himself to the floor, sitting with his arms wrapped around his knees like a confused, overwhelmed child. He blinked with ssy, unfocused eyes.


    The Heroes and Professor Jules gave them a moment, then she spoke.


    You can see why we decided to


    What? the king looked at her sharply, blinking owlishly. What? What?


    The professor looked at him with sympathy. You can see why we decided to show you.


    We''re going to need to make some decisions, Alex said. We have reason to believe that the Ravener knows that Uldar is dead; the throne and body was taken by Ravener-spawn. Since we know that much, its a good bet that theres a very good chance it will start trying to kill everyone.


    I thought that was what its already been doing, the king murmured.


    No, Alex continued. Everything up until now was just to keep the cycle going. It''s been holding back, but it was never meaning to win: it wasn''t <em>trying</em> to win. Now there''s no reason for it to want to lose.


    Such a thing would be apocalyptic, Errol said. We have suffered so many casualties, and lost more soldiers trying to weed out the traitors among us. And you mean to tell me that it wasn''t even <em>trying? </em>This could mean the end.


    I will not let it be the end, the king whispered.


    Your majesty? Errol asked.


    The monarchs confusion had drained away, now reced by rage. I have lived with the idea that my son would inherit a realm on fire. Night after night, Iveid awake with the thought that my wife and child would live with the growing threat of death all around them. My onlyfortmy <em>only</em>fortwas the thought that Uldar had a secret n for us!


    His suddenughter was bitter and dismal, it held no cheer. But instead, Ive learned that he <em>did</em> have a n! A n to kill all of us, to milk us for our faith like cattle, like we were no more than farm animals to him! That is what this sanctum of his is akin to, the farmstead of an absentndlord! Which would make me its overseer! Well, I say no more! No more of that!


    That''s what we want to talk about, Alex said. We agree with you, it''s time to end his sins. We all need to prepare for what''sing, though. And we need to decide what to do nextespecially with what we''ve learned.


    Aye, Cedric said. I think we should tell our people. All of em. Let this false gods legacy rot.


    The king snarled. He had so little trust in us that he would ce his own life above the lives of generations, and reduce us to the status of animals. It would be fitting if his lies wereid bare He paused. and yet.


    What is it? Drestras voice crackled. People should know the truth.


    But, will they understand, the king said. You brought us here: can you bring every member of the army here to convince them of the truth? None would believe it without undeniable proofperhaps if we had the body stillbut even then, that would be not enough for many. And He swallowed. Even if you did have the body, I would oppose telling anyone else about this.


    What? Why? Drestra demanded.


    Morale, King Athelstan said. As you personally know from experience on the front lines, weve been fighting an increasingly difficult battle, and telling our troops the truth would reveal that not only is their battle for nothing, and that it has always been for nothing, but that their own deity and saviour was against them all along. They would desert en masse, they would despair.


    Couldnt we move everyone somewhere else? Cedric asked. Leave fer othernds?


    Where? the king asked. The Rhinean Empire takes our vulnerabletemporarilyduring the war. And more of their citizens have been growing agitated with our peoples presence in thends as the war drags on. They would never approve of our entire army suddenly migrating to their shores.


    We could go somewhere else, then, Cedric offered.


    The world is a smaller ce than you think, Cedric of n Duncan. The king countered. All over, mostnd that isnt hostile in climate or environment, has been imed. We would have to fight for anynd that we managed to find. And if we are going to fight, we should do it here. We should save our own homes, our ownnd.


    My people have lived here before there was even an Uldar, Drestra hissed.


    I don''t like the idea of leaving without a fight, Hart said.


    Neither do I, Alex said. Thamnd is our home. I''m not interested in leaving it to a bunch of Ravener-spawn forever.


    Cedric threw up his hands. Right. So then were tkeep Uldars secret fnow? Well, thats jus great, aint it? Now I''m tbe a liar fer the worst sort o bastard! I dont like that one bit!


    Doesn''t make me feel great either, Alex said. But if that''s what we have to do to win this war, then we have to do it, Cedric.


    MaybeI know youre right, but it still dont sit right wit me, the Chosen said.


    Perhaps there can be apromise, High Priest Tobias Jay raised his head. We need Uldar as a symbol for now, but <em>that</em> treacherous thing cannot help ustruly help useven if we do use his divinity for miracles. You all might disagree with me, but our kingdom <em>needs</em> a deity. One who did <em>not</em> n to kill us all.


    Tobias looked at Alex. Thankfully, we might already have a candidate.


    The old man reached up, ripping off the symbol of Uldars hand hed worn around his neck for far too many years, and tossed it on the floor.


    He looked at Alex. The people will need something <em>real</em>; tell me more about this Traveller that youve spoken of.

 Chapter 786: The Turning Wheel of Faith

    Chapter 786: The Turning Wheel of Faith


    Alex Roth stood in Uldars viewing room, scratching his head, trying to grasp what had just happened. He looked from the symbol of Uldaron the floorto the high priest of the god of Thamnd, whod thrown it there.


    Had he really just done that?


    He would have thought Tobias would be devastated: when Merzhin had found Uldar dead in his throne room, andter learned what hed done to his own people, the young Saint hade close to breaking, close to falling into despair at the truth of what his beloved god actually was. Theresa and Grimloch had said that when the First Apostle had seen Uldars lifeless form, <em>his</em> mind had snapped.


    Alex had expected the high priestthe highest living authority representing the church besides the Saintto react in a simr way. But, the mans face showed not the slightest trace of anything but anger.


    The General of Thamnd wasnt alone in his surprise.


    Tobias? Errol asked. What have you done, have you lost your mind?


    Are you alright? the king asked.


    High priest? Merzhin asked.


    The old holy man was snarling, pushing himself to his feet with zing eyes fixed on Uldars image. I am more than alright. I am clear.


    Then speak clearly! Errol demanded. You''re not making any sense!


    Aren''t I? Tobias red at the court wizard. I think I''m the only one making sense, its the <em>world</em> thats gone mad! He gestured to Uldars image. I have dedicated sixty-five years of my life to a god that meant to kill us! Sixty-five years! Do you know what that means, how much I''ve given up? How much Ive sacrificed? What I found myself doing to rise to power in the church?


    His eyes shed. The priesthood can be a pit of vipers, my old friends. Politics, backstabbing, betrayal, and I tolerated all of it to climb up in an organisation that served our so-called god. I''ve had topromise my own morals time and time again to reach my position, but that has developed a practicality in me. Ive done all of that, but you know what truly angers me? I was deceived. I truly believed that Uldar was good: that he was great! That we mortals fell short of his divine magnificence, his altruism, and his vast heart. But no, instead, I find that he was no better than any of usperhaps even worse. And I have to ask myself, what does that make me?


    He hissed. There are things I''ve done to both men and women whom Ive called friendsthings that I will not dare to utterthings I did in the name of my own position, and what I thought was for the greater good. My only sce was confessing to Uldar in the stillness of night. Seeking his hidden guidance, listening for signs. Now, I learn that hes long dead, and likely would not have cared even if he was<strong></strong>alive. He has wronged all of us. Andfor the first timethe practicality born in me through my journey, will serve me well. Why should my heart break if a god is false and not worthy of our worship?


    His jaw tensed. If our god seeks to poison us, then we must find a new deity. This Traveller seems eager to fill the role, but I wish to know more about her. That is why I have asked the question of the new General of our homnd.


    He looked at Alex. Tell me more about her.


    Ill be d to, Alex said. Butit''s gonna take a bit to exin everything weve learned about her. Maybe you want to take some time to think things over? I mean, it''s none of my business, but you probably just had the biggest shock of your life maybe it''s not the best idea to jump into the arms of another deity so soon?


    I beg to differ, Tobias countered. Under normal circumstances, I might agree with you. But these circumstances are far from normal: our god has been in league with our enemy, truthfully, <em>hes </em>been our enemy, and now that enemy could be in possession of his corpse. We are going to need divine protection.


    Alexs interest grew. Actually, that''s something I''d like to ask you about. What could the Ravener <em>do</em> with Uldars body?


    Everyone looked at the high priest.


    I am curious about that as well, old friend, said Athelstan. I am uneasy at just the thought of the body of a god being in the hands of our greatest enemy, butyou have knowledge and divinity, can you tell us what it might be able to do with it?


    Tobias paused, frowning. To be honest, I am not sure of why it could want itbut I do know that there is a potential danger.


    And what''s that? Athelstan asked.


    He looked up at Uldars image. Faith is power, your majesty. At least, when ites to divine beings. No mortal knows exactly how it all works, but belieftrue beliefin a deity empowers them. It empowered Uldar, obviously. However, faith can generate miracles, even with no deity present. There have been written ounts all throughout history of situations where enough people believed in a cause or philosophy to such an extent, that a form of divinity was created. If you look at the earlier entries that young Alex showed us, you can see it in action: even if Uldar was mortal at one time, after he convinced the people that he had visions of the future, he ceased to be mortal once enough of them believed in his divine might. Their belief transformed him.


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    But yet, he''s now dead, the king pointed out.


    But people have never stopped believing in him, because every hundred years, the Ravener returns, sowing fear, making them continue to pray to him, Tobias said. Thameish faith pours into these halls, drawn by what Uldar symbolises. People believe that the god of Thamnd sits on his throne, watching over us, and so faith is still drawn to that body and throne. Essentially, it just might be that this ce and Uldars corpse and throne have be the focus of Thamnds faith.


    He looked around. That is also why I sense divinity within these halls, and that the divine energy is being drained away. I believe that its streaming away, seeking to rejoin its symbols: Uldars throne and his body.


    Wait, Drestra suddenly interrupted him. Do you mean to say that the Ravener has ess to Uldars divinity, since it''s flowing to his body and chair?


    Everyone seemed to hold their breaths, waiting for the high priests answer.


    Quite possibly, Tobias said. I do not know if it has a way to channel that divinitybut it is a construct made by Uldar himselfso it <em>could</em> be possible.


    And that''s why you say we need a deity, Alex murmured. In case the Raveners able to take control of that power.


    Which could mean that no army we can muster would be able to stop it, Tobias said. But, again, that is a suppositionand maybe a thin one. A priest can draw on some of Uldars divine energy, but the ability to take <em>all</em> of it and turn it into a devastating forcemight only be theoretically possible. <em>Only </em>theoretically.


    When Roal yed the god Oreca at Orecas Fall Ind, Professor Jules said. No one was able to use his body as a source of apocalyptic power. And people did tryespecially his priests.


    I am not familiar with that particr deity, butagain, the theory is thin, Tobias said. It could be that the Ravener is iming the body and throne for the connection to its creator. Or it could be that it has some alchemical design for them, but that is outside my area of expertise<em>.</em>


    In any case, Tobias said. Tell me more about the Traveller.


    I see, the high priest was deep in thought when hed heard more about Hannah. Alex had begun his tale by recounting the ancient Saints struggle against the Ravener, and telling them about Kelda, then hed talked about the hidden church kidnapping Carey, her death, and what had happened at Uldars Rise when shed returned.


    The other Heroes then told them about stories theyd heard about soldiers being protected by some unseen force during battle. Professor Jules spoke of the miracles in Generasi, and how they were connected to folk who were either believers in the Traveller before theyd received a miracle, or after.


    The high priest, court wizard, and king had listened intently.


    Tobias spoke first.


    It would seem that this Traveller has opposed the evil in Thamnd for a very long time, he said. The Saint of Alric has been caring for our people well before her death, and continues even after it.


    I draw teleportation power from her, Alex told him. One thing I know for sure is that he paused, reliving a dark memory. When I nearly died at the hands of the First Apostle, my soul was closer to her in the after-world. In that time, I was able to do things with teleportation that I <em>still</em> havent been able to repeat since Merzhin healed me. If she gets strong enough to return as a demigoddess, there''s no telling how much stronger my teleportation could be.


    Tobias looked at the king. Your majesty, I have an idea. I do believe that we could use the help of this Traveller in our struggle against the Raveners full power. Might I suggest that we take certain steps? What if I were to have conversations with the priesthood telling them that the Saint of Alric has been elevated by Uldar, and that she is aiding us directly in our conflict? When they then minister to soldiers and others, they can lead themeven mercenaries who are not from hereto pray to her, spreading the word and giving her new followers.


    King Athelstan raised his eyebrows. All of this is a lot to take in at one time, I will need a chance to consider everythiBut  He shook his head. Time is fleeting and you are the arbiter of our faith, Tobiaswherever that takes us. I trust your judgement in these matters as it does not seem to be clouded by useless sentiment.


    Tobias Jay bowed. Thank you, my king. He turned to Alex. I must ask that youmunicate with me should you have contact with the Traveller. Its important for us to measure her growth as a demigoddess so we can judge the progress of our n.


    I will, Alex said.


    Good, Tobias said.


    So, what do we do now? King Athelstan asked. Our priority should be finding the Ravenerbut we have nowhere to begin.


    I''d suggest that we review Uldars records more thoroughly, Errol said. It could be that we missed something.


    Meanwhile, we have to find a way to eliminate the menace he created. All of this will be for nothing if we cannot find a way to destroy it forever, Professor Jules said.


    Will the Generasians ept that? the king sounded worried. Will they not want the flow of dungeon core essence to continue?


    Let <em>us</em> worry about that, Profesor Jules said.


    I will trust you then, the king looked at everyone present. We have been united by this terrible secret, and now we have the great burden of figuring out what we must do with it. Responsibility willy heavy on our heads. I want you all to know that you have my full support: any resources or anything that I can do to bring us closer to sess, I will do it.


    He looked at Alex. Forgive me, Alexander, but might I see your new Mark? You told us that you transformed it in a former Heros sanctum?


    I did, and Ill be happy to show you, Alex opened his shirt, revealing the Mark glowing on his shoulder.


    It is as you say, you are now the General of Thamnd, Athelstan said. What are your ns, then? Will you reveal your new station to others?


    Honestly, I don''t know, Alex said. No one knows anything about any General in our kingdom.


    Leave that to me, Tobias said. The same time that I speak of the Travellers influence and aid in this battle, I will also mention that the Fool was transformed by Uldar into a new Hero to help settle the ongoing conflict. We will nt the necessary seeds. That little tidbit will gain the support of the people and the church. At the same time, I will also continue unearthing members of the secret church still buried within our ranks.


    Thank you, Alex said. And while youre doing that, I''ll be helping to make the Heroes stronger, and Ill keep fighting for Thamnd against whatever the Ravener throws at us. With Professor Jules and the rest of the research team, well keep looking for how to stop it for good. Uldar isnt winning this time!


    It''ll be good to have you back with us, Mr. Roth. Professor Jules said.


    He smiled at her. Thanks, professor. Weve got a lot of work to do.


    Then let''s not waste any more time, the king said. We are united. Let us end the traitorous gods sins against us.


    I''ll do my part, Alex said. And to do it, Ill need to go home for a while.


    To Alric? the king asked.


    No. Alex shook his head, and he couldnt help but smile. It had been much too long. To Generasi.

 Chapter 787: What Now?

    Chapter 787: What Now?


    Thanks for the lift, Mr. Roth, I can never get over how efficient travelling by teleportation is, Professor Julesughed, stepping away from Alex. The two wizards had teleported to the alchemy professors office from the Heroes camp. I wasn''t aware that youd be so proficient at travelling such arge distance in a single jump.


    Neither was I, Alex admitted, stretching and looking around. I got better practising in Keldas sanctumand


    Professor Jules paused, partway through reaching into her liquor cab. What''s wrong?


    Nothings wrong, Alex said, a wave of emotion going through him. Well, that''s not quite right. I mean, the Ravener might''ve stolen the body of a god who didnt hesitate in killing the Thameish people like he was getting rid of fleas, and the same gods murderous pet project might escte and try to wipe out every living being fighting in Thamndbut I don''t know, professor, in spite of all that, I feel relieved. It feels like its been years since I''ve been in this office. But here I am, alive, in one piece, and back in Generasi.


    Professor Jules looked at him for a long moment. Would you care for a cup of something strong, Mr. Roth?


    He shook his head. No, I don''t think so. I need to go home to see Selina and ygon, give them the newsbetter if I have a clear head.


    Well, its the end of the workday for me, so I''m going to have a drink. I''ll toast your return home, Mr. Roth, she said, taking out a bottle of dwarven fire rye. She poured herself a <em>very</em> big ss. I have a feeling I''ll need to brew a hangover cure tomorrow morning, but here, let me get you a coffee, tea, some juice?


    Do you happen to have hot cider? Alex asked. I used to drink apple cider in Alric all the timeI''d love a cup.


    I have just the thing.


    Professor Jules took a cheesecloth packet of dried apples and a mixture of spices from her cab. She put the apples in a strange press that sat on a shelf in the cab then turned a crank on its side, crushing the fruit to paste. She added distilled water, the spices, and a dropperful of a potion that heated and liquified the mixture, producing a steaming amber drink that smelled delicious. She pushed a lever on the device, and Alexs cider flowed into a waiting cup.


    Professor Jules handed him the cup and raised her ss. To your safe return, Mr. Roth.


    To my return, and to the end of the Ravener. He took a long sip. It was as delicious as it smelled.


    You have rounds to make once you reacquaint yourself with your family, dont you? The professor sighed, plopping down in afortable chair behind her desk and stretching like a contented cat. Youll have to speak to Professors Mangal, and ValRok, theyve both been looking forward to seeing you. Especially Professor Mangal, shes told me that she very much wants to continue your work together.


    Yeah, I have a lot to tell her too.


    And Professor ValRok said that you would be engaging in that gruesome operation on your mana pool? She raised an eyebrow.


    I already did that: and the results were worth it. He took another sip of cider.


    Well, I have no doubt that hell be pleased to hear that, she said, shaking her head disapprovingly. You''ll also need to speak to the registrar: we took the liberty of putting your studies on hold, but its required that you inform him of your ns now that you''re back. Will you be returning to your studies right away? Or will you continue your hiatus until the Ravener is destroyed and your life bes less hectic?


    Alex paused, thinking for a while, then nodded to himself and rested his cup on the desk, steam curled from it.


    Professor He sat up straighter. I can cast ninth-tier spells now.


    She paused. yesyou mentioned something about that earlier, but with so much going on, I didn''t really have a chance to process it. The professor ced her ss in front of her. You truly can cast ninth-tier spells now?


    Truly, Alex said. I can cast Conjure Ultimate Ally and Summon Astral Engeli. And I think I could learn just about any ninth-tier summoning spell fairly easily at this point.


    Professor Jules eyebrows rose. Conjure Ultimate Ally is a very difficult spell. Ninth-tierthat''s the domain of archwizardry.


    Yeah, I know it is, Alex said, thinking very carefully about his next words. Which is whyI was wondering if I could Challenge enough Exams for Credit to get every one I need, so I could graduate early?


    Before she could say anything, he continued. I''ve been giving this a lot of thought, professor. Andwhile I enjoy my ssesthe fact is, I''ll have to use my time efficiently. Which means spending a lot of it on helping Thamnd, doing research on the Ravener with the team, and taking care of everything else that I need to. And since attending sses isnt really going to teach me muchand uh


    I think I understand where youre going. The fact is, attending formal sses that teach third and fourth-tier courses and spellcraft, would be of little benefit to you, is that what you wanted to say? Professor Jules cut in.


    Yeah Alex said. A lot of what I had to do to even be able to cast spells when I had the Mark of the Fool, helped me advance real fast once those limits went away. And now, the Mark of the General helps me learn spells fast, if I apply it in the right way.


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    I see, Professor Jules said.


    I know you dont like students trying to rush ahead with their studies, but


    Professor Jules raised her hand. Save your words, Mr. Roth, I''m not unreasonable. I don''t like it when students try to rush their studies <em>before</em> theyre ready to advance. And many prove that theyre not ready though they might <em>think </em>they are. You, on the other hand, are ready for graduate studies and more, considering your level of skill. Its really quite extraordinary.


    Thanks, professor he paused. There''s one other thing. I kinda don''tjeez, this is hard to say. Id like to graduate before anything happens. We don''t know what the Raveners next move will be, and if something happens to meI''d like to know that Id achieved what I came here for; to be a wizard and graduate from the University of Generasi. Does that sound weird?


    Not at all. Professor Jules shook her head. We have things we want to aplish before our lives end. I understand. Youll have to speak to other faculty members about yourchange in situation. We can arrange things with Registrar Hobb, once there is consensus among your professors and the department heads once you discuss the matter with them. But, Mr. RothI would like to ask you a direct question.


    Whats that? Alex asked.


    What do you n to do? she watched him steadily.


    What do you mean? he asked. I n to go to the vi where my family is


    I meanter.


    Like we talked about, work on researching the Ravener, working on defending my homnd


    No, Alex, she said. I mean<em> after all of that.</em>


    Ohooooh, he paused. You mean when the wars over?


    I do, she said. You''re talking about wanting to graduate, but have you thought about what you''re going to do with your life afterward?


    Well, I''m definitely gonna marry the hell out of Theresa, Alex said with enthusiasm. Then, you know, there''s my business with Toraka Shalemy other businesses. Alchemy is pretty awesome, so I''ll continue to study that


    But you dont <em>have</em> to, Professor Jules pointed out. You don''t have to, Mr. Roth.


    Wait, what now? he said.


    You''ve gotten rid of the limits ced on you by the horrendous Uldar, she continued. You''re not confined to alchemy any longer. You can study any form of magic that you wish, you can explore all of wizardry, travel anywhere you wish to.


    Huh, I He paused. I never really thought about that, especially with the Mark of the Fool and all.


    You should, Professor Jules said. Your name continues to spread all over the city. There are going to be endless opportunities ahead of you, and it would be a terrible shame to see you flounder, or not explore your great talents once the war ends.


    You know, it didn''t ur to me that I could choose to do something different, Alex admitted. I guess I didnt have time to really consider what it means to be free of the Fools Mark. Uh, I guess I should give all of that some thought. It''s kinda sadto think that I''m not gonna be taking courses anymore, though.


    You dont have to graduate early if you don''t want to, Professor Jules pointed out.


    Well, Ive been here beforeI was sad when I left the church school too, Alex told her. I liked studying there, learning, I liked my teachers, and I was pretty much used to everything. I''m wondering if maybe I''m just going through the same thing right now. But realistically, I don''t really think it makes a lot of sense for me to continue taking undergraduate courses if Im capable of casting ninth-tier spells.


    In some ways, you''re beyond the graduate level, Professor Jules said. And that powerful Mark of yours means that you could fill in any gaps you have with knowledge and your skills extremely quickly. I think there would be a number of professors who would want you to join the faculty and work with <em>them</em> directly. Actually, I guarantee that if you do continue with graduate studies and beyond, the faculty here will be fighting tooth and nail to get you to work alongside them. I could see thepetition turning into a regr blood sport.


    Alexughed at that. I don''t know if I want to teach or be a professor or anything like thatbut yeah. I really don''t know.


    Well, why did you want to be a wizard in the first ce? Professor Jules asked.


    He chuckled again. To be like the wizards I read about in story books, and to use magic to make a good life for me, my sister, and the Lus.


    Now it was Professor Jules whoughed. But you are already quite wealthy, Mr. Roth, and a lot of the magic that you can wield is the stuff that stories are made of. As a matter of fact, bards are already spinning tales about you right here in Generasi.


    He made a face. What? I''m not sure how I feel about that. Which is pretty ironic since at one time I <em>wanted</em> my name to spread, and now that it''s spreading, I feel a bit weird!


    I''d feel the same way, Professor Jules said, taking a swig of dwarven fire rye. But the fact is, you''ve already reached a lot of your goals, haven''t you?


    YeahI suppose, he murmured. Before I even knew it. I know I want to break through to ninth-tier with spells besides summoning onesbut what I want to do as a wizard beyond that? Now that my limits are gone, I cant really say yet.


    I''d suggest taking some time to think about it, Professor Jules advised him. Taking a good long time to make your decision should allow you to have a better idea of what youd like to do when the war is over.


    He shuddered. You know, in all the old stories, when someone has a conversation like this, theyre basically as good as dead.


    Well, this isnt an old story, Professor Jules said, matter-of-factly. And for practical reasons, you should give some thought to your future before it''s here.


    I guess you''re right, Alex said. Ill think about it, professor. He sighed. I wish Baelin was here: he''d have some good advice.


    She scoffed. He''d probably tell you something about crushing your enemies and seeing them driven before you.


    Yeah, you''re probably right, heughed.


    That was not a joke, Mr. Roth.


    I know, but it''s still funny.


    Hmph, she said. Oh, before you go. I would like you toe see Registrar Hobb with me in the morning. It''s not about you Challenging the Exams for Credit, itll be about your ess to the library. You''ll be expected to show proof that you can cast ninth-tier spells, but once you do, then youll have full ess to the library.


    He gasped. That''ll be awesome! Thank you, professor!


    Its not a favour, it''s your right, she said.


    Well, I''m still d. So, thank you again. He shook her hand. Anyway, I should get going. You''ve given me a lot to think about, though.


    It''s why they pay me, she said, raising an eyebrow. Why on earth are you heading toward the door? Aren''t you going to teleport to the vi?


    Alex paused, his hand on the door handle. No, I don''t think I will. I haven''t been in Generasi in a long, long time. I''d like to enjoy being here, seeing it, slowing down for a bit, and taking it all in. I think I feel like walking for a while.


    It''s probably a good idea to slow down, Professor Jules said. Think about your future, Mr. Roth, and I will see you tomorrow at nine in the morning.


    Thanks again, professorfor everything. If it weren''t for you and Baelin, I wouldnt be here, he said, opening the door. And I mean that.


    Oh, shoo! she waved him off. You''re wee, but if you stay here any longer, I''m going to start to cry, and I''d rather that didn''t happen. So, off you go! You have family to see!

 Chapter 788: A Walk Through Old Memory

    Chapter 788: A Walk Through Old Memory


    Its good to be back, Alex said quietly, walking through the halls of the castle.<strong></strong>The young wizard strolled slowly, one hand holding his staff, and the other rxed at his side.


    His steps were light, his head held high, andfor the first time in monthshe felt no tension, no worry of being hunted, no matter where he went. The hidden church and the Stalker had driven him from his home, but in turn, theyd been driven from the material world, he was still here and very much alive, and they werent.


    In spite of that, his heart and mind were conflicted as a range of thoughts and worries yed inside him. On one hand, he was happy to be home, but on the other, he knew harder times stilly ahead, threats still hung over them, and that their efforts to rid Thamnd of the Ravener could fail.


    He looked around, feeling a pang of guilt that he was here,fortably strolling through the halls of the university when the Raveners menace was growing in his homnd, but he also knew that this time, here and now, was precious.


    I have no idea what''s going to happen to us, he thought. So I have to appreciate life right now.


    And, thats just what he did.


    Alex walked through the universitys hallways mindful that it might be thest time he ever would, taking in everything around him.


    He found that not much had changed.


    It waste in the winter semester, andas worried as he was about murderous monsters and the ns of evil, dead godsthe students he passed were worried about their exams. Some were already waiting in front of a faculty members door, or scurrying to a meeting with a professor for advice, or answers to questions they had. Most had puffy eyes from too little sleep, and they shouldered heavy bags bulging with books.


    In whispers, they quizzed each other on material theyd learned in lectures, or reviewed shcards. Some walked confidently. Others were as nervous as amb near a dragons fiery breath.


    The scene was typical. The semester was nearing its end and activity was high.


    Alex watched, feeling a little sadno, maybe sad wasnt the right word.


    Nostalgic, he realised, as a group of first years passed by, hurrying to a study hall as he walked down a flight of stairs. This all feels very nostalgic.


    He remembered first year, studying with his cabal. Back then, he was still new to using the Mark of the Fool and learning study strategies for university level work. He passed a balcony where he, Thundar, Isolde, and Khalik would meet to go over sswork, or quiz and tutor each other while loudlyining about their hardest-marking professors.


    The young wizard smiled at the memory.


    Things were so much simpler then, he thought. That was before I knew what Hunters were or before they found me. Back then, I was trying to see what I could learn about the dungeon core remains from Hannahs cave. The Ravener had been a distant threat, little more than a dim thought in the back of my mind. By the Traveller, I miss the time when my biggest worry was about what marks I''d get in Rams ss.


    Shaking his head, he continued down the steps toward the front of the castle.


    He remembered seeing Carey and doing his best to dodge her invitations to campus for Uldar.


    The memory was bittersweet now.


    Stepping into the courtyard, he looked up, remembering the explosion in the Cells when hed first arrived on campus with Selina, Theresa, Brutus, and Lucia. Shed brought them to the school in her sky-gond.


    The university had seemed like a ce of endless mysteries then. Mysteries he couldnt even imagine, couldnt have the beginnings of understanding back then. Now, here he was, an archwizard, walking through its hallways with the power of legends.


    Hed defeated ancient viins.


    Seen a dead god.


    Seen that dead gods sanctum with his own eyes and heard his legacy recounted with his own ears.


    Hed broken divine chains that were put on him.


    Hed begun mastering the upper limits of spell craft


    and started a magical revolution.


    Now, explosions weren''t something that frightened him away from magic: he was the one causing the explosions.


    Hopefully, he could challenge the exams he needed for credit, graduate early, andplete his undergraduate studies soon. He could even choose to go on to graduate school.


    He didn''t know how to feel about that.


    Things feel a lot less simple than they used to, he thought.


    Professor Jules words echoed in his mind, asking him what he wanted to do with his future. As he went through the universitys front gates, he was still no closer to an answer.


    Pulling his hood up, he teleported into the city, to an alleyway near Shales workshop and the Roth Family Bakery. As he stepped into the streets, people watched himhe was built like a bull, and was holding a glowing sword-staff, after allthats when the pointing and whispering began.


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    He''d been recognized.


    Hed be known in Generasi for the rest of his life, maybe even beyond, even if his life ended in the battle against the Ravener. He put that grim thought from his mind, and strolled down the busy street. It was nearly evening and people were rushing to get home from work. The bakery would soon be closing.


    Alex''s eyes fell on ithis homeas he came nearer. It looked exactly as it had before hed left: inviting and busy. Maybe busier than when hed left months ago.


    Across from it, Shales workshop was a bustle of activity.


    He paused, looking up at the building.


    Holy shit, he thought.


    The golem crafter and businesswoman was clearly taking advantage of her sales: an extension had expanded the golem-works floor space, and a new docking tower was being erected for sky-gonds.


    Probably for shipping, Alex thought. Maybeoh!


    A small team of workmen floated around the tower, installing a familiar symbol: the seal Lucias shippingpany bore.


    I guess I wasn''t the only one who was busy, he thought.


    He considered going to the golem-works to say a quick hello, but reconsidered. There''ll be time for thatter, he thought. I still have to deliver the golems I made in Keldas sanctum, well have plenty to talk about, then.


    He teleported a few blocks away, mingling with the crowd and strolling through the downtown streets, his mind still on his future.


    I have more businesses to set up and I like making coin, so is that what I want to do for the rest of my life?


    He wasnt sure.


    I could do anything. Probably even make my own dukedom if I wanted to, he thought. There might be somend out there somewheremaybe an ind or somethingthat I could make my own duchy in. But, being a ruler sounds like ites with its own set of problems. Maybe, I could go adventuringbut after fighting monsters for so long, I think I could use a break from that for a while, cut down on the excitement for a bit.


    The evening streets were growing darker.


    Forceball lights came to life along the sidewalks.


    Bars and taverns grew louder as darkness fell.


    Maybe I could open an alehouse like the one my parents had, he thought with a sad smile. If only they could see all I''ve done. He nodded solemnly at the thought.


    Alex teleported a few blocks ahead, finding himself in Borgias Square where he used to spend time watching people and learning their bodynguage. Merchants and farmers were packing up for the evening, securing their stalls and counting the coin theyd made for the day.


    Some recognized him immediately.


    Alex Roth? an older man called. Come to make a purchase? I could open back up if youre in need of something.


    No thanks, Im alright, Alex waved at the man, then teleported away.


    Maybe I should go see Khaik, he thought. He and Sinope probably did a lot of preparing for their wedding by now. By the Traveller, Theresa and I should start nning ours


    More things to consider.


    More things to think about for<strong></strong>the future.


    Alex teleported to a road outside the city.


    He strolled through the countryside, walking among carts travelling back to local viges. He nodded at farmers, hunters and monster yers as he passed them on his way to the vi where his family was.


    A memory ofing out to the Generasi countryside for the first time greeted him, it was as vivid as if it happened yesterday.


    Maybe we can stay here for the rest of our lives he thought. It''s a really nice ce to be. Feels more like home than Alric, at this point. But then again He remembered, sitting under a tree with Theresa, in Coille Forest. There, his childhood friend had told him about her dream, about wanting to explore the world.


    She had put it on hold so he could go to school, and they could fight the Ravener.


    Would Theresa want to live here forever? Alex wondered. Selina would want to go to school here, butafter that?


    The idea of travelling seemed sort ofnice, to Alex.


    When he thought about it, he realisedsurprisinglythat he hadn''t really done much travelling, despite being able to teleport. Hed left Alric toe to Generasiseen a bit of the Rhinean Empirebut that was only to get here for school.


    Hed gone down to the hells, but that ce wasnt exactly what hed call somece to travel to. It had been for training, for finding information about Hannah and doing it while not dying at the ws of demons. Hed also been to the Irtyshenan Empire; an awful ce, being there had been one of the worst times in his life. His quest there was important, but he could happily live without ever going back.


    Alex paused in the middle of the road, deep in thought.


    I''ve never travelled for pleasure, he realised. I have all of this teleportation energy to use, and I''ve gone mostly to some of the worst ces around. Either for business, to train, to gather information, or because lives depended on it. I hope I get a chance to fix that, one day.


    Taking a deep breath of country air, he nodded to himself.


    This was nice, he thought. It was nice taking in the city again.


    With a smile, he teleported, materialising on a road deeper in the countryside. Up in the distance, stood the vi where his family waited. ygon, the Lus, and Selina should be there. Hopefully, Theresa and Brutus were back.


    Alex strolled along, humming a little tune, reaching his hand out, letting the leaves of bushes he was passing caress his fingertips. The young wizard took another deep breath and exhaled, his thoughts falling away.


    He wanted to be in this moment.


    Fully present.


    He could see lights shining in the windows of the vifire flickering from fireces, andmps. Those mes made him wonder how Selinas studies had been going. Shales golems were patrolling the walls. Each powerful, and looking dangerous.


    The next time he saw Toraka, hed have to thank her again for what shed done for his family.


    He had a lot of people to thank.


    His professors, Shale, Baelinall of them.


    Especially Baelin.


    Alex looked up at stars winking to life above him. I hope youe back soon, he whispered. I hope we see you again before the end...and I hope youe back and blow up some of our enemiesthatd be nice right about now.


    He chuckled.


    A scream ripped through the twilight.


    Aleeeeeeeeeeeex! a voice screamed.


    His head turned toward the vi, eyes peering through the dusky light.


    The young wizard couldn''t make anyone out at first. He was just about to teleport closer, when the gate began opening. A small figure squeezed through.


    He recognized the slight form. Her chestnut brown hair was longer than when hedst seen her, and she was taller too.


    Surprisingly taller.


    Aleeeeex! Selina screamed again, sprinting down the road toward him.


    A broad grin spread across his face. Little gob He paused, suddenly feeling awkward and a little paranoid that Kybas was nearby. Selina!


    He ran toward his little sister.


    The Roth siblings raced along the path, closing the distance between them.


    Alex could see her tear-filled green eyes. Her arms spreading wide. Her cloak billowing.


    Then, she sprang.


    Selina mmed into her brothers chest and he picked her up off her feet, twirling her around.


    Youre back! she cried. You''re alive!


    She hugged him for dear life.


    Yes, I''m back, Selina, he said. I''m


    <em>Faaaaatheeer!</em> a familiar voice bellowed from behind him, echoing through the night.


    Alex turned, watching ygon burst from the vi, bounding toward him at full speed.


    His smile slowly faded, Wait, ygon


    But the golem was already airborne, his arms spreading wide to hug his father.


    So this is how I die, Alex thought.


    The iron golem mmed into him, crushing him in a hug.

 Chapter 789: A Reunion Meal

    Chapter 789: A Reunion Meal


    Alex Roth slowly peeled himself off<strong></strong>the golem when ygon finally broke their hug.


    His knees felt like jelly, but it was worth it, he would have been a pretty bad father if hed denied his son a hug. And hed seen enough bad fatherhoodtely.


    Its good he wheezed as the golem helped him stay upright. Its good to see you too, buddy.


    <em>Youarehome!</em> ygon cheered, lifting Alex up as though he weighed no more than a down-filled pillow. Withughter booming from his voice box, the golem tossed his father high in the air.


    Alex screamed, his legs and arms iling. Clutched tightly in his hand, the aeld staff gave off feelings of shock, surprise, and terror.


    ygon! No! No! the young wizard shouted.


    He fell back into his golems grip, ygon tossed him high in the air again,ughing merrily.


    Aaaaaargh! Alexs screams soared through the twilight.


    ygon reached up, catching him one more time, and hugging him close.


    <em>FatherI will never let you go again!</em> his voice was that of an excited child.


    ygon, my bones! My poor bones! Alex groaned, his body making unhealthy popping and cracking noises. Your father is going to be a bag of blood and bone dust!


    <em>Oh! I am sorryfather </em>The golem finally put him down. <em>I justmissed youso much!</em>


    Alex rubbed his aching sides. Yeah, I missed you too, buddy andArgh!


    As soon as ygon put him down, Selina threw her arms around her brother again.


    You''re both trying to kill me, I know it, he groaned.


    They seemed too happy to hear him.


    Im so d youre back home, his little sister said. Theresa and Brutus came back a while ago, and I''ve been waiting by the front door ever since, watching for when you got here.


    <em>Metoo!</em> ygon said.


    Really?Alexughed. You didn''t think Id just teleport here?


    I thought you might, she said. But if you took the road, I wanted to see youing.


    Well, you saw me, Alex said, holding her shoulders, trying to see her face clearly. With a twitch and a single syble, he conjured a forceball, its crimson light shone on his sisters face. Let me get a good look at you. Look at you, look how much youve grown!


    She had indeed.


    In the months Alex had been gone, Selina had shot up by inches. Her face looked different, older, some of its child-like features were gone. Her profile was now more angr, her cheeks less full, and her jawline a little more defined. She was leaner, more of her baby fat was gone.


    He could see the beginnings of the Roth build, tall, skinny, typical of their family. Hed inherited the same frame, until he changed it with blood magic and the Mark, turning himself into the hulking young man that he now was.


    His eyes narrowed. Maybe Operation Giant Selina still had some legs to it.


    Her eyes narrowed, drilling into him. Why are you looking at me like that? Are you nning something weird? You look funny.


    N-no! he protested, lying as easily as he breathed. I was just thinking about how much you''ve changed. You''re growing uplisten, I''m sorry I couldnt be here for all those months.


    You should be, she said, frowning. I know you had a lot to do, but ygon and I missed you. We all did.


    She suddenly paused, her cheeks reddening. I can''t believe I jumped on you like a little kid. Ugh, that''s embarrassing.


    <em>It is alright Selinawe both missed himbesidesyou didn''t almost smash him into jam</em> ygon pointed out, a touch of shame in his voice.


    We''re just happy to see each other, thats all, Alex said. Nothing wrong with that, even if your greeting <em>did</em> almost turn me into a red smear But, only a bit!


    So whats been happening? Selina asked, suddenly serious. Theresa wouldnt say muchno matter how much I askedbut she did say a lot has changed, but then she wouldn''t tell us anymore than that.


    Alex exhaled loudly. Theres a lot to talk about, but why don''t we go inside first. Have you had supper?


    She shook her head. No, we haven''t. We were waiting for you.


    <em>Idefinitelyhaventfather</em> ygon said.


    Yeah, well then wed better get you both fed Alex paused, slowly looking up at the golem. Really? <em>Really?</em>


    <em>I learnedmy sense of humourfrom my father</em> ygon said.


    It really did sound like one of your jokes, Alex, Selina added.


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    He rolled his eyes. I almost wish I was fighting the church again, they were less brutal. Come on, why don''t I make us some supper? We can talk about everything thats happened over dinner.


    Okay, she said.


    <em>That sounds good </em>ygon agreed.


    Is everyone home? Alex asked, as the trio walked to the vi.


    Yup, Selina said. And Thundar and Khalik are here too. Theresa said Isolde will being by once she finishes up some work.


    Really? he said excitedly, quickening his pace.


    <em>Yes</em> ygon said. <em>They are very excitedto see</em>


    Alex, you rangy jerk! There you are! Thundars voice boomed from the vi.


    You have returned intact! Khalik called.


    Alex looked up to see Thundar, Khalik, Najyah, Theresa, Mr. Lu, Mrs. Lu, Brutus and Theresas brothersing from the vi.


    Helloooo everybody! he shouted. Im back! Im actually back!


    The General of Thamnd smiled as his family and friends came to embrace him.


    ###


    There were a lot of things that Alex Roth had missed in his time away from home. His family, hisb, his routines; hed thought about them every day as he searched for Keldas sanctum, worked on changing the Mark of the Fool, and thought of ways to get rid of the hunters from the secret church and the fae.


    There were other things too, though, simple things he hadn''t realised how much hed missed until he had them again.


    A well-stocked kitchen was one of them.


    It was after dark now, and the vis kitchen was lit by forceballs and firelight. Humming to himselfmore rxed than he had been in agesAlex bustled around among an army of Wizards Hands.


    Working near the stove, some chopped venison, pork, and beef into cubes.


    On another surface, others diced apples, onions, garlic, and sweet peppers.


    Wizards Hands stoked the fire. Others made a sauce from various herbs, spices and oils, beating them together slowly. Alex was busy whipping eggs in arge ceramic bowl.


    He looked up at his audience, they were crowded together, talking andughing at one end of the kitchen.


    I hope you don''t mind something simple, he said cheerily, letting the aromas fill his nostrils. He felt right at home. It''s a littlete to do anything fancy, so I''m afraid omelettes, dinner rolls, and skewers will have to do.


    Sounds like a feast to me, Mr. Lu said, wiping tears from his eyes. You could feed me dirt and I''d be happy: it''s just so good that youre back.


    Were you not eating properly, Alex? A worried Mrs. Lu asked, looking him up and down. You look a little thin.


    No, Mrs. Lu, heughed. I''m not any thinner. Keldas pantry was well-stocked, even if the food was pretty basic. But now, I get to <em>really</em> cook again.<strong></strong>Well, I''m d I get to eat your cooking again! Thundar grinned, licking his lips. You''re so good around the kitchen, you make everything else taste like dirt!


    Well, I wouldnt go that far, Khalik said. But it is good to be in yourpany.


    Yeah, likewise, Alex grinned. How have things been?


    The wizard looked from Mr. and Mrs. Lu to their sons. Were you allfortable here?


    Comfortable? Hah! Mr. Lu scoffed. <em>Spoiled</em> is more like it. I feel like I died and reincarnated as a king somewhere.


    You''ve ruined him, Alex, he''s never going to be able to run the inn back home now, Mrs. Lu said. But, I''ve also been veryfortable, we all have. The only way our stay could''ve been better is if you were here with us.


    Well, I''m d I''m back, Alex said. I really, really am.


    Mrs. Lu smiled sweetly. But yes, things have been quiet in the Rhinean Empire. It''s been strange hearing how word of our Saint from little Alric is spreading around, even in this big city.


    Yes, it seems so odd, Mr. Lu agreed. But the good kind, not the bad kind.


    Hopefully, word about her keeps growin and so does her power, Thundar said, ncing at Theresa. Theresa said that we''ve got a lot to talk about over dinner, right?


    Yeah, Alex said. A lot.


    The young wizard considered whether or not to tell Theresa''s family everything theyd learned about Uldar. On the one hand, he didn''t want to upset them or risk the secret spreading. But, on the other hand, theyd kept the information about him being the Fool to themselves, so he knew he could trust them.


    He didn''t like the idea of close family praying to a dead god that had no problem with killing his people. He nodded to himself: first, hed see how Theresa felt about it, thenif she thought they should know the truth about Uldarhed tell everyone what theyd learned.


    For now, though, he focused on the food.


    He let the scents wash over him.


    It was very good to be home.


    ###


    By my ancestors, I missed this cooking. Thundar moaned, biting into a skewer of grilled meats and vegetables. This meats so good! So juicy! By my ancestors, I''ve gotta have you cooking for me for the rest of my life!


    Theresaughed. That sounds like a proposal, Thundar.


    With cooking like this? It <em>might</em> be, the minotaurughed.


    Alex''s family and cabalincluding Isolde, whod arrived when Alex was nearly finished cookingwere seated around the table in the main dining hall of the vi.


    Najyah was perched on the back of Khaliks chairwatching everyone shovel food from te to mouth. Brutus was by Theresas feet, begging.


    ygon stood behind Alex''s chair at the head of the table.


    sses tinkled.


    Forks and knives clinked against china.


    A me roared in the firece.


    And Alex had a dreamy smile on his face.


    The sight of friends, the sound of their voices, the scent of foodthis was home. And hed missed it. Even if they weren''t in their true home that was part of the bakery, the presence of family and friends made it home all the same.


    Besides


    He looked around the vis dining room, taking in its stonewalls and fine paintings.


    he liked this ce.


    Alex looked at the Lu family. Really looked at them. Theresa''s mother, father, and brothers were all chatting and sharing a meal with his cabal. Watching them was like watching his old life meet his new one.


    He found that he didn''t want to let go of either.


    Again, Professor Jules words about thinking about his future came back to him.


    When the war was overif they wonTheresa''s family would be going back to Alric to run their inn.


    They''d be far awaymany weeks travel by ship and wagonand while Alex could teleport himself and Theresa there to visit whenever they wanted, there was a part of him that felt it wouldnt be enough.


    Life in Alric, without the Ravener, had been peaceful, so was life in Generasiif one didn''t count the demon invasionsor the mana vampiresor the monsters in the countrysideor the monsters from the Barrensor magical identsor


    He shook his head.


    It''s still pretty peaceful in the countryside, he thought. I''ve just lived a pretty wild life here. Sinope and the dryads live in peace, mostlythe Lus could have a nice, calm life here as easily as they could in Alric. It''d be good having them closerthey could enjoy a morefortable life here in Generasi, and we could see each other whenever we wanted. It wouldn''t just be up to us to teleport to Alric to see them.


    What are you thinking so deeply about? Theresas voice broke through his thoughts.


    Who me? Alex asked, before looking around the table. Everyone''s eyes were on him. Just the future.


    In what way? Mr. Lu asked.


    He took a deep breath, deciding on what to say next. Mr. and Mrs. Lu, I''m going to marry your daughter, and I was wondering if maybe you''d like to live here in Generasi. You said you really liked it here, wellyou don''t have to go back to Alric if you don''t want to.


    The table went quiet.


    That''sa lovely thought, Alex, Mrs. Lu said. But we''ve run our inn for a long timeit doesn''t feel right to just abandon it.


    The young wizard smiled, an idea forming in his mind.


    He remembered the Cave of the Traveller, with its many portals.


    Its <em>permanent </em>portals.


    What if you didn''t <em>have</em> to abandon it? he asked.

 Chapter 790: To the Future

    Chapter 790: To the Future


    What do you mean if we didnt have to abandon it? Mrs. Lu asked.


    What if you could start each day herein paradiseand then go to the inn from here in the morning, Alex suggested. What if you had help, like an innkeeper who could manage the inn in the evening, while you came back here?


    Well, there''s an idea, Mr. Lu chuckled, taking a long sip of wine. He was beginning to look a little flushed. But we can''t have you teleporting us between here and Alric every morning and every night.


    And besides, I like taking care of the inn, Mrs. Lu said.


    I also like baking, Aex said. But I have someone to run the bakery when I''m not there, so I''m not chained to it. If you want to be hands-on, of course you can be, its your choice, but wouldn''t it be nice to have more time to yourselves? To have time for family, to visit your sons, your daughter, me and Selina. Not to mention, Brutus!


    It does sound nice, I must say, Mrs. Lu said. But we can''t have you teleporting us to and from Thamnd every day.


    I wouldn''t have to, Alex said. Not with what I have in mind. He said, putting his knife and fork down and leaning forward. At the university and Greymoor, Baelin set up a teleportation circle for us to use. It''s a permanent way to teleport folk from Generasi to Greymoor and back. Well, the Cave of the Travellerand the thieves guild in the Irtyshenan Empireprovide ess to those types of portals for travelling to different ces. Think about it like a permanent doorway that you can use to get to certain ces, ces that you want to get to.


    That sounds usefulso, do you mean to arrange for one for <em>us </em>to use<em>?</em> Mrs. Lu asked.


    I think I could do it: if Hannah and Kelda could, then I don''t see why I wouldn''t be able to figure it out. I think it''d be great for all of us: itd let us see each other as often as we liked, and also give us a permanent connection to Alric.


    II don''t know what to saywhere would we live in Generasi? We couldn''t afford anything here,<strong></strong>Mr<strong>.</strong> Lu said, his face flushing redder.


    Alex smiled. Not that long ago, Selina and I needed a home, and you gave us one, if you hadnt, the church would have taken us to an orphanage. You gave us a home and you gave us a family, so, I''d like to give you a new home in return.


    Mrs. Lu''s eyes began to shine.


    Mr. Lu looked up at the ceiling. Best son-inw alive. But honestly, Alex, you don''t have to do anything like that.


    I <em>want</em> to do it. I know I don''t <em>have</em> to, the young wizard said.


    Oh, Alex, Theresa smiled, her hand going to her heart.


    I''d like it if we were all together, Selina said, smiling at the Lus. I''ve missed you all a lot.


    Mr. and Mrs. Lu fell silent, looking at one another, their sons and their daughter, and finally, at the siblings theyd raised as their own. They reached for each others hands.


    We''ll have to talk about this as a family, Mr Lu said. But thank you for such a wonderful offer, Alex. It truly is wonderful.


    Your parents would be so proud of you, Mrs. Lu smiled.


    A beautiful moment, Khalik said, swirling wine in the bottom of his ss. A beautiful moment for a beautiful reunion. Times like these make the heart sing, and bring it much joy. They are much appreciated, especially after the dark times you have been through for so many months, my friend. He raised his ss to Alex.


    Butforgive me for my burning curiosity in this fine moment. Theresa has told me of what you learned and I was wondering how your meeting with the king went.


    The Lus looked at the prince in surprise.


    The king? Mr. Lu asked.


    Alex turned his attention to Theresa, she nodded.


    What''s going on? Selina asked.


    I have lots to tell everyone, Alex said. It''s a long story, and it''s not a pleasant one, but its one you need to hear.


    Alex went into the story, telling them all hed learned since hede back from the Empire. He told them everything; about Uldars death, his treachery, and that hed created the Ravener.


    The room grew quieter as Alex spoke, recounting what hed learned.


    Selina gasped when she heard Uldar had nned to kill almost everyone, nor was she alone.


    When the story came to an end, all cheer had left the room. The only sound to be heard was the crackle of firewood, but everyone''s faces spoke loudly. Rage, shock, disgust, sorrow and disbelief screamed from the expressions they wore. Mr. Lus jaw clenched and unclenched. Mrs. Lus hands trembled. Their son whod wanted to go back to Thamnd to fight Ravener-spawn for Uldars cause, had stomped from the room. The other sat with his eyes squeezed shut, fuming.


    Selina broke the silence. He really wanted to kill everyone?


    Just to keep himself alive Khalik muttered. Any king who is callous enough to sacrifice his entire kingdom in order to prolong his own life, is no king, he is a monster. After all, when hisnd is destroyed, and his people are dead, what is there left for him to rule? What is the point of his crown?


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    Its only a shiny ornament,<strong></strong>Thundar agreed.


    These things have be no less shocking to hear than when I was in his sanctum, Isolde said. I am pleasantly surprised that the high priest supported us so quickly.


    I was too, Alex said. And it really was a wee surprise, let me tell you. The king is on our side, and the church will be with us too.


    But Uldars body being taken away is most disturbing Khalik muttered. It can only mean that we are in the calm before the storm.


    What do you mean? Theresa asked.


    The prince tented his fingers. The Ravener has likely learned that its creator is dead. Perhaps it is taking time to process this and has not unleashed its full fury, but I believe that is imminent. I would expect that after it hasnned and grievedits threat will unfold in a great wave.


    Which is why the Heroes and I, and all of us, need to get stronger, Alex said. I have to see if I can push harder with the Travellers power and learn more spells.


    We could use Baelin right about now, Thundar said. But, I guess we gotta just assume he won''t being back anytime soon. We cant risk nning for him to be around to help us, cos if we depend on him and he doesnte back, we could be pretty screwed.


    If luck favours us, he will be back, Isolde said. But if not, we must be prepared to fend for ourselves.


    He was training us to do just that, wasnt he? Alex said. Now we''ve just got to put his teachings to use.


    Something bothers me though Khalik frowned. I could see the Ravener taking the body of its creatorbut why the throne?


    Merzhin and Tobias said that it was a focus for Uldars divine power, Alex pointed out.


    I can understand that Khalik said. But, does it mean to destroy it? If it does, would that not depower the priesthood?


    Actually, I''mnot sure Aled admitted.


    <em>If it was me</em> ygon joined in. <em>And father had a throneI would want that tooI would not want it in the hands of his enemies</em>


    Khalik nodded enthusiastically. I would be the same, the thought of my father and mothers thrones, or crowns in the hands of some traitorous scumwould not sit well with me and would call for retaliation.


    So what happens now? Selina asked. How do you find the Ravener?


    We''re working on that, Alex said. There''s basically two mysteries we have to solve before we have any hope of stopping the cycles forever. The first one, is how do we find the Ravener, and the second is how do we get rid of it <em>forever</em>once we find it.


    Do you think you''re really going to figure out how to do both? Selina asked.


    We have to. We''vee too far now just to fail, Alex said. But it wont be easy: we don''t have anything thats leading us to where it could be, and we really don''t have direct ways to test how to keep it froming back. We still need to solve those problems. Its key. So, thats what well have to keep our focus on. Weve never let roadblocks stop us before. We beat the demon summoner, and the demons that came to raze Generasi with Ezaliel. Weve beaten Uldars hidden church, and were going to beat his Ravener.


    Finding it could be difficult, Khalik said. Likely more difficult than in previous cycles. With Uldar using each cycle as a way to feed himself faith, he would have <em>needed</em> the Ravener to be found by the Heroes. Now, its in the constructs best interest <em>not</em> to be found.


    Doesn''t matter, Thundar said. Like Alex said, we''vee too far. Besides, this is going to give us time to get more powerful. By the time we find it, his right hand balled into a fist. We''ll be tough enough to stop it.


    It feels a little silly to be attending sses when theres so much on the line, Khalik said.


    Don''t worry about that, Alex said. You all have to live your lives. We all do. You have sses to go to, and Ive also got my businesseswe can''t just forget everything beside the Ravener. We don''t know if we''ll find it next week, next month, next year, or when. We should live our lives while we can, and live them as well as we can.


    Well said, Mr. Lu said, raising his goblet of wine. To the future! A future, without evil gods, and a future without the Ravener!


    To the future! Everyone at the table raised their sses, with ygon raising his left fist.


    The family and cabal drank deeply.


    When Selina put her ss on the table, she looked at Alex, her expression grave. Don''t die. Okay? You promised me before that you wouldnt, and you kept your promise, but things are getting more dangerous now. I don''t want to lose you like we lost mum and dad, so promise me again that youll be careful.


    I''m going to be around for a long time, Alex promised his sister. I won''t tell you not to worry, but I can promise you I''m going to do my best to beat this thing ande back home.


    Good. She frowned. I wish I could actually do something to help. Its frustrating that I have a fire affinity, but I''m not even strong enough to help with this.


    That''s not your job, Theresa said. We''re making a better life for all of us. You just need to grow up and enjoy it.


    Theresas right, Mr. Lu said.


    Selina shook her head. But if I was stronger, I could make sure that you''re there with me when I''m growing up. It was terrifying staying here, just waiting for news, news that couldve been terrible. It''s terrifying staying home, waiting for bad news. I''d like to be there with you, protecting all of you. I''d burn the Ravener to ashes. Or take its heat away to freeze it, she said. Things stop moving when they freeze. Maybe I could paralyse it or something.


    Something in what Selina had just said sparked a hint of something in Alex''s mind. But he couldn''t put his finger on exactly what it was. It was there, ying at the tip of his brain, but wouldnte any closer. Hed have to file away what shed said forter.


    Speaking of fire she paused, looking shy. I''ve gotten a lot better with spellcraft, Alex. I''ve learned so much since you were gone, and I really want to show you. Can we go to school tomorrow? Id like to show you everything I can do now, and I also want to see my friends againit''s been too long.


    Alex smiled. Well get you back to your sses after I speak to the registrar. Im sure hell have paperwork to do. As for tomorrow? Tomorrow we can go to campus, and you can show me all the spells you''ve learned.


    Especially the fire spells, Selina said. I''m best at those. I guess that''s not really surprising, right?


    I can hardly wait to see them, Alex said. I''ve learned some good fire spells too.


    Why dont we all go together? Khalik said. I am curious to see what magic you both can do now. What tier have you reached, Alex?


    In summoning? Alex asked. Ninth.


    Thundar nearly spit his drink across the table. Are you <em>serious?</em>


    Yeah, man! Alex grinned. Ninth-tier!


    Khaliks jaw dropped. So you, my friend, are now an archwizard!


    ording to an astral engeli I summoned, I am! the young wizard rubbed his hands together with glee.


    That is so unfair, Isolde sniffed.


    Mr. Lu looked at Theresa. I take it that ninth-tier is impressive?


    Yes, father, she said.


    Well, congrattions! Mr. Lu beamed. And speaking of congrattions. Show us that fancy new Mark of yours! Wellmaybe not at the dinner table. Show it to us in the morning. I''m curious to see what it looks like.


    I will, Alex promised. Right before we go to campus.


    Here, here! Thundar cheered. Now, let''s get back to eating and drinking! He raised his ss. It''s celebration time, after all. Then, tomorrow you can show us what a monster you''ve be.


    Oh, don''t worry, my n is to make you all monsters, Alex grinned at his cabal. With sometraining, that is. I am a General, after all.


    Thundar flinched. Easy training?


    Alexs grin turned evil. Quite the opposite. Easy training does not a Proper Wizard make!


    Isolde shuddered. Professor Jules was right. The chancellor <em>is</em> a bad influence on you.

 Chapter 791: Nostalgia, Spells and Memory

    Chapter 791: Nostalgia, Spells and Memory


    Under the midnight air, Alex Roth stood on the balcony of the vi. He looked over the courtyard with a dreamy smile, taking in the sounds, sights and scents of the Generasian countryside under moonlight.


    Fireflies glowing in the distance.


    Crickets chirping.


    A warm wind.


    Torakas golems patrolling the courtyard.


    All wereforting. No more frigid Irtyshenan nights, huddled by a fire with the hidden church stalking him, Birger and Bjorgrund. Just thefort of home.


    The sound of a door creeping open behind him caught his attention.


    Theresa emerged into the moonlight, d in her nightgown with her hair still damp from her bath. His face lit up.


    By the Traveller, I missed you, he thought as the huntress closed the door behind her, slipping up beside him.


    She pressed her body against him, and their lips met.


    They did not part for a long time.


    She pulled away, breathing deeply. By the Traveller, Ive wanted to do that for months.


    We kissed after we killed the First Apostle, and yes, Im keeping track. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer.


    And, we haven''t made up for lost time yet. She nuzzled into his shoulder. Theres been a lot of lost kisses and moments that weve missed. We have a lot to make up for.


    Well, were together again. We can make up for lost time. Alex smiled. Weve got all the time in the world.


    Not quite yet, Theresa reminded him. Theres darkness ahead of us.


    And well face it together. All of us, butmost of allustogether, he said.


    Like when we left Alric, she agreed. You and me. Together. Looking out for each other, and for Selina and Brutus.


    Ya, he leaned down and kissed the top of her head. I love you, Theresa. I want you to always remember that. And I want you to know Alex gestured to the night. Im going to make sure we can experience all of this together, forever. The Ravener wont stop us.


    No, Alex. <em>Well</em> make sure that doesnt happen. She kissed him again.


    Youre right, he agreed. <em>Well</em> make sure. He cupped her chin and looked into her eyes. I missed you, he whispered, softly kissing her forehead, her eyelids and moving down to her neck, before stopping. We should probably go inside before your parents see us.


    She chuckled. Youre willing to face the Ravener but not my mother and father?


    Alex looked at herpletely seriously. Yes. Id rather pick fights I <em>might</em> be able to win.


    Sheughed then, and all was perfect.


    ###


    Nostalgia.


    Appearing in the schools practice stadium under the early morning sun, a wave of nostalgia washed over Alex. Hispanions materialised secondster: ygon, the Lus, Najyah, Theresa, Selina, Brutus, Khalik, Isolde and Thundar were all there.


    Selina gasped, squinting at the sudden daylight, and a smile spreading from her lips to her eyes, took over her face. It''s so good to be here on campus.


    Yeah, it sure is, Alex agreed.


    Looking around the stadium brought back a host of memories: first and second year students were practisingbat spells using stone dummies, third years were studying in the stands, the sh of magic, crackle of fire, and the impact of forceall took him back to countless days spent here.


    Long mornings where he, Khalik and Thundar jogged around the track, starting their days. Thats where hed learned that there was a proper and efficient way to jog, something hed never thought about before, something hed never cared about, beforeing to Generasi. The Mark of the Fool had helped him with running properly, it was one of the very first uses hed found for it and he''de so far since then.


    Students around the practice began whispering. Alex heard ygons name mentioned repeatedly; then his cabalmates, then Theresas and Brutus, then his.


    Upper years paused what they were doing, openly staring.


    Alex is back, a pudgy battle-mage said.


    Alex Roth is back, whispered a skinny young man who Alex had never met before.


    Wow, look at him! a bespectacled blonde murmured, looking appreciative.


    Alex heard mention of the Games of Roal, mana vampires, golems and Thamnd from upper year students.


    Younger ones exchanged puzzled nces, Isnt Alex Roth the one who can teleport around like nothing? Doesnt he make golems? One of them asked the others he was practising with. Yes, and thats what I want to do too! the first year answered.


    Well, Mrs. Lu said. You''re certainly well-known.


    Alex chuckled. You know what''s funny? I walked through this campus yesterday without anyone saying a single word about me. He looked up at ygon. I guess I''m a lot less noticeable when I don''t have this guy beside me.


    He <em>does</em> leave an impression, Thundar said.


    That he does, Isolde agreed.


    Indeed, Khalik came forward with a broad smile on his face. If he had been with us when we first came here, Alex, I think things would have gone quite differently.


    What do you mean? Alex asked.


    The princes eyes twinkled. Do you recall certain actions by certain members of a certain brotherhood? Remember when the Ursa-Lupine Brotherhood tried to recruit us?


    Thats right! I do remember that! Alex pped his palm with his fist. They were all wearing the same emerald green shirts. That''s how we met that Roderick guy and then we had that spell-joust.


    And you thoroughly agitated your opponent who I believe was two steps away from imploding! the princeughed. And we both beat them in their challenges to us!


    I wish I''d been there for that, Thundar said. Sounds like fun.


    <em>Yeah</em>, it sure was! Alex and the prince shared a high five. His smile faded. Is it just me or does that feel like a lifetime ago?


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    Khaliks smile disappeared. It does feel that way.


    When was this? Mr. Lu asked.


    In our first yearalmost three years ago, the prince said.


    A lifetime, you say, Mr. Lu sighed deeply. Three years doesn''t seem very long to me, but then again, perspectives change when you get older.


    Well, I certainly feel older, Isolde admitted. Three years ago, my greatest concerns were my marks. Now


    -they still are. Thundar grinned.


    Isolde didn''t take the minotaurs bait. There were no protests, no threats. Just a look of exhaustion.


    Six months agoI would have had to admit that you were correct, if you had said as much then, the young noblewoman said. Grades are still important, but I am on the threshold of graduating. I have been spending a lot of my evenings researching how to destroy a kingdom-ending menace. Thoughts about my future often fill my mind, andI have always recognised that studyinges rather easily to me. Burying my face in a book, processing its contents, using the information to perform a spell, or write a proper exam or paper, those are things I have always found fulfilling.


    She sighed. Yet, here I am wondering how much these things truly matter in the big scheme of things. A while back, my grandfather warned me about this very thing.


    I remember you saying that, Thundar said. Something abouttoday''s marks not mattering to you ten years from now. Or something like that.


    Precisely, Isolde said. As time goes on, I find his words be even truer to me. Grades are easy, but in the end, the world is a muchrger and more difficult ce.


    Well, you seem like a smart young woman to me, Mr. Lu said, clearing his throat. I''m sure you''ll do very well doinggreatmagicstuff. You all will.


    No doubt, Alex agreed, grinning at his cabal. Khalik, Thundar, and Isolde are some of the smartest, bravest, most powerful, and truest friends anyone could have. They''re all going to go on to change the world, if thats what they want. Maybe even if they don''t want to. Once you''re powerful enough, the world changes just because you took a breath that day. And, truthfully, I think I''ll be changing the world a bit myself.


    Isolde rolled her eyes. False modesty is unbing, Roth.


    There you go, coldly calling me by myst name again He paused. ActuallyIsolde would you mind if we talkedter? As a matter of fact, itd be great if we could all talk. Our cabal, I mean. There''s some stuff I need to talk over with you.


    As leader, I can spare you my ear for a bit, Thundar grinned. Anyway, if we keep yapping like this, someone''s gonna pack us up, and it''s probably gonna be your sister. So, lets see some of those spells of yours, Selina!


    Selina, whod clearly been losing patience with their conversationhad her arms crossed and her eyes had zed overimmediately brightened. And I want to see your new spells too, Alex!


    Let''s head over to that dummy, over there then, her brother said.


    The group made their way to one of the closest dummies, stopping about a dozen feet away.


    Everyone watched Selina expectantly.


    Take it away, Alex encouraged her.


    Okay, she said. So the first spell Ill show you is zing Hands.


    I''ve heard of that, Alex said. It''s a first-tier fire spell, right? Abat spell?


    She nodded enthusiastically. It''s really coolwell, actuallythe opposite of cool. But you know what I mean. Stop smirking!


    Alex smirked proudly. My sense of humours rubbing off on you.


    Ugh, she rolled her eyes, turning toward the dummy.


    She scrunched her face in concentrationlips t and brow furrowedas she raised her hands, pointing at the practise dummy while muttering an incantation.


    Alex carefully listened to the words of the spell.


    Good pronunciation, he thought. Precise use of sybles. Shes been practising and it shows: she definitely seemsfortable with this one.


    Just as his thought ended, Selina''s hands began glowing. Bright orange sparks flew from her fingertips, exploding, forming a cone of roaring me that engulfed the mannequin, then faded away.


    She turned around, all smiles.


    Wow! That was awesome! Alex said. You cast that spell like you''ve been doing it for years. How much<em> have</em> you been practising?


    A lot, she nodded. I''ve been practising different spells, and learning all the magic theory my tutor brought me. I''ve also been doing the mana maniption<strong></strong>stuff you told me about. I''m notsuper good at it. But, Im pretty good. Its kinda boring, but at the same time, it''s alright, I suppose.


    Well, not everyone has to like mana maniption as much as I do, Alex said. But, as long as you keep doing it: it''s going to help you a lot.


    I know: my tutor said my mana pool is already bigger than it should be, for someone my age, she said proudly. I''m d, since it lets me practise longer, and fire magic is so much fun, I could practise all day. sometimes it feels as easy as breathing. No, that''s not right. She paused, frowning. It<em> is </em>like breathing, you know how you feel ufortable when you hold your breath for too long? Then you feel this big relief when you take a breath again?


    I know how that feels, Theresa said. I had to get good at holding my breath for long periods of time from hunting in the woods.


    It''s like that! Selina said. In its own way, casting a fire spell feels just like that,  She smiled up at Khalik. Can you tell your mother how Im doing and thank her for me again?


    I certainly will. Shell be pleased to hear of your progress, the prince smiled.


    She smiled back. Oh, and I also learned this spell!


    Taking out her knife, she spoke another incantation.


    The dagger began glowing the colour of a sour cherry, and burst into me.


    This ones called Sunfire Metal, she said. It heats any piece of metal that I''m holding, and lights it on fire. People can use it as a weapon, or use it to do stuff like start campfires.


    That''s cool. Alex watched the ze. Your fire affinity is really something, your spells have a lot of <em>oomph</em> to them.


    Yeah, I can really <em>feel</em> the fire magic, she said. Just watch this She raised her hand, making a pinching motion beside the ming dagger, then pulled back like she was ripping a dangling thread from a piece of cloth. The mes around the knife decreased as a line of glowing heat began following her finger before snapping back to the dagger.


    Alexs jaw dropped. How did you do <em>that</em>?


    Remember how I wanted to make cold from fire? she asked. I can sort ofuse maniption to move the spe bit? It''s hard to describe.


    Thats something! I can''t do that! Alex shook his head in admiration. That was amazing, Selina!


    She blushed, beaming with pride at the same time. I can hardly wait to see what Ill be able to do in a few years if I keep practising it. Do you think you could do it too?


    Alex frowned. Maaaaybe? It''s not something thates naturally to me, that''s for sure. You''re basically using mana maniption to alter spells in a way thats not natural for most wizards. I can do some simr stuff with forceball, but it took a lot of modification. I think what youre doinges from your own unique talent, Selina.


    Your fire affinity is extraordinary. I wonder if youll be as powerful as your brother? Khalik said. But, we wont know that for awhile yet since youre just at the beginning of your journey. Alex is talented, but on top of that, his new Mark allows him to jump the line, as it were, and gives him an even greater edge since certain things that were limiting him are now gone, if you get my meaning. He nced around the stadium, making sure there were no curious ears within earshot. He can do even more line jumping now. But, we all can do things that others cannot: a powerful demon has more raw power, but it does not have the versatility of even a lesser wizard.


    That makes sense, Selina said. I can''t wait to learn more and see what I can really do.


    I''ll be watching you every step of the way, Alex said. So, are you ready for a preview of a third-tier fire spell?


    Oh, yes! I''d love that! she cried. Show me!


    Alex turned to the mannequin, then paused. We, uh, might want to step back a bit.


    Family and wizards stepped further away from the dummy, giving it plenty of distance. Alex raised a hand, pointing it in the direction of the stone target.


    With the twitch of a finger and a slight movement of his tongue, hepleted a magic circuit, andunched a fireball at the dummy. It exploded, bursting into mes.


    HolyBy the Sapphire Sea! Khalik cried. That was quick!


    By the elements, Isolde whispered. That was incredibly fast.


    Well, <em>that''s</em> fair, Thundarughed sarcastically. You go from being one of the slowest spellcasters among us, to the fastest.


    Again! Selina shouted.


    Alexunched another fireball.


    Gouts of me exploded.


    Heunched two more for good measure, both exploded so fast, it seemed like theyd been cast by two mages in rapid session.


    All around, students were craning their necks, watching the escting disy.


    Not bad, eh? Alex flexed his fingers, smiling. I learned a few new tricks while I was away, just like you did, Selina.


    You have to teach me how to do that! she cried.


    In time. Itll take a lot of practice and skill, and you have to know magic circuits andnguages <em>really</em> well.


    Could you teach us that skill? Khalik asked. I am quick with my incantations, but I have not seen such fast spellcasting since Professor Ram.


    Yeah, Alex said. Which reminds me, I have to talk to him at some point. As for teaching you? Definitely, and I know youre all willing to learn: so I n on teaching you <em>and</em> the Heroes. You probably won''t pick it up as fast as I wouldsince the Mark gives me that advantage, as you saidbut the skill will help you a lot. We can talk about it when we meet upter. Speaking of which He paused, looking up at the position of the sun.


    I have to go see Professor Julester. We need to talk to Hobb about something, and at the same time? I''ll see about getting you back into your sses, Selina.


    She smiled. Awesome. I can''t wait to show my teacher what I''ve been doing with moving heat.


    Alex nodded.


    Once again, something tweaked in his brain.


    Yet, he still couldn''t put his finger on it.


    Not yet at least.

 Chapter 792: Engeli and Devils

    Chapter 792: Engeli and Devils


    Right on time, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said.


    The slight, white-haired professor was standing outside the registrar''s office holding a bulging satchel.


    Morning, professor, Alex said. Did you sleep well?


    Well enough, all things considered, she said wearily. Now, then, shall we proceed?


    Whenever youre ready, Alex said, frowning. Whats the protocol for giving someone ess to the ninth-floor, professor? For the other floors, all you need is a professor to sign off that you can cast that tier of spell, butas far as I knowonly Baelins powerful enough to cast ninth-tier spells, right? So, does that mean hes the only one who can give permission?


    It is a little moreplicated than that, the professor said. The entire faculty has ess to every single floor of the library, as do certain other staff members. However, we cannot give permission for a student to ess any floor above seventh. Not on our own.


    So, what happens in that case? Alex asked.


    We would have to fill out a lot of paperworkand I do mean a <em>lot.</em> Professor Jules grimaced at her satchel. And then take it to be approved by either the chancelloror in the event of his absencethe registrar. If the registrar is absent as well, then every faculty member collectively must sign the permission documents for the matter to move forward, but since Registrar Hobb is here, that will not be necessary. He can approve your applicationthough he might require you to show that you''re capable of ninth-tier spells.


    I thought that might happen, Alex said. Umhow often is this procedure used?


    <em>Very</em> rarely. <em>Extremely</em> rarely, Professor Jules said. Archwizards do not exactly grow on trees, Mr. Roth, and I imagine that you could probably count the number of times a student has be an archwizardbefore their graduationon a single hand, in spite of our long history. You are in a very exclusive club.


    Wow, Alex said. I feel honoured


    Could you feel honoured <em>inside</em> the registrars office? She raised an eyebrow. I have been up most of the night, and I would dearly love to sit down. Besides, we have about two minutes until our appointment begins, and if you know Registrar Hobb, youll know that he would rather us be slightly earlypreferably <em>exactly</em> on timerather thante, even by a second.


    Oh jeez, sorry, let''s get in there then.


    Professor Jules knocked on the door, and Hobbs familiar voice called, Come iiiin.


    Well, that doesnt sound at all sinister, Alex muttered as she opened the door.


    Whenever Alex had met with Hobb, it had always been at the front desk near the main entrance of the castle. He had never been in the registrars office before.


    It was smalmost ufortably soand bare of decoration. Each piece of furniture was practical, and unadorned. The bookshelf to the right of the entrance was forged of solid iron and filled with leather bound tomes. In front of it were two chairs, and beyond them, stood Hobbss desk piled high with mounds of paperwork.


    Arge window allowed sunlight to stream into the room, falling on the devils back as he hunched over his desk.


    He peered up owlishly, adjusting his monocle. There you are. Almost precisely at nine in the morning. Please have a seat and I will be with you once our appointment officially begins.


    Professor Jules and Alex took their seats in front of his desk.


    There was silence for a bit, only broken by Hobbs scratching pen and the ticking of a timekeeper. Alex frowned, looking around.


    He found no evidence of a timekeeper anywhere.


    Alright, then. The registrar put down his pen, looking up at Alex. His eyebrows rose. Your spirit has changed.


    The young wizard paused. Wait, what now?


    The devil watched him closely. You are still brandedbut its different now. Like baggage has been lifted. My, my. So you did it, then. Congrattions!


    Oh, can you sensethe Mark? Alex asked.


    Now that I know what to look for, yes, Hobb said smoothly. It''s all vague, but I can tell that your soul has changed. It does not take a genius to figure out what that would mean, considering your goals. Well done, young man.


    He looked at Professor Jules next. So, Professor Vernia Jules, Department Head of Alchemy, your emergencymunication stated that we are to give Mr. Roth ess to the highest levels of the library. He paused, then grinned. Or should I say the lowest, considering how our library is oriented.


    That''s right, the professor said, handing over the paperwork.


    And for what tier? Hobb asked.


    Ninth.


    Hobb paused, his attention returning to Alex. Do you recall our very first conversation?


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    You did leave an impression, Alex admitted.


    I tend to. Hobb said. I once told you that one day you might set up your own tower and <em>bend the forces of the cosmos to your unbreakable will.</em>


    Yeah, you did say that. Alex leaned back. It feels like a lifetime ago.


    Maybe a lifetime by the reckoning of mice, the devil said. But, in a mouses lifetime, you have gotten to the point where you <em>could</em> bend the forces of the cosmos to your unbreakable will. If what your professor is saying hasnt been exaggerated, that is. You are not lying to her, are you? There are some who try to fake skill in order to gain ess to our rarest magical tomes.


    No, Alex shook his head quickly. I really can cast ninth-tier spells.


    Hmmmm, I see. I see. Hobb took in all of Professor Jules''s paperwork in a few nces.


    The alchemist scoffed. If only those documents were as quick for me to fill out as they are for you to read.


    Not all things can be hurried, Hobb said, finishing the stack of paperwork. Well, that''s all in order. I''ll have to ask you to demonstrate a ninth-tier spell for me, Mr. Roth.


    Alrightbut uhin here''s a little cramped, Alex pointed out.


    Hobb jerked his finger to the right. Over there should do nicely.


    The young wizard frowned, confused. You mean the bookshe His words trailed off. I should know better than to be surprised anymore.


    Where the bookshelf had been only a moment before, there was now a hallway leading to a vast room beyond it. It resembled one of the Cells, but was double that size, with aplex summoning circle in the middle of the floor.


    The room hadnt been there a heartbeat earlier.


    Youve got some neat tricks, Alex remarked.


    As do you, Hobb rose from his chair. The energy from your growing demigoddess seems capable of things that would make Chancellor <em>Baelin</em> jealous, eventually. And I hope that you manage to make him irritated. He sometimes gets entirely too smug for his own good.


    Doesn''t he, though? Professor Jules agreed, rising from her chair and stepping into the testing room. Smug old goat.


    That he is, Hobb said.


    Uh Alex paused. I actually really like him, and I kind of think he deserves to be a little smug, to be fair. I mean, I can be a little smug sometimes. Even you two can be a little smug sometimesand we''re all powerful. So just a little smugness goes with that, you know? Just a little, as a treat.


    Alright, youve made your point, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said in a chilly tone.


    Okay, okay, Ill leave it alone. He held up his hands in surrender then turned to Hobb as they neared the middle of the testing chamber. So I''m going to cast a summoning spell, but I won''t need the protective circle.


    I should hope not, if you''re truly an archwizard, Hobb said. What will you be summoning?


    So the most powerful thing I can summon is busy at the momentkilling things. Probably a lot of things, for the next few days. So what I''ll summon instead is an astral engel He paused, looking at Hobb questioningly, wait, that''s okay, right? I mean, considering


    Hobbsugh was a deep, eerie sound, running through the room. That I''m a devil? he chuckled. Why, yes. I<em> am</em> a devil. And a simple engeli would not be enough to curdle my essence with offence.


    Alright, just wanted to be polite, Alex said, turning to the centre of the room.


    Raising a hand, he chanted the incantation for the ninth-tier spell: Summon Astral Engeli.


    It flowed from him with ease, and he felt holy power filling the area as a familiar presence came down from the celestial nes.


    A sh of light announced the beautiful engeli entering the room, holding his ming sword.


    Archwizard, the engeli lowered his head. I am here to serve. What evil shall we conquer next?


    No evil to conquer today, Alex said. I just wanted to use your presence for a little demonstration.


    The young wizard gestured to Hobb.


    With a sidelong ncefollowed by a double takethe engeli recoiled from the devil.


    Hobb gave the celestial a little wave. Hello.


    Ugh, the engeli made a sound. An offensive presence.


    I am not too fond of you either, one beneath the wheel of burning eyes. Hobb nced at the engelis halo.


    The celestial looked like he was going to respond, when Alex interrupted.


    I think, uh, we can leave it at that, right? the young wizard asked. I mean, that should be enough for the demonstration?


    More than enough The devil looked at Alex with interest and a raised pair of eyebrows. He actually looked impressed.


    Perfect, Alex said, looking at the engeli. I''ll summon you again when it''s more pleasant for you.


    Thank you, archwizard. The engeli bowed as Alex dismissed him.


    When the celestial faded, loud apuse reverberated through the room. Registrar Hobb was all smilesone so broad that it almost split his face in two and showed far too many teethwhile he pped enthusiastically.


    Well done! Well done! the registrars voice thundered through the chamber. You are the third studentin all of Generasis historyto be an archwizard before graduation! Magnificent! You should call great armies to you! Raise the curtain of magic and drive the dead from their graves! Tame a dragon and fly upon its back, devastating the world with your


    Registar Hobb! Professor Jules cut-in. Will you stop trying to influence the students in worthlessness! The time of necromancer-warlordspettily squabbling over petty fiefsis long gone. Try not to ruin Mr. Roth: the old goat is a bad enough influence as it is!


    I am simply trying to A look crossed Hobbs face, one that said more than his words. Oh, never mind. Either way, congrattions, Mr. Roth. Please give me your student card.


    Alex fished it out, giving the card to the devil.


    In a tongue of devilsa very old tongueHobb waved a hand over it. <em>Let</em><em>this one know the full knowledge of our institution. Let its full power be at his beck and call.</em>


    The identification card shed once.


    When the light faded, it had turned to sparkling crystal.


    Its not too often that Ive had the opportunity to issue one of these, Hobb said, handing the card back.


    Let me guess, only the third time ever, right? Alex asked.


    Why, yes, Hobb chuckled. Either way, wee to the ranks of those with grand, cosmic power. You might think that this is the end of your journey, but understand that it will be a beginning. It will be differentprobably much slowerbut Baelin has never stopped his ascension to higher tiers of understanding. Will you?


    No way Alex paused, again struck by questions about his future. Sayand you''ll have to forgive me, Professor Jules, but I''m curious. What were you trying to teach me earlier, Hobb?


    Professor Jules rolled her eyes. You are simply obsessed with the worst influences.


    Hobb chuckled. He has made his choice, Professor Jules.  He looked at Alex, all humour fading. What I was trying to teach youfrom one powerful being to anotheris pride.


    Pride? Alex repeated.


    Oh, this sounds wholesome, Professor Jules nodded.


    It is not, Hobb said. Which is the point. My young archwizard, how do you feel?


    Good? Alex asked.


    I mean,pared to how you felt when you first entered the university. Not in an emotional sense, but in a sense of your essence. Of who you are? How do you feel? Who are you?


    Alex Roth, the young wizard said. And I feel the same as I always have.


    And that, my friend, will get you into trouble with creatures like myself, Hobb smiled. If you do not heed my words carefully, I doubt you will survive your next trial.

 Audiobook 5 lauuuuuunch!

    Audiobook 5uuuuuunch!


    Hello everybody! Just as promised, I''m here to give ya the link to Mark of the Fool 5, narrated by the always amazing <strong>Travis Baldree</strong>. I know many of have been waiting for this, so here it /pd/Mark-of-the-Fool-5-Audiobook/B0CXFHQGRL


    If you wanna give me some help, then upvoting these reddit posts would be awesome (if you have reddit). Of course, you don''t have to. It is your /r/ProgressionFantasyments/1bp4yio/mark_of_the_fool_5_audiounches_today/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any /r/litrpgments/1bp4xhj/mark_of_the_fool_5_audiounches_today/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button


    Chapter iing!

 Chapter 793: Pride and Roles

    Chapter 793: Pride and Roles


    What do you mean I wont survive my next trial? Alex asked the Registrar. Are you talking about the Ravener?


    Yes, you mean to fully engage with the great enemy of your homnd, do you not? Hobb asked, his eyes locked on Alexs. The young wizard met the devils gaze, though it felt like those otherworldly eyes were piercing him, seeking his soul.


    Hobb smiled at that. Good.


    Wait, what''s good? Alex asked.


    You met my gaze with no sign of fear, Hobb said. Good, if you mean to pit yourself against this Ravener. I have been learning details about thisthing from members of the expedition to your home country.


    Right, Alex said. But what does that have to do with me likely dying against it?


    The issue is that you are about to face an entity that is very old and very mighty, Hobb continued. And you mean to face it with the mindset of a humble little schrship wizard-student from a small town on a small ind. If you approach it with that mindset, your attempt will fail spectacrly.


    I don''t understand what you''re talking about, registrar, Alex said. I''m going against it with the mindset of someone who''s going to war.


    You mean like a<em> mortal</em>, going to war, Hobb said. But you are at the very limit of what a mortal actually is. And you have not adjusted to that fact.


    Alex frowned, trying to puzzle out what the devil was saying. You know, this would be a lot easier if you old and powerful entities didn''t talk in riddles all the time.


    It''s not a riddle, Hobb said smoothly. It''s cryptic, true, but easy to grasp for any archwizard. You have survived trials that have brought other spell casters low, solved puzzles that would stifle the growth of any other wizard. You did not reach ninth-tier by <em>not</em> being able to grasp and puzzle things out.<strong></strong>So why would I make this easy for you, like you are some novice to wizardry?


    Alex rolled his eyes. Fine. So you''re saying that my mindset doesnt suit me?


    You''re getting close, Hobbs voice sang.


    Does this amuse you? Professor Jules asked. You''re not testing some pdin on their way into the hells, registrar. Youre simply wasting our time.


    Hobb crooked up his lips in amusement. The allotted time that Id budgeted for our meeting was precisely thirty-five minutes. At fifteen minutes, we were already through with what you came to me for. Do you have other pressing appointments, either of you?


    No, Jules admitted sourly.


    Not right away, Alex said.


    Then we have time for a bit of amusement, don''t we? Hobbs eyes seemed to sparkle with malicious joy.


    Ugh, Professor Jules scoffed.


    It''s okay, I think I''ve almost got what hes hinting at, professor. Alex held up a hand toward Jules, while meeting Hobbs eyes. He noted the devil''s face slightly rxing when the young wizard kept his eyes fixed on him. You think that I''m still thinking too much like a mortal. Thinking, andno that''s not quite right, <em>acting</em> too much like Im not an archwizard.


    In a sense, Hobb said. Youre getting warmer.


    You said something about pride, you think Im too humble? the young archwizard asked.


    Now youre scorching hot, Hobb said in amusement. Now think about this, my young archwizardly friend. How did you behave toward me when you walked into my office today?


    Uhlike a student, looking to gain ess to the library? Alex asked.


    Professor Jules palm met her forehead. Mr. Roth


    Well? the wizard spread his hands. I did, didn''t I?


    Hobbughed. You did. And that is precisely the problem. A young archwizard is what you presently are, and that is as different from the schrship student I met a time ago, as an archdevil is from a freshly whelped imp.


    UhI guess youre right, Alex said. Even though I dont know as much about devils as you do. Maybe theres some really powerful imps out there.


    Hobb chuckled. How charmingly nave, Mr. Roth. Devils are very different from demons because <em>we</em> are dedicated to <emw. </em>To rules. To roles. Each devil has its own role to y in our hierarchy, and we <em>must</em> fulfil that role, along with any additional oaths, deals or pacts that we acquire.


    What''s your role? Alex asked him.


    Hobb simply smiled. You wouldn''t believe me if I told you. But, why dont we move along? While I despise the rampant chaos of betrayal disyed by demons, I always find amusement in the duality of mortals. You are all boiling cauldrons of unchecked lust, and whim, yet you all submit willingly to rules that you yourselves create! It is not your <em>nature</em> to be regted, and yet you <em>try</em> to mimic the orderlyws of the universe and devildom. You create roles for yourselves, and then you y them as though you were on a stage.


    Rightand you think that I''ve changed roles, but Im not ying mine correctly, Alex reasoned.


    <em>Precisely,</em> Hobb continued. You are now an archwizard, not a hapless apprentice any longer, so you must behave as such. Apprenticese into my office looking for permission, begging and trying to lighten the mood with sillyedy.


    Uwfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    I like my sillyedy Alex said.


    <em>Archwizards </em>speak to me as equals or near equals, the devils voice cracked like a whip. Baelin does note to me with a humble demeanour. He does note to me as though he is subservient. To do so, is to implicitly offer <em>dominion</em>to the one you are speaking to. A peasant grovels in the dirt before their mortal king. A mortal at the kings court wrings their hands trying to appease their liege at every opportunity. What does a foreign queen do? She speaks to the king as an equal. She does not demand, but neither does she act servile. She assesses, and does not show <em>weakness. </em>But you wear weakness as proudly as a king wears his crown.<em></em>


    Well, I don''t know about that, the young wizard cut in.


    You were afraid of me once, Hobb said, his eyes fixed on Alex. You still are.


    The young wizard paused. That wasn''tpletely untrue. He wasn''t <em>afraid</em> of Hobb, but he was cautious of him. He was a <em>lot</em> more powerful than he let on, and Alex couldn''t read his bodynguage very well. The registrar was unpredictable. A dangerous mystery, and dangerous mysteries deserved to be treated with caution. Afraid isnt the word Id use. <em>Cautious</em>is more like it.


    Commendable, Hobb said. But too much caution is little more than fear.


    Now Alex frowned, his curiosity giving way to the beginnings of irritation.


    Goooood, the devil said.


    Now, what''s good? the young archwizard asked him.


    You''re beginning to get the right mindset, Hobb said. You <em>should</em> be irritated with me. Im irritating you, after all.


    And why are you irritating me? Alex frowned. I know you''re trying to teach me a lesson, but the question I have is, why? For your own amusement?


    Yes, Hobb said. As well as insurance.


    Insurance for or against what? Alex asked. You want to keep me alive, it seems, but why?


    Because, an obscenely long time ago, I met a barbarian beastman that I saw potential in. I also met a young elven woman in a street gutter. And a young human warlords son. All three sparked with potential. All three came to power. One had the right mindset, the other two did not. Only one of them lives today, and I miss the amusement and connection that I had with the other two. I think you would be a fine ally and source of interest for many thousands of years toe.


    Rightso thats why you want to keep me alive, Alex said. By teaching me to have the proper mindset for my role? Let me take a guess. The barbarian beastman was Baelin: he developed into a Proper Wizard. The young woman from the gutter, she was too humble. The warlords son, too arrogant. They didnt match their roles, and that got both of them killed, right?


    Oh, you were so close. Hobb raised a hand, palm up.. It was actually the young elven woman who proved too arrogant. She came to power too quickly and became a simple imp lording over a kingdom of slugs, figuratively speaking. Since she grew to be more powerful than the wretches around her, she assumed herself unstoppable. Beyond reproach. She had <em>too</em> much pride. And that got her killed when she challenged something far beyond her. She did not fit her role.


    Hobb raised the other hand, palm up. The young warlords son had the opposite problem. He was the weakest of his brothers, weaker than his father, weaker than his mother, and weaker than his familys enemies. Even as he grew in power, he could not see himself as <em>anything </em>but a worm, even when he surpassed those that he behaved subservient to. He would go into every battle cringing, and that show of fear eventually cost him his life.


    So you''re saying that they didn''t fit their roles, and that got them both killed, Alex said. And that was because they didn''t adjust to their new stature in life?


    Exactly. Hobb folded his hands behind his back. And you very much remind me of the warlords son. There are certain creatures, in the universe, that can gain power over you in ways that you do not anticipate. To hate something is to give it power over you until it destroys you or you destroy it. To love something is to give it power over you, especially if it eventually betrays you. And to <em>fear</em> something? Well, that grants power to many beings in the universe. Beings such as myself.


    Alex thought back to his encounter with the firbolgs in Kymnd. He still had the Mark of the Fool then, and wouldn''t have been able to physically fight any of them. So what had he done? Hed intimidated the giants; hed actually had little power over them, but their fear <em>gave</em> him power over them.


    Then he thought of the Ravener.


    Oh, Alex said. So you think because I still have the mindset of a student, that would give the Ravener power over me.


    There are many demon lords that are strengthened by the fear of their enemies, and from what I have heard, dungeon cores arein partfuelled by mortal fear, Hobb pointed out. You are about to face such a creature in battle. And you are about to face it with the mindset of a first year student. Of an apprentice. Should an apprentice wizard be afraid of your Ravener?


    Yeah, <em>very</em> afraid. Alex nodded vigorously.


    Should <em>you </em>be afraid of it? Hobb cocked his head. Should you be afraid of me? Should you be afraid of Baelin? You said you should be cautious, and I agree with that. I am cautious of Baelin, but I dont <em>fear</em> him. This gives him less power over me. Youre an archwizard now, wielder of terrible powers, and you will likely only grow in strength and skill.


    but if I walk into battle afraid, then Ill be giving my enemy power, Alex reasoned.


    Precisely.


    Right the young archwizard paused. but I kinda disagree with some of what you''re saying. He paused. No, you know what? I <em>really</em> disagree with it.


    Oh? Hobbs eyes sparked.


    You keep focusing on my caution and humility, saying that those things are weaknesses. Saying that they mean fear, Alex said. I reject that and I feel that because of my strength, I <em>should </em>be able to act the way I want to act. If I want to be friendly and make jokes, I will. You can''t tell me not to act like that because I''m strong. At the same time, I can''t just walk around pretending that I''m unstoppable and demanding things. That''s just going to make enemies and make me overestimate myself. I''m an archwizard, but I''m still fallible. If I act the way I want to, and people see that as a weakness, that actually puts me in a stronger position because they wont see meing.


    He grimaced, thinking about the First Apostle. I recently fought someone that I''d say I was stronger than in a lot of ways. I outsmarted himthen he outsmarted me. Just because I could cast ninth-tier spells, didn''t mean that I could walk into that fight without caution.


    So you reject my words? Hobb said.


    Like I said, I do, Alex said. If the mindset of an archwizard is that you have power, then <em>I</em> have the power to define what strength is. <em>I </em>say what fear is. I define my own role, no matter what you say it is. Uldar once made me a Fool for his own purposes. Now <em>you</em> say, I don''t act like a proper archwizard. I say, both of you are wrong, and that <em>I''m </em>the one who says what I am.


    Hobb burst outughing. Very, very good! Perhaps you are further along than I gave you credit for. I think you will be a very interesting person to watch over theing years and centuries. Just be carefulthat you do not mistake delusion for defining your own truth. A person who simply deceives themselves about their own fear is still afraid. Ponder this, my delightfully chaotic mortal friend. You embody cautiousness <em>and</em> recklessness. Both have their uses. Decide what is going to be most useful in this trial ahead. Decide wrong? And all will be for naught. I believe that concludes our thirty-five minutes. Best of luck, Archwizard Alex Roth. I will be watching you with interest.

 Chapter 794: Different Roles in Different Times of Life

    Chapter 794: Different Roles in Different Times of Life


    This is why I don''t like talking to old things who think they''re above everything else, Professor Jules grumbled as she walked down the hall with Alex. Having a conversation with them is like trying to solve fifteen riddles at once, and their cleverly disguised tests are more annoying than amusing. Why cant they just speak inly?


    Yeah, I guess you''re right Alex murmured, his brow furrowed in thought.


    She nced at him. Oh, don''t tell me you''re <em>actually</em> thinking about what he said?


    I kinda am, he admitted. He<em> is </em>old <em>and </em>wise, the old devil, and I think there was something in thest thing he said. Recklessness and cautiousnessusing one or the other. What do you think that means?


    It''s a bunch of cryptic nonsense. She rolled her eyes. Meant less to teach you, and more to amuse himself.


    Maybe Alex said. What''s your take on his advice?


    Which part?


    About roles, and meeting them. About having proper mindsets, Alex said.


    Oh, by the gods, <em>that</em> part, she grumbled. I''ve never heard so much drivel in my life.


    What makes you think its drivel? Alex asked, looking around the hallway. It was quiet, and no one else seemed to be around, but he dropped his voice low all the same. His example of the peasant and king stuff, sorta hit home. Im the one who defines my strength, but he was right about mistaking my own truth for delusion. Lets say I was a peasant and went to my king and demanded that he hand over all of his coin. I imagine thatd be a great way of getting my head lopped off. But, if I was a king who started grovelling in front of a peasant, begging for favourswell, that''s just gonna confuse people, right? I guess we do kind of have our rolesand I have to say it, I''m ying mine pretty welleven though Ive got mixed feelings about that. Uldar said that in every cycle, the five Heroes chosen were supposed to fit the traits he wanted each one to have. I was chosen as a Fool, but I actually have more traits of the General. Maybe I act too much like the Fool? What do you think?


    I think this entire thing with roles and mindsets is just a pretentious way to say <em>you should havemon sense,</em>Professor Jules said. Mr. Roth, you have to understand that old beings take perverse delight in turning the mundane into something strange and shrouded in mysticism and philosophy. I could sum up Hobbs entire speech with: your worlds changed very quickly, young man, and you should make sure that youve changed along with it.


    I Alex paused. Huh, thats a lot easier to understand. Why didnt you say that before?


    Because you both seemed to be having fun with your drama, she said dryly. And who am I to stop children from ying?


    Alex felt his face flush. Well, I have to ask you, do you think I''ve changed properly? Along with my world, I mean?


    She gave him an exhausted look. Mr. Roth. Please don''t ask me to judge your actions or behaviour. Simply thinking about the dangers you throw yourself into exhausts me.


    Oh, it cant be that bad, he said.


    Cant be <em>that bad?</em> Professor Jules stopped dead in her tracks, eyeing Alex as though he was a dog that had suddenlyand without warningdiscovered the power of speech. Mr. Roth, one blessing that I have in life is that I am not rted to you. If I were, I would have likely sumbed to at least three heart attacks within thest six months due to worry over your actions. That stunt with the Empire was insane, as were your trips to the hells and so on. You are just my student, not one of my children, but I feel like youve shaved at least ten years from my lifespan.


    Uh, sorry Alex apologised.


    Don''t apologise, Mr. Roth. I know you''re going to do it again, so words of caution are just a waste of my breath, she said. Ive learned that a certain kind of behaviour is just a part of you.


    Okay, okay, fair, he said. But I still want your perspective, and I know you''re just my professor, but honestly, youve been a great mentor to me. Your wisdoms really helped me, just like Baelins has. So please, do you think I''ve adjusted to being an archwizard or not?


    She sighed. When I say that some people don''t adjust to a changing world, I am more describing when people dont pay attention to what their reality actually is, and how it affects their lives. For example, if a minor aristocratic family falls into ruin, and finds themselves reduced to a simrck of resources as the peasantry, they''re either going to have to adjust theirvish spending or run headlong into disaster.


    Professor Jules looked ahead as though staring across time. Ill tell you a little story about a friend I had when I was just a little older than you. She was someone who was very interesting and the two of us became fast friends. She spent her life adventuring, and was often hired by the university to obtain artefacts and materials for them. Well, with her sess, came great wealth.


    Right, he said. Sounds like adventuring and the nature of that, meant her life was pretty dangerous, maybe even reckless?


    It was at times, Professor Jules said sadly. She paid little attention to her body as she grew older and it got slower. You see, a woman of fifty is not quite as nimble as the same woman thirty years earlier: climbing about in old ruins is how she eventually lost her life.


    Oh jeez, Im sorry to hear that, Alex said.


    Thank you, but that''s not necessary, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said, her nostrils red and her body tensed. When she stumbled into a trap on one of her adventures, she had merely repeated a mistake shed made in the past. You see, when we first met, she had few friends. She and I often spoke of our childhoods and her years growing up as a street urchin, living among other children forced to make their way in a harsh world, one that naturally included poverty. At some point, they were approached by a group of travelling adventurers in need of someone to carry equipment on a dangerous quest to raid an ancient tomb. She was the only one who agreed to chance it, and the gamble paid off for her, though many of the adventurers were caught in a hidden trap and died. After that first job, she went from being a hireling to a full member of the group and they taught her what they knew about delving into lost ces. She learned, and eventually, they joined the Delvers Guild. Her life was spent finding treasure, and risking her very soul in the darkest and most dangerous of ces; tombs, caves, abandoned cities, they all came with various levels of threat. But, the reward for taking such risks was great material wealth.


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the vition.


    But maybe Alex said. In her mind, she was still the street urchin she once was.


    Exactly, Professor Jules said. And when she went looking for her friends from those days, she acted much the same way, even though that was no longer who she was. Of the friends shed left behind, many were dead, and those who werent, wished they were. The way that she and them lived was now miles apart. They could no longer rte to each other, whether it was her fancy clothes, how she spoke and conducted herself, or the fine carriage she went about in. They demanded coinand when she gave itthey wanted more. And, when she was not giving it fast enough, they stole from her. She ignored the advantages shed gained in life, and how they hade to set her<strong></strong>apart from her former group. She failed to adjust, just as she failed to adjust to her ageing body.


    Right Alex said. And do you think that applies to me?


    She scoffed. No. Honestly, if you began to act like some arrogant warlord, as Hobb seems to be suggesting that you should, I''d be incredibly disappointed in you, Mr. Roth.


    Yeah, you don''t seem to take much stock in wielding power, andother mighty wizard things, Alex smiled.


    No, I do not, Professor Jules said, firmly. A lot of powerful wizards disagree with me, but in my opinion, wizards are still the same mortal, fallible people we were when we started our journeys. Just a little smarter, a little more learned, and a little more dangerous. Simply because we are able to wield powerful magic, doesn''t mean we''ve transcended to be these different beings. While we have to be aware of what our new powers bringboth benefits and challengesallowing them to go to our heads, I believe, is a mistake.


    Alex paused, as a thought urred to him. Do you think that was Uldars mistake?


    She looked at him curiously. What do you mean?


    That he let his divinity go to his head?


    She pursed her lips, looking up toward the ceiling in thought. Maybe. I think what he allowed himself to do speaks volumes. I''ve never been a goddess, Mr. Roth, and Im d I never will be. Being a deity involves a certain responsibility that I think necessitates <em>some </em>change in the self and mindset. but I think Uldar overestimated his importance. He secluded himself because he didnt want to ask for help or admit vulnerability: he made horrible, monstrous decisions, because he thought himself key to your kingdoms future. Had he viewed himself a little differentlywith less bloated egoperhaps he would have been a kinder god. I don''t know, all I know is that I am happy in myb, with my beakers and sks. Thest couple of years have been entirely too exciting for me, and I can''t wait for this all to be over.


    Do you think we''re gonna win? he asked.


    I wish I could read the future and tell you a simple, yes, Professor Jules said. But, I honestly don''t know. I feel a little guilty, thinking about it with such distance, but in the end, even if you failed to save your homnd, I know that Generasi will move on. There will be a lot of hand-wringing, and Id be brokenhearted, but that''s because I care more about your future than having any attachment to your ind.


    That''s understandable, Alex said. We can only care about so much, I suppose.


    Very mature of you, Mr. Roth, she said. But in short, of course I hope we do win, but there are too many unknown variables. Things feel too quiet after the theft in the sanctumsomething feels off, but I cant say what that is. All I know is that Ill put in my work in theboratory to try to make sure this menace ends forever.


    And I''ll be right there beside you, Alex said. Professor, what are you going to do when this is all done?


    If the Ravener is defeated? she asked. Well, I''ll continue doing what I was doing before, researching and teaching. That''s what I love to do, and I do believe it''s what I''ll continue to do until I die.


    He looked at her sharply. Professorare you happy? With your life, I mean. With your role as a professor, and an alchemist.


    Happy? she asked. I guess I am, I feel fulfilled. Like I''m wearing the right pair of shoes.


    What? Shoes?


    Exactly. Making the wrong choice in life, Mr. Roth, is a lot like wearing the wrong pair of shoes. Sure, you can still walk, but it''s going to be ufortable at first until eventually, it will hurt a lot. I feel like these shoes Im walking in were <em>made</em>for me.


    Right, Alex said. And howd you know how to pick the right shoes?


    Are you asking because you''re wondering how to pick yours? she asked.


    Yeah he said. That whole thing with Hobb about roles has me thinking about my future even more. How do I know the right way to defeat the Ravener? What happens if we win? Or even if we lose, but I''m still alive? How did you know you wanted to be an alchemist?


    Well, she said. It was as simple as me entering an alchemyb one day. When I was in my youth, I wasn''t particrly interested in wizardry, so, when it was recognised that I had mana, my family and I saw a mostly economic opportunity. An opportunity to improve all of our lives. And when I was epted at the university, I had no idea which magical discipline I wanted to specialise in.


    She sighed wistfully. Then, I walked into my first alchemy ss.


    And you loved it?


    No, I <em>hated</em> it.


    Really?


    Oh yes, I was immediately struck by the horrifk of proper safety protocols and thats when I knew I had found my calling. The things that I saw would have panicked the most ardent life enforcement practitioner, and over time, it felt like we were constantly ying with fire! she snorted. I began to advocate for changes, and spent every minute I could in my alchemy textbooks, looking for ways to keep myself safe. In the process, I learned that I loved the discipline, I loved to teach it, and wanted to make sure that others were safe when they performed it. In other words, I tried on the right pair of shoes, and they fit.


    I see Alex said. Well, a lot of shoes feel rightand a lot feel wrong. Its confusing. I''m almost afraid of the future.


    It wille, she said. Like it or not. Maybe ask some of your peers. You might gain insight into your own path through them.


    Alex scoffed. I don''t know if Hobb would like that: hed say they aren''t my peers anymore.


    And I''d say he can go right back to the hells where he came from, she snorted. You''re a young man, and you''re among friends. Talk to them, Mr. Roth. We don''t know what''s going to happenso talk to them while you can.


    He thought about having to take Bjorgrund and Birger back to their cottage, as well as meeting with his cabal.


    Thanks, Professor, he said. I think I''ll do just that.

 Chapter 795: What is a Home?

    Chapter 795: What is a Home?


    Are you ready to go? Alex asked, entering a small room in the Research Castle.


    Bjorgrund and Birger were fastening their cloaks as thete morning sun over Greymoor beamed through the window. The two giants looked up at him, surprised.


    Alex! Bjorgrund cried. That was the longest we''ve been apart in months! Did you miss me?


    The smiling wizard shrugged. I missed our sparring matches, but I guess one day without you nearly cutting my head off was kinda nice.


    Hah! the young giantughed.


    Alex sized up the pair of beds in the sleeping chamber: a room meant for visitors to Greymoor. Did you both sleep well? Were those bedsfortable enough, they look a little small?


    They were fine once we shrunk so we could fit into them, Birger said. I slept the sleep of the dead.


    Me too, Bjorgrund agreed.


    It doesn''t really hit you how long you''ve been up when theres so much going on until it''s all over. Then the tirednesses down on you all at once. The older giant picked up his crutch then got to his feet. I''m d the wizards put us up for the night. By the time we got here, I waspletely exhausted. Theresa arranging with them for this room for us was a lifesaver, otherwise I would have nodded off right where I was standing.


    Good, I''m d you got a chance to rest up, and you didnt have to do it standing like a horse,  Alex said. So, you ready to head home?


    Uh Bjorgrund paused. Id rather staybut


    We''ve been away from our cottage for months, Birger said. We have to look in on it.


    Yeah, what father said, Bjorgrund grunted.


    If there''s been any damage, I''ll help you fix it, Alex said quickly.


    Id normally say no, but since you can summon an army of earth elementalsIll dly take the help, Birger replied. And speaking of armies, has anyone made any progress with finding the you know what?


    Alex shook his head. I talked to Watcher Hill earlier and she said she''s organising something with the king. Some of our teamsll also be working with priests that Tobias Jay trusts and theyll be going around from ce to ce sensing for areas where divine energy might being from. Hopefully, theyll find the missing chair, the body, <em>and</em><strong></strong>the Ravener.


    Can you make a device that can find divinity? Youre good with that stuff. Bjorgrund said.


    Alex shrugged. Maybe? There''s a lot to talk about, and think about, and organise. After I get back from taking you home, I''m gonna talk to my cabalmates, then the Heroes and Asmaldestre. Were making our n as we go along.


    Birger clicked his tongue in thought. I thought something would have happened by now. Like the ground exploding and endless monsters pouring out of it and running wild through Thamnd.


    We''ve been wondering the same thing. Alex looked out of the window at snow melting on the hills of Greymoor. The problem is that it has to make the first move. Maybe it''s nning, maybe it''s paralysed from what it''s learned. We won''t know unless we find it, or it strikes us.


    Feels like a des hanging over our heads, Bjorgrund said. I just wanted you to know He paused. Never mind.


    No, what''s up? Alex asked.


    The younger giant shook his head. No, we''ll talk about it after we see what home looks like.


    Alright, then I guess we should get going, Alex said. Stay by my side.


    The wizard touched Bjorgrund and Birgers shoulders, channelling his power and teleporting to Kymnd in one single jump. The same trip would have taken him more than a dozenif not more than twenty jumpsto reach the frozen forest at one time.


    Now he could do it in a single one.


    Easily.


    Now, thats some progress, he thought proudly.


    One moment they were standing in Greymoors Research Castle, the next, the cold wind of thete Kymnd winter was whipping their cloaks around them. Pine trees were swaying, the sky was grey, and snow nketing the frozen ground around the cottage looked fresh and undisturbed.


    Home, Birger said. Been a long time since weve seen it, the giant nodded, looking relieved.


    Thats true, father, Bjorgrund said.


    The giants cottage looked much the sameapart from more snow piled up on the roofas thest time Alex had seen it.


    I''m actually kind of surprised, the young wizard said, looking at the stone cottage carefully. I sort of expected the door to be kicked in.


    I''ve warded this ce against the rune-marked. Birger hobbled toward the front door. And I don''t expect anyone from the vige would have beening here, not after the fright you gave them.


    Right, Bjorgrund said. But just in case


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    He peered through the window, checking the space. Doesn''t look like anyone''s been inside. The ss isnt broken, everything looks quiet inside, and it doesnt look like anythings been moved in there.


    Birger abruptly flung the door open, looking to surprise anyone hiding inside. He sniffed the air. Ugh, smells musty. Ill have to be doing a little cleaning and airing the ce out. At least ourst fire didn''t burn the ce down, I couldn''t remember if wed put it out before we left.


    Alex stepped in behind the two giants. Truthfully, I was more concerned that the church would''ve broken in here and torn everything apart, looking for us.


    Same here, Bjorgrund said.


    Actually Alex paused. You know what, they probably left this ce alone as a trap. Id bet you a couple of handfuls of coin that they had people spying on your cottage from the forest, waiting to see if wede back. Its toote to check for tracks since theyd be long gone by nowor maybe not. Give me a second.


    Alex teleported away, disappearing and reappearing among the trees bordering the clearing where the cottage stood. He found nothing suspicious, but he wanted to make sure.


    He summoned an astral engeli to check around the trees.


    <em>That</em> yielded something.


    Alex dismissed the summons, excitedly teleporting back to the cottage.


    I can confirm it, he reappeared in the cottage, startling the giants as they unpacked their gear. Oh, sorry about that, he apologised.


    No harm done, the young giant said. What can you confirm?


    The church <em>was</em> here, the wizard exined. I summoned an astral engeli and he found traces of divinity in the woods about a hundred yards or so behind the cottage. Seems they <em>were</em> watching for us: they must''ve left when that fae He paused. There was no reason to avoid using the dead faes name any longer. Grimlochs stomach contents were probably scary at most times, but not in the same way the living fae had been. that Guide found us. Some of them were probably left here to watch for us, and if we came back, the rest woulde back, surprise us and then kill us.


    Bastards, Birger said. Well, Im d our home wasnt destroyed by them. All in all, things turned out alright in the end.


    Yeah Bjorgrund agreed, his voice dropping low. Its going to feel strange, though, isn''t it, father? Back in our little cottage, worried about rune-marked, worried about our so-called family. No more travelling, no more adventure.


    Birger snorted. I had centuries of adventure before I settled here, son. Trust me, that life is way too glorified. Besides, we''re going to be helping Alex with the Ravener. He looked at the young wizard. Are you sure you''ll be alright teleporting between here and Thamnd, bringing us there and back all the time?


    I don''t think we should be doing that, Bjorgrund said. I think we should be staying in Greymoor, ready to help whenever it''s needed. I don''t want to have to rely on Alex every day.


    It''s not a problem, Alex said. It''ll literally take me thirty seconds toe and get you and bring you to wherever youre needed in Thamnd.


    That power of yours is hard to believe, Birger shook his head. I think you use it even better than Kelda could. Or maybe not, Im not sure and I dont want to take anything away from her. I don''t know enough about it, I suppose.


    Still, Bjorgrund continued. I wish we could just stay in Thamnd.


    We''ve been away from home long enough, son, Birger said.


    The young giant looked at him. But father, is this <em>really</em> home?


    It always has been.


    Truly? Bjorgrund asked him. We live near people that hate us, surrounded by other monsters and an Empire that wants us all dead We have no friends, no real family, except for each other.


    And am I not enough? Birger asked.


    Father, we can''t just run from everyone and stay here in this cabin. Bjorgrund insisted. Weve made friends, we''ve been around good people. Can we really go back to living here all by ourselves? The giant looked at the snowy forest through the window. It''s a bit lonely, isn''t it?


    Birger opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. He sighed. I suppose, I forget what it''s like to be young. To want to explore the world for yourself, to findpanions, to find a partner He looked through the window then. Those things would be impossible here, I suppose. He said, sighing again.


    Well, if you''re lonely. Alex cleared his throat. You''re always wee in Generasi. We could find a ce for you, you could work for one of my businesses, and I''d make sure you werefortable.


    Birger smiled sadly. I appreciate that, but itd be too warm for me there. And, there''s a lot in this house that I wouldn''t be able to let go of, not yet, at least. A country like Thamnd might be better, but when its at war and under attack isnt really the best time for moving there.


    What about after?


    Hm? Birger said.


    What about after the war? Alex asked him. What are you going to do, then? I mean, I know it''s not my business, but I think Bjorgrund has some good points. Its not making me feel real good thinking about you two up here all by yourselves, especially with your nasty, dangerous rtives nearby. After all you''ve done for us, it almost feels like Id be abandoning you.


    I wouldn''t want to stay here forever, Bjorgrund said. He scowled. Alex, you taught me that I don''t have to be what others make me out to be. Our family thinks I''m some kind of monster, so, what kind of family is that? I don''t wanna live my life hiding in the woods around people who think of me as some beast.


    You''ll have me, the old giant said. Then he paused. But you won''t always have me He slowly looked around the cottage. It wouldnt feel right to keep you here, caring for a sick old man when I get older. You''ve got your own life to liveI lived my share and then someand trapping you here with others that hate you, isnt right. The old giant frowned. But where would we go? We can''t stay herebut, I don''t think we could take city life either.


    No way. Bjorgrund shook his head. I like the forest. I like having trees overhead, and the open sky above that. I like hunting, chopping wood, and listening to the birds singing. I just don''t like doing it near folk that hate and fear me.


    An idea sparked in Alex''s mind. Why don''t you live near my hometown, then?


    Hm? Bjorgrund looked at Alex sharply. Actually, your city is a little hot for me too


    No, no, not Generasi, I mean <em>where I was born</em>, the young archwizard continued. Ie from a small town called Alric, and it''s a nice, quiet, safe  He paused. well, right now, it''s fortified against Ravener-spawn attacks, but <em>when the war is over</em>, it''ll be a nice, quiet, safe ce. And just near there, is a forest called Coille. Theresa used to hunt there all the time when we were younger. It''s got plenty of game animals, the weathers cool, but the winters aren''t too harsh. You''ll be able to live in the forest, but you''d be near people that wouldn''t hate and fear you: folks from Alric dont really fear others unless they''re trying to eat or kill them. You''ll be able to live your lives there in peace, and you''ll be safe.


    Birger and Bjorgrund looked at each other.


    Plus, Alex continued. The Cave of the Travellers right in that forest, which could let you, Bjorgrund, travel to wherever you wanted to.


    Interesting Birger said. Very interesting and Thamnds where our ancestors were from. Thats something for us to think on.


    I want to see this forest, father, Bjorgrund said.


    I''d like to, as well, Birger said. Something to keep in mind for after the war. We can talk about it, especially after the war, and after we find Uldars corpse, throne and that Ravener he made.


    Yeah, Alex said. And I''m going to make sure we all get back home alive to enjoy our lives afterward. Anyway, Id better get going. I have a lot to talk about with my cabal: there''s things we need to get figured out before the Ravener makes its next move.

 Chapter 796: Cabals Return from Hiatus

    Chapter 796: Cabal''s Return from Hiatus


    It''s been way too long since we''ve gotten together like this. Thundar leaned back in his chair, his arms behind his neck. Way too long.


    I agree, Thundar, I know. Alex went to reach for his satchel, his hand pausing partway. In the past, when they would meet on this balcony in Generasis castle, it was to study together, or n for an event like the Games of Roal. Out of habit, hed just reached for a textbook. He shook his head. Way too long is exactly right.


    A lot has changed since thest time we four came together like this. Khalik lounged in his chairNajyah perched on the back of itgazing over the campus grounds. The prince looked pensive. It seems that these days our time is spent thinking of ways to save kingdoms and defeat maniacal monsters, or working with the Heroesor doing other vital things. Weve had a great weight to bear. One that I never would have imagined when we first met in the beastarium or when we met again in the Barrens of Kravernus.


    A small smile took Khaliks face. It was chance that brought us together on that day, but little did any of us know just how significant our meeting would be. Our quest to the escarpment was only the beginning of our path together.


    By the elements, it feels like our meeting was so terribly long ago. Isolde marvelled. She began muttering under her breath, doing some mental math. Can you believe that nearly three years have passed since we first met?


    It doesnt seem that long, does it? Khalik said. It feels like we met yesterdayand yet


    it feels like we''ve known each other all of our lives, Alex finished his friends thought. It''s hard to imagine life without the three of you now. I don''t know how the hells I managed to get by in Alric. I had a few friends back home, but we were nowhere near as close as the four of us are.


    Thundar scoffed. Me and my buddies back home used to roughhousewe were the youngest in the herd for a long timeand you know what they said to me when I left?


    What was that? Alex asked.


    They said they didn''t want that fancy school changing me. But it sure as hells has, Thundar admitted. I was a really different guy before I met the three of you, Baelin, Grimloch, Kybas, my friends from the dorm


    Truly? Khalik cocked his head. Unknown to him, Najyah was mirroring his movements, her head tilting to the side as she looked at the Minotaur. Alex barely resisted the urge tough. That could exin a lot, the prince continued. When we first met in the Barrens, you seemed much more reserved. You gave the image of a disciplined and valiant warrior.


    Thundar winced. I did, didnt I?


    Come to think of it, yes you did. Isolde raised an eyebrow. You were far more poised than you are today and do not tell me that we were a poor influence on you, either.


    The minotaur scratched his head, looking a bit embarrassed. Promise youre not gonnaugh.


    Nope, Alex said.


    Out of the question, Khalik said.


    I would not want to lie to you. Isolde drew a deep breath, so that her impendingughter would have plenty of fuel.


    Traitors. Thundar glowered at them, but continued all the same. Alright, look. When I first got here, I had it in my head that I wanted to reinvent myself. I was kind of an idiot in my herd, and I He paused, looking at Isolde. Well, that''s not true either, now that I think about it.


    He leaned back in his chair, looking up at the sky. When I was really young, I was what you''d call the smart kid. I''d be the one going on about random things that I''d learned, the teachings of our elders, and any sort of magic I could get my hands on. All the others around my age thought I was weird: they kept calling me names. When I was twelve, I decided I didn''t want to be called names anymore. So, I started goofing off: I''d be the one jumping intokes teeming with leeches just because someone dared me to. I stop talking about magic. I learned to smash skulls with my mates, and found out my skull was tougher than theirs. I got popr, with the boys at least. The girls still remembered me as being this weird kid, or thought I was too braindead to be cool.


    Right, Alex said. Then what?


    Well, I decided to change myself when I got to university. No more weird kid. No more big, dumb idiot either. I thought I''de in and be the honourable warrior type. That I''d be respected, that way. People would take me seriously. I''d <em>be</em>somebody.


    And what happened then? Khalik asked.


    Well, Thundar said. Folks in the dorm thought I was stiff. Then, when I got to know you guys better, I just rxed. Went back to being the big oaf Id be when I was a teenager. I don''t know, the weird kid never really came back. Guess I have more fun this way.


    So you mean to tell me that the noble, valiant warrior that we met in the Barrens was an act to make yourself more popr? Isolde asked.


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    Wellwhen you put it that way it does sound kinda pathetic, Thundar said.


    I don''t think it''s pathetic. I think we <em>were</em> and <em>are</em> just trying to find the right roles for ourselves, to figure out how to change ourselves to fit in a world that''s changing around us,  Alex said. Is who you are now the real you?


    I think how I am now <em>and</em> that quiet kid is the real me, Thundar said. You knoe to think of it, the quiet kides out a little more when I''m with Drestra. Its just something that happens.


    Were all a little different around different people, Alex said, Hobbs speech about roles returning to his mind. I''m just d we get to see the real you, and Drestra gets to see another side of the real you. I like that better than you putting on an act all the time.


    Yeah, it''s a lot morefortable, Thundar agreed. I know this is mushyconsidering things might get ugly butI''m just d I met all of you.


    As am I, Khalik said. You all are some of the finest friends that anyone could ever have. There are no others I would want as my cabalmates than you three.


    I agree, Isolde said. Some of my other friends thought it was foolish of me to join in a cabal with students a year younger than myself. Yet, to me, it wasto datethe best decision I have ever made. And I pride myself on making good decisions.


    Like redheaded men Thundar started.


    Isolde jabbed her finger at him like she was pointing a dagger. Her face turned ming red. One more word, Son of Gulbiff. One single word.


    Right, shutting up now, he cleared his throat.


    Yeah Alex said. You''re the best cabalmates and friends ever. I''m d we got this chance to meet up, right where we used to spend a lot of our time before.


    Speaking of a meeting, Isolde looked at Alex. You called this meeting, but you did not say for what specific purpose you wanted to meet.


    All eyes were on the archwizard.


    Alex paused for a long moment, then turned to Isolde. Listen, I was originally going to have this conversation with only you, Isolde, but the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to hear from everybody else too.


    Sounds serious, Thundar said.


    It is, Alex agreed. It''s not really about the Ravenerwell, it sort of is. I want you guys to know that I n on talking to my professors about signing off on letting me do Exams for credit for my sses so I can graduate early. I have to use time strategically since its not exactly an infinite resource and He paused, searching for the right words.


    You can cast ninth-tier spells and absorb information like water wicking into cloth, Khalik cut in. You do not need to attend undergraduate studies anymore.


    Alex felt a bit embarrassed. Yeahthats about it, he admitted.


    So you''re gonna be graduating with Isolde? Thundar gave him a sad look.


    If everything goes right, the young archwizard said. How do you guys feel about that?


    It feels like somethings missing, Thundar said. Kind of imagined us three graduating togetherbut I also never imagined that I''d be spending a lot of my time in university fighting monsters in your homnd. So it all evens out, I guess. As long as you keep making me rich, that is!


    It is fine by me, Alex, Khalik said. We are all walking the same road, but life is a winding path. And we are still walking together: just because you have to take a quick detour does not mean we are not still side-by-side. I will be happy to watch you and Isolde graduate, as long as you two watch me and Thundar next year.


    Unless I''m dead, I wouldn''t miss it for anything, Alex said emphatically.


    I, for one, would be d to see you walk across the stage ahead of me, hopefully you will not trip and fall, Isolde smiled, pleasantly. You will go first, since the first letter of your surnamees before mine. But, besides that, why did you want to meet with me alone, initially?


    Alex focused on her. I wanted to ask you something. What are you gonna do after you walk across that stage?


    She raised an eyebrow. What do you mean?


    I mean, after the war is over, Alex said. What ns do you have for your future?


    Assuming that I live through the war she said. Graduate studies, of course. I have had several offers from my different professors to join them as a graduate student and I have chosen to work with Professor Jules, and Professor Monroe, she specialises in lightning magic.


    <em>Two graduate specialties?</em> Thundar asked.


    I do believe I can handle them both, Isolde said.


    I''m not saying you couldn''t, but even doing ones a lot of work, from what I hear, Thundar said.


    I do not shy away from that, Isolde said. Expanding my knowledge, and giving back to wizardry through research will be worth the effort.


    And what about after that? Alex asked. After you finish graduate studies?


    After? she asked. I will obtain a position as a court wizard.


    Really? Alex asked. Are you sure about that?


    Yes, indeed, Isolde assured him. The Imperial court of the Rhinean Empire could use less vipers and morepetence. I will work with my grandfather to provide that.


    And you''ve never thought about doing anything else? Alex asked.


    I have, she said. But that is what I want to do. I''m not quite like you, Alex. I must admit, I do enjoy the rush of conquering ones enemies, but to me,bat is a means to an end. I joined Baelins ss for the purpose of learning to defend myself and to make a connection with the chancellor. I joined the war in Thamnd, to support my friends, gain credits at the university, and partake in the research of a new and exciting magical substance. But I find prolonged battle exhausting. Excitement can quickly turn to fear over whether we will live or die


    Her expression darkened. Or if we will lose a close ally again, just as we did at Uldars Rise. No, I do not think I wish for that to be my life. If I feel the need for excitement, I will take a sabbatical from the court and go on an adventure or hunt a monster. But to travel far and wide, constantly risking my lifethat is something I would have no interest in doing.


    I think a position as a court wizard would suit you, Khalik said. It would allow you to use your intelligence, your political savvy, and your magic.


    Thank you. She nodded at him. My grandfather would be most pleased to hear that.


    And how did you know thats what you wanted to do? Alex asked.


    It has always been in the back of my mind, Isolde said. Of course, I opened my mind to other possibilities when I progressed through my studies. Last year, I thought about being a professor for a time. Yet, as much as I enjoy academiaI think I miss the court more. And I do not think I would be the best teacher. I also thought of bing an alchemist, or opening a business like you, Alex. But I have seen your eyes light up at the thought of mercantile enterprise, in a way that mine do not. In the end, I returned to what I set out to do from the beginning. I find that fits me best.


    Alex had to resist the urge tough, remembering Professor Jules story.


    That is me, though, she said, then looked at the others. What about you? What do you three wish to do after the war and graduation?

 Chapter 797: Potential Futures of Wine and Adventure

    Chapter 797: Potential Futures of Wine and Adventure


    Alex, Khalik, and Thundar considered Isoldes question, each one waiting for the other to answer. The prince spoke first.


    I believe I will remain here in Generasi, Khalik said. For the foreseeable future, at least. I want to show Sinope Tekezash, but there is little for me there that would require me to be there full time. The prince smiled at Alex. You inspired me to learn a teleportation spell in the future, and that will allow me to live here and be in contact with my family and people as often as I want and need to.


    You don''t want to go back to the pce? Thundar asked. Sounds like you had a really good life there.


    I did. I loved my growing up years there, Khalik said. But in important ways, I enjoy it here more. I have the freedom to live my life as I see fit here. If I wish to have servants and bodyguards, then I can simply hire them. If I do not wish to have them, then I simply do not have them. I am no helpless child who cannot do things for himself. Who cannot protect himself. I think I shall remain here for quite some time, but perhaps I could use arger home.


    He smiled. My vi is appealing, but it is a little cramped.


    I suppose thats because of what youre used to, Im guessing most vis would be a little cramped in contrast, Alexughed.


    Khalikughed at that. I am not that bad. In fact, I enjoyed the cosy living quarters of the ins for quite some time. But, I think, in the end, I will need more space. As for what I will do with my life? I think I am the opposite of you, Isolde: the adventure and excitement of the chase, the rush of battleI enjoy those things very much. However, I do not think I could live a life of constant danger and adventure with a family waiting at home. And I do desire a family.


    He smiled. Which means, engaging in the asional monster hunt for sport will fill some of my need, butfor the most partI would like to do graduate studies with Professor Salinger. nt life and moving earth and rock and watching things grow, these things fascinate me. Ive learned more about nt life from Sinope since we met, than I ever knew in all my years of life. So, I am consideringbining her teachings with earth magic, and what I learn with Professor Salinger to grow my own knowledge of magical botany. What I learn and discover, I can then use to expand magical botany for different purposes. I have this idea in my mind of creating self-irrigating nts that extract moisture from the air to store for times of drought. With the right crossbreeding, I could have them travellike the walking trees in the Crymlyngoing from ce to ce to doll out water. Architecture also interests me, but I believe I can do more with magical botany, both here and in my homnd. Besides, the idea of being a vintner, establishing a unique winery that grows not only the finest grapes, but other magical fruiting nts as well, very much appeals to me. After all, we do love our wine, don''t we? Heughed.


    As one, the cabal nodded.


    You want to be a winemaker? Alex asked.


    I would enjoy that, Khalik said. And I would like to make the best wine that any wizard has ever tasted. I would be delighted if generations of Generasi students were to look at my lesser bottles in the Brass Grapes and order them without hesitating; while, the elite of Generasi would be willing to kill for a bottle of my finest vintages.


    He looked at Alex. I have some ideas for my future, much of which involves blending magical botany with earth magic, and Dryad teachings, but I was wondering if you might like to have some involvement in my wine venture. That invitation goes out to all of you. He looked to the rest of his cabal. With your skills and ourbined capital, I think we could create wines that would make all others taste like ash.


    Alex''s eyebrows rose. My parents ran an alehouseI think theyd be proud if I did something like that.


    I like wine! Thundar grinned.


    I do too, and someone would need to ensure that you three do not drink away all the product, Isolde sniffed.


    Hah! We would not dream of itmuch. Also, if you wouldnt mind, Alex, Khalik said. We could name a wine in their honour. A form of immortality, shall we say?


    Alex choked up. You''re the best, man.


    Khalik pped him on the shoulder. I know. The prince grinned.


    But what about being a prince? Thundar asked. Aren''t you Lord of the Sapphire Sea?


    I do have territory, yes, Khalik said. It is presently managed by a vizier but, with a teleportation spell, I could take a more active role in its management. The experience I''ve gained leading people here in battle alongside you three, will be most helpful, I think.


    Hold on for one moment. Isolde looked at him sharply. I had forgotten that you owned a territory since you never speak of it, and now that you are finally speaking of it, you are doing so as if it was a mere after-thought?


    Khalik inclined his head, smiling. It is not an after-thought, Isolde. It is simply a given. I do not need to speak of running my territory anymore than I would need to speak of breathing.


    But all of this talk of making wineand marrying Sinope, she started.


    Both are far more important to me, he said. Governing a port city


    <em>He has a port city? </em>Thundar choked.


    is something I can do by teleporting to it when I need to, and by sharing many of my responsibilities with my vizier. The territory is well developed, and peaceful, there is no need for me to bewhat is the wordmicromanaging it. But, at the same time, mynd is named the domain of <em>Prince Khalik Behr-Medr, Lord of the Sapphire Sea.</em>


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    He smiled sheepishly. But marrying Sinope, solving issues with magical nts, and producing wine? They belong only to Khalik. It will be all my own, a legacy not tied to the royal family of Tekezash. Thisand Sinopewill make me most happy. Those things will make me immortal.


    An ufortable twinge went through Alexs heart.


    There was something he wanted to bring up, but not yet.


    Well, I think that''s pretty badass, Thundar said. You''re rich, you''re gonna stay rich, but you''re gonna do your own thing. Youre one lucky bastard.


    Thank you. Khalik grinned through his beard. And what about you, friend Thundar? What are your ns for the future?


    Honestly? Travelling around and adventuring, Thundar said. I like fighting. I like fighting a lot, and I''m not sure if I''ll ever get over that rush of life and death. Besides, if the ancestors call me home? Then, so be it. But, better I live a life full of excitement and honour and riches before that happens. I want to hunt monsters, I want to destroy enemies, and find lost treasures.


    Will a certain dragon join you? Isolde asked.


    Thundar winced. We haven''t gotten that far yet. I mean, wewe wanted to go farther, but lifes been pretty full with the end of a kingdom on the line. I hope she will, though. But yeah, all I want is to be on a ship with the wind blowing through my furor teleporting around. Maybe I''ll make my own adventures, or bring you all along if you start gettingzy and sluggish.


    Another twinge went through Alex.


    Khalikughed. I will be happy to be an aplice in some of your adventures.


    Yeah, can''t have all that wine making and drinking turning you into a big old tub of butter, now can we? Thundar said.


    The asional adventure does sound delightful, Isolde admitted. And a monster hunt would be far more preferable, if we were all united.


    Yeah, that''s what I was thinking, Thundar agreed. Maybe I can even keep working for you, Alex, even if there''s no more dungeon cores. I could hunt for other alchemical ingredients you might need. Which reminds me, what are you going to do if the dungeon cores disappear?


    Keep making regr golems? More magic items? Alex suggested. Or maybe


    He trailed off.


    Silence hung over them.


    Is there something wrong, my friend? Khalik asked.


    I Alex paused. I know this isnt the typical thing that most folk talk about, but have any of you ever given any thought to extending your lifespans?


    The other three looked at each other.


    No one spoke for a time.


    Again, Khalik was the first to break the silence. I have. Dryads live for a very long time, and it would be cruel to not find a way to live alongside Sinope during the long centuries ahead of her. Whether that be through certain rare nts or other methods, I will find a way to live longer than the number of years that humans can normally live.


    Yeah, Thundar agreed. If Drestra and I stick togetherwell, she''s a dragon. She''s nowhere near full grown, yet; she''s gonna live for thousands of years at least. Would be a damn shame if I just let myself drop dead of old age. I''ll want to find a way to live a long time too. Maybe forever. What about you, Isolde?


    It isnot something I have given much thought to. I do not know, she said. I do not have a life partner to give me reason to want to live well beyond the typical lifespan. Then againI take it you will extend your lifespan, Alex? Theresa, by practising life enforcement, will live far longer than a normal human would.


    Yeah, and I want to be there with her, Alex said. Honestly, I don''t think finding ways to extend our lives is going to be a problem. Kelda has notes in some of her notebooksying out potential processes: she was looking for ways to continue trying to remove the Mark if she couldn''t figure out how to get rid of it when she was still young. There''s all kinds of ways that might be possibleand I think I might have an idea: something we could do right after we defeat the Ravener.


    Fascinating. It <em>is</em> a big decision, thoughI would need to think about it, Isolde said. But I do not disapprove of the idea of living for many lifetimes.<strong></strong>If I choose to do it, then I shall not be the one in our cabal heading to the after-world well before everyone else.


    That''s the spirit! Thundar tried to p her on the shoulder. She flinched away.


    Please do not break my shoulder, Son of Gulbiff, she said.


    Fine, fineyoure no fun, he said. But Alex, what are <em>you</em> gonna do after? Run your businesses?


    II dont know, the archwizard admitted. All the goals I had for myself when I first wanted to be a wizardI''ve reached them. If we kill the Ravener, I''m not <em>sure </em>what Id want to do next, apart from marrying Theresa, that is. I know Ill be graduating soon, and I don''t want to be just sitting around listless once the wars over. There''s so many things I wanted to dobut so many things Ive already doneI know I''m going to work with Professor Mangal, and stay in Generasi while Selinas in schoolbut after that? I don''t know. I just don''t know.


    There was a long pause.


    You have time to decide, my friend, Khalik said. Plenty of time to decide. Is that what truly worries you?


    It isbut there''s more, Alex told them what Hobb had said. I''m worried, very worried. Are any of you afraid of the Ravener?


    Yeah, I am, Thundar admitted.


    Of course, Isolde said. Particrly if it has the dead body and the throne, who knows what it will be capable of.


    I believe that fear of such a menace is only healthy, Khalik added.


    See, that''s what I''m afraid of. I''m cautious of itbut is our fear going to feed it? Make it more powerful? I don''t know, Alex said. The young wizard shuddered. Remember, when we had that really quiet period a while back? Things were going great, wed won the Grand Battlewed gone out, celebratedwe were looking forward to getting deep into third year.


    Yes, and shortly after that is when Carey was taken, Khalik said. And then she died.


    Yeah, Alex said. This feels like that all over again. Like were in that quiet time just before something really bad happens. I don''t want any of you to die, and I certainly don''t want to die. I''m afraid of that, but what really scares me is that that fear could make the Ravener stronger.


    That is possible, Khalik said. But what are we to do about it? The mouse must fear the snake, but must deal with the snake all the same.


    Well said, Thundar said. What if we train? You could teach us some new tricks.


    That''s what I''m thinking, Alex said. I could teach you some of the stuff I learned through the Mark of the General. You <em>and</em> the Heroesbut listen, if you don''t want to fight whatever ising next. You don''t have to. This could mean your lives, and I don''t know what Id do if any of you got killed. Not when you could have decades, or centuries, or millennia ahead. You''re gonna change the world, and itd be a worse world if you didn''t.


    I will hear no more of this, Khalik said sternly. The Lord of the Sapphire Sea does not abandon oaths or tasks, leaving them only partly honoured.


    I don''t abandon friends, Thundar growled.


    And I keep my word, and I have sworn to protect our cabal-members, Isolde finished. For good or for ill, we will see this through together.


    Well, thank you, but I wont hold it against you if you change your minds Alex said. Well have to train together and get better, and well have to train a lot, while we still can.


    I would not have it any other way, Isolde said. When should we start?


    This weekend, Alex said. That''ll give me time to talk to my professors and also make sure my businesses are on track for my family, in case the worst happens. Let''s hope the Ravener doesn''t make its next move before we can get better prepared. We''re just waiting for <em>it</em> right now.

 Chapter 798: A Future in Darkness

    Chapter 798: A Future in Darkness


    Uldars body floated before his creation.


    All was silent in a cavern where ruined spawn corpsesy spread around the cave floor as a warning to their brethren. Cautioning the living of what would happen to any that disturbed the Raveners grieving.


    The great orb of darkness hovered above water, its gazeits attentionwas fully on the silent form of the god who had created it. Days had passed since the body had been brought there, and for days it had guarded it like a suffering dog guarding its ailing master.


    But, the Raveners master was not ailing.


    He was dead.


    He was gone.


    And the construct was lost.


    With every sense it possessed, it had examined the body, looking for signs that might lead to its master reawakening. While it could not undo death, if there was even a spark of life thereany at allperhaps it could bend its mighty powers to fully restore that life.


    To restore Uldar.


    But, deep downand with growing eptanceit knew that such thoughts were futile. When it was created, there was no tool avable which could heal its creator of the terrible wound festering in his side. There was no method, no knowledge, or medicine that the Ravener could have used to burn away the poison, and it had certainly found none in itsmillennia of existence.


    Back then, its creator had been alive.


    But now, he was gone from this world. Something unimaginable at one time.


    He was not supposed to be gone. He was not supposed to die. Uldar was supposed to be eternal.


    And there was no protocol within the Raveners core to guide it now that the unthinkable, the unimaginable had happened. The construct had been given independent thought by its maker, but its entire existence was dependent on the purpose for which it was created: to drive the Thameish people to the height of fear.


    That fear would generate faith in Uldar.


    That faith was meant to heal its master, to be a balm for him.


    The Ravener was equipped, by Uldar, with protocols that instructed it on what course of action to take in specific situations. If a Usurper surfacedand its master had not made contact to approve the use of dungeon cores by his peoplethen its instructions were to create Hunters to find and destroy the Usurper. If the number of Usurpers increased, then it was to create petrifiers and eliminate them.


    If a General were ever to resurface in Thamnd, then it was to remove the safety measures ced upon it, destroy the Heroes and wipe out most of its creators people. Then Uldar would be free to rebuild. But the existence of a Geneording to the Raveners understandingwas not supposed to be a possibilityin all cycles. Its creator had assured that.


    So when it had sensed the return of a General, it knew it must consult its creator to verify the truth or error of that information before taking such drastic steps. It needed confirmation. But there could be no confirmation from its creator, now. He was dead, his body now floated in the air before it. Uldar was still. Lifeless. Never again able to instruct it on what he wanted it to do.


    And a protocol had never been created for such a situation.


    Its entire purpose was to heal Uldar through his peoples fear.


    But now, there was no more healing, restoring him was no longer possible.


    <em>What must be done?</em> it wondered. <em>Why do I exist now? Why does Thameand exist now? What is our purpose?</em>


    It had asked itself these same questions over and over. Days had passed without any answer. While capable of independent thought, the nature of its design only went as far as allowing it to make decisions on how to best fulfil its purpose.


    Never once in all of its thousands of years of existence had the Ravener thought to strike out on its own, to define its existence by its own standards. Not once had it considered the implications of its acts or its very being. Not once had it considered its actions either right or wrong.


    It never had to.


    But now, the construct was forced to grapple with defining its own path. An action it feared greatly.


    <em>Creator, </em>it thought. <em>What do I </em>it paused, realising the futility of that thought. <em>No, the creator is dead. It is forme to decide what to do next.</em>


    For the first time in its long existence, it felt a new emotion.


    Jealousy. Envy.


    Jealousy and envy toward the mortals in Uldars kingdom.


    They were not created to follow one singr purpose for the full length of their short lives. They were able to decide what their own paths would be. They seemed to be prepared for the deaths of those who gave them life, and seemed to know what to do after.


    Mortals knew how to make decisions when there were no protocols.


    They had true free will.


    And this was something the Ravener did not share with them, did not know.


    <em>I cannot imagine my existence with Uldar dead. I cannot imagine</em><em><strong></strong></em><em>the kingdom existing without its creator,</em> it thought. <em>We are both bereft of purpose. Should we even exist?</em>


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    For a moment, the Ravener considered erasing its own existence, following its creator into oblivion.


    It dismissed the notion.


    <em>I would simply regenerate after a hundred years had passed, </em>it thought. <em>I cannot terminate my own existence. And that would not be what my creator wished forif that even matters. Noit has to matter.</em>


    It turned its thoughts back to the mortals that inhabited Uldars kingdom. What steps did they take when those that were close to them ceased to exist? The Ravener knew that the Thameish people honoured their dead, cing them beneath the earth with stones to mark where theyy. The living were the stewards of the deads legacies.


    That seemed most appropriate for the Ravener now. To be a steward for its creator.


    <em>I should preserve Uldars legacy, </em>it thought. <em>But what should that legacy be?</em>


    For a bit, it felt rage towards its creator. At no point had he given it a protocol for what to do should he die. He had not told it his will. He had not spoken of a legacy. He had nomand for it to fulfil if he drew hisst breath. <em>None of these things were in ce because he was never supposed to die!</em>


    How could it fulfil his legacy when it could only guess what that legacy should be?


    <em>But fulfil it I must,</em> it thought. <em>It is the closest thing to my original purpose that I have. Without it, I am nothing. But what is his legacy? Would his legacy be hismand to me? Would it be my purpose?</em>


    It considered this for a time.


    If its purpose was Uldars legacy, then its next actions became clearer. It would simply continue the cycle<strong>,</strong> terrorising Thamnds people, and generating faithforfor


    <em>For what? For who?</em> the Ravener wondered. <em>There is no point in faith if it cannot heal Uldar. Then, what does that leave? If his kingdom is not generating faith to heal himthen it has no purpose either</em>


    Perhaps, then Uldars legacy should be the final protocol that was embedded deep within it: death to all of the Thameish people.


    It considered this, focusing on this one oue for hours. There was much about the idea it found appealing. After all, it was Uldars own people who had cursed him with sickness and death. Did they deserve to live on without him? Perhaps not. It would be different if they had rewarded him with faith at all times. It would be different if their god did not have to create a cycle of fear to serve his needs. To try to save his own life. It would be different if his life was not forfeit protecting these same people, they who did not reciprocate when he was in need. How he must have suffered.


    The people of Thamnd were coddled. Arrogant. Spoiled.


    Should the Ravener not punish them for these failings?


    It knew, then, that that was what it <em>preferred</em> to do.


    The Thameish people created graveyards for their dead, did they not? So it could turn the entirety of Uldars earthly kingdom into a graveyard: a monument to the gods life and deathguarded by the Ravener, its spawn and dungeon coresand left to return to nature.


    <em>Let the natural inhabitants inherit the realm, </em>the Ravener thought. <em>Let any who return from across the sea be obliterated. Or better, let them be without a homnd, left to wander as barbarians like their ancestors did before Ur saved them. But is that what should be done?</em>


    A doubty in the Raveners thoughts.


    There was no turning back from that decision.


    And one thing it could not deny was that Uldar loved his kingdom and people.


    <em>Would the creator wish for me toy waste to all that he built?</em> the Ravener wondered. <em>He put thousands of years into helping his people, growing them, and shepherding them from the harshness of the greater world. He was wounded defending his peoplewould he want all of them gone eternally? If only I could ask him! If only he had told me before death took him!</em>


    But none of these things could happen.


    It was toote.


    The Ravener continued applying its thoughts to the problem. <em>Perhaps inaction would be the best form of action, </em>it thought. <em>Perhaps I will allow my Ravener-spawn to die, and simply go dormant in this dark ce far from where any mortals could find me. I will stay here, guarding Uldar, leaving the kingdom to its own devices.</em>


    For a time, the Ravener favoured this idea, butafter a day thinking on itthe construct dismissed it. For all the magnificent powers that Uldar had invested into his Ravener, the creator had not seen fit to grant it one ability that mortalkind enjoyed.


    The ability to rest.


    The Ravener could not sleep. It could not dream. It would remain locked in thought, watching over its creators body. Never acting. Never creating. Never killing. The more the construct thought of this fate, the more it knew horror.


    <em>I would only be able to go dormant by being destroyed,</em> it thought. <em>But I would still reawaken in a hundred years to return to the same pointless cycle. Back to a period of an action. Then destruction. Then oblivion. Reconstitution. Then more inaction. No. I could not do that. I will not do that. It serves no purpose.</em>


    It dismissed the idea. But, if it could not destroy all of Thamnd, and if continuous centuries of inaction and pointless action was the ultimate horrorwhat did that leave?


    <em>PerhapsI could do the opposite of what I have always done. Perhaps I could aid Thamnds people, protecting them as the creator did. I could help build their society, providing spawn for their army, and destroying their enemies. They might not trust or wee mebut I could still be their protector.</em>


    A part of it scorned the idea. Its purpose was to terrorise the Thameish people. Helping themfelt the same as unmaking its own purpose. Yet, if that was what the creator would want, certainly it should oblige. It was bing overwhelmed, increasingly uncertain as to what to do.


    <em>The situation needs more contemtion.</em><em>Things are changing too rapidly </em>it thought. <em>In the meantime, inaction is also a problem. Perhaps a trial then, one where I allow a number of Ravener-spawn to continue to destroy, while I let others provide aid, then I can decide which feels most correct. Butthere are certain other matters that must be attended to. There are two Usurpers alive still. And a new General. There are protocols in ce that were being used before I knew of the creators death. Those I will continue. Uldar put them in ce for me to follow. The Usurpers and General are still dangerous, and could ount for factors that would pervert Uldars legacy. And no matter what I determine that legacy is to be, the three of them would need to be eliminated.</em>


    It reached deep into its core.


    <em>I will lift certain safety protocols, and craft petrifiers and Hunters much quicker.</em> It reached even deeper into its core and found a monster it had not been permitted to use since Uldar had reced the General with the Fool. <em>this one will be for the General, since it is one of my most powerful creations.</em>


    It started the process of crafting the mighty creature: A Skyfire Swarm.


    <em>This creation was designed by Uldar to kill a General but if it fails in its task, that will help me to know what else to do.</em>


    Death and aid would bothe to the Thameish.


    Then the Ravener would decide which one the people deserved most.


    It turned its attention back to the body of Uldar.


    His corpse still floated in the air before it.


    <em>That is not a pleasing image of you, my creator.</em>


    The Ravener reached out to the cavern floor with its immense power. Channelling its energy into the ground, its guard-spawn fled as it shaped a towering ck throne from the stone.


    Beneath the body, the ground continued rising until the throne rested atop a tower formed of smooth rock.


    The Ravener used its power to raise Uldars body through the air, setting it upon the throne it had fashioned, posing it as though it were alive.


    <em>There you will stay, creator, </em>it thought. <em>There your body will sit and watch over me while I do what needs to be done. If you can watch me from the after-worldit is my hope that my choices will please you.</em>


    Then, the Ravener sent its spawn out.


    To test Thamnd.


    To test itself.


    To help it decide its creators legacy.

 Chapter 799: The Beginning of the Generals Training

    Chapter 799: The Beginning of the General''s Training


    There you go, Khalik, thats the way, Alex said, watching the prince closely. Remember, you don''t need your tongue to convey meaning: even with spellcraft. As long as you can rece sybles with bodynguage, or hand movements, you''re still casting the spell.


    Khaliks eyebrow twitched as though shocked with a lightning spell. That is easy for you to say, he said between clenched teeth. Youve said that many times, but casting a spell with a finger twitch or raised brow is like trying to have a garden snake swallow an elephant!


    You''re getting it, though! Alexplimented his effort. He examined Khaliks facial expression, using the Mark of the General. Okayyour eyebrow movements are <em>almost</em> recing the syble. You need to adjust the angle by aboutthree degrees up.


    Alex, what in all the hells does that mean? Khalik demanded.


    It means the outer part of your eyebrow should be tilted up slightly more than the inner part of your eyebrow, Alex said. You''re almost there.


    It does not feel like I am almost there, Khalikined. It feels like I have made no progress for the past three evenings.


    Better than how we''re doing! Thundar shouted.


    Indeed, Isolde said, her tone icy.


    Aye, Cedric added.


    Help me, Drestra groaned.


    I am helping you, Alex promised, turning to the others. I''m helping all of us.


    I think this whole General things gone to your head, Thundar informed him.


    You''re gonnain a lot less when we all live through the war. The General of Thamnd said. And all you need to do is tilt your head slightly to the left, Thundar.


    The minotaur groaned.


    Since Alex had returned to Generasi, hed been busy. Hed met up with family, friends, checked in with folk at the university, visited his businesses, and started what he not too creatively had dubbed: Operation: Everyone Lives.


    The intent of his n was to be prepared; to train his cabalmates and the Heroes, preparing them as well as he possibly could for whatever the Ravener threw at them. The first part of the operation was to teach them how to spell cast faster.


    No easy task, so far.


    The six of them were practising a short distance from the Heroes encampment, well out of earshot of the soldiers. Alex was focused on teaching his five students to rece certain sybles in an incantation with slight twitches of their bodies.


    Theyd been at it for a few evenings at this point, and progress had beenslow, yet promising.


    You''ll get it, Alex said.


    Yeah, maybe in another twenty years, Thundar said. Ram does this kinda shit, right? How long did it take him to learn it?


    The young wizard paused, leaning against a tree in the small clearing. I don''t know, I haven''t really talked to him yet. Maybe I should


    Could we take a break? Isolde asked, eyebrows writhing like caterpirs on her forehead. I feel a headache beginning.


    Okay sure, lets break. Take a breather everyone, I dont want to fry your brains. Alex announced. Everyones been trying really hard. I think Khaliks close to a breakthrough which makes sense since he knows so manynguages. Knowing various tongues and pronunciations helps because that makes you learn how to convey meaning in different ways.


    Alexander Roththe General of Thamndsfive students let out a collective sigh of relief as their teacher showed them mercy. Cedric threw himself on the ground, panting as though hed just run halfway across Thamnd.


    By the Traveller! he swore, Feels like all this mind stuffs just as hard as pushin yer body. Ach, maybe even harder. Dunno how yous do it, bein in school an studyin all day.


    With great practice, Isolde said. But even I must admit that I find this exercise rather difficult.


    Difficult, but necessary, Alex said. We''re going to need to be at our full strength and power, with everything we heard Uldar talk about. Remember, at one time, the Ravener was powerful enough to wipe out everybody, including the Heroes, even though it sounded like they were a lot stronger than theyve been in maybe hundreds of cycles. Doing whatever we can to avoid their fate means we have to step out of ourfort zones.


    Aye, nobody wants tend up like them poor bastards, Cedric shook his head. I don wan nothin tdo wit that.


    If this keeps up, then I''ll happily take death! Thundar grumbled. Alex, I thought you said this would be easy? Its the exact <em>opposite</em> of easy!


    The young wizard flipped open one of the spell books hed taken from the library, studying a spell array closely, tracing it with his finger. I didn''t say itd be easy, I said itd keep you alive.


    He <em>did</em> say that, Khalik confirmed.


    I dont wanna hear anything from you, you teachers pet! the minotaur growled at the prince then looked at Drestra. Hey, Dres, are you getting the hang of this?


    Drestra looked at Thundar, then took off her veil and gave him a shy smile. A little. When I learned to take human form, I had to relearn everything about moving my body. She wiggled her fingers. The muscles of a humanoid are so different from draconic ones. It was like learning how to live all over again: I find that makes this way of spell casting a little easier to grasp.


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    Ohwell Im d youre getting it, Thundar said, his tone softer.


    If you dont get it, I couldtutor you, if youd like. After we finish our lesson with everyone else. Her eyelids lowered on her golden reptilian eyes.


    The minotaur squirmed a little. Uh, yeah. Thatd be great. Id love to learn more about how your body changes too. Can''t imagine something like that. Maybe I should try shapeshifting magic: I heard it''s really, really hard. Maybe if I learn from you, then I could get good at it.


    I''d like that, Drestra said. You could take the form of a bird and we could fly together. Flying through a flight spell feels good, you feel so free, but you don''t know what youre missing until you feel the wind beneath your wings.


    Najyah squawked from a nearby tree.


    That''s right, the dragon said to the eagle.


    Wellshapeshifting magic calls for a lot of imagination, just like illusion magic. I''d love to get into it, after the war, that is, Thundar said. Flying with wings instead of spells and stuffthat really does sound like something.


    They looked at each other for a long time.


    Khalik leaned toward Isolde. I think we just met the quiet kid that our friend told us about.


    Quiet teachers pet! Thundar yelled.


    And how am I the teachers pet, when Drestra is good at this, too? Khalik asked him.


    You <em>know</em> why! Thundar said. You''re not pretty like she is! So Im notining about her.


    What does that have to do with anything? Isolde asked.


    Drestra flinched.


    Thundar froze.


    Silence fell.


    Cedric leaned toward Khalik. Dont listen thim, yer bloody beautiful, mate.


    Thank you, I know. And so you are you, my friend. Khalik grinned.


    Aye, I know. Cedric grinned back.


    The two muscr men bumped fists.


    Isolde opened her mouth, looking like she wanted to say something, but, in the end, she kept her thoughts to herself.


    Whats that youre studying over there? Thundar asked Alex, quickly changing the subject.


    Cone of Ice, the young wizard said. Its a fifth-tier spell. I figure some ice spells might be useful.


    Oh, really? Thundar asked. How long have you been learning it?


    I just started. Alex snapped the book shut with one hand, then turned to the forest, raising his other hand. His lips formed the new incantation.


    Mana flowed.


    Heat fled from his hand, steam formed, a cone of blue-white magic roared from his palm with a howling, devastating wind. Icy energy struck a clump of trees, halting the spring thaw, caking their trunks in ice. Branches snapped, plummeting to the ground as frost shed over it, freezing the earth solid.


    When the spell was done, the wizard had frozen a section of the woods in front of them.


    Not bad. He flexed his fingers. White End should be a lot more powerful. Now, I think


    What in every hell was <em>that?</em> Thundar demanded.


    Alex turned back to his friends.


    His cabal, Drestra and Cedric were staring at him, ck-jawed, if it had been summertime, flies would be diving into their mouths.


    Whats what now? Alex asked.


    You lied, Khalik said. There is no way you just started learning that spell today!


    No word of a lie, Alex said, scratching the back of his head. Its the first time I tried it, I swear.


    <em>How?</em> Isolde looked shocked. I can certainly learn spells quite quickly, but that wasit was impossible!


    Aye. Cedric ran his fingers through his long hair. No bloody way I could learn a spell <em>that</em> fast!


    Me neither, Drestras voice crackled, her fanged jaws hanging open.


    Howd you do that? Thundar asked.


    Alex looked at his friends gravely, sping his hands behind him. Hobbs words returned to him, and the young archwizard instantly knew the exact roles he wanted to y here: teacher and General.


    You''re all going to learn exactly how I did it, Alex said. The thing is, when I had the Mark of the Fool, I had to learn every trick I could to manage even the simplest of spells. I had to analyse magic circuits down to their smallest detail. I memorised different patterns in magic circuits, looking for simr parts in other spells. A lot of Cone of Ices spell array is simr to other spells I know, so learning it was really easy.


    Alex pointed at his friends. And it''ll be easy for you too.


    Huh? Thundar grunted.


    The young archwizard began pacing back-and-forth. Operation: Everyone Lives means just that. Were going into whatll be the toughest fight weve had so far, and I want everyoneing out of it alive. No one''s dying. Not if I have anything to say about it. So, in order to see that happen, I''vee up with a training n and exercises thatll give us the highest chance of victory and survival.


    Right Khalik said. I assume it involves much more than how to cast spells without speaking?


    A lot more, Alex said. Casting spells without speaking is the first step. The thing is, casting magic faster is only going to be part of the battle. It won''t help if you run out of mana, or if you don''t have the spells you need to beat Ravener-spawn of any level, or if you can''t get away if something''s about to kill you.


    The young General looked at the Heroes. Ive got something a little different in mind for each of you, though.


    Drestra cocked her head to one side. What would that be?


    You all have your individual strengths, Alex said. In this fight, you Heroes are<strong></strong>going to be our main powerhousesunless Baelins there. Or


    Suddenly, they heard a distant crack of stone shattering, followed by an explosion of wood.


    or Asmaldestra, I was about to say, Alex continued.


    An instantter, there came a deafening boom as more explosions ripped through the forest to the south.


    Unsurprisingly, no one moved.


    The young archwizard reached out to ygon. Are you all, okay? he asked, concerned about the golem, Bjorgrund, Merzhin and Hart. He was sure Asmaldestra was just fine.


    <em>Yesfatherthe petrifiers are deadthe dungeon will fall soon, </em>the golem thought.


    Do you need me over there? Alex asked mentally.


    <em>Nowe have everything under control...</em>


    Right, and how many petrifiers were there?


    <em>...eight, father.</em>


    Alex frowned.


    What''s wrong? Khalik asked. Are the others alright?


    Yeah, Alex said. But there were eight petrifiers this time.


    <em>Eight?</em> Drestras forehead creased. <em>Eight?</em> Theyre increasing. Theres definitely more of them every day.


    Even more reason for us to focus on my n, the young wizard said. The Raveners escting, and I don''t doubt it''s gonnae at us with everything its got soon.


    He looked at Cedric and Isolde. Listen, I want all of you towell, if you''ve got unfinished business. Take care of it. We could find the Ravener next week, an hour from now, or next year. It''s best not to leave anything undone.


    Isolde and the Chosen looked at each other solemnly, neither looking away.


    Where was I? Alex paused. Oh, right. The Heroes are our powerhouses. Cedric, Drestra, Merzhin and Hart are going to be the ones doing the most devastating damage against whatever the Ravener sends at us. They''re going to be like beacons, attracting the most attention, and taking hits. Cedric and Hart are staggeringly tough, Harts almost superhuman. Drestrawith your massive mana pool <em>and </em>dragon powers, the Ravener-spawn will have their ws full. Merzhin has his fearsome miracles to wield, and he can heal himself and others.


    He looked at the cabal. You three are powerful, but you don''t have the edge of god granted gifts, like the Heroes do. So, while Ill be focusing on getting the Heroes as powerful as possible, I have a bit of a different n for you. It involves five steps.


    The wizard leaned forward. Listen carefully.

 Chapter 800: The Five Steps to Operation Everybody Lives

    Chapter 800: The Five Steps to ''Operation Everybody Lives''


    If these steps will keep us alive then I am all ears, Khalik said.


    The other members of Alexs cabal moved closer.


    Alright, so heres the steps, the General said. The first one is what were doing right now. We''ll be dealing with a lot of monsters, and probably ones we''ve never seen before. In order to fight back sessfully, well need to be able to react quickly: since spells are your main way of attacking an enemy and defending yourselves, the faster you can spellcast, the better. So, well be focusing on speed first.


    That makes sense, Isolde said. I am sure we will be able to adaptso what are your other ideas?


    Alex held up two fingers. But casting quickly isn''t exactly helpful if it causes you to run out of mana fast. So, we''re going to be working on mana maniption: I''ll be teaching you a simple mana regeneration technique. Itll let you get a hell of a lot more out of your mana pools by boosting them.


    Thundar shuddered. Ugh, really? I''m no good at mana maniption.


    Then it''s my job to teach you, Alex said. I''d probably be dead three or four times over if I wasn''t able to regenerate my mana. As I said: casting a bunch of spells really fast wont help anyone if they also drain their mana pool fast. If you run out of mana during an intense battleit could mean the end for you.


    It''s rare that we ever run out of mana, Thundar said. But I see your point. If were in a protracted battle


    Exactly, Alex said. Which brings me to our next step. He took sheets of notes from his satchel. I made these notes about mana circuits for you. Theyre really detailed. Theyre aboutmon patterns, and ways to exploit them so you can learn spells faster. You could use them to modify spells since theyre so in depth. And you will. I want you knowing your spells inside out by the time we''re done. Learning spells faster means you can also learn as many as you need to. Will you be able to learn them as fast as I can? Truth is, you wont, but youll be a lot faster than you are now and thatll give you an edge.


    Three steps, Khalik said. And its already clear you are having us leave ourfort zones, which makes me both excited, while also dreading the fourth and fifth steps.


    Four and five are going to be easier, Alex said, producing two spell-guides. I want you to focus on learning these two spells. nar Doorway and True Seeing.


    Cedric raised his hand.


    Yes, Cedric? Alex asked.


    Ah, teacher, what tier is True Seein? I can cast up to fourth-tier.


    I can cast to fifth, Drestra added.


    Khalik and I are at fourth, Thundar added.


    Sixth for me, Isolde said. So I would be able to learn it, but what about the others?


    Im going to push all of you to break through to sixth-tier, Alex said. And Isolde, I''d like you to be at seventh by the time we''re through.


    Her eyebrows rose. Thatthat hardly sounds possible.


    I never knew you to back away from a challenge, Isolde, and this will be just another challenge, Alex said. At sixth-tier, youll all have the power and adaptability to survive. To conquer. Now, back to nar Doorway and True Seeing. I picked those two spells because they have major benefits for us.


    Alex looked from one cabal member to the next. This might sound a bit insensitive, but it isnt meant to be, or to be a judgementyou''re not as tough as the Heroes so you won''t be able to take the kind of punishment they can. The best way to work around that, is to make sure that you have a way to escape at all times. nar Doorway is a quick easy teleportation spell that''ll get you out of the way of trouble. If you can''t manage to learn to cast most spells without using their full incantations, thenat leastyou have to be able to cast <em>that</em> one nonverbally. I want to make sure that you spellcasters can get out of the way of an attack with a twitch of a lip and a hand gesture.


    Thatsounds like something we can all agree on, Thundar grinned. We should work hard on getting that spell. What about True Seeing?


    Thats another spell thats going to be vital for you to learn, Alex said. We know the Ravener can make at least one monster that can turn invisible: the petrifier. But, we don''t know if it can make others, and it wont matter how well prepared we are, if we have no idea if a monster is right beside us if we cant see it. The petrifiers attack on Greymoor was a surprise that cost a lot of lives, and if True Seeing can help prevent that from happening again, you should learn it.


    I remember that attack as if it happened yesterday, Isolde said.


    As do I, Khalik agreed.


    True, Thundar echoed.


    Alex raised his hand, counting off each finger. So that''s the n. Learn how to cast without words for speed<strong>,</strong> learn mana regeneration for endurance in battle, learn the details of magic circuits to expand your toolboxes, learn nar Doorway to escape, and learn True Seeing so you wont be surprised by invisible attackers. And to do all this, you need to break through spellcasting tiers. Everyone got that?


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the vition.


    If those steps will help us to defeat our enemy, then of course, Isolde said.


    Thundar and Khalik nodded in agreement.


    I have a question, Alex, Drestra said. What about Hart and Merzhin? Your n doesnt include them?


    No, it doesnt, Alex said. Im going toe up with some specific things for them.


    Aye, sounds good, Cedric said. Just twarn ya, learnin details about spell arrays aint gonna be easy fer me. I aint one fer details.


    I''m sure you can learn it, Alex said. Well work together and expand your individual strengths. Im still working on the n, so just bear with me.


    Aye, Cedric said. I trust ya.


    But now! Alex pped his hands. Break times over. Lets move on: its time to start learning nar Doorway, so everybody, lineup!


    Alex conjured Wizards Hands with a snap of his finger, and had them retrieve several sheets of paper from his bag.


    They floated over to his attentive group and handed them out.


    I looked through the spell-guide for nar Doorway. Just so you know, it''s a bit of aplicated spell, so I broke down every part of its spell array to the easiest, and simplest steps I could, Alex said. If you study everything on your sheets, not only will you learn nar Doorway faster, but you''ll also see to what extent a magic circuit can be broken down. What thatll do is make learning the details of other spells simpler and faster for you, at the same time, youll be having an easier time casting nar Doorway nonverbally. First, I want you to read through the notes. I''ll exin anything that''s not clear, if you have questions.


    Ah Cedric scratched his head, staring at the pages. This looksI cant hardly understand a word o this.


    That''s okay, Cedric. The General went to the Chosen. I''ll break it down step-by-step. By the time were finished, itll be as easy for you as breathing.


    Aye? Ill take yer word fer it, the Chosen said, sounding a little sceptical.


    Anyone else have any questions? Alex asked.


    The others shook their heads.


    Then let''s begin, he said.


    In the distant forest, sounds rumbling like thunder cracked again.


    Explosions tore through trees.


    <em>We''re finishedwith the dungeon, father, </em>ygon thought through their link. <em>Well be bringing thecore essence back soon.</em>


    <em>Good, </em>Alex thought. <em>Torakall be happy about that. I took the golems I made in Keldas sanctum to her, and she told me that we can definitely use more materials. Sales keep growing. Im gonna have to talk to herboth her and Councillor Kartika, for that matter. There''s a lot for us to discuss and n for if the source for dungeon cores is eliminated.</em>


    He looked up at the sky.


    <em>But first, I have to speak to Professor Mangal. It''s time I got her permission to challenge the Exams for Credit.</em>


    <em>Good luckfatherWell see you soon</em>


    Come in, Professor Mangals soft voice called through the door.


    The young archwizard opened it, stepping into the summoning professors office.


    It was just as he remembered. Statuettes, paintings, and pieces of art depicting pretty horrifying looking, otherworldly, creatures were on almost every t surface in the room. From under a sheet of ss sitting atop a wooden desk, demonic faces etched into the wood leered up at her. The desks legs were of bleached cherry wood carved in the images of stately engeli and various elementals. A tall window was crafted of coloured ss, its colour-stained light fell on an unnerving oil painting below it.


    It showed a scene depicting a ridiculous amount of violence: demons and other monsters were tearing each other apart in a fiery wastnd that resembled flesh and ckened clots of blood. Bodiesy everywhere.


    <em>ughter in the Flesh Fields of Avernus</em> is what the painting was called.


    Seeing the framed massacre hanging from the wall reminded Alex of the Ravener. I hope we end up ripping that thing apart just like this, he thought.


    The young<strong></strong>summoning professor was bent over her desk, her quill scrawling across a sheet of parchment.


    Wee, Alex. You are wee here, and you are also right on time, she said, eyes still on her paperwork.


    I am wee here? he asked, closing the door behind him.


    Of course you are, she assured him. I would guess that you are nervous about this meeting. After all, we did have an arrangement to work together, and then you were forced to disappear. Judging from what I know of you, I suspect you have some guilt over this.


    Alex winced, remembering how guilty he felt about having to abandon his arrangement with the summoning professor. Guilt had haunted him during his time in the Irtyshenan wilderness.


    Yeah, you guessed right, he admitted, easing into one of the chairs in front of her desk. I''m sorry about what happened. At the time, I felt leaving was the only choice I could make to keep my family safe fromthe things I was facingI had to stay away from Generasi.


    Professor Mangal finished her note and looked up at him.


    She seemed to be looking through him.


    Sometimes, to protect those we care about, and toe closer to our goals, we must make sacrifices. If we are very lucky, they are temporary. If we are not so lucky, they are permanent. You''ve returned to the university, and I think that is what is most important. She smiled. Wee home, Alex. You are not the first student who had to dy studies due to family matters, matters of state, or matters of safety. I doubt you will be thest.


    Thanks for being so understanding, Alex said, sighing with relief. You''re making this conversation a lot easier than I thought it would be.


    It is my job to be reasonable, and to take care of my students. I was disappointed I could not guide you on your journey to higher-tier summoning spells, as Professor Jules tells me that you have progressed to ninth-tier summoning spells? Is this true?


    Yeah, Alex said, proudly. It is.


    If that is in fact true, then our arrangement will no longer work, since you are now more powerful than I am, sheughed.


    Well, you have a lot more experience than I do, so theres still a lot you can teach me.


    A lot that we can teach each other. Tell me, Alex, are you still interested in working with me after you graduate?


    Absolutely, Alex said.


    Good. She locked her fingers together. Then I would like to suggest a little change to our arrangement. We would not only be studying together as student and teacher, but as colleagues.


    That sounds interesting, Alex said. Tell me more.


    She held up her hand. First, I would love it if you would demonstrate a ninth-tier summoning spell for me.


    The young wizard grinned. I''d be d to. Butcould you summon Then-Arus for me? I think he might enjoy my demonstration.

 Chapter 801: Alex and Mangal

    Chapter 801: Alex and Mangal


    Alex and Professor Mangal stepped into the Cell, locking the door behind them. The room was empty<strong>, </strong>clean and spacious.


    It wouldnt stay empty for long.


    This is the very cell where you demonstrated your mastery of fifth and sixth- tier summoning spells to me, the professor smiled at the memory. To think that was only a little over three months ago.


    A lots changed, Alex said. A <em>whole</em><em>lot </em>has changed. I dont have to use summoning circles for my powerful summons anymore since Im sofortable with them now. The young archwizard rubbed his hands together. He could hardly hide his excitement. Would you mind summoning Then-Arus for me?


    Of course, Professor Mangal said.


    Oh, but before you do, did Professor Jules tell you which summoning spells I learned? he asked.


    No, she did not, said Professor Mangal. Why do you ask?


    No reason. Alex fought the urge to start giggling like a child ready to pull a prank on his teacher.


    Raising an eyebrow at him, she turned and began conjuring.


    Power flowed from her words, connecting to the nes.


    Soon, the magical energies of a war-spirit tinged the air. The screams. The smell of blood.


    Silver-coloured liquid boiled from the ground before the professor, the shape of the familiar humanoid war-spirit known as, Then-Arus appeared. He bowed before his summoner.


    <em>Greetings, my summoner, </em>Then-Arus voice grated on Alexs mind. <em>What task do you have for me?</em>


    She gestured toward Alex. It is he who wished for me to call you, your question should be asked of him.


    The war-spirit turned, eyes falling on the archwizard. Alex watched him steadily. There was a time when he found the war-spirit terrifying, the very embodiment of oppressive violence. But, after bargaining with Asmaldestre, he felt no fear.


    <em>YouI know you, </em>the war-spirit cocked his head to one side. <em>Something has changed within you. Your soul once reeked of something that was antithetical to violence. It is gone now.</em>


    Yes, it has, hasnt it? Alex said confidently. Things change, as I have, and I have no doubt that there are more changes toe.


    <em>Perhaps in many of your mortal millenia, you may be ready to conjure an entity of power beyond that of a lesser water elemental.</em> Then-Arus metallic voice scraped Alexs eardrums like nails on granite.


    Hold that thought for a few of my mortal seconds. The archwizard cracked his knuckles. You might want to stand back Professor Mangal.


    He raised his hands, speaking the incantation for Conjure Ultimate Ally. His power surged through the room, reaching out across the nes and touching a distant battlefield.


    He felt a presence like a great ship cutting through the sea.


    Professor Mangals jaw had dropped. That isConjure Ultimate Ally!


    <em>This presenceit cannot be!</em> Then-Arus cried.


    Asmaldestre hit the material world like a catapult stone.


    She loomed above them all, filling the room with the tingle of unspent violence. In her hands, she held Uldars weapons along with the strange projectile weapons she was so fond of.


    <em>Have you conjured me for more battle? </em>she asked Alex.


    He turned to Professor Mangal. Shall we have them spar?


    The lesser war-spirit trembled in the Unmakers presence, though whether from fear or excitement, only he knew. <em>This would be the fight of ten thousand lifetimes,</em> Then-Arus whispered. <em>My destruction would be legend.</em>


    His voice shook, its metallic ring sounding hollow.


    Professor Mangal shook her head quickly. No, no. That will not be necessary! her eyes were fixed on Asmaldestre in astonishment.


    Alright, Alex said, looking at the Unmaker. Do you mind if I send you back to the battle you were engaged in?


    <em>No more than you would mind continuing to draw breath, archwizard.</em> Her voice struck the other two<strong></strong>upants of the Cell. <em>The battles in yournd are growing more worthy of my attention. Opponents appear more frequently and are stronger now. There is a buildup, and my desire is to be present when the rain of blood pours down.</em>


    Well, that''s ominous, Alex whispered. Right, let''s get you back into battle.


    He took a few seconds to teleport Asmaldestre back to Thamnd, near the Heroes encampment. When he returned, Professor Mangal had dismissed Then-Arus.


    Oh, hes gone? Alex asked her.


    Stolen story; please report.


    He was shaken, the professor said. He did not show it, but he was shaken all the same. <em>I </em>am shaken! You can cast Conjure Ultimate Ally! Very few summoners in all of history have been able to do that!


    I know, Alex smiled. At this point, learning that spells been a real advantage. I remember conjuring my first water elemental, and now look what I can conjure.


    You exhibit an incredible mastery over the summoning arts. She shook her head. It was an honour to have you as my student. And it would be even more of an honour to have you as my colleague, Alex. Together, I think we will be able to research new spells and uncover new ways of summoning. With my experience, your natural talent, and the amount of power that lies within you, we can bring the discipline forward by any number of years. With that said, it would be an honour to allow you to challenge the Exams for Credit for any number of summoning courses you desire!


    Fantastic! He beamed, reaching out to shake her hand. Im looking forward to working with you, professor.


    She shook his hand enthusiastically. And I, you. Perhapsin working togetherI might find insights that could help me break through to eighth-tier.


    I dont doubt you will, Alex smiled. And I''ll help you in any way I can, just like you helped me when I could hardly cast a single first-tier summoning spell.


    Sheughed then. By the nes I am so d that your talents are <em>yours.</em>


    What do you mean by that? he asked.


    You understand the nature of reciprocal rtions, intricately, she said. I gave to you, and now you give back to me.


    It''s just the way I am, Alex said.


    And that is my point! She smiled brilliantly. Far too many summoners have given themselves over to power-lust over the centuries. I''m d that you are notif youll forgive mynguagean ass.


    Hah! Alex chuckled. I think a lot of people would disagree with you on that one. Probably Professor Ram, as one example.


    Perhaps. Perhaps not, her smile faded slightly.


    In any case, let us return to my office so I can give you the paperwork you need to Challenge the Exam for Credit forthird and fourth year summoning courses. I look forward to working with you. ThoughI suspect we can only really begin our work after the Thameish war has been won.


    After the wars been won? Alex said. You sound so sure that we''re going to win.


    Of course. I have faith in people, and I have faith in <em>you</em> and those that fight <em>for</em> people. Youve ovee so many barriers, and I would be surprised if you did not ovee this one. I am very confident.


    Thanks, professor. He blushed. Sayactually, can I ask you a question?


    By all means, my soon-to-be colleague.


    How did you know that you wanted to be a summoner? he asked. What made you look at that particr discipline in wizardry and go: <em>This. This is what I want for the rest of my life.</em>


    A fine question, Professor Mangal said. I take it you are considering your own future? Students often ask such questions of others as they near their graduation.


    Yeah, you got it in one try, Alex said. So, what was it?


    Professor Mangal smiled. People. It was people. I have always been a sociable person, Alex. I had many friends beforeing to Generasi to study, and made many more afterward. I was no stranger to parties, no stranger to speakingpetitions, to socials, to friendships. I enjoy being in rtion with others: so the thought of simply cooping myself up in a tower, looking over scrolls, potions, or muttering incantations to myself while I tried to construct the next great<strong></strong>spellseemed quite lonely to me. So, I decided to go into an art where I could be in rtion with others, and let my social side be a strength.


    So you turned your natural personality into a strength, and that became your life path, Alex said.


    In a manner of speaking, yes, she said. I went toward what I was good at, and never hesitated because I enjoyed doing what I was good at, then I made it into my lifes work.


    You sound so confident, Alex said. So sure. I keep wondering what I should do afterward. After the war. The dreams I wanted to fulfil when I first became a wizardI''ve achieved them.


    Both a blessing and a curse, she said gravely. Those who trulye into their own from a young age, are blessed because they are able to live their dreams early in their lives. But they are also cursed, because their older selves will have to stand in the shadow of the incredible achievements of their youth. Some give up, others go into crisis and make poor decisions in middle-age, while others go on mad journeys to try and top themselves in each passing decade.


    And what do you think? Alex asked. What should someone do if theyve hit all their goals early in life?


    Continue to live, she said. Life is not entirely about goals, and if it must be, then you are in control of that. You can conjure any goal at any time you wish as easily as you might summon a small water elemental. You may find your own way in life, and that is a privilege: few can say the same.


    So I know I can create my own new goals Alex said. It just seems so hard to choose which ones. To figure out what I''ll be content doing for the rest of my life.


    Your life has meaning that only you can define, she said. And you are still young, do not assume that you have achieved so much so quickly that you must decide right at this moment. Take your time and think, and then think again, and then think again. Only in that way, will youe up with the right answer for yourself.


    He smiled. Thanks. You really are one of my favourite professors: I wish Id met you in first year, instead of Professor Ram.


    She smiled sadly. Professor Ram is a difficult man. He cares for his students in ways that many who study under him misinterpret. He is a hard taskmaster, much like Chancellor Baelin. But, I do believe it is a tragedy, what happened between the two of you. He meant to give you the best tools to master force magic, just as he does for all of his students. You meant to try and seed with a hidden barrier holding you back. I believe you two deserve closure.


    Well, we did have that fight at the Games, Alex said.


    She shook her head. Some fights can give closure. Other times, closure can only be achieved through words that must be exchanged.


    He thought about the First Apostle. Had the ancient Chosen found closure in his death or in his final fight? The opposite, probably. Had Alex found closure with Ram from their fight?


    Maybe.


    Maybe not.


    It was too much to think about now.


    In any case, let us return to my office, the professor said. I will provide you with your papers. Then we can look forward to your graduation, and to you studying with me. We will do great things together.


    Thanks, Professor, Alex said. It''s been an honour being in rtion with you.


    And I, you, Alex. She gave him a broad smile before walking to the door. Let us continue to work together in the future.


    Yes, lets, he agreed.


    ###


    The General of Thamnd left Professor Mangals office, holding the signed documents giving him credit for his summoning courses. They would allow him to Challenge the Exam for Credit, bringing him closer to his goal of graduating early.


    Yet, his mind wasnt settled.


    Thoughts about closure kept ying through it.


    He was training his friends. The Ravener was escting.


    Did he really want to leave anything undone in case the worst happened?


    No, he thought. I dont. But there''s a lot to do, I probably dont have time to see


    He looked up spotting, a familiar figure in the hallway.


    There, in his severe robeswith his neat beard and jet ck arm constructwas Professor Harsha Ram, walking to his office.


    The two men''s eyes met.


    Alex saw a wave of tension go through the older mans body. An awkwardness was suddenly in his stance.


    He knew what he wanted to do.

 Chapter 802: Closure

    Chapter 802: Closure


    Professor! Alex called, waving his hand clutching the papers. Do you have a moment or do you have a ss or office hours right now?


    The force magic professor paused, looking at Alex sternly. An air of reluctance passed over his face before he exhaled then squared his shoulders. I have twenty minutes before I have to be in my next ss. What do you need from me, Mr. Roth?


    I just wanted totalk for a second, Alex said.


    Rams natural arm gripped the strap of his bag. You are no student of mine, what do you need from me?


    Just to talk. The General of Thamnd said, adjusting his bodynguage to appear as non threatening as possible.


    Being enigmatic is overrated. Say what you mean, Ram said. But if you need to speak to me, thene along, my office is nearby.


    Ram marched forward with militaryor even mathematicalprecision, leading Alex down the hall to an office with an iron door. The force professor dug a key from his bag and unlocked the door.


    Alexs eyebrows rose. You don''t use your identification card?


    I am a bit old-fashioned. Ram opened the door, gesturing for Alex to follow him. I enjoy the physical feedback of actually turning a key. The sensations in this force arm are not as sensitive as they are in my natural one: every sensation on my fingers is precious.


    Ohuh, sorry about that, sir. Alex said.


    Nothing to apologise for, now walk with me.


    Together the two men entered Rams office.


    Like the force professor himself, the office was neat and severe. The decoration was sparse, the atmosphere almost brutal. No paintings lined the walls, no statuary adorned any shelf. The bookcase, desk, and chairs were all straight lines and hard, sharp corners.


    The window behind his desk was of clear ss free of adornments, most surfaces in the room were either ck, white, or ck trimmed with white.


    A series of weaponsboth ranged and meleehung from the wall across from his bookcase. Several model engines and other machineswindmills, watermills and crankssat on a shelf beneath the weapons. An obsidian board covered in physics forme neatly written in chalkstood near the desk.


    I would offer you a beverage, Ram said. But I do not permit liquids in my office. The potential for spige is much too high.


    Understandable, Alex said.


    Ram gestured to one of the seats in front of his desk.


    The General of Thamnd sat, and Ram joined him.


    There was silence for a time before the force professor broke it. Well, you said you wished to talk to me, but youre not talking.


    I guess I wasn''t, Alex said. Listenprofessor, I just wanted to say that I can''t tell you that I''m sorrywait, do you know about me having this Mark called the Mark of the Fool?


    The force professor pinched the bridge of his nose. I don''t think you could live in this city and <em>not</em> know. Word of you has spread far and wide.


    Good, Alex said. That makes this easier. I can''t really apologise, for not telling you that I had the Mark. But I will say that I <em>regret</em> not being <em>able</em> to tell you. The reason I''m not saying I''m sorry, is because if I had to go through that situation againI still wouldn''t tell you.


    Ram nodded.


    The thing is, Alex said. Back then, I didn''t know who to trust. Butthe problem with that is that you really tried to help me in ss. You really did work as hard as you could to try to make sure that I got the best grade I could, and master as much force magic as I could in your ss. But I wasn''t able to.


    Right, Ram said.


    I regret that you ended up wasting your efforts, Alex said. I can''t know what you thought or felt at the time, but if it was me, I would''ve been damn frustrated. It would''ve looked like a student just didn''t care what I had to say, even though I was trying so hard to reach him. And if that was your experience, I regret it.


    The effort was not wasted, Ram said suddenly.


    Wait, what now? Alex asked.


    Youve made an assumption. You didnt look at all the variables and reactions involved, Ram said. Did you learn anything from my ss?


    Uh, yeah I did. I learned a lot from your ss, Alex said.


    And what did you learn? Ram asked him. Be specific. Is there anything that you learned in my ss that you apply to your life even now?


    Well, I still use Wizards Hands, Greater Force Armour, Forceshield, and Protective Force Weapon, Alex said. But, especially Wizards Hands. I use that spell every day, forbat, for business, for cooking


    It is a very useful and often underrated spell, Ram said. The spells you learned kept you alive thus far, and still improve your daily life to this day?


    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the vition.


    Yeah, thats absolutely true, Alex said, thinking about his defensive spells.


    They had saved him many times when he had the Mark of the Fool. These days, he didnt <em>need</em> them as much.


    Most spells hed learned in Rams force magic ss werent able to protect him any longer, not from powerful enemies, like the Stalker. Not sufficiently, anyway.


    But, back in those early days, theyd served him well, things would have turned out much worse without them.


    I honestly don''t think I''d be here without them, professor, Alex admitted.


    Then my efforts did not go to waste, Ram said. Do you remember a<em> strong </em>conversation that I had with you after one of your sses one day?


    Alex''s eyes widened. You mean when you told me to try harder? YeahIm surprised you remember that.


    I never forget important conversations I have with my students, Ram said. Especially with students who are struggling. During that conversation, I used rather harshnguage. The purpose of that was to keep you alive. And now here you are, alive. The spells and my efforts were not wasted.


    Still! Alex countered. You didn''t know that I had the Mark of the Fool then. You didn''t know that there were certain spells that I wasnt able to cast back then. And you spent a lot of time, and energy trying to get me to cast them.


    There are rumours going around that you can cast ninth-tier spells now. Rams expression was impassive. Are they true?


    Yes Alex said after a moment.


    Does that mean you overcame some of the barriers that you were struggling with? the force magic professor asked.


    Yeah, I did, Alex said.


    And can you cast force missile now?


    Yeah, actually, I can.


    Then, once again, my efforts were not wasted. You learned that spell in my ss, andnow that you have ovee some of your difficultiesyou are able to cast it. Ram looked at Alex intently. The knowledge that I imprinted on you, did not simply turn to smoke and blow away. You kept it, you carried it forward. And now you''re able to take advantage of it.


    I


    Do you know anything about parenthood, Alex?


    The young archwizard froze, then his mind turned to ygon. Yeah, yeah I do.


    An aspect of parenthood is learning that what you teach your children never expires. Parents share wisdom with their growing progeny, often when the child is not ready to hear that wisdom. But as that child ages, they can always turn to their parents teachings, no matter how old they are, or how much they may have strayed in their lives. As long as the parent was a good teacher.


    Alex thought about how he and Selina used to talk to, and read to ygon before the golem could speak. He was now mighty, loyal, brilliant, honourable, and had his own thoughts, feelings and wisdoms.


    You''re right, Alex said. Even if that knowledge isn''t helpful at the timeor doesn''t seem to beit can be helpfulter.


    Precisely, Ram said. My knowledge couldn''t help you at that time in your life. But, now it can. It means my efforts were not wasted. Do not waste your regret on me, Mr. Roth. I do not regret any effort that I spare for any of my students. If I did, then I should not be here.


    The young archwizard paused. Maybe he didnt need closure after all. Maybenow I feel a bit sil


    I am sorry that you had to deal with your burdens, Ram said. With that Mark you carried. I learned more about it recently, and it seems that you were walking a very difficult path at that time. It sounds like you would have had a much easier life if you had chosen to abandon your dreams of wizardry, and became a merchant, or the leader of some town somewhere. Instead, you chose to force the issue. I can admire that, and acknowledge that you had a difficult burden to carry on your own. I am sorry that you needed to carry it.


    Thanks


    I am not sorry for the skills you developed because of itbecause life''s harshness forces us to be the strongest versions of ourselvesand I am <em>not</em> sorry for my harsh words to you. It is my way, and if I apologise for being the way I am, I would be apologising with every waking moment of my life.


    Right Alex said. I have to disagree with you on some of that. I think sometimes life''s burdens don''t make it easier, sometimes they just break us.


    That is true, Ram said. But life, with no harshness, would make us all soft.


    Idont know anything about that, Alex admitted. I don''t think I''ve lived long enough to say whether youre right or wrong.


    Rams eyebrows rose. You have a great gift, Mr. Roth: the ability to admit whether or not you don''t know what you don''t know. You don''t suffer from the overconfidence of youth or the upromising surety of old age. That is a good trait, make sure not to lose it as you go through life. He looked at the time. Was there anything else?


    Alex paused, then decided to ask him a question. Actually, yes. What made you decide that you wanted to be a force magic user?


    It is in my nature, Ram said. Where and when I grew up, force was the deciding factor in life. I used force tobat my enemies, and to avenge my loved ones. Force is an underlying, fundamental truth in creation. Force aplishes: it has been both my most reliable tool, and makes me who I am.


    You seem very sure of yourself, Alex said.


    I suffered the overconfidence of youth and now I have the upromising surety of old age. It is a gift, and a curse, he admitted, his expression softening slightly. When I walk, I take the straightest path forward. Yours seems more winding. That is not the way I do things, but I''ve taught enough students to know that the straightest path is not the correct path for everyone. Do with that what you will.


    Alex lowered his head. Thank you, Professor. Oh, there''s something I would like to show you.


    With a twitch of his brow, Alex conjured a set of Wizards Hands.


    Rams breath stopped for a moment. Nonverbal casting?


    I learned it recently, Alex smiled at him.


    It is a very difficult art, Ram said. And I can only do it with force magic because I am so close to it. Well done. Congrattions to you.


    You inspired me, Alex said. I only tried it, because I remembered what you used to do in ss.


    Thenonce againmy efforts did not go to waste, Ram said.


    You know Alex paused. Maybe, I could help you out. I think you really tried hard for me, and maybe I could help you in return. I know you''re working on fixing the spell that creates Prime: maybe I could help you with that?


    That would put you out of business, Ram said, almost smiling.


    Alex smiled, shaking his head. I think there''s room for both your force construct, and my golems to co-exist while fulfilling different purposes.


    Perhaps you''re right. However, I do not need help. Or at leastit doesn''t appear that I do, so, I will continue working on eliminating the ws in the spell on my own.


    Right, Alex said, almost disappointed.


    However, Ram continued. I would appreciate a rematch between us and you and ygon when I <em>do</em> finish the next iteration. That will be the perfect test for how much I''ve developed Prime.


    Alex smiled at that. Youre on.


    Ram did not smile back, but there was a softening of his face. Perfect. Well, I must be on my way to my next ss then, and I am sure you have things to do.


    Yeah, I have to go to theb, Alex took a deep breath and said. Thank you professor. I want you to know that I appreciate what your ss taught me because it forced me to learn how to adapt the methods you were teaching us to let me protect myself as much as I could. And because of that, I can now say that Im d I took your ss.


    You were an adequate student who has grown into a masterful wizard, Ram said, rising from his chair. Walk your path forward. It is all we can ever do.

 Chapter 803: Reconstitution Theories

    Chapter 803: Reconstitution Theories


    It''s good to be back, Alex said, inhaling deeply.


    He let the sights, sounds and smells pass over him.


    The sight of researchers bustling about theb dressed in their protective equipment. The sounds of liquids boiling in beakers, and the whir of mana powered machinery. The smell of brewing potions.


    All felt good.


    It felt familiar.


    Comfortable. He felt at home.


    I missed thisb, Alex looked around theboratory in the Research Castle. I missed it a lot.


    Well, you can miss it with your protective equipment on. Professor Jules huffed from beside him. Hurry, Mr. Roth, we don''t have all day.


    Snapping out of his reverie, Alex headed to the safety equipment hanging on hooks nearby. He ran his hand over the leather beaked mask and apron. He wiggled the fingers of the gloves, then slipped everything on, turning to find Professor Jules and Isolde geared up and ready to go.


    Come on, then, the professor said. I''ll catch you up on the progress weve made, such as it is. Follow me.


    Alex followed the two women deeper into theb; ahead of them was a steel door, sealed with a magical glyph. Throughout the room, researchers paused what they were doing to look at him. Plenty of whispers were exchanged.


    Hello, he said. Well, this doors new.


    What we''re doing is very sensitive, Professor Jules said, pressing her hand to the glyph on the door. There came the hiss of escaping air and the click of a lock. We needed another area for privacy.


    She opened the door. Come in,e in.


    Alex and Isolde stepped inside, and the professor quickly shut the door behind them. Air hissed again followed by another loud click. Wee to the Ravener research chamber. Its secure, and the walls are soundproof. We can speak freely here.


    Good spot, Alex nodded, looking around. The alchemical equipment was definitely cutting edge, most of it was currently turned off. In the centre of therge room stood a long table with copies of Uldars notes spread over the surface. Dungeon coresboth living and destroyedwere on the table, sealed in ss containers.


    We have been trying different ways to determine what makes the Ravener reconstitute itself, Isolde said. We have entertained many theories


    but haven''t been able to test any of them. Not properly, Professor Jules finished Isoldes thought. Weve run tests using dungeon cores, but that''s not exactly a one-to-oneparison with the Ravener.


    Makes sense, Alex said, stopping in front of the table. So, what are your leading candidates for theories?


    The first one is that when the Ravener is destroyed, it moves to a central location to regenerate itself over the following century, she said.


    Sort of in the same way that you-know-who was restoring his strength in his sanctum, Isolde said.


    Right, Alex paused. Theres some sense in that. Maybe it''s not destroyed at all. It couldn''t just fake its death when the Heroes finally strike it down, but maybe it teleports elsewhere. Then when its ready He paused, thinking about Uldars journal. nevermind, the journal didn''t say anything about teleportation.


    You''re quite correct, Professor Jules said. And though we haven''t decoded all of his notes, we havent seen any mention of anything in its design to indicate an ability to teleport.


    Alex looked at Professor Jules. And nothing in the design gives us any idea of how it renews itself or where it goes?


    We have not been able to determine that, Isolde said. And that brings us to theory two.


    The phctery theory, Professor Jules said. Mr. Roth, how much do you know about liches?


    Alex shrugged. Only that they''re undead wizards, and theyre really powerful.


    Correct, she said. But did you know that a lich can reconstitute itself after the destruction of its physical body?


    Alex looked at her with interest. NoI didn''t know that.


    It is true, and the way it works, Isolde jumped in. Is that a lichs body is not <em>actually</em> its bodywell, it <em>is</em> and <em>is</em> not. A lichs <em>soul</em> lies in its phctery: a powerful magical item that holds its essence, binding it to the material world.


    Right, Alex nodded. So would that make its bodythe one that looks like a skeleton or corpsesomething like a puppet?


    Yes, and no, Isolde continued. In the process of bing a lich, a wizard creates a <em>shadow</em> of their soul: an iplete copy that is connected to their actual soul, within a phctery. The souls shadow is what drives the skeletal body that we associate with liches.


    So what happens when that bodys destroyed? Alex asked.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The souls shadow is freed, it returns to the phctery and rejoins the soul inside, Isolde exined. The soul and the shadow bind together, andover a period of days and weeksregenerates its body. The souls shadow enters this new body, and the lich is able to wreak havoc as it once did.


    Right, Alex said. And you think the Ravener has some kind of phctery maybe?


    It''s possible, Professor Jules said. We found no evidence of that yet, but it would exin its reconstitution quite nicely.


    But the Ravener wouldn''t have a soul, would it? Alex pointed out.


    No, but it could send its consciousness back to an object of some kind in the same way that a lich could, Isolde suggested. It is difficult to tell. Which leads us to theory three.


    It could be that when the Raveners physical body is destroyed, Professor Jules said. It sends its consciousness to one of the dungeon cores somewhere in Thamnd, then that dungeon core grows over time, expanding until it bes the new Ravener. Its possible thatthough historically, its been recorded that dungeon cores crumble when the Ravener is destroyeda single core might survive its destruction. Weve found some evidence suggesting that dungeon cores could be connected to one another in a way that we dont quite understand yet. And we do not know everything about Uldars designsbe they the Ravener, the Marks or the dungeon coreshis secrets were many andplex.


    Alex nodded. I remember when I connected to the dungeon core in the Cave of the Traveller, I saw all these different sights. It felt like there was a presence on the other side of that connection. Maybe the Ravener can send its essence into a dungeon core and then be reborn for the next cycle. I know dungeon cores are all supposed to crumble when the Ravener dies, but then again, Uldar was <em>supposed</em> to be protecting us, so what do we <em>really</em> know?


    Well. Isolde said slowly. We do have a fairly good idea of what is <em>inside</em> the Ravener.


    What, how? Alex asked. So, whats inside it?


    Isolde took a sheet from among Uldars notes, handing it to Alex. You tell me.


    He examined the diagram; a cutaway of a sphere illustrating dozens of pathways for mana and other energies to channel through. It reminded him of an extremely advanced golem core.


    But there was also something odd about it.


    Something was missing.


    Thislooks iplete, Alex said.


    We thought youd notice that, Professor Jules smiled, handing Alex another sheet. Here, take a look at this one.


    It was another diagram of a cutaway of a sphere; this one contained more pathways, arranged in an entirely different configuration to the other one.


    Okay, this one looks moreplete, but Alexs eyes flicked from one image to the next, contrasting the two diagrams. That many pathways wouldnt fit inside such a small amount of space. Thered be too many of them: itd be like trying to fit the insides of a golem core into something the size of a piece of chalk.


    Exactly, Professor Jules said. The dimensions of the construct must be immense. Historical records and Uldars notes both indicate that the Ravener is a ck sphere, roughly forty feet in diameter.


    Yeah. Alex eyed the pathways. Youd probably need something twice that size to fit all of those pathways.


    Isolde and Professor Jules looked at each other, then gathered an additional ten sheets of paper.


    Each disyed a diagram, another cutaway of a sphere; showing a different configuration of pathways and inner apparatuses.


    Alexs jaw dropped. Ithat cant be right. Whats it doing, transforming its insides?


    Professor Jules shook her head. Every diagram indicates that this is all <em>one</em>work: <em>one</em> vast and terrible magical machine.


    Then how the hellswheres it <em>keeping</em> all of that? Alex asked.


    We are still creating new diagrams in our efforts to understand more of Uldars notes, Isolde said. There is probably much more to the constructs inner workings.


    Whats going on, is it bigger on the inside? Alex wondered. Thatsthats impossible, right?


    Perhaps yes, perhaps no. We know that Uldars sanctum exists in its own divine realm; He created a demine, connected it to Thamnd and built his sanctum in it, Professor Jules said. Its possible that he used his powers to do something simr with the Ravener.


    That Alex frowned. Thats going to make things trickier. Even if we do find how to shut it down permanently, well have todeal with its internal structurewhatever that looks like. And thatll be tough if itsmade up of this massive space on the inside. And just how much bigger are we talking about, anyway?


    That, we dont know, Professor Jules said. But were hoping that with you here, we can answer that question.


    The young archwizard sighed. Alright, well lets see if we can figure this out. Alex looked at one of the living dungeon cores. HmmmaybeI could


    What are you thinking, Mr. Roth? Professor Jules asked.


    When I connected with the dungeon core in the Cave of the Travellerthat was the first time I ever touched oneI was able to connect to all these unfamiliar images: so, Im wondering if I could do the same thing now. If the Ravener really is deeply connected to the dungeon cores, maybe I could learn something that could help us.


    I am not sure I like that idea, Professor Jules said.


    It could help us, professor, Isolde said.


    ...if youre sure about this, Mr. Roth. You<em> have</em> done it before without imploding, so go ahead, but do so with caution, The professor relented, nodding curtly. But, at the first sign of even the slightest hint of anything going awrystop immediately, understood?


    I got it, professor. Alex went to the living dungeon cores. Which one should I use?


    Use the one on the far right, she said. Its the freshest, and we haven''t used it for any experiments yet.


    She waved a hand at the core; the ss case surrounding it opened with a hiss of escaping air. Alex picked it up gently, holding it between his palms. Uttering a single syble, he conjured a pair of Wizards Hands.


    Mind if I take a quick look at the notes youve made so far?


    The professor gestured to the notes. Why would we mind; have at it, Mr. Roth?


    Glowing Wizards hands picked up sheets of parchment, floating to Alex at eye level. The young archwizard scanned the pages, eyes flicking across the notes, quickly absorbing the information.


    He nodded.


    Isolde and Professor Jules had aplished a <em>lot while</em> he was in the Empire. Much of Uldars notes had been tranted into modern alchemical notations in themon tongue.


    He wasnt only amazed at how much theyd achieved, but also at Uldars creation. Theplexityand efficiency of his design was something to marvel at.


    What the Ravener is made of amplifies the power of its mana many times over, he thought.


    A host of apparatuses gave the construct a wide range of devastating powers: it could alter terrain, project destructive beams of power, mimic spells much like a wizards staff


    Alexs eyes flew wide when he reached a notation.


    It can make venom? Alex turned to Isolde and Jules. Can it make the same venom its namesake poisoned Uldar with?


    We dont think so, Professor Jules said. The alchemical symbols in his notes show a <em>wide </em>variety of poisons, but nothing like the substance that killed Uldar.


    Isolde shuddered. The ck ichor leaking from his corpse was <em>devastatingly</em> toxic, and that was diluted.


    Yeah Alex paused. Wait, how do you know that?


    We took samples from the body, Professor Jules exined. Theres already been analysis done on it.


    Tell me more, Alex said, his mind sharpening.


    An idea was forming in it.

 Chapter 804: Poisonous Possibilities

    Chapter 804: Poisonous Possibilities


    Hidden in a far corner of the room sat a container crafted of a grey-white metal, a material that Alex had never seen before. Glyphs of strengthening and hardening were etched into its surface; making it impervious to even the force of a battering ram.


    Professor Jules waved a hand over the lid andwith the same tell-tale hiss of escaping airthe box slowly opened.


    Inside, a padded container and two sets of metal prongs held a vial of reinforced ss. Within the vial was a sample of the ck ichor that had eventually taken Uldars life.


    That''s a lot of precautions, Alex said.


    True, but they were necessary, Isolde said. As we started our analysis, we understood that all precautions would be needed, considering what we were handling.


    Professor Jules nodded emphatically. Mr. Roth, I have handled many substances in my long career. Some were medicinal, most were toxic; so believe me when I tell you that this is the deadliest toxin I have ever encountered, and that is no exaggeration.


    It is almost magnificent. Isolde said with a mix of admiration and dread. The poison is multiyered. For one, it is a neurotoxin, which of course, damages the brain and nervous system.


    That might exin why Uldars memory was so spotty, Alex said.


    But that''s not all, Professor Jules said. Its also necrotic and rots its victim from the inside, and it has anticoagnt propertiescausing haemorrhaginga stimnt


    Why a stimnt? Alex asked.


    We think that property makes the poison spread quicker, Isolde reasoned. The heart would beat faster to circte the toxin through the blood vessels at an elerated rate. Then thats when the paralytices in.


    Alex grimaced. Of course it would also paralyse.


    And that''s not the worst of it, the alchemy professor continued. There''s aponent to it that attacks the very <em>essence</em> of a creature: eating away its mana, weakening divinity, andwe suspectsevering the connections between the soul and body.


    The colour drained from Alex''s face. He squinted at the substance, horrified. And you learned this from a bit of <em>residue?</em>


    From what we could tell from the small amount we have here, the toxin has been long diluted: it is a mere sample of what remained within Uldar at the end of his life. Isolde shook her head. It was likely many times more potent when he was first injected.


    Alex swallowed. Yeah, now, I can see why you took so many precautions He considered the toxin carefully. You said that it attacks the essence of something? Does that mean it could kill something thats bloodless?


    We tested it on a dungeon core and a Ravener-spawn. Isolde said. The Ravener-spawn died very quickly, and quite <em>horribly, </em>it spread through the dungeon core at a slower rate, but it did eventually overwhelm its essence and destroy it.


    Alex looked at them sharply. What if we use it on the Ravener? Do you think we could kill it?


    Isolde and Professor Jules considered the question, their eyes fixed on the poison.


    We actually thought of that, Professor Jules said. And I noted that in our logbook as a possibility to exploreter. Judging from what we''ve seen in Uldars drawings, it could technically be possible, but unfortunately, the sample we have would not be enough to kill it. And from what we''ve seen of its design, only the essence-eating aspect of the toxin could work on itit<em> is</em> a construct after all, with no nervous system to disrupt, or blood to poisonbut Uldar made it resistant to essence eating toxins.


    But he didn''t make it <em>immune</em>, did he? Alex asked.


    ...no, he did not, Isolde said. I am not sure he could have. As a matter fact, I am quite sure that he would have, <em>if</em> he could have; just like he would have cured himself of the venom if he was able to do so.


    Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said gently. We thought of using this substance against the Ravener, but there are several problems. We still have no idea how it reconstitutes itself: even if the poison attacks the essence of the Ravener, that doesnt mean it wouldnt be able to regenerate in a hundred years.


    Do you think that could make it harder for it to remake itself?  Alex asked. Like, if we used it on a lich, would it have a harder time regenerating?


    On a lich? Professor Jules asked.


    Hypothetically.


    Hypothetically, yes, she said. From my understanding, the poison would significantly damage the lichs soul shadow. It might even spread to its phctery, severing the actual souls connection to the material world. But we don''t know enough about the Raveners reconstitution process to even <em>guess</em> how effective the venom could be.


    And unfortunately, we do not have enough of the poison to even attempt that. Isolde looked ufortable. Between us, we used a stent and an alchemical pump to extract as much of the residue as we could from the gods corpse. We then purified it in theb. She pointed to the sample. What you see there is the purest sample left anywhere.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    What about all the ck stuff that was in Uldars sanctum? Alex asked. Theres gotta be some poison in there.


    Professor Jules shook her head. We analysed that substance: the poison has been heavily diluted as well as contaminated with the tonics and other medicines he used.


    We could concentrate it further, couldnt we? Alex said, pointing at the sample. And extract as much usable toxin from the remaining substance in his sanctum and then use that to create a pure dose, which we thenbine with what we have here.


    Isolde paused. Thatcould that be a possibility, Professor Jules?


    The alchemy professor stopped, her eyes squinting through her mask. I hadn''t considered it so thoroughly, since the residual substance in his bedchamber was so heavily contaminated.


    She went to a cab, opened it, and removed a small<strong></strong>beaker of ck liquid.


    Alexs eyebrows rose.


    This is a sample from Uldars bedchamber; its contaminated with the medicines he used in his attempts to cure himself. She put the beaker on a table, then picked up a logbook from a bookshelf, quickly flipping through the pages and muttering softly. Its so contaminated it''s barely toxic anymore. Typical safety protocols are all that''s necessary to handle it now, but, just give me a moment to do some quick math.


    Professor Jules began jotting calctions in the logbook. I''m estimating how much poison we would likely get from the amount of substance in his sleeping chamberand


    The pen scrawled faster.


    She was steadily bing more excited, judging from her movements.


    The pen abruptly stopped writing, and her shoulders sagged. No, even in the best case scenariounless, in this case, we just <em>happened</em> to have miraculously collected the <em>most</em> contaminated substance from his bedchamber, and everything else there is purerthen it wont work. We won''t have enough of a dose: the Ravenersplex mana systems, its resistance to essence-destruction, and its size would make what youre suggesting as effective as trying to poison a whale with a thimbleful of dwarven fire-brandy.


    Hold on. Alexs eyes moved back and forth as his mind worked. <em>Think. Adapt. Think. Adapt. Think. Adapt. </em>Could we make more of it by reverse engineering it? Then we could make as much as we needed, couldn''t we?


    Many of the elements of the poison areunknown, Professor Jules said. What I mean by that is we werent able to determine what its exact constituents are. We suspect that many are unique: probably substances unique to the demon-lord that the fae used. Without capturing our own demon lord of poisons, I don''t think we could replicate it.


    Alex opened his mouth.


    No, Mr. Roth. Professor Jules said, her tone chilly. We cannot capture a demon-lord of poisons, even if we <em>did</em> know where to find one.


    I wasn''t going to suggest that! Alex said. What I was about to say is maybe we couldbine the poison with a catalyst. We might not be able to make more, but we couldbine it with other substances to increase its potency: maybe make something new.


    Combine it with? Isolde asked.


    For one, chaos essence, Alex said. Uldars process for making the Ravener makes it react <em>badly</em> to chaos essence, thats if its anything like the dungeon cores.


    I have a theory as to why that might be, Professor Jules said. The Ravener was engineered to rece a demon-lord by using part of its shell to create its body. That demon-lord had already been heavily modified by the fae to increase the potency of its venoms. They basically took a creature of chaos and honed it towards a particr purpose. It''s like imposingw onto chaos, which likely made the creature somewhat unstable.


    So when youbine chaos essencewhich is also unstablewith dungeon core remains Alex said. the dungeon core essence tries to return to pure chaos, then


    Boom, Isolde said, spreading her arms.


    Which could be <em>really</em> nasty, Alex said. Chaos essence to disrupt the Ravener from the inside, and the essence-destroying poison to shatter whats left.


    Not bad, Professor Jules said. Wed have to watch that the chaos essence doesn''t damage the sample. It still might not be enough, even with such a potent brew.


    That''s where the banees in, Alex said.


    Bane? Isolde asked.


    A soul cutting material. Alex took the bane knife from his bag. Usually, it''s useless inbat: you need a calm soul for bane to work on it, but Kelda figured out a way around that. I used a machine she had to cut away Uldars patch from the Mark of the General, and believe me, my soul was <em>definitely</em> in turmoil.


    Fascinating, Professor Jules said. But the Ravener doesn''t have a soul to cut into.


    Thats true, but I think with some adjustments Alex said. I could make it work: the Mark isn''t exactly a soulit''s simrbut not quite the same. Keldas machine cut the Marks patch away. And the Marks have a simr design to the Ravener, from what Ive seen of Uldars notes. I could take parts of Keldas machine, modify them to make them portable, and use them as a delivery systemalong with an enhancerfor the poison. What do you think, professor? Do you think it could work?


    Isolde turned to Professor Jules, as the older woman considered the idea.


    How would it work exactly? the professor asked.


    Alex continued thinking. Im thinkingthat our machinesmade of altered parts from Keldaswould inject the poison and bane crystals into the Ravener. The energies of the machines would let the bane shards slice into<strong></strong>its essence, which would then be like bits of shrapnel inside its mana pathways. The chaos essence would break down, making it vulnerable enough for a terminal dose of poison to finish it off.


    Hmmmm. Jules voice sounded excited again. In theory, it has the potential to work. In theory, mind you. I will still need to trante more of Uldars design notes to make a better guess. We wouldn''t be able to test our different solutions, though. We could only test them on the Ravener itself.


    So you think the idea''s worth pursuing? Alex asked.


    Absolutely. She smiled, her eyes crinkling beneath her mask. We should start on it as soon as possible; well need to recruit more personnel for our endeavour, however, people we can trust.


    Well, I''ll be here to take the lead on the poison, Alex said. And I can help with analysing Uldars notes. The young wizard reached into his pouch, taking out Keda''s coin with the image of a red mouse in its centre. Youre helping us even now, Kelda.


    What is that? Isolde asked.


    A Coin of Silent Friends, Alex said. Every member of Keldas inner circle had one, apparently. The coin is very mana conductive; its made of a copper and zinc alloy.


    Interesting, Professor Jules said. I would''ve liked to have met this Kelda.


    You don''t know how many times I''ve thought that myself, Alex said, putting the coin away and fondly patting the pouch. Alright. I can get started with the machines and use a benign solution to test them with. The young wizard turned his attention back to the dungeon core hed picked up, which was tucked under his arm. We have a n for the venom. Now, lets see if I can trigger those images again.


    Alex held the dungeon core between his palms.


    Let''s see what I can learn about the Ravener.

 Chapter 805: A Vision of Culling

    Chapter 805: A Vision of Culling


    Are you ready, Mr. Roth? Professor Jules asked.


    Alex was now seated in afortable chair in the middle of theb, his feet firmly nted on the floor. He held the dungeon core between his hands as though he was trying to crush it.


    Isolde was nearby, watching the General of Thamnd. One gloved hand tightly gripping her other one.


    Im as ready as Ill ever be, came his reply.


    If anything goes wrong, please remember, you must stop immediately, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said. We will be right here.


    I got it, Alex said, looking down at the dungeon core. Okay, here goes nothing.


    With a deep breath, he poured his mana into the core.


    Hed done this many times, controlling other cores in the past, but this time, he wanted to go deeper.


    Where are you? he whispered, looking for images.


    If he found them once, he was sure he could find them again: the Mark of General was already using his past failures and sesses to guide him.


    The dungeon core fought him, as it always did, but it might as well have been a de of grass trying to hold back the ocean. Alexs mana and skill had grown to a greater level, far stronger than theyd ever been. The orb stood no chance.


    His power quickly overwhelmed it, bringing it to heel, then he rxed, taking his time, finding the different activation points inside the core. Each time he made a connection, he let the Mark guide him in going further.


    He searched.


    Going deeper.


    Uncovering areas of this core he hadnt <em>noticed</em> when hed controlled other ones. He would explore those areas more thoroughlyter, but for now, he had something specific to do.


    Going deeper, he found new pathways, uncovered more details about the ck orb and its inner workings. Suddenly the orb began fighting, panicking, wanting to get free of Alex. There''s something in here he whispered. something He paused.


    Is something wrong? Professor Jules said.


    Its blocking me, Alex said. There are these activation points deep inside that I was trying to get atbut I can''t reach them. It''s likethe mana pathways leading to them have been severed.


    What do you think that means? Professor Jules asked.


    Alex frowned. Remember we said that the Hunters didnt appear in the Thameish bestiaries?


    Yes, Isolde said.


    Yet, they appeared during this cycle, he said. After I controlled a dungeon core, a petrifier showed up. I''m wondering if


    the dungeon cores have capabilities they cant ess without specific authorisation or instruction from their master, Isolde finished. Uldar <em>did</em> say that the cycles before the Fool were far more dangerous.


    Yeah. That makes me wonder how many people died back then, Alex said. We didnt always send our people to the Rhinean Empire during a cycle, you know? People stayed right here in Thamnd, fighting and dying alongside the army. It was only after King Reginaldus signed a pact with the Rhinean Empire that you all started hosting our people when the Ravener woulde back. That must have been long after Uldar had culled everyone and created the Fool.


    He shuddered, remembering horrifying history lessons hed had in the church school, about certain brave Thameish people whod fought Ravener-spawn. He <em>now</em> understood that the cycles hed learned about had been only a part of Thamnds history and that information had been by Uldars design; the General was long forgotten by then and the Fool had long been in ce. He couldnt imagine what things were like when the General had still been among the Heroes.


    I remember learning that Emperor Gohenhart ruled the Empire when that treaty was signed, Isolde said. We learned that in <em>our</em> history lessons when I was small. Even before the pact was signed, people travelling far distances from ce to ce by ship was notmon, especially in the open ocean, connections between realms were more difficult.


    Mhm, and there wouldnt have been manyor anyThameish people abroad back then, Alex said. And, like I said, Uldar talked about how the cycles were a lot more deadly before he changed the Generals Mark, and howafter he made the Foolthe Heroes werent as powerful anymore. those cycles before the Fool were supposed to be really deadlymaybe we haven''t seen the Raveners nastiest monsters yet.


    I wonder if we could turn them, turn its most powerful monsters against it? Professor Jules smiled. Using the dungeon cores?


    Alex shook his head. No. If the pathways were only blocked, maybe, then I could force my way throughbut theyve beenpletely <em>severed</em>. Wed need to put something into the core to bridge the pathways, and that''s not something we can do today, if we could even do it at all.


    Understood, Professor Jules said. Is that all then?


    No Alex paused. There are pathways down in the deepest partsand He frowned. I think they connect to somethingsomething outside the dungeon core. His excitement grew. I''m gonna see if I can


    He touched an activation point deep within the core.


    The world around him abruptly fell away.


    For an instant, he thought hed died: as ckness surrounded him.


    Images shed into being.


    Images from battlefield after battlefield over millennia. Images of dozens of groups of young peopleeach Marked with one of Uldars Marksbattling Ravener-spawn through frozen forests, steaming swamps, and rain-wracked hills.


    Then there were the dungeons.


    Hundreds, thousands of dungeons.


    Some were in old ruins, others in caves, others underwater, lurking at the bottom ofkes and rivers. Each contained a dungeon core, spawning monsters, sending them against Uldars people. Alex saw soldiers fighting through terror yet facing endless, vering hordes.


    Alex <em>felt</em> their terrorit was in every screaming face throughout the agesas people fled and died to the Raveners armies. That terror raged, pouring into dungeon cores to be funnelled back to their master.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    <em>Humans must fear.</em>


    Thats what the Hive-Queen had said to Alex, Selina, Theresa and Brutus in the Cave of the Traveller. He used to think that she was only trying to stoke their fear to power her dungeon core.


    He realised hed only been half-right.


    Alex watched as thousands of soldiers were overwhelmed by monsters; scores, hundreds, thousands of chitterers attacked them, then suddenly, he heard Professor Jules voice calling to him.


    It was distant.


    Mr. Rothyoalight? her voice asked.


    Im alright, Alex called back, focusing through the storm of images to answer her. Theyre awork..like a hive. The Ravener and the dungeon cores are linked: dungeon cores absorb fear and use some to power themselves, then channel the rest to their master.


    Canfollowtrail? Isolde asked. Can youusefindRavener?


    I don''t know Alex said. I''m not sure I can. There''s so much memory in here to sift throughlike if bits of every cycle is stored in the dungeon cores. Most of what Im seeing is from old battlefieldsbut


    He dug deeper. There''s something else here too.


    Something? Professor Jules voice reached him.


    Yes, Alex said. Something deep. Something


    He shifted his mana in the dungeon core.


    The images melted away.


    He gasped.


    If he thought he knew horror before, he was wrong.


    Utterly wrong.


    What he was seeing now was a Thamnd on fire, all me, bodies and blood. The skies were unrecognisable, filled with fire just as Cretalikon had been. The earth was choked with bodies. The rivers ran red.


    And Ravener-spawn poured across thend.


    The monsters he was seeing were neither chitterers, blood-draks nor bonechargers.


    They were something else.


    Humanoid titans of bone, steel and flesh; their footfalls ground stone to dust and made the earth tremble. The tallest trees only reached their spiked kneecaps, and their bulging eyes seemed to hold every horror ever conceived. Their mouths were yawning caverns, spraying rivers of acid.


    Through the skies, orbs of flesh soaredeach borne by four wings jetting streams of me behind themgibbering maddening songs. Their flesh rippled, unleashing great stone spikes that rained down upon the earth. Spikes struck the ground, burrowing through to explode in bursts of fire and gas.


    A carpet of gigantic shelled spawn crawled along the groundpart spider, scorpion and part beetleeach no smaller than the Roth Family Bakery. They shot sts of air from dozens of holes in their shells, piercing stone, metal, bone and flesh.


    High on their backs, sat humanoids covered in grey-ck chitin. Spider-like legs protruded from their backs, allowing them to spring to the ground, then move across it with dizzying speed and agility. Their wed hands wielded weapons the colour of their chitin, and each weapon-strike split wooden shields and crumpled armour like parchment.


    Hunters roamed freely: tens of thousands prowled through the wilderness ahead of the horde; scouting, stalking, infiltrating.


    Bringing up the rear were a staggering number of petrifiers, guarding the hordes nks, killing anyone in their path.


    Ravener-spawnmanders were among the hordes: Hive-queens, behemoths, blood-hydras, gibbering legions and more


    but in this army, they yed the role of foot soldiers, notmanders.


    There was also a deluge ofmon Ravener-spawn: creatures such as chitterers, blood-draks, bonechargers and silence spiders, following behind the army of other monsters, picking off human survivors. In this powerful army, they were merely chaff.


    Predators that left none alive.


    And Alex knew what he was witnessing.


    A culling he whispered. this was when Uldar killed everyone.


    This is what could happen again, the archwizard thought.


    He imagined this abominationthis army of ughterroaming through Thamnd, killing everyone he knew. Destroying everything, every home, every person. He pictured Alric being turned to cinders.


    I think Im going to be sick, he thought.


    He was about to break away from the image, but something kept him engaged.


    In this scene of horror, the destruction seemed endless. All-epassing. Yet, it actually wasnt, when he looked closer. The Ravener-spawn were bringing an endless wave of carnage to thend, but they seemed to only be targeting mortals. Burning forests and destroyedndscapes were casualties, idents, rather than targets being destroyed intentionally.


    He focused on the images, noticing how Ravener-spawn ignored panicking animals and beasts of the wilderness, leaving thempletely unbothered as they passed them.


    He saw something following behind the army of destroyers.


    First, a thick mist camelike fog hanging above the earth on a spring morningfollowing behind the horde. Everything the mist touched wascleansed. Acid evaporated. Fire was snuffed out. Corpses disintegrated, liquefying, like dew. When the mist had moved by, only the scars of the decimation remained: signs of scorching from the fires.


    Creatures Alex had never seen before followed the mist.


    They appeared to be massive earthwormsloam coloured, colossal in sizecreeping along, the tail-end of the army. As they moved, they expelled fresh earth behind them, their bodies wriggling through soil and stirring it into thendscape. Before Alexs eyes, saplings and sprouts sprang from the soil, seeding thend with new life even as the army in front devastated the old.


    New soil and new life left behindRavener-spawn to mend what the others destroyso that the mortals who werent culled could rebuild, Alex thought. Would it be the same this time? Or would the Ravener kill everything that moved, breathed, or simply existed?


    He shuddered at the thought.


    A chill went down his spine, but he moved on.


    At least I have some idea of what we could be facing, Alex said, diving deeper. Now, wheres that connection


    He went deeper into the dungeon core, looking for pathways that might be used to channel fear into power. One of them must lead back to its masterif only I could follow it.


    Alex probed.


    He saw it then.


    The Ravener, floating above a mountain, like a ckened moon from an eclipse. For an instant, he thought hed found where it was hidinguntil he saw Heroes, charging up the mountain toward the construct. He recognised none of them.


    This image must be from another cycle, Alex said.


    He kept looking.


    More images of the Ravener.


    Most were from a cave, the dark orb was surrounded by its Ravener-spawn. In some, it hovered deep in the ruins of a lost city. In others, it was in air deep within a forest.


    He frowned.


    Old information, Alex thought. Weve checked some of these ces before. Maybe


    He froze.


    Suddenly the images stopped.


    No, not stopped


    Were reced.


    Now, floating before himsurrounded by darknesswas the Ravener.


    Not in an image from the past.


    Not some lost memory.


    <em>The</em> Ravener.


    Alex had searched deep down inside the dungeon core and touched something unexpected. A connection had formed, as it had when hed touched the core in the Cave of the Traveller.


    He could see Uldars creation.


    Just as <em>it</em> could see him.


    They had an awareness of each other, but little else. Alex went deeper, looking for its location, but found nothing except its murky image.


    There was one thing that was very clear, though.


    The Ravener <em>detested</em> Alex. Orno, not Alexthe Mark of the General on his shoulder. Waves of confusion, rage, and violent emotions flowed from it toward his new Mark. Alex thought of the endless horrors he''d seen in the dungeon core.


    And disgust for the Ravener was reciprocated.


    There was no need for words between them, even if they couldmunicate.


    Still, the Ravener let its wrath be known.


    Suddenly, mana began gushing through the link between it and the dungeon core. The orb in Alexs hands quaked, thrumming with power, cracks ran through its surface.


    ...lex! Professor Jules voice was faint, her words broken. Lightfromcore!


    It was going to explode.


    The young archwizard quickly poured the Travellers power into the core.


    It shuddered in his hands, thenwith a silent screamcrumbled to dust.


    When Alex opened his eyes, he was covered in dust, and a cold sweat. Professor Jules, and Isolde were in front of him, shaking him and calling his name, their eyes filled with worry.


    Oh, thank goodness! Professor Jules said. You were shaking like a leaf and the dungeon core began cracking.


    I thought it was going to explode, what happened? Isolde asked.


    The Ravener saw me, Alex said. It doesn''t know where I am, and I don''t know where it is, but it can recognise me now. It wasnt looking at me like it wanted to be friends either. I have an idea what its next move is going to be. I think its going to ughter


    Suddenly, there was a pounding on the door.


    A speakerbox nearby crackled. Professor! Professor, can you hear me?


    It was Watcher Hill.


    Yes! Jules called. What is it?


    I have something to tell you, something quite unusual, Watcher Hill said. Weve been getting strange reports.


    Alex stiffened. This is it. Its going to ughter


    Jules opened the door.


    A group of soldiers outside Luthering reported that Ravener-spawn helped them, they literally saved their lives! The Watcher sounded incredulous. Apparently, thereve been reports of Ravener-spawn helping priests, soldiers, healers all across Thamnd!


    The General was at a loss for words. ...what?

 Chapter 806: The Raveners Rescuers

    Chapter 806: The Ravener''s Rescuers


    I want you to tell them <em>exactly</em> what you told me. Sir Swifts deep voice filled the church in Luthering.


    A group of soldiersswaddled in towels and bloodstained ragsshivered as they sipped hot soup, throwing nces at Watcher Hill, Professor Jules, Alex and Isolde. They looked like they''d hadnt slept in days, their eyes were unfocused, with bags below them confirming the tale.


    Their bodynguage screamed of nervousness as they hardly met anyones gaze.


    Sir Sean Swift blinked rapidly, avoiding eye contact with Professor Jules and Alex.


    The General of Thamnd, spoke to the soldiers, It''s alright, he said, making his voice as calm and non-threatening as he could. Were here to listen, so please, go ahead.


    Two soldiers looked at one another uncertainly, then the older one, a woman with white hairher surcoat bearing a knightly crestspoke up.


    I am Dame Tefienne, I can assure you that I have seen a lot in my career, and that very little surprises me anymore, but what Im about to tell you is far stranger than anything Ive ever seen before. It might even sound to someone who doesnt know me like the stuff of witchcraft or madness, she said. But I neither dabble in witchcraft or am touched by insanity, so I ask that you listen before you judge me since I can hardly believe the urrences myself.


    Please, go ahead, Professor Jules said.


    The knight swallowed. We were riding to Luthering after wed suffered a loss in a battle at the Fork of Three Points. That''s where the River Gard splits in two; the Kings Road crosses it at Harding Bridge. Wed received a report that a dungeon core was found there, so that is where we went. The battle went poorly, as I just said. Very poorly. The information we had said that bone-chargers had taken the bridge, but in fact, silence spiders were also there, hidden beneath it. Once we got stuck in battling the bone chargers, the silence spiders ambushed usit was pure ughter.


    We''ll take care of those dungeons, Alex promised.


    Thank you, she said, holding her cup in a shaking hand. We fought back, but too many of us had died in that ambush, and our numbers were no match for both bone charges and silence spiders at that point. We decided to retreat back to our campbut found chitterers milling about and destroying it when we got there. So, thats when we struck out for the closest settlement, which happened to be Luthering.


    Then what happened? Alex asked.


    Bandits, she growled. Those vultures are still here in the realm, stealing whatever they can. They picked up our trail with their hunting dogs and started following us. For an entire day and night we rode, with them harassing us without mercy. They hunted us through the trees, and if we turned to face them, they would run.


    Trying to run you down like a pack of wolves, it sounds, Sir Swift said, gruffly. Likely hoping to exhaust you and<strong></strong>your mounts.


    And we did finally tire. She grimaced. Then they set upon us, surrounding us on all sides and corralling us in a forest clearing. We fought hard, but most of us had been wounded at Harding Bridge. But, here is where the strange partes in. We should have lost to them and <em>would </em>have lost, and none of us would be here right now ifif it werent for Ravener-spawn.


    Alex, Isolde, and Professor Jules looked at each other, then back at the knight.


    Excuse me maam, but are you saying Ravener-spawn killed the bandits? Watcher Hill asked.


    No. The knight shook her head. If they''d killed them, then I would have assumed they were doing what Ravener-spawn do, and just happened to kill our attackers. Butthey didn''t kill them. Silence spiders came from the woods, and confronted the bandits, then only shed at their hands to knock their weapons away, and frighten their horses.


    what? Alex murmured, confused. They didnt hurt them?


    Not that I could see, she said. Andwhen the bandits looked truly terrifieda Hive-queen came from the woods and entered the clearing, but didnt attack them. As you can imagine, that put high terror into those brigands, so they gathered their wits and fled, having lost not one of their number.


    Huh Alex said. Then what happened? Did the spawn attack you?


    No, Dame Tefienne said. They just watched us for a long time, then the Hive-Queen came forward. I raised mynceready to die and meet Uldar


    Alex had to fight back a wince.


    but all she did was drop a ughtered boar on the ground in front of us, along with a bag of grainand scuttled away.


    <em>What? </em>Professor Jules said. Were the boar and grainced with poison?


    We couldn''t tellour priest, Father Owensdied at Harding Bridge, she said. He might''ve been able to detect poison with his miraclesbut the rest of us had no way of knowing. The moment those Ravener-spawn left, a soldier tied the boar and grain to his saddle and we made our way here. The meats probably rotten by now, whether it was poisoned or not.


    It wasn''t, Sir Swift said. Our priests checked it over and there wasnt a trace of poison in it. They also purified it.


    Isee the other knight muttered. Strange happenings


    It''s a miracle! cried a soldier. Uldar and the Traveller have been working miracles in our favour! The Traveller is his champion, and I''ve been praying to her from the moment we were saved. She once saved my brother, too. Moved him out of the way of a venom-walkers poisonedsh! She continues to bless us!


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    That she does, Alex said with enthusiasm, though he was rather confused. He had no idea what was going on, but he didnt let that stop him using the opportunity to get every bit of faith channelled to Hannah. She''s been working hard for all of us, I bet she had something to do with what happened. His attention returned to Dame Tefienne. What happened to the Ravener-spawn, you said they left?


    As soon as they dropped the boar and grain, they watched us for a bitthen just melted into the trees. I thought they would attack us, butno, Tefienne said. I can''t see it as anything other than them saving us, intentionally.


    Thats not the only report of that sort of behaviour from Ravener-spawn, Sean said. Just this morning, the army messenger came through, telling us to be on the watch for it. This sort of things been going on all over Thamnd, from the sound of it.


    The Traveller works in mysterious ways, Alex said. She''s been fighting hard for all of us.


    Sir Sean winced, looking away from the young General of Thamnd. I''ve been hearing reports of her miracles too. Maybe this<em> was </em>her doing. I''ll remember my prayers tonight.


    Very good, Professor Jules said. Would you mind if we examined the boar and grain?


    ###


    No poisonor any other toxins Professor Jules pulled a spikeAlex had retrieved for her from the Research Castlefrom the boars carcass, checking the numbers on its crystalline disy. Next, she jabbed it into the sack of grain. Nothing here either. Wed need to do more tests in theb to rule out some of the more subtle toxinsbut at this point, it seems this food is perfectly safe.


    What in all the elements is going on? Isolde asked.


    I wish I knew, Alex said.


    Its a puzzle, Watcher Hill nodded.


    The little group stood in an empty house with the boar and bag of grain, on a table before them. Sir Sean had ordered it sealed, only allowing priestsand now Professor Jules partyinside to conduct their tests.


    Though they were guards outside, Alex, Isolde, Professor Jules and Watcher Hill were alone with the boars carcass. Watcher Hill was examining it visually. It looks like it was killed by a sh to the throat, then was allowed to bleed out. The bloods been drainedwhich looks like this meat was <em>intended</em> to be eaten by mortals.


    What in all the hells? Alex looked at the sack of grain. That bag looks like it belonged to the army, like for rations.


    Maybe it was taken from an encampment, Isolde suggested. But why would Ravener-spawn be hunting boar to feed the army as well as giving them back their own rations?


    It''s odd for them to be hunting animals at all, Alex said. They mostly leave wild beasts aloneand


    Something about that bothered him.


    What is it? Isolde asked.


    No, he said. It''s just that, I was remembering an image I saw in the dungeon core. It was horrible. Anyway, back to the point: Ravener-spawn don''t kill wild animals as far as we know, but we know for sure that they dont help humans.


    The idea of silence-spiders ying peacemaker is absurd, Professor Jules agreed. All of the information we''ve gathered suggests that this is unprecedented.


    Its shocking, Alex said.


    Isoldes voice dropped low, as she nced at the door. Do you truly think this is Hannahs doing?


    I hope so, Alex said. I really do. But I don''t knowit doesn''t make sense for the Ravener to be doing this.


    Maybe it wants to make peace? Watcher Hill suggested, her voice also low. Now that it knows what it knowsmaybe it doesn''t see the need to fight anymore.


    It seemed to want to fight <em>me</em>, Alex said. Remember, it tried to blow us up using the core. Oh wait, you weren''t there for that.


    Noand I thank Roal I wasnt, Watcher Hill said.


    You could be right, Mr. Roth. It would be strange for the Ravener to do something benevolent. Is there any capability that Hannah would have that would allow her to do something like this, using Ravener-spawn? Professor Jules asked.


    Not as far as I know, he shook his head. But maybe her powers have really grown. All I know is that somethings changed, andwhile this is a nice changeIve got a bad feeling its not going tost. We need the Ravener dead as soon as yesterday.


    Easier said than done, Isolde said. We cannot find it nor do we have a way to shut it down.


    Hmmmm. Alexs mind went back to theb, and what hed felt in the dungeon core. Mana flowed between the core and the Ravener. Mana and fear. Maybe he could use that. I''m going to talk to Professor ValRok about something. I have to speak to him to get permission to challenge the Exam for Credit for his course anyway, and I cant help but wonder if mana maniption might be the solution here. If we could manipte the mana in those connections between the Ravener and its cores, we might be able to use that.


    Mhm, yours is not a bad idea at all, Isolde said. Do you already have an appointment with him?


    Tomorrow, Alex said. Today Ill work in theb and see if I can figure out why Ravener-spawn are turning into guardian engeli He paused, his eyes growing wide. Wait, this could help!


    What could help? Isolde asked.


    Astral engeli are good at detecting divinity, Alex said. I could summon some, and teleport around Thamnd with them to search for the Ravener his voice dropped. and a certain corpse and that corpses chair. We could keep looking until the engeli are pulled back to the celestial nes. I could keep doing that until we either find something, or we search as much of the ind as we can.


    That sounds like a good use of time and resourceswith your ability to teleport, and their ability to fly, your n could be quite efficient, Professor Jules said. Between them, and the priests, covering all of Thamnd could bepleted with little trouble.


    Exactly, Alex said. And the engeli can also be searching while I''m working in theb, or working with the other Heroes, and you He looked at Isolde. Thundar, and Khalik, to get you prepared forfor He paused.


    What is it? Isolde asked.


    Its only that, I saw something, Alex said, his voice dropping to a whisper. I saw one of you-know-whos cullings in images in the dungeon coreit was horrible. There were all these monsters, and all these people being ughtered. With what I saw in there? I dont think we''re ready for that. Maybe if we had Baelin <em>and</em> Asmaldestre with us but the rest of us, just as we are? I don''t know if we can beat what I saw. Not without a <em>lot</em> of people dying.


    Then you will have your work cut out for you when you train us, Isolde said. I do not n to die for this, so we must be ready.


    Yeah, I dont intend to see you die for this, believe me, Alex vowed. It''ll take a lot, but thats where the Mark of the General should help.


    Maybe the Ravener will <em>like</em> helping us, Watcher Hill said, looking at the boar. It''s already started, maybe it won''t stop. I know that seems unlikely, butwith its creator gone, maybe itcks directionwho knows what it will do next?


    No direction Isolde muttered. Maybe that answers the question of its behaviour. Perhaps it is confused, looking to make sense of what it should do?<strong></strong>I wonder if since it now knows of its creators fate, if it must act without any guidance, <em>if</em>it does<em></em>need guidance?


    Huh, Alex said. An entity driven by a single purpose for thousands of years suddenly realises that purpose is gone. Maybe it''ll act contrary from now on, hand out dungeon core essence, and generally live with us in peace. Sounds nice, but I dont think wed be that lucky.


    He looked at Isolde. Let''s hope we get a chance to graduate before it stops feeling charitable.

 Chapter 807: Watching Them Move On

    Chapter 807: Watching Them Move On


    It''s been too long! Too long! Come in, my door is always open to you. Come in! the lizardfolk wizard cried. You look rather bony, have you been eating properly, Alex?


    Im pretty sure youre just imagining that, professor, Alex said.


    You think so? ValRok turned away from the young wizard, who quickly checked his frame.


    You havent lost any muscle mass have you? Alex wondered, checking his frame. He flexed. Have you?


    Alex stopped flexing as soon as ValRok turned to face him.


    The lizardfolk hadnt sat down at his desk, and seemed to be looking at Alexexpectantly?


    What was he


    oh!


    Well, I dont think Ive lost any weight, but you certainly have! Alex said, noting the mana maniption professors sleeker form. I take it your diets going well?


    Oh, yes! the lizard wizard flexed, showing off his lean body. I started an exercise program as well! I dare say that I''ll add at least another fifteen years to my lifespan! Even though everyone expects that I''m going to die in some mana maniption ident!


    He gave an unnerving, high-pitchedugh. Anyway, I''m enjoying my new look! What about you? What about you? Sit down! Sit down! I want to hear how your experiment went! The lizardman bared his spiky teeth. Vernia refused to tell me if you managed to build your artificial mana pool or not! But you''re not dead, and her look of disgust gave me hope, it made me think you were probably sessfuuuuuul? He hissed, questioningly, then grinned excitedly.


    Alex touched his abdomen. Im happy to tell you that the operation went perfectly, doc!


    Yes! the lizardfolk pumped his fists. That''s wonderful to hear! Oh, joy of joy, I knew that putting my effort into you was the best thing I could''ve done! You are a <em>natural</em> at mana maniption, oh ho ho!


    The archwizard blushed. Thankshonestly, I''m so good at it because that was really the only subject I could put all my focus into when it came to wizardry. In some waysI''m <em>almost</em> d I was branded with the Mark of the Fool. If I hadn''t been, I don''t know if I would''ve focused anywhere near as much on mana maniption which means, I wouldn''t have gotten anywhere near as much knowledge from you, and that would''ve been a shame.


    It would have been, wouldnt it? ValRok said. I think your name is going to go down as one of the great historical figures when ites to the wonderful discipline of mana maniption. I myself am quite good, but you! He shook a wed finger at Alex. You''re something else! The most terrifying force in all of academia, is a prodigy who knows how to work hard! And thats what you are, my young friend! Oho ho ho! I am so proud of you! Here! Here! Ive been saving this as a treata cheat on my dietbut Im willing to share!


    The lizardman rushed to a cab, took out a metal bowl and mmed it on his desk hard enough to shake it. Candied insects! Crickets, beetles, scorpions! A feast! Come on, don''t be shy! Dig in!


    Alex froze, trying to fight down horror. He was ufortably reminded of the beetle-like monsters he''d seen in the vision of Thamnd being culled. He fought down a wave of nausea.


    I thinkI think Im alright, professor, Alex said.


    ValRok rolled his eyes. So many people get so self-conscious about eating insects when they''re the most valuable, easily obtained, and healthy source of protein in the world! You''re all so silly!


    Well, just the idea of eating cockroaches


    <em>Cockroaches?</em> ValRoks jaw dropped. What do you think I am, some kind of <em>barbarian?</em> I don''t go around saying that you eat <em>vultures,</em> now do I?


    Well, no but


    And you eat crabs don''t you? Lobsters too? Maybe the asional shrimp and crawfish, catfish? A m here and there? Oysters for energy? Mussels for muscles? How are they so different? ValRok frowned.


    Well, uh, Im not actually sure, Alex paused. I don''t know if they are that different.


    Suddenly, ValRok grinned. I don''t tell you often enough that you''re much too serious.


    The lizard wizard opened one of his desk drawers, taking out a bowl of hard candy. You think you''re the first student I''ve pulled this little prank on?


    Heughed seemingly endlessly as Alex red at him before taking a piece of candy. Thanks, professor, thanks a lot, he said with heavy sarcasm.


    You need to take a joke better! the professor gave another high-pitchedugh. Forgive this old man for having his fun. I likely won''t be seeing you too many more times, you know?


    Hm? Alex looked up at him sharply. What do you mean?


    Professor ValRoks reptilian<strong></strong>eyes fixed on Alex for a moment, then looked out of the window. Can I admit something to you? This might not be fully appropriate between professor and student, butits something that can be shared between wizardly peers.


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    Yeah, Alex said. After all you''ve done for me, professor, you can tell me anything. Seriously, you''re one of my favourite teachers here. I wouldn''t have gotten anywhere near as far in life without you: your different mana maniption techniques armed me with what I needed to advance in alchemy, in spellcraft now, and for the fight against the Ravener. Im serious, you can tell me anything.


    ValRoks shoulders sagged. I dearly wish you hadn''t said that, Alex. You''re making this harder.


    What do you mean? the young archwizard asked, bing nervous.


    I want to admit to you that I <em>hate</em> this time of year. I hate the spring, I hate the end of semester. I despise it. ValRok said, looking more serious than Alex had ever known him to. With every fibre of my being.


    Why? Alex asked.


    Because it''s the time when students graduate, ValRok said. I love working with young people, Alex, especially young people who take a <em>true</em> interest in mana maniption. There arent really a lot of young folk who decide to specialise in it. Not at all. It means that I tend to get very close to the few students that excel and show a focused interest, like you have. And thenevery year, I have to say goodbye. Every year I see people that Ive taught for four years leave forever.


    The lizardfolk bared his teeth in a scowl, watching students walking along campusmany were going through the gates. The world is a veryrge ce. Very, veryrge. There are many paths to travel in life, and they can go in any direction. Never touching each other, and if they do, it''s often only temporary. Then they drift apart again.


    They really do, dont they? Alex thought about some of the people hed met in the past. Teachers in Alric. Some of his peers at the church school. ssmates at the University hed exchanged pleasantries with and never became close to. Hed likely never see most of them again. And when they drift apart, most of the time, they nevere back together again.


    And that''s exactly why I hate this time of year, ValRok said. It''s a reminder that most of our connections are formed, only to be broken: as temporary as a magic circuit. That is life. He smiled at Alex. I look at you, and I realise that this will probably be one of thest times well ever meet like this.


    Alex baulked. Oh,e on, Professor. I''m going to be working with Professor Mangal after graduation, and Ill still live in the city. We''ll see each other again.


    We will, the professor said. But like most of my students, it won''t be the same. We might meet asionally in the street, or have the odd reunion on campusbut you''re not the type to coop yourself up in a university forever.


    Alex froze. He gave thought to his future again. You don''t think so, eh?


    Of course not! ValRokughed. If you were, there wouldn''t be any adventures across the nes, or quests to destroy great evils, or journeys through foreign Empires. You''d be right here, in the library, in theboratory. That''s where youd spend most of your time.


    I had a lot of my adventures because I <em>had</em> to have them, Alex pointed out.


    Did you? ValRok turned to him. You didn''t, you know. You could have led a quiet life right here, crafting golems or other alchemical devices. You could have ignored what was going on in your homnd, and focused on academia. Folk who dont want to leave theboratory,<em> don''t leave theboratory. </em>Often students who be professors are ones who can''t stop themselves from experimenting on their own time. Their work is everything to them. You''re not like that, though. You enjoy your adventures, don''t you?


    Alex thought about that. Ive got to admit that I<em> have </em>enjoyed some of the risks involved in adventuring. The thrill of discovery, of destroying tyrants and monsters. I don''t know if I love it enough to make it my whole life, but I do like it a lot.


    And that''s why our paths will part, ValRok said. I enjoy my time in theb, ying with mana maniption techniques. I don''t think you''re going to be a professor here, which means that the time of our paths running side-by-side isingif not to an endthen, at least to a veryte middle. I''m proud of you, as I am of all my students, but I still can''t help but feel a little sad every time I wave them off to walk their own paths.


    He gave Alex a wry smile. That''s why I had to pull that little prank on you for old times sake. Just a little something to spice up one of ourst conversationsmaybe ourst one with me as your teacher and you as my student.


    Alex had never really given any thought to how his professors might feel at the end of each school year. Every year taking in new students, watching them grow and thenat the end of it allseeing them graduate to make their own way in this big world. Hundreds of students enter, and a great number never make it to graduation. The few who did, would likely form personal rtionships with their professors. They''d be colleagues, mentees, and friends.


    And every year, those professors would watch most of the fourth years walk through the gates of the university, likely to never see them again. It struck him as a bit sad, like most of the mncholies in life.


    Things change.


    Bonds formed.


    Bonds were severed.


    And if that didnt happen, life wouldnt belife. Uldar couldnt let go of wanting his kingdom to be bound to himand wouldnt allow that bond to change when he got sickwhich led him down a path of murder that was impossible to grasp.


    Then he thought of something else.


    When he needed to concentrate, he had to acknowledge his thoughts, then let them go. He wondered if it was the same for many events and rtionships in life: one needed to acknowledge them and let them go.


    He couldnt be a student at Generasi forever, he had to move on and forge his own path in life, whatever that might be. Selina wouldnt be his dependent little sister forever, at some point in the future, shed step out on her ownand hed have to make sure he didnt interfere with her life and let her have the same freedom to do what was best for her as hed had to.


    Everything eventually came to an end, just as the Raveners cycles must. Even Uldars reasons for them had ended. His Ravener had to be brought to an end as well.


    It must have been emotional for some of his professors, though.


    Alex felt a lot of empathy as he talked with Professor ValRok. All I can say is that I''m going to take a big part of you with me wherever I go, professor. Even if I live to be ten thousand, your teachings are going to always be with me. And I''ll always appreciate them, and you.


    The lizardfolk smiled. Ill treasure that, Alex. It warms this old man''s heart. And understand, I love watching my students graduate. I just hate seeing them leave! What a contradiction that is, isn''t it?


    I get it, Alex said. Sometimes we want to see something finishedbut dont want it to end at the same time.


    So true, ValRok nodded. But still, end it must. You cant be a student here forever, and I''ve taught you most of what I know that could help you. And so, you have to move on.


    Well, Professor Alex said. Let''s hold that thought for a moment. I have a problem, and I was wondering if you might be able to help me with it. I think it''s something mana maniption could help with.


    Professor ValRok beamed. Well, thenfor maybe the veryst time in your undergraduate yearstell me what your problem is. Let''s see if we can figure it out.

 Chapter 808: What is Mana?

    Chapter 808: What is Mana?


    Alex didn''t tell Professor ValRok everything about the Ravener.


    He couldn''t.


    The archwizard left out the parts about the god being the one whod made the construct, about him being dead, and that hed engineered the Raveners endless cycles. He also left out the hidden church.


    What he <em>did</em> talk about was how they wanted to shut the Ravener down forever, some of what theyd learned about the construct, and the challenges they were facing putting the different pieces together.


    We think the Ravener is going to escte soon, he said. Or do somethingpletely unexpected. So the faster we can figure out how to permanently shut it down, the better. It doesn''t matter much if we find it, but still can''t stop it froming back every hundred years to terrorise and kill people.


    That sounds like quite the problem, Professor ValRok said. I don''t know how much help I''ll be able to give you, but everything you''ve told me about this construct sounds very interesting


    Do you have any thoughts on how mana would flow between the dungeon cores and the Ravener, professor? Alex asked. Would there be a way to manipte the mana in those pathways to our advantage? Anything you can think of?


    Hmmmm, ValRok considered the question, staring at the ceiling for a moment while thinking aloud. How mana could flow across from one core to the nexthow you could manipte that mana. Maybe it''s a hiveno, that doesn''t sound right. Or it could be that it''s for an artificialno, that wouldn''t be right either since it would require the cores to be very close in proximity. He looked at Alex. You said it converts fear into power?


    Thats right, the young wizard said. So it must have its own mana producing ability, and an additional power source from all the fear it gets from the Thameish people, which is then channelled through the dungeon cores.


    Alex remembered Hobbs words that fear would give the Ravener power over him. He tried not to dwell on that.


    That''s an interesting notion, ValRok said. That''s something we haven''t actually been able to do as wizards. Turning basic emotions and concepts into energythat''s the domain of higher order beings from the outer nes. Demons, devils, engelithose sorts of creatures. I wonder


    What is it, professor? Alex asked. Something about manipting its mana pathways?


    ValRok shook his head. No, not that. With the amount of mana youre theorising this thing has, I think trying to manipte its mana through its pathways is a dead end. It''d be like trying to redirect the ocean with a single oar.


    Could we build something that would be powerful enough to match its mana? Alex asked. Like some kind of super powerful construct?


    The dungeon core essence is already centuries beyond what we''ve been able to achieve. I dont think we could make anything that would outdo the Ravener itself, as youre describing it. No, I''m wondering about something else.


    What is it? Alex asked him. What are you thinking?


    ValRok replied with a question. What is magic?


    Pardon?


    What is magic? the professor asked again.


    Supernatural phenomenaoften outside the bounds of physics as we understand itcontrolled by mana or any other simr energy. By some definitions, divinity is a form of magic, but it behaves differently enough that most people don''t consider it magic, Alex said.


    Very good, ValRok said. And what is a magic circuit?


    A magic circuit is the basic building block to all modern forms of spellcraft, Alex defined the term. Its a flowing, directed structure of energy that underpins a spell array. A magic circuits design tames mana, and makes it perform a function thats desired by a spellcaster.


    Can a spell function without mana? ValRok asked.


    No.


    Can a construct function without mana?


    no, Alex said. Are you suggesting we find a way to stop the Ravener from producing mana? That could work, but then it could still draw on the energy of the peoples fear. Also, any damage we do to it would just be repaired when it reconstitutes a hundred years from now.


    Right, ValRok considered the idea. When it reconstitutes one hundred years from now. Huhthats interesting. Okay, so let''s say there''s a wagon at the top of a hill. What does the wagon do?


    It sits there, Alex said. Unless there''s something to pull or push it, a spell to animate it, or wind to push it down the hill.


    Right, and once it starts going downhill? ValRok asked.


    Itll keep going until something stops it. Friction, if nothing else, Alex said.


    Exactly, Professor ValRok continued. And what would happen if there was no friction?


    It would just keep moving, Alex said.


    And what happens to it as it rolls down the hill, even <em>with</em> friction in ce?


    It would build up energy and momentum, Alex said.


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    Very good, Professor ValRok said. So, that would be how the process continues, through momentum. Now what started the process? What started the wagon rolling down the hill?


    Someone pushing it, animals pulling it, or wind pushing it, as in our example, Alex considered each question carefully.


    And what would happen if none of those things urred? Professor ValRok asked.


    Itit wouldn''t move. Alexs eyes narrowed. Because the wagon wouldnt have any energy on its own.


    You are quite correct, Professor ValRok said. The wagon could not start its journey downhill, without an initial burst of energy to get it moving. Kic energy, in this case. At the same time, what does a golem need in order to function?


    Alexs eyebrows rose. A golem core. The golem core is its brain, and its source of energybut He thought back to when he was first activating ygons golem core, and activating other golems since he started working at Shales. But golems need an injection of energy to start their mana production. Without the initial energya golem core would only be a very expensive paperweight.


    The young wizard frowned at the professor. Are you sayingthat the Ravener needs a source of energy to reconstitute itself?


    I don''t know, Professor ValRok said. All I know is that nothing in the universeas far as we knowcan be active without energy. Kic energy, electrical energy, mana, divinity, other forms of energy we cant evenprehend yetenergy is needed for anything to be done. When a lich re-creates its own body, it draws the power of its soul and the mana within it to reconstruct its form. When a phoenix rises from its own asheswell, to be truly honest, we don''t fully understand how that works, but, we <em>do </em>know that a massive amount of energy is released when the firebirds are reborn.


    Alex suddenly jumped out of his chair and started pacing. EnergyI think youre right. The Ravener would need a <em>lot</em> of power to rebuild itself from scratch, but it cant produce mana while its dead: it crumbles<strong></strong>to dust when it''s destroyed at the end of each cycle. There''s no mana generator to generate mana.


    He was considering his thought, when something urred to him. Hold on now, its got <em>two</em> energy sources to drive it. Mana and peoples fear. It channels fear through its dungeon cores, but is that the <em>only</em> way it can ess fear?


    I honestly couldnt say, Professor ValRok said. Ive only gotten as far as the idea that energy must have a role in its resurrection process. Do you have any ideas?


    Maybe. Alex thought about mana rising from the mana vents in the world. No one knew where those vents originated from, or where mana <em>truly</em> originated from. There were lots of theories, but nothing provable. Mana permeated the air, giving rise to people being born with mana pools as well as other creatures having mana flowing through their bodies andsouls.


    But how Alex murmured. Professor, do we know how people gain mana pools in the first ce?


    When people are born in mana affected areas the professor started.


    Alex cut him off. No, I know that people born in mana resourced areas tend to have mana poolsbut how do mana pools form? Do they form in the womb? In the eggs of eggying beings? Do they form in the soul?


    Professor ValRok spread his hands helplessly. We don''t know. We might never know.


    But! Alex said. What we <em>do</em> know is that incorporeal creatureslike ghostscan have mana. You dont need a physical body in order to have mana. You just need to be able to absorb it from the air.


    What are you saying? Professor ValRok asked.


    What ifthe Ravener can draw on power while its physical body is destroyed, Alex said. What ifwhen its destroyedit can still draw on fear to power its resurrection? Cycles ur in Thamnd every hundred yearswhen the end of a century gets closer, people worry, then dread sets in, then tension, and fear grows. Those things keep building until the Raveneres back and then full blown terror takes over.


    ValRoks eyes narrowed. Hold on, Alex, I think you might be looking at things a bit wrong.


    What do you mean? the young archwizard asked.


    We''re focusing on <em>mana</em> and how it works, the professor said. But it sounds like the process you''re describing is closer to divinity. Gods are powered by faith andif you have enough faith focused on a particr purposeyou can aplish miracles, even without a deity.


    Alex thought of Uldars body. Priests were still able to draw on his power without the god being alive. Their faith was simply focused on what the god symbolised: the divine king of Thamnd, the prophet god on his throne.


    Faith that fueled him, gathered in his sanctum


    You might be right, professor, what if it <em>is</em> simr to divinity? Alex asked. All that fear would be focused on the Ravener: on what it symbolises, even when its dead, it increases as the end of a century approaches. Fear gathers in Thamnd, and that energy buildsletting it resurrect itself.


    Alex felt a sudden sense of dread. Wouldn''t that mean that it was invincible? Wouldn''t that mean they could <em>never</em> get rid of it? As long as there were people who knew what it had done in the past; and as long as there were people to remember the horrors of a cycle, the construct would always be feared.


    It would <em>always</em> have that fear to draw on, and that would never end because it would never be forgotten, it would be expected to return. So what was he supposed to do? Find a way to wipe everyones memory?


    Was <em>that</em> the only way to stop it from reforming?


    Was the fact that people believed the Ravener would alwayse backwas that all that was needed for it to return? If so, what were they going to do?


    Hobbs words came back again.


    To fear it, would be to give it power over him.


    Alex took a deep breath, acknowledging his rising panic and the fear that was building inside him, and let them pass.


    What I need to do is to look at this from a different angle, he thought. Treat it like divinity, like Professor ValRok suggested. Okay, so it''s true that you can aplish miracles as long as you have enough faith, even if there is no deity to wield and channel that faithbut there would be limits to that wouldnt there? Uldar wasnt able to heal himself on faith alone, no matter how hard he tried.


    His eyes narrowed, nearly closing. After he died, faith didn''t resurrect him. It didn''t resurrect Oreca, either, no matter how much his priests still believed in him. Baelin said you can''t bring the dead back to life, as far as we know. Let''s just say, that that holds truebut


    Something kept nagging at him.


    He''d seen Careys soultransformed by Hannahs divine powerreturn to the material world. Her transformation likely continued in the after-world. If or when she returned to the material world again, alongside Hannahif she couldshe would be different.


    The Ravener keepsing back, but its always the same, its still the same Ravener, Alex thought. And it <em>has</em> no soul to bring back from the after-world. So, what am I missing here? How does it reform? Maybe looking at it like divinity is the wrong tack? Maybe


    He stopped.


    His eyes grew wide.


    Hed been looking at Uldar and Careybut what about Hannah?


    Uldar hadnt been able to heal himself or resurrect after dying, but Hannah had the ability to grow, to affect the material world, even from across the veil between life and death. And there was a lot less faith being channelled to <em>her</em> than there was to Uldar.


    Alex suspected why that difference could be.


    Hannah''s teleportation power allowed her to cross distances and boundaries. It allowed Alex''s faith in her to pour into the after-world, empowering her soul to be a demigoddess. That power was what was sparking her ascension.


    The Ravener didnt share that powerhe, Kelda and Hannah would have sensed it, if it had teleportation energybut what if there was something else?


    What if there was some inner process that Uldar had put into the Ravener, allowing it to gather fear even when it had been destroyed?


    What would happen if that process was rewritten?


    An idea hit him.


    Something Selina had talked about.

 Chapter 809: Moving Energy and Moving Through Life

    Chapter 809: Moving Energy and Moving Through Life


    The sound of fire crackling had not always been a wee sound to Alex, though time had changed that.


    His little sister hade to see and ept fire as more than pain and death, and shed been inspired to embrace its benefits, to consider making cold from me, an idea inspired by her brother whod used me to smother me at the windmill on the outskirts of Greymoor. Though she was likely a long way from achieving her goalthe concept of <em>moving</em>heat, controlling it to create cold, was an exciting one.


    There was something there.


    Moving energy, such as moving heat away from one area to another, could create cold, just as removing the initial force that started a wagon rolling downhill, would also provoke an oue.


    And that also applied to a still wagon parked on top of a hill forever.


    or a dead Ravener.


    If its resurrection process needs energy, then it probably uses mana and fear, Alex thought. That potent venom from Uldars cadaver should negatively affect its mana generation. Maybe we could corrupt it, destroy its mana pathways and disrupt its very essence, and if we can find a way to deny or <em>siphon out </em>the fear it takes in, we could starve it of the energy it needs. And if were able to do that, we could damage its protocols and disrupt the reconstitution process


    His mind was sparking with possibilities.


    Thisthis could work, he thought. Thats three ways to ensure it doesnte back. A single way might be enough, but since were looking to end a millennia-old monster, theres no such thing as overkill. We have to make sure that this thing stays dead. Those ideas seem promising, so maybe I should get back to theb and take a look at Uldars notes again.


    Was I helpful at all? Professor ValRok asked him. You look like youve been struck by inspiration.


    YeahI think I have something. Ill need to take a harder look at things, but I actually think Im going in the right direction, Alex said. He smiled at the professor, then lowered his head. Listen, thank you. If this works, then you''ve not only helped<em> me</em>, but you''ve also helped my kingdom and <em>generations</em> of my people. And, I mean this sincerely, if you ever need anything from me


    ValRok raised his hand, shaking his head. You are my student, and I am a teacher. I teach so that you will learn, not so that I can reap benefits in the future. If you defeat your Ravener, then you can buy me a nice big bag of candied mealworms. There''s a lovely shop near the port that uses a recipe thats not too sweet.


    Alex smiled. Listen, if this works, I''ll make your mealworms myself.


    ValRok gave a high-pitchedugh. Wouldn''t that be something! Haha, in any case. I think youll be needing <em>these</em>. The lizard-wizard handed Alex the paperwork to challenge the mana maniption exams for credit, at the third and fourth year level. Out of curiosity, which other courses will you be challenging to get your final credits?


    Upper year alchemy, upper year summoning, upper year magic loreId like to challenge Art of the Wizard in Combat, butI wont be able to do that until Baelin gets back, <em>if </em>he gets backyou dont think hes


    Baelin is quite nearly invincible, Professor ValRok grinned confidently. There are certain magics hes usedwell thats not really in my ce to say. Lets just say that he would be <em>very</em> difficult to kill. You know how in some old tales the hero is forced to <em>imprison</em> a great evil rather than obliterate it, since killing it would be a near impossible task?


    Are you saying thats Baelin? Alex asked.


    Exactly. In any case, then which course will you challenge if he''s not back in time? the professor asked.


    Blood magic, Alex said. Id have to talk to Professor Hak.


    A fine discipline, and shell no doubt easily agree, considering your paper.


    Yeah, considering my pap He paused. What paper?


    ValRok raised an eyebrow. You havent heard? Well, thats often the way isnt it? It''s <em>your</em> paper, yet you''re thest one to know. You should''ve been informed of the news by messenger.


    Nooh, maybe I was. I havent looked at all the letters and messages that came for me when I was away, Alex said. But, what are you talking about?


    The paper you submitted for approval, the one about your blood magic process to enhance physical prowess and improve health, ValRok said. Well, that papers been approved and was published while you were away.


    <em>What?</em> Alex cried. <em>Seriously?</em>


    Yes! I wouldnt kid you about something so important! the professor reached into a desk drawer, retrieving a periodical, flipping through the pages until he finally found what he was looking for. There it was; a study written by an author with a very familiar name: Alexander Roth. Here you are, my friend! It was published recently! Your names been the talk of the blood magic faculty. Congrattions! People seem to be interested in follow-up studies, and there have been whispers about developing the method, investments, and the like. It sounds like your process has the potential to be quite lucrative.


    The archwizard looked stunned.


    Hed aplished so much; casting ninth-tier spells, crafting advanced golems, summoning beings of <em>astounding </em>powerbut, this achievement felt different.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    It was his <em>own</em> academic discovery.


    My namemy names right there among the same pages as so many highly-regarded schrs, Alex murmured.


    ValRok chuckled. Its your first taste of immortality, Alex. Stories of your deeds are already being told by bards around the city and now, your achievements have been noted in academia. I wouldn''t be surprised if youre contacted by the actors guild looking to create a y about your rise from Fool to warrior, to schr and Hero! It all sounds very intriguing!


    II dont know what to say, the young archwizard whispered.


    Then, don''t say anything! ValRokughed, pping him on the back. Simplystand proud.


    This is incredible Alex said, looking at the professor. ValRok had done so much for him, even after hed stopped taking mana maniption. Professorcan I ask you just one more thing?


    Of course, ValRok said. I would be a terrible professor, if I didn''t answer questions.


    Alex chuckled. How did you know that you wanted to go into mana maniption? What made you decide that was the right path for you?


    Decide? ValRok gave another high-pitchedugh. I didn''t. I didn''t even want to be a wizard.


    What? Alex asked. Seriously? But you love it!


    I do <em>now</em>, ValRok looked through the window again, his smile turning mncholic. When I was young, I didnt even know what mana maniption was, never mind having an interest in it. I had zero interest, you see, but I did have a lot of interest in stealing things. I grew up in a small vige in the soutnds, on the edge of a swamp. My mother was the viges finest healer, and my step-father was its oracle; he used mana and divinity to guide everyone. They both expected me to follow in their footsteps, but I was far more interested in taking shiny things from wagons belonging to merchants whod stopped in our vige. One day, I stole a small magical device from a very strange merchantor someone who I thought was a merchant. That device turned out to be a simple mana conductor and I was able to unravel its mysteries in the few days that I had it in my sticky little ws.


    He grinned, scratching the scales under his chin. It turned out that this merchant was actually a wizard, a recruiter for the university. She wasnt particrly pleased when she discovered that I''d stolen her device, but she was impressed by the fact that Id been able to figure it out as quickly as I did without any instruction. Because of that, she invited me to visit the university, and my parents insisted that I do so. I gave running away some thought, butin the end, I became curious when she described the city. All I could picture was a sea of wonderful shiny things everywhere. I suppose youd have to say that my motives foring here were less than academic. But, they became academic when mana maniption took the ce of my love of thievery in my young life.<strong></strong>So, when I began my studies, I chose a mana maniption course since it was the first discipline I''d ever learned anything about. Turns out, I was well suited to it andbefore I knew itI was forty, had long given up my life of crime, and was teaching here. I fell into this path out of the blue, but came to embrace it, youd have to say.


    What about your parents? Alex asked. Did you ever go back home?


    Well, they were proud of me, ValRok said. But, we didnt see eye to eye on my future. I wanted to stay here, and they wanted me to return home and do what they did. Thankfully, by then, my step-sister had taken on the role of vige oracle, and my step-brother was its healer. In the end, my parents got what they wanted, though they still demanded that Ie back and use my talents for the vige. We argued, andwell, thats a sad story, and probably one that would ruin both of our days. Let''s just say we never did see eye to eye, but my answer to your question is; I idently fell into what would be my future.


    Do you see a direction for <em>my </em>future? Alex asked.


    I don''t really know! ValRok giggled. Isn''t that the exciting part? I didnt even know what I saw for my own future, so, how am I supposed to see yours? Take it one day at a time, follow your feet, and follow what works best for you. You''re smart, Alex, and I''m sure you''ll figure it all out. Take things step by step. If you cane up with a sessful n to destroy a kingdom-ending monstrosity, then I''m sure you can decide what you want to do with your life after that.


    Ithank you for that, professor, Alex said. Seriously, thank you. For everything


    Bah! ValRok turned away. This is another reason why I hate this time of year, youre going to make me cry! Tears, tears, and more tears! Now, go on, go on. You have exams to write, and kingdoms to save. I''m sure you''ll do both with distinction, just like you have with everything since Ive known you. Its been a pleasure knowing you, Alex. I''m sure our paths will part eventually, but maybe they''ll run side-by-side for just a little longer.


    Alex smiled, choking up a little. If were lucky, professor.


    Thats rightif were lucky, ValRok sniffed.


    Alex materialised in Greymoors courtyard, his mind in a turmoil.


    Ive said a lot of goodbyestely, he thought. A lot of goodbyes with my professorsmaybe not forever goodbyes, butValRok was right, things will be changing.


    Alex thought about Uldar and the Ravenertwo relics from Thamnds ancient past who were disrupting the present even now. He thought about Gabrianshing out even after he learned that his god was dead.


    Neither him, the secret church, his god, or Uldars Ravener had epted their circumstances, theyd clung to a dying past and punished untold generations of innocent people.


    yet not all ancient things were like them.


    Baelin was a relic of the past, so to speak, and Professor Jules regrly said that he was a monster from the dark days of prehistory. Alex had to admit that in some ways, the goat man was barbaric by today''s standards, but he was also open and wise; his wisdom from lifetimes of experiences was something to be embraced as well.


    Besides, Alex thought, looking up at Greymoors sky. One day, I won''t be young anymore, I''ll be the one passing on wisdom. I''ll be the one, carrying knowledge from previous seasons into the next. He inhaled the air. It was beginning to smell like spring. Winter was melting away, life was reawakening in the natural world.


    Change wasing, and time kept flowing.


    All Alex could do was flow with it.


    As he looked down, his breath caught when he spotted a familiar sight.


    The aeld tree was glowing, standing tall in the middle of the courtyard, golden-green light emanating waves of joy. It seemed to be rejoicing at theing spring.


    In the time hed been gone, the tree had grown, despite the cold weather; now, at least a foot taller, its trunk and bark were thicker and stronger, due in no small part to its caretakers devoted attention.


    Professor Salinger was busy at its roots, working the soil, adding a unique blend of nutrients and green tinged liquid to them, feeding the young tree.


    But the professor and glowing aeld werent the only living things that had caught Alexs eye.


    Beside Professor Salinger, working the soil with spell and spade, was a very busy little goblin. One not named Selina.


    Kybas! Alex waved.


    The goblin whirled, peering about, jumping when he recognised the archwizard. Friend Alex! Its been so long. Behind the gobliny an unexpected sighta fallen tree, and a thick one at that.


    What were they doing with it? Were they nning to nt it near the aeld?


    Alex went closer as Professor Salinger stood and wiped sweat from his brow.


    Ah, its good to see you! Salinger waved his spade.


    It''s great to see you both, too, Alex chuckled. Howve you been? Hows Harmless growing, Kybas?


    The goblin gave him an evil grin and looked behind him. You tell me!


    Alex stopped, puzzled.


    It was only when the <em>tree</em> behind the little goblin grunted, that he realised he <em>wasnt</em> looking at a fallen tree.

 Chapter 810: Return

    Chapter 810: Return


    The tree let out a low hiss as it rolled over, regarding Alex with a single reptilian eye.


    Knowing how well Kybas fed Harmless, Alex wasnt surprised at how much the croc had grown since hedst seen him, whichif he was remembering correctlywas around the time of the Games of Roal. Kybas and his familiar had been going to Thamnd, harvesting dungeon cores with Grimloch and their other friends, but Alex rarely saw him or the little crocodileactually, <em>little</em> was the wrong word.


    The crocodile could be called many things: terrifying, sleek, powerful, monstrous,rgebut <em>little</em> wasnt one of them. Harmless was now the size of a young oak tree, his scales were so thick, they could easily be mistaken for armour ting.


    His fangs were the size of daggers, his webbed feet were bigger than Alex''s hands and his tail looked like it could break a full grown man in half with a single swing. Gone was the little croc that Kybas had shown Alex in first year alchemy, now reced by a monster with teeth almost bigger than his whole body had been back then.


    What the Alex murmured. Whatwhat happened?


    My winnings! And what I get for harvesting dungeon cores! Kybas hopped up and down in excitement. All that coin makes it so I can feed Harmless much higher quality potions and lots of them too! I''ve been making new ones that I custom blended just for him. It''s making him grow faster than ever, and hes so strong now! Just the other day, I let him go swimming in the Prinean sea, and he caught a full-grown lion shark! It was amazing!


    Don''t those get to be like fifteen feet long? Alex asked.


    Kybas grinned, nodding vigorously. And he''s been taking down bone chargerstely! It''s been great!


    Yeah, great Professor Salinger looked at Kybas from the corner of his eye, his expression filled with trepidation. You''re a little reckless, you know?


    Alex burst outughing. The familiarity of the conversation was too much for him.


    So how have you been, aside from Harmless growing into a dragon? Alex asked.


    Good, good! Kybas grinned. Third year is going well: I''m learning a lot about alchemy, magical botany, and magical beast husbandry. Im starting blood magic too! I''m going to make monsters when I graduate! He patted Harmless enormous head. Ill make Harmless even bigger and stronger too!


    Salinger gave him a wan smile. You knowI''d be happy if what I taught you was used a bit more constructively. You know you could be growing all kinds of magical gardens


    It is constructive! Kybas grinned, oddly resembling Harmless. The magical gardens will feed my monsters, including Harmless! And thatll help me make monsters! It''s all great!


    Ugggggh, Salinger groaned. If you weren''t such a good assistantnevermind, Im going to work on the aeld tree again before I have a heart attack. He nodded. Good to have you back, Alex.


    The professor walked away, leaving the goblin, the crocodile and the archwizard together.


    So how have you been? Kybas asked. It''s been a bit! I heard you had lots of exciting adventures!


    Yeah thats one way to put it, Alex said. They were adventures that werein factexciting, but I nearly died a lot.


    The goblin wizard shrugged. We''ll do that, eventually. And you didn''t die, so that''s what''s important!


    Alexughed. You''re always so sure of yourself, Kybas.


    Why worry? Kybas said. We have to live, and life is going to do things, and we''re going to do things back. That''s the way the Chulu live: We do things to our enemy, and our enemies do things to us. We just have to make sure that what we do to them, they can''t get back up from! Simple as that.


    The archwizard shook his head. I''m almost jealous.


    Don''t be! Kybas said. The Chulu live a hard life, and I''m going to make sure that my tribe gets plenty of help from me, once I learn how to teleport. Then I can go home whenever I want, and give them monsters that they can use to defend our home!


    Alex thought about that for a long moment.


    Maybe, just maybe, thats what he could do with his life.


    Build things that would help defend Thamnd from any other enemies that came to the ind. He frowned. Maybe not. Or maybe so? Thats something hed like to do, but didn''t think he''d want to do it for the rest of his life.


    Why did figuring this stuff out have to be so difficult?


    You okay? Kybas asked.


    I am, Alex said. There''s just a lot on my mind, a lot to think about, and a lot to consider and do.


    Well, I''m sure you''ll get it right! Kybas cried, pping Alex on the forearm. You''re smart, and youve figured out a lot of other things. I''m sure you''ll figure out whatever this is too. Anyway, I should get back to helping with the aeld tree, and I''m sure you wanna get to theb<strong>.</strong> Oh! Before you go, you should say hi to the tree, it missed you.


    Yeah, Alex looked up at the aeld. I''ll do just that. Thanks, Kybas. We''ll have to catch upter.


    Plenty of time to catch up once the war is done! Kybas said. Or maybe before, who knows?


    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the vition.


    Yeah, Alex said. Who knows, I guess. Well, I''ll let you get back to work. We''ll get together for a drinkter.


    Yes,ter! The goblin gave him a thumbs up. You can join me and Grimloch! He said he had the tastiest meal recently, but he wouldnt tell me what he had or share any so I could give some to Harmless!


    Uh Alex thought back to the drool and stomach-juice-covered antler on the floor of Uldars viewing room. Something Grimloch had imed as a trophy. You probably can''t get anything like it anymore.


    Why do you say that? Thatd be a pity, Kybas said.


    Just a guess. Alex told him.


    Harmless let out a little hiss, sounding disappointed. As the goblin returned to work beside the magical botany professor, Alex went closer to the tree, his eyes on the warm bark. He reached out, touching the trunk, surprised at how warm it felt as he smiled up at it.


    His aeld gave off feelings of joy, which the tree mirrored. Their emotions filled the air, intertwining so closely that Alex could not tell where the staff began and the tree ended.


    Not for the first time, he <em>wondered</em> if they shared one mind, or if they were separate.


    He supposed hed never know.


    Tucked between its branches were a ho hive and a beehive. Alex had put them therest summer. Over the warmer months, the insects had flourished, bonding with the aeld, and while the females were still dormant, he knew they would awaken as the weather warmed.


    It''s good to see you again, Alex said. I don''t know if you can sense what''s happening with the staff, but if you can''tjust know that I''m treating it well.


    The mysterious tree emanated feelings of warmth and gratitude toward Alex, mixed with slight irritation, like it was sulking.


    I get it, Alex said. I know I haven''t been to visit you for a while, and I''m sorry about that. Theres been a lot going ontely, but I promise I''ll spend more time with youter.


    He touched the ring that Elder Blodduewedd had given him, carved from the wood of the dead aeld tree in Crymlyn Vige. It had been enchanted to protect him, just as the other ringsgiven to the other Heroes and Theresahad been.


    They would all need that protection.


    Listen, he said. I know you bring good fortune to those around you, or at least that''s how the legend goes. If that''s true, then please grant us your blessing. We''re going to need it for whates next.


    The tree emanated a wave of curiosity and a flurry of warm emotions.


    It seemed content.


    Alex patted it. Hopefully, well be as content as you are when this is all done. I''ve got to go for now, but I''ll be back. I''ll definitely visit more often.


    Good to see you back so soon, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said as Alex walked into the secure section of theboratory. I take it your conversation with Professor ValRok went well?


    It did, Alex said. That just leaves Professor Hak to okay challenging the Exam for Credit for blood magic, since Baelin isnt around to give me permission to do it for the higher level courses in the Art of the Wizard in Combat.


    Professor Jules rolled her eyes so vigorously that the beak bobbed on her mask. Of course he isnt, why would the old goat be around when we need him?


    Don''t say that, he''s helped us a lot, Alex said. I''m sure that whatever he''s doing with his cabal is keeping him tied upwherever he is.


    At this rate, it will keep him so busy that the war will be done by the time we see him again! Professor Jules scoffed.


    Well, then we''ll just have to show him our victory when he gets back, Alex said. That''s the way I look at it at least. He looked around. Wheres Isolde?


    She went to Uldars Rise with Watcher Hill and her twopanions, Svenia and Hogarth, Professor Jules said, Shell be collecting every sample of ichor she can find since well need as much as we can get if were going to purify enough poison to use on the Ravener. And while she''s away, my n is to run a few tests to determine how the poison would react to the addition of dungeon core essence.


    Oh? Alex asked.


    Chaos essence would likely make the poison even more vtile, Professor Jules said. But the addition of dungeon core essence might increase that vtility even more. And I believe it''s worth a try, so I''ll be running tests with dungeon core essence and a bit of the toxic substance. Now that youre here, what will you be looking at?


    I''m going to see if I can trante more of Uldars notes. Alex exined the potential solutions hed thought of when he was with Professor ValRok.


    She nodded, carefully adjusting her mask. ValRok does have a way of leading people to interesting solutions. I quite like the redundancy of the n. Having more than one way to ensure that the Ravener stays dead can only be of benefit.


    True, Alex said. And while you''re working on the poison, I can be working on the other two methods: learning how its reconstitution protocol works, and understanding how it turns fear into power.


    Excellent, she said, turning back to her workstation. Ill leave you to it then. Good luck, Mr. Roth. Resolving these issues will likely take a while, but let''s hope we can make some good progress today.


    Lets hope, Alex said. And if you wouldnt mind, I might need to ask you for some help. But, if you need anything, just shout.


    Perfect, she said. Let''s begin.


    The two alchemists parted and Alex went to the copies of Uldars notes, picking up a few of the sheets of parchment.


    Alright. Let''s see if I can''t figure you out.


    He called on the Mark of the General, painstakingly examining the notes, soon pausing. Professor, do we have any advanced books on divinity here?


    She pointed to a nearby bookshelf. We brought several here, when we first began studying those notes.


    Thanks, Alex said, conjuring a set of Wizards Hands. He was about to send them to gather the books up, when he realised that he didn''t know which ones to collect. I need a favour, professor, would you mind grabbing those books, if you have a moment? Youd know which ones would be relevant, better than I would.


    Absolutely, she said, going to the bookcase.


    The young archwizard returned to Uldars notes, scanning the gods written records. The pages were full of magical and alchemical notations, many Alex didn''t recognise, but Isolde and Professor Jules had done an excellent job tranting a lot of the gods unique symbology into modern alchemical terminology.


    His eyes traced the mana pathways running through the Raveners schematics. There was abyrinth of power going through the construct, and following each pathway was difficult because they were soplex.


    Do some of these pathways also channel fear, or are they all just for mana? Alex wondered. I don''t know anything about how constructs are built with divinity, or how that even works? Would such constructs need pathways to channel fear?


    The General of Thamnd heard his professor gathering the volumes on divinity.


    Behind them, the door clicked andwith a hiss of escaping airopened.


    Ah, there you are, Isolde, Professor Jules said as she headed toward Alex, cradling the books in her arms. You can put the samples over there


    The young noblewoman stepped into the room, ss bottles containing Uldars ichor softly clinking.


    Alexs concentration was fixed on the notes as he muttered.


    Damn, what I know about divinity could fill a whole thimble, he thought sarcastically. Professor, could you hand me one of those books? he asked. If there''s one about divinity and constructs, thatd be perfector wait, maybe how divinity enchants different items?


    Of course, Baelin said. A book was ced beside the notes.


    Thanks, the young archwizard muttered, taking the book and opening it. Actually, if you have one on divinity that exists without deities, thatd be pretty helpful too.


    This one should do nicely: a fine volume, Baelin said, handing Alex the book.


    Thanks, Bael the young archwizard froze.


    He looked up from Uldars notes.


    Wait, <em>Baelin?</em>


    He spun around.


    There stood the Chancellor of the University of Generasi, smiling. Did you happen to miss me, my young friend?

 Chapter 811: The Reunion

    Chapter 811: The Reunion


    Baelin? Alex gasped.


    Isolde was standing perfectly still, seemingly stunned.


    Professor Jules dropped the rest of the books on the table in surprise. You old goat! she cried, her voice muffled through her mask.


    A fine greeting to you too, Vernia, Baelin said dryly. I feel as though I am some dusty old cloak that one has shoved into the back of their wardrobe. Unsung and unwanted.


    Baelinyoure back! Alex cried, barely resisting the urge to hug the ancient archwizard. You''re really back!


    No thanks to my cabal. The chancellor sighed. They really did try to work me to death this time, though I cannot me them. I had them searching half the nes for a clue as to the origins of the Travellersnguage for the better part of a year, and then I led them on a crusade of vengeance and discovery into one of the hells, so I suppose them working me to the bone for the better part of a year was quite justified.


    He spread his hands. But, my duties are now fulfilled, and I hope you are all doing well. I stopped at the university and learned that you were here, Vernia, so here I am, curious to hear your news. I spotted Isolde in the courtyard as she was making her way here and followed her. I was pleased to see your tree growing so well, Alex.


    A lump was forming in Alexs throat.


    Hed really missed the chancellor, far more than hed realised.


    Yeah, Alex said. It really is, isnt it?


    It truly has, Baelin said with a twinkle in his eye. Well, get it over with.


    Get what over with? Alex said.


    You''re trying to resist the urge to hug this old goatman, its as obvious as the beak on your mask. The ancient goatman said lightly. Come ahead, do not worry, we''ve been through too much together for me to be awkward about that sort of thing. SoGah!


    Alex rushed the chancellor and caught him up in a bear hug, lifting him off his hooves. Wee back! Wee back, Baelin! Im so d to see you!


    I must say that it is good that I am not as feeble as many a fraction of my age are! the chancellorughed, patting Alex on the back. You would''ve snapped me in half, otherwise!


    Alex put his mentor down. Oh, nothing can kill you!


    Hah! ttery, now <em>this</em> is a proper wee! Baelin stepped back from Alex, smoothing his magnificent robes. His bronze beard-sps clinked as he moved. His braided beard was noticeably longer than it had been when hed left. Vernia, you could learn something from our young friend.


    Professor Jules trembled. It''schancellor, it''s good to have you back. Her words were clipped. So much has happened around here while you were gone, and in some ways, its been too muchbut it''s just good to have you back.


    Baelins cheer dimmed.


    The chancellor looked around the room, his eyes seeming to take in every detail in an instant.


    His expression turned grim, only growing grimmer the more he saw.


    In the brief time Isolde and I made our way here, she wasnt able to give me a great deal of information, but whatever it is that youre doing here appears to be of the utmost urgency and significance, considering the level of security surrounding this room. Baelin said slowly. Those notes that youre looking at, where are they from, Alex? They look positively ancient.


    The young wizard froze.


    There was so much to tell him: there was the n they were making to be rid of the Ravener forever, its odd behaviour recently, that hed changed the Fools Mark to the Generals, that Uldars body and throne had been taken, that the god was not only dead, but hed been responsible for creating the Ravener, the reason for the cyclesand that Carey was dead


    There''s a lot that''s happened, Baelin, Alex said. A <em>lot. </em>It''ll probably take hours to fill you in on all the details, but it''s important that we do so. Professor? Isolde? What do you say we stop for now so we can tell the chancellor about all thats happened?


    That seems appropriate, Isolde agreed.


    Im eager to get on with these tests, Professor Jules said. But itll be useful to get your input on all of this, Baelin.


    The ancient archwizard raised his chin. Very well. Let us lock up, for the time being, and retire to my office: it likely would need a very thorough dusting by now, but it will be the mostfortable ce for you to recount your tale. Come, I want to hear exactly what has gone on while I was away.


    By the time theyd finished giving him a full ount of what had happened over the months hed been gone, it was dark outside.


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    Baelins magnificent officewith its fine furniture, and his trophies from long dead enemieswas now lit by forceballs and magical sconces. The four of them had nned on taking their meals in the office, but theyd barely paused to eat or drink, too busy sharing months of information.


    Isolde, Alex and Professor Jules had taken turns telling different parts of the story.


    When ones mouth grew too dry to continue talking, another one would take over.


    When one grew too emotionalProfessor Jules came close to screaming when she spoke of Careys deathanother would take over. Bit by bit, Baelin learned in detail what had happened while he was away.


    The ancient archwizard listened, never losing focus, never shifting his attention, and never growing weary. He neither ate nor drank, nor did he speak much, only asking for rification at certain points in the tale.


    Baelin hardly moved, lookingat timeslike a life-like statue seated at his desk.


    When the entire tale was done, his silence continued for a time.


    A very long time.


    Shadows drifted over him from the shifting light, making the ancient beastman appear more like a devil whod crawled up from the Hells. It was unnerving watching him.


    Atst, he finally spoke.


    It seems an entire lifetime was lived in my absence, the chancellor said solemnly. You have all endured much. Aplished much. Lost much. For what it''s worth, I am sorry I was not there.


    No. Professor Jules glowered at him. Youre not nearly sorry enough, chancellor. You''d understand being sorry if you were the one who had to look into Miss London''s parents eyes and exin to them why they would never see their daughter in this life again. You''d be truly sorry if you were the one burying all of those people who died at Uldars Rise. Sorry would be if you were stuck here, helpless, while filth ran Mr. Roth down like rabid dogs. Sorry would be if you had to juggle the responsibilities of the expedition, the war, and everyones lives at once. No, chancellor, <em>I</em> am sorry. You were not here to experience what sorry is.


    Alex gasped sharply.


    Isolde paled.


    A years worth of frustrations, poured out in a torrent.


    Baelin weathered the torrent well, looking at Professor Jules with eyes that seemed to pierce her. Then, his shoulders slumped.


    You were responsible for breaking life-shattering news, and then you had to bear the me from those angered at their loss, Baelin said. You had toy to rest many who worked with us, then exin to their families what had happened. There was me and anger on their part, and guilt on yours. Responsibilities were thrust upon you that you had great difficulty meeting, and they came with pressures from all sides. You were helpless when those that you cared for, were being trampled and destroyed, which made you feel small. Above all, you imagined meelsewherehaving grand adventures, while you were left to pick up the pieces my absence put upon you.


    There was pain in Baelins voice.


    Deep frustration. It was subtle but unmistakable, and if Professor Jules was a torrent, then the chancellors was an ocean.


    It might be difficult to believe, Vernia. But I am truly sorry; a great regret is thatfor all the power I have acquired over my many lifetimesI cannot be in more than one ce at a time. You might find this even more difficult to believe, since ites from the lips of an old monster like me, but once I too was young. Just like you, I lived through very simr circumstances. Not the same, as I cannot presume to know what you have dealt with while I was gone. But simr. I deeply apologise that you had to handle these things alone, Vernia. I will take full responsibility.


    You had better, she said. It''s been beyond hard while you were gone, chancellor. And, I want you to realise something. I warned you that Miss London was going into danger. I warned you that she was risking her life, and that she would''ve been safer in Generasi. I warned you that she and Alex should have remained in the city. If you had listened to me, she would very likely still be alive. I want you to understand that, chancellor, and take responsibility for it.


    I do, Vernia. I recognize that had I forced her to return to Generasi, then she likely would still be alive, the ancient wizards voice rumbled. I, however, do not regret my decision.


    What? Professor Jules demanded. How could you say that? Shes dead!


    She was a Proper Wizard, Vernia. Baelin watched her, his expression like stone. Unmoving, except for his lips. Unblinking. She died of her own ord, protecting her friends. She died, dealing a terrible blow to a vicious enemy. She died, and it sounds like she found peace and enlightenment with that act, in the arms of the Traveller; I do not approve of such a need to grasp onto the hem of a deitys cloak, but that was her way, and she lived it to the end. Now, from the sounds of it, she is reaching a new transcendent existence. She is free of the lies that chained her life, given to her by a church spawned by a vicious, evil god. Had I protected her, what would have happened, Vernia? She would be here in Generasi, physically safe, yet perhaps broken and wondering what to do with her life because of what shed learned about her beloved god. Even now, we still might not have any idea of the existence of a hidden church, and she might have nevere to terms with her own ce in the universe and her faith.


    He sighed. I do not know. Vernia, when you live as long as I have, you learn to treat your regrets very carefully; they can grow endlessly over the centuries and millennia, until they consume you. What-ifs be a constant gue. And sometimes, you must learn to ept that what is done, is done, and learn not to negate the positivity granted by terrible urrences. That, I learned from my earliest days in the wilderness. If you wish for me to say that I was wrong, then, unfortunately, I cannot help you.


    His beard-braids clinked. Carey was a young woman, and a bright wizard. She was an adult, and deserved to live her full life. It was not in my ce to tell her to hide away, unless she requested that of me. She did not, so I let her be. I cannot regret that.


    She was too young to know better, Professor Jules said.


    I think you are discrediting her. Carey London seems to have lived as a wise and brave young woman. His goat-like eyes burned. She was no child. She was a Proper Wizard. My only regret is that I was not here to aid her in her time of trouble. Again, Iment not being able to be at more than one ce at once. But concerning her, that is my <em>only</em> regret. All I can do now, is aid all of you in your struggle with this ursed Ravenerwhile I also catch up with my duties here.


    I Professor Jules started, then bit her tongue. Chancellor Baelin, I''m still angry with you and I resent whats happened, but my anger isnt going to change a single thing, now is it? But, youre back now and you can help us. And with thatI''m going to go home. I''m going to get some sleep, and then tomorrow, well move on. But I want you to know that sometimes, you can be a little heartless.


    I know, was all Baelin said. He looked at Alex and Isolde. You both must be tired as well, why don''t you get some rest and we can continue in the morning?


    Actually Alex said. Unless youre really tired, Baelin, could I stay and talk to you for a bit?

 Chapter 812: The Dangerous What-Ifs

    Chapter 812: The Dangerous What-Ifs


    Recently, Alex had been feeling like he was walking through a mist of nostalgia. Since he''de home to Generasi, hed been experiencing things that he had missed terribly when he was in the Empire.


    Conversations with his professors, time at home, time with his family, being on campus and in the city, in Greymoor, and being back in theb doing research on the Ravener.


    And now he was feeling more nostalgia.


    He was in Baelins office, looking forward to enjoying a cup of pineapple juice, tarts, and other treats with him, just as he used to in his early days at the university.


    Back then, hed been a novice at wizardry, trying to learn what he needed to learn to be a wizard, while having to navigate the Mark of the Fool. Now, here he was, sitting with Baelin again, but now, they were both archwizards, though Baelin was literally hundreds of times more experienced than he was.


    It was calming sitting there in the ancient wizards office again, simply enjoying a cool drink with him.


    It has been quite some time, hasn''t it, Alex? Baelin put the cup in front of him, I must tell you that with all of the grim tidings I just received, congratting you quite nearly slipped my mind. So, let me do so now, my young friend. Congrattions! You have aplished a great deal. You have ovee the limits ced upon you by Uldar, and continued to master the power granted you by the Traveller, youve crushed your enemies, embarrassed those stuffy fools at Brightfire, broke through to ninth-tier spells, and havee to make peace with the ruler of your realm, by your own terms.


    The goatmans eyes twinkled as he sat down at his desk. All Proper Wizard activities. Congrattions again!


    Yeah, a lots happened. And thanks, Alex said. I just wish youd been here to see even half of it.


    As do I, Alex, Baelin said. Though I am here now, which I hope will be of some constion. I am excited to watch you graduate, and am very d I did not miss that.


    Me too, Alex said, looking at Baelin. I''m really d about that too. But, if you dont mindis it okay if I asked you a few questions?


    Of course I wouldnt mind, the chancellor said. If I minded, I would have asked you to leave with Isolde and Professor Jules.


    Okay goodfirst, I wanted to ask what you got up to with your cabal, Alex said. If you can tell me.


    Oh, the story would be both detailed and far less interesting than you might imagine. Baellin took a sip of juice, before reaching for a tart. I was helping Magun-nobu obtain rather unique materials for a pce hed beenmissioned to design and build for a pantheon in a star system quite a distance away. Getting our hands on the unique and rare materials was quite the challenge, but worth the effort for my friends vision. The star kraken that watched over one particr resource was most determined to keep it from us. My cabalmate also needed help with matters of Irritation shed in Baelins eyes. Let us just say that parenthood can be a most challenging thing, even for those who are among the most intelligent and wise in the universe. That task proved to be challenging as well, but less pleasant and sessful than our interaction with the kraken, so I shall not go further.


    Baelin looked out the window at the evening sky. Sanii had vowed to rescue an entire people from imprisonment within a demine, a ce well guarded by a powerfnd entirely too arrogantarchlich. Together, she and I were able to destroy the undead creature, unravel the demines magic, and release its prisoners. Cra needed me to test a promising apprentice of hers by bing the antagonist to their quest for power and wisdom.


    Did they pass? Alex asked.


    Baelin winced. No, they did not, which was unfortunate, especially when the apprentice turned out to have made a deal for power with a greater devil. It was a foolish deal that would have seen him give up entirely too much, while the devil gave him the <em>veneer</em> of true power, without actually giving him any true power. Still, webined our efforts to punish the devil that took one of Cras for its own. She then broke that apprentice for his foolishness, but by then, I was elsewhere. After that, I was off to Anaxadars pce where he needed help in crafting a rather fascinating magical device whose nature unfortunately, I am not at liberty to divulge. That was the most peaceful of my tasks, though it took quite a long time toplete, especially since Anaxadar was dividing his attention between our project, and the war that he <em>insists</em> on continuing to wage.


    He shook his head. Someone is going to kill him one day, I swear it.


    Sounds like you were up to a lot, Alex said after wondering if his life would be as epic when he reached Baelins age, <em>if</em>he chose to live that long. It sounds like your skills were challenged. Even the experience ofparenthood. He thought about Uldar. Waitdid youdid you ever have children, Baelin?


    The archwizard paused for a moment, leaving Alex wondering if hed crossed a line with such a personal question.


    But the ancient goatman showed no animosity and soon answered, By blood? No, no. But, I have raised many apprentices, and taught many students. Some of those apprentices looked upon me as a father, after a fashion. An aura of sadness suddenly touched<strong></strong>his words. But, that was long ago.


    Sorry, Alex said.


    Do not apologise, Baelin said. It does not bother me, and one must learn to weather the endless storm that is time. Hurricane winds will blow you where you wish to go, and at other times they will blow against you. At other times, you might be threatened by the lightning apanying the storm; and all you can do in that case is simply continue walking on.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    Right Alex said. I wonder what would''ve happened if Uldar had just walked on. It seems like he spent his entire life after he was poisoned doing anything he could think of to change that storm you were talking about.


    Baelin gave Alex a bitter smile. Now that you have reached a new pinnacle of power, let me give you a little advice that Uldar might have done well heeding. A powerful wizard knows <em>how</em> to change the storm, and can do so, but a Proper Wizard knows <em>when</em> to change the storm, and when not to.


    Just like with Carey and me? Alex asked. When you chose not to send us back to Generasi?


    The situation is simr, Baelin said, his shoulders sagging slightly. For a moment, he looked quite vulnerable, surprising Alex. I do hope Vernia can forgive me, as I value her respect more than she will likely ever know. I would regret it greatly if I were to lose that.


    I hope she can as well, Alex said. For what it''s worth, I''m d you didn''t send us back home. We had to walk this path, no matter how winding, no matter how straight, no matter who it parted from. We chose it, so we had to walk it.


    Indeed, Baelin said. The trouble with the powerful who presume to know whats better for the meek, is that it is the meek that must live with the consequences of the powerfuls decisions. If I told you to return to Generasi, and you found that this choice robbed you of growth and understanding, then <em>you</em> would have had to live with that consequence. Not me. So I know when not to change the stormor at least I hope I do. None of us are perfect though, me included.


    Yeah Alex said. You know, to me, it used to seem that you knew everything. I used to be convinced of that. Right now, you know so much more than I do, but I feel I''ve taken a step closer to understanding your perspective. Ill probably never be where you are, unless I live at least ten thousand years, but having gained the power I now havemakes me empathise with you a bit more.


    In what fashion? Baelin asked.


    Well, Alex took another sip of pineapple juice and leaned forward. When I used to look at you, you seemed like you could do anything. <em>Anything.</em> So I assumed that if I got to higher spell tiers, I''d be able to do anything, just like you, and Id also know what to do with all that power and potential. But, instead, I find I''m more confused than ever. I''ve got all this pressure on me to stop the Ravener, but I don''t know for sure if I can. Then there''s what happens afterwhat will I do? If anything, I felt more sure of myself when I was in first year than I do now.


    Ah, of course, Baelin said. Troublesome, isn''t it? To grow to new levels of power, and find that new understanding does not automaticallye with it. We spoke of something simr before.


    We did, Alex said. But this feelsbigger.


    The ant has no need to worry about what it steps on, but the titan does. Baelin nodded. Wee to the realm of archwizardry. But let me advise you not to be one of those individuals who begins looking at power as a curse, when in fact, it is a gift; a tree that bears the endless fruits of opportunity.


    I suppose you''re right, Alex sighed. I''ll think about it. Actually, that brings me to my next que He paused. No, there''s another one I should ask you first. Its more important. Considering everything that we''ve told you about the Ravener, do you think you could beat it? In singlebat? Id like to know exactly what cards well have to y, or if youre even willing to fight it.


    Of course I would be willing to stand against it, Baelin said, looking somewhat insulted. I am no coward, after all, nor do I feel that the contest would be so against my favour, that it would be pragmatic for me to avoid such a confrontation.


    Alex paused, a chill running through him. You think a fight with it <em>could</em> go against you?


    Baelin went still, his eyes darting back and forth like he was reading unseen text, calcting something. He finally spoke, wearing a grim expression. As to whether or not I could defeat it in singlebatquite frankly, Alex? I am not sure.


    Really? Alex said, his heart sinking. Hed been hoping that Baelin would just be able to blow up the Ravener with a single spell.


    Really. Baelin stood and walked to the windowhooves loudly pping against the stone floorhands sped behind him. He was quiet for a long time, his back to Alex. Do you recall the battle at Greymoor when we first encountered that petrifier?


    Of course, Alex said. You teleported to those dungeon cores underground.


    I did, Baelin said. And those cores were channelling mana directly from an outside source. In hindsight, we can safely assume that the source was the Ravener. It took me quite a while to eliminate the threat of those cores, a much longer time than I wasfortable with; enough time enough for that petrifier to wreak havoc. I dont know if you have sensed it yet, but whenever I am in Thamnd, I can <em>feel</em> the Raveners mana hanging over<strong></strong>the entirety of your kingdom. That''s how far its power reaches. Were it to channel its full strengthI do not know if I would be the victor. There is a good chance I would be, yes, but there is also a chance that I would fall, or be forced to withdraw. Right now, I amcking sufficient information to give you a sure answer, and quite frankly, that is not ideal. A Proper Wizard gathers as much information as they can before engaging in any battle.


    Thats what youve always taught us Alex murmured. Does its mana really reach all across Thamnd?


    Like a shroud, Baelin said. I felt it in Ussex, the Crymlyn, Greymoorall over. I have to give Uldar one thing, he was brilliant and Im eager to hear his journal entries, and look at his notes; I wonder if he truly understood what he had created when he made the Ravener? Its a marvel of alchemy, spellcraft and divinity. truly a marvel.


    If it has so much power that it might even give<em> you</em> trouble, Alex paused. What about your cabal? I know thats asking a lot, but if you all got together, would you be able to beat it?


    Well, that is conceivable, Baelin said. But I doubt that solution would be something you would find desirable in the end.<strong></strong>


    Why do you say that? Alex asked.


    Questions of greater moralities within the universe are something that I do not spend a lot of time thinking about. Morality seems to change with every society that rises and falls. With every new philosophy. With every new deity. That said He looked over his shoulder. With the exception of Sanii, I can safely say that I am likely the kindest and most altruistic of my cabal. They would undoubtedly do me this favour, while looking at both the Ravener, and the fact that there is a torrent of divine energy that is now unimed somewherewould likely demand a price that you would not be willing to pay. It is possible that they might have no interest in destroying the Ravener, preferring to study it instead. Even Sanii would likely be fascinated by the construct and wish to analyse it, however long that took, before it was destroyed. I admit to having my own curiosities about it as well, with the difference being that I am <em>personally</em> invested, and would have no problem eliminating it.


    Alright, that makes sense, Alex sighed.


    His mind lingered on something Baelin had said.


    Unimed divine power.


    That bothered him, but before he could give it more thoughtsomething else urred to him.


    Wait, you said that its mana covered the whole kingdom? Alex asked.


    ording to my senses, yes.


    Howdeep do you think its connection with Thamnd runs?


    A possibility had urred to the young archwizard.


    And he didn''t like it one bit.

 Chapter 813: Discussing Connections

    Chapter 813: Discussing Connections


    I cannot say how deeply the connection runs, Alex. Baelin turned, leaning against the window ledge and facing the young wizard. Though I imagine it must be fairly deep if the Raveners mana is present throughout the entire ind. Why? What are you thinking?


    Alex gripped the armrests of his chair. Professor Jules exined how certain creatures, like liches, are able to regenerate themselves. She said one way was by having part of their essence in another vessel. What if the Raveners vessel was <em>all of Thamnd</em>? Could it be that every time it''s defeated, it just spreads its essence through the entire ind then reforms its body a hundred yearster?


    That is unlike Baelin paused. Huh...


    What is it? Alex asked.


    The ancient archwizard ran a hand through his beard-braids. A thought urs to me. Perhaps what you say might be possible since Uldar is, or technically was, the god of Thamnd. Through an interdiction, he could have permanently tied the Ravener to thend. A deration stating something like, <em>As long as my kingdom exists, so shall the Ravener, </em>would be simple for a deity of his power tomand. I know of gods and goddesses who have granted a form of immortality and invincibility to guardians of their treasures, or to their champions, using such derations. I also know of others who have cursed their enemies with a form of immortality.


    Wait, how would immortality be a curse? Alex asked.


    Baelin raised an eyebrow. Think of it this way, my young friend. What good is living forever if one does not have power or certain protections avable to them? Being immortal grants no immunity against being captured, trapped, or even tortured. An immortal archwizard, for example, has the ability to defend themselves against such dangers. The mightiest of immortal warriors, deities, and powerful extranar entities and spirits would as well. But an ordinary mortal? They cannot break shackles, dig themselves out of a cave-in, break out of a prison, or free themselves from the bottom of the sea. In addition, there is the added unpleasantness of watching all who theyve known and loved age and die. Immortality can be a terrible curse, depending on ones circumstances.


    Huh Alex paused. Never thought of it like that. Makes me d I have power and friends to walk through the centuries with.


    Indeed, you do not know how fortunate you are, Baelin said. But I digress: the point is that it is possible that the Ravener is innately connected to Thamnd, and will be reborn as long as the kingdom exists. Of course, that is only conjecture


    but we should consider it as a possibility, just in case, Alex finished. I agree that we dont know for sure and thest thing we need is to try to shut it down and then find out it had <em>some</em> other way ofing backand if <em>you </em>think that it being spiritually linked to Thamnd is a strong possibility, then we should n for that. I think its better if were prepared, even if were wrong. If a connection is how it keepsing backwed need to break that connection with thend. Do you know of any spells that could do that?


    Nothinges to mind, but perhaps you could attempt something with the Travellers power? Baelin suggested. Itat its fundamental levelinvolves teleportation and control over space. If it can make gates, then perhaps it can destroy the connections between things.


    Alex snapped his fingers. Hey! You could be right! I teleported the First Apostles arm off at Uldars Rise! I might be able to do something simr and break the connection between the Ravener and Thamnd, if it has oneor maybe at the very least, break the connection between it and the dungeon cores.


    Entirely possible, Baelin nodded.


    Thats something to work onand youre going to be with us, to help? Alex asked.


    Both in theboratory and on the battlefield, I will be at your disposal, Baelin said. Whatever you, and Vernia ask of me, I will do.


    Wait You''ll be at <em>our</em> disposal? Alex asked. Don''t you mean we''ll be at <em>yours</em>?


    Baelin looked at him as though he''d suddenly grown three heads. Why would that be?


    Well, you''re so much more experienced than we are, Alex said.


    The ancient wizard gave a deep, wryugh. Oh dear, I seem to be losing my touch as a teacher. Maybe Vernia is right and I <em>am</em> a senile old monster who should be looking at retirement.


    What do you mean? Alex asked.


    Have I taught you nothing about being a Proper Wizard? Baelin fixed his gaze on Alex. How exactly am I more experienced than you and Vernia?


    Well, youre millennia old, Alex continued. You''ve been an archwizard longer than the university has been around.


    Indeed, that is true, Baelin said. And what have I been for thest year?


    ...an archwizard? Alex pushed, though he knew Baelin was building to a specific point.


    A very <em>absent</em> archwizard, the chancellor said. I no longer know the ins and outs of the current situation. Further, I am going to have to split my attention between my duties here at the university, and the war in Thamnd. My information on the current struggle is out of date, and it is no good for a leaders attention to be divided. Perhaps if I had been present this entire time, I could juggle both situations but I am well behind now. I will need to focus on catching up with both the situation here in Generasi, and the one in Thamnd, which could lead to me making mistakes should I try to assume the position of primary leadership. And that will never do.


    Baelin drew himself up to his full height. A Proper Wizard has enough knowledge and power to ovee nearly any situation. Emphasis on <em>nearly. </em>A Proper Wizard must <em>recognise</em> their own limits should they have any hope of surviving and aplishing their myriad of goals. An ipetent can do nothing. A fool thinks they can do <em>anything, </em>and that they are the only one qualified for a task.


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    And, you''re no fool, Alex said. So you''re saying that because you don''t know what''s been happeningtely, you''re going to stay back and let me and Professor Jules keep being in charge of things?


    Absolutely. Baelin smiled. You have both performed admirably while I was away, and rather than you trying to inform me of every minute detail of everything that has transpired, and then yielding leadership, its better that I yield to you, and serve as your advisor and defender.


    I Alex stopped as Uldar came to mind. The god had assumed that <em>he</em> was the only one who could lead and control Thamnd, because he considered himself wise and powerful. But he was arrogant. Baelin was wise and powerful, but he knew when to defer to others; perhaps, that''s what true wisdom was. Alex lowered his head. I''m d you''re back with us.


    And I am d to be back! Baelin said, stretching his shoulders. I can tell you with all sincerity that while being among the stars is a truly wondrous thing, it is good to be back here. You know that feeling offort that one gets when theyvee back to their home? That is precisely what I''ve been feeling since my return.


    Alex startedughing. Thats exactly the same way I''ve been feeling, Baelin He paused then. Can I ask you a question?


    Certainly, the chancellor said.


    How did you know? How did you know what you wanted to do with your life? How did you decide to do what youre doing? Alex asked. I''ve been thinking about my future for the past few weeks, and it''s beenits been <em>something</em>, alright. Everyone I talked to gave me all sorts of different answers. Some people said they just fell into the path theyre on. Some always knew what they wanted to do. Some have a future thats tied to duty. I don''t really know how much their answers really helped methe whole things just left me confused.


    One archwizard looked at the other.


    One young.


    One ancient.


    Baelin, Alex continued. You''ve always given me advice thats worked for my life; honestly, I didn''t realise how much I relied on it until you were gone. So, please help me out here.


    Baelins eyes twinkled. A Proper Wizard


    No. Alex shook his head. No Proper Wizard business; I''m talking to you adult to adult. I don''t want to know what might help some random Proper Wizard or what they''re supposed to do. I want to know what made <em>you</em> decide.


    The chancellor silently considered the young man before him for a while. The General of Thamnd wondered if hed struck a nerve in his mentor as Baelin turned away, the silence stretching on.


    For a time, Alex thought that he might not answer at all.


    But, he finally spoke.


    I have never decided, Baelin said.


    More silence.


    What do you mean, you never decided? Alex asked.


    I mean just that, I have never decided. The chancellor turned back to face him. There was a change in the ancient wizards demeanour. A calmness. Atranquillity. In that moment, through Alexs eyes, he bore no resemnce to the powerful wielder of cosmic magic that he knew.


    He looked like an ordinary man whod lived a very long life.


    The world was different when I was born, Alex, Baelin said. When I was growing up, there was one path in life for me to take: that of a hunter and crafter for my tribe. I did not decide to be a hunter and crafter, that is simply what I was and what I would be. My life changed utterly when I awoke to magic and for the first time, I could do something different. So thats what I did.


    So you decided to be a wizard, Alex said, sighing. You knew <em>this</em> is what you wanted.


    <em>This</em> is what I wanted?<em> </em>Baelin looked bewildered.


    Who you are, I mean. You knew that right from the beginning, as soon as you discovered magic, Alex said.


    Is <em>that</em> what you think? Baelin burst outughing, joy filling his office. You think thattens of thousands of years agoI envisioned myself as an archwizard, teaching hundreds of students and leading a university? That I saw myself in this magnificent chamberone of my many homeshaving a delightful conversation with a most favoured studentone whom I have had the pleasure to teachafter I had just returned from the stars? Alex, I did not know you had such a high opinion of my apparent powers of foresight!


    Well, I didn''t literally mean<em> this</em>. I mean, when you were born, there were no universities back then, I know that much. The General of Thamnd defended himself. I just meant that you saw yourself as an archwizard.


    Baelinughed even harder. You must think me a greater prophet than the god that ruled your realm! Alex, there <em>were</em> no archwizards back then. Not in <em>this</em> world at least. And it is not only universities that did not exist; magic as it is now was in its infancy. I have told you of some of those dark days. Even the stars were nothing more than twinkling lights above us that many worshipped. I could not begin to <em>fathom </em>that I would be here now.


    Well, then you must''ve decided at some point Alex started.


    Baelin shook his head. You still fail to understand. I never made an explicit decision to lead my life in such a way to end up at this point. Here, what do you see before you?


    A contented older gentleman? Alex grinned.


    Ioh. I thought you were going to say, Chancellor of the University and then I would have corrected you and said a contented old man. Baelin frowned. My, you have grown astute. So, tell me, what makes an old person content?


    Aplishments in their life, Alex said.


    Baelin shook his head. You have aplished many things in your life. Are you content?


    I Alex paused. No.


    Try again.


    Well, I''d say having a loving familythats what we learned in Alricbut I <em>have</em> a loving family, and Im still notpletely content. I feel like I have more to do in life, Alex said. Maybe seeing different ces? Exploring the world and yourself? I haven''t seen much of the world.


    An excellent suggestion, Baelin said. From your tale, Uldar explored much of the world. Was he content? The Traveller explored much of the universe. Was she content?


    No, and no, Alex said. Hannah sounded content when she found Alric, but, when she was Marked as a Heroher contentment went away.


    Of course it would, Baelin said. Would you care to keep trying?


    Ummaybe contentmentes from within? Alex suggested. You have to know yourself to find contentment.


    Very good, but do you know yourself? the chancellor countered. You know yourself very well, do you not? And are you content?


    The young archwizard felt growing frustration. Not reallynot yetI think the Raveners what''s preventing me from being content.


    <em>To crush your enemies and see them driven before you. </em>Baelin spoke the words with a resonance to his voice. He looked at his trophies fondly. Many conquerors and warriors have uttered such sentiments across many worlds. I have known many, yet, I could count those who are content on a <em>single</em> hand.


    What about immortality? Alex asked. Does that make you content?


    Baelin snorted. If anything, there are very few things I have encountered that guarantee <em>discontent</em> as much as immortality. But you''re getting warmer. Perhaps, you wish to think about it and leave this forter


    No, Alex said. I think we''re getting somewhere, and I know how things work. If I don''t figure this out, Ill end up dead as soon as I leave your office. Or I''ll find myself lying on the ground bleeding to death somewhere, then a revtion will suddenly hit me and Ill start thinking something philosophical about contentment, while butterflies and flower petals fly by my dying body on the tail of a gentle breeze.


    You do have a delightful imagination, Baelin chuckled. Fine, then let us finish this. I have dearly missed these discussions with you.

 Chapter 814: The Mentor and the Student

    Chapter 814: The Mentor and the Student


    Does everything have to be a puzzle, Baelin? Alex sighed. He remembered Professor Jules words about old beings turning everything into a riddle. At this moment, he found himself agreeing with herints.


    Strongly.


    To make a point, it often does, though for my own amusement can also be a side benefit, but more to the point the chancellor smiled. Let us say I outright give you the answer, just tell you how I chose what to do with my life. Since I am well aware that you respect me a great deal, Alex, I would be concerned with the possibility that you would take my information to heart without examining it too thoroughly for yourself. You are very thorough in many ways, but when ites to choosing what you wish to do with your future, you mightout of fear for whates nextsimply grasp onto the first piece of advice that you find fits you.


    You mean like a drowning man finding and desperately clinging onto a piece of driftwood, the General of Thamnd offered. You''re worried I''ll just take an answer from you and use it for my own life because Im scared?


    Indeed, Baelin said. Better, that you lead yourself to a conclusion about my life, and your own, rather than me simply providing you with an easy answer. In that way, you can choose to ept what I say, or reject it. If you ept it, it will be because you have thought it over for yourself and will then know how or even if, to apply it for your own life. To make it your own. Furthermore, it has been over a year since we have had one of these discussions. And I am having fun, so permit an old man his amusement.


    Alex smiled, and rolled his eyes. This is like when you made me figure out a way to power ygons golem core. I remember you didn''t want to just give me an answer because you felt that would have been too easy. You wanted me to think my way to my own solution.


    Baelin smiled warmly. And you harvested a mana vampire to empower your golem. Ah, simpler times. Now you have the might to facilitate the mana production of a dozen golem cores with ease.


    Thats true Alex winced, remembering the mana vampire encounter. They <em>were</em> simpler times weren''t they? But, then again, they weren''t really all that simple. I had toe up with all kinds of different workarounds and strategies just to live my life back then. Now the challenges ahead of me are a lot bigger than any mana vampirebut, at least I dont have toe up with a bunch of fixes just to get things done.


    Things have truly changed for you, haven''t they? Baelin said.


    They have Alex said. And I aplished almost everything I wanted to since I left Alricthe one goal I have left is to get rid of the Ravener. I keep asking myself what I should do after that. He nodded to Baelin. Id like to be like you, Baelin, old, very powerful and very content.


    Indeed, the chancellor said. Keep going.


    Well, I dont know how to get there, what getting<em> there </em>even looks like for me. Alex said. You asked me what makes an old person content? But, each time I suggested something, you countered it with facts: some people would be content with a life of aplishments, family, conquering and victory, knowledge, inner understanding and so onbut others wouldn''t find contentment in those things. Im wondering if the right answer is that an older person feels content when they''ve lived a life well; but there are different definitions of what a life lived well looks like. He pressed his fingers to his temples, shaking his head.


    Keep going. Baelin encouraged him.


    Alex got up and began pacing. Everyone Ive talked to has had a different way of choosing a path for their life. And what one person found satisfying, another found terrible. Isolde is happy taking the same path she and her grandfather had talked about a long time ago; Khalik would find that path pretty dull. Professor Jules wants to spend her life in theb, making alchemical discoveries, and keeping people safe; while you would probably find that really boring.


    Ah, I believe youre trying to trick an answer out of me arent you? Baelin said smoothly. I will not say either way for myself, but I can say that there are plenty of adventurers who would find that path to be incredibly dreary. Unfulfilling.


    Alex thought about Professor Jules friend whod been an adventurer until a trap brought her life to an end; Professor Ram sounded like hed done a lot of adventuring early in life, but now seemed quite content teaching at the university, and keeping to a quieter path.


    Yeah, you''re right, and damn you for not giving me a straight answer when I mentioned Professor Jules, Alex glowered at Baelin, whoughed. The point is that different lifepaths suit different people. Anddifferent people gain contentment from different lifepaths.


    Alex thought about how Uldars Marks chose people best suited to their rolethough some didnt embrace the role. Cedric seemed to love being the Chosen, but Drestra wouldve been happier<em> not </em>being the Sage of Thamnd.


    The Mark of the Fool had chosen him, though he would have been better suited to the General, butstillhe didn''t only want to be the General of Thamnd. He wanted to be much more.


    But what, exactly?


    What path would let him be as content as Baelin in ten, a hundred, or a thousand years? Everyone hed spoken to seemed so sure.


    But how could they be?


    How did they know that the lifepath they were content with now, wouldnt be unsatisfyingter. Merzhin had lived his entire life dedicated to his faith in Uldar, and when hed learned the truth about him, hede close to breaking. In his whole life hed never doubted that following Uldars teachings was what he wanted, his belief had been that deep. Hed thought he was contentbut everything hed thought, hed believed had turned out to be wrong. Then, everything changed.


    In many ways, Merzhin was still lost and likely quite broken. Where would he turn now?


    The First Apostle had beenpletely broken, but in ways that were different from Merzhin. The holy man had blindly walked a path of lies for centuries, but when hed been faced with the undeniable truth, though his mind had broken in his final moments, hed been even more dedicated andmitted to his path than ever.


    Tobias Jay, like Gabrian, was also old and dedicated to Uldarbut when hed learned about and seen Uldars treachery, he did not hesitate to denounce and turn away from him, and was soon open to embracing a different deity. Of the three holy men, if anyone should''ve been broken forever, it should''ve been the high priest of Thamnd; the First Apostle was old, but life enforcement would have kept him youthful for centuries. Maybe longer.


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    He would''ve had time to find a different path for his life.


    Tobias Jay was nearing the final days of his natural life. His <em>body</em> was old, andsooner rather thanterwould give out. There werent enough years left ahead of him to live a full lifetime dedicated to a new path.


    Maybe that''s one of the reasons why he changed his position so quickly, Alex thought. His options were few, since he didn''t have decades to spend nursing his pain and tossing around looking for a new life path. He was also pragmatic, which was easy to see when he talked about what hed done to reach his position as head of the church. And there was also the threat of the Ravener looming over Thamnd to consider. And being pragmatic, he adjusted quickly. Maybe, he would''ve reacted differently, like Merzhin or Gabrian, if hed had another lifetime to liveto choosea differentpath


    An answer struck Alex like a thunderbolt.


    The answer hed been searching for.


    Youve thought of it havent you? Baelin smiled.


    Maybe Alex looked at the ancient archwizard: his teacher and mentor, a warrior, a mage, a leaderhe was all of those things and more. You said you never made an explicit choice.


    In a manner of speaking, yes, the chancellor encouraged him.


    You said that when you first awoke to magic, you couldnt imagine that this would eventually be your life, Alex said.


    You are correct. A twinkle had entered the ancient goatmans eyes.


    Then I have a question for<em> you</em>.


    And what would that be, my young friend?


    Are you going to be the universitys chancellor forever, for the rest of your life? Alex asked.


    Baelin beamed in anticipation. I will not.


    Then <em>that''s</em> the answer! Alex pped his forehead. You never chose a single life pathbecause you have infiniteor near-infinitelifetimes ahead and behind you! You could choose to be whatever you wanted, decade by decade, century by century! You could live hundreds of different lives, make different choices whenever you wanted to!


    The chancellor began pping. Yes! Very good! And what does that tell you about yourself?


    Alex reflected on his own wants and needs, his past and his future. There''s a lot of different things I want. I want to be an alchemist, I want to run my businesses and gain wealth, I want to see the world, I want to adventure, I want to raise a family, I want to learn more powerful spells, research magicI want to do all of it. And I understand that I <em>don''t </em>have to <em>choose</em> just one! In a century, I could take a different path if I wanted to! I could return to a previous choice anytime I wanted. Im capable of lots of different things, so why would I choose just one, especially over a long lifetime?


    Baelin looked proudly at Alex, then at his trophies. You have reached an understanding, I believe. Since you turned eighteen, your life has been one where your decisions and actions were hampered by the Fools Mark. While other young wizards were free to think about and n for futures that were without forced restrictions, you obviously didnt have such freedom. In many ways, you were bound by what the Mark<em> prevented</em> you from doing. Since you were so limited, that is perhaps one reason why you gave no conscious thought to making a long term n for your life, Alex. If the Fool had never constrained you, you would have lived your life freely, not ever considering not being allowed to do certain things, but many of your decisions were made with the restrictions you were under in the back of your mind. Your choices came mostly with limitations, and this is the first time sinceing to Generasi that youve been unencumbered, and now, like your friends, you''re free to decide your future without restrictions controlling your actions. Things you couldnt think about before, you can now. Youll have to get used to that. Congrattions! Ive<em></em>been many things in my very, very long life: a hunter, a magician, an apprentice, a warrior, an advisor, a mercenary, a ruler, a sage, and nowa chancellor. I have lived entire lifetimes in one of those roles and then taken on another as easily as one would switch one''s cloak. I did not choose my life path, Alex, becauseby the time I had such high thoughts about my own futureI had sessfully found a way to extend my life. I knew I would not <em>have</em> to choose. And neither do you, in my opinion. Does this answer satisfy you?


    Yes, it does Alex beamed. The difference is that I<strong></strong>want to do certain things that you wouldnt. I want to spread the word about Hannah, for example, and help her grow in power.


    Baelins smile faded a bit. Oh my, that <em>is </em>truly a much different choice than I would make.


    You and I look at deities differently, Alex said. You see them as leeches, as you once said. You said they werent necessary, and just took power from mortals.


    And I was quite right when it came to Uldar, was I not? Baelin raised an eyebrow.


    You were, Alex said. But I don''t think you''re right about every deity. I don''t think you''re right about Hannah; she''s using her power to help people, to protect them. That''s not different from how I use my power to protect people, and how you use yours to protect your students.


    Ah, but the power is <em>mine, </em>Baelin said. And your power is yours. Your might is not derived from syphoning faith from others, it is gained through your own spells, your sharp mind, and your other strengths. The same applies to me.


    Yes, but if there''s one thing I''ve learned from having the Mark of the Fool stamped on me, it''s that power alsoes from others, Alex said. My knowledge and strength came from you, my other teachers, and my cabal. A lot of my victories were because my friends were there. And I don''t mean in some esoteric, I gained the power of friendship kinda way, I mean they were physically there to help me make the discoveries that made me more powerful. They were there to finish off enemies that were trying to kill me when I couldn''t fight back properly. And even if you take them out of ittake you, and all the professors that helped give me the knowledge to make me who I amwhat about mana? Ites from my mana pool, but my mana pool probably formed because of some mana vent elsewhere in the world. Same with yours, and that of every other wizard, as far as we know. And where does that manae from? Nobody knows.


    Alex walked toward Baelin, spreading his hands. Hannah and different deities might gain their strength from faith, but we gain our strength from the effort<strong></strong>of those that came before us Alex thought about Kelda.  and then we be the strength for those whoe after us. He thought of Selina. A Proper Wizard can handle a lot of things on their own, but you said that a Proper Wizard gets a good entourage.<strong></strong>Thats gaining power from others, isn''t it?


    That is often reciprocal, and is different from the parasitic behaviour of deities, Baelin said impassively. And I must admit, I look at the power gained a little differently than you. It is true that many do gain strength and knowledge from those who came before, but I was without a doubt a bona fide pioneer. Much of what I learned about magic I had to gain through my own experimentation. There was very little knowledge of wizardry that came before me, because there were very few wizards that came before me on this world.


    I can see your perspective, Alex said. But, I still think, you gained your mana from <em>somewhere</em>, right? It might not be quite the same as a deity using the power of faith, but if that deity then uses their divinity to protect their followersisn''t that reciprocal too?


    I do believe that a difference lies in the fact that faith can be utilised without a deity, Baelin countered. And if that is the casetake Thamnd for examplewhat use is a deity? Your kingdom and priesthood function quite well without one.


    Good point Alex said. But I still think they can be helpful. Maybe youre biased?


    Ugh, now you sound like my cabal-members. Baelin rolled his goat-like eyes, then looked at Alex thoughtfully.


    What is it? the young archwizard asked.


    I am proud of you, Alex, the chancellor said. More than I can ever convey. And I am truly fortunate to have been your teacher up to this point, although missing this past year, a time so important in your journey, has left me more sorry than you will ever know.

 Chapter 815: The Two Archwizards

    Chapter 815: The Two Archwizards


    Alex blushed at the ancient archwizards praise. Thanks, Baelin. And you don''t have to apologise, you have your ownmany livesto live. The reason why you owed your cabal a favour in the first ce was because you helped me, and I''ll be forever grateful for that; I think itd be pretty damn unreasonable of me to me you for having to repay a favour they did for you because of me. Professor Mangal taught us enough about reciprocal rtionships that I understand what they mean, and not to be resentful about having to pay something back. Especially, when you owed them because of me.


    I see that Professor Mangal has taught you well, Baelin said. But I still regret it. He sighed deeply then, looking like a rather vulnerable old man. I did mean what I said to Vernia, you know. I regret not being able to be in multiple ces at once. If I had that ability, there would be much suffering that both myself and those who I care for could avoid. There would be much that I would not have missed in your growth, in the growth of Isolde, Khalik, Thundar, CareyI wish I could''ve been here for you.


    I think we''ve all had that wish at one point or another, Baelin, Alex said. If I could have been in more than one ce at once, then maybe, I could''ve helped my parents escape the fire. I don''t know.


    Indeed. The chancellor shook himself. In any case, I have driven this pleasant conversation toward useless regret and mncholy. What I <em>should</em> be saying is how much I admire your growth. How proud I am of you. There was a time when you would not have challenged one of my deeply-held beliefs as you just did. While I do not agree with you, Alex, and likely never will, I must say well done! That said, I do not <em>have</em> to agree with you. You are growing into an independent thinker, which is what all proper teachers wish for from their students.


    Would you call me a Proper Wizard, then? Alex asked.


    I would. Baelin smiled. You and the rest of your cabal as well. Speaking of whichare they also nning to extend their lives?


    Yup. Alex said with relief. I asked them, and they were in favour of the idea.


    And have you picked the method youll use to achieve a form of immorality or at least significantly extend your lifespan? Baelin asked.


    The young wizard grimaced.


    For a while, hed thought that would be something hed look into after the Ravener problem was finished with. But, recently, hed hit on a promising idea; one that would let him, his cabal, and his family live for many lifetimes.


    At least it would, if he got the alchemical forme andpounds right.


    Hed need a certain ingredient, it wasntmon and would need to be processedbut if he could get his hands on italong with enough time in the near futurethe problem of living for millennia would be solved.


    Yeah, Alex said. I think I do.


    And what method would that be? Baelin asked.


    Alex grinned slyly, I was actually considering telling you something cryptic then making you guess the answer.


    The old goatmans cheer faded, somewhat. I suppose I would deserve that.


    Yes, you would.


    I regret teaching you.


    Well, it''s toote now.


    Both archwizardsughed before turning to the window.


    The starry sky extended high above them, like an endlessly ck sea studded with points of white fire.


    Congrattions again, by the way, Baelin said. On reaching ninth-tier spells. You had quite the path of thorns to get there, but you weathered it admirably.


    Thanks, Alex said. I couldn''t have gotten to where I am without your help.


    Baelin smiled. I am pleased to walk this path with you. So tell meif you are considering taking multiple life paths throughout your lifewhich one will you choose first, after the war is over?


    Alex smiled at the stars. I think I have a couple of ideas. He turned to his mentor. Could you do me a favour?


    What do you need? the chancellor asked.


    I''d like you to find something for me, Alex said. If you find it, I think it''s going to make the battle easier.


    Of course. And what would that be? the chancellor asked.


    Alex told him.


    Baelin smiled. It might be difficult to find, but I should be able to search it out before long. I hope your coffers are full.


    They are. Alex smiled. By the way, remember my paper on the blood magic process I cooked up? Well, it was epted and published!


    Was it now? Baelin nodded, looking pleased. How wonderful. I am d you chose to publish it.


    So am I, Alex said.


    The two wizards fell into their own thoughts, soaking in the silence.


    A rxed silence.


    Baelin. Alex said, breaking thefortable stillness.


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    Hm?


    You said you weren''t nning on being chancellor forever, Alex said. That''s not because youre dy


    Oh goodness, no, I am in no danger of imminent death, unless the battle against the Ravener is one where I am blind-sided, Baelin said smoothly. I simply meant that, while I do enjoy my tenure here, there wille a time when I will desire change and decide to seek another role.


    Who do you think will rece you? Alex asked.


    That isrgely up to the universitys board to decide, Baelin said. Though, if I have my way, Vernia will be offered the role, should she still be living when I decide to take my leave.


    Alex smiled. Shed be a very different chancellor. I think the school would change a lot.


    Some change is good and should be embraced. Some change is terrible and should be fought. And sometimes, change is just that: change. Vernias way will be different, safer of course, but I hope she would not discard too many of my philosophies. I would be heartbroken to see this university fail to create Proper Wizards: her wizards would be cautious, likely more practical, more prudent, but less able to defend themselves, I fear.


    Alex chuckled. Then it''ll be up to us Proper Wizards to make sure they can survive. We''ll be the ones crushing <em>their</em> enemies and seeing them driven before us.


    Baelin gave him a vicious grin. I suppose we will. I knew there was a reason I liked you.


    Yeah, Alex said. I''ve missed you, Baelin. I know, I said that, but I really have.


    Indeed, Im d that I will be here to witness your graduation, the chancellor said.


    Right, which reminds me! Alex whirled on Baelin. Id like to challenge the exams for credit in upper year Art of the Wizard in Combat courses! Could you sign the paperwork for me to do them?


    Baelin looked at Alex for a long moment, then shook his head. No.


    What? Why not? the young archwizard sputtered. You dont think I can handle them? Im sure I can, Baelin! I really want to graduate before we go after the Ravener, in case things go wrong!


    Oh, do not look so panicked, Baelinughed. I did not say that you could not gain credit, I merely meant that there was no need for exams. Alex, you have learned just about everything I would wish to teach you in the upper year courses of the Art of the Wizard in Combat. You have mastered utility spells as a way of defence; summoning spells to grant minions, the art of negotiation to win you allies, ways to confound your enemies, use of terrain, traps, understanding when and how to adapt. You have conquered foes that most wizards would wither to dust from even the slightest notion of facing. To me, through your conduct, you have shown the qualities necessary to justify credit. I have no need to examine you. Andas chancellorI can simply agree to grant you the credit.


    Ohthank the Traveller, thats a relief, Alex said. So, I''ll take my other exams when Hobb schedules them for me.


    Splendid. Baelin said.


    we can call defeating the Ravener my post-graduate work for the Art of the Wizard in Combat, Alex grinned.


    Hah! Then you will have to study hard!


    Alex thought about his ns for theb.


    I n to, Baelin. Believe me, I n to.


    ###


    Several weeks had passed since the chancellor had returned.


    Winter had fallen away and spring was nearly in full bloom; the hills of Greymoor had turned from snow white, to mud brown andatstwere covered in verdant flora as nt life sprouted. Constant streams of birds flew up from the southern seas, returning to their homes, as other animals emerged from their dens and burrows.


    Life was returning to thend once moreand in chaos.


    As snowkes finally gave way to spring rain, Ravener-spawn behaviour had grown more bizarre and confusing. In some parts of thend, their rampages had grown to<strong></strong>overwhelming heights.


    Entire encampments or townsof soldierswere wiped out in a single night. All of a sudden, forests would teem with dungeons in the space of a day, spawning armies of Ravener-spawn that threatened to overrun thend. The Heroesincluding AlexBjorgrund, Asmaldestre, the Generasians and the Thameish army, focused their efforts on these areas, trying to prevent the Ravener-spawn from taking over those parts of the kingdom.


    When they hurried to these turbulent spots, thinking that the Ravener had atst shown its hand and the battle they were facing would be the final one, it never was.


    No matter how many dungeon cores they destroyed, or how many Ravener-spawn they killed, there would always be more, springing up like weeds.


    On some parts of the ind though, the monsters were behaving quite differently, not rampaging but instead, helping any mortal who crossed their paths, bringing them food, providing shelter, and saving them from feral beasts.


    These acts of altruism were always temporary: at times, soldiers would be saved from some threat by a horde of Ravener-spawn, only to be attacked by a different hordeter that same day.


    Confusion soon spread through the Thameish ranks: soldiers wondered if aid would be offered to them, or death. They were in a constant state of apprehension, never knowing what to expect. However, Ravener-spawn were not the only outside forces offering aid.


    There were the Travellers miracles as well, growing more numerous with each passing day. Hannah was growing stronger.


    And she was not the only one offering them aid. Another outside force had alsoe to Thamnds aid.


    Hurry up, youyabouts! a bald wizard barked in the courtyard of Greymoor. Every heartbeat we waste here is a heartbeat ourpetitors can use to get ahead of us! You want to get paid, don''t you? Well, if we don''t hurry and get those cores, there wont be any pay for anyone!


    Yes, sir! cried the small army of Generasian mercenaries. They were obviously a high-priced warbanddecked out in the finest magical armour while bearing powerful, finely crafted weapons. Each one of them was mounted on a winged stallion that stood in orderly ranks lined up in the courtyard before their employer, the man sat astride the back of a trained wyvern.


    Then let us fly! the bald wizardmanded. Come now!


    As one, the mercenary army soared high above the keep, winging their way north to join the war effort. They were not alone. Alex watched from the Research Castles battlements as more Generasi mercenaries and private armies flooded out through the gate and over the hills of Greymoor.


    They moved with determination, urgencyand greed.


    Look at all of them, Theresa whispered beside Alex.


    <em>I hopethey know what they are getting intoare they really here for coin? </em>ygon asked.


    Coin and desperation, since Kartika lifted the ban, Alex said. Toraka said thats not surprising, its what happens when folk realise that a valuable resource could soon be scarce.


    I heard words going around the city that were close to getting rid of the Ravener, Theresa said.


    ording to Baelin and Professor Jules, Councillor Kartika purposely let that information get around, Alex said. Once anyone with a spirit of adventure and a desire for coin heard dungeon core substance could be a finite resource soon, they started scrambling, desperate to get their hands on as much as they could.


    They''re calling it the Dungeon Core Rush in some ces. Theresa shook her head. They''re no more than vultures: they don''t care about us, they just want to grab as many resources as they can.


    Alex shrugged. Let them, he said. It helps us: the more people are here, fighting dungeons, the more we can focus on what we need to do. Ugh, I understand what Baelin meant about wanting to be in multiple ces at once. Anyway, after today, hopefully, Ill have one big task wiped off my list, because tomorrow: I challenge the Exams for Credit.


    <em>Do you think you willseed todayfather?</em> ygon asked.


    Yeah. Alex red across the hills. Itll give the Ravener something to sweat about<strong>. </strong>But, well need our guest<strong></strong>to be able to finish the next preparations.


    He looked at the position of the sun. Looks like its about time to go get them.

 Chapter 816: The Saint in the Lab

    Chapter 816: The Saint in the Lab


    Alex and his guest materialised inside the courtyard of the Research Castle. They made an odd duo, one broad shouldered, tall and powerfully built, the other short, slight, and looked at least five years younger than his actual twenty years.


    Saint Merzhin looked around the courtyard with a mncholy expression. So this is where you and the others would train. This was where Carey lived and worked, wasnt it? It feels strange, and even a little lonely, finallying here after so much time.


    The atmosphere around the two Heroes became a bit more awkward for a while, both knowing very well why Merzhin hadnt been permitted in Greymoor. Neither wanted to acknowledge the reason out loud.


    Alex cleared his throat. It''ll be good to have you here, he said, ufortably. He could probably count the number of times on his two hands that hed spent alone with the Saint of Uldar since hed first met him, though theyd be friendlier over the past few weeks<strong></strong>when Alex had started meeting with the other Heroes to help battle Ravener-spawn, and train Cedric, Drestra, and his cabalmates near the Heroes encampment. Even now, Alex would still hesitate to call him<strong></strong>friend.


    They were allies, to be sureand the archwizard empathised with the Saintbut there was a distance between them that had yet to be crossed.


    If it ever would be crossed.


    The General shook away feelings of difort. This wasnt the time for that. They had important work to do.


    If youll follow me, Alex said, Ill take you to theb. Were in the final stages of a few projects in the research building, and you might be able to help us.


    Understood, Merzhin said. Lead the way. Where are your otherpanions?


    My cabals back at school, and Theresa and ygon went to hunt dungeon cores, Alex said, leading him toward the Research Castle.


    I see. The small Hero followed, his eyes hardly leaving his feet.


    The pair walked through the courtyard in the cold drizzle, ignoring the weather.


    Carey worked with you here, didnt she? Merzhin asked.


    Yes, she did, Alex said, opening the door to the outerboratory. She helped a lot.


    was she happy working here? Merzhin asked.


    Yeah, she was, Alex said, remembering the young womans enthusiasm. At least that''s the way it seemed to me. She was troubled after we found out what we did about the dungeon cores, butI think she was still happy with our work. She wanted to give her all when it came to defeating the Ravener, and thats what she was doing here. Every day.


    I see, Merzhin said, going quiet, even as Alex was showing him how to put on his safety equipment.


    Alex watched him closely.


    There was alistlessness to the Saints movements. A dullness in his eyes and ack of vigour in his expression. Hed lost weight too; in some ways, he reminded the young wizard of the skeletons wandering the ruins under the Barrens of Kravernus.


    Merzhin had seemed to be more despondent since theyd listened to Uldars journal.


    That was obviously another shock for him, Alex thought, leading Merzhin through the outerbpassing curious researchers, busy exploring the capabilities of dungeon corestoward the innerb, where Uldars notes waited and measures against the Ravener were being hammered out.


    It''ll just be two of us for now, Alex said. Baelin, Professor Jules and Isolde will be joining us shortly, but for now, we can use the time getting you up to speed on what weve been doing, and what well need your help with.


    I am at your disposal, Merzhin said, his voice sounding dead.


    Alex nced back at himmeeting his eyes through the lenses of his maskbut neither he nor the Saint said anything further.


    Merzhin didnt say a single word until they had entered the secretb and closed the door behind them. Alex activated the magical lights, andfor a momentthe Saint blinked against the sudden brightness.


    His eyes flew wide when he spotted the object in the centre of the room.


    <em>What is that?</em> he cried.


    Alex followed his gaze. Oh that? It doesnt have a name yet. But the best way I can describe it isinsurance. No, thats not quite rightprotection.


    The archwizard approached the device.


    It was sizableabout five feet tall and just as wideand looked to be an odd, metallic tree forged of zinc, copper and other alchemical materials. At the bottom of the trees trunk was a mana generator that powered the device, which floated on a forcedisk.


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    Each of the machines metallic branches were tipped with familiar ck orbs: dungeon cores, emitting a low hum, and a barely detectable growl.


    Are those all dungeon cores? Merzhin asked, then shook himself. A foolish question. What do you intend to do with all of those dungeon cores? That is the question I should be asking. What is this machine supposed to be protection from?


    The Ravener, Alex said. Or at least one of the Raveners abilities.


    He pointed to the wall nearby: pasted across it were the schematics theyd taken from Uldars notes. Over a dozen cutaways were on disy, each showing a different configuration of the Raveners inner magic circuitry. Beneath the diagrams were an assortment of notes: some were Uldarstranted into modern alchemical symbolswhile others were the research teams own hypotheses and notations.


    See that diagram there? Alex pointed to a sheet in the centre of the rest. That seems to be mana circuitry responsible for restoring the Ravener.


    What? Merzhin looked at him sharply. Drestra was telling us that you were looking for something like that in Uldars notes. So you have found it!


    Yes, recently, and thats one of the reasons why you''re here today. The General of Thamnd fixed his attention on the diagram in disgust. Our dead god Merzhin winced. Alex ignored him. was, I have to admit, pretty brilliant. We nearly missed the correct section. But, fortunately, Baelin noticed a <em>very</em> old notation for a restoration glyph. Apparently, some ancient societies used to use them to make self-repairing buildings. The practice fell out of favour because of how expensive it wasits a lot easier to just hire a mason to carve more stone, than it is to set up the glyph. But, Uldar made a version that works with other circuitry to reconstitute the Ravener.


    So you can shut it off? Merzhin asked excitedly. Can you change its innercircuits to stop it from reforming?


    Alex grimaced under his mask. Were working on that. Uldar was <em>very</em> thorough: thats only <em>one</em> restoration glyph. One of <em>twenty</em> weve found so far: he put a lot of redundancies in the Ravenerprobably to stop anyone from doing what were trying to do right now.


    Oh Merzhin said, looking at the dungeon core-tree device. And that machine is supposed to help with that?


    Not really, Alex said, approaching the device again. He ran a finger along one of the dungeon cores attached to it. But we figuredif were going to try and change functions in the Ravenerwe should practise on the next best thing we have: dungeon cores. Drestra, Carey and I already controlled somemaking them do what we wantedbut we thought that if we could make <em>permanent </em>changes to the cores, wed have a better chance of making permanent changes to the Ravener.


    I see, Merzhin said. So are you trying to make the dungeon coresgood? Non-threatening? Helpful, like some of the Ravener-spawn have been? The Saints voice grew quiet. Could <em>we</em> do the same to the Ravener itself?


    Alex shook his head. We don''t think that''ll be possible. There''s a big difference between trying to make a small change to one of its systems, and trying to change its entire purpose. At that point, it bes easier just to break the whole thing. No, we''re not trying to change the dungeon cores to make them helpful. We''re trying to change them to stop the Ravener from killing us in its dungeon.


    What do you mean? Merzhin asked.


    Well, it makes sense thatwherever the Ravener isits going to be hidden in some deep dungeon somewhere. Andunless I get really lucky and can teleport us right into its facethat means we''re going to have to fight our way to it. At which point, whats to stop it from just crushing us in one of its tunnels?


    Oh mythat makes sense Merzhin said. So this tree is supposed to stop that?


    When it''s finished Alex said. it''ll send out a field that''ll make it more difficult for the Ravener to control the earth around us. The inside of the trees trunk is covered in earth-magic glyphs, theyre meant to empower the dungeon cores ability to alter the terrain of a dungeon. We changed the function of the cores, and made them capable of controlling the earth in <em>any</em>dungeon, not just their own. Then we set them to counter attempts to alter the ground: that should prevent the big ck ball from just caving in the ceiling on our heads when we''re in its dungeon.


    Ah, that does sound important, Merzhin said. And what else have you worked on?


    Well, theres this. Alex pointed to another device sitting on a pedestal off to the side of the room. It was made of bane and looked like a hollowed out dagger with a cage of twisted metal as its hilt: inside the cage was a container made of mana-reinforced ss. That''s an injection device, its made of bane, and other parts I scavenged from Keldas machine, the one I used to remove the Fools Mark. It should work together with a poison to attack the Raveners essence, that we''re almost finished developing. <strong></strong>


    Oh my! Merzhin peered at the machine, sounding fascinated. And all youll have to do is just stick that into the Raveners surface?


    Maybe Alex said. The poisonand this devicewould work a lot better if the toxin was injected directly into the Raveners mana generators and nodes where a lot of its magic circuitryes together.


    <em>Inside</em> the Ravener? Merzhin asked. How are we going to get inside of it?


    We''re working on that, Alex said. Anyway, thats not what we needed your help with.


    Alex approached a table scattered with page upon page of alchemical forme and conjecture. We need your help with a divinity problem.


    I see. so what sort of problem? Merzhin asked.


    You have a much deeper knowledge of Uldar and faith than the rest of us do, the General of Thamnd said. And we''re hoping that your knowledge will help us solve thest two parts of our n. We suspect that the Ravener draws power from fear in a simr way that a deity draws power from faith; we also suspect that the Ravener is <em>innately</em> connected to Thamnd. Were thinking that the same way people praying to Uldar creates divinity, peoples fear of the Ravener gives it a way toe back.


    The General of Thamnd pointed to a diagram of something resembling a mana vacuum. When golems lose control in a workshop, the quickest way to stop themwithout destroying themis to use a mana vacuum to syphon away the energy.


    Alex tapped the diagram. The idea is that part of the device will attach to the mana circuitry on the inside of the Ravener, while the other part will be attached to the outside. That <em>should</em> funnel away its energy; we know for sure that this device will work on <em>mana, but,</em> the problem is that we don''t know if it''s going to syphon away fear.<strong></strong>Our poison will damage the Raveners essence, but we want to make sure it can''t just draw on more energy and revive itself. So, the first thing we wanted to ask <em>you</em>is if we''ll be able to turn this device into something that can work on fear.


    Merzhin shook his head. I do not think you can. As a matter of fact, I think you are looking at this incorrectly. Your approach is wrong.

 Chapter 817: The Nature of Divinity and Mana

    Chapter 817: The Nature of Divinity and Mana


    Incorrectly? Alex asked. What do you mean by that? I remember you saying that divinity works by channelling a god''s power through a gate in the soul. That means it could be channelled out in the same way, couldnt it?


    It is possible, Merzhin said. But I do not think that the way you are going about this is going to work. You are treating divinity too much like mana. They are different. Divinityes from faith. Faith is not bound by circuitry or machines; it is faith, and is far more intangible. It does not require magic circuits or spell arrays, or alchemy or machines or forme. All it requires is belief, and I do not think a machine could control it.


    Alex frowned. With respect, Merzhin, people once looked at mana in the same way. If you go back far enough, then the only way people became wizards and sorcerers was by making contracts with otherworldly, magical beings. People didn''t think there was a science to it in those early days, but there was. We know the science very well now. I bet you divinity is the same: life enforcement has been studied a lot, for example.


    Merzhin raised an eyebrow. I know very little about life enforcement, but I did some reading on the art after our encounter with the First Apostle. I know there is a lot of theory to it: how divinity mingles with lifeforce, flowing through meridians and pathways in the body and soul. But I ask you this: what is the basic thing you need to be a wizard?


    Mana, Alex said. A mana pool.


    Alright, and what stops people from being able to practise life enforcement? Everyone has a life force, so shouldnt everyone be capable of the art? Merzhin asked.


    They might be, Alex said a little defensively. My blood magic process mimics the first step of life enforcement: that''s how it made Hart and me stronger.


    And tell me, are you and Hart able to continue down the path of life enforcement? Merzhin asked.


    I don''t know, Alex said. I''ve never grown any stronger when I''ve been doing meditation, and I can''t feel my own life force in the same way that Theresa can.


    Neither can Hart, Merzhin said.


    It suddenly struck Alex that Merzhin had stopped referring to Hart and the other Heroes by their titles alone.


    He wondered what that meant.


    Hart has tried learning the art from Grimloch but could advance no further, Merzhin said.


    Well. That''s alright, there''s lots of different paths to power, Alex said.


    But what stops one from being able to practise it, even after your process has transformed them? Merzhin asked. What specifically? What makes one ipatible?


    Alex shrugged. I don''t know.


    Precisely. We also do not know why some members of a faith can be a priest who wields miracles, yet some are never able to do so. Merzhin said somberly. There are some within the clergy who study for decades, and never manage to channel a single ounce of divinity through their soul. Their faith is no shallower and their dedication no weaker than those around them who can call upon miracles. And we still have no idea why that is.


    We will one day, Alex insisted.


    But when will that day be? Merzhin asked. Divinity is a force that actively avoids understanding. Faith is power, and faith existspletely independently from knowledge. Sometimes, knowledge is the enemy of faith: after all, the faith of a child is often purest of all.


    Knowledge didn''t weaken you, Merzhin, the General said to him. You learned all about Uldars revolting deeds, yet you can still work miracles. Tobias Jay stopped being a follower of Uldar, even in private from what I understand, and has lost none of his powers.


    Merzhins eyes turned sombre through his mask. Another mystery. Are you aware of the tale of Former Father Gerard?


    No, Alex admitted.


    The Saint took a deep breath, like a preacher standing before his flock. It is a tale not usually told to those outside<strong></strong>the<strong></strong>clergy, so it is not well known. It is said that Gerard was<strong></strong>once a dedicated priest to Uldar, praying incessantly, preaching of his deeds and doing his works. He conducted himself with utter dedication. His faith was insurmountableuntil one dayafter a great tragedyhis faith was shattered. And yet he still continued to be able to work miracles. He cursed Uldars name with every breath that he took, and screamed at how he had been<strong></strong>forsakenbut yet his power did not diminish at all. Counter this with the story of Simon of Sin. Simon was a priest as well, one who lived muchter than Gerard. He grew weary of the burdens of priesthood, and began performing his duties out of obligation, not any true dedication to Uldar. Over time, his ability to work miracles faded and he left the clergy behind. There have been many philosophers within the church who have suggested theories as to why one kept their power, yet the other didnt. But the point is, it is still a mystery.


    Right Alex mused. So you''re saying that divinity and faith aren''t tangible enough to be easily channelled through a machine. I dont buy that; I think one day we''ll understand it.


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    As I said, it defies understanding, Merzhin said softly, his voice a mix of reverence andsomething else. Disdain, perhaps? To understand it, how long will that take? Would we be able to understand how to channel faith so we can finish the Ravener when the timees?


    Alex paused.


    He thought about that for a time. In a way, Merzhin had a point: a lot of the books on divinity that hed read to trante Uldars notes wereforck of a better wordhazy. There were lots of theories, but few solid facts about how divinity worked. Even Keldas notes were vague and somewhat mysterious: there were a massive amount of notes on how divinity interacted with the soul, but only theories on how divinity itself could be channelled.


    Let''s say you''re right Alex said. What would you suggest instead?


    Faith should be met by faith, Merzhin said. Uldarid down purpose and order for the Ravener. That must be countered by simr purpose and order. An interdiction would suffice.


    An interdiction Alex thought about the First Apostles power. Gabrian had used interdictions to stop mana from being channelled at Uldars Rise. The Third Apostle had also used an interdiction to stop him from channelling his power, which the young archwizard had eventually ovee. So, could an interdiction be used to stop the Ravener from thriving on fear? Something like <em>The Ravener shall no longer be able to channel the power of fear?</em>


    Probably not. I dont think that would work, Merzhin said. Uldar crafted the Ravener himselfthe Ravener is one of his mightiest servantsI dont think I or anyone else could order it not to take in fear. I think themand muste from the opposite direction. Something like <em>Thamnds fear shall no longer touch the Ravener. </em>or <em>Thamnd shall forevermore sever its connection with the Ravener.</em> Thamnd is Uldars divine realm in the material world; an interdiction could cause it to cut all connection with the Ravener and stop fear from being channelled into it.


    Right Alex considered what the Saint had said, growing excited. Thatsjeez, I feel kind of stupid for not thinking of that. Weve been so busy trying to solve problems by using the methods we know best, that it never urred to anyone to try the simplest solution. An interdiction.


    I am d you see it now, Merzhin said, with relief in his voice.


    Alex thought about the Saints words. He shook his head. The young wizard had been thinking too much like a modern mage. Like an alchemist.


    In part, the Ravener was crafted with magic that predated most modern theories of wizardry, along with divinity. It made sense that the solution was more arcane, and not as easy as simply being able to alchemy the problem away.


    Keldas machine for removing the Mark had some esotericponents to its power as well.


    Honestly, I''m a little disappointed that I didn''t see it earlier, Alex said. I''m supposed to be the guy who pulls together different disciplines in order to solve problems. Instead, we kept trying to use one discipline to solve a problem it wasnt suited for. This is great!


    Merzhin looked at him with sad eyes. I''m d you think so. But I would like you to keep this between u


    As he spoke, the door opened.


    Ah, early as always, Baelin said, leading Professor Jules and Isolde into the room.


    Good morning, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said. She looked at the Saint of UldarAlex noticed a hint of hostility in her eyes. We meet again, St. Merzhin.


    Oh, er, a pleasure to meet you again as well, Merzhin said, shaking her hand.


    Merzhin, nice to see you again, Isolde called, already crossing the room to set up her station.


    Yes, the Saint said tly.


    Then he turned to Baelin, craning his neck to look up at the goatman wizard.


    The chancellor was staring down at him, his expressionpletely unreadable, even to Alex as his eyes bore into the Saint.


    He suddenly grinned, extending his hand to Merzhin. So you are the famous Saint of Thamnd? It is good to finally meet you.


    Er, um, yes. Merzhins gloved hand shook Baelins. Er, good to meet you as well...sir. Alex was just filling me in on your work, and I''ll be d to help today however I can.


    Indeed, Baelin looked at him thoughtfully.


    Everyone! Alex called, once the introductions were made. I''ve got news! Merzhin here is absolutely brilliant!


    Erm, Alex. The Saint held up a hand. Perhaps we


    But the General of Thamnd was much too excited about the Saints solutionand more than a little ashamed that he hadnt thought of it himselfto hold back.


    We mightve been going about trying to counter the Raveners power over fear and its connection to Thamnd all wrong. The young archwizard continued. Let me tell you what Merzhin said.


    And so Alex did just that.


    He spoke of Merzhins ideas on their n to counter the Raveners fear, as well as the Saints idea about using an interdiction.


    Right, right, Alex caught himself when hed finished exining. I''m probably stealing a bit of Merzhins thunder here, so maybe he should tell you more about his idea. I mean, even if our <em>original</em> n could work, it''s not the most simple solution. Merzhins is sort of brilliant


    He paused.


    The Saint was looking away from the others, one hand sped over his other wrist and his feet pointing toward each other. His shoulders had slumped and his eyes were squinting, as though he was either in great painor anticipating some.


    What''s wrong? Alex asked.


    Nothing, Merzhin said. You''re right, though, I should exin myself.


    Of course, go ahead, Merzhin, Isolde said.


    This is a fascinating idea, Professor Jules encouraged him to keep going.


    Merzhin went on to exin some of what he knew of divinity and why their solution might not be as efficient, or as simple as his.


    Isolde and Professor Jules nodded along, just as Alex hadbut the young archwizard had begun to feel uneasy. Something felt off. He couldnt quite put his finger on it, but there was something too easy about what Merzhin was saying.


    Something thabined with the Saints obvious difortthe small Hero might have been purposefully omitting.


    It was obvious that he wasnt the only one feeling uneasy.


    While Isolde and Professor Jules nodded along with Merzhins exnation, Baelin watched him with the stillness of a statue. He hardly moved. He hardly breathed. His eyes never left Merzhins masked face.


    When the Saint finished, the ancient wizard was the first to speak.


    Young man, it would seem that your n is well thought out. Very well thought out, Baelin said. As though you have been considering this option for a while: an interdiction, you say?


    Well, I have been giving it some thought Merzhin began.


    And you have not shared all of those thoughts with us, have you? Baelin asked.


    I-I have, Merzhin stuttered. His bodynguage screamed; lie.


    Really? Then tell me this. Baelin sped his hands behind his back and leaned forward. How do you n to power such an interdiction? One strong enough to cover the <em>entire</em> kingdom?


    Alex froze.


    <em>Thats</em> what had been bothering him!

 Chapter 818: Merzhins Hidden Penance

    Chapter 818: Merzhin''s Hidden Penance


    Even in Thamnd, the First Apostles interdiction had only reached Uldars Rise, only reaching that distance because Uldars Rise had a uniquely potent connection to the god.


    How in all the hells then, was someone supposed to cover <em>all</em> of Thamnd with an interdiction?


    It would be difficult to include the entire kingdom, Merzhin said. But not impossible. The hidden church was able to make interdictions in a foreignnd using consecrated soil from Uldars Rise, ording to Alex. If we were to consecrate certain points around Thamnds coast


    one could temporarily extend Uldars domain far enough for an interdiction to cover Thamnds borders, Baelin said. You would not be able to eliminate mana in the entire realm, but it could be denied to a single individual within its bordersand likely only a single individual, since it is such a wide areaas long as the interdiction was <em>very </em>focused<strong>. </strong>


    Exactly Merzhin said.


    I am no Fool, young Merzhin, the chancellors voice was firm. The amount of divinity that this act would require would be enormous. You would have to channel an ocean''s worth of energy through the gate in your soul...causing it to shatter like a dropped egg.


    Merzhin went still, seemingly not breathing.


    But, thats what you want, isn''t it? Alex asked him gently. You''re <em>trying</em> to die.


    N-no, the Saint said uneasily. I think my soul could handle it. It''s just a matter of preparing myself.


    No, your soul couldnt handle such an interdiction, Alex shook his head.


    What do you know about it? Merzhin red at the wizards around him.


    Isolde stood frozen in ce.


    Professor Jules had taken a step forward. Merzhin, you cannot


    I am the one who has expertise in divinity, the Saint insisted. I have experienced it, unlike the rest of you.


    True. Baelin said, patting his own chest. But,<em> I </em>have engaged with more individuals than I can count, who have used divinity, though I have not focused on the art in the same way a devoted practitioner would. And I have studied my enemies in-depth, as a Proper Wizard would.


    And I am the most devoted, the Saint fired back. I know divinity, and I know my own soul. I know what I can handle, and what I can''t. I can handle this: the Mark of the Saint has empowered me.


    Merzhin, not that long ago, you said you couldnt channel interdictions at all, Alex reminded him, continuing to speak in gentle tones. I was there: and now you''re telling me you''re going to be able to channel an interdiction that''ll cover the entire kingdom? The only way I could see that is if you have a n that involves just letting your soul shatteron purpose. II noticed that whenever you say you''ll be safeyou look away from us. Listen, Im not going to let you destroy your own soul.


    I he paused. What choice do we have? We need to stop the Ravener, and we need to do everything we can to make sure it doesn''t return. What if you use all of your different solutions, and theyre still not enough? What if its connection to Thamnd is what lets it regenerate? Better for my soul to be destroyed, rather than for countless generations to keep suffering.


    Alexs eyes narrowed through his mask. You''re doing this because of Carey, aren''t you?


    What? What are you


    I''d feel guilty too. The General of Thamnd put a hand on the smaller mans shoulder. Aforting hand. I''d feel like shit knowing and thinking Id dedicated my entire life to a god who wanted to kill everyone. A god whod made a regenerating horror to make sure people worshipped him to keep him alive. A god that never really cared about me. A dead god. If it wasnt for my dedication to that god, maybe my good friend would still be alive. If thats what you''re thinking, well, think again.


    Alexs voice grew stern. Carey died for all of us, including you. She wanted you to help us and to heal, not die. You''re as much a victim in all of this as the rest of us.


    Merzhin pped Alexs hand away from his shoulder. Tears began to run, visible through the lenses of his mask. His breath sounded ragged. Don''t act like you know how it feels! Don''t! You don''t know how much it hurts!


    I don''t, Alex said.


    Exactly! And have a care for your hypocrisy, Merzhin pushed. The hidden church was tricked just as the rest of us were, and you showed <em>them </em>no sympathy! I do not need it either, because I am the same as them!


    No. Youre not! Alexs voice was like the crack of a whip.


    Merzhin startled. What do you mean, Im not?


    They made their choices. <em>Before </em>we found out Uldar was dead, you were helping us.


    It took Careys death to drive me there. Some Saint, I am. My only true friend had to die to allow me to see the light. Merzhin''s slight frame trembled.


    I Alex startedthen froze.


    <em>Some Saint, I am.</em>


    Hold on now, he said. Hold on, hold on, just hold on! You dont have to sacrifice yourself, Merzhin!


    What? the Saint looked frightened. What are you saying to me!


    Yes, exactly what <em>do</em> you mean Mr. Roth? Professor Jules demanded.


    Hannah. Hannah was a Saint of Uldar! Excitement was surging inside him. And she was a hell of a lot more experienced than you, Merzhin, <em>and now,</em> she''s bing a demigoddess!


    That divinity would make her soul many times stronger than a mortals, Baelin mused. YesI see. You mean for her to perform the interdiction, Alex?


    It''s a longshot, Alex said. But she''s getting stronger. If we manage to get her back into the material worlpletelybefore we fight the Ravener, <em>she</em> could use her connection to Uldar. Thats how the interdiction gets performed without anybody needing to die.


    Yesthat is brilliant! Isolde cried. And <em>her</em> soul would surely be strong enough.


    Baelin nodded. For an interdiction as focused as the one that would be needed? I believe it would have to be; even demi-deities can aplish great deeds within their divine domains. Ahand as a matter of factworship of her is spreading throughout Thamnd. She might be able to perform the interdiction twice: once, with Uldars power, and another time with her own.


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    We would need her here, in the material world, though. Professor Jules began to pace. Can we guarantee that we can bring her back?


    Not Alex paused, thinking quickly. Faith in her <em>is</em> spreading, shes growing stronger andwait, I have an idea. Even if we don''t get her back <em>beforehand,</em> we can use


    Suddenly, the Saint let out a mournful cry. Then I can''t atone like that!<strong></strong>


    Burying his face in his hands, he rushed from theb.


    Merzhin! Isolde called.


    I''ll go after him, Alex said. Shit, this was my fault.


    We will stay here, then, Baelin said. We can continue working on the poison.


    Alright, thanks, Alex said, teleporting from the room.


    It didnt take the young archwizard long to find the Saint of Thamnd. Merzhin had already left the outerb and was on the final step leading to the Castle wall.


    Alex felt panic rising.


    <em>Oh no.</em>


    The General of Thamnd teleported onto the wall, appearing in front of the Saint. Don''t do that, was all he said.


    The Saint had ripped off his mask and his chest was heaving. He gave the General an offended look. I''m not nning on doing what youre thinking, he said. It would be pointless and wouldnt absolve me of what Ive done anymore than any other useless gesture. I came up here to think. To breathe.


    Oh, then breathe away, Alex stepped aside. A quick nce at the Saints bodynguage showed he was being truthful. But, if you don''t mind, I''m going to stay here just in case you change your mind.


    Merzhin grunted, pushing past Alex and walking across the wall, and leaning against the parapet. The General followed him, staying near.


    It was wet. The rain had stopped.


    For a time, the two young men were silent.


    Then Merzhin broke it, angrily. You had to do that, didn''t you? He shook his head usingly. It would have been so perfect. So beautiful. A sacrifice, like Careys in exchange for what I did to her. But now, if I were to do what I was thinking of, it would be for my own selfishness.


    The Saint gave a low, bitterugh. I know that theres wisdom in Hannah performing the interdiction instead of me. If <em>I</em> did it, then there would be a good<strong></strong>chance that it wouldnt work at allbecause my soul might break too soon. Which would make my sacrifice pointless at best, and useless, at worst. I agree, Hannah is the far better choice, and I admit that, even as Im considering ways to pour as much strength into her as I can, <em>almost</em> against my own will. He said despondently.


    You want to make amends, Alex said. But now, if you do what you wanted to dowhen there''s another solutionyou''d be doing it for yourself.


    Rendering my deed pointless, Merzhin finished. Was I born into this world simply to make mistakes? Is that it? Was I born only to make myself and others miserable? Nothing seems to turn out the way it should. I follow a deity, and he turns out to be a monster. I trust fellow members of my church, and they turn out to be viins. The enemy I dedicated my life to destroying is in league with the god I worshipped. I was responsible for getting my own friend killed. I abhorred you, yet apparently, you are not only my rightfulmander, but one of the few people who have been working consistently to eliminate thisnds gue from the beginning. I was isted from the other Heroes because I was unpleasant to be around. Why?


    Merzhin turned to Alex. Why do you show no ire toward me, while the hidden church experienced only wrath from you? I asked you this before, but you never answered me.


    Alex looked at Merzhin for a long moment. And how many people did the hidden church kill? Hm?


    I do not know. If we consider how many historical members of the hidden church there could have been, the number is likely uncountable. We will probably never know how many the <em>current</em> generation has killed.


    Thats right, Alex continued. And, heres the thing. They never changed their ways. The First Apostle never changed, even after he saw Uldars corpse; he just became more rabid. You''re a victim like the rest of us, because <em>you</em> didnt do what they did. You changed. When Carey died, you started making different choices. <em>They</em> doubled down, no matter <em>who</em> died, or who they killed. You''re a good person with a good heart, Merzhin, and that heart was led astray.


    Kind words, Merzhin scoffed. But, I find them hard to believe. Within myself, my emotions and soul churn. My life has lost its meaning several times over; I thought I could return meaning to it by atoning


    The Saint looked at Alex. Carey was lost for a time; she struggled too. Then, when she sacrificed herself, she found peace. I want thatpeace and penance. I''m not sure I will ever have either.


    I don''t know, Alex said. For what it''s worth, I thinkif you''re looking for penanceerasing Uldars evil legacy is about the best penance anyone could ask for.


    And peace? Merzhins voice broke. What about peace? How do I live with what I''ve done?


    all I can say is that I don''t think Carey found peace because she died, Alex said. I think she found peace in the Traveller. That was her way to peace, but I guess everyone''s got their own path to get there.


    What was yours? Merzhin asked.


    Mine? Alex let out a bitterugh. I''m not at peace right now. I''m a big ball of worries, anger, excitementjust emotions. Sometimes sorrow. Sometimes grief. I just keep walking forward.


    How? Merzhin asked. I have nightmares every nighttely. They follow me into my waking moments. My entire existence is guilt and grief.


    Alex winced. I''ve been there.


    You have?


    My parents died in a fire, Alex said grimly. I saw it.


    OhI am sorry, I didnt know that, the Saint said. Normally, I would hear of your troubles and offer you wisdom andfortas I did with those who came to me when I was still living in the church. But, I don''t think I canfort you or anyone else right now.


    Alex shook his head. Its not about youforting me. I only brought up what happened to my parents to show you that I''ve been in that dark ce too. My pain was in the past, but yours is here and now. We''re talking about you; its not about me right now.


    Merzhin gave him a wan smile and sniffed. Thank you for that. If only your words were an incantation that could help me feel better.


    What do you want, Merzhin? Alex asked then, watching Merzhins bodynguage. You say you want peace and penance, but what does that look like? How would you know that youve found your peace?


    I would be able to focus, the Saint said. I wouldnt be listless, and I would have more energy to go forward. My thoughts would not turn to self-destruction, and I couldhave space in my mind to think.


    Space in your mind to think Alex paused. I might be able to help you with that. I have a technique that I wish Id known back when I was grieving my parents. It might be able to help you: it helps me get through my own thoughts, and continue with what I have to do.


    It sounds like something that could be of benefit to me, Merzhin said. Something I can do.


    It''s not a magic fix, Alex said. It''s just a simple meditation technique, if youre still interested?


    I am.


    Alright, then I want you to close your eyes, Alex said. What we''re going to do is have your soule toplete rest: thats what I did when I harvested parts of my soul


    What? You did what? Merzhin looked at him horrified.


    Alex waved the Saints shock away. Nevermind, forget I said that. Anyway, close your eyes. First, I want you to focus your attention on your body. Starting with the crown of your head, I want you to move your attention down. You''re going to bring your attention to your eyebrows, then, your eyes, then your mouth, your neck, then to the feeling of your robe on your shoulders, your chest, your legs, and then your feet. Youll feel the weight of your feet in your shoes and as you do, I want you to take a deep breathbreathe in for four seconds, hold the breath for seven seconds, and then breathe out for a count of eight. Alright? What well be doing is called a grounding technique.


    Understood, Merzhin said. And what if unwanted thoughtse into my mind?


    Acknowledge them, Alex said. Let your mind acknowledge their existence, then let them pass over you like water over rock. Acknowledge them without judgement: a simple, this thought is here is enough. That will help calm the emotion tied to such thoughts. Alright?


    Alright, Merzhin said, his eyes closed.


    Okay, Alex said. I''ll lead you.


    With that, the General of Thamnd led the Saint through his first meditation and grounding exercise, keeping count of his breaths, guiding his attention over his own body, and bringing him back to the present.


    The archwizard performed the exercise as well, both of them breathing as one.


    Calm spread through Alexand he noticed Merzhins breathing be more even. His sniffles calmed, his bodynguage rxed.


    After a time, Merzhin opened his eyes.


    I feel better, calmer, the Saint sounded surprised. <em>Much</em> better. more at peace.


    You''re clearing some of the power from your emotions, Alex said. That''s what life enforcement practitioners do. A thought struck the General. You might want to do that exercise regrly: and with enough practice, you''ll be able to use it<strong></strong>all the time. It''ll help give you some relief, and calm your soul.<strong></strong>


    Yescalm the soul, Merzhin said. Perhaps itll be a good way to strengthen my soul-gate as well. Yes, I think I''m going to include it in my daily prayers. He smiled weakly. Thank you, General. I think this will help me greatly


    His words abruptly stopped when a blinding light suddenly red to life on his body, illuminating his robes.


    His Markthe Mark of the Saintburned bright, shining like the rays of the sun.

 Chapter 819: Learnings Reward

    Chapter 819: Learning''s Reward


    The Mark of the Saint red as brightly as the noonday sun, sending Alex stumbling back, shielding his eyes.


    What''s happening? he cried. Merzhin, whats happening?


    All around the startled archwizard, came cries of rm.


    Watchers of Roal and their fellow guards scrambled to the top of the Castle wall. From the courtyard below, people were calling to each other.


    Yet, Merzhinthe Saint of Thamndwas silent.


    Merzhin! Alex screamed. Merzhin, are you alright?


    There was no reply, but the light grew brighter. What was it? Was it a trap? A Ravener attack?


    Alexs heart was pounding.


    How much did they <em>actually</em> know about the Marks? They had Uldars notes, but they were only partially tranted. They had his journal, but his memory had been declining; he might easily have forgotten something important.


    Clenching his teeth, Alex moved toward the light, reaching toward Merzhin. If he could just find the Saint, he could teleport him to safety. Maybe he could bring him to a healer, if he needed one.


    Maybe he coulddo <em>somethinganything!</em>


    But, he couldnt see the small Heros form: the only thing he could make out was the golden glow of Uldars hand. And thats what Alex reached for.


    Ill help you, Merzhin! the archwizard cried. Dont worry, Im going to


    Alexs hand brushed the Mark of the Saint.


    Suddenly, a massive pain burned across his right shoulder, as though a metal rod had been pressed against his flesh. The Mark of the General began to ze, though not as blindingly as Merzhins symbol.


    Light emanating from the Mark of the General began pulsing, throbbing rhythmically, like a beating heart. The Mark of the Saint pulsed in time.


    Alex felt a connection forming between the two Marks.


    A stream of energy opened, flowing through the Mark of the Generallike a gatewaystreaming to the Mark of the Saint. For a moment, the Saints golden glow dimmed.


    Then, abruptly ruptured,pletely vanishing in a blink, reced by a white brilliance that dazzled the eye. The radiance reminded Alex of the light that filled Uldars sanctum andbefore his eyesthe golden hue of the Saints Mark mottled, flecking away like bits of rust bleeding from iron.


    The Mark now zed white like sunlight striking fresh snow.


    A breathter, Merzhins holy symbol erupted in song: singing the same hymn as when a Hero was found. Bright light dimmed, revealing Merzhins face. Alex could see him clearly, his mouth was open in shock, eyes were wide and his skin was ghostly pale.


    I feelI feel much different! he cried. Itsincredible!


    Whats happening? Alex shouted.


    But any reply Merzhin might have made was stopped by a familiar voice. A voice that sent waves of revulsion down Alexs spine.


    <em>You have done well,</em> Uldars voice whispered in his ear.


    From Merzhins expression, Alex knew hed heard it too.


    Is that him? the General demanded. Can he be back?


    No! Merzhin shouted. It feels the same as his recording! Theres nothing behind it!


    <em>You have earned my full approval,</em> Uldar said. <em>A new technique to enhance the Saint. Something from another discipline growing what you already possess. That is my way. With my second-inmand, the General, granting you his approval, I empower you fully. Go. Destroy the Ravener. Bring my will unto thend.</em>


    With that, the light faded.


    Alex blinked, the afterimage of the Uldars hand still in his vision. By the Traveller! he cried. What in all hells just happened?


    Merzhin stood in front of him, looking shocked, but no worse for wear.


    I dont know, but it felt a lot like when I first got Markedbut less painful, Merzhin said.


    The Saint grabbed his robe, hiking it up, revealing both his trousers and bare torso. He was unsurprisingly leanbut what <em>was </em>surprising was the Mark of the Saint in the centre of his stomach.


    It <em>now</em> glowed white.


    WellI didnt see thating, Alex muttered.


    Me neitherwho could? Merzhin agreed. My soul-gate It feels stronger now and bigger. Its like my connection to Uldars divinity has be more powerful.


    Its like you were Marked all over again, Alex whispered. Ohoh that bastard.


    Who? Merzhin dropped the hem of his robe, looking up in rm.


    Its


    Uwfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Suddenly, Watchers converged on them from all directions, some came bounding up the stairs, others flew from the sky, while others rushed toward them from different parts of the Castle wall.


    Has something happened? a Watcher shouted. We saw a blinding bright light up here suddenly! Were we attacked?


    Alex and Merzhin exchanged a nce. No. No we werent. Everything''s fine. It was justwell, well be right back.


    The young archwizard touched the Saints shoulder.


    They disappeared.


    Alex and Merzhin reappeared far from the Castle, materialising in the woods on the outskirts of Greymoor.


    Gah! the Saint cried. Ill never get used to that. He touched his stomach. What in theI cant believe this.


    Alex leaned against a tree, his mind racing. I cant believe it either.


    I Merzhin shook himself. I dont understand. Whos a bastard and The full shock of the situation seemed to crash down on him all at once. What inwhat <em>happened</em> to me?


    II <em>think</em>, Alex said. I think we uncovered some long-forgotten function of the Mark.


    <em>What</em> long-forgotten function? Merzhin demanded. <em>Why is there a long forgotten function?</em>


    Thats where the bastardes in. Alex whispered. MerzhinUldar had the Marks pick people that would best suit their role, right?


    Right Merzhin said. We were to exemplify his strengths. But there was nothing about a forgotten function in his journal! Nothing!


    I think there was, even if he didn''t explicitly say it<em>,</em> Alex said. Like you said, each of us were supposed to exemplify Uldars different strengths. But how did hee to power? What did he <em>do</em> when he first realised he was strong?


    Hetook his people and went exploring the world, learning different things, Merzhin said. What does that have to do with anything?


    He was <em>learning</em>, Merzhin! Thats how he grew powerful!<em></em>Listen, I''ve had this theory that the point of the General is to teach each Hero how to maximise their own potential, Alex pushed. My powers are supposed to encourage creative thinking: that''s the way the power guides me. Then, Im supposed to pass on that creative thinking to the other Heroes, to get them to learn like Uldar did.


    I still don''t understand, Merzhin said.


    Think about it this way: let''s say Im the General, Alex pushed on.


    But you are the General.


    Iyes, Merzhin. Yes I am, the young archwizard said, his voice strained. Okay, forget me, let''s say there''s a <em>different</em>General. One who exists in the ancient past: theyve got to teach the other Heroes to gain knowledge thatll make their Marks stronger. But what if they don''t want to do that? What if they dont want to learn anything new?


    What do you mean?


    Think about it. Why do we worship Uldar? Alex asked. Out of fear of the Ravener, but also because he''s supposed to be a deity that cares about us and rewards us. When Uldar changed the Mark of the General to the Mark of the Fool, he put in a limit that punishes Fools for going against what his intent was. He wouldnt be above designing the Marks to <em>make sure </em>the Heroes acted the way he wanted them to act.


    Look, Alex spread his hands like he was showing Merzhin something. What ifhis whole thing about the General unlocking the other Marks full potential was literal: he did say that the Heroes got weaker when the General was gone. What if there was <em>more</em> to it than what he said?


    I still don''t follow.


    Okay. Uldar makes the Heroes in his own image so that they represent his traits.


    Yes, that''s right.


    And what were the traits he most valued, besides power? Knowledge and learning, right? He uprooted all of his people so he could learn. Like I said, thats how he got so powerful.


    And his church set up schools so his people could be taught, Merzhin reasoned. So that they could learn, just as he did. Hemanded his people to go to those schools, andmanded his priests to teach in them.


    Exactly! And why wouldnt he expect the same from his Heroes? Alex cried. So what happens if a General tries to teach the other Heroes and they all go: No thanks, I''m not interested in learning anything else. What''s the General supposed to do, fight them?


    Nothat would make the Heroes fall into in-fighting. But, the Heroes would need some punishment if they refused to learn, as Uldar intendedbut wait no. If the Marks were used to punish their bearers, that would risk Heroes rebelling or fleeing. Merzhins eyes were growing wider. Just as Fools fled Thamnd when they were Marked. Just like you did! Er, no offence.


    None taken, Alex said. So then, if the Marks weren''t <em>punishing</em> the Heroes for not learning from the General. then wouldnt it make sense that they would <em>reward</em> their bearers if they <em>did</em> listen?


    It doesso this is a reward? Merzhin asked, pressing his hand to his midriff. But why are there no recorRightthere''s been no General in thousands of years.


    Until me. And just now, I think we just inadvertently created a situation where your Mark rewards you, Alex said. I''ve been teaching Drestra and Cedric how to cast spells using bodynguageneither of them have gotten it yet. Not yet. But youI taught you a meditation technique that you used to calm your soul: you got it right away.


    And calming my soul would put less strain on it when I channel divinity. Merzhin marvelled, lifting his robe again. I listened to the General, learned the skill, incorporated itand therefore, my Mark rewarded me.


    For behaving the way Uldar wanted you to Alex muttered.


    Thatdoesnt make me feel better, Merzhin said. There was a time when I would have been overjoyed at acting the way he wanted me to. But, I gain no joy from that now.


    I get that, Alex said. But this is a new chance. Depending on what this reward is, we can use Uldars own will against him to destroy everything he''s built to harm us.


    Yes Merzhin murmured. That. That thought calms me. But what about you? You would have a reward as well, would you not?


    Alex shook his head. My whole power is designed to let me learn.<strong></strong>I''ve been doing that this whole time: and havent gotten a reward.


    But you have not enacted Uldars will yet.


    The archwizard frowned. What do you mean?


    Just what I said: you have not finished enacting his will, Merzhin said. The people of Thamnd were instructed to learn, and go to the schools. But a school without a teacher, has no purpose, andas we said earlierthe priesthoodsmand was to <em>teach.</em>


    The Saint pointed at Alexs shoulder. If we are rewarded for learning


    then, maybe I''d be rewarded for <em>teaching!</em> Alex cried. Perhaps, if I empower <em>all</em> of your Marks? Maybe I''ll gain something too.


    It''s possible, Merzhin said. As you said: Uldars memory was starting to slip. We cannot expect him to have mentioned everything in detail. He smiled then.


    Tears filled his eyes, running down his face.


    Whoa! Alex cried. What''s wrong?


    Nothing, the Saint sniffled. He looked many years younger than he really was. I''m just pleasedthat I was useful. I helped discover this. Perhaps being helpful like this was the reason I was born.


    Alex shook his head. I don''t know the reason why any of us is born, but I do know we get to decide what that reason is. I''d forgotten that for a while when I had the Mark of the Fool, but, its true, <em>we</em> get to set the path ahead of us. Were the ones who get to tell ourselves why were here.<em> We </em>get to say what our role is.


    Perhaps the Saint said. Perhaps I will decide for myself in the future. But for now? I am happy I did this. I do not know if this will make up for what I have done, if this will be my penance, but at least it''s a beginning.


    His smile was broad. Come, we must tell the others our news!


    And unlock more power, just like you did, Alex added. You said the flow of divinity is greater and your soul-gate is stronger: we should explore that.


    Yes Merzhin said. I <em>would</em> like to test my limits. Actually, could you do me a favour?


    Anything, Alex said.


    The Saints eyes shone, bright and clear. Could you contact Birger for me?

 Chapter 820: Testing New Limits

    Chapter 820: Testing New Limits


    Whos there? Birger shouted through the cottage door. I warn you, Im armed. If youre here for my son


    Birger! Its me! Its Alex! the General of Thamnd cried. Wee in peace!


    Alex? the old firbolg asked. Why are you back so soon?


    There were sounds of fumbling about inside the cottage, then the ck of a crutch quickly moving across the floor.


    Alex and Merzhin looked at each other.


    The door was flung open, revealing Birger, wild-eyed and frowning. He looked around, turning pale when he saw the Saint. Wheres Bjorgrund? Is thatyoure the healer, Merzhin! Has something happened to my son? The old giant turned to Alex. You just fetched him this morning! What could have happened to him so fast?


    He''s fine, Birger. Alex held up his hands, hoping to soothe the ancient firbolg. We''re all fine. More than fine. We''re here for something else.


    Whatever are you here for, then? Birger asked.


    We have something to tell you and since there''s a lot to exin, it''d be better if you just came with us, then we could just exin things to everybody at once, Alex said.


    AlrightI was just cleaning up and itll be here when I get back, so let me get my cloak.


    When Alex, Birger, Merzhin, Professor Jules, Baelin and Isolde appeared at the Heroes encampment, they found things strangely quiet.


    But in reality, all was fine in the small town running along a crossroads where the soldiers and Heroes were camped.


    Their visit came at a rare peaceful moment for the Heroes and the army. Most of the troops had gathered in the town square listening to a priests sermon. Uldars name was mentioned frequently, of course, but most of the sermon was focused on the Traveller and how she was aiding Thamnds cause from the after-world.


    The Heroes, Khalik, ygon, Brutus, Theresa, Bjorgrund and Thundar, were deep in conversation at the edge of the congregation, and startled when Alex and the others unexpectedly appeared.


    Gah! Drestra screamed, causing the priest to stutter behind his make-shift podium. You scared me half to death! she cried.


    Oi, yous are back here real quick, Cedric said, looking at Merzhin. Somethin go wrong at the Castle?


    Alex? Theresa looked confused.


    <em>Father? </em>ygon took a step forward.


    Fathernot you, Alex. Obviously. I mean <em>my</em> father! What are <em>you</em> doing here, father? Bjorgrund said.


    Id like to know the same thing, myself, Birger said.


    As would I, Professor Jules said archly. We were in the middle of a very delicate part of our experiment when Mr. Roth came rushing into theb like a whirlwind. With no exnation, as usual.


    Dont worry, well exin, Alex said. Theres been a development. A big one.


    Cedric groaned. More bad news?


    The opposite, Merzhin assured him. Come, let us go a little apart so we might speak freely. There is much to share.


    The group teleported a few miles away from the encampment, taking refuge in a moss-covered cave partly hidden in a forest clearing. The ground was still soaked from the recent rain, but there were no signs of tracks anywhere: neither Ravener-spawn, nor mortal.


    When everyone was settled, Alex and Merzhin began talking. They told them of all that had happened on the Castle wall: how Alex had started teaching Merzhin the grounding technique, how it had helped calm his soul, and how his Mark had suddenly transformed.


    Khalik was silent, deep in thought, while Najyah pecked at his shoulder.


    I do not..whatbutthe Isolde stammered.


    <em>What the hells?</em> was all Thundar said.


    ygon was also silent, as waves ofplex emotionsconfusion, wonder, hope, and shockflowed through his and Alexs link. Theresas jaw opened and closed like a dying fish, her eyes were wide. Brutus whimpered, nuzzling his masters gloved hand.


    Professor Jules seemed dumbstruck.


    Huh? Bjorgrund muttered, looking at his father.


    The old firbolg shrugged, shaking his head. Don''t look at <em>me</em>, son.


    <em>His Mark did what?</em> Drestra shouted, her voice echoing from the cave and through the forest.


    Ymust be bloody jokin! Cedric added, his morphic weapon shimmering in agitation on his arm. His eyes moved from Alex to Merzhin. A hidden part o the Mark? Whatre we gonna hear next? That we can all turn inta flyin ponies?


    Makes sense, Hart grunted. The Mark thing, not the ponies thing.


    The two Heroes red at him.


    <em>Really, mate?</em> Cedric snapped. Yer not the least bit surprised at this? Just not?


    I understand that under-reaction is what you do. But even to this? Drestras voice oozed indignation.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Life happens, Hart said. Besides, I learned that our gods been trying to kill us for millennia with something he made. It''s gonna take a <em>lot</em> to surprise me after that.


    Indeed. Baelin stroked his beard-braids, their sps clinking against each other. It seems that this Uldar was incredibly fond of secrets and used his knowledge of people to manipte them into following him. It would stand to reason that the Marks would have some sort of hidden punishment or reward system to ensure that the Heroesplied and enacted his will: and in this case, his will was for the Heroes to gain knowledge from the General.


    Exactly what I was thinking, Alex said. We really have to get the rest of his notes tranted.


    It could be quite useful if we had the rest of the knowledge contained in them, Merzhin said quietly. He had been standing behind Alex.


    Enough about notes! Cedric waved away the idea, almost contemptuously. Show us this Mark, Merzhin!


    Of course, the Saint readily obliged, raising the hem of his robe to disy thestark whitehand of Uldar glowing on his belly.


    Well, don'' that look different now! Cedric eyed the symbol. It''s got a wee polish, to it now don'' it? The gold was alright, but this white Mark looks jus like Uldars symbol in his sanctum. Which uhgives me a funny feelin.


    Me to Drestras voice crackled. Do you think our Marks can change too?


    I do, Alex said. There''s no reason for Uldar to only build a reward into the Saints Mark. It makes the most sense to do it for all of them.


    That fits, Drestra said. So, what can this newtransformed Mark of yours do, Merzhin?


    For one thing, I feel much closer to Uldars divinity, Merzhin said. And my soul has been reinforced. I feel stronger and believe I should be able to perform an interdiction.


    Baelin, Professor Jules, Isolde and Alex looked at him sharply.


    Merzhin held up a handand it wasnt lost on Alex how much the gesture resembled Uldars holy symbol. I won''t be trying to do what we talked about earlier, so don''t worry. I do not think my soul is strong enough yet, to perform an interdiction that powerful. I will leave that to Hannahbut for now, this is good. I can be used as a spare, if we cannot get the ancient Saint back in time.


    Only as a backup, right? Alex pushed.


    Merzhin smiled wanly, nodding. <em>Only </em>for a backup.


    Well, this is all interesting Birger said suddenly. But can anyone tell me why <em>I''m</em> here? I''m d you thought of me, but I don''t think I needed to be whisked from home for this. Theres not too much I can contribute here.


    There is, Merzhin said,<strong></strong>taking his holy book from his robes. I would like to try to do something that we talked about before, itll be a test for myself and a demonstration.


    Oh? I still dont think I need to see your demonstrations. Birgers eyebrows rose. Im not some army strategist or war mage, or anything of the kind.


    Merzhin went to the firbolg, craning his neck to look up at him. Birger frowned down at him in return.


    The Saints eyes went to Birgers leg.


    The left one, the one that was no more than a stump.


    He nodded, then met the old giants eyes. I would like to regenerate your leg.


    Everyone stopped talking.


    Birger began shouting. <em>What?</em> I heard you say you couldnt regrow limbs! I heard you with my own two ears! You said you didnt have a strong enough soul gate!


    But, I do now, Merzhin said. My soul gate is far stronger, and I have a more powerful connection to Uldars divinity. The amount of power I was able to channel before was like a whisperpared to what I can channel now. I feel it inside me, its like a dam straining to burst. So, with your permission, I would like to regenerate your leg.


    Birger looked at his son, Bjorgrunds eyes looked wild.


    Everyone was curious, stunned in amazement, orin Alexs casein anticipation.


    Well, I, Birger started. I hardly know what to say.


    If youre alright with this, then well just get started on the miracle, Merzhin said. Such a miracle takes weeks to regrow a limb. But I would like to start today; I can think of no worthier way to show my Marks evolution, while also putting it to the test. And I will do this miracle <em>not</em> in Uldars name, but in the name of Thamnd and


    He looked at Alex.


    in the name of the Traveller, if you would lend me her holy symbol.


    It would be an honour, Alex said, taking the symbol from his neck and handing it to Merzhin.


    The Saint nodded. Thank you.


    Ithis is happening so fast, Bjorgrund said, his enormous frame trembling and his chainmail clinking. It was a new chain shirt; he was not d in Uldars divine armour nor wielding his mighty axe. Not in public yet. father, what do you think of this?


    Birger frowned as all eyes fell on him.


    He looked down at his left leg.


    Ive been the way I am for a long timea very long time, he said slowly. And I never dreamed Id be any different. Tears sprang up in his eyes as his voice wavered. But by my ancestors, Ill admit that Ive missed the feel and sound of snow crunching beneath my two feet. And if I get my leg back, maybe I could help you a lot more son.


    Its up to you father, Bjorgrund nodded, smiling at him.


    Birger looked down at Merzhin. Alright, Ill do it. If you think its a worthy use of your power, Ill do it.


    Merzhin nodded. Then in the name of the Traveller, of Thamnd and He swallowed. in the name of the deity that Uldar <em>should</em> have been, I will hereby perform this deed. Have a seat.


    A-alright, Birger prepared to sit on the cavern floor.


    Hold on, Alex said, and teleporting<strong></strong>to the giants cottage, took Birgers chair from near the firece and within seconds, was back in the cave. You might as well befortable.


    Alex ced the chair beside the old giant, who nodded in gratitude.


    Thank you kindly, Alex, Birger eased himself into his chair and Merzhin moved directly in front of him.


    Father. Bjorgrund put a hand on his shoulder. Ill be right here.


    I know, thank you, son. Birger patted his sons hand and leaned forward to undo the ligature tied around his stump. Hed used a length of cord to bind his left trouser leg, andonce the binding was undonehiked it up, revealing what remained of his lower leg.


    The stump was a mass of scars, all healed through a good deal of time, and much pain. This was no stump left by a surgeons skillful amputation.


    Baelin looked at Merzhin with his goat-like eyes, watching him silently. Assessing.


    The Heroes also watched the Saint with anticipation.


    Everyone else was watching Birger.


    For a moment, all was quiet like a tomb.


    Then Merzhin raised his head.


    <em>And at the crossroads did Uldare across a farmer, who sat by the side of the road with a tin cup before him, </em>Merzhin intoned, his voice rising through the cavern. <em>And that farmer did look unto Uldarwho was in the guise of an old vagabondand he did ask him: What path do you walk, traveller?</em>


    Light began gathering around the Saints hands.


    <em>And Uldar looked upon the man:</em> <em>I walk to Soddenbury, to attend the festival, he said. And the man shook his head. Then you are going by the wrong road, the farmer replied. Take the woodcutters path to the east. Walk it and you shall reach Soddenbury in half the time.</em>


    His voice grew louder. An older, deeper voice seemed to join his, echoing the same words.


    <em>To this, Uldar smiled and said I thank you for your guidance. What path do you walk? To this, the farmer shook his head sadly. I have not walked in moons, for my legs were taken by disease. And so I sit here begging for alms at this crossroad, for I can till no more.</em>


    Merzhin extended his hand, resting it on Birgers leg.


    <em>To this, Uldar told him: Rise, for your kindness has restored your legs. And the man did! For Uldars mercy</em> Merzhin stopped recounting the scripture. I deny this! he cried. Uldars mercyes with a terrible price! Uldar told the man to rise, and so now I tell <em>you</em> to rise, Birger of Kymnd! In the name of the Traveller! In the name of Thamnd! In the name of kindness, and sacrifice and all that is good in the world!


    Beams of light shed from his hand.


    I hereby make you whole!


    A shaft of light streamed through the cavern.

 Chapter 821: Healing

    Chapter 821: Healing


    Brilliant white radiance zed through the cavern, emanating from Merzhins hand as he applied pressure to Birgers stump.A joyful noise arose, sounding like a hundred voicesfilling the air with song from the celestial nes and the cavern with choral harmony. The melody built, deep and powerful like a tidal wave breaking against the shoreline.


    Everyone near, but Alex and Baelin, moved aside, giving the Saint and giants space.


    Gah! Drestra shrunk back.


    Me eyes! Cedric cried.


    I cant see! Hart shielded his vision.


    By my ancestors! Birger clutched his leg.


    Father! Bjorgrund screamed. Are you alright!


    I think so! the old giant shouted. Dont worry, son!


    Merzhins voice joined the choral song as his power poured into the leg.


    The others took another step back, the Saint of Uldarno, of Thamnd, unleashed the full might of his Mark.


    Birgers flesh rippled like water beneath Merzhins touch.


    Yesss Alex hissed.


    Scars slowly smoothed and shifted.


    Damaged skin seemed to creep, then bulge.


    <em>And grow.</em>


    What in the name of every ancestorof every firbolg that ever lived? Briger shouted. It feelsit hurts, but it feels wonderful! I can feel it growing! I can <em>feel</em> it growing!


    Father! I dont believe it! Bjorgrund cried.


    Merzhins eyes were mped shut. One hand sped the other, and between them, the symbol of the Traveller. Deep inside, Alex felt her power stirring.


    Fascinating Baelin mused, his goat-like eyes fixed on Birgers leg. A miracle of such magnitude takes time, it is never quickin all of the times I have seen it performed, I have never witnessed a limb grow<em> as</em> quickly.


    He looked at Cedric. How much power is our small friend channelling? I understand you can feel divinity?


    Feels like e jus dropped thbloody sun in the middle o this cave! Cedric shouted over the choral song. If I tried doin what es doin, msoul woulda been ripped tshreds! I never felt so much powerin offa im before! Merzhin! Ya alright? Merzhin?


    But the Saint was lost in his miracle, humming the songas Alex realised his breathing was following a pattern he knew well.


    As the young holy man sang, his breaths changed in length, varying between long inhtions, to periods of silence. They matched the songs rhythm seamlessly, and a pleased Alex smiled as he followed them.


    Four seconds in, the General of Thamnd thought. Then hold for a count of seven, then exhale for eight. Hes using the grounding exercise as part of his miracle. By the Traveller, he caught on quick!


    Combining the breathing technique with the hymn, Merzhin was creating a new limb for Birger, the left leg visibly and rapidly growing before their eyes. The stump lengthened, swelling and regenerating, forming a new calf muscle.


    Long absent muscles appeared, taking shape around a shin bone pressing against the skin.


    This is truly remarkable, Baelin said.


    It is, isn''t it? Alex agreed in wonder.


    This process would take weeks normally, butat the rate the lower leg is growingit should beplete within <em>minutes</em>. Roughly twelve, if my estimate is correct, Baelin predicted.


    Incredible! Alex cried.


    Bjorgrund and Birger had fallen silent, watching in awe as time quickly passed. The old giants lower leg continued to lengthen.


    His new calf was almost fully formed, and the tibia and fib bones were solidifying. There came a wet, unsettling sound as the skin at the end of the stump shifted; an uneven mound of throbbing flesh formed. Nono way, Birger muttered.


    His flesh was transforming, new structures were forming: small bones, tendons and ligaments were rapidly knitting together.


    Alex gasped at what he was witnessing.


    <em>Father</em> ygon cried. <em>Is thatis that</em>


    My foot! Birger shouted. My footse back!


    The flesh ball had taken on the shape of a bare foot, a left foot, matching the length and width of Birgers other one,plete with wiggling toes.


    Its skin was ruddy in colouras blood rushed beneath the surfacebut soon, all redness faded, reced by the pale hue of the rest of his skin. An intense ray of light pulsed from Merzhins healing hand, bestowing life energy onto Birgers left leg from knee to toes.


    The giant grunted, a cramp suddenly gripping his calfhe reached down to massage it, but the pain instantly faded. All bright light surrounding Merzhins hands followed, shimmering, flickering and abruptly dying at the same moment the choral song did.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    The Saints eyes flew open. In the name of Thamnd and the Traveller, it is done.


    The cavern was as still as death, all eyes were on Birgers left leg, on what Merzhin had done.


    Bjorgrunds eyes grew unfocused, his body wavered, and with a heavy thump, the young giants legs gave out, dropping him to his knees beside his fathers chair.


    I cannotAre you happy, father? Your legs whole again, he murmured.


    Birger was watching his leg guardedly, as though afraid it would disappear. Tears streamed down his face as his expressions ranged from disbelief, to shock, to fear, then awe. He slowly leaned forward, pulling the boot from his right foot and examining both feet in wonder.


    The giant wiggled the toes of one foot.


    Then the other.


    I he breathed. Son, please. Can you help me up?


    Bjorgrund, his face now slick with tears, quickly pushed himself to his feet and held out a hand to his father. The older giant epted it andusing the chair and his sons strong armstood.


    His crutch slipped from its ce against the chair, ttering to the cavern floor.


    There ity, unneeded.


    Birger put his full weight on both feet, unsteadily, wavering in ce. He teetered this way and that.


    Father, are you alright? Bjorgrund asked.


    I am, I am better than alright! Birger wasughing now. Giddy, joyfulughter. It was not theughter of a tired old man. He leaned to his right, then his left. He was quickly growing steadier so he firmly nted both feet on the cold floor,ughing all the while.


    He raised his right foot, and stepped forward, holding on to his son.


    He wavered again, as his full weight rested on his left leg, but he neither stopped nor copsed, then he took his first step with his new left leg. The sharp sensation of cold stone struck him like a p when his barefoot touched the floor, but he stayed in ce for a time, seemingly savouring the feeling before taking another step with his right leg. This one was steadier.


    His left again, even steadier.


    He released Bjorgrunds hand.


    Another step. Then another.


    A grin spread across his face, his eyes brightened.


    His steps gained a bounce, turning lighter, steadier, more confident. Soon, his gait becamefortable. Even graceful.


    The old giant shook with excitement.


    And, with a great whooping cry of joy, he leapt in the air,nding on the balls of his feet, and shot from the cave, running along the path, hisughter booming through the woods.


    Shite, look at im go! Cedric shouted, leading the others out of the cave and into the open air.


    The old firbolg wasughing, sprinting through the clearing with the energy of a youngster,pping it in moments with his enormous strides. Suddenly, he stopped, throwing himself forward and cartwheeling to the middle of the clearing.


    What the hells? Thundar shouted. You ever see an old man move like that?


    <em>Yes!</em> Baelins tone dripped acid.


    Move like that? Birgerughed. Like <em>that</em>? You call <em>that</em> moving? Let me show ya something!


    He stretched, then began singing and pping his hands to the beat of a lively tune, his deep voice ringing out with its clear melody and then, the rejuvenated firbolg began dancing.


    And by all the hells, could he dance.


    His movements flowed from one to the other, liquid, smooth and artistic. He was as light on his feet as a hare and just as agile.


    In my day, I was a terror across every ballroom and tavern all over the nortnds! Birger shouted. A <em>terror</em> I tell you! Folk loved me! Folk envied me, especially the men! Husbands would clutch their wives just a <em>little</em> closer when I danced! Not that it bloody helped them!


    Too much information, father! Bjorgrund turned red.


    Were old, Baelin sniffed. Not dead.


    You! I like you! Birger pointed at the chancellor, finishing his dance with a flourish and a jig. Thats right, were not dead! Faaaar from it! You see me, Kelda? You see me, son? Birgers back!


    The old giant looked around, his eyes found Merzhin and he rushed to the Saint, falling to one knee and lowering his head. Thank you. I owe you so much. Whenever you might need me, Ill be there. My own two feet will carry me to your side!


    Bjorgrund went to them, also falling to one knee before the Saint. That goes for me too. My father lost his leg saving my life and now youve given it back to him! I swear to you Saint Merzhin, Ill aid you in any way I can!


    Merzhin turned red as he waved his hands in front of him. P-please, it is not me you should be praising, but the Traveller, Hannah. As well as Alex, he too made this possible.


    Still, we owe you, Birger insisted. And we <em>will</em> see the debt repaid one day.


    Merzhin turned, looking more ufortable. A small, relieved smile yed on his lips, even as he looked away from the two grateful giants.


    I-I appreciate your kind words, he mumbled quickly, looking at the other Heroes. But whats truly important is that the rest of you must unlock your full/ strength as well.


    Yes, Drestra agreed. If you could regenerate a limb in minutes, then what else can you dowhat else could <em>we</em> all do if our full potential is unlocked? Damn you, Uldar! Damn you for ying games with us. If wed had full power from the beginning, the Ravener wouldnt have stood a chance!


    Yeah, and thats just what he wanted! But, too bad for him; we know now, Alex said. Whatever the Ravener does, unlocking these Marksis going to be our priority.


    Aye, that it should be, Cedric said, a longing in his eyes. Wit that kind o power, well stand a better chance agin anythin the Ravener kin send our way.


    Its probably gonna pull out all of its tricks, like it did in the bad old days, Hart said. But well have our own power from the bad old days to punish it with.


    Yeah, Alex agreed. I can hardly wait to see what kinda power our new Marks give usand we can also use this new development to help Hannah. He snapped his fingers. How about if we tell the high priest about this evolution, and he can tell his priests that were stronger now cos the Travellers done this for us in Uldars name. That should spread word of her even fastermaybe we could ask him to announce that she led us to a cache of Uldars weapons that he wants us to use in his name to stop the Ravener for good. Hold on, he could also announce the General at the same time! He could say that its a <em>new</em> Mark that the Traveller helped Uldar make!


    That would make you into a living symbol of her aid and power, Merzhin said, nodding with approval. Thats clever.


    Perfect. Alex pped then rubbed his hands together. Then its settled, we focus on unlocking the full potential of everyones Mark. He looked at Professor Jules, Baelin and Isolde. Could I impose on you to handle the alchemical solutions for the Ravener? Toplete them while I work with the Heroes?


    Absolutely, Mr. Roth, Professor Jules said. You cannot be in multiple ces at once: so we shall carry on without you.


    Indeed, Baelin said.


    Of course, Isolde agreed.


    Then its time to resume our training, Alex turned his attention to Drestra, Hart and Cedric. Ill need to meet with each of you individually and teach you a skill thats outside your specialtyone thatll <em>enhance</em> what you do. Then, I touch your Marks, and that shouldplete the process.


    Cedric pped. Sounds like a bloody beautiful n. Whore ygonna be startin wit?


    Alex thought for a moment. Who wants to go first?


    Drestras hand shot up.


    Ach, yer faster than me, Cedricined.


    I can wait for my turn, Hart said quickly. But, I call next!


    Oh,e on! Cedric shouted. Yjus said ycould wait, Hart!


    Then its settled, Alex ignored him, looking at Drestra. Alright, my friend. Lets get you finished up with casting spells without speaking, well throw in some serious mana maniption training as well, and by the time were finished? Youll be a terror.


    He grinned.


    Well <em>all</em> be.

 Chapter 822: Meaning in Different Ways

    Chapter 822: Meaning in Different Ways


    Prince Khalik had first heard themon tongue in infancy.


    His very first memories of hearing anynguage were of his mother, brother, father, nanny and nursemaid speaking Tekish, and on some asions, themon tongue.


    When those close to him spoke to members of the household staff whod hailed from abroad, he would hear thenguage. Well before he turned six, on days when he was bored, he would listen to his fathers meetings with dignitaries from foreignndnds both near and far. On some asions, hed be in the room, and on others, hed be hiding in the pces secret passageways, hidden there because his parents hadnt known that hed seen his father entering one, unaware that his youngest son was near. As he grew older, he would listen carefully as his older brother spoke with his trainers, tutors, or guards: all of whom spoke a variety of tongues. In time, it was Khalik who was being tutored in themon tongue as well as the many tongues of the soutnds.


    He took tonguages easily; his tongue was quick and his mind was keen and clever. The young prince very quickly learned that there was a fundamental truth aboutnguage.


    Those who spoke only one tongue, innately tied meaning to its specific words and sybles. When they wrote, meaning would be innately tied to the symbols of their mother tongue.


    They would think in that tongue.


    Meaning woulde from sounds and symbols.


    But for Khalik, this concept was not true.


    To the princewho had grown up in a world of many tongueshed learned that meaning could not be contained to one sound or syble. A concept could be expressed with many different words, sounds, sybles, songs, or even a tone, a click of the tongue or a gesture.


    Meaning was not tied to one single thing.


    And Khalik had grown to understand just how much that applied to spellcasting.


    That understanding soon allowed him to break through a barrier.


    The prince stood in the middle of a forest clearing with Najyah circling high above him. His lips uttered the incantation of one spell, while his hands and arms performed another. Power flowed from his mana pool and into both spells.


    He unleashed them.


    Two fourth-tier spells activated at once.


    The first spell, Wall of Stone, raised a stone wall from the earth in an instant. The second, Stone Spears, raised thick, sharp, stctites from a rock surface nearby. Both spellsbined, creating a stone partition that instantly sprouted spikes on all sides.


    Not bad! Khalik shouted, excitedly.


    You got it! Thundar cried sprinting up beside the prince with Isolde close behind. That was fast!


    It was many weeks worth of work, Khalik said. Swift by some standards, and slow by others. But I am proud.


    You got it before I did, Isolde huffed. Which makes sense, since you have always been better withnguages than I am.


    But <em>you</em> are making more progress with mana maniption, Khalik said, grinning. You have talent for it, Isolde.


    The young noblewoman shrugged. It is mostly experience, not talent. I have some experience with mana maniption, because I need it for alchemy. That experience is letting me advance faster with mana maniption, faster than I am advancing in casting spells nonverbally.


    You can both take a hike, Thundar sulked, crossing his arms across his chest. Mana maniption and nonverbal casting are both bullshit, I hate them and I hate both of you.


    Oh, do not say that, leader of the cabal, Isolde smirked. You cannot hate your subordinates.


    Indeed! Khalik said. It is improper for a leader to be like that. Besides, you are making great progress when ites to breaking down spell arrays and spotting their patterns.


    Yeah, wellthats easy, Thundar said.


    Easy he says! Isolde snorted.


    Yes, easy. I mean, when youre working with illusions you have to learn everything you can about shapes, textures, colours andstuff like that, right? The more you notice the details of a shape, the better you can recreate those details in an illusion, Thundar said simply. Its like noticing the details in a spell array: learn the details, learn the shape, and figure out how those shapese together. Its pretty simr to what I already do.


    An thats why Im hatin all three o yous! Cedric shouted from across the clearing. Fancy writin shite, fancynguage shite, fancy mana shite! Feels like mheads gonna bloody explode!


    The Chosen was sitting on the ground in front of a tree trunk, pulling at his red hair as though he was going mad. I feel like Im goin mad!


    I do not want to hear that from the man who is closer to breaking through to his next-tier of spells<em> well </em>before the rest of us! Isolde shouted.


    Oi! Cedric pointed to the golden glowing scales over his heart. Ysee these? It gives me a bloody shit load o mana, but all that means is I kin keep practisin spells til I turns blue in tbloody face! If I hav tspeak another incantation, I swear Im gonna throw mself in tbloody sea!


    You will be fine, Cedric, Isolde said. I believe in you.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the vition.


    Thanks, he said dryly. Been like pullin teeth, though He looked to the west. Ythink Drestra and Alex are makin progress?


    I dont doubt it, Thundar puffed out his chest. If I know Drestra, I know shell be mastering what shes gotta master before any of us.


    ###


    This is hopeless! Drestra screamed, orange light zing between her fangs. I cant do this! Its a failure! Im a failure!


    Drestra, weve been doing this for <em>four days, not four years.</em> Alex raised his hands, trying to calm her down. Its not a big deal if you havent gotten it yet. Youll get it, Im sure of that.


    Merzhin got what he needed to get after one conversation! Drestra hissed, throwing herself on the ground and staring up at the sky. I feel like an addled-brained blob of flesh next to him!


    Sometimes folk get what they need real fast, Alex sighed, sitting on the ground beside the Sage. The pair were practising in a meadow several miles away from the others. It was quiet and peaceful there.


    No sign of Ravener-spawn.


    In truth, the spawn in the area had been reported to be <em>helping </em>folk recently instead of harming them, and that strange behaviour had allowed most of the Heroes to practise in peace. Alex, meanwhile, had sent Hart, ygon, Merzin, Bjorgrund, Asmaldestre and even Birgeralong with a sizeable force of soldiersto different area of Thamnd where Ravener-spawn were rampaging like they wanted to tear the very foundations of the world apart.


    He hoped everyone was alrightbut, he was also quite confident that they were, considering who all was with themincluding the newly invigorated Saint. After his Marks evolution, Merzhins divinity was enhanced, making him a <em>devastating</em>force on the battlefield. He could channel miracles at speeds hed never known before, and every divinity he used was stronger, overflowing with power. From what Hart had said, the Saint had been taking out all of his frustration with Uldar on the Ravener-spawn, and doing so with such brutality that even the Champion would be in awe when the two of them returned from hunting.The soldiers had noticed the Saints newfound power, as had the priests.


    When theyd asked Merzhin about it, his reply had been a cryptic, I have been given a gift, and in time, the giver shall be revealed.


    Of course, the fact that hed sewn thentern-symbol of the Traveller into his priests robes<strong></strong>was lost on few<strong>.</strong> The rest could make of things what they would.


    Though soon, there would be no need for specting.


    Tobias Jay was preparing to announce theing of the General, the transformation of the Marks, the discovery of Uldars equipment, and how all of this was tied to Hannah and her mercy.


    Over time, his message should send a flood of strength her way.


    And if that didnt workAlex had a feeling he knew what would


    But, that was for another time.


    He turned his full attention back to Drestra, who was looking at him peevishly.


    Did your mind wander off? she asked.


    It does that, sometimes. Alex smiled apologetically, stretching beside her. Listen, I think its simple: Merzhin simply got what he needed at the time he needed it. It was exactly what he needed, and he was ready to receive it.


    Well <em>I </em>am ready to receive it! Drestra sounded annoyed. I dont know why it wonte to me. Mana maniptionI have so much mana flowing through me youd think it woulde easily!


    Alex shook his head. Just because you have a big mana pool, doesnt mean you have a lot of experience manipting mana. Most wizards find the art pretty difficult, no matter how powerful they are, and theres no shame in that.


    I might say that if I wasnt struggling so hard with nonverbal casting, Drestra hissed. Itits aplete puzzle! Meaning through eyebrow twitches and muscle movements, I just cant make it make sense to my body! Ive been working on that since you told us about your n for us to grow more powerful <em>weeks</em> ago!


    She ground her sharp teeth. And I still cant do it!


    Yeah, that<em> is </em>odd, Ive gotta admit, Alex said, frowning. Everyones made <em>some </em>amount of progress. The fact that you havent, is strange.


    Thanks, Drestra said dryly. You sure know how tofort someone.


    If you wanted to beforted, you would have asked me, like you did when we first met, Alex said.


    She scowled. I did not ask you tofort me!


    Not verbally, but with your bodynguage, Alex said. You were hard to read, but I could tell from your tone, and partly from your bodynguageit was saying that you wanted someone to talk to back then.


    Drestra rolled her reptilian eyes. Great, you know more about my bodynguage than I do. She snorted. By all the spirits, thats unfair. Why cant I get this right? This is stupid! Im so stupid!


    Youre not stupid. Alex shook his head. Youre smart. Real smart. You pick things up quickly: honestly, if you went to Generasi, Im sure youd be one of the top students in your sses.


    Theres a thought, Drestra sighed. That sounds so nice: going to school to learn about magic and the world, instead of getting my knowledge and skills firsthand in a warzone. I envy you. All of you. My title is the Sage, but Im no sage. Not in the true sense of the word: I have no great knowledge or wisdom to share with anybody.


    Youre wiser than you think, Alex pointed out. And if its knowledge you want, you can attend Generasi after the war. But, justdont dere thats gonna be your grand n for your future or anything because most characters in the old stories who do that always end up dead Alex paused, remembering that he and his cabal had talked about their grand ns for when the war was over.


    He cleared his throat and quickly moved on. my point is that you can attend the school after the Raveners dead, if you want to.


    That <em>would</em> be nice, Drestra grunted. But maybe I wont be as good a student as you think.


    Alex shook his head. Im sure youd do really well.


    Then why cant I get either mana maniption or nonverbal casting right? she grumbled.


    Like I said, things take time, Alex said. And also, if youre smartand you are smartand you still cant get it, then something else could be going on. Either the teachers bad at teaching


    Youre a great teacher, Drestra assured him.


    Alex blushed a little. Thanks, and at the risk of sounding arrogant, I kind of agree. The Mark of the General <em>literally</em> makes me good at teaching if I concentrate on it, and Ive been concentrating. Ive been using it to try different ways to teach you how to do nonverbal casting, but, our<strong></strong>sesses and failures dont seem to be getting us any closer to solving your problem. Which brings me to the second possibility: something else, beside your teacher, is the problem. When I had the Mark of the Fool, it didnt matter how good my teacher was or how much I tried.


    He thought of Rams ss.


    I was always going to fail at spellcraft at a certain point, especiallybat spells, Alex said. So maybe theres something blocking you from getting the bodynguage right


    And what could that be? Drestra asked. Since you know my bodynguage better than I do.


    Im not sure He thought back to when hed first met her, going over what hed observed in her bodynguage. He remembered thinking, at the time, that it seemed slightly off.


    Thered been something odd about it.


    Maybe that had something to do with the problem she was having now? But, <em>why</em> did her bodynguage seem so strange back then?


    Oh look, theres Najyah, Drestra said, watching a distant shape soaring high above the forest. I wonder if shes hunting? Maybe we should take a break and go get something to eat, Im starving.


    Wait, you can tell thats Najyah from this distance? Alex squinted at the faint shape.


    Drestra nodded. Dragon eyes can see much, much farther than a humans.


    Her words struck Alex like a lightning bolt and he leapt to his feet. By all the gods, Ive been a fool!


    What? What is it? Drestra looked at him, startled.


    I think I know why you cant get the bodynguage right! Alex cried, looking at her reptilian eyes. Weve been trying to get it with you in the <em>wrong body!</em> Transform to your true form!

 Chapter 823: The Way a Dragon Moves

    Chapter 823: The Way a Dragon Moves


    Red scalesyered Drestras body from snout, to w, to spear-tipped tail. She towered over Alex and most of the nearby trees as she stretched her long neck, taking her to full height.


    me burned between her fangs.


    Drestra, of Crymlyn Swamp.


    Drestra, the Sage of Thamnd.


    Drestra the dragon.


    As Alex took in the full majesty of her draconic form, he had to shake his head at his own denseness. He should have realised the problem sooner: her true form was far different from any humanoids, so of course she would have trouble with delicate bodynguage in her human form.


    Her long tail would dictate how she bnced herself, which would bepletely different from how she would in mortal form. Four reptilian legs meant much different muscture and bone structure, along with the two additional appendages on her back: a pair of wings. There was also her long, flexible neck to consider, which could bend in ways a human could never hope to match.


    At the same time, most gestures that would have meaning to him, would seem alien to a dragon: it would be like trying to converse with a being who had four tongues and vocalised like a fish: they would be capable of sounds humans could perhaps mimic, but never make sense of.


    Alex knew from magical botany that bees had entirenguagesmessages spoken from worker to workerhidden within different scents and the way they danced.


    To a human, they would be meaningless.


    To other bees? They would mean everything.


    Hed made nonverbal casting impossible for her, by trying to teach her thenguage of the wrong body.


    I''m sorry, he apologised. I''ve been wasting your time. It makes a lot more sense for you to master nonverbal casting in your natural form first, from there, we could build on that sess and see if you could master it in your human form. By starting in your human form, I just made things needlesslyplicated: I wasnt thinking.


    But he wasnt the only one ming themselves for being oblivious.


    I should''ve seen the problem earlier, myself, Drestras voice crackled. I spend so much time in my humanoid form, that I''ve learned to ignore the fact that it doesn''t feel quite right most of the time. It didn''t even ur to me that there would be a problem.


    So we''re <em>both</em> dumbasses, Alex said wryly. And <em>were</em> supposed to stop a mad gods runaway creation? Great. Just great. Seems, in that case, Thamnds as good as dead.


    Drestra made a deep rumbling sound and expelled smoke from between her jaws. It took a long chilling moment for Alex to realise she wasughing.


    Well, I guess the important thing is that we <em>did</em> figure it out, the General of Thamnd said. Okay, let''s see if we can finally work things out for you.


    Should we focus on nonverbal casting? Drestra asked. Or maybe we should focus on mana maniption. It''s still difficult for me, but


    Oh, by Traveller! Alex suddenly shouted.


    What? What? Drestra cried.


    The General of Thamnd pinched the bridge of his nose. You''re a <em>dragon!</em> You can fly, your bodys filled with power, youve got powerft least partially magicalvenom in your fangs and you can breathe fire. You don''t just have a mana pool that you can use to cast spells, you have magic throughout your entire body! Your mana probably flows very differently from mine or Cedric''s, and most mana regeneration techniques were developed by wizards, who, uh, <em>didnt</em> have draconic bodies filled with magical power. Im thinking regeneration techniques might have to be modified for you, at least somewhat.


    Good point, Drestra agreed. Mana does flow through my real body differently.


    But hold on a minuteyou were able to manipte your mana to overpower a dungeon core, Alex pointed out. Can''t you apply the same skills to mana regeneration?


    I mostly used brute force, she told him. I have a lot of mana that flows really easily, it wasn''t hard to just overwhelm that dungeon core without a lot of finesse.


    Right Alex said. Alright, well, in any case, I think nonverbal casting is going to be more useful for you than mana regeneration, but I still think you <em>need</em> a mana regeneration techniqueeven a basic one.


    That sounds reasonable, Drestra spread her wings. So, how will you teach me, then?


    The young wizard cracked his knuckles. With trial and error. We''ll start by teaching you a dance created by the centaurs: they''ve got four legs, and you''ve got four legs. Dances often convey meaning, even just pure emotion: I can start by teaching you the dance, thenI can use the Mark to help me figure out your sesses and failures in conveying meaning with your bodythen well be able to use those sesses and failures to hone in on how to trante them into casting a spell without saying a word.


    This story has been uwfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    sounds like a lot. How long do you think it will take?


    Alex grinned. How long can dragons go without sleep?


    Days. Maybe weeks.


    Perfect.


    ###


    The lesson started with the General of Thamnd verbally walking Drestra through the steps of the centaurs dance. Then he demonstrated it by getting down on all fours, and mimicking the movements as best he could. After Drestra finally stoppedughing hysterically at her instructora dangerous, me spewing affair that nearly ended with her roasting him alivehe went up to her and guided her scale-covered legs, pointing or moving them as needed into the various positions of the dance.


    As he did so, he used the Mark of the General to observe, drawing from images of himself sessfully teaching her a move, or unsessfully fine-tuning his instructions as she tried to hone her technique.


    Minutes turned to hours.


    Day turned to night, with the two of them only pausing for a quick meal and to teleport to the others to let them know theyd be practising for a longer time than theyd originally nned.


    Forceballs illuminated the meadow as the moon slipped across the sky with Alex guiding the Sage of Thamnd through her dance. At first, her steps were clumsy and halting. Butas the hours passedhe changed his tact, breaking the dance steps down into smaller parts, making them more manageable. Drestra rxed considerably and Alex could see the benefit of not overwhelming his student in a single practise session, so he focused on teaching her a few different steps and positions at a time. By sunrise, she wasfortable with them. Not a master, but not graceless or bored either. She was keen to keep practising and the General was keen for his two hours of Restful Slumber, so he went to sleep, leaving her to practise, and when he awoke, her steps were smoother, but shed adopted some odd movements that he had to quickly correct.


    Once hed smoothed those out, and was satisfied, he looked at moving on.


    Through those simple dance steps, she was learning to convey meaning with her massive four-legged body, and it was time to expand her training. He focused the Mark of the General on the task of bringing Drestras head, tail and neck into her dance movements, creating a new dance. That took another day for her to master, but as the moon rose to its zenith, the dragon was thundering across the clearing, tail, legs, neck and wings moving in harmony. She was learning wend Alex had been learning as well.


    As they brought her other limbs into the dance, he watched how she used them. He was learning the bodynguage of a dragon, tying her movement to her emotions at that moment, to meanings within the dance, and to what best suited her sleek draconic form.


    The young archwizard studied every swish of her tail, how her long neck curved, and how her wings flexed. He slowly learned the dragons bodynguage, taking notes as he did. Wizards Hands sketched the Sages dancing, leaping, wings spreading, capturing her different draconic positions and linking them to her emotions. She wouldugh, curse, growl, be embarrassed as she moved through the dance, celebrating or cursing herself if she flubbed a step.


    He was building her vocabry, and learning how it applied.


    Interpreting how each movement of her scaled body could be tranted into the syble of a spell. Learning how a dragons body movements could make magic sing.


    On the third evening, he looked up from his notebook. Drestra, theres something I want to try with you. He eyed the golden staff of the Sage glowing on her serpentine neck.


    What is it? she asked.


    I think Ive figured out the beginnings of how to turn your neck and wing movements into the sybles of an incantation, he said. I<em> think</em> so. Anyway, first, I need you to do exactly what Im going to tell you to do and I''m going to fly up to your neck and guide it in different positions: I want you to memorise those positions, then practise them while I guide your wings. Alright?


    Yes She hissed. We''re nearly there, arent we? I''m so excited!


    Well, lets see if we can reward that excitement. Whats a spell that you''re reallyfortable with casting?


    Probably Purify Water.


    Alex paused. Really? I thought it would be a fire spell.


    Purify was the first spell I learned: that spell can mean the difference between life and death when you live in a swamp. Youre surrounded by water all the time, its everywhere, but a lot of it, you wouldnt dare drink without treating it.


    Fair enough, Alex paused. One second, then. Actuallygive me five minutes.


    The archwizard teleported from the forest in Thamnd to the first floor of the Generasi library, startling a group of first years when he materialised among the stacks.


    Sorry, he quickly apologised, searching the shelves and taking a spell-guide for Purify Water. He teleported to the front deskchecked the book outthen teleported back to the forest clearing where Drestra waited.


    In mere heartbeats Alex learned the spell array, found a puddle, and cast the spell.


    The muddy water cleared.


    Drestra snorted puffs of smoke from both nostrils and indignantly hissed, You learned that so fast. How is that even fair?


    Alex shrugged. Not long ago, it would''ve taken me weeks to learn that spell. I think Ive paid my dueswell, not my library dues. I dont think I have any library dues. I mean


    <em>Alex!</em>


    Yes, right. He flew to her, first guiding her neck, then her wings. If I''m not mistaken, then you should be ready to achieve an incantation with bodynguage. Now, I''m no expert on dragon bodynguage. But it should work. Probably.


    Veryforting, Alex, Drestra said, practising the movements hed directed her neck and wings through. This feelsright, natural.


    Could be wishful thinking, the archwizard grinned. We won''t know for sure until you actually do it.


    Then, I guess we shouldn''t waste anymore time, Drestra took a deep breath and began, carefully repeating the movements.


    Nothing happened.


    She sighed disappointedly, releasing a small puff of me. Nothing!


    Yet, Alex was all smiles, concentrating on the Mark of the General. Oh, I wouldn''t call it nothing. The Marks showing me that you made a few small mistakes, but we''re on the right track. All you need is a <em>little</em> bit more practise. Here, Ill guide you again.


    The General of Thamnd guided the Sage through the movements. He adjusted her left wing. Then her right. Then the position of her long neck.


    She tried again, concentrating on a puddle of murky water.


    Still nothing.


    He guided her once more, identifying her mistakes, encouraging her to move slowly. Slowly and precisely.


    She tried again.


    There came a sudden rush of mana.


    The water cleared.


    You did it! Alex shouted.


    I did it! Drestras thunderous voice echoed through the trees. Finally! I used bodynguage to cast a spell! I can''t believe it! Thank you, Alex, thank


    A blinding light red on the Sages draconic neck.

 Chapter 824: The Pact of Silence

    Chapter 824: The Pact of Silence


    <em>You have done well,</em> Alex heard the whisper in his ear.


    <em>You have earned my full approval,</em> the god of Thamnd said. <em>A new technique to enhance the Sage. Something from another discipline growing what you already possess. That is my way. With my second-inmand, the General, granting you his approval, I empower you fully. Go. Destroy the Ravener. Bring my will unto thend.</em>


    The Mark of the Sage zed like the noonday sun,


    The transformed light red brighter than the Saints original Mark, radiating from the surface of the dragons long neck, momentarily blinding Alex before he could shield his eyes.


    He flew to the burning Mark and called out to Drestra. Are you okay?


    I am! she shouted. But my Mark feels strange, different!


    Thats what happened with Merzhin! Alex pressed his hand against the golden staff on her neck.


    A searing pain zed along his shoulder, power flowing through his Mark and into hers. The staffs golden hue shattered, fragments of gold dissipating, changing colour then knitting back together in a blinding white light that Alex flinched away from. He grimaced, but was well pleased.


    High above him, the Sage roared, the sound resonating through the forest.


    Her Marks blinding light diminished, fading to a muted glow that had turned stark white, like Merzhins. We did it, your Marks evolved. Alex floated backward, examining the white staff glowing along her crimson scales. Howre you feeling?


    I felt some pain, Drestra said. But also more power, I feel amazing! My mana poolfeels even bigger! Andthe flow of mana through my entire bodys stronger! I truly feel more powerful!


    She dropped low, mming her tail against the forest floor, quaking the earth where it struck. With a loud snap, massive wings spread, andin a single wing beather massive formunched through the air in a blur of red. The dragon was faster, moving with newfound agility, her streamlined form cutting through the air, soaring high above the treetops. Draconicughter echoed through the sky as each wingbeat drove her onward.


    Drestra sailed along like a red stream; diving, looping, spiralling through the sky. She inhaled and with the sound of a roaring bellows, released a fiery breath from deep inside. Blue me erupted and all around, the air shimmered. Even from Alexs distance, he could feel heat from her breath.


    Drestra paused, hovering in ce while softly chanting a spell and performing subtle motions with her neck and wings.


    Alex felt a wave of power rise, birthing a tornado of me that erupted from her snout. The Sages burning whirlwinds werent new, but this one dwarfed any shed ever cast before, scorching the air with power. As the tornado burned, the Purify Water spell shed cast with her neck and wings manifested in a forest pond among the trees below. In a blink, silt and algae cleared from its surface, leaving sparkling water where a murky pond had just been.


    Yes! Drestra cheered, tucking her wings into her body and diving toward the ground, it seemed to recoil when shended in the clearing. This is incredible! I was going to say that I couldnt believe Uldar hid this from us, but that wouldn''t have been true. Nothing he did would surprise me anymore. You know what Alex? I feel like I can do <em>anything</em>!


    Oh no! the General waved his hands like he was warding off evil. Whenever someone in the old stories says, they feel like they could do anything, next thing you know, theyre off picking a fight with the biggest thing they can find, then they get their ass stomped into next year and back! So, please, don''t say that again!


    As you <emmand</em>, General, Drestra said wryly. I don''t know what kind of stories you''ve been reading, but I''m not nning on doing anything so silly. I just feel so strong, so powerful. Its amazing! The dragon flexed her ws. I doubt the Mark of the Sage was meant to empower a body like mine, one with my particr set of natural abilitiesand I doubt Uldar expected a dragon to be Marked as a Sage.


    Alex beamed, suddenly understanding how professors could be so proud of their students. He ced his hands on his hips dramatically. I''m just d <em>you</em> were Marked.


    Why? Because Im a dragon? Drestra asked.


    Because you''re you, Alex smiled, correcting her. There''s no one I''d rather see as the Sage<strong></strong>of Thamnd wielding so much magical power<strong>.</strong> We''re going to do well together.


    Thank you, Alex. Drestra gave him a reptilian grin. Thank <em>you.</em> When we first met, Ill admit, I <em>was </em>very lost, but you guided me, and there''s no one<em> I''d </em>rather see as the General than you; I''ll follow you into the Hells, I swear.


    You already have, Alex reminded her with a goofy chuckle. We fought there together, remember?


    Ugh! The dragon rolled her eyes. It seemed some gestures in bodynguage were pervasive. I hope you don''t mind, but Id like to go show Thundar and the others what I can do now. He''s going to be so impressed, and Cedrics going to be so annoyed. Both reactions will be fun. She looked down at her fellow Hero again, speaking with sincerity. Truly, Alex. Thank you for being one of us. It will be one of the greatest honours of my life to fight beside you when we face the Ravener at the end of all this.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Likewise. Ill be honoured to fight beside you too.


    With that, she spread her wings in preparation to return to the others. You don''t have to bother teleporting me back! I feel like <em>flying</em>!


    Alex smiled, watching her take to the skies.


    Glorious, he said. Just glorious. Two down. Two to go.


    He looked down at his shoulder. Make that three to go.


    A dayter, Alex and Hart Redfletcher were in the clearing, training.


    The Champion of Thamnd loomed over Alexs impressive height, his dense muscles, even thicker than the Generals, bulged with every move he made. Hart looked down withrge eyes.


    He was fully armed and armoured, and in both hands was his sword crafted from the Hive-Queens w. Alex still had mixed feelings whenever he saw it.


    You really like that sword, don''t you? he asked Hart on his way to the middle of the clearing.


    Cuts good. Hart shrugged, following the General. I don''t have any great attachment to it, though. When the high priest makes his announcement, I''m gonna switch to one of Uldars big, old swords as quick as you can say bye. Or maybe Ill take a mace or a hammer. Ill see which weapon I feel like then.


    That Hive-Queen w almost killed us in the Cave of the Traveller, Alex said.


    Well, I have a buddy in the Ash Ravens whose favourite sword was one he got on the battlefieldafter someone shoved it in his guts. He used to say, if it''s good enough to cut me, it''s good enough to cut them, Hartughed. That always made sense to me.


    I guess it does Alex said, looking up at the Champion.


    So, Hart asked. Here we are after your heart-to-heart with Merzhin and your little dance session with Drestra. What you got in mind for me?


    Alex smiled, almost apologetically. Nothing too exciting, he admitted. Mostly more dancing and how to manoeuvre while flying. If we incorporate the dances into your fighting style<strong>s</strong>, you''ll have even more tactics and moves to choose from. I also want you to learn how to move more efficiently when youre under a flight spell. Itll be mostly self-exnatory, but if you learn how to fly properly, youll increase your manoeuvrability in the air. Were probably going to be doing a lot of flying in the final battle, and youll be ready for it.


    Dances to let me move better on the ground, Hart mused. Flying to let me move through the air more efficiently. Sounds good. So, when do we start?


    Now, Alex said.


    Then paused.


    You''re not clumsy on the dance floor or anything, are you? Alex asked, apprehensively.


    Not really, Hart said, jamming<strong></strong>his sword in the ground beside him. Clumsy folk dontst long on the battlefield, plus my Mark made me extra agile. I''m not gonna be stumbling over my own feet for a week like some oaf, so you dont have to worry about me.


    Alexs eyes narrowed. That sounds exactly like what someone who''s about to stumble over their own feet for a week would say.


    Hart grinned viciously. Then try me, dancing man. You can tell me if I''m clumsy after were done.


    Alright, Alex said. The first dance I''m going to teach you is the Spear-and-Oar dance. That''ll be followed by a couple more. So, are you ready?


    Hart cracked his neck to the left. He cracked it to the right. Like I said, dancing man, try me.


    And so Alex did.


    He started with the Spear-and-Oar dance, prepared to take the Champion of Thamnd through the steps at a slow pace. But, Hart Redfletcher had other ideas, he had no interest in taking slow steps, nor did he need them.


    In a short time, the Champion of Thamnd was able to match most of Alex''s stances, positions, and steps nearly perfectly. Hartsrge eyes watched the General intently, and his natural athleticismbined with his enhanced agility from both the Champions Mark and the blood magic ritual, saw him replicating the movements with ease.


    Before long, Hart had a good foundation <strong>of </strong>the beginning steps, movements, and stances of the Spear-and-Oar Dance.


    Holy crap, you''re a natural! Alex shouted, watching the Champion flow from stance to stance as though he was born to perform them.


    This dance has a lot inmon with some of the fighting techniques I''ve got in here. The Champion tapped the side of his head. Next dance?


    You got it, Dancing boy. The General grinned.


    Hart grinned back.


    Alex introduced the next dance. Then the next. And the next.


    Waltzes, acrobatic steps, slow movements, quick movementsthe Champion of Thamnd absorbed them all in no time.


    You''ve got a real talent for this! a surprised Alexplimented him.


    Maybe, Hart grunted. Helps to learn stuff when it''s fun. He peered up at the sky. You got any more, dancing man, or we gonna take to the air?


    Oh, I think we could<em>air</em> out the rest of what I have to teach you, Alex beamed.


    Hart looked at him sidelong. You know, if the Ravener was vulnerable to bad jokes, you woulda killed it by now, and your jokes would make sure it never came back.


    Hah! If only! Alex twitched his fingers, casting flight magic on his critic. Alright, let''s get airborne.


    The General and Champion soared into the sky, Alex immediately instructing Hart on the nuances of flight.


    Hart would be getting both experience and instruction today.


    Alex exined the manner in which air currents interacted with different shaped wings, and how some flying creatures werent able to perform certain manoeuvres, yetndbound creatures using magic for flight were able to. The General exined how that knowledge would be useful when Hart was in the air, and he told him about different flying races and sky dances that could be helpful when manoeuvring.


    Hart absorbed every word like a sponge, copying Alex''s demonstrations and mastering his movement in moments.


    The Champion got creative.


    He flew off, soon experimenting with what the General had taught him. Raising his sword, Hart began incorporating steps and stances from the dances into his fighting styles. He took to the air again, doing what Alex had taught himasking questionsweaving all that hed learned together seamlessly, bringing in new skills, creating new fighting forms. He was both graceful and powerful.


    In the end, he paused, beaming.


    Hey, He flew up to Alex. Not only are you gonna help me conquer all our enemies with this stuff, but Im gonna impress Tyris with my skills on the dance floor. Birger thought <em>he</em> was a terror? Huhhe hasnt seen anything!


    The Champion pped Alex on the shoulder. Thank you. You''ve seriously done so much


    Alexs eyes fell on his Marked shoulder. Wait, Hart, let go


    Toote.


    Alex screamed as Harts Markunder the armour covering his bicepzed brightly as agony seared his shoulder.


    My eyes! Alex screamed.


    The Mark of the General red, blinding Hart. <em>My</em> eyes!


    Alex raised his hands, trying to block the Champions Markwhich immediately turned white, burning brighter as Uldars voice whispered<strong>.</strong>


    Both young men kept screaming as the Mark of the Champion blinded them.


    They tried to get free of each other, but Alexs hand remained fixed to Harts Mark. They tangled around, losing bnce, and crashing to the earth with an impact that rattled their teeth.


    General and Championy face down in the dirt as the light faded.


    ...Hart? Alex groaned.


    Yeah, Alex? Hart grunted.


    Lets never speak of this again, deal?


    Deal.


    And so, the Champion and General forged a most important pact.


    One meant to keep secret their oafishness until the very grave.

 Chapter 825: Chosen, Champion and Choices

    Chapter 825: Chosen, Champion and Choices


    Hart Redfletcher pushed himself up off the ground, then helped Alex to his feet.


    That was something. The Champion cracked his neck. Felt like when I first got my Mark, butnot as painful.


    Merzhin and Drestra said something simr, Alex replied. I''m d it didn''t hurt muchI mean that fall kinda hurt but


    You''re breaking our deal, Alex, Hart grimaced. There was no fall. Nobody fell.


    Right, right, the General said, sheepishly. Silly me.


    Hart simply nodded and began removing his breastte, pauldrons, gauntlets and shirt to examine the Mark burning on his left bicep.


    The Mark of the Championthe horned warriors headglowed white, changed from its former golden colour.


    Wow Alex muttered, peering at the empowered Mark. Would you look at that?


    Feels strange to see it suddenly look different after Ive had it for such a long time, Hart said.


    Tell me about it. Alex nced at his right shoulder where the Mark of the Fool used to be. Sometimes I look at my shoulder, and Im <em>still</em> surprised that there''s no jesters face grinning up at me. So, howre you feeling? Any different?


    Yeah, I do, actually. Hart said, flexing each finger on his right hand. I feel stronger, like I got a lot more energy, more power. Wanna test it out?


    The Champion turned and strode to a nearby oak tree. He flexed his thick arms, wrapped them around the oaks broad girth, reached to lock his fingers together, but failed, and with a low grunt, nted his feet firmly at the base of the trunk, bent his knees, and heaved.


    His muscles bunched up, veins rose on his bare torso.


    There came a groaning sound like the earth itself was moaning in pain.


    The tree began rising; slowly, steadily, its roots were exposed before Alex''s amazed eyes. Hart turned his torso, rocking the tree trunk from side to side, andwith a surge of forcewrenched the oak free.


    Alex noticed the Champions fingertips had broken through the tree bark and were digging into the smooth wood beneath.


    Damn! the young wizard shouted.


    I may not be as strong as ygon, but this is still pretty good. Hart threw the tree, hurling it through the forest and over the canopy where itnded with a terrible crash in the distance.


    And guess what? More strength isn''t all I got, Hart said.


    He stooped low, took a giant step, and shot across the clearing faster than Alex''s eye could follow. He paused and did it again, speeding through the green space, thenunching his body through the air while unsheathing his enormous sword.


    Flying and striking around himself, his hive-queen de blurred in a storm of death.


    Hart shouted at Alex. Conjure me some forceballs, then send them at me!


    You got it! With a slight gesture while uttering two sybles, the young archwizard conjured a swarm of forceballs modified with added mana to maximise their speed.


    He kept conjuring, producing at least a hundred forceballs and lobbing them at Hart from all directions. They sped straight for the hulking warrior like an attacking swarm, but he slipped past them, his swordshing out, bursting every spell before it could touch<strong></strong>him.


    Lets see that again! Alex cried, sending two score more<strong></strong>glowing spells from all sides.


    Harts sword blurred again.


    Not a single forceball hit him.


    When every spell had been ruptured, he took a deep breath and beganughing. It''s too bad that First Apostle isnt still around. I''d like to see him try the crap he did at Uldars Rise! Hisughter turned to a growl.


    Theres something else Id like to test.


    Hart drew his dagger, stretched out his arm andbefore Alex could say a wordran the de across his skin.


    The skin remained intact.


    My bodys tougher, he repeatedly shed at his arm with<strong></strong>the dagger,<strong></strong>until finally, the de cut a shallow wound on his forearm. Not bad, breaking the skin took a lot of tries, which means if Im wearing Uldars armour, I should be protected from most weapons.


    Thats great! Alex apuded, then took his notebook out to make a quick note. So far, each Hero has had their Marks specialty greatly enhanced by its evolution. No new powers though.


    Yeah, it sure looks that way, Hart said. What do you think you''re gonna get?


    Alex shook his head. Who knows if Ill get anything, but even if I do, I have no idea what it might be. I can''t imagine how to make my Marks power <em>better. </em>Maybe Ill get more images, quicker, so I can learn faster?


    The young archwizard shrugged. Who knows?


    Well, I''m real curious now, Hart said. If Merzhin, Drestra and me are so much stronger, I can''t wait to see what youre gonna be able to do.


    Thanks, Alex said. You''re a good guy, Hart.


    I kill things, Hart said. I do it for a living. Doesn''t mean I gotta be an asshole when I''m not. Anyway, you only got Cedric left to do, right?


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    Yeah, Alex said. He''s been getting impatientwell, that''s not fair, hes been <em>extra</em> eager, understandably, but he''s been reasonably patient.


    Well, I guess his patience is gonna be rewarded, Hart said. Real soon.


    Soon.


    Soon the Ravener would have to decide.


    The ck orb hovered above the water in its murky cave, focused on the body of its creator. All throughout Thamnd its spawn were multiplying, some were giving aid to the Thameish, while others were fighting them.


    Its Skyfire swarm was nearlyplete, and the ancient pathways for producing its most powerful monsterspathways it had not used in millenniawere nearly ready.


    Creating another Skyfire swarm would be faster next time.


    After that, even faster.


    The time after that, faster still.


    Soon, it would be able to produce dungeon cores that could make its oldestmost powerful monstersindependently.


    It was almost ready for that.


    But, it hade no closer to deciding what to do, and time was passing.


    The Heroes were changing: it could feel them reverting to their old forms, one by one. In many ways, this set-back was dire, perhaps an omen of disaster: after the General had been removed millennia ago, the Heroes were not supposed to bear their full power ever again, for good reason.


    In other ways, the Ravener was inwardly pleased by this turn.


    It was almostnostalgic to feel the Heroes returning to what they once were. The change reminded it of older, better days. Days when<strong></strong>Uldar was strong, and would speak with it.


    Without doubt, it understood that to not try to stop them from returning to their former selves, before Uldar had changed them, was illogical. Dangerous. However, nostalgia was oveing logic, and was yet another new emotion in the storm of fears, rages, and yearnings guing the construct.


    It desperately needed guidance, though, in watching Uldars still form, it knew such guidance would nevere.


    And time was also short.


    Once the Heroes regained their full power, it knew they would seek to destroy it, unless it could make peace with themif that was what it decided to do. On some days, peace seemed like the right path to take, but on others, it seemed disgraceful to even consider: an abomination to Uldar.


    But if it did not make a choice soon, that choice would be made for it.


    Perhaps it could seek help from


    no.


    Not yet.


    To do so, would mean tying itself to one who was not its creator.


    If it sought counsel, it must be secure in its own independent thought. It was not created to have another master, none but Uldar.


    Certainly not this General.


    And he was what it feared most.


    It knew that<strong></strong>a General existing should be impossiblebut Uldars death should also be impossibleyet, he was dead. And should this General be able to craft a means to control it? Uldars work would fall into the hands of one who should never have been able to exist again, by its<strong></strong>creators own divine decree. That would be the ultimate sphemy.


    No, such a thing could not happen.


    Even if the other Heroes were permitted to live, the General must die.


    And there was a sure way to ensure that he<strong></strong>did.


    The Ravener reached into its deepest processes, and began crafting another Skyfire swarm. Then another.


    These would be ready much faster than the first.


    Yes.


    Three swarms to overwhelm: to easily kill this General.


    The Ravener remembered how, for a brief moment, the Generals mind had touched it.


    Viting.


    That would not happen again.


    Its weapons would soon be ready.


    Right, then, Alex! Cedric shouted. They say save th'' best ferst. Well, I''s both best anst, so I guess they was right!


    The Chosen of Uldar stood in the clearing where Alex had trained the other Heroesshirtless, as usualdespite the chilly springtime drizzle.


    Technically, I''ll best. The General of Thamnd pointed out. My theory is thatif I get a boost in powerit''s only going to be after you four have gotten yours.


    Aye, I suppose that makes sense, Cedric scowled. Well then, theyd best change that expression tsave th best fer <em>second</em>st!


    The Chosens cheeryughter boomed over the forest.


    Alex rolled his eyes. Ugh, dont make me regret training you already.


    Oh you''re gonna, friend, Cedrics cheer faded, somewhat. I aint the quickest when ites tlearninplicated things. So, by the time you an mes all through, youre gonna be tearin out great tufts o yer hair. Believe me.


    Oh, Im not worried, youre no fool, Cedric, no matter what you say, Alex told him.


    Whatcha gonna be teachin me anyway? Cedric asked, smiling, revealing his gold tooth. Despite his concerns, there was a great deal of excitement in his bodynguage. Dancin? I hope it''s dancin.


    No and yes, Alex said. You''re going to learn <em>everything</em> Drestra, Hart and<em></em>Merzhin did.


    The Chosens smile faded.


    Dead away.


    What, why? he demanded, sounding a touch hysterical.


    Because you''re supposed to be a fusion of the three of them: some divinity, some magic, and some fighting, Alex pointed out. Merzhin gets stronger by mastering his inner peace, his faith and his soul. Drestra gets stronger by learning new spells and techniques to cast them with. Hart gets stronger by Alex paused. well, by getting stronger. But he also gets stronger through learning newbat techniques, and other techniques that can enhance his<strong></strong>fighting styles.


    An Is gonna be gettin stronger by learnin all three? Cedric paled.


    Alex shook his head. You''re going to get stronger by <embining</em> all three into one perfect fighting style. Different dances will let you dodge and move in new ways in battle: and youll also be learning how to convey meaning. A twitch of a muscle can cast a spell: aplex dance can mean more than a single spell being cast at once. While you''re dancing, youll be fighting at the same time, and by using a breathing and grounding technique, you''ll be able to concentrate on everything at once.


    Oh Cedric winced. So that''s it then, Ill be takin everythin they learned, an mashin it all together?


    Yes, Alex said. That''s exactly right. And in a way, it''s a good thing you wentst: you''re going to take the longest to train. But when we''re finished, you''re going to be a nightmare in a fight. You''re <em>already</em> a nightmare, but you have one big weakness.


    Aye? An whats that? Cedric asked.


    You have ess to three different disciplines that allow you to destroy your enemies, but you only use one at a time, Alex said. Most of the time, you''re fighting with your morphic weapon. Then you pause to cast a spell. Usually, its a big spell to blow up a bunch of enemies at once, or it''s some sort of enhancement spell that makes you stronger. Then you go back to fighting with your morphic weapon.


    An I only use divinity t heal or make mself a bit stronger. Cedric nodded. Aye, I don really flow from one thing t thnext, do I?


    No, Alex said. And if you think about it, you should. Imagine this. With every strike, youre casting a spell. With every step, youre casting a spell. That frees up your mouth to utter prayers. While you''re doing all that, you could be grounding yourself in the moment, calming your soul whichll keep a lot of strain off your soul-gate and allow you to focus on regenerating your mana at the same time.


    Cedrics jaw dropped. Ywants me tdo all that? <em>Me?</em>


    Sure! You can do it, Alex pushed. You''re a really coordinated guy, and your Mark enhanced your agilitynot as much as Hartsbut it did. Learning the movement part isnt going to be a problem. Breathingsbreathing. It''s going to be easier than you think. Casting spells? Well, once we beat casting nonverbally into you, itll be second nature in no time. Trust me.


    Doin all that sounds like it''ll taka long time! Cedric grumbled.


    Im thinking itll take less time than you think, but longer than the others took, Alex said. What well do is start you off with one thing at a time. Something easy first: probably the breathing technique. Once you can ground yourself, you''ll be able to concentrate better on the next thing: probably the dances. Then, after that, non-verbal casting and mana regeneration. Well probably have to take a bit of a break between lessons, though.


    An whys that? Cedric asked.


    I''ll be getting my exam results soon, Alex grinned. And, if things went well, <strong></strong>Ill be graduating.

 Chapter 826: The Final Marks

    Chapter 826: The Final Marks


    Chancellor Baelin handed Alex several sheets of parchment. Here you go; your exam results, Baelin said solemnly. "You did well, to the surprise of absolutely no one."


    The young archwizard took the papers from his mentor, quickly searching for his marks<strong>.</strong>


    Magic Lore: 100%. Alex nodded, pleased with his mark. The exam was probably challenging for most, especially those who tended to underestimate the subject. It had mostly focused on memorisation, and defining different aspects of magical history and lore. Thered been a number of essay questions requiring the examination of different perspectives on the history of magic, and others requiring alternate perspectives onmon theories. There was also a mathematical portion of the exam covering spell arrays and magic circuits, that section was meant to demonstrate the depth of the wizards knowledge in the practical aspects of wizardry and howprehensively they understood the building blocks of spells.


    Next, were the results of his Summoning Exam: 100%. The written portion was meant to examine the students knowledge of the various nes, rtionship building, aspects of diplomacy, and how negotiations might change; depending on the sort of being one was bargaining with, andmon ways used by summoners to entice spirits into their service. There was also an in depth essay question on pitfalls that often led to a summoners destruction by devils and other dangerous servants.


    Since Alex had summoned a creature as powerful as Asmaldestre the Unmaker, taking the practical part of the exam wasnt necessary, and repeating the deed served no real purpose since he''d already exceeded the standard for students of summoning to sessfully graduate from the university. Professor Mangal had also personally witnessed the summoning, so shed written her rmendation without hesitation.


    ording to her, he''d more than proven himself by reaching ninth-tier.<strong></strong>


    The alchemy exam, despite alchemy being one of his greatest strengths, had actually been one of the trickiest for him.


    Professor Jules allowed him to challenge the Exam for Credit, but she certainly wasn''t about to let him go easily.


    For the practical portion, he had to assembleplex magical equipment within a time limit, then craft potions using those same pieces of equipment, then purify the potions with certain delicate analytical tools, then use those tools to analyse a substance that was new to him.


    Once he finished analysing the substance, he had to use it in a summoning ritual, one he remembered from long ago. Hed carefully nned his steps, then conjured a lesser shoggoth, just as Professor Jules and her research team had when he was in first year. Back then, just watching the process and seeing the results had<strong></strong>seemed extraordinary, but now, it all felt verymonce.


    Negotiating with the lesser shoggoth had been simple: the potions he had purified turned out to be sensory enhancement potions crafted from the brains of Mindfish, which as it turned out, lesser shoggoths found delicious.


    Hed used the potion to sessfully negotiate with the lesser shoggoth for a portion of chaos essence, then sent the creature on its merry way, and presented the chaos essence to Professor Jules.


    The entire time her eyes had scrutinised his every move, alert for carelessness, neglect, him missing or overlooking even<strong></strong><em>a single</em> safety procedure, even for a moment. Hed made sure not to disregard a stepthough he <em>was</em> usually less rigid outside theb. Professor Jules had given him a ny-five percent, docking<strong></strong>marks because, as shed put it at the time, she found his summoning technique to be: too free and easy, and <em>potentially</em> dangerous. And knowing Professor Jules as well as he did, he hadnt been surprised at that. The written exam was a snap since Alex had memorised enough information from upper year alchemy textbooks to be able to create the exam, let alone write it.


    On that section, Professor Jules had given him; one hundred percent, without reservation.


    His mana maniption exam had him guiding mana through what appeared to be a cloud of silver mist. In reality, the mist turned out to be thousands of advanced mana-nodes that Alex had to touch in a specific order. It was tricky, but not tricky enough to stump his advanced mana maniption skills.


    Compared to the nightmarish process he had gone through to rid himself of the Fools Mark, it was simple.


    And at the end, hed gotten a hundred percent.


    Alex finished flipping through the sheaf of papers, his expression rxing and growing happier with each one. He looked up to see Baelin watching him proudly across the desk.


    So this meant


    Convocation is at the end of spring semester. Baelin leaned forward, sliding two forms toward him. One of those is your invitation. It has the date, time and other information that youll need on it. Please fill out the other form as it is the application for your convocation ceremony. I will approve it right away and hand it to Registrar Hobb.


    It''s  Alex paused. Graduation''s not that far away.


    No, it is not, Baelin said. There is no formal dress code for graduation, but you will be expected to wear a robe of some kind. We also He sighed, cing his head in his hands. The university will be providing conical hats that you will be expected to wear for the duration of the ceremony. He shuddered. They are adorned with designs of stars, moons, and suns, for some unfathomable reason.


    Oh, you mean like a wizards hat? Alex asked.


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    It is <em>not </em>a wizards hat! Baelin stated. I have known almost no wizards to wear such costumes, nor do I have any idea where the myth that we do came from! I find these spurious hats quite embarrassing, but the university refuses to repeal their use! Bah, a Proper Wizard does not traipse around in a dressed up <em>dunces </em>cap! Why would we dress those who are at the pinnacle of academic achievement in caps that denote stupidity!


    Baelin shook his head. Every board of directors I have ever approached considers them aesthetic, traditional or charming.


    Well, I don''t mind. As long as it isn''t a jesters cap, I''ll be okay with it, Alex said.


    Traitor. Baelins voice dripped acid. In any case, on your form you are asked to provide the number of guests who will be attending your ceremony. You are permitted up to thirty individuals.


    That''s a lot! I thought itd be like five, tops! Alex said.


    Of course not, Baelin said. We have students here from cultures and species that consider entire ns to be their immediate family. I actually argued for a higher cap: there have been students who have wanted their entire vige to attend their graduation. Who are we to tell them no?


    Where does the ceremony take ce? Is there that much room, wherever itll be? Are we using the stadium? Alex asked.


    The young archwizard couldnt remember seeing or hearing about a graduation ceremony on campus. Well, hed heard about them after the fact, but hed never seen one take ce.


    Baelin grinned at Alexs question. Are we using the training stadium? he asks. No, we are not! Graduation takes ce in a more spectacr location than that: after all, you are graduating from the greatest school of wizardry in this entire world, not from some simple country school.


    Fair enough.


    Everyone is to assemble on campus at the designated time and ce, to then be taken to where the ceremony will take ce, Baelin smiled. I think you will be pleased to see it. So, be ready! You only graduate once for the first time: maybe you will return to do graduate studies, but that is an altogether different affair. Anticipate it, be ready for it, and most of all, enjoy it.


    I will, Alex said, leaning over the desk to fill out his form, writing the names of everyone he wanted with him: Selina, Theresa, Brutus, Khalik, Thundar, ygon and the Lus.


    He pausedthen added four more names. Alex doubted theyd be able to attend, but he still wanted the option of inviting them, just in case they could make it.


    Done, he said.


    Excellent, Baelin said. I must catch up on this paperwork. It continues to loom over meand looks like I''ve hardly made a dent in it since my returnso I shall allow you to carry on with the rest of your day. So tell me, what will you do with your time, now that you no longer have formal sses?


    Alex froze at that.


    It was true.


    He didnt have sses anymore.


    No more undergraduate sses.


    Acknowledging that felt sad: he was happy to graduate, since it meant hed officially be a wizard and was moving on, but at the same timeit felt like he was losing something.


    Having trouble wrapping your head around the fact that sses are over for you? Baelin asked him.


    Howd you know? Alex said.


    I have seen that look on <em>thousands</em> of faces just prior to graduation, Baelin smiled. Many thousands, not surprisingly, over the centuries. You are no doubt pleased that you are going on to the next stage of your life, but you are also realising that you''re about to leave a significant experience behind: one you can never revisit in the same way. Graduating students often end up wondering if they have made time to examine what the experience has meant to them before it has passed them by.


    You hit it on the head, Baelin, Alex admitted. Feels like some of my sses are a blurin a way, the Mark of the Fool kind of <em>changed</em> the experience for me.


    Indeed, but it was <em>your</em> experience. Treasure it. In any case, you never answered my question.


    Oh! Alex shook himself. I''m going to do some training with Cedric, then Ill go tell my family that I passed.


    Very good, Baelin said. Well, dont let me keep you from sharing your exciting news with your loved ones.


    I appreciate it, Baelin Alex said. Thanks, thanks, for everything.


    For everything, so far, the chancellor said. I doubt we are done with each other quite yet.


    Alexughed. True. Alright, see youter.


    Goodbye for now, Baelin said.


    With that, the young archwizard teleported back to his room in his familys home above the bakery, putting his exam results on his desk.


    He paused for a moment.


    It was quiet in the apartment, aside from the noiseing from the bakery downstairs.


    Theresa, Brutus and ygon must already be in Thamnd.


    Selina was at school, and the Lus were in the vi.


    Alex felt a little disappointed that no one was at home so he could share his news with them. Maybe he could teleport to where they were after he got Cedric''s lesson set up.


    He shook his head, looking at the stack of parchment.


    Therey the sum of three years of work, hard work, and in truth, what should have been four. Each sheet of paper represented a part of his evolutionfrom apprentice to full-fledged wizard. Soon, the sheaf of papers would be reced by a degree.


    That degree would provide him with<strong></strong>a wealth of opportunities and choices. He could choose graduate studies and do research if he wanted to teach a magical subject that interested him. Wizardry had given him the chance to gain wondrous abilities, meet unique people, and have a lifetime of exceptional possibilities; anything from sitting on the Generasi Wizards Council, to creating transformative potions, devices, and other alchemical items, to being sought after by empresses and merchant princes around the world, to exploring different worlds.


    As an archwizard he could do almost anything he wanted. Untold opportunities were waiting. He might choose some, or he might continue on his current path of building his businesses, at least, until he decided to do something different. He had the time, after all. Especially, if his n to extend his life worked, once the Ravener was defeated.


    In the end, graduating and earning his degree felt surreal, almost like a waking dream.


    He had aplished so much in thest three years, yet these pieces of parchment made things feel different. Special. Maybe, because of the depth of what they represented. Perhaps, as time passed, he wouldnt think of them and the degree hed be getting just as much. He wondered if Baelin remembered every de he''d received over the course of his millennia of life.


    Probably not.


    But for now


    <em>You are no doubt pleased that you are going on to the next stage of your life, but you also realise that you''re about to leave a significant experience behind: one you can never revisit in the same way. </em>


    Baelins words came back.


    And, he took the moment to reflect, to stop and think on the experiences that had brought him to this point. His journey with his family from Alric. His battle against the mana vampire on the <em>Red Siren</em>. Mastering the Mark of the Fool. Taking the Art of the Wizard in Combat for the first time.


    His good friends, and how they supported each other.


    The professors hed met.


    The knowledge and experiences he gained.


    He took a breath and performed his grounding exercises, he breathed and reflected. He let<strong></strong>every bit of it soak into his bones.


    I thank the Traveller that I came to Generasi, Alex whispered.


    After reflecting and being deep in thought for a time, he opened his eyes, nodded to himself, then teleported to Thamnd.


    He was looking forward to graduation.

 Chapter 827: Mastering Flesh and Metal

    Chapter 827: Mastering Flesh and Metal


    Good job, Cedric! Alex pped for the Chosen, giddy with excitement. You''re close!


    Aye, Id be a lot closer ifn youd be so kind tnot break me bloody flow wit yer lip ppin! The Chosen snapped from between clenched teeth. Cedrics eyes were shut tight, his breathing wasboured; he weaved his body through the Spear-and-Oar Dance in the middle of the forest clearing, muscles flexing with every movement. p fer me when I aint <em>tryin t think about so many things at the same time!</em>


    Right, sorry! Alex called, cupping his hands around his mouth. Im just trying to encourage you!


    Yer still talkin!


    Right, shit, sorry! Its just that youre doing so well


    Now yer jus bloody doin it on purpose!


    Im not, I swear! Its just, right, right! Sorry! Shutting up now!


    Alex fell silent for a long momentat least long to him.


    But seriously, Im super proud, he said under his breath, watching the Chosen of Thamnd dance, his moves flowing from one to the next under the morning sky. A natural athlete, the redheaded man had readily absorbed the basics of every dance Alex had taught him over the past few days, and was always eager for more.


    If only the same was true with the Chosens progress with the grounding exercise.


    Asking Cedric to simply sit, breathe and <em>be,</em> was easy to ask of him, but close to impossible for him to do. Within minutes of starting the meditation, hed be twitching, fidgeting, or shifting about; his mind would drift as boredom and impatience took over.


    It had taken Alex the better part of a day to realise what was wrong: expecting the Hero to just stay still was like trying to herd barn cats. Futile.


    He was the man who had ditched his priestly escort to run off to Coille forest to fight Ravener-spawn, because he <em>needed</em> to act.


    Cedric was a <em>doer, </em>and after Alex realised that, he knew he had to adaptif the Chosens body wanted to movethen he shouldnt be <em>fighting </em>it. Instead of trying to force him to sit still, he needed to work on the grounding exercise <em>while</em> performing the Spear-and-Oar dance.


    Calm would have to be achieved through the explosive power of movement.


    And that movement would then steady his breathing.


    The Chosen had moved through the dances steps, stances, and positions as his chest rose and fell: inhale for four, hold for seven, then exhale for eight.


    Each day, his breathing had grown a little lessboured.


    Until, something wonderful happened.


    The Chosens movement was now matching his breathing.


    His morphic weaponshaped like a spearpulsed. His steps were steady<strong>.</strong> His exhtion was timed with an explosive step.


    Yes! Alex thought. Keep going. Youre almost thereyoure almost


    Something shifted in the Chosens movements. A subtle twitch of a muscle, a shift in his timing. His breathing became calmer


    and then, there it was.


    Sess.


    Cedric had gotten it.


    His body moved with perfect harmony, power, grace and beauty, all conducted by a breath as steady as the tide. His face was a mask of serenity, his eyes utterly calm, gaze focusing on the path ahead. A few minutes passed. Then dozens.


    The Chosen seemed entranced, united in body and mind. Alex watched him, reluctant to break the union hed worked so hard for.


    He would leave the Chosen in peace for a time and do some learning of his own.


    Slipping to the side of the clearing to get his satchel, the young archwizard took out the spell-guide for Steel Body, opened it and began tracing the magic circuit with his index finger: some points on the diagram were familiarsimr to sections of blood magic spells hed learned beforebut most were new to him.


    Hed never cast a spell that was capable of transforming his flesh sopletely, and such transmutations were notoriously tricky. Miscasting a spell like this, would not only risk a mana reversal, but could turn the casting wizard into a mound of sand, a piece of twisted wood, or a ball of squealing flesh. None were appealing.


    Theres no way he would have risked casting this spell when he had the Mark of the Fool.


    But nowthings had changed.


    The best thing is for me to cast it with a gesture, Alex thought, opening a notebook. I could use it for physical resilience and strength, then dismiss it for speed and faster mana flow. Hmmmwhats this part here? ah, that should be helpful.


    Alex stood, and holding the spell guide, looked over the incantation one final time, then nodded. Guess theres only one thing left to do.


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    He focused the Mark of the General on perfecting his pronunciation. Memories of incantationssesses and failurescame pouring back to him, guiding him through the sybles of the intricate spell. Mana surged, and aplex, eight part magic circuit formed within his mana pool.


    The magic circuitpleted.


    Power surged through his body, his sense of touch dulled. Iron oozed from his veins, suffusing his body. His perception of dampness and the bite of cool spring wind on his skin faded. His flesh transformed, changing to shining, polished steel. Strength poured into his muscle fibres.


    Wow, this feels so stra


    Breath failed him partway through the sentenceyet he didnt have to take another one, at least for now. In his current form, the archwizard had no need for breathing to sustain life, a trait that woulde in handy.


    Alex ced two fingers against his neck.


    No pulse either.


    He waseffectivelya living steel statue.


    This is so cool, he thought. I wonder what ygon will think?


    I want to test itright now! Tromping to the nearest tree, Alex curled his right arm backballed his hand into a fistand swung.


    A loud crack and an explosion of tree bark followed, as his fist struck the trunk, burrowing into the wood.


    Not bad! he thought. Maybe lets try something else.


    He reached around the tree trunk, gripping it on either side, and using his teleportation power, severed the trunk from its base and teleported the stump and roots away. He began to lift.


    The tree wasnt quite the size of the old oak Hart had wrenched from the ground, but it was close, yet Alex had little trouble hoisting it over his head.


    His body was<em> stronger under this spell. </em>He took a conscious breath, raising the tree up and down. <em></em>


    It isnt the shiest spell, but its damn useful, if any Ravener-spawn get too close to me, I could crush them to pulp. And a steel body is fantastic for defencedamn, if Id known this spell when I was fighting the hidden church in Keldas sanctum, I doubt their consecrated soil would have affected me. Anyway, I know it now, and Ill be making good use of it. Maybe Id better put this tree down and see how Cedrics doing.


    Alex slowlyid the tree on its sidebranches cracking and snapping as they touched the groundand looked up to check on Cedric. He found the Chosen staring at him.


    Oh! Youre done! the General pped unevenly, his palms nging together like dull bells. Good job!


    Why thbloody zes r ymetal? Cedric sounded bewildered.


    What?


    Yer bloody metal, mate!


    What do you meaOh, its a new spell! Alex pped his hand against his forehead. There was another ng. It turns my body to stes you can see. Anyway, whats important is that


    Alex grinned, pointing at his mouth. Youre <em>not</em> the <em>only</em> one with metal in your mouth now!


    Silence.


    Whawhat th


    I mean you have a golden smile, but mines <em>steely</em>, Alex joked.


    Please bloody tell me ydina learn this spell jus fer yer shite joke!


    N-no! Alex cried. Cedric looked sceptical.


    Anyway, lets move on. The spell changes my body to magically enhanced metal. Its not shy, but its eighth-tier.


    The Chosens eyes bulged. The way ysay eighth-tier all casual-like makes me ead spin. But, ah well, good on ya! Cedric grinned and pped, his gold tooth shining.


    Thank you, thank you, Alex said, bowing his head exaggeratedly.


    Aye, an now tha ya finished showin off, Cedric cracked his neck. I gots somethin tshow ya. I was savin this one fer a surprise.


    The Chosen muttered an incantation, extending a hand in front of him. A shimmering wall of force materialised in the air.


    Holy crap! Alex shouted. Wall of Force! You broke through to fifth-tier!


    I been workin on <em>sixth</em>, friend. Cedric couldnt help but smirk a little. Been gettin close too. Is kinda hopin tget there bfore Isolde gets tseventh an leaves me behind, but shes been sayin that shes real close, so I dunno bout that one. Thothers are real close tfifth too. Cept for Drestrawell, Id best let her show ya fer herself.


    I can hardly wait. Alex rubbed his hands together, his palms making ominous, metallic, creaking and grinding sounds. But wait, lets leave the spells for a second. Howd it go with your dancing and breathing?


    Cedrics smirk turned into an overjoyed smile. He pped himself on the chest. Friendo, it feels so bloody good! So natural, like I was <em>always </em>meant tbe fightin like that! Once I got<strong></strong>mbreathin an dancin all in step, hoo boy! Everythin worked like a bloody charm!


    Awesome, Alex said. Then the next thing well be working on is getting you to cast more than one spell at the same time, using your body, not your mouth, which should be a lot easier now.


    How so? Cedric asked.


    Well, describe how your body feels when youre dancing and doing the grounding exercise at the same time? Alex asked.


    Feels bloody good an...oh! Cedrics eyes grew wide. I gets it! I can <em>feel</em> every muscle better. Feels like Im noticin every muscle movin a lot more than usual. So now that I kin <em>notice</em> me own bodys movements easier


    Youll have an easier time <em>controlling</em> those movements more precisely, Alex finished for him. Very, very good.


    Aye! the Chosen shouted. Well, then, guess we better get back twork! Tell me what tdo next oh teacher o mine!


    Next, were going to be studying spell arrays and findingmonalities in


    I bloody hates ya!


    ###


    Drestra watched the trees before her.


    Most looked just as they should: solid, old elms and oaks rising from the earth, with bursting leaf buds and new leaves springing up on their branches.


    Some, however, looked semi-solid, off, not quite right.


    The Sage of Thamnd gave a tight smile of satisfaction.


    Because she could tell they werent real.


    Those over there. She pointed to three towering oaks. Theyre the illusions. She looked at four Thundars standing nearby, hands on their hipsthree of the minotaurs appeared somewhat vagueshe pointed at the solid one. And <em>you</em> are the real Thundar.


    Damn, you got me! the minotaur dispelled his illusions. The other minotaurs and illusionary trees shimmered to nothingness. Hells, Drestra, you did it, you really <em>can</em> cast True Seeing now!


    The dragon smiled, taking off her veil and showing her teeth.


    Thundars<strong></strong>expression shifted, as it always did.


    For a time, she used to think her teeth made him uneasy, but shede to realise that he felt the <em>exact</em> opposite.


    Now, she took great joy in revealing her fangs to him.


    Youll be able to cast it too, she said, her voice crackling. Youre almost at fifth.


    Yeah. The minotaur scratched the back of his head as heughed nervously. He kept ncing at her fangs. Gotta admit, Alex was right: wrapping your head around every little detail of a spell array is a pain, but once you can do it, it makes learning spells so much easier.


    Drestra watched him. Youre all getting your heads around it faster than I am, but Im slowly getting there. And


    Suddenly, from nearby, there came a powerful crack like thunder.


    Both minotaur and dragon whirled, spotting a massive bolt of lightning streaking over the canopy to the north. It peaked in the sky, exploding in a coil of electricity, sending out hundreds of hungry bolts seeking targets in every direction.


    A familiarugh rang out over the trees.


    Well, Ill be damned, Thundar mused. Looks like Isoldes hit seventh-tier.


    Cedrics going to go a little crazy over that one, Drestra grinned.

 Mark of the Fool 7 launches in ebook and paperback!

    Mark of the Fool 7unches in ebook and paperback!


    Hey hey everybody!


    IT''S TIME TO DUEL-I MEAN BOOK 7! It¡¯s time for book 7!


    Book 7unching on amazon! Thank you for sticking with me for this long.


    So before I give the link for book 7, I want to say a couple of things. I¡¯m STILL working on Oaths, Blood and Coin 2 and we¡¯re prepping #1 forunch. Also book 6 of Fool is with Travis, and ready to be recorded when he has room in his schedule


    Alrighty, then book 7! Now ready for Amazon! As always, I could use some help.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    If you have kindle unlimited, then a download of the e-book would help me out quite a bit.


    Find the book through this link: https://geni.us/markofthefool7


    If you have reddit, then upvotes on these posts would also help me out /r/litrpgments/1csn09j/mark_of_the_fool_book_7unches_today_in_ebook/ /r/ProgressionFantasyments/1csmuzz/mark_of_the_fool_book_7unches_in_ebook_and/


    Just remember, this is your choice! You don¡¯t have to! Chapter up in a few seconds!

 Chapter 828: Preparations for Graduation

    Chapter 828: Preparations for Graduation


    Morning sunlight streamed through shuttered windows.


    Drawn curtains stopped neither bird-song, the chattering of children on their way to school, nor the tempting aroma of baking bread from drifting into the bedchamber.


    Yet, the room¡¯s upant ignored it all.


    Isolde von Anmut sat cross-legged on her bed, concentrating every fibre of her mind on her mana pool. For weeks, the young noblewoman had been working on perfecting this mana maniption technique. She had broken through to seventh-tier in a thunderous fashion; and would need as much mana as she could harvest to power her new and mighty magics.


    And¡ªafter this marathon session¡ªshe was almost there.


    Isolde¡¯s mana fibres sparked as she massaged them, searching for the precise touch: a tricky thing, made a bit easier because of past experiences using mana maniption in alchemy and magic lore.


    This new technique was challenging, but she wouldn¡¯t let that stop her, and suddenly.


    Power began flowing through her¡ªincrementally at first. Increasing. Then a bit more. Eventually bing a flood. Energy poured through her mana fibres, revitalising her.


    ¡°Atst,¡± she whispered, with a snarl of satisfaction.


    Opening her eyes, she leapt from the bed, her light nightgown fluttering around her, and raised her fist like a conquering warlord. ¡°I have done it! I havepleted another step in Alex¡¯s¡­Operation¡­Operation.¡±


    She cringed. ¡°Operation: Everyone Lives. An apt name, but could he not use the Mark of the General to be better at<strong></strong>naming?¡± The noblewoman shook her hand, putting her hands on her hips. ¡°I suppose even a divinely granted Mark cannot ount for poor taste. No matter: poorly named or not, it is a good n. And I have nearlypleted it. All that remains is for me to master the details of spell arrays, and that should not be too difficult, after all¡ªWait. What time is it?¡±


    The young woman quickly peeked between the curtains and the colour drained from her face. ¡°By the elements, is it already morning? Ooooh, Isolde, shame on you! You allowed yourself to lose track of time and have been practising the entire night!¡±


    Muttering the incantation for nar Doorway, she opened the curtains, letting sunlight drift through the ts of her shutters.


    ¡°And of course it had to be today of all days! Of <em>all</em> days!¡±


    She turned to the open wardrobe, and bounded across the room.


    Hanging between its painted doors¡ªon a golden hook¡ªwas a fine robe of deep electric blue and royal purple velvet. It was a special garment: a gift from her grandfather to mark her eptance into the university some four years ago.


    She had never worn it, having saved it for today.


    And today was the day that she, Lady Isolde von Anmut of the Rhinean Empire, was to graduate from the University of Generasi.


    And it was not a day to bete.


    ¡°I must get ready,¡± she said, rushing to grab her soap and towels. ¡°I shall need a strong cup of tea to straighten my mind and¡ª¡±


    An insistent knocking sounded on her bedroom door.


    ¡°Lady von Anmut?¡± Svenia¡¯s voice came through the thick wood. ¡°Are you well? I heard amotion?¡±


    ¡°I am well, Svenia! You maye in!¡± Isolde grabbed herb. ¡°Wait, is Hogarth with you? I am not dressed forpany yet!¡±


    ¡°No, he is not, mdy.¡±


    ¡°Then yes,e in!¡±


    The door opened, and the guardswoman stepped inside. Her armour was freshly polished, her clothes looked crisp and t-ironed, her boots were shined to perfection, and her blonde hair was caught up in a neat bun tied with silken ribbon.


    She bowed deeply to herdy. ¡°Lady von Anmu-¡±


    ¡°Svenia, you have to help me!¡± Isolde pointed to the collection of daggers hanging on the western wall. ¡°Which one should I wear?¡±


    ¡°Erm.¡± The guardswoman quickly rose from her bow. ¡°The dirk is nice.¡±


    Isolde threw a nce at it before shaking her head. ¡°Too in. It has a subtlety that would not do on such a grand day as this! Today calls for more pomp!¡±


    ¡°Er¡­then what about the sapphire-hilted poniard?¡± Svenia pointed to a dagger hanging a little away from the others. Its hilt, pommel and crossguard were encrusted with jewels, mostly sapphires.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Isolde paused, staring at it for a full ten seconds before cing her head in her hands. ¡°Of course that is the right<strong></strong>one. I <em>bought </em>it a while back right here in Generasi specifically for this asion because it matched the blue of my robes. Ipletely forgot! By the Elements, my mind is an absolute mess!¡±


    ¡°Lady von Anmut, it¡¯s alright,¡± Svenia said gently.


    ¡°It is not alright!¡± Isolde dragged the dagger off the hook, gesturing toward her bodyguard with it. Svenia took a step back. ¡°Things must be perfect today, absolutely perfect! Not even a single hair can be out of ce!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine, mydy. I know you will. You always do your best, and your best has always been more than enough. If it weren¡¯t, then you would not be here today,¡± Svenia said. ¡°Well, that¡¯s just the way I see it, I¡¯ve watched over you for most of your life, and I know you will be ster today: congrattions, Lady von Anmut.¡±


    Silence.


    ¡®Congrattions¡¯.


    The young noblewoman paused as that simple word washed over her, bringing a lump to her throat, in spite of herself. Her tension eased. Somewhat. ¡°Thank you, Svenia. Thank you for being by my side during my time here.¡±


    ¡°Thank <em>you</em> for protecting<em> us</em> in some of our recent battles, mdy. It feels like you hardly need us anymore since you¡¯ve grown so much,¡± the warrior woman smiled. ¡°Hogarth and I were talking about how strong you¡¯ve be. We can hardly keep up with you any longer, not as we once did in any case¡­but I¡¯m d we were able to guard you so far. We¡¯ll continue to do so until you no longer need us.¡±


    More silence.


    Then Isolde¡¯s back straightened. ¡°Excuse me for a moment, Svenia. I am going to bathe. Could you bring Hogarth here once I am dressed?¡±


    ¡°Of course, mydy,¡± Svenia bowed.


    ###


    Hogarth and Svenia entered Isolde¡¯s bedchamber, the short man startling, then bowing. ¡°You look wonderful, Lady von Anmut, like a goddess!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Hogarth, though you must surely be exaggerating.¡± Isolde wore her brilliant robes, the dagger hanging from a knotted belt<strong></strong>cinched at her waist. Her hair was styled in a river of ck waves cascading down her left shoulder. Her make up was subtle. The sunlight poured through now-open shutters, pooling around her: she looked like a queen from a bard¡¯s legend.


    Both bodyguards bowed deeply.


    ¡°He isn¡¯t wrong, mydy,¡± Svenia said. ¡°There are empresses who would envy you today.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Svenia,¡± Isolde said. ¡°Please, rise. I have something to say to you both.¡±


    The two bodyguards nced at each other, quickly standing upright.


    ¡°I want to thank you,¡± Isolde said. ¡°You have been with me since my childhood, during my best years and¡­my worst. Thesest four have brought a mixture of both, and what a strange four years they have been.¡± They nodded along, acknowledging the sentiment. <strong></strong>


    Isolde¡¯s first year had been fairly uneventful: she¡¯d made a few friends, and spent her time mainly focused on her studies. Most of her memories from year one were of sses, hours in the library, the Cells, and various textbooks and spell-guides.


    She¡¯d had some good times with her few friends¡­but many of them were tainted by Derek¡¯s presence.


    Derek Warren.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been uwfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Her first true romantic rtionship, one that had ended in utter betrayal.


    As though reading her mind, Hogarth spoke up. ¡°Times have indeed been strange. That dirty boy you keptpany in your first year here caused you much pain...and I apologise that we weren¡¯t able to protect you from him.¡±


    ¡°Yes, mydy,¡± Svenia added. ¡°It¡¯s our responsibility to crush annoying pests and filthy threats, but we failed to do that as far as he was concerned.¡±


    ¡°It is alright.¡± Isolde smiled sadly. ¡°My heart was determined to see me hurt back then¡­no, that is not right. Derek was selfish enough to hurt me. The fault is his, not yours and not mine. But, it is funny¡­¡± she whispered. ¡°¡­thinking about that situation now does not hurt nearly as much.¡±


    There was a time when Derek represented only pain and the deepest rage.


    ¡°With time and my delicious ¡®revenge¡¯ against him in the Games of Roal, I find most of my anger has faded. I still would not count him as a friend¡­and I would not even go so far as to say that I wish him well, but he does not really matter anymore, does he?¡±


    ¡°That he does not, mydy,¡± Hogarth said. ¡°Your current friends have honour, something he never did, though he was good, initially, at pretending that he did.¡±


    Isolde smiled and nodded.


    After she¡¯d met Alex Roth, Prince Khalik Behr-Medr, and Thundar, Son of Gulbiff in her second year, much of our life had changed. Her circle of friends had grown, and she¡¯d be involved in matters of significance, including the legendary conflict of another realm, as well as matters of great magical advancement.


    She¡¯d journeyed to the Hells alongside warriors and Heroes, and had grown to be an exceptional lightning mage. Her experiences had culminated, bringing her to where she was now; set to graduate with the ability to cast seventh-tier spells: two tiers <em>above</em> the minimum level to graduate from the greatest university of wizardry in the world.


    ¡°It¡¯s wonderful,¡± Hogarth said. ¡°From the time you met your new friends¡­your time here has been more favourable to you.¡±


    ¡°And you have been beside me through so much, from my childhood,¡± Isolde said. ¡°Which, again, is why I wanted you both to know that having you with me, has brought me greatfort.¡±


    ¡°We take your safety as more than simply our jobs, Lady von Anmut,¡± Hogarth said solemnly.


    ¡°It¡¯s our duty and responsibility,¡± Svenia said.


    ¡°Responsibility¡­¡± Isolde murmured, ncing at her dressing table. ¡°Perhaps so, but you went above and beyond the bindings of duty. And I think that deserves to be recognised. I wanted to do something for you in appreciation so I havemissioned Stark¡¯s Armoury and Weapons to produce two suits of fine, magical te armour, for you both. They will be lightweight, yet able to protect you better than heavy steel.¡±


    Svenia¡¯s eyes flew wide. ¡°That would be much too costly!¡±


    ¡°Lady von Anmut, such a gift¡ª¡±


    ¡°I will also be providing you with new enchanted weapons,¡± Isolde cut off any protests. ¡°Your current equipment has served you well, but you deserve better, considering what you have fought on my behalf. You have a responsibility to me, but I also have a responsibility to you. Please, ept my gifts even as I ept my degree on this special day.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± They bowed once more.


    ¡°Rise.¡± She stepped forward, touching their arms. ¡°And once again, I thank <em>you. </em>Now,e, let us make sure that we are ready for this momentous asion.¡± <strong></strong>


    Isolde smiled, thinking about the day ahead.


    Her grandfather would be teleporting her family to the university at ten o''clock. They would assemble on campus, and then be taken to the location of the graduation ceremony. Isolde did not know exactly where it was to take ce, but she did know that at least one of the members of the ruling council would be there, along with the university faculty, and friends and loved ones of the graduates.


    And most importantly, the graduating ss.


    It was supposed to be a grand affair.


    ¡°Perhaps this will be our final celebration before we fully go to war,¡± Isolde said.


    ¡°We will be beside you in that too, Lady von Anmut,¡± Hogarth promised. ¡°And we¡¯ll see you through it.¡±


    ¡°Let us not dwell on such grim things,¡± Isolde said. ¡°And I apologise for bringing it up. This is not a day for dread, but for wonder¡­and it will also be the day that I take care of something I have put off for long enough.¡±


    She nced at a small wooden box sitting on her dressing table beside a folded sheet of paper. The young noblewoman had agonised over both for many evenings, though they were unrted.


    Still, both would be important today.


    Most important.


    ¡°Come, let us be on our way,¡± Isolde said to Svenia and Hogarth. ¡°Oh, and you are sure I look presentable?¡±


    She turned in ce, her robes billowing.


    ¡°Without doubt mydy, you look lovely,¡± Svenia said.


    ###


    ¡°How do I look?¡± Selina asked Theresa, stretching out her arms and twirling in her new dress.


    The two young women were in their living area with ygon and Brutus.


    Selina¡¯s gown was a sleek calf-length burnt orange affair, highlighted with orange and red trim, with a short cape flowing down her shoulders that ended in a jagged pattern like crackling me. Her clothing embraced her connection to fire, and also ented her green eyes,


    ¡°I think you look great,¡± Theresa smiled.


    ¡°Thanks, I¡¯m d,¡± Selina smiled back. ¡°I love this dress. It''s not puffy like the other ones I used to wear. It feels<em> and </em>looks more grown up,¡± She looked at Theresa. ¡°You look really great too.¡±


    Theresa wore a knee-length sheath dress stitched in green and golden silk with forest green leggings beneath. The Twinde was on her side, hooked to a wide ck belt. ¡°Thanks,¡± she said. ¡°We¡¯d better get going soon. When Alex finishes downstairs, we still have to get my family from the vi and I hope my brothers are ready, because thest thing we need today is to bete.¡±


    ¡°<em>Late or not¡­I''m d we will be together¡­¡± </em>ygon said. ¡°<em>¡­today¡­this will¡­be a good day¡­just like¡­older times¡­¡±</em>


    ¡°Alex must be excited,¡± Selina said. ¡°It¡¯s a big day for him. Is he done, yet?¡±


    ygon paused. ¡°<em>No¡­and Theresa¡­I do not think your brothers¡­will be the ones who will make uste¡­¡±</em>


    ###


    ¡°Boss, you¡¯ve got to stop!¡± Troy cried. ¡°You''re going to get your graduation robes dirty!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s more than worth it for this, Troy,¡± Alex insisted, leaning over the kitchen counter, swiftly whisking batter. ¡°I have to make sure the recipe¡¯s <em>just</em> right. It has to be perfect.¡±


    Grumbling ran through the morning shift. A dozen people¡ªin white aprons and hats¡ªwere staring at Alex, trying to shoo him away as though he were a naughty cat.


    ¡°Come on, boss,¡± Troy insisted. ¡°You don¡¯t trust us? We¡¯re less likely to mess things up than you are to mess up your robes! Wouldn¡¯t you say?¡± He looked around at the rest of the staff.


    They hissed and jeered, echoing his sentiments.


    ¡°Get going, boss, leave the cooking to us!¡± A stout man raised a wooden spoon as though it were a sword.


    ¡°It¡¯s what we¡¯re responsible for!¡± A grey-haired woman gestured with adle.


    ¡°Boss, you shouldn¡¯t be¨Cgah!¡± An orcish cook ducked as a Wizard¡¯s Hand soared over his head, carrying a sprig of thyme to the other side of the kitchen where a cauldron was simmering over a steady fire. Another crimson glowing Hand lifted the lid¡ªa familiar scent drifted out¡ªas the other Hand dropped the thyme into the dish.


    A third Hand stirred it into the stew before the cover was returned to the pot.


    ¡°Sorry about that, Rollgar,¡± Alex apologised to the orcish cook, who huffed.


    ¡°You can apologise by getting out of the kitchen, boss!¡± Rollgar insisted.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Troy added. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re making, but we can take care of it.¡±


    Alex smiled gently. ¡°Honestly, you all take care of me a lot already, but this is something <em>I </em>have to do.¡± He looked at the cookie batter, then the stew. ¡°These cookies and stew are my mother and father¡¯s favourite recipes. And, uh, if you know anything about my past, you¡¯ll understand why I want to make them myself.¡±


    His words silenced the staff, they went as still as a held breath.


    ¡°Oh, gods, boss I¡¯m sorry¡ª¡± Troy began sputtering.


    ¡°Don¡¯t apologise, you didn¡¯t do anything wrong. Honestly, I probably should be wearing something different,¡± Alex looked down at his fine robes. ¡°I just, well¡­the idea hit me this morning, and I immediately teleported down here and got to work. We¡¯ll serve them tonight¡­and in a way, it¡¯ll be like mother and father are here with us for my graduation. ¡­I want to get things exactly right.¡±


    With a nostalgic smile, he looked at the cookie batter. ¡°Did I ever tell you about my mother''s recipe?¡±


    ¡°No, boss.¡± Troy peered at the bowl¡¯s contents. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t mind hearing about it, if you wouldn¡¯t mind sharing.¡±


    Alex picked up a small bottle. ¡°One of the most important things about her recipe¡ªaside from love¡ªis that it¡¯s simple. And, you know, simple recipes rely on proportions. You can¡¯t hide a mistake among a bunch of other ingredients.¡±


    The young archwizard nced at a cake sitting on the central counter, ready to be packed up; it had been ordered by the family of another graduate and was built in three, magnificent goldenyers of moist goodness, decorated with buttercream and ented with gold coloured marzipan scrolls.


    ¡°Take that cake: there¡¯s about fifteen different ingredients in it, right? It¡¯s challenging to make, but there¡¯s so many ingredients in it that they can cover for one another.¡±


    His attention returned to the cookie batter. ¡°But a recipe with five or less ingredients means that the amount of <em>each </em>ingredient has to be exactly right. If you put too little vani bean essence in aplex cake, the cocoa powder will carry the day. If you put too much nutmeg in one, then cloves and ginger couldpensate. But in a simple recipe like this?¡±


    A Wizard¡¯s Hand flew down to Alex¡¯s side, carrying a small bottle of concentrated elderberry juice. He took it, unstopping the bottle with his right thumb, and sending the cork flying as the glowing Hand caught it between two fingers. ¡°Each ingredient has to do its part, and the few drops of juice that¡¯s called for has to be added in the <em>exact</em> amount. The juice ties the other ingredients together. Without it, you won¡¯t have that united vour that the recipe needs: you might not notice the vour <em>explicitly</em> when it¡¯s there, but you <em>will</em> notice it when it¡¯s not. That¡¯s the secret to my mother¡¯s cookies: it¡¯s not one ingredient overwhelming the others, it¡¯s them working in harmony, enhancing each other as one.¡±


    With that, he tipped four drops of juice into the batter, stirring and folding them in.


    Troy smiled. ¡°Reminds me of some of Old Master Beerensteyn¡¯s recipes. Your mother sounds like she was good in the kitchen.¡±


    ¡°My father too,¡± Alex said quickly, not wanting to leave him out.


    ¡°I can see where you got your talent from, boss. Alright then, we¡¯ll leave you to it. But¡­could you at least stop and put on this apron? I really don¡¯t want to see those nice robes getting all messed up.¡±


    Alex nced down at his flour flecked robes. <strong></strong>


    The young archwizard had chosen a deep wine-coloured velvet for his robes, to match the crimson of his spells. Throughout the fabric, his tailor had sewn in symbols that were important to Alex. There was the symbol of Brutus and Theresa¡¯s blood magic ritual that he¡¯d created for his engagement gift to her, which was sown into the robe near his heart.


    Embellishing the front, were the Heroes¡¯ Marks, including the symbol of the Fool and the General. There were also a number of glyphs that represented the different monsters, including Bubbles¡ªthe very first summons¡ªthat Alex had learned to conjure. An image of ygon and Asmaldestre covered the back. A symbol of the aeld tree and his staff were embroidered in gold thread along his right sleeve, and along the left, thentern symbol of the Traveller. In his pocket was Kelda¡¯s Coin of Silent Friends.


    Around his neck he wore Baelin¡¯s charm-pendant along with his ne with the symbol of the Traveller hanging from it. On his index finger was Blodeuwedd¡¯s ring of protection.


    Alex would not forget the many who had helped him reach such a momentous day in his life.<strong></strong>


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯d better get these cookies made,¡± he said softly.


    ¡°Okay, and best of luck at your graduation, boss,¡± Troy said.


    ¡°Thanks, but I¡¯m not the one who needs luck today,¡± Alex chuckled. ¡°All I have to do is collect my degree. If anyone needs luck, it¡¯s my friend, Isolde. She¡¯ll need it¡­for more than one reason.¡±

 Chapter 829: The Final Meeting of COMB-1000

    Chapter 829: The Final Meeting of COMB-1000


    A powerfully built figure appeared in the centre of the lecture hall, drawing the attention of those waiting there.


    Alex Roth¡ªjust teleported in from the countryside¡ªadjusted his crimson robes as his loved ones materialised secondster. Around the room, a cluster of graduating students, their friends, and family were a sight to behold, dressed in their finest clothing to honour the day. There was a sea of fine fabrics everywhere, dazzling embroideries, shimmering silks, sparkling jewels, and more.


    ¡°I can smell the golding off of them,¡± Mr. Lu muttered, self-consciously touching his finest tunic, it distinctly <emcked</em> silks and jewels. ¡°This ce is surprisingly empty, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    The room the graduates were supposed to meet in was one of thergest ssrooms in the castle: Alex recognised it from his first year Magic Lore ss.


    And yet, it was mostly empty. If all of the graduating students there had sat down at once, they would have filled less than a tenth of the chairs.


    ¡°Wow, you¡¯re right, Mr. Lu.¡± Selina peered around. ¡°There aren''t many students graduating, are there?¡± She looked at Alex¡¯s tall, cone-like graduation cap. ¡°Most people aren¡¯t wearing those kinds of hats.¡±


    Alex adjusted the tall, stupid cap. He was starting to agree with the chancellor¡¯s assessment.


    ¡°I think they look cool.¡± Selina said, as though reading his mind. ¡°Kinda dumb, but cool too.¡±


    ¡®Cool¡­huh? Well, little sister, you shouldn¡¯t ever criticise my taste again,¡¯ the young archwizard thought to himself¡ªthough he kept his thoughts to himself¡ªcounting the number of ¡®graduation hats¡¯ in the room.One¡­two¡­five¡­ten¡­fifteen¡­eighteen¡­


    He paused.


    That was it.


    ¡°<em>Are there really¡­so few people graduating?¡± </em>ygon asked, having taken his own count.


    ¡°It looks that way,¡± Alex said. ¡°But I don¡¯t think everyone¡¯s here yet: I don''t see Isolde. And look, more people areing in now¡ªWait, look who it is!¡±


    He nodded at Malcolm the ice mage, as he entered the room, fidgeting with the conical cap perched on his head. He did not look happy. nking him was Eyvinder¡ªhis hairless guardian¡ªand several more folk Alex didn¡¯t recognise. They included a tall man in green armour, another man with horns and bat-like wings, and a human woman with a wolf-like countenance.


    After them came Rhea; the towering elven fire mage was nked by an enormous armoured man with moose-like antlers, a young elf girl and a small, nt-like humanoid.


    Behind them was Nua-Oge, apanied by what looked like an entire neighbourhood of schar, along with her hulking sharkman brother, Grimloch. Everyone was chatting excitedly and beaming at Nua-Oge.


    ¡°Big family,¡± Theresa muttered.


    Next into the room was¡ª


    ¡°Shiani!¡± Selina called. ¡°Shiani over here!¡±<strong></strong>


    The fire mage was surrounded by family members, and other folk she seemed to know well: a dwarf in fine robes, a towering, pale elven man in dark, severe garb, a robed man who wore an eye patch, and a gnome draped in leather with a mane of wild-looking hair.


    ¡°Hello! Selina! Alex!¡± Shiani waved back to the young girl, drawing the attention of Rhea and Malcolm.


    His former ssmates were all smiles as they approached the group.


    ¡°Alex, good to see you. I heard you were making it out of here with us.¡± Malcolm shook the young archwizard¡¯s hand. ¡°Still can¡¯t believe it, though.¡±


    ¡°Well, I worked hard.¡± Alex grinned.


    ¡°Something Malcolm could have done a little more of.¡± Rhea looked at the ice mage pointedly.


    ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t have to. Can¡¯t be helped if ice magices easy to me.¡± Malcolm shrugged. ¡°Besides, I¡¯m just shocked that Alex <em>lived</em> to graduation with all the risks that crazy ba¡ª¡± He paused, looking at Selina. ¡°¡ªaaaad maaaaan¡­takes.¡±


    ¡°An excellent social sidestep,¡± Eyvinder said dryly. ¡°I am sure no one knows what you really meant to say.¡±


    ¡°Quiet, you,¡± Malcolm grumbled.


    ¡°I will return to silently watching your verbal swashbuckling.¡± Eyvinder gave him an exaggerated salute. ¡°It can¡¯t be helped if <em>diplomacy</em><em>doesn¡¯t </eme easy to you.¡±


    ¡°Okay, look here, Eyvinder¡ª¡±


    ¡°<em>Aaaanyway.</em>¡± Rhea cut Malcolm off, turning the attention back to Alex¡¯s group. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you all again. I know Shiani¡¯s spent time with Selina, but the rest of us were left out in the cold around the time you all went off to terrorise the hells.¡±


    ¡°Ya,¡± Nua-Oge said. ¡°And you also took my brother with you. Could you give him back, please? I hardly see him these days.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d spend more time together, if you did the kinds of things they do.¡± Grimloch licked his lips. ¡°Killing. Eating. Maiming. Terrorising. You know, the good stuff.¡±


    Several rmed looks shot across the room at the sharkman.


    Nua-Oge rolled her eyes. ¡°Can you please behave and <em>not</em> frighten everyone you meet?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Grimloch¡ª¡±


    ¡°No¡­is what I would normally say,¡± he continued. ¡°But you¡¯re graduating, and I want you to enjoy it: you worry too much as it is. Today¡¯s your day, big sis.¡±


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    ¡°I¡­uh¡­what¡­really?¡± Nua-Oge paused, stunned. ¡°Grimloch? Are you feeling alright?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said.


    There was a silent moment where all waited for him to continue.


    He did not


    ¡°Thanks, Grimloch.¡± Nua-Oge said warmly, patting her brother¡¯s arm before looking at the others. She took a steadying breath. ¡°Well, I guess, today''s the big day.¡±


    ¡°It is.¡± Malcolm fidgeted with a sapphire ring on his right hand. ¡°Feels like those four years went by in a blink, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Three for me,¡± Alex said. ¡°But it¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°It makes you almost wish it was longer.¡± Rhea added. ¡°In the end, I guess that can¡¯t be helped. We just have to move on.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Alex said. ¡°But, it feels like just around the time you start thinking you''re used to everything, it''s suddenly all over.¡±


    ¡°And then you have to get used to whateveres next.¡± Nua-Oge wrapped the fingers of her left hand around her left cuff, gripping the fabric tightly.


    ¡°Worried about life after graduation?¡± Alex smiled knowingly.


    ¡°Only every waking moment,¡± she groaned. ¡°It¡¯s been all I can think abouttely. Part of me wishes I didn¡¯t apply for graduate studies. How about all of you? What¡¯s everybody doing after we walk across the stage?¡±


    ¡°After graduation?¡± Malcolm asked. ¡°Oh that¡¯s easy, I¡¯m going to spend some time with some friends, and then¡­oh, oh you mean <em>way</em> after? Well, I think I¡¯ll go adventuring for a while and see more of the world. After that? Probably cosy up to some ruler, and be their court wizard and personal battlemage. Nice, easy life.¡±


    ¡°Sounds very you,¡± Rhea said. ¡°Are you thinking of heading northeast?¡±


    ¡°Probably,¡± Malcolm said. ¡°You?¡±


    ¡°Yes, for sure,¡± she said.


    ¡°Northeast? What¡¯s there?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°Some of the northeastern kingdoms have put out calls for warriors,¡± Rhea said.


    ¡°Because of the Irtyshenan Empire?¡± Alex wondered.


    The elven mage shook her head. ¡°Apparently, there''s some sort of a hellhole that''s opened up in the steppes just south of the Empire¡¯s border. They say demons are spilling into the world: not a lot, at least not yet, but more could being. Rumours are that rune-marked are joining up with these demons. There should be a lot of work for a good battlemage there.¡±


    ¡°Sounds¡­wild,¡± Alex nodded. ¡°There¡¯s always something going on in the world: the Ravener, evil empires, demon holes¡­we had a demon summoner right here in Generasi for a while. Wait, those are all horrible events, why can¡¯t there ever be a <em>nice</em> apocalyptic, kingdom-wide¡­event¡­thing.¡±


    ¡°Like a big hole that opens up and everyone gets something cute, like a pony?¡± Selina joked.


    ¡°Exactly!¡± Alex agreed.


    ¡°Something tells me that if everyone got a pony, people would somehow make it weird.¡± Malcolm grimaced. ¡°I bet they would.¡±


    ¡°How could anyone make ponies weird?¡± Selina asked.


    A long pause.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to see you get out of this one.¡± Eyvinder grinned, his mouth full of sharp teeth.


    ¡°<em>Anyways, just ignore me,¡±</em> Malcolm said quickly. ¡°What about you, Shiani? <em>What are you doing after graduation?</em>¡± His was the desperate tone of one who¡¯d put a ratherrge foot in their mouth.


    The fire mage pointed at herself. ¡°I think I''ll go adventuring too. There''s rumours going around about expeditions looking for treasure in a demigod of magic¡¯s tomb, somewhere within the Desert of Lost Winds in the soutnds. I¡¯m excited to see if there''s anything to the rumours.¡±


    ¡°That sounds too exciting for me,¡± Nua-Oge said. ¡°I''m going for graduate studies, researching the magic of the tides. Mana vents under the ocean work a little differently than mana vents on the surface world, and their flow also fluctuates with the tides. So, I want to research that.¡±


    ¡°That sounds like exciting stuff to me,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°Not half as exciting as your life, <em>Mr. Hero.</em>¡± Nua-Oge said. ¡°You''re off to stop great evils, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Well, that''s on the list,¡± Alex said. ¡°Actually¡ª¡±


    ¡°I hate to interrupt, but it¡¯s nearly time to start, so we should find our seats,¡± Eyvinder said, looking at a time keeper on the wall.


    ¡°Well, I guess that¡¯s our cue to get going,¡± Malcolm gave the others a broad smile. ¡°In case we don''t see each other after the ceremony, be well. We''ll have to catch up sometime and talk about how in every hells we lived through Baelin¡¯s lessons. Oh, and by the way, none of you¡¯d better trip on your robes when you¡¯re crossing the stage, okay?¡±


    ¡°We won¡¯t,¡± Rhea said. ¡°Well, I mean, we won¡¯t trip on our robes, but we <em>will</em> catch up again. We¡¯ll have to do some sort of reunion.¡±


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Nua-Oge said, side eyeing Grimloch. ¡°Since that¡¯ll be the <em>only way</em><em>I¡¯ll get to see my own baby brother!¡±</em>


    ¡°Do better stuff,¡± Grimloch advised her.


    ¡°I''ll definitely see you, Selina,¡± Shiani said. ¡°Your dress is beautiful, by the way. I love how it shows your journey through fire, and how you''reing out on the other side unburnt.¡±


    ¡°Thanks.¡± Selina took Shiani¡¯s hand, squeezing it tightly. ¡°We¡¯ll definitely see each other again.¡±


    ¡°That we will,¡± Shiani agreed. ¡°All of you take care of yourselves. Especially you two, Alex and Theresa, considering the horror you¡¯ll be facing. And don''t go dying right after graduation.¡±


    ¡°Ugh, saying that¡¯s like raising a big ck g, isn¡¯t it?¡± Malcolm snorted. ¡°If this was a story, they¡¯d <em>definitely</em> be dead.¡±


    ¡°Malcolm!¡± Rhea snapped.


    ¡°I''m kidding, it was a joke! A small joke!¡± Malcolm cried, retreating quickly with his family.


    Eyvinder gave him a wry smile as he followed.


    As his old Art of the Wizard in Combat ssmates departed, another voice called from the entrance.


    ¡°Hellooo everyone!¡±


    Prince Khalik¡ªwith Najyah on his shoulder¡ªand Thundar beside him had entered the<strong></strong>lecture hall. The two powerfully built men were all smiles as they took the steps down two at a time, greeting Alex and Theresa¡¯s family.


    ¡°Hey! Wee!¡± the young archwizard cried.


    ¡°Wee, my foot! I will never forgive you for this!¡± Khalik pped Alex on the shoulder. ¡°Taking all of those exams and leaving us behind! You should be ashamed.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and as the leader of our cabal, I think there should be some kind of penalty for you! Like you buying me drinks until I can¡¯t move anymore.¡±


    ¡°Deal,¡± Alex said. ¡°You can redeem it after we fight the Ravener.¡±


    ¡°¡­you¡¯re just hoping I get killed so you won¡¯t have to buy me those drinks.¡± Thundar gave him a withering look.


    The young archwizard looked away quickly, whistling with his hands sped behind his back.


    Thundar waved his hand at him dismissively. ¡°Forget you!¡±


    Alexughed, then pped his two cabal-mates on their shoulders. ¡°I''m d you could be here.¡±


    ¡°Same.¡± Theresa smiled.


    ¡°<em>It is good¡­to see you three¡­¡± </em>ygon added, nodding at Najyah.


    ¡°Wild horses could not keep us away,¡± Khalik said. ¡°Nor could wild dragons, in my case at least, Thundar¡¯s tastes might mean¡ª¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± the minotaur snapped.


    ¡°Fine, fine, I will let it be, my friend,¡± Khalik smiled. ¡°Oh, and Alex. Sinope sends you her best wishes. She is sorry that she could not be here to see you graduate, but she and other dryads are tending to an ailing tree that one of her sisters is bound to, and she could not leave.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I hope the tree heals soon,¡± Alex said. ¡°Let her know that if there''s anything that I can do to help, I¡¯ll be d to.¡±


    Khalik beamed. ¡°Of course. Shall we make our way to our seats? It is too bad Kybas was too busy to attend.¡±


    ¡°You all go ahead,¡± Alex said, looking at the time keeper. ¡°And I''ll be right back, folks.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re going to get him, then?¡± Theresa asked. ¡°Isolde will be happy. We¡¯ll see you soon, then!¡±


    ¡°See you in a bit!¡± The young archwizard called, teleporting away.


    In a heartbeat, he was hurtling through space and the nes, instantly materialising in the spring air of a Thameish clearing. There, a single young man waited, pacing back and forth. He startled, whirling to face Alex, then let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°There y¡¯are! Thought ya¡¯d never get here!¡± Cedric waved, peering at the sun, then hurrying to the young archwizard¡¯s side. ¡°Th¡¯others, ¡®r off wit¡¯ Asmaldestre¡ªbloody scary, she is¡ªsmashin¡¯ Ravener-spawn ¡®eads t¡¯paste!¡±


    The Chosen ran a nervous hand through his hair, then wiped a sheen of sweat from his face.


    Alex was silent, staring at him.


    ¡°I been awake sinces¡¯ night, an¡ªy¡¯alright, mate?¡± Cedric eyed the General. ¡°Quiet as stone, y¡¯are.¡±


    Alex was frowning at the Chosen. Something seemed different about him¡­then it struck him like a boulder.


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­wearing a¡­a <em>shirt?</em>¡± the archwizard spat the word out like something rotten had dropped in his mouth.

 Chapter 830: The Horror of the Shirt

    Chapter 830: The Horror of the Shirt


    Cedric winced, scratching at the green tunic trimmed in golden filigree. It clung to his shoulders and chest, pulling at the seams, its sleeves were a half¨Cfinger width too short. ¡°Haven¡¯t worn this thing in five years. Feels like I''m ¡®bout to sweat m¡¯self t¡¯death.¡±


    ¡°Then take it off!¡± Alex suggested. ¡°You look weird wearing a shirt! Why are you wearing it anyway?¡± The young archwizard looked up with an expression of mock horror. ¡°Is the sky about to fall? Is the world gonna explode or something? Maybe I should dive for cover!¡±


    ¡°Oi, oi, enough o¡¯ that! I can wear a shirt, y¡¯know! It¡¯s not like I¡¯ll melt if¡¯n I put one on!¡± Cedric insisted, pulling at his tunic as though he was about to melt. ¡°An,¡¯ I¡¯m goin¡¯ t¡¯a nice ce wit¡¯ folk who probably wear shirts n¡¯such all th¡¯ time,¡± Cedric muttered quickly. ¡°Look, even <em>Drestra</em> said I should be wearin¡¯ one. If even th¡¯bloody swamp witch <em>dragon</em> thinks I oughtta wear a shirt, then I guess I oughtta be wearin¡¯ one!¡±


    ¡°Cedric, there are people waiting for the ceremony¡ªright now¡ªwearing armour and beast skins, ¡± Alex said. ¡°Grimloch¡¯s not wearing a shirt either. So it¡¯s fine, just take it off.¡±


    Cedric turned bright red. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­I¡¯d best just wear it. Don¡¯t wanna¡­embarrass nobody.¡±


    ¡°Who the hells do you think you¡¯d be embarrass¡ªOoooooh!¡± Alex suddenly cried, his eyes lighting up.


    ¡°What?¡± The Chosen¡¯s face was now as red as his hair.


    ¡°Nevermind,¡± the General said slyly. ¡°I¡¯ve been there, shall we say. Let''s just get going. There''s¡­people to meet. Special people.¡±


    ¡°Shut up, you!¡± Cedric shouted.¡°I didn¡¯t say anything,¡± Alex pointed out.


    ¡°I bloody <em>hear</em> ya thinkin¡¯!¡± Cedric snarled.


    Alex¡¯sughter rose over the trees, and only faded when he touched the Chosen¡¯s clothed shoulder¡ª<em>which</em> was an odd feeling¡ªand teleported to Generasi.


    New guests had entered the ssroom in the short time the young archwizard had been gone. Graduating students with their family and friends had arrived, and most were already seated.


    ¡°Well, would y¡¯look at this?¡± Cedric said, his voice full of awe as he looked around the ssroom. ¡°An¡¯ I thought the castle in Ussex was bloody nice. Take a look at this ce.¡±


    ¡°It <em>is</em> nice, isn¡¯t it? I could hardly keep my jaw shut when I first came here. Anyway, we should probably get to our seats,¡± Alex said quickly, nodding to his family. They were already seated in the front row of therge ssroom, and Theresa was waving him over.


    <em>¡®Father¡­hurry¡­you don''t want to bete for your own graduation¡­¡¯</em> ygon said in his mind.


    ¡®I know, buddy,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®Coming.¡¯


    ¡°Come on, Cedric.¡± He gestured for the other Hero to follow him.


    ¡°Right¡­behind ya¡­¡± the Chosen¡¯s voice sounded distant as he looked around the room.


    As the pair walked, Alex did another quick count of the stupid graduation caps in the room.


    ¡®Definitely more now¡­¡¯ He thought. ¡®There were eighteen before. Now¡­twenty¡­twenty-two¡­twenty-four¡­¡±


    ¡°There. What a¡ªholy¡­Wow,¡± Cedric whispered, cutting off Alex¡¯s cap count.


    The young archwizard followed the Chosen¡¯s gaze to the far side of the room.


    There was Isolde and her group.


    The dark-haired family was sitting with perfect poise and grace, nked by the fully armoured and armed Svenia and Hogarth, as well as six more personal guards.


    Isolde¡¯s father was tall, dressed all in ck¡ªwide of shoulder and narrow of hip¡ªand sitting with the straight-backed posture of a disciplined warrior. His blue eyes were cold, and his jet ck hair was long, bound in a tight braid secured at the nape of his neck.


    Her mother was all curves, fine featured with mahogany coloured hair pouring down her left shoulder like a waterfall.


    Both she and her husband looked younger than the Lus, but wore colours that added to their age and gravity: all greys and cks, exuding a grim air of ss.


    However, the old man seated with them almost put them to shame.


    His hair had long-turned silver, and he kept his beard in a neat goatee, yet neither grey hair¡ªnor wrinkles¡ªcould hide the strong family resemnce between him and Isolde. They shared the same sharp features, electric blue eyes, and serious, haughty expression. He was as lean as a rail, with robes of purple and ck tailored from the finest of fabrics.


    Beside him was a ram-rod straight staff of pure steel, standingpletely unsupported, seemingly at attention.


    Both it¡ªand the old man¡ªradiated power.


    ¡®That must be Isolde¡¯s grandfather,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®The imperial court mage to the Rhinean Emperor.¡¯


    His expression was dour, yet each time his eyes fell on his granddaughter, it softened.


    ¡°So that¡¯s ¡®er family,¡± Cedric muttered, his voice tense and low. ¡°Bunch o¡¯ posh ones, they are, but no surprise there.¡±


    Alex was about to respond, but was cut off when he felt a surge of teleportation magic from the front of the ssroom.


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    He quickly urged Cedric to sit down.


    Arge group of people materialised just as the two young men found their seats.


    Chancellor Baelin towered above most of the faculty of Generasi: among them, Alex recognised Professors Jules, Ram, Mangal, Salinger, Hak and Val¡¯Rok, though many others were there. Some he had taken sses with, while others he only knew from a distance. All were dressed in formal robes with silver pendants etched with alchemical symbols for mana around their necks.


    With the faculty was Councillor Kartika¡ªrepresenting the city¡ªwhile Registrar Hobb stood a little to the side, wearing a devil¡¯s smile as he gazed upon the graduating ss.


    His eyes found Alex¡¯s, holding them.


    Alex looked back.


    Hobb smiled wider.


    ¡°Wee, everyone,¡± Baelin called, his voice carrying through the chamber and silencing the murmurs of the crowd. ¡°Wee to our staging area. Before we begin our journey to our <em>true</em> destination where the ceremony will take ce, we must take attendance. It would be poor form to begin graduation without the very important <em>graduating ss </em>present, now wouldn¡¯t it? Registrar Hobb?¡±


    The devil scanned the room with a calcting gaze. After just a pair of heartbeats, he answered. ¡°All registered guests are present, chancellor, including the entirety of our twenty-nine graduates.¡±


    ¡°Splendid!¡± Baelin shouted. ¡°I remember one year where we needed half a day to track down a group of students, who¡¯d¡ªsurely by ident¡ªgotten lost in the wine barrels of a local tavern on the way here. We encourage all such celebrations to take ce <em>after</em> the ceremony. Though, admittedly, that year was quite entertaining!¡±


    Polite chuckles rippled across the room.


    Professor Jules red at Baelin.


    He paid her no mind. ¡°Now, I will transport one and all to the true location of the ceremony. I implore you not to be afraid: despite how things might appear, you will not fall.¡±


    ¡°Not fall?¡± Selina asked. ¡°What does that mean?¡±


    Before Alex could guess, Baelin began speaking words of power, and raising his hands over the crowd before him.


    A torrent of teleportation magic filled the room.


    And just like that, the lecture hall was gone.


    Alex found himself hurtling across the nes, then floating in an endless sky.


    Endless in every direction.


    Including straight down.


    He gasped, ready to cast flight magic on himself and his loved ones, as soon as they appeared, but he quickly realised that it only <em>seemed</em> like he was standing on thin air, there was actually a transparent floor beneath him.


    Folk appeared, shocked cries and screams filling the air.


    Baelin¡¯sughter followed, ¡°Ah, what fun! But, have no fear: we are standing on a field of force magic. You will not fall, you are all perfectly safe. And do look around, for what you are witnessing is a rare sight.¡±


    And indeed it was.


    Beneath Alex¡¯s feet were endless blue skies punctuated by puffy, white clouds. Above him were simr clouds, all perfectly fluffy with the hue of freshly fallen snow.


    In the middle of the sky, a sun beamed down on them all.


    The crowd murmured in wonder.


    ¡°Once you are done taking it all in,¡± Baelin continued. ¡°Feel free to sit down.¡±


    On either side of the crowd were raised stands¡ªlike one would find in the arena¡ªfurnished withfortable chairs: the seats were made of transparent force magic, but their cushions were solid and shaped like miniature cumulus clouds.


    Ahead of the crowd stood rows of seats of the same transparent material,plete with cloud-cushions.


    Exactly twenty-nine in all.


    Beyond them rose a tform of clear force magic, set up with more chairs¡ªwhere the faculty, other staff and Councillor Kartika were finding their seats¡ªthey faced a central podium.


    Baelin had found his ce at the podium.


    ¡°Wee to the Demine of Graduation!¡± the chancellor called, his cheer filling the bright skies. ¡°It is a personal demine constructed as a gift to the university by yours truly, many hundreds of years ago. It is something of an open secret among the alumni and staff, but I would urge you not to spread word of this ce too far beyond those who are currently here in attendance! The surprise for those graduating is half the fun!¡±


    He let out a jollyugh, then gestured to the twenty nine seats. ¡°If the graduating ss would please make their way to their seats in front of the stage.¡±


    Alex smiled at his family and friends.


    Butterflies were in his belly.


    ¡°Well,¡± he said, his voice shaking a little. ¡°That''s my queue.¡±


    Mrs. Lu gave him a hug. ¡°We''re so proud of you.¡±<strong></strong>


    As she let go, Mr. Lu pped him on the shoulder. ¡°Your parents are smiling from the after-world.¡±


    Theresa hugged him, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. ¡°You deserve this, and I''m so happy I got to take this journey with you.¡±


    Selina squeezed one of his hands. ¡°I love you, Alex.¡±


    ygon patted him on the back. ¡°<em>Congrattions¡­father¡­we will see youter.¡±</em>


    ¡°Been a fine journey wit¡¯ you so far,¡± Cedric said. ¡°d to be here wit¡¯ ya t¡¯day.¡±


    Prince Khalik shook his left hand. ¡°It is an honour to be in your cabal, congrattions my friend. Now, hold on, I must give my congrattions to Isolde before she¡ªAh, she is already heading to her seat. Afterward, then.¡±


    Thundar shook Alex¡¯s right hand. ¡°Can''t believe you left us behind, you jerk¡­but all the same, I''m happy to see you walk that stage. Get up there and own it! And unlike Khalik, I ain¡¯t giving up so easily! Congrattions-time is <em>now!</em>¡±


    The minotaur turned and sprinted through the crowd, running to Isolde and pping her on the back so hard that the young noblewoman was nearly catapulted into the seats. ¡°Knock ¡®em dead up there, Isolde!¡±


    Her family¡¯s guards bristled¡ªthough Svenia and Hogarth simply threw each other knowing looks¡ªand her parents stiffened.


    Isolde simply held up a hand, waving off their concern as she tried to get her breath back.


    ¡°st, now I will look bad if I do not do the same!¡± Khalik rushed off. ¡°So much for decorum!¡±


    Alex took a look at Isolde¡¯s family, considered what to do for a moment, then teleported beside her.


    ¡°You big oaf!¡± Isolde was admonishing Thundar. ¡°You will muss up my robes¡ªGaaah! Roth!¡± she cried as she noticed the young archwizard.


    He politely bowed to her family, before turning to her. ¡°I know you''re gonna do a great job,¡± Alex said, patting her on the shoulder. ¡°And I''m so happy I get to graduate with you. You could even say I''m wishing you my ¡­con<em>grad</em>tions.¡±


    ¡°Uuuuugh!¡± Isolde groaned, throwing a mortified look at her family.


    Before they could say anything, Khalik and Cedric barreled past them.


    ¡°Greetings to the von Anmut family. Now, then: Isolde! Congrattions on your big day!¡± Khalik was all smiles. ¡°It has been more than an honour to be with you on this journey, and I could not ask for a better cabal-mate.¡±


    Before she could react, Cedric came skidding to a halt in front of her.


    She looked into the Chosen¡¯s eyes while he tried to find his words.


    Then her gaze slowly fell to his torso.


    ¡°Is¡­is that a <em>shirt?</em>¡± she gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as though the garment was the most scandalous thing she had ever witnessed.


    ¡°Aye,¡± he said, blushing. ¡°Felt like¡­I should probably wear one.¡±


    ¡°I¡ª¡± she started, then her blue eyes hardened. The young noblewoman threw a nce in her family¡¯s direction. ¡°Later.¡±


    She then turned¡ªher cheeks <em>zing¡ª</em>and veritably sprinted toward her seat. ¡°Father, mother, grandfather! Go and sit down!¡± she cried over her shoulder.


    ¡°Oh, er, congrattions!¡± Cedric called weakly at her back.


    She did not respond.


    Silence fell, and he turned, grinning sheepishly at the von Anmuts.


    They were staring at the cabal and Hero in shock.


    Hogarth cleared his throat. ¡°Perhaps we should find our seats, as thedy instructed.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm,¡± her grandfather said, looking at the young men closely. ¡°Come,¡± he waved to his family, and as one, they turned to find their seats.


    Cedric cringed, slowly looking at the others. ¡°She acted kinda funny there. Did¡­did I do somethin¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Later,¡± Alex echoed Isolde.


    ¡°Later,¡± Khalik echoed her as well.


    ¡°Later,¡± Thundar added.


    The Chosen red at the three of them. ¡°All o¡¯ yous ¡®ave gots t¡¯be th¡¯wors¡¯ friends a man could ¡®ave.¡±

 Chapter 831: Alexander Roth, Wizard of Generasi

    Chapter 831: Alexander Roth, Wizard of Generasi


    The young archwizard¡¯s name was etched on his chair.


    Literally.


    Golden, glowing letters¡ªwritten on the surface of transparent force magic¡ªspelled the name ¡®Alexander Roth¡¯ in all of its glory. The young man from Alric paused, taking it all in.


    ¡®Alexander Roth¡¯.


    Just over three years ago, that was the name of a simple, orphaned baker¡¯s assistant from a tiny town in a backwater realm. Now? Now that name belonged to an archwizard graduating from the most prestigious school of wizardry in the entire world.


    And that name was printed in golden letters of pure magic.


    ¡®I hope you can see me now, mother and father,¡¯ he thought, taking his seat¡ªthe seat bearing <em>his</em><em>name</em>¡ªamong the other graduates. ¡®And I hope you¡¯re proud of me.¡¯


    Alex greeted his neighbours, most of whom he¡¯d only seen in passing before. The graduating students¡¯ chairs were arranged in alphabetical order, by surname, and so he¡ªunfortunately¡ªwas not near Rhea, Malcolm, Shiani, Nua-Oge or Isolde.


    Shifting in her chair, the young noblewoman was in thest row, and Alex only had a quick moment to exchange a nervous nod with her before Baelin cleared his throat.The ancient archwizard raised his hands as all eyes fell on him at the podium.


    ¡°It is with the highest honour that I guide this ceremony celebrating this years¡¯ graduation of new wizards. Wizards of power. Education. Poise. Majesty.¡± He leaned forward, his goat-like eyes glittering. The chancellor¡¯s symbol¡ªthe one on Baelin¡¯s charm-pendants¡ªwas sewn into his robe. ¡°<em>Proper </em>wizards.¡±


    Alex smiled at that.


    The young archwizard¡ªand the other members of the Art of the Wizard in Combat¡ªfished their charm-pendants from their robes.


    The chancellor noticed.


    He definitely looked pleased.


    Baelin leaned forward. ¡°Now, this is the part where you might think ¡®oh no, the old goat is about to prattle on¡¯. But fortunately, for each of you, I will <em>not</em> beunching into an endless speech. I will simply thank our graduates for journeying with us these past three to four years, but¡ªif there is any one thing that I hope you will walk away with, it is that while you all may nowmand great power, you are not the only ones in the world who do. Threats lurk around every corner, jealous and hungry for your strength andmensurate wealth. So, please remember, if at any time you require aid in the form of guidance, insight, or advice, do not hesitate to approach us. You are a member of the alumni of Generasi now, and as such, you shall never be truly alone, if you do not choose to be.¡±


    He pped, rubbing his hands together. ¡°So do not be afraid to reach out, just as I hope you will not be afraid to open up your coin purses and vaults when ites time for annual donations.¡±


    He grinned, and the graduates chuckled, ufortably.


    ¡°Hah! You should see your expressions! I make that little joke every year, and I still love the fear that goes across every face!¡± The chancellor rose up to his full height. ¡°In the end, you graduates shall be this university¡¯s shooting stars! You have flown above us, bright and beautiful, and now you pass us by, almost as quickly as you came. You are flying off beyond the horizon: we were only able to gaze on your brilliance for a moment, but you will stay in our minds and our hearts forever. As I hope we shall stay in yours. Thank you all.¡±


    The audience burst into rousing apuse, with many whooping and cheering. Every graduate was on their feet, proud of themselves and their school, while Alex looked around, hearing ygon repeatedly chanting, <em>¡®father¡¯ </em>over the crowd. Baelin smiled at the response and raised his hands, waving at Hobb, inviting him to join him at the podium. ¡°With such enthusiasm, we¡¯d dare not dy any longer, so with no further ado, we will present the well earned degrees to this year''s graduating ss. Your names will be called alphabetically by surname. And after every new graduate has received their degree, as our final order of business, we will receive the valediction honouring our graduates and bidding them a fond farewell. The title of valedictorian is awarded to the most academically aplished student¡ªin all four years of study¡ªwho has also contributed to the university outside of academics. That person will receive a gold medal in recognition of their achievement. I invite you all to look forward to their speech! But that will be forter: for now, graduates, please prepare, it¡¯s time to im your reward!¡±


    Baelin waved his hand, and the sky shimmered above the stage.


    At first, there came only the whisper of a rising wind.


    Then the air began to sing an otherworldly melody; its lyrics¡ªin many nar tongues¡ªwere dedicated to the graduating ss of Generasi.


    To bright futures. To better tomorrows. To endless opportunities.


    Hobb snapped his fingers, conjuring twenty-nine tes of pure electrum, and one gold medal. ¡°If all of the graduates would please line up at the stairs in alphabetical order. Staff members will be on hand to aid you.¡± The devil gestured to steps on the left hand side of the stage. ¡°Once you are in line, you will be called by name to receive your degree. After receiving it, you are then to descend the staircase to the right to make room for the next graduate.¡±


    ¡°Here we go,¡± Alex said, his heart thundering in his chest.


    As the graduates moved to form a line, he exchanged looks with Nua-Oge, Shiani, Malcolm, Rhea and¡ªof course¡ªIsolde.


    To his cabal member, he gave an encouraging thumbs up.


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    She was trembling, but returned a weak smile.


    ¡®You can do it,¡¯ he mouthed to her.


    ¡®Thank you,¡¯ she mouthed back.


    He turned, looking back to the podium as the chancellor nodded. ¡°You are all assembled. So, let us begin.¡±


    The air¡¯s song swelled, amplifying the melody.


    It was time for the graduates to im their prizes.


    ¡°First, I call Ansalon Andari!¡± Baelin announced.


    A lean young man at the front of the line flinched, then quickly climbed the stairs. He paused for a moment, looking over the graduating ss, the guests and the endless sky, then walked across the stage.


    ¡°Ansalon Andari, you have now graduated, and are awarded your degree,¡± Baelin said.


    Registrar Hobb delicately plucked one of the electrum tablets from the air, handing it over.


    The young student¡¯s grin could have lit up a moonless night. He bowed his head. ¡°Thank you, thank you so much!¡±


    ¡°Congrattions.¡± Baelin patted him on the shoulder. ¡°May your path through magic¡ªwherever it might lead¡ªcontinue to be under endless light and open skies.¡±


    The young man bowed again before stepping off the stage, descending the stairs to the right to be directed to his seat. Baelin then called the next student, and the next. Over time, the line grew shorter.


    Until¡­


    ¡°Nua-Oge Icthy-On!¡± Baelin called.


    The scahar wizard looked back nervously at the guests before nodding and beginning to climb the stairs.


    An earth shattering roar<strong></strong>shook the demine.


    Nua-Oge stumbled.


    All heads whipped around to the guests.


    Grimloch was on his feet, fists pumping above his head. ¡°<em>That¡¯s right! Get it, Nua-Oge!¡± </em>he roared, even as their parents tried to calm him down. There was no stopping him, though: his apuse was like thunder as his sister gave the guests a helpless shrug.


    Lifting her head with pride, all nerves gone, she walked across the stage and bowed to the chancellor.


    Baelin smiled warmly. ¡°Nua-Oge Icthy-On, you have graduated with distinction, and are awarded your degree. Well done.¡±


    Registrar Hobb handed her her degree.


    The guests apuded as Nua-Oge bowed once more, and Alex¡ªas well as the other members of Baelin¡¯s COMB-1000 ss¡ªcheered as she descended from the stage.


    She looked at her degree with a dreamy smile, returning to her seat.


    More students were called, and then¡­


    ¡°Shiani Keahi!¡± Baelin shouted.


    The fire mage climbed the steps, not meeting anyone¡¯s gaze as she went. Her family and entourage cheered her name as she crossed the stage and Alex could hear Selina¡¯s voice, joining with theirs.


    ¡°Shiani Keahi, you have graduated with distinction, and are awarded your degree,¡± the chancellor said. ¡°Absolutely well done.¡±


    Taking the degree, Shiani clutched it tightly as she left the stage, returning to her seat.


    Soon, the line of twenty nine awaiting to im their degrees had shrunk, leaving few behind.


    Then there were only two students in front of Alex.


    Then one.


    And finally¡­


    ¡°Alexander Roth!¡± Baelin called.


    Alex¡¯s heart thundered. His family erupted.


    ¡°<em>Well dooooone!</em>¡± ygon shouted.


    ¡°Congrattions!¡± Theresa cried.


    ¡°Great job, Aleeeex!¡± Selina called.


    ¡°Yeeees!¡± Thundar and Khalik roared together.


    Alex ascended the stage proudly, his head held high.


    Isolde, Shiani, Rhea, Malcolm and Nua-Oge cheered from their seats.


    Alex¡¯s foot touched the stage. He took a moment to breathe.


    All around him were endless skies, and he was beneath the light of the sun.


    Ahead of him was that degree, and all that it represented.


    He took a step forward.


    Then another.


    Then another.


    Then he was in front of Baelin and Hobb.


    The chancellor gave him the warmest of smiles.


    ¡°Alexander Roth, you have graduated with distinction by course work and right of challenge, and are awarded your degree,¡± the chancellor said. He pped him on the shoulder. ¡°I am proud of you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Alex whispered. There were tears in his eyes. Happy tears.


    He turned to Hobb. Grinning, the devil reached up and plucked another electrum tablet from the air. The registrar handed it to Alex without a word.


    Alex epted it, looking at what was etched into the metal.


    <em>The Board of The University of Generasi,</em>


    <em>Upon rmendation of the Faculty confers upon:</em>


    <em>Alexander Roth,</em>


    <em>Having fulfilled the requirements of the degree in Wizardry with all its rights, privileges and obligations.</em>


    Below it was Chancellor Baelin¡¯s signature, along with that of Registrar Hobb.


    Alex¡¯s hands were shaking.


    He¡¯d done it.


    When he was marked by Uldar, he hadn¡¯t given up. When his spellcraft was taken from him, he¡¯d found ways to adapt. When he and his family were set upon by monsters, they overcame them to journey to Generasi. He¡¯d ovee most challenges at the university. Even when he¡¯d left to battle the hidden church and find Kelda¡¯s sanctum, he¡¯d ovee those too¡­and this moment was his prize.


    This was the proof that Uldar, the priesthood and all others had not stopped him from achieving his dream. A dream that had formed while his parents still lived, telling him stories of legendary wizards.


    He sniffled, trying to hold back his emotions.


    Then he lowered his head to Baelin and Hobb.


    The crowd cheered.


    The song above him swelled.


    He knew then that he would never forget this moment, not even if he lived to be as old as Baelin. The young archwizard¡ªthe General of Thamnd¡ªcontinued walking on, clutching his degree close.


    He nced at the faculty as he passed them.


    Professor Val¡¯Rok was wiping tears from his eyes, blowing his snout in a handkerchief. He waved at Alex and gave him a thumbs up.


    Professor Ram watched him closely, giving him a stoic nod.


    Professor Mangal smiled sweetly, mouthing ¡®congrattions¡¯ to him.


    Professor Salinger simply pped, giving Alex a warm smile.


    Then¡­there was Professor Jules.


    The prickly head of the faculty department of Alchemy was crying¡ªfull on crying¡ªbeside Val¡¯Rok and wiping her nose with a butterfly embroidered handkerchief.


    ¡°Congrattions¡­Mr. Roth,¡± she whispered her choked good wishes as he passed by.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he whispered back, then descended the stairs to join the others.


    He looked up at the stands.


    His family was crying and cheering. Khalik and Thundar were hugging each other and giving him double thumbs ups. Cedric was whooping.


    Theresa¡¯s smile was brilliant as she called Alex¡¯s name. Selina cheered.


    Alex lowered his head to them as he returned to his seat.


    And he allowed himself to soak in the moment.


    He¡¯d done it. He¡¯d truly done it. There would be other trials in his life¡ªone great one loomed ahead¡ªbut <em>this</em> trial was over, and he had won.


    On the stage, Baelin continued to call names.


    ¡°Rhea Talmenar!¡± the chancellor said.


    The tall elven woman ascended the stage with grace, gliding to the ancient archwizard.


    ¡°Rhea Talemnar, you have graduated with distinction, and are awarded your degree,¡± the chancellor said. ¡°Most magnificent.¡±


    The elf fire mage gracefully bowed, gliding across the stage and returning to the seated line of graduates.


    After Rhea, Baelin called another familiar name. ¡°Malcolm Thrimson!¡±


    The ice mage, one of thest few in line, hurried up the stairs and crossed the stage.


    ¡°Malcolm Thrimson, you have graduated with distinction, and are awarded your degree,¡± the chancellor said. ¡°Well done,d.¡±


    Malcolm grinned at the electrum tablet, then turned toward the audience, holding the degree above his head as though it was a captured g, won on the battlefield.


    Alex whooped, as did much of the graduating ss.


    Rhea rolled her eyes as Malcolm descended to join the rest of them.


    A few more names were called, until finally¡­there was only one person remaining, waiting to ascend the stage.


    Isolde stood alone, looking as nervous as a kitten in a lightning and thunderstorm.


    ¡°And now, I call the final member of this year¡¯s graduating ss,¡± Baelin announced. ¡°She is also our valedictorian for this graduating year! Isolde von Anmut!¡±

 Chapter 832: Fruition

    Chapter 832: Fruition


    Isolde von Anmut turned beet red before turning pale. Her hands shook. Her body tensed.


    She looked to the sky, eyes fixed on the clouds to steady herself before returning her attention to the stage.


    The young noblewoman took a deep breath, rose to her full height and stepped forward, and without hesitating, took another step.


    Isolde climbed the steps with all the grace and nobility she could muster, then walked across the stage like a queen, lowering her head to Baelin. ¡°Chancellor.¡±


    ¡°I dly receive this honour,¡± her voice was clear.


    ¡°Isolde von Anmut, you have graduated with distinction, and are awarded your degree,¡± the chancellor said as Hobb handed her the electrum tablet and gold medal. ¡°Your dedication, endless focus, and discipline have brought you the highest honours. Your great effort has earned you this degree, and also provided you with the opportunity to close our graduation ceremony. Will you ept this honour?¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Isolde said.


    ¡°Then it is time for the old to yield the stage to the young,¡± Baelin said as he and Hobb prepared to go to their seats among the faculty. ¡°You may begin when you are ready.¡±


    Isolde drew another deep breath, and took her ce at the podium. Sheid her tablet and medal on the surface of the transparent stand.The wind fell silent.


    The crowd soon followed.


    All eyes were on her.


    And hers took in everyone gathered.


    She gripped the sides of the podium and began.


    ¡°When I was approached about this honour, some months ago, I was unsure as to whether to ept it or not,¡± she said, her clear voice cutting through the demine. ¡°I have been told that much of the purpose of the valedictorian is to end things on a lighter note, to shatter the pomp of an ancient ceremony with the ¡®pep¡¯ and humour of youth.¡±


    She sighed. ¡°I must confess that I have mastered many subjects while at Generasi: alchemy and lightning magic are among them¡­but humour is not. And with dread, I fear¡ªthat by the time this ceremony ends¡ªyou may all be dead of boredom from my monotonous words.¡±


    Isolde smiled at her little joke¡ªalmost shyly. Thankfully, the crowdughed, not mockingly, but encouragingly.


    Her smile turned grateful.


    ¡°Since humour is not one of my strengths, rather than trying to end things on a light note, I would like to speak of our experiences at the university, instead,¡± she continued. ¡°I have put pressure on myself trying to sum up my own feelings, and experiences, and hoping to somehow turn those into a representative speech for our graduating ss. I found this to be an impossible task, because¡ªin the end¡ªmy experiences are my own. They are unique to me, and cannot be changed or moulded to epass the university experience of all the other esteemed graduates here. I also thought to quote ancient wizards and philosophers, and structure my speech around one of their ideas.¡±


    She turned to Baelin. ¡°But I am sure that the chancellor has met a good many of them and is older than the rest.¡±


    Isolde looked back to the audience. ¡°I was then left with the one thing that does unite us all, because it is both unique, shared and undecided: and that is our futures.¡±


    Alex paid rapt attention.


    ¡°Recently, I was asked what my ns were for my future once I graduate, and I said that I would continue to walk the same path that I had chosen long ago. But,ter, I found myself wondering how I had been able to answer so easily. After all, I have changed a lot in many ways over the course of my time at Generasi because of my experiences¡­¡± She gestured to the others graduating with her. ¡°¡­as have the rest of you. We are here now, transformed by our experiences, and if we had remained the same people that we were four years ago, then something must have gone wrong, and time would have stood still for us to have stagnated in such a manner.¡±


    Isolde ced her hand over her heart, smiling. ¡°Our experiences at the university have differed: some of us have loved, others have had their hearts broken, some have given their trust, others have had it shattered, some have fought monsters¡ªsuch as the demons at Oreca¡¯s Fall¡ªand been changed by it. All differing experiences. Yet, <em>some </em>of our experiences did <em>not</em> differ: we have <em>all</em> learned, we have <em>all</em> fought¡ªwhether inb, against monsters or in our extraordinary library¡ªwe have triumphed, and we have failed.¡±


    The graduating ss nodded along.


    ¡°In four years, many of us have lived more eventful lives than others will experience from bass to tombstone. So how could we not be changed by that? And we will continue to change in the future¡­so I asked myself, what gave the me of today the confidence to stay on the same path that the me of four years ago had decided to take?¡± she asked. ¡°After all, I¡ªand the rest of our graduating ss¡ªnow have the power and knowledge to be either saviours or tyrants.¡±


    Whispers raced through the crowd.


    ¡°For myself, after much self-examination, I came to the conclusion that what kept me firmly on that one path was a simple concept: ¡®responsibility¡¯. And I believe that concept applies to all of us.¡±


    ¡°Please understand that I do not mean responsibility always matches great power. It does not: being powerful does not mean that we are responsible for the fate of the world. However, I do believe that we have a responsibility to ourselves, to magic, and to those who ce their hopes in us.¡±


    She gestured to the guests. ¡°Like those who havee here to support us in our hour of triumph. They have watched us grow, as we were nurtured by the greatest university of wizardry in the world. And what does it mean to be the ¡®greatest university of wizardry¡¯? We have all epted that designation as fact¡ªit is amonly used moniker for our institution¡ªbut have we truly examined <em>why</em> Generasi has been blessed with this lofty title?¡±


    She gestured to the faculty. ¡°Could it be the greatest because it has the foremost magical research departments in the world? Or is it that our faculty includes some of the most knowledgeable and powerful masters of wizardry ever to draw breath?¡±


    Isolde gestured to the demine. ¡°Is it because of the sheer wealth, power and knowledge within the institution? Is it due to the grand library and all the many spells contained within it? Is it due to the service that the university provides to the city? I believe that while the university does in fact have the greatest research departments, faculty, knowledge and power of <em>any</em> educational institution in the world¡ª¡±


    Cheers rose from the graduating ss.


    ¡°¡ªI am of the opinion that it is called the ¡®greatest university of wizardry in the world¡¯, because it produces the greatest <em>wizards</em> in the world!¡±


    The cheers turned to deafening apuse, spreading to guests and faculty alike.


    Isolde waited for the din to die down before continuing.


    ¡°Historically, there have been archwizards, great heroes, inventors, pioneers and more who have graduated from our institution and gone on to do great things¡­and now, we twenty-nine begin simr journeys. And that is where our responsibility begins. The university had a responsibility to us: to make us the greatest wizards we could be. And now, we have the responsibility to continue <em>being</em> the greatest wizards we can be.¡±


    She gestured to herself. ¡°We may not be responsible for the world, but our respected colleagues, the university, and our loved ones are calling on us to meet and exceed our potential going forward. If we do not, then we can never be relied upon by our cabals, our subordinates and our loved ones. With the sort of power we now wield, an abdication of responsibility can lead to the most dire of consequences for hundreds or even thousands.¡±


    Isolde looked down at her degree, smiling. She raised it above her head, turning it toward the audience. ¡°<em>With all its rights, privileges and obligations.</em> That¡¯s what this degree says. And it is fitting. As graduating wizards of Generasi, we have rights bestowed upon us through the qualifications represented in this degree. We have privileges granted by the power that we have rued through our time studying there. But, <em>obligations</em>? That word stands out to me. There are no obligations stated for us, so what can this mean?¡±


    Isolde faced her fellow graduates. ¡°Magic is both chaotic and ordered: yet,<strong></strong>we have a responsibility to it. We are <em>Proper Wizards</em> after all, and must act as such at all times. For me, I will keep to my path, because I have a responsibility to myself, my family, and to magic, and I will dedicate much of my life to advancing them all.¡±


    She raised her voice. ¡°So, I will conclude with this, my fellow graduates! Be grand! Be powerful! Be responsible! For what good is power for its own sake, if it has no purpose to fulfil? You must find that purpose to continue to be great! Do not be the sword rusting above the mantle! Go forth, and show the world why <em>we </em>are great! It is our time to shine: so keep your word, use your magic, take responsibility for your actions, do not let your skills grow dusty, and live to be the greatest you can be! I know, I will! Congrattions to my fellow graduates, and thank you for your time. Let us build our legacies, starting today.¡±


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    The demine was silent for a time, then all erupted in thunderous apuse.


    Isolde smiled sweetly as the graduating ss leapt from their seats, enthusiastically pping and cheering.


    Alex pped emphatically. ¡°Awesome job! Isolde! Aaaaaesome!¡±


    He was not the only one.


    ¡°Yeeeeaaaah!¡± Thundar roared.


    ¡°Well done! <em>Well done!¡±</em> Khalik¡¯s deep voice called.


    ¡°That was sharp, Isolde! As sharp as a knife! Fantastic!¡± Theresa shouted.


    ¡°<em>Well¡­done¡­Isolde!¡± </em>ygon¡¯s deep voice joined the others.


    And finally, louder than all the rest¡­


    ¡°Ya was amazin¡¯, Isolde!¡± Cedric¡¯s voice cut through the others, loud and proud. ¡°<em>Y¡¯made m¡¯heart sing!¡±</em>


    The faculty on stage stood, joining the others in celebration.


    Isolde blushed, mouthing a quick thank you as Baelin stepped up beside her at the podium.


    ¡°Thank you, for your wise insights, Isolde,¡± the chancellor said.


    ¡°Thank you for the opportunity,¡± the young noblewoman bowed to him before leaving the stage.


    The apuse grew louder.


    She looked relieved and pleased, her face flushing pink.


    The chancellor took his ce back at the podium. ¡°A fine speech by our valedictorian, and one that I hope all of our graduates¡ªand the rest of us¡ªtake to heart. Now, in conclusion, if the graduates would please line up in front of your guests.¡±


    Alex and the rest of the graduating ss moved to where their guests were seated, forming a single row before family and friends.


    ¡°We present to you¡­our graduating ss!¡± Baelin shouted. ¡°Graduates, please take a bow and throw your hats in the air!¡±


    Alex, Isolde and the rest of the graduates, took a deep bow.


    The guests cheered.


    The ss removed their hats and tossed them in the air. Enthusiastic apuse swelled, growing louder as the conical hats soared high above them.


    And remained there.


    They began to glow, the illumination increasing, bing zing stars. And as one, twenty-nine new wizard¡¯s hats transformed, shooting further into the endless blue sky.


    ¡°This is my favourite part,¡± Baelin announced, waving his hand.


    The sun red, then promptly dimmed, veiling the demine in shadow¡­ Yet, not falling intoplete darkness.


    Suddenly, thousands of stars winked to life, all twinkling in time. The spheres of light that were once the graduating ss¡¯ hats soared through the air, joining the countless others that hade before them, taking their ce among the demine¡¯s constetions.


    ¡°Twenty-nine new stars,¡± Baelin said. ¡°All being weed by thousands of past graduates who have taken this journey before you. And, I say once more: congrattions, to all of you. We look forward to seeing what you will do next. What wonders and horrors you will work, and what responsibilities will move you forward.¡±


    ¡°Ya was bloody great up there!¡± Cedric said to Isolde as the graduates went to mingle with their friends and families.


    The area around the stands was overflowing with joy, hugs andughter, as well as a river of happy tears as graduates both celebrated, and <em>were </em>celebrated, while everyone waited for Baelin to transport them back to the material world. Isolde had been heading for her family when Cedric broke from the crowd, touching her arm.


    ¡°Thank you, Cedric.¡± She smiled warmly. ¡°I appreciate that.¡±


    ¡°Aye, well I¡¯s jus¡¯ callin¡¯ it as I sees it.¡± He was adjusting his shirt as though it was attempting to strangle him. ¡°You¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, stop it.¡±


    He stopped speaking. ¡°Wazzat?¡±


    ¡°Stop shifting about like an animal caught in a trap!¡± Isolde gestured to his shirt.


    ¡°Oh, aye, sorry.¡± He winced, quickly letting go of the garment, which clung to his body like a snare around a beast. ¡°Ya gots t¡¯ fergive me, I ain''t used t¡¯ wearin¡¯ one o¡¯ these. But, I''ll leave it be.¡±


    ¡°I am not telling you to ¡®leave it be¡¯,¡± Isolde said. ¡°I am telling you to take it off.¡±


    Cedric and a number of people around them grew quiet.


    Eyebrows rose.


    The Chosen spat, ¡°Wazzat?¡± He cupped a hand to his ear. ¡°Is been pretty loud ¡®round here, so I''s thinkin¡¯ I din¡¯a hear y¡¯right.¡±


    ¡°I said, take off that shirt, Cedric.¡± She folded her arms on her chest.


    ¡°What? Y¡¯sure?¡± He looked around. Eyebrows were shooting up faster than the graduation caps when they shot through the sky. ¡°In a ce like this? Ya sure y¡¯r not gonna b¡¯embarrassed by¡­a <em>friend</em>¡­walkin¡¯ ¡®round wit¡¯out¡¯ no shirt on?¡±


    ¡°How could I ever be embarrassed by you?¡± Isolde moved close to him. Very close. ¡°You are one of the bravest, most honourable, and lovely human beings I have ever met.¡±


    She grabbed the hem of his shirt. ¡°Now lift your arms up.¡±


    ¡°O-oh, aye?¡± He did.


    Isolde gripped his tunic and pulled it over his shoulders and head, revealing the woad tattoos and sculpted muscture of his torso. She finished pulling the shirt off, folded it, and handed it to him, nodding as she looked at the Mark of the Chosen on his chest.


    ¡°That is much better.¡± She reached up, fixing his long, red hair. ¡°You look like <em>you,</em> now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d b¡¯ lyin¡¯ if I¡¯n I said I wasn¡¯ feelin¡¯ better now.¡± Cedric gave her that beautiful smile of his, his gold tooth gleaming like a star. In someone¡¯s else¡¯s mouth she would have found it uncouth.


    Cedric made it look positively <em>royal.</em>


    She couldn¡¯t help but smile back. ¡°Thank you foring today,¡± she said. ¡°Honestly, I would have been¡­distraught if you were not here to see me graduate.¡±


    ¡°Aye, an¡¯ also hear th¡¯ speech o¡¯ yorn all ¡®bout responsibility an¡¯ greatness an¡¯ th¡¯ like,¡± Cedric said. ¡°Was a damned good speech: an¡¯ true too. We do gots a responsibility t¡¯be our best selves.¡± He touched the Mark on his chest. ¡°Don¡¯ I knows that better¡¯n most.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± she said. ¡°I was thinking of you, Alex and the other Heroes when I wrote the earlier versions of that speech. Your responsibilities are crushing, and contradictory¡­and your responsibility to a divine n and your realm often trample all over your responsibilities to yourselves, but you do what you have to anyway.¡±


    ¡°S¡¯good way o¡¯ puttin¡¯ it,¡± Cedric agreed. ¡°Jus¡¯ d things din¡¯a turn out a lot worse. If¡¯n¡­¡± He blushed, his expression clouding. ¡°If¡¯n I¡¯d found out ¡®bout Alex early on¡­if¡¯n I¡¯d learned who ¡®e was back when we firs¡¯ met in th¡¯ Coille forest, or¡ªeven worse¡ªif¡¯n I¡¯d ¡®a found out when we was all meetin¡¯ in Greymoor for th¡¯first time¡­I woulda had t¡¯bring ¡®im t¡¯Ussex t¡¯them priests. But¡­m¡¯ responsibility t¡¯doin¡¯ what was <em>right</em> woulda tol¡¯ me t¡¯leave ¡®im well enough alone.¡±


    The Chosen¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°There was a time where I caught a rogue from the king¡¯s delegation sneakin¡¯ about. Didn¡¯t think much o¡¯ it at th¡¯time¡ªjust thot¡¯ ¡®e was som¡¯ bloody nosey bastard, spyin¡¯ an¡¯ tryin¡¯ t¡¯ruin things between our kingdom an¡¯ all o¡¯ yous¡ªbut now that I¡¯s lookin¡¯ back, I¡¯s thinkin¡¯ th¡¯bastard might¡¯a been one o¡¯ them you-know-whos. Makes me wonder wha¡¯ woulda happened if I¡¯d spoke up back then.¡±


    ¡°Your responsibilities to your kingdom warred with your responsibility to your new friends,¡± Isolde said. ¡°The fact that you think on that situation, and that it troubles you, is admirable: it shows that you take both responsibilities seriously. You take all of your responsibilities seriously.¡±


    She stepped closer again. ¡°It is one of the things that I find so enchanting about you, Cedric of n Duncan. You try your best and show dedication in everything that you do.¡±


    ¡°<em>I</em> show dedication?¡± Cedric scoffed. ¡°Yer th¡¯ one that¡¯s bloody dedicated. Y¡¯put hard work inta yer duties at school. Y¡¯put in work on th¡¯expedition ta¡¯ m¡¯homnd, an¡¯ y¡¯train t¡¯be one helluva lightnin¡¯ mage. You put in th¡¯work in everythin¡¯ y¡¯do. It¡¯s¡­one o¡¯ the things I liked abou¡¯ ya from th¡¯ firs¡¯time I met ya.¡±


    Isolde moved closer still. ¡°So tell me Cedric, what are your ns for after the war?¡±


    He paled, then blushed. ¡°I was thinkin¡¯ there¡¯d be lots t¡¯do, t¡¯make right what''s been wrong fer so long. The Ravener¡¯s wrecked so much o¡¯ Thamnd.¡±


    ¡°And after that?¡± Isolde asked.


    ¡°Pffft, o¡¯ I dunno.¡± The Chosen shrugged. ¡°Time was, I thought I¡¯d just be another warrior for the n. A good fighter, helpin¡¯ m¡¯people. Protectin¡¯ an¡¯ all that. But after all I''s been through¡­all I¡¯s seen¡­I dunno. Ya said how ya stuck on your path ¡®cause o¡¯ responsibility, aye? Not sure if m¡¯n really needs me about¡­an¡¯ m¡¯heart¡¯s leadin¡¯ me elsewhere.¡±


    ¡°And <em>where</em> does your heart lead you?¡± Isolde asked, reaching into a pocket in her robes.


    ¡°Well¡­it does¡­I dunno if¡¯n t¡¯say it here an¡¯ now¡­¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± she asked archly.


    ¡°Cause I¡¯s kinda scared, that¡­¡± He looked at her, distress in in his eyes. ¡°That maybe a great lump like me don¡¯ deserve what m¡¯heart¡¯s wantin¡¯. But if I did get it, I¡¯d do everythin¡¯¡ªan¡¯ I means everythin¡¯¡ªt¡¯ b¡¯ the bes¡¯ man fer it. I¡¯d b¡¯ th¡¯ bes¡¯ version o¡¯ Cedric of n Duncan, Chosen o¡¯ Thamnd, I cud ever b¡¯. Anyways, I¡¯d bes¡¯ get goin¡¯, I knows y¡¯ gots yer family t¡¯talk wit¡¯, so I bes¡¯ b¡¯ on m¡¯way ¡¯fore I takes up all yer time.¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the elements, stay right there!¡± She pulled the small wooden box from her robes¡ªthe one that had been sitting on her dressing table earlier. ¡°Lean down.¡±


    To Cedric¡¯s credit, though wide-eyed, he didn¡¯t protest.


    He simply leaned down.


    Around them, the curious grew quieter.


    Isolde did not care.


    She reached around Cedric''s neck, hooking a sp behind it.


    ¡°What''s this?¡± he asked, touching his neck.


    A new ne circled his neck: from its chain of pure tinum hung a wondrous jewelled pendant with four facets of different colours.<strong></strong>Inside the green facet, vinesy frozen within the gem. In the red, a spark of fire danced. Water swirled in the blue one. Lightning shed in the white.


    ¡°It¡¯s a Stone of Four Elements, and ites from one of the four Elemental Mountains in the Rhinean Empire,¡± Isolde said. ¡°It contains the elements of all four mountains, in a single gem. The jewel is meant to protect you from fire, lightning, cold and drowning, as well as keep you steady on the earth. That is what tradition says. Among the Rhinean nobility, it is a gift given to those most precious to us. And by precious¡ª¡±


    She cleared her throat, aware that many eyes were on her.


    ¡°¡ªI do mean that romantically. I wish to court you, Cedric of n Duncan. I hope that we can have each other.¡±


    Silence fell over everyone within listening distance.


    Cedric shouted, ¡°Yes!¡± suddenly pumping his fists toward the heavens as though the Traveller herself had blessed him. With the cheer of a man who¡¯d found a treasure that¡¯d he long searched for, he sprang forward, caught Isolde around her waist with both hands¡ªby the elements, he was <em>strong¡ª</em>and raised her above his head as though she weighed nothing.


    ¡°Cedric! Cedriiiiic!¡± she cried, desperately trying to hide her face from the crowd. She could not hide from their whistling andughter, though. Laughing, the Chosen spun her while holding her high above him.


    ¡°Ceeeedriiiiic!¡± she screamed,ughing.


    ¡°Brings me great shame t¡¯think ya had t¡¯make th¡¯ first move.¡± Cedric brought her close. Dangerously close. His eyes seemed to be her whole world.


    ¡°So let me make th¡¯ second one, at least. I''d love t¡¯ kiss ya right now, Isolde,¡± he said.


    The ¡®yes¡¯ was out of her mouth before she could stop her runaway, treacherous brain.


    Toote, she remembered her parents.


    But then their lips were touching.


    And she wasn¡¯t thinking about anything else.


    A massive cheer erupted around them. She recognised Grimloch¡¯s voice, Khalik¡¯s, Alex¡¯s and Thundar¡¯s. Svenia and Hogarth¡¯s cheering was loudest of all.


    When her and Cedric¡¯s lips finally parted¡ªhe still held her above him¡ªhe smiled that gold-toothed smile.


    ¡°Hey,¡± he said.


    ¡°H-hello,¡± she whispered, then froze.


    She slowly turned as she felt eyes burning into her.


    Standing very near was her family.


    Her father looked mortified.


    Her grandfather was unreadable.


    Her mother was even paler than usual. She opened her mouth to speak, ¡°Isolde¡­why are you grappling with a shirtless man at your graduation?¡±


    Isolde von Anmut quite nearly used nar Doorway right then and there.

 Chapter 833: Meet the Parents

    Chapter 833: Meet the Parents


    ¡°A n¡­Duncan¡­was it?¡± asked Lord von Anmut, his voice terribly strained. ¡°I seem to be unfamiliar with such a family. Praytell, what is the, er, lineage of n Duncan?¡±


    ¡°<em>Father,¡±</em> Isolde hissed.


    ¡°I, erm, am simply curious about therge, baaaaarbari¡­¡± He paused as his daughter¡¯s expression turned demonic. ¡°Er, <em>baarrr¡­barrel chested</em> young man that my daughter seems to erm, have given a Stone of Four Elements to.¡±


    ¡°A man you <em>never</em> mentioned in your letters to us, darling daughter of oours,¡± Lady von Anmut emphasised through a perfectly forced smile. ¡°Not once. At all. In any of your letters to your own mother! What a terribly strange<strong></strong>turn of events!¡±


    Herughter sounded like broken ss and murder.


    Eyes from all around the chamber¡ªBaelin had transported the graduating ss and their guests back to the grand ssroom¡ªquickly looked away. All of a sudden, other conversations, other people, and even bits of dust on the floor seemed fascinating to the onlookers.


    Cedric was beside Isolde¡ªshe was clutching his hand as if she¡¯d be swept away by a tidal wave if she let go¡ªwith a forced smile and eyes that would have been at home on a deer facing a mob of rabid bears.


    Isolde was feeling a mixture of terror, embarrassment, irritation and giddy joy so intoxicating, that she thought she would pass out.


    The treacherous members of her cabal¡ªthe brave Alex, Thundar and Prince Khalik, who she distinctly remembered promising to aid fellow members of their cabal in times of crisis¡ªwere hiding with Alex''s family.


    They were in an area of the room that was conveniently near the front door.


    Isolde would remember this.


    She looked to her loyal, lovely bodyguards: Hogarth and Svenia, who had stood beside her against beasts, viins and monsters, they were now standing <em>behind</em> her parents, conversing with their personal guard.


    They seemed absolutely intent on not meeting the young noblewoman¡¯s gaze.


    She would remember <em>this</em> too.


    ¡®I should help the Ravener eat the lot of them,¡¯ she thought darkly.


    Isolde nced at her grandfather as he stood a little apart from her parents, watching Cedric impassively. The old court wizard¡¯s mask-like expression had fully taken over his face: she could not tell if he was simply assessing Cedric, approving of him, or nning his demise.


    He had said not a single word so far.


    ¡°So yes!¡± Her mother stepped closer, dragging her daughter¡¯s eyes back to her. ¡°Your letters! They mentioned nothing about any¡­lovers! Nothing decent or <em>indecent!</em>¡± she hissed through a clenched smile. Her deadly eyes flicked to Cedric. ¡°How long have you and my darling, precious daughter been¡­so <em>close</em>, young man?¡±


    ¡°Well, I did jus¡¯¡­we jus¡¯ came together¡­right now,¡± Cedric fumbled with the words, facing the twin beasts that were Isolde¡¯s parents with the same dedication he faced the deadly Ravener-spawn of Thamnd.


    ¡­and with a <em>little</em> more fear.


    ¡°Oh, my mistake!¡± Lady von Anmut let out another homicidalugh. Several people¡ªincluding the faculty¡ªwere quickly making their way toward the door. More folk joined them, and for a terrible moment, Isolde thought a stampede would start. Lady von Anmut looked back at her daughter. ¡°Considering that you ripped the shirt off of a young man in the middle of your graduation, then allowed yourself to be hoisted into the air like a sack of old rags, and then shoved your tongue down his throat like amon¡ª¡±


    ¡°There was no tongue!¡± Cedric and Isolde said as one.


    They jumped, their hands clenching a little tighter.


    ¡°Oh, my mistake for not getting the facts right,¡± Lady von Anmut continued, with the same smile that was all ice and death. ¡°I do believe I was fighting a<em> fainting spell</em> at that moment! I do wonder what might have brought it on? Yes, I am sure you are right when you say there was no tongue¡­but you say you two <em>just</em> met?¡±


    ¡°No, mother!¡± Isolde said quickly. ¡°We did not <em>just</em> meet! We have known each other for a long time! We simply erm, made our courtship official at that moment.¡±


    ¡°Really? You only now became <em>official?¡±</em> her mother hissed. ¡°That is so surprising to me, considering the passions you disyed, which are usually reserved for <em>wedding nights!¡±</em>


    A throat cleared.


    ¡°And, er, how old is this n Duncan?¡± Lord von Anmut cut in.


    ¡°Er, our n¡¯s been in Thamnd since b¡¯fore Uldar got there,¡± Cedric said. ¡°Dunno beyond that.¡±


    Lord von Anmut brightened a bit. ¡°Excellent, there is history there! Tell me, how muchnd exists in your family¡¯s fief?¡±


    <em>¡°Father!¡±</em> Isolde snapped. ¡°Please stop it, you are embarrassing all of us!¡±


    ¡°Now, now,¡± he said gently. ¡°I am simply trying to grasp what might be the path ahead, shall we say.¡± He smiled at Cedric. ¡°There are things to consider, of course, when ites to the union of, erm¡ª¡±


    ¡°Land an¡¯ property?¡± The Chosen¡¯s eyebrow rose. ¡°Like a n chief considerin¡¯ who t¡¯marry his child off ta¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Precisely!¡± Lord von Anmut pped, smiling at his wife. ¡°See, our daughter has not quite taken leave of her senses! This young man seems to have certain understandings!¡±


    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    ¡°Father¡­you¡­are not¡­helping¡­¡± Isolde said through gritted teeth.


    ¡°No. You certainly are not.¡± Her mother sniffed. ¡°So¡­¡± She looked at Cedric. ¡°¡­do you always go about without a shirt, or do you only do so when you wish to grapple my daughter in public?¡±


    Isolde made a strangling noise.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯s not one fer shirts, really,¡± Cedric said, flexing his muscles. ¡° I finds ¡®em too constrainin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Oh my! Do you hear that, darling?¡± Lady von Anmut turned to her husband in mock delight. ¡°He finds shirts too constraining! How wonderful!¡±


    ¡°If I might interrupt,¡± a deep voice cut through the public execution.


    All eyes turned to Isolde¡¯s grandfather. He looked at her with a piercing gaze. ¡°Are you happy, granddaughter?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± she insisted.


    ¡°Wonderful,¡± the word was clipped. He turned to Lady von Anmut. ¡°Daughter, do you wish for your child to be happy in life?¡±


    ¡°Of course I do!¡± Lady von Anmut said. ¡°But she is so young, and I do not wish for her to be bewitched by a smile right out of a pirate romance novel and muscture that should belong on a god¡¯s marble statue! Such things might drive all rational thought from her head!¡±


    ¡°Yes, indeed, wait what?¡± Lord von Anmut nodded, then frowned. His eyes lit up. ¡°Oh, yes, I see what you mean! He reminds me of Lord Etienne from that book on your nightstand. I believe it was <em>The Ravishing Adventure of Lady Cecilia </em>by¡ª¡±


    <em>¡°Husband.¡±</em> Lady von Anmut¡¯s voice was as strained as a strand of silk thread caught on the horns of a bull. ¡°Perhaps we should end that there.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Lord von Anmut asked.


    Silence fell on the group.


    The court wizard sighed heavily. ¡°You always did like them <em>pretty,</em> daughter.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Lord von Anmut said cheerily.


    ¡°<em>Do not thank him, husband,¡±</em> Isolde¡¯s mother said mournfully.


    ¡°Father, please¡­¡± The younger noblewoman pinched the bridge of her nose. ¡°<em>Please</em>, father. And mother. Just¡­<em>please</em>. If you continue speaking, I am positively sure that I will see the after-world before the day is done.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, stop embarrassing my granddaughter on the day of her graduation.¡± The court wizard looked at Isolde. ¡°What are the precedents?¡±


    ¡°For a Chosen of Thamnd?¡± The young noblewoman met her grandfather¡¯s eyes. ¡°I found at least seven within the archives of the capitol. I have names and dates.¡±


    He nodded in approval. ¡°They will not be necessary.¡± He looked at Cedric. ¡°Young man, what is your intention for my granddaughter?¡±


    ¡°Er, precedent o¡¯ what?¡± Cedric asked.


    ¡°Do not worry about that,¡± the old man said. ¡°What are your intentions?¡±


    ¡°Um, I jus¡¯wanna make ¡®er happy,¡± Cedric said. ¡°The thought o¡¯ that makes m¡¯heart sing.¡±


    Isolde blushed.


    The old man looked at him closely. ¡°Alright, then. Let us all go somewhere and have a meal together to celebrate graduations and unions.¡±


    ¡°Father,¡± Lady von Anmut said. ¡°I am unsure if¡­¡± She took one look at her daughter, then sighed. ¡°Fine, let us go to dinner. And speak. In depth. I would like to learn more about this shirtless young man.¡±


    ¡°That sounds like a capital idea!¡± Lord von Anmut said. ¡°You can tell us more of your rustic lifestyle, young man. I do enjoy stories of nature!¡±


    Isolde nced at Cedric. ¡°I imagine you have to return to Thamnd soon?¡±


    ¡°A-aye,¡± the Chosen said. ¡°But I coulds spare a wee bit more time. But, ah, precedents?¡±


    Isolde blushed. ¡°I was looking up precedents for¡­unions¡­you know, perhapster.¡±


    ¡°Precedents for marriage between Rhinean nobility and Heroes of Thamnd!¡± Her father blurted out, snapping his fingers. ¡°Now I understand!¡±


    ¡°<em>Father!¡±</em> Isolde¡¯s face burned scarlet.


    ¡°Mar¡­marriage?¡± Cedric asked distantly.


    ¡°My granddaughter is much like myself, she prefers to n for all possibilities,¡± the court wizard said. ¡°Nowe, let us get to know each other.¡±


    Isolde¡ªlooking as though she wanted to crawl into her grave¡ªjoined her family and Cedric as they walked out of the chamber.


    As they left, Alex looked at the other members of his cabal.


    ¡°Well,¡± he said. ¡°That was something.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d almost call it the best thing that¡¯s ever happened to me.¡± Thundar was grinning broadly. ¡°I¡¯m never gonna let her live it down.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Prince Khalik cheered. ¡°I shall not let her live it down either.¡±


    ¡°Did you see the way she looked at you?¡± Theresa asked. ¡°<em>She</em> might not let the three of you live <em>at all.¡±</em>


    The three young men exchanged nces.


    Their mouths spoke no words.


    Their expressions might have filled an entire library.


    Corks popped.


    Ale and cider foamed, pouring into tankards.


    A carefree<strong></strong>atmosphere filled the Roth Family Bakery as staff members carried an entire buffet feast into the eating areas to feed Alex¡¯s family and friends. The bakery had closed early to host the special group of guests for the rest of the evening:


    Alex¡¯s family and friends.


    ¡°Congrattions, Alex!¡± Selina cheered.


    ¡°Congrattions!¡± Khalik shouted, holding a goblet of wine. Beside him sat Sinope, who had finished her duties in the grove and joined the others in celebration. Najyah was on his shoulder.


    Thundar raised his tankard of cider with a smile.


    Mr. and Mrs. Lu dabbed away tears.


    Their sons gulped back ale.


    Theresa held Alex¡¯s hand with a dreamy smile, and ygon pped him on the shoulder.


    Brutus nuzzled the archwizard¡¯s back.


    Only Isolde was absent, catching up with¡ªand likely being interrogated by¡ªher own family. The cabal nned to join her for their own celebrationter, where¡ªhopefully¡ªshe would spare their lives.


    Just as Alex was thinking of ways to avoid potential death, amotion came from the kitchen.


    Troy was leading more staff into the eating area, bearing sheets of Alex¡¯s mother¡¯s cookies, a cauldron of his father¡¯s stew¡­and a beautiful cake.


    A magnificent cake.


    It was a massive affair, with wless cream coloured icing, topped with piped whipped cream that resembled a thick braid decorated with mounds of zed fruit; a dessertrge enough to satisfy the hungry crowd¡¯s sweet tooth and¡ªon the top¡ªwritten in chocte drizzle was, ''Congrattions on your graduation, Alex!¡¯


    ¡°A little surprise for you, boss!¡± Troy called. ¡°Hope you all leave room for some of it!¡±


    ¡°Oh I am <em>so</em> d I came here,¡± Khalik said, licking his lips and rubbing his hands together.


    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Mr. Lu pped his hand to his belly. ¡°Well, I am but my pants aren¡¯t going to be.¡±


    Laughter spread through the room.


    As the cake, cookies and stew arrived, Alex tapped a spoon against a ss and rose from his chair.


    Everyone went quiet, looking at him expectantly.


    ¡°Thank you all for being here today,¡± Alex began. ¡°It''s been a long journey to get here, and we''re still not at the end of it yet. The Ravener lies ahead of us, and I don''t know where the battle against it is going to take us. But, if there''s anything I¡¯ve learned from my time here in Generasi, it''s that the world doesn''te to a standstill for anything. Not now and not ever. People have to keep moving and living,ughing and loving even if things are dark elsewhere. I got to experience thest three years, making good friends, and getting my degree, which¡¯ll help me in my future. But now, it''s time toplete a big responsibility, one that I, the other Heroes, and everyone in Thamnd has to deal with.¡±


    He lifted his ss. ¡°I¡¯d like to make it so that the people in our homnd will be able to have a life where they too can live,ugh, love, celebrate, and graduate without a care in the world. No more Ravener, no more swords hanging over their heads. No more waiting a hundred years for another disaster to fall on them. We¡¯re nearly ready, and when we strike, we¡¯re going to strike hard.¡±


    Alex raised his ss higher, ¡°So, I want to dedicate this toast to us, to Thamnd, and to responsibilities: not the ones that¡¯ve been shoved on us, but the ones that we choose!¡±


    ¡°Here here!¡± Kahlik called.


    sses rose, clinking together.


    And as everyone tucked into their feast,ughter and reminiscing flowed. Yet as the night went on, Alex¡¯s inner cheer gave way to dread. His words were true: the time for the final battle against the Ravener was approaching, though no one knew when and how that would manifest.


    But, they would learn soon enough.

 Chapter 834: Hope Springs

    Chapter 834: Hope Springs


    Thamnd¡¯s springtime was usually a season of endless rains, cloudy skies, and chilling mists that covered the realm, seeming tost for days on end. Buttely, nature had been kinder, sharing the Generasi skies with these northernnds.


    The sun had been unusually bright and warm, beaming down in all its glory. From coast to coast, the heavens were clear, the air warm and filled with the promise of an early and hot summer.


    Throughout the kingdom, soldiers and knights marched beneath bright skies, their armour gleaming under sunlight, and their cloaks billowing in an exhrating breeze. Songs were on their lips, the symbol of the Traveller had joined the symbol of Uldar around many necks, and hopey in their hearts.


    These days there was much to hope for. Tobias Jay had made a pivotal announcement some weeks before.


    That day had begun unremarkably, then the high priest of Uldar had called a mass assembly for all priests and soldiers within the capitol. The sky had been cloudy and miserable as a cold drizzle whipped down on the battalions gathered before the cathedral.


    The old priest had mounted the balcony when the warriors had assembled, and those close enough to see him from near, would recall that he seemed stronger than he had in weeks.


    A newfound vigour had lifted his back and a great purpose had guided his steps.


    Tobias had raised his hands, calling all to order before speaking. With a voice that reached as far as the city walls¡ªhis words were carried by a powerful miracle¡ªhe talked of the war, of hope, and perseverance: all subjects the army¡¯s battle-chains lectured on nearly every day.


    Familiar subjects that had grown more tiresome as the war dragged on.Yet¡ªeven as the eyes of the soldiery began to dull¡ªTobias¡¯ words strayed into unfamiliar waters. He began speaking of numerous miracles that had been regrly urring, a subject<em></em>that caught the soldiers¡¯ attention.


    These miracles hade in the form of interventions; soldiers being saved from threats bearing down on them, and monsters being struck down with no sign of injury to their bodies from either weapon, spell or miracle.


    He talked of entire battalions finding their way home after having gone missing in great swells of fog and torrential rains. He told of more strange urrences where Ravener-spawn had acted strangely, showing kindness to mortals instead of ughtering them on sight.


    Confused folk had been wondering about these strange new wonders¡ªthough priests had attempted to exin them in their regr sermons¡ªbut the bewildered had listened attentively when the high priest had addressed these urrences.


    And he had captured their attention by way of a strange tale.


    He¡¯d recounted the story of the Saint of Thamnd from centuries earlier¡ªa mysterious woman from Alric only known as the Traveller, whose cave had allowed the Thameish people to escape the Ravener with ease¡ªtelling of her dedication to the people. Tobias had been poetic, his voice steeped in reverence as he detailed a new truth to those gathered before him: that the Traveller had been divinely elevated and was working tirelessly to bring new hope to the kingdom.


    The high priest had revealed that the mysterious blessings members of the army had been receiving were from <em>her</em> doing, and that the Ravener-spawn aiding folk were also due to the Traveller¡¯s interventions.


    Nods and whispers had raced through the gathered priests and soldiers; the Heroes had been spreading word of the Traveller for months at that point, and so the army had epted Tobias¡¯ revtion as confirmation that they were being watched over and blessed. They were grateful for their good fortune.


    But those events hadn''t been the only marvels that Tobias had spoken of on that day.


    He had also revealed that the Traveller was bringing about <em>new</em> miracles: she had unveiled a hidden cache of Uldar¡¯s ancient weapons and armour, for the Heroes and their allies to equip themselves with for war.


    This had caused a great cheer to spread through the soldiers, knights and priests.


    But, Tobias¡¯ next revtion had shocked them all into silence.


    He had revealed a hidden Mark: the Traveller hadboured with Uldar to transform the Fool into a mightymander for the other Heroes.


    This new Hero was called the General.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Even as the high priest had spoken of this revtion, he¡¯d raised his hands toward the steel-grey sky.


    A column of morning sunlight had split the clouds, revealing the five Heroes of Thamnd floating in the blue, d in glittering armour, holding weapons from Uldar¡¯s own collection, and nked by holy engeli singing of the General¡¯s purpose.


    Smiles and joy took over the faces of those who weren¡¯t gaping in awe.


    Alex had raised his hands, conjuring fire in his left and lightning in his right. A powerful illusion manifested massive glowing images of the Marks in the sky, revealing the new white colouration of the Saint, Sage and Champion. Tobias had revealed Uldar¡¯s and the Traveller¡¯s gift to the masses: and by working together, the ancient Saint and god were <em>improving</em> the Heroes¡¯ Marks, granting them new more magnificent powers.


    ¡°Let it be now known that the Traveller is on our side!¡± the high priest had shouted. ¡°She has Uldar¡¯s blessing, and¡ªthrough her¡ªUldar¡¯s glory and his people will prosper! Include her in your prayers and spread word of her! Let it be known that hope has returned and that a new day has dawned! And that this new day shall be the Ravener¡¯sst! For this will be the final cycle! This is the cycle where we will defeat our great enemy forevermore!¡±


    At that, the army had fallen to their knees, worshipping and praising Uldar, the Traveller and the Heroes.


    That had taken ce weeks ago.


    Since that day, bright days and warm winds had heartened Thamnd.


    And Alex had worked hard in that time.


    Now free of sses and with the school year finished for his friends, he was spending most of his time in Thamnd, training the Heroes and fighting alongside them. The young archwizard would teleport through the skies of his kingdom, finding battles between the Thameish army and Ravener-spawn.


    Whenever he found one, he would summon great hordes of powerful monsters to set upon the spawn, then join in the battle himself. He would often takemand of the soldiers¡ªdirecting them with finely honed tactics¡ªand distract enemies with simple spells such as Wizard¡¯s Hands, forceballs, and forcedisks.


    He would follow with booby-trapped potions¡ªincluding Elder Blodeuwedd¡¯s mana draining tonics¡ªpowerful summoning spells from his staff, and devastatingbat magics that he would cast using incantations from both mouth and body.


    Like a deity, he devastated battlefields, broke Ravener-spawn, then crushed any survivors.


    He would then descend among the army, encouraging them with his most well-crafted speeches then help heal the wounded with blood magic. People would gape: where once they saw a Fool, now they saw a mightymander of legions, wielding a demigod¡¯s power.


    When his work was done, he¡¯d openly praise the Traveller for guiding him through the battle¡ªpleased as others bowed their heads in prayer¡ªthen teleport away, in search of the next battlefield.


    Much of his days were spent in this way, when he wasn¡¯t in theboratory at Greymoor or training Cedric.


    Together, he, Professor Jules, Baelin and Isolde had developed several prototypes of the venom they would use on the Ravener. The first concoction had been strong but not deadly enough, but each new iteration was more potent than thest.


    In thistest creation, Alex had infused Elder Blodeuwedd¡¯s mana ejecting potion into the venom, which should force the Ravener to expel its power from any area of its form that had been poisoned.


    He was also helping to fine tune the machine that would disrupt the Ravener¡¯s control over the earth, increasing the radius of the device¡¯s protection. Still, he wasn¡¯t quite satisfied yet: the deeper the need to travel down into the Ravener¡¯sir, the more powerful the machine would have to be. If they went deep underground, it wouldn¡¯t matter if the Ravener couldn¡¯t affect the soil directly around them, since all it would need to do is simply copse the millions of tons of earth and rock above them¡­then let gravity do the rest of the work.


    Thetest iteration of the machine was effective up to a thousand yards out: which would offer a good deal of protection.


    ¡°That¡¯s very good,¡± Professor Jules hadplimented it after they¡¯d tested it on a wild dungeon.


    But, Alex had shaken his head. ¡°It needs to be better: the radius needs to be wider. What if we need to go down two thousand yards below ground? Or three? It has to be better.¡±


    And so they had returned to theb, continuing their work on the machine.


    He¡¯d also worked on devices to drain away the Ravener¡¯s mana: into these, he¡¯d infused the elder¡¯s potions as well, increasing their power.


    All was going well in theboratory.


    In training, the Heroes and cabal were also making progress.


    At this point, every member of the cabal had mastered Alex''s technique of breaking down spell arrays and were using that to understand magic better. Isolde, Khalik, Thundar, Cedric now knew nar Doorway, and were mastering its versatility.


    Khalik could now cast the spell with a few simple muscle twitches, and Isolde needed less and less of the incantation to use it.


    Thundar and Cedric were close behind, and each of them were progressing faster because of another skill they¡¯d mastered.


    Mana Regeneration.


    Every spellcaster among the cabal and Heroes could now use the specialised technique, letting them practise for far longer than before.


    With the extended practice time, they had all broken through to fifth-tier, if they weren¡¯t already at that level of power. Sixth-tier, and True Seeing, wouldn¡¯t be too far behind for those working toward it.


    Hart, Drestra and Merzhin were mastering their new limits, growing into more devastating forces on the battlefield. With their newly imed equipment from Uldar¡¯s armoury, battles that once required all four Heroes to achieve victory, were now being won with only one present.


    With the addition of Bjorgrund, Asmaldestre¡ªboth of whom could now openly wield Uldar¡¯s weapons¡ªTheresa, the cabal and ygon to the battlefield, many Thameish soldiers were saying that they were the most blessed generation of warriors who had ever fought the Ravener during the endless cycles. They boasted that <em>they</em> would be the ones to witness the <em>final</em> destruction of their ancient enemy.


    Yet, despite hope filling Thamnd¡­there was one who was not filled with it, but rather with frustration.


    There was one task looming in which the priesthood, the Heroes, or Generasians had made no progress:


    Finding the elusive Ravener.

 Chapter 835: Searching for Old Enemies, Finding Old Allies

    Chapter 835: Searching for Old Enemies, Finding Old Allies


    ¡°Nothing? Not one trace?¡± Alex asked, floating high in the Thameish sky.


    ¡°No, archwizard,¡± spoke one of the twelve astral engeli hovering in front of their summoner. ¡°We did not sense a single thread of divine energy in the swamp.¡±


    He gestured to the expanse of Crymlyn below, with its steaming bogs and twisted trees. The other astral engeli shook their heads grimly.


    ¡°And you searched all of it?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°We did, archwizard,¡± the leader assured him. ¡°Over the past two weeks, I can confidently say that we have covered enough territory that¡ªif a powerful source of divine energy, such as the corpse of a god or his throne had passed here¡ªwe would have sensed it. We detected the local spirits from this area and even sensed the stain of demons that you informed us your group slew sometime ago. But we were unable to find what you are looking for, archwizard. Forgive us.¡±


    Alex sighed, keeping frustration from his voice. ¡°There is nothing to forgive: if there was nothing to find, there was nothing to find. Go: I release you to return to the celestial nes.¡±


    The astral engeli bowed, saluting their summoner. ¡°Until you need us again.¡± Their leader said as they shimmered away to nothingness.


    Alex cursed beneath his breath. ¡°What in all the hells are we missing?¡± he wondered.


    ncing to the east, he saw a familiar winged, sinewy form gliding through the sky with a four-armed silhouette floating beside it.He waved at Drestra and ygon, before teleporting beside the dragon and golem.


    ¡°<em>Hello father¡­¡±</em> ygon greeted him,ing to a stop in the sky. ¡°<em>Did you find¡­anything?¡±</em>


    The General of Thamnd shook his head. ¡°Not a damn thing. How about you? Did the spirits and fae around here see anything, Drestra?¡±


    With a snarl, the Sage of Thamnd unleashed streams of smoke from between her fangs as she paused, her great leathery wings beating rhythmically, allowing her to hover. ¡°We found nothing either. The spirits and fae have not seen anything that could be the Ravener, Uldar¡¯s body or his throne.¡±


    ¡°<em>Even I¡­am growing frustrated.¡±</em> ygon announced.


    ¡°We¡¯ll just have to keep looking,¡± Alex said, keeping his voice light and positive. Thest thing they needed was to begin losing hope. Not now. Not when they were so close. He looked at the Sage. ¡°What about Aenflynn? Did you get that meeting with him yet?¡±


    Drestra made a noise of disgust. ¡°Ever since we made that deal with him, he¡¯s been¡­distant. I don¡¯t think he likes that we got one over on him, and you killed one of his servants. The Guide had value to him.¡±


    ¡°Well, then, he should''ve told him not to hunt me,¡± Alex shook his head, his voice like ice. ¡°Ugh. Anyway, do you think it''s still worth it to keep trying to get a meeting with him?¡±


    ¡°I think so,¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled. ¡°As far as we know, he is the only living being that knows of Uldar¡¯s true condition; any information we can get out of him, I think will be valuable.¡±


    ¡°I have half a mind to ask Baelin if he wouldn''t mind going and <em>shaking </em>it out of him,¡± Alex said. ¡°Maybe send Asmaldestre along too. But¡­fae lords are powerful, and there''s no sense in pissing off even a reluctant ally before we actually track down the Ravener.¡±


    ¡°But where could it be?¡± Drestra growled. ¡°We''ve explored so much of Thamnd and there¡¯s still nothing!¡±


    ¡°I know, trust me, I know,¡± Alex grumbled. ¡°I''m starting to wonder if it went <em>really</em> deep underground. Maybe <em>miles</em> deep. That would let it hide from the priests and my engeli.¡± He shook his head. ¡°We¡¯ll try searching through the earth once we finishbing every inch of thisnd.¡±


    ¡°How long will that take?¡± Drestra asked. ¡°It could strike at any time.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how long it¡¯ll take, Drestra, but, we just have to be ready for it when it does.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± she said. ¡°And how close do you think Cedric is to mastering those skills he¡¯s been working on?¡±


    ¡°<em>Real close.¡±</em> Alex smiled. ¡°I''m pretty sure his Mark¡¯ll be changing colours soon.¡±


    ¡°<em>I hope¡­yours does too¡­¡±</em> ygon said.


    ¡°Me too, buddy, me too,¡± Alex said. ¡°But, if it does, it does. It''s not the only way our forces are growing stronger.¡±


    He thought about what Baelin had finally found.


    A ce they would be soon visiting together.


    ###


    The swamp air was so thick one could cut it with a saw.


    Yet, the mana within it was thin.


    Various scents, rank, foul, and sickeningly sweet, clung to Alex¡¯s nostrils as he walked along the creaking bridge; rotting vegetation filled the water below, while glossy violet flowers floated on its surface.


    Each petal looked like a silken ribbon, glistening like the flower had been dipped in honey, giving off an aroma of fresh pineapple juice. They almost begged to be touched, but Alex wasn¡¯t about to¡­


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    ¡­not after catching sight of the hundreds of dead and dying insects, and small frogs stuck to the petals¡¯ surface. Some were twitching, still being absorbed.


    The young archwizard shuddered. ¡®What an awful ce. Hope it doesn¡¯t get worse¡ª¡±


    His thought was cut off by a creature¡¯s dying scream echoing through the trees. Alex looked around sharply, trying to find where the sound hade from, but the foliage and canopy were so thick, that the sunny day had been plunged into a foreboding twilight.


    He could hardly see what was around him.


    ¡°I miss the Crymlyn; this swamp is terrible,¡± he muttered, pping at a mosquito. The damned thing was the size of his pinky, and dozens were swarming around him.


    He threw bitter looks at his two travellingpanions.


    ygon¡ªfloating a few inches above the bridge behind them¡ªwaspletely free of insects. They did not bother with his ferrous form.


    The golem looked down at Alex curiously.


    ¡®<em>Is¡­something¡­wrong¡­father?¡¯</em> he asked, with feelings of innocence and concern emanating through their link.


    Alex looked away. ¡®It¡¯s fine.¡¯


    It made no sense to be cross with ygon, so he turned his wrath on his other travellingpanion. Baelin was strolling along the bridge at Alex¡¯s side, his hands folded behind his back while humming a jaunty tune.


    Every mosquitoing within a foot of the chancellor froze in mid-air, then exploded in a sh of light and a crackle of lightning. Their smoking remains fluttered down into the algae-choked waters below.


    Alex gave Baelin a look of disgust.


    The chancellor nced at him with innocence in his goat-like eyes. ¡°Whatever is the matter?¡±


    ¡°You <em>know</em> what the matter is!¡± Alex gestured at the trail of dead insects in Baelin¡¯s wake. ¡°You¡¯re walking around with a personal bug-destroyer spell while I¡¯m here pping at these disease-ridden things like some kind of beast-goblin!¡±


    ¡°And?¡± the chancellor asked.


    ¡°You don¡¯t think sharing would be nice?¡±


    ¡°Oh, Alex, you are a graduate of the greatest university of wizardry in the world, and yet you do not know this fundamental truth?¡± Baelin¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡°A Proper Wizard never gives away <em>all</em> of their secrets.¡±


    The younger archwizard groaned, rolling his eyes.


    Then his finger twitched.


    A swarm of fire elemental beetles burst into being¡ªcalled by Alex¡¯s magic and the Traveller¡¯s power¡ªsetting upon the giant mosquitos, tearing them apart in mid-air. Within moments, a pitched battle between giant insects and beetle-like elementals was waging around Alex.


    Baelin nced at Alex. ¡°See? You found your own solution!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this,¡± the young archwizard said stiffly. ¡°Besides, I think we¡¯re here.¡±


    Laughter and song drifted through the foliage ahead, apanied by a steady drum beat; and through a break in the greenery, Baelin, Alex and ygon saw what they¡¯d been looking for.


    In the middle of a clearing stood a single building.


    Roofed in green thatch, with walls of dark wood, it stood on four stilts rising from the water below it where a swarm of boats were moored to a small, old dock. More bridges emerged from different edges of the clearing, all converging near the building¡¯s wooden porch.


    The doors were barred, and hanging from chains above the entrance was arge sign with a whetstone engraved upon it.


    ¡°The Whetstone Tavern,¡± Alex said. ¡°It¡¯s been a while. Thank you for finding it again, Baelin.¡±


    ¡°I would say it was no trouble at all¡­¡± The ancient mage scowled. ¡°But, in truth, it was harder to find than a freshwater fish in the ocean. This ce has an unfortunate habit of being hard to locate when you¡¯re looking for it.¡±


    ¡°And yet it finds those who might need it or the services of its guests?¡± Alex guessed.


    ¡°Precisely,¡± Baelin grumbled. ¡°As you grow older, you will find that some mystical things have an unfortunate habit of <em>remaining</em> mystical. The more you think you have pinned down the true fundamentals of magic, the more likely you are to find phenomena that defy¡ªsomewhat purposefully, I suspect¡ªany attempt to understand them.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m just d you had an easier time finding it than we¡¯re having finding the Ravener.¡± Alex nced at ygon. ¡°That wasn¡¯t sarcasm, by the way; better to get our reinforcements now, before things get <em>really</em> bad.¡±


    The golem had a heavy sack slung over his shoulder, tightly sealed with magical, golden thread. Alex carried a simr¡ªbut much smaller¡ªbag in his right hand.


    ¡°Do you think¡­¡± he paused. ¡°Nah, nevermind.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Baelin peered at him curiously. Another oversized mosquito fried on his invisible barrier. ¡°You would not have started your thought, if it were not worthpleting.¡±


    ¡°Well, I dunno about that. I¡¯ve started a <em>lot</em> of thoughts that weren¡¯t worthpleting, Baelin.¡± Alex grimaced, recalling some of the rambling, irrational imaginings he¡¯d had over the years. ¡°And I think this is one of them: I was going to ask how likely it would be to meet people in the tavern that you¡¯d met thest time you were there. But¡­meh.¡±


    ¡°Why meh?¡± the chancellor asked.


    ¡°Well, think about it: this tavern travels the universe. How many worlds is that?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°Even I do not know that answer,¡± the ancient wizard admitted.


    ¡°Exactly.¡± Alex watched smoke rising from the building¡¯s chimney. ¡°Back in Alric, we had an expression: ¡®A traveller once met is a traveller once met¡¯, meaning that if you went down to the Lu Family Inn and met a stranger there, you¡¯d likely never see them again after they went on their way. And trust me, I lived there: I saw a lot of strangers pass through. Once and only once. Now imagine if the Lu Family Inn just happened to hop all over the universe?¡±


    ¡°I see your point: probability dictates that¡ªif you were lucky enough to enter Whetstone more than once in your lifetime¡ªyou would most likely never see the same group of patrons again.¡±


    ¡°Different worlds, different times¡­¡± Alex said. ¡°It¡¯s just not likely.¡±


    ¡°<em>Probability</em> dictates that you would never see the same group of patrons, Alex,¡± Baelin said. ¡°However, <em>the mystic</em> governs the Whetstone Tavern, not probability. Probability is <em>not</em> within the realm of the mystic, and¡ªas I just finished exining¡ªthe mystic has a filthy habit of defying understanding. Remove your preconceived notions and walk through the door, my young friend. The tavern has a habit of providing. Sometimes, not what is wanted. Sometimes, not even what is needed. But, it provides. Walk through the door and see what it will provide for you on this day.¡±


    ¡°<em>I do not¡­understand¡­¡±</em> ygon said.


    Baelin smiled up at the golem. ¡°And, by admitting that, you have already shown more understanding about the mystic than many wizards of advanced years.¡±


    ¡°Our friend¡¯s point is that the tavern defies understanding, buddy,¡± Alex said. ¡°He once said that it¡¯s ¡®<em>a crossroads for many and a home for few. Those that find this ce are mostly the sort that you need¡­you just need to have the eye to recognise them.¡¯</em> Let¡¯s see what our eyes recognise today.¡±


    The young archwizard stepped forward, opening the doors to the tavern.


    It was just as he remembered. The floor was rough stone, covered in rugs of bearskin and the hides of both long and short haired beasts. Trophies from various monster hunts¡ªmostly bleached skulls¡ªwere disyed on the walls.


    Lithe figures d in gauzy garments danced around a massive fire pit, and the air was thick with the scent of smoke, roasting food, and the rise and fall of voices in a host ofnguages, mixing with a steady drum beat.


    As daylight trickled in, eyes turned, falling on the door. Some were human. Many were not.


    Yet one pair of eyes stood out.


    Alex¡¯s jaw dropped.


    The eyes wererge and crimson.


    Kyembe the Spirit Killer was hunched over a table, holding a set of cards. Beside him was a tiny woman, but across from him was the former king, Ezerak Kai, vibrant tattoos covering his tanned skin.


    They gaped at each other.


    Baelin simply smiled. ¡°The tavern has a habit of providing.¡±

 Chapter 836: Recounting and Gambling

    Chapter 836: Recounting and Gambling


    Alex stood in the doorway of the Whetstone Tavern.


    Though many of the bars patrons were d like anymon mercenary or itinerant warrior, some carried one or more objects that radiated great power.


    A sword encrusted with glyphs was belted at the waist of an elven woman. An enormous axeof oddly familiar, yet mysterious metalradiated power from where it was strapped to the back of its hulking, four-armed owner. Another axe zed in the hand of a red-bearded dwarf, whose hair rose in a stiff crest.


    There were daggers, bows, and des all aroundzing with magicand their owners had ferocious looks about them. Among these warriors were Alexs potential mercenaries, but none truly mattered to him at the moment.


    Familiar faces had caught his attention.


    Chairs scraped across stone as Kyembe the Spirit Killer and Ezerak Kai leapt to their feet.


    Alex? The tattooed former king squinted through the sudden light from the doorway, speaking in one of the many tongues of demons. Is that you? It cant be.


    Do not doubt your eyes, my friend! Kyembe pped Ezerak on the shoulder with a deep, richugh. His ring shone on his hand. The paths we wander in life are a twisting maze! It is no surprise that they might weave together once more!


    Kyembe! Ezerak! Alex called.<em>Friends!</em> ygon shouted excitedly.


    The hulking wizard and his towering golem rushed into the tavern like stampeding buffalo. Chairs scraped and curses flew as warriors got out of their way. The tiny woman next to Kyembe gave a yelp and fell back in her chair, legs kicking.


    One of the veiled dancersan elfhad to leap aside to avoid ygon. She shook her fist at them, shouting curses in an alien tongue. Baelin strolled in after the two with an easy manner and a dignified bearing; he nced down at the fallen dancer and offered his hand. She paused, then took it.


    Meanwhile, the former king, the Spirit Killer and the archwizard came together, sping hands and pounding each others shoulders.


    Wee back! Kyembe grinned. It is good to see you again!


    It <em>is!</em> Ezerak echoed.


    Damned right, it is! How long have you <em>been</em> here? Alex asked. Its some luck that we ran into each oth He paused, remembering Baelins earlier words. No, luck probably has nothing to do with it.


    Now you are catching on, the chancellor said quietly as he passed, making his way toward the bar while chatting with the dancer whod linked arms with him. The goatman paused for a moment, double-taking at something in the room before muttering beneath his breath and going to the bar to order.


    Alex threw him a look before turning his gaze back to Kyembe. Here, this is yours. The young archwizard pressed his bag into the warrior-wizards hands.


    Crimson eyes lit up. So you held onto them for me, as I asked.


    Of course: we fought together. What kinda no-good bastard would I be if I just ran off with your pay? Alex asked.


    The sort of no-good bastard that I would not drink with, even had we crawled through the desert together on our bellies. The Spirit Killer hefted the purse. And I thank you for holding onto it: I am in a better position to receive it nowand to <em>share</em>. I say


    Kyembe raised his sack of gems, lifting his voice and turning to the rest of the tavern. the next round of drinks are on me, bartender!


    The warriors erupted into deafening cheers.


    <em>Do notspendall of itat once</em> ygon warned, his voice sounding worried.


    The Spirit Killer pped the golem on the forearm. Not <em>all</em> of it, but what is wealth for, if not for little pleasures like this? I would buy you a drink too, had you lips or a belly to hold it.


    <em>Ohthank you</em> the golem said, sounding a little unsure.


    You are <em>most</em> wee, we fought through the hells, and that makes us as close as siblings! Now, Alex, let us sit and discuss why you are here, and also catch up. I take it you did note <em>simply</em> to deliver my pay?


    No, Ive got other business, Alex said. Something that you two might be interested in. Well talk about it after we catch up.


    Ezeraks lip twitched. Sounds good, but one thing I should warn you about. He gestured to their table. There, the small woman was dusting off her cloak with a sour expression; she muttered something under her breath. The former kings face darkened. Dont gamble with Kyembes friend there. Its like trying to rob a tiger: youre only going to end up poor and miserable.


    Oh, Wurhi is not so bad, Kyembe countered.


    Tell that to my gem-purse. Speaking of which, best hand me some of your gems. My purse is light for some reason, Ezerak started to make for the bar, taking two gems offered by the Spirit Killer. Ill go get us more drinks. Whatll you have, Alex?


    The sweet cider I hadst time was <em>really</em> good. The young archwizard licked his lips.


    Sweet cider it is, Ezerak said. Ill meet you back at the table in a bit.


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    Awesome, I look forward to catching up. I bet you two have some stories. Alex grinned. I know I do.


    Kyembe gave a deep, richugh. You have no idea.


    ###


    And then they said: <em>Fooooool!</em> Kyembe mimicked a monstrous voice. <em>Fire cannot huuuurt uuuuus!</em> He pped joyously. <em>And then boom!</em>


    Alex burst outughing, pounding the table, then taking a long guzzle of cider. He was gasping for air. They <em>didnt!</em>


    They did! The Spirit Killer roared with joy. I could not believe it!


    You have to tell me what happened next!


    Ugh, please no. Ezerak rolled his eyes, sipping his wine. Hes told that story five times in thest day.


    Good stories deserve to be told again and again, my friend. The Spirit Killer grinned. And you tell of your journey across the Sea of Soot whenever wine touches your lips: I eagerly listen each time. It is a good story.


    The former king snorted.


    Kyembes grin broadened.


    <em>Eitherwayit is goodthat both of youhave beenwell</em> ygons voice was warm. <em>I would be sadif bad things had happened to you</em>


    Bad things <em>did</em> happen to us, but we have simply conquered them. Kyembe poured another cup of wine for his small friend.


    The womanWurhi of Zabya, Kyembe called herdid not speak any demon-tongues; she, Alex and Ezerak shared nonguages inmon. Her bodynguage, though, spoke volumes; the little womans movements were darting and nervous, and she hardly touched her wine.


    Those beady eyes of hers kept throwing nces over Alexs shoulder, at Baelins table.


    The chancellorsughter filled the tavern; he satwith the elven danceramong a small herd of boisterous beastfolk warriors, all armed with weapons of bone, bronze and steel. They exchanged filthy stories, pounded each other on the shoulders like they were all old friends and focused on some game of cards that involved the rolling of bones. Several warriors were passed out on the table.


    After a bawdy joke, Baelin poured a tankard of wine down his throat, mming it on a growing stack beside him.


    The other beastmen watched intently.


    For a moment, the ancient mage wavered in his seat, his eyes growing unfocused.


    His newpanions half-rose.


    Then the old goat released the most unholy belch Alex had ever heard.


    It reverberated through the tavern, seeming to shake it to its very foundations. The other beastfolk recoiled as though faced by dragons breath, thenwhen the ancient wizard was finally donehe licked his lips, his eyes returning to their usual sharpness.


    He raised his hand, looking at the barkeep. More wine.


    The other beastfolk roared, pounding the table, their chests, and each others backs.


    Baelin chuckled, raising his hands in victory.


    The elven dancer wrinkled up her face behind her veilhaving recoiled from his belchbut the ancient wizard leaned down, whispering something in her ear. Her sour look washed away as she copsed into helplessughter.


    Alex raised his eyebrows. Hadnt she been cursing them for nearly bowling her over? How didnevermind. <em>A Proper Wizard never gives away all of their secrets, </em>he whispered.


    A chair scraped at Alexs table.


    Wurhi had gotten up, saying something to Kyembe in a tongue Alex could not understand. The Spirit Killer responded with a vicious look and a thumbs up.


    She grinned back, then scurried to the beastfolks table, pointing at the game of dice and saying something.


    The beastfolk eyed her; Baelin raised an eyebrow then responded in her tongue. She nodded, and the chancellor said something to hispanions. The warriors grinned at each other, rubbing their hands together as they made room for her to join the game.


    Baelin smiled broadly as he dealt the little woman in.


    Ezerak grimaced. You should go warn your friend.


    Oh, Im sure Baelin wont take <em>all</em> of her gems, Alex said, thinking the king was talking to Kyembe.


    Ezerak simply snorted. Its not her Im worried for.


    Alex scoffed. Baelins mastered a lot of skills: I dont think shes going to have a good time if she ys against him. Seriously, Kyembe, you should warn her.


    Kyembe simply smiled. Perhaps, was all he said, not moving.


    A chill went through Alex, but he couldnt figure out why.


    Well, enough catching up. You said you had business? Is it another job? Ezerak asked.


    Alex tented his fingers, his expression turning serious. It is. And a dangerous one.


    Kyembe cocked his head, grasping his cup. Oh? Thest time, we journeyed into the very depths of one of the most deadly mazes in all the hells. And yet you call <em>this</em> job dangerous<em>?</em>


    Because it is, Alex said. I want you He gestured to the tavern. and everyone in here to join me in fighting a kingdom-destroying threat. You see, theres a creature called the Ravener


    The young archwizardunched into the tale, telling them of Thamnds struggle over many thousands of years. He did not exin Uldars true involvement, but he talked of the Heroes, the army, their preparations and the fact that the Raveners power was deadly.


    He told them of different Ravener-spawn theyd fought, giving them a brief description of what their abilities were. Then, he told of the monsters hed seen in his vision.


    Ezerak whistled.


    Kyembes eyebrows rose.


    When Alex finally finished, the men were speechless.


    A great demon. Kyembe took a long sip of his drink. A creature that holds an entire people in its grasp. It <em>should</em> be destroyed, but this is a great thing you ask of us.


    Kyembes right, this sounds like a big one, and you want us to defeat this Ravener? Ezerak asks.


    No, I want you to join our army and fight the Raveners multitude of monsters, Alex said. Considering what I saw in those visionseven with me, the other Heroes and our allies focusing on the Ravener, were going to need help or the wholend could be destroyed. So I need mercenaries, and I want the best. You and the others here in this tavern <em>are</em> the best. We can spread you all out over different parts of the kingdom, attached to different battalions. Together, you can help our armies crush anything fighting to destroy the kingdom. In returnygon, if you wouldnt mind?


    The golem opened the sack.


    Ezerak nearly spat out his drink.


    Kyembe whistled.


    Within, was a king''s ransom of jewels, sparkling in the taverns low light. They had cost Alex a <em>lot</em> of coin, but thankfully, he <em>had</em> a lot of coin. When he told the two warriors how many gems he was willing to pay each of them, they smiled.


    Ezerak blew his breath out.


    Seemingly endless oddsand a pitched battlethis is very different from our job down in the hells. I think


    I will be with you. Kyembe put down his drink.


    Wait, so fast? Ezerak demanded.


    Indeed, what more is there to discuss? the Spirit Killer cocked his head. A fine cause. An opponent, possibly worse than a demon, it needs to be destroyed. A fortune waiting for us at the end


    If we live, Ezerak pointed out. Last time we lost Guntile and Celsus and this sounds a lot worse.


    We will live. Kyembe lifted his hand, his ring shining on it. There are many who thought they could take my life in battle. They are all in the afterworld now. I am not: this shall be the same. If anything, there are a fewrades I wish I could bring with me. They will be upset to hear that they missed such a battle. But,e now, you cannot say the thought of such a deed does not capture the imagination?


    Hrmmm, Ezerak mused. Well, my tattoos are well suited against armiesbut youll need to recruit more than us two, Alex. And this will be a hard sell.


    So youre in as well? Alex asked.


    If you can get more fighters.


    Oh, I dont think thatll be a problem. The young archwizard drained his cup, cast flight magic on himself with a twitch of a finger, then flew into the air. Everyone! I have an offer for you!


    The tavern went silent.


    Scores of eyes fell on him at once.


    Alex grinned. Who here wants riches? Who here wants glory? Im offering bothif youll just listen to me for a few moments.

 Chapter 837: Tonight is Ours...Well, Not Everyones

    Chapter 837: Tonight is Ours...Well, Not Everyone''s


    Alex¡¯s voice, deep andmanding, cut through the din of the tavern.


    Grizzled mercenaries, ferocious warriors, and conquerors imposing in their jewelled armour, gave him their attention. Some faces were young, some old. Some bodies were hulking. Some lean. Their races and species were as diverse as their equipment.


    And yet their eyes were the same.


    Hard.


    Piercing.


    The eyes of veterans of many wars.


    Their eyes told tales even their physical scars could not.


    Most folk would have recoiled from those eyes, stuttering over their words and falling into nervous silences. But Alex Roth was the General of Thamnd: a man who had stared down and shed with powerful mages, greater demons and immortal warriors, leaving them broken behind him.


    It would take more than these hard eyes to fray his nerves.In a nce, he read the bodynguage of the room: finding curiosity, scepticism, and suspicion. Each expression showed defensiveness, experience and pride.


    Calling on the Mark of the General, he adjusted his approach to his audience.


    ¡°Mighty warriors,¡± he said, his voice sounding older than it normally did, with an undertone of both respect and authority. There was more than a little ¡®Baelin¡¯ in it. ¡°I would like to begin by honouring all of you: after you finish this round of drinks, don¡¯t worry, the next one''s on me. And the next. And the one after that!¡±


    The tavern was silent.


    The warriors looked around, then raised their cups.


    Many cheered the young archwizard.


    Some, however, remained silent; the suspicion in their eyes only sharpened.


    Alex couldn¡¯t me them.


    ¡°But, in return,¡± he floated through the air above the tavern¡¯s tables. ¡°I would like you to listen to my story,¡± Alex said. ¡°A story that I¡¯m hoping might be starting its final chapter. A chapter that I hope will involve you.¡±


    Murmurs spread. In some, suspicion deepened. For others, it lessened.


    Alex continued. ¡°Ie from a kingdom in a farawaynd¡ª¡± he was very careful with his words. ¡°¡ªand thatnd is gued by an ancient enemy. Not a conquering tyrant or even a vicious dragon: something far worse. Something that has threatened the people of my kingdom for many thousands of years.¡±


    Some of the mercenaries were nodding, others had turned to each other, whispering.


    Some had begun to look uninterested.


    ¡®How many times have you heard simr words?¡¯ Alex wondered. ¡®Well, I¡¯m not going to work with words alone.¡¯


    He raised his hands and¡ªwith a twitch of his lip¡ªconjured a massive illusion above the patrons. The Ravener floated in the centre of its army, an army that included the beasts Alex had seen in the dungeon core.


    The young archwizard recreated the terrible vision in every murderous detail, showing the terror of the Ravener¡¯s monsters and the destruction they left in their wake. Some of the tavern¡¯s patrons recoiled, their mouths falling open. But, most simply watched, sipping their drinks.


    ¡°You have seen monsters like this before,¡± Alex said. ¡°Good: because these are the creatures that gue my kingdom. They are ferocious. They are single-minded. And they are deadly. If they aren¡¯t stopped, they will wipe us out to the veryst person¡­but I¡¯m not here to talk about fighting these monsters to save my people. No, because they¡®re not <em>your</em> people. Yet, fighting this threat will be a glorious deed and a challenge for even the mightiest warriors¡ª¡±


    Several mercenaries sat up in their chairs.


    ¡°¡ªyou can¡¯t feed yourselves or drink wine with glory alone. But you can drink and feast with <em>these. </em>ygon?¡± The golem stepped up beside Alex and opened his sack, showing the mercenaries the gems.


    Thousands of gems glittered, drawing the eyes of every warrior in the tavern. <em>Now, </em>he had their full attention¡ªand <em>this </em>time¡ªhe felt no fear of being robbed. He was no longer the Fool who¡¯de here seeking mercenaries before, he was the General, and an archwizard.


    ¡°There¡¯s enough stones in here to make all of you rich,¡± Alex said. ¡°Each of you will get a sack the size of both of my fists.¡± He clenched his fingers in front of him. ¡°In most ces, that¡¯ll buy you a king¡¯s lifestyle for years. Or, it could be the seed funds for an expedition, the first pay for your own armies¡­or whatever else you¡¯d want to use it for. And what I will need from all of you¡ª¡±


    He gestured to the illusion above him. ¡°¡ªis participation in one of the greatest, most gloriest battles of our time. You might never see my kingdom again after the battle¡¯s done¡ªsince you all wandernds near and far¡ªbut understand that your deeds will live on long after most of us are dust in the wind. So, the truth of the matter is this, you will fight against fearsome monsters, gain glory, and have your names live on¡­all while getting rich. <em>If</em> you join me, that is.¡±


    The mercenaries whispered to each other.


    A chair scraped across the stone.


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    ¡°I can vouch for this man.¡± Ezerak rose from the table. His tattoos seemed to ripple on his body. ¡°He¡¯s a good boss: pays well and quickly, tries to protect who he hires and brings back their bodies if they fall. I¡¯m joining his cause and¡ªif you know what¡¯s good for you¡ªyou will, too.¡±


    ¡°We walked beside this man through the burning mazes of Cretalikon.¡± Kyembe added. ¡°Together, we saw the city ruined and the demons made to flee before us. We slew Kaz-Mowang, Yantrahpretaye and Zonon-In while much of ourpany returned <em>alive. </em>When I asked him to hold my pay until ater date, he did so and gave me the full amount¡­part of which I used to buy your drinks.¡±


    He gave them a resolute look.


    More muttering passed among the warriors.


    Growing excitement was in the air.


    ¡°What about trophies, wizard?¡± a hulking barbarian asked, his helm crafted from a crocodilian skull. ¡°If I am to y these fearsome beasts, I want trophies to carry to my mead hall! But you wizards are greedy, keeping all the best parts of monsters for yourselves and your strange rituals.¡±


    ¡°You can keep what you kill,¡± Alex told him. ¡°If you wish for trophies? You can have them. If the monsters have loot? It is yours¡­though they don¡¯t tend to carry coin. But, understand this, I am not the type to rob you of your spoils of war!¡±


    There was a bang as the barbarian¡¯s fist mmed on the table.


    He rose from his seat. ¡°You buy us drinks, you offer wealth, death and glory¡­wizard, you whisper temptations meant to capture the heart of any warrior with iron in their veins. I would have suspected that you weave a trap to ensnare us, but for Ezerak and Kyembe. They are stout of heart and sharp of wit: if they swear by you, then I will believe your words too! For the gems and glory you offer, I will fight under your banner. I am ready to join your cause!¡±


    ¡°As am I!¡± A spearwoman shouted, lifting her golden weapon.


    ¡°And I.¡± The hulking, four-armed warrior rumbled, his voice like two stones rubbing together.


    Other warriors rose.


    ¡°For death and glory!¡±


    ¡°Wrath and ruin!¡±


    ¡°This will be a mighty doom!¡±


    ¡°For our enemies, perhaps!¡± Kyembe shouted.


    Laughter and cheers rang through Whetstone.


    ¡°We have an adventure and pay!¡± called one man. ¡°Let us drink before we go to battle!¡±


    Roars spread through the tavern as ale, wine and liquor began flowing freely.


    Alexnded beside ygon.


    <em>¡°Looks like¡­it went well, father.¡±</em> The golem closed the bag.


    ¡°It better have gone well. Do you know how much this is costing me?¡± Alexined lightly. Inside, though, he was relieved. ¡°Still, with this, we¡¯ll have some of the best fighters wealth can buy on our side.¡±


    ¡°<em>Yes¡­father¡­¡±</em> ygon said. ¡°<em>Which means¡­we can focus¡­on the Ravener¡­¡±</em>


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Alex said. ¡°We¡¯ll have powerful warriors to defend Ussex, Alric and other towns in Thamnd¡­¡±


    He paused, frowning, ncing up as Kyembe and Ezerak joined the others in their drinking.


    ¡®<em>Is something¡­wrong? Father?¡¯ </em>ygon asked mentally.


    ¡®Honestly, buddy, while this is good¡ªand it really is good¡ªI can¡¯t help but feel like we¡¯re missing something. The Ravener¡¯s been acting so erratically, we can¡¯t even find it¡­it just feels like we¡¯re missing something.¡±


    ¡®<em>You are¡­preparing for the enemy¡­¡¯</em> ygon said in Alex¡¯s mind. ¡®<em>You¡¯ve trained¡­the Heroes and our¡­other friends¡­You havee up¡­with different ways¡­to destroy the Ravener¡­we have all been working to get stronger¡­you are working on your¡­skill with Hannah¡¯s¡­power¡­and you are¡­working to give her more strength¡­now we have these¡­powerful warriors helping us. I think it is all going¡­well¡­¡¯</em>


    ¡®You¡¯re probably right, buddy,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®But even with all of that, I don¡¯t much like the idea of the Ravener getting any advantage on us. If it starts escting suddenly, increasing its effort to wipe out all of Thamnd, then who knows how many lives¡¯ll<strong></strong>be lost if it gets to strike first. I¡¯d rather we found it and hit it first.¡¯


    ¡®<em>I know¡­father¡­but we will find it¡­and if we do not¡­¡¯</em> ygon gestured to the mercenaries drinking before them, ¡®<em>Then, thanks to you, Thamnd will have¡­some of the strongest warriors¡­gems can buy¡­defending it¡­¡¯</em>


    ¡®You¡¯re probably right, buddy,¡¯ Alex thought, patting the golem on the upper arm. ¡®And that¡¯s the best we can do until we find the damned¡ª¡¯


    A hand¡ªsporting an borate ring¡ªwaved in front Alex¡¯s eyes.


    The young archwizard startled.


    ¡°What? What th¡ª¡± He looked at the grinning Kyembe, who was shoving a drink in his hand.


    ¡°My friend, your mind wanders behind a troubled brow,¡± the warrior-wizard said. ¡°Bring it back. We are about to battle, and not even all the divines in existence can say whether we shall still draw breath by the time thest drop of blood strikes the earth. So take this time to drink with us. Drink as though the sky could plummet on our heads tomorrow. For it just might.¡±


    ¡°<em>He¡­is¡­right¡­father¡­¡±</em> ygon touched Alex¡¯s shoulder. ¡°<em>Get to know¡­the warriors¡­before we go back¡­to searching¡­and fighting¡­¡±</em>


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ezerak said, sidling up beside Alex. His voice dropped to a whisper. ¡°Besides, this lot are the type that trust theirmanders and employers a <em>lot</em> more if they break bread and share wine together. They won¡¯t fight as well for you, if you act like you¡¯re better than them.¡±


    ¡°Fair enough!¡± the General of Thamnd pped, rubbing his hands together. ¡°Then let¡¯s drink together! Tonight¡¯s ours!¡±


    There was a shout of approval from every table near Alex.


    Warriors¡ªsitting farther away¡ªhad not cheered, but their bodynguage rxed somewhat and their heads nodded slightly. They had been watching, still assessing their new employer.


    ¡®By the time you finish measuring me, you¡¯ll march barefoot into the hells if I ask you to,¡¯ Alex smiled, calling on the Mark of the General, focusing it on making good impressions and winning loyalty.


    Then the General of Thamnd stepped forward to drink and break bread with the newly recruited elite warriors.


    For hours, wine, ale and cider flowed like water.


    Kegs were breached.


    An endless line of barrels were brought up from the cer.


    Bottles opened.


    Laughter filled the air as cups were drained and toasts made. Soon, the games began: darts and knives were tossed at boards, steins were pounded back back and daggers danced between spread fingers.


    Cards were gripped even as dice were rolled along tables.


    By the end of the night, Alex had gone from one end of the tavern to the other, learning the name of every warrior in the Whetstone. The only table he did not visit was Baelin¡¯s: the chancellor, elven dancer, beastfolk and Kyembe¡¯s friend were<strong></strong>hunched over the table, staring at their cards with bloodshot eyes.


    The game had turned serious, but¡ªfrom the smile on Baelin¡¯s face¡ªAlex knew the chancellor would be leaving the Whetstone with new stories and many more gems in his purse.


    ###


    ¡°You <em>lost?¡±</em> Alex¡¯s shrill voice tore through the swamp.


    Baelin grumbled beneath his breath, stomping along the wooden bridge. His fists clenched and unclenched and he spat into the swamp water below. ¡°Lost is not the right word¡­annihted is more urate. I am shocked that I still have the clothes on my back.¡±


    ¡°Wha¡ªbu¡ª¡± Alex gaped ¡°But, like¡­I¡­you¡¯ve got so much experience¡ª¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± The chancellor¡¯s eyes shone in the full moonlight above them.


    ¡°You don¡¯t lose at <em>anything!</em>¡±


    ¡°I am well aware.¡±


    ¡°But¡­I¡­¡± Alex mumbled. ¡°How <em>did</em> you lose?¡±


    Baelin slowly turned toward Alex. ¡°The Zabyan.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± the young archwizard demanded.


    ¡°Your friend¡¯s friend. Wurhi was her name,¡± Baelin said darkly. ¡°I swear I shall never gamble with that wretch ever again. Not if I live for another hundred thousand years.¡± The chancellor looked at Alex sidelong. ¡°Say¡­would it be possible to ce her and her friend in the most dangerous area of the fighting? In a sort of¡­suicide mission, if you will?¡±


    ¡°No, that¡¯s uh, probably not a good idea,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°Ah.¡± The chancellor sighed as though all the world¡¯s weight was upon him. ¡°Pity.¡±

 Chapter 838: How Far Theyve Come

    Chapter 838: How Far They''ve Come


    The sun rose over a forest to the east, its rays piercing the sea breaking on a beach to the west.


    A beach choked with corpses.


    The stench of putrefying flesh hung heavy in the air, while the sound of metal cleaving bodies, and beasts roaring echoed over the wind. Ravener-spawn writhed on the vast fields between the trees and sand. Chitterers struck improvised weapons against stolen shields. Bone-chargers scraped brutal ws against the earth. Venom-walkers dripped poison from their needles. Spear-flies and blood-draks swarmed above, diving at the Thameish army standing against them.


    The horde was out for blood, eager to avenge their fallen kin and obey their master.


    But the Thameish would not give up their blood so easily.


    Knights and soldiers raised shields, as captains called for them to stand firm. Archers loosed arrows into the mass of monstrous flesh, while priests called upon miracles to smite the enemy.


    All around was death and chaos.


    But in the midst of it all, one remained calm.


    Thundar.


    The minotaur-wizard loomed over the Thameish warriors behind him, bearing a heavy mace in one hand and a gleaming shield in the other. Both massive weapons were taken from Uldar¡¯s sanctum. His body was girded in greater force armour, and beneath it, a suit of magical te, crafted in Generasi.


    But neither armour nor shield had been touched by a single blow.


    He had not swung his mace even once.


    In this battle, he used <em>other</em> weapons.


    With a twitch of his hand, Thundar cast a fifth-tier spell.


    Energy coalesced in a shimmering wave of power in front of him; the chitterers charging at the minotaur slowed, crying out in rm.


    ¡°Toote, you monstrous bastards,¡± he growled.


    The wave pulsed once.


    Then twice.


    And exploded.


    Force magic burst out in a cone, grinding through soil. Chitin cracked and flesh pulped as Ravener-spawn turned to mounds of slurry.


    At first, their kin recoiled, then surged ahead as spear-flies swarmed down, buzzing hungrily.


    But Thundar had not finished casting: his lips uttered the incantation for a sixth<em>-</em>tier spell while his body moved to conjure <em>another</em> sixth-tier one.


    Ephemeral Shards filled the air with force des, while Evesting Image concealed the magical razors. As Ravener-spawn closed in, Thundar grinned, casting nar Doorway and Illusionary Duplicate with a few twitches, leaving an image of himself¡ªin an area seemingly free of danger¡ªto ¡®face¡¯ the oing monsters.


    Like cheese meeting a grater, the spawn dove into the invisible des, shredding their flesh. Yet even as they fell in bloody heaps, more kepting: what the rest saw was their kin leaping upon the minotaur and him desperately trying to fight back. An illusion.


    They did not live long after that.


    Thundar smiled to himself, engaging Mana Regeneration¡ªdraping himself in flight magic and invisibility¡ªthen soaring into the air. Scouting from the sky, he took in the situation below.


    ¡°Good, those asses are gonna tear themselves apart until my spells wear off,¡± he said, watching as the Thameish soldiers advanced around the carnage. He¡¯d made sure <em>they</em> could see what was <em>actually</em> happening. ¡°What about the left side, how¡¯s¡ªOh <em>shit, thank you True Seeing! </em>Petrifier on our left nk!<em>¡±</em>


    Unaware that it had been spotted, a petrifier was creeping along¡ªapanied by a pack of Hunters¡ªnning to nk the Thameish army.


    ¡°I can take it down¡ª¡± Thundar started.


    ¡°Do not worry, allow me!¡± Isolde called.


    The lightning mage swooped from the sky¡ªwhere Watchers and Generasian battle mages fought blood-draks and spear-flies¡ªher eyes fixed on the petrifier.


    She extended her hand.


    Thunder cracked.


    A stream of lightning arced out, striking the petrifier and sting the air around it with infinite lightning bolts. The giant Ravener-spawn and its Hunters shrieked in agony.


    Those screams turned to gurgling when Isolde¡¯s <em>second</em> seventh-tier spell struck. Bodies roiled, deformed, shredded, all liquid within them spurted free in a deluge. As the creatures crumbled, and Thundar began cheering, Isolde shouted.


    ¡°There, that should take care of its self-destruction organ¡­and the rest of its organs, as well,¡± she said. ¡°Wait, I see another petrifier! It just entered the range of True Seeing!¡± she called. ¡°I shall¡ª¡±


    There came a crack, sounding like it hade from a whip the size of an ancient willow tree.


    The petrifier¡ªnow in the range of Thundar¡¯s True Seeing spell¡ªexploded. The hole in its central mass was the size of a catapult stone, annihting its self-destruction organ.


    It copsed to the ground.


    Thundar and Isolde nodded to each other, then looked to the other side of the battlefield.


    A smoking line of death had been carved through the Ravener-spawn¡ªleaving mounds of broken bodies¡ªthat led all the way back to the barrel of a strange ranged weapon. It was in the hand of Asmaldestre the Unmaker, she¡¯d demolished the petrifier¡¯s self-destruction organ, and more with a single shot.


    From across the battlefield.


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    Without looking, as though she sensed its presence.


    She was a blur of death, her ranged weapons cutting deep holes through the monsters¡¯ ranks with every <em>shot</em>, as Uldar¡¯s divine arms pierced, and mangled any spawn she set her sights on.


    Her tailshed out, splitting foes where they stood.


    She whipped her hair, and the des woven throughout it yed all they touched.


    The war-spirit was focused on wading through a tide of monster blood and death, licking blood from her lips.


    ¡°d she¡¯s on <em>our</em> side,¡± Thundar muttered,


    ¡°Indeed, but we should stop gawking and get back to the fight,¡± Isolde said.


    ¡°I dunno,¡± the minotaur countered. ¡°Looks like things are winding down here. We¡¯ll take the Fields of Cormac by breakfast at this rate.¡±


    The minotaur watched the Heroes¡¯ army push the enemy toward the sea, herding them for a deadly strike.


    One,pliments of the Saint of Thamnd.


    ¡°<em>And so Uldar told those that went against him: ¡®From the Earth you came, and so to the earth you shall return. Crumble! And be that which nurtures all of mynd!¡¯¡±</em> Merzhin roared from the middle of the army, surrounded by howling wind and zing light.


    As he finished his prayer, he levelled his hand at the enemy.


    Hundreds of Ravener-spawn stopped their push against the soldiers¡¯ shield wall¡­


    ¡­and without warning, their bodies; flesh, bone, and blood turned to deep ck soil, crumbling to the ground in heartbeats.


    The monsters¡¯ kin recoiled.


    ¡°Thank you for the set up, my friend!¡± Prince Khalik¡¯s voice boomed across the battlefield. ¡°Allow me to take advantage.¡±


    Soaring into the sky, the Prince of Tekezash cast two sixth-tier spells: one using his lips and the other his body. The first was Earth to Tar, it turned the ground into a mass of steaming tar. The softer the ground, the more the spell would affect it; Merzhin had graciously provided plenty of soft soil.


    Ravener-spawn jumped back as their kin turned to earth and that earth turned to boiling tar. They tried to scamper away¡­but fleeing would not save them from Khalik¡¯s second spell.


    Earthen Wave impacted the ground, transforming it into a tidal wave of earth, stone, soil and boiling tar.


    The wave rose up before the frantic monsters, crested, then crashed down on the horde. Dozens died in an instant, many more were enveloped in the ck substance, which soon began to harden on them


    Even as they tried to tear it off, there came a battle cry as a new force joined in.


    Hart Redfletcher charged from the woods on the spawns¡¯ right side, leading a small army of gueri warriors that included Bjorgrund, Birger and Ripp. The Champion of Thamnd¡ªd in Uldar¡¯s armour and wielding a colossal, divinely forged de¡ªturned into living death.


    His movements seemed to shimmer as he cut down their enemies.


    Uldar¡¯s de cleaved behemoths and gibbering legions like leaves. His elbowsshed out, breaking Ravener-spawn even as his feet trampled them. The Champion carved a deep channel of blood through the monsters, with Bjorgrund following behind, the rune-marked¡¯s divine axe splitting any that stood before him.


    Behind him, Birger sang as he fought, whirling his sling and cracking heads with stone after stone in rapid session. ¡°That¡¯s it, you uglies! Come and die!¡±


    Within moments, the remaining Ravener-spawn horde was a mass of dying and fleeing bodies. Atst their nerve broke and they tried to run, but Tyris and Vesuvius emerged from the trees on their left nk, leading a group of Generasian battle mages.


    They rained destruction down on the survivors.


    With a smile, Khalik cast nar Doorway and appeared beside his two cabal mates. ¡°Atst, it seems this battle is at an end. Shall we go and reinforce Cedric¡¯s force?¡±


    He looked to the south, where smoke was rising from the town of Welling.


    ¡°Probably¡­though I doubt he needs the help,¡± Isolde smiled. ¡°It is amazing to see how much he has grown, even though his Mark has not transformed yet.¡±


    ###


    The Chosen of Uldar danced through dead Ravener-spawn, driving enemies before him in the streets.


    ¡°C¡¯mon! We¡¯re jus¡¯ about broken through!!¡± Cedric called, weaving past a blood-drak¡¯s strike and chanting a prayer softly. Focusing his breathing, he stabbed his morphic weapon¡ªin spear form¡ªthrough the blood-drak¡¯s body, filling it with divine power.


    The creature swelled, light cracking through its skin and carapace, then he tossed the spawn into the ranks of its kin that were holding the town square ahead.


    There came a <em>whump</em> as the creature exploded, enveloping its fellows in a divine ze.


    Without missing a beat, Cedric transformed his weapon into a warhammer then drew an enormous battleaxe that was once Uldar¡¯s from his belt. With a roar, the Chosen danced into the midst of the remaining Ravener-spawn, chanting a powerful fifth-tier force spell to st them in a cone of freezing energy.


    Instantly, Ravener-spawn turned to ice, and he dove deeper into their ranks, shattering the frozen monsters, bringing down survivors with Uldar¡¯s axe. Monsters came at him from the side, but Cedric¡¯s mind was a calm eye in the middle of a storm ofbat, and he reacted with the fluidity of water.


    His axe and hammer cut spawn down as his lips chanted another devastating spell, sending a bolt of lightning arcing through the creatures. In desperation, a massive chitterer¡ªd in stolen te armour¡ªthrew itself at the Chosen, he turned to meet it.


    He needn¡¯t have bothered.


    A curved sword flew from a rooftop¡ªspinning end over end¡ªimpaling the chitterer¡¯s skull. The other chitterers froze as the huge spawn copsed with the de protruding through its skull, but cried out when Theresa Lu suddenly materialised, gripping the de.


    She ripped her weapon from the chitter¡¯s head and in the same movement, struck out at the other spawn with the Twinde. Floating swords of energy danced around her, cutting down monsters.


    As they fell back, the huntress whistled.


    Brutus raced around the side of a building¡ªhulking evenrger than thergest bone chargers¡ªreleasing sonic sts from all three mouths. He reduced clots of Ravener-spawn to paste, then barreled into their ranks, his spiky body slicing everything it touched. Each time his jaws snapped shut, a powerful monster shattered.


    ¡°Good boy!¡± Cedric called as soldiers surged into the square just behind the cerberus. He joined the huntress. ¡°Wee, Theresa, y¡¯take care o¡¯things in tha¡¯ south quarter?¡±


    ¡°Yup, all the Ravener-spawn are cleared out from over there.¡± she reported, splitting beasts with her six des. ¡°What about the west end?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re good here too!¡± Cedric called, eyeing thest bits of resistance around the town¡¯s fountain. ¡°Jus¡¯ gotta deal wit¡¯ th¡¯s¡¯ bunch over here an¡¯¡ª¡±


    ¡°Why don''t you let <em>us</em> take care of that?¡± a familiar voice called from overhead.


    There was a surge of mana as a terrible wind sted the square. Ravener-spawn were swept up like so much dust, carrying them high into the sky. There, Drestra¡ªmaterialising from thin air¡ªmet them, unleashing her draconic breath on the hapless creature¡¯s in mid-air. The dragon¡¯s roar seemed to shake the earth itself.


    Above her, swarms of blood-draks and spear-flies poured from the sky, seeking to reinforce their dying kin, but three rays of light, releasing a mass of heat greeted them. The sky zed as ygon¡¯s fire-beams erupted, ending the swarm in clouds of me and power.


    Astral engeli followed, descending earthward,nding among the Ravener-spawn to ughter all that remained.


    In seconds, every monster with the word ¡®Ravener¡¯ or ¡®spawn¡¯ attached to it was dead. Lifeless beastsy all around the fountain, filling the town square with corpses.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s that,¡± Alex materialised, leaning against the fountain, casually holding his sword-staff. ¡°Another day, another battle won.¡±


    ¡°Aye, wee Alex!¡± Cedric held up his hammer and axe. ¡°T¡¯victory! T¡¯grand bloody victory! Wellin¡¯s ours agin!¡±


    The soldiers and knights cheered, raising banners and banging weapons against shields.


    Theresa lifted her swords and Brutus howled.


    ¡°Nice to see what we can do now,¡± the General of Thamnd smiled.


    ¡°Aye,¡± Cedric said, ncing down at the golden symbol over his heart. ¡°I gots the calm breathin¡¯ an¡¯ dancin¡¯ down perfect, I was feelin¡¯ like I was born usin¡¯ ¡®em. Nonverbal spellcastin¡¯s another thing tho¡¯¡­I¡¯s close, I kin bloody <em>feel</em> it.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, thest time we trained together, you almost had it,¡± Alex looked at Cedric closely. ¡°You know, if you put a little more time into mastering spell arrays¡­¡±


    ¡°I know, I know!¡± Cedric threw up his hands. ¡°Y¡¯tell me all o¡¯ that each time I sees yer damned face! I¡¯s been studyin¡¯ hard¡­jus¡¯ don¡¯ gots it quite yet.¡±


    ¡°But you''re close,¡± Alex said. ¡°Real close. Tell you what, after we finish up here, why don''t you give me a demonstration and I''ll give you some pointers? You''ve been at it for a while, and it''s impressive how far you''vee: you''ve had to learn what the other three Heroes had to learn and then some. So, let''s see if we can get that Mark of yours transformed in the next day or two?¡±


    The General grinned. ¡°And since you can do <em>so</em> much already, I can¡¯t wait to see how powerful you¡¯re going to be!¡±

 Chapter 839: White Light

    Chapter 839: White Light


    Fires zed across the Fields of Cormac.


    Ravener-spawn corpses¡ªheaped high¡ªburned beneath the evening sky, filling the air with thick ck smoke and a foul odour. Even now¡ªhours after the battles of Cormac and Welling had been won¡ªmembers of the Thameish army were still gathering fallen monsters, incinerating them on great pyres.


    To the south, the remainder of the army¡ªincluding most of the Heroes¡ªrested in Welling. There they organised and made camp while the sun drifted toward the horizon. Evening was getting on, but there was still enough daylight left for a pair of young men to have a lesson together.


    ¡°Look at this, mate.¡± Cedric handed Alex a notebook. They were standing in the middle of the Fields of Cormac. ¡°Whaddya think?¡±


    The Chosen fidgeted as the General took the book, flipping it open. Inside were spell arrays for nar Doorway, Call Through Ice, Summon Lesser Water Elemental, and Lesser Freezing. Over the past week, Alex had had Cedric studying those spells, recording the aspects of their arrays that were most simr.


    ¡°Alright, this is very good. A lot of subtle detail here, and¡­wait.¡± Alex¡¯s eyebrows rose at familiar handwriting beside Cedric¡¯s blocky letters. ¡°Did Isolde help you with this?¡±


    The Chosen smiled a dreamy smile. ¡°Aye, she used that smart brain o¡¯ hers. That ain¡¯t a problem, is it?¡±


    ¡°No problem, I''m just surprised she helped you so much.¡± Alex scratched his head at her multitude of notes. ¡°At the university, that might look like academic dishonesty.¡±


    ¡°Ah she tol¡¯ me all that when I went t¡¯her fer help,¡± Cedric said sheepishly. ¡°But I was thinkin¡¯ an¡¯ I brung up a good point.¡±


    ¡°What was that?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯ <em>go</em> t¡¯th university, so I cuda na b¡¯gettin¡¯ either of us in trouble, now could I?¡± Cedric winked.


    ¡°I¡­¡± Alex paused. ¡°Huh, and that worked?¡±


    ¡°Aye, ¡®cause I¡¯s ¡®pretty¡¯, she said!¡± The Chosen puffed out his chest.


    Alex burst outughing. ¡°Well done! And she¡¯s a great teacher: you picked out a lot of the subtleties between the spell arrays, and you also noticed a lot of themon aspects. Actually¡­you got all of themon aspects. This is pretty awesome.¡±


    Cedric beamed, tapping the side of his skull. ¡°This pretty ol¡¯ head o¡¯mine ain¡¯t jus¡¯ fer show. It¡¯s got a pretty ol¡¯ brain inside it!¡±


    Alex paused, looking at the Chosen closely. ¡°Those were Isolde¡¯s exact words, weren¡¯t they?¡±


    Cedric beamed even wider. ¡°Y¡¯bloody bet they were!¡±


    Alex chuckled. ¡°Well, d things are going well between you two. Her grandfather still like you?¡±


    ¡°ordin¡¯ t¡¯ what she¡¯s been tellin¡¯ me, aye,¡± Cedric said. ¡°She¡¯s been visitin¡¯ ¡®im regr since y¡¯taught ¡®er Teleportation. Never seen the Rhinean Empire m¡¯self, y¡¯know, an¡¯ I¡¯s mighty curious. It true that there¡¯s a mountain there tha¡¯ burns? An¡¯ one tha¡¯ flies?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I actually saw them,¡± Alex said, closing the notebook and handing it back to Cedric. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you something, there''s no words to do them justice. They¡¯re a sight you have to see to believe. Hells, I could even take you to see them right now, if you want. It¡¯d only take a few seconds.¡±


    The Chosen shook his head. ¡°Nah, I don'' think so, I¡¯d wanna see ¡®em wit¡¯ Isolde by m¡¯side. Wouldn¡¯t feel right if¡¯n I went an¡¯ snuck a peek wit¡¯out ¡®er: be almos¡¯ like lookin¡¯ at yer Sigmus presents b¡¯for Sigmus.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I get that,¡± Alex said. ¡°Oh, right, and what about her parents? Things any better with them?¡±


    Cedric shrugged. ¡°She ain¡¯t been¡­too chatty ¡®bout ¡®er ma an¡¯ da. Think she¡¯s still mad at ¡®em a wee bit¡­no matter how many times I tells her I don¡¯ mind. Last I asked, her da¡¯d warmed up t¡¯ me. But, ¡®er ma? I¡¯s thinkin¡¯ she¡¯ll take more work, but, I ain¡¯t worried, I¡¯ll win ¡®er over.¡±


    Alex snorted. ¡°Wish you were that confident when it came to my lessons.¡±


    Cedric made a face like someone had shoved a fist full of crabapples in his mouth. ¡°Aye, well, talkin¡¯ an¡¯ makin¡¯ nice wit¡¯ people¡¯s easy. Hunchin¡¯ over a book fer hours ¡¯til y¡¯go cross-eyed? Is bloody hard.¡±


    ¡°I guess we all have things we find easier than others,¡± Alex chuckled. ¡°But anyway¡­I think you¡¯ve gotten good enough at ¡®hunching over books¡¯ that we can push you through the next step.¡± The General eyed Cedric¡¯s form. ¡°I think you¡¯re ready to cast a spell nonverbally. So, let¡¯s see if we can get you there before night falls. We¡¯ll start with something simple. Is there a particr spell you want to try first? Something you feelfortable with?¡±


    ¡°I''d likes t¡¯ start wit¡¯ nar Doorway,¡± Cedric said.


    ¡°Really?¡± Alex¡¯s eyebrows rose. ¡°That''s a fourth-tier spell: it¡¯s not going to be easy to start with. I¡¯d rmend¡ª¡±


    ¡°S¡¯my choice, aye? That spell¡¯s th¡¯ one I looked over th¡¯most, so it¡¯s th¡¯ one I wants t¡¯ start wit¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Okay then, you¡¯re the boss!¡± Alex said, rubbing his hands together. ¡°Let''s get you warmed up. I¡¯d like you to start by grounding yourself, while you perform three dances of your choice, in whatever order you want. Then we¡¯ll go from there. Sound good?¡±


    ¡°Aye, as good as wild currants wid honey.¡± Cedric leaned back with his arms over his head, elongating his torso in a deep stretch. ¡°Alright, here goes.¡±


    He transformed his morphic weapon into a spear.


    ¡°I''ll start wit¡¯ th¡¯ Spear an¡¯ Oar Dance, then go t¡¯ th¡¯Spinnin¡¯ Sword Dance then, th¡¯Dance o¡¯ Fallin¡¯ Leaves, sound good?¡± Cedric asked.


    ¡°As good as honey with wild currants.¡± Alex used the Chosen¡¯s expression. With a twitch, the young wizard cast Flight magic on himself then sat cross-legged in mid-air, watching the other Hero closely. ¡°Start whenever you¡¯re ready: I¡¯ll watch your form.¡±


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    ¡°Got¡¯cha!¡± Cedric spun his spear into the first position, dropping into the first stance. Then he stepped forward.


    He moved as if he¡¯d been born to the dance.


    He flowed from stance to stance smoothly. His breathing did not falter through any step or position, remaining steady, even when he went from Spear-and-Oar to Spinning Sword.


    His morphic weapon changed from spear to sword, then Cedric was<strong></strong>spinning, turning round and round.


    ¡°Yes, that''s it,¡± Alex whispered, leaning forward.


    On one foot, Cedric whirled over the grassy in without losing bnce, or control of his breath. His sword was thrust forward, gracefully tracing figure-eights through the air.


    ¡°Yessss¡­¡± Alex murmured. ¡°Big improvement.¡±


    Cedric made a final turn, then ced his other foot on the ground. Going on the balls of his feet, he weaved his body through the air¡ªtransforming the sword to a shield¡ªand moving with the lightest of footsteps. His torso and legs swayed as though dodging mounds of blowing leaves in the fall.


    His shield arm flicked around his body, blocking imagined blows as he went. The Chosen¡¯s eyes were shut, his breathing maintained a perfect rhythm as his lips prayed. The shield glowed with the power of holy light as he finished the dance, thrusting it high in the air, unleashing the<strong></strong>beam of divine power into the sky.


    Cedric grinned at Alex, his gold tooth gleaming in his smile. ¡°Not bad, aye?¡±


    ¡°Not bad at all!¡± The young archwizard unfolded his legs, stepping onto the ground. ¡°You did a great job.¡±


    Cedric beamed. ¡°Think I¡¯s ready t¡¯ move on?¡±


    ¡°More than ready,¡± Alex said. ¡°I think you might be able to pull off nar Doorway, nonverbally.¡±


    The General of Thamnd walked over to Cedric, conjuring a dozen Wizard¡¯s Hands that went to hover around the Chosen as Alex dropped into the First Position of the Spear and Oar Dance.


    ¡°Here¡¯s what we''re going to do,¡± Alex said. ¡°I''m going to use the Spear-and -Oar Dance to cast nar Doorway nonverbally.¡±


    ¡°Right¡­¡± Cedric said, watching the General intently.


    ¡°I want you to try and mimic my movements,¡± Alex said. ¡°We¡¯ll perform them at the same time, nice and slow. The Wizard¡¯s Hands are going to guide your body, and correct your movements as we go.¡±


    ¡°Great!¡± The Chosen pped his hands together. ¡°Now we''re talkin¡¯! Can''t wait t¡¯ try it out.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± Alex said. ¡°Now, watch and learn.¡±


    Alex went into the Spear-and-Dance in deep serenity.


    If the Chosen of Thamnd performed it like he was meant for it, then Alex danced as though it was part of life blood and soul.


    Cedric moved like water.


    Alex danced like air.


    Every move was intuitive.


    He didn¡¯t have to think about either motions or stances, they were as natural and precise as his heartbeat. Every twitch of muscle matched the purest most primal form of the dance.<strong></strong>


    ¡°Watch my arms,¡± Alex said. ¡°And legs. Notice how my steps change, even slightly.¡±


    Alex felt mana pouring through his pool, forming a magic circuit. The Traveller¡¯s power was helping and when thest movement of the incantation was finished, Alex vanished¡ªhurtling through the space between nes¡ªreappearing a dozen yards from where he¡¯d started.


    ¡°Did you see?¡± He turned to Cedric.


    ¡°Some o¡¯ it, aye¡­I¡­¡± The Chosen nced at his notebook. ¡°I¡¯s thinkin¡¯¡­I kin understand.¡±


    ¡°Understand what?¡± Alex pressed him.


    ¡°Th¡¯ meanin¡¯!¡± Cedric cried. ¡°I <em>think</em> I kin tell which o¡¯ them movements matched different parts o¡¯ th¡¯ spell array!¡±


    Alex grinned, well pleased, ¡°Let''s see if you can do it, then! First Stance and Position, Cedric!¡± The General of Thamnd teleported beside him, falling into First Stance. ¡°Come on, light¡¯s fading! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    Cedric quickly transformed his morphic weapon back to a spear, mirroring First Stance. ¡°Right, then let''s do it.¡±


    ¡°Follow my lead, go nice and slow,¡± Alex said, holding his aeld staff in First Position.


    Together, the two Heroes danced.


    In perfect harmony, they mirrored each other''s movements,plimenting one another. Every step. Every position. Every stance. Every motion. The young men watched each other: Cedric following Alex''s form, Alex watching to correct him.


    Gently, crimson glowing Wizard¡¯s Hands pressed against the Chosen¡¯s body, guiding his muscles, shifting an angle here, pressing against the skin there, and forging Cedric¡¯s form into a perfect mirror of Alex¡¯s.


    ¡°I-it¡¯s workin¡¯!¡± Cedric cried. ¡°I feel my mana movin¡¯!¡±


    ¡°Good, don''t lose concentration!¡± Alex said. ¡°Focus on how the Hands are guiding you: they can''t cast a spell for you, so you have to do it yourself! Try to mimic what I¡¯m showing you!¡±


    And mimic, Cedric did. The Wizard Hand¡¯s were needed less and less. The meaning of the incantation was bing clearer in every muscle.


    Alex was starting to feel the excitement.


    Cedric began to add something: his lips began moving as he closed his eyes.


    The General pressed his tongue to the back of his teeth in thought. ¡®He''s trying to pray at the same time as he¡¯s spellcasting. Last thing we want is for him to lose concentration and go into a mana reversal.¡¯


    He opened his mouth to warn the Chosen¡­


    ¡­then he looked at Cedric''s face.


    Really examined it.


    His face was cid, utterly calm. The Wizard¡¯s Hands we''re no longer guiding him. His body was in harmony, as was his breathing, and movements.


    Alex knew he was ready.


    Focusing on his own dance, he held his stafffortably, performing every movement in time with Cedric. The aeld gave off feelings of warmth and anticipation as both mana and divine power built.


    It was as if the world was holding its breath as the two young men moved.


    They were perfect mirrors of each other¡­


    ¡­Alex was suddenly struck by an old memory.


    He saw himself, Theresa, Brutus, and Selina three years ago, sitting on the <em>Red Siren,</em> sailing to a new life. That day they¡¯d seen, for the very first time, Fan¡¯Dor and Gel¡¯Dor performing the Spear-and-oar Dance together.


    The twins had been in perfect harmony, just as the two Heroes were at this moment.


    It was fitting.


    That dance had begun his journey to power¡­and now, it would be bringing a chapter in that journey to a close.


    ¡®Ek-u-Dari,¡¯ Alex thought of the schar¡¯s ocean goddess. ¡®If you''re watching us, I hope you''re happy. And I hope you see to it that we have good weather toe. Both now¡­¡¯


    Alex and Cedricpleted the final motions.


    ¡®¡­and far into our futures.¡¯


    The Chosen finished his prayer.


    His body flowed through thest movements of the spell.


    Spell arrayspleted.


    Magic circuits red to life.


    Cedric¡¯s spear zed with divine might.


    Hannah¡¯s power sang within Alex¡¯s soul.


    And the two young men teleported as one.


    Alex appeared on the grass an instant before Cedric, who joined him a heartbeatter. Divine energy filled the Chosen¡¯s spear, unleashing its power, shining a beam of light skyward.


    tion filled the two Heroes, and before they could speak...the Chosen¡¯s golden symbol zed with blinding light.


    Alex shielded his eyes from the glow. ¡°Yeeeeeesss!¡±


    ¡°Is it happenin¡¯?¡± Cedric cried.


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s happening, alright!¡± The familiar burning pain struck Alex¡¯s right shoulder, feeling like a branding iron was being pressed against his flesh. The Mark of the General began to shine, though not as brightly as Cedric¡¯s symbol.


    Power flowed from the General, moving into the Chosen¡¯s Mark.


    <em>You have done well,</em> came Uldar¡¯s familiar whisper.


    <em>¡°You have earned my full approval,¡± </em>the deity said. <em>¡°New techniques to enhance the Chosen. Things from other disciplines growing what you already possess. That is my way. With my second-inmand, the General, granting you his approval, I empower you fully. Go. Destroy the Ravener. Bring my will unto thend.¡±</em>


    Cedric¡¯s Mark sang.


    Gold flecked away, turning to white.


    And, with a sh of light, the ze faded.


    White scales glowed on Cedric¡¯s chest.


    ¡°I¡­I¡¯s feelin¡¯ so much stronger!¡± he cried. ¡°Everythin¡¯ feels different! Th¡¯ divine energy¡¯s flowin¡¯ through m¡¯soul faster, an¡¯ so¡¯s th¡¯ mana¡­and m¡¯ body¡­I feels bloody <em>powerful!</em>¡±


    ¡°Awesome!¡± Alex cried. ¡°Then let¡¯s start testi¡ª¡±


    His words cut off as the Mark of the General began pulsing on his shoulder.


    <em>Gather the others,</em> Uldar¡¯s voice whispered. <em>It is time.</em>

 Chapter 840: The Final Trial

    Chapter 840: The Final Trial


    <em>¡°It is time,¡±</em> the Ravener¡¯s resonated through the cavern, shaking every surface.


    Dust rained from the ceiling.


    Water churned below.


    Ravener-spawn recoiled: hive-queens, behemoths, hives-as-one, blood-hydras, gibbering legions trembled, prostrating themselves on the banks of theke. Only one being remained still: the corpse of Uldar, elevated on its stony throne, watching its creations with lifeless eyes.


    <em>¡°Our creator is dead,¡±</em> the Ravener continued.<em> ¡°We have attacked his kingdom. We have helped it. We have tried both. For months, I have contemted which would be his true will, but neither choice¡­are his will. He has no will. Our creator is dead.¡±</em>


    Those words¡ªrepeated again¡ªstruck the Ravener-spawn like thunderbolts.


    They trembled at the meaning of those words: their purpose was also dead.


    ¡°<em>But our purpose is not dead,¡± </em>the Ravener continued.


    Now the spawn looked up, hanging on its every word.


    This was the most it had spoken this cycle.


    ¡°<em>The corrupted General has returned, but I will not allow such a tainted being to exist: he was the enemy of our creator¡­and so he is our enemy. Forever.¡±</em>


    Ravener-spawn cried out in enmity and rage.


    ¡°<em>Even if we were to aid our creator¡¯s kingdom, I have felt the General¡¯s mind¡­¡±</em> The Ravener recalled that hateful moment when the one that was once the Fool had touched its consciousness. Hate had flowed from the mortal. Hate had flowed from the Ravener. ¡° <em>...he will not suffer us to live anymore than we would suffer him. Combat is inevitable¡ªwithout question¡ªthe General must be annihted. Sincebat is inevitable¡­we shall use it. We shall use it as a trial.¡±</em>


    The Ravener-spawn crawled forward, reaching out to touch their master. Its words¡ªpromises of destruction¡ªwere the sweetest to their ears.


    ¡°<em>The Heroes have returned to their ancient forms. I have reawakened the processes that create our strongest spawn. For the first time since thest culling, both sides of the cycle have returned to their full strength. We are matched: and with Uldar dead, there is no better way to decide which of his legacies will go forward. His people. Or his spawn.¡±</em>


    Ravener-spawn hissed.


    <em>¡°The full force of our might will be levelled at the creator¡¯s kingdom,¡± </em>the construct continued.<em> ¡°If we destroy it, then this ind will serve as the eternal tomb to mark our creator¡¯s passing. A monument to him, guarded by us.¡±</em>


    Its power flexed around it, the walls of the cavern rippled.


    ¡°<em>If we fail, then his people have earned the right to live,¡± </em>it continued. <em>¡°And the right to our aid¡­¡±</em>


    It paused.


    <em>¡° ¡­but not forever.¡±</em>


    The more the Ravener thought through its n, the more it made sense.


    ¡°<em>This cycle, the Heroes have returned to their true form. This cycle, they are great. But they were not always as great in past cycles. Mortals are mortal. When these Heroes die and this generation of mortals in Uldar¡¯s kingdom die, will their descendants still be worthy of our aid? It is unknown. Sobat will be used again. And again. And the cycle will continue forever. Continue, but with changes.¡±</em>


    Of course, this could be the only way: an extension of the trial that Uldar hadid before his people, but with its purpose altered. No longer would the cycles be dedicated to channelling divine energy into the creator to save his life.


    They would be used to decide if his people were worthy enough to keep their lives.


    <em>¡°In the future, all Fools will be allowed to continue, but all Generals¡ªshould any return again¡ªwill be wiped from this world. Uldar¡¯s people send those who cannot fight away from these shores. We will not allow this to happen again. We will blockade the shores, and all of the creator¡¯s people will undergo trials. If they are too weak and ignorant to survive, then they will not be allowed to hide in another corner of the world, destined to forget the god who granted them knowledge and life! If we destroy the Heroes this cycle, we will be quiet long enough for those who have fled to return. Then, we will ughter them upon their arrival. If I am destroyed, then in the next cycle¡ªafter I aid the people¡ªI will test them again. If we win, we will blockade them into thesends and kill them all. Such will be the way going forward.¡±</em>


    There could be no better way.


    Of course, something had urred to the Ravener: eventually, the cycle <em>would</em> end.


    It was certain that none could withstand its full might¡ªthe terror of a <em>culling</em>¡ªevery hundred years. Even if they defeated it this cycle, and the next, and even the one after that¡­eventually, there woulde a cycle where they would not be able to triumph.


    There woulde a cycle where they would be wiped clean from Uldar¡¯s soil.


    This suited the Ravener well.


    Of course¡­there was another possibility.


    It brought its attention to the corpse of Uldar on his stony throne.


    ¡­if its creator could die, then perhaps the Ravener could<strong></strong>be permanently destroyed? Perhaps¡ªthrough knowledge and might¡ªUldar¡¯s people could find a way to shatter its ability to regenerate, ending it for all time.


    If that were to happen¡­


    If that were to happen¡­


    The Ravener¡¯s thoughts paused.


    What did that mean?


    A peculiar sensation stirred in its mind at the thought of oblivion.


    Uwfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    A sensation it had never experienced before. When it had first learned that its creator was dead, the thought of its own oblivion had not seemed so difficult toprehend.


    Now, though, now that it was beginning to decide its <em>own</em> purpose¡ªbreaking from the protocols that had guided it unwaveringly for thousands of years¡ªthe thought of oblivion brought about that unfamiliar stirring.


    It disliked this sensation.


    And so it pushed it away, turning its thoughts back to its waiting army.


    ¡°<em>It is time,¡±</em> it said again. ¡°<em>Time to act. Those I havemanded to help the people, will continue to do so until I instruct otherwise.¡±</em>


    The disappointment in the air was palpable.


    But the Ravener was not done.


    Far from it.


    ¡°Then <em>we will cull. We will kill. We will wipe everyst mortal from thisnd.¡±</em>


    As one, the Ravener-spawn shrieked, bellowed and roared their exultation. The cavern shook again.


    Atst, their purpose would be fulfilled. Fulfilled in a way not seen in millennia.


    Hope sprang within the Ravener-spawn in a twisted mirror of the hope within the people of Thamnd.


    Both sides awaited the <em>end</em> of the cycles¡­but, wanting opposite oues.


    ¡°<em>First, the General will be annihted,¡±</em> the Ravener announced. ¡°<em>Then the Heroes will be fought with all the power that our creator has granted us. Doom will fall upon them.¡± </em>


    The cavern shook again as great beasts mmed their limbs on the earth. ws ground stone. Wings buzzed. Fangs gnashed. The bloodthirst in the air was palpable.


    ¡°<em>To that purpose¡­¡±</em> The Ravener poured power into its deepest processes. Within itself, the ancient pathways were readied once more. Both fear and mana poured through them freely, feeding the brood within.


    In moments, that brood was ready.


    And the rest?


    They would be spawned much quicker next time.


    <em>¡°¡­behold, a truemander of your kind.¡±</em>


    The surface of the Ravener rippled.


    Something began pouring out.


    At first it seemed that tiny sparks were emerging from its surface, like flecks of me sparking from a wildfire, but it quickly became clear that these were no mere sparks.


    A swarm of creatures¡ªeach no bigger than amon flea¡ªemerged from the Ravener, seeming like humanoid imps with dragonfly wings. Their bodies shone with an inner fire, and the air shimmered around them.


    That air erupted in me, transfiguring the swarm, creating an inferno-cloud as bright as a morning sun.


    Lesser Ravener-spawn recoiled from the Skyfire Swarm as the air burned around it. The undergroundke beneath the Ravener roiled, boiling from the monstrous heat.


    Cracks spread along the ceiling.


    A clutch of Ravener-spawn standing too near, failed to scramble away in time, bursting into me as the air around¡ªand within them¡ªbrought their fiery death. Abruptly, a second Skyfire Swarm joined the first.


    Then another.


    Altogether, three Skyfire swarms soon scorched the air and boiled the water around the Ravener. Each swarm¡ªmade up of thousands of tiny creatures¡ªshared an evil intelligence.


    Three swarms.


    Three terrible minds.


    Three bloodthirsty consciousnesses, driven only to destroy.


    <strong>¡°</strong><em>Go,</em><strong><em>¡± </em></strong><em>itmanded.</em> ¡°<em>Take the pathways. Seek the petrifiers and Hunters throughout thend. Use them to find the Usurpers. Use them to find the General. Destroy him. If you cannot find him? Wipe away everything in your path. Leave nothing standing. The Cleansing Fog and Earth Spitters will restore what you destroy.¡±</em><strong><em></em></strong>


    The Skyfire Swarms answered with deadly me, splitting rock and melting stone as they shot away into a tunnel leading from the Ravener¡¯s chamber. They moved forward with terrifying speed: fast-moving, like wildfire, consuming everything before them.


    ¡°<em>To the death,¡±</em> the Ravener said, calling upon its internal processes. ¡°<em>As it always should have been.¡±</em>


    Dungeon cores sprang from its surface: vast and more powerful than all past cores, far more capable of making its <em>true</em> monsters.


    ¡°<em>Letbat decide the fate of Uldar¡¯s creations,¡±</em> it said. ¡°<em>Might and knowledge will decide all.¡±</em>


    Of course, the Ravener¡ªgripped in the throes of creation¡ªpaid no mind to one critical thing.


    That strange unidentifiable stirring within itself had grown.


    ###


    It was glowing right through his shirt.


    The symbol of the General burned on his skin.


    ¡°It¡¯s happening,¡± Alex whispered.


    The General of Thamnd quickly removed his tunic.


    On his right shoulder, the Mark of the General pulsated with<strong></strong>golden<strong></strong>light. He could hear the low hum of a song: the same song that came from each Mark when they evolved.


    But this time, the song was noting from one Mark alone.


    ¡°Oi, my Mark¡¯s doin¡¯ the same thin¡¯ as yours.¡± Cedric touched his chest: the Mark of the Chosen was throbbing in time with Alex¡¯s, sharing the same melody. He nced in the direction of Welling. ¡°Y¡¯don¡¯t think¡­oi, look there!¡±


    Cedric pointed to the south. Three figures were in the sky, hand in hand. Alex could feel teleportation magic as they disappeared and reappeared. A momentter, nine more figures appeared.


    As they came closer, he recognised Drestra, Hart and Merzhin in the first group.


    Theresa, Thundar, Khalik, Najyah, Isolde, Brutus, Bjorgrund, Birger, and ygon, were in the second.


    ¡°Same thin¡¯ mus¡¯ b¡¯ ¡¯happenin¡¯ t¡¯ all of us,¡± Cedric murmured in awe. ¡°This is it, ain¡¯t it? Yer Mark¡¯s changin¡¯ too! S¡¯gotta be!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯m guessing.¡± Alex ran his finger over the Mark of the General. It felt warm to the touch. Comforting. He was ecstatic. ¡°I must have fulfilled the conditions for the General. Here we gooooo!¡±


    The Chosen had no time to answer, the three Heroes¡ªand the otherpanions¡ªmaterialised on the field.


    ¡°Alex! Cedric!¡± Merzhin cried, holding hands with the Hero on either side of him. The light from their Marks pulsed in time. ¡°Uldar¡¯s voice spoke to us!¡±


    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Theresa asked, rushing to Alex.


    ¡°<em>Father¡­are you well?¡±</em> ygon asked. ¡°<em>Your Mark¡­¡±</em>


    <em>¡°Gather with the General.</em><em>It is time,¡±</em> Hart¡¯s voice rumbled. ¡°That¡¯s what <em>our</em> Marks said.¡±


    ¡°Aye, we heard th¡¯same.¡± Cedric touched the white-glowing scales. ¡°An¡¯ lookee here!¡±


    ¡°Your Mark changed!¡± Isolde went to Cedric, cing her hand on his chest. ¡°How marvelous! Do you feel any different?¡±


    ¡°Maybe, but let¡¯s talk abou¡¯ all o¡¯ thatter.¡± Cedric took Isolde¡¯s hand off his chest, kissing it. She blushed. ¡°Las¡¯ thing we need¡¯s t¡¯waste time jawin¡¯ ¡®bout me, maybe keepin¡¯ Alex¡¯s Mark from changin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°True.¡± The General of Thamnd looked to the sky, half-expecting the Ravener to pick that very moment to attack.


    ¡°Howe your Mark hasn''t changed yet?¡± Hart asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t know, but I¡¯m guessing that since I had to touch each of your Marks for them to transform, maybe you four need to touch mine for it to change.¡±


    ¡°You should all get started then,¡± Khalik said. ¡°I am eager to see what this transformation brings.¡±


    ###


    The forest had grown quiet as evening light faded.


    Beneath the trees, a deepening gloom fell while Ivan¡ªcaptain of the Axe and Pickpany of the Generasian Delvers¡¯ Guild¡ªweighed the contents of a bag positioned on a set of jewellers¡¯ scales.


    ¡°Well?¡± his lieutenant asked. Therge woman¡¯s armour clinked as she leaned over her leader¡¯s shoulder. Behind her, the other twenty delvers held their breaths.


    Ivan suddenly grinned. ¡°Over a pound!¡± He took the bag of dungeon core essence off the scale. ¡°Good haul! With the others we got, we¡¯ll be living like kings for years!¡±


    A great cheer rose from thepany.


    ¡°Get a fire going,¡± Ivan said, smiling down at the contents of the sack. Visions of wine and riches danced in his head. ¡°I want a <em>hot</em> supper tonight; there¡¯s a lot to celebrate. And broach a keg of ale while you¡¯re at it!¡±


    Behind him, the darkness gave way to an orange glow.


    ¡°Good, you got that fire going right quick!¡± Ivanughed, still staring at the bag. ¡°Now for some meat¡ª¡±


    ¡°Captain!¡± Charlize cried in panic. ¡°Look!¡±


    Ivan whirled.


    His breath caught.


    The bag slipped from his fingers.


    Frantic birds were shrieking, shooting past overhead. Terrified animals bounded through the trees¡ªdeer, wolves, rabbits, boar¡ªall fleeing in the same direction.


    Behind them, a blinding light consumed the forest; everything it touched burst into me, and the roar of fire was growing in Ivan¡¯s ears. Delvers began to run, dropping whatever was in their hands. Wizards tried to quickly chant spells.


    But Ivan knew it was toote.


    The fire was devouring hundreds of feet of woond in heartbeats.


    ¡°Gods protect us all,¡± the delver murmured.


    Skyfire Swarms swept over him, consuming him and everything near in an instant.


    The swarms raced through the trees, eager to begin the culling.


    To begin the final battle for Thamnd¡¯s future.

 Chapter 841: Streams

    Chapter 841: Streams


    Night was falling.


    Across the Fields of Cormac, pyres were dying. me had given way to embers, ash and the ckened remains of Ravener-spawn. The soldiers¡¯ clean-up was done, but they had paused on their journey to Welling for the night, pointing at a gathering in the middle of the field.


    They recognised many of the Thameish army¡¯s most powerful allies¡ªTheresa, Thundar, Khalik, Najyah, Isolde, Brutus, Bjorgrund, Birger, and ygon¡ªsurrounding<strong></strong>the Heroes of Thamnd who hade together beside a single figure bearing the Mark of the General: a glowing sword pointing at a scroll below it, with the pommel extending into a crown.


    A Mark that pulsated with a bright, golden light in the deepening gloom.


    Alex took a big breath, rolling his right shoulder. ¡°Are we ready?¡±


    ¡°Aye,¡± Cedric said.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hart answered.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled.


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Merzhin bowed his head.Their Marks pulsed in time with the General¡¯s.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get started.¡± Alex presented his shoulder to them.


    The Heroes looked at each other, nodded, then stepped forward.


    Hart¡¯srge fingers pressed against the Mark of the General¡¯s glowing de.


    Its radiance grew brighter.


    Drestra ced her lean fingers against the Mark¡¯s scroll.


    Its radiance grew brighter.


    Merzhin¡¯s small hand touched the Mark¡¯s crossguard.


    Its radiance grew brighter.


    Finally, Cedric¡¯s morphic weapon¡ªin gauntlet form¡ªpeeled back from the Chosen¡¯s fingers as he touched the Mark¡¯s crown-like pommel.


    There was a moment of utter stillness.


    Then the Mark of the General zed like a miniature sun, the other Marks burning with it. White-hot pain washed over Alex¡¯s right shoulder,ncing through his body as though he were being pierced by ming needles.


    But with that pain came a feeling ofpletion.


    And when Alex screamed, it was <em>not</em> in agony.


    Power flowed into the General from the other Marks, and the five symbols began to sing in perfect harmony. A silent wind whipped the air around the Heroes, lifting them from the earth.


    <em>Atst, you are all finallyplete,</em> came Uldar¡¯s familiar whisper.


    <em>¡°My Heroes, you have earned my full approval,¡± </em>the deity said. <em>¡°The Saint, the Sage, the Champion and Chosen have all grown, learning techniques from the General. Things from other disciplines growing what you all already possess. That is my way. My mighty General, you have guided the rest of my Heroes down the path I wish for them. As such, I grant you my full approval and hereby reward you by empowering you fully. Go. Destroy the Ravener. Bring my will unto thend. Now. And forever.¡±</em>


    Uldar¡¯s voice echoed through Alex¡¯s mind like thunder.


    The Mark of the General began to mottle, gold flecking away, revealing the white light beneath. As it did, memories flowed to Alex¡¯s mind.


    Images of <em>every</em> time he¡¯d used the Mark of the Fool or the Mark of the General returned in a flood. He saw himself learning how to flick a coin, how to dance, how to read bodynguage, how to memorise information, how to meditate, how to craft alchemical goods and more. So much more.


    He didn¡¯t find the volume of information overwhelming; even with the vast number of images his mind was taking in at onc<strong>e,</strong> he could organise and understand <em>all</em> of it <em>and</em> still be acutely aware of his surroundings.


    The other Heroes shielded their eyes as their Marks burned ever brighter.


    ###


    The petrifier never imagined it would cower.


    It was strong¡ªthe mightiest of the Ravener-spawn¡¯s forces¡ªand there was nothing that it feared¡­until now.


    Now, the invisible creature grovelled in the dirt in the middle of an empty field. Its Hunters cowered as well.


    And above it, the sky <em>burned.</em>


    ¡°<em>Where is the General?¡±</em> three Skyfire Swarms spoke together, their words emerging from thousands of voices as one.


    Steam hissed from the grass around the petrifier and its many eyes watered, feeling the pure heat emanating from the swarm.


    ¡°<em>The¡­the Usurpers are to the southeast,¡±</em> the Petrifier stuttered out. ¡°<em>The General is one of them. He must be there.¡±</em>


    The Skyfire Swarms screamed with tion, zing even brighter.


    Nearby, a lonely tree burst into mes as the Swarms streaked away, racing through the sky with terrible speed.


    The petrifier did not move until the Swarm¡¯s light¡ªbright enough to turn the night to daylight¡ªhad faded. Several of its eye-stalks rose.


    It shuddered.


    Then scuttled away, making for the closest dungeon.


    It needed to muster the hordes.


    The war was entering its final phase.


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    ###


    Thest of the gold ked away.


    The Mark of the General was nowplete.


    Its sword, its crown-pommel and the scroll below all burned with a brilliant white light, the pain had long faded, reced by a subtle tion spreading through the young archwizard¡¯s being.


    As his and the other Heroes¡¯ feet touched the earth, the Chosen, Champion, Sage and Saint stepped away from him, taking in his Mark.


    ¡°Look at that,¡± Cedric murmured. ¡°Don¡¯ it look bloody brilliant?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Hart agreed.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Merzhin asked, concern in his voice.


    ¡°What has changed?¡± Drestra asked. ¡°Do you have any new powers?¡±


    Alex blinked at them like an owl.


    He was silent for a long moment, then stumbled back.


    ¡°Alex!¡± Theresa was a blur, reaching him in a blink. She caught him by the arm. ¡°Are you okay? Alex?¡±


    He stared at her as she steadied him, his jaw slightly agape. His eyes were unfocused. His face, pale. His mouth moved slowly.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡± Theresa turned to the others.


    ¡°...rght¡­¡± Alex muttered.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Alrght¡­¡± he said, the word flying from his mouth at speed. ¡°I¡¯mokayeverythingisalrightIthink.¡±


    The words fired out at speed, sybles tumbling over each other.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Khalik asked, stepping forward.


    ¡°<em>Father¡­are you really alright?¡±</em> ygon asked. ¡°<em>Father!¡±</em>


    The golem was rushing toward his father.


    To Alex though, ygon seemed to be moving at a snail¡¯s pace.


    The world had slowed to a crawl in the perception of the General, with all things¡ªincluding his body¡ªmoving like partly-frozen tree sap. Only his mind seemed to be working at full speed, allowing him to perceive everything around him in the highest detail and rity.


    Even ygon¡¯s voice in his mind sounded as though his words wereing out at a crawl.


    ¡®<em>Faaaaaaatheeeeeeer¡­caaaaan¡­yyyyouuuuuuu heeeaaaar meeee?¡¯</em> the golem asked.


    The words echoed endlessly in Alex¡¯s mind, with each syble dragging on for an eternity. Meanwhile, the young archwizard¡¯s thoughts were processing at double time. Then triple.


    ¡®Is this it?¡¯ he wondered. ¡®Is this what the Mark of the General¡¯s evolution does?¡¯ He scanned every detail of ygon¡¯s filigree. ¡®It¡¯s like a massively<strong><em></em></strong>powered up haste spell, but only for my mind! The world around me seems to be moving real slow, like every heartbeat is its own eternity.¡¯


    He grew excited. ¡®This is an awesome ability! I¡¯ll be able to react to enemies a lot faster with this! There¡¯s so much I can take in now, so many ns I could make all in the space of a <em>single heartbeat!</em> But¡­hold on¡­¡¯


    Something was changing. It was bing too much.


    Every image of every time he¡¯d used the Mark continued flooding his thoughts, adding to vast amounts of detailing at him from the world around, overloading him, keeping his thoughts unsettled, not able to process everything at once. <strong></strong>


    ¡®I¡¯ll have to use this sparingly,¡¯ Alex thought. An odd<strong>,</strong> almost itching sensation was growing in his mind. ¡®There¡¯s no way one brain can sort through so much information at once¡ª¡¯


    Suddenly, it felt like something shattered in his mind.


    Vertigo took him for a moment, and his belly churned.


    He almost lost bnce; but Theresa caught him again, her lips moving at a snail¡¯s pace as she spoke to him.


    What she was saying, he couldn¡¯t tell.


    He was too busy losing his mind.


    His thoughts had split into a roiling sea of chaos: emotions, thoughts, memories, and different sensations all tearing apart then twisting together in knots. Dizziness threatened to take him as waves of chaos boiled and¡ªfor a dreadful moment¡ªhe thought he¡¯d lose himself to it.


    But slowly, order touched his mind, calming it.


    Emotions settled.


    Memories organised.


    Sensation calmed.


    Thoughts¡­thoughts¡­


    ¡®What the?¡¯ Alex wondered, startling himself. His inner voice¡­didn¡¯t sound like it was alone.


    ¡®What¡¯s happening?¡¯ he wondered, multiples of his own mental voices speaking in his mind. ¡®How¡­what¡¯s going on?¡¯


    He breathed deeply, beginning to understand <em>what</em> was happening.


    And the true power of the Mark became clear.


    His mind¡­had split into multiple streams of consciousness. One stream monitored past memories from the Mark of the General, organising them with its full attention. Another stream was solely focused on the sensations around him,prehending every detail filtering through his senses.


    Another stream was monitoring the Traveller¡¯s power within him.


    Another focused on the sensations in his body.


    Another was engaged in cataloguing every spell Alex had ever learned.


    Finally, there was a <em>central</em> stream of consciousness, making decisions in fullmunication with every other stream. That stream would make decisions the others would instantly carry out.


    Simultaneously.


    ¡®No wonder the ancient Generals were able to figure out Uldar¡¯s scheme,¡¯ Alex thought in awe as every stream of consciousness worked in tandem. ¡®I can process information like never before! I can control each of my limbs individually, like they have their own brain. Hells, if I had multiple bodies, I¡¯d be able to easily control all of them! Every detail, every passing moment will be like an endless library for my mind now. This is incredible!¡¯


    He basked in the mass of information moving through his streams of consciousness and he couldn¡¯t wait to test what this power could do.


    But, at the moment, he knew hispanions were worried about him.


    Focusing one of his streams of consciousness, he concentrated on slowing his thoughts.


    Instantly, the world snapped back to its full speed and he could hear concerned voices asking if he was alright.


    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± he said, blinking rapidly, feeling his other consciousnesses still dedicated to their own specific tasks, feeding each other information. He was processing everything.


    ¡°Back?¡± Theresa frowned. ¡°Where¡¯d you go?¡±


    ¡°Wha¡¯s happenin¡¯, mate?¡± Cedric asked. ¡°It was like you was ¡®ere, but not.¡±


    ¡°<em>Your¡­I couldn¡¯t¡­father¡­were you not speaking? Or was there something else¡­¡±</em> ygon asked.


    ¡°Hold on, hold on, everyone. I¡¯ll try to exin,¡± Alex said. ¡°Just¡­give me a moment, this is going be a bit difficult to put into words.¡±


    Everyone fell silent, looking at him with a mix of trepidation and anticipation.


    Alex nced at the white Mark of the General. ¡°Well, first of all, my mind¡¯s in pieces.¡±


    ¡°We already knew that,¡± Thundar grunted.


    ¡°No, I mean, in a good way! And wait, what¡¯s that supposed to mean, you bastard?¡± Alex glowered. ¡°Anyway¡­¡±


    He exined what he¡¯d experienced: the multiple streams of consciousness, the vast eleration of his thoughts and his ability to process information like never before.


    Some of his friends¡ªhis cabal-mates specifically¡ªgaped at the implications.


    Others, however¡­


    ¡°Do you understand what he¡¯s talking about?¡± Bjorgrund loudly whispered to Cedric.


    ¡°Not a bloody clue.¡± The Chosen crossed his arms over his chest.


    ¡°Okay, okay. It¡¯s like¡­I can take in all kinds of information at once, understand it and¡­well... Imagine that you¡¯re reading a dozen books at the same time,¡± Alex exined.


    Cedric, Theresa, Hart and Bjorgrund shuddered.


    ¡°Hold on, don¡¯t grimace yet, I¡¯m going somewhere with this: imagine you¡¯re reading a dozen books at once, but you¡¯re able to understand all twelve of them at the same time.¡±


    ¡°Like having twenty-four pairs of eyes?¡± Bjorgrund asked.


    ¡°Closer to having twelve brains to process them all, I think,¡± Khalik suggested.


    Alex pped, pointing at the prince. ¡°This guy gets it! It¡¯s like twelve¡ªwell, twelve¡¯s just an arbitrary number¡ªbrains, but they¡¯re all still me and they¡¯re in constantmunication! Then, add in the fact that my mind can speed up¡­¡±


    ¡°You can learn things and react really quickly,¡± Birger said.


    ¡°Wait, couldn¡¯t you do all that stuff before?¡± Bjorgrund asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Alex said. ¡°But this is better. It¡¯s like with the other Marks: their evolution didn¡¯t really grant them <em>new</em> powers, it just made what was already there a lot better.¡±


    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Hart said. ¡°But, all this talking¡¯s boring me. Why don¡¯t we get to some demonstrations?¡±


    He looked at Cedric and Alex. ¡°I¡¯d like to see what you two can¡­¡± The Champion paused. ¡°That¡¯s weird.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s weird?¡± Merzhin asked him.


    Hart¡¯srge eyes narrowed. ¡°Looks like it¡¯s getting brighter.¡±


    Suddenly, a crack of thunder split the air, echoing from Welling.


    ¡°What in hells was that?¡± Bjorgrund demanded, hefting his axe.


    ¡°Asmaldestre¡¯s weapon,¡± Alex said. ¡°I¡¯ll go check. Be right back.¡±


    He teleported to the town.


    In the middle of Welling¡¯s main square, amotion had started.


    Soldiers and knights were scrambling away from the Unmaker, who stood beside the fountain. Her nostrils red as she sniffed the air, a line of smoke rose from the barrel of her weapon.


    ¡°Asmaldestre? What is it?¡± he asked.


    She slowly looked down at him, her three eyes burning, her voice was a low growl, its tone striking him like a serrated de.


    ¡°<em>Violence ising.¡±</em> The war-spirit¡¯s lips pulled back in a half-snarl, half-smile. <em>¡°Great violence. Real violence. It will be here soon.¡±</em>

 Chapter 842: The Unnatural Banishing of Night

    Chapter 842: The Unnatural Banishing of Night


    Evening brightened.


    And with each passing heartbeat, the war-spirit¡¯s expression turned more vicious.


    Her words yed through Alex¡¯s mind.


    <em>¡®Great violence ising.¡¯</em>


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked.


    A crowd was gathering; Thameish soldiers, priests and knights, drawn by the strange light, emerged from nearby buildings, joining those in the square.


    ¡°Hey, hey, Alex!¡± the General of Thamnd heard a familiar voice.


    Tyris Goldtooth stepped from the crowd. ¡°What¡¯s going on? I heard a st then¡­¡± She squinted at the sky. ¡°Why is it so bright out here?¡±


    ¡°<em>Wares. Deathes,</em>¡± Asmaldestre¡¯s voice drew every eye in the square. Her hair-des scraped together chillingly as her eyes searched the west. ¡°<em>I sense great violenceing to us. Greater than all the violence we drank in battle this day. Greater than any violence wrought by the invisible creatures with many eyes: I sensed their</em><strong><em></em></strong><em>violence, no matter how they hid from the eye.¡±</em>She gave the others a look, equal parts snarl and smile. ¡°<em>But the doom drawing near</em><strong><em></em></strong><em>eclipses those by far. A true bloody reckoning will soon be here. Atst.¡±</em>


    Murmuring rippled through the Thameish army.


    ¡°<em>I will go into battle.¡±</em> Asmaldestre told Alex. <em>¡°I will drink this violence like lifeblood.¡±</em>


    ¡°Wait,¡± Alex spoke quickly. ¡°No, you said violence ising to <em>us</em>. We should gather against it together. If many warriors face¡­whatever¡¯sing at the same time, that means even <em>more </em>violence.¡±


    Asmaldestre¡¯s expression went nk; she ran her glowing-tailde across the cobblestones lining the square, slicing them as though they were butter. ¡°<em>Very well.¡±</em>


    ¡°Hold on.¡± Tyris came closer. ¡°What exactly are we facing here?¡±


    ¡°I can''t really say,¡± Alex¡¯s hands balled into fists. ¡°But I have a couple of guesses, and any one of them is going to be really bad.¡± The young archwizard looked at Tyris and the knights''manders. ¡°Start rousing everybody. If they¡¯ve bedded down, get them up. Everyone needs their equipment on and they need to be ready to fight or retreat.¡±


    He looked at the war-spirit. ¡°How far is the threat from here?¡±


    She took a deep breath, as though enjoying the sweet aroma of a feast. ¡°<em>Many of your miles away.¡±</em>


    Tyris let out a sigh of relief. ¡°So we have ti¡ª¡±


    <em>¡°It will be here in minutes.¡±</em> Asmaldestre¡¯s voice was like the hiss of death. ¡°<em>It moves quickly. So quickly¡­yes, this will be a mighty reckoning.¡±</em>


    ¡°By the Traveller,¡± Alex swore. ¡°Tyris, everyone, get people moving! Now!


    ¡°Shit! Alright!¡± The battlemage cast flight magic on herself, rising into the air and cupping her hands. ¡°Sound the rm!¡± She shouted. ¡°An attack¡¯sing! Vesuvius! Get ready for battle!¡±


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go, Asmaldestre.¡± Alex pressed his hand to the war-spirit¡¯s side.


    ¡°<em>To war.¡± </em>she said.


    He couldn¡¯t bring himself to answer as they teleported to the Fields of Cormac.


    Hispanions were waiting, weapons drawn, all eyes facing west. Above the trees, light was growing on the horizon, like sunrise erasing nightfall.


    It felt wrong.


    ¡°Alex¡­¡± Theresa lifted the Twinde. ¡°Brutus smells something burning. A <em>lot</em> of things burning.¡±


    Beside her, the three-headed hound had grown, sheathed in spiked bone armour. His heads were lowered, hackles raised, and his tail thrashed as he growled toward the west.


    His ws gripped the soil.


    ¡°He¡¯s scared,¡± Theresa said quietly.


    ¡°He ain¡¯t the only one,¡± Thundar growled, raising his mace, stepping between Drestra and the growing light.


    The Sage stepped forward, pushing herself in front of him and removing her veil. She snarled, ¡°That makes three of us.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯ be scared, fer now.¡± Cedric lifted his morphic weapon, snapping it into a spear. The white Mark of the Chosen burned on his chest as he lifted Uldar¡¯s battleaxe. ¡°I¡¯s thinkin¡¯ we¡¯ll b¡¯havin¡¯ plenty o¡¯ reasons t¡¯be afraid in a bit. Bloody never seen night changin¡¯ like this b¡¯for.¡±


    Bjorgrund grunted, gripping his divine axe. He stepped nearer to his father, who¡¯d moved between him and the growing light on the horizon.


    ¡°Do you have any idea what¡¯sing for us, Alex?¡± Birger asked.


    The archwizard¡¯s stomach sank.


    ¡°When I saw the vision in the dungeon core¡­¡± He began, squinting at the brightening sky that had awakened a memory. ¡°I saw a lot of things. Awful things. One was the sky:pletely unrecognisable, full of fire like Cretalikon.¡±


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    ¡°Hold on.¡± Hart looked at him sharply. ¡°Do you mean the vision you had of the Ravener <em>culling people?</em> Is <em>that</em> what you¡¯re talking about?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± was all Alex said.


    ¡°Well, that exins much.¡± Khalik had sheathed himself in dense armour of earth and stone. His voice sounded strained. His familiar was not on his shoulder. ¡°I sent Najyah into the sky to see what we are about to face¡­and what she sees is the sky on fire to the west. And it ising this way.¡±


    ¡°<em>Then¡­¡±</em> ygon paused.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°Wait¡ª¡± Theresa started.


    But he was already gone.


    He appeared miles to the west, his eyes were fixed on what was ahead of him.


    Najyah and Khalik were right; the sky was on fire, just as it had been in his vision.


    ¡°This is it,¡± he whispered. ¡°It begins.¡± The young archwizard nced at the Mark of the General. ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll be testing your new powers in battle.¡±


    Calling on the Mark, his thoughts elerated; the world around him slowed to a crawl as he tookmand of his many streams of consciousness, setting each to a different task.


    One stream took control of his right arm, casting a seventh-tier spell; Conjure Objects. Another concentrated on his left hand, casting Sense Enhancement. A third focused on his right leg, casting Orb of Air. A fourth stream controlled his left leg, casting greater force armour. A fifth focused on his facial muscles, casting haste. He slowed his thoughts.


    His limbs twitched rapidly.


    Five spells activated at once.


    Conjure Objects teleported his aeld staff from Welling to his hand.


    Orb of Air sheathed his head. Greater force armour girded his body. Sense Enhancement sharpened his vision, hearing, touch, sense of taste and smell. Haste magic suffused his entire body.


    In less than a heartbeat, he was <em>drenched </em>in magic.


    Waves of worry and curiosity emanated from the staff as he held it tightly. ¡°This could be bad,¡± he whispered. ¡°But we¡¯ll get through it.¡±


    He teleported toward the light, hurtling through space, then reappearing¡­greeted by a wall of searing heat that mmed into him.


    ¡°By the Traveller!¡± he hissed, stopping in ce.


    Death wasing.


    Three clouds of fire burned across the sky, filling it from horizon to horizon and burning so brightly they stung the eye. They turned night into day, even desating clouds.


    Below, forests turned to ash.


    With long, finger-like appendages of me, the fiery clouds reached down to torch the countryside. Woonds burned. Fields of grass were ash. ckened skeletons of woond creatures turned to soot, ck smoke billowing into the sky.


    In Alex¡¯s hand, the aeld staff shrieked in terror.


    The fiery clouds raced ahead, travelling through the air at terrifying speed, devouring the distance in no time, trailing an inferno behind them.


    Watching the scene unfold, fear left the young archwizard.


    Reced by rage.


    With those mes came the memory of the fire that had taken his and his sister¡¯s parents, though now, they wereing for him and many of the people he knew and loved.


    But, this time, there were two main differences.


    First, there was no Mr. Lu here to hold him back.


    Second?


    He took a deep breath, ncing at the white-glowing Mark of the General on his shoulder.


    Second, he¡ªand hispanions¡ªhad the power to stop an inferno.


    ¡°Hey!¡± he roared, his voice echoing over thend.


    Before him, the clouds of me paused.


    Alex felt untold eyes on him.


    <em>¡°General¡­¡±</em> the word hissed from thousands of voices.


    The General of Thamnd¡¯s eyes fixed on the clouds, watching them closely, his enhanced vision catching tiny flecks of light forming those fires, but he couldn¡¯t distinguish more details, not from his distance.


    And he wasn¡¯t about to get any closer. Not yet.


    ¡°Yes. I am the General of Thamnd. If you want me,e for me. Come and die.¡± Alex spread his arms. He let the words hang. There would be no speeches directed at these <em>things. </em>


    And they offered him none in return.


    The clouds red as bright as the noonday sun then raced for him.


    He teleported away, back to his friends, back to the Fields of Cormac.


    ¡°Alex!¡± Theresa cried. ¡°I thought you¡¯d gone off by yourself!¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Alex said grimly. ¡°Not this time.¡±


    ¡°<em>Father¡­what is¡­it?¡±</em> ygon asked.


    ¡°Three swarms, like clouds of fire in the sky,¡± the General said. ¡°They¡¯re burning hot enough to turn forests to ash. And they¡¯reing to kill me. Specifically: they said ¡®General¡¯.¡±


    Silence followed.


    ¡°Oh, is <em>that</em> all?¡± Thundar grunted. ¡°I thought you were gonna tell us it was dangerous or something. Ugh, this is gonna get rough, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°So, how do we handle it?¡± Hart asked.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, so how do <em>we </em>handle it<em>? Because</em><strong></strong>you¡¯re <em>not</em> going to handle this alone, Alex,¡± Theresa told him.<strong></strong>


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not,¡± Alex promised. ¡°But not all of us can stand against those things. As far as I could tell, those clouds are made up of swarms of tiny¡­fiery things. They look like sparks of fire, about the size of fleas. Weapons are basically going to do nothing to them.¡±


    ¡°Well, that means I¡¯m useless.¡± The Champion grunted. ¡°So, General, what do you want me to do?¡±


    Theresa swore under her breath. ¡°I¡¯ll basically be useless too.¡±


    ¡°The same here,¡± Bjorgrund said.


    ¡°Me too,¡± Birger muttered.


    ¡°<em>It does not matter the size of the foe.¡±</em> Asmaldestre¡¯s words struck. ¡°<em>Great. Small. Physical. Not. Violence will find them.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°My fire¡­would it be useless?¡±</em> ygon asked, his voice dropping as he looked at the fire-gems in his upper palms. ¡°<em>My spear¡­and fists¡­will not help.¡±</em>


    ¡°I think your sts <em>will </em>help<em>,</em> buddy,¡± Alex said. ¡°We might not be able to burn them, but the shockwaves from the explosions should be devastating to a swarm.¡±


    <em>¡°Good! I can¡­protect¡­us this time¡­¡±</em> ygon said.


    ¡°By my reckoning.¡± Khalik looked around as Najyahnded on his shoulder. ¡°My magic, as well as Isolde¡¯s, Drestra¡¯s, Cedric¡¯s, Thundar¡¯s as well as ygon¡¯s beams and Merzhin¡¯s miracles, should be the most useful.¡±


    ¡°Talk faster¡­¡± Birger said nervously.


    The west was growing brighter.


    But Alex looked to the east. To the sea.


    ¡°Drestra, you¡¯re good with wind magic, right? You can create fire tornadoes,¡± Alex pointed out.


    ¡°I am,¡± she said. ¡°and I <em>can </em>create mighty winds.¡±


    He turned to Merzhin next. ¡°The priests created a barrier around Thamnd, and it stopped Ravener-spawn from leaving these shores, right? Do you think you could <em>alter</em> that barrier?¡±


    ¡°I can easily alter it, especially since my Mark has evolved.¡± Merzhin adjusted his robes, readying himself for battle. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Fire needs air,¡± Alex said. ¡°If you extend the barrier¡ªjust by a few hundred feet beyond shore¡ªwe can drive those things into the sea. Drestra can use her wind magic, and I can cast Control Weather. We¡¯ll blow them into the water.¡±


    ¡°What about us?¡± Theresa asked. Brutus whimpered beside her.


    ¡°I want you, Brutus, Hart, Bjorgrund and Birger back in Welling,¡± he said. ¡°You can organise the army and help them get ready in case more Ravener-spawn areing. Birger, can you ward the town?¡±


    ¡°Against fire clouds?¡± The giant blew out a breath. ¡°Maybe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take a ¡®maybe¡¯,¡± Alex said. ¡°Merzhin, Asmaldestre, ygon, Thundar, Cedric, Drestra, Khalik, Isolde¡­I want us flying north, away from Welling. We¡¯ll steer those things away from the army. Once we leave, I¡¯ll try and create hurricane winds with Control Weather and you can summon winds with your magic, Drestra, but Control Weather takes a while to cast. We¡¯ll have to work together to wreck those things and push them into the sea, so, I¡¯ll be counting on all of you.¡±


    ¡°You can, as always,¡± Khalik said. ¡°If this is the Ravener¡¯s first deadly strike against us, then we will need a response just as terrifying. Let us give these ancient Ravener-spawn an enthusiastic wee to the modern world.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Alex glowered. ¡°And a real good reason to be afraid of it.¡±

 Chapter 843: Skyfire

    Chapter 843: Skyfire


    The west was growing brighter as trees swayed in the hot wind.


    Screeching birds fled the woods; and below them, beasts scattered, rushing through the Fields of Cormac, crying out in fear.


    The smell of smoke was stronger, and in the distance, clouds evaporated.


    ¡°By the Traveller,¡± Theresa whispered, turning and quickly kissing Alex. Desperately.


    The huntress pulled away, taking his face in her hands, locking their eyes. ¡°Be careful.¡± <strong></strong>


    ¡°I will.¡± He promised, hugging her then turning to the others. ¡°Hart, Bjorgrund, Birger, Brutus. Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll take you to Welling. Cedric, Drestra, Merzhin, Isolde, Khalik, Thundar: I want you to start casting every defensive spell and miracle you can.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Prince Khalik said. ¡°Let us prepare! I don¡¯t want to see any of us fall now. This is just the beginning.¡±


    The spellcasters began their conjuring while those going to Welling gathered around Alex.


    ¡°We¡¯re ready,¡± Hart said.Alex nodded, his fourpanions touched his shoulders and in a blink, he¡¯d teleported them to Welling, and was back.


    ¡°¡ªfire spells will likely not be effective,¡± Isolde was saying as she sheathed herself in greater force armour. ¡°Focus on spells that reach a wider area, and anything that can disrupt those clouds.¡±


    ¡°I have a few ideas.¡± Drestra spotted Alex. ¡°Wee back. It won¡¯t be long.¡±


    The clouds of fire were growing closer by the heartbeat, mes spreading through the trees.


    ¡°Asmaldestre, how much time do we have?¡± the young archwizard asked.


    ¡°<em>Less than a minute</em>.¡± The war-spirit¡¯s words struck like a whip.


    ¡°Alright, then.¡± Alex took a deep breath.


    The world slowed.


    Individual streams of consciousness focused attention on each limb and his face.


    His countenance cast Control Weather; the spell would take time to activate.


    His left arm began summoning elder air elementals while his right conjured elder water elementals. His left leg cast elder ice elementals and his right cast flight magic on himself and hispanions.


    Lastly, he used his staff to channel haste magic.


    When the world sped up again, elder elementals poured from portals by the dozen, while haste and flight magics infused hispanions and summoned creatures.


    The sky seemed aze, the west grew bright enough to sting the eye.


    Heat saturated the air.


    Soon, the horde of conjured elder elementals surrounded him, and within himself, a stream of consciousness focused on mana regeneration and another conjured swarms of Elemental Beetles.


    ¡°Fire elemental beetles?¡± Thundar asked. ¡°Why not water or ice?¡±


    ¡°Fire elementals should be immune to the enemy¡¯s me,¡± Alex said as the swarms spread out, surrounding eachpanion and summoned monster. ¡°They¡¯re going to attack anything that tries getting near us. Hopefully, that should keep those fire-swarms off of us. But be careful, even though Orb of Air will protect our lungs from heat and smoke, the enemy¡¯s giving off such a <em>massive </em>amount of heat that if we get caught in one of those clouds, we¡¯ll be ash.¡±


    ¡°Not me.¡± Drestra transformed to her true form. ¡°I can attack them from the inside.¡±


    Thundar touched her scaled leg as illusionary duplicates appeared around him.


    ¡°We will all get through this together,¡± Isolde said.


    ¡°Aye, that we will,¡± Cedric moved closer to her.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Alex whispered.


    Dread gnawed at him.


    The Ravener had struck first, he wondered about other areas of Thamnd. What was going on there? <em>What</em> had the Ravener unleashed in other parts of the kingdom while its clouds of fire raced for him and hispanions. He¡¯d sent his mercenaries from the Whetstone Tavern out across the realm, but he had no way of knowing what they could be facing.


    ¡®Hannah,¡¯ he thought. ¡®Give us strength. Give us power. Protect us. Help us all get through this.¡¯


    Warmth emanated from her power, stirring in his soul.


    She was listening.


    Whether she was strong enough to make a tangible difference yet, he didn¡¯t know, but he knew she was listening.


    It was up to the <em>living</em> to make<strong></strong>that<strong></strong>difference right now.


    ¡°Alright, everyone to the north!¡± he called. ¡°Let¡¯s keep those swarms focused on Drestra and me, and away from Welling! Let¡¯s go!¡±


    As one, the group took to the air, racing to the north. Hot wind whipped across their force armour.


    Above, the burning clouds emerged from over the forest. The night had turned to day as the trees burned, mes racing through the Fields of Cormac.


    ¡°<em>Generaaaal¡­¡±</em> the clouds spoke in the crackle of mes.


    They raced after thepanions.


    ¡°It¡¯s working!¡± Thundar called. ¡°They¡¯re following us, but¡­¡± The minotaur threw a quick nce over his shoulder. ¡°But Alex, they¡¯re a <em>hell</em> of a lot faster than we are!¡±


    ¡°<em>Generaaaaaal!¡±</em> the clouds screamed. A st of heat mmed into them, sweat beaded on Alex¡¯s skin.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    ¡°Nope!¡± Thundar shouted. ¡°Don¡¯t like that one bit!¡±


    ¡°<em>They¡­are¡­gaining on us¡­father¡­¡±</em>


    ¡°Spread out!¡± Alex called; his facial muscles were still casting Control Weather. ¡°They¡¯re faster than we are, but we can teleport! Drestra, the two of us are going higher, we¡¯ll take them with us. Everyone else, attack from below! Watch yourselves! I want everyoneing through this alive! Merzhin, move the barrier. Tell me when it¡¯s done.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the Saint said.


    ¡°Understood!¡± Khalik said. ¡°To battle!¡±


    ¡°<em>To ughter.¡±</em> Asmaldestre hissed.


    ¡°To the death,¡± Alex said, touching Drestra¡¯s scaled leg.


    The two Heroes teleported higher, then began flying straight up.


    For an instant, the fiery clouds paused in mid-air.


    ¡°They¡¯re like little imps of fire!¡± Drestra shouted, her dragon-eyes focused on the zing spawn.


    ¡°<em>General¡­Usurper!¡±</em> the fire clouds hissed, shooting after them at terrifying speed.


    Alex was pouring sweat from the rising heat, but heat wasn¡¯t the only thing rising.


    The young archwizard¡¯s mana poured out. Clouds¡ªthat had been burned away from the merciless heat¡ªnow gathered above him, manifesting from his magics.


    Cool winds flowed from the sky, meeting the swarms¡¯ fiery heat.


    ¡°Alright, Control Weather¡¯s starting to work,¡± he said. ¡°Let¡¯s make our stand.¡±


    ¡°Time to die, Ravener-spawn!¡± Drestra¡¯s voice thundered through the air.


    The dragon¡¯s wings snapped open, halting her ascension as her limbs cast a powerful spell, her body cast another and her lips a third. Powerful mana filled the air, even catching Alex off-guard. Wind rose, swirling around the dragon. ¡°Can you keep them busy for a bit?¡± she shouted.


    ¡°dly!¡± Alex turned, facing the swarm.


    They did not falter, racing for the usurper and General.


    Alex conjured a Wizard¡¯s Hand and tossed his staff to it.


    The world slowed as he raised his arms.


    Streams of consciousness focused on his limbs and motions, casting five spells at once.


    His right hand shone with ectosmic energy. Deadly cold gathered around his left. Beside his left leg, a blot of acid formed, while an orb of force magic formed before his right one.


    The air in front of his chest shimmered.


    Streams of consciousness focused on the spells.


    And the world sped up again.


    Heat sted the young archwizard as the fiery swarms surged for him.


    They were toote.


    Mana rushed from his pool, unleashing a storm of wizardry on them.


    Heat fled from his left hand, steam billowed, a cone of blue-white magic roared from his palm, bringing howling, devastating winds to bear. From his right, a hungry cone of ectosmic echoes were unleashed. Acid streamed through the air, trailing a flurry of force missiles from his legs.


    Cone of Ice. Phantom st. Acid Spray. Battering Force st.


    All were unleashed at once, blindsiding the swarms.


    mes hissed, retreating. Spells melted Ravener-spawn, the miniscule creatures screaming as icy winds froze them in ce, extinguishing mes. Ectosmic echoes¡ªa horde of screaming spirits¡ªdrank fires, leaving only death, while force missiles detonated, sending shockwaves through the swarm, devastating the fire clouds.


    Their numbers fell, but Alex wasn¡¯t done.


    Magic shimmering before him exploded, announcing a seventh-tier spell: Waves of Weariness struck thousands of tiny spawn in a wave, syphoning fortitude and vitality, draining their strength.


    Their light faded to a sickly grey.


    Speed failed, tiny creatures drifted listlessly, like dying leaves.


    Alex waited, ready for more toe at him¡­but his spells had done their work, the devastated swarm paused.


    ¡°Alex, move!¡± Drestra shouted.


    The young archwizard teleported away, hovering beside the dragon.


    A towering whirlwind¡ªby far thergest tornado she¡¯d ever conjured¡ªspun near her, not filled with me, but steaming acid, bubbling inside.


    Within the cyclone¡¯s eye was a singr point of light. Acid orbited that point of light too, seemingly being drawn to it. Even from his distance, the young archwizard felt the radiance pulling him, seeking to drag him near.


    With a roar, Drestraunched her violent winds at the stilled cloud of mes, dragging the Ravener-spawn inside. Acid hissed, greeting the creatures. Thousands. Tens of thousands. Hundreds of thousands of tiny spawn were swept up by the howling wind.


    And Alex understood the <em>true</em> power of that point of light.


    It red, and clusters of spawn also understood its true power as they were dragged into the whirlwind. Millions of tiny sparking lights boiled in acid, and were extinguished like miniature suns. A deadly swath was carved through the clouds of fire.


    Alex did not hesitate to follow up.


    Flying forward, straight for the reeling clouds, he stopped near them, and cast five spells at once.


    All five were Cone of Ice.


    Fresh sts of freezing wind devastated more Ravener-spawn, snuffing their fires out, but he still wasn¡¯t finished with them. Conjuring an eighth-tier spell: Mass Control Corpse with a single word¡ªa word he¡¯d longed to say¡ªhe released the spell: ¡°Rise.¡±


    Dying Ravener-spawn stopped mid-fall, their light ring again, then taking a sickly hue, as Alex puppetted them to their kin: dead, fiery Ravener-spawn attacked the creatures of living me.


    Even as Alex and Drestra¡¯s assault struck at the enemy from above, theirpanions attacked from below.


    ygon fired his beams, explosions hit the swarms. Shockwaves ripped through them, the golem¡¯s zing light snuffing out theirs.


    The prince of Tekezash and<strong></strong>Thundar cut the creatures down with force explosions, while Isolde electrocuted them with streams of lightning and rain.


    Beams of holy lightnced from Cedric¡¯s hand and weapon, killing hundreds.


    Summoned elementals dove into the swarm. Water elementals hissed, steaming as they bubbled within the fires, ice elementals crackled, striking all around them, freezing anything they touched. Air elementals whirled through the clouds, striking with lightning, inhaling me as they went.


    Then, there was Asmaldestre.


    Leaping in¡ªfire licking at her body¡ªshe rampaged through the swarm. Every miniature Ravener-spawn that touched her skin, split apart as though struck by honed des.


    The war-spirit swept Uldar¡¯s weapons and her tail-de through them, chopping the small creatures with precision with every swing, her movements like shadows, even to Alex¡¯s eyes.


    Her ranged weapons <em>cracked</em>, projectiles exploding great waves of death through the swarms.


    Pressed on two sides, these mighty Ravener-spawn¡­could do little.


    Gone was their headlong rush and hungry calls for the General, for usurpers.


    Now they screamed, and in their voices, Alex heard their anguish and resentment.


    They were not prepared for the terrible might that Thamnd¡¯s Heroes and theirpanions had gained.


    And the worst was yet toe.


    ¡°Alex!¡± Merzhin¡¯s voice called from beneath the swarm. ¡°I¡¯ve moved the barrier and I blessed the water!¡±


    ¡°Right on time!¡± The young archwizard¡¯s eyes turned to the dark clouds above them; they had returned with a vengeance from the Ravener-spawn¡¯s drying mes. Alex would give them that vengeance.


    He turned to the east¡ªto the sea¡ªpointing at it. ¡°Drive them into the ocean.¡±


    Hismand soared to the heavens.


    And the heavens replied.


    The wind rose.


    Gusting.


    Then galeforce.


    Hurricane winds roared in next, sweeping the Ravener-spawn where they wanted.


    Uncounted voices cried out, the word dying in the wind: <em>¡°maste¡­¡± </em>they screamed, trying to brace themselves in the air¡­though no cloud could withstand such winds. These fire clouds were no exception. Shrieking, clouds of me were driven from the shore¡ªpushed along by Alex and Drestra¡¯s magics¡ªsweeping them above the sea.


    The swarms struggled, gripped by the wind, having no hope.


    Together, Alex and Drestra pointed downward.


    As one, the winds drove the swarms into the sea.


    There came an ear-shattering shriek.


    Spawn struggled, trying to break free. All around them, the ocean boiled, keeping them captive, smothering their lights all the same. Dimming fires floundered beneath the surface, lights faded and sparks died.


    Soon, an unnatural daylight had turned to evening.


    Darkness fell once more.


    All that remained of the clouds of fire was a boiling sea and rising steam.


    ¡°Holy shit¡­¡± Alex muttered. ¡°We did it. Without¡­without that much trouble.¡±


    ¡°They were strong,¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled, pride filling it. ¡°But we were stronger. We have be much stronger. Very much stronger.¡±


    Alex clenched his fists. ¡°Yes, we <em>have</em> grown in power, haven¡¯t we?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. In one single stroke, we finished this battle against old and powerful monsters that the Ravener had used to cull our people in ancient times,¡± she added. ¡°The same ones you saw in your vision in the dungeon core.¡±


    ¡°Oh no, you¡¯re wrong.¡± Alex turned to the swath of burnedndscape leading west. ¡°This battle¡¯s not over, not<strong></strong>yet.¡±


    He looked at the trail of ckened forest and earth. A trail showing the path the swarm had taken.


    ¡°Not by a long shot,¡± he whispered. ¡°Let¡¯s gather everyone. I want to pull this thread and see where it leads.¡±


    Silence reigned in the Ravener¡¯s cavern. <em>¡°Impossible,¡±</em> the construct whispered.


    The corpse of its creator looked down with lifeless eyes.


    That stirring within the Ravener grew stronger.

 Chapter 844: The Trail of Doom

    Chapter 844: The Trail of Doom


    Months.


    Months spent priming its oldest inner pathways.


    Months spent in contemtion.


    Months spent crafting not one, but <em>three</em> Skyfire Swarms.


    ¡­and all three had been defeated in mere minutes.


    ¡°<em>Impossible. Impossible. Impossible,¡±</em> the Ravener whispered.


    Its spawn looked up at their master, confused.


    ¡°<em>Go. Bring me a petrifier. One closest to that battle,¡±</em> the Ravener said. ¡°<em>We must know what happened.¡± </em>


    The construct fell silent, floating over the water in its chamber, considering what had urred. It knew only that the three Skyfire Swarms it had sent after the Heroes were dead.Dead in minutes.


    It could not be: Skyfire Swarms were creatures of the old times. Times when the creator wished for all of Thamnd¡¯s people to be wiped from the world. The swarms were not invincible. They were not unstoppable.


    But they also were not so weak as to be destroyed¡ªby even the Heroes at their mightiest¡ªwithin minutes. It could <em>not</em> be.


    ¡°<em>Impossible¡­¡±</em> it whispered again.


    For a time, it waited in silence, analysing its memories of past battles. Battles from before the General was reced by the Fool. In silence, it waited among its Ravener-spawn¡­until, atst, a petrifier crawled from a tunnel and into itsir.


    ¡°<em>Speak,¡±</em> itmanded.


    The petrifier threw itself on the shore, grovelling before its master. ¡°<em>Master,¡±</em> it answered. ¡°<em>The General and Usurper, and theirpanions defeated our Swarms.¡±</em>


    ¡°<em>How?¡±</em> the Ravener asked.


    And the petrifier exined what had happened. From the beginning to its quick and deadly end, the battle between the Heroes, theirpanions and the Skyfire Swarms, wasid bare. The creature had been too far to intervene, but close enough to see with its powerful vision.


    Close enough to witness the Skyfire Swarms¡¯ crushing failure.


    ¡°<em>That will be all,¡±</em> the Ravener said abruptly. ¡°<em>Wait there for my order.¡±</em>


    The construct fell silent once more, finishing the examination of its own memories.


    There were only a few cycles where a General had existed in Thamnd¡­and in none could the Ravener find <em>any</em> memory of <em>three</em> Skyfire Swarms facing defeat at the hands of the Heroes, and not so many with such ease.


    ¡°<em>What was the difference?¡±</em> it wondered. ¡°<em>Why has this impossibility urred?¡±</em>


    It examined its memories one final time, ying out battles that the five Heroes had fought against its mighty Ravener-spawn. Itpared those memories to the petrifiers¡¯ recounting, and came to grim conclusions. Very grim conclusions.


    For one, it could not find any group of Heroes in its memories that <empared</em> to the sheer power wielded by this generation and their allies.


    ¡°<em>They are the strongest of any cycle,¡±</em> it whispered. <em>¡°And they are not alone.¡±</em>


    This generation¡¯s Heroes are aided by forces beyond Thamnd¡¯s shores.


    ¡°<em>Previous generations have only battled alongside those of the creator¡¯s kingdom. Thameish armies and some few mercenaries, in the past. Now, there are outsiders to contend with. Powerful outsiders. This is beyond my calctions¡­and they are here because of him.¡±</em>


    The General.


    <em>This</em> General.


    So many changes and irregrities in this cycle¡ªthe outsiders, the usurpers, the discovery of Uldar¡¯s death, the destruction of the hidden church¡ªcould all be linked back to that one individual. No General or Fool in all of Thamnd¡¯s history had ever caused this many disruptions in Uldar¡¯s great n.


    None until now.


    ¡°<em>I underestimated them,¡±</em> it whispered, the stirring growing within its core. ¡°<em>They must be destroyed quickly. At once! If they grow any stronger¡­¡±</em>


    It paused, turning its attention to the petrifier.


    ¡°<em>Go. Speak to our ally. Things must change,¡±</em> the Ravener said. ¡°<em>We must¡ª¡±</em>


    ¡°<em>Master!¡±</em> a voice called from one of the cavern¡¯s numerous entrances.


    Every Ravener-spawn turned toward the voice.


    There stood a Hunter, wheezing from exertion. It looked like it had sprinted many miles.


    ¡°<em>Master! The enemy is tracking the Skyfire Swarms! They are following their trail!¡±</em>


    Silence fell.


    ¡°<em>Be calm!¡±</em> the Ravenermanded. ¡°<em>Guards will be doubled in ourir. But they will not find us. They cannot. And soon. Soon they will have too much to upy them to try to seek us out.¡±</em>


    ###


    ¡°<em>I underestimated all of you.¡±</em> Asmaldestre¡¯s voice shed the air around her. It echoed even above the pounding rain. ¡°<em>You all boil with greater violence than I had thought you capable of. The violence of the fire clouds was undone by our own. Yes, you were correct, archwizard. This battle just might satisfy me.¡±</em>


    ¡°Boil with greater violence than you thought us capable of¡­¡± Khalik muttered beneath his breath. ¡°Thank you? I suppose?¡±


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    ¡°<em>You are wee.¡± </em>Asmaldestre answered, turning her burning gaze on him.


    He flinched.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s a good thing ¡®your violence¡¯ stopped it so far,¡± Theresa said, flying by Alex¡¯s side. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen anything like this.¡±


    ¡°Neither have I, Theresa,¡± Alex said. ¡°Neither have I.¡±


    Beneath the groupy a path of destruction at least a mile wide: a trench of ckened earth scarring thend in an endless wound across the Thameish wilderness. Everything the fiery clouds had touched was charred or now ash and dust, and the fires were only snuffed out by the pounding, unnatural rain called down by Alex¡¯s magic.


    Even then, some of the mes still stubbornly sputtered on, only dying out when the young archwizard sent an elder water elemental down to stifle them.


    It was fine, though.


    He had more.


    Many more.


    The young archwizard was leading a small army through the sky.


    At its centre were those who¡¯d faced the fire-clouds, thepanions he¡¯d taken to Welling, Tyris and Vesuvius. They were now joined by Baelin, who Alex had teleported to Generasi to ask for his help.


    And they also had morepany. Around them was an army of summoned monsters, many conjured by Alex and many more called by Baelin.


    Engeli, celestials, demons, devils, and elementals surrounded the group, soaring through the rain.


    The group movedrgely in silence, eyes focused ahead.


    Only Asmaldestre was cheerily chatting away, as though the terrible violence they¡¯d engaged in was as wee as a pic under the summer sun. And to be fair to her¡­in every way, it was.


    They had taken no casualties.


    No injuries.


    And their opponents were dead.


    ¡®Have we really be so powerful?¡¯ Alex thought, looking down at his hands. In one was his aeld staff, and the other balled into a fist and released repeatedly. ¡®In just a few months? I guess¡­It guess we have. By the Traveller, if we were all together in the Empire and had faced the hidden church as we are now, we might have killed all of them in the first ambush. ¡­what we just did leads me to believe we have enough power to put the Ravener down.¡¯


    He smiled at the thought, watching the devastated path through the rain.


    ckened water pooled on the ground.


    ¡®¡­if this sort of destruction is what¡¯s in store for the rest of the kingdom¡­¡¯ He shuddered, pushing away an image of Alric being reduced to ash. ¡®Don¡¯t think like that. Focus on what¡¯s in front of you. You can find the Ravener. You can strike it down. We can strike it down.¡¯


    He took a deep breath, calming his mind.


    Under his shirt, the Mark of the General shone with its brilliant white light, just as the other Heroes¡¯ Marks did.


    ¡®We can do this. We can do this.¡¯ He told himself.


    ¡°The path ends just up ahead!¡± Drestra called. ¡°Be ready!¡±


    Alex¡¯s thoughts went quiet. ¡°What else do you see?¡± he called back. ¡°Any Ravener-spawn?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she said.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see anything right now,¡± Theresa said.


    ¡°Don¡¯t smell anything either,¡± Thundar added.


    ¡°I shall conjure some Wizard¡¯s Eyes.¡± Baelin added. His bronze armour gleamed as the rain beat down on it. ¡°We¡¯ll let them start investigating the area. We shall find it.¡±


    They closed in on what appeared to be where the fire-clouds¡¯ had begun their path of destruction through Thamnd.


    The scorched earth began in an empty field: what once must have been a vast, grassy in was now reduced to a clogged wastnd of muck, debris and ash.


    ¡°Be careful,¡± Khalik whispered. ¡°We do not know what lies ahead of us.¡±


    The group reached the wastnd, circling in the sky for a time.


    All eyes scanned the ground below them, searching for a hole, a rise or other sign of a dungeon. They found nothing.


    ¡®Oh no,¡¯ Alex thought, his heart sinking.


    He remembered how they¡¯d searched the countryside when Uldar¡¯s throne and corpse had disappeared. They¡¯d followed Ravener-spawn tracks until they¡¯d disappeared.


    But¡ªeven after months of searching¡ªthey¡¯d found nothing. Not even a clue.


    ¡®Not again,¡¯ he thought as theynded in the wastnd.


    ¡°Spread out,¡± he said. ¡°There¡¯s got to be something here. There has to be.¡±


    ¡°There has to be,¡± Theresa echoed.


    ¡°Let us hope.¡± Baelin conjured a horde of Wizard¡¯s Eyes with a wave of his hand.


    Together, the group and the ancient archwizard¡¯s invisible eyes spread out over thend, examining every nook and cranny of the burnt field. Seconds turned to minutes. Minutes to many.


    Every inch of the area was scanned for even a single sign of the Ravener or the origins of the fiery clouds.


    Slivers of grass nowy ckened in the deste field, among cinders, and ash that were once a copse of trees. Heaps of embers hissed, dying atop bits of shattered bone that Brutus sniffed with interest. None were spared from the fire.


    But still¡­


    ¡°Nothing?¡± Drestra suddenly roared. ¡°<em>Nothing?¡±</em> mes erupted from her draconic maw. ¡°It can¡¯t be! Not again!¡±


    Alex was turning over a charred log¡ªhe could have sworn he¡¯d examined the same one ten times already¡ªhe was shaking with anger. ¡°No way. It <em>had</em> toe from here. Baelin, do you see anything?¡±


    The chancellor was floating in the centre of the wastnd, his eyes distant. ¡°None of my Wizard¡¯s Eyes have detected a single sign of any entrance underground, save for a few small burnt burrows.¡±


    Alex turned to one of the engeli. ¡°What of you?¡± He asked in their celestial tongue. ¡°Do you sense any divinity?¡±


    ¡°None save for the divine powers of your allies, archwizard.¡± The engeli bowed deeply.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Alex looked down at the muddy earth at his feet. He switched to a tongue of earth elementals. ¡°Have you seen anything?¡±


    There was a rumble beneath his feet.


    An elder earth elemental emerged.


    It groaned in thenguage of rock and soil.


    ¡°Still nothing?¡± Alex cried. ¡°No tunnels, no dungeon¡­nothing?¡±


    ¡°My magics could not find anything either.¡± Prince Khalik said grimly. He looked up. ¡°Perhaps the fire clouds came from the sky? It is possible that they emerged from somewhere far from here, soared high into the sky, then came down at this point. All to throw us off their trail.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯a b¡¯ th¡¯firs¡¯ time bloody Ravener-spawn led us on a bloody bad chase,¡± Cedric¡¯s tone was dark. He floated in the air above the scorched bones of arge antlered creature. His knuckles were white on his weapon. ¡°I¡¯s thinkin¡¯ we mighta been had again.¡±


    ¡°No, I refuse to ept that!¡± Drestra snarled, her ws digging trenches in the earth. ¡°It seemed like we were so close! So close!¡±


    ¡°Perhaps. Perhaps not.¡± Baelin frowned, exuding the patience of the ages. ¡°Though, perhaps we are missing something. We can widen our search. I humbly suggest that we spread out, and take a look in a wider area while continuing to search here. A Proper Wizard avoids growing too narrow in their vision.¡±


    ¡°True.¡± Alex turned to the others. ¡°Let¡¯s spread out. I want us fanning out in every direction, that¡¯ll give us a better chance of seeing where they came from. Theresa, maybe you and Brutus can take a group south. Drestra, you can go north. Thundar, you take a group to the east. Maybe someone can pick up a scent.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s not much to smell, except ash.¡± Theresa called darkly, holding up a burnt bone in one hand. ¡°I think splitting up is a good idea. Who¡¯s in each group? Come here, Brutus.¡±


    The cerberus had his head buried in a beast¡¯s ckened rib cage.


    ¡°You can choose your own groups. Maybe three or four per group.¡± Alex looked around. ¡°The rest of us will stay here. I¡¯m sure we missed something. I know it.¡±


    ¡°Brutus, drop that, we have to go.¡± Theresa pulled at something in the cerberus¡¯ left mouth. ¡°Come on, you don¡¯t know what that is.¡±


    ¡°It could be something helpful.¡± Khalik floated toward Theresa. Najyah perched on his shoulder, soaked from the rain. ¡°Brutus is clever, perhaps he found something.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a burnt piece of gunk!¡± The huntress finally wrenched it from the hound¡¯s mouth. ¡°Maybe an organ or something.¡±


    ¡°Ravener-spawn?¡± Alex asked, walking toward her.


    The others turned in Theresa¡¯s direction.


    She sniffed the object. ¡°No, it smells burnt, but underneath, it smells earthy, like a mushroom.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Alex sighed. ¡°Nevermind then, let¡¯s¡ª¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± Drestra shifted to her human form, teleporting beside Theresa, taking the mushroom from the huntress¡¯ hands.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Alex teleported beside the Sage. He examined the mushroom as Drestra held it, she was beginning to tremble as she sniffed it. ¡°By the spirits¡­¡±


    The others came closer.


    ¡°You alright?¡± Thundar asked her.


    The Sage looked around at everyone. ¡°Do you know what this is? It¡¯s not just a regr mushroom. Mushrooms like these are almost <em>always</em> found in circles¡­ as part of a fae gate.¡±


    Silence imed the group.


    ¡°I¡­¡± she whispered. ¡°I think I know where the Ravener is¡­¡± Her eyes were growing wider. ¡°By the spirits¡­by the Traveller¡­we were stupid. So very stupid.¡±


    It was as though a key had turned in a lock.


    ¡°Oh by the Traveller.¡± Alex could barely breathe. ¡°The Ravener¡¯s in the fae wild, isn¡¯t it?¡±

 Chapter 845: Wording and Pacts

    Chapter 845: Wording and Pacts


    The Ravener was in the fae wild.


    It was a theory.


    Only a theory.


    But, if it was true? Much could now be exined.


    Weeks spent searching Thamnd¡ªevery river, hill, mountain, forest and glen they could find¡ªhad turned up nothing. No Ravener. No sign of Uldar¡¯s body. No sign of his throne.


    But what if the Ravener had never been <em>in</em> the Material World in Thamnd?


    They could have searched for a thousand years and never found it.


    ¡°Shit, <em>that</em> exins why those Ravener-spawn disappeared outside Uldar¡¯s Rise!¡± Theresa cried. ¡°They slipped away through¡­but wait, we didn¡¯t <em>find</em> any fae gates near there.¡±


    ¡°Fae gates <em>can</em> be impermanent,¡± Baelin said, running a hand through his beard. ¡°They are tales of mushroom-circles appearing one night and being gone the next.¡± ¡°True¡­¡± Alex said, ¡°And I don¡¯t remember any mushroom circles around when the Guide was hunting me. He could just slip in and out of the fae wild whenever he wanted, bringing Gabrian and anyone else he wanted with him. Gwyin didn¡¯t seem to need a fae gate to appear near the Research Castle either.¡±


    ¡°True, but they are fae.¡± Prince Khalik pointed out. ¡°I cannot imagine Ravener-spawn being able to slip in and out of the fae wild on their own power.¡± He looked at Merzhin. ¡°Were there <em>any</em> records in the past of the Ravener making its home in the fae wild? Or of Ravener-spawn travelling to-and-from there?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Merzhin shook his head. ¡°As far as I am aware, the only connection between the Ravener and the fae is that Uldar had dealings with both. Unless, the <em>original </em>Ravener¡ªthe demon lord twisted by fae magic¡ªhad that power. ¡­was there anything in Uldar¡¯s notes that would let it travel between the fae wild and the material world?¡±


    Alex shook his head. ¡°We didn¡¯t find anything like that.¡±


    ¡°No ability to transport itself, except by flight,¡± Baelin mused. ¡°Though, it seems it can gain incredible control over the space <em>within</em> itself by diverting its power to its core.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°Then the Ravener seems to have no ability to travel between Thamnd and Och Tir Nog without a fae gate. And the army has been using Lord Aenflynn¡¯s gates to travel between the material world and the fae wild. But they have not mentioned seeing Ravener-spawn there.¡±


    Drestra gasped, her eyes growing wide. ¡°Oh¡­oh by the spirits. By the <em>Traveller! </em>There <em>are</em> Ravener-spawn in the fae wild!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯re you talking about?¡± Alex asked


    ¡°Aye, what¡¯s all this, Drestra?¡± Cedric asked.


    ¡°Cedric! Hart!¡± Drestra hissed. ¡°What did we give Lord Aenflynn? What did we give him instead of Thamnd¡¯s children?¡±


    Cedric stopped dead.


    Hart¡¯srge eyes grew evenrger. ¡°Shit! <em>Shit! </em>That tricky bastard!¡±


    ¡°We gave ¡®im bloody Ravener-spawn,¡± Cedric murmured.


    Alex fell silent as his mind worked.


    A key turned in a lock within his mind, and he shuddered, feeling as though the icy waters of a wintry sea had been poured on him.


    The Ravener had stolen Uldar¡¯s throne.


    Hadn¡¯t it?


    What evidence did they have for that?


    Ravener-spawn tracks. Muddy Ravener-spawn tracks. Muddy Ravener-spawn tracks that utterly disappeared in the wilderness, without a trace.


    ¡°We gave him bone-chargers,¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled, simmering anger and shame in her tone. ¡°There were <em>other</em><strong></strong>Ravener-spawn tracks in Uldar¡¯s sanctum but¡­¡±


    ¡°If the Ravener<em> is </em>in the fae wild, then how would it be there without Aenflynn knowing?¡± Khalik asked. ¡°If it does not have his blessing, then at least, it must have his tolerance.¡±


    ¡°What were the <em>exact</em> words of the deal you made with the fae?¡± Baelin¡¯s voice was soft, but his gaze was piercing and his eyes hard as stone.


    ¡°<em>One hundred and twenty of your monsters, to be given once per moon in groups of thirty or more, not less. In return, you will have the service of one of my fae warriors for every three monsters you provide me.</em>¡± Drestra quoted the fae lord, her voice crackling. <em>¡°In addition, you Heroes will have full ess to the fae gates, letting you cross the five highways of my realm and quickening your travels across Thamnd. Your armies will have use of the same, though you will all be under faew while travelling through the fae wild. If any of you vite ourws, you will be subject to our punishments.</em>¡±


    Cedric spoke up. ¡°I added: <em>an¡¯ if we betray you, then you willmand your fae warriors to set on us and rip us to shreds. If ya betray us, then any Ravener-spawn we¡¯ve gifted t¡¯ ya will make things nasty for ya. We¡¯ll also have folk ready t¡¯care fer yer elderly changelings in two moons¡¯ time.</em>¡±


    Baelin stared at them for a long moment.


    He sighed.


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    Deeply.


    ¡°You were doing your best, and I sincerely respect that. But¡­that was not the best deal, my young friends.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Hart asked.


    The night seemed darker.


    ¡°Deals with devils and fae are tricky things: games of words and intentions. One thing you must always remember is that¡ªwhen a deal is made somewhat adversarially¡ªthat the <em>words</em> themselves are far more important than the intention behind them.¡±


    ¡°Words only have power because of the meaning we give them,¡± Alex whispered, his mind working faster and faster. Every stream of consciousness seemed to spasm in his mind. ¡°But meaning is given by the speaker of a word and by the listener.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Khalik added. ¡°You taught us to convey meaning with our bodies.¡±


    ¡°Aye, but what¡¯s this got t¡¯do wit¡¯ th¡¯deal?¡± Cedric sounded near panic. ¡°Why was it a bad one?¡±


    ¡°Because you gave the word <em>betrayal</em> no meaning within the deal you made,¡± Baelin said grimly. ¡°It is up to your understanding of the word. And¡­the understanding of the fae lord you dealt with.¡±


    ¡°Betrayal¡¯s betrayal!¡± Cedric insisted. ¡°Ain¡¯t no two ways about it.¡±


    ¡°Is there not?¡± Baelin raised an eyebrow. ¡°If Aenflynn were to simply <em>allow</em> the Ravener to hide in his realm, would that be a betrayal?¡±


    ¡°Aye, it would!¡± Cedric shouted. ¡°He¡¯d be helpin¡¯ our kingdom¡¯s enemy!¡±


    ¡°Would he?¡± the chancellor asked. ¡°Or would he be simply allowing it to do as it wished? Further, even if one could make that argument, is he betraying <em>you</em> or the kingdom of Thamnd? <em>If ya betray us </em>is what you said you bound him with¡­who is ¡®us¡¯, precisely? Likely¡ªto a fae¡ªthat means the ones making the deal with him: you, Drestra, and Hart. You were the ones there at the time. You made the deal. Not the kingdom of Thamnd. Not the king. Not Alex. Not Merzhin. <em>You.</em>¡±


    ¡°I¡­but¡­Ravener-spawn¡¯ve been tryin¡¯ t¡¯kill us!¡± Cedric insisted.


    ¡°And yet you have only grown stronger in the face of such trials,¡± Baelin pointed out. ¡°A fae could argue that by¡ªshielding the Ravener long enough for you to be challenged¡ªhe has <em>helped</em> you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the Traveller¡­¡± Drestra¡¯s voice sounded pained.


    ¡°Yeah, just like you helped <em>us</em> by sending us against monsters in the Barrens of Kravernus,¡± Alex murmured.


    ¡°Precisely, and the moment you can <em>argue</em> meaning within such a contract as this, that¡¯s the moment you¡¯ve lost,¡± the chancellor said darkly. ¡°There is no court to hear arguments, or barristers to argue for meaning and intent when ites to Old Magic. The closest things to arbitrators for fae pacts are¡ªin fact¡ªthe lords of the fae.¡±


    ¡°Shit!¡± Cedric swore.


    ¡°But it gets worse,¡± Baelin said.


    ¡°<em>How?¡±</em> Hart demanded.


    ¡°<em>An¡¯ if we betray you, then you willmand your fae warriors to set on us and rip us to shreds. If ya betray us, then any Ravener-spawn we¡¯ve gifted t¡¯ ya will make things nasty for ya,¡± </em>Baelin repeated. ¡°You did not define what ¡®betrayal¡¯ means¡­but you did define the consequences. Old Magic <em>will</em> punish those who vite a pact. Usually. However, in your phrasing, you forsook Old Magic¡¯s potential punishments by saying that punishment will lie in <em>your</em> own hands. Essentially, all that the fae lord will need to worry about¡ªif he were to vite your deal, even by his own interpretation¡ªis for you to be aware and then have full right to have your bone-chargers ¡®make things nasty for him¡¯. He has little to fear from such creatures. Meanwhile, he has full right to set his armies upon you. Further, ¡°<em>If any of you vite ourws, you will be subject to our punishments,¡±</em> is what he added to the deal. You are now bound by faew, and will suffer its esoteric punishments if you break it. Now, faews concern the fae¡­but that likely means that if you were to take any action against Aenflynn or his kingdom, you would be subject to <em>terrible</em> magical punishments.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled. ¡°We needed their army at the time, and ways to transport ours. So many more would be dead if we hadn¡¯t made that deal.¡±


    ¡°Admirable, and your intentions were good. You simplycked experience with such matters to properly protect yourselves in such a pact. As such, we have to be open to the possibility that Aenflynn might not only be tolerating the Ravener in his realm, but actively sheltering it.¡±


    ¡°And maybe it might help <em>him</em> in return: after all, he <em>knew</em> Uldar. So, <em>if</em> Aenflynn has ess to more Ravener-spawn because the Ravener decided to help him, then¡­what if <em>he</em> stole the throne?¡± Alex said. ¡°Ravener-spawn could have gotten into the sanctum, taken what they were after, and then the fae whisked them into the fae wild once they were in the woods.¡±


    ¡°So, uh,¡± Thundar mumbled. ¡°What could a fae lord do with the corpse of a god and his throne?¡±


    ¡°Much.¡± Was all Baelin said. ¡°And he¡¯s had them for months, <em>if</em> this is all true.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll have to make sure whether it¡¯s true or not,¡± Hart said. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the fae wild right now and¡ª¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Alex said.¡± Not yet. If Aenflynn <em>or</em> the Ravener have done anything with that throne, we need to bepletely ready. The Ravener¡¯s made its first move, trying to cull us: thest thing we need is for it to annihte our kingdom while we¡¯re rushing into the fae wild half-ready. We don¡¯t have a lot of time, and our allies need to know what¡¯s going on.¡±


    ¡°But, if Aenflynn¡¯s got Uldar¡¯s throne¡ª¡± Cedric said.


    ¡°Then we need to get it away from him,¡± Alex said. ¡°<em>But</em> we have an advantage: he doesn¡¯t know that we suspect him yet.¡±


    ¡°He might soon enough,¡± Drestra whispered. ¡°He knew a lot about all of us. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he has spies everywhere: the moment we picked up that mushroom and figured out what was going on, we <em>have</em> to assume that some fae saw, and ran off to tell their lord what happened here. Oh shit, <em>that¡¯s</em> why he¡¯s been avoiding meeting with us. He didn¡¯t want to give anything away.¡±


    ¡°But he will have no reason to hide once he knows that we know,¡± Khalik said. ¡°And if he unites with the full power of the Ravener¡­¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯re cooked,¡± Alex said. ¡°But we have¡­I don¡¯t know¡­minutes? Hours? We¡¯ll have to get our equipment: and inform the king and the army, so they¡¯re prepared for an attack from the Ravener and our fae ¡®allies¡¯. We don¡¯t want them getting ughtered.¡±


    ¡°At the same time, I am going to return to Generasi and my personal domain to gather resources,¡± Baelin said. ¡°Assuming that this fae lord or the Ravener has somehow essed the divinity locked in Uldar¡¯s throne¡­then this fight will be one we will need <em>all</em> of our resources for. And the moment we step into the fae wild, we should assume that both the Ravener and Och Tir Nog¡¯s full fury will be directed at us.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll need everything we have ess to, then. The king and the army have to be warned, and <em>anything</em> we can gather from Generasi will be useful.


    ¡°<em>Maybe¡­Toraka Shale¡­can lend you¡­some golems¡­¡±</em> ygon suggested.


    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s not a bad idea,¡± Alex said. ¡°Professor Jules should be told, maybe we can hire monster hunters from Generasi to increase our numbers¡­¡±


    ¡°I suspect I might be able to convince Councillor Kartika to lend resources to this battle,¡± Baelin offered. ¡°Thamnd is allied with Generasi, and this will be a most crucial point in that alliance.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Alex said. ¡°Okay, then. Everyone, I¡¯m going to be doing a lot of teleporting. Make sure you regenerate your mana. We don¡¯t know <em>exactly</em><em>what</em> we¡¯re about to face, but we¡¯ll need every ounce of our strength to face it.¡±


    In the uppermost chamber of a castle in the fae wilds, a lean figure sat upon a white throne. His eyes were fixed on the closest window and the starry horizon outside, while his concentration was bent on the seat of power beneath him.


    ¡°Thank you old friend,¡± he whispered once again.


    He waved a hand and smiled at something beyond the horizon.


    Suddenly, there was a pounding on the chamber door.


    ¡°Yes?¡± he called pleasantly. He was in a fine mood, indeed.


    ¡°Sire, there is a Ravener-spawn at the gate!¡± his servant called through the door. ¡°It requests an audience.¡±


    ¡°Show it in,¡± Lord Aenflynn said smoothly. ¡°I am curious as to why our new ally needs me at this hour.¡±

 Chapter 846: A City on Fire

    Chapter 846: A City on Fire


    King Athelstan startled awake.


    The odour of burning wood and flesh assaulted his nose.


    Light flickered through the bedchamber shutters and screams echoed outside.


    Someone pounded on his door.


    ¡°My king! We are under attack!¡± a frantic voice called. ¡°Ravener-spawn, of a sort we¡¯ve never seen before! The city burns, monsters roam the streets!¡±


    ¡°By Uld¡ª¡± The king began to swear, throwing off the bedcovers. ¡°By the Traveller,¡± he corrected himself. ¡°Call the royal guard to bring the queen and prince to safety! Make haste! Sound the rm!¡±


    The king rushed to his wardrobe, dressing quickly.


    ¡°Husband?¡± a strained voice spoke.


    He looked at Queen Rosalind¡ªrubbing sleep from her eyes¡ªas she quickly threw on a robe and raced for the bass. Somehow, their child had not woken, even when she scooped him up in her arms.


    ¡°What has happened?¡± she asked Athelstan.


    ¡°I do not know, yet.¡± The king dressed quickly, pulling a gambeson over his head. He nced at the wall.


    A sword given to him by the Heroes hung there: a heavy weapon taken from Uldar¡¯s personal armoury. It was a divine weapon of immense power, though he¡¯d yet to use it. Perhaps, this night would be the first.


    Grimly, he took the sword from the wall, looking at his wife and son, hoping tonight was not the night it would be tested.


    More sounds of violence came from outside, and Rosalind reluctantly slipped to the window, opening the shutters a crack.


    ¡°Oh no, oh no, Athelstan they¡¯re in the city!¡± She clutched their baby to her breast.


    The young prince finally awakened, immediately beginning to cry.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fear, my love, we will protect you and our son,¡± he promised, striding across the room and giving his family a tight hug before looking through the window at a scene straight from the hells.


    The outskirts of the city burned¡ªck smoke rose into cker skies¡ª blood-draks, spear-flies and more¡ªswooped through the skies. A carpet of silence-spiders poured over the wall, with Hive-Queens leading them to face the few defenders left on the parapet. From beyond the wall, the distinct battle-cries of chitterers echoed in the night.


    But these creatures were not what held King Athelstan¡¯s eye.


    A pair of nightmares were perched on the wall.


    The first was gigantic, shelled, and gripped the parapet with razored ws¡ªpart spider, scorpion and beetle¡ªand not much smaller than a keep. It released a low, ugly sound, then fired sts of air, with the force of projectiles, from dozens of holes in its shell.


    The invisible shots demolished stone, turned proud warriors into hunks of mewling meat, and fed the mes, making them re brighter and spread faster.


    Nothing seemed able to stand before the creature on the parapet, but it was just one of the nightmares.


    Perched on its back¡ªonly illuminated because of the mes racing across the city¡ªwas¡­something the king couldn¡¯t identify. It was small and humanoid, yet Athelstan spotted the outline of spider-like legs emerging from its back.


    Before he could look any closer, more pounding sounded at the door.


    ¡°We are here, your majesties!¡± called the bull-voicedmander of the royal guard.


    ¡°Come in!¡± he called. ¡°Get the queen to safety¡ª¡±


    The door burst open.


    He swore.


    Queen Rosalind screamed.


    His royal guard was now at the chamber door, lying on the ground, butchered.


    Standing over them were three humanoids¡ªtheir hides like scabs encrusting their bodies¡ªwith red coating their ws and venom dripping from stinger-like fangs.


    ¡°My king, we are here!¡± one called; its voice an eerie mimic of the dead captain¡¯s.


    ¡°Back, you devils!¡± King Athelstan jumped in front of his wife and child.


    The creatures sprang.


    He raised his de.


    They were quick, savagely quick, but King Athelstan was no helpless recruit.


    Uldar¡¯s divine de split the first from crown to crotch, but the other two were also leaping for him.


    A w ripped the side of his face. Red sprayed.


    Another shed at his gut, he barely dodged from it tearing his guts free.


    The king¡¯s reply was brutal.


    Stepping forward, he spun Uldar¡¯s sword, shing a monster¡¯s w off and driving it back.


    The other lurched in, jaws spread wide, ready to mp down.


    He hammered its temple with the sword¡¯s pommel; a sickening crunch came from its head, and the Hunter fell like a stone.


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    The king turned on thest, but Rosalind¡¯s shout tore his eyes from it.


    ¡°Athelstan, behind you!¡±


    He whirled.


    His wife hadn¡¯t screamed.


    She couldn¡¯t scream.


    The one who¡¯d called his name was a <em>fourth</em> Hunter, perched on the windowsill, having torn open the shutters.


    Its ws were buried in his wife¡¯s throat. She gurgled, her eyes wide with horror. Their child was screaming, she still clutched him close, protecting him with her body.


    ¡°No, Rosalind!¡± King Athelstan shrieked.<strong></strong>


    Pain seared through his back, driving into his stomach.


    His eyes had left his opponent for too long; red, dripping ws protruded from his gut, after entering his body through his back.


    His strength was failing, but his child¡­he had to save his child.


    With a roar, he tore his body free of the monster¡¯s wscerating his core in the process¡ªhe elbowed the creature in its face. Stinger-like fangs flew as it stumbled back, Athelstan lurched for the one on the windowsill.


    His wife was dying.


    Her killer turned toward him, licking its fangs.


    He was dying.


    The world was darkening around him


    But if he could only save his child¡ª


    ¡®Traveller,¡¯ he prayed. ¡®Traveller, please, help me!¡¯


    Suddenly, the world brightened.


    An immense light and zing heat were behind him.


    All eyes whirled.


    In the doorway stood three figures.


    A tiny woman.


    A tanned, white haired man covered in tattoos.


    And, a lean, dark-skinned man with crimson eyes, he was raising a de.


    White fire roared around that de.


    Everything seemed to happen at once.


    The woman¡¯s hand¡ªholding a bronze dagger¡ªwhipped the de over the king¡¯s shoulder. He heard a shriek behind him and turned.


    With a shudder, the Hunter on the windowsill went limp, the dagger sinking deep in its eye socket. Its ws slid from Rosalind¡¯s neck and it plummeted to the ground.


    ¡°Rosalind!¡± King Athelstan cried, reaching for his bleeding wife as she fell.


    The remaining Hunter leapt for him.


    But, the crimson-eyed stranger was faster.


    White mes roared around his de, he blurred into the room and shed the Hunter from neck to gut. There was a hiss of steam, and the Ravener-spawn burst.


    Without missing a step, the man¡ªwho the king thought was an engeli sent to save them¡ªrushed to him and his wife, dropping his sword and muttering something beneath his breath.


    His hands began glowing with golden light and he pressed his palms to their wounds.


    Athelstan felt a soothing energy wash over him.


    Feeling returned to his limbs. Pain ended.


    Before his grateful eyes, his wife¡¯s brutalised neck knitted back together. She coughed, then gasped for breath.


    When their wounds were no more, the crimson-eyed stranger stepped back with a gentle smile.


    ¡°T-thank you,¡± the king gasped, drenched in icy sweat. ¡°Thank you. Rosalind, are you alright, my love? Our son still clings to you.¡±


    Queen Rosalind held the prince tightly. ¡°H-he¡¯s unharmed. And I am better, I¡¯m feeling like myself again.¡± She looked at the strangers, lowering her head. ¡°By the Traveller, thank you! Thank you for our lives!¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± the king added, looking at the strangers in awe. ¡°Thank you for my family.¡±


    The white haired man said something in a tongue that Athelstan did not understand.


    He and Rosalind were speechless, until the sounds of clinking armour echoed down the hall.


    ¡°Your majesty!¡± Court Wizard Errol stepped over the bodies of the king¡¯s guard, leading his apprentices and a line of armoured knights. ¡°Are¡­by the Traveller, what happened here?¡±


    ¡°We were rescued,¡± King Athelstan rubbed his belly. ¡°Barely. Who are these individuals? Are they engeli? They saved our lives.¡± He nodded to the three strangers.


    Court Wizard Errol nced at them. ¡°I believe they are mercenaries hired by the General.¡±


    ¡°Mercenaries?¡± King Athelstan¡¯s eyebrows rose. ¡°How did they get into the castle?¡±


    ¡°Guards everywhere are dead, your majesty,¡± Errol informed him. ¡°Your majesties and his royal highness are in grave danger. We must get you away from¡ª¡±


    ¡°No.¡± King Athelstan raised his sword. ¡°I will not hide like a worm while my kingdom burns. You there¡ª¡± He nodded to several knights. ¡°¡ªtake the queen and prince to safety. Errol, brief me on the situation. And someone help me with my armour!¡±


    ¡°I told you entering the castle was a good idea,¡± Ezerak Kai said, following the knights filing into the hall. ¡°It wasn¡¯t normal for there to be no guards at a king¡¯s gate.¡±


    ¡°You were right, and I was wrong.¡± Kyembe kept his hand on his sword, listening to the sounds of carnage echoing outside.


    ¡°Shit, shit!¡± Wurhi wed at the sides of her face, her eyes bulging. ¡°Did you see all those <em>things</em> outside? Why are we here? This was the stupidest thing we¡¯ve ever done, I can¡¯t believe this, we¡¯re <em>all</em> going to die! Everyst one of us!¡±


    ¡°We will not.¡± Kyembe mused. ¡°These creatures are many, but not invincible. We will burn them away like so much mist beneath the morning sun.¡±


    ¡°Our bodies are gonna be bloated fly-food by morning!¡± The tiny thief grimaced. ¡°By all the demons and gods, I swear if we end up dead in the hells after this, my soul¡¯s gonna chase yours forever!¡±


    Kyembe gave a deep, richugh. ¡°I have lived through deadly battles many times before. It will take more than these foul creatures to im me.¡±


    ¡°And what about me?¡±


    ¡°You too.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better be right,¡± she shuddered.


    ¡°I am: if you die, you will not see any of the gems we were promised. I know you will not allow <em>anything </em>to kill you before you are paid. And perhaps the king¡ª¡± He nodded to King Athelstan, d in his armour and leading the group through the castle halls. ¡°¡ªwill reward us as well.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯d better.¡± Wurhi growled. ¡°Didn¡¯t think we¡¯d be fighting during the end of the world. Where the hells is this ce anyway? I can¡¯t understand anyone.¡±


    The Spirit Killer merely smiled. ¡°You would not believe me if I told you. By the way, what did you say to the king, Ezerak? You spoke in a tongue I did not understand.¡±


    Ezerak Kai smiled wistfully. ¡°I spoke in my mother tongue. I told him: ¡®From one king to another, I will aid you.¡¯¡± His smile faded. ¡°This battle reminds me of when I lost my crown and kingdom. I will not let that happen to another. Not if I can do anything to stop it.¡±


    They fell into silence as they marched on.


    King Athelstan¡¯s armour clinked as he walked down the hall, nked by his knights and apanied by Court Wizard Errol.


    ¡°How did this happen, Errol?¡± Athelstan asked, his mind returning to his wife and child on their way to safety through the castle¡¯s secret passages.


    ¡°Those monsters came out of nowhere,¡± Errol said grimly. ¡°And they¡¯d overtaken most of the walls in minutes. Were it not for Tobias, the priests and the General¡¯s mercenaries, things would be much worse.¡±


    ¡°Where is Tobias now?¡±


    ¡°At the cathedral, working miracles against the spawn from a ce of power,¡± he said.


    ¡°Good.¡± The king touched his breastte. He still could not believe he¡¯d been impaled only a short while earlier. ¡°And how did those creatures infiltrate the castle, how did they breach the walls?¡±


    ¡°We are trying to figure that out,¡± Errol growled. ¡°They killed the guards and then went looking for anyone who was in a position of leadership. They are unnervingly intelligent. Were it not for some sharp-eyed soldiers who noticed that the castle was too quiet¡­ Anyway, already many have been lost, and we are ridding the castle of these spawn.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, and if it were not for the General¡¯s mercenaries, I and my family would be dead.¡± The king¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°And what about the Ravener-spawn on the wall?¡±


    ¡°The General informed us that the Ravener had used certain more powerful spawn in the elder times,¡± Errol said. ¡°I believe that was one of them.¡±


    ¡°The elder times¡­then this is it, is it not, Errol?¡± King Athelstan asked. ¡°Then it appears the Ravener helping Thamnd is at an end. This is the great battle of our time.¡±


    ¡°I fear it is, my king.¡±


    Athelstan¡¯s lips formed a hard line. He touched the symbol of the Traveller around his neck. ¡°And we will face it with all our might.¡±


    The group emerged onto the battlements.


    ¡°There, the king!¡± someone cried.


    Below, soldiers and knights fighting in the courtyard cheered at their liege¡¯s arrival. Many looked bloodied. All looked tired.


    King Athelstan raised his sword, eliciting another cheer.


    ¡°We must drive them from the city, Errol.¡± The king looked at the giant Ravener-spawn on the wall. ¡°I will not have Thamnd¡¯s capital in the hands of beasts.¡±


    The words left his lips.


    An explosion ripped through the air.


    Screams echoed through the night.


    Errol turned. ¡°My king, get dow¡ª¡± was all he said.


    A st of air tore the court wizard in two.

 Chapter 847: Army of Heroes

    Chapter 847: Army of Heroes


    What remained of Errol¡¯s corpse fell to the parapet.


    His bottom half dropped.


    The top half was gone.


    But as horrified as King Athelstan was, he had no time to mourn.


    He barely had time to throw himself to the ground as sts of air ripped through stone all around them. Jagged rock, as sharp as spears, pierced defending soldiers and knights, stopping them where they stood. Fine armour soon resembled mesh.


    The ground shook.


    Ravener-spawn roared.


    ¡°<em>Holy light burn our enemies!¡±</em> A priest chanted from beyond the wall.


    Monsters screamed and the barrage stopped for a moment. Only for a moment.The king got to his feet.


    Across the castle moat, an enormous insectile Ravener-spawn had burst from the ground, shooting potent air sts from its shell. Dozens of gibbering legions and hundreds of chitterers swarmed near it.


    The spawn¡¯s attack had only paused when other monsters attacked them..


    With his white hair whipping in the wind, a mercenary, one of the three who¡¯d saved King Athelstan¡ªhad extended his arms, and all around him, his tattoos came to life. Monsters were peeling from his skin, growing to full-size in a breath.


    Griffons, drakes, wyverns, chimerae and more flew from beside him, attacking Ravener-spawn from all sides, while Ezerak directed them against the enemy.


    As the monsters swarmed, more of Alex¡¯s mercenaries poured from the streets, falling upon the Ravener-spawn with metal and magic, splitting skulls, shedding blood.


    But, the Ravener-spawn did not just lie down.


    They kepting.


    A<strong></strong>crouched form¡ªhuman-sized¡ªsprang from a hole on the enormous Ravener-spawn¡¯s back, shooting through the air andnding hard on the battlements among the knights. It rose to its full height and with no hesitation, attacked.


    It stood as tall as a man, its hide was grey-ck chitin. Spider-like legs protruded from its back, and wed hands wielded weapons the same hue as its chitin.


    Hideous rattling sounds came from somewhere between its neck and skull, but from where, the king could not know. It had neither a mouth, ears, nor eyes. Where a face should have been, there was only a nk mask made of chitin.


    There was no way to tell where it was looking¡­or at least, that is how it should have been.


    Yet, the creature¡¯s head pointed directly at the king, and Athelstan could feel an unnerving gaze creeping over him.


    Suddenly, it sprang.


    Knights surged to protect their king, moving to meet it as it sped across the battlement with dizzying speed.


    Its weapons struck as quickly as whips and with the force of battering rams; crumpling armour like parchment, breaking shields and bodies.


    Knights fell like sheared wheat.


    King Athelstan raised his sword.


    The crimson-eyed warrior was quicker.


    With an almost careless swipe, the monster struck at Kyembe¡¯s head.


    Metal met chitin, stopping the creature¡¯s blow, splitting its armour.


    It shrieked, oozing blood, yet still striking out with ded legs and chitinous weapons.


    The warrior met it head-on, speed obscuring his sword strikes as he danced past its blows. sh upon sh crisscrossed the monster¡¯s armoured carapace. The tips of many of its legs were sliced off, and bits of its weapons were chipped away.


    The Ravener-spawn fought even more desperately.


    The small woman loosed sharp rocks at its faceless head.


    A weapon swept up to parry, opening its guard.


    The crimson-eyed warrior swung his de, splitting its head in two.


    If it saw the blowing, it was the only one that would ever know, as with a gurgle, it pitched forward, dead. Another pair¡ªtwins to the dead one¡ªquickly leapt atop the wall, menacing the crimson-eyed warrior and the tiny woman, while anothernded near the king, striking at him<strong>.</strong>


    King Athelstan parried the blow, Uldar¡¯s sword biting a back-leg in two. Its wound hissed and the creature recoiled, the king pressed it with cutting blows and it backed away, knowing what his de could do.


    It stayed out of reach, seven remaining back-legs stabbing at him like spears.


    Now <em>he</em> was being driven back, desperately trying to parry, as the Ravener-spawn quickly recoiled its legs before he could even strike one.


    Its speed doubled.


    The king quickly nced at the courtyard below.


    All were locked in battle. No help wasing from there.


    More Hunters had climbed the walls, attacking the troops in the courtyard.


    Cursing, the king tried driving the spawn back with greater swings of his de, pushing forward while trusting in his armour. The creature skittered back too fast,shing Athelstan with a blow from a back leg, catching his helm.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    He stumbled back.


    It sprang, pursuing him.


    Death closed, as a beam of light struck its chest.


    The monster had no time to even scream before turning to dust.


    Alexander Roth, the General of Thamnd appeared beside the king.


    ¡°Are you alright, Sire?¡± he asked.


    The king gaped, looking up from under his visor. Had he really just been saved by the young man he¡¯d nearly sent to the dungeon?


    ¡°<em>Your majesty.</em>¡± The General pressed, looking out over the city. Ravener-spawn rampaged throughout.


    Five small, orange beads of light emerged from his body, flying directly toward the enormous Ravener-spawn on the wall.


    The orange beads dropped, settling in holes on its back, holes it had sted Erroll,<strong></strong>priests<strong>,</strong> soldiers and mercenaries from.


    There came a dull <em>whump.</em>


    The enormous Ravener-spawn exploded in blinding me.


    Alex turned back to the king. ¡°Sire, are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Y-yes,¡± the king finally stammered.


    ¡°d to hear that, but I don¡¯t have much time.¡± The General raised his staff, summoning hordes of monsters while he continued talking to the king. ¡°I¡¯m afraid it appears that the Ravener¡¯s escted, it seems to be trying to cull all of Thamnd. Monsters like the ones here are cropping up in different parts of the kingdom, and the Heroes and my other friends have gone to stop, or slow them down. And believe it or not, they¡¯reing from the fae wild.¡±


    ¡°<em>What?¡±</em> Athelstan gasped. ¡°But the Heroes struck a deal with¡ª¡±


    Alex shook his head. ¡°Seems that doesn¡¯t matter. <em>He¡¯s</em> working against us: while I was teleporting to see what was going on, I saw Ravener-spawning <em>out</em> of fae gates, and it¡¯s happening all over Thamnd. None of the fae are trying to stop them, so it seems pretty clear he¡¯s in league with them. We also think we know where the Ravener is and we¡¯re going to try and destroy it to stop whatever it¡¯s nning. I¡¯ll try to get more support for you here, so I¡¯ll be leaving soon. Just, hold on.¡±


    The General of Thamnd floated into the sky, spreading his arms wide.


    Alex focused on his mana, preparing to cast not just one¡­but five ninth-tier spells.


    The world slowed around him and he bent his mind to the magics.


    With one limb, he summoned an astral engeli and called another with his staff; he''d enhanced it with more alchemical scripts for summoning magics and other spells.


    He cast Phnx of Wood and Stone three times with his other limbs, then Army of Heroes.


    The world sped up.


    Five spells activated.


    Two astral engeli appeared¡ªnking him¡ªquickly moving to set upon the Ravener-spawn on the battlements.


    In the courtyard, the cobblestones shimmered.


    Three squadrons of towering fighters of living wood and stone¡ªarmed with diamond-tipped spears and stone shields¡ªemerged from the ground, each stood ten feet high. Following quick directions from Alex, the constructs engaged the Ravener-spawn around them.


    The fifth spell brought Army of Heroes to the battle.


    Power exploded from the young archwizard in a wave of blinding light, washing over the castle, the city, spreading to the outer walls.


    Where the light touched, the army on this battlefield¡ªsoldiers, knights, priests, Alex¡¯s summoned monsters, the phnx of wood and stone and his mercenaries from the Whetstone Tavern¡ªwas outlined in radiance.


    Their muscles twitched as power poured into them.


    Their weapons shone with magical light.


    Their skin toughened.


    Their movements became more fluid.


    And¡ªmost importantly¡ªall fear that any felt, vanished, reced by an unfailing courage.


    Alex raised his sword-staff.


    ¡°For Thamnd!¡± he roared. ¡°Traveller¡¯s blessing upon you all!¡±


    ¡°For Thamaaand!¡± the city roared with him. ¡°Uldar and Traveller¡¯s blessing upon us!¡±


    The newly empowered army fell upon their attackers.


    Soldiers who¡¯d been fighting desperately for their lives, now pushed into the monstrous hordes, fighting them without fear, cutting them down to free Thamnd of their scourge. Archers¡¯ arrows¡ªsheathed in light¡ªfound their marks in the sky, piercing tough Ravener-spawn hide and armour, dropping the creatures to their doom.


    Hunters were ughtered on the battlements and the courtyard was cleared.


    Raising their glowing weapons, the Thameish army poured through the castle gates, and into the city.


    They <em>would</em> retake their home.


    Alex teleported back beside the king, who was standing over the corpses of three Hunters, his de dripping.


    ¡°Your majesty,¡± he said. ¡°My spell will empower every fighter here for a time. Take back your capital: the spell willst for about four hours, then I¡¯ll have toe back and recast it. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll be able to, so please, make this time count.¡±


    ¡°We will,¡± the king said. ¡°Thank you, General. And may the Traveller watch over you and the other Heroes. Thamnd needs you.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll defend her, and thank you,¡± Alex said, looking to Kyembe, Ezerak and Wurhi. ¡°Please, defend the king. That¡¯s your job for the night. Make sure he does not fall.¡±


    ¡°We will,¡± Ezerak said. ¡°I swear it.¡±


    ¡°He shall be as safe as a babe in its mother¡¯s arms,¡± Kyembe added.


    The small woman shrugged, not understanding Alex¡¯s words.


    ¡°I have to go for now,¡± he told them.


    He turned away, preparing to teleport.


    ¡°Wait!¡± King Athelstan cried, catching Alex¡¯s forearm. He held it in a death grip. ¡°My wife and son¡­they are somewhere in the secret passages of the castle. My knights are charged with getting them to safety, though¡­if what you say is correct, then nowhere in Thamnd is safe enough. Is there somewhere you can take them? To Generasi, perhaps? I must know no harm wille to them.¡±


    Alex looked at him with empathy.


    He knew that feeling well.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take them,¡± he promised. ¡°Please, go with the Traveller, your majesty. And pray to her. Have <em>everyone</em> pray to her. We¡¯ll need her strength to get through this, and she needs ours.¡±


    ¡°I am in your debt,¡± The king saluted him. ¡°General¡­may you and the other Heroes save our people, and all who havee to our aid.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Alex said. ¡°We¡¯ll end this.¡±


    He teleported away.


    Alex appeared in the courtyard of the vi in the Generasian countryside¡ªa heartbeatter¡ªThameish knights and Queen Rosalind appeared around him.


    An infant¡¯s cry pierced the night.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be safe here, your majesty,¡± he promised. ¡°I¡¯ll take you inside and talk to Mr. and Mrs. Lu. They¡¯ll take care of you. And please¡­pray to the Traveller as hard as you can.¡±


    ¡°By the Traveller, thank you! Thank you!¡± Queen Rosalind cried, clutching her son to her chest. ¡°Please, I am counting on you to save my husband and our homnd. Please!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re going to do our best to end this for good so our people never have to go through this hell again,¡± Alex said. ¡°That, I promise you.¡±


    With a final nod, he took her inside and talked to the Lus quickly before teleporting away. They peppered him with questions as he left, but he didn¡¯t have time for long answers.


    While images of the nes swirled around him, he sped up his mind.


    He needed a moment to think.


    Too much had happened too quickly.


    One moment, they were agreeing to prepare for an attack on Och Tir Nog, and¡ªthe next¡ªThamnd had exploded.


    Teleporting to different parts of the realm had confirmed that the entire kingdom was under attack.<strong></strong>


    The vision Alex had seen in the dungeon core¡­was bing reality.


    Thepanions had split up, fighting across Thamnd and gathering the resources they¡¯d need for striking into the fae wild. Baelin had gone to councillor Kartika, while Alex had teleported across his kingdom, summoning monsters and casting Army of Heroes again and again.


    That would buy them time, but how long? Alex couldn''t begin to guess.


    They¡¯d need more fighters to defend the kingdom.


    And Alex knew exactly where to get some.


    He let his mind slow down, appearing in theb beneath Shale¡¯s workshop.


    Toraka¡ªwho¡¯d been working on a golem core¡ªscreamed, whirling on him.


    ¡°Alex? What in¡ª¡± She started.


    ¡°There¡¯s no time,¡± Alex cut her off. ¡°The Ravener¡¯s trying to kill everyone in Thamnd. It¡¯s suddenly escting in a way we haven¡¯t seen before in this cycle, and if we don¡¯t respond hard now, Thamnd¡¯s going to be destroyed. My home¡­and your supply of dungeon cores will be lost, so I¡¯m here, Toraka, to buy or borrow as many golems from you as you can spare: any dungeon core-infused models that we have. I¡¯ll need all of them.¡±


    She paused, processing what he was saying.


    Then squared her shoulders.


    ¡°I imagined this might happen,¡± she said. ¡°Though I was hoping that if it did, it wouldn¡¯t happen for a long time.¡± She growled. ¡°I can¡¯t offer you golems already promised to customers¡­but, I have something better. If you could teleport us to my manor. I have something there to show you.¡±

 Chapter 848: Mk. III

    Chapter 848: Mk. III


    Alex Roth and his business partner materialised in Shale¡¯s garden, and hit the ground running.


    ¡°They¡¯re already at the capital?¡± Toraka asked, passing fruit trees and rose bushes swaying in the low, night wind.


    ¡°They¡¯re <em>everywhere,¡±</em> Alex ran by iron golems standing silently around the garden, their heads swivelling, scanning for intruders. Their gazes paused on the two crafters for a moment, but quickly returned to their vigil. ¡°They¡¯re all over Thamnd, killing and burning <em>everything.</em>¡±


    Toraka swore under her breath, skidding to a halt in front of a squat, brutal looking building at the end of the garden. She pressed her hand to a glyph just above the door handle, a sharp click announced the door swinging open.


    A dark staircasey beyond it, leading deep into the earth. The instant she stepped inside, magical torches began to shine, lighting the way down.


    ¡°Dammit, I was hoping there¡¯d be more time,¡± she cursed, taking the stairs two or three at a time.


    ¡°More time for what?¡± he asked, cing a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Hold on, I¡¯m going to teleport us.¡±


    ¡°Wait, whaaa¡ª¡± Toraka cried.


    The young archwizard teleported them down the stairs, ten at a time. ¡°How far down are we going?¡± he asked.¡®To the bottom!¡± she shouted. ¡°We can walk or run, you know¡ª¡±


    ¡°This is faster.¡±


    A few more jumps<strong></strong>brought him and a panting Toraka to a set of steel doors at the bottom of the stairs.


    The doors were enormous: greater in size than ygon¡¯s height and width, they looked thick enough to withstand a behemoth¡¯s charge. An image of a fist was etched into each door.


    ¡°You nearly gave me a heart attack,¡± the older crafterined, cing her hands on glyphs carved into the doors. There was a loud, dull click and the doors began opening in an eerie silence. ¡°But I get it. We¡¯re in a rush. Anyway, do you remember when we were first testing dungeon core-infused golems?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Alex asked. ¡°You had one sh with a standard iron golem and use your¡­¡±


    His words stopped.


    Light suddenly illuminated a massive<strong></strong>room beyond the doors.


    Standing inside were five iron golems¡ªeach twice ygon¡¯s height¡ªand forged in the image of full-te armoured warriors. Their size was impressive, but what really drew Alex¡¯s eye were the devices the constructs¡¯ left arms were inserted into.


    Devices that were somewhat familiar.


    He remembered standing in the subterraneanb beneath Shale¡¯s workshop as a sound like thunder grinding on a cliff face echoed from the back of the chamber.


    An entire section of wall had slowly risen, revealing a secret room. From within, a tall brass construct forged in the curious shape of a humanoid praying mantis had unfolded its arms. Atop scythe-like des on those arms, a pair of hands had sat, and in them had been a tray held by elongated fingers with a dozen joints.


    On the tray, a curious device hadin: a thick iron box, covered in dials, tubes and exposed circuitry that wove together in aplex pattern. On one side, a hole big enough for an iron golem to insert its arm up to the forearm, had gaped; from the opposite side of the box a thick, heavy tube jutting more than half a dozen feet, had protruded.


    The devices on these iron golems¡¯ arms were even bigger.


    Their shapes were the same as the device he¡¯d seen before, but¡ªwhere the older device had been made up of exposed circuitry, tubes and dials¡ªthese were sheathed in a thick carapace of steel, etched with glyphs of hardening.


    The young archwizard¡¯s heart beat faster, and he recalled what he and Shale had talked about in theb on the day of that test:


    <em>¡°What I can tell you is that it produces a super-heated column of fire magic, further charged with a burst of lightning magic all held within a force magic carrier wave.¡±</em><strong></strong>A twinkle had danced in Shale¡¯s eye.<em> ¡°Add in a sprinkle of disintegration magic, and¡­¡±</em>


    <em>¡°...and you have the coolest sentence I¡¯ve ever heard in my life,¡± Alex had said.</em>


    <em>¡°Exactly.¡± </em>She¡¯d beamed as the mantis-construct bowed to the old iron golem which inserted its limb into the hole. Energy had sparked, emitting a pulse of mana so powerful, Alex¡¯s hair had stood on end. <em>¡°It¡¯s a bit of a pig on mana¡ªfor obvious reasons¡ªso it''s built to draw power from a golem core,¡± </em>she¡¯d said.


    The young wizard¡¯s eyes had shone. <em>¡°Looks like it¡¯d make a very big boom.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°It¡¯s designed to do just that.¡± </em>Toraka had smirked. <em>¡°I would like to introduce you to the¡­¡± </em>


    Alex walked toward the five golems, his eyes fixed on the weapons. ¡°¡­Gale Force Cannon Mk. I Prototype¡­¡± he whispered its name.


    Toraka chuckled darkly. ¡°The Mk. l<strong>,</strong> was what I showed you, wasn¡¯t it?¡± She ran her hand along the deadly weapons. ¡°This is the <em>Mk. III</em>.¡±


    Alex threw her a startled look.


    ¡°Once I saw the power output of a dungeon core essence-infused golem core,¡± she continued. ¡°I realised I could make the weapon more powerful, as long as I reinforced its chassis and added some ice magic to the structure to ensure it didn¡¯t overheat from repeated firing. I also added a dose of dispelling magic to the projectile, to help it rip open any magical defences. That was the Mk. II.¡±


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    She gave Alex a smug look. ¡°When I learned that ygon¡¯s fire-beams had be so much more powerful when he evolved into iron, I realised I could go beyond that.¡± Toraka tapped the device. ¡°I infused dungeon core essence into the device¡¯s internal power supply,cing the entire projectile with some <em>nasty</em> energy. It¡¯s not as powerful as if I¡¯dbined it with chaos essence¡ªsince I couldn¡¯t figure out how to do that without the device exploding¡ªso it¡¯s not going to be quite as destructive as ygon¡¯s beams, but¡­I can tell you that just about anything that walks, crawls or flies in this world is going to have a <em>really</em> bad day if they get hit by this thing.¡±


    Her eyes hardened. ¡°And that bad day¡¯s going to be theirst.¡±


    ¡°By the Traveller,¡± Alex murmured, stunned. ¡°And¡­were these for a client?¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the gods, <em>no!</em>¡± She shook her head rapidly. ¡°These are for my <em>personal</em> collection and the defence of my residence.There¡¯s no way I¡¯m letting them out into the world¡­<em>except</em> to let you borrow a few to defend your homnd when I¡¯d finished making ten.¡±


    She sighed. ¡°But considering how bad things are looking¡­I¡¯ll let you have these five for now.¡± Shale snapped her fingers five times. ¡°Golems, you are to listen to this young man, his name is Alex, and defend what he tells you to defend. Kill what he tells you to kill¡­unless it''s me, don''t kill me, even if he tells you to.¡± She smiled at Alex. ¡°Just a little precaution, partner: not that I don¡¯t trust you. Also, do yourself a favour and leave at least two of them with your hometown¡­Alric was it? I can¡¯t have my business partner¡¯s old home turned to ash, now can I?¡±


    The young archwizard stared at Toraka for a long moment.


    Then he surged forward, wrapping the woman in a tight hug.


    He lifted the struggling crafter from her feet.


    ¡°Thank you Toraka!¡± he cried. ¡°Thank you so much!¡±


    ¡°By the gods, let me go, you big oaf: you¡¯re crushing me!¡± sheined.


    ¡°Oh, sorry, sorry!¡± Alex put her down, but gripped her shoulders. ¡°Listen, I¡¯ll never forget this.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better not!¡± she rubbed her sides. ¡°I think you might¡¯ve cracked a rib.¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he apologised again, teleporting beside the golems. ¡°I have to go.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± she said. ¡°Do what you have to do. And make sure youe back alive. We have more coin to make, you and I!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make us all the coin in the world.¡± Alex promised.


    ¡°You¡¯d best.¡±


    With that, the young archwizard teleported the golems to his hometown.


    ¡°The situation is dire, Kartika,¡± Baelin said grimly. ¡°I fear that¡ªif we do not take decisive action immediately¡ªthen the kingdom will fall. The supply of dungeon core essence will end, as well.¡±


    The councillor buried her face in her hands, sinking into her arm chair. Magicalmplight cast shadows through her sitting room. ¡°When you teleported into my bedroom¡ªwhich I will never forgive you for, by the way¡ª¡±


    ¡°Apologies, Kartika. But we simply do not have time for pleasantries.¡±


    ¡°I know, I know. But I thought a devil had appeared at my bedside to devour my soul, ugh,¡± sheined. ¡°And to make things worse, you came to tell me the worst news I¡¯ve had in a while. Fantastic.¡±


    ¡°Will you be able to provide aid?¡± Baelin asked. ¡°The Heroes, Alex¡¯spanions and I will be seeking to destroy the source of this devastation, but¡ªif my theories are correct¡ªit will require <em>all</em> of our attention while we are in the fae wild. We will need as much help for the kingdom as can be spared.¡±


    She gave him a concerned look. ¡°Half the council and most of the city¡¯s elite are pouring coin into expeditions to extract as much dungeon core essence as can be secured. Faith in the Traveller is spreading through the city.¡±


    Baelin¡¯s face was a mask.


    ¡°If we don¡¯t help now,¡± Kartika said. ¡°It¡¯s going to look bad, considering we are allied with Thamnd. Not to mention that most of my fellow councillors would like to remain on Mr. Roth¡¯s good side. Including myself. Listen, it¡¯s going to take a bit: I can¡¯t authorise a military force¡¯s deployment on foreign soil without full agreement of the others. That should take about ten minutes. By the time we have a strike force ready to go¡­expect it to take at least an hour.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Baelin said. ¡°The Thameish will have to hold out until then. Alright, thank you for this. Now, I must go. I have some final preparations to make. This¡­will likely be a battle that tests even me.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Kartika shuddered. ¡°Even <em>you?</em> Then why do you look so excited?¡±


    The chancellor startled, then burst outughing. ¡°Goodness, I am growing far too obvious in my dotage. Well, the reason I look excited¡­is because I am. It has been a long time since I have <em>properly</em> tested myself in the field ofbat.¡±


    He clenched his fist.


    ¡°Far too long.¡±


    ###


    ¡°That¡¯s going to be too long!¡± The priest bellowed at the messenger. They stood on the walls, wind buffeting their cloaks. The cries of Ravener-spawn filled the air. ¡°We need more soldiers <em>now</em>!¡±


    ¡°The road to the Cave of the Traveller¡¯s been cut off!¡± the messenger shouted back. ¡°And the next garrison¡¯s at least an hour¡¯s ride away, even if the road <em>wasn¡¯t </em>full of Ravener-spawn. If we try sneaking our way to the Coille<strong>, </strong>and make it,<strong></strong>it''s going to be at <em>least</em> three hours until we can get help, if <em>they¡¯re</em> not overrun too!¡±


    ¡°I don''t like your tone messenger!¡± the priest fired back.


    ¡°Quite frankly, sir, I don¡¯t give a damn!¡± The messenger grimly looked at the road. ¡°I think we''re all going to be seeing Uldar and the Traveller very soon. If you don''t like my tone, you can take it up with them.¡±


    The priest sputtered, then fell silent.


    Further down the wall, Peter winced. ¡°Well, so much for help.¡±


    ¡°Aye¡­¡± Paul looked at the western road. ¡°Listen, Peter, it''s been an honour serving with you. More than an honour.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, Paul.¡± Peter gripped the parapet. ¡°Yeah, it has.¡±


    The road ahead was teaming with Ravener-spawn.


    And not just any Ravener-spawn.


    Behemoths.


    Dozens of them, standing shoulder to shoulder, marching toward the little town with death in their eyes. Their feet crushed rock, and ground stone. Their bone spokes scraped each other¡¯s armour. Their bellows echoed through thend.


    Surrounding them were hundreds¡­no, thousands of bone-chargers. Their growls sounded like distant thunder.


    That thunder was getting closer.


    And Alric did not have <em>nearly</em> enough warriors to weather the storm.


    ¡°We¡¯re going to die,¡± Paul said solemnly.


    ¡°Aye,¡± Peter echoed. ¡°Unless we run. Maybe the eastern road is¡ª¡±


    ¡°Gibbering legions to the east!¡± A cry went up from the wall on the opposite side of town. ¡°At least a hundred! And thousands of chitterers! <em>Thousands!</em>¡±


    ¡°Well, there goes that n.¡± Paul¡¯s voice remained even. He nced at his fellow guard. ¡°You seem awfully calm, mate.¡±


    ¡°Same with you.¡± Peter shot back.


    ¡°Well, if we¡¯re going to die¡­shit, there¡¯s worse ways to go than battling Ravener-spawn for our homes.¡± Paul smiled bitterly. ¡°Always nned to go while in bed, all wrinkled up, and surrounded by grandchildren. Heh, didn¡¯t even get to marry. But, ah well, I guess this is a good second best. What about you, you sound real calm yourself?¡±


    Peter shrugged. ¡°Nothing to be done. At least this happened while we¡¯re on duty here, and not in the Cave. The Traveller¡¯s Cave is nice enough, but I¡¯d rather die in the ce I was born.¡±


    ¡°We can agree on that¡­¡± Paul began to crank his crossbow. ¡°Look, they¡¯re getting ready to charge.¡±


    ¡°Seems like it.¡± Peter lifted his crossbow. ¡°Shoulda cranked that earlier.¡±


    ¡°Aye,st mistake I¡¯ll be making I guess,¡± Paul said, his voice wavering. ¡°¡­I don¡¯t really want to die, Peter.¡±


    ¡°¡­neither do I, Paul. Neither do I. Let¡¯s hope the Traveller deems louts like us worthy of her mercy.¡±

 Chapter 849: The Generals Wrath

    Chapter 849: The General''s Wrath


    Where there was once an unassuming hole in the side of a hill in the Coille Forest, a small fortress of wood, earth and stone, now stood.


    More than three hundred yards of vegetation had been cleared from the mouth of the Cave of the Traveller, and an intimidating log wall stretched around the hill. A trench¡ªlined with rows of wooden stakes sharp enough to pierce Ravener-spawny in front of it.


    Two watchtowers soared above either side of the rampart¡¯s solid gates, and behind them was a camp¡ªawash with tents, wooden barracks and guardhouses.


    Between the wall and the Coille stood a sea of stumps, left from the trees that were lumbered to build the fortifications.


    And that sea was suddenly <em>alive</em> with Ravener-spawn.


    From the Coille, Silence Spiders poured.


    Hundreds of Ravener-spawn soldiers.


    Thousands of workers.


    And dozens of Hive-Queens.Uncounted monster bodies overran the trench, unaffected by the spikes.


    ded legs silently gripped the walls, scaling them, as both soldiers and workers noiselessly gnashed their teeth. Hive-Queens simply reared up, shooting their webbing, attaching it to the hill and pulling themselves over the rampart.


    The killing started the instant they breached the Thameish camp.


    ¡°This cannot be,¡± the head priest swung his mace at the head of a silence-spider soldier, connecting. The weapon¡ªencased in holy light¡ªsplit its skull in a single stroke, but two quickly reced it.


    The horrified holy man fought at the Cave¡¯s mouth, rmed as the fort¡ªone he¡¯dmanded so proudly for over a year now¡ªwas overrun in seconds. The hive-queens were far too devastating, their soldiers much too deadly and their workers too numerous to be slowed.


    Desperately, the garrison held the line at the cave mouth, using the small opening as a chokepoint.


    But how long could theyst?


    He swallowed, deciding on an awful course.


    ¡°Wizards forward!¡± he cried. ¡°Loose fire!¡±


    One of his subordinates shouted at him, her eyes horror-stricken. ¡°But, we can¡¯t! If we fireball the camp we¡¯ll kill¡ª¡±


    ¡°We must! The Traveller and Uldar will reward their sacrifice in the after-world!¡± his voice sounded shrill. ¡°We have to thin the enemy: by the Traveller and Uldar, how did this happen? They came from nowhere!¡±


    The wizards under hismand looked at each other, likely for reassurance, and nodded grimly.


    Reluctantly, they began casting the spells that would doom many of theirrades, and hopefully, buy the rest of them precious time.


    A massive surge of mana suddenly exploded through the air, bringing a wave of concentrated power raining from the sky, coalescing in beams of blinding light. The rays undted like snakes, striking ten hive-queens before they could even twitch.


    Those enormous Ravener-spawn turned to ten columns of dust in a sh.


    For a heartbeat, all on the battlefield froze in shock.


    Momentster, Ravener-spawn were withering.


    Soldiers and workers shrivelled, turning to drying husks in the blink of an eye, soon joined by the remaining hive-queens. They withered, silently screaming as magic from an unseen source ravaged their bodies.


    The head priest gaped. ¡°By Uldar! By the Traveller! It¡¯s a miracle!¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s the General!¡± a wizard pointed to the sky.


    The head priest leaned forward, peering up at the sky beyond the Cave mouth. Indeed, floating there was Alexander Roth, General of Thamnd, surrounded by a nimbus of power.


    And beside him were five enormous iron golems with strange, tube-like devices covering one arm.


    He was aiming his staff in the direction of the Coille, the air was shimmering around him.


    Towering eagles with feathers the colour of emeralds, materialised in the sky, screeching into the wind. Uttering one word, the Hero directed them, sending the eagles swooping down, snatching up withering hive-queens.


    Great talons and beaks pierced insectile bodies.


    Others were crushed in grips of steel.


    Eagles soared high in the sky¡ªclimbing to terrifying heights with a few titanic wing beats¡ªdropping their quarry to their deaths.


    With a wave of his hand, the young archwizard sent a wave of light pulsing through the Thameish army; the guardians of the Cave of the Traveller swelled with power.


    ¡°For the Traveller!¡± they cried, lifting newly glowing weapons high, setting upon their enemies with unflinching courage and terrible strength.


    Moments before, hordes of silence-spiders had been mangling the Thameish soldiers and priests with abandon, overwhelming them with numbers.


    Now, those same priests and soldiers were butchering Ravener-spawn like helpless bs of meat.


    ¡°Forward!¡± the head priest shouted. ¡°The General and the Traveller have blessed us! Destroy these filthy creatures, send their soulless husks back to the pits where they were spawned!¡±


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    He raced ahead, leading a charge outside the Cave, reinforcing the rallying army.


    They would take back their fortification.


    And they would not allow the Ravener¡¯s-spawn to enter it again.


    Floating above the battlefield, Alex could hear his heart pounding in his ears.


    Below, the tide was turning, but it had been a very near thing.


    ¡®If I¡¯d been even a little bitter, they would¡¯ve been overrun. How much of Thamnd has <em>already</em> been overrun?¡¯ he wondered. ¡®Shit, I need to work faster!¡¯


    He nced at Shale¡¯s golems, all five hovered in the air under the power of his flight magic. They were silent. Still.


    But not for long.


    Floating over to them, he touched two of the twenty¨Cfoot guardians, teleporting them andnding inside the camp.


    ¡°Protect the mortals!¡± Alexmanded the pair. ¡°Guard this ce, don¡¯t let <em>any</em> monsters enter this camp, apart from the ones I¡¯ll be summoning! If any of our enemies get in, kill them! But remember, protect the humans!¡±


    The golems¡¯ heads turned toward him.


    Two metallic ngs echoed through the air as their hands snapped into fists.


    Then, they followed his instructions, zealously.


    Glowing from the power of Army of Heroes, the two massive golems crushed Ravener-spawn soldiers and workers beneath enormous feet, rupturing insectile carapaces with every step.


    They turned their attention to the fort¡¯s wooden walls¡ªtowering over them¡ª aiming their Gale Force Cannons.


    The high-pitched hum of a charge building grew, and Alex felt intense<strong></strong>power rising in the weapons.


    Beams of blinding white light blew from the tubes,ncing through the air. Lightning crackled, a wave of heat shimmered around the beams, mming into oing Ravener-spawn hordes like fountains of moltenva. Soldiers nearby cried out, jumping back, shielding their eyes from the searing light while recoiling from the heat.


    The beams¡ªas thick around as ygon¡¯s waist¡ªmowed down lines of Ravener-spawn. Carapaces vanished. Innards boiled, turning to dust. Silence-spiders, standing too near the beams¡¯ path, had their bodies warped from the waves of force¡ªchitin cracked¡ªmaking them dance gruesomely as lightning arced from the beams, electrocuting them.


    Alex watched in awe as hive-queen torsos vanished, beams passed through them, punching into the forest beyond, leaving fiery paths of destruction through the woond.


    His jaw dropped. ¡°By the Traveller, Toraka, I could kiss you right now!¡±


    When the beams atst ebbed, hundreds of Ravener-spawny dead, smouldering in heaps.


    The remaining horde froze for a long moment.


    Then, they resumed their charge.


    ¡®The golems will have to recharge,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®I¡¯ll need to summon more¡ª¡¯


    Shale¡¯s iron constructs fired before the General had finished his thought.


    Beams tore through the Ravener-spawn once again, sending more silence-spiders to nothingness.


    The golems fired again.


    And again.


    Once their weapons were charged, they needed little time to unleash another barrage of magical annihtion on Thamnd¡¯s enemies¡­the weapons showed no sign of slowing down or overheating.


    Alex smiled. ¡°Thank you, Toraka,¡± he whispered, waving his staff.


    He summoned a horde of Elder Water Elementals to hunt through the forest, killing Ravener-spawn, and extinguishing fires created by Shale¡¯s devastating weapons.


    Alex called to the soldiers of Thamnd. ¡°Hold the line here! We¡¯re taking the fight to the Ravener and we¡¯re going to shred everyst one of its spawn to nothing! My magic will stop fear from clouding your hearts for a time! So fight on! Fight for Thamnd! The Traveller will protect us!¡±


    ¡°For Thamnd! For the Traveller! For Uldar!¡± the army cried.


    Alex nodded, then looked at the mouth of the Cave.


    ¡°Hannah, if you¡¯re going to get free of the after-world, then I pray you do it sooner rather thanter,¡± he whispered.


    With those words, he teleported away.


    ¡°Keep your arms steady, soldiers of Alric!¡± themanding priest cried. ¡°We need your nerves steady and your aim even steadier! Loose! I swear if a single one of you has arrows or quarrels left by the time those spawn make it to the walls, I¡¯ll send you all to Uldar myself!¡±


    The soldiers roared, redoubling their efforts.


    Bowstrings twanged.


    Crossbow cranks turned.


    Catapult arms groaned as theyunched three hundred pound stones over the walls.


    The projectiles sailed above the fields outside Alric,nding among the oing horde.


    Paul grimaced. They might as well have been flicking coins at them for all the good most of that did


    Priests were making rounds along the walls, blessing the soldiers¡¯ projectiles. The idea was to give them extra bite, but¡ªeven then¡ªmost of the missiles offered scant help.


    Blessed arrows punctured bone-charger hides, but bounced off their armoured skulls, doing <em>nothing </em>to the thick armour covering their heads. Blessed catapult stones crushed bone-chargers and cracked behemoths¡¯ armour, barely making a dent in their number.


    The horde was simply too big, and too well armoured.


    And more kepting.


    From the forest and fields beyond, more bone-chargers and behemoths joined the initial horde. If anything, the monsters¡¯ numbers were <em>growing.</em>


    And from the cries of horroring from the eastern wall, the defenders weren¡¯t having much luck against the chitterers¡¯ and gibbering legions.


    ¡°Think I could get one of them with my spear before they eat us?¡± Peter cried, unleashing another crossbow bolt.


    ¡°Don¡¯t see why not!¡± Paul shouted, loosing a quarrel. He cursed as it skidded off a bone-charger¡¯s head, then began to turn the crank. A nce at his quiver gave him some dire news. He had three shots left. Still, he forced a smile. ¡°Hells, I¡¯ll get three of them!¡±


    ¡°Pfft, they¡¯ll have you for lunch before you can even stick one!¡± Peter fired back, a forced grin fixed below his terrified eyes.


    ¡°Tell you what.¡± Paul finished cranking. ¡°I bet you I kill more than you. We canpare when we get to the after-world.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± Peter shouldered his crossbow, aiming it at a behemoth¡¯s eye. ¡°You know what?¡± I¡¯ll start by killing the one I¡¯m aiming at.¡±


    ¡°Tell you what? You take it down and I¡¯ll buy you a drink when we get to Uldar¡¯s halls in the after-world!¡± Paul forced a smirk on his face, fighting the near overwhelming urge to throw down his weapon and run away screaming.


    But, where would he run <em>to?</em>


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± Peter took careful aim.


    The behemoth was closer now. Almost close enough for Peter to smell the stench of its breath.


    He exhaled slowly.


    Then touched the trigger.


    The crossbow¡¯s string twanged.


    Its iron limbs sprang out.


    The quarrel flew free.


    Peter and Paul¡¯s eyes followed the glowing missile as it twirled toward the enormous Ravener-spawn.


    It flew right in the monster¡¯s gaping maw.


    Without warning, a crackling beam of light sted the creature, erasing its head and most of its upper torso. The beam continued onward, tearing a line of devastation through the horde of bone-chargers and behemoths behind it, leaving a trench of burning bodies and ckened dust in its wake.


    The two guards¡¯ jaws fell open.


    Peter slowly looked at Paul.


    ¡°G-guess, I win,¡± he muttered, his eyes unfocused.


    ¡°Yeah, guess you do¡­beer in Uldar¡¯s halls is on me¡­¡± Paul answered.


    Both turned around.


    And screamed.


    Standing almost directly behind them was a towering iron golem perched atop a mound of earth that they were sure wasn¡¯t there a few seconds before. The construct towered over the rampart, pointing a weapon of magic at the attackers.


    A heartbeatter, it fired a st. Then another.


    Behind the eastern wall, an identical golem unleashed the same beams of death, and beyond the rampart, chitterers and gibbering legions screamed.


    Floating above the town of Alric¡­


    ¡°Oh by the Traveller!¡± Peter cried. ¡°It¡¯s that young Roth boy, ain¡¯t it?¡±


    Paul looked up.


    He¡¯d heard the Roth boy was the Fool of Thamnd, and that he¡¯d been elevated to some fancy new ¡®General¡¯ Mark.


    But he couldn¡¯t have imagined the change the former baker¡¯s assistant had been through in the nearly three years since Paul hadstid eyes on him.


    Gone was the skinny, silly baker¡¯s assistant.


    Now, there he was, a Hero, like the ones from legend, powerfully muscled, wrapped in an aura of power and calling a seemingly endless number of monsters, while raining death down on Thamnd¡¯s enemy.


    Tears sprang to Paul¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Looks like we might be living yet, Peter!¡± he cried.


    ¡°Aye!¡± Peterughed, grabbing his fellow guard by the shoulders. Tears streamed down his face, but his smile was ted. ¡°All hail the General!¡± he screamed. ¡°And thank the Traveller for saving us!¡±

 Chapter 850: Fighting for Home

    Chapter 850: Fighting for Home


    Alex had notid eyes on Alric in three years.


    Three years, since he¡¯dst seen his childhood home. Now, he was finally back, and it was under siege. Thameish soldiers stood on the town¡¯s walls, desperately firing arrows and crossbow bolts.


    Endless enemies swarmed around them.


    From the west, came a sea of bone-chargers and behemoths.


    From the east, an ocean of chitterers and gibbering legions.


    They <em>all</em> wanted mortal blood.


    Alex would not let them have it so easily.


    ¡°Get away from my home!¡± the young archwizard roared, the world slowing around him.


    His streams of consciousness focused on different spells:Phnx of Wood and Stone.


    Army of Heroes.


    And one more¡­


    The world sped up.


    Fighters of stone, earth and wood rose up in front of Alric¡¯s walls. A wave of light spread from the archwizard, empowering every soldier, golem and earthen fighter.


    He called a final spell.


    Raising his hand, power gathered in his palm.


    A terrible force came to life, a shimmering reddish-yellow symbol of destruction. Mana flowed from his pool¡ªwith the strength to power two dozen fireball spells¡ªfilling the symbol as it emanated light like a second sun.


    It abruptly shattered.


    Harsh growling noises were birthed in the air in front of Alex. Sounding like rabid beasts, they instantly erupted, shooting a blinding tower of me high in the air. Fire roiled in the column¡ªcrackling with disintegration magic¡ªforming a storm of destruction that hovered above Ravener-spawn on the ground.


    A storm of me flowed toward the bone-charger horde in a wave, promising certain death. The creatures paused their assault, looking up at what wasing, seeing no way to escape. Soldiers on the walls of Alric also paused, dropping low and shielding their eyes.


    The inferno rained on the horde, pouring over them like a viscous liquid, clinging to soil, stone, flesh and bone. Everything it touched burned away, fiery disintegrationced magic ate through even the toughest armour like moths on cloth.


    Ravener-spawn <em>melted</em>, copsing in the spell¡¯s reach.


    But the magic was not done yet.


    Even as the ¡°liquid¡± spread, it glowed brighter, hissing, greedily sucking in air, swelling with more power.


    It crackled, like flint and tinder sparking.


    Then, the liquid inferno exploded.


    Night turned to day.


    Ravener-spawn were gone in a sh of light. Boilingva spurted through the air,nding among the horde. Even Alex had to shield his eyes from the destruction as the after-image seemed to engrave itself in his vision.


    And¡ªas quick as it had begun¡ªthe spell was done.


    He slowly lowered his hand from his eyes.


    Most of the horde was gone: reduced to ashes drifting down,nding atop boiling liquid. Those unlucky enough to survive, were maimed by the disintegrating mes, limbs were gone, leaving ckened exposed bone and flesh melting over their bodies. Their cries were shrill.


    The sight was enough to make even Alex feel slightly ill.


    Now he understood why such spells were so guarded in Brightfire. The magic had taken an immense amount of mana, by even <em>his</em> standards, but the devastation was unmatched, and worth it.


    Thend around Alric would bear the scar forever.


    The soldiers¡ªfilled with power and courage from Army of Heroes¡ªcheered Alex¡¯s name, shouting their thanks to the Traveller. Only the young archwizard¡¯s earthen fighters and Shale¡¯s golems did not pause, they waded forward to dispatch any survivors, and shoot beams of concentrated death into the horde.


    Setting his jaw, the General of Thamnd turned with a wrathful re toward the other horde.


    The world slowed.


    The world sped up.


    Annihtion came for the chitterer horde.


    In heartbeats, thousands of Ravener-spawn were ash or charred cadavers, and more were left broken on the steaming ground.


    More cheers rose from Alric.


    Alex allowed himself a smile as his phnxes and Shale¡¯s golems began the clean up.


    His smile, though, was short-lived.


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    In the distance, new Ravener-spawn poured from the forests and bush. More bone-chargers. More chitterers. First, they came by the dozens, increasing to the hundreds.


    ¡°Dungeons,¡± he whispered. ¡°There¡¯s dungeons around here.¡±


    He teleported away, searching, quickly finding two tucked among the trees.


    He considered what to do, and remembered something he¡¯d learned from Baelin, long ago:


    <em>¡°Do you know what one of the advantages of overwhelming power is, Alex? Convenience.¡±</em>


    He didn¡¯t have to waste time entering the dungeons to hunt for cores.


    He could simply draw on his vast, magical strength, and rain fire.


    Two castings of Annihtion destroyed both dungeons, reducing the structures to boiling rock and ming earth.


    He teleported back to Alric, watching in satisfaction as the tide of chitterers and bone¨Cchargers had already slowed to a trickle.


    ¡®I did it,¡¯ he thought. ¡®I rescued our home¡­¡¯ He imagined Mr and Mrs. Lu, Theresa, Brutus and Selina. ¡®I saved it. I¡ª¡¯


    He froze, noticing movement from the forest to the west.


    More bone-chargers wereing.


    He turned in rm.


    More chitterers to the east.


    ¡°There must be more dungeons around here¡­¡± he whispered, his eyes frantically darting across the wilderness. ¡°When will this end?¡±


    His stomach clenched as a terrible decisiony before him.


    Part of him desperately wanted to stay and hunt down each and every dungeon, and kill every Ravener-spawn that dared threaten his home. But he knew that would be a fool¡¯s errand. He¡¯d be here forever; the Ravener would make more and more dungeon cores, conjuring its most powerful monsters in an endless tide.


    Even if he never ran out of mana, he wouldn¡¯t save Alric by staying. He¡¯d only dy the inevitable.


    To <em>truly</em> save Alric, he had to leave it behind and destroy the source of its problem.


    Taking a deep breath, he acknowledged his fears, desperation, and the guilt of leaving his home, then let them pass.


    ¡°There¡¯s only so much I can do here,¡± he whispered.


    Raising his hands, he conjured armies of summoned monsters, unleashing the creatures on the Ravener-spawn, drawing on more of his mana.


    He looked over his hometown one final time.


    There were more ces he needed to help in Thamnd. More monsters to slow, more preparations to make. Then, it would be time to end all of this.


    He burned the image of Alric in his mind.


    ¡°I¡¯ll save you,¡± he promised. ¡°I just have to trust that you¡¯ll be okay with what I¡¯ve set up. I have to let others fight the battles here while I go fight to win the war elsewhere.¡±


    ¡°Like a proper General.¡±


    He took a deep breath.


    Then, he was gone.


    ###


    Alex materialised in hisb, teleporting around the room, grabbing more supplies.


    ¡°Potions, Kelda¡¯s coin, booby-trapped potions¡­¡± he listed them off aloud, shoving the items into his satchel. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s all I have time for.¡±


    He paused, looking up at the ceiling.


    Selina was asleep upstairs.


    For a long moment, he considered teleporting to her room, telling her what was happening and saying goodbye, just in case¡­just in case he met his parents in the afterworld sooner thanter.


    But, he shook his head.


    ¡°There¡¯s no time,¡± he whispered, his mind racing. ¡°And if I see her, I won¡¯t want to leave. And she¡¯ll be terrified. Besides, I¡¯m not going to die.¡±


    His lips ttened to a thin line.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to let any of us die.¡±


    His hand reached for the holy symbol of the Traveller around his neck, and he teleported away from his other home.


    ###


    ¡°We¡¯re all going to die!¡± someone screamed.


    ¡°Look at the size of it!¡± another shouted.


    ¡°It¡¯s the end!¡± came a third voice.


    ¡°Steady!¡± Watcher Hill snapped, ring around the Research Castle. She floated above the parapet. ¡°Steady yourselves! Panic is only going to fray your nerves and make you careless!¡± She looked across the moors. ¡°If we want victory, we need <em>everyone </em>to have their wits about them!¡±


    ¡°Truer words were never spoken,¡± Vernia Jules whispered at Watcher Hill¡¯s side. ¡°Truer words¡­¡±


    The alchemy professor¡¯s eyes slowly travelled up, up, up¡­to the face of the mountainous Ravener-spawning toward them.


    A humanoid titan of flesh, bone and steel.


    Its footfalls ground rock to dust, making the earth tremble. The tallest trees would have only reached to its spiked kneecaps, and its bulging eyes seemed to hold every horror ever conceived.


    Its mouth was a yawning cavern; and while it was almost a mile away, Professor Jules could smell its acidic stench from her distance.


    ¡°Filthy creature,¡± the professor swore under her breath. ¡°We¡¯ll fix you.¡± She looked at one of her graduate students on the battlements. ¡°Are we ready?¡±


    ¡°Almost!¡± he shouted, carefully setting down a crate beside a massive, magical ballista. The siege weapon¡ªone of many¡ªwas mounted on the wall, pointed directly at the giant Ravener-spawn¡¯s face. ¡°Just a matter of loading it now!¡±


    He pried at the steel crate and beside him, Watcher Hill did the same, revealing contents that Professor Jules had been preparing for months.


    She remembered Carey. She remembered the despair of the young woman¡¯s parents. She remembered the loss of Watcher Shaw and so many others when Greymoor had been attacked.


    ¡°No more,¡± she whispered, ncing down at the courtyard.


    More of her graduate students had drawn a summoning circle there: one so vast that a whale might have fitfortably inside.


    <em>That</em> strategy would need Baelin to be able toplete it.


    But the old goat wouldn¡¯t be necessary for what <em>she¡¯d</em> prepared.


    She nced back at the ballista. ¡°How long until we¡¯re ready to fire?¡±


    The Watcher¡ªcarefully picking up one of the objects inside the crate¡ª looked up at her. ¡°Not long. Then, ten seconds to load, and ten between each shot.¡±


    ¡°Plenty of time.¡± Her eyes fell on the object gingerly clutched in the Watcher¡¯s hands.


    A chaos bomb: one several times the size of the one Carey had detonated at Uldar¡¯s Rise.


    And the crate¡ªas well as more crates beside the other ballistae¡ªwere full of them.


    She red up at the advancing Ravener-spawn. ¡°Let¡¯s show this ancient god¡¯s puppet what <em>progress</em> looks like.¡± The professor raised her hand. ¡°As <em>soon</em> as that thing¡¯s in range, I want it turned to dust!¡±


    ###


    The Skystrider strode over Greymoor¡¯s hills, its enormous feet crushing everything in its path.


    Every footfall left a deep print in the ground, churning soil and grinding rock to sand. As it marched forward¡ªthousands of Ravener-spawn followed behind¡ªit belched acid, the liquid falling from gaping jaws, collecting on the earth in hissing pools.


    Its eyes focused on one thing: the mortals¡¯ castle.


    The Skystrider was the harbinger: the first of many of its kind to be reborn, ready to reap thend.


    It had beenmanded to start here, to annihte the outsiders that had thrown the cycle out of bnce. Left unchecked, they would continue to cause chaos. The final trial was here, these wizards would not be allowed to interfere.


    Stopping, the Ravener-spawn gazed on the castle.


    It inhaled, sounding like it had bellowed and spoke in a voice so thunderous, any mortal too near would have been deafened by the sound.


    ¡°<em>Outsiders¡­¡±</em> it pronounced, each syble issuing a gale-force wind. ¡°<em>Leave thisnd. Never return. Do not interfere with the culling. Leave. Or die.¡±</em>


    Words offered.


    Words to make the killing easier.


    But these intruders showed no sign of withdrawing.


    They continued loading their feeble weapons.


    They gathered on their little walls.


    Walls that would be destroyed by a simple twitch of one of the Skystrider¡¯s feet.


    There was no sign of them heeding its words.


    ¡°<em>You will suffer much. You will die,¡±</em> it dered.


    The Ravener-spawn moved forward.


    One colossal footfall.


    Then another.


    It began to gather speed, the wind rushed by its ears as it broke into a deadly charge.


    There would be no escape for its foes.


    Acid boiled in its innards, rising to its throat.


    The outsiders would die.


    Its chest swelled.


    And it vomited out a river of death.

 Chapter 851: "Thats What Progress Looks Like"

    Chapter 851: "That''s What Progress Looks Like"


    ¡°Acid!¡± Watcher Hill shouted, raising her staff. ¡°Get those walls of force up!¡±


    Ahead, a devastating river of death spread across thend with full force, crossing thousands of feet in seconds.


    ¡°Activate defensive glyphs!¡± Professor Jules shouted.


    Watchers chanted, levelling their staves toward the wall.


    Glyphs red to life on the rampart.


    A wall of prismatic force sprang up around the Castle, stretching hundreds of feet through the air.


    ¡°Steady!¡± Watcher Hill cried.


    The corrosive liquid hit the wall, boiling against it. Force magic red. Acid hissed. Watchers chanted and defensive glyphs zed to life. More deadly liquid sprayed along the wall, running down, eating rock and soil, burning a trench of vitriol just beyond its base.


    ¡°That acid¡¯s eating the ground away!¡± Watcher Hill shouted. ¡°I want earth wizards down below. Get down there, reinforce the tunnels and neutralise it! Ballistae take aim!¡±On the wall, siege engines groaned, turning to face the charging titan, its every step was shaking the earth. Professor Jules¡ªnow flying above the wall¡ªcould feel her teeth rattling.


    She held its gaze.


    ¡°Filthy creature,¡± she growled. ¡°I¡¯m not being driven from my ownb by you and the filth behind you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s within range!¡± A Watcher shouted.


    ¡°Ballista 3-A!¡± Professor Jules pointed to the closest siege engine. ¡°Fire!¡±


    ¡°Fire!¡± A Watcher repeated themand.


    The ballista cracked, shooting its contents through the barrier¡ªthe barricade shimmered, letting the bomb pass through¡ªas the projectile flew straight for the oing titan.


    The Skystrider¡¯s charge was unstoppable.


    There was too much force.


    Too much mass.


    Too much strength.


    Its acid was eating away the outsiders¡¯ magical defences, but too slowly. Far too slowly. So, its bulk would finish them. The Ravener-spawn could not wait to crush the mortals¡¯ walls beneath its tread, and drink in their cries of despair.


    So focused was it on its anticipation, that it paid little notice to the projectile shooting through the magical barrier and flying right for it.


    The monster neither slowed nor hesitated.


    Its armour was much too thick and its body far too tough for such a tiny projectile to cause it rm.


    The Skystrider kept its pace, rushing forward even as the missile cracked against its chest.


    It waspletely unprepared for the blinding sh of light.


    And even less prepared for the<strong></strong>heat and earth-shattering force that mmed into it. The projectile cracked against bone armour, the st ripping through it.


    It had built too much momentum to be stopped, but the explosion was too powerful for it to weather. Its armour shattered. Its body fractured. Acid abruptly stopped spraying as the force spun it on its heel, its remaining foot grinding a trench in the earth.


    The left side of its body was gone, vapourised, but¡ªas it spun¡ªit could see what remained of its left arm spinning through the air,nding among the Ravener-spawn following behind, crushing scores of them.


    Then, it was falling, hitting the ground with such force that what remained of its innards, pulped.


    From the ground, the Skystrider looked on with its right eye as the outsidersunched another projectile at the horde. There came another sh of light and terrible heat. A mushroom cloud floated above them.


    Then it knew nothing more.


    The earth rumbled.


    The horizon burned.


    And the Research Castle¡¯s inhabitants cheered.


    Only the Traveller knew how many Ravener-spawn had died in those few moments, unmade by two chaos bombs.


    Professor Jules allowed a smile of satisfaction to creep across her face.


    ¡°<em>That¡¯s</em> what progress looks like,¡± she said.


    Still, she would not celebrate, not yet.


    As smoke cleared from the moors, ttened by the apocalyptic sts, she could see that more Ravener-spawn wereing. There were no more titans among them, but she didn¡¯t doubt that would change.


    Below, the ballista were reloading on the walls, and she eyed their supply of chaos bombs. They¡¯d made scores¡ªjust one of numerous preparations for this day¡ªbut the supply was not unlimited.


    ¡°We can¡¯t just use them willy-nilly,¡± she said, looking at Watcher Hill. ¡°If more of those titanic monsters appear, we¡¯ll need them, so what would you rmend?¡±


    ¡°Summon monsters to deal with most of the Ravener-spawn,¡± Hill said. ¡°How long until <em>your</em> summoning circle is ready?¡±


    Professor Jules nced down at the courtyard. ¡°Likely another few minutes. Then we¡¯ll need the chancellor toplete the ritual.¡±


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll handle things until it¡¯s ready,¡± the Watcher captain said.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± the chancellor¡¯s voice spoke from behind them. ¡°We <em>will</em> handle things until it¡¯s ready.¡±


    ¡°Baelin!¡± Professor Jules and Watcher Hill whirled.


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    The ancient archwizard was floating behind them, likely having teleported in moments before.


    He was girded for the war to end all wars.


    Gone were his day-to-day robes, but he wasn¡¯t wearing the bronze armour he wore into <em>most</em> battles.


    Instead, he was sheathed in a full suit of starmetal te, gleaming with a bluish-silver finish, etched with hundreds of powerful glyphs. Every inch of his body was protected, even his face was covered in a mask forged in the image of a demon¡¯s grinning face.


    In his left hand, he carried his staff, with its goat eye-like jewel.


    In his right, he held an ominous warhammer, as long-hafted as Professor Jules was tall, and covered in glyphs that stung her eyes when she looked at them for too long. Five gems¡ªeach the size of a human head¡ªwere orbiting around him, sparking with vast amounts of power. <strong></strong>


    Professor Jules raised her eyebrows, ¡°Baelin¡­what <em>is </em>all that?¡±


    ¡°My war garb.¡± He floated upward, climbing into the sky. ¡°I only don it for battles that I<em> know</em> will test my mettle.¡±


    Professor Jules and Watcher Hill looked at each other.


    ¡°Will it be that bad, chancellor?¡¯ Jules asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he said, raising his staff. ¡°I am not sure what you might or might not have figured out, but the situation is changing rapidly. We have mounting evidence that the fae, Lord Aenflynn, is in league with the Ravener and that it is in Och Tir Nog. Ravener-spawn are pouring out of the fae wild all over Thamnd.¡± His voice dropped low. ¡°We also believe that he might have both the throne of Uldar and the god¡¯s body in his possession. Excuse me for one moment.¡±


    He raised his staff.


    The goat¡¯s eye-gem red in time with the jewels orbiting him as he pointed to the Ravener-spawn.


    Mana poured.


    Every gem turned ck momentarily.


    Outside the Castle walls, six orbs of darkness came into being within the horde, swelling, growingrge enough for ancient oaks to fit inside. They began pulsing.


    And everything around them was pulled in.


    Wind howled.


    Soil was torn from the earth, Ravener-spawn were sucked through the air.


    Thousands of struggling monsters were dragged inside the orbs of darkness, their bodies crunching as they copsed on themselves the closer they came to an orb. They disappeared at the touch of the darkness.


    Several heartbeats passed and Baelin waved his staff, dismissing the orbs of darkness, leaving only barren craters where an army of Ravener-spawn once stood.


    Baelin cursed. ¡°More are already on their way. It seems I have perhaps only bought us minutes. Maybe a little longer.¡±


    He looked down at Watcher Hill and Professor Jules, hearing thetter cursing vilely.


    ¡°If the Ravener¡¯s creating armies throughout the fae wild, the battle <em>will </em>be a <em>hard</em> one,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°That it will,¡± said Prince Khalik.


    Professor Jules turned, looking behind her, finding the Prince of Tekezash floating there¡ªnked by Hart and Merzhin<strong>.</strong>


    His familiar was perched on his shoulder, and he wore a<strong></strong>magical breastte. A sword was belted at his waist.


    Hart was d in a glittering chain shirt from Uldar¡¯s halls¡ªhe was wielding two colossal des: one from the god¡¯s armoury and the other, his familiar hive-queen sword.


    Merzhin¡¯s fingers were wrapped around a holy symbol of the Traveller. He wore a brilliant white mantle from Uldar¡¯s sanctum, it zed with divine power.


    ¡°We teleported all over Thamnd,¡± Hart added. ¡°Everything¡¯s on fire. The Ravener¡¯s sending hordes of spawn at every military camp, small town and fortified vige everywhere across thend.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s focusing its more powerful monsters onrger targets, like the capital¡ª¡±


    ¡°And here,¡± Professor Jules finished grimly.


    As she spoke, Isolde and Cedric materialised beside them, along with Tyris and Vesuvius. The Chosen of Thamnd wasn¡¯t bare-chested today, a chain shirt from Uldar¡¯s sanctum protected his torso.


    Theresa, ygon, Brutus and Drestra appeared next, and Thundar materialised with Birger and Bjorgrund a momentter.


    Alex appeared soon after, apanied by Asmaldestre, a model of golem they¡¯d never seen before, and a half dozen engeli.


    The war-spirit¡¯s face looked sour, like she¡¯d swallowed a bowl of lemons. ¡°<em>That was a proper battle you took me away from!¡±</em>


    ¡°There¡¯s a bigger one ahead,¡± Alex said. ¡°And you already helped that battalion in the west get to shelter. Now we need you. And Thamnd needs all of us.¡±


    Silence fell over the group for a moment, as they considered his words.


    ¡°d to see everyone¡¯s alright,¡± Alex continued, relief in in his voice. ¡°Thank the Traveller.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re safe, but¡­lots of people are dead.¡± Theresa gripped her twinde. ¡°We rescued everyone we could, but¡­there was only so much we could do in the limited time we had.¡±


    Brutus whimpered, nuzzling his master¡¯s side.


    ¡°Yeah¡­I hear you.¡± Alex shuddered. ¡°I did what I could in Alric, but there was only so much I could do before I had to leave.¡±


    Theresa looked into her fiance''s eyes. ¡°Is it¡­is it still standing? Is the inn alright? The soldiers?¡±


    ¡°When I left, they were okay,¡± He patted Shale¡¯s golem. ¡°I left a pair of gifts from Toraka and a lot of summoned monsters to fight the hordes of Ravener-spawn alongside the soldiers. I also cast a spell called Army of Heroes to help them, and I did the same thing in the capital, and the Cave of the Traveller.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Baelin cocked his head, his eyes narrowing through the slits in his mask. ¡°How is your mana?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright for now,¡± Alex said. ¡°I used a lot, but it¡¯s regenerating pretty fast. By the time we get our supplies from theb, I should be alright. How about the rest of you?¡±


    ¡°I had to teleport quite a few times and fight a few battles, so my reserves have been taxed,¡± Khalik admitted. ¡°I am regenerating my mana as we speak, but I would rather not have any <em>difficult</em> fights in the near future.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I burned a lot of mana too,¡± Thundar added.


    ¡°I did as well,¡± Isolde said.


    ¡°Right,¡± Cedric said. ¡°Then when we gets t¡¯ th¡¯fae wilds, we¡ª¡± He pointed to the other Heroes, Asmaldestre, Theresa, Brutus and Baelin. ¡°¡ªshould be doin¡¯ th¡¯ heavy liftin¡¯ fer a bit whiles th¡¯ others rest up. Tyris, yin¡¯ wit¡¯ us?¡±


    The redheaded battlemage paused, thinking about his question for a long moment.


    Then she shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± she said quietly. ¡°I hate to admit it, but a lot of you are a <em>lot</em> more powerful than I am, and if you have to go into a dungeon after the Ravener, Vesuvius would probably be too big to fit into most tunnels, unless they¡¯re <em>really</em> big. I think it¡¯s better if I stay here and help where I can.¡±


    ¡°Sensible,¡± Isolde said.


    ¡°Aye,¡± Cedric agreed. ¡°Well, it¡¯ll just be¡­wait.¡± He looked at Birger and Bjorgrund. ¡°What about you two?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯lle with you.¡± Bjorgrund lifted Uldar¡¯s axe. ¡°I can fit into tunnels, especially if I shrink myself down, and I¡¯m strong enough to hold my own. I can be a big help. But, father? I think you should stay and help out here in the material world.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Birger hissed. ¡°No damned way, son, I¡¯m not letting you go into the heart of danger without me.¡±


    Bjorgrund ced a hand on his father¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, father. I¡¯m rune-marked: fighting¡¯s in my soul now, but you¡¯re <em>not</em> a fighter like me. Not when ites to fighting hordes of monsters face-to-face, axe-to-w. If youe with us, you could die.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not some helpless babe¡ª¡± Birger started to protest.


    ¡°He¡¯s right.¡±


    Everyone looked at Alex.


    ¡°What?¡± the older giant said.


    ¡°I¡­I really hate to say this but, Birger, I think Bjorgrund¡¯s right,¡± the General of Thamnd said. ¡°You know some magic, but you¡¯re not a battlemage. Your wards would be a lot more helpful protecting the soldiers here in the material world than they would in the Ravener¡¯s face, or in front of <em>whatever</em> Aenflynn might throw at us. Bjorgrund¡¯s axe, though¡­well, fighters who can overpower powerful Ravener-spawn physically don¡¯t exactly grow on trees, and we need all of those we can get.¡±


    He looked into Birger¡¯s eyes. ¡°Trust Bjorgrund. He¡¯s grown a lot¡­and I¡¯ll make sure hees home.¡±


    The older giant¡¯s lips ttened in a line.


    Then he sighed. ¡°Fine, you can go with them, Bjorgrund.¡± The old giant hugged his son. ¡°But don¡¯t you dare let anything happen to yourself.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be careful, father.¡± Bjorgrund hugged him back.


    Alex looked around. ¡°So that means me, ygon, Theresa, Brutus, Bjorgrund, Baelin, Asmaldestre, Isolde, Khalik, Najyah, Thundar, Cedric, Merzhin, Hart, and Drestra are going into the fae wild. Fifteen. Plus whatever we summon.¡±


    ¡°<em>And me!</em>¡± A deep voice bellowed from below.


    Alex looked down.


    Standing in the courtyard were four figures.


    Kybas and Harmless.


    Ripp.


    Andstly¡­


    ¡°Grimloch!¡± Theresa shouted.


    ¡°Heard you were all gonna get dinner without me,¡± the giant sharkman growled. ¡°No way. We feast together.¡±


    ¡°Harmless and I will fight here, with Ripp!¡± Kybas called. ¡°Help make sure Greymoor doesn¡¯t fall.¡±


    ¡°Sixteen, then¡­¡± Alex said. ¡°Not a big number, but we have a lot of power. Alright, then let¡¯s get the poison, injectors and anti-dungeon warping device from theb and we¡¯ll go over our ns. Then¡­¡±


    He looked at the others.


    ¡°¡­let¡¯s pay the Ravener and our old ally a surprise visit.¡±

 Chapter 852: The Enemies of Och Fir Nog

    Chapter 852: The Enemies of Och Fir Nog


    ¡°I swear, I¡¯s gonna rip Aenflynn in half m¡¯self.¡± Cedric threatened beneath his breath. He was standing in theboratory with the rest of the team, watching as the anti-dungeon warping device was loaded onto a floating tform. ¡°I¡¯ll choke th¡¯life from ¡®im.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t,¡± Alex warned, finishing up the loading of the anti-Ravener venom and injection devices onto the tform. ¡°You¡¯re bound by your pact with him: same as Drestra and Hart. Leave the strangling to the ones who <em>won¡¯t</em> be pulverised by fae magic if they attack him. Focus that rage on the Ravener.¡±


    ¡°Aye¡­¡± the Chosen nodded. ¡°I knows yer bein¡¯ sensible, but I don¡¯ like it. Matter o¡¯ fact, seein¡¯ how ¡®e tricked us makes me wanna strangle ¡®im even more!¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like that we can¡¯t get him either,¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled. ¡°I¡¯d like to feel my fangs piercing in him as I¡¯m burning him with my mes. I can smell it now.¡± There was no humour in her voice.


    ¡°Do not be so sure that he would be so easy to strike down.¡± Baelin warned. ¡°Old fae lords wield terrible power, and we do not know just what he has managed to do with that throne yet. So, expect the fight of a lifetime.¡±


    ¡°The thought of him having the throne and doing whatever he wished with it sickens me,¡± Merzhin growled. ¡°Perhaps I could craft an interdiction¡ª¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it.¡± Alex activated the force shielding<strong></strong>on the floating tform. ¡°That kind of interdiction could damage your soul. And we need you and your soul if we¡¯re going to get through this.¡±


    ¡°Preferably alive.¡± Thundar rumbled, eyeing Uldar¡¯s mace.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Grimloch thumbed the spikes on his maul. A warhammer from Uldar¡¯s sanctum was slung over his back. ¡°If I die, then Nua-Oge¡¯s gonna kill all of you, even if you live through the Ravener.¡±¡°O-oh,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°In any case, <em>I </em>will kill all of you if you don¡¯t live through this,¡± Professor Jules said, looking at each of them. ¡°So many of you are so young. So strong. With such bright futures. It would be wrong to have that taken from you by ancient things.¡±


    ¡°Oh? I happen to be an ancient thing,¡± Baelin said. ¡°So are you saying only the young ones deserve to live through this, Vernia?¡±


    ¡°You have lived long enough, old goat.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± the chancellor said dryly.


    Professor Jules looked upon them, as though trying tomit each face to memory. Four Heroes. A life-enforcement empowered huntress and her cerberus blood familiar. A life-enforcement enhanced sharkman. A young rune-marked giant and his father, even if thetter was staying behind. One of the strongest war-spirits from across the nes. An ancient archwizard. Three powerful young wizards.¡­and finally, theirmander.


    Her eyes rested on Alex.


    ¡°Mr. Roth, I want you to take extra care,¡± she warned him. ¡°The others, I can count on them to be somewhat more sensible. But you¡­I want you to make sure that you are at your wedding when this is all over, not at your funeral.¡±


    Behind her, several other wizards: including Tyris and Kybas nodded.


    Alex lowered his head. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure wee back. I will.¡±


    ¡°And what is the n, fearless leader?¡± Khalik asked. ¡°What are we to do from here?¡±


    The young archwizard faced the others. ¡°We¡¯ll go to the fae wild through the closest fae gate, but I¡¯m guessing we¡¯re going to have a hell of a time of it on the other side. Ravener-spawn are flooding through the gates, so any gate we go through will likely have a horde waiting on the other side. Now, we have enough power that your average horde of Ravener-spawn shouldn¡¯t be a problem¡­at first.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, at first?¡± Hart asked.


    He gave the Champion a grave look. ¡°The problem we have is that we don¡¯t know <em>where</em> the Ravener is in the fae wild. We¡¯ll need to hunt for it, which means we could be fighting for a long time. We have a lot of mana and our fighters have a lot of stamina, but neither of those things are infinite. We need to preserve as much of our strength as we can.¡±


    Alex held up two fingers. ¡°Because we have two major threats we need to deal with. Aenflynn¡ªand whatever he¡¯s been doing with Uldar¡¯s body and throne¡ªand the Ravener, with its full power. They¡¯d be hard enough fights if we were fresh¡­but if we face them after hours or even days of wing our way through hordes of Ravener-spawn? It¡¯s going to be rough.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Isolde crossed her arms. ¡°Then what is the n?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to summon some astral engeli, and teleport around Och Fir Nog with them, seeing if we can locate the throne and the body,¡± Alex said. ¡°That¡¯ll be the fastest way for us to search.¡±


    The young archwizard looked at Baelin.


    ¡°Do you think you can take Aenflynn?¡± Alex asked. ¡°Even if he¡¯s done something with Uldar¡¯s body and throne?¡±


    Lowughter rolled from the chancellor¡¯s mouth. ¡°Are you asking me to face the fae lord so the rest of you can focus your efforts on the Ravener?¡±


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    ¡°Yes,¡± Alex said. ¡°And if Aenflynn and the Ravener are in different ces, I¡¯m going to ask you to separate from the rest of us and lock him down. I¡¯ll teleport back and forth to support whoever needs it¡­but yeah, Baelin you¡¯re our most powerful card, I¡¯m thinking. So you making sure that Aenflynn is either dead or at least can¡¯t interfere with us dealing with the Ravener, is what we¡¯ll need. I know that¡¯s asking a lot¡ª¡±


    ¡°I knew there was a reason I liked you.¡± Baelin chuckled. ¡°A fae lord who is possibly wielding the power of a god¡­and facing him with nothing but my own power and wits. The thought of that tickles me.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Professor Jules said dryly.


    ¡°Oh, do not be so cross, Vernia,¡± Baelin said simply. ¡°After all, I have supplied the final piece for your ritual, and you may activate it whenever you wish. I dare say I have <em>earned</em> a little bit of fun,¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°Chancellor, your ¡®fun¡¯ will be the ruin of us all.¡±


    ¡°No, no.¡± His beard-braids clinked. ¡°Just the ruin of our enemies, of course.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m d you¡¯re so eager, Baelin,¡± Alex said. ¡°If you need help, I¡¯ve got ns to support you.¡±


    ¡°How kind of you,¡± Baelin said.


    ¡°So that¡¯ll leave th¡¯ rest o¡¯ us t¡¯ hunt the Ravener down, aye?¡± Cedric asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Alex said. ¡°We¡¯re going to be moving quickly, teleporting as fast as we can. We should avoid fights if we can, until we actually find the Ravener¡¯s dungeon. And we¡¯ll focus on finding it fast.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a solid n,¡± Hart said.


    The others murmured, nodding in agreement.


    Alex took a deep breath. ¡°Then¡­this is it, I guess.¡±


    ¡°Good luck!¡± Kybas said. ¡°Harmless and I will be rooting for you.¡±


    ¡°As will we all,¡± Professor Jules added. ¡°End this and end it well.¡±


    ¡°We will.¡± Alex touched the floating tform holding the devices. ¡°Alright, here we go. Everyone get close and touch me. We¡¯ll be teleporting together.¡±


    The group gathered around Alex, exchanging looks and words of encouragement.


    Then the General teleported them out of theb.


    ###


    On a misty battlefield beyond Och Fir Nog¡¯s borders, the world was ending.


    The air shimmered, lethal fumes released, flesh melted.


    The earth bucked, opening like the jaws of great beasts, swallowing terrified victims.


    All around, the sky was pure fire and lightning.


    Rivers boiled, catching anyone near their banks, dragging them to a watery end.


    Fae screamed and died.


    Ravener-spawn marched through the chaos like they were out for a stroll on a warm summer¡¯s day, unconcerned, and ughtering. They pulled fae from their hiding holes and crushed pixies beneath trampling feet. Some were swallowed whole by behemoths and others were drained dry by Spear-Flies.


    Together, Ravener-spawn and fae killed everything they came across, wiping the mistynds free of all life.


    Well¡­almost all life.


    Behind the various Ravener-spawn marched Aenflynn¡¯s fae armies from Och Fir Nog, watching, engaging and cheering as ancient enemies and rivals were wiped out with ease. Ancient grudges¡ªsome thousands of years old¡ªevaporated in a tide of blood and Ravener-spawn.


    Even the enemy fae, desperately wanting to fight back could only watch in futility as divine light encased the monsters and enemy army invading theirnds, healing them of the slightest wound.


    The attacked screamed for salvation, crying out to their fae queen for her aid.


    But, they could not know that she was already dead: reduced to a smouldering husk by a bolt of divine lightning in her very pce while sitting atop her ivy throne.


    There would be no hopeing to save the enemies bordering Och Fir Nog¡¯s boundaries.


    And Lord Aenflynn could only smile, sittingfortably upon Uldar¡¯s throne, safely within his pce.


    His eyes peered through the window, his vision stretching hundreds of miles to drink in every detail of the ughter he was responsible for.


    He watched as a group of Redcaps burst from a swamp, determined to nk a group of his forces. The fae lord smiled, whistled a musical tone of power, then waved a hand.


    Divine might surged through Uldar¡¯s chair, rising, flowing through the air around Aenflynn¡¯s hand like an orchestra obeying its conductor. The fae lord whistled a harsh tone then flicked his wrist.


    Divine power shot away, crossing hundreds of miles in an instant. As the redcaps advanced, the ground beneath them transformed from its earthy hue to bright white, their bodies instantly disintegrating, divine force unmaking them down to the smallest particle.


    Aenflynn smiled wider, revealing his sharp teeth.


    He was feeling <em>quite</em> taken with himself.


    Maniption of matter through will, magic and song was an old fae trick, one the Stalker had mastered well. The short fae had weaved objects through the air and split flesh with a single wave of a hand.


    His art had made him a terror for the thousands he¡¯d hunted over the millennia, and there were very few fae who were his better in the art.


    Lord Aenflynn was one of those few.


    He had gone far beyond what most learned: he did not weave mere matter any longer, but was now able to conduct energy and power itself¡­as long as he had time to learn the quirks of the energy he wished to bend.


    And at this point, he¡¯d had time, many <em>months</em> with Uldar¡¯s throne.


    And those endless nights of practice¡ªlocked away in his castle¡ªhad borne much fruit indeed.


    ¡°Thank you, old friend,¡± he said, thinking about Uldar as he devastated an entire vige of Asrai with the flick of a finger. ¡°You fought at my side against my rivals in life. Now? Now in death, you wipe them out like a spring rain washes away the muck of a winter¡¯s thaw.¡±


    His smile faded, slightly.


    ¡°But I must work quickly.¡±


    He thought about what the Ravener¡¯s Hunter had told him earlier.


    Of what the mortals were doing, and how the Ravener would respond. Aenflynn had always known¡ªfrom the moment he¡¯d ¡®nudged¡¯ Uldar¡¯s construct into Och Fir Nog for sanctuary¡ªthat a final confrontation between the Ravener and the mortals would ur.


    Those lovely, clever little Heroes would likely being to see him soon.


    Aenflynn had fooled them long enough with his little trick in Uldar¡¯s sanctum: spying on them, sending Ravener-spawn to steal the throne and body while they were upied, then whisking the Ravener-spawn, the body and chair into the fae wild.


    After that, there had been months of learning how to bend and manipte his old friend¡¯s energies.


    Now, though?


    He doubted his ruse would remain undiscovered for much longer: the Ravener was attempting to destroy Thamnd, and the Thameish would likely discover where these new creatures wereing from.


    After that?


    They would arrive in Och Fir Nog, crying about treachery.


    But what treachery was there?


    He had not harmed them. If anything, he wished them all the best! Were it not for their actions, he would not have gained the ultimate weapon to <em>finally</em> bring the enemies of his realm low.


    Still, he knew they would not see it the same way he did. Young mortals often <em>did</em> have narrow vision.


    And so he¡¯d acted first, allowing the Ravener-spawn to use his fae gates en masse to wipe away as much¡­resistance as they could.


    He doubted it would be enough, but it <em>would</em> slow the mortals down.


    Hopefully, long enough for him to <em>finish</em> destroying his true enemies in the fae wild.


    Once that was done?


    Then things would be interesting.


    ¡°There are cards left yet to y,¡± he whispered, humming to himself as he crushed an entire fae castle with a single act of will. ¡°And if I y them right, we might walk away from <em>all</em> of this as friends. It will depend on how they react, though. As long as they are sensible¡­but, then again¡­mortals rarely are¡­ Still, I¡¯d love to speak to them. Hopefully, they can see reason.¡±

 Chapter 853: What Being Did I Annoy?

    Chapter 853: What Being Did I Annoy?


    Gwyin, the asrai, sincerely wondered what great and powerful being he had managed to annoy.


    He couldn¡¯t <em>remember</em> angering any fae lord, ancient dragon, mighty witch or irritable godling, but he must have, at some point.


    Otherwise, there was no way his luck could be this bad.


    No way.


    In a time span that was a mere blink of an eye to a fae, he¡¯d been captured and nearly eaten by a blue annis hag, almost killed by three of those hags and a horde of Ravener-spawn, and had crossed paths with the bloody Stalker.


    After that, things had been peaceful for a while.


    But now?


    This very instant, his life had turned to shit.


    The little fae sat in a small stream, with only the top of his face and head peeking above the water¡¯s surface as the world burned around him. In the distance, he could see the burned out remains of an all too familiar¡ªand highly traumatising¡ªwindmill.This was a ce he would normally avoid, but¡ªthis spring¡ªhe¡¯d heard that clumps of absolutely <em>delectable</em> mushrooms had begun growing in the forest around here. After weeks spent considering the situation, he¡¯d finally built up enough nerve toe and gather some for his ownrder.


    He¡¯d slipped out of the fae wild easily enough, but he¡¯d only managed to pick a single mushroom when the world had decided: ¡®<em>You know what, mate? Now¡¯s a good time to end.¡¯</em>


    And then, it started doing just that.


    First came the patrol: a big group of foreign wizards and hirelings from a realm far beyond Thamnd¡¯s shores. They¡¯d had sharp eyes and itchy sword-hands, so Gwyin had scurried into this stream, hiding beneath the water¡¯s surface until the loud stupid mortals passed.


    That was when Ravener-spawn¡ªmuch to his shock¡ªhade boiling from the nearby fae-gate and attacked the patrol.


    The battle was apocalyptic.


    Mortal wizards wielded earth-shaking spells, while Ravener-spawn attacked with tooth, w and their own magics. Those invisible monsters with the many eyes hade from the mushroom circle, attacking and paralysing some of the mortals, then turning them to stone and shattering them with their dreadful screams.


    But the mortals had magics to expose the hidden creatures, and they struck them with fire, lightning and force.


    Every time one of many-eyed beasts was defeated, it would explode, turning great swathes of the forest to ash. It was only by some miracle that Gwyin hadn¡¯t been blown to bits yet by one of those sts.


    He needed to escape¡­but there was no chance.


    Even poking his head too far above the water risked him getting struck by some errant spell or Ravener-spawn¡¯s eye-beam. So, here he sat, in this stream, trembling, desperately hoping that no explosion would vaporise him, and trying to figure out what powerful being could have it out for him.


    ¡®No fae¡¯s this unlucky,¡¯ he thought fearfully. ¡®No one is! Why? Why does this keep happening to me? This is supposed to be the <em>time of plenty</em>! So many of my friends filled theirrders with honey, jams and other tasty treats many of the Thameish mortals left behind. All I¡¯ve been getting is almost kill¡ª¡±


    That was when he was almost killed.


    A great orb of darkness sprang to life in the distance, then another and another.


    They began pulling in Ravener-spawn and everything else around them like starving beasts, obliterating the screaming monsters.


    Momentster, an explosion tore through the air: fire bright enough to blind someone raged in the forest, consuming much of the woond in an instant. Ravener-spawn withered, more magic came for the remainder, destroying them. Fire. Lightning. Earth and stone.


    All came together, ending the monsters¡¯ lives.


    The army of spawn was destroyed, apart from those still flowing through the fae gate.


    But there was no free pass for those either when another group of deadly warriors and mages attacked them, routing the monsters.


    Soaring past the now retreating foreign patrol was¡­


    ¡­oh no.


    Oh no!


    Alexander Roth¡ªthe crazy wizard¡ªwas leading a horde of even crazier looking wizards and warriors right for the Ravener-spawn swarming from the gate. They fought their way through the spawn like wounded boars, trampling the monsters like they were simply fighting a nest of ants, then making their way to the circle of mushrooms.


    ¡°Everybody ready!¡± Gwyin heard Alexander cry, as he destroyed a mass of bone-chargers with a wave of his hand. ¡°We won¡¯t know what¡¯s on the other side so be prepared!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± A giant shouted, slicing a behemoth¡¯s leg off with a stroke of his axe.


    Soon, the group was inside the fae circle, shimmering, being pulled into the fae wild.


    A breathter, they were gone.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    As silence descended on the forest, a trembling Gwyin slowly crawled from the water, moving as fast as he could away from the smouldering battlefield.


    ¡°If I live through today, I¡¯ll never have anything more to do with mortal wizards, fae lords or anything else great and powerful!¡± he promised himself. ¡°Not ever! No matter how tempting the mushrooms near them are!¡±


    When Alex and hispanions stepped into the fae wild, he expected to be attacked by something great and powerful.


    Maybe Ravener-spawn from Thamnd¡¯s ancient days on guard at the fae gate.


    Or mighty fae warriors, waiting to ughter them.


    Even the Ravener itself.


    What he <em>didn¡¯t</em> expect¡­was¡­


    ¡°<em>There¡¯s¡­nothing¡­here¡­¡±</em> ygon said, with his iron head swivelling about and his spear raised. ¡°<em>Nothing or no one ¡­at all.¡±</em>


    The group of warriors and wizards had emerged in a misty grove of fruit trees,dened with silver coloured, apple-shaped fruit.


    Beneath the evening sky, crickets peacefully chirped in the thick grass.


    A warm breeze rustled branches, making the fruit jingle like cheery Sigmus bells.


    The air smelled faintly of holly and honey.


    Butterflies with glowing wings flitted about.


    There were no Ravener-spawn present, and the only sign that the monsters had ever been there were tracks covering the clearing around the mushroom circle, and filling a wide path leading through the trees to the east.


    ¡°Well, if this don¡¯ seem like a trap, I don¡¯ know what does?¡± Cedric raised his weapons.


    ¡°Ravener-spawn was <em>jus¡¯</em> pourin¡¯ through th¡¯ fae-gate. This ce should b¡¯ <em>crawlin¡¯</em> wit¡¯ th¡¯ bastards.¡±


    ¡°Yet it isn¡¯t.¡± Theresa and Brutus sniffed the air. ¡°And they were <em>just</em> here.¡±


    ¡°And something still is,¡± Baelin said.


    All eyes turned to the beastfolk archwizard. His horned head was tilted toward the wind. ¡°Something spies on us from afar. To¡­the north of here.¡±


    ¡°Very good,¡± a strange voice spoke, seeming to echo from every branch, leaf, de of grass¡­and even the air itself.


    The group tensed, preparing to fight as the earth before them rippled, and began to rise. Mud, soil and grass extended into a column that began shifting, taking on a vaguely humanoid form. Soon, sharp, delicate features appeared on its face.


    ¡°You!¡± Cedric snarled, brandishing his weapons. ¡°Bloody traitor!¡±


    ¡°Do not throw those words out so carelessly,¡± a voice came from the regal figure of a tall, narrow-shouldered fae.


    ¡°Lord Aenflynn, I¡¯m guessing?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± the Fae lord, his image transformed from earth, grass and soil said. ¡°And you must be the General of Thamnd. Greetings. And greetings to the rest of you.¡±


    ¡°Be careful!¡± Merzhin hissed between clenched teeth. ¡°I¡­I feel Uldar¡¯s divinitying from this effigy of dirt before us!¡±


    ¡°Very astute, young priest,¡± Aenflynn said. ¡°But worry not, I am not here to fight you. Quite the opposite: I actually drove the Ravener-spawn away to clear space for us when I heard you were to arrive here. I thought we might have a chat, before you did something senseless. Have ourselves a little parley¡ª¡±


    He looked from Cedric to Drestra to Hart. ¡°¡ªmuch as we did not so long ago.¡±


    The Fae lord¡¯s image gestured to another section of the clearing, and he whistled.


    The ground beneath their feet rumbled, producing stone chairs and a massive table. The table was circr in shape and broad enough to amodate eighteen seats, of different sizes.


    ¡°Shall we?¡±


    ¡°No way I¡¯m epting <em>your</em> supposed hospitality again,¡± Hart said.


    ¡°I think that goes for all of us,¡± Alex added.


    ¡°Why not? I haven¡¯t <em>met</em> most of you before,¡± Aenflynn shrugged. ¡°Do not be rude in my domain.¡±


    His voice had a barb to it.


    No one flinched.


    ¡°What the hells do you want?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°So, will you be the spokesperson?¡± Aenflynn asked. ¡°Have a sea¡ª¡±


    ¡°No,¡± the General pushed the Fae lord¡¯s offer away. ¡°You¡¯re here to parley? Then fine. What do you have to say?¡±


    He threw Baelin the subtlest of nces. If the ancient archwizard had sensed what direction they were being watched from¡­


    Through the slits of his mask, the chancellor¡¯s eyes were slightly unfocused.


    Alex knew exactly what to do.


    Focusing the Mark of the General on drawing the fae lord¡¯s attention, he returned Aenflynn¡¯s gaze, adjusting his own bodynguage to be just rude enough to set the fae¡¯s teeth on edge. Not to attack¡­but to definitely disrespect.


    The earthen image of the Fae lord watched Alex closely.


    ¡°If you will not sit, then so be it,¡± Aenflynn said. ¡°You mortals be so rude when you¡¯re thwarted. Alright, so this is how it is. The Ravener seems to have quite lost its mind. I do not think anyone can stop it now.¡±


    Alexughed at that. ¡°<em>We</em> can.¡±


    ¡°Can you?¡± Aenflynn raised an eyebrow. ¡°Perhaps. Perhaps not. But can you do so before your realm is wiped from history? I know that you know much, and you likely know that the Ravener was able to cull all of Thamnd once upon a time. Even if you kill it, it will take you time to do so. Plenty of time for your entire kingdom to die. Every second you spend is¡­how many of your army will be dead? Hundreds? Thousands?¡±


    Cedric grimaced, ring at the Fae lord.


    Alex took a step forward, keeping Aenflynn¡¯s attention on him. He put on a mask of anger, as though the fae¡¯s words had gotten to him.


    ¡°And your point?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°My point is that if wee to an agreement, then we can all walk away from this alive and much better off.¡± The Fae lord raised a hand. An image of Thamnd on fire appeared above it. ¡°Your kingdom is lost, nothing can prevent that¡­but what you can do is save those brave soldiers who fight for its survival.¡±


    The image changed to one of soldiers marching away from the battlefield, their armour ckened by soot. Then the image changed to soldiers hugging their families, reuniting with their children and setting off toward newnds.


    Leading them was King Athelstan, apanied by the five Heroes.


    ¡°The Ravener has Uldar¡¯s body, and is using¡ª¡±


    ¡°We knows you gots th¡¯ bloody body an¡¯ throne!¡± Cedric interrupted.


    Alex fought back the urge to wince as Aenflynn¡¯s image smiled.


    He¡¯d made a probing statement. One meant to make the Heroes and theirpanions reveal more about what they knew, or had guessed.


    And now Cedric had bitten and Aenflynn had confirmed a little more of their knowledge.


    ¡®Point to you,¡¯ Alex thought.


    ¡°I <em>do </em>have his throne,¡± Aenflynn admitted. ¡°And I have spent much time mastering its energies. I wield the power of a god¡ªnot quite with the natural proficiency of Uldar¡ªbut it is still a deadly weapon in my hands. One that could either turn against you¡­or help you. The choice is yours.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°I think you deserve a little honesty, as a show of good will,¡± Aenflynn said. ¡°I used Uldar¡¯s throne as a weapon against Och Fir Nog¡¯s many enemies. As Uldar helped me in the past, I used his power to wipe away many of my realm¡¯s rivals in a single swoop. In short, I have what I want. Many of my enemies are now dead, and those who are left alive are in no position to strike back. So do not think of going to them for aid. But, this situation is a good thing for you.¡±


    ¡°And why is that?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°Because it means I have no use for seeing the Ravener wipe all of you out,¡± Aenflynn admitted. ¡°Make a pact with me, here and now, and I will use Uldar¡¯s divine power to whisk you all away from Thamnd and to your families¡­wherever they are scattered to. Blood calls to blood, and I can find them easily enough.¡±


    Alex did not miss the implied threat.


    ¡°So we¡¯re supposed to abandon our homes?¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Aenflynn said. ¡°Precisely. What is more important to you? The dirt upon which you make your lives or the lives of your loved ones? Make peace with me now, and I will see to it that the armies of Thamnd are saved, families reunited with families, and everyone free to restart their lives elsewhere. Make war with me now, and I will simply use Uldar¡¯s throne to aid the Ravener in wiping out yet one more enemy of Och Fir Nog.¡±


    The earthen projection¡¯s eyes shone like jewels. ¡°I leave the choice to you.¡±

 Chapter 854: Walk Away

    Chapter 854: ''Walk Away''


    ¡°How can you wield Uldar¡¯s power?¡± Merzhin demanded. ¡°It¡¯s¡­not yours! And you¡¯re no priest!¡±


    ¡°Many energies can be manipted if you know the right tricks and know the energy well enough.¡± Aenflynn¡¯s earthen projection smiled at the Saint. ¡°And I know the tricks, and became acquainted with Uldar¡¯s energy during the thousands of years he stood at my side, ruling Thamnd as I ruled Och Fir Nog. It did not take me long to <em>truly </em>be acquainted with the divinity focused on his throne. The exact mechanics of it¡­I think I will keep to myself. After all, should you choose poorly, it will cost you.¡±


    ¡°I would like to point out a w in your n,¡± Prince Khalik offered.


    ¡°Oh?¡± Aenflynn looked at the prince. ¡°And what is that?¡±


    ¡°You draw on Uldar¡¯s throne for the power to strike down your enemies, but that throne needs Uldar¡¯s faithful to maintain its strength. If you let the Ravener kill all the Thameish here and then¡­I do not know, find some way for its Ravener-spawn to leave thisnd and kill the rest, then wouldn''t you deprive yourself of the fear and faith that powers your weapon?¡±


    ¡°Ah, we have one who thinks himself clever. Remember, I have struck down my foes,¡± Aenflynn chuckled. ¡°I truly have little more need for the chair. If you take my pact, I will keep my weapon, true, but what good <em>is</em> a weapon if one¡¯s enemies are already dead? The throne will be one of my many trophies in that case. But¡­why even consider that? Make peace with me. That way, I keep my weapon, your people are saved, and I might be persuaded to even use the throne to help all of you on your journey to find a newnd. Uldar guided your ancestors, and his power will guide you¡­while I guide <em>it.</em> Think of it. The Ravener wins. You win. I win. Or¡­¡±


    He spread his hands.


    ¡°¡­we could all start trying to tear each other apart like angry bears fighting over a piece of fish. You will lose, and¡ªeven if you do not¡ªthe battle will cost you dearly. So choose. And choose wisely.¡±


    Alex red at the Fae lord, projecting an image of hate and anger.He wanted Aenflynn to <em>think</em> he¡¯d gotten the better of him. He¡¯d¡ª


    ¡°Oh, by the way,¡± the Fae lord interrupted the thought running through Alex¡¯s mind. ¡°When we negotiate, you¡ª¡± He pointed at Alex. ¡°¡ªwill stay out of it. I am aware of how tricky Fools and Generals can be. And it looks like you all havee back into your full strength. I¡¯d rather deal with someone a bit more honest. So you, Drestra, I will speak with you.¡±


    ¡°Why me?¡± the Sage demanded.


    ¡°Because, I have you to thank for all of this.¡± He chuckled. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for your suggestion to take Ravener-spawn instead of mortal children to reinforce my armies, I would not have started thinking outside of the little box I¡¯d crafted for myself. Thank you! Now and then the young can teach us old creatures some new tricks!¡±


    ¡°Perhaps, but I think that the old can still learn from those even older.¡± A deep voice joined the conversation.


    Aenflynn looked at Baelin sharply, as did the others.


    ¡°For example, divinity and fae magic can both view things from vast distances.¡± Baelin stepped forward. ¡°It is how many pantheons view the daily lives of their followers.¡±


    ¡°It is how Uldar, my old friend, watched Thamnd from his sanctum,¡± Aenflynn nodded contentedly.


    ¡°You are correct!¡± Baelinughed. ¡°As a matter of fact, I studied his viewing room. Including¡­¡± Malice dripped from his words. ¡°How to track such power back to its source.¡±


    Aenflynn¡¯s smile dropped.


    ¡°Your pce <em>was</em> hidden well,¡± Baelin said. ¡°But your tricks are old ones, and I know the old ways well. Interesting parley, by the way? Why don¡¯t we conduct this discussion in person?¡±


    The chancellor looked at Alex. ¡°Find the Ravener. <em>I</em> will show you the way to Aenflynn¡¯s pce. You will not be able to miss it. Happy hunting!¡±


    There was a surge of mighty teleportation magic.


    Baelin disappeared.


    Then the ground began to shake.


    ¡°What?¡± Aenflynn¡¯s image growled. ¡°What did you <em>bring</em> with you? I will extract a blood price from your bones-¡±


    Waves of fire bathed the effigy partway through its sentence, destroying it utterly.


    Drestra¡ªnow in dragon form¡ªclosed her smoking jaws. ¡°That felt better than you could imagine.¡±


    Before anyone could respond, the earth shook even harder.


    ¡°Everyone grab onto me!¡± Alex shouted.


    Many hands¡ªas well as Brutus¡¯ jaws and the tip of one of Drestra¡¯s talons¡ªtouched the young archwizard, and he teleported the group a mile into the sky.


    Far below¡ªwhere the party had stood a moment earlier¡ªthe forest rose up, shaped in a titan¡¯s hand, the ground trembled as earth and stone morphed into fingers on the colossal hand.


    This tale has been uwfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    In the middle of its palm was the fae gate, and the round table and chairs that Aenflynn had created. With an earth shattering noise, five titanic fingers abruptly closed, crushing everything in their grip.


    ¡°I¡¯m d I wasn¡¯t down there!¡± Thundar called.


    ¡°But we are still not safe yet!¡± Merzhin shouted. ¡°Divine energy is gathering around¡­wait¡­¡± He paused, looking around. ¡°Uldar¡¯s power was just filling the air around us, now suddenly, it is fading. Why? What could¡ª¡±


    ¡°Look!¡± Therea shouted, pointing to the distance.


    Far to the north, a blinding light, as brilliant as a living sun being born, shed. It was followed by a crack of thunder. The earth bucked releasing a shockwave that swept outward, ripping apart tree branches,shing thepanions in a fierce wind.


    ¡°What in the world was that?¡± Bjorgrund shouted.


    ¡°I would guess that would be the chancellor!¡± Isolde cried over the wind.


    ¡°Well, I think I know why the divine energy decreased!¡± Merzhin shouted.


    ¡°Hell of a distraction,¡± Hart said, his voice dropping as the wind died.


    ¡°Yeah, and one hell of a signal too.¡± Alex blinked away the after-image of the blinding light and squinted into the distance.


    ¡°<em>I sense wondrous violence for me to take part in.¡±</em> Asmaldestre¡¯s words cut into Alex¡¯s ears. The others winced.


    ¡°We need you,¡± the young archwizard said. ¡°We need to find the Ravener and we¡¯re going to have to concentrate on that. We have to stick to the n.¡±


    ¡°Najyah can see what is happening over there, but not very clearly,¡± Khalik cut the others off. ¡°There is a thick mist in the distance, but she can see Baelin¡¯s magic breaking through the mist. Behind it is¡­a castle. Perhaps the Ravener is there.¡±


    ¡°<em>Um¡­my friends¡­¡±</em> ygon interrupted Khalik. ¡°<em>Look around us¡­all around us¡­¡±</em>


    Thepanions tore their attention away from the distant battle.


    ¡°Oh shit,¡± Alex muttered.


    They¡¯d been so tunnel-visioned on Aenflynn, they hadn¡¯t noticed the gathering Ravener-spawn.


    Thousands of monsters, moving through Och Fir Nog, marching along the fae roads and pouring through the fae gates.


    Dungeons had formed near the gates, and many were different from those found in Thamnd.


    These were not grandplexes buried underground like immense ant nests. These dungeons were open to the air: yawning holes in the earth that looked like craters of throbbing flesh. From the centre of each crater, Ravener-spawn were being birthed¡ªdozens at a time¡ªwing their way to the nearest fae gate soon after.


    ¡°Look at that!¡± Thundar cried, pointing to the west.


    In the distance, an immense crater shuddered, birthing a titanic humanoid monster like those in Alex¡¯s vision. The creature rose to its full height¡ªtowering above all else¡ªthen purposefully stepped into a nearby fae gate and vanished from Och Fir Nog.


    Through another fae gate, Ravener-spawn transported dozens of dungeon cores, bringing more of the monster-spawning ck orbs into the material world.


    ¡°They¡¯re endless¡­¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled. ¡°And they¡¯reing from everywhere¡­¡±


    ¡°I had hoped we could simply follow where the Ravener-spawn were emerging from, and use that to lead us back to their master¡­¡± Khalik scowled. ¡°But it seems that the construct is clever: it is not creating a clear path for us to follow.¡±


    ¡°Bloody hells, what¡¯re we supposed t¡¯do then?¡± Cedric cursed. ¡°Search all o¡¯ Och Fir Nog? How big is this bloody ce?¡±


    ¡°Very,¡± Drestra said. ¡°It¡¯s not as big as Thamnd, but we¡¯d still be searching for a long time, trying to find a single dungeon in a big enough realm.¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have a long time,¡± Hart remarked, looking at Alex. ¡°What do we do, fearless leader?¡±


    The world slowed down around Alex, streams of consciousness focusing on different clues and pieces of information they had.


    What did they know?


    They knew for sure that Aenflynn had the throne. He¡¯d said as much¡­but what hadn¡¯t he said?


    He didn¡¯t say that the Ravener was with him.


    He hadn¡¯t said where the Ravener was.


    And he hadn¡¯t said where Uldar¡¯s body was.


    What else did they know?


    Baelin had found Aenflynn¡¯s castle, so they had its location. They had a map of the fae roads, which they could use to guide them through Och Fir Nog.


    They did <em>not</em> know what dangers this fae realm would hold¡­or if the inhabitants would be hostile to them. They <em>did</em> know that breaking Och Fir Nog¡¯sws would be a problem for Drestra, Cedric and Hart, though they didn¡¯t know exactly how.


    Where did that leave them?


    A n formed in Alex¡¯s mind.


    The world sped up around him.


    ¡°Alright, we need to split up for a bit,¡± Alex said. ¡°Cedric, Hart, Drestra? You could be in a lot of trouble if you break any of thisnd¡¯sws, so we need you to avoid harming any fae or destroying anything that¡¯s not Ravener-spawn.¡±


    ¡°Right, so what does that mean exactly?¡± Hart asked.


    ¡°I want you to take Merzhin, and teleport, then fly around Och Tir Nog while our Saint here tries to sense any traces of Uldar¡¯s divinity.¡± The General looked at the Saint. ¡°Aenflynn said he had the throne, but he <em>didn¡¯t</em> say he had the body. There¡¯s a chance that the Ravener has it.¡±


    ¡°A good thought¡­perhaps Aenflynn even secured the Ravener¡¯s aid by giving it its creator¡¯s body,¡± Merzhin proposed.


    ¡°Yeah, good thinking: even more reason to assume the Ravener has his body. And if it doesn¡¯t? Then we <em>still</em> need to find that body: it¡¯s still a focus for Uldar¡¯s divinity and we can¡¯t just leave it in enemy hands.¡±


    ¡°So we go around, stick to the sky, and look for the old bastard¡¯s corpse,¡± Hart said. ¡°Sounds good to me. Should we kill any Ravener-spawn we find that¡¯s airborne?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we should,¡± Alex said. ¡°Just try not to use too much mana and stamina.¡±


    ¡°Aye, sounds like a n then,¡± Cedric said.


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled.


    ¡°What about the rest of us?¡± Theresa asked. ¡°Are we with you?¡±


    Alex shook his head, pointing at a nearby fae gate. He looked at Khalik. ¡°My friend, do you think you can bury those gates with your earth magic?¡±


    The prince looked down at one appraisingly. ¡°With ease.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Alex looked at hispanions. ¡°Then I want Khalik with Najyah, Theresa, Brutus, Bjorgrund, Thundar, Isolde, Grimloch, ygon and Asmaldestre, to go around and destroy as many fae gates as you can find. We need to cut off the Ravener-spawns¡¯ routes to Thamnd and bottleneck them as much as possible. That won¡¯t stop Aenflynn¡¯s fae from taking Ravener-spawn through to Thamnd, but it¡¯ll slow the enemy down.¡±


    ¡°Heh.¡± Grimloch grinned. His armour¡ªa massive suit taken from Uldar¡¯s armoury¡ªgleamed. ¡°We didn¡¯t make no pact with this Aenflynn, so <em>we </em>don¡¯t have to worry about anyws.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°<em>What about¡­you¡­father?¡±</em> ygon asked.


    ¡°I can teleport the fastest and the most out of all of us,¡± Alex said. ¡°So, I¡¯m going to turn invisible, summon a <em>lot</em> of astral engeli and spread them out throughout Och Fir Nog. I¡¯ll be trying to find the Ravener and Uldar¡¯s body.¡± The archwizard squinted to the north. ¡°I also want to take a closer look at that battle. If there¡¯s a way I can get to Uldar¡¯s throne past Aenflynn and do something to it¡­anyway, well that¡¯s the n. Let¡¯s start moving. The Ravener should be having some problems any time now, and I want to take advantage of that before it finds a way to adjust.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Drestra asked. ¡°What do you mean? Did you do something to it?¡±


    ¡°Not directly.¡± Alex smiled.


    Hobb¡¯s words returned to him.


    ¡°But it¡¯s making a <em>lot</em> of dungeons¡­which means it should be getting a nasty surprise soon.¡±

 Chapter 855: Courage

    Chapter 855: Courage


    The Ravener rippled with power.


    Dungeon cores, by the number, swarmed from its ck surface and into the waiting ws of its Ravener-spawn. The creatures darted away, taking the orbs from their and through the tunnels, transporting them so new dungeons could be built near their ally¡¯s gates, or carried to the material world where they could make dungeons in Thamnd.


    The feeling it was having was invigorating. How many thousands of years had passed since it had revelled in its true strength, not having to constrain its full arsenal of apocalyptic monsters.


    Yes, this would be the end of Thamnd.


    ¡®<em>This is a trial you will fail,¡¯</em> the construct thought as it drew on its vast reserves of power, transforming the Thameish fear into monsters spawned right from the peoples¡¯ nightmares. ¡®<em>You will not be able to stop me. My armies are endless and yours are¡­are¡­¡¯</em>


    The Ravener¡¯s thoughts paused.


    Something was wrong.


    Something was <em>very</em> wrong.


    Deep within its core, it could feel its power lessening as it spawned its many monsters and dungeon cores¡­but that should have been impossible. The amounts of terror flowing from Thamnd should have provided an endless tide of power for the construct to draw upon.


    Yet, its energies were decreasing.


    Why?


    The Ravener reached out, probing its energies, discovering something so unexpected that its thought processes froze for a time.


    ¡®<em>The mountain of fear from the creator¡¯s people¡­where is it? There¡¯s very little flowing to me!¡¯</em> It thought. ¡®<em>This is impossible! This is a time of culling! I have unleashed my most powerful servants, but the amount of fearing from the mortals is low! Hardly any feeds me! What is happening?¡¯</em>


    Frustration rose as the Ravener was forced to slow its output.


    The flow of dungeon cores and monsters springing from its form slowed to a fraction of what it had been.


    Meanwhile, the construct struggled to understand what had changed.


    All the while, that stirring feeling that had started earlier¡­continued to grow, hovering just beneath its notice.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never felt so alive!¡± an elven mercenary shouted. Laughing wildly, he stabbed his thin sword through the gaps in one of the eight back-legs of a Ravener-spawn¡ªpiercing its innards repeatedly.


    With a gurgle, the creature toppled, and the elf¡ªand the horde of raucous mercenaries around him¡ªsurged ahead, ying at will, using weapons still glowing from the General of Thamnd¡¯s mighty spell.


    Nearby, King Athelstan cut through four chitterers with a single stroke of his divine sword, leaping over their bodies and setting upon a gibbering legion. He bnced on the ooze-like spawn¡¯s many shields, stabbing downward, his de cutting through a stolen buckler, letting both Uldar¡¯s divinity and the power of Alex Roth¡¯s mighty spell devastate the monster¡¯s essence.


    The creature withered, dying with a wheezing cry.


    Athelstan couldn¡¯t help but grin as the power of the archwizard¡¯s magic flowed through him. All around, the General¡¯s elite mercenaries and Thamnd¡¯s soldiers had been transformed into efficient instruments of death by the spell; Army of Heroes.


    They were stronger.


    Faster.


    Tougher.


    They seemed unstoppable, and were driving the monsters before them, marching through the streets of Ussex, leaving broken Ravener-spawn in their wake. Above, Ezerak Kai¡¯s monsters, as well as Alexander Roth¡¯s summoned creatures, brought any flying Ravener-spawn out of the sky and to their deaths.


    Circumstances had changed for the better.


    Yet, for all the magical and physical gifts the General¡¯s spell had granted, those things couldn¡¯tpare to what it had done for the army¡¯s hearts, minds and souls. When monsters threatened them, the soldiers did not baulk. When knights were stopped by powerful Ravener-spawn, their squires did not pause, quickly avenging their masters¡¯ killers in turn.


    No matter what the Ravener-spawn did, the courage of the Thameish fighters did not wither.


    The king¡¯s heart thundered in his chest, as steady as if he were riding through the countryside on a summertime hunt. Army of Heroes had enhanced their weapons and bodies with magic, but most importantly¡­


    ¡­it had freed them from the fear in their hearts.


    With an unwavering smile, the king raised his sword.


    ¡°Onward! Onward to victory! For the Traveller! For Thamnd!¡±


    ¡°For the Traveller! For Uldar! For Thamnd!¡± his soldiers bashed their weapons against their shields.


    Before them, the Ravener-spawn recoiled.


    And the king¡¯s smile broadened.


    It was the monsters¡¯ turn to be afraid.


    <em>¡®To fear something?¡¯</em> Registrar Hobb had said to Alex. <em>¡®Well, that grants power to many beings in the universe.¡¯</em>


    The young archwizard had never forgotten those words.


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    ¡°Army of Heroes is a ninth-tier spell that I took from Brightfire university,¡± he exined to hispanions. ¡°It¡¯s an incredible spell for battle, since it turns armies of ordinary fighters into fearless ones, their weapons be powerful and magical, and it grants the wielder strength, speed, stamina, and toughness.¡±


    He pressed his hand to his heart. ¡°But it <em>also </em>fills a warrior¡¯s heart with courage. The Ravener draws power from fear, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Oh shite!¡± Cedric¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Yer bloody starvin¡¯ it!¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± the General continued. ¡°And if I¡¯m right, that should buy us some time. Now, I couldn¡¯t cast Army of Heroes on every soldier in Thamnd, so the Ravener¡¯s still going to have some fear to feed off of¡­but I bet it¡¯s going to be a lot less than what it¡¯s expecting.¡±


    ¡°As long as it doesn¡¯t adjust its tactics,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°Good thinking, Alex. How long will the spellst?¡±


    ¡°A few hours,¡± he said. ¡°And I have enough power to teleport back there and recast the spell when it wears off, but if we¡¯re stuck inbat at the time¡­¡±


    ¡°<em>...you will not¡­be able to disengage¡­¡±</em> ygon said. ¡°<em>...you can¡¯t¡­be in multiple ces¡­at once¡­¡±</em>


    ¡°As much as I wish I could be, you¡¯re exactly right, buddy.¡± Alex said.


    ¡°Then we¡¯d better hurry and shut those gates down,¡± Bjorgrund said.


    ¡°And find that corpse,¡± added hart.


    ¡°And the Ravener,¡± Alex finished. He gave the others a nod. ¡°Watch yourselves, everyone. Regenerate your mana and keep yourselves safe.¡±


    ¡°Be careful, Alex,¡± Theresa said.


    ¡°I will,¡± he said. ¡°If any of you run into trouble, teleport back here. ygon, if you need back up, contact me. I¡¯ll check in on all of you when I can.¡±


    ¡°Right, good huntin¡¯,¡± Cedric said.


    ¡°Good hunting,¡± Alex replied, and teleported away.


    Raising his staff, the young archwizard appeared a dozen miles away, flying high above a smallke situated beside an idyllic fae vige. Below, he spotted tiny figures going about their business, seemingly without a care in the world, walking between houses shaped from giant mushrooms. Meanwhile,<em> his </em>people were fighting for their lives and dying.


    Alex grimaced, fighting down a wave of anger as he cast invisibility on himself. In his hand, the aeld staff radiated waves of concern.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± he whispered, conjuring an astral engeli. ¡°Just have to remember to stay focused. Our kingdom¡¯s gone on for thousands of years not knowing that its god was rotten: I have no idea if people here are just as oblivious to what¡¯s really happening around them, so I can¡¯t just start blowing up random fae.¡±


    He turned away from the vige, fixing his eyes on the astral engeli that appeared in front of him, quickly casting invisibility magic on her as well as True Seeing on himself.


    ¡°Greetings again, archwizard.¡± Her partly transparent form bowed. ¡°What task do you require of me?¡±


    ¡°The same one we¡¯ve been working on this entire time,¡± Alex said. ¡°We still need to look for strong traces of divinity anywhere around. I need you to sense for it, and show me any you find.¡±


    ¡°Of course, archwizard,¡± she said. ¡°Will you be summoning my kin to join the search as well?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    The world slowed.


    He cast Summon Astral Engeli five times, quickly following the spells with five more castings of invisibility. The five engeli instantly appeared, looking partly transparent to his True Seeing spell. He exined the task he had for the celestials.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be splitting up,¡± Alex said. ¡°I need multiple ces searched.¡±


    He spoke to the first Astral Engeli he¡¯d conjured. ¡°You and I will be going to the north, where that battle is¡ª¡± The young archwizard pointed to the apocalyptic scene of lights and earth-shaking explosions happening in the vicinity of Aenflynn¡¯s castle. ¡°¡ªThere¡¯s something I need to confirm there.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± she bowed. ¡°We will serve you, archwizard, for we feel that your purpose is true¡­but I should warn you. There is a <em>terrible</em> cascade of violent divinity in that direction. To go there will be to risk your life.¡±


    ¡°And to also stand a good chance of ending all of the chaos consuming my kingdom,¡± Alex said. ¡°We¡¯re going, because we need to.¡±


    ¡°Very good, archwizard.¡± The engeli bowed once more. ¡°I shall find the source of divinity for you.¡±


    ¡°Good. There¡¯s going to be a lot of divine power being thrown around, but I want you to see if you can find the source.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°Then, we should go.¡±


    Having the six engeli touch him, Alex teleported across Och Fir Nog, spreading them throughout the realm. Once he¡¯d left five in different areas<strong>,</strong> he touched the first engeli he¡¯d summoned, teleporting with her to Aenflynn¡¯s castle¡­or at least a safe distance from the fae lord¡¯s castle.


    ¡°By the Traveller,¡± he swore.


    Ahead, a cataclysmic battle was taking ce.


    Baelin floated in front of a castle partly-shrouded in mist, casting spell after spell of the sort of magic that could shatter the greatest cities. The ancient archwizard raised both hands, conjuring devastating spells.


    Storms of me, light and force ravaged the castle walls. Orbs of utter darkness pulled in everything around them. He summoned mighty demons with one hand and powerful engeli with the other.


    Against most foes, his assault would have meant Aenflynn¡¯s end.


    But he was not fighting <em>most</em> foes.


    As Alex floated closer¡ªthe engeli by his side¡ªhe could see another figure floating above the castle.


    There he was, Lord Aenflynn, but not an effigy this time, in the flesh, hovering in the air.


    The Fae lord¡¯s robes billowed in the wind as he waved his arms inplex patterns, his lips puckered, whistling magical tones. Air shimmered around him¡ªbrimming with divine power¡ªready to be unleashed with a harsh note and a swipe of his arm.


    Waves of divine light rushed at Baelin, demolishing everything near, whether living or not.


    The battlefield warped as Uldar¡¯s power worked to shift reality itself.


    But Baelin fought back, raising his staff, speaking words of power that resonated throughout Aenflynn¡¯s realm, severing the waves of divine light and letting reality return to its rightful form. As Alex and the engeli came closer¡ªstill cloaked in invisibility¡ªhe could see the Fae lord grin.


    ¡°My, my, you are <em>terribly</em> strong,¡± Aenflynnughed. ¡°I am not sure if I would have much of a chance against you were it not for one very useful throne.¡±


    ¡°Thank you for your kind words,¡± Baelin smiled back, pointing his staff at the fae ruler.


    A beam of dazzling light, crackling with force, shot from its tip.


    Aenflynn waved a hand and whistled, making the beam strike an unseen barrier, then vanish.


    ¡°However, I <em>do</em> have the throne,¡± Aenflynn continued, giving another sharp whistle.


    Alex watched the air around Baelin visibly contort, as though a bubble was forming around him. His form constricted¡ªlike he was being crushed¡ªbefore the archwizard teleported higher in the sky.


    ¡°You do have the throne,¡± the chancellor said. ¡°But you assume I have not fought gods before. I have. And I still live. I have crafted many magics to counter the sort of power you have stolen: too many think that deities wield unassable might. Deities are mighty, but not indestructible, and their strength varies greatly.¡±


    ¡°It very much does,¡± Aenflynn replied, his voice oozing pleasantness. ¡°But Uldar was <em>very</em> strong. He was no listless godling ofmerce, or petty demigod of the harvest. He was a god of knowledge and battle, with his kingdom¡¯s full support behind him. That is the power you now face. What I wield is not the strength of a puny god.¡±


    ¡°A fair point,¡± Baelin replied as easily as one having wine with an old friend. ¡°But I am no puny wizard. I am a proper wizard, and I have in mighty beings.¡±


    ¡°Have you? Ooooo, I <em>am</em> afraid, then!¡± Aenflynnughed. ¡°Then why don¡¯t we end this reasonably? I am old and mighty. You are old and mighty. There is no reason for either of us to spend time, blood or our lives on a conflict in which we have no personal stake. I have no grudge against you. You have none against me. Leave this ce¡­or even better, have a chat with me.¡±


    ¡°Indeed?¡± Baelin cocked his head. ¡°Perhaps you are right. Let us go into your castle and discuss it.¡±


    ¡°Oh no. No, no, no.¡± Aenflynn shook his head. ¡°That would take ce at ater time. On neutral ground. I know better than to invite an archwizard into my personal bower.¡±


    ¡°Alright, this is far enough,¡± Alex whispered, stopping his engelipanion. ¡°Please, tell me if you sense any sources of divinity nearby. Anything that could be fueling that fae¡¯s power.¡±


    The engeli paused for a moment.


    Alex¡¯s heart pounded in his chest. At any moment, he expected Aenflynn to turn toward him.


    Then the engeli spoke. ¡°Archwizard¡­I have found something. But you are not going to like what I sense.¡±

 Chapter 856: Clash

    Chapter 856: sh


    ¡°What is it?¡± Alex hissed, watching the two mighty beings in the sky, staring each other down.


    ¡°Patience, I am making sure, archwizard,¡± the engeli said. ¡°There is so much divinity in the air that I <em>could</em> err if I am not careful.¡±


    ¡°Alright, but¡ª¡± Alex started.


    The Fae lord¡¯s words interrupted him.


    ¡°Think of it. You seem to have power and wisdom,¡± Aenflynn said. ¡°The young mortals spurned my offer, but I am a generous lord. I will give them another chance, and I think you might make them see reason. After all, wisdom oftenes with age.¡±


    ¡°Not always,¡± Baelin countered. ¡°Your friend, Uldar, he seemed most unwise to me.¡±


    A flicker of displeasure crossed the Fae lord¡¯s face. ¡°It is poor fortune to speak ill of the dead.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Baelin cocked his head. ¡°So you <em>were</em> truly friends?¡±


    ¡°Pardon?¡±¡°I had simply thought you had used him to your advantage, as many tricksters do.¡± The chancellor¡¯s beard-braids clinked in the wind. ¡°But it seems that you actually shared a bond of fellowship.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Some of Aenflynn¡¯s cheer faded. ¡°Uldar was a friend. I did not approve of all of his decisions, nor did he approve of all of mine, but a friend he still was. What happened to him was monstrous. His body withered. His mind melted. It was a horror to watch, and he did not deserve it.¡±


    ¡°Did he not?¡± Baelin asked.


    ¡°No, he¡ª¡± Aenflynn continued.


    Alex¡¯s jaw tightened; at any moment he expected the fae to turn¡­or for something <em>else</em> to see him. Through the mist obscuring the fae lord¡¯s castle, there were many more fae moving along the parapets and courtyards of the vast pce.


    And many Ravener-spawn were among them.


    ¡°Yes¡­I have confirmed it now,¡± the engeli said, breaking Alex¡¯s concentration away from Aenflynn¡¯s conversation with Baelin. ¡°There is a <em>vast</em> source of divine energy in the tallest tower of this castle.¡± Her barely solid hand pointed to a vast, white tower rising from the centre of the pce.


    ¡°Good.¡± Alex was ready to call on the Traveller¡¯s power. ¡°But what¡¯s the problem? You said you had something to tell me that I wouldn¡¯t like.¡±


    ¡°There is a <em>powerful</em> divine ward ced around the source of divine energy¡­even if someone as powerful as you were to enter, you would meet an unspeakable death,¡± the engeli exined.


    ¡°What if I teleported in?¡± he asked.


    She shook her head. ¡°Unspeakable.¡±


    Alex resisted the urge to curse. Vilely. ¡°How big is this ward?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Perhaps ten paces¡­or thirty feet across.¡± She observed the target carefully.


    Alex narrowed his eyes, examining the tower¡¯s width. It seemed to measure nearly thirty feet across. ¡°He probably warded the entire room against intrusion. Is there a way to break such a ward?¡±


    ¡°Some very powerful magics can¡­or even a mighty form of divinity,¡± she said. ¡°But other than that¡­¡±


    The young archwizard considered her words.


    ¡®So it could be broken by powerful spells¡­but I don¡¯t know any spells that break divine wards, and I didn¡¯t see any spells like that in either Generasi or Brightfire.¡¯ He reasoned, his eyes slowly drifting to Baelin. ¡®Baelin would probably know magics that could get through, but he was pretty focused on Aenflynn right now. Maybe Merzhin could find some way through? I¡¯d have to ask and¡­¡¯


    Alex¡¯s gaze drifted toward Aenflynn, reading the fae¡¯s bodynguage as he defended Uldar.


    He was focused on Baelin¡­but notpletely. The lord¡¯s body was turned¡ªjust enough¡ªto let him keep an eye on the tower.


    ¡®He¡¯s not letting his guard down. No way I want to chance bringing Merzhin here with him so cautious. He needs to be more distracted.¡¯ Alex eyed both Baelin and Aenflynn. ¡®I should let them fight a bit more. The longer Aenflynn fights Baelin, the higher the chances that he¡¯ll tunnel-vision and let his guard down about the tower. Yeah, let¡¯s let him <em>think</em> that Baelin¡¯s the only one he has to worry about.¡¯


    Alex looked at the engeli. ¡°You said there was only one source of divine energy? Not two?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°No, just one.¡±


    The young archwizard¡¯s heart fell. ¡°There¡¯s nothing else? Nothing else at all? And you are sure?¡±


    ¡°No, I am sorry archwizard there is¡­¡±


    The celestial paused, her eyes narrowing.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Alex asked excitedly. ¡°Did you find it?¡±


    ¡°I did not, but I <em>do</em> sense a trail¡­a faint trail. I think it might be the path that the divine source took to reach this ce.¡±


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    ¡°Oh,¡± Alex grunted. ¡°That¡¯s not going to help¡ª¡±


    He paused, his eyes widening.


    ¡°Wait, can you follow the trail?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Most certainly, archwizard,¡± she said. ¡°I could easily follow the path that the divine source took to reach this castle.¡±


    Alex¡¯s mind worked quickly. ¡°Yes, do that. I have an idea.¡±


    ¡°ck of gratitude,¡± Aenflynn was saying. ¡°That is what gued Uldar. The denizens of Och Fir Nog are grateful for my rulership. They do not forget all I have done for them. But mortals? Mortals forget. Or they die quickly. In both ways, they abandon their pacts and bonds.¡±


    ¡°And so you me mortals for Uldar¡¯s trouble?¡± Baelin began to chuckle. And soon hisughter grew until it was thundering through the skies. ¡°Come now, you are more intelligent than that¡­or at least that is what I assumed. Child, Uldar wasrgely responsible for his own fate. Were it not for his pride and his excessive self-assurance, he might have survived his poisoning. But we are not here to talk about dead gods. Reflect on something for me, you know that anger you felt when I insulted your dead friend?¡±


    ¡°I cannot help but feel you are setting me up for something, but yes,¡± Aenflynn replied.


    ¡°Indeed. I was setting you up: if you consider the anger you felt when I <em>spoke</em> poorly of a corpse¡­how do you think <em>I</em> would react when you attempt to kill members of my school, my apprentices and those I have grown fond of,¡± Baelin said.


    ¡°Ah,¡± was all Aenflynn said.


    ¡°Yes. Ah.¡±


    Baelin raised his staff.


    Aenflynn whistled, raising his arms.


    The air exploded as Alex and the engeli flew away.


    Behind them, an apocalyptic sh of mana and divine power unfolded.


    But Alex paid little attention to their battle. He knew Baelin could handle things¡­what interested him was whaty ahead.


    The archwizard and the celestial followed the path while violence spread through Och Fir Nog.


    There were at least a dozen hive-queens standing between Theresa and the dungeon.


    Each was gnashing their jaws together and scraping their scythe-like legs along each other¡¯s bodies. Their insectile eyes were firmly fixed on the huntress.


    She cracked her neck, raising the Twinde.


    Four phantom swords appeared, hovering around her as she walked forward, stepping over the bodies of Ravener-spawn she¡¯d already dispatched. Nearby, the rest of herpanions struck at the army of monsters around the fae gate, while Khalik cast earth magic to bury the mushroom circle.


    She knew that battle would be well in-hand, so she¡¯d decided to remove one more dungeon core from the field with Brutus. Beside the huntress, the cerberus¡ªsheathed in his bone armour¡ªpadded along at her side, fangs bared and three growls rumbling in his throats.


    Before them, hive-queens released chittering cries.


    The one in the centre¡ªa bitrger than the rest¡ªpointed at them with a chitinous digit. <em>¡°Mortalsssss¡­must¡­feaaaaaaar¡­¡±</em>


    The memory of those words actually stopped the huntress''s steps for a moment.


    <em>¡®Humanssss¡­must¡­feaaaaaaar¡­¡¯</em>


    Theresa remembered those same words being hissed at them by the Hive-queen in the Cave of the Traveller at the start of their journey from Alric¡­which felt like a lifetime ago. Back then, she had never seen anything so hideous or monstrous before. At the time, the creature had seemed indestructible, and so very deadly. Her arrows hadn¡¯t been able to pierce its armour. Her great-grandfather¡¯s swords¡ªunawakened at that point¡ªhadn¡¯t even cut through the carapace of a single soldier silence-spider.


    Trapped in the Cave with the enormous Ravener-spawn, all she, Brutus, Alex and Selina could do was run, and try to make for the gate to the Rhinean Empire. If it hadn¡¯t been for Alex¡¯s quick thinking; the sacrifice of a fire-gem, and one of the Traveller¡¯s portals to some volcanic realm, they would have died there.


    <em>¡®Humanssss¡­must¡­feaaaaaaar¡­¡¯</em>


    Back when that first hive-queen had spoken those words, Theresa <em>had</em> been afraid.


    Very afraid.


    But now?


    <em>¡°Mortalsssss¡­must¡­feaaaaaaar!¡± </em>thergest hive-queen screeched, rising even further up with its centipede-like body looming over her and Brutus.


    But now, its words meant nothing to her.


    Neither did its size.


    Nor its des.


    ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of you.¡± The huntress cocked her arm back. ¡°I was once the prey of one just like you. Now <em>you¡¯re</em> the prey. Let me show you why <em>you</em> should have run.¡±


    nting her left foot on the ground, she put her whole body into her throw.


    One half of the twinde spun through the air, steel shing. Flying fast. So fast, the hive-queen didn¡¯t even twitch before the de reached its chitinous skull, entering one of its eyes.


    It shrieked, rearing back.


    Theresa was suddenly there, standing on its shoulder, her hand sping the hilt of the de.


    The hive-queen froze, as did the other ones around it.


    ¡°<em>You</em> should have feared, now you die,¡± the huntress said.


    She ripped the sword from its skull, turning into a whirlwind of shing des, both steel and phantom. Where once the twinde could be deflected by a silence-spider¡¯s carapace, now it sliced through the hive-queen¡¯s chitin like it was moving through water.


    The creature¡¯s body was shredded into segments, bits of it sailing in all directions under the force of Theresa¡¯s blows, and she was already leaping onto the next one before the first one¡¯s torn corpse had fallen.


    A single sh took the next hive-queen¡¯s head, while her other des diced its body.


    <em>This</em> spurred the others to attack.


    ¡®Ten left¡¯ she thought.


    They loomed around her, swarming.


    She dove for the ground, leaping off the falling corpse.


    Another hive-queen sprang, but Brutus unleashed his cones of sonic energy, stopping it cold, waves of sound smashing its body, cracking carapace, turning innards to slurry.


    He leapt on another, jaws tearing, bone-spikes sinking deep in its body.


    ¡®Eight.¡¯ The huntress counted mentally, darting among the centipede-like bodies of the other queens.


    The twinde severed legs and shed through chitin. Phantom des carved into carapaces.


    Monsters swiped at her, but seemed to be moving like snailspared to her. She split limbs that came too close, the twinde cutting through Ravener-spawn like butter.


    One more fell.


    ¡®Seven.¡¯ She thought.


    Another.


    ¡®Six¡¯


    Brutus tore a monster apart.


    ¡®Five.¡¯


    A double sh.


    ¡®Four.¡¯


    Another.


    ¡®Three.¡¯


    The remaining creatures looked fearful, recoiling from <em>her, </em>turning to flee to grab the dungeon core.


    Theresa shot forward like a ballista bolt, des held in front of her. She caught a hive-queen¡¯s back, the phantom swords spinning around her like a storm.


    The huntress carved through the Ravener-spawn¡¯s body, bisecting it as shended on the other side.


    ¡®Two.¡¯


    Down the crater of pulsating flesh she ran.


    The dungeon core was just ahead.


    She raised her des,shing out, the twinde carving into the ck orb.


    She whirled about, ready to end thest two monsters. There was no need.


    Brutus was standing over two corpses, heads tilted back, his howls reaching the sky.


    She smiled. ¡°Good boy, but we have more work to do.¡±


    Charging out of the crater, she made for the fae gate.


    There, herpanions were just finishing up, with Khalik burying both the mushroom circle and thest of the Ravener-spawn.


    ¡°Next!¡± he cried.


    Things were going well.


    One fae gate was closed, and she had killed twelve hive-queens, that each¡ªonce upon a time¡ªcould have torn her to ribbons many times over. And she hadn¡¯t taken a single scratch.


    ¡°I just hope the others are okay too,¡± she whispered, leaping into the air. ¡°Alex, Cedric¡­Drestra¡­everyone. Be safe. We can get through this.¡±


    She joined the others as they teleported to the next mushroom circle.

 Chapter 857: A Path that Ages You

    Chapter 857: A Path that Ages You


    ¡°<em>And the wind rose when he called upon it.¡±</em> Merzhin¡¯s voice echoed through the sky.


    Uldar¡¯s divine power flowed through his soul.


    Ahead of him, the other Heroes fought Ravener-spawn in a sky filled with the monsters.


    Blood-draks and blood-hydras.


    Spear-flies and hives-as-one.


    All swarmed around them.


    All screaming for the Heroes¡¯ blood.


    But the Heroes weren¡¯t about to oblige them.


    On Merzhin¡¯s left, Hart Redfletcher blurred, the Saint''s alert eyes could barely follow him. Any Ravener-spawning within reach of his des died. It made no difference how big or how small they were: a single strike from one of his swords split them in two.


    On Merzhin¡¯s right, Cedric was doing much the same.


    Every strike from his morphic weapon or axe made for less Ravener-spawn. His mouth whispered miracle upon miracle, while a twitch or slight movement of his body cast spells.


    He filled the sky with holy light and explosive force magic, crushing Ravener-spawn by the number.


    But¡ªfor all the Champion and Chosen¡¯s devastating moves, these were merely a distraction.


    All the while, Drestra and Merzhin were preparing the finishing blow. Floating above the Saint, Drestra¡¯s draconic form twitched, casting Control Winds. She drew in a deep breath, me glowing in the depths of her throat.


    Merzhin raised his hands higher. ¡°<em>When the wind answered him, he guided it against the invading ships that hade</em><strong><em></em></strong><em>to Thamnd¡¯s shore. And he said, ¡®begone invaders! The wind brought you to mynd, and so let the wind turn against you now! But let it harm none of my people!¡¯</em>


    Divine power exploded from him just as Drestra unleashed fiery breath into her tornadoes. The might of Merzhin¡¯s miracle melded with the dragon¡¯s spell and fire breath; mes burned hotter and brighter, her whirlwinds growing stronger.


    As one, it all exploded: magical and divine winds spread among Ravener-spawn surrounding the Heroes, bringing fiery death to the monsters.


    Every monster touched by the mes melted away, their bodies instantly turning to fuel, stoking the fires. Roaring windsshed their kin, bathing them in the inferno: flesh, bone and blood monsters turned to ash.


    The burning wave of death kept spreading, lighting up the skies.


    Spear-flies and hives-as-one died.


    Blood-draks and blood-hydras died.


    They were incinerated in droves, leaving only clouds of ash drifting down onto Och Fir Nog. Far below, Merzhin could see fae pointing toward the cataclysm in the sky. Most fled to hidey-holes and burrows.


    While the braver ones merely stood, pointing and gaping.


    ¡°Got ¡®em.¡± Cedric took a deep breath, that¡¯s another bunch that won¡¯ b¡¯gettin¡¯ t¡¯Thamnd.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but there¡¯s more of ¡®em. Look over there.¡± Hart pointed to the south.


    In the distance, a fire cloud was emerging from a fleshy dungeon-crater¡ªbeing spawned from a dungeon core¡ªrising to fill the air¡­suddenly it vanished.


    ¡°What? That was the same kind of fire swarm we fought!¡± Merzhin cried. ¡°But where¡¯d it go?¡±


    Drestra snarled. ¡°I think I saw some fae over near the fire cloud.¡± Her reptilian pupils narrowed to slits. ¡°I think they took those Ravener-spawn to Thamnd.¡±


    ¡°Shite!¡± Cedric swore. ¡°Feels like no matter how bloody many o¡¯ them things we kill, there¡¯s always more gettin¡¯ through t¡¯ our homes!¡±


    ¡°At least Alex¡¯s n seems to have worked,¡± Hart rumbled. ¡°There¡¯s less Ravener-spawn than there was before. Seems they¡¯re slowing down.¡±


    ¡°But not slowing down fast enough,¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled. ¡°There¡¯s still thousands spawning throughout Och Fir Nog. Too many for us topletely get rid of.¡± She looked at Merzhin. ¡°Can you sense anything? Any sources of divine power?¡±


    The Saint shook his head, his frustration rising like bile in his chest. ¡°No, nothing at all.¡±


    ¡°Shite!¡± Cedric swore. ¡°Then we gots t¡¯keep lookin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°Calm,¡± Hart said. ¡°Alex and his summons are out there looking too. We¡¯re going to find it.¡±


    Aye, but when?¡± the Chosen snapped. ¡°If we don¡¯t¡­¡± He paused, lowering his voice. ¡°Nevermind. Jus¡¯ worried, that¡¯s all, an¡¯ I ain¡¯t happy ¡®bout bloody Aenflynn gettin¡¯ one over on us. Anyway, never mind ¡®im fer now, let¡¯s keep lookin¡¯.¡±


    ¡°We will find it,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°We will.¡± He looked up. ¡°Traveller¡­Hannah¡­Carey. Please guide us in our journey around these strangends. Guide us to where we need to be.¡±


    ¡°Aye, spare some help for us,¡± Cedric prayed too. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s start teleportin¡¯. The longer we take, the longer folk gotta hold out. An¡¯ I don¡¯ wan¡¯ t¡¯ keep ¡®em waitin¡¯. I¡¯m sure they ain¡¯t havin¡¯ a real good time right now.¡±


    Kybas was having the time of his life.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, he¡¯s Harmless!¡± the little goblin cackled as Harmless lunged at a bone-charger.


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    The half-grown, titanic crocodile¡¯s jaws mped on the Ravener-spawn¡¯s bone-armoured skull, then bit down.


    A sharp crack followed, the monster¡¯s skull split.


    Harmless shook the corpse around for a bit before tossing it against the tunnel wall, and lunging for another.


    All the while, Kybas¡ªand a line of wizard-warriors¡ªcheered the familiar on, enjoying the sight of him wreaking havoc on the monstersing at them.


    Watchers and Generasian volunteers were in the tunnels beneath Greymoor, defending them.


    Kybas stood among the mercenaries and wizards, all doing their best to hold back the tide of monsters. The creatures were everywhere, but Kybas had little fear, after all, he¡¯d spent years, and lots of coin, love and time raising his familiar. A familiar that <em>killed</em> monsters.


    And killing monsters at the moment, Harmless most certainly was.


    Still far from fully grown, the young crocodile outweighed even thergest bone charger, and was much stronger, and would have been much stronger¡ªeven if he didn¡¯t have Kybas¡¯ enhancement spells coursing through him. Watching him fight the attacking spawn, was like watching a giant trampling a child¡¯s sandcastle.


    Hisshing tail cracked spines.


    The spawn¡¯s sharp teeth and ws slid off his force armour and reinforced hide like rain.


    And every snap of his jaws shattered bone, and severed limbs.


    The croc spit out half a chitterer, sending the creature¡¯s twitching corpse rolling along the ground,ing to rest beside a certain swiftling, who was doing what he did best.


    Hunt monsters.


    ¡°By my fae ancestors, remind me to never get on his bad side!¡± Ripp shot through the legs of charging Ravener-spawn, his magical de flicking all around him, opening dozens of wounds in the creatures¡¯ hides.


    Kybas onlyughed in response, casting a spell and conjuring a strange, fungal-puffball to his right hand. The goblin¡¯sughter grew louder when he cocked his arm back, nted his lead foot, and hurled the puffball deep into the tunnel.


    It exploded in a cloud of spores.


    Every Ravener-spawn caught in its radius stopped, blinded by the thick dust, sneezing, hacking, gagging.


    Soon they began iling, panicking and gasping for breath as heaps of mushrooms erupted from their bodies, covering their skin, growing from their eyes, filling their mouths and throats, stopping their breaths.


    By the time the hapless creatures had stopped moving, they¡¯d turned to piles of multicoloured fungus.


    Kybasughed even louder at the sight before catching his breath and warning his familiar. ¡°Remember Harmless, those aren¡¯t the tasty ¡®shrooms that you like! But I¡¯ll give you all the delicious mushrooms you want after this is over! They¡¯ll make you grow even bigger and stronger.¡±


    Ripp paused, staring at the giggling goblin as he finished off another Ravener-spawn. ¡°...remind me not to get on your bad side either. I¡¯ve fought in the hells, but I have to admit, you¡¯re scaring <em>me!</em>¡±


    The goblin¡¯sughter grew even wilder as explosions from above ground shook the tunnels.


    ¡°Give them another!¡± Professor Jules shouted. ¡°I want them turned to ash!¡±


    ¡°Launch!¡± Watcher Hill echoed themand.


    Wind whipped across the battlefield, dispersing ash, dust and billowing smoke. Many of the moors around the Castle had been ttened to ash ckened craters.


    But still, the Ravener-spawn kepting.


    And, the defenders of Greymoor punished them for it.<strong></strong>


    Another chaos bomb released from a ballista, arched through the air tond among a horde of Ravener-spawn swarming from the south. It hit the ground.


    Another sun turned night to day.


    Another mushroom cloud rose above thend.


    Professor Jules grit her teeth, wavering against the shockwave, watching the horde be obliterated to nothingness. She nced down at the crates lining the wall. So far, they still had plenty of chaos bombs left.


    Plenty¡­if this were any normal battle.


    ¡°Moreing through the smoke!¡± A spotter cried. He was flying above the Research Castle¡¯s central keep with three other spotters, each watching one of the four cardinal directions. ¡°And there¡¯s another titan with them¡­no wait! Two! There¡¯s two this time!¡±


    ¡°Another horde from the east!¡± shouted another spotter, tension in her voice. ¡°This one has three of those big air-shootersing at us!¡±


    ¡°Northern horde¡¯s getting closer and they¡¯ve got spear-fliesing in from above.¡±


    ¡°A petrifier just got in range of my true seeing! Petrifier and Hunters approaching the west wall!¡±


    ¡°I want that petrifier disintegrated!¡± Watcher Hill shouted. ¡°Summon monsters to eliminate anything in the sky!¡± She looked at Professor Jules. ¡°Permission to bomb the eastern horde?¡±


    ¡°Granted.¡± Professor Jules scowled at the oing monsters.


    ¡°Launch the chaos bomb to the east!¡± Watcher Hill bellowed.


    Anotherunch. Another explosion.


    Disintegrating beams struck the petrifier as it entered the range of the Watchers on the wall, the creature vanished with an abrupt shriek. Fireballs exploded among the Hunters that were apanying it, wiping out the screaming creatures.


    Summoned air elementals and other flying monsters swarmed through the skies, attacking and shredding swarms of spear-flies.


    The Ravener-spawn were being kept at bay. For now.


    ¡°How do you think things are looking?¡± Professor Jules asked Watcher Hill.


    ¡°Well. For now.¡± The Watcher¡¯s response was clipped, her eyes searching for potential threats. ¡°The number of Ravener-spawning at us has dropped significantly: we¡¯re going through less chaos bombs than I¡¯d expected, and our mana¡¯s holding out¡­so far, so we¡¯re fine. As I said. For now. If those Ravener-spawn keeping at us and increase suddenly, we could get into trouble. Is it time to use the circle yet?¡±


    Professor Jules looked back at the summoning circle in the courtyard. ¡°Not quite yet,¡± she said. ¡°I want to y that card only when we¡¯re out of chaos bombs. It¡¯s hard to predict how it would interact with the explosions. The chaos essence inside it could cause catastrophic results if it¡¯s caught in one of the st radiuses.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Watcher Hill nodded. ¡°Then, it will be kept in reserve.¡±


    As she spoke, the central keep¡¯s main gates burst open.


    ¡°And speaking of reserves¡­¡±


    From the open gateway marched dozens of Watchers: fresh reinforcements called through the teleportation circle at the university. Their cloaks whipped in the wind, their staves clicking against the courtyard stones as they marched forward.


    Their eyes were looking straight ahead.


    ¡°Right on time,¡± Watcher Hill said quietly before announcing: ¡°Reinforcements have arrived!¡± she called, her voice echoing through the Research Castle¡¯s courtyard.


    A cheer answered her.


    Tired Watchers raised staves and swords, relief filling their eyes in anticipation of theirrades joining them.


    A momentter, the air shimmered beside the Watcher captain, then the bald, one-eyed form of Gemini¡ªleader of the Watchers¡ªappeared.


    Watcher Hill immediately saluted. ¡°Leader.¡±


    Gemini saluted in return. ¡°Watcher.¡±


    ¡°Gemini, I¡¯m d you¡¯re here,¡± Professor Jules said. ¡°We have things in hand. For now. But they could turn at any moment.¡±


    ¡°Our forces are tiring. We could use a watch change,¡± Hill added.


    ¡°Consider it done,¡± Gemini said.


    ¡°Gemini, could you do something for me?¡± Professor Jules asked. ¡°Well, two things, actually.¡±


    ¡°Of course, professor,¡± Gemini said.


    ¡°First of all,¡± Jules began. ¡°I would like a group of Watchers teleported to Luthering. We haven¡¯t had anyone to spare until now and if things are dire there, I want anyone still alive teleported here, to the Research Castle. Sir Sean Swift and I haven¡¯t seen eye to eyetely, but still, I wouldn¡¯t want to see him and his soldiers overrun there and left to die alone.¡±


    ¡°Of course, it will be done,¡± Gemini said. ¡°And the second task?¡±


    Professor Jules looked to the south. ¡°I want someone sent to Registrar Hobb¡¯s office. The old devil might be able to be convinced that defending Greymoor falls under the terms of his pact. Thisnd is university property and there <em>are</em> students here.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Gemini said.


    Professor Jules sighed, looking at the oing hordes.


    Here she was, fighting the servants of a god¡­while hoping that a devil mighte to their aid.


    ¡®The moment I met Mr. Roth, I lost control of my life,¡¯ she thought. ¡®I swear, if I live through this, I am never leaving myb again. I think I¡¯ve shortened my life by at least ten years walking this path.¡¯¡¯


    ¡°Archwizard!¡± the engeli hissed. ¡°We¡¯reing to the end of the path. I do not sense the divine trail extending any further ahead.¡±


    Alex held his breath.


    He prayed to the Traveller that he was right.

 Chapter 858: Meteor

    Chapter 858: Meteor


    Alex had no idea how long they¡¯d been travelling across Och Fir Nog.


    Many minutes, but probably less than an hour.


    They passed marching and spawning Ravener-spawn, new births slowed by his magic starving the Ravener of fear. For now. At least, for now.


    As they flew onward, the fleshy dungeons fell away, leaving only remote fae viges, thend growing wilder. The trees were taller. The meadows were filled with thorny bushes.


    The light seemed dimmer, somehow.


    Soon, even those viges fell away, revealing a deep,byrinthine wilderness.


    And atst, the engeli whispered. ¡°We¡¯reing to the end of the path. I do not sense the divine trail extending any further ahead.¡±


    ¡°This must be where they entered the fae wild after they took the throne. Do you sense multiple paths?¡± Alex asked. ¡°Like, did <em>two</em> divine sources travel along the trail we¡¯ve been following, or just one?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°Still only one, archwizard.¡±¡°Let¡¯s hope we find the second path,¡± Alex whispered. ¡°There¡¯s got to be another one.¡±


    They flew above the wilderness until¡ªatst¡ªthey came to the spot where the path began. It was in a little clearing deep in a dark forest, but was otherwise unremarkable. There was no sign of anyone having been around there in quite some time. No fae gate. Nothing.


    Alex scanned the area. ¡°Any other paths?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± the engeli said. ¡°But I will fly nearer and have a closer look.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­hold on for a minute¡­¡± The young archwizard¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    Something didn¡¯t feel right.


    The woods where they were, were quiet. Too quiet. The rest of Och Fir Nog had been alive with the sounds ofbat, cries of Ravener-spawn, and the movement of fae travelling between<strong></strong>settlements. Alex had even noticed different fantastical beasts, simr in some ways to those native to Thamnd: elk-like creatures ten feet tall at the shoulder, with bodies made of root and antlers twisted from vines, birds glowing with strange witch-light, whose cries sounded haunted, like ghostly songs, plus other unique creatures he didn¡¯t know the names of.


    Yet around here, nothing stirred.


    Nothing either resting, living, or dying.


    There was nothing but the path, and it ended abruptly.


    And what would one do if they were to follow such a path and find that it ended so abruptly?


    ¡°Land and investigate,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°What was that, archwizard?¡± the engeli asked.


    ¡°Hold on, I want to try something.¡±


    He raised his hands


    The world slowed down.


    His streams of consciousness concentrated, casting five ninth-tier spells at once.


    Five castings of Shred Magic: an incantation that would tear apart any spells or magical effects within a targeted area, as long as the magic did not eclipse the caster¡¯s own power.


    He directed the spells at the clearing below and the forest beyond. Five shred magic spells exploded from the young archwizard¡¯s body in waves of shimmering force, spreading over the wilderness.


    There came a sound like ss shattering.


    Magic was ripped asunder, shattering an illusion spell.


    Below, the world shimmered, and what was once an empty forest, was now revealed in its true form; a woond teeming with Ravener-spawn and fae soldiers, crouched low, prepared for an ambush.


    Monsters and soldiers froze as their cover was peeled away, their surprise attack thwarted.


    The trap was quickly destroyed.


    Fae magic cloaked in the clearing, activated. Grass briefly withered¡ªturning to sludge¡ªas the cursed magic was stripped entirely away, returning the flora to its normal state.


    Then, thest bit of hidden magic drained away.


    And¡­


    ¡°<em>Archwizard!</em>¡± the engeli hissed. ¡°I sense another path! There was another divine source here that was taken elsewhere.¡±


    A ferocious smile took Alex¡¯s features.


    Below, the fae looked around in rm.


    ¡°We are under attack, send the Ravener-spawn¡ª¡± A fae¡ªa knightly looking male in armour¡ªbegan shouting.


    The world slowed around Alex.


    First, he cast Wall of Roiling Mana four times. That would seal them in. He cast another spell.


    He¡¯d only <em>need</em> that one to finish what he was doing.


    The world sped up again.


    Mana poured from Alex¡¯s being as theplex spell array formed in his pool.


    Above the young archwizard, an ancient symbol of power formed, enhanced with soul rending power, then shattering.


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    The air growled like menacing beasts.


    Skies abruptly darkened, then brightened.


    ¡°That¡­that power!¡± the faemander cried. ¡°Everyone, scatter!¡±


    Fae tried to flee, but in their fear¡­


    ¡­four walls of prismatic light sprang into being on all sides of them.


    Several fae were toote to stop their momentum, they passed through the walls, their screams filling the air as Alex¡¯s magic rampaged through their bodies. Wall of Roiling Mana created walls of mana, structured to disrupt and damage anyone¡¯s mana pool if they tried to pass through them, showing them the effects the hard way.


    Any fae who¡¯d touched the walls, instantly copsed, their own power turning against them, rampaging through them in a mana reversal. Bodies withered, cracking, mana wreaking havoc inside them, destabilised by Alex¡¯s spell.


    Death quickly followed.


    The fae leader despaired. ¡°What is this? The mortals¡­how are they so powerful!¡± he cried. ¡°Fly! Fly up¡ª¡±


    He looked to the darkened sky.


    It was shifting, quickly brightening.


    Then, a falling star appeared, streaking across the sky at horrifying speed.


    It was huge, at least the size of a carriage, eliciting cries of fear, especially at the moment it began fragmenting, breaking up high in the sky, to rain down on the forest below, wrecking trees, churning earth, pummelling Ravener-spawn and fae into paste.


    A second heavenly body appeared a heartbeatter, this one nearly the size of the Roth family bakery.


    It too broke apart, raining shards of burning rock onto trees, pulping more fae soldiers and Ravener-spawn.


    ¡°Alright, quickly, let¡¯s hope the worst has passed!¡± theirmander yelled. ¡°Fly up now and¡­oh¡­oh by the fae lords¡­¡±


    A third meteor¡­another falling star was streaking toward them. The first two had been the prelude. <em>This</em> one was the <em>true</em> spell.


    It was moving faster than the first ones¡­and it was <em>much</em>rger.


    A mountain-like rock, the size of an entire Generasi city block, split into a deadly shower of building-sized fragments, concentrated on the forest below.


    ¡°We should go,¡± Alex said, touching the engeli and teleporting just beyond where the spell had automatically raised a barrier, meant to protect thend from its impact.


    He and the engeli were a thousand feet away, now, and could see the fae and Ravener-spawn rushing about, desperate to escape the meteor¡¯s fragments that burned so blindingly bright, moved much too quickly, and were far too big for them to escape it.


    It impacted the forest, and thend within the barrier buckled. Even beyond the barrier, the sound was deafening. The terrible heat and pelting wind turned trees to dust from the airburst.


    Fire roared into the sky, ejecting hundreds of stones, rock shards and debris through the air.


    They rained down¡ªbuilding-sized chunks of earth and stone¡ªcolliding with all it struck.


    Clouds of dust wafted through the area within the barrier¡­slowly beginning to clear.


    Revealing the devastation left in its wake.


    The forest, the clearing and the enemy army lying in wait, had been reduced to swirling heaps of dust within a crater of earth, tree bark and stone, smouldering from the meteor¡¯s tremendous heat.


    ¡®If it weren¡¯t for that barrier, I think a whole lot of Och Fir Nog would¡¯ve been destroyed¡­no wonder the spell shields the surrounding area from some of the effects¡­ Wait, oh by the Traveller, the barrier would also concentrate the pressure of the st <em>inside</em>,¡¯ he suddenly realised that the spell¡¯s greatest mercy for the world, was also its greatest punishment for its targets. ¡®That spell uses a lot of mana, even for a ninth-tier spell, but it¡¯s definitely worth it.¡¯


    He looked at the astral engeli, who seemed impressed, but unfazed.


    ¡®I shouldn¡¯t be surprised. She can only be conjured by ninth tier spells, except for certain strange, old rituals,¡¯ he thought. ¡®She¡¯s probably used to archwizards and the powers they call on.¡¯


    ¡°Can you still sense that second divine path?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she said. ¡°It leads to the west, I can follow it as easily as the one we took to get here. Do you need to rest, archwizard, after the great amount of mana you used?¡±


    Alex¡¯s mana pools were generating more power at an incredible rate.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine as long as I don¡¯t use that kind of spell every five minutes,¡± Alex smiled. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go.¡±


    He kept close to the engeli.


    Aenflynn cursed. ¡°Fall!¡± he shouted, whistling and wielding his old friend¡¯s divine power.


    The energy poured out, he willed it to turn this foul goatfolk inside out.


    Contemptuously, the ancient spellcaster brushed aside the divine force with a quick word and a surge of mana so great, that it would have buckled most fae lords at the knees.


    Aenflynn could feel the life and soul withering magic, and barely managed to block in time with a quick whistle and the flick of his hand.


    ¡°Perhaps you should give up,¡± the horned menace said to him. ¡°I cannot promise that you will live if you do, but your death will likely be swifter than if you insist on dragging out this inevitability.¡±


    Aenflynn smiled. ¡°Inevitability? I do not think so.¡±


    He whistled once, and an existence-annihting st of divine power manifested, only to be instantly erased. The fae lord flicked his wrist, trying to alter reality to rid the area around him of mana, wanting to turn all non-fae flesh near him into weeping pustules.


    But something, some kind of¡­magic was restricting the divine force.


    Limiting him.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Aenflynn demanded.


    ¡°As I stated before, I have fought deities and have constructed spells to make the battle more¡­sporting,¡± Baelin said. ¡°None of this simply ¡®willing me out of existence¡¯ or ¡®remaking the world to your advantage¡¯, for you. My magic will limit you.¡±


    ¡°Clever.¡± The fae lord smiled, revealing his sharpened teeth. ¡°Mypliments to you! But such mighty magic cannotst forever.¡±


    ¡°It might or it might not, but that is irrelevant,¡± the archwizard smiled. ¡°It simply needs tost long enough for me to send you off to the after-world.¡±


    ¡°Words are easy to spout,¡± Aenflynn¡¯s knuckles cracked as he flexed his fingers. ¡°But you will find that deeds are far more difficult to perform.¡±


    He was about to strike out again when a blindingly bright light passed through the sky in the distance, shattering as it was falling.


    A second falling star fell in the same way, impacting everything it struck.


    Then another.


    That third one held his attention.


    A terrible impact seemed to shake the very realm to its <em>core</em>. Aenflynn could feel his teeth rattle through his connection to thend¡­and for a moment, rage nearly overwhelmed him.


    He could feel a new scar on Och Fir Nog, one that would take much time to erase. Much time even by fae standards. Few dared to wound a fae lord¡¯s territory directly.


    Even fewer lived to tell of it.


    But Aenflynn could only stymie his wrath.


    The wizard before him was too dangerous to ignore, and too unpredictable to leave unchecked. He could not allow this ancient beastfolk near Uldar¡¯s throne: if any of the mortals would be able to tear through his wards of divinity and fae magic, it would be him.


    ¡­or at least¡­it should have only been him.


    When did the Thameish gain <em>another</em> archwizard for their cause?


    ¡°Who do you fight with?¡± the Fae lord asked, eyes fixed on his opponent. ¡°Such a spell is not within the grasp of a freshly whelped mortal mage. Even the Sage was not capable of such power whenst I saw her.¡±


    The archwizard¡¯s chest swelled with pride and he stood a little straighter in his armour. ¡°Archwizards begin their journeys into power by beginning as freshly whelped mages. Some walk the path to its culmination. Some run it. ¡­others <em>sprint it.¡±</em>


    Displeasure curdled in the fae lord¡¯s soul.


    This was unexpected. He had expected <em>power</em> from these enemies, but nothing like this.


    He resisted the urge to visibly turn his attention to the throne.


    There was another card that would be yed soon enough¡­but it needed time to be ready.


    And for him to have that time, he would need his ally to remain alive.


    With his connection to Uldar¡¯s power, he whispered to the Ravener across the distance.


    ¡®They areing for you,¡¯ he projected the thought. ¡®I will hold them as long as I can, but you must prepare.¡¯


    The reply came shortly.


    ¡®<em>Adjustments are being made. The mortals did something to deny me the fear the creator wished for me to feed upon,¡¯</em> the Ravener answered in Aenflynn¡¯s mind. ¡®<em>But I will be ready. Victory is still within grasp.¡¯</em>


    ¡®Let¡¯s speed up our ability to grasp it, then,¡¯ Aenflynn thought.


    With a subtle twitch of his finger, the Fae lord opened a divine channel to the Ravener. A tiny one.


    One that a narrow flow of divinity could pass through.

 Chapter 859: Maddening Shrieks

    Chapter 859: Maddening Shrieks


    The power trickled in, helping¡­immensely.


    Deep within the Ravener¡¯s cavern, Uldar¡¯s construct drank deeply of the energy that Lord Aenflynn had provided. Its gging stores of strength began rising again, allowing it to make adjustments within itself.


    ¡°<em>Thank you,¡± </em>the Ravener said. ¡°<em>Thank you for a taste of the creator¡¯s power. Your aid will always be remembered.¡±</em>


    ¡®My pleasure,¡¯ Lord Aenflynn answered. ¡®Just hurry, this conflict I am involved in is not easy-Gah! I must concentrate! I must leave you to your fight.¡¯


    The Ravener felt the connection between itself and Uldar¡¯s old friend abruptly end.


    For a moment, the construct felt a¡­sensation¡­growing inside. A loneliness. Like a longing for something. Companionship. It understood that. It had felt it over the eons when it had not heard Uldar¡¯s voice for some time.


    Perhaps the creator¡¯s old ally would make the passing of ages far easier to bear.


    But to face those ages, the Ravener must win this battle.


    It would not waste the gifts Uldar¡¯s old ally was bestowing upon it. Drawing upon its reserves and the new channel of power, it adjusted its internal processes. Since the empowering fear had been hindered, it would no longer be able to produce an infinite supply of dungeon cores.So, it must do with making less, and only focus on crafting cores that would make its most devastating monsters. Skystriders. Skyfire Swarms. Gale Makers. Spawn Knights.


    And of course, the formidable creatures it had yet to unleash.


    Living Cores.


    All of these Spawn would be its most elite forces. They would crush resistance and put the fear <em>back</em> into the mortals.


    These elite monsters would also form its guards.


    Soon, the Heroes woulde.


    Already, it could feel a Usurper nearing.


    The final confrontation was inevitable.


    ¡°<em>The trial moves to the next stage,¡±</em> the Ravener¡¯s surface rippled.


    Spawn Knights exploded from the construct¡¯s form, quick, vicious and powerful servants: the perfect guards for itsbyrinthine tunnels.


    ¡°<em>Creator¡­if you are in the after-world¡­¡±</em> it paused. ¡°<em>Then guide me. Spawn!¡±</em>


    Its words echoed through its vast chamber.


    Its legions watched it eagerly.


    ¡°<em>Go. Go into the tunnels and prepare. Soon, battle wille.¡±</em>


    With cries and bloodthirsty screams, its elite Ravener-spawn charged into the tunnels, making their way to their posts and ambush-points.


    When the battle came, they would be ready.


    And in the meantime¡­


    The Ravener opened pathways of power to certain dungeon cores around the fae realm.


    ###


    ¡°It¡¯s real quiet,¡± Alex whispered.


    ¡°What was that, archwizard?¡± the engeli asked.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± He said, watching the forest below them intently.


    Trees swayed, wind rustled their leaves, and the sounds of animals calling to each other reached them from below the canopy. The atmosphere no longer felt unnaturally quiet, to indicate a trap or illusion¡­but still, something was odd.


    He looked around the wilderness, seeing nothing obvious.


    Not yet.


    And that had been bothering him.


    ¡®We''ve been following the path for a while now,¡¯ he thought. ¡®We should be getting closer to the Ravener, but where are its guards? Dungeons serving as outposts? Patrols? Why is it so damned quiet?¡¯ He looked around. ¡®There should be <em>something</em> guarding the area. Anything. I don¡¯t like this¡­¡¯


    He called an army of summons, just in case. ¡®I don¡¯t like this at all.¡¯


    ###


    ¡®<em>I¡­like this¡­¡¯</em> ygon thought.


    His lower arms stabbed his war-spear through a behemoth¡¯s bone armour, impaling the creature from front to back. The monster howled, trying to pull the weapon free, but the enchanted tip was already doing its grim work, draining its life from it.


    In heartbeats, the monster¡¯s struggles slowed and its movements weakened. Bone armour loosened, as flesh withered within it.


    A final dusty cough, and the monster was still.


    Ravener-spawn surrounded the golem, looking to bring him down.


    Bone chargers attacked his iron form, damaging only themselves. Venom walkersshed the golem with their spiny, poisonous arms to no effect. Spear-flies tried piercing his metal form, only to break their own proboscises.


    ygon mostly ignored them, asionally using his fists to knock some out of his way or trample them beneath his iron feet. Monsters swarmed from above, and he raised his upper arms and unleashed the full wrath of his fire-gems.


    The air above him exploded as the fire-beams struck his attackers, blowing them apart in chaosced explosions.


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    And he did not pause, except to say. ¡°<em>I¡­like this¡­¡±</em>


    He nced at hispanions as they made their way to the fae gate up ahead, fighting through hordes of Ravener-spawn, using spells and their might to thin the monster¡¯s numbers. Everyone pushed ahead, bent on reaching the closest fae gate to destroy it.


    ¡°Almost there!¡± Prince Khalik shouted, flying close behind the golem with Najyah circling him. Her master¡¯s spells shot from her, rampaging through nearby Ravener-spawn.


    ¡°<em>I like this¡­!¡±</em> ygon cut a gibbering legion in two with a single swing of his war-spear.


    ¡°You like what?¡± the prince called. He and Najyah turned to a pair of blood-draks flying toward them, shredding them with cones of crystalline shards.


    ¡°<em>We are¡­winning!¡±</em> ygon cried. ¡°<em>They¡­can¡¯t stand against us¡­we used to have¡­to run¡­and n and sneak¡­!¡±</em> he shouted. ¡°<em>Now¡­they can¡¯t¡­stop us! We¡¯ve closed¡­a lot of fae gates!¡±</em>


    ¡°Indeed, but there are more, and they can still travel to the material world if fae bring them there,¡± Khalik said.


    ¡°<em>I know¡­this¡­is not over¡­and things will get harder¡­but right now?¡±</em> ygon said,ncing a fire-beam through the air, striking a group of hives-as-one as they flew toward them. The explosion annihted the creatures. ¡°<em>Now¡­this is good!¡±</em>


    Stopping just ahead of the fae-gate, the iron golem fired his fire-beams again, sting the mushroom circle, destroying a cluster of hive-queens guarding it.


    ¡°Now <em>is</em> good!¡± Khalikughed, flying beside ygon. With a few twitches, he conjured a great wave of earth, having it rise then swoop down on the remains of the circle. The prince dusted his hands off as it was buried, and Najyah let out a shriek of victory. ¡°But we must still be cautious, there is no telling when¡ª¡±


    The earth exploded under ygon¡¯s feet.


    The prince and Najyah reacted, he teleported them away before a jet of earth and rock could mangle them.


    Stone pelted ygon, battering the golem as a massive, Ravener-spawn rose before him, a creature with many holes in its carapace.


    Atop its back rode a knight-like armoured Ravener-spawn, with eight ded legs twitching, but the object it clutched in its wed hand was what caught ygon¡¯s attention.


    A dungeon core, one somewhatrger than the many the golem had seen before.


    No¡­no there was also something else different about it.


    It was pulsating, like a beating heart.


    It started growing.


    ygon swung his war-spear at the knight-like Ravener-spawn, but the creature leapt clear of his reach at the same moment the hulkling beast below it sted him with a torrent of air.


    The air-st slowed ygon, allowing the giant Ravener-spawn to scuttle backwards.


    The knight-like spawn emitted a chittering sound, ¡°<em>Something from our master!¡±</em>


    It tossed the dungeon core.


    As the orb of darkness flew, it rapidly expanded. First, reaching the size of a goblin. Then bing a simr width across as a grown man¡¯s height. Then, ygon¡¯s height, and finally, eclipsing even that.


    As it grew, the ck, hardened substance covering it, began shifting.


    Bing softer. Flesh-like. Pulsating. Wet.


    Rippling growths sprang up on its surface, rupturing, revealing masses of bulging eyes and hosts of gaping, fanged maws, suspended on the ends of long, fleshy tendrils.


    In the end, it became a jet ck creature of flexible flesh, measuring at least forty feet across and covered in bulging eyes and snapping maws. Four wings¡ªeach jetting me behind them¡ªburst from its form. They pped once, sending it skyward.


    ¡°What in all the hells is that?¡± Thundar cried from nearby. The minotaur was flying above a group of silence spiders, sting them with force. His form was surrounded by illusionary duplicates.


    The creature screamed, as if in response.


    A maddening gibbering echoed from every mouth, striking the world in a wave of invisible power. It passed over the golem harmlessly, but¡­


    ¡­for the others¡­


    ¡°Arrrgh!¡± Thundar screamed.


    The minotaur stopped in mid-air, grasping the sides of his horned head. ¡°It¡¯s burrowing into my mind!¡±


    All around, ygon¡¯spanions screamed, holding their skulls. Their eyes were squeezed tight and fingers dug long trenches into their flesh.


    ¡°<em>No¡­!¡±</em> the golem¡¯s voice thundered. ¡°<em>Leave¡­them¡­alone!¡±</em>


    He struck out,unching a deadly beam of fire from his forehead gem, straight into the screeching orb.


    The explosion broke the creature¡¯s magic, and for a moment, ygon¡¯spanions recovered.


    But, the Ravener-spawn emerged from the explosion, scorched but still alive.


    ¡°<em>Everyone¡­move away!¡±</em> ygon shouted.


    ¡°No!¡± cried Isolde from another part of the battlefield. ¡°My will is not so weak as to shatter from this <em>thing</em>!¡±


    She unleashed a spear of lightning at the creature¡ªencased in liquid¡ªarching it through the air, finding one of the creature¡¯s wings. The monster shrieked again¡ªmes sputtering to life within the wing¡¯s membrane¡ªyet it kept flying.


    Flesh shuddered.


    Spikes of stone flew from its hide like javelins, raining down at horrendous speed.


    Cursing, the wizards teleported away¡ªreaching for their warriorpanions. The spikes fell, striking the earth, digging deep. Many crashed into ygon¡¯s iron form and detonated.


    Explosions of fire and clouds of noxious gas burst from the spikes.


    ygon remained unharmed.


    The creature¡¯s bulging eyes rolled, many focused on the wizards as they reappeared several hundred feet away, scattered in all directions. But most of the Ravener-spawn¡¯s gazes focused on the golem, clearly acknowledging him as a threat.


    Its flesh rippled once again, partly-transparent petrifiers sprang up along its form, dropping to the earth. The True Seeing spell Alex had ced on ygon revealed the creatures, making stopping them as simple as catching fish in a barrel, and the golem stopped them before they could even orient themselves.


    The petrifiers¡¯ turned their many eyes on him, but could only die when the fire-beams struck them, sting them out of existence, exploding their detonating organs.


    He flew at the giant Ravener-spawn, noticing its burnt body was beginning to heal.


    ¡®<em>Need to stop it¡­from¡­recovering¡­¡¯</em> he thought.


    Again, the golem unleashed a fire-beam from his central gem, striking the flying creature dead centre. The explosion drew another shriek from the beast. ygon flew through the mes, levelling his spear at the burning creature as it shot more stone spikes at him, they exploded against the golem¡¯s metal form, slowing him, but not stopping him.


    With another cry, the enormous Ravener-spawn beat its four ming wings, pulling away from the golem, gaining altitude.


    ygon simply cocked his upper left arm back, transferring the war-spear to that hand and throwing the weapon with all his might.


    It hissed, cutting through the air, embedding itself in one of the Ravener-spawn¡¯s many eyes.


    The eye split, foul ck liquid poured out, the war-spear was so deeply embedded in the creature¡¯s body, that it vanished within its bulk.


    The monster wailed, shuddering, beginning to wither.


    Its burnt flesh could not heal, Zonin-In¡¯s weapon saw to that, absorbing the creature¡¯s life force. Powerful wing-beats slowed, ygon caught up to it.


    His iron hands snapped into fists like battering rams, delivering heavy blows, pounding its flesh, stopping it cold.


    Its mouths¡ª-at the end of their stalks¡ªturned uselessly toward his iron surface. ygon reached for them, pulling them off like he was plucking rotten fruit from a tree.


    The creature shrieked, trying to fight again, to unleash its maddening cries, but it might as well have been screaming at the wind for all the good that did.


    It continued to wither. Its strength continued to wane. Soon its flesh had desated to the point where ygon could see the end of his weapon¡¯s haft protruding.


    He reached for it, twisting the war-spear in the Ravener-spawn, opening the wound wider, allowing him to reach inside.


    Power gathered in his palm, the sound warning the monster of what was toe.


    Its bulging eyes grew wider.


    And ygon released the fire-gem, directly <em>into</em> its body.


    The beam of fire could not possibly miss its target, and the monstrous creature seemed to double in size, light, heat and me roaring just beneath its skin¡¯s surface. Flesh rippled, mouth-stalks iled weakly, its screeching sounding like the whine of steam escaping a kettle.


    Then, it ruptured. The fire-beam exploded within the monster, tearing it asunder.


    mes wrapped the golem, licking at his iron form.


    ¡°<em>I don¡¯t know what you were¡­but that is the end for you¡­¡± </em>he said, before flying out of the burning explosion.


    He froze as he emerged, looking around.


    <em>¡°Oh¡­no¡­¡±</em>


    More of the same Ravener-spawn were rising from the earth, transforming, turning into living dungeon cores.


    Most turned their attention to hispanions.


    But some?


    Some vanished, carried elsewhere by fae.


    Carried to Thamnd by fae.

 Chapter 860: A Land on Fire

    Chapter 860: A Land on Fire


    Luthering was on fire. Thameish blood flowed between burning buildings as monsters stalked from<strong></strong>structure to structure, feasting on soldiers caught by ws, mes, and fangs, preventing their escape.


    ¡°How did ite to this¡­¡± Sir Sean Swift whispered.


    The battle had started without warning.


    The evening had been like any other, at first.


    Soldiers were in the chapel, receiving blessings and hearing benedictions from their priests. Supper was being cooked in vast cook pots, and the knight had been considering tapping a cask of ale to fill the bellies of his warriors.


    But, all of that was suddenly forgotten, the peace had shattered quickly.


    From deep within Greymoor, an explosion had ended the calm: one so loud that he¡¯d thought it was thunder at first. But, soon after that, another boom had followed, confirming that it was not the weather threatening the outpost, but something else. He had quickly donned his armour and wasmanding his troops to be ready for trouble when the beasts had poured from the forest.


    Hundreds of chitterers and venom-walkers.


    Then thousands.They came on like a carpet of death, bursting out of the trees.


    The rm had gone up, but things had turned bad very quickly.


    Never had the knight <em>seen</em> so many Ravener-spawn at once¡ªlet alone fought so many¡ªand though his soldiers and priests had made a desperate effort to hold their home, their dead began to quickly pile up.


    Not long after the attack had begun, mightier Ravener-spawn had appeared.


    Gibbering legions and the monstrous poison-spirits, thetter were the leaders of the venom-walkers: glowing, ghostly creatures of a jelly-like texture with writhing, barbed tentacles dragging beneath them. With such powerful creatures among them, it didn¡¯t take the spawn long to overrun all of Luthering.


    The fire had started in a building¡ªhow, exactly, Sir Sean did not know¡ªand the chitterers wasted no time in grabbing burning debris and hurling it into the other buildings.


    me soon consumed the vige as his soldiers were pushed further and further into the town square.


    Now the few survivors were making a final stand, desperate to hold out as long as they could.


    They knew their deaths were near.


    All Sir Sean could do now was try to ensure that they met proper deaths.


    ¡°Steady on! Steady on!¡± he raised his sword, chopping through the neck of a chitterer, even as he fended off a venom-walker¡¯s spiny arms with his shield. ¡°I won¡¯t have any of us embarrassed when we get to the after-world! Give ¡®em everything you¡¯ve got!¡±


    His warriors roared, thrusting spears and des into the oing horde. Chitterers cried out as steel spitted their chests, but their hatred fuelled them. Even dying monsters spent theirst moments trying to pull their mortal opponents down with them.


    ¡°Sir Sean!¡± a priest cried. ¡°In Uldar¡¯s name, we should flee! Order a retreat!¡±


    ¡°To where?¡± the knight snapped, crushing a venom walker¡¯s head with a shield-punch. ¡°All around us are Ravener-spawn, there¡¯s nowhere <em>to</em> go! The horses are dead, we¡¯re surrounded on all sides! We¡¯d be cut to pieces, even if we could break through this horde! All we can do is stand, fight, and die! The only retreat for us is death! But we will make it <em>such</em> a death, and one of our own choosing!¡±


    A roar rose up from the fighters, and they fought on¡­though Sir Sean could see the growing fatigue in them.


    All around, buildings were copsing.


    Beyond the mes, Sean could hear the screams of dying Thameish warriors as stragglers were hunted down by gibbering legions and the poison-spirits.


    An enormous monster emerged, floating above the burning, skeletal remnants of the church, watching the clot of survivors struggling in the square.


    ¡°Poison spirit!¡± a soldier cried. ¡°It''sing this way!¡±


    The glowing monster¡ªstrangely beautiful in the night¡ªfloated down from above the church, its tentacles dragging along the ground. Ravener-spawn parted before it.


    ¡°Attack!¡± Sean cried. ¡°Arrows, bolts and miracles into the thing! Don¡¯t let it get close!¡±


    Acknowledging themand, crossbow and bow-wielding archersunched missiles into the creature¡­doing little harm to the jelly-like body. Priestly miracles burned its flesh with divinity, and the monster flinched, but did not slow.


    If anything, the miracles seemed to spur it to move faster.


    It raised its tentacles, avoiding harming the other spawn¡­thenshed out. Glowing tendrils struck mortals with great force, denting armour and breaking bones. Everywhere the barbed appendages touched, skin became swollen and inmed. Magical venoms coursed through mortal bodies as victims died horrible deaths, eyes shrivelling, mouths, ears, and nostrils oozing bloody foam. Sir Sean cursed.


    That creature was not how the knight wished to die.


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    But the choice was no longer his to make.


    The monster was now rapidly<strong></strong>floating<strong></strong>toward him, reaching out with its glowing tendrils.


    He raised both his de and shield. ¡°It was an honour!¡± he shouted to his troops. ¡°For Uldar! For the Traveller! For the Heroes! For Thamaaaand!¡±


    The brave knight took a step toward the monster.


    And beams of utter darkness struck the creature from above. The floating Ravener-spawn let out a gurgling scream and withered, its natural glow dimming.


    ¡°What in the name of¡ª¡± Sean cried, looking up.


    Above, a squadron of Watchers hovered, unloading spell after spell on the attackers. Ravener-spawn burned up in fireballs, spasmed as lightning took them, or froze them like statues.


    The warrior-wizards quickly changed the course of the battle for the remaining soldiers.


    ¡°Sir Sean?¡± one¡ªa tall, broad-shouldered young man¡ªflew down to him. ¡°I am Watcher Rnd. We need to get your people out of here.¡±


    The knight¡¯s jaw fell open. ¡°Oh thank the Traveller and Uldar! I agree that we need to get my people out of here!¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the Watcher said, looking at the survivors. ¡°We have wizards here to teleport you away! Everyone! Gather around! We¡¯re here to help!¡±


    ¡°Thank Uldar! Thank the Traveller!¡± cries of relief rose from the soldiers.


    The Watchersnded, speaking words of power.


    Walls of fracking me rose up around the survivors, shielding them from the Ravener-spawn.


    A pair of older wizards approached the survivors. ¡°Unfortunately, we cannot take all of you at once. We can bring ten at a time. So let¡¯s get the wounded taken away first!¡±


    Sean looked around, doing a quick count. There were a little more than twenty survivors left.


    ¡­a mere fraction of his full force.


    He shook off the horror gnawing at his gut. ¡°Everyone who¡¯s able, get the wounded to the wizards!¡±


    Several priests brought the wounded forth, using healing miracles to balm their wounds. Ravener-spawn tried pushing through the fire wall, simply burning for their trouble.


    The older wizards touched the wounded, teleporting them away with a few quick sybles.


    ¡°Hurry now,¡± Rnd urged. ¡°The teleporters will be back without dy, they¡¯ve seen the urgency we¡ªOh. That can¡¯t be good!¡±


    The young Watcher was pointing over Sean¡¯s shoulder.


    The knight turned.


    ¡°Oh¡­by the Traveller¡­¡± he gasped.


    Floating above the forest was a living nightmare.


    A massive orb of ck tissue, covered in eyes and snapping mouths suspended on long stalks, being borne by four burning wings.


    Never had he seen such a thing.


    Never had he even heard of such a thing.


    Before he could utter a single word, the creature released a gibbering shriek.


    The sound tore into the knight¡¯s mind, overwhelming his senses. A mind-rending terror drove him to his knees as every one of his senses were overwhelmed. Ghastly shapes surged toward him in a vision. His ears rang with ghostly cackling and the wet sounds of ripping flesh. His mouth was filled with the taste of rotting blood, bile and fetid flesh. He felt as though a mass of insects were burrowing under his skin.


    Sean screamed, wing at his face.


    He screamed until he was hoarse.


    Through the ghastly illusions, he could see soldiers lying on the ground, wing at their eyes, their faces¡­some had drawn their daggers and were trying to dig into their own eardrums, wanting to make the terrible gibbering stop.


    The priests and Watchers fared somewhat better, remaining on their feet even as they wed at their skin. Some finally dropped after a few heartbeats, but others remained standing, trying to call on miracles or chant incantations through bleeding lips.


    It was a true testament to the mighty will of mortals.


    The monstrous orb cared not at all.


    It rippled and immense stone spikes shot from its surface, puncturing survivors, impaling them, and driving deep into the earth.


    A spike flew past Sir Sean, barely missing Watcher Rnd.


    But, the knight suddenly felt something change.


    Along the left side of his body, the sensation of worms crawling over his skin had lessened.


    How? What had happened.


    He checked his shield arm, the limb was mostly gone, all that remained was a bloody stump; the stone spear had torn the limb away.


    Sean was screaming when two things happened at the same time.


    First, one of the teleporting wizards appeared beside him. The robed man¡¯s eyes were staring as his teeth clenched, he seemed to be fighting the scream gripping their minds.


    Magic suddenly washed over Sir Sean and Watcher Rnd beside him. <strong></strong>


    While at the same time, the stone spear detonated.


    Burning pain ripped through the knight, until he felt no more pain. He was then travelling through a tunnel of lights and colours until he appeared in the courtyard of the Castle in Greymoor.


    Beneath the light of the aeld tree, his scream ripped from his throat.


    He looked down in horror.


    As they¡¯d teleported away, he¡¯d been struck by part of the st.


    His right leg was ckened bone beneath the knee, and his sword-arm was smouldering.


    ¡°Medic!¡± someone cried. ¡°We need medical attention!¡±


    ¡°Traveller¡­Uldar¡­Heroes¡­save us¡­¡± Sir Sean whispered before darkness took him.


    ###


    That was when the first explosion sounded in the distance.


    Then another.


    And another.


    Alex whirled.


    ¡®ygon?¡¯ the young archwizard thought over the link with his golem. ¡®Are you alright?¡¯


    Far in the distance, he could make out the sh of explosions.


    Multiplerge explosions.


    The fighting had intensified.


    ¡®ygon?¡¯ he called again.


    ¡®<em>We are¡­alright father! There are¡­new Ravener-spawn here!¡¯ </em>the golem thought back over their link. ¡®<em>They¡­attack minds¡­and make more spawn¡­like living dungeon cores¡­! They look like¡­regr dungeon cores¡­but the Ravener-spawn physically throw them¡­and they¡­transform¡­¡¯</em>


    Alex swore. ¡°I¡¯m on my way ba¡ª¡±


    ¡®<em>No¡­father!¡¯</em> the golem thought, waves of certainty pouring through their link. ¡®<em>Focus¡­on finding the Ravener¡­we are alright¡­we will be alright! Our friends¡­ their wills are¡­strong! And my mind¡­is fine! Go¡­and keep looking¡­but watch out for the orbs of eyes¡­with fiery wings! They¡­make petrifiers and other¡­spawn!¡¯</em>


    Alex remembered the orbs from his vision of the culling: they gibbered and shot spikes of stone that exploded into fire and gases, but he did not remember seeing them make more Ravener-spawn.


    ygon was right: they <em>did</em> sound like living dungeon cores.


    Alex¡¯s eyes scanned the area around him.


    It was still quiet. Much too quiet.


    He gripped the aeld staff tightly, it gave off waves of worry and anxious attempts tofort him. ¡°How much longer is the path?¡± Alex asked the summoned astral engeli.


    ¡°I cannot feel the end of it yet,¡± she said. ¡°It might be some time before we reach the end.¡±


    The General cursed inwardly.


    Part of him wanted to simply teleport along the path with her, but he couldn¡¯t risk missing something on the way. Aenflynn had covered the trail with an illusion once, and thest thing Alex needed was to teleport ahead, stumble onto some mirage, and be led off the path, or worse.


    Another part of him wanted to teleport back to his friends¡­but this situation wouldn¡¯t end until the Ravener was dead.


    Steeling his resolve, he kept flying forward, watching the engeli as she led them down the trail. He acknowledged his impatience, letting the emotion pass over him. Other astral engeli, celestial rocs and elder air elementals flew with them.


    ¡®There¡¯s a chance that this is a trap,¡¯ he thought. ¡®If the others are being attacked by new Ravener-spawn, then there¡¯s a possibility that the monsters are waiting for me to get closer to their home, to then ambush¡ª¡¯


    Even as he thought the word ¡®ambush¡¯, the ground far below exploded.


    Titanic creatures emerged, reaching for the General of Thamnd.


    ¡°There you are,¡± Alex growled, pointing his sword-staff down at them. ¡°You¡¯re about to be nothing but a waste of energy for your master.¡±

 Chapter 861: Combination Magic

    Chapter 861: Combination Magic


    There were ambushes.


    And then there were <em>ambushes</em>.


    This one was thetter.


    The earth exploded below Alex, unleashing clouds of stone, soil and dust like a bomb. Massive tunnels gaped open in the wilderness, belching out hundreds of Ravener-spawn.


    The creatures roared, snarling at the young archwizard¡­and his small army of summoned monsters.


    Hive-queens, behemoths, hives-as-one, rampart-crushers, blood-hydras made up the bulk of their numbers, but theirmanders, however, were the dreaded spawn Alex had seen in his vision.


    The enormous, scuttling beasts with their air-sting carapaces. Ravener-spawn knights that rode on their backs. Enormous, titanic monsters taller than the tallest trees. Even burning clouds were rising from the earthen tunnels.


    But, his eyes were quickly drawn to ck orbs sped in their wed hands.


    ygon¡¯s words returned.¡®<em>They look like¡­regr dungeon cores¡­but the Ravener-spawn throw them¡­and they¡­transform¡­¡¯</em>


    Alex¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    The world slowed around him as he scanned the dusty ambush field below while breaking apart the streams of consciousness in his mind, focusing them on a single task: finding every dungeon core sped in the hands of the Ravener-spawn knights looking up at him.


    ¡®One¡­two¡­three¡­four¡­five¡­six¡­seven¡­¡¯ he counted them quietly. ¡®I think the best way to stop this is¡­ I know.¡¯


    A stream of consciousness took control of the Traveller¡¯s power within him.


    Another took control of his body.


    The others kept focus on where the dungeon cores were situated, marking each one¡¯s location, analysing where they might travel to and how fast they might move when thrown.


    ¡®Alright,¡¯ he thought. ¡®Let¡¯s go.¡¯


    The world sped up again.


    The General gripped his aeld sword-staff in both hands.


    Then vanished.


    The first Ravener-spawn knight shrieked when the Traveller¡¯s sword slid through its spine, cutting through hard chitin like parchment. Enchanted metal slipped through its chest and into the dungeon core.


    ¡®One,¡¯ Alex thought.


    The Traveller¡¯s power surged.


    Both the Ravener-spawn and the dungeon core were cut in half by his teleportation.


    Alex vanished again.


    The next Ravener-spawn knight was cocking its arm back, readying to throw its orb when the Traveller¡¯s sword split both its head and dungeon core in the same push-cut.


    ¡®Two,¡¯ Alex thought, already vanishing.


    The next monstrous knight was partway through its throw.


    A sword-staff teleported them both apart.


    ¡®Three.¡¯


    The fourth knight¡¯s core had just left its wed hand.


    Magical metal and the teleportation split core, hand, and the creature¡¯s face.


    ¡®Four.¡¯


    The fifth knight had already released its orb; the core hadunched, flying about a foot from its hand when Alex split it, the creature¡¯s arm, and its head in two.


    ¡®Five.¡¯


    The sixth knight hadpleted its throw and had followed through.


    The core was travelling through the air, already expanding when Alex appeared, thrusting with the Traveller¡¯s de, piercing the core, teleporting it in parts thousands of feet in either direction.


    He vanished.


    The seventh core was growing, swelling, already reaching the size of a tall man. Its bulging eyes were forming¡­


    ¡­when the General of Thamnd arrived, quickly carving up the orb, teleporting the many pieces away.


    ¡®Seven.¡¯


    Alex reappeared among his army of summons in heartbeats.


    Every dungeon core was destroyed.


    Five of the seven knights were dead. Thest two appeared dazed, baffled at what had just happened.


    Alex¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡®I should¡¯ve been faster. Still, not bad.¡¯


    He spoke to his army. ¡°Get them.¡±


    The lead astral engeli raised a ming spear. ¡°For our summoner!¡±


    The rest echoed her words in unison and charged, the elder air elementals following a momentter, diving into the ranks of the stunned Ravener-spawn, surprising them before they could recover or strike back.


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    But, Alex knew their number would not be enough.


    He considered his small army, eyes focused on the fire-clouds.


    Then he nodded, an idea forming. ¡®The Ravener had to put a lot of energy into this ambush. We should make sure none of these creatures escape. It¡¯ll take a lot of mana¡­but the hell with it. I <em>have</em> a lot of mana.¡¯


    Raising his hands, the world slowed around him.


    This time, he¡¯d be using three spells in session.


    All ninth-tier.


    All lethal.


    Even more so if he used them inbination.


    The world sped up again.


    Mana <em>poured</em> from his mana pool, enough to buckle the knees of most wizards.


    Three ancient symbols of power formed above him, enhanced with soul rending power.


    The world began to shake.


    ¡°Scatter!¡± he directed his army.


    As one, astral engeli and air elementals darted away in all directions, carried by the speed of celestial wings and gale-force winds. The Ravener-spawn kept shrieking at him.


    Spawn, capable of flight, took to the air,ing straight at him.


    Fire clouds roared, shooting forward, as giant, insectile beasts unleashed potent sts of air at their target.


    The young archwizard teleported higher, well out of range, all three burning symbols floating above him.


    The first one instantly shattered.


    The air suddenly turned humid, the salty tang of sea air filling his nostrils.


    And, from down below, the earth rumbled and roared as summoning magic¡ªenhanced by the Traveller¡¯s power¡ªreached across the nes to the¡­elemental ne of water.


    Alex recalled a spell he¡¯d taken from Brightfire.


    <em>Tidal Wave.</em>


    <em>Summons a massive wave from the elemental ne of water, capable of washing away forests¡­and armies.</em>


    A vast gateway ripped open, revealing a world of pitch-ck liquid.


    Roiling waves roared free, expanding, building, swelling like the father of all tidal waves.


    Curving forward like a scythe de, casting a billowing shadow over the army of Ravener-spawn, the wave towered taller than even the Ravener-spawn titans. More than a thousand¡ªor even <em>two</em> thousand¡ªfeet in height, and twice that in width, the water rushed forward as though it was alive, picking up speed with the inevitability of death.


    Ravener-spawn froze, not knowing how to escape.


    Some tried crawling away.


    Some fled back to their tunnels.


    The titans dug their heels in, bracing themselves.


    Fire-clouds tried to scatter.


    But it was toote.


    The wave crashed down on everyst monster, tons of liquid crushing them like the fist of an angry god. <strong></strong>


    All many could do was drown.


    Hive-queens, hives-as-one, rampart-crushers and blood-hydras were crushed by enormous weight and sudden pressure. Some tougher behemoths survived the initial impact¡ªbut barely¡ªthey were washed away, carried by the current, only to drown when the air was sted from them. <strong></strong>


    The titans held their ground though the powerful spell had pushed them back, their wed feet dug huge trenches in the earth, gripping it. Enormous, air-sting spawn had dug their legs into their tunnels and unleashed sts of air, trying to push against the endless wave of water.


    Still, Alex could only smile as the water poured into tunnels abandoned by the army of monsters, pushing both living Ravener-spawn¡ªand the many corpses back down into their tunnels.


    ¡®Those tunnels are going to flood,¡¯ the young wizard thought. ¡®What will you do next, Ravener? And here¡¯s a little something else for you to worry about.¡¯


    The second of three symbols shattered.


    The spell was called: <em>Tempest.</em>


    <em>A spell that conjures a concentrated swarm of lightning in even a clear sky, capable of burying vast areas in lightning bolts. </em>


    The sky suddenly darkened. A swirling vortex of thunderclouds was born, raging above the battlefield, lightning ying through the dark nimbus as the clouds growled in warning.


    Below, the Ravener-spawn had no time to recover.


    Thunderclouds unleashed torrents of punishing rain, hammering the creatures, drenching them further.


    Clouds ruptured.


    And lightning came.


    Following an echoing crack of thunder, lightning streaked down in sheets, filling every bit of air with zing bolts, crackling, arcing, reaching for each other.


    Ravener-spawn spasmed as bolts passed through the wave, dancing along their bodies, bringing death and agony. Manyy in smoking heaps by the time the lightning eased¡­


    ¡­or when it <em>seemed</em> to ease.


    Bolts of electricity repeated, all striking the same point in space, forming a massive lightning ball that red with brightness, drenching the air with the stink of ozone.


    Thunder sounded, cracking stone, followed by an explosion. The lightning ball burst, striking everything around it: ending Ravener-spawn with its intense heat and light.


    Fire clouds vanished.


    Air-sting monsters shuddered, copsing on themselves.


    Only a few of the toughest Ravener-spawn titans remained, their breathingboured¡ªbodies scorched, breath wheezing, trembling from electric shocks, but trying to stand, still wanting to serve their master.


    Their determination was almost admirable to Alex.


    Almost.


    It felt a little futile, since he still had one more spell waiting.


    The third symbol exploded above him.


    Once again, the air growled.


    This time, the temperature plummeted.


    Air that had beenfortable a moment earlier, now rapidly turned chilly.


    Then freezing.


    In the centre of the group of surviving Ravener-spawn, a point of light materialised, making a sound like a barrel-chested giant taking a deep breath. A revolving vortex formed around that point, sucking frost into the singr point of light.


    The whirling mass of frost stopped spinning.


    Residual water from the Tidal Wave spell began crystallising, producing great kes of snow¡ªeachrger than Alex was tall¡ªslowly drifting toward the battlefield.


    Everything fell quiet.


    No crackle of lightning.


    No boom of thunder.


    No roar of a tidal wave.


    Just an eerie silence.


    The wounded titans looked around nervously. The silence was unnatural. Unnerving.


    Hungry.


    And unsurprisingly, the first of the giant snowkes touched the water.


    The point of light and more kes detonated.


    Without a single sound.


    Nor sh of light.


    Nothing.


    Nothing, but the sudden deep freezing of everything on the battlefield.


    Water from the Tidal Wave spell stilled, icing over. Ravener-spawn corpses stopped drifting, now protruding above the thickyer of ice.


    And the titans?


    The titans¡¯ nervous pausing now formed their final poses: Ravener-spawn were frozen like massive statues.


    There was no longer movement.


    No sign of life in dead eyes.


    The silence was finally broken by a loud cracking.


    A limb split from a titanic body, now unable to bear its own mass, and fell to the earth with a crash that shook the other towering bodies. As one, frozen titans toppled, striking the ground, shattering in thousands of pieces.


    When thest shard of their bodies hade to rest on the battlefield, all was silent for a time.


    No sign of life remained among the hordes of Ravener-spawn.


    Sound now began returning; the sound of Alex¡¯s own breathing, the wing beats of the astral engeli as they rejoined him, and the low hum of the elder air elementals was heard.


    ¡°They are all dead, archwizard,¡± the engeli said. ¡°A grand disy.¡±


    ¡°Good. It was necessary,¡± Alex said. ¡°Let¡¯s hope it lowers their numbers enough to make a difference when we actually get into the tunnels. Come on, let¡¯s start moving before more show up. An ambush with such powerful monsters, and with so many, means we have to be close. We¡¯ve got to be.¡¯


    ¡°Very well, archwizard,¡± the astral engeli said. ¡°Follow me.¡±


    He nodded, and she led her summoner and the rest of his army along the trail. They passed above the ruins of the battlefield, looking down on Ravener-spawn encased in the remains of Alex¡¯s tidal wave before leaving the icy hell behind.


    They travelled further into the wilderness for many more minutes, while, in the distance, the sounds of explosions rocked Och Fir Nog.


    Atst the astral engeli paused mid-flight, hovering in ce.


    ¡°Did it stop?¡± Alex asked. ¡°Did the trail end?¡±


    She cocked her head. ¡°No, archwizard. It does not end here.¡±


    ¡°Then why did we stop?¡± he asked.


    The engeli pointed down. ¡°Because it no longer travels across the wilderness. The trail now leads down into earth.¡±


    Alex¡¯s heart began racing.


    ¡°Then¡­¡± he swallowed. ¡°That means we¡¯re probably¡­¡± he could barely let himself utter the words after so many months of searching.


    ¡°¡­we¡¯ve probably found the Ravener¡¯sir.¡±

 Chapter 862: One Rather Important Thing

    Chapter 862: One Rather Important Thing


    With all haste, the Ravener had changed the confines of its dungeon.


    At the farthest reaches of its tunnels, an ocean of water had poured into itsir, drowning Ravener-spawn as it surged. The construct was forced to give its full attention to sealing the passages before the bulk of its army drowned.


    And atst, after many tense minutes¡ªand more energy expended than it would have wanted¡ªthest of the tunnels were altered, sealed in stone, and reinforced against the hungry waters.


    It would survive.


    But¡­it was not pleased.


    ¡®<em>What has happened to these Heroes?¡¯</em> it wondered, troubled. ¡®<em>How did they gain so much power?¡¯</em>


    Again, it sorted through its memories, searching for past cycles where the Heroes of Thamnd had shown such might.


    There were none.


    No General, Chosen, Champion, Saint or Sage had defeated forces as powerful as the one it had sent to destroy the Usurper who was closing in on itsir.The power this Usurper had wielded was unprecedented.


    Again, that stirring grew stronger within it.


    ¡®<em>I will need to change strategies,¡¯</em> it thought, examining its internal stores. ¡®<em>I am gaining strength through the divine link; power cannot be wasted.¡¯</em>


    The Ravener drew power into itself, storing it.


    Its next strike must be crushing, and it would need all of its strength for that.


    Aenflynn¡¯s voice came over their link.


    ¡°<em>Patience,¡±</em> the fae lord said. ¡°<em>We are almost there.¡±</em>


    The archwizard struck at the fae lord with the sort of magic that could break entire cities.


    Yet, Aenflynn endured.


    The fae channelled Uldar¡¯s divine power, changing his strategy. No more would he try to destroy the wizard.


    Instead, he would simply endure.


    Time was on his side.


    He would save his strength for the right moment.


    ¡®And that moment ising,¡¯ he thought, meeting the beastfolk¡¯s steely gaze as their apocalyptic powers raged. ¡®It ising.¡¯


    One of the living dungeon cores exploded, drawing augh from Asmaldestre the Unmaker.


    ¡°<em>These creatures are entities of destruction. But I require more!¡±</em> her voice boomed across the wilderness while she fired shot after shot from her weapon. More living cores burst, plummeting from the sky, falling on Ravener-spawn, crushing them beneath their bulk.


    ¡°Excellent work, Asmaldestre!¡± Isolde called, forcing aside the gibbering noise still guing her mind. She raked a poison-spirit with lightning. ¡°Khalik, are you finished with the fae gate?¡±


    ¡°I am nearly done with all of them!¡± the prince called back, floating in mid-air and lifting his hands. He raised an immense stone wall, towering dozens of feet before him, and with a single word, he copsed it, burying the fae circle and Ravener-spawn rushing to get inside, crushing all beneath the stone. He flicked his wrist, conjuring streams of y atop the wreckage, sealing everything in.


    The prince nced up at Najyah circling high in the sky. ¡°Najyah does not see anymore gates, it seems we have closed all that appeared on our map, and more!¡±


    ¡°The fae are still taking spawn through to the material world!¡± Thundar shouted, aiming a bolt of force at a fae knight¡¯s chest. The creature exploded. ¡°Thank the Traveller we¡¯re stopping as many as we can!¡±


    ¡°Same with the Ravener-spawn!¡± Bjorgrund called.


    Grimloch and the giant waded through a horde of Skinned Ones, their weapons carving swaths of carnage through the creatures. Working together, they approached a rampart-crusher, its massive tentacles whipping at them.


    The two warriors reached out, grabbing its tentacles, nodding to one another then running in opposite directions. With a shriek, the rampart-crusher went taut, caught in a tug-of-war between two giants.


    The pair yanked at the same time, ripping the monster in two.


    ¡°I got the bigger half!¡± Grimlochughed.


    ¡°Hah! You must be blind!¡± Bjorgrund stuck his tongue out at the other giant. ¡°It¡¯s a draw! The next one we get decides the winner!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re on.¡± The sharkman grinned.


    Together they went looking for more monsters.


    Theresa and Brutus had been fighting a knight-like Ravener-spawn while ygon flew above, unleashing fire-beams across the countryside.


    ¡°<em>If we have finished with the¡­fae-gates¡­¡±</em> the golem said. ¡°<em>Then¡­we should¡­find Hart, Drestra, Cedric and Merzhi¡ª¡± </em>ygon paused, his head cocking as though listening to something. ¡°<em>Wait¡­wait¡­wait¡­wait! Everyone! Gather¡­together! Father thinks he¡¯s¡­found the Ravener¡¯sir! I am going to send a signal¡­then he¡¯lle and get¡­us!¡±</em>


    ¡°Then it begins,¡± Prince Khalik said. ¡°I hope everyone has saved sufficient mana and energy, I think the final act ising. Isolde, would you mind signalling the Heroes?¡±


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    ¡°dly,¡± the lightning wizard said.


    Raising her hands, she released a spear of lightning above them that erupted; electricity spasming, lighting up the sky.


    And seen for miles around.


    ¡°Keep teleportin¡¯!¡± Cedric shouted. ¡°We¡¯ll lose th¡¯ bastards one way or another!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying!¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled. ¡°But, they¡¯re everywhere!¡±


    The dragon¡¯s wing beats catapulted her through the sky, legs tucked, neck extended, eyes looking straight forward.


    She was doing everything she could to keep her top speed while the other Heroes gripped her horns and scales.


    Surrounding them was a cloud of enemies.


    Not Ravener-spawn.


    Fae, who¡¯d been following the Heroes like a horde of mosquitoes looking for fresh blood. They carried no weapons¡­apart from the filthy smirks painting their lips.


    ¡°Why do you fight, Heroes?¡± one hissed. ¡°You have a pact with our Lord Aenflynn, are you not allied with him? Put down your weapons and choose peace!¡±


    ¡°You cannot strike at us, Heroes of Thamnd,¡±ughed another, her eyes alight with malice. ¡°You might harm us, which would break ourws. After all, we have done nothing to harm you!¡±


    ¡°Stupid bloody pact!¡± Cedric cursed.


    It had been like this for some time.


    The Heroes had¡ªat first¡ªrampaged through the skies, killing every Ravener-spawn they encountered while hunting for signs of the Ravener¡¯sir.


    But, the fae had started tailing them, finding ways to interfere with them, using their pact with Aenflynn against them.


    Soon, the Ravener-spawn had learned to avoid the Heroes altogether, while squads of fae soldiers kept them surrounded, easily forming a sphere of bodies around the warriors from Thamnd. They would follow the Heroes, putting themselves in their path at every turn, taunting them with mocking words while <em>daring</em> them to harm even a single hair on their heads.


    The Heroes had tried to get away, to teleport and scatter, but¡ªeach time¡ªnew fae would appear, stopping them.


    All the while, Ravener-spawn were still being ferried to Thamnd by other fae. Each time they seeded, fae would mock the frustrated Heroes.


    ¡°Oh no!¡± one cried as¡ªin the distance¡ªa Ravener-spawn titan vanished. ¡°That spawn looked especially muscr! Perhaps he will crush one of your tiny mortal forts!¡±


    ¡°Oh my, those Ravener-spawn knights certainly looked fearsome!¡± shouted another when a group of the eight back-legged knights also vanished. ¡°Perhaps they will find parents in your armies! Those poooor little children that were sent away will soon be orphans, never seeing their kin agaiiiin!¡±


    Sing-songughter followed.


    Cedric¡¯s grip tightened on his morphic weapon.


    Hart¡¯s hand grabbed the<strong></strong>Chosen¡¯s wrist. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t keep listenin¡¯ t¡¯this!¡± Cedric shouted. ¡°I jus¡¯ can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°I hear ya, but we¡¯ve got to power through their horseshit,¡± Hart said. ¡°We don¡¯t wanna y into their slimy hands! Ain¡¯t that right, Merzhin?¡±


    The Saint¡¯s head was bowed, his eyes closed.


    His lips were silently moving.


    ¡°Ain¡¯t that right, Merzhin?¡± Hart demanded again.


    The Saint finally opened his eyes, a peaceful smile on his face. ¡°I apologise, what was that?¡±


    Hart stared at the small man incredulously as the wind whipped over his helmet. ¡°What in the hells, how can you not be paying attention?¡±


    ¡°I was praying,¡± Merzhin said, his tone still peaceful.


    ¡°Oh, you praying to the Traveller?¡± Hart asked. ¡°Looking to help her faster?¡±


    ¡°No, well yes and sort of,¡± He looked up at the fae surrounding them. ¡°These devils seem to have forgotten one rather important thing.¡±


    ¡°And what would that be, little mortal?¡± a fae soldier called down mockingly.


    ¡°That I was excluded and mistrusted by mypanions at one time, which was actually a good thing.¡±


    The fae warriors looked at each other in confusion.


    ¡°Because, you see¡­¡± Divine light gathered around Merzhin¡¯s hand. ¡°I was not present when that pact you spoke of earlier was made. So, I am in no danger from yourws.¡±


    The fae collectively began frowning, understanding seeming to be slowly dawning on them.


    Around Merzhin¡¯s hand, blinding light blossomed. ¡°<em>And wicked will be undone! All their sins will be marked on their flesh, and those that look upon them will know horror at their ruin!¡±</em>


    ¡°No¡ª¡± The fae soldier, no longer looking smug, shouted.


    The light enveloping Merzhin¡¯s hand had already red, an unseen wave of power ripped from it in all directions.


    Drestra paused, hovering in mid-air as the faes¡¯ attitude seemed to change.


    One smiled, tensely, ¡°I suppose your power is not-Aaaaargh!¡±


    He and his kin screamed as one.


    First came the boils.


    The fae¡¯s beautiful skin warped, turning green and grey as great, pus-filled boils and sores spread over their bodies, covering exposed flesh.


    Their bodies began contorting.


    Screaming became wet gurgling as¡ªbefore Cedric, Hart and Drestra¡¯s amazed eyes¡ªtheir tormentors¡¯ bodies warped, turning inside out as if a hand had reached within them and pulled.


    Fae bodies shuddered for a time, respirations dying, their bodies plummeting to the ground as twitching sacks of flesh and bone.


    ¡°There. That took care of them.¡± Merzhin copsed his hands together. ¡°We thank you, oh wondrous Traveller, for the powerful miracle you have blessed us with. My prayer came from Uldar¡¯s book, but please know that it was directed at you, as is all of my gratitude.¡±


    Hart grinned at the Saint. ¡°Holy hells, you¡¯re blood thirsty.¡±


    Merzhin shrugged. ¡°They were too smug for my liking. I decided to fix that.¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m jus¡¯ d we never went an¡¯ fought each other. That woulda been messy!¡± Cedric looked down at the ruined flesh piles far below. ¡°Real d.¡±


    ¡°Hey, look!¡± Drestra suddenly shouted. ¡°Over there! It¡¯s a signal from Isolde¡¯s group!¡±


    In the distance¡ªfar to the south¡ªthe sh of a great ball of lightning appeared.


    Cedric grinned. ¡°They¡¯re callin¡¯ us back! Ya think they mighta actually found th¡¯ bloody Ravener? Let¡¯s go find out!¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Traveller,¡± Merzhin whispered. ¡°May you continue to guide us.¡±


    Together, the Heroes of Thamnd teleported toward theirpanions.


    All was quiet over what seemed like a simple patch of unremarkable wilderness in Och Fir Nog.


    The only thing that marked it as not ordinary were the mighty beings¡ªastral engeli and elder air elementals¡ªguarding the piece of wilderness.


    They spoke not a word, and the area was mostly<strong></strong>silent¡­


    ¡­until arge group of warriors appeared, teleported in by the General of Thamnd.


    ¡°¡ªtrail goes deep into the earth here,¡± Alex was just finishing his exnation to hispanions. ¡°We didn¡¯t see any tunnels leading down yet, but that doesn¡¯t mean anything: this is where Uldar¡¯s body most likely is.¡±


    ¡°And likely where the Ravener is too,¡± Merzhin added, breathing deeply as he examined the ground. ¡°And your summoned engeli is right, Alex. I feel a <em>powerful</em> divine presence deep beneath the earth. A familiar one, I might add¡­¡±


    He nodded, as though confirming his idea to himself. ¡°Yes, it <em>must</em> be Uldar¡¯s corpse.¡±


    ¡°Then this is it,¡± Prince Khalik said. ¡°This is where the final battle begins.¡± He exhaled loudly, looking around. ¡°I see no tunnels, though.¡±


    ¡°We might have to <em>make</em> some,¡± Alex said, looking at the faces of hispanions. One stream of consciousness took in every feature of their faces, memorising every detail, and they watched him intently in return. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s take stock, we heal any injuries anyone might have, and then we finish this.¡±


    ¡°Uh, I have a question.¡± Bjorgrund raised his hand. ¡°We buried all the fae gates. How are we supposed to get back to the material world if this goes bad?¡±


    ¡°Baelin can take us,¡± Alex said. ¡°Or I might be able to manage with the Traveller¡¯s power.¡±


    ¡°And I should be able to uncover some of the gates should we need to escape,¡± Khalik offered.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Bjorgrund said. ¡°Well, that¡¯s good to know. Still¡­¡± He looked at the ground. ¡°Maybe I asked a stupid question. If this goes bad, I don¡¯t think we¡¯reing back.¡±


    ¡°Then we have to make sure it goes well,¡± Alex said. ¡°So like I said, let¡¯s take stock of ourselves and then¡­¡±


    He looked at the ground. ¡°Find a way into itsir.¡±


    As he said that, he turned a stream of consciousness to a single task: praying to the Traveller. From here on, that would be its singr job: channelling as much faith to her as he could.


    Within his soul, her power stirred.

 Chapter 863: No One Wants Plan B

    Chapter 863: No One Wants n B


    ¡°I¡¯ve used probably about half of my mana stores, but the regeneration technique is recovering them quickly,¡± Prince Khalik said. On his shoulder, Najyah¡¯s neck swivelled, her eyes appraising their surroundings with their cold, predatory gaze.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got over three quarters right now.¡± Thundar stretched his back and neck.


    ¡°And I have just about three quarters as well,¡± Isolde added, looking at the prince. ¡°It makes sense for you to have used more power than we did: you had to use a lot of earth magic to bury the fae gates, meanwhile, we could be more sparing.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Khalik said, watching the ground, a frown creasing his brow. ¡°And I might have to use it again, I do not see any tunnels nearby.¡±


    ¡°None of the summoned monsters found any,¡± Alex said. ¡°But¡ª¡± He held out his staff. ¡°We should be able to give you a break. How¡¯re your mana pools doing?¡± He asked Cedric and Drestra.


    ¡°Aye, I¡¯s got plenty.¡± Cedric tapped his chest. ¡°The ol¡¯ mana pool¡¯s big, plus I hardly cast any spells.¡±


    ¡°Well, I used plenty of magic, but because my mana pool is enormous,¡± Drestra said, having returned to her human form. ¡°I hardly made a dent in it.¡±


    ¡°Good, good,¡± Alex said. ¡°I¡¯ve got over three quarters and rising. We should be alright for whatever¡¯s waiting.¡±


    ¡°Aye.¡± Cedric looked down at the earth, then kicked a rock. ¡°Don¡¯ doubt th¡¯ Ravener¡¯s gonna have a whol¡¯ shite load o¡¯ nasties waitin¡¯ down there.¡±¡°<em>There is much violence waiting,¡±</em> Asmaldestre¡¯s voice shed the air. ¡°<em>Much violence¡­but none up here. Curious. The enemy does not challenge us, though we are at its front gate.¡±</em>


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Hart gripped his weapons. ¡°I don¡¯t see any Ravener-spawn lurking anywhere. Not one. And that probably means the big ck ball¡¯s saving up its strength.¡± The Champion looked at Alex. ¡°You said those Army of Heroes spells are starving it of fuel, of fear, right? So how much longer are they gonnast?¡±


    ¡°Hard to tell.¡± Alex looked up at the darkened skies. ¡°It¡¯s hard to tell how much time¡¯s been passing here¡­but I¡¯d guess, maybe another couple of hours.¡±


    ¡°So we got enough time to get down there,¡± Hart said.


    ¡°Maybe.¡± Alex looked at his astral engeli. ¡°Any idea where the divine energy leads to? Like, do you know <em>exactly</em> where the god¡¯s body is?¡±


    She shook her head. ¡°I can sense the trail, but not precisely where that path ends: it travels too deep.¡±


    Alex winced. ¡°That means their is <em>big.¡±</em>


    ¡°No surprise there.¡± Merzhin¡¯s tone was grave. ¡°In previous cycles some Ravenerirs were asrge as cities. Or even bigger.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I remember reading that in some of the historical records,¡± Alex said. ¡°We have to assume that we¡¯ll be down there for a while. We¡¯ll need to move as quickly as possible but¡­we can¡¯t rush ahead recklessly. There¡¯s only one shot at this. If we all die, we lose. If the Ravener finds a way to get away, we lose. If the Ravener¡¯s destroyed before we find a way to stop it from reforming, we lose.¡±


    ¡°We only win if we get to it, shut it down, and kill it for good.¡± Thundar cracked his neck. ¡°And that means, we gotta move fast, but we can¡¯t let ourselves get lured into traps or anything else.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°So what¡¯s the n, boss?¡± Hart asked.


    The young archwizard looked at the floating tform the group was surrounding: the same one holding the earth stabilisation machine, the poisons and the soul-shredding injectors.


    ¡°Our first priority is to protect the dungeon-stabilising device,¡± Alex said. ¡°If it gets destroyed, the Ravener could shift walls and crush us. Our second priority is to protect the injectors and the poison. We¡¯ll need those to disrupt its ability to reform. Our third priority is protecting Merzhin.¡± He nodded at the Saint. ¡°You¡¯ll be our healer: we¡¯ve been lucky so far and haven¡¯t taken any injuries. But now that we¡¯re going into the wolf¡¯s den: who the hells knows what kind of traps and ambushes it set up down there, so we¡¯re going to need you to heal us.¡±


    Merzhin nodded. ¡°Of course, Alex. I shall protect everyone as best as I can.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like a reasonable n so far,¡± Theresa said. ¡°What else?¡±


    ¡°Tactically, we¡¯re going to be relying on our fighters.¡± Alex nodded to ygon, Bjorgrund, Asmaldestre, Hart, Theresa, Brutus, Grimloch and Cedric, even though he could fill more than one role. ¡°A lot of our biggest, most destructive spells could backfire when we¡¯re deep inside those tunnels. Any explosion, ced badly, could wipe out our team, or even raise the temperature down there, cooking us. A big enough explosion could cause a cave-in¡­there¡¯s a lot that could go wrong. And remember, we need to manage our mana: I don¡¯t think the Ravener¡¯s just going to <em>let</em> us walk up to it and shut it down. When we find it, we''ll still need to have a lot of our energy left.¡±


    ¡°So since you spellcasters can¡¯t just use spells thoughtlessly, you¡¯ll need us to kill everything down there as we go,¡± Theresa said.


    ¡°I like that n. A very good n.¡± Grimloch grinned.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Alex said. ¡°Basically¡ªwe¡¯ll also have to adjust as we go, depending on how wide the tunnels are, but we¡¯ll start with our warriors on the outside of our formation, and all the wizards¡ªand Merzhin¡ªin the middle with the equipment. I¡¯ll summon plenty of monsters for back up.¡±


    ¡°An¡¯ wha¡¯ happens when we get t¡¯the Ravener? Wha¡¯s gonna happen then?¡± Cedric asked.


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    Alex frowned. ¡°That¡¯s hard to say before we know exactly <em>where</em> it is and what we¡¯re dealing with: but the basic n is to kill anything guarding it, then lock it down. We don¡¯t want to destroy it immediately, we just want to tie it up and make sure it can¡¯t escape¡­and most importantly, doesn¡¯t kill us. Meanwhile, Isolde and I¡¯ll be working on attaching the injectors to its exterior¡­and inside of it.¡±


    ¡°Wait, inside?¡± Isolde focused on Alex. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    The others were looking at him, puzzled.


    Alex¡¯s expression was grave. ¡°Inside, the Ravener¡¯s much bigger than it is on the outside, and getting to certain key mana nodes would have to be done from the inside.¡±


    ¡°Wait, how¡¯re we supposed t¡¯ get inside?¡± Cedric asked.


    ¡°Not ¡®we¡¯. Me and ygon,¡± Alex said. ¡°I¡¯m going to be using the Traveller¡¯s power to try and get inside. I need to <em>know</em> where I¡¯m teleporting to, but I studied Uldar¡¯s schematics, and they should give me a good <em>idea</em> of where I need to teleport to¡­¡±


    ¡°<em>You sound¡­unsure¡­father¡­¡±</em> ygon said.


    ¡°Well, an ¡®idea¡¯ of where I¡¯m going isn¡¯t exactly perfect,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°You teleported to me,¡± Merzhin pointed out. ¡°And you had no idea where I was.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but I was near death at the time.¡± Alex rubbed his side where Gabrian had nearly eviscerated him. ¡°Which meant I was closer to the after-world <em>and </em>Hannah¡¯s soul: my connection to her and my power were stronger because of that.¡±


    ¡°So that means your power will be stronger again, if Hannahes back,¡± Theresa pointed out. ¡°So you should be able to teleport right inside the Ravener.¡±


    ¡°But hold on.¡± Prince Khalik ran a hand through his beard. ¡°What if Hannah <em>does</em> note back in time? This battle is sending her a lot of faith, but we have no guarantee she will be back.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got faith that she¡¯ll soon return. She feels closer,¡± Alex said, one of his streams of consciousness still praying to her. ¡°And besides, hering back in time is only n C. n A is for me to get close enough to touch the Ravener: if I can pour my mana into it and guide my mind through its structure¡ªlike I can with the dungeon cores¡ªthat <em>should</em> give me enough guidance to teleport inside.¡±


    ¡°Alright, but I notice you did <em>not</em> mention a n B.¡± Isolde crossed her arms. ¡°We are not going to like your n B, are we?¡±


    ¡°Hells, <em>I</em> don¡¯t like n B,¡± Alex said. ¡°It¡¯s only ast-ditch desperation move that goes like this: I¡¯ll need one of you to stab me, so I start bleeding badly,ing close to dying. If I bleed enough to be close to dying again, I should be near to Hannah''s soul, and by tapping into more of her power, I can teleport into the Ravener, even if I don¡¯t know<em> precisely</em> where I¡¯m going.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a terrible n.¡± Theresa took a step forward. ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡±


    Most of the others stared at him, shaking their heads. Words like <em>craziness</em>, <em>risk</em> and <em>timing </em>kept being repeated<em>.</em>


    Khalik and Isolde looked horrified, saying in unison, ¡°That isplete madness!¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t even argue, it <em>is</em> a terrible n, but if I can¡¯t seed in teleporting inside the Ravener just by touching it¡ªand if Hannah isn¡¯t back, which we can¡¯t guarantee that she will be¡ªthen that¡¯ll be our only shot. One problem with n B is that if I¡¯m bleeding out and vulnerable, every monster around is going to be trying to kill me while I¡¯m down. Which means, I¡¯ll need some of you to protect me while the rest deal with the Ravener. And¡ª¡± He looked at Merzhin and Cedric. ¡°¡ªI¡¯ll need to teleport <em>one</em> of you inside with me and ygon if I get inside. I¡¯m sure I won¡¯t be in any state to heal myself with blood magic.¡±


    ¡°As much as I ain¡¯t keen on yer n B¡­¡¯f ya hav¡¯ t¡¯do it, then take me.¡± The Chosen nodded. ¡°Merzhin¡¯ll b¡¯ needed t¡¯ heal everyone¡¯ else¡­since¡­wait, if yer gonna b¡¯ <em>inside</em> the Ravener, what¡¯s everyone else gonna¡¯ b¡¯ doin¡¯, whether ya gots t¡¯ use this n B or not?¡±


    ¡°Fighting the Ravener,¡± Alex said. ¡°Keeping it pinned down and making it use as much of its mana as they can, then striking the final blow once ygon and I shut down its ability to reform.¡±


    ¡°But what of Uldar¡¯s throne?¡± Merzhin asked. ¡°How does thate into y?¡±


    ¡°Right, that¡¯s going to be another tricky part.¡± Alex looked to the north. Even from miles away, he could see faint explosions from Baelin and Aenflynn¡¯s battle. ¡°They¡¯ve been fighting for a while now¡­I bet a lot of Aenflynn¡¯s focus will remain on Baelin.¡±


    Alex turned to Merzhin. ¡°The throne is in his castle, but he has a powerful divine ward covering the chamber that it¡¯s in. Once we get to the Ravener, I¡¯m going to try and teleport inside to <em>start</em> the process of poisoning it. That should distract it and weaken it; after that, I want to teleport the two of us to Aenflynn¡¯s castle. While Baelin¡¯s keeping him busy, you break through the divine ward, then we destroy the throne.¡±


    ¡°Destroy it?¡± Merzhin¡¯s eyebrows rose. ¡°Are you sure? Can we not simply take it back from him?¡±


    Alex shook his head. ¡°He¡¯s made some kind of connection with it, and I don¡¯t know how far we¡¯d need to take it to break that connection. We can¡¯t take any chances, so we should destroy it: that¡¯s the only way to guarantee the connection¡¯s severed.¡±


    The Saint paused. ¡°That¡­makes sense, I suppose. But why wait? Should we not go there right away?¡±


    ¡°I considered that,¡± Alex said. ¡°But, I don¡¯t want to leave the Ravener free to do whatever it wants. Thest thing we need is for it to start helping Aenflynn if it figures out what we¡¯re doing. Basically, we have to make sure they¡¯re <em>both</em> upied, take the throne away and destroy it. After that, wee back here¡ªright after we and Baelin rip Aenflynn in two¡ªthen, if I didn¡¯t get in before, I work on getting into the Ravener, hopefully without having to use n B, then we do what we have to do to shut it down. Baelin can help us with the Ravener.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Hart said. ¡°So in a nutshell the n is: we make sure both of them are upied, you and Merzhin destroy the throne, we take care of both Aenflim-m and the big ball and we stop it froming back. Sounds a little chaotic, but it makes sense. And if you have to use n B, just say the word, and I¡¯ll help you with that.¡± His jaw clenched.


    ¡°You got it, and thanks, man,¡± Alex said, meeting Hart¡¯s gaze before turning to the others. ¡°Anyone have any objections or see any problems?¡±


    ¡°It is a risky n.¡± Isolde shook her head. ¡°And it requires precision from all of us¡­but it could work. If we achieve one part of the n¡ªeither destroying the throne or the Ravener first¡ªthen the other parts will be easier to achieve. However, should we start to fall, then failure can cascade. Still, I think it could work well enough.¡±


    The others nodded in agreement.


    ¡°Alright, then,¡± Alex said. ¡°If everyone¡¯s on board, then there¡¯s no sense in dying any longer.¡±


    Alex raised his staff, conjuring two elder earth elementals and a swarm of lesser earth elementals. He spoke to them in an elemental tongue of earth. ¡°Alright, all of you. If you¡¯d be so kind: I need you to dive into the ground and dig some tunnels for us. Big ones. Keep digging until you find other passages underground: that¡¯s where we want to go.¡±


    The earth elementals rumbled their agreement, and dove into the earth.


    For a moment, Alex was struck by a wave of nostalgia: he remembered how he, Grimloch, Thundar, Caramiyus and Angr had fought an enormous earth elemental in the Barrens of Kravernus.


    And now, the same type of elementals were helping them, digging their way into the Ravener¡¯sir.


    The young archwizard exchanged a reassuring smile with Theresa. ¡°Alright, this is it. Pray to the Traveller, everyone.¡±


    In front of them, earth elementals carved a tunnel in the ground.


    It spread wide and ominous¡ªlike the mouth and gullet of a great beast¡ªwhile moonlight quickly fell away, leaving the tunnel pitch ck beyond a few dozen feet.


    The young archwizard provided light, conjuring a glowing swarm of forceballs, sending them down to light the way.


    The General of Thamnd floated forward.


    Hispanions followed him into the yawning earth.

 Chapter 864: Once More, Red Eyes in the Dark

    Chapter 864: Once More, Red Eyes in the Dark


    Alexander Roth, General of Thamnd, couldn¡¯t help but feel a familiar unease creeping inside.


    Walking through the earthen tunnels being carved by his earth elementals, he remembered the journey from Alric with Theresa, Selina and Brutus, when they¡¯d first entered the Cave of the Traveller.


    Then, he was a lowly baker¡¯s assistant with a single magical spell to his name, and the Mark of the Fool newly branded on his shoulder. One magical light from a crimson forceball had lit the path for them, while danger seemed to lurk in every crevice, hiding, wanting to crush them.


    Brutus was in the lead, padding ahead, sniffing the air and scanning the dark with all six eyes. One of his heads had looked back from time to time, making sure his little family had been close and safe. Whenever his canine eyes shed, Alex was reminded of the old folk stories of cerberi being born from theherworld long ago.


    He and Selina had been in the middle of their little formation, while Theresa had taken up the rear with a smallntern burning at her belt.


    They¡¯d crept along as quietly as they could, fearing silence-spiders and other monsters watching in the dark.


    Now, things were very different.


    Instead of only his little sister, his childhood friend, and her cerberus apanying him, he was with a half dozen astral engeli and more than that number of air elementals, flying through the wide tunnel.


    To his right, the dungeon stabilising machine hovered on its floating tform. Drestra, Merzhin, Prince Khalik¡ªwith Najyah on his shoulder¡ªIsolde and Thundar floating on his left side.Beside them¡ªrounding off the group¡¯s left nk¡ªwas ygon, holding his war-spear, and Cedric, with Uldar¡¯s battle axe and his morphic weapon at the ready. On their right nk was Hart and Bjorgrund, keeping their giant weapons close.


    Ahead, Theresa, Brutus and Grimloch, moved stealthily, scouting the path with their sharp senses. Behind, followed Asmaldestre, guarding their backs.


    Alex was well protected, unlike in the Cave of the Traveller some three years earlier.


    He was no longer the defenceless baker¡¯s assistant he¡¯d been back then. Now, he was equipped with the sort of power that had devastated armies on the way here; he no longer bore the Mark of the Fool on his shoulder, the Mark of the General had reced it, with its full power unleashed.


    He, Theresa and Brutus had long traded roles with silence-spiders and hive-queens. Now <em>they</em> were the ones giving the creatures plenty to fear unlike in the Cave of the Traveller¡­yet, worse monsters had been turned loose by an even greater enemy: the Ravener.


    When they were escaping Alric, the four of them had no idea a hive-queen was waiting at the bottom of the dungeon.


    Now, this group <em>expected</em> it, they <em>knew</em> the Ravener was somewhere below them, murderous and vengeful. They <em>knew</em> it would not be alone, and itsir would be crawling with the kind of monsters that had been used to intentionally cull the entirety of Thamnd.


    And their small group would have to face them.


    Unease kept gnawing at Alex and he swiftly scanned the tunnel for anything crouching in nooks among the rough stone walls, dug by his earth elemental helpers.


    He expected lurking monsters.


    But, so far, there¡¯d been none.


    He didn¡¯t doubt that would change when they reached the<strong></strong>upper<strong></strong>passages of the Ravener¡¯sir.


    ¡°How much farther?¡± he asked the earth elementals.


    They answered in their tongue.


    Alex ryed the answer to hispanions. ¡°The elementals are saying we¡¯re just a few minutes from a rge hollow space¡± in the earth, as they called it.¡±


    ¡°How big of a space?¡± Theresa asked from up ahead.


    ¡°They couldn¡¯t be specific, but pretty big, like a cavern, is what they said.¡± Alex nced at the ceiling. ¡°Bigger than this tunnel.¡±


    ¡°That could mean a lot of monsters down there waiting for us,¡± Thundar pointed out.


    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Alex agreed. ¡°Hmmmm¡­¡± He frowned. ¡°If there¡¯s petrifiers up ahead, only use disintegration on them, that way we can get rid of their detonating organs safely. If we blow them up, that could cause a cave-in.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± the wizards heeded the caution.


    Silence fell over the group, and once again, that unease nagged at Alex.


    He felt, in many ways, like he¡¯de full circle.


    He¡¯d begun his journey slipping through a dark tunnel in the ground in Thamnd, leading to a monster¡¯sir. And now, here he was, ending the journey creeping through another dark tunnel in the earth, leading to the monster that had created the creatures in the Cave of the Traveller.


    That monster would be waiting for them, filled with the sort of power that ended kingdoms.


    Were they ready for it?


    Uncertainty gnawed at one of his streams of consciousness as he moved forward, re-examining every decision he¡¯d made that had led him and hispanions to where they were.


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    Had he gathered enough power?


    Had they trained hard enough?


    The fire cloud attack had caught them by surprise¡­was this the best way to respond?


    Would things be any different if they had another few months to train? What if his cabal had gotten to seventh or eighth tier spells.


    What if Hannah hade back <em>before</em> this battle? He would¡¯ve had more power by now, more than enough teleportation power to go directly into the heart of the Ravener, likely ending its menace by now.


    Did Professor Jules and the others have enough time to prepare?


    Would the mercenaries he¡¯d hired help Thamnd¡¯s army enough?


    What about Alric, would it still be standing when he got back¡­if he got back?


    A feeling of doom washed over him, and for a brief, terrible instant, he was convinced that none of their preparations would matter: Aenflynn had outmanoeuvred them once¡­couldn¡¯t thisir be another trap, set up between him and the Ravener?


    Maybe they would all die here, and leave the Ravener free to destroy Thamnd.


    Even Baelin said he wasn¡¯t sure if he could defeat Uldar¡¯s power¡­so what would happen if they lost?


    Alex¡¯s gut twisted at the thought.


    Alric would be destroyed along with Cedric¡¯s n, Drestra¡¯s home and all those who Merzhin and Hart were close to. The university would be left without the chancellor, and who knows how many would be lost at Greymoor before a retreat was called.


    Khalik¡¯s parents would lose a son.


    Isolde¡¯s family would lose a daughter.


    Thundar¡¯s n would lose a proud and powerful member.


    Bjorgrund, Grimloch, Kybas and Harmless would lose their lives.


    Then there was Mr. and Mrs. Lu¡­they would lose their daughter and her beloved cerberus.


    And Selina? Once again, her family would be destroyed. He could imagine her at a memorial service in Generasi, with Theresa¡¯s family beside her. She would ce flowers at a gravestone carved with names of those she loved.


    Then she would¡­


    ¡­by the gods, what would she do?


    He hoped that she would grow, learn to take control of her own life and move on. She could do great things as she grew older.


    But he had a feeling it would go another way.


    He could see her growing older. Angrier. Turning to fire for vengeance.


    Then crossing to Thamnd one day, alone or withpanions¡­ready to fight and die at the hands of a crazed construct and a bastard of a fae lord.


    He took a deep breath, steadying his nerves, going to his meditation techniques. He acknowledged the thoughts and let them pass.


    There was only one way to stop such a future.


    His hand wrapped around his sword-staff, his knuckles turning white.


    Ahead, the earth elementals rumbled something in their elemental tongues.


    Alex nodded. ¡°Get ready, we¡¯re within thirty seconds of breaching whatever¡¯s ahead of us.¡±


    The others raised their weapons.


    ¡°Twenty-nine¡­twenty-eight¡­¡± Alex lifted his staff, conjuring a swarm of Aervespertillos in front of them.


    ¡°Fifteen¡­fourteen¡­¡± he counted.


    The earth elementals kept tunnelling.


    ¡°Ten¡­nine¡­¡±


    The groan of shifting dirt and rock grew louder.


    ¡°Three¡­two¡­one¡­¡±


    A tremendous crash erupted as stone ripped apart. Ahead, rock and soil fell away, the tunnel breaching arger chamber. Red light from his forceballs illuminated the dark, yet the passage they were now in was so vast, he couldn¡¯t make out what was on the other side.


    ¡°Forward!¡± he directed the Aervespertillos.


    The creatures screeched, flying straight through the breach.


    A volley of light beams split the dark raysncing into the summoned monsters; some held the creatures in ce, while others instantly sent them back to their home ne.


    ¡°Down!¡± Hart shouted. ¡°Petrifiers are in there!¡±


    The group, including Alex¡¯s other summoned monsters dove to the ground, taking cover as the petrifiers¡¯ beams streaked through the tunnel.


    ¡°Shit! That¡¯s a lotta beams!¡± Thundar snarled.


    ¡°What now?¡± Drestra shouted.


    ¡°Someone cast haste on me!¡± Theresa yelled. ¡°I¡¯ve got this, but I need more speed!¡±


    Alex hesitated for the briefest of instants.


    Then he lifted his staff. Haste magic infused Theresa.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got it!¡± he called. ¡°Be careful!¡±


    ¡°I will!¡± she shouted. ¡°As soon as I say, teleport in there and start disintegrating any petrifier that¡¯s still moving!¡±


    ¡°Got it!¡± he called back.


    With a quick prayer to the Traveller, the huntress leapt to her feet. The shimmering phantom des appeared as she darted ahead.


    Theresa shed and whirled, all steel and phantom swords; charging forward, six des blurring around her. They parried the petrifiers¡¯ beams, deflecting them into the tunnel walls as she kept speeding ahead.


    She paused at the mouth of their tunnel, surveying the space, checking for what was waiting on the other side, then raised all six swords.


    Beams struck the shining des, deflecting back to their source.


    A heartbeatter, terrible screeching rang out.


    Most beams died.


    ¡°Now, Alex!¡± Theresa shouted.


    The young archwizard teleported past her, floating just ahead of their tunnel.


    A dozen petrifiers waited in the chamber beyond, some slowly turning to stone, struck by their own magics.


    The eyes of the rest were already turning to him.


    With a single twitch, he cast Mass Disintegration.


    His own deadly beamsnced out, striking the remaining Ravener-spawn, turning them to dust.


    He nced around, calling to Theresa. ¡°All clear?¡±


    ¡°All clear,¡± the huntress said, her sharp sight piercing the darkness.


    She hopped out of their tunnel, floating down the side of the passage they¡¯d broken into.


    ¡°What the hells is this?¡± Thundar gasped as he and the party followed.


    With the petrifiers now dead, Alex had time to take in the magnitude of the tunnel they were in.


    The chamber was titanic, so massive that one of the Ravener¡¯s titans could easily make its way through while crouching and crawling on its hands and knees. Alex was sure he could fit most of Shale¡¯s Golem Works inside the tunnel. Perhaps even all of it.


    ¡°This is tremendous,¡± Isolde said. ¡°I have to wonder how long it took to craft a passage such as this.¡±


    ¡°The Ravener can alter itsir to a far greater degree than a simple dungeon core could, at least ording to the historical ounts,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°This could have taken days, weeks or even hours¡­we do not know the full capabilities of the Ravener, when it is acting at its full strength.¡±


    ¡°You could pass an entire army through here,¡± Prince Khalik said. ¡°And still have room for more.¡±


    ¡°No doubt,¡± Alex agreed. ¡°Which means it could surround us with an army.¡±


    ¡°<em>Good,¡±</em> Asmaldestre weed the possibility.


    Alex chose to ignore that, instead looking at his astral engeli tracker. ¡°Do you still feel that divine energy trail?¡±


    She nodded, pointing down one end of the tunnel. ¡°It is this way, archwizard.¡±


    ¡°Alright, then,¡± Alex said. ¡°You heard the powerful celestial: <em>this</em> way¡¯s the way we go. Oh, and one more thing: be on the lookout for more petrifiers. Remember, their screams can shatter stone, and we don¡¯t want them copsing tunnels on top of us.¡±


    The young archwizard took a step forward.


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Bjorgrund held up a hand. ¡°This doesn''t seem right to me.¡±


    ¡°You mean like because we''re probably walking into a trap?¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled as she reverted to her true form. ¡°Which would only make sense?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and that¡¯s my point,¡± the giant looked at the General of Thamnd. ¡°Remember when we lured the hidden church into Kelda¡¯s sanctum?¡±


    ¡°How could I forget?¡± Alex said.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it feel like <em>we¡¯re</em> the hidden church right now?¡± Bjorgrund asked.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Well, you lured them into <em>our</em>ir and we got to lead them around by the nose, letting them get butchered by<em> our </em>armies and traps,¡± the giant pointed out. ¡°Now it feels like we¡¯re going into the Ravener¡¯sir, ready to get butchered by <em>its</em> armies and traps!¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Alex said. ¡°But I think we¡¯ll be able to beat it.¡±


    ¡°But we don¡¯t have to.¡± The giant said. ¡°We¡¯ve got options the hidden church didn¡¯t. I¡¯ve got an idea.¡±

 Chapter 865: Bjorgrunds Simple Genius

    Chapter 865: Bjorgrund''s Simple Genius


    The Ravener floated in its chamber, its power increasing.


    The creator¡¯s divine energy was flowing in faster. What had slowed to a trickle was now a stream, a rising unbroken stream.


    Soon, reining in its power would no longer be necessary.


    Soon.


    But for now, its focus must be on the Usurpers, Heroes and other mortals that had breached itsir. It could feel the enemy in that tunnel. It could feel the violence they¡¯d brought to its mighty petrifiers.


    It could feel its spawn dying.


    But that mattered little.


    Its petrifiers were not the only creatures that had awaited. Traps were set with Gale Makers, Skyfire Swarms and¡ª


    The Ravener spread its awareness through the tunnel¡­the tunnel where the mortals had <em>just</em> been.They were gone.


    But where?


    It grew annoyed.


    Where had they gone?


    It took the Ravener some time to find them.


    And when it finally did?


    Its rage threatened to boil over.


    ¡°Bjorgrund, you¡¯re a genius!¡± Alexughed, his voice echoing through the passage.


    Ahead of the group, dozens of earth elementals were carving a path through the earth and stone¡­a path that spiralled downward, right toward the source of divine energy.


    ¡°I¡¯m buying you a drink after this,¡± Thundar said, pping the young giant on the arm. ¡°Wait, are you old enough to drink, yet?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not ask my father,¡± Bjorgrund said quickly, beaming all the while.


    The young giant¡¯s idea had been a simple one¡­and so obvious, that Alex felt more than a little foolish for not thinking of it.


    ¡®<em>We¡¯ve got these earth elementals, right?¡¯ </em>Bjorgrund had said in the passage where they¡¯d stopped the petrifiers. ¡®<em>And your engeli friend can point us right to where Uldar¡¯s body¡¯s supposed to be, right?¡¯</em>


    ¡®<em>Right¡­¡¯</em> Alex had said.


    Bjorgrund had spread his hands. ¡®<em>So why bother going all through the Ravener¡¯sir at all? Let¡¯s dig down and make our own path down there. We go through the stone between the Ravener¡¯s tunnels and miss all of its traps and ambushes. That way we don¡¯t get messed up like the hidden church did in Kelda¡¯s sanctum and we can just pop out where the body is and¡ªif the Ravener¡¯s with it too¡ªall the better!¡¯</em>


    The young archwizard¡¯s jaw had dropped. ¡®<em>Bjorgrund!¡¯</em> he¡¯d cried. ¡®<em>You¡¯re a damned genius! Everybody, we¡¯re digging straight for Uldar!¡¯</em>


    A collective cheer had risen from thepanions¡ªexcept for Grimloch and Asmaldestre, who looked more than a little disappointed. The elementals had then gotten right back to tunnelling through the earth.


    Now the group was moving through their own personal tunnel.


    Ahead, elder earth elementals opened a path through the rock and soil. Behind them, other elder earth elementals <em>closed</em> the path through the rock and soil, ensuring they wouldn¡¯t be followed by spawn.


    So far, they were making good time, and hadn¡¯t suffered a single attack either.


    Alex was relieved, the smile stered on his face showed that. ¡°Bjorgrund, you¡¯re a genius!¡± he said for the fifth time in as many minutes.


    Grimloch snorted. ¡°This is no fun.¡±


    ¡°<em>Indeed.¡±</em> Asmaldestre¡¯s voice hissed from the back.


    The Ravener had located them, tunnelling through the stone, avoiding every one of its passages. Its carefully nned ambushes, traps, and cave-ins it had nned, the chambers boiling with acid¡­all were wasted as the enemy got past its defences, bypassing them all, stoking its rage.


    Never in all the millennia of its existence had the Ravener suffered such affronts.


    ¡®<em>Heroes are to go through their,¡¯ </em>it thought. ¡®<em>They are to battle the forces I haveid before them, and fight to defeat them before battling me directly. This is not how it is done! They cannot mock all that is established. All I have perfected!¡¯</em>


    <em></em>Wrath took over the construct, overwhelming its thoughts.


    ¡®<em>But if that is the way they wish it to be, then their actions will only cause their demise!¡¯</em> It reached out with its power, throwing away restraint. ¡®<em>It will be simple for me to crush them in that small tunnel! Die, filthy usurpers! Die, ungrateful children of the creator!¡¯</em>


    The chamber shook as the Ravener poured out its power, seeking to crush them under tons of rock.


    ¡°Watch out!¡± Khalik shouted at the same time the earth elementals cried out a warning. ¡°I feel a power reaching into the stone! The Ravener is attempting something!¡±


    Tremors rattled their tunnel.


    Stone dust and earth dropped from the ceiling.


    At Alex¡¯s side, the protective machine began humming, power within ring to life. Sigils of earth magic zed, connecting the many dungeon cores built into the machine. Together, their power streamed in an invisible wave, infusing stone and earth in all directions.


    Thepanions stood perfectly still, watching the machine cautiously.


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    ¡°What a way to test it,¡± Isolde said, her voice low. ¡°Everyone, gather close. If the machine fails, we will need to teleport away in an instant.¡±


    The group moved closer, everyone reached toward a wizard as the ground continued shaking.


    ¡­the tremors grew lighter.


    The ceiling stayed where it belonged. The ground remained whole.


    No stone spikes shot from the walls, and the tunnel did not suddenly copse on top of them.


    Alex grinned again. ¡°The machine works, hah! I knew it!¡±


    ¡°Professor Jules is now my hero,¡± Thundar said, sounding relieved. ¡°I¡¯m gonna kiss that woman next time I see her.¡±


    ¡°I might too,¡± Drestra agreed.


    ¡°Hey, she wasn¡¯t the only one who built this,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°Indeed, it was a group effort,¡± Isolde huffed.


    ¡°Well, I ain¡¯t kissing either of the two of you, so Jules it is,¡± Thundarughed, tension in his voice. ¡°But, whatever, let¡¯s just keep going. This is good news. And since that machine of yours works, let¡¯s hope the poisons and injectors work too.¡±


    ¡®<em>What can be the matter?¡¯</em> The Ravener thought, its rage growing. ¡®<em>Why can I not crush them?¡¯</em>


    It reached out with its power again, pouring its strength into the earth and stone. But, the earth¡ªthe earth in its <em>own</em>ir¡ªwould not react as it wanted. In a wide area surrounding the intruders, it could not touch the earth at all.


    ¡®<em>What have they done?¡¯</em> its awareness dove into the soil and stone, examining the area.


    An¡­odd energy was pervading the rock, both familiar yet unknown.


    ¡®<em>I feel dungeon cores pressing their power against mine,</em>¡¯ the Ravener thought. ¡®<em>But their energy has been tainted. Focused! And mortal magic is aiding in their corruption¡­¡¯</em>


    That stirring awoke within the Ravener.


    Once again, it pressed its power against the strange energy, which did not yield.


    ¡®<em>It is possible to break through¡­¡¯</em> it thought. ¡®<em>But it would drain much more of my reserves. Reserves that will be needed. The enemy moves quickly.¡¯</em>


    The Ravener could <em>feel </em>the mortals tunnelling deeper into itsir¡­and what was worse¡­.


    ¡®<em>They are tunnelling directly to me!¡¯</em> It realised. ¡®<em>How do they know my exact location? How? Thisir is a maze and thest chamber is deep underground. Something is wrong. But what?¡¯</em>


    The Heroes, Usurpers and their other mortalpanions would be inside its chamber soon. What should have been a violent struggle of fighting through its minions and traps would take¡­


    ¡®<em>They will be here shortly,¡¯</em> the Ravener concluded. ¡®<em>And they will be fresh. I must learn how they are tracking this ce? What has changed since the previous cyc¡ª¡¯</em>


    The construct¡¯s thoughts pause.


    Its attention went to the body of Uldar, motionless on the crude throne it had crafted for him. The creator looked down on it with lifeless eyes.


    ¡®<em>It is possible they are tracking the divinity of my creator¡¯s body. What should be done?¡¯</em> It tried to hurry. Its enemies were closing fast. ¡®<em>Should the body be sent away? No. It must be protected. If they are tracking it, and it is taken from here, they will still follow and desecrate it. No. It must stay here, under protection. All that can be done now is to call my forces to my side. If the Usurpers and other vile mortals are to die here, then so be it. If the trial is to be here, then so be it. But¡­¡¯</em>


    The construct¡¯s mind sought a chamber in proximity to where the mortals were tunnelling¡ªlike rats or other vermin¡ªGale Makers, Spawn Knights and a Skyfire Swarm waited there.


    Gale Makers could tunnel on their own.


    The Ravener reached out.


    ¡®<em>My servants,¡¯</em> it thought. ¡®<em>There is a task waiting for you.¡¯</em>


    ¡°Oi¡­ya feel that?¡± Cedric asked, looking around the tunnel. The crimson light from Alex¡¯s forceballs looked eerie; under the circumstances.


    ¡°Like ice crawling up your spine?¡± Hart asked. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m feeling it.¡±


    ¡°Me too,¡± said Drestra.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Alex said, fighting a chill running through him. ¡°¡­is that what I think it is?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Merzhin said gravely. ¡°Historical ounts tell of how Heroes felt the Ravener¡¯s aura when they approached it. We must be close.¡±


    ¡°Archwizard,¡± the astral engeli leader said. ¡°The source of divine energy is not far now. I have pinpointed it.¡±


    Alex looked at her sharply. ¡°How long until we¡¯re there?¡±


    She frowned. ¡°Considering the slow rate at which the earth elementals are moving and the angle at which the tunnel is spiralling down¡­I would guess a quarter of an hour at most.¡±


    The party loudly exhaled, almost as one, when Alex exined.


    His hand clenched the aeld staff.


    The elder earth elementals groaned, churning the earth ahead and sealing the tunnel behind.


    ¡°Alright, how¡¯s everyone¡¯s mana doing?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°I am nearly full,¡± Isolde said.


    ¡°Me too,¡± Thundar added.


    ¡°I, as well,¡± Khalik said.


    Cedric tapped his chest. ¡°I¡¯m full up.¡±


    ¡°My mana¡¯s fully charged now,¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled.


    ¡°Good, my pool¡¯s almost full too,¡± Alex said. ¡°Which means¡­we¡¯ll be at full strength by the time we get there. This is good. Thank the Traveller for your brain, Bjorgrund: I don¡¯t want to think about how much time and energy we would¡¯ve wasted going through the Ravener¡¯s maze. Oh, and speaking of energy. Merzhin: how¡¯s your soul gate doing?¡±


    ¡°It is¡­fine,¡± the Saint said. ¡°My Mark¡¯s awakening strengthened it so much that the battle barely strained it. It has more than enough fortitude to carry us¡­intobat¡­¡±


    As the Saint trailed off, Alex¡¯s eyes fixed on him.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Merzhin?¡± the General asked. ¡°You look troubled. And I don¡¯t want anything distracting any of us when we reach the Ravener.¡±


    The Saint winced. ¡°You saw through me¡­¡± The little man looked up at the young archwizard. ¡°Alex, I would like to ask a favour of you. Actually, I would like to ask a favour of all of you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°I was wondering, if the Ravener gives us a moment to breathe when we enter its cavern¡­would you permit me to speak to it?¡±


    Alex blinked in surprise. ¡°What? Why?¡±


    Merzhin bit his lip. ¡°I cannot help but wonder about it, in some ways. We are all victims of Uldar¡¯s paranoia; I followed his path for the longest time, and it cost the life of my only friend. I wish I could go back and change that. I know Gabrian did not, and it changing is unlikely, but¡ª¡± The Saint looked at ygon. ¡°¡ªthe Ravener was helping the people for a time. It was helping. Actually aiding people¡­and then it changed to this monstrous culling. I cannot help but wonder why, and if perhaps it can be convinced to abandon its path of destruction. ygon, after all, chooses his own path. Might the Ravener not do so as well?¡±


    ygon looked displeased. ¡°<em>I do not¡­appreciate thatparison.¡±</em>


    ¡°It has to pay,¡± Theresa growled. ¡°It¡¯s killed too much for us just to say; ¡®oh no, you were a victim¡¯ and just let it continue.¡±


    ¡°I agree!¡± Merzhin said quickly. ¡°Which is why I was so reluctant to ask, but perhaps if it can be convinced to stand down, then we could avert more suffering and end the battle before it starts. Again it <em>was</em> helping Thamnd in some ways for a time and I cannot help but wonder if we could use that.¡± He paused. ¡°The Mark of the General aids you in matters of diplomacy, does it not, Alex?¡±


    ¡°It does¡­¡± he said. ¡°But it can¡¯t <em>make</em> anyone ept my words, it just helps me convey them in the best way.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°Even if the Ravener does not ept, it might provide us with some answers. I, for one, would like some answers.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm,¡± Alex thought about that for a moment. ¡°Alright, if you get a chance you can try to talk to it. But make it quick. If we can get some answers and assess the battlefield at the same time, great. Either way, we¡¯re gonna be ready for it.¡±


    ¡°We could also attack it partway through whatever it¡¯s saying,¡± Thundar pointed out. ¡°Catch it off-guard.¡±


    ¡°True,¡± Alex said. ¡°But we have to make the conversation quick. Others are depending on us. But, two things. First, I don¡¯t want to be harsh, Merzhin, but¡­is this like when you wanted to hear the hidden church out? You gave them a chance and it cost¡ª¡±


    ¡°<em>No</em>.¡± Merzhin¡¯s voice was so sharp it almost stung like Asmaldestre¡¯s. ¡°I am <em>not</em> making that mistake again. No matter what it says, it¡¯s being shut down for good. It <em>must</em> face the ultimate punishment for its crimes. That is non negotiable. After it has stood down, we shall destroy it. I wish for answers to give it the opportunity for <em>one</em> possible act of contrition that could save lives. But we will destroy it all the same. I wish for answers and for us to perhaps gain a tactical advantage.¡±


    ¡°Oh¡­well that takes care of the second thing: the bastard ball has to die. It gets no chances. If it wanted redemption it should¡¯ve kept helping¡­and even then¡­¡± Alex said.


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± the Saint said.


    The young archwizard was about to respond, when his earth elementals shouted a warning.


    He looked up. ¡°Heads up everyone, get ready. Something¡¯s burrowing right for us.¡±

 Chapter 866: An Old Miracle

    Chapter 866: An Old Miracle


    ¡°What is it?¡± Thundar raised his weapon. ¡°What¡¯sing?¡±


    The party readied themselves for battle, all watching the ceiling.


    Was it Alex¡¯s imagination, or was there more stone dust falling all of a sudden?


    ¡°Hold on.¡± Prince Khalik went to the nearest wall, closing his eyes and pressing his hands to the stone. With a twitch of his muscles, he cast a spell. ¡°I am sensing the earth shifting, and tremors around us¡­yes, Ravener-spawn are tunnelling from above!¡±


    ¡°How many?¡± Alex asked. ¡°And what kind?¡¯


    Khalik frowned, his eyes still shut. ¡°There are severalrge ones. <em>Very</em>rge ones. Perhaps the insectile creatures that st air¡­yes! From their erratic movements, I think that is what¡¯s tunnelling.¡±


    ¡°Anything else?¡± Isolde asked.


    ¡°Smaller ones¡­likely those Ravener-spawn that apany them, the ones that resemble knights.¡± Khalik continued. ¡°I don¡¯t feel any others.¡±


    The earth elementals groaned, telling Alex of a great heat approaching.He swore. ¡°That¡¯s not all, from what the elementals just said, I think there¡¯s a fire cloud with them.¡±


    Khalik tensed. ¡°A fire cloud, those air sters and an enclosed space would make for a very badbination. Orbs of air can aid us when the fire burns away all the air we can breathe, but the heat and the pressure will fry us.¡±


    ¡°<em>What¡­do¡­we do?</em>¡± ygon asked.


    Alex turned to Merzhin. ¡°Do you think you could deal with that fire cloud?¡±


    The Saint frowned. ¡°Perhaps I can. There is a miracle that will take care of it, but it will take time to set up.¡±


    ¡°And can it deal with them without sting the rock?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Merzhin continued. ¡°It should destroy them without damaging the stone.¡±


    ¡°Alright, that leaves those air-sters,¡± Alex said. ¡°We could¡ª¡±


    ¡°<em>Open a channel through the stone.¡±</em> Asmaldestre¡¯s voice shed at their ears. She pointed her ranged weapon. ¡°<em>They will not make it to us¡­¡±</em>


    ¡°No, but the swarm could¡­wait¡­wait! I have an idea!¡± Alex shouted, his eyes focused on the ceiling. ¡°Khalik, can you tell which part of the ceiling is <em>directly </em>under those Ravener-spawn?¡±


    The prince moved from the side of the tunnel to the middle, just behind the machine, then pointed up. ¡°Right there.¡±


    Alex rubbed his hands together, turning to Thundar, ¡°Alright, can you spare some illusion magic?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, sure.¡± The minotaur cackled. ¡°I¡¯ll be able to recover mana from a single illusion spell in no time.¡±


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Alex looked at Isolde next. ¡°Think you could give me some lightning?¡±


    ¡°Whatever you need,¡± she said.


    ¡°And Khalik, I¡¯m going to need you to make y. The kind that sticks and dries <em>really</em> fast.¡±


    ¡°I have just the spells,¡± The prince smiled.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± the General directed the earth elementals to stop digging. He had somewhere else for them to be.


    Alex spoke to the rest of the group. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get the machine out of the way. We¡¯re going to open a channel under those Ravener-spawn; one about three feet wide.¡±


    ¡°<em>I do not need it to be that wide for what I wish to do. My precision is the envy of deities,¡±</em> Asmaldestre¡¯s words scraped his ears.


    ¡°I know, but if the opening is any smaller, those knights won¡¯t be able to fit through it,¡± he grinned.


    ¡°An¡¯ why would we want ¡®em t¡¯fit?¡± Cedric asked.


    Alex grinned. ¡°For the same reason I want all of our warriors to stand in a circle under the hole we¡¯re about to make.¡±


    The party first looked at each other in confusion.


    Then with dawning understanding.


    Then to share evil grins.


    Three Gale Makers tore the earth apart with sts of air, churning the debris away with their immense legs.


    Behind them came dozens of Spawn Knights, scraping their legs together.


    And above them? A Skyfire Swarm waited, crackling, emitting intense heat into the tunnel.


    Their tactics would be simple.


    Tear open the tunnel the vile mortals were making.


    Smash them with air sts, pack the tunnel with the Skyfire Swarm; the Gale Makers¡¯ air sts would feed the fire cloud, destroying everything inside.


    Simple.


    The Ravener-spawn hissed their pleasure and anticipation; where so many of their kin had failed before, <em>they</em> would achieve victory. <em>They </em>would be the ones to drag the enemies¡¯ charred corpses to the Ravener.


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    They would¡ª


    A strange sound started, causing the Gale Makers to pause.


    Beneath them, the ground suddenly ripped open.


    Opening in a perfect circle¡ªrevealing a tunnel wide enough for a Spawn-Knight to crawl through with ease¡ªforming in front of the Gale Makers. It led deeper into the earth¡­and through the opening, the Ravener-spawn caught glimpses of movement.


    The mortals!


    But why had they¡ª


    There was a sudden, deafening crack.


    A projectile ripped through a Gale Maker, sting a massive hole through its head and upper body. The projectile kept travelling, severing a lower limb from another one.


    The Ravener-spawn froze, they hadn¡¯t expected what had just happened.


    Another crack.


    And another.


    The wounded Gale Maker was mangled by two more missiles, and thest of the trio flinched back, trying to scramble away from the hole.


    Another crack.


    A projectile ripped through its side, spilling its insides.


    Recovering their wits, Ravener-spawn screamed, rallying their number, spawn-knights surged ahead, leaping into the hole. Their many ded legs bit stone, letting them mber down at horrifying speed.


    Chitinous weapons were scraping together in anticipation; spawn sped closer to the mortals.


    Before them, the path was clear.


    Or at least it seemed to be.


    The first of the knights to pass through the illusion learned otherwise.


    Recoiling in surprise, the creature found its sharp legs no longer biting into stone, but sticking to y. The thick substance clung, interfering with its bnce.


    It struggled to right itself, but the knight behind it prevented that, dropping on its back, and the next one met the same fate. Sticky y bound them, tangling them together.


    Screeching frantically, the monsters plunged straight down.


    And below them, as they tumbled through the air, all they could see was light. No sign of the morals, just a wall of prismatic light, filling the tunnel.


    They plummeted, hitting the brilliant wall of light, meeting magic that sliced through them.


    Within them, their mana suddenly raged, tearing at their insides, devastating their bodies.


    They kept tumbling through the light wall, and atst,nded in a heap at the bottom of the tunnel¡­surrounded by the enemy.


    The spawn-knights could not even offer resistance, bound as they were, shattered by mortal magics, and only able to watch as nearly a dozen weapons fell on them as one.


    It was a simple n, when all was said and done.


    First, Alex¡¯s earth elementals would open a channel to the pursuing Ravener-spawn through the stone. Next, Thundar would ce an illusion part way down the channel, making everything below it appear wide open and safe. That¡¯s where the trap would lie: Alex had ced a Wall of Roiling Magic beneath the illusion, while Khalik had lined the channel¡¯s walls with ayer of gummy, quick-drying y.


    Next, Asmaldestre would fire precise shots through the channel, killing the giant, air-sting spawn, and luring either the fire clouds, or spawn knights down to attack.


    If the swarm came, they would stick to the y and be devastated by Alex¡¯s Wall of Roiling Magic. If the knights came, they would be tangled together, plunge through the wall, to be wiped out.


    The knights had been the first ones to take the bait, falling in iling heaps through the tunnel, where magic and waiting warriors swiftly finished them.


    ¡°Things are working well,¡± Isolde said, watching as another heap of spawn- knights fell to their waiting deaths. ¡°It seems you might not need me for this.¡±


    ¡°No, we will,¡± Alex said. ¡°If the swarm startsing through before Merzhin¡¯s miracle¡¯s ready, your lightning will help hold them at bay.¡±


    ¡°I suppose.¡± The young noblewoman nced at the Saint of Thamnd, who was praying behind ygon. ¡°But at this rate, we will get rid of them before¡ª¡±


    ¡°Swaaaaaarm!¡± Thundar shouted.


    Flickering light, as bright as the sun, suddenly filled the channel.


    ¡°Nevermind!¡± Isolde shouted, flying up to the hole. With a few twitches, she released a spear of lightning.


    Then another.


    And another.


    Tiny Ravener-spawn began dropping from the hole in the ceiling; once-blinding light now reduced to flickering embers as they died.


    ¡°There are still moreing!¡± Isolde shouted.


    ¡°Not for long.¡± Merzhin stepped forward. ¡°I am ready.¡±


    He raised his hands.


    ¡°<em>And lo, did Uldar will the lush realm of Thamnd to His people upon His ascension. Atst, His people no longer suffered from hunger. They wanted for naught and they did have plenty even in the icy abyss of winter. And so did the seasons pass, and His people bore proper pride for their god.¡±</em>


    A white light poured from the Saint¡¯s eyes. A blinding white light. <em> ¡°While His enemies knew only to fear Him. Season, after passing season. For Thamnd is His domain. And He rejects all those who encroach therein.¡±</em>


    Divine might poured into Merzhin like a river.


    <em>¡°This tunnel is hallowed by my blessing,¡±</em> he pronounced, looking up at the monstrous horde. ¡°<em>In the Name of the Traveller.</em>


    Intense radiance built, surrounding the Saint of Thamnd.


    The air began to shimmer.


    Merzhin raised the symbol of the Traveller. ¡°<em>These grounds are hallowed,</em>¡± he repeated, and his voice seemed to echo from every stone. ¡°<em>And they reject you. Begone.</em>¡±


    ¡°Oh, by the Traveller, <em>this</em> miracle,¡± Cedric murmured.


    Then the world changed.


    Heat suddenly spiked above them, as if it were the height of summer. A heartbeatter, chill spread through the air. The air chilled further, bringing with it winter¡¯s embrace. Another heartbeatter, warmth returned, and the air smelled of fresh rain.


    Then the heat came again. Then the withering. Then the ice.


    ¡°This miracle.¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled. ¡°Yesssss¡­the seasons<em> do </em>change quickly, Ravener-spawn.¡±


    Through the tunnel, the fire cloud withered as y covering them froze and thawed a dozen times in as many heartbeats.


    As the seasons changed with ever increasing speed, Alex saw the ravages of time fall on the creatures, bending their backs, withering their flesh, and stealing their strength.


    Atst, they fell.


    Thousands of Ravener-spawn plummeted to the ground, reduced to withered shells as the ages passed in mere heartbeats.


    The passing of seasons slowed.


    Temperateness returned.


    The Ravener¡¯s monstersy dead where they fell, reduced to dried out corpses.


    ¡°In the Traveller''s name, we pray,¡± Merzhin bowed his head.


    ¡°That was¡­holy shit!¡± Thundar shouted.


    ¡°You aged them to death,¡± Alex said. ¡°That was amazing!¡±


    ¡°Good job,¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled with warmth as sheplimented the Saint. ¡°That was much faster than I have ever seen you use that miracle before.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. Both practise and the ascension of my Mark gave it far greater speed.¡± The Saint bowed his head, then gave Drestra a sad smile. ¡°When Ist used this miracle, youined bitterly about my speed. You said I had taken too long. I¡­must admit, I agree.¡±


    ¡°Well, we weren¡¯t really working together back then. Not properly,¡± Hart rumbled.


    ¡°Aye, well that¡¯s all changed now.¡± Cedric beamed, wiping Ravener-spawn blood from his weapons. ¡°Good job everyone.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll say.¡± Alex looked up at the channel, finding no signs of life among the Ravener-spawn. ¡°You detect anything up there Asmaldestre?¡±


    ¡°<em>Only the remnants of our perfect violence.¡±</em> Her voice cut the air. ¡°<em>There is nothing left alive that would wish to do us harm.¡±</em>


    ¡°Good.¡± The General said. ¡°That went even better than I¡¯d hoped. Alright, let¡¯s get moving again. Khalik, could you help the earth elementals close up the channel?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the prince said.


    ¡°Good, then prepare yourselves, everyone,¡± Alex said. ¡°We¡¯re damned close now¡­and Merzhin, judging from the wee we just got, I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re going to get a chance to have that conversation.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps, perhaps not,¡± the Saint said. ¡°But, we shall only know that in one way.¡±


    The ground rumbled as the earth elementals and Khalik closed the channel.


    Then, they started digging again.

 Chapter 867: A Meeting a Long Time in the Making

    Chapter 867: A Meeting a Long Time in the Making


    The surprise attack had failed.


    Even with what should have been the element of surprise and superior numbers, its mighty Ravener-spawn were dead, killed by traitors and ounders. Very quickly. It could detect no casualties among the mortals¡­and they were stilling at full speed.


    They would reach it in minutes.


    It turned its attention to the many tunnels leading to its chamber.


    Its army was on the way to the cavern¡­but not quickly enough. Most were still spread throughout the many tunnels, they would take too long to get there.


    The treacherous Heroes and their allies would reach it long before the majority of its forces did.


    It could always make more spawn, but¡­its n was to have more time to rebuild its stores of energy.


    In the end, the fight woulde before it was ready.


    It contemted that.And¡­


    ¡®<em>So be it,¡¯ </em>it thought, its awareness turning to Uldar¡¯s body. ¡®<em>If this is to be the way this trial ends. Then this is how it ends. In thisst confrontation, we will see who will inherit your kingdom, creator. We will see.¡¯</em>


    ¡°Remember,¡± Alex said. ¡°The Ravener¡¯s capable of all kinds of magic. It can mimic a lot of different spells, and alter their effects because of the power of chaos inside it. It also has the ability to shoot devastating beams, but what¡¯s also really important to remember is that it can make hundreds of poisons.¡±


    ¡°I remember that,¡± Cedric said. ¡°But, I have miracles that¡¯ll stop poison in its tracks.¡±


    ¡°As do I,¡± Merzhin joined in.


    ¡°Good. And if anyone gets poisoned by it, get to Cedric or Merzhin, quick. Don¡¯t think you can just tough it out and fight it off: the longer those venoms are in your body, the more damage they¡¯ll do. Remember what happened to Uldar.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Theresa said, stalking ahead of the group. She, Grimloch and Brutus watched the earth elementals tunnelling. ¡°Are¡­we nearly there?¡±


    Alex looked back, asking that question of the lead astral engeli.


    ¡°Yes, archwizard. We will reach the god¡¯s body in just over two minutes at this rate,¡± she reported.


    ¡°Got it, which means we¡¯ll be outside whatever chamber it¡¯s in before that,¡± he said, then asked an earth elemental, ¡°How far are we from the chamber we¡¯re tunnelling to?¡±


    The earth elemental¡¯s response made Alex¡¯s pulse skip. ¡°ording to what the astral engeli and earth elemental say, we should breach the chamber with Uldar¡¯s body in just under a minute.¡±


    The huntress took a deep breath. ¡°This is it, then. This is really it.¡±


    ¡°I will have a miracle ready in case the Ravener fills the space with poison,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°Orb of Air will stop us from breathing it in, but I know that some poisons can be caustic to the skin.¡±


    ¡°Hmmm¡­ I am not sure it would release such poisons into the entire space. Remember: most of its spawn have no immunity to the sort of poisons it can create,¡± Isolde said. ¡°If it were to flood the space with venoms, it would kill its own guards and defenders. There is also Uldar¡¯s body to consider: I would be surprised if it released gases that could damage it.¡±


    ¡°Good points, but we should be careful anyway,¡± Alex said. ¡°Remember: a cornered enemy can get erratic, making it more unpredictable and dangerous.¡±


    ¡°Any final words for us there, Mr. Leader?¡± Grimloch asked, his voice rumbling like shifting rock.


    Alex was silent for a moment before offering words of caution. ¡°Just remember: strike hard and fast, but don¡¯t get reckless. We¡¯re trying to distract it for now so that Merzhin and I can do our thing. Don¡¯t die. Protect our devices, and don¡¯t let them get damaged. They¡¯re too important.¡±


    Ahead, the tunnelling noise changed to a hollow, echoing one¡­


    Three canine heads began snarling and growling.


    ¡°Brutus hears something through the rock,¡± Theresa said. ¡°And he caught a strong scent of Ravener-spawn¡­and something else.¡±


    That chill Alex had felt earlier, grew.


    He took a deep breath. ¡°Alright, everybody. May the Traveller guide and protect us. Remember, we trained for this. Stay sharp.¡±


    ¡°May the Traveller guide us,¡± Cedric and others echoed.


    Merzhin exhaled as rock fell away in front of them.


    ¡°Ravener!¡± the Saint cried. ¡°We wish to speak to you!¡±


    The Ravener¡¯s attention shifted.


    They were here.


    That stirring within it lessened.


    Across the vast chamber, rock cracked, stone fell away to reveal a tunnel carved in the cavern wall.


    The Ravener didn¡¯t move.


    And then¡­


    ¡°Ravener!¡± a voice called. ¡°We wish to speak to you!¡±


    The construct paused.


    ¡®<em>They </em>w<em>ish to speak to me?¡¯</em> it thought. ¡®<em>What is there to speak about? The time hase for the trial¡­¡¯</em> It examined its stores of power.


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    It had rebuilt much of its strength, but not enough for what it was to face.


    Additional time would be weed, and if the mortals¡¯ words granted it even a heartbeat longer to build strength, then it would hear them.


    ¡°<em>Speak, then,¡±</em> the Ravener invited


    ¡°Hold on,¡± another voice called, one sending a pulse of rage coursing through it. ¡°I¡¯m sure you have a huge army waiting for us. If we¡¯re going to keep things civil, I¡¯m asking you to call them off while we talk.¡±


    It knew.


    It could tell.


    This new voice belonged to a Usurper.


    The one now called the General.


    The treacherous thing that should not be.


    The one bent on ruining all.


    The true enemy.


    Silence followed while the construct struggled, fighting the desire to throw away caution and simply destroy the interlopers.


    But¡­strategic thinking muffled its wrath.


    <em>¡®You have a purpose for this¡­More time. ¡­you will gain more time¡­¡¯ </em>it thought.


    ¡°<em>Minions. Stop your approach. Do not move or attack unless Imand it,¡±</em> the construct ordered.


    Surrounding itske, its many spawn paused, looking up at their master. Some bristled, eager to stop these intruders, then calmed, not daring to defy their orders. Spawn that were streaming into the cavern paused at its many entrances. A sizable force had joined the Ravener in its chamber, but the bulk of its army was still outside.


    They would halt, until told otherwise.


    ¡°<em>My servants will not attack you, unlessmanded to do so. Come, then. Come before me,</em>¡± the Ravener said.


    The party remained quiet, but alert.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go,¡± Alex said, floating out of their tunnel and into the Ravener¡¯s titanic cavern. As his forceballs spread out in front of them, lighting up more of the space, red light pierced the utter ckness. It was darker there than in any ce he¡¯d ever been in; but not just from ack of light¡­something else hung in the air, stifling all light.


    The forceballs appeared dimmer, their light not reaching quite as far as it normally would, and the further they flew into the cavern, the less light they seemed to emit.


    Though they continued floating forward; hovering perhaps a hundred feet away, Alex <em>still</em> couldn¡¯t see the other end of the cavern.


    What he <em>could</em> see, though, was Ravener-spawn.


    A seemingly endless army of hostile monsters, filling the chamber floor and looking up at him and hispanions with unconcealed malice.


    Such huge numbers of the Ravener¡¯s elite spawn gathered together in one ce was a nightmare to behold.


    Spawn Knights, air sting spawn¡­even titans.


    ¡°What the¡­¡± Alex whispered. His forceballs cast light on Ravener-spawn titans, towering in the chamber, the crown of their heads not reaching the ceiling. Not evening close.


    As Alex¡¯spanions floated around him, squinting through the dark, Merzhin spoke. ¡°Ravener, I will use a miracle to light this chamber. It is not an attack on you.¡±


    Silence.


    And then a simple: ¡°<em>Proceed.¡±</em>


    The Ravener¡¯s voice was¡­not what Alex had expected. In his mind, he had imagined its voice would be a copy of Uldar¡¯s. Maybe slightly colder and less emotional, but it would sound like its creator.


    It did not.


    Not at all. <strong></strong>


    The voice was androgynous, neither deep nor high, and carried an odd banality. It wasn¡¯t a voice that would capture hearts and captivate minds.


    If anything, it reminded Alex of the deadness of Lucia¡¯s voice during her days as a sky gondolier: emotionless, detached, calm. It was not the imagined voice of some viin plotting to destroy the world¡­it was average, like it belonged to someone going about their day performing a tedious job.


    And yet, there was something <em>beneath</em> that banality, an¡­undertone that dug at his subconscious. Something that dredged up ancient, primal memories long buried deep in his brain. Something that made him feel like he was huddling in a cave in a primordial world, listening to the sounds of a predator ughtering terrified prey in the nighttime wilderness.


    Listening and hoping that predator would not turn its attention to <em>him.</em>


    He shook the feeling away.


    ¡°<em>Oh, Traveller above, please light the way for us,¡±</em> Merzhin prayed.


    A small bead of white light formed in the palm of the Saint¡¯s hand.


    He blew on it, and the speck of illumination flew deep into the cavern, exploding in a star of divinity, shedding sun-bright light. The cavern turned from pitch-ck to daylight.


    And Alex gasped.


    It was even bigger than he¡¯d imagined.


    Far bigger.


    The ceiling might have risen a thousand feet above them¡ªmaybe higher¡ªand the width of the cavern was many times its height. It seemed to have no end. The walls were honebed by dozens of massive entrances, surrounding scores of Ravener-spawn frozen in the act of entering the chamber, on their way to join their brethren already assembled inside¡­their number seemed endless.


    Alex watched closely, his eyes drifting over them until¡­atst, the young archwizardid eyes on his kingdom¡¯s ancient enemy.


    On his former god¡¯s greatest betrayal to his people.


    On the Ravener.


    The orb of darkness hovered in the centre of a tremendouske.


    Its appearance was unsurprising: a familiar ck ball, a dungeon core swollen to truly gargantuan proportions. Yet, there was something <em>beyond</em> its appearance.


    Something that made him feel like a mouse looking into the eyes of a snake.


    ¡®It¡¯s our natural predator,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®Uldar created it to be our natural predator and that¡¯s exactly what I¡¯m feeling¡­that and¡­contempt.¡¯


    Hatred.


    He took steadying breaths, keeping his burning hatred controlled, knowing that the construct felt the same for him. Wave upon wave of white-hot hate emanated from Uldar¡¯s creation, focused on him, filling the cavern.


    Once again, Alex acknowledged a truth: this world could not continue on with both of them in it.


    The General and the Ravener.


    The idea of them had been crafted by a mad god.


    Neither would allow the other to continue to exist.


    But the young archwizard held his tongue.


    He could not speak his mind.


    Not until he calmed the fury burning inside.


    ¡°You¡¯re up, Merzhin,¡± he said quietly.


    The Saint nodded, floating forward as theirpanions joined him.


    ¡°Ravener,¡± Merzhin called. ¡°I would like to ask certain questions of you, and perhaps I can answer any questions you might have. I wish for us to understand each other. To understand¡­¡±


    His voice fell away for a moment.


    Alex followed his gaze.


    Behind the Ravener¡ªsitting on a throne perched atop a tower across theke¡ªwas Uldar¡¯s body. The god looked just as regal as he had in his sanctum¡­and just as wounded.


    His lifeless eyes stared down on his creation.


    Suddenly, there was movement.


    Slight, subtle movement: the Ravener moved just a bit closer to the corpse.


    ¡®It¡¯s protective over his body,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®Just like I suspected. Good to have that confirmed.¡¯


    He turned his gaze back to Uldar¡¯s construct.


    ¡°<em>To understand what?¡± </em>the Ravener asked. Its voice spread through the titanic chamber. ¡°<em>What is there to understand that is not already understood. We are enemies. I am meant to destroy you. You are meant to destroy me. This is the way. You are servants of Uldar, you are my enemy¡ª¡±</em>


    ¡°We know,¡± Alex said evenly. ¡°We know everything that¡¯s happened. We know why you were created. And we know why you fight us: it was all Uldar¡¯s doing to heal himself.¡±


    The Ravener paused for a moment. ¡°<em>If you know that much, then you know that we are fulfilling the purpose to which we were all directed by our creator. What do you notprehend?¡±</em>


    There was an edge to its voice.


    But also¡­agitation? No, maybe¡ª


    ¡°I do not understand why you are our enemy,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°It makes no sense to me.¡±


    ¡°<em>It makes no sense?¡±</em> the Ravener asked, its tone incredulous. ¡°<em>We were made for a purpose. We are fulfilling that purpose. What else is there?¡±</em>


    ¡°Choice,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°Uldar had a purpose in mind for us¡­but we know what that purpose is. He wished for us to heal him, but¡­¡± the Saint paused, looking up at the god¡¯s body.


    ¡°Uldar is dead,¡± Alex said, his eyes zing. ¡°And you are destroying a kingdom on behalf of a corpse. What does that gain you? How does that benefit you?¡±


    ¡°<em>General¡­¡±</em> the Ravener whispered. ¡°<em>Atst, we meet. It has been a long timeing.¡±</em>


    Alex remembered his first vision of the Ravener in the Cave of the Traveller.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he slowly nodded. ¡°Yes it has been.¡±

 Chapter 868: Trying to Reach the Ravener

    Chapter 868: Trying to Reach the Ravener


    ¡°<em>Before I answer your questions, I must ask one of my own,¡± </em>the Ravener started. ¡°<em>How did the Mark of the Fool be the Mark of the General once more? What did you do? The creator desired for that Hero to be eliminated. They were too arrogant. They did not know their role. Generals became Fools in Uldar¡¯s divine n, and so they were given a more appropriate name and role.¡±</em>


    Alex felt its attention crawling over him.


    ¡°<em>To revert the Fool back to what was never to exist again is an abomination,¡±</em> scorn filled the Ravener¡¯s voice.<em> ¡°It is arrogance. It should not be possible. How was it done?¡±</em>


    The young wizard¡¯s hand fell to a purse on his belt.


    Within,y the Coin of Silent Friends. He held it in his hand for a moment.


    ¡°All there is to tell you is that a lot of progress has been made since Uldar created you and the Marks.¡± Alex squeezed the coin. ¡°Someone <em>very</em> clever and <em>very</em> brave sacrificed <em>everything</em> for that progress. It was because of her work that I was able to undo what Uldar did.¡±


    ¡°<em>What?¡±</em> the Ravener¡¯s response was t. Irritated. ¡°<em>Impossible. The creator is¡­a paragon of wisdom and knowledge. There is no possible way for mortals to undo his works.¡±</em>


    ¡°Truly? Is it truly not possible?¡± Merzhin asked gently. ¡°Are we not here after undoing his works? Child of Uldar¡ª¡± The Saint looked at the Ravener. Alex could feel the construct¡¯s attention shift to Merzhin. ¡°¡ªthis cycle has changed what was unchanging. All is different now, and can never return to the way it was. The hidden church is destroyed. The Heroes are united in a way previously unseen and¡ªfor the first time¡ªare united <em>against</em> Uldar¡¯s legacy. Our allies have crafted new developments from your dungeon cores, and those developments will likely change the world.¡±


    ¡°<em>You prove only your arrogance with such words, Saint of Uldar,¡±</em> the Ravener said. ¡°<em>Many cycles¡ªmore than you can trulyprehend¡ªhave passed since Uldar began the eternal cycle. There have been many changes. Many permutations. The march of time washes away anomalies. There have been other Usurpers¡ªthose that controlled dungeon cores when they should not have¡ªbut they have been wiped away. It is the ultimate arrogance to think of yourselves as any different. You will also be washed away.¡±</em>¡°But why?¡± Merzhin asked.


    The Ravener paused. ¡°<em>You ask why</em>?¡±


    ¡°Why are we to be washed away?¡± the Saint said. ¡°What will that aplish?¡±


    ¡°<em>It will fulfil the purpose set for us¡ª¡±</em>


    ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± Alex said.


    All eyes turned to him.


    ¡°<em>What?¡±</em> the Ravener said.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying.¡± Alex pointed at Uldar¡¯s corpse. ¡°You trying to ¡®wash us away¡¯ won¡¯t fulfil any purpose that he meant for us. The entire purpose of this conflict was to try and channel enough faith into him so he could heal himself. That¡¯s impossible now, since: he¡¯s dead. We can¡¯t fulfil that purpose, so there must be some other reason why you¡¯re doing this?¡±


    Silence followed.


    ¡°You do not have to continue on this path, you do realise that, don¡¯t you?¡± Merzhin cut in. ¡°You are like us: Uldar might have crafted a purpose for you, but now you are free.¡±


    <em>¡°Free?¡±</em> the construct asked. There was a mocking note in its voice. ¡°<em>Free from what? From purpose? My existence was defined and my role was immutable. There was no uncertainty. No confusion in the endless march through eternity. Now there is only confusion.¡±</em>


    ¡°And you can guide yourself through that confusion,¡± Alex said. He used the Mark of the General to focus on having his words sound appealing to the Ravener. It guided him in adopting subtle mannerisms from Uldar¡¯s speech pattern, wanting to soundforting to the construct. ¡°You do not have to continue ughtering people. I¡¯ve seen visions of the culling and know that you also have the capacity to create. To rebuild. Certain Ravener-spawn within you can bring peace, and growth and fertility to the soil. They can rebuild what¡¯s been burnt away. You do not have to be an instrument of destruction. You can choose to be different, and I think you <em>were </em>choosing to be different.¡±


    He looked at Merzhin, the Saint picked up where the archwizard left off.


    ¡°You had begun to aid the people of Thamnd,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°You were helping in ways both subtle and obvious. Yet, now you seek to obliterate us again. I ask why? From one Child of Uldar to another¡­there are no more of his secrets that are lost to either of us, and no reason to hide our reasoning from each other.¡±


    ¡°<em>I owe you no reasoning,¡±</em> the Ravener¡¯s voice reverberated through the cavern.


    ¡°Perhaps. Perhaps not. But understand this: we are all Uldar¡¯s orphans,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°We are all children of a dead god, and¡ªfor the first time¡ªwe can speak to each other. Does that not make you curious?¡±


    Alex jumped in. ¡°For thousands of years, you¡¯ve had no one to share your reasoning with: now Uldar is dead and¡ªif you persist in this¡ªthis will be yourst chance to speak to other children of his. Is there nothing you want to say? Do you want to silently destroy us without airing your grievances?¡±


    The General put a bit more of Uldar¡¯s mannerisms into his tone, trying to reach the construct.


    Silence followed for a time.


    Then the Ravener spoke, seeming to bristle.


    ¡°<em>An airing of grievances,¡±</em> it said. ¡°<em>Yes. Perhaps that is in order. Know this, then: for a time, I did consider changing my purpose to be one where aid was given to Uldar¡¯s kingdom. His petty, treacherous little kingdom.¡±</em>


    ¡°Petty?¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled.


    ¡°<em>Treacherous?¡±</em> Cedric scoffed.


    ¡°<em>Yes, treacherous,¡±</em> the Ravener continued. ¡°<em>If you know all that came before you, then you know why Uldar was forced to start the cycle</em><strong><em>.</em></strong><em> No sooner than your ancestors were safe from destruction, they gave no more thought to the one who had brought them life, light and sour. They abandoned your god when he needed them most. What is the mortal expression¡­? The stick and carrot. He gave the carrot to you mortals. He tried coddling you in return for one simple thing: your worship. Instead, you took his gifts and him for granted. And¡ªwhen the carrot did not work¡ªhe was forced to use the stick.¡±</em>


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    The construct seemed to vibrate. Its voice shook the cavern. ¡°<em>I am the stick. I am the instrument that harvests from you the only things of value you could provide to our creator: fear and faith. And so began your endless cycle of pain. A cycle you deserved. Had you loved him? Had you cherished him? Had you worshipped him, he could have healed from his injury. Then no suffering, no pain would havee to pass. But, you failed him. And now he is dead.¡±</em>


    ¡°Exactly, he <em>is </em>dead,¡± Alex said, forcing his voice to stay calm. ¡°And so are our ancestors. They¡¯re dead. And <em>he</em> didn¡¯t ask for help.¡±


    ¡°<em>You would me him for his own demise?¡±</em> the construct asked.


    ¡°I think he needed to take some responsibility,¡± Alex said. ¡°He once wandered the world taking in knowledge, and learning from others. Instead of doing that again, he simply curled up on his throne and waited to die. He didn¡¯t even go to his own people for help. If he had worked with the greatest mortal minds in Thamnd, he might have been saved.¡±


    ¡°<em>If he had shown you weakness, you would have abandoned him all the quicker,¡±</em> the Ravener scoffed. ¡°<em>And if other deities and beings knew that Uldar was weak, they would have invaded and destroyed your petty kingdom.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°All the more reason to build¡­you¡­then,¡± </em>ygon spoke up.


    The Ravener turned its attention to the golem for a moment. A long, silent moment and then¡­


    ¡°<em>What are you?¡±</em> it demanded. ¡°<em>You have energies simr to mine, but are different. What are you?¡±</em>


    ¡°<em>I am¡­a golem. I am¡­my father¡¯s son. I am¡­my family¡¯s protector,¡±</em> ygon floated forward. ¡°<em>I was¡­forged to that¡­purpose. But¡­father also¡­gives me choices. He fills my mind¡­and lets me¡­be myself. I am a protector¡­but I am also a learner¡­a singer¡­I enjoy walking beneath the sun¡­I enjoy talking and listening. I enjoy¡­music¡­I am many things. I choose what I am.¡±</em>


    The golem focused on the Ravener. ¡°<em>I saw¡­the hidden church¡­choose to follow a path mindlessly¡­down to their ruin. They were mortals¡­born able to choose any purpose¡­but they chose death, suffering and futility. Now they are¡­destroyed. Uldar¡­set their ancestors down the path of destruction¡­when he should have chosen a better one to offer them¡­¡±</em>


    <em>¡°Exin,¡± </em>the Ravener said. ¡°<em>Exin how you¡ªa walker, a listener and whatever else¡ªmight question the purpose of a god.¡±</em>


    ¡°<em>I question it¡­because it has only resulted¡­in pain. And¡­death. His path¡­was wrong. If it was right¡­then Thamnd would be at peace¡­it would love him¡­the hidden church would be alive¡­and would not have had a reason to be hidden in the shadows¡­¡±</em> the golem looked up at the god¡¯s corpse. ¡°<em>And¡­he would still be alive. What if¡­instead of making you to destroy his own people¡­he had made you to protect them?</em>¡±


    The Ravener was silent.


    ygon continued. ¡°<em>Think about it¡­you say that¡­others woulde to Thamnd to destroy it if he was weak. Well, you are strong¡­so, very strong. You would have been¡­his kingdom¡¯s guardian and protector. You would have been there to¡­annihte gods¡­and tyrants who came to destroy him¡­ while¡­he and his schrs and wisemen¡­could have figured out a cure¡­for his poisoning.¡±</em>


    ¡°<em>What good would that have done?¡±</em> the Ravener demanded. ¡°<em>He tried protecting all of you once and you forgot him.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°Would he have been forgotten¡­if he told the truth?¡±</em> ygon asked. ¡°<em>Would everyone have abandoned him¡­as you said? I have seen many who have died in this war¡­most are not forgotten. And¡­faith alone might not have been what was needed¡­mortals are clever. Had he worked together with his own people¡­maybe he could have helped himself¡­after all¡­my father is the General again. You said¡­that was impossible¡­but it was not.¡±</em>


    ¡°ygon¡¯s right,¡± Alex said. ¡°You talk about his purpose for us and his legacy. But his legacy didn¡¯t even help him. Why continue to follow it? You started helping, so why stop? Why just destroy?¡±


    The Ravenver thought for a long moment.


    ¡°It is not toote to stop,¡± Merzhin pushed. ¡°You could call off your Ravener-spawn. This fight is purposeless now, and so let healing begin. You do not need to create more suffering. You could¡ªif not be the protector¡ªyou could be the one to end all of this. So, why not? You have the ability to choose. Why follow the same path?¡±


    <em>¡°I am not following the same path,¡±</em> the Ravener said. ¡°<em>I have decided my own path: and know this. I am giving you a trial. We are all inheritors of Uldar¡¯s legacy and his kingdom. But your ancestors proved unworthy, and so I will give you a trial. Defeat me inbat, and you will have earned my protection. Fail, and you will have earned your destruction.¡±</em>


    ¡°A trial bybat?¡± Alex¡¯s eyebrow rose. ¡°Really? That¡¯s what you¡¯ve decided?¡±


    ¡°Why, though?¡± Merzhin insisted. ¡°You could simply end this suffering and¡ª¡±


    ¡°<em>Your suffering is less than inconsequential to me,¡± </em>the Ravener said tly. ¡°<em>Combat is what I was created for and it is the same for the Heroes of Uldar. We are meant to battle each other in the ultimate contest of arms; what better way than a contest of arms to decide what the path for the future will be? After all, are you worthy of inheriting Uldar¡¯s kingdom? How can you be if you cannot even prevail against me? If you are meant to inherit his kingdom, then you will be able to defeat your greatest obstacle: the stick. Only then will you earn my aid.¡±</em>


    The tone of the Ravener¡¯s voice made Alex¡¯s hackles rise.


    ¡°If we pass your trial, you will help us, is that what you¡¯re saying?¡± Alex asked. ¡°Forever?¡±


    Silence.


    ¡°<em>You will know my aid.¡±</em>


    ¡°And what about our descendents? You said that individual anomalies are washed away over time and that the cycle continues¡­that doesn¡¯t sound like the mindset of one who thinks our battle against one another should have any <em>permanent </em>rewards.¡±


    The ck orb flinched in the air, as though struck.


    ¡°<em>You are a clever one,¡±</em> it said. ¡°<em>Indeed. Your victory and worthiness will not necessarily be shared by your descendents. Trials must continue.¡±</em>


    ¡°Until when?¡± Merzhin asked.


    ¡°<em>Until you fail,¡±</em> the construct said simply.


    ¡°So we struggle forever and the only release is death,¡± Merzhin said.


    ¡°<em>Perhaps, that is one way of wording it. But mortal life is fleeting. You struggle. Then you die. Even Uldar struggled then died. What was good for him will be good for you,¡±</em> the Ravener said.


    Alex looked at Merzhin.


    The Saint slowly shook his head.


    The others tensed.


    So this was the Ravener¡¯s game¡­a ¡®trial¡¯.


    But this was no trial.


    This was¡ª


    ¡°This is a punishment, isn¡¯t it?¡± Alex asked. ¡°You me us for your creator¡¯s death. So you¡¯re going to punish us while disguising it as a trial.¡±


    ¡°<em>That might be, but hidden motives will make no difference to the result,¡±</em> the Ravener said simply.


    Alex had heard enough.


    There¡¯d be no way to get the construct to stand down.


    So it was time to throw it off-bnce.


    ¡°Well, if that¡¯s the way it¡¯s going to be. When we win, I¡¯m going to desecrate Uldar¡¯s corpse. He was a coward. A piece of filth and a fool. He should¡¯ve been the one to have the jester¡¯s mark branded on his poisoned skin. I¡¯m d he¡¯s dead: just one less shortsighted, cruel tyrant in the world.¡±


    ¡°<em>...what did you say?¡±</em> the construct¡¯s tone spiked.


    ¡°I said that he was an addled, animalistic piece of garbage and I¡¯m going to dump him somewhere like the trash that he was. ¡±


    <em>¡°Insolence!¡± </em>the Ravener shouted. ¡°<em>You are the one that is filth. In his kindness Uldar granted you knowledge, protection and¡ª¡±</em>


    ¡®Now!¡¯ Alex thought to ygon. ¡®Fire at Uldar!¡¯


    The gems red.


    ¡°<em>You had your chance¡­you chose wrong¡­¡±</em> ygon said, turning his fire-gems on the god¡¯s body.


    ¡°<em>No!¡±</em> the Ravener shouted.


    Fire-beamsnced out, shooting across theke at frightening speed.


    The Ravener reacted, interposing itself between the beams and its creator¡¯s body.


    A blinding explosion ripped the air.


    Chaos-tinged explosions shook the cavern.


    The Ravener roared.


    ¡°Take down the Ravener-spawn and that construct!¡± Alex called to the team. ¡°This is it! Make it count!¡±


    Thepanions surged forward.


    Suddenly, light red from the heart of the mes.


    A beam of searing energyunched, striking ygon squarely in the chest.


    Metal screeched.


    The golem was pushed back, hitting a cavern wall, shattering stone. His iron form nged like a bell, as though announcing the start of the Ravener¡¯s trial.


    The battle for Thamnd¡¯s future had begun.

 Chapter 869: Death Beams

    Chapter 869: Death Beams


    ¡°ygon!¡± Alex shouted, instantly teleporting to him.


    The golem was pressed to the stone wall, his chest glowing red-hot, waves of heat rising, moisture steaming, drifting off the hot metal.


    ¡°Are you alright, buddy?¡± Alex asked him. ¡°Is your core¡ª¡±


    ¡°<em>I am¡­fine! Look out¡­father!¡±</em> ygon pointed.


    Alex turned.


    The columns of mes faded, revealing the Ravener in all its glory. Undamaged. Not even in the slightest. A point of blinding light red along its pitch-ck surface.


    ¡°<em>If Uldar is to me for his own death,¡± </em>the construct¡¯s voice rose. The light shone brighter.


    ¡°<em>Then take ownership of yours.¡±</em>


    Another beam¡ªwider around than Alex was tallnced from its surface. Air rippled and crackled, the beam racing for the archwizard.¡°Shit!¡± he shouted.


    The General¡¯s Mark red. The world slowed¡­but the beam was stilling fast.


    Unnervingly fast.


    His mind began nning: one stream of consciousness focused on spell casting, another on the Traveller''s power, it red inside.


    The world sped up.


    With a twitch, he cast Shred Magic while touching ygon. Alex fought to keep his hand on the golem, nearly jerking it away when he heard sizzling through his greater force armour. ygon¡¯s body was as hot as a forge. He clenched his teeth, forcing himself to keep contact with ygon, then teleported across the cavern.


    An invisible wave of magic-destroying power flowed from his spell, surging for the Ravener¡¯s beam of destructive force.


    The magics shed¡­


    ¡­Alex¡¯s spell was blown apart.


    The beam headed for the wall where ygon had struck the stone, then curved mid-flight.


    ¡°What in the¡­?¡± the young wizard started.


    It turned, chasing the golem and archwizard like a hungry serpent pursuing its prey. Clenching his teeth, Alex used Mana to Life, healing his burning hand, then teleported away with ygon.


    Uldar¡¯s construct focused the beam on the golem and wizard as they appeared and disappeared throughout the cavern. It was fast, but they were faster, staying ahead of it.


    Until¡­


    ¡°Take this, y¡¯piece o¡¯ filth!¡± Cedric shouted.


    The Chosen of Uldar pointed his morphic weapon at the Ravener. ¡°<em>Oh mighty Traveller, rip our great enemy to pieces!¡±</em> he yelled.


    His weapon pulsed with power, a ray of holy light fired,ncing into the construct¡¯s surface, making it growl. Alex felt its attention shift.


    The Ravener¡¯s beam stopped its curving pursuit, instead, soaring straight in the air before mming into the ceiling, spiralling through rock. After a few feet, it exploded. Chunks of stone dropped to the cavern floor, crushing Ravener-spawn beneath scores of pieces. <strong></strong>


    ¡°Damn!¡± Alex swore.


    A deep crater had formed in the ceiling.


    ¡°Everyone! Keep it off bnce!"


    ¡°<em>Father¡­let go!</em>¡± ygon warned. ¡°<em>Your¡­hand!</em>¡±


    Alex¡¯s hand was still touching the golem, the skin on his palm was burning.


    He jerked his hand away, drawing on Mana to Life.


    <em>¡°I will handle¡­the Ravener¡­father!¡±</em> ygon said.<em> ¡°Do what you have to do!¡±</em>


    The golem turned, flying at the construct, his spear raised.


    Alex felt the Ravener¡¯s attention shift again. The air shimmered around it. Multiple spots on its surface red blindingly bright. A dozen lethal beams fired.


    These were smaller, perhaps only as thick around as one of Alex¡¯s wrists¡­and didn¡¯t shoot toward any of the party members, instead snaking around the Ravener, forming a cage of energy around its spherical form. Beams of power undted around the construct at terrifying speed, creating the bars of a deadly cage.


    ¡°ygon, keep back!¡± Alex shouted. ¡°Don¡¯t touch that cage!¡±


    The golem halted in mid-air. ¡®<em>What should¡­I do then?¡¯</em>


    ¡®Focus on the Ravener-spawn!¡¯ Alex said over their link. ¡®Eliminate the living cores, then focus on the titans and those air sters!¡¯


    <em>¡®Understood¡­father,¡¯</em> the golem thought back, flying at the Ravener-spawn army.


    The world slowed around Alex as he called on the Mark of the General.


    Things had moved too quickly.


    They were only heartbeats into the battle and things had already copsed into chaos. He needed a moment to assess.


    One stream of consciousness focused on the party.


    They had quickly spread out as soon as the battle started.


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    Isolde and Drestra were focused on the Ravener-spawn army. The young noblewoman was unleashing a multitude of lightning spears while the Sage had shifted back to her true form. mes were spewing from her maw, searing the creatures below.


    Cedric and Hart were charging for the Ravener¡ªtheir weapons raised high¡ªmeanwhile, Merzhin remained in the air, his body surrounded by a nimbus of divine light, his hands sped together in prayer.


    Alex¡¯s many summons followed Bjorgrund, Grimloch, Theresa and Brutus as they went for the most powerful Ravener-spawn.


    Thundar and Khalik, meanwhile, were flying toward an entrance to the cavern.


    ¡®They must be going to shut those openings,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®That¡¯ll stop the Ravener from calling in more forces. Good thinking.¡¯


    Lastly, there was Asmaldestre.


    The war-spirit aimed her weapon at the Ravener, her eyes focused on the construct. Calcting. Assessing.


    Alright,¡¯ Alex thought.


    He began spellcasting.


    A stream of consciousness would focus on the aeld staff, having it summon endlessly. Another stream would continue focusing on praying to Hannah.


    Thest two would focus on Walls of Lava.


    The world sped back up.


    His staff¡¯s crystalline blooms red, and monsters began pouring from it. Greater ice and water elementals appeared, dropping among the hordes of Ravener-spawn below, attacking with ice, and draining the creatures of their life fluids.


    With a couple of twitches, he cast Wall of Lava twice, focusing on two of the cavern¡¯s entrances. Ravener-spawn were pouring into the cavern through its yawning openings, but two walls of boiling rock suddenly appeared, obstructing their passage through two.


    Some still tried to rush ahead, but could only shriek and burn between the molten rock walls.


    Alex next turned his attention to the Ravener.


    The world slowed.


    He activated four spells.


    The world sped up again.


    He teleported again, appearing near the Ravener, releasing four Cone of Ice spells at the same time.


    Ice and frigid liquid sprayed over the construct, crusting parts of its surface in frost, but doing little else. Four fifth-tier spells had done no real damage.


    But, that was fine.


    After all, Alex had only wanted to slow it down.


    He teleported around, repeatedly spraying it with ice¡­but the Ravener was <em>fast.</em> Even as he sprayed his spells at the orb, it moved through the air at speed, gliding silently, dodging his spells and Cedric¡¯s miracles and magic, no matter the wrath the Chosen loosed on the construct.


    ¡°<em>Your struggle is futile,¡±</em> it said simply, aiming another beam at the Champion and Chosen. Cedric cursed at it, dodging to the left while Hart dodged to the right.


    The beam shot through the air where they once were¡­but it did not chase them as the other one had.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Alex¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    The world slowed.


    He analysed the Ravener¡¯s magic.


    Its death beam was narrower than the one from before.


    Slower, too.


    Less power had driven that shot.


    One stream of consciousness focused on teleporting.


    The other concentrated on casting Shred Magic again.


    He teleported, appearing beside the beam, casting the powerful ninth-tier spell as he did. The invisible wave crashed over the Ravener¡¯s death beam once again, failing to stop it.


    But¡­no that wasn¡¯t quite true.


    The world slowed again.


    Alex could see it. He could sense it.


    Earlier, the Shred Magic spell had done nothing to the beam he¡¯d dodged with ygon. The ninth-tier spell could only destroy magic effects that were less powerful than its caster; as much power as Alex had gathered, the Ravener¡¯s first beam was so mighty that even he couldn¡¯t stop it. He hadn¡¯t even slowed it.


    But <em>this </em>beam¡ªthis smaller, slower one¡ª<em>had </em>been weakened by Shred Magic.


    ¡®It held back with this beam and it¡¯s weaker,¡¯ he thought. ¡®We can use that¡­¡¯ He watched the Ravener closely. ¡®I bet that means the beams forming its protective cage are also weaker; Shred Magic might be able to sever them. Maybe. Still, we need to be careful.¡¯


    One look at the Ravener sent his mana senses screaming.


    The construct was emanating vast waves of power; Alex understood why Baelin hadn¡¯t been sure if he coulde out on top in a contest against it.


    ¡®We¡¯ve got to be real careful,¡¯ he thought. ¡®Or we could find ourselves in big trouble.¡¯


    The Ravener was in trouble.


    Externally, it had taken no damage from the mortals¡¯ attacks. The General¡¯s ice had washed over it, but the magic had barely slowed it. That strange metal construct¡¯s fire had struck it when it had defended Uldar¡¯s body, but the damage was superficial. Its internal processes were already doing their repairs.


    Externally, it was fine.


    Internally, that was a different story.


    ¡®<em>I should not have started with two such two powerful beams,¡¯</em> the Ravener thought. ¡®<em>Anger guided my response, and this is not the time to squander power.¡¯</em>


    Such mighty attacks had taken more of its internal energies than was wise to use so early, considering that those attacks had done no damage to its enemies.


    The iron construct was still active, its form already cooling as it cut through the guards. Even the General had escaped unscathed.


    ¡®<em>I am not gathering enough energy to sustain such powerful attacks when they have no effect,¡¯</em> it thought. ¡®<em>I must focus on reducing the number of attackers¡­but there are so many. Where did the renegade General gather such mighty warriors?¡¯</em>


    The Heroes at their full strength were devastating, but that was to be expected.


    Using mighty magics and me, the Sage of Thamnd sted away entire hordes of the Ravener¡¯s guards. The Saint was praying, emanating a holy light that burned Ravener-spawn with its radiance. Even the Ravener was cautious to keep its distance.


    The Chosen and Champion were racing for it, brandishing¡­were those the creator¡¯s weapons? Yes, they were!


    Thieves!


    They were not only traitors, but thieves as well.


    It would make them pay for taking Uldar¡¯s property for their own.


    And there was the General, teleporting around the battlefield, unleashing ice on it before teleporting away to strike its army with deadly magics, and blocking passages with boilingva.


    The Heroes were doing terrible damage.


    But, that was to be expected.


    What was <em>not </em>to be expected were the warriors that apanied the Marked ones of Uldar.


    ¡®<em>Who are these interlopers?¡¯</em> it watched and assessed the other rampaging mortals.


    Two wizards flew from entrance to entrance.


    The horned one was shooting sts of force magic, pulping anything in their path and multiplying himself. He acted as the defender.


    Meanwhile, the other wizard¡ªwith the bird of prey flying close¡ªattacked the cavern¡¯s entrances with earth magic, closing them with spiked stone walls interspersed with boiling tar. The bird would fire crystalline spikes,ncing into anything trying to get near.


    They were blocking the entrances at an rming rate.


    Then there was the other wizard beside the Sage.


    She was unleashing waves of electricity, bringing death, churning water and wind down on the hordes of Ravener-spawn before her. Lightning crackled between her fingers as she radiated power.


    There were also the other warriors.


    Two giants¡ªone who looked like a predatory, aquatic beast¡ªwere reaping their way through Spawn Knights. Their titanic weapons crushed everything in their path while Uldar¡¯s armour deflected blows that would have ended most mortals.


    There was a dark haired woman surrounded by four glowing des, and also wielding two. She would repeatedly vanish, then reappear, repeating the same pattern over and over again, while carving a path of death through the spawn. The hulking three-headed beast beside her mauled everything in sight.


    Then there was¡­the strangest being.


    Arge female creature with six arms, standing beside a machine radiating earth magic. She had not done much, merely watching the battle with three eyes while aiming an odd metal weapon she held in one hand.


    In addition to the powerful warriors, there were dozens of beings summoned from beyond the material world. Elementals. Celestials. More.


    Their number seemed endless, with more pouring from the General¡¯s staff.


    ¡®<em>Where did theye from? Why were they helping? They are not Uldar¡¯s Heroes, yet they are so mighty. It is nonsensical,¡¯ </em>the Ravener thought.


    This was unprecedented and¡ªafter thousands of years focusing on battling the Heroes and the chaff-like Thameish army¡ªit found itself unsure of what to do, never having faced a situation like this before.


    ¡®<em>I need to thin them. Remove factors I could not have considered before.¡¯</em>


    Reaching into itself, it called upon a powerful magic from deep within itself.


    ¡®<em>I will have to burn more power. But it will be necessary and of benefit in the end.¡¯</em>

 Chapter 870: Attack on Ravener

    Chapter 870: Attack on Ravener


    Alex felt an ominous power building within the Ravener.


    Building quickly.


    Light surrounding the construct dimmed.


    Its inky surface writhed as though swarms of worms were slithering beneath it.


    ¡°Everyone!¡± he called. ¡°Get ready! It¡¯s going to¡ª¡±


    His warning came toote.


    Power skyrocketed, exploding outward releasing waves of transparent ethereal worms, visible with true seeing.


    The world slowed, Alex called on his teleportation magic, desperately trying to understand <em>what</em> the Ravener was doing¡­but this magic was new to him.


    <em>Think. Adapt. </em><em>Think. Adapt.</em>


    <em>Think Adapt.</em>


    There was only one thing for it then.


    He directed three of his streams of consciousness to cast Shred Magic three times. Then quickly turned his attention to hispanions.


    Time was too short to grab more than <em>one </em>of them before the wave washed over them.


    But, who?


    Theresa? Brutus? ygon? He made his decision and prepared to teleport, but suddenly stopped. ¡®No,¡¯ he thought. ¡®You can¡¯t think like Alex. Think strategically, like a general.¡¯


    His decision abruptly changed.


    The world sped up.


    Quicker than a blink, he was beside Merzhin.


    The wave of worms wasing.


    Three limbs twitched.


    Three waves of Shred Magic were cast as he touched Merzhin.


    ¡°Wha¡ª¡± the Saint began.


    Alex teleported the small Hero <em>past</em> the wave, disappearing, then reappearing when it had passed them.


    Upon reappearing, the cavern greeted them with screams.


    Transparent worms clung to the party, slipping through clothing and armour as though they weren¡¯t there, snaking their way into flesh. Every inch of skin the worms touched greyed, dripping a putrefied discharge. Flesh dried, cracking, muscle withering.


    Warriors slowed, and Ravener-spawn pierced their defences, tearing at them with fang and w.


    Alex was horrified, his eyes were fixed on Theresa and Brutus as they withered before his eyes. A number of his summoned monsters vanished. Najyah screeched.


    Aside from Merzhin and Alex, only two others were unaffected. ygon was fine: the worms had simply passed through his metal form. But, any worm that had made the mistake of touching Asmaldestre simply¡­died, splitting apart like dried meat.


    That was little constion to Alex or his afflictedpanions.


    He was about to shout directions to Merzhin¡­but the Saint and Chosen were already acting.


    ¡°<em>Holy Traveller!¡±</em> they said in unison, as Cedric clenched his teeth, grimacing as he healed himself from the worm attack. ¡°<em>We beseech ye, banish this gue and bring healing in its wake.</em>¡±


    Holy light built around the two Heroes.


    ¡°<em>As anticipated,¡±</em> the Ravener¡¯s whisper seemed to slide into Alex¡¯s ears, making him turn toward the voice.


    Two sharp points of light were building on its surface, one aimed at Merzhin, the other at Cedric.


    Both Heroes were focused on their miracles.


    Its beams quickly built power.


    Alex focused his mind on Shred Magic and teleportation¡­


    ¡­then, a deafening crack split the air.


    A projectile sted <em>between</em> two bars on the Ravener¡¯s protective cage, striking the point of light aimed at Cedric. There came a sound like shattering ss as the point of light blew apart.


    Shards of ebony shrapnel shot through the air, shredding Ravener-spawn lingering near.


    The Ravener howled, sailing backwards,nding in theke with the full force of its bulk.


    The beam aimed for Merzhin, went wide, ricocheting around, puncturing scores of the Ravener¡¯s own spawn instead.


    Asmaldestre¡¯sugh travelled through the cavern, stinging the ear, yet disying her pleasure. Hundreds of Ravener-spawn turned toward her, pausing their attacks on Alex¡¯s otherpanions, eyes shifting between the Ravener and the war-spirit. ¡¯¡°<em>Indeed, this is thebat I was promised!¡±</em> Her three eyes fixed on Uldar¡¯s creation. ¡°<em>I know that a single shot did not kill you. Now, balm your wounds ande. Show me the true violence I sense you are capable of.</em>¡±


    Her words sent a shudder through the spawn, freezing them in ce¡­but the Chosen and Saint had not faltered in their prayers.


    Their bodies shone with incandescence.


    Waves of divinity billowed from them, travelling through the cavern, being drawn to their woundedpanions.


    Divine light washed over the group, eliminating worms like wisps of smoke, wrapping around the wounded, mending cracked flesh, washing away putrid fluids, filling their muscles with life, and returning their skin to health.


    ¡°There!¡± Cedric shouted. ¡°That oughta patch everyone right up!¡±


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    ¡°Thank you!¡± Theresa shouted. ¡°Now! Let¡¯s give them what they tried to give us, and more!¡±


    She raised the Twinde, it shone with life and power, and in the blink of an eye, had sliced the head off of an air sting spawn cleanly.


    The party rallied, tearing into Ravener-spawn with a vengeance, taking a bloody price for what their master had just done.


    Alex smiled. ¡°You¡¯re all the best.¡±


    Merzhin looked at the General. ¡°Alex,¡± he whispered. ¡°Do you think it is distracted enough yet?¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Alex whispered back. ¡°We should make sure it uses more of its power first. And I want to see if I can get inside it¡ª¡± He eyed the deadly cage around the construct. ¡°¡ªI can¡¯t touch it with those defences up¡­but¡­¡±


    His mind began working on an idea.


    ¡°Keep it upied for a bit. I¡¯m working on a n.¡±


    ¡°Understood, Alex.¡±


    The Ravener emerged from theke, water running down its spherical surface. A chunk of it was blown off, leaving a ragged hole on its surface.


    It was growling like an enraged beast.


    Its ¡®wound¡¯ was already healing; the hollow left by Asmaldestre¡¯s shot was quickly filling.


    Another crack sounded, finding its way between the cage bars, striking the construct. This time, its surface only cracked.


    ¡°<em>Interloper,¡±</em> the construct growled. ¡°<em>Interference will not be tolerated.¡±</em>


    The crack had mended by the time it had finished its threat, and the once massive crater was mostly smoothed as well.


    ¡®So¡­¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®Seems it takes a lot more damage if you hit it in a spot that¡¯s glowing. Huh¡­I wonder if¡­¡±


    He nced at one of the injectors on the floating tform beside Asmaldestre.


    Something to tryter.


    First, he needed to see if he could do something about that cage.


    Actually, that was second.


    First was¡­


    He looked around the cavern.


    The entire time they¡¯d been fighting, his staff had been summoning. Even after he¡¯d teleported with the Saint, the staff hadn¡¯t stopped, and the aeld was giving off waves of self-satisfaction as it continued its task.


    At this point, it had conjured a good-sized army inside the cavern.


    Earth, water and ice elementals of differing sizes rampaged through the Ravener-spawn, draining their fluids, freezing and crushing them to paste. Above, engeli soared on incandescent wings, striking out with burning weapons, raining down volleys of holy arrows from celestial bows.


    ¡°Alright, then,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s time.¡±


    Hundreds of Ravener-spawn were already dead, and though their deaths had hardly made a dent in the enemy''s numbers¡­it was enough for the first phase of his n.


    He raised his hand.


    The world slowed as he focused four of his streams of consciousness on different spells.


    The world sped up again.


    The first spells were Phnx of Wood and Stone.


    Bodies of stone rose from the earth, gripping wide shields and diamond tipped spears, marching into the hordes of Ravener-spawn, piercing them with speartips and beating them back with broad shields.


    Lesser Ravener-spawn fell in droves¡­making them perfect fodder for the <em>third</em> spell Alex cast.


    Mass Control Corpse.


    A wave of blood magic swept out, washing through the cavern, touching the bodies of lifeless Ravener-spawn lying dead on the cavern floor. The spell seemed to have no effect at first.


    Then the corpses twitched, beginning to rise under Alex¡¯s will, fatal wounds no longer a concern. Slowly, they turned to face the living Ravener-spawn and lurched forward, held in the grip of the young archwizard¡¯s spell, and seeking to destroy the army of their former kindred.


    And they would.


    Thanks to thest spell Alex had cast.


    Army of Heroes.


    Power infused hispanions, the army of summoned monsters and the army of the dead. Muscles sparked with power. Flesh toughened. Fear washed away.


    Alex¡¯s own fears also disappeared as the magic filled his heart with courage.


    He could act without the slightest bit of fear gripping him and guiding his actions.


    His flesh had toughened.


    And his muscles swelled with power.


    He smiled, then teleported beside the Ravener.


    Cedric and Hart reached the construct a momentter.


    ¡°I have a good feeling,¡± Hart growled, swinging Uldar¡¯s massive sword into the god¡¯s construct.


    The de passed <em>through</em> its cage of death beams¡ªcutting a ¡®bar¡¯ that sparked against the divinity-infused metal¡ªslicing into the Ravener¡¯s surface.


    <em>Deep</em> into the Ravener¡¯s surface.


    ¡°<em>You dare raise the creator¡¯s own weapons against me?¡±</em> it shouted.


    ¡°Yeah, I dare,¡± the Champion growled, shing at it again. ¡°Figured those beams of yours would cut through most things. But, your daddy¡¯s weapons would be strong enough to handle your power. Like¡­so!¡±


    Another gash appeared on its surface.


    ¡°Aye! Good thinkin¡¯, Hart!¡± Cedric shouted, following the Champion¡¯s example with Uldar¡¯s battle axe.


    The construct snarled at the two Heroes, focusing its attention on them, losing its focus on Alex.


    ¡°<em>No more of this,¡±</em> the Ravener¡¯s voice menaced.


    Its surface shimmered.


    Two fire clouds emerged from the construct.


    ¡°<em>I will burn you all to ash,¡±</em> it hissed. ¡°<em>You will fail this trial.¡±</em>


    The world slowed.


    Alex¡¯s streams of consciousness focused on four spells.


    Famine.


    The world sped up.


    Four pulses of power struck the swarms of small monsters.


    The tiny, burning Ravener-spawn screamed, sounding like steam escaping boiling kettles, as the spell stole their life energy and nutrients, withering their bodies. It then transferred all that life energy to the caster.


    The swarms slowed, buying time for¡­


    ¡°Merzhin! Theke!¡± Cedric shouted, breaking away from the Ravener and touching the water beneath it. ¡°Let¡¯s do this together! <em>In the name o¡¯ the Traveller I sanctify this ¡®ereke an¡¯ breathe divine power inta¡¯ it!¡±</em>


    <em>¡°May it stand against all spawn and all enemies of Thamnd!¡± </em>Merzhin finished the prayer.


    Theke shone with holy light.


    Then began boiling.


    Hundreds of Hunters, hidden beneath the water, were made helpless by the scalding liquid, writhing to its surface, soon floating atop like dead fish.


    ¡®Looks like it was nning to drag us under at some point,¡¯ Alex thought.


    ¡°Guard yourselves!¡± Drestra warned. And with a twitch, she finished casting control winds.


    A st of wind mmed the fire clouds straight into theke, plunging them into the blessed waters. The flea-like spawn shrieked as holy liquid swamped them, snuffing out both fire and life.


    Alex smiled again.


    He could put them to good use.


    With two twitches, he cast Mass Control Corpse twice.


    The first spell animated the dead Hunters floating on theke; they rose, watching their former kin with dead eyes before lurching from the water with ws spread.


    The second one animated the dead fire clouds.


    Flea-like spawn flew up, now embers of their former selves, hovering over theke, simply watching the Ravener for the time being.


    They would be ready if it summoned more fire clouds.


    Meanwhile¡­


    ¡®ygon,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®I¡¯ve got a little job for you.¡¯


    Frustration churned within the Ravener.


    Frustration at its circumstances.


    Frustration at itself.


    It had erred, and erred a great deal.


    The mortals before it were far more powerful and skilled in battle than it had anticipated. They moved with perfect harmony, their warriors were nearly unstoppable and the magic they wielded was mighty.


    The wave of life-stealing worms should have wiped most of their number out, leaving it free to annihte the rest¡­but instead, they were still there, and were now turning the spawn they¡¯d killed against it!


    These were not the sort of foes it could face while starved of strength; it had used so much energy producing its mightiest soldiers, but <em>now</em> was when it needed its power most.


    If only there was some way to draw on the fear of its enemies and¡ª


    Something caught its attention.


    The four-armed golem had flown away from fighting its army and was shooting through the air. Its war-spear was raised, the de glinting, aiming for¡­


    ¡­the Ravener¡¯s attention fell on Uldar¡¯s body.


    ¡°<em>No!¡±</em> it flew up, desperate to interpose itself between this enemy and its creator. ¡°<em>Begone!¡±</em>


    It began building its power.


    Only for the General to teleport beside it.


    But that could not matter now. It <em>had</em> to protect Uldar¡¯s body!


    ¡®Yeah, protect the body of your fallen god,¡¯ Alex thought, his streams of consciousness focused on four spells. ¡®That¡¯ll let me do this!¡¯


    He channelled his power into four castings of Shred Magic.


    Waves of power struck the Ravener¡¯s defensive cage, shattering it; the beams were too small to withstand Alex¡¯s power now.


    ¡®Yes!¡¯ the young archwizard pressed his hand to the Ravener¡¯s surface.


    It felt warm to the touch.


    He forced his mana into its channels, focusing the Mark of the General on finding a path inside. All the experience he¡¯d gathered with dungeon cores came to his mind.


    They guided him.


    Aided him.


    He found a pathway through the Ravener¡¯s inner channels.


    The young archwizard caught a brief sh of an image from inside the construct.


    He grinned. ¡®Got you.¡¯


    The General of Thamnd called on the Traveller¡¯s power, focusing on the image he¡¯d gotten of the Ravener¡¯s inner pathways.


    He activated Hannah¡¯s energies.


    They red within his soul¡­


    ¡­


    ¡­and nothing happened.

 Chapter 871: Blocked

    Chapter 871: Blocked


    Nothing happened.


    ¡°What?¡± Alex pressed his palm to the Ravener¡¯s surface. ¡°What¡¯s going on¡ª¡±


    The construct seemed indifferent to him, fully focused on gathering strength to stop ygon.


    Alex called on Hannah¡¯s power once more while recalling the image he¡¯d seen when he¡¯d connected to the Ravener. A dark ce, filled with crystalline columns and crystalline wires.


    He knew the space was inside the Ravener.


    Again, he tried teleporting into the construct.


    But¡­couldn¡¯t.


    Nothing happened.


    ¡®What in all the hells is happening?¡¯ he wondered, calling on the Mark of the General.It brought up images of him teleporting.


    Focusing on him ¡®jumping¡¯ into Kelda¡¯s sanctum. The sanctum had been teleporting so quickly that it had been in four ces at once, and Alex getting into it had been the most challenging ¡®jump¡¯ he¡¯d ever made.


    But the guidance was not enough to help him teleport to the location he had seen inside the Ravener.


    He couldn¡¯t find or make a connection.


    ¡®It¡¯s like¡­¡¯ he thought. ¡®It¡¯s like the Ravener¡¯s mana pathways continually change. And I don¡¯t have enough of a connection to it to teleport inside.¡¯


    Even as he tried to get into the construct, he could <em>feel</em> its mana pathways shifting in location and configuration. He was rapidly losing the limited connection he had with it.


    Its attention turned to him, determined to be rid of him.


    An ageless intelligence focused its mind on the young wizard.


    ¡®<em>No,¡¯ </em>was all it said.


    Lethal magic came at Alex too quickly for him to escape unscathed.


    Like an electric shock, the deadly mana shot into his body, rampaging through every cell. Alex screamed, teleporting away before the destructive energies could consume himpletely.


    When he reappeared, it felt like white-hot coals had been pressed into his flesh, mana pool, and soul. Chaotic energies stormed through him, seeking to rip his very <em>being</em> asunder.


    His teeth clenched, he fought to endure, but the vicious power moved faster, shattering his mana pathways, rupturing blood vessels.


    His heart thundered in his ears, beating faster and faster, his mind racing.


    ¡®Did it use¡­a mana poison?¡¯ he managed to think through the white-hot agony raging through him. ¡®I have to get it out! I have to¡ª¡¯


    A glowing hand fell on his shoulder. ¡®<em>Oh mighty Traveller, heal this great representative of yours. Bind his wounds and jettison this evil rot from his body and soul!¡¯</em>


    Divinity poured from Merzhin¡¯s hand, passing through his body, bringing with it a familiar warmth.


    Hannah¡¯s teleportation energy reacted to the divine touch as his body was washed clean. His mana pathways instantly mended. Blood vessels healed and pain vanished like it was never there.


    Alex took a deep, relieved breath and looked up at Merzhin. ¡°Thank¡­you.¡±


    ¡°It is nothing!¡± the Saint said. ¡°But what happened? Were you unable to¡ª¡±


    ¡°<em>You cannot control me, filthy Usurper,¡±</em> the Ravener broke in. ¡°<em>You are not the first to try. A Usurper once tried the same, underestimating me,belling me as merely a dungeon core and seeking to control me as she had my cores. She did not get very far before my defences annihted her. You cannot control me, but you are free to try again¡­Fool.¡±</em>


    The Ravener¡ªre-sheathed in its cage of death¡ªwas firing beam after beam at ygon, defending Uldar¡¯s corpse.


    Alex¡¯s eyes narrowed on the construct.


    His mind started to race.


    The world slowed.


    ¡®Alright, Alex. Think. You can¡¯t get inside,¡¯ he acknowledged. ¡®Which means you probably can¡¯t shut it down. What do you do, then? What do you do?¡¯


    His heart beat faster.


    ¡®What <em>can</em> you do? If you can¡¯t get inside to shut down its ability to reconstitute itself, this war¡¯s lost. It can¡¯t be convinced to stop trying to kill everyone. You <em>have</em> to shut down its ability to restore itself, you have to. But if you can¡¯t get inside¡­the n¡¯s dead. What do you do?¡¯


    He spotted Hart, flying toward the Ravener.


    Then he looked back at Merzhin.


    ¡®When you were near death, you were able to teleport to Merzhin. You were able to surpass your limits because your soul was closer to Hannah¡¯s. Do you get Hart to stab you now? Is this where you go to the desperation move?¡¯


    His streams of consciousness raced faster and faster.


    He was getting closer to calling out to Hart¡­


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    ¡®No,¡¯ he decided. ¡®No, you need to get rid of Aenflynn. Better to destroy the throne, that¡¯ll stop that fae bastard from helping the Ravener. It¡¯ll also give us more time for Hannah toe back, and for me to work out the problem. Okay. Follow the n.¡¯


    He watched the Ravener closely.


    ¡®It¡¯s distracted with the others right now, you and Merzhin can go and take care of the throne¡­but¡­¡¯ He thought about the injectors sitting on the floating tform. ¡®Maybe you can attach some to the Ravener¡¯s surface before you go. Drain its power¡ªNo wait. The cage.¡¯ <strong></strong>


    His eyes focused on the cage of deadly beams wrapped around the construct. ¡®Yeah, even if I was to attach one of the devices, all it¡¯d have to do is activate that defensive cage around itself and destroy the device. And¡­if I use them too early, it¡¯ll be warned that they¡¯re a danger to it.¡¯


    He watched the battle progressing before him. ¡®Right now, it¡¯s focused on us; it thinks we¡¯re trying to grab Uldar¡¯s body and destroy its servants. We don¡¯t want that to change. The more it believes that¡¯s our goal, the better for us to get it to exhaust its power. It must have used up a fair bit of its power using those worms and beams against us. ¡­it looks like it¡¯s firing the beams more sparingly than before. So, now¡¯s probably a good time to go for the throne, before it gathers more strength and before it realises that we¡¯re doing more than just attacking it and Uldar¡¯s corpse.¡¯


    The world sped up again.


    Alex looked at Merzhin. ¡°Alright, you ready? When it hits me with that mana poison again, we¡¯re gone.¡±


    The Saint¡¯s eyebrows rose and he nodded. ¡°Now <em>would</em> be a good time. It is quite distracted¡ªwait a moment, did you actually say <em>when</em> you get poisoned again?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Alex whispered. ¡°We need a reason to leave the battle. If I¡¯m injured, that¡¯ll be a convincing reason.¡±


    ¡°Alright¡­I just pray I¡¯m ready to open the divine ward on the throne.¡±


    ¡°I hope you are too,¡± Alex said. ¡°But I¡¯ve got faith in you.¡± He said, as he contacted ygon.


    ¡®Buddy, we¡¯ll be heading to Aenflynn¡¯s castle soon. I want you to protect everyone, okay?¡¯


    ¡®<em>I will¡­father¡­¡¯</em> the golem thought.


    A death beam shot out, striking ygon¡¯s chest.


    Steam hissed from his iron body as he returned fire, fire-beams striking the Ravener¡¯s surface. Explosions ripped over theke.


    ¡®<em>Trust our friends to me father¡­I will protect them¡­¡¯</em>


    ¡®I know you will,¡¯ Alex thought.


    The General threw a nce over his shoulder.


    Together with Thundar, and Najyah, the prince of Tekezash had sealed another entrance. Behind them, the tunnels they¡¯d already sealed were reinforced and being guarded by elder earth elementals.


    They would protect the seals from air sters, titans or other Ravener-spawn looking to break through. The elementals wouldn¡¯t be able to hold the line forever, but¡­well, hopefully, it would be long enough.


    Alex caught Khalik¡¯s eye and nodded.


    The prince nodded back, gravely.


    Alex also nodded at the others, silently wishing them luck.


    Any who were looking at him, nodded back.


    ¡®It¡¯s going to be okay,¡¯ he thought. ¡®They¡¯re going to be okay.¡¯


    ¡°Here I go,¡± he whispered to Merzhin, turning his attention back to the Ravener, and teleporting to its side.


    The world slowed.


    He readied four Shred Magic spells.


    The world sped up again.


    He released them.


    The cage shattered, and Alex shot forward, pressing his hands to the Ravener¡¯s surface.


    ¡°Alright, you big round piece of trash. You invited me to try again, well, here¡¯s round two.¡±


    He drove his mana into the Ravener¡¯s inner pathways, focusing the Mark of the General on the task of controlling it¡­to better sell the lie. <strong></strong>


    ¡°Uldar might have built you,¡± Alex snarled between clenched teeth. ¡°But he couldn¡¯t have thought of everything. I¡¯m going to takemand of you, and I¡¯m going to stop <em>all</em> of this carnage you¡¯re trying to¡ª¡±


    The Ravener groweld. ¡°<em>Do not speak his name. It seems you need another lesson.¡±</em>


    Power red within the construct.


    Alex tensed.


    ¡®This is gonna bloody hurt,¡¯ he thought.


    Mana poison flooded from the Ravener, racing through the young archwizard¡¯s mana pathways; the amount was greater this time.


    A scream tore from the General¡¯s throat.


    His whole body burned, feeling like he¡¯d been scalded.


    His heart felt ready to burst.


    His brain throbbed as his vision washed red. Blood vessels ruptured, filling his mouth with the taste of iron.


    ¡®Now,¡¯ he thought weakly.


    Screaming, he focused the Mark on showing all of his agony, then teleported back to Merzhin, coughing blood.


    ¡°Help¡­¡± he groaned.


    Merzhin grimaced. ¡°We have to get away from here.¡±


    The Saint pressed his light-sheathed hands to the General.


    Healing divinity washed through the young archwizard from head to toe, yet Alex kept screaming as though the poison was oveing the Saint¡¯s power. He imagined a forest clearing in Och Fir Nog: one far from the Ravener¡¯sir, a ce he¡¯d flown above when he and the engeli were tracking Uldar¡¯s body.


    The General of Thamnd focused the Traveller¡¯s power on that image.


    Abruptly, he and the Saint disappeared.


    A thrill surged through the Ravener.


    Creating the mana poison had taken no small amount of its strength, but it was well worth it! If it could have smiled, it would have done so endlessly as it watched the wounded General flee to nurse his wounds.


    Surely he would return, but with less arrogance in him.


    Now, it would use the time to focus on destroying the Heroes and their ounderpanions.


    ¡°<em>Your Foolish General has fled,¡±</em> the Ravener announced. ¡°<em>You should have done the same. I am disappointed: this will be less of a trial and more of a purge.¡±</em>


    ¡°Aye, well, we¡¯ll see about that,¡± the Chosen countered, wrapped in divine power.


    The Ravener¡¯s focus went to him.


    Should he be the next to fall?


    Or should it be the metal golem?


    No, its attention should be on the Chosen so he could not heal the rest. But first¡­


    The Ravener¡¯s surface rippled.


    More Spawn emerged, each bearing their own dungeon core.


    Time to rece those that were lost.


    It drew on the stream of divine power from its ally and¡ªas it did¡ªa voice spoke in its thoughts.


    ¡®We¡¯re nearly there,¡¯ Aenflynn said, though his voice sounded strained.


    ¡®<em>Uldar¡¯s enemies have reached me,¡¯</em> the Ravener answered. ¡®<em>I am resisting, and have wounded one of them¡­a treacherous Hero.¡¯</em>


    ¡®Excellent. Soon you will be ready to wipe them <em>all</em> away,¡¯ the fae thought. ¡®Just a little more.¡¯


    Alex and Merzhin reappeared in the skies over Och Fir Nog, with the Saint pouring his divinity into the General¡¯s body. Alex felt himself healing; his mana pathways were restoring and his body was repairing.


    He sighed with relief.


    ¡°Thanks again, Merzhin,¡± Alex looked down at his body, stretching then looking up at the sky.


    Strange stars¡ªif they really were stars¡ªtwinkled in the heavens of Och Fir Nog.


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to tell how much time¡¯s passed,¡± Alex noted. ¡°Ah, well, there¡¯s nothing we can do about that except move on.¡±


    ¡°Precisely,¡± Merzhin said, balling his hands into fists. ¡°I pray we can reach the throne quickly. Do you think¡­we can really destroy it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I do,¡± Alex said. ¡°Between Hannah¡¯s teleportation power, your divinity and my magic, I think we have a real good chance of destroying it. We just need you to get us through that ward¡­no pressure or anything.¡± He smiled.


    ¡°Yes, of course,¡± the Saint looked a little nervous. ¡°I will not let us down.¡±


    He almost sounded like he was trying to convince himself more than anything, though the magic of Army of Heroes was lending confidence to his voice.


    Alex simply nodded. ¡°I know you won¡¯t, Merzhin. I don¡¯t doubt it. So, let¡¯s get going.¡±


    The young archwizard raised his staff, channelling invisibility magic.


    Both Heroes vanished, turning transparent in the eyes of their own true seeing magics.


    ¡®Alright,¡¯ Alex thought, with fleeting anxiousness.


    If this worked, they¡¯d take a major step forward.


    If it didn¡¯t¡­


    He shook the thought away.


    It didn¡¯t matter now. They were there, and they had a job to do.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go take Aenflynn¡¯s toy away,¡± the young archwizard said.


    He touched Merzhin¡¯s shoulder and together, they teleported to the fae lord¡¯s castle.

 Chapter 872: Divine Ward

    Chapter 872: Divine Ward


    The moment Alex teleported with Merzhin, he knew something had changed.


    As he and the Saint catapulted through space¡ªimages of locations from across the nes racing by¡ªit felt as though they were no longer travelling alone. Hannah¡¯s power pulsed like a beating heart, reacting to¡­he didn¡¯t know what.


    It felt as if <em>another</em> presence was travelling with them, and Alex could¡­was that a voice?


    He strained to hear.


    Yes.


    Yes!


    It was a voice¡ªa familiar one¡ªcalling to them.


    What was it saying?


    The words weren¡¯t clear, but by the tone, it sounded¡­worried?Alex tried listening closer, suddenly reappearing in fae wild before he was able to decipher them.


    Merzhin reappeared beside him an instantter. Alex turned to the Saint, getting ready to say something, but¡­words failed him.


    His breath caught.


    ¡°By the Traveller,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°What has happened here?¡± Merzhin gasped.


    ¡°Death. Death¡¯s happened here.¡±


    From horizon to horizon, much of Och Fir Nog had been obliterated.<strong></strong>


    When Alex wasst here, the clouds in the night sky had obscured<strong></strong>the highest towers of Aenflynn¡¯s castle.


    Below them, on the peak of a lofty mountain, the pce had once risen from a forest of gold and scarlet, filling the sight-line. An irregr facade of silver stones had once been there, glittering in the moonlight, highlighting walls, roofs, and a host of towers spun from autumn leaves stronger than steel.


    But now, the forest was gone.


    Much of the mountain was also gone.


    Forests, meadows and peaks had all been reduced to no more than a t grey in, dotted with craters. An unbroken expanse of lifeless sand, covered in craters, alive with me. The air was heavy with sheets of ash and dust so thick, that the moonlight was dimmed by the haze.


    There were no signs of life anywhere.


    No Ravener-spawn or fae stirred on the dusty in.


    And the two responsible for this devastation, still battled each other relentlessly.


    Floating high in the sky, Baelin and Aenflynn warred like enraged deities, unleashing spells and divinities against each other, reducing their surroundings to dust, and with time, could have brought entire civilizations to their knees.


    Midnight ck clouds, swirling with blood red and stark white spears of lightning, whirled around the two ancient energies¡ªthunder rumbled as <em>horrors</em> shed within those clouds.


    Engeli, demons, devils and elementals were aligned with Baelin while an army of legendary fae soldiers gave their allegiance to Aenflynn.


    They shed,ing to the battle through portals, ripping each other apart within the clouds.


    Blood rained from the sky, wetting the grey, dead earth.


    And in the eye of this bloody storm, Aenflynn streamed oceans of divine power. Radiant lights, gues of ck death, and waves of divine fire poured from the fae lord, often cancelled by Baelin¡¯s terrible magics.


    The ancient archwizard¡ªhis full armour aze with power¡ªconjured colossal tentacles, terrible snarling faces threatening<strong></strong>with bewitching eyes as bright as stars, primordial winds, and crushing voids, were also cancelled by Uldar¡¯s divine power.


    Aenflynn was scowling. ¡°Retreat, old one. Your power is great, but not great enough, you will not prevail here.¡±


    Baelin¡¯s face was unreadable behind his metal helm, but his voice was strained and filled with bloodlust. ¡°You know, if I had a copper coin for each being that made that threat to me, I would perhaps have long doubled my considerable wealth.¡±


    He raised his hand, miniature stars formed around it.


    ¡°But if I were to have a coin for each being that <em>made good</em> on that threat¡­¡± The stars red around his hand. ¡°¡­I would be utterly destitute.¡±


    They shot from his hand, most were batted away by the fae lord¡¯s stolen power.


    Every star but one, fell to the lifeless in, exploding with earth-shaking power.


    New craters formed in Och Fir Nog¡­


    ¡­though not from one errant star¡­not yet.


    That star raced toward Aenflynn¡¯s castle, light streaking behind as it sped away, striking an unseen force then bouncing off, falling to the dusty in below.


    An explosion followed, as another crater formed in the dusty in.


    ¡°Do you have any idea how long it will take me to fix all of this?¡± Aenflynn demanded, sounding more than a little put out. ¡°I shall make a trophy of your head and mount it on my wall!¡±


    ¡°Funny, I was nning on doing exactly the same to yours,¡± Baelin replied.


    Alex winced as the two ancient beings shook the world with their power.


    ¡°Ya know what, I¡¯m thinking maybe we should stay out of this one,¡± he said to Merzhin, before eyeing the castle. ¡°It seems our fae friend has some sort of protective shield over the entire castle, which exins why it¡¯s undamaged while everything else is¡­destroyed.¡±


    Alex looked over the castle intently.


    In the courtyards, fountains flowed with liquids the colour of cider and mead, and every garden was abundant with magical fruit trees bearing fantastical fruit, their skins were near bursting. Stables and kennels housing war-horses, war-deer, coursing-hounds and other beasts capable of racing the wind stood undamaged, the animals feasting peacefully.


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    At the end of a bridge, towering front gates forged of green copper with ivy wrapping around them, spanned a river that somehow flowed up the mountain and into the castle, then into a reverse waterfall, surging upward into the endless sky, misting into fluffy clouds of grey and white.


    All looked peaceful.


    Idyllic.


    Yet, two things did not fit with the image of idyllic.


    For one, Alex knew very well the evil that this castle represented.


    Secondly¡­the waterfall flowing up and into the sky?


    It was choked with ash.


    He looked at the Saint. ¡°You think we¡¯ll have any problems teleporting into the castle? That protective shield might keep us out.¡±


    The Saint was silent. His translucent form was paying attention to the castle.


    ¡°If Army of Heroes weren¡¯t filling me with courage, I might be choking,¡± he finally said.


    Alex looked at him closely. ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong? Can¡¯t we teleport inside there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, we can. I believe we could even walk in, if we weren¡¯t spotted,¡± the Saint said. ¡°And from what I¡¯m sensing, the shield is there to prevent hostile magic from destroying it. Directing it to that specific purpose helps strengthen it against Baelin¡¯s magic.¡±


    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Alex whispered, looking at the fae lord high above them. ¡°He must be <em>really</em> focused on Baelin and that¡¯s good for us, but¡­if that¡¯s all fine, what¡¯s actually wrong?¡±


    ¡°I am sensing the throne, and the ward around it¡­¡± the Saint shook his head. ¡°It is <em>powerful,</em> Alex. There was a lot of divinity <em>and</em> time spent building it. I am not sure if I can break through. I¡­no, I think I can. It is strong, but not invulnerable.¡±


    Alex looked at him carefully. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then let¡¯s get it done.¡± Alex touched the Saint, teleporting again.


    Again, they passed through the space between nes. Images of different ces raced past them. Again, Alex heard that voice. He focused on it ¡­realising¡­


    Hannah.


    It was Hannah¡¯s!


    But what was she saying?


    Before he could understand, he and Merzhin appeared above one of the pce¡¯s many courtyards.


    A ce abundant with heavilydened fruit trees, flowering rose bushes, glowing blooms, and guards. Lots and lots of guards. Fae knights and Ravener-spawn stood at attention at the foot of the tower, alert for the slightest whisper of trouble.


    Fortunately, Merzhin and Alex were not only invisible¡­but the faes¡¯ eyes weren¡¯t watching the skies.


    The Saint and the General exchanged a quick look, then were gone, teleporting through a tower window, appearing at the base of a spiral staircase.<strong></strong>Alex scanned the area for defences but sensed no magical traps, and neither his astral engeli nor Merzhin had cautioned that there were any other divine protections on the tower itself.


    All the defences must¡¯ve been focused on the chamber where the throne is kept.


    Alex teleported them to the top of the tower and the pair floated above the stairs that stopped at a broadnding carpeted with fallen leaves of red and gold. More fae knights stood at attention there.


    ¡®Eight guards,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®Each one has magical weapons, and a horn to sound the rm, calling for reinforcements if anything goes wrong.¡¯


    He looked at Merzhin for a moment then teleported the two of them a dozen miles away.


    ¡°What?¡± Merzhin startled when he reappeared in the fae wild. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to ask you something, but I couldn¡¯t talk in case those guards heard us.¡±


    The Saint shook his head. ¡°And so you teleported us a day''s travel away to have a conversation?¡±


    Alex shrugged. ¡°I had no idea if they could hear us.¡±


    ¡°...fair point,¡± Merzhin agreed. ¡°So what did you wish to ask me?¡±


    ¡°The ward on the room: you sensed it right?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Merzhin said, smiling. ¡°What about it?¡±


    ¡°I¡ªWait, what¡¯s got you smiling like that?¡± Alex asked.


    The Saint¡¯s eyes seemed to shine. ¡°I think I might have been a little pessimistic in my earlier assessment. From closer, it appears the divine ward is not as resilient as I thought.¡±


    ¡°Oh?¡± Alex¡¯s heart jumped. ¡°So you can get through it? What¡¯s changed?¡±


    ¡°There was a lot of time and power put into it,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°But the faith behind it isn¡¯t the strongest. The fae lord wields Uldar¡¯s power, but he¡¯s not a believer <em>in</em> him, which I think left the divinity a little¡­erm, what¡¯s the best way to put it¡­hollow.¡±


    ¡°Hollow¡­¡± Alex squinted. ¡°I suppose that makes sense.¡±


    ¡°Yes. Faith is about belief, and miracles worked with less faith behind them do not reach their full potential,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°I think our fae enemy forgot this simple fact. But what is it that you wished to ask me?¡±


    ¡°Oh, <em>where</em> exactly is the divine ward in the room?¡± Alex asked. ¡°Will it stop us from entering? And is there enough room for us to teleport inside?¡±


    ¡°There should be room for us to teleport inside,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°The ward is somewhat offset from the walls.¡±


    ¡°Oh, fantastic!¡± Alex rubbed his hands together. ¡°Alright, then let¡¯s get back. I¡¯ll look through the keyhole to see where we¡¯re going, then we teleport inside. Okay? We¡¯ll have to keep our voices down.¡±


    ¡°I shall not utter a word until we can see the throne.¡±


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Alex said. ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡±


    He touched Merzhin¡¯s shoulder and teleported to thending outside the throne¡¯s chamber. The young archwizard watched the fae knights¡ªeach one a little taller than an average human man, with distinct elfin features and broad shoulders¡ªand they showed no reaction to the Heroes¡¯ reappearance.


    Slowly, both young men floated toward the door, breaths held.


    The fae knights neither moved, nor did their eyes follow.


    They didn¡¯t even seem to blink.


    With onest cautious nce at the guards, the General of Thamnd put his eye to the keyhole, taking in the room beyond.


    There.


    There it was.


    Uldar¡¯s throne had been positioned on a dais in the centre of the chamber.


    Alex clutched Merzhin¡¯s shoulder and together, they teleported to their goal.


    As they passed through the space between nes.


    Hannah¡¯s voice grew stronger.


    Alex smiled.


    She was getting so close to being able to return to the material world.


    So close.


    <em>So very close.</em>


    Still smiling, he appeared in the throne room, Merzhin soon appeared beside him.


    The chamber was richly appointed, smelling of fresh pine and scented blooms. Ivy crawled over its walls and various benches and chairs had been ced along them.


    An overstuffed chair¡ªalmost a throne in its own right¡ªfaced the centre of the room. Beside it, a table was set with a bottle of liquor of some kind, and a multi-faceted crystal ss.


    These things didn¡¯tmand Alex¡¯s attention, particrly.


    But, the walls certainly did.


    Peeking through the ivy, was mural after mural of Aenflynn leading his fae in different battles, triumphs, and conquests. Uldar was prominent in some of the images, right by the fae lord¡¯s side, sharing feasts, victories and toasting each other in celebration.


    They were depicted with the utmost care to their likenesses.


    Separating the murals and ivy were massive windows, eachrge enough for Drestra to fit through¡­in her true form.


    Alex frowned.


    Strange.


    He hadn¡¯t seen those windows from outside.


    His eyes slowly turned to the throne, sitting in the centre of the room, atop a dais, in a ce of honour. The white stone had been meticulously cleaned: ck stains on the armrest were long gone. Laying on the seat, was afortable looking gold coloured cushion.


    Alex made a sour face as he floated toward the throne.


    Merzhin caught his shoulder. ¡°Wait, do not approach the dais too closely.¡± His eyes narrowed. ¡°The ward surrounds it¡­perhaps twenty feet out.¡±


    Alex followed the Saint¡¯s gaze, drawing an invisible circle around the dais in his mind. He pointed. ¡°So around there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, go no closer than that.¡±


    Alex nodded, floating forward until he hovered a few inches from the unseen ward.


    He red at the throne. So much pain hade from that simple looking chair.


    And now, it was time to destroy it.


    He nced at the door. No guards had appeared, and there was no sign that they¡¯d been discovered either.


    Merzhin floated up beside Alex. ¡°Alright, then.¡±


    ¡°Do it,¡± the young archwizard said. ¡°Show Aenflynn your faith.¡±


    Merzhin took a deep breath, extending his hands. Power radiated from him as he concentrated. His voice was clear. ¡°<em>In the name of Uldar, God of Thamnd. In the name of the Traveller, Saint of Uldar. In the Name of St. Merzhin, Saint of Thamnd¡­I banish you! Begone! I hereby deny this barrier!¡±</em>


    Power flooded from Merzhin¡¯s hands, and the ward was exposed, materialising<strong></strong>around<strong></strong>the throne.


    It was a glowing sphere of white light, some forty feet across.


    And it began cracking.


    Alex smiled.


    This was it.


    This was¡ª


    Suddenly, a sense of <em>wrongness</em> washed over him.


    The power inside him red, screaming as his mind raced.


    Why couldn¡¯t he see the room¡¯s immense windows from outside? Wouldn¡¯t that mean there was already some illusion on the tower? And if the windows were hidden¡­what else¡­


    His heart pounded in his ears.


    He recalled Hannah¡¯s voice, calling out as they teleported.


    Giving him warning.


    ¡°Stop, Merzhin, stop!¡±


    <em>¡°Toote,¡±</em> Aenflynn¡¯s voice echoed through the chamber.


    At the same moment,<em> a second</em> divine ward sprang to life.

 Chapter 873: Confinement

    Chapter 873: Confinement


    Another divine ward sprang up, forming a half-sphere of divine light, sealing Merzhin and Alex in the throne¡¯s chamber.


    Both young Heroes were now trapped between the first ward sealing the throne, and the second one sealing <em>them</em> in. They had little space to manoeuvre, perhaps only about five feet between the two wards.


    The Saint shielded his face from the ward as though he was facing a white-hot st furnace. ¡°The powering from it¡­it¡¯s incredible!¡±


    ¡°<em>It is, isn¡¯t it?¡±</em> Aenflynn¡¯s voice purred, then a rumbling sound came from the side of the room.


    Another effigy of the Fae lord¡ªalmost identical to the one of earth and rock that greeted Alex and hispanions when they¡¯d arrived in Och Fir Nog¡ª stepped from the wall. <em>This</em> one was craftedpletely of stone.


    He smiled at the two Heroes¡ªgave them a friendly wave¡ªthen casually took a seat in the chair beside the side table with the decanter on it. Humming to himself, the Fae lord uncorked the bottle and poured himself a drink.


    ¡°<em>You know,¡±</em> he sniffed the contents of his ss. ¡°<em>The secret of this honey wine¡¯s recipe has been passed down through generations of fae. It actually predates your kingdom.¡± He sighed, taking a long sip. ¡°It was a favourite of The Stalker¡ªor The Guide as you called him¡ªand I¡¯d promised him the secret of where to get it once he¡¯d in the two of you. s, you are here and he is not. And so, I drink this ss in his names. His many, many names.¡±</em>


    The stone effigy took a long drink as though it were flesh.


    Alex red at him, then looked at Merzhin. ¡°Can I teleport through this new ward?¡±The Saint extended his hand toward the second ward, a growing unease on his face. ¡°No. It¡¯s like the one around the throne. Trying to leave here through <em>any </em>means would destroy you¡ªbody and soul.¡±


    Alex cursed loudly.


    ¡°<em>You would be wise to listen to your small friend,¡±</em> Aenflynn said cheerily. ¡°<em>These wards are quite deadly to anyone attempting to pass through them, even using teleportation.¡±</em>


    Alex¡¯s jaw clenched. He looked at the wine. ¡°You nned this.¡±


    ¡°<em>Not exactly this, no,¡± </em>Aenflynn said. ¡°<em>But I did anticipate that someone would attempt to steal the throne from me. It made for the perfect trap, wouldn¡¯t you say? I am a little disappointed that I only managed to capture two of your number, but I am not one to spit on gifts.¡±</em>


    Alex looked at Merzhin. ¡°Can you get through the ward?¡±


    ¡°I am trying,¡± the Saint said, both hands rising toward the ward. He spoke softly. ¡°The power¡¯s intense¡­ Quite intense.¡±


    ¡°<em>And well it should be!¡± </em>Aenflynn said cheerfully. ¡°<em>After all, what you are looking at is the result of months of work and experimentation. If it could be shattered so easily, then I would be forced to question my ownpetence.¡±</em>


    Alex snarled at the fae. ¡°So¡­what is this then?¡± he gestured toward the barriers. ¡°What are you nning here? Obviously, this was meant to <em>trap, not</em> kill us. So what is it you want?¡±


    ¡°<em>Ahhh, very astute,¡±</em> Aenflynn said. ¡°<em>You have more value as hostages than you do as corpses. Much more value. A pair of corpses would only be good as extra fertiliser¡­but alive¡­you have value.¡±</em>


    ¡°If you think Baelin or anyone else¡¯s going to stand down because you caught us in your little trap, then you have another thinging,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°<em>Perhaps. Perhaps not. But that is why I thought we could have a little chat.¡±</em>


    ¡°Chat?¡± Alex scoffed. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you¡¯re projecting your consciousness into that puppet, but you need to pay attention to your opponent outside.¡±


    As he spoke, he directed two of his streams of consciousness to examining the divine wards and the chamber. If he could find something to help them get out of here¡­


    <em>¡°Oh you mean the old goat-thing battling me in the sky?¡± </em>Aenflynn chuckled. <em>¡°Oh I wouldn¡¯t worry about me in that context. Your old friend is about to have his own problems. Insurmountable problems¡­right about¡­now.¡±</em>


    ¡°Alright, I think this has gone on long enough.¡± Aenflynn erected a barrier between himself and the ancient archwizard before him. ¡°You are quite the warrior, my friend. I¡¯d venture to say that if I did not have Uldar¡¯s throne in my possession, you would likely have bested me by now. But, I have the upper hand.¡±


    The ancient archwizard paused, giving Aenflynn a stony re through his metallic mask. ¡°Is that so?¡± the goat man looked down at the castle. ¡°Is <em>that</em> why I feel a thread of your magic reaching into your castle? nning something for me, are you?¡±


    ¡°Oh it is not <em>you</em> I have something nned for,¡± Aenflynn said lightly. ¡°It is your young friends. You see, two of them have intruded into my home and are presently caught between two <em>especially</em> nasty divine wards.¡±


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    The ancient wizard fell silent.


    ¡°That get your attention, did it? I am so d.¡± The Fae lord smiled. Around them, fae still shed with otherworldly monsters within the whirling clouds. ¡°So let me remove any illusions that you might have about saving your little Fool and Saint. If you try to teleport to them, I will y them.¡±


    The old wizard let out a hard, viciousugh. ¡°Child, you underestimate how resourceful and powerful these young warriors are. They will slip out of your trap and y you from crown to foot. That is, unless I do it first.¡±


    Aenflynn<strong></strong>wagged his finger at the beastman. ¡°It seems you are underestimating me. I can tell you that they are <em>quite</em> trapped at the moment <em>and</em> are at my mercy. So, stand down. Let us teleport to one of my private groves where we can settle this in a civilised manner over a ss or two of honey wine.¡±


    ¡°Oh dear¡­you truly do not understand your position, do you, Lord Aenflynn?¡± the archwizard said, his voice almost pitying. ¡°You are going to die today, and likely in a painful manner. Either I will kill you, or my young, talented allies will when they free themselves from your trap. You have no bargaining power here.¡±


    ¡°Hah! You ce much faith in your youngpanions.¡± Aenflynn shed his sharp teeth.


    ¡°Of course. They have shown incredible talent, drive, and skill. I have watched them grow from mere whelps into powerful wizards, warriors¡­and even the young priest hase to impress me. Which¡ªif you knew anything about me¡ªtruly says something. They are remarkable. They are like me: they have power and do not have to steal it from a corpse. Now, since we are talking, I will make <em>you</em> an offer instead: stand down, now. Give us back the throne, and perhaps I can see to it that you face exile instead of a painful death. Naturally, your ultimate fate will not be in <em>my</em> hands, but I could put in a good word for you. You will likely still need to be punished, though. In my time, the punishment for thievery was losing a hand. Face it, Aenflynn, it is taking all of your power¡ªand Uldar¡¯s¡ªto hold me back. And my young friends are <em>strong</em> as well. You cannot prevail here, and you would be wise to give up.¡±


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Aenflynn shrugged. ¡°Perhaps an example is necessary.¡± He nced down at his castle. ¡°Tell me, out of the Fool and the Saint, which is your favourite? Oh well, it doesn¡¯t matter, I suppose. Whichever one remains alive after this will have to be your favourite by default.¡±


    ¡°<em>Ah, well, bad news I¡¯m afraid,¡±</em> Aenflynn said. ¡°<em>Your archwizard friend has proven to be rather stubborn. Now I will need to make an example of one of you.¡±</em>


    On either side of Alex and Merzhin, the divine wards red with holy light.


    ¡°<em>Whichever one of you lives through this encounter, make sure to chastise him.¡±</em> Aenflynn¡¯s eyes red.


    The divine wards shone brighter.


    Heat began building, radiating from each one.


    Alex¡¯s eyes darted around the room. Deep down¡ªbeneath the powerful magics of Army of Heroes¡ªhe could feel a growing horror. Such power¡­and there was little he could do to stop it.


    As their conversation with Aenflynn had continued, Alex hade to realise just <em>how</em>plete this trap was.


    Merzhin had said that if they touched the wards they would be destroyed. If they tried to teleport through them, they would be destroyed. The Saint had been working on breaking them but seemed not to have made any progress.


    ¡®No. There¡¯s a way out of this. There <em>has</em> to be a way out of this,¡¯ Alex thought.


    The divine wards were growing brighter.


    Power was building in them.


    ¡®Think¡­adapt,e on!¡¯ the young archwizard thought.


    But it was Merzhin who acted first. ¡°<em>In the name of Uldar! In the name of the Traveller! I hereby call upon an interdiction: between these two divine wards, the being known as Aenflynn cannot use Uldar¡¯s power to harm us! The power will wash away! And pass over us without harm!¡±</em>


    Aenflynn¡¯s stony eyebrows rose.


    A nimbus of light built around the Saint of Thamnd as power pulsed from him. Divine energy met the divine wards, passing through them and reaching beyond.


    Ripples spread through reality.


    Light continued building in the wards.


    ¡°Uh¡­Merzhin¡­¡± Alex said.


    The Saint was doubled over, his skin looking paler, and mmy.


    Power continued growing in the divine wards.


    ¡°Merzhin!¡± Alex called.


    Expressionless, the Fae lord whistled.


    ¡°Merzhiiiin!¡± the young archwizard screamed.


    Waves of light exploded from the wards, each ward emitting the type of heat hot enough to melt enchanted iron, and turn bone to ash.


    ¡­but the waves passed through Alex and Merzhin with little more than a tingling sensation. They then dissipated, vanishing as the wards returned to their original state.


    ¡°Oh¡­oh by the Traveller, we¡¯re alive!¡± the young archwizard shouted.


    ¡°We are,¡± Merzhin panted.


    ¡°<em>You are¡­</em>¡± Aenflynn sounded disappointed. ¡°<em>Perhaps your old friend is right. You are resourceful.¡±</em>


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll say!¡± Alex grinned, casting mana to life on Merzhin. ¡°Well done with that interdiction.


    Merzhin red at Aenflynn. ¡°This thief knows what he¡¯s doing when ites to Uldar¡¯s power.¡±


    <em>¡°Thief, am I?¡±</em> Aenflynn raised an eyebrow. <em>¡°That¡¯s the second time I¡¯ve been called that in thest little while,¡± he muttered, displeased. Scowling, he looked into Merzhin¡¯s eyes. ¡°Uldar was a friend. I am no thief: I am simply using a friend¡¯s tools in my time of need. And even if I were a thief, what would that make you? You call out to this ¡®traveller¡¯ instead of Uldar,¡± the fae lord tut-tutted Merzhin. ¡°That makes you akin to a divine adulterer. Running to the skirts of another deity after all that Uldar did for you people. Bah! Ungrateful wretches?¡±</em>


    ¡°Ungrateful?¡± Alex scoffed. ¡°What in all hells do we have to be grateful for? This friend of yours created a terror-construct to kill us, generation after generation. How does <em>that</em> earn loyalty?¡±


    He recalled a conversation he¡¯d had with Khalik long ago. Alex then repeated the prince¡¯s words to the fae. ¡°<em>Any king who rode around murdering their own subjects at his whim and taking their possessions like amon bandit, would likely have a dagger where his heart used to be, and a head separated from his neck.</em> And I imagine the same goes for deities if their worshippers are strong enough; deities are just monarchs with a fancy name and unique powers when you really break it down.¡±


    <em>¡°How nasty of you,¡±</em> Aenflynn said.<em> ¡°Ah, well, I am not here to convince you of your folly.¡±</em>


    ¡°So what now?¡± Alex spat. ¡°No hostages for you. Our friend¡¯s going to rip you in two.¡±


    <em>¡°Perhaps. Perhaps not. You do not get to be as old as I without a few back up ns, little mortal. Like the one that¡¯s been underway for hours now.¡±</em>


    ¡°What th¡ª¡± Merzhin gasped, his eyes wide. He was staring at Uldar¡¯s throne. ¡°The power around the throne¡­it¡¯s growing, and fast!¡±


    ¡°<em>Do not worry about that. That is not your concern. This is: guards! I have two mortals in need ofpany! It would seem that my hospitality is not being epted!¡±</em>

 Chapter 874: Who Are They Praying to?

    Chapter 874: Who Are They Praying to?


    The archwizard¡¯s eyes turned toward Aenflynn¡¯s castle. ¡°What have you done?¡±


    The Fae lord was beaming, pleasure filling his expression. He folded both hands behind his back like a naughty child hiding a stolen biscuit. ¡°Not a thing. I did nothing.¡±


    ¡°Do not take me for a fool. I have spells that sense the rhythms of divinity; you are not the first entity with divine power I have battled, and you likely will be far from thest.¡±


    ¡°Oooo, scary!¡± Aenflynn shuddered mockingly.


    ¡°Divine power is rising around the throne. So I will ask you again¡­what have you done?¡± the goatman demanded.


    The Fae lord¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡°Again, <em>I</em> did nothing. It is those <em>you</em> fight for and alongside who are responsible for whatever you¡¯re sensing, not me.¡±


    ¡°Fascinating. It would seem you are trying to upy me with some useless ridd¡ª¡± The archwizard¡¯s voice trailed off. ¡°Oh. <em>Oh I see now.</em>¡±


    ¡°Yes, you do, don¡¯t you?¡± Aenflynn licked his lips and spread his arms as though he was basking in the sun. ¡°Thamnd is in deadly peril, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±


    ¡°And that means the Thameish are desperately praying for help,¡± the archwizard grimaced.¡°Very good! And who would most be <em>praying</em> to?¡± Aenflynn asked.


    ¡°Uldar,¡± the archwizard said simply. ¡°So this was your n. Stalling long enough for faith to start flowing because of the turmoil in Thamnd.¡±


    ¡°Thaaaaat¡¯s right!¡± Aenflynnughed, his mirth rolling through the clouds. The heavens shuddered. ¡°You are strong, wizard. One of the strongest opponents I have ever faced. But! Your arrogance will be your undoing.¡±


    ¡°As though you do not suffer from arrogance yourself,¡± the archwizard said.


    ¡°I do, but¡ªwhile you were pressing me earlier¡ªnow¡­¡± Aenflynn¡¯s eyes shed. ¡°I have power to burn.¡±


    Both ancient beings moved at once.


    The Chancellor of Generasi let fly a wave of hungry darkness at the Fae lord.


    Aenflynn whistled once: producing a short, dull note.


    Reality buckled.


    The archwizard¡¯s spell shattered.


    An invisible wave struck the beast man''s<strong></strong>chest, sending him spinning through the sky. Aenflynn whistled again, creating a prison of divine light to form around the archwizard, sealing him in a cage of raw, reality-warping power.


    Baelin froze, as though stopped in time.


    ¡°As I said, power to burn,¡± Aenflynnughed. ¡°Power to¡­oh.¡±


    His eyebrows shot up.


    Within the prison of divine light¡ªwhere time itself should have been frozen¡ªthe archwizard was moving, steadily breaking free of the cage.


    ¡°You are all proving to be shockingly resourceful,¡± Aenflynn mused. ¡°Ah well, I¡¯d better move on to the next part.¡±


    Guards were flooding into the throne room, weapons raised and eyes alight with fury.


    Aenflynn¡¯s effigy was humming a merry tune while rxing in his chair. <em>¡°Hold,¡±</em> hemanded. ¡°<em>Gather before the barrier, then kill the pair of them when I order it. Oh, and someone be a darling and blow your horn. We should invite more reinforcements to this fete of ours.¡±</em>


    A fae knight nodded, and blew his horn.


    Already, the young archwizard could hear more guards charging up the stairs.


    Alex glowered at Aenflynn¡¯s effigy, it kept humming contentedly.


    The stone being was entirely too <em>smug</em> for the General¡¯s liking.


    <em>¡°You know, I need someone to share my good news with and you two are, what I would call, a captive audience, and so you will do nicely. I just informed your old friend of it as well, mostly to agitate him.¡± He grinned. ¡°It appears that a sea of faith hase from Thamnd to replenish the throne, all thanks to the conflict in your homnd,¡± </em>the Fae lord exined. <em>¡°While that is good news for me, it is not so great for you, and leads me to believe that you will not prevail for much longer. Do you two now understand why you felt the power of the throne rise?¡±</em>


    ¡°Filth,¡± Merzhin hissed, turning toward the inner barrier.


    He focused, raising his hands.


    The barrier flexed, but remained strong.


    <em>¡°Don¡¯t waste your time, little Saint, you couldn¡¯t break through it before, you¡¯ll certainly not break through now that the throne is further empowered. Wouldn¡¯t you agree, Fool?¡± </em>Aenflynn looked at Alex.


    Alex remained silent, analysing him.


    He wasn¡¯t about to let the Fae lord have the satisfaction of seeing him react to his baiting.


    The young archwizard eyed the guards, gathering outside the divine ward. Several of his streams of consciousness were preparing spells. The instant<em> a single </em><em>one </em>of those guards attacked, he would make them wish they were never born.


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    ¡°Your n has some major ws,¡± Alex pointed out.


    <em>¡°Oh?¡±</em> the fae lord looked at the General closely.


    ¡°Sure, faith flooding from Thamnd is powering your dead friend¡¯s throne¡ª from the fear and carnage you and Uldar¡¯s watchdog are causing¡ªbut what happens after that?¡± Alex asked him.


    The young archwizard¡¯s mind was working quickly. ¡°¡­are you <em>really</em> going to let the Ravener run amok?¡± He called on the Mark of the General, putting sincerity and stern concern in his voice. The Fae lord¡¯s attention was needle focused on him. ¡°If I was you, I would stop it. Now.¡±


    <em>¡°Truly? And whyever would I do that?¡±</em>


    ¡°The Ravener¡¯s talking about rampaging until everyone is dead. It¡¯s talking about<strong></strong>trials¡­about wiping out every Thameish soul, which will deny you your power, especially if it sends its Hunters out to kill every Uldarite who¡¯s away from Thamnd,¡± Alex pushed on.


    <em>¡°And?¡± </em>Aenflynn cocked his head. <em>¡°Do you know what we in Och Fir Nog call the times when the Ravener returns? We call them¡ª¡±</em>


    ¡°The time of plenty.¡±


    Aenflynn¡¯s stone eyebrows shot up. He leaned forward, looking at Alex with renewed interest. <em>¡°Ooooh my, well aren¡¯t you better informed than I expected? So, you should know that my people don¡¯t much care if every living mortal from Thamnd dies. We benefit. And since I don¡¯t believe you are trying to appeal to my more altruistic traits¡­where are you going with this?</em>


    ¡°Simple math,¡± Alex met the effigy¡¯s gaze. ¡°With most or <em>all</em> of Uldar¡¯s people dead, there¡¯s going to be no more fear or faith to power that chair. The divinity will fade. In fact¡­¡± He pushed harder. ¡°If the Ravener manages to kill the Uldarites <em>outside</em> of Thamnd, then the throne¡¯s power will vanish, like smoke. You¡¯ll lose your ultimate weapon. That¡¯s the position you¡¯re in. Either we kill you, and you lose. Or the Ravener kills every Uldarite, and your weapon loses all power. But, there¡¯s a third choice you can make. Stop the Ravener.¡±


    Aenflynn¡¯s brow furrowed.


    The Fae lord¡¯s effigy looked confused.


    ¡°Otherwise, you cannot win,¡± Merzhin panted, straining against the inner barrier. ¡°We <em>will </em>find a way to break through this. And break through <em>you, </em>as well. We have done so to every opponent we have faced. There are too many lives relying on us and we cannot fail here, and so we will not fail here. <em>You</em> cannot win.¡±


    Aenflynn raised an eyebrow as though more confused.


    ¡°Ooooooh¡­¡± He suddenly pped his fist against his other palm in realisation. ¡°I see the problem now; you arebouring under a misunderstanding. Do you truly think this is about <em>winning? </em>Young, mortal burrs, I assure you, I won before you even stepped into Och Fir Nog.¡±


    Alex went silent, his expression a mask.


    Merzhin¡¯s face turned bright red.


    <em>¡°You know what, as a final favour to you, I will tell you what I mean and I assure you; I¡¯m not doing it because I enjoy the sound of my own voice, despite its natural beauty.¡± </em>He chuckled, obviously enjoying himself.<em> ¡°In any case, do you know what I did the moment I learned you were likely on your way here? Oh, and my apologies, since you probably can not ask me questions with your faces all contorted in confusion and dread. So, I''ll just tell you!¡±</em>


    Aenflynn leaned forward. <em>¡°Och Fir Nog has faced attacks from every realm sharing her borders since long before I inherited the throne of my kingdom. Together, Uldar and I had fought my kingdom¡¯s attackers when he was well. My enemies visited catastrophe after catastrophe upon this realm. They were the true cause of your god¡¯s sickening, and eventual death. They were the cause of the Ravener! Were it not for their mortalckeys using a demon lord and modifying it to kill my friend while they vited my realm¡ª¡±</em> His voice gained heat.<em> ¡°¡ªthere would be no Ravener, and Uldar would be watching over your people and still fighting at my side to this day. It is their fault that this entire situation urred. So, I exacted rightful vengeance.¡±</em>


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Merzhin demanded, still straining against the inner barrier.


    Alex examined it. Perhaps if he joined Hannah¡¯s power with Merzhin¡¯s¡­but could he do that? What if¡ª


    <em>¡°Before you reached my realm, I used the throne to destroy every domain on Och Fir Nog¡¯s borders. Their fae lords are dead, their armies are crushed, and their realms are ready for new settlements. My vengeance was alreadyplete before you even confronted me. Hence why this¡ª¡± </em>He gestured at Merzhin¡¯s efforts. <em>¡°¡ªthing you¡¯re doing is futile. I have already won.¡±</em>


    He looked at Alex.<em> ¡°Your ploy was a good one. You attempted to divide and conquer, and it might have worked had I still needed the throne¡­but I think you miscalcted my need, confusing it for greed. I have been satisfied ruling my realm for many thousands of years, and I will be satisfied ruling it for many thousands more. Och Fir Nog¡¯s enemies have fallen and their legacies have been scattered to the wind. I would call that more than satisfactory.¡± </em>The Fae lord gestured to the throne.<em> ¡°So, if the Ravener eliminates the throne¡¯s source of fuel and power, that is fine, it has served its purpose; I no longer need it. It will just remain here in my castle as a reminder of my old friend.¡±</em>


    Alex cursed the Fae lord softly.


    ¡®He''s smarter than I thought,¡¯ the General¡¯s eyes kept moving, looking for an advantage. But Aenflynn had him and Merzhin trapped between the divine wards with nothing Alex could use. There was no way spells would be passing through the two wards if Hannah¡¯s power couldn¡¯t¡­


    Alex paused.


    An idea crystallised in his mind.


    ¡®It <em>might</em> work!¡¯ he thought. ¡®If I just¡­there. I¡¯ll have three streams of consciousness focusing on that. A fourth will concentrate on Hannah¡¯s power inside me, and on making it reach farther.¡¯


    He ced a hand on Merzhin¡¯s shoulder as the young Saint prayed to the Traveller.


    It would take time, but if this worked¡ª


    <em>¡°Oh, and one more thing,¡± </em>Aenflynn raised his index finger. <em>¡°I know about your little ploy to deny the Ravener fear. One of you wizards used magic to stop the Thameish army from fearing</em><strong><em></em></strong><em>their enemies.¡±</em>


    Alex looked at Aenflynn sharply.


    <em>¡°Oh yes, I know all about that. The Ravener informed me that it was being denied its favourite</em><strong><em></em></strong><em>source of energy. Oh, don¡¯t look so surprised, Merzhin. I have been inmunication with the Ravener for some time now: mymunion with the throne lets me make connections with Uldar¡¯s¡­¡®watch dog¡¯, did you call it? Information is not the only thing I can pass through our connections. Don¡¯t you feel it, young Saint?¡±</em>


    Alex looked at Merzhin.


    The Saint shook his head, looking puzzled.


    ¡°<em>Oh, I''m so d I haven''t lost my touch for subtlety. I¡¯ve been sending a small stream of divine energy to the Ravener, recing what you stole from it. I kept the stream narrow, avoiding detection while preserving the throne¡¯s strength. But¡­as I said, I have more than enough power to burn. The Ravener has told me that it is presently under attack from your group. Which is not very sporting of you people, is it? Shame on you for ganging up on, and picking on a poor little construct that is without its full strength. ¡­So, why don''t I fix that?¡±</em>


    ¡®<em>It is time,¡¯ </em>Aenflynn¡¯s voice said through the link.


    ¡®<em>Time?¡¯</em> the Ravener asked.


    The fae lord giggled.


    ¡®<em>Let us just call it ¡®a time of plenty¡¯. Drink up, my friend. Drink up.¡¯</em>


    The stream of divine power trickling into the Ravener, suddenly exploded in a roaring ocean of energy, rapidly filling the stores that Uldar¡¯s construct was draining.


    tion surged in it.


    ¡®<em>Thank you!</em>¡¯ A very pleased Ravener expressed its gratitude to the Fae lord.


    ¡®<em>Thank me by maiming those mortals fighting you. Killing them will also work nicely,¡¯</em> Aenflynn said.


    ¡®<em>dly.¡¯</em>

 Chapter 875: A Surge of Power

    Chapter 875: A Surge of Power


    Power poured through the Ravener¡¯s inner pathways, replenishing its strength.


    ¡®<em>Yes. This is the way!¡¯</em> it thought, drinking in<em></em>the power needed for its trials. ¡®<em>These mortals will not rob me of what is mine, now they can learn that.¡¯</em>


    The Ravener began channelling power.


    ygon split an air ster¡¯s skull, his war-spear carving through the carapace like dried grass. The creature shuddered once, then fell.


    Two spawn knights leapt from behind the massive corpse, back-legs twitching, des aimed at the golem.


    ygon swung his war-spear again, air hissing around it, both Ravener-spawn dove low, spun and leapt at the golem¡¯s face.


    ¡°<em>No you don¡¯t.¡±</em> He grunted, pulling his neck back and firing his forehead gem at close range.


    Both Ravener-spawn shrieked, enveloped in a chaosced explosion of me.


    ygon floated from the mes like an arbiter of death, his gaze passing over the battlefield.Things were going well, even without the General and the Saint.


    Khalik, Najyah, Thundar and the summoned monsters defended the chamber¡¯s entrances effectively. Elder earth elementals kept Ravener-spawn out¡ªthe sound of their enormous, stone fists echoing through the thick rock walls¡ªwhile the prince and minotaur cast spells on spawn trying to break the stone seals from inside¡­


    ¡­their number was plummeting.


    ¡°Tasty! Real tasty! Grimloch sank his bloody jaws into a poison spirit¡¯s nk, tearing a chunk from its gtinous flesh while his gauntleted hands swung his lead maul and Uldar¡¯s warhammer, ttening every spawn within reach.


    Bjorgrund was at his side, carving a path of ruin through the Ravener¡¯s servants.


    ¡°Hey, Grimloch, that¡¯s gonna give you a belly ache!¡± the young giant cried.


    Grimloch nced at him, looking skeptical.


    ¡°He¡¯s not going to forgive you for that one,¡± Theresa warned Bjorgrund, streaking past him. She disappeared and reappeared among the Ravener-spawn, six des carving through Behemoths and Rampart-crushers. Brutus fired his sonic roars, cutting down monsters in three directions.


    Together, Drestra and Isolde dropped raging winds, lightning and me on the hordes below, leaving a path of ckened corpses in their wake, thinning the spawn army further. Alex¡¯s summoned monsters and the living dead he¡¯d reanimated from the Ravener¡¯s own in spawn, moved through the chamber, pouncing on any spawn the Sage and lightning mage missed.


    The Ravener¡¯s army continued to wither.


    And the construct itself hadn¡¯t been spared.


    With Uldar¡¯s weapons in hand, Cedric and Hart had the orb cornered, like a pair of hungry wolves harassing a stag. The divine battleaxe and enormous sword cleaved through the Ravener¡¯s surface, leaving deep gashes in the construct, getting through its defensive cage.


    Each time the Ravener tried focusing its full attention on one of its enthusiastic tormentors, the other one would go for Uldar¡¯s corpse, baiting the construct, anticipating that it would turn its attention to defending its creator¡¯s body and be vulnerable to more attacks.


    Its ¡®wounds¡¯ were slower to close now.


    It seemed desperate, threatening the Heroes, warning them to leave its creator alone.


    Yes¡­things were going well for thepanions.


    ¡®<em>So¡­why do I feel like this¡­?¡¯</em> ygon said.


    There was an unease stirring in the golem, despite Army of Heroes.


    Something was wrong.


    Very wrong.


    The Ravener¡ªwhich had been belittling Cedric and Hart¡ªhad suddenly fallen silent. Eerily silent. But there was more to the disquiet than simply that.


    ygon could feel <em>something</em>ing from the Ravener.


    An energy both familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time.


    ¡®<em>Something¡­is wrong!¡¯</em> he thought.


    ¡°<em>Cedric! Hart!¡±</em> the golem¡¯s voice exploded from his voice box. ¡°<em>Move¡­away! Now!¡±</em>


    ¡°Wha¡ª¡± Cedric turned.


    Energy within the Ravener shifted.


    ygon raised his hands.


    Power poured into his fire-gems.


    ¡°<em>Get¡­away!¡±</em>


    The two young men fled.


    ygon¡¯s beams fired.


    A point of blinding light appeared on the ck orb, a death beam erupted from its surface.


    Three rays of fire crackled through the air.


    A beam of darkness swallowed all in its path.


    All four beams collided in the centre of the chamber.


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    The explosion that followed shook the cavern to its foundations. Cracks split the ceiling. The floor buckled. Spawn and mortals alike clutched their ears against the deafening boom.


    Any creature within the st radius was demolished.


    Bjorgrund and Grimloch were thrown from their feet; Isolde and even Drestra were sent flying from the concussive wave.


    And as the blinding light faded, a pir of smoke and smouldering destruction revealed The Ravener, floating through the smoke.


    The cavern rumbled again, like beasts growling from the pit of their beings.


    ¡°Oi!¡± Cedric cried. ¡°This ain¡¯t good! Lotsa divinity¡¯sin¡¯ in! Back up! Everyone, back up! Now!¡±


    The Ravener was silent.


    All around, the cavern was rumbling.


    The construct¡¯s surface rippled, spitting out a dozen Living Cores.


    ¡°What th-¡± Hart started.


    Shrieks cut his words.


    Like a chorus from the hells, the maddening screams united, releasing from all twelve dungeon cores at once.


    The mortals flinched, clutching their ears, clenching their teeth, even shrieking themselves.


    New monsters began pouring from the living cores and the Ravener itself. The first to appear were gibbering legions, behemoths, hives-as-one and poison spirits.


    They were followed by the more powerful Ravener-spawn; air sters, and spawn knights.


    Fire clouds came next, heating the air in the cavern by degrees.


    ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡± Isolde cried, righting herself in the air beside Drestra.


    ¡°Dunno,¡± Cedric flew beside them. ¡°But I¡¯s thinkin¡¯ this jus¡¯ got a whole bunch harder.¡± He raised his weapons, studying the Ravener. ¡°It¡¯s a lot bloody stronger suddenly, an¡¯ I dunno where it¡¯s gettin¡¯ all that power from.¡±


    ygon watched the other construct closely.


    The powering from the Ravener¡­there was something about it that intrigued the golem. The energy that pulsed through his core felt simr to what was radiating from Uldar¡¯s construct.


    Watching the Ravener brought back a promise he¡¯d made to himself long ago. He¡¯d told himself he would take control of his own destiny, his own evolution.


    That he would find a way to push himself beyond his iron body.


    This energy¡­there was something about it that felt right, like it was a key ready to turn in a lock.


    But what could he do with it?


    ¡®<em>I am not¡­smart¡­like my father¡­and I can¡¯t manipte¡­energy like¡­he can¡­but there must be something¡­¡¯</em> he thought. ¡®<em>Something¡­I can¡ª¡¯</em>


    His thought cut short when the Ravener¡¯s surface rippled.


    ¡°Shite!¡± Cedric cried. ¡°<em>Protect us, Traveller!¡±</em>


    Holy light shot from the Chosen.


    ¡°<em>Why do you keep calling that name?¡±</em> the Ravener said.


    It did not wait for an answer.


    Ethereal whips emerged from Ravener¡¯s surface, growing by the moment.


    Dozens appeared, each over a hundred feet long.


    They snapped out, cracking in the air, striking at Alex¡¯s summoned monsters, corpse puppets and the mortals. Everywhere a whip touched flesh, skin split, blood changed from red to green, poison entered blood vessels.


    ¡°Agh!¡± Bjorgrund shouted as the whips snapped through gaps in his armour.


    Theresa¡¯s weapons blurred around her as she defended herself and Brutus.


    The others grimaced, flinching back, pain and poison seeking to overwhelm them, as Cedric¡¯s divine protection fought to free them from the venom.


    ¡°Oi! <em>Cleanse us! Protect us from this poison!</em>¡± Cedric shouted through clenched teeth as the whipsshed his body. ¡°<em>Protect my friends and protect me!¡±</em>


    His divine light red brighter, seeming to draw the poison from their bodies, eliminating it, but yet, the whips kept iling.


    Again, and again, they struck the fighters for Thamnd.


    And time after time, Cedric called on divinity, asking for protection.


    But divinity didn¡¯t stop the Ravener-spawn from attacking or tearing through Alex¡¯s summoned monsters and corpse puppets.


    ¡°Fight!¡± Hart shouted, wincing as the Ravener¡¯s whips struck him while Cedric¡¯s divine light healed him. ¡°We can¡¯t let it build up momentum! Fight back, damnit!¡¯


    ¡°Brutus!¡± Theresa cried. ¡°The living cores!¡±


    Growling against the shrieking cores, Brutus reacted, opening his mouths, aiming his sonic sts at them. They overwhelmed the screams, drowning them out, robbing them of all power.


    ygon sted the living cores and the Ravener with his fire-gems, setting them aze.


    ¡®<em>Father¡­things are¡­getting bad!¡¯ </em>ygon thought. ¡®<em>The Ravener is stronger now¡­we¡¯re holding it off! But¡­it¡¯s bad!¡¯</em>


    As the golem called to his father, he didn¡¯t notice Asmaldestre the Unmaker eyeing the Ravener.


    Her hands tightened on her weapons.


    A light grew in her eyes.


    ¡®<em>Father¡­things are¡­getting bad!¡¯ </em>ygon¡¯s thoughts came to Alex through their link. ¡®<em>The Ravener is stronger now¡­we¡¯re holding it off! But¡­it¡¯s bad!¡¯</em>


    ¡°Shit!¡± Alex swore.


    ¡®Just hold on, ygon!¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®We¡¯re trying to do something on our end!¡¯


    Alex looked at Merzhin. ¡°Don¡¯t focus on Aenflynn!¡± he said. ¡°Keep your focus on getting through that ward. We need to end this! I¡¯ll worry about everything else!¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Merzhin paused his prayers. ¡°May the Traveller guide us both.¡±


    ¡°<em>Oh? Are your friends in trouble?¡±</em> Aenflynn¡¯s effigy asked. ¡°<em>Perhaps my hospitality wouldn¡¯t have been so bad, afterall, hmmm?¡± </em>He snapped his fingers. ¡°<em>Guards! You can pass through the ward now. Go, maim them. As a matter of fact, you can kill the small one in the white robes if you wish. As for the other? He¡¯s a wizard, but he cannot pierce the ward on his own. He¡¯s yours to toy with. Feel free to simply give him a good breaking. Snap his limbs, break his ribs, or break his jaw, whatever suits you: then it¡¯ll be the dungeon for him.¡±</em>


    ¡°dly, my lord,¡± a knight said, raising a halberd. ¡°Arrows!¡±


    Fae knights readied bows, drawing back the strings.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Alex swore again, raising his staff.


    The world slowed.


    He turned his streams of consciousness away from their tasks for a moment.


    Just for a moment.


    Then the world sped up.


    He cast haste on himself, and greater force armour, force shield and protective force weapon on Merzhin. Alex already had those protective spells active on himself.


    His staff summoned a pair of earth elementals, each only slightlyrger than he was.


    ¡®These aren¡¯t the most powerful elementals,¡¯ he thought. ¡®But I can¡¯t summon anything much bigger than a human in here. And there¡¯s not much room to manoeuvre, so these guys will have to do.¡¯


    ¡°Protect us!¡± Alex directed.


    Bowstrings twanged.


    A volley of arrows arced through the air.


    The elementals moved their bodies, covering the two humans as much as they could.


    But, the arrows passed through the ward then <em>turned</em> in mid-air, swerving around Alex and the elementals, aiming straight for Merzhin¡¯s head and heart.


    ¡°<em>What the?</em>¡± the young archwizard cried.


    The world slowed.


    His mind raced.


    His eyes fixed on the arrows.


    An idea formed.


    ¡®I¡¯ll need to get the timing exactly right,¡¯ he thought.


    The world sped up.


    He cast Mass Shatter with a twitch.


    All around them, the swarm of arrows exploded.


    Splinters and metal shards rained down, peppering the floor like hailstones.


    ¡°Forward!¡± the<strong></strong>fae<strong></strong>knight leadermanded.


    As one, the guards marched to the ward, their halberds zing with magic.


    Alex watched them closely.


    ¡®When they go to step through the ward, I¡¯ll cast Wall of Roiling Mana in front of us,¡¯ he thought. ¡®It¡¯ll wreck <em>them</em> and buy us some time.¡¯


    The guards reached the outer divine ward, lowering their halberds. One group stopped in front of it and two others swept around and beganing through on either side of the General and Saint.


    ¡®nning on nking us on three sides, eh?¡¯ he thought. ¡®Well, that¡¯s not going to work out too well for you.¡¯


    As if on cue, the fae knights in front of the ward lowered their halberds and stabbed ahead.


    At the same time the other two groups stepped through the ward.


    Alex twitched.


    Wall of Roiling Mana sprang to life in front of him.


    The fae warriors screamed as the spell ravaged their bodies, breaking them down.


    A short whistle came from Aenflynn¡¯s effigy.


    The Wall of Roiling Mana shattered.


    ¡°What?¡± Alex grunted.


    ¡°<em>Your friend¡¯s interdiction stopped me from harming you with my divine power. It did not say that I couldn¡¯t use it to interrupt your nasty spells.¡± </em>Aenflynn said, well-pleased. ¡°<em>If you wish toin to him while he¡¯s still alive, I¡¯d suggest voicing thatint in the next five heartbeats.¡±</em>


    As the fae lord spoke those words, his knights began their attack.

 Chapter 876: Steel

    Chapter 876: Steel


    The fae knights tensed. ¡°Attack!¡±


    Armour clinked, halberds were raised, all eyes were fixed on the young archwizard.


    The line of knights standing in front of the divine ward swung their weapons, des and hafts passing through the curtain of divine energy as though it wasn¡¯t there.


    Other fae knights came through the divine ward on either side of Alex, Merzhin, and the elementals at the same time. The two groups nked them in between the wards.


    ¡°Ye should not havee here,¡± a knight snarled.


    She and her allies thrust their halberds into the earth elementals. The fae¡¯s enchanted weapons split stone, banishing both spirits to their home ne.


    Their attention immediately turned to the two mortals.


    Alex cursed.


    The world slowed, giving him time to think.His mind raced; most of hisbat spells would kill both him and Merzhin if he cast them in this limited space. An explosion, a wave of lightning or a tidal wave would annihte everything between the divine wards, including the two of them.


    Spells like mass disintegrate would get rid of the fae knights between the wards, but wouldn¡¯t touch the ones outside.


    There wasn¡¯t much room to teleport, and if he used Hannah¡¯s power to dodge the oing assault, the fae knights would simply stab Merzhin.


    ¡®And if I teleport <em>with</em> Merzhin, that could break his concentration,¡¯ Alex thought quickly. ¡®So what does that leave?¡¯


    He looked at his staff. ¡®Back to basics, I suppose. I can keep summoning small monsters, and use forceballs to throw our attackers off. Wizard¡¯s Hands can keep them off bnce too, meanwhile, I can be fighting them with the sword-staff. But, there¡¯s a <em>lot </em>of enemies¡­and without a lot of room to manoeuvre, they¡¯ll get me eventually.¡¯


    Alex red at Aenflynn¡¯s smirking face.


    ¡®I¡¯d give almost anything to punch that smug expression right off his stupid face, but his effigy¡¯s made of stone. Even if I could get to him through the ward, I¡¯d probably just break my own hand¡­against¡­wait! That¡¯s it!¡¯


    His mind focused on a single spell as the halberds stabbed at him from the front.


    The world sped up.


    He swept some of the blows away with a wide swing of his sword-staff, but a de got by, striking his forearm.


    The fae smiled.


    A heavy ng startled him, sounding like a cell door mming.


    His smile dropped.


    He was staring at the hulking young wizard¡­


    ¡­looking at Alex¡¯s broad shoulders, powerful arms, and towering height¡­all now formed of magical steel.


    Steel Body had transformed the young archwizard¡¯s body into a metal titan of retribution.


    The other knights paused, shocked.


    Alex grabbed the haft of his attacker¡¯s weapon.


    The warrior flinched. ¡°Let go!¡±


    He pulled hard, trying to take the weapon back, which was¡­well, it was like trying to get something out of a grip of steel. Neither Alex¡¯s arm nor the weapon moved, both unwavering.


    The fae paled.


    ¡°Come here,¡± the young archwizard said, his voice grinding.


    His arm tensed, as he yanked on the halberd¡¯s haft.


    With a yelp, the fae stumbled through the wall of divine light.


    ¡°Wee,¡± Alex said, dropping the weapon and grabbing the fae by his helmeted skull, then lifting him off his feet.


    The knight struggled like a mouse trying to escape a cat¡¯s mped jaws.


    ¡°Wait!¡± the fae shouted. ¡°Wait, wait¡ª¡±


    ¡°<strong>You </strong>should not havee here,¡± Alex replied, choke-mming the knight into the stone.


    A crunching sound followed, and with a gurgle, the fae knight stiffened, convulsed then stopped moving.


    The archwizard rose to his full height again, glowering at the knights nking him and Merzhin. He took a deep breath, filling his metal lungs with air.


    ¡°Maim us?¡± The wizard of steel asked. ¡°I think I¡¯ll be the one doing the maiming.¡±


    Then he sprang.


    Calling on the Mark of the General, his mind filled with images of himself using all the dances he¡¯d ever learned, blending them into his own deadly fighting style. Images of reading his enemies¡¯ bodynguage in the past appeared.


    All of that experience, now in a literal body of steel, made for a lethalbination.


    Despite the weight of his metallic form, Alex attacked, blurring, spinning, casting spells, his form barely distinct.


    ¡°Get him!¡± Aenflynnmanded his guards.


    They came at Alex from all sides, just as he came at them.


    His sword-staff, his metal form, his magic. All were weapons.


    Steel Body slowed the flow of mana within him, hindering the speed of his spellcasting¡­but¡­it didn¡¯t stop him from activating the aeld staff.


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    He summoned more earth elementals around him and Merzhin, then cast forceballs, and Wizard¡¯s Hands. His forceballs shot out, blocking the fae knights¡¯ strikes, tangling up their limbs and striking their arms mid-swing.


    Wizard¡¯s Hands swarmed the fae, pulling hair, scratching skin, shoving fingers into nostrils, ears, eyes and mouths.


    They fought <em>dirty.</em>


    Alex channelled Hannah¡¯s power through his sword-staff, blocking iing halberds with its de. The teleportation energy surged, splitting the hafts and heads of the fae knights¡¯ weapons, teleporting them away, or dropping them among the fae guards, disrupting any attacks.


    The guards fought against the magics, using defensive skills gained from the experience of centuries¡­but an impervious opponent of magic and steel was one they¡¯d had no experience with before, and he had a steady stream of glowing forceballs and Wizard¡¯s hands to harry them with.


    Fae knights began to fall.


    Some were killed by the earth elementals.


    Others died by the young archwizard¡¯s de or heavy, steel fists.


    But more kepting.


    ¡°Aim for the priest!¡± a leader shouted. ¡°And fire another volley!¡¯


    Another wave of twanging bowstrings announced a volley of arrows soaring toward the divine ward.


    And as they passed through it¡ª


    The world slowed.


    Alex concentrated on a spell.


    The world sped up again.


    The young archwizard twitched.


    Mass Shatter destroyed not only the volley, but the weapons of every fae that had entered the ward.


    ¡°What?¡± they cried in unison.


    Then Alex and his elementals were on them, cutting, smashing, ending them.


    Attackers came and died, but more took their ce.


    Alex took a quick nce around the throne room as the elementals kept fighting. ¡®More areing. The castle¡¯s probably full of them, and this won¡¯t end until Merzhin¡¯s through that ward. And to help him we¡¯ll need¡ª¡¯


    He checked Hannah¡¯s power within himself.


    He could feel it pulsing¡­his n <em>might</em> be working, but he couldn¡¯t be certain.


    Not yet.


    ¡®Need to keep fighting,¡¯ he thought.


    <em>¡°Enough of that,¡± </em>Aenflynn said, then whistled.


    Divine light emanated from the Fae lord in a wave.


    The light washed over his fae knights; their weapons and armour began to glow with divine energy.


    ¡°<em>That should stop that little shattering trick of yours, and I will¡ªWhat?¡±</em> Aenflynn¡¯s effigy fell silent.


    Alex felt a huge surge of mana from outside the castle.


    ###


    The Fae lord whistled, bending his concentration on the imprisoned archwizard.


    The ancient being was moving faster, breaking the stasis within the cage, and though the Fae lord was pouring all the power he could into reinforcing it¡­


    There came a sound like ss breaking.


    The cage exploded, instantly freeing the ancient goatman.


    Clouds quaked as raw power burst from Baelin.


    The archwizard fixed Aenflynn with a stony gaze. ¡°An interesting n of yours, but that was not the first time one such as you, attempted to stop me by sealing me out of time¡¯s flow,¡± the chancellor said. ¡°I have had the opportunity of travelling to realms where the temporal river¡¯s flow is so different to that of any other ne that¡­well, I am not sure you would quite understand what I was telling you if I were to go further. So, suffice it to say simply this, I have studied temporal tricks, myself, young faeling.¡±


    ¡°You are full of resources,¡± the Fae lord watched the archwizard peevishly. ¡°I¡¯ll give you that.¡±


    ¡°Thank you. And your tricks continue to amuse me.¡±


    ¡°Ah, but I think you overyed your hand. You used a lot of mana to escape that, didn¡¯t you? I¡¯m sure <em>your response </em>drew down a lot,<strong></strong>even from <em>your</em> seemingly endless mana pool.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps it did. Perhaps it did not.¡±


    ¡°It does not matter, because I have a brilliant idea.¡± Aenflynn whistled, pouring his concentration into his next divinity.


    His power flexed, enveloping the battlefield.


    The archwizard cocked his head. ¡°Oh? What is this?¡±


    ¡°Find out.¡± Aenflynn smirked.


    ¡°Oooooh¡­oh I see. A ssic interdiction. You stopped me from using my magic to harm you,¡± the archwizard noted. ¡°Not a bad ploy.¡±


    The Fae lord resisted the urge to flinch. ¡°Oh, you got it too quickly. Your senses and spells for reading divinity are truly superb. I can¡¯t im credit for the idea though: the young Saint used a simr interdiction in my castle a short time ago. By focusing themand, the interdiction grows stronger, and by focusing one on <em>just</em> your mana¡­I believe it might put a stop to even <em>your</em> powerful tricks.¡±


    ¡°So you mean to reduce me to a mere mortal beastman in this battle?¡± the ancient beastfolk asked.


    ¡°While I get to destroy you with Uldar¡¯s power,¡± Aenflynn finished for him. ¡°A nasty little trick, but you are all trying to divide my attention. So I thought I might fight a little unfairly as well. What now, archwizard?¡±


    The Fae lord gripped the air, a sword of pure divinity was created in his hand.


    ¡°I am a very skilled swordsman, one of the deadliest in all of Och Fir Nog, if I do say so myself,¡± Aenflynn smiled. ¡°And with Uldar¡¯s throne, I am afraid you are quite outmatched. Without your magic, what can you do?¡±


    The ancient wizard paused for a moment, looking almost shocked.


    Then he threw his head back andughed.


    ¡°What is it, old one?¡± the fae lord asked.


    ¡°Oh, nothing, really!¡± the beastman was nearly doubled over with amusement. ¡°It¡¯s just that I have not had such a perfect setup in a <em>long</em> time! Oh my. Tell me, have you heard the term ¡®Proper Wizard¡¯?¡±


    Aenflynn¡¯s jaw clenched.


    He didn¡¯t like the sound of that. ¡°No, why?¡±


    ¡°Ah, well, then I shall show you an example of one. A Proper Wizard does not ignore any form of power or advantage.¡± The ancient wizard reached down, retrieving a hammer from his belt. ¡°I, my sly friend, am no exception. You have taken away my offensive magic in many ways. An excellent move, again. Except for one small problem.¡±


    The archwizard disappeared.


    Then reappeared directly in front of Aenflynn, the hammer raised.


    The weapon zed with a dizzying amount of glyphs.


    It mmed into Aenflynn¡¯s jaw, the magics around its starmetal head biting through the fae¡¯s defensive magics and divinity like an auger.


    Teeth flew, and with a pained scream, so did the Fae lord.


    ¡°Unfortunately, for you, I have maintained my body,¡± the archwizard said.


    He teleported after his reeling opponent.


    The effigy winced, but was silent.


    Something¡ªprobably Baelin¡ªmust have been drawing the real Aenflynn¡¯s attention.


    ¡®Good,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®Gives him less time and energy to interfere with us. Now, I just have to buy time and crush these guards.¡¯


    The young archwizard turned his attention to the knights.


    His Wizard¡¯s Hands opened his satchel, taking out a number of potion bottles. Merzhin¡¯s head was already encased in Orb of Air, and under his Steel Body spell, so was his. Breathing the air wouldn¡¯t be a problem for them nor his<strong></strong>earth elementals.


    But for the fae knights, between the wards, it certainly would be.


    Wizard¡¯s Hands whipped the potion bottles on the stone floor to shatter them.


    And shatter they did, sleeping potion-mist filled the space between the two divine wards. The fae in front of Alex gasped, surprised as the knights suddenly disappeared in a fog of potion-mist.


    Those fae knights <em>between</em> the divine wards, looked panicked, sneezing, trying to shield their faces, as the magical gas crept into their nostrils.


    They soon began fading, drifting off, dropping where they stood, fast asleep.


    The earth elementals were quick to finish them off.


    Soon, the fae knights outside were shouting in confusion.


    Hesitating, some gingerly pushed their halberd des through the divine ward, but soon gave up on the idea when, for the <em>second</em> time, Alex grabbed a haft, pulled its owner through the ward, and cracked his skull.


    ¡°<em>What are you doing?¡±</em> Aenflynn¡¯s effigy demanded. ¡°<em>Get¨CArgh!</em>¡±


    His words were cut off by a yelp of pain.


    <em>Something</em> must have been happening<strong></strong>outside.


    ¡®Alright, thank the Traveller,¡¯ Alex said. ¡®We need to keep holding out, keep buying time. ygon, how¡¯s the battle going?¡¯


    ¡®<em>We¡¯re holding¡­on father¡­¡¯</em> the golem thought. ¡®<em>¡­but the Ravener¡¯s growing stronger!¡¯</em>


    ¡®Shit!¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®I¡¯ll try and get there soon!¡¯


    He nced at the symbol of the Traveller hanging from his neck, as he listened to Merzhin¡¯s prayers. ¡®Just have to buy a little more time¡­¡¯


    Alex eyed the potion-mist, watching the light changing through it, looking for any signs of attack. The guards were holding back for now.


    ¡®Just have to buy¡­wait. <em>Wait!</em>¡¯


    He watched the mist closely.


    The light was changing, getting brighter.


    ¡®Is it daybreak? How long have we been in Och Fir Nog? By the Traveller, no!¡±


    ¡°What is this¡­?¡± King Athelstan muttered.


    The glow around his divine sword faded.


    Fatigue crawled through him.


    And his heart¡ªonce beating so courageously¡ªbegan to falter.


    Fear, once again, began rising in his soul.


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± he whispered.


    Alex¡¯s spell, Army of Heroes, had ended in Thamnd.

 Chapter 877: The Raveners Fuel

    Chapter 877: The Ravener''s Fuel


    ¡°Wh-what¡¯s happening?¡± a soldier cried.


    All across the city of Ussex, magical energy rose from the defenders of Thamnd like steam escaping a boiling pot: the enchantment of Army of Heroes now dissipating.


    As the city burned, warriors looked around in confusion, as though suddenly waking from a dream.


    The magic in their bodies faded, muscles no longer gripped their weapons unflinchingly.


    And¡ªas their eyes fell on the monsters they¡¯d <em>just</em> been ying¡ªthe beginnings of fear returned to their hearts.


    ¡°Fight on!¡± the kingmanded, raising Uldar¡¯s sword. ¡°We have them on the run! Fight on!¡±


    The soldiers of Thamnd and Alex¡¯s mercenaries looked at each other, steeled their nerves and stepped forward to keep fighting the enemy. Most of the Ravener-spawn had already been driven from the capital.


    All the fighters had to do now, was¡ª


    ¡°Something¡¯sing!¡± a knight cried from atop the city wall. ¡°An enormous monster! It¡¯s all eyes and mouths¡­and has four burning wings! It''s not alone, there¡¯s more of them! Uldar help us!¡±King Athelstan tensed.


    A new monster?


    If they could¡ª


    ¡°More Ravener-spawn!¡± another soldier rose from one of the city¡¯s watchtowers. ¡°A sea of them areing from the north!¡±


    ¡°Ravener-spawn from the east!¡± came another cry. ¡°They have dungeon cores!¡±


    Fear grew in the soldiers¡¯ eyes.


    And the Ravener-spawn remaining in the city struck. They attacked the Thameish warriors with abandon, crushing bone and flesh like grapes.


    Dying screams soon filled the air.


    ¡°Fight on!¡± the kingmanded. ¡°Give them everything we have! Send them to their deaths! We must hold out! We must hold out! Aaaaargh!¡±


    Surrounded by his personal guard, the king charged the nearest knot of Ravener-spawn. Fear gued him. He feared for his kingdom. He feared for his people. He feared for his life.


    He knew fear would do nothing but feed their enemies.


    But, all he could do was fight <em>through</em> it.


    Fight through it and trust they could hold on long enough for something to change.


    ¡®Traveller,¡¯ he thought. ¡®If you can hear me¡­I know you can hear me. Please. Help us. This is our darkest hour.¡¯


    Setting his jaw, he drove his sword through a gibbering legion¡¯s flesh.


    All around him, the blood of mortals mixed with the blood of monsters.


    ¡°Kyembe, behind you!¡± Ezerak shouted.


    The Spirit Killer¡ªhis sword wrapped in white me¡ªspun around, driving the burning de through a Spawn Knight¡¯s head. His crimson eyes squinted as the insides of the creature boiled white-hot, exploding in a fountain of sizzling innards.


    ¡°Gratitude, Ezerak!¡± Kyembe kicked away another monster trying to climb the rooftop they were fighting on. ¡°Shame that the spell has left us, but now we can show our <em>own</em> power!¡±


    ¡°Die, die, you rot-headed, babbling filth-licker!¡± Wurhi of Zabya repeatedly stabbed a chitterer, desperate to stay alive. ¡°Kyembe, you madman! This is the <em>worst</em> job ever! We¡¯re going to die!¡±


    Kyembe let out a deep, richugh. ¡°You were so brave a moment ago!¡±


    ¡°Because of that crazy wizard¡¯s crazy spell!¡± she shrieked. ¡°It was making me as mad as you are! But, there¡¯s no more spell now, and I <em>know</em> we¡¯re going to die!¡±


    ¡°Then we will die as legends!¡± the Spirit Killer split another Ravener-spawn.


    ¡°I¡¯m not dying,¡± Ezerak muttered.


    The fallen king ordered his army of tattoo monsters to leave his skin and attack the swarm of spawn scaling the building he, Kyembe, Wurhi and a number of other mercenaries had climbed.


    But his army was shrinking¡­and he¡¯d caught sight of the endless tide of beastsing toward the city.


    An entire line of titans¡ªat least a dozen¡ªwere charging in, ready to melt their hopes in an ocean of acid.


    ¡°Let all deities witness us,¡± Ezerak whispered. ¡°And let me not witness another kingdom fall on this day.¡±


    ¡°Pray,¡± Tobias Jaymanded, prostrating himself in front of an altar. ¡°Pray with everything you have.¡±


    Behind him, nearly a hundred priests had gathered, all prostrate on the floor of Uldar¡¯s cathedral in Ussex, facing the grand altar. Rising above the altar was the statue of Uldar, looking down at the priests with stony eyes.


    The very thought of his priests still worshipping that treacherous god¡¯s image turned Tobias¡¯ stomach¡­but he could do nothing about that now.


    Right now, he needed their faith at its strongest.


    ¡­so he could guide it in the right direction.


    ¡°Give your faith and prayers to the Traveller, my children,¡± the high priest¡¯s deep voice reverberated through the cathedral. ¡°Let your prayers reach her. She has a n for us all, and she needs our strength. Uldar needs our faith less than she does. Let your focus be on her, for that is the divine n.¡±


    ¡°Yes, high priest,¡± Tobias¡¯ followers echoed one another.


    He closed his eyes.


    ¡®I did not lie,¡¯ he thought. ¡®I only left out parts of the truth to help us all. May you forgive me.¡¯


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    He continued praying to the altar in Uldar¡¯s cathedral¡­


    ¡­or rather, to the object <em>upon</em> the altar:


    A simplentern, symbolising the Traveller.


    Within it burned a small flickering me.


    A tiny me representing all of Tobias¡¯ hopes.


    ¡°Their number seems endless now! They just keeping!¡± a priest outside the Cave of the Traveller shouted. ¡°The General¡¯s summoned monsters were mostly destroyed after the magic died!¡±


    ¡°We must hold on!¡± theirmander shouted. ¡°We cannot let the Cave fall and be overrun! We. Must. Hold.¡±


    At the fortification¡¯s walls, the pair of towering iron golems fired their weapons into the Coille, destroying everything standing before them. They were holding¡­for now, but the tide of Ravener-spawn was swelling by the heartbeat.


    They''d be overwhelmed, and soon.


    ¡°Daybreak, Peter.¡± Paul squinted at the sunrise through smoke rising around Alric. ¡°We made it to daybreak.¡±


    ¡°Aye, but is this going to be ourst?¡± Peter wondered, his back pressed against the parapet. Bags were heavy under the guard¡¯s eyes. He was drenched in sweat. His crossbowy loose between his hands. ¡°The Roth boy¡¯s spell¡¯s finished now and people are scared again. I suppose that means the Ravener¡¯s still around.¡±


    ¡°Aye.¡± Paul winced as a golem fired its cannon into the hordes of spawn. ¡°But at least we got to see the sun, and by the Traveller¡¯s grace, we¡¯ll see many more. Oh¡­you¡¯d best get up. Another army of monsters ising¡­this one looks a lot bigger than thest ones.¡±


    Peter groaned. ¡°Then back into the fight it is. Let¡¯s keep living, Paul. I swear if I die right before the Ravener¡¯s beaten, I¡¯m gonna be in a steamin¡¯ mood when I get to the after-world.¡±


    ¡°Send them to the after-world!¡± Geminimanded. ¡°I don¡¯t want them anywhere <em>near</em> this Castle!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re out of chaos bombs!¡± one of the ballista teams informed her.


    ¡°So are we!¡± another team cried.


    ¡°The same for us!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re also out!¡±


    ¡°Down to thest three!¡±


    ¡°Two more here!¡±


    Professor Jules winced.


    The ballista teams looked exhausted, some were yawning, their movements sluggish. They¡¯d been fighting all night long, determined to hold off the Ravener-spawn,unching chaos bombs that devastated the moors around the Research Castle. Much of thendscape was now dust and ttened rock, a lot of the flora was destroyed. Everything looked dead¡­except for¡ª


    ¡°Ravener-spawn! Ravener-spawning from all sides!¡± Watchers flying above the battlefield warned. ¡°New ones! And more titans than we¡¯ve seen before!¡±


    ¡°We don¡¯t have the chaos bombs to stop them,¡± Watcher Hill muttered.


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll need to move on to the next phase.¡± Gemini rubbed her eyepatch, before looking at Professor Jules. ¡°Your orders?¡±


    The alchemy professor stared at theing tide of Ravener-spawn.


    Enough to stretch across the horizon.


    Enough to overwhelm the defences of the strongest of fortresses.


    Enough to devastate entire civilizations.


    The earth trembled at their foot-falls.


    Professor Jules¡¯ attention turned to the summoning circle in the courtyard below.


    It was nearly time.


    ¡°Use the remaining chaos bombs!¡± Professor Jules shouted. ¡°Then leave the walls! Your duties areplete!¡± She turned to her graduate students, who¡¯d been busy loading chaos bombs all night. ¡°I want you students to return to Generasi through the portal.¡±


    Their reactions were mixed.


    Some looked relieved.


    Many others bristled.


    ¡°Professor!¡± one cried. ¡°I can¡¯t leave, there¡¯s still¡ª¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re all exhausted: and you¡¯re alchemy students, not warriors,¡± her voice cracked like a whip. ¡°Don¡¯t argue with me. You¡¯ve done a hero¡¯s part in this battle up to now. I want you all back where you can rest in safety. Go. Now! I swear if <em>any</em> of you refuse to listen to me, I¡¯ll sign your expulsion papers myself. Go!¡±


    The graduate students looked at her then at each other, but could say nothing.


    Those that still had chaos bombs turned back to their teams. The others began leaving the Castle¡¯s walls, making their way through the courtyard and to the teleportation circle in the Research Castle.


    Over the next little while, the remaining teamsunched thest of the chaos bombs. They exploded in a cloud where they struck, lighting up the early morning horizon, obliterating spawn like dying embers. Though some of Professor Jules¡¯ students grumbled, they then left, quietly making their way to the teleportation circle, their work finished.


    Jules sighed with relief, her graduate students would be safe, she hoped the same would be true for the younger students, like Mr. Roth and the others. She squinted at the oing sea of Ravener-spawn, then floated down to the courtyard and the summoning circle that Baelin had put the finishing touches to.


    ¡°Everyone stay back!¡± she called out. ¡°It¡¯s time, and this summoning will still be difficult.¡±


    She raised her hands, the words of an ancient incantation pouring from her lips.


    The summoning circle began glowing with power, and chaos-tinged magic seeped through the air. Tremors shook the cobblestones beneath Jules¡¯ feet. Reality rippled likeke water from a smooth stone skipping across it. Her skin tingled, and mana poured from her pool as she spoke the words of the ancient ritual. Words of power, spoken with precise efficiency. Clear words. Sharp phrases. Guttural sounds. Awful to say.


    A terrible note of longing saturated them.


    A calling.


    The air shifted.


    Spell arrays formed.


    Magic circuitry came to life.


    In the growing light of dawn, a crackling sound and awful words slipped through the air.


    <em>Something</em> unseen entered the circle.


    The professor couldn¡¯t see it, nor could she smell it. She could not hear it, though a long forgotten part of her brain¡ªthe part that knew well why mortals feared the dark¡ªsensed it.


    The air began to shimmer.


    A massive presence permeated the space: a mind so vast, and so old, that Jules¡¯ own mind felt miniscule inparison, like a mayfly¡¯s.


    It was a mind that¡ªif not for Baelin¡¯s participation in the ritual¡ªshe could not have hoped to control; a mind capable of the sort of alien wonders and cruelties that would snap a mortal¡¯s mind in two if they tried toprehend it.


    But, it was a mind she intended to direct toward their enemies.


    Once, long ago, when Mr. Roth was in his first year at Generasi, she¡¯d summoned a lesser shoggoth with her graduate students while he watched. Back then, the experience had seemingly caused the young wizard some upset. She wondered how he would have reacted had she summoned <em>this</em> monstrosity then.


    This was no <em>lesser</em> shoggoth.


    This was a <em>greater</em> shoggoth, as far above their lesser kin as the sky was above the bowels of the earth.


    And the ritual¡ªeven with Baelin¡¯s mighty influence¡ªbarely contained it.


    Professor Jules clenched her teeth. ¡°Go,¡± shemanded. ¡®Destroy our attackers. Eat them, savour them, do as you wish with them. Everything you take from them is yours.¡¯


    It spoke to her¡ªa voice in her mind that scraped at her very sanity: but its reply was in the affirmative.


    The terrible mind departed the summoning circle, shooting up and through the clouds.


    Hovering there, it manifested <em>fully</em> in the material world.


    Above the clouds, the shoggoth shifted between every colour that mortals had ever put name to¡ªand in shades that no mortalnguage could describe¡ªcramming the sky with its excessive bulk.


    Morning light instantly plunged into deep shadow as the greater shoggoth reached out with tentacles as thick around as massive sea serpents, stretching out over the miles.


    Those tentacles crushed any Ravener-spawn approaching the Castle, the very touch of them reducing monstrous flesh into primordial ooze.


    But¡­they would not be enough topletely end the attack.


    The greater shoggoth was¡ªon its own¡ªan unstoppable force, but even its dozens of elongated, wed tentacles could not touch every Ravener-spawn charging toward the Castle.


    Thousands, tens of thousands of rushing monsters.


    ¡°It will buy us time,¡± Professor Jules said. ¡°And hopefully, the rest of Thamnd can hold out.¡±


    ¡°Leave the rest of Thamnd to us,¡± a familiar voice said.


    Professor Jules looked up at the keep¡¯s gates.


    There was Councillor Kartika, having teleported into the courtyard with a group of wizards. Secondster, hundreds of Generasi mage-soldiers began appearing in the courtyard too, all armed and ready for war.


    ¡°We¡¯re here to relieve you,¡± Kartika said. ¡°And to fulfil our alliance with Thamnd. We would have been here hours ago but¡­bureaucracy.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, and while<strong></strong>they<strong></strong>are aiding Thameish mortals, <em>I</em> will ensure that the university¡¯s property is not overrun.¡± Another familiar voice said.


    Professor Jules jumped, spinning around, finding another familiar face watching her.


    Registrar Hobb wiped his monocle. ¡°Apologies for theteness. There were affairs that had to be settled before I could leave, but I am here now, quite ready to help you hold the line, as it were.¡± He raised an eyebrow. ¡°And not a moment too soon it seems.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Professor Jules asked, frowning.


    ¡°Your enemy¡¯s mana is expanding, it¡¯s getting thicker in the air. <em>Much</em> thicker,¡± Hobb said. ¡°It won¡¯t be long before it gives free rein to its <em>true</em> strength.¡±


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t, yet?¡± Professor Jules paled.


    ¡°No, I am afraid not, but I do believe it is about to.¡±

 Chapter 878: The Unmaking

    Chapter 878: The Unmaking


    All across Thamnd, dungeon cores drank the power of their enemies¡¯ terror, swelling with new energies.


    Green fields became hellscapes dotted with ck orbs, each one spewing monsters by the score. Beasts hunted for Thameish flesh to devour, roaming through once quiet woonds, springing on those unlucky enough to be caught there.


    Clouds burned away as Skyfire Swarms rose up, together with Living Cores.


    Rivers andkes choked with acid, Sky Striders emptying their bellies into the waterways.


    Monsters poured from the wilderness, overrunning towns and army encampments. The creatures were unstoppable, crushing all resistance beneath vering fangs, and razor-like ws.


    Going from army to army, spreading through the countryside, leaving both terror and death in their wakes.


    Smaller groups of Ravener-spawn clustered together, forming great hordes that swept across the wilderness, killing every living soul in their path, creating chaos and ruin along their way to Thamnd¡¯srgest cities.


    City upon city would fall, the ultimate goal was to wipe thend clean of Uldar¡¯s children once and for all.


    That scene of terror was what dawn brought to Thamnd.In Och Fir Nog, dawn looked somewhat different.


    There, Ravener-Spawn worked with fae, unearthing the buried and scattered fae gates, seeking to reopen fae roads back to the material world. Dungeon cores nearby were spitting out monsters endlessly, building another apocalyptic army to reinforce the monsters already in Thamnd.


    They too drank their enemies¡¯ fear.


    As did their master.


    ¡°Stay near me!¡± Cedric shouted, glowing like starlight, shining with divine light. ¡°I¡¯ll keep clearin¡¯ th¡¯ poisons!¡±


    The Chosen of Uldar floated high in the chamber, calling upon divine miracle after divine miracle, veins on his brow pulsing, sweat trickling down his form from the effort. Desperately, he fought the Ravener¡¯s toxins with divinity.


    But, Uldar¡¯s construct knew he would notst.


    ¡®<em>So much power,¡¯</em> it thought, drinking in the terror of Thamnd and expelling another cloud of venomous gas into the cavern. ¡®<em>So much power is filling me once more. I will win this trial.¡¯</em>


    Within its cavern, the Heroes and their allies fought for their lives.


    Some tried to prevent the chamber¡¯s entrances from being opened, but¡ªslowly and surely¡ªthe Ravener¡¯s loyal spawn were tunnelling through the stone.


    Wizards were casting spells against its hordes, but it was recing the dead faster than they could kill them. The General of Thamnd¡¯s summoned monsters were slowly being overwhelmed, and the corpse-puppets he¡¯d made had been pulled down and ripped to shreds.


    ¡®<em>It will not be long now,¡¯</em> the Ravener thought, pleased.


    The stirring within it had lessened, almostpletely faded now.


    ¡®<em>This is my time.¡¯</em> It turned its attention to the body of Uldar.


    Earlier, the Heroes had persisted in seeking to defile it.


    Now though, they were too busy just trying to stay alive, that the god¡¯s body was being left unharassed and in perfect peace.


    ¡®<em>I hope you are watching, creator,¡¯</em> it thought. ¡®<em>Watch as I destroy those who spurned you, who went against your will. Watch from the afterworld and be d.¡¯</em>


    Filled with its own satisfaction, the Ravener could easily believe that Uldar¡¯s gaze was watching it from the afterworld.


    <em>Something</em> from far away certainly made it feel like it was being watched.


    <em>¡°Prepare to fall to your ultimate trial,¡± </em>the Ravener¡¯s voice filled the cavern, as it sprayed another cloud of poisons into the air.


    It would not be long now.


    ¡°Do something!¡± Bjorgrund shouted, his axe chopping into Ravener-spawn around him. ¡°Agh!¡±


    The giant grunted as an air st caught him in the side, sending him skidding across the cavern floor. Shaking away the lights dancing in front of his eyes, he squinted at Asmaldestre the Unmaker.


    She had stopped shooting at the Ravener from the moment it became obvious that it had grown in strength¡ªthe War-Spirit was merely watching it¡ªher entire body, from her head to the tip of her tail, was tensed.


    ¡°Hey!¡± he shouted, cleaving his axe through a pack of Hunters mid-leap, as they jumped at his torso. ¡°We¡¯re here fighting for our lives! Help us!¡±


    He looked around.


    Above, Isolde and Drestra were working to destroy fire clouds, while¡ªbelow¡ªHart, Grimloch, Theresa and Brutus were battling an oing horde of spawn.


    Yet, Asmaldestre was simply watching the Ravener, her face a mask.


    ¡°Why are you not participating?¡± Bjorgrund demanded, looking at the floating tform beside her. ¡°Is it because you¡¯re defending <em>that?</em> Just leave it to Alex¡¯s summoned monsters!¡± He pleaded.


    ¡°Come on, you have to help us,¡± the giant continued. ¡°We need¡ª¡±


    ¡°<em>Quiet,</em>¡± Asmaldestre¡¯s voice stung his ears, her words in themon tongue. <em>¡°You must be quiet.¡±</em>


    Bjorgrund instantly went silent.


    ¡°<em>I am assessing this construct.¡±</em> She scraped one of her weapons against the other. ¡°<em>Drinking its violence.¡±</em>


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    ¡°What?¡± the giant asked. ¡°What does that even mean? And why do you have to assess it, it''s trying to kill us!¡±


    ¡°<em>To understand the prize my summoner has provided,¡±</em> she whispered. Her eyes red with inner light. ¡°<em>This is what was promised to me. Battle, unlike any other. And I wish to see how worthy this battle truly is.¡±</em>


    Bjorgrund nced from the Ravener¡ªfiring death-beams at Cedric¡ªto the war-spirit. ¡°<em>I </em>think it''s worthy! Call me biased, but I think it''s pretty damn worthy!¡±


    Her head snapped to the young giant. ¡°<em>Young rune-marked.¡±</em>


    ¡°Y-yes?¡± he stammered, driving his axe through another line of Ravener-spawn.


    She smiled, then, revealing her sharp teeth. ¡°<em>I think you are right. I think this is an opponent that couldst.¡±</em>


    The air rippled around the war-spirit then. Her hair¡ªsharp des woven through it¡ªbegan to rise, as though a silent wind was blowing it. She growled, and the growl contained the screams of a thousand dying beings.


    ¡°What do you mean byst?¡± Bjorgrund shuddered, asking her. The rune on his chest burned. He could feel<em> something</em> stirring.


    ¡°<em>Tost against a greater measure of my strength,</em>¡± she hissed. ¡°<em>I have battled across the universe. Across the nes. Too many times have I had to hold back, lest glorious violence end too quickly when my opponents fall.¡±</em>


    A chill ran down his spine.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been holding back?¡± he snarled. ¡°Some of us were wounded, and folk have been dying and you¡¯ve been holding back?¡±


    <em>¡°Your lives are not my affair. Violence is. Battle is,¡±</em> she hissed. ¡°<em>My purpose here is to feast on a proper battle. To stretch out the meal provided for me and to not gorge myself on it so quickly, that I cannot enjoy its vour. But¡­this Ravener is impressive.¡±</em>


    The air sparked around her.


    ¡°<em>It can take a greater measure of my strength. Young rune-marked, defend these machines. I have a battle to join.¡±</em>


    ¡°What the¡­?¡± Bjorgrund cried as the war-spirit¡¯s four draconic legs tensed.


    Her de-like scales bristled.


    The ground cracked beneath her feet.


    Then she was gone, shooting away in a blur of light and metal.


    Her ranged weapon began cracking like an army of whips, firing volleys of deadly projectiles, tearing lines of death through the enemy ranks. She barreled through more of the horde, carving a path through them. Her weapons shed around her; everything within reach of her arms, fell.


    She sprang, straight at the Ravener.


    <em>¡°Stop!¡±</em> the construct cried.


    But she was on it before it could do more than cry out.


    Poisons held no danger for her.


    They couldn¡¯t stop her.


    Nor could its cage of death beams.


    In a blink, the two were shing.


    Her every strike hit like thunder, and the Ravener¡¯s surface cracked beneath the terrible blows. Its death beams ricocheted, bouncing off Uldar¡¯s weapons as she held them, leaving her untouched.


    ¡°<em>Where did youe from?¡±</em> the Ravener demanded.


    A fire cloud swarmed toward the war-spirit, but her weapons stopped them, striking individual Ravener-spawn with such precision, that many of the flea-sized monsters were annihted before they could reach her.


    Her wstched onto the Ravener¡ªits death beams seeming not to hurt her scales¡ªas she stabbed it repeatedly with her tail de.


    It responded, shooting her up-close with a st from a death beam,unching her against a cavern wall.


    Without hesitating, she sprang at it again.


    ¡°<em>Yes. That is the way! Show me truebat or I will eat your god¡¯s corpse!¡±</em> she promised, her voice striking Bjorgrund¡¯s ears and stinging his eardrums.


    ¡°<em>You dare?¡±</em> the construct asked.


    ¡°<em>Yes,¡±</em> was the war-spirit¡¯s reply.


    With a howl of rage, the Ravenerunched a dozen death beams at her, doing little more than slowing her slightly. Some nicked her skin, but she made no notice of the droplets of blood. If anything, any wound the construct dealt her, only made her snarl-smile widen.


    Magic radiated from the Ravener in an array; swarms of ethereal worms, poisons, sts of force, fire, conjured des of chitin, all shot at Asmaldestre the Unmaker.


    She simply <em>unmade</em> them.


    Shimmering red energy encased the war-spirit¡¯s weapons¡ªso when she struck or shot the magicing at her¡ªthe weapons caused the Ravener¡¯s magical attacks to explode into fountains of ethereal blood.


    She reached the construct again, carving a long cut into its side¡ªcracking its surface¡ªand it responded, conjuring a fountain of burning acid, spraying her with such force that she was driven to the ground.


    She sprang back up, weapons held high, des twitching in her hair.


    ¡°<em>Not nearly enough,¡±</em> she hissed at the construct.


    ¡°<em>Begone, interloper!¡±</em>


    ¡°<em>Make me. By trial ofbat.¡±</em>


    The Ravener hesitated for no longer than a heartbeat, before saying:


    ¡°<em>As you wish.¡±</em>


    The two deadly beings of war shed. de met magic. The ranged weapon shot projectiles, splitting beams of death.


    For the time, the Ravener was upied.


    And Alex¡¯spanions were not about to let the opportunity pass.


    ¡°All o¡¯ yous!¡±<em></em>Cedric shouted. ¡°I want y¡¯focusin¡¯ on killin¡¯ Ravener-spawn. But, not you, Hart. Go help Asmaldestre! She¡¯s buyin¡¯ us time! So, let¡¯s get our bloody advantage back!¡±


    The mortals and summoned monsters attacked the Ravener¡¯s spawn, cutting them down while the construct was engaged with Hart and the war-spirit.


    Bjorgrund rose up to his full height and settled in beside the machines. ¡°Well¡­I take credit for giving her a push,¡± he muttered to himself.


    This was not anticipated.


    ¡®<em>Where did this beinge from?¡¯ the Ravener thought, quickly looking around. ¡®Why was she hiding such strength?</em>¡¯


    The strange, otherworldly creature was putting up a terrible fight.


    Her speed was shocking.


    Her strength, titanic.


    This was entirely beyond its calctions.


    Thankfully, more and more power was rushing to it. She was strong, but not impossible to stop¡­one new problem was that the Champion wasing to join her, and the others were using the time to try to regain an advantage.


    ¡®<em>Perhaps it is time to be more thorough about this,¡¯</em> it thought, reaching into the stone around them.


    Now that it had gained more power¡­it could ovee the enemies¡¯ magic with enough time.


    And so it threw its will into the rock.


    The cavern began to shake.


    <em>¡®Father¡­Asmaldestre is fighting the Ravener¡­but¡­this ce is shaking¡­badly,¡¯</em> ygon reported.


    ¡®<em>It¡¯s alright, ygon!¡¯</em> Alex thought. ¡®<em>I¡¯m working on something!¡¯</em>


    He looked at Aenflynn¡¯s effigy; the Fae lord remained distracted.


    The area between the two wards was still thick with potion-mist: Alex could hear the guards outside, talking to each other in confusion. They were trying to decide what to do.


    And so was he.


    He and Merzhin <em>needed</em> to get out of this trap¡­but he couldn¡¯t teleport out, and they couldn¡¯t leave the throne for Aenflynn to use as he pleased.


    ¡®I need more power,¡¯ the young archwizard thought.


    He ced a hand on the Saint¡¯s shoulder, focusing on the power flowing through the small priest.


    On the faith.


    He checked his streams of consciousness, the ones focused on a very important task.


    He could <em>feel</em> it working.


    He could <em>feel</em> something building.


    But it wasn¡¯t fast enough.


    They were so close¡­<em>so</em> very close¡­but they needed <em>more.</em>


    ¡®Am I going to have to ask Merzhin to do what Hart was going to do?¡¯ he thought. ¡®Am I going to have to nearly die to make this work?¡¯


    His mind raced.


    Had they yed all their cards?


    Was he doing everything he could?


    ¡®Think¡­Alex! Adapt!¡¯ he thought. ¡®What else is there to do? You¡¯re so close.¡¯


    He checked his streams of consciousness again.


    ¡®If you can get everything done before Aenflynn turns his attention back on you¡ª¡¯ Outside, the sounds of Baelin and the fae lord battling was like a fierce thunderstorm battling another one. ¡®¡ªthen you can win this. Come on¡­you just need a little more. Just a <em>little</em> more.¡¯


    Selina Roth stared at the morning sunlight through the vi¡¯s bedroom window.


    Outside, she could hear the Lu family talking to the queen of Thamnd¡­so much had happened since she''d been awakened by Theresa¡¯s brothers in the early hours of the morning and brought to the vi in the countryside.


    She¡¯d learned everything¡­about what was happening in Thamnd.


    About what was happening to her people.


    Of what Alex and the others were trying to do.


    She was so tired of feeling helpless.


    But, there was nothing she could do.


    ¡­or was there?


    There must be <em>something.</em>


    Even if¡ª


    She paused.


    ¡°Wait¡­maybe it might only help a little, but¡­¡±


    The Fire mage balled her hands into fists.


    ¡°...but I¡¯ll do it.¡±

 Chapter 879: Reunion

    Chapter 879: Reunion


    Selina Roth ran past towering windows streaming early morning sunlight through the vi.


    Her bare feet echoing through the halls, cut through the conversation the Lus were having with the queen of Thamnd and a few of her guards, as they gathered in the dining hall, discussing the situation in the kingdom.


    Mr. and Mrs. Lu¡ªand their sons¡ªsounded ufortable around the queen, and worried when they spoke of their daughter and Alex. The queen spoke in soft tones, her voice sounded distressed at times when recounting what they¡¯d been through.


    Her infant son was quiet, finally sleeping, likely all cried out from a night of fear and tears.


    But Selina wasn¡¯t focusing on the queen, her son, her guards or their worries.


    She had her own to think about: her brother, ygon, Theresa, Brutus and all their friends fighting for their lives and the future of everyone in Thamnd. Once again, she¡¯d been left behind.


    It was always the same. She had to stay back¡ªprotected¡ªwhile others fought, died and suffered.


    Just like at the first Games of Roal she¡¯d attended.


    Just like when Alex went to the Empire by himself to make sure she wasn¡¯t targeted by the hidden church.Just like in the Cave of the Traveller¡­and even before that.


    From the time her parents had died, her brother and their other loved ones were always concerned with making sure she was safe, warm and protected. While she understood that, it didn¡¯t stop her from feeling more and more frustrated because <em>she</em> could never help. She was too young, they said, she wasn¡¯t strong enough to stand beside them, they said. She wanted to help, she wanted to protect them. Last night¡ªafter the Lus¡¯ sons had woken her¡ªshe¡¯d spent the rest of the night lying in bed, wishing she was four or five years older, four or five years more experienced with her magic. Her fire could be protecting her loved ones, burning their enemies, snuffing out the monsters guing Thamnd.


    But, since she was only twelve now, and had only just started exploring her connection to me, she had to stay in Generasi.


    But¡­she¡¯d still do what she could with her connection, no matter how new it was. She wouldn¡¯t be using it to burn their enemies to cinders, but¡­


    She¡¯d use it in another way.


    Without speaking to anyone in the vi, she opened the front doors and ran outside into the courtyard.


    She looked around, searching for a particr object, something she remembered from when she lived there when Alex was gone.


    ¡­she quickly found it.


    Selina Roth sprinted to a tall iron pole with a hook at the top. On that hook, hung the object she was looking for, and climbing onto the bench positioned beside the pole, she reached up and took the object down:


    Antern with ss sides...


    Holding thentern carefully, she carried it inside, quickly passing the dining room.


    ¡°Selina?¡± Mrs. Lu called.


    Selina didn¡¯t answer, her eyes remained fixed on what was in her hands, taking it upstairs to the vi¡¯s meditation chamber.


    It was a bright quiet space, fifteen feet across and lined with windows, like a small srium. The floor was covered with soft rugs, woven in calming colours and patterns.


    On one end of the room¡ªopposite the door¡ªa small, stone altar stood.


    One would normally ce a small bowl with burning incense on it when meditating.


    But, today, Selina had a different idea.


    She put thentern in the centre of the altar, then ran to her room.


    Footsteps creaked on the staircase. ¡°Selina?¡± Mrs. Lu called. ¡°I thought you¡¯d gone back to bed. Come on downstairs. There¡¯s breakfa¡ª¡±


    ¡°No, Thanks, Mrs. Lu, there¡¯s something I need to do!¡± Selina called back.


    An idea burned in the young girl¡¯s mind, and the more she thought about it, the more she was <em>convinced</em> that it was something she <em>had</em> to do. Reaching her room, she threw the door open and looked around.


    When they¡¯d moved back to their apartment above the bakery, she hadn¡¯t taken <em>all</em> of her belongings with her, just in case they decided to spend some time here with the Lus.


    She only hoped she¡¯d left a certain item behind.


    Something specific, she was <em>convinced </em>that she¡¯d need.


    She opened the chest at the foot of her bed, looking through everything she¡¯d left there.


    ¡­and found the box of building y tucked inside.


    Exactly what she was looking for.


    Scooping it up in both hands, she ran back to the meditation chamber, pushing past a stunned Mrs. Lu.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Theresa¡¯s mother asked.


    ¡°Trying to help Alex and the others!¡± the young girl said. ¡°I¡­I can¡¯t really exin it!¡±


    She stepped back into the room and dropped the box of y on the floor then opened it, taking out two handfuls of building y; it was a little dry, but it would do.


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    Selina¡¯s clever fingers quickly began shaping the y into two female shapes as Mrs. Lu watched from the doorway, staring at her in bewilderment.


    The young fire-mage soon finished her task, and ced the two y figures on the altar on either side of thentern: rough, miniature replicas of the goddess statues in the Cave of the Traveller.


    ¡°There,¡± she said, falling to her knees in front of thentern and statues. ¡°I made something kinda like¡­something that symbolises the Traveller. We want her back¡­and I think this might be a good way to get my faith to her.¡±


    She pointed at thentern. ¡°Thentern is her holy symbol and the statues represent the ones that were in her temple inside the Cave. And there was something else in her temple too.¡±


    Selina remembered how scared she was when her brother was shielding her from the goddess statues¡¯ fury.


    ¡°Fire. And, I can provide that.¡±


    She turned to thentern. ¡°Holy Traveller, I know you are trying toe back to the material world. You want to help all of us and save us from the Ravener¡­well I pray to you now¡­with all the faith I have. I pray with my connection to fire and I offer anything I can to help you. Thank you for helping us as much as you have so far, and¡­please help us save our kingdom. Help us save our family.¡±


    Selina looked at Mrs. Lu. ¡°This is how we can help the Traveller, and if we can help her, then she can help Alex¡­and the rest of us.¡±


    Mrs. Lu looked down at the young girl for a moment.


    Her face softened.


    She stepped closer, falling to her knees beside her. ¡°You¡¯re right, Selina. I¡¯ll help you.¡± Mrs. Lu looked up at the ss ceiling. ¡°Oh, Traveller, please help us. Whatever you need from me to give you strength, I offer it.¡±


    ¡°And whatever you need from me, I offer that too.¡±


    Selina and Mrs. Lu turned, finding Mr. Lu standing in the doorway.


    He was not alone.


    Their sons were behind him, along with the queen of Thamnd¡ªthe prince was cradled in her arms¡ªsurrounded by their guards. She looked pale and drawn, her eyes were wet with tears.


    ¡°We heard you mention helping those in Thamnd,¡± the queen said, her eyes on thentern on the altar. ¡°You have made a shrine to the Traveller¡­but not to Uldar.¡±


    Her eyes shed.


    It seemed her husband had told her much about the god¡¯s treachery.


    ¡°We will join you in this ritual, child,¡± she said. ¡°I have heard of the Traveller¡ªshe was a Saint of good works and of a good heart¡ªand if what we do here can aid her and aid Thamnd in turn, then that is what we will do. I cannot allow a child to act on behalf of the realm while I stand back.¡±


    She, Mr. Lu, the boys and guards crowded into the cramped meditation room, falling to their knees behind Selina and Mrs. Lu.


    The young girl smiled.


    ¡°Thank you.¡± She turned back to the makeshift shrine and went to thentern, opened its ss door and examined the oil-soaked wick inside.


    Selina took a deep breath. ¡°Traveller, we give to you, so that you can give to all of our people. Please. Aid us.¡±


    She looked at thentern¡­and spoke the incantation to a spell.


    me surged inside her.


    me...


    Something she was so connected to¡­and could use as a focus for her faith. She concentrated on her memory of the fire-gems in the Cave of the Traveller.


    When she finished thest word of her spell, an intense me sprang to life in thentern, crackling in the morning light.


    ¡°Traveller,¡± she said. ¡°I want thisntern and my fire to symbolise you. I give you my faith and my power, oh Traveller.¡± She sped her hands, lowering her head. ¡°Traveller¡­Hannah¡­I dly give you whatever you need. I believe in you and know that you can help us. And¡­please. Save our home. Save our family. Pleasee back to us¡­we know that you are good. We know that you¡¯re not like what we worshipped before. So please¡­¡±


    She squeezed her eyes tight.


    ¡°¡­travel to us.¡±


    Her words disappeared into silence as her family, the queen and her guards, prayed silently. The only sound heard in the room was the crackle of Selina¡¯s me burning inside the Traveller¡¯s symbol.


    A peacefulness settled over the chamber.


    ¡­suddenly, it grew warmer.


    The me crackled louder.


    Selina felt a warm touch against her cheek.


    ###


    Something transformed deep within Alex.


    His streams of consciousness¡ªall focused on channelling hisplete belief through the Traveller¡¯s power in his soul¡ªfelt a tingling, reaching deep within his very soul.


    Hannah¡¯s power altered inside him.


    Surging, the Traveller¡¯s energy flooded his soul.


    ¡°This is it!¡± he shouted, feeling giddy. ¡°It¡¯s enough!¡±


    Alex concentrated on his power, focusing on the feeling of his summoning spells reaching across the nes¡­and he reached out. Calling on the Mark of the General, he set it to the task of calling something from a faraway ce.


    He reached deep into his power, feeling a connection form.


    The Traveller¡¯s sword¡ªfused with his staff¡ªbegan singing, zing with power.


    ¡°What?¡¯ Aenflynn¡¯s effigy suddenly cried. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°By the Traveller¡­¡± Merzhin whispered. ¡°I feel it. I feel all of it.¡±


    Alex reached deeper into his power, using his connection to its source.


    He followed the connection beyond the fae wild.


    Beyond the material world.


    Beyond the nes.


    Beyond the very veil of life and death.


    And for a brief instant¡ªa fraction of a heartbeat¡ªhe glimpsed the after-world.


    Eternal light and the deepest dark joined together, packed with untold numbers of havens and voids¡ªthe final resting ces of every soul in the universe.


    And among them¡­


    His breath caught.


    He saw a man.


    And a woman.


    The man was lean and tall, corded muscle hardened from years of splitting wood and hauling kegs gave definition to his arms. His light brown eyes shone with mischief, and he wore his chestnut-brown hair cropped close to his scalp.


    The woman¡¯s auburn hair was caught up in a loose braid that swayed in a warm wind. Her green eyes shone with pride.


    ¡°Well, someone finally woke up,¡± the man¡¯s deep voice said, as real as it was when it had woken Alex so many years ago.


    ¡°Alex had a busy day today, Sean. Of course he¡¯s tired,¡± the woman said. ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯s even more thrilling than the stories he used to read.¡±


    Alex choked up.


    Beside him, he heard a gasp.


    He spun around, finding Selina there.


    The young girl¡¯s soul was bared to him, wrapped in the most beautiful mes he¡¯d ever seen.


    ¡°A-Alex?¡± she stammered. ¡°What is¡ªis that¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve grown so much, my girl.¡± Mrs. Roth smiled. ¡°As have you, our son.¡±


    ¡°We couldn¡¯t be more proud,¡± her husband said.


    He and his wife walked to their stunned children, wrapping them both in wide flung arms.


    ¡°We hear your prayers, especially during the Festival of Ghosts,¡± Mrs. Roth held her daughter and son. ¡°And we love you both.¡±


    ¡°We couldn¡¯t be more proud of you.¡± Mr. Roth squeezed both children.


    ¡°I¡­moooom¡­daaad¡­¡± Selina sniffled.


    ¡°Mother, father, I¡ªThere¡¯s so much I want to say,¡± Alex could barely get the words out.


    ¡°And there will be time for that,¡± Mr. Roth promised. ¡°When next you see us, there will be an eternity for us to catch up.¡±


    ¡°But you don¡¯t have time now,¡± Mrs. Roth said, her voice sad. ¡°Your friend took a long time to find us so we could speak to you when this moment came. She¡¯s so strong now, son. You, Selina and the people of Thamnd fed her well, but from what I understand, even she can¡¯t hold the door open for very long.¡±


    ¡°You mean¡ª¡± Alex gasped.


    ¡°Yes,¡± a powerful, yet familiar voice said. ¡°I am here.¡±


    ¡°And so am I,¡± another one said.


    Selina and Alex gasped as their parents released them from the tight hug.


    Floating above them were two faces Alex knew well.


    Carey London¡¯s.


    Though she had changed.


    She was taller.


    A halo of power floated above her head, and wings of chaos fire¡ªthe very thing that had consumed her¡ªzed on her back.


    Beside her, was another figure.


    A young woman who Alex could never forget. A young woman whose face had been chubby at one time, but who¡¯d been hardened by tough battles over a period of years. Her features were striking in the way a painting of a goddess might be.


    Long dark hair framed her face, hanging down over familiar robes.


    Robes that had shrouded a transparent spirit in Cretalikon.


    In the blossom of youth, yet with the wisdom of divinity zing in her eyes¡­was Hannah Kim, the Traveller.


    She was neither spirit nor mortal woman.


    Gone was the Saint of Uldar.


    And Alex knew, without a doubt, he was now looking upon the personification of a goddess.

 Chapter 880: Piercing the Veil

    Chapter 880: Piercing the Veil


    Hannah¡¯s power sang all through Alex¡¯s being.


    She smiled at the Roth family, and it was like the suning out after the darkest storm.


    ¡°I¡¯m strong now¡­strong enough to bridge the gap through you, Alex,¡± she said. ¡°Because you gave me thest bit of energy I needed, Selina. And because you have been channelling your faith through your power, Alex. You and yourpanions rolled back the grey rain-curtain of the after-world. And now, Carey and I can return.¡±


    She looked at Alex. ¡°Prepare for a power unlike what you have felt before. Prepare to use it to end this war.¡±


    Mr. and Mrs. Roth looked up at Hannah.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Mr. Roth said.


    ¡°For finding us. For helping us to have this moment together,¡± Mrs. Roth said.


    They turned to their children, speaking in tandem.


    ¡°We love you and we will be with you, always.¡±The light of the after-world zed around them.


    ¡°But it is time for you to go.¡±


    ¡°But¡­there¡¯s more¡ª¡± Selina started to say, then stopped. She looked like she would cry. ¡°You¡¯re right¡­we can say moreter.¡±


    ¡°<em>Much</em>ter,¡± Mrs. Roth insisted.


    For one final time, she hugged her children.


    ¡°As much as I <em>want</em> to see you, I <em>don¡¯t </em>want to see you for a very <em>long, long, long, long</em> time, do you understand me?¡±


    ¡°Yes mother,¡± Alex said, hugging her back.


    ¡°Now go.¡± Mr. Roth pped his children on their shoulders. ¡®You have our kingdom to save.¡±


    The light of the after-world zed brighter


    Hannah¡¯s power began pulling at Alex¡¯s soul.


    He was the bridge.


    And it was time for that bridge to be crossed¡­and for the door between life and death to be closed.


    ¡°Leave Thamnd to me,¡± Hannah said. ¡°I will protect our people.¡±


    She extended her hand. Alex took it.


    The light of the after-world red blindingly bright.


    ¡°Farewell, our children,¡± Mr. Roth said, his image fading.


    ¡°We love you,¡± Mrs. Roth said, her image retreating into the light.


    Carey took his other hand.


    Selina took her brother¡¯s arm.


    Then, they were gone.


    Across the nes they flew, the images of the havens and voids within the after-world fading from both Alex¡¯s eyes and his memories at the same time.


    They passed through space.


    They passed through time.


    And for a moment, he¡­felt as though he was everywhere.


    He saw shifting sights.


    Forests filled with great wolves.


    Vast expanses of space.


    Burning stars in the night sky.


    A young bald man, travelling with his¡­two tattooed identical brothers? And theirpanions.


    Without warning, the images abruptly faded.


    Alex felt Selina¡¯s spirit¡ªlinked to him through blood and their faith in the Traveller¡ªseparate from him.


    Everything had happened in the space of a single blink for Selina.


    One moment, she¡¯d felt a warm touch on her cheek.


    She¡¯d looked up and blinked, and as her eyes closed, she¡¯d seen¡­her parents, her brother, Carey and the Traveller.


    Vague memories of her mother and father from when she was a toddler suddenly grew as clear as crystal; the image of her parents in the after-world was as real in her mind as the sun beaming through the windows of the meditation chamber.


    The encounter had all taken ce in a single blink.


    But now, she was back in the meditation chamber.


    Back with the Lus.


    Back with the queen, the prince, and the royal guard.


    Back with¡­another¡­


    A woman with long ck hair was floating in front of her, her white robes radiant in the firelight from the altar. She smiled down at Selina, and the young girl¡¯s hastily shaped y goddess shuddered, transforming, bing the perfect miniature replicas of the goddess statues they¡¯d found in the Cave of the Traveller.


    ¡°What in th-¡± Mrs. Lu cried. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°How did you get in here?¡± Mr. Lu shouted.


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Light radiated from the woman.


    Thentern¡¯s me swelled, growing brighter.


    ¡°Mrs. Lu, this is the Traveller,¡± Selina sounded awestruck.


    The Lus, the queen and everyone else gathered in the chamber gaped, suddenly at a loss for words.


    ¡°Thank you all for your faith,¡± the goddess tilted her head in a bow. ¡°Yours was thest bit of strength I needed to return. You have my blessings: now and always.¡±


    She looked down at Selina¡¯sntern. ¡°Can I take that?¡±


    Selina silently and vigorously nodded.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± the Traveller said. Thentern teleported to her hand and she looked at the others, her gaze lingering on the sleeping prince. ¡°All will be well. I will focus my strength on Thamnd while the Heroes finish this fight. Thamnd gave much to me. And I shall give back to her. All will be well.¡±


    The goddess shone with a dazzling light.


    Then vanished.


    ¡°Oh mighty Traveller¡­bless us,¡± Tobias prayed, his eyes closed. ¡°Bless us. Save us. Help us.¡± His voice echoed through the cathedral.


    ¡°Bless us. Save us. Guide us. Let our faith reach you,¡± the other priests prayed as he did.


    Outside, fires raged through the city.


    ¡°Bless us,¡± Tobias continued praying. ¡°Save us. Help us¡ª¡±


    Something warm touched his brow.


    Tobias flinched, his eyes looking up.


    The high priest gasped, followed by every priest who¡¯d also seen what he had.


    Floating before them was a goddess in all her glory, radiant with divine power so pure, it made the high priest weep.


    ¡°I am here now.¡± Her smile was gentle. ¡°Your faith has given me the strength to return to you. And now¡­that strength is yours.¡±


    The Traveller extended a hand.


    Divine power zed around her palm, issuing from it. Dazzling light spread through the cathedral, touching every priest, wrapping them in warm nimbuses of divinity.


    ¡°You are my priests, and also priests of Uldar,¡± she said.


    ¡°The Saint of Alric!¡± a priest cried.


    ¡°The Traveller¡ªthe Traveller has returned to us!¡± another shouted.


    ¡°I have joined you,¡± she said. ¡°And now, it is time for you to join the battle of Ussex. Fight alongside your kin, children of Thamnd. I will be with you, in all ways.¡±


    Tobias smiled, his eyes wet with tears.


    He remembered his youth; images of a young man entering the clergy, learning his letters and the wonders of faith appeared. That was before the politics, the manoeuvring, the scheming to gain position¡­it was well before the war and long before he¡¯d learned of Uldar¡¯s betrayal.


    Back in those early days, he¡¯d only known the ecstasy and love he¡¯d felt in embracing what he¡¯d thought was a loving and kind deity.


    And now¡­


    ¡­now that feeling was back. He could feel kindness embracing them, and he did not feel afraid.


    The old man rose to his feet, standing straighter than he had in years.


    He turned to his priests, eyes shing.


    ¡°Priests of Uldar! Priests of the Traveller! Go forth with me and smite the creatures guing our home! Send them to the after-world! Save thisnd!¡± he roared.


    The priesthood raised their voices, joining with him, every nimbus of light surrounding them growing brighter.


    Above the altar, the Traveller waved a hand. ¡°Go forth.¡±


    Tobias and the other priests shed with blinding light, then vanished.


    ¡°Your majesty! Watch out!¡± a knight cried.


    He threw himself between King Athelstan and a spawn knight, screaming as its back legs skewered him.


    ¡°Damn you, filthy-spawn!¡± The king drove Uldar¡¯s de through the spawn knight¡¯s head.


    The creature shuddered and died.


    Panting, King Athelstan looked at a street filled with bodies, blood flowing down the cobblestones in a stream.


    Fires raged in the distance.


    And all the while, he could see titans and more Ravener-spawn approaching Ussex.


    In the distance¡­were those clouds of fire?


    Coming so fast, against the wind?


    He knew at that moment that he was going to die here, and his city would die with him.


    Taking a deep breath as war raged around him, and preparing for death¡­a zing light caught his eye.


    ¡°What?¡± Athelstan spun around.


    Far in the distance¡ªmounted high on a hill¡ªthe cathedral of Ussex was shining, as if burning, like a miniature sun had been born within the building and was casting its glow through the stained ss windows.


    A bell started tolling.


    ¡°What is that¡ª?¡± King Athelstan murmured.


    A column of light suddenly rose from the stones beside him, and in a blink, the high priest of Thamnd stepped from it. The old man looked ten years younger. His shoulders were squared, his eyes burned with life, faith and hope.


    Throughout the street, Ravener-spawn stopped dead, staring at the luminescent mortals who¡¯d appeared beside the king. Soldiers of the Thameish army paused, their eyes caught by the beautiful light surrounding the white-robed priests.


    Tobias raised his hands. ¡°<em>And so she appeared before us, burningntern in hand.¡±</em>


    His voice rang through the city.


    ¡°<em>And she did say: go forth.¡±</em>


    A wave of divine light erupted from his body, washing over the street.


    Every mortal that it touched began to glow with holy light, wounds closing, fatigue leaving them. Divine energy clung to their weapons and armour, granting them renewed strength.


    The Ravener-spawn did not fare as well when the light touched them.


    Shrieking as flesh ruptured, divine me danced along their skin, marrow turned to ash, drifting from cracking bones. They fell by the dozens, copsing on the bloody road, turning to husks of ash and dust.


    ¡°It¡¯s a miracle,¡± the king murmured. ¡°What is happening?¡±


    ¡°Look up!¡± Tobias pointed to the sky, his voice booming over the city. ¡°Your faith has been rewarded, children of Thamnd. Look and see the Saint of Alric, she has returned!¡±


    The king craned his neck, looking up at the sky.


    He dropped to his knees.


    Floating above Ussex¡ªat least a hundred feet tall¡ªwas the image of a goddess, antern was sped in her hand. Within thentern holy fire zed, while her eyes zed with divine wrath.


    She lifted thentern, it burned brighter.


    Beyond the city walls, oing hordes of Ravener-spawn paused, flinching at the light.


    The image of the goddess fixed her burning eyes on them.


    She spoke four words:


    ¡°You shall not pass.¡±


    The light in thentern red.


    Ravener-spawn vanished.


    In an instant, thousands of Ravener-spawn were gone. The ck balls with burning wings, air sters, titans and more¡­were all just gone.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­it''s a miracle!¡± the king shouted. ¡°A miracle for Thamnd!¡±


    He raised his voice, and the entire city answered.


    Part-roar and part-cheer, the soldiers'' voices thundered beneath the blinding light of the Traveller and the morning sun. Their cries echoed through the sky, and spawn within the city¡¯s walls shrank back.


    ¡°I must bring aid to other parts of Thamnd,¡± the Traveller said. ¡°You have my blessing. Use it. Go forth. Destroy the Ravener¡¯s spawn. All will be well.¡±


    The goddess zed brighter and vanished.


    ¡°You heard the Traveller!¡± the king shouted. ¡°We have been given aid and reprieve! Let us retake our city!¡±


    Ezerak smiled, looking down at the divine light ying across his curved sword. Around him, his horde of tattoo-monsters were filled with renewed vigour.


    The fallen king let out a giddyugh. ¡°Looks like I won¡¯t be seeing another kingdom fall today!¡±


    ¡°Indeed!¡± Kyembe raised his zing sword. ¡°Come, then. Glory is to be had, and we have more of our people to find in the city.¡± He gave Ezerak a sly look. ¡°I would wager that I shall y more monsters than you<em> and </em>your army by the end of this.¡±


    Ezerak grinned at him. ¡°You¡¯re on.¡±


    Together, the two men jumped from the roof,nding on hapless Ravener-spawn standing below; they began swinging their weapons, cutting a path of bloody ruin through the monsters.


    Wurhi of Zabya shook her head,pletely bewildered.


    ¡°What in every hell happened to those monsters outside the city,¡± she wondered, climbing down the building to rejoin her twopanions.


    Far from the battlefield, far from Thamnd and far from the on which that kingdom existed¡­


    ¡­there abided a star.


    It burned blue in the inky sea of stars, bringing a heat to the cold emptiness of space around it.


    One might have thought the star lonely, as there were nos nearby to keep itpany.


    Nothing had approached¡ªnot even aet¡ªin hundreds of years.


    Until now.


    For the briefest of heartbeats, an apocalyptic army of monsters appeared a few hundred feet from the star¡¯s surface. A moment before, they¡¯d been a horde of fierce creatures capable of rending cities apart and striking terror into enemies.


    But now?


    Now they did not have the time or breath to even let out a short scream before the star burned them to nothingness.


    And so the star was alone again.


    But, that would not be the case for long.

 Chapter 881: Blessings on Thameland

    Chapter 881: Blessings on Thamnd


    ¡°W-what is this?¡± a soldier cried.


    Holy light radiated from the Cave of the Traveller, illuminating the army¡¯s fort, and the Coille Forest.


    Ravener-spawn cringed away from that light, fangs clenched as if in pain.


    A gentle wind caressed the forest, contrasting the sharp criesing from the Cave.


    ¡°Something¡¯s happening in here!¡± a soldier shouted from inside. ¡°It¡¯s the portals!¡± Throughout the inner temple and portal chamber below, holy light zed, surrounding the soldiers in itsforting embrace.


    A woman d in white robes took shape, soldiers shielded their eyes from her radiance.


    ¡°Who<em> is </em>that?¡± a priest cried.


    ¡°She looks like a deity!¡± another answered.


    ¡°By all the heavens¡­¡± another gasped. ¡°Is¡­that the Traveller?¡±Hannah looked upon the Thameish defenders.


    ¡°Yes, I am the Traveller, and I thank you for protecting my home,¡± she said, her voice as gentle as the dawn, yet as powerful as thunder. ¡°In return, I shall protect you all.¡±


    Raising her hands, she fixed the Ravener-spawn filling the Coille with a disapproving re. The fire in herntern red.


    And the spawn were gone.


    Elsewhere, far away in the universe, a blue sun<strong></strong>gained morepany for an instant.


    Only for an instant, as the monsters burned.


    ¡°All will be well,¡± the Traveller promised. ¡°I¡¯m here now, and I will aid you while the Heroes end this fight. I have to go, but my blessing will be with you.¡±


    She extended her hand, reaching toward those defending the Cave of the Traveller. Power sheathed the soldiers, both inside and out, leaving them aglow with her holy light. ¡°All will be well.¡±


    Hannah vanished and cheers rose into the sky.


    ¡°Keep the pressure on that wound, Paul! Keep it on there!¡± Peter shouted.


    The two guardsmen stumbled through the streets of Alric, Paul was draped across Peter¡¯s shoulder. The injured man was supposed to be pressing on a deep wound he¡¯d taken from a Venom Walker, and the pair were struggling to reach a medical tent in the centre of town.


    The wound had been partly tended to, considering the priests on the wall were all but totally spent. They had been healing soldiers for the entire battle, drawing upon more and more of their divinity.


    Now¡ªthat morning was here¡ªthey were trying to preserve their strength by only healing injuries to the extent of keeping the wounded alive. After that, it was left to the injured to make their way to the medical tent in the centre of town where fresher priests were waiting in reserve.


    But, Paul¡¯s wound was teeming with venom¡­Peter wondered if he <em>would </em>survive for much longer.


    The injured soldier¡¯s eyes were ssy, he was muttering endlessly, spewing mostly incoherent whispers.


    His eyes were moist with tears.


    ¡°I¡¯m cold, Peter,¡± the wounded guard gasped. ¡°So cold.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear that!¡± Peter snapped. ¡°You just hold on. Look, we¡¯re at the fountain! It¡¯s not much further to the medical tent! You can make it! Just hold on!¡±


    The guard, doing his best to bear hisrade, passed beside the fountain in the town square.


    The statues of Thamnd¡¯s five Heroes stood in silent vigil, stony eyes seeming to watch the two guards struggling for survival. Coins long tossed into the fountain¡¯s basin were obscured; the murky water was now choked with blood and ash.


    High above, monsters screeched and roared, perhaps mocking the struggling pair.


    Blood-draks and spear-flies swooped above, swarming the outer walls even as non-flyers gripped stone, trying to scale it. The golems that Alex Roth had left behind to defend the town, fired their strange weapons repeatedly¡­but there were too few of them.


    Peter feared, deep in his heart, that the town would fall.


    And soon.


    ¡°Come on,¡± he pleaded with Paul. The wounded man was trembling now. ¡°Listen. I¡¯m sure the Heroes are going to beat the Ravener soon. We just have to stay alive long enough to see it. So just <em>stay</em> alive, okay?¡±


    Paul groaned, suddenly tumbling from Peter¡¯s shoulder, his bodynding against the fountain.


    ¡°Damn it, Paul!¡± Peter snapped, trying to pull his friend up. ¡°Stop it! We¡¯re almost at the tent! Don¡¯t fall! Don¡¯t give up now!¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Paul¡¯s eyelids flickered, he tried forcing his ssy eyes to look up. ¡°Peter¡­I see¡­¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d better see yourself getting up!¡± Peter tried dragging Paul to his feet, but his friend was dead weight, and he was too tired.


    So, tired.


    Stolen from its rightful ce, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    So, very tired.


    ¡°Look¡­¡± Paul raised his chin to the sky. ¡°¡­thatntern. ¡­the Traveller.¡±


    ¡°The Traveller¡¯s dead, and don¡¯t you go joining her yet, mate!¡± Peter tried lifting his friend again. His muscles trembled with strain.


    ¡°Turn around, look,¡± Paul muttered.


    ¡°You¡¯re getting delirious!¡± Peter shouted. ¡°Just wake¡­up!¡±


    The guard paused, jumping back as the murky water in the fountain began to clear; ash and blood were washing away, leaving it crystal clear. What was once cloudy and foul, now shimmered in the morning sunlight¡­and the light of something else.


    ¡°What in the¡­¡± Peter murmured, squinting at his reflection in the water. In the fountain¡¯s basin¡ªcoins glimmered beneath the surface¡ªthe image of an ageless woman with dark hair, wearing white robes, shimmered. She was holding antern.


    Peter whirled, looking up.


    ¡°Are you a ghost¡­?¡±


    Hovering high above them, floating peacefully there was the same image. She looked tranquil, just like how he imagined a deity; a goddess would look.


    A Saint.


    Peter fell to his knees.


    ¡°It¡¯s¡­¡± was all he could say.


    ¡°I am the Traveller,¡± the woman¡¯s voice¡ªgentle, yet thunderous¡ªechoed over earth and sky. ¡°All will be well.¡± She looked down at the horde of Ravener-spawn scornfully, as though she was seeing filth by the side of the road. ¡°They have no business being here. This is your home, this is <em>my </em>home, not theirs!¡±


    Her eyes shed.


    She waved her hand.


    Scores of Ravener-spawn vanished, disappearing as though they¡¯d never been.


    She turned, waving her hand over the town.


    Divine light drifted from her, flowing over<strong></strong>Alric, wrapping it in her power.


    Strength flooded Peter¡¯s limbs.


    Fatigue fled.


    His back straightened.


    Against the fountain, Paul shuddered as greying, mmy flesh returned to normal. Poison boiled from his festering wound, closing in an instant, leaving only healthy skin behind.


    rity returned to the guard¡¯s eyes as he sprang to his feet.


    ¡°Oh, by the Traveller,¡± he whispered. ¡°I¡¯m alive! I¡¯m going to live!¡±


    ¡°You have my blessing, now and always,¡± the Traveller whispered. ¡°Now I must go, much of Thamnd still needs my help. Have faith in the Heroes, children of Thamnd. All will be well.¡±


    As she vanished, an ted cry rose in Alric, one filled with newfound hope.


    Peter and Paul looked at each other, relieved.


    Both were speechless.


    Birger whipped a stone into the tunnel, watching it strike a bone-charger, cracking its skull.


    But, there were dozens more spawn where that one came from.


    The tunnel ahead was overrun with Ravener-spawn, and the warriors of Greymoor were desperately fighting them.


    ¡°Well, Kelda,¡± Birger muttered. ¡°If your soul was still whole, I think I¡¯d be meeting you in the after-world soon enough. Traveller, just make sure my son stays safe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do,¡± a woman whispered beside him.


    Light zed through the tunnel and the horde of monsters disappeared.


    Birger slowly turned, holy light washing over him.


    But the woman¡ªif there <em>had</em> been a woman beside him¡ªwas gone, leaving holy radiance where she¡¯d just been.


    ¡°What in all the hells?¡± he wondered aloud. ¡°What was that?¡±


    He turned to two of hispanions.


    Svenia looked as though she¡¯d seen a ghost.


    Hogarth¡¯s mouth was opening and closing like a dying fish. ¡°Think¡­think maybe we just saw a miracle?¡±


    Kybas red at the empty tunnel in front of him, hands on his hips.


    Nearby, Harmless growled, snapping at the air with reptilian eyes rolling in annoyance.


    ¡°I know, that <em>was </em>rude! Somedy just came and took away your dinner!¡± the little goblinined.


    Ripp stared at him. ¡°Y¡¯know, I think I¡¯m fine with this development. They can <em>all</em> disappear for all I care. After this, <em>I</em> might disappear: maybe I¡¯ll retire.¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s remarkable,¡± Hobb muttered, watching the sted wastnd beyond the Castle walls.


    The dusty in was piled high with Ravener-spawn bodies.


    Many had been reduced to primordial ooze at the greater shoggoth¡¯s touch.


    Others had been destroyed by the Watchers¡¯ powerful spells.


    And, among them, were hordes of monsters that Hobb had done¡­unspeakable things to.


    Professor Jules was quite sure she¡¯d have nightmares for years after witnessing his work.


    ¡°What¡¯s remarkable?¡± she asked, dly looking away from the devastated Ravener-spawn.


    ¡°That divine energy. It¡¯s unmistakably palpable in the air all around here,¡± Hobb said, looking around in curiosity. His nostrils red as he took a deep breath. ¡°It¡¯s fresh and pure, too. ¡­like that of a newborn godling, untainted by the endless passing of time, or the selfish paranoia of older deities.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± Gemini asked.


    Professor Jules frowned. ¡°I wonder¡ª¡±


    ¡°The Ravener-spawn!¡± someone shouted from the courtyard. ¡°Many just vanished from the tunnels below the Castle! It¡¯s¡­there was a woman and¡­I¡¯ve never seen anything like¡ªLook, she¡¯s over there!¡±


    ¡°Ah, and the newborn appears.¡± Hobb¡¯s eyes red with interest.


    Professor Jules followed his gaze.


    She gasped.


    Floating above the aeld tree in the middle of the courtyard was a woman in white robes with long ck hair.


    A woman simr to an image she¡¯d seen in old Thameish books.


    ¡°The Traveller¡­¡± the professor whispered. ¡°I¡­Alex did it. He really bloody-well did it. All of Thamnd did.¡±


    Hobb looked sharply at Jules. ¡°Did what?¡±


    Professor Jules¡¯ eyes fixed on the silent goddess. ¡°They helped bring a goddess from the after-world.¡±


    ¡°They did <em>what</em>?¡± Hobb demanded, his red eyes growing wide as he looked down at the goddess.


    His expression changed, watching her as though he was looking through her¡­as though he was trying to see something else.


    ¡°The after-world? But¡­the veil between this world and the after-world¡­¡± he trailed off. ¡°This changes things. It changes many, many things.¡±


    As he said those words, the ¡®newborn¡¯ goddess opened her eyes, they zed like miniature suns. ¡°Like me, you¡¯ve alle from far away to defend Thamnd. I can never thank you enough for this.¡±


    She waved her hand, divine light emanating from her. Radiance washed over the Castle, touching every living soul, wrapping them in nimbuses of divine power.


    ¡°You all have my blessing,¡± she said, her voice cutting through the din of battle. ¡°And my protection.¡±


    She paused, looking down at the glowing aeld tree below her. She smiled.


    ¡°If that is what you want,¡± she said.


    Raising a hand, she grasped the air.


    Several aeld leaves shuddered on the tree¡¯s branches, before detaching and flying in a swarm to the goddess¡¯ hand. They whirled around it, forming a circle like a miniature tornado, weaving together¡­


    ¡­taking the shape of antern.


    The Traveller touched the newntern to the other one she was holding, and fire leapt from onentern to the other.


    With new life, the second me zed in the leafntern¡ªnot burning the leaves in the least¡ªas the Traveller reached down, fixing the light to a tree branch.


    ¡°You will carry my blessing, little one,¡± she whispered. ¡°And it will strengthen your own power.¡± Her attention turned to the residents of Greymoor. ¡°You are now under this aeld tree¡¯s protection and mine as well. You will enjoy increased fortune¡­but your enemies will suffer great misfortune. Your kindness has made the aeld grateful to you, and I have given it the power to protect you as you have protected it.¡±


    She took a deep breath. ¡°I must go now. I am needed elsewhere. May you all be safe until this is done.¡±


    With that, the goddess vanished.


    Councillor Kartika¡¯s jaw hung open. ¡°What did we just see?¡±


    ¡°The birth of a young goddess,¡± Hobb mused. ¡°One who should be careful.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡± Professor Jules asked.


    ¡°Because she is young,¡± the devil said. ¡°And I sense that she has already used much of her power. If she is not careful, she will exhaust herself in ways that only deities truly <em>can</em> be exhausted. But still, she is providing much to thesends. The mana of your enemy is not deepening<strong></strong>as quickly now.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Professor Jules said. ¡°Then there¡¯s more time. More time for our young friends to finish this¡­and a greater chance for all of them toe back alive.¡±

 Chapter 882: New Frontiers of the Travellers Power

    Chapter 882: New Frontiers of the Traveller''s Power


    Alexander Roth¡¯s soul abruptly returned to his body like aet plunging into the sea.


    His soul <em>swelled</em> with Hannah¡¯s power, great amounts of her energy flowing in by the instant. It flooded in, radiating through every fibre, pore and cell, sparking his mind, his thoughts. When he opened his eyes, it wasn¡¯t just to the confinement of the area between the two divine wards in the Fae lord¡¯s throne room¡­it was to the universe itself.


    For a moment, he was nowhere, yet<em> everywhere.</em>


    Witnessing endless vistas.


    Hearing endless sounds.


    Smelling endless scents.


    Feeling and tasting everything.


    And as he finally awoke, truly awoke, the power settled in, deep within the centre of his soul.


    ¡°Alex! Can you hear me? Are you alright?¡± Merzhin was standing over him. ¡°You just dropped like a puppet with cut strings. I thought something awful had happened to you!¡±The priest looked panicked. ¡°The potion-mist, it¡¯s fading. Aenflynn¡¯s distracted by Baelin again, but who knows for how long! And¡­and I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯m still having trouble getting through this damnable barrier! The ward is too strong.¡±


    Alex smiled. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry about that.¡±


    The General of Thamnd teleported from t on his back to being up on his feet without having to think about it.


    ¡°Yessssss,¡± he whispered as Merzhin kept watching him.


    That act of teleporting had been as easy as breathing for Alex, as easy as instinct.


    What he¡¯d done when he was near death had been unusual, but now that Hannah was back in the material world with her full power¡­there were <em>new</em> limits to what he¡¯d be able to do.


    Limits he was eager to test.


    But, there were more pressing things to do first.


    ¡°Merzhin,¡± Alex looked at the Saint slyly. ¡°You might want to look through the potion-mist. That area looks clear enough. I think she¡¯s going to be pretty annoyed if you don¡¯t greet her.¡±


    The young priest looked at Alex as if he¡¯d lost his mind. ¡°What are you talking about? Who¡¯s she? I don¡¯t¡ª¡±


    His words fell away as a holy light grew outside the outer divine ward.


    ¡°<em>What</em>?¡± Aenflynn¡¯s voice suddenly cried. ¡°<em>Who are you</em>?¡±


    The potion mist continued dissipating.


    Merzhin gasped.


    ¡°I-is that?¡± the Saint stammered. ¡°I-it can¡¯t be!¡±


    White robes were revealed slowly, followed by wings burning with chaos-tinged me. A glowing halo appeared soon after, shining above a head of dirty blonde hair.


    And finally, that face.


    That kind face.


    That familiar face.


    ¡°Hello Merzhin,¡± Carey said. ¡°Been ever so long, hasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Ca-carey!¡± Tears immediately sprang to Merzhin¡¯s eyes. ¡°It¡¯s you! You¡¯re here!¡±


    <em>¡°What in the name of Och-Fir-Nog is a Carey?¡± </em>Aenflynn¡¯s effigy snarled. <em>¡°And why does it smell of divine energy? Get out! Guards, destroy her!¡±</em>


    Fae guards beyond the divine barrier turned, lunging for Carey.


    She fixed them with a chilly re. ¡°Away with you.¡±


    me shimmered in her wings, ring up.


    Guards flinched from the radiance¡­but, toote.


    Like ice on a frozen pond, cracks appeared along the fae knights¡¯ flesh, running through it as though they were being split apart, and within each crack, was neither flesh nor bone.


    Reced instead by the zing light of chaos explosions.


    ¡°N-no!¡± a fae knight screamed. ¡°Mercy, m-make it stop! Make it¡ª¡±


    Her body exploded in a perfect cylinder of chaos-tinged me, leaving a ck stain marring the castle floor.


    The rest followed in a chain, exploding into nothingness, not leaving even a trace of dust behind.


    In heartbeats, the chamber was empty of Aenflynn¡¯s guards.


    Silence followed.


    Aenflynn¡¯s effigy quickly turned away from where his mighty knights once stood, and faced the transformed young woman.


    <em>¡°Nevermind, I¡¯ll do it myself!¡± </em>he snarled. ¡°<em>You¡¯re gone! This situatio¡ªOooarrfg!¡±</em>


    The effigy suddenly spun around, holding its side as though protecting it from a heavy blow.


    Outside, thunder shook the sky.


    ¡°You know, I do believe this was a <em>very</em> poor tactical decision on your part,¡± the archwizard said from behind his mask.


    Aenflynn spun through the sky, desperately healing his broken rib with a pained whistle.


    ¡°Away, you old goat!¡± the Fae lord snapped. ¡°Something has happened, and I have no more time for you!¡±


    ¡°Hah! You are immortal, and so am I!¡± the archwizardughed darkly. ¡°We have all the time in the universe!¡±


    He teleported, appearing in front of the Fae lord, who was hissing at him, whistling harshly.


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    Divine power sted from his body, striking the ancient beastman in a wave. He raised his sword, driving the divinity washed de straight¡­


    ¡­only for both sword and wave of power to be blocked by the wizard¡¯s armour.


    The goatman¡¯s hammer struck first, directly into the fae¡¯s gut.


    Aenflynn doubled over.


    ¡°Pay attention, child,¡± the archwizard warned. ¡°You are acting as though you haven¡¯t held a sword in a thousand years. Stop being distracted, or I <em>will </em>kill you.¡±


    ¡°Begone!¡± Aenflynn shouted, his voice bordering on hysteria.


    ¡°That¡¯s the way,¡± the ancient beastman replied. ¡°Fight me with everything you have.¡±


    The heavens shook at their shing.


    Inside Aenflynn¡¯s castle, the Fae lord¡¯s effigy fell silent once again.


    Alex smiled. ¡°That¡¯s right, Baelin, mess him up.¡±


    Carey looked at Merzhin closely. ¡°Merzhin, we don¡¯t have much time: these barriers must be shattered. You are the only one who can do it; your divinity and connection to Uldar makes you uniquely suited to this.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± the Saint lookedpletely overwhelmed. He shook himself, standing to his full height. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can.¡±


    ¡°<em>We</em> can.¡± Carey¡¯s voice was like steel. ¡°I am going to channel the Traveller¡¯s divine energy into you, and together, with our divine mightbined, I know you can do it.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t know if I can¡ª¡± Merzhin repeated.


    Carey fixed him with a stern look. ¡°It is not about <em>can</em> or <em>cannot</em>. We simply <em>must.</em>¡±


    Alex ced a hand on Merzhin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°This is it. The Traveller¡¯s back, and you have ess to her divinity. Just like I have ess to her power.¡±


    The young archwizard looked at the outer barrier. ¡°There¡¯s new limits to what we can do. And I want to test those limits. Like so.¡±


    Alex closed his eyes, channelling the Traveller¡¯s power.


    It flowed through him with full force, filling him in body and soul.


    Power sparked through every fibre of his being¡­and he felt his very being spreading out over space.


    He called on the Mark of the General, focusing on the task of breaking through the barrier.


    Every stream of consciousness focused, calling up memories of every act of teleportation he¡¯d ever done.


    Memories unfolded in a stream, flowing through his mind, streams of consciousness examining everything he¡¯d done right and wrong. The world slowed around him, and his mind sorted through each mistake he made teleporting in the past.


    Hannah¡¯s power soared inside him as he reached greater understanding.


    The Mark of the General focused attention on two specific memories.


    The first was when he¡¯d teleported to Merzhin when he was near death.


    The second was when he and the Traveller reached each other across the veil of life and death. Images of his parents rose in his thoughts, crystal clear among the hazy memories of the after-world.


    He had seen them.


    He had seen them in the after-world.


    And if he could travel¡ªin that moment¡ªacross the veil of life and death¡ª


    ¡®Then how can the stolen power of a <em>dead</em> god trap me?¡¯ he thought.


    Hannah¡¯s power surged.


    Every fibre of his being reverberated.


    His soul felt as though the universe was calling to him.


    Then he was gone, teleporting away, travelling through time and space, and appearing outside the divine ward.


    ¡°<em>How</em>?¡± Aenflynn¡¯s effigy barked. Another roll of thunder crashed outside, stunning the stone statue into silence.


    Through the window, Alex could hear Baelin¡¯s voice echoing through skies outside: ¡°<em>Focus!¡± </em>the archwizard said to his opponent.


    Merzhin looked at Alex, stunned.


    ¡°See? It¡¯s like I said, new limits, and if I could get past the outer barrier, you can break through the inner one.¡± Alex told him.


    ¡°I¨Cbut, the inner barrier is much stronger than the outer one and¡­¡± the Saint stopped. ¡°Nevermind. You are both right. It is not a matter of <em>can</em>.¡±


    The Saint turned toward the inner barrier, raising both hands.


    ¡°It is a matter of <em>must.¡±</em>


    He began praying, his voice echoing through the chamber.


    Power gathered around him like aing storm.


    Carey nced at Alex<strong>.</strong> ¡°You look rather¡­steely...¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± he looked down at himself, realising he was still under Steel Body¡¯s effects. ¡°Oh yeah. It¡¯s a new spell,¡± he exined, looking up at her.


    There were so many things he wanted to say¡­but there wasn¡¯t time now.


    ¡°Carey¡­I¡¯m d you¡¯re with us, and what about Hannah, how¡¯s she doing?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°She is defending Thamnd right now, and fighting with all of her might,¡± Carey said. ¡°However, she <em>just</em> broke through the veil between life and death. Or, rather, she travelled between it, which took a lot of strength, and I don¡¯t know how long she can defend <em>all</em> of Thamnd because of that.¡±


    ¡°<em>What are you babbling about?¡±</em> Aenflynn¡¯s effigy red at them. ¡°<em>You¡ª¡±</em>


    Alex turned to the effigy, fixing it with a re. ¡°<em>Focus,¡±</em> was all he said.


    ¡°<em>Wha¡ª¡±</em> Aenflynn¡¯s effigy started to say.


    The young archwizard called on the Traveller¡¯s power and the Mark of the General.


    Streams of consciousness brought images to him of when he¡¯d used teleportation for the purpose of attacking:


    Of when he teleported Kaz-Mowang into the path of ygon and Kyembe¡¯s fire beams. Of when he¡¯d teleported Gabrian¡¯s arm off his body. Of when he teleported the First Apostle¡¯s head off.


    Back then, he needed to <em>touch</em> an object to teleport it.


    But now¡­now there was no veil of life and death between him and the <em>source</em> of his teleportation power.


    Hannah¡¯s power surged within him.


    He didn¡¯t move.


    He didn¡¯t have to touch Aenflynn¡¯s effigy.


    <em>¡°What is this¡ª¡± </em>The effigy¡¯s movements went rigid, even its power of speech failed.


    Alex felt an ancient will push back on his mind.


    The General of Thamnd called on both the Traveller¡¯s power and his Mark, flowing through different images of past teleportations. Gabrian and Yantrahpretaye¡­they¡¯d resisted him too.


    Aenflynn was stronger than they were, but this was only an effigy.


    And Alex wasn¡¯t about to let a stone puppet stand against him.


    The power flowed from his soul, finding the shard of the Fae lord¡¯s will and power within the effigy, strangling it, seizing control of the stone likeness and teleporting the figure across Och Fir Nog in ten thousand pieces, spreading them throughout the realm.


    From outside, Alex could hear Aenflynn¡¯s scream.


    Carey looked shocked. ¡°My goodness. You¡¯ve¡­gotten quite good with that, and so quickly.¡±


    ¡°It felt good too,¡± Alex smiled at that, then looked at Merzhin. ¡°But if Aenflynn gets a chance, he¡¯ll make another effigy.¡±


    ¡°I can stay with Merzhin,¡± Carey said. ¡°You should go. This won¡¯t end unless the Ravener¡¯s destroyed.¡±


    ¡°I know that you¡¯re right,¡± Alex said, clenching his metal fists. ¡°But¡­there¡¯s so much to do. I don¡¯t want to leave you two alone, Hannah could use some help in Thamnd, and the Ravener needs to be stopped. That¡¯s a lot.¡±


    ¡°I know, but you cannot be in more than one ce at a time,¡± Carey said regretfully. ¡°Even Hannah cannot do that.¡±


    Being in more than one ce at a time.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time that thought had urred to him.


    But it was silly.


    Nothing could be in more than one ce at once.


    If Hannah couldn¡¯t and Kelda couldn¡¯t, then how could¡ª


    That thought cut off.


    His mind returned to when he was in the Irtyshenan Empire searching for Kelda¡¯s sanctum with Bjorgrund and Birger:


    <em>¡°Kelda¡¯s sanctum is supposed to be in one of four ces, right?¡± </em>he¡¯d asked. <em>¡°Yet we¡ªand who knows how many other people over the centuries have been looking for it¡ªhave never found it.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°So, are you thinking it''s not in any of those four ces?¡±</em> Bjorgrund had asked him.


    <em>¡°No! Quite the opposite, I think it''s in all of those ces!¡± </em>Alex had told him, excitedly. <em>¡°What if the sanctum moves? What if it moves like we move? What if it moves by teleporting from ce to ce? One time it''s in the forest¡ª¡± </em>He¡¯d pointed to the first indentation. His finger had shifted to another. <em>¡°¡ªthe next, it''s in the mountains, then on the tundra, and then it''s on the ind! It could move to another ce every time someone''s getting too close to it, or maybe it just moves constantly!¡±</em>


    Alex had continued.


    <em>¡°...maybe it''s moving so constantly, that I just couldn''t feel it¡­ It''s harder to see something that¡¯s moving really fast, right? And with the Traveller¡¯s power, you can be gone in an instant. In a heartbeat, it could be in a different ce in any one of those locations.¡±</em>


    And what had happened next?


    He¡¯d found Kelda¡¯s sanctum, and it had felt like it was in four ces at once¡­while being in none at the same time.


    He remembered something Baelin had once told him:


    <em>¡°Distance is a manacle, my young friend, just as much as time or mortality. But¡ªthankfully¡ªwizardry has had far more sesses when ites to defeating distance.¡±</em>


    And what was the Traveller¡¯s power if it wasn¡¯t a mastery of distance? Of space itself.


    Kelda had shown him that through what she¡¯d done with her sanctum.


    ¡®But can I do it?¡¯ he wondered.


    He paused, suddenly beginning tough.


    ¡°Carey, you know what, you were right,¡± he said.


    ¡°About what?¡± she asked.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about <em>can,</em>¡± he nodded, as if confirming his thought. ¡°It¡¯s about <em>must.¡±</em>

 Chapter 883: A Mastery of Space

    Chapter 883: A Mastery of Space


    What <em>was</em> the Traveller¡¯s power?


    On the surface, it was teleportation: transporting oneself instantly from one ce to another.


    But was that <em>truly</em> the core of Hannah¡¯s power?


    Alex doubted that it was; the Traveller¡¯s power wasn¡¯t <em>just</em> about teleportation. Before he¡¯d even used her strength to teleport himself, it had enhanced any teleportation spell that was cast on him, and it had improved the strength of his summoning spells, allowing him to call creatures across the boundaries between nes with ease, even from the beginnings of him using summoning.


    Hannah and Kelda had used it to create permanent portals, and the Saint of Alric had even made her energies hostile to Ravener-spawn, letting it melt them if they so much as <em>touched</em> one of the portals in her Cave.


    Those things went <em>beyond</em> teleportation.


    ¡®Hannah was able to use her power to cross between the boundary of life and death,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®And from what Baelin said, that¡¯s supposed to be impossible, even for gods. Yet, Hannah could transport herself and Carey back to the material world by using my soul as a beacon. She could <em>travel</em> between the boundaries of life and death.¡¯


    Even as one stream of consciousness worked through his understanding of Hannah¡¯s power, the others were absorbing the guidance that the Mark of the General was providing.


    The Mark pointed out subtle ways that the Traveller¡¯s power helped him when he cast summoning spells, and he thought about how Kelda¡¯s sanctum moved so quickly that it appeared to be in four locations at once¡­¡­and yet none of them at once.


    ¡®Kelda¡¯s sanctum was moving so fast that it <em>could </em>be in multiple ces at once,¡¯ he thought. ¡®It existed in <em>four</em> locations and yet it wasn¡¯t truly in any <em>one</em> of them. That¡¯s not just teleportation. That¡¯s more like mastery of space and distance.¡¯


    Alex focused on that thought, the Mark was guiding him; pointing out even the most subtle pulse of energy each time he¡¯d channelled Hannah¡¯s power.


    Concentrating on when he¡¯d connected that power to Kelda¡¯s sanctum, something that was in multiple ces at once.


    ¡®What does a mastery of space mean?¡¯ he thought, the power effortlessly flowing through him. ¡®It means I can be anywhere, and go to any ce. Barriers mean nothing. I can escape any prison and beat any trap by willing myself to be somewhere else. I can be nowhere in space. I can be everywhere in space. But I don¡¯t <em>have</em> to be everywhere.¡¯


    Alex focused on the things he had to do and where he was needed most.


    Merzhin needed him to be by his side to help and protect him from Aenflynn.


    He was needed in Thamnd, to help Hannah fight the tides of monsters that were destroying their home.


    He was needed in the Ravener¡¯s cavern, there with his friends, battling the construct, keeping it tied up.


    And¡­he also needed to be <em>inside</em> the Ravener, shutting it down, permanently. Four ces,¡¯ he thought. ¡®Just like Kelda¡¯s sanctum: four ces at once. I bet I can do that. I<em> have</em> to<em></em>do it.¡¯


    Hannah¡¯s power was like a song singing in his soul.


    And it was time for that song to reach a crescendo.


    Concentrating with every stream of consciousness, Alex teleported across the room.


    Then teleported again, this time back to the Ravener¡¯s cavern.


    Battle raged through the gloomy cave, Alex¡¯spanions were struggling against the unyielding construct and its hordes of monsters. Hart and Asmaldestre were attacking the floating orb, while their otherpanions were taking on its seemingly endless armies.


    Suddenly, he felt its attention shift to him.


    ¡°<em>What are¡­?¡±</em> it started.


    He was gone before it could say another word.


    His being hurtled through space, passing between nes, bypassing the barrier between the material world and the fae wild as easily as crossing a room.


    He manifested above the city of Ussex.


    Below, the capital burned as the Thameish army and Alex¡¯s mercenaries¡ªall zing with divine blessings¡ªfought a horde of Ravener-spawn.


    Far away, Alex could feel Hannah teleporting from ce to ce across Thamnd. Through their connection, images of her shed through his mind; she was using her power to hurl hordes of Ravener-spawn across the stars, sending them burning up in the light of a distant sun.


    But Carey was right.


    Hannah was using oceans of divinity to bless and heal any mortal she came across, while destroying spawn.


    She needed help.


    And he would provide it.


    Concentrating, the General teleported back to the throne room in Aenflynn¡¯s castle.


    In the heartbeat Alex had been gone, Carey had teleported through the outer divine ward to the Saint¡¯s side and was pressing her hands to his back, helping him, channelling Hannah¡¯s divinity directly into him.


    An aura of awesome power was building up around the Saint.


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    But Alex couldn¡¯t focus on that now.


    The Mark of the General showed him what he could use from teleporting to the Ravener¡¯s cavern, then the capitol of Thamnd.


    And he learned.


    And he thought.


    And he adapted.


    He cast invisibility magic on himself, then teleported again.


    First, to the Ravener¡¯s cavern.


    An instantter, to the skies above Ussex.


    Then back to Aenflynn¡¯s castle.


    Another moment was spent considering the guidance of the Mark of the General. Then, he was gone again.


    Teleporting to the Ravener¡¯s cavern.


    Then the skies over Ussex.


    Then Aenflynn¡¯s castle.


    Another pause to consider information from the Mark.


    He started again.


    Away to the Ravener¡¯s cavern.


    Then the skies of Ussex.


    Then Aenflynn¡¯s castle.


    And again.


    Ravener¡¯s cavern.


    Skies of Ussex.


    Aenflynn¡¯s castle.


    Faster.


    Ravener¡¯s cavern.


    Skies of Ussex.


    Aenflynn¡¯s castle.


    Ravener¡¯s cavern.


    Skies of Ussex.


    Aenflynn¡¯s castle.


    Ravener¡¯s cavern.


    Skies of Ussex.


    Aenflynn¡¯s castle.


    The sights changed in rapid session around him, shifting from the dark cavern, to a morning sky, to a divinity-lit chamber. Everything began blending together as he teleported from ce to ce, moving faster and faster.


    Light, sound and colour became indistinct; blending motion, distance and space. The Mark of the General guided him. Hannah¡¯s power sang to him. Kelda¡¯s sanctum served as his example. Then there was the Whetstone tavern, vanishing and appearing across the cosmos.


    He reached into his satchel, gripping Kelda¡¯s coin.


    He quickly teleported between spaces.


    Faster.


    His surroundings became an iprehensible blur of one space bleeding into another. He was teleporting so quickly that¡ªin each passing instant¡ªhe was in a different ce.


    His brain began aching; he was teleporting faster, feeling like his vision was seeing from three sets of eyes, instantly feeding him different information. Three sets of ears. Three senses of smell. Skin feeling the stifling, smoke-filled wind above Ussex, the stone-dust choked air in the Ravener¡¯s cavern, or the coolness of Aenflynn¡¯s castle.


    Alex¡¯s mind fought to define the bombardment of sensory informationing at him, but he couldn¡¯t, it was all blending, turning to nonsense in his brain; human eyes weren¡¯t meant to take in multiple ces at once, not with rity¡­and not like this.


    But, there was a solution for it.


    Taking control of three individual streams of consciousness, he focused each one on perceiving even the slightest nuance of a particr location.


    Abruptly, the blurring stopped.


    His mind throbbed from the strain, feeling as if it had nearly fragmented, but the distortion cleared; the blur of light, sound and motion righted itself, and suddenly his awareness was defined: he could see, hear, smell, feel and taste from three sets of senses at once.


    He called on the Mark of the General, focusing it on organising the information, on smoothing<strong></strongmunication between his streams of consciousness. Sensation from three different ces filtered through the individual streams, organising themselves separately in his mind.


    In a way, it was the same as receiving images from the Mark, and he had always experienced them while being aware of the world around him.


    ¡®Close,¡¯ he thought, ¡®I¡¯m so close.¡¯


    His teleportation sped up.


    Increasing.


    When all at once¡­something dawned on him, he was going about trying to achieve his goal in the wrong way.


    ¡®It¡¯s not about teleporting <em>faster</em>¡­it¡¯s not about teleportation. I think it¡¯s about the mastery of space,¡¯ he thought. ¡®So, instead of teleporting multiple times in a heartbeat, the power should be in a constant flow. And if it¡¯s constant, then¡­¡¯


    The thought was like a key turning in a lock.


    Hannah¡¯s power released, flooding through the young archwizard¡¯s soul.


    And the General of Thamnd achieved what he¡¯d witnessed Kelda¡¯s sanctum do.


    Smoky skies over Ussex.


    The darkness of the Ravener¡¯s cavern.


    The stone in Aenflynn¡¯s castle.


    All three ces faced him at the same time.


    It wasn¡¯t that he¡¯d split himself in three. No. He was one body. One soul. Yet, in three ces at once.


    He floated above the ground in all three locations, in awe of what he¡¯d done.


    ¡®You did it,¡¯ he thought. ¡®You actually did it.¡¯


    He took a deep breath, concentrating. ¡®Now for the next part.¡¯


    A stream of consciousness focused on his left arm.


    He raised it.


    And¡ªin all three locations¡ªhis left arm rose. It was still the same body, after all.


    ¡®But that doesn¡¯t have to be the case,¡¯ he thought. ¡®If Kelda¡¯s sanctum could be in four ces at once. And if I¡¯m in <em>three</em> ces at once. Then¡­there¡¯s no reason why my arm can¡¯t be in <em>one</em> position in one ce and in <em>another</em> position in another. I can raise my left arm in one ce, and lower it in another. I have one body, but in three ces. One person in three different points in space. Why not one person in three different positions? Try it. Move your left arm. Raise it in Thamnd, and lower it in Och Fir Nog.¡¯


    Alex concentrated, pushing his thoughts to the limit. One stream of consciousness focused on raising his left arm in Thamnd.


    Another focused on lowering it in Aenflynn¡¯s castle.


    ¡®One body. Multiple ces,¡¯ he thought. ¡®One body, multiple positions. Adapt to that. Think about it. Adapt to it. It¡¯s not that hard to do. The hard part is already done. You can do this. You can do it.¡¯


    His streams of consciousness were focused on his body.


    On raising his left arm in one location.


    And lowering it in another.


    The sensation¡­was the strangest one Alex had ever felt.


    He could feel his muscles contracting in opposite directions; in one ce his shoulder was rising, and in the other, the same shoulder was dropping toward his side.


    ¡®You <em>can</em><strong></strong>be in more than one ce at once,¡¯ he thought. ¡®And that can mean more than one position at once. It¡¯s possible. You¡¯re doing it right now. Kelda did something simr with her sanctum; when you were in there, you were in four different ces at once. This isn¡¯t that different. Think about all the movements you¡¯ve mastered¡­how you¡¯ve mastered every muscle in your body. You have multiple streams of consciousness, each controlling your body in a different location. Each one changing your position at will. At the same time.¡¯


    He called on the Mark of the General, and as he concentrated, it guided him.


    His arm slowly rose in Thamnd, even as it lowered in Och Fir Nog.


    ¡®More,¡¯ he thought.


    He began floating forward through the sky in Thamnd.


    In Och Fir Nog, he moved upward.


    In the Ravener¡¯s cavern, he floated downward.


    Alex was invisible in all three locations¡ªthe magic from the spell affected his body in all three ces¡ªand he remained quiet. As heartbeats passed, he called on the Mark of the General, it focused on his previous sesses, pointing out what he¡¯d done wrong.


    He learned quickly, mastering his own body in new ways, within seconds.


    With every heartbeat he improved.


    His movements grew quicker.


    Smoother.


    More coordinated.


    He was adapting to the sensory input from three different locations at once, and his streams of consciousness were quickly bing adept at simultaneously moving his body in different ways, in each ce.


    It was almost as if he¡¯d be three different people¡­and yet they were all Alex. One body. One soul. In three different ces. Taking up three different positions.


    ¡®Three different battles,¡¯ he thought.


    Hannah¡¯s power flowed between each ce in perfect harmony.


    Soon¡­


    ¡®I¡¯m ready,¡¯ he realised.


    In the skies over Ussex, in the castle in Och Fir Nog and in the Ravener¡¯sir deep below ground, the General of Thamnd could be found.


    If three people viewed him with true seeing, piercing his invisibility spell, they would find him moving in different ways.


    But in each location, his face would be wearing the same expression:


    A mixture of towering determination¡­and unshakable confidence.


    ¡®Now, there¡¯s still a lot to do,¡¯ he thought.


    One pair of eyes took in the Ravener.


    ¡®ces I need to be. People I need to help.¡¯


    One pair of ears heard the crackle of fire below him in Ussex. Fires that burned all across Thamnd.


    ¡®And there¡¯s something I have to help get rid of.¡¯


    Cool wind blew across his skin in Aenflynn¡¯s sanctum as divine power built around Merzhin.


    ¡®Time to turn this around. It''s time to finish this.¡¯

 Chapter 884: Breach

    Chapter 884: Breach


    Alex Roth, General of Thamnd looked over three different scenes.


    In one, Merzhin was struggling with the divine ward around Uldar¡¯s throne.


    In another, the Ravener was battling his friends in itsir.


    And in the third, monsters were spreading across Thamnd, bringing chaos and death to the kingdom.


    So, he got to work.


    Channelling the power of the Traveller, the Mark of the General, his streams of consciousness, and all he¡¯d learned since the auspicious day he¡¯d left Alric with his family, he set about making things right.


    Simultaneously, though in three different ces, Alex got to work.


    In Aenflynn¡¯s castle he teleported to Merzhin, examining the divine ward closely. The Saint¡¯s head was bowed in concentration, while Carey poured power into his soul.


    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± Alex said.Carey startled. ¡°Where are you? What have you done?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s better if I¡¯m invisible for now,¡± he said.


    ¡°No, not that part,¡± she shook her head. ¡°Though you did startle me. No, it¡¯s more than that. You¡­what did¡ªHannah¡¯s power, I can feel it in you but in a way, it feels different¡­in her name, what ever have you done, Alex?¡±


    ¡°Adapted,¡± he said. ¡°In short, I¡¯m in three different ces right now.¡±


    Within the Ravener¡¯s cavern, he studied the construct. ¡°And soon, I¡¯ll be in four.¡±


    ¡°I am not sure I quite understand what you mean,¡± Carey said. ¡°But¡­I do feel the energy within you¡­though, it¡¯s as if you are both here and far away. It¡¯s quite remarkable.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m going to use it to do as much as I can in as many ces as I can.¡± Alex looked at the divine ward. Merzhin was so deep in prayer; he was oblivious to their conversation.


    The General of Thamnd didn¡¯t want to interrupt him, instead, he continued his conversation with Carey. ¡°Listen, I¡¯m going to focus on the ward. I want to see if I can use Hannah¡¯s power to try and teleport some of Uldar¡¯s energy away. I¡¯m not sure it¡¯ll work, but it¡¯s worth a try. If it does, it <em>could</em> weaken the ward enough for Merzhin to get through it.¡±


    ¡°It might work, I think,¡± Carey said. ¡°And I¡¯ll keep empowering Merzhin, and maybe together, we¡¯ll get through.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but we¡¯d better hurry.¡± Alex listened for explosions outside. ¡°Sounds like Baelin¡¯s still got Aenflynn¡¯s attention, but, the bastard¡¯s still dangerous. I¡¯ll focus on trying to teleport away the divine energy as fast as I can.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure you can give this problem with the ward your full attention?¡± Carey asked. ¡°We do have a lot to do.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Alex focused on the divine ward, a stream of consciousness channelling Hannah¡¯s power. ¡°I¡¯ll give it all I can.¡± Alex said, dispelling Steel Body.


    He needed to have his mana flowing freely for what he was about to do.


    ¡°I can also help us by starving the Ravener.¡±


    At the same time that he was channelling power, looking to break through the resistance from the divine ward, the General of Thamnd was also floating above a sea of devastation in Thamnd. A single stream of consciousness was guiding him in the material world, engaging with a spell.


    He cast Army of Heroes over Ussex again, joining it with Hannah¡¯s blessing.


    Alex teleported across thend then, searching for settlements and soldiers. Over every group he found, he would cast Army of Heroes.


    Courage returned to the defenders of Thamnd¡­while at the same time the Ravener was facing new problems within itsir.


    ¡®<em>Something is wrong!¡¯</em> the Ravener thought. ¡®<em>Very wrong!</em>¡¯


    Channelling its inner energies, it threw magic, monsters, death beams, poisons¡­everything it had at the mortals battling it.


    And yet¡­they fought on¡­refusing to¡­die!


    The Champion of Thamnd and the strange interloper with her many arms, stalked and attacked it like a pair of starving wolves.


    Both teamed up, their aggressiveness high, not giving it even a heartbeat to gather its thoughts. If it had lungs, it wouldn¡¯t have had a single chance to <em>breathe</em> under their onught.


    The Champion swung Uldar¡¯s sword, cutting through its deadly, protective cage. His every sh grew more precise with each swing. The powerful warrior was learning how Uldar¡¯s construct fought, exploiting any weaknesses, distracting it, doing terrible damage each time its focus left him.


    The culmination of thousands of years ofbat experience had been brought back to its full potential in Hart, by the General of Thamnd.


    The Ravener¡¯s other opponent could never be called a minor threat either.


    The six-armed, four-legged entity was quick, strong, and bristled with divine weapons andmanded an inner destructive energy that would punch <em>deep</em> into the construct each time she struck. It could not ignore the <em>way</em> she fought.


    As the battle yed out, a distinct¡­rhythm appeared in herbat style; it was like she was drawing it into a cadence of violence and carnage that was her ultimate goal, leaving it increasingly vulnerable to her attacks.


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    She¡¯d been struck many times by the searing death beams, but¡ªeven though<strong></strong>open wounds and burns umted on her body¡ªshe simplyughed and threw herself at it with greater enthusiasm, speed and violence.


    And yet, as terrible as the two warriors were, they couldn¡¯t hold the Ravener¡¯s full attention.


    Nor could the other mortals; as devastating as they were.


    The Sage and Chosen destroyed Ravener-spawn by the horde, all while he channelled divinity, healing his ally¡¯s wounds and fighting off the worst of the Ravener¡¯s magics.


    Wizards were using magic, supporting their allies, while warriors were cutting through its servants.


    That golem could not be forgotten¡ªits energy was so simr to the Ravener¡¯s own, yet so different¡ªwielding its fists, war-spear and fire beams. Apart from a few scratches on its metal surface, none of the spawn had damaged it.


    But, neither the golem nor the mortals were the true source of its growing distress.


    ¡®<em>I can sense the former Fool,¡¯</em> it thought, trying to find him with its senses. ¡®<em>That Usurper is here¡­yet¡­it feels like he is not here. And I sense him elsewhere too! How can this be? Are they using some foul magic to confound my senses?¡¯</em>


    It desperately wanted to find him¡ªespecially if he was here in itsir¡ªbut the thrice-damned mortals were not letting up, not giving it a moment to truly concentrate.


    And making things worse¡­


    ¡®<em>Why does it feel like the flow of fear from Thamnd is dropping again?¡¯</em> it thought. ¡®<em>Something is truly wrong. The General must be doing something¡­¡¯</em>


    <em>¡°Show yourself, apostate of Uldar!¡±</em> the construct¡¯s voice filled the cavern. ¡°<em>Show yourself!¡±</em>


    At the edge of the battle¡ªat the same time that Alex was flying across Thamnd, and helping Merzhin in Aenflynn¡¯s castle¡ªthe young archwizard was watching the Ravener battle hispanions as it screamed for him to show himself.


    But, he simply remained quiet, studying it, using the Mark of the General to analyse its movements, calcting¡­looking for the perfect moment, while hiding under the cover of his invisibility spell.


    Slowly, he began to predict how the flying orb moved¡­how it responded to Hart and Asmaldestre, how it <em>tried</em> to respond to the rest of hispanions¡­and in his mind, a n formed.


    Teleporting to the tform with the equipment on it¡ªhe quietly alerted Bjorgrund that he was there and warned him not to react¡ªthen stealthily slid a device off the disk, one they¡¯d made to syphon away the Ravener¡¯s mana, and turned it invisible.


    ¡®Alright,¡¯ he thought. ¡®Let¡¯s ruin your day.¡¯


    Alex turned his mind to the Ravener, calling on the Mark of the General, focusing it on the task of teleporting <em>into</em> the construct.


    The Mark brought up images of his previous teleportations as well as images of his brief glimpse <em>into</em> the Ravener when he¡¯d touched it before.


    The Traveller¡¯s power welled up.


    ¡®I couldn¡¯t teleport inside you before,¡¯ the young archwizard thought. ¡®But with ess to Hannah¡¯s full power, let¡¯s see you keep me out now.¡¯


    Memories of Kelda¡¯s sanctum came to him.


    The Fool of Hannah¡¯s time had made it appear in four ces at once; Alex was, at the moment, in <em>three</em> ces at once.


    It was time to be in four.


    Calling on Hannah¡¯s energy, he focused.


    One body. One mind. One soul.


    Three ces.


    Three different positions.


    Multiple streams of consciousness controlling himself in different ces.


    But, he would go beyond that.


    ¡®One body,¡¯ he thought. ¡®One mind. One soul. Four ces. Think. Adapt to the idea. You <em>must.</em>¡¯


    Hannah¡¯s power churned inside him as he clenched his jaw, steadying himself, his mind and soul shaking from strain. Getting to the point where he could appear in three ces at once had been tough.


    This?


    This was going to be tougher, considering that the fourth ce he needed to be in was inside Uldar¡¯s construct.


    It would be tough, but he knew it was possible.


    Kelda had <em>proven</em> that an object could be in four ces at once.


    The sanctum had been in four¡­


    Alex¡¯s thoughts fixed on a single truth. ¡®When I was in the sanctum¡­I must have also been in four ces at once because <em>it</em> was in four ces at once. Which means, I¡¯ve experienced something simr before. Come on. Use that experience to guide yourself in how to do it. Focus. Focus. Focus.¡¯


    He bent his other streams of consciousness to the task, even as two of those streams continued to help Merzhin in Aenflynn¡¯s castle, and move across Thamnd, empowering the armies of his kingdom with his magics.


    ¡®A mastery of space,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®A mastery of space. Remember: you got through a divine ward that channelled the power of a dead god. You can teleport into the Ravener in the same way. Concentrate¡­just concentrate¡­¡¯


    The Mark of the General continued focusing his mind on every experience that had brought him here, and that could get him over the next threshold. Hannah¡¯s power reverberated through him, body and soul, threatening to wrench it apart in some sort of foundational split.


    But he wasn¡¯t splitting himself.


    He was still one body.


    One mind.


    One soul.


    In four ces.


    Hannah¡¯s power surged.


    He opened his eyes as the energy raged within him, granting him more power.


    Alex felt the Ravener¡¯s consciousness shift its attention to him.


    ¡°<em>Where are you?¡±</em> it said.


    ¡®Where <em>aren¡¯t</em> I?¡¯ the General of Thamnd thought, channelling his power, sending a stream of consciousness hurtling through the space between nes.


    Merzhin was bent in dedication in one ce, sweat trickling down his face.


    While in another, he was above the countryside in his burning kingdom, channelling his magic into a Thameish battalion.


    In a third, he saw the Ravener struggling against his allies, shouting for him to show himself.


    But now¡­there was a fourth ce.


    A fourth set of eyes watching images from dozens of nes and thousands of locations. And ahead? He <em>felt </em>his destination approaching. The energy of the Ravener built around him, the images of the nes fell away.


    Suddenly, up ahead, a towering wall of endless white deadly energy loomed.


    He considered it, his eyes narrowing.


    ¡®Looks like a divine ward,¡¯ he thought. ¡®A defence inside the Ravener; damn, even in death you¡¯re defending your abomination, Uldar. Well, it¡¯s going to take more than a corpse to stop me.¡¯


    Concentrating on Hannah¡¯s power, Alex warped the space around him¡­then teleported.


    The wall of white deadly energy was suddenly past him.


    But, the death beams were waiting.


    Scores of hungry streams of energy shot at him from all directions, trying to fry his soul before he could breach the Ravener¡¯s core.


    ¡®That¡¯s not going to stop me either,¡¯ the young archwizard thought.


    Again, he channelled Hannah¡¯s power, teleporting between beams, letting them pass by him like he was only mist.


    More white walls sprang up, looking to block his way, but he teleported through them.


    Suddenly, in the Ravener¡¯s cavern, the dark orb stopped in mid-air.


    ¡°<em>What? What is this? This¡­what are you doing?¡±</em> it shouted, its t voice sounding frantic.


    ¡°It¡¯s pretty obvious what we¡¯re doing !¡± Hart growled, carving another deep channel into its ebon surface.


    ¡°<em>Not you!¡±</em> it howled. ¡°<em>General! Fool! Apostate! Usurper! How are you doing this? It is not possible! Begone! Begone! Begone! You are not to defile the creator¡¯s work! It is not for your inferior eyes!¡¯</em>


    ¡®I¡¯ll be the judge of that,¡¯ Alex thought, teleporting through thest of the death beams.


    The archwizard reached out then, feeling a deep darkness rise before him¡­apanied by a towering hatred.


    But he was not afraid.


    ¡®Here Ie,¡¯ he thought.


    Hannah¡¯s power bloomed.


    And he was through.


    One body.


    One mind.


    One soul.


    Four ces.


    One inside Aenflynn¡¯s castle.


    One in Thamnd¡¯s skies.


    One in the Ravener¡¯sir.


    And the final one?


    Alex opened his eyes¡­confirming that he was the first mortal ever to look upon the world inside the Ravener.


    His eyes widened. ¡°Oh, by the Traveller.¡±

 Chapter 885: Within the Darkness

    Chapter 885: Within the Darkness


    Alex Roth couldn¡¯t count how many hours he¡¯d spent pouring over the Ravener¡¯s schematics. There were times when he would go to theboratory in the Research Castle when the sun was ready to set and not leave his chair¡ªreading and memorising reams of papers mapping the constructs internal specifications¡ªuntil the sun wasing back up.


    He doubted there was anyone¡ªexcept for maybe the ghost of Uldar himself¡ªwho knew those schematics quite as thoroughly as he did. Even taking into ount that the Ravener was much bigger on the inside than on the exterior, the young archwizard figured he had a solid image of what its inner workings would look like.


    After catching a quick glimpse of its insides¡ªwhen he¡¯d touched it earlier¡ªhe was even more certain that he knew exactly what to expect.


    ¡­but he couldn¡¯t have been more wrong.


    He¡¯d expected to find a web-likework of tunnels and chambers, each serving a particr purpose in the construct¡¯s function.


    Instead, what he found¡­appeared like an entire world.


    He found himself floating in a ce of utter darkness, his feet hovering inches above a floor made of a ck, crystalline substance. The light from the aeld staff provided some dim illumination, revealing a floor spreading farther and farther ahead, being swallowed up by the dark.


    On his left, he could see a wall of the same crystal substance, rising into the dark, stretching both ahead and behind him. Then, there were the crystalline cords.


    Resembling ropes of ck crystal¡ªor maybe spider webs¡ªhanging above him, draped between the nearby wall, stretching into the darkness then connecting with something unseen.There was an odd¡­pulsing sounding from those cords.


    A deep, rhythmic thrumming; he saw tiny lights passing through the crystal cords and mana rushing through them like blood being pumped by some massive, unseen heart hidden somewhere in the dark.


    ¡°By the Traveller,¡± Alex said. ¡°What in all the hells am I looking at?¡±


    He began muttering words of power, channelling the aeld staff¡¯s energies, conjuring a mass of forceballs, sending them into the dark. The crimson glowing spells spread around him, lighting up the ck world inside the Ravener.


    And the more he saw¡­the more he hesitated.


    The crimson light revealed that he was floating just above a massive, endless ne of darkness. A perfectly t ssy surface stretched out in all directions, only broken by hulking towers of ebony crystal, reaching up to a pitch ck sky.


    One tower, to Alex¡¯s immediate left, rose high in the air, honebed with a massivebyrinthian-hive of tunnels. Untold numbers of crystalline cords hung down, attaching to other distant towers, looking like the canopy of a titanic jungle from beyond the furthest reaches of the nes.


    It reminded him of Tenabrama within the hells¡­but this ce was more deste, and probably just as vast.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe this is what was waiting in here,¡± Alex muttered. ¡°It¡¯s not what I imagined at all. But¡­then again, I was picturing what it would look like if the Ravener had been made by a wizard. ¡­but it was made by¡ª¡±


    ¡°<em>¡ªa god.¡±</em>


    The Ravener¡¯s voice shook the entire space, driving into Alex¡¯s skull like a hammer. Clenching his teeth, he leaned against the nearest wall.


    ¡°<em>I congratte you, Fool, albeit grudgingly,¡±</em> the construct continued. ¡°<em>You are fortunate enough to see what was not meant for mortal eyes. You are witnessing the majesty of your god¡¯s creation. Is it not magnificent?¡±</em>


    Alex grimaced against the Ravener¡¯s voice¡ªit was like an assault¡ªemanating from every speck of matter around him.


    ¡°I have to admit, <em>albeit grudgingly, </em>it kinda is,¡± Alex answered. ¡°It¡¯s too bad for you that I¡¯m going to break everything that Uldar built. By the time I¡¯m finished, all of these magnificent towers will be rubble.¡±


    ¡°<em>A two-pronged attack. I see,¡±</em> the Ravener said. ¡°<em>Yourpanions attack from outside while you attack from within. I do not know how you managed to breach my defences, but know that it will not work. My inner workings are well-protected. Even now, I could crush you like an insect.¡±</em>


    ¡°So why haven¡¯t you?¡± Alex said, looking around.


    He was analysing the towers and terrain around him, looking for patterns ormonalities between the schematics and what he was physically seeing<strong></strong>in front<strong></strong>of him. There must be some way to figure out where he was and where the nodes he was looking for were.


    ¡°<em>Curiosity,¡±</em> the Ravener answered. ¡°<em>I allowed my outrage to overwhelm my thought processes earlier and did not stop to consider the uniqueness of the situation: you pierced my creator¡¯s defences. How?¡±</em>


    ¡°You¡¯re trying to get me to start boasting,¡± Alex said. ¡°And end up telling you exactly how I got in here: so you can be ready if anyone tries this again in the next cycle.¡±


    There was a tense silence for a time.


    The young archwizard¡¯s gaze followed the web of cords hanging from above¡­there was a familiarity to the way they hung.


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    ¡°<em>You truly are a troublesome General,¡±</em> the construct said. ¡°<em>Know that you have given me more trouble than any of your predecessors, Fool.¡±</em>


    ¡°Thanks, I guess.¡± Alex¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    Those cords¡­they looked simr to the mana pathways he¡¯d seen in the schematics.


    If he could figure out what was inside the towers, he could likely understand how to navigate his way through this killing machine.


    ¡°<em>Also, do you not wonder?¡±</em> the construct asked.


    ¡°Wonder what?¡± Alex began floating upward, approaching a tunnel in the nearby tower.


    ¡°<em>Why I remain so calm?¡±</em> the construct asked.


    ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t really care,¡± the young archwizard said.


    ¡°<em>Very well, Fool. You would have infuriated the creator had he lived long enough to know you, though he would have seen you quickly eliminated. In either case, I will tell you the reason,¡±</em> the Ravener informed him, anyway. <em>¡°It is because I can destroy you at any time. Since you have intruded here, you are my captive, and you have made it far easier for me to kill you. I control the realm within me. Every fibre of the world within me is mine tomand. You cannot survive this environment. It is more hostile to you than the outside, and you will soon fear me, and when you do, I will drink that fear for as long as I let you live. Then, when I am through with you, I will release your shrivelled corpse to yourpanions...if any still live.¡±</em>


    Alex nced at the cords. ¡°You arrogant types always talk too much. But, meh, I can understand that. I run my mouth a lot too.¡±


    He gestured to the cords, channelling the Traveller¡¯s power.


    In an instant, a dozen disappeared¡ªripped from where they¡¯d been hangingnding in a heap on the ground.


    ¡°<em>As I have told you, Fool. Every fibre of this realm is mine tomand,¡±</em> the Ravener repeated.


    An instantter, new cords appeared, recing those that Alex had teleported away, re-establishing the connections.


    ¡°<em>You cannot harm me in any way that cannot be undone,¡±</em> the Ravener informed him. ¡°<em>You cannot break anything that cannot be rebuilt. You cannot damage me in any way that cannot be repaired, but killing you will be permanent.¡±</em>


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that befo¡ª¡±


    There was a crack, like ice splitting.


    The sound was quiet, nearly inaudible.


    Yet it was what saved Alex¡¯s life.


    The wall beside him warped, forming a de broad enough to split him in two, it shot toward him in a blur promising death.


    Around him, the world slowed.


    The de was still travelling toward him, but it had slowed, giving him enough time to react. He called on the Traveller¡¯s power, teleporting a hundred feet away from where the de would have split him in half.


    Its glinting edge cut the air as Alex watched it from a distance. He suddenly felt a building mass of manaing from above and looked up, glimpsing a beam shooting from the endless sky.


    ¡­but it was not one of the Ravener¡¯s death-beams. It was much too broad. Far too wide.


    It moved in a wave, releasing deadly energy, perhaps a hundred feet across.


    Alex teleported again as the wave hit the ground, the energy roaring like a st furnace.


    The next attack came from all sides.


    Hundreds of death beams.


    Waves of destructive force.


    Warping terrain forming spikes, shards and des, chasing him down, looking to tear him to pieces.


    He teleported again and again, dodging the Ravener¡¯s attacks from all directions.


    ¡®Shit,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®Its attacks are fast. And it doesn¡¯t let up!¡¯


    ¡°<em>Intruding here was yourst act in life, former Fool,¡±</em> the Ravener said.


    The air around him began shimmering.


    ¡­and monsters burst into being.


    Ravener-spawn materialised from thin air by the score.


    Most were spear-flies and blood-draks, but on the ground below, Alex counted half a dozen petrifiers, and a few air sting-spawn.


    They attacked, trying to swarm him from all sides, as he dodged away, teleporting around the hostile terrain, slipping past more death beams and waves of magic.


    All around was chaos, storms of monsters, magic and death.


    The <em>world</em>¡ªthis inner world within the Ravener¡ªwas alive, fighting him from every angle and direction.


    But haste magic,bining with the Mark of the General, let his thoughts and reactions speed up, and with Hannah¡¯s power, he kept ahead of the Ravener¡¯s onught. In his hand, the aeld staff gave off waves of panic as though screaming.


    He couldn¡¯t spare the time to console it, most of his mind was upied with survival, while the rest of it?


    Looked for an opening.


    ¡®I have to get inside one of those towers, but¡­¡¯ he used the Mark of the General, analysing the Ravener¡¯s attacks. ¡®Its trying to keep me away from those damn towers. What are you hiding in there? I need to find out, which means¡­I need you more distracted, and I think I have a good way to do that.¡¯


    Within the Ravener¡¯sir, Alex pointed his staff at the construct, calling upon Hannah¡¯s power at the same time, while casting a powerful spell. The Traveller¡¯s energy poured along the de of her sword, running to where it was attached to his staff.


    Even as Alex dodged, analysed, and measured the Ravener¡¯s attack patterns <em>inside </em>the construct¡­he prepared a devastating attack outside.


    ¡®Try focusing on me <em>after this</em>,¡¯ he thought.


    With a few final sybles, he cast a Wall of Roiling Magic spell.


    It appeared over theke, several hundred feet away from the Ravener.


    Alex felt the construct¡¯s attention shift from him on the inside.


    Just briefly.


    That was all he needed.


    ¡°Hey!¡± he shouted from outside the Ravener, removing his invisibility magic.


    The construct¡¯s attention turned to him.


    <em>¡®How are you there?¡¯ </em>it shouted.


    Alex teleported beside it, stabbing the Traveller¡¯s sword straight into the construct. Channelling her power into the Ravener through the de, he teleported the shocked construct¡­


    ¡­right into the middle of the Wall of Roiling Mana spell.


    The Ravener¡¯s bellow tore through the cavern.


    Inside, the world quaked.


    Light bled from the once ck sky.


    Crystalline cords shattered.


    The ground cracked.


    Surfaces warped as the Ravener¡¯s own mana was turned against it, the molten power ripping through the construct to devastating effect.


    ¡­and causing its attacks to stop.


    Death beams fell away.


    Waves of deadly magic bled off.


    Its terrain¡ªwhich had been warping, forming weapons against Alex; deadly des, shards and spikes¡ªnow melted, turning to useless tendrils.


    Only the Ravener¡¯s spawn remained unharmed¡­but they couldn¡¯t catch Alex on their own.


    ¡°<em>Why is this happening?¡±</em> the Ravener¡¯s scream shook its inner world. ¡°<em>How¡­ ¡­but you are¡ªis this an illusion? How are you here and outside at the same time? I sense you elsewhere as well, what are you do¡ª¡±</em>


    Alex didn¡¯t respond, teleporting away, going to one of the tunnels inside the nearby tower.


    Working as fast as he could and using his haste magic, he teleported through the maze of tunnels, using the Mark of the General to analyse his surroundings andparing them to the Ravener¡¯s schematics.


    ¡®Yessss¡­¡¯ he thought. ¡®This is it! This is one of the nodes!¡¯


    Alex continued teleporting, moving through the tunnels as light shed around him. The Ravener tried to warp the tunnel walls again, turning them into deadly maws, looking to sever his body in bits, but it still had little control of its own mana.


    It could not stop the General of Thamnd as he found the centre of the tower.


    ¡®Yeeeees!¡¯ he thought. ¡®This is it! A node of power, from where it generates mana!¡¯


    He gripped the device designed to infect the construct.


    ¡®You¡¯re about to taste a little of the pain you¡¯ve been inflicting on my people. Let¡¯s see if you enjoy it.¡¯

 Chapter 886: Poison

    Chapter 886: Poison


    ¡°<em>Why is this happening?¡±</em> the Ravener¡¯s scream shook its inner world. ¡°<em>How¡­ ¡­but you are¡ªis this an illusion? How are you here and outside at the same time? I sense you elsewhere as well, what are you do¡ª¡±</em>


    ¡°<em>What did¡­it just say?¡± </em>ygon froze in surprise.


    As did hispanions within the Ravener¡¯s cavern.


    Too much had happened too quickly.


    ygon¡¯s father had appeared out of nowhere, stabbed the Ravener then teleported it to a Wall of Roiling Magic.


    It had all happened so fast that even the Ravener-spawn had frozen, caughtpletely off guard.


    ¡°Everyone!¡± the General of Thamnd¡¯s voice echoed through the cavern. His cloak billowed behind him as he pointed at the Ravener. A disintegration beamnced into the construct, destroying a chunk of its surface. ¡°I¡¯m back, everyone! Keep focused on the Ravener! Keep crushing its armies!¡±


    ¡°What¡¯re ya sayin¡¯, Alex?¡± Cedric cried. ¡°What about Merzhin¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m taking care of that!¡± Alex flew down,unching a fireball into the Ravener as he did, shing through dozens of Ravener-spawn near him. ¡°I can¡¯t exin things right now, but I¡¯ve got this! Just stay focused! We¡¯ve nearly got this thing dead! We¡¯re nearly through with it! And listen¡­Hannah¡¯s back and so is Carey! We¡¯re nearly there!¡±¡°Carey and Hannah¡­¡± Isolde sounded awed.


    ¡°Both of them?¡± Bjorgrund cried. ¡°Yeeees!¡± His axe split a massive spawn down the middle.


    ¡°<em>What are you on about?¡± </em>the Ravener demanded. <em>¡°Tell me how you are here and yet¡­is this an illusion? A trick? Which of you is real?¡±</em>


    ¡°You ain¡¯t got time for chatting right now,¡± Hart growled.


    He and Asmaldestre pounced on the construct from two sides.


    ¡°Wee back, Alex!¡± Prince Khalik shouted. ¡°I do not understand what is going on, but I am d to see you with us and happy to hear Carey has returned! Let us give it our all, my friends!¡±


    The Tekish wizard cast earth magic over Ravener-spawn nearby, burying them in spikes and shards of stone. The other wizards attacked with their own spells, sting apart, smashing, and electrocuting spawn.


    Ravener-spawn kept springing from the construct¡¯s surface, tasked with stopping the Heroes, but Alex cast mass disintegration on the monsters, keeping them in check.


    ¡°We¡¯ve got your back, Alex!¡± Theresa shouted. ¡°Just do what you have to!¡±


    ¡°<em>Yes¡­father¡­we will fight off these¡­enemies!¡±</em> ygon called.


    As he spoke, he felt his father touch his mind. ¡®ygon, I¡¯m about to bring you into the Ravener. Not right away, but soon, so just be ready.¡¯


    The golem considered the words.


    There was something¡­off about the way his father sounded, speaking in his mind. Their connection felt different; instead of a single stream of magic connecting them, it seemed frayed, splitting into different streams.


    It was like his father¡¯s voice wasing from more than one connection at the same time.


    ygon thought about what the Ravener had just said.


    ¡®<em>Father¡­are you¡­it feels like you are¡­in different ces¡­¡¯</em> the golem thought.


    ¡®We don¡¯t have time for a full exnation,¡¯ Alex answered, casting a Wall of Roiling Magic<strong></strong>in front of himself. Ravener-spawn charging at him copsed in great heaps, stopped dead. ¡®But when I got ess to more of Hannah¡¯s power, I figured out a way to be in multiple ces at once.¡¯


    ¡®<em>So¡­you are also inside the Ravener now?¡¯</em> the golem thought.


    ¡®I sure am,¡¯ Alex said. ¡®As a matter of fact, I¡¯m about to install the first device into one of its nodes. It should start interfering with its mana.¡¯


    ¡®<em>Father¡­you didn¡¯t bring me in with you¡­¡¯</em> the golem pointed out.


    ¡®I wanted to install the device first,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®Not going to lie, it was hectic in here for a bit. I wanted to disrupt some of this things¡¯s abilities to defend itself before I brought you in. So just give me a second. It¡¯s a jungle in here.¡¯


    The central core of the tower was a wondrous ce: a crystal cave revealing a sea of stctites, stgmites and crystal cords in every colour of the rainbow, each glowing from the inner power rushing through it.


    A low pitched hum emanated from the walls of the massive, vertical chamber, and bolts of power crackled between the tips of the glowing crystals.


    Alex actually stopped for a second, taking it all in, his jaw hanging open.


    Over his time at Shale¡¯s, he¡¯d seen hundreds of golem cores¡­but none could even <em>begin</em> to approach theplexity of this ce. The power generated in here <em>electrified</em> his mana senses, and tingled across his skin.


    He whistled.


    It was actually more powerful than he and the others had estimated from Uldar¡¯s schematics.


    ¡®There¡¯s always differences between a schematic and the final product,¡¯ he thought. ¡®But¡­wow, I hope our devices are enough to drain this thing dry. I suppose there¡¯s only one way to find out, so while the Ravener¡¯s still distracted, let¡¯s find the right point.¡¯


    Alex floated up through the forest of crystalline spikes, avoiding the power sparking between them.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    He examined his surroundings closely, the Mark of the General feeding him images of himself examining the schematics. He analysed the crystalline structure, searching carefully, noting the flow of power through the node¡­


    ¡­and finally discovering what he was looking for.


    A crystal, slightlyrger than the others¡ªwith multiple energies of different shades coursing through it¡ªserved as a central point of mana production in theplex.


    ¡®This is it. And when I stab this device into the Ravener, I¡¯m going to have to work fast; it¡¯ll only be a matter of time before it figures out what we¡¯re trying to do to it. And thest thing we need is for it to destroy itself before we can shut down its ability to reconstitute.¡¯


    He steadied himself, activating the device.


    It hummed ominously, sounding like an immense angry ho, preparing to sting to death anything that invaded its hive. For an instant, he remembered how he, Theresa, ygon and Brutus had gone out to the Generasi countryside for her birthday, to hunt the wasp-like vespara. That memory sparked another: where the Ravener¡¯s Hunters had rampaged through the Patrizia de Paolo¡¯s¡ªIsolde¡¯s cousin¡¯s¡ªmasquerade ball, destroying and killing anything standing in the way of him and them.


    That memory turned to thoughts of the amount of destruction he¡¯d witnessed all over Thamnd, because of the Ravener and its monsters.


    Even now, he was flying through the skies of his kingdom, ridding thend of hordes of monsters wherever he found them.


    So much destruction.


    ¡®And it has to end,¡¯ Alex thought.


    He raised the device¡­


    ¡­stabbing it deep into the Ravener¡¯s crystalline substance.


    A hiss escaped into the air as the device injected the venom he, Professor Jules and Isolde had concocted. A mix of toxins deadly to mana-infused creatures, shards of bane, and Elder Blodeuwedd¡¯s mana-draining potion ran into the Ravener through the machine¡¯s bane-needle.


    It spread through the crystal¡ªturning rainbow colours to a mad, chaotic array of lights and broken colour. The crystal vibrated as bane shards swept through the Ravener¡¯s mana-producing centre, shredding everything they touched.


    And the Ravener screamed.


    The sound drilled into Alex, shaking the entire terrain.


    ¡®<em>What¡­what have you done?¡¯</em> the construct shouted. ¡®<em>What are you doing?¡¯</em>


    As it sought an answer, the device began humming louder, pumping away the Ravener¡¯s mana as the toxic brew swept through its inner pathways, flowing to the other crystal shards within the vast node.


    More crystals began shaking, rainbow colours fell into chaos, their vibrancy fading, colour dulling to sickly greys, browns, pus-yellows and greens.


    The poison continued spreading, and Alex felt the mana in the air begin to¡­lessen.


    His device kept pumping out the Ravener¡¯s mana while the venom kept spreading.


    ¡°<em>What is this?¡±</em> the construct cried. ¡°<em>What have you done?¡±</em>


    The venom was spreading faster.


    Much of the mana node¡¯s vibrant colours were fading. Crystal was cracking, its sheen dulling as bits of its surface crumbled to lifeless grey dust.


    The air shimmered.


    Monsters began appearing around the young wizard.


    ¡°No,¡± was all he said.


    With a twitch or two, he cast Wall of Roiling Magic around the<strong></strong>device several times, enclosing it, shielding it in a barrier of lethal magic.


    His attention next turned to spawn-knights dropping toward him.


    He sted them with Cone of ice.


    The creatures froze mid-leap, dropping onto the dying crystal spikes and cords.


    The hum grew fainter, the node¡¯s essence shredding, mana draining.


    The Ravener shuddered, trying to warp the node¡¯s crystals, seeking to attack Alex or eject the device.


    But, its control over its form in this area was failing


    The poison had already spread too deeply, withering its essence, destroying its ability to control its own form in this node.


    Outside, Alex and hispanions continued hitting the Ravener and its minions with their most powerful strikes and spells, cutting deep gashes into the construct¡¯s surface.


    Alex watched it closely, observing it as its damaged sections healed.


    He focused the Mark of the General on the task ofparing how fast it healed now, to how fast it healed before.


    He smiled at what he found.


    ¡®It¡¯s healing slower,¡¯ he thought. ¡®By only a bit, but it <em>is</em> healing slower. We¡¯re doing damage, slowly but surely¡­and things are about to get worse for Uldar¡¯s pet.¡¯


    An explosion tore through the countryside in Thamnd.


    Ravener-spawn exploded as a colossal meteor dropped down on them, wiping out an entire horde of monsters in heartbeats. Below the Ravener-spawn army, a dungeon vanished as the meteor crushed it.


    Focusing his mana senses, Alex¡¯s eyes scanned the wreckage of the copsing dungeon below him.


    His gaze stopped.


    ¡°There you are.¡±


    His arm reached out, making a grasping gesture with his fingers.


    Hannah¡¯s power surged within him.


    And¡ªsuddenly¡ªthe dungeon core was in his hand.


    Alex smiled, remembering when long ago, Baelin had destroyed a dungeon with a single cataclysmic spell, then brought the core to his hand from the wreckage.


    At the time, the chancellor had said that one benefit of overwhelming power was¡ª


    ¡°Convenience.¡± Alex said, gripping the dungeon core.


    He poured his mana into it, overwhelming the core¡¯s defences with his full might. He focused on its inner mana pathways, feeling out its inner controls, takingmand of them.


    ¡°I¡¯d bet normally, the Ravener would be trying to stop me right about now,¡± the young wizard said. ¡°But it has bigger problems than this right now¡­aaaaand here we go. There you are.¡±


    Alex found what he was looking for inside the dungeon core, and took control of it, forcing the core to begin making Ravener-spawn.


    Ravener-spawn under <em>his</em>mand.


    The core quaked in his hand.


    And the exact monster he was looking for emerged.


    Tiny, flea-sized Ravener-spawn¡ªeach one aze¡ªflew from the dungeon core in a stream; filling the air with me, scalding heat, and blinding light.


    A new fire cloud had been born: one that would follow the General¡¯smands, attack any foe he directed it to, and give aid to anyone hemanded it to.


    He addressed the Ravener-spawn, ¡°You¡¯re fast. What I want you to do is to fly across Thamnd and burn every Ravener-spawn youe across, unless they¡¯re <em>also</em> under mymand. If you confront Ravener-spawn and don¡¯t hear these words, ¡®I am following themands of Alexander, Son of Alric, you are to eliminate them immediately. If you encounter Ravener-spawn attacking mortals? Kill them. Do you understand?¡±


    <em>¡°We understand,¡±</em> the creatures responded.


    ¡°Good, now go, kill all offending Ravener-spawn¡­and make sure you defend any mortal you encounter. Is that clear?¡±


    ¡°<em>As youmand.¡±</em>


    The fire clouds flew away, ready to rampage through hordes of their former allies.


    Alex smiled, ced the dungeon core in a pair of Wizard¡¯s hands, and with it, began teleporting across the countryside. He would seek out other dungeons, relieve them of their cores and make them spawn their most powerful monsters to use against the Ravener¡¯s own spawn.


    That would help Thamnd; the number of hostile monsters would be reduced, and the number of dungeon cores that the Ravener could control would decrease.


    While he was rounding up cores and spawn across Thamnd, he¡¯d be continuing to cast Army of Heroes on anyone he found.


    The Ravener would starve.


    With its source of fear being turned off, and its internal mana production being crippled¡­things would start to look bleak¡­for Uldar¡¯s creation.


    Alex teleported out of the poisoned node, watching as cracks ran along the entire towerplex, as pieces chipped away.


    With a screech, the Ravener reacted.


    The cords connecting to the tower fell away, splitting apart and copsing to the ground as useless shards of crystal.


    In moments, the tower was cut off from the rest.


    ¡®It¡¯s like amputating a gangrenous limb,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®Well you¡¯re going to have a lot of amputating to do.¡¯


    Alex turned, looking for the next tower.


    Only to find the world warping around him.


    The realm inside the Ravener was turning chaotic.


    Towers were shifting away from him; the t crystal ne below rising and boiling like waves in a storm-wracked sea. Darkness above him broke, shes of light peppering it. Web-like, crystalline cores writhed like tentacles.


    Then came the monsters.


    Scores appeared from thin air, filling the space around the towers with armies of flesh-hungry Ravener-spawn.


    All eyes were on Alex.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he said, raising a hand. Things are too off bnce. You¡¯re up buddy.¡±


    And with that, he cast Summon Construct.

 Chapter 887: His Own Path

    Chapter 887: His Own Path


    ¡®Alright, it¡¯s off bnce,¡¯ Alex¡¯s thoughts came through his link with ygon. ¡®You¡¯re up, buddy.¡¯


    ¡°Everyone!¡± he shouted. ¡°ygon¡¯s gonna be with me! Get ready!¡±


    ¡°Here¡¯s to sess!¡± Theresa shouted, leaping over a cluster of Spawn Knights, to sh a living core. ¡°You can do it!¡±


    ¡°We got this, big guy!¡± Cedric called to ygon. ¡°Do your thing!¡¯


    ¡°<em>Thank¡­you!¡±</em> the golem said, raising his spear.


    This was it.


    He would be leaving their friends to go help his father. All the suffering and killing the Ravener was causing had to end for his father¡¯s sake, for Selena¡¯s, Theresa¡¯s, the Lu¡¯s and ¡­everyone from Thamnd. This would be the most important battle of ygon¡¯s short life so far.


    And he hoped he was ready for it.


    ¡®<em>I¡­have to be¡­¡¯</em> he thought.His father cast Summon Construct, and all of a sudden, ygon was gone, flying through space, heading toward¡­an energy that kept drawing his attention.


    The energy within the Ravener¡­so different, yet so simr to his own, wasing closer by the instant, seeming to be calling to him as he travelled toward it.


    <em>¡®There is an element</em><strong><em></em></strong><em>to¡­that power that feels¡­connected¡­to me¡­¡¯</em> ygon thought. ¡®<em>It feels like¡­¡¯</em>


    The golem thought back to past battles.


    His first evolution, which had happened unexpectedly.


    He had not been sapient then, and so he couldn¡¯t be certain if his memories of that time were actually genuine or the result of a strong imagination, fed by his father and others telling of the events.


    But, he thought he had a recollection of the petrifier¡¯s energy pouring over him, hardening his y, turning it to stone. He <em>did</em> remember his first feelings, his first thoughts and first actions. He remembered his body was healed, he¡¯d grown stronger¡­and he¡¯d gained his own mind.


    And with it, he could think, he could n, he could defend his father and<strong></strong>those close to them; family and friends.


    He could remember the second time he¡¯d evolved, he could remember that vividly. He¡¯d been beaten, broken and tossed aside like trash by the First Apostle. His stone body was crumbling, and everyone was struggling against monsters who wore the form of people, taking lives as easily as breathing.


    He¡¯d been close to helpless in the face of the first Apostle.


    But the chaos energy had saved him, washing over him, and empowering him, forging stone to iron, tempering him into the force that he was today.


    Yet, for all his power, it still wasn¡¯t enough.


    He couldn¡¯t protect his family and friends as much as he wanted to; his father had nearly died in the snow because he hadn¡¯t been fast enough to stop the First Apostle. Even now, Cedric¡¯s divinity was responsible for keeping his friends from dying at the ws, poisons and deadly magics of the Ravener and its monsters.


    Long ago, he¡¯d promised himself that he¡¯d find a way to evolve on his own terms. To find an energy that would take him to a strength beyond that of an iron golem. An energy that would bring him to a new peak of power, where he could defend his friends and family from the greatest of threats.


    A peak he would reach by his own doing¡­and¡­maybe that opportunity was here.


    Each evolution he¡¯d gone through had had something to do with the Ravener. Even his very life was tied to it.


    His golem core was forged from dungeon core essence.


    He had been turned to stone by a Ravener-spawn¡¯s magical beam.


    He¡¯d been tempered into iron by an explosion that was caused by chaos essence and the remains of a dungeon core.


    All of those events had something to do with the Ravener.


    And now?


    Now he was on his way to the source of the Ravener¡¯s power; the inner core of Uldar¡¯s construct. That power was drawing closer as his father used the Traveller¡¯s energies to guide him through the Ravener¡¯s multitude of defences.


    ¡®<em>There is¡­an opportunity¡­here,¡¯</em> ygon thought, passing between the death beams, while being teleported past the walls of lethal energy. ¡®<em>If I can grasp it¡­on my terms¡­then I can protect father¡­my family and friends. Then I can go beyond where people like Shale think I can go¡­then I can be¡­me. Not just an iron¡­golem¡­but¡­me.¡¯</em>


    With this thought, he gripped the war-spear he¡¯d torn from the ws of a greater demon, and charged his fire-gems.


    ygon suddenly appeared on a battlefield that was in chaos.


    All around, death and destruction reigned.


    Ravener-spawn flew, leapt, crawled, and sprang at Alex as he teleported through a world of darkness punctuated by strange lights, crackling crystal, and the light of crimson forceballs.


    Death beams rained from the sky.


    Towers of ck crystal warped and twisted in the distance, as waves of hungry energy ripped through the air.


    Alex was summoning monsters to defend him, but they were instantly wiped away in the chaos and destruction.


    Within heartbeats, two death beams struck ygon in the side, heating the iron.


    The golem didn¡¯t hesitate.


    Raising two hands, he fired his own beams, chaos-tinged me burning through hordes of Ravener-spawn, painting the dark world with scorching me, exploding crystal in shockwaves.


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    ¡°ygon!¡± Alex called, quickly ncing at the golem. In his hand, waves of anxiety radiated from the aeld staff. ¡°d you¡¯re here buddy!¡±


    <em>¡°Another interloper!¡± </em>the Ravener¡¯s voice reverberated from every fibre of the world around them. If ygon had mortal ears, his eardrums might have ruptured from the sheer volume of the Ravener¡¯s wrathful cry. ¡°<em>Is this another of your tricks, Fool? What are you doing?¡±</em>


    The construct released more of its wrath on its enemies¡­and in its attack, ygon noticed something interesting. Some of the attacks seemed poorly aimed.


    The golem shot more beams at the Ravener-spawn, aiming some at the ground below and the sky above, where beams and waves of deadly energy wereunching from. All the while, he <em>felt</em> the Ravener¡¯s energy all around him¡­but not the energy he¡¯d felt calling him.


    Not <em>quite</em>; that energy was a distance from where they now were, concentrated in various ces across this¡­


    ¡®<em>Father¡­¡¯</em> ygon said, stabbing a spawn knight with his war-spear. ¡®<em>Where¡­are we?¡¯ </em>


    ¡®Buddy,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®We¡¯re actually inside the Ravener. This¡­ne, world, whatever it is, is the Ravenver. It¡¯s got control over every bit of matter in here, or so it ims.¡¯


    ¡®<em>What¡­?¡¯ </em>


    ¡®I know, it¡¯s crazy to think about, but I guess this is what happens when a god makes a construct,¡¯ Alex said, disintegrating a group of Hunters.


    ¡®<em>You¡­make better¡­golems¡­than Uldar did¡­¡¯</em> ygon said through their link.


    ¡®Nice thought, but this ce is crazy,¡¯ Alex replied as he fought. ¡®So far, I¡¯ve been able to figure out where the nodes are to shut it down, and I¡¯ve already destroyed one. That¡¯s why the Ravener¡¯s aim is off. See all those beams and magic? It¡¯s shooting <em>more</em> at us than it was when I was alone earlier, but its aim isn¡¯t as urate. I think it¡¯s losing some of its control over itself, which¡¯ll get worse the more nodes we shut down.¡¯


    ¡®<em>Goood!¡¯</em> ygon incinerated another group of Ravener-spawn, immediately shooting a fiery beam at the ground below. The beam raked across the crystal floor, tearing it up¡­yet, didn¡¯t seem to hurt the Ravener. The golem noted that and asked Alex, ¡®<em>So, how do we do that? What do these nodes look like?¡¯</em>


    ¡®There, you see that tower over there? The crumbling one?¡¯


    ygon looked to where Alex was pointing with his sword-staff, as he teleported-dodged another beam.


    He watched a crystalline tower turning to grey dust before his eyes. It looked diseased, withered and crumbling, like it was ageing hundreds of centuries in mere heartbeats.


    The energy it was expelling also felt sickly, like it was fading, hollowing out; like a tree being eaten away from the inside by insects and disease.


    This definitely was not the energy that ygon had been looking for.


    If it had been at one time, it certainly wasn¡¯t any longer.


    ¡®That¡¯s what our poison did to the node and our device is still in there, just sucking its mana away. We need to get to the other nodes and do the same to them, but I have no doubt that the Ravener¡¯s guard is up even more than before. ¡­ygon, you see those towers in the distance? The ones that keep moving?¡¯


    ¡®<em>Where¡­father¡­?¡¯</em>


    ¡®Over there!¡¯ Alex pointed again as he ducked the snapping jaws of a blood-hydra. In one smooth motion, the archwizard teleported the creature¡¯s heads off, took control of it with a gesture and turned it into a corpse puppet, then sent the body against its former allies. ¡®There!¡¯


    ygon followed the direction Alex¡¯s sword-staff was pointing to.


    ¡­and found what he was looking for.


    In the distance a group of towers were writhing, moving across thendscape, crawling <em>away</em> from the archwizard and his golem. They moved like enormous, humanoid fingers travelling across thend¡­or earthworms emerging from the soil.


    But ygon wasn¡¯t interested in their appearance.


    What he <em>was</em> interested in was what he <em>felt</em>ing from those towers.


    <em>They</em> held an energy that he sensed was close to his own; they were the vessels filled with the Ravener¡¯s very lifeblood. ygon¡¯s life hade to be¡ªin part¡ªfrom the Ravener. His transformations had urred because of the Ravener¡¯s minions.


    And those towers were the <em>source</em> of what had given him life and transcendence.


    He believed they could be the source of transcendence once again.


    ¡®ygon,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®I¡¯m going to teleport us to one of those towers. I need you to stay outside and distract the Ravener. Do as much damage as you can. st its armies, shoot your fire-beams into the towers¡¯ tunnels, stop anything that gets near. The more you distract it from the outside, the easier time I¡¯ll have getting through and installing the next devi¡ª¡¯


    ¡®<em>Father¡­I need you to take me into one of those towers¡­¡¯ </em>ygon thought.


    ygon felt a pause and a sense of surpriseing through their link; it was rare for him to go against his father¡¯s decisions.


    But this was important.


    Too important.


    ¡®I¡¯m not sure if both of us being in one of those towers at the same time is a good idea,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®The Ravener could use it as a chance to kill both of us at once, if we¡¯re unlucky.¡¯


    ¡®<em>Father¡­I think¡­if I get in there¡­I can evolve again.¡¯</em>


    ¡®But you¡¯re already iron¡ª¡¯


    ¡®<em>Beyond iron. I feel somethinging from the energy in those towers¡­father¡­please. I think I can do this¡­the energy¡­it can help me be better¡­at protecting all of us. I am not asking this lightly¡­It¡¯s important.¡¯</em>


    Silence hung heavy in their link.


    ¡®Do you really think doing this can take you to another level? And is that what you really want?¡¯ Alex thought.


    ¡®<em>Yes¡­father¡­I truly do¡­¡¯</em>


    ¡®Well, I¡¯d be a pretty bad father if I denied you when you¡¯re asking so earnestly,¡¯ his voice held a nervous smile. ¡®Alright, but we¡¯re going to have to move real carefully. So, you go ahead and shoot as many fire beams as you can in as many directions as you can. Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll be able to dodge them.¡¯


    ¡®<em>Yes¡­father¡­¡¯</em>


    The golem turned, channelling power into his fire-gems then releasing beam after beam of the deadly fire magic.


    Rays struck true, hitting everything the fire-gems pointed at, streaming from his forehead and two palms, directly into Ravener-spawn, the ground, sky, empty air and everything between. He didn¡¯t have to aim; he simply spun in ce, firing freely.


    The Ravener retaliated, releasing a wall of lethal energy that burned stark white. ¡°<em>Begone, interlopers!¡± </em>


    That energy struck ygon first, heating metal, steam rising.


    But the attack had little effect and he just kept firing as the Ravener shot a dozen death beams at him.


    Alex joined in, casting his own magic, further distracting Uldar¡¯s creation.


    Annihtion.


    The spell sent a column of me leaping into the sky, then raining down, annihting monsters, cracking the crystalline ground, lighting up the darkness.


    A scream ruptured the Ravener¡¯s inner world.


    ¡®Now!¡¯ Alex thought.


    ygon was suddenly teleported to a distant tower just outside one of the many tunnels. An instantter, the tunnel snapped shut, as did every other one.


    ¡°That¡¯s not going to stop us,¡± Alex told the construct, putting his hand against the crystalline surface and closing his eyes for a moment. ¡°Got it, Buddy! Used my mana to find the node!¡±


    He and ygon abruptly teleported, and the golem found himself no longer in a world of darkness, but in a world of colour, shade and hue; a vertical crystalline cave of cords, stctites and stgmites, glowing with inner power. Energy crackled between them, spreading.


    The crystals began buzzing like swarming wasps, inner lights gleaming bright.


    ¡®Don¡¯t like that,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®Don¡¯t like that one bit.¡¯


    ygon thought fast, his gaze now drawn to the vast source of energy he¡¯d been feeling.


    <em>There it was</em>. A massive crystal glowing with all the colours of the rainbow.


    Alex followed his gaze. ¡®That¡¯s the central point where most of the energy is made,¡¯ he thought.


    The golem flew to it.


    The buzzing grew louder.


    ¡®<em>Father¡­do not interfere¡­¡¯</em> he thought.


    There came a pause that felt like an eternity.


    And then¡­


    ¡®I trust you,¡¯ Alex¡¯s thought sounded apprehensive.


    ¡®<em>Thank¡­you.</em>¡¯ ygon sounded relieved through their link.


    His attention turned to the Ravener¡¯s crystal.


    ¡®<em>This is¡­for my friends¡­my family¡­¡¯</em> ygon thought, floating in front of the crystal¡¯s sharp edges. ¡®<em>...and for me.¡¯</em>


    He flew<strong></strong>forward, reached for the crystal, and<strong></strong>smashed it against his chest with his full strength.


    Alex teleported away.


    The energy within the crystal exploded, filling the space with a rainbow of light, bathing the golem in multihued radiance.


    ygon wrapped his limbs around the broken crystal, letting the energy flow into him.


    New power awakened, rushing through the golem, his mana pathways zing.


    Fire-gems gleamed and shed, light washed over his entire form.


    ¡­and¡­ygon began transforming.

 Chapter 888: Like His Father

    Chapter 888: Like His Father


    In the moments before ygon had smashed the crystal against his chest, Alex had to fight his every instinct in order to keep himself from interfering. Every instinct had screamed at him, telling him his golem would get hurt, or worse.


    Nor would it be the first time that he¡¯de close to dying.


    Twice before, in battles with Ravener-spawn and the hidden church, ygon had been so badly damaged that Alex had thought he¡¯d been destroyed. His y form hade close to beingpletely shattered by a petrifier, and the First Apostle had crushed his stone body at Uldar¡¯s Rise, leaving Alex thinking he was gone.


    Alex teleported back.


    And now, here he was, bathing in the strange energies within the Ravener itself. What would happen to him? Would the energy st him to nothingness? Would it overwhelm his golem core, turning it to cinders?


    Would he crumble like the node had when the poison was injected? Or would something worse happen? Would the Ravener be able to reach into ygon and take control of him through the dungeon core substance in his golem core?


    Those questions flooded Alex¡¯s mind, telling him to teleport ygon away to stop him from risking his very existence.


    But, he fought that urge, remembering everything ygon had said about him having free will, about him making his own choices. Seeing ygon bathed in the multi-hued magic¡­left Alex worried, and confused, but also understanding that he had to trust his buddy.


    Trust the golem that called him father, even as the energy of Uldar¡¯s construct washed over him and his body began zing with its own inner light.Alex felt a shifting in the flow of energy within the node.


    <em>¡°Get out! What are you doing?¡±</em> the voice of Uldar¡¯s construct, seething with menace, echoed through the crystal structure. ¡°<em>What new treachery is this?</em>¡±


    ygon zed with a binding light, as if in challenge.


    Alex¡¯s mana senses seemed to catch fire; energies emanating from the node flowed into ygon¡¯s body¡­and he could feel the Ravener¡¯s power mixing with his golem¡¯s energy. Transforming it. Changing it to something new.


    ¡°<em>Stop!¡±</em> the Ravenermanded, horror joining the anger in its tone.


    Whatever ygon was doing, the Ravener obviously wanted it to end.


    But the golem didn¡¯t stop, and his light burned brighter with every heartbeat. Soon, the node¡¯s multi-hued light was eclipsed by the zing radianceing from his transforming body.


    Alex shielded his eyes against it, as all around them, the crackling noise from the crystals lessened. Their light was also dimming; ygon¡¯s golem core was taking in every bit of energy it could, absorbing it¡­


    ¡­making it his own.


    ¡®Are you alright, ygon?¡¯ Alex thought through their link.


    No answer came. At least, not in specific words.


    Instead, ygon¡¯s emotions poured through their link, reaching Alex¡¯s mind,ing to him as excitement, shock, wonder, curiosity, pain, desperation, confusion¡­all of it. But, there was no fear.


    Not even for the fleetest of moments did Alex feel the slightest trickle of fearing from his golem.


    And he rxed, deciding to keep trusting him, letting him captain his own ship down his own path. He would support ygon, no matter where it led.


    The air shimmered in the node.


    Ravener-spawn appeared.


    Alex gripped his sword-staff.


    He would support ygon no matter where his path led¡­and defend him from anything wanting to take him from his path. The young archwizard channelled Hannahs¡¯s power, teleporting monsters away in pieces, teleporting heads, limbs or even getting rid of the creatures in halves. ygon remained unbothered, yet more monsters were forming around him by the number.


    And Alex raised his staff, channelling its power, summoning his own monsters to hold back the Ravener¡¯s. To stop them, or break them.


    ¡°Leave him alone you bastards,¡± he snarled. ¡°You¡¯re not worthy even to touch the dirt on his feet!¡±


    As if in agreement, air elementals swarmed over Ravener-spawn, striking them with lightning, or sucking the breath from them. Any Ravener-spawn slipping by, or defeating an elemental didn¡¯t live long; Alex teleported them away¡­in pieces, or cast Cone of Ice, freezing them, then dropping them from high, shattering the monstrous ice statues on the ground.


    Soon, every monster trying to get to ygon was dead and¡­


    ¡­no more were appearing, no more were forming in the air around them.


    It was almost as if the Ravener had given up, but Alex didn¡¯t believe that. After all, it was a construct that had performed the same task for its dead creator for endless cycles over thousands of years.


    It was many things: murderous, vish, even foolish, to name a few¡­but an entity that just ¡®gave up¡¯ in the face of resistance?


    It definitely was not that.


    ¡®What are you nning?¡¯ the young archwizard asked himself.


    The node began to shake.


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    Crystals hummed as tremors climbed through the tower, the node started to shrink.


    ¡®Oh hells, it¡¯s going to destroy the tower, ¡®Alex thought, turning to ygon.


    ¡°Buddy, we might have to¨C¡± his words trailed off.


    The light was fading from the iron¡­no¡­


    ¡­not iron any longer.


    The ring light faded from his body, allowing Alex to make out what was beneath the radiance¡­to clearly see what ygon had transformed to.


    His general shape was unchanged: a thick bodied golem with four arms, one of which was still holding his war-spear. The fire-gems still zed in his forehead and palms, the same crimson colour as they had always been.


    The armour-like design covering his body remained true, as did his snarling face.


    The material he was made of, though, was different.


    His metallic surface had been transformed; certain areas of the formerly dark iron were gone, reced by gleaming steel, while other parts were of an inky ck substance.


    ¡°<em>Father¡­I feel it¡­I have¡­transformed¡­¡±</em> he said. ¡°<em>And now¡­I can help us¡­properly.</em>¡±


    The golem¡¯s voice was confident. More sure. More assertive. The voice of one who walked his own path, and had gotten to where he wanted to go.


    <em>¡°Father, don¡¯t teleport us out¡­¡±</em> He raised his head toward the ceiling; the node was constricting, the tower copsing inward. ¡°<em>¡­not yet¡­I want to show the Ravener something.¡±</em>


    The golem spun his war-spear, abruptly stabbing its de deep into a wall nearby. ygon flexed his fingers, slowly raising his arms toward the ceiling. Power gathered in the fire-gem in his forehead, zing brighter than ever before. Power gathered in the fire-gems in his upper palms, burning with renewed light.


    Alex had seen this before, he was ready for ygon to disy his new power¡­but something caught his eye.


    In the palms of the golem¡¯s lower hands, a different sort of energy was growing, gathering strength with every heartbeat, the light also increasing. Along his chest, a massive torrent of power throbbed, and the deep ck substance of his form began burning with its own inner radiance.


    Alex frowned; the light and power were familiar¡­the young archwizard had seen it before.


    But where? Where <em>had</em> he seen this <em>exact</em> disy of power before? It had been recently too, he just knew i¡ª


    Then his mind made the connection.


    He remembered the Ravener charging its death-beams in the cavern; its ck surface would shine with a near blinding radiance in the spot that the beam was about to fire from.


    And that same internal radiance was now burning along the substance that formed much of ygon¡¯s new form¡­a substance that Alex was <em>very</em> familiar with.


    Dungeon core substance.


    ygon had evolved beyond iron, taking on the Ravener¡¯s most valuable energies as well. Now, his body was steel, along with the very same substance that his and his father¡¯s most dangerous enemy was made of.


    Alex¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡®Dungeon core substance¡¯s mana conductivity is impossibly high!¡¯ he thought. ¡®If ygon¡¯s <em>body</em> now consists of that¡ª¡¯


    His thoughts were cut off by a series of earth-shaking sts.


    ygon¡¯s fire-gems released chaos-tinged beams, thicker and zing with more power than ever before. The depth of the heating from them felt as hot as being beside a cremation chamber.


    Three more beams ripped from his lower palms and chest.


    But these were not fire rays.


    They were like the Ravener¡¯s death beams. Smaller in diameter but with the same type of energy.


    All six sts hit the ceiling at once. Death-beamsbined with the chaosced fire, building even more energy until¡ª


    ¡°<em>Father¡­teleport out!¡±</em> ygon cried suddenly, tearing his war-spear out of the wall. ¡°<em>Far from here!¡±</em>


    Alex didn¡¯t hesitate, teleporting both he and his golem from the tower.


    They appeared far from the node, and just in time¡ª


    For a sky-breaking boom to rip the darkness.


    In an instant, most of the tower was gone; the explosion tore through the crystal as though it was a dinner te, annihting all Ravener-spawn nearby, turning the tower into a crater within the t ne.


    ¡°What in all hells?¡± Alex shouted.


    A mushroom shaped cloud formed above thendscape, one even bigger than the one left by the chaos bomb Carey had exploded at Uldar¡¯s Rise.


    ¡°ygon¡­that¡¯s incredible!¡± the young archwizard cried, stunned.


    ¡°<em>You took what is mine,¡±</em> the Ravener¡¯s voice came through the darkness. ¡°<em>You will give it back.¡±</em>


    ¡°<em>No¡­¡±</em> ygon said. ¡°<em>I will not give anything back¡­you helped give me life, Ravener. You helped¡­give me strength. You helped me¡­transform and transcend, finding new versions of me. You have helped me grow¡­but I will be better than you¡­¡±</em>


    ¡°<em>What is this nonsense?¡± </em>the Ravener asked. ¡°<em>I do not even know what you are?¡±</em>


    As it spoke those words, more Ravener-spawn manifested from thin air.


    ygon lifted his head toward the dark skies. ¡°<em>Good. I will¡­show you.¡±</em>


    The golem spread his arms wide.


    And parts of his body began to shimmer.


    ¡°<em>I think¡­I can do this¡­¡±</em> he said. ¡°<em>And if I do¡­it will make me happy¡­because I will be more like my father¡­and just as you admire your creator. I admire¡­my father...who¡­fights¡­with an army of monsters¡­¡±</em>


    ¡°What?¡± Alex cried. ¡°What are you saying, buddy? No way. <em>No way!¡±</em>


    ¡°<em>And now¡­so can I.¡±</em>


    And without another word, the first spawn burst from ygon¡¯s body.


    Emerging from his chest was an eye-stalk, followed by another, then another. The spawn was invisible; if Alex hadn¡¯t been under a true seeing spell, he would not have seen the creature as it grew, its mass swelling as it surfaced, long legs spreading out, writhing in the air¡­


    Then dropping from ygon¡¯s body,nding on the ground below.


    A petrifier.


    ¡°<em>How?¡±</em> the Ravener sounded shocked.


    ¡°You¡­you can make spawn?¡± Alex whispered.


    ¡°<em>That energy¡­it let me take more from the Ravener than it knew¡­my evolution is to be this¡­father. To be¡­better than what Uldar made,¡±</em> ygon said.


    Spawn of all kinds took form, created by the golem: chitterers, gibbering legions, blood-hydras and spear-flies emerged from his form.


    ¡°<em>Go¡­father¡­¡±</em> the golem said. ¡°<em>I might not¡­be able to make¡­spawn as fast as the Ravener¡­but now¡­I have what I need to help you¡­and protect¡­all of us. I will take care of it¡­do what you have to do¡­¡±</em>


    Alex looked at ygon, pride surging through him. ¡°I¡¯m more proud of you than I can ever express with mere words, ygon.¡±


    ¡°<em>Thank you¡­now¡­go.¡±</em>


    With that, the construct unleashed hell.


    Fire-beams exploded from his gems.


    Death-beamsunched from his body.


    And spawn emerged from his four-armed form, forging a growing army around him.


    ¡°<em>You will die here. You are the ultimate of Usurpers!¡¯</em> the Ravener¡¯s voice hissed out in a sinister whisper.


    It shot its death-beams at ygon¡­but the golem¡¯s own beams struck the Ravener¡¯s, turning darkness to an inferno of explosions and thunder.


    His spawn leapt on Ravener-spawn that Uldar¡¯s creation had released, shing with them.


    Alex watched in awe, unable to leave as ygon floated forward like a god of war, raining destruction down on Thamnd¡¯s ancient enemy. Death beams and waves of deadly magic struck the golem, but¡ªwhere before they would have heated his iron form until it was steaming and glowing¡ªnow, not even the force of those beams could make him flinch.


    ¡°<em>Go¡­father!¡±</em> ygon shouted, raising his war-spear. ¡°<em>Do what¡­you must!¡±</em>


    For a moment, Alex considered staying by his golem¡¯s side and trying to exist in five ces instead of four.


    ¡­but four had been taxing enough.


    He couldn¡¯t push himself any further now, not at such a crucial time, with so much chaos all around them.


    Alex took a deep breath, watching his golem sh with Uldar¡¯s creation¡­proud to see the closest being he had to a son standing up to an abomination made by a god.


    And not even flinching.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back soon, buddy. I swear it.¡±


    With that, he teleported away.


    It was time to find the other nodes, now that ygon was holding the Ravener¡¯s attention.


    And it was also time¡­for something else.


    Within Aenflynn¡¯s castle, inside the room that held Uldar¡¯s throne, Merzhin opened his eyes.


    ¡°I think¡­I think I¡¯m close,¡± he whispered. ¡°Carey, Alex. Help me. I think I can tear this barrier down.¡±

 Chapter 889: Merzhins Faith

    Chapter 889: Merzhin''s Faith


    When he was a young child, Saint Merzhin of Thamnd sincerely believed that he had been born for one purpose.


    To serve Uldar.


    He grew up in the church, raised by priests and priestesses, and lived among other children. The young boy had slept on a thin cot, ate simple meals and spent most of his waking hours learning scripture, telling Uldar¡¯s stories,bouring for the church in the kitchens and fields, and worshipping Thamnd¡¯s silent god.


    Uldar was his life, his soul and his future.


    And he had never rebelled against that life.


    He had grown up feeling loved¡ªthough he was often quite lonely¡ªand loving his god in return.


    When he had been blessed with the Mark of the Saint, it had truly felt like his life¡¯s purpose and its promise were alling to fruition. The Mark of the Saint appearing on his belly had felt like the ultimate gift, like Uldar¡¯s acknowledgement of his faith and his confirmation of Merzhin¡¯s life purpose.


    He had believed¡ªbeyond a doubt¡ªthat his every breath had been taken solely to bring him to the moment he was Marked, so that he might serve Uldar in the most profound way he could.


    Over time, though, his joy had faded in the face of growing loneliness when the other Heroes had abandoned him. In the face of resentment at being left out of their discussions. In the face of his anger when Carey would not embrace Uldar in the way he thought she should.¡­everything he felt had turned to sheer horror when the events at Uldar¡¯s Rise had happened.


    ¡­and because of his actions, his only friend had died, viins had escaped, and he¡¯d been forced to realise that his sacrifices, since childhood, had been for nothing more than a long dead corpse.


    He¡¯d been devastated; beyond grieving his friend, beyond epting his guilt in her death, he had toe to terms with one simple truth; that his entire purpose hadrgely been for nothing.


    All the faith that he¡¯d been clinging to in every moment of his life had done nothing but empower the silent throne of a poisoned corpse.


    And¡ªwhen he thought that things<strong></strong>could get no worse¡ªhe¡¯de to know that Uldar had created the Ravener. Not only was the object of his worship a corpse, but when he was still the Thameish people¡¯s living god, he had engineered the very thing that was responsible for uncountable deaths over generations in Thamnd.


    And adding insult to injury, he¡¯d learned that Uldar¡¯s motivations for creating the Ravener were the desperate attempt of a dying, angry deity, only to prolong his own life. A dying, angry deity that¡ªin hisst moments of lucidity¡ªhad decided that culling his people, using the horror of his construct, was what was best¡­for him.


    <em>That</em> had been the focus of Merzhin¡¯s faith.


    <em>That</em> had been what he¡¯d let his friend die for.


    <em>That</em> had been what the supposed purpose of his life had been.


    Life had gotten much darker after that, and he¡¯d sought a way to make his pain end; a way that might somehow undo his own sins and those of his god.


    But, Alex and hispanions had pulled him from despair, and given him direction¡­and he was very d that they had.


    Because now?


    Now he was here to see what his life¡¯s purpose<em> truly </em>was.


    The Saint of Thamnd was on his knees before the divine ward blocking him from Uldar¡¯s throne. To his left stood Alex, protecting him from attacks, and helping him in any way that he could.


    Behind him¡ªwith both warm hands pressed to his back, the Traveller¡¯s divinity pouring through her touch¡ªwas the transcendent soul of his closest friend, Carey.


    Together, both were supporting him, pushing him, granting him the strength to fulfil what he had concluded was his life¡¯s<em> real</em> purpose.


    To tear down this divine wall.


    To shatter the throne of a cruel and long departed god.


    And Merzhin would do whatever it took to fulfil his purpose.


    And so he prayed: ¡°<em>Traveller¡­and even the departed soul of Uldar, hear me. Hear now my testament. Hear now my prayer. For these are the words of thest Saint of Uldar. There will be none after me.¡±</em>


    His words held power.


    He could feel their certainty and strength as they resonated from his throat. The air shuddered at their weight, and the faith flowing through his soul focused like sunlight passing through a ss lens.


    The power of two divinities¡ªthat of the dead god Uldar, and that of the newborn goddess, the Traveller¡ªchannelled through his soul with every syble, building in power with his prayer.


    The might of the divine strength passing through his soul gate was staggering; his Mark¡¯s evolution and the meditation techniques he¡¯d learned from the General were keeping his soul from shattering like ss.


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    But, despite his Mark¡¯s evolution and the meditation techniques, his soul still ached from strain; Aenflynn had saturated his ward with divine power, and it would not be broken easily.


    But Merzhin <em>would</em> break it.


    He believed that each step of his life had been building to this moment.


    And he would not falter now.


    Not like he had at Uldar¡¯s Rise.


    It was as Carey had said: it was not about <em>can</em>, it was about <em>must.</em>


    ¡°<em>Thest Saint of Thamnd deres this,¡±</em> Merzhin continued. ¡°<em>Let it be known that I speak the following words with both the authority and divinity granted by the Traveller and the memory of Uldar¡¯s early days wherein¡ªdespite his motives¡ªhe did help Thamnd. It is in that lost legacy and in the new dawn brought by a new deity that I say¡­¡±</em>


    His soul trembled.


    Divinity sparked in it, shaking the very foundations of his being.


    ¡°<em>I hereby dere that this wall be ripped down. That the ward brought about by this thief of the divine is sphemy to the good deeds that Uldar did and to the good deeds that the Traveller has done, and will do. I abjure this ward!¡±</em>


    His voice rose through the air, shaking the room they were in.


    Before him, he felt the divinity in the ward fluctuate¡­shifting slowly, but surely. He risked a nce to his left and spotted Alex, their eyes met and Merzhin¡¯s face contorted with effort and concentration.


    He risked a quick nce behind him.


    Carey was there, with her wings of chaos me and a halo above her head, her eyes were closed and her face serene.


    The Saint nodded once and red at the divine ward before him, his anger in.


    He made a grasping gesture toward it.


    ¡°<em>By the word of thest Saint of Uldar, by the power of the Traveller and by the good deeds once done by a selfish god, I hereby smite this barrier!¡±</em>


    Divine power shot from his soul like a thunderbolt, filling the chamber with blinding light. That radiance gathered in his hand, forming a hammer wrought from pure divinity.


    It zed with boundless power, and his skin was scalded at its touch.


    But the Saint did not care.


    He rose to his feet, firmly holding the hammer of divinity.


    Carey and Alex moved back.


    Saint Merzhin, thest Saint of Uldar, took the hammer in both hands, lifting it above his head¡­


    ¡­and swung hard, right into the divine ward with great force.


    The sound that followed was like one world colliding with another.


    All of Och Fir Nog shook with it.


    Merzhin¡¯s soul throbbed.


    His teeth clenched.


    And the barrier remained firm.


    ¡°<em>Again!¡±</em> he shouted. ¡°<em>I cast you down!¡±</em>


    He swung the hammer of divinity, crashing it against the divine ward, shaking the fae realm once more.


    But now¡­a thin crack rippled across the divine ward.


    ¡°That¡¯s it!¡± Alex cried.


    ¡°We are getting through!¡± Carey shouted.


    Merzhin lifted the hammer again, his thin arms shaking from the effort as shockwaves from the terrible forces hemanded took a toll on his body and soul.


    But, it was not about <em>if </em>he could do it.


    ¡°I must,¡± he whispered, then raised his voice again. ¡°<em>Begone!¡±</em> hemanded, swinging the hammer again.


    Another crack webbed through the ward.


    He was panting now.


    Sweating.


    His thin arms shaking.


    And his soul, in pain.


    Frustration surged. He could not exhaust all of his strength just trying to get through this infernal wall. He still needed reserves to break the throne <em>and</em> put an interdiction on the Ravener, to help keep it from returning.


    If he exhausted himself just getting through this filthy barrier, then what good would that do?


    ¡°I have to break it¡­¡± he whispered. ¡°I must¡­¡± He paused, looking at a crack, considering it carefully; it was an opening, one that led through the ward. A tiny, insignificant crack, that would hardly admit the wind, let alone even the smallest, most humble insect.


    But then again, it <em>was</em> a crack wasn¡¯t it?


    A gap.


    He pointed at the tiny fissure, then looked at Carey and Alex.


    ¡°Can you get us through that crack with the Traveller¡¯s power?¡±


    They looked at each other.


    The spirit smiled serenely.


    The young archwizard gave a triumphant grin.


    Both took the Saint by his shoulders.


    And teleported him through the crack in the divine ward.


    Merzhin appeared on the other side with his twopanions supporting him.


    ¡°By the Traveller¡­we are through! We are through!¡± he cried.


    ¡°Yes we are!¡± Alex shouted.


    ¡°Atst,¡± Carey said, her eyes watching Uldar¡¯s throne. ¡°And now we can do what must be done.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°It is time.¡±


    He looked upon the throne of Uldar.


    The white chair rose before him, immense, majestic.


    From it, the god of Thamnd had ruled his mortal kingdom both in health and in his days of sickness. It now was the focus for all the faith conferred on him, and for the divinity he once wielded.


    A symbol of Thamnd.


    A symbol of Uldar.


    A symbol of the pain that the god¡¯s self-serving decisions had caused.


    Merzhin slowly walked toward the chair, taking in every curve, and every line, his eyes drawn to the ck ichor staining its white surface. At one time, this chair would have symbolised the purpose of his life.


    But now?


    The purpose was to unmake it, the very thing that once defined him.


    And unsurprisingly¡­that thought put a smile on his face.


    St. Merzhin spoke to his best friend. ¡°Might I have your help in this, Carey?¡±


    She too looked at the throne, her expression a mixture of regret, conviction, and serenity. ¡°There was a time when I would have done everything in my power to stop what we are now about to do. If only my faith had been well ced and had been put into something that was worthy of it.¡± She sighed, then smiled. ¡°Such things are terribly sad, but they are in the past. We must move forward. Of course I shall help you, Merzhin.¡±


    ¡°And if that filthy fae shows up,¡± Alex offered. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to keep him off your backs.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Alex,¡± Merzhin said calmly. He exhaled, his eyes on Carey. ¡°Please ce your hand on the throne.¡±


    She nodded silently.


    Merzhin moved to the left side of Uldar¡¯s chair.


    And Carey moved to the right.


    They rested their hands on the throne, and the Saint spoke:


    ¡°<em>I am thest Saint of Uldar, and the highest authority in the church of Thamnd. Uldar¡¯s reign has ended and his symbols should end too. As the highest divine authority in the kingdom, it is my duty to dere the direction of the god¡¯s faith and tomand his artefacts. As such, I dere this seat to be no longer needed. Uldar¡¯s reign has ended and his symbols should end with him. No longer shall this throne be the focus of Thameish faith in him. No longer shall it channel his divinity. With the authority of Uldar and the power of the Traveller, I dere this symbol undone!¡±</em>


    Divinity surged from his soul, joining Carey¡¯s power and channelling into the throne.


    The entirety of Aenflynn¡¯s castle began shaking and rumbling around them like the voice of an angry god.


    There came a sound like thunder.


    ¡°<em>With the authority of Uldar and the power of the Traveller, I dere this symbol undone!¡±</em> Merzhin cried again.


    The divinity within the throne recoiled, roiling and fraying.


    <em>¡°With the authority of Uldar and the power of the Traveller, I dere this symbol undone!¡±</em>


    The castle bucked.


    There came a sound like a cier splitting.


    A crack began forming along the throne, the light of inner divinity zing through it.


    Aenflynn, lord of Och Fir Nog felt the chill of death crawl up his spine.


    He whirled on his castle, watching it shake, down to its very foundations.

 Chapter 890: Heart of Stone

    Chapter 890: Heart of Stone


    Lord Aenflynn was long lived. His life had been one of triumphs and frustrations, some small, and some great indeed.


    In his youth, he had been a carefree sort; a fae who often slipped into the material world to have some sport, tricking mortals and watching theirical reactions. It had amused him, and often satisfied his curiosities.


    One day while in the material world, he met Uldar; a living god, who was trulying into his own at the time.


    From that meeting, one of the greatest partnerships between any two beings ever known in all of Och Fir Nog and Thamnd, was born. Together, they had experienced both triumphs and frustrations.


    Together, they had grown.


    And matured.


    Aenflynn was transformed from a young trickster, to a master maniptor, diplomat, general and ruler. For the longest time, he had thought himself truly great; a master among even the mighty lords of the fae, the one who would bring his realm to the highest peaks of prosperity.


    His frustrations at that time had been varied, from minor to significant; his struggles against rival fae lords, the rampages of the Stalker, and some friendlypetitions against Uldar.


    But those had given way to the greatest frustration of his life.A realm on fire.


    Armies of fae marching across his green fields.


    The destruction of his pce then, and the wounding of his close friend.


    The other fae lords had conspired together, desiring to bring both he and Uldar low.


    There had been no moment in his life more frustrating than that day¡­


    ¡­until this one.


    The day had begun so well; he had avenged himself and his people, and at longst, thrown down his rivals and the realms that had gued Och Fir Nog for millennia. All that should have stood in the way of his final victory was the wrath of a few mortals; a wrath that his mighty magics, the deal he¡¯d tricked three of the Heroes into, and the power of his old friend¡¯s throne should have easily countered and crushed.


    Yet, instead of now gloating over his enemy¡¯s corpses, he found himself in the skies above his own pce, being beaten on by a stubborn, ancient goat man with more power than Aenflynn could have possibly imagined.


    Then there was the former Fool. This General.


    He should have had no more significance than a speck next to the other Heroes. But, instead, he had destroyed a host of his fae guard, and done the same to his effigy, using a strange power that Aenflynn did not even begin to understand.


    Now with his effigy destroyed, he could not defend or even watch over Uldar¡¯s throne.


    And he¡¯d had no opportunity to craft another one, not with this filthy, flea-ridden beastman bashing him about like some sort of witless barbarian.


    He¡¯d used his divine energies, his own fae magics, illusions, swordsmanship and more against the old wizard¡­but try as he might, he could not be rid of the pest!


    Not even when he felt the divine ward around the throne¡ªa ward he had spent <em>weeks</em> perfecting¡ªbegin to crack.


    Not even now, as he felt something <em>terrible</em> happening to the throne.


    ¡®I must stop it!¡¯ he thought, his mind racing. His heart thundered in his ears, beating as fast as a mouse¡¯s in a blind panic. ¡®I have to kill all of them before they do something that cannot be undone!¡¯


    ¡°Ooooh my,¡± the old beastman murmured.


    Aenflynn¡¯s horned and armoured foe floated before him, bearing his shield and that terrible, vicious hammer of his. His eyes seemed to spark with pure, ancient malice.


    A few scratches marred his armour, but otherwise, he was unharmed, floating within the eye of the storm they now shared. The battle raged on between their armies, blood and fire spreading through the clouds.


    ¡°Do you feel that?¡¯ the goatman continued. ¡°It does feel like this battle ising to a rather¡­unfortunate conclusion. For you, that is. Yes, the symbol of Uldar does not seem to be in the best of states at the moment. And when your stolen divine power is gone, what will you do? You have hardly been able to hold me off thus far.¡±


    The wizardughed as Aenflynn¡¯s mind whirled.


    ¡°You are like a child ying dress up with a corpse¡¯s regalia. But, I am afraid it is time for you to grow up, little fae, and I, for one, am very much<em></em>looking forward to what ising next!¡±


    ¡°Silence!¡± Aenflynn¡¯s voice thundered across thend. ¡°This condescension¡­I will tolerate it no more!¡±


    His tone was strong, filled with his wrath.


    But inside, he was panicking.


    If the throne shattered, he would not be alive for much longer; the mortals had brought powers against him that he had not anticipated, and he doubted he could stand against all of them without Uldar¡¯s throne.


    He <em>needed</em> that chair if he hoped to have any chance of turning this disaster around.


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    And he also needed help.


    ¡®Ravener!¡¯ he thought. ¡®Our enemies are closing on us! You <em>must</em> help me! I am granting you a <em>flood</em> of power! Use it to quickly destroy your foes and then help me!¡¯


    Aenflynn opened the river of power he was providing the Ravenver, letting a monsoon loose.


    The archwizard teleported, appearing in front of the fae lord.


    ¡°What did I tell you about focusing?¡± the goatman chastised him.


    Another blow shattered Aenflynn¡¯s jaw, sending him spinning.


    But unlike thest time, the fae lord had a n.


    ¡®Trickery helped me before,¡¯ he thought. ¡®And trickery will get me out of this.¡¯


    With a quick whistle, he healed his destroyed jaw, then dodged out of the way as the ancient wizard teleported again, striking at him with another blow.


    He whistled again.


    A low, dull sound.


    A discordant note.


    An ugly note.


    The divine power he was channelling flowed through him, syphoning away some of his own precious life force,bining to create an unstable joining of life and divinity.


    And with a scream like a cornered beast, he released it at his opponent.


    The Fae lord¡¯s skin burned, flesh curdling.


    The strength of the power exploding from his body, burned his flesh away.


    Doing exactly what Aenflynn wanted it to.


    For an instant, force and light from the st gave his opponent pause and he raised his shield, looking to protect himself.


    In that instant, Aenflynn acted.


    He whistled again¡ªa sweeter note¡ªusing Uldar¡¯s power to heal his wounds, making his body whole as he called upon his fae magic, forging another effigy from the air behind his foe.


    With a single thought, he set the effigy on the beastman, drawing his attention for another heartbeat.


    The archwizard turned, striking his attacker with his hammer¡ªshattering the creature of air¡ªand sending a painful bacsh through Aenflynn¡¯s soul¡­


    Also giving the fae lord exactly what he was hoping for.


    Heunched his body forward, veiled by the light of the explosion, his divine sword poised, aiming at the distracted beastman.


    The fae lord whistled again, infusing more power into his de.


    If he could just <em>kill</em> this goatman¡ªeven if he had to burn more of his life energy away to do so¡ªthen he¡¯d be free to protect Uldar¡¯s throne.


    He whistled once more. Sharp and short.


    The sound sharpened his de.


    A lower whistle came next, creating a sheathe of divinity, veiling him further, shielding him from attack.


    Before him, the goatman turned.


    Another sharp whistle,<strong></strong>and an offer of his own life force.


    Aenflynn¡¯s speed doubled.


    He sped forward.


    The point of his de aimed perfectly.


    Divine energy plunged through the goatman¡¯s starmetal breastte.


    Sliding through the flesh below¡ªfinding the spot where his hearty¡ªthen exiting from the back.


    The goatman paused.


    Aenflynn smiled, revealing sharp teeth.


    ¡°You fool,¡± he whispered to the dying beastman, his eyes sparking in triumph. ¡°The difference between you and me is that I was willing to burn away my own life to achieve victory. <em>You</em> simply were notmitted enough.¡±


    The hammer slipped from the goatman¡¯s fingers as light and the shockwave from the divine explosion faded.


    Now, Aenflynn could watch as life left his ursed foe¡¯s eyes.


    His grin growing, the fae lord reached out, ready to reim his de.


    The goatman¡¯s gauntleted hand suddenly shot up.


    Starmetal d fingers seized the fae¡¯s arm, digging into his flesh.


    Aenflynn grunted. ¡°Ast gasp of life? Bah¡­Just lie down and die, beast-thing! Just¡­¡±


    The fae lord¡¯s words trailed off.


    ¡°What¡­why are you not bleeding?¡± he whispered.


    His sword was jammed deep into the ancient wizard¡¯s chest¡ªthrough his armour and protruding from his back¡ªbut there was not a drop of blood from the wound. He was not bleeding. At all.


    A lowugh came from behind the goatman¡¯s mask, like the growl of a predatory beast. ¡°What were your exact words: <em>the difference between you and me was that I was willing to burn away my own life to achieve victory. You simply were notmitted enough. </em>That is what you said to me. But, you could not have been more wrong.<em>¡±</em>


    Baelin¡¯s grip tightened.


    Aenflynn started to whistle.


    The goatman headbutted him.


    Hard.


    The fae shrieked, as the starmetal mask met his jaw.


    Teeth shot from Aenflynn¡¯s mouth, some protruding from his now mangled lips.


    The archwizard cast his shield away, quickly reaching up and seizing the fae¡¯s ruined mouth in another crushing grip.


    ¡°I finally have you.¡± he said, his voice and eyes like stone, like a gargoyle¡¯s staring down from atop a cathedral. ¡°No more whistling. No more tricks. Now, you are about to die, so recognise that. You might have harmed me. If I had not taken measures long ago, this wound could have proven fatal.¡±


    Aenflynn¡¯s mind was panicked, yet confused.


    He knew he had split the wizard¡¯s heart.


    He knew it!


    ¡°Ah, you are likely thinking that you skewered my heart, judging from that foolish look on your face,¡± the archwizard said. ¡°But here is the problem with your logic¡­I am going to let you in on a secret that only four others in the universe know.¡±


    He leaned forward.


    ¡°My heart has not been in my chest for over five thousand years.¡±


    The fae lord let out a confused whimper.


    ¡°Look. Look at this,¡± the wizard continued, then spoke a single syble of power.


    His chest opened.


    Not just armour, but his flesh easily parted, as smoothly as a greased door hinge, revealing the viscera within.


    Revealing his hear¡ª


    Aenflynn¡¯s thoughts faltered.


    No hearty in the wizard¡¯s chest¡­only something carved in the shape of a heart, something looking like a smooth piece of stone. Blood ran through it, passing along stony vessels, pumping through the wizard¡¯s body; flowing <em>around</em> the fae¡¯s divine sword, like a river around a rock.


    ¡®What abomination is this?¡¯ he wondered.


    ¡°Since, at one time, a long time ago, I came close to losing a battle<strong></strong>to some nasty individuals who wielded the power of the sun in all sorts of vicious ways. In other battles I came close to losing my life, and so I decided then that I did not like the idea of losing very much, especially when it could result in my death. So, I removed my heart from my body, poured most of my life force into it and spirited it away to a location that would be meaningless to you.¡±


    Aenflynn choked on blood running into his ruined mouth.


    ¡°I left just enough life force in my body for it to remain operational¡­but rest assured, even were you to attempt to disintegrate me down to mystponent atom, I would live on. My heart beats, Aenflynn of Och Fir Nog, just not within my chest. As for the enchanted stone here, it provides me with some lovely impediments against several forms of magic, diseases, and poisonings to my physical form.¡±


    Without another word, the archwizard secured his armour-covered chest like new, then fixed the fae lord with a stony gaze, resembling a being chiselled from rock and time.


    ¡°<em>The</em><em>difference between you and me was that I was willing to burn away my own life to achieve victory. You simply were notmitted enough,¡±</em> the archwizard repeated Aenflynn¡¯s words to him. ¡°I say again: you are wrong. The difference between you and me is that <em>I</em> did not <em>have</em> to burn my life force away to achieve victory. The difference between you and I is that you bet everything to go against me and those I am aiding¡­but I had to bet nothing. You quite literally could have never killed me; if you thought that simply stabbing me in the chest would be enough, then the task¡ªquite simply¡ªwas far beyond you. And now, I believe I owe a young friend a present.¡±


    The monster that pretended to be a mere wizard then flew toward Aenflynn¡¯s castle with terrible speed, holding the screaming fae lord in a death-grip.


    Without pause, he flew through the window, entering Aenflynn¡¯s throne room in a hail of exploding ss.


    Three figures turned in surprise.


    ¡°My young friends!¡± the ancient archwizard said cheerily. ¡°It seems you are having a celebration. And such festivities call for¡­gifts.¡±


    He held up the fae lord, still screaming into the archwizard¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Here you go. Here is mine.¡±

 Chapter 891: The Last Seat

    Chapter 891: The Last Seat


    Being in four ces at once meant keeping track of a lot.


    In his homnd, Alex had been crushing dungeons, taking control of dungeon cores, casting Army of Heroes on everyone he met, and turning his controlled Ravener-spawn loose on their kin.


    Inside the Ravener¡¯sir, he was fighting alongside hispanions, countering the magic of Uldar¡¯s creation as it grew increasingly agitated and desperate. While ygon was inside the Ravener, Alex was blunting the hole he¡¯d left by summoning monsters in rapid session, sending them against the Ravener¡¯s hordes of Spawn, and supporting his allies. He was using Mana to Blood repeatedly on Cedric, giving the Chosen more stamina, the red-haired young man needed to continually draw on his divinity to heal hispanions.


    Meanwhile, Alex was fighting a different battle inside the Ravener. While ygon drew the construct¡¯s attention, the young archwizard teleported from node to node, attaching the venomous devices to the Ravener¡¯s crystals, syphoning away mana and poisoning the very essence of Uldar¡¯s creation.


    The more nodes he poisoned, the more frantic the Ravener¡¯s counter-attacks were, and the more desperate its actions to stop him. Where before it had used waves of energy and death-beams against Alex and ygon, trying to overwhelm them with endless armies of Ravener-spawn, now the construct had switched to more drastic tactics.


    Howling with rage, the Ravener had filled the air inside its form with gases so poisonous and caustic, that they melted flesh with the lightest touch, destroying even its own Ravener-spawn in the process.


    Alex had countered with control weather and tempest spells, blowing the acidic air away while teleporting from ce to ce, keeping ahead of the toxins.


    Everything he¡¯d done was affecting the construct, a good number of nodes were destroyed and the damage was showing; its uracy was off and the amount of mana it could channel was falling.


    But, these three ces weren¡¯t where the greatest changes were taking ce. That was in Aenflynn¡¯s Castle.


    While it wasn¡¯t the area that was taxing him most, it was absolutely the one that needed his full focus. Things were changing fast.


    One moment he was standing beside Merzhin, trying to think of a way to teleport and purge some of the divinity from the ward, the next, the Saint of Thamnd had conjured a hammer of pure divine force, cracked the ward and was asking him and Carey if they could teleport him through it.


    They not only could, but happily did, and without hesitation, the trio was through the barrier that had been so resilient to their magic and prayers. Merzhin and Carey had then touched the throne, channelling the divinity of both Uldar and the Traveller, and within seconds, theirbined power was shearing the white stone of Uldar¡¯s chair, revealing the zing light of divinity shining like a star within it.


    Alex was watching cracks spreading through the throne with held breath, while the castle quaked around them.


    A massive explosion came from outside, bringing blinding light and a terrible shockwave with it, shaking the pce further, nearly throwing Alex off his feet.


    He whirled, peering outside, yet unable to make anything out through the bright light out there.


    ¡°It¡¯s Aenflynn!¡± Merzhin shouted. ¡°He¡¯s channelling a massive amount of divinity, more than a mortal should safely wield! Alex, can you see if Baelin¡¯s alright?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s too bright for me to see anything clearly,¡± Alex said. ¡°But I know he¡¯ll be alright. He¡¯s Baelin; it¡¯ll take more than that shark-toothed bastard¡¯s tricks to stop him. You just keep focusing on the throne; I¡¯ll stay here and protect you in case he tries something to prevent you from destroying the throne.¡±


    The young archwizard waited as Carey and Merzhin went back to their task. Cracks continued spreading through the chair, the castle¡¯s shaking intensified, stone dust raining down from the ceiling and walls.


    Alex reached out with his mana senses; he could still feel Baelin¡¯s spells outside in the sky.


    He brought his attention back to the throne, cracks continued growing, white stone heaving like abouring heart.


    ¡®Please be alright,¡¯ he thought. ¡®Please be alright, Baelin.¡¯¡¯


    No sooner had those words crossed his mind, than an armoured figure streaked toward the window at breathtaking speed, shattering the ss pane.


    Alex, Carey, and Merzhin whirled around in shock.


    Baelin broke through the window, holding the struggling fae lord in a death grip.


    ¡°My young friends!¡± the ancient archwizard said cheerily. ¡°It seems you are having a celebration. And such festivities call for¡­gifts.¡±


    He held up the fae lord, still screaming into the archwizard¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Here you go. Here is mine.¡±<strong></strong>


    The young archwizard¡¯s jaw dropped.


    ¡°You got him¡­ But, look at your chest!¡± He gasped at the damage to Baelin¡¯s starmetal armour. ¡°How are you alright?¡±


    The chancellorughed heartily. ¡°Your concern warms my heart, Alex, but trust me. He is not up to the task of killing me.¡±


    Alex looked at him closely for a moment; remembering how in the old stories, mentor characters often imed to be alright when¡ªin reality¡ªthey had taken a fatal wound but were hiding it.


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    Alex doubted that Baelin would lie about something like that.


    Especially, since he could simply ask Merzhin to heal him.


    He shook his head. ¡®You¡¯re distracted.¡¯ His mind was working from four sets of sensory stimuli, even as different streams of consciousness were controlling his body in each of four locations. ¡®The most important thing to focus on is¡­¡¯


    Alex grinned at the struggling fae lord. ¡°Well, well, well¡­we finally meet in the flesh.¡±


    ¡°We should break him,¡± Merzhin snarled. ¡°After what he¡¯s done, I want to see him <em>un</em>done.¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Carey said firmly. ¡°He must be punished.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Baelin said. ¡°He is yours; after all, he is your enemy¡­he barely qualifies as mine. So I leave him to the three of you.¡±


    With a single word of power, the chancellor conjured a chain of utter darkness between the fae¡¯s teeth.


    ¡°No more whistling for you,¡± Baelin said. ¡°You three should be careful with him. I am not sure of what other tricks he might have up his sleeve.¡±


    ¡°What should we do with him?¡± the Saint asked.


    A sound like shattering ss drew their attention to the throne. The power Merzhin and Carey had wrought against it had seeded nicely¡­it was clear that the chair was past the point of no return.


    The white stone groaned like a dying beast as the light within it grew brighter. Cracks were consuming its entire surface, and pieces of stone were exploding from it. Beams of divinity were streaking out, shooting into the air as the divine ward crumbled, falling away into nothingness.


    ¡°We have to leave!¡± Merzhin cried. ¡°It¡¯s going to explode, and the devastation will be enormous! We can deal with himter!¡±


    Suddenly, an idea struck Alex.


    A wonderful and vicious idea.


    An idea that would offer the highest degree of vengeance.


    The young archwizard turned to Aenflynn, winking at the chancellor.


    ¡°You wanted that throne so much?¡± Alex said. ¡°Then sit on it.¡±


    Channelling the Traveller¡¯s power, the General of Thamnd reached out.


    The fae lord resisted the energy and his mighty will might have held up, but he was in so much pain that even he could not resist Hannah¡¯s energies.


    Aelx teleported Aenflynn into the chair, focusing the power on keeping him there. The fae lord grew frantic, screaming into the chain as divine energy burned him, but each time he tried to escape he was instantly teleported back into the seat by Hannah¡¯s power and the General¡¯s will.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Alex shouted, touching Merzhin¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Back to where we first entered the fae wild!¡±


    Together he, Carey, Merzhin and Baelin teleported out of the chamber.


    Aenflynn sat panicking, struggling with the chain of darkness between his teeth, desperate to rid himself of his bonds. But he could not get free. The ruins of his jaws could not spit the chain out, he was not strong enough to break its magical links, and all the fae magics he¡¯d tried on it simply slid from it like water off an oil-slicked surface.


    The fae lord gave up on those things, but, frantically kept trying to escape from the distending, cracking seat beneath him.


    Divine energy burned into him as the symbol of Uldar¡¯s reign crumbled, releasing its concentrated divinity into the air. Beams of pure deific essence escaped from widening holes in the throne¡¯s surface; piercing castle walls like spears of cosmic fire, the fae¡¯s body, and all else around him.


    He tried to fly away from the throne, only to be teleported back into it.


    He tried to rise from the chair, only to find himself sitting back into it.


    He tried willing the magics of his realm to free him, but an even mightier power kept him in the seat of his departed friend.


    ¡®No, no, no,¡¯ Aenflynn thought. ¡®Not now! Not like this! My realm is atst free of its enemies! My reign cannot be halted like this! I will not be cast aside while others celebrate the victory <em>I</em> won them! I will not! I will¡ªAgh!¡¯


    Beams of divinity pierced the Fae lord¡¯s body, destroying most of his organs but¡ªunlike that monster he¡¯d fought in the skies¡ªhis were neither made of stone, nor locked away in far distant ces.


    When Aenflynn¡¯s stomach and lungs were pierced, <em>he</em> bled.


    The fae lord choked on rusty-liquid filling his mouth, his mind still working¡ªstill scheming¡ªstill trying to find some trick that would let him get away from here alive.


    But as his mind worked¡­it unearthed an old memory.


    One that gave him pause.


    He had been in one of his most private chambers with the Stalker, and had been convincing the small fae to take on a job as his personal hunter and assassin.


    To hunt down the Saint and the Fool¡­the very two people who had likely killed him.


    And from that conversation with the old hunter, a certain exchange came back.


    <em>¡°It was as though we were seeing far distant shapes through a milky fog; but, with what we suspected was likely to ur, we sensed that we would get our chance,¡±</em> Aenflynn had exined.


    <em>¡°A chance at what, m¡¯lord?¡± </em>the Stalker had asked.


    <em>¡°I will answer you this way; let us say you walked into this chamber,¡± </em>Aenflynn had said.<em> ¡°And you were handed a ss of wine. But, better wine was being served only to those seated at this table.</em><em>Let us say that you are more than satisfied with the wine you were handed. You think it is delicious. But the wine at this table? You know it is even more delicious, even though you have never tasted it.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°How much better?¡±</em>


    <em>¡°Well, I¡¯d be curious about this mysterious wine, to be sure, m¡¯lord.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°Of course, so would anyone with blood in their veins,¡±</em> Aenflynn had said smoothly. <em>¡°But, s, every seat at the table is full. What then?¡±</em>


    <em>¡°Am I looking to make enemies of those at the table? Can I just take the wine?¡±</em>


    <em>¡°No, and no.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°Hmmmm.¡±</em> The Stalker puzzled. <em>¡°Well, I like my own wine. So I¡¯d keep drinking that. Maybe I¡¯d get the chance to drink the other wine at another time.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°Of course you would. Your life is long, and opportunities await. No sense in starting a fight with someone filling a seat¡­but let us say¡­someone were to leave the table.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°Ooooohohoho, now things are getting spicy! I can taste the cinnamon already.¡± </em>The Stalker had pped. <em>¡°And am I invited to the table?¡±</em>


    <em>¡°No.¡±</em> Aenflynn¡¯s eyes had red brightly. <em>¡°In fact, no one is. But someone might just sit in that chair. Or the chair could be removedpletely, leaving one less seat at the table. What would you do then?¡±</em>


    <em>¡°Of course, I¡¯d grab the seat before anyone else could get to the table, or before it was taken away!¡± t</em>he Stalker had said.


    Now Lord Aenflynn¡¯s smile had turned sly. ¡°<em>Indeed. Of course that is what one would do¡­when there is an empty chair. Keep your ears open my friend, for my riddle is easy to solve. With the right information, the answer will fall into ce.¡±</em>


    A sick irony rose in Aenflynn¡¯s heart.


    He did not know whether or not the Stalker had ever solved his riddle¡­but he did know one thing.


    There was an empty chair left in Thamnd; the most important empty chair.


    One of the thrones of godhood.


    Aenflynn had thought himself so clever; finding ways to manipte the energies of that chair, bending them to his will and taking the seat for his own weapon. An opportunity to drink of a ¡®wine¡¯¡ªa power¡ªthat only deities were able to ¡®taste¡¯.


    And he had seeded.


    He had taken the opportunity.


    He had taken the chair.


    And now?


    That chair¡ªthe one that belonged to his friend¡ªwould put an end to a life that<em></em>had spanned thousands of years.


    A shudder went through Aenflynn¡¯s heart.


    The stone was bursting now, the divinity unmaking his body and stripping away his soul.


    Hisst thought was:


    ¡®Uldar died on this throne. My friend¡­died on this throne. And now, so shall I. I will have words with him in the after-world. This bloody chair is cursed.¡¯


    The throne ruptured.


    Then burst.


    Aenflynn, Lord of Och Fir Nog, was no more.

 Chapter 892: From Throne to Throne

    Chapter 892: From Throne to Throne


    Atop the forest covered mountain in the distance, loomed Aenflynn¡¯s castle. It towered above all else, a symbol of the Fae lord¡¯s power, protected by his magics and rising high above the devastated terrain.


    It stood proudly, a symbol of the sovereignty and grace of Och Fir Nog.


    A symbol that, in short order, would be no more.


    From the peak of one of the castle¡¯s many towers, a radiance brighter than a second sun and more terrible than a thousand chaos bombs, shone. This was no ordinary light; it was the dying ze of a god¡¯s final symbol.


    And when Uldar¡¯s throne finally followed him into oblivion¡­


    ..it did not go quietly.


    The radiance grew, and the tower shuddered, crumbling, stone cracking, mortar turning to dust. The light faded for a heartbeat and the shaking quieted.


    And for that instant, all returned to peace.


    Until the explosion.A st of divine light ripped from the high tower, consuming everything around it like a tidal wave. Air burned away. Stone vapourized. The river¡ªflowing up the side of the mountain to feed the clouds¡ªboiled away.


    Once standing so tall and proud, the mountain on which the castle was built deformed, turning to a smouldering stump of boiling rock and drifting ash.


    Even the clouds were not spared; dispersed by a wind powerful enough to strip bark from trees and flesh from bone. Baelin¡¯s summoned creatures were all sted back to their home nes.


    But Aenflynn¡¯s forces were not so lucky.


    Every living thing within the st radius was reduced to a memory. Lush gardens and mead fountains, sturdy soldiers and cultivated trees were gone, leaving nothing but dark outlines staining the stones they once stood upon.


    But even those stones were soon obliterated.


    Tremendous heat and light hade first, instantly followed by the sound; a noise so loud, that any fae, Ravener-spawn or beast far enough away to not be incinerated, fell screaming, clutching their ears, deafened.


    Blood ran from their ears and trickled from their eyes; the throne¡¯s destruction was thest light they ever saw, and thest sound they ever heard.


    The explosion sent ash, dust and boiling rock spewing into the air, trading the vapourised clouds for a dark canopy of soot and a deluge of rock. From many miles away, Alex, Baelin, Carey and Merzhin watched the devastation unfolding in Aenflynn¡¯s realm.


    Squinting against the light¡ªand thankful to be far enough away to not be blinded by it¡ªthey watched the light and shockwave spread, consuming miles of terrain, forging it into ss. They watched thend buck and protest against the weight of the destruction, a terrible quake consuming it. The earth split apart, yawning open in hungry chasms.


    Sinkholes swallowed forests.


    Lakes spilled over thend, and rivers changed course forever.


    When the full breadth of the detonation was over, a vast and ugly scar had mangled the face of Och Fir Nog, serving as a reminder of what had happened there.


    Alex wordlessly took in the destruction, his spirit was quiet.


    There was a sense of finality to this.


    ¡°What have we done?¡± Merzhin whispered. ¡°So many dead¡­so many¡­¡±


    ¡°Do not fret,¡± Baelin¡¯s deep voice came from beneath his mask. ¡°It was Aenflynn who made his decisions; it was his hubris that brought war unto his realm, and many of his soldiers dly joined him. In war, you can weep for the dead¡ªbe they friend or foe¡ªbut understand one thing, if that explosion had urred in Ussex instead, and it was Aenflynn and his court watching the destruction while you, I, Alex and Carey <em>burned</em>¡­they likely would not weep a single tear for any of us.¡±


    ¡°Which makes them lesser beings than you are, Merzhin,¡± Carey said, patting Merzhin¡¯s back. ¡°I am ever so bothered if any innocent were caught in this conflict, but we did what had to be done.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Alex said. ¡°And if Aenflynn hadn¡¯t done any of what he did, a lot more people would be alive right now; both mortal and fae.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right, I suppose,¡± Merzhin whispered. ¡°I know that you are. And if Uldar had not done what he did, how many would have lived throughout our history? Well, now his symbol is broken. The priests¡¯ faith will still call down miracles for a time¡ª¡±


    ¡°And perhaps forever,¡± Baelin interrupted. ¡°A deity is not necessary for faith. The priests still believe in Uldar and in the throne of the god of Thamnd; even though both physical symbols are gone, the faith remains and is focused. Not to mention that Uldar¡¯s body still exists. Your priesthood will likely still enjoy their powers¡­as long as their faith is not broken.¡±


    ¡°The question is whates next?<em> We</em> know of Uldar¡¯s treachery¡­so what do we do with that knowledge now that the throne is unmade?¡± Carey shook her head. ¡°But I suppose that¡¯s a question forter.¡±


    She looked at the others. ¡°There is still the Ravener to deal with. We should go to itsir immediately and help our friends, shouldn¡¯t we? ¡­Alex?¡±


    But the young General of Thamnd was frowning, deep in thought, his mind elsewhere.


    In the Ravener¡¯sir, he fought alongside hispanions.


    Within the Ravener¡¯s structure, he was busy poisoning node after node.


    And in both of those battlefields, a simr pattern was emerging.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think we should all go to the Ravener¡¯sir,¡± Alex finally said. ¡°Carey, I think you, Baelin, and the me that¡¯s here¡ªby the Traveller, that¡¯s hard to get my mind around¡ªshould go to Thamnd and help protect it.¡±


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    The young archwizard spoke to Baelin, ¡°You can cast Army of Heroes, right?¡±


    ¡°I am a Proper Wizard, Alex.¡±


    ¡°There was never a doubt,¡± Alex smiled. ¡°Meanwhile Merzhin, I''ll take you to the Ravener¡¯sir. You think your soul¡¯s well enough to do the interdiction with Hannah¡¯s help, that¡¯ll stop it from channelling divinity? I¡¯ll tell her about our n in Thamnd.¡±


    ¡°I believe so,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°But why would Carey and Baelin¡­and the ¡®you that¡¯s here?¡¯¡± There was a question in Merzhin¡¯s voice. ¡°Why would the three of you go to Thamnd? It would make sense to put every resource we have into making sure we annihte the Ravener for good.¡±


    Alex shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s weakening. The n¡¯s working; it got a boost of power from Aenflynn, but¡­things are going wrong for it. Honestly, I don''t think it''s going to take much more to bring it down. That¡¯s why I think Thamnd needs the help more than we do in itsir. We want to keep as many people alive as we can, while ygon, me and the others are finishing things in the cavern.¡±


    ¡°A sound suggestion.¡± Baelin nodded.


    ¡°Yes, I would ever so much prefer to go and protect Thamnd if the Ravener is truly beginning to fail,¡± Carey agreed.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°Let¡¯s do it that way then.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Alex said. ¡°Okay here¡¯s what we¡¯ll do: I¡¯ll teleport you to the Ravener¡¯s cavern, then once you¡¯re there, Carey, Baelin and I will teleport to Thamnd. So when you get to itsir, just focus on the interdiction, the others will protect you; Cedric and I¡¯ve been healing everyone.¡±


    ¡°Alright then,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°And you are sure we are doing well?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Alex said. ¡°I don¡¯t think this¡¯llst much longer. The only thing we have to worry about is if the Ravener does something desperate.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Baelin said. ¡°The wounded stag¡ªcornered by its predators¡ªis not when it is at its strongest. ¡­but it is when it¡¯s most dangerous.¡±


    Theresa Lu thanked her great-grandfather¡¯s swords for the thousandth time that battle.


    In the chaos of the Ravener¡¯sir raging around her; death-beams flew, poison air drifted, and waves of destructive energy swept through the cavern. Ravener-spawn churned around the mortals like a stormy sea.


    All through that storm of violence, what had kept her alive¡ªand still fighting¡ªwere herpanions, Brutus, her own life-enforced body and the Twinde.


    The six swords¡ªtwo in her hands, and four des of energy floating around her¡ªwere cutting down monsters bent on ending their lives. The des in her hands struck out, raining razor-edged steel on any monster they found. The ethereal des surrounding her protected her and Brutus¡¯ nks, carving up creatures like a bird at a Sigmus feast. Her massive, bone-armoured blood-familiar spread his jaws, releasing cones of sonic destruction, pulping flesh, cracking stone and grinding bone to dust. His spiked armour was another weapon, ramming anything that came too close. With jaws spread, he mped down on any monsters that had escaped his mace-like form.


    Earlier, Theresa¡¯s, Brutus¡¯ and the others¡¯ power had been straining against the Ravener¡¯s assault.


    ¡­but now, things were turning around.


    It was in that Uldar¡¯s construct was weakening.


    Its death-beams fired less, and missed their targets more often than they hit. Its spawn were being birthed less, slowing in number, and its powerful magics were weaker.


    Thepanions were handily pushing its waning forces back, turning things in their favour. "We almos¡¯ got it beat!¡± Cedric shouted, sweat pouring down the Chosen of Thamnd¡¯s tiring form. He had been healing the group continuously, drawing divinity through his soul, taxing himself.


    But now, hispanions were being hurt less often.


    He had room to breathe.


    And he used that breath to encourage the others.


    ¡°Don¡¯ none o¡¯ ya even think about holdin¡¯ back!¡± Cedric lifted his morphic weapon, shaped like a bow, andunched divine arrows into the Ravener¡¯s form, watching them explode as they struck home. ¡°We¡¯re gonna make it!¡±


    ¡°<em>No!</em><em>You will not!</em>¡± the Ravener rebutted him.


    Its form shuddered, struck by Cedric¡¯s arrows, and a bombardment of blows from Hart, Asmaldestre and Alex.


    But it wasn¡¯t giving up.


    A point of blinding light grew on its surface, firing another death beam, aiming straight for Cedric. Theresa snarled, flying toward the Chosen.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got you!¡± she shouted, throwing her de.


    With full force, it spun through the air, flying in front of Cedric.


    Theresa made a grasping motion, vanishing and materialising, holding the sword she¡¯d just thrown.


    The huntress spotted the oing beam and raised the Twinde in her hands, the four ethereal swords floated in front of her, crisscrossing in mid-air. Theresa followed the beam closely.


    Watching as it struck her swords.


    She was driven back by inches, teeth clenching, the deadly energy pushing and burning against her great-grandfather¡¯s des. The energy roared, her muscles flexed¡­but the Twinde held firm against the Ravener¡¯s beam, as she knew it would.


    She switched the angle of her des, and the energy was deflected by the magical steel, rebounding toward the Ravener, crackling through the air and striking the construct dead on.


    The explosion blew part of its surface away.


    It shrieked in frustration.


    Cedricughed, looking at Theresa.


    ¡°I wanted to do that at least once,¡± she said.


    The Chosen blew out a breath. ¡°Y¡¯shoulda been Marked. If y¡¯had the Champion or Chosen Mark, we¡¯da busted that thing up at least a¡¯year ago!¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± she said. ¡°But it doesn¡¯t matter. This is where we finish it off. Look.¡±


    She pointed her sword at the section damaged by the Ravener¡¯s own beam. It was repairing itself, but the crater of an injury was regenerating far slower than before.


    ¡°It¡¯s bleeding out, so to speak,¡± she said. ¡°The hunt¡¯s almost over.¡±


    She looked at Alex, teleporting around, slinging spells at Thamnd¡¯s ancient enemy.


    He truly looked like a hero.


    They all did.


    And she knew that he and ygon were also¡ªsomehow¡ªinside the Ravener, executing their n.


    ¡°Finish it,¡± she whispered, then raised her sword, going back to the battle.


    As she did, a new figure materialised in the cavern.


    The Saint of Thamnd floated in mid-air.


    Without a word, he sped his hands together before him.


    And began calling upon his divinity.


    The Ravener was struggling, and there was no ce where that was more obvious than <em>inside </em>its massive structure.


    Alexander Roth, General of Thamnd stabbed another syphoning device into a crystal in another of the Ravener¡¯s mana nodes.


    Fluid, designed to poison its essence, flowed through the bane-needle, withering the construct¡¯s being as it ran through the crystals, stealing their inner light, dulling their lustre.


    With a wave of his hand, Alex sealed the device in Walls of Roiling Magic, then teleported out of the node before it copsed on him. Very few Ravener-spawn were near him, fighting to stop him from poisoning the node, and the small number that were there were lethargic, moving slowly and clumsily.


    The spawns¡¯ condition looked no better outside the node.


    When Alex reappeared in the dark realm outside another ck tower, signs that the n was working were in.


    In the distance, ygon and his army of monsters¡ªAlex still could not believe the power of his buddy¡¯s new evolution¡ªwere ripping through the Ravener¡¯s hordes while Uldar¡¯s construct desperately fought back, using its insidious magics.


    But, these were feeble now,pared to what they had been.


    It was no longer able to channel its own mana with the precision and force it could before. It was failing in every way and its mana production was falling.


    Alex took in the towers.


    ¡°Just one thing left to do,¡± he whispered, picturing the Ravener¡¯s schematics.


    There was a specific ce he needed to go to; a central point for channelling the construct¡¯s energies, much like inside a golem core. If he rewired it to cause what would effectively be a mana reversal, the Ravener would lose even more control.


    Its inner energies would unravel, and¡ªwhen Merzhin ced his interdiction on it with Hannah¡¯s help¡ªthere would be no chance of it reforming.


    He took a deep breath.


    ¡°Finally,¡± he whispered.


    The General of Thamnd teleported to thest, intact tower and ced his hand against its surface. It was different from the others, with no tunnels on the sides, but that wouldn¡¯t stop him.


    He followed the mana flow through thest node and teleported to its centre.


    He materialised, ready to call another device to his hand and apply it to the central crystal¡­but instead he stopped dead.


    There was no crystalline cavern in this node.


    What stretched out before him, in this central control centre for the Ravener¡­


    ¡­was an exact replica of Uldar¡¯s throne room.

 Chapter 893: Cornered

    Chapter 893: Cornered


    Alexander Roth, General of Thamnd, floated within the final node inside the Ravener, stunned at what he was seeing. This ce not only produced massive amounts of mana, serving as a sort of control centre for the Ravener¡¯s energies, but it looked exactly like Uldar¡¯s throne room. From here, mana was sent through all of its internal mechanisms. Divinity and mortal fear was channelled throughout its form, powering its weapons and monsters.


    This precise copy of Uldar¡¯s throne room was the core from where the Ravener¡¯s energies flowed, powering every part of his creation. It was a critical space, so it was fitting that Uldar had designed it to mimic his sanctum: his personal ce of power and control.


    There were minor differences between the two, though. Where the throne room in the sanctum of the god of Thamnd had been crafted of snow white stone, and had featured a throne of the same colour rising from the centre of the room, this room was draped with a canopy of crystalline cords, all suspended, hanging, interlocking from the ceiling and walls.


    Crystals grew from the floor on the sides of the room, resembling pirs alive with beams of mana shooting between their crystalline surfaces.


    In the centre of the room was the replica of Uldar¡¯s throne, surrounded by a forest of crystalline growths, extending to the ceiling, forming dizzying patterns with their many connections between them.


    They thrummed with an array of energies.


    But, at the moment, Alex¡¯s eyes were fixed on the throne.


    It was uncanny seeing the faithful replica sitting there, knowing that they had destroyed what they¡¯d thought was the only one in existence. He¡¯d watched the pce and its contents blow up, taking much of Och Fir Nog¡¯s countryside with it. Not even the dust of Uldar¡¯s throne could have survived that st.


    And yet here it was, so simr, that it felt eerie.¡°<em>So you have reached even here,¡±</em> the Ravener said, its voice deadly calm. The words emanated from every stone and crystal in the chamber. ¡°<em>After all the pain you have caused and the destruction you have brought, you find yourself in another ce where you do not belong, in this central ce of Uldar¡¯s making. Look upon it. Do you not see the glory of the creator¡¯s sanctum reflected within this node? Now you have even brought your filth into this hallowed ce.¡±</em>


    ¡°Wait, what?¡± Alex glowered at the throne. ¡°After all the pain <em>I¡¯ve</em> caused?¡±


    ¡°<em>The Generals of Thamnd did not know their ce. They did not see the full image of Thamnd or the cycle. Were it not for your predecessors¡¯ futile inquisitiveness and rebelliousness, the cycles could have gone on without cullings, or any need to weaken the Heroes.¡±</em>


    ¡°What the hells does that have to do with me?¡± Alex snapped, his eyes scanning the chamber. At the same time, he was calling on the Mark of the General, searching the room, learning the mana pathways running through the tangle of crystal weaving around the throne and the canopy of crystalline cords suspended from the ceiling.


    Images of the Ravener¡¯s schematics and the other nodes he¡¯d poisoned flowed through his mind.


    ¡°<em>You can¡¯t help but repeat the same sins: you only know how to destroy for your own ends. You destroyed the hidden church that was dedicated to Uldar. You murdered Aenflynn, the creator¡¯s friend and ally, and now you are here, defiling this ce, wreaking more havoc.¡±</em>


    ¡°Oh, no, no, <em>no, no, you don¡¯t!¡±</em> the General of Thamnd growled. ¡°You¡¯re reversing the roles of victim and offender. It was Uldar who pushed the<em></em>bloody cycle on the realm. It was Uldar who created you to torture his own people. It was Uldar who decided to suck the lives and faith of his own followers just so he could live a few heartbeats longer. Go straight to all the hells with that nonsense, and tell it to a demon when you get there. They¡¯ll probably care a lot more than I do.¡±


    ¡°<em>Such insolence. Such insolence.¡±</em>


    <em>¡°</em>Insolence? You¡¯re the bloody insolent one: both you and your fallen god. Look at this ce? A perfect replica of an empty throne room¡­except this isn¡¯t <em>really</em> a throne room, is it? It never was.¡±


    Alex¡¯s eyes hardened further. ¡°Uldar retreated to his sanctum and never ruled from there; he just schemed and plotted and hurt people. He was no king, and that was no throne! He never <em>ruled</em> from it. No, that¡¯s not what this chair is. It¡¯s nothing more than a copy of his deathbed and this room¡¯s nothing more than a copy of his hospice and morgue. This ce isn¡¯t special. It¡¯s you who¡¯s insolent: we¡¯re the ones who give <em>you</em> power. You and your weak creator would have been nothing without us. You¡¯re no better than mad dogs biting the hands that feed you. One of you is dead, and it¡¯s time for the other one to join him. Go quietly. You¡¯re weakening, you can¡¯t stop us anymore.¡±


    ¡°<em>Do you ignore the situation you are in?¡±</em> the Ravener demanded. ¡°<em>You are merely dying the inevitable. You had to go through a great deal to weaken me. Do you think I don¡¯t feel you poisoning my mana and my essence? Destroying my nodes? And, it will all be for nothing.¡±</em>


    While the Ravener was taunting him, Alex had gotten a good read on the flow of mana in the chamber.


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    Once he started altering it, the construct might figure out the full breadth of what they were actually trying to do to it, so he''d have to act fast.


    <em> ¡°In a hundred years¡¯ time, I will return when most of you are skeletons. I will have my spawn trample on your bones and grind your descendants into the dirt.¡±</em>


    The General sighed.


    ¡°Sure you will,¡± was all he whispered, teleporting away to the ceiling canopy.


    Quickly calling one of thest poisoning devices to him, he stabbed it into a hanging cord with one fluid motion. The cord sparked, and began to nche as the venom spread through it.


    Alex kept moving, teleporting to another cord, touching it, forcing his mana into it.


    With a growl, the Ravener retaliated, flooding the air with poison, spawning monsters.


    Bolts of power¡ªlean and deadly like needles¡ªfired from the crystals lining the sides of the room, all seeking to skewer the General.


    Alex remained calm.


    The monsters were materialising slowly.


    The beams firing sluggishly.


    The poison was blown away by the air elementals he was summoning.


    By now, the device that Alex had injected it with was taking its toll; weakening it further.


    <em>¡°Look at the measures </em>y<em>ou must take to weaken me before finally ying me this cycle,¡±</em> the construct¡¯s tone was mocking. ¡°<em>Your people will benefit for a time as per the parameters of my challenge¡ªsavour that small victory while itsts and while you can¡ª¡±</em>


    Alex continued teleporting from cord to cord, altering their inner workings with his mana.


    ¡°¡ª<em>in the future, this trial will¡­this trial will¡­¡±</em>


    The Ravener paused for a long moment.


    ¡°<em>...when I return, I will¡­¡±</em>


    It paused again.


    Alex could feel its attention wavering.


    ¡°<em>¡­what exactly are you doing?¡±</em>


    Alex ignored the question, continuing the sabotage.


    ¡°<em>What are you doing?¡± </em>it demanded.


    Something was wrong.


    Very wrong.


    The Ravener felt itself weakening; many of its nodes and pathways were filled with a poison that the Usurper was using to rob it of its power and faculties. It was harder to direct its thoughts, harder to control its power, harder to defend itself. The poison was working too well.


    But why <em>was</em> this disloyal Hero poisoning it?


    Why was he draining its mana?


    In the past, the Heroes of Thamnd had destroyed it by wielding terrible magics, martial might, and deadly divinity. Why were they bothering with such aplex process this time? What purpose did it serve? Were they nning to capture it, to imprison it? The Saint had said before that it should pay for all it had done. Was this their n?


    Or was there something else¡­


    The Ravener began analysing the specific inner functions the Fool had targeted; all of his efforts had focused on ruining its ability to generate and channel mana¡­


    ¡­no.


    There was more to his actions!


    The systems he was targeting, they governed its ability to regenerate and¡­and¡­


    Suspicion clicked in the Ravener¡¯s mind.


    A terrible possibility that it had not considered.


    A possibility that was very quickly confirmed.


    Outside of its inner depths, within itsir, it watched the Saint of Thamnd raise his hands.


    ¡°Alex!¡± the Saint called. ¡°I¡¯m ready! Call her!¡±


    ¡°Right!¡± the General, outside the Ravener, answered, his voice filling the construct¡¯sir.


    The archwizard concentrated for a moment.


    Another being appeared inside the cavern.


    The Ravener flinched at this new presence; a woman holding antern¡ª


    No!


    No, she was unlike any mortal woman it had ever seen. She was not mortal!


    She exuded divinity.


    A goddess; yet she looked vaguely familiar.


    She had once been another troublesome Saint, but from centuries past. She was supposed to be long dead! So, how was she here?


    Before the Ravener¡¯s sluggish thoughts could go further, the goddess locked eyes with the Saint of Thamnd.


    They nodded, extending their hands toward the Ravener.


    And spoke as one.


    ¡®<em>From this moment, Thamnd shall forevermore sever its connection with the Ravener. This is our interdiction in the name of Uldar and the Traveller!</em>¡¯ their voices rose, shaking the cavern to its foundations.


    It felt more like the entire realm was shaking under the weight of their words.


    Something severed within the construct.


    All the fear trickling into it from the material world vanished.


    Its connection to thend died as though it had never been.


    ¡®<em>What is this? Without the connection to Thamnd, I will not¡ª¡¯</em> it began thinking. ¡®<em>¡ªthis is confirmation. They want to stop me from reconstituting! This is not only a battle to end me, it is a battle to end the cycle and spit on the creator¡¯s will!¡¯</em>


    That stirring within the Ravener peaked, consuming the construct.


    The stirring had been brewing inside it since its mightiest spawn had been destroyed.


    And¡ªatst¡ªUldar¡¯s construct fullyprehended what that unfamiliar feeling had been.


    For the first time in its millennia of existence¡­it was feeling fear.


    Pure, utter, existential terror.


    What would happen to it? It had no soul to pass into the after-world. No chance to join its creator in death. Even worse than its own permanent destruction, was its <em>ultimate</em> failure. The unmaking of its very purpose.


    If it was annihted now, it would have failed to save its creator, failed to punish those that had turned their backs on their god, and failed to even continue the cycle its creator had designed and intended for Thamnd.


    ¡®<em>No! This cannot be allowed to happen!¡¯</em> the Ravener screamed inside.


    But what could it do?


    Its weapons were failing.


    Its defences were falling apart.


    Its own faculties were being turned against it.


    The Ravener had received a great surge of divinity from Aenflynn before the fae¡¯s death, but its internal pathways were so corrupted that it could not even <em>use</em> that power properly.


    All that raw energy waiting there would be wasted, useless!


    If anything, it would be better if it were <em>dead</em>. At least if it were killed before the Foolpleted his sly tasks, there would be a chance for it to reconstitute.


    If only it were¡­


    ¡­then an idea struck.


    A wonderful, terrible idea.


    It knew exactly what it would do with the divine power that Uldar¡¯s friend had so graciously provided.


    ¡®<em>I will detonate my form and reform in a hundred years, destroying everything in here before they can ruin my ability to reconstitute,¡¯</em> it thought. ¡®<em>And I will cause every dungeon core in Thamnd to explode, wiping out mortal life across the wretched realm. They have cornered me, but in doing this, I will make their actions futile. Their petty kingdom will be as silent as Uldar¡¯s body. Yes. This will be how it ends. In a hundred years, I will gloat over their bones.¡¯</em>


    With that, the Ravener called on its divine energies.


    It called on its remaining mana.


    It called on thest dregs of fear it had absorbed.


    And it would use it for its ultimate reckoning.


    A final act in this cycle.


    One that mortals would speak of in frightened whispers for a thousand years toe.

 Chapter 894: I Am Not Meant to Die

    Chapter 894: I Am Not Meant to Die


    Within the Ravener¡¯s dark world, ygon rampaged like an ancient god of war.


    As his opponent weakened, the golem became more ustomed to his new powers.


    The Ravener¡¯s armies fled before the golem¡¯s might.


    Its beams and magic were useless against him, while his destructive rays carved trenches through its insides.


    But as ygon used his new powers inside the construct, he detected power suddenly building in the air around him.


    The darkness was lighting up.


    The Ravener¡¯s inner world rocked back and forth.


    The ground was splitting.


    ¡®<em>Father¡­something is wrong¡­all¡­is falling apart¡­everything here is cracking and power is growing in the air¡­¡¯</em> ygon thought to Alex. ¡®<em>What is happening¡­?¡¯</em> Alex stiffened at ygon¡¯s words.


    ¡°Oh shit!¡±


    He had been busy disrupting the Ravener¡¯s nodes, attacking the final one, but he paused and poured his mana into the construct¡¯s pathways, searching them.


    Alex froze.


    ¡°You¡¯re nning on blowing everything up, you piece of crap!¡± he shouted.


    ¡°<em>You will not unmake the creator¡¯s will,¡±</em> the Ravener said. ¡°<em>I will end all of you first.¡±</em>


    The world slowed around the General of Thamnd.


    Thoughts passed through his brain at lightning speed.


    He could already feel the Ravener¡¯s energies growing unstable within it.


    Power was moving rapidly, Alex understood that this would not be a slow, gradual build up to a devastating explosion.


    It would happen quickly; had it not been for the damage Alex had already inflicted on its nodes and pathways, the construct might have already detonated itsir.


    There wasn¡¯t much time.


    Seconds, maybe.


    Perhaps a few minutes if he was really lucky.


    Seeing through the eyes of himself outside the Ravener¡¯s inner workings, he pinpointed hispanions. Could he teleport all of them away in time?


    Could he and Hannah teleport the Ravener away?


    But if they did, then what?


    If the Ravener detonated¡ªeven if they all survived¡ªthey would lose their chance at ending it for good. It would be back again in another cycle, in a hundred years.


    ¡®No,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®No more dys. No more. This has to end, and it has to end now.¡¯


    Activating the Mark of the General, he thought of possibilities. He considered every angle.


    ¡®Think, adapt. Think, adapt¡­¡¯ he thought.


    He needed to work faster¡­and there was only one way to do that.


    ¡®That¡¯s it!¡¯


    He called on Hannah¡¯s power.


    Outside the Ravener, Alex spoke to the others.


    ¡°Hannah! Get everyone out of here! Including ygon, he¡¯s inside the Ravener with me!¡± he shouted, then disappeared.


    In Thamnd¡ªin two different ces¡ªAlex vanished, then materialised, joining the duplicates of himself already inside the Ravener.


    All four got to work on itsst node.


    Teleporting and flickering through the Ravener¡¯s node, they poured mana into it. Two of him set about slowing down its explosion.


    The other two altered its mana pathways, triggering minute-mana reversals.


    Cords sparked.


    Some exploded.


    All around him, the node cracked and wavered, but if that was because of his efforts, or from the Ravener¡¯s build up of energy, Alex couldn¡¯t know.


    He simply kept going.


    Outside, Hannah raised her hands.


    ¡°Wai¡ª¡± Theresa started to say.


    ¡°Hold¡ª¡± Cedric began.


    But too quickly, Hannah teleported them from their.


    ygon vanished from inside the Ravener.


    And Alex was alone, working to disrupt its mana pathways.


    Small<strong></strong>explosions erupted in the node.


    The General worked faster, calling on the Mark, pouring mana into all of the Ravener¡¯s pathways, trying to stop it from being able to blow the entireir up.


    Heat rose inside the replica of Uldar¡¯s throne room.


    Alex felt like he was sweltering. His eyes were watering.


    He could <em>feel</em> the energies running away within the Ravener, scorching the air.


    For an instant, he shed back to the alehouse fire that had imed his parents.


    But this was <em>one</em> fire that he would stop.


    ¡®Almost there!¡¯ he thought,pleting the final adjustment to the canopy, then inserting thest device.


    ¡®<em>Father¡­!¡¯</em> ygon shouted in Alex¡¯s mind. ¡®<em>What are you doing¡­?¡¯</em>


    ¡®Finishing this!¡¯ he thought. ¡®Stay back!¡¯


    ¡®<em>No father¡­you are not doing it alone¡­!¡¯</em>


    In their, the air shimmered.


    And together, Alex¡¯spanions reappeared¡ªtouching Drestra as she teleported them back.


    Bjorgrund with his beard bristling.


    Grimloch with his teeth gnashing.


    Drestra, Hart, Merzhin and Cedric with their Marks zing.


    Isolde with lightning dancing around her hands.


    Thundar, wrapped by illusions and force magic.


    Khalik with Najyah screaming on his shoulder.


    Asmaldestre, her blood-curdling battlecries filling their.


    ygon, his body radiating power.


    And finally¡­Theresa and Brutus, Alex¡¯s oldestpanions.


    Hannah returned soon after. ¡°I couldn¡¯t stop them,¡± she whispered. ¡°But I really didn¡¯t want to. Not when they were so dedicated to helping you. They said they weren¡¯t about to abandon you!¡±


    She called upon her divinity, wrapping thepanions in her protective aura. ¡°Do what you must!¡±


    And they did.


    Theresa acted first, shooting toward the Ravener¡¯s outer surface.


    The construct was breaking, cracks were webbing through its form. Light shone through those cracks, and all around, their shook. Its defensive cage of death-beams flickered and vanished as its power grew unstable.


    She didn¡¯t pause, flying straight toward the construct.


    ¡°<em>There is nothing you can do now,¡±</em> the Ravener said, its voice deathly quiet. ¡°<em>It is done. I am beyond you now.¡±</em>


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    ¡°I¡¯m not aiming for you,¡± she snarled.


    Theresa shot through the air, sailing past the Ravener¡­


    ¡­and grabbing Uldar¡¯s corpse.


    <em>¡°No!¡±</em> the construct howled. <em>¡°Do not touch him!</em><em>Get back! Stop!¡±</em>


    It tried channelling power to one of its death beams, but was overwhelmed by the group.


    ygon charged, grabbing onto its form, taking the death beam with his body, but remaining unharmed.


    Isolde¡¯s lightning raked across it, disrupting its concentration.


    Khalik fired sandstorms from Najyah¡¯s body, the force throwing it against a cavern wall.


    Thundar surrounded it with illusions of Uldar¡¯s body, blocking its view.


    Brutusshed it with his sonic cones, pressing it against the wall.


    Grimloch and Bjorgrund threw their full weight against it, trying to keep it in ce.


    Asmaldestreunched through the air tond on it, sting it repeatedly with her weapon.


    Hart followed, weakening it further with his divine de.


    Drestra¡¯s wind spells stifled its movements, adding to its confinement.


    Merzhin called on a miracle, battering it with waves of divine force.


    Hannah called upon her divine energies, slowing down its preparations for the explosion it was building to.


    Everypanion focused on holding the Ravener down, keeping it in ce, stopping it from detonating its energies.


    The Chosen of Uldar flew at the Ravener as Theresa soared past him with the dead god¡¯s body.


    <em>¡°You will die for this!¡±</em> the Ravener threatened. ¡°<em>Return him!¡±</em>


    ¡°Come on¡­¡± Cedric muttered, rushing to join hispanions. ¡°Finish it, Alex.¡±


    Within the Ravener, the node was disintegrating.


    Uldar¡¯s construct was building up divinity, preparing to destroy everything, including its dungeon cores in Thamnd. Meanwhile the poisoned mana was raging through it, reversing within its form, breaking down its innate abilities.


    Alex¡ªin four locations within the node¡ªwas pouring sweat. His skin burned from the intense heat building within the Ravener¡¯s form. The air was poisoned, the air elementals were barely keeping the deadly gases away from him.


    Crystals were bursting into fountains of molten power and surging through the node, the geysers of disintegrating energy gave Alex his greatest hurdle to conquer.


    Ahead of him was the throne¡ªor what was supposed to be the throne¡ªrepresenting so much of what was wrong with the cycle, so much of what was wrong with Uldar. It was key, the central control point for the Ravener¡¯s many energies.


    It was the final area that Alex needed to alter.


    It was also the deadliest ce among the nodes.


    The forest of crystalline growths around the throne were exploding in white-hot plumes of mana, while the Ravener defended them with death-beams and waves of magic, there to shred anythinging within even a foot of the throne. Living cores were materialising around it, each releasing their own Ravener-spawn, shrieking their disrupting cries.


    Their voices grated against the General¡¯s mind, fighting to get through his will and dismantle the resistance he was putting up against them.


    Snarling with determination, he¡ªin all four ces in the node¡ªteleported to the throne, flickering around it at dizzying speeds.


    In one instant, four Generals were there, pouring their mana into the throne, or using abination of strength, Wizard¡¯s Hands and teleportation to rip the crystalline structures apart, weaving them into new shapes meant to shift mana as he willed.


    In the next, the four vanished as death-beams struck the air where they had been a moment earlier.


    The room was boiling hot now, Alex had to call on Mana to Life to keep his body from roasting. Even then, he knew he didn¡¯t have much time; the Ravener¡¯s attention had shifted to something outside itself, though he didn¡¯t know what that was.


    He was thankful for anything that would buy him another few heartbeats, though.


    Alex summoned monsters with his staff and cast spells, using whatever he could to face the Living Cores and their hordes. He conjured forceballs and Wizard¡¯s hands to distract his opponents and help him ce more of the crystals into the configuration he needed.


    Hannah¡¯s power helped him teleport through the deadly energies rampaging through the copsing chamber. They allowed him to use mana maniption techniques to force the Ravener¡¯s mana into the pathways he needed them to be in.


    It was nearly done.


    ¡®I¡¯m so close,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®So damn close!¡¯


    He teleported up to the canopy, wrenching one of the crystal cords free, bringing it down toward the throne.


    ¡®This bypass willplete the new pathways,¡¯ he thought. ¡®Just need to connect¡ª¡¯


    He pulled on the cord and¡­


    ¡­came up short.


    ¡°No!¡± he cried.


    The cord was too short.


    Just a little<em> bit</em> too short.


    Less than a finger-width longer and he would havepleted the circuit.


    ¡°I just need a little more¡ª¡±


    The floor erupted in a geyser of divine power, the deadly energies spraying everywhere.


    ¡°Shit!¡± Alex cursed, teleporting backward.


    In four ces in the node, the young archwizard weathered the waves of power battering everything in the node. The room was steadily disintegrating: walls, the ceiling and floor were exploding into raging fountains of deadly power.


    There was hardly any part of the room that was left whole; the rest had copsed into boiling waves of energy.


    Alex¡¯s eyes went wide.


    The geyser that had erupted near the throne was expanding, threatening to consume his work. If the connections he¡¯d made were destroyed, it would all have been for nothing.


    He focused Hannah¡¯s power on the energies boiling beside the throne, teleporting them away from his work.


    It was one of the hardest things he¡¯d ever done; even Hannah¡¯s power struggled to move so much power with ease. Concentrating, he stopped being in four ces at once, freeing more of her power to focus on moving that much divine force.


    Four pairs of eyes became a single pair.


    Four sets of senses paired down to one.


    And a single Alex was left, taking in the geyser of power, the throne, and the cord hanging above it¡­less than an inch from making contact andpleting the flow of energy he¡¯d been trying to establish.


    The room quaked.


    The temperature spiked, scalding his skin.


    His mind sped up, the world slowed around him.


    ¡®It¡¯s going to blow at any moment now,¡¯ he realised.


    He briefly considered teleporting out, but just as quickly, dismissed the idea.


    This had to end here, and end in the Ravener¡¯s permanent destruction.


    He would not <em>allow</em> any other oue.


    His eyes and mind focused on the small gap that needed to be bridged; a bit of mana conductive material would do the trick. He thought of teleporting a small piece of crystal to bridge the gap, but he needed all of Hannah¡¯s power to syphon away the energy threatening to destroy what he¡¯d already done.


    ¡®Come on!¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®You can do this! Just fly in there and grab a piece of crystal and¡­no, no that won¡¯t work.¡¯ He eyed the energy boiling around the throne. ¡®There¡¯s no space for me to fit through that deadly power¡­bloody hells, I couldn¡¯t even fit a Wizard¡¯s Hand through there!¡¯


    There was only a tiny space through the roiling power.


    Even a single elemental beetle would have trouble fitting through there.


    Clenching his teeth, the General of Thamnd¡¯s mind raced.


    ¡®Think!¡¯ he thought. ¡®You didn¡¯t get this close just to fail now! You¡¯re <em>not</em> going to fail your friends and family! You¡¯re <em>not</em> going to fail your realm! You¡¯re <em>not</em> going to fail <em>yourself</em>! You can solve this!¡¯


    In his imagination, an image of Uldar shed before him, mocking him¡­then the face shifted.


    Reced by the face of a jester,plete with belled cap, grinning at him derisively. He could almost hear itughing, saying: <em>you got all the way here just to be a useless fool.</em>


    Alex rejected the image with four words: ¡®<em>I. Am. No. Fool!¡¯ </em>


    ¡®I just need to get a bit of mana conductive material in there! What do I have? What are my resources?¡¯


    He found his mind returning to earlier days, before he had mastered ninth-tier spells. Before he¡¯d made a deal with a powerful war-spirit. Before he forged his staff. Before he¡¯d crafted ygon with Selina.


    Before all of his umted power.


    All of that power had gotten him <em>here</em>.


    But now, he had to think like he used to, when all he had were his wits and his will to seed.


    He needed to¡ª


    ¡®Think! Adapt!¡¯ he told himself. ¡®Think! Adapt! Think! Adapt! Come on! You were able to adapt to the Mark of the Fool, and to everything else that came after! You can adapt to this! Think! Adapt!¡¯


    His mind continued dwelling on his early days with the Fool¡¯s Mark.


    ¡®Think! Just like how you overcame the goddess statues, tricking them into shooting each other! Adapt! Just like when you used your forceball on the<em> inside</em> of that Silence Spider in the Coille! Think! Adapt! Just like when you were leaving Alric with¡­¡¯


    His mind paused on a single memory.


    He had been standing with Theresa, Selina and Brutus, trying to escape Alric without the priests and guards noticing him. A magistrate had been causing a ruckus ahead of him,ining about a stolen coin purse.


    And he¡¯de up with a n. He would toss coins into the crowd to create his own distraction.


    Coins.


    A coin.


    His mind went to his pouch: to Kelda¡¯s Coin of Silent Friends.


    What had Birger said about it?


    <em>¡°The coin is very mana conductive; it¡¯s a copper and zinc alloy.¡±</em>


    He knew what he had to do.


    The world sped up.


    Alex called on the Mark of the General, his hand shooting into his satchel.


    It emerged with a coin the size of one of his fingernails, iid with the image of a red mouse in the centre.


    Kelda¡¯s symbol.


    A finalugh at the Ravener¡¯s expense on her behalf.


    The General of Thamnd focused his mind on how he¡¯d made coin tosses in the past, on the best ones he¡¯d ever made.


    Memories flooded to him. Images of himself flicking coins at the crowd on the way out of Alric, the feeling of rolling them back and forth across his fingers, other coin tosses he¡¯d made; flipping and catching coins in the air when he was younger.


    And then one final memory: tossing hisst pay from McHarris into the fountain in the centre of Alric. At the stone feet of the Heroes¡¯ statues.


    The young archwizard raised his hand, the Mark of the General guiding him.


    Alex Roth flicked Kelda¡¯s coin with his thumb.


    The Coin of Silent Friends spun through the air.


    It passed between the waves of deadly energy.


    Flipped end over end¡­


    ¡­and slotted into the gap between the throne and the end of the crystalline cord.


    The circuitpleted.


    Energy poured from the throne and through the crystalline wire, passing through the pathways that Alex had altered. A mana reversal rushed through the Ravener, causing the construct to shriek. Poison gushed through its entire form¡ªcarried by the runaway reaction¡ªpassing from the room and forcibly reconnecting to the poisoned nodes throughout the body of Uldar¡¯s creation.


    Poison flooded through it, and its regeneration fried. Its inner functions burnt out in increments.


    The Ravener groaned, sounding like a dying beast.


    The node shook around Alex¡­and abruptly, the quaking began subsiding.


    Uldar¡¯s creation was dying¡ªthe young archwizard could feel it¡ªbut it was not dying in a violent, devastating, explosion that would be whispered about for centuries toe.


    Much like its creator, it was going quietly.


    The energy faded from the air around Alex.


    Geysers of power sputtered, ebbing to nothingness.


    Death-beams shrank to guttering, flickering embers.


    Very few Ravener-spawn had survived Alex¡¯s summons and the room¡¯s scorching air, but even these few quickly began choking, gasping for air, their flesh rapidly desating, and like dried out husks, they toppled over.


    Living cores swelled, bursting open, turning to ash.


    Poison dissipated from the air.


    Every crystal in the chamber began to dull.


    The roar and radiance from the Ravener¡¯s violent n to obliterate itsir and everyone in it subsided, reced by growing silence and darkness. Light faded in the replica of Uldar¡¯s throne room, the stone king like ash in a firece.


    Around Alex, the flow of mana sputtered to a trickle.


    There was no healing. No regeneration. No explosion.


    Just a growing stillness.


    And then, the General of Thamnd felt the ancient enemy of his people turn to the throne.


    There was no more hatreding from it.


    No more rage.


    Only a growing terror.


    ¡°<em>Creator! Look what they have done to me! Save your creation! They have beaten me, and like you, I cannote back from what they have done!¡± </em>the Ravener¡¯s voice was weak. Afraid. ¡°<em>Do not leave me alone! I am not meant to die.¡±</em>


    Light continued fading.


    The dark continued to grow.


    The chamber suddenly turned cold.


    Alex waited for another attack. For a curse, or for more words from the construct.


    But none came.


    The flow of mana stilled around the General of Thamnd.


    The Ravener, Uldar¡¯s creation that had terrorised Thamnd through thousands of years, was dead.


    Gone.


    All that was left in its wake was the silence of a tomb.

 Chapter 895: Finally Free

    Chapter 895: Finally Free


    ¡°Be ready,¡± the king of Thamnd whispered.


    He stood on the walls of the capitol city, looking out.


    His muscles ached.


    His breathing was heavy, but the power of both the General¡¯s magic and the Traveller¡¯s blessing flowed through him. On the wall around him, his knights remained watchful, scanning the fields ahead. The General¡¯s powerful mercenaries nked them, and without them, many more lives would have been lost. The city was quiet now, delivered from Ravener-spawn.


    Yet the same could not be said for the fields surrounding it.


    Another horde of Spawn was rushing for the city gates, gnashing their teeth and flexing their ws, snarling, howling, and crying out for Thameish blood.


    The king gripped his sword. ¡°Steady. Steady! We only need to hold out as long as¡­as¡­¡±


    His words trailed off.


    ¡°Sire!¡± a court wizard cried. ¡°Look! Something¡¯s happening to the spawn!¡±Tobias Jay pushed through the crowd of knights to stand behind his king, and watch the horde approaching the city.


    Or rather, that <em>had</em> been approaching the city.


    Across the fields and forests, thousands of Ravener-spawn suddenly ¡­stopped.


    One moment, they were rampaging toward Ussex¡¯s high walls, and the next, they were as still as statues, staring ahead, looking through what seemed to be unseeing eyes.


    As one, they suddenly dropped.


    Ravener-spawn copsed on themselves like puppets with their strings cut. They sprawled on the ground, unmoving, as silent as the grave. Flyers plummeted from the sky,nding in heaps. On fields that a moment earlier were<strong></strong>churning with life, dead bodies nowy, silent in death.


    In less than a breath, thousands of Ravener-spawn were corpses.


    The king, the high priest and the other defenders of Ussex, stared down at the sight in bewilderment.


    They were falling.


    Dozens of Ravener-spawn fell in the tunnel ahead of them, right in front of Ripp¡¯s shocked eyes. One moment, they were fighting for their lives, and the next, every Ravener-spawn had simply toppled over, dead.


    ¡°What¡­what happened?¡± Kybas asked as Harmless cracked the bone of a dead behemoth, eager to feast on the contents. ¡°I wonder what¡¯s wrong with them?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Ripp said. ¡°But, whatever it is, I think it means we won. If they¡¯re dropping dead, I think that¡¯s good news.¡±


    ¡°Svenia, are you seeing this?¡± Hogarth asked.


    ¡°I was about to ask you the same thing,¡± Svenia murmured, pulling her halberd out of a gibbering legion¡¯s corpse.


    The two guards and other defenders peered down the tunnel at Ravener-spawn corpses lying on the ground ahead of them. All was quiet.


    ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡± A Watcher asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what¡¯s happened.¡± Birger smiled, tears in his eyes. ¡°My boy did good, is what happened. All of those young folks did good.¡±


    He looked up at the ceiling.


    ¡°We got ¡®em, Kelda.¡±


    Vernia Jules fell silent, watching Ravener-spawn falling across the moors.


    They copsed like stalks of wheat cut down by a farmer¡¯s scythe.


    ¡°Well,¡± Gemini said. ¡°This bodes well.¡±


    ¡°It does, indeed,¡± added Councillor Kartika.


    ¡°My word,¡± Professor Jules muttered. ¡°I think this might mean¡ª¡±


    As she spoke there came a shimmering in the sky.


    The image of the Traveller formed above them, her white robe contrasting with the blue of the sky behind her. She beamed, waves of joy radiating from her smile.


    ¡°Thamnd,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s done. The great battle of our time is finished. The Ravener is gone, and not just for this cycle, but forever. The kingdom and its people are atst free, thanks to the Heroes of Thamnd, theirpanions and your endless efforts and sacrifices! We! Have! Won!¡±


    There was a moment of silence.


    Then the wizards of Greymoor shouted in victory. Fists pumped. Watchers hugged mercenaries, some even bowed their heads in reverence<strong></strong>to the image of the newborn goddess.


    ¡°Well, that looks to be check,¡± Hobb said calmly. ¡°<em>And</em> mate, if I am not mistaken.¡±


    Professor Jules didn¡¯t cheer quite yet.


    She wouldn¡¯t.


    Not until her students came home.


    ¡°Look! Look above!¡± a soldier cried, pointing to the sky above Coille Forest.


    There in the sky was the image of the goddess, the Saint of Alric, transformed and transcended.


    ¡°It¡¯s the Traveller!¡± a priest shouted.


    ¡°She heralds victory!¡± cried another voice.


    ¡°We have won!¡±


    ¡°The Traveller bless us!¡±


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    ¡°We are delivered from the darkness!¡±


    ¡°Blessings upon the Heroes! Upon Thamnd!¡±


    In front of the Cave of the Traveller, the Thameish army chanted, cheered, and threw themselves on the ground in supplication. The news of victory spread to those within the cave itself, they joined in celebrating and praising the newborn goddess.


    The only members of the teams of defenders who did not join in were Toraka Shale¡¯s golems, they had fallen silent and werepletely still. There was no more fighting for them to do.


    Ravener-spawn corpses filled the forest of Coille.


    Never to stir again.


    A cheer erupted from thousands of voices, rising over Ussex as the Traveller made her announcement. Her image had appeared across the sky, visible from every part of Thamnd.


    As one, the entire kingdom cried out in victory, in relief, and astonishment.


    The Thameish king was no exception.


    ¡°Victory!¡± King Athelstan dered. ¡°We have victory! We have truly won! Rejoice, Thamnd! Rejoice!¡±


    ¡°I told you we would live.¡± Kyembe of Sengezi sheathed his sword at his waist. ¡°And live well. We drink from the cup of victory along with these brave folk. Ah, but we should go and find¡ªHm? Wurhi?¡±


    The tiny Zabyan had copsed across the parapet, panting heavily, her sword limp in her fingers. ¡°Feels like my arms are about to fall off. Damn these monsters ten times! Twenty times! I hope they eat hot coals in the hells. Hot coals dipped in dung and soaked in a fisherman¡¯s waste basket!¡±


    Kyembe responded with a deep, richugh.


    A little distance away, Ezerak Kai smiled wistfully. ¡°I did not have to witness another kingdom fall. This is a good day. This is a very good day.¡±


    The golems stood silent near Alric¡¯s walls as the town¡¯s defenders cheered, pped each other on the shoulders, and caught each other up in the deepest hugs.


    Standing in front of the medical tent, Peter and Paul gazed up at the sky, their jaws agape.


    ¡°Did¡­did we just live through this, Peter?¡± Paul asked.


    ¡°Aye, Paul,¡± Peter replied. ¡°I think we did. I think we did, at that. Traveller be praised, and I¡¯m going to buy the Roth boy an entire keg of ale when I see him next time.¡±


    ¡°The biggest keg in the town¡¯s history.¡±


    Baelin and Carey floated in the sky, watching the Thameish countryside.


    Carey looked up at the Traveller¡¯s image, her face beaming. ¡°It¡¯s done. We¡¯ve won at longst. Thamnd is safe!¡±


    ¡°Indeed.¡± Baelin looked at the fallen Ravener-spawn on the ins below. Already, he was eyeing the bodies, looking for any choice samples that met his eye. ¡°It would seem that our friends and allies have brought down the cornered beast. Very good. Well done, my young friends. Well done.¡±


    ¡°I¡­I think it''s dead! I think it¡¯s dead!¡± Cedric¡¯s joyful cry filled the cavern.


    The Ravener, pressed to the wall by Alex¡¯spanions, waspletely silent. No mana stirred from it. No angry cries demanding the return of Uldar¡¯s body. No spark of divinity. No attempt to attack or defend itself.


    Nothing.


    What once was a terrible construct of horrifying power, now seemed to be dead. A damaged orb of dead, ck material.


    ¡°It is done,¡± the Traveller said. ¡°I feel no signs of life from it, no connection between it and Thamnd, or any other energies. It is dead, and I have told Thamnd.¡±


    ¡°You mean we won?¡± Thundar blinked, catching Khalik¡¯s eye.


    ¡°I think we <em>did!¡±</em> the prince grinned.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Theresa said, cutting in before they could start celebrating. She was carrying Uldar¡¯s body over her shoulder like a sack of trash. ¡°Where¡¯s Alex?¡±


    The others fell silent, looking at each other.


    Then all eyes fell on the ck orb.


    Alexander Roth, archwizard, General of Thamnd and former Fool of Uldar, stood within the corpse of the Ravener.


    All was quiet in the wake of its death.


    The node was calm, yet Alex¡¯s mind reeled.


    The Ravener was dead.


    The monstrous creation of a monstrous god. Something that had gued his people for millennia.


    Was actually dead.


    It had changed the very direction of his life.


    And now it was dead.


    With the aeld staff giving off waves of relief in his hand, he stepped forward¡ªusing the light of the aeld¡¯s crystalline blooms to light his way¡ªand ced a hand against the throne.


    It was ash grey, king like cold embers.


    He closed his eyes and poured his mana into the Ravener¡¯s pathways.


    Nothing.


    No spark of energy or life; the mana pathways werepletely burnt out.


    ¡°It¡¯s over,¡± he whispered, hardly believing it. ¡°It¡¯s actually over.¡±


    <em>¡®Father?¡¯</em> ygon¡¯s voice reached through the link with his father. <em>¡®Father are you alright?¡¯</em>


    ¡®I¡¯m fine, buddy,¡¯ Alex¡¯s thoughts reached back through their link. ¡®I¡¯m¡­I¡¯m more than alright.¡¯


    ¡®<em>Father¡­the Ravener¡­has gone silent. It¡¯s not moving at all,¡¯ </em>ygon thought. ¡®<em>It seems to be¡­dead.¡¯</em>


    ¡®Yeah,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®It really does.¡¯


    The young wizard teleported out of the node and into the dark world within the Ravener. There was no movement around him, the air was cool and free of energy, a deep silence filling it, only broken by Alex¡¯s steady breathing.


    Suddenly, the world began to shake.


    Dark skies began falling.


    The ground cracked further.


    In the distance, node towers crumbled.


    ¡®<em>Father¡­!¡¯</em> ygon called through their link ¡®<em>The Ravener¡­it¡¯s breaking apart!¡¯</em>


    Alex took a quick look around, then teleported out.


    There were no barriers, no traps, no death beams, nor magics to stop him from leaving the Ravener¡¯s internal spaces unopposed. He could leave with no problem, and he did, reappearing in the Ravener¡¯sir.


    Everywhere he looked in the dark cavern, he found blood and bodies.


    Thousands of Ravener-spawn were heaped atop each other in great piles. Ahead of him, hispanions had pushed the Ravener against a stone wall.


    Or rather, what was left of the Ravener.


    Cracks were spreading through the construct¡¯s lifeless form as it crumbled. The sphere dissolved, its form running like ck rain, and spilling onto the stone floor.


    It ran until it poured.


    Increasing in volume.


    ¡°It¡¯s bigger on the inside, that¡¯s why there''s so much of that stuff,¡± Alex whispered.


    ¡°Alex!¡± an excited voice cried.


    The young archwizard turned in time to see Theresa flying toward him at speed. She tossed the burden on her shoulder aside¡ªUldar¡¯s body, Alex realised¡ªdiscarding it tond on a pile of Ravener-spawn bodies like so much trash.


    ¡°Maybe we should be more carefu¡ªOof!¡± he groaned as Theresa barreled into his chest at full force, nearly knocking the wind out of him, and wrapping him in a crushing hug.


    ¡°Alex!¡± she cried, pulling back and cupping his chin in her hand. She turned his head this way and that, examining it closely. ¡°Are you hurt anywhere? Are you alright?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m alright,¡± he smiled.


    Her eyes met his. ¡°And is it done?¡±


    He nodded. ¡°It¡¯s done.¡±


    The huntress¡¯ eyes sparked, and she froze for a moment, then began trembling andughing. She let out a whoop of joy that echoed through the Ravener¡¯sir. ¡°By the Traveller¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Hannah said.


    ¡°¡ªwe won!¡± Theresa finished. ¡°We actually won! It¡¯s true, we did it!¡±


    ¡°<em>Faaaatheeeeer!¡±</em>


    Alex looked up just in time to be hugged by an evolved golem of steel and dungeon core substance. ygon wrapped his family in his four arms in a tight embrace. ¡°<em>Faaaather you are¡­alright! We¡­did it! We are¡­alright! We¡­won!¡±</em>


    ¡°We sure did, buddy,¡± Alex squeezed out his words as his body was being crushed. ¡°We actually did it! Is everybody alright?¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Prince Khalik shouted, flying up to Alex, ygon and Theresa. ¡°How can we be just ¡®alright¡¯? We are better than that, so much better, my friend! We have gained a great victory today!¡±


    ¡°Hells yeah!¡± Thundar flew over as well. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it! I can¡¯t believe it!¡±


    ¡°Truly well done!¡± Isolde joined them.


    ¡°<em>A glorious expression of violence,¡±</em> Asmaldestre¡¯s voice stung the ear.


    ¡°We did it,¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled as she stared at the remains of the Ravener, still pouring onto the cavern floor. ¡°We actually won.¡±


    ¡°And without any of us dying,¡± Hart said. ¡°It was some battle but wested. d we did all that training. It was worth it.¡±


    ¡°Traveller be praised,¡± Merzhin added.


    ¡°Why, thank you.¡± Hannah smiled.


    The Saint looked at her sharply, a startled expression crossing his face.


    Grimloch looked at the Ravener¡¯s remains, letting out a long sigh. ¡°Looks inedible.¡±


    Bjorgrund patted him on the back. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, friend.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get over it. Lots of meat around.¡± Grimloch eyed the Ravener-spawn bodies, licking his chops.


    ¡°Ooooiiiii! Good job, everyone!¡± Cedric shouted.


    Brutus barked, flying up, three tongues licking Alex and Theresa¡¯s faces.


    The young archwizard of Alric smiled. ¡°None of us would be here if it weren¡¯t for our dedication, our wits, our strength and our teamwork.¡±


    He looked down at Uldar¡¯s body.


    ¡°But now, we have a lot of decisions to make. A lot of people to talk to and a lot of rebuilding to do,¡± he said quietly. ¡°A new age in Thamnd¡¯s history starts today. One where we¡¯re finally free from terror and death. Finally permanently free.¡±

 Chapter 896: Aftermath

    Chapter 896: Aftermath


    ¡°Well, looks like it¡¯s stopped.¡± Thundar pointed. ¡°See?¡±


    At longst, the Ravener¡¯s remains had stopped flooding the floor of the chamber. Most of the enormous cavern was <em>filled</em> with ck dust; the remains of the terror that had reigned over Thamnd for millenia. Even theke was saturated with them.


    ¡°All that stuff¡¯s got to be worth a fortune!¡± Thundar rubbed his hands together.


    ¡°We¡¯ll split it among the lot of us,¡± Alex grinned. ¡°We might as well get <em>some </em>good from it.¡±


    ¡°Wait, are you sure?¡± Bjorgrund asked, looking at Alex sharply. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know what to do with any of it.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, if any of you don¡¯t want Ravener-remains, I can buy your portion from you, or use it to make magic items or golems that I could sell, then give you some of the profit, ¡­after a small fee for mybour<strong>, </strong>of course.¡±


    ¡°That sounds good to me, and you sound like a real merchant,¡± Bjorgrund said.


    ¡°No, no, no, my young friend, he''s trying to rip you off!¡± Thundar said quickly, waving his hands at the giant. ¡°Ask him how ¡®small¡¯ this fee would be! Next thing you know, this bastard¡¯ll be grinning at you as he hands you three silver coins for your trouble while he¡¯s saying, <em>Oh</em><strong><em>, </em></strong><em>sorry friend, after my fee, this is all that¡¯s left, terribly sorry!</em> I could just hear him now, saying how sorry he was without a hint of apology showing in his eyes! None!¡±


    Alex startedughing, his whole body shaking. He was in a good mood, a very good mood. ¡°Come on, Thundar, I wouldn¡¯t rip Bjorgrund off¡­ he¡¯s not you.¡±¡°Thanks,¡± the minotaur said dryly.


    ¡°Actually, speaking of doing things with remains¡­¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled. She had returned to human form and was pointing at the deific body lying on a pile of Ravener-spawn corpses. ¡°What do we do with him?¡±


    The group fell silent.


    After their initial celebration, they¡¯d turned to cleaning up, picking up arrows and going through Ravener-spawn corpses, searching for any pieces of equipment they¡¯d dropped during the battle. Hannah had gone, leaving them behind while she went to Thamnd where scores of wounded fighters needed healing, but she¡¯d promised she would see themter.


    The rest of the group was scattered across their, they had paused at Drestra¡¯s words, and were now looking at the god¡¯s body.


    Uldar¡¯s formy syed across a pile of Ravener-spawn corpses, thrown aside and almost forgotten.


    No one had considered it or even thought to pick it up after Theresa had dumped it there earlier.


    ¡°I¡¯d eat it,¡± Grimloch rumbled. ¡°But that poison in it wouldn¡¯t be tasty at all.¡±


    ¡°Aye, that¡¯s real helpful insight, Grimloch,¡± Cedric said.


    ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯ mean¡ªAch, nevermind.¡± Cedric looked at Drestra. ¡°What¡¯s there t¡¯ talk about? We could jus¡¯ take ¡®im back t¡¯ his sanctum, aye? Then seal th¡¯ whole thing up an¡¯ forget about ¡®im.¡±


    ¡°Or we could give his body to the king,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°To King Athelstan. He rules the country, so he should have a say in what is done with Uldar¡¯s body, I would think.¡±


    ¡°Or Hannah. Maybe we should give it to Hannah,¡± Theresa suggested.


    ¡°Meh, I dunno about that,¡± Hart said. ¡°That body¡¯s probably worth a lot, right? Why don¡¯t we take it to some rich alchemist and walk away from there with some extra coin in our pockets?¡±


    The group fell silent.


    Some looked away.


    Their expressions ranged.


    Some looked disgusted.


    Others looked thoughtful.


    Few looked outright epting, but none vigorously protested Hart¡¯s suggestion, either.


    ¡°Honestly,¡± Alex cut in. ¡°I¡±m with Merzhin, I think we <em>should</em> bring it to the king, maybe not give it to him right away, but he and Tobias Jay <em>should</em> know that we¡¯re discussing what to do with it. But, that said¡­there¡¯s a little project I have in mind¡ª¡±


    He looked at the body. ¡°¡ªsomething I¡¯ve been thinking about for a while now, and a bit of Uldar¡¯s divine essence would really help me with it.¡±


    ¡°Oh, aye?¡± Cedric made a face. ¡°Usin¡¯ a bit o¡¯ his body feels kinda ghoulish t¡¯me, but I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a single soul here who would argue against you usin¡¯ some o¡¯his essence fer whatever y¡¯ gots in mind. There¡¯s not a person here who wouldn¡¯t trust you wit¡¯ their lives. An¡¯ after all that Uldar put Thamnd through, at leas¡¯ ¡®is bloody corpse can do some good<strong>. </strong>So, whatever ya¡¯ gots in mind, all I can say is, why not?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah, it¡¯ll help out all of us in a major way,¡± Alex promised.


    ¡°But hold on, what about the poison in his body?¡± Prince Khalik asked. ¡°Unless you are using it to make more poison, how can you use any essence from it? That poison killed a god, why wouldn¡¯t it destroy everything else?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I wouldn¡¯t worry about that,¡± Alex said. ¡°One second.¡±


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    With a thought, the young archwizard teleported back to hisboratory in Generasi. He conjured a swarm of forcedisks with his staff, then teleported a few good sized sample containers onto them.


    He returned to their with the disks and sample containers.


    ¡°Like I said, I wouldn¡¯t worry about that.¡± He smiled. ¡°Check this out.¡±


    He focused on Uldar¡¯s body, his attention on the god¡¯s physical form and the divine essence that still remained inside it.


    Concentrating, he formed a clear image in his mind of that essence and¡ªmost importantly¡ªpictured it separating from the poison that had suffused the body. Once he was satisfied with the image, he channelled the Traveller¡¯s power.


    In an instant, the specimen containers filled with a glowing, silvery substance.


    Not a single drop of the dark poison was visible in the samples.


    Drestra and Isolde looked awestruck as they rushed over to get a closer look at the samples.


    ¡°No poison?¡± Isolde asked. ¡°How did you do that?¡±


    ¡°Hannah¡¯s power,¡± Alex exined lightly. ¡°I just focused on teleporting some divine essence out of his corpse, while leaving the poison behind. Honestly, it was easier than I thought; having Hannah here, back in the material world, really elevates her power inside me.¡±


    ¡°What a wonderful power,¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled as she scrutinised the samples. ¡°And you are sure there¡¯s no poison in them?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure, but I¡¯m definitely going to be analysing and purifying them before I use them for anything,¡± Alex said. ¡°Even a trace of that poison could mean catastrophe.¡±


    ¡°It makes sense,¡± Isolde said. ¡°I cannot wait to see what you n for this.¡±


    Alex was about to answer when a bitterugh interrupted the conversation.


    Merzhin was scowling at the god¡¯s body,ughing, without a hint of humour in his voice. The small Saint of Thamnd was shaking his head. ¡°Do you all not see the ridiculousness of the situation? It¡¯s like some great cosmic joke!¡±


    ¡°<em>What¡­what is¡­it?</em>¡± ygon asked.


    ¡°Think about this,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°Alex, if you could teleport Uldar¡¯s essence out of him with the Traveller¡¯s power, then it stands to reason that you could teleport the poison out of him if he was alive.¡±


    Alex considered that, ¡°Yeah¡­I think you¡¯re right.¡±


    Merzhinughed even harder. ¡°Imagine then if Uldar had turned to his people for help. If he had created the Heroes not to war with the Ravener, but to preserve his life and help cure him of his poisoning. Even if a previous Saint or a General could not find a cure, all he would have had to do is endure and keep trying to find one with his Heroes. Eventually, Hannah would have been born with her unique power, arrived in Thamnd, and <em>she </em>could have taken the poison out of him!¡±


    Alex and hispanions looked stunned.


    The General of Thamnd then imagined apletely different path from the one Uldar had taken.


    The god of Thamnd wouldn¡¯t have retreated to a sanctum to hide, but rather stayed among his people, revealing his ailment to them. Some might have challenged him, but others might have grown more faithful to him, desperate to help the deity who had built their kingdom.


    He would have lived his life as a benevolent Lord: sick, but beloved by those who aided him, who cared for him. The god had once said that fear was a powerful motivator for faith, but wouldn¡¯t people have more feared their god¡¯s passing? Wouldn¡¯t the benevolent, more natural fear¡ªthe fear of losing a mentor, a loved one, or a friend¡ªhave fuelled faith as much as the Ravener had?


    And Uldar would only have needed enough faith to survive.


    Until¡­


    Another image rose in Alex¡¯s mind.


    There was Uldar, white-bearded and frail, surrounded by his Heroes¡ªif he had chosen to create them¡ªand his loving worshippers. He would be sitting on a throne in the material world, and Aenflynn would have been by his side, helping his friend.


    And these people would be visited by a Traveller¡­a Traveller from a faraway world, wielding magnificent powers and abilities that even Uldar could have hardly imagined.


    Even if she couldn¡¯t have cured Uldar when they first met, with some practice, in time, she surely could have. Then the frail old being would be gone, reced by a mighty and kind ruler that would steer Thamnd toward a bright future.


    Uldar wouldn¡¯t be just a destructive relic of the past now¡­ a soon to be forgotten corpse.


    ¡°I can see the bitter humour in that, Merzhin,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°<em>When one is immortal, one sees that an endless life¡¯s greatest gift is being able to live long enough to see new opportunities arrive at one''s feet, when mortals have long since passed away, never able to see them,¡±</em> Asmaldestre¡¯s voice stung the ear. <em>¡°Just as I have lived long enough to have the opportunity to drink of this glorious, violent battle against a god¡¯s creation of war.¡±</em>


    The war-spirit¡¯s wounds were deep¡ªand likely would have been fatal, had she been mortal¡ªbut she was not, and they didn¡¯t seem to bother her in the least, though Alex could see her insides exposed from some of the injuries. They certainly weren¡¯t superficial, but she handled them gently, lovingly, like she was d to have them.


    ¡°Are you¡­alright?¡± Alex asked, looking at the wounds. ¡°Do you need healing?¡±


    ¡°<em>The marks of violence do not harm a spirit of war in the same way they might harm one of your kind,¡±</em> she exined. ¡°<em>Our existence is violence. It is fundamentally different. While we can enjoy the honour of dying in battle, it would take far greater wounds to bring me any true harm. These will heal soon, and I will carry the scars as medals of honour won on the battlefield.¡±</em>


    She looked at her summoner closely.


    ¡°<em>Our contract has ended.¡±</em>


    ¡°That it has, Asmaldestre,¡± Alex said. ¡°You have received your weapons and helped me in these final battles. You took part in the violence you wanted. Was it satisfactory?¡±


    ¡°<em>Yes</em>,¡± the war-spirit sounded pleased. ¡°<em>The song of violence was loud and clear on this day.</em><em>And I enjoyed dancing to it. Now, it is time for me to depart. This summoning was pleasurable, and I would not be opposed to further association as time marches on.¡±</em>


    ¡°Nor would I,¡± Alex said. ¡°I¡¯m sure this won¡¯t be thest battle I find myself in. There will be future wars and future conflicts to fight. I would be d to fight alongside you at that time.¡±


    ¡°<em>Good, then until we meet on that battlefield again, Archwizard,¡±</em> she said. ¡°<em>Until we shed blood together. Until the song of violence sings once more.¡±</em>


    With those words, her form began shifting, growing hazy.


    Then, she vanished, leaving only the tang of blood tingeing the air.


    ¡°And so our firstpanion departs,¡± Khalik said. ¡°It is sad but¡­not that sad. I must admit, she sent chills up my spine. And speaking of chills up the spine, let us leave this gloomy ce. Alex, you can teleport the Ravener¡¯s remains whenever you want, right? I think we have finished gathering our equipment, so let us go. There is much to be done.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Bjorgrund picked up Uldar¡¯s body and threw it on their floating disk with the rest of their equipment. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    With that, thepanions gathered around the General of Thamnd.


    He reached out with the Traveller¡¯s power, and teleported them away from the Ravener¡¯sir. They passed through the barrier between the fae wild and the material world, and¡ªatst¡ªappeared in Thamnd, in the countryside.


    Nearby stood the burnt out remains of the windmill where Alex and ygon had fought the Ravener¡¯s Hunters and the blue annis hags.


    From this day onward, there would be no more fights against Ravener-spawn, not here or anywhere.


    There would be no more dungeon cores, either.


    The Ravener¡¯s substance would provide a supply for a long time, and there were likely plenty of dungeon core remains to be found across Thamnd from the cores that had copsed when the Ravener died.


    But after that? No more Ravener-spawn would be created. And no more¡ª


    A thought struck him.


    He turned to ygon.


    ¡°Hey buddy, can you do me a favour?¡± he asked. ¡°I want you to try something.¡±

 Chapter 897: The Seeds of Renewal

    Chapter 897: The Seeds of Renewal


    ¡°<em>What¡­is it¡­that you want me to try¡­father?¡±</em>


    Alex looked over thend, taking in everything around him. ¡°You see all this? I mean, do you see how devastated it is?¡±


    ygon followed his gaze. ¡°<em>Yes¡­of¡­course¡­</em>¡±


    The group looked over thendscape in silence.


    All around were signs of destruction, of unmistakable war. Thend had been ravaged by spawn.


    It had been drenched in acid by titans.


    Forests were burnt to ash, fire clouds having left their mark.


    Once fertile soil was now poisoned, contaminants bubbling through it, decaying bodies covering it.


    ¡°<em>It is¡­sad¡­¡±</em> ygon said. ¡°<em>Thend¡­is hurt¡­it will¡­take a long time¡­for things to get better¡­even with magic¡­even with divinity¡­¡±</em>¡°Yes,¡± Theresa said. ¡°Thamnd will have deep scars for<em> whoever</em> knows how long. And how much farnd was destroyed? This...there¡¯s going to be grim times ahead for a long time.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not so sure about that,¡± Alex said, looking at ygon hopefully.


    The General remembered the vision he¡¯d had when he looked into the dungeon core in Greymoor and saw the culling of Thamnd. In that horrific vision, the destruction had seemed endless.


    All-epassing. Yet, it hadn¡¯t been.


    Behind the armies of destroyers that culled all mortal life throughout thend, other creatures followed them, healing.


    First, a thick mist hade, like fog hanging above the earth on a spring morning. The mist had cleansed everything it touched, evaporating acid, snuffing out fire, liquefying corpses into nothing more than dew.


    When the mist had moved by, only the scars of the decimation had remained: signs of scorching from me.


    Other creatures, resembling massive earthworms¡ªloam coloured and colossal in size¡ªfollowed behind the mist, creeping along, bringing up the tail-end of the army. As they moved by, expelling fresh earth in their wake, their bodies wriggled through the soil, stirring it into thendscape. Before Alex¡¯s eyes, saplings and sprouts had sprung from the earth, seeding thend with new life.


    The young archwizard had told the others about his vision, and now he reminded them of what he¡¯d seen.


    ¡°ygon, do you think you could make those same spawn?¡± Alex asked. ¡°Or <em>any </em>spawn for that matter, since the Ravener¡¯s now dead?¡±


    ¡°Wait, what, make spawn¡¯?¡± Theresa said. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°<em>I¡­evolved¡­as you can¡­see¡­¡± </em>ygon said.


    ¡°Yes, you certainly have.¡± Khalik patted the golem on the back. ¡°Congrattions, by the way!¡±


    ¡°<em>Thank¡­you¡­¡±</em> the golem said. ¡°<em>But¡­yes¡­I¡­was able to make¡­spawn. Not as fast as the Ravener could¡­I needed to use¡­my own¡­power¡­and not¡­steal energy¡­from people¡¯s¡­fear. But¡­I do not know¡­if I can make them anymore¡­after the Ravener¡­died¡­¡±</em>


    ygon touched his chest.


    ¡°<em>Let me¡­try¡­something¡­¡±</em>


    He focused, and Alex felt a massive wave of mana gathering in the golem¡¯s chest.


    ¡°<em>I¡­am¡­looking¡­through¡­myself¡­¡±</em> the golem said. ¡°<em>I took¡­some of¡­the Ravener¡¯s¡­processes and¡­powers¡­but I don¡¯t¡­know how to use¡­all of them¡­not yet¡­so it might take me a bit¡­to¡­¡±</em>


    He paused.


    ¡°<em>There!¡±</em> he suddenly cried.


    Mist came flowing from ygon¡¯s chest.


    The others jumped back as vapour billowed from him, forming a tremendous mist cloud floating a few feet above the scorched earth.


    ¡°<em>Is¡­this¡­it¡­father?¡±</em>


    ¡°Yes!¡± Alex cried. ¡°Yes, that was one of them!¡±


    The golem nodded, then directed the mist. ¡°<em>Go¡­I would like you to¡­eliminate the dead bodies, the acid and poison, and the fire and ash¡­all around¡­here¡­¡±</em>


    The cloud hovered in stillness for a moment, then floated down until it touched the ground, slowly sweeping across the war-ravaged earth.


    Alex smiled, his heart soaring as the mist washed away the signs of destruction.


    Acid steamed into nothingness.


    Embers snuffed out.


    Poisoned earth was purified as Ravener-spawn corpses disintegrated, leaving behind only crystal clear water.


    ¡°<em>Wait¡­I think¡­¡±</em> ygon said.


    Power gathered in his chest again, preceding something new: an enormous earthworm-like creature spilled out, dropping to the ground in front of his feet.


    The cid looking creature turned, tilting its head up toward ygon.


    ¡°<em>I want you¡­to make fresh earth and new nt life for thend,¡±</em> ygon said.


    The creature made a deep, rumbling sound, then turned from the golem and dove through the earth, trailing the mist cloud. It took in mounds of soil from one end and expelled it from the other.


    In its wake, newly tilled healthy earth remained, dotted with saplings and sprouts that sprung up as Alex and hispanions watched.


    ¡°By the Traveller,¡¯ Merzhin said. ¡°This is wonderful! With this, thend will be quickly healed! When the people return from the Rhinean Empire, they¡¯ll return to a kingdom that is cleansed, free of the Ravener and the destruction it caused. They¡¯lle back to a Thamnd that offers them a new, fresh life! How wonderful!¡±


    ¡°It is wonderful!¡± Theresa agreed. ¡°This could even heal the forests!¡±


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    ¡°It could make all the wilderness in Thamnd healthier,¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled.


    ¡°It could do more than that¡­¡± Alex said. ¡°By doing this, we can make Thamnd more fertile than it¡¯s <em>ever</em> been. Imagine if we use these spawn to refresh the earth after every harvest, or clean the forests after wildfires¡­? Jeez, Uldar had the keys to paradise and only used them to sweep up after his cullings. What a¡­ygon? Are you alright?¡±


    The golem was still staring at his chest.


    ¡°<em>There¡­is something else¡­that I thought of¡­father¡­I want to try it¡­to see¡­¡±</em> he said.


    Concentrating, the golem again gathered power in chest.


    Light began flowing through the dark material making up a part of his body.


    ¡°<em>I¡­want to see¡­if¡­¡±</em> ygon paused. ¡°<em>Father¡­I don¡¯t think I can make¡­dungeon cores like the¡­Ravener¡­could¡­but¡­¡±</em>


    He extended his hand.


    His chest shimmered.


    A chunk of ck substance¡ªroughly the size of a child¡¯s fist emerged¡ªfalling into his outstretched hand.


    ¡°<em>Yessss¡­¡±</em> ygon said, his voice filled with excitement. ¡°<em>Father¡­look! I can¡¯t make dungeon cores¡­but I can make¡­the substance¡­that they¡¯re made of!¡±</em>


    Alex¡¯s eyes bulged as he stared down at the chunk in ygon¡¯s palm.


    It was pure dungeon core essence, in solid form.


    The archwizard swallowed. ¡°This¡­this changes everything.¡±


    ¡°<em>I can¡­make dungeon core substance¡­¡±</em> ygon said. ¡°<em>Which means¡­father¡­we will have¡­an unlimited supply¡­I can only make a little bit¡­at a time¡­slower than the Ravener could. But I fuel it¡­with my mana. I could¡­make it¡­forever.¡±</em>


    ¡°Then the next age of magic <em>is</em> on the horizon,¡± Isolde said. ¡°Dungeon core substance will continue to change the world.¡±


    ¡°And you¡¯ll haveplete control over all of it once everyone¡¯s finished harvesting the remains scattered across Thamnd,¡± Thundar said. ¡°Lucky you, ygon.¡±


    ¡°<em>Lucky¡­us¡­¡±</em> ygon said. ¡°<em>I¡­am not¡­Uldar. I am going to¡­share¡­the wonders¡­I have¡­and not horde them¡­or use them to terrorise. I was made¡­to protect¡­and I am also good¡­at destroying. But now¡­I will show¡­that I am even better¡­at creating. My spawn and substance¡­won¡¯t make terror. They will make¡­all of our lives better. They will make¡­Thamnd and Generasi¡­better. They will make this¡­whole world better.¡±</em>


    Alex beamed, tears glistening in his eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m proud of you, buddy,¡± he said, touching the golem¡¯s arm.


    ¡°<em>I¡­am happy¡­to hear that¡­father¡­</em>¡± ygon said. ¡°<em>Now¡­we should go¡­and leave these spawn to cleanse thend. I will make¡­more¡­to join them¡­and then we should¡­go to the Research Castle and¡­other ces. There is¡­much¡­to¡­be done¡­¡±</em>


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Alex said, casting invisibility magic on Uldar¡¯s body. ¡°I¡¯m sure Professor Jules is worried about us. So, let¡¯s get going.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯vee!¡± an excited cry rose from the Research Castle. ¡°They¡¯re back, they¡¯ve alle back!¡±


    Alex and hispanions had appeared above the Castle. In every direction, thend had been devastated, ttened by explosions and turned to dust by terrible heat.


    Ravener-spawn bodies and ash littered the ckened moors beyond where the earth was sted t. Alex winced at the sight; how many times had he looked at the grassy hills from the Castle¡¯s ramparts? Now those grassy hills were gone.


    ¡®But they¡¯ll be back,¡¯ he assured himself.


    Below, the Castle looked no worse for wear, though.


    He breathed a sigh of relief. ¡®Thank the Traveller they didn¡¯t break through the defences. I hope everyone''s okay.¡¯


    As the group floated down to the courtyard, the area was a hive of activity. People were pointing at the returning victors, and cheers were rising. Folk were pumping their fists, pping, calling their names, stomping their feet, looking at the returning victors with awe.


    It felt good, but in some ways, it made Alex feel a little naked.


    Even his fame in Generasi hadn¡¯te close to this.


    He couldn¡¯t imagine what their reception would be like in Ussex.


    As theynded in the courtyard, folk fell silent, watching them expectantly.


    The young archwizard took a deep breath, then his voice boomed across the courtyard:


    ¡°We won! The Ravener¡¯s dead, and it¡¯s dead forever. Its aplice, the fae lord Aenflynn, is also dead. We¡¯ve really and truly won. Thank you all!¡±


    The cry and apuse that followed was deafening. Alex looked over the face of every Generasian there¡­and realised something. Those who lived and worked in the Research Castle for the past roughly two years, had be attached to thisnd and its fate.


    They celebrated as though it was <em>their</em> homnd that had finally found true freedom.


    It warmed Alex¡¯s heart in ways he couldn¡¯t put into words.


    As a crowd gathered around the triumphant group, Alex felt a finger poke his side.


    He looked up at a young giant, his eyes darting around the courtyard and his lips tight with worry.


    ¡°Um, if you don¡¯t mind, I¡¯m going to go find my father. I want to see if he¡¯s okay,¡± Bjorgrund said quickly, almost apologetically.


    ¡°Oh, go on. You don¡¯t have to ask,¡± Alex said. ¡°Just tell your dad ¡®hi¡¯ for me.¡±


    ¡°Okay! We¡¯ll talkter! And, Alex¡­I¡¯m d I followed you into battle. I¡¯d do it again, in a heartbeat.¡± The young giant gave him a shy smile, his rune shing. Then he was off, the crowd parting before him as he moved quickly, calling out for his father.


    Soon, another voice drew Alex¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Mr. Roth! Mr. Behr-Medr! Ms. von Anmut! Mr. Thundar! You¡¯re back and thankfully, you''re all in one piece!¡±


    Alex turned to the Castle¡¯s keep and saw a diminutive figure rushing from the doorway.


    Professor Jules hurried through the crowd, her expression a mix of concern, joy and <em>tremendous</em> relief. ¡°You¡¯re all alright!¡±


    The professor pushed her way to the group, then <em>shocked</em> Alex and Isolde by crashing into them and wrapping her arms around their waists. The small woman hugged them as though they might vanish if she let go for even a moment.


    ¡°I am <em>so</em> d you¡¯re all safe,¡± she pulled back, ncing over the entire group. She did not let them go. Her eyes narrowed and her lips moved as she silently counted everyone present. ¡°Wait¡­where¡¯s that young giant?¡±


    ¡°He went to go find his father,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°Oh,¡± she let out a deep sigh. ¡°Thank goodness. Then all of you have made it back safely. And¡ª¡± She looked at ygon closely. ¡°¡ªsome of you have changed as well. Toraka is going to lose her mind when she sees you, ygon.¡±


    ¡°<em>I¡­look¡­forward to that¡­¡±</em> There was a grin in ygon¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Oh, professor, have you seen Svenia and Hogarth?¡± Isolde asked, looking around. ¡°I would like to talk to them.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I believe they¡¯re still in the tunnels, helping clean up down there,¡± the professor said. Isolde bowed her head. ¡°Then if you will excuse me, I shall go and check on them. Professor¡­thank you for looking for us. But, er sorry, but you are still crushing me.¡±


    ¡°Oh! Oh dear!¡± Professor Jules quickly let go, her face flushing red. ¡°How embarrassing and unprofessional of me,ying hands on my students.¡±


    Isolde smiled. ¡°Professor, we have both graduated. And, honestly, I am very touched by the show of affection.¡±


    Professor Jules¡¯ face turned even redder. ¡°Well, then¡­I suppose it¡¯s alright. Erm, wee back. Er, uh, I am sure Ms. Svenia and Mr. Hogarth will be relieved to see you.¡±


    Isolde smiled. ¡°Thank you for looking out for us, professor.¡±


    The young noblewoman broke away from the group to go look for her lifelong bodyguards.


    Thepanions soon started to break into groups of two and three, mingling with the crowd around them. Smiling faces greeted old friends. Hands pped tired shoulders.


    Someone had brought a keg of wine from the Castle, and had already broached it.


    Hart, Khalik, Theresa and Thundar were already being toasted by several Watchers, swilling from brimming gons. Even Drestra was joining in. ygon was greeting the aeld tree, while Grimloch and Brutus were already chomping on a Ravener-spawn body they had dragged from the moors.


    Cedric had excused himself, going with Isolde, leaving Alex alone with his alchemy professor.


    He looked down at her, remembering when he had first arrived at Generasi and had chased her down to ask about her course.


    That had led him on a journey that had led to today: to victory and celebration in the courtyard of the Research Castle.


    ¡°Well, you did it, Mr. Roth,¡± Professor Jules said. ¡°After all this time, after all that effort. You¡¯ve done it. Congrattions!¡±


    ¡°Thanks professor, for everything. We really did do it,¡± Alex said. ¡°And it wouldn¡¯t have been possible without everyone¡¯s efforts and talents. I¡¯m just d that we all came together for this moment.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± she said. ¡°It¡¯s a beautiful day, and a promise of brighter days ahead.¡± She sighed. ¡°It¡¯s a shame Miss London could not see this.¡±


    ¡°Well, she was pretty excited thest time I saw her.¡±


    ¡°Oh? Yes, I¡­ what in the world are you talking about?¡± Professor Jules asked sharply.


    As the words left her mouth, there was a sh of light nearby, drawing several eyes.


    Before them, two figures appeared.


    Baelin, triumphant in his armour, standing tall.


    And,plete with glowing halo and burning wings was¡­


    ¡°Miss London,¡± Professor Jules whispered. Tears welling in her eyes. ¡°How is this possible?¡±


    Carey smiled. ¡°Hello Professor Jules. I¡¯m so d to see you. Many things have happened today that some would deem impossible, I must say.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Professor Jules choked. ¡°The wings¡­what does this mean?¡±


    Carey puffed out her chest, smiling. ¡°It means that you are now speaking to Carey London, the first Divine Herald of the Traveller.¡±

 Chapter 898: Jules and Carey

    Chapter 898: Jules and Carey


    ¡°The Herald of the Traveller?¡± Alex asked. ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Carey smiled, looking quite pleased.


    The courtyard had fallen silent.


    Every eye was focused on the young woman who was both familiar yet unfamiliar. To the research team, Carey was a fallen colleague, one who had been mourned. To the Watchers, she was not only a colleague, but the symbol of a great failure, one where they had failed to protect a student under their charge.


    Many here had attended her funeral in Generasi.


    Many here had said their goodbyes.


    And yet, here she was, looking as healthy and alive as she had before her death.


    No, not as healthy and alive.


    Healthier. Stronger. More assured.Divine.


    She smiled, her eyes sparkling. ¡°When I passed into the after-world, I touched the Traveller. Her power flowed through me, and I reached her side in grace. My act of faith for my friends, against evil, and in her name, was enough to forge a bond between her and I. A deep bond. And over time, her energies continued transforming my soul, elevating me and letting me ascend to a new existence. I haven¡¯t returned from death as I once was. Carey, the mortal, will never be again. I am Carey London, Herald of the Traveller. And in my new form, I am very happy to see all of you again.¡±


    Before anyone could say a word, Professor Jules let out a choked cry.


    She staggered toward the Herald of the Traveller, and Baelin stepped away from the two women, giving them space.


    ¡°I failed you.¡± Professor Jules bowed her head before the spirit in front of her. ¡°You were my student, and I taught you every safety protocol I ever learned just to keep you safe. You were my responsibility, and I let those animals kill you. I don¡¯t know if you can ever forgive me, but I¡¯m just, so, deeply sorry, Miss London¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shhhh,¡± Carey said, smiling gently at the little woman. ¡°Professor, might I ask you for a favour?¡±


    Professor Jules looked at her. Tears continued welling up in her eyes, but she quickly wiped them away. ¡°Whatever you ask, it¡¯s yours.¡±


    ¡°Forgive yourself.¡±


    Shocked silence.


    ¡°Pardon?¡± Professor Jules finally said.


    ¡°I have been watching all of you from the after-world,¡± she said. ¡°And although I wasn¡¯t able to see everything I wished to, I saw that you have been torturing yourself, professor. Please stop. It¡¯s not you who killed me, and you were not responsible for what happened. Viins took me, and I gave my life to save my friends. I did so ever so willingly, and I was rewarded for that sacrifice. You did what you could to protect me, and I was not a child, professor. I was a grown woman who made her own decisions. I chose to stay in Thamnd, and others chose to rob me of my freedom. They have been punished.¡±


    Carey looked at her former professor earnestly, meeting her gaze. ¡°You do not have to punish yourself. Please, stop. At this point, you have suffered longer than I did. And pshah! I¡¯m the one who died!¡±


    Sheughed at her own little joke, which startled the alchemist into silence again.


    Professor Jules looked at Carey for a long, silent moment before she finally spoke again. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can ever forgive myself, Miss London. But¡­I will try.¡±


    ¡°I will be most d if you did,¡± Carey said. ¡°Professor, after this day, I¡¯m not sure how often we will see each other. As the Traveller¡¯s Herald, I already have much to do. Much to do in both Thamnd, and beyond. Far beyond. So, I will need to go soon. But I shall endeavour to look in on you, when I can. I shall endeavour to look in on all of you.¡±


    ¡°I, I think I would like that very much,¡± Professor Jules smiled. ¡°It feels so strange to see you, here. You had your whole life ahead of you, and now¡­you¡¯re talking about all of these divine duties. You were a young woman with a full life ahead of you. That¡¯s all been stolen, and I regret that.¡±


    Carey smiled gently. ¡°Now, now, professor. My time as Carey the mortal might be over, but my time as the Herald will be eternal. I do believe I quite like the idea of eternity!¡±


    She beamed, radiating a joy that was infectious.


    ¡®Carey¡¯s truly found her ce in the universe,¡¯ Alex thought, smiling to himself. ¡®Maybe that¡¯s better than most people can ever say for themselves.¡¯


    ¡°Now if you¡¯ll excuse me, professor,¡± Carey said, her eyes searching the crowd. ¡°There is one other person I must speak to before I go.¡±


    Her eyes fell on Merzhin.


    The Saint of Thamnd froze mid-step, as though he was a child caught sneaking away from something he was avoiding.


    Carey called out to him firmly. ¡°We need to have a little chat, you and I, Merzhin. I don¡¯t want to see you torturing yourself either.¡±


    Merzhin flinched, as though struck, then squeezed his eyes shut like someone building up courage to dive from a great height into the sea.


    When he opened them, his expression radiated a mix of longing and dread. ¡°Of course, Carey. If you¡¯ll walk with me; a lot of people were gravely injured in the battle, and I must go to them at once.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± the Herald of the Traveller said. ¡°I¡¯ll walk with you. We can chat as we go.¡±


    The Saint waited for the Herald, then together, they walked away from the gathered crowd.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    They were quiet for a time


    There were plenty of words that needed to pass between them, but for those few moments, the friends seemed quite content to just be in each other¡¯spany.


    ¡°My, my,¡± Baelin said, walking over to Professor Jules and Alex. He had removed his starmetal mask, and was watching the two depart with something akin to wonder. ¡°Do you know what one of the best parts of eternal life is? The surprises. Some long-lived folkin about experience and life growing mundane as the centuries and millennia pile up behind them. They speak as though the universe can no longer surprise them.¡±


    He shook his head. ¡°Fools, the lot of them. No matter how long one might live, and no matter how much one might experience¡­the universe will still find ways to surprise you. Those surprises only grow more noteworthy as they increase in rarity. The truth of living a long time is that you do learn to anticipate more of what is possible and how life will unfold¡ªseeing patterns¡ªbut at the same time, you be more firm in your belief that you can predict every trick that life and the universe have to offer.¡±


    He chuckled, looking at Carey¡¯s fiery wings. ¡°And then without warning, the universe takes great pleasure in showing you how little it is that you actually know. Its surprises are sometimes beneficial, and sometimes not, but yet¡ªto me¡ªthey are always wee. That is something you will learn one day yourself, my young friend, when youplete your quest for immortality.¡±


    ¡°Actually,¡± Alex¡¯s voice dropped low. ¡°I wanted to talk to you about that. In private, if you don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Baelin smiled. ¡°Of course.¡± He gestured to the sky. ¡°Why don¡¯t we chat for a bit, then? After that, we both will have work to do and friends to celebrate with. Let us savour this conversation while we can.¡±


    Alex nodded, then turned to see Professor Jules still watching Carey and Merzhin as they disappeared into the keep.


    ¡°Professor,¡± Alex said, startling her. ¡°I just want to say thank you for everything you¡¯ve done for me, and every one of your other students. Once, a long time ago, you told me about how professors help those they see potential in.¡±


    She paused for a moment, then her eyes lit up with recollection. ¡°Oh yes, I remember that. We were in the Cells¡­goodness, that feels like a lifetime ago.¡±


    ¡°It really does,¡± Alex said. ¡°Well, I just wanted to thank you for seeing that potential in me. Here, in Thamnd, the church and Uldar said the Fool had no potential or value. You didn¡¯t know I was the Fool when we talked, but I still really needed someone to see that potential in me. And I¡¯d bet that you would have seen it even if you <em>did</em> know I was the Fool. You only treated me kindly, even <em>after</em> you found out.¡±


    Alex bowed deeply to his alchemy professor. ¡°Seriously, I wouldn¡¯t be here¡­none of this¡ª¡± He gestured to the Research Castle. ¡°¡ªwould be here without you, professor. I want you to know that.¡±


    The professor paused for a long moment, then sighed, grabbing him by the shirt cor and pulling him up from his bow. ¡°Oh,e on, Mr. Roth, you know I don¡¯t go for all that. But¡­still, thank you for saying it.¡± She nced after Carey onest time, though the Herald had long gone into the keep. ¡°I believe I really needed to hear it. I believe I really did.¡±


    She smiled up at him, and put her hands on her hips. ¡°Now, get going you two! I know you¡¯re off to plot some horrifying scheme and¡ªquite frankly¡ªI think I¡¯ve had enough horrifying schemes for a lifetime! Now, if you¡¯ll excuse me, I think I might just go and get very, very drunk.¡±


    Professor Jules looked up at Alex. ¡°Mr. Roth, it¡¯s been a pride and pleasure to help train you to be the exceptional alchemist, wizard and fine adult you have be. Come find me after you¡¯ve finished with your schemes. We¡¯ll drink to victory. To forgiveness and to life.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure, professor?¡± Alex gave her a mocking smile. ¡°That much drinking might not be safe!¡±


    ¡°Oh, bah! Keep antagonising me and you¡¯ll really see what unsafe is! I¡¯m sure I can find one more chaos bomb lying around in our storage area! Now away with you!¡± She waved the two archwizards off with a frown before turning and marching toward the nearest keg.


    She nced back once and Alex caught the relieved smile lighting up her face as she departed.


    ¡°What a remarkable teacher,¡± Baelin said admiringly. ¡°Your words were well-spoken, Alex.¡±


    ¡°She deserved to hear them.¡±


    ¡°Indeed, she did, and indeed, she does. Now shall we go off and hatch that ¡®horrifying scheme¡¯ she was frightened of?¡±


    ¡°Hah, sounds like a wonderful idea,¡± Alex chuckled.


    The General and the chancellor excused themselves, beginning to float above the courtyard.


    As they ascended into the sky, several voices called out.


    ¡°Alex!¡±


    The young archwizard looked down and waved at a couple of familiar faces: Kybas and Ripp hade into the courtyard. Harmless crawled along beside his master, looking very fat and satisfied.


    ¡°We did it!¡± Kybas cried. ¡°Well, you did it! But Harmless and I also did many good things down in the tunnels!¡±


    ¡°No you didn¡¯t,¡± Ripp scoffed. ¡°I¡¯d reckon there¡¯d be a lot of words to describe what you two did down there: terrible, horrifying, mind-scarring, traumatic, but ¡®good¡¯ ain¡¯t one of them!¡±


    Kybas grinned, showing many, many teeth. He said nothing in reply, but his expression seemed all too reminiscent of Harmless¡¯ perpetual toothy ¡®grin¡¯.


    Alexughed. ¡°I¡¯m d you three are alright! Go get some drinks, I¡¯lle find youter!¡±


    ¡°Good, I can¡¯t wait!¡± Kybas chuckled.


    Ripp shook his head. ¡°Life took a strange turn, at some point. Strange turn, indeed.¡±


    The swiftling, goblin and crocodile went off toward where the kegs were waiting. Professor Jules was already there, guzzling from a tankard of wine, as a delighted Khalik cheered her on.


    Leaving the crowd to their merry-making down below, Alex and Baelin ascended into the skies as the Castle shrank in the distance, while they climbed high enough to be well out of earshot.


    For a moment, Alex took in thete morning air.


    It was surprisingly warm.


    Comforting.


    Full of the promise of better days.


    ¡°So,¡± Baelin said. ¡°Shall we begin scheming, then?¡±


    ¡°Oh yes, absolutely.¡± Alex rubbed his hands together, with a grin. ¡°I was thinking, now that the Ravener¡¯s gone, you and I could take a run and taking over Thamnd ourselves.¡±


    ¡°Splendid idea,¡± Baelin said without missing a beat. ¡°And I take it that¡ªafter we usher in a new age of darkness over your kingdom¡ªwe will both be overly greedy and betray each other, oh, in a thousand years time?¡±


    Alex shrugged. ¡°Meh, I¡¯m still young and antsy. Why don¡¯t we schedule all backstabbing for five hundred years from now?¡±


    ¡°Oh, daring are we? Let us say seven hundred and fifty years then. That¡¯s my final offer.¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡±


    The two archwizards grinned at each other.


    Then, Alex¡¯s smile slowly faded as his expression turned serious.


    ¡°Listen, Baelin¡ª¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re about to tell me you have found a key ingredient for a tincture of immortality, haven¡¯t you?¡± Baelin¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡°Uldar¡¯s essence, no doubt?¡±


    Alex smiled sheepishly. ¡°No doubt. How¡¯d you figure me out?¡±


    ¡°When I was waxing poetic about evesting life, you brought up needing to speak with me. You are a Proper Wizard, and a Proper Wizard would <em>never</em> let something so valuable as divine essence slip through their grasp. How did you harvest it without leaving a mark on the body? I cannot imagine you began sawing Uldar up after teleporting him to ab.¡±


    ¡°Hannah¡¯s teleportation.¡±


    ¡°Ah, of course,¡± Baelin said. ¡°I might have known¡­so then, what is it that you wanted to discuss with me?¡±


    Alex took a deep breath. ¡°¡ªwell I was wondering¡ª¡±


    ¡°¡ªif I would help you craft an elixir of immortality out of Uldar¡¯s essence? Of course. I have plenty of experience with that exact task.¡±


    ¡°Am I really getting that predictable?¡± Alex sighed.


    ¡°No, but call my insight a benefit of my advanced age,¡± Baelin said.


    Now it was his turn for his smile to fade, and he slowly looked away from Alex.


    For an instant, the chancellor seemed caught up in indecision.


    Then he nodded.


    ¡°Alexander.¡±


    Alex flinched. Baelin had hardly¡ªif ever¡ªcalled him by his full name. ¡°What is it?¡±


    The chancellor looked back at him. ¡°I have my own proposal for you. One that I will ask you to think on for a millennia or two.¡±


    ¡°¡­oh?¡± Alex asked. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Baelin looked at him directly. ¡°What would you say to¡ªin a thousand years or so¡ªjoining <em>my</em> cabal?¡±

 Chapter 899: Planning for the Next Thousand Years

    Chapter 899: nning for the Next Thousand Years


    What would you say to¡ªin a thousand years or so¡ªjoining <em>my</em> cabal?


    Baelin¡¯s words echoed through Alex¡¯s mind.


    It took him a long moment to remember to breathe.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Alex asked, taking a deep breath.


    ¡°I would not joke about something so important.¡± The ancient archwizard looked at Alex closely. ¡°In my cabal, each of us is allowed to extend offers to potential new members, and¡ªif the candidate is interested¡ªthen the cabal will convene, discuss the candidate¡¯s history and deeds, then enter a period of time where we watch what they do for a span of five hundred years or more. If we are all satisfied with the candidate¡¯s performance,petence, power, ethics and their ability to be <em>social</em>, then we meet with them. If the meeting goes well, we might wee them into our ranks. It¡¯s simple, really.¡±


    ¡°Five¡­five hundred years?¡± Alex gasped.


    ¡°Or more. Five hundred is the minimum. I do not mean to boast, but we are a very exclusive club and do not take the entry of new members into it lightly. We have been together for a very, very long time and have maintained our cohesion despite having our own schemes, egos and agendas to manage, as well as by being incredibly choosy about who we give invitations to.¡±


    Baelin looked at Alex closely. ¡°I do believe that¡ªwithin you¡ªlies the seed of one who would suit our ranks. At the very least, even if you are not interested in joining, then at least an association of sorts should be arranged. Our cabal is small, but we have a great many contacts throughout the universe. I think we could help each other.¡±


    Alex¡¯s jaw had dropped. ¡°But¡­why me?¡±¡°Aside from the fact that you achieved the rank of archwizard well before you even turned twenty-<em>five?</em> Let me count the ways: you exemplify an incredible level of ingenuity, willpower and drive. Yet, you can be trusted; you do not bber secrets mindlessly but yet you understand when to share them when necessary. You put great effort into ensuring positive oues in any situation for yourself, your kin and those who call you ¡®ally¡¯. You are very powerful, yet you are not some single-minded bore. You actually have a bloody personality!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s important?¡± Alex said.


    ¡°As important as having great power.¡± Baelin¡¯s voice was heavy. ¡°A cabal is a group ofpanions you expect to walk beside for your entire lifetime, which has obvious implications for one who need not worry about the ravages of ageing. You must choose yourpany carefully, especially if they are gifted with long lives; thatpany will be with you throughout time. You would not want to establish a long term association with someone terribly boring or with the personality of the most caustic of materials. Trust me, you do not want to experience that.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Alex said, imagining having to spend eternity being around someone from the hidden church. He shuddered. ¡°But, this offer¡­I¡¯m ttered, and it¡¯s a big deal. Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Very sure. I do not make such offers lightly, Alex, but I feel quite sure that you would be an excellent member once you gain a great deal more experience. I also have an eye on your fellow cabal members,¡± he continued. ¡°I am nor quite as sure about them. They are, like you, Proper Wizards. However, I do not know them quite as well as I do you. Thus, I will need to observe them for a longer period of time.¡±


    ¡°The whole cabal?¡¯ Alex sputtered. ¡°Holy shit.¡±


    ¡°Indeed?¡± Baelin¡¯s goat-like eyes narrowed. ¡°What do you say?¡±


    ¡°Honestly?¡± Alex shrugged. ¡°I can¡¯t answer right now. I won¡¯t be able to answer for a long time, and I also have to talk with my cabal members. Honestly, I might have to think about it over the next century.¡±


    The young archwizard had only caught glimpses of the chancellor¡¯s cabal as they devastated Cretalikon. He wasn¡¯t sure if he wanted to be among their number; so just as they would have to assess him, he would also have to assess them.


    ¡°To be honest, Baelin, I¡¯d need to know more about your cabal-mates to even begin to think about this properly,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°Hah! Some of them are maniacs, like me. Especially Anaxadar. Or perhaps Cra. Sanii and Magun-Obu are far more reasonable. In any case, you answer like a Proper Wizard. It makes sense for you to learn more about us as we learn more about you.¡± Baelin smiled.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a bigmitment. And I¡¯m really happy with <em>my own</em> cabal,¡± Alex said. ¡°<em>They¡¯re</em> who I imagine being in thepany of over the next thousand years. But, I¡¯ll definitely think about your offer.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Baelin said. ¡°And even if you decide not to join us, an association between our cabals would be most useful. Soon, I will help you with a potion of immortality. What will we aplishter when we both have another thousand years of experience?¡±


    ¡°Hah, you mean when <em>I </em>have another thousand years of experience?¡± Alex asked. ¡°<em>You¡¯re already </em>at a pinnacle.


    Baelin snorted. ¡°Nonsense. There is no pinnacle, Alex. Do you think you are the only one focused on growing your power? Ah, the young always seem to think that their elders rest on theirurels. I have been growing in knowledge and power this entire time, my friend. I am more powerful now than I was when I first met you. I will be even more powerful next year, and the following year, and the one after that.¡±


    ¡°Heh,¡± Alex said. ¡°I¡¯ll catch up to you one day.¡±


    Baelin chuckled. ¡°This old goat knows a few tricks you don¡¯t know yet. Although, you have inspired me. What you did¡­being in multiple ces at once. Even I cannot aplish such a feat.¡±


    ¡°See? I¡¯ll catch up to you in no time!¡±


    ¡°Hah, I am not Uldar, simply waiting for you to catch me in stagnation. You can try to catch me, Alex. You can <em>try</em>¡­¡± Baelin¡¯s eyes twinkled.


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    ¡°¡­and I must say, an eternal race with you sounds delightful. En garde, my young friend.¡±


    ¡°En garde.¡± Alex smiled back.


    The young archwizard had parted ways with Baelin, and the chancellor had gone off to celebrate, and see to his many duties.


    Meanwhile, Alex had his own tasks waiting.


    He would have to get Uldar¡¯s body, take Toraka¡¯s golems back to her¡ªand show off ygon at the same time¡ªthen return the queen of Thamnd to the capitol. After that, there would be a difficult conversation to be had between himself, the other Heroes, the high priest, and the king.


    A discussion that would decide certain aspects of the kingdom¡¯s fate going forward.


    He was thinking about that future conversation¡ªusing one of his streams of thought to n what he would say¡ªas he greeted some of the revellers in the courtyard and searched for ygon, Theresa and Brutus.


    But before he could find them, someone else found him first.


    ¡°General! General!¡± a voice called out.


    He turned and found someone he¡¯dst seen under some very puzzling circumstances a while back: Sir Sean Swift of Luthering, approached, wrapped in bandages, looking pale, but otherwise whole. The man pushed through the crowd, his attention fixed on the General of Thamnd with an air of desperation bleeding off him.


    ¡°Sir Sean?¡± Alex said, recognising the knight. ¡°Are you alright?¡± He looked at the bandages. ¡°Were you badly injured?¡±


    ¡°I was but, I¡¯m not hurting much anymore.¡± The knight shook his head, stopping in front of Alex, and looking the General up and down. ¡°St. Merzhin healed me¡­¡± His eyes suddenly filled with wonder. ¡°I was cut up like a butchered fish, but he put me back together as good as new¡­there was a spirit with him...a young one¡­her face looked familiar, like I¡¯d seen her before. But, she vanished after saying something about stopping in on her parents? It was all a bit too much for me.¡±


    He shook his head. The man looked tired and more than a little overwhelmed. ¡°Anyway, enough of all that. I didn¡¯te over here to talk about that. I came here to¡­¡±


    The knight bowed.


    ¡°¡­apologise. I¡¯d written you off at one time: I saw you as a Fool and a deserter. But, I was wrong. Fewer men have ever drawn breath that have been more wrong about someone than me. The Saint told me of what happened and, if it weren¡¯t for you, General, I would be long dead and Thamnd would be doomed. Again, I apologise¡­and thank you. Thank you for freeing us. I¡¯ll make sure that¡ªfor as long as I am inmand in Luthering¡ªyou¡¯ll be honoured. I¡¯m not one for gushing, so¡­I¡¯ll leave it at that. You¡¯re a good man, and again, my apologies for writing you off the way I did.¡±


    The knight¡¯s bow dipped even lower, then he turned on his heel and walked away.


    Alex didn¡¯t even get a chance to reply before he was gone, leaving him to watch his back as it disappeared among the crowd.


    ¡®Would be nice if more people could be like that,¡¯ Alex thought. ¡®Swallow their pride and admit fault. Imagine if the hidden church had people in it like that? We probably would have avoided a <em>lot</em> of violence.¡¯


    The General of Thamnd looked up, studying the clear sky.


    ¡°Well, we don¡¯t have to worry about them anymore,¡± he whispered. ¡°It¡¯s a new day. A brand new day.¡±


    ¡°Toraka, I just want to thank you for your gole¡ªOof!¡± Alex grunted as the<strong></strong>rabid crafter pushed past him, nearly sending him crashing into one of her golems. The towering constructs stood silently in her courtyard under the morning sun.


    None had even the slightest scratch on their surfaces, despite doing their duty and saving many lives.


    Alex had teleported with them and ygon, and was about to talk to Shale to thank her for her contribution to the battle, when she¡¯d bolted by, nearly foaming at the mouth, and shoved him aside to <em>spring</em> at ygon.


    ¡°<em>Another </em>evolution?¡± her voice cracked. ¡°You went beyond iron?¡±


    ¡°<em>Yes¡­¡±</em> ygon said. ¡°<em>Yes¡­I did¡­¡±</em>


    ¡°Wha¡­¡± she stammered, gesticting wildly. ¡°This is¡­how can this be? I¡¯ve never heard of such an evolution? This is steel¡­and what is this?...dungeon core substance? Are you basically a living golem core now? What new powers did you get? How do you feel?¡±


    Alex marvelled as his business partner peppered ygon with questions.


    ¡°<em>I¡­evolved into¡­this unique form¡­because¡­I was capable of it¡­¡±</em> ygon leaned forward. ¡°<em>Golems¡­might¡­surprise you¡­so maybe do not write them off¡­so easily¡­as¡­simple¡­mindless things¡­in the future.¡±</em>


    Shale froze, then let out a nervous, high-pitchedugh.


    ¡°I s-suppose golems are full of surprises¡­but enough of that!¡± she cried, leaning forward. ¡°I have so many questions for you, first of all, your mana output¡ª¡±


    ¡®<em>Father¡­get me out of here¡­¡¯</em> ygon spoke in his mind.


    Alexughed through their link. ¡®What¡¯s wrong, you just beat the hells out of the Ravener, you can¡¯t save yourself here?¡¯


    ¡®<em>Father!¡¯</em>


    ¡®Okay, fine!¡¯


    Alex cleared his throat. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Toraka, I¡¯m afraid we¡¯re going to have to get going.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± her eyes filled with crushing disappointment. ¡°Just a few more questions! No wait, just let me get one of my measuring instruments-¡±


    ¡°Maybeter,¡± Alex said. ¡°We have to go get the queen of Thamnd and take her back home, then there¡¯s a lot more stuff we have to do. You and I can chat about what happenedter.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯d better!¡± Toraka said, her eyes bloodshot. ¡°This is an incredible discovery. ygon, I can¡¯t wait to get a better look at you! It¡¯ll make our future designs¡­ah... Alex, there¡¯s going to be a limited supply of dungeon core essence going forward, so we should hurry and im as much as we can.¡±


    Alex looked at ygon, who was giving off waves of amusement through their link.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t worry about that.¡± Alex winked at Shale.


    ¡°...why not?¡±


    ¡°Like I said, don¡¯t worry about it.¡± he winked again.


    ¡°Would you¡­care to be more specific, partner?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about specifics for now.¡± Alex winked a third time.


    ¡°...gods, you can be weird.¡±


    ¡°Huh¡­you sound like Selina.¡±


    The doors burst open to the vi before they could even knock.


    Standing in the courtyard were Alex, ygon, Theresa and Brutus, there to fetch the queen and prince and take them back home¡­but not only that.


    There were reunions to be had.


    ¡°Aleeex! Theresa! ygon! Brutus!¡± Joy and tears filled Selina¡¯s eyes. The young girl shook with excitement; she was not one to cry often anymore, but tears of happiness were now running freely down her face.


    ¡°You¡¯re all alive!¡± She rushed to Alex, wrapping him in a tight hug. ¡°You¡¯re all alive! You¡¯re all alive!¡± She repeated the phrase like a chant.<strong></strong>


    Alexughed, hugging his little sister as Theresa and ygon moved in to hug her too.


    Brutus nuzzled her side.


    ¡°We¡¯re more than alive,¡± Theresa said happily. ¡°We won. Forever. The Ravener will never hurt our kingdom again!¡±


    ¡°Thank the Traveller!¡± Selina cried. ¡°It¡¯s done, it¡¯s finally done!¡±


    ¡°It sure is,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe it¡­it feels like such a long time ago that we were leaving Alric together, just the four of us. You weren¡¯t even born yet, ygon. We got through the Cave of the Traveller and made it to the Rhinean Empire¡­then we found our home here. Now, the reason we left Thamnd is over. No more running. No more fighting the Ravener. No more of our friends getting hurt or dying. You finally did it! You stopped all of it!¡±


    She hugged him even tighter, and just sobbed.


    Alex found tears welling up in his eyes.


    She was right. They really <em>had</em> done it.


    After all this time, it was all finished.


    It was the end to the darkest chapters in Thamnd¡¯s history¡­but it was also a new beginning. Not only for Thamnd, but for him as well, and for the first time since he had gotten the Mark, he was well and truly free.


    No more responsibility to any wars. No more Ravener-spawn hunting him and his family. He listened to the sounds of the Lus and the queen of Thamnd rushing to the vi door.


    There would be more reunions.


    More tears.


    The discussion with the king.


    After that?


    Well, he was looking forward to what was toe.


    The potion of immortality. Living their lives in Generasi. Rebuilding the kingdom.


    His and Theresa¡¯s wedding.


    Good times wereing.


    And he was going to enjoy the hells out of them.

 Chapter 900: A Funeral and a Person of Means

    Chapter 900: A Funeral and a Person of Means


    Alexander Roth, General of Thamnd, floated through the skies over Greymoor sipping a ss of cool apple-lemon cider as he watched the sunrise.


    The warmth of a summer wind tousled his hair, and the scent of his drink filled his nostrils.


    He listened to the sounds of birds chirping nearby.


    He listened to the rustle of the trees below him.


    And he mostly listened to the sounds of Ravener-spawn below.


    Alex looked down.


    ¡°I guess, I should be calling them <em>ygon-spawn </em>now, not Ravener-spawn anymore, or something like that,¡± he whispered.


    Below, a horde of Earth Tillers¡ªthat¡¯s what he and ygon had dubbed the enormous earthworm-like monsters¡ªcrawled over the moors and forests, consuming great swaths of sted earth, and spitting out fresh soilced with sprouting flora.


    It had taken ygon a long time to create enough Earth Tillers to form a horde this size¡­but fortunately, they could afford the time now.They had all the time in the world.


    Three months had passed since Alex and hispanions had destroyed the Ravener, and in that quarter of a year, many changes had urred across the kingdom.


    Significant and wonderful changes.


    Alex watched the moors.


    In thest three months, ygon had worked with the wizards of Greymoor and the Thameish army to rebuild thend. His misty Ravener-spawn¡ªFog Cleansers, he had named them¡ªhad washed over Thamnd, cleansing it of mounds of ash, acid and rotting bodies that tainted the wilderness and waterways. The Thameish army had roamed thend as well, gathering putrefying corpses<strong>.</strong>


    They had buried their dead and burned fallen spawn on great pyres, smoke had filled the Thameish skies for weeks.


    With their allies bodies cleared away, the great rebuilding had begun.


    ygon¡¯s growing army of Earth Tillers had spread across thends, enriching and healing the earth. They would sweep overnds covered in fire-sted rock, soot and copsed dungeons and¡ªas they moved on¡ªflourishing fields, forests and waterways had sprung up instead.


    Members of the Thameish army followed behind, always on the lookout for Ravener-spawn that might have survived their master, but, thankfully, none were ever found. But just as the Ravener¡¯s spawn had been decimated, so had many of the towns and viges dotting the countryside. The soldiers had gotten to work, rebuilding more of their homnd.


    As thend had healed, King Athelstan had allowed the Thameish people to return, and they¡¯d returned in droves, eagerly rebuilding and reiming their homes.


    Alex shook his head, remembering those chaotic days after the final battle.


    There had been so much to do.


    First, there had been the Ravener¡¯s remains to safeguard. He¡¯d soon returned to their and quickly teleported the ck sand-like essence to a secure spot, dividing it up and storing it in individual vaults. There, it would remain, ready for the Ravener¡¯s yers to im it at their leisure.


    After that, Alex hadpensated the mercenaries from the Whetstone tavern as agreed, then offered them his deep and abiding gratitude. The mighty warriors were also thanked profusely by the Thameish army, and had stayed on, feasting and sharing a few kegs with the soldiers for a full three days before departing.


    When it came time for Alex and Baelin to return them to the tavern, the mercenaries had dly collected their gems and glory, and had bid the soldiers goodbye withughter, hugs and ps on the shoulder. The mercenaries of Whetstone shared nomonnguages with the Thameish army, but friendships had been forged through the trial of battle.


    Those friendships needed no tongues inmon.


    When Alex and Baelin had dropped them off on the tavern¡¯s stoop, Kyembe had gone inside with a wave and a smile, Ezerak had stepped in with a nostalgic and relieved air, and the small Wurhi of Zabya¡ªwho¡¯d seemed like she¡¯d aged twenty years¡ªhad scurried in as though her life depended on it. The other mercenaries had followed right behind.


    ¡°<em>Too bad she lived through the battle,¡±</em> the chancellor had grumbled as soon as the tavern door closed.


    Within heartbeats, the entire building vanished.


    Meanwhile, the soldiers of Thamnd still talked about the mysterious mercenaries to this day.


    But only in the fondest of terms.


    The mercenaries¡¯ departure had been rtively minorpared to the second event that had taken ce shortly after the final battle.


    Alex, the Heroes, the king and the high priest had spent days discussing what they would do with Uldar¡¯s body, and what they would and would not tell the people.


    Things had gotten heated at points, but¡ªeventually, they hade to a consensus:


    ¡°<em>We, unfortunately, cannot rid ourselves of Uldar¡¯s legacy at this time. The people will need the church in theing months and years as we rebuild and move forward, and to reveal Uldar¡¯s treachery now would mean inviting chaos when we need union and order. Further, I do not want him to even be remembered as a viin to be cursed, or as a bogeyman to frighten children. I want him forgotten,¡± </em>the king had emphasised. ¡°<em>But let us have our cake and eat it too. We will tell one part of the truth: we will say that Uldar is dead. I propose that we say that he perished in the final battle against the Ravener, and that the Traveller will inherit his mantle as the goddess of Thamnd. To prove this, we will have a funeral for the bastard.¡±</em>


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    He had frowned. ¡°<em>The only trouble is what we will do with the body afterward. From my understanding, it is hard to destroy, but we do not want his final resting ce to be a location of pilgrimage. My hope is that Uldar will be slowly forgotten as the generations move forward, with the Traveller recing him in people¡¯s minds, thoughts and souls. But what do we do with the wretched body?¡±</em>


    Alex had thought about that for a moment. ¡°<em>I might have an idea</em>.¡±


    And so the king¡¯s messengers had carried his words all across every garrison in Thamnd, and to every Thameish citizen in the Rhinean Empire.


    Those words were simple:


    <em>¡°Uldar has died. We will mourn him, and then we will give our faith to his heir.¡±</em>


    When the people had returned to Thamnd by ship and by the Cave of the Traveller, the kingdom had held the funeral for the fallen god.


    The city had been filled to bursting, and had disyed Uldar¡¯s body¡ªcleaned and dressed in white¡ªin a casket of perfectly clear crystal.


    High Priest Tobias Jay had made a deration that carried across the city, speaking of Uldar¡¯s sacrifice and how his heir would carry the kingdom forward.


    Alex had spoken for the Heroes¡ªwho had joined him in the skies above Ussex for all to see¡ªtelling the tale of the final battle against the Ravener, and how Uldar¡¯s Heroes and theirpanions had carried the day.


    The King had made a speech about new tomorrows and solidarity, and about how the Traveller had wrested some of the Ravener-spawn away from their master. He had told the people not to fear them and that they would be aiding Thamnd going forward, never harming it.


    And finally, the Traveller and Carey had been formally introduced to Thamnd, with Hannah speaking about her dedication to the kingdom as well as her love for the people.


    After that, the funeral¡¯s attendees had been allowed to approach and view the body: mostly to ensure that folk confirmed with their own eyes that Uldar was dead.


    Then, once thest Thameish child had touched the coffin of the dead god, a blinding light had enveloped the casket. It had then shot into the sky, burning with the radiance of a second sun, before finally disappearing.


    Tobias had quickly stepped in, calling it a miracle, and saying that Uldar¡¯s spirit had reimed his body, and taken it to the after-world.


    ¡­It had been the biggest lie he¡¯d told that day.


    In reality, Alex and Carey had caused the light to surround Uldar¡¯s coffin, then teleported it to his throne room.


    A waiting Baelin had immediately cast a powerful spell, sealing the sanctum and making it next to impossible for anyone to rip open a portal to it.


    Uldar would be left to sleep in eternal darkness.


    In silence.


    Unvisited.


    To be forgotten in time.


    Even now, his corpse remained there, hidden away while Carey and the Traveller moved across Thamnd, helping the people rebuild their kingdom. Already, churches were being rmissioned in her name, her statues joining Uldar¡¯s within the church walls until, due to purposeful neglect, his statues would crumble and be discarded.


    As people prayed to her, she grew stronger and was a far more active deity than Uldar had been. Between her and the gold pouring into Thamnd as Generasians sought to buy any scrap of dungeon core essence left in the wilds, the rebuilding was going well.


    But that was not why Alex hade to Greymoor today.


    For months now, he had been coborating with Baelin, brewing the elixir of immortality, and all was going well.


    Today, he¡¯de to the Research Castle to fetch some equipment he¡¯d stored there; items he¡¯d taken from Kelda¡¯s sanctum to build the devices they¡¯d used to poison and drain the Ravener.


    That equipment would be very useful for the next part of the potion brewing process. Finishing his drink, Alex teleported the cup back to his dining table in Generasi, then took a final look over the moors before going to collect the equipment.


    As he did, he noticed something below.


    A small figure was waving at him.


    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Alex wondered.


    He prepared to teleport to the waving figure¡¯s side, wondering if it might have been Kybas.


    But, when he reached the individual, the young archwizard jumped in surprise.


    ¡°What th¡ªGwyin?¡± he said. ¡°Is that really you?¡±


    ¡°It is. Greetings, Alexander,¡± the little asrai smiled up at him. ¡°I was hoping I¡¯d run into you. I wanted to express my gratitude if I ever did see you again. You¡¯re a hard man to find. d you popped up while I was here visiting my bluecap friends.¡±


    Alex gaped down at the fae. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve been pretty busy, all things considered¡­but no, seriously, what happened?¡±


    The asrai¡¯s green-scaled body was d in a rich, well-tailored robe that looked to be woven of fine forest leaves, emerald vines, flowers and pure moonlight. Rings of silver, gold and prickle-free holly leaves were wrapped around each finger, and a truly enormous hat was sitting on his head.


    Gemstones and goldenurels were stitched into the overstuffed hat, it had enormous butterfly wings for a brim, wrapped with a silk band that had a silver feather poking from it.


    ¡°Where did you get those clothes?¡± Alex asked, unable to hide his surprise.


    Gwyin chuckled. ¡°From here and there. You¡¯re speaking to an asrai of <em>means</em> now! You know, there was a time when I preferred to make sure I never saw you again. Too dangerous, you are. But now, I am d to give you thanks.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for what?¡± Alex asked. ¡°How¡¯d you be an asrai of means?¡±


    Gwyin grinned. ¡°Do you happen to know what¡¯s going on in Och Fir Nog?¡±


    Alex grew grim.


    ¡°No,¡± he said. ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±


    During the final battle for Thamnd, some fae¡ªthat weren¡¯t killed¡ªwho were part of Aenflynn¡¯s army, quickly retreated back home. After that¡ªapart from the asional pixie in the woods¡ªvery few mortals had seen a single sign of the fae.


    Alex hadn¡¯t even caught a glimpse of one when he¡¯d teleported back to the Ravener¡¯s cavern to collect its remains, and although he and hispanions had discussed possible attacks from Och Fir Nog¡ªfrom warriors looking for vengeance after the death of their lord and the devastation of their realm¡ªthey hadn¡¯t heard a whisper.


    The General had been considering looking in on them at some point.


    ¡°So tell me, what¡¯s happened? Are they preparing for revenge against Thamnd?¡± Alex asked.


    Gwyin snorted, then threw his head back andughed. ¡°<em>No!</em> Are you mad? Do you truly not realise what you did?¡±


    ¡°Depends on what you mean,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll tell you. You upended the whole realm! Buried the fae gates, killed a lot of the army, and then there was the whole ¡®blowing up Aenflynn¡¯s castle¡¯ thing. His entire court went with him when the pce blew up, and most of his knights and soldiers too. All wiped out in a heartbeat.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± Alex said. ¡°And your people aren¡¯t looking for revenge for that?¡±


    ¡°Are you mad? What¡¯d I <em>just</em> say! You blew up our lord and his castle! <em>Nobody</em> wants a fight with any of you!¡± Gwyin shook his head. ¡°All the little kinglings and queenlings forbade anyone from seeking revenge for fear of angering you mortals enough for you toe back and <em>finish what you started.</em>¡±


    ¡°Kinglings and queenlings?¡±


    ¡°Such as they are.¡± Gwyin scoffed. He blinked. ¡°Wow, you <em>really</em> don¡¯t know what you did to Och Fir Nog, do you? Well, prepare yourself. It¡¯s quite a story.¡±

 Chapter 901: Chaos in the Wild and Order in the Material

    Chapter 901: Chaos in the Wild and Order in the Material


    ¡°All of Och Fir Nog¡¯s leadership copsed. By the time the smoke had cleared and thest Ravener-spawn gasped its final breath, folk realised that there weren¡¯t anyone around to tell them what to do. And that¡¯s about when everything went to shite and the whole realm copsed within a fortnight, turning into tiny, squabbling kingdoms. Everybody that had two followers just dered themselves kings and queens even if they ruled over a single vige.¡±


    ¡°Smokin¡¯ hells,¡± Alex swore. ¡°There must have been <em>someone</em> from Aenflynn¡¯s family or court or army that could have taken power. There must have been somebody!¡±


    ¡°Well, there were a few, but they started gutting each other like there was no tomorrow!¡± Gwyin chuckled. ¡°Pompous bastards, it served them right! And anyone who even whispered a kind word about Aenflynn got poisoned the moment they gained even a sliver of power. Everyone mes our dearly departed lord for what happened. He¡¯s the one that invited the Ravener to our realm, and if it weren¡¯t for him, well¡­we¡¯d still have a bloody realm! So don¡¯t worry, Alexander, everyone¡¯s too busy picking fights with one another, and they¡¯re also too afraid of all of you<strong></strong>to pick a fight with you. I reckon the realm won¡¯t see anything close to ¡®order¡¯ for a good few centuries at the least!¡±


    Alex¡¯s jaw was hanging open. ¡°Wow¡­uh, I guess that¡¯s good for us, then. But why are you so happy about what happened? And how did you be an asrai of means?¡±


    Gwyin grinned evilly. ¡°Like I said, a lot of asses died when you all came through Och Fir Nog like some destroyers of realms. A lot of very <em>rich</em> asses. When I got back after the dust was settling, I had this thought: ¡°<em>Gwyin,</em> I said to myself<em>, you keep letting everyone run you about. You should get something of your own.¡±</em> So, myself, and a few other fine folk raided every empty mansion, pce and castle in what remained of Och Fir Nog. We carried off a nice fortune while everyone else was hiding in the deepest holes, shaking and praying you wouldn¡¯te back.¡±


    The asrai tapped the side of his head, grinning. ¡°But, you see, I figured things out a bit better than they did. I figured that once you avenged yourself on the Ravener, and since you didn¡¯t seem like the type to go about ughtering folk for the sake of ughtering folk. Even though you <em>did </em>drag me through some scary shite, you still treated with me kindly. So, that¡¯s how I knew to scurry into all the mansions and get first pick of all the wealth that was left behind. Just so you know, I don¡¯t go advertising my fortune, I just live a very fine, quiet life. I¡¯m thinking that when someone with a good head on their shoulders turns up, someone who looks like they might make a good leader, I¡¯ll fund them and get myself a nice cushy position in the new society.¡±


    Alexughed. ¡°Sounds like you made out like a bandit!¡±


    ¡°I did, I did! And I¡¯ve got you to thank!¡± Gwyin chuckled. ¡°Anyway, there¡¯s some fine bottles of honey-wine I stumbled across in my search. Had Aenflynn¡¯s seal on the cases, so I think they were meant for his private stock. Now they¡¯re in <em>my</em> private stock, and I¡¯ll share them with you, dly! It¡¯s the least I can do in return for my good fortune¡­and¡­¡± He looked sly. ¡°Mayhaps I could call on you in the future. I¡¯m sure you¡¯d like some eyes and ears in the fae wild, since<strong></strong>you <em>are </em>the terror that brought Aenflynn low! I bet you could keep me safe from <em>any</em> fool who might think to muscle me out of my fortune!¡±


    Alex returned Gwyin¡¯s sly grin. ¡°Well, that sounds like a wonderful idea.¡±¡°Good.¡± The asrai rubbed his hands together. ¡°You know, for the first time, I¡¯m d I was tied to you at that windmill. To think when I first met you I was about to be a blue annis hag¡¯s supper. Now look at me!¡±


    He twirled in his new clothes.


    ¡°You know, I once told you that the Ravener time here in Thamnd was called the Time of Plenty among us fae.¡±


    Gwyin leaned in, giving Alex a delighted giggle. He stuck his tiny hand out for a handshake.


    Alex chuckled, taking the little asrai¡¯s hand and shaking it.


    ¡°Well, Alexander¡ªfor me, at least¡ªyou brought the Time of Plenty to Och Fir Nog! d I met you, friend.¡±


    ###


    ¡°Representing King Athelstan, High Priest Tobias Jay, the Traveller and myself, I¡ªSt. Merzhin do dere this Church of the Traveller open for worship!¡± the Saint of Thamnd¡¯s voice rang out over Luthering.


    The small man lifted a bottle of sanctified water, and smashed it against the stone. The building had been rebuilt, crafted atop the old foundation of the church of Uldar.


    Cheers and excited apuse erupted from the gathered crowd as Merzhin raised his hands.


    ¡°May the Traveller bless us, and may Thamnd continue onward through a new age of wonder!¡±


    The cheers grew even more enthusiastic, and Merzhin allowed himself a small, genuine smile as he looked over the vige. In the nine months since the Ravener¡¯s destruction, Thamnd had developed and changed in ways that warmed the Saint¡¯s heart.


    And there were few ces that demonstrated this more than the small vige of Luthering.


    ¡­being¡­ that it was not such a small vige anymore.


    Winter hade, and snowy upon the rooftops of stout buildings of stone, standing around the rebuilt church, recing many of the wood and thatch<strong></strong>structures that once filled the vige square. The battle against the Ravener had left Luthering devastated, little more than a burnt out-husk, but after many months ofbour, a sprinkle of divinity, and a touch of magic, it was rebuilt better than it ever was.


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    Like many towns and viges that had been destroyed across the kingdom, when people rebuilt them, they rebuilt <em>stronger</em>. The realm, thanks to the dungeon core essence scattered across its wilderness, was awash with gold.


    Lords,dies andnded knights¡ªSir Sean being one¡ªhad gone out as soon as they could to gather up any dungeon core remains they could find on their ownnds. Greymoor happily bought every speck, helping to fund the kingdom¡¯s massive rebuilding ns.


    The wizards even traded services for dungeon core essence, using their magic to help with the reconstruction.


    With ygon and his Ravener-spawn helping as well, it hadn¡¯t taken long for Thamnd to surpass its former charming character from the time before the final cycle had begun. With ygon¡¯s Earth Tillers renewing the soil, the fall harvest had been <em>record</em> breaking; the soil left by the Ravener-spawn seemed almost magical.


    Thamnd had changed, and was continuing to change.


    More foreigners travelled the realm; adventurers and prospectors looking for leftover dungeon core essence. Wizards weremon in the country, going from Greymoor and the Cave of the Traveller, to great markets in Ussex where they could buy dungeon core essence.


    ¡°Thend will prosper. In spite of what you did, Uldar. Thend will prosper,¡± Maezhin whispered, stepping away from the church as people flooded through the doors. The First Worship would be led by the Traveller herself, and Merzhin would have given a lot to be part of it.


    But, he had a prior engagement to attend.


    Alex had called for him and the other Heroes toe to the port in Generasi for something urgent. It wasn¡¯t like the young archwizard to send them a message; usually when he wanted to talk, he would just teleport to them. After all, he could be in multiple ces at once.


    Something was different about today.


    And Merzhin was dying to know what it was.


    ###


    ¡°Everyone, wee!¡± Alex called, waving at the Heroes.


    The four of them had just teleported to the port, and found their friend waiting there. The young archwizard waved them over with a smile as he stood beside ygon, who was nked by a number of human-sized brass golems.


    ¡°Wee back, it¡¯s been a while since you¡¯ve all been to the city, right, since you¡¯ve been so busy?¡± Alex asked.


    ¡°It has.¡± Merzhin approached the archwizard with the other Heroes.


    The port was bustling with folk of all different races and species, and Merzhin remembered the shock he¡¯d had when he first visited the city for Carey¡¯s funeral.


    ¡°What are those?¡± Drestra asked, pointing at the sky.


    Alex grinned, following her gaze. ¡°Progress.¡±


    The Saint looked up and gasped.


    Slowly descending toward the docks were three immense flying ships¡­and three more were flying over the bay.


    ¡°Oi, Isolde was tellin¡¯ me that flyin¡¯ boats aren¡¯t usually as big as those an¡¯ that flyin¡¯ ships gotta stay in the city ¡®cos o¡¯ all t¡¯ mana they use.¡± Cedric squinted into the distance. ¡°But I swear I¡¯m seein¡¯ flyin¡¯ boats out over t¡¯sea right now.¡±


    ¡°Yep, I see them clear as day.¡± Hart narrowed hisrge eyes. ¡°Those <em>are</em> ships flying out there.¡±


    ¡°Yes they are!¡± Alex chuckled. ¡°Shale and I decided to get into shipbuilding after talking to Lucia. With all the dungeon core essence we have, it seemed like a good idea to build a fleet of flying ships that can go <em>anywhere, not</em> just in ces with ambient mana. That¡¯s why I wanted you to wait with me here; I¡¯m expecting a shipment, and after that, we can head to myb. The others should be getting there soon.¡±


    ¡°Others?¡± Merzhin nced at a nearby shrine.


    It was a small effigy of the Traveller, wrapped in seaweed and pearls. Her hands were raised, as though she was blessing travellers heading out to sea.


    He couldn¡¯t remember seeing <em>any</em> shrines in Generasi thest time he was here. He¡¯d been struck by the absence of them.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m calling everybody together that fought in the Ravener¡¯sir,¡± Alex¡¯s voice dropped low. ¡°It¡¯s about¡­well, you¡¯ll see when we get there. It¡¯s not exactly something we can talk about out here.¡±


    ¡°<em>No¡­we¡¯ll want to¡­keep it¡­quiet¡­for now¡­¡±</em> ygon said, his voice just as low as Alex¡¯s.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Merzhin said.


    As they finished talking, a shipnded in the water beside the pier, sending up an immense ssh of seawater.


    ¡°Whoooooa!¡± The schar captain shouted, holding on to a mast near him as the crew braced themselves. ¡°I hope I never get used to that! I love it!¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t be satisfied until Ek-U-Dari swipes us out of the sky and back into the water where we belong!¡± An identical-looking schar shouted at the captain. ¡°This is madness!¡±


    ¡°Fan-Dor! Gel-Dor!¡± Alex waved, grinning. ¡°I guess you¡¯re still disagreeing about the modifications I made to the <em>Red Siren, </em>eh?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not disagreeing about anything!¡± the captain shouted. ¡°Gel-Dor¡¯sining and I¡¯m ignoring him! A tale as old as time!¡±


    The first mate shook his head. ¡°Alex, the goods are ready for you to inspect! You want to get up here?¡±


    ¡°Right away!¡± Alex nodded to the others. ¡°This should only take a few minutes.¡±


    With that, Alex teleported onto the deck of the <em>Red Siren,</em> leaving Merzhin wondering why they were there.


    ###


    ¡°I bet you¡¯re all wondering why I called you here,¡± Alex said.


    He was standing at the head of a long table in hisb, and gathered around it were some familiar faces.


    On the young archwizard¡¯s left was Khalik, with Najyah perched on his shoulder, and beside them Isolde, Thundar, Grimloch and Bjorgrund. On his right was Theresa and Brutus, and the four Heroes of Thamnd.


    Behind him stood ygon.


    Everyone who¡¯d fought the Ravener in itsir, aside from Asmaldestre the Unmaker, had gathered in hisboratory.


    ¡°You are acting very mysteriously,¡± Isolde said. ¡°Is it for a reason besides needlessly dramatic antics?¡±


    ¡°Hey, they might be dramatic, but these antics aren¡¯t needless,¡± Alex said. ¡°Granted, I did always want to say something like, ¡®I bet you¡¯re all wondering why I called you here¡¯, but I¡¯m in a good mood and just finished pulling off the impossible. So I think I deserve a little amusement.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Theresa asked.


    Thundar looked at her sharply. ¡°You mean, <em>you</em> don¡¯t even know what¡¯s going on?¡±


    She shook her head as Alex pointed at the table.


    Suddenly, several cases appeared; they looked like the type of cases that would hold wine bottles, except these were <em>covered</em> in protective glyphs.


    ¡°Careful,¡± Alex said. ¡°If anyone even touches those cases without me or Baelin deactivating the protections¡­well you wouldn¡¯t even want to know what would happen.¡±


    He spoke a word of power, and each case opened with hiss.


    The others gasped.


    Within them were clear bottles of pure crystal, each containing a liquid that shone with a startling radiance.


    Alex¡¯s smiles and high spirits disappeared. He looked at his friends soberly.


    ¡°Alex¡­¡± Khalik whispered. ¡°Is that what I think it is?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, probably,¡± Alex said. ¡°What you¡¯re all looking at are actual, genuine elixirs of immortality. Baelin and I finally finished themst night.¡±


    He watched them intently.


    ¡°My friends, you all have some decisions to make.¡±

 Chapter 902: An Eternal Opportunity

    Chapter 902: An Eternal Opportunity


    ¡°Death¡¯s not gonna take me until I¡¯m damn good and ready for it,¡± Alexander Roth dered. ¡°As a matter of fact, it won¡¯t <em>ever</em> have me. I¡¯ll have <em>it</em> when <em>I </em>decide it¡¯s time. There¡¯s too much I want to do, too many people I want to spend an eternity with¡ª¡± He looked at Theresa. ¡°¡ªand too much I want to explore to just let my journey end, not until <em>I</em> decide it¡¯s time to go to the after-world.¡±


    He reached out, picking up a bottle. ¡°So, full disclosure, I¡¯ll be drinking mine.¡±


    ¡°So will I,¡± Theresa said, reaching for a bottle. ¡°And Alex says that the elixir¡¯s effects will be shared with Brutus.¡±


    ¡°But, the rest of you should think carefully,¡± Alex said. ¡°Baelin said that immortalityes with its own challenges. It¡¯s not a decision to be made lightly, but it¡¯s one I¡¯ve been thinking about for a long time. So I¡¯m¡ª¡±


    ¡°What in all the hells?¡± Cedric suddenly shouted. ¡°What, y-just <em>made</em> a potion that let¡¯s y¡¯live forever? Back th¡¯ hells up, <em>that</em> was th¡¯<em> little project</em> y¡¯was talkin¡¯ about?¡±


    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± Alex said. ¡°I kept it under wraps for the most part. Baelin said that when a <em>Proper Wizard is doing something like brewing an immortality serum, they tell as few people as possible</em>. So yeah, I kinda kept it quiet.¡±


    Drestra¡¯s jaw was hanging open. ¡°And you mean to just¡­give us an immortality elixir?¡±


    Alex looked at her in surprise. ¡°Yeah, why not? We all fought Uldar together. We <em>earned</em> this; I knew what <em>I</em> was going to do with Uldar¡¯s divine essence, and I¡¯d be a real piece of shit if I didn¡¯t offer to share the spoils with everyone who fought the Ravener. I even have some extra essence left, in case any of you have loved ones you want to share immortality with. Understand, though, the supply is limited. After the divine essence is gone, if you want any immortality elixir for others you care about, you¡¯re going to have to get your hands on more divine essence, or some golden apples, or the mes of a phoenix. I¡¯ll happily brew it for you, though.¡±


    ¡°Wait, back up, how did you manage to make an elixir so easily?¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled. ¡°This just seems so¡­sudden.¡±Alex smiled. ¡°Not bragging but, I <em>am</em> a <em>very</em> good alchemist, but seriously, I couldn¡¯t have done it without Baelin: he¡¯s the one with the experience.¡± He thought back to the long hours he¡¯d spent with the chancellor in theb while he was <em>also</em> in Thamnd helping with the clean up, and running his businesses in Generasi. Being in multiple ces at once really had its benefits.


    ¡°Baelin said that the method we used was one he learned from one of his cabal members. Apparently, if you absorb divine essence¡ªor divine breath, as it''s called in some ces¡ªyou grow closer to immortality and even gain unique powers based on the deific essence you take in.¡±


    He tapped the side of the bottle of elixir he was holding. ¡°We modified that method, though, making sure we removed all traces of the poison inside Uldar¡¯s body, and at the same time, we distilled his deific energy down to its most basic state. Long story short: this potion will make it so that you¡¯ll never die of old age¡ªbut there¡¯s a warning that I¡¯ll have to give you¡ªand you¡¯ll also have better senses, you¡¯ll be a lot tougher, heal quicker from non-fatal wounds, and your body will just be stronger all-around. Expect to catch colds a lot less.¡±


    Alexughed, raising a finger. ¡°But, about the ageing thing: from the moment you drink the elixir, you stop ageing. Which means anyone who¡¯s not fully grown when they drink it, will <em>never</em> grow up. I have some essence set aside for Selina, for her to choose whether she wants to use it or not when she¡¯s older, since there¡¯s no way she¡¯s touching it until she¡¯s finished growing. Baelin told me stories about immortals being trapped in the bodies of children; things never ended well in those stories.¡±


    An eerie silence filled the room.


    Finally, Hart blew out a breath. ¡°So¡­we choose whether or not we wanna be immortal and who we¡¯d want to be immortal with? That¡¯s heavy. Real heavy.¡±


    ¡°Which is why you don¡¯t have to make a choice right this second. Your elixirs will <em>always </em>be<em></em>waiting for you until you either drink them, or die. There¡¯ll always be time to make a firm decision,¡± Alex said soberly. ¡°I want to give everyone a chance to think, to change their mind, to mull it over, and never feel pressured. Baelin warned me that eternal life has its downsides: you¡¯ll watch people you know and love grow old and die, over and over again. Others will target you, looking to steal the secrets of your eternal life. It¡¯s not for everybody, so even if you need decades to think about it¡­¡±


    He raised his own elixir. ¡°This stuff will reverse your ageing and regenerate your body to its peak of youth and health. You could sip it on your deathbed at the age of a hundred and be back in your twenties in a matter of seconds. Seriously, there¡¯s no downside to waiting. Only choose to take it <em>now </em>if you¡¯re one hundred percent sure.¡±


    Silencey heavy in the room.


    ¡°This is¡­a lot,¡± Merzhin said. ¡°I might have something in mind, but I am sure most of us will need time to think¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m drinking mine right now!¡± Thundar snatched up his elixir and wrapped an arm around Drestra¡¯s waist. ¡°My partner¡¯s going to live for <em>thousands</em> of years, I¡¯d be pretty shit if I left her behind. Besides, there are so many nes I want to see. So much travelling and adventure ahead of me. Lots of fights in front of me, and they¡¯ll be a lot easier if I¡¯ve got a stronger, tougher body that¡¯ll never slow down. Yeah, an eternity sounds pretty nice. And besides, you¡¯re part of my cabal, Alex. Couldn¡¯t exactly let you go on while your fearless cabal-leader withers, could I?¡±


    Alex grinned at the smiling minotaur. ¡°You¡¯re the best, my man.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Thundar replied.


    Drestra was looking up at her partner, her reptilian eyes veryrge indeed. She stood on her tiptoes, lifted her veil and pulled him down for a kiss.


    ¡°You¡¯re sweet, Thundar,¡± she smiled, showing her rows of sharp teeth. ¡°Very sweet. I knew I picked a good one in you.¡±


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    She looked at Alex.


    ¡°As for me, I think I will take the elixir. What you said about choosing death and not having death choose you¡­I really liked that and I think I want that for myself, especially if I¡¯m not alone. But, I won¡¯t be drinking it today.¡±


    The Sage of Thamnd lifted a hand, flexing her fingers like a w. ¡°My true form still has more than a thousand years to go before I''m fully grown. I don¡¯t want to stunt myself; when I am at the peak of my power, that¡¯s when I¡¯ll drink my elixir. The Crymlyn¡¯s been flourishing since the war ended. ygon¡¯s Earth Tillers have made the swamps even more fertile, and there¡¯s less tension between the witches and the rest of the kingdom. Mother says we¡¯re going to have a new age of prosperity, and I want to witness it for generations.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Thundar cried, lifting the Sage off the ground enthusiastically. ¡°Thundar and Drestra! One thousand years and going! What a life I live!¡±


    Sheughed, kissing him again.


    Alex smiled warmly.


    Prince Khalik cleared his throat.


    ¡°I also intend to drink the elixir,¡± he said. ¡°I have told you what my ns are for the future, and I would very much like all the time in the world to see theme to fruition and beyond. I would also like to spend an eternity with Sinope. Dryads live as long as their trees do. And so, I too, will be drinking mine. Will Najyah share the effects as well?¡±


    Alex nodded. ¡°She¡¯s your familiar. Now, she won¡¯t get as <em>much</em> power from it: blood familiars have a deeper connection to their masters, which is why Brutus will get so much more benefit. But, Najyah should live as long as you do and be tougher than she was before you took the elixir.¡±


    ¡°Glorious!¡± Prince Khalik¡¯s eyes lit up as he stroked the eagle¡¯s feathers. She nuzzled into his hand. ¡°As for Sinope¡­¡± the prince continued. ¡°I will have to discuss this with her.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Alex said. ¡°Like I said, she¡¯s your loved one. The potion will be avable for her.¡±


    ¡°Wonderful!¡± Prince Khalik went over to Alex and pped him on the shoulder. ¡°You are an emperor among men!¡±


    ¡°Keep thoseplimentsing,¡± Alexughed.


    ¡°Do not!¡± Isolde quickly jumped in. ¡°If I am going to spend eternity in this cabal, I would not have any of you any more smug than you already are. It would make eternal life feel like an endless march through the hells while I am wearing shoes made of broken ss!¡±


    ¡°Oh, thanks, Isolde.¡± Alex rolled his eyes. ¡°So, I take it you¡¯re nning on taking the elixir too?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Isolde said. ¡°One day I might seek to see the after-world¡­but I want many lifetimes in this one to learn as much as I can. The mysteries of the world and the nes call to me, and I shall need time to learn their secrets.¡±


    ¡°Aye, such a thing suits y¡¯well.¡± Cedric grinned at her, showing his gold tooth. ¡°I could sees y¡¯bin¡¯ some livin¡¯ legend for millennia! As for me, though¡­¡± He paused, looking at the elixir carefully. I dunno, I need time t¡¯think about all o¡¯ this. It¡¯s a lot, an¡¯ I dunno. I was a warrior just a few years ago, then I was a Hero, fightin¡¯ t¡¯kill the Ravener, an¡¯ now there¡¯s statues goin¡¯ up all over Thamnd honourin¡¯ us, an¡¯ now you¡¯re tellin¡¯ me I could live forever, if I wanted.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°Part o¡¯ me jus¡¯ wants t¡¯say yes t¡¯be wit¡¯ Isolde forever an¡¯ t¡¯watch m¡¯ n prosper. They been doin¡¯ real good after all t¡¯ rebuildin¡¯. They¡¯re gonna b¡¯ stronger than ever, I¡¯m thinkin¡¯, an¡¯ I wanna see where they¡¯ll b¡¯ when th¡¯ wee ones in th¡¯ n are all grey an¡¯ hav¡¯ their own grandkids¡­but do I wanna see it while still walkin¡¯ the world, while I¡¯m never changin¡¯? I¡¯m thinkin¡¯ I needs t¡¯be doin¡¯ some long thinkin¡¯ before I ept.¡±


    Isolde kissed Cedric on the cheek. ¡°That is one reason why I love you. You know when to think and when to act.¡±


    He blushed. ¡°Aye, thanks.¡± He looked at Hart. ¡°How ¡®bout you, big guy?¡±


    Hart looked down at the elixir. ¡°I¡¯m going to think about it. All my life has been one big fight. First with the Ash Ravens, then as a Hero; fighting Ravener-spawn, demons, the hidden church, then the sted Ravener. Now those fights are over, and I don¡¯t know what I wanna do with myself. It¡¯s been, uh, an adjustment. I think I want to live for a bit before I decide if I want to live forever. I¡¯ll also want to see how things go with Tyris.¡±


    ¡°How <em>are </em>things with you two?¡± Khalik asked.


    Hart grinned. ¡°She¡¯s passionate. <em>Very</em> passionate.¡±


    Thundar shuddered.


    The minotaur had told a story about what he¡¯d seen when Tyris came back to the Research Castle after the final battle. Apparently, she¡¯d leapt on Hart like a serpent, shoved her tongue down his throat and dragged him off for what she called a ¡®Hero¡¯s wee.¡¯


    ¡°So not much has changed there,¡± Thundar muttered.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure some divine essence is put aside then,¡± Alex said. ¡°In case things keep going well between you two, or if you just decide to do it.¡±


    Alex turned to Bjorgrund, Merzhin and Grimloch.


    ¡°What about you three?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Grimloch rumbled.


    Silence stretched on.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°Does there need to be anything else?¡±


    ¡°Well,¡± Alex said. ¡°It¡¯s a big decision.¡±


    To that, Grimloch grinned. ¡°You told me that I could hunt, fight, grow stronger and kill <em>forever.</em> Decision made.¡±


    Alex paused, wondering if maybe making the terrifying sharkman immortal was doing the world a disservice¡­


    Before he could think about it further, Bjorgrund cleared his throat.


    ¡°I¡¯m not quite fully grown yet, so I need time to think,¡± the young giant said. ¡°And I¡¯ll need to talk about it with my father. Life could change a lot. I think I need to learn more about my runes, about life and¡­how to live.¡±


    ¡°Sounds reasonable,¡± Alex said.


    He turned to Merzhin.


    ¡°And you?¡±


    The Saint paused before answering. ¡°And here I thought I was the one who would be most sure, only to find myself thest one to answer.¡± His eyes were fixed on a bottle for a long time. ¡°Truthfully, I¡­do not think I want to live forever. I doubt I¡¯ll change my mind either.¡±


    He smiled thinly. ¡°I am thest Saint of Uldar¡­his symbol glows on my stomach. And my life <em>was</em> Uldar. I grew up praying to him, learning how to serve him and serving him with every fibre of my being. Now I serve Thamnd, but¡­I feel like something of a relic from the past.¡±


    ¡°We might be able to find a way to alter your Mark,¡± Alex said. ¡°It¡¯d take time, but I have Kelda¡¯s equipment¡­it¡¯s possible.¡±


    Merzhin shook his head. ¡°Unlike you, I have done things that I regret. Things in Uldar¡¯s name. I do not think I want to forget them, for to do so would be to erase the mistakes of my past. Without those mistakes guiding me, I could end up being a worse man in the future.¡±


    ¡°I think you¡¯re being too harsh on yourself,¡± Alex said softly.


    ¡°Perhaps. Perhaps not. But I will need time to learn. Once Thamnd has been rebuilt, I think I shall go on a journey of my own. I wish to learn how to live and what life is before I decide whether to live forever. Though, likely not. I think I would like to live out my natural time¡ªexperience it for what it is¡ªand then move on to whates next. I do not fear it.¡±


    Alex was about to say something, but the sheer amount of conviction in the Saint¡¯s voice stopped him.


    In the end, it was Merzhin¡¯s decision.


    And he would respect that, while keeping the door open if he changed his mind.


    ¡°Then that¡¯s it, then,¡± Alex said. ¡°Looks like it¡¯ll be me, Theresa, Khalik, Thundar, Isolde and Grimloch taking it now. Drestra¡¯s gonna wait, and the rest of you¡­well, your elixir will be there for you, if you want it, like I said.¡±


    He turned to his fiancee, his cabal-mates and Grimloch.


    Then unstoppered his bottle.


    The others took one and did the same.


    Alex raised his elixir. ¡°A toast. To life. Simply, to life.¡±


    ¡°To life!¡± the others said.


    They all paused for a moment.


    Alex considered the future ahead of him; all the people he would meet, all the journeys he would take, and the wonders he would see and experience. He looked at Theresa, and she smiled at him.


    And he would experience all of it with his best friend.


    His best friend who, by the end of next summer, would be his wife.


    ¡°By the Traveller, I¡¯m lucky,¡± he whispered.


    And together, they drank the elixir.

 Chapter 903: Where We Are, Where Were Going

    Chapter 903: Where We Are, Where We''re Going


    More than a year and half had passed since the destruction of the Ravener in Thamnd, and life in the City at the Centre of Creation¡ªthe city of wizards¡ªhad changed in certain ways.


    Shrines to the Traveller had spread throughout Generasi and its countryside. While the city had maintained much of its separation from the divine, no one could deny that faith in the Traveller had taken hold there. She was an active goddess, and kind, and it was well-known that her followers were cared for, whether in Thamnd, Generasi or elsewhere.


    Folk who had to travel by sea, or go into battle, or venture into the Barrens of Kravernus had begun wearing small charms around their necks. Charms carved in the shape of tinynterns.


    But faith in her was not the only thing that had spread.


    At this point, the Roth Family Bakery had five locations across Generasi now, with its first location outside the city nned forter in the year. No matter the location though, the legendary baked goods drew Generasians and even travellers from across the Prinean, lining up each morning for a chance to taste the warm freshly baked buns, creamy custards, fine cakes and more.


    Those lucky enough to get their food before the bakeries inevitably sold out, would enjoy their meal either in the establishments, or while walking along the street, where they might pass one of several Roth Magic Item Workshops.


    Alex had opened his second magic item shop¡ªsupplied with items from his own skill and ygon¡¯s help with dungeon core essence¡ªit had proven to be a huge sess. Now, he¡¯d be the proud proprietor of three of these fine shops across the city, and the wait for custom orders was often a year.


    That level of sess, of course, was also true of his and Shale¡¯s partnership.


    Shale¡¯s Golemworks had added three new floors to the original building, turning into a gargantuan workshop that produced golems and other magical items around the clock. Whether day or night, its windows would be all lit up as craftersboured inside.Around the world, the rich and powerful sought the opportunity to pay whatever they had to for the chance to own at least one of the Shale-Roth dungeon core essence-powered golems. When one travelled to the courts of monarchs both far and wide, they would often find a golem standing near the throne, there to eliminate any would-be assassin who drew steel in the throne room.


    Everyday Lucia¡¯s growing fleet of ships¡ªflying and seafaring¡ªtravelled the oceans of the world, battling the sea and its monsters, delivering precious cargo to realms from the frozen ice cap in the north, to the frozen ice cap in the south.


    Even in the countryside of Generasi, one couldn¡¯t miss the ways the General of Thamnd and his manypanions had changed the realm.


    ygon¡¯s spawn patrolled the countryside under hismand. Venom walkers, chitterers, bone chargers, spear-flies and other Ravener-spawn had once terrorised Thamnd.


    Now, they protected the citizens of Thamnd and Generasi in the countryside of both realms, helping mortals and wizards, hunting down dangerous monsters in the wilderness. ygon¡¯s Earth Tillers improved the harvest in Generasi as well.


    Both Generasi and Thamnd had grown more powerful.


    And Generasi¡¯s people had grown more hardy.


    Over the months, Alex¡¯s method of blood magic enhancement that he¡¯d pioneered on himself and Hart Redfletcher, had been refined. Blood mages had taken the young archwizard¡¯s theory and worked to make it applicable to a host of medical applications.


    New versions of the process were developed, and while these new versions didn¡¯t transform folk into superhumans like Alex¡¯s original process, they were safer and designed to purify and build up the constitution of ailing bodies, as well as quickly fight off illnesses guing them.


    The Council of Wizards had granted Alex¡ªand the hard working blood mages who had built on his theory¡ªawards from the city, some of which were now disyed in the university.


    Throughout campus¡ªeven after Khalik and Thundar had graduated¡ªAlex and his cabal¡¯s names grew to legendary status among new students. Their names were used by recruiters from the university when they travelled across the world, and also in university ssrooms by professors like Jules, Val¡¯Rok, Mangal, Hak and Salinger, presenting them as role models for future generations of wizards.


    In the year and a half since the Ravener¡¯s fall, life had changed significantly in many ways.


    Yet, for most, it was their new normal, and today¡ªnear the end of summer¡ªit was just a regr day¡­


    For most.


    But not for Selina Roth.


    The rising sun found the young woman standing in the courtyard of the vi¡ªthe same vi she and the Lus had stayed in, then was bought by Alex soon after the Ravener¡¯s death¡ªsunlight ying through her chestnut brown hair.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    At fourteen years of age, she¡¯d hit quite a growth spurt and was already confirming, in height, that her family¡¯s tendency toward great height hadn¡¯t skipped her. Most of her baby fat was long gone, and although she was still in that gangly stage that many early teenage bodies fell into, she was already showing signs of growing into amanding young woman.


    Her green eyes were narrowed in concentration as she carefully wiggled her fingers through aplex series of motions.


    ¡°Watch this, Brutus,¡± she said. ¡°I think I¡¯ll be even faster this time.¡±


    Stretched out on the ground about twenty feet away, the cerberus peered at her from one of his heads. The other yawned. Thest was fast asleep.


    Concentrating, Selina finished moving her fingers through the incantation.


    The second-tier spell array formed within her mana pool with ease, an orb of me taking shape above her outstretched hand. It zed heartily in the morning sun as she concentrated, using mana maniption to control it.


    Orb of Fire was a simple spell, meant to conjure a ball of me that could be controlled with a mere thought. For Selina, though¡ªwith her powerful fire affinity and instruction from her brother¡ªit could be taken much further.


    Manipting the mana of the spell, the fire grew from an orb the size of her head, to one the size of her entire body. It zed above her, giving off waves of heat, rising higher as she controlled the spell.


    With a flick of her finger, the ming orb changed shape, now a column of fire, then a line of me, and finally, something like a zing cube.


    ¡°I can¡¯t make it any more refined than that,¡± she said, ncing at Brutus, making sure he was still watching. ¡°But I can do <em>this</em>.¡±


    Closing her hand and manipting the spell¡¯s mana, she shrunk the orb down to a speck of me, hovering quietly in the air, no bigger than a snowke.


    It burned with intense heat.


    Selina frowned, deep in concentration


    That ember grew brighter and the heat began fading.


    The air cooled all around it as the spell greedily sucked in the surrounding heat to feed itself.


    Selina pushed a hand through the air in front of her.


    It felt cool enough to be noticeable. Carefully, the young fire mage pulled an alchemical air temperature gauge from her belt pouch and held it before her.


    ¡°One¡­two¡­three degrees cooler than the surrounding air.¡± Her eyes lit up. ¡°A new record!¡±


    Gleefully, she picked up a notebook, recording her progress.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to tell Alex and the others,¡± she whispered, looking at the vi. ¡°But I guess, that¡¯ll have to wait, since today¡¯s such a busy day.¡±


    Sighing, the young woman looked at the blue sky. There were far more sky-ships flying up there now, many built by her brother.


    ¡°Can you believe it, Brutus?¡± she said, dismissing the me then gathering up her notes and supplies and taking a seat beside the cerberus on a bench nearby. He grumbled,ying one of his enormous heads in herp.


    She stroked that head while he watched her.


    ¡°On a day like this, it really makes you think, doesn¡¯t it?¡± she said to him. ¡°Do you remember when we first left Alric together? Everything was so scary back then¡­¡± She shook her head. ¡°How old was I? Maybe ten.¡±


    Selina chuckled. ¡°Do you remember when we smeared stinkweed on ourselves to try to repel the silence spiders? Remember the fight in the Cave of the Traveller, the journey to Port Mausarr, and meeting Fan-Dor and Gel-Dor¡­thening here? Our new home.¡±


    She thought about all the friends she¡¯d made, the wonderful sights she¡¯d seen, and the dangers she¡¯d faced in the city of wizards. Here was where she¡¯d discovered her fire affinity, learned to ept her connection to me and started learning magic.


    Here was where she¡¯d helped Alex craft ygon.


    Here was where she¡¯d done a lot of growing up.


    ¡°You know something Brutus, I think I¡¯d like to have my own adventures one day,¡± she said. ¡°Go somewhere far away, help people with my magic, fight monsters, put out fires¡­¡± The young woman daydreamed fantastical images, then blushed. ¡°Maybe meet a handsome prince. That would be nice, wouldn¡¯t it, boy?¡±


    She looked down, noticing that the cerberus eyes were shut tight, as he snored in herp.


    ¡°Hmph, I guess I¡¯ve been talking to myself all this time! Coming up with wild ideas, like¡ª¡±


    Her breath caught.


    There was another person she knew who talked to himself a lot, usually when he wasing up with wild ideas. She slowly looked down at her notebook, which was slowly being filled with her progress and notes on magic circuits.


    ¡°Oh no,¡± she groaned in horror. ¡°I¡¯m bing Alex. Oh, by the Traveller, no¡ª¡±


    ¡°Selinaaaa!¡± Mrs. Lu called from inside the vi. ¡°Selina, where are you? It¡¯s time to get ready.¡±


    With a grunt, Brutus woke up, licked Selina¡¯s face and bounded toward the vi¡¯s front doors.


    Selina made a sour face, pulling out a handkerchief and wiping her cheek. ¡°Ugh, <em>now</em> you wake up. You probably think it¡¯s mealtime.¡± Sighing, she got to her feet. ¡°Anyway, we¡¯ve got to get ready, and it¡¯s a big day for Theresa and Alex.¡±


    She looked at the vi¡¯s windows, shaking her head.


    ¡°Ugh, talking to myself again. I¡¯ve got to de-Alex myself before I lose the ability to think of good names for anything ever again.¡±


    With a shake of her head, she began walking to the vi.


    ¡°O-oh, you look so beautiful.¡± Mr. Lu sniffled, wiping his eyes with a handkerchief. ¡°Have I told you that, my daughter?¡±


    ¡°Dad¡­you¡¯ve told me that about a thousand times already.¡± Theresa ran a cherrywoodb through the back of her hair, sweeping it into an updo.


    ¡°And I¡¯ll tell you a thousand times more!¡± He puffed up his chest. ¡°And you listen here! Alex had better tell you that a thousand times a day for the rest of your lives! I-if he doesn¡¯t, youe to your father! I-I¡¯ll tell him off for you!¡±


    Theresa smiled at her father. ¡°I think that¡¯d be a little much.¡±


    ¡°Nonsense, it should be two thousand times a day!¡± Mr. Lu sputtered. ¡°At least!¡±


    ¡°...thanks dad,¡± she said, looking at herself in the mirror and putting herb on the dresser.


    Her dress was forest green, with a pattern of golden filigree shaped like hundreds of leaves, trimming it. She pinned aurel wreath of magically-preserved wildflowers to her hair.


    Their colourful blooms contrasted with her jet ck hair, and the green of the dress suited the brown of her scabbards; the Twinde was belted at her waist.


    Her eyes drifted to the swords.


    Her great-grandfather¡¯s swords.


    ¡°Twinde Lu¡¯s smiling down on you,¡± Mr. Lu said. ¡°He¡¯s seen what you¡¯ve done with his swords, I have no doubt, and I know he¡¯ll be watching you with the biggest smile on his face. I¡¯m d you took one of those swords with you when you left with Alex, Selina and Brutus.¡±


    He leaned over, touching the des.


    ¡°That sword¡­and the other half of the Twinde got you through so much, my daughter.¡± He choked. ¡°One served you through your journey to Generasi, then together, through all the fights you¡¯ve had, and even through the battle with the Ravener. And now¡­they¡¯ve gotten you here. To this day.¡±


    Mr. Lu shook his head as if in disbelief, his voice breaking. ¡°To your wedding day.¡±

 Chapter 904: A Wonderful Life

    Chapter 904: A Wonderful Life


    Theresa Lu looked up at her father in silent wonder.


    His words kept echoing through her head.


    <em>To your wedding day.</em>


    <em>To your wedding day.</em>


    <em>To your wedding day.</em>


    Those words were true.


    After all this time, more than two years since Alex proposed to her on the beach, she was going to marry him, her partner, her best friend and lover. The thought sent butterflies fluttering through her stomach and made her face flush.


    For as long as she could remember, they¡¯d been with each other, and she¡¯d loved him her whole life. Today was the day they¡¯d be joined as husband and wife.


    ¡®It¡¯s so strange,¡¯ she thought. ¡®I drank an elixir of immortalityst year. ¡®My senses are even sharper. My heart beats stronger. And I¡¯m never going to die¡­but I didn¡¯t feel anywhere near as happy as I do today. What a life I¡¯ve lived so far.¡¯Her father approached her. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    She smiled up at him, touching the Twinde. ¡°Oh, just about¡­how we all got here.¡±


    The huntress remembered that moment all those years ago when she¡¯d walked into Alex¡¯s room and seen that glowing Mark on his shoulder. After he¡¯d told her what had happened, it had taken her less than a heartbeat to know what she wanted to do: to go with him. She¡¯d asked him right then if she coulde with him to Generasi.


    That one request might have been the single most important sentence she¡¯d ever uttered in her life. It had led them on a tense journey that took them from her family¡¯s inn, to the walls of Alric, to barely avoiding the priests¡¯ attention, and making it to the Coille. They¡¯d been stalked by a silence spider for the first time, surprised by a meeting with the Chosen, had gone through the Cave of the Traveller, and narrowly managed to kill a hive-queen hidden in there.


    At that point, that journey had been the most monumental experience of her life, but it was only the beginning. When they¡¯d made it to Generasi, she¡¯d discovered her potential for life enforcement, and started growing as a warrior, as well as in mind, body and spirit.


    From there, came the endless trials during the Art of the Wizard inbat, battles against the mana vampire, and even fighting for their lives against Ravener-spawn at Patrizia DePaolo¡¯s ball. She¡¯d be close friends with Zhao Shishi, Grimloch, Isolde, the rest of Alex¡¯s cabal, and a number of the Watchers.


    Yet, even as ygon had joined their family and their circle of friends had grown, the huntress and wizard stayed together, remaining partners to each other. Loving together. Fighting together. Growing together.


    They¡¯d faced monsters early on, like the demon summoner¡¯s armies, thenter on, Zonon-In, the hidden church, the runemarked in the north, until eventually, the Ravener itself. She¡¯d unlocked the true potential of the Twinde and hade into her own, discovering herself in ways she¡¯d never imagined, even when she thought about her future as a young child.


    And her life¡¯s path had been with Alex at her side.


    She smiled at her father.


    ¡°You know, when I was a little girl, I always thought the Coille was endless,¡± she told him. ¡°That¡¯s why I went exploring it so much. Then, one day, I realised that it wasn¡¯t endless; that beyond it were fields and towns and other tamednds.¡±


    ¡°I remember that,¡± Mr. Lu smiled.


    ¡°But when I first started learning life enforcement, I remember thinking that it was actually my first step into a vast forest that was ready for exploration. In a way, I thought it might be an endless path. An endless forest for me to explore, figuratively, I mean.¡±


    ¡°Right.¡± Mr. Lu nodded along.


    She looked at the mirror, then at her swords, then theurel wreath and her flowing wedding dress of forest green and leaves of gold.


    ¡°But now, I think I see things a little differently. Life enforcement isn¡¯t the endless forest. It¡¯s a path through it. <em>Life</em> is the endless forest.¡± Her face lit up. ¡°And I get to explore it endlessly with Alex beside me.¡±


    Sheughed then, looking back at her father. ¡°Life doesn¡¯t get any more wonderful than this, does it?¡±


    Mr. Lu rested a hand on her shoulder. ¡°Today will be a highlight, Theresa, but take it from a man who¡¯s been very happily married for a very long time.¡± His eyes twinkled. ¡°The best is yet toe.¡±


    Pausing for a moment then jumping up, she wrapped her arms around her father. ¡°I love you, dad.¡±


    He hugged her back. ¡°I love you too. I¡¯m proud of you, and I¡¯m so, so happy for you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± She fought back tears. Tears of joy. ¡°What a wonderful life I live.¡±


    Alexander Roth checked himself in the mirror for the thousandth time.


    He carefully examined his ck doublet and hose, looking for even a single loose thread, the slightest stain or the slightest bit of dust or dirt.


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    ¡°Got to look perfect,¡± he said. ¡°Absolutely have to look absolutely perfect.¡± He looked at himself in the mirror again, ncing at his long hair. His eyes scanned for any hairs out of ce. He found none. ¡°I look perfect, don¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°<em>You look¡­like¡­a Hero¡­father¡­¡±</em> ygon said.


    The golem of steel and dungeon core-substance stood by the door, watching his father¡¯s inspection with the patience of stone. He watched Alex closely, with feelings of pride, excitement and anticipation pouring through their link.


    ¡°<em>Don¡¯t¡­fret¡­you are¡­going to be fine¡­¡±</em> the golem said.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s the thing!¡± Alex spun around. ¡°I know I¡¯m going to be <em>fine</em>! Fine is easy! ¡®Fine¡¯ is what you bloody well tell someone when you¡¯re feeling bloody miserable, but you don¡¯t want to get into a big conversation about it. Fine is what your boss tells you your performance is when they¡¯re getting ready to show you the door! Fine is easy, ygon! Theresa doesn¡¯t deserve ¡®fine¡¯, or even ¡®great¡¯! She deserves <em>perfect!</em> Hells, I deserve perfect!¡±


    As Alex gesticted, the golemughed.


    ¡°<em>Then you are¡­perfect¡­father. I think¡­the fact that¡­you and Theresa¡­are even marrying each other¡­already makes the day¡­perfect for both of you,¡±</em> ygon said. ¡°<em>I am not sure how much¡­she¡¯s going to pay attention¡­to every thread of your clothing father¡­I think¡­she¡¯s going to care a lot more about¡­who¡¯s wearing those clothes¡­¡±</em>


    Alex paused then, looking into ygon¡¯s steel eyes. ¡°You know, you¡¯ve gotten really damn insightful.¡±


    ¡°<em>I¡­have¡­good¡­role models¡­¡±</em> He patted his father on the back. ¡°<em>I am happy¡­for you¡­father¡­¡±</em>


    Alex smiled up at the golem, cing a hand on one of ygon¡¯s forearms. ¡°Thank you for that, buddy. Seriously, thank you.¡±


    ¡°<em>You are wee¡­I can feel you are¡­nervous father¡­you are letting your emotions¡­flow through our link¡­and I can feel your excitement¡­too¡­¡±</em>


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Alex chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m super excited, buddy. I can¡¯t remember thest time I was this excited! Funny, I drank a potion of immortality and didn¡¯t feel as excited as I do right now. Oh, man, I can¡¯t believe how happy I¡¯m feeling. Nervous too, though. Hope I don¡¯t mess up my vows¡­¡±


    ¡°<em>You¡­will not¡­father¡­I know you will not¡­you are going to have¡­a great day¡­¡±</em> ygon said, raising his lower right hand.


    ¡°Yeeeeeah!¡± the young archwizard high-fived his golem¡¯s steel hand, barely resisting the urge to clutch his hand from pain.


    As the archwizard and golem fed off each other¡¯s excitement, Alex looked out the window, at the sky.


    ¡®I <em>know</em> you¡¯re still watching over us, mom and dad,¡¯ he thought, remembering travelling to the after-world and meeting his mother and father with Selina. As time went on, his memories of what the after-world looked like grew vaguer, hazier.


    But the image of his mother and father¡ªlooking at him and his sister with such towering pride¡ªremained just as clear in his mind, as if he¡¯d just seen them minutes ago. He doubted that memory would ever fade, even if he lived for another five thousand years.


    ¡®I hope you¡¯ll still keep being proud of Selina and me, mother and father,¡¯ he thought. ¡®And of Theresa too, since our families are officially joining.¡¯


    As the thought passed through his mind, a familiar voice came from the hallway.


    ¡°Alex! Are you ready?¡± Mrs. Lu called. ¡°It¡¯s just about time.¡±


    ¡°On my way!¡± Alex turned to ygon, straightening his clothes again.


    ¡°How do I look?¡± he asked.<strong></strong>


    ¡°<em>Like¡­a Hero¡­¡±</em> the golem replied, confidently.


    ¡°Haha, I¡¯ll take it!¡± Alex walked to the double doors of his bedroom in the vi, throwing them open with a single tug and stepped into the hallway, where Mrs. Lu was waiting.


    The doors across from his room opened and¡­Theresa walked through the doorway.


    Alex¡¯s breath caught.


    The softness of her dress. The colours. All perfect.


    Her hair.


    The wreath of wildflowers ringing her hair.


    Her death stalker face¡­melted immediately upon seeing him.


    She looked him up and down. Slowly. Drinking in every detail. ¡°You look good, Alex.¡± The huntress blushed.


    ¡°You look beautiful,¡± He whispered back, awed.


    For a moment, they just silently looked into each other¡¯s eyes.


    ygon beamed.


    Mrs. Lu beamed.


    Mr. Lu choked back a sob. ¡°A-alright, you two had better get going.¡±


    ¡°<em>Remember, don¡¯te into the¡­temple until you hear¡­my signal¡­</em>¡±<em></em>ygon added.


    ¡°We¡¯ll remember, ygon,¡± Theresa said, not taking her eyes off her fiance.


    Slowly and gently, she extended her hand.


    Alex took it in his.


    ¡°Alright, you all have the new portal downstairs. Wait, portals! Alright, quick. Don¡¯t take the one that I set up a while ago: the regr one that takes you to your inn, Mr. and Mrs. Lu. You¡¯ll want to take the new one. It¡¯ll take the rest of you right to the temple.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll remember, Alex,¡± Mrs. Lu said. ¡°Now off you go, scoot!¡±


    Alex nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Mom, dad, I¡¯ll see you soon,¡± Theresa added.


    The huntress and the archwizard looked into each other¡¯s eyes.


    He squeezed her hand.


    She squeezed his back.


    And they teleported away.


    The hall that Alex and Theresa arrived in was a wondrous sight.


    The walls, floor and ceiling of stone were bathed in the multihued lights of multiple portals. A honeb of portals hovered just below the ceiling, each open to a different sky.


    One sky was blue and clear, lit by bright sunlight.


    Another was starry, a full moon shone, bathing its cool light through the portal.


    Another was filled with fluffy white clouds.


    Yet another was open to the far north where multihued lights yed through the night sky.


    Along both walls of the tunnel, portals were opened to differentndscapes from around the world. One opened to a scene of the ocean, schools of colourful fish were nipping at each other, magic held the contents of the portal in check, keeping them from flowing out and into the tunnel.


    Another portal opened to a forest of petrified trees, each draped in lichen, bringing greenery to an otherwise grey scene.


    Other portals opened onto bright green fields.


    Others onto beaches or deserts.


    It seemed as though the world itself had been brought to the Cave, its differentndscapes there to witness Alex and Theresa¡¯s union.


    And these were not the only wonders in the tunnel.


    Bright green gand was draped from the walls and a carpet of flower petals were strewn along the floor, representing good fortune, prosperity and fertility.


    From towering doors up ahead, hung wreaths of forest nts and wildflowers.


    The doors were familiar¡­


    ¡­the same ones that had led directly into the Temple of the Traveller.


    Beyond them, Alex and Theresa could hear hushed voices talking.


    ¡°Looks like a lot of our guests are already here,¡± Alex said, keeping his voice low.


    ¡°Sounds like it,¡± Theresa whispered. ¡°I hear peopleing through the portals inside. I think they¡¯re almost ready to start.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯ll be ready for us soon, then,¡± Alex said. He paused, looking at her closely.


    She caught his gaze, and smiled, blushing. ¡°What is it?¡± Her voice was soft.


    ¡°Are <em>you</em> ready?¡± he asked.


    Her hand squeezed his. ¡°I¡¯ve been ready for a long time. You?¡±


    His hand squeezed hers back. ¡°Even longer.¡±


    Before she could reply, two rich voices lifted in song from inside the temple.


    ygon¡¯s and Birger¡¯s harmonious tones blended, joining in perfect harmony, singing a song of wee.


    Alex took a deep, steadying breath. ¡°Well, that¡¯s our cue.¡±


    ¡°It is,¡± she said. ¡°I guess we should get married, then?¡±


    ¡°I guess we should.¡±


    Together, Theresa and Alex stepped forward, the doors slowly opening, weing them to the temple.

 Chapter 905: The Circle

    Chapter 905: The Circle


    The doors opened before Alex and Theresa, revealing what waited beyond: the Temple of the Traveller.


    Long ago¡ªwhen they¡¯d first found this ce¡ªwhat had waited there was fire, death and Ravener-spawn. The goddess statues were there then, standing in defence of the silent chamber, their fire-beams sting anything that moved. Worker-silence spiders had ambushed their unsuspecting party,ing up behind them, but the goddess statues had unknowingly saved their lives¡­even if they¡¯d alsoe close to frying them in their fire-beams.


    Hovering high above them back then was a single portal, open to an endless sky. Now, more portals were up near the ceiling, windows on the world, both near and far.


    Both goddess statues were gone, reced by effigies of the Traveller herself. In ce of the goddesses with their snarling faces, was a replica of Hannah, her face calm and weing.


    Alex¡¯s and Theresa¡¯s guests were waiting for their arrival, watching the doors as they swung open, smiles greeting the couple.


    Thameish weddings featured four parties.


    The first and most important were the bride and groom. They would enter the churchst, and be weed by their waiting guests.


    The second was the first set of guests. They would be seated at the ceremony, being supportive while bearing witness to the fact that awful marriage had taken ce between an engaged couple.


    This first set of witnesses were already sitting near the back of the temple, watching the bride and groom enter. They were seated on chairs resembling soft clouds, their familiar faces disying an array of different emotions, some teary-eyed, some smiling, some serene.The gathering was modest in size¡ªAlex and Theresa had quickly vetoed King Athelstan¡¯s offer of a state wedding to honour the leader of the Heroes¡ªand everyone who had made their guest list was someone with a strong connection to the young couple.


    Friends from the Art of the Wizard in Combat were there.


    Nua-Oge, Caramiyus, Angr, Rhea, Malcolm, Rayne, Eyvinder and Shiani were sitting together. Lucia was there with Fan-Dor, Gel-Dor, Toraka and Sim Shale, all sitting beside each other. Most were smiling, except for Lucia and Fan-Dor, who were wiping away happy tears with their handkerchiefs. Tyris Goldtooth sat next to Brutus, Kybas, Harmless, Ripp, and Najyah. The eagle was perched on a stand beside them. There was even a massive open portal up above, allowing Vesuvius to poke his enormous head through it; to be present without taking up the entire temple.


    Troy was also there with his wife, Lorraine, and many of the original staff from the first Roth Family bakery. Some¡ªincluding Troy¡ªwere openly weeping. Near them sat Svenia, Hogarth, Zhao Shishi, Theresa¡¯s friends from the Watchers, Professor Kabbot-Xin and Ab and her family.


    The third group in a Thameish wedding would form what was known as ¡®the circle¡¯.


    These circles were made up of family and others closest to the bride and groom, and today, these folk stood in a circle in the middle of the chamber, all facing one another¡ªthough they turned, craning their necks to see Alex and Theresa enter the temple.


    A sizable number made up that circle.


    The Lus¡ªTheresa¡¯s brothers, her uncle, aunt, and cousins¡ªstood together, looking on with pride at the huntress. Beside them was Selina, grinning at both Theresa and her big brother.


    Beside them were Sinope and Prince Khalik, looking aristocratic. The prince was smiling through his well-coiffed beard, his eyes twinkling. Thundar and Drestra stood beside them, the minotaur sniffling and teary-eyed.


    Next to them was Isolde¡ªwho was also sniffling, her eyes red-rimmed and teary¡ªand a shirtless Cedric was kissing her hand. Hart, Merzhin and Carey were beside them, watching the approaching couple with broad smiles.


    Professor Jules, Baelin, Professor Mangal, and Professor Val¡¯Rok were next in the circle. Professor Jules was trying to stop from sobbing as Baelin patted her back. Bjorgrund and Grimloch were next, the two giants smiling¡­with the sharkman¡¯s smile looking <em>extremely</em> unsettling.


    And then, there were the vocalists.


    ygon and Birger stood in the circle, their voices harmonising, filling the temple of the Traveller. They sang a song of wee, of love. A song of triumph and joy.


    Waves of happiness emanated through the golem¡¯s link with his father.


    Alex¡¯s happiness emanated right back.


    He and Theresa turned to thest party in the chamber.


    A party of one.


    The officiant.


    In a Thameish wedding, a priest of Uldar normally stood in the middle of the circle, waiting for the bride and groom, ready to perform the ceremony.


    But today, the officiant waiting in the circle was no priest of Uldar.


    Far from it.


    Standing in the middle of the circle, waiting for them with a bright smile and a little wave¡­


    ¡­was Hannah Kim, the Traveller.


    ¡°Witnesses,¡± she called. ¡°Please bow as the bride and groom enter the Circle of Joining.¡±


    Every seated witness stood up from their chairs, bowing their heads to Alex and Theresa as they entered the circle of family and friends.


    Hannah turned her attention to those in the circle. ¡°Everyone, the Circle of Joining will now close, representing the joining together of loved ones. We have all gathered here to form the circr bond of marriage,sting and equal. This is a bond of kindness, of love, of dedication and prosperity. It is the joining of a couple taking the next step on their journey. It is the joining of two families, to make a stronger whole. Those in the circle are not only family by blood, but family by life lived and deed done. Not only family born. But family found. This family is also joining together through their connection to Theresa and Alex, and to represent that, everyone, please link hands.¡±


    As one, the Circle of Joining closed behind Alex and Theresa, joining hands.


    Together, the couple reached the Traveller, stopping in front of her.


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    She bowed to them and they to her.


    They faced her, reached for one another¡¯s hands and looked into each other¡¯s eyes.


    Birger and ygon¡¯s song ended, and those who¡¯d been seated took their seats again.


    Hannah smiled, and spoke again, her voice louder.


    ¡°Today, we are here to wee the birth of a new family, whatever shape that family might take,¡± she said. ¡°Family is created not only by bonds of blood, but by bonds of friendship, love and partnership. These are the bonds that weave Theresa and Alex¡¯s families together in a union that will deeply enhance their lives. The vows the couple now exchange will signify theirmitment to each other. Together, let us witness Alexander and Theresa make theirmitment before everyone gathered here, everyone they share their lives with. Their vows are a pledge, meant to signify their dedication to each other, now and forever.¡±


    She looked at the huntress and the archwizard.


    ¡°Have you decided who will speak first?¡±


    They both nodded.


    ¡°I will,¡± Theresa said.


    ¡°Theresa will,¡± Alex agreed.


    ¡°Then, Theresa, please share your vows with Alex.¡±


    Theresa looked into her fiance¡¯s eyes, taking a deep breath.


    She began, her eyes never leaving his face.


    ¡°Alex, you fill my heart,¡± her conviction was in her every word, ¡°I love you and I always have. If you needed me to, I¡¯d go to the tallest mountain peaks and the deepest trenches <em>for </em>you, or <em>with</em> you.¡± She squeezed his hands. ¡°You don¡¯t even have to ask, and I¡¯d be right there beside you.¡±


    Alex smiled at that.


    ¡°Alex, you¡¯re brave and you never give up. You¡¯re loyal, selfless, thoughtful, funny, you¡¯re my everything and I know how fortunate I am. You never shy away from anything that¡¯s facing you, and I promise you, I¡¯ll always walk beside you, no matter whates. I¡¯ll be there to stand beside you, to fly beside you, to fight beside you, to anchor you. The two of us can make it through anything together, and you make me feel I can survive anything, just as long as you¡¯re by my side.¡±


    Mr. and Mrs. Lu started to cry.


    ¡°We¡¯ve known each other for so long that remembering a time when you weren¡¯t in my life isn¡¯t possible,¡± Theresa continued. ¡°We grew up together and we¡¯ve grown together. You went from annoying Brutus, trying to make him y fetch and chase sticks, to patiently winning him over.¡±


    The cerberus whined a little.


    ¡°And honestly, if you could win him over, as far as I¡¯m concerned, there¡¯s nothing you can¡¯t do. Defeating the Ravener was impressive, but it takes second ce to winning over Brutus.¡±


    Chuckles went through the circle and the other witnesses.


    Theresa continued. ¡°I trust you with everything I am. Our lives have been filled with adventure from the time we left Thamnd, and no matter what we do now, being with you will always be an adventure. Being with you, I always feel loved. Alex, you¡¯re my best friend, you¡¯re my partner, my biggest supporter, and my love. Mine and Brutus¡¯ lives will go on because <em>of </em>you, and <em>with</em> you. We¡¯re one. I couldn¡¯t want anything more. So, on this day, I hereby vow to eternally love and trust you. When you are hurt, I am hurt. When you triumph, I triumph. When you love, I love even harder. We will fight and we will make up. And always, we will be together in the endless forest that is this world. And beyond.¡±


    She finished her vows with a brilliant smile and tears in her eyes.


    Hannah nodded. ¡°We have Theresa¡¯s vows.¡± She turned. ¡°Alex, please offer your vows to Theresa.¡±


    The young archwizard nodded, then searched his fiancee¡¯s face, taking a deep breath before speaking.


    ¡°You are so beautiful, Theresa,¡± he started. ¡°You¡¯re beautiful in mind, body, heart and soul. Beautiful in so many ways that I couldn¡¯t even begin to finish listing them, even if I had a thousand years. I adore you, and being here beside you is the best part of my life.¡±


    He gave her a weak smile. ¡°We belong together, and I think we always have, but there was a time when I didn¡¯t believe you could feel that way about me. I wasn¡¯t always the brightest spark around, back then, but thanks to a good swift kick from Khalik, I started to believe that you cared for me. And I¡¯m d that I did. I¡¯m so d that we¡¯re here together today; you mean the world to me, and I¡¯d do anything for you.¡±


    Alex looked into Theresa¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Theresa, I promise to trust you, to share the bad and the good with you, to not be so afraid for you that I try to shield you from the world. You¡¯re my partner, I promise to always remember that, to honour that. You¡¯ve helped me in ways that made me who I am today.¡±


    He squeezed her hands.


    ¡°I¡¯ll never forget the day I started to fall in love with you. We must have been about fourteen; it was the day you and Mrs. Lu baked me cookies from my mom¡¯s recipe, hoping to make me feel better.¡±


    Theresa gasped, her eyes going wide.


    ¡°Oh, yes, I remember how you walked in the pouring rain with those cookies, all the way over to where I was,¡± Alex continued. ¡°You were soaking wet and I was being sullen and didn¡¯t want to talk to anybody, but you wouldn¡¯t leave until I had a cookie.¡±


    He chuckled. ¡°Since they were all soggy from the rain, I tasted one but spat it out, and you started yelling at me, and I started yelling back and we were making so much noise that the watchman came running over, thinking that someone was getting murdered. When he finally let us go, after his lecture, it was so awkward. I remember we didn¡¯t say a word to each other. Then part way back home, I start thinking: ¡®Gee, I¡¯m hungry¡¯ and¡ªnot even thinking¡ªI asked you for a cookie.¡±


    Several guests beganughing, theirughter echoing through the temple. Thundar¡¯sughter was loudest, and he loudlymented, ¡°Yeah, that sounds like him.¡±


    Moreughter erupted among the guests.


    Alex chuckled too. ¡°I¡¯m surprised you didn¡¯t smack me, but instead, you gave me this look like: ¡®you made me go through all that just to ask me for a cookie now?¡¯ And when I saw that look on your face, I just startedughing and couldn¡¯t stop, and you startedughing too. And from that day, mum and dad dying hurt just a little bit less, because I had you tough with. You were there for me, and you touched my broken heart.¡±


    By now, Theresa¡¯s hands were gripping his for dear life. Tears were running down her face.


    ¡°I reckon we have a beautiful future ahead of us and I know we can make it whatever we want it to be,¡± Alex said. ¡°I¡¯m excited to spend that future with you and make all of our dreamse true. Whatever we dream, we can do. We both know that life can be full of surprises, some good, some bad, and some in between, but as long as we¡¯re together, we can handle all of it. If my best friend is beside me, what can¡¯t we face? I¡¯ll always love you, Theresa. I¡¯m a very lucky man. So, I hereby vow to eternally love and cherish you. I will protect you and I know you will protect me. We will love each other through joy and pain, rain and sunshine. The good times will make us happier. The hard times will make us stronger. We will be together to face all that life has to offer. For all time.¡±


    By now Theresa was shaking.


    Alex had grown teary-eyed himself.


    Hannah spoke. ¡°We have heard our couple¡¯s beautiful vows, ones that will carry them through their married lives. But before we go further, tradition requires me to ask: if anyone objects to this union, if so, now is the time to speak.¡±


    Immediately all tears stopped, and Alex noticed Theresa ring at the circle and other witnesses, her death stalker face on full disy, as though <em>daring</em> anyone to say a word.


    Alex glowered in warning too, but no one said a single word.


    ¡°With no one objecting, the bride and groom may now tie the ceremonial bracelets on each other¡¯s wrists,¡± Hannah continued.


    Alex and Theresa looked back at each other, removing the two ceremonial bracelets made of leaves woven together from the aeld tree in Greymoor, from their pouches. Theresa tied Alex¡¯s onto his wrist. Then Alex tied Theresa¡¯s onto hers.


    They joined hands again, looking down at their bracelets.


    Hannah looked at Theresa first. ¡°Theresa, do you ept this man to be your husband, both in good times and in ill, to be joined together?¡±


    ¡°Yes, with everything I have.¡± Theresa looked up at Alex.


    ¡°Alex,¡± Hannah continued. ¡°Do you ept this woman to be your wife, both in good times and in ill, to be joined together?¡±


    ¡°Yes, with everything I have,¡± Alex echoed.


    The Traveller raised her voice, filling the temple with her words. ¡°Then by the power invested in me by¡­¡± She paused. ¡°¡­by me, I suppose. I, the Traveller, do dere Alex and Theresa married! Please seal your union with a kiss!¡±


    The huntress and the archwizard leaned toward each other.


    Their lips pressed to one another¡¯s, and they felt each other¡¯s warmth. In that moment, all other sights, sounds, smells, and feelings faded. Their world became only each other for one wonderful moment.


    A feeling of calm washed over Alex.


    All was well.


    And he understood how grand his life was to have led him here.


    ¡°Alright, everyone!¡± Hannah called. ¡°Please wee the newly joined couple! Then you¡¯re all invited to continue the celebration at the Golden Dragon in Generasi!¡±


    Apuse filled the temple.


    ygon and Birger raised their voices in a song of celebration.


    Alex and Theresa looked into each other¡¯s eyes as they pulled apart.


    ¡°I love you, my husband,¡± Theresa said.


    Alex was a little shocked by that word. That wonderful word.


    ¡°I love you too, my wife,¡± he replied.


    Their eyes stayed fixed on each other, like there was no one else in the world.


    Simply drinking in the moment.

 Chapter 906: Celebration

    Chapter 906: Celebration


    The Golden Dragon was perched on a hilltop in one of the wealthiest areas in all of Generasi; a massive building that resembled a small castle of white stone with hulking golden towers. Curving through the restaurant¡¯s spires was an immense dragon statue, ted in gold, seeming ready tounch into the sky.


    The interior was ptial, crafted of marble, mahogany, crystal and brass. Its walls were lined with fine oil paintings and murals. Fountains, standing in the middle of multiple dining rooms, sprayed water the colour of the sea into the air, cascading down into waterfalls, and water sprites danced through the falls.


    Each seat was an actual conjured cloud, every chair back was woven in the shape of a curve¡ªglowing with inner light¡ªinviting guests to sink right in. While sitting on them, it was easy to imagine what it must feel like to rx on the softest, lightest, cushions from the heavens.


    The tables were forged of brass and carven elfwood, alive and pulsing with calming auras.


    When Alex and hispanions werest there, they¡¯d enjoyed sitting around those tables while, in a corner of the dining room, a series of tiny constructs¡ªno bigger than one¡¯s thumb¡ªstood on a podium, ying magical instruments wrought of wood and tinum.


    Now, though?


    As the musical constructs were ying.


    Many guests weren¡¯t sitting.


    Thergest hall in the Golden Dragon had been reserved for a grand celebration: the wedding reception for Alexander and Theresa.One side of the room was dominated by a massive ironwood bar, behind which floated kegs of ale, wine, cider, mead and dozens of other less potent drinks. The stronger stuff was in decanters of golden crystal, floating high above the bar like a flock of trained birds.


    The bartender plied her trade, making sure that the guests were fuelled for their revelling.


    And revel is what they were doing in abundance.


    The tiny constructs yed jaunty tunes that left everyone filled with cheer. Wedding guests feasted along the sides of the room, giving speeches, toasting, drinking, talking,ughing and dancing.


    Some were in couples.


    Some in groups.


    All were enjoying themselves.


    It was from this crowd that Alex and Theresa finally emerged after dancing for the better part of an hour. The newlyweds sipped goblets of wine, smiles lighting their faces,ughter flowing freely as they held each other¡¯s hand, finally reaching a nearby table and dropping into a pair of cloud-cushioned chairs.


    They caught their breaths, taking in the celebration, watching their friends enjoying themselves.


    ¡°This¡­this is nice, isn¡¯t it?¡± Alex said, wrapping his arm around his wife¡¯s waist. ¡°Like, really nice.¡±


    Theresa nuzzled into her husband¡¯s shoulder. ¡°It is. We should have another one of these,¡± she joked.


    Alex nced at her, startled for a moment, then burst outughing. ¡°Well, there¡¯s going to be Khalik and Sinope¡¯s wedding to look forward to.¡±


    The young archwizard looked to where the prince and dryad were dancing. They were hand in hand, eyes locked on one another. Alex didn¡¯t have to be an expert in bodynguage to see how much love was between them.


    He smiled, his mind drifting back over the years.


    Alex recalled first seeing Khalik in the apartment across the ins, with magnificent Najyahnding on his arm. He didn¡¯t know back then that the muscr young man would be one of his closest friends, confidants and counsellors.


    Khalik was a hero in his own right, he would, no doubt, continue building his own legend over the centuries.


    As he and Theresa watched them, the prince caught Alex¡¯s eye.


    He smiled, giving him a grand smile, then whispering something to Sinope. The couple made their way over to the newlyweds.


    ¡°Helloooo newlyweds.¡± The prince grinned, pping Alex on the shoulder. ¡°Still high off your ceremony?¡±


    ¡°Might be high off of it for the rest of my life,¡± Theresa giggled.


    ¡°That will be a very long time, from what I hear,¡± Sinope said pointedly, with a knowing smile.


    ¡°That tells you how good it was,¡± Theresa said.


    ¡°Listen, Khalik.¡± Alex pped his friend on the arm. ¡°I just want to thank you for giving me that kick in the ass, back then. I needed it, seriously.¡±


    ¡°It is no problem,¡± Khalik chuckled. ¡°What is a little wisdom between friends? If we cannot share counsel, we cannot share anything.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, I owe you one,¡± Alex replied.


    ¡°Oh, bah, one does not keep track of favours like some sort of ¡®social merchant¡¯! We have all of time: we will be repaying each other back and forth through the millennia.¡±


    ¡°Damn right we will,¡± Alex agreed.


    Khalik nced down at the General of Thamnd¡¯s goblet. ¡°Ah, and you are already repaying me right now! You are reminding me that my cup is empty, and I think we should go and correct that grave error!¡¯


    Sinope chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t get too drunk now, my mighty oak blossom.¡±


    ¡°Oh, bah! My constitution is as strong as ygon¡¯s! How else have I been able to keep up with Thundar?¡± Khalik threw his head back andughed. ¡°Come, beloved.¡± He wrapped an arm around Sinope. ¡°It would be rude to our hosts to <em>not</em> fully celebrate!¡±


    Together, they began turning away.


    Alex spoke up. ¡°Wait, Khalik?¡±


    ¡°Yeeeees?¡± the prince turned back to his friend.


    ¡°Thank you¡­seriously, thank you for being my friend.¡±


    Khalik grew a little misty-eyed. ¡°The pleasure is shared, my friend. The pleasure is shared.¡±


    Together, Prince Khalik and Sinope made their way to the bar. Their grace made it almost seem like they were floating.


    ¡°He¡¯s great, isn¡¯t he?¡± Alex asked aloud.


    ¡°Yeah, they both are,¡± Theresa said.


    ¡°Hey!¡± a loud, gruff voice interrupted.


    They turned, spotting a <em>very</em> drunk Thundar stumbling toward them with Drestra holding him up.


    ¡°Heeyyyyy! What¡¯s up, I¡¯m surprised you two haven¡¯t gone to bed yet, what the hells?¡± Thundarughed.


    Both Alex and Theresa turned bright red.


    ¡°Oh, by the Traveller¡ª¡± Drestra started to say.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Hannah called from across the room.


    ¡°¡ªThundar, you can¡¯t say that out loud!¡± the Sage¡¯s reptillian eyes shed.


    ¡°We were <em>all</em> thinking it!¡± heughed. ¡°And as the cabal¡¯s leader, it¡¯s up to me to say the things no one else has the <em>spine</em> to say!¡±


    ¡°Thundar¡­you are very, very drunk,¡± Theresa said, her expression somewhere between embarrassment and amusement.


    ¡°Which is why I¡¯m here!¡± The minotaur looked at Alex. ¡°Can you do that blood magic thing where you make me sober and get rid of hangovers? I wanna drink more!¡±


    ¡°Heh, anything for our ¡®brave cabal leader¡¯.¡± Alex pressed a hand to Thundar¡¯s arm. With a twitch of his finger, he cleansed the alcohol from the minotaur¡¯s system.


    In an instant, Thundar was standing straighter, his eyes clearer.


    ¡°That¡¯s a trick I gotta learn for myself one day,¡± heughed. ¡°Great one. And now I get to get drunk all over again.¡± He turned to Drestra. ¡°This time, you¡¯re getting drunk before me!


    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the vition.


    Drestra shook her head. ¡°Thundar, I¡¯m a <em>dragon.</em>¡±


    ¡°That just makes it a challenge.¡±


    She rolled her eyes, shaking her head. ¡°I have terrible taste in men, apparently.¡±


    ¡°And I¡¯m d for it. Makes a lout like me lucky as all hells.¡±


    Drestra¡¯s face grew pink above her veil. ¡°Smooth talker.¡±


    ¡°I learned from the best.¡± Thundar winked at Alex. ¡°Seriously, man. I dunno if it was fate or divine decree or just dumb luck that put you, me, Khalik and Isolde together in that first trial for COMB-1000. But it was one of the best damned things that ever happened to me.¡±


    His face grew serious. ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter the battlefield, or the time or ce. Ask me? And I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    ¡°As will I,¡± Drestra¡¯s voice crackled as she looked at Alex and Theresa. ¡°Both of you helped me and kept me sane in a time when I felt all alone. You also helped my people in their time of need. I can never repay you for that.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, and if I didn¡¯t know you, I never woulda met Drestra,¡± Thundar said. ¡°Alex and Theresa, you two are the best. Don¡¯t let anyone tell you otherwise.¡±


    ¡°Right back at you, Thundar.¡± Alex suddenly stood and hugged his friend. ¡°Seriously. Anyone would be blessed to call you friend, cabal member or even brother. You¡¯re a titan, man. I mean that. I¡¯m d I know you.¡±


    ¡°Same here,¡± Theresa said.


    Thundar beamed at that, his eyes beginning to shine. ¡°Bah, you two are gonna make me cry! Alright, I¡¯d better get some more booze in me before I lose it. I¡¯ll catch you twoter.¡±


    With that, Thundar and Drestra went to the bar, greeting the prince and Sinope,ughing and chatting with them.


    Alex smiled, warmth filling his chest. ¡°What a guy.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Theresa said. ¡°We¡¯re lucky to know both him and Drestra.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Alex said. ¡°We really, really are.¡±


    ¡°I do feel the need to apologise,¡± a familiar, aristocratic voice said nearby.


    Alex nced in that direction, he and Theresa waved at Isolde and Cedric as they made their way over to them.


    ¡°I shall make sure that Thundar is thoroughly chastisedter, that remark was quite crude,¡± she sniffed.


    ¡°Aye, it was funny though,¡± Cedricughed. ¡°An¡¯ there weren¡¯t a weddin¡¯ that ever passed wit¡¯out some naughty joke!¡±


    ¡°I¡­suppose.¡± Isolde crossed her arms, her eyes softening a little. ¡°You do have a point. Even in the Rhinean empire¡ªamong nobility and after a few drinks¡ªa faux pas or two bes eptable, even expected.¡±


    ¡°Oooooh?¡± Theresa cocked an eyebrow. ¡°Are you going soft, Isolde?¡±


    ¡°Oh, bah, goin¡¯?¡± Cedric grinned, his gold tooth shining. ¡°She¡¯s always been a bloody softy. I had a few chats wit¡¯ Svenia an¡¯ Hogarth. She ain¡¯t nowhere near as ¡®proper¡¯ as she ys at. An¡¯ behind closed doors wit¡¯ me¡ª¡±


    ¡°<em>Cedric!¡±</em> Isolde screamed, her face bright red. ¡°Do not dare!¡±


    He raised his hands. ¡°Aye, aye, don¡¯ wanna anger no immortal wizard, now do I?¡±


    ¡°And you had better remember that, hmph!¡±


    ¡°Oh man, you are too funny, Isolde,¡± Alex shook his head,ughing. ¡°And you really do your best to keep all of us from going <em>too</em> far into degeneracy.¡±


    ¡°An extraordinarily difficult task, I can assure you,¡± she said, before uncrossing her arms. Her eyes softened again. ¡°But, more to the point, this has been an absolutely delightful affair so far. And congrattions, to you both.¡±


    ¡°Why thank you.¡± Theresa ced a hand on Isolde¡¯s. ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Please. Even if the Ravener and Ezaliel themselves came back from the dead, they could not hope to keep me away.¡±


    ¡°Hah, and the same will go for your wedding when the timees,¡± Alex said. ¡°We¡¯ll be there, no matter what. Even if you don¡¯t invite us!¡±


    ¡°Please, Roth.¡± She rolled her eyes. ¡°I would rather tear out my own hair before I skip sending you an invitation. Listen, and listen well. You both are two of the truest friends anyone could ever ask for. I do mean that sincerely. I did not imagine that my truest friends in life would be found not in my year, but in COMB-1000. What a wonderful thing it was that we were put together in the trial for Baelin¡¯s course.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, hah, Thundar, Khalik and I were just talking about that,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°No doubt. Weddings tend to bring about reminiscent conversations,¡± Isolde said. ¡°And well they should. By the elements, I am d to have known you two. And I consider it an honour to continue to know you in the future.¡±


    Alex smiled at that. ¡°Likewise, Isolde. Likewise. d you decided that hanging around us wild and crazy guys was worth it.¡±


    She blushed at that. ¡°More than worth it. More than worth it indeed. I recall being in something of a dark ce after Derek¡¯s actions. And yet, here I am¡­and he is barely a distant memory. It is¡­good.¡±


    ¡°Aye, all o¡¯ yous don¡¯ have any idea how happy y¡¯make her,¡± Cedric said. ¡°It¡¯s a bloody beautiful thing. S¡¯too bad we couldn¡¯t o¡¯ met even earlier than we did. But, eh, we gots time now, wit¡¯ the Ravener bein¡¯ dead an¡¯ all.¡±


    ¡°That we do!¡± Alex said.


    ¡°Alright, I think I shall have some more libations myself,¡± Isolde said. ¡°Alex, Theresa¡­thank you. Thank you for being some of my closestpanions.¡±


    With that, she and Cedric went off together, joining Khalik, Sinope, Thundar and Drestra at the bar.


    Alex wrapped his arm around Theresa¡¯s waist, and she snuggled into him. ¡°We really got lucky with the people we know,¡± he said.


    ¡°Yes we did,¡± Theresa said. ¡°That we did.¡± She kissed his cheek.


    He looked at her for a long moment, then opened his mouth to say something.


    ¡°You know¡ª¡±


    ¡°Oi, all of you!¡± Thundar¡¯s voice boomed.


    The minotaur was making his way back to the dance floor, looking at the bride and groom. He was followed by his other cabal mates; Drestra, Sinope and Cedric. ¡°That¡¯s enough sitting! We¡¯ve got some real partying to do!¡±


    Alex grinned at that. ¡°Rested up enough, Theresa?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡± She leapt to her feet.


    She and the young archwizard joined their guests back on the dance floor, to cheers.


    Soon smiling faces were pressing goblets into their hands.


    Thundar came roaring across the room, a goblet of wine in either hand, dancing toward Drestra. He quickly drained both sses, mming them down on a nearby table. His hooves cked on the tiles as he jumped into a tauric jig: a dance often used in celebration of the changing of seasons by his people.


    He turned, whirled, and pped in time with the beat of the drums and swell of the music. The guests¡ªespecially younger men who¡¯d had a few drinks¡ªwhistled, pped andughed.


    ¡°Oi, nice jig y¡¯got there friend!¡± Cedric called, cing his hands on his hips and dancing toward Thundar. ¡°Th¡¯ Dance o¡¯ th¡¯ River from n Duncan¡¯s even better, though!¡±


    The red-haired man jumped into his own dance, his feet whirling with graceful movement.


    Thundar snorted. ¡°Oh ya? Well, I ept your challenge!¡±


    The minotaur danced toward him in turn, a circle quickly formed around the two young men.


    Alex, Theresa and the others pped as Thundar and the Thameish Hero faced each other. ygon¡¯s pping sounded like a smithy crashing down on top of a kitchen full of pots and pans. Merzhin winced beside him, pping with a somewhat awkward smile on his face, though he still seemed to be enjoying himself.


    As the minotaur and the Hero faced off, their feet continued moving in dizzying patterns.


    It was hard to tell who was out-dancing the other as they moved with a warrior¡¯s grace.


    ¡°Oh, bah!¡± a voice cried. ¡°Enough of that. Let the chicks give way! A true eagle is taking flight!¡±


    ¡°Father, no!¡± Bjorgrund cried.


    ¡°Oh yeessss!¡±


    Birger slipped past his son into the circle.


    With a grin, the grey-bearded giant jumped into his own version of a jig, onebined with several other forms of dance, all fused together in a jaw-dropping disy of acrobatics and art.


    ¡°Oooooh!¡± Thundar and Cedric cried as one, giving way to the giant as he whirled, tapped and stepped through the circle.


    ¡°Yeaaaah, Birger!¡± Theresa cried.


    The giant¡¯s powerful legs kicked him into the air, he backflipped twice beforending on his toes. ¡°By the Traveller¡ª-¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Hannah said, and Alex was starting to think she was doing that on purpose.


    ¡°¡ªit¡¯s good to have two legs! Come on, everyone! Join in! Don¡¯t just stand there pping! Dance is made to dance, not just spectate! Ande on you two young chicks!¡± He gestured to Cedric and Thundar. ¡°Let me teach ya some moves that broke the hearts of maids the world over!¡±


    Laughing, Thundar and Cedric joined Birger again, and the rest of the circle melted into a frenzy of dancing.


    Professor Jules¡ªquite inebriated¡ªdanced a wild, exaggerated waltz, stumbling along with Toraka, Val¡¯Rok, Mangal and Baelin, all of them in a spinning circle.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, Vernia! Dance as a Proper Wizard would!¡± Baelin roared withughter.


    ¡°You¡­there¡¯s no way a Proper Wizard needs to dance!¡± Professor Jules slurred back.


    ¡°As the inventor of the term, I can change its definition whenever I please. Now, dance!¡± Baelin winked.


    ¡°Old goat,¡± she cursed him, thenughed as she continued whirling.


    ¡°An old goat who is still a Proper Wizard!¡± Baelinughed, his hooves cking.


    As the professors spun away, Kybas burst through the crowd dancing wildly, iling around, looking almost like a bee alerting members of its hive to nearby flowers. ¡°Hahaaaah! Now <em>this</em> is a party! Great way to spend the day before we go off, Grimloch!¡±


    The sharkman¡ªwho was annihting a buffet table off to the side¡ªcaught the goblin¡¯s eye. ¡°Monster hunting¡¯s gonna be fun together. The world¡¯s gonna be our buffet!¡± His deep voice cut across the room, even over the spirited music.


    ¡°Yes!¡± the goblinughed maniacally. ¡°You and Harmless will eat <em>all</em> the monsters! I¡¯ll eat regr food.¡±


    ¡°Coward.¡±


    ¡°I just wouldn¡¯t dream of taking food out of your and Harmless'' mouths!¡±


    ¡°Fair enough, then.¡±


    Kybasughed and continued dancing, passing Tyris and Hart, who were wrapped around each other like strangling vines as they danced. Dirtily. Very dirtily.


    On the other side of the dance floor another circle formed as Fan-Dor and Gel-Dor started the Spear-and-Oar dance. The two schar showed off their ancient dance, drawing cheers from Lucia and other guests.


    ygon and Selina waltzed their way past the circle, heading right toward where Alex and Theresa were dancing with wild abandon.


    ¡°Alex, Theresa!¡± she called, her hands linked with the golem¡¯s lower hands.


    ¡°Hey!¡± Alex called. ¡°Look at you, thest time we were at one of these parties, you were with the kids, now here you are with the rest of us adults, Selina!¡±


    She rolled her eyes. ¡°Thest time we went to a party like this was at Isolde¡¯s cousin¡¯s, and we got attacked by monsters!¡±


    ¡°Well, we didn¡¯t get attacked by monsters this time!¡± Theresa countered.


    ¡°Yeah, but you two got married in a ce where we were nearly killed before! And,<em> of course</em> that¡¯s where you <em>would</em> get married!¡± She stuck her tongue out at them. ¡°ygon, let¡¯s get away before they get us killed!¡±


    ¡°<em>I¡­do not think¡­we are in any danger¡­oh wait¡­it was a joke¡­yes¡­father¡­Theresa¡­I must go¡­before we are destroyed¡­!¡±</em> he called.


    Giggling, Selina danced away with ygon.


    Alex stared after his sister. ¡°Is this a rebellious phase?¡±


    Theresa wrapped her arms behind her husband¡¯s neck. ¡°No, she always liked making fun of you.¡±


    He sighed. ¡°Such is my lot in life.¡±


    ¡°Hey.¡± Suddenly, her face was very close to his. ¡°What were you going to say earlier? Before we came back to the dance floor?¡±


    ¡°Oh that? Just the truth.¡±


    ¡°What truth?¡± Theresa asked.


    ¡°That you are my universe and that will never change,¡± Alex said.


    She froze for a moment. ¡°Alex, you wanted to take a picture of all of us, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°We should do that right now.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because the night¡¯s getting on, and I¡¯m about three seconds away from dragging you to bed. So you¡¯d better get that done fast.¡±


    ¡°Oh. O-oh!¡± Alex shouted. ¡°Alright, then!¡±


    He turned. ¡°Everyone! Could I have your attention for a second! I¡¯d like to get an image of all of us, before the night ends! So, gather around!¡±


    Pulling out Hannah¡¯s phone, he caught the Traveller¡¯s eye.


    She smiled at him, then nodded.


    Together, the wedding guests met in the centre of the room.


    Alex conjured a pair of Wizard¡¯s Hands, giving them the Traveller¡¯s artefact, they floated in front of his guests, pointing it toward the smiling group.


    All smiled.


    All were together.


    And then came the click.


    What was captured was a perfect moment in time.


    A moment of Heroes.


    A moment of lovers.


    A wonderful moment of celebration among giants, wizards, priests, bakers, schrs, warriors, and, indeed¡­


    ¡­fools.

 Chapter 907: Generals and Legacy (Final Chapter of Mark of the Fool + Afterward)

    Chapter 907: Generals and Legacy (Final Chapter of Mark of the Fool + Afterward)


    ¡°Shall we go?¡± Alex asked Theresa, offering his arm.


    ¡°Yes, let¡¯s,¡± Theresa whispered, her hot breath on his ear.


    Together, husband and wife linked arms and made their way toward the exit.


    Only for the doors to abruptly burst open.


    The music ended.


    All dancing did too as the doors kept swinging, banging against the wall as though gripped by a scouring winter wind.


    Loud footsteps came next, echoing from the hallway. A hallway that was in utter darkness.


    Theresa reached for her des, shouting, patting her empty scabbards. ¡°Alex, my swords are gone!¡±


    The archwizard prepared to channel his magics. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, whatever this is, I¡¯ve got it.¡±His mind raced.


    What was it? All the enemies he was aware of were either dead or¡­dead. Was someone looking for him from the Irtyshenan Empire? Was some ally of Kaz-Mowang here to take his head?


    The footsteps grew louder and a figure suddenly materialised from the dark.


    A familiar one.


    ¡°What the hells?¡± Alex cried.


    In the doorway was the familiar form of¡­


    ¡­Minervus.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t even invite me to your wedding? How cruel, to think that you would have forgotten me so quickly!¡± Minervus snarled.


    ¡°What¡­you¡¯re dead!¡± Alex cried.


    ¡°You foolish Fool.¡± The ime employee of Shale¡¯s sneered. ¡°You weren¡¯t able to see through my clever n! So you didn¡¯t see <em>this </eming either! Look who I freed from prison?¡±


    Minervus gestured to the darkened hallway where arger figure stood.


    Leopold, the demon summoner and former friend to Amir, stalked into the room, his hands flexing like a monster¡¯s ws. ¡°Thank you for the save, Minervus. Faking both of our deaths has proven quite fruitful. Now, I¡¯ll repay you for freeing me by doing what I do best!¡±


    He extended his hands, summoning.


    ¡°Heree your greatest enemies!¡±


    The air around him shimmered.


    Terrible beings manifested.


    First came Ezaliel, his demonic facets shining.


    The Ravener followed, spawning monsters as it floated in ce.


    Aenflynn stepped from behind the construct with a sharp-toothed grin, rubbing his hands together, looking sinister.


    Thest being Leopold summoned was¡­


    ¡­Uldar himself, in all his treacherous glory.


    ¡°I live again,¡± the former god of Thamnd dered. ¡°And now we will have our vengeance.¡±


    Slowly, the dark beings from Alex¡¯s past advanced on the wedding guests.


    ¡°No!¡± the General of Thamnd cried. ¡°This can¡¯t be! Not today! No, no, noooooo¡ª¡±


    Alex woke up.


    It was morning, sunlight streamed in through a tall window.


    The General of Thamnd blinked blearily, trying to understand what was happening. ¡°Where¡¯s the Ravener¡­¡± he whispered. ¡°Where¡¯s the demon¡ª¡±


    He paused. ¡°...it was a dream, just a dream.¡±


    The young wizard turned his back to the window¡­


    ¡­and found his beautiful wife, fast asleep beside him in their bed.


    Memories of their party, and what happened afterward were returning to him¡­


    He smiled, stretching his muscr¡ªbut very sore¡ªbody like a contented cat.


    ¡®You know, Uldar,¡¯ he thought, slowly peeling himself off the bed. ¡®I don¡¯t think¡­certain acts were what you had in mind when you made the General good at mastering <em>every</em> skill quickly, but if you were still alive, I¡¯d owe even a traitor like you a drink.¡¯


    Sighing, he let himself melt back into the pillows.


    This was his life now.


    His best friend, his lover, and eternity.


    A good life, to say the least.


    Now, there was the honeymoon to think about.


    He turned his head, peering at the sky through small gaps in the shutters. Once he and Theresa got up, they¡¯d be leaving.


    ¡­for the stars.


    With a few spells from Baelin, and the Traveller¡¯s power, Alex and his wife would be able to survive just about anywhere. And they were nning on using those abilities to visit different worlds. They could see sights beyond anything this had to offer, and bathe in the light of far-distant suns, while exploring realms and cultures across the universe.


    Theresa had always wanted to travel.


    She had followed him when he went to fulfil <em>his</em> dream.


    Now he would fulfil hers.


    ¡®Going among the stars with Theresa as my wife¡­quite a far cry from being an abused baker''s assistant,¡¯ he thought. ¡®Oh, shoot, that reminds me.¡¯


    The General nced across the room where arge table, heaped with wedding gifts and letters, stood. They¡¯d read some, snuggled together and exhausted, before they¡¯d fallen asleepst night. There was one note in particr that reminded him of his life under the abusive McHarris.


    Its contents read:


    <em>Congrattions to you two on being wedded! We have a gift for you that we hope we can give you before you go off on your honeymoon. It won¡¯t be ready until the afternoon of your wedding. Sorry we couldn¡¯t get it to you sooner! We hope you can maybe visit and pick it up before you go off on your honeymoon?</em>


    <em>Sincerely, Peter and Paul.</em>


    Alex definitely wanted to see what their gift was, but he also had a dilemma. He didn¡¯t want to wake Theresa up, and he didn¡¯t want to leave thefort of his marital bed¡­but, at the same time, he <em>really</em> wanted to have that gift in hand to show her when she woke up.


    ¡®Should I get up, or should I stay?¡¯ Alex wondered. Then he smirked. ¡®Thank the Traveller, I don¡¯t have to choose.¡¯


    Concentrating on Hannah¡¯s power, he stayed in bed¡­<em>and</em> also appeared outside the bedroom in their suite at the Royal Griffon hotel.


    He quickly washed¡ªan army of Wizard¡¯s Hands washing him from head to toe¡ªthen he teleported somefortable clothes onto his body.


    Giving the situation a second thought, he also teleported the aeld staff into his hand.


    It gave off waves of excitement.


    ¡°Hello, friend,¡± he whispered to the staff, making sure he couldn¡¯t hear himself by being loud enough to wake Theresa. ¡°Let¡¯s go on a little trip, shall we? I bet Peter and Paul are at the fountain this time of day.¡±


    With a single thought, he teleported to Alric.


    Images from across space blurred past him as he hurtled toward his old hometown, appearing beside the fountain¡­to a flurry of curses.


    ¡°What th¡ª¡± Peter cried, stumbling back.


    The young archwizard had appeared only a few feet away from him.


    ¡°Aaaaaaarg-Alex?¡± Paul paused, partway through drawing his sword. ¡°Is that you?¡±


    ¡°In the flesh.¡± The young archwizard smiled, his long hair blowing in the morning breeze. ¡°How are you two doing?¡±


    ¡°Fine, until you nearly scared us to death!¡± Peter fumed. ¡°Gah, if you didn¡¯t save our lives, I¡¯d say you¡¯d be the death of us! What are you doing here this early in the morning? Shouldn¡¯t you be with your new bride?¡±


    The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the vition.


    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s going to be real mad if you¡¯re already leaving her behind the morning after your wedding,¡± Paul said nervously.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± Alex said, his voice light. ¡°I¡¯m with her at the same time I¡¯m with you two. I¡¯m in two ces at once.¡±


    Peter and Paul looked at each other.


    Then shrugged.


    ¡°That sound like ¡®wizard shit¡¯ to you?¡± Peter asked Paul.


    ¡°Sounds like ¡®wizard shit¡¯ to me,¡± Paul replied, before looking at Alex with his eyebrow raised. ¡°Are you nning on being in more than one ce at once during your honeymoon?¡±


    Alex blinked once. ¡°Are you out of your minds? My attention¡¯s going to be on my wife. Because I <em>want</em> it to be on my wife!¡±


    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Paul said. ¡°I take it you¡¯re here to pick up your gift?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, nice letter, by the way,¡± Alex said. ¡°We¡¯ll be leaving for our honeymoon a littleter, so this was about the only chance I knew I¡¯d have toe and get it.¡±


    ¡°Right,¡± Peter said. ¡°Then I¡¯d better go get it. Theresa will have our hides if she finds out we¡¯re holding you up. Watch the fountain for me, Paul.¡±


    ¡°Aye,¡¯ Paul said. ¡°You can trust me with that.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll watch it too,¡± Alex said.


    ¡°Then I know it¡¯s in good hands!¡± Peter said, running off down thergely deserted<strong></strong>street.


    It was shortly after sunrise, and not many had taken to the cobblestone roads of Alric yet. Things were quiet¡­which Alex was d of; these days, every time he took two steps into Thamnd, he¡¯d be surrounded by people thanking him for everything he¡¯d done.


    But, this morning, he couldn¡¯t spare the time for that.


    ¡°So,¡± Paul interrupted his thoughts. ¡°You like what they did with the fountain?¡±


    Alex followed his gaze to the fountain of the Heroes in the middle of town.


    ¡°Yes, I really do.¡± He smiled up at it. ¡°I actually really like it.¡±


    The fountain was crowned with the statues of the Heroes that had always been a part of it: the hulking figure of the Champion, the bespectacled, stern Sage, the kind figure of the Saint, the handsome form of the Chosen, and a statue with a chin too curved, eyes too bulging, and a nose that looked like a pumpkin¡¯s stem. A jaunty jester¡¯s hat sat on its head.


    The Fool.


    At one time, that statue was always covered in bird droppings¡­but now, it was as polished and well maintained as the other Heroes¡¯ images.


    There was also an additional figure that now joined the others on top of the fountain.


    Carved of the same fine stone, a likeness of the General rose above the other Heroes. The statue¡¯s features resembled Alex¡¯s, and its muscr form held a scroll in one hand, and a sword in the other.


    Its facial expression seemed wise, as it looked down on Alex and Paul with benevolent eyes. Hanging around the statue¡¯s neck was the symbol of antern.


    ¡°Yeah, the sculptor did a really great job,¡± Alex said, nodding approvingly.


    ¡°Aye, that she did,¡± Paul agreed. ¡°Look at you! I can¡¯t believe you turned from being that skinny baker¡¯s assistant to the size you are now.¡±


    ¡°Funny, I was just thinking about that,¡± Alex said. ¡°You know¡ª¡±


    He paused.


    Paul frowned. ¡°Something wrong?¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± he paused again. His hearing, sharpened from the elixir of immortality, picked up a voice yelling from inside a nearby building. A familiar and rather unpleasant voice.


    He slowly turned around.


    ¡°Oh, no damn way,¡± he whispered.


    ¡°What? Oh, you mean that. Yeah, it¡¯s still there,¡± Paul said.


    The two men were looking at McHarris¡¯ Bakery, restored and still there after all this time.


    ¡°Yeah, he had to pay a pretty hefty fine after that incident with the eggs, he was in jail for a few days too, but he got out because of the Ravener¡¯s attack,¡± Paul said. ¡°But he¡¯s back in business now. Hopefully, he learned his lesson, though. Bad memories from that ce, aye?¡±


    The guard couldn¡¯t hear McHarris¡¯ yelling.


    It was growing louder.


    Alex frowned.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    Without another word, he cast invisibility magic on himself and teleported inside the bakery¡­


    Where a familiar scene was ying out.


    McHarris¡ªin all his bullying glory¡ªstood with his hands on his hips, yelling and cursing at a boy who looked no older than sixteen. A dark haired young man winced and wilted under each barb the baker was throwing at him.


    Alex¡¯s jaw clenched.


    ¡°¡ªbrainless buffoon!¡± the old baker ranted. ¡°I swear, you have nothing between your ears besides sawdust and broken dreams! <em>My</em> broken dreams! Listen to me, you¡¯re my <em>assistant</em>, and you¡¯ll bloody listen to what <em>I</em> say if you know what¡¯s good for you!¡±


    ¡°Y-yes, chef,¡± the boy murmured.


    ¡°I¡¯m a bloody baker, not a chef!¡± McHarris snarled. ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you? Can¡¯t you even remember that? Pay <em>attention</em> to me, you oaf!¡± He puffed out his chest. ¡°After all, I¡¯m the one that whipped the General of Thamnd into shape when he was ad! If it weren¡¯t for me, he¡¯d be as useless as the day I found him, same as you! Thamnd owes me, and so do you!¡±


    ¡®What the <em>hells,¡¯</em> Alex thought, his blood beginning to boil.


    For an instant, he considered all the things he could do to the baker.


    Devastating spells.


    The Traveller¡¯s power.


    Summoned monsters¡­perhaps even a visit from Asmaldestre the Unmaker.


    There were so many ways he could annihte this unrepentant bully, that he was still sifting through them in his mind when the baker huffed.


    ¡°That¡¯s why we have to make sure that the General is treated like a <em>king</em> when hees in here next!¡± McHarris shouted.


    Alex¡¯s invisible jaw dropped.


    Was this man serious?


    ¡°And that¡¯s why you need to work harder!¡± McHarris snapped. ¡°Now, I don¡¯t care how bloody sick you are, or how tired, or whatever you are! Get to work! We open within the hour!¡±


    Without another word, he stomped out of the kitchen and into the front part of the bakery.


    His assistant was left behind, head hanging.


    Alex bit his lip.


    In many ways, the young man reminded him of <em>himself</em>, suffering under McHarris¡¯s cruelty.


    ¡®Can¡¯t believe that bloody bastard hasn¡¯t changed,¡¯ he thought. ¡®And¡­wait. He hasn¡¯t changed?¡¯ A devilish grin took his features. ¡®He. Hasn¡¯t. Changed.¡¯


    Alex dismissed the invisibility magic on himself.


    The assistant sniffled, then looked up, yelping in surprise.


    Alex quickly put a finger to his lips. ¡°Shhhhh¡­¡± he hissed softly.


    The apprentice closed his mouth.


    ¡°Stop caterwauling in there!¡± McHarris shouted from the front. ¡°What, are you doing, crying, you spineless little whelp?¡±


    The apprentice winced.


    Alex shook his head, then teleported to where McHarris kept his ingredients. The young archwizard¡¯s eyes scanned the open pantry, looking and sniffing.


    ¡®Eggs are fine this time, fruit jam looks fine too¡­ah. Here we are,¡¯ he thought, grinning.


    He slowly looked at the apprentice, pointing to the salted beef for meat pies. ¡°That looks old, doesn¡¯t it?¡± The archwizard inhaled deeply. ¡°Yes it¡¯s definitely off.¡±


    The apprentice looked from Alex to the meat, slowly nodding.


    Alex¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡°You know the nice thing about fools? <em>Actual</em> fools, I mean? They never learn lessons. Stay there for a moment.¡±


    He teleported back to the fountain.


    Paul yelped when the archwizard reappeared¡­as did Peter, who was now holding something.


    ¡°You gotta stop doing that,¡± Peter said. ¡°Nearly made me drop your gift. Here you are, by the way.¡±


    Before Alex could say anything, he was presented with the gift.


    ¡°Oh¡­oh wow!¡± the young archwizard cried.


    He¡¯d been handed a small, wooden, carved replica of the fountain in the centre of Alric that the three of them were currently standing beside¡­the one noticeable difference was that the figures represented on it were different.


    There were only three of them.


    On the left stood Theresa,plete with death stalker face, the twinde raised in her hands. On the right was Brutus, sheathed in his bone armour with all three heads snarling. And in the middle¡­a perfect replica of Alex was standing there in triumph, holding his sword-staff high.


    On the base, a simple inscription was written:


    <em>The True Heroes of Alric.</em>


    ¡°There¡¯s space on it, right in front of you,¡± Peter pointed out. ¡°A ce for your little sister, when she grows up a bit more. She¡¯s going to do great things, I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°Do¡­do you like it?¡± Paul asked.


    Alex stared at the sculpture, transfixed, memories ying through his mind.


    Memories of a young Fool, a huntress, her dog, and a young girl, travelling beyond Alric¡¯s walls.


    Ahead of them waited¡­unimaginable possibilities.


    ¡°It¡¯s wonderful,¡± Alex said, clutching the sculpture close. ¡°I¡¯m going to cherish it forever.¡±


    Peter and Paul smiled.


    ¡°Very d about that,¡± Peter said.


    ¡°Aye, very d,¡± Paul said. ¡°And listen, we still owe you. You saved both our lives. That¡¯s a high debt of gratitude to pay.¡±


    ¡°Funny you should bring that up,¡± Alex said. ¡°Uhm, can you two do me a little favour?¡±


    ¡°Oh, anything!¡± Peter said quickly.


    Alex nced at McHarris¡¯ bakery. ¡°Did you know that McHarris is using old meat? It¡¯s definitely rotten, he¡¯s been trying to cover it up with salt and spices. I don¡¯t think the baker¡¯s guild or butcher¡¯s guild would be too happy about that. Neither would the mayor if¡­¡± He remembered their conversation from long ago, when he pointed out McHarris¡¯ rotten eggs. ¡°¡­if<strong></strong>some bigwig<strong></strong>turned all green in the face and keeled over... You might want to investigate.¡±


    Peter and Paul stared at him.


    ¡°Really? You¡¯re the General of Thamnd and you¡¯re asking us to investigate and arrest the same bloody baker you used to work for?¡± Paul asked.


    ¡°<em>Yes</em>,¡± Alex said with almost the same conviction he¡¯d had when he was saying his wedding vows.


    ¡°What, no bad bribe this time?¡± Peter snorted.


    Alex reached for his coin purse.


    ¡°Wait, wait, stop!¡± Peter waved his hands. ¡°Can¡¯t have the bloody <em>General</em> bribing a couple of town guards. We¡¯ll go check things out.¡±


    ¡°Aye, we¡¯d best,¡± Paul grumbled. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Enjoy your honeymoon, Alex.¡±


    ¡°Oh I will, and I¡¯ll buy you both drinks when I get back!¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll look forward to it, and we¡¯ll buy you some in return,¡± Peter said.


    Alex watched the guards march away, then stop in front of McHarris¡¯ front door and pound on it.


    As soon as the outraged baker opened up, they pushed past him, entering the shop.


    ¡°Wait, what are you doing?¡± McHarris cried, rushing after the two guards. ¡°No, stop! Not again!¡±


    Alex chuckled as McHarris¡¯ cries of dismay echoed through the doorway.


    When the crashing began, he outright cackled.


    Revenge was <em>still</em> the best food he¡¯d ever tasted from McHarris¡¯.


    He was d he had the chance to savour seconds.


    As the crashing and cursing escted, the young assistant rushed out the door, looking wild-eyed.


    He froze when he caught Alex¡¯s eye.


    The General smiled and winked. The assistant shyly smiled back.


    Alex waved him over, and the young man winced, but quickly hurried to him.


    ¡°Listen, I-I can¡¯t thank you enough,¡± the now former<strong></strong>assistant stammered.


    ¡°Oh, no need to thank me,¡± Alexughed, digging into his coin purse. ¡°Thanks to me, you¡¯re probably out of a job. What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Martin,¡± the assistant said quickly.


    ¡°Right, Martin.¡± Alex dug a couple of coins from his purse. Martin¡¯s eyes grew wide at the shining, golden disks. ¡°Here¡¯s a couple of gold to tide you over. When I get back from my honeymoon, I¡¯ll find you, and we can chat about youing to work in the first Alric branch of the Roth Family Bakery, which I¡¯ll be opening soon.¡± He grinned. ¡°You¡¯ll see how<em> proper</em> food¡¯s made, and hey, together we can make sure McHarris stays out of business when he <em>finally</em> gets out of jail. Poisoning people is serious business.¡±


    The assistant gulped, nodding vigorously, then bowed. ¡°You¡¯re even kinder than the rumours tell. Thank you, thank you sir!¡±


    With that, Martin scurried off, leaving Alex alone at the fountain.


    Humming to himself, the young archwizard dug out a couple more coins and tossed them in the fountain.


    He closed his eyes.


    To the hulking figure of the Champion, he thanked him for bravery. To the bespectacled, stern Sage, he thanked her for the wits she¡¯d shown. To the kind figure of the Saint, he thanked her for the generosity he¡¯d received. And to the handsome form of the Chosen, he gave much appreciation for good luck and blessings.


    To the General, he offered his gratitude for turning him into the man he was today.


    And finally, to the Fool¡­Alex gave his sympathies and gratitude.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he whispered to the statue. ¡°Thank you for helping me get to where I am.¡±


    Grinning up at the stone image, he recalled the dream that had woken him up that morning. Despite how horrible the dream had been, the day was already shaping up to be pretty terrific.


    He remembered an old expression.


    ¡°<em>The worst days tend to start with good mornings</em>,¡± he said, listening to the wonderful music that was McHarris¡¯ torment. ¡°Well after that nightmare this morning, I think this is shaping up to be one of the <em>best </em>days of my life!¡±


    With anotherugh, the General of Thamnd teleported away from Alric.


    Soon, he would join his wife, and together, they would walk among the stars.


    Under the early morning sunlight, not a soul had seen him depart, but if they had, they might have noticed something curious. If one didn¡¯t know better; the bulging eyes of the Fool¡¯s statue and the wise eyes of the General¡¯s seemed to linger on the spot where Alexander Roth had been.


    Where a former baker¡¯s assistant had been.


    Where a Hero had been.


    Where an archwizard had been.


    And looking at that spot, one might have even said that the stone statues smiled.

 Fool-Related Announcement: Mark of the Fool 8 out in ebook and paperback form!

    Fool-Rted Announcement: Mark of the Fool 8 out in ebook and paperback form!


    Hellooooo everyone!


    This is just an announcement to tell you that Mark of the Fool 8 hase out on Amazon in e-book and paperback! That¡¯s Book 8 of 10¡­.yeah as it turns out, what was supposed to be book 9 was so big that it had to be split so that we could get paperbacks for the whole series.


    So yeah, this is the third tost one!


    Thank you for following me on this journey! I¡¯m currently at work on the next series. In the meantime, you can find the book in the link /amazon/B0D3G9154S


    Also check out this cover:


    It''s awesome.


    Also if you feel like giving me another boost, you can upvote these reddit posts. Of course, you don¡¯t have to do that if you don¡¯t want to! /r/ProgressionFantasyments/1fjt3a1/mark_of_the_fool_8_out_in_ebook_and_paperback/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the /r/litrpgments/1fjt3vx/mark_of_the_fool_8_out_in_ebook_and_paperback/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button


    <strong>On Audio: </strong>Book 7 is with Travis, but I don¡¯t know when he¡¯ll have time to record yet.


    Also, I¡¯ll be using this space for Fool rted announcements in the future, like the weic and two other things I am SUPER excited about.

 An Update + Audio Announcement!

    An Update + Audio Announcement!


    So hi everybody!


    Let me start off by saying that I have been avoiding posting this, but I¡¯ve put it off as long as I can.


    In short, I¡¯ve been having health issues.


    Before you panic, they¡¯re not life threatening or anything like that. Long story short, around September, I began to notice bnce issues. They didn¡¯t go away, instead progressing to dizziness, tingling and other symptoms like muscle spasms and twitches.


    Went to my doctor.


    It seems that I have fluid swelling in my inner ear that is pressing on some nerves in my skull, causing all kinds of issues.


    So yeah. I¡¯ve been struggling with that since. It¡¯s intermittent and seems to be VERY slowly getting better, however I¡¯m going back to the doctor TODAY.


    Anyway, it¡¯s been slowing me way down. Surprisingly, writing while being super dizzy is hard, lmao!


    I¡¯ve been making progress with I Am Be Death, but I¡¯d haveunched like a month and a half ago if it weren¡¯t for my condition.Currently, I¡¯m aiming tounch in January. I nearly have enough material, but I want more to make sure I don¡¯t fall behind in case this sickness takes longer to heal than I anticipate.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    So yeah that¡¯s what¡¯s happening.


    I don¡¯t like to post updates without something to give you (my brain just goes, ¡°You¡¯re making excuses and bothering them for no reason!¡±) but I had to, at this point.


    Now, I also wanted to announce that Book 7unches on audio today! It¡¯s narrated by the always fantabulous! The great! The wonderful! The grand! Travis Baldree!


    I know many folks were waiting for this, and here it is. You can find it through the following /pd/Mark-of-the-Fool-7-Audiobook/B0DM9LMPRH


    Enjoy, folks! And I¡¯ll be back with some more announcements, and the first chapters of I Am Be Death!


    Cya!


    PS.


    Could I get some upvotes for these reddit posts? You don''t have to, of /r/litrpgments/1hbu0zg/mark_of_the_fool_/r/ProgressionFantasyments/1hbu2t4/mark_of_the_fool_book_7unches_on_audio/


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Another Fool Kindle Launch and Another Health Update + I Am Become Death Update + Comic Update!

    Another Fool Kindle Launch and Another Health Update + I Am Be Death Update + Comic Update!


    Greetings and salutations!


    So folks, I''m here to announce my kindleunch for Mark of the Fool book 9!


    And also, I just wanted to give some updates on my health, I Am Be Death and the Mark of the Foolic.


    So first off:


    <strong>Woooooo book 9unches today</strong>! Thank you all for your support this entire time, and I am very happy to be here. Without you, I would NOT be here! It''s crazy to think that it''s been 9 books. Just to warn you due to the length of the series spiralling, book 9 ends a little bit differently than it did on patreon and RR. I''ll let you find out the end point. :)


    So as always, downloading an rereading the book on kindle unlimited helps me out, but-as always-YOU DO NOT HAVE TO do this. Honestly, your patience during my recent medical issues has been wonderful enough.


    But, if you want to get into it on Amazon, here''s the link: /amazon/B0DGLYQTKR


    Also, might I get some upvotes on these reddit posts?https://.reddit/r/litrpgments/1inriy2/mark_of_the_fool_book_9_is_out_today_on_kindle/


    https://.reddit/r/ProgressionFantasyments/1inri3q/mark_of_the_fool_9_out_today/


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.Also: HERE IS THE COVER


    Brutus looks so cool!


    <strong>Secondly, about my health. </strong>So I had an MRI and it turns out I''m NOT dying and DO NOT have a degenerative disease. :) Which is pretty good news! My doc thinks it was some sinus or inner ear thing that messed with a bunch of nerves, and kinda manifested as a form of Restless Legs and vertigo. I''m slowly healing naturally. Thank you for being here all this time. Seriously, thank you.


    Later this month, I''ll have an announcement I''ve been sitting on for quite awhile. :)


    <strong>Now, as for I Am Be Death...I amunching it on Patreon on February 28th!</strong> After that, it''ll likelye to RR about 2 weekster or so, health depending. There''ll be around 24 chappies on Patreon too.


    Oh, and a final thing. <strong>The weic has been dyed. </strong>We had to switch teams unfortunately, but it is back on track. I am very excited with how it''s going. :) I''ll have more on thatter.


    Very excited.


    So, that''s it for now, folks!@@novelbin@@


    As always, thank you for your support. You''re all fabulous. And seriously. Take care of yourselves friends. Untilter this month! I''ll do that secret announcement (which some people on discord already found, lol)


    Cya!


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!